From Ashes to a New Beginning. Aemond Targaryen

𝟮𝟰. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘀.

Perspective of Aelyssa. 

Sitting at my desk, I analyze the latest letter Aemond has sent me. My eyes trace his handwriting as my jaw tightens while reading about the evil prank his foolish older brother and his nephews played on him.

For a long time, Aemond has been the target of mockery for not having a dragon. But what they did to him this time goes beyond what is acceptable. I understand his fury, especially considering that I myself witnessed his suffering when he was informed that his egg would never hatch. His hopes and dreams of bonding with a dragon born from his own clutch were cruelly dashed.

What hurts me the most is not being able to be there for him. Although he doesn't explicitly mention it in his letters, I can feel the loneliness that accompanies him. His sadness is evident in every written line and it weighs heavily on my chest not being able to offer him the comfort and support he needs.

Helaena has also changed. She is becoming increasingly distant and according to Aemond, she is immersed in an alternate reality. When she speaks, it is almost impossible to understand her because her words are filled with riddles. I remember one particular phrase that left me unsettled.

The oceans call to you, your shadow fades to the sea. 

I heard her say this while she seemed to be in a trance and that phrase has stayed with me since. As I crossed the Narrow Sea to get here, I have been raised by my stepmother and half-sisters, who belong to House Velaryon, whose emblem is the sea. That connection seemed like a sign meant for me.

In one of the history books, I discovered that some Targaryens are born with the gift of prophecy, known as "dragon dreamers." Daenys Targaryen is the most famous example; she saved her house by dreaming of the destruction of ancient Valyria, which allowed the Targaryens to escape the devastation that wiped out the Dragonlords and nearly all the dragons in the world.

Aemond has suggested that Helaena might possess this gift, but I am not sure whether that represents a good or a bad omen.

My fingers intertwine with the ink-soaked quill, ready to respond to my best friend. However, I pause for a moment considering whether I should confess the murder I committed. The idea of writing about such a dark act overwhelms me; my thoughts become clouded as I struggle to find where to begin. Initially, the sense of justice outweighed any remorse, but that feeling has begun to fade and reality is hitting me mercilessly. I have killed a man... I have become a murderer.

I shake my head roughly, causing the strands of hair at the sides of my face to flutter and close my eyes tightly to calm myself. I must get through this. I take a deep breath to ease the anguish in my chest and, ultimately, decide not to mention the incident in my letter to Aemond or to anyone else until I can face my feelings with greater clarity.

To relax, I read Sissel's letter. A soft smile graces my lips as I learn that she is well. I always keep in touch with her and every positive message fills my heart with joy. As my eyes move down the handwriting, recognizing the effort my mother put into learning to write, I am taken aback when I reach the last paragraphs.

I read those paragraphs over and over, trying to believe what I am seeing. 

Ser Noran has proposed to Sissel.

An indescribable emotion wells up inside me and euphoria fills my senses. I let out a deep sigh of pleasure, bringing a hand to my lips. Then, I leap to my feet and run toward Laena's chambers. My legs move at full speed, leaving the people in the hallway behind, who look at me with curiosity, but I do not stop. My dress sways with the agitation of my movements and I hold Sissel's letter firmly in my hand.