A Valyrian Heart

Chapter Twenty-One

In all her years of living, despite how adventurous she was in nature, basically willing to try whatever challenge the sevens presented her, She never thought she'd one day be kissing the Rogue Prince. A man desired by many throughout the kingdom and feared by many more. This feels nothing like kissing Aemond who is a ferocious beast, biting and sucking whenever he is opportuned. Daemon is still, so tense she would have mistaken him for a statue.

The awkwardness settles in after she pulls away, Daemon hadn't pushed her away like she half expected, and she had been quick to run out of breath due to how fast her heart was beating. Never has she seen such raw horror on her Father's face before. The last thing she wants is to traumatise the man, why had she bothered listening to Joffrey, the king had been drunk when he uttered that nonsensical suggestion. She had shot herself in the foot. Daemon would either think she had lost her mind or that she was a freak, either one wasn't nice. But if it further delayed her marriage, then she would accept the outcome.

" Father, I...." she stumbled over her words, she had no idea what the hell she would say to make this better. But thankfully she didn't have to finish her sentence, Daemon had been brought out of his thoughts by her call.

" Oh Baela " He says as he cradles her face. " My precious daughter. "

" You must think I am sick, Father "

" No, you are merely..., it's nothing that can't be dealt with. You will listen to me, won't you?"

" Yes "

" Return to your chambers now, get some rest. I shall sort you out in the morning "

" I understand " she tries to pull away but Daemon's hands only tighten around her, unwillingly to let go. " Father...?"

" You shall not repeat a word of this to anyone. Not even your sister "

Baela nods in understanding. She hadn't planned to tell anyone else, this...whatever this was, it was her secret to keep. This was one of the few times she had made a fool of herself and she wouldn't want anyone finding out about it. Seriously.. What had she expected?

* * *

She returns to her chambers, Baela isn't even surprised to find Aemond leaning against the wall of her room, despite how dim and cold the space is without her being there to put life into it, the glow of Aemond's eyes still manages to catch her attention first. He's not wearing his eyepatch, he always prefers to have it on whenever they meet. Why does he do so?, she doesn't get it since she herself was there when he lost that eye. He has nothing to hide, not from her.

She walks over to her bed and takes a seat. The Princess ensures to make her face as blank as possible, but the fact that she keeps playing with the loose end of her dress betrays her nervousness. To say that she might fear Aemond more than even father wouldn't be a complete lie. She recalls the few times Daemon had been soft and caring to her, the events of twenty minutes back would be an example, he might have his sharp edges, but cares for his children. Aemond on the other hand is cruel, vile and punishing. Baela has such a strange taste in men.

" Who might it be you find worthy of sharing your bed, my dearest cousin " Aemond's voice echoes in the room. He is calm, but she hears the sharp edge to his tone.

Baela's gaze locked on his. She can see the anger simmering beneath his calm exterior, the muscles in his jaw clenched in a tight knot. The glow of his ruby eye just makes the situation more eerie and dangerous. Despite her discomfort, she finds herself responding with the same bite in her voice to match his.

"Perhaps someone who doesn't see me as a mere pawn in their game of power," she spits out, her voice low and venomous. "Someone who doesn't try to control my every move, or dictate who I can and cannot see."