Chapter 12
Although Aemond did not particularly enjoy looking himself in the mirror, but recently he began to do so. He avoided looking at his face, instead focused on the chest, making sure the pendant sat on the perfect spot.
This morning was no different.
Aemond looked himself in the mirror and for the umpteenth time adjusted the pendant.
His disciplined self knew he was running late for training yet again, but the child in him needed the pendant to be on the right spot before he made it out of his chamber.
The one-eyed Prince could not help the excitement he felt as he marched through the halls of the Keep to the training yard, the Sapphire of the Arryn family sitting proudly on his chest proudly. He even appeared before his father two days prior, wordlessly showing off the gift Aemma had given him and felt great satisfaction seeing the bewildered expression on the withering man's face.
For the third time in a row this week Aemond is late to arrive to the training yard. Upon his arrival Ser Criston Cole greeted him with a reproachful look. Quite unimpressed by his star pupil recent tardiness. He scarcely recognizes this new Aemond.
The session training began shortly after, before Aemond suffered through what was undoubtedly another one of the worst sparring session he has participated in since he first took up a wooden sword as a child.
Cole observed; present amongst today's crowd he detected was the youngest Princess. She stood clutching onto an arm of Prince Daeron. The knight switched his attention back to the Prince he was sparring with and noted, whatever little bit of attention the boy had previously, has left him now.
It was then the knight understood the root cause of the problem.
At the same time frustrated by his pupil's lack of attention, Cole decided to go especially brutal on him this round.
Aemond was caught off guard when his
shield splintered under an unexpected blow from the morningstar. Before he could come out of the shock, came the next blow that had his sword knocked out his hand and had him thrown to the ground. And half a heartbeat after, Cole's sword was at his throat.
The audience was left stunned. Everyone was speechless. Some found themselves quietly gasping, others had their jaw dropped to what they just witnessed.
"My Prince," Ser Criston offered a hand and helped Aemond back to his feet before he taunted, "seems to me you decided to lock your focus into that pendant of yours?"
With wide eye and face twisted in emotion that was hard to read Aemond looked away from him. His breathing laboured, his embarrassment fading rapidly into outright rage.
Wrapping an arm around Aemond's shoulder Criston brought him closer.
"I understand your difficulty and reluctance to part ways with your little sister's gift. But you must find a more suitable place for it. As this isn't where it belongs." He emphasized, lightly tapping on Aemond's chest.
The advice mindlessly went through the one-eyed Prince's one ear and out of the other as he stalked back inside, with how little he cared for what the man said in that moment.
In the midst of working on her needlepoint Helaena occasionally paused and looked down at her lap just to check how her little brother was faring. Aemond kept twirling the sapphire between his fingers, unable to stop looking at it. She softly pet his head before returning to her embroidery. She had been working diligently on finishing the golden brownish one-eyed cat per Aemma's request.
They were in the private part of the garden where there were very few footsteps of people. This area served as Helaena's sanctuary. She liked to spend most of her spare time here, because here, no one disturbed her. She could work on her embroidery or collect insects at peace. Today has been no different, she has been here since early morning. Coming straight after finishing her lesson with the Septa. Later to be joined by Aemond, who currently rested on her lap.
For the longest time it was just the two of them. Basking in each other's presence, enjoying the nature and the quietness.
And then she heard— no they both heard;
"Aemond… Aemond… Aemond… Helaena… Helaena… Helaena… Aemond Helaena Aemond Helaena."
Aemma was bouncing her way towards them. Chanting their names to the rhythm of her movement.
In that instant Helaena knew their peace was short lived. Not that she mind Aemma's company, but like every children of her age Aemma too had those days where her personality could be loud, hyper and straight up annoying. Unfortunately, it was one of those days. She has been hyper since waking up. Stirred quite the trouble during their lesson with the Septa. Also, in all fairness it wasn't fully Aemma's fault. Septa Lira was the one who started when she blatantly said to the youngest Princess that she will be put into the deepest pits of the Seven Hells for tormenting her father. Aemma retaliated by throwing the banana peel of the banana she had just eaten on the Septa's path. Moment later Septa Lira stepped on it and land on her bottom. And then, chaos ensued.
Helaena didn't look up to greet her little sister. As her focus refused to deflect, she was almost finished with the embroidery. Just some details on the tail was left. But that changed the moment she felt the boy on her lap go tense. His heart pounding into his chest so erratically that even she could feel it.
Helaena stopped her needlepoint; stuck the needle into the fabric to secure it, then set the hoop down carefully before looking down her lap once more. Her brows knitted together as she studied Aemond.
