CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
❛the aftermath.❜

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EARLY 130 AC ⸻ Kings Landing   ⸻

THE AIR in King's Landing was thick.

Lyria stood with Alicent, Aemond, Maerella, and Helaena as Aegon was hidden behind Meleys as they were being brought home.

"THE TRAITOR DRAGON MELEYS!" Rang through Lyria's eardrums as she watched the crowd. They didn't cheer; they didn't even seem happy as Meleys' head was being paraded through the streets. Instead, they shared whispers and worrisome looks.

"Aemond," Lyria began as he leaned closely to hear her better, placing a hand on the small of her back. "What happened?"

Aemond shrugged, wearing a smirk. "He got what was coming to him."

Lyria's eyes gazed up towards him as he looked away, back at the parade.

"By your hand?"

Aemond said nothing, only scurried away back inside, followed by a weary Maerella.

The group went straight for Aegon's quarters, knowing that's where the Maesters were preparing to treat him.

They watched as the guards handed Aegon's burnt body over towards the Maesters.

Maerella clutched her throat, holding back sobs as she watched him get gently placed on the bed.

"Will he live?" Alicent questioned, a hand on her stomach as she tried to bite back her emotions.

The Grand Maester only looked at her. "It will be touch and go. He has a battle he must face."

Alicent nodded, walking closer to Aegon with Helaena and Maerella. They attempted to comfort him, yet they didn't know exactly how. They settled with crying and staring, whispering hope.

Lyria and Aemond stood near the back.

Lyria glanced up at Aemond, tears welling in her own eyes at such a sight.

Aemond glanced at her before looking up towards Aegon again. He couldn't hold his upturned smile, so he exited the room.

Lyria let her eyes harden against the wall in anger. Aegon tormented Aemond all of his life, she could get past him doing this. But to not admit it to her? That was something else entirely.

Maybe it was the smell of burning flesh, or all of the emotions boiling up in her, but Lyria found herself doubling over as she spewed vomit.

It didn't take the attention away from Aegon, except for one of the Maesters that stood near her.

"My Lady!" The Maester exclaimed, "Are you alright?"

Lyria wiped her mouth, wincing at the rotten smell of acid. "I am, I don't know what came over me."

The Maesters brows furrowed as he looked towards the three women who all stood near Aegon and had no vomiting symptoms.

"If I may," He began, looking away from Aegon and towards Lyria. "Have you bled this month?"

Lyria shook her head, "No, I think I am late to that."

The Maester smiled, "Can I examine you?"

Lyria's eyes trailed the room, not exactly sure what to say. She didn't want to see Aemond right now, so this would just be a way to prolong it. She smiled, "Of course."

⸻

Daemon's journey placed him in the heart of the Iron Islands as he meant to prepare a ship for war.

"Ahh, Genevieve Greyjoy." Daemon spoke with a smirk.

The woman smiled back, wiping her hands against her skirts. "Daemon Targaryen."

Genevieve was known to be a strong woman with a good head on her shoulders. She put most sea captains to shame.

"How can I be of service to the Crown?"

Daemon stalked towards her, his feet crunching on the pebbles. "To make sure your loyalties still lie with the Queen."

With a nod, Genevieve continued, "My ship is at her command."

⸻

"Aemond." Lyria's fingers gracefully closed the door to their chambers behind her. She found her husband standing on the balcony, peering out over the streets.

Aemond spoke nothing as his head remained steady.

"Why are you sour towards me?" Lyria questioned, coming to take a spot next to him.

Aemond peered down at her.

"I know what you did, and I hold no anger towards you for it." It was Lyria's turn to keep herself steady, peering out at the scenery.

"You don't?" Aemond shifted his body towards her, studying her movements. Her emotion.

Lyria shook her head, "He tortured you for years."

Without saying a word, Aemond wrapped his arms around her, bringing her to his chest. This was the first time he had ever been accepted— fully accepted for who he was.

"I also have to tell you something . . ."

"Hmm?" Aemond hummed, not letting her escape the compound of his muscular chest.

"I'm pregnant."

Aemond pulled her away by her shoulders, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Truly?"

Lyria's eyes glossed over as she nodded with a giggle.

"Oh," Aemond pulled her in for another tight embrace, "What wonderful news!"

"I love you." was mumbled against his chest.

Kissing the top of her head, Aemond smiled, resting his head against hers, "I love you too."

It was now more crucial to him than ever to win the war. He wasn't just fighting for himself, now he had a family to fight for.

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