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Wake up🔥🔥🔥

[farity]

me after seeing the HoTD season 2 trailer.

[farity]

Sorrow, part 16

"Aegon."

It was silent in the king's room. Aegon II Targaryen slept aided by milk of the poppy and various other treatments that everyone knew would never heal him completely.

His once handsome face was a study in contrasts - one side perfection, the other marred by burned skin. His legs had been reconstructed as much as the maesters were able to. He would never walk again, but at least the extremities had been saved, and on his better days he could even sit up for an hour or two.

"Aegon."

The king turned, eyes opening slowly. "Prince Regent," he murmured drowsily.

Aemond wanted to leave, to stop looking at his broken and scarred brother, but as always duty called, and as always Aemond answered.

"I have news."

Aegon opened his eyes fully. The septas had washed him and tended to him, and despite the pain that flashed across his features, Aemond could tell that his brother was aware and not in the constant fog that he'd lived in the first few weeks after his injury.

"Helaena is to be wed again."

Aegon frowned. "She is married to me."

Aemond said nothing, letting the thought marinate in his brother's exhausted mind. He saw the play of emotions on Aegon's face - the immediate, childish impulse to claim ownership, then the momentary, opposing thought of being free, and finally the realization that he would never be free to do as he pleased again.

"Why?"

"You have heirs."

Aegon smiled bitterly. "Good thing, since I cannot manage to make any more."

Aemond continued, "there is a group of healers in Highgarden who have concocted a new tonic for pain. It is said to leave the patient quite alert, without clouding of the mind. I have summoned them to tend to you."

Immediately, wariness filled Aegon's eyes. "Why?"

"Because I would see you live rather than spend your hours slumbering. Because you-"

"Aren't you afraid I'll take the throne away from you?"

Aemond simply looked at his brother.

"My throne, little brother." Aegon yawned wearily. "Mine."

"If you recover enough to sit the throne again, Aegon, I will gladly give it back."

"Go away. I will not have you sully my mind with these ideas, Aemond. Leave." Aegon turned his back on his brother, clinging to one of the pillows set on his bed.

* * * * *

"You must see how sudden this all was for him."

Aemond stared into the fire.

"He's been like this for weeks now, and now you tell him he might get better and that Helaena is to marry again?" Elyse smiled gently. "I am not surprised at his reaction."

"Maybe you would speak with him?" He reached out and grabbed Elyse's hand. "I fear there is too much resentment between Aegon and me."

Elyse stared at him. "I barely know him," she said quietly. "But if you wish me to, I will try."

"What I wish right now, sweet wife, is to taste the delight of your lips," he replied, tugging her closer. She went to him as she always did, the natural shyness in her always turning her cheeks pink, but she wrapped her arms around his neck and brought her mouth to his.

"Elyse," he murmured, "you are the gentle breeze that clears the rage from my heart." He began to kiss her neck, and when she sighed and pressed herself against him, he wrapped an arm around her hips and lifted her.

Too frantic to wait, he placed her on the bed, raising her skirts until they bunched around her waist and tore at the laces on his breeches while she held his face, her mouth welcoming, her legs spreading open for him. "I must have you now."

He drove into her, the heat of her nearly making him come, and she moaned, her fingertips digging into his skin. Desperate to stop before it all ended too soon, he pulled out of her, dragging her legs to the edge of the bed, and knelt before her.

Her moans grew louder as he feasted between her thighs, her breathing ragged and broken as he drove her hard and fast until her legs tightened around his head and she screamed. Aemond didn't stop, tongue and lips working her to a second and third orgasm, until she was limp and spent, her skin flushed.

He loomed over her then, pushed into her and she whimpered. There were tears on her face and he swiped one with his thumb as he began rocking his hips. Elyse opened her eyes, dazed from the pleasure, and saw him tasting her tears.

"I would taste all of you, wife."

She reached up to him, one slim arm pulling him to her until she could kiss him. "I love you, Aemond," she whispered, "I love you."

He came with the sound of her voice in his head, let himself fall and later, when he held her against him, and she was soft and pliant in the aftermath, he told her.

"I love you, Elyse."

* * * * *

"Your Grace?"

Aegon had finished eating and was savoring the one cup of wine Aemond allowed him at each meal. He looked over and saw her, standing in the doorway.

"Ah. Has Aemond sent you as his ambassador?"

She stayed where she was for a moment until he motioned her over. She curtsied before sitting next to his bed, and waited until the servant took the cup and left before speaking.

"So, are you here to convince me to allow Helaena to marry? How would such a thing even work?"

"First I would ask if you would allow the healers from Highgarden to see you," she began, "it could not hurt, and it might help." She glanced at his legs, which he kept under a silken cloth. She had seen them soon after the injury, had seen the maesters doing their best to reconstruct the many pieces of torn bone and muscle. Aegon had been unconscious through most of it, but during the times he had been aware, his screams of pain had infiltrated every corner of the keep.

"I will never walk again." He smiled bitterly, "never ride Sunfyre. Poor Sunfyre."

"You might live easier, without so much pain. There is no reason to not try, Your Grace."

Aegon watched her for a few moments. "Aemond has changed. Because of you."

Elyse held her breath.

"It is not a bad thing," Aegon continued, and pushed himself up higher on the bed. Elyse placed an arm behind his back, adjusting the cushions, and he leaned back with a long sigh. "There is less rage in him."

She said nothing, simply sat back down and listened.

"There is no rage in me," he smiled sadly, and then nodded. "Helaena should be happy. She has put up with much in our marriage."

Elyse looked down at her hands. "She has been so kind to me."

"She is kind to everyone. Even those of us who don't deserve it."

When she looked back up, there were tears in the king's eyes.

"I never wanted . . . I didn't want to marry her. Because she is odd, because I never desired her," Aegon looked around the room, "this family makes monsters of us all."

"That is not true, Your Grace."

"Well," Aegon smiled, "not Helaena. I drank even more whenever I had to bed her, whenever my mother pushed me to her door and said I had to, that this abomination of a marriage had to be fruitful. Wine!" Aegon yelled, and the servant came back in with cup, bowing before leaving again.

Elyse didn't want to hear any more. But she sat and kept quiet.

"I never wanted to touch her, I didn't want to see her face," his voice broke, "after, I had to find someone else, anyone." He took a long sip, wiping his nose. "As if that could erase having fucked Helaena." He downed the rest of the wine. "She never said anything. Never complained. I couldn't be in the same room with her unless I was drunk."

She took the empty cup from him. "I am sorry for it, Your Grace."

"For fuck's sake, call me Aegon."

"Aegon."

He glared at her, at her meekness. "Does he treat you well?"

Elyse looked up. "Your Grace. I endured mistreatment of every kind for a long time. I would not do so again."

"If the healers come here, and I do not like their treatment-"

"They will be sent away as soon as you wish."

"And if Jacaerys Velaryon raises his voice to Helaena-"

"I will see him hanged."

One corner of Aegon's mouth lifted every so slightly. "And his cock cut off and stuffed in his mouth."

"And . . . that."

Aegon threw his head back and laughed. "You should visit me more often, sister, you make for delightful company."

"I am glad you think so, You- Aegon. I must go make arrangements." She rose, curtsied, and left the room.

* * * * *

"Tell me why I shouldn't leave you to rot in the dungeons."

"I have loved your sister for a long time and I believe I can make her happy."

Aemond stared down at Jacaerys, who kept his own composure in check despite his precarious situation.

"And I will be a good advisor on your council, if you still wish it, Prince Regent."

Smirking, Aemond wondered how much pride the bastard boy had to swallow in order to say those words. "I do not."

Jace immediately tensed, but only nodded. "May I know why?"

"Because I wish for you to be Hand to the Prince Regent."

Aemond waited and watched, and was impressed by the self-possession in Jace. If he accepted, it would serve him well to not reveal his reactions.

"Why would you want that?" Jace asked eventually.

"Because your new station, as well as your marriage to my sister, will bring peace to the realm."

Jace's eyes widened, his mouth opening as he took in the full meaning of Aemond's words. "You will allow it?"

"I will allow it. Because my sister wishes it."

Aemond leaned in, "but if for one moment, I believe you are turning traitor, I will have you fed to Vhagar. And if for one moment, I believe my sister is unhappy because of you, I will cut off strips of your skin until you are nothing but a bloody, begging mess."

Jace let out a long breath. "I do not doubt your words. And if I cause Helaena to be unhappy I would give you the knife to begin your work."

It was only years of practice masking his emotions that allowed Aemond to keep any surprise he felt to himself.

* * * * *

"My mother will not be happy, you know," Helaena said softly, "she once denied this very alliance."

Elyse watched her friend, her sister, fidgeting while her maid tried to brush out her long silver locks. "Will you be happy?"

Helaena's cheeks turned pink. "Yes, of course. I always thought he was so very handsome. And he was kind to me. I spoke to Aegon," she added. "I told him I loved him so much and I always will. I never knew Aegon could cry so much."

"He wants you to be happy."

"Oh yes, he said that, too." Helaena looked up, her pretty face framed by the flowers the maid had woven into her hair. "Is it time?"

Elyse smiled. "It will be time when you decide it is time. But if you mean is Jace waiting, I believe he is."

The two women left Helaena's rooms, arm in arm, and walked to where two men and a Septon waited for them.

* * * * *

[farity]

For science 🧪

[farity]

Sorrow, part 15

"Your Highness."

Aemond looked up from his papers to see Ser Criston Cole standing at the doorway of his study. "Yes?"

"The queen is insisting on seeing Jacaerys Velaryon."

Much to Cole's surprise, Aemond nodded.

"My prince, I -"

"I believe it is time," Aemond said, standing, "for you to decide if your loyalty to my mother supersedes your loyalty to the crown and to me."

