Elaenys Targaryen, the fierce and beautiful daughter of Daemon Targaryen, was legitimized by King Viserys Targaryen on her second nameday. Sharing many of her father's traits, Elaenys grew up on the rugged shores of Dragonstone, honing her strength...
Elaenys Targaryen gazed out of the carriage window as it rolled through the bustling streets of King's Landing. The city was a stark contrast to the rugged, windswept shores of Dragonstone where she had spent her childhood. Here, the air was thick with the scents of spices, sweat, and sea salt, mingling into a heady aroma that spoke of life and vibrancy. The noise of the city was almost overwhelming; merchants haggling, children laughing, and the distant roar of the sea beyond the city walls.
Her thoughts drifted back to the day her life had changed forever. On her second nameday, King Viserys Targaryen had legitimized her, transforming her from a mere bastard into a recognized member of the Targaryen family. The implications of that decision were still unfolding, and today marked another significant turn in her fate.
The carriage came to a gentle stop, and Elaenys felt a flutter of nerves in her stomach. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. As the door opened, she stepped out onto the cobblestones of the Red Keep's courtyard, her heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.
The grandeur of the Red Keep loomed before her, its towering walls and intricate architecture a testament to the power and legacy of House Targaryen. Elaenys smoothed her dress, a deep crimson silk that matched the color of her dragon's scales, and lifted her chin with the regal bearing she had learned to adopt.
She had not seen her cousin, Aemond Targaryen, in years. They had been close as children, their bond forged in shared adventures and the thrill of discovery. Memories of those days flooded her mind: the laughter, the mischief, the unspoken understanding between them. They had been inseparable, two halves of a whole, but time and distance had changed everything.
Now, at seventeen, Elaenys was no longer the carefree child who had roamed the halls of Dragonstone. She was a young woman, fierce and beautiful, with a destiny that stretched out before her like a dragon's wings. She wondered what Aemond was like now, whether the boy she had known had grown into a man she could respect, perhaps even love.
As she walked through the grand entrance of the Red Keep, Elaenys felt the weight of her new reality settle upon her shoulders. She was here to marry Aemond, to forge a bond that would strengthen the Targaryen line and secure their future. But beneath the formalities and expectations, she hoped to find the spark of the friendship they had once shared.
The corridors of the Red Keep were a maze of opulence, adorned with tapestries and golden sconces that cast a warm glow. Servants bowed as she passed, their eyes curious and respectful. Elaenys barely noticed them, her mind focused on the reunion that awaited her.
As she approached the throne room, the doors swung open, revealing a figure standing at the far end. Aemond Targaryen, her cousin, her betrothed. He turned, and their eyes met across the expanse of the room. In that moment, the years melted away, and Elaenys saw not just the man he had become, but the boy she had once known.
With a deep breath, Elaenys stepped forward, ready to face whatever the future held. The journey of a lifetime was about to begin, and she would face it with the strength and fire that defined her Targaryen blood.
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Aemond's heart pounded in his chest as he saw Elaenys walk into the throne room after so many years. The grand hall seemed to fade away, leaving only her presence to fill his senses. She had grown more beautiful, her grace and poise commanding the room effortlessly. Memories of their childhood flooded back, each one a testament to their unbreakable bond.
He felt a surge of emotions—joy, relief, and a profound sense of longing that had been buried deep within him. Her eyes met his, and for a moment, it was as if no time had passed. The years apart melted away, and he was once again the boy who had vowed to protect and cherish her forever.
Aemond took a deep breath, steadying himself. As she approached, he couldn't help but smile, his heart swelling with love and admiration. Seeing Elaenys again was like finding a missing piece of his soul, and he knew, without a doubt, that their destinies were intertwined.
Elaenys felt a whirlwind of emotions as she stepped into the throne room and saw Aemond standing there. Her heart skipped a beat, and she had to remind herself to breathe. The years had changed him, adding a regal strength to his presence, but his one eye still held the same warmth and determination she remembered from their childhood.
As their gazes locked, a flood of memories washed over her—days spent exploring, laughing, and dreaming together. She felt a profound sense of relief and joy, mixed with the bittersweet realization of how much time had passed. It was as if the years melted away, and she was once again the girl who had always felt safe and cherished by his side.
Elaenys's heart swelled with love and pride. Seeing Aemond again reminded her of the bond they shared, a bond that had withstood the test of time and distance. She knew in that moment that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, just as they always had.
Gods she had missed him.
"Ela"
Aemond said calling her by her nickname "Ela," his voice softened, taking on a gentler, more intimate tone. The usual authority in his voice gave way to a tender warmth, filled with affection and familiarity. It was as if the simple act of saying her nickname transported him back to simpler times, allowing a rare glimpse of vulnerability to shine through. The way he said "Ela" carried a world of unspoken emotions—love, longing, and a deep-seated connection that had endured the test of time.
Elaenys heard Aemond call her "Ela," a nickname he had given her as children, a wave of nostalgia and emotion washed over her. It was as if she was instantly transported back to their childhood, to days filled with laughter and dreams.
"It's been a while, Aemond."
Elaenys's voice was bright and filled with warmth as she replied. There was a joyful lilt to her tone, reflecting her happiness at seeing him again. Her words were light and carried a sense of excitement, like a long-lost friend reunited after many years.
As Aemond heard Elaenys speak, a wave of relief and joy washed over him. Her voice, filled with happiness, dispelled the worries and uncertainties that had plagued him during their time apart. He felt a warmth spread through his chest, a sense of comfort and connection that he had sorely missed. Her cheerful tone reassured him that their bond remained unbroken, and he couldn't help but smile, feeling a renewed sense of hope and excitement for what lay ahead.
