[b]King's Landing[/b] (with [@MrDidact])


Baella led Lysara arm-in-arm through the Red Keep. Occasionally Lysara received a sideways glance or someone whispered as she passed by. All manner of rumors had been flying around the castle. The confusion of the scene at the pleasure barge had sprung wildly different tales of what had occured. Queen Daenerys had squashed the tales that Lysara had tried to harm Prince Jahaerys, so all manner and variety of stories of varying authenticity and sincerity were springing up. The most common rumor was that it had been an aborted suicide attempt due to the rumored tragic upbringing of the maiden in question. 

Baella held Lysara's hand as they walked across the grounds to Maegor's Holdfast, "Pay them no attention Lysa. They can't even decide on a single story to gossip on, and you're my handmaiden. They can't attack you over anything. Wait until the next big scandal from someone and they'll forget all about you. We just need to make sure nothing else happens. Your reputation can recover from this, we just need to talk to my brother." 

"My lady." Lysara sighed, as she kept her stride steady. She unconsciously touched the veil that hid the scar in her throat, forever reminder of her failure. "I blossomed among mercenaries. Some of these gossips are downright...amusing." She added, a tired smile beaming in Baella's direction. "I bet that half of them still are wrapping their mind on how I ended up talking with your brother despite being beneath their notice." 

Her hand trembled so slightly, as she showed a certain reluctance to follow."...yet, I have to thank you again for being my support. No one does this for a handmaiden." She whispered as she bit her lip and steadied the pace. Her other hand elegantely reached the door where the prince was, and... after hesitating for a moment, knocked on it.

Baella smiled, "Yes, many wonder how close you really are to the Targaryen family." She said so with a whimsical giggle, "Perhaps other ladies wouldn't do this for their handmaidens. But I do, especially for a friend. I'll let you and Jahaerys have some time alone. Well, relatively alone." Baella snuck a glance at the Kingsguard and Targaryen men-at-arms who had been following them. One of the White Cloaks walked away with Baella while another, Ser Wex, stayed at the door with the Targaryen guardsmen. 

Eventually the door opened, this by Corlys Velaryon who was serving as Jahaerys' squire. Corlys took one look at Lysara and tried his best to hide his apprehension. Considering he was a boy, he didn't do it very well. Corlys coughed and stood to the side, standing at attention and declaring, "Lysara of Lys, my prince!" 

Jahaerys appeared at the door, smiling at his young nephew and ruffling his silver hair, "Thank you Corlys. At ease. What brings you to my chambers Lysara?" The Prince's expression was one of subdued surprise. He opened the door all the way for Lysara and gestured for her to enter, "May I offer you a drink? Perhaps something to eat?" 

Lysara eyed the young boy with a bemused expression, before quickly switching to her mother tongue. <"Thank you, such a promising lad with the blood of the Old Feud. I wonder if he takes his Valyrian lessons to heart..."> She quickly uttered, as she eyed prince Jaeherys.

"A drink...would be risking too much. Specially after all what has transcended, my prince." She cast a side glance, biting her lip of guilt. "I've come to deliver... an apology." She stated, bluntly as she stood frozen, her fists clenching her dress.

Corlys, as trepaditious as he was, puffed up with pride, <"I do my lady, my cousin Jahaerys is teacher good">, Jahaerys chuckled and said, <"Evidently not as good as I could be Corlys. Now, run along, I bet Rhaenys is up to something as always. Lysara and myself must discuss some matters."> Corlys nodded with a smile, also favoring the beautiful Lysara with a shy smile before running off. 

Jahaerys said, "His egg will hatch soon. Someday, I believe he will be a fine dragonrider." Jahaerys smiled sadly, "You may be right there Lysara. Perhaps I could have done things differently, but there's no need to worry. I accept your apology. Baella told me a little of what you've been through, at least what you've told the others. Anyone who's been through so much... well, I can't really blame you for still being plauged by troubles. There is no bad blood between us, let it all be in the past. We're going to be around eachother for quite some time since my sister is keeping you on. Best that we get along, don't you think?" 

Lysara stood for a moment, silent, before offering a graceful bow. "Even so, I must apologize. My mind was too slow, and my arm was too quick. It should not have happened at all. I am gratefuly my skills were so sloppy with so much wine. Had I been sober..." She added, caressing her throat. "I'd not have missed." There was a somber hint of sadness. "I pressume that Baella told you about the real reason why I desired this place and a Targayen prince." Lysara finished her spiel.

Jahaerys absently fingered his throat, "Well then I am glad that you were drunk. But you're in a different place now, there's no need to be on alert. Not for attack at any rate. You'll get used to life here eventually." He regarded her silently for a moment, "I have my suspicions, but nothing definitive. What is your reason?" 

"I wanted to hatch the dragon egg that my brother protected with his life." Lysara said tersely, as she eyed the prince in the eye. "When you see your sweet older brother, whom the life had given nothing but disappointment, starting with being crippled from the waist down, chasing a dream that cost his life and entrusting you to follow." Lysara averted her gaze. "There's not much one can do. I really appreciated him, even more than Seran. Seran was never home."  Her eyes seemed lost in thought, as she gazed through the window. "But this doesn't mean I'd cast whomever I choose as a rag. Marriages are contracts and thus they would be upheld." She finished bitterly.

"It matters not now, your mother has ensured my loyalty. Not the perfect solution but I get to live free of that ghost." She chirped back, as her hands let go of her dress. "Even if she will get the dragon in the end." 

