(Vaelor's POV)
"Lady Ellyn." I said as I walked up to her, "Forgive me for leaving you like that."
She was sitting down on a bench, giving me a smile, "It is okay." She said as she patted the spot next to her, "Sit down, My Prince. I wish to discuss something with you."
I nodded, "Yes." I said as I sat next to her, "Whatever it is you need."
She let out a sigh, "I am aware."
I frowned, "Of what?"
She looked at me with a frown, "You and Princess Daella." She said, "I am aware that the two of you have feelings for each other."
I was taken aback by this. I didn't really know if it was the case for me. I mean, Daella had just kissed me not too long ago at Dragonstone and she confessed her feelings for her. She's my sister, I do care for her. But I really don't know if I felt the same.
Maybe I do.
Maybe I do feel the same.
But the fact that Ellyn was telling me outright that she knew.....I really don't know what to do about it.
"I would like to apologize if I insulted you in any way." I said with a serious expression, "My sister and I are young, as you know. Our feelings and sentiments are that of children, as you must be aware. And soon, you and I will be wed, so those feelings should be cast aside."
She looked ahead, "I see....." She said, "Are you certain of that...?"
I frowned, "What do you mean?"
"I have every....intention....of being loyal to you....." She said softly, "To be faithful.....to be a good wife...but.....as I have come to know, many Lords.....even Princes and Kings.....they tend to not do the same...."
"You think I will not be faithful to you." I said as I looked down, "I see. It is not something I blame you for thinking. But I assure you, that is not the case."
"My Prince...." She said as she looked at me, "I know I am quite old...."
"No, not at all." I said, "I mean, yes, you are older than I am. But you are not old at all."
"I am but a servant of the realm after all." She said with a weak smile, "If His Grace wishes for me to marry his son, I will do as I am told. It is a great honor, I mean it.....to be married to a Prince....a kind and gentle one like you...."
"I..." I said, not liking what I am hearing
There was something coming, I can tell. Ellyn was about to tell me something that will make me dread this situation.
"Perhaps...you wish I were dead...." Ellyn said softly, "So you can be with your sister."
"What are you saying?" I said, "That thought never crossed my mind!"
She stood up, "But..." She said, "It is the only way you and Princess Daella can be together, My Prince."
I stood up and grabbed her hand, "Listen to me, whatever happens, the two of us are already fated to be together." I said, "Fate wishes for us to be married, Lady Ellyn. I will not sit here and tolerate such grim words come out of your mouth! Please, calm yourself and stop thinking that way."
She looked at me with a slight smile, "I am glad you think that way."
I was going to say something when I saw someone approach.
"Oh, there you are, niece!" Ser Mace said as he walked towards us
Suddenly, I felt Ellyn's grip tighten on my hand, as if she was startled by his voice. I looked at her, her expression was briefly scared. She then immediately composed herself and cleared her throat, standing to my side as she looked at her uncle.
"Uncle...." She said softly
Ser Mace patted her shoulder, "You look quite beautiful." She said, "And you, Prince Vaelor, I heard you just came back from a flight. It must be nice, being a dragonrider."
I stared at him for a couple of seconds, scanning his expression intently. He noticed this quite easily and gave me a slight frown. I was trying to get something out of his expression, trying to dig in with just my stare, but I couldn't make anything out.
One thing is for sure: he's too comfortable. That didn't sit well with me.
I glanced at his hand, which was still on Ellyn's shoulder, "Nice hand."
He looked taken aback, "Hm?"
"It would be nice if you were able to keep it." I said seriously
He slowly moved the hand away, "W-What?" He said with a nervous chuckle, "My Prince, what are you-"
I took a step forward, "Niece or not, Lady Ellyn is not yours to touch freely." I said seriously, "Need I remind you who stands before you?"
He stepped away, "M-My apologies...." He said, his expression hardened, "I figured....."
"It is fine." I said grabbing Ellyn's hand and pulling her along with me, "If you excuse us, my betrothed and I have matters to discuss."
As we walked away, I glanced behind me to see him staring at us. There was a dark expression that briefly appeared on his face, one that bothered me greatly.
We turned the corner and walked towards the exit, "Where is your brother?" I asked Lady Ellyn, "Lord Garland?"
"H-He's at the training yard." She said
"Hm...." I stopped and looked to the side, seeing if the man was not near us, "I don't like him."
"I.....see....." She said
I was still holding her hand, "Hm...." I said as I looked at it, it was so small and fair, "Does he bother you?"
"Sometimes...." She said softly
"I felt it." I told her as I raised her hand, "You felt fear when he approached us. Why?"
"I....rather not speak about it...." She said, her voice was a whisper
I gently kissed her hand, "So long as you are with me, you have no need to feel that." I said, "Fear should be but an afterthought. If anyone dares harm you, I shall burn them alive with Shrykos's flames."
"And that is my promise to you."