XXX • The Leaps and Bounds

Elaena sighed heavily at the sound of Sylvia entering her room the next morning.

"My lady," The young maid called gently, seeming to know Elaena had already been awake, "You'll miss what's left of the princess's morning gathering..."

Elaena kept her gaze on her lavender canopy, feeling no desire to arise from Sylvia's warning. Eventually, she clenched her teeth before rolling over in bed.

"Helaena will do better without me in the presence of those wretches." She grumbled, letting her mind wander back to its previous quarrel.

She'd been restless all night and morning, thinking of Aemond's touch and his sweet command over her netting. Was she truly to obey his order? To disobey the silent expectation of her father after adhering to him all of her life?

The idea put a knot in her stomach... but it also birthed flutters of intrigue in her mind.

Aemond had seen something in the freeness of her hair, something he had loved. That something made her question if she herself detested her unbound appearance, or if she'd assimilated to the disappointed opinions of High Tide.

Perhaps her hair unnerved her with its touch, but perhaps that was because she was unused to it. When Aemond had explored her twists, she had been distracted from such unease, relaxed...

Curious of herself.

Elaena got out of bed, feeling Sylvia's meek gaze on her as she made for her vanity in wonder.

She took a seat and gazed at her reflection in the glass, feeling deeply hesitant as she eyed her loose twists.

A three year old memory flickered across her mind. A sweet experiment which had proved a complete and utter failure.

The first time she had tried to let her hair down, to loc up her curls as her cousins had. Her last attempt to appeal to her father. . .

Over time, her mind had blocked out the exact words Vaemond had used after catching sight of her dark locs, but she remembered enough of his verbal lashings to never try the style again.

His anger hadn't even been aimed at her—he hadn't spared Elaena a second glance—but to the maids who had agreed to help her. To this day, she was certain the help of High Tide would never again style someone who was "no true Velaryon."

Her eyes lowered from her reflection, feeling a strange ache brew in her chest at the thought of her younger self hiding away from his disdain.

It had taken Rhaenys to get Elaena to emerge from her chambers, and even when the princess had helped her craft the twists as an alternative, the little lady wouldn't leave without her netting.

Elaena shut her eyes at the memory of Hyacinth's voice after the incident.

"What did I tell you?"
"I told you to let this go..."
"You cannot make him like you..."
"You cannot be what he wants..."

She opened her eyes to look at her reflection again, and a chill went down her spine as her mother stared back at her. Any other time, she would have averted her eyes and hidden herself in guilt she hadn't been sure she deserved.

But now, curiosity led her mind, and she couldn't reject her mother's likeness. Instead, a question lingered in her thoughts.

If everyone says she was beautiful—if even he believed it so—why does he shame me for looking like her?

After a moment of appraisal, Elaena let her hands glide through the roots of her twists. She bunched them up and scratched at her scalp and felt her heart stutter at the sensation. She was content with the soft texture of her hair, neither rough nor silky, but interesting all the same.

. . . He would hate to see me like this, absolutely hate it. . .

Her hands trailed down to cup her cheeks, and she huffed as a final thought overtook her mind.

Tis a good thing he isn't here, then.

"Sylvia," She called, and the young maid tilted her head in acknowledgment, "I must ask a favor of you."

"Of course, my lady." Sylvia breathed, her tone edging on apprehension. Elaena met her curious gaze in the mirror, and she smiled before turning in her seat to speak to the young maid directly.

"Will you help me style my hair?"

• • •

Nervous excitement fluttered over Elaena's skin as she walked down the halls of the Holdfast.

She knew much of it had to do with the glee Sylvia had shown as she'd worked through the lady's dark twists. The handmaiden had clearly waited for such an opportunity, and her excitement had further encouraged Elaena to let her hair break free.

Not to mention the patience Sylvia had exuded by starting small: a simple, high ponytail for her lady's debut. Elaena had been certain she'd never seen such volume from such a plain style, but Sylvia had affirmed it made her look leonine.

With sweet giggles of their antics and soft-toned frocks for the welcoming of Spring, Elaena's hair had made her feel transformed. It was as though a heavy weight had been peeled off of her, and it was enough to make her overlook the tickles her hair left on her neck.

But where one weight fled, another began to settle.

Once alone and on her way to the Godswood, Elaena could only focus on how Aemond would react. She fiddled with her fingers, clenching her teeth as her hair bounced against her skin with each step she took. A constant reminder for her to hope his love had not died overnight.

