Sun and Fire ~ Aemond Targaryen

11. The Winner of the Match

Daemma's eyes widened in surprise as Aemond led her into a seemingly empty room. The plush curtains were closed, making the space barely lit despite it being daytime. Aemond approached a massive, heavy-looking shelf and with some effort, began dragging it away from the wall. At that moment Daemma noticed a small, hidden door, the same color as the wall.

She couldn't help but smile with intrigue; it was the first secret door of the many she knew existed in the Red Keep. She remembered her father, Prince Aegon, telling her about the numerous tunnels, passages and hidden chambers sometimes used for infiltration or hiding during times of war. Despite her pleas, she hadn't managed to get any clues about any specific one.

As expected, the prince opened the door and stooping to fit through the small entrance to the unknown, said quietly.

"I warn you that all you'll see beyond this door is darkness. Normally, I'd use a torch but I know the way by heart... you'll have to trust me".

"It seems I have no choice" Daemma replied with more excitement than fear. In fact she felt only eager to explore something like this. As Aemond disappeared from her view, Daemma approached, knelt and crossed the threshold of the wall. Indeed, it was completely dark, just as she had been warned. Aemond helped her to her feet and gently pushed her against the wall while he dragged the massive shelf back into place.

Once Aemond had repositioned the shelf and closed the door, Daemma felt as though she had entered the mouth of a wolf. The darkness was absolute, making it impossible to discern anything. Sitting against the wall, she felt a slight unease as she moved her eyes in all directions, trying to make out something in the gloom but without success.

The only sensations she could perceive were the cold breeze brushing against her body and the sounds of Aemond's and her own breathing. It felt as if they had been transported to a completely isolated world with no other souls present but their own. The stillness was almost overwhelming until a slight touch on her stomach jolted her from her thoughts. Aemond had lightly squeezed her flesh in that area before immediately withdrawing.

Daemma realized her cousin was trying to locate her hand or arm to start moving through the place. So she shifted her arm slightly to help him find it. Aemond grasped her left wrist and without saying a word or waiting, began to walk briskly.

She let out a soft complaint as she was almost dragged along at a near-run. As usual, Aemond walked at a dizzying speed, which made her uncomfortable. She feared tripping and falling at any moment and couldn't help but marvel at how her cousin seemed to know the way so confidently, despite the utter darkness.

"Are you sure you know where you're going?" she asked.

"Just keep up"

It was like walking through a dark cave. The sound of their footsteps echoed off the floor, which was probably made of stone like most of the place. Daemma felt the cold wind swirling around her skirt and exposed skin. Despite walking, she still couldn't make out anything; all she could see was an intense blackness everywhere.

Aemond advanced with complete confidence. One hand guided his cousin roughly by the wrist, while the other gripped the wall as they moved. Suddenly he turned sharply to the right and Daemma nearly fell face-first. After stabilizing herself and continuing to walk quickly, she raised her voice with some annoyance.

"Oaf!"

"Stay alert, country girl; we're not there yet, Aemond retorted sharply, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice" I forgot to mention there are rats and spiders here. If you feel one on your feet, don't stop.

{Rats?} Daemma had no issues with spiders but she had always felt a repulsion toward rats. Her body tensed at the warning and she began praying to the Gods to reach their destination as quickly as possible without encountering any.