Year: 125 AC

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"Are you feeling any better?"

"Mhmm." 

"You don't look it."

Daenys attempted a faint smile, but it was a futile effort. With a trembling hand, she held Aemond's handkerchief to her nose, and he watched as it swiftly darkened with fresh blood. He winced at the sight, disbelief etched across his features. The room's soft candlelight revealed the shadows under her eyes, making them seem deeper and more pronounced than ever before. Her breathing was shallow, and she clutched her chest, trying to maintain her composure. The front of her dress was stained with blood and his tunic had a stain to match. Her eyes fell upon him and dimmed.

"I'm sorry. You told me not to get blood on your clothes," she mumbled. "You must be upset."

Aemond let out a strained laugh, "You think that's what I'm upset about?"

"Well...yes? Are you not?"

"No, Daenys."

"Oh."

"Don't oh me! What's wrong?" Aemond threw his hands up in frustration. "Why won't you let me call your mother? Or the maesters?"

"You need not bother them, Aemond. I'll be perfectly alright in a moment and there's no sense in ruining the event for everyone else."

She gave him her best grin to signal that she was alright, but he only shook his head. 

"The feast can wait. Your health is far more important."

"You're too kind, Aemond, but there's no need for both of us to suffer. Go and enjoy the feast. I'll be fine."

"Daenys-"

Daenys winked at him, "And besides, you're missing out on your chance to meet the many wonderful young ladies out there. All of them would be more than thrilled to share a dance with the prince."

Aemond's face crinkled with a mixture of amusement and exasperation at her playful banter. He shook his head, "Those ladies will be just fine without me. They'll be kept more than occupied with Aegon there."

"Oh, but I'd hate to be the reason those ladies are denied the pleasure of a dance with you specifically."

"I can't leave you like this, Daenys," Aemond insisted stubbornly. 

"What if I requested it?" the young princess's eyes twinkled mischievously. 

"What?"

"Well, I know I said I wouldn't ask you anything for my name day, but I've decided now. I want you to return to the feast and enjoy yourself. I want you to dance with at least three new ladies before the night is over."

"You can't do that!"

"And no pretending. I shall be asking Helaena and Daeron to confirm," Daenys shrugged. "I'd ask Aegon too but I doubt he's sober enough to remember."

"But...three?" Aemoind sputtered, at a loss for words.

"Alright then, we'll make it two? Does that sound better?"

"Daenys let me get a maester. Clearly, all the blood loss is getting to your head."

"It is not! Come on, it will be fun, I promise."

"How would you know? If I recall, you looked perfectly miserable when you were doing it," Aemond raised an eyebrow in disbelief. 

Daenys shook her head fervently, as she began to list off potential ladies, "No, no this will be different. Men have a tendency to behave repulsively, but the ladies are all lovely!"

"I'm sure I'm not meant to take offence to that?"

"Of course not, don't be ridiculous. Now, let's see there's Lady Elara, the enchanting singer from House Redwyne. And Lady Selyse, she's a wonderful harpist and she makes good jokes. I think you'll find them all quite intriguing. Oh, and Lady Eleanor from-"

"You seem to have a talent for this, Daenys. Quite the matchmaker, aren't you?" Aemond interrupted.

"You have no idea. Did I ever tell you about how I'm helping Daeron out with his romantic pursuits as well? I may as well be an expert."

Daenys grinned, her eyes lighting up as she listed off more names and then reached the one that seemed to excite her the most. 

"Ah, but the one you absolutely must meet is Lady Cassandra Baratheon. Aemond, she's a vision of beauty, grace, and wit all rolled into one. Her laughter can light up a room, and her humour is infectious. You'll find her to be the most delightful company."

"Well, it sounds like you're the one who may be smitten with Lady Cassandra. Are you sure you'd be fine with sharing her attention with me?"

"Hrmm, perhaps, on second thought, don't meet Lady Cassandra. There are plenty of other wonderful ladies for you to acquaint yourself with. I think I shall keep Lady Cassandra to myself."

"Oh don't hold back now."

"I am not! I just listed off more than a dozen girls who would be more than happy to bask in your presence."

