Aemond Targaryen lived to become a weak old man, withering in the cells underneath Dragonstone. One mistake caused a lifetime of pain.
Losing Baelon, was the start to the end of the Hightowers. But it wouldn't be the end of them.
Alys Rivers a wit...
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。.✦ ☾
Two years later.
14-year-old Cahir grunts harshly as his sword connects with Baelons, a grin covering his red lips, eyes wide as he stares into violet ones.
The young prince chuckles, pushing him back and twirling his sword. "I fear you may be liking this a little too much, I am your prince, you're not supposed to be beating me?" Baelon teases, wiping away the sweat from his brow.
Cahir chuckles, "I am truly sorry my dear prince, it won't happen again." He jokes
"No, it won't."
Suddenly Baelon's wooden sword connects with his again. The two continue their fight, playful steps and playful grins.
Aemond watched from the terrace, his hands tight over the book in his grip, watching with an envious gaze. It's been two years and he's been impatient, not allowed to be near him or touch him or allowed to express how he felt.
....
Aemond approaches Baelon, hands behind his back. "Do you want to join me on Vhagar, it's been a while since we've ridden on a Dragon together." Aemond says hopeful
Baelon looks up from his hands, having strapped on his riding gloves. "Are you sure Vhagar will take to a second rider, she's an old beast, set in her ways." Baelon says, he brushes the scar on his cheek before returning to put on his riding gear. "Then I'll join you." Aemond says
Baelon turns fully to the prince. "Why don't we ride side by side instead, it might be fun for our dragons." Baelon says
"Baelon, why are you so withdrawn from me? Have I done something?" Aemond asks, he approaches the prince, face worried as he watches Baelons.
Baelon's violet eyes avoid him, looking away. "You're the one withdrawing, you're different, quiet, and reserved, as if you are keeping secrets." Baelon states, playing with his gloves.
Aemond forgot how observant Baelon was. He forgot that Baelon would come to be the greatest of the Targaryens.
"I have much on my mind, things I don't want to trouble you with." Aemond states simply. "You are my friend Aemond, it's what I am here for. You can trust me with anything." Baelon says
I am yours.
Those words floated silently.
Aemond approaches the Velaryon, grabbing his hands, and helping with the strap. "You're doing it all wrong, nephew." Aemond whispers, helping him with the laces. Memories of his past life flashed his consciousness, making his fingers freeze.
Present Aemond was different, he was no longer one mind but two, past and present. He had nightmares of a past life, but he was no longer that person.
Aemond grazes Baelon's pulse, his own heart beating wildly in his chest. Baelon covers his hand. Aemond looks up and he meets Baelon's worried gaze. "Are you okay Aemond?" Baelon asks
Aemond swallows harshly but he nods. "Let's go for a ride then, it's been a while since it was just you and I." Aemond whispers
Baelon offers a small nod.
....
Aemond inhales the strong scent of the sea and of Vhagar, both things he loves. Aemond opens his eyes and he finds Baelon flying peacefully at his side.
Aemond smiles and he leads Vhagar closer.
Baelon turns and he meets his gaze, smiling. The old dragons sniff each other, indifferent and wary of the other.
Aemond closes his eyes once again and he lets the wind brush against his growing hair, feeling peace settle over him.
....
Alicent watches as both boys return from the dragon pit, both smiling and laughing with the other, standing close. She silently picks at the skin around her nails, eyes darting around, worried someone would spot them.
She supports her son, but the faith won't, her father won't.
"What a curious pair." A voice states
Alicent turns to see Larys right behind her, making her stiffen significantly. "What do you mean?" Alicent asks "Two young princes with mighty dragons, they will become formidable, imagine the wars." Larys states, stepping closer, his cane clicking softly against the pebbled floor.
"One hopes that none come to pass, they are still boys." Alicent states
"Boys become men in a blink of an eye. A word of advice, find them wives, wives with fathers loyal to you. You have Aemond, imagine the power when you have Baelon as well." Larys states
Alicent turns and she looks upon the boys once more, she knew it was true, but she could never hurt another mother in such a way.
....
Cahir greets the boys at the gate, offering a smirk towards Baelon. "Had a pleasant flight?" Cahir asks "Would've been better if you had decided to join us." Baelon states with a smirk.
The smile on Aemond's face quickly slips off, hurt.
"Once was fine my prince." Cahir answers in return
Baelon chuckles, slipping the gloves off his hands, playfully whacking Aemond on the shoulder, catching his gaze. "I heard from a certain brother of yours that a certain lady has been watching you." Baelon teases
Aemonds eyes widen, confused. Cahir chuckles as well, "Baelon don't tease poor Aemond, The lady Stark is far too old for our young prince." Cahir says
Aemond shoots Baelon a look. "Really the Stark? Isn't she ancient?" Aemond asks "You call ten years ancient? I think you should check your priorities mate, it's either older or younger, and I don't see you favoring younger girls unless you're a pig." Baelon states
Pig.
Aemond knew it was harmless, but flashes of that day haunted him, but he said nothing, Baelon wasn't a part of that joke.
"I guess you're right. Aren't there any ladies our age?" Aemond asks, even though he has no preference for ladies at all. "Helaena, but that's too close to home for you isn't it." Baelon teases
Aemond grimaces, "I rather not think about it. I respect traditions, but I don't plan on following them myself." Anemone states
Baelon chuckles, nudging him. "Be grateful, if one day your mother decides I am suitable, I could one day be your brother." Baelon teases, only to laugh at Aemond's face.
Cahir smirks. "Who better than the valiant Baelon the Brave as your brother-in-law?" Cahir asks
Baelon smacks Cahir's arm. "Enough with the name-calling, people will start to look and question the state of my inflated head. And I wouldn't exactly take the title like Brave, sounds wrong to the ear" Baelon teases
Aemond smiles, amused. "I am glad to know that you are aware of your lack of Braveness." Aemond teases, earning a glare. "You know perfectly well that wasn't what I meant." Baelon states
....
A/N
If anyone wasn't aware they are currently thirteen. Also, I will be doing a few time skips so we can see them throughout the years. I want to create a new bond different than the one before.
