𝓔𝓵𝓪𝓮𝓷𝓪 𝓣𝓪𝓻𝓰𝓪𝓻𝔂𝓮𝓷
Wrapped in Aemond's sheets the both of us lay blissfully naked, entangled in one another.

For hours Aemond worshipped every inch of my body in ways that would forever make my toes curl but somehow I was still wide awake, the adrenaline coursing through my veins.

Snuggling closer into his side, Aemond brushed his fingers up the length of my back until he'd fallen asleep peacefully beneath me and it was good to feel at home.

In the morning we would return Jaehaeryn to his mother and it could be the last time I ever saw our little dragon.

Pressing a soft kiss to Aemond's chest I wiggle from his grasp, my eyes searching the floor for something to put on. Throwing Aemond's tunic over myself it's long enough to be a nightgown but I put on a cloak to cover my nipples peeking through the thin fabric.

Tiptoeing towards the door I shut it softly behind me. Peeking down the hallway I make sure I'm alone before making my way to Jaehaeryn's room.

Cracking open the door I take a step inside, careful not to wake him.

Coming closer I gaze selfishly at his small body illuminated by the moonlight, his tiny chest rising and falling with each breath he takes.

Taking a step I must make some kind of noise causing him to spin over, his eyes lighting up when he sees it's me.

"I'm sorry for waking you, little dragon," I whisper, kneeling at his bedside. Brushing away his stray hairs he sits up, reaching for me.

"Sing? Will you sing to me?" Staring up at me with innocent doe eyes how could I refuse?

Tucking him back in I lean on my side, making myself comfortable.

"Oh little dragon, you'll grow so strong
You'll soar the skies and you'll write your own songs
Sharp as the steel that you'll wield when you're old
Wit like your strength that you'll sharpen with stone,"

Just as I'm convinced Jaehaeryn is falling back to sleep, an arm wraps around my neck, dragging me back onto the floor.

Struggling to see through my hair my hands go to the small arms and I realize it's no man, it's a woman.

Kicking back my legs I don't care what I hit, but I know I hit skin knocking her back. Regaining my balance I stand up meeting the crazed eyes of none other than Tessa Waters herself.

"Tessa? What are you-?"

"Mommy?!" Jaehaeryn shouts from his bed, terrified at what's unfolding before him.

Looking between the two of us Tessa makes a snap decision. Like a lightning crack in the night, she unsheaths a knife, charging me, Jaehaeryn's screams bellowing through the castle.

"You won't steal my child! You and that bitch Queen!"

Grabbing Tessa's arm I halt the blade just above my face, her strength not comparing to mine as I knock her back into the dresser.

"What are you talking about?! Have you gone mad!?" I reply, trying to keep her at bay.

Startling me she knees me in the stomach sending me stumbling back and the only emotion I can clearly pick out is panic, the life-shattering panic that my son will be taken from me before I've even had a chance to hold him in my arms.

Cradling my stomach I fall to my knees, praying to any god that was listening that the force wasn't enough to hurt Aelyx.

"He's my child! I won't have him abducted and claimed as your own!"

Yanking me up from my knees she brings the dagger to my throat, turning me to the door just as Aegon and Aemond are busting through it.

Still bare-chested he only wore a pair of pants unable to find his tunic because I was wearing it, now soaked with my blood.

"Elaena," he breathes in desperation, and though it's just my name his voice is heavy trying to tell me so much with just one word.

Both of them are in utter shock but Aemond acts first, running for me with his sword around his waist and his own dagger in hand.

Pulling us back, Tessa brings the knife deeper into my skin, the hot trickle of blood dripping down my neck.

"Tessa, don't!" He growls fiercely, his commanding voice startling the both of us causing her to bring us a step back her grip tightening around the dagger's handle.

Holding up his hands in an effort to calm her Aemond's panicked gaze meets mine, darting between Jaehaeryn and me.

"Tessa! Let her go," Aegon demands but this time she doesn't so much as flinch.

"You've let them take our son! MY son!" She cries, her heartbreak evident in the broken rasp of her voice.

Aemond's nostrils flare, taking a cautious step toward us while she's distracted, his stare never leaving me, motioning to keep my eyes on him.

"I didn't have a choice-" Aegon continues.

"You're Aegon Targaryen of course you have a choice!" She screams, and the shrill sound brings Jaehaeryn to tears from behind us, huddled in the corner of the room terrified and no one was doing anything about it.

"You don't understand, Tess, we've talked about this!" Aegon comes closer only bringing his mistress closer to the edge, her nails digging into my skin deep enough to draw blood.

"I understand entirely! You're weak," With each word, the knife breaks more skin creating new wounds and it visually pains Aemond to watch unable to move in fear she'll slice open my throat.