"Elaena?"

She stiffened at the sound of her name, turning back to the corridor she had passed to peer inside. Samantha and Saera emerged from it, and their expressions melted into wide-eyed shock.

Elaena's heart stuttered, and blush coated her cheeks as her fingers wrung tighter.

"Elaena." Saera said again in deeper conviction, her onyx eyes fluttering in surprise of the sight before her, "Your... My Gods, your—"

"Your hair!" Samantha finished for her, a sure grin stretching across her bright countenance. Elaena's heart stuttered again as they made for her.

"It's gorgeous—Absolutely gorgeous—" Saera gushed.

"Finally, thank the Gods, you've loosed the netting—" Sam exhaled.

"Pardon?!" Elaena gasped through a laugh as her friends eyed her twists, "What can you mean? You disliked my hair before?"

"No, no!" Samantha said quickly as Saera giggled, "We disliked the way you hid it so, this—" Her hands waved about Elaena's hair in joy, "This is marvelous, the Queen will be thrilled."

Elaena's smile faltered as she took in Samantha's words, "The Queen?"

"The very one," Saera attested, "Certainly this will speak grand omens over the season, I'd imagine she'll be quite pleased to see you."

Her friend's elaboration did little to cure her confusion. Elaena's eyebrows furrowed, and her gaze flickered away as she tried to make sense of what they meant.

The Queen... Alicent... She'll be pleased... to see me, she'll be... Oh—

Elaena's eyes widened immediately as she remembered Helaena's announcement the day before—the plan for this day. The Queen was hosting a lunch for Helaena's flock of ladies.

"Shit!" She hissed but immediately covered her mouth upon her swear. Sam and Saera's eyes widened at her slip, but the Tarly girl grinned wider at her.

"Something the matter?"

"The Queen's lunch—I forgot—Gods!" Elaena's palm smacked against her forehead in distress, and Saera rested a hand on her shoulder.

"Worry not," The Stark girl assured, "It hasn't started yet, we were just on our way to Her Grace's quarters."

Elaena shook her head, rubbing the space between her brows in vexation, "I'm to meet Aemond at the Godswood at this hour, I cannot..."

She trailed off in a fluster, meeting the invested gazes of her friends. Sam and Saera exchanged a knowing smirk, and Elaena felt her heart sink to her stomach.

"Ah..." Samantha said in lingering mischief, "This is for him, then?"

"And the Godswood?" Saera chimed in, nodding to Elaena's beet red face, "Quite romantic, I must say."

Fuck my life. They must think me such a little minx—Just friends. We are just friends, we are just spending time together...

Or we were...

"Cut it out! What do I do?" Elaena huffed quickly, ignoring their girlish chuckling at her expense, "I can hardly stand up the Queen, but... Perhaps she won't even notice my absence?"

"Doubtful." Samantha sighed, "Not with the way the prince and princess have acknowledged you."

"It's the Queen, Elaena." Saera stressed, "We've already agreed to this, I wouldn't wish to make a bad impression..."

A bad impression to the Queen... The woman who already looks to you in suspicion... His mother—Fuck... They're right. They're so right.

Elaena clenched her teeth in reluctance, mentally badgering herself for such oversight.

"What do I do?" She asked again in defeat, and Sam rested a hand on her other shoulder.

"Go catch him," She nodded away, "Surely, he'll understand, but don't be late."

Elaena sighed through her nose as her friends patted her in encouragement. She had been so excited to get his reaction, so excited to see him, and she had mottled it all up in forgetfulness.

Sam and Saera agreed to see her in Alicent's chambers before continuing on, and Elaena quickly took to the opposite direction. She'd expected him to have already been waiting for her at the Godswood, but she knew it would take far too long to get across the Keep and make it back for Alicent's lunch.

Ergo, she made for the Holdfast's balcony on that wing, knowing it overlooked the divine tree. But Elaena's fluster dwindled to confusion at the sight of the empty grounds.

What the hells. . .

"Aemond?" She called out his name, believing he might have been hidden from her line of sight in the yard.

She leaned over the balcony railing in wait... But no one answered, and she felt disappointment settle on her chest even further.

Where is he? He said to meet him at the Godswood... Perhaps our times were confused? He said noon—Check the library.

