Nefarious || Aemond Targaryen

16

If there was one thing that Aemma loved greatly in this world it was riding Darksmoke. It was an experience like no other, a thrill ride that filled her with a sense of awe and wonder. It was the only time Aemma ever felt her true self, that she wasn't completely alone in a snake pit. The only time that she truly ever felt as ease. She has a connection to Darksmoke that transcends everything else, a mutual trust an understanding that allows her to ride with confidence.

The wind rushes past her, tugging at her hair and clothes, and she feels a sense of liberation and freedom as she soared higher and higher from the sky. The wind was forceful, the impact bringing tears of joy to her eyes, for Darksmoke was fast and she flew at a speed that no other dragon has ever flown.

Looking down, as she continues to rise up towards the clouds, she sees he world below her shrink and blur more and more, the mountains and rivers reduced to miniature versions of themselves. The Red Keep vanishes from her vision and she only wishes that its burden would vanish with it. But alas, that would be too good to be true. As the clouds overcast her vision it feels as though she had been transported to another world entirely.

Aemma took a few moments to herself once she reached above the clouds, basking in the brightness and the quietness of the moment. It was probably the only place where nothing bad could ever happen.

When she used to live with her family on Dragonstone, riding had a different meaning for her. Riding used to be a way to spend time with her siblings and cousins. They would race eachother to try to see who was the winner. Many times, when Jace and Luke were younger, she would let them win. Seeing the happy, victorious expressions on their faces was worth much more than a silly race.

Now, that she was alone and abandoned, she had nobody to ride with. Her once daily rides turned occasional. What once was a fun way to spend time with her family, now was a safe haven to escape the torment of the castle walls she was now bound in.

Aemma commands Darksmoke to dive down, away from the clouds. Her wings beat rythmically, carrying her effortlessly through the air. Aemma feels the wind rushing past her once again, the world growing larger and more tangible as she reaches the ocean below. Darksmoke skims above the ocean for a few moments, her tail occasionally touching the calm waves, causing some of the ocean water to spray on her face. The saltiness entering her mouth causing her to grimace at the taste.

They land softly next to the Dragon pit, feeling a sense of satisfaction as she dismounts. She leans her forehead on her dragon's snout, petting her. "I'll see you soon, sweet girl." she muttered in her mother tongue before heading back to her chambers to take a bath for she did not want to smell of dragon for her afternoon stroll with Marcus.

The bath was already prepared for her when she reached her quarters. Steam rising from the water, the pleasant smell of the cinnamon essential oils filling her nostrils. She dipped her toes into the steaming water, the heat sending a rush of warmth through her body.

A knock on the door was heard just as she was about to submerge into the water, disturbing her peace.  Groaning at the sudden disturbance, she puts on her robe and opens her door. There stood a man of the Kingsguard, one of the Cargyll twins, though she wasn't sure which one it was. She was confused as to what would cause him to come to her in the middle of the afternoon for throughout her life she has had very few encounters with the knight.

"Princess, pardon my disturbance, but I have to speak to you." he says.

"Surely it can wait, can it not?" she asks, desperately wanting to get back to the bath. "I was just about to bathe... I can speak with you after."

"It is of the utmost important, Princess. It regards your mother, the Princess Rhaenyra."

"My mother? Come in."