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asa-writes · 11 months

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An Inconvenient Attachment - 01

“The Debut”

Aemond Targaryen x F! OC - Regency AU - 18+ MINORS DNI

Word Count: 2,7k

Warnings: Period accurate misogyny, mentions death, mentions alcohol

The grand ballroom at the Earl and Countess' stately home on London's Hanover Square shimmered like a constellation under the soft glow of countless candles. The grand ballroom's walls were draped in luxurious velvet and silk tapestries, the marble floors gleaming beneath a shimmering constellation of candlelight. Colorful chandeliers sparkled like stars from the ceiling, and the walls were adorned with beautiful oil paintings in ornate frames. Couples twirled gracefully on the dancefloor, their graceful movements almost hypnotic as they moved to the melodious music of the orchestra.

Lady Camille Stanmore, her dark brown curls arranged meticulously in an intricate updo, hesitated at the threshold, her heart fluttering like a caged bird within her bosom. Nervous but excited for her debut, she clutched her mother's arm tightly, her pale skin standing out against the delicate fabric of her satin gown. Its colors were shifting from deep royal blues to bright emerald greens. Intricate embroidery of silver and gold thread adorned the puffed sleeves, the low neckline, and hem of the dress, sparkling like glittering diamonds against the silky, smooth material.

"Deep breaths, my dear," whispered her mother, the Countess of Stanmore. The tall, slender woman gave Lady Camille a reassuring smile as they stepped into the throng of guests after they had greeted them. Her father, George James Hector Stanmore, the Earl of Stanmore, followed behind them, his chest puffed out with pride despite his short stature.

"May I present my daughter, Lady Camille Stanmore," announced the Earl, his deep voice carrying throughout the ballroom. The Ton turned their gazes upon her, appraising her youth, beauty and innocence. Lady Camille felt her cheeks flush under their scrutiny, her shyness exacerbated by the presence of so many well-groomed men.

"Camille, darling!" called Lady Felicity Beaufort, the Countess of Havisham, gliding towards them with the grace of a swan. Her dark blonde hair was swept up elegantly, framing her lightly ruddy face. "You look absolutely enchanting! Are you ready to be introduced to the Ton?"

"Thank you, Lady Felicity," replied Lady Camille, her voice barely more than a whisper.

"Allow me to accompany you, dear," offered Lady Felicity, taking Lady Camille by the arm. The young debutante cast a grateful glance at her friend, whose steadfast loyalty and protection were like a beacon in this unfamiliar world of courtship. Lady Felicity had been her late brother's fiancée, before he had died a few years ago, so her family knew her well and approved of her being in Camille's presence.

"Very well," agreed the Countess, nodding her approval as Lady Felicity guided Lady Camille around the ballroom, engaging in small talk with various members of the Ton. In their conversations, Lady Camille's wit and intelligence began to emerge, though it was still tempered by her shyness around men.

"Have you met Alicent Targaryen, the Marchioness of Hightower?" asked Lady Felicity as they approached a cold, stoic woman with auburn hair. "She is Lord Aegon and Lord Aemond's mother. You must surely have read about them in the society papers."

Lady Camille's eyes widened slightly at the mention of Lord Aemond, but she quickly schooled her features into a polite expression. "I have not had the pleasure, but I am eager to make her acquaintance," she said while nudging Felicity. "I've heard that you might be of help?"

"Be mindful of your words, dear," warned Lady Felicity in a hushed tone, fanning herself gently. "The Marchioness has a tendency to be rather anxious and nervous. See how she bites her nails?"

"Thank you for the advice," murmured Lady Camille, taking a deep breath before approaching the Marchioness with a curtsy. "Lady Hightower, it is an honour to meet you."

"Likewise, Lady Camille," replied the Marchioness, her voice cool and detached. Her eyes, however, held a hint of warmth as they studied the young debutante. "Pray, if I may be so bold," said the Marchioness, her brown eyes never leaving Lady Camille's countenance. "Would you do me the honor of telling me a bit about yourself and your kin? It is only proper for my son, Lord Aemond, to be informed of you before any real introductions are made." Lady Camille turned crimson at the inquiry, taken aback by the sudden shift in discourse.

“Yes, your ladyship,” answered Lady Camille hesitatingly, feeling a pang of embarrassment as the Marchioness's gaze bore through her. With an uneasy cough, she began to inform the Marchioness on her family background, what minutiae intrigued her, and a number of other pleasantries that were deemed appropriate for those of a certain class. The Marchioness attentively heard these statements with curiosity, occasionally interjecting in order to glean more information. As their discourse concluded, a faint hint of satisfaction flickered across the Marchioness's features as she nodded approvingly.

