Supper that night could not have been more tense... at least for Elaena.

Corlys spoke openly with Prince Daemon, and Vaemond chimed in every now and then. That same smug expression from the dock painted his face. Rhaenys and her granddaughters sat quietly, but they did not seem as stiff as Elaena.

It was rare that the girl dined with anyone other than her godmother. To sup with strange people—whom she had to call family—unnerved her to no end. Fortunately, Rhaenys had charge over the courses, and Elaena meekly feasted on her beloved crab and mussels.

She could hear faint conversation, but didn't bother paying mind to it. Baela's previous words ate at her all evening, and she sank into herself. She didn't need to be shown the girl's truth more than once, and saw no point in trying to dissuade someone's indifference to her.

So the overt gazes of her cousins were an irritation to say the least.

Rhaena looked at her in sympathy, as though she was testing the waters around Elaena, clearly regretful of her sister's manners. Baela's gaze was less consistent, as though she wanted to ensure Elaena was still present after so long at the table. Elaena only met their gazes—which flickered away upon connection—when she looked up from her supper plate.

Then she would look to Rhaenys, who looked amongst the girls like a hawk.

The princess sat across from Elaena with her granddaughters on either side of her. Daemon was sat at one end of the table, Corlys seated at the other end. Elaena noticed how, at the start of the courses, Baela instinctively sat next to Daemon, sandwiched between him and Rhaenys. Rhaena, on the other hand, lingered over to sit next to Corlys. That left Vaemond to sit in between Corlys and Elaena, as far from the Rogue Prince as he could muster.

"Not sure you've heard," Elaena heard her uncle say amidst the clatter of forks and knives, "But there is news of the Triarchy."

"I have heard," Daemon nodded, settling in his chair, "Prince Qoren has made common cause with Lys and its allies."

Corlys dropped his fork in shock, "Dorne is aiding them?"

Daemon nodded, and Elaena's throat went dry as the women in front of her looked at her nervously.

She felt a wave of emotion wash over, and she cursed the lump building in her throat.

Warrior. She thought, I pray thee fight against my fucking tears.

It should not have mattered to her. She was Dornish in blood only, she had no reason to feel affected by the news... And yet.

She felt Vaemond shuffle in his chair, and Elaena peered at him to see his smug expression now blank. She looked back at her plate quickly, afraid of the thoughts in his head. The Triarchy should have been dealt with... Otherwise, what did his sons die for?

"Lady Elaena." Daemon called suddenly, gaining Elaena's attention. She blushed, meeting his soft beady eyes and cursing herself for fading away from the low chatter between the men at the table. Luckily, Daemon had not asked her a question before calling on her, "I hear you're quite adept with High Valyrian."

Before she could open her mouth, Vaemond answered, "Indeed, she was born to it."

Elaena looked to see Vaemond smirking smugly again at Daemon, who looked at him in disinterest. Vaemond chuckled under his breath, feigning pride as he met Elaena's gaze.

She felt wildly uncomfortable with him smiling at her, so she nibbled at her lip and looked back at her plate. Seeing as her father spoke for her, she expected Daemon's attention to shift to Vaemond.

She was wrong.

"Kostilus kesā sagon sīr sȳz se bodmagho ñuha riñi?" Daemon said, and Elaena looked at him to see his head tilted to Baela, "Baela naejot sagon qantre."
(Perhaps you will be so kind as to tutor my girls? Baela to be specific.)

Elaena looked to see Baela grimacing with a flickering gaze. Her expression was discomposed, similar to one Elaena carried when she first started learning the Common Tongue.

It was clear to Elaena then that Baela could not understand what her father was saying. A strange, bitterness laid on Elaena's tongue at the thought. She did not feel bad for the girl, quite the opposite. Baela's struggle was humorous to her.

"Oh, that would be lovely, Elaena," Corlys chirped up, stealing Elaena's attention. Her uncle looked at her with encouragement, but there was caution in his approach, "I'm sure it would be easier to learn from someone in closer age. Would that not be fun?"

Elaena looked forward to Rhaenys's tender gaze. Had she informed Daemon and Corlys of what happened? The princess was eager for any way to bring the girls together, and Elaena did not want to dampen her hope.

She looked back at Baela, and the girl's eyebrows were furrowed as she started to piece together the proposition. Elaena looked down to her plate again.

"Ah, she would love to," Vaemond chimed in again, looking at Elaena and leaning into her, "Wouldn't you, girl?"

"I believe she has a tongue, Vaemond." Rhaenys quipped, and Elaena looked at her softly.

