Come Back To Me

Chapter 23

Jace sat at the welcoming feast, mindlessly tapping on the table as he sat in between Baela and where Daena would sit. They were still waiting for their parents and remaining siblings, but he couldn't help but glance over on the greener side of the table. His nostrils flared when he noticed the return of his uncle, Prince Daeron. The two made eye contact, but Daeron just smirked back at the agitated Velaryon boy.

"Jace, are you alright?" Baela gently placed her hand over his, abruptly pulling his attention.

"I'm fine. Absolutely fine." He mumbled as he looked ahead at the door as the lords and ladies of the realm poured into the feast. Luke and Rhaena had just walked in, their arms locked together. "I just didn't realize Daeron was going to be in attendance as well."

"Just ignore him and it will all be well." Baela whispered.

"No, I don't think you understand. If he and Daena speak, she's going to learn the truth of what we did." Jace hissed, snapping his head towards her nervously. His eyes were full of panic while she simply rolled her eyes with a laugh. "I'm glad you think this is funny, but do you realize what Daena will do when she finds out you lied to her? Or to me? Or any of us?!"

"She's not going to learn the truth. And besides, your dear sister is already covered. Lord Stark has agreed to keep her company for the feast. I doubt any of those twats will come near him." Baela explained. Rhaena joined her sister's side with a giddy smile while Luke just stood behind his chair, focused on his youngest uncle on the farthest end of the table.

"Luke, come." Rhaena softly spoke as she took his hand, pulling him towards his seat. He sat, still focused on the green prince. To his surprise, Aemond hadn't even glanced his way, but Daeron kept his eyes on his younger nephew. Like a predator to its prey.

"Just keep away from him, brother." Jace leaned behind Baela to whisper to Luke, who simply just nodded and kept to himself.

On the green side of the table, Aegon was having easily the most uncomfortable time of his life in between Helaena and Aemond. Helaena was mindlessly humming to herself or to Daeron on her other end while nothing but pure tension was radiating from Aemond. He hadn't spoken a word in hours or even unclenched his fists. Aegon started to worry if their cheerful mother on Aemond's other side was only making it worse.

Aegon pushed the jug of wine towards Aemond as he cleared his throat. "It helps, you know."

"I don't know what it is you're implying, brother." Aemond gritted through his teeth, not even glancing towards his older brother.

"Oh, so is this you being overcome with joy with your betrothed and the return of our dear brother?" Aegon smirked as he took a swig from his cup. Aemond's head snapped towards Aegon finally, only making him laugh more. "Or are you just upset that now you can't marry our dear little niece?"

Aemond's eye narrowed. His fists were clenched tightly in his lap, showing the pale bones in his knuckles.

"Beware the strength of the vipers." Helaena mumbled.

"You honestly mean to tell me you suddenly stopped pining for the girl?" Aegon arched an eyebrow, straightening up with his cup raised. "Is that why my eye is still healing?"

"Your eye is still healing because you insulted your wife. Our sister." Aemond said in a low voice.

"So you would have no issue if say...Daeron were to bed her?" Aegon smirked. Aemond slammed his fists against the table, rising to his feet. Alicent jumped at the abrupt noise, looking up at her enraged second son. But something caught his eye by the door. Something that made a sly grin grow on Alicent's face.