Sun and Fire ~ Aemond Targaryen

13. The Little Aelyx

In the main dining hall of the Red Keep, the royal family maintained the tradition of gathering for dinner each night, although sometimes the conversation was conspicuously absent. The atmosphere was always illuminated by the warm light of candles and the glow of the fireplace and the table, laden with delicious dishes, often ended up covered in leftovers.

Daemma had only been at the fortress for four nights and on this occasion, King Viserys was absent, having fallen ill and chosen to dine in his own chambers and the Hand of the King, Otto Hightower, was busy with the affairs of the realm. Her cousin Aegon was also missing, though for Daemma this was no inconvenience; in fact she preferred it when Aegon stayed away.

As Daemma cut and chewed the meat on her plate, her eyes wandered around the dining hall. The Queen, Princess Helaena and Aemond were present, the latter rushing in through the enormous door to sit next to her, even though there were many other seats available. The silence was almost unbearable for Daemma. At home the table was always filled with noise: her parents' lively conversations, Meria's jokes and sometimes the cries of her younger brother, Daelor. In contrast at the Red Keep, the only sounds were the crackling of the wood in the fireplace, the soft chewing, and the clinking of cutlery—an environment that was truly irritating to her.

After several minutes of uncomfortable silence, Queen Alicent, who didn't seem to be in the best of moods, made an effort to start a conversation, however small it might be.

"How is your nose, Daemma? I still can't believe you fell down the stairs this morning. How did that happen?" she asked, with a mix of concern and skepticism.

Aemond, upon hearing his mother's question, couldn't help but let out a slight smile of amusement. Seizing the opportunity to provoke Daemma, he raised his wine glass and addressed her.

"Yes, cousin... How did that happen? Are you really that careless?" he said with a hint of mockery in his voice.

Daemma, while chewing her meat, forced a smile and tightened her grip on the fork and knife she was holding. For a moment, she considered the idea of stabbing her cousin, but she restrained herself and swallowing with difficulty, murmured with complete disdain.

"I'm sorry, I'm embarrassed to admit my clumsy accident... But I truly appreciate your concern and displays of kindness".

Her smile widened with sarcasm and with audacity, she placed her right hand over Aemond's left hand resting on the table. Feeling the warmth of Daemma's hand on his, Aemond experienced an unexpected sensation. His mocking smile faded, though he maintained his composure. Queen Alicent, witnessing the interaction, widened her eyes in surprise but soon gave a small chuckle. She had never imagined seeing Daemma and Aemond having such direct physical contact and especially not so soon. What surprised Alicent the most was that her son didn't pull his hand away from Daemma.

Princess Helaena, watching the scene while eating, couldn't help but smile slightly, her lips curving upwards as she tilted her head. It was amusing to see her brother so taken aback by an action he hadn't expected. Daemma certainly knew how to unsettle Aemond.

"I'm glad you appreciate our concern... You know you're part of the family. We're here for you, dear" murmured the Queen, still watching their joined hands.

With one last radiant smile, Daemma began to withdraw her hand, but the prince mirrored the gesture, taking her hand and firmly placing it back on the table. The clash of their hands against the wood made a soft sound that broke the silence.

Daemma's eyes widened in surprise as she felt Aemond grip her hand tightly, though not enough to hurt her. She tried to mask her astonishment while straining to pull her hand away, but he held it firmly in place. Their gazes locked, and he murmured with a soft smile that concealed his sarcasm.