The Maiden and the Drowning Boy

Chapter 11 - Whose Side Are You On

Major Notes: We are entering the part of the story now where I'm drawing more from the book. The major change you'll find is I'm drawing on the canonical absence of Laenor, Laena and Daemon living at Driftmark and the relationship there, and then Harwin and Lyonel being present at Driftmark.

Translations:
hāedus - younger sister
Bratsios - bitch
lēkȳs - older brother
Muñus - mother
ñuhus trēsys - my son
zēapos - little jadeling

trigger warning: aegon's suicidal ideation

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Curiosity was an excited animal inside of Lady Abrogail Strong, and it had taken every ounce of self restraint she had honed in her whole life not to immediately launch into the years of questions and ideas that had built inside of her.

She deserved praise for such restraint, and she knew none would come, but it didn't keep her from wanting to crow about how good she thought she'd done. Abby had barely touched the meal, absently dropping her extra cold meats onto Aegon's plate if only to get through it faster. Not even her betrothed's clear hangover and the scent of sweat and cheap perfume clinging to his wrinkled clothing could bother her. She wouldn't let it.

No, he would not ruin her morning with his terrible decisions and she wouldn't dwell on it either.

"Lord Ryam will be here in a fortnight and wishes to discuss the amphora shipments," Uncle Simon said, his brogue rumbling through him thicker than her father's accent had been, but so heartbreakingly familiar in its ebb and flow. "It might prove a good opportunity to start getting settled, Your Grace."

Aegon shoved a rolled piece of ham in his mouth, elbows on the table and eyes darkly circled and red rimmed. "Amphoras?" he asked through a mouthful of food. Abby raised an eyebrow at him before blowing gently on her cup of mint tea and taking a sip so she wouldn't fling it at him.

"I would also like to take the opportunity to reach out to House Buckler. Lady Elinor came with the Baratheon retinue and she shall likely be coming with us," Abby said quickly before Aegon could further embarrass himself. She smoothed her hands over the table. "While the Arbor is a purveyor of wines, I would like to look at bolstering the competition. I think it could be an interesting opportunity for us."

Larys slathered cream upon his bread. "You will find my sister has fancied herself the Lady of Harrenhal for as long as she found words," he said softly, his voice carrying over them in even tones. Abby's ears pricked with heat. His words may have been encouraging, but there was a tone in his voice that made her feel like a child who had done something clever. Mockingly indulgent. "You will find yourself a very astute student, eager to learn. Isn't that right, dear sister?"

"I only wanted to be helpful." True to his word, they had begun having a weekly supper together, going over Uncle Simon's latest reports on the running of their holding and that of Harrentown. It hadn't given her much insight into the inner workings of her elder brother's mind, but she had appreciated the education he was providing.

Now she felt the curl of doubt that Larys was so good at coaxing out of her. Aegon's eyes were on her and she resolutely didn't meet his gaze, instead taking another sip of her tea.

"Well that explains the rather detailed letter I received," Uncle Simon chuckled, and it was fond. "The queries you both had were rather insightful. It is good to see you are also interested in learning to rule, your Grace."

Aegon paused in chewing, and Abby felt the heat creep into her cheeks. She had stated in her letter that the questions had been from them both, and had framed it as a joint venture, wanting to put the best foot forward for Aegon, for them both.