The Second Son | Aemond x Reader

07 | House Eleren

Warning: this chapter contains HOTD spoilers, mature language, mentions of death & depression.

I WALKED THE HALLS of the Red Keep, dressed in black. I was the last survivor of House Eleren and soon, with my wedding on the horizon I would no longer be an Eleren at all - but a Targaryen. It was just as Helaena had said, though even she could never have imagined this. I had chosen him... and lost not only my mother, but everything else. My house, my titles, my reputation... my family. Now the castle halls I had roamed as a child were burned to the ground and the scorched land would be given to the next noble house, the beaches I skipped sand upon in my youth taken up by boating docks or market stalls. Our house would fade into the Blackwater and who I once was with it... and to my surprise, there was no fight in me left to stay afloat. I would let myself and my memories sink beneath the surface.

He came to my chambers in the late hours of that sad night, after I had refused to join the rest of my "new family" for dinner. Our celebratory meal would not be until the next evening, when our young King - now my brother-in-law Aegon, would announce my engagement to his council and then, the realm. But on that night, I wanted to be alone. I did not wish to be celebrated, or congratulated. It was a day of great sadness, and I did not have the spirit nor the stomach to hide it. My guards let him in, and he strode into the room wearing a black tunic fastened tightly around his waist. I stood from my chair and without looking at him, curtsied.

Even from that distance, I could tell the formality of my greeting had annoyed him. I simply didn't care. "You didn't come to dinner."

"I'm not hungry." I insisted, wrapping my arms about my waist. "How can I help you, your Grace?"

"Your Grace?" He repeated, clearly upset by the title. "Don't insult me with such formality... you know my name."

"Fine. What do you want, Aemond?" I sighed, exasperated. I was in no mood for him and his games. "I had rather hoped to be alone this evening... though it seems everyone from here to Casterly Rock wants an audience with me, now that my house is dead and gone."

"... do you want me to go?"

"You're here now. I see no harm in you staying. So? What is it you wanted?"

"It is not what I want that matters." He insisted, coming closer. To my surprise, he took ahold of both my arms and allowed them to slid through his grip, until his hands were holding mine. "I come to ask what it is can I do for you?"

"...There is nothing to be done."

He put a hand on my face. For such a character as he was, such affection almost felt out of place. "Your eyes are swollen... do you think you will get much rest tonight?"

"I doubt it."

"I could get you essence of nightshade, to help you sleep." He offered, squeezing tighter. His kindness was strange and comforting. I wanted to cry... but I held back the tears.

"No thank you... I don't feel it would help."

"Then what would?" He sighed. "You've got to give me something here... I can't help you if you don't at least try."

I realised I was being unhelpful, but I didn't know what to say. I was both baffled by his affectionate manner and still broken from the news of that morning. I couldn't process any of it... not my mothers death, or our engagement. Was I truly to be married to him? I felt happy and yet scared all at once, just at the prospect.

"I will stay here and sleep with you, if that is your desire."

Immediately, I felt myself become flushed with embarrassment. "What?"