• disclaimer: sexual themes, 18+,
NSFW, you've been warned •

Elaena struggled not to wrinkle her nose at the smell in the air.

The room was dimly lit, welcoming Alicent, Aemond, and her with a lifeless chill. She wasn't sure if his hold on her hand tightened from the cold or if he was tense from the present matter.

Regardless, she gripped his hand back in growing repugnance as they drew into the King's chambers.

Cobwebs danced in the high corners of the room, and dust settled over its idle decor—particularly over an expansive model of what Elaena guessed to be Old Valyria. The dragon figurines aided her discernment, and the display helped distract her from the knot in her stomach.

Tis so ghostly in here. . . And that smell—Gods, is there carrion about?

They slowly followed Alicent to the humongous bed hidden in layers of canopy drapes. When the Queen pulled back the faded sheets, Elaena's confused thoughts dwindled in shock.

King Viserys laid deathly quiet there. Half of his face was wrapped in thick bandages while the other side was sunken and pale, littered with flushed sores that took Elaena's breath away.

Only when he let out a shallow breath and turned his head to their approach did she realize he was awake.

And alive.

Alicent seemed unbothered by the sight, moving to hover over her husband.

"My King." She whispered, and his uncovered eye crept open to look for her. With every breath he gave in the endeavor, Elaena wondered how Alicent managed to stand so close to him.

As the stench implied, there was something dying in that room.

"The Mother has blessed us," Alicent marveled gently, resting a hand on Viserys's head, "Our Aemond is to be married."

Elaena's heart skipped as the King's eye drifted to his lingering son. Aemond's gaze hadn't lifted from the floor since they'd entered the dreary chamber, and his expression was more stony than ever.

Viserys's eyebrows furrowed, and he only breathed as he took in the prince's presence. Elaena felt Aemond's thumb against her knuckle, and she realized her grip on his hand had tightened further.

She prayed her face didn't expose how startled the King's appearance made her.

"He has decided on Lady Elaena of Driftmark," Alicent urged, and Viserys's gaze trailed to Elaena's hesitant form, "You remember? Ser Vaemond's daughter, Lord Corlys's niece...?"

The King's confusion remained as he wearily looked over the young lady. Then he let out a shutter before closing his eye with a grimace, and Elaena's heart sped at the sight of his rotten maw.

Viserys groaned, slowly reaching for his covered face. Alicent stiffened at attention, and Aemond's low gaze flickered in Elaena's direction. If she hadn't been able to read his discomfort, she would have assumed he was simply bored.

"Liar..." Viserys groaned out, commanding all of their attentions in his building misery, "The liar... He wishes to marry... the liar, she... She lied to me—"

His voice shook between heavy breaths before it broke off in a wheeze. But Elaena could distinguish the disappointment in his tone.

Alicent shushed her husband, scowling as she reached for a chalice on his nightstand. It was clear she was embarrassed by the King's words, but before Elaena absorbed the broken man's distaste, Aemond turned his body to her.

His gaze remained low and distant as he gently pushed Elaena towards the door. Her eyes widened at his desire to leave, and she quickly heeded it.

Stepping back into the hall was a breath of fresh air—from both the pungent smell of the King and his discomforting recollection.

Elaena clenched her teeth as she mindlessly followed Aemond down the corridor. The pressure of his father's perception settled on her shoulders. Before she could voice her shame, Aemond stopped walking.

Her eyes met his as he pressed her against the wall, and in the next breath, his hand cupped her cheek and his lips captured hers.

Her breath hitched in surprise, but she felt every nerve simmer down as his other arm wrapped snugly around her waist. She gripped the leather over his shoulders, worried she would melt against the wall as he deepened the already tender kiss.

When Aemond slowly pulled away from her, Elaena nearly forgot what she'd been upset about.

"I'm sorry, my love." He whispered against her lips, and she sighed through a chill while shrugging to him.

"Tis fine."

"No, tis not," He breathed right after, brushing his nose against hers, "You shouldn't have had to see or hear any of that."

Elaena sighed again, opening her eyes to see his open as well. He nearly pouted in frustration, but his expression somehow uplifted her mood.

"I'm to join your family," She said softly, "The King's family... I'd have to face him sooner or later."

Aemond grunted lowly, maintaining his pout but eyeing her lips in thought.

"There's not much he can do for the sake of pleasantries, he's in a bad way," Elaena continued, running her fingers through the silver strands over his shoulders, "Though I'm surprised he remembers that."

"As am I."

"What's happening to him?" Her tone was pitiful, as she couldn't help her concern for Viserys despite his disapproval.

Aemond met her gaze, and she saw a flicker of emotion in his eye before he blinked it away.

"According to the Grand Maester, his body is... eating at itself," He explained in a daze, and her eyes widened, "No one knows exactly why or how to stop it... But the decay has caused certain declines."

Elaena looked at him in sympathy, but Aemond looked at her in resolve.

