Tales Of The Heart [Aemond Targaryen]

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

 I threw all my dictionaries in the fire,
And named you my language.
〰

A maester was summoned at first light to tend to my shoulder while my father questioned my knight outside.

A fresh bandage now adorned my right shoulder, hidden beneath a black gown with tiny black stones. The stones formed intricate swirling patterns, starting from the hem and spiraling upwards.

"Doesn't this gown have a mourning air about it?" Aiday asked, her uncertainty clear.

She seemed unsure of my choice, but to me, it was fitting. We are going to mourn something today.

"Aiday?" I called as she hummed, focused on my hair. "Was it Daemon Targaryen?" My question made her frown in confusion.

"What?"

"Did my father make you deliver that letter to Aemond?" I clarified. Her face paled, her brows knitting together, which was answer enough for me. "I knew it. You wouldn't have done that on your own."

"We'll discuss it later. You have somewhere to be," Aiday replied, finishing the touches on my silver braid that hung loosely down my back.

Vaemond Velaryon failed to heed the warning, and now he stood before the court, accusing and screaming forbidden words in the king's presence, directed at his most beloved daughter. His arrogance sealed his fate; he was destined to lose his head.

He branded them bastards and shot a venomous glare my way. However, what actually annoyed me was feeling his intense gaze from across the hall.

Aemond's eye had been locked onto me since I entered the room. He hadn't looked away. He appeared much the same as he did last night, save for a small bruise on the corner of his lower lip, which he occasionally swiped his tongue over.

"Your right hook is quite impressive," Ser Arlan murmured, noticing my gaze on the second prince. A proud smile crept onto my lips.

He never inquired about the events of last night, which made me certain that he had eventually found me and overheard the entire conversation.

In the end, Vaemond's pride cost him his head. Dark Sister dripped with his blood as I quickly shielded Joffrey's eyes.

Queen Alicent erupted in outrage over Daemon Targaryen's insult to the throne, demanding retribution for his impulsivity, supported by the Hand of the King.

King Viserys swiftly ordered all the young princes and princesses to return to their quarters.

Aegon was in the most hurry, offering a hasty greeting near my ear as he passed by. Helaena, however, gave me a proper hug, saying she needed to see her children, which left only one of them behind.

I continued on my path to catch up with the rest, feeling his approach. He passed so close that he briefly held my hand, my eyes widening at the unexpected touch before his hand slipped away.

I stopped in my tracks, feeling as if cold water had been thrown over me. After our exchange last night, I never thought that instead of being angry, he would approach me—let alone touch me openly in the presence of my family and my knight.

Hesitantly, I turned to look at Ser Arlan, who struggled to hide his smile. He had certainly seen what Aemond did.

"Can we forget what happened here?" I asked, my voice tinged with a silent plead.

"I will try my best, your grace, but I think it won't be easy for you...yet." I raised a questioning brow at his words. "He took your ring from your finger," he gestured toward my now bare hand.