DARKSIDE // Aemond Targaryen

THREE

The day had started off cloudy, grey skies throughout Kings Landing. The day prior, an incident in the training yard between Ser Criston and Ser Harwin had led to the dismissal of Ser Harwin and his father, Hand of The King, Lyonel Strong. The sky cleared up more into mid-morning, but the day would soon be grey again.

I was to marry Aemond today in a small ceremony with only family and a Septon present within the Dragonpit. The servant girls helped me ready for the ceremony, braiding my hair high atop my head just as my mother had done for her wedding to my father.

The dress I wore was simple, one of blue and white colours and the necklace Aemond had given me the day before sat comfortably around my neck.

"Princess," a Kingsguard spoke at the door, "they are ready for you."

The walk to the Dragonpit was silent. My brothers escorted me, but their minds were with Ser Harwin. They were already missing their father a great deal. My father waited for me outside the doors to the pit. He took my arm and walked me down to meet the rest of my family and my soon-to-be husband, Aemond Targaryen.

As I am passed away to stand by Aemonds' side, I look to my mother for reassurance. She smiles at me, giving me the courage I need. Aemond removes his cloak and places it over my shoulders, giving me a boyish smile as he does so.

We both look at the Septon, taking each other's hands. I feel Aemond's hands shake as a ribbon binds them together, and the Septon speaks the words. I squeeze his hand, trying to calm him.

We then turn back to each other, the ceremony almost at an end. I can see Aemond's hesitance as he looks at me. It must be written all over my face as well.

"I am hers and she is mine. From this day until the end of my days."

"I am his and he is mine. From this day until the end of my days."

We say our vows in unison, afraid of what comes next. I see the Queen Alicent smile for the first time in years as she holds the King's arm tightly, my grand-sire was also beaming at our union.

The formality over, both families make their way back to the Red Keep, ready for the feast that is about to take place. I look to Aemond, who is still tightly gripping my hand, and he looks at me.

"Are you okay, husband?" I joke with him, making him smile.

"Just fine, wife," he jokes back, lighting the mood.

That would be the last time the mood would be joyful for a long time to come. None of us knew it then, but as a new day came, the news of Ser Harwin and his father's passing would soon plant the seeds of hate within us children.

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The journey to Driftmark was an easy one. Many dragons gathered upon the island for the funeral of Laena Velaryon, and three families joined together to mourn the death of the Princess. I stood next to my brother Jacerys, trying to offer some comfort with the passing of his father, next to me was Aemond, my new husband.

I saw my great-uncle Daemon across from me, staring at my mother. This was the first time I'd seen him in years since his self-imposed exile, and I wish it were under better circumstances than the passing of his wife.

The sea blows at my face and the crowd is silent as Vaemond Velaryon speaks to his niece's passing. I looked at the children she had left behind, Baela and Rhaena, they were holding onto their grandmother tightly.

I then glance at my father, who is holding back tears for his sister's passing. I did not know my aunt Laena well but being surrounded by the people who cared for her, it almost moved me to tears.