When Elyana was helped out of the carriage in the Red Keep's courtyard by the guards, she was relieved to be back home. She was relieved to be back in Aemond's proximity.

She straightened out her dress and looked around the yard, and most guards were confused at why a maid of the Keep was getting out of a Northern carriage but she did not care for their confused stares. Soon they would learn who she would become, and the power she would hold.

Elyana turned to the carriage and took off the fur that covered her shoulders, revealing a beautiful green dress gifted to her by Lady Arra Norrey the day that she departed back to the capital. "Elyana?" She could recognize that voice anywhere. And she was certainly not in the mood to hear it.

She turned to Arryk Cargyll, who was staring at her from the steps that led inside the Red Keep, and his face looked angered. She understood, but she did not care. Her goal was Aemond, no one or nothing more. She walked up the steps to the Red Keep and gave him a curtly nod.

"Ser Arryk." Elyana adressed him nonchalantly, passing him by, only for him to trail after her as she walked. Annoying.

"What are you doing here, Elyana? You were supposed to be in the North with my cousin." Arryk asked frantically, making her snarl slightly at his nagging. Did he think himself her father or something?

"I hated the North." She replied simply. Arryk stayed silent for a few seconds as he followed her around the Keep. "Are you serious? You are terrible! Did you know that? You are a selfish girl." She stopped her walking when she heard his words, turning to him angrily.  His words were rude and totally uncalled for.

"Excuse you?" She asked. She did not expect to get to the Red Keep to be nagged on by some Kingsguard.

"My brother moved earth and sea to get you to the North, to help you flee the prince. And then a few weeks later you're back for more? Is there something wrong in that pretty head of yours?" Arryk asked, only for her to roll her eyes at him notedly. Atleast he thought her pretty.

"And I am thankful for Erryk. He is great. Now just leave me alone." Elyana ordered and turned around, continuing her walking though she had no idea where Aemond was.

Arryk was baffled and shocked as he watched Elyana strut down the hallway and disappear when she turned the corner. He regretted ever showing her any mercy.

She walked with purpose to his chambers, bursting in only to find it empty. Seldom for a young girl who was sweeping the dust from his desk. Elyana raised a brow at her as the girl turned around to face her when she heard the door shut.

"Who are you?" Elyana asked. The mere thought of being replaced as a maid in his chambers made her angry at him. Surely nobody could replace her. Not even the young and pretty girl in front of her.

"I-I... Marina, my lady." The girl stuttered as Elyana eyed her. Had Aemond already tainted Marina like he did her? Had he already made a mark on her? Elyana could not help the intrusive jealous thoughts that ran her mind.

"How old are you, Marina?" Elyana asked slowly as she approached the servant, who looked scared for some odd reason.

"I um... I just turned ten and three two moons ago." Marina answered dubiously as she watched Elyana. A young one, surely Aemond would never lay a hand on a child.

"Has the prince been kind to you?" Elyana asked softly, trying to calm the skittish girl. Marina nodded her head rapidly, darting her eyes away from Elyana. Lying.

"You can tell me the truth. If he has done something to you..." Elyana let the words linger in the chambers. She did not need to explicitly state what she meant.

"The prince yells a lot. He gets really angry when I don't do my tasks to his liking, but besides that, he is silent." Marina blurted and Elyana pressed her lips together.

"I will have a talk with him about it." Elyana stated, making Marina cock her head to the side in sheer confusion. "Pardon me for asking, my lady. But who are you?" Marina asked nervously.

Elyana chuckled and pressed her lips. "I am the prince's wife." Marina's eyes widened in shock. It felt so good to say those words. And so soon they would be true.

Marina curtsied and fumbled the rag she held in her hands. "It's ny pleasure to meet you, my lady. I am at your service." She said rapidly.

"Thank you, Marina. Do you happen to know the whereabouts of the prince?" Elyana asked as she moved to sit in the chair that faced the fireplace. "I think he went riding, my lady." Marina informed her. Elyana sighed and gave her one nod.

