(Ellion's POV)
I was following along the wall, the secret passage running through several stories now. My Observation Haki spreading out constantly and giving me "vision" of what was on the other side. The passage was large enough for a person to sneak throughout the entire Keep undetected.
"Hm...." I said, "Who built the Red Keep? Was it Maegor?"
I don't remember the history of the city, but Old Lyonel might've mentioned that Maegor finished the construction of the Red Keep. It might've been begun by the Conqueror, but I am sure that Maegor was the one who completed it.
That said, I think he might've been in charge of making these secret passages. Knowing the kind of man he was described to be, whoever was building this place was more than likely killed by the Cruel bastard.
Oh well, not much we can do about it now.
I kept walking along the walls, managing to sneak past guards who were patrolling about. I had to find out a way to enter through the secret passages, but I haven't found a specific entrance. My Haki was being interrupted by picking up the actual chambers in the building, which was distracting me from focusing on the passages.
"Hm....." I said as I stood there, looking around, "I have to find a way to get in there."
After more minutes of walking, I somehow ended back to my wing of the Red Keep, near my chambers. I followed a small passage that I was able to see within the walls, leading towards where my chamber was.
I reached my door and was a bit perplexed, "There was an entrance in my room?" I said, opening the doors and walking inside, "How convenient...wait, so that's what it was?"
I walked towards the corner of the chambers, where a storage room was normally. I figured that the extra space I occasionally sensed was part of the room, which I never opened.
I then opened it, seeing that it was rather empty and full of dust, with a single wooden chest in the side of the room. I focused my Observation Haki around the room, noticing that the empty space was below.
"Interesting." I said, moving the chest out of the way and finding a small wooden trap-door, "I guess I am an idiot. I never noticed this."
I opened the trap door and saw that there was a small drop, the opening large enough to fit two people at once and judging from the space, a few people could be held there without issue. I slipped through the opening and dropped down, landing on pure stone.
I looked around, seeing nothing but shadows at first. My vision slowly focused and I was able to make out the stone walls around me. With my Observation Haki, I knew that this was the entrance to the passages, so I simply ran my hand along the wall, trying to find a false wall.
I pressed a stone plate where I was sure the passage was at and I felt it move, the wall shifting slightly and opening ajar slowly.
"Good." I said with a slight smirk, opening the wall and peering into the dark abyss of the passageway, "This is quite good..."
***************
After grabbing a candle from my chambers, I used it to light the way while I traversed the passages, using my Observation Haki to get a feel where I was at. There was complex paths and turns that I would assume shift to different levels to the Red Keep.
As I traversed, my Observation Haki picked up several patrolling guards on the other side of the thick stone walls, who were unaware of my presence. I did come across a few rats, which I would kick away when they got too close to me.
I kept walking, exploring most of the secret passages that led to different chambers of the Red Keep. I was able to reach the Tower of The Hand, several Chambers that belonged to several Lords, and the royal family's chambers. I did notice that Maegor's Holdfast was not connected to the passages, which was not surprising if Maegor The Cruel was paranoid enough to think someone might reach him with his own passages.
That being said, I was able to find Queen Rhaella's bedchambers through these passages, memorizing the path to my own chambers. It was long and complicated, but I was able to make out the path. I spotted several small chambers on the way, which could be used as hiding spots.
I was now on a secret chamber, hidden in her walls as I used my Observation Haki to ensure that she was alone.
The entrance to this passage was behind a wooden shelf on the far side of the room, near her bed. I was able to open it slightly and clearly see the doors, which were still open.
Rhaella was speaking to who I assume was Ser Gerold Hightower, "And make sure that Ser Barristan accompanies Rhaegar." She said, "That son of mine is obsessed with spending time with the Smallfolk, playing his harp."
"Yes, Your Grace." Ser Gerold said as he stood at the door while she was walking back inside, "I will make sure no harm comes to the prince."
"I thank you." She said, "And The King has been rather paranoid about Viserys. Do bear with him, have Ser Arthur guard the Wet Nurse's chambers."
"Understood." he replied
"That is all." She said
"Very well." He said, "I shall relay the message now."
He closed the doors shut and I saw that Rhaella was sitting on the bed, rubbing her shoulder. She then stood up and turned around, her back to the shelf that I was behind.
I then opened the entrance, moving the shelf slowly as she quickly turned around in alarm.
"W-Wha-" She started before I quickly jumped out and covered her mouth, my finger on my lips
"Shhhh...." I said, "It's okay, Your Grace, it's me."
I gently held her by the waist as she widened her eyes in pure shock.
She moved my finger, "E-Ellion....??" She whispered, "W-What are you doing?"
I patted her cheek with a smile, "I was exploring." I said softly, "And I found you."
She looked past me, "A secret passage?" She asked softly, "Ellion, you are....."
I nodded, grabbing her hand, "Come...." I said,
"Let us be together."