“It was a true pleasure to make your acquaintance," uttered the Marchioness with a slight curtsey as she departed from Lady Camille. "I am sure my beloved son shall be equally delighted should he be granted the honour of meeting you." And thus, her charming countenance gracefully slinked away in the throng of highborn gentlemen and gentlewomen who engaged in conversation and dance throughout the magnificent ballroom.

As the evening progressed, Lady Camille found herself being introduced to a succession of eligible gentlemen, each vying for her attention and an opportunity to claim a dance. The grand ballroom was bathed in the soft glow of countless candles, their flickering light reflecting off the polished parquet floor and casting delicate shadows upon the dancers.

"Remember, dear," whispered Lady Felicity as they stood on the edge of the dancefloor, "a true gentleman will always be respectful and attentive to your needs. Pay close attention to their mannerisms."

Lady Camille nodded, her heart fluttering with nervous anticipation. She dried her sweaty palms on her luxurious dress and gave her companion an unsure smile. The first gentleman to request a dance was a tall, slender man with neatly-trimmed sideburns and an air of quiet confidence. She hesitated only a moment before accepting his offer, allowing him to guide her through the intricate steps of the quadrille.

When the dance concluded, Lady Felicity offered her assessment. "He is well-mannered, but perhaps a bit too reserved for your spirited nature. Lord Fitzroy-Sutherland is a keen observer of birds, I do not know if you could be well suited," she said, hiding behind her fan and taking a sip of punch. Her keen eyes continued to survey the room, evaluating each potential suitor with practiced ease.

"Would you like me to introduce you to another gentleman?" she asked, taking her chaperonee by the arm and guiding her around the room.

"Please," Lady Camille replied, her cheeks flushed from the exertion of the dance.

The next gentleman - the Viscount of Chelmsworth - was a jovial fellow with a boisterous laugh that echoed through the ballroom. He swept Lady Camille off her feet in a lively waltz, leaving her breathless and slightly disoriented by the end, constantly talking about his love for the Stanmore's berry pie.

"An enjoyable dance partner, I'm sure," remarked Lady Felicity once they had retreated to the sidelines, giving Lady Camille some Champagne, "but his exuberance may prove tiresome in the long run, don't you think?."

Before Lady Camille could reply, she felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. She turned to find her parents standing beside her, accompanied by a striking gentleman with silver-blond hair and a leather eyepatch over his left eye. The Earl of Stanmore cleared his throat, drawing her attention.

"Camille, allow me to introduce Lord Aemond Targaryen," he said, gesturing to the man before them. "Lord Aemond, this is my daughter, Lady Camille Stanmore."

"Your servant, my lady," said Lord Aemond, bowing low. His voice was rich and resonant, sending a shiver down Lady Camille's spine.

"Charmed, I'm sure," she replied, curtsying demurely. Her heart raced as she dared to meet his violet gaze, feeling an inexplicable connection that left her breathless.

"Tell me, Lady Camille," Lord Aemond asked, his tone light and teasing, "are you enjoying your debut so far?"

"Very much so," she answered, attempting to mirror his casual demeanor. "The company has been delightful, and the music enchanting."

"Indeed, the orchestra has outdone itself tonight," he agreed, casting a glance towards the musicians. "Might I have the honour of the next dance?"

"Of course, my lord," Lady Camille assented, her pulse quickening at the prospect. In the corner of her eyes, she saw Lady Felicity giving her a gentle wink.

As they awaited the start of the next song, Lady Camille could not help but marvel at the strange sensation that washed over her. In the presence of this enigmatic man, she felt both exhilarated and comforted, as if destiny had woven their paths together in a tapestry of fate.

As the music swelled, Lord Aemond extended his hand to Lady Camille, guiding her onto the dance floor with a grace that belied his proud lineage. The grand ballroom was awash in a sea of shimmering fabrics and glittering jewels, but in that moment, all faded into insignificance as they prepared to share their first dance.

"Remember to breathe, my dear," whispered Lord Aemond, a playful smile dancing upon his lips as he noticed her nervousness. "I promise not to tread upon your toes."

"Your assurance is most welcome, my lord," replied Lady Camille with a hint of her usual wit, allowing herself a small smile as she placed her hand on his shoulder, feeling the support and steadiness it provided. They moved in tandem with the music, their bodies an extension of the other's, as if they had danced together a thousand times before. Each step was fluid, each turn effortless, as if guided by some unseen force.

"Now that we have gotten past the pleasantries, tell me- what is your favorite food from tonight's ball?" asked Lord Aemond with a smile, seemingly trying to make Lady Camille feel more comfortable while he held her close.

