The Second Son | Aemond x Reader

04 | Thicker than Blood

Warning: this chapter contains house of the dragon spoilers, mature language and some violence.

WHEN THE TOURNAMENT had come to an end and the last knight had been dismounted, I returned to my room. The hour was late, my walk lit only by firelight in the many beacons and candle-mounts across the walls of the Red Keep.

But I had scarcely changed my gown, before there was a quiet knocking outside my door and I was summoned to a dinner, in the private dining quarters of the Red Keep. It was a place where only the King and his family would, on rare occasion, eat together and be merry. But on this occasion, it was a way to perhaps "smooth over" the conflicts that had occurred during the day between Aemond and the rest of us. After our conversation, I was told he had gone on to take up further argument with his Queen mother, and his siblings. I could only imagine the things he had said about me... about us and our potential betrothal. Maybe, there was still time for the queen to change her mind, or for Aemond to find someone better suited. I could only dream that might be the case... not that my mother would accept me back into our home, should her plan to see me marry an heir to the Iron Throne fail. But frankly, I did not mind.

I entered the room with Helaena in toe. I was seated next to her with Rhaenyra's eldest son, Jacerys to my side -  though, no one ever called him that. When we had entered the room, those already seated at the table had stood and greeted us. I couldn't help but notice as I sat down, Aemond remained standing for a little longer than the others... I could feel him staring at me, but fought the temptation to look. After the things he had said that morning, how he had acted towards me... I wasn't sure how to forgive him, or if I even wanted to.

"You bring insult upon me and my House"

What a hateful man he was, to say such wicked things. I could still feel the ghost of his blade against my neck, and in my sadness I could only wish he had followed through. But alas, I found myself seated in front of a plate piled high with meats and vegetables, surrounded by people who - according to him, thought of me and my house as a joke. As I cut my meats with my fork and knife, I prayed to the Seven that the ground below me might swallow me whole.

"—and how are you this evening. Lady Y/N?" Jace asked me politely. I turned my attention to him and gave him a gentle smile. He looked so much his mother, and he too shared her kind heart and wisdom. The only thing that set him and his brother apart from anyone else at that table, was the colour of their hair; so warm and dark, much like the colour of glazed wood or the fur of a bear. Jace and Luke, on the rare occasions that we did interact, had always been so kind towards me. I was glad to be sitting next to him. I couldn't bare to entertain any of the others... except Helaena, of course.

"I am well, a little tired from the tornie I will admit. Did you watch the matches, my prince?"

"Some of them, but there were other more pressing matters than required my attention. I am glad to hear you enjoyed them, I suspect we shall see more of them now - I know how... fond our new King is of them."

With great restraint, I did not say what I was thinking. "Yes, I suppose your uncle does enjoy them a great deal..."

He likes watching others in pain, I thought. I continued my meal, casting a careful eye around the table. To my surprise, everyone seemed to be getting on rather well. Alicent and Rhaenyra were making casual conversation while Daemon and Otto seemed to be in some sort of tame debate, about tactics or some decisions... I wasn't sure.

"You have been in Kings Landing for some time now." Jace continued. "Will you be with us much longer?"

"I think so, your Grace. If I am allowed to stay, of course."