wicked games | aemond targaryen

𝚏𝚒𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚎𝚗

VALAENA STROLLED THROUGH the corridors of Dragonstone, dress swooshing around her feet as she grasped her hands behind her back. She paused at the window, the sound of a dragon's roar catching her attention. She leaned forward, craning her neck until she caught sight of her brother's dragon. A soft smile appeared on her face as Vermax released another roar into the air, no doubt enjoying the ride as much as Jacaerys.

Pulling back into the corridor, she hurriedly made her way down to the dining hall where the rest of her family waited. She strode through the doors, welcomed by lively chatter as her family gathered around the table. She made her way around, stopping briefly behind her youngest brother as she ruffled his dark hair.

"Val," Lucerys moaned as he reached up to fix the mess she left behind.

Valaena giggled as she reached over the table, grabbing a peach from the table and taking a large bite. Her eyes wandered to the servants running around, no doubt in preparation for the large banquet they were throwing for Jacaerys' fourteenth name day.

"You and your peaches," Baela teased as Valaena's eyes wandered over to her sister, who sat across the table.

"I'm trying not to ruin my appetite for tonight," Valaena retorted back as she eyed the large plate of food before her sister rather obviously.

"Trust me, I'll still have plenty of appetite for later," Baela laughed with a shake of her head. Valaena rolled her eyes but could not suppress the smile that appeared on her face.

"Well, if you keep eating like that, there won't be enough food left for the feast," Valaena teased, receiving a mock glare from Baela before she returned to her plate undeterred.

"Your hair looks fine, Luke," Valaena said as she reached out and gently stopped his hand which was fussing with his hair.

"No thanks to you," Lucerys muttered lightheartedly, prompting a short laugh from her.

The sound of the doors opening interrupted their playful banter, and the siblings turned as Jacaerys strode into the hall, still flushed from his flight with Vermax. His eyes gleamed with excitement, a large grin spread across his face as he approached the table.

"Enjoy your ride?" Valaena asked, raising an eyebrow as he dropped into the closest seat with a deep breath.

Jacaerys leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his windswept hair.

"Vermax was in rare form today," he said with a grin. "Felt like we were flying faster than ever before."

Valaena smiled, though she couldn't resist a playful jab. "And yet, you're still late for your own banquet preparations."

His mouth hung open in amusement, as if he couldn't believe her words.

"Watch yourself, sister," Jacaerys warned, although there was no malice behind his words.

"Or what?" Valaena countered with a raised eyebrow. "You'll feed me to your dragon?"

"Vermax has had a particular liking towards annoying sisters lately," Jacaerys seemed to ponder. "I'm sure he'll appreciate the snack."

"Jace, don't be rude to your sister," Rhaenrya scolded, although the quirk of her lips showed she was quite unserious.

"Unbelievable," Jacaerys muttered with a shocked look as he leaned back in his chair, glancing between his mother and Valaena. "This is blatant favoritism."

"I've done no such thing," Rhaenrya denied with a shake of her head and a feigned look of innocence. "I simply cannot condone dragon-related threats."

"Especially when it relates to my dear sister," Jacaerys questioned with a teasing look as he winked at Valaena, who simply rolled her eyes at his antics. She pulled away from the table, drawing a confused look from Jacaerys. "Leaving so soon? You haven't eaten anything."