[ when you're living with a death prophecy hanging over your head — when you know your life has been forfeit almost half as long as you've been alive, with the odds stacked against you from the beginning — it's hard to exit the mindset of looking to the end first before anything gets to start.
aemond likes to keep his promises. it's hard to do that when you know death looms so close he can taste it in his mouth every time he remembers. ]
Honesty for both of us, for as long as we remain fond of each other. And with hope, out of respect for each other in the aftermath.
[ In truth, had Aemond not brought it up first, Dorian would have asked the same as soon as he'd mustered the courage. They don't speak of feelings in Tevinter, because there's little hope for them to become something real; but for all that Dorian thinks of himself as someone who is careful with his own heart, guarding it behind glittering armor, he's fallen twice in this place before even realizing he'd stumbled.
Foolish. But maybe better to be a fool than full of regret for a risk not taken. ]
[ the crown of westeros devours everything in its path, and few things taste as sweetly as the misery of its royal family. aemond knows this is by design; why else would otto have a dead prince paraded among the smallfolk for sympathy, and more so why would such a gambit succeed? the same crowd that cheers for their triumphs is the same one that celebrates their downfall. everything they own, everything they are belongs to the kingdom.
to be truly dutiful is to want nothing beyond itself. though aemond has built himself to be the perfect son in his mother's eyes, and fashioned himself after the most loyal of his line, he knows he takes for himself here what he shouldn't.
after alicent's death and its complicated aftermath, aemond is done apologising for his perceived faults. he wants. in particular he wants dorian and his attention, his affections, all of it — he will have what he is given, until it sours in his mouth. ]
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But I also ask for that honesty from you. I would always rather know sooner than later. For both of our sakes.
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aemond likes to keep his promises. it's hard to do that when you know death looms so close he can taste it in his mouth every time he remembers. ]
Honesty for both of us, for as long as we remain fond of each other. And with hope, out of respect for each other in the aftermath.
I am so fond of you, Dorian. Think of me tonight?
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Foolish. But maybe better to be a fool than full of regret for a risk not taken. ]
I'll dream of you, if you promise to dream of me.
🎀
[ the crown of westeros devours everything in its path, and few things taste as sweetly as the misery of its royal family. aemond knows this is by design; why else would otto have a dead prince paraded among the smallfolk for sympathy, and more so why would such a gambit succeed? the same crowd that cheers for their triumphs is the same one that celebrates their downfall. everything they own, everything they are belongs to the kingdom.
to be truly dutiful is to want nothing beyond itself. though aemond has built himself to be the perfect son in his mother's eyes, and fashioned himself after the most loyal of his line, he knows he takes for himself here what he shouldn't.
after alicent's death and its complicated aftermath, aemond is done apologising for his perceived faults. he wants. in particular he wants dorian and his attention, his affections, all of it — he will have what he is given, until it sours in his mouth. ]
Be well, Dorian. Good night.