Inviolable Bindings | Aemond & Aegon II Targaryen

Chapter 46

The days seemed to pass in a blur while Viserra tried to find something of a new routine and discover the surrounding area. To her pleasant surprise, there was plenty to do and she did not have to force herself to spend more than a few minutes each day in Alys' presence.

Despite remaining cordial, she could not shake the feeling that there was more to her than just magical claims. Viserra had yet to see the otherworldly abilities Aemond had been so focused on, but Alys did happen to showcase her value and skill by preparing quite a few different elixirs for common ailments. The most important to her, a brew similar to tansy tea, which had been handed off in passing with only a few words in exchange. It was the first time she felt connected to the woman, though it was an easy thing to see eye to eye on, both knowing it was a dreaded responsibility that came with bearing a womb.

Aemond met with Cole each day, sometimes with her and sometimes without. Plans and strategies to take King's Landing when they had the chance were consistently discussed, though they seemed to be lacking in specific details. Each new piece of information presented to both Aemond and Cole was considered carefully, yet nothing had come to them giving them an obvious in to go. With each coming day, there seemed to be more of an underlying divisiveness between the men, something she feared might eventually harm their strength in unity.

On an otherwise uneventful afternoon a raven flew in, bringing news that confirmed all of Viserra's fears. The Lannisfer army, which had been headed to join them at Harrenhal, had been attacked and utterly destroyed within just two days. There had supposedly been attempts to send for help, but those ravens had been shot down in a successful feat to keep their need for more manpower only a thought.

The armies from the North and the Riverlands had made a bold and powerful move in their support for Rhaenyra. Worst of all, there was no telling what might be next, only that Rhaenyra's men had inflicted a significant hit that would be felt through all of their supporters.

Aemond read the letter with rage boiling under his skin, something Viserra picked up on from the moment his eye met the paper. Placing her hand on his arm in a small gesture of support, she watched while being unable to help any of it.

"This is a disaster," he spat, tossing the paper aside and pulling his arm from her touch. "They mean to cripple us, to humiliate us, to attempt to take out our allies because they fear confronting the one who rides a war dragon."

Viserra stepped closer to him but did not attempt to touch him again. "Aemond," she spoke. "We mustn't act without thinking this through. This is war. They will take every chance at weakening us, just as we would to them."

The way that his anger flared at her words made the fire in her veins to begin to simmer as well. "Are you defending the actions of our enemies?" He snapped, his voice dripping with accusation. Before she could retaliate against his words, he turned his attention back towards Cole. "We must take back King's Landing now. We cannot wait any longer."

Cole's brow flinched and he shook his head. "With all due respect, we may have strength in our army, but one dragon against the many in King's Landing would have us quickly outnumbered."

It was not what Aemond wished to hear. His hand slammed on the table and the sound echoed through the quiet room. Viserra and Cole exchanged a look, both coming to the realization that he was not making decisions with logic.

Stepping closer to Aemond who was still leaning over the table, Viserra attempted to find a trace of understanding in his face. "Aemond, we cannot afford to make moves without strategy. Rushing into King's Landing with insufficient means will only ensure we do not succeed."

Aemond's jaw clenched.

"We will find a way to get me to Rhyn, but in the meantime we need more strength from the skies," she explained. "Perhaps we bring Daeron here and then reevaluate retaking the city."