The Dragon Whispers

Chapter 5; The Successor of Driftmark

Alicent met her the next day, they had run into each other in the library. 

"My Queen," Daella muttered, resentment held under her words. Staring at the queen, all she could think about was Aemond, his hands running along her skin, the way he had whispered in her ear.

Alicent stared at her before setting her books aside. "Gods how you have grown," she finally said, stepping forward to embrace Daella in a surprising hug. She didn't know what to do or where to put her arms. "It feels like yesterday since I had last seen you and your brothers, except you have all become so tall now." The queen said, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind Daella's ear. She flinched slightly at the woman's touch, although it felt so familiar.

It seemed the woman hadn't aged a day, other than the crows feet forming beneath her eyes. 

"You look wonderful as well," Daella smiled, accepting as Alicent took her hands. The woman seemed to have a permanent frown on her face, Daella couldn't tell if she were unhappy or simply shaped like that. 

"I apologize for what is happening regarding the succession of Driftmark." The woman said, squeezing Daella's fingers. "Would you walk with me for a moment?" 

She obliged, although it felt like she had little choice. 

"I have heard little rumors as of late." She began, looping their arms together. "Though it simply sounds like silly words of court, I felt the need to ask you in person." Alicent continued, guiding them towards the library doors. 

"What is it?" Daella asked, looking at her.

"Well, gossip says that you have been spending a rather long time slipping into the room of a peasant boy." She muttered, patting Daella on the arm. 

She felt her stomach drop. 

She felt the contents of her earlier meal want to arise. 

Suddenly everything were spinning, and she didn't know how to control it.

"It seems as if word has not yet traveled around court, however I would be careful with who you choose to keep in your company. Rumors can be powerful." 

"I believe you're mistaken." Daella whispered. "After all, you cannot always trust the gossip of maids."

The queen looked her up and down, it was like she could see straight through her.

"I suppose you are right." She smiled. "Yet the apple doesn't often fall far from the tree."

Daella was positively disgusted, Alicent was firstly implying that she had been sleeping with Ian, then she had the nerve to accuse both her and her mother of being whores. Although it was not direct, it was still implied.

"If you would excuse me." Daella said with a stiff and forced smile, patting the queens arm. 

"Until we meet again," Alicent nodded, separating their arms.

"Until we meet again." Daella muttered, calculating ways she could torture the woman.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Aemond's POV

Aemond was reading to Jaehaera and Jacaerys, their beady purple eyes staring up at him. They reminded him of her with their bright indigo eyes.

He couldn't stop thinking about their time together. She hadn't pushed him away, she hadn't said anything against him until his fingers were spread across her legs. 

What did that mean?

Secondly, he couldn't stop thinking about that boy that she was with. He wouldn't call it jealousy. No, Aemond could never be jealous of someone.