Sun and Fire ~ Aemond Targaryen

18. An Unsettling Celebration

During dinner, Daemma did everything she could to avoid looking at her cousins, whose eyes reflected deep disappointment. The recent official news weighed heavily on her, and she could feel the gazes of the nobles watching her with expectation. As she cut her meat and brought it to her mouth, she noticed some courtiers toasting in her honor. Despite the discomfort, she made an effort to smile the entire time, politely nodding to every gesture.

Aemond, on the other hand, had it easier. Always so stern, no one expected him to show a cheerful expression throughout the evening. He had the freedom to maintain his usual stoic demeanor. Daemma turned her gaze toward the right side of the table, where her family was sitting. Her father seemed to be searching for her gaze, and they exchanged a smile of affection. She also saw her mother, whose expression was filled with pride; it didn't surprise her, as she was the only one in her close family circle who had been genuinely delighted with everything that was happening from the start.

The hall was filled with conversations around her. The voices, laughter, and clinking of cutlery echoed off the stone walls, resonating throughout the space. However, the royal table remained mostly silent. The kings and their parents conversed enthusiastically, while the others, like Rhaenyra, Daemon, princess Rhaenys and her cousins, stayed quiet, observing the atmosphere and eating slowly.

When Daemma raised the silver goblet in front of her and brought it to her lips to taste the wine, which was definitely from the Arbor, the best in the Seven Kingdoms, the moment was interrupted by an unpleasant voice she knew all too well.

"Cheers, my dear cousin" said Prince Aegon, who was sitting next to Helaena, visibly drunk and practically leaning forward on the table, without any decorum, as he raised his goblet in a toast.

Aemond with disdain turned his gaze toward his older brother. Helaena became nervous and Baela also looked at him, clearly upset by the situation. Every time Aegon spoke, it was obvious he did so to get under everyone's skin with his inappropriate and indecent comments. Daemma wasn't willing to tolerate his jokes that night, but she also didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing her upset. So, with a hypocritical smile, she raised her goblet and replied politely.

"Cheers, dear cousin" Daemma said with a tense smile, as they clinked their goblets in a gesture overflowing with falseness before taking a sip. Aegon stared at her, his eyes acquiring a lecherous gleam, and in a whispering tone, he spoke again:

"You look beautiful... though, don't you think you're showing too much skin?"

These words made Aemond grip his hand so tightly that his nails dug into his flesh, while his gaze fixed on his brother with warning. Helaena's eyes flickered between her husband and her cousin, reflecting the obvious nervousness on her face. Daemma clenched her jaw, holding back her rage while thinking to herself: You won't provoke me, you damn pig. However, she responded with a soft laugh and a tone full of sarcasm:

"Is seeing a little more of a woman's neck and shoulders bothering you, cousin? You're definitely a child."

She openly mocked him, lifting her goblet to her lips again, while her fiancé smiled, and Helaena, next to her, shared an approving expression for Daemma's response. Aegon, not losing his composure, let out an unpleasant laugh, but before he could say anything more, he noticed the scathing look from his mother. Her brown eyes drilled into Aegon with disapproval, and he, although somewhat puzzled, simply continued drinking, letting out a nervous chuckle.

Although Aegon had fallen silent, Daemma looked at Helaena, whose eyes reflected a slight embarrassment. It was no wonder; her own husband was dishonoring her shamelessly, not even in public. While Daemma wanted to give that empty head a good smack, she knew it wasn't the right moment and Aegon was taking advantage of that. She was aware that neither she nor Aemond could strike him without ruining their own celebration.