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

"The highest tier." Aemond stated in a breath of amazement, "You've already struck every target of the highest tier—straight down the row, Elaena."

She kept her gaze forward as they walked through the Keep, making for her chambers so she could freshen out of her archery clothes.

His gaze lingered on her in wait of her claim to victory. But all she could do was fight a nervous grin.

Aemond squeezed her hand in encouragement, "In only two moons, your aim has risen ten feet..."

My... Two moons?? It feels like yesterday I started training with Ser Jerald...

"Mm, it's taken that long?" Elaena hummed, feeling her expression falter.

Aemond stopped just before the door to her chambers, pulling her to face his ridiculed expression.

"It should have taken far longer," He protested, "Jerald would easily agree with me seeing how horribly his trainees have fared."

Elaena blushed, lowering her gaze as a certain itch crept up her spine, "Well, they all seem rather young, I'd wager with time—Oh!"

She yelped as Aemond snatched her waist closer, bringing her flush against him and commanding her attention.

"The youngest is barely younger than you," He stated lowly, fisting the material over her hips, "They've all been at it for years and not one of them can touch you."

Her heart grew heavy as his voice deepened in certainty. She knew her cheeks were that of cherries, but she could hardly rub at them under his heavy gaze.

"Well..." She mumbled, timidly looking down to the worn bow in her grasp, "I suppose some people take to things better than oth—"

"You're amazing." Aemond stated, cutting off her words and making her blush deepen.

. . . Why does have to say things like that?

Elaena sighed, "Thank you."

He leaned down to brush her nose with his own, and she looked at him at last. He kept close, pressing his nose against hers, and she bit her lip to stifle a grin from his proximity.

"Say it." Aemond ordered blankly, and Elaena blinked in confusion.

"Say what?"

"Say you're amazing."

Her grin broke free, "Aemond—"

"Do it." He ordered in the same low tone, not looking away from her as she snorted. Elaena attempted to lean back from him, but he kept her prisoner, and she felt her body melt in humorous defeat.

"I'm amazing." She breathed before giggling at the feel of him pulling her even closer.

"Say it again." He ordered blankly, and she laughed at his stoic facade.

"I'm amazing." She enunciated, and in her next breath, he captured her lips in a deep peck. Her laugh bubbled greater as he snatched away to kiss her flaring cheek down to her jaw.

"Yes, you are, my beautiful girl." He hummed right into her ear, and she hid her grin in his shoulder.

Innocent as his affections were, she couldn't ignore the subtle ache in her groin or the slight chill over her skin. Her only hope from melting in his arms was the hilarity of his assertions. She slowly lost all desire to deny them—they sank into her skin with every touch of his lips.

Gods, he is too sweet, he is so many things. . . And I love every single one of them. . .

"Aemond, I must make haste," Elaena giggled as he lingered against her, "The ladies are waiting for me, we have to get our lanterns."

He grunted into her neck before pulling back to meet her gaze, "Do you have to—"

"Yes." She breathed, and he pursed his lips.

"Will you spare one for me?" He asked lowly, and her eyes widened at his genuine interest.

"I've saved the very best one for you." She promised, combing her fingers through the silver strands over his shoulder.

Aemond's lip quirked as his eye softened. He stood silently, thoughtfully gazing at her. Elaena's grin faltered, as for some reason, she felt frozen under his gentle stare and expected him to put words to it...

But then he blinked out of the daze and hummed down to her, reaching up to leave the ghost of a pinch on her chin.

"I'll see you for the celebration then?" He breathed, and her eyebrows furrowed inquisitively. Just once, she wished to live in his mind, to know what exactly took place when he looked at her.

But she nodded to him, and he leaned down to place a soft kiss to her forehead. Her grin returned at the gesture, and she watched him strut away from her quarters. Even as he disappeared down the hall, her mind raked through the causes of his mystique.

But when her gaze drifted to the end of the neighboring corridor, she froze at the sight of Lord Larys watching her.

His expression was indecipherable, but he stood overtly aware of her, fascinated almost. Her heart stopped as he tilted his head at her in thought.

. . . Move.

Her heart thumped back to life, and she turned to enter her chambers, desperate to escape the leering eyes of the Clubfoot.

Desperate to ignore the fact that he had been adamantly watching her and Aemond.

• • •

"Stunning, my lady." Sylvia praised softly, unable to withhold the smile on her face.

Elaena stood in her own gleam, equally taken by the dress Aemond had recently gifted her.

Despite her apprehension to its sleeveless style, she couldn't deny the gown's beauty in her mirror. It was perfect for the season, and she would don nothing else.

"Thank you, Syl." Elaena grinned, keeping her littered wrists folded in, "Shall we be off?"

Sylvia nodded before grabbing the lady's cloak and following her out of the parlor.

"Now, remember, sweetling," Elaena said lowly, "Don't worry over his presence in Helaena's quarters. He's never there when all of us gather."

Sylvia sighed in relief, but Elaena noticed how she gripped her cloak a bit tighter.

"When we step outside for the celebration, just stay close to me, Sam, or Saera." The lady advised, linking her arm into Sylvia's for comfort.

The girl relaxed slightly from the order, and she nodded in agreement.

She deserved to celebrate the Festival of the Mother as much as anyone else in the Keep, and Elaena wouldn't let Aegon's attendance hinder that. Sylvia was clearly relieved to see the prince absent as they arrived to Helaena's apartments.

But she and Elaena's eyes widened at the many servants in the princess's parlor, carrying around dozens of the paper lanterns Elaena and the others had crafted in the days before.

"El, Sylvia!" The princess greeted brightly, making for them in her own glittering getup. Samantha and Saera followed after her, carrying paper lamps for their own release.

"Exciting, isn't it?" Saera beamed, "Everyone's work looks marvelous, tonight shall be astounding."

Elaena nodded in agreement as she took in the traveling crafts. Instead of lighting candles in the Grand Sept—as the city's virtuous had done for the Maiden—all people of King's Landing were to release lanterns in honor of the Mother.

"These will be of the highest esteem," Helaena said aloud, "They won't cover the headcount of the Keep's party tonight, but they'll be released by the best of our court."

"Excellent," Samantha smirked, "I'll not have anything less place its grubby hands on my masterpieces."

Elaena snorted softly at the Tarly girl before gazing about the speckled room. She spotted three of her personal lanterns by the pastry table and quickly made for them.

"Sylvia," She called as she returned with her crafts, "This one is for you."

The handmaiden's expression faltered in surprise as Elaena handed her one of the two circular lanterns in her grasp. Sylvia's eyebrows quirked bashfully, but she accepted it with the upmost care.

Elaena's grin etched further as the girl's hazel eyes widened at the soft pink and gold detailing.

"For the best of the flock, indeed." Elaena nodded to her, and the young maid's meek expression lit up.

"Thank you, my lady." She breathed softly.

"Of course." Elaena replied with an easy shrug.

"I can only imagine whom that one is for." Samantha said with a smirk, eyeing the tall rectangular lantern of Elaena's collection.