They have now been joined by Aemma— who sat straddling Aemond's hips. Filling him in on her earlier brawl with Septa Lira. Seemingly unaware and unbothered by the stares and the frowns her inappropriate sitting position was attracting and the level of discomfort Aemond seemed to be in.
The older Princess's eyes were drawn onto her brother's hand, and found them to be fidgeting. There was turmoil in him, he was struggling. But from what? Before Helaena could figure that out came the voice of one of the Kingsguard who had been sent to retrieve Aemma.
"Princess Aemma," called the Kingsguard. Even his eyes could not ignore the inappropriate way Aemma was straddling Aemond. "Your father summons you."
All three Targaryen siblings turned towards the direction of the guard. But only Aemma dismissed him.
"You may go and remind the King that Princess Aemma isn't able to respond to his call. To him, she is dead; like his late wife. Now go away shoo shoo!" She made an insulting gesture with her hand.
Sighing defeatedly the kingsguard left and Aemond spoke.
"You should have gone."
Aemma shook her head.
"Father cares for you. It would do you no good to waste his affection." He reasoned, hoping she would see and appreciate the privilege she had above all of her siblings; except their half-sister Rhaenyra.
"Matters not." Aemma shrugged. "I refuse to see him. Not unless he apologizes to you."
He emitted a small "Mhm" in reply. His heart warmed at the thought of how much she cared for him.
Leaning in close, so close that their noses touched, Aemma mimicked his "Mhm" him in a mocking manner.
But Aemond could care less about her mockery. There was something different about him now. Although it was a simple gesture but the feeling it brought was so consuming that it nearly took his breath away. Aemond tried to calm the thunderous beating of his heart when Aemma exhaled and her breath brushed over his lips. Not since he was a child, yearning for a dragon of his own, had he felt such a strong feeling of want.
He wanted her... his little sister... his Aemma.
And so he would have her, sooner or later, he was sure of it. She would be his, just as he was already hers.
His arms circled around her tiny waist. An action that felt so natural as if he was holding an extension of himself. It felt even better when Aemma rested her head on his chest. Aemond closed his eye, lazily stroking her hair with one of the hands.
He couldn't stop touching her.
Helaena returned to her embroidery. Aemond still resting on her lap with Aemma laid atop him, curled into a ball.
Like all good times this peaceful moment also met its end. The interruption this time came from their youngest brother.
"I'm going to the Dragonpit. Do you wish to come Aemma…?"
Annoyed, Aemond opened his eye and directly glared at Daeron. His hand that was stroking Aemma's hair stopped and instinctively gripped her small form tightly.
'No! She goes nowhere.'
Was what he intended to say, as he planned on responding on Aemma's behalf. So he opened his mouth with the very intent. But by the time he could voice out his thought the girl in his arms had already broken out of his embrace and was galloping towards his little brother like a pony.
And just like that she was gone!
Left without sparing him even the simplest of glance.
Leaving Aemond to process what just happened. Initially all he felt was confusion and then sooner than expected the confusion turned to anger.
Helaena noted the change in Aemond, and frowned.
He looked scorned.
Grunting in displeasure Aemond was up on his feet within the next few heartbeat, ready to storm off, when he felt a hand grab his wrist. Turning, he found Helaena looking at him with pleading eyes.
"Where must you be going?" She asked.
"Vhagar awaits." He replied, avoiding her gaze.
"I see… I shouldn't hold you back then." Aemond made a nod of acknowledgement as he began to march ahead. But few steps forward Helaena stopped him again.
"Brother…?"
Aemond looked over his shoulder.
"The gap must be filled." She told him.
He simply nodded, and without any further acknowledgment rushed off from there. Only after he was already saddled on Vhagar, flying over Blackwater Bay that he finally understood what his older sister had advised.
Realization drawn on him quickly. He swallowed thickly, drawing his bottom lip between his teeth.
He must find a more suitable place for this sapphire.
His fingers lightly brushed over the leather eyepatch. Once the gap is filled, he can certainly move about without it.
Or so he thought.
Meanwhile days have passed with the King trying to make amends with his daughter.
The morning after the fight, first thing Viserys did after waking was send for Aemma. To some extent of shock and more so disappointment, the kingsguard sent to fetch her returned alone with the heartbreaking information:
"My King, the Princess has refused to come."
The following afternoon a serving girl showed up at Aemma's doorstep carrying a tray full of freshly baked pastries and fruit tarts.
"Compliments of the King." She said.
