Come Back To Me

Chapter 23

"You know, you don't have to acknowledge any lord who wishes for your hand tonight." Daemon said as he and Daena practiced with their swords in the training yard while their family ate breakfast. Daena rolled her eyes with a laugh.

"Wouldn't that just break your heart?" She joked. Their swords clinked sharply, each of them swift but ruthless. "Mother mentioned something about Lord Stark?"

"Ah, yes. Send a dragon to freeze to death with the wolves." He scoffed.

"Well, I suppose Baela was right. There will be plenty more options for me." She was completely red with laughter as she managed to knock his sword from his hand. She held her blade up to his chest and mockingly curtseyed. "But that is for me to decide."

"Nephew." Daemon smirked behind her, seeing Aemond standing with his arms behind his back. Daena turned with a small smile.

"Uncle. Might I have a word with my niece?" Aemond refused to look at her. He kept his eye on Daemon, clenching his teeth harshly together. "In private."

"Open the gate!" A guard shouted as the gate slowly swung open with a carriage being pulled through. Baratheon banners. Daena and Daemon turned to face the door to the carriage being swung open, though Daemon kept his eyes on his nephew. Aemond straightened, more tense than ever as Lord Borros stepped out with his daughters behind him.

"Prince Daemon. Princess Daena." Borros bowed uncomfortably along with his daughters while the two of them held their swords in front of them with taunting smiles.

"Lord Borros. I was saddened to not find your name on the tourney list." Daemon smirked. Borros just forced a tight smile and nod before he glanced behind them.

"Ah, Prince Aemond! Come, Cassandra." Borros led the eldest daughter past the two, bowing to Aemond before they led him away. Daena had her eyes on them, curious over how Borros lit up the moment he noticed Aemond.

"Apologies, princess. Our father is simply just excited over our sister's betrothal." One of the remaining Baratheon daughters sheepishly chuckled.

"Betrothal? To whom?" Daemon narrowed his eyes on the younger girl, tightening his hold on Dark Sister. The girl let out a small gasp, taking a small step back.

"T-to Prince Aemond, my prince." The girl managed to get out. The remaining daughters were led away, leaving an irritated Daemon and a stunned Daena.

Daena sat on the cliffs of the beach for nearly an hour waiting for Aemond. He was late to their lesson and she hadn't seen him since the yard. He'd never once mentioned a betrothal to anyone. It felt like a harsh blow to her stomach when she heard the news.

She waited and waited, rethinking every encounter she'd ever had with Aemond since her return. She looked for any answer or explanation for why she felt so betrayed, but most of all so hurt. Was this just some little game he was playing the whole time? Was this revenge for their first supper? Was it his plan to make her look and feel so stupid?

After she began to grow angry, she mounted Vermithor and commanded him to take her back to the dragonpits. He could sense her anger as he growled with a slight nod. Within minutes, Vermithor was just coming towards the pits when Daena noticed a cloaked man with silver hair peeking out from his hood trying to sneak off. She tightened her hold on the reins with a glare.

Vermithor let out a threatening roar, snapping his head directly to the man. The man jumped back, his hood falling to reveal an unfamiliar face. Daena's eyes went wide as she slid down Vermithor's side, rushing towards the man. Vermithor flew off the moment her feet hit the dirt.