Mystery of Love

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𝕬𝖘𝖕𝖍𝖔𝖉𝖊𝖑

CHAPTER 8, MYSTERY OF LOVE

𝕴t had been a week since the announcement of the princesses' tour to find worthy suitors. This venture was to be hosted away from Kingslanding in the Stormlands. Given their Baratheon cousin was the Lord Paramount, it was easier to have Boremund oversee the experience.

They had sailed for about a day before arriving at the Storm King's castle. It belonged to House Durrandon, pre-Aegon's Conquest. It was an old but large castle, enough to hold the gaggle of suitors on their way.

As the ladies and kingsguard prepared the area for courtiers and the princesses, Alaenna noticed Rhaenyra had begun wearing the necklace Daemon had given her. Maybe it was for peace of mind or her way of celebrating his victory in the Stepstones.

When everyone was ready, Rhaenyra and Alaenna climbed their way up the dark stone steps before each sat in their fur-covered chairs. Rhaenyra was in the middle; her side's covered each, one by Boremund, the other by Alaenna. And so it began.

They quickly learned that most men were minor lords, each looking to heighten their house's status by marrying one of the girls. It was even faster than they noticed every 1/20 were there for Alaenna.

Rhaenyra had felt mixed emotions at the lack of suitors for her sister. It wasn't like Alaenna was ugly or had no personality. She was beautiful, kind, loving and-

Her thoughts about her sister could fit into a whole book. Yet somehow, no one seemed to look Alaenna's way. She knew Alaenna didn't necessarily care, but it enraged her that no one saw in her what she did.

The tour had been going on for a few days now. It felt like they'd been stuck in a loop of family history and what each noble house could provide. Suitors had prolonged this day. Most of the contenders had been old, earning an immediate no to all degrees, but cousin Boremund was as stoic as his son and demanded they at least let the men finish before dismissing them.

Their current presenter at hand, Beric Dondarrion. He had been dreadfully going on. He was old, his hairline receding down his wrinkled forehead. Being that he was courting Rhaenyra, Alaenna took this as a moment to find ways to entertain herself.

Since people had vacated the castle, time had weathered it with the passing seasons. The orange leaves scattered across the floor provided Alaenna with a little counting game until the leaves moved or someone addressed her.

The sounds of Lord Dondarrion faded into nothingness. "...the wall Blackhaven are unscalable vassal stone." 105 "And the castle is surrounded by a deep, dry moat."

117...123 "It is well fortified against any future Dornish incursions." 143..147.. "And though my seat may be lesser in size, it is situated most pleasingly."

169... and the leaves had moved. The act of wind flowing in from the forming storm overhead. Alaenna supposed she'd have to start again. She began recounting from the furthest edge until the laughing group of courtiers summoned her attention.

"Next!"

The hour was growing darker by the minute. Being in the Stormlands meant nights were longer than in Kingslanding. The thunder rumbled, and the wind gusted as a boy no older than ten and four presented himself.

Alaenna had thought he was cute in a boyish way, much the same way as she thought of Aegon. "My Princess... ours is a bond that has long endured since Lucas Blackwood, the grandsire of my grandsire, aided the Dragon in his war of conquest...."

"Aye, the Blackwoods truly turned the tide on that one." Alaenna turned to look at the man making fun of the earnest boy. She thought it highly rude; no matter the relations between their houses, each deserved a fair attempt.

"Coursed with the blood of the First Men, our history is deeply rooted in this land, which your house has made its home. If chosen as your match, Princess... your days shall be easy and nights safe under my protection."

He was sweet in the way only children could genuinely be. Despite the crowd laughing at him, he made his speech strong—an Admirable trait for someone so young.

""Protection"? The Princess has a dragon, you dumb cunt."

"Bracken!" Their cousin seemed just as done as Alaenna was. Bracken v Blackwood seemed as strong as ever.

