Fantasy Aedighar [closed]

[scoorpiuuss]

Trevas was rather amused by the whole situation as he stood there watching Lady Carlys. It didn’t really matter to him what they thought of him. He had a good chance at slipping out of the mess without a scratch on his face, and he couldn’t care less if the Southerners would still hate him after Katlyn was proven to be the guilty one. They had nothing to offer to him in the battles ahead.

Still he tried his best to stay polite. There was no need for being hostile towards his guests. Soon they would see who the murderer of Timos was and it wouldn’t be him.

“Your Grace, we have more important things to worry about than comfort. We have come here to seek justice for my son.”

It didn’t bother him that Carlys had more important things to worry about. Trevas would have happily offered them whatever it would be of their fine selection of expensive delights or let them roam around in the gardens for hours, but if they wanted to brood in their bedchambers for their whole visit, then Trevas wouldn’t bother them.

"I understand. I hope we can settle this and find out the truth about these accusations. I am still deeply sorry for your loss Lady Carlys, and I hope you don't think otherwise."

“Of course. I hope you never suffer the loss of a child. It’s the sort of pain I couldn’t even describe to you,” Lady Carlys paused, “You must excuse me, I’m rather confused as to why you’re here, not locked away somewhere. I believe I made it very clear towards whom I was making accusations of.”

Trevas kept the same expression he’d had once she had arrived even though she was clearly accusing him in front of his own guards before the trial had even started. It had been okay when she had sent that letter, but now there was a slight struggle as it was quite a big thing to accuse him of such a thing though he was guilty. Nobody knew though, and for now everyone thought it was just accusations.

It could be seen as treason and Trevas would have gladly cut off all their heads as well, but it would be enough for him to see Katlyn suffer.

"You must understand that I am just as shocked as you are by these accusations. I am happy to prove my innocence to you Lady Carlys, but if you believe otherwise I suggest waiting until the trial starts to make any remarks."

“Forgive me my words, Your Grace,” Lady Carlys said, “I’m sure the truth will show in the coming days."

“I’m sure of it too. I think we can finally rest and sleep easier at night once we find out about the truth behind these accusations. I must say your strength to find justice for Timos is admirable, even if some might see it as an act of treason,” Trevas smiled.

"A mother would do anything for her children. You yourself are the father to two beautiful daughters. I'm sure you understand that parents would go to great lengths to protect their children."

There were a lot of things he would have done for his daughters. If any harm would ever come to them, he would be furious, and he wanted to protect them, especially now with the news of what was happening with the Northerners. Though he imagined losing their mother would bring them nothing but grief he would try his best to ease their pain, even if he had no idea how to do that.

“Of course. Why don’t we go inside? Maybe we could talk over some wine and your daughter could be escorted to the room she will be staying in,” Trevas offered.

"Good. The journey to Wheldrake has been tiring, I could use some wine."

Trevas’ gaze lingered of Carlys as she turned towards her guard. He didn’t care for the words that were being exchanged between them. All he knew that he would take Lady Carlys with him and talk with her. Some way he would have to make her understand that he had nothing to do with Timos’ death, but he figured it was for the better if they stayed off that topic.

Instead they could politely talk to each other and keep pretending that there wouldn’t be a huge trial tomorrow which would lead to someone losing their head.

“I’m sorry my wife and daughters aren’t here to greet you. I’m afraid they are quite shaken by these accusations,” Trevas said as he began walking, glancing down at the Lady beside him.

"Oh, I'm sure they are. We women aren't used to being in the middle of such things, after all."

When it came to his family, they were not capable of being involved in such politics and dealing with accusations and trials. Trevas hoped that wasn’t true for all women. Lady Carlys seemed to handle it well, but he couldn’t say the same for his own family. He still found them quite useless. Elaria was still not with child, but at least Ashara was will acting like a Princess. Trevas had nothing good to say about Katlyn though.

“I’m sure my daughters would have loved to see you again, but I think it’s for the better that they stay out of this. We can handle this on our own during this trial, can’t we?”

Most of all he didn’t want his daughters to be present at the trial because of what would happen to their mother, but he suspected they would be hiding around the corner listening and trying to get glimpses of what was happening. Trevas wanted to spare their minds though. He could imagine it would be quite horrible to see their own mother being accused of murder. Mostly he was worried about Elaria, but he had told her to stay in her room and care for Justan while the Hastwycks were in the castle.

 

[desti]

“I’m sure of it too. I think we can finally rest and sleep easier at night once we find out about the truth behind these accusations. I must say your strength to find justice for Timos is admirable, even if some might see it as an act of treason.”

Carlys didn’t like his words and she liked his smile even less. There was something terribly off about this and she had a nagging feeling that this wouldn’t go as planned. Still, Carlys tried to not let that show on her face as her eyes kept on watching the King. There was no need to anger him, and yet she felt as though every one of her words was mean to provoke him.

"A mother would do anything for her children. You yourself are the father to two beautiful daughters. I'm sure you understand that parents would go to great lengths to protect their children."

Was killing Timos a way for the King to protect Elaria? Perhaps, considering that the West had much more to give than the South could ever. Especially in times like these. At the same time, Carlys had heard about the grief that Elaria was going through. It could’ve been lies told to her, but if they weren’t then she was appalled how a parent could cause their own children so much pain. It was disgusting.

“Of course. Why don’t we go inside? Maybe we could talk over some wine and your daughter could be escorted to the room she will be staying in.”

The Wynvers had already once proven that guest right meant nothing to them. It might be foolish of Carlys to accept his offer, and even more stupid to go alone with him. At the same time, King Trevas did not frighten her. If she was to die in Wheldrake today, then so be it, but Carlys felt as though this wasn’t the end.

"Good. The journey to Wheldrake has been tiring, I could use some wine."

Carlys turned around and smiled at Leanah briefly before turning to Sir Arthor. The man didn’t exactly seem to be thrilled about the idea of Carlys going away with the King, but his opinion in this didn’t quite matter. Arthor wasn’t here because of that. “Sir Arthor, I won’t need you now. Please make sure my daughter is safe. Thank you.”

It seemed as though Sir Arthor was about to say something, but Carlys turned around before he could utter a word to her. Taking her sworn shield with her seemed unnecessary and she was more worried about her daughter’s safety than her own.

“I’m sorry my wife and daughters aren’t here to greet you. I’m afraid they are quite shaken by these accusations,” King Trevas said as they began walking.

"Oh, I'm sure they are. We women aren't used to being in the middle of such things, after all."

“I’m sure my daughters would have loved to see you again, but I think it’s for the better that they stay out of this. We can handle this on our own during this trial, can’t we?”

Carlys thought about Trevas’ daughters. She had spoken to the youngest, Ashara, maybe a handful of times and her impression of her was pleasant, but at the same time she seemed unbearable. It was hard to explain. Her words were just as kind as Trevas’ and she was just as beautiful as her mother, but Carlys didn’t quite like her all too much.

Elaria, on the other hand, was a joy to be around. Though Carlys had been wary of her at first, she too fell under her spell the more time they spent together. She had truly looked forwards to having her in the family, because Elaria seemed like a truly kind person. Strange, considering how vile both of her parents were, but perhaps that was the Hastwyck blood in Trevas. That seemed like the only plausible option for Carlys.

Really, she had wanted to see Elaria at least once during this whole trip. Elaria truly was the only bearable Wynver in existence. Perhaps they could talk about Timos, Carlys thought that that’d be nice. Trevas could say whatever he’d like to, but if Carlys would see Elaria during their stay, she would surely walk up to the girl.

“A shame. I would’ve loved to talk to Elaria again. She’s a sweet girl,” Carlys smiled, biting her tongue so that she wouldn’t add a poisonous remark to that, “how is she?”

Nobody had invited the Hastwycks to the wedding. It was obvious why that decision was made. If they would’ve showed up, that’d be terribly awkward for everyone involved.

"She's well. I think she misses Timos just as much as you Lady Carlys."

“In that case, her marriage to Lord Baldor’s son must be rather awkward,” she said quietly as she glanced up at the King.

Admittedly, Carlys didn't know much about Justan Bryne. Even after his marriage to Elaria, there wasn't much talk about him. That had surprised Carlys initially, but perhaps it was because Justan didn't quite have the personality, unlike Timos. It seemed awfully cruel for Elaria's parents to marry her off to Justan so soon after her true husband's passing. Carlys didn't doubt that their marriage wasn't exactly the happiest in Aedighar.

"Love isn't always easy. I'm sure it can be awkward and strange, but I trust that Elaria will learn to love him."

“One day, perhaps,” Carlys said, shrugging, “or perhaps not. Though I do hope for the former. They are going to be King and Queen one day, it’d make them more likeable to the public if there’d be love between them.”

 

[scoorpiuuss]

“A shame. I would’ve loved to talk to Elaria again. She’s a sweet girl. How is she?"

Out of his two daughters, Elaria was the sweet one. She had always been so kind and caring towards the people around her. The love she’d had for Timos Hastwyck had been so clear for everyone to see. Trevas wanted the best for her and he had to think about politics and what would strengthen them as a family. Love was something Elaria and Justan would have to learn to do, even if it would take them a long time.

Trevas imagined that once they would have their first child it would be easier. Then they had someone to love and bring them closer. Timos Hastwyck hadn’t been fit for being King in his eyes though, and since the Southerners meant nothing to him it had been rather easy to decide to murder him.

It was for the better, even if that meant Lady Carlys would be coming for him with her claws out.

When Trevas had spoken to Elaria that day it seemed it had brought her some joy that her father was finally spending a little time with her without speaking about marriage or children. Though he knew Elaria wasn’t fond of Justan Bryne they would soon enough work that out. They had to.

"She's well. I think she misses Timos just as much as you Lady Carlys."

“In that case, her marriage to Lord Baldor’s son must be rather awkward.”

Trevas tried to hold back a scoff at Lady Carlys’ words. When wasn’t marriage awkward? Often it would be just that because most of the time they happened purely out of political reasons. Trevas couldn’t remember hearing anyone ever say they married for love. Maybe a few lucky ones.

Either way, remarrying was maybe more awkward, but Trevas couldn’t just leave Elaria unmarried either. He had rushed her to marry Justan, but that had also been for the better. The quicker they got an heir the safer they would be. Their claim to the throne would be secured that way.

"Love isn't always easy. I'm sure it can be awkward and strange, but I trust that Elaria will learn to love him."

“One day, perhaps, or perhaps not. Though I do hope for the former. They are going to be King and Queen one day, it’d make them more likeable to the public if there’d be love between them.”

“How long did it take you to learn to love when you married?”

"Lord Benam and I shared a connection from the start. Only after a few years did it truly become love, but we cared for each other from the first day. Was it the same for you and your wife?"

“I must admit I was quite taken by Katlyn’s beauty once I first saw her. I am unsure of how long it took for me to realize that I truly loved her though. It can take a long time for some, while for others they have to take their time to find their love for each other. I’m sure you worry about Elaria, but I assure you there’s nothing to worry about.”

The last thing he needed was to hear it all over again from another woman how Elaria was doing. His daughter would be fine and well, and Trevas would remember to make sure that both she and Ashara would be cared for after the trial. If that meant he had to try until he became uncomfortable to comfort them, then he would do that. Just because he did actually care for them.

"I'll trust your judgement. I only want the best for Aedighar's future, is all."

“Don’t we all?”

"I hope so. It's our duty to raise and treat our children right so that they can be good rulers."

“I agree.”

Trevas lead Carlys through the castle hallways. Wine would be a great think for him to sip on to ease his mind so this conversation with Carlys would go by a lot smoother. Even if his attempt to try to make her feel more comfortable in Wheldrake would be a failed one it wouldn’t matter as Carlys’ word against all his men would mean nothing during the trial.

They reached his bedchamber and Trevas walked over to the table where he grabbed the pitcher of wine. He filled two cups and took his own as he went to sit down in his chair.

"A marriage didn't quite work out between our houses. Perhaps a friendship would suit us better? Elaria will be Queen one day, Leanah will be the Lady of Santrella... after this unfortunate trial is over, perhaps our daughters will help heal the wounds we've suffered."

“I think our daughters will do Aedighar good. A friendship suits us better. I don’t want there to be anything bad between us. That you must understand Lady Carlys. Once this trial is over I hope we can put all of this behind us.”

Never would Trevas consider the Southerners his friends. After these accusations, he wasn’t sure how things would work out between them. Trevas didn’t know if he could truly trust Lady Carlys, and he had never actually trusted that Hastwycks. His mother hadn’t been fond of them either. There was just something about them that made him extremely frustrated.

Trevas wondered what her reaction would be once she was Katlyn being executed for the crimes and not him. Would she keep accusing him? If she did then Trevas wouldn’t hesitate to lock her away for treason.

 

[desti]

“How long did it take you to learn to love when you married?”

Carlys thought about herself and her Lord husband. It seemed so many years ago when they had first met and married. Too soon was Benam taken away from her, and Carlys still mourned his loss. She dearly missed her husband, which was the reason she never even considered remarrying, which upset a fair amount of people. Carlys didn’t care about the opinion of others, though, she loved Benam to this day and she hoped to see him again once the time came.

