Throughout the Dance of Dragons - House of Dragon

Part VIII - Diner with family

The next morning and day Daenaera had not seen Aemond at breakfast or at the training grounds. It was odd as Aemond would rarely skip training with his sword. She was glad that he was not to be seen though. As she did not know how to look him at the eye after their nightly interaction in the library. It still sent shivers down her spine when she remembered his breath tickling her neck. Daenaera was taken out her thought when she heard a strong roar from the sky and she noticed Vhagar flying back to the dragon pit. There you are she thought to herself as she was sure that Aemond had missed the whole day in the palace because he was out flying with Vhagar. Little did she know that this was Aemonds way to cope with his feelings and thoughts. As he the same as her could not get his mind of their proximity at the library. 

Feeling a knot forming at her throat and anxiety creeping on her Daenaera slowly made her way to the small dining hall to attend diner. She felt excited and anxious at the same time to see him. She tried reasoning with herself but to no avail, her heart had other plans in mind as it skipped faster than usual. As she entered the hall she noticed an empty seat near Aemond who was already there and a couple other spaces. She nodded to everyone politely and took her place on the side to sit between her brother Jace and Aegon. It was better that way than to sit near Aemond.

And as everyone gathered and took their places behind the table it was quiet at first. But slowly Rhaena and Baela started conversing with each other and so did everyone else. Aemond was silent the whole time as he and Daenaera stole glances at each other neither of them offering as much as a smile. They were both tense. To add to the already tense atmosphere Aegon started harassing the servants which made Halaena uncomfortable. Feeling sorry for her Jacaerys stood up and offered her to dance to which she happily agreed. Everyone in the room exchanged looks and only King Viserys was happy about the gesture "What a splendid idea to dance my boy." The Kind said and clapped, he then added "Why not others join them as well." he said looking around the table, Luke nodded his head standing up and offered Baela to dance.

"Aemond, my son, why don't you offer Daenaera a dance. The both of you danced and seemed to enjoy each other's company during her name day celebration." King Viserys said glancing both to Daenaera and Aemond. They were monitored by Rhaenyras, Alicents, Ottos and Daemons eyes as well. Daenaera shifted in her seat uncomfortably. The last thing she wanted was to dance with him after their little game the evening before. She thought of ways how to not agree to the Kings idea without being disrespectful but Aemond beat her to it. "I am not a fan of dancing, father." Aemond said coldly "I was merely expressing my hospitality towards the princess on her name day. There is no need for that now as I believe she feels already quite at home." Aemond said and narrowed his eye to Daenaera and raised his cup to his lips.

"It will be my honor to dance with the princess." Suddenly Aegon chimed in and Daenaera was not sure of which partner would she rather choose. She disliked Aegon and his antics, she hated the looks he had given her and how he would flirt with her always letting inappropriate words leave his mouth.

Aegon stood from his seat and extended his hand to Daenaera "May I have this dance sweet niece?" Aegon said his shark like smile displaying on his face. Daenaera smiled a smile which had not reached her eyes and shot an angry look towards Aemond. At that moment she thought that it would have been better to dance with him than his drunk cunt brother. "Of course." She said and let Aegon to lead her to the dance floor. He danced better this time managing not to step on her feet. Though she did not like the proximity he was pushing on her as they danced. All the while Aemond did not take his eye from the sight. He did not like his drunken brother so close to the woman of his own desire. His grip tightened on the cup he was holding when he noticed how Aegon let his hand fall down to Daenaeras hips. It disgusted him how Aegon acted, how he spent his days drinking away and fucking whores at flea bottom. His antics brought stain to their house and name but most of all it angered Aemond that Aegon let himself act inappropriately with Daenaera as well.