Led By Fiery Passion (currently being revised)

Part 33

Aenyra stood there, stunned.

He left.

Not a word. Not a glance back. Just... gone.

She didn't know how long she remained rooted to the terrace, the cool night air brushing against her bare arms like a quiet warning. Eventually, the cold forced her to move, wrapping her arms around herself as she stepped back into the warmth and noise of the great hall.

Her eyes scanned the room instinctively, searching—

And there he was.

Tall. Composed. Effortlessly regal in his black. And dancing—with one of the Baratheon girls, no less. The one in yellow, giggling too loudly as her hand lingered far too long on his chest.

Aenyra's jaw clenched.

That son of a—

"Aenyra!"

She blinked, startled by the sudden voice, and turned to see Helaena making her way through the crowd with a bright, gentle smile. The Targaryen princess reached out and pulled her into a warm embrace.

"It's so good to see you," Helaena murmured, squeezing her tightly. "We didn't really get to talk much yesterday, with... well, you know—our family being what it is."

Aenyra let out a breath that might've been a laugh if it weren't caught on the edge of her frustration. She nodded and gave Helaena a tight, grateful smile.

"Yes... but I think you meant to say since our family sucks the joy out of the room, or since our families hate one another?" Aenyra said with a dry laugh, her wry smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

Helaena let out a soft giggle, but it faded quickly into something more bittersweet. Aenyra turned to face her more fully. "How are you, dear aunt? Last I heard you had three children?"

"Yes," Helaena nodded, brightening just slightly. "I was blessed with twins—Jaehaera and Jaehaerys. And baby Maelor was born a few months ago."

"That's wonderful," Aenyra said sincerely. "I can't wait to meet them."

She hesitated, then tilted her head, eyes narrowing in quiet curiosity. "And... how does that work? You and Aegon, I mean?"

Helaena's smile dimmed into something smaller, more practiced. "Well... it's not all that bad," she said after a moment. "Sometimes he just ignores me. Unless he's drunk."

The words were light, almost dismissive—but Aenyra caught the far-off look in her eyes.

She followed her gaze instinctively and felt a subtle ache twist in her chest when she saw where it landed.

Jace

He stood across the room, speaking with Luke, Baela and Rhaena .

Aenyra looked back to Helaena, her throat tightening. Of all the cruel decisions made by their elders, Helaena's fate was one of the hardest to stomach.

If only she'd been allowed to marry Jace... Aenyra wondered how different things might've been. But then again, she couldn't help the warmth that bloomed inside her knowing Jace and Baela will be wed. She loved them both dearly, and was thankful it wasn't someone he didn't even know.

Still—Helaena deserved better.

"You deserved better," Aenyra said quietly, speaking what was in her mind.

Helaena blinked, turning to her in surprise.

Aenyra gave a soft, sad smile. "You still do."

Helaena didn't respond right away, only reached out and took Aenyra's hand gently in hers.