"Lord Benam and I shared a connection from the start. Only after a few years did it truly become love, but we cared for each other from the first day. Was it the same for you and your wife?"

Though Carlys hadn’t witnessed it with her own eyes, she’d heard that the Royal wedding had been grand. But what else was to be expected of two of the richest Houses of Aedighar? They wouldn’t settle for anything less than great. Carlys had heard a lot about the beautiful new Queen that the young King Trevas wed that day, and she had initially been excited about the new times that promised for Aedighar. Over the years, that excitement was lost as she came to find out what kind of people they truly were.

“I must admit I was quite taken by Katlyn’s beauty once I first saw her. I am unsure of how long it took for me to realize that I truly loved her though. It can take a long time for some, while for others they have to take their time to find their love for each other. I’m sure you worry about Elaria, but I assure you there’s nothing to worry about.”

"I'll trust your judgement. I only want the best for Aedighar's future, is all."

“Don’t we all?”

"I hope so. It's our duty to raise and treat our children right so that they can be good rulers."

Carlys hoped that she herself was true to those words. She wanted to say that she’d done a good job raising her children. It hadn’t been easy - Benam had died so early on, Carlys was burdened with the duties of ruling over the South and being the sole parent of their children. There were nights when she wondered if this all was worth it, but then she’d see the smiles of Timos and Leanah and she remembered why she worked so hard. Anything in this world was worth it for them.

Though Timos was her heir, Carlys had loved both of her children equally. She tried to be a good mother to them, harsh but loving, so that they’d be prepared for the roles they’d have to play later on in life. Both of her children had grown up to be wonderful adults, and she was proud of them. Though Carlys felt as though she had failed as a mother for not protecting Timos.

“I agree.”

Carlys hoped that that was true and that Elaria would turn out to be a better ruler than her mother and father. Though, perhaps Justan would have more power than her in the end. Carlys figured that King Trevas might not like that very much.

Their journey through the castle came to an end in his bedchamber, where Carlys sat down with a cup of wine in her hand. She didn’t dare to take a sip of it before she’d see King Trevas drink his cup. Carlys didn’t fear death, yet she didn’t want to leave this world so soon. There was still so much she had to do. Therefore, she watched him carefully, knowing that Wynvers weren’t to be trusted.

"A marriage didn't quite work out between our houses. Perhaps a friendship would suit us better? Elaria will be Queen one day, Leanah will be the Lady of Santrella... after this unfortunate trial is over, perhaps our daughters will help heal the wounds we've suffered."

Once Elaria’s parents would be dealt with, Carlys didn’t feel bad about reuniting their houses once more. It was just a shame that it would come to this and that their initial plan didn’t work out. She would’ve much preferred Timos on the throne, but this would just have to do. Leanah and Elaria were sweet girls, they’d find friendship between each other and Houses Hastwyck and Wynver would come together through alliance. Perhaps Leanah’s children would marry Elaria’s, and Carlys would finally get what she so desperately wanted.

“I think our daughters will do Aedighar good. A friendship suits us better. I don’t want there to be anything bad between us. That you must understand Lady Carlys. Once this trial is over I hope we can put all of this behind us.”

King Trevas spoke as though he expected to get out of this without a scar on his skin. It made Carlys confused and worried, but she tried not to think about it. The situation was already starting to turn out rather unexpected, and Carlys was afraid to find out why that was so. All she knew now that every step she made, every word she said would have to be carefully thought out. Carlys was rather fond of life, and didn’t want to end with her head cut off in front of the people of Wheldrake.

“Of course. All I want is peace between the kingdoms, as I’m sure most of us do. Conflict is so tiring, after all.”

"My days usually consist of solving conflicts. You get used to it, though it is very exhausting."

“You do, that’s true. When I first took over ruling Santrella, it was horrible. When it wasn’t frustrating, it was terribly boring. It’s either one or the other. As you said, though, you do get used to it over the years.”

Carlys was the only woman ruling a Great House, therefore there was an even heavier weight on her shoulders. There was no doubt in her mind that men looked down at her and thought that she couldn’t rule as well as they could. That wasn’t true, though, and Carlys was proud about everything she had done for Santrella and the South. She had made some mistakes along the way, that was true, but overall the South was prospering under her rule, and Carlys was sure that it would only continue to do so under her daughter.

"How are you doing down there in Santrella?"

That was almost hard to answer. It was the same old most of all, except the fighting pits were still causing trouble. Carlys never doubted her decision about shutting them down, but, frankly, the reaction from some of the Southerners was shocking to her. Needless to say, the intruder sneaking into the castle was still fresh in her mind as well. Still, Carlys carried on with her plans and soon enough the people would find that it was the right decision.

“You might have heard that I’m shutting down the fighting pits. The fighters themselves and their masters aren’t quite happy about my decision, but it has to be done whether or not they’re pleased with it. It’s simply barbaric,” Carlys shrugged, “honestly, I’m surprised that they weren’t shut down earlier.”

 

[scoorpiuuss]

Had Trevas wanted to kill Lady Carlys he wouldn’t have given her the same death as he had given Timos, and he couldn’t have done it just now. Therefore the wine they drank was purely just that, wine. If he had wanted to kill her like that he would have needed to plan it more in depth. Either way killing the Lady of Santrella didn’t sound like such a good idea. People would notice straight away.

Especially now when her daughter and men were in Wheldrake.

All Trevas wanted was to drink some wine with her and talk. If it helped her get more comfortable around him, that would be for the better, but no matter what Lady Carlys thought about him after it, he would be happy that he at least got her there in the first place. Then Trevas could pretend he was very interested in everything she had to say, and she could do the same to him.

It was something else to have Lady Carlys sit there with him since he actually managed to pretend and tolerate her compared to his own wife. Still he wasn’t fond of Carlys or her people.

“Of course. All I want is peace between the kingdoms, as I’m sure most of us do. Conflict is so tiring, after all.”

"My days usually consist of solving conflicts. You get used to it, though it is very exhausting."

“You do, that’s true. When I first took over ruling Santrella, it was horrible. When it wasn’t frustrating, it was terribly boring. It’s either one or the other. As you said, though, you do get used to it over the years.”

For once Trevas could genuinely agree with Lady Carlys on one thing. That their duties were frustrating, and when they weren’t, they would be boring. Trevas liked being King though it would often make him frustrated or furious about some things. If there were quiet days, he would be so bored trying to find something for him to do. What the most exhausting part was though was handling the people. Their level of stupidity would sometimes amaze Trevas, but then having to deal with them was a whole other story.

"How are you doing down there in Santrella?" Trevas asked as he took a deep sip of his wine.

“You might have heard that I’m shutting down the fighting pits. The fighters themselves and their masters aren’t quite happy about my decision, but it has to be done whether or not they’re pleased with it. It’s simply barbaric. Honestly, I’m surprised that they weren’t shut down earlier.

Trevas raised a brow at what she was saying. Fighting pits weren’t something he was used to dealing with. He knew Southerners enjoyed them, or at least some of them did, but he had no opinion about the whole matter whether it was a bad thing or a good thing. Either way, it was interesting to hear about though he didn’t care. It was polite chatter. Trevas could ask her every question he knew off and still not be interested.

“I can imagine your people may be quite attached to them, which in return can be very frustrating to handle when you believe something is right. Is it difficult dealing with people who don’t agree with you?”

It was a simple question since Trevas often had to deal with a lot of people who didn’t agree with him. He knew what some people said about him, but maybe they weren’t used to dealing with such people. A few lucky ones could experience everyone agreeing with them, but that was rarely the case for Trevas. He often had strong opinions about everything and nothing.

"Difficult? I'd say it's more annoying than anything. It's just frustrating to deal with people that don't see that you're just doing what's best for them."

That was how Trevas felt about his own family sometimes. That they didn’t see that he was only trying to do what was best for them, but Katlyn hadn’t held back that night by telling him how he was hurting them and not helping.

“I agree. We might have more in common than you think Lady Carlys,” Trevas smiled.

"Oh? I'm failing to see the similarities."

“I also find it very frustrating when people fail to see that I’m only trying to do what is best for them. I have a lot on my plate, and I imagine you do too."

Trevas could imagine that Lady Carlys didn’t see him as a man who tried to do what was best. He knew he was a man who could go to extreme lengths to get what he wanted. After all, he had murdered her son only to get what was best for his daughter and his family. A stronger alliance with the Westerners. It would have been a real shame if he truly cared about the Southerners, but at least he could pretend it was a shame that Timos had to die so Trevas could get what he wanted.

"Of course. My days are terribly long and the nights aren't much better. It isn't as easy to rule as people might think. In the eyes of the people we're often just rich bastards that complain too much."

“Exactly, and also, I understand your concern for Timos and his tragic passing. I understand that you want to accuse me, but you have to believe me when I tell you that I was just as shocked as you at these accusations. Perhaps that is difficult for you to believe as people tend to say terrible things about me, but I'm on your side Carlys."

Bringing up Timos again was maybe not the best choice, but he wanted Lady Carlys to understand or at least attempt to make her believe that Trevas had nothing to do with Timos’ death.

 

[desti]

The whole situation was absurd to Carlys. Here she was, sipping wine and talking pleasantly to the man she was sure murdered her son. Carlys should’ve never agreed and yet she found herself here, acting as though she didn’t hate the King with her whole body. He was pathetic and disgusting, and still she had a smile on her face as she kept up the act. Carlys guessed that it was the same for him as well.

“I can imagine your people may be quite attached to them, which in return can be very frustrating to handle when you believe something is right. Is it difficult dealing with people who don’t agree with you?”

"Difficult? I'd say it's more annoying than anything. It's just frustrating to deal with people that don't see that you're just doing what's best for them."

Carlys found herself in this position much too often. Sometimes people didn’t realize that some would have to get hurt for the greater good. Some didn’t even care about the valid reasons why she made the decisions she did, because they simply couldn’t look past the fact that she was a woman. Being a ruler was frustrating, being a woman in charge was even worse.

“I agree. We might have more in common than you think Lady Carlys,” the King smiled.

It was hard to not scoff at that. Carlys wanted not to admit it, but at the same time all rulers were the same by default. Even if they wished to not accept it, every one of them was the same, because you had to have a certain kind of blood to rule successfully, otherwise you’d perish.

"Oh? I'm failing to see the similarities."

“I also find it very frustrating when people fail to see that I’m only trying to do what is best for them. I have a lot on my plate, and I imagine you do too."

"Of course. My days are terribly long and the nights aren't much better. It isn't as easy to rule as people might think. In the eyes of the people we're often just rich bastards that complain too much."

Carlys often wanted to just leave and never return, but she had to continue for the sake of Leanah. She wanted a good future for her daughter, and now she was trying her best to secure it. That could only be achieved if Carlys stood her ground and ruled the South as good as she possibly could.

Commonfolk would never understand the problems rulers went through. Those people had different things to worry about - food and water, and not catching illnesses - and all they saw when they looked at them were ungrateful people that didn’t appreciate the wealth and the luxury they lived in. None of them thought about the work they went through during their days, how even at nights they would sometimes get woken up to attend meetings. They wouldn’t understand, because all they saw was the gold that was involved in all of this, though it was really just a small part of their real lives.

“Exactly, and also, I understand your concern for Timos and his tragic passing. I understand that you want to accuse me, but you have to believe me when I tell you that I was just as shocked as you at these accusations. Perhaps that is difficult for you to believe as people tend to say terrible things about me, but I'm on your side Carlys."

Carlys toyed with her cup as he spoke, stroking the engravings on it gently with her finger. Every word he said was a lie and yet she didn’t correct him once. She was playing his game and Carlys knew that she’d lose. He was too confident. That wasn’t good at all. Carlys felt anger bubble up inside her as her plan seemed to slip through her fingers, but she kept herself calm for now.

“Yet another thing we have in common, it seems,” she said slowly, as though the words brought her great pain, “no matter how much good I do, people never seem to stop talking horrid things about me. Lies and rumours - another plague we rulers have to live with.”

Perhaps the difference was that King Trevas deserved every bad word that was said about him. He truly was an insufferable prick, really, and Carlys couldn’t wait for the day when news of his death would spread across the lands. She hoped that would happen sooner rather than later, but either way she’d be happy to learn of his passing.

"Yes it is. Such a shame really. You'd think we deserve better for having to keep up with everything."

“At the same time, it’s almost amusing to hear what tales people think of. Never have I heard anything about myself that’s even close to the truth. I imagine gossip is even worse here in Wheldrake. The people do admire Royalty, but admiration turns into envy very fast.”

Carlys found it amusing, but at the same time sometimes the gossip crossed a line. Once she’d even heard that someone thought that she’d actually murdered Benam to take Santrella for herself. That person was taken care of accordingly, of course, and that rumour stopped spreading soon enough. Most of the time, though, it was interesting to listen to what envious minds thought of.

