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Chapter Text

In a world where a ruling house is brought to ruins by the greed of outsiders and the need to take what doesn't belong to them, a family where serpents mingle in the shadows, vipers whisper in their ear. Trust is slowly cut away until one can't trust their own reflection in their mirror...House Targaryen was one of the many houses to fall victim to these kinds of plots.
But what if the gods foresaw the long night 174 years from the biggest blow to House Targaryen and the city of Westeros?
What if they used all their power to send their chosen heir back in time? The one Targaryen who saw their White Stag? Their last hope?
What if that person was Rhaenyra Targaryen I?

Chapter Text

Rhaenyra Targaryen

Daemon Targaryen

Laenor Velaryon

Alicent Hightower

Viserys I Targaryen

Otto Hightower

Rhaenys Targaryen

Corlys Velaryon

Laena Velaryon

Harwin Strong

Criston Cole                               Harold Westerling                   Elinda Massey

Grandmaester Mellos                                                         Lyonel Strong

Chapter Text

*gasp*
Rhaenyra shot up from her bed in a cold sweat as she looked around for her son Aegon. Her sweet boy was terrified as he was held down by the kingsguard next to her brother Aegon II. She looked around her room in confusion as the halls of Dragonstone were not what she saw. Instead, she was back in her chambers when she resided in Kingslanding. More confusion filled Rhaenyra but before she could call out her body folded as her back arched up with a shrill scream leaving from her lips in the dead of night. The sound was so loud it reverberated throughout the halls of the castle. Rhaenyra's body seized up as a bright light blinded her and her soft purple eyes glowed. The maid outside the door rushed into the princess's chambers terrified she was being attacked. Instead what greeted her was the princess Rhaenyra's shaking body as a white substance ran from her mouth and her eyes rolled back into her head. The maid's horrified scream reached the kingsguard stationed outside the princess's apartment door. Ser Criston rushed into the room and looked for an intruder in every corner of the princess's bed chamber. When he found none, he rushed to the terrified maid kneeling next to the princess and lightly tapping her face, "Elinda! What's wrong with the princess?"
Elinda had a worried expression as she placed her palm on Rhaenyra's forehead while Ser Cole tried to hold her down and stop the shaking. A gasp left her mouth when the princess's temperature reminded her of the heat a boiling pot of water gives off the cover is removed, "I am not sure Ser Criston. Summon a maester!"
Ser Criston Cole ran from the room as another scared maid entered the princess's apartment, past the lounging area, and into the princess's bed chamber. She held the princess's shaking body while Elinda pulled the covers off of the princess Rhaenyra.

~In King Viserys I chamber~

King Viserys I shot up in his bed after hearing the painful scream outside his door. He reached over the head of his bed and pulled the cord hanging to summon someone.
He looked over at the empty side of his bed missing the warmth he often sought from his now dead wife. It had been 16 moons since his beloved Aemma had passed, killed by his hands in his quest for a son, a son who had not lived past a moon's turn despite being born healthy. And though he was set to be married in a few hours, he could not help the lack of excitement or enthusiasm he felt. Ser Harold Westerling opened the door as a maid stood outside shaking.
"What is all this ruckus Harold?", Viserys questioned with a sigh. He felt so tired.
Ser Harold hesitated, "It is the princess, your grace."
Viserys brow furrowed as his head shot up and he scrambled out of the covers of his bed, "The princess? Rhaenyra? What is wrong with my daughter?"
Ser Harold approached with his hand on his sword and bowed his head, "It is unsure your grace. The princess was discovered in her bed shaking and with a high fever. Maester Mellos is in her chambers as we speak, would-"
Before Ser Harold could continue, King Viserys had pulled on his robe and slippers and left his camber in a hurry, Ser Westerling trailing behind him.

~In another part of the castle~

Lady Alicent Hightower was lying awake staring at the ceiling as sleep evaded her. Despite it being her wedding day and a few weeks from her 19th nameday, she could not find it in her very being to be excited. She felt terrified and alone. She was marrying the KING and yet she dreaded the very thought. Her only friend Rhaenyra will not speak to her about the betrayal despite Alicent not having a say in the matter. Her mother had passed when Alicent was 7, after that, she was brought to court by her father and raised by her septa as Rhaenyra's lady-in-waiting.
Her septa always beat into her mind, "As a woman, your duty is to your father and your husband. Always respect and obey your father, your husband, and the faith of the seven." It was all she knew.

She is startled from her daydream as a painful scream she recognizes belongs to Rhaenyra echoes outside her door. She thought she might’ve envisioned it, but soon loud yelling and heavy footsteps followed. Tumbling out of her bed in a very unladylike manner, she yanked the heavy doors to her chambers open and peeked down the hall. Several guards and maids were shuffling with basins of water and strong-smelling herbs carried by maesters. She grabbed the first maester she saw, “What is happening?”
The terrified maester could only utter that the princess Rhaenyra had a fit and is currently unconscious and barely hanging on for life. Alicent’s mind could not process that she only wore a robe over her nightgown and no shoes before she was rushing toward Rhaenyra’s chambers.

~Back in Rhaenyra’s Chambers~

Maester Mellos was ordering his assistants, maids were rushing in and out and the royal guards stood at their posts. King Viserys was pacing behind Maester Mellos as he treated Princess Rhaenyra. The entire scene was a mixture of chaos and fear. Rhaenyra lay pale and unconscious with a dangerously high fever and a stomach that would not keep the medicinal broths down. Everything that was forcibly fed to her was thrown up. Every few minutes a pained sound left the princess's lips, yet he could not aid with relief as the princess threw up the milk of poppy as well. Maester Mellos explained to the king that the princess had been poisoned and he was unsure of what to do since he had never encountered this type of poison before. He quickly looked to the side of the king where Otto Hightower, the hand stood. The chaotic atmosphere helped Otto hide his gleeful expression as he hoped the spoiled princess would pass quietly in her sleep. Then regardless of what Alicent birthed when she did her duty, his pious blood will help cleanse the filth of the Targaryen and their wicked, sinful blood born of incest and lust. Unfortunately, he could not hide his expression from Alicent who burst through the doors. She ignored decorum and rushed to Rhaenyra instead of greeting her father or the king who was too worried to care about standing on ceremony. As another painful whimper passed Rhaenyra's lips before her body locked up again and her back bowed, she heard the maester telling the king that the princess might not make it through the night and that he should prepare for the worst. Alicent swung her hateful eyes and glared at her father he asked for the silent sisters to be sent for. “Rhaenyra will not die!”, she internally screamed. Grabbing Rhaenyra’s unusually warm hand, she knelt at the edge of the bed and started praying to the mother remembering the first time she wanted to abandon her duty and run away.

She never once objected to her father's orders, even when he had her befriend the princess. But she could not fault him for it, Rhaenyra was the closest thing she had to a sister and a confidante, she loved her. Yet her fear of her father overweighed her love for her sister. When Otto Hightower had ordered her to comfort King Viserys after the passing of Queen Aemma and Prince Baelon, Alicent sought to take Rhaenyra with her. Who knew her father would order her to wear one of her mother's dresses and go to the king's bed chamber alone at night? At first, she outright rejected the idea, her mind immediately knew what her father had planned with a scheming look on his face. Her fingers immediately went to pick her nailbed as fear filled her, "Father to go unchaperoned to another man's chamber......I do not want unsavory rumors to follow me. I can offer my comfort to the king when I visit Rhaenyra."
Otto sneered at her, "Foolish girl. This is our chance; no man can ignore a beautiful woman. You will do your duty and comfort the king. Mayhaps after a few sessions, I may convince him to court you. The king is without an heir and will eventually need to remarry. I will ensure you are chosen for the position."
Alicent had a horrified look on her face, "Father the king is 37. I have only just had my 18th nameday. I do not want to marry a man who is close to your age. Besides, I do not hold any affection for the king. I am Princess Rhaenyra lady in waiting, she was named heir after Queen Aemma passed. You and uncle swore fealty to her as did every other lo-"
Otto backhanded Alicent, watching as she fell to the floor. He reached down and grabbed her by the arm, pulling her roughly from the floor, "I am your lord father, you dare speak back to me? Your time in the company of the princess has negatively influenced you. Your duty is to your father and then to your husband."
Otto let go of Alicent as she reached to wipe the tears from her face and grabbed her red cheek, "A woman is not fit to sit on the iron throne. You will marry the king, do your duty, and give him a son. Soon, our blood with sit on the throne. Do as you are told Alicent."
Otto turned around to leave her room before stopping, "If I hear a whisper of what we discussed reaches the princess, you will not like the consequences of ruining my plan. I will have you sent back to Oldtown for re-education at the sept."
Alicent trembled as she remembered the many beatings she had taken and the inappropriate touches of the members. When her door closed, she collapsed on her chamber floors.

And when the king announces his wish to marry her in 12 moons' time at the next council meeting, she can only watch as Rhaenyra's betrayed expression finds her, and her eyes fill with tears. She can only watch as Rhaenyra storms from the room with Lord Corlys in tow, her father smiles with glee, and the last ties of her relationship with Rhaenyra end.

~Back to Rhaenyra~

Before Rhaenyra knew it, she was standing in a hall with 3 large doors big enough for her beautiful Syrax to fit through. The door to her left held the outline of a large dragon. The door to her right is an outline of a person with her house symbol. The largest door in front of her held the shape of a human the size of an adult horse. It was clear from Rhaenyra's point of view that it was meant to be one of the Gods of Old Valyria. Lining the way walls on both sides were 7 braziers each with a large chair next to it. Rhaenyra approached the only table there with a long scroll and an ink pen. The scroll held many Targaryen names Rhaenyra recognized. Before she could look further, the brazier's flame grew enormously bright that she squinted through her fingers. When the light finally receded, 14 figures were sat in each of the chairs. By now Rhaenyra had realized she was in the presence of the 14 gods of Valyria. Her uncle Daemon embodied the magic and culture of Old Valyria, instead of the majority of Westeros that followed the faith of the seven, he taught her of her heritage. She visited the Sept and prayed to the mother to appease her father, but Rhaenyra believed in no one but the 14 gods. She bowed her head as they all stood.
“We are the Fourteen Gods of the Flame. Raise your head child”, Though only one spoke, the voice sounded blended. As if they all spoke at once. It was kind of scary.
Rhaenyra lifted her head and looked around, “Am I dead? I must be dead.”
“No, my child. But you have seen the future of your house should you tread this path.”, she looked over at the one that spoke.

It all came to Rhaenyra now.
The war.
Her father’s death and the usurping of her birthright.
Her miscarriage and the loss of her daughter.
The death of her sons.
Reclaiming her birthright.
Daemon abandoning her.
The revolt of the common folk and the storming of the dragon pit.
Her darling Syrax's death
The betrayal of her men which then leads to her unfortunate death.

Rhaenyra remembered everything and the hatred she felt before her death was slowly rekindling. She turned away angrily.
“What did I do that was so wrong? They stole my throne and killed my kin. MY CHILDREN. Daemon abandoned me and Alicent....it all started with her. I trusted her more than I trusted myself and she betrayed me! Seduced my father and gave him the sons he always wanted. Her sons would eventually take everything from me. And her snake of a father, his greed knew no bounds.”
“The past is not the future child.”
Rhaenyra softly scoffed. Alicent...... She only used me to get to my father. She never cared for me. (But little did Rhaenyra know, Alicent was the most hysterical as she held the unconscious Princess’s hand listening to the maester tell King Viserys that the princess might not live through the night.)
“Sure, I was not the best person leading up to my death but I did it all for the sake of my children and the sake of the realm. And look what good it got me. My men handed me over to that monster I shared blood with. TRAITORS! All of them.”
Rhaenyra heaved as tears cascaded down her cheeks. She quickly wiped them away and faced the gods again. They watched her with what she could only describe as sadness. She quickly diverted her eyes. She didn’t want their pity, she was already dead, “So? Am I to be punished and cast to the seven hells?”
“You have been given the chance to right the wrongs, my child. Your father told you of the prophecy Aegon I, the conqueror foresaw. The prince that was promised comes from your bloodline. And that prophecy stands true.”
Her brows furrowed, “How? I am dead and so are all of my children. My brother made sure”
One God dressed in rich blue silk and silver chains that dangled many moonstones shook her head, “Your brother was betrayed by his men and poisoned before he could return to sit the iron throne again. The men who remained loyal to you fought for your claim and placed your son Aegon on the throne. To cease the infighting of your house, Aegon II’s only surviving child, his daughter Jahaera, was married to your son. Though the little girl never survives long enough to bear him children, your line continues through your son Viserys.”
Rhaenyra felt more tears fill her eyes,” Viserys is alive? But he was lost to the gullet.” She clasped her hands as tears ran down her cheeks, “Thank you. Thank you, Our house did not end then....And the dragons?”

“Following your death, one dragon would be hatched. But your son, traumatized by the creature that ate his mother became deadly afraid. No more dragons would hatch, and the might of House Targaryen would decline. You also never had the chance to pass the prophecy on, so it would be lost forever. The long night approached, and all would suffer.”
Rhaenyra covered her mouth in shock, “By the gods....”, with a startling realization she understood why she awoke in her room back in time.
“You now understand what you must do. The only thing that could tear down the house of the dragons is itself. The dragons must never dance. King Jahaerys was a great king, but he was not a good father. House Targaryen may have dragons, but you are few in numbers and you are not together.”
“You know what you must do child.”
The greens.....
“I can see you blame your father and the green faction, but you must look beyond. Take off the lens of anger and blame and see what lies beneath the surface.”
Rhaenyra furrowed her brows at the cryptic words but nodded, nonetheless.
“This is your second and only chance. Do not make the same mistakes you have made before.”

Chapter Text

~Small Council Meeting Chamber~

King Viserys looked at his council, which argued back and forth between them and felt yet another ache in his temple beginning. He looked at his hand which had a few tiny cuts that refused to heal and remembered the first time the throne cut him. Daemon criticized him for choosing a Hightower over his kin the day he chose to wed Alicent over Laena Velaryon. Daemon had left in a fit of anger and Viserys hasn’t felt at peace since. The wounds weren’t closing, and now the ache and irritation have spread from one finger to 3. He needed to see the maester for a pain reliever. Viserys however, dreaded going to see Mellos. Every concoction he drank, while they offered relief, only lasted for half a day’s time before the pain doubled.

He refocused back on the yelling playing out in front of him. He could not remember who started it either. Grandmaester Mellos had suggested stopping all treatment on his daughter as nothing seemed to work and to let her pass peacefully. It has been 2 days since Rhaenyra collapsed and she was fading away before his eyes. Lord Lyonel of House Strong, his Master of Laws, however, asked that they seek advice from the Princess Rhaenys and Prince Daemon who had traveled often to various places that may have a way to heal the princess. Grandmaester Mellos had taken offense to Lord Strong seeking healing from someone who wasn’t of the faith and thus an argument ensued. Viserys could not disagree with Lyonel because what choice did he have?  Let his daughter die or bruise the pride of the citadel? Viserys would give his crown away to find a healer for his only child. The last memory of his beloved Aemma. He just needed to find Daemon........

“ENOUGH”, Viserys slammed his hand on the table and immediately regretted it when the hand stung. Fuck. He forgot that was the injured hand. He controlled his face to not show the grimace of pain threatening to break through. Looking over to his left where his hand was, Otto Hightower sat silent, he asked, “Where was Prince Daemon last seen?”