Daemon smirked behind his wine goblet and Vaemond shut his mouth. He peered about the table before looking at Elaena again. She could feel the penetrating sternness of her father's gaze. She never had a choice anyway, so she finally looked at Daemon.

"Kesan sylugon," Her small voice spoke, "Lo ñuha byka lentor jaelagon naejot."
(I will try, should my little cousins wish to.)

Vaemond's smirk returned and he rose his hands merrily. Everyone ignored him, and Rhaenys looked at him blankly before looking at Elaena's quiet form.

"Darling," She started, "I'm sorry for the delay of our next shooting session. Shall we go out in the morning?"

Baela and Rhaena looked between Rhaenys and Elaena curiously. Elaena's eyes widened at the princess, "... Y-yes, Godmother."

"After her lessons with Septa Hyacinth, of course." Vaemond stated lowly as he cracked open a crab leg.

Elaena stiffened and gritted her teeth. When will he ever just let me breathe?

• • •

A knock sounded at the chamber door. Elaena looked up to see Rhaenys enter, and her heart melted in relief.

Hyacinth lowered her copy of the Seven-Pointed Star, which had nearly made contact with Elaena's shoulder after she'd stammered while practicing a welcome speech. Morgrym stiffened in his position on Elaena's bed, but he stood to curtsy at the princess.

"My lady," Hyacinth greeted warmly, her tight eyes flickering to Elaena's quivering form, "My sincerest condolences."

Rhaenys's gaze was dull, sunken. Elaena noticed a small book in her godmother's grasp, clad with a sky blue velvet covering. But she ignored it as she rushed away from Hyacinth to embrace Rhaenys. She was too quick for her tutors to stop her.

"Lady Elaena..." She heard Morgrym's stifled threat. His words were lost as Rhaenys clutched Elaena to her, breathing in as she kissed at her head.

She pulled back to see Elaena's netting nearly covering all of her dark coils, and she sucked her teeth before unhooking it from her hair and letting her coils spring free. They fell past her shoulders, and Hyacinth scowled.

"I'm sure the little lady is tired," Rhaenys mumbled, running her fingers along Elaena's curls. The girl buried her face in the woman's chest, "Leave us, I shall ready her for the night."

Morgrym and Hyacinth straightened up before curtsying and leaving the room. Elaena thanked the Gods for the woman in her arms.

"Let me see you, sweetling." Rhaenys breathed, pulling back and cupping Elaena's cheek. Elaena pulled away finally, loosening her tight hold. At the sight of Elaena's stained cheeks and glistening eyes, Rhaenys frowned.

"Oh, my sweet girl," She breathed shakily, "Are you alright?"

Elaena let out a breath and smiled.

"You do not have to lie," Rhaenys said after Elaena nodded, "I know... you are under an immense pressure. I should have spoken with you first, I should have ensured you would be comfortable doing this."

Elaena furrowed her eyebrows in confusion.

"I'm sorry for that... It is alright to be upset." Rhaenys continued, "I am... By the Gods, I am truly upset. I wished for you to be out in society in far brighter circumstances."

"What do you mean, Godmother?" Elaena asked softly, "Y-you speak as though... Surely, you had no hand in Kepa's demands..."

She trailed off inquisitively and Rhaenys sighed. She cupped her cheek and rubbed at it with her thumb, "On the contrary..." Elaena's eyes widened, "Twas I who demanded him."

The girl's gaze dropped from Rhaenys. She was so confused. Why would her godmother put her in this position? Why would she demand her father to allow it?

"Skoro syt?" Elaena whispered and Rhaenys pulled her chin up to lock eyes with her.
(Why?)

"Because you can do it," She replied simply, "Because you deserve to be seen. You deserve to be with your family."

"Godmother..." Elaena breathed, and Rhaenys smiled softly at her.

"I will not allow your father to hide you away when I know you were born to shine, my darling," Rhaenys said, pulling Elaena back to her chest and holding her warmly, "I know you are scared, but I also know that fear comes from the idiocies whispered to you... I wish I could protect you from it all, but I cannot stand here and tell you my position is much better."

Elaena gritted her teeth, wishing she could tell Rhaenys the hard truth about her treatment in Driftmark...

It was not enough for Rhaenys to know of the words spoken to or about Elaena. People hated her without so much as speaking to her. And even when Elaena was old enough to understand some of the context of her situation, she had never understood what she did to deserve it.

But even if she told Rhaenys, she knew it wouldn't get better. There were too many people, with too many opinions—in her world and outside of it—for her godmother to save her.

Rhaenys pulled Elaena over to her bed, and they both sat down.

