𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 70 Find everything about Seri

Seri sat quietly in her chambers, feeding her second-born son, Aemion. The soft cooing of the baby was the only sound in the room until the door burst open, and Daemon strode in, his face dark with anger. Startled, Seri looked up at her husband.

"Daemon?" she asked softly, worry already creeping into her voice. "What's wrong?"

Daemon barely spared her a glance, his expression cold. "This doesn't concern you," he said sharply. "Go back to your duty and feed our son."

Seri frowned, her heart sinking at his harsh tone. She had always tried to be a good wife, to support him. "Why are you upset with me?" she asked quietly, placing Aemion down gently in his crib. "I've done nothing but try to make you happy. What have I done wrong?"

Daemon's eyes flashed with irritation, his jaw tightening. "Not everything is about you," he snapped. "You think just because you're here, you're important?" His voice dripped with disdain. "The only reason you're in this castle, in my life, is to give me heirs. That's all you're good for."

Seri felt a sharp stab of pain at his words, but she tried to hide it. She stood up and walked toward him, her hands trembling slightly as she reached out to touch his arm, desperate to calm him. "Daemon, please..." she whispered. "Tell me what would make you happy. What can I do?"

Before she could finish, Daemon's hand shot out, grabbing her roughly by the neck. Seri gasped, her eyes widening in fear as he pinned her against the cold stone wall. His grip tightened around her throat, cutting off her breath.

"What would make me happy," he growled through clenched teeth, "is if you shut up for once. You speak when I say you can speak, do you understand?"

Seri nodded frantically, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggled for air. Daemon held her there for a moment longer, his gaze icy and unfeeling, before he finally released his hold. She collapsed against the wall, her hand flying to her neck as she tried to steady her breathing, tears filling her eyes.

Daemon glared at her one last time before turning and walking out of the room, the door slamming behind him. Seri stood frozen for a moment, her whole body trembling. Aemion's cries brought her back to reality, and she quickly rushed to his crib, lifting him into her arms. As she rocked him gently, trying to soothe his cries, her own tears fell silently onto his tiny head.

She held her son close, her heart aching not just from Daemon's cruelty but from the overwhelming feeling of loneliness. How she wished she could be back with her people, far from this cold, cruel place.

Varlena rode Vermithor through the open skies above the city, her face lifted into the wind and her dark hair trailing like a banner behind her. She barely noticed the approach of another dragon until, with a rush of wings, it swept past her.

Glancing to the side, she caught sight of her uncle Daemon on his dragon, Caraxes. A mischievous smile tugged at her lips as she leaned forward, urging Vermithor faster, determined to keep pace.

Though Caraxes was faster, Vermithor's strength and agility gave Varlena a slight advantage, and she matched Daemon stride for stride as they circled the skies together. Down below, at the edge of the castle, someone watched them with a faint frown.

Seri observed the flight from her chamber window, her expression troubled. She knew Varlena was a spirited young woman who thrived on adventure, but having Daemon as an uncle filled Seri with unease.

Turning from the window, Seri left her chamber, her mind clouded with memories of Daemon's harsh treatment. She felt the weight of isolation, the burden of secrets, and a deep longing for comfort. Why did this fate fall upon her? Why hadn't it been her sister instead?

"Seri!" A familiar voice called down the corridor, breaking her out of her thoughts. Looking up, she saw Prince Aegon approaching with his loyal guard, Darvon, beside him.

"Prince Aegon, hello," she greeted, offering a polite smile. Aegon returned the smile but quickly noticed the faint bruises on her neck. His eyes darkened briefly, though he quickly composed himself.

"How has your day been?" he asked, his tone gentle.

"It could be better, Your Grace," Seri replied, wrapping her arms around herself.

"Please, call me Aegon," he said warmly, and she nodded, grateful.

"Is something troubling you?" he pressed, his voice laced with genuine concern. "Is it... Daemon?"

At that, Seri's composure wavered, and tears slipped down her cheeks. Before she could say anything, Aegon stepped forward, embracing her.

She broke down in his arms, grateful for the kindness. No one had asked her if she was alright since she married Daemon, and the fear she held for herself and her children finally spilled out.

"I'm scared, Aegon. I don't know what I'm doing," Seri confessed through quiet sobs.

He gave a sympathetic nod. "There are days I ask myself the same thing."

After a moment, they parted, and Aegon gave her a curious look. "May I ask how you and Daemon met?"

Seri tensed, the question weighing heavily on her. She wanted to trust him but knew the dangers of speaking too freely. "I'm... I'm not allowed to speak of it," she replied carefully, glancing down.

Aegon's eyes narrowed with concern and curiosity. Not allowed? The words echoed in his mind. He wanted to press further but sensed she was too fearful to reveal more.

"Well, then," he said softly, inclining his head in understanding. "I'll let you be on your way." He turned, walking away with Darvon, but his mind was full of questions.

Once they were out of earshot, Aegon glanced at his guard. "Darvon, find out everything you can about her."

Darvon nodded. "Of course, my prince."