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Alen,
Another grand ball was held in the Red Keep. Naturally that means I was cleaning day and night in preparation. These wealthy Lords and Ladies all seem completely blind to all that goes on around them. I swear, some of them are more helpless than babes. Speaking of babies, the Princess's younger boy, Prince Lucerys caused quite an uproar during the festivities. Marched his tiny little self up to Prince Aemond and demanded a dance…
The first time Lucerys could recall attending a banquet at the Red Keep, he remembered the music. It wasn't particularly interesting but it was lively and had people dancing. Mother and father liked dancing, they did so often. Always laughing and having a good time. Luke was perhaps six or seven, he felt very grown up being invited.
Luke had been seated with his brother who was in a sullen mood for some reason. Luke didn't care enough to ponder on it, he had eaten far too many strawberry tarts and was mesmerized by all the revelers. Even the king was in attendance. The candlelight was glowing and sparkling, it was all very beautiful.
The adults were all dancing, spinning around the throne room in step with the music. Luke was growing restless. He wanted to dance, but Jace said they couldn't. He was trying to be very grown up tonight.
The servants watched, all observing the occurrences with far too knowing eyes. If Luke had been older and a little more observant himself, he may have noticed them. But tonight he was still just a little boy who was restless and excitable.
His father approached and immediately plucked him up, declaring they ought to dance together. Luke laughed in delight as his father spun him around. The lights twirled, reminding Luke of the stars on a clear night.
“Laenor, don't wind him up, now. He will be far too energized to sleep tonight.” Mother admonished as she sat beside Jace, who had occupied himself with another helping of ham. Mother looked relaxed; her cheeks were flushed and she was smiling.
“Far too late for that my dear.” Laenor declared before setting Luke down and bowing to his wife. “What do you say, Luke? Why don't you go ask someone to dance?” Father's eyes sparkled in amusement and Luke looked around. He didn't need to look far. He already had someone in mind.
“Alright.” He made a valiant effort to smooth down his hair, Laenor watching on in affectionate amusement.
“I think it's as smooth as it will ever be.” He gently informed his son who looked up at him with wide eyes.
“Is it okay? Does it look nice?” He smoothed at it again.
“It looks perfect.” Laenor assured him. “Now go on, before someone else does.” Luke nodded before turning away.
Aemond was seated further up the table, pushing his vegetables across his plate in visible disinterest. Helaena had already excused herself and Aegon was off harassing some poor maid. The Queen was doing her duties somewhere else.
Aemond realized he was being watched and glanced up from his plate, meeting Luke's beaming gaze. He frowned at him, the freckles across his nose oddly making Luke think of constellations. They matched his freckles. They were like family.
“What?” Aemond spoke, startling Luke from his wandering thoughts.
“Come dance with me?” Luke held out both hands in silent demand and Aemond stared at him, his frown deepening. He looked like his mother when he did that. It was scary.
“We are both boys.” Aemond replies as if that is answer enough.
“So?” Luke replies in the same tone, putting his hands on his hips.
“It's not…proper.” Aemond sounded uncertain as he said this and Luke huffed out a laugh.
“We're children. We're not supposed to be proper. Just one dance, please?” Aemond still looked reluctant so Luke used his most powerful weapon at his disposal. His sad face.“Please, please, pleeeeeeaseeeeee!”
It worked perfectly.
“Fine!” Aemond threw his hands up in frustration, and Luke cheered in triumph. He held out his hands stubbornly, waggling his fingers and Aemond finally accepted it. Luke proudly lead Aemond to the dance floor. They weaved through the crowd, ducking under a stray elbow and avoiding bumping into people's hips.
Aemond was nearly a head taller than him, and managed to clear a bit of a path. Mother was watching. Both their mothers were watching.
