"the best way to hide a wolf is to make people believe they are nothing more than a well-trained dog."
Arrelle Stark was a wolf wrapped in fine silk and those who threatened her family would risk her claws on their necks.
jacaerys velaryon x oc
HOTD...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
───※ ·🐺· ※───
chapter twelve, family dinner
HER DRESS WAS a deep red, a stark contrast from the typical blue or gray that she was often seen wearing. In court, the color of one's attire meant everything. Tonight, she was to sit at her husband's side, a picture of royalty, reminding the greens that she too was now one of them. Her sleeves flowed down her arms, preventing the southern heat from overtaking her senses. The off the shoulder design allowed her collarbones to peek out, her tanned skin on display to all. Arrelle had not felt so beautiful in a long while, clinging to the arm of her husband as their family made their way to the grand hall for their supper.
Together they wore coordinating outfits, putting on a proud display of the royal colors, displaying to all their status. Her husband's tunic was a mirror of her own, the red and black pattern matching the designs trimming the edges of her gown. Arrelle made a note to thank her handmaiden, Janye, for remembering to pack such beautiful clothes in their rush to leave for the capital.
It was the first time since their marriage that the entire royal family was to come together. She couldn't help but feel the anxiety bubbling in her stomach as she remembered the last meal she shared with them. Last time, however, her mother and brother were there to watch over her, now she did not have such comforts.
Darkened corridors, only lit with the dim light of the torches, surrounded her, filling her with dread. Dragonstone, despite all of its darkness, could never feel as haunted as the Red Keep. One day, she would live here, with Jace and their children. She could only hope that day was in the distant future, when she was more strong and brave. No longer a scared teenager clinging to the arm of her lover.
They approached the center of the castle, exiting the royal apartments, Arrelle peered out into the courtyard, watching as a light rain began to fall over the weirwood tree. Without realizing, she and Jace had come to a stop, moving closer to the ledge. Jace watched as she stared at the heart tree, recognizing the longing gaze she wore.
He knew how much it pained her to feel so disconnected to her gods, she never spoke of it, but he saw it often. When she stared too long at the Sept on Dragonstone, when she looked for a face in every tree they passed, when she closed her eyes and muttered under her breath before bed every single night.
His own heart ached for her, how he longed to be able to give her everything she could ever wish for, but a heart tree was the one thing he could never buy. As long as they lived on Dragonstone, she would be disconnected from the religion she's always known.
She looked so ethereal as she stared, moonlight covering her skin. He couldn't look away. "I'll escort you to the heart tree after dinner, my love."
She turned to meet his gaze, a gentle smile upon her lips. The hand resting upon his arm gave him a squeeze, thanking him. "I would like that very much."
