The Passion of a Thousand Suns | Aemond Targaryen

Forty four: to be left behind

KING'S LANDING

Hira's concern grew by the second, as Baela paced back and forth in her chambers. Her sister's frantic footsteps were slowly causing a headache to form in the front of her skull. After discussing the Queen's newest proclamation with Lord Coryls, Baela stormed into her room, distraught written across her face.

Baela turned abruptly, grabbing Hira by the shoulders. "Do you think Addam managed to escape?"

"If the Queensguards storm in looking for either one of us, then yes." Hira answered, massaging her forehead. "After your display, the Queen surely has a suspect list."

Baela and Corlys were at the top of that list. Hira close behind, if only by association.

"I worry." Baela removed her hands. "I promised Rhaena that I'd keep him safe. Do you think my grandfather's warning was enough?"

"If Addam is as smart as he looks, then he'd be halfway to Driftmark by now. Or perhaps somewhere safer to hide until tensions cool."

Baela huffed in frustration, pacing once more. Hira knew there was nothing she could say that would assure her sister. Were Hira in her place, she wouldn't want assuring words, but rather actions.

Behind them, the shelf jolted to the side and the wall moved, revealing Helaena. Baela's eyes narrowed.

Surprised at the sight, Helaena gave a timid smile. "Oh, hello Baela. I hadn't thought you'd be in Hira's chambers."

"And why not?" Baela demanded.

Hira shot her an unimpressed look, before striding to Helaena. "Is everything well, Hel?"

She fiddling with her rings. "I'm well, as are the children." Her worried gaze darted from Baela, to Hira, then back. "I bring grave news."

"Your dreams?"

Helaena nodded.

"What is it? What did you see?"

"The Queen will imprison the Hand at nightfall."

Beside her, Baela sucked in a breath. "How do you know this?"

"Dragon dreams," Hira answered grimly, closing her eyes. The pounding in her head expanded at the news. "Old Ones above, everything is falling apart."

And there was nothing she could do to stop it. What was Rhaenyra thinking? Throwing the Hand into the Black Cells for merely defending Nettles and Addam, whom they themselves were accused of crimes without proof?

"What—dragon dreams? Hira, you truly believe—"

"It's the truth," Hira argued. "Helaena has never once steered me wrong. What she speaks of is the future, and if you dally any further, it might be too late for your grandfather."

Her sister shook her head, face paling. "If what you say is true—of your dragon dreams, what have you seen of Addam?"

"I saw nothing of Addam in my visions. Unfortunately, I can't control what I see."

Hira gestured to the secret opening. "This can still be prevented. Hurry and find Jace. Let's pray one of you can speak sense to the Queen." As Baela passed, Hira called out. "Be safe, Baela. Proceed with caution."

If not for me, then for your twin.

Baela nodded grimly, exiting the chambers. "I will, sister."

Hira slumped to the floor, exhaustion spreading across her frame. Helaena followed suit, their shoulders knocking together.

"I do not envy the Queen," Helaena commented, after a moment of silence. "Since her ascension, it has been a very difficult time."