Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
THEJOURNEY back to King's Landing was peaceful. Eleanor had opted to ride on horseback with Daemon, and the two settled into a comfortable silence as their horses trotted side by side. The knights were ahead of them by a few meters, the soft sounds of their armor clinking blending with the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze.
Eleanor looked around, taking in the rolling hills and the way the morning sun bathed the landscape in a golden hue. She felt the familiar warmth of Daemon's presence beside her, a comforting anchor amid the swirling thoughts of the previous night. The kiss lingered on her lips, a sweet reminder of the passion that had ignited between them.
"Do you think they'll be waiting for us?" Eleanor asked, breaking the silence as she nudged her horse closer to his.
Daemon turned to her, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "They always are. I suspect the court is eager for our return." His tone carried a hint of amusement, and Eleanor couldn't help but smile back, her heart fluttering.
"Eager for what? To hear the latest gossip?" she teased, raising an eyebrow.
"Or to witness our great arrival," he said, puffing out his chest playfully. "King Daemon and his fair sister, the lady of the court."
Eleanor laughed, the sound light and carefree. "The fair lady who nearly toppled a chair during a dance?"
"I believe that was an unfortunate mishap," Daemon replied, feigning seriousness, but the gleam in his eyes betrayed his mirth.
Their banter flowed effortlessly, the tension from the previous night dissipating like morning mist. As they rode, Eleanor felt a renewed sense of camaraderie with her brother. There was something unspoken between them, a bond forged in shared secrets and late-night whispers.
After a moment, Daemon grew quiet, his expression turning thoughtful. "You know, I've been thinking..." he began, his voice dropping to a more serious tone.
Eleanor's heart quickened at the shift, her curiosity piqued. "About what?"
"About Lord Fionn," he said, the name slipping from his lips like a curse. "You shouldn't let him charm you so easily."
Eleanor felt a blush creep up her cheeks at the memory of their dance, Fionn's smooth words, and the way he had made her feel special in that moment. "And why not? He's polite and charming. Surely you can't begrudge me a bit of harmless flirting?"
Daemon frowned, his jaw tightening. "It's not harmless if he's playing a game you don't understand. Men like him—"
"Men like him?" Eleanor interrupted, her tone playful yet challenging. "What do you mean? Charming, handsome, and with good manners?"
Daemon shot her a sharp look, the protective streak in him surfacing. "Men who think they can take what they want, Eleanor. You're not some prize to be won."