"His mind is stuck in the past, he's no regard for the present," He said, his voice deepening with conviction, "But don't let it bother you... He doesn't know you, but I do."

Elaena's gaze softened further for him, "He is the King..." She whispered hesitantly, "Can he keep us from marrying?"

Aemond's lips pulled into a smirk, and he stood in humor of her question.

"Darling," He said gently, rubbing at the small of her back, "No man, King or commoner, can keep you from me."

Elaena's heart fluttered from his steady gaze, and she felt a smile threaten her face as he inched closer to her.

"You will be my wife. Get over it." He ordered in a whisper, and she snorted softly as he snuck in for another kiss.

His words rang truer than she could have anticipated. Before the end of the day, the whole of the Red Keep knew of their betrothal.

The excitement of the courting season dialed down at last, and matches were announced every day in rupture. But none were so celebrated as Prince Aemond's to Lady Elaena.

Some poor souls returned to their homesteads in defeat, and Elaena only understood Aemond's prior paranoia when she witnessed how many lords left at the news of her status.

Some matchless ladies also departed after the prince had made his choice known. Even in her delight, Elaena sympathized with them for their lack of luck...

Save for a certain stale lady of the court.

"We'll discuss the decor closer to the occasion," Alicent said to Aemond and Elaena, "More dire is the matter of your guests."

The three of them were gathered in the Queen's grand parlor to discuss the first of many facets of the wedding. She passed Elaena a long sheet of names, a catalogue for potential guests.

"In terms of invitations," Alicent continued, "We should begin with regions farther away. After our immediate family, they'll need the most prompt summons for their longer transits.

"The Crownlands have been handled given their proximity and Valyrian population," Alicent leaned closer to look over the list with them, "The Stormlands will certainly need our attention, as well as the Reach..."

Elaena's attention drifted as she took in a section for the Westerlands. Obviously the Lannisters would have been contenders for the guest list, but she scowled at the sight of Cerelle's name.

"Not much to worry over with the Westerlands," Alicent said with a soft smile, "Ser Tyland will see to that portion of the list. We already have some of the region's nobility here."

Aemond hummed at the news, and even in her divided attention, Elaena could tell he was disinterested. But she squinted slightly at the acronym situated beside Cerelle's name.

"Your Grace," Elaena started hesitantly, "What does M-O-B mean?"

She pointed to the small abbreviation, and Aemond and Alicent followed her gaze.

"Maid of the bride," The Queen replied, "Another stroke of luck that you have worthy suitors already in place here. Cerelle should be a pleasant fit."

Elaena's gaze drifted from the sheet to meet Aemond's side eye. She kept her mouth closed, not entirely keen on disagreeing with the Queen. But she could see in Aemond's expression he didn't share her qualms.

"Is something wrong?" Alicent asked, looking between the two of them curiously. Elaena held Aemond's gaze, silently cautioning him, but he waited on her.

She blinked, "No—"

"Yes." He said bluntly, looking to his mother, "Cerelle is not a good fit."

He settled back in his seat, crossing his legs with a certain quirk to his lips. Elaena flushed at his brazenness, feeling Alicent's surprised expression point towards her.

"Might I ask why?" The Queen inquired, and Elaena grew tense.

Realizing Cerelle's fate may have depended on her next words, she swallowed stiffly and said, "I would simply prefer if she were kept from the wedding..."

Alicent's gaze flickered to Aemond, and he gave a knowing look to her.

"Has something else occurred from her?" The Queen pressed softly, looking back to Elaena, "Since her nameday supper?"

Oh, great, she still remembers that. Well, it isn't like you bashed the girl on her nameday, Cristine caught the worst of it.

Hells, Cerelle was asking for it as much as that silver-gold bitch was—She has been asking for it since.

"I suppose..." Elaena mumbled, "She hasn't been entirely benevolent, your Grace."

Despite her thoughts, she felt strangely hesitant to disclose Cerelle's behavior. To rat her out. She'd wanted to expose the lady's feigned innocence for a while, seeing as Alicent's favor thrived from the facade.

But now that Elaena had the highest favor, Cerelle's venom lost its burn. So long as she was kept from the wedding, she didn't truly matter to Elaena...

But Aemond looked at her with pursed lips, dissatisfied.

"Cerelle Lannister is a cunt, Mother." He said bluntly, causing Elaena's eyes to widen at him in bewilderment.

"Aemond." Alicent sternly cautioned, but he continued.

"She has been hideous towards Elaena for the entirety of our courtship, just as that Celtigar girl." He said in subtle distain, looking back at Elaena without a care.

"Is this true?" The Queen asked after a moment silent shock.

Elaena grimaced slightly at the prince, and he tilted his head at her expectantly. It was clear he wouldn't let her sugarcoat anything, his tenacity would have exposed her lies to Alicent.

. . . Fine then.

Elaena finally sighed, "It is."

Aemond's lips curled further, and Alicent blinked in thought. Then she hummed to herself before taking a quill and crossing out the letters beside Cerelle's name. Elaena's heart skipped at the action.

