Bronze

mother

Only a few hours of sleep were gotten that night, the argument in the Hall kept everyone awake for so long. It was the early hours of the following morning before anyone retired to their chambers, even the children. Thus, Elaena was not impressed when she was shaken awake by Ser Gerold.

"Get up, we're leaving," He ordered, refusing to elaborate further. Elaena blinked, rubbed her eyes and sat upright. The sun was only just rising. Gods, it was far too early.

After staring at the opposite wall for a minute or two, Elaena spoke up. "Where are we going?"

Ser Gerold huffed, "King's Landing. The incident of last night has sent the royals packing. I'd imagine the Queen does not wish to be in the Princess' presence any longer, and the King does not wish to be amongst such animosity for another day. So, our time here has been cut short."

Elaena groaned, forcing herself to her feet. It didn't surprise her, really. The events of the previous day were problematic to say the least. Rhaenyra would probably retire to Dragonstone with her family as well. The Velaryons had been through enough as of late, they didn't need a royal scandal occurring in their halls. It was a tough situation, Elaena didn't particularly blame the Queen for her actions, as drastic as they were. Her child had been maimed.

Elaena liked to think that her own Lady mother would have reacted similarly had she been in a similar situation. But, at the same time, she could not blame her half-sisters and her cousins either. The poor girls thought that Aemond had stolen their mother's dragon, how were they supposed to know about traditions surrounding dragon inheritance when they were so young? They wouldn't have known that you cannot inherit a dragon from a parent. A dragon is a living, breathing creature that makes its own decisions. In this instance, Vhagar chose Aemond before Rhaena had a chance to stake her own claim. Jacaerys and Lucerys were only trying to defend and protect their cousins, and yet were beaten bloody for it.

Yet, she found herself feeling most sympathetic for Aemond. Even though he had gained a dragon, which was reportedly the only thing he wanted in life, he had lost an eye for it. She could not imagine what it would be like - not being able to see out of an eye. Gods forbid, the pain must have been horrendous. The wound looked bad enough, she found it hard to think of the pain he must have been in.

Her feelings of sympathy are what drew her to the corridors once she'd dressed. She wasn't sure why, but she wanted to see him. Perhaps it was because she witnessed him claim Vhagar, she was the only other person there.

She was the last one to see him with both eyes.

The Prince's chambers were only down the corridor from her own. She didn't have much time to collect her thoughts. She acted on impulse, she knew that. Ser Gerold didn't even bother to try and stop her, only calling to remind her to be ready to leave within the hour. He was far too exhausted and far too grumpy to deal with her antics at such an early hour.

She knocked on the door, very lightly at first. If no one answers, I'll just go back to my room, she thought to herself. Nervousness bubbled up in her stomach, she was almost hoping no one had heard her. Unfortunately, or fortunately, the door cracked open as soon as she lifted her knuckles from it. A Kingsguard peered out at her, one unfamiliar to her.

"What is it, girl?" He barked. Elaena was almost taken aback, no one had spoken to her like that before. However, looking down at herself, she figured that she looked rather...common compared to those he guarded everyday.

To hide her shock, she cleared her throat. "I am Lady Elaena Royce, Ser. I simply wished to look in on the Prince, see if he desired some company."

The guard took a step back from the door, whispering to someone. He was then replaced with a shorter, more comely figure.