The Realms Rose | Aemond Targaryen / Daemon Targaryen

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Aurora and Daemon lay intertwined in her chambers, limbs tangled together as they basked in each other's presence. They had managed to sneak back in unnoticed, away from the watchful eyes of the castle through Maegors tunnels.

The room was cozy and intimate, the only sounds their soft breathing and the gentle rustling of sheets.

The dim glow of candles cast a soothing, warm light in the room, creating an intimate atmosphere. They lay tangled in each other's arms, skin against skin, in total peace.

Aurora let out a content sigh, her head resting on Daemon's chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

"I do not want you to leave." She whispered against his skin.

Daemon's arms wrapped more tightly around her, his hand gently running through her hair. "I don't want to leave either." He whispered back into her ear, his voice a soft murmur.

"Where do you think we would be if we had left that night?" She asked him, tracing circles along the hair on his chest.

Daemon let out a deep sigh, his mind drifting to what could have been. "If we had left that night." He said, his voice quiet and contemplative.

"We would likely be on our way to Essos, far from Westeros and all the duties and responsibilities here." He paused, contemplating the possibilities.

"We would be free, to love each other without care or consequence." He paused, his fingertip trailing along the curve of her cheek. "It's a tempting fantasy, isn't it?"

"It is." She agreed, savoring the feel of his touch against her skin. "But reality is much more complicated."

She shifted slightly, looking up at him with a mixture of love and longing. "Sometimes, I dream of what our lives would be like without all the court politics and family obligations." Her voice was soft and contemplative. "Just you and me, unbound by duty."

Daemon chuckled softly as he felt her yawn against his chest. "Tired, are we?" He teased, his fingers gently skimming through her hair.

"No." She whispered. A lie, of course. But she knew if she were to close her eyes, sleep would overcome her and Daemon would be gone.

Daemon laughed softly, amused by her stubbornness. "You're a terrible liar."

He gently cupped her face with one hand, his thumb tracing the contours of her cheek. "You can't even keep your eyes open."

She sighed, rubbing her eyes tiredly. "I know that if I sleep, you will be gone when I wake." She confessed.

Daemon's heart ached at her confession. He understood her worries and fears, the all-too-real reality that when she woke, he would indeed be gone, preparing his wife for her labours.

He took her face in his hands, gently tilting it up to meet his gaze. "Look at me." He whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of tenderness and firmness. "I will always come back to you, no matter how far away I am, I will find my way back."

Aurora's eyes locked with his, the vulnerability and fear swimming in their depths. She wanted to believe his words, wanted to trust that he would come back to her no matter what.

But the thought of him being away, even for a moment, sent a pang of anxiety through her chest. She swallowed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Promise me?"