"Tessa, please." He begs, "Don't hurt her, we had nothing to do with this." Trying to reason with her Aemond's soothing voice almost makes me jealous, reminding me of their short time together while I'd been away.

It could've just as easily been her that Aemond had fallen in love with.

"LIAR! You're all liars! You're silver-haired demons created to cause pain and anguish! It's why Old Valyria burned and it should've taken you Targaryen's with it!"

"MOMMY!"

Aemond takes another step flinching when he hears Jae's cries, looking between the both of us powerless.

"He's scared, Tessa. You're terrifying him," I plea, begging her to look at her child.

"Because of you! He hasn't seen me in months! He hardly recognizes his own mother!"

"We'll run away to Essos, Pentos, wherever Sunfyre will take us-" Aegon tries bargaining with her but she's long gone, the woman he knew broken and lost to her own darkness.

"It's too late, my dragon. It's all too late," As her tone drops, Aemond's eye widens, sensing this conversation coming to an end, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his sword.

Lifting her elbow to move the knife there's a small noise from behind us and we're both stumbling backward.

Taking what could be the only opportunity I have, I use both of my hands to grab the knife away from her but it only falls to the ground where Jaehaeryn had wrapped himself around his mother's legs in an attempt to save me.

Tackling me onto the floor the both of us go for the knife, pushing, and pulling one another's hair until she finds it back in her grasp, her brown eyes wild with a murderous rage.

Rearing back her hand to strike the knife through my chest I'm convinced my time is through when a blade is driven through her heart from above me, skillfully missing my body by a few inches.

Watching the light leave her eyes Aemond rolls her off and drops to his knees beside me to inspect my wounds but my wide-eyed stare is locked on her.

Jaehaeryn's mother was dead, killed right in front of him.

"Elaena, look at me, you're fine, okay? The-the cuts aren't deep," He stammers, trying to stay strong for me but it was no use, I saw the terror and guilt he held in his gaze.

Jaehaeryn's screams sound a thousand miles away, everything happening in slow motion as Aegon rushes his brother with rage.

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!"

"She was going to kill Elaena!"

"SHE NEEDED HELP AND YOU KILLED HER!" Aegon cries, tears cascading down his cheeks.

"AND I'D DO IT AGAIN!"

They roar at one another, Aemond standing to defend himself as Aegon slams his palms into his bare chest but my husband hardly stumbles back.

Looking down at myself I'm covered in blood, hers and my own.

Aegon collapses, clutching Tessa's lifeless body to his chest, pleading with the gods not to take her from him and I'm still processing the loss of life.

"Hold on! Open your eyes, Tess, don't leave me alone. Tessa!" Holding her bloodied face in his hands he brought her petite body into his, cradling her as he rocked back and forth.

Clutching my stomach, the tears are suffocating.

Aemond is just a blur through my tear-filled eyes but I know it's him, running toward me. Shaking my head, I point to Jae crying hysterically with his covers wrapped around him in search of safety.

Tilting his head to the side he hesitates, his gut reaction to go to me but finally, he turns, sheathing his sword so he can tend to the little boy.

Looking between the screaming child and the dead body of his mother my breathing is no longer under my control. My chest heaves with emotion, overwhelmed by everything around me, still unsure if our baby was safe.

Struggling to stand up, we're no longer alone, Ser Criston Cole himself rushes the room with a couple of gold cloaks but they're much too late to make any kind of difference now.

Aegon doesn't even notice them, sobs still wracking through his body as he held the woman he loved and I imagined if Aemond had been any later, it would be my corpse being mourned.

"What's happened!? What was she doing here, Aegon?" Cole tries talking to him but he's too distraught, leaving Aemond to speak and my husband is furious.

"My wife was almost killed! There was to be a man posted at his door at all times!" Aemond sets Jaehaeryn on the bed, eager to point his anger somewhere but my sight was growing hazy.

"I-I don't know what happened my prince, there has been-" Ser Criston looks bewildered, sincerely flustered by his failure.

Closing my eyes my knees tremble, and I know in a matter of seconds they'll give out. Using my last ounce of strength I reach out to him, my protector, "Aemond,"

The instant he hears my frail voice, Aemond turns in a panic.

Once our violet eyes meet I feel myself falling and just as I hit the floor Aemond has me in his hold, cradling me to his chest.

Bringing his lips to my ear the last thing I hear before being swallowed whole by darkness is his pleading voice much similar to his brothers, "I'm here, my song. Stay with me... please, Elaena."

Though it feels like a lifetime I don't stay out long, waking to Aemond's booming voice and I'm already cringing for the poor soul that was on the receiving end.

"I'M STAYING! I DON'T WANT HER OUT OF MY SIGHT!"

"Aemond," I croak, too tired to even open my eyes.

