#muse: Aemma

[behindtheireyes]

Aemma hates Hightower green with a passion and will actively go out of her way to avoid wearing it. All the color does is remind her that she will never be enough in the eyes of her mother and that she's nothing but a failure as a daughter.

[behindtheireyes]

Smoothing an imaginary wrinkle from the front of her deep blue gown Aemma studied the man her twin had become the past ten years. If she looked close enough she could see a hint of the boy he used to be and her heart broke for all the time that had been lost between them. "I'm happy that you're back but I can only imagine how overwhelming all of this is for you. If you'd like I could show you around until things start to seem familiar again?" Taking a step closer a small genuine smile graced her lips as she looked up at Aemond, "Or if that makes you uncomfortable I could find someone else to accompany you instead."

Her hand reached out almost instinctively to touch his arm but she quickly stopped herself, the easy affection she'd shown him has a child now completely inappropriate in their current situation. Moving to his side in case he chose to take her up on the offer though it also allowed him to leave without her if he wanted too. As used to rejection as the young girl was she expected nothing less than him to walk off alone.

"Mother is planning a dinner for the family tonight to celebrate your return before announcing the news to the small folk in a few days." Sighing softly as she remembered the argument among the family when Aemond was with the Maesters Aemma shook her head while she started walking towards the royal apartments, "Grandsire wants to throw a grand tournament to show that the family is stronger than ever but our sister and Uncle thought better of it." Thankfully since Rhaenyra had been crowned Otto's influence among the royal family had been slowly dwindling, a fact that the older man was having a hard time accepting. "Rhaenyra feels that the family should be allowed time to become whole again in private before the rest of the Seven Kingdoms become involved."

It was still hard for Aemond to believe that he was truly back home. That Daemon had found him and flown him home on Caraxes, the first time in a decade that he had been on a dragon. Even now, hours later it was surreal to him. Ten years he had been stuck in Lys, each passing day the hope of returning home and the fire that burned in him dying a little more. It had been hell in more ways than one. 

And yet, him finally seeing the Red Keep again had filled him with mixed emotions. He had been happy to be home, of course he had. But he had been terrified as well. Who knew how they’d react to him being back? His questions had been answered quickly. At least regarding two of his relatives. His mother Alicent had fussed over him, crying as she hugged him and mumbled about her ‘sweet boy being home’. Otto on the other hand had watched in silence before stating that he should see the Maesters, make sure he was truly alright.

They’d kept him hours as they’d gone over every little bit of skin, every scar that he had acquired since the day he’d been taken, every single mark. It’d been weird to have these old men looking at him like that, knowing they would report every single thing they found unusual or suspicious. 

Even now, standing there in that hallway with that dreadful sense of being lost, he could still feel their fingers on him, a sensation he was skillfully ignoring. In fact he was so fixated on not thinking of it, he’d only barely noticed the little sound behind him catching his attention. Turning to face the young woman, he tilted his head a little as he took in her appearance, his eye narrowing. Dark hair, purple eyes, … Her face was nothing like that that he remembered, but people changed a lot in ten years. He was hardly the little boy from then either. Long and lean, one purple eye, the one he’d lost now set with a sapphire, his hair long and braided. 

“I’m lost.” He admitted, sighing a little. “These halls are a maze to me now. I don’t even know how to get back to my own chambers, Aemma.” He spoke, shrugging lightly as he smiled a little awkwardly. “This place is home, and yet … it feels like I don’t know it at all.”

[wcrriorhearts]

[sigilsongs-a]

(``) muse tags. RHAENYRA

(``) rhaenyra targaryen . (tag)

[newervegas]

brain hurts but it’s finished !!!!!!!!

(also i sort of love meirion or modan or myrick over maxen but i also love the name maxen for the eldest of aemmas twinsies?? maybe I’ll do a poll about it bc i can’t decide to save my life izjzjzhz) filled in gaps and things and ill add the love interests for aem and emmys boys when i think of them but !!!!! eeeek! and now to do anres and lhysa and feanorians and the etc !!!!!! 🥀✨🥴 <3

[righteousmen]

hit the heart for a starter with Aemma

[all-that-is-gold-is-now-gone]

New Muse!

