And The Flame Awakens. ( Aemma Targaryen )ⁱⁿ ᵖʳᵒᵍʳᵉˢˢ

two - us

"It's been so long since you've last braided my hair, Flame" Aegon sighs, closing his eyes and taking it all in before it's ended at dawn.
"It has hasn't it?"
Aemond swishes around, grabbing my waist, his hands almost wrapping completely around it.
"I want another chance."
"Another chance?" I question.
"By law, we are still betrothed, Father even has the signatures," Aegon pulls me closer.
"Aegon," I shake my head. "You have children with Helaena."
Aegon chuckles, "My children are not MY children."
"I don't understand?"
"Helaena has been fawned over Jacaerys since they were children. What do you think happened to the mystery child, Maelor, who disappeared 2 years after his birth?" Aegon smirked, "His hair turned dark and he was banned from ever leaving the castle."
I gasp, it almost feels like the wind is taken from underneath me. I knew Jacaerys has always been interested in Helaena but never enough to sneak around like this, 3 children of his own?
"Marry me, Aemma?" Aegon blurts bringing my quickly out of my trance.
"Aegon," I stutter, backing away.
"You're not running again, are you?" Aegon smirks. "I've spoken to Helaena, she's agreed to speak to Jacaerys about our arrangement. They too by law are still betrothed."
"We marry?" I repeat, stuck on the question.
"Yes."
"We marry." I submit, a smile large on my face.
He swoops me up, spinning me in so many circles, I could throw up from the dizziness. Once he finally stops, I push myself away from him
"I must tell Mother," I whisper, rushing to my mother's chambers.

"Mother, are you in here?" I shout, looking around the room.
"Daughter, here," She answers back.
"Aegon has asked for my hand in marriage."
"You're a bit late, dear. Your brother has already rushed to tell me of his and Helaena's engagement, explaining the whole matter."
"And you accept?" I worrily ask.
"Of course, my daughter," Rhaenrya smiles, pressing our foreheads together. "Now come, we must ready ourselves."
My mind quickly retreats to the real reason we have come here, Lucerys.

Time moves quickly and we're all standing in the throne room, nervously waiting for court to start.
"Baby brother, breathe," I whisper to Lucerys as his body shakes against mine.
"This is humiliating," He whispers back to me, staring into the distance.
I grab his arm, pulling him close to me. I search the room with my eyes, searching for the man I was with during the night. The search quickly ends when Mother's voice echos through the room.
"If I am to grace this farce with some answer, I will start by reminding the court that nearly 20 years ago, in this very..." She's quickly interrupted when the doors fling open and Viserys Targaryen limps down the stairs.
"King Viserys of House Targaryen, the First of His Name, King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm," A guard yells, loud enough for everybody to hear.
"I will sit the throne today," he whispers to Otto.
Father follows him, helping him on the throne and fixing his crown.
Viserys pants, facing Rhaenys "I must admit my confusion."
"Indeed, Your Grace. It was my husband's will that Driftmark pass through Ser Laenor to his trueborn son... Lucerys Velaryon. His mind never changed. Nor did my support of him." Rhaenys states.
"Well, it seems the matter is settled." Viserys pants. "Once again, I hereby reaffirm Prince Lucerys of House Velaryon as heir to Driftmark, the Driftwood Throne, and the next Lord of the Tides."
"You dare tell me... who deserves to inherit the name Velaryon. No. I will not allow it." Vaemond Velaryon grinds his teeth.
"Allow it?" I glare, and Mother elbows me. Finally meeting eyes with a smirking Aegon, impressed with my confidence to speak but I brush his glare off.
"Do not forget yourself, Vaemond," Viserys jerks.
"That is no true Velaryon, and certainly no nephew of mine."
Lucerys head bows, an obvious embarrassment on his face which only angers me more. My mind scatters and my eyes move to Aegon who sees it on me as well, the anger I hold silencing all voices.
"Go to your chambers," Rhaenrya turns to Lucerys and Jacaerys. "You have said enough."
"You may run your house as you see fit but you will not decide the future of mine. My house survived the Doom and a thousand tribulations besides," Vaemond shouts, anger speaking for him. "And gods be damned, I will not see it ended on the account of this-"
"Say it," I hear my father's voice behind me.
"Her children... are bastards!" Vaemond snapped. "And she. is. a whοre."
I pull the sword hidden in my dress, anger taking over for me.
"I will have your tongue for that," Viserys shrieks but before he even takes his knife out I slice the sword right through his head.
"He can keep his tongue," I grind my teeth.
"Disarm her," A guard yells but Daemon has already grabbed it from my hands.
"No need,' He says, nodding his head at me.
I throw my head over my shoulder, to only glance at Aegon who too is smirking in my direction.
I was immediately sent to my chambers after court, not allowed to set foot out until supper was ready as if Father wouldn't have done the same thing if I didn't first.