Otto’s eyes briefly widened before he sat up and answered the king, “It was last reported that the prince took to Driftmark where he and Lord Corlys waged war against the stepstones your grace.”

Viserys looked over to him in surprise, “The stepstones?  How long ago was this?”

“A year......your grace.”, Otto hesitantly replied.

Viserys felt his eyes widen in disbelief, “A YEAR!? Why am I only being informed of this now? Lord Corlys was instructed to wait a year for a response from the lords we sought help from. And why is my brother there fighting an unauthorized war?”

Otto felt smug as he once against managed to paint Daemon in a bad light, anything to make sure he remains away from Kingslanding and away from Viserys ear. Otto could not understand how Daemon managed to make the king see reason whenever he was around, but he always blocked Otto at every turn. To ensure Viserys kept swaying to his tune, he needed to block Daemon first.

Lord Lyonel interrupted his thoughts, “With all respect your grace, the Velaryons’ have suffered the most damage from the piracy of the triarchy that currently holds the stepstones. The triarchy made a habit of robbing any ship that passed through those shipping lanes, but the Velaryon fleet was in charge of most of the cargo that came to Kingslanding. I can only assume since the crown has delayed fixing the issue, he has taken matters into his own hands. And Prince Daemon is no stranger to war your grace. He values kin above all so it isn’t a surprise he has joined to aid the family of his lady cousin, Princess Rhaenys.”

While his words made sense, Viserys could not understand why he had not received a single letter or update from his hand on the situation. A war was no small matter even if it were for unclaimed land in the narrow sea. He looked over at Otto in mild suspicion. When Otto noticed the king's gaze, he lowered his head while silently cursing Lyonel. That old fool should learn to keep his mouth shut. Viserys removed his gaze from Ser Otto to signal Ser Harrold Westerling, Commander of the Kingsguard, “My brother will not return unless victory is won. His pride will not allow it. Send for Princess Rhaenys urgently.”

 He turned to Lord Lyman Beesbury, his Master of Coin, to inquire on the state of their coffers and how much of the budget he could reallocate to send aid to the stepstones, “Where can we substitute funds from the budget to aid my brother in this war?”

Otto looked at Viserys in shock, “Your grace?”

“Is there a problem Lord Hand?”, Viserys narrowed his eyes at Otto.

Lord Beesbury softly coughed, “If I may interrupt your grace, a few minor things can be removed from your wedding festivities. The lady Alicent had requested to have the 14 days of the tourney canceled. The Princess Rhaenyra had also requested the cancellation of her new wardrobe.”

The council could hear the sadness in the sigh the king released, “Do as you must. Send 500 of the gold cloaks and 500 knights. Request for 10 maesters from the citadel as well. Prepare rations and medical supplies for them.”

Beesbury bowed his head in acknowledgment. Meanwhile, Otto could do nothing but stew in his anger as yet another plan to paint Prince Daemon in a bad light is thwarted. That damn girl. Cancel the tourney? His daughter was marrying the king and yet there would be no festivities held? How would that reflect on his family? They deserved the best. He deserved nothing but the best. His brother would have much to say about this, he was sure. Endless nagging as if Otto was not the hand of the king. He brought himself up from a second son with nothing to advising two kings. How dare Alicent go behind his back? He would have a word with her when this meeting was over.

“That is all for now. Prepare my writing materials. I have a letter to write to my brother and cousin.”

~Princess Rhaenyra’s Apartment~

Alicent sat in the lounge of Rhaenyra’s apartment anxiously biting her nails. Rhaenyra was still unconscious. She overheard the maids saying Grandmaester Mellos wanted to halt treatment and let the princess pass peacefully. Alicent refused to allow such a thing. She did not care if she had to kneel at the door of King Viserys chamber if it meant he would ignore that one particular advice from the maester. Maybe he has grown senile in age, yes, that must be it. Should I write to Gwayne and have him send another maester from the citadel in Oldtown? No, she couldn’t do that without the consent of the King. She took a sip of her tea while gazing at Rhaenyra’s bedchamber door. Rhaenyra was the only person she had here in the palace. Should Rhaenyra pass, Alicent would be all alone. Locked in this palace, with her father’s ambition, and forced to birth to children for the king. ‘But I don’t want to be forced to birth children who would replace Rhaenyra if she died!’. Alicent cried in her mind from the unadulterated frustration she felt but couldn’t voice. The anxiety was making her restless. She abruptly got up and entered Rhaenyra’s bedroom, noticing her Lady in waiting, Elinda had just bathed Rhaenyra and changed her clothes. The room felt stuffy and humid, yet cold and empty at the same time. Rhaenyra looked pale. Paler than usual. Her silver hair was braided away from her face and wrapped away from her neck.

She turned to push the windows open, “This room is too hot, it will make her uncomfortable. Rhaenyra always preferred the cold.”

Elinda reached into the princess’s stand, opened the small chest, and pulled a small brown sack out. She approached the worried, who wore a simple blue gown, and led her to a couch, “Come my Lady. Sit here.”

Alicent looked at Elinda in confusion as she knelt and opened the sack. When she pulled out a few small pieces of cloth, a jar of ointment, and a bottle with a green liquid. When Elinda reached for her hand, then she realized her fingers were bleeding. She had picked it raw without even realizing it. She looked back at the small sack in question. Elinda noticing her stare at the sack, “The princess had this prepared the day the king announced his remarriage. She meant to give it to you but....”

Alicent couldn’t stop the sob that escaped her as she bowed her head in shame. The day the King announced his intention to marry me. Rhaenyra often stopped her from picking her nailbed. A nasty habit she tried ever since her time at the sept to get rid of. Rhaenyra often joked that she would find someone to treat the scars until she found a husband to ease my worries. Elinda quietly packed the sack up and watched as Alicent silently cried. If only she could tell Lady Alicent the many times Princess Rhaenyra snuck out of her room and headed to her chamber, only to get cold feet and return. The princess spent many moons speaking with a healer from Essos who made the ointment to help with Lady Alicent's nail-biting. She turned to place the sack back in the chest.

Alicent covered her eyes to stop the tears while she grabbed Rhaenyra’s still one and held it tightly, “I’m sorry. I’ll do whatever you want Rhaenyra. Just please wake up.”

A slightly hoarse voice reached her ears as the hand she was holding tightened, “Will you go on a trip with me on Dragonback? Syrax is antsy for another ride.”

Alicent’s eyes widened as her head shot up to look at Rhaenyra whose purple eyes were crinkling with mischief. She sobbed in relief as her legs collapsed under her. Thank the mother. Her muscles that were tightly strung slowly eased as tension escaped her body.

“Princess!”, Elinda gasped in relief as Rhaenyra turned to look at her with a soft smile. “I’ll alert the king, your grace.”

Elinda rushed out of the room as Alicent rushed to fix the covers on Rhaenyra, “I’m not riding that monstrously huge beast, Rhaenyra.”

Rhaenyra shrugged her shoulders, “I won’t give up.” When Alicent turned to look at her, Rhaenyra had already fallen asleep again.

~Meanwhile, at the stepstones~

Daemon who had just received the letter from Viserys rushed from the council meeting room to his tent.

Chapter Text

~High Tide, Driftmark~

A small raven entered through the window on the eastern side of the castle that housed the maesters situated at Driftmark. Maester Elwood, quickly moved to collect the letter attached to its leg as he recognized the raven came from the direction of the keep. Very few have permission to send ravens to Driftmark from the keep, mainly the king, Prince Daemon, and Lord Corlys who were both away at the stepstones. After retrieving the letter, he immediately left to find Princess Rhaenys. When Lord Corlys was often away, Princess Rhaenys sat the driftwood throne and oversaw all command of Driftmark.

Entering through the door, he bent his head and approached Princess Rhaenys who sat in the company of her daughter, Lady Laena. The princess’s dark brows furrowed as she accepted the letter from the maester. A few minutes passed before Princess Rhaenys passed the letter to Lady Laena and got up to her feet in a hurry, “Come Laena. We are making a trip to the keep. Your cousin, the princess Rhaenyra is ill.”

Laena read the letter as her hand trembled, “Poisoned? Who would dare to poison the king’s only heir? This is unheard of.”

“Unheard of daughter but not impossible. And I can only put one person to mind who would benefit from the princess’s demise. HighTower.”, Rhaenys always hated Otto.

 She often saw the self-ambition in his greedy eyes. And when her father had died, instead of naming her heir, he had convinced her grandsire to name her uncle Baelon as heir instead. His greedy talons were buried deep in her grandfather's shoulder, and now they seem to have been deeply embedded in Viserys as well. Viserys was not a bad man, as far as the men of Westeros, but he was weak and easily manipulated. When Otto had convinced Viserys to name Rhaenyra his heir over Daemon after her sweet cousin Aemma had passed, Rhaenys saw it for what it was; a shield to keep Daemon from the throne at the expense of Rhaenyra.

She remembered when she tried to convince him not to name Rhaenyra his heir. Rhaenys tried to make Viserys see reason, “Daemon only wanted your attention Viserys! Your affection and yet at every turn you scorn him and turn him away. And now you have exiled him. The lords of Westeros will not accept a woman as heir, you’ve seen this during the great council. This would put your daughter in harm's way.”

Viserys shook his head and turned away, “Look at what he has done! Thrown a party in the wake of my wife and son's death. ‘An heir for a day’ he said. You have always given Daemon more grace when he needed it.”

“And you have not given him enough!”

Rhaenys had left in a fit of anger. Viserys never saw Otto for what he was, a snake. Then when he had convinced Viserys to choose Alicent over Laena, a daughter of a second son who offered no benefits to the crown, she had truly given up. Rhaenys felt a smidge of guilt. She and Rhaenyra didn’t part on good terms. Otto would no doubt fight to put the son Alicent would eventually birth on the throne. She believed Rhaenyra to be spoiled and naive to think the realm would not be put to war the minute Viserys took his last breath.

“Men would sooner put the realm to torch before a woman seats the iron throne.”

“When I am Queen, I will create a new order.”

Rhaenys now understood the mistake she made. What she thought was Rhaenyra’s spoilt behaviour, might have been a projection of her insecurity. The lords all bowed and swore fealty to Rhaenyra when Rhaenys had no one to push her claim apart from her lord husband. Even Daemon had an army prepared if a war arose between Viserys claim and hers. Yet she did not expect her grandfather to take the coward's route and have the lords choose the heir to the throne. The same lords believed a man to be superior and a woman’s only purpose was to sire her husband's children. Rhaenys held no hope she would be chosen, and she was right to do so. Viserys had been chosen over her and she was alone. To be seen and heard as a woman among men was twice as hard and yet she had done the same to Rhaenyra. When her husband had felt slighted at having Laena rejected, they had packed and all left. Rhaenyra was left in the keep with her former companion now marrying her father and a nest of vipers in every corner. Daemon exiled, Laena and Laenor forcibly brought back here at Driftmark. Rhaenys sighed and turned to the maester, “Send a letter to my son. Have him return to Kingslanding urgently. I will receive him to visit the princess.”

Laena held her hand, “Go, Mother. I will stay here and manage until you return. We do not want to give Uncle Vaemond another reason to take control of Driftmark.”

Rhaenys squeezed her hand and nodded, “Have the dragon keepers saddle Meleys.”

~Kingslanding~

It was 3 days later a loud ding sounded as the bell above the tower signaled a dragon was approaching the keep. Common folk looked up as a large red dragon flew over their houses and headed toward the dragon pit. Princess Rhaenys landed her dragon, Meleys Red Queen outside the entrance of the pit. As she dismounted, she spotted several dragon keepers and a few kingsguard. As Meleys was led inside, Rhaenys turned to the kingsguard approaching her, “Ser Westerling.”

Ser Harrold, seated upon his horse, nodded his head, “Princess Rhaenys. The king has sent a carriage.”

Rhaenys nodded and approached the carriage. When the door was shut after she entered, she immediately pulled the curtain separating the carriage in two and kicked the shin of the man seated across from her. Before a pained yelp could escape, she covered his mouth with her hands and hit him several times until he escaped her hold, and they switched seats.

Viserys was frightened ...............and in pain but couldn’t complain. It has been over a decade since Rhaenys hit him, “Rhaenys please.”, he shielded his face as she raised her fist at him.

It had been over a year since he had seen or spoken to his cousin, yet the first thing she did as soon as they were reunited was hit him. Her long black hair was windswept and fizzy, no doubt from her ride on Meleys. The single patch of silver streak in her hair carried a single braid. His cousin wasn’t a day over 40 but still had a maiden's youth and radiance. He missed her. And though her purple eyes were currently glaring at him, he couldn’t deny his happiness at seeing her again.

Rhaenys, however, could not share his sentiment. She pointed her finger at him, “I warned you this would happen Viserys. I warned you. And now look! Rhaenyra is dying.”

“I regret not heeding your advice cousin. But there wasn’t enough time to inform you. Rhaenyra awoke yesterday. She has fallen asleep again, but the maesters say she is improving.”, Viserys watched as Rhaenys’s anger calmed.

“There is much to discuss cousin.”

~Rhaenyra’s Bedchamber~

Rhaenyra looked at the fire in the brazier glow bright orange and returned her gaze to the Gods in front of her, “It has not been that long since you summoned me. Why am I here again so soon?”

“Time works differently here.”

“Not much has been done but many lines of the past have already been rewritten.”

“I was conscious to say but 10 words before I was unconscious again. Currently, I’m still bedridden, so what could I have possibly done?”

“You were never sick in your previous life. As such, Alicent was never forced to be selfish for once and choose you instead of servitude to her father.”

“Servitude?”, Rhaenyra remembered in her previous life how Alicent had disrupted her wedding and declared war when she thought they were on their way to being friends again. For the next 10 years, she flaunted her power as Consort and kept Rhaenyra and her family stifled in the keep. Always spurning her at every turn, always accompanied by the clubfoot and her former sworn shield Criston Cole.

“Perhaps this might help you see the truth.”, another God covered in gold silk tapped his finger to her forehead.

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Rhaenyra watched as Grandmaester Mellos took a vial from his robe and poured it into a cup of liquid that was then fed to the nursemaid of her brother Baelon. A few hours later, her brother would lay dead in his cradle not even a week after her mother’s corpse was prepared by the silent sisters. She watched as Mellos reported to Otto that Baelon had passed, then watched as he laughed with glee and turned away.

The scene then changed to Alicent being ordered to visit King Viserys by her father. Rhaenyra watched as Alicent refused vehemently and subsequently slapped for refusing. What shocked Rhaenyra was Alicent acting as though it wasn’t the first time she was hit by Otto. She watched as Otto threatened Alicent to keep it a secret from her. Watched as Alicent reluctantly entered Viserys chamber. It was obvious to her that Alicent did not want to visit Viserys, yet she had blamed Alicent. Accused her of trying to take her mother’s place. Accused Alicent of seducing her father and whoring herself out to him behind Rhaenyra’s back.

The scene then changed to the day Daemon returned after winning the stepstones and handing his crown over to her father. She and Alicent had spoken after they viewed the tapestries. Talked about how much they missed each other, eventually agreeing to be friendly again.