"I'm here," The bed dips beside me and he slides his large calloused hand into mine.

"Elaena, my love, you need stitches. It's going to hurt-"

As soon as he mentions more pain my eyes fly open, meeting his swirling violet eye first before turning to look around at the maester and handmaidens watching us.

Squeezing his hand tightly my fears go to the worst possible outcome.

"Jaehaeryn-?"

"I've only trusted Ser Erryk and our personal servants to keep an eye on him. He's right next door-"

"She kneed me in the stomach Aemond. īlva rūs..."
*Our baby

Keeping my voice down I didn't want to take any risks. It was becoming more obvious we couldn't trust anyone at Kings Landing.

My words hit him in the gut, Aemond's furrowed eyebrows fall back as his eye widens, his face going pale.

Licking his lips he shakes himself out of it, turning to the crowd that's formed in our room.

"Everyone out." He demands and with them already plenty scared for their lives they head for the door.

"Not you." Aemond stands, gripping the shoulder of the maester stopping him.

Closing the door behind them, Aemond rushes back to my side placing his palm lovingly on my stomach.

"My wife is pregnant, almost a month and a half to be exact. Elaena was hit in her stomach, how can we be sure the baby's alright?" Aemond watches for the maester's reaction but I'm can't bring myself to look, keeping my eyes on my husband.

"It's not likely any damage was done, she's still very early along. I'm far more concerned about the open wounds on her neck, my prince."

Looking to me, both of us visually relaxed, and now any other ailments I might have seemed trivial. As long as our son was okay, I was strong enough to get through the rest.

Despite Aemond's wishes the handmaidens return, some fiddling with the bed covers others fiddling with the cloak and tunic trying to change me out of my bloodied clothes.

When he notices I begin to feel uncomfortable with all of the attention, Aemond steps in.

"My ladies, would you run a hot bath for the princess? She'll want to relax after the night she's had," trying his best to be patient with them, Aemond returns to my side taking my hand in his, not once letting go as the maester tended to my wounds watching his every move.

Hissing in pain as the needle pierces my skin I could only imagine the kind of pain Aemond suffered at the hands of my brother.

Bringing my knuckles to his lips he kisses them softly, "Almost there, my love."

As soon as the maester is finished with my stitches Aemond shoos everyone from the room, shutting the door behind them and locking it.

Though I can hardly keep my eyes open Aemond scoops me up carefully.

Pressing a kiss to the top of my head he carries me to the washroom, placing me down only to help his bloodied tunic over my head.

Aemond looks me up and down, and though he tries to hide his disdain it's written all over his chiseled face.

"Seven hells, Elaena... I'm so sorry." He whispers his deep voice breaking as tears shone in his eye.

"How bad do I look?" I cringe preparing myself for his reply. Caked in dry blood, I imagined I must've looked terrible.

"It's not that it's just... this should've never happened."

Agreeing with him I'm unsure of what to say so I just keep quiet.

Watching me carefully he raises a hand to brush my hair from my shoulders, his fingertips lingering as they travel across my dirty skin.

Cupping my face in his hands he brushes the pads of his thumbs against my cheeks.

"Let me wash it all away, ñuha vāedar. All of it." 
*My song

His soft-spoken words are enough to lull me to sleep but in the same breath, I craved his comforting touch.

"Please," I whisper.

Bringing his undershirt over his head he tosses it to the side with mine before scooping me back into his strong chest.

Placing me carefully into the steaming tub my tense muscles relax into the heat and I gasp a sigh of relief.

As I sink into the soapy water Aemond pulls up a stool ringing out a washcloth in the tub before tentatively bringing it to the fresh wounds on my neck.

In silence he works the rough cloth along my neckline, scrubbing at the dried blood at the top of my chest and I watch as his muscles stretch and move as he worked. 

Usually, the both of us wouldn't last a minute with how bare we were but tonight was different. Tonight had been painful and dark, taking me back to the very first time Aemond had saved me from a monster in the night.

Tilting my head back against the rim of the tub my heavy eyes drift closed while he works his way down my arms and the sensation is heavenly. 

Aemond took good care of my body, being most gentle where it mattered but scrubbing clean away any bad memories that might've lingered on my body.

"Thank you, my prince." I sigh and though my eyes are still closed I can feel his watchful stare burning into me before I fall into a deep sleep.

***

Turning my head frantically to survey the cold room I can't find an exit, only serving more to my panic by realizing there is no way out. No doors, no windows, and no one else with me in the darkness... or so I think.

In the blink of an eye, Tessa stands before me, alive and well but her nightgown was drenched in blood, hers or mine?

Tilting her head to the side to examine me, she looks me up and down, disgust on her hollowed-out face, the chocolate brown of her eyes gone and replaced with bottomless dark pits.

