The party livened greatly once King Viserys took to bed that evening.

Everyone shed their cloaks under the cover of the Grand Hall. A space much larger, but similar to the ballroom Helaena's fifteenth nameday had been celebrated in.

Elaena couldn't help but grimace from the memory, having never felt such glee and tranquil. She'd often wondered if she would have ever felt such a thing again, and she hadn't believed the odds had been in her favor...

But then there she was, sitting stiffly at the Valyrian table, feeling things for the first time in ages. And it had everything to do with the one-eyed prince seated at the royal table.

At one point, the two of them locked eyes and lingered for a moment, and Elaena couldn't decipher the tone of his blank, pursed face. She couldn't believe he was the boy she'd known years ago.

The only indicators were his missing eye and his clear recognition of her—in fact, she was the only person he honed in on within the room.

Eventually, Elaena sighed and shifted her gaze to Helaena. The princess sat a seat away from Aemond, picking at her nails and parting her lips every now and then. She hadn't had time to engage with anyone after the nuptials, and at the start of the reception, she'd taken to her seat and stayed there.

Elaena hadn't spoken to her yet, and she wondered if Helaena had even noticed her presence.

"To Prince Aegon!" A loud lord exclaimed, raising his spilling goblet. Elaena stiffened before turning over her shoulder to see the party still thick and boisterous, "May his name be stamped in our history! The very image of the Conqueror!"

The room erupted in cheer, ladies clapping and hanging off of their lords in suffocating devotion. Elaena gritted her teeth to see Aegon stand in his seat and join the uproar, beating his chest and throwing his fist into the air.

Gods, can it get any louder in here? I want to go to sleep.

Aegon cackled with his surrounding lords and knights, drinking down his chalices as though they were water. Elaena grimaced and turned back to look at Helaena. She was still occupied with her finger picking.

Queen Alicent sat beside the princess, her face blank as she watched Aegon howl in his seat. It was a strange sight for Elaena to behold, seeing the Greens act with reserve and poise while their golden boy played the drunken imbecile.

To see Aemond again—and know he was the younger brother who had done nothing but grow—unsettled Elaena. Aegon had shrank in comparison.

Even the youngest Prince Daeron, who stood against one of the walls of the party with the visiting Hightowers, looked far more mature than the firstborn prince.

Elaena heard shattering and clambering as Aegon egged on the merriment, and she couldn't feel anything but unease.

She focused on Helaena, and the princess watched Aegon across the room with a blank expression like her mother's.

Why is everyone so focused on him? Barely anyone has approached her—What the fuck?

Her eyes... She looks so tired—You know what, enough. Get up.

Elaena's gaze drifted to see Aemond still gazing at her, and her eyes quickly flickered back to Helaena. She couldn't ignore how her heart skipped.

Fuck my life—I'm scared.

You came for Helaena—Scary—You came for Helaena. But he's so...

You came for Helaena. I came for Helaena.

She looks so sad—Get up.

Elaena sighed as Helaena's expression seeped into her conscience. Her teeth gnawed at her lip until her thoughts began to scream at her.

She peaked at her father and ensured he was still engrossed in conversation with Lord Celtigar. Then she hesitantly grabbed her wine goblet and took a sip. As the drink slowly but surely fluttered in her veins, she took a longer sip and then set it down.

She peaked again to ensure Vaemond had noticed nothing, and then she took a deep breath before standing from her seat.

You came for Helaena. Do not let fear hold you back. You came for her.

Elaena repeated the lines in her head as she approached the royal table, feeling the steady eye of the prince follow her.

She kept her gaze away from him, looking at Helaena. The princess didn't notice her approach, and it only added to Elaena's unease. But she held her nerve and stepped up to the posted guards.

"Pardon me, ser." Her soft voice said to one of them. The guard looked down to her stoically, and she swallowed before clasping her hands together, "I would... Might I congratulate the princess?"

The guard nodded to her once before turning away to approach the table. Elaena focused on Helaena's oblivious form, refraining from meeting the sure gaze of the prince seated next to her.

Helaena looked up at the guard's approach, but before he could speak, she finally noticed Elaena. Her violet eyes widened immediately, and she shot up from her seat.

Alicent stiffened at her daughter's sharp movement, and her eyes followed Helaena's gaze to see Elaena standing there. Elaena watched widely as Helaena's dull expression brightened immensely, and the princess took off down the side of the table.

"Helaena!" Alicent called in concern, raising her hand to caution her daughter, "Don't—"

Her voice cut off in shock as Helaena made for the Velaryon girl. A smile bright as day etched across the princess's face, and Alicent lowered her hand as her daughter threw her arms around Elaena.

Elaena gasped as she was engulfed in the tight embrace. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around Helaena as well, but she looked over the princess's shoulder to see Alicent watching in surprise.

