Chapter Text
They had just arrived at the tourney, everyone was looking at them : the common people and the nobles, all whispering insults. The other part of the royal family had arrived at the same time, both families eyed each other. Daena looked at the ground, not wanting to catch their glance at her. She was dressed in red with black and gold ornaments, their color.
Baelor, the heir to the throne, came to them in order to greet them. He was the only one who was kind with them. Daena often wondered if it was hypocrisy or pure kindness. He greeted her parents and exchanged some courtesies.
Then he turned to her, smiling, his eyes crickling. He took her hand softly and kissed it “Princess”. She felt flushed and bowed lightly in response. “It’s a great pleasure to see you again” he said to her kindly. She smiled shyly “The pleasure is shared, your grace”. “Will you walk with me before the tourney starts princess ?” She looked at her parents, who silently were urging her to accept. She turned to Baelor and nodded “With great pleasure.”
He took her arm softly and began walking through the crowd alongside her. Once they were far enough from the crowd she looked at him with curiosity “I wonder your grace, why you asked me for a walk” He smiled to her “You seem like you wanted to go away from the crowd’s eyes” She flushed “Well it is very kind of you, my prince” “Please call me Baelor” She frowned briefly confused “I’m not worthy of-” “It is a command then” he said with a smirk.
She flushed looking at the trees. “You’re a princess Daena, there’s nothing you cannot do” she blushed even more, while he smiled, looking down at her. “The court doesn’t have the same opinion” “Well, I know what you truly worth” she couldn’t help but smile and look away. “Don’t look away from me sweet girl” she had never been more flushed in her whole life. He grabbed her chin softly “What are you afraid of ?” “I-I don’t know” He smiled softly “Then stop being so afraid.”
A moment of silence passed between them, she didn’t know where to look. Everything was always making her anxious. “Your mother sent me a letter weeks ago” her eyes flickered to his “For what reasons ?” He took her hands in his gently “She told me she’s been searching for a husband to marry you off to for 2 years now.” She sighed and shook her head “Why would she talk about this situation to you ? Did she ask you to find me a husband ?” He shook his head slowly “It’s hard to explain it to you. Try not to be angry, but your mother and I have talked a lot about this. We came to an arrangement.” Daena frowned deeply, confused “Is something wrong ?” He squeezed her hands carefully “Your mother agreed to give me your hand” shock flew through her, she took a step back. She blinked a few times “You did this without telling me ? Is my father aware ?” “Your mother wanted me to tell you, but not in letters. I told you as soon as I could. Your father agreed but only if you wanted it too. He suggested I should court you, and then you’d decide if you’ll have me or not.” It left her speechless, she could hardly breathe.
“You’re cross with me ?” She shook her head “I don’t know how to answer this.” “Let me court you properly, then you’ll choose. I won’t pressure you Daena, not ever.” She smiled gently, then another moment of silence passed.
“You want me to become your wife ? To bear your children ?” He looked at her deeply. “Aye, that’s what I desire, if you allow it.” “Will you give me time ? To adjust, even once we’re married ?” He nodded “You’ll have all the time you want, sweetling” She smiled and nodded “Then, I’ll allow you to court me.” He combed her hair with his fingers gently “Seat with me during the tourney. You'll sleep in the chambers next to mine and you’ll eat with us.” “I will see you later” she smiled before joining her parents. She must talk with them, with haste.
After talking for a long time with her parents and a lot of screaming and tears, they apologised for doing it behind her back and they all hugged. They went to the tourney, Baelor spotted her and gestured for her to come with him. Shyly, she went to him and he grabbed her arm like a proper gentleman. They made their ways to the royal seats. He invited her to sit and sat beside her.
Everyone was looking at her, she felt more and more flushed. She was fidgeting with the helm of her red corset. Baelor was quietly admiring her, the dress she chose to wear was breathtaking, her golden hair contrasting with his, her blue-violet eyes and her pale skin could have made him shiver. He realized he had now been staring at her for some minutes and looked away, he made a sign for the jousting to finally start. She was watching him too, he was older, his eyes crinkled when he smiled, his hair was greying but he had some charm, she couldn’t deny it. He was a handsome man, but she didn’t know him enough to marry him. The jousting passed slowly, but they hadn't watched it once, their gaze kept drifting back to the other’s. At the end, they held each other's hands, his thumb was softly caressing hers. She felt goosebumps, smiling at him kindly. “We shall retire. I’ll lead you to your chambers, you seem tired my princess.” She stood and followed him.
Once in the Ashtray castle, they moved around and he led her to her new chambers, next to his. “If you need anything, you knock, understood ?” She smiled kindly and nodded. “Sleep well, princess.” He kissed her palm. “And do not hesitate to come visit me.” He winked and opened the door to her room, it was huge and beautiful. “Goodnight your-” “Baelor.” He cut her off. She smiled in return “Yes, Baelor… Call me Daena too.” “We will have a promenade in the gardens in the morning on the morrow, pretty thing.” She felt flushed and nodded, agreeing gladly. “I’m an animal.” he said, towering over her, “I want to kiss your beautiful lips so badly, girl.” Her face was red, she was unable to speak. “These lips…” His thumb hovered near her lower lip, his breathing was becoming uneven as he got closer and closer. “Won’t kiss you, not until you ask me to.” She shook her head slowly “Not yet. When we are wed.” He stepped back and smiled, nodding. She went to her chambers, kissing him on the cheeks before.