I woke up feeling well rested. It was the best sleep I've had since I have arrived in this world and I was hesitant to wake up. Though hunger had won out, feeling my stomach cramp. When have I last eaten? Has it already been 2 days?
My eyes opened, only to startle slightly. Aemond was already awake and had been watching her. It would be creepy, but his stare was one of wonder. "How long have you been watching me?"
"Not for long. I keep thinking you will be gone if I close my eyes," Aemond confessed. His gaze dropped and I found myself flattered in a way. Without thinking, I leaned forward to kiss his cheek. I blushed at his intake of death.
"I'm afraid you're stuck with me," I teased. He smiled and instinctively moved the right side of his face, so I couldn't clearly see the eye patch he wore. "You don't have to hide from me Aemond. I'm not afraid of you."
I meant it to be comforting, but he had tensed and sat up. Did I say something wrong? "I just meant that I've...seen how you look and I'm still attracted to you. What does it say about me that I think you're the most handsome man I've ever seen?"
Maybe I had revealed too much. I've never learned to curb my tongue and I probably should have. I played with the ends of my hair hoping he would speak and break the silence. Just before I could apologize he responded.
"I'd say your mad, but I appreciate it all the same. I've been told how unappealing I would be to women and I believed them. I don't want you to run away out of fear."
I couldn't help but laugh. It was honestly not a good time to laugh but out of everything I've ben through, his sapphire eye won't scare me. When he glared at me and made a move to stand, I hurried to stop him. When I was in front of him, I grabbed both is hands in mine. "I wasn't laughing at you Aemond. I was just amused at the thought that I would run from you. I should be afraid of you, but I'm not. This you, the one who will bend the knee, is different. You aren't blinded by hatred anymore and I promise that something as simple as simple as your eye, won't make me fear you."
I kept eye contact with him to try and express my sincerity. It's better to have them communicate this now, so It won't be brought against them later. He took his hands out of mine and I felt my heart drop. Maybe he didn't believe me and thought I was just placating him. He silenced everything I had to say when his hand moved to remove the patch. I held my breath and his blue sapphire eye was exposed. My hand reached up and slowly caressed the side of his face. It says a lot about myself about how attracted I am to Aemond. The sapphire eye and the scar just added to his appeal. Someone dangerous. I couldn't help but to step closer to him and bring my other hand to the back of his neck. I don't know where this desire was coming from but I'll be damned if I didn't give in. I smashed my lips to his and felt his arms go around my waist. Before I could even take it further, the door opened.
I let out a groan of frustration before turning to the maid that walked in. The poor girl looked stunned and looked at me as if I had acted in sin. I once again forgot what period of time I am in. The maid looked at the floor and I was amused by how she avoided looking at us. 'I'm sorry to barge in my Lady but the Queen had told me to bring this to you."
I was reluctant to step back from Aemond, but was surprised when one of his arms stayed around my waist. My eyes went to the Maids arm and groaned at what I saw. It was a dress. One that was extremely beautiful, but would no doubt be uncomfortable. The gown was black, but had red dragons stitched along the bottom. The top of the dress had a square cut, but both shoulders were covered. The sleeves looked small and I knew that this dress would hug my figure.
"Will the prince be staying while I help you dress?" Asked the maid. She seemed to have gotten over her shyness and was looking at me with a small amount of disdain.
I grabbed the gown out of her hand. "Your assistance is not required. I'm sure my future husband would love to help."
That seemed to shock her and started sputtering about propriety and saying how she will go to the Queen. That made Aemond scoff. "Leave us your presence is neither needed or wanted."
The maid rushed out and I smirked. "I'm sorry to offer you up but can you actually help? i don't think I'll be able to tie the laces myself."
Aemond groaned. "You're trying to torture me aren't you?"
I blinked at him innocently. "I just want to spend time with my future husband." I set the gown on the bed and started to take off my night dress. Before I could be completely bare to him, he had cleared this throat and turned away. Well that was disappointing, but it did make him more attractive on how much of a gentleman he is. He seemed to distract himself by getting ready and it was regretful that I didn't get to sneak a peak at him. I quickly put on the garments and grunted when putting my arms through the sleeves. I was right on how tight it would be and was already regretting putting it on.
"You can turn around now," I said. His eyes trailed over my figure and had stopped at my breasts. I could see his jaw clench and walk towards me. My breathing became faster as his finger trailed along the top of my chest. My hands tightened into fists and I had to remind myself that they didn't have the time to go further. Aemond's hand dropped and I wasn't sure whether to be relieved or disappointed. Definitely both. He moved to my back and started to help with the laces. it was amusing to hear his curses as he tried to figure out how to put it together.
