Sun and Fire ~ Aemond Targaryen

10. A place to Train

The carriage that had traveled from Highgarden finally arrived at the imposing Red Keep. The ladies-in-waiting disembarked and looked around. Though Rysee had spent nearly half her life in that gigantic castle, she couldn't help but gaze with renewed eyes after so long. Fifteen years had passed since she left with Princess Kassaia for the Lands of the Dominion. Beside her the young Sarai appeared incredibly nervous, questioning whether it had really been a good idea to come, especially when Daemma had offered her to stay at her father's mansion if she wished.

Ser Criston Cole approached with evident hauteur, the steel of his silver armor resonated with each firm step and he regarded the women with coldness. Rysee was more than accustomed to such demeanor and was not intimidated in the least. In contrast, the young Sarai felt uncomfortable and lowered her head more than usual.

The guard studied them with seriousness and with an impassive voice, remarked.

"I suppose you are Lady Daemma's maids... are there only two of you?"

"We are not maids, Ser... we are her ladies-in-waiting. My name is Rysee and she is Sarai" replied the older woman, in a clear but respectful tone.

"Do you have a surname"

At the question both fell silent for a moment. Both were orphans, so they only had their first names. Ser Criston understood the meaning of that silence and with a somewhat malicious smile, continued.

"Welcome. Is your lady's luggage substantial?"

"Six trunks, Ser" murmured Rysee, with a somewhat hardened expression. Cole gestured to the guards behind him to take the luggage to the young lady's quarters. Noting this, Sarai squinted in confusion and murmured softly:

"Actually, there are four. We each have one trunk, Ser".

At these words Cole looked at her with disdain, as if she were an insect. Rysee surprised, turned her gaze to Sarai with wide-open eyes. The young woman, noticing her companion's reaction, couldn't help but feel bad and slightly opening her mouth, whispered.

"Did I do something wrong?"

Rysee's eyes narrowed and she exhaled with barely contained irritation. In contrast, the Dornish man offered a somewhat hypocritical smile and commented with mockery.

"I'm sorry to inform you that the guards only handle the luggage of nobles, so we'll only be taking the four trunks that are appropriate" Ser Criston Cole said, resuming his walk and giving orders to his men to only move the luggage that was due. Rysee furious, was about to hit Sarai but restrained herself, her eyes blazing as she whispered:

"Idiot, next time keep your mouth shut".

"I... I'm sorry, I had no idea" the young woman lamented on the verge of tears. Rysee's eyes softened and calming down, she firmly touched Sarai's head while saying in a tired voice.

"I'm going to have a lot of work with you, child".

The ladies' quarters were beyond the White Sword Tower, where the Kingsguard were quartered, above the servants' quarters. This meant they had to climb endless stairs an exhausting effort. The two women, struggling with the weight of their trunks, barely managed to advance. No one seemed to notice their struggle or offer assistance. By the time they reached the third floor they felt their bodies were at their limit and stopped to rest.

At that moment, Rysee recognized some of the servants who were still working after fifteen years. These, with good will tried to help them until a familiar and comforting voice was heard.

"Rysee? Sarai?"

Sarai's eyes lit up upon seeing her mistress and she ran to embrace her, shouting with joy.