❝ There was a feeling of inevitability when I met you. And our lives were fated to converge like some cosmic dance. And I think I had to break your heart and you had to break mine. ❞
As Cressida Black's lungs ceased to draw breath, Aurelia Martell's...
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February 106 AC
Aurelia's heart sank as she approached the castle gates. The usually bustling entrance was eerily quiet, and as she made her way through the courtyard, she couldn't help but notice the solemn expressions on the faces of the castle staff.
Something was wrong.
She quickened her pace, eager to find out what had happened. As she entered the castle, she was greeted by the sight of Rhaenyra standing in the hallway, her eyes red-rimmed with tears.
"Aurelia," the princess said, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm so glad you're back. I don't know what to do."
"What's happened?" Aurelia asked, her heart racing.
"It's Alicent," the blonde said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Lady Aleah passed away."
Aurelia felt a lump form in her throat. Alicent would be feeling alone, now more than ever. And, though Rhaenyra could have the best of intentions, she would not be able to understand. Aemma was still alive, Rhaenyra still had her mother.
"I don't know what to say to her," Rhaenyra said, her voice breaking. "I'm not sure how to comfort her."
"Let me handle it," Aurelia said. "I'll go to Alicent and be there for her."
The princess nodded, grateful for the help.
Aurelia made her way to the Tower of the Hand, her mind racing with what she could say to comfort her friend. As she approached the door, she could hear muffled sobs coming from inside.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open and entered the room. Alicent was sitting on her bed, her face buried in her hands. Aurelia walked over to her and wrapped her arms around her.
"I'm so sorry, Alicent," she said softly. "I know how this feels. I'm here for you."
Alicent looked up, her eyes red and swollen. "Thank you."
Aurelia sat down next to her, putting an arm around her shoulders. "Is there anything I can do?"
Alicent shook her head. "I just can't believe she's gone."
━━ ⋅𖥔⋅ ━━✶━━ ⋅𖥔⋅ ━━
Jamie awoke early that morning. He could hear Erryk snoring on the other side of the room and remembered that the older Valeman had had a late shift the previous night. Carefully, quietly, he pulled on his shirt and headed to the library. Perhaps, he would be able to read a few chapters of the tome on the Winged Knights he'd been making his way through, before he had to go and guard the Queen.
As he entered the library, he stoped in his tracks. The Princess Aurelia was already there, despite the early hour. She was seated in one of the plush chairs, with one leg bent beneath her and the other stretched out in the floor.