"You're here!" Helaena whispered in excitement, "You're here, you're here!"

"Princess..." Elaena breathed, struggling to keep a smile from her face. Helaena hugged her tighter, and Elaena nervously let the smile break free, "Helaena... Hi."

"Hi!" The princess said in glee, "I missed you so much, El!"

Elaena could hear the tears threatening her friend's voice, and her smile faltered. A dull ache spread through her chest, and she hugged Helaena tighter.

"I missed you, too."

They stood in one another's arms for a moment, the chaos of the party persisting behind them. Elaena's gaze drifted curiously past Helaena's shoulder, and she saw Aemond watching the two of them blankly.

Is he smiling? Or are his lips just like that? I don't think his expression has changed...

Stop staring at him.

She swallowed stiffly, breaking her gaze away and feeling blush erupt on her cheeks. His attention
slowly broke her out of her excitement, and suddenly Helaena's hold felt too tight.

That all too familiar itch crawled up her spine, and she felt her expression fall as she pulled her arms back from her friend. But Helaena didn't pull back in response, and Elaena's hands rested awkwardly on her back.

She cleared her throat, breaking Helaena out of her elated thoughts and causing her to pull away at last. They looked at one another with meek smiles.

"Forgive me," Helaena whispered bashfully, and Elaena's eyes widened.

"Not at all," She assured quickly, and Helaena's smile relaxed, "Tis wonderful to see you finally."

"And you!" Helaena beamed, grasping Elaena's hands, "Look at you, you're beautiful."

Elaena chuckled and gazed down at her friend's wedding gown, "Speak for yourself, princess."

Helaena rolled her eyes before her gaze fell to their linked hands. Her smile deepened at the sight of their friendship bracelets, both growing in charms. Together at last.

"A sapphire joins a crown of emeralds." She mumbled, and Elaena's eyes widened at her familiar change of tone. Before she could respond to her friend's riddle, Helaena met her gaze again, "Thank you for coming, I know twas last minute—"

"Better late than never." Elaena replied quickly, refraining from grimacing at the tension in the air. She was still uneasy about her attendance, but she could ignore it for Helaena's sake, "Are you alright?"

Helaena's expression faltered at the low question—one she clearly hadn't been asked as of late. Elaena watched her swallow before recovering her bright expression.

But her eyes became glassy.

"I'm more than alright now that you're here." She said solidly, and Elaena's lips quirked, "We've much to talk about."

Before she could respond, Helaena was pulling her further into the party. Her lilac eyes widened at the princess's sharp focus and solid grasp on her hand.

It didn't take long for the surrounding guests to catch the young women making for the exit doors, and Elaena swallowed stiffly at their confused expressions.

When she caught the gazes of Cristine, the Lannister girl, and the Baratheon sisters, she looked down quickly.

They're looking—They're watching, Helaena... Gods, where is she going in such a hurry?

They got to the doors and Helaena nodded to the posted guards. The men immediately opened the doors for them, and Elaena looked over her shoulder just as they left the ballroom.

She caught a glimpse of his eye just before the doors shut behind them.

• • •

Helaena brought Elaena to the outer yard. The cheer and music of the ballroom could still be heard, but Elaena shivered at the isolated nature of their gathering.

She watched Helaena lean against the stone railing of the Grand Hall's patio, her bright and livened physique melting in fatigue.

"Hel." Elaena breathed in concern, standing next to the princess and stiffening as the winter air nipped at her collarbones, "Is everything alright?"

Helaena looked at her softly, clenching her teeth before as she stood erect. Her eyes dulled, and Elaena felt like her question had been answered.

"I'm sorry." The princess said softly, and Elaena tilted her head, "I'm sorry... For this late notice."

"Helaena, please, it's alright." Elaena chuckled nervously, a bit confused by the silver girl's lack of response.

"Even if we've been estranged?" Helaena asked, and the look in her eyes could have broken Elaena's heart. She held her violet gaze solidly.

"What do you mean estranged?" She assured, and Helaena's eyes widened at the genuine nature of her tone, "You were quiet for a few months, yes, but that does not make us estranged... You are my friend, you will always be my friend, no manner of distance could change that... I've confided in you more than most and you to me."

"I just..." Helaena trailed off, a strange look of desperation in her eye. Elaena waited for her to finish the thought, but after a moment her expression hardened again, "What are your plans for the coming spring?"

Elaena blinked at the question. Her heart stuttered as she picked up on a knowing look in Helaena's eyes.

Does she—No... No. Don't assume. Maybe she doesn't know... She's smart, of course she does—She doesn't. Just... Maybe she's curious.

You won't make it to Spring—She doesn't know that. Don't be strange, answer her.

Elaena swallowed the building dryness in her throat and shrugged, "Um... I haven't... I haven't given it much thought."

