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Hi.
Chapter Nineteen
Aemond came to her door only twice tonight.
Liliyana could not risk seeing him before deciding on what to do. His quiet knocks were slices to her side. How dare he want to see her before he left. How selfish.
Liliyana was rarely selfish. Her mother made sure she'd have nothing to ever be selfish over... But the desire flared in her veins. Made her fingers tremble with excitement. She had an idea on how to make Aemond tell the truth. Make him apologize for going against her wishes.
When dawn broke between the crack of her curtains, she rose from her bed like a phantom. Dressed herself in riding clothes: rough cloth with slacks underneath. Tied her hair up so high she resembled an innocent child. As she tied her last boot, she rang the bell to call her maid.
"Please prepare an overnight bag and have it sent down with Aemond's things."
The girl curtsied as Liliyana closed her door.
Aemond's maids struggled to hide their surprise in seeing Liliyana here so early. But they knew the rules: leave when Aemond's wife entered.
Her husband was somewhere in the back of his apartment. She heard him walk in his heavy boots. Liliyana took the opportunity to steady herself. She could do this. She needed to do this.
"Liliyana."
But by the gods, did he need to be so handsome?
He was dressed in black leather. No surprise there, but his tunic and trousers were tailored better than they normally were. These would get ruined by riding Vhagar. It bothered her greatly that she cared when he betrayed her trust.
On his bed, Liliyana took notice of three coats.
"Good morning, Aemond."
He studied her, his beautiful wife.
"You are almost packed," she continued, looking around. Any attempt to get away from his intense gaze.
"Mm. I finished packing. Vhagar is getting prepared."
Mention of the beast tripped her heart. Gods, she never rode on a dragon before. And for her first time to be on that vicious beast?
"Would you help me with one last thing?"
Liliyana's mouth went dry. "O-oh?"
His smile, reserved just for her, felt more intimate with the dimmed candles and approaching sun. "I cannot decide which jacket I should bring."
She came up beside him, despite the alarms blaring in her mind to stay away from him. Delicate fingers ran along the shiny leather. Her husband, like a jagged shadow, lurked above her. "I like this one," she decided, holding up the longest with its high collar. "You would be especially handsome."
Their hands met and Aemond's soul soared from her words.
"Then it is decided." His eye did not look away from her as he put on the jacket. Flying always meant a chill even being on the back of a dragon could not hinder. "I did not think you'd be up this early."
"I had a hard time sleeping."
The smallest frown graced his lips. "Is something the matter?"
Fear wanted to drown her like a tidal wave. "I was...I want to come with you."
Aemond's shoulders stiffened. "I am traveling by dragon-back, Liliyana."
"I know. I just...I don't wish to be alone. Not after everything that has happened." Her smile came naturally, sweetly and shy. "You make me feel safe."
Privacy in an unknown place with unknown people was exactly what Liliyana needed to get her husband to confess his mistakes. There would be no pressures of the Queen, the family, or wandering ears to listen in.
Safe.
Despite his failures, his beloved still felt safe in his presence. This was a gift. One he could not afford to squander.
"I am leaving shortly," he told her. "But I can help you pack."
Her smile was victorious, but Aemond did not notice, too consumed with replaying her confession just moments ago. "I have already packed."
"Then let us be off."
Author's Note:
There's a small handful of chapters left. But I heard we only have to wait a year (September 2024) before season 2 airs. I hope to be finished before that happens lol.
