The Grey Wolf & The Golden Dragon | Aegon Targaryen II

Soon-to-be Sisters

Alysanne

Alysanne knew that Elin wanted to be alone with Prince Aemond; their voices were dripping with unspoken desire, so much so that's she was surprised the Queen hadn't noticed. So, she took Helaena's arm and dismissed Elin for the time being, sauntering out of the room with the princess.

"I do apologize for neglecting you, Helaena," she offered her soon-to-be sister, "It was not right that you were made to remain in the keep yesterday. You should be able to come and go, the same way we do." Helaena patted her hand reassuringly and shook her head.

"I am quite content, dear sister, I promise you," the princess replied with a reassuring smile. Alysanne realized she quite liked Helaena calling her sister. The moment they arrived, Helaena went to her wardrobe and pulled three dresses from inside, tossing them onto the sofa.

"So, you don't desire to leave the keep?" Alysanne asked, pressing the issue and receiving only a shrug from the princess.

"I've left before. There are hunts and tourneys and celebrations..."

"But never on your own?"

"Only on Dreamfyre. But I'm a princess, a Targaryen." Helaena insisted. "Someday soon, my marriage to some lord will form an alliance for us and my children will continue the long line of a noble house. I must be protected." She sounded like she was reciting an old text rather than speaking of her own desires and Alysanne wrinkled her nose.

"Is that what your mother told you?" The pointed smirk on Helaena's face was answer enough and Alysanne dropped the issue. Although she seemed odd and whimsical at times, Alysanne was quickly learning that Helaena was sharper than she let on.

"Ice burns to fire, then fire back to ice. Blood stains the silk and family unites..." Helaena whispered the words, swaying suddenly and leaning against the table for support as she sucked in a sharp breath. 

"Are you alright?" Alysanne asked nervously, her heart pounding as she stared at the princess. Helaena's lavender eyes had taken on a cloudy, distant look that filled her with concern. "You should sit," she insisted, leading the princess over to the sofa and helping her onto the cushions. Winterfell was full of old superstitions and stories and Alysanne couldn't help but suddenly wonder how many of them were true as Helaena continued to murmur to herself in a foreboding manner.

By the time Elin arrived a few minutes later, Helaena's eyes had finally cleared, and she was calmly sipping the glass of wine that Alysanne had thrust into her hand to help calm her nerves. Another cup graced Alysanne's hands as well, but she still felt shaken by what Helaena said. Fire and ice... Was that about her and Aegon? The House of the Dragon could certainly be described as fire, and the Starks certainly fit the description for ice...

"Is everything alright?" Elin asked as she took a seat next to Helaena, her blue eyes darting back and forth between the pair.

"Of course," Helaena answered smoothly, reaching for the jug of wine and passing the redhead a cup, "We were discussing the trip I missed yesterday..."

"Not much of a trip once Annie's temper flared," Elin muttered into her cup, earning a glare from her lady.

"That issue has been addressed already," Alysanne argued, taking another long drink from her glass and wondering why Helaena felt the need to hide the truth from Elin. "Now, these dresses you've picked out for me..."

"Ah, yes! I did notice we're not exactly the same size..." An understatement. Where Helaena was very petite, Alysanne was curvier; slightly taller as well. "...so, I picked some of the ones with ties and panels." Alysanne picked up the three dresses, inspecting them. While none of them were what she would consider her colors, soft yellow, pale blue, sage green, they did look like they would fit her, and the materials were thin, silk and satin and far easier to breathe in. Sinking into the sofa with relief, Alysanne offered her thanks.