Lady Camille smiled in response, for she found herself delighted by this sudden change in conversation. "Oh my lord," she began, feeling a blush rise to her cheeks as his gaze lingered upon hers. "I must confess that I've quite enjoyed all of the delicacies presented here tonight- from the roasted venison meddled with spices to the sweet pastries topped with fresh fruit." She paused for a moment to sin arund him before continuing eagerly. "But my favorite would have to be the delectable lemon tartlets - they are simply scrumptious!"

As they glided across the polished marble floor, Lady Camille felt the weight of her shyness dissipate, replaced instead by a newfound confidence that seemed to emanate from Lord Aemond himself.

"Lord Aemond," she ventured hesitantly, seeking to understand the enigma before her, "I cannot help but wonder...why did you choose me for this dance?" "Is it so unusual, Lady Camille, for a gentleman to be drawn to a woman of such rare beauty and charm?" His violet eye held her captive, revealing a vulnerability she had not expected.

"Perhaps not," she conceded, "but I sense there is more to you than meets the eye, my lord. I am drawn to you as well, though I cannot quite put my finger on why."

"Ah, Lady Camille," he replied, his voice barely audible above the strains of the waltz, "if I may be so bold, I believe we have stumbled upon a connection that defies mere words. It is something to be cherished, nurtured...and perhaps one day, it will blossom into something beyond our wildest dreams."

As the music drew to its enchanting conclusion, Lady Camille felt her heart swell with the promise of a future filled with passion and intrigue, her very soul entwined with that of Lord Aemond Targaryen.

Meanwhile, the Earl and Countess of Stanmore observed their daughter's debut from the edge of the dance floor, their eyes filled with a mixture of pride and concern.

"George," murmured the countess, "I am pleased to see our dear Camille enjoying herself tonight, but do you not think there is something...intense about her interactions with Lord Aemond?"

"Indeed, Anette," replied the earl, stroking his moustache thoughtfully, "but the young lord comes from a prestigious family, and if there is a genuine connection between them, who are we to stand in their way?"

"Of course, my love," the countess conceded, her gaze never leaving her daughter. "I only hope that in this whirlwind of excitement, our Camille does not lose sight of who she truly is – a kind, intelligent young woman with the world at her feet."

"Have faith, my dear," reassured the earl, placing a gentle hand on his wife's arm. "Our daughter has a strong spirit, and I trust that she will navigate these uncharted waters with the grace and determination that has always been her hallmark. Even though she might not be the brightest, may god forgive me for saying so, I do think that she shall find a perfectly well-established gentleman."

As they continued to watch Lady Camille and Lord Aemond, the Earl and Countess of Stanmore held fast to the hope that their daughter's debut would be the beginning of a bright and prosperous future, built upon a foundation of love, loyalty, and unwavering devotion.

The final strains of music echoed through the grand ballroom as Lady Camille and Lord Aemond reluctantly parted, a mutual understanding passing between them that their time together had been more than mere pleasantries. As the guests began to disperse, Lady Camille felt a sense of melancholy descending upon her like a velvet cloak. The night had been a whirlwind of emotions – trepidation, elation, and now, an overwhelming exhaustion.

"Camille, my dear," said Lady Felicity, appearing at her side, "you have truly outdone yourself this evening. I daresay your debut has been nothing short of spectacular."

"Thank you, Lady Felicity," murmured Camille, her eyes still locked on Lord Aemond's retreating figure. "Your guidance has been invaluable."

"Indeed, it was my pleasure," replied Lady Felicity with a knowing smile. "Now, do not dally; your parents are waiting for you."

As she approached her mother and father, Lady Camille's heart swelled with a mixture of gratitude and anxiety. Though they appeared pleased with the night's outcome, she could not help but wonder what her future held – and whether or not Lord Aemond would play a role in it.

"Camille, you were absolutely enchanting tonight," gushed the countess, enfolding her daughter in a warm embrace. "I am so proud of you."

"Thank you, Mother," whispered Camille, her cheeks flushed with emotion. "Your support means the world to me."

"Your mother is right," added the Earl, his stern visage softening for a moment. "You conducted yourself with grace and poise befitting your station. Well done, my dear."

"Thank you, Father," she replied, her voice barely audible. "I only hope that I have met your expectations."

"Exceeded them, my child," he corrected, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Now, I suspect you must be quite fatigued. Off to bed with you."

"Goodnight, Mother, Father," Camille murmured, curtsying politely before departing.

As she ascended the staircase, the enormity of the evening's events weighed heavily upon her shoulders. The hushed whispers and clandestine glances that had once unnerved her now seemed a distant memory, replaced by the exhilarating thrill of Lord Aemond's touch and the heady scent of his cologne.

