House Of The Dragon One-shots & Pics

Stress Relief

⚠️Trigger Warning⚠️ This includes mentions of self harm and panic attacks.
(*Note* I cried while writing this)

One evening, after yet another day of being overlooked, Aemond retreated to his chambers. The silence was deafening, amplifying the void within him. He glanced around the room, his eyes settling on a candle flickering on his desk. The flame danced and wavered, a small but powerful force. In that moment, an idea took root in Aemond's mind.

With trembling hands, he lifted the candle and brought it close to his inner thigh. The heat was intense, almost unbearable, but Aemond welcomed the pain. It was a tangible sensation, something he could control. As the flame kissed his skin, he felt a strange sense of relief. The physical pain overshadowed the emotional torment, if only for a moment.

This act of self-harm became a secret ritual for Aemond. Each day, he would find solace in the searing pain, using it as a means to cope with his father's neglect, his older sister's neglect (not Helaena she's a great big sis I'm talking about rhaenyra), And Daemons contant insult on his family name and legacy. The burns were hidden beneath his clothing, a private testament to his suffering.

Part 1: Daily Routine
Every morning, before the sun rose, Aemond would light a candle in the solitude of his chambers. He would sit on the edge of his bed, his heart pounding in his chest, as he prepared for the ritual. The anticipation was both terrifying and comforting, a mix of fear and familiarity.

As the flame grew steady, Aemond would lift his tunic and pull down his pants leaving him in just his trousers exposing the tender skin of his inner thigh. He would take a deep breath, steeling himself for the pain to come. The moment the flame touched his skin, a sharp, burning sensation would shoot through him. His muscles would tense, and his breath would hitch, but he would hold the candle steady.

In those moments, Aemond's mind would go blank. The pain consumed him, washing away the feelings of worthlessness and neglect. It was a form of escape, a way to regain control over his life. The burns left behind angry, red marks, but to Aemond, they were symbols of his resilience.

He became adept at hiding the burns, ensuring that no one would discover his secret. Long tunics and breeches covered the scars, and he moved with careful precision to avoid drawing attention. The physical pain was a small price to pay for the fleeting sense of relief it provided.

Part 2: The Consequences

As the weeks turned into months, Aemond's self-destructive habit took a toll on his body and mind. The burns healed slowly, leaving behind discolored scars that served as a constant reminder of his struggle. His once vibrant spirit grew dull, overshadowed by the weight of his secret.

King Viserys remained oblivious to his son's plight, his attention focused on matters of state and the impending succession. Aemond's attempts to gain his father's approval were met with indifference, deepening the chasm between them.

Aemond's interactions with his family became strained. He distanced himself from Aegon, whose carefree demeanor only highlighted Aemond's own sense of inadequacy. His sister, Helaena, noticed the change in him, but Aemond brushed off her concerns with forced smiles and reassurances.

Alicent, their mother, was perhaps the most perceptive. She noticed the shadows under Aemond's eyes, the way he flinched at unexpected touches, and the haunted look that lingered in his gaze. Her heart ached for her son, but Aemond's walls were high, and she struggled to reach him.

Part 3: Alicent's Discovery

Aemond's struggles had reached a tipping point. The burns, once a source of temporary solace, now seemed insufficient to quell the storm within him. The pain had become both a crutch and a curse, a cycle that he could not break free from. His attempts to hide the injuries grew increasingly futile, as the severity of the burns left his movements stiff and pained.

One evening, as Aemond sat in his chambers nursing a fresh burn, his door creaked open. Startled, he quickly covered his thigh with a blanket, but it was too late. Alicent stood in the doorway, her eyes wide with shock and horror. For a moment, the room was silent, the weight of the revelation hanging heavy in the air.

"Aemond," Alicent's voice trembled, "what have you done?"

Aemond's initial response was one of denial. He tried to assure his mother that it was nothing, a mere accident. But Alicent was not easily swayed. She approached her son, her eyes scanning the room for any signs of the truth. The sight of the discarded candle and the faint smell of burnt flesh confirmed her worst fears.

"Aemond, please," Alicent pleaded, her voice breaking, "tell me the truth."

The dam of Aemond's emotions finally burst. Tears streamed down his face as he recounted the months of pain and self-loathing. He spoke of his father's neglect, the unbearable pressure to be perfect, and the dark solace he found in burning himself. Alicent listened, her own tears flowing freely, as she realized the extent of her son's suffering.

Part 4: A Mothers Comfort

Alicent's heart ached as she listened to Aemond's confession. She felt an overwhelming surge of guilt, blaming herself for not seeing the signs sooner. But in that moment, her primary concern was to comfort her son and assure him that he was not alone.

"Aemond, my sweet boy," Alicent whispered, pulling him into a gentle embrace, "you are so loved. You don't have to face this alone my sweet boy".

Aemond's body trembled as he wept against his mother's shoulder. Alicent held him tightly, her own tears mingling with his. She stroked his silver hair, whispering words of comfort and reassurance. "I'm here, Aemond. I'm here for you. We'll get through this together."

The weight of Aemond's secret had been a heavy burden, and now that it was out in the open, he felt a strange mix of relief and fear. "Mother, I'm so sorry," he choked out between sobs. "I didn't know how else to cope. Father... he doesn't see me."

Alicent's heart ached at the pain in her son's voice. "Oh, Aemond," she said softly, "your father's blindness does not diminish your worth. You are strong, intelligent, and so very brave. You don't need to hurt yourself to prove anything."

Aemond pulled back slightly, looking into his mother's tear-filled eyes. "But the pain... it helps. It makes everything else go away, even if just for a little while."

Alicent cupped his face in her hands, her expression full of love and determination. "There are other ways, my love. Healthier ways. We will find them together. You don't have to carry this burden alone."

Aemond nodded, though uncertainty lingered in his eyes. Alicent's resolve strengthened. She needed to help her son see that there were better ways to deal with his pain, that he was not alone in this struggle.

That night, Alicent stayed with Aemond, her presence a constant source of comfort. She watched over him as he slept, her heart heavy with a mix of sorrow and determination. She knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but she was determined to help Aemond find his way to healing.

In the days that followed, Alicent took active steps to support her son. She arranged for Aemond to speak with a healer who specialized in mental and emotional well-being. She spent more time with him, engaging in activities that he enjoyed and encouraging him to express his feelings.

Authors Note : I hope you enjoyed this story thank you for reading ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥💚💚💚🖤🖤🖤