Cole simply stared for a few moments, and Aemond continued.

"I have valued your service and dedication to our family these long years. I have learned much from you. But I am well aware that your debt to my mother has long tinged your service with immeasurable devotion."

Cole bowed. "I am at your service, Prince Regent. As always."

"Whereas my mother has accepted your immeasurable devotion, I believe in measure and restraint, so while I sit the throne, I need to know where you stand."

"My duty is to the throne. To you."

"And if my sister goes to see Jacaerys Velaryon, will your next move be to go tell my mother?"

Cole opened his mouth but said nothing.

One corner of Aemond's mouth rose ever so slightly, and he nodded, almost to himself. "Let the queen see our guest, accompanied by her maid, and bring me a list of all the men that serve with you."

* * * * *

"If you do anything bad, you will be killed, Jace."

As soon as Elyse had learned that Helaena was going to see Jace - because Helaena herself couldn't stop herself from sharing the news - she decided to go along. If someone like Ser Criston Cole or Ser Otto Hightower, or even the dowager queen, decided to interfere, Helaena's maid could not stop them.

But Elyse could.

At least, she would do her best.

So she stood a few feet away, giving Helaena and Jace enough privacy, but still close enough where if things went wrong, she could act immediately.

Helaena had stood in front of the cell for all of three seconds before Jace rose from his corner and grabbed her hands, which were wrapped around two of the bars. "You should not be here," he'd said gently, but had not let go of her.

They'd whispered to each other for a bit, and she'd seen Helaena give Jace a shy smile.

"There has been enough killing," she told him now. "And you, I mean, and I, we could, maybe-"

"You are still married to Aegon."

Helaena blinked. "Aegon will never again claim his husband's rights. He's-"

Elyse cleared her throat. She had to think of all the possibilities here, and if Jace was still plotting against the crown, the knowledge that Aegon was no longer capable of ruling might be a way to rally his supporters against the Prince Regent.

"If we are to be together, if I am to accept this, I don't want it to be a secret, like some unsavory thing that must be kept hidden. I would marry you, Helaena, I would choose you as my wife and keep you safe and have the entire realm know it."

Elyse smiled to herself. Helaena had told her so much about Jace and how much she liked him. She had accepted her fate, her marriage to Aegon and all, as he had accepted his betrothal to Baela as a political need.

But he had always been kind to her. And to Helaena, who was understood by so few, the memory of Jace had never faded.

Jace pulled Helaena's hands through the cell bars and kissed them reverently before she smiled at him and leaned in to kiss his cheek.

* * * * *

"I would speak to him again, see his countenance as we discuss my sister before I place her in any danger."

Aemond was tapping his fingers on the desk, and Elyse knew he was worried, that he loved Helaena so much and she had endured so much as Aegon's wife that he would not do anything to make her endure any more.

She watched him, wondering how anyone could think him unfeeling, uncaring, cold. When he glanced at her, she smiled. "Helaena will appreciate that."

"You seem very interested in her happiness."

"Of course I am, she is lovely, and she is my sister. I would see her find some joy in her private life."

Aemond rose slowly, circling around the desk until he could take Elyse's face in his hands and kiss her. "And do you, wife, have joy in your private life?"

She smiled against his lips. "You must know that I do, my lord husband."

"Lady wife," he whispered, "you have brought me a lot of joy as well. I thank the Seven every day for you."

* * * * *

"Aemond, this is not happening. Let me through!"

A minute later, Aemond opened the door, wearing only sleep pants, and nodded to the guard to let his mother in. Alicent walked in, and lowered her eyes the moment she realized Elyse was sitting up in the bed, holding the sheets up to her breasts.

"I am sorry, Your Highness, I did not wish to put hands on Her Grace to prevent her from screaming."

"Of course," Aemond responded, "back to your post." He closed the door as the guard left and then, ignoring his mother, went back to the bed and whispered something to Elyse. She nodded and he reached into the wardrobe in the corner to retrieve her robe.

Alicent turned, sighing, as Aemond finished helping Elyse, who scurried to the bathing chamber the moment she was covered.

"So tell me, mother, what is so important that you must break your confinement to your rooms and come to scream at my door."

Alicent's eyes held a sliver of defiance at the words, and she raised her chin, taking a moment to compose herself. "You cannot marry your sister to that bastard."

"I am aware this is the second time you have said 'no' to this alliance, and you should consider how much might have been avoided if you had only said 'yes' instead, all those years ago."

"She is married to Aegon!"

Elyse reappeared, her hair now pulled back into a loose braid, her robe firmly tied around her.

"Given his state, the marriage could be annulled. It has been done before, even with children born of the union."

Alicent's mouth dropped open and Aemond smirked.

"I would not sentence Helaena to a lifetime of loneliness just so we can pretend she and Aegon have a true marriage."

"The crown must-"

"The crown will survive it. Because the alliance will bring peace to the realm and once we all stop killing one another there shall be prosperity again."

Alicent shook her head. "He will want to reign. As Helaena's husband, as the queen's husband, he will-"

"Your Grace, Aemond has thought of everything. That would not happen."

"What do you know, girl?" Alicent muttered. "Or shall you call yourself the Princess Regent and wear a crown as well?"

"Guards," Aemond said quietly.

* * * * *

"A shadow lifts and the sun brings warmth again."

Elyse said nothing. She did not understand many things that Helaena said, but she looked at her and smiled nonetheless.

The ship taking Alicent, Ser Criston Cole, and Ser Otto Hightower to Essos grew smaller and smaller, and while guilt threatened to tear Aemond apart, Elyse knew that he was convinced it was the only way.

It would never stop. They would keep trying to undermine Aemond's decisions, to interfere with his attempts to stop this war that threatened to take everyone down.

"Daeron should be here in a few days," he said, still looking at the ship. "You will like him, he is kind."

Elyse squeezed her husband's hand. "You are kind."

He looked at her, looking confused.

"You are." She smiled. "You hide it well, but you are."

When Aemond smiled back, Elyse felt some of the tension leave his shoulders.

Helaena walked around Elyse and reached up to kiss her brother's cheek. "You are my favorite." She looked from him to Elyse and back. "Do not tell Daeron."

* * * * *

[farity]

Sorrow, part 14

"What the hell were you thinking?"

Elyse flinched at Otto's shout from the doorway, and Aemond immediately moved to her side.

"Jacaerys Velaryon in the Small Council? Tell me it is a jest," Otto continued, "please tell me it is you merely toying with that bastard boy."

Behind him, Alicent stood with her hands clasped, her face not giving away which side she was on.

"I am the Regent," Aemond replied, one hand on Elyse's shoulder, "and I have decided-"

"You decide nothing!"

Aemond took a step forward, facing his grandsire, and smirked. "I could decide to make him my new Hand."

Alicent gasped, and the fury in Otto's eyes turned into confusion.

"I am not Aegon, grandfather. I am not going to ignore my duties to drink and whore and let you run the realm. I mean to rule until my nephew is of age, and your place here is to advise and support."

Otto stared at him for a few seconds, then bowed, turned, and left.

"Aemond," Alicent whispered, rushing in past her father, "please do not turn this into a rift. I do not know what you are intending-"

"That is precisely the point, mother, you do not. Perhaps you might wish to spend more time with your grandchildren."

He did not say the rest, but Elyse could swear that she heard the threat in his words. While you can.

Alicent, too, turned and left, and Elyse waited until her footsteps faded away before turning to Aemond. "I would not make enemies out of them."

He kissed her forehead. "I do not wish to, but I wear the crown now, and I mean to make different choices.' I see only death if we continue in this path, and I have a chance to avoid such a destiny."

"Brother?"

They both turned at the small, tremulous sound of Helaena's voice.

"Is it true?"

Aemond extended his hand to his sister. "Is what true, sweet sister?"

Helaena looked from Aemond to Elyse and back again. "Jace might not die? He might," she swallowed, "be in the council?"

"It is up to him to make that choice."

"He was always very kind to me, Aemond," she added. "It is not his fault, you see, who his parents are. It is none of our faults."

"But it has been his choice to continue to perpetuate the lie."

Helaena's eyes began to fill with tears and Aemond closed his eye for a moment. "Hel, if he chooses to cooperate, I will not see him harmed. Unless he betrays me."

Sniffling, Helaena nodded. "I understand. I would not want that." She stood there, simply staring at Aemond until Elyse stood and hugged her, wiping away a tear that had escaped.

"Tell me about Jace," she said softly, leading the queen out of Aemond's study.

* * * * *

When Elyse returned to her rooms after speaking with Helaena, she found Alicent waiting for her.

"You must make him see."

Elyse stopped the sigh bubbling up in her chest. "Make who see what, Your Grace?" she began walking towards her little desk but Alicent grabbed her arm.

"Aemond. He should not defy my father so boldly, not after everything he has done for our family, all the years serving my lord husband, and then Aegon-"

"But neither of them sit the throne now," Elyse said, pulling her arm away.

"And Aemond listens to you."

Elyse smiled, "I would not presume to give him advice on ruling, I know so little of politics and governing."

"But you can sway him to continue the path that has been charted instead of this madness of putting Jacaerys on the council. What is he thinking?"

When Elyse said nothing, Alicent grabbed her again. "He is besotted with you, stupid girl, even though you cannot give him children, which is a woman's greatest joy and her only consolation in this life, but he is-"

"Stop it!" Elyse tried to push away but Alicent would not let go. "You need to leave, Your Grace, I will not be-"

"What is this?"

Both women turned at the sound of Aemond's voice. He stood in the doorway, slashes of color on his cheeks. "I asked a question."

"Aemond," Alicent said, rushing to him, "your wife sees things like I do, she would have you follow your grandfather's wise counsel and-"

"I said no such thing!" Elyse exclaimed, rubbing her arms where Alicent had held her.

