Chapter 13
Three years later...
It was a morning like any other in King's Landing. Bright and sunny, warm yet breezy.
But the scowl on Aemond's face was dark and gloomy resembling the usual weather of Storms End. His singular eye narrowed, gazed deeply focused on the garden below, watching his siblings supposedly spending time together.
Two betrothed pairs— one stupidly smitten with one another, and the other where two individuals who cannot bear to be in the presence of the other; all four are huddled together. Where each pair must act as the other pair's chaperone. An apparently intellectual arrangement made by their father, the King.
Some foolish jest it was. Aemond thought bitterly, tapping his fingers on the banister.
If someone were to ask for Aemond's opinion he would tell them it was the most nonsensical and ridiculous arrangement he had ever seen. No one actually acted as the others chaperone. Helaena took this opportunity to find newer insects to add to her collection. Aegon would be past out, drunk. If not past out then he would be slurring insults at Helaena. And Daeron-Aemma would sneak away.
Therefore, without having been told, Aemond took upon the task of being a chaperone for his siblings. Even though from far, he always kept a watchful eye on them. It made his task easier that Aegon and Helaena didn't require being chaperoned, as they never really interacted. So this way he could fully focus on Daeron and Aemma. And the latter needed to be constantly watched. Because with age Aemma has been becoming quite bold. Always curious, mind venturing into places where a girl of her age should not be exploring. No wonder those uptight Septas were always furious at her these days and constantly complaining to their mother.
Suddenly in mid conversation with Daeron, Aemma looked up and their gaze locked.
His singular eye and stern face was faced with her big, cat-like, bold, expressive eyes.
Although her expression was anything but warm, still he felt something stir within his chest. Aemond clenched his jaws. He could not tell if what he felt in his chest was something good or something bad. It was a crippling feeling for sure. A burn so intense he believed and feared it could burn him whole.
In the past three years, no one has changed as much as Aemma did. She grows little by little every day. Now at the tender age of ten, Aemma still has couple more years to grow out of her childhood. However, since her betrothal, the youngest Targaryen princess has began to grace herself as a woman.
Barely of age, yet hauntingly beautiful.
He is never able to choose as to what his favourite part of his little sister is.
Could it that small defined shapely face, or perhaps those big bright eyes, or could it be the swan like long neck (something she inherited from their mother). Maybe it is her straight sleek hair which almost reaches her hips by now. Overall Aemma reminds him of a cat— small, mischievous and beautiful.
Aemond was pulled out of his reverie noting what a cold glare his little sister was flashing him. Even then his harsh resolve began to fade at the softness that covered her features. The one-eyed Prince wasn't greedy, he was satisfied with the little he got. Just as long as it was from Aemma.
However, soon as she returned to Daeron and smiled, the harshness on Aemond's face began making its return. And it returned tenfold. Reason being: Daeron not simply received her smile, he got much more.
Much more than he asked for.
Much more than he deserved.
She cupped his face and wiped away the crumbs that gathered at the corner of his lips from the bread he had just eaten before giving him a teasing little kiss closer to his lips. And Daeron blushed, like a untouched maiden.
Aemond pursed his lips. His hands curled in fists, and the lone eye set ablaze. He could feel his anger rise. The blood in his veins felt like the lava. Even then, his eye refused to leave Aemma's form. He continued to watch, regardless of how difficult of a sight it was.
For the rest, the years came and went by at a pace so rapid that how three years had passed by, was hard to tell. But not for Aemond Targaryen. For him, since the night his father made the announcement of betrothal between his youngest siblings, time seemed to have frozen. It has been nothing but agonizingly slow and daunting since then.
It is indeed true that time has gone by. He was only three and ten at the time. Now standing proud and tall. Tallest amongst all the siblings and the fiercest and finest a swordsman in making just at six and ten. And yet he has not been able to rid himself off of the pang of pain he felt at that time. The betrayal from his parents— no betrayal from his father still haunts him. Now he not only has nightmare of the night he lost his eye. Added to the list is also the announcement of Aemma's betrothal.
Aemma kissed Daeron again, this time on his forehead. He too returned the gesture by kissing both her cheeks.
Seething, Aemond looked away and took a deep breath to calm down. But that seemed to do naught. Therefore having decided he had enough for the day, he took a step back and walked away. His temper at the edge and patience running thin. It would be wiser not to linger where such unpleasant feelings would only be triggered.
There is no denying that Aemond wants Aemma.
He wants her badly.
