The Prince and His Flower

T W E N T Y

Aemma kept her eyes glued to the bowl of mutton stew in front of her as she struggled to hold the spoon in her shaking hand. Grand Maester Orwyle had encouraged her to keep using it, as it might help with the nerve damage in time. 

Aegon was seated to Aemma's left, and Aemond was seated next to Aegon. Helaena sat on Aemma's right, and Alicent sat across from the children. Viserys had fallen ill and rested in his bedchambers.

As everyone chattered around Aemma, she slowly dipped her spoon into the stew and struggled to bring it to her lips. Her hand violently jerked, and the stew spilled back into the bowl. She frowned as her stomach ached in anticipation of its next meal. Aemma tried again, only this time her hand shook even worse, and she dropped the spoon entirely. Anger bubbled up and just as was about to throw the bowl on the floor, Aegon picked up her spoon and scooped another spoonful of stew.

"Gods, Aemma. You know when you eat the food goes in your mouth, right?" All conversation stopped as everyone stared at Aegon in horror. Aemond thought about stabbing his knife into the back of Aegon's hand when Aemma let out a small chuckle. She laughed. All she had been doing for the past two days was cry, and now she was laughing. It warmed Aemond's heart, but he quickly grew bitter when he realized she was laughing because of Aegon. 

"I suppose you are right, uncle." Aemma sighed as she raised her shaking, bandaged hand to reach for the spoon, but Aegon simply pulled it away.

"Open your mouth." Aegon said with a roll of his eyes. Aemma looked around nervously. She knew she was struggling to eat, but she shouldn't have to be spoon-fed like her baby brother. As she was about to argue, her stomach grumbled again, and she simply opened her mouth and allowed Aegon to feed her. 

Alicent smiled at the sweet interaction between Aemma and Aegon, and seemed to not notice Aemond, who was glaring at his brother with such burning jealousy it was a surprise he did not burn where he sat.

"Thank you." Aemma whispered in between each spoonful.

"You can thank me when you stop looking like death itself. Ugh." Aegon mocked Aemma as he faked a shudder while feeding her more. Aemma let out a small smile. Aegon was usually so terrible, yet here he was, feeding her and making her feel normal, even just for a few minutes. 

Aemond felt positively murderous as he saw a small smile break out on Aemma's face. He wondered how much trouble he would be in if he tipped Aegon's chair back and allowed him to crack his head on the floor. 

The rest of the dinner went by quietly, Aemma's stomach was filled, and she had felt the happiest she had been in the past week. She almost completely forgot about the past few days. Almost. As Ser Erryk, her new sworn sword, appointed by the Queen, followed her silently to her chambers, she felt the weight return to her shoulders.

"Is everything alright, Princess?" Ser Erryk asked as he marched behind her. He had noticed her demeanor change as she walked.

"I will be fine, Ser Erryk, as everyone assures me." Aemma replied glumly. She frowned as she felt the pain return to her hands once again. As she entered her chambers, Ser Erryk stationed himself outside her door. 

"Goodnight, Ser Erryk." She whispered as she shut the door.

"Goodnight, Princess." His voice was muffled from the other side of the door. Aemma sighed and rang the bell that summoned Mya and sat at her desk as she waited. Aemma spotted the letter that Luke and Jace had sent, but she had not opened it yet. As Aemma gripped the letter in her hands, she struggled to break the seal, her hand shook terribly, and it was hard to get a good grip, thanks to the heavy layers of bandages. 

"Ser Erryk?" She called out.

"Yes, Princess?" He asked. Aemma made her way to the door and opened it, revealing Ser Erryk standing in the same spot as when she had shut it a few moments ago.

"Could you open this and light a candle? I'm afraid I can't." Aemma frowned as she shakily held up the sealed parchment. Ser Erryk looked around and then went to one knee, delicately taking the letter from Aemma and opening it, before placing it back in her outstretched hand. He quickly entered Aemma's room and struck a match and held the flame to the candlestick. As soon as it was alight, he hastily exited and took his post once again.

"Thank you!" Aemma called out as he shut the door behind him. Aemma turned to the letter and began to read. 

Dear Aemma,

We miss you terribly. It has only been a day and a half, but your absence is noticed. Mother and Daemon wed. It was in the Valyrian traditions. It was nice, Daemon's daughters were also there, but then Baela went back to Driftmark. Mother misses you terribly, and she wept when we sent your letter. She told us to tell you that she says that she hopes you are okay, and happy. We wish the same for you, of course. Jace has picked up on learning High Valyrian now, but with little success. This is Jace now, Luke is jesting, I am progressing very well. Arrax and Vermax love it here, I think they like to be free. I miss you but I know you will be happy. I hope you can visit us soon. Perhaps they will have a tourney for your nameday and Mother will allow us to come. I know you will visit soon. This is Luke again, I made Jace give the quill back so he wouldn't use the whole letter. I love you and I cannot wait to see you again, my dearest sister. Sorry, I thought that would sound nice. Me and Jace are going to our lessons now, but we cannot wait for your reply. 

Love, Luke and Jace 

Tears welled in Aemma's eyes, and she laughed to herself as she read the letter. It was very much like themselves to argue over says what in the letter. Aemma turned her head as Mya opened the door.

"You rang for me, Your Grace?" Mya asked. She was a young girl, Jace's age, but she was very mature. 

"Yes, Mya, could you apply the balm to my hands?" Aemma asked. Grand Maester Orwyle gave her a balm for when her hands pained her, and it took away the pain almost immediately. Aemma was embarrassed that she could not do it herself, but Mya did not embarrass her.

"Of course, Your Grace." Mya smiled as she retrieved the balm and carefully unwrapped Aemma's hands. Aemma stared down at her hands and wrinkled her nose. They were a terrible sight, but Mya made no indication as she carefully applied the balm. Aemma frowned as the exposed flesh stung, but it quickly went away, and her hands returned back to feeling numb.

"Will that be all, Your Grace?" Mya asked as she rewrapped Aemma's hands.

"Aemma." She said. "Call me Aemma."

"Will that be all, Aemma?" Mya whispered her name and smiled.

"Thank you, and no, I will be alright for the rest of the night. Have a good night, Mya." Aemma said, and Mya simply bowed and took her leave.

Aemma blew out the candle and went to her bed. As she pulled the covers up to her chin, she began to miss her father terribly. She wanted nothing more than for him to read to her. Her eyes quickly adjusted to the dark, and she stared at the portrait of Laenor that was hung up on the wall. 

"I think I'll miss you forever, Father." She whispered into the darkness. "Every second, of every day, I miss you. I wish to see you again, to hear you read to me, to carry me. I hope the Merling King was kind to you." Aemma's words were cut off by her sobs, and when she could not cry any longer, she stared at the ceiling above her until the sun rose through the clouds.

A/N Ugh I'm really struggling to come up with something after this chapter. Like do I just timejump it and make it easier on myself? What do you guys want to see?