"I have come to accept it though. The people can think what they want about me, but I have to agree that it is a little amusing."

“At least people mostly comment about your actual work, things that are relevant, I can't say that about myself. It’s been years and some people still can’t wrap their heads around the fact that a woman is in charge of them,” Carlys said as she watched him closely, “it hurts their pride, I guess.”

 

[scoorpiuuss]

“Yet another thing we have in common, it seems. No matter how much good I do, people never seem to stop talking horrid things about me. Lies and rumours - another plague we rulers have to live with.”

Trevas had heard all kind of things about himself. People loved to speak behind his back, but at least he was surrounded by loyal men who came running to him whenever they heard something. Sometimes he wouldn’t care too much about a little gossip, but he also didn’t mind punishing those who didn’t respect him. He wondered what Lady Carlys had heard about him since she had accused him of the murder.

"Yes, it is. Such a shame really. You'd think we deserve better for having to keep up with everything."

“At the same time, it’s almost amusing to hear what tales people think of. Never have I heard anything about myself that’s even close to the truth. I imagine gossip is even worse here in Wheldrake. The people do admire Royalty, but admiration turns into envy very fast.”

Wheldrake had always been prone to gossip he imagined. There would always be someone who wanted to whisper false lies into the ears of the people. If it was out of envy or just pure hatred he wasn’t sure of, but either way it was amusing to hear what people thought of it. Deep down a lot of it was true. He knew he was a harsh man, but Aedighar didn’t need a soft and gentle King.

Then soon enough people would get their ideas and throw that King off the throne.

It was only right of him to punish those who went against him, even if it meant murdering sons and executing Lords. Trevas couldn’t care less about what the people thought of that. If Lady Carlys or anyone else wanted to gossip and judge his choices then they could. It wouldn’t change anything.

"I have come to accept it though. The people can think what they want about me, but I have to agree that it is a little amusing."

“At least people mostly comment about your actual work, things that are relevant, I can't say that about myself. It’s been years and some people still can’t wrap their heads around the fact that a woman is in charge of them. It hurts their pride, I guess.”

Of course it would hurt a mans pride to have a woman in charge. Trevas could easily understand why people decided to gossip about her. He feared that Elaria wouldn’t be able to handle the burden of being Queen.

Perhaps that was why he also wished for a son, to spare Elaria from the trouble as he found her mind to be weak. She had a kind heart, and sure she was sweet, but that would only last so long with the people before they saw their opportunities to commit crimes she wouldn’t be able to take control over.

Hopefully Justan would be able to guide her.

“I don’t think that will ever change. They’re going to keep saying things about you and I can imagine your daughter will face the same things as you do now.”

"Undoubtedly. I'd much prefer them to focus on my actual policies, but it seems they are incapable of seeing past irrelevant things."

“Just look past them. Their word doesn’t matter as long as you sit there with the power you have, and as long as you have loyal people who follow you. Then people can say whatever they want about you, and you will know that none of it is true.”

"Well said."

Trevas nodded to that and took another sip of his cup. What he was most excited for was the trial when she would see that she had lost this battle against him. That accusing him wouldn’t give her any comfort or pleasure as Trevas would walk out of there without any blame of Timos’ murder. He couldn’t wait to see Lady Carlys face once she realized that she hadn’t gotten what she wanted.

"Thank you for the wine, Your Grace. You must excuse me, I am tired from the long journey and would like to rest."

Again he just gave her a quick nod as he watched her get up from the chair and walk out of his bedchamber. It was surprising their conversation has went as well as it had. Perhaps they were both so good at pretending that it almost sounded like they were good friends. Trevas found that quite amusing and Lady Carlys was maybe the only Southerner that managed to make him genuinely amused.

Now Trevas had a lot to prepare for, and he would most likely stay up until late at night trying to plan out the trial and how he would deal with the Northerners. These were the times he wished he had a supportive enough wife, unlike Katlyn who only went behind his back. At least she was getting what she deserved. Then he would be ready to say goodbye to the Hastwycks and hope to never see them again as long as he was alive.

 

[desti]

The Replacement.
Chapter XXXIX
House Rhyne
May all be as one
Nilfgaard, Northern lands of Aedighar ​

The shield Antra’s parents had so carefully built around her was crumbling apart. For years she had been kept safe from the horrors of the world. Perhaps that hadn’t been the best idea, for now Antra wasn’t prepared for anything that was happening around her. It was all happening so fast and it was all so terrifying. All she wanted was to lay in her bed in Nilfgaard, hearing the sounds of the lively household outside her door.

First, it had been her parents taken away from her. Antra remembered saying goodbye to them as they packed up to leave to Wheldrake. Neither her parents nor the men they took with them ever came back. When the news of father’s death and mother’s imprisonment came to them, Antra found herself truly miserable for the first time in her life.

Never had she truly grieved before. Before this, Antra’s life had been full of joy and colours. She was a happy girl, always smiling and polite, the perfect Lady as her mother used to say. Antra’s biggest concern until this autumn had been worrying about whether or not her husband would be a kind man. She wished for a husband like those from songs and stories - kind and gentle, yet strong and brave. That was what Antra mostly thought about before all of this, but now it felt so silly.

It was obvious to her now that there were more important things in this world than that. Wondering whether or not she’d be happy with her future husband wasn’t something Antra worried about anymore. Real issues were presented to her, and she felt that she’d been so naive these last years. So obsessed with love, naive and innocent… Antra was just a foolish girl, but now she understood what kind of world she lived in.

Father and mother just disappeared from her life one day. It was almost easy to convince herself that they were alright and would come home again one day. With Rhea, that wasn’t possible to do.

Whenever Antra would close her eyes now, she could see Rhea. Not smiling or laughing, like she would’ve preferred to, but unnaturally waxy and covered in dried blood. It was an image that couldn’t be erased from her mind. Whenever she thought of her sister, it would creep up on her and make her feel sick to her stomach. That wasn’t how Antra wanted to remember Rhea, and yet that was what her mind forced her to think of.

The day of her death, Antra hadn’t even been able to sleep. She ended up spending the whole night in Brynden’s tent, talking with her big brother until sleep finally surprised them. Antra woke up crying the next morning, but Brynden had already left to do whatever duties he had to take care of. She found solace in Willelm then, and Antra hoped that her brothers didn’t hate her for being so needy. Antra didn’t have a problem admitting that she was weak and needed help, but at the same time she didn’t want to bother anyone.

Brynden and Willelm already had enough problems with the war. Rhea’s death only added to the pile of stress they suffered, and Antra felt bad for making them care for her. Mostly, she just kept to herself in her tent and tried to not think about what she’d seen that morning. Aryana sometimes showed up as well, and Antra tried to be with the girl as though nothing had happened, but more often than not she distanced herself from Aryana as well. It was too tiring to talk to people these days, although Antra had been so lively and chatty once.

After Rhea’s death, many things had happened. Antra didn’t want to think about any of it, really. It made her think about Rhea and how unfair it all was, and it made her see Brynden in a way she didn’t want to. He frightened her a little now, and Antra wondered if any of them would survive the war. She wasn’t sure if she cared anymore.

The Faersons had left a few weeks ago. Their departure seemed reasonable enough, considering everything the Easterners were going through in regards of the way the Northmen treated them. It wasn’t fair, it wasn’t their fault, but still it happened. Antra wasn’t angry at them for leaving, but she was sad to lose her only friend. She figured that the marriage between Aryana and Brynden was off as well, and Antra doubted she’d see the girl ever again.

From then on, Antra’s days were dull. After the men that were responsible for the crimes were taken care of by Brynden personally, they moved on and resumed their journey down south, but now with less men than before. They were moving slower, though, because they had to wait for the arrival of the new war strategist that Brynden had found for them. Antra felt upset at the fact, though she understood that Rhea would have to be replaced eventually. Still, it felt wrong to do that.

Weeks passed and the snow around them started to fall more often. It was still late autumn, but winter was coming fast and it seemed that this year it’d be a harsh one. That seemed oddly fitting, considering everything that had happened.

Antra was surprised by Brynden that afternoon while she was aimlessly walking through the camp. There were so many people around her, and yet she felt so very alone. It was strange and Antra didn’t understand. Only Brynden’s hand on her shoulder snapped her out of her thoughts. Antra heard some of the words he said and nodded plainly before following him to the edge of the camp.

Willelm joined them not late after and Antra took a step to the side so she could stand closer to him. Her eyes watched as their own lookouts rode in the front, being followed by a group of strangers. Antra noticed the banner of House Hastwyck and just how out of place everyone looked like. It was painfully obvious that they were Southerners, but of course Antra wouldn’t say such things and she shouldn’t even think them. They were here to help and that was what mattered.

“Welcome,” Brynden said once the horses stopped and Antra was surprised once again at just how loud his voice was, “I hope the journey wasn't too unpleasant. There's many leagues between the South and the North.”

 

[scoorpiuuss]

Leaving Santrella had been quite the journey, to say the least.

Going to the North to help out House Rhyne during the times of war was something Elias had to do for Lady Carlys. This was his job. For years he had been by the Hastwyck’s side during tougher times to guide them and help them through whatever troubler they had been facing. He knew Aedighar well, but he would never brag about it. It felt slightly uncomfortable praising himself for everything he knew.

It seemed as he was good at what he did since he was still with the Hastwycks. Even through his more armature ways they had been there and watched him grow with knowledge and intelligence. Elias appreciated the Hastwycks for having him there with them. They were like a family to him after all, but now he would be going into a war against King Trevas himself.

War didn’t really frighten him. Elias was determined to help the Northerners through their battles, and he would advise Lord Brynden as best as he could.

It was still tough for him to leave Santrella though he was slightly excited for what he had waiting for him in the North. Seeing Arthor so upset about it all had torn at his heart. He would miss his friend dearly, and he would try to find time to send a few ravens to inform Arthor that he was doing well with the Northerners.

What upset him the most was the fact that he hadn’t gotten enough time to truly say goodbye to his friend. Only a few days and then he had left, but maybe it had also been better that way. Elias imagined that if he had waited, it would have been harder to leave him behind. At least he knew that Arthor would take care of Lady Carlys and Leanah as best as he could during these times.

They had accused King Trevas of the murder of Timos, and Elias was worried of what could happen to them. He hoped they would send him many letters to inform him about everything. That would bring him some comfort.

Elias hadn’t expected much from his journey, but it was not pleasant. Every night his back would feel sore, and it would just get colder and colder the further away from Santrella they got. Winter would hit them soon, and Elias had never actually experienced a Northern winter. In Santrella it would only get a little colder during the winter times, but nowhere near as severe as in the North.

Also, it didn’t snow in Santrella. Elias had only read about that in books and never experienced it. A part of him had been excited until he realized how damn cold it got at night, and they weren’t even close to Lord Brynden’s camp. Every day he had to remind himself that he was doing this for Lady Carlys and Aedighar. He didn’t want to see King Trevas on the throne anymore

It would feel good being surrounded by people who agreed with him on that.

Though he didn’t really expect much from the Northerners. From what he had heard they were nothing like the people he was used to back home. Gods, Elias would miss having Arthor there with him. All he could think about was how he would survive with their type of lifestyle. Were they truly as violent as people said? Elias would be open-minded and make the best out of the situation no matter what happened though.

Elias imagined he couldn’t really ask too much of the Rhyne’s either. They had just lost someone important to them, and he knew times like that had to be tough to go through. He couldn’t really relate as he hadn’t lost anyone, except Timos, but he hadn’t lost anyone from his actual family. Though the loss of Timos had hit him pretty damn hard.

He would try his best at staying polite and kind like he always was, and that way he hoped he would stay out of conflict with them as they were probably all very sensitive after what had happened.

It was basic human nature.

After a long time, Elias could finally see the camp in front of him. Because of the hellish journey, he’d had it almost seemed too good to be true to finally be there. He assumed that the men who were with him agreed as he had heard them complain about the cold and the snow as well.

Elias rode up to the camp, only stopping his horse once he was close enough to see them all. One tall man in the middle who he assumed was Lord Brynden. Beside him a younger man and a younger woman. A beautiful woman to be more exact. Blonde hair that complemented her pale complexion, but Elias wasn’t there to look at women. He was there to help Lord Brynden.

“Welcome. I hope the journey wasn't too unpleasant. There's many leagues between the South and the North.”

“My Lord. It is a pleasure to finally be here, though I can’t say my journey has been enjoyable,” Elias said as bowed his head to Lord Brynden as soon as he stood on the ground, leaving his horse to some boy who had walked up to catch it, “I am deeply sorry for your loss Lord Brynden, and I hope my service will be helpful to you through the battles ahead.”

He walked closer to the Lord with a sad smile on his face. Elias glanced over at the other man with the same smile, and then his gaze fell on the girl beside him until he finally looked back at Brynden.

"Well, we all hope so. Lady Carlys spoke very highly of you."