Aemma took a good look at the tray. Her mouth watering at the sight of those delicious looking treats staring back at her, ready to be devoured. Resisting the temptation proved to harder than she initially anticipated. Her tongue darted out and licked her bottom lip. But then she remembered Aemond, the look on his face when all he was offered was goodwill by their father after having his eye taken. The same father who without remorse threw his stick at him and made him bleed for something that wasn't even his fault. And now that father had sent her pastries as a means to reconcile. The strength to resist returned at a lighting speed. She was a strong willed girl. If her father thought he could buy her anger with sweets he was definitely in for some rude awakening.
Therefore Aemma gave her response by spitting on the pastries and slamming the door shut on the maid's face as hard as she possibly could. Causing the poor serving girl to jump on the spot in fright.
Next evening when Aemma walked into the dining hall, she was not so surprised to find her father's presence. Although she was not sure the best way to interpret his attempt:
A sweet gesture? Or rather a desperate move?
Deciding it was the latter option she scanned the room, hoping for Aemond's absence. To her utter dismay— he was also present. Seated on his usual spot on one end of the table, across from their grandsire.
Her father was the first to greet her. Resulting in all heads to turn to her direction. Her mother called her next, gesturing her to take the only empty seat beside her father. Daeron smiled, Helaena mumbled something and Otto Hightower simply watched her, his deep-set eyes gleaming with dark mirth. Aegon was taking a sip from his cup and Aemond already went back to eating.
Completely ignoring all the focus that was on her, Aemma approached Aemond in quick strides. Her eyes staring at him intently, with brows furrowed.
"What are you doing here?!" She hissed in a hushed voice.
He responded after swallowing the portion that was already in his mouth. "… Having my supper. As you can see."
"With him being present?" She rudely pointed her finger. Aemond followed her finger and briefly glanced at the direction of his father and found himself pitying the old man.
Viserys's condition has deteriorated since Aemma pulled away from him. It got him to a point where, even the simplest of sighing gave him so much difficulty. His breath laboured, as he made another attempt to calling her, asking her to come to him but the girl was stubborn as rock. She paid him no mind. Didn't even look his way.
So the duty bound son Aemond decided to do the right thing— which is, remind his sister of a fact she was deliberately choosing to forget.
"He's our father."
"He's Rhaenyra's father only!" Her protest came instantly.
"You mustn't speak about your father so disrespectfully." Alicent interjected as she tried to intervene. But her attempt was cut off by Viserys as he called for Aemma again. But neither of them had any success in gaining their youngest child's attention.
Alicent gasped before she tried to intervene but her attempt was cut off by Viserys as he called for Aemma again. But neither of them had any success in gaining their youngest child's attention.
"He's no father of yours or mine nor theirs—" Aemma motioned her eyes towards the rest of their siblings, "till he apologizes to you. So tell me brother, has he asked for your apology yet?"
Aemond sighed and mumbled something incoherent, nobody knew what exactly, except for Aemma of course whose face immediately flared like a furious cat ready to attack. As she stood in no position for such compromising acceptance.
"Listen!" The finger that was once pointed in their father's direction was now being pointed at Aemond, almost touching his nose. "Mayhaps you are shameless enough to let it pass, but I won't! Nor shall I let you do so."
"Hm," he only hummed.
While Aemond truly appreciated his little sister's efforts, at the same time he also knew what she was fighting for was an absolute lost cause. Their father would never apologize. Hence it is utterly foolish to expect apology from someone who does not even realize or understand that they are wrong. Regardless of how much he despised it, it is the nature of their father and Aemond has made his peace with it long time ago.
Dark frown graced her features when no further response came from him other than just his signature "Hm". Furious and unable to think clearly she snatched away the cutlery from Aemond's hands and tossed them away carelessly- the knife landed somewhere on the floor whilst the fork flew all the way and ended up in Aegon's cup splashing wine on his face.
"Hey!" The oldest Prince barked. But no attention was spared on him. As the rest were tied up watching Aemma forcibly grabbing Aemond by the arm in an attempt to try and pull him up off of the chair.
"Get up!" She hissed. As pulling up a person who is almost double her size in height now certainly requires a lot of strength.
"I'm not finished eating." Aemond felt reluctantly about whatever idea his little sister had up her sleeves.
"Matters not! We shall take our meals elsewhere but not here! Not with him!"
"Hm." He stood, allowing her to lead.
"Aemma!" Again she was simultaneously called by both her parents. Her father tried to reach for her, while her mother scolded. But neither had enough effect to stop her.
Otto Hightower shook his head in disapproval as he realized, the girl is starting to get out of hand. Then made a note in his mind to discuss the matter later with Alicent.
Something must be done. The brat needs to be tamed before it's too late.