She blinked at the gut feeling, but gave it little thought before pushing herself away from the railing. The seconds ticked by with her quickening heart, and she prayed her impulse would be worth it. She would likely be a few minutes late at this rate.

Entering their library, she paid a soft nod to the posted maester and made for their Waterlaker space. Her heart dropped as she took in its desolation, and then it started again in concern.

Aemond, where are you. . .

So vexed by his absence, Elaena turned on her heel to approach the old maester. She swallowed stiffly, feeling her fingers tether as she cleared her throat.

"Pardon me, ser." She said hesitantly, and his old sweet gaze raised from his text to acknowledge her. She ignored the clear surprise on his features, "Apologies for disturbing you, I... Has the Prince Aemond been in this morning?"

The maester blinked, "I don't believe so, my lady."

She nodded, feeling her heart stutter again.

"I would check the training yard," He said warmly, "He's known to train at this hour, no?"

She nodded again with the flicker of a grateful smile, "Indeed... Thank you."

He smiled gently to her with a hum, but she left the library in dejection. Aemond had told her meet him at the Godswood at noon, which would have been after he trained... Elaena was sure of it now as the anxiety to see him dwindled in defeat.

But her mind wouldn't relent. She wanted to see him, it unnerved her how badly she wanted as much. Even while knowing she would be embarrassingly late to the Queen's lunch, she couldn't stop herself from making for the balcony over the training yard.

Perhaps his session with Cole ran over? Perhaps he was tasked with coaching the younger boys again, and he lost track of time?

Perhaps he forgot—No. No. He didn't forget, he never forgets.

Elaena swallowed stiffly as she peered over the balcony railing, ignoring the wandering eyes of the few onlookers beside her. She felt her jaw clench as she took in the bustling yard...

And not a lock of silver in sight.

She started to feel an itch of frustration, something which fueled the flame of her abashment. She suddenly felt foolish to be gawking over the balcony, desperate for even a trace of him.

Look at you, running about like a headless hen.

Elaena sighed as the itch crept deeper, and then she pushed away from the balcony and entered the Holdfast again.

He forgot. He must have forgot—But he doesn't forget—No matter. You made a commitment already, you would have had to leave him anyway...

But where is he?

She barely registered her route to the Queen's chambers, too caught up with the simple question to care much for the coming gathering. It was only when she looked up to meet the russet gaze of Ser Criston that she remembered to mask her disappointment.

The Queen's sworn protector took in Elaena's new appearance, and her heart skipped when she saw his lips curl pleasantly.

A memory of his wary eyes flashed across her mind then. He had watched her and Vaemond like a hawk when he'd delivered them to Alicent for dismissal. She couldn't help but wonder if his caution had remained after four years, even with his relaxed posture now.

"Lady Elaena." He greeted her with a subtle nod, and her gaze flitted down bashfully.

"Ser Criston." She replied, clasping her hands together as he opened the Queen's door for her.

Soft chatter simmered down upon her entry, and she looked up to take in the Queen's magnificent parlor. If she hadn't known any better, Elaena would have assumed she was standing in a small ballroom.

About ten maids stood by a grand spread, waiting in docility for any order by the noble women in the middle of the room. Helaena's other ladies were gathered comfortably around a circular table, all feasting on the first courses of the lunch.

Alicent and Helaena sat at the head of the table, perfectly facing the doors of the room. Elaena's breath caught in her throat as the princess's violet gaze snapped up to hers.

She quickly bent her knees in a curtsy, "Your Grace."

"El..." Helaena's sweet voice trailed off in awe, and Elaena blushed further as she stood erect.

She could see in her peripheral how her fellow ladies turned to follow the princess's gaze... But Elaena was frozen in the eyes of the Queen.

Alicent's expression had been reserved when Elaena had entered, but upon acknowledging the Velaryon girl's presence, a certain intrigue came across the woman's face.

Elaena swallowed stiffly, noticing how Alicent's head tilted in thought... similar to Aemond's curious habit.

"Lady Elaena," Her voice was gentle and steady, but it cut through Elaena's ears like a heavy bell chime, "We thought you'd never arrive."

Shit. Shit. Late—You're so late—Fuck—Breathe. Speak.

Elaena's hands wrung together, and she cleared her throat before dropping her gaze, "My apologies, my Queen... I suffered a misunderstanding."

"Never-mind, dear." Alicent said quickly, and her indecipherable tone made Elaena peak back up at her. She was met with a hesitant expression, and it furthered her unease.