"Very well then," She sighed, "I'll have to inform Tyland."

"Will you also tell him she's going back to Casterly Rock?" Aemond asked, gaining Alicent's shocked attention once more.

Elaena clenched her teeth, struggling to not smile at her prince's pointed tone. As uneasy as she felt to let her oppression be known, she couldn't deny the protection she felt in Aemond's assertion.

She hoped Alicent couldn't feel the heat brewing in her groin.

"Keeping that sneer out of the wedding is one thing, but afterwards?" He pondered lowly, "My wife will not be made uncomfortable in her own home."

. . . Gods be good, is he doing this on purpose?

"Just as Grandsire said, Tyland has a seat at Father's council," Aemond said with a shrug, "We needn't grasp for the approval of the Lannisters."

"I know what your grandsire said." Alicent said tightly, and Aemond hummed before lowering his gaze in reverence.

The Queen looked back to Elaena, and the lady peeked at her in wait. Alicent's expression softened for her, and then she sighed in concession.

"And perhaps you're both right..." She said, "The lady has, after all, suffered many fruitless seasons... Perhaps she would fare better at Casterly Rock."

"Indeed." Aemond nodded with a soft smile, and Elaena's own grin crept on to her face, "A thoughtful gesture, my Queen, I shall see to it she's informed."

"No." Elaena stated, commanding the attention of him and his mother. She met his eye with a teasing squint, "No, you will not."

Despite her disapproval, she could tell in his growing smirk he was intrigued by her command.

• • •

Knock, knock, knock-knock.

Steady feet padded towards the door before it opened, and Cerelle's expression tightened as she took in Elaena's bright face.

It was clear the blonde was apprehensive to the Velaryon girl's visit, but she softened her countenance politely.

"Lady Elaena," She greeted, "What a pleasure... Should you like to come in?"

The door creaked further, and Elaena could see into Cerelle's parlor. Ellyn and Hyaline sat inside, eyes wide and glued to the interaction.

Elaena's heart skipped at the presence of the snobs, and she stifled a smirk before looking back at Cerelle.

"No, thank you." She shook her head sweetly, "I've simply come to deliver a message."

"Ah..." Cerelle nodded, her green eyes subtly flickering over the lady's form, "Well, allow me to first congratulate you..." She swallowed quickly, "On your betrothal... to the prince, tis quite an accomplishment."

Elaena's smile deepened, truly taking in the blonde's features. The false pleasantness of Cerelle's face reignited the deep irritation Elaena had felt for her.

And she was truly ready to see her gone, "Seems congratulations are in order for you, as well."

Cerelle tilted her head, her expression softening in interest.

"Seeing as you so miss your mother and family at Casterly Rock," Elaena continued in soft delight, "I've spoken with the Queen, and she has agreed to send you home."

The blonde's expression froze, "What?"

"Mhm," Elaena nodded, "You see, she and I understand how hard it is to be without a mother, and I wouldn't wish you to be so forlorn."

She could peripherally see Hyaline and Ellyn exchange a look of trepidation. Cerelle stood dumbfounded for a moment, swallowing stiffly again before collecting her words.

"That won't be necessary, my lady, the season is still—"

"Most contenders are either already matched or on their way back home themselves," Elaena shrugged, watching the grimace etch on to the blonde's face, "The Queen recognizes your hard work over the years and thinks your homestead will give you better luck."

Cerelle's eyes began to glass up, and she stepped back slightly while Elaena maintained her kind smile.

"If you wait too long, your stamina may wither in the capital," She pressed gently, "We don't want that, do we?"

A look of fear flashed across Cerelle's eyes, and she gripped her door handle for purchase as she leant into Elaena, "You've won, alright?"

Elaena's expression faltered at her desperate whisper.

"You have bewitched the prince and nearly every lord this season, you have beaten me," Cerelle pressed lowly, her face flushing red and her eyes flooding with tears, "What more do you want?"

Elaena blinked in surprise, feeling her confidence falter for a moment.

She's truly afraid, truly desperate. . .

But then Elaena thought of her moments of turmoil from the blonde's antics. Her embarrassment at Cerelle's nameday supper. Her fear from Cerelle's threat to expose her to the Queen.

The lantern she had originally planned for Aemond. Floating effortlessly past the railing of the courtyard...

Her lilac eyes pierced into the blonde's.

"Beaten you?" Elaena asked lowly, "I don't recall a competition, I don't know what you mean..."

Cerelle's face tightened further in offense.

"At any rate, your uncle and father have been informed," Elaena said aloud, watching those green eyes widen in horror, "You're already expected."

Cerelle gritted her teeth as a tear slipped her eyes, and she quickly swiped it away, "You will not get away with this—"

"With what?" Elaena asked sharply, "Giving you what you wanted? I'm only trying to help you, Cerelle... But if you'd like to stay for my wedding to the prince, I could try to persuade him to keep you."

