23. | HARRENHAL
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The princess watched as Viserys giggeld softly as she held him in her hands. Aelinor had began spending more and more time woth her newborn brother. She had been so fasinated with him, and the love for him grew more for each day that passes.

Viserys had opened his eyes some days before, and Aelinor noticed that they were the exact replica of her own. If Viserys had been born a girl he would have possibly been the twin of his elder sister. Aelinor felt overjoyed and began taking Viserys outside with her fathers permission but with half of the kingsguard, much to her dissmay.

Donna had been dismissed with a smile as Aelinor had been exhausted with Viserys. Although her fondness with Viserys Aelinor could not deny the girls tiredness and allowed her to leave.

Aelinor stared at Viserys with loving eyes as she continued watching Viserys smile and giggle.

A knock was heard on the hard door and brought Aelinor out of her thoughts.

"Enter." She called out, as she wrapped her robe tighter around her. Aelinor had also began growing a fondness at staying with Viserys until he fell asleep to the early morning.

The sound of clonking armor had made the princess avert her eyes from Viserys and look upwards instead.

"Jaime". She breathed out with a smile, and stood up, laying Viserys gently in his crib before tuning back to Jaime.

Jaime's eyes was still on her waiting patiently.

"How suprising to find you here, Jaime." Aelinor said playfully with a raised eyebrow.

Jaime smiled causing Aelinor to see his perfect matched teeth. "The King ordered me to stay inside the chambers, Princess" Jaime said, stopping and giving Aelinor a small grin that was forming. "But how could I deny protecting such a beautiful Princess?"

Aelinor felt her face flush and averted her eyes to the floor with a small smile. "Your're a funny man, Ser Jaime."

Jaime chuckeled, "Ser Jaime now is it?" Jaime put his hand on his armor chestplate and gave a playfull sad face. "And here I was thinking you loved me"

Aelinor smiled gently as Jaime kindly outstretched his arm. But not before turning towards Viserys and giving him a small peck on his chubby cheek,"You know I do. How could I not". she replied smugly, taking his arm. He smirked at her response, guiding her out the chambers and to the princesses own chambers to change.

They walked through the corridors and to Aelinors chambers, their laughter and hushed voice echoing in the corridors.

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The days leading to the journey to Harrenhall passed suprisingly quickly. Aelinor longed to see Elia again, along with Rhaenys, Aegon and somewhat Rhaegar too. She did not know if she and Rhaegar was fighting or not. Aelinor suposse its not fighting but rather Rhaegar's trust issues towards her. Aelinor did also long to see her cousin Robert and her other Targaryen-relatives the Martells. Although only Oberyn would attend the tourney he did represent house Martell.

For their departure, Aelinor had chosen a gown of red. It was not quite the Lannister Red but rather a more dark red which represented house Targaryen. It made her fair skin glow in a lovely way. Aelinor also had some red flowers put on her hair matching the gown. She wore a silver necklace with a dragon, adorned with silver rubies making them shine in the sunlight. The red gown clun to her body and it made her curves show even more beautifully.

Aelinor did want to ride with horse instead of sitting in a carriage, but Aelinor did not have the corrage of asking her father of that. She knew how he would react. Her father had wanted his daughter to be ladylike and fragilelike as possible. He always knew woman as one thing. Broodmares that are only useful for children.

The sound of a knock on her door retrived Aelinor out of her thoughs and sighed tiredly.

"Yes, enter" Aelinor replied, while standing up an stroking her dress.

The sound of heavy footseps came near her.

Ser Arthur bowed respectfully, "The coach is being set to leave any moment, princess. The king has ordered me to ecort you to them."

Aelinor gave a nod and Ser Arthur outstreched his arm as Aelinor kindly accepted.

They continued walking silently as they came outside to the coahes.

Ser Arthur stopped and turned to her while opening the coach. "I will be accompaning you, princess. The kings orders" He said kindly with a soft smile.

Aelinor just gave him as she accepted his offered hand, helping her inside.

The inside of the coach was dressed in rich, silver velvet, with red undertones. It was comfortable and Aelinor leaned against the warm body to her right, closing her eyes and meet with Ser Arturs's violet ones.