Once all the laces were tied, it felt as if my breathing was getting cut off. Why can't they have t shirts? I've never worn anything like this before and I had to take a second to adjust. Gods if my grandmother could see my now she'd berate me on how my breasts are being pushed up.
"This is probably the worst thing I have ever worn," I complained while I used a comb on my hair. It still has the wavy, almost curly way to it. I didn't really know how to do my hair in a complicated manner, so I settled for simplicity.
"I wouldn't say that," Aemond muttered. I turned towards him and confusion and saw that he was staring at the way the gown hugged my body. His focus was more on my waist and chest.
I crossed my arms over my chest and that just made him look more. I rolled my eyes and moved closer to him to grab one of his ones. "Shall we eat before meeting the Queen? We can eat her before going."
"That sounds good," he says and kissed my cheek before getting a maid. They spent the next hour eating and talking. It was amazing to talk to him and get to know him more. Conversation came easy to them both and it felt right. I had a premature thought about us being soulmates of some sort. Why does this feel...right? It feels as if everything is right about them and the they had known each other all their lives. It was overwhelming but in the best ways. The affection between has gotten more frequent by the time we finished breakfast. Our hands never strayed from the other for long and I wondered if that would stop if they were around others.
"Are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be." He said tensely. "I didn't expect to be ending the knee, but I know I won't regret it."
That made me smile and we both walked out the room, to meet with the Queen. Arriving in the council room was meant with all of the children along with the Queen, her husband, and Helaena. It was curious to see Jace still her as he was supposed to travel. I wonder if the Queen was wary about it and wanted to see if anything happened on his journey. I can't remember much about it, but I should warn him about the snow girl. Nettles won't be an issue as she won't be needed. The dragonseeds won't be able to betray Rhaenyra this time. If Balerion can lead the other dragons, there won't be a problem.
Aemond got tenser the closer got to Rhaenyra. We both bowed before you, before I went to take my place near the Queen. It was weird to be someone of power and it was daunting. People of power seem to always be the ones in most danger.
"How disappointing. I didn't hear anything coming from your chambers," Daemon taunted. Was his goal to embarrass me? It was a funny thought that he would be able to.
"Restraint makes the end result much sweeter, King Consort. Something that the Rogue Prince lacks."
For a moment I had thought I gone too far but was relieved when Rhaenyra laughed. Daemon seemed to frown, his purpose not quite making the cut he wanted it to. One thing they got right was he was arrogant and rough, but he did love his family. Loved Rhaneyra even more and I can't fault him for that.
Rhaenyra seemed to find more amusement in my comment than he did and it just made it better. "Quite right Lady Hand. Let's get this over with so we can begin your wedding."
I gaped at her. "You wish to marry us that soon?"
I looked to Aemond to see if he had a problem with it, but he didn't look perturbed. His face was blank but I saw the eagerness in his eyes.
"Of course! There's no point in waiting. Besides it gives us something to celebrate before the trouble starts," said the Queen. She wasn't very good at hiding the concern, but I can tell she was keeping it together for her unborn baby.
I nodded at her and watched as Helaena and Aemond bent the knee. It was relieving to see there was no regret on either of their faces and Helaena looked to be happier. It was sad to think she had known her future. Had known that her child would be killed in front her while the other was traumatized. I'm glad that she'll be happy now.
Once it was done Aemond came to my didn't wrap his arm around me, but his hand brushed against mine. It was strange on how that simple act was enough. Why was this so easy? I literally got ripped out of my own world and yet I'm adjusting extremely well.
I looked around and saw the children talking amongst themselves. Jace, Luke, and their betrothed all looked to be in a serious conversation. I can see that their eyes go to me and it made wonder what they were curious about. There was too many to guess and I might as well just forget it. Who knows what goes through a teenagers mind in this day and age.
"How do you feel about a Valyrian marriage? " Rhaenyra asked.
I immediately wanted to say yes, but I didn't feel worthy of it. "Will that be a good idea your grace? You know that I- I mean that you know where I come from."
"You're a Targaryen Lyna." Daemon said. "You have as much right to a Valyrion wedding as we do."
It was discomforting that I couldn't predict Daemon and he has a great ability to catch people off guard. It seems I'm not immune to it. I looked to Aemond. "Would you want to have a Valyrion wedding?"
He seemed to think on it before agreeing. It was a bit surprising as I don't remember him being interested in anything Valyrion.
Queen Rhaenyra seemed happier and told me that they'll do the ceremony later today and today will be a day of celebration. I saw the way Daemon was looking at Rhaenyra smothered a laugh. He looked as if he wanted to devour her and as attractive as they both are, I didn't want to see it.
"Would it be alright if I took the children to see their dragons? And can I introduce them to Balerion? I would like to introduce them so Balerion will know they are important," I asked.
