Dragon's roar (House of the Dragon)

015

Chapter 15: "Flying too close to the sun and I burn into flames" Heart attack, Demi Lovato.

"Lion's fangs in dragon's scales for a dance of lovers" stated Helaena, grabbing her friend's attention.

Alannys was watching the twins play on the floor of her chamber. Helaena paid her a visit almost everyday since she arrived at the Red Keep. Often, she brought Jaehaerys and Jaehaera as they seemed to like Alannys' tales. The Velaryon girl found it hard to believe the kids were Aegon's as they were so sweet. A good thing they mostly took after their mother. The littlest, Maelor was left with a nurse.

"Sorry Helaena, I was distracted."

"I know. There is a lot on your mind, Alannys" answered her long time friend.

"All this chaos, this war ; I'm tired of it" confessed the Velaryon lady. "I am always worried and I have a hard time sleeping; If only I were not a prisoner."

Helaena only grabbed and pressed it in support. Alannys appreciated that her friend did not judge her, even if they were on opposite sides of this conflict. They had both been friends for a long time and the Velaryon lady knew it would last, even as they were supposed to be enemies. However, she knew she had a mission ; she was there as a spy and she needed to gain information. Helaena surprised her once more.

"Has Aemond come to visit you yet ?"

"No. I think he doesn't bother with prisoners. Why are you asking me this ?"

"Since you came back, he has been restless. He complains about everything and especially you. He is stating that you are insufferable and we should let you go before Rhaenyra comes for you" confessed Helaena.

"When did he say that ? They plan on releasing me ?"

The lady saw a way to gain new information. Maybe her plan could be set in motion.

"I heard him arguing with our mother. She said she wanted to trade you against Rhaenyra's surrender but Aemond wanted to let you go as soon as possible."

So that was it. They were going to use her as trading money. She had to find a way to inform the Queen. Rhaenyra could not fall for it ; she could not trade her for her crown.

"Lion's fangs in dragon's scales for a dance of lovers" repeated Helaena.

"Yes. Well, did they say something else ?" tried Alannys.

"Not really. Aemond left saying that you were 'the curse of his existence'. He seemed really upset."

The lady understood that she would not get any more information from her friend. The Hightowers were no fools. If they allowed Helaena to see her, they would not let her in the know of their plan. Suddenly, little Jaehaera came pulling on Alannys' dress.

"Another 'tory, please, Lan' ?" asked the girl, using the nickname Alannys allowed her to.

"You know the rules, sweet girl. I cannot tell you until the morrow" answered the Velaryon lady.

"No fair !" pouted the princess.

The young woman felt her heart clench. This reminded her of Joffrey when she told her tales to him, Aegon and Viserys. This reminded her of Luke and Jace. This reminded her of her home. She was pulled from her thoughts by a knock on the door.

"You can enter !"

She quickly regretted allowing the person inside when she met the piercing gaze of Aemond. When she saw her brother, Helaena quickly gathered her children and turned to her friend with a small smirk.

"I will see you later, Alannys. Enjoy the rest of your day."

And with that, she hurried the twins out of the chamber. Alannys cursed under her breath at the idea of being alone with the prince. She rose from her seat and went to the window, her back facing him.

"I came here to propose to you a walk outside" awkwardly suggested Aemond.

He knew it was a pitiful attempt to justify his presence there. When she did not answer, he took a few steps further into the room. He had no idea why he was there, what had taken upon him. All Aemond knew was that he felt so frustrated and that he needed to see her.

"Are you not going to answer ?" he tried once again.

"I am not talking to fucking traitors !" answered Alannys, still turned to the window.

"You are calling me a traitor but I am not the one being held prisoner by the rightful King."

She turned with rage and walked to him.

"Aegon is no King ! He is just a drunkard who usurped the rightful Queen's throne. Supporting him makes you a traitor" she insisted pointing repeatedly at his chest. " You're not worth better than him. You are the puppet of this farce, of Otto Hightower and your mother. You're always going to be it ; this is your weakness, Aemond. Guess what ? Chaos will unleash on you all and I will personally insure that everyone will get what they deserve, you included."

Suddenly, she was stopped as he grabbed her hand to hold it against his chest. Alannys seemed to realise their proximity. She fighted a bit against his hold but he held her firmly. Now that he had her close, Aemond intended to keep her there. He would take her fury, her fire. The prince was sure he could take it all, if it meant she would react to him. He wanted her reaction, he wanted her attention.

"Then give it to me. Give me what I deserve. I could take anything from you ; your hatred, your anger, your fire, your desires. I want to take it. I would accept everything from you" answered Aemond, his mouth grazing the shell of her ear.

Alannys tried to fight against his hold again, even if she was quite disturbed by his words and their closeness.

"Let go of me !" she ordered.

"Why should I ? You're my prisoner after all. You are mine to keep" shot back the prince.

"I am no one's and especially not yours. I am not some furniture you can buy. The other ladies might be longing to be yours but I am not, I despise you" argued the lady.

Aemond let his other hand wander around her waist, caressing her hips above the thin fabric of her gown. He slowly kissed her ear before letting his nose caress her cheek and go down to her neck. He inhaled her sweet perfume. The Velaryon lady's skin seemed to ablaze under his touch.

"That is a shame, because you have something the other ladies don't have."

"What is it ?"

"I want you."

It was blunt, clearer than at the feast. Aemond pushed it further and kissed her neck. Alannys' breath caught in her throat. Her body was on fire and yet she gained back consciousness right on time. She freed her hand from Aemond's hold.

"Get out" she pushed him.

"What ?"

"Get out of my chamber before I stab you, traitor" urged Alannys, hoping he would be offended.

The blonde prince did not wait any longer and exited the room. She sunk back onto her bed. The lady was ashamed of herself. She felt dirty that she let her enemy touch her that way. What would her guardians think of her ? And her brothers ? The worst part was probably that she enjoyed it. Alannys still felt the fire lingering on the skin of her neck. Those kisses were delightful but also forbidden. That poisonous sweetness remained on her skin even as she took her bath and changed clothes. It remained despites her attempts to remove it.