Helaena continued to gaze at her, and Elaena felt a flush run over her body in worry.

"Why do you ask?" She added quickly, and Helaena finally blinked before sighing again.

"A lot has changed for me with this union." She began, turning her gaze to look over the railing while Elaena looked at her in apprehension, "As I am officially out of the marriage market, I've been charged with training young ladies of the court.

"My mother has allotted me an arsenal of ladies in waiting, ladies I am to confide in as they will me..."

Elaena's expression melted into a blank stare. She had a feeling she knew what Helaena was about to say, and her stomach began to knot at the thought.

"I can think of no one better to join us than you." Helaena finally said, slowly looking at Elaena in anticipation.

No... Oh, no. No. Gods—No. Helaena, please, no. You can't. You can't. No. Why? No.

Elaena blinked as her mind sparked in conflict. She did her best to keep frustration out of her expression, but she couldn't ignore the heaviness of her heart as Helaena stood waiting hopefully.

"You wish me... to stay at court?" She mumbled, feeling a grimace threaten her face. If Helaena noticed, she ignored the expression and remained hopeful.

"Yes." She said directly, and Elaena's heart dropped, "Spring could prove quite fruitful for you, just as the others girls. You barely had the chance to step out the last time you were here, just imagine what you could do in months."

Months? Months? You won't last one more—You can't. No. No. Tell her no.

"There's many celebrations to be had in the season, you could fully immerse yourself in capital life—"

"I can't—" Elaena's voice chirped out, and her voice cut off as her throat tightened in nerves. Helaena's rambling cut off as well, and her hopeful expression faltered from Elaena's clear anxiety, "I don't... I don't know..."

"What's the matter?" Helaena asked immediately, stepping towards Elaena and causing her to stiffen, "Do you in fact have preparations for the spring?"

Elaena swallowed stiffly, feeling her dress sleeves rub against her scarred wrists, "No."

Helaena placed a hand on her shoulder in assurance, but Elaena felt like she would crumble under its weight.

"Then what?" Helaena pressed, "You loved it here, you've told me many times."

Elaena looked down, the pressure of Helaena's gaze becoming too much, even though it bled with care.

"But... with what happened..." Elaena whispered, "The people know... Kepa and I haven't been here long enough for people to question, is it wise to give them the chance?"

Helaena's eyebrows furrowed, and she moved her hand from Elaena's shoulder to grasp her hands gently.

"Only we know the truth of what happened." She said tightly, and Elaena met her gaze again, "And it happened so long ago... The people will quickly forget Mother's decision over your stay back then if they see you thriving in King's Landing."

Helaena... No—She has a point—No. They'll laugh at you. They'll look at you. Kepa already hates you, what else would he do...

"I'm not sure how he would feel..."

"Who?"

"My father." Elaena swallowed stiffly, feeling her heart pick up as she raked her mind for an excuse. She couldn't stay in King's Landing. She couldn't give Helaena a false sense of her living. That would be cruel, unclean.

"Then I shall ask him." Elaena looked up to see the solid gaze of Helaena, and she felt her thoughts go quiet, "You need not speak a word."

Please, stop. Please, do not make me lie to you.

"Helaena, I—"

"I need you." The princess said tightly, her expression bleeding in sudden desperation. Elaena's eyes widened, and she felt Helaena's hold on her hand tighten.

"Elaena, I barely know these ladies my mother has picked for me... Even if our interactions go beyond politeness, I can speak to none of them as I speak to you. I trust no one like I trust you, please.

"I don't need a flock of ladies, I need a friend... Now more than ever, I do not know what will come of me if—"

Elaena felt her heart sink as Helaena's eyes pricked with tears. If she'd thought she'd had an idea of the toll taken on Helaena, she now knew the truth of her friend's pain. It was written on her face.

"I saw... I saw a dream." Helaena swallowed, lowering her voice from its anxious tone, "I dreamt of falling... And it frightens me... How peaceful it felt... But you weren't here, and I felt your absence... I miss you, Elaena, please stay..."

Only when Elaena blinked did she realize tears had built up in her eyes as well.

A dream... A dream of falling... Oh, Gods—No... Would she follow after me?—No... Or has she had the same thoughts as me all this time—No.

Elaena felt awakened by the thought. A sudden desperation ignited over her skin, and she felt nauseous from the weight of it.

She had no choice. She never had a choice. But for the first time, she didn't feel bitter over it. Helaena needed her, and if she could have come to King's Landing for that simple fact, she could stay in it just a little longer.

. . . Fine then.

"Alright." She said, and Helaena's eyes widened in hope. Elaena nodded softly, squeezing Helaena's hand back, "I'm here."

Helaena's face broke out into a smile, excitement and relief pouring out of her before she threw her arms around her friend. Elaena returned the embrace, but gritted her teeth as her heart grew heavy.