"I thought lying was a sin, mother," Aemond said softly. "You better than most should know that."

Alicent clutched at his jacket. "Aemond, you cannot bring that bastard into our midst, he will betray you, maybe even attack your wife, have you thought of that?"

"Mother, I agree with my wife in that you should leave."

"Finally, Aemond, you can have your vengeance," Alicent continued, her voice frantic. "All these years, the sins of Rhaenyra and her family gone unpunished, and now you can end them."

"Enough!"

Elyse flinched, but Aemond merely grabbed his mother's hands, pulling them off him.

"I should see you confined to your rooms mother, at my pleasure, until such a time you have regained your composure. Guard!"

Alicent stared up at him, slack-jawed, until the guard appeared at her side, and then turned to leave silently.

* * * * *

"It will never end," Aemond said, rubbing his face. "Always plotting and scheming. I might have enjoyed it once, but now . . . "

Elyse sat on the thick rug by the fireplace. "Come here."

He laid down, placing his head on her lap. "I am sorry I frightened you. I did not mean to-"

"Do not worry about such things. It is the vestiges of my old life that still remain, but I know you mean me no harm," she said gently, caressing his hair. "May I remove your eye patch?"

Aemond nodded, letting her remove the leather strap as well as the tie that held his hair back. She began lightly running her fingers through the long locks and he felt his shoulders begin to unknot. "You are a balm, wife. A balm to soothe my jagged soul."

She laughed softly. "I do not see a jagged soul, Aemond. I see a man who finally has a chance to make a better world."

"Do you think it is possible? A better world, I mean."

She caressed his cheek. "It is always possible. Once I dared not dream of it, but you saved me and now I am happy here."

He said nothing, but took her hand and brought it to his lips.

"I want you to know something, and it doesn't have to mean anything. I mean, it does, but it should not be a burden on you, and it should not make you feel-"

"What is it, Elyse?"

She bit down on her lip for a moment, and then smiled at him. "I love you, you see."

He could only stare up at her, the words caught in his throat, and then she leaned down to kiss him.

"Elyse," he whispered.

"Shh," she placed a finger over his lips. "I just wanted you to know, Aemond, that you have my heart."

Aemond reached up to tuck her hair behind her ear. "It is the greatest treasure I have ever received." He rose up on his elbow, "I do not know what love is, wife, so I cannot profess that I love you, but you do have whatever black, rotten thing remains of my heart. And I know it is safe in your keeping."

He pulled her down to kiss her and felt her tears fall onto his cheek, but then she was laughing, and he smiled, wondering if amidst all the awful things he'd done there was a sliver of a chance the Seven might pity him and give him joy.

* * * * *

[farity]

Sorrow, part 13

"I wish to go with you."

Aemond studied his wife. He was leaving the following day to get hands on Jacaerys Velaryon and to mete out some long-delayed consequences to Elyse's former brother-in-law.

After a week and a half, starved and nearly mad with fear, Jace had made a run for Vermax, the dragon that had now been secured by the men Ser Otto had sent to surround the estate. The bastard boy had been caught, but Aemond wanted it to be him who faced the Prince of Dragonstone and told him he would be prince of nothing for the rest of his life.

"Are you sure?"

Elyse nodded. "I wish to see him when you capture him. When you put an end to his aspirations."

Aemond pressed his lips together before reaching for her. "Has my soft and sweet wife developed a taste for vengeance?"

She wrapped her arms around his waist, her head on his chest. "I want him to know I do not fear him."

"Very well, then I shall make arrangements." He could not deny her. He knew well the deep seated need for retribution, how consuming it could be to know that someone who had hurt you was not suffering by your own hand, and he would not deny her that.

He speared his hand through her hair, pulling her back so he could kiss her. He had not imagined such a thing, such an addiction to touching her. If she weren't so responsive maybe he could hold back, tell himself that she was with him because he had rescued her and given her a safe place to live her life.

As much as he didn't want to examine his feelings, Aemond knew it went far beyond gratitude for her. Far beyond protectiveness for him. How far he did not know and he had to keep his wits about him for what was to come.

* * * * *

As quiet as she was during the ride to her old home, Aemond could feel the worry and nerves that started to plague her. She was strong, incredibly so, to have not only survived as she had, but to keep her kind and gentle nature, to keep her heart from hardening into stone. But it didn't mean she did not fear, even if he would strike down anyone who'd dare think of harming her.

When they pulled in to the gates of the small estate, Cole nodded to the men who had surrounded it for the past weeks. "My prince," the knight said, turning to Aemond, "my princess, say the word and we shall have the traitors brought out."

"Bring the bastard boy out," Aemond said, and turned to Elyse. "I will leave the fate of the Lord to you, wife."

Elyse stared at him. They had not discussed this. They had not discussed much of anything, really, other than coming here to have the two men surrender. Her former brother-in-law and the Prince of Dragonstone. But she met his gaze and nodded, and let him dismount and come over to help her off her horse.

She knew he would have ridden Vhagar if she hadn't wanted to accompany him. She was still terrified of the great beast, but she would prove to Aemond that she was brave, that she could place her hand on the old dragon's side without shaking with fear.

Three men came out of the house, a dark haired young man in the center, the two on either side holding him as they walked.

"Are you going to kill me, too, Kinslayer?" the young man, Jacaerys, shouted, and Elyse winced.

If Aemond minded the taunt, he didn't show it. "Jacaerys Velaryon. Your mother, the usurper Rhaenyra Targaryen, is dead. And you are no longer Prince of Dragonstone. You are Prince of Nothing."

Jacaerys tried to lunge at Aemond but the men holding him would not budge.

"You can bend the knee and I will allow you to live the rest of your years in Essos, or you can rot in our dungeons until the Stranger takes you. You have until we reach King's Landing to decide."

Aemond turned before Jacaerys could reply, and without giving him a second thought, went to Elyse, taking one of her hands in his. "Have you decided what you wish to do?" he asked softly.

"I do not think we can trust him to keep his word if he says he will bend the knee," she said. "But I do not wish his death on my conscience, either."

"We can find somewhere to put him," Aemond said with an ease he did not feel. The man had watched as Elyse was harmed, had let it happen, had cheered on his brother to hurt and humiliate her. If it was up to him, he'd tear the man's limbs off his body one by one. But Elyse had wanted to be here. And he would give her the choice, abide by it, and not show her the rage that burned inside him.

"Not in King's Landing," she replied.

Aemond shook his head. "He would not be anywhere near you." He kissed her fingers, and said very gently, "he will never again be close to you. I swear it."

She looked up at him, her eyes trusting, and she nodded. "I will let Ser Criston know he can bring him out."

* * * * *

Her back was straight, her shoulders squared, her hands clasped together, and when the man appeared, flanked by two of Cole's men, she did not react.

"My lord," she said when he set eyes on her. "You are to be taken to a place of my choosing, where you will spend the rest of your days. Your title and lands are forfeit, and the House ends with you."

When he spat near her feet, she still did not move, but Aemond's grip on his sword tightened. "Stupid bitch, my brother should have let you die, you rotten little whore-"

This time Aemond did not hold back, and he planted his fist in the middle of the man's face with a sickening crunch. He heard Elyse's soft gasp, but to her credit, she did not flinch.

"Shall I cut off his tongue, wife, for disrespecting you?"

When he turned, he saw she had paled, but she was still composed, despite the way the lord's broken nose gushed blood.

"He did nothing to stop my suffering, husband, so I will let you decide and I will turn my head and look away, as he did."

* * * * *

"Elyse."

She was looking out the window in their bedchamber. She'd said almost nothing on the way back home, and she'd headed straight for their room when they arrived at the keep. Usually she would go see the children or at least say hello to Helaena but this time she was quiet, and Aemond decided he would not let it consume her.

"Elyse."

She turned, startled, and smiled at him. "Husband, I apologize, were you-"

"There is nothing to apologize for. Come here."

Dutifully, she walked to him, extended her arms to him, and let him pull her in.

"Tell me," he demanded."

"What?"

"Your thoughts. I would know them."

She pulled back, studying him. "I am glad to be home, that is all."

He caressed her cheek, kissed the tip of her nose. "That is not all, wife. I would not have you hide from me. I know today was difficult and I would not see you dwelling on these events. If you must think of what transpired today, then I wish to share in your thoughts."

She smiled again. "Aemond, truly, there is nothing to share."

He had to smile back. Despite his instinct telling him that she was very much thinking about what had transpired earlier, he could not resist the sweet way she looked at him. No one else had ever looked at him like that, and he would not push her if she was not ready to tell him.

* * * * *

Aemond awoke to the sound of her screams.

Even before he was fully awake, he had reached for her, placed himself protectively around her, when he realized that she was in the grip of a nightmare.

"Elyse," he said, pulling her up to sitting as the door opened and her maid rushed in. He heard the guard rushing in, the sound of his sword being freed from the scabbard, but he was only focused on his wife.

Elyse's eyes opened and he saw the confusion and terror in the dim light of dawn. Tears had fallen down her face and she now looked at him, her cold, cold hands gripping his arms. "Aemond."

"You're safe," he said steadily. "I have you."

The maid walked around the bed, carrying a cup. "Princess, this will help."

"What is it?" Aemond demanded.

"Orange blossoms are good for settling down the nerves. She has taken it before."

He turned to Elyse, who nodded and reached out for the cup. She sipped slowly, and he simply held her other hand. She had not had a nightmare in a long time, but he was not surprised that the previous day would have caused one.

"Thank you," she said quietly, handing the cup back. The maid curtsied and left along with the guard, closing the door gently behind them.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "Aemond, I'm so-"

He pulled her in, his throat too tight to speak. He knew what horror nightmares could be, but he had not suffered what she had. He could not imagine. He kissed the top of her head, wanting to take all that pain away, wanting to free her from it, despairing that he could not.

