Two Burning Flames

Part 8

After dinner, Aellys searched for Aegon everywhere but he was nowhere to be found. As the night grew late, she retired to her chambers. Changing into her white shift, she undid her braids allowing her hair to fall freely around her.

Climbing into bed, she felt a wave of contentment wash over her, a smile crept onto her face at the familiar feeling of her own bed. Suddenly, a creaking noise came from the hidden passageway startling her. Instinctively, she grabbed the small knife she put beside her bed, ready to defend herself.

She quietly rose from her bed, a cloaked figure emerged. Just as she prepared to strike, the figure's hood fell away, revealing Aegon's familiar face. Shock swept over them both.

"AEGON! What the hell? You foolish idiot, I could've killed you!" Aellys exclaimed, anger flashing in her eyes as she dropped the knife to the floor and gave his arm a sharp smack.

"I-I'm sorry, okay?" Aegon said with a light chuckle, trying to ease the tension. "I just heard you were back, so I had to come see you."

"So you haven't been avoiding me all day?" Aellys crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, waiting for his answer.

"Why would I? Look, I wasn't even in the castle today." he replied, confusion furrowing his brow.

"Clearly, everyone noticed you weren't at dinner, and no one had seen you all day. So, are you going to tell me where you've been?" Aellys asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Better, I'm going to show you. Here, put this on." Aegon tossed her a black cloak.

Aellys hesitated but eventually shrugged it on. Aegon took her wrists, guiding her through a secret passage in the Red Keep. They walked through winding corridors until they finally emerged from a hidden doorway that led into Flea Bottom.

As they stepped outside, Aellys instinctively covered her nose with her cloak. The stench hit her like a wall; the further they walked down the cobbled lane, the more overwhelming it became. She had only visited Flea Bottom once as a child, accompanying her father Viserys on some business. After that experience, she vowed never to return due to its horrendous smell.

Aegon's grip tightened as they approached a brothel, and upon entering, Aellys found herself utterly shocked. People were openly engaging in acts of intimacy—something she had only ever heard about from the septas in discussions about consummation and birthing heirs. The expressions on their faces and the sounds filling the air made it clear that they were lost in their pleasure. As they moved deeper into the dark building, Aellys felt a warmth gather between her legs, a sensation that left her feeling hot and flustered. Aegon loosened his hold, allowing just the tips of their fingers to brush against each other. He turned to face her, pulling down her hood and exposing her white hair, making her feel vulnerable, as anyone could recognize her. But he seemed indifferent, removing his own hood before guiding her into a corner.

Aellys felt her heart race as Aegon stepped closer, his hand gently caressing her jaw and holding it still. Her back gently hit the wall and their matching eyes locked, Aegon's fluttered from her eyes to her lips before claiming them in a fervent kiss. Her mind went blank, yet her body instinctively responded, moving in sync with his as if they were entwined by some unseen force, her hands gripped his cloak in an attempt to push him away but the moment their tongues met made her release a sound that was unrecognizable causing her to let go her resolve. It wasn't until Aegon's hand gripped her right breast that reality crashed back in.

Startled, she pushed him away, wiping her mouth where his lingered. "A-Aegon, what are we doing? We can't do this!"

"Aellys—" Aegon began, but she interrupted him by raising her hand, silencing him. "Stay back, please!"