Aemond looked down, unable to escape the nagging voice in his mind. What lady would want to dance with him, he wondered, his injury so plainly visible for all to see? He imagined the ladies' horrified expressions, their eyes widening in shock if they were to ever accidentally catch sight of his ruined eye. He could almost hear the whispers and gasps that would follow, as rumours would inevitably fly around the castle, further feeding the insatiable appetite of court gossip. It was a cruel twist of fate that his physical flaw, which he had grown accustomed to over time, seemed magnified in the brilliant light of the grand event.

Then a hand slipped into his, soft fingers entwining with his, pulling him out of his thoughts. 

"I don't know what you're thinking about," Daenys muttered, "but I'd like you to stop. You're kind and charming, and incredibly handsome. Your presence alone will brighten up the grand hall, and I'm certain every lady will be vying for a dance with you. And if anyone says otherwise, I shall go after them myself! My sword skills have gotten tremendously better."

A faint blush crept across Aemond's cheeks at her compliments, "You're laying it on a bit too thick Daenys."

With a determined look, Daenys insisted, "Go and enjoy yourself. Have a dance, make new friends, and when you're done, you can report back to me. I'll be right here."

Aemond snorted at her insistent tone and gazed down at her. The handkerchief she held up to her nose was almost completely soaked through with blood and a crimson bead trickled slowly down her wrist. She looked a mess, yet, despite the discomfort and pain she must have been feeling, there was a gentle, reassuring smile on her lips as she tried to console him. He reached out to touch her hand but she backed away from him quickly. 

"Wouldn't want to stain you even more," she shrugged by way of explanation when she caught the flash of hurt that crossed his face. "Can't let any more of my wretchedness marr your perfection now can we."

"Don't say that."

"Shhh, now hurry. Go. Quick, before your brother has scared away all the ladies into thinking that the Targaryens are not worth mingling with, although I'm sure they will all have fallen in love with Helaena so I shouldn't be too worried."

Aemond rolled his eyes at her teasing, hiding his concern behind a smirk, "You're far too good at flattery, Daenys. I suppose I could make an appearance, and then return to check on you."

"Before you go..."

Aemond paused by the chamber door at the sound of her voice. Was it just his imagination or did it sound more weary than it had been a few moments ago.

"Anything," he returned. 

"If you happen to see one of my handmaidens on your way down, would you mind sending them up? I think I might need a few more handkerchiefs."

"Perhaps I ought to stay here-"

"Aemond! You can't wriggle out of giving me my name day present!"

"I already got you another name-day present," Aemind muttered under his breath.

"What?"

"Nothing. Yes, I'll find someone to send up to you."

As Aemond's footsteps faded into the distance, Daenys crumpled to the floor, her face contorted with agony. The searing, unbearable pain in her stomach felt like a relentless, malevolent force tearing through her very core. It was as if someone were mercilessly excavating her insides with a rusted spoon, and each movement brought waves of excruciating torment. The room seemed to spin around her, and Daenys felt the nauseating urge to vomit. Her breathing became shallow and rapid, each gasp a desperate plea for relief from the unrelenting pain.

It had taken nearly all her strength to keep herself upright and smiling in front of Aemond. She was determined not to worry him or anyone else. If he were to inform her mother or the king about her suffering, they might leap to the conclusion that she had been poisoned, which she knew she hadn't. Not by anyone else other than herself anyways. 

The woman from the brothel flashed in her mind's eye just then. She'd said that the elixir would poison her. That it could kill her too. Let it, she thought to herself. She'd rather go out like this, by her own hand and will than for the sake of a child she'd never even get to see. 

As Daenys lay on the chamber floor, the darkness seemed to encroach upon her vision The agony in her abdomen felt relentless, as if the pain was an entity of its own, determined to consume her. Each breath was a struggle, and the world around her seemed to blur and waver.

"Daenys, I saw Dyana and she said she'd be happy to help you clean up," came the distorted voice of Aemond Targaryen. 

Suddenly, quick footsteps echoed through the room, and Dyana burst into the chamber, her eyes wide with concern. Following her was Aemond, who had come back to check on her, unable to shake off his worry.

