[ act i - lies kept ]

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐈𝐗

episode eight || the lord of the tides

— DELIA TAPPED HER BOOTS delicately onto the sandy ground as her hand reached for her sword. The familiar weapon fitting perfectly into her palm as she spun it in her grasp.

The princess glanced up at Ser Criston, who was already watching her, "Princess, sooner or later I'm afraid you'll surpass me."

The red headed teen grinned, "That's the goal, is it not?" A breeze flew through Delia's long red hair, a coy smile gracing her tainted lips as she rolled her shoulders back. The princess had spent years practicing combat and sword training, determined to make herself useful knowing flying dragons was beyond reach for her.

Ser Criston bowed his head slightly in agreement, "Of course, princess."

Delia grinned widely just as she had begun to stance herself to fight the Knight when footsteps began to approach the two, "I'd love to spar with my dear sister, Ser Criston."

Delia tensed slightly, her playful demeanor slipping away as she watched her older brother, Aemond smugly smirk at her while clutching his sword. The princess licked her lips, her eyes showcasing her irritation for him, "What is it you are doing, brother?"

Aemond's platinum hair swaying a bit as he moved to retort with his half sister, "I merely want to spar, see if your training truly had improved."

Delia grit her teeth, ever since that dreadful night of Aemond's eye incident, the two had grown apart. They were no longer as close as they once were, the prince constantly insulted the young girl, most of the insults being the fact that she was a bastard.

In truth, Delia's relationship with her entire family had gone strain, except for her only sister, Helaena, of course who was the only one who still held the same bond they used to.

Delia's hatred for her grandsire only grew after she had overheard him proposing to her mother that she wed the young girl with her eldest brother, Aegon, so he could take a second wife.

Otto's reasoning was merely that it could strengthen their line, Aegon wedding two of his sisters just as Aegon the Conqueror once had— which would make his image better in the eyes of the people.

The rightful heir was Rhaenyra— as Viserys never seized to remind everyone. Delia acknowledged that very well and couldn't wait to see her on the throne. But that did not stop Otto from scheming as he always did.

Alicent was quick to shut down the idea, refusing to wed her youngest daughter for a multitude of reasons. Delia knew one of them, coming from the fact that she did not bear Tagaryen blood meaning she'd taint the bloodline.

Alicent would've never dared to share that fact with her father, fearing what it would mean so she simply stood her ground and denied her father's proposal.

Delia didn't care what the reasoning was, she was merely relieved she did not have to wed Aegon of all men.

The princess couldn't bear standing in her brothers presence for too long, ever since the night he had betrayed what little trust she had for him.

Delia had hopped she could've kept her bond with Aemond, but that was a fools wish. Ever since Delia had begun to train, her brother had been awfully hostile towards her, constantly pushing her patience to the limit. Taunting and toying with her, constantly seeking to frustrate the young girl.

The princess raised her head, "Just don't go weeping to mother when you're left on the floor."

Aemond clenched his jaw as anger flickered through his gaze, his one eye narrowing before pouncing immediately at the teenager.

Delia reacted quickly, jutting her arm up as her sword clattered together with her brother's. The princess pushed all her strength into her arm as she planted her feet firmly on the ground, grunting quietly before spinning their blades together, she kicked her leg out— hitting the blondes chest, causing him to stumble back.

Delia hid a small smile before spinning the sharp weapon in her grasp, keeping her eyes on her brother who moved carefully in front of her. The princess could feel multiple eyes surrounding them but she didn't allow it to pull her attention from the male before her.

The girl slashed her sword at him, taking notice of how he ducked under her before adjusting his grip on the weapon. Delia took a cautious step back, mentally noting all his movements and stances before her brother lunged again. Metal clacking together rang loudly as the two siblings desperately wanted to send the other tumbling down.

Delia grimaced lightly as her own sword began to slowly pierce her upper shoulder area from the amount of strength Aemond was bringing down on her as she fought to keep his sword inching any closer with her own.

Delia breathed softly, quickly jabbing her hand that held her sword out, making it collide with her brother's chin before kicking his armed hand. The prince's sword slipped out of his grasp, allowing Delia to seize the opportunity to raised her sword right at his chest.

A satisfied grin etched itself onto her lips, the edge of her deadly weapon pushing into his chest slightly in a taunting manner.

Ser Criston hid a chuckle before speaking up, "Congratulations, my princess." Aemond glared at his sister before taking notice of his two nephews that had been watching from the crowd. His irritation only grew to see the two Velaryon bastards smiling happily at his loss.