Coming closer she brings the blade into the moonlight. I try to speak but no words come from my mouth, instead only weighing heavy in my throat amusing her.

"You can't speak your lies here, Princess."

Shaking my head I narrow my burning eyes at her but she presses the knife to my throat once more. In an attempt to get away I thrash away from her but just as my mouth won't move my limbs are frozen still.

"You've stolen my child! A son for a son." She hisses like the snake she was.

Squeezing my eyes shut, I will away the pain, internally screaming for help, for a savior, for Aemond.

When I open my eyes it's not Tessa holding my face it's Aemond, my husband, my peace and I realize my pleas had been answered.

"I've got you, my song. Everything's alright, it's okay." Bringing me into his arms he climbs into bed with me and I cling to him in fear this was part of some nightmare too.

"It was Tessa- she said she'd take our baby, a son for a son-" I ramble, my chest heaving for air.

Aemond wipes the sweat from my face, cradling the back of my head into the crook of his neck.

"Shh, my love, breathe. She's gone, she can't hurt you ever again. You're safe now, you're both safe." He whispers pressing a soft kiss to my clammy skin.

Thinking back I try to remember how I'd fallen asleep and what all was nightmare and reality. 

Clutching my stomach, I ball myself up in his lap when a sharp pain similar to my nightmare splits across my neck. Hissing in pain I flinch away from him.

"Careful, my love, you're bandages,"

Timidly reaching to the wrappings around my neck I flinch again at my own touch.

"What did I just tell you, Elaena?" Aemond shakes his head, rolling his eye at me reaching out to grab my hands. "Your stitches need to heal, you have to be careful you won't heal overnight-" 

"They know. The maester knows I'm with child, Aemond, he's going to tell your Mother."

"I swore the maester to secrecy so naturally, yes, the whole castle will know by this afternoon." He sighs, brushing the wild hairs from my face.

"And Jaehaeryn? Where is he? How is he-?"

I rant but Aemond places a hand over my mouth, the corner of his lips tipping up in his handsome smirk before motioning to the corner of the room where the morning sun peeked through the curtains.

Just on the other side of the room by the fireplace, a partition separated a small twin-sized mattress from the rest of the room where our little dragon slept safely wrapped in mounds of blankets and pillows.

Aemond's chambers being in the royal wing, there was plenty of space in his chambers for an extra bed, but it'd been a miracle I hadn't woken him with my nightmare.

"He hasn't said a word to anyone... I thought it best we all sleep in the same room for a while so I can keep an eye on the both of you myself." His jaw clenches with tension but his tender words wash over me, a comforting warmth to feel so cherished.

"He lost his mother right in front of him, I can't imagine what he's feeling. And his father... how is Aegon?" I don't even want to say his name, burning my tongue and leaving a bad taste in my mouth.

At my mention of him, Aemond's gaze darts away from mine, the events of last evening weighing heavy on his mind.

"He won't see me. My brother would take my head if he could." He mutters, his expression hardening.

"You were only protecting me. I'm sorry I should've been able to disarm her myself, I didn't even hear her come in..."

Looking at me Aemond shakes his head, his brows drawing together bringing me so tight into his strong chest that I can almost hear his heartbeat.

Tipping up my chin with his long pointer finger he holds me there, "Don't be sorry, Elaena. I'd kill her again, and again. Anyone who threatens you and our family will receive the same and I won't apologize for protecting what's mine."

I'm thankful for the dimly lit room otherwise Aemond would be able to see the red-hot blush that covered my body at his gruff quiet voice.

Flustered, I change the subject, "What about Jaehaeryn? He won't have a home, a family."

We both look to the small innocent boy who had his own arms wrapped around himself and my cracked heart breaks a little bit more.

"We can be his home... his family," Aemond whispers, turning my face back to his. 

If I'd just heard him correctly Aemond was suggesting we take Jaehaeryn as our own. His brother's bastard son that had almost torn us apart in more ways than one but still, he himself was innocent of anything but his parentage.

Of course, the little dragon had grown on me. I'd even fed him and sang him to sleep on many occasions but would he trust us or would he blame us for losing everything he's ever known? 

"How would Aegon feel about such a thing? He's the only piece of her he has left." I wonder.

Taking a deep breath he nods agreeing with me, "I'll speak with him."

Aemond presses a soft kiss to my lips, nuzzling his nose against mine, and the bit of affection brings the sparkle back to my eyes.

"It's still early, you should get some more rest." Propping up my pillows for me to lay back down I pout when I sense he's going to leave. 

"Will you stay?" I ask, any and all pride left at the door.

"I'm not going anywhere." He assures me, pressing a kiss to my temple. 

Wrapping me in his arms my chest deflates releasing the breath I'd been holding and my nerves are calm, satisfied our family was protected.

***