[ Aemond's hand stills entirely when she takes it. His expression is barely jostled by the volatile reaction. Not wanting to push any further than he's allowed. Expecting her to jump as she does, but is surprised to find that she doesn't remove his hand. Instead it moves up further, fingertips dragging along before it's released once again.
He's expecting to be scolded now for barely being bold, only it doesn't come. His eye wanders down to her hand as it travels up his arm. Listening to the way she tries to force the steadiness in each of her words. Each of them seemingly complicit in their conversation as it lists more easily towards the one that lies underneath. Pried open by his boldness.
It's the hand on his thigh that causes his chest to rise with a heavier breath. The warm, comforting press of her palm sends a jolt to travel through. So close, and yet. He's not close enough. ]
Do not worry for me, mother. [ Aemond reassures, his voice quiet as his chin tips forward to lean into her touch now. Now beginning to digest the idea that she is complicit or accepting or simply that he cannot help himself any longer. She does not seem to stop him.] I won't let you come to ruin.[ His lips tipping just to graze along her thumb as he speaks. He continues to lean forward just enough for his hand to slide over the curve of her calf. Behind the bend in her knee to trace along the inner side of her thigh. The warmth under her skirts mounting the farther he goes.
It is not dismissive, he means what he says. If this is what she would want, would allow, he would do everything in his power to protect it. To protect her. To protect their family from whatever transgressions may come by him or otherwise.]
no subject
He's expecting to be scolded now for barely being bold, only it doesn't come. His eye wanders down to her hand as it travels up his arm. Listening to the way she tries to force the steadiness in each of her words. Each of them seemingly complicit in their conversation as it lists more easily towards the one that lies underneath. Pried open by his boldness.
It's the hand on his thigh that causes his chest to rise with a heavier breath. The warm, comforting press of her palm sends a jolt to travel through. So close, and yet. He's not close enough. ]
Do not worry for me, mother. [ Aemond reassures, his voice quiet as his chin tips forward to lean into her touch now. Now beginning to digest the idea that she is complicit or accepting or simply that he cannot help himself any longer. She does not seem to stop him.] I won't let you come to ruin.[ His lips tipping just to graze along her thumb as he speaks. He continues to lean forward just enough for his hand to slide over the curve of her calf. Behind the bend in her knee to trace along the inner side of her thigh. The warmth under her skirts mounting the farther he goes.
It is not dismissive, he means what he says. If this is what she would want, would allow, he would do everything in his power to protect it. To protect her. To protect their family from whatever transgressions may come by him or otherwise.]