Upon entering her bedchamber, Lady Camille was struck by the stark contrast between the opulence of the ballroom and the familiar solitude of her own quarters. She dismissed her maid for the night, insisting that she could manage undressing herself, and collapsed onto her four-poster bed, an elegantly embroidered canopy fluttering gently overhead.

"Lord Aemond," she whispered into the darkness, the name unfamiliar yet intoxicating on her lips. "Could it be possible? Could he truly care for me as I do for him?"

With a sigh, she allowed herself one final indulgence – a lingering touch to her hand where his had been, a remnant of their connection – before surrendering to the sweet oblivion of sleep, her dreams filled with visions of a future painted with the vibrant hues of love and desire.

#asa writes #asas fics #asas fanfictions #hotd #house of the dragon #house of the dragon smut #prince aemond #Aemond x OC #aemond targaryen fic #helaena targaryen #Aegon Targaryen #Jacaerys Velaryon #rhaenyra targaryen #alicent hightower #regency au #regency #lucerys velaryon

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threebooksoneplot · 2 years

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Episode 1: “We Like Mike” (Show Notes)

Content warnings:

Skinhead discussion: 38:13—41:38 (racism, xenophobia, nazism, anti-semitism, brief discussion of 2012 mass shooting 40:00—40:18)

Discussion of Edward wanting to murder his class: 54:10—end

[00:03:56] Damn Shannon I don’t recall burning YOUR crops poisoning your well razing your house to the ground and salting the earth

[00:06:16]

[00:06:20] Read Lexie’s fic here!

[00:07:28] Lexie’s social media handles: AO3, fanfiction.net, tumblr

[00:08:06] Ashley Greene’s NFT. (Ashley Greene is the actor who played Alice in the Twilight movies, for anyone not in the know. Also note that we recorded this episode in April, shortly before the great NFT crash)

[00:11:16] Transcript of Shannon’s Life and Death summary:

Beaufort Swan “Beau” moves from Phoenix, Arizona to a small town called Forks, Washington to live with his father, Charlie, after his mother, Renee, gets remarried. He is decidedly not fucking happy about it and is loathe to be in Forks despite taking it upon himself to lie to absolutely anybody who asks him about it (ever the martyr.) While there, he struggles with the inadequate experience of what we know is called “being a goddamn teenager.” He crosses paths with a mysterious and not-cognito family, and when he quote-unquote “meets” his new Biology partner, he suddenly has more questions about Edythe and her strange but sudden hatred of him.

[00:13:30] The top Kristen Stewart’s Bella is wearing in the very first scene of Twilight:

[00:15:09] Wikipedia’s basic breakdown of economic info on the real-world Forks, WA

[00:18:59] Bella on her reading list in Twilight:

It was fairly basic: Bronte, Shakespeare, Chaucer, Faulkner.

[00:20:36] The “canonical” heights for Jasper and Emmett, respectively: 6’3”/190.5 cm and 6’5”/195.6 cm

[00:30:10] Scroll to the bottom of this old blog post to see Stephenie Meyer’s original fancasts for Twilight characters (She had Jackson Rathbone as an Edward possibility?? oh my god)

[00:30:41] Some old, pre-movie era edits of Emily Browning as Bella:

source

[00:31:02] Shannon is metaphorically on crack here. Gerard Way was actually who the fans wanted to play Edward, though Stephenie Meyer is an MCR fan and says their music inspired her when writing Jacob’s character (source.)

[00:31:21] Henry Cavill in gold contacts, looking about as unlike Edward Cullen as a white dude can look:

[00:34:18] Anyone else notice that Shannon says “Rosalie” super weird? She also says “pillow” weird. Ask her to say it sometime.

[00:39:36] The SPLC’s timeline on skinheads (cw: racism, xenophobia, antisemitism, injury, murder)

[00:42:27] A blog post on the Tiffany Problem

[00:48:44] Advice for Edward:

[00:52:13] Fanlore’s definition of “fanon”

[00:54:24] Fanlore’s article on AUs

[00:54:34] The filmmakers even shot this as a deleted scene! And you are not prepared for the sheer brilliance of this 2009 Youtube DVD rip set to an A+ song choice (sound ON and pay particular attention to the background actors)

[00:56:19] In this most iconic scene from the first Twilight movie, Bella walks into the forest with Edward (without being asked) to confront him about his vampirism

[00:56:28] Renesmee, for anyone not in the know.

[00:58:27] Alice walking into the Bio classroom after Edward’s finished snacking

[00:58:47] G references the Trolley Problem from philosophy/ethics

...and that’s all we’ve got for Episode 1 show notes! We hope you enjoyed this Happy Birthday Edward edition of 3B1P!

#show notes #episode 1 #twilight #twilight renaissance #midnight sun #life and death #the twilight saga #twilight revival #podcast #twilight podcast

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