Aemond stopped finally and looked at Luke who grinned up at him. He sighed but moved towards Luke. Luke was clumsy, even here. Twice he managed to tread on his uncle's nice boots. It was one thing to want to dance, another to actually do so. Now that he was standing in the middle of the rush, he suddenly felt all too nervous to try. Aemond frowned at him.
“Now you don't want to?” He asked in clear annoyance. He had come all the way out here, just for Luke to back out at the last moment. All these eyes were on them and Luke suddenly felt shy, was suddenly aware of himself in a way he usually wasn't.
“I'm no good. I can't dance.” Luke managed to admit in a small voice, and his uncle scoffed in response. The music swelled around them, almost mocking them. Luke was preparing to apologize again when Aemond spoke.
“Then why ask me?”
“Cause you're my favorite.” It was a simple enough explanation. Luke said it as if it was the most obvious of answers.
“What?” Aemond looked confused once more, his eyebrows crinkled as he regarded his nephew, and Luke's cheeks grew even hotter in embarrassment. Were they being watched? Were people judging them? He had never really stopped to look before.
“I'm…”Luke couldn't find his words and Aemond made an exasperated noise, hands on his hips in a way that was very reminiscent of his mother.
“Stand on my feet.” Aemond finally instructed in that usually bossy voice of his, and Luke blinked.
“What?” It was Luke’s turn to ask, feeling very stupid.
“Stand on my feet.” Aemond said slower. “I can lead us that way.” That hardly seemed appropriate…but Aemond looked very serious. Luke stood frozen for a second, watching his uncle who waited expectantly. Luke finally did as he was told, balancing on Aemond’s feet and grasping onto his shoulders.
After a moment of Aemond took Luke's hand and began to move along with the music, Luke balancing on his feet. Aemond did not seem to find it very difficult to move with Luke on his feet, managing quite impressively to keep in step.
They were both smiling by the end, both laughing in joy as they swung around the hall. Both their mothers watched, unable to help the smiles that snuck on their faces.
…seems that the sight of the little princes dancing together made their mothers bold. It was a touching sight. I recall hearing that Princess Rhaenyra and Queen Alicent used to be very close. I suppose the sight of their boys dancing softened them a bit. Of course, Prince Aegon had to get involved as well. Quite a trouble maker, that one. Admittedly, I had to watch. Sweet children all dancing together as a family. Perhaps there is hope yet. Now that the party is over I am once again cleaning. I swear, I shall retire within the year. Mark my words.
Margot
“What say you, your Grace?” Rhaenyra leaned close. “Shall we?” They had done so as girls and Alicent easily accepted the dainty little hand offered now.
“Let's.” They walked hand in hand towards the floor as all eyes fixed on them, as they moved together.
Aegon had immediately tracked Jacareys down and demanded their own dance, because there was no way his boring brother was going to have all the attention on him. Viserys remained at the head table, smiling fondly as he watched his family dance together.
Aemond spun Luke around, and attempted to dip him, but they both ended up in a tangled heap on the floor, giggling wildly as they attempted to right themselves. Luke looked up in time to meet Laenor's gaze and his father winked at him with a little grin. Luke returned the smile before accepting Aemond’s offered hand and getting back to his feet.
They would try again.
Margot,
This royal family really is very entertaining. It is unfortunate you took the evening off. I had expected much more tension after Lord Vaemond was killed following the petition. Sorry again you had to clean that up. You really do have a knack for bloodstains though. Well anyway, I heard from Ellery, who spoke to Marcus, who said that Prince Lucerys and Prince Aemond danced together! I know they had been writing to each other, but it was surprising to see them manage a dance without fighting.
The next dance was years later, after all the anger and hurt. When everything was held by a delicate thread. Jace and Helaena were dancing and laughing together and Luke quietly watched them.His aunt had a nice smile. It was good to see it.
He and Aemond had been writing to each other for a few years now, same with him and aunt Helaena. Her letters were always like riddles, but he liked them and the bugs she drew under her signature. He tried writing to Aegon a few times, but his eldest uncle had delighted in sending the most peculiar of trinkets. Jace had noticed and immediately confiscated them.
