𝐿𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝒩𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉

Daemyra snuck through the halls of the castle, her footsteps light and silent. She was dressed in a long, plain nightgown, her hair falling free over her shoulders. She was determined to find Aemond, to talk to him, to be near him.
She navigated the castle with the grace of someone who had spent her entire life there, avoiding the watchful eyes of the guards and courtiers who were still awake at this late hour.
Finally, she reached Aemond's chambers, her heart beating wildly in her chest.

She stood outside the door for a moment, her courage failing her. She swallowed hard, her hand shaking as she raised it to knock. But a sudden burst of determination seized her, and she pushed open the door. The room was dark, but she could see Aemond's figure moving around on the other side. The light from the candle by his bedside illuminated his face just enough for her to see his surprise at her sudden appearance.

"Daemy," he exclaimed, his eyes widening in shock. "What are you doing here?" He stepped towards her, his expression a mixture of confusion and alarm. He grabbed her arm, gently pulling her further into the room and closing the door behind her. Daemyra allowed him to lead her into the room, her heart racing in her chest. She looked up at him, her eyes wide and nervous. "Can I see your dragon egg?" she said softly, her voice quavering slightly.

Aemond's expression softened at her request, surprised that she had snuck out of her room to see his dragon egg. He led her over to the small table, lit with a few candles, where his egg lay. "You came all this way just to see this?" he asked a hint of amusement in his voice. Daemyra nodded her eyes on the egg. It was strangely beautiful, the shell a mix of white and gold. She stepped closer, her hand hesitantly reaching out to touch it. "Yes," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I wanted to see it."

Aemond quickly grabbed her wrist, his touch firm but gentle. The egg gave off a warmth that he knew she had underestimated. "Careful," he said, his voice firm but not unkind. "The egg is hot. You could burn your hand." Daemyra's eyes widened slightly in surprise. She hadn't expected the egg to be so hot, and she was grateful that Aemond had stopped her from burning herself. "Oh," she said, her voice small. "Thank you." She looked down at the egg, her fascination warring with the slight embarrassment of being reprimanded.

Aemond reached over to a nearby table and handed Daemyra a pair of thin leather gloves. "Here," he said. "Wear these. They'll protect your hands from the heat." He watched as she slipped the gloves on, the material a stark contrast against her fair skin. Once the gloves were secure, Daemyra looked up at Aemond, her eyes wide and curious. "Can I touch it now?" she asked, her voice filled with a hint of impatience. Aemond chuckled at her eagerness. "Yes, you may touch it now," he said, stepping back to give her room. He watched, the barest hint of a smile on his lips, as she reached out and gently laid her gloved hand on the surface of his egg.

Daemyra let out a small gasp as she touched the egg. Despite the leather of the gloves, she could still feel the heat radiating from the egg. It was a strange sensation, both hot and cold at the same time. She slowly ran her hand over the shell, her touch light and reverent. She couldn't believe she was actually touching a dragon egg. Aemond stood silently, watching her touch his dragon egg. She looked so small and fragile at that moment, her eyes filled with wonder and excitement. He couldn't help but feel a strange sense of protectiveness wash over him. It was a feeling new to him but not unwelcome.

Daemyra's fingers traced over the intricate patterns on the egg, her touch gentle and almost reverent. As she touched the egg, she felt a strange connection forming between herself and the egg. It was as if the egg was speaking to her, telling her a secret that only she could hear. She glanced up at Aemond, her eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and excitement. "Do you feel it too?" Aemond stepped closer, his brow furrowing as he studied her expression. He hadn't felt anything strange when he touched the egg, but he couldn't deny the look in her eyes. "What do you feel?" he asked, his voice low and steady.

Daemyra struggled to put the feeling into words. "I don't know," she said quietly. "It's like the egg wants to tell me something. Like it's reaching out to me somehow." She gently pressed her gloved hand against the egg, the heat still palpable through the leather. Aemond watched her, a mixture of curiosity and skepticism on his face. He didn't believe that a dragon egg could communicate with a person, but he couldn't deny that Daemyra seemed genuinely affected by the egg. "What do you think it wants to tell you?" he asked, his voice softer now.

