𝑳𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 - 𝑰𝒗𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔

7

Daenaera did not return home that night. When Viserys asked Rhaenyra if she had seen her cousin, the princess hesitated, noticing the anxious look in the northern prince's eyes. With a careful smile, she answered, "She went for a ride on dragonback," leaving unsaid whether it was the whole truth.

After dinner, Rhaenyra approached Ivar quietly, coming up behind him.
"Where is my sister?" she asked, folding her arms and meeting his gaze.

Ivar shifted his weight on his crutch and replied evenly, "I have no idea, Princess. She's not my wife yet."

Rhaenyra cocked her head, a flicker of suspicion in her voice. "I haven't seen her since she was with you. I thought you might know."

"No, Princess," Ivar said firmly, then turned away, leaving Rhaenyra standing alone.

⸻

Late that evening, Daenaera returned to the Red Keep. Still worried, Rhaenyra decided to check on her cousin. She knocked on the door, which swung open to reveal Daenaera. The blue-eyed princess stepped inside.

"So," Rhaenyra began, arching a brow, "care to tell me where you've been?"

Daenaera's eyes flashed with irritation. "Did I need your permission to go somewhere?" she snapped.

Rhaenyra faltered, caught off guard by the sharpness in her cousin's tone. Something had clearly unsettled Daenaera—but what?

"Daenaera," Rhaenyra pressed gently, "what's wrong?"

Daenaera said nothing, turning away toward the balcony. A single tear traced down her cheek, and she hurriedly brushed it away.

Rhaenyra stepped closer, leaning against the nearby column. "Sister, you know you can tell me anything."

Daenaera looked back, voice quiet but steady. "I know, dear sister. But it's nothing, I promise."

"Fine," Rhaenyra said, her voice softening, "but please tell me when something does happen." She opened her arms, pulling Daenaera into a hug.

"I will. Thank you," Daenaera whispered, returning the embrace.

⸻

Later, after the princess had left, Ivar sank into a stool in his chambers. His brother Hvitserk entered shortly after, taking a seat beside him.

"What happened?" Hvitserk asked, eyes narrowing.

"Nothing," Ivar replied quickly, forcing calm into his voice.

Hvitserk smirked. "You're angry. And before you say you're always angry, I'm telling you—something's different." He poured himself a drink, sipping slowly.

"I offended the princess," Ivar confessed, staring out the window.

"What? And you're just sitting here? Go apologize, you idiot."

"What if she's asleep?"

"You'll apologize tomorrow. Now go."

Hvitserk pushed Ivar toward the door and left him to make his way to Daenaera's chambers.

Ivar gripped his crutch tightly and knocked. No answer. He tried again, about to turn away when the door opened quietly.

"What do you need?" Daenaera asked, her hair braided simply and her dress plain—ready for sleep.

Ivar cursed himself silently. Idiot, what are you doing?

"I... I came to say I'm sorry," he said, clearing his throat. "I didn't mean what I said."

"It's fine," Daenaera answered softly, turning to close the door—only for Ivar to step forward and stop her.

"Daenaera, wait," he said, allowing himself to close the distance between them.

"What is it?" she asked, meeting his eyes.

"I don't want you to be offended by me," he admitted quietly.

"I'm not offended," her words barely above a whisper, but he heard them clearly.

"May I come in?"

Daenaera stepped aside, silently inviting him inside.

They sat together, talking into the night. Ivar was curious about many things, but one question weighed on him more than the rest...