The 'Light of the Realm' is better known as Princess Aelara Targaryen, of whom is as wide-eyed and curious as her twin sister Helaena, yet has interests other than bugs and prophecies. Princess Aelara is a gorgeous and gracious soul, one who capture...
In the early hours of the morning, before the sun has even woken, there are whispers in the hall, one that speak of the state of the King.
Aemond slowly returns to a conscious state, his ears perking up as the listens to the conversation happening right outside the wooden doors.
"...the King is dead."
Though he had little love for his father, the news of Viserys's demise does sting a tad bit. His mind falls into a spiral of events as he thinks about everything that much be done. His brother is going to be made king, and it's more than likely that he and Aelara will be used for political advantage and married off to secure Aegon's claim.
But as his sparkle stirs in her sleep with little snores escaping her lips, he knows in his heart and in his mind that it cannot be. They cannot be used for political theater. They cannot be married to anyone else.
Gently, he brushes a lock of hair away from Aelara's face, his touch as light as a feather. She stirs, her eyelashes fluttering open to reveal eyes filled with sleep and innocence. Aemond's heart swells with love and a sense of urgency.
"My love," He whispers, his voice laced with a mix of tenderness and urgency, "Wake up, it's important."
Aelara blinks, confusion clouding her expression for a moment before she registers the seriousness in Aemond's eyes. She sits up, her gaze searching his face for answers.
"What is it, Aemond? What's wrong?" She asks, her voice tinged with worry.
He takes a deep breath, his hands cupping her face gently.
"Aelara, father is dead," He reveals, his voice barely above a whisper. "And with his passing, everything is going to change."
" He... he's dead?" Aelara ponders, her eyes quickly filling up with tears as she blinks rapidly, " H-How?"
" That is not important," Aemond softly utters, " What is important is us. We are not safe here and we never will be. We will be used as pawns to support Aegon's claim. Mother has been entertaining the idea of betrothing you to some fat country lord for years."
" Why hasn't she?"
" Because of me."
Aelara feels a tremor in her heart.
" I have been standing in the way of your betrothal to anyone but myself," Aemond states, " Because I love you, sparkle... more than there are days in the year and stars in the skies."
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Aelara's breath catches in her throat, her eyes widening in astonishment. She reaches out, her hand trembling as she gently places it over Aemond's, which still cradles her face. A rush of emotions floods through her, overwhelming and exhilarating all at once.
"Emmie," She whispers, her voice filled with a mix of awe and tenderness, "I... I love you too, more than words can express. You've always been my knight, my protector, and my heart belongs to you."
