Born to Die

Chapter 10

Decran Strong met Aemeryn at the door of Harrenhal. He smiled at the princess and bowed when she approached.

"Lord Strong," Aemeryn said with a smile. She had been uneasy the entire dragon ride here and seeing Decran eased it slightly. She didn't think Aemond went to Highgarden; she believed that he went to King's Landing to see his family. Aemeryn couldn't fault him for that, but it wouldn't end well.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing you again so soon, Princess?" Aemeryn waved a hand at him and smiled.
"Aemeryn, please. Only people I don't like call me Princess." Decran smiled and nodded once. "I am hoping I can call upon you for aid, Lord Strong."

"Decran, please. Come in," he said as he stepped aside to let Aemeryn enter Harrenhal.

She took a deep breath and stepped inside. She wasn't sure how she felt about being at the place where Harwin had died, but she couldn't turn back now.

"The King is dead. I'm not sure if you have heard, and Aegon has usurped the throne from my mother."

"Whispers have already been circling, Aemeryn. I'm sorry for the loss of your Grandsire." Aemeryn smiled softly and nodded. "I take it Her Grace is calling for war?"

"So you accept my mother as the rightful heir?"

"If I didn't, I'm sure Harwin would come back from the dead and kill me himself," Decran said with a laugh as he led her into the dining hall. "Are you hungry?"

"Yes, thank you."

Decran pulled a seat out for her and watched silently as he took his own seat and Aemeryn filled a plate. "House Strong will back your mother. She has access to my men should she ever need them." Aemeryn felt the weight be lifted off her shoulders as she gave Decran a grateful smile. "Where is your lord husband?"

"Calling in a favor."

Decran narrowed his eyes at her tone. "Do you not believe him?"

Aemeryn sighed and sat down the bread that she had torn a piece off of. Harwin had always been able to tell when something was up by her tone, and Decran was apparently the same way. "I don't. I think he went to see his family."

"That's not going to end well if he does." Aemeryn shrugged and shoved the bread in her mouth. Decran wisely stayed silent as he finished eating. He knew better than to anger a Targaryen, especially one his brother had loved so much. "Allow me to show you to your chambers, Aemeryn."

"My chambers? Have you been expecting me, Decran?" She asked with a grin. Decran returned the grin and shook his head.

"The guest chambers."

"Don't you have people to do this for you?"

"At Harrenhal?" Decran asked as he arched his brow. Aemeryn smiled at him. "We have some maids and the cooks. Otherwise, I like the low profile."

"Because no one knew about you?"

"Exactly."

The two walked in silence up the stairs and down a long hallway. Decran finally opened a door near the end and ushered Aemeryn inside. The bed was the same size as her bed on Dragonstone, and the chamber looked almost the same. All that was missing were her own personal items decorating the space. Then again, almost all chambers looked the same.

"Thank you, Decran," Aemeryn said as she turned to face him.

"Should the Prince show up, I shall have him directed here. If you need anything, call upon Susanna. She's the chambermaid for myself and the guests." Aemeryn nodded, and Decran closed the door.