Daemyra shook her head slowly, her hand still pressed against the egg. "I'm not sure," she said softly. "But I feel like it wants me to understand something about it. Like it's testing me somehow." She looked up at Aemond, her expression serious. "Am I crazy for thinking that?" Aemond's expression softened as he heard the honesty in her voice. Despite the strangeness of the situation, he found himself believing her. "No," he said quietly. "I don't think you're crazy. I think you're just special." He took a step closer, looking down at the egg and then back at her.

Daemyra's breath caught in her throat as he stepped closer. The intensity in his gaze and the quiet sincerity in his tone made her heart race. "Special?" she repeated, a hint of disbelief in her voice. "What do you mean?" Aemond's lips quirked into a small, crooked smile. "I mean," he said, his voice low and earnest, "I think there's something special about you, Daemy." He reached out, gently taking her gloved hand in his own. Daemyra's breath hitched as he took her hand, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. She looked up at him, her heart beating so loudly she was surprised he couldn't hear it. "Special how?" she whispered, her eyes searching his face for an answer.

Aemond's thumb traced slow circles on the back of her hand, his gaze never leaving hers. "I don't know," he confessed, his voice quiet. "There's just something about you that makes me think you're different, in a good way." Daemyra's heart ached at his words. Nobody had ever spoken to her like that before, like she was someone worth noticing, someone special. "Sometimes the other kids tease me."

He didn't like the idea of her being teased, of anyone making her feel less than special. "Why do they tease you?" he asked. Daemyra looked down, her hand still clutched in his. "They say I'm weird," she said, her voice small. Aemond's heart squeezed in his chest. He could understand what it was like to be different and to be teased and ridiculed for it. "And so what? Everyone is weird in their own ways."

Daemyra looked up at him, her eyes a bit glossy. "You don't think I'm weird?" Aemond's gaze softened as he saw the look in her eyes. He gently squeezed her hand. "No, I don't think you're weird," he said quietly. "I think you're extraordinary."

Daemyra's heart skipped a beat at his words. Nobody had ever called her extraordinary before. "Extraordinary?" she repeated, her voice full of disbelief. Aemond nodded, his expression sincere. "Yes," he said, his voice firm. "You're strong, you're kind, you're smart. And you have a connection with my dragon egg that nobody else has ever had. There's nobody like you, Daemy. You're extraordinary."

Daemyra felt her eyes fill with tears at his words. Nobody had ever seen her the way he did, seeing her as something more than just a weird little girl. "You...really think that?" she whispered, her voice wavering slightly. Aemond could see the tears in her eyes, and he instinctively reached up to gently brush them away. "I do," he said, his voice softer than ever. "I really do. And if the other kids are blind enough not to see how special you are, it's their loss."

Daemyra's breath caught in her throat as his fingers brushed against her cheek, wiping away her tears. She felt a strange sense of comfort in his touch, a feeling of safety and acceptance she'd never experienced before. "You want to see my bug friends?" she asked quietly, her voice full of vulnerability. Aemond's eyebrow quirked in surprise at her question. He hadn't expected her to change the subject so suddenly. "Bug friends?" he repeated, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Daemyra nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Yeah," she said. "I like bugs. I think they're interesting. Like, they're small, but they have so much personality." She looked down, suddenly self-conscious. She knew he'd probably think it was weird. Aemond's expression softened as he saw her embarrassment. He actually found it endearing, that she had such a soft spot for bugs. "Alright," he said softly. "Show me your bug friends."

Daemyra led Aemond out of his room, her small hand securely held in his, and into her own room. The walls of her room were painted a soft lavender, and on the small bed in the corner, numerous blankets and pillows were piled high.
Her room was warm and cozy, with several potted plants that provided a source of life and tranquility. She looked up at Aemond, her eyes wide and slightly nervous. "This is my room," she whispered. Aemond looked around, taking in the details of her room. It was very different from his own stark and cold room, but it suited her with its soft colors and warm atmosphere. He smiled down at her, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "It suits you," he said quietly.

Daemyra's heart fluttered at his words. For some reason, his opinion mattered to her, and she felt a warm glow spread through her at his compliment. She tugged gently on his hand, leading him over to the window, where several small terrariums were set up on the ledge. "These are my bug friends," she said, her voice growing excited. Aemond followed her to the window, his eyes scanning the small terrariums that lined the ledge. Inside each one was a different insect, some crawling slowly around, others clinging to the sides of the terrarium.
He was amused and endeared at her obvious affection for the creatures, and he couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.

