A Dance Of Scales And Shadows | Aemond Targaryen x OC

Part 29 - The Bending Of Scales

As soon as the first beams of sunlight painted the roofs of the city, Aika once again headed to the Dragonpit. She was accompanied by her maid and a few guards, who carried satchels in their hands. This time, she had carefully devised a plan. She had brought enough spare clothes with her. Yes, her only plan was to test the dragon's temper enough times for it to accept her.

Today, the dragonkeepers allowed her to pass through the gates without argument. Aika took a torch with her before disappearing into the darkness, while the maid and guards waited at the entrance.

This time, there was almost no fear in Aika. The deeper she went, the easier it became.

The smell of rot hit her nose before her feet even stepped into a puddle. The consistency of the liquid suggested it was blood, just like in her dream.

Then she felt it again—the hot breath of a dragon. No sooner had she sensed it than, thanks to the light of her torch, she saw the tremendous teeth, slick with blood.

For a moment, Aika felt very foolish for not considering the possibility that the dragon might simply eat her alive. But she couldn't afford to tremble now...

"Lykiri!" Aika said sternly as she slowly raised her hand toward the dragon's head.

The beast didn't react at all.

"Dohaerās!" Her voice trembled slightly.

The dragon's breath grew hotter. Aika kept her hand as steady as she could.

There was no chance. She thought. No one had ever claimed more than one dragon...

Fire erupted, but unlike last time, the dragon breathed fire right next to her before moving its head and blowing flames all around her. Then it stopped, raised its head, and let out a deafening roar. The fire of the torch was doused instantly.

That's it. The end of it... Aika closed her eyes shut. But just before she was about to withdraw her hand, she felt something.

Her eyes snapped open to meet the darkness. She slowly caressed the thing before her, realizing it was the nose of the dragon.

✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧

After Aika finished her bath and cleaned herself of the smell of blood and ash, Aemond arrived in her chamber.

"I will fly to Harrenhal tomorrow," Aemond said.

"Isn't it too soon for that?" she asked, sitting on her bed.

"I will defeat Daemon, and the war will end for good," he said, almost believing in that fantasy. "What's on your mind? You're too silent." He sat near her. Aika thought for a moment, but before she could speak, Aemond asked another question.

"Do you know our mother left the Red Keep today?" Aika turned to face him.

"Yes," he said briefly.

"Do you know why?" she asked, studying his features.

"No, I don't," Aemond replied nonchalantly.

"And you don't question her?" Aika stood up and walked toward the window.

"Do you know Aegon left the Red Keep today?" he asked, sitting unmoving.

"Yes," she answered truthfully.

"Do you know how?" Aemond asked, already knowing the answer. "Because I let you."

She turned to him but remained silent.

"Our mother was the only one who spoke up when I was maimed," Aemond continued. "She crowned Aegon to save our lives."

"You think," Aika asked carefully, "that both our mother and I make similar decisions because of family?"

"Is that incorrect?" he asked.

Yes, she wanted to tell him, our mother decided to trade your life, Aegon's life, for the safety of a few. But she couldn't say that. Besides her, the only one who had shown love toward Aemond was their mother. That would break him even more right now.

"Take me with you tomorrow," she pleaded, but he silenced her with a kiss.

"Please stay safe, before I return," he said, breaking the kiss and hugging her tightly.