Aemma Arryn

The Queen who did her duty

Targaryen Queen

[bronzebtch]

everybody moved on, i stayed there right before the great council of 101 gave out their results

[percentstardust]

gatekeeping my male muses for now on.

[allourinsides]

Open Starter ~ Aemma Arryn!

"I've mourned all the dead children I can..."

[bergamotamusing]

com @lionesslyra

Eve Morey as Sonya Rebecchi & Rebekah Elmaloglou as Terese Willis NEIGHBOURS (1985 - ) Episode 7281 (2016)

[behindtheireyes]

You know these two talk shit about every one at court in high valyrian.

[writingsofwesteros]

Could you do a fic with viserys being like obsessed with his second wife after aemma and they have like dozens of kids pls?

AN: Hi, i hope you like it x

“Is the heir to the throne bothering you, Tyland?” Viserys whispered from his seat at the top of the table. The sight at the other end had amusement on many faces in the room as the little four year old climbed in the chair; already reaching for his favourite toy, which unfortunately for Tyland was the ball he was a little too attached with. “No..no, of course not, your grace.” The worried Lord whispered out as the young babe only reached for the ball again and this time was able to keep a hold of it. Viserys could only smile with complete warmth as his cup was filled. Rhaenyra smiled down at her father as she fought against the giggle that threatened to escape her at her brother’s antics.

Viserys’ gaze softened as he observed his children, the future of the realm, and he felt a rare moment of peace amidst the chaos of rulership. “Perhaps,” Viserys mused, his voice carrying the hint of a chuckle, “young Aegon is preparing for his future duties.” Aegon only clapped his hands at the words coming from his father. Tyland managed a nervous smile as he rested back into the chair; allowing the young Prince to keep his prize.

“My queen –.” The voice of a king’s guard moved into the room as the large, wooden doors fell open. Viserys’ smile widened completely as he slowly sat up straighter. The mere sight of his wife had happiness radiating from him. The red of his house hugged her curves as she gracefully stepped into the room. The Queen’s eyes scanned the room, pausing briefly on each familiar face, before settling on her husband. A soft, knowing smile played on her lips as she made her way towards the head of the table. The room seemed to light up with her arrival, in Viserys’ eyes that was as the murmurs of the Lords present quieted in respect.

“My love,” Viserys greeted her with a warmth that many had suspected would never reach his eyes again after the loss of his first wife. Still, it was clear to see as he rose to his feet. “You grace us with your presence.” She inclined her head slightly, her smile never wavering. “I could not resist joining my family this morning.” Aegon, momentarily distracted from his prized ball, looked up at his mother with a gleeful exclamation. “Mother!” Rhaenyra moved to greet her stepmother as well; her previous amusement giving way to genuine affection. It warmed Viserys’ heart once more to see such an interaction; he had worried about his daughter’s reaction to a new wife for her father.

Alas, there was no worry to be needed as his daughter enjoyed the presence of his Queen nearly as much as he did. She gently cupped Rhaenyra’s cheek and lent in to press a soft kiss to her cheek in greeting. “It seems I’ve missed some excitement already,” she remarked, subtly looking towards Tyland, who still looked somewhat flustered. Viserys chuckled. “Just a small lesson in patience for Lord Tyland.” The King looked back towards the struggling prince as he fought to stand. The queen could only giggle; her hand moving towards the small bump of hers that seemed to be growing each day before she gracefully stepped towards her young son. His hands reached out eagerly towards her.

