[ Despite the Greens' attempts to further discredit them and their marriage, Elrond maintains a sort of geniality around Viserys' court β he is too much of a diplomat to act otherwise, no matter how he may feel about them and their repeated sallies against his wife's position. It annoys Rhaenyra to some degree, he knows, which is perhaps why he makes further effort to be fully honest with her when they are alone, talking through his opinions of Otto Hightower's methodology and general temperament. It makes things easier between them, makes it easier for to share things both little and small, inconsequential and of great import.
Viserys, he finds somewhat more easy to be around, if only because there is no enmity between them. It strikes him, early on, that Viserys might have been much happier had he not been born to a noble house, had he not had to take on the mantle of king. But such things are not always within one's control, and he appreciates what the man has made of his station.
And of course, as to the development of sentiment between him and his wifeβ
βthere is something young in the way they look at each other now. Despite his age, he remains youthful, though that is often overshadowed by the way he carries himself. But now, that fact seems to come through to the forefront, the simple fact that the ground they tread now is new to him.
Some things are now familiar, near taken for granted β her habit of touching her rings when she is nervous or otherwise occupied, one now followed by, if he can, a touch of his own hand to steady hers. The way her gaze can steel itself should she be challenged, and the way it can melt, as it does now, in moments when her heart allows it. (It is in such moments that he wonders β who would not love her as a queen? To be so humanβ it is a special thing.)
It does not escape his thought that to become truly close to her is to open them up to vulnerability β to make an attempt upon either of their lives is something that comes with a host of risks, but with a clear reward as well. (But, he reminds himself at times, though he may have chosen politics as his path, he had come of age in a time of war. He knows full well how to wield a blade, how to protect himself against at least some threats.)
It feels irresistible, to smile in return, to laugh a little at the question she asks in answer. ]
Not strange at all, [ he says, a slight relief audible in his voice. ] Rather, it is the answer I wished to hear.
[ His every nerve feels pinpricked, a thrum of uncertainty β and excitement β he cannot say he has really felt before, not in this same way. He opens his mouth to speak, then breaks into a laugh instead, clearly sheepish.
As he collects himself, he reaches out again, a little more tentative, the pad of his thumb brushing over the round of her chin.
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Viserys, he finds somewhat more easy to be around, if only because there is no enmity between them. It strikes him, early on, that Viserys might have been much happier had he not been born to a noble house, had he not had to take on the mantle of king. But such things are not always within one's control, and he appreciates what the man has made of his station.
And of course, as to the development of sentiment between him and his wifeβ
βthere is something young in the way they look at each other now. Despite his age, he remains youthful, though that is often overshadowed by the way he carries himself. But now, that fact seems to come through to the forefront, the simple fact that the ground they tread now is new to him.
Some things are now familiar, near taken for granted β her habit of touching her rings when she is nervous or otherwise occupied, one now followed by, if he can, a touch of his own hand to steady hers. The way her gaze can steel itself should she be challenged, and the way it can melt, as it does now, in moments when her heart allows it. (It is in such moments that he wonders β who would not love her as a queen? To be so humanβ it is a special thing.)
It does not escape his thought that to become truly close to her is to open them up to vulnerability β to make an attempt upon either of their lives is something that comes with a host of risks, but with a clear reward as well. (But, he reminds himself at times, though he may have chosen politics as his path, he had come of age in a time of war. He knows full well how to wield a blade, how to protect himself against at least some threats.)
It feels irresistible, to smile in return, to laugh a little at the question she asks in answer. ]
Not strange at all, [ he says, a slight relief audible in his voice. ] Rather, it is the answer I wished to hear.
[ His every nerve feels pinpricked, a thrum of uncertainty β and excitement β he cannot say he has really felt before, not in this same way. He opens his mouth to speak, then breaks into a laugh instead, clearly sheepish.
As he collects himself, he reaches out again, a little more tentative, the pad of his thumb brushing over the round of her chin.
Then, a second attempt: ]
βMay I kiss you?