It was then that Rhaenyra watched what soured the newly rekindled friendship. Watching Otto be exiled only for him to poison Alicent against her and instill the fear of the Gods in her before he left. Told Alicent that Rhaenyra would put her children to the swords when she ascended and that she needed to prepare Aegon as king. Rhaenyra watched as Alicent found Cole who was about to kill himself and stopped him. Watched as Larys approached Alicent for indecent favors in exchange for information. Watched as Larys spread rumors of her children's parentage. Watched him order the death of her sworn shield Harwin Strong and his father Lord Lyonel Strong so that Otto could be reinstated as hand of the king. Watched as Alicent contradicted herself at every turn.

Rhaenyra watched as Otto started poisoning Alicent’s son Aegon with wine as soon as he passed his 5th nameday.  Watched as Aegon spurned the notion of being raised to take her throne. Whenever he rebelled or interested himself in studies, he was held down and fed wine to muddy his thoughts. Until he eventually could not function without a cup of wine.

She watched as Alicent struggled to be a mother to her sweet sister Helaena. Watched as her sister struggled to tell them what she saw of their future. Watched as Aemond listened to the words of Otto and Cole then repeated them without knowing better. “You’ll die screaming, just like your father.” So much death and destruction among her kin. And she knew exactly who held most of the blame. Rhaenyra wondered if she could convince her uncle Daemon to murder Otto Hightower.

The last scene Rhaenyra saw was how paranoid she became in the wake of losing both Jacaerys and Viserys in the battle of the Gullet against the triarchy. Aegon and Viserys were meant to be secretly hidden away with the prince of Pentos until it was safe. Lord Corlys had sent word that the triarchy had reclaimed the stepstones and the green faction had allied themselves with the triarchy to ambush the ship. Jacaerys had wanted to fly and lay waste to the ships, but Rhaenyra feared his inexperience in battle would cause his early demise and ordered him to stay on Dragonstone. Yet her sweet boy blamed himself for Lucerys death, ignored her order, and lost his life when he flew to stop the ship carrying Aegon and Viserys. It was only until Rhaenyra had been betrayed by her men and captured by her brother Aegon did she realized someone on her council had purposely hidden the raven from Lord Corlys. Ser Alfred Broome. That greedy old bastard had Grandmaester Gerardys hung over petty titles and bruised pride.

She watched as she got word Daemon had ran off with one of the dragon seeds and ordered for the girl's head to be brought to her. She thought Daemon had cheated on her and abandoned her. Rhaenyra looked at their interactions and watched Daemon’s face realizing how wrong she was. Daemon treated the girl the same way he treated Baela. He grew fearful for her safety and hid her away. She realized how much she disappointed him when he chose to exchange his life for the biggest dragon threat of the enemy. She watched as both he and Aemond perished along with their dragons. Watched as he confessed the only woman he ever loved was her. And drew his last breath wishing he’d see her and Laenor again.

Ah....Laenor. Rhaenyra remembered how often Daemon would tell her stories of how he bedded Laenor during their time at the stepstones. Remembered how often Laenor wished she had married Daemon instead of him because he wasn’t strong enough to keep her and their children safe from the enemies that lurked in every corner. While everyone questioned the parentage of her first sons and Laenor’s inclination to bed his squires, only Rhaenyra and Laenor knew the truth. The boys were sired by Laenor. Rhaenyra and Laenor bed whenever they wished. And she was always satisfied, but her husband’s appetite was never sated with bedding her alone. He could go for hours, and her body couldn’t handle it. Laena was the only one to know this but never shamed Laenor for it. And yet somehow Larys knew Laenor took squires to his bed but never that he bedded Rhaenyra. Or did they know and choose to ignore it? Alicent did not try to hide her dislike for him when Aemond lost an eye, Rhaenyra remembered that well.

She watched as Laenor tried to end his relationship with Qarl and be murdered for it, “You want me to leave my family and run away with you? Are you out of your mind Qarl? What about my sons? My wife? I have just buried my sister and now you wish for me to leave them surrounded by people who wish them dead too. I will not. You may go if you wish but I have a duty here.”

Laenor turned his back to Qarl and walked away. This was the mistake that cost Laenor his life. Qarl pulled a blade from his sleeve and stabbed Laenor in the back, “He said you would choose them. How foolish Laenor. To prove the Master of Whispers correct.”

Rhaenyra sunk to her knees as resolve filled her. Even if she had to die for a second time, she would make sure the past never became the future. Not in this lifetime.

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Opening her eyes was less difficult than the last time. She looked over at the open window as confetti blew in. Loud cheers and trumpets could be heard outside. A big celebration was happening in Kingslanding. She turned back to the couch expecting Alicent to be seated there but was instead greeted by the sight of her cousins Laena and Laenor Velaryon. Laenor was holding her hand nodding away as he leaned back on her bedpost and Laena entered her room, “You’re awake cousin.”, startling Laenor awake.

Rhaenyra hoped she was wrong, but she still had to ask, “The celebrations. What are they for?”

Laenor and Laena exchanged glances before she looked back at Rhaenyra, “For the king's marriage to Lady Alicent Hightower.”

Chapter Text

~Palace Gardens~

Rhaenyra sat under the weirwood tree in the palace gardens and tried to think of where she was going to start now that she couldn’t prevent her father from marrying Alicent. The easiest way to stop her from being usurped was to make sure her father never had a son, but Rhaenyra couldn’t prevent that now that he was married again. Every lord in the kingdom would be looking forward to Alicent producing children, they all thought it was her only duty as a wife. Looking up at the birds in the sky, Rhaenyra never thought the few minutes she spent talking to the Gods would be days wasted here. Even though she remembered regressing and then meeting the gods for the first time within the same day, one week had passed before she saw the Gods again. This time she spent another week unconscious here, and before she knew it, an entire 2 weeks had passed since she came back. The next best thing to do would be to speak with Alicent. But how do I separate her from the Alicent in my previous life? Rhaenyra had been avoiding her father and Alicent since she regained consciousness. She looked towards the garden entrance as the door opened and Laenor’s head came into view.

He looked around before he spotted her and a brilliant smile lit his features, “Ah cousin. I’ve been looking for you.”

She smiled and waved him over. Though Rhaenyra knew this wasn’t the Laenor she loved in her previous life; it was still the Laenor she grew up with. She had missed him. Not just the older version that died at the hands of his lover, but the one who often snuck her out of the palace for dragon rides when Daemon was gone. He took a seat with her, yet she couldn’t help but notice just how close he was. Their arms were pressing together, her hair splayed on his doublet, his leg resting on the bottom of her pants. She felt her breath stutter as he leaned over and placed his hand on her face to check her temperature. She quickly looked away and grabbed her chest as she felt her heart skip a beat. Quickly grabbing her hair from his shoulder and pulling it over to the side.

Laenor watched as Rhaenyra flustered and smiled in victory. He had often dreamed about the day he’d see her again. He thought after his family left Kingslanding, the next time they saw each other would be at their respective weddings. Laenor remembered how upset he was when his father informed him that they were leaving. His mother tried to give a weak excuse about the crown not aiding in fixing the issue at the stepstones, but Laenor knew it was because his father felt slighted at having Laena rejected as a match for the king. Laena, the one being offered, was not even upset so why was his father? He remembered not speaking to his father for two moons before he left to visit Essos. He was eventually called back as his father declared war against the triarchy for the stepstones, but it was his cousin Daemon, that eased his anger. In truth Laenor was happy the king had rejected his sister. It meant he still had the chance to marriage to Rhaenyra. He turned to look down at his cousin, “You seem troubled cousin. What bothers you?”

Rhaenyra tried to gather her thoughts before she answered him, “I am having a difficult time adjusting to my new reality. My father married my only companion. I always knew eventually Alicent would marry and so would I. That our children could maybe be friends like we were. I just never imagined she would marry my father and birth my siblings.”, she sighed and looked down at her riding gloves.

Looking over at Laenor who watched her softly, she realized he was dressed in riding leathers, “Did you just come from the dragon pit? But you do not smell like dragon.”, she laughed. Laenor noticed how sad her laugh sounded, “You are laughing Rhaenyra, but it does not sound happy.”

“It’s just......I remembered the last time I saw my mother; she complained about the smell of dragon stench I failed to wash away in my haste to see her. She often reminded me of my duty to eventually marry and have children of my own. Alicent accompanied me on that visit. Now I worry she might suffer the same fate as my mother.”

Laenor could tell she had a lot running through her mind, “Come, cousin. Take a ride with me. It always helped clear your mind when we were younger. Besides, we must talk.”, he stood and reached his hand down to her.

Rhaenyra looked at his outstretched hand and guessed what he wanted to speak about. If she took his hand, chances are she might be heading down the path she once took. After thinking it over, she placed her hand in his and followed him through the maze as they snuck away from the palace.

Just like in the past, she mused.

~Dragon Pit~

Rhaenyra approached Syrax who was already saddled and reached out both hands to her. The soft thrill Syrax gave her as she bent to place her snout in Rhaenyra’s hand, broke her heart. After the storming of the pit, she felt the connection with Syrax break. It was then that Rhaenyra was told all the dragons were slaughtered by the common folk. And Joffrey........her sweet boy wanted to prove himself like his brothers. Rhaenyra could not fault Syrax for Joffrey’s death. A dragon only accepted their rider and whoever their rider sought permission from the dragon for. She looked over as Seasmoke blew fumes of smoke that darkened the front of Laenor’s silver hair. She watched as the coils of hair in the front got slightly burned. The black soot stood out against the caramel coloring of his skin.

Laenor laughed as Seasmoke silently threw a tantrum. The moody dragon often burned his hair when he missed their regular flights. He leaned his forehead on Seasmoke’s snout and closed his eyes, “I know. I’m sorry for missing our ride, but she was sick.”, he patted his face and looked at Rhaenyra who was already mounted.

“Follow me, cousin. I know of a spot where we won’t be bothered.”, Rhaenyra remembered a small island about half the size of Dragonstone between Kingslanding and Duskendale.

They were only flying for about 2 hours before Laenor noticed Syrax started descending. They landed on a small island where there was nothing but rocks and sand. He patted Seasmoke, “Go hunt you moody dragon.”. Seasmoke nudged him and took flight at the same time as Syrax.

Rhaenyra patted the spot next to her and looked at the waves that were crashing against the rocks. He took a seat and leaned on the sand, “Now burden me with your thoughts, Rhaenyra.”

“First, tell me your thoughts cousin.”

He looked towards the waves, “Have you ever thought to look at this from her eyes? The queen is only a daughter of the hand of the king. The hand is ambitious, like my father. Queen Alicent might not have had a choice in this matter. She was in no position to reject the King.”

She looked down at him and frowned, “What do you mean? Of course, I have. But could she have not spoken to me about it? I thought she trusted me. I would’ve helped her.”

“Rhaenyra, you may be King Viserys only child and heir to the iron throne, but even you are not above duty. Queen Alicent comes from the heart of the faith, Oldtown. From what I’ve read, the faith teaches complete servitude as a woman to your father, to your husband, and eventually to your son. Daemon has told us many times about the sick methods they use to instill their teachings.”

Laenor made eye contact, “And we both know Otto Hightower is not a kind man. Queen Alicent probably thought she didn’t have a choice. She has been raised by that man ever since she came to court as a child. If you were to choose between your father and my father, who would you choose?”

“Of course I would choose my fath-”, Rhaenyra stopped as she realized. How could she have been so blind? She covered her face with both hands. When she had her father banish Otto Hightower, Rhaenyra thought it would finally be the chance for Alicent to break away from his control. She didn’t think Alicent would see it as her purpose to isolate her. When Otto was banished, it left Alicent to the mercy of snakes like Larys and Cole. Cole often antagonized her children in the past life, pitted them against her siblings when training, and called her names whenever she wasn’t around. And Larys would eventually have Lyonel killed so that Otto could be brought back as hand. Her father never forbids Alicent and Otto from communicating.

“You are hurt and that is why you lash out. But your anger is directed at the wrong person. Should that anger continue to fester, you won’t forgive her, and that resentment will be passed to the eventual siblings she’ll birth. With no one to tell them otherwise, what’s to stop Otto from having their mother poison them against you?”

Rhaenyra now understood she was partially to be blamed for how her siblings had turned out.  She had abandoned them.

When Aegon was born, she remembered finally being excited for a sibling. She wanted to be close to him, but a part of her held her back. This was the boy her mother was killed for. A son her father so desperately wanted. She saw how happy he was, how he bragged to every lord he spoke to about his son Aegon. She was back to the time she was often pushed to the background and her father was finally content. There was no need for her anymore, her father sired a male heir to the throne. Her father had held a royal hunt for Aegon’s second nameday. She wanted no part of it, but her father insisted. She remembered Aegon had struggled from his nursemaids' hands and reached for her. Eventually, she took him in her arms after he looked like he was about to cry. He was the cutest baby she had ever seen. She even tried to teach him to say her name, but his inexperienced tongue could never get the r sound out.

“Just say Nyra Valonqar”, she mused.

“NYWA!”, Aegon was distracted on her lap as he waved a wooden carved toy around.

 Yet when they arrived at the hunting grounds, every corner she turned, every room she entered, all she heard were the whispers of supplanting her for Aegon. Added to her father, forcing her to choose a husband and get married. Rhaenyra understood they meant to push her away. She left the grounds in anger and had thought to give up her position as heir to her younger brother until she saw the white stag.

No. This was her purpose. From her blood came the prince that was promised. How could she ignore the prophecy?

Rhaenyra thought to herself that maybe she should have. Because after her wedding, she never crossed paths with her siblings again. Then she got caught up with her children and her responsibilities as heir. And before she knew it, she had left them in the hands of the Hightowers and a sick king who was a neglectful father.

Aegon, a wasteful drunk.

Helaena, crumbling under the weight of her mind.

Aemond, festering in anger, insecurity, and resentment.

And Daeron, the brother she never knew. Within the year he was born, he was sent to Oldtown.

Ah......so this is what regret felt like.

Laenor reached over, removed her hand from her face, and held it in his. Rhaenyra immediately became distracted as his warm hands covered her. She didn’t even realize her riding gloves were removed; he had them resting in his lap, “Do not trouble yourself over these matters. Your father has only just gotten married. I wish to propose an agreement for us.”

Rhaenyra realized Laenor was about to propose a marriage agreement again, “You wish for us to marry and do our duty in providing heirs to our houses even though you have an appetite for men and women?”

Laenor’s eyes widened comically as he sat up, “How did you...”

She laughed and intertwined their fingers, “Never mind that, as much as I hold affection for you cousin, my heart is split in two. I fear entrapping you in a marriage we are not satisfied with. You are a good man Laenor, but I alone cannot give you what you need.”

His shoulders dropped and Rhaenyra wondered if he thought she was rejecting his proposal. Laenor looked away from her and squinted at the sun hidden behind the clouds. Syrax and Seasmoke were intertwined with each other in a playful dance. The pale coloring of Seasmoke complimented the shiny gold of Syrax’s scales. It would be midday soon. She looked at Laenor and turned his face towards her, “I am not rejecting your proposal Laenor. Our parents may have thought it to be childhood feelings that would eventually fade, but we have long-held affection for each other as children. I kept your secrets, and you kept mine.”