"This one's Balerion," she said, pointing to a large black beetle that was leisurely crawling across the bottom of one of the terrariums. "He's my favorite. I found him in the garden a few months ago." She pointed to another terrarium, this one housing a praying mantis. "This is Vhagar. She's super stealthy. See how she blends in with the leaves?"

Aemond studied the praying mantis, his interest piqued by her observation. "You named them after Targaryen dragons?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity. Daemyra nodded, a hint of embarrassment on her face. "Yeah," she admitted quietly. "I guess it's silly. I just thought it was cool, you know, to give them names like they were, like, important." Aemond chuckled softly at her explanation. "It's not silly," he said, his voice gentle. "I think it's actually pretty cool." He looked down at her as she pointed to another insect in another terrarium. "And this one?" he asked.

"This one is Tessarion," she said, smiling at the bright blue grasshopper that was perched on a leaf inside the small terrarium. "She's beautiful, isn't she? Once, I tried to show it to Tessarion while I was with Daeron, but Tessarion almost ate my bug." Aemond chuckled at her story. "I can imagine," he said, amused by the thought of her and his little brother trying to show off their various bugs. "And what about that one?" he asked, gesturing to another terrarium that housed a beetle so shiny it was almost silver.

"That's Silverwing," Daemyra said, her tone reverent as she pointed to the iridescent beetle. "I found her on the windowsill of my room one day. She's my oldest friend." She looked up at Aemond, her eyes filled with excitement. "Do you want to hold one? You can hold Silverwing if you want." Daemyra clapped her hands together, her face lighting up with excitement. She carefully opened the terrarium and gently scooped up the shimmering beetle. She looked up at Aemond, her eyes fixed expectantly on his face. "Hold out your hand, palm up," she instructed.

Aemond did as he was instructed, extending his hand palm up in front of the shining beetle. He wasn't sure what to expect, but he couldn't help but feel a small pang of anticipation. Daemyra gingerly placed the shimmering beetle on his palm, its iridescent shell shining brilliantly in the soft light. The beetle moved slightly, its legs tickling his skin, but it seemed content to rest on his hand. She watched him with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, waiting for his reaction.

Aemond looked down at the beetle on his hand, its shimmering shell reflecting the light in a mesmerizing way. It felt strange to have something so delicate and small crawl over his skin, but it wasn't unpleasant. He looked up at Daemyra, a faint smile on his face. "Does Silverwing like me?" he asked, only half joking. Daemyra giggled, her anxiety instantly melting away as she saw his bemused expression. "She wouldn't be on your hand if she didn't like you," she said, her voice full of conviction. She watched intently as the beetle continued to crawl over his hand, her head tilted slightly as she observed its movements.

Aemond couldn't help but feel a small sense of wonder at the feeling of the beetle crawling on his hand. It was so small and yet so intricate. Its legs were slender and delicate, and its movements were fluid and precise. He watched as it scurried up his arm, its shimmering shell moving almost hypnotically. He glanced up at Daemyra, the corner of his mouth tugging upwards in a small smile. Daemyra was enraptured with how the beetle moved across Aemond's skin. She watched it closely, her eyes filled with wonder. She couldn't believe that she had a boy in her room, holding one of her prized beetle friends, and he didn't look disgusted at all. She leaned closer, fascinated by the way the beetle seemed to be exploring his arm, its antennae twitching as it went.

Aemond found himself strangely mesmerized by the beetle as well. He'd never paid much attention to insects before, but there was something about the way they moved and felt that left him feeling fascinated. His skin tingled where the beetle's legs brushed against it, and he had to suppress the urge to pull away. He glanced at Daemyra, a small smirk on his face. "Are all your bugs this friendly?" Daemyra chuckled, shaking her head. "No, not all of them," she said, stepping closer to him to look at Silverwing crawling on his arm. "Some of them are a bit more shy and reserved. But Silverwing is the friendliest of them all." She watched as Silverwing continued its journey up his arm, its shimmering shell catching the light and reflecting it back in tiny sparkles.

Aemond felt a strange warmth spreading through him as the beetle continued to crawl over his arm. It was an odd sensation to feel something so small and inconsequential moving over his skin, but it was strangely soothing. He looked down at Daemyra, who was still watching the beetle intently, and he found himself feeling a sudden pang of protectiveness. She was so small, so fragile, and yet so full of life and enthusiasm. It was endearing, in a strange way.

