Throughout the Dance of Dragons - House of Dragon

Part XI - Developing feelings

"Must I?" Daenaera asked her mother as they were sitting in the balcony of her chambers. "Yes, sweet girl." Rhaenyra said as she smiled to her daughter. Her first born baby girl whom she adored from the bottom of her heart. Daenaeras family was already leaving back for Dragonstone but she was supposed to stay in Kings Landing with her betrothed. She had to start thinking about the wedding.

"I would like to return with you. At least for a little while." Daenaera said holding her mothers hands, waiting for her to agree and to take her daughter home together with her. "You know it is not possible. You have to stay here. You will be able to visit us soon, I promise." Rhaenyra said with a soft smile, she did not want to leave her daughter with the greens but nothing could be done. Her fiery daughter was bound to marry Aemond and to stay at Kings Landing. At least while Daemon and her come up with another plan how to get their daughter out of this marriage.

"Be patient my child, soon we will be together again." Rhaenyra said and caressed the cheek of her daughter. "Yes, mother." Daenaera said and smiled softly. Even though her heart was breaking and she wanted to go back to Dragonstone, she believed that it was possible to as well find some kind of peace in King's Landing, it was her home since she was a child and it could be again.

Daenaera watched silently as her brothers mounted their dragons and her parents mounted theirs. They flew off and something tore at Daenaeras heart, she felt as if something was ripping it apart and that things will no longer be the same.

As evening came she made her way to the library, her comfort space. For the first time she entered when Aemond was already there. He was sitting on a chair near the one she always took, it was strange because he never stayed reading with her, he would choose his book and leave. Or she would leave him while he was still choosing. "Princess." Aemond said as he did not look at her, he did not need to look, he knew it was her. It was always her.

"Aemond." Daenaera said as she made her way to take a book of her liking and sat down at the chair near him. He did not glance at her, nor even shift in his seat, he just continued reading and not paying attention. Daenaera felt uncomfortable in the silence, they had yet talked about what happened with Darrion Lannister.

After Aemond left Daenaera in her chambers he went straight to the King. He had to go through questioning and had to defend his actions and Daenaeras honor. And he did. None had questioned or even whispered about her. Her parents and brothers were concerned regarding what happened, Daemon was furious - Lord Lannister did not make it back home. Daemon took it as treason to the realm and killed Darrion. Viserys was not happy to say the least regarding Daemons actions but he as well announced that anyone going against his family is a traitor. Darrion was considered a traitor and the punishment was death.

"Something has been on my mind lately." Daenaera said as she waited for Aemond to acknowledge her. He did not raise his eye from the book, he merely hummed. "I have been thinking about you and the incident in the garden after the tourney." Daenaera said but Aemond did not look at her "What an honor." he said as he continued reading.

Daenaera sighed and tried to remain calm as his behavior was getting on her nerves. She then tried once again "Is that all you have to say?" but Aemond did not reply. He continued reading and his calm exterior made her angry. She was not going to fight him, if he wanted to play hot and cold, he can do that. She had enough of his antics. Putting the book away she stood up and moved to leave the room, all during what Aemond did not move.

"Good night." He said only when she opened the door to exit but Daenaera did not reply and closed the door behind her making her way down the halls to her chambers. She wanted to thank him for his effort and for his help, she wanted to try and get along with him, especially now when she had no one in the castle, her family had left.