As Lord Brynden introduced him to Willelm, Elias looked at Willelm again with a smile still on his face though he was very exhausted from his long journey. It felt like his knees could collapse any second now, but he would hold out until the sun was down. Then Brynden introduced him to Antra and Elias stepped forward to take her hand in his, raising it so he could press a gentle kiss to her knuckles.

“My Lady,” Elias said after letting go of her hand, “It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”

 

[desti]

Antra wasn’t sure where she was supposed to look. All the Southerners looked the same with their dark hair and darker eyes. She found herself wondering if they’d even be able to survive winter. As far as Antra knew, from all her geography lessons with their Maester and her Septa, winter never quite reached Santrella. Winter in Santrella must’ve been like summer in Nilfgaard. This must be quite a change for these men.

It was surreal for her to think that Southerners never saw snow. The cold was something Antra and every other Northerner were so used to, that to think of never having such things was strange. Of course, Santrella had other things to offer, but Antra preferred the cold over the heat.

Admittedly, Antra hadn’t really listened much to Brynden when he told her about the Southerners that were coming. She couldn’t recall the name of the strategist, nor anything other that might’ve been important. Antra felt like a bad person for that, but at the same time she just couldn’t focus on these things like she once did. All she could think about was Rhea.

One of the men got off his horse and stepped forwards. He had a smile on his face, which fit him well, but Antra averted her gaze from him. The man had done nothing wrong to her, it wasn’t his fault that Rhea had died. But he was her replacement, and it just felt wrong. Everything was wrong. This wasn’t how it was meant to be. Antra held onto the wool fabric of her coat and looked down at her feet.

“My Lord. It is a pleasure to finally be here, though I can’t say my journey has been enjoyable. I am deeply sorry for your loss, Lord Brynden, and I hope my service will be helpful to you through the battles ahead.”

"Well, we all hope so. Lady Carlys spoke very highly of you."

Antra listened to Brynden introduce first Willelm then herself. When the Faersons had first arrived, Antra had been so pleasant and proper. Now she couldn’t find it in her to even smile at the man. Again and again Antra had to remind herself that it wasn’t his fault, but something in her subconscious wanted to be angry at someone. She didn’t like that, and so she tried to ignore it.

Everyone knew that Antra wasn’t an angry person, she wasn’t like Brynden or father, or Willelm or Rhea. She was more calm, like mother. Anger seemed unnecessary to her and it only caused more problems in the long-run. Therefore she tried to calm herself down to the best of her abilities. When the anger left, she was left with sadness.

The man raised her hand and pressed his lips against her knuckles when she was introduced to him. Antra remembered that it always made her heart flutter when men did that, but now she felt nothing. He was a handsome man, but all she could think about was the reason why he was here in the first place.

“My Lady,” he said after letting go of her hand, “It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”

“We’re very happy you’re finally here,” Brynden said, “I’m afraid you won’t get too much time to rest after your journey. Tomorrow I expect you to be ready to begin your work.”

Antra knew that Brynden was upset about how they were behind schedule. She didn’t really think that time had much to do with war, but being this far up North during early winter weather would probably be bad news. Still, Antra knew nothing of war and she didn’t think that a few weeks of stalling would make them suffer.

“My apologies my Lord, but where exactly do I need to be ready tomorrow?”

“I’m sure my guards will find you when the moment comes. I’m afraid I don’t have the time to show you around.”

“I’m sure we will get to talk more tomorrow then Lord Brynden.”

At least Antra could say that the man seemed pleasant. His way of speech seemed genuinely kind and he seemed to be somewhat happy to be here and help them. Antra tried her best to focus on that, because she didn’t want to dislike the man for no reason whatsoever.

“Antra,” Brynden said after a pause and Antra raised her head to meet his gaze. There was a small, forced smile on her brother’s face, “it wouldn’t be right to not welcome our guest properly. Would you mind showing Elias around?”

“Of course, Brynden,” Antra nodded slightly.

There was nobody at camp as bored as Antra. Brynden and Willelm were almost always busy with things, and she was left to walk around with no goal in mind. With Aryana by her side, those hours went by quite fast, but now when she was all alone the days dragged on for years.

“Good, we don’t want our friend to get lost,” Brynden said with a slight chuckle before turning to one of his men nearby, “you, show the men he’s brought with him where they are to go. Make sure they --”

Antra stopped listening when Brynden started talking about weapons and armour, and horses and other things that didn’t quite matter to her. The Southerners were due to change into something more weather appropriate, which wasn’t exactly an exciting thing to listen to. Instead, Antra turned her head to look at their new strategist.

“I’m sorry,” Antra hesitantly started, “I’m not sure how to address you. Are you a Lord? Or a Knight?”

The man chuckled at that, “neither. Just Elias is fine, my Lady.”

That was a bit unexpected for Antra, because she had thought him to be perhaps of a higher rank. It would feel strange calling him by his name, but Antra didn’t suppose that they’d see each other that often anyways. Elias was smiling at her and Antra thought that he really looked rather pleasant. Antra was glad about it, since she didn’t want to be stuck alone with someone rude. Then again, Brynden would’ve never offered her to be Elias’ guide around camp if he wasn’t sure that she was safe with him.

“Alright, just Elias then,” Antra said his name carefully as she slowly nodded, turning to face the camp, “shall we?”

 

[scoorpiuuss]

“We’re very happy you’re finally here. I’m afraid you won’t get too much time to rest after your journey. Tomorrow I expect you to be ready to begin your work.”

Elias hadn’t exactly imagined himself getting to rest as soon as he arrived. As he understood this was important to Lord Brynden, and now that Elias was finally there he knew they would have to start planning right away. First of all, Elias had to be informed on what the plan already was then he could come with his own ideas. He imagined that would be most of his day tomorrow. Chatting to Lord Brynden about the whole war.

Though Elias had no idea where things actually were. He didn’t know where he was supposed to meet up in the mornings or where he would be sleeping. He had no idea where they ate or where they did anything. All of it was so foreign to him he almost felt awkward standing there just looking at Lord Brynden with a smile.

It was a little comforting knowing that all the Northerners probably would have felt the same if they ever came to the South. Though he would honestly say that the Southerners were a little more welcoming. Elias wasn’t complaining. Lord Brynden and his family seemed like friendly people, and he was happy to be there even if he felt incredibly out of place and awkward.

“My apologies my Lord, but where exactly do I need to be ready tomorrow?”

“I’m sure my guards will find you when the moment comes. I’m afraid I don’t have the time to show you around.”

“I’m sure we will get to talk more tomorrow then Lord Brynden.”

As Brynden then turned toward Antra, Elias just watched the two of them exchange words with each other.

It felt truly strange standing there feeling the cold creep up on him under his clothes. Elias had tried to come prepared, but he didn’t really own a lot of clothes that would keep him warm throughout the whole day. It had been tough enough for him to survive through the cold nights. Now he feared what the coming days would be like.

At least they were moving towards the South, and Elias wouldn’t have to go further North. He could only imagine how much colder it was up there now, and he did not want to be there.

Elias was a little amazed at how well the Northerners seemed to keep up with the cold. It was so interesting to him, but they were probably a lot more used to it than him. To him though everything new was fascinating. That was why he always found himself mesmerized by new things whether it be people or books.

When he’d go back to Santrella, Elias would tell Arthor all about the strange things he would discover by being around the Northerners. Perhaps he learned a couple of new things that could be very useful to him. Overall Elias was happy that he had gotten the chance to stand by Lord Brynden’s side, even through the cold.

“I’m sorry. I’m not sure how to address you. Are you a Lord? Or a Knight?”

That was a question Elias would often get. He would have been a bad Lord and a bad Knight. Titles had never suited him, but he wondered if he one day would have one.

Either way Elias just chuckled at her question, “neither. Just Elias is fine, my Lady.”

Perhaps it was uncomfortable for others to call him by his name. It wasn’t usually common in Aedighar, but Elias didn’t care much for titles in all honesty. He had grown so used to just being called Elias that he wouldn’t even know what to do if he ever got the chance to be called something else.

“Alright, just Elias then, shall we?”

That’s when he could finally recall what Brynden had told Antra a little earlier while Elias had been busy drifting away in his mind. Antra was supposed to show him around the camp since Brynden didn’t have time to do it. He wouldn’t complain. Elias liked getting to know new people, and he truly wondered what kind of person Antra was. Up until now, she seemed genuinely sweet and kind, but he still didn't know her.

“Thank you for doing this my Lady,” Elias smiled as he glanced down at her once he walked beside her.

He fully understood if Antra hadn’t wanted to do it. It was Brynden who had told her to do it, but Elias was hopeful and wished that he wouldn’t bother Antra. That she would actually be happy doing this for him. It was very kind of her and Elias wouldn’t forget it even if it hadn’t been her choice.

"Of course. It's not like I have anything else to do."

“Does it get boring?”

It had to be boring for women at camp with nothing to do. Elias could feel for her as he imagined he would find himself very lonely with the Northerners. Most of the he would probably be sitting somewhere staring at a map or reading through books to find information and inspiration, but maybe Antra couldn’t read. That was truly a shame that there were people that were not able to read. Elias didn’t know what he would have done if he didn’t know how to. He loved it too much to give that up.

"Very. Everyone's always doing things, planning war, fighting... and I've got nothing to do."

“Do you know how to read?”

Antra almost seemed a little confused by his question, and that was when Elias felt like he had done something wrong. Maybe he should have held back and not been so damn talkative, but he couldn’t help it.

"Of course."

“My apologies if my question offended you, my Lady. That was not my intention,” Elias said as he bowed his head for a second to truly show her that he didn’t mean to ask such questions if they offended her or confused her. After all, she was just there to show him around the camp and not talk to him, and Elias would understand if she preferred to be silent. He would respect that.

 

[desti]

“Thank you for doing this my Lady.”

Though it wasn’t terribly exciting to walk around the camp with Elias to show him around, at least it gave Antra something to do. When the Faersons had arrived, Antra had been tasked with almost the same thing as well regarding Aryana. The girls had become fast friends, but she doubted that that would be the case with Elias. Antra remembered how busy Rhea was with her work, so she doubted he’d find time for her.

It was foolish to even think about, really. Elias wasn’t here to make friends with the Northerners, he was here for more important things. Brynden would make him work day and night so that they would be able to stand a chance against the West and the Crown and make up for the time they wasted while mourning. Antra thought herself dumb for even thinking that perhaps she’d find a friend in him. There was no time for that.

"Of course. It's not like I have anything else to do."

“Does it get boring?”

Antra figured that she was one of the few women at camp. She’d seen some here and there. Most of them were women that were there to please and distract the men, while some were there to help with washing clothes, heal wounds and help with food. Antra politely talked to them when she saw them, trying to see if they were as bored as she was. They never were, because they actually had a real purpose to be there.

Really, Antra thought that perhaps she should’ve gone with Lord Elmar when he rode back to Nilfgaard to lay Rhea to rest. Perhaps it would’ve been for the better. A Rhyne should’ve stayed back to help keep the household in check, but instead they all were here. With Aryana by her side, Antra at least got a few hours of excitement. Now, she had nothing.

"Very. Everyone's always doing things, planning war, fighting... and I've got nothing to do."

“Do you know how to read?”

The question sounded so strange that Antra couldn’t help but tilt her head to the side in confusion. Just like any important house, the Rhynes had a Maester that taught the children everything. Antra excelled more in the teachings of her Septa - music, poetry, art - that was closer to her heart. From what the Maester taught her, she was best at remembering things, which was especially useful during history lessons.

"Of course."

Reading wasn’t exactly her favourite thing in the world. Rhea was always much more interested in books than any of them. Antra preferred it when someone read to her, not actually sit down with a book herself. Letters and numbers always jumped around for her on the parchment, making it almost impossible to comprehend what she was reading, and Antra wasn’t sure if that was normal. When she mentioned it, the Maester just said that she wasn’t trying hard enough.

“My apologies if my question offended you, my Lady. That was not my intention,” Elias said as he bowed his head.

Antra shook her head, “you didn’t offend me, Elias. It was a strange question, that’s all.”

"That is a bad habit of mine."

“Asking strange questions?” Antra almost smiled at that, but she still couldn’t find it in her to do that, “I don’t mind. At least you’re more talkative than most here. It’s a nice change.”

Elias chuckled, "I'm sure you're going to get tired of it by the end of this day, my Lady."

Antra wasn’t so sure about that. At first, she had been unsure about this. As unladylike as it was, Antra wanted to dislike Elias, as though this was all his fault. But with every word he spoke, Antra understood that it wasn’t like that. Elias seemed like a genuinely nice man, he seemed to truly want to help their cause. How could she ever be angry at him? He had done nothing wrong, he was just here to help.

Besides, actually talking to someone was nice. There was no talk about Rhea or the war, which reminded her of the conversations she’d had with Aryana. They were silly and immature, but they had been so nice and Antra thought of the times they spent together very fondly. Elias reminded her of what that felt like, and she started to feel a little more relaxed next to him.

