Chapter Text
“Exciting. Exciting.” The single word had been muttered repeatedly for the past half an hour. The constant reminder of what was approaching, who was approaching, had Aemond on the verge of slicing his knife clean against his father’s neck.
Once again, the young prince found himself shoulder to shoulder with his family, this time wating for the arrival of Aemma Velaryon. His father had received the news that his granddaughter was arriving at midday and found the impending appearance to be a most joyous occasion and declared the whole court must wait in the yard for her arrival. It seemed he was the only person excited for the return of the bastard. The Hightower clan stood sombrely by King Viserys’s side.
“Brother. You could say you are sick. You can go back to your chambers.” Helaena whispered quietly in his ear while they stood, sweating underneath the hot sun. Aemond stayed silent, but he did straighten his back and sharpen his glare. He would not cower beneath this cunt of a woman, but instead he planned on making this visit hell for her. The empty eye socket of the prince had been aching since the moment he had been told of this dreaded visit, but he could not decipher whether the pain was truly there. He cursed over it being something that only ached at the mention of his old friend, a physiological scar from what he had been through that night.
Their leather and silks weighed them down in the heat and Aegon cursed over how late this was becoming.
“Perhaps we should wait in the keep husband? She may have been delayed?” Alicent delicately placed her hand upon her husband’s arm and tried to guide him away, but Viserys shrugged her away and clutched tightly upon the railing before him.
“She shall not be much longer. Perhaps the rest of our dear family has decided to attend. It takes time to ready many dragons.” Aemond and Aegon both scoffed at their father’s suggestion. It would be a dream come true for the old king to have his family reunited once more, but all knew that Rhaenyra and her bastards would not step foot in King’s Landing. Alicent simply frowned at her sons before turning forward and staring stoically towards the entrance.
"Perhaps she needed to make a stop on the way here.” Helaena quietly suggested, and her father simply muttered an agreement. He did not truly hear her words.
“Perhaps she fell, landed on a tree and the branch ripped out her eye?” Aegon whispered his suggestion to his brother before dissolving into quiet laughter. Aemond could not help the corner of his mouth curving at the idea. What sweet justice that would be.
“Perhaps.”
“OPEN THE GATES!” The order was screamed out and the yard was immediately silenced. Everyone seemed to hold their breath in anticipation, and Aemond seemed to be hit by the reality of who he was about to meet. As the gates were slowly raised, the sound of metal clanking and wood creaking faded. His vision blurred and he found he could no longer see anything before him. The blood from his face rushed inwards, leaving him pale and his forehead clammy, and his knuckles tightened into a ball. He ignored the feeling of blood trickling down tightened fists. He forgot he had been twirling his dagger only moments ago.
“Lord Corlys of House Velaryon! Lord of the Tides, Master of Driftmark!” The guard announced as everyone watched the mighty Lord Corlys ride in upon his horse. An array of wagons and soldiers followed the old soldier, but his granddaughter was nowhere to be found. With deep breaths Aemond centred himself in his reality and glared forward ominously.
“Your majesties. Your grace’s.” Corlys moved to bow before them once off his horse, but Viserys seemed deaf to his greeting.
“I do not see Aemma.” He craned his neck and leaned forward, making three soldiers shoot forward to catch the man if he fell. While everyone turned their attention to the King, Aemond allowed his gaze to stay on Corlys and watched the uneasiness that took over him.
“Our granddaughter decided to pay a visit to her lady mother. I expected her to already be here but perhaps she has been delayed?” He offered up the reasonable explanation, but Viserys was quickly riddled with fear.
“We shall send out a party to find her! We do not know what has happened!” The king stumbled away while the vision of her falling from her dragon mid journey once again flashed in Aemond’s mind, and by Aegon’s giggles, you could assume his as well. It was quickly put to an end by the echo of a large screech filling the sky. The courtiers cowered as the noise grew louder and watched in fear as a shadow darkened the yard.
“Ah! Here she is.” Corlys smiled and moved to stand beside the royal family while Alicent gasped out shockingly.
