Before the union of Rhaenyra with Ser Laenor Velaryon, an event etched forever in memory took place when Daemon claimed Rhaenyra's innocence in the hidden corners of a brothel, planting a seed of life within the princess rightful to the Iron Throne...
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I'm sure I'm not being rude But it's just your attitude It's tearing me apart It's ruining every day
A few seated at the dining table clutched their mouths and fled the room, but Rhaella continued to sob uncontrollably on the ground. With the littlest bit of courage she had left, the young princess fled the room and scurried across the hall. As she furthered down the stairs, she took the first opportunity to empty her already-emptied stomach over the railing while her fingers grazed the rough grain of the ledge.
Hot tears fell from her eyes as the ground she stood on became unstable-the once reliable legs she stood on collapsed on themselves. Like a thousand knives through her heart, everything ached. Her hands frantically reached for the laces of her bodice, the constriction of air caused her heart to race like wild horses, and the suppressed emotions of losing the only person she loved burned a hole in her mind.
"I am all alone...." Rhaella grit through her teeth. "I have nothing and no one to live for," she mumbled, tears streaming from her bloodshot eyes.
The light footsteps of Prince Aemond approached without haste. A suppressed grumble of the unpredictable man bellowed, "Niece, hmm, I am apologizing on my mother's behalf. I hadn't the slightest idea of your servant," he hummed, "Akira...."
"You didn't keep your promise, Aemond! You said you'd keep her safe, you filthy fucking liar!" Rhaella shrilled.
It was the first time the young girl cursed. Akira was never too keen on profanity or exposing her daughter to such blasphemy. Yet, while Akira protected Rhaella from the outside world, she was not dealt the same fate of blissful ignorance or safety. No, Rhaella failed at protecting her most precious luxury-Akira.
Rhaella buried her head into the icy cold fingers of her hands. Her voice cracked while muffled by her hands, "It is my fault, isn't it? I shan't place blame onto others as I haven't myself!"
Lingering over the woman, Aemond stiffened at her cries. The sadness of others made him uncomfortable and, perhaps, uncaring-yet, he felt awful upon seeing his future wife in shambles. Despite the two being betrothed, neither wanted the comfort of the other.
"Do not blame yourself for the choices of another, niece."
Rhaella scoffed at the prince, "You are right!" she seethed. "I should blame you! It's your fault that the only person I have ever truly cared about and the only person I would devote my livelihood to is dead at your wicked mother's hands!"
"For the love of the gods, why must you act as if Akira was the only person to live for? T-That she-a mere servant, is the only person worthy of your affection?" Aemond hissed.
She chuckled, unbothered by the man's remarks. "Have you allowed your arrogance to cloud your reason? Might I remind you of your mistreatment towards me?! You and your conniving family-damn you, Aemond Targaryen!"
"Face it, princess," he screamed, "you are looking for reasons to hate me! I have done nothing wrong-I haven't betrayed you."
Rhaella grew furious. "Explain something to me then, Aemond. How do you suppose your mother knew about our indifferences? I hadn't made my hatred for you that obvious."
He sighed and licked his lips. In a breathless tone, Aemond smirked, "You think I am mommy's boy, hmm? Perhaps you suspect I tell my mother every single endeavor of my life, but I can assure you, we speak on a need-to-know basis."
"Well, I suspect a 'need-to-know basis' between you and your mother could include mentioning our misaligned relationship, and 'perhaps' that 'need-to-know basis' of yours mentioned my relationship with Akira and how much it would break my heart if she were involved!"
Aemond growled, his single, exposed eye twitching, "DO NOT MOCK ME! You foul, lithesome creature! How dare you accuse me of treason! I am a man of my word, and when I promised your mother's safety, I intended to keep that promise. I hadn't a clue of what Alicent planned."
"Even if I believed you, which I don't," Rhaella began, "it's set in stone, Aemond. Akira is dead, I-I looked into her lifeless eyes on that platter, and now, I can't unsee it."
Clearing his throat, he avoided eye contact with the young princess. "Maybe you need a change of scenery, hmm? Get your coat, remove the fancy dress, and I shall take you into town."
"No, I would rather not."
He chuckled, "That wasn't a request, niece. It's an order. Now go."
Reluctantly, the young princess returned to her chambers and stripped to the bare minimum. She replaced her beautiful green dress with a thin, long teal nightgown and threw a dark, thick cloak over to mask her still-braided white locks.
While Rhaella wished for nothing more than to fall into a deep slumber and never awaken or ditch Aemond to chat about books with her newest friend, Silas, she was no longer at liberty to make choices. So, she walked in her somewhat sheer, fitted nightgown towards where she initially left Aemond to his own devices and found him staring longingly at the midnight sky with his hands draped over the ledge.
For a moment, she thought of lifting his legs and pushing him over the railing. That would be cruel, and yet, it may benefit society. Never mind that she cleared her throat to get his attention and tugged on her cloak. "It is a tad bit cold out here. I wish I had more layers."
"Why in god's grace are you wearing that? The last thing we want is to draw attention to ourselves. Besides, you don't want to resemble one of those cheap whores in a brothel, do you?" Aemond breathed, looking at Rhaella up and down.
She scoffed, "I haven't many options! Many of the gowns bestowed are fancy and eye-catching, this and a few other, uh," she blushed, "risqué gowns are all I have to choose from, Aemond."
"I don't mind, trust me..." he hummed as his lips twitched into a smirk.
"Oh, don't be such a pig!" Rhaella snapped, furthering herself into the comfort of the cloak. "How can I be sure you won't slit my throat and toss me into the sea? Your mother hadn't the slightest courtesy of my mother's life. Hence, why would you care enough to take me from this place without consequence? You must want something in return...."
Aemond rolled his eye. "Must you always be this cynical, niece? God forbid I don't feel a little burden from your mother's death and not want to hear your constant nagging throughout our soon-to-be marriage."
"I suppose you have a point. Still, I don't quite understand..." she paused, "does the Queen know of my suicide attempt? Had my dislike for you caused the death of Akira? I feel the weight of knowing her death is my fault," Rhaella winced.
He groaned, adjusting hiseye patch. "For the last time, niece, I hadn't confided in my mother onceabout our indifferences.
