The Tragedy of Liliyana Lannister 𓆗♡ AEMOND TARGARYEN ♡ 𓆗

Chapter Thirteen

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Attending Aegon's coronation felt like a betrayal.

Liliyana had no issue with him. She did not think he could rule, but she kept that to herself. After today, uttering anything other than his graces would be seen as treason.

Her head gently rocked to the pace of Aemond's hands. He plaited a braid through her hair. He had the gentleness of a new mother.

"Do you have a preference?" he had asked her, once recovering from his surprise. Aemond had not expected her request. The happiness in his gut made him want to jump up and down.

She shook her head. The bruising on her face healed some from last night. "Not really! Only that I can keep my side ponytail."

Child's play.

He bowed. "Of course."

Liliyana sat on the armchair while Aemond towered behind her. Truly, she requested the braid to hopefully brighten his mood. She remembered him confessing his desire; it was the least she could do. Aemond treated her so well yesterday.

And every day.

To think that she almost left King's Landing this morning... Liliyana was no fool: her life would change after today. But she trusted Aemond. He would not lead her to harm--willing or unwilling. Her husband was smart enough to not start something foolish like a war all on his own.

"I wanted to speak to you about something, Liliyana," he asked. Aemond was halfway done with her hair, deliberately moving at a slow pace. To spend more time with her, but to also prolong the inevitable.

"Okay."

Her innocent answer made his jaw clench. She would not be pleased very soon. "In time, I would like you to sit down with someone and describe the men."

Liliyana's lungs deflated. Their faces would not go away if she needed to describe them. The one who smashed her face into the ground...she did not wish to remember. "Why?" she whispered.

Aemond's fingers slowed further as they wrapped behind her ear. "I understand you do not wish harm to come to them. But justice must be served."

"I don't want justice, Aemond. I only wish to forget." She dropped her eyes to her wrapped fingers.

"How often do we get to fuck a highborn girl?"

Aemond felt his beloved shudder against him. Then her rapid breathing. He stopped, letting her hair fall as he came to her side. "Liliyana," he pleaded. She refused to look anywhere but her hands. "My love, please." He covered her hands with his. Liliyana's breathing recovered at his touch. Silent relief coursed through him. "I don't wish to upset you, you know that... But you cannot begin to forget until justice is met."

Aemond knew she would never forget. Just as he never forgot his thirteenth birthday. Especially while knowing those men prowled the streets. He ignored the Street of Silk--out of respect. Or fear. He was not strong enough to right the wrongs inflicted on him by a woman. But, if the men were gone, Liliyana could sleep soundly and not feel the poison flood her veins in the dead of night as she cried herself to sleep.

Aemond failed her...but he would make it right.

"Justice?" she echoed.

Aemond nodded, his eye narrowed at her hunched form. "Yes. Banishment at the Wall." The lie easily spilled out from his lips.

Where thieves, rapists, and murders went. Liliyana knew the Wall. Most who went there died before being there for a year. They deserted or were killed by wildings when patrolling beyond the Wall.

There were worse fates, Liliyana supposed. The men would be at the very edge of the world. Dead or freezing their asses off. Violence, should they encounter it, would not be as a result from her or Aemond.

"All right," she told him.

Aemond smiled and kissed her forehead. "This will be good for you," he promised.

His beloved could only smile, unable to match his enthusiasm.

~

The coronation hadn't begun yet and it was already a spectacle.

A band of black stallions awaited the royal family at the castle front. Four carriages each. One for Aegon, his wife and children, Aemond and Liliayana, and the small council.

Liliyana stopped her walking upon seeing her brother. They had not spoken in some time. She did not even think he was informed of yesterday. Surely, he'd have visited her otherwise? Aemond, dressed in his finest leather, noticed her lacking at his side almost immediately. He followed her gaze at Tyland, conversing with others on the council. The stupid man remained ignorant of his beloved's silent plea.

"Notice me, brother!" her broken face almost said.

Aemond would not have it. He approached Liliyana and hid her view of him. He leaned into her side and pressed his forehead into her temple. "Come," he whispered. "Standing on your ankle is unwise." Aemond guided her forward and gently into the awaiting carriage.

"Sister!"

Liliyana stopped adjusting her dress at Tyland's voice. Did she wish for her brother to see her in this state? Part of her said yes, but the other, more logical part of her, told her he did not care. Not enough, at least.

She looked at her husband, perhaps too quickly. Her eyes held slivers of fear, and Aemond's elite levels of perception found it immediately. He mistook her fear of rejection for fear of Tyland.

"I'll be in shortly," he told Liliyana. His voice produced goosebumps. She was reminded of the disastrous dinner, and how he spoke to his nephews. Rage.

Aemond's calculated madness made sure the carriage door closed with enough time for Tyland to see Liliyana's battered face. The Targaryen turned, back straight and head held high like a guard dog protecting its master.

"By the gods!" the Lannister gasped. "What happened?"

"My mother and grandsire came last night to pay their respects. Where were you, Ser Tyland?"

The man appeared to have been slapped. "Let me see my sister, my Prince."

The edges of Aemond's lips curled upward. "I'm afraid I cannot. Your words would only do more harm than good. I suggest you join the rest of your party in order to prevent further delay on my brother's day. Should my wife wish to speak with you, it will be on her terms."

"You do not speak for her!" Heads turned at the Lannister's shouting, including Ser Cole.

"Will you fight me, Ser Tyland?"

The Lannister would lose, they both knew that. Especially if Liliyana were involved. Aemond would be notably cruel.

"Is everything alright?" Ser Cole asked. "We need to depart soon."

Tyland shot the boy one last glare and went to lick his wounds. Aemond watched until he knew the man would not attempt a second try. He entered the carriage to sit across from his beloved.

Aemond's fluid motions resembled a feline. Liliyana could only wish to be so graceful. Years of training turned her husband into a literal weapon.

He hopped into the carriage and sat across from her. The crown of his head kissed the painted roof. His legs swallowed the space between them. Liliyana adjusted herself to allow him comfort.

Aemond instead lifted her legs and rested them upon his lap like he were a legrest. He answered the surprise in her eyes with a sweet smile. Whatever happened outside did not come into the carriage, which Liliyana was grateful for.

The carriage jolted forward, and they were off.