When they saw Daenys on the floor, her face etched in pain and tears tracking silently down her cheeks, their hearts clenched with alarm. Dyana rushed to Daenys' side, kneeling beside her and gently cradling her head, while Aemond swiftly followed suit.

Aemond struggled to keep his vice stable as he took Daenys into his arms, "Are you all right? What's happening?"

"That...that wasn't long enough for... two dances," with great effort, Daenys tried to flash him a teasing grin but it came out as a pained grimace. 

"You cannot possibly joke at a time like this"

Daenys could only manage a weak, pained gasp as her hand clutched her abdomen, trying to alleviate the agony. She gazed up at Aemond through tear-filled eyes, struggling to form words. 

Dyana, her voice laced with worry, added, "Should we send for the maester, princess?"

Aemond held Daenys close, his brow furrowing in frustration, "Yes, Dyana, send for the maester immediately!"

"No! No, you can't tell anyone!"

"Have you seen yourself? You look like you're at death's door! How can I not call the maester when you're clearly in so much pain?"

Aemond's voice thundered through the chamber and Dyana flinched. Still, Daenys shook her head stubbornly. She sniffled and pulled her lips wider into that grimacing smile, trying to keep her voice light. 

Tears mixed with Daenys' strained smile as she begged, "Aemond, please, look I'm fine. I'm fine. I don't want to ruin the feast for everyone. It's probably just a passing discomfort. I don't want to make a fuss. Please."

Aemond's patience wore thin, his voice rising with exasperation. His grip on Daenys tightened as he barked orders at Dyana.

"Go fetch the maester, now! And then fetch something to clean her up with. Hurry, don't just stand there staring!"

"Don't...don't speak to her... that way," Daenys protested, her voice coming out in broken pauses. "Dyana, you may fetch a maester but you are not to let anyone else know. No one is to find out about this. Please. And thank...thank you."

As Dyana hurriedly left to fetch the maester, Aemond continued to cradle Daenys in his arms, his heart aching with concern. 

"Daenys, have you been poisoned?"

"No... I have not."

"You seem awfully sure of that."

"I am....and you know how Mother and Grandsire can get. If they thought I'd been poisoned, they'd have all the guests searched and questioned. Not to mention what Daemon would do."

"Are you certain?"

"More certain than anything else."

A heavy silence hung in the room, and Aemond's grip on her loosened, his expression growing tense as he considered another possibility. He couldn't bring himself to look at her directly, and his voice quivered slightly as he asked, "Daenys, are you... with child? When...when Helaena was with child for the first time, she often got sick too."

The words seemed to hang in the air like a storm cloud, their gravity casting a shadow over the chamber. Aemond's anger and hurt were evident, though he tried to suppress them, betrayed only by the slight tightening of his jaw. He still held Daenys, but his embrace had grown distant as if he were recoiling from the idea.

However, Daenys' reaction was anything but expected. Instead of providing a straightforward answer, she burst into a choked, almost hysterical laughter, her voice ringing through the room. It was a bewildering reaction, and Aemond's expression darkened with confusion and growing hurt.

Fresh tears welled up in her eyes as her laughter sent new bolts of pain scraping through her insides, and she struggled to speak for a moment. When she finally managed to regain some composure, Aemond's patience had all but run out. He asked the question again, his voice far harsher this time, "Daenys, are you with child?"

Her laughter only intensified in response, punctuated by bouts of violent coughing, and it seemed that Aemond's patience was quickly wearing thin. His anger began to simmer, and he couldn't understand what was so amusing about the situation. 

He abruptly remarked, "If your trip to the brothel the other night has left you with child, the least you could do is not lie to me about it when I'm losing my mind out of worry for you. I told you, you should not have gone there!"

Daenys, tears streaming down her face, managed to choke out words between fits of manic laughter. 

"Aemond, I was... I was only at the brothel because of... other personal matters. I am not with child. I will never be with child." 

Her laughter finally subsided, leaving her breathless and watery-eyed. Her statement brought some sense of ease to her though, as though it made her pain bearable. Knowing that she would never swell with anyone's child ever or fear the loss of her life in childbirth. She'd bear this pain a thousand times over for that sweet reward. 

