Two Burning Flames

Part 14

"They haven't, but I have," Aellys declared confidently as she maneuvered through the crowd towards the display of weapons. She picked up a sword, its weight feeling right in her hands. Aemond let out a mocking laugh. "What's the matter, dear brother? Scared to be bested by a woman?" His eyes followed her fingers as they glided along the blade.

"You're wearing a dress," he retorted, tilting his head and rolling his eyes.

"Then you'll have the advantage," Aellys replied with a smirk, twisting the sword effortlessly in her grip, surprising both Aemond and Cole with her skill.

Jace chuckled softly, watching as Aellys took her stance before him with unyielding confidence. "Aellys, it wouldn't be appropriate-" Aemond began, but she silenced him with a swift, unexpected swing.

Aemond barely had time to react, his eyes wide as he instinctively raised his own weapon to deflect her strike. The clash of metal rang out, sending a thrill through the onlookers.

Aellys lunged forward, the blade slicing through the air with surprising grace. He swiftly parried her strike, a smirk playing on his lips. "You'll have to do better than that!"

"Believe me, I intend to!" Aellys replied, determination sparking in her eyes. She sidestepped, using her momentum to launch a series of rapid strikes, each one met with Aemond's deft blocks. The clang of steel echoed as they danced around each other, the spectators cheering them on like a crowd at a circus.

"Come on, Aemond! Can't you keep up?" Aellys taunted, a hint of playful challenge in her tone. Aemond grinned, thrilling excitement bubbling within him with someone new giving him a challenge; this was more than just a fight-it was a test of their sibling rivalry.

With a dramatic flourish, Aemond spun away, leveraging his reach to create distance. "I'm just warming up! You might want to reconsider your approach." With that, he charged forward, feigning left but darting right, aiming for her unguarded side.

But Aellys had anticipated his move. With a defiant pivot on her heel, she caught his sword, and each clash of their weapons ignited the thrill of competition. Just as their swords collided with a powerful clang, the gates swung open to reveal Vaemond Velaryon and his supporters, bringing their movements to a sudden halt. As Vaemond passed, he cast a measuring look at the two Velaryon boys. Cole was the first to speak, breaking the tension. "I think that's all we have time for today-it ends in a draw." He stepped between them, taking the sword from Aellys's hands, which made her narrow her eyes at him.

"I'm impressed, sister; you're better than I expected," Cole said coolly as he sheathed his sword and straightened the hem of his shirt.

"Hmm, you're not too shabby yourself," Aellys replied, her gaze following Cole. She felt a twinge of spite at the shift in his demeanor. Determined to move on, she walked over to Jace and tugged him by the hand. "Let's go before we're late," she urged. Unfazed by her sudden touch, Jace squeezed her hand in return as they left, with Luke trailing behind them.

Cole's jaw tightened as he watched Aellys walk away, hand in hand with Jacaerys. Aemond couldn't help but let out a mocking laugh at Cole's evident jealousy. He circled around him like a predator toying with its prey.

"Your feelings for her are to obvious, Cole. It's almost like you're not even trying to hide them." Aemond taunted.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Cole shot back, as he tuned to walk away. He quickened his pace to distance himself from Aemond. But Aemond matched his stride effortlessly as they made their way back into the castle.

"You can pretend all you want, but the truth is simple: she's a princess, and you're...you. Sure, she may be betrothed to Jacaerys, but Aegon will never let her go." Aemond remarked, passing Cole as he came to an abrupt halt, momentarily taken aback by the words. It turned out Cole wasn't completely obviously to Aegon's long desire for Aellys. Without replying, Cole pressed on toward the throne room where the petition was being held.