The Realm's Fright | HOTD S1 | Fem!OC x Aemond Targaryen Fanfiction

Chapter Seventeen

"Princess, it took you long?" Lady Ellyn's voice rang out in surprise as she and Lady Cassandra stood by the gazebo, their eyes lingering upon Alysanne's form, still draped in the shadows of the late afternoon sun. "Apologies. Had we known, we would have been there to assist you—"

"There is no need, my Lady," Alysanne interjected smoothly, though the lie slipped from her lips with practiced ease. She would not reveal the nature of her detour to them. "I had other matters to tend to on the way, which is partly to blame for my tardiness, in any case." She allowed the words to hang in the air, though she withheld the full truth of where she had been—where she had gone to see the King. A quick glance at the ladies-in-waiting told her nothing of their curiosity, but she could feel the weight of it nonetheless. "Though, I do hope the Queen will accept my apologies for this delay."

Lady Ellyn's brows arched with polite interest, but it was Lady Cassandra who responded with a bow of her head. "We would never dream of leaving without you, Princess," she said with a warmth Alysanne did not quite trust. "After all, you are our patron. To proceed without your presence would be a slight, especially with the two princes in attendance."

Two princes. The words sounded like profanities. Alysanne bit back a sharp retort, feeling the urge to flee rise within her. The court would find plenty of fodder for gossip were she to walk away, and it was a temptation. Her hand gripped the edge of her gown. But no, she could not escape. Not this time. Not in front of them. "Let us not keep them waiting then," she said instead, forcing her voice to remain steady.

The Kingsguard stepped aside as they neared the entrance, and the trio passed into the pavilion. The scent of summer flowers immediately enveloped them, their sweet fragrance carried by the breeze, soft and inviting. The gardens of the Red Keep were among the few places left untouched by the rot of politics and treachery, a sanctuary for whispers and secrets, though in the hearts of those who still dared to believe in the semblance of peace, they remained a haven of beauty.

A servant stepped forward to announce her arrival. "Princess Alysanne of House Targaryen."

At once, all eyes turned. The Queen, who had been idly cutting into a slice of pie, lifted her gaze sharply. There was a fleeting moment of surprise—a double take—and then that same practiced grace returned to her features as she straightened her back, her regal composure once more intact.

"So glad of you to finally join us, Alys," Queen Alicent's voice rang out, loud enough to draw attention, making it clear to all that the table had been waiting on the Princess’s arrival. The silver-gold of the royal family’s hair shone like a collection of crowned stars, and their violet eyes, as always, glittered with curiosity. Prince Aegon, his demeanor one of languid indifference, glanced up, his eyes locking briefly with Alysanne’s. Princess Helaena, seated beside him, did not look up, her focus solely on feeding her twin children. Jaehaerys and Jaehaera, innocent in their early years, clung to her every word, while little Prince Daeron, still a toddler of four, was as oblivious as ever to the weight of the world around him.

"Your Grace," Alysanne murmured, a courtly bow punctuating her words. Her ladies-in-waiting followed suit, their presence a reflection of her own. "May my companions join us for this lovely afternoon?"

Alicent, who rarely spoke unless she had a specific intent, offered her permission with a gracious nod, motioning for Alysanne to take her seat. Alysanne gave her aunt a soft, almost imperceptible smile, but it faltered when she noticed Helaena's gaze drifting elsewhere, avoiding hers as she fed her children.

Aegon’s lips twitched with the barest semblance of a smile, but Alysanne could not bring herself to return it. Not when she remembered the vile truth of him, the repugnant creature he was. The elder prince might wear a crown of civility, but Alysanne knew the horrors he concealed. No, he would never deserve her regard, not after what he had done. Not after what he had made her brother endure. Not even his younger brother's presence could redeem him in her eyes.