She gently brushed Aegon’s cheek. “Good morning, my little sun,” she said softly, eyes full of warmth and love. Aegon giggled, clutching his ball tightly with one hand whilst the other found its way into his mother’s grasp. Viserys watched the tender exchange with his heart full. His eyes moving towards his wife’s bump to his children. Rhaenyra stood nearby; her smile warm as she observed the scene. Moments like these were her favourite as titles and responsibilities melted away. The Queen rose, lifting Aegon into her arms with practised ease. “I shall take this little one to his lessons now. I do believe you have had too much fun so early.”

Aegon pouted slightly but clung to his mother, understanding his playtime was over for the moment. “But mother…” He began, his protests trailing off as he saw the gentle but firm look in her eyes. Viserys chuckled softly. “Listen to your mother, Aegon. She knows what is best.” The King had made his way back to the seat whilst his eyes had never left her. The Queen ducked her head; a soft pink coming over her cheeks as she shifted Aegon more comfortably on her hip. Rhaenyra stepped forward, brushing a stray lock of hair from Aegon’s forehead. “I’ll come visit you soon.” The Princess promised much to the little boy’s delight. 

“You would like to see your brother and sister, hmm?” She whispered; pressing a kiss to Aegon’s head before looking over her shoulder once more as the doors to the council room fell shut. His small arms wrapped around her neck as he nodded with enthusiasm, his early reluctance now completely forgotten about.

~

“I love you,” Viserys whispered into her hair; their naked bodies glowing in the aftermath of love as the covers slowly fell from their bodies. She only nestled closer to him as a soft smile played on her lips. “I love you, my King,” she murmured back, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his chest. The intimacy of the moment wrapped around them. Viserys gently tilted her chin up, his eyes meeting hers with complete tenderness. “You give me the courage to face each day. Your love…your strength.” His words had her reaching to stroke his cheek as she gently shushed him. “You are stronger than you know.” The Queen whispered as she leaned in; brushing their noses together.

His hand gently reached for her soft bump; gently stroking whilst the Queen could only look down and smile. “I think we may have all the children we need, hmm?” She teased, which only caused the King to chuckle and shake his head. “No..not nearly enough.” He replied, his voice filled with affection. “Each one is a blessing.” 

His hand slowly moved between her thighs now, cupping her sweet, wet pussy. “And you seem to enjoy the process, hmm?” A smirk tugged on his lips as his thumb began to brush over her pretty, sensitive clit. The night was far from over as his desire only built.

[axelsagewrites]

Aegon x sister!reader (maybe the child of Aemma) where she puts him on his place once and for all

Aegon Targaryen*Truce

Pairing: aegon x sister!reader

Word count: 2359

Warnings: arranged marriage, feud, teasing, mocking, aegon having a drinking problem, viserys being a shitty dad, swearing, talks of whores, aegon hitting on reader, angst with slight fluff at points

Masterlist Here

You hated your husband. He was rude and arrogant and a drunk and lazy and loud and egotistical and if the rumours were to be believed a whore. Aegon Targaryen was one of the most infuriating people you had ever met so when Rhanerya told you, you were to be married you screamed.

“You can’t possibly think I will go along with this! I hate him!”

“I know,”

“You know last time I saw him he told me I was prettier than all the whores in Kings Landing combined,”

“I remember,”

“And another thing-“

“Sweet sister,” Rhanerya stood from her chair to take your arms and stopping the pacing that had began to wear holes in the carpet, “You knew you had to marry eventually,” she said with a sympathetic smile.

You ripped yourself from her grip, “but to him?” you almost spat back, “What is father even thinking?”

“He’s thinking about the succession,” she said, her face morphing from concern to sternness as she began her lecture. It was one you heard a thousand times about duty and work and the crown. Rhanerya had gave you the lecture, your father had gave you the lecture, your aunts and uncles and lady’s and lords had all gave you the lecture. Maybe your mother too would have if she hadn’t died when you were so young. Even the queen Alicent had tried to give you the lecture.

-

There was no winning this argument. The debate was settled and no one heard your case. As your dear sister pointed out you didn’t even have one. You had been staying with Rhanerya in Dragonstone for some time but now it was time to return to Kings Landing.