"I could learn to like that one." Rhaenyra looked down with a small smile

"I think him rather sweet." Alaenna reinforced.

"Ugh, let us have the next so we may go to supper." Rhaenyra dismissed the boy leaving him looking somewhat dejected as he walked off.

"Craven." The Bracken lord mumbled just loud enough. With the spur of the crowd and his honor defamed, the young boy withdrew his sword aiming it at the elder.

"We're leaving." Rhaenyra quickly stood from her seat, followed by Alaenna and Ser Criston.

"Sheathe that steel, you twats!" The trio walked forward as Boremund attempted to control the situation.

Sounds of fighting ensued as they walked toward the hall doors. "Send word to the harbor and have Captain Oswin ready the ship."

"Princess, we're due in Bitter bridge in three days' time." Ser Criston attempted to remind Rhaenyra of the schedule.

"I would happily row myself back to King's Landing if it brought an end to this ridiculous pageant."

Behind, groans of pain sounded, the spectators letting out dramatic gasps as the Blackwood boy plunged his sword into the Bracken. Alaenna was the first to look back before Ser Criston, and Rhaenyra spurred her onward.

The two girls came to overlook the sea on their way back to Kinglanding. They knew they were too soon to return, but Rhaenyra had had enough of the suitors. And where Rhaenyra went, Alaenna followed.

"We should make landfall inside the hour, Princess." Ser Criston announced.

"How do you think he will take it?" Alaenna could hear the worry in her sister's voice. Her father had just permitted her to choose her husband; returning now would seem like a slap in the face.

"Do you speak of how you rejected every suitor His Grace put before you or how you abruptly ended the tour with two months remaining?" Ser Criston's sarcastic intonation had brought a small smile to Rhaenyra's face.

Since the hunt, the three of them had come to enjoy one another's company beyond just Princesses and sword guard. They'd become friends, something quite rare in the Red Keep.

"Are you making fun of your princess Ser Criston," Alaenna looked behind her with a playful smile.

The conversation only stopped as a high-pitched whistle tone sounded around them. All of them looked up at the clouds attempting to find the source. The speed of the wind hit them as Ceraxes came shooting out of the sky past them. Such a jolt caused the ship to turn sideward, throwing Alaenna and Rhaenyra into the ship's wall.

"Princess! You all right?" Ser Criston grabbed Alaenna from the ground as Rhaenyra stood holding her head. "Fetch the maester!"

"We're quite alright; there's no need," Alaenna calmed her knight as they watched the Red Wyrm fly off towards the Keep.

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Much to her surprise, they arrived before Daemon. Rhaenyra had been clutching her necklace as they weaved through courtiers, trying to find an excellent place to both see and hide. Their father was getting ready just in front, placing his crown on his head and sword at his side before their uncle came in.

As the doors opened, a complete view of their uncle came. Whispers about the stepstones, as well as about Daemon, resounded as he swaggered in. He had cut his hair, sporting a bone crown, an ax, and Darksister.

The chambers were wordless as he sauntered toward their father, stopping before a group of unsheathed swords held by the Whitecloaks. He paused before throwing the heavy ax down to the ground.

"Add it to the chair."

Ser Harrold sheathed his sword, grabbing the ax before displaying it to Viserys. "You wear a crown. Do you also call yourself "King"?"

"Once we smashed the Triarchy, they named me "King of the Narrow Sea." The crowd began muttering amongst itself, perhaps they thought Daemon had come to declare himself his own king, but Alaenna knew better. If there was one thing Daemon wanted in life, it was recognition.

"But I know that there is only one true king, Your Grace," her uncle kneeled before the throne's steps, removing his crown from his head. "My crown and the Stepstones... are yours."

"Well, where is Lord Corlys?" Viserys had briefly smiled at his brother before looking around the room for the Sea Snake.

"He sailed home to Driftmark." Daemon kept his head bowed as he addressed Viserys

"Who holds the Stepstones?"

