Led By Fiery Passion (currently being revised)

Part 85

Aemond 

Daemon's fierce gaze locked onto them, his eyes flickering between Aemond and Aenyra.

SHIT.

He knows exactly what we just did.

Aenyra awkwardly cleared her throat and stepped forward. "Father—"

"Little dragon," Daemon interrupted, placing a soft kiss on the top of her head, his eyes never leaving Aemond. "I think it's time we had a little chat." His voice was low, edged with menace.

"Okay," Aenyra hesitated before continuing. "We can go to mine and Aemond's chambers if you—"

"No." Daemon's interruption was sharp and final. Aenyra bit in her lower lip and lowered her head awkwardly in attempt to not say anything more, her gaze shifted between her father and husband, feeling the weight of the silent standoff between them.

Aemond's gaze remained fixed on Daemon's, though he could feel Aenyra's unease radiating off her, her tension palpable.

The air between them crackled with hostility as Daemon's intense stare never wavered, a silent challenge hanging heavy in the space between them. Aenyra could almost feel the walls around them hold their breath, as if waiting for one of them to break the silence.

"Father," she interjected, her voice steady and calm, "can't we all talk together? I'm worried that if I'm not there, things will turn..hostile." She trailed off quieter on that last word.

Daemon briefly glanced at Aenyra, his expression softening just enough to be noticed. "No hostility here," he said, a dark, almost amused smile tugging at his lips. His stance shifted, both hands settling on the hilt of his sword. "It's simply a chance for me and him to get acquainted."

Aenyra's breath caught, and she swallowed the words she'd been about to speak. Aemond finally broke his unwavering stare, turning to her. "It's fine, my love. We'll just have a small chat, and then I'll return to our chambers. Besides," his voice dropped lower, steady, "there's someone you need to speak with anyway."

She knew exactly who he meant.

With a sharp nod, Aenyra stepped forward, laying a firm hand on her father's arm. Her eyes met his; steady, unflinching, a silent warning. After a moment's pause, she pulled back and crossed the space to Aemond.

She pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, her fingers trailing down the length of his arm before intertwining with his. Her gaze lingered on his, a quiet plea for patience—for restraint. Then, with visible reluctance, she let her fingers slip free and turned away, leaving him behind.

"Come." Daemon commanded, already striding off without a backward glance.

Aemond released a quiet breath he hadn't realized he was holding, exhaling deeply before falling into step behind him. The air between them hung heavy, thick with unspoken words and simmering tension.

————-

Aenyra

As she moved through the winding corridors and ascended the stairs, Aenyra nervously chewed on the tip of her long thumbnail. Her mind raced with thoughts of Aemond and her father. Would this encounter truly remain a simple conversation, or was it destined to spiral into chaos? She loved her father deeply, but every word she had spoken to him in the council room that day had been honest. The thought of severing ties with him broke her heart, but Aemond was her husband, and she refused to let anything or anyone come between them again.