"This world is cruel to everyone, but it seems to have a vendetta towards its women." Rhaenys said, brushing a curl from Elaena's face, "So instead of shielding you from it all, I come to succor you in facing it."

The princess then presented the small blue book she'd entered with. Elaena looked at it, seeing a white embroidery on the book's face. A butterfly.

"You may have to stifle and stomach the fear outside," Rhaenys started, "But not with me, and certainly not on your own."

She handed the book to Elaena, and it looked bigger in the girl's grasp.

"I want you to pour into this diary." Rhaenys instructed as Elaena brushed her thumb along the edges of the lightweight pages. There were easily some hundred of them, "Fill it with every word you cannot speak aloud. Every question. Every thought. Every joy and sadness, catalogue them, but do not let them fester in your mind."

Elaena's eyes pricked up with tears.

"Godmother," She started, "I fear this book is too small."

Rhaenys let out a laugh that caused Elaena to smile up at her, "Well, once you have filled it, I shall bring you another, alright?" Elaena nodded as Rhaenys felt her eyes prick up with tears. Such a sweet girl to be so ostracized.

She helped Elaena get ready for bed before tucking her in. Rhaenys laid the ghost of a kiss along the girl's hairline before pulling away. Elaena grabbed at her wrist before she could get up from the bed.

"What if..." She started, causing Rhaenys to tilt her head curiously. The girl choked up again, causing Rhaenys to furrow her eyebrows in concern, "What if they don't like me?"

Rhaenys's eyes widened.

"What if they hate me? What if they see me as he does?" Elaena cried. Rhaenys shut her eyes, sighing through her nose and clenching her teeth. When she opened them, she gave Elaena a tight smile and leant down to place a firmer kiss on her forehead.

"How could they, darling?" She whispered assuringly to Elaena, "They are going to adore you. They may have their questions, but that is for your foolish father to deal with."

Elaena furrowed her eyebrows, her lips parting and quirking in surprised humor.

"You will be fine," Rhaenys promised, pinching Elaena's chin, "Just fine."

The woman got up from the bed and walked to the chamber door. She turned just before exiting the room to whisper a warm goodnight to Elaena.

The girl laid on her back for a while in thought. Her nerves were calmer than before, undoubtedly from the melodic sounds of High Tide's waves outside of her window. Nevertheless, she felt an internal ache in her chest. A self-deprecating pest which feasted on her heart.

Her gaze drifted to the portrait over her fireplace. Her mother's stoic but warm eyes stared back at her in the moonlight pouring through the window. Elaena breathed in and sighed out.

She turned to her new diary, situated pleasantly on her nightstand. Without thinking, she grabbed it and then slid out of bed. Sleep evaded her thanks to her pest, and she wanted to start practicing what Rhaenys instructed her to do.

She was surprised to find the first page of the diary filled with a flowing script. Immediately her eyes leapt to the signature at the end of the note, and her heart swelled so much, the pest abandoned ship.

You have been given a myriad of instructions on what to say and how to say it. I shall tell you the most important step of all.
Lead with love.
If you remember to start every choice and word with love, it will not matter to whom you speak. Worry not what the people will think... Your worrying will not keep them from thinking it. Worry more for the warmth you will share with them. When you make a connection, and you will make so many, you will feel it. But hear my voice when you find yourself in doubt...
You have the grace, and the intelligence, and the beauty. There is nothing you cannot do.
Your first obligation is to be you. I grant you full permission. You can do this.
You've done it all your life.

The little lady felt a strange new emotion flood her. It was so fresh, she felt as though she'd been given a new pair of lungs. Perhaps all she needed was for someone to tell her she would be fine—not in a demanding way, but an affirming one.

By reading Rhaenys's confident words about her, Elaena could begin to imagine a version of herself that fit them. She smiled and read the end of the message.

Parenthetically, this diary is free reign. You needn't lead with love while using it unless you wish to. Say what you will, and hide it well.
~ Godmother

• • •

Elaena gazed at the portrait of her mother. The sun beamed through her window as seagulls sang through the sharp Driftmark breeze.

Seated at her writing desk, as she now called it, she tried to think of how to begin her diary entry.

Dear Muña
(Mother)

She'd declared she would begin all of her entries that way, seeing as her mother would be the only pair of eyes watching her reveal herself to the page. It had worked well in her previous entries, and she'd realized that most of her pent up emotion came from her pretending not to acknowledge her mother. There was a release, every time she wrote to her.

She took a deep breath, thinking of how she would never get a response, but she would write as though her mother was listening.

I am scared. I am very scared. Tis the day I have been waiting for all of my life, and yet I do not feel prepared for it. I can barely write about it, my mind is an abyss on fire. I cannot cry anymore. I cannot pray anymore, the gods will not take this day away from me.

