Part One

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"Lady Kaelya Mallister, your grace" the guard announced, as the warrior entered the Red Keep's council chamber.
Rhaenyra turned from the window she had been gazing out of to greet her guest, and what she saw took her breath away. Kaeyla was only a few inches taller than the princess with long brown hair tied up in a high ponytail, pale skin and brown eyes with flecks of gold. She was dressed in leather armour, a worn black cloak with a fur shawl, leather gloves and muddied boots. In the centre of Kaelya's chest was her House crest, an indigo shield featuring a silver eagle with a red tongue.
Rhaenyra had encountered female soldiers before but were much taller, rougher and burlier, this one however was much more feminine and...beautiful.

"Good afternoon, your grace" Kaeyla said graciously with a small bow.
"Greetings Lady Mallister" Rhaenyra replied and spotted the sword at Kaeyla's side, "I see you're a sword maiden, a woman after my own heart. How can I help you?"
Rhaenyra had always wanted to wield a sword herself but her lineage meant she was destined for the throne, not the battlefield. At first she felt a pang of jealousy towards Kaeyla, but at the same time she was completely in awe of the woman standing so stoically in front of her.

"I come with a message from Lord Mallister, your grace. He pledges his army and allegiance to you and backs your claim for the Iron Throne. My House stands ready to fight in your honour".
Rhaenyra's father had mentioned the Mallisters prior to his death, they were loyal to the Targaryens and although their House was small they were excellent fighters and very worthy allies.
"Excellent. My father spoke highly of your House, Lady Mallister. I will gladly accept your Lord's pledge".
To Rhaenyra's surprise Kaeyla knelt before her, "then on behalf of my House I bend the knee to you, my Queen".
Rhaenyra's breath hitched at the sight of this handsome warrior down on one knee submitting to her so willingly.
"R-rise, Lady Mallister" she managed to say after a few seconds.
Kaeyla got to her feet and smiled at Rhaenyra, spotting her blush.

"My uncle also sends his apologies for not coming here himself. He is currently negotiating with House Tully" she explained.
"Lord Mallister is your uncle?" Rhaenyra asked in surprise.
"Yes. He practically raised me and taught me how to fight".
"Really? I must admit I'm quite jealous. My father was not so willing to teach me how to wield a sword, as much as I pestered him".
Kaeyla tilted her head in curiosity, "you wanted to fight your grace?"
"Yes but I'm much more formidable on the back of a dragon than on the battlefield" she said proudly.
"I don't doubt it, but I think you would have made a formidable warrior too. I've heard many stories about you and your...tenacity" Kaeyla said with a hint of intrigue.
Rhaenyra was curious and took a few steps closer, "have you now? Prey tell, what are these stories you've heard?"
"You were quite the rebellious teenager. Never afraid to speak your mind or follow your own path" Kaeyla explained, "not to mention getting up to all kinds of mischief that didn't exactly befit a princess".
Rhaenyra smirked, impressed that Kaeyla already knew so much about her.
"Those stories are true Lady Mallister. I was indeed an unruly teenager...but who says I stopped there?"
Rhaenyra was now standing just inches apart from Kaeyla, looking up at her with amethyst eyes.
"I continue to speak my mind, follow my own path and I still enjoy the odd bit of mischief".
"Do you now? What kind of mischief?" Kaeyla murmured.
Rhaenyra feigned a shocked gasp.
"A woman never reveals such secrets Lady Mallister, especially a princess" Rhaenyra teased.
Kaeyla bit her lip, "that naughty huh?"
Rhaenyra smirked and hummed in quiet confirmation then sauntered back over to the window, knowing full well Kaeyla's eyes watched her every movement.

A while later, after discussing terms and negotiations, Kaeyla rose from her seat.
"I shall leave you to your evening, your grace. It's been a pleasure meeting you" she said with a parting bow.
"Oh Kaeyla, there's no need for such formalities now. Please just call me Rhaenyra" she said, also rising from her chair.
"As you wish...Rhaenyra".
The sound of her name in Kaeyla's silvery voice sent a shiver down Rhaenyra's spine.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed your company today, you're a fascinating woman. I hope our paths cross again" Rhaenyra said sincerely.
"Likewise. I'll actually be staying in King's Landing for a while. My uncle wanted me to experience life beyond the Bear Islands. So you'll likely see me again soon".
"Oh really?!" Rhaenyra said trying to hold back her delight, "in that case allow me to be your tour guide. I'll show everything King's Landing has to offer".
"You? But surely you more have important things to-"
Rhaenyra reached out and held Kaeyla's hand, "please...I insist".
The unexpected touch sent shockwaves through Kaeyla's body, "al-alright then".
"Wonderful. Come by my chambers later this evening. There's a particular place I'd like to take you to" Rhaenyra sounded excited, she'd been wanting to revisit this spot for a while and this was perfect opportunity.
"OK. I'll see you then" Kaeyla said and turned to leave.
"Oh Kaeyla?"
She turned, the sound of her name on Rhaenyra's lips like music.
"Ditch the armour but bring a weapon, just in case".
Kaeyla agreed then bid Rhaenyra another farewell before exiting.

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⏰ Last updated: 4 days ago ⏰

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