wicked games | aemond targaryen

𝚎𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚎𝚎𝚗

IT HAD BEEN many years since Valaena stepped foot in King's Landing, not since she was just a young child found on the streets by her father.

Her heart beat in her chest as her foot touched land, inhaling the salt that hung in the air while folks rushed around the port. She tuned out the loud noises as she turned back to the ship, an amused smile threatening the corner of her lips at the sight of her lady-in-waiting looking quite seasick.

"Worry not, Lady Elissa, the worst part of the journey is over," Valaena assured, watching the grimace cross her face as she hurried off the ship.

As much as she wanted to laugh at the Lannister's misfortune, she couldn't help the way her own stomach twisted and how grateful she was to be on land. She glanced up at the sky, eyes squinting into the sun that threatened to blind her. At midday, she was sure her family had already arrived at King's Landing without her.

Valaena released a sigh as she dropped her eyes to the carriage waiting for them, servants already finishing loading the many trunks packed for the journey. Most of them weren't even hers, but her family couldn't exactly carry them on dragon back with them. It was the only time she was jealous of their dragons, wishing she could simply fly wherever she pleased without the misfortune of being stuck on a ship alone. Lucerys, sweet as he was, had of course offered to sail with her but Valaena knew he was worse at sea than she was.

She tried to shake the memories of the long night at sea, stepping into the carriage with her lady-in-waiting close behind. The carriage rocked gently as it started down the cobbled streets of King's Landing, the sounds of the bustling port fading behind them as Valaena kept her gaze out the window. Her eyes caught sight of Ser Donnel, who slowly walked alongside them with the other knights to protect them.

She tore her eyes away as they made their way deeper into the city, watching with interest at the merchants calling out from their stalls and children rushing through the streets. It was all so familiar, and she felt herself settle into her seat. The smile suddenly dropped from her face as she sat up, barely waiting a moment before she was opening the carriage door and stepping out onto the streets.

"My lady!" Lady Elissa's shout of surprise carried after her as Valaena ignored her calls, only stopping as Ser Donnel stepped in her path. "Stop the carriage!"

"Fear not, Ser Donnel," Valeana smiled, placing a gentle hand on his arm.

Her sworn protector hesitated, looking into the determined glint in her eyes that sparkled purple before stepping back with a bowed head. Valaena brushed past him, not needing to look to know he was close behind with a steady hand on his sword in case something went awry.

Her gaze locked onto the small boy leaning against the building, his face smeared with dirt as his younger sister clung to his side. His eyes were hauntingly familiar to Valaena, dull and lifeless as he clutched a crust of stale bread as if it were a treasure.

Without a word, Valaena reached up and unclasped the necklace around her neck, allowing it to fall into her hands. She approached the children slowly, mindful not to frighten them as the boy caught sight of her. His eyes widened as his body tensed, ready to flee if he sensed danger.

"It's alright," Valaena reassured as she stopped before them, crouching down to their height to meet his eye level. "What's your name?"

The boy stared back at her, eyes staring at her face as if unsure whether to trust her.

"Endrew," the boy's voice cracked as he spoke, releasing a cough as he glanced down at the girl in his arms. "This is Seleyse."

"You have beautiful names," Valaena smiled at him, unsurprised when he didn't return it. "I have a problem Endrew, do you think you could help me?"