Ruin Me

Chapter Thirteen

For once, Daenyra was actually waiting for her doors to burst open without warning. After being left alone in this castle with no one but Alicent for company, Daenyra was just about ready to put herself out of her own misery. Honestly, the herbal tea that prevented pregnancy was more pleasant than then spending time with the Queen. On the bright side, though, at least she didn't have to endure the likes of Otto Hightower after her sister's conversation with their father resulted in his dismissal as Hand. Rhaenyra had been able to make their father see through the wool Ottohad pulled over the king's eyes to disguise the snake he truly was. His pin wasswiftly removed from his shoulder and placed onto the chest of Lord Lyonel Strong.It was a much-welcome change.

Daenyra was once again writing out missives when the doors opened.

Her smile was as bright as the sunlight that streamed through her windows. "Rhae! I missed you so – Rhaenyra? What is wrong?" she questioned, her enthusiasm faded slightly when she saw the tears welling in her sister's eyes as the doors were pulled closed. 

She was supposed to be on a short trip to betroth herself to Ser Leanor Velaryon, their cousin. Their father had been keen on making Daenyra his match seeing as they fought together in the Stepstones, but Rhaenyra argued that the Velaryons would be more likely to accept it if it was her. Corlys would only ever accept a direct path to the Throne, not a secondborn, never to wear the crown. It was perhaps, the most advantageous match that could be made for Rhaenyra and the only reason why her father had agreed to the deal to let Daenyra be for a time more. Their engagement dinner was to be in a few days time, the start of the weeklong celebration that would end with Rhaenyra's wedding.

"Rhaenyra, you worry me. Do you require my sword?"

"Ser Criston, he..."

"He will be cut down where he stands," Daenyra promised as she quickly crossed the floor to join their hands.

"He proposed, Dae," Rhaenyra exclaimed brokenly.

"Oh, Rhae." It was all she could say. Without knowing what Rhaenyra said, Daenyra had no clue if she was to console her sister for losing someone she cared about or if she was here to say goodbye. If she was here to say goodbye...Daenyra did not know what to think. If her twin had accepted Ser Criston's proposal, they would not be welcome in the Seven Kingdoms. He was lowborn and a supposed knight of purity. They would be shunned. And if her sister was no longer heir to the Iron Throne, that left....

"We wanted me to board a ship with him to Asshai in Essos. He heard me complaining about the burdens of my inheritance and he...he wanted, he wanted me to go with him. To marry him like a commoner."

"I will admit the notion is rather charming," Daenyra confessed, swallowing down whatever worry was building in her throat. Rhaenyra seemed to have a penchant for describing the story in agonising detail and not getting to the actual point.

"That is not the reassurance I need, Daenyra!" Rhaenyra belted and Daenyra gave her sister a saddened smile.

"What was your answer, Rhaenyra? And know that I will not judge you... no matter what you have decided."

Water pooled in Rhaenyra's blue eyes. "I wished I wanted to say yes. His offer... disgusted me. I could not accept."

Daenyra's fingers lifted up to wipe the tears from under her eyes. "Perhaps your paramour does not know you as well as he thinks he does. It is right that you found his offer to flee our home disgusting. You do not abandon those you love, Rhaenyra. It is hardwired into your blood, into your bones. You cannot abandon your duties as heir any more than you can abandon me."

Rhaenyra couldn't help but give a teary laugh. "I could never abandon you."

"Of course not. Who would you send to fight your battles for you whilst you dance in your jewelled gowns at your pretty parties?"