Despite her words, Elaena felt her eyes prick up with tears. She swallowed, shutting her eyes before opening them to continue.

History lessons, practicing the Faith, learning the
Common Tongue... Of all these demanding tasks,
I must say this would be the one I dread the most.
Ironically, it is what all of those tasks were done
for. How am I to service a flock of mourning
guests? How am I supposed to make
myself known, as Kepa puts it,
whilst being unseen?
How—

Elaena stopped, pinching the bridge of her nose for a moment as a tear went down her eye. She was not making progress. She could not go on fighting this responsibility. She could not let Rhaenys's confidence be in vain.

She scratched out the new sentence—leaving a distasteful look to the rest of the page—and started again.

I want to be what she believes I am.
I wish I could see myself the way she does...
What am I missing?

The knock on her door snapped her out of her thoughts. Hastily, she stood and shoved her diary into the sheets of her bed.

Once it was properly concealed, she smoothened her skirts and folded her hands in front of her.

"Come in." She called and her father took one step into the room. His expression was calm, his chin tilted up as he analyzed her form. Her heart skipped from his appraisal, and her hands clasped tightly together.

"Our first guests have arrived." He announced monotonously, "The remaining lot will be much less informal. We will greet them all at the docks."

Elaena nodded, breathing through her nose to calm her racing heart.

"Come along." He simply said, turning and making his way out of her quarters.

She took a deep breath and followed after him, quickening her pace to meet up with his determined gait. When she finally caught up with him, she folded her hands behind her back.

"Kepa," She started, feeling a strange wave of energy boost her confidence enough to address him. He hummed in response, and she asked, "Who are our first guests?"

Vaemond sighed through his nose, balling his fists, "The Princess of Dragonstone, Laenor, and their... sons."

She gasped through her nose as they marched across the bridge connecting her end of the castle to the main hall.

Elaena loved Laenor, always finding his adventurous stories humorous and interesting. He was not the reason for her unease, though she had not seen Laenor in about a year since his last visit from King's Landing.

That had been before he and Princess Rhaenyra had moved their boys to Dragonstone. Elaena had expected to meet her cousin's wife and their boys after the news. After all, Dragonstone was in close proximity to Driftmark.

But Laena's death had swept over any potentially intimate engagements. So she had never met Princess Rhaenyra or her sons... but she knew how her father, and even Rhaenys, felt about them. It may have been the one thing she knew the two of them agreed on.

Rhaenyra's sons were not Laenor's. She just did not understand how. They were married. Married people had children, or at least the children they successfully had were theirs.

So, it confused Elaena when she entered the main hall to see two dark-haired boys standing next to Laenor and a Valyrian-featured woman with a fresh babe in her arms.

She could not help but flicker her gaze to the grand doors of the main hall, expecting two silver-haired boys to trot into the room... But none came.

Her gaze trailed over the family, confusion only building at every new revelation she made.

The woman, Princess Rhaenyra, was a fair beauty. The Realm's Delight, through and through. And yet, she had a deep frown etched into her face. Her violet eyes were dull and dark with fatigue.

Elaena could not help but think of the grieving expression she'd seen on Daemon's face. Rhaenyra looked just as defeated.

She must have been close to Laena. Elaena thought, and then she looked to the boys.

The taller one, whom Elaena presumed to be the oldest, looked around with a pout. One of his violet eyes peered past his shaggy fringe, watching as Corlys patted Laenor's shoulder in greeting.

She could not decipher the boy's expression. Was he grieving like his mother or was he indifferent to the events happening around him?

The smaller boy was definitely sad. His cheeks had been stained with tear tracks, and his bottom lip quivered as his large violet eyes looked at the surrounding adults. Elaena didn't understand the emotion which settled on her heart at the sight of the boy, all she knew was she wanted to pull him into her arms.

And then there was Laenor... Gods.

Elaena had never seen him in such a state. He remained composed, tall and lean like Corlys, but his face was sullen like Rhaenys's had been. His copper brown skin was muted in grief, and his silver locs fell limply to his shoulders.

Elaena's heart felt suffocated. Had he slept since he learned of his sister's demise?

Rhaenyra and the boys looked away from Corlys and Laenor to acknowledge Elaena and her father. Laenor's violet eyes drifted to meet Elaena's glassy gaze, and he let out a sigh through parted lips.

A tight smile etched on to his face as he took long steps towards the girl. She smiled sadly up to him before he reached down to scoop her into his arms.

She immediately returned his embrace, and her heart swelled as her feet hung above the floor. Her nose dipped into his shoulder to find he smelled of sea salt and musky heat. Such was the smell of a man with Velaryon and Targaryen blood.