"You can go." And Marina did not have to be told twice, she was out of Aemond's chambers before Elyana could even blink once more.

Elyana awaited for a few minutes before she heard the door to Aemond's chambers open and close with a slam. Then complete and utter silence and she swore she could feel his stare burning into the back of her head.

"Love?" His voice made the hairs on her arms shoot up, and she stood up ever so slowly. Elyana turned to face him, and she could feel her heart threatening to leap out of her chest when their eyes met once more.

Even after everything he had put her through, she still wanted him more than she wanted anything else.

"You came back." He breathed out, a smile playing at his lips as his one eye ran wildly over her figure. Elyana swallowed and took a deep breath. She wanted to jump him right there and then, but she did not.

Instead she hurried to him and pushed him backwards, swatting his shoulder in the process. "You terrible hedgeborn!" She pushed him and hit him over and over again, making him frown in confusion. Aemond had to put his hands up to dodge her attacks.

"What? What is the matter with you?!" Aemond asked, clearly dumbfounded. He wrestled her for a few seconds, but was victorious in grasping her wrists to calm her movements and frantic swatting.

"You left me in the North! Alone! With people I did not know! I had to endure another journey by wheelhouse thanks to you for days!" She complained desperately, which made him frown.

"You told me to leave you! I gave you a choice!" He defended his actions though she did not care to hear it.

"So?! I came to stop you and you left me on your stupid fucking dragon! I was alone! And I am so tired!" She snatched her wrists from his grasp, only to push him once more.

"Well it is not my fault you sent me away!" Aemond scoffed, seemingly unfazed by her hitting and swatting.

"Yes it is! If you weren't so cruel to me maybe I would not have sent you away from me!" She screeched, clawing at his chest like a feral hound.

Aemond grew sick of her complaining and of her hitting, truly he just wanted to have her now that she was back in his grasp. He gripped her shoulders and engulfed her in a feverish kiss. And everything just stopped.

Elyana sighed into it, because it was everything she had thought of for the last two weeks.

She kissed him back fiercely and soon enough, he was guiding her back to his bedchamber. For a few seconds he thought he was dreaming. He could not process that she was back in his arms. That she was here, kissing him back. It was all he yearned for. All he wanted.

Elyana pushed him back into his bed, grabbing her skirts and straddling him with a smirk on her face. "Did you miss me?" She asked as she undid the fastenings of his doublet. Aemond sighed and rested his head back, letting her do all the work.

"I've missed you more than I miss having two eyes." Elyana frowned at that gnarly comparison, but appreaciated his attempt at sentiment.

She tore the doublet open to expose his chest and then she smiled at him, leaning down to give him quick kiss. Then Elyana got off his lap and turned to the looking glass, fixing her dress. Aemond groaned and pushed himself up with his elbows to look at her.

"What are you doing?" He whined as he watched her straighten out her dress.

"I am going to see my mother." She replied and then headed for the door, leaving Aemond in bed. He groaned and adjusted his trousers that were suddenly too tight for him.

"Come on, El. You just got back." Aemond told her. His voice a plead.

She smiled at that newfound nickname before turning to him again. "Do not be greedy, Aemond." Was all she said, smiling when she noticed the tent in his pants and then turning around once more and exiting his chambers.

She knew she had him in the palm of her hand. And nobody could stop her now.

-

Elyana was well amused when she learned of her mother's new treatment in the castle. From servant chambers she was moved up to royal ones, big enough to house a family comfortably. And it made Elyana smile when she saw her mother dressed in fine linen and silks once more.

It reminded her of when her father was alive.

"You know the prince has been more than kind to me. He claims he will repay the debt your father left us in with the Great Houses. That he will restore our chests, says he won't let our house go extinct." Lyanna told Elyana as she set some honey tea in front of her.

"Huh... perhaps the Aemond you've met is different than the one I will wed." Elyana jested bitterly as she sipped the tea her mother had set for her.

