Chapter Text
It had been a mistake to stay in King’s Landing whilst the rest of your family returned to Dragonstone.
Your mother had protested vehemently, worry shining in her eyes as you fought to convince her. As your eldest it is my duty to represent in your absence, you had countered, it would be a sign of good faith. Though it wasn’t until Daemon soothed her worries, assuring her that her return would be swift on dragonback, that she relented.
Jacaerys had offered to stay behind and you couldn’t help but laugh at his deep frown. He had always had a protective streak, but it rarely made an appearance on your behalf. The laughter caught him off guard and earned you an elbow to the side before he pulled you into a hug. Your younger brothers followed, wrapping their arms around you until they were shooed away. Rhaena and Baela quickly pecked your cheeks.
Rhaenyra Targaryen was every bit the queen she was meant to be, but at that moment, with a pinched brow and reluctant steps, she was only a mother. Her embrace was tighter than you could ever recall, though her voice did not tremble as she spoke— I’m very proud of you. You couldn’t help but smile when she reached for her husband, grasping his arm while he assured that if trouble found you they would all return.
There was a childish burst of excitement once you had said farewell. It had been years since you spent time within the Red Keep and despite the nature of your families’ departure, you had fond memories there. Intending to take full advantage of the freedom that came with the title of envoy, you took the long route to your chambers, the soft clammer of armor as your guard fell into step easing any worry you could have.
A soft shuffle echoed through the corridor and you peaked into the private dining hall. The maids were scurrying to clean the remnants of your disastrous family dinner. You could help but frown at the reminder, picking up your pace to escape it altogether.
The winding stairwell was the only thing separating you from your chambers, but as you turned the corner you were brought to a sudden halt. A solid frame collided with your own, the sheer speed of their gate being enough to steal your balance. There was a sharp inhale and heavy hands grasped for your arms, enveloping you in warmth and steadying you on your feet.
You barely caught sight of a sandy beard before the knight bowed in sympathies. “Forgive me, princess.”
“It was my fault, I was lost in thought.” You assured him with a soft smile and the knight rose to his full height. Your gaze lifted to meet his, giving you the chance to examine his features.
It had been some time since you laid eyes upon the Cargyll twins. During your childhood, your siblings would make a game of telling them apart and you had always reigned victorious. Their differences were faint and barely noticeable less you took the time to map them out.
His cheekbones were soft and the large breadth of his brow spurred a knowing smile to your lips. “You look well, Ser Erryk.”
“As do you, princess.” You didn’t miss the bemused glint in his eyes as he let them wonder for the briefest moment. Had you not been so focused on his features you would have missed it. “Your time in Dragonstone has become you.”
Heat flooded your chest as you flushed under his gaze, quickly breaking your gaze with a cough. “I must say, I wasn’t expecting to run into anyone at this hour.” You resisted the urge to jape at how you had quite literally run into him.
His lips quirked in amusement, but it did not linger. “Yes, Prince Aegon has taken to nightly walks.”
Murmurs of your uncle’s unsavory tastes had been brought to Dragonstone. You had overheard your mother and stepfather whisper between themselves about his behavior. However, you couldn’t be sure if it was well known or if it had simply been passed along by Daemon’s spies. It made you grateful for the lack of politicking on the island.
“Well, I wish you the best of luck finding him.” You smiled softly, hoping for his sake the prince had lost himself in his cups and passed out somewhere within the keep. “Perhaps Ser Payten could assist you?”
At the mention of your guard, his gaze shifted over your shoulder, taking note of the younger knight. There was only the briefest nod of acknowledgment before his focus turned back to you. “You’re too kind, princess, but I wouldn’t leave you unprotected in the Keep.”
“Then I bid you goodnight, Ser Erryk.” You worried at your bottom lip before risking, “I hope to see you again before I return home.”
There was a slight glint to his narrowed gaze as if he were testing the weight of your words. “I hope the same. Goodnight, princess.”
You didn’t spare him another glance until his steps echoed throughout the hall, watching his form retreat the way you came. Ser Payten met you with a raised brow and he didn’t bother hiding his amusement as you shot him a glare. Before you could slip into your chambers he broke the silence.
“A Kingsguard? Truly?”
A groan broke past your lips at his teasing tone and you avoided his gaze as you slipped into the room and slammed the door. You hurried to your vanity, plucking your jewelry off as you pushed down the hot embarrassment creeping up your spine. While you could recall your girlish fancies on Ser Erryk you had never expected it to come back with a vengeance at the sight of him.
You rolled your eyes at your own naivety.
It was simply the wine, you assured, remembering the heavy gulp you had taken when the night started to go awry, nothing more and nothing less.