The True and The Brave

𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱: 𝔑𝔬𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔦𝔰 𝔢𝔳𝔢𝔯 𝔣𝔞𝔦𝔯

[No ghost reading!] (please)

Her father and grandsire escorted her to her chambers. Her grandmother still held Rhaena and Baela, having their Maester follow them to the enclosure. The walk there had been silent. As if no words could explain what just happened. 

"Did you know?", asked Coryls as he paced the room, his son sat with Aemma at the edge of the bed. His eyes were glued to the floor, but his grip on her hand was strong. 

Before Aemond could say anything, before he could explain himself, he felt the looming presence of the Sea Snake from behind him. 

"The proceeding is done, little lad. Princess Aemma has had enough, and she has to rest, for her wounds require it". 

Aemond tried to look at Aemma who was being passed to Rhaenys, her unresponsive face still very much present. His heart ached at it. He had no opportunity to see emotion flash on her face. He had taken a risk in order to protect her, but he looked to the people that surrounded her— Aemma was protected, and her protection meant yet another wedge that he had just sided with. 

"I didn't, grandfather. I...", she tried, but her voice strained, tears rushed to her eyes, feeling betrayal. She had just gone from being free to be trapped once again inside a golden cage. A golden cage disguised as marriage and childbirth. 

"...I cannot lie about our mutual affection. He was there for me when everyone else wasn't. He truly sees me, and I believe I also see him as he is. I agreed not to spite my mother, but because I know what is coming... Did you not see it?", Aemma let out, her voice lowering to a whisper. 

Rhaenys looked at his husband. She had sensed it too. This could not be... Daenys the dreamer. It all seemed to fall into place. 

"You saw it in your dreams, sweet girl, didn't you?" she questioned. 

Laenor looked at his mother, his eyes falling on his daughter. She had been riddled with dreams and terrors, and he couldn't do anything to help her

"I saw it. Haelena saw it. King Visery's saw it, but being peaceful won't suffice. The Hightowers won't let it. They will torch the realm to have Aegon on the throne and Rhaenyra cast aside", she answered. 

Rhaenys breathed deeply, "We can't know that for sure, dear. Not now at least. The best we can do is wait"

"I am afraid so, grandmother. But I have a new duty to fill. Duty as a wife. I said that I will return to King's Landing once the date is set because I want to be home. I want to stay here. Please, grandfather, if you ever loved me, offer my mother to have me placed as your ward. I will not go to Dragonstone—"

Laenor's heart broke at the sound of that. Broke because he could not do anything to help her. He had to agree with Aemma. Her own safety was at risk if she went back to Dragonstone with them. 

"It is true, father. I ask you to please consider this. You know the truth. We all know it. Aemma is my true-born heir. I love Jace, Luke, and Joff as if they were my own, but they are not truly mine. I won't have my daughter sent away to the North again. She's your own flesh and blood. By the gods, even Driftmark should be hers one day!"

Rhaenys placed a gentle hand on her husband's shoulders. Never had he been burdened with this. Never had Coryls Velaryon felt so much pressure. Not even in battle. He was made to choose between ambition and love. But when he saw the tears on Aemma's face... justice must be served.