Galladon spent half a day at the Baratheon camp.
He had planned to spar with Robert, but too many nobles came to greet them. By evening, he finally slipped away.
He returned to the Hightower camp and invited Helena out.
Alerie and the others laughed and teased as Helena followed him.
"Let's go, Helena."
Galladon took her soft, delicate hand and led her through the maze of tents.
At first, Helena's heart pounded wildly. Her face burned red, and she barely dared to lift her head. But as they walked, she gradually relaxed.
The further they moved from the crowded tents, the more open the path became.
Galladon slowed his pace, walking beside her rather than ahead.
This was Helena's first time being held by a boy.
Her first time alone with him.
Her first time away from family and attendants.
The feeling was like stepping out of a gilded cage.
By the Gods Eye
They reached the Tarth camp by the lake.
Stoin and the others were stunned to see Galladon arrive hand-in-hand with a noble lady.
"She is Helena," Galladon said calmly. "My fiancée. Your future lady."
Helena blushed deeply at the word "lady," but greeted them politely.
Galladon led her toward the lakeshore.
Black swans drifted across the glowing surface of the Gods Eye, touched by the sunset's orange light.
A small, clean boat waited by the shore.
"Have you rowed before?" Galladon asked.
"No, but I've ridden boats with Baelor."
"Then let me take you to the center."
He stepped in first and helped her aboard.
They drifted away from shore.
Helena trailed her fingers through the clear water. No refuse. No pollution. Only ripples and leaves.
As twilight deepened, Galladon rested the oars and fed dried fish to two bold black swans who swam close.
Helena's eyes sparkled. She had only seen white swans in Oldtown.
He handed her the fish.
She laughed softly as the birds approached her hand.
The Snake-Scale Flower
"Helena, do you remember the snake-scale flower you mentioned in your letter?"
"The one from the Norvos Hills?"
"Yes."
He reached beneath the deck and brought out a small potted plant.
A living snake-scale flower.
Helena gasped.
She loved cultivating rare plants. She had once written about wanting Essosi species for her garden.
"You remembered…"
Her happiness at this simple pot exceeded even her delight at the sapphire necklace.
The necklace represented admiration.
This plant represented understanding.
"Thank you, Galladon."
"No need to thank me," he replied gently.
She understood what he meant.
Some feelings did not require gratitude.
"There's something special about that plant," Galladon continued.
"It can be used to brew ale."
Helena blinked in surprise.
"I've created a new drink," he explained. "Beer. This flower may one day be known as hops."
He described the brewing process and how the plant balanced bitterness and aroma.
Helena listened, fascinated.
She had never imagined such a connection.
He spoke of other Essosi plants as well—ghost grass that glowed at night, black-bark trees that stained lips blue.
"I wish I could see Essos one day," she murmured softly—then hesitated, worried she had overstepped.
"If you wish it," Galladon said without pause, "I'll take you."
Her eyes widened.
He had been studying High Valyrian for years.
One day, they would travel together.
Perhaps even fly.
The lake darkened as stars emerged above them.
For now, though, they simply drifted in quiet peace—two young nobles at the edge of something new.
(End of Chapter 30)
A/N:
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