Aemond's anger slowly ebbed away, replaced by a mixture of relief and embarrassment. He sighed deeply and pulled Daenys close, hugging her gently, his earlier frustration replaced with a profound sense of relief. Daenys sighed too. Perhaps her sense of brief relief had to do with him. Something about the way he carded his fingers through her hair and pressed a kiss to her forehead as she trembled in his arms. 

"Why do you sound relieved?" Daenys mumbled.

Aemond felt the heat crawl up his neck slowly as he tried to evade her question, "I just didn't want to leave your side to go hunt down the pathetic man who had dared to whelp his bastard on you."

Daenys made a face of disgust, "That sounds repulsive."

"My apologies. I should not utter such words in front of a lady."

"Since when did you ever treat me as if I was a real lady?" Daenys raised an eyebrow in disbelief and Aemond marvelled at her composure when blood still trickled from her nose and she looked moments away from being ready to be entombed. 

Dyana returned to the chamber with the maester in tow just then.

Dyana addressed Daenys, her voice gentle but concerned, "Princess, no other member of the royal family has been made aware of your condition. I've tried my best to keep the matter discreet, but it's time for the maester to assess your health."

The maester, a seasoned man with a calm demeanour, bowed his head respectfully toward both Aemond and Daenys.

"My prince, if you would be so kind as to help the princess onto her bed," he requested. 

Aemond nodded, slipping his arms under her legs and sweeping her up gently, placing her at the edge of her bed. Daenys winced as she was moved. With a desperate, hurried motion, she reached for the nearby bucket that Dyana had thoughtfully brought into the room as well. In a moment of raw agony, she retched, emptying the contents of her stomach violently into the bucket. The violent pain that had gripped her moments ago returned with a vengeance, and she was unable to contain it any longer. The room was filled with the distressing sounds of her choking, and her body convulsed with each wave of nausea. Aemond, Dyana, and the maester watched with growing concern, a sense of helplessness washing over them as they witnessed her suffering.

The maester glanced at Aemond out of the corner of his eye, his gaze then flickering back to Daenys. 

"Could the princess perhaps be with child?"

"Would everyone please stop fucking asking me if I'm pregnant!" Daenys snapped. 

The maester's eyes widened at her language, and he bobbed his head up and down, "My apologies if I have offended you, Princess. I was just asking as it would help me with your diagnosis. I sincerely apologize."

Aemond snorted and shook his head, an affectionate look replacing his concerned one for a moment. Only Daenys could be such a spitfire even in such a moment.

"No, no I'm sorry. That...that was not proper or polite of me to say. I...I'm not myself currently," Daenys mumbled in apology. 

The maester, one who had known her ever since she was born, who even helped out during her own birth smiled at her kindly.

"Alright, Princess. Let's see what is the matter with you, then shall we?"

After the maester's examination, he administered a dose of Milk of the Poppy to Daenys. As the potent medicine took effect, a drowsy, almost dreamlike sensation washed over her. Her pain began to fade into the background, and her thoughts grew hazy. The maester had also provided her with a soothing ointment to plug her nose, aiming to halt the persistent bleeding and provide some relief. The cool, numbing sensation of the minty paste was a welcome comfort, and she sighed softly as the bleeding gradually subsided. 

"All the signs point to a poisoning, my prince," the maester spoke in hushed whispers to Aemond. "I must report this to the king. There may be a breach of security."

Aemond shook his head firmly, "She would prefer it if no one else is told for now, so please, respect her wishes."

"Very well, my prince. However, with all due respect, if she does not recover by tomorrow, I doubt even you would be able to hide it from everyone else. I need to see how her symptoms progress to administer a more effective cure."

"She'll get better," Aemond nodded as if trying to convince himself. "She has to."

"May the gods let it be."

"And...she is not with child?" Aemond added hesitantly like an afterthought. 

The maester eyed him knowingly, "No she is not, my prince."