Over the next several days both Alicent and Lady Lyanne tried their best to convince Aemma to speak to her father just for the sake of the ailing old man. But to their misfortune, Aemma stayed rigid on her decision: ailing or dying matters not; she would not speak to her father unless he apologizes to her brother.
Therefore desperate to aid her husband and running out of options at the same time Alicent decided it was best to seek help from her dear boy. From where it stands, it seems like only he can convince that stubborn girl.
Aemond stood before the mirror examining his new look. It's been years since he had looked at himself without his eye patch.
Thanks to extraordinary craftsmanship of the grand-maester Orwyle, the sapphire was now embedded into his empty eye-socket. For him it was much more convenient to wear the sapphire as a jewel for the eye than as a pendant around the neck; which only served to be an obstacle.
He wondered how he looked, but couldn't reach a conclusion on his own.
Mayhaps it would be best to let Aemma be the judge.
A clearing of throat startled Aemond and as he was pulled out of his reverie, he noticed another reflection in the mirror staring at him.
His mother.
Aemond fumbled with the eyepatch in an hurried attempt to put it back on. Suddenly feeling nervous and embarrassed about having his mother seeing him without it.
Only for her to step up on time and grab his hand to prevent it.
"There is no need for that anymore."
Alicent's warm eyes looked up to her son, feeling her chest get hot as her eyes welled up and became glassy with tears. A part of her will forever curse Rhaenyra and her bastards for damaging her son's handsome face. Despite wanting to sob for her son she gave him a loving smile, cupped his long face and brought it closer to kiss his cheek.
"You look handsome."
"Please do not mock me, mother." Aemond frowned at her compliment (or flattery as he would like to put it) albeit leaning into her touch.
"Nonsense! Ask your sisters if you do not believe me."
A simple "Hm" was all he said. And Alicent had the topic diverted.
"Speaking of your sister though…" Alicent trailed off uneasily.
Aemond furrowed his brows. "What has happened mother?"
Alicent picked at her nails in deep thought. She didn't want to ask him for such favour. Knowing all too well how unfair it would be to put such burden upon him. But at the moment it seems like he is the only person who can talk some sense into that stubborn little girl.
"Would you advocate for your father…" She began uneasily.
And Aemond finished. "…to Aemma?"
His mother nodded. Guilt reflected all over her face. "I had no desire to drag you into this Aemond." She gently took him by the elbows. "But your father's condition is worsening. He refuses to eat, refusing his treatment and the herbs. Such childishness will not do him any good. On the other hand Aemma remains headstrong. She will not see her father till he has asked for your forgiveness. And in the midst of this father-daughter feud I find myself helpless, with no one to turn to but you."
"Do not worry mother, I will speak to her." He assured and then headed out of his chamber in search of Aemma.
Alicent herself followed suit. She walked closely with Aemond, keeping a watchful eye on him. After all it was the first time ever he had left his chamber without the eyepatch covering his disfigured eye. And as a protective mother Alicent wanted to be there for him just in case someone tried to bully him.
However, she couldn't stick with him for long. Her father coming from the opposite end of the hallway they were walking, demanded she follow him. Since there were urgent matters in hand that required her attention.
The first place he entered was her bedchamber, but Aemma was not there. The next place he checked was Helaena's, only to find it empty as well. After that, searching through various places throughout the Keep he finally found her inside Aegon's chambers; trying to wake a sleeping Aegon.
Aemond joined Helaena and Daeron, they stood behind watching as Aemma held her new pet (the one eyed cat) to Aegon's face — a pet that she named after him, Little Aemond, after putting a matching patch over its missing eye. Whether it is an honour or an insult the one-eyed Prince is yet to figure out.
Aemma grinned when her cat darted out his tiny tongue and began licking at Aegon's lips. Soon she tittered as the gesture was quickly reciprocated by her brother. Both of them now licking each other's tongue. Aegon grabbed the cat's face possibly in his sleeping state presuming it was one of his whores and immediately jolted awoke. Definitely not expecting his whore to have a furry face.
"I told you to keep that creepy thing away from me. You fucking monkey!" He hissed at her barring his teeth.
Daeron snickered, Helaena covered her smile and Aemond watched amused.
"For the last time don't you dare call me monkey. Nor shall you call my cat a creepy thing. He's named after our brother, show some respect!"
"Like I give a shi—Shit!" The last part was an impromptu reaction as he had his eyes settled on Aemond.
"What the fuck is that?" Aegon recklessly pointed out.
Aemond turned completely rigid as Helaena Daeron and Aemma simultaneously turned. While Helaena showed no emotion and Daeron had some on his face, Aemma on the other hand dropped her cat and shrieked at the top of her lungs.
