The Girl of Salt and Fire | HOTD

Chapter 4: The Calm Before the Storm

The sun dipped low over King's Landing, casting a warm, golden light across the city and the Red Keep. The day had been long and filled with the ceaseless activity of the court, yet as evening approached, Alysanne found a rare moment of solace in her favourite retreat. The sea-facing terrace of the Red Keep was her sanctuary, where the bustling city below seemed to recede into the distance, and the rhythmic crashing of waves against the cliffs provided a soothing backdrop to her thoughts.

At ten years old, Alysanne was already a striking figure. Her silver hair, inherited from her Targaryen lineage, shone like spun moonlight in the fading sun. Her dark eyes, a gift from her Velaryon heritage, were deep pools of reflection that mirrored the sea's shifting hues. As she approached the terrace, her footsteps were light, her mind filled with the day's events, though she hoped to leave them behind for a while.

Her father, Ser Laenor Velaryon, stood at the edge of the terrace, his tall and imposing figure silhouetted against the backdrop of the setting sun. Despite the demands of his position and the political machinations that occupied much of his time, he had made an effort to join her. Alysanne cherished these moments with him; they were rare, precious islands of calm in a sea of courtly intrigue.

"Father," she called out, her voice carrying a note of warmth that spoke volumes of her affection for him.

Laenor turned to face her, his stern expression softening into a smile. "Alysanne, my little seahorse," he greeted her, a nickname he had given her when she was much younger. He extended his hand, and she took it, feeling the familiar strength and reassurance it offered.

Together, they walked to the edge of the terrace, looking out over the sprawling city and the glittering expanse of the sea. The waves crashed rhythmically against the cliffs, a powerful reminder of her Velaryon heritage and a soothing contrast to the often tumultuous world of the court.

"It's beautiful," Alysanne said softly, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "The sea always makes me feel like I belong."

Laenor placed a comforting arm around her shoulders. "The sea is in our blood, Alysanne. It's where we come from, and it's where we find our strength. You carry that strength within you, too."

They stood silently for a moment; the only sounds were the waves' distant roar and the seagulls' call overhead. Alysanne leaned into her father, drawing comfort from his presence. She often felt a profound sense of peace here, away from the politics and expectations of the court.

"Father," she began hesitantly, breaking the silence, "there's something I've been meaning to ask you."

Laenor's curiosity was piqued. "What is it, Alysanne?"

She breathed deeply, her heart pounding slightly as she prepared to voice her request. "Can we go for a ride on Seasmoke tomorrow? Just the two of us, like we used to?"

Laenor's eyes lit up with a mixture of surprise and pleasure. "I would like that very much. It's been far too long since we last flew together. We'll make a day of it—just you, me, and Seasmoke."

The thought of a dragon ride filled Alysanne with joy, momentarily forgetting her earlier worries. She beamed up at her father, her heart swelling with anticipation. "Thank you, Father. I can't wait."

As the sun sank below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, Laenor drew her into a warm embrace. "Remember, Alysanne, you are never alone. You have the blood of the sea in your veins. You are as fierce and unstoppable as the waves themselves."

Alysanne clung to his words, feeling renewed hope and reassurance. She knew that moments like these, shared with her father, were treasures she would cherish for years.