Elaena felt a girlish smile threaten her countenance, and she gazed over the black and red lamp in hope, "Do you think he'll like it?"

"I think he'll like a lot of things this night." Sam alluded, looking over Elaena's form. The Velaryon girl's cheeks flared in response.

"He'd better," Saera nodded, following Sam's gaze, "That dress is gorgeous on you."

"Didn't Aemond send that one?" Helaena asked curiously, and Elaena's heart fluttered as she looked to the ground, "I recall him asking for my opinion."

"Prince Aemond sought a second opinion before getting her this dress?" Sam said aloud with wide eyes, and Elaena swallowed in abashment.

"Oh, how he dotes on her!" Saera said giddily, bouncing on her heels, "And with immaculate taste—Helaena, do tell what the other options were like."

The princess sighed, "Oh, it was a difficult decision to put it plainly, he nearly gave up and bought all of them."

"And what kept him from such an impulse?" Samantha asked bluntly with furrowed eyebrows, making Saera giggle.

"He knew the count would overwhelm her." Helaena said softly, and Elaena's eyes widened.

Thank the Gods for that. To know he desired to see me in one dress was enough to confound me.

She stood in a fluster as her friends raved on, trying to ignore the euphoria she felt at the news. Aemond had fretted over something so frivolous as dresses for her...

Not so frivolous at all.

Elaena peeked up from the ground to see Cerelle, Ellyn, and Hyaline watching the four of them blankly. The latter ladies eyed Elaena's gown stiffly, but the Lannister girl met Elaena's gaze with intent.

She felt her mood falter as Cerelle approached them curiously, her minions hesitantly following after her.

"I pray his showers of affection continue," Samantha said with a smirk, not noticing the creeping snobs behind her, "You wear it well, Lady Elaena. Your progress is unmatched."

"I beg to differ." Cerelle said boredly, her green eyes still lingering over Elaena.

Saera and Helaena spared the blonde a swift glance before stiffening in discomfort, and Sam's expression tightened as she turned on her heel.

"Beg all you want," The Tarly girl said lowly, eye to eye with the Lannister, "No one asked you—"

"Oh, have it, you'll be eating those words soon, Samantha," Cerelle cut her off, "Tis only a matter of time."

Elaena squinted at the confidence in the snob's tone. Something was awry.

"My uncle has informed me of his recent discussions with the Queen," Cerelle stated in victory, "And Her Grace has sent word to my father at Casterly Rock, but do carry on about unmatched progress, darling."

Elaena's heart skipped with an edge, and she could peripherally see Saera and Sylvia look to her in confusion.

Alicent. . . She sent word to Lord Jason? What? No. No—Breathe. It's nothing. Breathe.

Elaena swallowed stiffly as she fought to remain unfazed by the blonde's news. Fortunately, Samantha was doing a better job at it.

"Have you forgotten what happened to the last one of us who lied in desperation, Cerelle?" The redhead asked bluntly, but the Lannister girl scoffed through a smirk.

"I remember all too well," She replied, "But rest assured, I am no liar."

Her green eyes flickered back to Elaena's blank expression, and then she stepped past the ladies to exit the princess's chambers. Ellyn and Hyaline followed suit, arms full of their paper lamps and eyes lingering on Elaena's stiff form.

"Well, that was rude." Sylvia mumbled, and Sam snorted.

"As has been their way this entire trip," She said before looking to Elaena, "Ignore her."

The Velaryon girl shrugged in false laxity, despite her mind bubbling with the memory of Cerelle's threat to her.

"The Queen was most likely discussing business with them and the heifer misinterpreted," Sam assured before looking to Helaena, "Wouldn't you agree, princess?"

"Perhaps." Helaena nodded, sending a soft smile to Elaena. And though the lady returned the expression, she felt unnerved by the princess's ambiguity.

Perhaps? What can you mean perhaps, Hel? Would your mother discuss anything more than simple business with the Lannisters?

"Let us be on our way then." The princess announced warmly, not sparing the matter anymore attention. Her indifference only fueled Elaena's concern.

She knew Helaena wouldn't elaborate on certain elements of the future in her desire not to spoil it. And Elaena knew her story was tethering more with Aemond's so long as she didn't run from him...

But she also knew the Queen played a hand in their fate.

As they all made for the party location, Elaena struggled not to think over her time with Alicent, turning over each part of their conversation in search of rejection.

She recalled Alicent's relaxed disposition, but the woman had been watchful of her. She had apologized and acknowledged Aemond's fondness for Elaena, but she hadn't called on her again...

And now Lord Larys is creeping past my corridor... Has she sent him to spy on me? Does she not trust me? Was she feigning warmth and forgiveness?

Elaena swallowed stiffly to herself, slipping in and out of her friends' conversation as she tried to banish her unease.

Cerelle has lived in the capital far longer than any of us, perhaps the Queen is more familiar with her... Her uncle and father are trusted men to Her Grace—whereas Kepa has undoubtedly slighted her. . .

Elaena quietly took a deep breath, clenching her teeth and focusing on the girlish chatter around her. Far better than succumbing to the idea that Cerelle had been correct in her confidence.

• • •

Elaena didn't feel total relief until they stepped outside the Holdfast to grace the Red Keep's courtyard.

Her troubled thoughts simmered down as she took in the colorful frocks around the space. Lanterns were either strung up to illuminate the yard, or unlit in every inhabitant's arms.

It was still dusk, and the nobles of the Keep swept about in sweet suspense, prancing by the posted band or visiting the various elegant tents. Servants worked within them or slid through the crowd to offer treats and wine.

Elaena could hardly focus on a singular detail of the occasion, smelling savory and sweet food from the tents, hearing jubilant music from the band, and seeing children of the Keep dart around under the Mother's eye.

She was grateful for the grand distraction.

"There she is!" Prince Aegon's voice chirped out through the mass, and Elaena stiffened at attention.

His gaze was aimed at Helaena's meek form, and as he made for her, Elaena felt Sylvia grip on to her arm. The touch was enough for her to pull Sylvia in the opposite direction.

"Are you alright?" Elaena asked quickly, eyeing Sylvia's startled expression protectively. The young maid swallowed stiffly, blinking away the dullness of her eyes before eagerly nodding to her lady.

Elaena smiled before looking about the yard for an idea. At the smell of steaming catches under a close by tent, her mind sparked with intrigue.

"How about we try one of these stands?" Elaena proposed, "It's been a while since I've had proper seafood."

Sylvia's expression brightened curiously, and she took a moment to sniff the air. Her eyes widened as she found the table of fish platters, and Elaena smirked before pulling her towards them.

At the sight of their approach, the posted servant gathered small plates for them to use. Elaena immediately went for the simmering crab legs and mussels on display, whispering her high opinions of them to Sylvia, who looked at the hard shells in apprehension before following her lady's lead.

Upon seeing her building smile, Elaena knew Sylvia understood her obsession.

"I've never had the coin for shellfish," The maid gushed while cracking another crab shell, "This is divine."

"If you think these good, you'd be delighted with a spread from Driftmark's shores," Elaena jested, "You'll find no fresher cuisine."

