A Dance Of Scales And Shadows | Aemond Targaryen x OC

Part 23 - The Quiet Bloom

When Aika returned to the Red Keep, she found Aemond in the throne room, alone, staring at the Iron Throne. Even if she tried, she couldn't guess what he might be thinking. He had always been a mystery to her, but whereas it once excited her, now it unsettled her.

She was afraid that, in the midst of all this chaos, he might go mad—or be lost.

"Aemond," she called his name, half-expecting him not to respond.

But he turned, and his eyes softened when he looked at her. Then he approached her and kissed her on the temple. Though they slept in the same bed, he never kissed her on the lips—not in public, and not in private.

"Your servants told me you left for the Dragonpit," he said, clearly asking for the reason.

"I wanted to know whether we have any dragons... possibly... for me," she replied. As she said it, his gaze shifted.

"You know it's impossible to ride two dragons in one lifetime," his voice was tinged with concern. "Several Targaryens died trying."

We will die if we don't try, Aika wanted to say, but she restrained herself.

He caressed her hair, playing with her locks. His other hand slipped around her waist, pulling her closer.

"I'm with Vhagar. No one in this kingdom will be foolish enough to challenge me," he said, though he knew well it wasn't true.

"Promise me you'll be careful—and never go there again." He looked into her eyes with an emotion she couldn't decode.

"You worry about me?" she asked instead.

"I always do," he replied, smiling at her.

"I worry about you too, Aemond," Aika almost whispered. "I worry about what goes on in your mind when you burn an entire town, when you drag our sister by her hand, when you burn Aegon..."

"I didn't burn him," he said, his lips forming a fine line, his grip on her still strong.

"You don't have to lie to me," she said, keeping her voice low.

"So this is what you're going to do? Side with Aegon?" He let her go, but she remained close.

"There's no one I care about more than you," Aika said, her voice turning into a plea. "I would let the whole world burn to hell and reach out for you, Aemond. But I will not let you be the one who lights it all up."

"What do you want me to do?" His tone turned cold. "The first thing Aegon would do when he regains his post is order my death."

Deep down, Aika realized he was right. She wasn't sure whether any of her brothers still had the capacity for empathy or forgiveness. And, as if Aemond could sense her thoughts, his touch and gaze softened as he held her once again.

"Once I defeat Daemon, the war will end," he said. "I need you to be safe and well until then."

"What will happen after?" she asked, meaning with Aegon, Rhaenyra, the kingdom.

"After we will spend an eternity together," he answered siding his head, "and if you'll allow me I will spend the eternity loving you as much as I do now," their lips met and he kissed her.

Aika closed her eyes, letting herself drown in the warmth of his embrace. It was everything she had longed for, every part of her yearning for this closeness. Aemond surely needed healing, yet his heart burned with a love as fierce as her own.