Admittedly, Antra loved talking and sometimes she could never shut up, much to the annoyance of her siblings. Talking made her feel better. It distracted her enough that it was hard for her mind to think about Rhea again. Along with that, actually having a job to do was nice and distracting as well. Even though Antra would only do it this one time and then it’d be over, but at least she had something to do for once, even if only for a few hours.

“I doubt it,” Antra shrugged a little.

Contrary to most of the people at camp, Elias seemed to be rather happy. At least that smile never really left him, it seemed. It was nice to be with someone like that. Antra was surrounded by grim Northerners constantly, which only soured her already dull mood. Being next to Elias made her feel a little better, honestly. Perhaps his happiness was infectious.

 

[scoorpiuuss]

“You didn’t offend me, Elias. It was a strange question, that’s all.”

Perhaps Elias was so used to being around Arthor that his strange questions and the things he used to say didn’t really seem strange anymore. Usually he would say the strangest things while drinking wine, and luckily, he had stayed away from that for a long time now. After everything that had happened with him and Arthor, Elias figured it was for the better if he broke off his relationship with wine.

Now he also figured he would have to break his talkative habits. Elias had no idea what sort of people he could run into, or how they would react to certain questions he would ask. Some of them could have truly gotten offended and sent him straight into the snow, but Antra still seemed kind to him and hopefully, she was understanding as well because maybe she would be the one person Elias actually could talk to.

"That is a bad habit of mine."

“Asking strange questions? I don’t mind. At least you’re more talkative than most here. It’s a nice change.”

Elias chuckled, "I'm sure you're going to get tired of it by the end of this day, my Lady."

It would surprise him if some of the Northerners would ever get used to him. Elias wondered if he would have to stay quiet during the coming months just to be accepted by them. He wasn’t the only Southerner there though, and he knew if he needed to feel a little bit closer to home he could talk to them. They weren’t really close to Elias, and they didn’t share the same interests as he did.

Most of the time Elias would just sit and listen while they spoke about drinking and women.

With Arthor, Elias could talk about absolutely anything, and it would be funny and interesting. It didn’t have to be about women or wine. Anything they talked about excited him. Gods, how he missed that man. Elias would have done anything to have Arthor come with him, but he was Lady Carlys sworn shield, and he wouldn’t leave her side for him. That was just wishful thinking.

“I doubt it,” Antra shrugged a little.

“The reason behind my strange question though. I wondered if you liked books, but maybe that’s a strange question as well,” Elias mumbled as he raised his hand to scratch his head.

Now maybe it was wrong of him to assume she even liked to read. Not everyone did. Elias had seen how exhausted Arthor got when they had spent countless of hours in the library. He didn’t even know why he felt the need to cure her boredom. That wasn’t his job. His job was to help Lord Brynden, but he also wanted to be friendly and kind towards Antra, even if that really wasn’t his responsibility.

"I'm not a big reader, no."

“Is there anything you like doing? There must be something in this camp for you to do."

Elias glanced around at where they were walking between the tents. He still didn’t know where anything was because he was too busy trying to get to know Antra that it didn’t matter to him that he wasn’t actually getting to know the camp area. That he could fix later. Now he just wanted to give Antra a little attention. She had said she it did get very boring which he didn’t like to hear. Perhaps this was what she needed.

"I used to have a friend here. We would spend the days together, talk and just wander around camp. I liked that, but she left a while ago. Now I don't really know what to do with myself."

Her words sounded a little sad for some reason. Elias hoped he hadn’t upset Antra with his question as that was not his intention. All he wanted was to know things about her that maybe could help him in the coming days if he ever saw her wandering around bored. Hopefully he would have a little time on his hands. Elias had no idea how hard Lord Brynden would make him work, but not too much he hoped.

“Oh, I’m sorry, my Lady. I had to leave my best friend to come here so I know how difficult that must feel.”

"Leaving friends is never easy. Let's not talk about that."

“Of course. My apologies.”

"Have you ever been this far North before?"

Elias chuckled then, “never. I’ve mostly traveled around in the Southern areas, but I have never been this far North before. It’s cold.”

It was very beautiful there though. Elias liked seeing something new instead of the sand and dry lands around him. If he could look past the cold, it was truly a wonderful place that he for sure would visit again later if he had the chance. Elias was sure he would enjoy being there with the Northerners even if it was different.

"It's not. This is just autumn. If you're already struggling to handle this, then best hope we'll be further South when winter actually arrives."

Elias laughed at her words, knowing how pathetic he sounded complaining about the cold now, but he truly wasn’t used to it.

“I hope I will be able to handle it. I’m just used to the Southern heat,” Elias chuckled.

 

[desti]

Antra realized that she was doing a rather horrid job at actually showing Elias around. They hadn’t spoken about the camp once and she found herself getting lost in the conversation with him. At the same time, nothing they walked past yet was important. The tents around them were mainly for the soldiers to sleep in, and Elias had nothing to do there as far as Antra knew. The important locations were in the middle of the campsite, where they were headed.

The one good thing from wandering around aimlessly was that Antra knew everything in the camp by heart. She could point at any tent and tell Elias what was in it or who resided there. Obviously, that wasn’t exactly necessary now so Antra kept walking and talking about mindless things. Mindless, yet they made her feel almost alright. It helped with her boredom, which in turn made her mind think about harmless things.

"Have you ever been this far North before?"

Antra hadn’t ventured outside of the North. She only knew about the climate down South from the books that the Maester made her read and the stories she heard. Antra heard about the deserts down there and she couldn’t even imagine how that must look like. Perhaps it was like an empty field covered in snow, just… not at all like that.

Aedighar had many pretty sights to offer, but Antra had only been familiar with Nilfgaard an its territory. She was still young, there had been no need for her to travel anywhere. All her life, Antra had been at Nilfgaard and sometimes she wondered if she’d ever leave the place. This was the first time she was travelling, something that Antra had wanted to do for so long. Now, she hardly found any joy in this for obvious reasons.

Still, one day Antra wanted to travel and see the world. She’d heard so many wonderful things about places that were so beautiful one would cry at the sight of them. Antra wanted to see the seas and see the deserts, see the gardens of Wheldrake and the mountains of the West. Even sail across the Endless Sea and visit Aysenore. Antra wanted to see the world, but she was afraid she’d never get the chance to do that.

Elias chuckled at her question, “never. I’ve mostly traveled around in the Southern areas, but I have never been this far North before. It’s cold.”

It wasn’t, not really. They were near to the border now, and it was only autumn coldness that surrounded them. Antra had seen many winters in her life, and they were always so harsh and yet beautiful in a strange way. It was a shame that the Southerners never experienced them truly. Then again, perhaps that was said about her as well from the Houses that were further North than House Rhyne.

Through the cold and the snow the North was beautiful. One just had to ignore the stinging wind against their face and explore the beauty of the wilderness. The North had so many things to offer, so many beautiful places to see, but most wouldn’t choose to explore it due to the harsh weather. One day, Antra would do that when all this was over. Start with far up in the North and move all the way down to the islands that belonged to the South. That is, if the war would end in their favour.

"It's not. This is just autumn. If you're already struggling to handle this, then best hope we'll be further South when winter actually arrives."

Elias laughed, “I hope I will be able to handle it. I’m just used to the Southern heat.”

“Speaking of that, do you have more appropriate clothes with you? You’re not really dressed for the weather,” Antra said as she looked him up and down.

Elias would need warmer clothes than this, better boots as well. The unfitting clothing he was wearing now was likely the cause as to why it seemed to be so cold to him. From the very start, Antra had been told that wool and linen were the fabrics of the North. The Southerners had their silk and fine cloth, but the North needed warm materials to keep their men and women alive.

"I'm afraid not. I thought I had come well prepared, but perhaps I was wrong."

“It seems that way. I’ll show you where you can get something more appropriate when we get there,” Antra nodded, “apart from that, I’m sure you’ll fit in just fine and won’t get into any trouble. Northerners are rather friendly once you get to know them.”

Perhaps Antra said it at the wrong time. She stopped abruptly when she saw Hektor Thenn play the axe game with his younger brother Konrad. They were surrounded by a crowd, though at a reasonably safe distance, of cheering Northmen as they threw the two hand axes towards each other and caught them again, laughing and mocking each other. It was a silly game, dangerous too that didn’t really have a name, but almost everyone in the North knew it. Father had gotten so angry when he caught Brynden trying to teach it to Rhea and Willelm once.

Antra looked over at Elias who was staring at the two men. Maybe that wasn’t a great first impression of the Northmen. A game that had caused many men in the North to walk around with missing fingers wasn’t exactly what Antra would’ve liked him to see. That only proved what some said about the Northerners.

"Are you sure about that? Either way, thank you,” Elias chuckled.

“Come on,” Antra quickly said as she gently pushed Elias to urge him to continue walking, “Hektor loves that game, it’s his favourite way to greet new people. It’s best not to be around him, you might lose a finger or two.”

 

[scoorpiuuss]

“Speaking of that, do you have more appropriate clothes with you? You’re not really dressed for the weather."

In Santrella there was never really the need to dress to keep themselves warm. Everything, when it came to fabric and clothing, was light there. Thin material that wouldn’t cause people to feel feverishly hot. Sometimes Elias would even feel uncomfortably hot just because of the dark material of his clothes. There were days the ground would crack and common people would be struggling to get hands on water.

It was truly horrible at times what the heat could do, and he was sure everyone in Santrella apricated the rain the few times it would pour over the city. Still it was beautiful in the South, and he was sure the Northerners would have thought so too if they had managed to look past the heat.

Though they weren’t going that far South. They were marching towards the King. Elias wondered if Lord Brynden had ever been so far down South in Aedighar. Tomorrow he would have to get to know the Lord better to learn of his knowledge and guide him in the correct way depending on that knowledge. Luckily for Brynden and his men winter was creeping up on them, and that would give them the advantage.

"I'm afraid not. I thought I had come well prepared, but perhaps I was wrong."

Elias had tried his best to take warmer clothes with him, but he didn’t really own anything that the Northerners would consider to be appropriate for the cold weather. Had he known beforehand that he was going to the North he would have managed to get the clothes made for him, but he hadn’t had time for any of that.

All he could hope for now was that the Northerners were kind enough to dress him and the men he had with him so they would survive the days and nights without freezing to death.

“It seems that way. I’ll show you where you can get something more appropriate when we get there,” Antra nodded, “apart from that, I’m sure you’ll fit in just fine and won’t get into any trouble. Northerners are rather friendly once you get to know them.”

Elias’ gaze had been on Antra for most of the time, but he glanced over at the two men who seemed to be fighting? Or playing? Elias wasn’t sure on what was going on in front of him. All he saw was the two axes being thrown. They weren’t even being thrown at something, but they were throwing them two each other, catching them only to throw them back.

It confused him after Antra had just told him that the Northerners were rather friendly. Elias could agree that Lord Brynden and Willelm seemed friendly. Antra was also kind, but that sight in front of him was just so foreign to him that he didn’t know if he believed Antra or not.

The Southerners were also violent where there had been fighting pits, but those were getting shut down. Here it just seemed like they were having fun risking their limbs while other cheered on them. Gods, he wondered how Lady Carlys would have reacted if her people had started doing that around the castle. It didn’t seem safe at all, but it was still amusing in some way.

"Are you sure about that? Either way, thank you,” Elias chuckled.

“Come on. Hektor loves that game, it’s his favourite way to greet new people. It’s best not to be around him, you might lose a finger or two.”

Antra gently pushed him which got him to continue walking as he glanced at her instead of the two men. The words she said was enough for him to feel the need to walk away. Elias was a bad fighter overall.

No weapon did good in his hands and he imagined it never would. Instead he would sit back and look at people fight, or read a book. Perhaps that sounded boring, but that was what he liked.

“I would prefer to keep my fingers attached to my hands. After seeing this I might hide in a tent all day.”

"Wait till you see what they get up to when they're drunk."

If that was supposed to scare him, it did. Elias would make sure to keep his distance with the Northerners, and maybe he should have warned the men with him as well. At least he could hope that he would be busy most of the time so he had an excuse to stay in a tent all day just working or reading. That way no one could come to drag him into some stupid game where he could risk making a fool of himself.

They had reached the middle of the camp now, and Antra was pointing out the different tents. Now he knew where he would be attending meetings, or where he would be able to find Lord Brynden if he needed to. She also pointed out where they had food and weapons, which was nice to know.

Elias just nodded every time she pointed a tent and told him what was there. It would take him a few tries to find the right ones when the time came, but he would remember most of them and try not to look pathetic walking into the wrong tent. One day it would most likely happen though.

“Thank you so much again for doing this, my Lady.”

 

[desti]

“I would prefer to keep my fingers attached to my hands. After seeing this I might hide in a tent all day.”

"Wait till you see what they get up to when they're drunk."

The Northmen were tough, but at the same time Antra loved them. Some were unbearable, of course, but most of them were really nice. A lot of them were like Brynden, really, and they only showed their softer side to those that they truly cared for. It seemed that most at the camp liked Antra, because the Northmen would never say a bad word to her and some were even rather chivalrous. Or at least tried to be.

