𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄 𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐃 + 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧

𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝𝐬

Kings Landing was alive with chatter, pavilions spotting the land like great clusters of geodes. Her tourney had ended after the ball, but the many lords and ladies had retreated back to their temporary brightly coloured abodes for another round of drinking. 

People had flocked to the city for the tourney, bringing forth all sorts of curiosities, merchants set up their wares in nomadic carts, promoting trade within Kings Landing. The streets were filled with flapping banners and stalls with all sorts of vibrant fruits.

Eager to get out of the Red Keep, as her walls seemed more like a prison than a luxurious hold, Maella walked down amongst the people, Ser Kingsley only a few paces behind her enjoying the merry-making. His presence was forever calming, for she knew no harm would come to her with him keeping a watchful eye. The bustling atmosphere reminded her of home, with many summer festivals strewn across the south valley behind their elephantine gates. There was laughter and people yelling indistinct words at each other amongst the stalls and the jingle of coin. 

The fair stretched over King's Landing like a painted snake, its expanse littering all three of the hills upon which the great city rested, each named after the three Conquerors. The Street of Sisters, a great square in the centre of the city, connected Visenya's Hill and the Hill of Rhaenys, atop rested the Dragon Pit.  This was where the crowds were thickest, the central point for entertainment. 

Prince Jacaerys strolled beside his younger brother, glancing at stalls and at a menagerie an animal tamer had brought in from Essos. A monkey chittered on the dark skinned man's shoulder, eating the pecan nuts offered up by passers by. They would exclaim in delight, monkey shrieking, mouth moving in a mannerism that reminded one of a smile. 

"I know the royalty have queer tastes, but I do hope you are not planning on purchasing a monkey for a pet." Jace's face lit up at the sight of her, lips curving into his brilliant smile. Luke was just as happy to see her, his own smile gracing his boyish features. The animal tamer bowed in respect, the monkey keeping its beady eyes upon her. Ser Kingsley stood a few paces away, eyeing the animal with reserved curiosity, uneasiness swimming in his eyes. 

Jacaerys let out a laugh, looking back at the foreign animal that cocked its head in return. Luke smiled, "I think the Queen might faint if it ran along the halls. I wonder if we could train it to leap into her hair!" His eyes widened with excitement, getting carried away in the ease of childhood. 

"The singers would have named you the Prince and his Monkey." Maella japed, ruffling his bounding locks and mussing his hair. He chuckled at that, seemingly pleased at the notion. Jace smiled warmly at the pair, the affectionate interaction between his dear brother and the princess causing his heart to hammer. It was molding a sheet of molten gold, wrapping it around itself as if to not let any of his love escape. It was terribly selfish, but it seemed his heart had formed a gilded lock, to which she was the only key. 

Maella felt his intense gaze and sent him a playful smile. "I believe a portrait might last longer. But, I'll have to charge you an exhibit fee if you stare at me any longer." She jested, pulling Luke dramatically in front of her as a shield of protection, causing him to giggle. His smile widened even more, if it were possible.