(Vaelor's POV)
[A Year Later]
"Wake up, you little brat." Alyssa smacked my shoulder, "Get up!"
I opened my eyes, "H-Huh?" I said, "W-What?"
Alyssa was looking down at me with a scowl, her arms crossed, "Care to explain to me why you didn't show up for our meeting the night prior?" She asked, "Hmmm?"
I blinked, "What?"
"I told you to come and meet Baelon and I at the Dragonpit!" She said, "What gives?!"
"Oh, sorry." I said, "I stayed up all night reading Daella's letter....ah.....her handwriting has gotten so elegant...."
I closed my eyes, imagining her soft hands writing on the piece of paper. The idea of my beautiful Daella writing a love letter to me it was heartwarming; I couldn't handle it sometimes.
"You fool." Alyssa said, "I had dragged Daella to the Dragonpit too."
"What?!" I opened my eyes, "You did?!"
She nodded, "You are an imbecile." She turned around and walked towards the door, "Well, whatever. Father has lifted the punishment, he just announced it. He-"
The doors opened, and Mother walked in, a smile on her face, before she looked at Alyssa.
"Oh. Alyssa." She started, "You are here too. Have you told him?"
"I just did." She said as she reached Mother, "He is going to die of happiness."
Mother looked at me, "It is time, Vaelor." She said, "Get changed, make sure your face is washed, I don't want to see that drowsy look on your face when you see her."
I nodded, "Yes." I said, "I can finally ride on my dragon. Why is Father so cruel?"
A year. A whole year that Daella and I were punished. We couldn't see each other at all, Father only allowed us to exchange letters, which were personally delivered by the Kingsguard. He made sure that we were confined to our chambers at most times of the day.
Whenever I wanted to go for a walk, I was only allowed to walk straight to the Secret Gardens, escorted by two Kingsguard and Aemon, which was a bit too much sometimes. Aemon joined simply to make conversation, to make sure I didn't die of boredom.
I felt like a prisoner, to tell the truth, but I only wished that Daella was okay. It was hard for her too, but from the letters that I read, she seemed to be taking it better than expected. Daella was allowed more freedom than I was. She was accompanied mostly by Maegelle and Mother, so she wasn't that overwhelmed by this.
Father wanted my end of the punishment to be harsher, which makes sense, I guess. I was the one who planned all of the things that angered him.
"Your Father does it to protect you." Mother patted my cheek, "But I am glad you took it well."
I nodded, "I don't care." I said, "As long as Daella is okay."
She leaned in and kissed my forehead, "I love you." She said, "You are my precious boy. But promise me that you won't do anything rash until you and Daella are married."
"Yes, Mother." I told her
She sighed and backed away, "So much..." She started, "So much turmoil.....it is as if the Gods are testing us with you. But no matter, today is the day you and your sister can see each other. But your Father will be in the same room, so behave."
"Can't promise anything." I smirked
"Do not be a fool." She told me,
"My sweet boy."
***************
I walked inside the King's Chambers, where they told me that Daella was waiting for me.
"Father." I said as I saw him, sitting on his chair
"Vaelor." He said seriously
I then looked to his side, seeing that Daella was standing next to him, wearing a light blue dress. Her hair was tied in a braid behind her, allowing her face to be seen more clearly. She looked almost the same, some details a bit different. I think it was her cheeks, they were a bit thinner. Gods, I hope she ate well.
A whole year it has been since I have seen her.
I simply stood there, frozen a bit, "D-Daella...." I said, "Hey....."
Daella's cheeks flushed, "Vaelor..." she said softly, "H-Hello..."
I took a step forward, "I missed you sister." I said, "I....."
Daella ran towards me, jumping into my arms as I took her in for a tight hug, "Vaelor!" She said while sobbing, "I missed you so much!!"
I felt her face in my chest. I was so much taller than her. The warmth of her body felt so nice in my embrace. I simply leaned into her and took all of it in. My eyes were closed, feeling my beautiful girl in my arms. I couldn't believe that I missed out on this for a whole year, there were some days and nights were I couldn't take it that much.
"You smell nice." I said with a smile, "You feel nice too....."
"Vaelor...." Daella sniffed, "I love you so much....I don't want to leave your side anymore....I-"
Father cleared his throat, "Alright." He said as he stood up, "That is enough. Back away from him girl."
Daella sniffed and backed away, "Yes, Father...."
He looked at me, "I am still not happy about the stunt you pulled." He said seriously, "You are fortunate your Mother kept me from giving you an even harsher punishment."
"I thank the gods for having her in my life." I said
"Do not joke like that, boy." He said seriously, "After a whole year, I have established the two of you as betrothed. There have been no protests as of late, so do me a favor and keep it that way, Vaelor."
"I won't do anything." I said as I reached for Daella's hand, "I will just spend my time with Daella-"
"If I see you in her bedchambers when you're not supposed to be there, I will not hold back." He said seriously, "You are still a boy. And she is still a girl. You will wait until you are older to marry and have as many children as you desire, but for now.....you will listen to me, do I make myself clear? I say this not only as your father, but as your King. Do not defy me."
"Yes." I nodded, "Your Grace."
"Now." He said as he walked past us, "If you require a walk alone....."
"Go ahead."