Born to Die

Chapter 4

Aemeryn sat on the window ledge of the window in her chambers. Her mother loathed when she would sit with half of her body hanging out of an open window, but Aemeryn had always loved it. It was still relatively early; she had only broken her fast with her family not even an hour earlier. A tentative knock sounded on her door.

"Come in!" Aemeryn called without even looking at the door. She could see Vermithor and Vhagar flying circles around each other in the distance. It made her nervous, but they didn't seem to be fighting with each other yet.

"Does Rhaenyra still get upset when you sit like that?" Aemeryn turned in surprise at hearing Alicent's voice coming from the doorway. "By the Seven, don't fall out of that window!"

"Apologizes, Your Grace," Aemeryn said as she jumped back into the room and gave a hasty bow. Alicent waved her hand in front of her in a dismissal.

"There's no need for those formalities in private, Aemeryn. You have always called me Alicent, and I don't expect you to stop now." Alicent closed the gap between them and reached for Aemeryn's hands before looking unsure if the gesture was a welcome one.

Aemeryn took Alicent's hand in her own and smiled softly. She had viewed the Queen as a mother once, and she supposed part of her would always love her. Alicent returned her smile with a small one of her own before leading her over to the bed to sit.

"How have you been, my dear?"

"I have been...well." Alicent stared at Aemeryn with her hazel eyes that held too much sadness and knowledge for someone her age. Thinking back, Aemeryn couldn't remember a time when Alicent didn't look sad. There was the occasional spark of joy at seeing Helaena, Aemond, or herself, but it would disappear as soon as it appeared. "Is everything okay, Alicent?"

"Yes, of course. I just wanted to see how you were, Aemeryn. The wedding is so soon, and I know that Aemond as well as you were shocked about it." Aemeryn opened her mouth to deny it, but Alicent cut her off by raising a finger. "A boy talks to his Mother. I'm sure you have talked to your own about your concerns."

"Daemon, actually," Aemeryn said softly. Alicent shook her head and sighed. Everyone in the Seven Kingdoms knew how Alicent and Daemon felt about each other. Daemon had been very open with his hatred of Alicent for years. For Alicent, those still waters ran deep. She composed herself better around Daemon than she did around Aemeryn's brothers, but Aemeryn could see how Alicent would stiffen anytime her father was near.

"Your mother has been extremely lucky in her marriages. Rhaenyra has a big heart," an emotion crossed Alicent's face for just a moment, "and has endless love to give. She has been loved in return." Alicent finally let her gaze collide with Aemeryn's again and smiled softly.

"My mother does have a big heart," Aemeryn muttered. She had no idea where Alicent was going with this conversation.

"Not all women of our station get the luxury your mother has. The majority of us marry who we are told to and do our duty. We live in our ivory towers and are made to squeeze out heirs." Alicent put her hand on Aemeryn's knee and squeezed it softly. The green material that covered part of her hand from her sleeve was a stark contrast to Aemeryn's black skirts. "You are lucky in the way Rhaenyra is. You shared love with Aemond at one point."

"Only as friends. It was never romantic."

"Love is love, Aemeryn. Do your duty to my son, and, if you're lucky, you will love each other again. At the very least, you will care for each other. I know my son, and I know he will grow to love you again."

Aemeryn wanted to give Alicent some kind of answer but didn't know what to say. Thankfully, someone began to pound on the door and saved Aemeryn from having to give her one.