“Daughters!” Viserys greeted with a warm hug and smile as you descended off your dragons back. “My sweet daughter,” he said, holding your hands gently, “I hope you are as excited as I am,” you did your best to smile back at him, nodding courteously to avoid another scolding.

-

“Boo,” Aegon whispered in your ear as he suddenly appeared at your back. you hated the way you jumped and hated more the way he sniggered, “How was the journey my dear, sweet, darling?” he said, moving to stand in front of you and meet your eyes with a sickeningly sweet smile.

You fixed an equally exaggerated one on yours as you spoke, “Wonderful my love. There was just one slight issue,”

“Oh, and do tell,” he said, swaying in closer, bending his head down in mock concern, “Your comfort is my top priority,”

You glanced over the full throne room which was currently filled with your betrothal celebrations. You turned back to Aegon once you were assured there was no eavesdroppers, “I never fell into the sea and drowned like I prayed for,”

You weren’t sure what the look that took over Aegon’s face was. Lust, anger, bitter hatred or sadness. It was all a mix behind his lilac eyes, “You’ve always had quite the humour my sweet,” he smiled bitterly before turning to face the room, “Quite the turnout, don’t you think?”

“Funerals tend to be popular affairs,” you mused before waltzing off into the crowd, leaving a now stunned Aegon behind to pick up his own jaw.

Aemond had only been a couple paces away when you departed and he was quick to join his brother’s side, “Must you always be a bother?”

Aegon snorted at his younger brother, “Please you didn’t even hear what I said,”

“So? I know you,”

“And?”

“I know you’re an ass,” Aemond said as casually as saying the sky was blue, “Try not drive your wife away before you’ve even wedded her. especially if you want any chance of bedding her,”

Aegon snorted, his eyes catching the floor, “Who said I wanted that?” he tried to say cooly.

Aemond leaned in to whisper in his ear, “The way your eyes are locked on her ass when she walks away,”

-

Luckily, you’d managed to avoid Aegon for the majority of the wedding lead up. Between catching up with past friends and mingling with prestigious lords you had little time for the creature. That was until tonight.

Viserys had decided there should be a dinner with his brother, wife, and all his children. You dreaded the whole affair, thinking how torturous it would be. However, you didn’t realise you would be getting off lightly.

While distant Viserys had always been kind to you at the least. he sent gifts on birthdays and said sweet even if hollow words. To Rhanerya, your older sister, he dotted on and to daemon he made jokes and laughed like old friends. However even you grimaced at the way he spoke to his sons.

To Helena he was kind though looked confused by everything she said or did or was. He barely looked towards Aemond and when he did you saw the shame behind his eyes. Anytime his attention turned to Aegon the boy seemed to shrink.

You had been sat next to your betrothed and in this time noticed how quiet he was. You were only two years older than him and always remembered when you were in Kings Landing together how he ran through corridors shouting and screaming as a child. You remembered the loud boasts he’d shout over the hall when you returned when he was a teen. However right now he was as quiet as a mouse.

Anytime his father looked at him he shrunk further into his seat and reach for his wine. The few comments Viserys made towards his eldest son had been lack lustre and cold. When Rhanerya asked about his achievements he would make jokes about the time he dropped a sword during a pretend dule.

“I was eight fathers,” Aegon tried to defend himself but when Viserys made another jib he just finished the wine in his cup instead of argue.

As Viserys and daemon laughed loudly, telling a drunken story from their youth to each other despite both being there at the time, you turned to Aegon, “Are you okay?” you whispered, so quietly only he would hear.

His eyebrow raised slightly, mostly in shock you spoke to him willingly let alone to ask him a question. A forced smile pulled on his lips as he slightly raised his cup, “I am drunk,”

“That’s not what I asked,” you whispered back, glancing back at the laughing older men at the other end of the table, “I’m sorry,”

“Don’t be,” Aegon whispered, draining his cup for what felt like the fifth time, “It’s not your fault I’m a screw up,”

You wanted to defend him but as you opened your mouth you heard an ‘oohing’ from the bottom of the table, “The love birds are at it,” Daemon announced, nudging his brother’s side with his elbow. Cackles came from them both and sympathetic smiles from the rest of the table.