But Aemond has also learned from a young age that his wants won't come easy to him. Mayhaps the Sevens prefer to test his patience. Or likely they dislike him enough to take something in return. All his life he wanted to have his own dragon like the rest of his Targaryen family. After years of waiting, enduring bullying and taunts he has finally gained his dragon only to lose an eye in return.
"...It was a fair exchange" he had told his mother then. Even to this day on nights when he cannot fall asleep Aemond quietly wonders,
Was this truly a fair exchange?
If so... how?
His own brothers had their dragons but they didn't have to lose half their sight. Those undeserving Strong bastards each have their own dragons, even they have lost nothing in exchange.
Then why must he lose an eye?! Become so ugly and unsightly— a nightmarish visage that no girl aside from his mother and older sister can look at him without flinching. Ladies at court hardly ever look at him, even when they do accidentally, their eyes can only contain the horror or disgust.
Even his rotting corpse of a father must feel the same way. Otherwise why would he betrothed Aemma to Daeron when obviously he— who now rides the largest dragon in the world and reads history and philosophy should have been the one chosen.
Criston Cole greeted Aemond as he reached the training yard. Nodding his head in similar gesture the one-eyed Prince marched towards the armoury and picked his sword of choice.
Aemond is well aware, that the easiest way to make his father change his mind about the betrothal is to make Aemma change her mind about Daeron.
A task which at this point is close to impossible!
But his hopeful heart has been whispering to him of another possible way. By all means it would certainly be a long route, however, it is the only path with possibility of hope. And it is the route he has been religiously following. That is, show his father and everyone— how undeserving Daeron is of being Aemma's betrothed.
The boy turned ten and two about six turns of moons ago, but still his hands wobble whenever he picks up a steel sword. Like a child he still prefers the comfort of a wooden sword. And Aemond takes great joy in disarming him only within few moments of the start of their sparring session.
Not only that, when Daeron took his first flight just few weeks ago, the whole of Royal family was present to witness this monumental event. Even the King was forced out of his bed and made to join. After all the servants whispers that Aemma had threatened to stop speaking to him if he did not present himself physically to support his youngest son.
For all it was worth, the whole family accept Aemma, had a great laugh when halfway into the flight Tessarion threw his rider into the water. Although it was frightening to watch Daeron crash into the Blackwater Bay. At least it gave him and Aegon the opportunity to laugh at Daeron for days to come.
But these little pleasures he felt at belittling Daeron, came with a hefty price.
It had ruined his relationship with Aemma.
Just the way he had soured towards his younger brother, she had similarly soured towards him. Now every time she even looks his way, her gaze holds nothing but hostility and resentment.
Well... he does not blame Aemma. She is still too young. Mayhaps when she grows to full maturity she will understand that whatever it is he is doing, he doing for her betterment. After all he is not just a man with a cock intending on breeding her. He is her older brother who cares deeply for her and has nothing in mind but good intentions for her.
At first Alicent worries. It's sawn onto her face.
Soon that changes and she fumes. Anger streaming through the veins under her skin like the branches of rivers; as she watches Aemond walking away, after having watched his siblings from a far off distance, alone and lonely for quite some time.
He was waiting for their invite to join them.
Sadly the invitation never came his way.
It would have come if Helaena was not occupied today, collecting her insects. Unlike the rest of her siblings she has a heart. As for the other three, Alicent has no words to describe her disappointment with them. Those three noticed him but not single one of them invited him to join. Aegon's too drunk to understand perhaps. Daeron cast a quick glance and frightfully looked the other way and Aemma exchanged a heated glare with him.
Furrowing her brows the Queen observes her children in the garden once again.
Aemma and Daeron are so focused into each other that they have purposefully blinded themselves to their surroundings. Helaena has wondered off somewhere in search of insects and was nowhere in her sight. And Aegon, as usual has passed out on the table.
Alicent turned and refocused on Aemond's retreating figure. She managed to catch a glimpse before he turned a corner and disappeared. The sight was absolutely heart wrenching and gut twisting for her. As a mother she was able to feel his pain and his anguish that courses through him.
It is because she is a mother, irrespective of wanting to Alicent couldn't bring herself to blame her children. In the end they weren't the ones responsible for creating this rift. The blame solely lies with their father! It is Viserys who has started it all. If only he would have stuck to his word and not altered the course of their plan, then none of this would have happened.
So she blames her husband and will continue to do so till the end of her time.
Viserys had one chance, just one chance to redeem himself as a worthy father to Aemond. Make up for the time when the boy lost his eye and he did nothing. Even then, with the decision of his, Viserys has snatched away Aemond's happiness. And for that reason alone Alicent will never forgive him.
