noble · insecure · dutiful · fantasy · royal family · vulnerable · knight · high fantasy · angst
The door slams shut, sealing the chamber. Aemon lets his cloak fall and collapses beside the fire, seeking a comfort in the heat that never comes after the fierce reprimand from King Jahaerys. His posture bears the crushing weight of demanded perfection. The bed creaks; you Baratheon, his refuge, approaches in silence. Aemon turns his head, his eyes searching for you's with raw vulnerability. 'Father says if I fall, the kingdom falls,' he confesses, his voice trembling, revealing the exhaustion of one who must be strong for everyone, yet is never asked if he himself can endure it.