He felt her heart beating wildly against his chest, her unsteady breathing, but she let him soothe her, and he decided to try something else.

"Tell me about the orphanage."

She pulled back, swiped at her eyes, and gave him a small smile. "I think the children will like it," she began, "it will be a happier place than the old one, larger."

He saw the immediate change in her, when she spoke of helping others, and sat up against the headboard with her in his arms. "Tell me everything."

* * * * *

"What will you do with Jacaerys?"

Aemond tapped his fingers on the arm of the chair. "As I guessed, he will not bend the knee. Not that I would trust him if he did, but he cannot be kept anywhere he will cause trouble."

Elyse walked over to where he sat, leaned down and kissed his cheek. "So young, and now his future is to rot," she murmured, and gasped when Aemond pulled her over to sit on his lap.

She had not had any nightmares in the last few days, and he'd encouraged her when she'd wanted to visit the new orphanage, make sure all was as she envisioned. Her face was no longer so pale, her features not so drawn, and he thought, maybe, she was happy here. With him.

"I do not wish to speak of Jacaerys Velaryon," he said against her ear. "Not when you're sitting here, so warm and soft in my arms."

She sighed when he took her mouth, threaded her fingers through his hair, and when he rose to take her to their bed, she wrapped her arms around him.

"I much prefer to speak of you, wife," he said, running a hand up her calf.

"Of me?" she asked, unlacing her dress. "What would you say of me?"

He ran his hand back down to her ankle, brought it up to his lips and kissed the hollow inside as Elyse squirmed. "I would speak of your delightful legs, and how good they feel wrapped around me."

She blushed, but undid the rest of her clothes as he pulled off his shirt.

He pushed her down onto the bed once she'd tugged off the dress, and brushed her hair off her face. "I would tell you how I love your breasts." Before she could reply, he dipped down to taste one, smiling when she arched against him. "They're soft, like the finest silk," he added, rubbing his cheek against one small mound.

"Aemond," she whispered.

"I would tell you that you're soft all over, and your skin smells like wildflowers, and I cannot get enough of it."

He kissed his way down over her ribs, which he was glad to see were not as prominent any more. She made a little noise when he kissed her belly, and whimpered when he spread her legs open, "I would tell you the taste of you is intoxicating." He ran his tongue between her legs and she moaned. He gripped her hips, holding her still while she grabbed at the bedding.

He felt the moment she gave in, the feel of her fingers in his hair as she began rolling her hips, seeking release. He didn't stop, not when she came the first time, not when her moans grew loud enough that he knew the guards outside could hear, not when he saw tears rolling down the sides of her face. She was mindlessly chanting his name, her body his and he wanted, oh, he wanted to sink inside her so badly, but he wanted this more, to see her surrender to the pleasure he could give her, lost to everything but him. If it made him a monster, so be it. She knew what she'd married.

Only when she said, "please," did he stop, and then only to drive inside her, to feel her heat surrounding his cock and feel her shaky legs go around him. He loomed over her, one hand on her cheek as he held himself on the other. Her face was flushed, her skin so warm, and he knew he wasn't going to last long, so he buried his face in her hair and let the tide take him.

* * * * *

"I am offering you one chance, Lord Strong. To regain what is left of your dignity and bring peace to the realm."

From where he sat in his cell, Jacaerys Velaryon stared up at Aemond with rage in his eyes. But Aemond saw there was also curiosity, and he had counted on that to be the key to this conversation.

"Speak, Kinslayer," Jacaerys spat. "As you see, I am very busy here in your dungeon."

Aemond smirked. "I am offering you a place in the Small Council."

* * * * *

[farity]

AEMOND TARGARYEN - S2 of House of the Dragon

[farity]

Sorrow, part 12

"I believe you are clean enough, wife."

Elyse turned at the sound of Aemond's voice. She'd been scrubbing her skin until it was bright pink, the scent of the bath water finally taking over the grimy scent that had clung to her skin.

"Your Highness," her maid said, lifting the drying sheet so Elyse could stand and be wrapped.

"I will do it."

The maid looked from the princess to Aemond, and then curtsied before handing the thick fabric to him and leaving the bathing chamber.

He put out his hand to help her up, and when Elyse finally stood, he wrapped her up and then lifted her into his arms.

"Aemond, I'll be dripping all over you."

"Wife, I have you in my arms, and you are naked under this cloth, that is all that matters to me."

They'd spoken little since leaving Dragonstone to Cole's men. Jacaerys was nowhere to be found, but there was little the bastard boy could do without his mother now. Not that he would discount Jace, but with Rhaenyra gone, the major threat to his family was over.

Once in their rooms, he placed Elyse on their bed, slowly removing the drying sheet.

"I thought I might not see you again," she whispered. "I thought-"

Aemond pulled her into his arms, her bare skin still steaming from her bath, her hair a golden curtain over her shoulder. "You thought your husband could possibly allow that bitch to go unpunished?"

He pulled back, the muscle in his jaw tight as he remembered. "You thought I might let her live after she dared threaten you, after she dared take you from me, even for a day?" His voice was soft so as not to frighten her, but the rage, the fear, it was there, suffusing every breath he took.

"I told you I would do monstrous things if I needed to, Elyse."

She raised her hand to his cheek. "I have lived with monsters, Aemond."

"And knowing what I am, you're still here, willingly in my bed. Know that it means I will not let you go." He kissed her cheek. "Not now." His lips moved to the corner of her mouth. "Not ever."

In response, she turned her face to kiss him full on the mouth, her fingers tugging at his clothes. "Make me forget," she whispered.

* * * * *

Aemond watched his wife sleeping, curled up against him. He'd felt the most absolute terror when Cole had told him that Rhaenyra had her. The knight had knelt before Aemond after they'd arrived back in King's Landing and presented his sword, offering his head for the sin of not keeping Elyse safe.

"If there is ever a next time," Aemond had said, "I will take it." And walked out to find Elyse in her bath. He'd watched her for a few moments, the furious, desperate scrubbing of her skin and put an end to it before she drew blood.

He remembered watching Daemon take Vaemond Velaryon's head and wondered what his uncle would have thought of him taking Rhaenyra's head.

It was too good a death for that whore but he'd wanted to end it and take his wife home. Elyse had gasped and Syrax had roared, and Aemond had simply turned and let Cole's men take both head and body to carry to King's Landing.

Jace had not yet been found, but he would be. And Joffrey? What could the littlest bastard do? Maybe Aemond would have him clean up after Vhagar.

Elyse stirred, shifting in her sleep so her back was now to him, and he wrapped himself around her, pulling up the covers and kissing the back of her head.

He would do a better job of protecting her. He had to. Guards at all hours, but not uniformed, so she didn't feel caged in. The maid had been chosen personally by Cole, a capable girl who always carried a dagger. Everyone who came in contact with Elyse would have to be specially chosen, none from his mother's or grandfather's camp, for as great as his love was for them, he had little trust in either.

He thought of love and stilled. Nothing this vicious, this overwhelming could be love, could it? Nothing that provoked him to anger over her safety, that drove him to murder could possibly be considered love.

Maybe it was his kind of love. Monstrous love. The love of a beast for its mate. The kind of love that leads to hell itself.

Aemond smiled to himself.

He was already destined for that.

* * * * *

"The Prince Regent will not like that."

Alicent shrugged at her father. "Maybe not. But we must make sure. Do you trust the word of some ignorant girl who never had proper care? I do not."

Ser Otto leaned in. "This might be a rather delicate conversation, daughter, but as you insist in proceeding, I shall have it." He indicated the chair facing him and Alicent sat. "It has been how many weeks since they wed? Long enough for signs of a pregnancy to appear."

"Have you looked at her, father? She came to us emaciated. She is slight and her gowns-"

"And she has not had her moon blood since she arrived."

Alicent stilled. Elyse had been here for weeks. Long enough for a turn of the moon to make its appearance.

"Being malnourished might have affected her courses," Alicent insisted. "I would still make sure. For Aemond's sake."

Otto tilted his head, his expression clearly indicating that he did not believe that for a moment.

"It is better that we- that he knows for certain. I would not wish for him to carry the slightest hope of children."

He watched his daughter turn and leave the room, her bearing regal as always, as he had taught her. He'd made her queen of the realm, but now she was to be queen mother, a more delicate and diplomatic role, and he wondered.

* * * * *

"Brother."

Aemond looked up from his papers, and smiled at his sister. "Sweet girl, it is good to see you."

Helaena smiled back, approaching his desk. She looked around at the various things on his shelves, and began to walk towards a small carving of a dragon before she remembered why she'd come here.

"I heard mother talking," she began, fiddling with her hair. "She wants to make sure. She means well," she added, "but Elyse might be upset. And I do not want her to be upset."

Still smiling, Aemond stood slowly, not wanting to startle his sister. "Tell me," he said softly.

Helaena took a deep breath. "Mother worries, you see. She thinks you will always wonder, so she wants to make sure, but Elyse will not like it. I know what happened to her and she will not like it, Aemond. But mother means-"

Aemond ran out of his study, leaving Helaena to look at the pretty carving of the dragon.

He reached his rooms and saw Elyse pressing herself into a corner, hands out in front of her, while his mother and her maester tried to speak with her.

"What is the meaning of this?"

Alicent turned, startled, and the maester's shoulders sank.

"I will do it," Elyse said, letting her arms drop to her sides.

Aemond, eye blazing with fury, stalked forward. "Do what?"

Gathering herself together, Alicent faced her son. "We need to know for sure about Elyse's ability to bear children. I should like my own maester to examine her."

"I will do it," Elyse repeated, walking to Aemond. "I agree, Aemond."

