The ship shook slightly as it came into the port, the rough freezing waves forcing against the boats exterior, pushing it up against the wooden port.
Elia stood up from her seat, holding one side of her dress to lift it so she could make her way to the edge of the boat. Cregan stepped out of the ship and onto the port before turning and offering his hand to Elia. The silver haired princess put her hand in his, allowing him to help her out of the boat.
She shivered as the snow fell onto her hair and shoulders. She wore an elegant blue dress with a long black fur coat overtop to keep the cold away from her, though she had underestimated how cold the north truely was and realised she needed to put on more layers as soon as possible.
The ground shook as the five dragons landed heavily on the ground just a little away from where Elia was standing. With a grin she picked up both sides of her dress and hasted towards her dragons, eager to see how they were coping with the cold atmosphere.
"Hello my sweet boys" Elia spoke in high Valyrian to her dragons.
Cannibal walked towards her and pressed his massive head against her, embracing her in what she would consider a dragon hug. His scales were toasty against her skin, like a nice warm blanket, she wrapped her arms around his nose.
Meanwhile, Tide Breaker seemed rather excited of the new and unnatural place and was bounding about the snow, rolling around in the white blanketed ground and flicking big piles of the snow up with his wing, causing it to land on Vhagar, who only bellowed in reply to the white dragons immature acts.
Elia held a hand to her lips as she giggled at her dragon, who she was delighted to see was not fretting the cold snow.
The crunching of snow behind Elia made Cannibal pull his head from her embrace so he may let out a low hiss towards the person approaching.
Cregan chuckled, "He's quite magnificent, I don't recognise him?" He said, gesturing towards Cannibal.
Elia smiled, "Thats because he's new, I only claimed him rather recently, but I'm sure you remember Tide Breaker?" She said, pointing towards the white dragon continuing to flick snow up onto Vhagar with his wing. The Queen of dragons appeared to have an expression as if she were rolling her eyes at the immaturity of the younger dragon.
Cregan laughed at the dragon, "Yes of course I do, he always was my favourite of the Targaryen dragons" he said as he grinned at Tide Breaker.
Elia chuckled, but quickly shivered as another cold breeze scraped across her reddened cheeks. She shuffled closer to Cannibal so she may find warmth against his scales.
Cregan frowned, "Perhaps it's best we get you inside the walls and warm?" He suggested, holding his hand out for Elia.
With a smile, the Princess took Cregan's hand and allowed him to lead her away from her dragons, through the thick snow covering the ground and towards the entrance to Winterfell.
Aemond had his hands tucked behind his back as he walked, looking over the white landscape as he went. His eye set on his titanic Vhagar, being taunted with snow by Elia's Tide Breaker. He let out a slight chuckle before continuing his eye onward across the scenery until it landed on Cregan and Elia, walking hand in hand together into Winterfell.
Aegon walked beside his younger brother with a smirk, "Frustrating isn't it brother? Seeing the Stark and Baratheon swarm her any chance they get" he teased.
"Say another word and I'll bury your head in the snow" Aemond replied lowly as he quickened his pace to leave his brother behind.
Aegon only chuckled as he jogged to catch back up with Aemond, "You know she wants you right? She's not the slightest bit interested in the Stark or the piss poor Baratheon" he said.
"I know." Aemond replied sourly.
"Then why do you provoke yourself when she's in the presence of any man that isn't you or uncle Daemon?" Aegon questioned with a smirk.
"Because I don't trust that Theodore cunt, not around her, he's a fucking snake" Aemond scowled towards Theodore who was in conversation with the Princess Helaena, who didn't seem the slightest bit interested in listening to him.
"So do something about it" Aegon put it simply.
Aemond paused in his steps and turned to Aegon, "Like what? Kill him?" He questioned.
"Exactly" Aegon said with a nod.
Aemond scoffed, "Do you not think I've already thought of that? You know I can't." He said.
"We both know Elia can't stand him, and I'm sure she wouldn't give a toss whether he suddenly disappeared forever. In fact, I think she'll be rather grateful" Aegon said.
"And how do you suggest I dispose of him? If I was to do such a thing?" Aemond questioned, narrowing his eye piercingly at Aegon.
"Drown him? Feed him to Vhagar? Or you could steal his clothing and leave him out in the forest for the snow to get him" Aegon suggested.
Aemond scoffed, "Remind me not to ever entrust you with killing someone" he said.
"Hey! They're good ideas!" Aegon shot back with a glare.
"I'd never get away with it, no, it needs to be something that would make it look like an accident" Aemond said as he thought over the various ways he could murder the Baratheon boy.
....
As Elia made her way into Winterfell alongside Cregan, her dragons followed, flying above the town with great roars. The people of Winterfell looked up towards the dragons with looks of awe and wonder, Elia could only smile proudly at this.
"The north doesn't see dragons very often, in fact, I think this may be the first time in years that dragons have ever come North" Cregan said.
"Well, I do hope they don't cause a disturbance for anyone, they can be rather loud and restless when in a new place" Elia replied.
Cregan shook his head, "I'm sure they'll be just fine, shall we get inside? I have food and beverages ready in the hall" he said as he gestured towards the door.
"That sounds wonderful, please" Elia agreed as she allowed Cregan to guide her along behind him into the main hall.
As soon as the Princess stepped inside, the warmth of the fire engulfed her, causing her to let out a relieved sigh. Cregan led her over to the long table and gestured for her to take a seat. "I have a few preparations to deal with, but please, you and your family make yourselves at home" he said before taking his leave.
Rhaenyra slipped into the chair beside Elia, a soft smile casted towards her daughter, "How are you my darling? I hardly saw you the whole sail here" she said.
"Sorry mother, I was taking some time alone" Elia replied as she put a hand on her mothers.
Rhaenyra frowned, "Has something happened?" She asked with a concerned tone.
Elia smiled and shook her head, "No of course not, I just needed some space after the tournaments, they become rather tiring" she chuckled.
Rhaenyra nodded in understanding, "You have made us very proud" she said to her daughter before turning to chat with Lucerys.
Alicent slid into the seat on the other side of Elia and gave her a sweet smile, "It's quite exciting to be in the North isn't it? I find it rather beautiful" the Queen said.
Elia nodded, returning the smile, "It certainly is, have you ever been to the North my Queen?" She inquired.
Alicent nodded, "Once before, but it wasn't snowing like it is now, I think I prefer it this way, much more magical" she exclaimed.
"It certainly is, perhaps you would like to accompany me for a trail ride through the snow tomorrow?" Elia offered.
Alicent seemed delighted that Elia had extended her an invitation. The Queen grinned widely, "I would love too, will anyone else be joining us?" She asked.
Elia shook her head, "I was planning on going alone, but it seemed more fun to have you join me" she replied.
Alicent wrapped her arm over Elia's shoulder and pulled her into a quick hug, "Thank you for inviting me Princess" she said.
"Thank you for accepting the invitation" Elia replied.
Authors Note: How is everyone liking the chapters so far? I'm having so much fun writing them :)