Sun and Fire ~ Aemond Targaryen

13. Vhagar

After Laena Velaryon's tomb had been cast into the sea, everyone gathered on a large terrace for the reception. The atmosphere was incredibly melancholic and the little Baela and Rhaena remained seated on a bench with eyes filled with sadness.

Daemon was leaning against a stone balustrade with a expression stoic, until he noticed Princess Rhaenyra entering the reception. He chose to ignore her gaze as she walked over to her son, Jacaerys. Many people watched the heiress princess disdainfully, especially Queen Alicent and Ser Criston Cole who was by her side as its sworn shield. Their looks were judgmental, scrutinizing every little action Rhaenyra took.

Prince Daemon remained in complete silence as he exchanged a brief glance with his older brother, King Viserys. Due to his weakened condition, Viserys sat in an elegant chair and his expression reflecting a need to converse with his brother but he wasn't sure what to say. Daemon's personality was not easy to deal with, so they both looked away after a moment, feeling a sense of silent distress.

Suddenly, Daemon noticed someone approaching him and when he looked up, he met the gaze of his younger brother the Prince Aegon who was accompanied by his family. Daemon's eyes seemed to soften though he still tried to maintain his stoic posture. When he saw little Meria, he couldn't help but smile. Aegon approached confidently and enveloped him in a fraternal hug. Daemon patted his back with some force as he returned the embrace.

"Brother" They both said almost simultaneously. When they parted, Aegon spoke in a friendly tone. "I know you don't appreciate condolences but I truly regret what happened, for you and your daughters."

Daemon didn't say anything, just nodded with a half-smile and then looked at Kassaia with disinterested expression. She smiled slightly and commented respectfully 

"I didn't have the honor of knowing Lady Laena well, but I know she was a good woman."

Again there was silence from Daemon but he didn't seem entirely uncomfortable. His eyes swept over the two little girls and he smiled again, this time with amusement. Aegon noticed this and hurried to introduce them. 

"I can finally introduce you to my daughters, brother... This is Daemma, and she is..."

"Lady Meria" The elder prince interrupted with a smile, still looking at Meria who smiled back. Aegon raised an eyebrow in surprise, as did Daemma.

"Do you two already know each other?"

"I met him yesterday, Father... I was taking a nighttime stroll and we bumped into each other outside."

Aegon chuckled with amusement and Kassaia interrupted to ask her daughter.

 "A nighttime stroll?"

"Sleepwalking."

"Sleepwalking."

Meria and Daemon responded at the same time and then they all smiled, except for the Dornish princess who watched without understanding. Nevertheless, she forced a laugh and her eyes met the girls sitting on the bench. Daemon noticed this and commented casually 

"They are my daughters, Baela and Rhaena, although they were in the hall yesterday."

"I greeted them but didn't have time to chat with them... shall we spend some time with our nieces, my love?" Aegon's voice was warm and Kassaia nodded with a smile. They both approached the girls to console them and get to know them, while Daemma glanced at her uncle Daemon and he after a moment, met her gaze without saying anything.

"You managed to avoid a scandal earlier; thank you for doing so, although many people saw it as a lack of respect" Daemma spoke in High Valyrian and Meria gave her a puzzled look. She undoubtedly knew some words but not enough for conversation. Daemon, however, smiled and continued in Valyrian.