Two Burning Flames

Part 13

A week had passed since her return to Kings Landing, and as the days went by, Aellys found joy in the little things-the laughter of her niece and nephews, the warmth of family gatherings, and the stolen moments with Cole that made her heart race. However, beneath her happiness lingered a sense of unease. She couldn't shake the feeling that Aegon would eventually seek her out, and the weight of that impending confrontation loomed over her like a storm cloud. She had managed to stay clear of him, only seeing one another when other people were present. She still didn't know what to make of the heated kiss he forced on her, but today wasn't like the other few days, today her betrothed and his family would be arriving for the petition over Driftmarks Heir.

"Aellys, please get up," Alicent said, barging into her chambers with a couple of maidservants in tow. "I've been knocking for the last two minutes!"

Aellys groaned in sleepy frustration, burying her face in her pillow to block out her mother's voice.

"Yes, lay the dress over there," she instructed one of the maids. Then, turning her attention back to Aellys, Alicent swiftly approached, yanking the pillow away and tossing it back onto the bed. "Aellys, up! Now! Rhaenyra and the others will be arriving shortly, and I need you dressed and ready for the day."

"Must I attend?" Aellys asked out, grabbing the pillow and placing it over her head.

"Now you sound like Aemond, GET UP." She instructed taking away the pillow once more and throwing it farther where Aellys couldn't reach it.

"I'm up, I'm up."

"Good then get dressed, your dress is finished and I'm dying to see it on you." Alicent said, tugging her up and pushing her gently to the couch where her new dress lay.

Aellys obeyed, swiftly donning her attire as the maids busily styled her hair. The top section was expertly twisted and braided, interwoven with delicate strands that framed her face beautifully. She wore a deep satin dress, embellished with intricate tan floral designs on the low cut chest and sleeves, which draped gracefully off her shoulders. The fitted silhouette accentuated her curves, highlighting her rounded hips and tiny waist, while a daring slit on the right side of the dress revealed a tantalizing glimpse of her leg, cut all the way up above her knee.

"Ohh my dear Aellys, you certainly are a vision." Alicent said, looking at Aellys reflection in the mirror.

"It's beautiful, I absolutely love it!" she exclaimed, turning to envelop her in a tight hug. Uncertainty loomed about the future-her chances of returning to Dragonstone were high, so she quickly learned to cherish these fleeting moments with her family before she had to leave again. Pulling back, she realized their arrival was imminent.

"Go quickly to the front gates; I want you to greet them when they arrive," Alicent instructed, turning to the maids to give last-minute instructions. Aellys nodded and lifted her dress as she departed from her chambers, following the maidservants out.

Aellys picked up her pace, hurrying down the corridors toward the front of the castle. Just as she was almost there until , she felt a sudden tug pulling her inside an old storage closet. A startled squeal escaped her lips, quickly muffled by a familiar hand. She turned around, stunned to see Cole, who flashed her a warm smile, prompting her to return it.

She quickly wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him tightly.

"What are you doing here? I thought you'd be with my grandsire." she asked, pulling back slightly to meet his gaze.

"Im actually suppose to meet Aemond in the training yard, but I couldn't help myself. When I saw you coming down the hall in that dress, I had to have a moment with you or id go mad." he replied, giving her a hungry look. "Have you even seen the way you look?"