• Baelor Targaryen x Odessa Swann (OC) •
this is a small wip of my baelor story, this takes place during valarr’s birthday celebration, the whole thing was organised so that he may find himself a wife.
“Has my son offended you, my Lady?”
Odessa, spun on her toes and instantly dropped into a deep curtsy as Prince Baelor stood next to her, his arms behind his back as he too looked at the flower arrangement. He wore a black doublet with a silver one shoulder cape with a scaly pattern on it that deliciously brought out the silver in his hair and beard. The future King was a vision, that Odessa would not mind getting lost in.
“Your Grace.” she greeted, straightening back up and blushing slightly as he smiled lightly, mismatched eyes still stuck on the rose that but a moment a go, rested within her palm.
“Lady Swann.” he nodded, his eyes finally finding her and trailing the wisps of feathers in her hair. He stayed silent for a brief moment, as if taking in the details of her updo, before finally repeating himself. “So, has Valarr offended you in some way? I couldn’t help but notice you retreating, soon after he joined in on the conversation.”
Her first instinct was to ask why he was observing her, but she bit it back, as surely he was just keeping an eye on his son. It was a foolish thing to even consider, so she killed the thought and buried it quickly.
Instead, she shook her head lightly and clasped her hands together, while her blue-green eyes flickered between his own. His gaze remained unnervingly kind, and a bit intense. But there was a drop of comfort in it, something quiet and peaceful.
“No, Your Grace.” she responded, keeping her tone light and humble, “Prince Valarr has been kind enough to share some interesting facts about the statues that are on display. He told us of Vaegon and his myth.”
Baelor hummed at that, seemingly glad for the given insight, but still his eyes trailed past her, making her look back and see a group of young women surrounding the Prince. Lady Kiera stayed at his side, but that only seemed to motivate the other ladies to try and catch his attention.
“If that is indeed true, my Lady. Then why are you here all by your lonesome and not out there mingling with the rest?”
Odessa glanced back at him, biting back the comment about how he too, stood to the side all alone. “I was merely taking a moment to breathe, Your Grace. I am not too fond of crowds, so instead I find solace in watching beautiful things.” as she said it, she reached out and traced the petals of an orange lily, “And flowers make for some decent company.”
“Still, tis only the first evening of the celebrations, surely some breathing company would suit you better.” he pressed, surely sensing that there was more to her distance.
She continued staring at the display, as she thought for a moment. What harm could be done, if she admitted that she saw that the Prince’s heart was already set on another? Well, he could take it as an offence, that she did not think his son worthy of her wasted affections. But seeing as he asked, and was known for his cool head, Odessa decided to be honest.
Turning to see Valarr in the distance, she spoke softly, “The first evening it may be. But I think that it is plain to any who have eyes, that Prince’s heart is already set on someone.”
Baelor pursed his lips, looking towards his son once again, “You see yourself as outmatched, my Lady?”
Odessa smiled at that, shaking her head, “Hearts are not as fickle, as many might claim them to be, Your Grace.” he looked back to her, and she continued smoothly, “When I see love, I simply let it be.”
“And is it truly love that you see, my Lady?” he asked humbly, quietly as if actually wishing to hear her opinion. For a moment, he seemed not to be a Prince, but simply a worried father.
The sight of his brief vulnerability loosened something in her, causing her to stand less stiffly as she softened her features and simply nodded, “I believe so. I will not claim to know your son, I only met him today but perhaps that is my advantage. For I see the heart that he wears on his sleeve, and I see her eyes trailing off to him, as if he was all that ever was.” her smile grew, as she added in a slight tease, “Not to mention what happened earlier today. I believe that Prince Valarr has made his choice loud and clear.”
Baelor simply stared at her, brows slightly furrowed in thought, before shifting to watch his son again.
Despite the crowd surrounding him, Valarr remained dutifully at Lady Kiera’s side, their hands still intertwined. And every now and then, their eyes would find each other, staying there for a few moments.
The Prince sighed deeply and nodded, “Thank you for your insight, my Lady. By the end of this week, Valarr will reveal his true choice and I will honour it.”
Still smiling, she replied, “As I said, I believe that he has already chosen.”
“He is young, he may change his mind.”
“He has a heart just as you and I do, Your Grace.” she pointed out, “No matter the age, a heart knows what it wants before our head does.” she pointed out, causing him to stare at her a bit more intensely. Yet there was no anger there, just curiosity. Maybe even surprise.
“And if I may be so bold and ask. Has your heart already chosen someone, my Lady? Is that why you do not fight for my son’s affections?” he stayed still, his head slightly tilting to the side as he awaited her answer.
Odessa just watched him back, her heart beating in her chest a bit faster underneath his gaze. She smiled a bit bashfully, and pretended to think it through, before replying.
“Not yet, Your Grace. But perhaps… something awaits me, and I am yet to see it.”
His smile grew, “A heart knows before the head does, was it?”
She hummed, her cheeks turning a pretty shade of pink as her eyes retreated to the flowers, “Indeed, but if I am to be honest, I do not see myself returning home with a husband on my arm.”
“I hardly believe that you’d be lacking in suitors, my Lady.” he simply stated, his eyes sweeping over her face and gown, only deepening the colour that stained her cheeks and by now her neck.
Odessa cleared her throat, not looking at him as she spoke, “You flatter me, Your Grace. But still, I think that I shall simply enjoy the festivities, celebrate the Prince’s Nameday as intended.”
“You shall celebrate my son’s nameday, surrounded by nothing but flowers and air?” he asked, his deep voice holding a teasing tone that made her laugh lightly.
“Perhaps, Your Grace.” she said, looking towards him with a bright smile, “After all, I should prepare my favour for the upcoming tourney, should some suitor demand for it to be given.”
“Shall you weave your feathers into it, or stick solely to flowers and ribbons?” he indulged her, shifting a bit closer to her as a servant passed by with a tray.
“I do not know, Your Grace. I suppose we shall find out once the tourney arrives.” looking up she froze.
Prince Baelor almost loomed over her, close enough for her to smell his perfumed doublet and see how his violet eye held a ring of brown around the iris. A small imperfection, yet so significant now that she stared at it. He too seemed to be somewhat lost in whatever he found when looking down at her, yet, neither of them dared to touch one another. Because why would they? They were simply… having a respectful conversation, right?
They broke apart at the same time, whispering proper apologies, while the Prince cleared his throat and stated, “The feast should begin soon, it would be best for you to go and find yourself a seat, my Lady.”
“Yes, yes, of course, Your Grace. Thank you.” she agreed easily and with a careful curtsy, she retreated, leaving the Hand of the King amongst flowers and air.