She stared at Cerelle in wait, noticing how Ellyn and Hyaline did the same. The blonde clenched her teeth before leaning back from Elaena, and she blinked away more tears before taking a breath.

Then, a shaky polite smile etched across her face, "I wouldn't wish to impose."

Elaena's kind smile returned, "Very good. Your route for the Westerlands is set for the morrow, I'll leave you to pack."

Cerelle's expression faltered slightly but she nodded once.

"It's been a pleasure, darling." Elaena nodded back, and Cerelle's crooked smile deepened. Though it didn't meet her eyes.

"Quite." She said before calmly shutting the door.

A stifled snort came from Elaena's side, and she felt her grin etch further as she turned to see Sam and Saera's lingering forms.

Saera had to cover Samantha's mouth during the exchange to remain unnoticed in the hall, and from the way the Tarly girl slid down the wall hysterically, Elaena knew it was quite the challenge for the Stark.

"That bitch is about to tear that room apart." Sam nearly wheezed, and Saera giggled while trying to pull her up from the floor. Elaena approached them with a crumbling composure of her own.

"The others were in there," She whispered in giddy surprise, and their eyes widened at her, "I didn't expect that."

"Oh, my Gods," Saera breathed slowly, "Yes."

The three ladies jumped at a loud crash within Cerelle's apartments. And then they stiffened further at the sound of a long growl of frustration.

"What did I say!" Sam whisper-shouted, and Elaena hurriedly waved her friends down the hall. Each of them struggled not to laugh while retreating from the manic blonde.

And all the while, Elaena felt elated by her victory. Cerelle's departure from the capital was hardly noticed, as preparations for the wedding were in full swing.

• • •

The two months leading up to the summer were those of strenuous luxury. Elaena was swept through countless dress fittings, intimate engagements with the court, and lessons with Alicent on joining the Crown.

It was clear she and Aemond would act as spares for the throne—a thought which brought great anxiety to her. But Alicent was ever present to assure her, a prime example of transitioning from nobility to royalty.

As a result, much of Elaena's tension towards the Queen dwindled over the weeks. She could tell Alicent was less concerned about her and Aemond being heirs as she was about getting to know Elaena.

And just as in their first lunch together, the two of them discovered many commonalities. Elaena found the woman to be more patient and softhearted than her title exuded. Having not been around such energy in years, she found herself staying with Alicent past lunch, and the woman never complained.

But it was never long before Aemond came knocking for his bride-to-be.

Elaena's moments with his mother were second only to those with him. Since she'd returned to King's Landing, she'd believed her time with the prince was more than enough.

But suddenly she was tethered to him any moment she wasn't engaged with his mother or her bridal affairs.

Aemond collected her from her chambers each day: escorting her to her fittings, strolling the Keep, visiting the Godswood, or flying on Vhagar.

And each day, he found an excuse to gift her a prized jewel, most often claiming she deserved options for the wedding. But when Elaena realized her closet was overrun by his presents—dresses included—she put her foot down in abashment, and he settled for every other day.

The two were undeniably beguiled, but no amount of joy could diminish the butterflies Elaena felt as the day approached. She noticed Aemond tensing as well, only truly content when they were alone.

During the week of their celebratory tourneys, they slipped away to Vhagar's island the most. Partially because Aemond cared little for the boring displays, partially because Elaena found the crowd's excitement distasteful.

Majorly because they could be away from the mass and practice their marital ventures.

Elaena stepped through the shoreline—stockings and slippers already off—looking back to Aemond in wait. He watched her, mindlessly quickening his fixing of Vhagar's ropes.

When Elaena slowly tugged at her flowing skirts, exposing her knee through the dress's slit, Aemond abandoned his work all together.

Her heart skipped as he made for her, his violet eye dark with intention as he snatched her waist and seized her lips. She met his eagerness as she had every time, grasping at his shoulders and tethering her fingers in his hair.

He no longer stiffened when she slipped his eyepatch off, knowing she liked him better without it. Nor did she stiffen at the feel of him pulling the pins from her twists, knowing he preferred her hair loose for his touch.

Aemond bunched the twists at her nape in one hand while fisting the back of her lavender skirts in the other. Another dress he'd bought for her.

He hummed against her lips as his hand trailed down her hip to venture into the slit of her gown. Feeling him grip under her thigh, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and jumped into his embrace.

Aemond grunted at her impulse but caught her quickly, and Elaena moaned back to him as he hooked her legs around his waist.

Her heart sped as he carried her to their stationed quilt, laying her down before kissing her body in earnest. Her knees spread apart with his descent, and she gazed at the setting sun in exhilaration.

Aemond wasted no time in pulling her undergarments off completely, and her breath was stolen as he gripped her thighs apart to immediately latch on to her cunny.

She gripped the quilt with a shaken breath, feeling him swirl his tongue on her bud and send sparks of fire through her legs. He sucked at her folds while gingerly sliding his middle finger between them, and Elaena's eyes rolled back before looking down at him.