"Hello, little cousin." His deep and even voice muttered against her small frame. She clenched her jaw to stifle threatening tears at the sound of his broken words.

"I missed you." Elaena mumbled to him, and he let out a breath before setting her on the ground.

"No more than I missed you." He promised, and she could not contain her sweet grin. A bit of light returned to his eyes as he appraised her fully, "My, my, the things that happen in a year."

His large hand rested on the top of her head before traveling to the spot at his rib cage where her height matched. He furrowed his eyebrows at her.

"What have they been feeding you?" He jested flatly, causing her to chuckle. He looked at Vaemond, "She'll be taller than me come Winter."

Vaemond genuinely snorted, raising a hand for Laenor to clasp before bringing his nephew into an embrace.

"I shutter at the thought." He said, making Laenor scoff. Elaena's cousin pulled back to look down at her again and rest his hand back on her head.

"Lads," He announced, turning to look at his sons, "This is your cousin, Elaena, a very special lady of our house."

She blushed bashfully, leaning into Laenor's side as she looked back to the dark-haired brothers. He kept a hand on her as he approached his family, and she followed him. Vaemond did not.

"Elaena, these are my sons, Prince Jacaerys and Prince Lucerys."

Jacaerys, the older boy, widened his eyes at the sight of Elaena, and she did not miss the blush building past his freckles. Her heart beat against her chest nervously as she and Laenor stopped in front of the princess and her sons.

She bent her knees, lowering her head to curtsy for them, "Your Grace," She said softly, "It is a pleasure... to have you in Driftmark, cousins."

She swallowed, meeting the princess's soft gaze. Rhaenyra smiled tenderly to the girl, and Elaena returned it. The boys' eyes blinked at the sound of Elaena's strange accent.

"Thank you, Elaena," She said, her voice steady and eloquent, "It is a pleasure to know you. We have heard wonderful things."

Elaena smiled, looking up at Laenor inquisitively, "Like what?"

He shrugged, maintaining his unusual monotonous expression, "Only that you are to be the greatest shot in Westeros." Elaena blushed immensely, turning back to Rhaenyra with wide eyes and causing the princess to let out a low chuckle.

"My cousin flatters me." Elaena breathed, and then she heard light footsteps approach them.

"He speaks the truth." Rhaenys said, entering the hall from the other side of the castle, "I would know, seeing as I witnessed you strike an eight on horseback just a few days ago."

Laenor's eyes widened, and he clutched Elaena's shoulder, "An eight?"

"A lucky shot, I am certain." She said, hunching her shoulders inward as Laenor grinned at her.

"Ever-so humble," Rhaenys said, pursing her lips and shaking her head at Elaena.

Laenor's gaze melted at his mother, and she opened her arms to him. They embraced for a while, and though the tone of the room was pained, Elaena could not help but smile at the lovely sight.

Laenor pulled away with a shutter, closing his eyes as Rhaenys laid a hand on his cheek. He looked at her tiredly, "Where are they? The girls?"

Elaena's expression dropped.

"I let them stay in for as long as they needed before the service," Rhaenys said, her expression soft but blank, "I'm certain they'll be happy to meet you later on."

Laenor nodded, "Of course."

"And what of Daemon?" Rhaenyra's voice rang, capturing the attention of everyone in the room. Rhaenys looked to Rhaenyra, her expression frozen in its plainness. Rhaenyra looked back at her with a quirking lip, a nervous tick.

"He's here, as well," Corlys answered lightly, "He went out for a ride, said he would be back before the service starts."

Rhaenyra nodded, and Elaena caught the curl of her lips as well as the glint in her eye. She wondered why the princess looked so hopeful, and then she remembered that Rhaenyra was Daemon's niece. She must have been excited to see him after all his time in Pentos. She must be close to him as well.

Elaena smiled softly at the thought and looked to Rhaenys. The woman's gaze was aimed at Rhaenyra. She said nothing to the princess or her sons, and then her eyes traveled to the babe in Rhaenyra's arms.

"What have we here?" Rhaenys breathed, smiling softly up at Laenor before looking back at the sleeping babe. Laenor stepped up to collect the child, and Rhaenyra handed him off.

"Mother," He began, "This is our new one, Joffrey."

Elaena stepped up, standing on her toes to see the babe's face. A sweet smile formed on her lips at his adorable pout. Laenor placed him into Rhaenys's open arms, and Elaena looked at Rhaenyra to see her expression back to its initial frown.

She clasped her now empty hands together, stiffly watching as Rhaenys stared down at the babe.