Jahaerys absorbed the news in thoughtful silence, "I am sorry Lysara. I don't know how you must feel, but I am sorry." He leaned in to place a comforting hand on Lysara's shoulder, thought better of it, and said, "My mother likely wasn't going to allow anyone untied to our family to have a dragon.... and reawakening the stone eggs must often be paid with a steep price according to the legends. I do not know if you'd have been willing to pay such a price. But, your brother's dream will likely come to fruition at some point, though it might take a long time. In any case, I know my brother Rhaegar fancies you. He is a young, headstrong, even foolhardy boy. But he is honorable, kind, loyal. He would be a good husband. The chances of my mother and father allowing it however... I don't know. The future is uncertain." 

Jahaerys poured himself some wine and drank, "But today, I welcome your apology and hope this can be a new start to a friendship. You are still young and beautiful, dragon prince or no I am sure you will find a worthy man to marry." His eyes lingered on her for a moment longer before he looked away, "Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?" 

"Well, no. As much as I enjoy the company, my prince. I owed you an apology." Lysara made a small curtsy. "I am no fool, though. That day may never come. I know the true face of the world. I learned in Lys, what is known as city of love, is no love at all. Just thinly veiled craven desires. Surely you know, despite being highborn. We're lucky to survive." She added as afterthought, as Jaeherys tried to cheer her up with the prospective of marriage.  "You probably won't find that many good people. Not now. Not ever." 

Jahaerys nodded, "Indeed, I am not naive. The world is built on much evil. But I am lucky to have so many good men and good women in my life. My father, my brothers, my uncles, my aunts, my sisters. My friends. They make a man almost feel ashamed for being so normal in contrast. But maybe someday I can measure up. And I believe though your life has been plagued by darkness, you can be good as well." He met her eyes then, was drawn into their mystery; her sapphire eyes like the sea, contrasting with his stormy grey eyes. 

The young prince said, "I know my Aunt has recruited you. She sees potential in you as an agent. Perhaps you can help us with something. I believe something is afoot at court. You doubtless heard of Jonquil Celtigar claiming to carry my brother's child. I want to get to the truth of the matter, and I think you can help me. We need to find out what is really going on here, for it could be part of some larger conspiracy. Will you help?" 

Lysara's eyes avoided Jahaerys when he was mentioning about good. No, she couldn't walk that path anymore. She still remembered the bloated face of her own father, trying to gasp for air as the Strangler took away what was left of his life. "A bastardry claim. Uh." She said bemused. "Well, it takes someone of bastard Targayen blood to oust another. I shall help." She chirped, forcefully trying to find focus in the situation.

"Just so you know prince. I learned the two arts of Lys. Not only the one that the city is publically known for." Lysara whispered as afterthought. "And I am also skilled in healing and midwifery, should the worst come to happen. But don't let Baella find about this. She'll probably be ... aghast."

Jahaerys ignored the implication of bastardy and said, "Well in this city those Lysene skills may come in handy. Though I would say that we should take great pains not to poison anyone, this is just a scheme for now, no need to make murder a part of it. That would only cause things to get even more chaotic. But seduction... now that is a skill needed in this city. And we need someone to talk to members of both the Faith and House Celtigar and who knows how many others. It'll be just you, me, and a few trusted friends investigating this. My Aunts would not want to place me in danger and they likely don't trust you enough yet, but we must act. Baella will be in the dark as well, don't worry." 

Jahaerys continued, "This city is filled with perverted men. I see them look at my sisters. Someone who looks like you... would be very attractive indeed. You won't need to actually do anything. But some sweet words, a whisper in their ear, flirtation. You can get lots of information that way from priests and lords alike." 

The prince came closer to her, "I won't lie to you, this may become dangerous. It certainly will involve us squaring off with rich, influential people. But we need to trust each other and rely on each other. Do this and I will be in your debt, I will look out for you here at court. While your brother fights across the sea, we will be fighting here." 

"Are you sure you still want to be involved?" 

"Hm." Lysara stood pensive, a hand in her chin. "I would feel at ease if I wasn't restrained by your mother and the guards, so I could bare my fangs better should I need it." The Lyseni bluntly stated. "To be fair, if brother was here, he could help too. I taught him a couple of tricks regarding this matter, like a good dog." She smirked. "Still, prince, I think I will do it. Horny mercenaries, Horny lords... hardly any difference, if you ask me. Also, if they're lusting after lady Baella, well... I am fairly attached to her aswell." She finally confessed.

Jahaerys smirked, "Well we can't always have what we want, but we will work with what we have on hand. And my resources here in King's Landing are not inconsiderable. We wil be fine." He arched an eyebrow at the confession, "Baella inspires devotion in many. Is this attachment one of friendship, or something more?" 

"She has gone to great lengths to preserve me as a friend even though she wins so little." Lysara added. "She deserves to be spared of the ugly side of the world, if I can help it." Lysara confessed. "And...she's too young for that which you might be implying." Lysara smirked back.

"My mother was younger when she married Khal Drogo, this world is often cruel to young girls." Jahaerys finished his wine, "I can have our compatriots begin. I will start working on things at my end, and I advise that you start with the Faith. Ingratiate yourselves with the Septons and other clergymen. Find out more about Jonquil's tenure as a Septa and why the High Septon has taken such an interest in this. One of our friends will meet with you." 

Jahaerys took out a inkwell and quill, and began composing a letter, "I will need to begin making inquiries." He paused to open the door, putting a smile on his face and a laughing edge to his voice, "Thank you for the visit Lysara, I am sure we will be seeing eachother soon. Good day." 

"And to you, my prince." Lysara said, as she offered a generous curtsy. "Valar Dohaeris." She whispered back, as she took her leave.