Beyond the Veil

Following Alicent’s late night visit, Celeste struggled to quieten her mind. Sighing, she stood from the chair she was lounging in and made her way across the hall, lightly knocking on Sirius’s door, poking her head through as he called for her to enter.

Sirius sat with his leg crossed over the other, his face illuminated by the flames of the hearth as he read papers. 

“What are you reading?” She enquired, sitting in the chair opposite.

Sirius put the papers down, sighing. “Correspondence from other lands. Issues with tax, land stealing. All the fun stuff required to keep a country running.”

Celeste chuckled, tucking her feet underneath her. “Miss being a fugitive?” She teased.

Sirius let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. “I believe being able to walk as a free man far outweighs the boring politics I have to endure.” 

“Do you not miss home?” Celeste asked quietly, picking at a loose thread on her skirts.

Sirius mulled over her question. “Sometimes. I miss Remus, the Order. I don’t miss having to turn into a dog whenever I want to go out in public. The fur seems to get itchier nowadays. But, whilst here has the upside of being able to walk as a free man, the threat of the Game of Thrones is constantly looming over us.”

“How did you even come to be a Lord in this place anyway?” Celeste asked curiously. “You seem to be well liked by everyone. You have the King’s ear. Merlin, you’ve even got Daemon on your side, which, after today I don’t think is an easy feat.”

Sirius chuckled, draining his goblet. “It’s a long story.” He warned.

“I’ve got time.” She replied, raising an eyebrow. “And wine.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “Fair enough. Where to start…?”

“It all began not long after I fell through the Veil,” Sirius began, his tone turning reflective. “At first, I thought I’d been sent to some version of the afterlife—this strange, medieval world with dragons and castles. I was disoriented, and, to be honest, not in the best state of mind. But fate—or mischief, depending on how you look at it—had other plans.”

Celeste leaned forward, intrigued. “What happened?”

“I wandered for a while,” Sirius said, his voice softening. “Eventually, I found myself in the service of a small noble house—a minor branch of the Velaryons. They took me in, gave me food and a place to stay. I helped them deal with a particularly nasty band of raiders who had been preying on their lands. I didn’t think much of it, but it caught the attention of Lord Corlys Velaryon.”

“The Sea Snake?” Celeste asked, her eyes widening.

“The very same,” Sirius confirmed with a grin. “He was impressed by my ability to handle myself in a fight, and we struck up an unlikely friendship. I think he appreciated my unorthodox methods—and my tendency to challenge authority when it suited me.”

“That sounds about right.” Celeste chuckled. “Did you ever cross paths with Vaemond before now? With you knowing Corlys.”

Sirius leaned back in his chair, one arm draped casually over the armrest. He tilted his head, considering her question. “Not that I can recall. I’ve heard of him, of course— Corlys boasted about his brother often. But I’d never met him in person.”

Celeste frowned, her fingers tracing the rim of her goblet. “What was your impression of him, then? From what you’ve heard.”

Sirius sighed, his expression growing more serious. “Vaemond Velaryon was known to be proud—maybe too proud. A staunch traditionalist, fiercely loyal to his house and its legacy. He wasn’t someone who would stand quietly by while he believed Driftmark’s future was at stake.”

“That much was clear today,” Celeste said softly, her gaze drifting to the fire. “But do you think he was wrong? About what he said?”

Sirius hesitated, swirling the wine in his own goblet before answering. “He wasn’t wrong to care about Driftmark. It’s his family’s legacy, their pride, their power. Anyone in his position would feel the same. But the way he chose to voice his concerns...” He shook his head. “That was treason, plain and simple.”

Celeste’s brow furrowed as she thought back to Vaemond’s fiery words. “Do you think his punishment was fair?”

Sirius’s lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, he looked older, wearier. “Fairness doesn’t hold much weight in a place like King’s Landing. Was it harsh? Yes. Daemon didn’t give him the chance to retreat, and once the blade was drawn, the decision was final. But Vaemond knew what he was doing. Calling Rhaenyra’s sons bastards in open court, accusing her of being unfit to rule—it was a challenge to the crown itself.”