Laenor laughed as if remembering a specific memory, “You mean the time we were punished for using your window to evade your guard and get to the dragon pit? Your first flight was almost your last if Queen Aemma had her way.”

Rhaenyra chuckled as she remembered her mother’s furious expression. It was her 7th name day, yet she was not allowed to leave her chambers for a moon’s turn. Her mother was terrified of the dragons, even more so when her only child took flight without supervision. Her father was proud of her at least. Uncle Daemon took her on rides after to ease her mother’s worry.

“How is our uncle Daemon? You said he ordered you here instead of fighting with them at the stepstones.”, Rhaenyra asked.

Laenor’s face grew red as he avoided her eyes. She quickly grabbed his face again, “Oh! What is that expression? What does that look mean, Laenor?”

“Daemon and I may have been ..........acquainted during my time at the stepstones.”

“Acquainted?”, she questioned.

“Let us just say cousin, my father still thinks I am a sword swallower with an aversion to women.”, he softly chuckled.

Rhaenyra felt her jaw slacken in shock. Daemon and Laenor?! Rhaenyra wondered why the thought had not bothered her as much. After all, Laenor had lovers in their previous life. But Daemon? Rhaenyra remembered in her past life during the war of the stepstones, Laenor’s lover at the time was called Joffrey Lonmouth. She was certain because the man was murdered on their wedding day by Criston Cole in a fit of anger and Laenor named their third son after him.

“Daemon? But what of your lover Joffrey?”, she asked.

“Joffrey? I do not know who you speak of Rhaenyra. The only man I have bedded thus far is our Uncle Daemon.”

Rhaenyra’s brows furrowed in confusion, that couldn’t be right. Was this one of the changes the Gods were speaking of?

“I was hesitant to tell you because as much as you try to hide, I know of your affection for Daemon. Is that why you do not wish to marry me? You hold higher affections for him?”, Laenor wondered why things had to be so complicated. Rhaenyra may love him, but she also loves Daemon. Meanwhile, Laenor loved her, but also Daemon. And as for Daemon, neither he nor Rhaenyra were sure where the man fell. He wished it were possible for Rhaenyra to marry both him and Daemon at the same time. Laenor rolled his eyes in annoyance not realizing he had said that part out loud. He suddenly felt Rhaenyra grip his hand tightly, “What?”

Before he could answer, Rhaenyra was already on her feet, “Of course. We three can just wed.”

“Um, my dear cousin. I think you are forgetting 2 major points here. It was outlawed since our ancestor King Maegor took 6 wives at once. You can only marry one of us.”, Laenor was astonished,

“Not if we take advantage of the Doctrine of Exceptionalism. Of course, we will need the support of five major houses in written form, but that can be easily acquired. We have the support of House Velaryon if we wed. House Baratheon if we draw the support of this from Princess Rhaenys. House Arryn from my lady cousin Jeyne. I can have Jason and Tyland's sister brought in as a lady-in-waiting, in exchange for their support. The same can be done for the starks, as they have an oath to fulfill.”, Rhaenyra became more enthusiastic as she carefully planned out what to do.

“While this could work Rhaenyra, you are forgetting one major problem. Daemon is married. The doctrine only supports descendants of Old Valyria, and his wife is not. While I do mind the thought of spending the rest of my life with you and Daemon by my side, I do not share the same feelings for Lady Rhea.”, Laenor interrupted.

Right, Daemon was still married to Lady Rhea Royce.

Rhaenyra did not put much importance on the matter. In her previous life, Lady Rhea had a hunting accident where she fell from her horse and succumbed to her injuries 9 days later. Many suspected this to be Daemon’s doing, but he was away at the stepstones. Rhaenyra suspected it to be Ser Gerold Royce. He had long coveted Runestone for himself and was never shy to tell anyone who would listen how undeserving his cousin was for being the heir despite being a woman. While Lady Rhea had a duty to provide heirs, Prince Daemon was never actually in Runestone despite them being married for 10 years. To Rhaenyra’s greatest surprise, the marriage was never consummated either. If she could save Rhea from dying, Rhaenyra hoped she could convince her to annul her marriage to Daemon and then petition the crown for approval. For a marriage to be annulled, the king, as well as the High Septon, needed to give their approval. Only then when both spouses agree, could the marriage annulment be granted.

His driftwood crown.......That’s it.

“You said when I gave up my crown, I could have anything. I want Rhaenyra”

Rhaenyra remembered the dream she had last night, another one of the events from her past. Daemon had won the war at the stepstones and was crowned King of the Narrow Sea. However, he gave that crown up in exchange for one granted wish from King Viserys. After Daemon had taken her to Flea Bottom, Otto had his spy follow them and then report our outing to him. It eventually led to her father thinking Daemon had defiled me in that brothel, and Daemon admitting to it. I don’t know what he was thinking..........but I could take advantage of that.

If Daemon could ask for an annulment instead.................

Rhaenyra bent to grab Laenor’s face and kissed him on the cheek, “You are brilliant cousin.”

She didn’t give him a chance to snap out of his stupor, “Come Laenor. We must speak with your mother and visit the library. I believe there are some books left there by Uncle Vaegon on the Doctrine of Exceptionalism.”, pulling him off the sand and towards their dragons that just landed from feeding.

 ***************************************************************************************************************************

~Kingslanding~

Rhaenyra had just finished washing and was heading to the library where she was meant to meet Laenor with her sworn shield Criston Cole in tow. She had meant to find a reason to have him dismissed or at least removed from her service. Though Rhaenyra would never make the mistake of bedding Ser Criston again, she could not risk his presence around her. She knew the man had not become the version she knew as yet, but she could not find it in her heart to forgive him. In her previous life, he was present the day the white hart had chosen her. He saw it with his own eyes, yet he had still crowned Aegon king and amassed the name ‘KingMaker’.

All because I would not abandon my duty to sell oranges and cinnamon as the wife of a sell sword.

Rhaenyra would figure it out soon. As she walked down the corridor, she stopped as she was about to pass Alicent’s room. She would speak with her after she spoke to Princess Rhaenys. Before Rhaenyra could walk away, soft gagging reached her ears from inside the room. What on earth? Is Alicent vomiting? Is she alright? Forgetting all decorum, Rhaenyra abruptly pushed the doors open and stopped at the sight of Alicent hunched over a bucket, sweat covering her face and saliva dripping from her mouth. Rhaenyra knew exactly what left a woman in this condition. She suffered through it 5 times. Lucerys, her sweet boy, was the calmest of her pregnancies. She often wondered if her morning sickness abated her and transferred to Luke who got greensick before his grandsire’s ship left the harbor.

“Either you were poisoned, which I have reason to doubt as there is no maester in this room”, Rhaenyra looked around before looking back at Alicent, “Or you are with child.”

Heavy sobbing escaped Alicent as a look of despair overcame her features, “Rhaenyraaaa!”

So much for having more time Laenor.

Chapter Text

~Queen Consort Alicent Hightower Chambers~

Rhaenyra’s eyes widened as Alicent burst into tears. Never has she seen this version of Alicent heavily sobbing like this, neither this version nor the one in her past life.  She grabbed her by the arms to stabilize her before she tumbled from the chair, she sat on in her haste to get up. Quickly pulling her upright, she led her to the balcony and had her lean over, “Fresh breeze always helps. Where is your servant?”

Alicent took a few deep breaths before she responded, “Talya went with the maester to inform the King.”

Was it the same Talya?

Rhaenyra nodded and turned around. Thinking she was about to leave, Alicent quickly grabbed her hand, “Don’t leave. Please Rhaenyra.”

Rhaenyra sadly smiled and patted Alicent’s arm, “I won’t. I only meant to look for another maid. Okay?”

Alicent’s panicked eyes quickly calmed as she let go of Rhaenyra’s arm, “Okay.”

Rhaenyra with hurried steps, made her way to the door and peeked outside, “Ser Criston?”

Criston bowed his head, “Princess?” 

“See that a maid brings a teapot of mint tea and a few slices of ginger, please. No need to worry for my safety, I will stay within the Queen Consort’s chamber.”

As Ser Criston nodded, she closed the door and approached Alicent who was slumped on the carpet, head leaned on the balcony rail, “Is it helping my Queen?”

Alicent huffed softly, “Please do not call me that. Anyone but you. And yet it is. I already feel much better.”

She opened her eyes and twisted her back to the rail, “You must believe me Rhaenyra. I did not want this. Any of this. I never meant to keep my meetings with your father a secret, but I was afraid. My fath- “

Rhaenyra grabbed her hands and covered them with her own to stop Alicent from injuring them again, “I know. I should apologize.”, she looked away, “I was being a stubborn fool. I said some things I shouldn’t have. I was stubborn and angry.”

Alicent quickly held her hand tighter, “I should apologize. I should have said something. I’m not too fond of the way things are between us. It has been so lonely here without you. Everyone expects me to be someone I’m not. All these expectations to be a great queen and wife to the king; now that I’m with child......”

“Rhaenyra. My father wishes for me to give the king a son. And eventually, have King Viserys name him as his new heir. But your father wishes for you to remain heir. I do not want my son to be burdened by the thought of eventually having to take the throne from you. I do not even know if what I carry is a son. I fear my father and his ambition. I would never raise my child to usurp you either.”, she sighed.

‘Oh Ali, but you did’, she thought sadly.

No. I must remember this Alicent and the one of my past are two separate individuals.

“I have missed you too Ali.”, and Rhaenyra meant that. Even in her previous life she often reminisced what their relationship as adults would have been had Alicent not changed after she married Laenor.

“Can we try to be friends again?”, Alicent hopefully asked.

“No more secrets Alicent. Between the two of us. No more lies.”, Rhaenyra seriously asked her.

Alicent would give up her faith if Rhaenyra asked, “Sisters?”

One more chance. Please don’t make me regret this.

Rhaenyra smiled, “Sisters.”, she quickly opened her arms as Alicent dove into them. Their laughter echoed in the room as they tumbled into the room from the balcony floor.

Ser Harold who was about to announce King Viserys presence stopped short as the king placed his hand up. Viserys leaned his ear to the door and smiled sadly as he recognized his daughter and wife’s laughter. Thank the gods. Viserys had wondered if he was meant to shoulder his daughter’s resentment for the rest of his life. She was still angry at him for taking her only friend and making her his wife. The relationship between them had been strained ever since he announced his intent to marry Alicent, but his guilt was directed at how ruined the relationship between Rhaenyra and Alicent became almost non-existent. Maybe they were now starting to reconcile?

He turned to the maid who stopped and curtsied, “My King.” She held a tray with a teapot and a plate of some sliced roots.

“This is?”

“The princess has requested these items for the Queen, your grace.”, Talya had refused to lift her head. This was the first time the King had personally come to the queen's chambers.

Viserys smiled and nodded. He signaled Ser Harold to follow him as he turned and walked away. He had originally come to speak with his wife about her pregnancy, but she was busy, so he’d speak with her another time.

Rhaenyra and Alicent looked at the door as Talya came through, Rhaenyra quickly got up and took the tray, “Thank you. Ensure the kitchen prepares this for her grace every morning. Otherwise, attend to your other duties. The Queen will call for you when needed.”

Rhaenyra only returned to the table she and Alicent sat at once Talya had left. It was clear to Alicent that Rhaenyra sent Talya away, “Why did you do that Rhaenyra?”

Rhaenyra was sure Mysaria had told her in her previous life that Talya was one of the spies she placed among the staff of the palace. Rhaenyra was not sure when Mysaria had gotten to Talya, but she knew that right now she needed to be cautious. She needed to ensure Mysaria was not a foe. After all, she only came to her side after Daemon had abandoned her. She would not forget how Mysaria was the main perpetrator in her descent into paranoia.

Rhaenyra poured two cups of tea and placed one in Alicent’s hand with a slice of ginger, “Chew on the ginger. It will help with the morning sickness. The mint tea will settle your stomach.”

“Where did you learn this piece of information? The maesters never recommended this.”, Alicent suspiciously looked at the ginger. She was sure she’d never heard of a remedy for morning sickness.

Rhaenyra smiled and took a sip of her tea, “I read about it in a book on medicinal remedies from Lys.” It wasn’t necessarily a lie. Rhaenyra did read about using ginger for morning sickness, but it wasn’t from Lys. Maester Gerardys had a healer from Essos brought after her pregnancy with Viserys almost left her bedridden. She vomited all day and could not keep anything down. Even the smell of bread left her gagging. The healer had left her a book of remedies for many common illnesses.

“As for Talya Ali. Do not be careless with any of your servants. They were all handpicked by your father. Until you can trust them, be cautious.”, Alicent had never seen the look in Rhaenyra’s eyes before, but she nodded because she trusted her wholeheartedly.

After a few more sips, Rhaenyra placed the cup down, “Now tell me why the news of your pregnancy distresses you so. You have always talked about having a family one day.”

Alicent sighed and placed the cup down, “But this pregnancy is not one of my choosing. I thought I had more time. The significance of my pregnancy is much greater because it is the king’s child. What if it is a boy? He will not be my son alone. He would be for the crown. They will take him from me and raise him against you. What if he doesn’t want the crown? Do I just turn a blind eye to the burden laid on his head? I am only a woman. I cannot defy my father, much less the King.”

“The hand cannot act without leave. Your husband is the King. Therefore, you as the Queen Consort outrank your scoundrel of a father who is only the Hand of the King.”, Rhaenyra informed her.

“You know my father stands true in his wish for me to succeed him. Should he change his mind and name your son heir, which I know he will not, I will ensure your child is prepared to rule as a good king. But if he isn’t interested in wearing the crown then he shall not be forced into a role he does not want.”, Rhaenyra remembered exactly what should happen if Aegon is forced to be king. Intelligence hidden under a sea of wine.

Rhaenyra and Alicent held hands as she promised, “I swear it.”

Alicent nodded, “Okay.” She reached for another piece of ginger, “The book was right. This helps.”

Rhaenyra remembered she was heading somewhere before she got sidetracked, “Speaking of books Ali, I could use your assistance.”

Alicent placed the teacup she just took a sip from, “Anything.”

Rhaenyra wondered how she would explain she planned to marry two men at once. Alicent was heavily into her faith. She was as pious as the high septon, she would without a doubt disagree. But Alicent could recite the rules and history of the faith from the top of her head. This knowledge is beneficial to her cause.

 She got up and started pacing, “I need you to keep your thoughts open Ali. This is my choice. One you might not agree with but is necessary for me and my success in succeeding my father. I cannot help that my heart is split in two.”

Alicent watched Rhaenyra paced, “Rhaenyra? You are scaring me.”

Rhaenyra sighed and just came out with it, “I wish to seek your help regarding information on the doctrine of exceptionalism.”

Alicent brows furrowed in confusion, “Okay?”

But Rhaenyra wasn’t done, “To allow me to wed Laenor and Daemon......at the same time.”

Alicent was silent for a while before she abruptly stood, “WHAT?!”

Rhaenyra wondered if she had overstepped. Alicent was truly shocked, “I know when we were children you would often say you’d marry Ser Laenor and Prince Daemon but that was before Prince Daemon married Lady Rhea. You cannot marry someone already married Rhaenyra.”

