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THESUN rose over the city of Lys, casting a golden glow across the palace and the streets beyond. Eleanor awoke to the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore, a soothing rhythm that felt both familiar and distant. But today, a sense of foreboding lingered in the air, heavier than the humid heat that enveloped her chambers.
As she dressed, Eleanor's thoughts danced between strategy and sorrow. She had pushed aside the memories of her past, the laughter and joy that had once filled her days, but now they came flooding back uninvited. The warm embrace of family was a ghost she could not shake.
Just as she finished lacing her gown, a soft rustle caught her attention. A shadow flitted past the window. Curiosity piqued, she stepped to the glass, peering out at the bustling streets below. There, amidst the vendors and townsfolk, a white dove fluttered gracefully, landing on her balcony with a gentle coo. Its feathers glimmered in the morning light, pristine and untouched, a stark contrast to the dark thoughts that clouded her mind.
With cautious steps, Eleanor approached the bird, its small frame radiating an air of purity and peace. She extended a hand, and the dove tilted its head, seemingly unafraid. A small piece of parchment was tied to its leg with a delicate ribbon, fluttering like the wings of a butterfly in the soft breeze.
With a quick, gentle motion, she untied the letter and held it in her hands, her heart racing with a mixture of anticipation and dread. She felt as though the parchment pulsed with the weight of the message it bore, a lifeline to the past she had abandoned. Eleanor unrolled the letter, her breath hitching as she recognized the elegant script that danced across the page.
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To Princess Eleanor Targaryen,
In the Lands of Lys,
With great joy, I announce the upcoming eighth nameday of my beloved daughter, Rhaenyra. It has been too long since we have shared the warmth of family, and I implore you to return to the Red Keep to celebrate this momentous occasion with us. The halls of our home have echoed with your absence, and I yearn for the day when you can hold your niece close for the first time.
