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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
"You have a habit of getting into precarious situations, sister," Tyland told Liliyana. "If your husband's hair wasn't already white, I'd be worried you were aging him."
"You are not funny," she scolded. But by the gods how I missed you. In a low voice, she asked, "What will happen?" They were alone in the council room, waiting for the others to make their way over. An emergency meeting, naturally, was called after the incident at the Dragonpit just hours ago.
"Damage control. Aegon is crowned, and all of King's Landing bore witness. Any claim Rhaenerya has is void now, but she will still have support. We will need to stomp them out." Tyland leaned back in his chair. "They will kick you out once we start, Liliyana... Does Aemond know where you are?"
Liliyana could not help her smile. "My husband believes me to be in my room, where he left me. Are you frightened, brother?"
"All men fear your husband, sister."
Liliyana knew of Aemond's reputation. If she could, she'd love nothing more than to be a spider on the wall when he engaged with others. To understand him better. To understand their relationship better. It felt the longer she was married to him, the less confident she became in being a wife.
"I wish I could stay," she said instead. "I was there, too. And I am married to a Targaryen. I would like to know what happens to Aemond."
"I know, sister."
He knows.
Men always knew.
The opening doors served as a blessed reprieve from her thoughts.
The Queen and Hand led the train of council members behind them. Liliyana and Tyland remained standing as they came around to their seats.
"Oh, Liliyana!" Alicent noticed the girl still in her dusted and ripped dress, taking her seat. "Is there something we can help you with?"
"Oh--"
"My apologies," Tyland spoke up. "My sister was just a little shaken from the Dragonpit and wanted to speak privately. I can have a guard escort her to her room."
It was hard to tell if the queen's smile was for her or Tyland. "And how are you, dear?" Without looking away from her daughter-in-law, Alicent placed her fingers at her temple. "Some bruises and blood look new." Was this why Aemond was delayed?
Liliyana shook her head. "Old, Your Grace. They do not hurt. I am glad to see you unharmed." Your Grace? She was no longer queen...but calling her anything but felt too bizarre on her tongue.
The doors opened once more.
Aemond stood frozen at the entrance, those eyes of his never leaving his beloved. He had changed clothes, swapping one black and leather tunic for another.
Feeling like a naughty child being caught, Liliyana found interest in her clammy fingers.
"Take a seat, Aemond," his mother told him. "Liliyana was just about to return to her room."
Liliyana bit her bottom lip in frustration. Damn Tyland and damn not being important enough to have a say--or at least a presence in what goes on with her husband.
"No."
The room stilled.
Liliyana looked up, and all eyes were on her, except for Aemond's. Had she said that? Embarrassment nearly had her fall backwards.
"Aemond." Only the Hand seemed confident in speaking up. "This is a private meeting with--"
"With the council and myself." He stepped beside Liliyana at the empty seat. "And my wife is part of me, grandsire. Do I need to repeat myself?"
Relief bloomed inside her like a flower. Aemond had said no.
When none spoke, he adjusted himself to stand behind her. With the room still silent as a Sept, her husband pushed in her chair before sitting beside her. He splayed out his closest hand and Liliyana grabbed his fingers immediately.
"Will his Grace be joining us?" Tyland asked. Liliyana quietly thanked him for changing the conversation.
"His Grace is resting at the moment," Alicent told them. "Westeros has a new king...but Rhaenerya will still have support should she wish to challenge my son's crown."
His beloved's fingers clinged to his own for dear life. He did not understand her sudden interest in politics, but he would never deny her a thing. The council be damned. Aemond gently squeezed. He did not wish to leave her after they returned, but she insisted. And he now understood why. A reconciliation of sorts with her brother. For Tyland's sake, Aemond hoped it went well.
"Aemond will go."
Liliyana's mouth went dry. She and her husband were never apart for more than a day at a time as of late. And now he would go to Storm's End to offer up one of Aegon's sons in marriage. It would take the better part of a day to get there, and Aemond would be expected to stay, have food, and stay the night. Maybe even multiple nights.
Would Aemond not go if she pleaded with him?
Possibly...but what of his family? House Baratheon would potentially fall into Rhaenerya's hands. They were a powerful family with wealth and a strong army. Liliyana peeked her eyes at her brother. She was sure he already sent a raven out to Jason. Aegon would have House Lannister. Wasn't that enough?
"Then it is settled, then." The Hand said. "Aemond, you will leave tomorrow morning."
"Understood."
Tomorrow?
The Hightowers and council stood. Liliyana followed on wobbly knees with Aemond behind her. Her hand still clung around his. She would not cry here in front of everyone.
With Liliyana lost in her thoughts and Aemond lost in his over her, neither noticed Larys Strong's cutting brown eyes. He understood Alicent's concern over the young Prince's obsession with the Lannister beauty. Perhaps it was time to finally do something about it.