That seemed to catch the attention of the others. All of them were excited, but could see Rhaena and Viserys seem less excited. Their eggs might not have hatched yet.
"Has Rhaena's egg hatched yet?" I asked.
I saw how dejected she looked and it made sadness well up. I remember how unworthy she thought of herself because this. "Have you tried to have her claim a dragon on the island?"
"We had tried with Seasmoke but it didn't happen. Viserys' dragon also haven't hatched yet, but we don't dare to put him in front of the dragons here," Rhaenyra explained.
I looked at Rhaena to reassure her. "Rhaena, your dragon will hatch in the next couple m-moons. There's no need to worry."
There was something about Viserys that was bugging me. I can't remember if he had a dragon, but he ended up King in that other life. Surely he was worthy of a dragon in the caves?
Before I could say anything, Helaena had spoken. "Destined for greatness, but with a cost. The fate of the dragon has changed, claiming the fury in a storm."
Daemon had rolled his eyes and even Rhaenyra seemed to dismiss her words. Has this always happened? No one listening to her? That just annoyed me.
"I would listen to her if I were you, she's a true dragon dreamer. Her words can either be a curse or blessing, depending on whether or not you listen," I berated.
I crouched down in front of little Viserys. While Rhaena seemed mollified, the poor boy looked sad. "Did you hear what your aunt Helaena said?"
His nose scrunched. "I did but I don't understand. Does that mean my egg won't hatch?" Little tears fell down his cheeks and I wiped them with my hand, not liking his crying.
"You Viserys, will claim Vermithor when the time comes. It's the gods way of giving you a gift," I tried to be vague. He's much too young to learn of the truth. It shouldn't be something that he hears ever.
I smirked at Daemon. "You may have tried to ride him, but it is Viserys that will. I suggest when Helaena says something, you listen."
I felt Aemond grab my hand and squeeze it. I looked to him and saw he was smiling at me. His smile was... beautiful. It lit up his face in a way I have never seen before. It made me blush and look away. I saw that Daemon and Rhaenyra were looking at Helaena with respectful glances. Good. That's the way it should be.
Little Viserys seems to be jumping up and down. "Mother can I claim Vermithor now?"
"Viserys you're much too young," Rhaenyra tried to say. She looked at me for support, but I had to be rational about it.
"He won't have to ride him, but I think it will be better for him to be introduced to Vermithor. The bond will grow as Viserys does and will be stronger," I explained. "If it will make you feel better I will go with him. We figured out that the dragons will follow Balerion."
I turned to Helaena who was now standing next to me. "Will Vermithor listen to me?"
"Blessed by dragons, blessed by the gods, the black dragon will be our salvation," Helaena said while smiling.
"I'm going to take that as a yes," I said happily. "I can go with him Rhaneyra. You know that I will protect your children with my life."
It shocked me by how true that statement was. Was I this emotional when it came to characters on the screen? Aemond's arms came around my waist and had tightened. He didn't look too happy with my statement but didn't say anything. His hand went to the pommel of his sword and I got the message. He would protect me while I protected him.
Jace and Luke seemed to have enough of not being told anything. 'What does she mean by 'salvation'. Just who is she mother?"
I could see Rhaenyra was going to tell them it was nothing, but they deserved to know something. "It is not a pleasant story and it's better if you don't know. What I can tell you is that I'm here to help all of you. I'm here to make sure you succeed in securing your crown."
Jace just stood there looking at me. "Are you really a Targaryen? I've never heard of you before."
"Yes she is. Even if she wasn't, she would still be family. Lyna is marrying your uncle after all and will be your aunt," Rhaenyra said in a voice that dared them to argue.
That seemed to calm them down, but I won't hold my breath.
"Mother can we go with aunt Lyna pleaseee," Viserys begged. It seems his patience has reached his limits.
It made me feel warm of the familiarity that he addressed me with. It made me more comfortable with my place here and I mentally promised to never take it for granted.
Rhaenyra smiled fondly at her son. "As long as you listen to Lyna okay? That goes for all of you."
The children nodded and I was once again surprised by Viserys who had grabbed my hand. Even though Aemond was quiet, his presence is known to be. It's hard not to when he hasn't left my side. It made me feel safer and I was afraid I would get too attached to his affection. Helaena had said she wasn't going today but would like to go tomorrow. Rhaenyra and Daemon were looking at each other with desire again and I was guiding the children out before they had gotten a show.
Aemond chuckled at me. "I wonder if we'll be like that once we marry."
"I'm sure we'll be worse," I muttered. That just made him laugh even more and i knew he agreed with me. Did it make me weird if i was excited for the wedding tonight? The ceremony seemed so beautiful when watching it and I found myself wishing it was already that time. I was ready to begin my life here.