“You are not upset at my wish to marry two men at once......but because you do not wish for me to have someone already married?”, Rhaenyra was confused. This was not the Alicent she knew. The Alicent she knew often expressed her discomfort at Valyrian customs. The pious Alicent remembered would be abhorred at the idea of Rhaenyra’s wish to marry more than one man.

“Of course, I am. If you were to become a mistress, your reputation would be permanently damaged.”, Alicent could not understand what Rhaenyra was thinking. Could she not find someone without a wife?

Rhaenyra grabbed Alicent by the shoulder and looked at her strangely. Could this be what the gods meant by the past not being the future? Perhaps the version of Alicent in her previous life was already gone and this one took its place. A strange version that was not a religious fanatic and more open-minded. Should I Fall to my knees and thank all fourteen Gods individually?

“Need I remind you, Ali, that my uncle and his wife absolutely despise each other? Lady Rhea remains married to my uncle in the hope that he aids her in creating an heir to secure her position as Runestone’s Lord. In the 10 years they have been married, the marriage was never consummated.”

“If I can get Lady Rhea’s agreement to request an annulment during the next day of court, Daemon will be free to marry.”

“But Rhaenyra, are you sure Prince Daemon is the right choice? He is impulsive, quick to anger, and ambitious. Would he not eventually try to take the throne from you? He was most upset to be removed as heir and supplanted by you.”, Alicent was worried. The few times she had the chance to be in the presence of Prince Daemon, the man instilled fear within her.

Rhaenyra shook her head in disagreement. Maybe in her previous life, she would have believed that to be true, but now she was certain Daemon only wanted the efforts he often exhausted to keep the Targaryen Dynasty safe acknowledged. Albeit his methods were questionable, Rhaenyra would ensure Daemon’s actions of her past were never repeated in the same manner.

“Daemon may be impulsive yes. But he without a doubt loves his family. Think about it, Ali. Who is most vocal about the worst of Daemon’s actions? Yet steadfastly quiet about the good?”, Rhaenyra knew there was not much to think of. They both knew who it was.

“My father.”

“Your father. Exactly.”

“But why both Rhaenyra? If you wed Ser Laenor, the tensions between your family and the Velaryons would be eased. It is no secret they are displeased about my marriage to the King over Lady Laena. What benefit would you receive from Prince Daemon?”, Alicent was unclear.

“My enemies Alicent.”, Rhaenyra had already experienced the differences in her two marriages in the past.

“My marriage to Laenor would bring the Velaryons back into good graces with the royal family. He is a good man. Kind and just, but he would be swallowed by your father’s supporters in court. Daemon, however, is feared by many. His reputation is necessary to keep us safe. People would think twice before they attempt to cause us harm.”, Rhaenyra was relieved to find Alicent finally appeared to be understanding her reasoning.

She looked out the window, “But more importantly, it’s because I love them both. I cannot choose.”

Alicent knew from the look in Rhaenyra’s eyes that she spoke the truth. She held affection for both men. Alicent was not sure how her husband would take this, much less her father, “My father will reject this at every turn. You know how often he blocks Prince Daemon’s petition for a dissolvement of his marriage.”

Rhaenyra nodded, “That is why we must ensure he does not have the chance.”

“The doctrine.”

“Yes. You are aware of my family’s history of prophetic dreams, starting with Daenys the Dreamer. Recently, I had seen one.” It was not necessarily a lie.

Alicent’s eyes widened, “You have?”

“Yes. Lady Rhea will have an accident that eventually causes her demise. If we can stop it, I may be able to convince her to petition the council for a divorce in exchange for saving her life. Daemon has already petitioned before he was exiled.”

If Rhaenyra’s count was right, Lady Rhea would have the accident in 3 moons’ time. I could just leave Lady Rhea to her fate, but this way I can gain the support of Runestone should war occur despite my every action to avoid it.

“Your father intends to hold a lunch with the lords should your uncle return successfully from the stepstones.”, Alicent said.

“Okay?”, Rhaenyra wondered what relevance that random point had to the topic at discussion.

“Perhaps one of their wives had more information on the state of their marriage and Lady Rhea’s thoughts on a divorce. Gossip will always be found within the circle of women.”, Alicent smirked.

“Brilliant thinking Ali. Come, we must inform Laenor. I am meant to meet him at the library.”

Chapter Text

~Royal Library~

Laenor sat next to his mother Princess Rhaenys as they read through two large books. At most, an hour had passed since they began a search for records of the conqueror’s marriage in a book written on the Doctrine of Exceptionalism.

The door to the library opened as Rhaenyra and Alicent quietly stepped through. They quickly stepped over to the table Laenor and Rhaenys occupied. Rhaenyra placed a kiss on Laenor’s brow before taking a seat next to Alicent. She looked around for her other cousin, “Where is Laena?”

“She has returned to Driftmark. To see if any of the information we are looking for could be found in our library.”

“Never mind that. I take it you took my advice then?”, he smirked.

Rhaenyra softly laughed, “Oh do not sound so smug cousin. But yes. I did.”

Rhaenys watched Alicent suspiciously, “While I do not fault the Queen in the issues of her marriage and the bruising of my husband’s pride, can she be trusted? Her father....”, she trailed off.

Rhaenyra meant to answer but Alicent held her arm and turned to Rhaenys, “I am not my father Princess. I seek to be nothing but a wall in his plans to soothe his ambition.”

Rhaenys saw the look in Alicent’s eyes and knew the girl despised her father. Mayhaps enough to outweigh even her own. She would give the queen consort a chance even if she did not fully trust her. So, she simply nodded and turned to Rhaenyra, “Finding information on the Doctrine is proving to be more difficult than we thought. There is nothing here that we do not already know. There is little to no information on the location of the second page of the doctrine.”

They looked over to Laenor who read aloud from the book in front of him, “It says here that the founders of the Targaryen rule had been married for several years on Dragonstone before they had begun conquering Westeros. It was only when they began their rule, did they marry in the eyes of the faith. The second page of the doctrine that holds the record of the marriage procedure approved by the high Septon was then sealed and destroyed to ensure such marriage would never repeat.”, he slammed the book shut in frustration.

Rhaenys reached over and patted her son’s head, “Patience Laenor. Look here.”, she pointed at a small section written in darker ink.

As it is recorded: The conquerors and the faith had therefore settled on this agreement.

Each citizen of Westeros would be free to worship a higher being of their choice. Binding on this agreement, the citadel would remain in the possession of Oldtown, and the faith shall continue to spread the word of The Mother. In exchange, the faith acknowledges the marriage between Visenya Targaryen I, Aegon Targaryen I, and Rhaenys Targaryen I. Should another of Valyrian descent seek to repeat these vows, the second page of the Doctrine of Exceptionalism is to be referenced.

May the light of the Seven guide you.

Sept of Oldtown: Dragonstone

At the bottom of the text was the stamp of the High Septon.

“Dragonstone?”, Laenor was astonished.

Rhaenyra squinted at the text. She reached over and closed the book to have a better look at the design on the cover, “I have seen this before. This text. Even though my father did not spend much time on Dragonstone before he ascended the throne, there was a copy of this book in the library. The last page referenced the tome in the vault. I remember because I destroyed the cover of the book with colored paint.”

“There might be more information of where the doctrine is in the vault then. You must travel to Dragonstone at once.”, Alicent stated.

Laenor leaned back in his chair, “Why the hurry my Queen?”

“Just Alicent is fine Ser Laenor. There is no need to address me by my title when we are among friends.”

Laenor smiled, “Then I shall request you do the same, my lady. Just Laenor.”

A new friendship may be on the rise.........

“As Ali said, we must hurry. I have recently had a troubling dream involving Lady Rhea Royce. I have seen it so vividly in detail that I worry it may be somewhat true.”, Rhaenyra hated lying, but she couldn’t tell them the truth either.

Rhaenys looked at her in interest, “In this family, we do not ignore dreams. After all, it was a dream from Daenys that saved the last of the dragon lords from Old Valyria.”

Whatever worked in her favor, Rhaenyra would take. She nodded, “In my dream, Lady Rhea is riding her house in the mountains during a recreational hunt when it startles, and she falls from it. I do not know what injury she suffered, just that she passed from it a few days later. After that, the vale tries to place the blame on Daemon, but he does not return from the stepstones for another 2 years.”

Rhaenys looked troubled, “There is no harm in finding out whether this is true or not. On Dragonback, it takes roughly 5 days to get to the vale.”

“There’s still time.”, Rhaenyra responded.

“That might not be.”, Laenor interrupted.

Rhaenyra looked at him in confusion, “What do you mean?”

Rhaenys looked at her as she got to place the books back on the shelves, “Your father has ordered supplies and more men to be sent to aid with the war at the Stepstones. The ship is set to leave by mid-afternoon. My husband has long requested aid from the crown to hasten the speed of defeating the enemy. I expect once those ships arrive, the expected time for the war to end would’ve been cut in half.”

Rhaenyra’s chair fell over with the speed she stood up, “What?”

That can’t be right. Father isn’t supposed to send aid for another year and a half. From what Daemon had told her in her previous life, it was 6 moons before the 3-year mark that her father sent aid. And then 6 moons later, Daemon would fake surrender to draw the crabfeeder out of hiding and kill him. It has only been 14 moons since the war began at the stepstones. Is this another result of me changing the future? If I do the math correctly, then I only have half a year before Daemon returns. I have even less time than I initially thought.

“Do not ask me to explain but I fear Lady Rhea might meet her end within the week. I must head to the vale at once.”, Rhaenyra moved to leave.

Alicent’s words halted her, “There is still another matter Rhaenyra. It had slipped my mind, but your father intends to start seeking a candidate for your hand. He has suggested sending letters to every major house and requesting they send an eligible son.”

Rhaenyra threw her head back and released a loud groan. She had forgotten about that. In the past, just past her 18th nameday, her father had sent her on a tour to choose a husband. It was meant to last a year, but she had grown tired and returned earlier, much to her father’s annoyance.

Rhaenys interrupted her trip down memory lane, “It is just as Queen Alicent has said. However, since Viserys is unaware of your intention to marry my son and his brother. We must convince him to instead send you on a royal tour. To Viserys you are looking for a husband, to the lords, you seek to reaffirm the oaths sworn to you as heir and to ensure their loyalty to you remains. But you can use this opportunity to acquire the signatures of the major houses.”

Rhaenyra nodded in agreement. She ducked behind a shelf and pulled a large sheet of parchment from the bottom shelf. After dusting it, she unrolled it and spread it across the table. She smiled at Alicent as she reached over and held one corner. Laenor stood from his chair and held the other corner. When Princess Rhaenys grabbed another corner, Rhaenyra held the last and pointed to the map of Westeros, “I must trouble you cousin to head to Dragonstone and retrieve the doctrine. Meleys is the fastest dragon, it should take no more than 3 days. Laenor and I will head to Runestone for Lady Rhea. The trip will at most take 5 days, but perhaps we can cut it short if we only stop at night to rest and allow our dragons to hunt and rest as well.”

Alicent moved to fold the map back up, “While you are gone, I will speak with the King and convince him to agree to the idea of a royal tour.”

Laenor moved away from the table, “The tour will at most last a year. During that period, we will need the approval of the high Septon as well.”

Alicent nodded, “The high Septon is a just man. He seeks neither conflict nor corruption. He does not accept bribery either. You will need to offer him something beneficial to the Sept or the people of Kingslanding in exchange for his signature. According to the whispers of the septas, he belonged to House Velaryon as an apprentice but was later transferred to Kingslanding.”

“The man is almost 80 years old. That must have been during father’s youth, right mother?”, Laenor questioned.

“We will send Laena. She is set to return 4 days from now.”, Rhaenys nodded.

“She’d be faster if her dragon were not the size of the keep.”, Laenor grumbled.

“Or as old as it.”, Rhaenyra mumbled.

They both cackled as they held onto each other. Alicent smothered her laugh with a cough as she looked away.They all straightened and looked away as Rhaenys glared at them with her hands resting on her waist.

Rhaenyra was stunned. Mentally she was over 30 years old, so why was she still afraid of her older cousin?

Laenor could not understand why he was still afraid of his mother when he was already a man grown.

Alicent was even more confused. This was not the first time an elder had reprimanded her, but unlike her father who used his hands, and her former septa who used wooden sticks, this type of fear was different. Threatening but not deadly.

“I will speak with Laena. You three are aware of what you must do. Go.”, Rhaenys nodded towards the door. As the three hurried to leave, they bumped into each other and left the room echoing with their laughter. Because their backs were turned, they missed the soft smile Princess Rhaenys had left in their direction.

~Stepstones~

Prince Daemon had just finished washing up when a knight approached his tent to deliver a letter. Looking at the senders of the two letters, Daemon smiled and dismissed the knight. Both letters had arrived from Kingslanding, but one was from Rhaenyra and the other from Laenor. After dressing in his nightwear, Daemon sat on his bed and tried to detangle his hair. The action was proving to be difficult, however. Months of not brushing it has left the braids matted. Perhaps I should just cut the annoying strands off. I’ve never gone bald before, he mused.

He opened the letter from Laenor first and laughed at the first line. Daemon had no one to blame for his nephew's courage but himself. After all, he was the one who allowed Laenor to speak to him in a way no one else would dare. The letter read:

Dear Daemon, as promised I have looked after my soon-to-be bride in every way possible.

Fear not, I have not sullied your good name, and she still wishes to bed you. Why? That I cannot offer an answer to. Curiosity maybe? But do not worry Uncle, while you are away quenching your thirst for blood, I shall tell her of all the times nyke spent biting aōha pillow while nyke ilagon gō ao and what she is missing the longer you are away. However, your older age might put into question how well you service our future Queen. I might even show her a few tricks I’ve learned from you. After all, .............. what better teacher could I have been an apprentice to than the Master of Pleasure, Daemon Targaryen, the Rogue Prince?

Yours Truly,

The Sea Dragon.

Daemon would be sure to punish him for this when this war was over. Laenor would not sully his princess without his presence. He folded the letter back up and rested it on the table. He then broke the ribbon on the other and opened it to read it.

Hello Uncle.

Laenor assured me you would have received my letter by now. If that were true, then let me ask you this........

How could you get yourself exiled again after only just returning?

How could you leave without saying goodbye? To run off to fight yet another war? Do you not tire of swinging your sword without rest? Will DarkSister rust if she is not removed from her scabbard? Will you die if you do not shed blood?

And do not try to tell me Lord Corlys personally requested your aid. I know it is you who convinced him to act without the crown’s permission. You are lucky my father loves you more than you realize.

You are a great war strategist uncle; I know will create a plan to defeat the crab feeder. The man is a coward who will only risk coming out of his hole for a prize. As if you are a fisherman on a Velaryon boat seeking to catch the biggest fish........ Drop. A. Larger. Bait.

When you are done playing with your food, then come home. There is much to discuss.

Please. Your family needs you.

A ō ha embar zaldr ī zes se nyke miss ao.

Nyke miss ao

Sincerely,

R

Daemon read the last line of her letter several more times before he folded it up and placed it next to Laenor’s letter.

“A bigger bait hmm?”, Daemon pulled on his robe and left his tent.

High Valaryian Translation

1. Nyke spent biting aōha pillow while nyke ilagon gō ao- (I spent biting your pillow while I lay under you)
2. Aōha embar zaldrīzes se nyke miss ao. Nyke miss ao- (Your sea dragon and I miss you. I Miss You.)

