The Prince and His Flower

T H I R T Y - E I G H T

Aemma spent the rest of the day with her family, walking around the Keep with Jace and Luke as they recalled their favorite memories. Baela and Rhaena joined them for a while before returning to see Rhaenys, who had also arrived that day. 

Aemma visited Driftmark often, spending the days with her grandmother and Baela. Rhaenys always offered advice, much of which proved very useful. 

"You are your father's daughter, much too trusting for this world, too loyal. Do not pick sides because they are your family, pick sides so that you will be safe." Rhaenys said one night as they dined together. Aemma did not know what she meant then, but the advice stuck with her.

"It's still here! Remember when Luke tried to swing Criston's morningstar? He nearly took off his head." Jace laughed as he touched the large gash in the stone wall in the training yard. Aemma chuckled as she recalled that day.

"It's harder than it looks!" Luke laughed. Aemma silently agreed. The siblings made their way around the courtyard, reliving their old memories. 

"Oh, do you remember that day you smashed potatoes in Aegon's face and he poured gravy all over us?" Luke asked, chuckling. Aemma did remember that day, it was her favorite memory with her uncle, tackling him in his chair.

"How could I forget the look of shock on his face when I knocked him back in his chair?" They all laughed this time. "Remember what Mother said?"

"I thought she was going to be furious!" Luke said, running a hand through his hair. He had been nervous to come back to Kings Landing, under the watchful eye of the court, but his nerves had settled, at least in the presence of his sister. His mind wandered to the petition tomorrow. 

"Do you think I will be the next Lord of the Tides?" He asked. Jace and Aemma looked at each other before they both placed their hands on Luke's shoulder. 

"Yes, you are Father's son. Vaemond is simply a man driven by greed." Aemma said, giving him an encouraging squeeze. 

"Aemma's right. It is your birthright." Jace said, offering a smile.

"I feel like it wouldn't be such a big deal... if we looked more like Ser Laenor rather than Ser Harwin. If we looked like Aemma." Luke said, glancing at his sister. Aemma frowned; she knew it must be difficult, looking so different than the rest of your family. 

"It does not matter what you look like. We are Targaryen, that is all that matters. You are Father's son, and Father is dead. Therefore, Driftmark will go to you." Jace said. Aemma winced slightly at Jace's words, but she knew she was closer to her father than anyone. 

"Jace is right. Vaemond is no more than a bitter younger brother. Driftmark is yours by right, it does not matter if grandsire declared it or not." Aemma ruffled Luke's hair as they walked. 

"I don't think I will make a good Lord. I get seasick every time I'm on a boat." Luke wrinkled his nose as he thought of the three day journey his family took to get to Kings Landing. He had been sick for most of it.

"You will learn, and grandsire is not going to die. This is all just a formality." Aemma said. Everyone acts as if he is dead already, but he could heal from his wounds, Aemma hoped he would.

"You truly think he will survive?" Luke asked. 

"I do." Aemma was uncertain, but she knew how worried Luke was at the thought, and she wanted to comfort him. "Have I told you how the Queen had nearly the entire garrison of goldcloaks searching for me and Aegon in the city last week?" Aemma asked, trying to distract her twin from the succession tomorrow.