ETHEREAL

Chapter 𝟞

...

The following morning dawned with a muted light filtering through the heavy clouds that still lingered over Driftmark. Aevon Targaryen found himself awake before the sun, his mind restless with the events of the previous day. He could still feel the warmth of Baela in his arms, the softness of her voice as she confessed her worries to him. The memory of their almost kiss was a constant reminder of the growing tension between them, a tension that both thrilled and unnerved him.

Aevon dressed quickly, his thoughts occupied with the conversation he knew he needed to have with Lord Corlys. The Sea Snake was a man of few words but great wisdom, and Aevon respected him deeply. He had heard whispers of Corlys's declining health since his return from the Stepstones, and Aevon wanted to hear the truth directly from the man himself.

As he made his way through the quiet halls of High Tide, Aevon's thoughts drifted to Baela. Her vulnerability the night before had stirred something protective in him, something that made him want to shield her from the burdens she carried. He knew that their relationship had changed, that what had once been a bond of friendship and shared history was now evolving into something more profound, something neither of them fully understood yet.

When Aevon arrived at Lord Corlys's solar, he found the Sea Snake sitting by a large window that overlooked the churning sea. The older man's gaze was distant, lost in the waves that crashed against the cliffs below. Aevon hesitated for a moment before clearing his throat softly to announce his presence.

Corlys turned to him, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Aevon," he greeted, his voice steady but tinged with weariness. "You're up early."

Aevon inclined his head respectfully. "I wanted to speak with you, my lord. About Driftmark...and about you."

Corlys motioned for Aevon to sit across from him. "I had a feeling you would seek me out. What's on your mind?"

Aevon took a seat, his gaze meeting Corlys's directly. "Driftmark is a place of great importance, not just to House Velaryon, but to the realm. I've heard rumors of your health, my lord, and I wanted to hear the truth from you."

Corlys's expression softened slightly, a sign of the respect he held for Aevon's straightforwardness. "The truth is, the years have not been kind to me. The Stepstones took their toll, and I am not the man I once was. But my mind remains sharp, and I am still the Lord of the Tides."

Aevon nodded, his concern deepening. "And Driftmark? What do you wish for its future?"

Corlys's gaze turned serious, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered his words. "Driftmark belongs to Lucerys Velaryon. It is his birthright, and I intend to see that it remains so. There are those who would contest his claim, but I will not let Driftmark fall into the wrong hands."

Aevon respected Corlys's determination, but he couldn't ignore the weight of responsibility that came with such a decision. "Lucerys is young, and the realm is full of those who would challenge him. I want to help ensure that his claim is secured, for the sake of Driftmark and for the legacy of House Velaryon."

Corlys studied Aevon for a moment, his expression unreadable. "You have always been a friend to this house, Aevon. Your loyalty to Baela and Rhaena is something I value greatly. If you are offering your support, I will gladly accept it."

Aevon inclined his head. "You have my word, my lord. Whatever comes, I will stand with you and your family."

The Sea Snake nodded, a silent understanding passing between them. After a moment, Corlys's expression softened, and he leaned back in his chair, his gaze returning to the sea. "I appreciate your concern, Aevon. My health may be failing, but my spirit is strong. Driftmark will endure, as it always has."