Chapter Text
He had not set out to make her cry.
He did not expect her to cry.
He usually did not worry about making amends. But Rhaena was a Lady. And she was crying.
"Mother?"
"Aemond." She smiled at him in greeting as he entered her solar.
He removed his sword, sitting down.
"I offended someone I like. I did not set out too and did not anticipate their reaction." She frowned, hoping it had not come to a duel.
"A young lady." Aemond supplied
Alicent sighed in relief, "You should let them know this. Just tell them that you are sorry and did not intend hurt."
"That is it?" Alicent nodded, amused and he nodded to himself.
"I did not know that there was a young lady you were interested in? Flowers may help." Alicent asked as he left. He did not say anything but look at his mother briefly who smiled at him.
He brought flowers. Women liked flowers. He brought her purple irises and knocked on the door of Rhaena's chambers.
He thrust them out in front of him silently and she was confused but let him in.
"I wished to apologise for yesterday." He said, reciting the apology he had been practicing all evening prior, "You were hurt by my words, despite that not being my intention."
"Thank you, Aemond." Rhaena said shyly, taking the bouquet.
"In truth, I thought you would have done what you did when we were children," He smirked to himself but noticed how she froze at his words, "Call me an idiot or dragon stealer." He quipped.
"Dragons cannot be stolen," Rhaena pointed out and he nodded in deference.
"Of course. I do hope I will see you in the library?" He checked, turning to leave.
"Yes. Of course," She said hurriedly, but she still was not settled.
"Rhaena, are you still cross with me?" Aemond asked, walking back to her.
"No, it is just... I do not wish to quarrel with you at all."
"I know you do not mean it. As I do not." Aemond was confused. He liked their verbal sparring.
"It is just," She looked away and he could see she was beginning to cry. He instantly felt guilty, believing his attempt to apologise still was not good enough.
She sniffled, staring at her hands, "I'm so sorry, Aemond. I do not know how to fix it other than telling you how sorry I am for causing you the loss of your eye." She said mournfully.
Rhaena sobbed quietly and was surprised when she felt a pair of hands on her shoulders. Aemond. He gently tilted her chin up, making her look up at him, her eyes shining with tears. His expression remained unchanged.
"I hold no ill will towards you. I swear it." Aemond said quietly, "You did not take my eye."
"If I had not told Baela, Jace, or Luke, you would have had an eye. If I had not begun our fight, you would have an eye." She said.
"But not a dragon." He added, "As I said, it was a fair trade."
"No-"
"Yes." He said firmly.
"Do not weep," Aemond wiped the tears from her cheek, "Do not weep for me Rhaena. Please."
There were too many men at the Keep. Not in the usual sense, but Rhaena noticed there were more from across the kingdoms, even the north.
But they were paying attention to her. Rhaena did not not like it - some of them seemed nice. But there were far too many for her liking.
She walked into one of the halls and found Prince Aemond leaning against the wall.
She took his arm, making him walk with her, "There are so many men here. Why?" She demanded. His raised his eyebrow, indicating his amusement.
"They are here to woo you." He said.
"I know. But why must there be so many?" Rhaena asked, "I have only met a few whom I truly like."
"Oh?" Aemond was now interested, "Who?"
"Well, there is Ser Corwyn-" Rhaena began, thinking of the kind knight.
"Corbray is a bore."
"He is a kind knight and proven warrior it is said-"
"You are a lady of the realm, the King's niece. You can do far better than some Ser from a minor house," He sneered. She rolled her eyes at his tone. He looked down at everyone.
"And what of you? Are you not to marry one of Lord Borros' daughters?"
"An idea my mother keeps floating. My grandfather believes it will be a good alliance for the crown." He explained tiredly, "I may take my other eye to get out of it."
She never quite knew if he was joking or not.
Rhaena sat down at the balcony overlooking the training grounds.
"Rhaena!" Viserys greeted her enthusiastically, and she curtsied and kissed the king on the cheek.
"I thought I would watch practise today. I was curious about tourney fighting." She said. There was to be a summer tourney, which made Kings Landing far more fun to be in. There was a large festival and so many stalls from all over Westeros and even Dorne.
"It can be more dangerous than some battlefields!"
She watched Aemond swiftly avoid the two other knights, landing harsh blows with his practice sword. She supposed they were lucky those swords were blunt. Her breath caught when he turned to the side on which he could not see and she worried he would lose.
But he did not, easily spinning to disarm his opponent.
Her sigh of relief was louder than she thought, as the king patted her hand in comfort. She looked up at Ser Harrold who seemed to have a knowing smile on his face.
"He is most impressive." Viserys said, pride evident in his voice, "I can see Aemond winning many tourneys. Jacaerys too."
"Yes." Rhaena agreed. She had not been paying attention to her step brother and looked to him as he switched swords, waving at him.
He was practicing with Ser Corwyn. The older handsome knight and Jace seemed to get on and he looked up at her when he saw Jace wave.
She noticed Aemond notice this and a frown come upon his face.
"Lady Rhaena." Corbray bowed, smiling at her, "I do hope I may ask for your favour in the upcoming tourney."
"She has promised it to me." Aemond interrupted before she could respond.
"Oh, I did not realize, my prince." Corwyn frowned at looked to Jace who seemed to be angry at his uncle.
...
"You are mean."
Rhaena said that to Aemond when he arrived in the library later on. He merely smirked, sitting in his usual seat across from her, lounging.
"If he truly wished to court you, he would have persisted. He would have asked dear Lord Strong-"
"Again, very mean-
"He would have asked him first or he would have persisted in asking you." Aemond remarked dryly.
"Or perhaps unlike you, he is polite."
Aemond merely smirked and rested back on the seat, shutting his eye. Rhaena smiled at his brief peace. He always looked so peaceful when resting here.
"Why wish for my favour in the tournament?" She asked herself.
"Why would I not, sweet girl?" Aemond replied, eye still closed. Her face warmed, realising he was awake.
"I have no dragon." She would be a weakness to him. The old Gods did not see fit that she have a dragon yet and he rode Vhagar.
"You are a dragon." He reminded her, "And you have a brain unlike so many of these ladies who simper around court. It will bring me luck."
Rhaena frowned, throwing a book at his stomach. He did not even flinch, merely smirking and opening his eye.
"Was that for young Lord Strong, Ser Corbray or the other ladies?"
"All three." Rhaena said pointedly, "Promise to be nice at the banquet."
"May I have all of your dances? So you may keep an eye on me?" He asked and she rolled her eyes fondly.
"Fine."