The Banished Blood

Chapter 12

I was ushered out of the room, as was the king. My cloak still draping around me. I panted slightly. That was a mental rush. I smiled to myself with pride. I didn't mess up. Not yet anyways. The tailor checked my dress, Dyana and the seamstress checked my hair.

I inhaled deeply. Taking myself back to the hall, as chairs and long tables had been added. Food began being placed, as dishes clattered. A band played in the far corner of the room. Drinks were being poured. Aegon was sitting alone, looking over his cup, a sad puppy dog look traced his face. Aemond seemed in deep conversation with his sister. His eye snapped up to me. His mouth freezing in place, Heleana turned her head with a smile. Aemond smiled to me slowly, nodding. I froze, nodding back awkwardly. Something had changed in him at the ceremony. Something I couldn't place.

I walked to the table, confidently, I began to take my seat, approaching Aegon, his sad expression washed away as he set down his cup. Aemond stood up quickly. I stepped back in shock, he just stared down at me.

"Yes?" I asked nervously.

"May I have the first dance?" Aemond held out his hand. I looked to him, then to Aegon. Aegon shot out of his seat, the chair fumbled back.

"Aemond." Aegon hissed at his brother. "I am the eldest, I was to dance with her."

"Yes, but I am the, betrothed. I out rank you." He spoke, not even looking to him. My eyes darted between them again, Aegon gritted his teeth beneath his pursed lips. Aemond just ignored him. I couldn't have them fighting. Today was too important for appearances.

"You may have it. But only because you formally asked first." I spoke. I looked to Aegon apologetically. His sad expression loomed his face once more. I ripped my eyes from him. But I heard Aegon mumble.

"And that will be the only time you out rank me." I heard him spit. I internally blushed at the jealousy he had, Aemond uncloaked me slowly, draping it over my chair with care. Taking my hand and leading me to the centre of the great hall. The music shifted. I heard a distant tap, more gasps and murmurs of voices. Aemond took my hand, then my waist, I took mine in his. The music struck the echos of the hall. Aemonds feet kicked off, pushing me back, but this time I wasn't startled. I followed his steps, knowingly.

"You can dance?" He asked softly.

"Anything you can do, I can at least try. I've got the title, now I play the part." I reminded, as we danced. I remembered what Aegon said about eye contact. But I didn't have to do that thing where you're looking someone in the eye and you had to pick one to look into. But with Aemond... There weren't exactly options. I looked into his blueish violet eye.

"Aye, you need to. There are eyes on us, eyes that said they wouldn't be looking." Aemond explained in a whisper. I didn't understand, it took me a moment to think.

"Rhaenyra..." I whispered. "Is she here?" I asked carefully.

"No, but her husband is. He watches from the left corner door, hooded obviously." He added.

"Is he with blade?" I wandered.

"I know he bears it, so he need not show it, don't worry, he won't be foolish to harm you... Now tell me, where did you learn to dance? Did those pleasure houses teach you something?" He asked me in a careful whisper.

"Oh please, did you ask me to dance to try to court me? Or to inform me?" I asked him, the song neared a close.

"Neither Princess, for I saw you with my married brother in the library last night." He hissed softly. Like he had been betrayed.

"I am not yours."

"You are by law, you are betrothed to me, not to my married kin." He reminded.

"Oh? Then why don't you marry me and be done with it?" I snapped. "Bed me before you wed me why don't you." I whispered in his ear, I pulled back to read his expression, as a wry smirk traced his lips.