"You need to be more thankful, Elyana. You will become a princess consort of the Targaryen Dynasty, your child shall be a prince or princess. This is more than we could have ever hoped for. I know your father is dancing with glee alongside the Gods." Lyanna said excitedly, and Elyana chuckled.

"Mother, let us not forget I am only wedding the prince because I carry his child. My father is probably disappointed in me, as should you be." She spoke, and she was not trying to be rude to her mother but she could not control her tone.

"You have taken charge for your actions, you came back. I am proud of you for that. And thankful that Prince Aemond is such an honorable man. You need to be thankful too..." The look her mother gave her was a stern one.

Thankful for him being a controlling and obsessed man that hated the idea of her being with anybody but himself? Thankful for him impregnating her just to get to marry her?

"Most Lords would've sent you away with a few tokens and called it a day, but no, he asked for your hand." Lyanna scolded whilst Elyana rolled her eyes slightly.

"Elyana, you were the one that had an affair with a prince whilst engaged to another. Now you will take charge for your sins with no complaints, okay? You have to take responsibility, tis why I told the prince your whereabouts in the first place." Lyanna continued her scolding.

"I know, mother. I will marry Aemond." Elyana said. Of course she would, she loved him more than anything. She loved him even if he did all of those nasty things.

"Good. That man is fond of you. I am sure he will be great to you and your child." Lyanna smiled, and then a knock came upon the door to Lyanna's new chambers.

"Come in!" Lyanna called, and in came Aemond sporting a perfect smile on his face. Bigger than Elyana had ever seen.

"Lady Lyanna," He gave her a curtly nod, and then turned to Elyana. "My love." He smiled at her, and she couldn't help the blush that crept to her cheeks. Who was this man and where was the cold asshole she knew?

"I've come to invite the both of you to supper tonight, with my family. My mother, the Queen, is excited to get to know Elyana well." Aemond spoke ever so dutiful.

It was amusing to Elyana seeing him standing there like the ever good son in law when she knew the devil that he really was.

"You are kind, Prince Aemond. We would be delighted to attend supper with the Queen Alicent. Will the King be joining us too?" Lyanna asked, and Elyana wondered why Aemond'sjaw suddenly locked at the mention of his father.

"My father is rather ill, he takes his meals in his rooms nowadays. It shall only be my mother, my grandsire, and my siblings." Aemond answered whilst Lyanna nodded in understanding.

"We will be there, my prince." Lyanna nodded whilst Elyana stared at him, their gazes locking as he returned her stare.

Lyanna simply stood there as Aemond and her daughter stared at eachother, both of them sporting small smirks on their faces. "If you could let us get ready..." Lyanna trailed off, making Aemond turn to her and give her a small nod.

"Of course." And with that, he was off.

-

Elyana and her mother were both quite nervous to be having supper with the royal family. And both of them walked in silence to the Dining Hall.  Well Elyana was silent, Lyanna was nagging her ear off.

"Remember to be courteous and kind. Do not speak out of turn, and always agree with your betrothed. And make sure to smile, you look like you've seen a ghoul." Lyanna scolded once more.

"Yes mother." Elyana replied as they approached the Dining Hall. The guards at the door bowed their heads to the two women and pushed the doors open for them.

Inside the room were the Queen Alicent, Otto Hightower, Aemond, Aegon, and Helaena. The family appeared to have been waiting for them to arrive. By the Queen's side stood Criston Cole, and his judgeful gaze was making Elyana rather uncomfortable yet she chose to ignore it.

Then her gaze landed on Erryk, who was standing next to Arryk. The twins were both staring intensely at Elyana, and she took a deep breath when she noticed the look of disappointment ever so apparent on Erryk's face. She gave him a practiced sad look before turning away from him and to the Queen.

"Ladies, thank you for joining us." Alicent said in a chirpy tone as she walked to them, taking her time to hug each of them separately. "We've ordered for a big feast for tonight to celebrate the union of our families." She stated as she motioned to the large table that was adorned with all sorts of rich food.

