When Love Lasts (Aemond Targaryen)

~Ñuha jorrāelagon~

  ~I barely closed my eyes all night. His words echoed in my head. He uttered those words with warmth and pain. It was hard for me to admit to myself, but he convinced me.

I refused to leave the room all day. I wanted time to clear my mind.

I always wanted to marry out of love. My parents are a real example of that. They loved each fiercely. They taught us that without love and compassion we are not human.

My father lost himself when my mother passed away. He never recovered from that. He once declared that he is still alive only because of us. It hurts me so much to see him like this, I can't imagine what it's like to lose your soul mate.

"Aemma, find a way to rekindle that spark you and Aemond had when you were little. Your mother and I noticed it then, find her and keep her out of anyone's reach. Love is the most important thing in life, without it we are nothing. I know he will love you immensely."

Those were the words my father told me before I left for Kings Landing.

I intend to fulfill that wish, in his name and in the name of my mother.

—

It was a few hours before dinner when Ella came to my quarters.

- Princess, I'm afraid they require your presence at the dinner they told me to convey that you have a guest and it is essential that you all be there.

- A guest? Did they say who is it?

- Unfortunately, the Queen kept it as a secret.

- Of course... Help me get ready, and please find a dress with long sleeves and a long collar.

I took a bath and it was time to put on my dress, Ella helped me and then she saw purple bruises on my neck and arms.

- Oh lord princess are you good, who did this to you?

- Everything is fine, don't worry it's nothing serious.

She looked at me with suspicion and concern. I believe she was ready to kill whoever did that to me.

- Did the prince hurt you?

- No, don't worry. Help me with my hair, maybe a low bun?

- Yes, it will go pretty with the dress.

Someone knocked on the door just as we finished.

- Come in, I am finished.
I spoke, expecting Henry on the other side of the door.

- Princess, the queen sent me to fetch you, dinner is served.

I turned and saw Sir Criston Cole. It's the second time we've met I was sure he was avoiding me and I was convinced it was because of my closeness to Rhaenyra.

- Sir Criston I'm sorry, but I wasn't expecting you.

- It is fine princess, can we go?

- Yes.

I turned and waved to Ella. Criston held out his hand for me to grab which I didn't expect but it was a nice gesture.

- I haven't had a chance to see you in the castle.

- I don't spend much time in the castle right now.

- Oh I see, I hope the previous years have been kind to you.

He didn't answer. We arrived in front of the door and before it opened he said: "Princess, your mother would be proud of you and I apologize for behaving like this but when I see you I remember her."