Crimson Wine

~6~

Daena hoped that Rickon and Catelyn didn't feel as awkward as she did because, gods was this weird. The table was silent as everyone awaited for the Kingsguard to the King. Daena sat in the beside Rickon and Catelyn as Jace was next to Baela and Luke was next to Rhaena.

Helaena sat with Aegon as Aemond sat next to her, Otto and Alicent had an empty space left for the King as Rhaenyra and Daemon were in the same line. Daena messed with her cup of wine, she didn't necessarily drink but it seemed as if she would need something stronger.

The Knights arrived with Viserys as they placed him down in the seat between Alicent and Rhaenyra, the two women looking at each other with glares of something Daena couldn't explain.

"How good...is it to..see you all tonight..together." He stuttered out, hand clenching around his cane as his mask was strapped on his face. Rickon felt pity for the man.

"Shall we pray?" Alicent asked, Viserys gave a nod. Alicent's children cupped their hands together as Rhaenyra's only did when she gave a nod. Catelyn was raised in the Faith but she refused to pray with a woman like Alicent, Rickon didn't care for prayers as Daena just sat holding her hands in her lap with her head down.

"May the Mother smile down on this gathering with love. May the Smith mend the bonds that have been broken for far too long. And to Vaemond Velaryon, may the gods give him rest." Alicent spoke in a hushed voice, Daemon grinned as Daena rolled her eyes.

The two shared a glance before quietly chuckling to each other, stopping when Rhaenyra gave a glare to them both. Daena had grown fond of her step-father, after Laenor's death, Daemon and Rhaenyra were married. She had not seen the interest in this man but sooner or later, she realized how much fun he was.

"I never took you for a drinker, Niece." Aemond said, she turned to him and gave smile.

"Well, I must do something to keep myself sane. Though, I dont drink as much as your brother, Uncle." Daena chided, taking a sip of the red liquid. Aegon didn't even hear the comment thrown at him. Aemond rolled his eye.

"I feel so out of place right now, Rickon whispered to her, she giggled.

"Its fine, you'll be fine. You know you'll have to do parties like this once you the King in the North." Daena remarked, Rickon groaned as Catelyn laughed.

Viserys let out a few breathes before griping his cane and placing a shaky hand on his cup. He used some of his strength to raise it and coughed.

"This is an occasion for celebration, it seems. My grandsons, Jace and Luke, will marry their cousins, Baela and Rhaena, further strengthen the bond between our houses. A toast to the young princes and the betrothed." Viserys said, he sat the cup down and leaned back in his seat with a sigh.

Daena smiled at her brothers before feeling a tap on her shoulder, she turned to see Aemond with a confused look.

"Are you not betrothed?" He asked, Daena shook her head, it seems as if he shared a look with Aegon as he also had the same look that Aemond had.

"Why?" Daena questioned, Aemond shook his head and hid a grin in his cup.

"Let us toast as well, Prince Lucerys, the future Lord of the Tides." Viserys added, Luke gave a shy smile. Daena saw how Rhaena and Luke were quietly talking to themselves, she grinned.

Aegon leaned over to Jacaerys and smirked. "You do know how the act is done, I assume?" Jace gave a glare as did Baela. "At least the principle?"

"Let it be, cousin." Baela reassured Jace who looked ready to bash in Aegon's head.

"You can play the jester if you wish, but hold your tongue before my betrothed." Jace threatened, Aegon nodded and sat back in his seat.

Daena tuned out the rest of the toast when Viserys began to talk, she was hidden in her own world as she looked to a corner of the hall. It seemed to be a figure staring back at her, purple eyes and silver hair. She looked closer without arousing suspicion.

She made eye contact with Helaena as she turned back, Helaena seemed to have also seen it as she gave what seemed to be a nod. Daena shook it off and jolted when a bang on the table drew her attention, she saw Jace standing up and Baela holding his outstretched arm.

He drew in breath and glared when Aemond also stood, Daena looked at Rickon who seemed to also prepare to stand before Jace grabbed his cup and smirked.

"To Prince Aegon and Prince Aemond. We have not seen each other in years but I have fond memories of our shared youth. And as men, I hope we may yet be friends and allies. To you and your family's good health, dear uncles."

Aegon hid back a frown as Aemond sat back down, Jace held a grin and at back down as well. Baela whispered something to him with a smile and he chuckled quietly. "To you as well." Aegon spoke with quickness.

Helaena stood abruptly as everyone looked at her. "I would like to toast to Baela and Rhaena. They'll be married soon. It isn't so bad, mostly he just ignores you except sometimes when he's drunk." She said with a sigh, Daemon chuckled as Aegon hid his face in hands.

"Music please." A soft beat played and Jace looked at Helaena, whispering to Baela before getting up and walking towards his aunt.

He held out his hand to which she kkindly took and the two began to dance, Aegon and Aemond shared a look in which they looked at Daena who was smiling at her brother. They were beaten to the punch when Rickon got up an offered her one as well.

Viserys and Rhaenyra both smiled at her before he doubled over into a coughing fit. Alicent immediately called for the guards to take him away when it didn't stop, everyone quieted but kept talking. A roasted pig was set in front of Aemond and Luke hid back giggle.

Aemond slammed his hands on the table which gained everyone's attention. "Final tribute, to the health of my niece and nephews. Jace, Daena, Luke, and Joffery. Each of the boys handsome, wise, and..hm..Strong."

"Aemond." Alicent warned but Jace stood taller.

"Come, let us drain out cups to these Strong people."

"I dare you to say that again." Jace said, having stopped his dance with Helaena as Daena did the same.

"Why? T'was only a compliment. Do you not see your self as strong?" Jace had already walked up and punch Aemond square in the face.

Luke stood but Aegon threw on the table, Daena went to him but Rhaena stood and shoved Aegon with all her might. He fell back due to his drinks with a shocked face, no expecting that from such a small girl. Daemon smiled at his daughter's strength.

Daena went up to Jace before Aemond could hurt him but when he pushed Jace, he fell on to Daena who caught him and stood him up. She glared deeply at Aemond who's face looked one with worry.

Go to your chambers all of you." Rhaenyra said when her and Daemon stood front, the kids filed out as they walked.

Rhaena let out a random laugh as the group looked at her, she wiped a tear away.

"What is it, sister?" Baela asked, Rhaena chuckled.

"I should have slammed his face in a plate."