Were the Queen's carefree words genuine, or was she impatient to Elaena's excuses? Was she wary, skeptical? Did she disapprove of the girl already?

Regardless, Helaena furthered her mother's welcome.

"We're nearly at the second course." The princess said brightly, stealing Elaena's attention from Alicent, "Come along."

Shit. You're late, you're so late—They haven't gotten far—But you're late.

She nodded politely, stepping further into the room and ignoring her racing heart. As she looked about the table, she locked eyes with Sam, and the redhead nodded to the seat between her and Saera.

Elaena sighed, taking the seat and feeling comfort envelope her from her friends' proximities. But when she looked up and met the eyes of the vacuous snobs, she felt her face fall in agitation.

Their plain hair nettings and cool-toned frocks were still alive and kicking, and they failed to keep their sharp eyes from Elaena's styled twists.

She bit into the inside of her cheek, locking eyes with Cristine and feeling her vexation bubble further for the lying wench. The Celtigar girl had a stiffly blank disposition, and she ultimately snatched her violet eyes from the Velaryon's hair. Elaena didn't miss the sneer threatening her lips.

"Where were we then?" Alicent's voice chirped up, gaining the table's attention.

"The events of the third moon, your Grace." Hyaline said dutifully, and the Queen nodded.

"Ah, yes, there's much to look forward to. Unwedded lords of the realm will arrive on the morrow to immerse themselves at court for Spring, such as seeking wives of the finest stock." Alicent explained, and the ladies leaned in with interest.

Only Sam and Elaena sat with dispassion—Sam for reasons only evident to Elaena, and Elaena for reasons even she couldn't understand. She wished to use courtship as a means for staying in King's Landing, but she still had little interest in the lords of the realm.

Not to mention her mind still wavered on her negligence of Aemond. She couldn't shake the itching shame.

"There will be more than enough opportunities to engage with them," Alicent continued gently, her brown eyes floating over every lady, "The season stands as the most eventful part of the year for our capital, beginning with festivities of the third moon... Maiden's Day, my nameday, and the Festival of the Mother."

The ladies grinned with girlish delight, and Alicent smiled to them in warm encouragement. But Elaena's lips quirked nervously as she stared down at her lunch platter.

Ellyn rose a hand, catching Alicent's attention and earning a nod from her to speak, "What can be said for your nameday, your Grace? If I may, I've heard it is the best occasion of Spring."

Alicent hummed with a fond smile, "A generous assumption, to be sure. My celebrations last all of two days, though I believe the Festival of the Mother to be the true victor of the season."

Elaena's heart stuttered as the ladies gush, and she absentmindedly supped her lavish stew. Festivities for the Mother's holiday varied from kingdom to kingdom, and the capital had been known for its extravagance...

But Elaena was sure no measure of grandiose would shake her aversion to the celebration. A day for mothers, a day she wouldn't have ever acknowledged if not for Rhaenys.

She could hear the conversation flourishing around her but focused more on the rotation of courses. Every now and then she would lock eyes with Helaena or Samantha or Saera, and she would paint a pleased smile to her lips.

For once, she was thankful for the babbling snobs across from her, as they kept Alicent's attention while recollecting their progress. Even while listening to Cristine's vague telling of her headway, Elaena was content to hide behind her obvious lies.

But the Queen clearly wished to hear from all of her daughter's ladies.

"And what of you, Lady Elaena?" Her steady voice broke through Elaena's comfortable silence.

She peered up from her platter, feeling the energy of the room shift. Helaena tilted her head in curiosity. The snobs all stiffened as the attention settled over her. Sam and Saera looked at her softly, having been used to her abashment under pressure.

Elaena swallowed quickly, sitting up straight under Alicent's gaze.

"Your Grace?" Elaena said, feeling her heart race in apprehension. She didn't miss the low scoff of Cerelle or the chuckle of Cristine, but she kept her glimmering gaze on Alicent.

"Your immersion with court," The Queen elaborated softly with quirked lips, "How are you faring?"

Shit. Shit. How—Breathe. What do I say?

I can hardly admit to any headway, I've only toured the Keep, I've only spent time with him—Where is he—Stop.

Stop. Speak, think of something...

"I..." She raked her mind for some excuse for her apparent lack of progress, "Well, I..."

