Sun and Fire ~ Aemond Targaryen

21. Peaceful Moments

Rhaenyra was very good at showing maternal warmth, even toward those who were not born from her womb. Many things could be said about her, but the way she comforted Daemma when she needed it most made the young girl quickly recover from her distress.

At that moment, the young lady noticed how similar her cousin was to her father, as Prince Aegon was also very skilled at offering comfort. Daemma remembered the moments when her father would hug her so tenderly when something made her cry since she was little, but she could not turn to him at that moment.

She didn't want to tell him what had happened, what her dear cousins and friends had said, and how much it had hurt her. She didn't want to worry him, so she remained silent.

She didn't mention what had happened to anyone in her family, not even to Meria.

After lunch, everyone went out to the courtyard of the Red Keep to say farewell to the princess heir, who was leaving with her people. Before they boarded the carriages that would take them to the port, the king, the queen, and all the other family members began saying their goodbyes until the next meeting, which no one could predict with certainty when it would be.

Viserys, as always, had tears in his eyes whenever he said goodbye to Rhaenyra. Daemon bid farewell with only a nod, maintaining his usual coldness, until it was time for his brothers. He accepted the king's hand, who squeezed his shoulder with brotherly affection, while Daemon smiled as best as he could to assure him he would return soon.

When his eyes fell on his younger brother, they both stared at each other severely for a few seconds, reliving the unpleasantness of their last argument at Dragonstone. Still, they both shook hands willingly, maintaining their serious expressions. This didn't last long, as Daemon was the first to break the contact, lifting the corners of his lips in an asymmetrical smile. He pulled Aegon's hand, bringing him closer, and slung his free arm around his brother's shoulder.

The younger prince immediately understood that his brother wanted to whisper something in his ear, something only he should hear. So, momentarily setting aside his reservations, he leaned his face closer to listen.

"Do you remember our "favorite spot" little brother?" Daemon asked, not waiting for a response because he knew Aegon understood. Immediately, the older prince took a step back, leaving space between them, while his brother gave him a confused and curious look.

"I'll see you there, in five days, at noon... don't fail" Prince Daemon murmured, watching as his younger brother smiled with a hint of nostalgia, likely remembering past moments.

"Alright... I'll see you there" The prince replied, without giving up his cautious demeanor. However, the rogue prince didn't need another word. He gave a mocking nod, as was his style, before bidding farewell to everyone else. He offered a handshake to Meria, along with a smile he also gave to Daemma.

Kassaia smiled politely at her political niece and her family, obviously more out of courtesy than genuine affection, and somehow, everyone was aware of it, as was the queen's cordiality during the farewell.

Lucerys and Rhaena looked at Daemma with a shy expression, as if unsure of how to behave. They wanted to say goodbye affectionately, but they felt embarrassed by the warnings of their older siblings and parents.

The young lady observed, maintaining her composure as Baela and Jace clearly felt somewhat uncomfortable. Despite the unease, each did their best to suppress it, just as they had been taught since birth.

Daemma's gaze met that of her younger cousins, and she didn't hesitate for a second to smile warmly. After all, they weren't to blame. Rhaena returned the smile, and so did Lucerys, and that was enough to know that, deep down, there was no resentment on their part.