The She-Dragon

• Man And Wife •

A year had passed, and the day of Elaenys's and Aemond's wedding had finally arrived. The castle was alive with a flurry of activity, the halls adorned with vibrant banners and fragrant flowers. Despite the grandeur of the occasion, an undercurrent of tension remained; the family, still divided, had come together for the sake of their House.

In her chambers, Elaenys stood before a grand mirror, her heart a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. Her handmaidens moved around her with practiced grace, each attending to a different aspect of her preparation. One handmaiden deftly braided her long silver hair, interweaving it with delicate pearls and tiny dragon-shaped ornaments. Another adjusted the intricate lace of her gown, ensuring every detail was flawless. The gown was a masterpiece, shimmering with the light and reflecting a myriad of hues.

"Hold still, your grace."

one of the handmaidens said softly as she fastened a necklace of sapphires around Elaenys's neck.

"You look absolutely stunning."

Elaenys smiled, though her thoughts were a whirlwind. She considered the fragile peace that had been maintained within her family over the past year and the journey she had taken with Aemond. Despite the tension, today was a day of hope and new beginnings.

In another part of the castle, Aemond was also being prepared for the ceremony. His handmaidens worked with swift precision, ensuring his attire was impeccable. They dressed him in a dark, richly embroidered doublet, fastening a crimson cloak over his shoulders. One handmaiden polished his boots until they gleamed, while another adjusted the silver brooch that held his cloak in place.

"Remember to breathe, your grace."

one of the handmaidens advised with a smile as she handed him his sword.

"Today is a day to celebrate."

Aemond nodded, a rare smile softening his usually stern features. He thought of Elaenys, her fierce spirit and the bond they had forged over the past year. Despite the divisions within their family, he was ready to stand by her side and build a future together.

As the final preparations were made, both Elaenys and Aemond took a moment to reflect on the journey that had brought them to this day. The castle bells began to toll, signaling the start of the ceremony. Elaenys took one last look in the mirror, her heart swelling with a mix of excitement and resolve. With her handmaidens by her side, she stepped out of her chambers, ready to meet her future.

As Elaenys walked into the great hall, a hush fell over the gathered crowd. The grandeur of the room, adorned with banners and filled with noble guests, seemed to fade into the background as all eyes turned to her. She moved with an ethereal grace, her gown shimmering with each step, and the pearls in her hair catching the light. The handmaidens had done their work well; she looked every bit the queen she was destined to be.

Whispers of admiration rippled through the hall. "She looks like a vision," someone murmured. "Truly a match for Aemond," another voice added. The guests, despite their divided loyalties, could not help but be captivated by her presence.

Aemond stood at the end of the aisle, his gaze fixed solely on Elaenys. As she approached, he felt his heart swell with pride and affection. In that moment, the divisions and tensions within their family seemed to melt away. All that mattered was the woman walking towards him.

When Elaenys finally reached Aemond, she looked up and met his gaze. In his one eye, she saw a depth of emotion that took her breath away. There was strength, determination, and an unspoken promise of unwavering support. Aemond, in turn, saw in her eyes a reflection of his own feelings—love, hope, and a shared resolve to face whatever the future held together.