chapter 20

As Rhaenyra turned to face her William, a mixture of relief and surprise washed over her delicate features. She met William's gaze, her eyes shining with gratitude. Ser William Baratheon, who she had met in multiple occasions had saved her.

"Ser William," Rhaenyra spoke, her voice laced with a mixture of relief.

Which William responded with: "In the flesh."

A smile tugged at the corners of her lips, even in the midst of the chaotic situation. 

He then proceeded to offer his hand to help her up. As Rhaenyra was about to accept his gesture, the sound of hurried footsteps reached her ears. She turned her gaze to find the knight whose sole duty was to keep her safe. Panic etched across his face as he rushed towards them, his voice filled with concern.

"Princess, are you alright?" he exclaimed, his eyes darting between Rhaenyra and the scene before him.

Simultaneously, the knight extended his hand towards Rhaenyra, ready to help her up, while confusion flickered in her eyes. She stood caught between two men, torn between accepting the knight's familiar hand or William's unexpected assistance.

She had anticipated the presence of Criston Cole, her sworn shield, to bring her comfort and reassurance, yet it was William who had come to her aid in her direst moment. The dilemma played out on her face, reflecting the weight of the choices before her.

Rhaenyra then made her decision. She raised her hand, her gaze fixed on William's steady and unwavering green eyes. Taking a step forward, she placed her delicate hand in his, which caused, A smirk to dance across William's lips as he clasped her hand firmly, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her. He pulled her gently but assertively towards him, his other arm wrapping around her waist, drawing her closer to his chest. The proximity between them intensified the connection that had formed between their souls, creating a bubble of shared vulnerability and unspoken promises.

As Criston observed the scene unfolding before him, a bittersweet realization settled within his heart, stirring a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The weight of his duty as Rhaenyra's protector bore down on him, reminding him of the boundaries that constrained their relationship. Yet, the undeniable truth remained: he had grown to harbor feelings for the princess, a forbidden attachment that now threatened to consume him.

In the stillness of that moment, a cascade of memories flooded his mind—the countless hours spent in Rhaenyra's company, the stolen glances and shared conversations that had sparked a flame within him. He recalled the way her laughter danced like music in the air, the sparkle in her eyes that held a world of mysteries, and the genuine kindness that radiated from her every gesture.

A sound broke Criston from his memories, causing him to turn his attention towards William Baratheon.

"Princess, we should head back. Your father must be worried," William said.

The words snapped Rhaenyra from her previous state, and a surge of emotions flooded her. The weight of her father's intentions to betroth her to a lord crashed down upon her, the knowledge of her own impending fate weighing heavily on her heart. She glanced at William, her eyes filled with a mixture of frustration and fear.

"I don't think so," she replied, her voice laced with a hint of defiance. "He wants to sell me off to a lord."

A flicker of understanding passed across William's face, his features softening as he listened to Rhaenyra's words. It was different from seeing it unfold on the screen. Which he then reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Princess, your father may have his reasons, but I believe he cares for your well-being. He has sent a search team for you. If he didn't care, he wouldn't have taken such actions."

Regret flashed across Rhaenyra's face as she realized the worry, she must have caused her father. Guilt tugged at her heart, but ultimately, she made her decision.

"I'll stay here for the night," she declared, her voice firm with newfound determination.

A few seconds of silence hung in the air, filled with uncertainty and unspoken thoughts. And then, to her surprise, a response came from William, his voice steady and sincere.

"Then I'll stay too, if you don't mind, of course." he said, a genuine warmth evident in his words.

Rhaenyra turned to face him, her eyes meeting his. She saw the sincerity in his gaze, the unwavering support he offered. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, grateful for the unexpected ally she had found in him.

"I would appreciate your company, William," she replied, her voice softening.

"Likewise." William responded.