Flames of Ice | Cregan Stark

49. Cuts That Bleed

Aemyra's pov

Cregan entered the room and sat in his seat.

I glanced over at him and smiled. He was quick to sip his ale.

"Is everything okay at Castle Black?" I leaned in so only he would hear me.

"Yeah." He brushed it off before taking another drink of ale.

I take it that it wasn't going well at Castle Black.

I shifted in my seat as I exchanged looks with Sara who sat across from me. She must've caught wind of Cregan's demeanor as well.

Everyone began eating, having one last discussion before the men left for the Wall. I slowly began eating even though I felt a weird energy shift between Cregan and I. He would hardly look at me or acknowledge when I spoke.

I reached under the table and set my hand on his thigh. I could tell whatever was in the letter had ruined his evening. "Are you alright?" I looked at him.

"I'm fine." He faked before taking a harsh bite of meat.

I moved my hand and began eating again.

From across the table I could feel Erena's eyes burn into mine. I tried to ignore her, like i always do.

Then Cregan's Aunt Margaret said something to me. "Aemyra, I must say your hair looks beautiful today." She smiled at me.

I smiled back, feeling happy of her kind words. It was rare that I ever received any about my hair.

"Yeah. It's so nice and long. Your hair is so strong and healthy looking. Black hair really suits you." Erena chimed in with a smile.

I shot her a look before continuing on eating.

"I always wondered, where does the black hair come from?" She questioned as she took a drink out of her cup.

Everyone silently observed my reaction to her question. Everybody here knew what she was getting at. Especially by saying strong. People make Strong jokes all the time.

"I d-"

"I mean it is a mystery how your family all have beautiful silver hair while you and your other brothers have dark hair. I mean if I wasnt reminded every 3 minutes that you were a Targaryen princess I would just assume you were anything but... royal."

I gripped my fork tighter in my hand before looking over at Cregan. He was too much in his own world to say anything.

"Well if you must know, Erena. My grandmother Rhaenys' mother is Jocelyn Baratheon. Their family line is known for their black hair. Their dark hair can be very dominating when-" She cut me off.

"Funny considering Rhaenys never inherited it, nor did her children." She smiled. I'll cut her head off if she dare smile at me like that again. "But somehow her grandchildren did?"

"Where are you getting at?" Sara chimed in.

Finally someone stepped in. I wish it had been Cregan.