Tonight at least was going fine, despite the drama from earlier. Once more the servants were watching, and this time Luke noticed their little smiles. They must have the most amusing gossip to share. This family certainly has enough to go around.
He rested his chin in his palm as he watched. Baela and Rhaena had joined the pair, dancing together with gusto. They never had gatherings at Dragonstone…or more correctly, they didn't have formal dancing. Sure, Luke and Rhaena often danced around together for fun. But this was different. He watched as Baela dipped her sister with a giggle, Rhaena tipping her head back.
A shadow fell over Luke and he looked up in surprise to see Aemond looming over him, looking very tall and very handsome. His eyepatch was quite fetching.
“What?” He asked, thinking he had missed something, and Aemond’s lips twitched in amusement.
“Dance with me?” Aemond offered Luke his hand. This must be a jest, a way to dig his heel into Luke and keep him down.
Luke watched him in surprise. “You…you want to dance—with me?” He nearly looked over his shoulder for a second, actually desired dance partner. Aemond never looked away from him. Or blinked. It was a bit unnerving.
And attractive.
“I asked, did I not?” Aemond countered. “Your last letter did state you hoped we would have the chance to talk. Why not now?”
Luke found he didn't have an argument in mind. “Are you sure?” He asks softly and Aemond hums.
“Just one dance. You can stand on my feet if you would like.” For a moment Luke thought Aemond was surely mocking him, but his smile was genuine.
Luke smiled and accepted his hand. The servants were watching, some even smiling as they observed the odd pairings. Aemond guided Luke to the floor. Jace was glancing over in concern, but Luke couldn't bring himself to look away from Aemond’s face.
He allowed his uncle to guide him into a smooth dance, their movements much less clumsy than it had been as children. They clasped hands, Aemond’s free hand settling low on his waist. Luke's cheeks flushed at this and Aemond’s thin lips curled into a faint smile. It wasn't the smirk from the petition, but something far softer. It made Luke feel warm. He returned that smile.
It was the sweetest sight. I never knew Prince Aemond to be as relaxed as he was, or to even smile. Yet here he was, twirling his nephew around and even sharing a laugh with him. I had almost feared the night would lead to violence, but instead it ended rather sweetly. Perhaps it was the toasts from earlier, or the drinks. Either way, it was a breath of fresh air.
Trysa
At the table, their mothers watched. This had gone far more smoothly than either had expected. No taunts or fights. Even with the pig on the table, no one had caused a scene. Not even Aegon, though the night was still young.
“We might as well join them.” Alicent mused softly, watching as her second son led Luke around the floor.
“It would certainly be uniting.” Rhaenyra agreed. They took each other's hand and stood, Aegon calling out in confusion before turning to Daemon, and scooting a bit closer, offering him a lazy grin.
“Should we-”
“No.” Daemon replied shortly and Aegon sighed. They watched their families dance, the music quick and lively. Aegon took a sip from his cup. Perhaps he would simply grab one of them and dance when there was a break in the music. Jace wouldn't say no to his favorite uncle.
“Otto?” Daemon's soft voice called out over the music. Otto turned in time for a grape to bounce off his forehead, and fall onto the floor. Daemon turned his attention back to his meal as Otto fought down a scowl, Aegon snickering loudly into his goblet.
Trysa,
Why is it whenever you have a shift with the royal family it's all harmony and love, and when I do I end up cleaning dead lord brains off the throneroom floor? How is this justice? How is this fair? What do you mean they were dancing in harmony? I was just literally cleaning dead man soup up hours before. Have you tried removing brain mess from a stone floor? It stains, Trysa. There is a stain. Now, this same family is dancing and all is well? This family is a nightmare. I am retiring.
