𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄 | ʰᵒᵘˢᵉ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ᵈʳᵃᵍᵒⁿ

002. threads of friendship

Visenya sat in the castle gardens feeling both content and refreshed as she awaited the arrival of her friend, Helaena to join her. Though the two girls were opposite in many ways, it was their differences that forged the unbreakable bond between them. Helaena had promised Visenya that she would teach her the art of needlework, a skill she had lacked most of her life. In return, the Princess told Helaena she would assist her in learning swordplay and improving her fighting skills.

It felt as though an eternity had passed when Visenya spotted Helaena just meters away.

"Helaena!" She called, cupping a hand around her mouth as the words left her lips. As Helaena caught sight of the young girl beside the fountain, Visenya shrugged her shoulders and waved with a radiant smile illuminating her unique features. Helaena ran towards her friend swiftly. As she moved closer, Visenya began to notice the tall, blonde figure trailing behind her as if he were a lost dog. It was Aegon. Visenya's expression had dropped just seconds before Helaena had pulled her niece into a hug, squeezing tight as she latched on.

"I hope you don't mind, Mother is making Aegon join us this morning." Helaena cringed as she spoke, making Visenya chuckle. She too had not wanted her brother there either. That much was obvious.

"He means to apologise for fighting," Helaena whispered as she brought her head closer to Visenya's ear.

Visenya had wondered what lengths to which his mother had gone to compel her arrogant son to apologise to her this time. Nevertheless, Visenya could not deny that she too owed Aegon an apology for having stuck him. As she peered past Helena's shoulder, she glanced at the prince ahead of her, blowing raspberries as he observed the garden that surrounded him.

Visenya regained her focus towards Helaena once more with a look of disdain on her face. "Sorry! I promise you that next time, it will just be the two of us." She guaranteed through gritted teeth.

In truth, Visenya hadn't minded Aegon's presence there that morning yet she refused to value the small gesture of an apology, even if it were a mere attempt on his mother's authority. Not a single word he spoke could atone for the wrongs he had inflicted upon her, upon Aemond and upon dear Helaena.

Visenya stifled the words that poised on her lips, allowing them to fade into silence as she smiled at the girl before her. "No matter." She assured Helaena, extending her hand to hers. "Come on then, we must begin our needlework!" Visenya led her aunt to the fountain where she had waited for the arrival of Helaena and Aegon just moments before, Aegon followed closely ...

Visenya sat between both Aegon and Helaena as they practised their needlework, Helaena's needle weaved delicate patterns into the fabric while Aegon and Visenya struggled to keep pace, their efforts marked by uneven threats and occasional missteps. As her hand grew cramped with each stitch, annoyance grew too. As Visenya observed Helaena and her needle, weaving intricate tapestries in a quiet admiration she had inevitably pricked her finger, and drops of Visenya's crimson blood painted the fabric.

"Gods!" She shouted, dropping her tapestry in her lap. This gesture spurred both Aegon and Helaena to jump at her reaction. Visenya sighed directing her attention to Helaena, watching her begin to work her needle once more. "'Tis no use, Helaena. I'm no good at this." She spoke up, worried she might disappoint her aunt.

Helaena looked at the blood-stained fabric held by the Princess. "Do not feel too badly about yourself...look at Aegon's," she said in a sweet voice, seeking to comfort Visenya. Doing as Helaena had said, she glanced at the boy beside her to see he hadn't yet begun his embroidery, puncturing large holes through his canvas out of sheer boredom.