Throughout the Dance of Dragons - House of Dragon

Part IX - Betrothed

A few days had passed since Daenaera and Aemond had their little feud at the beach after dinner. They have seen each other on multiple occasions during those days but have not sparred each other the time of day. Wherever they were together the tension in the air was so thick you could seem to see it. They had as well met once in the library at late hours but neither of them spoke to the other.

For Daenaera Aemond seemed unfazed and relaxed which bothered her to the extent where she avoided as much activities in the palace as possible, just to avoid him. She did not want to see him.

She flew back that night and went straight to her chambers while managing to threaten a couple of guards who tried to question her about leaving Vermithor free. She was in a though spot and no matter how she looked at it the only outcome was marriage. Unless she ran away and never returned. She did not need or want the throne, she knew how it drains you and how people like vultures are after you and power. She did not wish it on herself or on her future heirs.

Aemond on the other hand attended all that was happening in the palace, he did not mind meeting Daenaera as he saw how angered she was. He enjoyed the fact that she was tense and on her guard. He as well was better at holding it together. Seeming cold and distant was his strong point afteral. He also did not go and apologize to the king as he had promised to his mother that evening after his tribute to the strong boys. He knew that he was not getting out of marriage either way so he had chosen the best option for him. It was too late to go back and have everyone decide that neither Daenaera, nor Aemond will need to wed.

Either way both of them got in a situation they disliked. Things were not going his way at all and Aemond hated it at first. She had brought trouble to his once peaceful life. But putting thought into it he was happy with the outcome and decided to marry her as she was the heir of Rhaenyra, he would be king in the future that way.

The thought of being King had made him happy, he was always the brother who studied philosophy, who rode the largest dragon in the world and he for sure was supposed to be king. Daenaera can be angered as much as she wants, he made up his mind that he will perform his duty and he will wed her even if his mother disagrees. And if Daenaera wants to rebel or throw threats to him then so be it. Aemond is not the one to be threatened. He will give her the chance to cooperate and if she doesn't take it then she will come to regret her decision. She will not be able to hold the throne on her own, the people and the kingdoms are in need of a male king. And him as the son of Viserys will be the king that they earn for.

"Thank you for gathering so quick." King Viserys said as he was sitting at the end of the table. Alicent and Aemond were sitting on one side and Daenaera with Rhaenyra and Daemon at the other. "I assume that you understand what matter we have gathered here to discuss today." Viserys said standing up and looking at them "As I assume that you have thought through my proposal in the past couple of days and have your thoughts. I will hear you out." He said and motioned for someone to speak.

The first to speak out was Daemon "I believe the idea you had thrown at us at diner is foolish brother." He said in his cold way as always not fearing to talk to the King and his brother as he pleased. "Our children are quite the political pawns to our game of thrones. Our daughter is the heir to the Iron Throne after her mother." Daemon said not even bothering to call her step daughter as normally he should. Daemon did not give two shits how his words will be interpreted. "The boy is your second born son. He is as well an important political figure." He continued motioning his head to Aemond. "It would be wiser to marry them of to strengthen our claim over the Kingdoms. Daenaera marrying the Stark boy to secure the North and Aemond should wed one of lord Borros daughters to secure Storms End." Daemon finished his thoughts and Alicent spoke up.