Come Back To Me

Chapter 43

Aemond and Daena sat on the floor, leaning back against the edge of her bed as the two of them mindlessly thumb wrestled each other. She'd giggle and yank her thumb back when he'd catch the edge of hers for a moment. Meanwhile, he just couldn't stop staring at her.

Every night for 7 years they sat in this same spot with either late night readings, catching up on their day, or just simply an escape from the outside world.

It was his favorite part of the day.

After spending all day groveling for Daena not to marry Aegon, he just wanted to sit with her. Look at her. Listen to her. Care for her. Love her.

He was over the moon when she confessed her feelings to him earlier that day. Something in her words just set a fire within him. He would fight for her. No one was going to take her from him.

"Aemond...do you...are you..." She trailed off with her eyes glued to their thumb war. Not to win, but to avoid the question circling the back of her mind.

"What could you possibly be embarrassed to ask me at this point?" He grinned. Though he loved her usual rebellious, stubborn side, he absolutely adored when she'd get nervous around him. It wasn't often, but each time always brought a smile to his face.

"Would you want children when we're older?" She peaked up through her eyelashes and saw his grin only grow more.

"I would imagine so. Why do you ask?"

She bit at her lip, pulling her hand from his and slumping against the bed frame. "Mother says women become unable to bear children after a certain age...she said there were greater risks after a certain age. And I worry...I worry if by the time we marry-."

"We couldn't have any." He sighed with understanding. She nodded her head, pulling her knees to her chest and resting her chin on top.

"Unless you suddenly have higher opinions of bastards." She mumbled under her breath.

"I would if they were mine." He said. She turned to look at him with a question mark on her face. He laughed, "It wouldn't be my first choice obviously, but if that is what you'd want, I would. I meant what I said when I said I wanted to marry you. That wasn't just because you wanted to, you know?"

"Oh?" Her cheeks blushed and eyes lit up. He rolled his eyes, laughing at the quick change of demeanor. "You'd truly be ok if I carried your bastards? Your mother's head might actually burst."

"I want 6, is that understood?" He paid no attention to her joke and stared ahead. He was fighting his smile as he held his hand back out for her to take while he kept his eyes hidden from her.

She jokingly scoffed, but still took his hand. His thumb traced over hers and she smiled up at him. "Three."

"I said six."

"And I said three."

"How about three bastards, and three legitimized ones? Would that work?"

"Aemond!" She swatted at him as they laughed, leaning into each other. Her head rested on his shoulder and she looked down at their intertwined hands. She smiled softly to herself and sighed. "Fine, but I get to wear grandsire's crown."

"Fine, then I get the conqueror's crown." He smirked, giving her hand a soft squeeze.

"I still get the conqueror's sword and dagger, so...enjoy your jewelry, husband." She stuck her tongue out at him and the two started to play-fight. He managed to hold her hands down between them and caught himself being pulled in the more he looked into her eyes.