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THESOFT gray light of dawn crept into Eleanor's chambers, casting faint shadows across the floor. She lay still for a moment, eyes blinking open as the world slowly came into focus. Outside, the sounds of the Red Keep awakening drifted through her open window—the distant clink of armor, the low murmur of voices, and the faint neighing of horses from the stables.
With a sigh, Eleanor sat up, brushing the dark strands of hair from her face. Her thoughts immediately flitted to the events of the past few days, her anger with Daemon still simmering beneath the surface. She didn't want to think about him now, not when the morning was so peaceful, and the air felt cool and clean.
Swinging her legs out of bed, Eleanor rose quietly, slipping into a simple dress of soft blue fabric. She didn't bother with the intricate gowns reserved for court—today was not a day for appearances. She wanted to escape the heavy weight of the Red Keep for a while, to breathe without the pressure of expectations.
Teresa was already waiting for her outside her chambers, her handmaiden always punctual despite the early hour. The young woman smiled softly when she saw Eleanor approach. "Good morning, my lady."
"Morning, Teresa," Eleanor replied, her voice still thick with sleep. "I thought we might go watch the knights spar today. It's been a while since I've seen them train."
Teresa's eyes lit up with interest. "I would love that, my lady. The training yard is always such an exciting place in the mornings."
Together, they made their way through the quiet halls of the Keep, the soft echoes of their footsteps blending into the muted sounds of servants beginning their day. Eleanor's mind was calmer now, her thoughts settling as the anticipation of watching the sparring matches brought her a rare sense of peace.
When they reached the training yard, the sight was just as Eleanor had hoped—freshly awoken knights preparing for their morning drills, the clash of steel already ringing out in the crisp morning air. The yard was alive with energy, yet it felt secluded enough to give her a moment of respite.
Eleanor spotted several of the castle's best knights practicing near the center, their swords flashing in the early light, and the dull thud of their shields resonating with every blocked strike. She and Teresa moved to stand by one of the wooden posts that lined the yard, the smell of sweat, dirt, and leather filling the air around them.
"I love mornings like this," Eleanor said quietly to Teresa as they watched. "It reminds me of when I was younger, when Daemon and I used to sneak out to watch the knights at dawn."
Teresa smiled softly. "It's a different kind of beauty, isn't it, my lady? All that strength and skill on display, but also... it's almost peaceful in its own way."
Eleanor nodded. She watched as one of the knights disarmed his opponent with a swift, practiced movement, sending the sword clattering to the ground. The defeated man laughed good-naturedly and clapped his opponent on the shoulder, already preparing for another bout.
