Two Burning Flames

Part 7

Cole held her gaze until Alicent finally pulled away, snapping them out of their trance.

"I'm surprised to see you this early, but I'm grateful you're here," Alicent said as she walked Aellys up the small steps to where Viserys lay sleeping.

"I'm just as surprised as you are. I didn't think Rhaenyra would let me leave a few days ahead of them, but fortunately, she did," Aellys replied, taking her father's hand in hers. She was acutely aware of his deteriorating health; over the past four years, the change had been dramatic. Her mother had kept her informed, but there was a world of difference between reading about his condition and witnessing it firsthand. It made her heart ache.

Hearing his daughter's voice, Viserys weakly called out, "Aellys."

"I'm here, Father. I've come to read you a book," Aellys said, gently squeezing his hand to reassure him of her presence.

"Well, I'll leave you to it then. I have some court members to speak with about the upcoming petition. Be sure to visit your siblings—I know Aegon would love to see you," Alicent said, turning to leave the room.

Aellys and Cole exchanged glances when her mother mentioned Aegon, both recalling the same moment from their last encounter so many years ago.

"I'll get around to it," Aellys replied, watching her mother depart. Cole bowed his head slightly before quickly following her out.

Aellys couldn't help but release a breath she didn't even know she had been holding in.

What is the matter with me, get ahold of yourself Aellys.

Remembering why she was there in the first place, she opened her book and began to read the story of Aegon the conqueror. A book she knows her father loves.

As the evening deepened into night, Aellys finished reading to her father and made her way to visit Helena and the babies before supper. Just as she reached the door, she spotted Aemond waiting for her.

"Aemond? My gods, look how tall youare!" she exclaimed, pulling him into a warm hug.

Aemond stood shocked for a moment at her sudden presence but quickly hugged her back tightly before stepping away to get a better look at his sister. "Hmm, seems I'm not the only one who's changed."

Aellys playfully swatted his arm, taking his remark as a compliment. "Has Aegon seen you yet?" he suddenly asked.

"No, I don't think so. Why do you ask?" she replied, intrigued.

"Just curious, no reason," he shrugged. "I came to visit Helena and the children—something Aegon doesn't seem to do much of these days."

Noticing the disdain in his tone, Aellys quickly redirected the conversation, eager to sidestep any mention of Aegon's changes since her departure. "Come on, let's find Helena and head down together. I'll need to change first anyway; this dress won't do!"

Aemond chuckled and rolled his eye playfully. "I can't believe you're worried about that."

"You're forgetting I'm a woman remeber." Aellys said, Smacking his arm playfully.

————-

After Helena introduced Aellys to the twins and her Maelor, she entrusted the children to the nanny before leaving with her siblings.

Aellys had quickly changed into a lilac fitted dress that hugged her curves perfectly and the heart shape bust line reveal just the right amount of cleavage.