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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。.✦ ☾
The next day.
Aemond approaches his older sister, watching as the seamstress measures her waist. "Brother." Helaena greets softly, her wispy voice pleasant to his freckled ears.
Aemond smiles, "what's the occasion?" Aemond asks "Mother wants me to be well dressed as I finally join court as a lady. The Lords have been requesting that I make an appearance, as is tradition of a princess before she is wed." Helaena says, grimacing at the tightness of the seam of her dress. "Father says it's the Lord's excuse to fight for my hand." Helaena says innocently, she didn't seem worried about men fighting over her, but it irked Aemond.
He hated that his sister was being thrown to the wolves so young. "You could say no." Aemond says softly
Helaena offers him a gentle smile, cupping his cheek. "You are too good brother." Helaena states, pulling away.
He hated this, he wished he could help her in some way, but he was too young, he held no power.
....
Baelon peered through the cracks of the wall, listening to the conversation being held in the council room.
"Helaena is still too young, she hasn't yet bled." Alicent states weakly, her fist clenched as she attempts to keep her emotions in check. "Aegon is turning into a man this summer, he must be wed as soon as possible." Otto states
Alicent shakes her head, turning to her lord husband. "She's just 14, my love, give her time, please." Alicent pleads softly, gently placing a hand on top of his.
Viserys sighs, turning to the rest of the council before turning to his hand. "It is settled, we will wait until Helaena is 16 summers before she is wed, not a moment earlier, she is still a girl." Viserys states
Otto sighs, "Very well my King. Now onto Aemond." Otto states
"There is the Lady Stark of Winterfell." Jasper states
"She is way too old for him, probably barren at this point. Tell me Ser Jasper, why doesn't she have a husband that she must seek for a boy like the prince?" Otto asks, outraged.
"She is still a young girl barely 23." Alicent states
"Why has she waited so long then, daughter?" Otto asks "That is not our business, possibly her father sheltered her, or is waiting for a suitable prospect, men are dying every minute, and there are wars everywhere. Let's not rule out the Stark girl just yet." Alicent states
Otto rolls his eyes. "Why look North when he can look towards the Stormlands, this lord Borros, a complete idiot but he breeds daughters like a broodmare, they are young and suitable." Otto states
Alicent contemplates it for a few moments. "They may have a suitable match. Husband, what do you think?" Alicent asks
"Borros is quite the interesting character, we could use his men in the small chance of war. It's suitable. But let's wait, he is still a boy, I would like for him to have a choice in the matter. Do invite the lord, maybe we can dine with him one day." Viserys states
"Excellent idea my King." Tyland praises.
...
Baelon removes himself from the hidden cove, humming softly to himself. Aemond wasn't obligated to marry, this was excellent news, something he wanted to share with his friend.
....
Aemond grabs a dusty book from the tall shelf, softly cleaning the front before the book is snatched from his hands. Aemond looks up, only to see his brother smirking at him, waving the book tauntingly.
"Could you even read this? Don't you need both eyes." Aegon mocks
Aemond rolls his eyes, kicking Aegon's knees, making him yelp and drop the book. "Go bother Daeron." Aemond sneers "he's no fun, he learned to lock his door." Aegon states "he's an infant." Aemond scoffs "No no brother, not an infant he's nine, and he hates being called anything but a man." Aegon mocks with a laugh.
Aemond chuckles. "Just bother someone else Aegon, anyone else." Aemond bemoans, bending down and grabbing the dropped book. Aegon pouts, "your no fun." Aegon sighs, playfully shoving him before leaving.
"Was wondering when he'll leave." A voice sighs
Aemond turns and he spots Baelon leaning against one of the bookshelves.
Aemond straightens up, eyes brightening. "Baelon, what are you doing here? You hate the library?" Aemond asks, earning a small laugh from the other prince who eyes the dusty shelves. "Still do, but I have some news. You're getting married." Baelon says with a small smirk, crossing his arms. He knew it was a lie but before he told the truth, he wanted to see his opinion.
"What?" Aemond asks, confused. "Hopefully not anytime soon, but you have a few prospects." Baelon says
"You are snooping again?" Aemond asks
Baelon chuckles with a small shrug. "I'm not allowed on the council, I just want to stay current on the latest gossip." Baelon says with a small shrug. "Don't worry about those matters Baelon, we won't have to worry about wives for a few years." Aemond says
Baelon hums softly, "Are you still adamant about not marrying?" Baelon asks
Aemond shrugs, looking down at the book. He wasn't going to marry, because the person he wanted to marry was forbidden. "I don't know, I wouldn't be a suitable husband. I prefer your company and the company of Vhagar. I wouldn't change anything." Aemond says
Baelon smiles. "You are terribly dull." Baelon teases
Aemond rolls his eyes. "I will hit you." Aemond sighs
