The Passion of a Thousand Suns | Aemond Targaryen

Twenty: of difficult conversations

KING'S LANDING 

When dawn broke, they found themselves waking up to harsh sunlight across their faces, wrapped up in each other's arms on the hardwood floor of the library. There was a stiffness in Hira's neck, but other than that, the sleep was peaceful.

"I must return to my chambers," she murmured into Aemond's chest. "Before we're found out."

"Stay," he pleaded, voice low and raspy from sleep. His hold tightened, as if afraid she'd disappear. Hira settled back into his arms once more, unwilling to part.

They agreed to wed the following week, witnessed by her ladies and guards, with Helaena present too. She wouldn't wed him without her family close by. The decision to wed by Lengii fashion was imminent, foreseen by her gods rather than the Valyrian ones. A union witnessed by Lengii blood and the wrapping of the yugal would be enough to force her mother's hand. Though, a Valyrian ceremony would do them well against Daemon's obstructions, especially after he learns what they've done.

The first act of this scheme was Jacaerys. Aemond had scowled when she mentioned his name yet she was firm. Jace deserved to know the entire truth. Mayhap he'd understand the reasons why, or perhaps he wouldn't. Hira truly didn't know how Jace would react, as honour only goes so deep. A scorned man is a dangerous one, an entitled man even worse.

Hira prayed for Jace's understanding, lest Aemond kills him in cold blood. His hatred for the Velaryon boys stemmed from his mother's own hatred for Rhaenyra, and of course the incident with the pig and the eye. All these transgressions amount to Aemond's need for revenge. On this, he was unmoved. Hira would change his mind sooner than late and tame his thirst for vengeance.

Daemon and Rhaenyra would be informed only after the consummation, that way no one would question the validity of their union. She knew it was going to be hell and Daemon might actually attempt to murder her future husband, but need Hira remind him that he was the one to set the precedent for secret weddings, without the leave of fathers and kings.

Daemon led by example and she was ever her father's daughter.

The last piece was her mother, the greatest obstacle they have yet to face. Yhatia would surely fume at the disgrace and disrespect her daughter gave to the boon that was gifted to her, throwing away the title of queen consort.

Part of Hira feared the retaliation, the disappointment. The other part, the one that belonged to Aemond, knew that whatever they faced, whether it be good or bad, they would face together.

Better to ask forgiveness than permission, Aemond had said. They were words to live by.

"The next time we see each other we'll be wed," he murmured, playing with her hair between his fingertips.

Propping herself up, she straddled his waist, her own fingers playing idly with the hem of his untucked tunic.

Her sapphire was beautiful on him. There was something to be said about seeing her jewel on her betrothed. The feeling was gratifying, territorial even. Cut perfectly to fit the socket. It was a piece of her that he kept close during the two years of their separation.

Her eyes narrowed. "We need only survive a week. Don't get into any trouble before then."

He grinned, leaning up to pepper kisses along her neck. "I could say the same to you."

She grabbed his face and stared into his eye, the gem twinkling against the sunlight, almost blinding her when the beam hit right. Her tone was tense. "I mean it, Aemond. There is much to risk."

"I would hardly jeopardise us."

"Promise me," she begged, a wave of something foul entering her heart.