Led By Fiery Passion (currently being revised)

Part 60

Aemond

After a nearly sleepless night, Aemond rose early that morning and dressed for the day. He wandered around Dragonstone for a short time until he came upon what seemed to be the main hall. The large black doors were wide open, inviting him inside. As he entered, he noticed the massive stone table and ran his hand along its precise engravings when a voice called out to him.

"Sleep eluded you as well, it seems."

Aemond looked up to find the source of the voice. At the far end of the table, where the large hearth crackled and burned, there he saw Rhaenyra, her hair cascading over her arm as it rested on the chair's armrest.

"Rhaenyra." Aemond said softly, stepping closer to the chair and moving around it to face her directly.

He couldn't help but notice how disheveled she appeared; her long hair, usually styled similar to Aenyra's, was now unkempt and wild. Her eyes, swollen and red, hinted at a night spent weeping.

Rhaenyra's gaze remained fixed on the crackling fire, even as Aemond stood before her.

"You sent the letters?" he asked gently.

"Three letters—one to Jacaerys, another to Rhaena, and one to Daemon." she replied, still staring into the flames.

"You're keeping this from Aenyra?" he questioned, confusion etched on his features.

"I'm not keeping it from her," Rhaenyra said, finally turning her head slightly, though her gaze stayed elsewhere. "I'm just delaying it until she returns. Aenyra is pregnant and impulsive, telling her about Lucerys's death right now would be a reckless decision."

"Then we wait." Aemond agreed, knowing that any action would have to come after they received news from Aenyra and Jacaerys.

"Yes, we wait." Rhaenyra replied, letting out a heavy sigh.

Their moment of quiet contemplation was interrupted by the presence of Princess Rhaenys, joined by Baela at her side.

"Princess, I had only received new this morning—I am sorry for your loss, I am sure Rhaena will be devastated." Rhaenys said, her voice laced with sorrow as she struggled to maintain her composure. "Lucerys— will be deeply missed."

Baela remained silent, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, clearly fighting to hold back her emotions.

Rhaenyra nodded, her expression a mixture of sadness and determination. "We all feel his absence," she said, her tone cracking as she met Rhaenys's gaze. "But we must focus on what lies ahead."

Aemond shifted uncomfortably, the weight of grief settling heavily in the air.

"Prince Aemond, what a surprise to see you here." Rhaenys said, her expression stern as she shifted her gaze from Rhaenyra to him and stepped further into the room.

Aemond leaned casually against the large fireplace, a smirk dancing on his lips. "Am I not allowed to be here, Princess Rhaenys?"

Rhaenys narrowed her eyes at him. "It's just ironic that your brother stole the crown and killed Lucerys, yet you decide to show up now, at her most vulnerable moment."

"He's here for Aenyra." Rhaenyra spoke up still remaining in her chair as she focused back on the burning flames.

"Indeed," Aemond replied with feigned sincerity. "I must say, I've missed my wife dearly." His sarcasm took Rhaenys and Baela by surprise, but they quickly noted that Rhaenyra remained calm and composed in the face of his provocation.

Not wanting to repeat herself, Rhaenyra let out a heavy sigh, rolling her eyes at Aemond's sarcasm as she continued, "Aemond and Aenyra are married... and she is pregnant."