“He could have voiced his concerns differently,” Celeste said, her tone measured. “More carefully, without resorting to accusations.”

“Maybe,” Sirius conceded. “But I don’t think he had it in him to play the game that way. Vaemond was direct, uncompromising. That kind of honesty might work in Driftmark’s halls, but in the Red Keep, it’s a death sentence.”

Celeste nodded slowly, her thoughts churning. “It makes me wonder if he truly believed he could win—or if he knew he was doomed the moment he stepped into that hall.”

Sirius tilted his head, his gaze sharpening. “A good question. Sometimes, people like Vaemond don’t care about winning in the conventional sense. They care about being heard, about making their mark. Maybe he wanted to leave no doubt about where he stood, even if it cost him everything.”

Celeste sighed, setting her goblet down on the table. “It’s a grim legacy, isn’t it? To be remembered for your defiance—and your downfall.”

Sirius leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Grim, yes. But in its own way, it’s powerful. Vaemond may be gone, but the words he spoke, the accusations he made—they’ll linger. They’ll sow doubt, stir whispers. That’s the kind of power treason holds.”

“Anyway,” Sirius continued, changing the topic back to his recount of events. “Through Corlys, I found my way into the court at King’s Landing. I was introduced to Viserys during one of Corlys’s visits, and I must have made an impression, because the next thing I knew, I was being invited back. Viserys… he’s a good man, but he’s always been a bit too trusting. He saw something in me—a kindred spirit, maybe.”

“And Daemon?” Celeste prompted, her curiosity piqued.

Sirius smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Daemon was a different story. We didn’t exactly hit it off at first. He thought I was some upstart who didn’t know his place, and I thought he was an arrogant arse. Which, to be fair, he is.”

Celeste laughed, shaking her head. “So how did you become friends?”

“It started with a fight,” Sirius admitted, his grin widening. “Daemon challenged me to a duel—not to the death, thankfully, just a display of skill. He wanted to put me in my place, and I wasn’t about to let him. It was one of the most exhilarating fights of my life. He won, but just barely, and I think he respected me for not backing down.”

“And that’s it? One fight and you’re friends?” Celeste asked, skeptical.

“Not quite,” Sirius said, taking a sip of his wine. “After the duel, we started talking. Turns out we had more in common than either of us expected. We both have a tendency to rebel against authority, and we both value loyalty above all else. Over time, that mutual respect turned into a genuine friendship.”

Celeste studied him for a moment, her expression thoughtful. “And that’s how you became a lord?”

Sirius shrugged. “Not exactly. That came later. Viserys granted me the title after I helped resolve a conflict between two noble houses. It was messy—blood was spilled—but in the end, I managed to broker a peace that benefited the crown. Viserys saw it as proof of my value, and he made it official.”

“And you’ve been navigating this world ever since,” Celeste said, her voice tinged with admiration.

“More or less,” Sirius said, his grin fading slightly. “It hasn’t been easy, but it’s a life I’ve made for myself. And now that you’re here, Celeste, it feels like it’s all been leading to this.”

Celeste smiled softly, her heart warming at his words. “I’m glad I found you again. Whatever this world throws at us, we’ll face it together.”

“To that,” Sirius said, raising his goblet. “And to the chaos yet to come.”

They clinked their glasses, the firelight dancing between them as they shared a quiet moment of understanding.

“But I’m sure you didn’t come here just to listen to your old man’s tales. What bothers you?” He asked, tilting his head at her.

“Am I that obvious?” Celeste chuckled. “The Queen came to my chambers tonight.”

Sirius raised an eyebrow, putting his goblet down. “What did she want?”

“She had a proposition for me.” Celeste started, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. “She wants me to be Helaena’s lady-in-waiting.”

“And what do you think about that?” Sirius asked, his brow lighting slightly.

“I don’t know,” Celeste admitted, leaning forward and resting her elbows on her knees. “It’s an honour, of course. And I like Helaena—she’s kind and gentle, and reminds me of Luna, which is rare in a place like this. But agreeing to this ties me to Alicent and her faction. It’s a choice I can’t take back.”