Could she endure another handful of moons? Or would she inevitably let her closest friend down? Helaena's dreams were vague, most of them trivial, but they always came true...

Not this one. I'll be damned. She's not you, Elaena. She deserves better—

"I suppose Mother wishes me back, brother?"

Elaena furrowed her eyebrows as Helaena spoke with a sigh. She pulled back to look at Helaena in confusion before seeing her gaze pointed behind them.

Elaena turned to see Aemond standing by the ballroom door, his arms folded behind him as he eyed their embrace. Her heart skipped, and her gaze flitted to the floor as she pulled her arms from Helaena.

She heard Aemond reply to Helaena with a hum, and the sound caused her to peak up at him. His gaze locked with hers, and her heart fluttered again.

"You remember Aemond, of course?" Helaena mumbled to Elaena, and she barely registered the question on account of his frozen gaze.

She felt the strange heat again at the sight of his tall, lean frame—no longer concealed by his heavy black furs. The leather of his doublet hugged his waist and shoulders in the most delightful way, and Elaena found herself gawking.

But she felt the silence fall between the three of them and finally blinked away from his towering form. She swallowed before nodding sheepishly.

"Of course." She managed dryly, and she cleared her throat to address him, "Prince Aemond."

He continued to stare at her, and for a moment she thought he wouldn't respond. But before her stomach could knot in suspense, his lips parted.

"Lady Elaena."

His voice made her ears perk up. Husky, but soft. Heartbreakingly eloquent...

You need to calm down, Elaena. Close your mouth, stop staring at him... Gods, has anyone ever said my name like that?

Of course not, not even he has ever said your name like that.

"Right," It took Helaena to speak to break the two out of their shared gaze, "Let us return, then."

The princess walked ahead, looking back at Elaena to follow. She swallowed again before walking after Helaena. Aemond stood in place, his gaze to the floor as Elaena passed his figure. In the moment her body was next to his, she felt her heart flutter again from his height.

I was right, I stop just at his shoulder—Enough. Keep walking—Am I walking strangely?

The more you think about it, the worse you'll look, imbecile. Just walk—Is he following?

She stiffened at the sound of his light gait, feeling claustrophobic and refraining from turning back to see how far behind her he was. He may as well had been breathing down her neck.

As the three of them made it back inside the ballroom, Elaena tried her luck and peaked behind her... only to see Aemond walking away from them and back toward the royal table.

Before she could linger on the sight of his silver hair flowing down his back, Helaena grabbed her hand to pull her through the dance floor. Elaena shrank behind the princess, feeling the curious gazes of the party follow them again.

When they emerged from the crowd, Helaena guided her to the Valyrian table, and she clenched her teeth at the sight of her father. Vaemond watched the girls approach him, and Elaena took in his expectant expression.

"Ser Vaemond." Helaena addressed, keeping a hold on Elaena's hand as they stood before him. Vaemond's blank expression softened, and he reached for Helaena's free hand.

"Princess Helaena," He addressed after kissing her knuckle, "My sincerest congratulations, the people of Old Valyria smile down on you this evening."

"I thank you, ser." Helaena replied politely, and Elaena swallowed stiffly. As her friend and father engaged, her gaze flitted to the royal table just as Aemond reclaimed his seat.

His eye floated over the party before settling on her and Helaena with Vaemond, and Elaena looked back to the floor in discomfort.

He surely loves to stare.

"I do appreciate you and Lady Elaena's attendance on such short notice," Helaena said, and Elaena noticed how her words caught the attention of Lord and Lady Celtigar, "I couldn't imagine not having her here."

Vaemond smiled deeper, "But of course, princess, we wouldn't miss this for the realm."

Elaena refrained from scoffing. He hadn't affirmed as much before their invitations had come.

"Well, I would like to try your devotion further." Helaena said, and Vaemond raised an eyebrow, "I have a line of ladies in waiting, each from one of our realm's famed houses... I can think of no one better to add to the list than Elaena."

Vaemond's gaze flickered to his daughter, and she gingerly hid behind Helaena further. His gaze redirected to the princess's patient expression.

"I wish for her to stay for the coming season so that she may try her luck in the court's marriage market." Helaena stated, her tone leaving little room for rejection.

He hates you. He'd never agree, he's kept you locked up in Driftmark in shame.

Four years. Four long years, and only a short disastrous memory of the outside realm.

He'd never—

"What a splendid idea, princess." Vaemond's tone raised in delight Elaena hadn't heard in years. It was similar to the tone he'd carried when he'd brought her to court for the first time. She'd nearly forgotten he could have managed it.

Her eyebrows furrowed in surprise, and as Helaena rubbed her hand in assurance, she realized she wasn't dreaming.

