The Realms Rose | Aemond Targaryen / Daemon Targaryen

III

Ultraviolence - Lana Del Rey

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Aemond was bewitched and Aurora confused.

The prince had blown hot and cold since they made their vows and she couldn't understand why.

As the couple walked back to the Red Keep arm in arm after the tourney, many congratulated the couple of Aemonds victory on their departure. Aemond hated the attention, wanting to only focus on his wife. It was the peacefulness of just the two of them that he valued most in that moment.

Aurora was still slightly shaken from her earlier encounter, but you'd never know it. She held her head high and posture poised, sneaking secret looks of admiration at her husband.

Aemond's eyes were alert to the way she looked at him, the looks of admiration she sent his way.  But he did not address it, did not ask or wonder about her looks. Instead, he simply let her do it, and enjoyed it in silence. Growing evermore curious of them.

"How do you plan to enjoy your victory, husband?" She asked him curiously.

"I do not know...how does one typically enjoy such a victory?"

His face was one of confusion. She found it endearing. He knew most lords and knights enjoyed their victories in the tourney with endless feasting and reveling, but he had never been a fan of such activities.

"Well..." She began as they walked.

Aemond followed his wife passed the great hall, a space where a triumphant banquet would no doubt occur later in the evening.  Perhaps if he spent the evening with Aurora instead, he could avoid that banquet?  He did not wish to feast and revel, not right now, not after the events after the tourney.  He wanted to be alone, with just her.

"Most knights and lords that I've seen, enjoy their victories in this manner...." She gestured at the great hall. "Feasting, drinking and revelling in their success with the other Lords. Of course, some may continue the festivities in the city, without the company of their wives...."

Is she testing me?

He thought to himself

"I see." He acknowledged her, sending her a small smile. He knew that most men would prefer the company of other women despite being married, and he could tell that Aurora actually expected it.

It was a harsh reality for the women of the realm, the thought of their husbands lying with other women was almost as natural as breathing. They were taught to overlook it, and continue on with their duties as if nothing was the matter.

They began to approach Auroras chambers, she turned to him with a small smile, resting her hands upon his tunic.

"I'll see you at the feast?" She asked him, looking up at him with those beautiful eyes, the look almost had him melting into a puddle on the floor of the keep.

As he took her hand carefully, a wave of heat washed over him as he placed a gentle kiss to the back of it.

"I shall certainly see you there, my rose...."

-

As her lady in waiting perfected a few finishing touches to her hair, she could barely recognise the woman before her in the mirror. She hadn't been so polished and elegant since her wedding day.