Two Burning Flames

Part 6

The next day passed in a blur. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the thrill of watching Vermax soar gradually faded, replaced by the gnawing reminder of her empty stomach. Dinner was served, and Aellys took her seat at the table, the excitement of the day giving way to an uncomfortable, almost suffocating silence.

Baela and Rhaena barely acknowledged her presence, their conversation distant and clipped, while Lucerys avoided her gaze entirely, as if her very presence made him uneasy. The room felt heavy, each glance and quiet exchange emphasizing just how out of place she was.

Only Jacaerys made an effort to engage her, breaking the tension with a few friendly words. Rhaenyra, persistent as always, peppered Aellys with questions about their father and how she was adjusting to Dragonstone, her curiosity polite but pointed.

Aellys returned a smile where she could and spoke in measured tones, grateful for Jace's presence, which offered a small comfort amidst the cold formality. Yet the awkwardness lingered, like a shadow stretching across the room, a stark contrast to the warmth and ease she had known back home.

As she glanced around the table, taking in the familiar faces now tinged with distance, the truth settled over her: this was her life now.

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Four years had flown by on Dragonstone. In that time, Aellys had forged a genuine friendship with Jacaerys and found common ground with Rhaena as well. Even Lucerys had made progress—where once he had avoided her at all costs, he could now at least hold a conversation while meeting her gaze. It was slow work, but Aellys didn't mind; she had only wanted her time here to be bearable.

Baela, however, remained distant. Over time, Aellys had realized Baela harbored special feelings for Jace—but there was no guilt on her part. She had never tried to steal him away. Though betrothed, her bond with him had always remained strictly platonic.

Over the past four years, her mother had stayed in touch as often as possible, and Aemond had written regularly. Helena, meanwhile, was consumed with her children with Aegon, having just welcomed another baby, leaving little room for correspondence.

As for Aegon... Aellys hadn't heard a word from him since leaving King's Landing. He never responded to her letters, and though she tried not to dwell on it, the silence stung more than she would admit.

Unexpectedly, she had developed a student-teacher relationship with Daemon. One day, he had insisted on teaching her the art of wielding a short sword for self-defense, and to everyone's astonishment, she had revealed a natural talent. Still, her true passion remained reading. When she wasn't lost in a book, she could be found training or riding Starfyre alongside Jace and Vermax.

But today was different. While helping Jacaerys with a High Valyrian lesson, Rhaenyra entered the council room, flanked by Daemon and followed by Lucerys.

"What's going on?" Jace asked immediately, sensing her tension.

"It appears that with Lord Corlys's supposed death, his brother Vaemond is questioning Luke's legitimacy, filing a petition to claim Driftmark for himself," Rhaenyra replied.

Aellys couldn't help the small laugh that escaped her. Vaemond had reason to raise doubts, given the truth of her sons' parentage—though most already knew Laenor's true inclinations. She didn't mind; she only noted that this petition meant a return trip to King's Landing was inevitable.

"Aellys—" Jace called, snapping her out of her thoughts.

"Y-yes?" she answered, slightly flustered.

"Did you hear that? We're heading back to King's Landing in one week," Jace relayed, echoing Rhaenyra's announcement.

"I actually have a request," Aellys said, catching Rhaenyra just as she was about to leave. "I'd like to depart for King's Landing today if possible. I want to speak with Mother and see my siblings before the petition."