A Dance Of Scales And Shadows | Aemond Targaryen x OC

Part 3 - The White Stag

Aika wasn't sure what she was doing alone in the damp forest this early in the morning. However, she was certain she didn't want to return to Oldtown and meet Lord Tigmund from Hightower.

It smelled earthy here, which she loved. Being surrounded by thick greenery helped her collect her thoughts or clear her head. Lord Tigmund wasn't the first man her grandpa had tried to marry her off to; more than once, she had to fake an illness or run away from the castle to avoid being sold like that.

She promised Rhaenyra to think about her proposal. Even though they were almost the same age Aika never played with Jace when they were kids or with any of the Rhaenyra's kids. But she knew of Jace as noble, reserved, and well-spoken one. Rhaenyra didn't hesitate before giving her a promise, will she keep it? And then she thought of Aemond... It was always very hard not to think of Aemond...

It got super quiet suddenly, which made her horse stop for a moment. She regretted not flying somewhere else with Starlight instead but then she remembered how her dragon is like kitten whenever there is storm or noise anywhere near.

A pair of eyes were looking at her. The white stag stand gazing at her. She knew exactly what it signified and made no hesitation before reaching for her bow.

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In the throne room the maids were actively cleaning the remains of Vaemond Velaryon. The room stopped buzzing when the King once again confirmed Rhaenyra as the heir to the throne. 

Rhaenyra stood before the throne.

"Is there something you want to ask?" King Viseris asked his daughter.

"Yes my king, I came to see you and also to propose an engagement of princess Aika and my son Jaehaerys," spoke Rhaenyra, "Though the princess as I see is not here..." her speech was interrupted by the sound of opening doors of the throne room. 

Aika stood in the middle of them and paced towards the throne, the maids and guards came after her seemingly trying to stop her. She was in a semi-dirty clothes, with a messy braid, but what made people in the throne room gasp and buzz was the thing she dragged with her hand. The head of the white stag bloodily cut was dragged by her up to the iron throne. 

When she stopped near the stairs, she put the head in front of her and bowed like a lady to the King. 

"Is that you Aika?" spoke Viseris who was clearly surprised but not angered in any sense, "you surely know how to surprise me" and he let a heartfelt laughter. 

"I brought this as a gift to you my father" Aika replied, "thought that would be rude to come here without a proper present." She could sense Otto Hightower sending daggers towards her with his gaze, and knew she stole everyone's attention in the room.

"Only kings were able to hunt white stags," said Viseris smiling, "I am impressed, but glad you came right now as the princess Rhaenyra suggested a proposal for you"

"Your grace, I don't think it's appropriate to discuss such matters with so many people here.." started Otto but was interrupted by Aika.

"No need for discussions father" Aika looked at Rhaenyra avoiding looking at her brothers, "I have already decided to accept her proposal."