Her heart stuttered and suffocated her as she realized she truly hadn't engaged with any lords or men of the court. Only Aemond. The Queen would hardly be impressed with her, she would hardly give Elaena any favor. Much less return the favor she had taken away after Elaena had taken advantage of her friendship with Aemond.

"I've been..." She breathed out, ignoring the building snickers of the other ladies and the patient gaze of Alicent.

Just as she was about to fabricate an engagement, the doors to the Queen's parlor opened. They all stiffened as Ser Criston took a step inside the room.

"The Prince Aemond, your Grace."

Elaena's thoughts dwindled to nothing as the name fell from the knight's lips. Her eyes widened, and she saw in her peripheral as the snobs recovered from shock to quickly spruce up. She could also see Samantha looking to her in question, but her lilacs were trained on the door.

When Aemond sauntered into the room, Elaena's heart stopped entirely.

She felt a smile threaten her face, and she bit into the inside of her cheek to keep it at bay. She couldn't help the strange relief, the excitement that washed over her as he strode in. Tall, flowing hair, solid focus...

Though at the sight of the dimple deepening by his pursed lips, the stiff expression on his face truly dawned on her and concern peaked through her elation.

Aemond looked agitated, however subtle the expression was.

His one eye ghosted over the flock of them, passing over her before darting back. He stopped in his tracks, and she blushed as his expression faltered, his eye widening as it stuck to her.

Her heart started back up, fluttering at his unabashed acknowledgement before she looked back down to her lunch platter.

"Aemond..." Alicent's voice cut through the room, and Elaena kept her gaze down as heat pooled in her cheeks, "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

Though Alicent tried to hide it in cordiality, Elaena could hear the confusion in her tone.

"Forgive me, my Queen," His velvety voice caused Elaena to let out a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding, "And forgive the intrusion, my ladies."

She shuddered at the sound of his smile but refrained from lifting her gaze. She couldn't trust her face to not expose the childish glee from his arrival. But her eyes widened as his tone became a pointed one.

"I'm just ensuring a certain someone fulfills a promise." He said sweetly, and she could practically feel his eye on her again.

... Oh, shit—

The ladies failed to cover their surprise, as Elaena heard all of them gasp above the sound of his footsteps. Her heart simmered down to her stomach, and she clenched her teeth at the feel of his form towering behind her seat.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

Her gaze flitted up to meet Helaena's, humorous fear bubbling beneath her skin as the princess looked to her in subtle concession.

"Lady Elaena?" He kept his voice soft, but it still hit her obnoxiously with his closeness. She hesitantly turned to look over her shoulder, and her expression broke at the sight of his bright gaze and offered hand.

A low snort escaped her nose, and Elaena quickly covered it by clearing her throat. She turned back to the baffled ladies before her, and Alicent blinked at her in fascination.

"My Queen..." She nodded meekly, standing from her seat, "Princess... Ladies."

With that, she took Aemond's hand and stepped from the table. His grasp engulfed hers, and she kept her gaze down to hide her ensuing blush. He easily guided her out of his mother's chambers, and she ignored the itch of the gazes following after them.

He stayed quiet as they passed Cole's subtly smug form, and Elaena could tell that irritation from before was breaking through his guise of ease. It was clear in the solidness of his gait and the tightening of his hand around hers.

They turned a corner, truly away from the Queen's apartments, and he finally spoke.

"Never again will you choose my mother over me."

His tone forced her to look up at him, and she was met with his eyepatch and clenched jaw. From the way he held her hand, she was hesitant to move to his right side. So she sighed through a shutter, feeling tense by his order.

"I'm sorry, Aemond," Elaena breathed, clenching her own teeth in threatening shame, "I completely forgot—"

"Yes, yes, I know I am so easily forgettable," He cut her off with a snide tone, and her attention spiked up to him, "But I gathered together a handsome little sitting for us and was left looking quite the imbecile while you were dallying with—"

Elaena didn't know what possessed her to do what she did next. Before she could think, she stopped walking and reached for his face. He stiffened at her touch, but she was able to pull him in and lay a kiss to the hollow of his cheek. Dangerously close to his scar.

His words broke off with a sharp breath, and she pulled away to look at him. At first, his expression was concealed by his eyepatch. But then he slowly turned to meet her gaze, and her heart stopped in self awareness.

He said nothing. He only stared at her in indecipherable shock.

. . . What. The. Fuck. Elaena?

She shifted her weight to the other foot, swallowing dryly but holding his gaze. His form remained frozen beside her.