Antra figured that it was mostly because she was Brynden’s younger sister. Perhaps it was also because she was so kind to everyone, that nobody was mean enough to be rude to her. She always tried to take care of the men that were at camp, and Antra thought that perhaps she could help out truly when the battles began. Antra wanted to be useful somehow, and help the men that she had grown to love.

When those men were drunk, though, that was a different thing. Antra stayed away from them then, because they were a bit too loud and violent then. Thankfully, they still respected her then and stayed away from her tent. Ever since what happened to Rhea, there were guards outside of her tent day and night, but before then she’d been very alone. The thought of some drunk brute walking inside of her tent frightened her, but it had never become a reality.

Overall, they only wished for the best. Antra wondered if Elias might be a bit too kind to fit in, but then again she was doing just fine. Perhaps it wouldn’t be that bad for Elias, but if need be she would help him find common ground with the Northerners. Antra had a habit of looking out for people, even if it was none of her business.

They reached the middle of the camp after a few more steps and Antra stopped Elias to point out the different tents. She tried to mention everything that might be important to him. While Antra was pointing everything out, Elias just nodded along. She had a feeling he wasn’t quite remembering everything, but he’d learn eventually.

“Thank you so much again for doing this, my Lady.”

Antra turned to him and nodded, “of course. Thank you for your strange questions, Elias.”

The man laughed, "I would be happy to ask you more strange questions whenever you find yourself bored."

There was no doubt that Antra liked him. Her initial thoughts had long vanished, and now she found herself wanting to spend more time with Elias. She realised that that’d be hard to achieve, considering what his work would consist of and just how much time it sucked out of one's day, but perhaps they could steal some moments away. Antra needed a friend so desperately she was quick to want to find one in Elias, who seemed so kind and nice.

Antra was glad that Brynden had made her do this. Otherwise, she probably would’ve went back to her tent and laid in her bed for the rest of the day. She’d be filled with dread and sorrow as her mind would bring those horrid memories back to her. But now, she was feeling nice for the first time in a long while. All because of Elias, and Antra selfishly wanted to keep him around her to keep the sadness away.

“I’d like that,” Antra nodded, “and let me know if you need help with anything.”

"Thank you Lady Antra."

“You’re welcome, Elias.

Antra smiled at him. Doing that felt almost forgotten to her. It was strange, and yet she found herself doing it. Since Rhea, it had been so hard to smile, Antra felt so guilty for doing it. Now, she let the corners of her lips tug upwards as her focus was solely on Elias. Though the smile faded quickly, Antra thought that it was a good start and a step towards normalcy.

 

[scoorpiuuss]

Oblivious
Chapter XL
House Wynver
Forwards From Beneath
Wheldrake, Crownlands of Aedighar
​

Ever since the Hastwycks had arrived, Elaria had wanted to speak to Lady Carlys and Leanah again. It had been such a long time since she had seen them. After Timos’ death, Elaria hadn’t gotten the chance to speak to them about what had happened. She had been excited to be a part of their family and to marry Timos. He was the love of her life, and he had been ripped away from all of them.

Now they were back, and all Elaria could do was sit in her room. Her father had insisted that she was to stay there because there were certain things she wasn’t supposed to be involved in. Elaria assumed it was politics and she had never been interested in such things though she was to be Queen one day.

Trevas’ word was final no matter what. Even if Elaria had wanted to be a part of whatever it was that was happening she couldn’t. Never would she go against her father like that. She feared him too much to gather the courage to leave her room.

At least Justan was there sometimes to keep her company, but he wasn’t exactly the company she needed or wanted.

They still didn’t talk much to each other. During rare occasions, she would say something to him, and they would politely chat with each other, but it never was anything meaningful. Elaria didn’t understand how she could ever learn to love Justan. It just seemed to get more hopeless for every day that passed.

Still she had to sleep next to him every night and wake up with him every morning.

Elaria still wasn’t with child though they had tried. It bothered her since she didn’t know how much longer she could handle it. It hurt just as much every time they tried, though she didn’t cry much anymore. She knew she could have tried to make it easier for them, but she didn’t even like Justan enough to pretend.

Had Timos been there she was certain she wouldn’t have struggled as much as she did now, but he was gone. Elaria couldn’t seem to get over him no matter how hard she tried, and she felt like it was all Justan’s fault.

Seeing him every day just reminded her of what she could have had with Timos. It was so long ago and still, and she felt like she was the only one still finding herself crying over him during nights. She would dream about him often, but waking up seeing Justan would rip those dreams away from her and remind her that she would never see her love again.

The Hastwycks could have helped her, but she had no way to reach them or talk to them.

Even talking to her mother would have helped, but she hadn’t come to visit Elaria. She assumed Katlyn was busy with the Hastwycks just like her father was. Elaria felt like she was going to go mad in her room. There was nothing for her to do. Either she would lay in bed or stand on the balcony hoping to see something interesting.

Nothing ever happened though. The Gods were cruel.

There was rarely a knock on her door where someone would walk in and keep her from being drowned in boredom. Soon something would have to happen.

Elaria figured she would have to find the courage in her to leave her room and risk running into her father only to get scolded and sent back. It was better than nothing. She had to attempt to find the Hastwycks or someone that she could talk to. Someone who could tell her what was going on as she had started wondering why the Hastwycks were even there in the first place.

Something had happened, but she wasn’t sure what had happened. Perhaps it was nothing important, but after staying in her room for so many days, she felt her mind thinking irrational thoughts about what it could be.

One afternoon she found herself at the point where she had been brave enough to sneak out of her room. Elaria had no idea where Justan was or where the guards were, but she had snuck out and ran down the hallways of the castle. Every so often she would stop to listen for footsteps, but the castle sounded eerily silent.

There was no one to be seen as she made her way through the long corridors. What was going on?

Elaria glanced around trying to spot someone, but she wasn’t successful. It made her heart race in her chest and her mind filled with those irrational thoughts. Had something happened while she had been busy being bored in her room? If so then what had happened? Elaria wanted answers.

Then at the end of the hallway, she spotted someone, and she stopped as she realized who it was.

“Lady Carlys,” she said, nearly running over to the lady.

Elaria heard Carlys say her name as she stopped, and Elaria stopped once she stood in front of her. There was a smile on Carlys’ face, but it almost looked forced, but Elaria smiled brightly to her. Carlys was the one person she needed now. The person who she could talk to and who she knew would probably understand her worries and concerns. Elaria was overjoyed to see her, oblivious to what was going on around her.

“I have wanted to see you ever since I heard you had come to Wheldrake, but father didn’t allow me.”

That was the truth. Trevas hadn’t wanted her to leave her room, and Elaria had no idea why.

 

[desti]

Carlys was surprised at how she had kept herself calm during the trial. She wouldn’t give King Trevas the pleasure of seeing her upset. Really, Carlys wasn’t exactly sad about the turn of events. It was really more shocking to her than anything that Trevas was using his own wife like that.

At least it explained why Queen Katlyn hadn’t been there to greet the Hastwycks. Perhaps it also gave a reason as to why the girls weren’t allowed anywhere near the Throne room during the trial. Did they even know what was going on? Though Trevas had claimed that the accusations had upset the women greatly, Carlys doubted that Trevas had uttered a single word about the details to them.

Still, Carlys felt no pity when Katlyn was presented to her. Not that the woman looked very sad, really. She just looked like she’d accepted her fate, which almost angered Carlys. Katlyn should’ve said something, should’ve revealed that it was Trevas behind all of this. Instead, Katlyn just stood there and patiently, almost with a bored expression, listened to all the claims that were made of her.

It was more frustrating than anything. Carlys didn’t glance over to Trevas once during the whole thing, not even when the King spoke, but she could guess that he was happy about this. Of course he was, he was successfully making everyone believe that he was innocent. Carlys assumed that they wouldn’t drink wine this evening, nor have a pleasant conversation.

That evening, Carlys had left his room angry with herself and him. She felt like everything was falling apart in front of her eyes, but her hands were bound behind her back and she couldn’t do anything about it. This whole journey had been pointless, and Timos would have no justice. Carlys wanted to do something, anything that would make this better, but she knew there was nothing to be done. Trevas won once again.

The least she could do was go through this with her chin high and not give him the happiness of seeing her upset. Carlys would condemn his wife, if he so wished for her to do that. She didn’t care which Wynver would perish due to this, as long as there was one less in this world. They were all a pest, really. And pests needed to be eradicated, it was only a shame that it wouldn’t be Trevas this time.

Or perhaps that was for the better? The war was slowly coming South, and Carlys wanted to see what Trevas would do about it. She was confident in the Northmen - they were fierce, savage fighters that would surprise the Southern knights with their sheer brutality during battle. If Trevas were to die now, Carlys wouldn’t get to see him gradually fall from the Throne. Trevas wouldn’t die just yet, but soon Lord Brynden would take care of it. It almost made Carlys feel better about the situation.

That first day of trial had been exhausting, though. Carlys didn’t want Leanah to be there, since there’d be so much talk about Timos’ death. Therefore, she hadn’t had anyone to help her through it, which left her horribly drained after the whole ordeal. Carlys needed some time to breathe once she left the Throne room, some time to calm herself down and think about the future.

“Lady Carlys.”

A familiar voice. Carlys stopped walking and wondered if it had been real. Trevas had said that he didn’t wish for them to talk, but… well, Carlys would like to talk to Elaria if only out of spite towards the man.

“Princess Elaria,” Carlys said as she turned around to face the girl with a smile.

Elaria was smiling brightly at her, and it made Carlys almost happy as she remembered the joyous years Timos had had with her both in Santrella and Wheldrake. This girl had made her son so happy, and Carlys would be eternally grateful for it. At least the last years of Timos’ life had been full of joy and love.

“I have wanted to see you ever since I heard you had come to Wheldrake, but father didn’t allow me.”

Carlys nodded, sighing, “I wished to see you as well, but your father wants to keep you as far away from this as possible it seems.”

"Is there something wrong?"

The innocence of Elaria had always amazed Carlys. She grew up around such horrid people and yet there was a naivety in her that made her so sweet. Carlys had no idea how Trevas could be so heartless and take Timos away from her. How anybody could hurt the girl was a mystery to her.

“You truly know nothing about what’s been going on?”

"No? Should I know?"

Carlys chuckled slightly at that. Of course she shouldn’t know, but every part of Carlys wanted to tell her. Not only because that’d be directly going against what Trevas wished, but also because Elaria had been Timos’ wife, as short as that marriage had been. She deserved to know what was going on, even if it wasn’t the entire truth.

“Should you? Perhaps not. Your father is looking out for you by not telling you,” Carlys said, “but you’re a grown woman, not a child. If you wish to know what is going on, I’d be happy to tell you. It does concern you, and you will find out eventually.”

 

[scoorpiuuss]

It felt good to finally see Lady Carlys again. Elaria had missed the Hastwycks dearly after they had left Wheldrake. Back then she had initially thought that they would never be returning. She expected they had no reason to come back. Her son was dead, and the only times she had seen them in Wheldrake before was when Timos was visiting her. Elaria had also visited him in Santrella. They had been so lucky that they had gotten so much time to fall in love and get to know one another, but perhaps the Gods thought they weren’t meant to be together.

Maybe that was why Timos had been taken away from her in such a horrible way. Elaria had probably done something horrible towards someone that she had forgotten about now. The Gods had punished her by taking away the one person she truly wanted to spend the rest of her life with.

No one in her family seemed to understand. Her mother was supportive, and Elaria was thankful for that, but neither Ashara or Trevas had been taking care of her when she needed it the most. That had only made it hurt more to lose Timos since she had no shoulder to cry on.

Had she asked nicely then Elaria was slightly confident that Justan would have let her do that, but sadly she didn’t feel comfortable in his embrace or embracing him. She had tried to that one night when he’d been standing by the balcony, but it had just felt wrong and strange. Nothing like the touches she had shared with Timos.

With Lady Carlys she felt comfort though. Even if they were just talking. Elaria assumed she still missed her son. That brought her mind at ease as she didn’t feel like she would be judged and called pathetic for still grieving. People around her probably thought she was truly going mad, but she was truly trying her best to do better and to feel better. It was just incredibly difficult.

“I wished to see you as well, but your father wants to keep you as far away from this as possible it seems.”

It didn’t sound like Lady Carlys was happy at all, and her words made Elaria worry that something bad had happened. Her father had only told her that she didn’t need to be a part of it and that it didn’t matter that much, but other than that she was clueless. Elaria wanted to know.

"Is there something wrong?" She asked as she raised her eyebrows, curious that what had happened that had caused her to look so tense or frustrated. Elaria wasn’t sure what kind of emotions Lady Carlys felt as it was hard for her to tell, but she was sure that she didn’t look happy.

“You truly know nothing about what’s been going on?”

"No? Should I know?"

Now her words made her heart beat even faster in her chest. Elaria could feel a lump growing in her throat as she thought about what it could be. It had to be serious since they had come all this way to Wheldrake for it, but it could be anything, and Elaria was almost dying to know. Was it something regarding her and Justan? Or Timos? Gods, it was unbearable standing there knowing that something was horribly wrong, but not knowing what.