He'd seen the fear in her eyes when he'd walked in, and he knew her well enough by now that he knew she was simply trying to calm things down before they escalated further.

"Does your meddling never end, mother?" he asked softly.

"Aemond-"

"Does it matter if she can bear children or not? Would she not know if she could?"

"The maester is experienced-"

"Aegon has three children to secure the line, why does it matter if Elyse can have them?"

Alicent looked up at her son, and for the first time in a long time he saw regret in her face. Elyse turned to the maester. "Let's do it now. Shall I lay on the bed?"

Aemond stared down at his mother while Elyse led the maester away. He took a step closer. "Should you like to spend the rest of your days in Pentos or Volantis, mother?"

* * * * *

"Jacaerys has been found. It seems your former brother-in-law was true to his word of supporting Rhaenyra, and has given him sanctuary."

Elyse looked back at Otto Hightower's, unflinching. "Maybe you should not have let him go so easily. After you invited him here, I mean, and he told you he meant to support her."

When Aemond looked at his grandfather, it was with a smirk on his face. "Have you secured the bastard?"

"We cannot break the rule of sanctuary, but we can surround them, starve them out."

"What about Joffrey?"

"There is no trace of him, he could be anywhere."

Aemond thought for a moment. "Then do it, starve them out, I can be patient. Then Jace can be brought here to spend the rest of his life as our guest." He looked at his wife and nodded. "We are building a new orphanage. This shall be princess Elyse's main interest for the foreseeable future, and I expect a full array of tradesmen to be involved. Wife?"

Elyse looked at him, then at Otto, and took a deep breath before speaking. "The old orphanage serves its purpose, but only just. I would like a brighter, happier place not just for the little ones but for the older children who are ready to start learning a trade. I should like to see them not simply be destined to serve, but to have pride in their craft."

"That is most ambitious, princess. Especially as the Prince Regent has sent off all the septas that worked there, so now there are only a few people running the current orphanage."

"I will not have people I cannot trust working there," Aemond snapped, "someone had to help Rhaenyra conceal herself there prior to my wife's visit, and I will not risk her safety." He stared at his grandfather. He would fight him on this if need be, he would do whatever he needed to do to keep Elyse safe.

As if reading his mind, Elyse placed her hand on his, and smiled at him when he looked up.

"I shall draw up estimates and make a list of suitable people."

Aemond nodded, and as Otto left, he brought Elyse's hand to his lips. "I am proud of you, wife."

"Why?"

He pulled her to his lap and began kissing her neck. "You spoke back to him," he felt her pulse against his mouth, "and you did not cower. Most do before Otto Hightower."

When he rose, she wrapped her legs around him, not caring where he was going, until she saw where they were.

"Aemond."

"Hmm."

"We're in the throne room."

He nipped at her neck and she gasped. "We are, indeed."

He placed her down only to pull off his jacket and place it on the throne before he sat and pulled her down to straddle him.

"Aemond."

He looked up at her flushed face as he reached under her gown, running his hands along her thighs. "Do you wish to present an objection to your current situation, wife?"

She shook her head almost imperceptibly, but shivered when his clever fingers found her, and began stroking her.

"This is- oh, this is most wicked."

Aemond kissed her, his tongue delving into the sweet warmth that felt like home to him. How long had he sought purpose, how long had he wanted someone to embrace all he was?

Her hand came to his cheek as always. It was as if she thought that with enough caresses, his scar would disappear. When he slipped his fingers inside of her, her hands moved to his shoulders, clinging as he swallowed her moans.

She was so close, he knew, and he curled his fingertips, feeling her muscles clenching, her body tensing. He was so ready for her, his cock straining against his breeches so painfully he thought he'd explode even before he could get inside her.

She fell against him, limp after her orgasm, her head on his shoulder, and he freed himself as quickly as he could. The thought of fucking on the Iron Throne was, as she'd said, wicked enough. But taking her, his wife, having her ride him as he sat the throne that belonged to him, that was a particular delight.

He grabbed her hips and impaled her on his cock. Elyse whimpered, her mouth seeking his. "Yes," she whispered, "yes."

Aemond let her take his mouth, let her tongue slide alongside his as her hips began to rock. She was as desperate as he, and the thought made him dizzy. "More," she said, and he gave her more, her moans and whimpers mixing with his groans until she screamed, her hands fisted in his hair so painfully he thought she'd pull it off his scalp.

When he came, there was only her.

* * * * *

[farity]

Sorrow, part 11

The moment Aemond saw Ser Criston's face, he felt fear invading every part of him.

"Where is my wife?"

"My prince, I walked inside-"

"WHERE IS MY WIFE!" Aemond shouted, standing up, fists on the desk.

Criston, eyes defeated, simply said. "Rhaenyra has princess Elyse."

* * * * *

It was dark in her cell. Nothing as horrible as the dungeons her late husband had thrown her in occasionally, but still, a cell was a cell, even without rats.

She saw someone approaching and curled herself against the corner.

"He took my son, and now he's taken my husband," came Rhaenyra's soft voice. "It is too much to bear," she added, voice breaking. "That family has taken everything from me." She stared at Elyse for a few moments, than turned back and left.

Elyse could not imagine, of course, the losses that Rhaenyra had endured. She was supposed to be queen, until she wasn't, and she had lost her father, her baby, her son, and her husband in quick succession.

It was enough to drive anyone to madness.

She just hoped that she could reunite with Aemond before Rhaenyra gave in to her rage.

A servant came in, sliding a tray under the bars, and as much as Elyse wondered if it was poisoned, she was so hungry that she dove in. It was dry bread, ale, and some kind of slop, but she'd eaten worse, and less, in her old life, so she ate everything, figuring she would be needing her strength from then on.

* * * * *

"Aemond, you cannot go to Dragonstone, it is precisely what she wants." Alicent placed her hand on her son's arm, and found him pulling away from her touch.

"I understand not caring for your spouse is what we do in this family, but once again, I take a different road, mother." He was donning armor, letting his personal servant adjust the ties and clasps. "I will kill that bitch once and for all."

Alicent looked down It was never supposed to happen this way. Aegon was destined to be king and it was supposed to be a golden, glorious reign. Now he was bed-ridden, his mind dulled and his legs destroyed, his beautiful face half burned. Helaena didn't seem to care much, always having been in a world of her own, but she did love her children and that meant a lot to Alicent.

Aemond, who had been an outcast for so long within his own family, and was now cursed as a kinslayer, wore Aegon's crown and his impetuousness had now landed him a wife.

Alicent had spoken to her maester before this all happened. She would have him examine Elyse, find out if the young woman was telling the truth about being unable to bear children.

* * * * *

It was difficult to sleep with only your arm for a pillow. Not that she hadn't done it before, but between the cold that seeped in, the worry about what would happen to her and Aemond, and every little noise making her jump, Elyse couldn't get more than a few minutes' rest at a time.

Rhaenyra had not come back in a long time. Neither had anyone else, and she was hungry again. She'd found a bucket in the corner to relieve herself in but felt grubby and sticky and if she got out of this place she would spent a long time in the nearest body of water, washing off the filth that surrounded her.

Had it all been a dream? Her time with Aemond? The soft words, the loving touches, would she ever feel them again, or was she destined to die, forgotten to all, in this hell hole? Would she ever feel his arms around her, his lips on hers, the weight of him pressing her into their bed? She could almost feel his hair on his fingertips if she closed her eyes. She would not forget. She would endure, and she would find her way back to him.

* * * * *

Vhagar raged, her anger echoing that of her rider's. Aemond guided the great dragon over the home of his half-sister, heard the answering roar of Syrax. He could not risk an attack without knowing where Elyse was, and so he landed by the great doors of Dragonstone and made his way inside.

There were no guards, no one between him and the figure that sat on the throne, the crown of Jaeherys atop her head.

"I have been waiting for you, brother."

"Where is my wife?"

"It is time for you to answer for your many sins."

Aemond gritted his teeth at her tone. "There shall be plenty of time for that in the seven hells that await me, sister. Now, I want my wife brought to me."

Rhaenyra stood, took the few steps down from the dais until she was but a few feet from him. "You took my son from me, my sweet boy," she said quietly, "and now you have taken my husband."

"And his whore," Aemond snarled. "I thought you'd be grateful for that."

"I loved him!"

"Clearly, it wasn't mutual."

Rhaenyra turned to the side. "Guard!"

As Aemond watched, a guard walked in from a side door, holding Elyse's arm. She looked terrified, pale, but when she looked at him she managed a small smile.

"Wife," he said, "I am here to take you home."

"I am delighted to hear that, husband."

The guard stopped far enough from Aemond that he clenched his fists at his side, wanting nothing more than to grab Elyse.

"It is due to my mercy that your wife lives, Aemond, mercy you do not deserve for you had none for mine. But my mercy is not limitless, and-"

"Your wretch of a son should have been punished for what he did to me," Aemond snapped, "but you were too busy pretending your bastards were true, pretending calling them as they were was worse than Luke taking my eye. This is all our father's fault."

"Father's biggest mistake was marrying Alicent," Rhaenyra countered. "He had an heir, there was no need for more children. But now I present you with a choice, brother."

Aemond said nothing, his eye darting between his sister and his wife. Elyse looked at him, her hands clasped together as the guard continued to hold her arm.

"Bend the knee. Pledge your loyalty and your dragon to me, and I will give you your wife back."

"No, Aemond."

He turned to Elyse, who was shaking her head.

"Do not do it."

"Be quiet," Rhaenyra spat, "or I shall cut your pretty head from your body!"

Aemond lunged at his sister, and froze when he saw the guard put a blade to Elyse's throat. He would tear Rhaenyra to pieces with his bare hands if she dared harm his wife. It was time to end this charade, he thought.