Yeah... You did that. You just did that—Fuck. Breathe. Speak—Shit. Speak!

The breath of a chuckle left her, and she forced a smile over her stunned expression, "Daor, zaldrīzes..."
(No, dragon)

His expression remained, but his eye flickered to her lips as she spoke.

"Nyke gōntan daor nārhēdegon ao... Nyke ēdas nārhēdegon zirȳla..." She explained, and his eye flitted back up to hers.
(I did not forget you... I forgot her)

"In my haste to be with you, I forgot I agreed to lunch with your mother, Helaena, and my fellow ladies... I-I searched for you to tell you, but you were no where to be found..." Her voice trailed off as his expression proved relentless.

It was clear the cogs of his mind were turning, but she could hardly tell he'd understood what she had said. Her affection certainly threw him off, and she slowly felt foolish for such impulsivity.

It was only when he swallowed stiffly and blinked out of his stare that she felt she could breathe.

"I was at the Godswood." He slowly mumbled, his voice slightly strained as he gripped her hand.

Hearing the accusation in his voice, she retorted, "Not when I checked."

"Perhaps I was still on my way there." He shot back.

"Perhaps I couldn't wait as I was in a hurry to not disappoint the Queen."

"Perhaps I shall inform the Queen of our time together." He said with that same strain adding an edge to his tone.

Elaena blinked at him, feeling her heart stutter at the dare. Surely, Alicent suspected them to be engaging with him stealing her away as he had... for the second time.

Surely, Alicent would believe something untoward was going on if Aemond gave no further elaboration...

"Perhaps you should." Elaena mumbled with a tight nod, and he squinted at her in challenge. She gazed back at him passively, and his expression slowly softened towards her.

He doesn't have to say he didn't like it... You shouldn't have done it, don't do it again—What even was that, Elaena?

She looked down to their tethered hands in unease, feeling heat tickle her groin from the weight of their silence and the size of his hand. It was heavy against hers, but warm in a way that was comforting.

Like a hug.

"Your hair..." He breathed softly, stealing her attention again. His eye was trained on her twists, and she stiffened as she remembered her lack of netting.

Her free hand instinctively reached back to touch her hair, and he silently watched her.

"Mm... Do you like it?" She asked without thinking, becoming unnerved by his quiet disposition. When he met her gaze directly, she felt even more confused by his soft countenance.

His gaze trailed down her form before settling on their hands, and he tilted his head with a hum.

. . . What does that mean?

He gave her no further response, only turning to continue their route to the Godswood. Elaena swallowed in slight dejection, but his firm grasp on her hand satisfied her enough... Though she was still unnerved by the wall of his eyepatch.

She moved behind Aemond to stand at his right side, and her heart skipped as he casually transferred her hand to his other one. She smiled then, peaking up at him to see the content curl of his lip.

They stayed silent during their walk, and she ignored the lingering eyes of residents they passed. It was easy, as she was distracted by his thumb rubbing against her knuckle every now and then, and her flustered grin stretched further.

By the time they arrived to the divine tree, her teeth peaked through her smile. And when she looked up to see the handsome little sitting he'd prepared for them, her smile gleamed entirely.

"Oh, Gods, I'm sorry." She chuckled in embarrassment, and his lips curled further.

"Mhm," He hummed, "I do hope the Queen's spread didn't diminish your appetite."

She sucked her teeth at his snobbish tone, "I had only just started on account of my late attendance," She shot with a squint, "And I could hardly finish with your sudden arrival."

"Mm, seems I was just in time, then." He said lowly, and she giggled as he pulled her to sit on the intricate quilt. She was delighted to see small platters of goose, duck, and ham cuts, as well as plates of bread, cheese, olives, and veg.

But nothing excited her more than the sight of blueberry tarts and golden wine.

"What did my mother have to say at this hour?" Aemond asked after watching her snack to her heart's content. She squinted at him in playful suspicion.

"Tis improper to be nosy." She said, and he rolled his eye.

"Tis improper to refrain from answering a prince's question."

Now she rolled her eyes, but she sighed in concession.

"She wished to tell us about the events of the season, though she only spoke of the third moon before you showed up."

"Mm," He nodded, "I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Tis the first colorful month of the year for our city—especially with the Festival of the Mother."

Elaena hummed in false intrigue, her smile faltering as her eyes lowered to her food, "So Her Grace has claimed..."