. . . Oh.

It was settled then. Elaena was staying... She looked up at Vaemond's bright expression, and a new worry settled over her chest. She could see it in his eyes that something was awry.

His plots hadn't met their end.

"We are most appreciative of such a gracious offer, are we not, tala?" He said, turning his gaze to Elaena's peaking form. She felt her breath catch, but hesitantly nodded to him.

"Indeed." She said quietly as Vaemond clapped his hands together and thanked Helaena again.

"Upon my departure, I will send for her belongings," Vaemond informed, and Elaena blinked at him, "We've only brought her a week's worth of luggage, surely that won't do for the entirety of Spring."

His jesting tone fell on deaf ears as Elaena stood in confusion. His departure? Was he not to stay behind with her?

Helaena's head tilted in similar confusion, "Departure, ser? Will you not be staying with us as well?"

Elaena was grateful for her friend's concern, as she was too shocked and anxious to voice her own. Vaemond made a solemn expression, but she could tell it was forced.

"I'm certain she is in good hands here," He nodded, "I must return to aid Princess Rhaenys in manning Driftmark."

Godmother might castrate him for this.

As hurtful as his neglect was, she wasn't as surprised by it as she was by his boldness. Rhaenys managed Driftmark just fine on her own, and if need be, she could gather Vaemond's input through ravens. Elaena may have been considered a spinster, but she was still too young to be left unattended whilst unmarried.

Helaena's concern evaporated, however. She smiled and nodded to Vaemond in understanding.

"Very well, ser," She cheesed while Elaena looked at her father in numb disbelief, "I thank you, again."

And with that, she pulled Elaena back to the dance floor, completely missing the silent exchange between her and Vaemond. He looked at Elaena directly, his bright expression darkening into a knowing look.

She looked away quickly and followed after Helaena. He never had to tell her not to fuck up.

The thought lingered in Elaena's mind as Helaena brought her into the Valyrian line dance. The people made room immediately upon seeing the princess take to the floor at last, and Elaena stiffened at their attention.

Helaena seemed oblivious to their stares and low whispers, encouraging Elaena to follow her in movement. It was hard for Elaena to shake the uneasy feeling from her father, but soon she relented to entertain her friend.

She hadn't danced in a while, but Helaena made up for it in whimsical gestures. Elaena shook her head at the silver girl, and Helaena laughed back at Elaena's stiff disposition.

"Tepagon daor otāpagon naejot zirȳ." She whispered, sparking Elaena's attention, "Olvie hen zirȳ kessa sagon qrīdrughagon ondoso hemtubis."
(Pay no thought to them. Most of them will be gone by the morrow)

Elaena sighed, seeing Helaena's gleeful gaze soften.

"You're here now." The princess promised, "Tis a wonderful thing."

Elaena couldn't deny the relief threatening her veins. Nerves aside, she was at least away from the place that had tormented her. She could take the unfamiliar, prying eyes of the Keep over the hateful grip of Hide Tide.

So she gave Helaena a soft smile, and slowly picked up the pace of her footing. Helaena beamed in response, and they danced leisurely about the floor.

They were whisked through the large crowd every now and then, and Elaena forced herself to ignore the lingering gazes of lords as they traded her off before returning her to Helaena.

But her eyes widened as she met a pair of icy blue eyes. She froze in place, watching as the young lady did the same. A smile broke out on the raven-haired girl's face, and Elaena's heart skipped at the sight of the Baratheon sigil etched on to her gown.

"Lady Elaena!" The girl cheered, and Elaena blinked at the warmth emanating from her glee, "Tis truly you! My Gods, how long has it been?! Look at you!"

"Lady... Lady Floris?" Elaena found her voice after gazing at the girl for a moment. Floris nodded quickly, her bright grin stretched impossibly far as she grasped Elaena's hands. Elaena gazed down her form, ignoring the surrounding crowd bypassing their frozen bodies.

"Yes, yes, you remember!" Floris cheered further, bouncing on her heels while Elaena gawked at her.

"You... You've changed." Elaena breathed, eyeing the girl's petite frame. Nothing like the plump girl she'd been before.

"Oh, yes, I'd imagine it's quite the shock." Floris giggled, "Father put his foot down, I suppose. He can't go on with so many daughters unmarried, and my poor form was of little help."

Elaena blinked and met the Baratheon girl's gaze, "What poor form? You've always been a beauty."

Floris chuckled, but blushed at Elaena's sincere tone, "All the same, dancing has become quite the activity for me. But come, we haven't seen you in so long, Saera will be thrilled!"

Elaena was slightly relieved to be guided out of the dance floor, but she searched for Helaena in the crowd. When she caught sight of the princess's silver braids, she waved her hand, and Helaena met her gaze.

