In the Embrace of Green Flame

TWENTY ONE

‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣୧ - - ୨˚̣̣̣୧‿︵‿︵

Vaella was abruptly woken from her slumber by a sudden wave of nausea. As her eyes fluttered open, the first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow across the room. The sounds of the waking city drifted in through the open window. She blinked sleep from her eyes, her hand instinctively moving to her belly.

But before she could fully comprehend what was happening, another surge of sickness hit her. Panic coursed through her veins, and she barely had time to throw herself over the side of the bed before she began to vomit. Aemond, who had been roused by the commotion, jolted awake. It took him a second for his eye to unblur before he could see Vaella.

He hurried to her side, placing a gentle hand on her back as he held her hair away from her face. "Vaella, my love," he murmured groggily. "Let it all out."

Vaella continued to retch, her body reacting strongly to the sickness. She clung to the side of the bed, trembling with each convulsion. Her forehead was slick with sweat, and her breaths came in ragged gasps. Aemond's worry deepened as he watched his beloved princess suffer. He had never seen her like this before, and it filled him with fear.

After what felt like an eternity, the nausea began to subside, leaving Vaella drained and shaky. She slowly straightened up, leaning heavily against the side of the bed. "It must be from one of Jaehaera's mud pies," Vaella said with a chuckle.

Aemond couldn't help but smile, relieved to see a glimmer of her usual spirit returning. "You must learn to say no to her," he replied, kissing the top of her forehead.

"She's too cute to say no to," Vaella countered, a soft, affectionate smile on her lips as she thought of their niece's antics.

As Vaella and Aemond shared a tender moment, there was a knock on the chamber door. Vaella turned her head in the direction of the sound. "Come in," she called, her voice still shaking from throwing up.

The door creaked open, revealing Alys Rivers. Her eyes darted from the disheveled state of the room to Vaella's pale complexion. "My lady, it's time for your morning bath," Alys said, holding a warm bucket for Vaella's bath.

Aemond's protective instincts kicked in as he looked at Alys, and his tone turned harsh. "Get another servant to clean this mess," he ordered, gesturing towards the remnants of Vaella's sickness on the floor. "I will bathe my wife."

Alys, ever calculating, gave a subtle nod of acknowledgment to Aemond's command. Her face remained impassive as she set the bucket down and retreated from the room, closing the door behind her.

With the door closed, Aemond turned his attention back to Vaella, his expression softening once more. He could see the exhaustion in her eyes and the toll that sickness had taken on her. Without a word, he gently lifted her into his arms, cradling her in a bridal carry. Vaella rested her head against his shoulder, her arms wrapping around his neck as he carried her to the other side of the room where the bath awaited.

As he began to undress her, Vaella murmured softly, "Aemond, you must allow Alys to do her job one of these days. It's been two months since that night on Pyrothor, and it's as if you haven't allowed anyone else to touch me."

Aemond paused for a moment, his fingers stilling as he looked into Vaella's eyes. "I do not trust her alone with you, and I am a possessive man," he admitted, his voice low and filled with intensity. "No one but me needs to tend to your needs."

Vaella smiled tenderly, her fingers reaching up to caress his cheek. "I love your care for me," she whispered, "but let Alys do her job. It's best not to raise suspicion."

Aemond sighed, torn between his possessiveness and the need for discretion. He kissed Vaella's forehead, his lips lingering there for a moment before he continued to undress her.

He then lifted Vaella into the bath, the empty tub awaiting the warm water. He moved with the grace of a man who had done this countless times before, his eye never leaving Vaella's as he supported her in the bath.

Once she was settled in the empty tub, Aemond fetched the bucket meant for Vaella's bath and carefully poured it in. He then turned to close the separation curtain that shielded the bathing area from the rest of the room, ensuring their privacy.

As the curtain fell, Vaella gave him an appreciative smile. "Thank you, my love," she said, leaning back into the tub, a sigh of relief escaping her lips. The warm bath was a welcome respite after her ordeal, and she closed her eyes.

. °•★|•°∵ ∵°•|☆•° . *

The day wore on, and as evening descended upon King's Landing, Alys Rivers found herself making her way through the darkened streets of Flea Bottom. She moved with a sense of purpose, her steps quick and purposeful. Her hooded cloak concealed her identity as she navigated the labyrinthine alleyways, avoiding the watchful eyes of the city's inhabitants.

When she finally arrived at her intended destination, Alys was met with a chilling surprise. A sword blade gleamed in the dim light, its cold edge pressing against her throat. The voice that accompanied the threat was laced with suspicion and impatience.

"You have still yet to show progress in your task," the unknown assailant hissed, the words dripping with menace. "And yet you dare to ask me to meet you."

Alys, undeterred by the danger that loomed over her, responded with a sly smile. "Push the sword into my throat if you must. My Lord of Light will not let me die."

The man took his sword back, sighing and sitting down. Alys seized the opportunity to continue speaking, her tone now more earnest. "My Prince, when I first observed the princess, there seemed to be no way to sway her into returning to her mother's side. But circumstances have changed, and the princess is now with child."

The man's eyes narrowed as he regarded Alys, his suspicion still evident. "With child, you say? Are you certain of this?"

Alys nodded confidently. "I am certain, my Prince. I could sense the baby after it was conceived, but I waited until she would show actual signs."

The man remained deep in thought, contemplating the dire situation they found themselves in. Finally, he spoke with a heavy weight in his voice, "With Corlys still away, Rhaenyra and I will have no choice but to come to the Red Keep. If Vaella remains obstinate and refuses to return home, kill the baby and ensure it's attributed to The Greens, preferably the one-eyed snake."

‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣୧ - - ୨˚̣̣̣୧‿︵‿︵

A/N: I am truly sorry for not updating in a while. I knew where I wanted the story to go, but I struggled actually writing it down. Additionally, for a long while I was busy with working, school, and playing Baldur's gate 3. BUT I NO LONGER WORK AND I FINISHED THE GAME!!! :D