Dragon's roar (House of the Dragon)

011

Chapter 11: "Can't help myself I'm looking for you" Set fire to the rain, Adele.

Baela let the final braid land on Alannys' shoulder with a pleased smile. She was proud of her creation. That night was the one of the feast in honour of Alannys' eighteenth nameday. The queen insisted on finding suitors for her, even with Rhaenyra's opposition to it.

"You are beautiful Alannys" complimented Helaena.

"Yes, you will dazzle any potential suitor" added Rhaena.

At that moment, Rhaenyra entered the room with a maternal smile on her face. She felt a peculiar sweetness at seeing the four girls together.

"They are both right, you really are stunning but we need to hurry ladies, people are waiting."

The women made their way through the halls. Arriving at the grand doors of the throne room, they all entered except the Velaryon lady who was expected to enter last. She took a deep breath before walking forward.

"The lady Alannys of Houses Velaryon and Lannister" announced the man at the door.

The heavy doors opened and everyone's gaze fell on her. The ward suddenly felt self-conscious until she met a particular gaze, a violet gaze composed of only one piercing eye.

Aemond Targaryen was not the kind of man to be easily surprised but Alannys Velaryon seemed to want to shake his certainties as of late. He let his eye take in her glowing form. Her gown was golden, showing-off her shoulders with open sleeves that were almost long enough to reach the floor. That dress left enough cleavage for his mind to wander into his own desires. Her hair was styled in complicated braids, highlighting the lines of her face. The Velaryon lady was like an apparition and the blonde prince had to down his cup of wine to keep his mind elsewhere than on her body or face.

As she descended the few stairs, Alannys kept her eyes on Aemond's and what she saw there threw her off balance. There was not only anger in his gaze, something closer to longing, to...desire ? She tore her gaze from him and walked toward the great table where the King, queen and all the princes and princesses were seated. The lady bowed carefully before the King.

"We wish you a joyful nameday, lady Alannys" greeted Viserys.

"Thank you, Your Grace. I am most delighted" politely answered the lady.

"Well, let the feast begin."

Alannys went to sit between Daemon and Jacaerys with a smile. Even if the room was crowded, she appreciated being able to celebrate her nameday with her family. The feast began in a joyous atmosphere. The Velaryon girl joked with Jace and Luke but also discussed with Baela and Rhaena. During the whole meal, she could feel a special prince's eye on her from the other end of the table. The woman refused to look his way and focused on the conversations around her. As the feast went on, many young lords and ladies had taken on dancing, like Jace and Baela. Alannys was observing them when a lord came to the table.

"Your Graces, prince, princess, lady Alannys" bowed the man. "I wish you a very happy nameday, my lady."

"I thank you, lord...?"

"Redwyne. I was wondering if you would do me the honour of sharing your first dance of the evening" proposed the young lord.

The ward quickly glanced at Rhaenyra and Daemon to ask for their approval. When they silently agreed, she turned her attention back to the man.

"That would be my pleasure, lord Redwyne" answered the lady, raising to join him.

They reached the middle of the room but Alannys could still feel the burning gaze lingering on the back of her neck. Nonetheless, the lady enjoyed her evening. She danced with many potential suitors, including Lord Redwyne who happened to be quite likeable. She also danced with Jace, Luke and was even forced to dance with Aegon who was nearly totally drunk. As she finished another dance with a lord about her age, she noticed Helaena sitting alone and looking sad. The Velaryon girl grabbed the twins' hands and went over to her friend. She caught her hand and pulled the three ladies on the dance floor.

"Alannys ! This is not proper !" exclaimed the princess.

"We don't care ! Let us dance."

The four ladies danced their hearts out to the joyful tune. They giggled like little girls and jumped, holding their dresses. Alannys was glad to see her friends so carefree for once ; it was nice. When they ended their dance, they were breathless. The ward scanned the room when her eyes landed on him. Aemond was talking with a beautiful woman. She had dark hair and pale skin. She seemed to be a polar opposite to the Velaryon girl. The said girl felt a familiar rush of fire burning through her veins. Without thinking, she walked in their direction. Aemond noticed her immediately and most precisely, the fire burning in her gaze.

"Lady Alannys, it is so nice to meet you. What a beautiful nameday celebration" greeted the black-haired woman who sensed she might have been losing the prince's attention.

"Thank you. I believe we have not yet been introduced, lady...?"

If the tone of her voice appeared friendly, Aemond recognised the threat, having been its target before. Alannys could be threatening if need be and clearly, she intended to be for the other lady.

"Lady Baratheon. Lord Borros is my father. I was actually talking with the prince about Storm's end."

"How delightful. I was wondering if I could borrow Prince Aemond for a moment."

That was definitely more of an order than a polite request. The ward wanted that woman away, far far away.

"Of course" responded the Baratheon girl, unpleased, leaving them on their own.

Alannys grabbed Aemond's arm and dragged him to the dance floor. It was an impulse, something she did not think about. For a moment they just stared at one another. The young woman had to admit the prince was quite handsome but she would not dare say it out loud, ever. He wore black breeches and boots. His usual leather coat was replaced by a dark shirt, embroidered with emerald threads at the collar. Even if the shirt was a bit loose, she could still distinguish his broad shoulders and the muscles of his torso moving underneath it. There was something about this man, something different. Then, she put her right hand on his shoulder and grabbed his right one on her own. Aemond sneaked an arm around her waist to guide her body against his. They started to dance along a slow tune. The anger toward the other woman had not fully left her eyes.

"Jealousy doesn't suit you, Alannys" stated the prince with a smirk, his face close to her ear.

"I am not jealous."

"Then why did you seem to want to kill Lady Baratheon and why are you dancing with me ? Aren't you supposed to hate me ?"

"We are not ten anymore, Aemond" answered the lady a bit flustered at their proximity.

"That is for sure. When we were ten, you were unbearable but now you are much more...interesting" grinned the blonde prince.

They danced under the eyes of everyone in the room, including both their families. Rhaenyra was surprised at Alannys' reckless actions. The young lady was not one to easily display what she felt but then, it seemed like her anger got the better of her. It was one of the first times she was not arguing with Aemond but the crown princess was not sure it was better that they get closer that way. People would talk about it for sure. The Velaryon ward and the One-eyed prince seeing dancing and getting close could affect Alannys' reputation.

"I suppose Lord Redwyne has your preference since you granted him with your first dance."

"Jealousy doesn't suit you, Aemond" imitated the Velaryon copying his tone and smirk.

"Too bad for me then. Because all these lords are looking at you and they realise how you are too good for any of them."

Aemond almost closed the gap between them, their noses brushing against each other. Alannys was breathless. She was totally lost. How could Aemond say such things to her, and why ? Their exchange did not go unnoticed, especially by the girl's guardians who exchanged a worried look. Daemon did not like the way Aemond was holding the girl and Rhaenyra was no more pleased. 

"What do you want, Aemond ?" asked Alannys, trying to gain back her composure.

"You tell me. Maybe I want too much. Maybe I want what I can't have. Maybe I want your last dance as I didn't have your first. And maybe, I want...you."

Author note:

I hope you will like this chapter. Don't hesitate to comment, like and share!