“She cannot think to land it here! She must go to the dragonpit!” No one could reply, but instead everyone watched as the mighty beast slowed its speed to land. The fast-approaching claws and the wings that seemed to extend over the castle left many running to seek shelter, but Aemma seemed uncaring as she allowed her fearsome dragon Terax to land within the walls of the courtyard. The moment its feet touched the ground it let out a roar that seemed to shake the foundations of King’s Landing and Aemond could not help but reach out a protective arm Infront of his mother.
“The fucking idiot.” He seethed quietly into his mother’s ear while she clutched him in shock. Helaena had been moved to shelter by Sir Criston while Aegon had slyly stepped behind his brother. Viserys and Corlys smiled widely.
“Aemma!” Viserys could not contain his excitement as he watched a figure fall from the saddle. Bright silver hair swayed with every step she took, and Aemond found himself unable to breathe. The closer she got the clearer her features became. He had spent eight years imaging how her appearance would have matured, but nothing compared to reality. She held the true beauty of a Targaryen, with her deep blue eyes and flawless skin. Her face was sharper and her back straight, the stance no longer carefree like it was in childhood. Her saunter was dominating under the gaze of all the courtiers, and she held herself in the way only a noble princess could.
“Grandsire.” She smirked before pulling off her gloves with her teeth. She kept her eyes on Viserys and Corlys, ignoring the figures looming beside them, and only bowed to the king. She heard the whispers from the courtiers, who had scurried back to their places, over the obvious snub towards the Hightower’s.
“Terax must be taken to the pit!” Someone called out in horror making Aemma let out a laugh.
“You may try!” She was delighted in their fear. Stalking forward proudly, Aemma managed to hide the nausea and fear that was pulsing through her perfectly. She had been dreading this moment all week, or more to the point eight years.
“Come! You have grown so beautiful. So mature! You are a lady now!” Going against all protocol, the king pulled her tightly into him and placed a firm kiss upon her head. Something deep inside Aemond ached at the display of affection from his father, but he chose to ignore the feeling. Aemma used the opportunity of being buried in the kings' arms, to quickly gaze upon the cunts beside him. Alicent had her mouthed turned down in its corners, staring at the scene in anguish. Aegon and Helaena were also staring in despair as if the act foreign. But it was Aemond who she truly cared to see. Her breath hitched at the site of his sharp jawline, his slender towering figure. His hair silver that seemed to sit perfectly upon his broad frame. She let her eyes hover over his eyepatch before moving down his body before his attention was caught by his bloodied hand.
“You’re late.” Corlys scolded her while quickly squeezing Aemma’s shoulder. Being brought back to herself, Aemma shrugged and straightened herself.
“Mother would not stop crying, and Luke tried to clutch on to Terax’s leg. It was quite the scene.” Viserys laughed loudly at the thought of his lost family and let his arm wrap around Aemma. She flinched as his joyous laughter turned into and awful coughing fit that seemed louder than all the dragons in the kingdom combined.
“Princess Aemma. It has been a long time since we saw you last.” Alicent tried to force a smile, but it seemed to resemble more a grimace. Aemma tilted her head in fake thought.
“Yes. Eight years now. Last I saw you; you were chasing me around trying to carve out my eye.”
“Aemma...” Corlys tried to hiss out a warning, but Aemma breathed out and turned to Aemond with a sickingly sweet smile.
“Speaking of losing an eye, what do you plan on doing with that dagger?” Everyone turned to follow Aemma’s gaze and watched as Aemond slowly uncurled the fingers that had wrapped around the blade. Blood seeped from his wound making Heleana gasp and move to reach for the bloodied palm, but he shook her off and stepped forward ominously.
“I have not decided.” Aemond seethed at how proud she stood. She was nothing more than a bastard and an animal. Aemma had taken his eye without a second thought and now she had the nerve to stand before him with a grin. He should take her life then and there.
“Come now Aemond. Is that the way to greet an old friend?” Aemma was overwhelmed with hatred for the man. She remembered the threats he had cursed at her the last time they had seen one another, the vile insults he had hurled at her family. She should take his life then and there.
“Princess Aemma.” Aemond and Aemma stood staring at one another intensely, but the small greeting left her no choice but to slowly tilt her head to see who called for her. Princess Helaena stood with a bright grin and was almost as excited as her father. She had been let down many times believing her family would return, but now that they stood before one another she was in a happy disbelief.
