Sycamore Tree {Complete}

Chapter Twelve

A gentle breeze blew through the Red Keep's outer courtyard as Elowen stood alone on the steps. All of her belongings and possessions had been packed away in trunks waiting in her chambers to be loaded onto a cart and be taken to Heart's Home.

The wheelhouse intended to return her to the Vale rolled into the courtyard following two large horses carrying finely dressed men. Layers of dyed leather and silver chainmail glittering in the morning light could not hide the fact that these men were mighty warriors. As the carriage rolled to a stop one of the men jumped from his horse. The moment his feet were on solid ground he had rushed to Elowen with a warm cry of her name. Strong arms lifted her into the air by her waist, spinning her around.

Giggles slipped through her lips as Elowen gripped tightly at the arms supporting her. "Put me down!"

The man carefully returned her to the red dirt, a beaming grin threatening to break his face in two. "You used to love that, Elowen. Has court life made you dull?"

"I was a child then, Uncle. I am a widow now."

As if he had just remembered the reason he had been able to see his niece again, Ser Uther Corbray's smile dimmed. "Yes, well, I'd apologize for your loss but I'm only sorry it wasn't my blade the bastard died by."

"You cannot speak like that, Uther." A voice warned from behind the large man. The second man had dismounted his horse.

Uther chuckled as he turned to the man behind him, a softness filling his eyes that Elowen had only seen directed at her mother and herself.

"Elmar," Uther called, clapping his hand on the knight's shoulder. One would have suspected that the smaller man would stumble under the Raven Knight's strength, but he seemed used to the weight. "You remember my dear niece don't you?"

"Of course," Ser Elmar turned to Elowen, bowing to the lady of the court. "It is a joy to see you again, my lady."

"You as well, Ser Elmar. It is nice to see you are still traveling with my uncle and have not been ran off by his terrible lack of manners." 

Uther loudly laughed at this, one hand pressing over his heart. His grip on Elmar's shoulder tightened, as if to keep himself upright or to keep the other man close. "That is where you are mistaken, little raven, I am a perfect gentleman. It is Elmar who has gotten us banned from several taverns and inns."

"I am sure he was only cleaning up your mess," Elowen's smile fell as she remembered the reason for her seeing her uncle. "My belongings are ready to be loaded into a cart."

Uther's eyes softened with concern at his niece's change in demeanor. "We thought we might stay for a night and give the horses a brief respite. If you are agreeable to that?"

"Yes."

"Wonderful, now I wish to see every part of the castle you mentioned in your letters." Elowen gladly accepted Uther's offered arm, allowing him to lead her up the steps to the door leading into the Red Keep. Uther looked over his shoulder calling out to Elmar. "Will you be joining us?"

"Go ahead," The Knight waved the two of them off, taking the horses reigns in hand. "I'll tend to the horses."

★・・・・・・★

The Small Council had just been dismissed, the most powerful men in the realm slowly filed out of the room. Viserys remained seated, rubbing at his temples in an effort to lessen the pain spreading throughout his skull. The headache had been steadily growing since Aemma's death, only compounded when he named Rhaenyra as his heir and by the countless matches being suggested.

"Your Grace," Viserys looked to the right to where his Hand sat. A quick glance around the room told him that they were the only two remaining in the room.

"We are finished Otto." Viserys moved to stand from his seat, wishing to return to his chambers. Perhaps he would seek out Elowen's company; they had not spent much time together since he had gifted her the Good Queen's necklace. Viserys briefly wondered if he had overstepped, if the gift had been too much.

"A small caravan carrying House Corbray's banners has entered King's Landing," Otto paused, savoring the words as they fell from his lips. "I heard word that Lady Elowen intends to return to Heart's Home."

A tightness filled Viserys's chest as Otto's words registered. What had Elowen not mentioned her wish to leave? As far as Viserys knew she wanted to stay in the Red Keep. There hadn't been the slightest hint that anything was different. The necklace, he realized. Perhaps he truly had overstepped and his eagerness had scared her away.

Without another word Viserys stood from his seat and fled the Small Council's meeting chambers. The halls of the Red keep bustled with life, as nobles and servants carried on with their days. The crowd parted as Viserys walked through, dropping into bows and curtsies at the sight of their King. Occasionally one of the visiting lords might attempt to gain his attention, a young girl cowering behind their male relative.

Viserys just waved them off with a polite smile until a familiar bell-like laugh caused him to falter to a stop. On one of the many balconies overlooking the royal gardens stood Elowen and a mysterious older man. Elowen's head was thrown back in laughter, her hand wrapped tightly around the man's upper arm.

"Lady Elowen?" Viserys greeted her, his feet carried him to her as if with a mind of their own. It was almost as if his body craved her presence so much it would go against his very will.

Elowen's smile fell upon turning to see who had called her name. "Your Grace."

"I was just about to pay you a visit to ask if you wished to join Rhaenyra and I for dinner."

"Perhaps, Your Grace, I um-"

Seeing his niece stumble over herself not knowing what to say to the man that had joined them, the Knight bowed to the King. "Ser Uther Corbray, at your service my King."

Recognition flickers within Viserys, overshadowed by the relief he felt at learning the man was Elowen's uncle. "The famed Raven Knight, how fares your war against the mountain clans?"

"Those savages don't stand a chance against me and my men. It pains me that songs of my victories have not yet reached King's Landing." Uther's large smile dims as he grows serious. "Your Grace, on behalf of my brother I offer you our gratitude and appreciation for ensuring my niece's safety and happiness. I have heard great things of you and the Princess Rhaenyra."

"No thanks is needed, Lady Elowen has long since been considered family."

"A shame my brother has ordered her home, she has certainly flourished under the sun in King's Landing."

Dark brown eyes watch as the King's eyes lock on Elowen's, a flash of hurt simmering in the lilac pools. Uther scrutinizes the tension between the two, finding similarities between him and his own lover. He knew that look on Elowen's face well, he had seen it on his older brother's and on his own reflected in eyes of gray blue.

AN: Absolutely bonkers to me that were still in part one

-ELE