"I have a snake." Aemond's eyebrows shot up in surprise at her statement. "A snake?" he repeated, not expecting that answer. "I didn't know you had a snake." He looked down at her, his gaze fixated on her face. "Can I see it?" Daemyra's face broke into a wide grin at his request. "Yes!" she said excitedly. "I'll go get her for you!"

She ran to her desk and quickly opened the bottom drawer, rummaging around for a moment before pulling out a small enclosure. Inside was a small white corn snake. Aemond watched curiously as she carefully picked up the snake, holding it gently in her hands. "What's her name?" he asked, a hint of wry amusement in his voice. "Meraxes."

Aemond nodded in acknowledgment. "Meraxes," he repeated, a small smile on his face. "After one of the conqueror's dragons, right?" He watched as she held the snake in her hands. Her fingers gently stroked its scales. Daemyra nodded, her gaze fixed on the snake. "Yeah," she said quietly. "I thought it suited her because she's white and delicate. She reminds me of Rhaenys the Conqueror, so I named her after her dragon." She looked up at Aemond, her eyes widening slightly in excitement. "Do you want to hold her?"

Aemond paused for a moment, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. He had no experience handling snakes, but he didn't want to offend her by declining her offer. He took a deep breath, steeling himself. "Sure," he said, his voice firm. "I'll hold her." Daemyra's face lit up at his agreement, and she stepped closer to him, holding the snake out toward him. "Here, just make sure to support her body and don't hold her too tightly," she instructed, her voice full of excitement. Aemond gingerly accepted the snake from her, holding it as she instructed. He was surprised by how strange it felt to hold the snake, its scales moving under his fingers. But as he held it, he found himself becoming less and less afraid. The snake was delicate, but it had a firm weight to it, and it didn't feel as writhing and slimy as he'd expected.

Daemyra watched as Aemond held the snake, her eyes fixed on his face. "She likes you, I can tell," she said, a grin on her face. "She usually doesn't let people hold her unless she trusts them." She stepped closer, gently running her fingers along the snake's body. "Isn't she beautiful?" Aemond's eyes were glued to the snake as it moved in his hands, its body cool and smooth against his skin. "She is," he admitted, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I can see why you're so fond of her." He looked up at Daemyra, admiring the way her eyes sparkled as she watched him hold the snake, and he felt a strange sense of pride at seeing her so happy.

"My father told me we live among snakes, so I should be able to domesticate one myself if I want to learn how to deal with the real snakes."
Aemond raised an eyebrow at her statement, a hint of wry amusement in his voice. "Your father said that?" he repeated, trying to keep a straight face. He glanced down at the snake in his hands, then back at her. "And how's that working out so far?" Daemyra looked up at him, a determined expression on her face. "Pretty well, I think," she said, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She gently stroked the snake's scales with her fingers. "I mean, Meraxes has never bared her fangs at me, and she follows my commands most of the time. So I'd say it's going well."

Aemond chuckled softly at her answer, his eyes lingering on her face. "Most of the time?" he repeated a hint of teasing in his voice. He couldn't help but be impressed by her determination to domesticate the snake, and he found himself admiring her fierce independence. Daemyra rolled her eyes at his question, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Well, there are a few times she's bit me," she admitted, a sheepish look on her face. "But usually because I accidentally startled her, and it's not a big deal, really."

Aemond's eyes widened at her casual mention of the snake biting her. "It isn't a big deal to be bitten by a snake?" he asked, his voice incredulous. He couldn't believe how blasé she was about the whole thing. Daemyra shrugged, a nonchalant look on her face. "Not as long as the snake isn't poisonous," she said, her voice matter-of-fact. "Meraxes isn't poisonous, so her bites are harmless." She watched him with a slight grin on her face, enjoying his reaction.

Aemond stared at her for a moment, his expression one of disbelief. He couldn't believe how reckless she was being. "Harmless or not, you probably shouldn't be letting something bite you," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of concern. Daemyra let out a laugh, clearly unbothered by his concern. "It's not a big deal," she repeated, shaking her head. "Besides, I learned my lesson after the first bite." She reached out and stroked the snake in his hands, her fingers gentle against the reptile's scales. "I know better now, but accidents happen."

