Two Burning Flames

Part 11

Cole's breath caught in his throat as he watched Aellys gliding through the garden, her presence casting a serene spell over the vibrant blossoms around her. He felt an inexplicable pull towards her, as if the world had faded away, leaving only the two of them in that moment.

"Everything alright, Commander?" one of the guards asked, noticing the sudden distraction in Cole's eyes.

"Uh, yes," he replied, shaking himself from his reverie. "Just thought I saw something unusual." But even as he spoke, his focus returned to Aellys, who was now engrossed in her book, nestled comfortably on a bench under a flowering tree.

Curiosity tugged at him, and he excused himself from the conversation, weaving through the flowers until he stood before her. "Aellys?" he said softly, not wanting to startle her.

She looked up, surprise blooming on her face as her emerald eyes met his. "Cole! I didn't expect to see you here." she admitted, her heartbeat quickening in response.

A blush crept onto her cheeks as she tucked a strand of white hair behind her ear. She felt relieved to see that he didn't seem to harbor any resentment, but the air between them was thick with unspoken words. Just as Aellys was about to speak, a gentle breeze rustled the leaves overhead, momentarily stealing her voice.

Cole gazed at her for a moment before slowly stepping closer, causing her heart to race as the distance between them vanished. To her surprise, he gently plucked a flower petal from her hair, an action that brought back a treasured memory they had shared in that very spot so long ago.

Her eyes followed the petal as it floated away on the wind, and they exchanged glances, their eyes flickering between each other's gaze and lips. Just then, Cole cleared his throat and stepped back to create some space between them.

"Cole, I—"

"Lord Commander!" called out another guard from a few feet away. Cole turned back to Aellys, his expression apologetic.

"It's nothing," she replied quickly. "You should go; it seems they need you, Commander."

He held her gaze for a moment longer, the unspoken words hanging in the air, before he nodded slightly and stepped away. Aellys watched as he walked off, his armor glinting in the sunlight and his white cloak billowing gently in the breeze. She leaned back against the tree, savoring the moment, before returning her focus to the pages of her book.

Vexed, she placed the book aside and gazed out at the courtyard, where sunlight painted everything in hues of gold. The chatter of soldiers and the clattering of armor faded into the background as she lost herself in thought. What if he hadn't left? What if they had stolen just a moment longer?  She longed to have him touch her just once more. Would it be so bad? She thought to herself.

Later that evening she walked down the steps that led to the main hall where her mother instructed her to be. As the guards open the door she noticed her family was already there. Alicent was speaking to a few guest along with her grandsire Otto, while Aemond and Helena stood off to the side.
"You two look as if you were forced to be here also." She teased. Picking up a wine glass and taking a large sip in hopes that it'll help her endure the evening.

"Better slow down, or everyone will assume you're trying to get drunk." Aemond suggests, but Aellys had already gulped down the remainder of its contents and was already in the process of grabbing another glass.

"Anything will be better than dealing this." She shot back. Taking another large swig of drink.

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