"The tides... the crabs, and dead Triarchy corsairs, staked to the sand to warn those who might follow."

"Rise," Viserys commanded as he walked down the steps, standing with his hand extended toward his brother. Daemon stood, burying himself in his older brother's embrace.

"The realm owes you a great debt, brother. Come."

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Alaenna stood with Rhaenyra in the goods wood as she shoved small desserts into her mouth. She was stress eating that much, Alaenna knew. Her sister had been anxious about their father's disappointment after abandoning their tour two months early.

Now that Daemon had returned to his brother's good graces, it seemed he wouldn't stop talking of childhood adventures and trysts.

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. I will not revisit this debate. You were always mother's favorite." Daemon attempted to interrupt his brother as Viserys leaned in quickly, shushing him.

"No, it's no great mystery. You were. Our mother had no regard for custom or tradition, or rules. And I, sadly, was no great warrior."

"Congratulations on your victory," Rhaenyra gleamed at her uncle.

The conversation had paused awkwardly as Viserys stared down at her with mild irritation. "Thank you, Princess," Daemon said kindly.

Despite the gap that had grown between Alicent and Rhaenyra, the struggle of it all had been on Rhaenyra's part, which is why she was surprised to see Alicent subtly come to her aide.

"Perhaps Prince Daemon would care for a tour of the gallery? He hasn't yet seen the new tapestries gifted to you by Norvos and Qohor."

"Oh, oh. Would you like to see the tapestries?" Their father snorted, earning him a look from Alaenna. Even if she and Alicent didn't quite get along, it was still rude.

"He has no interest in such things."

"I'd like to see them." Rhaenyra inputted, earning a sideways look from her father.

"Oh, well, then you should not deprive yourself." He dismissed her, which was evident in his tone.

"I shall enjoy them alone," Rhaenyra skulked off, sitting on one of the wooden benches in view. Alaenna was going to follow her sister before she saw Alicent staring intently.

There had always been some connection between the two. Something underlying they understood about one another in long exchanged glances. Alaenna had never been one to pry, nor would she be the one to stand between her sister and a relationship she held dear.

Viserys greeted Alaenna with more of a light tone compared to Rhaenyra. Part of him knew they'd only returned at Rhaenyra's whims. "Ah, Alaenna, I hadn't seen you. Where's your cup? This is cause for celebration."

"More wine," Viserys demanded from some boy, passing Alaenna her own cup.

"I'm glad to see you've returned safe, uncle," Alaenna said as she took a light sip from her cup. She hadn't seen Daemon since the fateful incident; he had changed in some ways from the last time they met.

His hair was shorter, and his demeanor slightly softened. She thought a short style rather suited him. It was nice. Saying so, however, felt a little strange.

Daemon chuckled a little as he looked down at his young niece, "As if some half-witted triarchy cunts could do something." His smile, however, vanished ever so slightly as he noticed the lack of a necklace.

Rhaenyra had been wearing hers, but Alaenna hadn't seemed concerned about it. "They kept you for three years, uncle," Alaenna had a smug smile on her face as she looked up at him.

Viserys seemed to have a minor confusion on his face looking at the interaction between his daughter and brother. The last time he'd seen the two together, Alaenna could barely hold eye contact with Daemon.

In their pause of smiles, Viserys took the lead of the conversation, gently guiding Daemon away from the small party." As I said, you were the favorite. No, you were. You were. I insist."

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Sometime after the minor party, Alaenna found a novel and sat under the weirwood tree. It had been a little racy but overall focused on the dynamics of a young couple. It was beautiful sitting under the weirwood at this time of year. Its red petals scattered on the ground creating a blanket on the green grass.

She had been so invested in the description of one scene her eyes quickly scanned across the pages. She sometimes wondered how Rhaenyra could read such things in rich detail. The description of different positions and the use of onomatopoeic words turned her face a soft red.

