The Serpent's Fangs (Aemond x oc)

Chapter 28

Visenya had always loved the night, she loved the beauty that came with it. The way shadows would creep from each corner, the opportunities it represented and the muffled silence that seemed to swallow the world dark.

Light footsteps slowed slightly beside hers and the Princess gave a harsh tug at Aemond's chains, forcing him to quicken his pace. The Prince, having slowed on purpose to bother her did not glance her way, shamelessly observing his surroundings with open curiosity she knew he allowed her to see.

Now, her leg had mostly healed. The limp in her steps barely visible and the pain was never present unless she were to accidentally hit her wound on a surface. Visenya was grateful for that, the last thing she needed during war was a visible weakness.

"My father barely sleeps." She said, making him hum in consideration.

"I am not planning on taking him in a fight."

"No, but you do plan to run, do you not?" Visenya glanced up at them as they continued walking down the hallway towards the training grounds. The guards had insisted on escorting them, fearing for their Princess's safety though with some convincing she was able to hold them back. On the condition that they were allowed to watch from afar.

Visenya did not need them hearing whatever she and the Prince might discuss. Not when what she was planning could be considered treasonous.

"Run would be a coward's choice." Prince Aemond replied, letting the Princess drag him through the castle without any resistance.

"Escape? Break away from your captor's hands?"

"Returning to my family, more like."

"Oh I am sure the citizens would be delighted to have you back. You and your destructive dragon, that is." Visenya continued as they started to walk down the stairs. She could feel the Prince's eyes on her, not her face, but her body. Actively searching for anywhere she could have hidden a weapon that gave her such confidence to be left alone with him.

The Princess had chosen to wear her training gown tonight, making her intentions clear. The dress was simple, a thin yet sturdy silver that flowed down to her ankles. Two slits climbed up its sides, exposing the tight leather pants she had on underneath. The Prince turned his head away subtly when his eyes began to trail too low.

"I, at least, would return as a free man."

Visenya rose a brow and his pale gaze met hers with slight mischief. "I doubt you'd be free of the consequences of massacre, my prince."

"That I can manage."

She did not release her hold on his chains as they finally emerge into the cool night air, the training grounds being void of any signs of life just as she had hoped it would be.

"Then?"

"You've made sure I am no longer spoken for."

Visenya turned towards him in surprise, halting them in their place as his words registered in her mind. "You're glad I killed your wife." She stated matter of factly, he merely offered a small smile.

"Betrothed. She was never going to be my wife."

"The poor girl." The princess mumbled under her breath, causing his smile to widen.

"Weren't you the one who burnt her whole family to ashes?"

"A much better fate than being used and discarded by you, I am sure."

"A skill I no doubt learned from you." Aemond responded, making her huff and turn, skirts swishing around her as she walked further into the training grounds. Towards where the bows and arrows are lined across multiple targets put up throughout the day per her request. This time, the Prince followed her on his own will.