“Princess Helaena. My, you are a sight.” Aemma tried to hide the shock of Helaena’s good nature, but she could not hide it when she took in how large Helaena’s stomach had grown. The small girl seemed to almost be buckling under the weight of her pregnancy, but no struggle could be seen on her face.
“I have missed you so dearly. It has been so long!” Before Aemma could register, she was getting pulled into another hug while everyone stood tensely around the two girls. Helaena squeezed so tight Aemma thought it might have been a plan of attack. Perhaps she thought to steal the breaths from her lungs and watch in glee as she dropped dead in that very moment. But when Helaena pulled back still smiling and with tears in her eyes, Aemma knew her to still be just the gentle and loving princess from her youth.
“Yes. A long time. Let us get you sitting for I can’t imagine how it feels carrying that around.” Pointing towards Helaena’s swollen stomach, Aemma winked then turned on her heel to stalk forward. She made sure to push her shoulder hard into Aemond’s on the way past. Without fault everyone stumbled forward to follow her, leaving the Hightower’s to curse at their lapse of strength.
“How goes your mother Aemma?” Visery’s heaved as he tried to keep up with her quick pace, but it was fruitless as his knees began shaking and his walking stick wobbled.
“Pregnant. Again! I told her she needs another pastime!” Aemma called it out from over her shoulder but did not slow down to walk with her grandsire as he roared out another laugh. He began coughing straight away. Lord Corly’s took the moment to speed up and fall into step with the young princess.
“Have you forgotten why we are here?” His voice was low with disappointment, but Aemma cared not for his lecture.
“Daemon thinks he is getting poisoned by those green cunts. And looking at the man I think it to be true as well. Those leaches are killing him slowly and controlling his power. The bastards must...”
“We are here to gain funds for our war efforts Aemma. And you are right. The power now lies with the Hightower’s so bringing up past issue and taunting those ‘green cunts’ will only weaken our standing. It is crucial we do this right Aemma. The lives of our soldiers depend on it.”
“So, we are to suck up to those who wish us dead? Who wish our family dead? I hear the whispers Grandsire. I know they are still whispering of the legitimacy of myself and my brothers. They are treacherous foes, and I will not stand to watch this kingdom crumble under their forceful clutches. I will let every soldier die if it means I can rid this realm of green.”
“Then you are a fool Aemma. You are blinded by hatred and nothing good will come from your need for revenge.” If not for the following crowd trying to catch what was being talked so quickly about, Aemma would have halted and turned to the man in anger and made sure he would never press her again. However, Aemma had enough wit about her to know this conversation needed to stay private, so instead she wrapped their arms together and pulled herself to be resting her head on his shoulder. It would look affectionate to onlookers, but Aemma leaned in close and spat the words into his ear.
“I care not for revenge. I only care that my family is safe. That the shame and fear they are forced to hide from is crushed at the very source. Do not lower me to nothing but a crazed woman Corlys. I do not take lightly to men looking down on the future heir of the seven kingdoms. I will have their heads. Nothing will change that. Not even little Helaena being so naïve to think we are still bonded. All those wicked cunts will die.” She threw back her head and laughed as if she had made a joke to the onlookers, but her grandsire remained quiet in thought.
“You are too much like Daemon. You think I do not burn at the sight before us. Your grandfather, although we have had our disagreements, has been a strong leader and kind man. It pains me to see him so frail... so weak. Otto Hightower has been my enemy since the days of our time on the small council. If I had it my way the bastard would have died by my hand many years ago. But it is important to remain collected in moments like these. Please, just follow my lead and not that of your... of your stepfather.” The two stared at each other as they finally reached the banquet hall and remained quiet as everyone finally caught up. The conversation could go no further.
“You have a fast walk, Princess Aemma.” Otto Hightower had a way of sound as if he was talking down to anyone he ever met. Aemma wanted his head on the end of her sword.
“Battle keeps me moving Otto. Perhaps you need some time in a war to sharpen your senses.” Aemma seethed at the old man who simply smirked down at the girl.