“Should you? Perhaps not. Your father is looking out for you by not telling you,” Carlys said, “but you’re a grown woman, not a child. If you wish to know what is going on, I’d be happy to tell you. It does concern you, and you will find out eventually.”

“What does that mean? What is happening?”

"We're because of Timos. Because of what happened to him."

Hearing someone else mention his name made her whole body ache. Lady Carlys’ words still made no sense to her as she believed Timos has just died of natural causes like everyone told her he had. Why would they be here to speak about that? He had died, and that was that, wasn’t it? Elaria had never even thought about it being something else.

“What happened to him? Did something happen to him?”

"Your father really has told you nothing?"

Elaria went deep into her mind then, glancing down at the floor as she tried to remember if her father had told her anything. There wasn’t anything significant she could remember. After Timos’ death, Elaria had stayed in bed for days, and the only people who would enter her room were her mother or her handmaidens. Her father was a busy man. That was what he always told her, and Elaria understood that.

One day she imagined she would be just as busy once she and Justan would rule over Aedighar.

“He doesn’t really talk to me. He’s a busy man. Whenever we talk he only talks about Justan and if I am with child yet, and every time he gets disappointed and tells me he has important things to do when I give him the news that I’m not. He never speaks of Timos. Is there something I should know, Lady Carlys?”

"I'm not sure how to tell you this. It's quite a lot to take in... Elaria, Timos was murdered. We're here for the trial."

Elaria froze at her words, not noticing that she rested her hand against her arm. She stared out into nothing as she tried to process what she had just heard. That couldn’t be true. Who would want to murder Timos? He hadn’t done anything wrong. He had loved her, and she had loved him. That wasn’t a crime.

“No… Please. That can’t be true.”

It felt like she would faint from how badly her heart ached. Her knees felt weak, and her complexion grew pale just trying to accept what Lady Carlys had said. How could someone take him away from her like that?

 

[desti]

“What does that mean? What is happening?”

"We're because of Timos. Because of what happened to him."

Carlys assumed that Elaria was still under the impression that Timos had died because of an accident, an illness, whatever Aedighar had been told of his death. She was sure the news would hurt Elaria, but Carlys thought that perhaps it’d be best if she’d find out from her. At least Elaria knew that Carlys loved her son dearly, so being told from someone close to him might help her cope with the news better.

“What happened to him? Did something happen to him?”

"Your father really has told you nothing?"

It saddened Carlys greatly that Elaria was stuck with a horrible father like him, and she doubted Katlyn was a good parent either. Elaria needed someone to help her, but Carlys was afraid that she truly had nobody in Wheldrake to go to. She didn’t know how well the relationship between her and Justan truly was. Perhaps the boy was nice to her and offered some solace in this miserable place. Then again, he was a Bryne so that might just be wishful thinking.

“He doesn’t really talk to me. He’s a busy man. Whenever we talk he only talks about Justan and if I am with child yet, and every time he gets disappointed and tells me he has important things to do when I give him the news that I’m not. He never speaks of Timos. Is there something I should know, Lady Carlys?”

Carlys could’ve scoffed at that. She was a busy woman and yet she found some time during the week to talk to Leanah, even for a moment. Elaria’s father was only making excuses, and it was plain for Carlys to see. If he wished to spend time with Elaria and comfort her through it all, he would’ve done so. Instead, he shoved a Bryne in her arms and pestered her about being with child. Carlys could never do that to Leanah, such heartless actions towards one’s own children appalled her.

As she watched the girl, Carlys tried to find the right words to say. That was silly as there was no gentle way to tell her this. Carlys knew that Elaria had loved Timos greatly, so no matter how she’d phrase it, it just wouldn’t be right.

"I'm not sure how to tell you this. It's quite a lot to take in... Elaria, Timos was murdered. We're here for the trial."

Carlys carefully reached out, touching her hand gently against her arm. It was meant to comfort her, but Carlys understood that it wouldn’t. Judging by the endless stare the girl had, she was having trouble even processing her words. It hurt Carlys that her words had caused her pain, but it was better than Trevas or anyone else telling her.

“No… Please. That can’t be true.”

The smile Elaria had had before was long gone now. Now she was pale, almost sickly looking. It looked as though she might fall, and Carlys took a step forwards and wrapped her arms around her. A sigh fell from her lips as she stroked Elaria’s hair to calm the girl down. Elaria held onto her tightly and Carlys tried her best to soothe her.

“I’m sorry, dear.”

Carlys heard her quiet sobs and it broke her heart. Elaria was such a kind girl, Timos had been so in love with her. Carlys still remembered how happy they both had been whenever she’d seen them together, and seeing the girl this distraught upset her greatly.

“I’m so sorry. I know it hurts,” Carlys whispered into her hair, holding the girl close, “but you know the truth now.”

"Who did it?"

Elaria pulled away from her then and Carlys looked away from the girl. She wasn’t allowed to tell her the whole truth. They had to play along with Trevas if they wanted to leave Wheldrake alive. Carlys wished to tell her the truth, condemn her father, but that wasn’t a smart move. That wasn’t how this game was played, it was unfair and it pained her greatly.

Carlys looked at Elaria once more then. She wondered if the relationship between her mother was better than the one with her father. Part of her hoped that it wasn’t. Purely because then it would make this hurt a whole lot less. Though she wasn’t sure if that was the case, or if Carlys was just trying to convince herself.

“Your mother is the one standing trial,” slowly she said, choosing her words carefully.

"My mother? My mother murdered Timos?"

Elaria wiped the tears away from her face and Carlys moved her hands away from her shoulders then. She didn’t want to explicitly say that Katlyn had done that. There was no doubt in her mind that yes, she had been a part of it, but at the same time it didn’t feel right to tell that to Elaria. Carlys wished she could tell her the truth…

“That’s what she’s being accused of, yes. The first day of her trial just ended. I’m afraid that it won’t end well for her, Elaria.”

 

[scoorpiuuss]

As soon as Elaria had felt Carlys’ arms around her, she clutched onto her as if her life depended on it. Timos could have been here with her now. She could have woken up with him every morning and went to bed with him every night, but someone had decided to take his life from him on the most special day of their lives.

It was truly evil. Elaria couldn’t believe that someone had wanted to do such a thing to her, Timos and the rest of the Hastwycks. Who could have committed such a horrid crime?

All Elaria could think about was poor Timos who had looked so happy with her on that day. How they had been so in love to the point where nothing around them mattered. Elaria remembered how she hadn’t cared for the food or the entertainment. Her eyes had been locked on Timos’ all through the wedding. Gods, she should have noticed that something was wrong and stopped it all from happening.

Timos had meant everything to her. Elaria would have stood by his side through anything, supported him and loved him no matter what happened, but she hadn’t been able to protect him. Perhaps that wasn’t her responsibility, but she would have protected him. She should have asked to leave early just like she had during her wedding with Justan.

Maybe Timos would still be with them now then.

Elaria had no one to blame, and all her mind could do then was blame herself for everything, though in reality, she had done nothing wrong. It hadn’t been the work of the Gods punishing her for something she couldn’t remember. It was someone amongst them who had done it. Someone who wanted Timos dead. They had gotten what they wanted, and Elaria couldn’t help her quiet sobs as she held onto Carlys.

“I’m so sorry. I know it hurts, but you know the truth now.”

Though it was the truth, she didn’t want to believe it. It was so much better thinking that he had died of natural causes. That Timos had just been unlucky. To think that he had been murdered pained her.

"Who did it?"

Elaria pulled away from Carlys then as she looked up at her. There had been a trial so that meant someone had to have been accused of the murder. Even if it would hurt her, she wanted to know who had done it. Now she thought it could have been anyone. Maybe one of the guards or the Maester. Maybe even her own family had done it, but no that wouldn’t make sense.

“Your mother is the one standing trial.”

As if her day couldn’t get any worse. Her mother was someone Elaria appreciated and looked up to. She had been kind to her after the wedding. They hadn’t spoken much to each other lately, but Elaria loved her mother so much. To think that she was the one being questioned confused her. Why would her mother do such a thing to her, and how could she have done that to Timos?

"My mother? My mother murdered Timos?"

While she waited for Carlys’ answer, she wiped her tears away from her face. It wasn’t embarrassing for her to cry in front of Lady Carlys. Elaria somewhat trusted her and found comfort in her company. Still she didn’t want to look completely pathetic, so she tried her best to make herself more presentable as she brushed her hair behind her ears and made sure there were no tears on her cheeks.

“That’s what she’s being accused of, yes. The first day of her trial just ended. I’m afraid that it won’t end well for her, Elaria.”

End well? Elaria wasn’t sure how to feel because a part of her didn’t want to believe it was her, but at the same time, she felt so betrayed by her mother that she felt conflicted with her own emotions. She wanted to be angry at her and hate her, but she loved her too much to do so. If she would lose her mother, then Elaria would truly feel hopeless. Who would she talk to then?

“I can’t lose my mother too. Please, Lady Carlys you have to do something. I don’t want to lose her. I can’t lose her,” she pleaded as her words grew desperate.

"I'm sorry, Elaria."

“What am I supposed to do? My mother would never do such a thing would she?”

"You're not supposed to do anything. Not like there's anything you can do. Your mother... there's enough evidence to prove her guilt in this. Even the Grand Maester spoke up against her."

There was nothing she could do then. Elaria knew that. She didn’t even have any evidence that could prove her mother’s innocence. Maybe she was guilty of it? All this time she had tricked her and betrayed her. Elaria didn’t know what to feel or think. Elaria grew quiet as she stood there thinking about everything that had happened and could happen. She picked at her own fingers, fumbling around with her hands as she stood there.

“I can’t believe she actually did that. She knew I loved him. She knows I still love him.”

 

[desti]

“I can’t lose my mother too. Please, Lady Carlys you have to do something. I don’t want to lose her. I can’t lose her.”

Carlys admired that in Elaria. Even though she was under the impression that her mother had murdered the love of her life, she still couldn’t bear losing her. It was sweet, and yet Carlys didn’t feel bad about this at all. She should’ve, sure, but she didn’t. Carlys liked Elaria, and thought fondly of her, but her children were so much more important to her, as was hurting the House of Wynver for all they had done to her.

All that Carlys was doing was looking out for her children. It was a shame that Elaria would get hurt by it, but it was for the better. If her parents would be taking care of Elaria like Carlys had taken care of Timos and Leanah, then they wouldn’t be in this situation in the first place. One day, Elaria would move on from her mother’s death, accept that it was for the better.

"I'm sorry, Elaria."

“What am I supposed to do? My mother would never do such a thing would she?”

Carlys had heard enough things about Queen Katlyn to decide that she would probably do such a thing. Just not this time. She didn’t sound as bad as Trevas, but nothing about her was likeable. At least not in Carlys’ mind. Perhaps that just proved that the King and Queen were perfect for eachother. That in turn baffled Carlys again and again, as she thought why in the world Trevas would do such a thing to his wife.

"You're not supposed to do anything. Not like there's anything you can do. Your mother... there's enough evidence to prove her guilt in this. Even the Grand Maester spoke up against her."

That was the trump that must’ve convinced everyone in the room. The Grand Maester was a well respected man, wise and honest. When the words left his lips, everyone just nodded and whispered amongst each other. If the Grand Maester himself said such things, then surely they must’ve been true. It had convinced everyone of Katlyn’s guilt and killed any last hope Carlys might’ve had.

“I can’t believe she actually did that. She knew I loved him. She knows I still love him.”

Carlys was more surprised that Elaria was quick to go along with it. She thought that perhaps the girl would be able to tell that Carlys was very carefully picking her words, and therefore realise that something wasn’t quite right. Then again, the news were so harsh that Carlys shouldn’t have expected Elaria to really focus on individual words or phrases. She tried her best to empathize with the girl, but Carlys simply couldn’t find it in her to do that.

“Sometimes people do wrong things because they think it’s for the better,” Carlys said.

"How is Justan better for me though? I can't stand him. I can't stand anyone here. I can't trust anyone anymore."

For that Carlys didn't have an answer. Not onr that Elaria would like, at least, or one that her father hadn't already told her. The Bryne boy was a valuable asset when it came to politics, but not so much a good fit for Elaria. The Brynes were greedy and foolish from Carlys’ experience, and she had no doubts that their son was likely the same.

“Of course you can't trust anyone. It is often those that are the closest to us that hurt us the most.”

"I still don't want to believe it."

Carlys sighed, “I wish it wasn't true either.”

Her arms wrapped around the girl again as she tried to calm her that way. Words wouldn't help, because Carlys couldn't possibly continue talking about this. It was impossibly hard not to tell her about Trevas, because Carlys wanted so badly for Elaria to know the truth. She didn't want Elaria to hate her mother for something she hadn't done. Especially something so horrible.

Carlys was about to say something when she heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps. Nobody should see them together, that would only get them into trouble. She pulled away from Elaria and tried to give her a smile, “all will be fine one day, Elaria. Hope is all we have these days, don't lose it. Run along now, before someone sees you.”

