Led By Fiery Passion { Aemond Targaryen}

Part 59

*Just a heads up, this chapter really pisses people off.*

Just as Aenyra and Sara composed themselves and shifted the conversation to lighter topics, Cregan strode into the main hall, playfully interrupting them. "Don't be a hog, Sara," he mocked, attempting to mimic her tone, which sent Aenyra into a fit of laughter.

Sara rolled her eyes, pretending to be annoyed, yet a genuine chuckle escaped her lips despite her efforts to appear exasperated.

"I assume  you're ready to speak with me, Lord Stark?" Aenyra inquired, recalling the reason for her visit.

"In time, Princess," Cregan replied, his smile widening. "First, you're joining me for a hunt." Aenyra raised an intrigued eyebrow, curious about his unexpected invitation.

"Really? A hunt?" she asked, her voice laced with enthusiasm. "What do you have in mind?"

Cregan leaned against the doorway, arms crossed with a mischievous grin. "Oh, just a little adventure in the woods. The deer are plentiful this time of year. Besides, I could use a partner who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty."

"Well, if that's the case, let's make it a challenge, shall we?" Aenyra proposed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Cregan nodded, signaling her to continue. "If I kill a deer first, you have to share the terms of your alliance with my mother, the true queen."

"Very well," Cregan replied, surprising her with how readily he accepted the challenge.

"And what happens if you win?" she asked, rising from her chair to face him directly.

"Let me think about it a little longer," he said, a playful smile crossing his lips.

"Think all you want, but by the end of this, you'll be the one losing and joining our side," Aenyra declared confidently, turning to walk away, leaving behind only the faint scent of lavender and a lingering smile.

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The sound of snow crunching underfoot was the only noise in the stillness around them. Aenyra had noticed tracks in the snow along the way. They walked in silence for a long time until Cregan broke it, saying, "So it's no longer Velaryon but Targaryen now, am I correct?" His gaze pointed to the sapphire ring gleaming on her finger, causing her to whirl around in shock.

Aenyra looked away, trying to mask her discomfort. After taking a deep breath, she spoke, "I wanted to tell you," her voice tinged with sorrow as she met his eyes before shifting her focus to a fresh set of hoofprints in the snow. "I just didn't know how."

"You don't have to dance around the issue for me, Aenyra. I'm no child. I realized he had won the moment we danced at the ball together." As Cregan spoke, she lifted her bow, searching for her aim. The memory of that night surged back, vivid and raw—how jealous she had been, unable to tear her gaze away from Aemond.

Lowering her bow, she turned to face him fully, halting in her tracks and forcing him to do the same. The distance between them shrank, the air electric with tension. She felt his breath quicken, their eyes locked in an intense exchange, both uncertain yet drawn to the space where their lips might meet.

the chill of the evening wrapped around them, Aenyra could feel her heart pounding in her chest. The shadows of the surrounding trees loomed like silent witnesses to their unspoken tension. "Cregan," she breathed, barely above a whisper, "what do you want me to say?"

Just as their lips were a breath away from meeting, Aenyra felt a sudden release from Cregan's bow, startling her. She turned just in time to see a large stag collapse, his arrow lodged firmly in its eye.