Swallowing uneasily Aemond removed himself from the scene. Helaena followed after him. And Aegon quickly clamped down a hand on Aemma's mouth.
"STOP SCREAMING!" He did not plan on screaming but had to, in order to listen to his own voice. "HE'S GONE ALREADY!"
The following days passed swiftly and uneventfully, just like leaves caught in a gust of wind. The sun kept rising and setting with monotonous regularity casting long shadows that stretched all across King's Landing.
The one eyed prince's mind raced all throughout these past days and nights. Each time he closed his eye, the image of his little sister's horrified face would replace the blackness before him.
He felt a dull ache in his chest and could not decide what feeling it was. Of course every mother wants their child to be happy, Alicent Hightower was no exception to this. But a sharp pang of reality hit Aemond when he realized, his mother had lied.
He does not look handsome!
The thought plagued him for the rest of the day and days to come.
He felt tremendously foolish for believing her. He should have known. The evidence was laid out before him bare. All he needed to do was pay attention to the body language of the ladies of the court and the serving girls whom he crossed path with.
Only Aemma with her ear bursting scream told him the truth. Even if it hurt, he would never hold it against her for reacting the way she did. In her own way she gave him what his mother and Helaena couldn't.
The truth!
Therefore, with a heavy heart, Aemond Targaryen returned to seek shelter behind the eyepatch once more.
A sudden knock on the door made him lose his chain of thought. After his permission the door opened and a kingsguard walked in.
"The King summons you, my Prince."
Aemond furrowed his brows finding that to be odd. What could his father want with him. Regardless he stood and left his chambers in erect spine.
Alicent Hightower halted in her steps as she was about to enter her husband's bedchamber.
She was left stunned, frozen to the ground and in complete disbelief of the scene that was unfolding before her very eyes. Overwhelmed by various emotions coursing through her all at the same time, her eyes teared up. After all she was witnessing something she had never expected to witness in this lifetime.
There he was, her ailing husband, on his sickbed, holding onto the hand of their second son… apologizing.
Covering her mouth with both her hands Alicent back away and rushed to a different direction.
.
.
.
Aemond looked as uneasy as anyone could be in his position. He shared no closeness with his father. So his apologies in a sense meant nothing. However there was considerable amount of surprise in him. As he too never expected any sort of acknowledgement of the wrongdoing or accountability from his father. But here they were now, all because of one little girl; Aemma.
His Aemma.
.
.
.
Back in Aemma's chamber:
Lady Lyanne had just put Aemma to bed and settled down beside her head with an open book on her lap that she began reading as tonight's tale for the little girl.
But was heavily interrupted when the door suddenly opened and the Queen burst in.
"Aemma."
"Mother!"
At once Aemma sat up. Confused as to why her mother had just burst into her chamber in tears.
"What happened? Why must you be crying?"
Lady Lyanne was thinking the same.
Alicent did not answer. Lady Lyanne rose to her feet as the Queen neared the bed. The latter occupied the exact same spot the former was occupying. Aemma and Lady Lyanne both were left deeply confused when Alicent pulled Aemma into her arms and began to sob.
"Have I done something to upset you, mother?"
Alicent shook her head. Pulling back she wiped her tears with the back of her sleeve.
"No my love," She prepped her daughter's face with kisses. Her forehead, cheeks, temples, eyes, nose nothing was missed.
"You have achieved something none of us could ever have thought possible." She said almost breathless.
"I don't understand."
"You're father… he apologized to Aemond."
"Really?" Her face lit up, deep violet irises sparkling with joy and excitement.
"Yes my dear, really." Alicent confirmed, taking her daughter's small face between her palms and then ushered, "Come, let us pay your father and brother a visit."
Aemma immediately sprang her arms, signalling her mother to pick her up; to which she complied. As it possessed no difficulty for Alicent because, for a girl of seven years of age Aemma was considerably smaller in size. And Aemma hugged her mother tightly, burying her face at the crook of her neck. Letting herself get lost into her essence.
"Also, all insolence towards your father must cease immediately!" Alicent warned as they walked out of the door and stepped onto the long corridor.
"Am I understood…?"
Aemma nodded enthusiastically, nuzzling the side of her mother's face. Smiling Alicent hugged her daughter tighter and kissed her cheek.
Lady Lyanne who was few paces behind them smiled, her heart warming watching the mother daughter bond.
.
.
.
Alicent put Aemma down once they were inside the King's quarter, and as soon her small feet touched the ground Aemma sprinted towards her father. Hastily climbing onto the bed she pounced onto the man's awaiting arms. A complete contrast to her hostile personality that she has been wearing around him for weeks now.