“I hope I'll see you again sometime,” Elaria replied before following Carlys’ advice.

As Carlys watched the girl run off down the hallway, she tried not to think about the pain that this trial would cause her. Losing her mother would be hard for Elaria, and Carlys doubted that Trevas, or Ashara, or Justan, or anyone would be there for her. It was a shame, really, because Elaria deserved better than that.

It was nice to see Elaria again, but Carlys was more frustrated than anything. Playing Trevas’ game was exhausting and now she just wanted to go to her room and be alone with her thoughts. Carlys needed to be alone and think. Somehow she needed to calm down and convince herself that soon the Northmen would punish Trevas for all that he had done.

 

[scoorpiuuss]

Isolated
Chapter XLI
House Wynver
Forwards From Beneath
Wheldrake, Crownlands of Aedighar
​

The first trial couldn’t have turned out more successful than it had. Trevas had gotten out of it while Katlyn stood there with all the blame for something she hadn’t even done. Many months ago this had been his plan. It was his poison that had been used and it was Trevas who had laid down every single detail of how he would kill Timos. Now he had planned out how he would frame Katlyn, and he was almost overjoyed once the trial was over and she was still considered the guilty one.

Nothing was final yet, but Trevas was extremely hopeful that he would make it out alive. The only man who could truly turn on him was the Grand Maester. After all of this was over and Katlyn was dealt with, Trevas would have to take care of the Maester as well. He had come to realize that the man knew too much, and he had lied to him.

The fact that he had even dared to lie to Trevas for so long shocked him. For now he would keep pretending that everything was fine. Trevas could hold his anger in until he needed to let it out, but he also needed to plan out how exactly he would deal with the Maester. That was something he could worry about later.

If Trevas hadn’t needed to put such a mask on around the people attending the trial he would have been laughing and celebrating his success. Even if he wasn’t finished with his plan yet. Once the Hastwycks had left and Katlyn was dead he could be happy. Though he still expected to have to pretend to be upset over losing his wife, he wouldn’t really be upset. If he would have been he never would have done such a bizarre thing in the first place.

His mother would have agreed with him. He knew she would have done the same to the people who crossed her. Katlyn had gone behind his back for many years. Death was what she deserved.

It had been so amusing seeing her stand there being accused of thing she wasn’t guilty of doing.

There he sat knowing damn well that he was the one that had done it all and Katlyn hadn’t spoken up or accused him of the murder. He wondered why she hadn’t said anything. Maybe he expected too much of her. Trevas found her to be weak. It was almost too easy to put all the blame on her because of how pathetic she acted.

Still Trevas found himself walking down the hallways in the castle towards the room Katlyn was being kept in.

A cell down in the dungeons would have suited her better, but Trevas knew it would only look suspicious if he were to throw his wife down there. He had somewhat tried to pretend that he cared for her during the trial, but most of all he had acted shocked and betrayed like this was the last thing he had expected from her.

Most of the people who were often around them most likely knew that there was very little love between the two of them, so Trevas hadn’t played it all the way out where it seemed too unbelievable. He had his suspicions about Lady Carlys though. She probably knew deep down somewhere that he had won this battle and that he would get away with the murder. He didn’t expect her to buy his whole act anymore.

Soon they would be leaving. Trevas would send them far away from Wheldrake. Lady Carlys should have been thanking him for not punishing her for treason. He would let them go as soon as the trial was over and hopefully, they would stop trying then.

There were guards standing outside the door of Katlyn’s new room.

It had been rather enjoyable to sleep alone for once and he didn’t miss her company at all. The only reason he was standing there ready to be let in was that he wanted to show her who had the power here and that she would never be able to get out of the situation no matter what she tried to do.

There were many options for her, but one way or another she would be dead and not be a part of Trevas’ life anymore. Perhaps if she hadn’t lied he would have been nice enough to let her run away somewhere, and he would have helped her cover her tracks so no one could ever find her again.

“My beautiful wife. It is so nice to see you,” Trevas smiled as he stepped into the room.

Katlyn stood by the window but turned around to face him as he spoke. He imagined it would get quite boring to just stay isolated in a room like this for days.

"Can't say I'm very happy to see you."

“Oh? Why is that?” He asked as he raised his brow.

"You're unbearable to be around, that's all. I thought being locked away would finally give me some peace and quiet from you."

“I’m afraid you can’t get what you wish for. Soon though I can walk around in the castle without having to worry about seeing your face anywhere around me. Gods, that will be great.”

Trevas didn’t care what she wanted. If he had the time he could stay there for as long as he wanted just to annoy her. Though he doubted he would be able to stay around her for too long. Katlyn was quite the challenge to be around, and Trevas was ready to get rid of her for good.

 

[desti]

There wasn’t much you could do but think here. It was just Katlyn and her thoughts, whether or not that was good she wasn’t sure yet. At least the trial had brought in a fresh breath of air, as Katlyn was finally told why the world this was happening to her. She almost expected that from Trevas, of course he wouldn’t actually admit to his own crimes.

It was almost boring to sit there and listen on and on about the lies that people told of her. Katlyn looked through the Throne room, trying to find Elaria and Ashara, but thankfully they were nowhere in sight. At least that calmed her down. They weren’t there to witness the fall of their mother, which was Katlyn’s only comfort in all of this.

Trevas’ betrayal didn’t really hurt her as much as she thought it would. It should’ve, but Katlyn felt so empty that it really didn’t matter that much to her. She realized that this likely meant that her death was near, and even that didn’t frighten her, nor upset her. Katlyn even wondered if she should perhaps jump out the window of her prison, fall to her death in secrecy and by her own choice rather than let Trevas decide that for her.

But she didn’t do that. Katlyn spent her days watching Wheldrake and the sea from her window as her mind wandered around. Too often did she think about the happiness of the past, and perhaps that was for the better. If these were her last days, Katlyn wanted to remember the happy family she had once had.

Katlyn rarely thought about the trial. It seemed rather hopeless for her, because Trevas had seemingly convinced everyone that it had been her fault. At least she would secure her place in the history books then. There was nothing Katlyn could say that would make the people change their minds about her. Therefore Katlyn kept her pride and sat quiet during the trial.

Words would do nothing, and a trial by combat would be her only chance for freedom. Katlyn realized that soon enough and she supposed that there would be no other way out of this. Her fate would be in the hands of the King’s Guard she’d choose, and in the hands of the Gods themselves. It was the only possibly way for Katlyn to be freed of her supposed crimes, but she wouldn’t cry if even that would fail. Katlyn was ready to leave all of this behind.

If their girls were younger, children not grown women, then maybe Katlyn would’ve fought harder. Perhaps she would’ve tried anything to make sure that her life wouldn’t be lost, but now… the fight in her was gone. Katlyn would try, but the outcome didn’t matter to her either way. What the Gods would choose for her, she would accept.

When the door opened, Katlyn thought that it was a servant bringing her a meal. Sadly, that wasn’t the case. “My beautiful wife. It is so nice to see you.” Katlyn sighed as she toyed with the amber ring on her finger that he must’ve given to her as a gift some long time ago. She had hoped that the trial would be the only time when she’d see her dear husband, but of course that was too good to be true.

Katlyn turned around as he spoke, tearing her gaze off of the waves crashing against the city walls, "can't say I'm very happy to see you."

“Oh? Why is that?”

"You're unbearable to be around, that's all. I thought being locked away would finally give me some peace and quiet from you."

“I’m afraid you can’t get what you wish for. Soon though I can walk around in the castle without having to worry about seeing your face anywhere around me. Gods, that will be great.”

“I’m sure that day will be wonderful. Finally, you’ll be rid of me and I of you.”

"What does it feel like knowing you will never see our daughters again?"

Of course he would mention them. If it was meant to hurt her, then it did, but Katlyn tried to not show it to him. Her daughters were the only things that mattered to her in this world, and Katlyn hoped that they wouldn’t be hurt by this. Losing their mother wouldn’t be easy, and Katlyn knew that Trevas would do a shit job at comforting them.

Katlyn shrugged as she leant back against the wall behind her, “that’s the only part of this that worries me. You know how emotional they are, and I know just how horrible you are at dealing with such things.”

"They will be fine, and if not, well then sadly you can't do anything about it."

It hurt Katlyn to know that she would have to leave her daughter’s with Trevas, but there really wasn’t anything she could do about it. All she could hope for was that perhaps Trevas would find it in him to love the girls when Katlyn wouldn’t be around. She wanted her girls to be safe and happy, but Katlyn knew that it was very unlikely that Trevas would be actually able to care for them.

“I suppose so. Not like I’ll care when I’m dead,” Katlyn said, “but try and be a good father to them, Trevas. Not for me, obviously, forget all about me if it makes caring for them easier. They’ll need someone when I’m gone, they’ll need their father.”

Katlyn figured that Trevas would probably just mock her, or say the same harsh things to her as he always did. Whatever Trevas would say to her now, Katlyn would brush off as him just being a prick like usual. Still, she insisted on reminding him of this. Though he might not want to hear those words now, Katlyn hoped that perhaps they’d stay with him and that he'd care for his daughters, not ignore them out of spite for his dead wife.

 

[scoorpiuuss]

“I’m sure that day will be wonderful. Finally, you’ll be rid of me and I of you.”

It should have made Trevas upset to think about how his wife would be executed for his crimes, but it didn’t. What they once had shared between each other was long gone. He was certain that he didn’t love her anymore, and that he never would. It was confusing to think about what they had been to each other. Especially knowing now what Katlyn had done for many years.

Trevas wanted to ask her why exactly she had done it. He couldn’t recall what it had been like back then or what sort of husband he had been to her. Either way, it didn’t matter now that he knew and he would get his sweet revenge. Katlyn had stolen so many years of his life, and Trevas wasn’t planning on wasting more time on her. He would find someone else.

They still had their daughters though, and Trevas had thought a lot about what he would do with them. He wasn’t sure what to tell them or what he would have to do. It made him uncomfortable to think about. To him it seemed to be for the better that they stayed as far away from the trial as possible, that they didn’t get to see what would happen. In a way he wanted to shield them from that horrible sight

"What does it feel like knowing you will never see our daughters again?" He asked as he took a few steps closer to her.

“That’s the only part of this that worries me. You know how emotional they are, and I know just how horrible you are at dealing with such things.”

Katlyn’s words were true. He knew he wasn’t good at taking care of them. It always made him feel strange and completely out of place. He had tried, and he wanted to try, but that didn’t mean he was very good at it. Things would probably only get worse for them if he tried to take care of them. Trevas didn’t want to worry about that now. When that day came, he would take care of it.

"They will be fine, and if not, well then sadly you can't do anything about it."

Trevas couldn’t possibly know that they would be fine, but he hoped they would. Perhaps they would believe the lies about their mother and feel just as betrayed as he felt, or that was probably just wishful thinking.

“I suppose so. Not like I’ll care when I’m dead,” Katlyn said, “but try and be a good father to them, Trevas. Not for me, obviously, forget all about me if it makes caring for them easier. They’ll need someone when I’m gone, they’ll need their father.”

As Katlyn spoke, Trevas stepped closer to her, closing the distance between them as she leaned against the wall behind her. He hadn’t come to her to speak about what he needed to do as a father. It made him angry because what gave her the right to make remarks about it. Katlyn had taken away his chance at having more children with her. Children he would have loved and cared for.

The way she acted had made him appreciate his role as King more than his role as a father. When Trevas had lost his love for her, it was difficult for him to handle his daughters as they reminded him so much of her.

“You do not have the right to talk to me about being a good father. You took that chance away from me a long time ago Katlyn.”

"Oh, so it's my fault?"

“We could have had a big family, but someone stood in the way for that to happen.”

Trevas still didn’t mention it directly that he knew about the moon tea. His eyes darkened at the thought of it. Maybe he hadn’t always been the best around Katlyn and his daughters. He liked to think that he tried and that he was good enough as long as he did what he thought was best for them. At the same time, he had a huge role to play in Aedighar.

“Yes. You.”

He chuckled at that, “yes of course. It is always my fault isn’t it Katlyn? I’m so easy to blame, but I can’t recall sneaking behind your back to secure the fact that you would never be with child again.”

There was a slight pause between them then, and Trevas’ gaze lingered on her.

"The Grand Maester really is bad at keeping secrets, it's best you take care of him before he tells someone yours. Do tell, did you stay to listen to the whole story or did you leave the second that old fuck said all you cared to hear?"

“Why would I have to listen to the whole story? There is no point. You’re getting what you deserve. I couldn’t care less about why you did it, but don’t you dare to blame me again for something you did,” Trevas snapped as he put his hand on her shoulder to hold her against the wall, “you took what I wanted for us away from me.”

Rage rushed through his veins as he stood there. Trevas wanted to slap her across the face and let her know just how much he truly hated her, but he could never admit that she had actually hurt him though she had. Everything about her made him angry to the point where it pained him to think about her.