"Thank you, your grace. You are most kind to us." Elyana replied with a curtly nod, her eyes searching and finding Aemond. He stood at the head of the table, his one eye not once leaving her. "Come. Sit." Alicent ordered.

Elyana and Lyanna sat side by side and across from the Queen and the Hand, whilst Aemond sat at one end of the table. And Aegon at the other end whilst Helaena sat quietly next to her grandsire.

The servants began bringing out even more food than Elyana could even imagine, and the table sat in a rather uncomfortable silence. Elyana could feel the eyes of the Hand watching her intently as she waited to be served, and she almost wanted to stare back at him but she refrained from doing so.

The Queen Alicent began a long prayer. And each member of the family closed their eyes and lowered their heads. Elyana did not. Instead she stared at Aemond. It was a rather curious thing, seeing such a devilish man praying to the Gods. Soon the prayer was over and the family began feasting.

"So Lady Elyana, your house is an extinct one. Is it not?" Ser Otto finally spoke as he served himself some wine.

"It is. Extinct it went with the death of my father." Elyana answered, glancing at her mother who gave her a reassuring smile. "Hm, yes. Your father, Ser Luka Rotchamsey, was a good man." Otto spoke in a plain tone.

"He sure was. I remember the disappointment the King faced when Ser Luka told him he would rather have a family than become a Kingsguard." Alicent chimed in.

"He was a good man." Lyanna smiled kindly.

"Though not very intelligent monetary wise, was he?" Elyana could feel the snarl crawling unto her face at Otto Hightower's comment, though she supressed it.

"I find it pointless to talk ill of a dead man, grandsire. Elyana is here now, and she will be my wife. What does her father's past actions have to do with that?" Aemond was the next one to speak in defense of his lady. And she smirked and stared at her plate.

"I was just stating some facts, Prince Aemond. After all, the Crown will be the one to get House Rotchamsey out of their inmense debt." Otto answered.

"And we are thankful for that, Ser Hand. The Crown has always been most gracious with our family through our hardships." Lyanna said ever so submissive. And Elyana wanted to throw up.

"Tis Aemond you should thank. He seems quite taken with your daughter." Otto answered and this time around, Alicent glared at him as if telling her father to keep quiet now.

"He's taken with her cunt, if anything." Every person in the Hall snapped their head towards Aegon, who snickered that sentence as if it was a funny jest. And it only gained Aemond slamming his fist on the table and standing up with a glare sent to his brother.

"Aegon!" Alicent gasped with a scowl forming on her face. "Please excuse us, my son is troubled." Alicent spoke rapidly making Aegon frown.

"Am not!" Aegon contested and Aemond looked like he was ready to lunge over the table and strangle his brother, but he stopped himself when Elyana gave him a hardened look and motioned him to sit down with her head.

And he did. Ever so slowly Aemond sat back down at the order of Elyana. "Do not worry, your grace. The Prince Aegon must just be tired. It is alright if he wishes to retrieve back to his chambers." Elyana spoke in the softest of tones.

"I do not wish that and I am not tired." Aegon spoke with a glare. "Perhaps you are, son. Ser Erryk, will you escort Prince Aegon to his rooms?" Alicent asked, following Elyana's lead.

Aegon complained but ultimately followed his mother's orders and left the Hall, and then the supper continued in peace.

Every so often, Otto would glance at Elyana with inquiring eyes. After that little show of controlling Aemond, he was intrigued. Very intrigued.

Perhaps the lady in front of him would be more useful than he originally thought.

-
Author's note:

Walk him like a dog sis walk him like a dog hehehe. I am so ready for her to step into her power.

Also these next chapters will be a bit longer than usual cause I just realized im at thirty one and the dance isn't even in the horizon. and i dont want a 100 chap book.

also we just broke 50k reads!!! i am so thankful, that is soooo awesome. this book has so much engagement and i swear that is what keeps me so consistent, yall are the best.

thank you thank you thank you