The True and The Brave

𝔗𝔥𝔯𝔢𝔢: 𝔉𝔞𝔪𝔦𝔩𝔶 ℑ𝔰 𝔖𝔞𝔠𝔯𝔢𝔡

[ AN: So last chapter was this tense and powerful scene, but lets tone that a little bit. Only a little bit. You'll se more family dynamic. This whole chapter screams family reunion trauma that some of us might know all too well ] [Content Warning: References of rape (a really minute one), smut and alcoholism] (Im loving your comments guys, really, I thoroughly enjoy them)

Aemma was starting to revel in the feeling. That feeling that came around only when you have faced the ones that wronged you and lived to tell the tale. She'd start to bask in the feeling of finally being free. Of unabashedly and unapologetically commanding that respect that she deserved. 

How much respect she could get did not change one thing— that she was a woman. I would mean she would always be held as a plaything for men, or that her skills must be undermined to for the sake of men's ego and pride. Other girls were ninnies willing to serve the purpose of their husbands. But she was no ninnie. And her husband was certainly not a man who would let his pride blind him in such a way. 

"I offer you my sincere congratulations, niece, brother", Aegon had said, his voice showing a devilish taunt that Aemma could not help but to think about how many times she could shove her blade on his face. 

"Brother, we thank you. At least one of us is actually useful for other things rather than drinking...or perhaps raping women", Aemond said out uncharacteristically as he held Aemma's waist. 

He had not forgotten that incident. And Aemond had made sure Aegon would not foerget it either. He still was yet to indulge Aemma in what he truly did. But if his brother would not abide to what Aemond did— to what he would still do— then his brother had truly lost his mind to alcohol. 

Aegon laughed. A mischevious smiled settled over his slightly dosed features, "don't be a killjoy, brother. Me and my niece were only having a little fun. I hope you like the gift— for the new lady of Driftmark". 

Aemond tensed as Aegon only stepped forward. Aemma had locked in that confident mask in place, her figure circling Aegon as if he were the prey, "You call touching married women without consent a little fun? Do you know what I find indeed very fun, it would bring me some pleasure...", Aemma said, a hand on his shoulder as she whispered in his ear, "how about you finally choke on your cups or rather choke in your own vomit?". 

Aemma stepped back, Aemond held her waist, smirking as the face of his brother fell into a scowl. Before scoffing and leaving. Aemma snickered lightly as Aemond rolled his eyes at her antics. Indeed Aemma was someone he could never go bored around. 

Before the pair could retire to their chambers to some unwinding of the tension, she heard her name being called out from the hallway. Aemond stiffened, as if the voice of her brother brought back the memory of his maiming. 

"Lucerys, brother", Aemma greeted. 

"Aemma, sister...", he greeted, and then the boy paled considerably when he found Aemond locking in this frozen facade, dully humming at the interference, "Prince Aemond....good brother", Luke almost seemed out to squeak. 

Aemond smirked before delivering a chaste kiss to her temple, "I'll leave you to it". 

"Luke, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?", Aemma asked, motioning for him to sit down next to her at one of the stone benches. 

"I just wanted to see you. I haven't seen you in over eight years. Haven't really heard about my nieces and nephews. Why did you leave, Aemma? You left and I did not hear anything about you...I hold no anger for whatever happened there. I am quite relieved in fact. I can't get inside ship without being seasick in a minute. I don't think Ser Vaemond would've liked me anyways", he seemed to mumble, his words awkward and quick.