"Kostagon mazemā mēre tolī, jorrāelagon?" He whispered, his lips gently smacking against her sex.
(Can you take one more, love?)

Shit. . . Isn't he eager today...

Feeling too reluctant to deny his need, Elaena nodded in a blush. Aemond rewarded her by hooking his finger and dragging out her pooling essence. Her back arched off the quilt, and a suffocated moan slipped from her lips.

Aemond's dragging slowed as he invited his ring finger into her, and she clenched her teeth in a hiss. His fingers stretched at her, and he pulled his lips from her to watch.

"Fuck, baby..." He breathed in a daze, rubbing his thumb into her bud to ease the intrusion, "You're so tight."

Elaena couldn't articulate in her heat, only mewl as the pain of his fingers dwindled to nothing.

Especially when he found a deep spot she had grown to love, pressing on it and stilling his fingers while she cried out.

"Oh, my Gods—Ah!" She panted, feeling Aemond push bluntly into the spot.

His other hand trailed up her thigh to rest against her stomach, and with every thrust of his fingers and dig of his thumb, he pressed on her womb.

Elaena cooed as fire erupted everywhere: down her legs, up her chest, over her arms, through her cheeks.

"Aemond~" She whined, panting at the pulsing of her groin and the sounds of her cunny. He held her steady, watching her unravel in drunken lust.

"Mhm..." He hummed, feeling her wetness coat his hand, "Come on..."

Elaena's heart stopped at the feel of her peak, feeling her thighs shake towards each other, desperate to close. But Aemond continued pressing against her inner spot, smirking as she shook from his touch.

Only when she stiffened did he withdraw his fingers, licking her essence off of them while gazing at her soaking cunny.

And then his lips latched on to her again, and she cried as he all but devoured her mess.

His tongue stole through her, deeper and harder than usual. Elaena's eyes widened as she looked down to him, watching him indulge with his eye closed. The way he gripped her hips and nipped at her folds...

"Aemond—" She gasped at his vigor, having half a mind that he was genuinely trying to eat her.

Her body carried no such shock, barely recovered from the climax she'd just endured before it was flaring up again.

Elaena shrieked as he harshly licked up her sex, finally opening his eye to meet her baffled expression. His sapphire sparkled at her, emphasizing the darkness of his eye.

"Ivestragī ziry jikagon," He groaned against her, clawing at her thighs, "Tepagon ziry naejot nyke."
(Let it go. Give it to me)

Her body heeded him again, scaring her further as he wouldn't relent. His sharp nose rubbed against her bud while his tongue slipped in her walls and along her folds.

He situated her thigh against his shoulder, tasting her at different angles while her body exhausted itself.

Elaena peaked three times before she breathlessly begged him to stop. He sighed against her before easing off of her cunny, and she panted in relief.

But she noticed how he shuttered against her leg, pushing his crotch into the sand in restraint. Concern edged on her racing heart while he climbed back up her body.

She could feel the sharp tent in his pants brush against her thigh, and Aemond hovered over her stiffly.

He parted his lips to excuse himself to the island trees—something he typically did when his desire overwhelmed him—but he stiffened further when Elaena's hand slid down his chest.

He grunted in surprise as she cupped his arousal, his gaze locking with hers in warning.

"Elaena..." He whispered, not managing much else as she began to rub him. Her face was flushed and her eyes were wide from his cautionary tone, but she didn't stop touching him.

"May I help you this time?" She asked softly, holding his startled gaze.

Aemond grimaced through a shutter, "You don't—"

His voice broke off in a moan as she cupped him again. His jaw clenched as he breathed in restraint, and she tilted her head in wait.

"It's fine, darling," Aemond managed, low breaths leaving his nose, "You don't have to, you never have to."

Elaena's eyebrows quirked in sympathy, "But do you want me to, zaldrīzes?"

He shuttered again, his expression crumbling with growing need. And she knew, even if he gave no answer, she would have helped him.

"Please." He whispered lowly, barely audible if not for their proximity. But Elaena heard him, and she nodded quickly before releasing him to sit up.

Aemond followed her movement, sitting down in the space beside her while she turned to him. Her heart raced as her nerves spiked, but she ignored them both while palming between his legs.

He whimpered through his subtle shaking, watching her hand deepen against his crotch. His helpless expression worried her, and she gently kissed at his scarred cheek.

To her surprise, he moaned, so she continued down his jaw and felt his privates twitch beneath his pants. The tightness of his leathers bothered her more, it had to have been straining against him too much...

Elaena sighed in conviction before pulling at his pant strings. Aemond's breath hitched, and his hand shot up to stop hers.

"Elaena..."

She tensed at his shaky grasp and stiff tone, but as she took in his hesitance, she felt compelled to take initiative.

"You are to be my husband," She whispered in his ear, "I want to take care of you."

He sat in silent shock for a moment, and then his hold slowly loosened from hers. Her lips quirked slightly as she continued to undo his pants, and he sat frozen as she dug into them.