She held the eye contact as she stared at him questiongly. He averted his eyes and Aelinor could see a pink flush covering his cheeks.

Aelinor smiled in adoreness, "Ser?" Arthur turned his eyes towards her again with a nod. "You are awfully red, are you hot?" Aelinor asked woth a playful voice.

Arthurs face only flushed more pink as he gave her a dashing smile while shaking his head. "No my princess, there is no need to" He stopped a moment before staring at Aelinor. For a moment Aelinor could a glint of something she could not put her finger to. "You are very beautiful, princess. I will have to guess many men will not avert their eyes from you" He said looking at Aelinor. The silvery waves of hair against pale shining skin and the glittering violet eyes. His eyes stared at her so intensily that Aelinor thought herself the most beautiful woman in the seven kingdoms. She was not wrong though.

This time it was Aelinors time to flush. Her mouth was wiggeling to stop her smile. She covered it with a couch and only smiled gently at him. Though she could feel her cheeks hurt at the amount of pressure she had to do to keep her from smiling widely.

"Thank you Ser Arthur. You are quite handsome yourself". This was just a happiness for Aelinor. She wasn't naive she knew that other maidens would faint of such words adressing them. But Aelinor loved Jaime. She would never dishonor him in any way. Well, until she has to marry. But even then she will only do her duty.

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The journey was long and hard. They had occationly taken a break on the king's orders. But Aerys hards told them to stop unless it was for his own pleasures and want. It took one long moon to arrive at Harrenhall.

Harrenhal is immensely strong.The castle has five towers of dizzying size, with equally monstrous curtain walls. The walls are incredibly thick and dark and the rooms are said to have built on a scale that would be more comfortable for giants than humans.

Aelinor scoffs, of course someone would say that.

But in the end, Harrenhal is sertainly strong and marvallous place. It was said to be even larger then the Red Keep.

As Ser Arthur helped her down and escorted her towards the king, her mother and little Viserys. There were many houses that had arrived. House Tyrell, Baratheon, Stark had arrived with many of their own bannermen. They stood outside bowing and looks at the Targaryen royaliys with curious and excited eyes. 

"Your Grace" came the voice of a scared little squire. He was thin and had a guant face.

Her father had an irratated face, "Go on boy! I do not have all day" the boy jumped and nodded his head leading them to their chambers.

The king and queen never shared chambers but weirdly enough they had their chambers shared, which made her mother snap and order a chamber for her own. Her father didn't mind and only ignored them all.

Aelinor was escorted to a large room coverd in Targaryen sigils. It was silver with red and some black, as the Targaryen colors. There was a large bed laying in the middle of the room with the most softest pillows she had ever felt.

There was going to be a feast tonight and all houses would be present. They had gotten word that the Greyjoys of course didn't attent the tourney. They had never attended anything, much like the Starks. But at least the Starks would attend on royal command or sich big tourneys where every house will attend.

"Aelinor!" A high pitched voice yelled as she bursted into her chambers. Ashara ran towads her and gave her a big hug. She pulled back and they laughed at eachother. Ashara was even more besutiful then she could remember. Her face had become more skinnier and her cheekbones more out, along with her eyes, they were shining happily.

"Ashara! It is so good to see you again!" Aelinor said happy, as she met with her friend once again. Aelinor didn't really have any firends in Kings Landing only Jaime whom was in the kingsguard. She supposed she had Ser Arthur also, but he too was in the kingsguard. Aelinor only had Viserys to keep her company but even then, her father would demand her to not visit him.

Ashara just scoffed playfully, "Why would I be here if you hadn't" She said before she took Aelinor's hand and pulled her towards her gowns.

Ashara put her finger on her chin as she hummed, "What will you wear to the feast?". On the bed laid three gowns that Aelinor had laid down. The first one was green with stripes of silver going down from the waist and to the end of the gown. The second one was violet with flowing skirts. And the last one was just a simple and plain, yet ellagant silver dress that would compliment her hair.

Aelinor just shook her head and gave a small laugh, "Does it matter. Only I attend, right?"

