𝕱𝖆𝖇𝖑𝖊 ( house of the dragon )

AEMON IV

𝐀𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐕
⸻ 𓆰𓆪 ⸻
𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈'𝒔 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔

Aemon swiftly exited his seat and began to make his way out of the royal box. Alicent knew where he was going. It wasn't a short walk to the Queen's chambers in the Red Keep. He practically ran, and Alicent, having practically abandoned Rhaenyra, ran after him. Her thick skirts hindered her, and he neglected to slow down even as she called his name behind him.

Aemon seemed too swift for her, but she at least knew where he was headed. She glanced behind and saw Rhaenyra also sprinting after them. Both girls held their skirts as high as possible, running their fastest. Alicent had hoped that the bad news was only that the Queen had another girl, but her hopes were dashed when she arrived at the Queen's doors with Rhaenyra not far behind. Aemon was being held back as he attempted to enter the room. Ser Harrold arrived shortly after, having followed the Princess. Rhaenyra tried to enter the room but was also refused entry.

She demanded, "I am the Princess; you can't refuse me entry to my own mother's rooms."

The Kingsguard knight before her spoke plainly, "The King has commanded that no one enter, not even you, Princess."

Rhaenyra stood in disbelief, looked at Alicent, then at Aemon before sitting herself on the floor directly in front of the doors. "If I am not allowed to enter, then I will be the first to see her when she exits."

Alicent looked at Aemon, who appeared as if he might be sick. The Kingsguard who had held him back let him go as he no longer struggled. "Aemon..." Alicent whispered, her voice barely audible. He stared blankly ahead, then suddenly ran again, down the hallway. Alicent readied herself to follow him.

As Alicent passed the Princess, Rhaenyra grabbed her hand. "Will you not stay?" she asked, almost disappointed.

"I fear Ser Aemon needs some comfort, My Lady," Alicent replied, not waiting for a response. She heard Rhaenyra mumble something as she walked away.

Alicent searched for Aemon through the halls. She had no luck, having lost him, until she heard something break—multiple things breaking. She traced the noise to a room and, as she entered, saw Aemon throwing a vase at the wall.

He was crying, screaming, yelling—everything that expressed his inner turmoil. Alicent stood there, closing the door behind her. She watched him break down, unsure if he even knew she was there. Her suspicions were confirmed when Aemon, preparing to throw another ornate decoration, paused as his eyes landed on her.

"Aemon..." She whispered again, her breath making most of the sound. He looked broken. He dropped the object to the floor and collapsed. His tears overtook him as he fell to the floor. Alicent rushed to him, barely catching him in her arms. He clung to her as if his life depended on it.

Alicent's own tears began to fall as she held the young knight. She felt his pain, though she didn't know exactly what had transpired. It was clear he had learned something she hadn't. "What did you see?" she asked, her voice trembling. She was unable to use her voice fully for fear it would make everything feel too real.

"She..." he began, taking a shallow breath. A sob escaped his mouth. "She's dead." He sobbed again, his composure shattered.

"You don't know that," Alicent tried to sound hopeful through her own sobs.

"I saw the maester leave, Alicent. He was covered in b—" He struggled with the word. "The look he gave me was pity." Alicent had no words. Someone covered in blood never meant anything good.