Elaena stilled at the feel of his pillar, and he winced when she carefully grasped him. Aemond let out a heavy breath when she pulled him free, his face tense as he eyed her hold on him.

She widely looked at his flushed member. He was a bit thicker than his two fingers, longer as well. Her heart stuttered as she took in the risen vein lining his sex, pulsing with each breath he took.

"Gaomas ziry ōdrikagon ao?" She whispered in his ear, and he shut his eye as his cock twitched in her hand.
(Does it hurt you?)

Aemond swallowed again, mindlessly nodding to her.

"Ivestragon nyke skoros naejot gaomagon." She softly asked, earning another shaky breath from him.
(Tell me what to do)

He kept his eye shut and didn't respond. Instead, he gripped her hand around him and guided it up and down his pillar. She blushed at the motion, feeling his vein shift under her touch.

Aemond sighed as she stroked him, letting his hand fall from hers when she seemed comfortable with the rhythm. She peeked at him here and there for approval, but his eye remained shut in his lulled expression.

His breaths came heavier as she applied more pressure, and she started kissing up his scar again. She felt his arm wrap around her, pulling her closer while she took to massaging him.

Her gaze lowered down to his cock, watching it swell further with a bit of his essence peeking out. Her eyebrows furrow at the sight, and she rubbed her thumb over his tip curiously.

Aemond grunted lowly, turning his nose into her cheek while she minded her work. He was so warm, so hard, she marveled at how he'd managed such discomfort for so long.

She gasped slightly when his hips jerked slightly from her pulling, and more of his essence drizzled down his tip to her hand. His heavy breaths dragged on, and she sat for a moment in a daze of his aching sex...

Then Elaena mindlessly leaned down, and Aemond stiffened as she kissed his pillar. He went quiet, but she felt his grip on her waist tighten as her lips trailed up his cock.

When she reached the tip and flicked her tongue out to taste his essence, he finally melted with breathy moan. The sound was as shocked as it was excited, and Elaena curiously wrapped her lips around his tip.

Aemond hissed while fisting the skirts above her hip, and she held the base of cock while sucking at his savory tip. She was intrigued by the taste, but too nervous to descend any further.

He didn't seem to mind in his endless shuttering, only softly pushing at her hand to move around him while she latched. So she started pumping him again, gently sucking his tip until he whimpered to her again.

She felt more comfortable with the handwork for the moment, slowly twisting her hand around him to relieve the stiffness. She pulled back to watch herself pull at him, squeezing a bit harder and feeling his cock pulse back at her.

"Oh, fu-fuck—" Aemond whined, and Elaena's heart stopped as his hips rutted against her hand.

And then his thighs tensed, and his groin caved beneath his leathers. Her eyes widened as his groan broke off in silent bliss, and pale droplets shot out from his tip.

His peak clung to her hand, and she sat stunned while keeping a hold on him.

Aemond panted as she sat back up, both of them looking down to the mess of her doings. When he finally settled, she released him to lick at the white drops on her hand.

Elaena tilted her head at his unchanged savory taste but thicker consistency. And then she met his gaze while licking the rest of his spend.

Aemond's expression was indescribable, but a certain elation flooded Elaena's heart in response. His eye flickered over every facet of her face, spellbound and awestruck.

"Do you feel better?" She whispered after a moment of his ogling. She could tell at the very least he wasn't as agonized as he'd been before.

He remained silent, swallowing stiffly before reaching for her jaw to pull her face to his. His kiss was a tender, lingering peck, and Elaena could feel the gratitude in it.

He pulled away, his eye glimmering nearly as much as his sapphire, and his voice deeply steady.

"I've never felt better."

• • •

The Grand Sept was far more lively than it had been on Maiden's Day.

Sunlight pooled in from the high windows and open doorways, and septons walked about with septas in preparation.

Aemond and Elaena stood between the feet of the Mother and Father, listening carefully to the High Septon's direction for the morrow's ceremony.

"After you have approached this altar with your father, my lady," The old man lowly informed, "He will shed your Velaryon cloak, and you, my prince," He looked to Aemond, "Shall replace it with one of Targaryen colors."

Elaena tried to ignore the dryness of her throat and the fiddling of her fingers.

Her heart hadn't stopped racing since they'd entered the sept for the rehearsal. Some of her nerves were caused by her lingering fear of marriage, one she still didn't fully understand.

But most of her nerves had to do with Aemond's. It was extremely rare for him to act outside of his poised, collected stature—hells, it was normally him who calmed her relentless anxieties.

But from the moment they'd gotten in the carriage to go to the Grand Sept to the moment they'd stood before the High Septon, he had subtly fidgeted.

He had remained silent, only affording her hums and soft remarks. His hands had clasped and unclasped in front of him. His eye had flickered about the grand hall in unrest.

Elaena had half a mind to think he wasn't paying attention to the High Septon. She refrained from asking him if he was alright, constantly reminding herself of her own jitters.