Ashara waved her hands, "Of course not! You have to show your beauty more! And surley the king wants his daughter looking the best now that you are not bethroed to anyone." Ashara stops and gives Aelinor a sly grin, "Mabye you even can trap someone in you beauty to marry? Well, a highborn one at that."

Aelinor laughts throwing her head back, "It is nice to see you again Ashara"

Aelinor looks at the dresses a reaches out to tuch them, "They are all so beautiful, how can I ever choose?"

Ashara just shruggs her shoulders, "I just pick the one that suits better on me. I would rather want you to pick the violet one. It would bring out your eyes more"

Aelinor just sighs and nodds her head, "Well mabye your could help me Ashara? I do have to look my best, as you say"

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"Shall I accomponie you to the feast, sister?" The beautiful voice of her brother said.

Aelinor slightly gasped and turned around to find her brother standing by her door in all his glory. He was indeed beautful to look at. Silver shining hair, so much like her own just bellow his shoulders. His black tunic and black breches made of the finest material Aelinor had ever seen on him, made his purple eyes somewhat shine more.

Aelinor smiled widely and ran to him to give him a big hug,"Rhaegar! Your're here!" She exlamined taking his hand in her own.

Rhaegar gently smiled with a small chuckle at her eagerness and Aelinor could swear she saw a different emotion light up in his eyes, "And Elia with the children too." He said while offering his arm. "Well, we should not keep them waiting now should we?" He said while giving her a smirk causing her to shake her head with a smile. Aelinor suddenly felt very uneasy. Aelinor have had many eyes on her but this time did not feel so different. Aelinor did not like the feeling of many eyes on her, juding her, waiting for her to say or do the wrong thing to make them gossip about. The Targaryens would no doubt, be the talk of the tourney.

Aelinor walked beside Rhaegar and forced her expression to relax into a passive one. The last thing she needed was to have rumors floating about that she was worried about her time in Harrenhal. Silence encompassed them as they entered the castle and walked the labyrinth of halls, her hands relaxed as they continued walking towards the feast.

Slowly they began hearing loud music and chatter coming out of the rooms the feast is held in. They watched as servants rushed around as they tried to bring more food and ale.

The music and chatter suddenly came to a halt when the prince and princess entered the room. Seems like we have been the talk of the Lords and Ladies, Aelinor thought. Rhaegar didn't seem bothered by it though. His face was relaxed and composed as always. Rhaegar began escorting them towards where the King and Queen sat. They sat on two wonderful chairs that screamed royalty. Beside the King was a chair obviously for the crown prince and one beside the Queen, for the princess. Viserys was on their mothers lab as he giggled at his mother. They sat on their chair and began letting the Lords and Ladys excamin them. The music and chater soon began to be as loudly as when they entered. Aelinor could see many familiar faces among the crowd. She could see the Starks who were seated with the Baratheon, probably considering Robert was bethroed to Lyanna Stark. The Tyrells were a bit behind them talking with some of their bannermen perhaps. Then there were the Lannisters. Aelinor could see Lord Tywin and Aemila Lannister talking with the Arryns. Well, Lord Tywin did all the talking.

Amelia Lannister was a sight to look at, Aelinor could give her that. Her hair was braided beautifully and sat atop of her head. Her dress was a Lannister red color to represent House Lannister. Aelinor could see Aerys watching them with disgrace. But occationly he would gaze to Lady Amelia or Lady Cersei. Lady Cersei herself was a sight to look at. She was beautiful. Her curly golden hair rested upon her shoulders with her emerald green eyes sparkiling. She look so much like Jaime, she mused. When they were both new borns they would have surley looked like twins even though they had different sex.

"May I have this dance, my Princess?" A silky voice asked over her stretching his hand out for her. Aelinor looked up to find dark eyes, almost black staring down at her.

Aelinor smiled gently as she accepted his hand with a nod, "Of course, Prince Oberyn" Oberyn smirked and led her to the crowd of people dancing. Aelinor didn't notice Rhaegars burning glare on them, but it seemed like Oberyn did as he smirked back at him. Oberyn looked handsome. His hark almost black hair combed and neatly done. His orange tunic with small tints of gold making Oberyns olive skin shine more.