“A woman. On the battlefield. You are a phantom little Aemma. A unique specimen. This kingdom shall be grateful for such a capable ruler.” The king was heaving as he made his way past and into the dining hall. From the corner of her eye, she saw the queen and her children move forward to follow him, so she quickly moved forward to cut them off and take her place beside the King. She revelled in the whispers of the courtiers that stood analysing each move between the family.
“Is she allowed to do that?” Aegon scoffed in wonder as he watched Aemma walk into the room before Queen Alicent.
“Must you be so awed by the bitch brother?” Aemond growled as he pushed the imbecile forward to follow. All he could hear was the rushing of blood within him. It felt as if everything was coming to the surface, and he was to burst at that very moment.
“Ah you are not one to jest about awe brother. We both know where your sick obsession...” Aegon stopped the taunting as he felt the blade of Aemond’s dagger press firmly into his lower back.
“I dare you to say one more word.” They were both tense as they walked into the hall while Helaena waddled behind them.
“Come Helaena.” Aegon grunted at how slow his wife moved making Aemond’s entire auror darken even further. Pulling back, he reached out for his sister’s hand and guided her to the head of the tables, where the rest of their family was making themselves ready. Alicent dutifully places herself at her husband’s side, Lord Corlys sits on the other side of the king.
“Oh, what of Aemma?” He coughed out, but Aemma simply placed a kiss on his forehead.
“Only one seat further down.” She spun on her toes with a smile but was instantly halted and found herself glaring at who was to be seated beside her. Aemond and Aemma both held tightly onto their neighbouring chairs as they realised, they would have to sit beside one another. Neither could move, and the tension they shared between one another seemed to seep into the entire hall. Everyone went silent, waiting to see what would happen.
“Princess.” Aemond’s jaw was tight and his posture stiff, so watching the sight off the man pull out her chair made Aemma smirk and suppress a spiteful laugh.
“Ever the gentlemen Prince Aemond.” She graceful took her seat but was unable to notice Aemond flexing his hand as it hovered above the exposed skin of her neck. He stood staring at the soft flesh in desperate need making him hate himself entirely. He could not deny the desire that had flooded his veins, but he swore to never act upon it.
When he had not yet taken to his chair, Aemma turned to look at him from beneath her eyelashes and for the hundredth time that day Aemond found his breath caught. His eyes could not move from her neck as he came to the realisation that tightly clasped around it was the sapphire necklace that she had made to celebrate his thirteenth name day. His covered eye burned at the thought of that fucking sapphire..
“Come brother. I need to have a goblet.” Aegon pulled his younger brother away from the court’s curious gaze leaving Aemond to rigidly take his place between his brother and his nemesis. He ignored the worried stares from his mother and his sister, instead choosing to snatch the wine from his brother and begin to pour himself a much-needed drink.
“And I too.” Aemma’s voice was low as she pushed her empty goblet forward, leaving Aemond no choice but to politely fill hers as well. He cursed her for such an obvious show of power.
“Take it.” He growled pushing back the only half-filled cup making Aemma roll her eyes.
“Please. Why are you offended?” She snapped at him before quickly throwing the goblet back and downing it in one breath. Aemond did the very same thing.
“Do no humour me. Why are you here?” His growl shook her to her core, but it was in the most delicious way.
“Not to see you if that is what worries you. I am on business from the Stepstones.”
“Begging for assistance from the crown, I am sure. You are weak. Your army failing. So here you are, crawling back on your hands and knees wanting for nothing. Do you have no shame little Aemma. Were your plans not to never return? To kill me if you saw me once more?” Aemond poured himself a wine as he jeered at Aemma, but seemed not to notice himself move to refill her cup.
“I believe I said I would only harm you if you were to pose any threat to my family. I also did not say I would kill you. I simply said I shall take your other eye. Also, what does the wine have to do with this?” Taking the dagger Aemond had left a top the table, Aemma began twirling it into the polished wood, and they watched as it slowly shaved it away. Aemond’s dried blood was left to flake away onto the wood beneath.
“You find it so easy to jest of that night.” Aemond turned his stare forward, leaving him unable to see the way Aemma stops for only a moment, ready to disagree. But instead, she too turns her attention forward.
