The Prince and His Flower

F O U R T E E N

As guards attached the ropes to Laena Velaryon's coffin that would drag her out to sea, Aemma felt a sense of sorrow wash over her. When her time came, she did not know what she would prefer, her remains being turned to ash, or rejoining her family in the sea. Aemma held Luke's hand as their uncle Vaemond began the ceremony.

"We join today at the Seat of the Sea to commit the Lady Laena, of House Velaryon," Aemma whispered the words in the Common Tongue to her brothers so that they may understand what was being said. Aemma had learned High Valyrian at a young age, reading books written in her language, and her grandsire taught her what he knew.

"To the eternal waters, the dominion of the Merling King." The Merling King was the Velaryon God that they worship. Aemma personally did not know which gods to follow, as there are many, but she was most familiar with the Seven.

"Where He will guard her for all the days to come." Aemma looked to her cousins that wept as they held onto their grandmother. She reached to her right and grasped her father's hand as he looked like he might choke on the air.

"As she sets to sea for her final voyage, the Lady Laena leaves behind two true-born daughters on the shore. Though their mother will not return from her voyage, they will all remain bound together in blood. Salt courses through Velaryon blood. Ours runs thick. Ours runs true. And ours must never thin." Vaemond's quip did not escape Aemma's ear as she glared at him, while he simply glanced at her brothers. Her uncle Daemon on the other hand seemed to find it rather amusing as he let out a chuckle, ignoring the daggers being sent his way by Corlys and Rhaenys.

The guards pulled taught on the ropes that attached to the top of Laena's coffin as they tugged her toward the sea.

"My gentle niece. May the winds be as strong as your back, your seas as calm as your spirit, and your nets be full as your heart. From the sea, we came. To the sea, we shall return."

Laena's coffin finally fell off of the ledge and into the ocean with a loud splash. Aemma squeezed her father's hand, and he held on so tightly as if it was the one thing keeping him alive. As Laena's coffin settled on the bottom of the sea, Vhagar roared, a sound filled with such sadness and grief as she mourned the loss of her rider.

Aemond frowned as he saw grief and sadness etched into Aemma's perfect features. Someone as beautiful as her should never be subjected to pain or sadness. As Aemond analyzed her face, looking for any indication of what she was thinking, her eyes suddenly met his, causing his breath to falter as he coughed, feeling flustered. Their eye contact was suddenly broken as Aemma turned to look up at her father with her eyes full of concern, as he choked out another sob. He saw her tug on his sleeve and whisper something in his ear as he nodded slightly, and they walked off together. Aemond stared at the spot she was standing in until Halaena tugged on his tunic, causing him to jump as he saw everyone moving to a different location.

"Thanks." He mumbled as he followed behind his family.

"I think you should go back with your mother now, Aemma. I do not wish for you to see me like this. I would like to get some fresh air." Laenor guided Aemma toward the door of his chambers.

"Are you sure, Father? I do not mind sitting here with you for a little longer. I truly hope you will be okay." Aemma said as she turned to face her father at the door. He bent down and kissed the top of her head.

"Yes, my sweet Flower. Go on, now." Laenor nodded towards the door with his head as Aemma finally left, sending him one last glance full of love and concern before heading toward the patio where the guests had moved to. Laenor sighed deeply as he made his way to the beach, hoping the Stranger would be so kind as to sweep him away and join his beloved sister.