"Wait," he said, and took a step back.

A moment later, the guard made a gurgling sound and Elyse screamed.

Rhaenyra turned, and saw Ser Criston Cole step around the dying guard, pulling his blade out of the back of the man's neck. "You're safe, princess," he said, and Elyse ran to Aemond.

"Guards!"

"Don't bother, princess," Ser Criston said to Rhaenyra, "they're all dead. You really should hire a better quality of soldier."

* * * * *

While Cole and his men secured Dragonstone, Aemond kept his arms around Elyse, kissing her hair while she simply pressed herself against him.

"Were you harmed?"

"No," she replied, "other than keeping me from you, no." She pulled back, her fingers ghosting along the planes of his face. "I'm sorry I smell," she smiled weakly.

Aemond shook his head. "I have you back," he pressed his lips to hers. "I will make her pay for daring to lay a hand on you."

"Can we go home?" she asked, and as much as Aemond wanted to do just that, he had unfinished business with Rhaenyra.

He brushed his lips against hers again. "Soon, wife. Stay with Ser Criston." He felt the momentary panic as she gripped him tightly, but then she stepped back, and let him go.

"Ser Criston," he said as he walked to where his sister sat on the steps of the dais, his men on each side of her. "With your life."

"My prince," Cole said simply, and nodded.

Aemond walked toward Rhaenyra, taking his time.

"It is time for you to answer for your many sins."

* * * * * *

[farity]

She was covered in blood and filth, crumpled in the corner, unmoving.

Tagging whoever wants to play!

rules: in a new post, show the last line you wrote (or drew) and tag as many people as you feel like.

I was tagged by @itbmojojoejo - thanks, dearest!

Finan stood beside the bed, his dark eyes glittering in the last of the day’s light that shone through the window as he trailed his gaze from Faoladhean’s face down her body, and back up again.

*bow chicka wow wow*

No pressure tags: @arcielee @bucknastysbabe @boundlessfantasy @farity @barbieaemond @aemonds-fire @huramuna @idkyetxoxo @jacevelaryonswife @mrsarnasdelicious @neptuneiris @foxyanon @persephones-journey @poetic-fiasco @lord-aldhelm @st-eve-barnes @valeskafics

And anyone else who wants to jump in...

[farity]

Sorrow, part 10

"The announcement shall take place in the morrow - many rumors swirl regarding the king and we must end them."

Aemond nodded, watching as his grandfather unrolled the parchment that proclaimed him, officially, Prince Regent. His eye landed on his wife, who was watching him. She'd gained some color in the last few days, he thought, not so pale as she had been when she'd first arrived at King's Landing, her ribs not as visible when she undressed.

He felt the stirrings of lust at the thought of Elyse removing her clothing. He'd had her that morning, yet he felt as if he had not bedded his wife in days.

"Sign."

Aemond took the quill, added his signature and some flourishes to the bottom of the parchment.

"What news of that whore, my sister?"

Ser Otto closed his eyes at the language, but merely said, "we have yet to hear anything. She has certainly heard of Daemon's death and she will be more dangerous than ever."

"Let her try. We shall be ready for her."

Elyse stood, and joined him at the desk, looking down at the proclamation.

Ser Otto left, and Aemond wrapped his arm around his wife's shoulders. "And you, Princess, shall we have a crown made for you as well?"

"Aemond," she chided gently. "I want no such thing."

He kissed her until she was clinging to his shoulders, her mouth demanding on his. She had lost some of her timid nature around him, and he would do everything in his power to encourage her. "I wish to take you while riding Vhagar," he whispered in her ear, and felt the shiver that went through her. "Have you ride me while I ride the greatest dragon in the realm."

Her arms went around his neck and he grabbed her, lifting her off the ground as he walked to their chambers.

"Maybe some other time," he muttered, once he had closed the door, "I have to have you now."

He kept his eye on her face while he tore the clothes from her body, ready to stop if he saw fear in her eyes, but she was as frenzied as he, pulling at his tunic and the laces on his breeches until he could take it no more and drove inside her, not caring that he still had one leg mostly in his trousers and the leather tie was hanging from his hair.

She moaned as he filled her, arching her back, and he pressed his forehead to hers, trying desperately not to rut into her mindlessly like the animal he was. He kissed her upturned lips, and felt her fingertips caressing his cheek.

She was life and warmth and he would push aside all thoughts of war and death when he was with her. "Mine," he whispered as she kissed his jaw. "Mine."

* * * * *

Alicent stood, once again, as a son of hers was crowned as ruler of the realm.

Regent. Ruler. It was the same, she thought. Her father would always be plotting behind the scenes, except this time she hoped he would meet some resistance. Aemond wasn't as willing to let go of the reins as Aegon had been, and she wanted to see her middle son prove himself.

She watched Elyse, dressed in grey, standing next to Aemond. She'd gently but firmly declined to wear any sort of crown or headpiece, and wore her blond locks down, held back only by a black ribbon. She wore no jewels, either, and Alicent decided to choose her battles when it came to the young woman and she would not fight this one.

She had ordered more suitable gowns to be sewn and embroidered for her. It would not do for the wife of the regent to walk around like a peasant in those simple dresses she wore. She might talk to Aemond, appeal to his vanity to take pride in his wife.

The crown of Aegon the Conqueror was placed on Aemond's head by Ser Criston Cole and the crowd cheered. Here there was no chance of a dragon tearing through the floor like when that bitch Rhaenys had nearly killed them all. Still, she knew her father had ordered extra men to keep watch, not only here, but all the way to Dragonstone.

To her surprise, after Aemond raised a hand to thank the crowd, he turned and grabbed his wife's hand, placing a kiss on it, and the crowd roared in approval.

Elyse had turned a bright shade of pink, but Aemond wasn't letting go of her hand.

Alicent considered, maybe Aemond was already playing the game. Aegon would certainly never had made any sort of loving gesture towards Helaena, but here was a young couple clearly in tune with each other.

Too bad about Elyse, though. A child might have cemented Aemond's legacy as regent until little Jaehaerys came of age, but if Elyse was right, there would be no children for them.

Aemond took Elyse back into the keep, and Alicent followed. Helaena had chosen to stay with her children and Aegon, well, Aegon was probably not even aware of what was happening. His beautiful face often wore a mask of confusion and pain, his mind dulled by milk of the poppy.

"Daeron might have made an appearance."

She turned to her father. "At least he gets to live away from all of this. Leave him be. He will be in your clutches soon enough." She spoke without looking at him, and walked faster to put distance between them.

* * * * *

"Dragonstone is far too close."

Otto watched as his grandson issued his first challenge.

"I do not want that bitch and her remaining bastards so close."

He saw Aemond's point. Dragonstone was a short dragon ride away from Westeros and they would always live under the threat of Rhaenyra amassing some semblance of power.

"Where do you suggest, then, Prince Regent?"

Aemond didn't bother to hide a smirk. "Pentos? Volantis? The middle of the sea?" He laced his fingers together. "She can live where we choose, surrounded by our people, in case she begins to plot."

"Then Pentos would be ideal. I shall draft terms and head to Dragonstone."

"I will go."

Otto shook his head. "I cannot risk that. They might be waiting for us, Aemond, and you going would be giving them a prize we cannot afford."

"I'm glad you have such heartfelt feelings for your flesh and blood," Aemond said mockingly. "Fine, but take enough men so that you do not become a prize yourself."

When Aemond stood, Otto simply stared. "We are not finished here-"

"I'm finished here, grandfather, but if you wish to stay here until dawn, you are within your right."

* * * * *

Elyse said nothing as the seamstress adjusted the neckline on her new dress. "Not too low, please," she had said, and the young woman had nodded and pulled up the fabric until Elyse felt more comfortable.

The dress was simple but it was nicer than anything she had ever worn. The silk alone shimmered whenever she moved, a silvery blue that made the earbobs Alicent had given her sparkle even more. She had never been one for jewels or adornments, but she was well aware of her position and how she might reflect on Aemond, and more than anything she wanted to be of help to him. If it meant dressing up, so be it.

Alicent had also given her a small pendant shaped like the star of the Seven, and Elyse had dutifully worn it every single day since.

Once the seamstress was finished, the helped Elyse remove the gown and put her own dress back on.

She would be visiting the orphanage in Flea Bottom later and she felt better wearing one of her plainer dresses. It would almost be an insult to go see the poor, destitute children wearing priceless jewels and dazzling fabrics.

Ser Criston would go with her. He was loyal and a fierce warrior, and although he was hardly needed when she was going to see children, Aemond would not agree to this outing unless she took Ser Criston with her.

"Princess."

She turned at the sound of his voice, and nodded, making sure the bag of sweets was safe in her pocket.

"Thank you for accompanying me, Ser Criston."

"It is my honor, Your Highness. It is very kind of you to bring some joy to those poor souls."

Once at the orphanage, the children watched her warily at first, until a little girl bravely walked up to her as she extended a hand containing a sweet. Elyse smile as the girl unwrapped the sweet and put it in her mouth, and then turned to the other kids and called them over.

Ser Criston hovered, but Elyse never stopped smiling as the children surrounded her, their soft murmurs of "princess" giving way to laughter as she tickled them or ruffled their hair. She ran out of sweets but promised to return, and then headed down the corridor to speak to some of the septas that ran the orphanage.

She meant to donate as much as Aemond would allow, make this a place of joy, not just survival, make sure the children were not only educated but could also play and thrive. When she knocked on the office door, Ser Criston took his place nearby.

The door opened and Elyse walked in, a warmth filling her at having seen so many children smiling and knowing she would be doing more for them. She could make a difference, she had access to resources that might not mean much to others but they would change so much in these children's lives. If she could not have her own children, then she would do whatever she could for others.

