A Dance Of Scales And Shadows | Aemond Targaryen x OC

Part 9 - The Weight Of Words

Jace was sent to the North,  while Luke was dispatched to Storm's End. Under the Daemon's stringent orders, Aika was restricted to only specific areas within the Dragonstone, complicating her escape plan significantly and turning each attempt into a difficult challenge.

During one of the nights when she attempted to fly away on her dragon, she was stopped by Daemon himself and didn't even manage to leave the castle.

"It's in your best interest to cooperate and not create problems," Daemon said as he escorted her back to her room. "Be grateful that you're being fed and have a bed. If it were up to me, members of the usurper's family would be left to rot in dungeons."

Aika kept silent. Anything she said could have worsened her situation. Besides, she feared Daemon. He had never been kind to her or her siblings, and a few days earlier, she genuinely believed he might kill her.

Before closing her door Daemon spat one more warning, "Try this once more and you will be dead."

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Tragic news reached Dragonstone. Although no one directly informed Aika, she overheard from the servants and guards that Lucerys Velaryon and his dragon had been brutally murdered by Aemond and Vhagar. Initially, she could hardly believe it, but as the days passed, the rumor gained credibility, especially after Rhaenyra discovered Luke's remains on a seashore. In response, two additional guards were stationed outside her door.

The following day, Aika saw Vermax soaring through the sky, signaling Jace's return to Dragonstone. She wished she could go out and greet him, but she was no longer permitted to leave her room. All she could do was wait for Jace to come and see her, and fortunately, the wait was not long.

"The Prince Jacaerys Velaryon is here," the guards announced as Jace entered the room.

Though only a week had passed, Jace had grown significantly in Aika's eyes. He had become a bit taller, and his hair had grown longer, forming beautiful curls. He had truly matured into a wonderful young man, but his eyes were filled with deep sorrow.

"I am so sorry for Luke," Aika said, unsure of what else to say.

But words weren't needed at that moment. Jace stepped closer and hugged her. She hugged him in return, feeling his tears sliding down her neck and shoulder. It wasn't a romantic but rather a comforting gesture.

Once he felt lighter, they simply sat together in the room in silence. 

The sun passed the horizon line. The wood in the fireplace crackled casting shadows on the walls. It was such a contrast between their heavy silence and the fire's warmth that enveloped them. Jace was first to disturb the silence.

"What was the deal?" he asked.

"Huh?" Aika looked at him.

"What did you ask from my mother? What was the deal that made you agree to marry me?" Contrary to Aika, Jace avoided eye contact.

"Safety for my brothers," she replied.

"One of your brothers usurped the throne, while the other killed my brother. What kind of safety do you think they deserve?" His tone changed.

"They are my fa—"

"Did your family think that your life would be in danger as a consequence of their actions?"

"Is my life in danger?" Aika replied coldly, staring at the flames. This time, it was Jace who looked at her.

"If you don't bend the knee, it will be out of my control," he said, sorrow evident in his voice.

"It is within your control to let me free." Her voice escaped before she had fully considered it.

To her surprise, instead of a sharp decline he fell silent for a moment.