Inviolable Bindings | Aemond & Aegon II Targaryen

Chapter 47

After one of the meetings again turned sour, Viserra approached Cole in privacy. The tension between him and Aemond had reached a boiling point with their continued disagreement over whether or not to abandon Harrenhal and head to join the Hightower armies south.

Cole confided in her of rumors that Caraxes had been spotted near Maidenpool. Something he did not wish to tell Aemond, who he feared would depart from the castle and challenge his uncle without another thought to anyone else's safety.

To her dismay, Viserra could not dispute Cole's concerns. It was more than just a possibility that Aemond would indeed rush there in an attempt to face Daemon alone. She also shared his worries that staying in Harrenhal made them sitting ducks and even more so if their enemy was only a short flight away.

The next morning, without the Prince Regent's blessing, Cole took the armies and headed south. Viserra watched Aemond fume with anger at the betrayal, completely inconsolable and leaving the fortress to seek solace on dragonback.

The army's departure left Harrenhal even more desolate and ominous. The dark and unpleasant feeling that haunted the castle only grew, making Viserra feel more anxious to make some kind of move on her own. The growing frustration with Aemond's unwillingness to consider smarter and more strategic decisions left her no choice but to act on her own accord.

With little to no options left, Viserra sought out the only other one that might be able to help. She had avoided Alys since the day she awoke from the visions, but now, she needed more answers.

As usual, Alys was in her tower working on her medicines and elixirs. When Viserra appeared in the doorway, she looked up, seeming to be pleased and greeting her with a smile..

"I do say it took longer than I thought it would for you to return to me," she spoke, her voice pleasant and curious as usual. "But what brings you here today?"

Viserra did not waste time with pleasantries, diving straight into her concerns. "We are running out of options," she admitted.

Alys continued to tear the leaves off of a branch, dropping them into the bowl in front of her. "There are always options," she replied. "But what is most important to you in this moment?"

Taken aback by Alys' willingness to help, she found herself searching for her next words. "I-I need my dragon," she blurred out. "Without him, I am but a grounded bird who cannot help as I should. And perhaps Aemond might be more adept at listening to me if I were able to again wield power in the skies."

Alys' eyes sparked with intrigue. "If this is what you wish, I can help," she responded, her hands stopping their work for the first time since Viserra had entered. "But convincing Aemond of such will be most difficult."

Viserra knew that trying to pass anything by Aemond would be difficult, but she would not back down from the challenge. "I understand," she replied. "But I need Rhn. Aemond must see reason on this."

Alys set aside the bowl in front of her, standing from the chair and approaching Viserra. "Aemond is driven by anger and pride," she stated. "But he cares for you deeply."

Viserra took in a deep breath, unable to name the feeling that came with hearing another speak of Aemond's opinion of her.

"Show him how vital it is for you to be reunited with your dragon," she continued on. "And I will prepare what is needed to give you this opportunity."

Viserra nodded.

"But know that there is always a price to be paid for bribing fate to fall in your favor," she continued.

Viserra narrowed her eyes at the witch's words. "And what might I be wagering?" Viserra asked, suddenly unsure of the path she was about to depart on.

"It is not for me to say, but for the winds to determine on their own." Alys spoke, not diverting from her pleasant demeanor.