CHAPTER 19:
A CHANCE
Ilarya p.o.v.

"Do you think mother will be happy now?" I asked my sister, her dark hair flowing down her shoulders oh so perfectly - just like our late grandmother.

"I hope so. Mother always told us the daring tales of Daemon Targaryen before we slept, like she wanted our bond to strengthen. But a bond was never even present," She expressed as I started to braid her hair.

"Lady Laena is not to blame for it," I added.

"I know, sister, but Baela and Rhaena had him. For as long as they have been breathing, they have had our father in their lives tending to them, teaching them High Valyrian-"

"While mother had to be herself and Daemon. One person acting as two for our sake," I cut her off. I did not know what I thought of Daemon, but what I did know was that he loves our mother. He loves Lady Anne Hightower, and sent constant letters to her proclaiming that he cares for us and how he treasures knowing that we were loved. 

"I heard mother talking to Rhaenyra about betrothing us. That it is time for us to become Ladies of the court," Erya said, "that we shall become her ladies in waiting."

"I hope I am betrothed to someone kind. Perhaps Cregan Stark?"

She whipped around, "Of the North? You cannot travel so far."

"Yes, I can. I can provide him with Targaryen and Stark babies, and dragons to defend the North. Plus I hear that they struggle to provide in the harsh Winter, so our alliance could provide great crops," I explained, continuing to braid her hair.

"Yes, that is true, but I would never see you," She muttered, and it dawned on me. If she were betrothed to someone in King's Landing, and I to Cregan, then it would be the first time where we had to be apart.

"I just hope whoever it is, that he is kind and cares for me, and his heirs," I wanted to be loved, but I know that as a Targaryen and Hightower, that my sister and I are heavily sought after. The Hightowers are an ancient noble family, and Targaryens have strength, beauty and dragons - we will have suitors competing for our hands across the Seven Kingdoms.

"I know your choice."

"And who might that be?" Erya rolled her eyes.

"Aemond," I whispered.

"Not true! He is younger than us! And he is-"

"He adores you. Aemond watches you with Drogo like he is bewitched," I insisted.

"You are wrong, and even if you happened to be right, Alicent would never betroth us. She is Queen, and has a say over any betrothal," Erya said, her tone turning sour.

I do not know what made me sense it, but I felt like my senses were on overdrive when paying attention to others. Since we were toddlers, Aemond has followed Erya like a lost wolf cub and Erya was the first thing he had ever seen. Even if Alicent disapproved of it, King Viserys could declare a union between them, plus it would further align the Hightowers and Targaryens - just as Otto would want.

Her reddened cheeks and the way her eyebrows were knitted together whenever she was angry told me otherwise, but I continued on finishing her braid.

"Girls," the sound of our fathers voice made us look up at the doorway, and saw him standing there with two small swords.

"Prince Daemon," we hurried to curtsy before him and he chuckled.

"You will never have to bow before me," he said.

"But you-"

"But nothing. I know this will not make up for the time that has been lost, but it is in my belief and twas' your grandmothers that women should know how to defend themselves," he explained.

"But we have dragons," I said.

"Dragons that cannot easily enter the castle if you were harmed," he added.

"I had these forged when I received news of your birth, and I think it is time you put them to use."

///
This is still during the funeral episode, so we haven't gone last Aemond losing his eye yet.