"the best way to hide a wolf is to make people believe they are nothing more than a well-trained dog."
Arrelle Stark was a wolf wrapped in fine silk and those who threatened her family would risk her claws on their necks.
jacaerys velaryon x oc
HOTD...
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chapter six, a wedding feast
THE CHERRY TARTS in front of her called her name, but the fear of poison filled her stomach instead. A feast was displayed in front of the now married couple, who sat next to the King and Queen at the long table that faced the dance floor. Arrelle had not taken a bite, at least not from her own plate. Occasionally, her brother or mother would creep by and drop off a plate, saying something that wouldn't rouse suspicion.
They had told her multiple times she "needed to try this duck leg" or "had to take a sip of this southern ale." All of that had not been prepared for her of course, so it meant it would be safe, or at least they hoped. She still ate so little however, not trusting the stare of the Queen and her children, or the well-veiled sneer of the Hand.
Her husband was chatting with his grandsire to the left of him, entertaining the King before he inevitably had to retire for the night. This was one of the first times Arrelle had truly gotten a look at him, during the tournament he sat high above them all covered from view by curtains. Now, she could see his golden half mask in all of its glory and the crown that seemed too large for this head.
Jace was the perfect picture of a future King, smiling regally as many came up to them and said their congratulations. Arrelle's head grew dizzy as more people came up to them throughout the night, interrupting their conversations with their families. Perhaps it was the lack of food or the ale was finally getting to her, but Arrelle found herself dissociating it all.
Until a warm hand on her own woke her.
At the sudden contact she couldn't stop herself from jumping slightly, but her eyes met the concerned ones of her husband. His thumb gently grazed the back of her hand, "Is everything okay? Are the tarts not to your liking? I thought they were your favorite."
She nodded and smiled, squeezing the hand that held her own, "They are, but I'm just not that hungry tonight." The look on Jace's face told her that he was not convinced. She spoke more firmly this time, "I am fine, I promise."
Jace sighed, but accepted her answer regardless.
Just as Jace was done with his questions, two young women came to the front of the table. They both had beautiful silver hair, the markings of a Targaryen, Arrelle assumed that these were Jace's good-sisters, whom she did not yet have the pleasure of meeting.
The taller one spoke first, bowing her head to them as a sign of respect. She smiled as she spoke to them, "Lady Arrelle, Lady Rhaena and I wanted to congratulate you both on your marriage. You and our brother make a fine couple."
Arrelle's hand was still in his, she hated to admit it, but she quite enjoyed the contact. She smiled brightly back at the two before her, her head clear for the first time all night, "I thank you both then," she turned her head to face Jace as she teased, "you have no doubt helped the prince become the man he is. "
