Appetence || Aemond Targaryen

01

As dinner approached, Lyra found herself once again included in the invitation, though she couldn't fathom why Queen Alicent consistently favored her presence over her father's. Despite feeling like an outsider among the family, she appreciated the opportunity to spend time with them. She enjoyed Jacaerys's attempts to make her laugh, judging Aegon's drunken blunders, found solace in Helaena's sweetness as well as Daeron's, witnessed Lucerys's struggle to contain his laughter at inside jokes with his brother, and noted Aemond's perpetually serious demeanor. Seated between Aemond and Jacaerys, with Lucerys beside his brother, Lyra prepared for another evening with them.

Despite their proximity, Lyra and Aemond remained silent. Across the table, Aegon seemed engrossed in his drinks, already on his third cup of the evening.

Lady Lyra Strong graced the evening in a stunning gown adorned with hues of light blue, elegantly representing her house colors with grace and style.

"Before we begin," Ser Laenor Velaryon stood up, "Rhaenyra and I have something to share." Princess Rhaenyra rose as well, her husband's arms encircling her waist as she placed a hand on her belly.

"I'm with child again," Rhaenyra announced softly, her smile gentle as her eyes sought out King Viserys Targaryen, who beamed at the news.

"Oh, my dear, congratulations to you both," Viserys exclaimed, rising with enthusiasm to embrace his daughter and clasp Laenor's shoulder. "This is cause for celebration."

Queen Alicent Hightower offered her congratulations with a smile. "Congratulations, Princess. Let us hope for a healthy addition to House...Velaryon."

Tension briefly lingered in the air as Alicent emphasized the word "Velaryon," but Viserys swiftly defused it. As music filled the room and the meal commenced, Lyra couldn't help but feel uncertain about the situation with Rhaenyra and her children.

Whispers abound regarding Jacaerys and Lucerys, suggesting they may not be Laenor Velaryon's sons after all. Some speculate that they are instead the offspring of the Lord Commander, Harwin Strong, who also happens to be Lyra's uncle.

Lyra finds great pleasure in spending time with the Velaryon boys and holds a genuine affection for her uncle. Sadly, she has to acknowledge to herself that her uncle is far more attentive to her than her own father. Her uncle always seeks out conversations with her whenever possible. In contrast, her father's interest in her seems limited to asking for favors, a pattern that has persisted since she was a small babe. He constantly commands and requests things of her, and Lyra feels obligated to comply, as she has been conditioned to do since she was very young. Her father has always ensured that she obeys his every command.

"Congratulations, Jace," Lyra whispered to Jacaerys. "You'll be an older brother again. You must be excited."

"I am," Jace replied with a smile. "I have a feeling it's a girl. I'd love to have a sister. But Lucerys thinks it'll be a boy."

Lyra giggled. "Well, whichever it is, your sibling will be dearly loved."

"And spoiled," Jace added with a chuckle.

Lady Lyra glanced to her left and noticed Aemond glaring at her.

"Aemond? Are you alright?" she asked.

"Are you out of your mind? Why are you associating with them?" he snapped.

She rolled her eyes. "Because they're my friends. I'm simply congratulating Jacaerys for becoming an older brother again. There's no harm in that."

"They bring shame to my family, and to yours as well," Aemond retorted.

Lady Lyra shot him a glare, her fists briefly clenching, but she took a deep breath and relaxed her hands, forcing a smile. "They're not. They're both good boys and my friends. You have no right to dictate who I can or cannot talk to."