The Crown [ASOIAF]

―THREE.

♔ 107 AL ♔

When the Velaryon ships arrived in King's Landing, Rhaenyra was the first person on the docks. She bounced on her heels as the gangplank was lowered and the men and women from Driftmark started down. She searched the crowd for the familiar head of silver-white hair. When she didn't find him there, she searched the skies instead. It had been too long since she'd ridden Syrax alongside Daemon and his Caraxes.

"Looking for someone?" A voice whispered in her ear. She turned suddenly, expecting Daemon, but this silver-haired man was much younger. "Your uncle left Driftmark the very night he arrived. My sister went with him, much to our mother's dismay." Rhaenyra did not know much of Princess Rhaenys. She had withdrawn from court life following the Great Council's dismissal of her claim. Ever since, she'd spent her time at High Tide with Lord Velaryon and their children. "I can't blame either of you, I'd rather marry Daemon too."

Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow. "So the rumors are true."

"If you mean the rumors about all Velaryon's being dashingly handsome and scathingly witty...Yes, very true." Laenor winked. "Most rumors have a bit truth to them." A tall dark-haired man joined them. His hair was tied up and despite just coming off the ship, he wore light armor. "Ah, Rhaenyra, meet Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, my sworn shield. They call him the Knight of Kisses."

Joffrey shifted, uncomfortable. "For the lips on my shield," he explained. "Not for...other things."

"Unfortunately Joff doesn't go around kissing men to death on the battlefield," Laenor teased. "Though I would pay good gold to see that."

Rhaenyra cast another wistful look at the ship, but couldn't stop herself from smiling at the men. "I had a small meal prepared in my solar for you and your company. We can retire there while the servants take your things inside. My father's hosting a feast tonight in your honor, and tomorrow–"

"Tomorrow we start wedding preparations," Laenor finished, shaking his head. "Believe me, my Lord father has run through the details a hundred times. It is him who wishes to see me crowned. I'd just as soon return to High Tide with Joff."

"You have given me a very good idea." Rhaenyra leaned toward them and smirked. "There may be a way to appease our fathers and still live our own lives..."

Laenor smiled. "I like the way you think, Princess."

♔ ♔ ♔ ♔

After a night of feasting and far too much plum wine, Rhaenyra bid her betrothed and his paramour goodnight. She set off for her own chambers, but found her feet had a mind of their own. Soon she was veering away from Maegor's Holdfast, and toward White Sword Tower.

It was quiet this time of night. The knights of the Kingsguard were guarding the royal family, or else asleep in their beds. Rhaenyra knew the way to the Lord Commander's chambers well. When she reached the door, she did not bother to knock.

Ser Criston had only just gotten to sleep, and he pushed himself up groggily on his elbows. "Nyra?" She crossed the room, dropping onto the side of the bed. "Is this a dream?"

Rhaenyra laughed loud enough if anyone had been awake in the tower, they would have heard. "Do you dream of me often?" She teased. "I come with excellent news. Laenor and I are the best of friends, he has told me all his secrets. Not that I imagine he's very good at keeping them."

Criston was finally awake enough to remember the last time he'd spoken to the Princess. He stood up and headed for the balcony to get away from her. "This isn't the time for games. You're betrothed."