PYROPHILIA ▸ Aegon the Conqueror

chapter ix.

CHAPTER IX

LYARRA COULD NOT believe the words that came out of his mouth. She felt stupid for not having realised it earlier. She should have known from the moment she found him in the garden, away from the crowd. She should have known it from the way he talked, from the way he stood, even from the way he looked, for even in those expensive fabrics, he didn't seem like a noble. He had noble manners maybe, but not the air of such a birthright.

"Did I say something wrong?" He laughed weakly, still holding her hand. "Have I disappointed you?"

"No." Lyarra shook her head immediately, wishing to shake every bad thought that passed from his head. "I just didn't expect that answer. That is all."

"And" Cyran exclaimed "is it a pleasant surprise?"

"Yes." Lyarra said softly. "A very pleasant one indeed."

Lyarra was glad that the man standing in front of her now was Cyran Tyrell. It was the first time in a while that she felt as if she had a chance for something more than a way out of King's Landing. Her sister might have been right, maybe she too would be lucky not to marry a complete stranger. Maybe she could learn to be a happy with him.

She wouldn't care for what her father or Elric or Benjen would say. Perhaps her family would forgive her. After all, it would be easier to forgive her for marrying a newly made Lord than for commiting treason.

"So" He said. "Even though I enjoy having your company to my own, I fear we should get inside."

Lyarra nodded her head in response and took Cyran's arm. The two didn't stop talking until they reached the Great Hall once again, where every voice in the room died, including theirs. Lyarra could feel everyone's gaze heavy on her body.

It was then that the voices started again, this time in the form of whispers and giggles. If there was anything Lyarra despised about the Southerners, it was this; the gossip and the whispers, their inability to keep things to hemselves. A few years ago, a man like Cyran would never be allowed to raise his eyes to a Princess. And yet now here they stood; a strange sight of people born differently and made equals.

"Lord Cyran I believe you are scaring my guests" Rhaenys' voice was heard, loud and clear to the entire Hall, causing everyone's eyes to fall on the ravishing Queen. When Lyarra noticed Rhaenys leaving her conversation and moving towards her, she felt blessed. "And my musicians. Why did the music go mute?" A simple nod of her head was enough to make music fill the room again.

"My Queen, I apologise for the inconveniece, but the fault is all Lady Lyarra's. With a beauty such as hers, it is hard to keep your eyes away." He finally said looking down at the young girl whose arm was still tangled around his. Lyarra felt her cheeks turning red and accidentally glanced at Rhaenys who had a smile as wide as ever plastered on her face.

"It certainly is. I was hoping to introduce you to Lady Lyarra myself, but it appears that will not be needed anymore." It was incredibly breath-taking how well Rhaenys handled social situations, a skill Lyarra had not acquired despite their time together. There was something in the way Rhaenys spoke, acted and stood. Unlike Visenya and Aegon, who curtsies always felt forced, hers were genuine. The three of them had grown up secluded in Dragonstone, but it was talent that belonged to Rhaenys alone.

"I found Lord Tyrell wandering in the gardens." Lyarra explained and Rhaneys tilted her head in surprise.

"You have missed Highgarden so much, my Lord?" She joked, causing Cyran to laugh, but he nodded his head.