Two Burning Flames

Part 3

"Your father and I have talked, and ever since the events at Driftmark, there has been a rift between our families. He and I believe it's best for you to marry Jacaerys when he comes of age."

Aellys's eyes widened in disbelief. "You want me to what?" she whisper-yelled, struggling to comprehend. "You want me to marry that bastard? He's partly to blame for Aemond losing an eye, yet you expect me to go live with them, away from my family?"

"Aellys,  watch your tongue, if your father heard you I don't even want to think of what he'd do." her mother replied, trying to maintain her composure. "Your brother is already betrothed to Helena, and they're getting married in just a few weeks. It's time for you to make a match as well. It's either Jacaerys or we arrange for you to marry your little brother, Aemond. I didn't think you'd want that."

"Oh gods, what fantastic options I have, Mother!" Aellys said, her voice dripping with sarcasm and frustration. She caught Cole shifting slightly in the corner but quickly returned her focus to her mother. "You're giving me no choice in this matter are you?"

"Think of it as a blessing," Alicent insisted. "You wouldn't even have to marry for a few more years since he's younger than you. Your father believes this will help prevent further turmoil and mend the rift between us from that dreadful night."

Aellys clenched her fists, trying to steady her racing heart. "But at what cost, Mother? My happiness? My freedom?" She took a step back, the weight of her mother's words crashing down on her like a wave.

"Aellys," her mother said, urgency creeping into her voice, "you must understand the situation. Alliances matter more than feelings in our world. Marrying Jacaerys could unite our houses and bring stability. We can't afford to let personal grievances dictate our futures."

Aellys felt a surge of anger. "Stability? Is that what you call this? Sacrificing my choices for the sake of an alliance? Nothing we do will fix what happened that night." Aellys said, She glanced at Cole for silent support, but be stood silently observing, his expression unreadable.

"My child," her mother said softly, stepping closer, "I know this is hard. But you have the power to change things from within. If you marry Jacaerys, you could influence him, shape the future. Don't you see?"

Aellys shook her head, fighting back tears. "You're asking me to play a game where I'm just a pawn. I refuse to be used like that." She took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. "What if I don't want to marry anyone? What if I want to choose my own path?"

Her mother's expression hardened. "That's not how our world works, Aellys. You're not alone in this. It's about duty, family—"

"Duty?" Aellys interrupted, her voice rising. "And what of my happiness? Why dosent your children's happiness come first?"

"I'm doing what I believe is right for you." Alicent said, frustration evident in her eyes. "You'll see one day that this decision is for the greater good. Jacaerys may be young , but that's perfect for you to shape him into whatever man you want him to be as a husband, his going to be king one day once Rhaenyra dies, meaning if you marry him that'll make you a queen someday, you will have power."

Aellys sighed, feeling the walls of her reality close in around her. "Power?" she echoed, bitterness lacing her words. "I never asked for that."

"You're being naive," Alicent snapped, surprising her. Her mother seldom raised her voice—Aegon was the one known for his outbursts. "You will listen to me. You're leaving for Dragonstone the day after your brother's wedding."

"I at least get to bring Ser Cole with me as my sworn shield, right?" she asked, locking eyes with Cole before turning to Alicent, waiting for her response.