Two Burning Flames

Part 16

The song ended, Jace and Aellys returned to their seat. She looked around the table at the laughter and light conversations the family was having, and for a split second, she wished it could've always been that way. But the sounds of laughter and music was cut off by the violent coughs of Viserys.

"Are you alright my dear?" Alicent concerned voice echoed across the table. "Guards, take him back to his chambers to rest. Give him the milk of poppy for pain!"

"Mother allow me!" Aellys stood up and asked but not even waiting for a response she had already gone to his side in efforts to help him.
Alicents worried expression remained and she nodded in response hesitantly sitting back down as she watched them leave the room.

"It breaks my heart to see you like this, Father," Aellys said softly as she gently guided him down the corridor. The sound of his wheezing breaths and the tap of his cane echoed alongside their footsteps. When they reached his chambers, the guards opened the door, and she helped him into bed, tucking the blankets securely up to his chin.

"Shall I read your favorite book once more, or would light conversation be more suitable?" Aellys asked sweetly. Viserys didn't respond immediately but slowly extended his hand from beneath the sheets, offering it to her. She took it, her grip warm and reassuring.

"Light conversation it is," she said, launching into a chatter about everything-the weather, the recent books she had read, her friendship with Jacaerys. Without even realizing it, she began reminiscing about Aegon, sharing some of their happiest memories from the past.

The moment she acknowledged her words, an inexplicable flutter spread through her, light as butterflies. Her heart raced in her chest, confusion swirling within her. Why was she talking about him as if there was nothing else on her mind?

"You love him...?"

A faint voice broke through the stillness, barely louder than a whisper. In the deep of night, when silence enveloped everything, she heard him distinctly.

"I-I..." she stammered, struggling to find her words. It was evident he meant more than a simple sibling bond, but why had he voiced it? "He's my brother; of course I love him." She feigned ignorance, turning her gaze away from her father to focus on the small model display of King's Landing in his chambers. The flickering candlelight cast a warm glow, illuminating its intricate details.

"It's o-okay, Aellys," he breathed heavily. "I should have just married you to him. I didn't realize until after you left, he's ... he's always l-"

Her eyes were fixed intently on Viserys, growing impatient by every word he spoke. But before he could finish, the sudden sound of the door opening interrupted them.

"Oh Aellys,your still here?" Alicent asked, offering a faint smile as she stepped closer to the bed.

"Supper done that quickly?" Aellys inquired, her brow raised in surprise.

"Yes, unfortunately. Aemond and Aegon, along with Rhaenyra's... offspring, couldn't manage to be respectful for even one night," she replied sternly. Her words flowed with measured wisdom, but the underlying anger and annoyance were unmistakable, prompting Viserys to shut his eyes and mumble something under his breath.

"Are they okay?" Aellys turned to Alicent, concern etched on her face.

"Aemond is fine, but Aegon left with a split lip. Aellys, I need to speak with your father. Why don't you be a good girl and go check on your brother?"

"Sure..." she whispered, rising to her feet but hesitating as she leaned down to plant a gentle kiss on her father's forehead. "Rest well, Father. Maybe we can finish that conversation in the morning." She flashed a warm smile at Alicent before leaving the chamber, making her way through the Red Keep until she reached Aegon's door.