Elaenys Targaryen, the fierce and beautiful daughter of Daemon Targaryen, was legitimized by King Viserys Targaryen on her second nameday. Sharing many of her father's traits, Elaenys grew up on the rugged shores of Dragonstone, honing her strength...
Elaenys awoke to the soft light of dawn filtering through the heavy curtains of her chamber. The events of the previous night's feast still lingered in her mind, a mix of laughter, tension, and the ever-present undercurrents of court politics. She stretched, feeling the weight of her responsibilities pressing down on her as she prepared to face another day.
Her handmaiden, Maris, entered the room quietly, carrying a basin of warm water and a selection of fine gowns.
"Good morning, your grace."
Maris greeted with a respectful bow.
"Shall we begin?"
Elaenys nodded, sitting up and allowing Maris to assist her in washing and dressing. As Maris worked, she couldn't help but notice the pensive expression on Elaenys's face.
"Is everything alright, princess?" she asked gently.
Elaenys sighed, her thoughts drifting to Daemon and the rest of her family who had stayed back in Dragonstone.
"Just thinking about what I'd be doing right now if I hadn't came from Dragonstone."
Maris nodded in understanding, her deft hands fastening the intricate clasps of Elaenys's gown.
"You are strong and wise, your grace. You can handle whatever the Keep has coming for you."
With a final adjustment to her attire, Elaenys stood and took a deep breath.
"Thank you, Maris."
She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, seeing the determined glint in her eyes.
As she made her way through the corridors of the castle, Elaenys steeled herself for the interactions to come. She knew that Aemond would be there, his presence a source of both comfort and challenge. Their bond was strong, but the complexities of court life demanded constant vigilance.
Entering the dining hall, Elaenys was greeted by the sight of Aemond and the royal family already seated, engaged in quiet conversation. She took her place at the table, exchanging a brief, meaningful glance with
The aroma of freshly baked bread, honeyed ham, and spiced tea filled the air, but Elaenys's mind was elsewhere. She glanced at Aemond, who sat across from her, his expression unreadable. Their eyes met briefly, and she found a flicker of reassurance in his gaze.
Queen Alicent, seated at the head of the table, offered a warm smile.
"Good morning Princess, I trust you slept well after the festivities?"
Elaenys returned the smile, though it felt somewhat forced.
"Yes, your grace. The feast was truly splendid."
Aemond's brother, Aegon, leaned back in his chair with a mischievous grin.
"Splendid indeed. I noticed you were quite the center of attention. Elaenys. It seems our guests couldn't take their eyes off you."
Elaenys felt a blush creep up her cheeks but maintained her composure.
"It was a lively evening, Prince Aegon. I'm glad everyone enjoyed themselves."
As the meal progressed, Elaenys listened intently to the conversations around her, noting the subtle exchanges and hidden meanings behind each word. The court was a place where alliances were forged and broken with a single sentence, and she knew she had to remain vigilant.
After breakfast, as the family began to disperse, Aemond approached Elaenys.
"Walk with me,"
he said softly, offering his arm.
She took it gratefully, and they strolled through the castle gardens, the morning sun casting a golden glow on the dewy grass.
"You seemed troubled earlier,"
Aemond observed, his voice filled with concern.
Elaenys sighed, feeling the weight of her thoughts pressing down on her. Her lips slowly parting as she began to speak.
"I just wish my father would've came along with me- he's been here, and I feel that if he would've came along everything wouldn't be so overwhelming to me."
Aemond stopped and turned to face her, his gaze intense and unwavering as he spoke.
"You are not alone, Ela. You have me."
She nodded as a small smile curled up on her lips , feeling a surge of determination.
As they continued their walk, Elaenys felt a renewed sense of purpose. With Aemond by her side, she knew she could navigate the complexities of court life and emerge stronger for it. Together, they would face whatever the future held, united in their resolve and their bond.
Elaenys and Aemond continued their walk around the Keep, the cobblestone paths winding through lush gardens and past towering walls. They spoke in hushed tones, sharing their thoughts and worries, finding solace in each other's presence. The morning sun climbed higher, casting long shadows and warming the air.
As they walked, they found themselves drawn towards the ancient stone structure of the Dragonpit. The massive doors loomed ahead, and a sense of excitement began to build within them. Elaenys glanced at Aemond, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Shall we?"
she asked, her voice a mix of eagerness and determination.
Aemond nodded, a rare smile playing on his lips.
"Let's"
They pushed open the heavy doors and stepped into the cavernous Dragonpit. The air was thick with the scent of dragonfire and the low, rumbling breaths of the great beasts within. Elaenys's dragon, Vaelara, lifted her head and let out a soft, welcoming growl. Aemond's dragon, Vhagar, shifted her massive form, her eyes gleaming with recognition.
Elaenys approached Vaelara, her hand outstretched. The dragon lowered her head, allowing Elaenys to stroke her scaled snout.
"Ready for a ride, girl?"
she whispered. Vaelara responded with a deep, rumbling purr.
Aemond moved to Vhagar's side, his hand resting on the dragon's powerful neck.
"It's been too long,"
he murmured.
With practiced ease, they mounted their dragons, the familiar thrill of anticipation coursing through their veins. Elaenys felt the powerful muscles beneath her shift as Vaelara prepared to take flight. She glanced over at Aemond, who gave her a reassuring nod.
"Let's fly."
he called out.
With a mighty leap, Vaelara and Vhagar launched into the sky, their wings beating powerfully against the air. The ground fell away beneath them, and the Keep grew smaller as they soared higher. The wind whipped through Elaenys's hair, and she felt a sense of freedom and exhilaration that only flying could bring.
They flew side by side, the world stretching out before them in all its vastness. For a moment, all the worries and complexities of court life faded away, leaving only the pure, unadulterated joy of flight.
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