Chapter Text

~King Viserys I Apartment~

Viserys looked over at his wife Alicent who sat across from him at the table they chose to break their fast. The maesters had informed him that she was just over a moon with child. Viserys wanted to be excited he would eventually have a son or another daughter, but the cold fear of something going wrong is weighing heavily on his mind. His marriage to Aemma had borne 11 pregnancies including Rhaenyra’s birth. 6 miscarriages in between Rhaenyra’s birth, 2 stillbirths, one born sickly who eventually passed in the cradle, and Baelon who passed soon after her death. She often stressed her duty to provide a male heir to the throne, but after our first son had passed in the cradle, she grew tired.

“Name Rhaenyra your heir my love. This is the last pregnancy I go through with Viserys. I have mourned many children lost to us. No more after this.”

And just as she said, that was the last child she bore. His Aemma was now in the beyond with their children and it was his fault. His desire for a son and his obsession with the prophecy had killed the woman he loved. He would not be making the same mistake twice. He did not love Alicent the way he loved Aemma, but he had come to care for her. He reached for a cup of juice and addressed her, “How are you feeling my dear? The maesters have informed me that you are no longer throwing up in the morning”

Alicent blinked at him in surprise and placed the cup of mint tea she was sipping back on the table, “Quite fine husband. Rhaenyra found a solution to help with the morning sickness. It is not so bad anymore.”

Alicent could see that her husband was still troubled over his strained relationship with Rhaenyra. Maybe she could take advantage of that, “Have you spoken with Rhaenyra?”

Viserys sighed and rubbed his temple, “I have tried but she has made it her sole mission to never be within my presence for long.”

“Then she has not learned of your intention to seek a husband for her?”, Alicent had no intention of telling her husband that she had already revealed it to Rhaenyra.

Viserys stood from the table and walked toward the balcony, “When would I have had the chance to discuss it? She actively avoids speaking with me. Her anger towards me at my marriage to you has not eased in the slightest. Now she has even refused to consider the idea of her own marriage.”

“Might I offer a suggestion then?”, Alicent took one last sip of her tea and stood.

Viserys turned to look at her, “I welcome your thoughts on the matter.”

“Rhaenyra may be stubborn, but she is not foolish. She knows eventually she would need to marry and produce heirs. It is not the idea of marriage that she rejects, but the fact that she may not have a choice in the matter like so many others. I would suggest allowing her to choose a husband of her picking.”, she plied as she sat in a chair.

Viserys appeared lost in thought as he processed her words, “But how would she know what candidate to choose from the major houses? Requesting a list of eligible sons has merit but Rhaenyra has never seen what their appearance presents nor if she would enjoy their company.”

Alicent grabbed a slice of ginger and nibbled on it as she manipulated Viserys, “Perhaps have them come here? To court. Let them interact and decide if they are suited for each other.” She knew that was impossible though.

Viserys shook his head in refusal, “There are too many things that could go wrong. Having several young men vying for my daughter’s approval with their petty squabbles and bruised egos is a breeding ground for chaos in the making.”

He tapped his hand deep in his thoughts, “Not to mention the time it would take for some of the lords who would arrive from further distances. I cannot allow some of them to begin courting Rhaenyra before many of the others have arrived. The crown would be accused of favoritism.”

“Then have her go to them. Officially it would be of political purpose in their eyes, but to the royal family, have Rhaenyra return with a list of her own who the crown can then approve of and summon to Kingslanding for courting.”, she added.

“A royal tour? Brilliant my wife!”, Viserys patted Alicent’s arm fondly, “I shall present the idea to the council in today’s meeting.”

Viserys exited the room in a hurry. Perhaps I can allow Rhaenyra the choice of choosing her husband in exchange for working my way back into her good graces. I will ensure the council agrees no matter what.

And because Viserys had left in such haste, he failed to see the smile of triumph his wife wore as he exited. Rhaenys would be proud of Alicent’s actions. It would not surprise her that Viserys, who she knew was easily manipulated, had yet again......been manipulated.

Alicent smirked as the door slid shut behind Viserys exit. Her father would be proud of her actions. It is just a shame that the result she intended benefitted Rhaenyra, unlike her father who only fought for his gain. She hummed to herself in glee, Perhaps I did learn a thing or two from him.

~Gull Town, The Vale~

Laenor worriedly looked at Rhaenyra who flew ahead of him. They had been flying for 2 days straight, only stopping to sleep and take care of their hygiene. Laenor was no stranger to missing baths. It was something he had to become accustomed to the first time he flew to war, but Rhaenyra was a princess of the realm who should never have been in a situation like this. Eating smoked meat and water for all 3 meals, wiping her skin with a wet rag for a bath, no more than 5 hours of sleep in 2 days, and to top it all off, they slept tucked in between the wings of their dragons to shield them from the cold winds while laying on the hard ground. Laenor hoped the state of their travel never reached the ears of Daemon Targaryen or he would never hear the end of it.

When Syrax started descending, he quickly followed, landing just a few meters from them. Rhaenyra unstrapped herself from Syrax and unsteadily descended. She leaned heavily on her golden lady and took a few deep breaths.

“Rhaenyra, we need to rest.”, Laenor patted Seasmoke and moved towards her.

 But Rhaenyra only shook her head in refusal while pulling her gloves off to rub her eyes in hopes of wiping away the exhaustion, “Fuck...”

Shaking his head at her stubbornness, he bent down and picked her up. A squeak left her mouth as she hurriedly placed her arms around his neck. He moved towards a tree and set her on her feet while removing his cloak. After spreading it neatly on the floor, “Lie down and rest. We have been flying for almost 2 days nonstop. At this rate, we will collapse before we can attempt to save Lady Rhea.”

He pointed to mountains over the valley they landed in, “Runestone is just over that ridge. We estimated it would take a week to get to the Vale, but we are already in Gull Town. Runestone is half a day’s flight from here. We will not lose any time taking a day to rest.”

He rubbed the purple spot under her eye, “And you are exhausted, Princess. The dragons can be left to hunt and rest while we find an inn to stay for the day and be gone by dawn the next morning.”

Rhaenyra could not argue with his reasoning, “But we are too easily recognized. Our silver hair is only common to Valyrian descendants and dragon seeds. Your blue eyes are more common among the people of Westeros, but what am I meant to do about my purple eyes?”

“Just as you’ve said. We are dragon seeds. The hood of my cloak is large enough to cover your face, we’ll be fine.”

And just as he said, Rhaenyra watched Laenor smile at the owner and walk away with a key. He picked her up again and brought her into a room closer to the staircase. Gently placing her back on her feet, “Have a bath while I find us some REAL food. I’ll be back.”

By the time the door had closed, Rhaenyra was already in the process of undressing. After her time in the bath chamber, she put on a simple nightdress and sat in front of the mirror to fix her hair. The long silver strands were a tangled mess she had no knowledge of to remedy. In her past life, Elinda always did her hair in intricate braids often kept away from Rhaenyra’s face, but that was after Rhaenyra had the length cut to just above her rear. She looked at her hair almost touching the back of her thighs and sighed in exasperation, “Perhaps I should cut it to my shoulder.”

“Absolutely not!”, Laenor placed the tray that held a small bowl of soup and a glass of water, on the short table next to the bed.

Rhaenyra jumped and swung around to look at him, “When did you even get in here?” She took in his now clean appearance of a simple white shirt unlaced at the collar and soft grey pants and realized he had taken a bath somewhere else, “You’ve eaten as well, I take it?”

Laenor took the brush from her hand and replaced it with the bowl of soup, “You know me so well my princess.”

She laughs as he does an exaggerated bow, “Stop that!”, she snickered.

She gently turned her back to face the mirror and started detangling her hair, “No cutting your hair Rhaenyra. Daemon would die on the spot.”

After a while, she turned and placed the empty bowl back on the tray and finished the glass of water in three gulps, “Daemon does not have to live with this much hair on his head, I do. It is hard to care for it when it is this long. Without a servant to style it, it becomes easily tangled and then I do not know what to do with it.......”

Rhaenyra trailed off and stared speechlessly as Laenor added the string to the end of the simple braid he placed her now smooth, free from tangles hair in, and smiled triumphantly, “My hair is much coarser and coiled than yours Nyra. Handling your hair that holds no curls is no bother. Should you ever find yourself without a servant to do your hair, I will aid you.”

Rhaenyra observed their figures in the mirror and liked what she saw. The top of her head stood just shy of his neck while his lean body almost swallowed her frame. She turned around and lightly brushed her hand over his shoulder. Her hand continued its journey down his side and rested on his small waist. Laenor grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips, “What mischief are you up to now princess?”

“I haven’t the slightest clue what you mean ser.”, but Rhaenyra’s face crinkled as laughter broke through.

They stared into each other's eyes before Laenor dropped her hand and grabbed her face between his hands. Rhaenyra rose on her toes as he leaned down and their lips met in the middle. The soft kiss caused goosebumps to break out on their skin. One of Laenor’s hands moved down to Rhaenyra’s waist while the other remained on her cheek and pulled her closer to his body. Rhaenyra’s body melted into his as she held onto his waist with both hands.

They gently separated as their forehead rested on each other and soft breaths escaped them. Rhaenyra buried her head in Laenor's chest and took a deep breath. She sighed as his cheek rested on the top of her head and felt nostalgia overcome her. She never truly understood how much she missed Laenor after his death until now. She missed his sweet kisses, soft smiles, and gentle touches. In her previous life, the differences between her two husbands were so different yet endearing to her all the same. Where Daemon proved his love to her with his actions and intense kisses, Laenor was all about constant reassurance and was openly expressive of his love. She had missed them both.

Her arms tightened around his waist before she let go, “I missed you Laenor.”

He placed a kiss on her forehead and led her to the bed, “Me too Rhaenyra. More than you can imagine.”

But I could Laenor. You have no idea.

“Now rest. I will stand guard.”, After covering her with a sheet, he blew out the flame from the candle next to the bed and moved to sit at the foot of the bed when Rhaenyra grabbed his hand, “Lay with me.”

Laenor hesitated. The decorum between a man and a woman needed to be observed but when has that ever bothered them before? No, Laenor worried about his self-restraint.

Just as he was about to reject her request, Rhaenyra looked up at him with glistening eyes and a soft pout, “Please? Just until I fall asleep.”

Laenor rubbed her hand and contemplated, “Okay”

And before they realized it, both had fallen asleep holding hands.

~Stepstones~

Lord Corlys Velaryon was a great sailor known for his wealth, his ability to command the largest fleet of Westeros and his love for his family. Many commended him for his sound mind, bravery, and his choice to allow his men their opinions on battle strategy. Oftentimes, a plan was drafted that diverted from their usual strategy, but if it were promising, he would hear them out. That is where Corlys realized his mistake.

They had just returned from another attempt to kill the crab feeder, but the man had slunk deeper into his cave with his army. Their biggest issue in ending the fight was traversing the cave system the triarchy scum had hidden away in. They were nearing victory after Daemon had Caraxes destroy the crest off the side of the hill where the triarchy camped. After, the space was now large enough for Caraxes to fit through. However, after taking out nearly half of their army, a lone arrow managed to pierce Daemon through his armor and injure him on the shoulder. Caraxes grew frantic feeling the pain of his rider through their bond and took off ignoring commands. Ever since, the more their army attacked, the further the triarchy retreated into their caves. It was a game of cat and mouse that both Daemon and Corlys had grown tired of playing.

He stared at Prince Daemon as if the prince had lost his mind, “You want to do WHAT?”

“I’m going to draw the triarchy from their cave by waving the white flag. The crab feeder is bound to come crawling from his hole at the chance of capturing me. You will then lead half of our men to circle behind the mountain and block the triarchy’s army from retreating into their cave. The other half of our army will wait for my signal. Once I’ve spotted the crab feeder, then we attack on both ends.”

Corlys had to admit this was a solid plan, “And what of your dragon my prince? The chances of success would be higher.”

Daemon shook his head in refusal, “Have you not noticed? They do not emerge from the cave if Caraxes is around.”

Lord Corlys sighed in defeat. Should something go wrong, Prince Daemon was the one with the higher chance of dying. He agreed to Daemon’s plan while already deciding that he would write to his wife.

Chapter Text

~Royal Keep’s Training Yard~

Ever so often the sounds of steel clashing could be heard from the training yard as knights completed their daily practice. Squires stayed off to the side as they waited on the noblemen they were sworn to. The yard was never without a person, whether servants, nobles, or knights; one area in particular. A practice duel between a common knight and Ser Harwin Strong, heir to Harrenhal and temporary Commander of the City watch. Not many were aware of this, but it was Daemon who had personally initiated Harwin into the gold cloaks and then ordered him to fill the position of Commander of the City Watch when he was absent more times than often due to being habitually exiled. Often, when Harwin visited the training grounds, a crowd would form to spectate the gold cloak nicknamed, Breakbones. One of those persons being the only daughter of the sea snake and the queen who never was, Lady Laena Velaryon. Laena often secretly watched as Harwin trained thinking she had done a great job at hiding her admiration for the knight. She would often hide behind columns as he glanced in her direction or duck into hallways and rooms as he walked by her. She often fantasized about one day mustering up the courage to approach him, hoping to finally confess her admiration for him, hoping he would return her affection. Yet, at the memory of her father discussing her betrothal to some distant sea lord of Braavos with her mother, she’d tuck tail and walk away. What would even come of it if he did return her affections? I was already promised to another. Laena waited long enough for Ser Harwin to best his opponent, kissed the flower she held in her hand, and let the petals fall into the courtyard before she left; none the wiser to Harwin’s infatuated gaze that followed her through the exit.

~The Great Sept~

Laena quietly entered the sept and approached the man knelt at the altar of candles. The high Septon was a man of plain features. Blonde hair thin and balding at the front, pale lips, and brown eyes that now watched her with suspicion. Laena removed the hood that covered her face and looked at the man, “You’ve received the letter from Queen Consort Alicent sir?”

The man’s eyes finally showed recognition as he heard Laena’s words and observed her curly silver hair, “Yes, my lady. You seek my signature of approval to present the doctrine of exceptionalism to the crown, yes?”

Laena nodded and turned her gaze to the candle flickering in front of her, “And I should not have to remind you that you are sworn to secrecy until the announcement is made?”

The high Septon stood at the same time as Laena and turned to face her directly, “I’m well aware of what consequences I will face should this become known, my lady. For my approval, all I ask is that the crown aid in the restoration of flea bottom and the common folk. Prince Daemon was the first of King Viserys reign to attempt, but nothing has been done since.”

Her cousin had told her as much, that he would ask for help on behalf of the commoners. She nodded in agreement, “Princess Rhaenyra has already put onto paper several plans she intends to ask for approval from the king to help the common folk. You have my word.”

She pulled the hood back on her head and slipped out the doors of the sept into a back alley that led to the entrance of the forest where she tied her horse. Abruptly coming to a stop, Laena eyed the man who blocked her exit from the alley.  He leered at her with yellow teeth and unkept clothing covered in dirt and filth, “What’s a pretty lady like you doing here all by yourself?”

Laena started to back away from him and attempted to turn around when another man closed her in. Before she could run, he grabbed her by the arms and locked her in his arms. Her stomach rolled as he pressed himself to her back, “Where’s the hurry, my lady? Stay with us for some fun.”

