The Brightest Sun

Chapter 50

Elia walked down the hall arm-in-arm with Harry, eyes flicking to the large canvas floating in front of them. The guards stared straight ahead, the odd man shifting as they failed to contain their surprise at seeing magic.

Three moons and they've not gotten used to it, she thought, slightly amused.

They were met with Oberyn and Maester Caleotte, the latter hovering by Doran's bed as he tinkered with the phials on the bedside counter. There were others spread across the room, leaving to fulfil whatever order Doran had given them; cousin Manfrey's eyes widened as he saw her, and Elia sent him a quick smile.

"Are you certain it will work?" she asked lowly, seeing the worried look Oberyn failed to hide.

"It'll be fine," Harry murmured. "Grandfather Linfred is the best in generations, and Great-Aunt Helen remade many of his original potions."

He squeezed her hand, glancing at the rapidly approaching man before he made his way closer to Doran, twisting his wand so that the canvas hovered along the wall in full view of Doran.

"Manfrey," she greeted warmly, hearing him laugh breathlessly as he folded her into his arms.

"I didn't believe Oberyn when he said you had returned," he said, pulling back to take her in. His eyes darkened as they found her stomach, the orange gown she wore not hiding the swell of her belly. "You're with child."

"Nearly five moons gone," she told him, giving him a smile as she saw his gaze lighten.

"You wouldn't be upset if I kissed that man of yours, would you cousin?" he asked lightly, hazel eyes crinkled in amusement. "I fear we've yet to give him a proper welcome."

"I see the time as Doran's castellan has not turned you serious," she said in amusement.

"The Seven have saved me from such a dour fate, cousin," Manfrey grinned. "Though they've given me grey hairs, I fear it has done little to dampen my appeal. Now, this man; is he a paramour? Husband? A maester you've turned against his vows?"

Elia chuckled, gaze drifting to where Harry spoke to the maester. The cover had been removed, showing Linfred in his frame, Helen Potter Bones next to him as they waited for the spell keeping them in place to wear off.

"Husband," she answered, feeling the slight weight of her rings.

Manfrey frowned, glancing at Harry and the hovering Oberyn. "More's the pity," he muttered. "I had thought him to be a maester you'd snatched from Oberyn. He certainly seems to appreciate the appeal."

Elia failed to stifle her laughter, swatting her grinning cousin as the others glanced at them in bemusement. "You are terrible."

"I aim to please, Princess," he said with an exaggerated bow, grasping her hand to place a swift kiss on her knuckle. "I am so very glad to see you hale, Elia. You shall have to introduce me to Aegon and Rhaenys."

"Edward and Maia as well," she said, smirking at his wide-eyed look. He sent a long, scrutinizing look at Harry, humming thoughtfully.

"He's certainly determined to keep you sated," Manfrey murmured suggestively. "Do you ever let him ou—"

Manfrey's words were cut off by the sound of vicious swearing. They turned to look at the group, seeing Oberyn glowering at a smirking Harry as Doran merely sighed in exasperation.

"Are we all ready?" Helen spoke, a no-nonsense tone coating her voice.

"What magic is this?" Oberyn asked, staring at the two Potters in fascination.

"Portrait magic, Prince Oberyn is it? Yes, you have dear Elia's eyes," Linfred said, smiling lightly at her brothers. "This must be our patient."

"Portraits don't speak," Oberyn said flatly.