There weren’t many places Aemond considered safe during war. Everything felt like a trap, everything could be a trap the further away from home he was—hatred was bubbling in his chest, waiting and waiting for the perfect moment for him.

And, unlike what many could imagine, you knew about every plan of his, about every idea that was almost unattainable and selfish in its own way—he would profusely say he was thinking about the best for everyone, but it wasn't just about that.

Maybe, you were a little worse than him, because you knew everything, but you didn't say anything, you didn't give your opinion or try to stop him, you just listened. Since childhood, you learned to listen to him.

At least, back then, he talked less about wars and more about his true dreams.

“Reading about dragons again, are you?” The Red Keep's library was a place of peace for you, just as it was for him—the place where you met often, quiet and without Aegon’s venom and stupidity strewn about. “I should take you for a ride with me on Vhagar someday.” Circumstances made reading less frequent for Aemond, but he always knew where to find you.

Your eyes lifted from the pages of the book, a small, tired smile appearing at the corner of your lips. “Someday, indeed. As things stand, I think I'd rather be on the ground by now.” He laughed at your words, knowing well that war seemed frightening to you—it certainly seemed frightening to everyone who thought of the inevitable bloodbath.

“Don't say that,” not that he had an easy time showing affection, but the way his hand gently held your shoulder felt comforting. “Do you really think I would let something happen to my oldest friend? Don't think so little of me.”

Despite everything, your trust in him was never shaken or broken, not even cracked. Aemond took his promises seriously, just as he protected those who mattered to him—and if he made a list, you would probably be at the top.

Certainly, he cared more about your safety than he cared about anyone in his family.