Aegon Targaryen x OC | Tempestuous

apart

Alyssa was standing amongst the Jace, Baela, Rhaenys, Daemon and the rest of her mother's council when her mother finally walked in. She stood there speechless and turned to look at her brother's reaction. He looked equally as shocked but she could also read the annoyance in his gaze. Her mother had abandoned them there to deal with her council who had no sympathy for them. And on top of that the role of trying to control Daemon was left to them. 

Rhaenyra walked around the table and finally stood at the head of it. Every pair of eyes at the table were on her.

"I want Aemond Targaryen." 

And with that she walked away. Alyssa wanted to chase after her and ask her where she had been but she could not bring herself to. She looked up at Jace whose eyes followed their mother. It was almost like they had come to the silent agreement that he would go speak to her first, leaving Alyssa to ponder everything alone. 

As Jace left, Alyssa found Baela at her side reminding her of their bond despite their separated childhoods and complicated parents. 

Baela grabbed her hand, "I am here for you, cousin. If ever you need me." She offered nodding reassuringly at Alyssa.

"Thank you, Baela. I appreciate it." Alyssa responded. 

Baela smiled but before she could turn around, Alyssa continued, "Actually, there is something else I would like to speak with you about." She found herself blushing but there was no one else with whom she could discuss these matters so she had to do so with Baela. After all she was mature and would surely offer her cousin some sound advice. 

Baela smiled, "Of course, cousin, let us go to my chambers up stairs."

She led the way as Alyssa tried to formulate how she would ever explain what had happened between her and Aegon. What even had happened? She could not even find an answer when she herself asked it. Before she could run away with her last remaining shred of dignity, they had reached Baela's chambers. 

Alyssa sat herself down awkwardly on a small stool at the end of the bed and picked up a flask that was resting on the floor nearby and drank from it immediately. Baela looked slightly perplexed and worried,"Cousin, I cannot imagine what you are going through right now but surely downing cups is not the way to deal with it."

Alyssa dropped the flask quickly, "No, Baela... it is not that, oh Gods I sound terrible for saying that but really something else has been plaguing me of late. Something which I would like to speak to you about."

"What is it then?"

She continued awkwardly, "Well... you know how mother instructed me to find a suitor in my time at the Keep?"

Baela nodded sensing where this was going. 

"Well I think I may have found one..." She could not finish her sentence before her cousin almost screamed, "Are you serious, cousin? That is great news amongst everything else that has been happening."

Alyssa sighed and looked down, she shrugged and continued, "I know, but there is an issue with the identity of this man".

Speaking about her feelings, especially those involving men had always been challenging and particularly painful for her. And to discuss Aegon of all people was simply torture. Hence she was being cryptic and putting it off for as long as she could. 

Baela chuckled, "As long as he is not a Lannister you will be fine!"

Alyssa looked down bracing for impact and revealed it, "Aegon. It's Aegon." That was all she had to say. Baela's eyes widened and she seemed speechless. Her cousin who could always offer council and advice was speechless because of her. That must have really meant that Alyssa was too far gone. 

"You're that disappointed in me, cousin?" Alyssa asked hopelessly. 

Baela grinned, "Of course not, I am just surprised. I mean, I knew he liked you but I did not think you reciprocated, that is all. But there is also the fact that your mother is about to go to war with Aegon and his family." 

Alyssa sighed, feeling relieved finally, "I know, I don't even know how it happened but he has me in his web somehow and I simply can't get out. And the war, he does not even want the throne he has told me plainly enough. In fact it was he who helped me escape. He wanted to escape to but he could not as he is their propped up usurper." She trailed off spitting out details of the previous weeks at the Keep and all her activities. "Oh, and how could I forgot, they wanted to marry me to Aemond!" She spat out with disgust. 

Baela looked overwhelmed with all of these new details and was trying to process it all, "I mean it does not shock me that he does not want to rule, he has never been fit for the crown that is sure. But why would Alicent and Otto want to betroth you to Aemond? To boost their sides credibility by having the actual future heir on it?" 

"It must be that, thank the Gods I got away before they could plan any weddings...." Alyssa stated happily. It was scary to think how different her life could have been if Aegon had not organised to get her out of there. 

Baela looked up, "So what are you going to do then? And Aegon, what of him?" she questioned. 

Alyssa was unsure herself and stammered, "I don't know, I could not even thank him upon leaving because it was too unsafe but I don't even know what he thinks of me now. He is not like his brother though. Aemond scares me, even since taming Vhagar he has just been different, so unsympathetic and cold. He really seems interested in the throne for himself, I don't think he even cares for Aegon." Alyssa sighed. 

"I know, he scares me too. But we have to be brave if we are to win this war. And I suppose that you and Aegon might want to mayhaps fight on the same side of this war?" Baela questioned smirking.

"I do, I mean he wanted to leave with me but could not. If I could only get him out of there and make him bend the knee to Mother. We could protect him here, he would be one of us. And they could prop up Aemond as their new usurper."

Baela smiled, "That is ambitious, Alyssa. I wonder what your mother would think of it."

"She does not know him, she never paid him any mind." She exclaimed louder than she would have liked. 

"Princess, it almost sounds like someone likes Aegon!" Baela teased laughing with her arms out. 

"Ahh, it is a disease I fear and I am afflicted with it!" Alyssa giggled falling into Baela's embrace.

It felt nice to finally converse with her cousin after so long, and to simply speak about girl matters as they used to. She did not feel as alone anymore and Baela had unknowingly ignited some new hope into Alyssa as she wondered how she would ever be reunited with Aegon.