Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
THEMORNING sun filtered through the tall windows of the Red Keep, casting a warm glow over the long dining table where the Targaryen family gathered for breakfast. The air was rich with the scent of roasted meats, fresh bread, and sweet fruits, mingling with the faint trace of smoke from the dragonpit outside. Laughter and chatter filled the room as Eleanor and Daemon sat side by side, their earlier moments of joy still lingering in their hearts, even as the weight of their duties began to settle in.
"Have you heard?" Viserys announced, his voice booming with excitement as he entered the room, a scroll clutched tightly in his hand. The table fell silent, all eyes turning to the king. "There's news from the North!"
Eleanor leaned in closer to Daemon, her curiosity piqued. The North always seemed a world away from the warm, sunny climes of King's Landing, but it held a certain allure—its rugged landscapes, ancient traditions, and the strength of House Stark.
"What news?" she asked, unable to contain her eagerness.
Viserys unfurled the scroll dramatically, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Rickard Stark is engaged to Lady Juniper Martell of Dorne! They've sent word, and their wedding is to be held at Winterfell in the coming moons!"
Gasps of surprise rippled around the table, and Eleanor felt a mix of excitement and disbelief. Rickard Stark was a name that commanded respect, and the thought of a Martell joining the Stark family was monumental news. Daemon's expression remained thoughtful, his brow furrowed in contemplation.
"Juniper Martell?" The king scoffed from the far end of the table, his tone dripping with disdain. "She's a Dornish flower. What does she know of the North? She'll wilt before the winter's first frost."
"Dorne has its strengths, just as the North does. This union could bring unity between our houses, and who knows? The Starks may have allies to offer us in our future, Grandfather." Viserys gushed, his eyes wide with anticipation.
Eleanor exchanged a glance with Daemon, her heart racing. The thought of a Stark and a Martell coming together stirred something deep within her—an alliance that could reshape the landscape of the realm.
"Do you think they will come to King's Landing for the announcement?" Eleanor asked, her voice barely above a whisper, but the eagerness in her tone was unmistakable.
"Perhaps," Daemon replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "But I'd wager the Stark family prefers the chill of Winterfell to the heat of our court. They might wish to keep their distance from the politics of King's Landing."
Just then, the sound of fluttering wings filled the air, and a dove flew gracefully through the open window, landing lightly on the table in front of Viserys. The small bird carried a tiny scroll tied to its leg. Gasps of intrigue spread through the room as the king gently untied the message.
"A dove from Winterfell?" Viserys mused, raising an eyebrow as he unfurled the new parchment. The room buzzed with anticipation as the family awaited his words.
