Sun and Fire ~ Aemond Targaryen

16. Under the Weirwood Tree

Daemma's eyes opened to the new day within the walls of the Red Keep. Her vast chamber was icy, so immediately a few maids entered to light the fireplace while drawing back the enormous velvet curtains. The morning was so overcast that the golden rays of the sun barely peeked through. In that moment, the young lady decided to skip her training to focus on other activities she didn't intend to postpone.

As she sat on her bed, she calmly watched the servants as they went about their work. She released her hair, which had been braided, letting it flow freely. Her hair, cascading over her shoulders in perfect curls, was naturally wavy, like her mother's and sister's, but thanks to the braids, it now looked even more beautiful.

After ordering breakfast to her room, she dressed in an orange gown adorned with red embroidery, quite Martell in the opinion of many. It had been a long time since Daemma wore orange, and she decided to do so as a reminder of her Dornish blood, of which she had always been very proud.

When her two handmaidens arrived in the room, Daemma invited them to sit in the armchair by the fireplace. She began to pace the room, back and forth, while observing Rysee and Sarai, who were paying her close attention.

"I don't want any of you to go near Prince Aegon. He's a degenerate who nearly crossed the line with Sarai; if I hadn't intervened in time, we might be mourning something worse... but I won't always be around. You know what to do: keep your distance, even if he gives you an order."

The girl announced, sweeping her serious gaze over her ladies to make them understand the gravity of the situation. Her expression softened as she noticed Sarai tense at the reminder of Aegon's harassment. Rysee also cast a look of compassion at her friend, holding her hand in a gesture of support while murmuring, gazing at a distant point.

"When I left the castle so many years ago, Prince Aegon was just a child... I can't believe he's turned into a predator."

"But he is, Rysee. He became an alcoholic, disgusting, despicable man who even abandoned his children" Daemma raised her voice firmly. Pity for Aegon was entirely out of the question; she could only feel revulsion for her cousin after learning of all his actions and the harm he had done to innocent people. 

After a few seconds of silence, Rysee lifted her gaze and leaned slightly forward in her seat, carefully asking, "My Lady, about the prince's bastards... are you sure you want to insist on getting close?"

"What do you mean by that?" Daemma asked, remaining standing and looking at her maid with the same seriousness. Rysee tightened her jaw slightly but didn't hold back and continued, ignoring Sarai's worried eyes beside her.

"What you're trying to do for those children is quite kind of you... but it could bring you trouble." At her words, an incredulous smile appeared on Daemma's lips, but Rysee remained steadfast in her belief and continued. "You have no connection to them, and besides, you don't even know where they live."

"In Flea Bottom" Sarai quietly interrupted, receiving a hard look from her companion that forced her to look down and fall silent. However, Daemma smiled at her in approval as she turned her attention back to Rysee.

"My Lady, Flea Bottom is a vast district. The poorest and most miserable people live there; it's practically lawless. Furthermore, if you search for those children, news will spread everywhere."

Daemma narrowed her eyes slightly as she crossed her arms over her chest. She let out a small huff and nodded; she knew she had to be meticulous if she was going to involve herself with those children. Part of what Rysee said was true: she couldn't act without considering the consequences of her actions. The young lady took a seat in front of her trusted maids and, after a few seconds, spoke in a calm yet resolute tone.