DARKSIDE // Aemond Targaryen

FOUR

FOUR YEARS LATER

My time on Dragonstone had felt short. The years passed in a blur and before I knew it, I was walking up the stairs to the Red Keep again to greet my family. I am only here to consummate the marriage to Aemond Targaryen as promised.

His sixteenth name day is within the week. I was told to fly here on Silverwing all by myself to join in the celebrations being held for the younger brother, now finally a man grown. As I make my way from the Dragonpit to the main courtyard, I think about how much the boy, man now, has grown.

In four years I myself have changed drastically. My hair is now down to my mid-back and I only wear it in intricately woven braids. I have dropped the normal blue dresses I wear for classic Targaryen red and black. I have not grown in height much since my family's leave four years ago, I make up for my lack of height with my attitude, something I have picked up from my new father, Daemon Targaryen.

The doors to the Keep are closed, guards standing at attention for my arrival. The doors swing open to reveal the vast courtyard, and on the stairs, I see the Queen, Aegon and Helaena waiting on my arrival. Huh, no Aemond.

"The Princess Visenya Targaryen!" I am announced by the guards.

I take a huge deep breath, holding my hands together to prevent them from shaking. I am here all alone, without the support of my mother or the protection of Daemon. I walk forwards towards the people waiting for me, my black and red dress dragging in the mud. I forgot how dirty King's Landing was.

I reach the edge of the steps, bowing to my family and the gesture is returned. "Princess Visenya, I hope your journey was easy," the Queen speaks.

I walk up to meet all of them, the doors are pushed open and we walk inside. "It is nice to be back again," I said, taking in the change of the Keep, "I was away so long I almost forgot how it looked."

Aegon scoffs at my remark; good to see he hasn't changed a bit. The Queen dismisses herself and Aegon wanders off, probably to explore the women on the Streets of Silk. I am left alone with Helaena.

I look at her and she looks at me; for a moment, we say nothing but in a quick second we squeal in delight and pull each other into a tight embrace.

"Oh how I've missed you, Helaena!"

"It's so good to see you!"

We pull away from each other, smiling like small girls. "Look how you've grown," Helaena exclaims, looking at me up in down. These past four years I have really come into my body.

"Look at you though," I tell her, "have these years been kind to you?"

We link arms and begin walking the halls, Helaena leading the way. "For the most part yes, I have brought two beautiful children into the world as of recently," she smiles.

My jaw dropped; she had children, "you must take me to them right now, I have to meet them."

She giggles and we run off towards her chambers. She throws open the door and inside two wet nurses are feeding the small babes.

"Meet Jaehaerys and Jaehaera."

The babes are beautiful, only young, maybe a couple of moons. I am expected to bring my own children into the world soon, once I find Aemond. Speaking of him...

"Have you seen Aemond, Helaena?" I ask her, watching as she holds one of the twins in her arms.

She shrugs, "most days he just keeps to himself, he's most likely either training or brooding in his chambers."

"Thank you, Helaena," I dismiss myself from the chambers and start the walk to look over the training grounds.

I wonder what he looks like now. Aegon and Helaena have both grown up and changed tremendously. Helaena looks even more beautiful and angelic than before. Aegon still looks like a drunk who hasn't slept a wink. I wonder what became of the quiet and reserved boy I married so long ago.