They sit in silence for some time, listening carelessly to talks of the nobles around them. Aemma could truly pay attention to nothing but the heat that seemed to radiate of Aemond beside her. She cursed herself internally as she found herself squeezing her thighs together tightly. To Aemma’s surprise, she noted Rodrick floating around holding tightly onto his sword. He was aware of the tension between these families, and he would not hesitate to save the princess. With a smirk, she beckoned him forward to stand before herself, and happened to be in front of Aemond.
“I did not see you when I landed?” Aemma questioned, the dagger still digging into the table between herself and the prince.
“I stopped to see my mother. You gave me the idea.” Aemma scoffed, remembering the harassment he had made her endure, desperate for her to contact her mother.
“You are funny.” She did not smile as she said it, making Rodrick smile softly.
“And how was your mother?”
“Pregnant.”
“Who the fuck are you?” Aemond finally snapped, turning his rage towards the lowborn knight that had considered himself worthy to step up towards the royal table.
“This is Sir Rodrick. My sworn protector.” The man bowed as Aemma introduced him, smiling into her wine goblet.
“Must you chat so loudly? I am beginning to get a headache.” Aemond glared at both. Rodrick bowed and turned to leave but Aemma was having too much fun.
“My mother was grateful you managed to convince me to visit Dragonstone. She is hoping to meet you one day Rodrick.” Aemma made sure Aemond was witness to the flirtatious gaze she sent the knight.
“I would be honoured, your grace.” He eyed Aemma the same way making Aemond flex out his hands and place them flat out across the table before him.
“Perhaps after this visit I shall fly you to their home?”
“You know I will not go on that dragon. I much prefer to simply watch you atop that beast.” Biting her lip, Aemma made sure Aemond could see her cross her legs over one another. Lightly trailing her fingers atop her skirts, Aemma allowed her eyes to linger upon the knight for a moment. She did not truly want him, but to Aemond it would look the case. The prince watched in disgust as the man finally moved away and turned his darkened gaze to the cunt beside him.
“You are just like your mother, I see.” He snarled out the comment, and Aemma instantly let the dagger come to a still. Slowly turning, she become alert to the danger.
“A powerful heir?” Aemond snorted as if he had heard a joke.
“An interesting choice. Your age it seems. And handsome. For what duties did you choose the boy for?” Aemond’s gaze did not break from Aemma, who was now scratching the dagger into the table. The blade moving back and forth between them made them both tense for what was to come.
“Sir Rodrick has been by my side for years now. He understands the true nature of what it is to be in a battle. I need someone like him to protect me. Not a boy who play pretends with a wooden sword in training yard as to show off in tournaments. “
“You are a liar. Your intention with that scum is obvious. Like mother like daughter Aemma.”
“You best be very careful with what you are about to say.” She gave a final warning as she looked at Aemond. For a quick second she had a random memory of them laughing in their secret field hidden across the beach. Throwing their heads back and giggling like the children they were.
“You lust for men in armour just like her. Is he your Harwin Strong? Are you to whore yourself out to someone so beneath you. Mother his bastards. Bring shame to this ancient family? You are nothing more than a...” Aemond was silenced by the all too familiar sound of his blade slicing through the air. The flash of silver almost crippled him instantly and he had no choice but to squeeze shut his last remaining eye. He was sure he would not open it again.
“Aemma!” Corlys cried out as the hall screamed out in shock. Alicent sprung to her knees to defend Aemond once more.
“Be lucky it was not your last eye Aemond Targaryen.” He slowly peeled back his gaze to see Aemma had shoved his dagger between the gap in his fingers, causing no damage to anything but the table beneath. Sir Criston bolted forward to pull Aemma away, but Aemond quickly stood to his feet and placed his arm out to halt his movements.
“It is fine. The princess slipped.” He looked down as she stood to face him. They were close, and if it was just them in a room perhaps it would be intimate. But the eyes of the courtiers and the dagger stabbed between them made it nothing more than a staring contest.
“I am sick.” She stated loudly. Twisting harshly, Aemond felt her hair whip into his face, and watched her stomp off with Corlys running behind her.
Closing his eyes, Aemond breathed in deep. He had missed the floral scent of her hair.