From Ashes to a New Beginning. Aemond Targaryen

𝟭𝟵. 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱.

Perspective of Laena Velaryon. 

Since our arrival in Pentos, I have experienced a persistent unease that I generally heed, as my instincts have rarely failed me. After freeing myself from the chain that binds me to the saddle on Vhagar, I help my stepdaughter dismount and then run a hand along the neck of my faithful dragon. Vhagar responds with a violent shake of her head and presses against me, as if sensing the anxiety that overwhelms me. Gently, I press my forehead against Vhagar's colossal muzzle and close my eyes, allowing myself to calm both her and myself.

I ensure that the guards unload the luggage we carried on my dragon's back. Fortunately, Vhagar remains calm, so I release her to fly freely and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

My eyes meet Aelyssa's, who watches me with an amused expression. I smile at her and take her hand, leading her towards the mansion where we are staying, confident that Daemon is waiting for us inside.

"We had so much fun" Aelyssa remarks cheerfully. To avoid disheartening her, I return the gesture by gently pinching her nose.

"Indeed" I reply.

"I hope we can return soon."

"We've just arrived in Pentos and you're already eager to go back to King's Landing? You're quite the traveler" I say with a laugh and Aelyssa returns my smile as we approach the front door.

The servants greet us warmly and Aelyssa runs towards the office where my husband is usually found. I sigh as I move gracefully forward, greeting the maids who come to take the luggage from the trip.

Despite the warm welcome, something doesn't feel right. I sense a tension in the air that intensifies as we reach the room where Daemon is lifting the girl towards the ceiling, spinning her around as she laughs heartily. Although they seem happy, the moment Daemon lowers Aelyssa and fixes his gaze on me, a shiver runs down my spine. His gaze is cold and distant.

I maintain my composure as I advance with a smile. When I reach my husband, I bow to kiss him on the cheek. His eyes remain dry, but he hides his coldness with a smile directed at his daughter.

Daemon must be aware. He must know what truly happened in the capital and is likely waiting for the moment Aelyssa leaves to reprimand me or, worse, confront me with the truth.

"How was the trip? Did you enjoy your stay in Driftmark?" Daemon asks Aelyssa with a smile that only I recognize as false. Aelyssa nods and begins to enthusiastically recount activities we didn't actually do in my homeland.

Watching Daemon, I realize he follows Aelyssa's narrative with apparent credulity, but his gaze when he looks at me again confirms my fears. He knows the truth.

Aelyssa takes my hand and drags me to her room, where we chat for a good while. My eyes wander to the maids who are organizing the trunks with the clothes and toys Aelyssa brought. Dinner was particularly uncomfortable for me, as I watched my husband in silence, with a demeanor that appeared peaceful at first glance but couldn't conceal the fire burning in his eyes. I pretend not to notice his intense gaze from the corner of his eye as he sips from his wine goblet. Tonight, I anticipated a confrontation; for now, I can only show Aelyssa that everything is fine.

Seeing Aelyssa so cheerful is a comfort. Since we began the journey, she has been a different person: full of energy, radiant and positive, as she should always have been. I'm glad to see her this way.

Since I learned of my husband's illegitimate daughter, I have always desired to meet her. I never expected Daemon to cast her aside for my sake. I am well aware of how I've upset my parents and other nobles by allowing the bastard child to live with us and, above all, by treating her as if she were my own. I do not regret it; I have never agreed with the mistreatment and disdain towards illegitimate children. It's not as if they could choose where or to whom they were born. No one can control that; such malicious actions are the result of parental irresponsibility and cruelty, not the children's fault.