You're not the only one getting married tomorrow. He has a right to be nervous. . . But how nervous is he?

"I am certain you are both familiar with nuptials under the Seven?" The High Septon asked.

Both of them nodded once, and Elaena's heart skipped at the understanding that Aemond was present enough. So she gingerly untethered her hands to reach for his, and she noticed how his subtle swaying stopped at her touch.

She kept her gaze on the old man before them, but her lips curled at the feeling of Aemond's hand engulfing hers.

"Then you know your vows will act as a declaration to the Gods, just as to one another," The High Septon nodded, "You are to face each other..."

His voice trailed off in suggestion, and the couple turned to lock eyes.

"Hand in hand, and I see you are half way there..." The old man softly jested, and Aemond reached for Elaena's other hand while she fought off a smile.

Though his expression remained blank, she could see his eye soften for her.

"And in this moment, you address the male Gods first, then the females, and lastly the Stranger," The High Septon slowly informed, "You declare yourselves as each others, from here and evermore."

Elaena tried to ignore the way her heart dropped at the instruction, feeling more pressured than ever under Aemond's gaze. When his thumb brushed against her knuckles, she realized how tightly she gripped his hands.

"You may practice it now or save it for the morrow." The old man said with a nod, and Elaena swallowed stiffly, letting out a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding.

Aemond tilted his head at her, and her lip curled further awkwardly. His expression melted at the sight, and he turned to the septon with a soft smirk.

"For tomorrow then." He mumbled, and the old man nodded in agreement. Elaena felt her nerves waver as she took in Aemond's face, her mood brightening from his ease.

"Might I make a request for this part?" She asked the septon, and Aemond looked to her curiously.

"What shall it be?" The old man inquired, and she eyed the prince's eyepatch timidly.

"I wish to remove it before we speak." She nodded towards the accessory, and Aemond's expression softened further. The High Septon lowered his gaze, giving them space to decide.

"You wish to scare our flock of guests, kēlītsos?" Aemond asked cynically.

"No," She sighed, rubbing her thumbs across his knuckles, "I wish to have all of you... I wish you not to hide from me."

A certain solemnness overtook Aemond's face, and Elaena held his gaze in conviction. Though her heart leapt with a strange need for his agreement.

After a moment, he sighed to himself, lowering his gaze from her face and nodding to her. A true grin etched on to her face, and the High Septon hummed in thought.

"I am to lay marital cords over your joined hands before your declarations," He said, gaining Elaena's attention while Aemond's remained low, "I will leave space for you to remove his patch just before."

She nodded in nervous excitement, and the old man stepped away from them.

"I shall leave you two to absorb the space." As he exited the altar, Elaena looked to see Aemond's gaze on her. His expression was passive, and before she could retract the idea, she stepped closer to him.

"Our closest guests will stand below the stairs," She said softly, trailing her hands up his arms while nodding to the end of the start of the altar, "And your sapphire will be away from the crowd... No one will see but me."

"Mm..." Aemond squinted at her, "And the High Septon."

Elaena sighed through her nose, resting her hands on his shoulders and whispering, "He doesn't count."

He grunted softly, letting his nose brush against hers. His hands gently grasped her hips before trailing up to rest at her back.

"The point is..." She whispered, feeling a chill from his mindless touch, "It will just be me and you... Right here, and thereafter... Nothing else will matter."

Aemond let out a low breath, settling into the idea with a hum. But when she cupped his face in her hands, and looked at him in a new assurance, his eye brightened at last and his expression relaxed entirely.

His breathing turned lulled as he looked at her, "I fear what I will become without you."

Elaena's eyebrows furrowed, and she blinked at the sight of his eye glassing up. He grasped her back in restrained need, and she rubbed his cheeks in concern.

"Why even ponder such a thing?" She whispered, and his face took on a slight grimace before he dropped his gaze.

. . . Is he more than nervous?

Elaena couldn't ignore her discernment. Aemond was scared. He seemed deeply hesitant to speak, but he stayed close her as though he had something to say.

She had never seen him so unnerved, "Look at me."

His jaw clenched tightly before he finally met her gaze again, and she let her concern overtake her features.

"You're nervous, I know," She nodded, and his eyebrows quirked in intrigue, "But you can tell me... I'm nervous as well, I'm scared, but I love you, and—"

Her thoughts froze the moment his eye widened at her words. Her heart stopped and started again as she let them sink in. He looked at her in wait, confusion threatening his countenance.

But she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. It was replaced with a freedom to tell the truth.

"I love you, Aemond." She said, her heart racing despite the certainty in her tone, "I think... I love you more than anything else..."

He stood in silent awe, his eye glistening more in his confusion.

"So, if something is wrong," She continued, tears threatening her own voice, "If something troubles you, you can tell me... You can tell me anything, and I will love you still."

He blinked in thought, almost seeming in disbelief of her. But she gazed at him patiently, caressing his face as understanding settled over him. His eye shut at the feel of her touch, and she watched his composure break away.