"Joffrey..." Rhaenys hummed. She looked up at Rhaenyra, and Elaena could make out her subtle squint before she looked back to Laenor with a soft smirk, "Congratulations."

Laenor nodded to his mother, oblivious to her cutting eyes. She looked to Elaena, who looked at her in concern for her cold demeanor.

Rhaenys's expression softened immediately for the girl, "I spotted the Targaryen sigil on the horizon."

Elaena felt her heart stutter, and she swallowed. Rhaenyra's eyebrows raised, and her lips tightened strangely as though she didn't know whether to be happy or tense.

"Ah," Corlys hummed, "I expected them to arrive long after the Celtigars."

He looked at Laenor and Rhaenyra in question—the Celtigars, Westeros's third Valyrian house, resided on Dragonstone as well.

"They should arrive shortly," Rhaenyra promised, fumbling with her hands, "They had to pack our belongings with them."

"Perhaps you could escort the boys to their quarters, Elaena?" Rhaenys asked, and Elaena hesitantly nodded. She turned to the boys.

Jacaerys's gaze flitted away from her figure and to the floor, while little Lucerys looked at Elaena with wide curious eyes.

"You will be staying by my quarters." Elaena told them softly, and then gestured for them to follow her. They looked up at their mother before stepping forward with Elaena.

She saw Vaemond still held his position from when they'd entered the main hall. He failed to hide a scowl towards the boys tailing his daughter.

"Māzigon arlī paktot tolī." Vaemond said under his breath as Elaena passed him.
(Come back right after.)

"Kessa, Kepa." She nodded.
(Yes, Father)

When they made it to the bridge, she felt a small hand grab on to hers. She looked down to see Lucerys smiling sweetly at her, and her heart stopped at his enormous eyes.

By the Gods, he is the cutest child I have ever seen. She thought.

"Why is your hair so dark, my lady?" His little voice rang. She could not mask the grimace on her face.

Why is yours? She thought.

"Luke!" Jacaerys spat, and Luke shut his mouth immediately while the older prince sighed, "Sorry, he has a habit of talking."

Elaena blushed. The sight of Luke shutting down rubbed her the wrong way, and she squeezed at his hand, "That's quite alright, my prince."

Luke looked up at her again, his gaze flickering to Jacaerys before smiling sheepishly at Elaena. She smiled back.

"It is because I have Dornish blood." She said, and Luke's eyes widened even further.

"Oh, like Ser Criston!" He chirped and Elaena heard Jacaerys sigh again through his nose. She tilted her head curiously.

"Who now?"

"Ser Criston," Luke nodded as a matter of factly, "He's Dornish. He's a knight of the Kingsguard." His gaze dropped to the floor as he focused to place a foot into each stone. Elaena's eyes widened.

There is a Dornish man in the Kingsguard... And the King is arriving with his family...

"He trained us before we moved to Dragonstone." Jacaerys explained, capturing the girl's attention.

"Yup!" Luke said, swinging their tethered hands, "He and Ser Harwin..."

The little boy's voice trailed off at the second name. It confused Elaena as he'd seemed so chipper until he'd acknowledged it.

"Luke," Jacaerys said, his tone strained behind clenched teeth, "Stop talking."

It was quiet for the rest of the walk. Elaena wondered why Jacaerys was so aggressive about the topic, but she refrained from asking. She cleared her throat when they arrived to the princes' chambers. They were similar to hers in size, but there were far more neutral tones compared to her blues and violets.

"I must return to my father," She announced as they walked into the princes' bedchamber.

Luke released her hand and sulked over to one of the beds, taking a seat and staring at his shoes floating above the floor. Elaena's heart tightened, and she swallowed the dryness building in her throat from the coldness in the room.

She turned to his older brother, "Would there be anything else you need, Prince Jacaerys?"

"Jace." The prince muttered, looking about the room before turning to Elaena, "And no, we should be fine."

Elaena nodded, curtsying as Hyacinth had instructed her to do before any departure from King's blood.

• • •

The tide crashed so harshly against Driftmark's rocks that Elaena worried it would break them. The winds were light, calm in comparison. But her heart sank to her stomach at the sight of the massive docked ship in front of her.

The black and red three-headed dragon emblem waved to her from the ship's posted banner.

Vaemond stood at her side, just as he had when they'd welcomed Prince Daemon and his daughters, but he stood much closer. Elaena's arm brushed his at times, and she made a point not to meet his eye.

Once again, there were a myriad of people lingering behind them—maesters, septons, septas, Velaryons, and Driftmark workers. They all stood in wait of the royal family.

