The Realms Rose | Aemond Targaryen / Daemon Targaryen

LVII

|

Aurora laid awake, the shadows of the nightmares still lingering in the back of her mind. Her hand went to her growing belly, as she felt the restless kicks of her child. It seemed as though sleep evaded her purposely.

Her thoughts wandered to Daemon, wondering where he was and how he was faring. A part of her hoped that he would return soon and bring her some comfort, some safety from the horrors that stalked her dreams, and those that lingered a few chambers away. No doubt sinking into his cups, declaring himself king as he manhandled any woman unlucky enough to cross his path. 

Alys' cryptic words about the dreams echoed in her head, stirring a sense of unease within her. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to them than just nightmares.

When she finally found herself succumbing to sleep, the crash of her chambers door opening woke her in a fright.

There stood her husband, soaked head to foot, his usual meticulously straight silver locks clinging to his back in loose waves. She couldn't decipher whether the droplets beneath his good eye were from the weather or perhaps tears.

She sat up a bit straighter, her eyes darting over him, taking in his appearance. The droplets, the tangled hair, the look in his eye.

He seemed different, almost shaken.

Like a frightened little boy in distress, desperate and in need of comfort.

Aurora's eyes widened as she looked at him, a mix of surprise and worry in her gaze. She slowly pushed the blankets off, her hand unconsciously going to her small swollen belly. She slowly got out of bed, padding quietly over to him.

As she reached him, she reached up a hand to touch his face, concern etched in her features. "Aemond?" she spoke softly, her voice a gentle murmur.

Aemond dropped to his knees, burying his face into the silk of her nightdress. She stood frozen for a moment, and unless her mind had conjured it and mistaken her, she thought she heard a soft sob escape her husbands lips, muffled by her clothes.

Aurora stood there for a moment, her hands frozen mid-air. She could hardly believe what she was witnessing. Aemond, her cold and distant husband, reduced to sobbing against her pregnant belly. It was unlike anything she had ever seen from him before.

After a moment, she finally found her voice. "Husband?" she murmured, her hand slowly moving to stroke his hair gently. "What has happened?"

Seeing Aemond in such a vulnerable state tugged at something deep within Aurora. She couldn't help but wonder if things had been different from the start, if he had been more open with his emotions, if their marriage might have been spared from the storm that was brewing around them.

Gentle fingers continued to run through his wet hair. Her voice was soft as she spoke, "Please, Aemond. Talk to me. You do not have to bear the weight of your troubles alone."

His arms wrapped around her waist, holding her tightly as if she was his lifeline. He took a deep, shuddering breath, his face still buried in her clothes. He was silent for a few moments, as if gathering his thoughts.

Eventually he spoke, his voice hoarse with emotion. "Do not look at me," he murmured with self loathing. "I'm not worthy of your affection."

A frown formed on her brow as she heard his words. Her hand continued to move through his hair, a gentle caress that she hoped was soothing.