ℍ𝕚𝕤 𝔹𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 | 𝐻𝑜𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒟𝓇𝒶𝑔𝑜𝓃

17

Cerys tossed and turned in her bed, the weight of her thoughts pressed heavily against her chest. A part of her longed for Cregan, who could provide steady love and affection. But the other part, burned for Aemond, drawn like a moth to a flame. Frustrated, she sat up, tangling her fingers into her hair as if it'd unravel the chaos swirling in her mind.

She pulled the covers off, slipped out of bed, and threw her cloak around her shoulders. The chill of the corridor nipped at her. Outside, the courtyard shone under the moonlight. The frost under her feet crunched softly with every step.

Two men, two choices, and the certainty of heartbreak for one. Fortune felt like a curse.

When morning rolled around, Cerys was still haunted by her indecision. Exhaustion tugging at her. She dressed silently beside Baela, their shared routine becoming a comfort. But that comfort dissolved once they stepped into the dining hall.

There they sat. Aemond and Cregan, speaking calmly- peacefully even.

"Good morning," she murmured as she took her seat, her voice barely louder than the clink of the cutlery.

Aemond's eye met hers across the table, sharp as a blade, while Cregan smiled at her, warm and inviting. Cregan noticed the exchanged glances between them and leaned closer to Cerys.

Though Aemond's sharp ears undoubtedly caught every word.

"We're going hunting this evening. Would you join me?"

Cerys hesitated, glancing between the two. Aemond's expression was unreadable. She forced a smile for Cregan.

"I'd love to."

The tension between the three of them crackled like an unlit fire.

Snowflakes clung to Cerys's hair as she and Cregan galloped through the forest, the world around them blanketed in white. He spoke with ease, teaching her about the wildlife and signs of prey.

Their conversation was interrupted by a distant roar in the sky, followed by a dark shadow. Knights exchanged worried glances, but Cregan's hand drifted instinctively to his sword hilt.

"It's Vhagar,"

Cerys said softly, extending a steadying arm.

"Don't worry. Aemond is trying to intimidate you-show strength. It's his way."

Cregan's brow furrowed.

"Has he always been like this?"

Cerys hesitated, her gaze falling to the snow-laden path.

"Very tantrum-filled?"

She asked with a soft chuckle until it faded into an expression of somber.

"Well...since we were children. He... wasn't treated kindly by my nephews or his brother."

Cerys commented as their horses continued to trot them through the forest.

"And his mother..." She stopped herself, cheeks flushing.

"I shouldn't speak of such things."

Cregan offered a small smile.

"Your secrets are safe with me."

He responded truthfully.

The hunt was cut short. A knight's urgent shout summoned Cregan, and when he returned, his face was grim.