Throughout the Dance of Dragons - House of Dragon

Part VI - I dare you

After her interaction with Aemond Daenaera did not know what to think of it. As she would go back to the memory of him leaning over her and that is when her blood would begin to boil again, she would find herself wanting to see him. It was frustrating how during the whole day she had seen him only once as she stepped into the training grounds were he was training with Criston Cole.

She looked at Aemond working his sword while he handled Cole with ease. She felt proud that he had made his childhood dream to become a great swordsman come true. "Well done, prince. You will be winning tourneys in no time." Cole said as Aemond flipped his sword and replied "I don't give a shit about tourneys." Then he averted his gaze to her brothers Jacaerys and Lucerys as they were watching him as well "Nephews, you come to train?" he asked his voice noting that he was up for a fight against them and as Daenaera noticed her little brothers shift uncomfortably in their places she took the chance to step in. "The princes do not have time for that." Daenaera said as she put her hand on the shoulder of Lucerys in order to show her support for them. "They have their duties to perform regarding my name day." She said smiling and ushered her brothers to move. "You should not be here." Criston Cole said while glancing at Daenaera. "And who do you think of yourself Ser Crispin." Daenera said looking at Cole "I believe it is not your place to be questioning where I should be and not."  She then turned her smile towards Aemond "You should keep an eye on this knight Aemond. He seems to be out of line." Criston was looking at Daenaera with disgust and it was all because she was Rhaenyras daughter. He was still sour for what had happened years ago between him and the princess.

"You should watch your tone while speaking to the prince." Cole said to which Daenaera was unable to answer because Aemond spoke out first "You are forgetting your place Ser Criston." Aemond did enjoy Cristons company and training with him but the scene before him was annoying. He would not allow anyone talk to Daenaera that way. "I assume you should apologize to the princess and carry on with your duties. We are done with training today." He said as he sheeted his sword. But before he turned around to leave the grounds he looked at Daenaera and narrowed his eye smirking. Cole bowed to the prince and marched off while Daenaera took Luke by the hand and started walking out the training grounds. "I don't like the way he looks at you sister." Jace said when they were out of hearing distance. "Cole? Don't mind him." Daenaera said to her brother "A day might come when I will be able to feed him to Vermithor without being questioned." Daenaera laughed a bit.  "No, I meant Aemond." Daenaera looked at Jace as he continued "Something just doesn't sit well about him, sister. I think you should keep your distance from him. At least while we are not around." The way Jace was protective of her was adorable but she did not know how to explain to Jacearys that the look Aemond was giving her was not threatening for her, maybe only for her honor but which she was willing to risk.

"Don't worry dear brother. I am sure that prince Aemond is not of a threat to us." Daenaera said but Jacaerys did not believe her. He loved his sister and he would do anything in his power to protect her and their family. "If you say so sister." He replied not pushing the topic further but that did not mean that he won't be keeping an eye on the one eyed prince.

As evening was coming slowly Daenaera decided to escape for a little breather before the ball started. She found herself going through the secret passages where Balerions skull stood. She knew those passages since she was a child and she knew that they were almost never occupied by others. Daenaera just needed some time for herself. She loved Dragonstone as she could feel at ease and it wasn't that hard to find a peaceful spot there. As she walked in the candle lit hall before Balerion she noticed her mother already standing there. "Mother?" she asked surprised to see her there. Rhaenyra spun around a smiled gracing her face "Daenaera, my sweet girl. What brings you here?" she asked. "I could ask the same of you." Daenaera answered. "I was hoping to get some peace of mind. I am no longer used to the fuss around this palace." Rhaenyra said. "It seems we are even more alike, mother. As I too came here searching for a peaceful moment." Rhaenyra smiled further as she looked at her daughter and after a moments silence Daenaera spoke "Mother" she stopped before continuing and then her tone soft she said "What if I do not like any of the lords whom I will meet this evening?" Rhaenyra did not look at her daughter as she just watched the light from the candles bounce on the walls.