ℍ𝕚𝕤 𝔹𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 | 𝐻𝑜𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒟𝓇𝒶𝑔𝑜𝓃

16

Cerys lingered by the gates, the frost biting at her fingers as she watched Aemond walk up the hill/ She barely noticed Cregan stepping beside her, his gaze shifting from her face to the approaching prince. Her brow creased, worry pooling in her eyes, and Cregan hesitated, uncertain whether to wake her from her thoughts. 

When Aemond entered the gates, he rested a hand on his sword's hilt. His gaze found Cerys instantly; she looked different—her hair had grown longer, tumbling in loose waves over a Northern cloak that made her appear almost as if she belonged here. He hadn't seen her in months, yet there she stood, altered in ways he could hardly grasp.

"My prince!" Cregan called out, a warm edge in his voice. "You caught us by surprise this morning."

Aemond's gaze flicked coldly to the Northern lord. "Indeed. I apologize for the suddenness."

Their exchange broke Cerys's trance, and she quickly straightened, her eyes still fixed on Aemond.

"Well then, what brings you to Winterfell?" Cregan teased, a faint smile playing at his lips. "My prince?"

Aemond's jaw tightened, and his stare shifted back to Cerys. "Not you, I'm afraid," he replied. "I've come for her."

The words landed like stones, heavy and cold. Cerys inhaled sharply, though she wasn't sure if it was Aemond's words or Cregan's hand pressing protectively against her back.

"My fiancée?" Cregan's voice cut through the thickening tension, tinged with a curiosity that bordered on disbelief. "Why?"

"It seems there's a....misunderstanding between us," Aemond said smoothly, his eyes narrowing. "But this is something she and I must discuss alone."

Cregan's mouth curved into a dry chuckle. "Forgive me, my prince, but I wouldn't allow her alone with any man, especially one who arrived unannounced." He turned to Cerys, his gaze softened. "Cerys?"

She gave a faint nod, her hand pressed firmly against his chest, steadying them both as their faces came close enough to share breath. "It's all right," she murmured. "I can handle this."

Cregan's eyes lingered on her for a moment, doubt flickering before he finally nodded. "You have five minutes," he said to Aemond sternly. 

When Cregan stepped away, Cerys felt Aemond pull her toward him, drawn as if by an invisible thread. "Why are you here, Aemond?" she whispered, his hands hovering just shy of touching her.

"I came because—because I was wrong," he said, his voice low. "Cerys, I know things have soured between us, but I can't forget..." His words trailed off, eyes searching hers. "You're worth more than this life, more than me. But—I can't let you go without trying." He leaned closer, his breath mingling with hers. "I'm here to propose to you. Again."

Cerys shook her head, wrenching herself back a step. "Stop it, Aemond. This isn't a game."

He blinked, clearly caught off-guard. "What?"

The snow fell quietly around them, landing on their shoulders and drifting in Cerys's hair as she looked away, shivering slightly.

"I'm engaged. To Cregan. If he even heard you speak like this, he'd have your head—"

Aemond's mouth twisted. "Must I remind you? He's only the Warden of the North. I'm a Targaryen prince."

"And you have no place here, Aemond," she shot back. "This isn't your land."

The retort seemed to sting, and he paused, studying her as if she'd turned into something foreign. "So you're defending him now?" he asked, disbelief evident in his voice.

"He's been nothing but kind to me," she replied quietly. "I have no reason to doubt him."

A smirk flashed across Aemond's face, hard and brittle. "I see. You two have grown quite close," he murmured, his fingers brushing the fur pelt draped over her shoulders. "You even dress like them now."

"Enough, Aemond," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper. His hand fell to his side, and he stepped closer, ignoring her retreat.

"Do you care for him?" His voice was almost taunting, but his eyes betrayed something raw beneath the bitterness. She turned away, feeling the weight of his stare.

"Why must you ask these things?" She bit her lip, hiding the tremor in her voice. The truth of her heart lay tangled, and Aemond's relentless gaze wasn't making it any easier to sort.

Aemond leaned closer, his voice lowering. "Have you done something with him that you don't want to tell me?"

The words ignited something sharp within her, but she kept her voice calm. "You're out of line, Aemond."

Just then, Cregan appeared, a steadying presence at her back. "Everything all right here?" he asked. 

"Yes," she answered quickly, her face hot with embarrassment. "Everything's fine."

She could feel the tension mounting as Aemond inclined his head toward Cregan. "My lord, if it's not an inconvenience, I would like to stay the night."

"Of course," Cregan replied, though his eyes lingered a beat too long on Aemond. He glanced down at Cerys, concern etched into his brow. As he called a servant to escort Aemond to his chamber, he leaned close to her ear. "We need to talk. Now."

They walked to their chambers in silence, and the moment they were inside, Cregan shut the door with a loud slam. His hands ran through his hair, his chest rising and falling with barely restrained frustration.

"It's him, isn't it?" he demanded, voice trembling.

Cerys swallowed, guilt flashing across her face. "What?"

"Don't pretend to be oblivious, Cerys. Is it him?" His voice cracked, and his eyes were dark with pain as he stood in front of her. His eyes reddening. 

She looked away, nodding, and Cregan let out a shaky breath, holding back his anger, his sorrow.

"So... what now?" he asked quietly, not daring to meet her eyes afraid she'd see the tears fighting to fall down his eyes. 

"I—I don't know," she admitted, her voice breaking as she stared into the fire. She felt his hand rest on her shoulder, grounding and tender despite the storm that lingered between them.

"Whatever you choose, Cerys," he murmured, his voice rough, "I'll respect it—even if it breaks me." He placed a tender kiss on the side of her face, staying beside her until he withdrew, leaving her alone in the silence. She didn't know whether to cry, scream, or remain stoic, but as the door clicked shut behind him, the weight of her decision settled heavily upon her, tearing her heart in two.

OMG it's literally been AGES since I've posted. I've had no time to write since I'm in university now and the work load is insane 😭 I hope you all enjoy <3