Two Burning Flames

Part 4

Her heart raced, pounding against her chest at his sudden confession. "Aegon, you shouldn't play like that!" Aellys exclaimed, snapping out of her shock as she pushed against him more forcefully, only to feel his bruising grip tighten around her.

"Who said I was playing?" he replied seriously, leaning in too quickly. Aellys barely managed to turn her head, and his lips brushed against her cheek. In an instant, he flicked his tongue out, trailing it down to her neck, lapping up the spilled wine then just as quickly sucking on the spot, a strong wave of nausea formed in the pit of her stomach,  he licked the wine from her chest, instantly snapping her out of it, "AEGON, GET OFF OF ME!" Aellys finally shouted, her voice breaking through the tension. Just then, Cole and Erryk burst through the door, rushing toward them. Cole swiftly separated Aegon from her, drawing Aellys behind him, anger evident on his face.

Aegon stood there, stunned, unsure of what had just happened. Flustered, he bolted from the room and slammed the door behind him as he fled into the bath chamber.

"Are you okay, princess?" Cole asked urgently, scanning her for any signs of distress until his eyes landed on a red mark on her neck and the unshed tears in her eyes. He pulled her into a comforting embrace but quickly released her when he noticed Erryk watching.

"He didn't mean to—he's drunk," she murmured, still in shock from the encounter. Cole nodded silently, wrapping an arm around her shoulder as he led her out of the room, leaving Erryk behind. As they walked down the dimly lit corridor, Aellys felt the warmth of Cole's arm around her shoulders.

Why would he do something like that?

Aellys thought to herself, she remained shaken and lost in her thoughts. "Princess, are you sure you're okay?" Cole said, his reluctance to leave and concern evident in his voice.

"I'm fine," she replied, though her voice lacked conviction. "I'll talk to him once he sobers up—today is just a stressful day for him." She wasn't sure why she felt compelled to defend Aegon's actions but the words slipped out before she could stop them.

Cole stood silently, his gaze piercing through her carefully constructed facade. It felt as if he could see beyond her brave exterior. Aellys chewed anxiously on the inside of her cheek, taking a step back from his embrace and creating distance between them. Instantly, she regretted the loss of his warmth.

"I should probably go check on Helena, the ceremony will start soon, and I still have more packing to do," Aellys said, turning quickly and leaving before Cole had a chance to respond.

————-

Aellys entered Helena's chambers and spotted Aemond sitting on the couch, engrossed in a book she had lent him while their mother, Alicent, styled her hair. "Allow me, Mother," Aellys said, stepping forward to take over the braiding. She wove Helena's locks together like a delicate net before securing them atop her head. "You look beautiful, Helena!" she whispered, exchanging a smile with her sister in the mirror's reflection.

"Come on, girls, it's time," Alicent said, reentering the room and snatching the book from Aemond's hands. "Aemond, put the book away for now."

"Must we all attend?" he grumbled, irritation evident in his voice. "The whole court will be there!"

"You need to move past this, Aemond. It's been a year since the incident," Alicent reminded him gently.

Aellys could see that her little brother was still adjusting with the loss of his eye. Even though he always wore an eye patch, she could feel the weight of others' stares whenever he was in public.

"How about before I leave, we take Starfyre and Vhagar for a ride?" Aellys suggested.

His nervous expression brightened at her words. "Really?"