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THE NEXT hours passed rather quickly as Aerion and Aelora sat on the floor, leaning against one of the walls in the room, a book in her lap, her head resting on Aerions shoulder as she read to him. She protested at first, usually people disliked when she talked, but Aerion had insisted. 'Your voice calms me, princess.' He had said, flashing her a smile. How could she say no to him?
Aelora looked over at the boy by her side, meeting his eyes as he was already looking at her. "Training time" She spoke, growing excited at the thought. Harwin had asked her to train today!
"Ah, Yes" Aerion nodded, standing from his spot on the floor, holding his hand out towards the young girl. A smile playing on his lips when she put her hand in his.
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Aelora let out a pleased hum as Ser Harwin raised his hands in defeat, a smile on his face. "I surrender" He jested as the young girl let out a giggle.
Her smile quickly faltered when she noticed the way Ser Criston had been watching them. Which Ser Harwin quickly noticed, growing angry at the way he was looking at his daug— Aelora. "Perhaps you should focus, Ser Criston." Harwin spoke, before placing a hand on Aelora's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.
Criston let out a harsh laugh, turning his attention on the two, "Your interest in the princess is quite unusual, Commander. Most men would only have that kind of devotion towards a cousin, or a sister, or a daughter."
As the final word slipped passed his lips, Ser Harwins fist collided with Criston's jaw, knocking him down before he, himself dropped down to the floor as well, hitting Ser Criston repeatedly. Aelora's eyes widened as she watched the scene in front of her, everything else long forgotten. "Ser Harwin!" She cried out, wanting nothing more than to be able to stop him, he could get in serious trouble.
But Harwin could not hear her, the only thing he could hear was Cristons words 'Daughter' over, and over.
Aelora called out to him again, once more her words weren't heard. She was about to shout again before a hand grabbed hers causing her to turn her head, "Aerion!" She cried, wrapping her arms around him.
"It's alright," Aerion hummed, his eyes on the scene in front of them, watching as Harwin moved off Criston, instantly being yelled at, the shouting causing Aelora to pull away from Aerion, his heart aching at the loss of her touch.
Aelora watched as they tried taking Harwin away, watching the way her brothers just stood there, not saying anything. "Ser Harwin!" She called out again, the older man immediately turning to look at her. When he noticed her approaching he fought away from the guards grasps before kneeling, holding out his arms. At that moment he didn't care what people watching thought, he just wanted to hold his little girl, one more time.
The young girl ran into his arms, feeling safe once he closed his around her. Just like she always did. Aelora was a smart girl, she knew she was a bastard. And she knew Ser Harwin was her father. "Are they gonna hurt you?" She whispered, only wanting him to hear her.
He stayed quiet for a moment, unsure what to say. "I'll be alright, I love you, Lora." He murmured into her hair, before pulling away from her embrace, wiping a stray tear he saw. He didn't let her say the words back before he stood, walking off with the guards, his head hung low.
Aelora felt her hands start to tremble as she watched his figure fade into the distance.
"Hey.." Aerion whispered, gently grabbing hold of her shoulder, "It's alright," He murmured, his eyes noting the people who were now staring at her, whispering. His other hand now in a fist as he felt his anger growing. Nobody was allowed to talk about her. He shifted his focus back towards Aelora, now holding onto her hand, "Come on," He whispered before leading her back inside the castle.
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Aelora sat in her chambers, staring into the dark sky, tears trickling down her face, the only sound being her soft sobs. When she hadn't seen Ser Harwin that evening she knew something bad had happened.
She couldn't help feel as though it was her fault. Maybe if she wasn't training with him. Maybe if Ser Cristons glare hadn't affected her so much.
