Rogue | Daemon&Rhaenyra

8

Saerra and Daemon have dwelled on Dragonstone together now for weeks. They share the island and share the castle, though have not seen much of each other as of late. Daemon seems to always be off somewhere and dealing with business of grave importance, and while Saerra is happy to be so close to the sea and away from her dreadful caregivers, she feels quite alone from time to time, as if she's not wanted or doesn't belong.

But that's silly. Why would Daemon bring her here if he doesn't want her?

Maybe he did so out of pity, and now he feels as though his duty is complete. Those thoughts stay in her mind for the next three moons, until she can no longer comfortably stay within the castle walls.

Saerra spends a full day down by the shores of the isle. She bunches up her dress so her feet can soak in the salty waters below. She has nothing with her, no food nor book, all she has is the sea. The crashing waves lull Saerra's mind to a state of inner peace, a state where her worries drown away.

But then, her tummy begins to rumble, reminding her that she needs to eat.

And as Saerra turns to head back to the castle she almost collides with Daemon, who is coming down the stairs at a brisk pace. She jumps back, her heart racing, and he catches her by the arms to steady her.

"Careful there," He says, his voice low and smooth, "Wouldn't want you to fall."

Saerra's cheeks burn as she looks up into his dark, intense eyes. He's so close that she can feel his breath on her face, and she can't help but feel a shiver run down her spine.

"I-I'm sorry, my Prince," She stammers, feeling suddenly awkward and out of place.

Daemon's lips quirk into a half-smile.

"No need to apologize. You're allowed to enjoy the view like everyone else," He utters.

Saerra nods, biting her lip nervously. She's never been good at small talk, and she can feel the heat rising in her face. Daemon seems to sense her discomfort, and he steps back just a bit, giving her some space. But his eyes remain locked on hers, and she can feel a spark of something electric pass between them.

"Is everything all right?" He asks.

Saerra swallows hard, feeling a lump form in her throat.

"Y-yes, my Prince. I'm fine," She lies.

Daemon tilts his head, studying her for a moment.

"You seem a bit flustered," He says, his voice taking on a teasing tone, " Is it because of me?"

Saerra feels a sudden surge of panic, unsure of how to respond. She's never been good at flirting, and she's not used to men paying attention to her like this.

"I-I don't know what you mean," She stammers, feeling her cheeks burning with embarrassment, " I'm just hungry, I was on my way to get something to eat."

But Daemon just reaches out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His touch sends a jolt of electricity through her, and she can feel her heart racing in her chest.

" Then eat," The Prince states as if it's the most obvious thing in the world as he removes his hand from her face.

Saerra's eyes widen as her mouth opens as if she's going to speak. She only nods in confirmation, then once more trails behind the Prince as he goes back up the steps to reenter the castle.

The Prince and the bastard sit across from each other at a long wooden table, their plates filled with roasted meats, vegetables, and fruits. The flickering light from the candles casts a warm glow over the room, but it's the intensity of their stares that fills the silence. Saerra fidgets with her fork, unable to meet Daemon's gaze. She can feel his eyes on her, the weight of his stare almost too much to bear. Every time she looks up, he's still watching her, his eyes dark and smoldering.