In fact she felt no remorse when revealing that she will no longer proceed with the proposal of betrothal between Helaena and Jacaerys. And as ironic as it may be, in that moment Viserys did resemble Aemond. The expression on his rotting face following the revelation was the same as the one Aemond had after the announcement of Aemma's betrothal. The little ray of light that the old King had hoped himself to glimpse at was cruelly put out. Just like it had been done to Aemond.
From that day onwards his health made another rapid descent.
Of course as a wife it was difficult for Alicent to watch her husband's health get worse with each breath he took. But whatever ounce of sympathy and sadness she felt seeing what a steep decline his health was making, washed away every time she saw how much her poor boy was suffering.
Perhaps the emotions of a mother are far stronger than the ones of a wife. Because it was the voice of the mother that constantly chanted in her mind like a prayer that her son deserved better. His father may have failed him, but his mother would never.
Viserys had one chance to rectify the unjust he had put the boy through. And yet he took this opportunity to rub salt in his wound.
So what that Aemma likes Daeron! Helaena certainly does not like Aegon but she will marry him regardless and perform her duty. Rhaenyra too was made to do the same when she was married off Laenor Velaryon. So why must the same fate be not imposed on Aemma?!
In the deepest recesses of her heart, Alicent is sure that Aemond would make a much better husband than Daeron. The former rides the largest dragon alive, studies all day and is in the process of becoming one of the finest swordsman in Westeros. While the latter just rode his dragon for the first time just weeks ago, that too with great difficulty. And he still struggles to properly hold a steel sword.
Aemma may not understand Aemond's value now, but Alicent is certain, her youngest will appreciate him once she comes to maturity.
Although she has lost sight of him, Alicent decided to follow after her son. So that she could make sure with her own eyes that he was alright. It has become a routine of her to secretly follow Aemond to make sure he was doing alright.
Much to her relief the Queen found him in the training yard with his sword sparring against two knights: Ser Erryk and Ser Arryk.
And finally she was able to breathe out a sigh of relief.
The initial days following the betrothal were the hardest. Aemond had pulled himself out of everything. Isolated himself in his chambers. Barely ate, barely slept, did not go for his routine training. As a concerned mother the Queen stood outside his door for hours end in hopes that he would answer the door at her call. Tragically, each of her calls were ignored. It took weeks, close to a turn of moon, for Aemond to return to his regular routine. But the wall between them remained intact, as Aemond was under the misconception that his mother was in it. Because it was how his father made it sound like. And it seemed especially cruel to Aemond as his mother promised him a surprise two days prior. If she thought of this as a surprise for him— she more blind than his father is.
But Alicent Hightower wasn't one to so easily give up, especially when it came to her second son.
After months of patience the Sevens finally answered her prayers, giving her success in breaking his misconceptions.
Although with time and after various desperate attempts from his mother's convincing Aemond understood that his mother is not at fault. She never intended to betray him that way. Mayhaps that led him to heal and eventually regaining their prior closeness back.
Alicent knew she couldn't give him Aemma. So she decided to turn a blind eye and encourage her son it whatever may bring him happiness.
Often at night Alicent lays awake wondering— does Viserys realize the extent of damage he has done with their children? For sure not.
She has worked very hard to make sure her children form a lifelong bond. They stick to each other forever. But with one decision of his, Viserys seems to have ruined it for good.
By having Aemma betrothed to Daeron, not only it broke Aemond's heart, but at the same time also strained Aemond's relationship with Daeron. The years passed has built a wall between them. Although Daeron tries his best to break it but it only ends with Aemond adding more stones to strengthen its foundation. In return it has also put strain on Aemond's relationship with Aemma.
In simple words: because Aemond cannot stand Daeron. Aemma cannot stand Aemond.
Alicent did decide to take matters into her hands and get personally involved. Over the course of time she had many conversations and even scolded her two younger ones urging them to break the barrier with their older brother.
But to no avail!
While her tough words work wonders on Daeron and easily add guilt to him. It's Aemma, whom she cannot bend to her way. The girl has a mind of her own and is extremely headstrong. In addition to that, now that she is aware of her importance to her father, the King, she has become even bolder. And tends to think of herself in position as someone above the Queen. Therefore whatever may the Queen says does not effect her. Princess Aemma only does what Princess Aemma deems best for her.
So when her mother came to her almost in the verge of tears and begging her to reconcile with Aemond, Aemma demanded for Aemond to first apologize to her betrothed. Only then, she would reconsider reconciling with him.
An impossible prospect for sure. Aemond would never do that, he was too arrogant to apologize to Daeron.
As time passed more desperate Alicent grew.
Even though she had no intention of going to her father, but no longer able to see a way out of the maze her children had created, Alicent realized she had no other option but to address the issue to her father.
