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No spoilers on last night's episode, but good god does Aemond have some mommy issues. Does make for fun development going forward, though.
Not edited (not really).
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Liliyana hated the juxtaposition of weather and war.
Even in her stories and poems, bad weather meant an ominous, terrible change. While good weather meant calm times and happy feelings.
But for her, this good weather did nothing for her emotions. Or the kingdom.
She looked out onto the sea from the queen's balcony. Helaena invited her up to her chambers every day. For snacks and embroidery and reading. Occasionally, the queen would inquire about Aemond. The siblings were close, and Liliyana assumed that her husband was using Helaena to gather whatever information he could.
"Do you ever desire to leave the Red Keep?" Liliyana suddenly asked. Helaena's brothers did it all the time; even if Aemond wasn't going to brothels, the need for space, for adventure, was strong.
The queen turned to Liliyana from her book. A tale of dragons. "No. I would not know the first thing to do. I would be found out immediately."
Liliyana made a sound with her throat. Helaena would stick out, regardless of what she wore or how she carried herself.
"You desire escape."
Liliyana shrugged. She needed to be careful. "I think I desire a break."
Her friend nodded. "Do you wish to return to Casterly Rock ever?"
"Perhaps before the war," Liliyana said, with a breath, "but now, I'm not so sure."
Helaena's gaze turned to her now open door. Aemond walked through, in black leather and tall as ever. He seemed bigger lately, with Liliyana not seeing him as often. Maybe he was training more. She would not be surprised.
"Mother is requesting you, Helaena."
His soft voice feathered over Liliyana's skin. She would be a fool to say she did not miss him. He was a constant in her life. Her husband.
Helaena stood and closed her book. She said a gentle goodbye to Liliyana and slipped between Aemond. Perhaps she felt his tension. How could she not? Despite his hard exterior, those who knew Aemond knew he kept his emotions on his sleeve.
Liliyana waited for him to turn around and leave, but that did not happen. Like a statue, he watched her, intense as a dragon readying for a feast.
He blocked the way. She would need to enter his space in order to flee. This is what he wanted.
