A Dance Of Scales And Shadows | Aemond Targaryen x OC

Part 13 - The Shadow of Loss

The maids were quick to inform Aemond that Aika had regained consciousness and left immediately.

"As she awoke, she asked about her dragon, my lord," one of the maids explained. "Since we didn't know what to say, she just got dressed and rushed down the stairs. We tried to stop her, but she wouldn't listen."

Once Aemond reached the Dragonpit and entered through the huge doors, he saw Aika. She was on her feet, crying and hugging the motionless head of Starlight. The dragonkeepers were gathered around the dragon, their faces etched with sadness.

Aemond was relieved that Aika had recovered, but seeing her in this state made his heart sink.

"Princess, she is dead..." said one of the dragonkeepers.

"Let me stay a bit longer," she whispered.

Aemond stood there at a distance, giving Aika the space she needed while she grieved. They say "A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead."

As Aika gently released her hold on Starlight, the dragonkeepers approached the dragon's body to prepare it for cremation. Aemond felt it's appropriate to approach. He kneeled besides her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I am sorry," said Aemond as she looked at him. 

Aika's eyes were puffy from crying. Aemond moved both his hand to caress her face and remove tears streaking her cheeks.

"For what?" she asked.

"For the things I did to you, for the things I did that affected you," answered Aemond.

She hugged him almost melting into the hug. Aemond felt her still tremble in his embrace.

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Aemond rode his horse to Red Keep. Aika nested in his embrace, under his cloak, never wanting to let him go. To her he smelled like calmness, like peace and chamomile tea, like care, like home, like safety. 

Her eyes watered as she thought of Starlight. She loved her endlessly, loved every second as they two flew through clouds and over forests... She quickly wiped her tears, as if felt embarrassing to cry this much.

"It's natural to cry," Aemond spoke quietly.

She wished he would not reach the Red Keep early, and that this moment could last just a little longer.

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News about Aika reached to the Dragonstone as well. Rhaenyra was too much in grief to analyze how Aika escaped and why she got to the Kings Landing injured. Meanwhile, Jace prayed for better news. Though he regretted his decision of letting her go...

He knew exactly what happened to Aika and who was at fault, but as Daemon wasn't on the island he couldn't confront him. But what would be the point of it.