ELLIPSISM, aemond targaryen

[070] at the storm's end

W A R N I N G
Mature content at the end of the chapter.

• • •

THE SKY ABOVE DRAGONSTONE was full of dark clouds that gave the false impression that it was already night. The only evidence that refuted this claim was the horizon where the sky met the sea, separated by a light orange band of sky that was not covered by clouds as was the sky above Dragonstone.

Clouds were only gathering over Dragonstone that evening.

Prince Daemon Targaryen paced impatiently from side to side as best he could in the narrow space of the bridge that connected Dragonstone to the gate in front of them. One of his hands was resting on the hilt of his sword and the other repeatedly clenching and unclenching at his side, showing signs of nervousness and anger that he didn't allow to show on his cold face.

After all, he had an audience, his soldiers and later also the soldiers of those green cunts. For all of them, he wanted to give a decent performance of the calm husband of the rightful queen, and a father who was ready to meet those who deprived him of his daughter.

However, even he was not sure that he was doing as well as ever before.

Ser Otto Hightower together with his soldiers stood in the middle of the bridge at a sufficient distance from the Rogue Prince, who looked up after the sounds of footsteps stopped and his gaze immediately hardened. It was obvious how his attitude changed the moment he saw him, how his shoulders stiffened and his grip on the sword hilt tightened, but Otto only responded to his hostility with typical calmness.

Exceptionally, his look was sincere, as if he really cared about keeping the peace.

"I come at the behest of the Dowager Queen Alicent, mother of King Aegon, Second of His Name, Lord and Protector of the Seven Kingdoms," Otto spoke after a moment of cold silence passed between them. "I've been directed to deliver her message only to Princess Rhaenyra. Where is the Princess?"

The corner of Daemon's mouth lifted slightly as his cold eyes did not move from Otto, even as a dragon flew out of the dark castle behind them with a loud roar. Otto's brows furrowed slightly as Syrax flew past them until finally aiming lower directly above them, forcing several soldiers to duck.

The dragon along with her rider, Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, landed right behind them and after giving one more warning roar, Rhaenyra dismounted her. She took a leisurely step between the Green guards who cleared her way, not sparing her father's Hand a glance, and stood beside her husband who watched Otto's reaction with subtle amusement.

Otto Hightower nodded his head at her.  "Princess Rhaenyra."

"I'm Queen Rhaenyra now," Rhaenyra corrected him sharply, her eyes boring into his before she measured the guards by his side. "And you all are traitors to the realm."

"King Aegon Targaryen, Second of His Name . . . in his wisdom and desire for peace, is offering terms," Otto announced despite the obvious distaste of both Targaryens in front of him. "Acknowledge Aegon as king and swear obeisance before the Iron Throne. In exchange, His Grace will confirm your possession of Dragonstone. It will pass to your trueborn som, Jacaerys, upon your death. Lucerys will be confirmed as the legitimate heir to Driftmark and all the lands and holdings of House Velaryon. Your sons by Prince Daemon will also be given places of high honour at court: Aegon the Younger as the King's Squire, Viserys as his cupbearer. Finally, the King, in his good grace, will pardon any knight or lord who conspired against his ascent."

"I would rather feed my sons to the dragons than have them carry shields and cups for your drunken, usurper cunt of a king," Daemon scoffed and although Rhaenyra gave him a warning look, she didn't say anything to disagree with his words.