"What selections have we here?" Samantha's voice chirped up, and Elaena turned to see her and Saera approach, "I'm absolutely famished, and it smells decadent over here."

They all stood in gratification over the food. Samantha's gaze lingered on Helaena and Aegon's tethered forms from afar, and she snorted before feasting on scallop meat.

"I'm surprised the princess isn't noshing," The Tarly girl jested with a full mouth, "I just know there's a bun in that oven."

Elaena looked at her in surprise, and then quickly fixed her face to conceal the truth. Helaena's pregnancy still hadn't been announced to the court yet.

"What do you mean?" The Velaryon girl asked timidly, and Sam shrugged in an obvious way.

"Just look at them," She waved to the couple, "She was quite smitten on Maiden's Eve, I'd wager she's a few weeks along by now."

Elaena rose an eyebrow at the redhead's astuteness, but she refrained from correcting her assumption. Helaena was nearly two months along.

"Mother be ever so merciful." She nodded, smugly looking over the party again.

Saera waved to someone in the crowd, and Elaena followed her eye line to see Stellan beckoning the Stark girl over to him. Her ivory cheeks flushed as she curtsied quickly to her friends and slipped away.

"And there she goes," Samantha teased before turning to appraise a table of pastries, "But I've my heart set on prettier sights."

She nudged Sylvia before making for the table, and Elaena could see Sylvia's hesitation to follow.

"Go on," She encouraged softly, and Sylvia met her gaze in intrigue, "You're safe with Sam, go indulge."

The handmaiden swallowed nervously, but a sweet smile graced her lips. She nodded to Elaena before following after Samantha, and the Velaryon girl only looked away when her maid was received.

Then she began a stroll through the courtyard, and her expression softened at the sight of toddlers nestled on their mothers' hips and larger children breezing past the sea of adults.

Suddenly, the band ignited in a faster jig and confetti was blown through the air. Elaena jumped at the eruption, but a grin spread across her face as the party broke out in bells of cheer. Some of the crowd moved closer to the source of music, and Elaena could make out the end of the courtyard.

She approached the balcony in serenity. The party livened her, but the perfect view of the city took her breath away.

Elaena set her lanterns atop the railing, looking on in awe. Twinkling lights littered the streets of King's Landing, and she could hear the distant glee from the common folk.

The longer she stood in peace, the more she felt love overtake her heart. Her time in the capital had supplanted her past excursion tenfold. She had once thought she had loved it there, but now she knew it.

Elaena had grown greatly, built friendships, strengthened her skill set, fallen in love...

She looked down to the two lanterns in her arms, perfect symbols of her and Aemond. And she smiled as she realized King's Landing had become her home.

"Oh, for him?"

Before Elaena could turn to acknowledge Cerelle's shrill voice, the lady plucked Aemond's black lantern from the railing.

"How adorable~" The blonde cooed, inspecting the tall lamp with sharp eyes. Elaena stiffened, feeling her heart stop as she instinctively swiped for her craft. But Cerelle held it back in humorous confusion.

"Give it back." She hissed, feeling her mood darken immediately as Cerelle smirked playfully. Her tone threatened to raise above its low sneer as she tried to snatch the lantern again, "Cerelle—"

"What?" The blonde gasped coyly, stepping back along the railing to evade Elaena, "I'm only looking."

But as she shrugged carelessly to the Velaryon girl, her grip on the lantern loosened and it slipped from her hand. Elaena's eyes widened, and she shoved Cerelle aside to save the lantern. She nearly bent over the railing in her haste, but the lamp floated just out of her reach.

Cerelle scoffed with a scowl, "How rude."

Elaena ignored her, feeling her body sink in tandem with the floating lantern, watching it disappear into the dark crevices of the Keep. She shut her eyes as heat fanned over her skin.

Cerelle sighed, "Aw, what a pity," Her green eyes trailed over Elaena's fuming form, and her smirk returned, "Lovely dress, though."

Elaena opened her eyes to see the bitch strut away from the balcony, and she let out a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding. Her hands gripped the railing as anger boiled in her veins, and she flitted her gaze around to ensure no one had seen the humiliating display.

Everyone carried on without a care, and Elaena couldn't assume relief as her eyes pricked with tears. She had half a mind to follow after Cerelle, to drag her off the yard by those stiffly woven plats... But then she saw the blonde approach Queen Alicent.

The woman had been turned away from the ordeal, engrossed in conversation with a few nobles. Cerelle softly leant on the Queen, and Alicent turned slightly to acknowledge her.

"How I miss my mother, your Grace." Elaena heard the blonde say, wrapping her arm around Alicent's with a subtle pout.

... You have to be fucking kidding me.

Elaena swallowed stiffly when Alicent's lips curled kindly, and she rested her hand on Cerelle's in comfort.

The Velaryon girl felt a blunt weigh settle in her chest, and she tore her gaze away from them. Her own lantern still sat on the railing of the balcony, and she gritted her teeth at it bitterly.

Breathe. Breathe, relax—What the fuck?! What the actual fuck—Do not cry. Breathe. Just breathe.

The image of Alicent's acceptance of Cerelle burned in her mind, and her stomach slowly knotted in stress.

Did the Queen favor such a vile lady? Had she truly discussed intimate matters with Tyland and Jason? Had she chosen Cerelle—

Elaena jumped at the feel of a heavy hand on her waist. Her heart stopped as she turned to see Aemond's snickering form, and blush overtook her face.

"Don't do that!" She gasped, shocked by how quickly her bitterness wavered at the sight of his countenance.

"Vaoreznuni, kēlītsos." He apologized softly, stepping closer to her.

As she gazed at his lighthearted expression, she understood he hadn't seen her incident with Cerelle.

"We're about to release them." Aemond said, nodding to the blue and silver lantern perched on the railing.

Elaena sighed in irritation, nearly scowling at the lamp and feeling her anger arise again. Aemond's expression faltered as he registered her glassy eyes, and he leaned closer to gain her attention.

"What's wrong?" His light tone stiffened in seriousness, and one of his hands raised to cup her cheek. The other remained folded at his back.

Elaena breathed in, shutting her eyes and focusing on his concerned touch. The noise of the party became lost on her, and she swallowed down her threatening emotion.

"Are you alright?" He whispered down to her, rubbing her cheekbone with his thumb. Elaena breathed out from the caress before opening her eyes.

She nodded to Aemond, and his eye flitted about her face for clarification.

"Are you enjoying it so far?" He asked softly, and her heart skipped at his hopeful tone.

"I am," She blinked away the glassiness of her eyes, swallowing through another nod, "All things considered."

Aemond's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, but his gaze lowered and lingered on her body for a moment. He hummed to himself, a quirk forming on his lip as his hand fell down to her waist.

Her chest fluttered under his wandering eye, and she was as happy that he'd overlooked her response as she was enticed by his attention.

"Gods..." He breathed as his eye raked back up to hers. And then he leaned into her ear to slowly whisper, "You're so gorgeous, you know?"

