The Realms Rose | Aemond Targaryen / Daemon Targaryen

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Aemond saw the unease in Aurora's face, the realization of the lengths he had gone to, evident in the slight raising of her brows.

"I know it seems like an extreme step." He said, his voice gentle. "But I would do anything for our child, Aurora. Anything."

Aurora's eyes softened slightly as she met Aemond's gaze. She could see the determination and desperation in his eyes, the love for their child driving him to such lengths.

"I know you would." She murmured, placing a gentle hand on his chest. "But it worries me, Aemond. The cost of such things is often greater than we could ever imagine."

Aemond took her hand in his, his thumb gently caressing her knuckles. "I will keep you safe." He murmured, his voice filled with conviction. "And our child. I promise you, on everything I hold dear, that I will not let harm come to either of you."

Aurora felt the reassurance in his words, and the firmness of his grip on her hand. But there was still a lingering fear in her heart, a nagging doubt that this path they were on was leading them into danger.

She looked up at him, her eyes searching his face. "How can you be so certain?" She whispered, her voice filled with vulnerability. "How can you be so sure that this witch can be trusted?"

Aemond's grip on her hand tightened ever so slightly, a mixture of hesitation and determination in his expression.

"I cannot be certain." He admitted, a rare moment of vulnerability. "But desperate times call for desperate measures, Aurora. I would not have sought her out if we had another choice."

Aurora took a deep breath, her fears and doubts fighting with each other in her mind. She knew Aemond's intentions were good, that he only wanted to protect their family. But the risk of putting their faith in a witch... it was a difficult pill to swallow.

"And what if this doesn't work, Aemond?" She asked quietly, her voice tinged with concern. "What then? What if this witch fails us? Or worse, forsakes us?"

Aemond let out a heavy sigh, his thumb tracing circles on Aurora's hand, a soothing gesture.

"I cannot predict the future." He replied, his voice steady.

"But I cannot afford to consider the 'what ifs' and 'what if nots'. All I know is that we must try, for the sake of our child. We must have faith." He pulled her into his chest, stroking her hair in a soothing motion. "You are not to let her treat you alone, this is all I ask of you, my love. Is that understood?"

Aurora sank into his embrace, her body relaxing against his. She could feel the love and concern radiating from him, and even though doubts still lingered in her mind, she found solace in his presence.

"I understand." She murmured, her voice muffled against his chest.

Aemond tightened his hold on her, his chin resting gently on the top of her head. He knew her well enough to sense that her worries were still present, despite her agreement.

"Please don't fret, my love." He whispered, his voice soft. "We will get through this. Together."

Aemond felt the slight shift in Aurora's demeanor. The tension in her body had eased, her usual guardedness softening and she seemed to be nuzzling further into him.

"What is it?" He asked, his voice low and gentle.

Aurora hummed softly against his chest, her eyes closed as she leaned into him. In that moment, a rare unguarded moment, she felt safe and comforted in his embrace.