The princess immediately cut through the crowd, following after them. Elaena looked forward to see a couple of tables filled with young ladies of the court. Her heart stuttered at the sight of Floris's sisters, the Lannister girl, and Cristine Celtigar.

"Saera, look who I found!" Floris called out, catching the attention of the shy beauty seated at one of the tables.

Saera's face brightened from its nervous expression upon seeing Elaena and Floris, and she carefully stood to approach them. Helaena caught up to the three just as Saera curtsied to Elaena.

"Lady Elaena." Saera's voice was just as soft as Elaena remembered, though more even than its childlike tone, "I knew that was you in the pit. Tis so good to finally see you."

"And you, Lady Saera." Elaena smiled, unable to ignore the warmth building in her chest from the familiar faces. Helaena came to rest a hand on Elaena's shoulder, and it eased the Velaryon girl further.

"I've hoped for this day," Helaena said in content, "For all of us to reunite."

Saera smiled through a chuckle, her onyx eyes glimmering to the floor, "Still tethered in a storm... A snow storm, but all the same."

"And great news, Elaena will be staying with us this spring." Helaena smirked as Elaena bowed her head humbly.

Floris's eyes widened and a scowl overtook her face. She sighed, "I was angry with my mother before, but now I might truly hate her."

Helaena's smug expression melted into an apologetic one, and Elaena's eyebrows furrowed as she gazed at the Baratheon girl, "Whatever for?"

"She chose Ellyn to stay, not me." Floris replied, her scowl unrelenting, "She fears for my sister's pride in the event I marry before her."

Elaena's gaze flickered to the other Baratheon sisters, seeing one still linked to the arm of the lord from the pit while the other two sat and sipped from their goblets. Cassandra and Ellyn, though Elaena couldn't tell who was whom. They both looked much colder than Floris.

"I leave tomorrow with the rest of my family." Floris's voice took Elaena's attention back, and she felt a soft ache in her chest as the raven-haired girl smiled halfheartedly.

"I do wish you would stay." Saera said lowly, picking at her nails.

Elaena wanted to voice her desire to spend time with Floris as well, perhaps visit Storm's End after failing to years before, but her thoughts kept her quiet.

Do not make false promises, staying for Helaena is pushing it enough.

She clenched her teeth, watching as Floris's smile deepened before she threw an arm around Saera. The Stark girl's eyes widened but a playful smile etched on to her face.

"Never fear, Snow Princess, I'm sure Sam will keep you all well entertained in my absence." Floris said happily, and Elaena tilted her head.

"Sam?"

"Mhm, the Tarly pick from Horn Hill," Floris nodded before turning to look over her shoulder, "Samantha! A moment, my lady?"

Elaena followed her line of sight to see a red-haired girl about her age sitting casually. Her green eyes snapped up at the sound of her name, and the nonchalant expression on her face morphed into curiosity.

Floris waved her over, and the Tarly girl set her goblet down to stand up.

"She's great fun, we've rubbed elbows all week," Floris whispered to Elaena as they watched Samantha approach them. Elaena couldn't help but notice the way she brushed past the Lannister girl without warning, causing the blonde to scowl after her.

"I already told you, Flo, I'm not dancing tonight." Samantha grumbled upon arrival. Elaena's eyebrows raised at the conviction in her tone, but Floris chuckled.

"I've not called on you to coerce," The Baratheon girl jested before turning to Elaena, "We've another friend."

Samantha's green eyes softened as she looked at Elaena, and a small smile graced her lips, "Oh, I see." She bent her knees to curtsy, and Elaena returned it carefully.

"To whom do I owe the pleasure?" The redhead asked playfully, and Elaena met her gaze with more ease.

"Elaena Velaryon, Driftmark." She said with a smile threatening her lips. Samantha nodded, and before Elaena could worry if the girl knew about her, she introduced herself sweetly.

"Samantha Tarly, though my friends call me Sam. I'm from the Reach."

"Horn Hill, was it?" Elaena asked softly, and Samantha nodded.

"Yes, and they couldn't wait to be rid of me." Her tone was so lighthearted considering her words, and Elaena couldn't help but chuckle as Sam placed a hand on her chest woefully.

"So eager to have me whisked away by one of these dunderheads, yet I haven't found a single lord worth the temptation." She sighed, shaking her head.

"Is that why you won't dance, my lady?" Helaena asked, pouting slightly next to Elaena.

"Tis a preference of mine to only dance with normal people, your Grace," Sam said apologetically, "Not horrendous looking lords or their fat fathers."

Elaena found herself intrigued by the young lady's boldness, and simply listened to her witty interactions bounce between Floris and Helaena. She and Saera exchanged humored glances in the midst of it, and Elaena found it easier to tune out her nervous thoughts with the banter.

