Come Back To Me

Chapter 17

Over the next few days, Daena had managed to avoid any trouble from her mother. Thankfully with the help of her brothers, they covered for her, allowing her to venture off into the city or sneak off to the most dreaded part of her day. Her lessons. With Aemond.

Their lessons were mostly quiet. She was becoming more comfortable with him, but she still couldn't quite bring herself to trust him completely. She'd ask him a question, anything really to see if she could get him to explain a little more on the betrothal to Aegon, but he only spoke to her when it involved their lessons.

There was one person she could ask, but she'd made it a point to avoid him ever since their little kiss. But after days of Aemond's silence, she'd had enough and marched right down to Aegon's chambers. She made sure to have her sword displayed proudly at her hip so he'd stay in line.

Aegon swung the door open and smiled when he saw her standing before him. His left eye was swollen with bruising around it. "Niece...I was wondering how long it would take you to come to my chambers."

"Shut it, Aegon. I need to ask you something." She gripped the hilt of her sword tightly. He noticed and straightened up as he remembered her duel with Cole earlier that week. Word spread quickly about their duel and needless to say, her mother was far from pleased. Initially she was angry, but when Daena managed to avoid her she grew worried. "Why did your brother stop our betrothal?"

"Our what?!" Aegon laughed hysterically, but it slowly died down when he saw she was serious. He tilted his head with his eyebrows scrunched together. "What are you talking about?"

"Our betrothal. My mother said we were to marry before we left King's Landing, but your brother put a stop to it. Why?" She narrowed her eyes, studying every inch of his face. He looked just as in the dark as her though.

"Which brother was it?" He asked.

"Aemond."

"Interesting." He said before he slammed the door right in her face, leaving her more frustrated and confused than before. She grunted and stormed off, marching through the halls until she stumbled upon Luke sitting on the ground.

"Luke? Are you alright?" She asked as she sat down beside him, wrapping her arm around his shoulders. He tried hiding his face, but it was clear as day he'd been crying. "What happened?"

"Nothing, I...I was thinking about our grandsire." He sniffled.

"The king?" She asked.

"Lord Corlys...Rhaenys says his health is getting worse."

She pulled him tighter to her and kissed the top of his head. "I'm sure our grandfather will be fine. Daemon would've sent word if he wasn't."

"But if he doesn't live, then that means..." He trailed off and it finally clicked with her why he was so upset.

"Why're you scared of becoming Lord of the Tides, Luke?" She rubbed his arm carefully as he finally looked up at her with tearful eyes.

"The whole realm knows what I am. I can't lead anyone, I can barely lead Arrax!" He exclaimed. She looked around, making sure no one was around before she spoke.

"Luke, I'm going to say something you're not going to like and I need you to stick with me on this." She turned to face him, taking his hands into hers. "You're four and ten."

"Yes, I know that." He said.

"You're still just a child, but you're learning." She smiled as she pressed her forehead against his. "No one expects you to be some conquering dragon lord, especially at your age."