Heir of the Dragon

Masquerade

Alicent and Jessica were sitting at opposite ends of Aegon's bed, both deep into their needlework.

Alicent was the one who looked up first. "Not that I'm not grateful for the company, Sweet Girl, but isn't Aemond going to wonder where you've wondered off to?"

Jessica sat the needlework in her lap. "He's doing boarder patrol on Vhagar, and I don't believe Aemond was to keen on me accompanying him."

Jessica took a breath and looked over to Aegon. "He did wake, just for a moment."

Alicent looked over at her. "How did he act?"

Jessica shook her head. "He was in agony. I had to yell for  Master Orwyle to come down here to administer Milk of the Poppy."

Alicent closed her eyes and leaned her head back. "It's going to be a long road ahead of us, Sweet Girl."

Both women looked over as the doors came open. Aemond entered the king's chambers. Jessica rose from her seat, and settled into Aemond's awaiting arms.

Aemond leaned down and kissed her gently. "Hello, My Love. How would you feel about attending a masque with me tonight?"

Jessica beamed up at him. "Really? I used to love the masques when I was a young girl. I'd try and convince Father to throw one at least once a moon."

Alicent narrowed her eyes at the pair. "A masque? In the middle of a war? Aemond this is -"

Aemond held up his hand cutting Alicent off. "This is something that my wife enjoys, and is the most deserving of this gift. You will have no say on this matter. You are, however, expected in attendance tonight."

Aemond leaned down and nuzzled against her. "Go get ready, My Love. This should be the most special of nights."

Jessica reached up and gave him a kiss before racing off to their chambers.

There were many gowns scattered across the room as the servants were drawing her a bath.

The last thing that Jessica expected was for the secret entrance to be open. She stiffened, frozen in place, whising for Criston Cole to be standing outside her door.

The fist girl to emerge was young and blond. She gave a reassuring smile to Jessica. "Forgive the intrusion, Princess."

Jessica immediately relaxed, recognizing her. "Dyana?"

Dyana gave a curtsy, "there is someone else who wishes to see you as well."

Dyana turned to the passageway and motioned for her to enter.

As soon as Jessica saw her, Jessica ran and hugged her tightly. "Elinda."

Elinda hugged her back. "Princess."

Elinda then dropped to her knees and looked Jessica over checking for injuries.

Jessica gave a small smile, squeezing her hand. "Elinda, I know that Rhaenyra is worried, but Aemond hasn't hurt me."

Elinda sighed. "And there's no way I could sway you to Dragonstone?"

Jessica closed her eyes and shook her head no. "Aemond is throwing a masque tonight in my honor. I'm not going anywhere."

"That will go over well..." Dyana muttered quietly.

Jessica looked at her. "What do you mean?"

Dyana lookd embarrassed. "Nothing, Princess."

Jessica turned to her. "Tell me. I need to know these things."

Dyana took a breath. "Between the blockade and the gates being shut, Princess, the smallfolk are starving. Come the winter I fear many of us won't survive."