Aemond watched her as she casually dismissed the fact that she had been bitten by a snake. Her nonchalance was almost frustrating to him. "You shouldn't be so flippant about it," he said, his voice firm. He held up the snake in his hands, his eyes locked on hers. "This is a living creature, not a toy. It could hurt you if you're not careful." Daemyra's gaze met his, her eyes sparkling with amusement at the seriousness in his tone. "I know that," she said, her voice filled with mirth. She reached out and gently ran her fingers over the snake, her touch light and loving. "But Meraxes isn't a mindless killer. She's just shy and easily startled. She doesn't mean to bite me. It's just in her nature."

Aemond studied her closely, his expression a mix of frustration and fascination. He couldn't understand how she could be so careless and yet so caring at the same time. He looked down at the snake in his hands, then back at her. "Do you really trust this snake that much?" he asked, disbelief lacing his voice. Daemyra smiled at his question, her fingers gently stroking Meraxes' scales as she spoke. "Of course I trust her," she said, her voice filled with conviction. She met his gaze, her expression serious for a moment. "I know she won't hurt me intentionally. She's not a monster she's just misunderstood."

Aemond couldn't help but be impressed by the firmness in her voice, and he found himself admiring her unwavering confidence in the snake. He held the snake in his hands, his eyes locked on hers. "And you're sure about that?" he asked, his voice still tinged with a hint of skepticism. "You shouldn't judge a book by the cover. She's as harmless as me. Sometimes we just have to show some fangs to prevent us from being hurt, and sometimes, we have to be bit to learn a lesson. She just wanted to protect herself. Can you blame a small thing for protecting herself the only way she was thought to?"

Aemond found himself taken aback by her words, the honesty in her voice making him pause. He looked down at the snake in his hands, his expression softening slightly. He had to admit, there was some truth to her words. The snake was trying to protect itself, and Daemyra clearly understood and accepted that. He met her gaze, his expression thoughtful. "I suppose I can't blame her for that," he admitted, his voice less harsh than before. He looked down at the snake again, his fingers gently tracing its scales. "But I still don't understand how you can be so trusting of it."

Daemyra smiled, clearly pleased that he was starting to understand her viewpoint. "It's not that I'm trusting of all snakes," she explained, her voice thoughtful. "I know Meraxes well enough to know that she doesn't bite unless she's scared." She watched as he continued to hold the snake in his hands, her expression softer now. "Sometimes you have to take a chance to understand someone, even if they look scary at first." Aemond's eyes met hers, his expression still thoughtful. "So it's all about understanding them, then?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of curiosity. He gently stroked the snake's scales, his fingers light and careful. "And you believe you understand this snake enough not to get bitten again?"

"I think I understand the snake just as much as she understands me. She knows I can take her life just as easily as I feed her. It's about mutual trust. She trusts me to feed and love her while I trust her to keep me company." Aemond found himself strangely affected by her words, the simplicity and conviction behind her statement striking a chord within him. He looked down at the snake in his hands, his expression pensive. "I suppose it makes sense when you put it that way," he mumbled, his voice tinged with a hint of admiration. He glanced up at her, his gaze searching hers. "You have a strange way of looking at things, you know that?"

Daemyra chuckled softly at his statement, a small grin on her face. "Is that a good or a bad thing?" she asked a hint of amusement in her voice. She reached out and gently took Meraxes from his hands, holding the snake in her arms as it curled its tail around her wrist. Aemond watched as Daemyra expertly held the snake in her arms, his eyes fixed on the way it coiled around her wrist. He found himself strangely envious of the snake, being held so tenderly in her hands. He quickly pushed the thought away and cleared his throat, his voice a little gruff. "Well, it's certainly interesting, if nothing else," he said, his eyes flickering between her and the snake.

Aemond watched as she placed the snake around her neck, his eyes widening in shocked surprise. The snake's body coiled around her neck, its head resting on her shoulder. He couldn't help but stare at her, his heart skipping a beat. The sight of her with a snake wrapped around her neck was undeniably mesmerizing, even though he was still slightly uneasy. He found himself torn between wanting to snatch the snake away from her and wanting to see her like that forever. He swallowed the lump in his throat, trying to keep his voice steady. "Isn't that a bit dangerous?" he asked, his voice slightly hoarse.

