The Realms Rose | Aemond Targaryen / Daemon Targaryen

XXXIV

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Aemond was reluctant to leave his wife's bedside. He stayed by Aurora's side all night long, holding her hand as she slept and studying her face for any sign of discomfort. He watched her chest rise and fall with each soft breath, his heart full of love and protectiveness.

As morning dawned, the first light of the new day crept into the room, casting a warm glow over Aurora and Aemond both. Aemond knew he couldn't stay by her side indefinitely, but he dreaded having to leave her alone even for a moment.

Reluctantly, Aemond stood up from the bedside and leaned down to brush a lock of her hair from Aurora's forehead. He watched her sleep for a moment longer, his heart aching at the thought of leaving her.

Just then, a knock came at the door, and Lorents voice called out from the other side. "Prince Aemond?"

Aemond looked up at the interruption and let out a sigh. He didn't want to go, but he knew he couldn't put it off any longer.

"Yes? Come in." He called, his voice low as to not wake Aurora.

Lorent entered the room, his eyes immediately going to Aurora's sleeping form. He winced at the sight of her.

"How is she?" He asked quietly. "Has there been any change?"

Aemond crossed his arms, his expression stoic. "She's resting comfortably." He said curtly.

He looked at Lorent for a long moment, his gaze cold. There was a tense atmosphere between them, the events of yesterday morning still hanging heavy in the air.

Lorent shuffled his feet, clearly uncomfortable under Aemond's steely glare. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything, Aurora stirred in her sleep, mumbling something incoherent.

Both men looked over at her, their attention momentarily diverted.

A look of concern flashed across Aemond's face, and he took a step towards the bed. But just as quickly as she stirred, Aurora settled back into sleep, her breathing steady and even.

Aemond turned his gaze back to Lorent, who was watching him closely. There was a flicker of something in his eyes, almost like... sympathy.

"Perhaps you should go and get some rest yourself." Lorent suggested, glancing over at his sister again. "I can watch over her for a while."

Aemond opened his mouth to protest, but the exhaustion in his body stopped the words on his tongue. He knew Lorent was right - he was exhausted after staying awake all night.

Finally, he let out a defeated sigh and nodded. "Fine. But you call for me at the slightest sign of trouble, do you understand me?"

Lorent nodded solemnly. "Of course." He said quietly. "You have my word."

With a final, lingering look at Aurora, Aemond reluctantly left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.

Lorent didn't waste any time, walking hastily to the door to Maegors secret passages and knocked on it, quiet enough not to wake his sister, but loud enough for him to hear.

There was a pause, and then the door creaked open. Daemon entered the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click.

He looked at Lorent, his expression full of concern. It was clear that he handed slept since Lorent told him of Auroras condition, his eyes bleary and skin pale. "Is she awake?" He asked.

Lorent shook his head. "No." He said quietly. "I don't think Aemond would of left if she was." He eyed Daemon closely, taking in the tired look on his face. "You look terrible." He said bluntly.