War Prize • Aemond Targaryen

Chapter 3 - Stolen Kiss

   The day had continued as uneventful after her conversation with Alicent and Aemond. No one had come to her all afternoon, but she had not dared to venture out of her chambers either for fear of running into Aemond. Thoughts of what he might do to her would only drive her to madness in the silence of her confines, so she put her energy into the more beneficial pursuits of figuring out how she would navigate her time here in the Keep. Alicent had not offered her much help in escaping, but there was always Helaena. She was Queen now and thus carried more power through title. The doe-eyed girl had always been soft in heart, and perhaps through morals of her own, she might even choose to help Ilaria escape the situation Aemond had put her in. Perhaps all hope was not yet lost. Yes, Ilaria would have to find a moment to speak with the Queen, but until then, she had to endure whatever Aemond had planned for her that first night. 

   Placed upon the feathered duvet of her bed was a gown fit for a Queen, one that was fashioned in a manner suited for Targaryen royalty, not for a Baratheon Lady. The nightgown and robe in which she had arrived were nowhere to be seen, but she supposed she could not have worn those same garments through the entirety of her stay. Still, this article of clothing before her was far too intricate for simple wear. There was an intention behind it. 

   "What is this?" Ilaria questioned the handmaidens who had helped her with her bath. They were not much older than she - one with hair of gold and the other with brunette locks that resembled her own. She had learned their names to be Elenor and Charlotte. They seemed kind enough, but whether she could trust them was to be determined. Asking them for help to find a moment alone with Helaena would surely reach Aemond's ear before it did the Queen's. 

   "The Prince Regent has requested you wear this tonight, m'lady," the blonde, Charlotte answered. 

   "To what exactly?" Ilaria asked. 

   "The Prince Regent has asked for you to dine with him in his chambers, m'lady."

   Ilaria scoffed and Charlotte looked to her in surprise. Elenor, on the other hand, struggled to force back a smile. Disrespecting the invitation of the prince had elicited two very different responses, and it was becoming clearer who might be ally and who might be foe. Ilaria redirected their attention to the sounds outside her balcony that she'd been hearing all morning. The people were protesting something, although she could not quite make out what it was. "Why are they upset?" she glanced at the open balcony doors. 

   The handmaidens glanced at each other, seemingly debating on how to answer. 

   It was Charlotte who answered, "There has been a blockade placed upon the city."

   "The people are hungry?" Ilaria asked.  

   "The lady should not concern herself over such things," Charlotte said. 

   "I believe the lady can choose what matters she chooses to concern herself over," Ilaria replied and turned to Elenor for an answer. "Are the people hungry?"

   "The people are starved, m'lady," Elenor revealed. Charlotte threw her a dirty look, but refrained from commenting. 

~~~

   Ilaria did not know what to expect when she entered Aemond's chambers, but it certainly was not a feast fit for a family of five. With the blockade in mind, all of this seemed sinful and gluttonous. To indulge like this with a starving population beyond the gates was not something her father would have allowed. Worse of all, it was impossible not to take notice of how near the table was to his bed. Being left alone in his chambers was frightening enough, but to be left so close to where he might want to pursue other activities had her considering her choices in accepting his invitation to dine with him.