Her eyes pricked up again, and her groin flared with heat. She leaned her cheek into his scarred one, strangely desperate to suppress her upset and melt into his presence.

Aemond leaned back at the feel of her need, having been used to her bashful drawback. But she looked up at him with a glimmer in her eyes and intentionally brushed her nose against his.

His gaze lowered to her lips, and he drew closer in wait of permission.

Elaena ignored the muffled swarm of people around them as she rose her lips to his. She gripped the leather over his shoulders, feeling her thoughts dwindle from the softness of his kiss. She needed it, and he seemed able to tell.

He pulled her further into his arm, deepening their connection and not breaking it until she did. Elaena shuttered when she finally retracted, but she didn't stray far. His proximity was all that kept her from breaking down.

"What's the matter, baby?" She heard him whisper, and she opened her eyes to see him looking at her expectantly, "Hm?"

Elaena clenched her teeth, focusing on the brightness of his eye instead of the aggravation of Cerelle's attack on her.

Breathe, Elaena. Just breathe. What more could you expect from a cunt like her?

She could have told Aemond what the lady had done, but as she took in his tranquil expression, she decided Cerelle wasn't worth the attention.

He was all that truly mattered, him and the vibrant air around them.

You've never been able to enjoy this day anyhow. Not surprising. Just enjoy what little you can.

Elaena's gaze flitted to her lantern before she grabbed it from the railing.

"Nothing important." She finally answered, shaking her head before looking down to her circular blue and silver craft. She lifted it to him, and his eye lowered from her face.

His concerned expression melted into soft surprise.

"Syt ao, zaldrīzes." She whispered to him, hoping her tone didn't expose her disappointment.
(For you, dragon)

I'm sorry, I promised the best one, the very best—

"How did you know?" Aemond's voice stunted her deprecative thoughts. He spoke in soft bewilderment.

Elaena's eyebrows slowly furrowed as he stared at her work in awe.

"I don't recall telling you my favorite color is blue..." He said, releasing her waist to accept the paper lamp, "I half expected you to paint it black, how did you know?"

. . . Oh.

Only when he looked at her in perplexity did she believe the astonishment in his voice. He almost seemed startled by the moment, and Elaena felt a warmth envelope her sullen heart.

She shrugged, hoping her expression aided her conviction, "Lucky guess?"

"Mm..." Aemond hummed, smiling further at her before finally unfolding his other arm, "Well, I pray such luck befalls me."

Elaena's eyes widened as he revealed a diamond-shaped lantern. It was painted in a fair purple and silver, and she felt a smile threaten her countenance at last.

"Your prayer is answered." She whispered, feeling relief settle over her as she carefully accepted the gift.

Elaena couldn't deny how his beautiful rendering put hers to shame, but she knew from his expression he thought the very opposite.

"Release the tokens!" An announcer called out, and the party erupted in merriment before moving closer to the balcony. Elaena drew closer to Aemond as the crowd readied their lanterns.

"El!" Helaena's voice chirped out through the mass, and Elaena grinned as she watched the princess approach. Sam, Sylvia, and Saera followed after her, each of them carrying lit matches.

Helaena giddily lit her lantern, and the surrounding party goers followed suit. The princess beamed at Elaena, handing her the match to join along.

So she lit her gorgeous gift, and its glowing facets made her heart stop.

As they listened to the boisterous countdown of the party and her friends stood beside her in bubbling anticipation and Aemond's arm wrapped around her waist from behind, Elaena's eyes flooded with tears.

He blew out the match after his lantern brightened, and he held it beside hers in wait.

Perhaps it was the peace and safety she felt in the moment, or the collateral beauty of Cerelle's slight, or the matter of the holiday itself... but as Elaena gazed at their glowing tokens, Ophelia's face overtook her mind.

For the first time ever, she was not agonized by being the cause of her mother's death. If not for Ophelia's sacrifice, Elaena would not have been there to feel such happiness.

To make matters better, she was suddenly certain her mother remained with her still. Keeping her safe. Ensuring her happiness.

"Avy jorrāelan, Muña." She whispered slowly to her brilliant lantern.
(I love you, Mother)

"Three..." The crowd chanted, "Two... One!"

Elaena pushed her lamp into the sky beside Aemond's, and the crowd cheered with ringing bells.

She could hear the excitement spread past the Keep, and she gasped softly at the sight of lanterns floating up from the streets of the city.

Elaena grinned from ear to ear, feeling Aemond's other arm wrap around her as more confetti rained down on them.

"To the Mother!" Samantha cried out through the ovation, and Helaena clapped along with Saera. Even Sylvia jumped in amazement, laughing with her lady's friends easily.

Elaena leaned back on Aemond's chest, and his nose dipped into her twists. His breath was low in her ear, and her smile remained as she watched the thousands of lanterns dance in the sky.

Only his voice could deter her attention.

"I'm going to the nest," He informed, and her ears perked up, "Would you come with me?"

Her gaze trailed to her bubbling friends, seeing Helaena return to Aegon, Saera to Stellan, and Sylvia untroubled with Sam.

All content. All sufficient...

Elaena turned in Aemond's arms to face him, and his smirk grew as her answer was riddled over her face.

• • •

The lantern experience was far better offshore. It was like a million stars had fallen from the Heavens to float about King's Landing.

Additionally, there was the prince's preparation for their outing. He'd brought a thick quilt for them to lounge on the beach of Vhagar's nest, and various treats littered its surface.

Vhagar had climbed up the islet's hill to rest, leaving Aemond and Elaena alone to watch the distant light show. She sat comfortably against him, chin atop his shoulder, cloak and slippers off while nibbling on sweet tarts.

And for a moment, they were silent in their marveling. But Elaena couldn't ignore her feeling of content for long.

"I was thinking at the start of the celebration," She started softly, "How much fonder I've become of the capital..."

Aemond hummed to her, lowering his gaze in thought while she stayed in a daze for the floating lights.

"Even the court doesn't scare me anymore." She affirmed with a proud smile, and he chuckled slightly.

"No?" Aemond challenged lowly, "Not even with your endless suitors? Poised for the hunt, ready to pounce?"

Elaena rolled her eyes at his jesting tone, "I think you mean your own."

Fucking Cerelle.

"I said what I meant." He affirmed, "Yours are quite difficult to miss."

"I hardly notice them." She said blandly, and Aemond turned to her slightly.

"Really?" He said in subtle intrigue.

"Really..." She breathed, sitting up slightly to meet his eye, "They can have their marital market, they can keep at their tactless pursuits... It's of little consequence to me now."

His expression faltered at her sincerity, and she held his gaze. Every eye of every lord could stay on her, she knew she would only see Aemond. But his face stiffened at her declaration.

"I wish I could say the same." He said, and Elaena's eyebrows furrowed, "But I see every single one of them... and I still worry."

She blinked incredulously, feeling her heart stutter at his nervous edge, "For what?"

"Because you haven't married me yet."

Her face crumbled at Aemond's words, and she stared at him in shock. He sat patiently in wait of her response... But her throat dried up. Her heart pounded in her chest.