Oberyn rested his hand to her waist as he brought his right hand to her left one. Their gazes met and Oberyn began chuckeling. "No need for that, princess. Call me Oberyn."

Aelinor shook her head with a smile, "Then you must call me Aelinor. It's only fair if you do also"

Oberyn twirled her around and arched her back to let her fall, yet he stopped her before he could and pushed her right back at his chest. By now, everyone began stealing glances at them, whispering about the Red Viper and the dragon princess. Oberyn brought her closer, now his mouth by her ear and whispered, "It would be my pleasure, Aelinor" Aelinor felt herself flush, and it seemed like Oberyn did to as he gave her a grin.

"How is Elia?" Oberyn questioned her curious. It was no secret that the Red Viper did not love his sister. Everyone could see his glares he sent the prince at her wedding with Rhaegar. It was dangerous to cross the Viper, it is deadly and would strike at any moment. One time a man had the currage and ask Oberyn about how good Elia was in bed, stupidly thinking that Oberyn came from Dorne and also bedded his sister. Oberyn did nothing but smile sarcastically before taking his hand and a knife right through it. That day was the time everyone knew how dangerous the Viper really was.

Aelinor's smile became so big that her cheeks began to hurt, "I have not had the pleasure of seeing her yet" Aelinor began as he watched Oberyn frown. Aelinor herself began to frown as she said the next words carefully. "But I think Rhaegar made a comment about her, saying that she was still in pain after the birth of Aegon"

Oberyns face became a disgusted one as he gave a scoff,"Your brother just had to get her preagnant once more. The birth of Rhaenys almost took her life" He said while twirling her.

Aelinor gave a sigh,"Yes, I suppose he was stupid of him. But I know Elia will recover soon" Aelinor said as she tried assuring him that Elia would be fine.

Oberyn smiled and murmuled more to himself,"Yes, Elia is strong. Like the little Viper she is"

"You dance very nicely, Oberyn" Aelinor said, not knowing what to say next"

Oberyn gave her a big smug smirk as he twirled her again, this time landing her back to his chest. He brought his mouth to her ear and softly murmmled, "Oh? Well, I am a prince am I not?" Aelinor felt herself grow flushered and it seemed like Oberyn did too as he gave her a grin, twirling her to meet with another chest.

She almost felt pain as if she collided with what felt like a hard rock. Aelinor could feel the muscles of this man as she grippes onto him for dear life.

"Well, it seems that every man wants to steal a dance from my cousin" Aelinor looked up to find the face of Robert.

Aelinor gave him a big smile before chuckeling. "It has been long Robert"

Robert gave her a grin as he pulled her closer,"It has, Aelinor. You are still as beautiful as ever, love"

Aelinor blushed and gave a shake of her head,"You have a bethroed, do you not?" She knew that Robert was bethroed and knew that if she was she would not like her bethroed to flirt with another lady.

Robert just laughed loudly,"I love Lyanna, but we are not yet married. It will do no harm."

Aelinor looked away, sighing heavily while closing her eyes. "Maybe not to you, Robert."

Robert's eyes grew with fury,"Are you denying my love for her? Do you not belive I love her? I love Lyanna with all my heart"

Her eyes snapped open in shock and a bit of fear as she looked at him, "No Robert that is not what I mean," She said trying to make him understand."I am only sayin that she is the one not beliving you,"She said with an uneasy voice but coverd it with a cough.

Robert stared right into her eyes almost as he was trying to find out if she was lying or not.

"Fairly well, Your Grace," he replied, giving her with a slight smile as if trying to ease the situation. He stopped dancing and gave her a small bow. Then he walks away quietly as if nothing had happened.

Aelinor giver a sigh at her stupidity. Robert is her cousin, why should she be scared of him?

She shakes her head while going towards Rhaegar who was talking to his dear friend Jon Connington. He had bright red hair with pale skin and green eyes.

Aelinor had never liked Jon. He had always had a sertain dislike for Elia, calling her unworthy and not able to bear him any children. Speak for yourself, she wanted to say. Could you give him any children?

Aelinor was not blind, she could see the longing looks he would give Rhaegar when he didn't notice. Aelinor don't know wether Rhaegar is stupid or just