Shattered Rubies

Chapter 15

After spending an entire morning with Aegon, praying that he wakes, Elinor was now running late for a council meeting, she could care less what anyone at that table were to say.

"The King does not lack for heirs" Elinor heard Lord Jasper say as she walked through the doors and into the room, "What's happening?" she asked making her way to her chair.

"We need someone to sit whilst Aegon remains abed" Alicent informed Elinor, whom nodded, "I'm the Queen, so should i not sit?"

"You're the Queen Consort, your grace, how would it look against Rhaenyra if we allow a woman to rule?" Elinor sighed, "Then Criston should" she pointed out.

"I've placed myself as a candidate but none of them seem to agree with me" Elinor sighed, "It should be Aemond your grace" Elinor shook her head, not Aemond.

"No! Anyone but him, you've seen what he had done, I know he burnt the King. I feel it in my bones and gods be damned I will not see the throne pass to him."

"He is a man, and heir to the throne."

"The son I am carrying is heir to the throne!" Elinor admitted banging her hands on the table as she stood up, "We do not know for sure if the babe you carry is a son, Aemond should sit."

Elinor sighed, "Ser Criston, you speak with the voice of the crown, what say you?" Everyone turned to Criston awaiting his response, Alicent looking at him, "Aemond is the next in line, it must be him."

Elinor sighed and sent a glare to Aemond, he smirked and stood up, "It's agreed then" he wanted around the table, taking Aegon's ball on the wall and strutted to his chair.

"What is our standing?" He started off, feeling all high and powerful, "The banners of House Tully are in disarray, they want to side with us since the Queen is part Tully but they want to hold their oath to Rhaenyra."

Elinor shook her head, still in disbelief that Aemond was now Prince Regent, "My cousin Lord Simon sent word, Daemon has little hope of fielding an army of any" Aemond, still with that smirk on his face, nodded his head.

"I will do well to send word to my cousin" Aemond nodded in agreement, his eyebrow furrowed together, "And tell me, Elinor, how could I trust the council of a woman whom leaves the jewel of the River lands to be plucked by our enemy."

"I know you do not trust me, nor do I you, but Aemond I'm the Queen and my coin is the only thing keeping you warm and fed, I could easily withdraw it all and leave you all to go begger" Elinor lifted her cup to her lips, "Should I?"

Aemond scoffed and rolled his eyes, not believing she said that, "Your brothers host to meet Daemon, he should quicken his pace. Contract the Rivermen while their banners are in disarray."

"I shall sent Lord Jason encouragement" Tyland nodded, "What else?" Aemond asked wanting to speed through whatever the men had to say, "We might turn our attention to the smallfolk here in Kingslanding. They have grown weary of the Seasnakes blockade."

"So have we all."

"Many are fleeing the city, spreading word to their fear" Aemond hummed, thinking for a moment before speaking again, "Then let the gates be closed" Elinor's face felll.

"No one is to leave or enter save without our consent; merchants, so forth-" Elinor scoffed gaining Aemond's attention, "No. You want our people to feel caged? Trapped like animals ready to be slaughtered. They will not like it".

"To hell with what they like" Aemond sent Elinor a glare, she shook her head and left the council, Aegon would never have done this.

As Elinor stormed out the room, Alicent walked after her, "You cannot just leave a council like that" she called after Elinor.

She hugged and turned around, slowly walking to Alicent, "Listen here Alicent, that monster back there, he almost killed my husband. I know it all so he can have power and I know you it."

****

Later that night, Elinor sat beside Aegon, still unconscious, "I know who did this to you Aegon" she whispered to him, she sighed after yet another listen response, "Maelora's been asking for you. She misses you, as do I."

Elinor closed her eyes, holding back a sob, opening her eyes she let out a breath and leaned closer taking Aegon's hand in hers, "I love you Aegon" she whispered and kissed his hand.

Closing her eyes, she lowered her hand onto Aegon's hand, suddenly she felt his hand slightly squeeze hers, rabidly she lifted her head, tears fell down her cheeks.

"I knew it" she whispered and kissed his hand.

After leaving Aegon with the million of Maesters, Elinor searched the castle for Aemond, wanting to give him a piece of her mind.

"Where's Prince Aemond?" Elinor asked one of the Kingsguard, "The throne room your grace" Elinor thanked the guard and made for the throne room.

Quietly closing the door, Elinor stomped towards Aemond, once close enough Elinor balled her fists, "Hey Kinslayer!" Elinor yelled and once Aemond turned around he was met with a fist against his jaw.

"Damn woman!" He yelled stumbling back one step, "You did this!" She yelled and punched him again, her hand colliding with eye, "Was I worth it? Was it?!"

As Elinor went for another punch, Aemond caught her fist, "You're mad!"

"I might be but at least not no Kinslayer" Elinor kneed him in the crotch, Aemond doubled over, "Fuck you" Aemond yelled in High Valyrian, lifting his head to slap her, which he did.

Elinor's fingers went to her lip, blood covered her fingers, a cut on her lip, his hand going to her neck.

Elinor spat in his face, "I don't know-" she drew in a breath, "why I even-" Aemond tightened his grip around her neck, Elinor gasping for breath, "-I even married you in the-" she tried to take a breath, drawing in little to less air, "-first place."

Elinor glared up at Aemond and kicked his stomach, "Bitch" he yelled out and let go of her neck, Elinor gasping for breath, "You are...a coward" she said out of breath, Aemond glare up at her, she shook her head and left the room