Daemyra let out a small laugh at his question, shaking her head. "No, it's perfectly safe," she reassured him, a smile on her face. She reached a hand up and gently stroked the snake's head, her touch gentle and affectionate. "Meraxes has coiled around my neck before." Aemond couldn't help but be amazed by her calm demeanor despite having a snake wrapped so nonchalantly around her neck. He watched her touch the snake's head, his eyes flickering between her face and the reptile's body. "You're not afraid of it constricting you?" he asked, his voice betraying his concern. Daemyra shook her head once again, still smiling. "No, I trust her," she repeated, her voice steady. She continued to gently pet the snake, her fingers running along its scales. "She's not going to hurt me. She knows I'm the one who feeds her." Her eyes met his, a hint of playfulness in them. "Besides, I think you're more likely to strangle me than she is."

Aemond was taken aback by her comment. His face flushed slightly at her teasing. He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "I don't strangle people," he defended himself, a hint of irritation in his voice. He crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes still glued to the snake as it curled around her neck. Daemyra let out a soft laugh, clearly enjoying his flustered reaction. "I know, you're too kind for that," she teased, her voice light and playful. She reached a hand up and smoothed the snake's scales with her fingers, her touch gentle.

Aemond watched as the snake flicked its tongue out and touched Daemyra's cheek, his eyes widening in surprise. He couldn't believe how close the snake was to her, its body still coiled around her neck. He instinctively took a step closer, his protective instincts kicking in. "Aren't you worried it might bite your face?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of concern. He watched as the snake flicked its tongue again, this time near her eye. He couldn't help but feel a sense of unease despite her reassurances. Daemyra shook her head again, still unfazed by the snake's proximity. "No, she's just exploring," she said, her voice calm as always. She watched the snake flick its tongue out again, this time near her mouth. Aemond's eyes widened in shock as he saw it brush against her lips slightly before retracting.

Aemond watched as Daemyra picked up a rat from a nearby cage, his eyes widening at the sudden movement. He couldn't help but be worried that the snake would strike at her, but he also couldn't deny the slight thrill of excitement he felt at her boldness. He watched as she held the rat out to the snake, his heart pounding in his chest. The snake's tongue flicked out, tasting the air, and then it suddenly lunged towards the rat in her hand, its body uncoiling from her neck. For a moment, Aemond was frozen in shock, and he watched as the snake bit into the rat and began to consume it. Once the snake had finished its meal, it coiled itself back around Daemyra's neck, its body constricting slightly as it settled into place. Aemond watched as the snake's head rested against her collarbone, its body wrapped around her like a living necklace.

Aemond's mind was swimming with a mixture of emotions. He was still unnerved at the casual intimacy that existed between her and the snake, but he was also strangely captivated by the sight. He watched as she reached a hand up and gently stroked the snake's head, her touch tender and loving. "The cycle of life. Predator eats prey." Aemond could only nod in response, his eyes still fixed on the snake wrapped around her neck. He had to admit there was a certain truth in her statement. The snake needed to eat to survive, and it relied on her to provide it with food. But that didn't make it any less eerie to see her so comfortable with the deadly reptile.

He couldn't deny the strange, almost primal, feeling that it stirred in him. She was handling the snake as if it were a pet cat, not a creature with deadly venom. It was both fascinating and disturbing. He cleared his throat and forced himself to speak, his voice a little hoarse. "It's still a dangerous animal."

"We are all dangerous animals when we're provoked." Aemond found himself taken aback by her words. He had to admit, she had a point, but he still couldn't help the uneasy feeling he had about the entire situation. He watched as the snake's head moved slightly. Its tongue flicked out as it tasted the air. He couldn't understand how she could be so comfortable with something so deadly. "Do you like dolphins?" Aemond was taken off guard by her sudden change of subject, but he couldn't help but be curious. He thought for a moment before answering. "Yes, I do," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of curiosity. "Why do you ask?"

They look harmless, but they harm, and not only when they're provoked. Dolphins rape their females in groups. Three or four dolphins keep her in check with aggressive screams and tail flicks while the last one does its thing." Aemond felt a sense of shock and disbelief wash over him as she spoke. He couldn't believe that such a playful, seemingly harmless creature could be capable of something so horrific. He was also taken aback at the casual way she spoke about it as if it was just a fact of life. It made him wonder what other seemingly innocent creatures had hidden darker natures. He stared at her for a moment, his mind racing with the implications of what she had just said. "I can't believe something so adorable would do something so horrendous," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of disgust.

