Led By Fiery Passion (currently being revised)

Part 39

A few hours after Aemond and Aenyra's secret tryst in the cave, Aenyra returned to the castle, preparing for another family dinner.

She slipped into a fitted lilac gown, the soft fabric hugging her form, while her hair was styled into a double braid, interwoven with four smaller braids that coiled delicately around it. As she made her way toward the dining hall, she came upon her brothers—Jace and Luke—and her cousins, Baela and Rhaena.

Aenyra greeted them with a warm smile and a graceful nod.

"Baela, Rhaena—you both look lovely tonight," she said, stepping up beside them.

"Thank you," they replied in unison, smiling.

"As do you, Aenyra," Baela said, with Rhaena nodding in agreement.

"You look radiant, as always," Lucerys added, arching a brow. "But something tells me you're in an unusually good mood."

"Now that you mention it, Aenyra, you're practically glowing," Rhaena added, giving her a questionable look.

"Yes," Jacaerys said, leaning back with a knowing gaze. "Do tell us what's put that glow on your face."

"Can't a girl just be happy to spend time with her family?" Aenyra replied playfully, wrapping her arms around both her little brothers' necks.

"Well, yeah—if it were anyone else's family," Lucerys muttered under his breath.

Aenyra smirked, then glanced between the four of them. "Speaking of being happy... how excited are you all about being betrothed?"

The four exchanged glances, silently gauging one another before answering.

"I'm excited," Rhaena said first, her smile bright as she looked at Luke. "It feels right."

Lucerys nodded beside her. "Same here. I mean, it's strange, sure but I'm just thankful it's to someone we know and like."

Baela hesitated for just a moment before flashing a confident grin. "I'm looking forward to it," she said, her voice steady.

But as she spoke, Aenyra's eyes flicked to Jace. His smile didn't quite reach his eyes, and for the briefest second, his gaze dropped to the floor. It was subtle—barely a flicker.

She tilted her head slightly, studying him.

"I suppose it was always expected," Jace said at last, forcing a more convincing tone.

"Hmm," Aenyra murmured, releasing her brothers and stepping forward. "Well, as long as you're all happy."

Baela brushed a lock of hair behind her ear and reached for Jace's hand, but he didn't seem to notice.

As they approached the dining hall, Aenyra glanced back at him once more, her expression softening. No one else had noticed the shadow behind his smile.

But she had.

Entering the dining hall, Aenyra took in the familiar warmth of the spacious chamber, its high ceilings aglow with the soft flicker of lanternlight. The scent of roasted meats and spiced wine lingered in the air, mingling with quiet conversation.

She chose to sit beside her father, Daemon, with Lucerys and Rhaena settling to her other side. Jacaerys took the seat next to Luke, while Baela slipped in beside him.

As Aenyra moved to sit, her gaze met Aemond's across the table. A quiet, lingering look passed between them—brief but unmistakably tender. But before the moment could linger, her mother's voice broke through the air.

"Aenyra, you look lovely tonight. I feel as though I haven't seen you in weeks," Rhaenyra said warmly.

"It's been two days, Mother," Aenyra replied with a soft laugh. "I've been here."