The cries of Rhaenyra and Laenor's dragons, Syrax and Seasmoke, floated above High Tide and echoed in Elaena's mind. If she looked up, she would have seen Meleys and Caraxes drifting around with them, but she could not peel her eyes away from the ship.

She watched people walk about the deck, a few Driftmark dock men joining them in aid. Her nerves caused her teeth to clench, and her shaking hands came up to adjust her sliding hairnet.

She shut her eyes, breathing in and reciting her godmother's words in her head like a prayer. Your first obligation is to be you. I grant you full permission. You can do this.

You've done it all your life.

She opened her eyes and watched regality spring from under the ship.

She knew she was looking at King Viserys the moment his golden crown peeked into view. What she did not expect was the sight of his pale, haggard body. He looked about with a hanging mouth, his sunken eyes taking in the sights of Driftmark. At the sound of the dragons' cries above them, he looked up and saw Syrax and Caraxes.

Elaena watched as his expression brightened into a prideful grin.

He stomped his cane forward, his body and thin silver hair shaking while a Kingsguard came from under the deck. Elaena was relieved to see the man escort the hobbling King.

Then, quite possibly the tallest man Elaena had ever seen followed after Viserys. He was an old man, grey hairs peeking through his auburn tufts. His face was long and hollowed, and Elaena felt uneasy by the natural scowl etched on to his features.

She looked away to see a woman following after him. When Elaena saw the woman's auburn curls, brown doe eyes, and expensive furs, her heart stopped. The green of her silky dress and its gold accents caused Elaena to seize from breathing.

It was Queen Alicent Hightower.

Elaena surmised the tall man walking after the King was the Queen's infamous father, Ser Otto Hightower. As the pair approached the dock, Elaena could make out the brass hand broche on Otto's chest, and her eyebrows furrowed.

She'd thought Ser Otto had been denounced from his role as Hand of the King years ago. Before she was even born...

Before she could linger on the sight for long, she spotted another Kingsguard tailing the Queen. His features almost made Elaena's eyes bulge out of their sockets. Golden skin, raven-haired, beautiful russet colored eyes. Was that the Dornish man Jace and Luke had told her about?

Ser Criston?

Vaemond looked down at Elaena. When she felt his cutting eyes on her, she swallowed and looked down to the dock boards, wishing deeply to be able to get a better look at the handsome guard.

And then she heard a most obnoxious voice.

"Gods, are we finally here?" Elaena shifted her gaze to see a young man with long silver hair erupt from beneath the dock. He was slender, and his long curls flew about in Driftmark's breeze. He scowled, and though he was far younger than Ser Otto, their wrinkled noses were just the same.

Prince Aegon. He stood firm, looking about the island in discomfort, and Elaena felt offense from his clear distaste of her home.

Before she could linger on the sour feeling in her chest, a girl appeared behind the young man. Her face was small with delicate features painted in freckles. Her hair fell past her shoulders in beautiful silver waves, better tended to than Aegon's wild mane.

Princess Helaena. She did not remove her blank gaze from the deck as she passed her annoyed brother, and Elaena noticed how distant the girl looked.

"Brother, will you move?" A lighter, tighter voice than Aegon's chirped up in disdain. Elaena's gaze shifted again to see a new boy waiting behind the first.

He brushed past the oldest prince when he was given no response, his nostrils flared in annoyance. Elaena watched him march up the deck curiously.

She could tell immediately he was closer in age to her. His hair was silver as well, but it laid straight on his shoulders, half-tied back and exposing his freckled face and bored expression.

He grimaced slightly as the wind nipped at his puffy cheeks, and then he stoically followed after the Queen and the princess.

Prince Aemond. She could not tell if he did not want to be there, or if he was simply indifferent. Regardless, he already seemed a serious boy.

She almost felt lightheaded as she watched the flock of them approach the dock.

"Your Grace." Vaemond bowed his head as King Viserys trudged toward them. Elaena bent her knees to curtsy for the man and felt her throat dry up immediately. She worried he would stumble by the way he held on to his cane.

"Ser Vaemond." The King breathed, his voice bringing an ease to Elaena as he smiled politely to her father.

His Kingsguard stood at his side as Queen Alicent came to stand at the other. Her delicate hands folded in front of her, and the veil of her green headdress floated gently behind her. Elaena thought she looked angelic.

Otto stood behind the King, his deep scowl not faltering as he acknowledged Vaemond. Ser Criston moved to stand behind the Queen, and his eyes met Elaena's almost immediately.

Her thoughts were silenced under his soft but pointed gaze, and she forced herself to look away to pay attention to her father's words. She could not mess up this time.