"Sometimes creatures are not what they seem," she replied, her voice calm and matter-of-fact. She watched his expression, clearly amused by his shock. "Looks can be deceiving, after all." Aemond couldn't deny that she was right. He had experienced firsthand how appearances could be misleading, whether it was humans or animals. He looked at her, trying to gauge her expression. She seemed unbothered by the revelation as if it was something she had known all along. "How did you learn about all of this?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of curiosity. Daemyra shrugged slightly, a small smile on her face.
"Reading, observation, and a bit of common sense," she replied, her voice casual. "Animals are complex creatures, just like people. Just because they look cute, doesn't mean they don't exhibit violent behavior."

Aemond found himself both impressed and unsettled by her response. She seemed so nonchalant about it as if it was just a part of life.
He knew that animals could be vicious, but he hadn't realized how complex their behaviors could be. He watched her as she continued to hold the snake, her hand gently stroking its body.

Aemond heard the sudden sound and quickly turned his attention toward the door, his body tensing in anticipation. He watched as the door swung open, revealing his grandfather standing in the doorway. He saw the surprised look on his grandfather's face as he took in the scene before him -Aemond standing a few feet away and Daemyra casually holding a snake around her neck. Otto's expression flickered between shock and amusement as he looked at Daemyra, the snake slowly coiling across her collarbone.

"What an interesting sight," he said, his voice a mix of mockery and curiosity. He took a few steps further into the room, his gaze fixed on Daemyra. Aemond tried to keep his expression neutral, though he could feel his heart rate quickening. "I was just showing Aemond my snake and some of my bugs."

Otto chuckled slightly at her words, his eyes flickering to Aemond for a moment before returning to her. "I see that my love," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement. "But it's a little late for Prince Aemond to be in your chambers." Aemond felt a pang of guilt at his grandfather's words. He knew that it was inappropriate for him to be in her chambers alone, especially at such a late hour. But he couldn't deny that he had enjoyed their conversation and her company. He saw her give a sheepish grin, her hand gently stroking the snake around her neck. "It's okay, he was just leaving," she said, her voice still calm and casual. Aemond felt a pang of disappointment at her words. He didn't want to leave. He wanted to stay and continue their conversation.

But he couldn't deny the truth in her words. He knew that it was late and that he should be in his own chambers. He glanced at her for a moment, his eyes lingering on her face and the snake wrapped around her neck. "Right," he said finally, his voice rough. "I should go." He watched as she gave him a small smile, her eyes meeting his for a brief moment. It was as if she could sense his disappointment and was silently telling him that she didn't want him to leave either. He gave her a small nod, his heart heavy. Aemond then turned and walked towards the door, his steps quiet in the silent room. Otto stood in the doorway, watching him leave with a thoughtful expression. Aemond tried not to let it show on his face, but he could still feel his grandfather's eyes on him as he exited the room. He felt a sense of loss as he left. The sound of the door closing behind him echoed in his ears.

Daemyra watched silently as Aemond left the room, her expression thoughtful. Once the door had closed, she turned her attention to Otto, who was still standing in the doorway, his gaze fixed on her. She saw the slight frown on his face and knew that he was displeased with the situation. She gave him a small smile, her hand still stroking the snake around her neck.

"Don't look so worried," she said, her voice light and teasing. "Aemond was just leaving."
Otto raised an eyebrow at her, his expression not changing. "That's not why I'm frowning," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of irritation. Daemyra chuckled softly, enjoying his reaction.
"Then why are you frowning?" she asked, her voice taking on a playful tone. Otto's irritation grew at her question, his expression hardening slightly. "You know why," he replied, his voice growing cold. "You know it's inappropriate to be alone with him, especially late at night."
Daemyra shrugged slightly, her eyes meeting his defiantly.

"Father, you said I might marry him. We were just getting to know each other. That's no sin." Otto's irritation faded slightly at her words, his expression softening a bit. He knew that she had a point, but it still bothered him to think of her spending time alone with Aemond. "It's not a sin, but you know it's not proper," he replied, his voice gruff. Daemyra rolled her eyes slightly at his response, her expression a mix of annoyance and amusement. "I don't see why it's improper," she said, her tone defiant. "We were just talking, nothing more."