Sirius nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. “It’s true. You’d be aligning yourself with the Hightowers—and by extension, the Greens. That would make you a target for their rivals.”

Celeste sighed, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames. “I came here to find you, Sirius. I didn’t come here to get involved in another war.”

“And yet, here you are,” Sirius said with a wry smile. “Like it or not, Celeste, you’re already involved. The moment you stepped into that hall and they learned your name, you became a player in this game.”

She looked up at him, her silver-grey eyes filled with uncertainty. “Then what should I do? Should I accept?”

Sirius leaned forward, resting his elbows on the arms of his chair as he met her gaze. “That depends on what you want. If you take this role, you’ll be at the heart of the court, privy to its secrets and schemes. They’ll pay more attention to you than they currently do. Every move you make will be watched, every word twisted for another's gain.”

Celeste’s brow furrowed as she considered his words. “And if I say no?”

“Then you keep your distance,” Sirius said simply. “You avoid the entanglements of the court and focus on finding your place here without taking sides. But you’ll also lose an opportunity to protect Helaena—and to position yourself in a way that could benefit both of us.”

She tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. “What do you mean, benefit us?”

Sirius smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. “The Greens are powerful, Celeste. Alicent holds sway over much of the court, and aligning with her could open doors for us. If we play it right, we could secure allies who’ll stand with us when we need them.”

“And if we don’t play it right?” Celeste asked, her voice soft but firm.

“Then we lose everything,” Sirius said, his tone turning serious. “But that’s the risk you take in a place like this.”

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of his words settling over them. Celeste stared into the fire, her mind racing with possibilities and consequences. She thought of Helaena’s gentle nature, the way she had clung to her skirts after Vaemond’s execution. The court would devour someone like her without hesitation, and Alicent had been right—Helaena needed someone by her side.

Finally, Celeste looked up at Sirius, her resolve hardening. “If I take this role, I’m doing it for Helaena—not for Alicent, and not for their faction. She deserves to have someone who sees her, not just her position.”

Sirius smiled faintly, his pride evident in his expression. “Then you’ve already made your decision.”

She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I suppose I have.”

Sirius raised his glass, the amber liquid catching the firelight. “To making bold moves in the game of thrones.”

Celeste chuckled softly, reaching for her own glass and clinking it against his. “And to surviving the consequences.”

Celeste wrung her hands nervously, doubt creeping into her mind as she stood outside of the Queen’s solar. Recalling the conversation with Sirius, Celeste shook the thoughts from her head and knocked lightly on the door.

The morning sun filtered through the grand windows, bathing the room in a warm glow. Alicent Hightower sat at a small table by the window, a half-empty goblet of spiced wine before her. She glanced up as Celeste entered, her sharp gaze softening as she recognised the young woman.

“Lady Black,” Alicent greeted, her tone even but tinged with curiosity. “You’ve come to a decision?”

Celeste stepped forward with purpose, her gown trailing lightly over the stone floor. She stopped a few paces from the queen and dipped into a graceful curtsy. “I have, Your Grace.”

Alicent gestured to the seat across from her. “Please, sit.”

Celeste obeyed, smoothing her skirts as she lowered herself into the chair. She met Alicent’s gaze directly, her silver-grey eyes steady. “I would be honorued to serve as Princess Helaena’s lady-in-waiting.”

Alicent’s lips curved into a small, pleased smile, though her sharp eyes searched Celeste’s face as if seeking the deeper motivation behind her words. “I am glad to hear it. Helaena has spoken fondly of you since your stint as a maid. She trusts you, and that is no small thing.”

Celeste inclined her head. “I admire her, Your Grace. As I said before, she has a kindness that is rare in this court, and it deserves to be protected.”

“Indeed,” Alicent said softly, her gaze distant for a moment before returning to Celeste. “She will need you more than you know. Helaena’s gentle, the kindest of all my children, but her position as princess—and the wife of Aegon—ensures that she is at risk of others trying to corrupt her or take advantage.”