"Just you wait, Lady Sam, come the third moon and my expertise, you will be tethered to one of these fine lords." Helaena said in sarcastic conviction. Samantha struggled to keep a grimace off of her face, and Floris giggled at the attempt.

"I shall hold you to that, princess." The redhead chuckled and then she lowered her tone, "Tis a wonder your gorgeous family is the one known for inbreeding and not these wretches."

Oh—Oh, my...

"Samantha!" Floris gasped in humored shock as Elaena's eyes widened and Saera covered her mouth to keep from spitting out the wine she'd sipped.

"What?" Sam shrugged with a straight face, "You'd think it was the other way around with how these boys turned out."

"You think us gorgeous, do you?" Helaena grinned sweetly, and Elaena let out a giggle from her sweet tone.

"Entirely, your Grace." Samantha said, nodding to Helaena with a smirk.

"How very flattering, Lady Samantha." Elaena stiffened at the sound of a smooth voice behind her.

She turned to see Prince Daeron's lithe form standing next to Helaena, seeming equally engrossed with Samantha's words. Immediately, Elaena's heart stuttered nervously at his bright presence, and the playful mood shifted into a stiff one.

"I do pity the man who fails to meet your expectations," He said sweetly, dimples popping out of his cheeks as he smiled, "Tis quite the loss if you ask me."

"I didn't ask you," Samantha smirked, and Daeron cocked his eyebrow in challenge, "But perhaps I should have, my prince. I can tolerate any pretty man who agrees with me."

Floris and Saera bit their lips to refrain from grinning at the beautiful Daeron, but an obvious blush overtook their cheeks. Elaena swallowed dryly as she took in his curly silver hair and clear violet eyes.

What the hells happened to Aegon? His brothers... My Gods...

"And what of you, my lady?" He asked before trailing his gaze down to Elaena. She blinked as his eyes softened for her, "Would I meet your expectations?"

Um... What?

She could see Floris, Saera, and Sam exchange cheeky glances in her peripheral, but she couldn't break away from the young prince's gaze. She couldn't muster a word, and she watched his lips curl further in wait.

"Um—" Her voice cut off as her throat tightened, and her gaze flickered to Helaena for help.

The princess's expression was uneasy, and her gaze was pointed to the back of the ballroom where the royal table sat. Elaena watched Helaena's jaw clench before she met her gaze again.

"El, this is my baby brother, Daeron." She said lightly, wringing her hands together in sudden nerves. Elaena's eyebrows quirked, and she cleared her throat.

You don't say. Is there a reason for him to be locked away in Oldtown?

Elaena let out a breath before quietly bending her knees to curtsy for him. His eyes stayed with her, and she kept her gaze to the floor, "A pleasure to meet you, Prince Daeron."

He took her hand as quickly as she spoke, and her heart skipped at the sight of him kissing her knuckle, "Lady Elle, is it?"

"Yes," She said quickly, refraining from pulling her hand out of his grasp as she blushed, "I mean—No, um... Elaena. Elaena Velaryon, my prince."

Daeron's head tilted at this, and his eyes flickered
to Helaena's fidgeting form, "Elaena Velaryon?"

Helaena looked to the royal table again but nodded stiffly to Daeron. He followed her gaze, and Elaena furrowed her eyebrows as his lips quirked past their soft smile.

"Elaena Velaryon." He said smoothly, trailing his gaze back down to Elaena with a knowing smirk. Her heart stopped, and suddenly she felt claustrophobic under his stare.

He knows. Fuck. He knows. He knows. Fuck.

"What a joy it is to finally meet you." He grinned, shaking his head and causing his long silver curls to shake as well. The sight transfixed Elaena for a moment, "I must say, the whispers of your beauty are a great injustice."

Stop looking at me. Gods—He knows. Beauty. What? Who said—Beauty—Please, stop looking at me.

"I must have this dance, would you do me the honor?" He asked deeply, and Elaena's eyes widened further as he gazed down at her playfully.

With a look to Helaena's silent form, she saw no means of escape and hesitantly nodded to him. He pulled her back to the dance floor and the space welcomed them quickly. Her thoughts overpowered all else, and she felt her heart sink to her stomach as he held her hand and waist.

"I must admit," Daeron said softly down to her as she counted her steps, "It's quite surprising to see you here, Lady Elaena."

"That makes two of us, your Grace." She breathed, trying desperately to ignore the itch up her spine. People glanced at them as they floated about.

Daeron chuckled, "Tis a good thing, though. From what I hear, the court hasn't been graced with your presence in years."

She simply smiled politely, her face flushing in anxiety. But Daeron smiled back with lingering eyes.

"Should I expect to see you more often, my lady?" His tone was soft, but it did little to help Elaena relax.

"Apparently," She breathed, and she stiffened as he leaned closer to hear her, "I um... Your sister h-has invited me to stay for Spring."