The princes and princess moved to stand beside their mother, in front of Ser Criston. Prince Aegon looked about in disinterest. Princess Helaena looked at Vaemond with a flickering gaze.

But Prince Aemond's violet eyes locked on Elaena as he moved to stand in front of his brother. His hooded gaze widened slightly, the vibrant color brightening as he took in her face. She quickly looked away, feeling her cheeks heat up.

"My Queen," Vaemond bowed his head to Alicent, a soft smile playing on his lips. Her lips quirked politely, and she extended her hand out to him. He took it and kissed her knuckle.

"A pleasure to see you, Ser Vaemond," Her voice was light and regal, but Elaena could hear a certain strain to it, "My sincerest condolences for your loss."

"A great loss indeed," Vaemond sighed genuinely, "We ask your forgiveness for the improper welcome, I've encouraged my brother and his wife to allow me and my daughter a chance at hosting."

Elaena gritted her teeth at the lie. Rhaenys was the one who'd encouraged this.

"A good idea," Viserys nodded, "I cannot imagine the toll this must be taking on them." His gaze shifted to Elaena, and she looked up at her father with shaking eyes.

"I thank you for your understanding, my King," Vaemond smiled, and then met Elaena's gaze with a smirk, "Allow me to introduce my daughter, Elaena Velaryon."

She felt her heart stutter as she looked back to the royal family. The King smiled sweetly at her. The Queen looked at her softly and expectantly. Otto looked at her with a raised brow. Prince Aegon looked at her with pursed lips, and Princess Helaena looked at her in curiosity.

When she looked at Prince Aemond, she was met with the same gaze as before. He was breathing through his nose and stiffened as she looked at him. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly.

Lead with love.

So she swallowed the lump in her throat and smiled softly at him. His lips unintentionally curled in response, and she looked at the Queen in success.

"It is... an honor to be in your presence, your Grace," She said, looking to the King as everyone's ears perked up at the sound of her subtle Valyrian accent, "If it pleases you, I should like to be of service to you in any way I can."

She rose her arms and bowed her head, an improvisation, "Welcome to High Tide."

Alicent smiled pleasantly at the little lady, her dimples popping out as Viserys nodded down to her.

"What a joy it is to finally meet Ser Vaemond's daughter." Viserys said, tapping his cane in celebration, "Is that a Valyrian accent I hear?"

Elaena blushed but held her smile, "Indeed, your Grace, High Valyrian is my mother tongue."

The King looked taken aback, "I would have never guessed with your mastery of Common Tongue."

"You honor me, my King." Elaena struggled to conceal her grin. She could not wait to tell Rhaenys that.

"She is marvelous, Ser Vaemond," Alicent said, still smiling at Elaena before turning to the princes and princess.

"These are my children," The Queen started as Elaena met her eyes again, "Prince Aegon, Princess Helaena, and Prince Aemond."

"Charmed." Aegon said, his pursed lips forming a smirk as his eyes raked along Elaena's form. Her smile faltered a bit, and she appraised the other prince and princess.

"Elaena, why don't you escort the Queen, princess, and princes to their chambers?" Vaemond suggested, though this was practiced repeatedly. Elaena nodded to her father, as though she had a choice, and then turned to the Queen.

"Please follow me, your Grace." She said, turning on her heel and walking down the dock.

She did not miss how Prince Aemond stepped after her first.

———

WHEN I TELL YOU, I FUCKING HATE CAPSTONE COURSES!!! OMFG I CANNOT TAKE THIS SHIT ANYMORE! I'm sorry this chapter took forever and that it's so fucking long, but I want to get this story going already, I'm tired 😩

I really hope you enjoyed it though, because I have been using this book as a coping mechanism for the bs going on right now. I love Elaena so much, like I cannot wait for what's to come for her (but also damn, I'm kinda evil too.)

How are we feeling about her finally entering society and holding her shit together 🤩? #proudmom

Rhaenys side eyeing Rhaenyra will always be funny to me. I love Nyra though, I hate that pressure on her. Also Viserys smiling at Syrax and Caraxes knowing his baby and his brother are there 😭 AND OTTO 😭 I LOVE HIS SCOWL MAN, Rhys be eatin that shit up, that man stay with the stank face.

Criston lookin at Elaena like "what's up my 🥷?" Theirs will be an interesting relationship, I'm even curious as to how it'll go. Helaena being an equally shy bean. I love her, can't wait to write her more. Aegon 😑 He has his issues.

And hehehe Aemond has OFFICIALLY entered the chat. Thoughts? I'm so edge 😭

Okay, I'm pooped, lemme crank out this next one. SEE YA 🫶🏼