Dream Of Winter | C. Stark & H. Targaryen

The Grand Celebration

Daeron POV

The young knight enjoyed the liveliness and revelry of the event . Lord Borros enjoyed feasting and hunting aplenty. But the scale and grandeur of the celebration was something else.

Already he's spoken with nobles from all across the seven kingdoms. Benjicot's father, Lord Lucas Blackwood had congratulated him at his victory in the tourney of Storm's End and besting his own son. It brought him equal parts pride and caution.

His cousin Lord Ormund had proposed he return to Oldtown with him and join the City Watch. He assured him he'll be made Commander within the year. It was a great honor. Especially for one as young as he was. So he asked for the time to properly think it over. A huge responsibility such as this needed planning and hardwork.

Ser Criston had taught him new fighting techniques since his arrival two moons ago. His mentor lamented the fact he was betrothed as he could've been made Kinsguard. The fact he thought such as thing was more than enough for him. And when Ser Erryk and Ser Rickard who had been at Dragonstone corroborated his statement, the Daring walked around the city with the swagger of the Conqueror for days.

The Lord of Runestone Gerold Royce brought his ward Edric Arryn along. Grandsire made the claimant to the Eyrie second of command to the gold cloaks. He also asked he befriend the Vale lordling. It wasn't too hard. Daeron was naturally charming. But it felt strange manufacturing every relationship with a political agenda in mind.

But he had duties to his House and the realm. So he talked to all visiting highorns respectfully. Trying to decipher their allegiance and ambitions. They had attended the wedding with plans in mind. Intrigue was the lifeblood of King's Landing. Especially when so many powerful players were under one roof.

A dance was a perfect excuse to learn of someone's intentions. Subtlety is the name of the game.

From the corner of his eye, he watched his half-sister dancing with their uncle. Now there is someone unfamiliar with subterfuge. There was a noticeable gap between the couple and other dancers.

No it wasn't out of respect for royalty. Aegon was dancing with Cerenna Lannister whilst Aemond twirled with their cousin Bethany Hightower and Helaena herself naturally was being swayed by her husband Cregan. All three were very close to the rest of the guests. There was barely any room to move gracefully.

The devide was a factual isolation from Daemon, Rhaenyra and the nobles. First began by their own choice. And now they're virtual pariahs.

He doesn't get any time to overthink the issue when someone addresses him. He looks up from the table he's currently taking from to fill his food tray. And finds none other than Lady Ellyn.

Bloody hell. He knew he forgot something. He should never have drunk the wine Aegon offered him. His memory lapse is ridiculous.

"My lady. I'm sorry I didn't ask you for a dance yet. I had not seen you with the entire ballroom so crowded."

That's a good excuse. Reasonable.

His intended raises a brow questioning his flimsy explanation. She has the right of it. Her gown is molten gold with two black horns decorating her chest. Ellyn is also taller than most girls thanks to inheriting her Tarth grandfather's height. That and his pale hair. Her eyes are Baratheon through and through. Stromy blue that delivers a one of a kind death stare. And they're directed right at him.

The First Storm indeed.

"Forgive me. May I ask you for a dance now."

She offers her hand to him without saying a word and he intertwined it with his own.

Thank the seven. His mother would berrate him for neglecting his future bride. And he can't really use Aegon as a scapegoat now with his injury.

The bastard probably knew that when he suggested it.

The dance was beautifully choreographed. It was smooth motions that guided their rythm. And when the music finally ended he felt he almost redeemed himself. Ellyn latching to him with her face hiding a pinkish hue was proof enough.

Then her father cut in and asked - though that's one word for it - to steal his daughter for the next song. Daeron accepted reluctantly.

Honestly. This is what courtship is. Why be so angry when they haven't done anything. Nor will they for years. And years.

Probably.

A lone dragon again, Daeron saw an opportunity Heleana was approached by Aemond who she rejected on the spot. His elder brother controlled his disappointment better than expected but he caught it nonetheless.

So he traced his steps and asked the same question. But he had a hidden card up his sleeve. He hadn't used the favor she promised him for getting Cregan to her bedside weeks ago when she first woke up.

It's petty to use against Aemond mayhaps. But his brother liked spending more time with Cregan than him at late. So it'd be killing two birds with one stone.

"May I have this dance sister."

"Daeron, I don't think ... "

The northman was giving him the evil eye whilst Helaena tried to let him dow gently.

"I insist. You promised me remember."

"Now. Seriously! Alright, fine." All too hesitantly she took his hand and apologized to her husband. Cregan stood paralyzed for a few minutes before leaving. He looked like a beaten puppy.

"I hate you." His kind sister was too quick to reveal her sentiment about this whole affair.

"No you don't." He isn't sure she can hate anyone. He hopes she never has to.

As they twirled across the ballroom, Daeron saw his half-sister dancing with Cregan. What an odd combination. They were also talking. Probably not about his sister's union. Rhaenyra and Daemon hadn't bothered with congratulating her.

When he flipped Helaena to the back, she too noticed her husband and Rhaenyra's dance. She was as confused as he was.

By the time the music reached its natural conclusion, his sister's easy joy had lessened. He was slightly guilty for that. Even if it wasn't that his intention.

"Sister. Are you alright?"

"Yes. I'm fine. Thank you." Her downcast eyes didn't lend credence to her words.

"What is going on?"

Aegon was the one making a debut. Heleana informed him his concerns were also unnecessary and nothing was wrong. His eldest brother told him he'd take care of so he let the issue slide.

Lord Borros had left Lady Ellen's side and it's his duty as her betrothed to spend more time with her.

He's never one to shirk his duty.