For a moment, Elaena felt panic wash over her, fear she still couldn't understand.

She swallowed quickly, letting out a breath as her head swayed under pressure. Aemond watched on, and when Elaena registered the touch of fear in his eye, hers wavered.

Her eyebrows furrowed again, "You wish to marry me?"

She could hear the anxiety in her own voice, but there was a sweet curiosity in it as well. Aemond breathed in as she finally spoke, and then he lowered his gaze with a bashful nod. A certain eagerness played behind his eye, and Elaena squinted in confusion of his restraint.

"Then what's wrong?" She whispered, but he didn't raise his eye back to her. In fact, he lowered it further.

"... I don't deserve you." He softly said, and Elaena's mood simmered down in an instant.

Silence befell them again, and a strange pain replaced the trepidation in her chest.

Aemond's jaw clenched in thought, seeming strangely resolved in his statement. As though he couldn't be swayed, as though the matter couldn't be fixed.

But Elaena had a million words to refute such a belief. They all laid overwhelmingly on her tongue, and she didn't know which one to use against his insecurities.

So she opted to show him, ignoring her raging thoughts and cupping his scarred cheek. Before Aemond could react, she tilted his face to hers and seized his lips fiercely.

Elaena could tell he was stunned as she chased his lips with sudden fervor, pulling at him until his lips moved under hers.

Their breaths blended in a building frenzy, and she recalled the similar desperation of their first kiss. It had been sweet and tender affection since then, nothing licentious, just as he'd promised.

Until now.

Aemond's hands moved to steady her—to caution her—but Elaena only leant into him further. She needed to change his mind.

"I bid you," She breathed against his lips, and he parted them in surprise, "I bid you..."

Aemond's grip on her tightened then, and he deepened his end of the kiss. His tongue stole through her lips, and she cupped his face as his hands clawed down her sides.

She gasped softly when he pulled her on to his lap, kissing her with a passion that took her breath away.

She quickly wrapped her ankles around his waist, desperate to keep up with his assertions. She moaned at the feel of his hands grasping her back, fisting the delicate fabric of her dress and pulling her closer.

One hand settled firmly at her waist, the other reached down to push up her skirts.

Elaena grew lightheaded at the feel of his fingers digging into her thigh, and her knee moved on its own to bend at his side. He dominated the kiss, but she wrapped her arms around his shoulders to beg for more.

In her urges to get closer, Elaena ended up straddling his leg, pulling at his shoulders while he smirked against her lips. She could feel the muscle of his thigh brush against her aching privates, and then that wonderful clenching of her sex began.

She whimpered into their kiss, feeling fire ignite in her groin. Without meaning to, she pushed down on his leg, and the flames spread further.

Aemond broke away from her lips, and Elaena's hooded eyes opened to see his eyebrows furrowed in intrigue. His eye flickered down to where his thigh touched her, and blush coated her cheeks as his hands tightened on her body.

He pushed his leg further between her legs, and her eyes fluttered as a sharp gasp escaped her lips. Her mouth hung open as her privates clenched again from his experiment, and then Aemond met her gaze.

His violet eye was dark, and a lethal smirk etched on to his face. He jerked his thigh up, and Elaena yelped at the feeling of his muscle pushing against her. She tightened her hold on his shoulders, grimacing at the sweet pain of his teasing.

The hand at her waist lowered to grip her hip, and then her eyes widened as he pulled her along his thigh.

Elaena hissed at the stimulation on her core, staring back at him in a deep flush while his gaze remained hooded. He almost sat in a trance, and she felt herself fall into it with him despite her apprehension.

She unconsciously ground her hips along his thigh, mentally damning the fabric covering her sex. It was such a hindrance.

Aemond allowed her to move on her own mindless accord, keeping a hold on her hip and releasing her thigh to perch his other hand behind him.

The image of her—riding his leg in patent need—was marvelous. She forgot herself, shutting her eyes and parting her lips in bliss...

She heard a shaky breath leave him before he leaned forward to rest his nose against her collarbone. His hand clawed at her hip, and her hands trailed down his shoulders to cup his jaw.

She was a breathless mess compared to his low and steady form. But at the sound of his voice, she knew he was feeling this as well.

"You'll be the death of me, kēlītsos."

Elaena swallowed the lump in her throat and looked down at him. When she saw the lustful way he watched her, her mind started to race. Her hips slowed, and Aemond immediately noticed as she grew self conscious.

His eye widened as she blinked in concern, and then both of his hands gripped her hips carefully.

"No, no, no," He whispered gently, "Don't think about it, darling."

His words worked well against her fearful thoughts, and he started pulling at her hips again. She moaned at his greedy touch.

"Does it feel good?" He asked, his lips ghosting over hers. The question registered a million ways for Elaena, but there was only one answer.

"Yes." Her voice came out higher than expected, almost a whine.

Aemond sighed through his nose, shutting his eye and gritting his teeth for a moment. She marveled at his restraint before he nodded to himself.

"Alright," He breathed, swallowing as he met her gaze again, "Then keep going."

Elaena shuttered before meekly pushing herself along his thigh again. Her heart was erratic, but her eyes stayed with him in wait of rejection.

Aemond gave her no such reaction, and she melted against him again. His breath hitched when she leaned in to softly kiss his lips, rubbing his jaw as he leaned in deeper to kiss her back.

"That's it," He whispered against her, "Get what you need, baby, I know..."

She whined into the kiss as his leg dug against her nerve endings, sending shocks of pleasure through her groin. Aemond slowly kissed the corner of her mouth up to her cheek, and her blush deepened when she heard him growl lowly in her ear.

Her inner fire tightened, and she clenched her teeth as he kissed the tendons of her neck. He was so close to her. His warmth was almost suffocating, but somehow, she needed him closer.

Her lips brushed his ear as she rode his leg, and though the air was far too hot, Elaena couldn't find it in herself to care. Not whilst his pillowy lips graced her skin so seductively. Not whilst his strong hands encased her so. Not whilst the heat in her stomach fluttered down to her privates and pulsed.

Her head fell back, and Aemond laid open kisses along her neck.

"Yes, Elaena," He whispered as her hips moved on their own, "Give it to me, let it go."

Elaena shuttered from his soft demands. She didn't entirely know what "it" was, but her body did. It heard Aemond's words like it'd been waiting for them her entire life.

The soft bud at the top of her sex pressed against his thigh, and that was it. Her lips parted as she felt her heart stop and a release begin. Her body caved, but he held her up. Her thighs shook softly, trying to shut but only tightening around his waist.

Elaena grabbed at him desperately, and he gave the breath of a chuckle as her eyes fluttered. No sound came from her lips. She was utterly paralyzed.

Aemond took advantage of her shocked state to capture her lips again. His kiss was hungry, all encompassing, and she finally mewled into his lips. It sounded like an outcry, harsh breaths accompanying her racing heart as he kissed her.

She could almost weep from the euphoria of her reaction.

"What..." She panted in shock, "What was that? What..."

