Innocence// AEMOND TARGARYEN ✔️

Chapter Fifty-three

It had been a few months since the passing of Aegon's eldest.

He wasn't the same after it, he'd grown rather cold and distant. Drowning away in cups of wine. The only time anyone would ever see him was when he was present in the throne room during the early hours of the day after he'd broken his fast, in his own chambers and not with the rest of his family.

He still visited his children's chambers before bed but did not read to them or spend as much time with them as before, it simply served as a reminder that one of his children was not there.

Aemond too was deeply sorrowful about the incident. He was relieved that Lucerys lived, but he had vowed to kill Daemon for what'd he'd done to his nephew.

The one-eyed prince did not accuse Eirlys of it the way Aegon had, he was infact rather appreciative that she'd come back to warn them of it.

Meanwhile Rhaenyra was once again left feeling helpless when news of Eirlys being held captive had reached her. The note received made it seem like her daughter was being held under rather harsh circumstances, when in truth she was living the life she normally lived at the Redkeep with the one exception of not being able to visit the dragon pit or any place outside without Aemond by her side.

Jace had returned a while back with news of the north's support. He was rather shocked to see his brother Luke in the condition he was currently in though.

It was Lyra who'd taken the older boy to Luke's chambers, dragging him along whilst holding his pinky.

She used to visit Luke everyday to play or read with him. Since Luke still couldn't yet walk properly without the help of his walking stick, the games she usually played with him involved her teaching him to make flower crowns and compete on who's was better. She sometimes tried to braid his hair, which had grown a bit longer over the days.

"Luke!" She greeted as soon as she opened the doors.

"Oh hello Sky" Luke smiled, using the nickname he'd begun to call the little princess. He turned to look at Jace, standing next to her "brought a new friend of yours today I see"

Jace's eyes widened at that moment when he saw that his younger brother and closest friend had forgotten about him.

He simply gave him a pained smile in return, unsure if he should go along with it or correct him.

It was Lyra who cleared it up by sweetly telling Luke that Jace was his older brother. Luke gave them a nervous laugh and apologised for not being able to remember but Jace simply waved it off, pretending like he was not at all hurt.

Rhaenyra and Daemon on the other hand had other pressing matters to attend to, like how they would retrieve Eirlys.

"Aegon has not mentioned anything about negotiations" Rhaenyra told him "he does not intend to let her go, under any circumstances"

"Well we're not going to sit around and let him do as he pleases" Daemon snapped "you've got the support of the north to back your claim, now is the best time to strike"

"We make any impulsive decisions and Eirlys could be put to the sword" the queen reminded "No we must-"

"We both know they won't touch her while her husband is around" Daemon spoke, trying to push his idea for flying into battle "I do resent him but I must admit he is a good husband to our Eirlys. There's no denying that he would not let a single soul lay a hand on her whilst he is alive, she will be safe"

"You truly believe that this is the best decision?"

"Aegon has been sitting the throne as king for far too long" the king consort reminded "we prolong this any longer and those in favour of you will either be put to the sword by him or they themselves will swear to him if they see you refraining from taking any action"