Heir of the Dragon

Flight of Fancy

"Jessica!" Aemond called after her as he ran to catch up with her.

Jessica didn't hear Aemond, and didn't stop running until she was in the middle of the courtyard of Maegor's Holdfast. Once she felt the cool night air, did she stop to catch her breath. She wrapped her arms around herself and let her head fall back, closing her eyes.

She felt arms go around her as Aemond skidded to a halt.

"We're all going to die." Jessica's head fell into his chest.

"My Love." Aemond tried to soothe. "Look at me."

"This war will be the death of us all." Jessica sobbed.

"Jessica." Aemond said more firmly. He gently took her face in his hands, and forced her to look up at him.

"That girl was a charlatan, nothing more. No one is going anywhere. Jessica, listen to me."

Jessica was panting hard, but eventually she relented, and wrapped her arms around Aemond's waist, as Aemond leaned down and pressed his forehead to hers. And slowly but surely did Jessica begin to calm.

"Gods be dammed." Otto breathed from the balcony above. "And I was so sure it was Aegon."

"Shh." Alicent shushed him. "I told you weeks ago why this match was so favorable. Those two are of the same flame. If anyone can calm him, or anyone can sway her. They were made for each other."

A heartbeat later Jessica was laughing hysterically.

Aemond tilted his head and smiled down at her. "Do I get to know what is so funny?"

"Eight children." Jessica laughed. "And three husbands."

Aemond's thumb rubbed against her cheek. "I thought we wanted a large family."

Jessica beamed, and shook her head back and forth. "I don't believe we've ever had that discussion. And now three husbands."

"Please." Aemond scoffed. "I'd have to be dead in a lake somewhere before I let another man touch you."

"Come, let's let them be." Alicent touched her father's arm and walked away."

Jessica was reading High Valyrian to Prince Jaehaerys the next morning, when she heard footsteps approach.

Jessica paused her reading and looked up. "Aegon."

Aegon smiled at them. "Helaena said you'd both be here."

Jessica let Jaehareys continue to look through the book and went over to Aegon. "We're in the middle of a lesson, Your Grace."

Aegon grinned ear to ear. "We're going to be like that, really?"

Jessica giggled, relaxing. "I want my nephew to grow up to be a great king. Just like his father."

Aegon pulled her closed, and kissed her softly. "I'm taking him to the small council. As you said he'll be a great king, and he must begin his instruction."

Jessica shook her head. "And humor me. What if Jaehaerys does not want to be king, but just a farmer in some small country estate?"

Both of them began laughing hysterically. "About last night -"

"I only have one thing to say on the matter." Aegon pulled her closer. "Aemond may be your first husband. I intend to be your last."

Jessica felt a tug on her dress. She looked down to find Jaehaerys looking up at her with bright eyes. Jessica smiled softly. "I'm not invited to the Council, Sweet Boy."