-

By the end of dinner, the king was slurring his words and everyone else was exhausted. Aegon stood from his chair, stumbling slightly and earning a heavy sigh from his mother. “Perhaps the prince could escort me to my chambers? After all this castle can be a maze at the best of times,” you suggested to the room.

Your eldest sister was shocked, but Alicent was quick to usher you both away. As soon as you exited the room Aegon went to stumble and fall and without thinking you reached out to steady him, “Careful!” you chastised.

Aegon ignored your pleas and instead slung his arm over your shoulder. You grabbed his hand that was dangling far to close to your breasts for comfort and pulled it away. Instead, you linked your arm with his, “Well that was torturous,” he slurred as you walked the halls.

“Is he always such an ass?” you asked as you reached some dreaded stairs.

“Nah,” Aegon said, shaking his head as he walked up stairs like a baby dear, “He stays away from me most of the time. First dinner I’ve had with him in what, four months? Maybe five actually. When was his name day again?” he asked.

“Nine months ago,” you said, and he clicked his fingers, nodding his head in affirmation before going quiet. “I’m sorry,” you said, breaking the silence.

 “Why?” he asked as you approached the corridor to his room, “You’ve never done anything wrong. Even as kids you were always perfect,”

“I was hardly perfect,” you laughed, remembering all the antics you were involved in, “You were just overly naughty,”

“Its more fun that way,” he winked, a smirk growing on his face as he lent in. you pushed him away, but this time laughed slightly as you did. “Hey this is my room!” he said as you approached the door, “I was to escort you to yours,” he tried to walk past you, but you easily pushed him back with one hand.

“I think I’ll manage,”

“You sure?”

“Positive,”

“Okay,” he yawned, pawing at the doorknob before finally opening it, “Unless of course you want to sleep here,” he added as he stood in the doorway.

“I think ill pass,” you said, screwing your nose up at him though finding the drunken smile on his face oddly endearing.

That was until he kept talking, “C’mon sweetheart. You’ll be joining me here soon enough,” he said as his eyes tried to trail your frame.

Instead, you stepped forward, shoving his chest making him sway back far enough for you to grab the door handle, “Goodnight Aegon,” you sighed before shutting the door behind him and walking back to your own chambers.

-

You somehow saw even less of Aegon after that night. It was odd though. You actually found yourself looking for him in crowded rooms. “Is your brother alright?” you asked Aemond one evening as you stumbled across him in the library.

He looked up with a light smirk on his face, “why? Don’t tell me you’re becoming fond of him,” he teased making you let out a heavy sigh.

“No, I just wanted to make sure my betrothed wasn’t dead in a ditch or collecting diseases at a brothel,”

Aemond laughed lightly at that, “No not this time. He’s been in his room mostly. Don’t know why though. He wont talk much. He gets like this sometimes. Don’t worry though it will pass,”

“I wasn’t worried,” you said before turning to leave.

“You haven’t even touched a book yet,” Aemond called after you, but you ignored his teasing to find Aegon.

-

When you arrived at his room you knocked quickly but when no one answered you did it again but louder. A few moments passed before you groaned and checked the door to find it unlocked. You opened it without hesitation, “Who’s there!” a startled voice came from the sheets.

Aegon struggled to sit up for a moment as you closed the door behind you and placed your hands on your hips, “It’s been a week,”

“Hello to you too,” he sighed, flinging himself back into bed when he realised it was you.

You groaned as you walked over to him, ripping the sheets off his body as he yelped. You were thankful he was at the least wearing a shirt and his small clothes. “Are you avoiding me?”

“Is everything about you?”

“Do you always have to be an ass?” you retorted.