Margot
Luke did end up standing on Aemond’s feet at one point as they danced, their height difference still enough that it hardly mattered. Aemond smiled all the same, a soft expression that had Luke's chest feeling warm. Laughter rang around them; Aegon had finally joined and had taken Rhaenyra's hand to begin dancing with her as Daemon looked on sharply. Alicent had even accepted Jace's offered hand, and was now dancing with him. Her smile was genuine.
“So you wished to talk,” Aemond hummed, guiding him. “So talk.”
“I wanted to apologize,” Luke said in a hushed rush of words, and he felt Aemond falter for just a moment. “I know I did in my letters but I wanted to do so now as well. For the pig. And the eye…I meant to protect my brother, but never to maim you so terribly.”
For a long moment Aemond was quiet as they danced and Luke was afraid he would never reply.
Then.
“I had hoped for an apology. I hated you for so long and your letters were…confusing,” Aemond moved him gracefully, with little effort. “I suppose we do have much to discuss…after our dance ends. Does that seem agreeable to you, nephew?” The music changed, picking up.
“That sounds…perfect.” Luke smiled up at him.
As the others switched partners, laughing together, Luke and Aemond remained partners. They barely looked away from each other. Aemond chuckled as he gently spun Luke around, feeling Luke's fingers tighten on his shoulder again.
Aemond made to dip him, and this time he succeeded, sweeping Luke back up as his nephew grinned at him, his eyes crinkled in the corners. Aemond had the oddest desire to kiss them smooth. Instead, he swept Luke back up and reveled in his responding laughter.
When the music finally came to a close, Aemond swept up Luke's hand and kissed the back of it, his single eye focused intently on Luke's face. Luke smiled back, all the rest of the world seeming to fade to the background.
“Another time, nephew?”
“Another time.” Luke agreed.
They would dance again.
Margot,
You will not believe what happened tonight at the family meal. I cannot even put it to paper. I will tell you over drinks. I'll pay tonight!
Trysa
The next dance would be the next day, and perhaps the day after that too. It continued years in the future. Rhaenyra had long since passed and Jacareys was now king with grayed hair and many grandchildren. Lucerys was now Lord of Driftmark with his most devoted supporter Aemond Targaryen at his side.
They still danced; it was slower now, Luke had trouble balancing on Aemond’s feet, and Aemond could not spin him as he once had. Still, they danced. To music or without it.
The sun was setting over Driftmark, and they danced in Luke's chambers to nothing but the sound of waves and gulls. The servants still watched, and they still talked. Let them. Luke was delightfully happy, even as he felt tired to his bones. His wrinkled hands held onto Aemond’s shoulders as his uncle slowly moved around the room. He was as handsome as he had always been, even with his face lined and his hair thinning.
“You are smiling.” Aemond observed with a slight tilt of the head.
“Should I not be?” Luke countered with a soft chuckle. The warm light of the setting sun cast golden streams across the room.
“No, I am simply pleased to see it.” Aemond replied smoothly, pressing a tender kiss against Luke’s gray curls.
“We should do this more often.”
“Dance?” Aemond frowned slightly. “We always dance. You say just one dance, and we never stop dancing."
“Not nearly enough I think.” Luke was always eager to argue, even now. Aemond was just as eager to join in.
“Still as greedy as a child.” Aemond shook his head with a fond smile that Luke returned.
“You have spoiled me, my love.” The sound of waves crashing against rock sounded in the distance.
“Aye, that I have.” Aemond agreed with that same lovely smile that Luke knew so well. “If you desire more dances, who am I to oppose?”
“When we pass from this world, I expect us to continue.” Luke jutted out his chin in childish defiance, and Aemond chuckled in delight.
“As you wish. Should I pass first I will be waiting for you at the start, for our dance.”
“And if I go first I shall do the same.” Once death would have been frightening, now as old as Luke was, he did not fear it. His mother and father would be there to welcome him home. Then, he and Aemond could continue as they were.
Indeed, they would dance again.