"How good it is to see you all tonight... together," Viserys grunts, settling himself at the table. "This is an occasion for celebration, it seems. I have been notified that my grandchildren, Jace and Aemma, will marry my children, their aunt and uncle, Aegon and Helaena."
Alicent and Otto gasps, for it is the first for them to hear of it.
Viserys ignores the whispers and continues, "Further strengthening the bond between our houses. A toast to the young princes and princesses."
Glasses are raised, congratulating us. Aegon rests his hand on my thigh, raising his glass to me also.
My attention is quickly pulled to where Aegon's eyes lay, Aemond once again harassing Jacaerys and Helaena.
"You do know how the act is done, I assume? At least in principle? Where to put your cock and all that," Aemond scoffs and Aegon chuckles, quickly regretting as I slap his drink from his hand.
"Let him be, uncle." I spit, glaring.
"You can play the jester if you wish, but hold your tongue before my betrothed," Jace spits.
"Hmm."
"Your brother has grown his confidence," Aegon smirks.
I go to respond until I notice Aemond and Lucerys glaring at each other, Luc taunting him, I start to throw my napkin at him but Mother stands, moving the attention to her.
"I wish to raise my cup to Her Grace, the Queen. I love my father. But I must admit that no one has stood... more loyally by his side than his good wife. She has tended to him with... unfailing devotion, love, and honor. And for that, she has my gratitude... and my apology."
I snort and so does father.
Alicent stands immediately after Mother sits, raising her glass also. "Your graciousness moves me deeply, Princess. We are both mothers and we love our children. We have more in common than we sometimes allow. I raise my cup to you and to your house. You will make a fine queen."
I take another sip, panicking at Aegon who then stands.
"I, um... Would also like to raise my glass to my betrothed. I spent years chasing you, and only when you finally stopped running did I ruin it. I drowned myself in cups all these years but not a sea of rum could intoxicate me as much as a drop of you would."
I melt, almost standing myself when Aemond so loudly scoffs standing instead, moving his cup between Aegon and Jacaerys.
"I, um... I regret the disappointment you are soon to suffer. But if you ever wish to know what it is to be well satisfied, all you have to do is ask." He raises his cups to Me and Helaena, I cringe at the disturbing confidence that man holds.
Jace slams his hands on the table, now his turn to stand.
"Jace," I whisper.
"To Prince Aegon and Prince Aemond. We have not seen each other in years, but I have fond memories of our shared youth. And as men, I hope we may yet be friends and allies. To you and your family's good health, dear uncles.":
"Well done, Jace," Mother softens her gaze.
The night continues but my glare stays at Aegon's younger brother until Jacaerys stands, excusing himself and Helaena from the table, offering his hand to which she gladly takes and I watch as my young brother dances with his betrothed.
Aemond stands once again, ending the dance between the two, an evil smirk forming on his face. I shift, knowing this isn't going to end well.
"To the health of my nephews, Jace... Luke... and Joffrey. Each of them handsome, wise... strong."
"Aemond," Alicent shakes her head.
"No please continue," I glare.
"Let us drain our cups to these three... Strong boys."
My brothers stand and Aegon grabs my arm but I shrug him off, standing myself.
"I dare you to say that again."
"Why? 'Twas only a compliment. Do you not think your brothers as Strong?"
Jace jumps, guards grabbing him back.
"Jace," Rhaenrya shouts.
"Look at me," Aegon turns me towards him.
"Get off of me," I push him off, moving swiftly towards Aemond.
"That's enough," Daemon steps in between us.
"I was merely expressing how proud I am of my family, Niece. It seems your brothers aren't quite as proud of theirs."
"Brother, let it go," Aegon shouts.
My eyes move to Aegon who doesn't even try to fight him. Why?
"Hmm," Aemond hums, leaving the room.
I glare back to Aegon, "I'm leaving for Dragonstone."
"Aemma," Aegon begs but I've already left the room, running again.

THIS CHAPTER IS WAY LONGER THAN MY USUAL LIMIT BUT MAN IF I WAS AEMMA I WOULD'VE ATTACKED AEMOND RIGHT THERE