ℍ𝕚𝕤 𝔹𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 | 𝐻𝑜𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒟𝓇𝒶𝑔𝑜𝓃

04

Cerys stood, shivering under the black robe that enveloped her. Her nephews and the sisters, Baela and Rhaena stood beside her. From afar, they watched as Rhaenyra pressed her lips against Daemon's, a shared kiss that sealed their marriage. Doubt gnawed at Cerys's mind--Did the princess truly love her brother or even a hint of love for her former husband who was recently declared dead? Though it wasn't her place to question, a sharp pain gripped her chest. All she could allow herself to do was find solace in the warmth of Luke's and Jake's hands. 

After the ceremony ended, Cerys made haste to her chambers to finish packing her belongings for their departure. The princess was eager to leave, and Cerys began gathering the few items she brought with her, placing them into a crate. 

"I assumed I'd find you here" 

Came a voice from the doorway. 

Cerys halted and turned to see Aemond standing there. His wound was still fresh and tender, but he showed no emotion of being in pain. 

"Your grace.." 

She spoke out, unsure whether to bow or not. She had declared the day before that she did not see him fit for royalty, or feel bound to his commands. 

"I see that you're leaving." 

Aemond stated, observing her. 

"Why wouldn't I?" 

She questioned, straightening her posture with a piece of clothing in hand. 

"Ignore what I said--" 

Aemond replied, stepping closer, his presence unsettling her. 

"Why are you here?" 

She asked, meeting his gaze. 

"I came here to bid farewell, and luck on your travels" 

Cerys nodded her head. 

"Well if that is all-" 

she started, turning her back to him as she placed the clothing in the crate.

"It's not." 

Cerys turned back to him, again. 

"Are we friends? Because I took it, before all of this, that we were." 

"My grace-" 

"No. When did you ever call me that? You always spoke my name." 

"Fine then, Aemond. I'm unsure of what all this is about-" 

"Are we friends? Or not?" 

he asked again, a tense silence settling between them.

"I am a handmaiden....you, are a prince." 

She exclaimed. 

"There cannot be any sort of friendship between the two of us." 

Cerys whispered the last part, but loud enough for him to hear.

"but we can--be friends" 

He declared.

"Don't you understand? I am a handmaiden--a...a bastard!" 

She shouted, surprising Aemond. 

"You of all people, would not want to befriend me." 

Tears welled in her eyes as she turned to grip her crate. Her knuckles whitened, with the force of her hold, trying to wash away any pain, or embarrassment.  

Aemond didn't reply, and his silence was enough for her to dismiss him.

"If that is all, then thank you for your-" 

she began, turning to speak to him, but he was gone. She hadn't noticed when he left, but it was for the better. They couldn't be friends; it simply wasn't allowed.

This is a short chapter I know, but I just wanted more like, backstory for younger Cerys and Aemond so that way there's more tension when they reunite :) 

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