Tales Of The Heart [Aemond Targaryen]

THE CRYING OF THE KISS

ACT TWO

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As the ship approached, the silhouette of Driftmark emerged, its rugged cliffs and gentle slopes coming into view. The sea breeze carried a familiar scent of salt and seaweed, stirring memories within her.

The scent, so reminiscent of home, brought moisture to her eyes as she beheld the grandeur of High Tide standing proudly on the horizon. She closed her eyes briefly, battling the emotions welling up inside, a tear escaping down her cheek.

"Princess?" Aiday's voice was tinged with growing concern, her eyes darting between the ship and Maenya, who seemed momentarily overwhelmed.

"Maenya?" Aiday shook her gently, trying to bring her back to the present. She turned to assess her condition, noticing the redness around her usually serene blue eyes.

Aiday's voice dripped with desperation as she questioned, "What are we doing here?" It was as if she sensed something was amiss.

With a calm exhale, Maenya gently removed Aiday's hand from her shoulders and turned toward the castle looming ahead. Taking a tentative step, she began walking towards it. "Maenya!" Aiday called out again, but the princess continued on her path.

"Board the ship, Aiday. Return to Dragonstone without me," Maenya said, her tone firm yet not loud enough to mask the underlying resolve.

"Have you gone mad? Your father will have my head for leaving you alone!" Aiday's response was filled with worry and defiance. "I won't leave you--"

"That's an order," Maenya's voice cut through the air, clear and authoritative. Aiday was speechless, unsure if she had ever received such a direct command from the princess before.

Turning slightly, the silver princess reiterated, "Return without me," before moving further away.

Aiday's steps retreated slowly, mirroring the confusion swirling within her mind. She instructed the captain to resume their journey, boarding the ship as she began to construct plausible explanations for Maenya's absence to present to Daemon Targaryen.

Her gaze remained fixed on the spot where Driftmark had been visible moments ago. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that she feared for her little princess. The thought of anything happening to her precious filled her with terror. Maenya had never been so far from her watchful eyes, and now, following the princess's orders, Aiday felt a sickening knot of worry in her stomach.

"We have reached the shore," a maid tapped Aiday's shoulder, bringing her back from her thoughts. Glancing around, she realized that the ship had already anchored, and a gathering awaited her below.

Knights stood ready beneath the ship's deck. "The family awaits the princess to join them for the meal," a knight informed Aiday as he observed her descending the ship alone.

Aiday clasped her hands together, exhaling to steady her nerves. "The princess isn't with us," she announced, surprising the knights who exchanged bewildered looks.

"Princess Maenya refused to board the ship," Aiday's words sparked a wave of confusion and frustration among the family members.

"What do you mean? Where is Maenya?" Rhaenys Targaryen was the first to speak, her tone laced with concern. "How could you arrive without her?" Her questions continued, trying to maintain composure.

"She instructed me to leave—"

"She was your responsibility!" Daemon's voice thundered through the dining hall.

"She wouldn't listen," Aiday's voice trembled slightly.

"For fuck's sake, Aiday! Who will answer if something happens to her?" Daemon's anger was palpable, but Rhaenyra intervened, holding him back.

Rhaenyra stepped forward, her tone firm yet composed. "Where is Maenya?" she asked calmly, drawing everyone's attention.

All eyes were on Aiday, awaiting her response. "Driftmark," Aiday answered.

Rhaenys nodded, issuing orders to the assembled knights and servants. "Prepare the ship for Driftmark," she commanded, and the crew swiftly moved to carry out her instructions.

"Wait," Daemon interjected. "I'll go on dragonback." He moved towards the door, only to pause at a distinct noise that caught everyone's attention.

All eyes turned instantly towards the open doors leading to the courtyard, where a gust of wind accompanied by the sound of heavy flapping of wings rushed into the hall.

Daemon altered his course of action, heading towards the courtyard along with others who were curious about the source of the commotion. Another roar echoed through the clouds, heightening the tension.

Princess Rhaenyra received a report from Ser Lorent about the approaching dragon. "Which one is it?" she inquired, but the knight struggled to discern amidst the cloudy sky.

Squinting, Daemon strained to identify the silhouette in the sky. Except for its tail, the dragon's features were obscured.

"It's Seasmoke," Daemon declared, causing Rhaenys's eyes to widen as she scrutinized the sky for her son's dragon. Soon, Seasmoke emerged from the clouds, landing in the courtyard with impressive grace.

The onlookers remained rooted in their places, a mix of awe and concern washing over the courtyard as Seasmoke descended.

As the dragon gazed down at them, everyone stood still, aware that any sudden movement could provoke a dangerous response.

"There's someone on the saddle," Ser Lorent remarked, his hand hovering near his sword. The other knights mirrored his stance until Daemon raised a hand, signaling them to halt. He took deliberate steps towards the dragon, noting the movements on its saddle.

Seasmoke roared in response to the perceived threat, but the tension eased as Maenya emerged from beneath his wing, tenderly caressing his scales. She turned towards Daemon, with a smile as her father smirked at her daughter's new companion.

The moment's tension slowly dissipated, replaced by a sense of relief and pride as Maenya, now a dragon rider, embraced her newfound connection with Seasmoke.