A Dance Of Scales And Shadows | Aemond Targaryen x OC

Part 2 - The Deal

When she reached the Red Keep she found out that her "beloved" grandpa Otto was not as impressed with her visit as Aegon was.

"If I am not mistaken I ordered you to stay in the Oldtown" was what Otto said first when he saw Alicent and Aika entering the queens chamber.

"I received an invitation from the king. Was I expected to not show up when the king asked?" Aika tried replying firmly, but her voice was fragile and she couldn't even face his grandfather.

"I was preparing you for a marriage to a lord Tigmund Tyrel, who was on his way to the Oldtown, and now when he reaches there he is gonna find that his bride to be flew on a dragon for a feast she could have skipped," Otto seemed irritated, while her mother, the queen Alicent, kept quiet.

"He can wait... besides I didn't agree to marry him yet.."

"It's not a question Aika, dark times are ahead we need alliances with the great houses, soon we will need their support"

"The king is dying Aika" started Alicent, "worse times are ahead, it's not time for playing a rebel, we have duties"

"When father dies Rhaenyra will get the throne, isn't that right?" said Aika "Or are you trying to get Aegon on the throne?"

"You should be smarted than this dear," Otto caught her arms, "it will mean only death for your brothers..." Even though he used endearing term "dear" he sounded stern.

"Be prepared to leave at the sunrise Aika, listen to grandpa," said Alicent and thus Aika stormed out of the chambers.

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On her way to her own room she saw Rhaenyra in the garden and switched her direction towards the garden as well. Aika never had strong admiration and really never felt love towards Rhaenyra. Though she never thought of ill of her as well. Their age gap was a lot for them to play or talk about anything. Though both Otto and her mom thought of her as too optimistic one, in her mind she knew that when Rhaenyra reigns it might cause issues for her brothers.

"I didn't know you would also come, glad you did" said Rhanyra and came forward to hug her. It wasn't the first time she showed kind gesture towards her.

"Seems like you and Aegon are the only one who are glad to see me" smiled Aika, "I missed the inner yards of the Keep" she looked around her.

Rhaenyra took her time to admire her from the side. She wan't alike Alicent, and was prettier than she in her youth. Her eyes had the light purple in them, filled with stars and magic. There was a brief silence between them and to Aika's surprise it was Rhaenyra who spoke first.

"Years ago I suggested for Jace and Heleana to be wed. I believed that would solve a possible conflict. But my suggestion was never accepted by your mother."

"And why are you telling me that?"

"Because I want to suggest another deal to you. I hope you would think more about this than the queen did years ago," Rhaenyra spoke "Marry my son Jace and naturally once my time as the queen passes, you will become the queen of the seven kingdoms."

"I don't want the seven kingdoms you should think of a better deal," calmly replied Aika after a short pause.

"I don't want complications, I don't know of anything better to suggest, I..."

"Safety for my brothers Rhaenyra" replied Aika. Was she seriously considering the proposal or testing the waters, no one knows.