"Oh my sweet sweet Aemma…" Viserys drawled, wrapping his arms around the girl as tightly as his declining strength would permit. "This old man has missed you so much."
"You lie father." She accused.
"No, not at all. Ask your mother, in fact ask anyone. Everyone will tell you how miserable this old man was without you."
Aemma pouted, "If so, you should have apologized to him sooner."
"Aemma, that's enough—" Her mother tried to warn, but her father interjected.
"It's alright Alicent, let her be, at least she speaks to me. That is all that matters."
The aforementioned women rolled her eyes. Finding her husband's desperation sadly ironic.
Aemond watched his father press kiss after kiss atop the crown of his little sister's head. Aemma turned to him and smiled. That smile had a magnetic pull to it, which brought him closer without having much of a realization. They were also joined by Alicent; she sat at the edge of the bed, cryptically watching her children.
Aemma was telling her father about the one-eyed cat she took in for a pet, all the while her hand kept gently petting Aemond. And he kept enjoying her ministration as if some brought some solace to his turbulent soul.
Aemond and Aemma appeared to be quite taken with each other. Initially she was unsure if it was just her seeing it. Then she looked at her husband only to find him watching them as well. In that moment she knew— he could feel their connection, just as she went feeling it. It was when she felt brave enough to share the idea with him.
But before that the children had to be dismissed.
She kissed them both and bid them good night before asking Aemond to escort his sister to her chamber. It was after they headed out and the door closed behind them that she turned to her husband with a tender expression. She fixed his pillows and pulled the covers before she climbed onto the bed a settled down beside him.
"Something troubles you my wife?"
"Nothing troubles me Viserys, however I do wish to make a proposal."
"Proposal?" Viserys raised a brow.
"Let us have Aemma betrothed to Aemond." She blurted out. The idea has been toying in her mind for quite sometime now. At one point she even thought of sharing it with her father. But backed away after the Lanisters brought a very tempting proposal for Aemma and her father appeared to be quite keen on considering it. So throwing in Aemond's name there would bound to lead to failure. So Alicent chose bide by her time and bring it directly to the King— who has the ultimate say on the matter.
"Aemma and Aemond?"
"Yes, Aemma and Aemond." Alicent confirmed, affectionately rubbing a hand on her husband's almost hairless head.
"I assumed you would at least want Aemma to have marriage of love. Over marriage of duty or purpose to the crown. I supposed you wanted Aemma to be married to a man who'd unconditionally love her, cherish her, devote himself to her enough to always choose her above everything else. Besides, getting her married to Aemond also comes with the vantage of never having to part with her. Aemma can always remain in the Red Keep, with us, before your eyes."
"Does she even like the boy?" He did not look convinced.
"Are you so short of memory, so easy to forget."
Alicent looked at him in disbelief. Wondering how thick in the head her husband was, to not pick up on something so obvious. But then again, looking back, Viserys has the habit of playing the willful blind.
"Need I remind you of the torment she put you through for weeks…? And you still raise question about her feelings for Aemond? She loves him, just as much as he loves her!"
"I suppose you're correct." Even then, Viserys appeared reluctant. Returning to his silence in deep thought.
At his silence, she headed for another approach, which she was sure of would add further encouragement.
"See for yourself Viserys, Aemond and Aemma are far more suited for marriage than Aegon and Helaena will ever be. For that reason, have Aemma betrothed Aemond and in return I shall break Aegon and Helaena's betrothal and reach out to Rhaenyra with the same proposal she presented years ago. Have our Helaena betrothed to her son Jace and alley ourselves once and for all." She said, unable to figure out how she sounded. Too desperate or too pressing. Either way it did not matter because she was desperate for the sake of her children's happiness.
Viserys's face lit up and he said the exact same thing he said when Rhaenyra made the proposal at the small council all those years ago.
"Darling, it's the most judicious proposition."
Smiling Alicent pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Thank you husband, for looking at it from my perspective. I'm glad to have finally found a common ground."
"Very well then, I shall speak with Otto and declare their betrothals sometime later on the morrow." He said, delighted.
Alicent paled momentarily but was quick to recover and dismiss the idea. To have her father involved did not feel safe. He would jeopardize it for sure. She knew it in her heart.
"No need to discuss this with my father. He has far more pressing issues of the realm to deal with. Neither should you haste into the announcement. Why not take time and announce it during a special occasion."
"Would I be wrong to presume you already have a day in mind?" His shaking hand came up gently and caressed her face.
Alicent smiled, wholeheartedly embracing his affection. "I was going to suggest your name-day feast next week."
