Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
“Aegon you cannot be serious.” Was all Fern could say. She stood in his room, dressed in all the fineries that he'd showered on her... It made her feel so foolish in that moment. A foolish girl dressed up in nice things was still just a foolish girl. “I am. If they want war, they shall have it.” He said casually as he continued putting on his armour. Fern could feel her stomach churning, the panic rising in her throat. What would she do if something happened to him? “Send Aemond then.” Aegon paused, looking over at her. “You don't think I'm as capable as my brother?” She sighed, stepping closer to him, and softly took his armoured hands. “Of course I do. But you're King now. You have to stay safe.” “Like a coward?” He said, eyeing her with suspicion. She knew that people whispered. She knew that he felt as though he had something to prove. “Like someone who doesn't get himself killed.” She almost begged. She softly reached up to touch his cheek. “Please.” “I'm not going to die.” “Aegon if something happens... If... I'll get sent back to the Street of Silk. Do you understand that? I'll–” “I've already thought about all that.” He said simply. “You'll be taken care of.” Her brows furrowed. Taken care of? Kept in some room here in the Keep? Sent away to some farm somewhere? Killed by one of Lord Larys' men? “What does that mean?” Aegon sighed, looking at her with mild irritation. “Fern, do you trust me?” “You know I do, with my life, but–” “Then will you please trust that I won't let anything happen to you. Even if I'm dead.” He shrugged, a small laugh leaving him. “At least then I will have done something right for once.” She hugged him. She didn't know what else to do as she buried her head into the crook of his neck. Aegon's arms wrapped around her slowly, hard armour against the soft silk of her dress. “Please don't go.” She whispered, desperate and afraid. “Please. I cannot lose you.” "It's Rook's Rest, not the Dornish Conquest." "Aegon." She stared up at him, her brows furrowed. He reached out, touching her delicate cheek, the skin beneath his fingers so soft it was like she was made of fine silk. She was so beautiful. Big blue eyes staring up at him filled with fear and worry. He wondered how much of that worry was truly for him. He wished he could see inside that pretty head of hers and understand exactly what she was thinking. Sweet Fern Waters. She was too clever. Smarter than people gave her credit for. Smarter than he even understood. Smart like Aemond. "Aemond will be with me." He said reassuringly, brushing a soft lock of hair from her face. The pearls around her elegant neck suited her, hiding the marks he'd left on her skin. She looked like a princess. Like a queen. More than any of the high born ladies of court. It wasn't her slightly coarse hands, or the slump in her shoulders, or the uncertainty in her stance. It wasn't her appalling table manners. But there was something about her. Something he couldn't place. Something that made her seem more regal than anyone he'd met before. She was so clever. With a nobility of spirit that few nobles truly possessed. He certainly didn't. "I've not been as good to you as you deserve." He told her, his voice turning a little gentler. "I know my mother thinks I'm a fool. My own council too... Everyone. All of them whisper. But..." He cupped her cheeks, his brows furrowed as he stared down at her like there was so much he wanted to say but couldn't get out. Fern looked up at him, her eyes full of worried tears. She couldn't shake the horrible feeling in her stomach, like something awful was going to happen if he left. "Jaehaerys was my son." He whispered, his voice cracking. "And I... I was not there." Her heart broke and she tugged him closer, hugging him tightly. He buried his face in her neck, holding onto her like a lifeline. The air felt thick. Grief and fear and something dark mixing like a bog around the room. Fern wanted to keep him there in her arms. To keep him safe. But what good would it do? Enemies were everywhere and fast approaching from every side. She knew he had to act, knew she couldn't keep him locked away in the Keep forever. But the thought of him flying into battle felt like a blade to the chest. Aegon pulled back, touching her cheek. He frowned, his brows pinched together like he was trying to harden himself up again. "I'm not weak." "I never thought you were." Fern said desperately. "I can still protect my family. And you." He told her. She nodded, gulping. "I know, Aegon." "You've become too... Like Helaena." He huffed, pulling back with a forced sullenness. He could see it in her eyes, in her desperate pleading, that she thought was as useless as his mother did. His little Fern. She was probably disappointed in him too. He'd not been a man worthy of her, Aemond was right about that. He'd show her. He'd show all of them. He was just as strong as Aemond. He could be stone faced and unflinching too. He'd sent his grandfather away. He'd hanged the rat catchers. He would show Fern that he wasn't the scared little boy that she thought he was. He would show her that he was just as good as Aemond. "You don't need to fuss over me like some old hen." He dismissed, pulling away to straighten his armour. "I don't need my whore to mother me." Fern winced like the words had stung her and he immediately regretted his sour tone. She stepped back. "Very well, Your Grace." She said with a certain stiffness that made him want to grab her and beg for her forgiveness. But he didn't, of course. He stayed still, watching her give a small incline of the head. Watching her wipe her tears away, looking up at him with that coldness he loathed seeing. "I shall leave you to prepare yourself, then." She said, turning on her heel. "Tell the maid to bring more wine." Was all he said as she left. It was fine. It'd be fine. He'd defeat everyone at Rook's Rest, proving himself as king, and he'd come home having earned her. He'd show her. He'd show her that she could love him like she loved Aemond. Everyone loved Aemond. Everyone trusted him, relied on him. His mother had always doted on her one eyed son. Because he was brave and dutiful and loyal. Aegon wished they'd all look at him like that. After Rook's Rest, they would. He was sure they would.