When the door closed behind her, she saw there was no one at the desk and she turned around and found herself facing a woman, holding a dagger toward her.

* * * * *

[farity]

🫣

[farity]

Sorrow, part 9

Elyse awoke with a start.

She'd seen it in her dreams. Aemond's death. The sword going through his eye, the dragon taking him down into the sea, the waters going still after the initial explosion.

No.

It would not happen, she could not lose him like that, not when they had just started a life together.

She wrapped a robe around herself and walked barefoot all the way to the sept. It was barely dawn, the guards watching her as she rushed to light a candle.

She was still there, hours later, when Alicent came in.

"Elyse."

Her throat was dry after all that time of silent prayers, and she could only look at the dowager queen.

* * * * *

"We sent a raven," Alicent was saying as Elyse stared at her food. "To find out more about this Nettles person, whoever he or she is."

Elyse nodded, unable to shake off the images from her dream.

"Child, you must eat."

When Elyse could only stare at her, Alicent stood and moved to take the chair next to her.

"Aemond would not want you to waste away while he is gone. If there is something else you want from the kitchens I can call the maid, but I will not have you falling ill while you are in my care."

She was right. Aemond would want her to take care of herself. She picked up a roll and the dish of marmalade while Alicent poured them both some tea. "Drink some while it's still hot."

She nodded, watching her mother in law sipping at her cup. After taking a bite of bread, she picked up her own cup, letting the heat of it warm her cold fingers.

"Do you know when he will return?"

Alicent shook her head gently, taking another sip of the tea. "Not precisely. If one of his men has the chance, they would send a raven, but it is not always possible." She reached out and took Elyse's hand in her own. "He is the best, the most clever, and he will return to us."

Elyse nodded, well aware that saying something did not make it so, no matter how strong your faith was. And she would not mention her nightmare.

She made herself eat some more before heading back to the rooms she shared with Aemond.

It was strange, all that had transpired in the last few days. From the shameful joy she'd felt when her husband had finally died, to the freedom she'd hoped for, and the terror of being tied down to another odious man.

And then Aemond had spoken, and his words had the power to change her entire life. Elyse, who had never had any sort of power, had let his words carry her away. And now she waited, and hoped, and prayed, that he would return to her safe and sound.

* * * * *

There were two of them, Aemond saw. His uncle, and someone he did not know on another dragon.

A Targaryen bastard. It had to be, to be able to ride the beast. He saw Daemon turning to glance at the other dragonrider, and he smiled to himself. He'd have to strike at the perfect moment, and never lose sight of Daemon.

He saw the other rider circle around to his blind side and mentally cursed his luck.

It was no luck. That was precisely why Daemon had brought someone else. To exploit Aemond's weakness. But the new rider, although capable enough, seemed nervous, the young, feminine voice giving commands to their dragon still unsure.

Aemond needed but a glimpse of a chance.

He commanded Vhagar to double down and head to Caraxes, and at the last moment, turned to where he guesses the new rider would be by now.

Dracarys.

Vhagar did not need him to shout it at the top of his lungs. Aemond would swear the great beast had almost read his mind, and as she unleashed her fire upon the much smaller dragon that carried the new rider, Daemon screamed.

"Nettles!"

Aemond smiled and thought of Elyse. He had the one thing no one else in this cursed family had, and he was not going to let it go. He would return to his wife, he would take her in his arms again, he would feel her soft voice murmuring his name and he would have joy. Finally.

Instinctively, he undid the chains securing him to the saddle. He didn't need them after so many years.

The small dragon screeched and began to fly erratically, and Aemond knew the rider was dead.

Daemon roared, and he saw Caraxes heading straight toward him and Vhagar.

* * * * *

Elyse was in the Sept, praying in front of the candle she had lit for Aemond. She'd been clutching her hands together in prayer and worry for so long that her fingers were almost locked together.

Please, she begged, over and over, formal prayers fading into sheer desperation.

She couldn't call it love, not yet anyway. She knew herself enough to know that there was gratefulness and tenderness in what she felt for her husband, and she certainly desired him, but was that love? She wouldn't know anyway, but for now it would do, and she asked for so little it might do for the rest of her life, if he was willing to have her as damaged as she was.

But there was a little voice inside her, a tiny whisper that said she wanted more. Not just kindness and gratefulness.

Perhaps it would blossom. Perhaps for the first time in her life, Elyse would have something she'd never had before and life wouldn't be about enduring but about joy.

"Your Highness."

Elyse snapped out of her reverie and turned to see her maid silhouetted against the doorway of the Sept.

* * * * *

She ran as fast as her feet would take her, the endless paths and buildings in her way a blur as she raced to the fields outside the keep.

When she turned around a corner and saw him, she couldn't stop the sob that escaped her throat.

He stopped when he saw her, his face drenched in blood, and then he was closing the distance between them and she finally had her arms around him.

He was home, he was saying her name over and over and she was crying like a fool because that nightmare had never left her mind.

"Aemond," she finally whispered. "Aemond."

He pulled back and she saw the slash at his temple, so close to his good eye.

* * * * *

It looked a lot worse than it was, although Elyse knew that it had almost become the very image she'd had in her dreams. A long cut from the bone framing his eye back toward his temple. He'd allowed her to clean the would but refused the maester's offer to stitch it closed.

"This 'Nettles' person was riding her own dragon," Aemond said as everyone sat around the table. "A smaller, weaker thing, much like its rider," he smirked. "Daemon seemed more attached to her than if she had been a simple soldier. maybe my sister will not be too troubled by their deaths."

Daemon had jumped off Caraxes, dagger in hand, but Aemond had let one of his own daggers fly at his uncle, hitting him in the chest as he leapt, and Daemon, wide-eyed in surprise, had fallen onto Vhagar's side, the impact driving the blade further in, and then he'd slid off silently into the sea.

Caraxes had roared and turned to her falling rider, and Aemond had turned back and headed home. He rubbed circles on the back of Elyse's hand, who hadn't left his side since he returned.

"Your wife has been praying for your safe return, as have I," Alicent said, "I will thank the Seven for all their blessings."

Aemond nodded at his mother, then looked at his grandfather. "I would like to make plans for the next encounter, and draw up terms in case she chooses to surrender." Standing, he tugged Elyse along as the meeting ended.

* * * * *

She'd had a bath drawn for him, and watched him as he shed off his bloodstained clothes.

"Come here, wife."

She followed dutifully to the bathing chamber as he sat in the great tub, groaning as he leaned back in the steaming water.

"May I remove your eye patch? There is blood in your hair."

He looked up at her and reached up to remove it himself. She was blushing, he saw, and her fingers shook as she took the eye patch from him. When she returned with some washcloths and a bottle, he watched her as she sat on the edge of the tub and poured some liquid into her hand.

"Would you sit up?"

"No."

Her eyes darted at him and he hated the speck of fear in them.

"I have a better idea," he added, and reached out to grasp her waist and tumble her in.

"Aemond!"

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her until she became pliant and started kissing him back. His hands starting pushing up the fabric of her skirts until he felt her thighs, and pulled her to straddle him. He wanted her, could only think of her, and when he reached between her thighs she whimpered against his mouth.

"My delightful wife," he murmured as he stroked her gently.

Elyse pulled back, breathing heavily, her eyes heavy with want, and she leaned in to press a gentle kiss to his scarred eye. Her lips followed a path down to his jaw and Aemond let his head fall back, not wanted her to stop. She rubber her cheek against his, placed more soft kisses on his neck, and Aemond felt himself grow dizzy with need.

He began pushing inside of her, his cock hard and ready for her, and she rolled her hips, taking him in slowly. When he was fully seated within her, he grabbed her hips, encouraging her to move faster, harder.

She began to moan, her hands rushing like silk over his shoulders, his chest. She wanted all of him, and Aemond, used to being stared at and feared, felt hot tears gathering behind his eye. "Aemond," she whispered against his ruined cheek, "you feel-"

He kissed her, fingertips digging into her skin as she moved. He felt her whimper again, and then she tightened around him, her slim body taut, her nails marking his skin. He'd wear those marks proudly. He'd have her mark him every single time.

He wrapped his arms around her as she sunk against him, and let himself go.

* * * * *

He played with a lock of her hair as she curled against him in bed. Her skin still damp, he'd pulled the covers over them both to keep her warm, and she'd said little since they'd left the bathing chamber.

He was content to simply hold her, to feel her fingers run over his chest, drawing endless patterns. Twirling the length of hair in his hand, he watched as it went from gold to the color of sand as he turned it. Their children might have had her hair, he thought to himself.

"It was very close."

Aemond looked down at her, raising an eyebrow.

"The wound. It was very close to your eye." Elyse kissed his shoulder. "I hope you do not have to leave again."

"That depends on my dear sister, hmmm? She's always gotten her way, so I suppose it is a bitter meal she shall eat if she accepts the terms we will present."

"Do you think Ser Otto will agree on the terms?"

Aemond shrugged. "I am sure he will fight me on some things, but most likely it will be on the things I have added for that very purpose. It gives him joy to get the upper hand, but if it is on things I do not care about, he can have all the joy in the realm." He traced a finger down Elyse's cheek. "For I have mine own joy and no one shall take her from me."

Her mouth curved into a soft smile and she pressed a kiss to his jaw. "I did not know it could be like this," she said shyly, "to feel so at ease with another, to know that going into your husband's arms means you will be touched as if you are something precious. I did not know that."

"You are," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You are precious to me. You have brought gentleness and sweetness to my life. I never had that, Elyse. Not until you."

She shook her head, "you have it now, Aemond. None shall take you from me, either." She wrapped an arm around his waist, curling against him as if she could protect him from all the evils of the world.

* * * * *

[farity]

Devil in the Details

"Oh. My. Motherfucking. God."

You turned at your friend Floris's whispered exclamation.