Celeste frowned slightly, her hands folding in her lap. “I understand, Your Grace. And I will do everything in my power to shield her from harm.”

Alicent leaned forward, her expression more earnest now. “This role will not be an easy one, Lady Black. You will be Helaena’s confidant, her guide, and her protector.”

“Of course. I plan to be by her side as much as she will allow me to be.” Celeste said firmly.

Alicent’s smile widened slightly, approval flickering in her gaze. “Good. Helaena deserves someone capable and loyal by her side. Someone who will not flinch when faced with the realities of this world.”

“I won’t,” Celeste promised, her voice steady. “I give you my word.”

The queen nodded, her expression softening. “Then it is settled. You will begin your duties immediately. Helaena spends much of her time in the gardens or her chambers. She’ll be pleased to know you are now officially hers.”

Celeste smiled faintly. “I look forward to serving her.”

Alicent reached across the table, resting her hand lightly over Celeste’s. “Thank you, Celeste. For your courage, your loyalty—and your kindness. It means more to me than I can say.”

Celeste dipped her head, her resolve hardening. “I will not fail you, Your Grace.”

As Alicent withdrew her hand, the tension in the room seemed to ease. The queen rose gracefully from her seat, and Celeste followed suit, her heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and determination.

“Go to Helaena,” Alicent said warmly. “She’ll be waiting for you.”

Celeste curtsied once more before turning to leave the solar. As she made her way through the corridors of the Red Keep, seeking Helaena.

It didn’t take long for Celeste to find the princess. She found her sitting on a carved stone bench beneath a sprawling trellis of climbing roses. Her silver hair gleamed in the sunlight, her pale hands resting on her lap as she stared absently at the flowers, her gaze following a spider which wove it’s web between them. Beside her stood Aemond, his tall frame cloaked in dark leather, his single eye watchful as he leaned casually against the trellis.

Celeste paused for a moment, taking in the scene. The contrast between the siblings was striking—Helaena’s quiet grace and Aemond’s brooding intensity, as different as moonlight and shadow. Yet there was a thread of connection between them, an unspoken bond that she couldn’t help but notice.

Steeling herself, Celeste stepped forward, her presence drawing both their gazes. Helaena’s face lit up with a faint smile as she saw her approach, while Aemond’s expression remained impassive, though his eye lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary.

“Lady Black,” Helaena greeted, her tone warm but soft. “You’ve come to join us.”

“I have,” Celeste replied with a smile, dipping into a respectful curtsy before turning her attention to the princess. “Your Grace, I wished to speak with you.”

Helaena tilted her head slightly, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Oh?”

Celeste glanced briefly at Aemond, who regarded her silently, his presence as sharp as the edge of a blade. Choosing her words carefully, she returned her focus to Helaena. “I wanted to tell you that I’ve accepted the role of your lady-in-waiting.”

Helaena’s eyes widened, her hands clasping together in front of her. “Truly? Oh, Celeste, that’s wonderful news!”

Celeste smiled, a warm, genuine expression that softened the angles of her face. “I’m honoured to serve you, Your Grace. I hope to be not only your attendant but also your friend and confidant.”

Helaena’s smile brightened, and she reached out to take Celeste’s hands in hers. “You’ve already been so kind to me. Having you by my side will make everything so much easier.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Celeste said softly. “You have my word—I’ll do everything I can to support you.”

Helaena squeezed her hands gently before letting them go, her gaze turning thoughtful. “The court can be a difficult place. But having someone I can trust…” She trailed off, her voice tinged with gratitude. “It means so much.”

Aemond, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, finally spoke. “A wise choice,” he said, his tone measured but with an edge of approval. His eye flicked to Celeste, his expression inscrutable. “My sister needs someone with a sharp mind and steady resolve. It seems you have both.”

Celeste inclined her head, meeting his gaze evenly. “Thank you, my lord. I’ll do my best not to disappoint.”