"That sounds wonderful, wife."
"I'm glad to hear that, husband."
That night the Queen slept in peace knowing with one stone she killed three birds:
One— Gave her maimed son the girl he desires and rightfully so, deserves.
Two— Gave her younger daughter to the boy who will no doubt grow up to be the most devoted and dutiful husband. And her older daughter, to a boy who not only is the next heir to the Iron throne but also very decent person in comparison to her disgraceful eldest son.
Three— United the house of the Dragon once and forever, just like her husband wanted.
If only… she knew the turn the situation would take this time.
They say time flies when it is at its most peaceful. The phrase proved to be so true for Queen Alicent Hightower.
The week indeed passed in the blink of an eye. Even before she knew which day it is, she found herself already at the King's name-day feast. Seated on her usual spot (between her husband and her father) at the high table in the grand hall, patiently waiting for her children to make their entrance.
They are to arrive together. A display of familial unity and strength of the Targaryen family for the guests present tonight at the banquet to witness.
Alicent wasn't exactly worried. She had faith in her children, and firmly believed they wouldn't let her down. Her hope grew to belief because the practices and rehearsals went exceptionally well. Even Aegon surprised her with his sobriety. That alone worked as pillar of strength for the young Queen.
Finally came the announcement of their arrival.
Everyone seemed to look over in sync, eyes landing on the figures of the Targaryen siblings as they began their descent down the stairs and march along through the grand hall making their way towards the high table.
However, the face of the three individuals seated there put on three distinctive faces.
King Viserys Targaryen grinned, delighted by the sight of his youngest as she approached in quick strides. Her moon like beautiful face and the big dimpled smile she wore, made his evening.
Sitting beside the Queen, the Hand Otto Hightower furrowed his brows and frowned. Having Aemma in the forefront and leading the group inside wasn't what was planned nor rehearsed. The task was supposed to be Aegon's, a small display of his ability as the future ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. But the boy was at the very back, stumbling. Too drunk to manage a single graceful step. How has he still not toppled over is something Otto's mind can't fathom.
The Queen initially had shock all over her face but that shock passed and soon she joined her father in frowning. In fact her frown was deeper and definitely more noticeable than her father's; albeit for a different reason.
Like the King, the Queen also narrowed her focus in on her youngest.
Aemma was not wearing the dress she had chosen for her. What the girl wore instead was something from the late Queen Aemma Arryn's closet. Not only that, even her hair was done in a special up-do mimicking that of the late Queen's style which she adorned during special occasions.
Now, Alicent didn't blame Aemma for her get up tonight. She's a child, there's noway for her to know. The real culprit was her nursemaid, Lady Lyanne! She is the one to put everything together. Mayhaps encouraged Aemma into it as well.
While outwardly, her expression was pleasant, unperturbed. Inwardly, the Queen was seething.
Like those of the spoiled children, Aemma had no regards or respect for protocol. And it showed clearly when she abandoned her siblings midway and ran to her father with raised arms. The King also rose from his seat with his arms spread and happily embraced her.
It was a wholesome moment between a decaying man and his little daughter which the court watched in awe. Not one set of eyes blinked.
The rest of the Princes and Princess Helaena waited till Aemma was finished with their father before they wished him and took to their designated seats. To no surprise of anyone Aemma sat beside her father. Helaena took the other empty seat beside her grandsire. Aemond wanted to go for the seat beside Aemma but was beaten by Daeron. Thus leaving him with no other option but to sit beside Aegon; much to his displeasure.
Aemond watched Aemma as she chatted away with their father. Making up for all the lost times. From how far he was seated, it was all he could do. There was no possibility of initiating a conversation. However his unsettled mind reached some comfort after realizing that despite sitting next to her, Daeron had no luck with conversations either. Given how deeply involved she was in conversation with their father there will be no chance most likely.
It made Aemond happy. Happy enough to proceed to help himself to all the delicious dishes that were served for tonight's course.
Beside him, Aegon continued to drink and take big bites from his portion like an absolute savage. Aemond tried his best to ignore him and whatsoever nonsense he was blabbering.
Sometime between the main course finishing and the desserts were being served the sound of chair moving was heard. Some heads turned and saw the Queen helping the King rise to his feet.
The rise of the King eventually led to the chatter in the hall to die down. Everyone was now facing the high table.
"My dearest friend and my beloved family, I thank you all for your presence here, this evening, for the celebration of my name day. Although celebrations such as this hold little meaning for an old man like me. But my Queen insists, it is a special day," he turned to his wife and flashed her a tender smile before returning to face the awaiting court. "… and special days as such must be celebrated. So on the event of this special occasion I have decided to make a very special announcement."