So she stepped closer, nudging his nose with hers and beckoning his eye back open. Aemond let out a shaky, heavy breath, and she nodded for him to speak. His lips parted, and he took a deep breath.

"Elaena..." He seemed to collect his words, and she waited until he let out the breath, "Elaena, your—"

"Alright, lovebirds!"

The two of them stiffened before tearing their gazes away to see newcomers bound into the sept. Samantha received harsh shushes from the surrounding septas, but she continued inside with Saera and Helaena on her heels.

"Tis time for the hen night of all hen nights," The Tarly girl beamed, "We'll be stealing her, my prince."

"Come along, Elaena," Saera clapped, "We've waited all day, you'll love it."

Elaena struggled to hold back a grimace, seeing Aemond's gaze lower again in her peripheral. She loved her friends, but now was not the time.

"I'll be out in a moment," She nodded to the open doors of the sept before looking to Aemond's returning stoicism.

"Oh, come now," Samantha whined, "You two have all day tomor—"

"Sam!" Elaena exclaimed, her voice breaking above its soft timbre and causing the room to still, "Please!"

Her friends' excitement simmered down as they registered the tone of the couple, and Elaena felt Aemond's eye on her while she looked at them in frustration.

"Sorry..." Sam lowly said, stepping back with a curious look between the Velaryon girl and the prince.

Elaena swallowed stiffly before meeting Aemond's gaze, and she softened her tight expression in wait of his prior words.

But he assumed composure once again, blankly looking over her face before taking in the surrounding work in the sept.

"What is it?" She pressed after a moment of his silence, and her chest tightened as he sighed quietly to himself.

Before she could ask him what he was thinking, he spoke in a far steadier tone than before.

"Nothing... Tis nothing, I'm sorry," He released her back to reach for her hand again, "You're right... I'm a bit nervous, but I'm alright..."

Her eyebrows furrowed in disbelief, and she shook his hands slightly to make him look at her.

"Aemond—"

"It's not important," He said easily, using his other hand to cup her cheek, "This is important."

Confusion settled over her, mingling with the tension brewing in her chest. But Aemond smiled sweetly to her, in a way only she had come to know.

"Marrying you," He continued, rubbing at her cheekbone, "Keeping you safe and happy... That is all I shall care about."

Elaena clenched her teeth, seeing in his countenance that he was settled on his disposition. Part of her prayed he would open up again, but another part of her was scared to know what troubled him so.

. . . Trust him. Just trust him. Perhaps it isn't so serious—Perhaps it is too serious for our current state... Perhaps marriage will be a better space for it.

"... Kivio?" She asked with a sigh, and Aemond's smile spread further.
(Promise?)

"Nyke kivio, kēlītsos." He assured, pinching her chin.
(I promise)

He leaned down to engulf her in his arms, and she wrapped her arms around his neck to melt further against his shoulder. His smokey scent calmed her, as did his breath against her neck.

When he tried to pull away, she held him tighter, and he gave the breath of chuckle while pinching her side.

"It's alright, darling," He whispered as she loosened her grip, "I'll see you on the morrow."

Elaena reluctantly nodded before stepping back from him. His hand lingered in hers before she stepped from the alter. Helaena, Samantha, and Saera waited at the entry door, smiles creeping back on to their faces at the lady's approach.

"Elaena."

She stopped at the sound of Aemond's call, turning quickly to see his nervous smile.

"It'll be great, will it not?"

Hope spread through her chest again, and she walked quickly back to him before pulling him down by his collar.

She seized his lips in a quick kiss, ignoring the pious figures around them before pulling away.

Love poured out of her gaze into his, "It is great." She stated.

With that, Elaena hurried off of the altar again, knowing his eye followed her like never before.

———

Welcome to Act Three, bestiesssss! And my God, is it gonna be a ride. As plans go, it's my favorite and I have a feeling it'll be all of yours' too 😈

FIRST OFF HAPPY BIRTHDAY EWAN! So proud of his progress in the industry, a true inspiration for me outside of this series.

That recent music video is still living in my head rent free (I knew my man was a sensual pisces aha 🙂‍↔️) Also whoa! New look alert, I hope he's doing a Jane Austen project soon.

There's also this new still which will definitely be put to use soon:

Lord have mercy, his hands and smirk 😩 I'm looking more and more like my homegirl AHoleForAemond 's username. Also purplewriter_x has finally awoken from the dead, y'all go show love and read her fics if you haven't already!

On another note, how did y'all like the chappie??

Vizzy T is so cute when he's dying 🥰 Had to give Elaena her checkmate with Cerelle. Shit tastes like honey ong 😩 Smut is also an interesting facet of writing, I can't wait to explore it more 🙂 (I'm scared as hell.)

The wedding is FINALLY upon us, how are y'all feeling? What's going on with Aemond, are the jitters really making our mans crash out? Or is something else wrong?

See y'all in 41 😘😘😘