Aemon Targaryen

-Chapter 82-

-POV Aemon-

As I left the king's chambers, I let out a small sigh of relief.

I wasn't afraid of Viserys anymore, in fact, I wasn't afraid of many people now, but I was afraid of losing the control, the grip I had on him.

'But that won't happen. By leaving, I'll only strengthen the hold I have over him and his decisions,' I thought.

'There's just one more thing to do before I can leave.'

---

-POV Jeyne Arryn-

"Princess Rhaenyra is abandoning us," Jessamyn said, sensing that the tensions between Aemon and Rhaenyra were starting to ease.

'Especially now that he publicly took her side.'

"We should return to the Vale," Jessamyn said, worried.

I remained silent because, although I wanted to leave just as much as she did, I knew that if I let the situation escalate, Aemon would soon reach his goal.

'He'll make Arnold the lord of House Arryn and control the Vale through him, using him like a mere puppet.'

"You're not saying anything," Jessamyn whispered, wrapping her arms around my neck.

"I'm not saying anything because I can feel the noose tightening, I can feel Aemon's hands around my throat, and I'm scared."

"We aren't defeated."

I smiled sadly, thinking, 'Once Aemon reaches his goal, I'll either be dead or imprisoned for the rest of my life.'

"We never should have ended up in this position," I said to my lover with a regret-filled sigh.

"I know, but we didn't have a choice," she said, trying to make me look at her.

"I had a choice," I said softly.

"You regret choosing me?" she asked, hurt.

'Yes,' I thought, because without this, she wouldn't have lost her brother, and I wouldn't be on the verge of losing the only thing that has always protected me from men.

'My power and the throne of the Eyrie.'

'But I can't tell her that, she's not ready to hear it yet, I'm her only light.'

I shook my head and said, "Of course not."

Jessamyn watched me for a few moments, trying to see if I was telling the truth.

She was about to say something, but we were interrupted when the door swung open and men walked in, finding us in each other's arms on the bed.

'Seeing their uniforms, I instantly knew who had sent them and why they were here.'

But it wasn't until the knights turned toward the door that I realized Aemon hadn't just sent his men; he had come to savor his victory in person.

"Jeyne, how are you, my dear?"

"Better than your arm," I said to my former fiancé, trying to maintain my composure, even though I knew why he was there.

'There aren't many options,' I thought, watching his reaction.

"That won't last. Now, get dressed," he said, looking me directly in the eyes, not even glancing around like his men did.

'So, I've truly lost everything.'

---

-POV Aemon Targaryen-

Jeyne quickly covered herself while her companion stayed in bed, clutching the covers, trembling in fear.

'Is this the effect I have on people?' I thought, noticing how her demeanor had changed.

Jessamyn Redfort had always shown an irritating arrogance toward me, first leaning on her relationship with Jeyne, then on her connection to Rhaenyra.

'But now that neither of them can protect her, she's rediscovering fear,' I thought, turning my gaze away from Jeyne's companion to focus entirely on the woman who had once been a formidable opponent.

'Though she never really stood a chance against me,' I reminded myself.

"I've come here to tell you two things," I began, sitting down in a chair.

"But before I give you the news, I want you to know that I have a deep respect for women like you. You've been a remarkable adversary, even though we both know you never stood a real chance of winning this little game," I said, looking at her.

Jeyne said nothing, choosing to remain silent. So I continued:

"The first piece of news I came to share is that the king has agreed to make your cousin Arnold the head of House Arryn and the Lord Paramount of the Vale."

Jeyne's expression crumbled, and I saw the last glimmer of hope in her eyes die.

"I know it's bad news, but we both knew it was only a matter of time. Unless you still had the naive hope of defeating me?"

Jeyne didn't respond to my slight provocation. She turned to her companion, then back to me, and asked, "What will become of us?"

"As for your companion, I'm not sure. Her father will decide how best to punish her for making him lose his heir, the respect of all the lords of the Vale, and, most importantly, my favor," I said, paying no attention to Jessamyn.

'Her father will handle her. She is the symbol of her house's disgrace,' I thought, not too concerned about the punishment Jessamyn would receive.

I added with a teasing smile toward the Lady of the Vale:

"As for you, my dear Jeyne, the king has decreed that House Royce will ensure your well-being and safety for the rest of your life. You won't lack for anything, but you will live out your days at Runestone."

Jeyne said nothing, but nodded, silently accepting her fate.

"You have one hour to get ready. We'll leave once the time is up."