Autumn Kiss 💋🍁 || Criston Cole

08 • REKINDLE FLAMES

Ser Criston found himself in a screaming match with his father, Ser Duran. He had just told him of his plans to resume his post as protector of the queen.

"Do think yourself above me, Criston? " His father accuses.

"Now that you have the Queen asking after you, you think you are allowed to do as you please?" He raises his voice.

Ser Criston suppress the urge to scoff, his father is just a steward of the Blackens, proud and arrogant, and his never ending ability to underestimate him.

"I am a man grown, father. Therefore entitled to my own decisions. I will not let you smother me the way you did my mother." Ser Criston taunted, knowing the consequence that'll follow. He still couldn't deny how good it felt.

His father moves to strike him and he didn't dodge it. His face reddened with anger. Ser look up at him with a scowl.

"You are no son of mine." Ser Duran says, his tone dripping with disdain.

Being a son in a family that only consisted of boys, his father's rejection was nothing foreign. He was used to it. He had decided long ago to never seek any sort of validation from him as it only led to his disappointment. With the brewing anger, Ser Criston storm off without another word and headed to his room.

Morning comes and he swiftly aboard the Dornish ship supplied by his brother. He was eternally thankful to have Caleb in his life. Being the only person in the family who truly cared for you.

Caleb grabs his shoulder, urging him to meet his gaze. "What is dead may never die." A saying he was all too familiar with.

Ser nod, understanding the true meaning behind his words.

"I love you, brother." Ser Criston hugs Caleb, before making his way onto the ship, finally setting sail for King's Landing.

•••••••
Arriving at the Red Keep, Ser Criston was immediately greeted by Aemond and Helaena. The Queen stood by them, at a distance.

Helaena meets his gaze and a large smile flashes across your face. The Princess wasted no time, she runs up to you and pulls you into a tight embrace.

"Don't you ever abandon me like that again Ser Criston." Haelena exclaims. "Who will help me catch my insects and animals huh?"

Ser let out a chuckle, a true talent for dramatics. Much like her dear sweet mother.

"I promise that was never my intention Princess. I had rather urgent business in the Dornish shores." He lie, hoping Helaena would lessen the blame on her mother and warm up to her again.

Ser Criston look up at Alicent as she watches the entire interaction before her. She throws you a genuine smile as a silent 'thank you'. He return it with a curtly bow.

Helaena releases him from her grip and he turn your attention to Aemond. The young boy surprises him by also pulling him into a hug. Howbeit, the embrace ended quicker than his sister's but Criston could feel his sincerity.

"It is good to have you back Ser Criston." Aemond's words were accompanied by a fond smile.

"I must admit I have missed your company my Prince."

"I hope your sparring skills have not waned in my abscene, that would be most dissapointing." Ser Criston jest as Aemond's smile grows.

"Helaena, we seem to be missing your lord husband, where is he?"

"My best guess, he is still asleep in his chambers. I imagine a long night of whoring in the streets of silk can be terribly depleting" Aemond remarks and Haelena shifts uncomfortably.