The Realms Rose | Aemond Targaryen / Daemon Targaryen

XXXVI

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After 2 days of constant rest, Aurora was itching to leave her chambers.

Aemond had been hesitant to let her out of his sight, his protective instincts in overdrive now that he knew she was carrying their child. But after days of being cooped up in her chambers, Aurora was practically vibrating with pent-up energy.

He sat on the edge of her bed, watching as she paced back and forth like a lioness in a cage. "You need to rest." He said firmly, his tone brooking no argument.

"I've been resting." Aurora said, her voice tinged with irritation.

The truth was that she appreciated Aemond's concern for her and the baby's health. But she was tired of being treated like a fragile doll, constantly being told to rest and take care of herself. She longed for some fresh air, a change of scenery, even a glimpse of the sky.

Aemond stood up, his hands on his hips as he regarded her with a mixture of irritation and resignation. He knew that look in her eyes, the one that said she was determined to get her way.

"Aurora." He started, his voice patient but firm. "You know you need to rest. The maester said - "

"I know what the fucking maester said." Aurora interrupted, her patience fraying. "And I've been resting, as much as I can. But I'm losing my mind, being cooped up in here. I just need some fresh air, Aemond, please."

Aemond sighed, clearly not relishing the thought of arguing with her. He studied her for a moment, taking in her restless energy and frustrated expression.

"If I let you out of this room." He said finally, "Will you promise not to overdo it? No wandering around the castle, no exerting yourself. Just a short walk in the gardens."

Aurora's expression brightened at his words, her irritation evaporating in the face of his begrudging concession. Even a short walk in the gardens was better than nothing.

"I promise." Shes said earnestly, giving him her best innocent, wide-eyed look. "I'll be good, I swear."

Aemond huffed out a sigh, running his hand through his hair. He was such a pushover when it came to her.

"Fine." He relented, his tone resigned. "But I'm coming with you. And if you start to feel even the slightest bit tired, we're going right back inside."

Aurora smiled, a victorious glint in her eye. She knew she had won this argument, just as she would most likely win all arguments related to her pregnancy.

"Deal." She agreed, trying to reign in her eagerness. "We'll take a short walk in the gardens, and I'll be as good as gold. You can even hold my hand the entire time, if it makes you feel better."

Aemond rolled his eye at her comment, but he couldn't keep the corners of his mouth from twitching up in a reluctant smile.

"Let's go before I change my mind." He said gruffly, holding out his hand to her.

Aurora linked her fingers through his, her touch gentle. She had expected him to simply pull her along, all urgency and impatience, but his grip on her hand was uncharacteristically soft.

They walked together in silence for a few moments, Aemond's gaze flicking over her every so often, as if to check she wasn't about to collapse.

She could almost hear the gears turning in his mind, the constant internal debate between his more gentle, protective side and his more domineering, controlling side.

"Stop staring at me." She said eventually, nudging him gently with her shoulder. "I'm not made of glass, you know. I won't shatter the moment you take your eyes off me."