The Flight of the Eagle (Editing)

The Sunrise

Eria helped me wash my hair. It was weird to know she was seeing my red hair, the real me. She even bandaged my arm. It wasn't too bad a wound just hurt to move my arm in certain ways. I would live, another scar added to my body.

"You should marry quickly," she advised me. "Show that you are indeed on our side. That should squash any more rebellion. The other Clans know they don't stand a chance with the top two Clans and ours against them."

Marriage? Wait, no. "I can't be High Lady," I said. Yes, Bryn had called me his bride, but I would be a terrible High Lady. I wasn't raised for this lifestyle.

"Why? Don't you love him?" Her fingers left my hair, gazing at me.

It was hard to see her through the steam in this room, but I could see the confusion on her face. I wiped the water off my face, looking at the stone walls around us. This was a nice bathing room. How water came from the hot spring below. The ones who'd built this place did it in the perfect spot. She pulled up another bucket of hot water, waiting for my answer.

"Of course. That's not the problem." I dipped my fingers into the water, washing a small spot from her face. "I don't want power. I never have."

She smiled softly. "That's what makes you the perfect choice, Sapphire." We finished washing and grabbed a cloth to dry off on. It was strange to see my red hair mixed with the black sleeping gown I wore. It made my hair stand out. My freckles were own one more, no makeup to change them.

"Worry about all this tomorrow." Eria hugged me. "Just get some sleep."

She used a candle to lead us in the dark to my room. My fingers brushing the handle. This place could really be mine if I wanted that. So many more options are open to me. I finally had the freedom to choose my own life.

I closed the doors behind me, taking a deep breath. Darkness filling all my senses. I couldn't stop worrying. What was I going to do about my mother and sister?

So much had changed in one day that it was overwhelming. My father was dead, had tried to kill me. He'd killed Bryn's father. Bryn, who was now reigning High Lord and all alone right now.

I could find my way in the dark pretty easily. I used the railing that kept people from falling onto the first floor. The iron handles were cold in my hands. Should I knock first? Just go in? I chewed my lip, unsure.

The door opened, and he looked just as shocked to see me as I was at him. He was shirtless, but black pants hung on his hips. "I was just coming to look for you."

I smiled. "Guess we had the same idea." He moved aside for me to enter, his room warm from the fire going and the candles littered around. "I wanted to see how you were doing with everything."

He closed the door, watching as I walked to stand in front of the fire. "I'm doing as well as I can. I mean, I lost my father and mother all in one afternoon."

"What happened to your mother?" I hadn't heard from her.

"She fought in the battle. Killed many before she fell." He cleared his throat. "Asea is safe, though."

"Bryn, I'm sorry." I let him pull me into his chest. "I'm so sorry."

He held me tight. "At least I have you." His lips found mine and I before I knew it, we were in his bed. His fingers going for my dress before stopping. "Should I not?"

I kissed his shoulder. "No, I want you too."

He nipped at my earlobe. "Do I get to see you naked this time?"

I shivered at his hot breath on my neck. "Yes. I only hid because I'm scarred... Lyanna isn't." I wasn't ashamed of my body, it was strong and sure.

"Don't say her name in our bed." He growled, fingers going for dress. "The only name I want to hear from your lips is mine."