Aemond Targaryen lived to become a weak old man, withering in the cells underneath Dragonstone. One mistake caused a lifetime of pain.
Losing Baelon, was the start to the end of the Hightowers. But it wouldn't be the end of them.
Alys Rivers a wit...
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。.✦ ☾
"What are you saying?" Baelon whispers, his hands removing themselves from Aemond's shoulders, his violet eyes wide and peering up at Aemond. Aemond swallows harshly. He didn't want to do this, not a second time. "I am saying we can't be together, at least not now. We are young and you have yet to see the world. I want you to meet people, to be cultured and happy. I can't be an anchor that weighs you down." Aemond says
Baelon shakes his head. "But what about all that you just said? That I am yours and yours only?" Baelon asks
"Words said in the moment. I care for you but we are not ready for a grand romance." Aemond states, lying straight through his teeth.
"First I'm a whore and now I'm a love-sick fool." Baelon breathed, he was sickened, to his very core. Pain slew straight through his chest, causing him to stumble back. Aemond's eyes widen and he attempts to reach for him but Baelon pushes away his attempts, shaking his head. "Thank you for enlightening me, I just wished it was before you kissed me. It might've hurt less." Baelon sneers, his eyes darkening.
Aemond watched as Baelon left, taking with him, his heart.
....
It came as no surprise that Baelon left Kingslanding for the stepstones, but it didn't lessen the worry in Aemond's heart. Despite his pleas, he was unable to join.
....
Five months later. Stepstones.
Silence covered the barren fields of the beachy shore. Lanterns still flickered and the wind still rushed but it was empty of life.
In the distance there was an echo of metal, it grew louder and louder the closer we got.
Baelon grunts as he stumbles away from a man's blade, blood splattering and covering his pale features. His eyes were mismatched but dark and filled with hunger, hunger for blood, and violence.
At the sound of footsteps, he whirls around, stopping a sword from meeting his shoulder. The Dornish knight grinned with bloody teeth, mocking him in their language. It only angered the bloody prince, causing him to yell with his rage, pushing back and knocking the man away, just before he bonds his sword with his chest.
"The one that will burn is you." Baelon snarls, echoing the snarls of his dragon.
....
The commander's tent.
Baelon stood alone as he waited for the lords to gather, cleaning his sword in silence. "You were amazing." A voice states
Baelon looks up and his gaze meets a stranger. "You can thank my teachers." Baelon states offhandedly. "Humble as well. A true rarity. My name is Ser Reckon Royce, Your Majesty." Reckon states
Baelon eyes him carefully. "It's Baelon." Baelon states
Reckon shakes his head. "I couldn't." Reckon states
Baelon stands as he hears footsteps approach. "War doesn't care for titles, we are brothers here. If you are to have my back out there then you can call me by my first name." Baelon states
Before Reckon can answer, the tent is filled with men.
....
Later.
Baelon sat in his cot, staring at the floor as Cahir patched up the wounds lining his back. "It's been five moons." Cahir states simply, his eyes meeting the back of Baelon's head. "mmm, really, didn't know." Baelon states plainly.
Cahir sighs and he continues to stitch Baelon's back.
....
Kingslanding.
Helaena smiles to herself as he hands touch the wood of the bassinet. The intricate carvings line the beautiful dark wood. It had arrived in the morning, already placed in her room, with a card placed on the small cushion.
For our beanstalk.
Helaena giggles to herself, her hand coming to her stomach.
....
Five months ago.
Baelon approached Helaena, watching as she ignored his gaze with tears in her eyes. "I was hoping we would talk." Baelon probes
Helaena meets his gaze with a glare. "Oh, you hoped too?" Helaena scoffs
"Please Hel, this is for the best, you know it." Baelon breathes as he grabs her hand, bringing her close. "I know, I do....but it doesn't make it easier. You're my best friend Baelon." Helaena whispers
Baelon smiles sadly, gently cradling her cheek. "And you are mine." Baelon states
Helaena sobs softly, pressing herself into his arms. Baelon sighs softly, wrapping his arms around her. "I can only imagine how beautiful you become when our baby grows and let's hope it grows and fast." Baelon states
Helaena's heart warms. "Like a beanstalk." Helaena whispers against his chest. Baelon chuckles, "Yes like a beanstalk." Baelon states fondly.
....
Present.
Helaena opens her eyes, her lips still pulled into a smile at the memory.
....
A/N
Was going to continue writing but my dog forced her way into my arms, so the chapter ends here unfortunately. Typing one handed isn't easy.