Aemond's smirk remained, keeping his lips against hers as she settled, "That was your peak, darling."

My peak. . . My peak—What? I can do that?

Her confusion was lost in her starstruck expression, and Aemond continued, "That is what I wish to make you feel... Everyday... All the time."

Elaena almost whimpered at the idea. The feeling was such a joy, such a relief. It had taken her to that point to realize how pent up she'd been for him...

But it terrified her to know how easily it had happened. The man had not taken a single article of clothing off of her or himself, and yet...

. . . Gods be good.

Aemond hummed against her lips, kissing at her while she sat spellbound. She still held on to him, but barely kissed him back, she was so spent.

But he wasn't done with her. She blinked as he sat up slightly, eyeing her with intention.

"Gaomagon ao pāsagon nyke?" He asked.
(Do you trust me?)

Elaena furrowed her eyebrows as her high died down, and she nodded to him.

He hummed, "Gaomagon ao kivio?"
(Do you promise?)

She blinked at him again, feeling skepticism creep up her spine at his sudden intensity. But she slowly nodded again, forcing curiosity to the forefront of her mind. Aemond clenched his jaw in resolve.

"Alright..." He breathed before reaching beneath her thigh to carefully grip under her rear.

Her eyes widened as a shutter rolled through her from the contact, but she did not falter. The gentle warmth of his hand felt like a hug. She was safe.

His other arm tightened around her waist, and then he turned their bodies to the side. He laid Elaena carefully over the quilt, and her heart stopped as he situated himself between her legs.

"I will not bed you," He declared deeply, and her heart started back in relief, "Not until I win the honor of your hand..."

She tilted her head at him, blushing as his words sparked a strange hope in her heart.

Aemond slid his hands up her thighs, hiking her dress up further. His eye focused on hers as he slowly pulled down her garters and stockings. It was clear he waited for any semblance of discomfort from her, but she only gazed at him in nervous wonder.

"But there are other things... I wish to try, my love." He whispered before swallowing deeply, brushing his hands over her bare legs. Her mind deadened at his use of that one little word.

Love. Aemond called her his love... And Elaena realized she had never wished to be something more.

"I want you..." He descended her torso, his nose grazing over her collarbone before traveling to her chest, "To tell me at any moment..." He continued down, laying open kisses to her clothed skin, "If you wish me to stop..."

When he passed her navel, she gasped at the sight of him nuzzling her womb. The sharpness of his nose sent shocks to her core, and her knee jerked slightly at his side.

. . . Oh, Gods.

Aemond pushed her skirts away and let out a gasp. Elaena started to pant as his pupil dilated at her soaking garments. He let his scarred cheek rest against her inner thigh and stared at the mess in amazement.

Oh, Gods, oh—No. No. No, gross, so gross. He shouldn't see that—Elaena, what the fuck?

She parted her lips to voice her embarrassment, but he spoke first.

"May I touch you?" He breathed, desperation aching in his throat and deepening his voice. He slowly looked up her body, in wait of an answer.

Elaena felt her abashment fade as he gripped her thigh, and her heart thudded in surprise and desire. She nodded slowly to him, and he lowered his piercing gaze back to her covered sex.

Gently, he brought his fingertips to her, and his eye shut as he felt the smooth softness through her garments. Elaena hissed slightly, and her thighs tingled further.

"Gods, is that all for me?" Aemond whispered in astonishment, feeling her wetness cling to his fingers through the fabric. His tone edged on a coo, and she whimpered while gripping the quilt.

Her legs shook closer together, begging to close. But with his head against her thigh, he kept one apart from the other.

"Sensitive, baby?" He whispered, noticing her trembling.

Elaena could only nod to him, his finger pad and sultry words working magic over her. He hummed, biting his lip before looking down again.

"I read somewhere..." He started, his voice light and distant in a trance, "That this particular part..." He pressed his finger to the soft bud at the top of her sex and dug into it.

Before he could finish his statement, Elaena's back arched off the blanket and a sharp gasp stole through her. She felt threads of fire shoot through her groin and down her legs.

Whoa... Whoa. . .

Aemond's eye widened at her, watching her soft chest rise and fall as she looked about in shock. He smirked again before repeating the motion, and her hips rutted out towards his hand as she gasped out a whimper.

"Does that feel good?" He whispered, placing a lingering kiss on her inner thigh, "Hm?"

Elaena couldn't respond. Her breath picked up as his finger dug deeper through her covered folds, pressing against her pooling entrance and dragging back towards her bud. She whined at him, and he hummed back at her while holding her down.

"And here I took you for a good girl," He whispered, looking between her legs with a mesmerized gaze, "You've all but soaked through your skirts, Elaena."

"Aemond..." She moaned, losing the will to reply to his taunt. She pushed into his touch, and he grazed his teeth against her thigh, "Please... Please—"

Her breath was stolen again when he pulled the fabric away from her privates. She sat up on to her elbows to look at him, and he gazed drunkenly at her glistening folds. Dark curls decorated her sex, coated in her essence.

Oh, my Gods, oh. My. Gods.

Aemond let out a shaky breath, using his thumb to part her cunny. Elaena felt a spasm roll through her.

"Fuck..." He whispered before looking up to her eyes as he rubbed her raw, "You're beautiful..."

The pad of his thumb rubbed between her folds, teasing her entrance while her mouth parted in shock. The hum he let out edged on a whimper.

"So beautiful..." He whispered to her cunny. And then he dipped his thumb into her.

Elaena's mind sparked back at the intrusion, and she clawed at the quilt before her knees drew together. Aemond stiffened as she stiffened and quickly retracted his thumb in concern.

"Is this alright?" He asked softly, kissing her inner thigh again.

Her heart beat against her chest and her cheeks flushed in trepidation. She was breathless but managed to shake her head no to him. Far too close to home.

"Alright," He nodded, laying more kisses to her skin.

Her heart slowed, and she began to relax from his touch. He trailed his thumb up her folds carefully, and she sighed at the tingling sensation in her thighs.

He circled over her bud, biting his lip as her knees slackened again. He flicked at the area, humming as her head fell back in silent paralysis.

A dull ache coursed through groin, and she moaned as it pushed further and harder down her privates. She had never felt pleasure like this.

The wet sounds whispering from her cunny made Aemond rub his crotch against the ground. She was mindless to his restraint, but when he froze at the sight of her essence coating his thumb, she sensed he had lost himself.

Elaena's head snapped up at the feel of his breath nearing her, and her mouth fell open as his tongue flicked out to meet her folds.

She fisted the quilt as he licked at her bud, gripping her thighs apart while she bent her knees. His eye softened at her, and he dragged his tongue halfway up her folds curiously.

Aemond sighed at the taste of her, shutting his eye as he laid his tongue flat against her before stealing as much of her slick as he could. She nearly leapt off of the quilt if he hadn't kept such a hold on her.

Then his lips encased her, his cheeks hollowing in as he sucked at her swollen flesh.

"Ha-ah!" Elaena could only cry out as he slowly devoured her. She didn't have time to be embarrassed or nervous. She had never felt so exposed, so raw.