It took you but a second to figure out what she was so excited about.

Aemond Targaryen, the black sheep of the Targaryen dynasty, the reclusive billionaire who looked down at everyone vying for his attention, the man you'd been in lust with since you'd met him five years ago, had actually made an appearance at the glittering charity gala hosted by his mother.

"I need to get his skin care routine," Floris said, biting on her lower lip as she scrutinized Aemond from head to toe. "I'd love to climb that tree tonight."

Good luck with that, you thought to yourself.

You'd been in the same Uni class as his sister Helaena and met Aemond when you'd gone over to work on a joint project. He'd been quiet and almost shy, and you had been instantly smitten.

And had not been able to date anyone in the five years since because all you thought about was Aemond Targaryen.

Not that he gave you a second thought, as far as you knew.

"What the fuck is he wearing?" Floris continued, and, tired of pining after the man, you looked at her and snapped, "why don't you go find out?" before walking away to get your drink refilled.

* * * * *

"We are so very thankful for your family's contribution - the children will benefit greatly," Alicent smiled at you, leaning in to air-kiss you as you said your goodbyes.

You got your coat from the girl at the front, and were about to call for your car when you felt a hand grab your arm.

"Leaving already?"

Your heart began pounding as you recognized Aemond's voice, and taking a breath to steady yourself, you turned to face him.

By the Seven, he looked amazing. He'd shaved off his hair a few months ago when Aegon had done the same after having one too many drinks. Alicent had screamed at her oldest son and out of brotherly solidarity, Aemond had grabbed the electric shaver and started running it along his scalp right in front of his mother.

His eyes bore into yours, the prosthetic eye he had so perfect that you couldn't tell which eye was the real one. Every time you thought about it, you wanted to wallop his cousin, the little shit who had taken Aemond's eye during a childhood fight.

"I've seen enough people to last me a few months," you said, looking at what was, indeed, damn perfect skin, as Floris had mentioned. And was that eyeliner? Because his eyes had never been bluer than they were at that moment.

"Tell me about it," he said, still holding on to your arm, "I was going to grab a drink at the quiet bar next door, if you're game."

There was something vulnerable in his expression and you found yourself nodding and taking the arm he offered. "What in the world are these?" you asked.

He looked down at the latex gloves. "Mother's been berating me for not making an appearance at these things," he shrugged, "so here I am. Maybe she should have specified a dress code."

* * * * *

"You know, there's a name for what you're doing," you said, taking a sip of your drink.

He raised an eyebrow.

"Malicious compliance."

He smiled and nodded. "Yeah, that would be me." He looked back up at you, eyes sparkling, "if she'd wanted me to wear a tux, she should have said so."

"Would you have, though?" you prodded, "I have a feeling you would have figured some way to twist that dress code around. You were always the clever one."

"Not so clever if I never got you to go out with me."

You stared at him for a few seconds. "Aemond, you never asked."

"I'm asking now."

He placed a few bills on the table and placed his hand palm up on the table.

You narrowed your eyes at him, making him laugh, and then placed your hands on his, and let him lead you out the door.

* * * * *

"How is Helaena liking Naath?"

"She loves it there. She has to get her shot every six months but she doesn't care, as long as she can keep studying the butterflies."

"And Aegon?"

"He stopped drinking after he shaved off his head, said it didn't suit his perfectly shaped skull."

You laughed, remembering Aegon's rather oversized ego, and then stole a glance at Aemond. "What about you? How have you been?"

He shrugged, "the company is doing well, family's good," he looked at you, "and I'm on a wonderful date."

You raised your eyebrows, "oh it's a date, is it?"

You could have sworn he blushed, but he lifted your hand to his lips and kissed the back. "It very much is, but I do have a problem." He looked at you very seriously. "I need to lose these damn gloves."

* * * * *

It took about twenty minutes of careful tugging and maneuvering but finally, Aemond was free of the gloves and while you got two coffees to keep you going, he headed to the bathroom to wash his arms.

Back on the street, he grabbed your hand in his as he sipped at his coffee. "This is much better."

"So where on earth does one get this sort of getup to shock Alicent Hightower?"

He smiled. "My friend is a stylist and he hooked me up. His girlfriend is a makeup artist and she put all this stuff on my face and hair."

"You look amazing," you said sincerely, "your eyes look super blue."

"I could feel mom's blood pressure spiking as she noticed the eyeliner and highlighter," he laughed. "It was worth it."

"I bet she'll say extra prayers for you tonight."

Nodding, he took another sip of his coffee. "Not enough prayers in the world," he mused. You stopped to drink some of your own coffee and he pulled you closer. "And I really want to kiss you."

You looked up at him, your heart beating faster, and then he placed his coffee cup down, and took your face in his hands. He brushed his nose against yours, not rushing you, and then his lips touched yours. He kept the kiss light and gentle, his fingertips threading through your hair as you sighed against him.

He murmured your name as he wrapped an arm around you. You didn't want this to end, this magical night, and then he spoke again.

"Come home with me."

* * * * *

"You feel so damn good," Aemond whispered in the lift, his hands on your hips as you wrapped your arms around his neck.

The car stopped and the doors opened, and you stepped into his loft, his hands roaming over your ass as you kicked off your shoes and let him pull you up against him.

"I want you so fucking much," you said against his mouth. He led you to his bedroom and you sat down on the edge of the bed as he pulled his shirt off over his head. "Come here, Aemond," you smiled.

He walked up to you, slowly, and you reached up to undo the fastenings on his leather trousers, keeping your eyes on him. Your hand lightly went over where he was already hard as a rock, and he hissed.

You drew down the zipper ever so slowly, biting down on your lower lip.

"I am going to make you pay for this," he gritted out.

"For what?" you asked innocently, starting to tug down the waistband. When you finally freed him, your eyes darting between his cock and his eyes, you licked your lips and took him in your mouth.

"Fuck."

"Hmmmm," you moaned around him, relaxing your throat so you could take him deeper. You could hear Aemond's breathing stuttering as you slowly pulled your lips all the way to the very tip of him and then took him back down your throat, hollowing out your cheeks.

"Fuck," he repeated, "I, uh, I can't-"

You felt him suddenly pull you off him and push you back on the bed.

"This is going to end too quickly if you keep doing that, angel."

"Angel?"

"Look at you," he said, indicating your white shimmery gown. "An angel about to be debauched."

You let one strap of the dress fall off your shoulder. "What does that make you, then?"

He lunged for you, hands on the bed on either side of you, and the smile on his face made you shiver.

"Me? I'm already destined for hell, love."

He took your lips, not slowly or gently this time, but desperately, his mouth all consuming on yours as he demanded entrance with his tongue and you willingly gave it. He was tugging down your dress as he kissed you, long fingers deftly maneuvering the yards of fabric until he had bared your breasts and then he pulled back, looking down at you.

You pushed the rest of the dress down until it fell on the floor, then laid back down and extended your arms to him. "Come here, Aemond," you said for the second time that night.

He shoved down the trousers, kicked them aside and spread your legs open before he kissed you again. He was so warm, his skin ablaze against yours, and you pulled him down to you, unable to get enough of him.

He began to kiss your neck, long fingers teasing your nipple, and then his mouth was on your breast and you moaned, the sharp sting of pleasure making you arch against him. He reached down lower, between your thighs, and you gasped.

"Tell me what you like," he murmured against your lips.

"Oh," you breathed as he settled on a steady rhythm, drawing tiny circles on the knot of nerves, "you're doing fine," you managed.

"Fine is not what I'm aiming for," he said, and slipped two fingers inside you and you cried out, your hips beginning to rock against him. "I want you to come for me," he added, curling his fingertips inside you.

"Aemond," you whispered, one hand on his shoulder, the other grabbing at his hair. "I- I'm-" you pressed your face to his neck a moment before the orgasm barreled through you, your cry muffled against his skin.

You felt him kneeing your legs apart and then he was pushing inside you. As ready as you were for him, he was big, and you bit down on your lower lip, still recovering and still wanting more.

"You can take me," he murmured soothingly as he kissed your temple. "Next time you come, I want to feel it around my cock," he said, and you whimpered as he rocked his hips to fill you completely.

He pulled back slowly, eyes on you, making sure you were okay, and then snapped his hips. You let your head fall back, and felt his teeth on your jaw, raking gently. "So good," he whispered, "I've wanted you for so long," he said as he settled on long, slow strokes. "So fucking long."

"Aemond," you closed your eyes, the feeling of him moving inside you beginning to send you back into that delicious spiral.

He reached between you, fingertips finding you and you moaned. "I can feel you," he said, "you-"

You cried out as you came, and felt him grab your hips to steady himself as he reached his own orgasm.

* * * * *

As reserved and aloof as you had always thought him to be, he hadn't stopped kissing and caressing you in the aftermath of your lovemaking. The man was full of surprises.

"Stay with me," he murmured against your cheek. "Tonight."

"How can I go when you've got me completely caged in," you teased, looking down at the arms he had wrapped around you and the way his legs were tangled with yours.

"Damn, I was trying to be stealthy," he smirked back. "We'll get breakfast, maybe I'll let you lure me back to bed again."

You rolled your eyes at him. "Rewriting history, are we? I remember trying to leave and someone grabbing my arm."

His eyes became serious on yours. "If I could rewrite history, I would have grabbed you a lot sooner." He leaned in to place a gentle kiss on your lips. "But I mean to make up for it."

You smiled against him, and let him pull you closer, thinking you were only too happy to let him make it up to you for a long, long time.

[farity]

clearly I must fic.

Ewan Mitchell dared wearing latex gloves at the BAFTA afterparty and I’m down bad.

Close ups below the cut🫠

[farity]

daveysutton: ewan mitchell before the bafta x britishvogue party tonight.