MAW OF THE DRAGON - LUCERYS VELARYON

02. A Place Among The Ashes

HER FACE WAS ON FIRE. Or, at least, it felt like it. Dafney stood in the middle of the room, trying not to look as the maesters undressed her 'patient' with what what like an infuriatingly slow pace. She was pointedly fixated on a spot on the floor, the discomfort practically eating her alive. This was not what she had expected when being charged with the prince's care.

In fairness, Luke didn't seem any more comfortable than she did.

"Your majesty, there's no need to sulk like a child. You will only need assistance until you can bathe yourself again." The maester said, opening the bathroom door.

"And if I can never bathe myself again?"

"Well, you'll get used to it then." The maester nodded, before turning to Dafney. "Keeping his wounds clean and free of dirt is vital to his healing. His leg must be kept elevated in the bath, lest the dirt on the rest of his body seep into his wound." He instructed, pressing the sponge into her hand.

"I . . . What do you mean? Why do I -" Horror crossed her face as the realization hit her like a bucking horse. "Surely you don't mean . . . I have to bathe him? Sir, I am a virtuous woman, if I were to . . ."

"The queen specifically asked for you to do so. She felt it would ease his discomfort." Dafney felt like she was going to be sick. The queen did not mean for her to sully herself in the performance of this task, did she? If it were found out that she was in a space with an undressed man . . .

"I cannot place myself in such a situation, I-I am an unmarried woman! My future, my reputation, I stand to lose everything. I cannot -"

"Your queen has ordered it, Lady Dafney." There in the door stood Queen Alicent, and Dafney dropped in a low curtsy.

"Your majesty, I know not what I offence I have committed to earn this punishment, but please, I apologize with every bit of my being." Dafney said, keeping her eyes low. She felt the queen gently lift her face.

"My dear, you have done nothing. There are necessary sacrifices we must make to prevent war. And worry not; I will provide for you a way to protect yourself while allowing you to perform that which I have asked of you. Your virtue will not be compromised, I promise you that."

"Could you perhaps cover him up? For his comfort and mine, please." Dafney exhaled as she stood in the bathroom doorway.

"No!" Luke protested.

"Yes, my lady."

"Why is she here?" He asked as the maester placed a piece of linen over him in the water.

"She's going to bathe you, your majesty."

"Absolutely not." The look on his face could only be described as like a cat being forced into a body of water. Unhappy and deeply offended at the attempt.

"Leave us." She exhaled again, screwing up her courage to approach the side of the bath, sponge clenched hard in her fist.

"Do not!" The maesters passed her quickly, quietly telling her to send word when they were finished. Once the door shut, Dafney swallowed. She was forcing herself to calm, to slow her hammering heart. If she only focused on his leg, if she didn't look anywhere - anywhere - else, she would fine.

"Everything happening here is out of my hands. It is not my choice to do this. I obey my queen and my king."

"He is no king." Luke spat, turning away from her. Dafney quietly crossed the room, perching herself on a stool next to the bath.