Daeron leaned back with a pleasant smile, "What marvelous news... I do hope you will give us men of the court a fighting chance, unlike Lady Samantha."

His playful smirk lightened her mood slightly, and she let out the breath of a chuckle.

Make no promises. Keep distance. Helaena is enough, you don't have enough time.

"Perhaps." She said lowly, and Daeron tilted his head curiously.

"Perhaps what?" His tone dropped to meet hers, and Elaena shuttered under the pressure of his gaze. But she maintained her polite smile and shrugged.

"Just perhaps." She said, and he eyed her in challenge but did not press further. Elaena looked about the party once she felt her body had memorized the dance. She felt Daeron's gaze stay with her, but kept her eyes away.

When her gaze ghosted over the royal table, she felt her expression fall at the sight of Aemond's sharp glare. But he wasn't looking at her, he was looking at Daeron.

Elaena's eyebrows furrowed as she watched his one eye follow Daeron, his seated form unmoving and poised. But his eye was quite revealing in emotion. He seemed irritated, and the thought made Elaena uneasy.

She couldn't decipher her thoughts, only concern and curiosity for his stoic agitation.

What is it about him? What happened, why is he so... Different?

"To bed! To bed!"

She flinched as she heard the obnoxious voice of Aegon.

The dance floor froze at his commands, and the lords of the room chanted with him. Elaena's eyebrows furrowed as the party shifted with the men moving about the space.

Daeron pulled her back from the rushing bodies, and she couldn't even thank him as the party broke out in uproar. He guided her through the mass to deliver her back to Helaena's ladies, kissing her knuckle again and smiling to her before joining the bustling men.

She clenched her teeth as people brushed past her, and then she noticed Helaena was no longer with the ladies in the section.

"All hail Prince Aegon and his lady wife!" She heard a hearty lord cackle, and she looked about the room for her friend's red and white gown. She nearly gave up when Samantha tapped her shoulder and pointed to the front of the ballroom.

Elaena turned to see Helaena floating above the crowd, being carried off toward the exit doors. Elaena's heart dropped, seeing the princess stiffen in the crowd's hands while Aegon moved easily towards the doors.

"Such a disgusting tradition." Sam mumbled to Elaena, scowling as Helaena was taken out of the room.

She could make out a flicker of her friend's face just before she left, and the discomfort Elaena saw made her heart stop.

Oh, Gods, Hel...

"You'd think with the Valyrian styled nuptials, they would decide on a different bedding ceremony." Sam scoffed, watching Aegon prance out of the ballroom while the men went on cheering, "Should I marry one of these deplorable men, they'd do well to keep the cutlery away from me."

Elaena swallowed, silently praying to the Warrior to protect her friend. Though a deep part of her knew the effort was futile.

The party settled back down, and some of the guests retired immediately to their chambers. Elaena stood frozen in concern, and only Sam's voice could pull her out of her thoughts.

"Prince Patches is staring at you."

She broke her gaze away from the ballroom doors to see Samantha looking behind them. She didn't need to follow the redhead's gaze to know she was looking at the royal table. Elaena was too on edge to even acknowledge Sam's ridiculous nickname for him.

And too on edge to meet his powerful gaze yet again.

———

Long chapter, I know, I'm sorry, but with how busy I've been I think it's necessary.

DID YOU GUYS SEE THAT LONDON PREMIERE LOOK?! WTF 🙂 Forget these short-haired Aemond manips, Ewan fed tf outta us, the little goober. I wanna touch his hair 😭

Thoughts on this chapter? A lot happened, and now I'm wondering how tf I managed 8k word chapters for so long. I would like to show the other faceclaims for Helaena's ladies in waiting, but I'll hold off til next chapter with how long this one is.

How do y'all feel about Daeron? My idea for him is a silver-haired 2016 Harry Styles 😗

Do with that what you wish, I've been wanting to throw Hazza in the mix of my stories somehow 😭💀

How do we feel about Vaemond? That mf is always up to something with our girl 😑 but luckily he's leaving soon.

Love me some Helaena, so happy we're seeing more of Phia in press junkets, her energy is so adorable.

Elaena's lil friends Floris and Saera teehee ☺️ How do we feel about Samantha Tarly? She's a canon character in Fire & Blood, but I'm playing around with her temperament. She and Saera Stark are lowkey based on my girls AHoleForAemond and purplewriter_x respectfully (yes, that was a Snow Princess reference, go read it) but I'm excited to see where I take them.

How do we feel about Aemond? The lil quiet noodle. Can't wait to flesh him and Elaena out. Hopefully much more before Sunday, BECAUSE BITCHES I AM LOCKED IN ON MAX COME 9PM!!!

I'm sure you will be too 😩 Love y'all, see you in ch.17 🥰