"... What's wrong?" Aemond asked softly after a moment of her silence. It surprised Elaena how quickly he noticed her shift in disposition, and she looked back up to him to feign contentment.

"Nothing." She shrugged, but his gaze lingered on her. She grimaced, feeling the truth itch up her throat like he was wordlessly coaxing it out of her, "I just... don't typically celebrate the holiday, is all..."

It isn't a big deal. You've lived through seventeen holidays dedicated to mothers, you can live through one more.

Aemond allowed her response to float between them, and she silently prayed he wouldn't ask for elaboration. She couldn't guarantee her emotions would stay in check with his unrelenting ability to get the truth out of her.

"... Even with Rhaenys?"

Elaena met his gaze in hesitation... but at the sight of his patient expression, she felt an ease temper her heart.

"... She was always quite sad when the time came," Elaena said with a shrug, "Laenor off with his own family, and Laena away in Pentos... After we lost them, it seemed an offensive endeavor."

She fell into a slight daze, recalling the dreary atmosphere of Driftmark whenever the holiday came around. Even Baela couldn't have brought the mood up, as she had mourned Laena just the same.

Aemond hummed in understanding, something Elaena was ardently grateful for as it kept her from having to linger on the solemn.

"Well, I must admit..." He began, and she felt the brightness of their conversation lift again, "There's no better place to rekindle the tradition."

Try as she might, she couldn't ignore the hope she felt from his words. She would never be excited to celebrate the memory of her mother while thousands of other girls got to celebrate the lives of their own... But she had always wished to feel some semblance of cheer for the occasion. Just once.

"I suppose." She snorted with a deadpan tone, settling further against the quilt under his heavy eye.

When he remained in his tight position, watching her slightest movement, she felt certain even the Godswood was more lively than him.

"Are you alright?" She asked, "Are you not hungry?"

Only his gaze shifted to the food before them, and she swore his legs stiffened further in their bent position.

"Not just yet." He said softly, sparing her a smile that kept her from prying further.

That position can't be comfortable with his leathers... Don't be strange, he said he's alright... Did that kiss unnerve him—He said he's alright.

Relax. Helaena said you would know if he was upset.

Elaena sighed to herself, feeling a slight breeze echo her decompression. Quiet settled over them, and she was content in it, even while curious about his thoughts. She was safe enough with him to contemplate, and her mind floated beyond the topic of the Mother's holiday.

"You know..." She mumbled, knowing his attention was still on her, "I don't necessarily have a choice but to take part in such festivities."

"No one could make you." He said, his tone unchanged as though silence hadn't enveloped them, "Though I truly believe you'd be happier not missing them."

She sent a sweet smile his way, and his eye trailed over her countenance as she continued, "Well, I could hardly refuse now... Nevertheless, it would apparently align with my pursuit for courtship."

Aemond's gaze met hers directly, and he blinked at her in a strange intrigue.

"The pursuit still exists?" He asked in sardonic humor, and her eyebrows furrowed in an obvious expression.

"Of course—which reminds me," She started, sitting up and brushing one of her loose twists behind her ear, "I shall need your help navigating the coming suitors. The Queen said they'll start arriving on the morrow."

His expression slowly melted into stoicism, and his eye trailed along her face, in search of something she couldn't comprehend.

After a moment, his gaze lowered and his jaw clenched in thought.

"I don't see how I could be of any help in such a trivial affair." He finally said, turning his head from her to look off distantly. Elaena's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she sensed some irritation brewing in his voice.

"... Surely you know them better than I." She explained gently, but he kept his attention away.

"Perhaps."

Elaena squinted at his indifferent disposition, confusion festering in her mind as he palpably closed up on her.

... Am I bothering him with this? What's wrong with him? He helped me before, he was eager to help me...

"Aemond, I wouldn't have familiarized myself with the Keep if not for you," She said, leaning into him and watching his gaze lower further, "I wouldn't know half of the worthy stock already living here if you hadn't educated me, but I need assistance with other familiarities...

"I trust your judgment more than anyone's, and the closer I get to a decent match the more certain I am to stay here."

Aemond's gaze didn't meet hers, but it lingered in her direction as her plea settled between them. He stayed quiet, and Elaena prayed she didn't sound whiny in her efforts to get his help.

"Unless... none of them will make for a suitable match in your opinion..." She said curiously, attempting to coax out some response from him. He sighed through his nose, raising his gaze slightly.

