Gwayne Hightower ִ ࣪𖤐

Gwayne Hightower's arrival in King's Landing did not go unnoticed.

He had been summoned from Oldtown by Ser Criston Cole, just as in those days when the war was beginning to take shape.

As he crossed the gates of the Red Keep, he had barely dismounted from his horse when a voice made him turn around.

"So, you've come after all."

He smiled upon seeing you.

"Princess."

Months had passed since the last time you had seen each other.

You, the daughter of Rhaenyra and Daemon, were no longer the teenager he used to argue with at every banquet.

"I thought you'd take longer," you commented.

"I don't make a habit of keeping a king waiting," he replied with a slight smile.

Before you could say anything more, another voice interrupted the conversation.

"Niece."

The two of you turned.

Aemond Targaryen was approaching with a calm stride.

His single eye rested first on you and then on Gwayne.

"I didn't know you had returned, Ser Gwayne."

"Prince," he replied with a nod of his head.

Aemond looked at you again.

"Were you heading to the courtyards? I can accompany you."

You smiled politely.

"That's not necessary..."

But Aemond had already begun to walk by your side.

As he spoke to you, Gwayne remained motionless, watching you both.

He didn't like it. Not one bit.

Hours later, he found you alone in a gallery.

"Have you finished strolling with the prince?" he asked in a tone drier than usual.

You looked at him, puzzled.

"What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing."

"You don't know how to lie."

Gwayne let out a humorless laugh.

"It seems Aemond enjoys your company quite a bit."

"He's my uncle," you replied.

"And that doesn't change the way he looks at you."

You frowned.

"Are you... jealous?"

He remained silent. That was enough of an answer.

You smiled with a certain amusement.

"I didn't know that could happen to the great Ser Gwayne Hightower."

He took a step toward you.

"I don't find it funny at all."

His voice was low, but firm.

"I spent months away from King's Landing... and he managed to spend more time with you in a single day than I have since I arrived."