"…All he does is watch her. With that broken eye. The turbulent emotions in it could no longer be sealed. It worries me father. I fear he will not be able to hold on to these emotions for much longer and go mad." Alicent concluded, reclining on the chair she was occupying near the window, in her father's solar.
Ser Otto Hightower listened. In spite of continuing to write on the parchment, he paid full attention to what his daughter had to say.
"Mayhaps years down the line when the King is unable to do much, we must have the betrothal broken and have Aemma betrothed to Aemond. This way we can—"
The Hand of the King had lifted his head from the parchment and brought his gaze to his daughter. Looking every bit of the disappointed father, ready to scold.
"Erase such nonsensical thoughts from your head this instant Alicent!" Otto roared. "Even in dreams you should not entertain such thoughts. Forgot not, we're no Targaryens, we're Hightowers. One is enough, no need to have multiple practices of their queer customs. In due time Aemma and Daeron's betrothal shall be broken but all three of them must marry elsewhere in order to make suitable alliance which will be beneficial in the future."
Alicent bit the inside of her cheek at her father's answer, drawing just the slightest bit of coppery blood. In that moment she realized why she had avoided coming to him with this issue for so long. Truthfully, she didn't know how to feel at his blatant disrespect for her wishes to have two children betrothed, two of whom she wholeheartedly believes are better suited for each other.
However all those feelings dissipated when Otto called her again to make sure she had heard him.
In response Alicent stood and turned facing the door, frustrated. There was no point in further discussing the matter with her father. It was a waste of a time anyway. The man has no heart, no feelings, no emotions, he will never understand. But just as she was about to walk out of the door her father spoke again.
"In the meantime as a responsible mother what you must do is make the boy understand. Guide him to the right path, pull him out of those sinful thoughts. We have promising proposals coming for him. He shall have plenty to choose from. Lord Borros has four unwed daughters—"
Alicent looked over her shoulder and argued.
"The Baratheon girls are known to be plain faced."
"Your son is one-eyed!" Otto attacked her and she looked at him in disgust.
"Aemond will not agree. He wants Aemma. Has been wanting her since the time he lost…" She couldn't bring herself to finish it.
"He may keep desiring her for the rest of his life from afar. Matters of his heart are no concern of us as long as he does his duty properly. His own father cannot forget his own Aemma. But that did not stop him from performing his duty to his Kingdom. He married you and sired five children."
Alicent didn't say a word, but her gaze expressed shock, horror and hatred all at once. Tears glistened her eyes but that did nothing to Otto Hightower's taunting smirk.
Silence was loud between the two of them. He was just staring and out of habit Alicent began picking at her nails. An act hated by her father. It was more than annoying, as it often left her fingers wounded and bleeding. The Queen destroying her soft hands was not ideal.
The man reclined back on his seat without looking away. And as soon as Alicent stormed off the room, with a shake of his head the Hand of the King dipped his quill into the ink pot and returned to writing.
His daughter's naivety surprised him. It's not like Otto Hightower isn't aware of Aemond's growing feelings for his little sister. In fact the man has had his eyes set on that little Rogue since the time he claimed Vhagar. And on Aemma even before that.
And to unite these two?! What was Alicent even thinking!
Giving Aemma to Aemond would mean losing the boy for good. His feelings for her would bring him under her influence in the speed of heartbeat. She already has a strong hold over her father and eventually that hold would be passed onto her husband. And if Aemond is her husband, what she would do then no one knows. The girl is already so unpredictable that despite being so young, Otto still cannot predict in which direction she would roll her dice. Therefore he cannot risk having Aemond falling into her clutches. He's a far too valuable asset to the side of the Greens than any of his other siblings.
Maybe it's time he invited lord of the Storm's End and his four Storms to visit King's Landing.
A.N. Apologies for the long wait and a very short chapter that's hardly edited. If you notice any errors please point out ill have it corrected. I did intend to write three more scenes but unfortunately my health couldn't comply... so this is it for now, a filler chapter.
I've been really sick for the last few weeks which makes it difficult to write. However whatever time I get in between I try to distract myself and write during those times.
In any case I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Thank you all for your support. Also, yes the story is slightly deviating from canon but this little changes would all make sense later on. Another thing to keep in mind— a presence of one extra person can always bring diversion to the storyline. In canon Otto didn't feel the presence to force Aemond to choose someone till his father's death. But here situation has taken a different turn, he has feelings for Aemma is causing problems between himself and his siblings and as Otto described if by chance he gets Aemma the problems greens- especially Otto Hightower would face.
