Two Burning Flames

Part 8

After dinner, Aellys searched the castle for Aegon but he was nowhere to be found. As the night deepened, she finally retired to her chambers. She changed into her white shift, undoing her braids so that her hair tumbled freely over her shoulders.

Sliding into bed, a wave of contentment washed over her. The familiar softness of her own bed brought a small, satisfied smile to her lips. Just as she was beginning to relax, a creaking noise from the hidden passageway startled her. Her hand shot to the small knife she kept beside her, gripping it tightly, ready to defend herself.

She rose quietly, heart pounding, as a cloaked figure emerged from the shadows. Her muscles tensed, prepared to strike, but the hood fell back, revealing Aegon's familiar face. Shock flashed across both of them.

"AEGON! What the hell? You foolish idiot, I could have killed you!" Aellys exclaimed, anger flaring as she dropped the knife to the floor and smacked his arm sharply.

"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?" she asked, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow, waiting for an explanation.

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

"Clearly everyone noticed you weren't at dinner, and no one has seen you all day. So, are you going to tell me where you've been?" Her curiosity sharpened with each word.

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

Aellys hesitated but eventually shrugged it over her shoulders. He took her wrists gently, guiding her through the secret passage within the Red Keep. The corridors twisted and turned, dark and silent, until they reached a hidden doorway that opened onto the streets of Flea Bottom.

Stepping outside, Aellys instinctively pressed her cloak against her face. The stench hit her like a physical blow, sharp and foul. With each step down the cobbled lane, the smell grew more oppressive. She had only visited Flea Bottom once as a child, accompanying her father Viserys on business, and she had sworn never to return. The memory of the filth and stench rose unbidden, making her stomach turn.

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!"