His lips curved into the faintest hint of a smirk, though it vanished as quickly as it had appeared. “See that you don’t.”

Helaena looked between them, her smile returning. “I think you’ll fit perfectly, Celeste. I’m so glad you’re here.”

“As am I,” Celeste replied, her voice steady.

As Celeste finished speaking with Helaena, she felt Aemond’s gaze settle on her more firmly. His intensity was like a physical weight, sharp and unyielding. Before Helaena could suggest anything further, Aemond stepped forward, his dark presence cutting through the serene atmosphere of the garden.

“Celeste,” Aemond said, his tone calm but edged with curiosity. “A moment, if you would. Alone.”

Helaena blinked, her head tilting slightly in that familiar way of hers. “Oh, of course,” she said, stepping back toward the bench. “I’ll be right here.”

Celeste met Helaena’s gentle smile with one of her own, though her heart quickened as she turned her attention back to Aemond. His blue eye gleamed, the intensity in it unnerving yet captivating. She followed him a few paces away, where the trellis cast dappled shadows over the path.

“What is it, my lord?” Celeste asked, keeping her tone polite but guarded.

Aemond studied her for a moment, his hands clasped behind his back. “You’ve been in King’s Landing only a short while, and already you’ve drawn the attention of the court. My mother has entrusted you with my sister’s care, no small matter. And yet…” He paused, his gaze narrowing. “I can’t help but wonder who you truly are.”

Celeste arched a brow, keeping her expression neutral. “I’m not sure I understand, my lord. I’ve been quite clear about my identity.”

“Have you?” Aemond’s tone turned sharper, though his voice remained low. “You force your way into the keep as a lowly maid until you are miraculously reunited with your father, the Lord Black. Rather convenient don't you think? And I saw you in the hall during Vaemond's death. Everyone else flinched, recoiled—even my mother. But you stood still. Unmoved. I find that… curious.”

Celeste hesitated, carefully choosing her words. “I’ve seen death before, my lord. The court may have been shocked, but for some, such brutality is not unfamiliar.”

“Interesting,” Aemond said, his gaze narrowing further. “And what kind of life have you led, Lady Black, that death comes as no surprise?”

Celeste allowed a small, enigmatic smile to touch her lips. “The kind that teaches one to endure, my lord. Surely you, of all people, understand the value of composure.”

Aemond’s smirk mirrored hers, though his was laced with suspicion. He took a step closer, his voice dropping lower. “Composure, yes. But composure can hide many things—secrets, weaknesses, lies. I’ve made a study of such things.”

Celeste tilted her head slightly, meeting his piercing gaze without wavering. “I would expect nothing less from you, my lord.”

His smirk widened, though it did little to soften the sharpness in his tone. He stepped closer, invading her personal space and Celeste’s breath hitched as he loomed over her. “And what secrets do you hide, Celeste? What truths do you keep locked away?”

Her heart pounded, but her face remained calm. “Everyone has secrets, my lord. Even you.”

Aemond chuckled softly, the sound dark and dangerous. “Perhaps. But I’ve no intention of letting yours remain hidden from me for long.”

Celeste held his gaze, refusing to look away despite the tension crackling between them. “You’re welcome to try, my lord. Though I suspect you’ll find I’m not so easily unravelled.”

Aemond leaned in slightly, his voice a quiet promise. “Then it seems we’ve both found something to occupy our time.”

Before she could respond, Helaena’s voice broke through the tension, light and cheerful as ever. “Celeste! Would you walk with me? There’s something I’d like to show you.”

Celeste glanced toward Helaena, her smile softening as she turned back to Aemond. “If you’ll excuse me, my lord. Duty calls.”

Aemond stepped back, his eye never leaving hers as he gave a small nod. “For now.”

Celeste inclined her head politely before walking away, her composure intact despite the firestorm of thoughts swirling in her mind. As she joined Helaena, she felt Aemond’s gaze on her back, as unrelenting as the weight of a sword.

He was determined to uncover her secrets—but Celeste had survived too much to let anyone, even Aemond Targaryen, unravel her so easily.