Ashes In The Castle ||| Aemond Targaryen

thirteen

There wasn't much to say for the rest of that day. Daemon wasn't punished for what he'd done to Vaemond, mostly because no one would advocate for him. He'd spoken treason of the highest order in front of the King.

After it all, when the children had been escorted from the hall, they were told the King wanted to have dinner. With all of them. Yay.

Naerys would have taken her eye out rather than go. But she was forced by her mother. If only for the King, who would not be around much longer.

When it was time for dinner, Rhaenyra's family showed up together. They were given their seats; Rhaenyra and Daemon on one side, Jace beside Baela, his betrothed, and Luke beside Rhaena.

For a moment, Naerys didn't know where she was sitting. Beside her parents?

"You'll be seated at the end of the table, Princess. Next to Prince Aemond."

For fucks sake. Naerys closed her eyes and nodded. She couldn't make a scene.

The one-eyed prince watched Naerys while he talked to his brother. Begrudgingly, she made her way to the end of the table and plopped into her chair.

She leaned forward and picked up her knife, twirling it between her fingers as she waited. Her brothers were too far to talk to and no way in hell would she try and interject into Aemond and Aegon's conversation. Naerys was bored out of her mind.

When the door opened, though, and the King was carried into the room on his chair by his knights, everyone returned to their places and stood, out of respect for him.

Aemond stood next to Naerys, his hands clasped in front of him, as they watched the King be carried to his place beside his daughter and wife. He shot the girl beside him a look but she didn't return it. Naerys chewed on the inside of her cheek as she waited.

They only took their seats when the King was placed in his, as was customary. Naerys sat and tried to pull herself closer to the table. Just to be an ass, Aemond pushed her closer, so she was too close.

Still, she did not look at him. Naerys simply pushed back a bit and rested her hands on the table.

Once the King was situated, he looked around the table. "How good it is... to see you all tonight... together."

Naerys could sense that her brothers and Aemond were looking at one another. Silent threats. She tried to ignore it and simply smiled at her grandfather. The meal was for him.

Alicent saw the distress on his face, knew the pain he was in, and hoped to begin the meal as soon as possible. "Prayer before we begin?"

Viserys nodded, holding his head with his hand. "Yes."

With his consent, Alicent lowered her head and began to pray. "May the Mother smile down on this gathering with love. May the Smith mend the bonds that have been broken for far too long."

Naerys, like most Targaryens, didn't follow the Faith of the Seven. She didn't close her eyes but she did clasp her hands together.

It was a surprise that Aemond closed his eyes, that he seemed to be devout. Strange behaviour for a vicious boy.

"And to Vaemond Velaryon, may the gods give him rest."