The Realms Rose | Aemond Targaryen / Daemon Targaryen

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As morning turned to afternoon, and midday came and went, the sun had begun to dip towards the horizon by the time Aurora had began to worry about the maesters whereabouts.

Daemon had spent most of the day by her bedside, only leaving when Lorent practically forced him to eat. He now sat beside her in her bed, one arm draped around her shoulders, their legs tangled in a mess beneath the sheets and her hand clutched in his as they watched the sun begin to set outside the window.

The room was bathed in a warm, golden light as the sun slowly sank below the horizon. The sky was ablaze with hues of orange and pink, the last remnants of sunlight before dusk began to settle in.

Daemon's gaze was fixed on Aurora, his eyes watching her face intently as if committing every feature to memory. He seemed almost reluctant to break the silence, but eventually he spoke in a soft voice.

"How are you feeling, Princess?"

Aurora took a moment to assess her own body, running through a quick inventory of any lingering aches or pains. Surprisingly, she felt... remarkably well. Tired, yes, but not as weary as she would have expected after being unconscious for so long.

"Rather groggy." She admitted, giving Daemon's hand a light squeeze. "But otherwise... I think I'm okay."

He couldn't help himself from releasing her hand and pressing it lightly on her stomach, caressing the skin softly as a hum escaped her lips.

The touch of his hand on her stomach sent a shiver of pleasure down her spine. Despite the innocence of the gesture, the intimacy of it was almost overwhelming.

Daemon's touch was gentle, his fingers tracing light patterns across her skin. It was as if he was silently reassuring himself that she was alive and well, that she was real and not just a dream.

Aurora tilted her head back slightly, her eyes fluttering closed as she savoured the feeling of his touch. "What do you think of Baelon?" She murmured. "After your father?"

He seemed to register her words for a moment, before a small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Is that what you'd like then, a son?"

"Or a daughter." She smiled thoughtfully, her gaze dropping to her stomach. "With your silver hair and my green eyes."

Daemon's gaze followed hers, his eyes fixed on the curve of her stomach as she spoke. He leaned in closer, his hand continuing its gentle caress as he spoke in a low, quiet voice. "And a fiery temper to match yours, no doubt."

She giggled at him, nuzzling her head into the crook of his neck, her eyes still locked on the horizon before them. "I wish we could stay like this, locked away from the world, the court, our duties."

He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer so that she was nestled against his chest. "So do I." He murmured, resting his chin on top of her head.

The reality of their situation was still hanging over them like a dark cloud, but for now, he wanted to savour this moment of peace and contentment.

They sat together in silence for a while longer, the only sound the steady rhythm of their breathing. The sky outside had grown dark, the last remnants of sunlight vanished completely.

Eventually, though, the moment was broken by a light knock on the door. Daemon looked up, his expression clouded with irritation and worry.

"What is it?" Aurora called out, her voice unfriendly and the interruption.

The door creaked open, revealing Lorent's face as he poked his head into the room. "Sorry to interrupt." He said, his eyes taking in the sight of Daemon and Aurora cuddling together. "But the maester is here to check in."