"Perhaps not." He said simply, and she felt her heart stutter in building vexation.

. . . Why does he shut down like this? He's never hesitated to assist me before—Hells, most times I don't even need to ask him.

She squinted at him with a sigh, "I never took you for a gatekeeper."

Aemond's jaw clenched tighter, his eyebrows furrowing at her bold words, "I wouldn't say my perspective of them is much help for a lady like yourself... They react far differently to me than they would to you."

His tone became snide as he turned to her at last. A certain smirk threatened his face, and it added to her irritation. Above anything, she hated being patronized.

"How do you mean?" She asked, offense edging on her tone. He scoffed, maintaining that cynical smirk and seeming to miss her building agitation, "No, elaborate—certainly my feeble, lady-mind can keep up."

Confusion mixed into his arrogance as he looked at her blank expression. The longer she went waiting for his explanation, the more he seemed to realize she had truly been offended.

His expression faltered as she raised her eyebrows at him in wait, and he wet his lips awkwardly.

"Elaena, I..." He trailed off to ensure she wasn't jesting in her reaction, but her expression didn't let up, "I only mean... most lords of the realm aren't... particularly fond of me."

Her eyebrows furrowed deeper, and his eye flickered away from hers as he shrugged.

"They would likely take to you," He continued, "For more reasons than one... I wouldn't rely on mine own opinion in that regard..."

. . . Oh.

Elaena felt her temper simmer down in understanding, though another irritation bubbled from the previous.

"And what makes you think I would consort with anyone who treats you with aversion?" She asked tightly, stealing his attention again. He still seemed confused by her temperament as he swallowed stiffly under her stare.

"What would it matter if they treated you in the highest regard?" He asked with a slight sneer.

"They wouldn't if they treated someone I care for any lesser way than me." She said right after.

His gaze lowered in thought, and Elaena felt their brewing silence eat away at her frustration.

It baffled her how—as quickly as she'd been ready to defend herself—she was prepared to defend him. She couldn't exactly help such a reflex—an awakened instinct, one she hadn't felt since they'd been children.

Formidable as he'd become, she did not like the idea of anyone being cruel or disrespectful to him.

As she looked at his bent and stoic form, a chill went down her spine because she realized she may succeed in finding a match, but she could very well end up with a husband who didn't like Aemond.

A husband who could undoubtedly threaten their rekindled friendship—

No. No, I don't want to think about that. I don't ever want to think about that.

As if I needed anymore reason to fear courtship—

"In that knowledge," Aemond finally spoke, breaking her out of her thoughts, "You'll have a difficult time finding a match indeed."

Elaena should have been entirely gutted by such a deliberation. But when he looked at her, she felt peace settle over her, the same peace his presence always brought.

As much as she knew it would delay her progression, she didn't want to pine for anyone who couldn't see the value of the man next to her. The man who had encouraged leaps and bounds out of her in such a short time.

She couldn't. She wouldn't.

Not after all he had done for her.

"Very well, then."

———

Whewwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeee, this is late. Apologies, comrades! Life got exciting, and I got distracted by tiktok edits and old interviews of our favorite one-eyed menace 😔💅🏽

As some of y'all saw in my announcement, my birthday passed recently and it was everything I hoped it would be and more 😜 I'm 23 now, and forever upset I didn't acknowledge it as my Jordan Year knowing damn well my dad named me after Michael Jordan (the greatest fumble in my history.)

Not to mention the bombass Halloween experience I just had! Follow me on IG @ jb_onthetrack if you wanna see me and my girls slayin it.

I digress, this one took a while cuz it was another vault moment that I had to revamp over and over. Proud of mamas for letting her hair down and letting her true emotions show more. I'll admit though, I didn't expect courtship to play this heavily on Elaena's early plot, but the tism is really showing on my girl. Aemond is RIGHT THERE shawty, we don't this (but it feels right so we're doin it 🤪)

Also hi Alicent 🫶🏽 Lowk traumatized by AHoleForAemond 's rendition of her, and I'm trynna heal my own perspective of the Green Queen... But what are y'all's thoughts on her so far?

I swear next chapter will be more active... and by active, I mean... ACTIVE 😈

I appreciate all of you for sticking around, and as always thanks to my girls purplewriter_x and AHoleForAemond. Y'all make this Aemond girlie world go round 💫

Aight, I gotta crash. See y'all in 31 🥰

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