Led By Fiery Passion (currently being revised)

Part 46

Today was the day.

Aenyra opened her eyes to the early morning sun streaming in, its brightness almost unbearable. With a groan, she rolled over and buried her face into her pillow, as if hiding from the reality pressing in.

"Princess Aenyra," Elinda called gently as she entered the room, her voice light but touched with urgency. "It's time to get up. Breakfast will be served soon, and your mother and father are already downstairs waiting."

Aenyra let out a soft groan, dragging the pillow over her head. "Just tell them I've died in my sleep." she mumbled, voice muffled by the linens.

Elinda chuckled softly, unfazed. "How about I tell them you'll be down shortly, but only after I've done your hair? You know the Queen will have a fit if you show up looking like a wildling."

That made Aenyra crack a small smile, though her stomach twisted with nerves. Tonight she would fly to King's Landing.

"Fine," she muttered reluctantly.

She pushed herself upright, only for the world to tilt around her. A sudden wave of nausea surged up her throat. Eyes squeezing shut, she clutched her stomach with one hand while the other flew to cover her mouth.

"Princess, are you alright?" Elinda asked, concern etching into her features as she noticed Aenyra's even paler face and wavering posture.

Aenyra took a steadying breath, forcing the nausea down. "I'm fine." she murmured, brushing it off with a shake of her head. She didn't wait for Elinda's protest, pushing herself to her feet even as her legs wobbled slightly beneath her.

Elinda hesitated but moved on, glancing toward the wardrobe. "What about the red dress today?" she offered, holding up a fitted gown in a rich, deep crimson with a corseted waist.

Just the thought of being laced into something so tight made Aenyra's stomach churn all over again.

"I think I'll just wear my riding leathers," she said, waving the gown off with a flick of her wrist. "I plan to train today anyway."

Elinda gave her a subtle, searching look but said nothing, nodding as she turned to fetch the requested attire. Aenyra exhaled slowly, steadying herself.

"Of course. Then do you have a specific style you'd like for your hair?" Elinda asked, gently running the brush through Aenyra's long, strands.

"My usual braid will do." Aenyra replied softly, a small smile tugging at her lips as she watched her reflection. There was something soothing about the routine.

Just then, the door creaked open and Baela stepped inside, her expression unreadable.

"Thank you, Elinda, but I can take it from here," Aenyra said gently, glancing at her maid through the mirror.

Elinda gave a respectful nod and stepped back, offering a warm smile. "As you wish, Princess." With a graceful curtsy, she slipped out of the room, leaving the cousins in silence.

Baela flopped down on Aenyra's bed, looking at her with sad eyes. "You're not still upset with me, are you? I only told him so he'd stop pestering me—"

Before she could finish, Aenyra cut her off gently.

"It's okay, Baela. I'm not mad. I mean, I was hurt at first... but you did the right thing. Honestly, I feel better not having to hide it from him anymore. I just wish I could say the same for the rest of my family." She gave a weak smile, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

Baela perked up slightly. "Oh, well good. But— are you at least going to tell me all the details of what happened?"

Aenyra didn't reply, she just smiled teasingly as she finished braiding the last bit of her hair.