wicked games | aemond targaryen

𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚢-𝚏𝚒𝚟𝚎

VALAENA IGNORED THE knowing look Ser Donnel sent her way as she left her room that morning. She had no doubt he knew where she'd been the night before. He always knew.

He may not have uncovered the secret passageways as she had, but it was only a matter of time before he caught her sneaking out. She would be annoyed when he finally joined her when she snuck out to Flea Bottom, but she was grateful he had yet to rat her out to her father.

Sometimes she wondered if Ser Donnel held more loyalty for her than her father.

Ser Donnel remained silent, remaining his usual six paces behind her as she made her way down the corridor. The Red Keep was just beginning to stir, the early morning stillness slowly giving way to movement and sound.

By the time she stepped into the courtyard, the sun had begun to pierce through the low clouds as it cast a pale gold light across the stone. The courtyard was abuzz with the early morning deliveries to the castle, casks of wine and crates of fish still slick with seawater. It was the smaller box set beside the fountain that caught her eye, the reason for waking so early even after such a late night out.

A grin made its way onto her face as she quickened her pace, Ser Donnel following loyally behind her. The moment she reached the box, she reached in and gently picked up one of the peaches nestled on top, turning it over in her hand.

Even out of season, they had been delivered, Just as she'd asked.

She brought it to her lips, letting the soft fuzz brush against her skin as she inhaled its sweet scent. Valaena took a small bite, the juice running down her hand as she closed her eyes to enjoy the sensation. The fruit was warm, despite the chill in the air. Bright and familiar in a place that she rarely felt either.

She wiped her hand on her sleeve as she turned, grabbing another peach from the box and holding it out towards her knight without a word.

"Don't act like it's poison," she teased when he didn't take it, watching his mouth twitch before turning back to an emotionless void.

"No thank you, my lady," Ser Donnel bowed his head respectfully.

"Your loss," Valaena shrugged as she placed the peach back into the box, taking another bit of her peach as she leaned her head back to allow the sun to hit her face. She imagined she was back at Dragonstone instead of there, where enemies lay around every corner to threaten her family.

"Still not going to ask where I went last night?" she asked as she opened her eyes and dropped her head back down to her knight.

"I figured if you didn't want me to know, then there's no use trying to pry it out of you," Ser Donnel shook his head. "Gods knows I've tried."

"I think that's the smartest thing you've ever said, Ser Donnel," Valaena grinned at him, unoffended when he didn't return the gesture. "Come, maybe we can find one of my brothers to annoy today."

"Whatever you wish, my lady," Ser Donnel replied as he straightened, ready to follow her throughout the Red Keep.

Valaena turned back toward the box, placing her half-eaten peach gently on top before bending down to lift it into her arms. It was heavier than she expected, but she adjusted her grip as she held it against her stomach.

"Allow me," Ser Donnel stepped forward to help.

"No," she said quickly, pulling away from him slightly. "I asked for them. I'll carry them."

My lady-"

"I'm quite capable of carrying a box of peaches," Valaena interrupted as she lifted her chin high.