ℍ𝕚𝕤 𝔹𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 | 𝐻𝑜𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒟𝓇𝒶𝑔𝑜𝓃

06

It had been ages since Cerys had walked through the grand halls of the Red Keep. So, while the boys reveled in their contentment, she decided to indulge in her mischief. While reconnecting with other maidens she knew in the castle, she earned bits of gossip. Though she knew it was improper, she'd relay the information to Jace and Luke about the mockery Aegon had recently earned. 

With determination to find her nephews, she lifted the hem of the dress as she hurried up the stone steps. However, she accidentally turned into an unfamiliar hallway and felt uncertain about her whereabouts. She continued, hoping to find a familiar face. 

After several anxious turns, she collided with something solid. Her hand flew to her face in pain, as she winced in agony.

"Oh--My apologies" 

she stammered, looking up to see the displeased face of Ser Criston Cole. 

"Cerys--Strong?" 

He inquired, eyeing her up and down as she fixed her posture. 

"Ser Criston" 

She responded, lowering her hand from the side of her face. 

"These are the green's royal chambers, you do know this?" 

He questioned sternly. 

"Well, now I am aware." 

She mumbled, trying to maintain her composure. 

"So, what are you doing here?" 

He asked, stepping closer, his eyes narrowing. 

"I--" 

"I told her to meet me here" 

A voice interrupted. 

She froze by the familiarity of the mature male voice growing louder behind her. Afraid to turn around, she felt a gentle, warm hand on her lower back. Gathering courage, she looked up to see Aemond beside her. He exchanged a glance with Ser Cristone Cole briefly before the knight responded. 

"I see." 

Criston said, bowing to Prince Aemond and then excusing himself.

Cerys exhaled deeply once Aemond's hand withdrew. He turned to look down at her and she was utterly mesmerized by how beautifully breathtaking he was up close. She was certain that without his missing eye, it would have been impossible to look away from his beautiful blue eyes. Yet,  even with the eyepatch and the long scar, his beauty was undeniable. She felt the hand that had rested on her side slowly lift. She just wanted to run her hands through his hair and-

"Are you alright?" 

He asked looking down into her eyes, unaware of her thoughts and simply about her well-being after her interaction with the knight. She snapped out of her thoughts, realizing just how close they were. 

"I'm fine, thank you." 

She said, pulling away from him. 

"I should take my leave" 

"Cerys..." 

Aemond called out to her as she walked away, ignoring him. 

She couldn't bear to face him, especially so close. It was all too overwhelming. She couldn't have her mind clouded about thoughts of him. She hurried down the stairs, Aemond trailing behind her.

"Cerys?"

Jace questioned as she reached the bottom. 

"Jace!"