Aemond straightened up once more, his grip on the blade deadly, "Nephews... have you come to train?"

Delia eyes lightened up before turning to see where her brother was glaring off into. The princess' features brightened up visibly upon the sight of Jacaerys and Lucerys.

Delia had not seen either of them since the passing of Laena Velaryon but she had made the effort of sending Jace letters, desperate to know how he was doing and the prince had always been more than happy to share every detail he could with her. Until one day his letters suddenly stopped.

Jacaery's lips parted, his eyes never leaving Delia's blue ones as he took her in. She had grown much taller than he had last remembered, her hair having gone a darker red while her eyes remained expressive. Jace took notice of the two braids done in her hair, a light pink dusting her lips that were tugged up in a smile.

She looked absolutely beautiful, of that there was not a shred of doubt in his mind.

Before a single word could be spoken to them, their attention was caught by the gates of the courtyard that swung open. Delia straightened up slightly as her eyes fell upon the sight of the Velaryon house banners.

Delia spared young Luke a glance, knowing all about what was to happen.

Vaemond Velaryon trudged through the courtyard with guards at his every side, the males eyes fell upon the boy everyone dared called his brother's grandson. Luke swallowed thickly, unnerved by the sudden weight floating in the atmosphere.

Delia watched the men enter the castle, her jaw clenching upon the sight of the doors closing behind them. Aemond grinned smugly, amused with the look Vaemond had placed upon Rhaenyra's second born.

Delia twirled her threatening weapon in her hand before putting her clear blue eyes back onto Jacaerys, who was offering his younger brother a comforting look.

Delia stood in thought for a short moment before turning to face Ser Criston, "Our session will be cut short today."

The Knight bowed his head at her in understanding, "Of course, princess."

Jacaerys licked his lips as he watched Delia's figure. Luke gave his brother a knowing look before gesturing towards her, "Drooling over her won't do anything."

Jace narrowed his eyes at his younger boy before clearing his throat nervously. The boy breathed softly before walking to approach the princess who was sheathing her dagger.

"Princess Lia."

The red head turned upon hearing the Velaryon boy speak, her eyes immediately connecting with his as a hidden smile threatened to grace her lips from his mere presence. "My prince, I hope your travel treated you well."

Jace nodded, "It did thankfully. The place hasn't changed much." Delia took notice of how he was speaking of the castle and she nodded in agreement, "A few changes have been made but nothing to stump you."

Jacaerys studied the girls expression, taking note of how her eyes were shining a bit, "You didn't respond to my letter."

Delia's lips parted in confusion, her head tilting slightly before her brows pulled together, "I? I had been awaiting yours but assumed your duties had taken up your time."

Jace blinked a few times, "You never got my letter?"

The princess clasped her hands together before slowing shaking her head, "I did not, my prince."

The Velaryon boy purses his lips in thought, it was odd to hear she never received it, "Perhaps the raven did not make it." The prince then gave his childhood friend a look, "And it's Jace, Lia, just as you called me before when we were children."

Delia fought the smile pulling at her soft lips, "I've missed you, the castles been rather dull without you and Luke."

Jace had never been so relieved to hear those words from her. The young prince had feared her family had turned her against his own, especially after the incident where Aemond lost his eye yet gained a dragon.

Delia abruptly stopping their exchange of letters didn't help ease his worries.

"As have I, Lia." The boy glanced at the sword in her grasp, "I see you've become quite the swordsman."

Delia shrugged softly, spinning the weapon as her eyes held a bit of disappointment in them, "My wishes for bonding with a dragon have long slipped away from me. Since I've decided to train, doing what i could without a dragon."

Jacaerys gave her a warm smile, "I have no doubt you'll bond with a dragon of your own, Lia. Patience is all it takes."

Delia wanted to scoff but suppressed it, little did the prince know just how wrong he truly was.

The red headed girl mustered up a smile, "I must get changed before my mother sends for me, I'll see you soon."

Jace parted his lips to speak but nothing left them as he intently watched the girls fading figure before she disappeared behind the doors.

The prince couldn't help but feel as if he'd said something to upset her— despite it being the last thing he wanted.

A hand suddenly perched itself onto his shoulder, to which he glanced back to see his younger brother, "You really are smitten."

Jacaerys pressed his lips firmly together before softly shoving Lucerys, "Shove off."

But his brother was absolutely right.