He then excused himself from the chamber, leaving behind a room that was now eerily quiet, save for the soft, rhythmic breathing of Daenys. Dyana brought with her a bowl of warm water and a soft cloth, moving with gentle care as she began to dip the cloth into the water, wringing it out before gently wiping down Daenys's face and hands. The sensation was refreshing and comforting, like a gentle caress that seemed to wash away the remnants of distress that had marked the earlier part of the evening.

Daenys, still under the influence of the Milk of the Poppy, watched Dyana's movements with a sense of detachment. The world around her seemed to blur and soften, and the soothing touch of the cloth on her skin was almost ethereal, as though she were in a different realm. As Dyana continued her task, Daenys allowed herself to relax further into the pillows, her eyelids growing heavy with drowsiness. The room remained tranquil, the only sounds were the quiet, measured breaths of the princess and the gentle, rhythmic splashes of water in the bowl.

As Daenys lay there, she gazed at Dyana with a soft, hazy tenderness in her eyes. Her voice was a sleepy, murmured whisper as she mumbled, "You're beautiful."

Dyana, who had been tending to Daenys with such diligence and care, froze momentarily, her wide eyes flicking to Aemond, who stood nearby, watching the scene unfold. 

Daenys, however, remained oblivious to the exchange, her focus solely on Dyana. She repeated herself, her words spoken with a sincerity that only the effects of the medicine could bring out. "You are so beautiful. I hadn't seen it before, not really, not properly. But you really are the loveliest thing, and you have such a lovely soul for being so kind to me. You're not even my handmaiden, you're Helaena's. You don't have to do any of this for me."

A gentle, tender smile crept across Dyana's face, her earlier apprehension melting away in the face of Daenys' heartfelt compliments. She approached the princess with even greater gentleness, her eyes reflecting the warmth of her heart. 

"Thank you, Princess. Your kind words mean more to me than you can know."

After ensuring that everything was in order, Dyana quietly slipped out. As the door closed behind her, Aemond settled down at the edge of the bed and took her place, his gaze soft and tender as he watched Daenys. He couldn't help but admire the resilience and courage that she had displayed, even in the face of such pain. 

Daenys, however, was never one to accept compliments without a touch of self-deprecating humour. Her voice, nasal due to the nose ointment, emerged as she said, "Why are you looking at me like that, Aemond? I must look positively hideous right now."

Aemond chuckled softly, his eyes still focused on her, "No. Never."

"Is this another thing friends do then? Lie to each other?"

Aemond thought about the many other things he was lying to her about. After all a lie of omission was still a lie. He pushed away those thoughts guiltily and brushed a strand of hair away from Daenys's face. 

"No. Friends don't lie to each other. So tell me the truth. Are you feeling better now?"

"Much!" Daenys nodded. "I need to take this more often. It's like magic. Makes you forget all your troubles."

"That's not...Everything in moderation Daenys."

Daenys couldn't help but smile at his words, her gaze turning mischievous again, "Did you get the chance to dance with any of the ladies I mentioned earlier? And don't lie to me. Remember, friends don't lie to each other."

Aemond's expression turned regretful as he shook his head, "No, I didn't. As soon as I saw how unwell you were, I couldn't think of anything else but making sure you were alright. The ladies will have to wait for another day."

"Well..." Daenys grinned slyly. 

"Daenys no."

"You don't even know what I was going to say."

"I did."

"You did not."

"Very well then, state your thoughts Daenys, but my answer is still no."

"Hmph, you're no fun. What I was going to say is that there's still time. You could still go down and squeeze in one dance if you hurry. I'm sure the festivities are still going on. These things last forever."

"No, Daenys. You're insane if you think I'm leaving you alone again. You wouldn't let me inform your mother so you'll have to let me stay here and watch over you."

"So what, you'll just stay here. What if I fall asleep and then you'll be left with nothing to do."

Aemond almost laughed at her, even as she looked up at him with sincere eyes. He did not have the courage to tell her that he'd be content to watch her sleep. That sounded much too unsettling if he said it out loud. He didn't want her to think he was stranger than she probably already did. Instead, he settled for patting her on the head.

"I'm sure I'll figure out something."

"I shall not fall asleep then."

"You don't look like you can keep that promise Daenys."