But she wanted him deeper, to lay under her skin and never leave. It seemed he read her mind as his tongue slid into her, and she sank back to the quilt.

At the feel of her weakened state, Aemond snatched her by her hips to pull her closer to his mouth. She breathed shakily, letting her thighs separate apart to rest on his shoulders. She had never trusted someone so vastly.

But he was so gentle with his lips, so deep with his tongue. His hands assured her as firmly as they gripped her. He groaned into her, sending vibrations to her core before leaning up again to wrap his lips around her bud.

And Elaena laid in building tears towards the night sky. She breathlessly writhed under him and cried for him to keep going. He couldn't fight the smirk on his lips if he'd wanted to.

But he pulled away for a moment, and before she could protest, she felt one of his hands leave her hips as well.

"Let me try this one..." He breathed lowly to her sex, and then they both moaned as he slid his middle finger into her.

Elaena's eyes widened and her breath hitched, but she did not sit up again. He quickly lowered his lips back to her bud, and it felt different this time.

Perhaps it was his lithe finger pressing against a deep hollow part of her, or it was the presence of his lips and tongue at her entrance...

But it felt good to her. So very good.

Her eyes rolled back as he played with her, his wandering finger hooking up to drag through her inner walls. Her mewling cut off at the sensation, and more tears slipped from her eyes from the powerful feeling.

"Aemond!" She cried as he pumped his finger through her, eliciting the lewdest sounds from her cunny. Her legs shook from the stimulation, and he kept his gaze on her as he nipped at her folds and lathered them with his tongue.

When Elaena tried to cover her wanton cries, he quickly released her other thigh to reach up and pull her hand away. She gasped as he held it to her side.

"No, no, sweet girl," He said huskily, pumping his curled finger deeper, "I want to hear you... Sing for me."

"I... I can't-I—ah!" She could barely formulate a sentence.

"Yes, you can." He replied lowly, watching as she unraveled again and again, moaning weakly to the night. But she missed his lips on her, so she used her free hand to grip the top of his hair and push him back down.

Aemond grinned against her, chuckling before resuming his feast.

She felt the thick heat in her groin tighten and drift down, and she fisted his hair as she groaned. He dragged his finger faster, sucked her folds harder. She started seeing stars dance behind her eye, brighter and warmer than the stars above them. She couldn't breathe, she couldn't think, she could only do.

And what she did caused a strange growl to strain out of her clenched teeth. Her body caved in, and Aemond released her hand to hold her hips to him. He growled backed at her, sucking in her spewing peak.

Her thoughts slowly grew decipherable again, but one word repeated in her mind.

Remarkable.

Absolutely remarkable. Her body stiffened, and then relief gently laid over her groin at last. Her legs slumped against his broad shoulders, and he withdrew his finger from her before licking her clean.

She slowly looked down at the sound of his humming and watched him indulge as though she was the sweetest fruit.

Gods... That is such a sight.

Just when she found herself addicted to the image of him between her legs, he began kissing his way back up her body. He laid atop her and captured her lips in a deep kiss.

Elaena breathed lowly, tasting herself on his tongue as he devoured her lips. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, her legs around his waist, pulling him further into herself. A moan slipped his lips into hers as the tent in his pants rubbed against her bare cunny.

Elaena gasped as his hips rutted forward, pushing his arousal against her. She moaned back to him as he gripped the nape of her neck to hold her steady, dragging her bottom lip out while circling his hips into hers. She whined into his kiss, and he groaned slight agony.

When she gripped his arm for purchase through his impulses, he pulled away from the kiss to look at her.

She met his gaze and held it for a moment, hearing a faint whimper leave his parted lips before he licked them and swallowed. Despite the heat of their passion, she found herself trapped by the depths of his eye.

Her heart swelled at the sight of his awe, his love. She had never wished to know his thoughts more than then. Because something told her he was feeling the exact same tethering that she was.

But when she saw his jaw clench and his nose flare, she knew he was coming back to his senses. Her grips on him loosened in response, and sure enough, he shut his eye in frustration before pushing himself off of her.

Elaena let out a shaken breath, looking to his rattled form in confusion before slowly straightening her clothes back. Aemond breathed through an annoyed scowl, and she felt concern creep up her spine.

"I'm sorry." She whispered after a moment, eyeing his troubled face and the stiff tent in his pants.

"No, don't be," He breathed out, opening his eye, "Perhaps that wasn't the brightest idea..."

Elaena blinked at him, "I... cannot say I feel the same."

Aemond's eyebrows furrowed, and he turned to her with a ridiculous expression, "Oh, of course you couldn't."

She looked at him innocently before their faces melted in humor. Elaena giggled in mischief, and Aemond let out a low laugh while shaking his head at her.

His eye trailed over her gleaming countenance. The brighter she got, the more captivated he became. When his face softened again, she settled down in wait.

"Marry me, Elaena."

Her heart skipped at his gentle plea. The waves of the beach clouded her ears for a moment, and she turned over his words repeatedly in her mind. Aemond turned on his side, facing her entirely.

"I can speak to my mother on the morrow..." He whispered while she blinked in building emotion, "And we can be betrothed at last."

Elaena stared at him widely, feeling that pesky fear erupt in her chest from his determination. He had been hesitant before, but he was resolved to marry her now...

Now.

Her stomach formed a knot, and she sat up in apprehension. Aemond sat up right after her, concern written on his face from her sudden unease.

"What's wrong—Hey, look at me..." He spoke gently but quickly while pushing her twists behind her shoulder. Elaena turned to him, slowly meeting his gaze with worried eyes, "What's wrong?"

She swallowed stiffly, feeling him brush a hand over her twists in comfort.

"Is this the reason?" Elaena nodded down to their lower regions, and Aemond's eyebrows furrowed as he was taken aback.

Once he registered her candor, he sighed and shook his head at her, "You wound me... I have plenty of reasons to marry you."

Her eyes brightened slightly at his offense.

"This is some encouragement," He admitted, nodding downward, "But only some..."

His lips quirked at her, and she couldn't help but smile back at him. She felt some relief by his assurance, and she became interested in his "plenty of reasons."

Something told her he thought over them while gazing softly at her.

"Elaena, I knew who you were to me the moment I met you... standing there on the docks of Driftmark." He regaled, and her eyes widened at his recollection, "A little girl with the prettiest, saddest eyes I had ever seen, and yet your arms were wide open... You barely knew what a home was, but you were ready to give one to me.

"You had to be my wife, for I had never so easily decided I belonged to someone... Do you wish to belong to me?" He asked deeply, and she realized tears had begun to prick her eyes.

She nodded to him slowly but surely, and he tilted his head at her while rubbing her back.

"I will never let you go back to that place," He promised, and a tear slipped her eye, "I will never let them hurt you again... But please, please marry me."

She breathed in shakily at the proposal, almost in disbelief of the angel before her.

He was simply perfect to her, a beautiful dream she prayed to never wake from... But the longer she took in his face, the more she noticed his eyepatch. Her expression went blank as the accessory stunted her appraisal, and a certain need blossomed within her.

