Tales Of The Heart [Aemond Targaryen]

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

 I will love you until we run out of mornings,
Then I will love you in the dark.
〰

"Where are we headed?" She repeated her question third time, carrying the same hint of impatience as the previous two. The silver princess didn't seemed to know of patience.

Her concern, I presumed, stemmed from my earlier instruction to head to the Dragonpit, but our current route contradicted that. Through hidden passageways, we reached a horse waiting for us, placed there by me.

"As you mentioned earlier, it's not the right time. We need to be discreet," I explained while she busied herself caressing the horse's mane while my horse stood still in the distance.

"Hop on." I moved closer to assist her, but she was already mounted on the horse. I headed to my steed. "Who taught you to ride?" I inquired, adjusting the reins.

"My father," she replied, leaving me wondering which one she meant. "Daemon," she clarified, as if sensing my unspoken question. Her gaze met mine before she spurred her horse into motion.

For the rest of the journey, I felt a bit foolish, as I trailed behind her to give her some space. Upon reaching the Dragonpit, a helper approached to take our horses.

Vhagar, stationed in the center, seemed to sense our arrival, turning its massive form towards us.

"Aemond? Why is your dragon moving our way?" she questioned, a note of concern in her voice.

Smirking, I joined her side. "Perhaps it's eager for a reunion with you, much like last time." I moved toward Vhagar to prevent any further approach.

"So, what's the plan here?" she asked, positioning herself behind me.

"I'm taking a sky ride," I announced. She nodded in understanding but then gestured to herself, questioning her presence. "And you, Maenya Velaryon, are joining me."

A cascade of emotions flickered across her face – fear, thrill, before settling into an almost blank expression, save for a small smile. "If I ever truly desired to soar through the sky, I wouldn't have let you claim Vhagar in the first place."

Despite her seemingly calm demeanor, there was a subtle shift in the atmosphere. I wanted to provoke a reaction, to see if what I perceived in her journal was indeed genuine. "I wouldn't have allowed you," I asserted, taking a step closer.

She chuckled lightly. "Then I would've let it eat you." The world around us seemed to hush into silence, and a crease formed on my forehead.

"I had a dagger on me that night; I would've wounded you before that," I revealed, inching closer.

Her whisper held an ominous tone, "And I repeat – I would've let it eat you," her eyes shifting towards the dragon behind me. Turning, I was met with the alarming sight of my dragon, seemingly poised to attack.

"Here's some advice, my prince," she spoke again, her voice barely audible, "Don't speak of harming me again. Vhagar doesn't take kindly to threats against me." The world snapped back to its usual sounds as she stepped away, and Vhagar's attention returned to the meal at hand.

Observing her, she offered me a gentle smile. The layers of her character intrigued me, and I want to unravel them completely someday.

"Guess you have no qualms about joining me on this ride," I remarked, her smile fading as I extended a hand toward her. "Come on, I'll help you up."

Observing my extended hand, she dismissively shakes her head. "No." Fisting the sides of her dress, a frown etches across her face. Gazing down at her attire, she scoffs, "This is no dress. These are riding leathers. You planned this?"