Cold fear was slowly overtaking her body. These men were not here with good intentions. The one in front of her kept licking his lips as he eyed her chest and the one who had her restrained kept rubbing his lower half on her back. Why did I leave without a guard? Stupid Stupid... Okay, let’s not panic. I just have to get through the one holding me to get back to the Sept. She jerked as her hood was yanked from her head and her hair spilled out. Both men exclaimed in surprise, “It’s our lucky day Barn. Not everyone gets the chance to fuck a royal.”

The one who restrained her, Barn, chuckled and ran his hand down the side of her face. Laena could only recoil in disgust as their intentions became clear. They intended to ruin her innocence, “Please I have money. 10 gold dragons. You can have it all......take my earrings. They’re winter pearls, just please........let me go.”

The one in front of her pointed the knife he held at her, “What makes you think we can’t just take your money, pretty girl?”

Laena gripped the knife hidden under her cloak and swiftly stabbed Barn in the thigh. Without pause, she swung her leg and hit the other one between the legs. Their screams of pain were immensely satisfying. She turned to run back down the alley towards the sept when her hair was yanked from behind. The hold immediately disappeared as she fell onto the wall, thick and lone silver curls blocking her vision as she realized the tie had come loose. She flipped it out of her face and turned to face her assailants who now lay slain on the floor with Harwin sheathing his sword.

Harwin wondered if he truly felt fear before in his life because nothing had ever left him in cold sweat the way seeing Laena being attacked did. He approached her and grabbed her by the forearms, spinning her around as he patted her down for injuries. Once he found no injuries his relief turned to anger, “What were you thinking coming into an alley like this? Alone?! Where is your guard?” Maybe if he was acting rationally, he’d realize he was currently scolding someone of higher status than him.

He grabbed her by the shoulder and pulled her into a hug. Laena, however, wondered if she was perhaps dead and if this was the afterlife. The man she had secretly loved for years was here, yelling at her and then suddenly hugging her. She wrapped her arms around his body that trembled and placed her head on his chest where she heard his heart beating out of pace. It was then Harwin remembered who he was hugging and pulled back. Laena watched as his tanned cheeks took on a pinkish hue and reached up to rub them with her fingertips. Harwin held her palm to his cheek and leaned in, “You could have died Lady Laena. Please, if you will sneak away from your guards for a trip to the city, let me be your escort. I swear to keep your outings a secret. But do not do this again. You could have been killed; or worse.......”

But Laena was already aware so she didn’t have the heart to tell Harwin she had purposely come without a guard to ensure no one would know she had even left the palace on official business for the heir. ‘I could have died’, she thought to herself. She cut off Harwin who was about to lecture her again, “I have long since admired you, Ser Harwin. Perhaps it has been more than 5 years?” Harwin’s eyes widened as he speechlessly stared at the noble lady in confessing to him.

He shook his head, “My lady-”

Laena held his hand and smiled, “Laena”

“Laena. Likewise, I have always longed for you, but I am beneath your station. If I were to request to court you, it would surely be rejected. Your father-”

“My father is afraid of my mother. And it is she who wishes for me to marry for love. Do you think I do not know it is you who often leaves a single marigold flower at my door ever since I returned to Kingslanding?”

Harwin’s face grew hot as he looked away. Even though he knew his position was not high enough to marry Laena, he often left her a flower as a secret admirer. He thought he could hide his affection for her while looking from afar, “If you would have me, my lady, then I wish to enter a formal courtship with you.”

Laena brightly smiled at him and whispered under her breath, “Nyke intend naejot gaomagon tolī than court.”   (I intend to do more than court.)

 The smile was however quickly wiped away as she stared at him, “How did you know where I was? Were you perhaps following me?”

Harwin coughed and looked away as Laena narrowed her eyes at him.

~Runestone~

Laenor and Rhaenyra climbed up the hill on foot as they approached the area Lady Rhea Royce was known to frequently hunt. Their dragons were left to hunt closer to the lake and they set off on foot in fear of startling her horse. Laenor carried his sword on his hip while Rhaenyra held a small bow in her and a quiver of arrows strapped to her back. Not known to many, Rhaenyra held talent with the use of a bow. First learning to use it for show and eventually taking a liking to the art. While it wasn’t forbidden for women to wield weapons, it was deemed unladylike, especially for Rhaenyra who was a princess. So, she often snuck out of the palace when Ser Harrold was still her guard to practice in the forest and hunt deer.

 Just as they approached the clearing, Rhaenyra spotted Rhea who was saddling her horse. Rhaenyra had never met the woman in her previous life, but she had long heard stories of how ugly the woman was from her uncle. Rhaenyra could not disagree more. Rhea was beautiful with her deep brown hair and turquoise blue eyes. Arching brows and pink lips compliment her serious expression with an olive skin tone. She was one of the most beautiful women Rhaenyra had ever encountered. There were only two possible places in this vast field to remain completely shielded from view and they were standing behind one. She looked over at the row of tall trees across from the clearing that was the only other place for an assassin to hide.

Laenor held the same thoughts and tapped Rhaenyra to point at the glint of something shiny between the trees, “Be careful.”

 They both took off in the direction of Rhea. Lady Rhea who was startled jumped and started backing away from them before stopping as their silver hair became noticeable. Rhaenyra tackled her just as a small knife whizzed past their heads and embedded itself in the grass behind them. Rhea turned to look at the knife in horror, “What the fuck?? Who are you?”

Laenor grabbed them both and pulled them behind him, “Rhaenyra I said to be careful!”

Rhea’s eyes bulged in shock, “Princess Rhaenyra?! What are you doing here?”

Rhaenyra nocked an arrow in her bow, “There is much to discuss lady Rhea, but perhaps after we’ve taken care of the men sent to kill you?”

Rhea nodded in shock and drew her sword and 3 men in black garb ran towards them. Rhaenyra quickly aimed at one and fired, whooping when it went through the throat of one man. She quickly drew another as Rhea and Laenor engaged in a fight with the other two. She squinted as she spotted someone trying to stab Rhea’s horse with a sword and shot him in the leg. She breathed a sigh of relief as Laenor grabbed the man she shot in the leg and Rhea interrogated him. When he revealed it was her cousin Ser Gerold Royce who commissioned them, Rhaenyra wasn’t even surprised. She suspected as much. She called for Syrax through their bond and smiled as a soft thrill sounded through the clearing

Laenor chuckled as Seasmoke broke through the clouds and roughly landed next to him, “I guess they didn’t go far to hunt?”

Thank the Gods we arrived here in time. A few more minutes........

They both turned to Lady Rhea who thanked them profusely and exchanged glances. Rhaenyra grabbed her by the shoulder and shook her slightly, “If you wish to express your gratitude, my lady, then please grant our request.”

Chapter Text

~Kingslanding~

Rhaenyra and Laenor descended and eventually landed to dismount their dragons in front of the dragon pit. The dragon keepers were astonished as their princess looked no different from a beggar of flea bottom. They almost didn’t recognize her if not for the golden dragon she slid off from. Rhaenyra and Laenor were too busy patting their dragons to notice the reactions of the dragon keepers though, even more so the haphazard way Princess Rhaenys approached them on her horse. Rhaenyra smiled in triumph as she waved the letter containing a wax seal of house Royce, “Lady Rhea was more than happy to agree to our requests.”

Rhaenys nodded at her visibly troubled, “Laena acquired a signed document from the high Septon as well.”

Laenor’s brows furrowed, “But something distresses you, Mother.”

Rhaenys sighed, “You have returned successful in your endeavor, but I fear there is bad news from the stepstones. My husband has written of a suicidal plan Daemon has concocted to ensure the defeat of the triarchy.”

“He intends to fight their army without his dragon until our army arrives to assist. My cousin is a master swordsman, but even Daemon cannot take on an army of 3000 men alone.”

Rhaenyra admitted she let fear cloud her judgment. She hurriedly shoved the letter from Lady Rhea into Rhaenys hands and mounted Syrax, “I’ll leave the arrangement of the necessary documents to you and Alicent cousin.”

Laenor panicked as she stepped before Syrax’s large form, “Rhaenyra! What is it you wish to do? Tell me you are not about to fly to the stepstones?”

“Daemon needs help!”, Rhaenyra shouted.

Rhaenys stepped to the side and grabbed part of Rhaenyra’s foot, “And what would someone who has never flown to war do? You are a princess of the realm and the only heir to the throne. Your father will lose his mind.”

Rhaenyra smiled and reached down to pat Rhaenys’s hand, “Then I’ll leave my father to you cousin. Sōvegon Syrax!”

Before Rhaenys could answer, Rhaenyra had flown off on Syrax. Laenor hurriedly mounted Seasmoke and looked at his mother, “Do not worry Mother. I’ll protect her.”

Rhaenys worriedly looked at him, “Be careful Laenor.”

Laenor chuckled, “No worries. This won’t be the first war I’ve partaken in Mother. You know this.”

He winked at her and took off behind Rhaenyra.

~Stepstones~

Daemon approached the triarchy hideout and watched them from the rock. He knew part of his army was beneath the hill behind him while the other circled in two groups to block the enemy’s escape route. Daemon waved the small pole that was attached with a white cloth. As expected, the triarchy’s army slowly exited their hole and approached him. When the last of them set up on the rocky hill above them, Daemon dropped the flag and jumped from the rock he stood on. When the crab feeder finally emerged from the cage mouth, he unhooked Darksister from his hip and knelt to present his sword. What Daemon’s plan didn’t account for was the fact that the triarchy had somehow managed to sneak reinforcements in; An extra 100 or so men were surrounding him. He was well aware that he wouldn’t come out from this fight unscathed, but now he was thinking about the possibility now exists where he died here on this battlefield. When one man reached to take darksister from him, Daemon quickly unsheathed the blade and slew the man. Before he knew it, he was cutting through men with skills one could only learn from several battles. He ducked as an arrow passed his ears. Quickly stabbing the man in front of him, he pulled the small dagger from his hip and kicked him away. He bent backward to avoid another sword, sliced the man's head off and barrel rolled away from a spear. Daemon was now enclosed between the triarchy’s army and a large rock. Is this how I die? He flipped dark sister in his hand and pointed the small blade he stole at the approaching men. A loud groan burst from him as an arrow soon embedded itself in his thigh. Daemon could not dwell on the pain as he used darksister to cut the part sticking from his leg. The crab feeder smugly smiled as he watched Daemon about to be killed. His feeling of elation soon fizzled as a large shadow appeared above his head. His smile faded as a large silver dragon swooped in Daemon’s direction.

Just when Daemon thought he was about to join the beyond, dragon fire rained from above and torched the men surrounding him. He flew to the side and landed on his back as the air rushed out of his chest. He quickly rolled to avoid the spear and rolled back onto his feet.

“Dracarys Syrax” (Dragonfire Syrax)

Daemon was sure exhaustion and blood loss were contributing to his hallucinations because it was impossible that his niece, a princess, the heir to the iron throne, was here, in the middle of a war zone. He quickly slapped himself across the face and shook his head.

“Pālēs Seasmoke!” (Evasive maneuvers Seasmoke!)

He looked up as Seasmoke’s large body twirled in the sky and several arrows bounced off his skin. Daemon watched as Laenor set fire to the archers on the cliff above them and circled back. His eyes widened even further as a slightly smaller gold dragon cut off a group of the triarchy with a ring of fire as they attempted to re-enter their cave. Daemon couldn’t describe what he was feeling. On one hand, he missed them terribly and was elated to see them after so long. But on the other hand, he wanted to grab his niece and nephew to shake them hard enough that their missing senses would return. What were they thinking? Especially Rhaenyra. How could they allow her to fly to war?? Did everyone suddenly turn brainless the minute I was exiled this time? He quickly looked over as the loud shouting reached his ears. He watched as the crab feeder retreated into the cave and took off after him.

Rhaenyra breathed a sigh of relief as the Velaryon army crested the hill with Lord Corlys at the head holding a large axe and eventually joined the fight. It was all happening too quickly. The war should’ve ended almost 2 years from now so why was Daemon enacting this plan now? This couldn’t be because I advised him in my letter, could it??? I only meant to give him a nudge. But clearly, that nudge she intended skipped them all the way over here to this point.

She pulled on Syrax’s reins and directed her to the cliff Laenor had previously torched with archers from the triarchy army, “Embrot Syrax!” (Down Syrax!)

Dismounting off Syrax, she looked for survivors among the corpses. It was a waste of time as everything was burnt to a crisp. She watched as the Velaryon army slew the last of the triarchy and shouted in victory. Laenor landed beside his father and quickly dismounted to throw himself into his father’s arms for a long-needed hug. A roar of anger from Syrax had Rhaenyra spinning around just in time for a member of the triarchy to rush her with a blade. His face was partially melted, and his armor was fused into his skin. Rhaenyra wasn’t sure how he could still move, but she hurriedly raised her hand to block his knife and hissed as the blade cut her down the side. She grabbed the part of her hand he cut and stepped away just as Syrax reached down and swallowed him. Rhaenyra cringed as loud crunching filled the space, “No Syrax. Don’t eat that disgusting vermin.”

“SPIT IT OUT!”, she shrieked.

The spoiled dragon quickly spat a mangled body over the edge and nudged her in the stomach. Rhaenyra knew Syrax was worried for her safety and hurried to comfort her, patting her on the snout and whispering words of reassurance. A few more thrills and nudges later, Rhaenyra mounted Syrax and landed next to Seasmoke who tapped Syrax with his head and jumped away as the she-dragon snarled and wrapped her wing around Rhaenyra.

“Ziry iksos okay hāedar. Lykirī.”, Rhaenyra rubbed her body.  (It’s okay girl. Be calm)

Laenor approached her and turned her around to look at the jagged cut leaking blood. The cut extended from the back of her elbow to the inside of her forearm. He quickly tore his inner shirt and tightly wrapped the wound, “Rhaenyra my god. What happened?!”

Rhaenyra could see he was panicking and quickly squeezed his should with her good arm, “A small incident. I am fine.”

She turned to the man behind her and nodded, “Lord Corlys”

To say Corlys was shocked was an understatement, he moved to bow as much as his armor allowed, “Princess Rhaenyra. The battlefield is no place for a lady much less a princess. Does the King know his only daughter had left the safe confines of the palace and is here instead?”

Rhaenyra chuckled awkwardly and looked away, “My father does not know I am here.”

Laenor reached and rubbed her shoulder, “We left the keep as soon as Mother informed us of this asinine plan. What were you thinking agreeing with Daemon?”

Rhaenyra looked around, “Where is Daemon by the way?”

They all swung around as an object landed a few feet from them and Daemon emerged from the cave. He was dragging the lower half of what they now recognize as the crab feeder by the leg, “When Lord Corlys wrote to my cousin Rhaenys, I didn’t think he would ask for her to send you two here.”

Corlys shook his head and stepped away, “I did not ask my wife to send the heir to the iron throne. I requested my son’s assistance. Now if you will pardon me, I need to check on my men.”

