Fire of the Sea|1| HOTD

.19

Dragonstone, 130 AC

Being summoned to the throne room wasn't abnormal, we'd usually do our lessons there or talk about current events happening throughout the realm. What was abnormal was the looks on everyone's face when I entered. Mother was concerned looking, father was agitated, and Luke was scared. I approached them all and waited for someone to explain when my mother cleared her throat.

"We've been summoned to Kings Landing, Lucerys' claim to driftmark has been questioned in light of Lord Corleys being ill. Vaemomd puts himself up for the position." She made herself sound regal but knowing her she was stressed.

"But Luke has been heir to Driftmark from birth. Vaemomd is a mere second son." I retorted.

"Yes we know that, the righteous cunt just wants driftmark for himself. And since the king is ill the bloody Hightower prick will be calling the shots."

"The hand? How bad is the King to where he can't way in on matters?" Syra hasn't been told about her grandsires declining condition.

"Well if they pump him with enough milk of the poppy then he can't do anything." Daemon huffed.

"They're drugging him!! He's the King!" Syra was furious. Her grandsire didn't deserve to be used and rendered incapacitated. It was treason to treat the king with such malice.

"Look we'll worry about that when we get to Kings Landing. We leave on the morrow as early as possible. We just need to get this over with and return home. The longer we stay in the snakes den the more time they have to sink their teeth into our throats." Daemon spat the last part. He truly hates them all.

We all dispersed, going to our respective duties that day. I didn't have much planned and just went back to my chambers. I was ambushed with three maids, including Sandra, packing a chest for me and running a bath. I hadn't taken one this morning for I had been rushed to the throne room. You could see the steam rolling from the scorching water. As I neared it and took off my dress one of the maids came to stop me.

"Princess you mustn't. The water is far too hot." She stated softly.

"It's no problem, I quite like it hot." I simply responded and stepped into the tub. It was warm and soothing and the two maids looked petrified.

They looked towards Sandra who hadn't stopped what she was doing, folding away and humming to herself. When she looked up and saw them staring at me she shooed them out of the room hastily. "How disrespectful of them, staring at their queen."

"I'm still just their princess, Sandra," I laughed, "only you call me your queen."

"Well because one day you will be. I mean you act more queenly than anyone else in the realm."

"Thank you Sandra but I'm afraid I won't be queen for some time. Who knows how long mother will reign for."

"Mmm, I suppose." She hummed. And she started washing my hair and body, singing old melodies to me that she'd heard when she was younger. Sandra had an angelic voice, when she was singing that is, when she was screaming orders around she was frightening to most. But when she sang, it was soft and light, mesmerizing even.

It used to be the only thing that would lull Syra to sleep when she was a babe. If anyone ever interrupted her singing to the child, Syra would throw a tantrum until they left and she'd resume singing. It put her in a trance like state and cleared her head of all the thoughts and feelings brewing inside.

After the bath, Syra was dressed and ate lunch. Then she went to the library and read for a bit. It was getting to be let when she finally dragged herself back to her room. And waiting for her on her vanity was a letter. She rushed to it hoping it was who she thought it was, but was deflated when she noticed the Hightower sigil pressed into green wax. Surely it wasn't the hand, but wouldn't Alicent use a Targaryen crest? She proceeded open it carefully and read the contents.

Dearest Veasyra,

I apologize for not writing you since your departure, I thought keeping distance would make it easier. It didn't. Having to say goodbye to you was the most difficult thing I could do. I look at you like you're my own, I love you like you're my own, and I have always tried to protect you like my own.

But I couldn't keep you protected and for that I'm sorry. I'm sure you've heard of your families required presence in Kings Landing. I'm so happy by the thought of seeing my sweet angel again, hopefully you are happy to see me too.

I know you've changed and I can't wait to get to know the woman you've become. I heard of your immense achievement of claiming another dragon. Im so proud of you. I await your return to our home and wish you safe travels.

All my love,
A

Quick small chapter for the work up towards the reunion! I can't wait to write that out it'll be out either Monday or Tuesday. I have stuff all weekend or I would definitely have it out then.
Word count: 900
-A