Two Burning Flames

Part 6

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the thrill of watching Vermax soar through the sky began to fade as her stomach rumbled, giving way to the reality of dinner time. Aellys settled at the table, her excitement from earlier replaced by an uncomfortable silence that enveloped the room. Baela and Rhaena barely acknowledged her presence, while Lucerys avoided her gaze altogether.

The atmosphere felt heavy, but Jace was willing to engage, breaking the tension with a few friendly words amidst Rhaenyra's persistent questions about their father and how she was liking Dragonstone.

Aellys managed a polite smile and a few friendly words, she was grateful for Jace's presence, but the awkwardness lingered around them, a stark contrast to how she felt back home.

This was her life now...

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4 years later

Aellys's time on Dragonstone flew by surprisingly quickly. Her relationship with Jacaerys developed into a real friendship and she found common ground with Rhaena as well. Lucerys had made significant progress too; he went from avoiding her at all costs to being able to atleast hold a conversation while making eye contact. It was a gradual change, but Aellys didn't mind much—she just wanted her time here to be bearable.

Baela, however, kept her distance. Aellys eventually realized that Baela had special feelings for Jace, but she didn't feel guilty about it; after all, she hadn't stolen him away. Though they were betrothed, their relationship had always remained platonic.

Over the past four years, her mother had stayed in touch as often as possible, along with Aemond. Helena was preoccupied with her and Aegon's twins, which Aellys found ironic. Moreover, Helena recently welcomed another baby, so there was little communication from her side.

As for Aegon, Aellys hadn't heard from him since leaving King's Landing. He never responded to her letters, which hurt more than she wanted to admit, especially considering how close they had always been.

Surprisingly, Aellys had developed a student-teacher relationship with Daemon. One day, he took it upon himself to teach her how to handle a short sword for self-defense, and to everyone's astonishment, she demonstrated an unexpected natural talent. However, her true passion lay in 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 Aellys was helping Jace with his High Valyrian lesson, Rhaenyra entered the council room, flanked by Daemon and followed closely by Lucerys.

"What's going on?" Jace asked Rhaenyra, immediately sensing that something was troubling her.

"It appears that with Lord Corlys's supposed death, his brother Vaemond is questioning Luke's legitimacy by filing a petition to become the Lord of Driftmark."

Aellys couldn't help but laugh internally; Vaemond wasn't entirely wrong to raise concerns about Luke's legitimacy since it was common knowledge that her sons weren't truly Ser Laenor's. Most were aware of Laenor's true interests, but Aellys remained indifferent to the matter. She knew that Vaemond's petition meant they would be returning to King's Landing.

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

"Y-yes?" she responded, a bit flustered.

"Did you hear what she said? It looks like we're heading back to King's Landing in one weeks time."Jace relayed, echoing Rhaenyra's announcement.

"I actually have a request," Aellys said, redirecting her focus to Rhaenyra, who was about to leave the room. "I'd like to depart for King's Landing today, if that's alright. I have matters to discuss with my mother and would also like to see my siblings before the day of petition."

Rhaenyra paused for a moment, contemplating her request, before finally agreeing to let her leave a few days early.

"Thank you, Rhaenyra." Aellys replied, forcing a smile as she exited the room.

"Aellys!" Jace called out from behind, quickening his pace to catch up with her. "You're just going to leave without saying anything?" He looked down at her; though he was a few years younger, he had a grown few inches on her in the four years.

"Of course I was going to say something," Aellys replied, her brow furrowed as she hoped he would understand. "I haven't been home in years, and I'd love the opportunity to spend time with my family, just like you do with yours every day. What's the matter with you? You're not normally like this."

"It's nothing," Jace said, shaking his head. "Fly safe. I'll see you in a week." He waved her off as he turned away.

Aellys opened her mouth to ask what was bothering him, but her thoughts were more focused on getting home and how quickly she could pack to finally be there. She watched Jacaerys back as he walked away, she wasn't sure why she felt slightly guilty but quickly shook away the feelings and ran to her room to quickly pack some belongings.

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As Aellys flew through the sky on Starfyre her mind raised with memories of home— family dinners, laughter echoing through the corridors, her favorite spots to read, then taken surprise Cole's face popped into her mind; the smile on his face when he had gifted her a red tulip while she cried in the garden, how he saved her from getting stepped on or lost in a crowd, then finally the last memory they shared together gifting her with another red tulip as they hugged and said their goodbyes.. it was innocent but for some reason the thought of his warm embrace now made her cheeks flush.

Shaking her head to dispel the sudden unexpected thoughts,  she refocused her gaze ahead until the castle came into view causing large smile to form on her face.

Landing Starfyre in the expansive field where she often spent time with Vhagar, Aellys noticed the massive she-dragon lift her head, releasing a low growl. But then, as if recognizing both Aellys and Starfyre, Vhagar settled back down, relaxing into the familiar surroundings.
Aellys ran her hand along Starfyre's rough, textured scales before sliding down her wing and heading toward the castle.

The familiar scents of the castle filled her senses—the stone walls and the long corridors she had traversed all her life welcomed her back as she moved purposefully toward her father's chambers.

"Princess Aellys Targaryen," the king's guard announced as he opened the heavy wooden door.

Inside, Aellys found her mother seated beside her father's bed. The shock that had painted Alicent's face melted away into a radiant smile upon their gazes meeting.

"Mother," Aellys breathed, her heart swelling with affection.

Alicent rose from her chair and enveloped Aellys in a warm embrace. "Oh, my sweet child, how I've missed you terribly." She squeezed her tightly, and Aellys inhaled the comforting scent of her mother, a mix of lavender and something uniquely hers.

As she savored the moment, Aellys sensed another presence in the room. When she opened her eyes, she found Ser Cole standing close by. Her heart skipped a beat, surprised by the intensity of his gaze locked onto hers. A strange sensation fluttered in her stomach, an unfamiliar feeling washed over her that made her cheeks flush. What was this feeling? She couldn't help but wonder as she held his stare, caught in a moment that felt overwhelming.