Sun and Fire ~ Aemond Targaryen

20. Consequences

After running for a while, Daemma understood that Aemond wouldn't leave her alone and that he wouldn't give up no matter what. So, she reluctantly agreed to the conversation to avoid making a fool of herself in front of everyone.

They couldn't think of a better place to resolve their issues than sitting beneath the ancient tree of Weirwood in the royal garden. For some reason, they had started to like that specific spot, considering it was located in a rather quiet area.

The sun had already risen, and the soft breeze gently swayed the red leaves of the branches. Daemma sat on the grass, her legs pulled close to her chest, unwilling to look at her fiancé. Her pursed lips and furrowed brow were enough signs of her displeasure. Aemond, on the other hand, was sitting with his palms flat behind his body and his legs stretched out relaxedly. The silence was uncomfortable, and before the lady could complain and force her cousin to speak, he spoke first.

"I owe you an apology" the prince whispered, his gaze fixed on the void. Slowly, the girl turned her face, resting her chin on her knees to look at him, still displeased. But Aemond continued, his tone soft and slightly embarrassed. "I shouldn't have gone too far... I disrespected you."

"Did you cause all that commotion chasing me around the castle like a madman just to apologize?" the lady asked, her eyes a mix of disbelief and mockery.

"I wanted to speak peacefully, but you were the one who ran off like a madwoman" the man defended himself, turning his face to meet his cousin's gaze.

"I told you I didn't want to talk right away... Why didn't you wait until I was in a better mood?"

"I didn't sleep all night. I wanted to apologize immediately to get this discomfort off me and make sure you don't hate me" he argued. The girl rubbed her eyes lightly before responding.

"Well, I couldn't sleep either, and you should know... I do hate you."

"Did I hurt you? That wasn't my intention, Daemma" Aemond's expression changed to one of concern. His gaze softened more than ever, and when Daemma saw him like this, she couldn't help but feel pity. She spoke gently.

"It's not about the kiss, Aemond... I don't hate you because of that" Her blue eyes dropped for a second, along with a small pout on her lips. Aemond slightly narrowed his expression, confused.

"Then why?"

At the question, the girl clenched her jaw and stared at the prince, showing her anger. She lowered her knees from her chest and, with one hand, pulled down the neckline of her dress to reveal the trail of hickeys he had left behind.

Daemma couldn't help but feel embarrassed doing this, and her pale cheeks flushed once again. Aemond silently scanned the sight before him with astonishment.

"Was it me?" His foolish question made the girl grind her teeth, and she gave him a hard punch in the arm along with a shout.

"Idiot! Who else do you think would do it? King Viserys?" she mocked, still angry, before continuing. "How the hell am I going to face this?"

"Well... I don't think those marks will last long on your skin; they'll fade soon, and that dress you're wearing covers them well," the prince murmured, trying to calm her down, but Daemma's anger only seemed to grow as she hit his left arm again.

"I almost never wear these dresses that make me look like a septa... My mother and sister will suspect," the girl grumbled. To make matters worse, she noticed that, instead of feeling embarrassed, Aemond had an arrogant smile on his face. She scolded him again. "Ao issi vēdros (You're insufferable)."

"Se mirre iksos bona ao ȳdra daor vēdros issa... nyke istan quba (What matters is that you don't hate me... I was worried)" the prince murmured, keeping his smile. He was clearly relieved. Daemma let out a mock laugh in response before standing up and warning him in a serious tone.