Through Morning's Eye

Twenty-Five: Training to Feel

The flames engulfed their surroundings, causing the foundation of the house to shake. The fire was beginning to make the building fall apart and pieces of the roof were falling.

"Kristyne, go!" Harwin yelled, trying to push her out.

"Not without you, Papa!"

"I will hold up the doorframe to give you enough time, but you have to get out of here."

"I can not ..." She shook her head, sobbing. "I can not live without you."

"Yes you can, my Strong girl. You are brave and smart, they best of your mother and I. But you have to get out."

She took a step back and the wood collapsed around him, burying him in the flames. He screamed in pain as his skin charred black and it smelled of burning flesh.

"PAPA!" She screamed, falling to the ground.

"Papa!"

"Papa!"

"Kristyne, wake up!"

Kristyne opened her eyes to see Aemond hovering over her.

"Seven hells," He mumbled as she became aware of her surroundings and wiped the tears off her cheek. The skin of her cheek felt hot, almost as if she had been by those flames herself.

She sat up, running her fingers through her hair, getting it out of her face. She stood on shaky feet, needing to get to the water.

"Let me get it for you," Aemond tried to argue.

"I am not an invalid, Aemond," She snapped. He stood back, looking defeated.

It had been five weeks since Moran reset her wrist, and they had not been the most pleasant. They fucked when they would argue too much, but Aemond craved her constantly whereas Kristyne continued to pull away from him.

"Do you wish to speak about the nightmare?" He asked.

"No," She responded, setting the water down.

Aemond pinched the bridge of his nose. "Fine! If you want to be cross about it, go ahead."

"I will!"

It was easier this way. This situation could only remain phsyical. No emotions, no attachments, just sex. She pushed him away to prevent feelings. If they got too close, she was going to fall in love with him and she did not want to.

"Gods, you are miserable."

"Then just throw me out, Aemond, and let me fend for myself."

"Tempting!" He hissed.

She walked to the window, peering down at the quiet palace. It was halfway through the night, hours before dawn.

"Are there guards that watch the training square?"

Aemond looked over at her. "Absolutely not, do not even think of it."

"You told me if I let you reset my wrist, which you were too craven to do so, you would consider it!"

"Your wrist is not ready."

"Liar! I have been doing every exercise Moran has instructed me to do, and you know that the guard retired for the evening or guard the King's room. This would be the best time to go out there."

"Fine! If it will make you shut up and calm down, I will take you tomorrow evening."

"Now," She crossed her arms.

"Fucking fine, I am tired of you. But I swear to every god, I will kill you if you attempt to run. Understood?"

"And miss out on your charming personality?"