Daemon had been reading over her shoulder for quite some time now, just far enough she had no clue. It was easy for Alaenna to be snuck up on; she was easily invested in simple things. "What is this little one?" He spoke from above.

Alaenna was so shocked she quickly scrambled to slam the book closed. Her face began to flush even more after being caught. Usually, she hid such things in the bottom of her trunk or her room's hidey holes.

"Uncle." Alaenna turned to look up at him before furrowing her eyebrows. "It's rude to scare people like that."

Daemon let out a little chuckle before lending a hand to help her get up. As she stood dusting herself off with one hand, he snatched the book from her relaxed hand.

"Hmmm, The Innocent and the Outlawed?" He read the title aloud. Alaenna quickly whipped her head around the Godswood, trying to see if anyone was close enough to hear him.

"It's not even mine. One of my ladies left it out," Alaenna tried snatching the book back from Daemon as he held it slightly out of her reach.

"I don't think I'll return it. Something seems to be missing," He used his free hand to run his thumb across her clavicle smoothly. Alaenna had stopped moving, watching as he intently looked at her neck.

"Isn't this a sight," Rhaenyra strolled into the Godswood, hands held gently behind her back. "You seemed so content on Dragonstone. Why did you come back?"

"There is surely more to your return than simply taunting my father" Rhaenyra stood confidently in front of Daemon and Alaenna. "So... what do you want? Besides tormenting my poor sister."

Daemon had a little sparkle in his eyes, looking at the necklace around Rhaenyra's neck. "Only the comforts of home," he said as he stalked off toward the tables, Alaenna's book still in hand.

Rhaenyra and Alaenna quickly followed suit. "I had not thought you particularly comfortable in this home."

Alaenna watched as Daemon placed down her book, snatching it from the table as he poured himself some wine. She quickly rounded the table as Rhaenyra spoke, "though I suppose you seem changed by your adventures. More mature, perhaps."

"You've matured yourself these last four years, Princess. You'll get used to the attention."

"The attention I can endure. It's the rest I could do without."

Alaenna sat on the yellow pillowed bench, watching the two with a vice grip on the book beside her.

"My father seems content to sell us off to whichever lord has the biggest castle."

"There are worse things to be sold for." Daemon took another sip before going around the opposite end and sitting beside Alaenna.

"Marriage is only a political arrangement," He stated, his feet propped against the table as Rhaenyra stood just diagonal.

"For men, marriage might be a political arrangement. For women, it's like a death sentence."

"Would that it were, I would have been rid of my Bronze Bitch ages ago" He offered his cup up to Rhaenyra, who gladly accepted it.

"Your wife has been fortunate," Rhaenyra took a long sip "you haven't put a child in her."From how Daemon talked about his wife, Alaenna had been less than surprised about his lack of a child. They'd been married too long for the refusal to commit marriage acts to be a one-sided affair.

"I doubt a child could grow in such hostile environs."

There was a long pause between them before Rhaenyra spoke again."My mother was made to produce heirs until it killed her. I won't subject myself to the same fate."

Alaenna had known Rhaenyra had such harsh memories of their mother's many pregnancies, more so than Alaenna had. Alaenna directed her gaze downward, tightening her hands into fists.

"What happened to your mother was a tragedy," Daemon looked between his nieces, "But this is a tragic world."

He gently grabbed Alaenna's left hand, unfurling the tight fist she had made as he continued talking. "You cannot live your life in fear, or you will forsake the best parts of it."

"I have no desire to live in fear. Only solitude" Rhaenyra met eyes with Alaenna, her sad gaze softening.

"Such a lonely prospect," Daemon murmured as the Keep's bells tolled.

"It's less lonely with her," Rhaenyra muttered, placing her cup behind her on the table before taking Alaenna's free hand, tilting her head to the side, and asking if she would come with her.

Alaenna gave her sister a wordless agreement before standing to follow. Through thick and thin, she'd follow her anywhere.