Led By Fiery Passion (currently being revised)

Part 6

"I can't believe Father and Mother betrothed me to that," Aegon sneered, his voice low and laced with disgust as he and Aemond stood just beyond the edge of the courtyard, casting glances at their sister Helaena. She sat cross-legged on the stone floor, whispering softly to a beetle crawling over her palm, utterly engrossed in the creature.

"She is your sister," Aemond replied sharply, narrowing his eyes at Aegon. "And potentially your queen one day. You ought to show her some respect."

Aegon scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Then you marry her. Oh—but I forgot. You already have someone else in mind, don't you?" he said with a mocking lilt, smirking at Aemond. "Well, at least we share one thing in common—creatures with long legs."

Snatching a goblet of wine from a passing tray, Aegon turned and sauntered off after a passing maid, leaving his brother seething.

Before Aemond could collect himself, a soft whisper tickled his ear from behind.

"Do you prefer creatures with long legs as well?" Aenyra teased, her breath warm against his skin.

He jumped, spinning toward her. "Aenyra!" he exclaimed, clutching his chest. "You nearly scared the life out of me! Could you please walk louder or announce yourself like a normal person instead of sneaking about like a ghost?"

Aenyra tilted her head playfully. "Hmm, I could... but where's the fun in that?"

Their shared laughter broke the heavy air between them, and for a moment, it was as if the weight of funerals and duty and loss had melted away. It was the first time they had seen one another since her family left for Dragonstone. The sight of her now—alive, smiling—made something ease inside Aemond.

But before she could speak again, both their gazes were drawn downward to Helaena, who murmured under her breath, eyes still fixed on her insect.

"He'll have to lose an eye."

Aenyra blinked, startled, but brushed it off. Helaena was always saying strange things, little riddles that made no sense. Still, a small chill ran down her spine.

She shook it away and turned back to Aemond. Her voice dropped lower, serious now. "I'm sorry I never wrote you back," she said. "I wanted to. I just... I didn't know what to say. After Ser Harwin... and then Laena... it all happened so fast. It felt like the world was falling apart. And I—I didn't want to fall apart too."

Aemond listened quietly, his usual stoicism softening as he heard the tremble behind her words. He hadn't expected an apology. Hadn't even needed one. He just hated that he hadn't been able to be there. If he'd had a dragon, he would've flown to her without hesitation. Every day, if he could.

"There's nothing to forgive, Aenyra," he said gently. "I'm sorry, too. About Ser Harwin. And your aunt. I know this is... late. But—"

"Better late than never," she finished with a small smile.

Before he could respond, Rhaenyra's voice broke between them.

"There you are." Her tone was firm, brooking no argument as she came up beside them. Her eyes swept over her daughter, then to Aemond. "It's getting late. Take your brother and return to your rooms. Now."

Aenyra looked over her shoulder, then back at Aemond, disappointment flickering in her eyes. But she nodded. "Yes, Mother."

Rhaenyra moved away quickly, her gaze scanning the wake—everyone present save for one. Daemon. Her brow furrowed.

As Aenyra turned to leave, Aemond caught her hand gently.

"Tonight," he said quietly. "Meet me at the beach. I want to show you something."