"I can. But you're not a good friend. If you don't go and enjoy yourself at the feast, then what about my name day present? I was really looking forward to it."

Aemond's eye brightened at the thought, and a mischievous smile tugged at his lips. He leaned in a little closer to Daenys, his tone filled with anticipation. 

"Funny you should mention that. I actually had your name day present prepared."

Daenys' eyes widened in surprise, her earlier playful lament quickly giving way to curiosity. She blurted out, "Then why did you let me tease you about dancing with the noble ladies if you already had my present ready?"

Aemond shrugged, his smile broader now, "I thought you were having fun playing matchmaker and I didn't want to spoil your fun. Besides, it was a good distraction from all the worrying."

Daenys' expression softened and she felt a soft warmth wash over her. It was like lying in a field drenched in sunlight, bright and comforting. 

"Alright then, now you have piqued my curiosity. What is it?" 

Aemond dug into his pocket and held up a small, exquisitely wrapped box, handing it to Daenys, his eyes filled with anticipation, "Open it and see for yourself. I hope you'll like it."

With excitement in her eyes, Daenys carefully unwrapped the box. As she opened it, her face lit up with delight at the sight of the delicate necklace adorned with a dark sapphire pendant that sparkled like the deep blue of the ocean. A small gasp escaped her lips as she took the pendant out of the box and held it up to watch the candlelight reflect off its smooth round surface. 

"Oh, Aemond it is beautiful. I adore it."

I adore you. 

Aemond banished the bold and traitorous thought that rose to his lips and instead patted her head again, "I'm glad you like it, Daenys. Happy name day."

Her eyes sparkled with delight, and in a spontaneous burst of gratitude and happiness, she threw her arms around him and pressed a kiss to his cheek. For a moment, Aemond was taken by surprise, his cheeks flushing slightly at the affectionate gesture and he stiffened. 

But the moment Daenys' lips touched his cheek, she pulled away in embarrassment, her gaze averted as she stammered, "I'm... I'm sorry, Aemond. I didn't mean to...can't be soiling your clothes more than I already have. "

"What's a little stain on my clothes among friends?"

"Right. Friends."

Daenys let out a relieved laugh, her embarrassment fading quickly under the effect of the Milk of Poppy. She held the necklace in her hand, returning to marvel at its beauty.

"Would you like to try it on?"

Daenys nodded eagerly, her eyes lighting up with anticipation. She held the necklace out to him, allowing Aemond to clasp it around her neck. 

Aemond leaned in closer, and with gentle, deft fingers, he clasped the delicate necklace around Daenys's neck. Her hair, once neatly arranged in an updo for the feast, had now fallen into disarray, with wayward strands escaping the confines of their neat braids. As Aemond worked to fasten the clasp, Daenys brushed some of the stray locks aside, allowing him better access.

The brush of Aemond's fingers against her bare skin sent a delicious jolt down Daenys' spine, and a soft sigh escaped her lips as she felt the cool touch of the pendant settling against her collarbone. Her ears turned a faint shade of pink, and her cheeks flushed immediately. The Milk of the Poppy was making her careless and loose-tongued and she cursed herself for it. 

As Aemond pulled away, both of them had a noticeable blush colouring their faces. However, in their shared embarrassment, neither seemed to notice the other's. The pendant nestled against her skin, its sapphire catching the light and sparkling with each movement. 

Daenys gazed at the sapphire jewel with curiosity, her fingers gently tracing its contours. She turned her eyes toward Aemond and asked, "Why a sapphire?"

Because now you're mine. Because now we match. Because now you'll always have a piece of me with you.

Somehow neither of the answers that rose in his mind seemed good enough. Aemond hesitated, unsure of how to respond to her without baring his heart. He gazed into her eyes for a moment and then offered a gentle, somewhat guarded smile. 

"Well, I thought the colour blue suited you, Daenys. You are a Velaryon, after all. It just felt right."

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A/N: I did listen to orchestra versions of Taylor Swift songs on repeat so this chapter may be a little mushy gushy lol. Enjoy the chapter my loves. And as usual, please share your thoughts in the comments, I love reading them and they motivate me to write ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

Also what do we think of having chapter titles?