Two Burning Flames

Part 10

Alicent raised an eyebrow, her gaze lingering on Aellys's disheveled appearance. "Excited, or anxious?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. "You know you can talk to me about anything, dear."

Aellys forced a smile, brushing her fingers through her tousled hair. "No, really, it's just the excitement of being home after so long. I promise," she insisted, sidestepping the truth, her mind again races with thoughts that weighed heavily on her heart.

"Very well, but you should still dress. We have guests coming this evening, and I'd like you to look presentable," Alicent said, her tone softening as she noticed the weariness in Aellys's eyes. "What do you think of this fabric? It would make a lovely gown for you."

Aellys turned her attention to the vibrant fabrics the maids had laid out—rich silks in deep emerald and sapphire tones, perfect for the autumn season. "It's beautiful," she replied, a genuine spark of enthusiasm inching its way through her earlier tension. "I'm sure whatever you choose will look stunning."

"Come now, let's find something that fits you just right," Alicent said, her spirits lifting as she started to sort through the fabrics. The maids moved around them, holding up different lengths of material, their chatter filling the room with warmth.

As her mother began to discuss designs, Aellys found herself lost in thought, the earlier bitter taste lingering in her mouth. She needed to keep her secret hidden, to maintain the facade that everything was perfectly normal in her life. A sudden wave of determination washed over her—she would navigate the turbulent waters ahead, starting with this tea gathering, where all eyes would be on her.

"Mother," Aellys interjected, "what if I wore that lovely green silk dress?"

Alicent smiled, pleased with her daughter's choice. "Green it is! You always did have an eye for color." She clapped her hands together, signaling to the maids to gather the fabric.
Green was her mother's house colors and though she was a Targaryen she always felt more like the Hightower green was her color.

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After her dress fitting, Aellys dressed for the day in a burgundy silk dress that fit her body perfectly. The neckline dipped, subtly revealing the upper swell of her breasts. She completed the look with a black jeweled necklace.

Summoning her courage, she stepped out of her chambers, her legs carried her to the one place she dreaded most. As she approached, Ser Erryk opened the chamber door and announced her arrival. Inside, she spotted Aegon seated at his table, a glass of wine in hand, engrossed in writing a letter.

"Nice to see you can still manage to write!" Aellys remarked, crossing her arms in mock irritation. Aegon looked up in shock but quickly regained his composure. "For a minute there, I was worried your fingers had stopped working altogether—considering you've written back to me zero times!"

Ser Erryk discreetly closed the door behind him as tension filled the air.

"I was just busy," Aegon replied, avoiding Aellys's gaze.

"For four years, Aegon?" she asked, her voice shaking with rising anger at his flimsy excuse. "Are you really telling me I wasn't important enough for you to spare a few minutes a week—even just once a month—to write me a letter?"

Aegon's expression hardened, mirroring her fury. He slammed his hands on the table, rising abruptly to confront her, causing Aellys to take a step back in surprise.

"Important?— you know what I don't owe you any explanations! You left, remember? You're betrothed to that bastard while I was forced to marry Helena of all people. You were supposed to be there when I needed you!" His voice rose as he moved closer to her, the tension crackling between them.