ℍ𝕚𝕤 𝔹𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 | 𝐻𝑜𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒟𝓇𝒶𝑔𝑜𝓃

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It was late in the morning when Cerys cradled Prince Joffery in her arms. Her older brother, Harwin, stood in the room as well including both the princess and prince Laenor. Cerys knew about the affairs of the princess and her romantic relationship with her brother, and understood that the three boys were her nephews. It was important that she look after each of them, but her nephews were oblivious about them being related.

The adults continued talking until Cerys was ordered to take the two boys to their dragon lessons. She was delighted to accompany them this time, and Jacerys was happy as well. The two boys chatted loudly about what dinner would be served tonight, and Lukes's hand was held with Cerys's as they entered the Arena. Aegon and Aemond stood with the trainers as they awaited the two brown-haired boys. Luke clung to Cerys side once the blonde boys looked in their direction.

"Go on--I'll be right behind you"

With a smile on his face, Lucerys ran along with his uncles. On her way to the boys, Cerys' red dress brushed against the dirt on the floor making it more difficult to walk at such a fast pace. Once Vermax had been brought out, Cerys stood beside a nearby knight, waiting to see the boys practice. Jacerys looked at her and she tried to reassure him with a smile on her face. The young boy's nervousness made Aegon and Aemond giggle, and chatter to each other silently.

In Aemonds eyes, she saw jealousy; he wanted to be in Lucery's place and train his own dragon. There was no doubt in her mind that he wished for this very much. Cerys was distracted by her thoughts until she noticed Jace was filled with excitement. Seeing him approach Vermax, she squeezed the sides of her dress with her fingers in angst. She was nervous that he might hurt himself horribly.

He had gone through the basics of communicating with his dragon in the valerian language. He struggled but was encouraged by his instructors. only princess Raehnyra and Cerys knew how hard he'd been practicing valerian language, and noticed his improvements.

"Dracarys, Vermax!"

Upon reaching the goat, the dragon emitted flames from his mouth as they all watched in amazement. In anticipation of its meal, the dragon stretched his wings. After being permitted to eat, it ripped apart the animal's body. Cerys looked away until Luke ran up to her and embraced her with his arms. She smiled as he led her to his uncle's.

"Aemond, we have a surprise for you"

Aegon spoke to his brother as both Cerys and Aemond glanced at each other. As her cheeks reddened from sudden eye contact, she turned her gaze away. While looking at him peripherally, she could almost see him smiling.

"What is it?"

"Something very Special"

Luke had run off into the darkness of the dragon pit as the three boys including Cerys began to walk. She was oblivious to their plan to torment Aemond since he was without a dragon, and she was anticipating the surprise they planned for him.

"you're the only one of us without a Dragon"

"Indeed"

"And we felt badly about it"

Aegon raised his hand as he pointed at both Jace and Cerys who wore a confused expression on her face.

"So, we found one for you"

"A Dragon? How?"

"The Gods Provide"

Cerys knew Aemond hadn't been fooled, but she could see a hint of hope in his eyes which she knew would turn into disappointment.--A noise emitted from the dragon pit, and Luke with a pig by his side appeared from the darkness. Aemonds shoulders had softened, and she could see he was angered by their foolery actions.

"Behold--"

"The Pink Dread!"

Aegon and Luke shouted, in sync and shortly burst out in laughter.

"Be sure to mount her carefully--First flight's always rough"

The three boys but Aemond continued laughing and snorting before they walked out of the arena. Cerys walked down to the pig and brushed her hands gently on the pig's head. The pig snorted, and she giggled as she continued petting the fattened animal.

"You know--the pig isn't all that bad"

"I'd rather eat it for dinner"

She stood up and faced the prince who stood beside her. He was glaring at the pig as if his eyes could slice the animal in two. She was never fortunate enough to be in such close proximity to him, or let alone be alone with him in such an enlarged place.

"You'll get a dragon soon, my prince"

He turned his head to face her and showed no change of emotion.

"Then you must be a fool"

He walked away from her and inside the dragon pit. It wasn't her duty to look out after him, but she didn't want to be responsible if he came in harm's way. As she left the arena she told a fellow knight about the whereabouts of young Prince Aemond and walked her way into the castle.

Cerys had been left alone in her own quarters of the castle. She was occupied by embroidering a dress she'd love dearly. The doors in her room had opened, and prince almond walked in without closing the door behind him. She immediately put her dress aside and saw a furious Aemond charging his way toward her.

"Did you tell a king's guard about my whereabouts?"

"yes, I suppose I did"

His lips pursed together as his eyebrows furrowed.

"He brought me to my mother, and I was scolded"

"My apologies, that wasn't my-"

"Stay out of my life you bastard child"

She wasn't surprised he'd use such foul words, but telling on him again wouldn't make her life any easier. Cerys didn't respond, and with that, Aemond walked out of her room and he slammed her door shut. She didn't weep, she just sat on her bed ignoring the knot of guilt and hatred being tangled up inside her. She hated herself for showing any remorse to him, or better yet, solely caring about the boy was worse enough. She had to do what he demanded and stay out of his life for the better.