Otto didn't reply for a moment, his expression contemplative. "Even so," he said finally, his voice stern. "It's not right for you to be alone with him. Especially in your chambers." Daemyra let out a small scoff, her annoyance growing. "Why not?" she asked, her voice taking on a more defiant tone. "Why can't I be alone with him? We're getting to know each other, aren't we? Isn't that what you want?" Otto's expression hardened once again at her defiant tone. "Watch your tone," he said, his voice sharp. "I'm trying to protect you, my love."

Daemyra felt a pang of guilt at his words, her defiant expression fading slightly. She knew that he only had her best interests at heart, but she couldn't help the feeling of frustration that rose up in her. "I know you are," she said, her voice softer now. "But I'm not a child anymore. I can handle myself." Daemyra slowly unwound the snake from her neck, her fingers moving gently across its scales. The snake coiled in her hands for a moment, its tongue flicking out as it tasted the air. She then carefully placed it back into its enclosure, making sure that it was settled and comfortable.

Otto watched her silently, his expression still stern. He knew that she was growing up and that she had a mind of her own, but he couldn't shake the feeling of protectiveness he had for her. He took a few steps closer to her, his eyes locking onto hers. "I know, Father," she said softly, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation. She could see the concern in his eyes. The love and protectiveness that he had for her. She reached out a hand and lightly touched his arm, a silent gesture of understanding. "I agree with marrying, Aemond."

Otto's expression changed slightly at her words, his eyes widening in surprise. He hadn't been expecting such a straightforward response from her, especially after their previous conversation. He stared at her for a moment, taking in her expression and the determination in her eyes. "You agree?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mix of shock and relief. He had been hesitant to bring up the subject of marriage to her, knowing that she had her own mind and her own opinions. But now it seemed like she had already made up her mind. Daemyra nodded, her expression confident. "Yes," she said firmly. "I think Aemond and I would make a good match."
She watched as Otto processed her words, his expression shifting from surprise to a look of contemplation.

Daemyra didn't resist as Otto lifted her up and carried her towards the bed, her body feeling small and delicate in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling a sense of comfort and security in his embrace. Otto carefully sat down on the edge of the bed, still holding Daemyra in his lap. He held her close, his arms wrapped protectively around her. He could feel her body against his, small and slender, and yet so strong and determined.

Daemyra leaned into him, her head resting against his chest. She could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her ear and the warmth of his arms around her. She felt safe and protected in his embrace like nothing bad could happen when he held her like this. Daemyra closed her eyes, feeling a sense of contentment and security in his touch. She could feel the love and care in his touch, the way his fingers moved gently through her hair.

"Can you tuck me in, please?" Otto chuckled softly at her request, his fingers still running through her hair. "Of course, my love," he said, his voice affectionate. He gently laid her down on the bed, pulling the covers up over her body. Daemyra smiled up at him, her expression sleepy but still content. She watched as he tucked her in, making sure that she was comfortable and cozy beneath the blankets. Once she was fully covered, Otto gently brushed a stray strand of hair away from her forehead, his touch tender and protective. "There you go, my sweet," he said, his voice soft and soothing.

Daemyra let out a small content sigh, her eyes growing heavy with sleep. She reached out a hand and grasped his wrist, her fingers wrapping weakly around the material of his sleeve. Otto bent down closer, his expression loving and tender. "Time for you to get some rest, my darling," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. He gently pried her fingers from his sleeve, bringing her hand up to his mouth and placing a soft kiss upon it. Daemyra felt her heart flutter at his gentle touch, her eyes already half-lidded with sleep. She managed a small nod, her body relaxing further beneath the covers. "Father, I will marry Aemond."

Otto chuckled softly at her repetition, his expression becoming amused and affectionate. "Maybe, my love," he said, his voice tinged with humor. "You have already made it quite clear that you wish to marry him." Daemyra let out a small huff, her expression becoming adorably pouty. "I just want you to hear me say it," she mumbled, her voice growing softer as sleep tugged at the edges of her consciousness. Otto's chuckled again, his heart swelling with love and affection for her. He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, his lips soft against her skin. "I hear you, my love," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Rest now."

Daemyra let out a sleepy hum, her body slowly relaxing even further beneath the covers.
Her eyelids were becoming too heavy to keep open, and her breathing was becoming steady and deep.

Kat talking

🫀| 001 : Hello!!!!!!

🫀| 002 : They're my children

🫀| 003 : I'm sorry for any big mistake.