Aegon sighed as he finally sat up in bed, “Why do you care? You don’t even like me,”

Against your better judgement you sat down on the edge of the bed, “Well it looks like there’s no escape for me, so I better try,”

“Oh great, a pity conversation,” Aegon rolled his eyes, “How romantic,”

You couldn’t help it anymore. It had all been building up. The tears were pricking your eyes. You felt your hand slap his cheek and watched his face fill with shock. “I am trying,” you said, standing up and pointing at him as a few spare tears trickled down your cheeks, “I never asked for this and neither did you, but I am trying. You can’t flirt with me and check me out and expect me to fawn over you. I’m not some common whore and even then, they’re paid to like that kind of crap,”

Aegon’s face had softened slightly during your rant, but he soon fixed a distant look on his face. “don’t act so innocent. the first thing you did when you arrived is tell me you’d rather kill yourself than marry me,” You felt your shoulders slump at his words. “You always hated me,”

“Then stop giving me reasons too,” you said and as he went to sigh you cut his defences off, “Stop checking me out when I talk to you and undress me with your eyes. Stop going to the silk streets and visiting brothels. Stop making bitchy comments about me and stop pretending everything’s fine when it’s not. And for the love of the gods do it sober,” you ranted however when you stopped the room fell silent.

Aegon eventually broke it as his voice cracked, “Then what? You’ll love me?”

“No,” you said plainly but you returned to sit beside him on the bed, “But then we could be friends. Or at the least try. I don’t want to hate you Aegon, but you drive me crazy,” a small smile went on his face at the last line, “You enjoy making me mad,”

“Sometimes,” he confessed, his smile growing, “It’s funny when you’re mad,”

“Then I must be hilarious,” you joked, “So do we have a truce?”

Aegon paused for a moment before putting his hand out for you to shake, “Truce,” he said as you accepted his handshake, “So what is it friends do?”

You tilted your head at him, almost out of pity, “I don’t know. We could talk?”

“You always get annoyed when we do that,” he said making you huff. A grin spread on his face, “See?”

You rolled your eyes at the blonde, “I hate you,”

His grin widened, “For once I don’t believe that”

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[behindtheireyes]

Aemma had spent most of the day in her work room restocking her supply of teas, salves, and other medicines that the Maesters needed. As much as most of her family disapproved of her "hobby" as they called it there was no arguing that she was incredibly good at it and the quality she was able to produce were leagues above anything the Maesters could.

As much as she enjoyed it though it it really was horrible on the shoulder and lower back so all she had on her mind was the scalding hot bath waiting for her. Rubbing the back of her neck as she walked Aemma barely avoided crashing into her twin, quickly taking in his soaked person and troubled expression she pulled the end of the apron she was wearing to wipe the rain off his face. "What happened?"

Open to: anyone in the red keep (set right after Storm's End.)

Aemond felt as if he were in a haze. He had somehow made it back home, but he could hardly recall how he'd done it. He had slid of Vhagar's back almost on autopilot and made his way through the halls of the Red Keep unseeing until he had quite literally bumped into someone.

Startled, he had backed off, needing a moment to realise who it was standing before him. Soaked to the bone, Aemond stared at them, his eye betraying just how shaken he felt as he stood here, dripping all over the floor. "H-" He swallowed, unable to finish his sentence, much less even form a word.

[draczrys]

I know Criston Cole is not who you usually write for and I know he’s not a fan favorite but could you write a Drabble or one shot of Criston Cole x Reader? I love Fabian Frankel and just wish to read something with one of his characters. Much love! 💕

brb just added him to my muse list bc mr fabian is yum & early s1 criston is bearable. and this trope!! my fave medieval theme ever. like wdym i’m not supposed to love a boy w big brown eyes

COURTLY LOVE. ❨ criston cole x reader ❩

the standing of a riverland lord's youngest daughter was nothing of note to the realm. little to inherit, a pitiful dowry, barely a suitor at the door. so, the seven must have blessed you the day queen aemma requested your presence at court. the princess was of age now, and in need of ladies in waiting of noble birth.

suddenly, the world was a different place. thrown into the deep end of the red keep, you had all the dresses you wished for and every suitor at court vying for your hand in marriage. no longer just an unknown lady, but a lady of the crown. still, there wasn't a single lord or son that caught your eye. not since you saw him.