Elaena moved to straddle him again, and he immediately received her in fascination. She settled against him, and he held her as she cupped his face in her hands.

Her gaze lingered on his scar, "If you feel so deeply for me... If you trust me with yourself, then unfold yourself entirely."

Aemond's bright expression went blank just as hers, and she felt his hold on her stiffen.

"Elaena—"

"You cannot ask me to trust you if you do not trust me, zaldrīzes." She stated, rubbing her thumb just beside his scar, "You cannot ask me to stop running if you intend to hide... Please do not hide from me, I want to see you."

His eye lowered in nervousness, a rare sight of dread that made her heart stop. He sat in thought for a moment, obviously mulling over ways to satisfy her except for this.

"Please, Aemond." Elaena whispered, and his eye shut as a sigh rolled through him. He gripped her hand at his scarred cheek firmly.

She worried he would pull it away, but he held it to his face.

In the next breath, he was lowering his face and reaching for his eyepatch. Elaena's expression melted as he slid the leather off, and his scar was on full display.

He opened his good eye but kept his gaze low as she ogled him. Her hands remained on his face, and words were lost on her.

The tint of his scar grew the closer it got to his healed gash. And if it hadn't been for the alluring sapphire taking space in his eye socket, the state of his wound would have held her upmost concern.

Without thinking, Elaena released his face to wrap her arms around his shoulders. Aemond's eyebrows twitched at her movement, and he gasped when she softly kissed his cheek.

His good eye lifted a bit as she cradled his head gently, and her lips graced his unaffected skin before pressing to the start of his scar.

She worked her way up slowly, hearing his breaths come lowly in her ear. His arms snaked around her further, and he sighed blissfully as she kissed him tenderly.

When Elaena reached his split brow, she hummed happily against his skin.

"Thank you." She whispered, kissing his forehead as he held her in yearning. When he didn't respond, she pulled back to look at him.

And her eyes widened at the flushed nature of his face and the tear that slipped through his glistening eye.

He still didn't meet her gaze, looking about in abashment while biting into his lip. Elaena swallowed down the guilty feeling of making him do this, but hope remained from the way he held her to himself.

She nuzzled his nose with her own, and his face crumbled further before he shut his eye again hid in her neck. She held him immediately, sighing as she ran her fingers through the back of his hair. 

"Is that a sapphire?" She whispered, and he hesitantly nodded against her. Her lips curled in intrigue, "So blue really is your favorite color... It suits you."

He leant into her a moment longer. Then he slowly pulled back, confusion mingled in his grief.

She smiled softly at him, tracing his scar gently under her index. Aemond looked at her in teary disbelief, and she furrows her eyebrows, "What's wrong?"

He swallowed stiffly, blinking away more tears, "Does it frighten you?"

His voice trembled up to her, and she felt her own tears build back up in her eyes. The crease between her brows deepened as she frowned.

"It's a part of you," She said in an obvious tone, "No."

He only looked more confused from her conviction.

"You could never frighten me..." Elaena shook her head, "You who is gentle and graceful in everything you do to me." She kissed his face again, planting a few on his nose, "But it does worry me... It looks quite uncomfortable."

A shocked chuckle came from Aemond then, and Elaena smirked down at him.

"Are you in pain?" She asked, feeling an ache build in her chest from the thought. Aemond breathed in, seeming to finally relax under her care.

"It comes and goes," He confessed with a shrug, and Elaena refrained from grimacing in agony, "The maesters call it nerve damage... It only acts up when someone touches me too harshly."

Her eyes widened, and she immediately retracted her hand in fear. But Aemond grabbed her hand and placed it right back.

"Which you have never done, kēlītsos." He swore, sniffling the last of his tears as she breathed a sigh of relief, "Does this appease you? Are you still in want of me?"

"I am," She nodded passionately, "I want you as you are."

"I'm ugly."

"No!" Elaena's voice remained soft, but it made Aemond stiffen from its commanding tone. She looked at him like she was ready to fight anyone who would challenge her, "No, you are not... You are not perfect..." She said the word in near distain, and he looked at her inquisitively, "You are so much better than perfect, you're beautiful, Aemond."

He smiled at her, but she could tell he didn't believe her. She felt emotion build in her chest, new tears slipping her eyes as she sighed concession. She released his face and turned her wrists over.

If he would show his scars, she would show hers.

"You say I am beautiful..." She whimpered, scowling in disgust at the sight of her wrists. His expression tightened in confusion as he followed her gaze, "But it is you who has kept me here... It is because of you."

Aemond blinked in thought before his face settled in understanding. His eye widened at her wrists, and she shivered when he gently held them.

His fingers trailed over her thin whelps, and he didn't realize he was shaking until he choked on air.

Elaena watched as he cried, confoundment riddled on his face as he looked at her skin. And she felt like she could finally breathe.

The one secret that had choked her was not a secret anymore. Aemond saw all of her, and as he wrapped his arms around her in haste, she knew he loved her still.

"Elaena..." Her name was stiff whimper in his throat, "Baby, no, no... No..."

She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, breathing out in relief, "You got to me just in time... Aemond."

They stayed in one another's arms for a while. Occasionally he would grip her dress tighter or she would let his hair flow between her fingers. Despite his broken reaction, she looked up to the night sky in teary-eyed elation. She was truly free.

When Aemond finally pulled back, Elaena cupped his face to wipe away his tears. He met her eyes with both of his before leaning his forehead against her lips. She smiled against his skin, kissing him while he sighed.

"I need you to promise me you will never do this to yourself again." He demanded in a thicker tone, and she nodded.

"I promise."

"I mean it, Elaena."

"I know..." She nodded further, "And you will promise to never call yourself ugly again?"

Aemond chuckled as he looked up at her again, "I promise."

"Mhm," She smirked, "Because yours is the face of a man I would happily marry—Nay, I would fight to marry you."

Aemond snorted as he watched her turn her nose up, "There will be no need for such impulsivity... I shall inform the Queen."

Elaena looked down at him with a soft smile, but he could see the nervousness in her eyes. She leaned into him, keeping her arms draped over his shoulders while their lips brushed over each others.

"Shall I?" He whispered, and her nerves settled from his comforting touch.

"Yes, my love."

———

OMG BABY'S FIRST SMUT?!

Yeah, this book will be my spicy debut, sum light, sum light. How yall like it?

My thoughts: Fuck Cerelle. Fuck the Lannister girl. Fuck the blonde. And WTF Alicent? Why we being cute with the opps? (I say like she ain't the figure head of Team Green while i ride for mah queen ._.)

Aemond is so freakin good with my baby, ugh, I love writing these two. It just hurts knowing he could have been something like this if GRR just gave him someone to love him. RIP my homie AT, you would have loved Bittersweet.

Leave your thoughts and comment/vote please, no one likes a ghost reader! Hope yall are doing okay in these interesting times. Amazing what can happen in two weeks lol.

Oof, I've finished this at 2am and gotta get some sleep before I proof it.

See yall in 39 :3