Looks were exchanged between the members of the courts. Little murmur were exchanged as well. Viserys also turned to his wife and shared a look of approval with her before he proceeded. Otto Hightower grew expectant, childishly hoping his daughter has finally managed to convince her husband to do the right thing— make his firstborn son as his rightful heir.
"Many of you have approached myself and my Hand with marriage proposals from your great houses for my youngest daughter," He paused, turned to the mentioned princess and took a moment to caress her smiling face with the back of his hand.
"While your interest in my little one certainly overjoys me and warms my heart. But after spending a considerable amount of time thinking I have come to this realization that I cannot part myself from her."
Again few members of the court shared glances amongst each other. The Lannisters brothers being notably one among them. And on the high table Otto Hightower had said nothing, but his face reflected the worst hatred for his daughter.
Or rather useless daughter!
"I have lost Aemma once. Years passed but that pain has not yet faded, mayhaps it never will. But this little girl here," He placed his hand over his daughter's head, "she gives me the strength to live, to look forward to the next day. In her presence I am the happiest, I forget all my pain. Many of you may consider my decision to be a foolish one. But the heart of this old father cannot bear to part ways with his little bundle of joy. The only thing this irrational heart understands is that Aemma must remain close to me. She must stay in the red Keep. Therefore my Queen and I have reached the conclusion to betrothed my youngest daughter Princess Aemma Targaryen to my son,"
Everyone held a bated breath.
"…Prince Daeron Targaryen."
Silence.
The hall was engulfed in silence. Pin drop silence. Which lasted until the Queen quickly rose and whispered into his ear their second son's name. Thinking it was an honest mistake and Viserys messed up their names.
"Aemond! We talked about Aemond not Daeron." She gripped her husband's arm tightly. Desperate eyes begging him to correct the error he just made.
Viserys turned to her with a gentle smile and all he said was, "help me sit, wife."
Only then, Alicent understood it was no error.
Lord Lyman Beesbury was the first to stand clapping his hands and pass on his heartiest congratulations to the newly betrothed pair. The rest began to follow his example. On their table Helaena was the first to congratulate, after her, to everyone's surprise it was Aegon. He actually got up and hugged his two siblings tightly and gave them each a nasty open mouthed sloppy kiss on their cheek.
With his perpetual frown intact Otto looked disappointed. But he maintained the courtesy and congratulated the pair.
Aemond on the other hand said naught. Ever the silent boy, only secured his gaze on his mother. The look of betrayal never leaving that powerful singular eye. His mother did not even meet his gaze. She continued to speak to his father.
He abruptly stood and left the hall. It was best for him to leave as he was unable to bear the unriddled anguish in his chest. Also, after a long break the pain in the back of his head (caused by the nerve damage due to eye taken) flared. Aemond wasn't sure what caused it, nor was he in a position to find out.
Truth is, good things never came to him. So however heartbreaking it may have been to witness his father betrothed Aemma to his younger brother… it did not come as a surprise to him. He was no more than a crippled… damaged… and tainted after all. Therefore in the eyes of his parents, his feelings held little to no value.
"This isn't what we spoke about, husband." Alicent muttered into her husband's ear, apparently unable to understand what had led to such a sudden change on something they jointly agreed upon earlier.
"I'm aware wife," Viserys spoke in a low voice. "But look at them," He pointed towards Daeron and Aemma— the two were now dancing in the middle of the hall. The former pulled the latter down there soon as they musicians began playing.
"We both did want our youngest to marry out of love. That is precisely what I did. Turns out, it isn't our Aemond that she loves, it's Daeron."
"How did you know that…? Has she told you herself?"
"As a matter of fact she did."
Alicent was stunned by the revelation. Her mind stuck wondering when and how. When Aemma could have possibly said that. More importantly, how? How could she have feelings for Daeron? When so much of her mind and soul is invested in Aemond.
Her husband spoke again; as if reading her thoughts.
"Look at her my Queen," He pointed in Aemma's direction and his wife followed. "Do you not know your daughter? Do you really think she would appear this delighted if the chosen boy was not to her liking…?"
Alicent sighed deeply. There was no room to refute his words. He did exactly as she wanted… except he chose Daeron and not Aemond.
A.N. Thank you all reading. Hoping you enjoyed the chapter. Well this is the last chapter in this timeline. Next chapter there will a small time skip.
And little Aemma's betrothed again. This time to the boy she wants. So everyone please pray for her and give her your best wishes. As some members of her family certainly happy with it.
Also chapter isn't edited, if you do find an error please let me know. I'll correct it.
