Chapter Thirty-Nine

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A storm brewed in the distance as a wheelhouse carrying House Velaryon entered the outer courtyard. Elowen stood inside the threshold of the doors alongside Aemond. She smiled as she looked at her second eldest son, His entire body was tight as excitement bubbled up inside of him. His eye never left the carriage as it came to a stop in front of the steps, a small smile shattering his normal stoic expression. Elowen watched as Princess Rhaenys exited, followed closely by her twin granddaughters. At the sight of his betrothed, Aemond's smile grew larger though he remained where he stood waiting for permission to greet his cousin. A large smile lit up Rhaena's face as she saw her soon to be husband for the first time that month

"Go on, Aemond. Do not leave the girl waiting." The words had barely left Elowen's lips before Aemond was rushing down the steps

Aemond bowed once he was finally stood before Rhaena, taking one of her hands in his and pressing a kiss to her skin. Rhaena beamed at the young man before her, dropping into a deep curtsy. From her place still at her twin's side, Baela rolled her eyes and shoved her younger sister forward. Rhaena stumbled forward into Aemond's chest causing the small dragon that had perched on her shoulder to fly into the air.

"Young love," Princess Rhaenys sighed from beside Elowen, startling the Queen. "I remember when I was that flustered in Corlys's presence."

"I cannot picture you ever unnerved by a man." Elowen chuckled, taking the older woman's hand in greeting. "It is always a joy to see you, Rhaenys."

"The sentiment is shared," Rhaenys smiled at her close friend. "I must admit I doubted the match when it was first proposed, I never imagined they would be so taken with each other."

"Sometimes all you need is someone who can understand your plights."

"You were wise to see the similarities at the time."

"Thank you, Rhaenys." Elowen grinned as Baela finally grew tired of waiting for her twin and began to pull Rhaena towards the steps with Aemond following close behind. "How comes the girls' studies? Will Baela make a fine Lady of Driftmark?"

"She is so like her mother in ways, It is both a salve to an open wound and a hindrance to its healing."

Elowen squeezed Rhaenys's hand, wanting the older woman to know she wasn't alone. She didn't have a moment to speak as the three teens finally arrived at the steps leading into the Red Keep. The twins both dropped into deep curtsies, greeting the Queen.

"There is no need for formalities, you two. We are family." Elowen smiled at the young girls. "Come, I am sure Helaena and Alyssa have missed you two."

The halls of the Red Keep bustled with life as servants rushed from room to room and Nobles strolled around. Though the crowd parted as Elowen led House Velaryon through the halls, the group was in high spirits as Elowen and Rhaenys quietly conversed about the young Targaryens. Aemond and the twins followed closely behind, jokes and giggles passing between the three.

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