Tales Of The Heart [Aemond Targaryen]

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Life is yours, death is mine.

Peace is yours, stress is mine.

Happiness is yours, sorrow is mine.

Everything is yours, but you are mine.

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The council chamber was filled with a sense of solemnity and silence that was unbearable as Rhaenyra and Alicent sat opposite each other on either side of the king. While Daemon Targaryen kept his calm stare at the hand of the king sitting in front of him, just like Aemond kept his stare at Maenya as she just kept her eyes on her lap.

The doors to the chamber opened as the arrival of High Septon was announced, Alicent stood to welcome him while the rest kept seated.

At the head of the table stood High Septon Owen, a figure of reverence and authority, clad in the ceremonial robes of his office. He cleared his throat, and the room fell silent, all eyes turning toward him.

He presented his bow to the king and offered his greetings to the rest as his eyes found Maenya in the last who was softly smiling at him which he returned with a smile and a bow of the head. "We gather here today to discuss rituals that Prince Aemond and Princess Maenya will undergo as part of their wedding ceremony."

Daemon rolled his eyes at the choice of his words. "The bride accompanied by her father will stand beside the groom to alter, placed between the Father and the Mother," he started, "as the seven vows will be exchanged. Vow of loyalty, protection, honor, truth, support, love, and legacy."

Maenya's eyes fell to her lap, she just wanted to run out of here. Aemond glanced at her, his expression unreadable as her words echoed in his head.

You disgust me.

"Then," continued High Septon Owen, "comes the Blessing of the Seven. They will receive blessings from each of the Seven aspects of the gods: the Father, the Mother, the Warrior, the Maiden, the Smith, the Crone, and the Stranger. Each blessing is meant to guide and protect them in their new life together."

Queen Alicent nodded approvingly, while Daemon exchanged an annoyed look with Rhaenyra.

"Next," the High Septon said, "a challenge will be made to oppose the marriage." At this, Maenya looked to her left towards her knight as they briefly exchanged looks which didn't go unnoticed by Aemond. "If the challenge goes unanswered, the bride's cloak will be removed and the groom will place his cloak on her shoulders, as the bride passes from father's to husband's protection."

"Then," he continued, solemn and reverent, "the groom and bride will seal their union with a kiss, witnessed by all. This kiss symbolizes their becoming one flesh, one heart, and one soul."

"Finally," he announced, "we conclude with the ritual of bedding. The bride and groom will be carried to their chambers, where they will consummate their marriage under the watchful eyes of their witnesses, ensuring the union is both true and complete."

Maenya's eyes widened in alarm, and Aemond's expression darkened. Without thinking, both Maenya and Aemond stood abruptly, shouting in unison, "No!"

The abrupt refusal shocked everyone present. Daemon placed a firm hand on Maenya's forearm to guide her back to her seat. "Sit down," he urged quietly, his tone leaving no room for argument as she looked at him baffled.

Aemond, however, was not so easily deterred. He turned to the High Septon, his voice ringing with authority. "There will be no such thing. This is an intimate matter, not a spectacle for the court."