Midnight Blades [Aemond Targaryen x female!reader]

Part 21

Ships filled the harbour as far as the naked eye could see, their black sails unfurling as the fleet prepared to cross the Narrow Sea.

"You forgot something."

You spun to face your father as he joined you on the balcony that overlooked the sea. In his hands he held the diadem that he had placed upon your head when he named you Crown Princess and heir to Scythe.

"That may set to antagonise the very people we are trying to calm," you said with a chuckle, but bowed your head and allowed him to place the delicate circlet atop your head.

"I haven't cared much for what the lords in Westeros think." His lips curled with a small smile that deepened the wrinkles in the corners of his eyes and he took hold of your hands. "I have faith that you will soon be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, and when I am gone that will become eight."

You looked at his tired eyes and saw the weight of his reign set within them. He had lost two wives, his only son and countless friends that he had treasured and in that moment he looked like he was saying his final farewell to you too.

You squeezed his hands and opened your mouth to reassure him but he interrupted you with a shake of his head and said, "We have had our differences, you and I, but I have always loved you. From the moment you entered the world I knew you were destined for something great and although I haven't said it, I want you to know how proud I am of you. And him, I suppose."

Aemond chuckled from where he had been standing silently at your side, the begrudging tone doing little to hide the truth of your fathers words. "Thank you, your grace...I suppose."

Your elbow connected with Aemond's ribs but his amusement only grew as he rubbed the spot. A rattle tinkled beside him and he reached out to catch the chain that kept Kilexys from flying too far away, the young dragon quickly learning how to use its wings in the weeks since it hatched. You gave the little beast a smile as it landed on your shoulder and tried to bite a diamond from your crown.

"You are more magpie than dragon," you muttered as you scratched its chin. The little dragon leaned into the touch as its blinking slowed and its jaw opened wide with a yawn.

"Shit," Aemond cursed as he shot forward, catching the dragon around the belly and turning it away before a small splutter of fire erupted from its mouth. "I do hope the Dragon Keepers survived the coup. This is getting tiresome."

Your father barked a laugh and clapped a hand on your husband's shoulder. "Just wait until your daughter is a teenager, if she is anything like her mother, not even a dragon can compete with that."

You started to argue that you were not that bad but remembered all the times Ser Negan had saved you from the consequences of your own actions and slammed your mouth shut. None of which went unnoticed by Aemond and he cocked an eyebrow, suddenly very interested in your formative years before meeting him.

"I'll tell you when you are sat upon the Iron Throne," you said before he could ask.

His lips curved at the corners and he dipped his head closer. "Then we shall waste not a minute more. Our fleet awaits, princess."

–

Aemond's silhouette stood solitary at the bow of the ship, the maiden carved into the wood looking to the west as he did. The shadow above had been a constant in the voyage so far, Vhagar gliding silently in the skies above. It could not have been a better day to set sail with calm seas and a warm breeze carrying into the later afternoon.

"If you are hoping to see land you will be waiting there a long time," you said as you climbed the steps to reach the bow.

You had just left Aedira and Kilexys curled up in a cradle, Nessa watching over them with a bucket of water at hand. The little dragon had yet to blow a flame in Aedira's presence and although Aemond assured you that their bond kept her safe, you weren't ready to take the chance - not when your own eyebrow had been a little singed by the beast.