The Tragedy of Liliyana Lannister 𓆗♡ AEMOND TARGARYEN ♡ 𓆗

Chapter Six

CHAPTER SIX

Liliyana undid her dress in the mirror. Inflamed fingerprints decorated her hip. She ran a hand along the skin and turned better into the light.

It will heal. It was an accident.

She changed into a nightgown and exited. Aemond sat in the armchair overlooking the fireplace. Liliyana was reminded of their wedding night. It felt like forever ago. Things were so much simpler.

His shoulders were slackened. A frown decorated his lips and his eye remained unblinking. His focus on the fire did not wane as she approached beside him. Liliyana placed a light hand on his shoulder.

Her husband looked up at her and steadied his hands on the chair to stand, but Liliyana stopped him. "It's alright," she told him. Aemond slowly sat back down and she stood between his legs. Her fingers trailed down his blonde hair, twisting the ends to distract herself from the pain on her hip.

The fire crackled behind them, and Liliyana wondered what her husband was thinking. He was abnormally quiet and relaxed for how he acted just moments ago. She watched him watch her, his gaze on her form. When sitting, Aemond only came up to her midsection. He seemed despondent almost.

"I seem to...make a habit of failing you."

Liliyana stopped twirling his hair at his confession. "Aemond."

"You asked me to not get angry," he reminded her, finally looking her in the eyes. "But I did not just get angry. I became furious, Liliyana. I saw Lucerys walk you down the training ground stairs earlier and I was furious. Vaemond's death occurred over those bastard children. It made you unwell and I was furious. At dinner, the brat laughed over the pig brought out and I wanted him dead, Liliyana... But I remembered your plea. I only wanted to strike a nerve, but they caused a scene, upsetting you further." He took a deep breath and closed his eye. "And then...you were nearly injured by them. A swift death would not have been justice. They are selfish brats and a debt needs to be repaid."

Liliyana understood the debt he referred to. She stroked his scar and gently pulled the covering away. The sapphire's deep blue burned orange from the fire. Aemond leaned into her touch. "Killing them would solve nothing, Aemond."

"I know. It would start a war I would never risk with your safety. But there are other ways to make it right."

"Aemond--"

"Do you remember what I told you after our wedding?"

She smiled. "You told me many things that night." She blushed remembering his words.

"Every word is the truth. But..." He abruptly stood. Liliyana needed to crane her neck to meet his eyes. "I have broken some of my promises to you. You have given me more happiness than I ever had, yet I have only frightened and hurt you." Tears welled in his eyes. "If you ever need me, I will be by your side, but I believe it best if I request an annulment of our marriage. You can begin anew."

Liliyana stumbled backward. The flames nearly licked the bottom of her gown. But she could not feel the heat, only the crushing weight of Aemond's words.

Abandoned--again. First by her mother. Then her late father. Tyland and Jason by their duties. Now her husband. And it was entirely her fault. Liliyana should have been stronger. Like Aemond.

Mother was right. No one would want her for who she was.

"N-no," she told him. Her face contorted as she began crying. "I love you, Aemond, please. Don't do this!"

Aemond watched his beloved speak, but surely he misheard her. Only in his dreams had he heard her say she loved him. "What?" he spoke, breathless.

Her chest rose and dipped with her wails. "I love you. Please..." She hid her face in her hands. "Don't leave me."

Aemond One-Eye Targaryen began to cry. He prayed to the gods every night for this moment. And now it was finally happening. He was ten-years-old again, watching her read on Driftmark and praying to the gods that one day he could be loved by her. He truly did not deserve this woman. Aemond fell to his knees before her and circled his arms around her hips, clinging to her for life.

His sobs wracked against Liliyana. Her hip burned from his hold but she ignored the pain as she stroked and gripped his scalp, pushing him further into her. Her confession, unbeknownst to her, would reshape their lives together. The mad Targaryen would take her plea, to never leave her, to his grave.

She loved him.

She loved him.

She loved him.

And to the grave he built for himself she would go.

Author's note:

A short but vital chapter for our tragic lovers. Aemond, ultimately, only wants to be loved, but his mental instability and selfishness get in the way from creating a healthy relationship with Liliyana. He gave her an out--the annulment--but her confession binds him to her forever. 

Liliyana's childhood abuse and severe abandonment issues force her to unconsciously overlook her husband's abusive/toxic traits. He loves her and she is willing to endure because of this... Until their world comes crashing down.

Next chapter, or the following chapters (haven't decided yet) will focus largely on Aemond and Cole's adventure through Flea Bottom.

Thanks for reading!