When Love Lasts (Aemond Targaryen)

•Ball•

  ~It was the evening when the ball was being held. Snow was biting through the streets of Kings Landing. All the guests arrived on time just to avoid the snowstorm.

I was already done getting ready, so I stood in front of the window and watched the whole town turn white. It was a dazzling sight.

- You are ready, your Grace.

Ella quietly caught my attention. Ever since she came back from her short hiatus, she seemed even more different to me. I tried to talk to her but every attempt was in vain. Whatever is bothering her, it must be serious because she doesn't want to talk to me. I don't want to force her, she will tell me in time.

The door opened to reveal Sir Criston Cole.

- Sir Cole?

- Your Grace, your guard is impossible to find so I will escort you to the room.

- Henry? He was with me this morning, he was quiet but again he always is.

- We'll find him, it's time to go your husband ordered me to come get you.

- As always, you are beautiful.

Ella said and I answered her with a warm smile. I am really worried about her, what is wrong?

- Sir Criston, did all guests arrive?

- I'm not quite sure yet, but according to my calculations I think they did, your Grace.

- North?

- You will be pleased to know that House Stark has sent your youngest brother as their representative.

- Viserion is here?

I asked with slight excitement. Our last meeting did not go well. We are all here now except Varya.

—

Slowly but surely we arrived at the threshold of the ballroom. Before they turned all their attention towards me, I had a moment of peace. At that particular moment I felt like a stranger, like I was invisible. I looked at the room that was glowing with decorations and people filling every available space. Everyone did their best when it came to decorating. The music played softly and stopped.

- Queen Aemma, Second of her Name, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lady of the Seven Kingdoms and protector of the realm.

Ah, everyone is staring at me. This is the worst part of any celebration for me. I have to go through the whole room by myself. I think that walk to our table is taking forever. An incoming panic attack. It's never like this for me, except in these situations when some celebrations are involved. I can only imagine how my face is looking, am I even smiling?! Ah Aemma pull yourself together you are the queen, queens have everything under control. Do I have everything under control? What a clash of personalities in me. Now it feels like I am running, I have to calm myself.

I felt someone calling my name. That voice, I love that voice, it's a song to my ears.

- Aemma.

My husband was waiting for me at the top of the stairs that led to our table. Like a land thirsty for rain, I waited for his support.

- Iksā gevie ñuha ābrar. (You are beautiful, my life)

When he talks in High Valyrian, goosebumps.

I spent the whole day preparing to give a short speech, in order to thank everyone for coming, and I succeeded. I am their leader, I have to start and act like it. Something broke in me that day, I felt an influx of self-confidence and the will to dedicate myself to the role of queen like never before.