"... ser criston cole!"

your breath had caught in your throat as the young knight shed his helmet and blinked up to the royal box, respects paid to the king before he looks to you.

"i would like to ask for your lady's favour, if she would be so kind," he spoke, voice smooth, eyes never leaving your own. if it weren't for rhaenyra's elbow in your side, you're sure you would have stared all day.

"best of luck, ser," comes your wishes, leaning over the wooden rail to drop your favour over his joust. you had spent a whole day on it, the princess on her's too, weaving daisies and lavender into a pretty ring. "i hope that you win."

"as do i," criston muses, smirking. "if it means speaking with you again, my lady."

a blush burns at your cheeks, hurrying to sit back down. you ignore rhaenyra's teasing and watch the knight mount his horse, readying himself for the competition. he knocks down lord after lord, knight after knight, even defeating prince daemon. the heat in your chest has your heart beating quicker, head somewhat hazy as you watch on in delight.

the chaos of a tourney day sweeps you up from your daydreaming, ushered behind the princess to dress her for the feast. though she speaks to you as you braid her hair, it's barely audible past the heavy thoughts of the knight in your ears. eventually, when rhaenyra is summoned to her mother, you find the time to catch your breath in an empty hallway. leaning against the cold stone, your eyes squeeze shut to urge any romantic ideas from your mind.

"my good luck charm."

the sudden voice startles you, turning quickly to ready yourself in defence. but there, only a few steps away, is your knight. for a moment, you think he's talking about you. noting your furrowed brows and slightly cocked head, he raises the favour you had gifted into view.

"ah," you breathe out, a smile growing on your lips. "i'm glad it was of use."

criston mirrors your smile, steps closing the space between you, his armour clinking as it still rests on his bones. his arm reaches out, offering the flowered ring back to you. "it is custom the knight returns the favour to the lady, if they have survived."

glancing at the branches and petals your hands had tirelessly woven, then back to the warm eyes that watch you so carefully, that strange feeling creeps back into your chest. you shake your head.

"keep it," you urge, cheeks rounding. "perhaps it will bring you luck again."

cole's brows raise, interest obviously piqued at your suggestion. his smile turns crooked, eyes sparkling with a life you'd only seen outside of the walls of the keep.

"and will you be present, again? in case it is you, and not the favour, that has blessed me." his tongue is playful and teasing, but his eyes hold a sincerity you daren't question.

"i cannot promise my presence to be so virtuous." you giggle breathily, eyes darting to the ground for a moment to spare yourself the dizziness that comes from his gaze. "and i should--"

"a kiss then."

the blunt but hopeful proposition snaps your eyes back to him, unsure of whether to be more shocked, offended or delighted. criston smirks, obviously enjoying your surprise. "as a precaution, of course."

stomach jumping with nerves, heart dancing with excitement, you watch his eyes carefully in an attempt to gauge whether he was taunting you or not. but no, still only genuine.

shuffling forward, close enough now, you slowly stretch upwards onto your tiptoes. eyes locked, your lips journeying closer to his cheek - slightly stubbled, but littered with freckles. they barely brush his skin before he turns his head, quicker than you can notice, replacing his cheek with his lips.

the surprise that overtakes you is quickly subdued by the sweet taste of his kiss. his lips soft, just relishing in yours. not desperate or rough as you had seen with older lords and ladies, but delicate and kind. he only parts when he feels you swoon a little in his arms, smiling against the aftertaste of the kiss. breathless, you look at each other, caught up in the warmth between you.

"my lady," criston murmurs, stepping back from your space when he hears the distant patter of feet. bowing at the waist, his eyes still linger on your own. "until next time."