The Dragon and the Rose | Aemond Targaryen

Chapter 15: Matching Sapphires

Two Years Later

"Jaehaera looks more like you now."

Helaena looked up from her spot on the blanket, watching as Alysanne twirled gently in a circle, swaying side to side as she held Jaehaera.

"Yes, she does," Dyana agreed, watching as the toddler let out a small giggle as she was launched into the air, Alysanne catching her soon after.

Alysanne gazed onto the girl's face. Though she and Jaeherys were twins, they weren't identical. Jaehaera hadn't looked traditionally Valyrian at first, taking after her Hightower genes, but a year later, as she grew more into her face, all Alysanne could see was Helaena.

"Gevie," Alysanne murmured, kissing the babe before handing her down to her mother, switching so that she held Jaeherys while Helaena held her daughter.

Beautiful

They had grown into a routine with the children, breaking their fast together and going to sit by the Weirwood tree every morning, doting on the children together, along with Dyana.

After showing her a tour of her garden, Alysanne had grown a deep friendship with the girl, finding kinship and spending most days together. Once Helaena had been declared with child, Alysanne had put in a good word for Dyana with the queen, who promoted her to be one of Helaena's handmaids, focusing mostly on the children.

Helaena deeply appreciated Alysanne's devotion to her children, along with Aemond's. They had both strived to be present for Jaeherys and Jaehaera in the absence of Aegon.

"Where is Aemond?" Alysanne questioned, looking around as if to find him.

"Hmm? He had a long night, according to Aegon," Helaena replied absentmindedly, her sole focus being on Jaehaera.

This perplexed Alysanne.

She and Aemond were not as close as they had once been, but it seemed very unlike him to go anywhere with Aegon, especially knowing the type of debauchery he often got up to.

They were older now, her and Aemond, and with the passage of time had come the burden of expectations.

What was normal for them before... always going off alone together, hugging and holding hands, and spending most of their time together, was now considered improper.

A septa or handmaiden always had to be with her, encroaching on any interaction she could possibly have with him, and she couldn't touch him, not without a succinct reason.

It'd been hard on them both, but especially for her.

It was always harder for women, society made sure of that.

"Gone off with Aegon? That's not like him," Alysanne murmured, still rocking Jaeherys back and forth within her arms.

"Mm-hmm."

The hum from her friend caught Alysanne's attention, turning and lifting a brow in curiosity.

"What is it?"

Dyana looked around discreetly, trying to ensure what she said next wouldn't be overheard.

When she was satisfied no ears were on them, she stepped forward, closing the distance between her and the two Princess'.

"One of the serving girls let me know that Prince Aemond arrived alone hours ago... looking very angry, with no Prince Aegon in sight. He scolded her to tears when she tried offering him an early meal, and he hasn't come out of his room since. Even missed his morning training with Ser Criston."