Daemon turned his gaze back to the two persons in front of him. He limped towards them tossing the corpse next to the upper part and glared at them. His hair was matted with blood, his skin thick with grime, and his armor covered in sand and gore. Yet to them, Daemon was still handsome underneath all that filth. Before he could yell at them, Rhaenyra threw herself into his arms, breathing a sigh of relief as he hugged her back. He squeezed her soft form and made eye contact with Laenor. Rhaenyra still held his hand as she hugged Daemon and wrapped her arms around him in a hug tighter. No sooner did she pull away with a hiss of pain and cradle her hand. Daemon immediately zoned in on her bandaged arm and narrowed his eyes at the bandaged wound.

He slowly breathed through his nose and closed his eyes, “Rhaenyra.......”

She quickly moved to assure him, “It’s not as bad as it looks. It’s a small cut.”

“Small is not the word I’d use to describe it”, Laenor cut her off.

“It should not have happened in the first place. What are you doing here? You could have been killed!”, Rhaenyra glared at Laenor as Daemon scolded her.

“You have no battle experience....”

She could not tell them that she did have some experience in fighting because it had happened in her past life after she sat on the throne and had not occurred in this life.

“...highly irresponsible......”

Often supporters of Otto rose in rebellion after she beheaded him, and with Rhaenys dead and her dragon riders betraying her, she would go to resolve them herself against the advice of her council.

Daemon turned his gaze on Laenor who was quiet, “And you! I told you to watch over and protect her.”

Rhaenyra stepped in front of Laenor to defend him, “This isn’t his fault.”

He glared at them both, “Does Viserys know whe- “

They both lunged to grab him as his legs buckled under him. Only then did they notice the blood pooling on his thigh. Lenor pulled Daemon’s arm over his shoulder and started walking, “Mērī nykeā madman would dakogon headfirst ezīmagon se lair hen qrinuntys rūsīr daor armor.”        (Only a madman would run headfirst into the lair of the enemy with no armor.)

Daemon scoffed and glanced at Rhaenyra from the corner of his eye, “Se armor iksos tolī kempa. Ziry slowed issa movements.”   (The armor is too heavy. It slowed my movements.”)

Rhaenyra took satisfaction in the howl of pain that escaped Daemon’s lips as she hit him on the injured leg, “Gaoman daor jaelagon naejot rȳbagon iā lecture va reckless behaviour hen ao hen mirre people uncle.”   (I do not want to hear a lecture on reckless behaviour from you of all people uncle.)

Daemon arrogantly smirked at her, “You’ve grown niece. When did you learn to talk back to me?”

Rhaenyra stared at his face and felt herself grow hot. It had been a while since she was exposed to the charm of Daemon Targaryen. She looked over at Laenor who coughed and quickly turned away, but Rhaenyra could still see his ears that had turned an embarrassing shade of pink. Her gaze strayed to the fingers that were tweaking his earlobes and imagined them on her nipples. Her ears too turned red as she coughed and looked away.

Corlys eyes followed the three as they hobbled away from the battlefield. He could only assume they were returning to the barracks. He continued to watch just in time for Rhaenyra to collapse.

Chapter Text

~The Barracks, Stepstones~

The healer packed up as she prepared to leave, “The lady is okay and has only collapsed due to exhaustion. A few days of rest will suit her well.”

Laenor thanked her, and he escorted her from the tent. After flying without sleep for 3 days straight, I’m surprised we aren’t dead. The woman gave them some ointments for their wounds to stop an infection from taking root and left with a promise to have them checked again in 3 days. Laenor tied the rope on the entrance of the tent and returned to the bed Rhaenyra currently slept in. They were waiting for a change of clothing to arrive from Greenstone for her as it would seem improper for her to return to Kingslanding in men’s clothing. They were all now thoroughly cleaned after an extensive bath. Laenor’s eyes strayed to Daemon who threw the comb he was attempting to use on his tangled hair. He was well aware of Daemon’s dislike for troubled things and his solution to always rid himself of it. With how harsh he’s glaring at his reflection; he might cut his hair off.

No sooner had he thought that Daemon reached into the chest at his feet and pulled small scissors from it. Laenor lunged and grabbed his hand before he cut the strands away and wrestled it from his hands, “What is it with you people and cutting your hair?”

Daemon turned his glare to Laenor, “It is a bother, and it is matted with all kinds of foreign material, including blood. It must be cut.”

“Do you take me for a fool Daemon? You would cut your hair without care for the result. NO, I will do it.”, Laenor grabbed his shoulder and forcibly held him sitting in the chair.

No more than 30 minutes had passed before Laenor managed to cut the large bulk of matted hair from Daemon’s head that didn’t spoil his handsome looks, “There. Now come, we must wash the blood and sand from it.”

Laenor placed the scissors down and turned away before Daemon grabbed his hand and pushed him down on the bed. The bed bounced as Daemon loomed over his form. Laenor bit his lip as his gaze homed in on Daemon’s mouth. His gaze snapped up as Daemon grabbed his jaw, “It seems the few weeks you’ve spent in the company of Rhaenyra has increased your streak of defiance nephew.”

Laenor should’ve known Daemon would not let his insolent behavior go. He rolled his eyes, “I am not above taking advantage of your injury uncle.”

Daemon’s brows raised as he amusedly looked down at Laenor’s defiant face, “Is that so? Are you threatening me now little sea dragon?”

Before Laenor could answer, Daemon's lips crashed onto his. His back arched as he grabbed at Daemon’s waist. The soft lips were slightly chapped, but Laenor could care less. The passion in Daemon’s kiss was leaving his mind blank. Warmth spread throughout his body and Daemon's lower half pressed into his. When Daemon’s tongue slid across his, a soft moan left Laenor’s lips.

“You haven’t kissed me like that as yet, but do not stop on my account.”, Laenor broke away from Daemon’s kiss in a gasp as Rhaenyra’s voice reached their ears. Daemon, however, raised his head and smirked at Rhaenyra who was now on her side and watching them heatedly.

He cocked his head to the side and regarded her, “Bisa gaomas daor vestragon naejot surprise ao niece.” (This does not seem to surprise you, niece.)

Rhaenyra smirked at him, “Ñuha cousin se nyke ȳdragon uncle.” (My cousin and I talk uncle.)

Laenor chuckled, “gaomagon ao pendagon ñuha betrothed iksis unaware hen naenie jēdi ao've partaken isse bedroom activities lēda nyke?” (Do you think my betrothed is unaware of the many times you've partaken in bedroom activities with me?)

Daemon moved off Laenor who sat up and folded his legs in next to Rhaenyra, “Your betrothed?”

Rhaenyra unraveled the sheet she was tucked in and stood from the bed, “There is much to discuss Uncle.”

She picked a basin up from the foot of the bed and rested it on the makeshift counter. She motioned for Daemon to sit in the chair, “Could you pull the tub of water over here Laenor?”

Daemon sat in the chair and leaned back as Rhaenyra guided his head to rest on the edge of the basin she braised on the counter with her body. Once Laenor and deposited the tub of water, Rhaenyra bent and scooped a bowl and turned to wash Daemon’s hair, “Kepa wishes syt nyke naejot secure ñuha position se dīnagon naejot produce heirs.  Ziry intends naejot emagon nyke dīnagon iā valzȳrys hen ñuha choosing se nyke intend naejot iderēbagon Laenor.” (Father wishes for me to secure my position and marry to produce heirs. He intends to have me marry a husband of my choosing and I intend to choose Laenor.)

Daemon sighed as her fingers massaged his scalp, “Naejot appease se Velaryons syt ñuha brother’s iderennon naejot dīnagon bona cunt’s tala toliot Laena?” (To appease the Velaryons for my brother’s choice to marry that cunt’s daughter over Laena?)

Rhaenyra nodded and scrubbed the shampoo into his hair, “Kostilus.  Yn issa also kesrio syt ñuha prūmia ēza bōsa belonged naejot Laenor.” (Perhaps. But it is also because my heart has long belonged to Laenor.)

Laenor could tell everything Rhaenyra was saying distressed Daemon. It wasn’t in his facial expression but from the subtle twitch of his leg. The way his jaw clenched, or the tightening of his fist. His face slowly slackened with resignation and the tension left his body. It hurt Laenor to see that Daemon thought so little of himself. As though he was undeserving of love that he couldn’t even attempt to ask them not to wed. He got up from the bed and approached Daemon.

He met Rhaenyra’s eyes that reflected sadness and reached to rub his palm down the side of Daemon’s face, “It is just that her heart is also caught on you.”

Daemon opened his eyes and looked at them, “Sīr, iksin nyke meant naejot sagon aōha lover isse secret?”  (So, am I meant to be your lover in secret?)

Rhaenyra rubbed the lotion and scented oil into his hair as she nonchalantly answered, “No. I intend to marry you.”

Daemon’s brows furrowed in confusion, “I’m not following.”

Rhaenyra sighed and looked at Laenor. He smiled down at Daemon in amusement, “Kessa wed īlva rȳ keskydoso jēda.” (She will wed us at the same time.)

Daemon patted his hair dry with a towel as he stared at his niece and nephew, “In case you too have forgotten. Viserys has denied my every request to annul my marriage. Besides, the lords will never allow this. It goes against the laws of the faith my brother is so insistent on following.”

“Your ābrazȳrys ēza also petitioned se pāletilla syt iā divorce.  Zirȳla reasoning? kesrio syt issa already 30 jēdri hen age se ēza yet naejot produce iā dārilaros naejot runestone kesrio syt ao refuse naejot consummate.”, Laenor spoke as he laid his head on Rhaenyra’s lap.  (Your wife has also petitioned the crown for a divorce. Her reasoning? Because she is already 30 years of age and has yet to produce an heir to Runestone because you refuse to consummate.)

“If we present the second page of the doctrine of exceptionalism and the approval of the high Septon, the lords of Westeros cannot disagree.”, Rhaenyra looked at him.

“Ao really intend naejot jikagon rȳ lēda bisa se wed īlva both?”, he asked them again because Daemon could not believe his ears. For the first time, someone had chosen him. Well, two in this case.

Rhaenyra and Laenor looked at each other, “Gaoman uncle.  Kepa kessa daor ūndegon se greed isse bona kasta peldio's laesi unless nyke forcibly dīnagon ziry isse zȳhon ondos.  Nyke jorrāelagon aōha dohaeragon naejot mīsagon īlva lentor against se vulture bona currently perches va ñuha kepa's shoulder.  Iksi Perzys Ānogār vēttan ñelly; kesan ūndegon bona īlva ānogar reigns against lī qilōni seek naejot supplant ziry.  Nyke jorrāelagon ao.” (I do uncle. Father will not see the greed in that green snake's eyes unless I forcibly place it in his hands. I need your help to protect our family against the vulture that currently perches on my father's shoulder. We are fire and blood made flesh; I will see that our blood reigns against those who seek to supplant it. I need you.)

Daemon grabbed her cheeks between his palms and kissed her hard. Rhaenyra held his hand tightly as his tongue barged into her mouth. She moaned as she wrapped her tongue around his and sucked.

“My blood is of salt and calls to the sea.”

Rhaenyra lightly bit Daemon’s lips and pulled away as laughter erupted. She bent to Laenor and kissed him even harder than she kissed Daemon, “Technically you are part fire and blood cousin. I need you to balance us out. I cannot succeed if I do not have either of you. I do not wish it.”

Daemon knelt and grabbed one of their arms each, “Ānogar ānograro.  Nyke kivigon naejot mīsagon ao naejot ñuha dying jelevre.”  (Blood of my blood. I swear to protect you to my dying breath.)

Rhaenyra squeezed his hand, “You only need to follow me. I have a way to ensure the council grants your annulment. Our plan begins from there.”

~Dragonstone~

Rhaenys landed Meleys on the black sands of Dragonstone's beach and began unsaddling. Two dragon keepers approached her as she dismounted, “I won’t be long.”

She approached the entryway and was greeted by the Castellan, “We were not informed of your arrival princess. It will take some time to arrange for your stay.”

She shook her head, “There is no need. This was more of an impromptu visit. I am only here to retrieve an item for Princess Rhaenyra.”

She walked past him as he bowed his head and followed the corridor to the vault. Once upon a time, she roamed these halls with her father when he was alive. As prince of Dragonstone, it was his duty to reside here until he was crowned. Rhaenys always thought that one day she would eventually be ruler, but those dreams were discarded once her father had been killed and her uncle Baelon was named heir instead of her.

She approached the vault and stuck her finger in the small hole below the handle. The door was said to be enchanted by Queen Visenya during her last days here on Dragonstone because only the blood of the dragon could open the doors. The lock clicked and loud groaning echoed as the door slowly swung open. Rhaenys wasted no time and stepped behind the second entryway to retrieve the book Laenor found the text in. According to Rhaenyra, the book should reveal the location of the second page of the doctrine. She slowly checked among all the books until she found the one Rhaenyra described to be covered in faded colored paint and pulled it from the pile. Rhaenys didn’t expect, however, to open the book to the last page and find the doctrine there instead. Smiling triumphantly, after ensuring it was correct, she closed the book and placed it back into the pile. As she rushed back to her dragon outside, the last thing she heard was the sound of the door to the vault closing with a resounding thud and a click.

Chapter Text

~Kingslanding~

Rhaenyra and Laenor landed their dragons at the entrance of the dragon pit and exchanged glances when they noticed the group of people waiting for their arrival. Her father along with several kingsguard stood next to a carriage on the path trailing away from the pit. Rhaenyra sighed in defeat because she had sent a letter to her father even though Rhaenys had informed him of their trip impromptu to the stepstones. She watched as the dragon keepers lead Syrax and Seasmoke into the pit and turned to face her father’s angry approaching form. She slightly stepped behind Laenor to be shielded from Viserys fury to no avail. Viserys grabbed her from behind Laenor and patted her down as he searched her for wounds. When he found only a bandaged wound on her arm he sighed in relief. Once the carriage door had closed, he unleased his frustration.

Rhaenyra had hoped that would be enough, but Viserys angry eyes turned to her, “I had thought you would mature enough after your given responsibilities as my heir Rhaenyra, and yet you have managed to take 10 years from my life span! Running off to the Stepstones that is currently seiged by war was reckless of you Rhaenyra.”

Rhaenyra had attempted to offer and explanation, but Viserys anger was too much, “I do not wish to hear whatever excuses you may offer. You are a princess of the realm and my only heir. I cannot have you running to your death just because you are angry at me.”

Incensed, Rhaenyra angrily interrupted him, “That wasn’t why!”

“Then what was it, Rhaenyra? Because you have avoided my presence ever since my remarriage. You refuse to speak more than two sentences to me, and you leave whatever room I enter. You have rekindled with Alicent so why do you resent me still? It has been almost 3 moons, and you are still upset! To the point that you would go unaccompanied without security to the stepstones.”

Laenor who was quietly watching the exchange raised his hand meekly, “Actually your grace, the princess was not- “

“Stay out of this Laenor. My father wishes to find a scapegoat for his mistakes and yet he cannot even offer an apology since he does not realize he is the point of my ire.”, Rhaenyra eyes glistened as tears of frustration threatened to fall.

Laenor had wisely decided to be quiet. Because though King Viserys was upset at Rhaenyra placing herself in harms way, the root of his anger was something else.

Viserys huffed, “Apologize?! What would I have to apologise for? For choosing the Lady Alicent as my new wife? She was a suitable match.”

“SHE WAS MY ONLY FRIEND!”, Rhaenyra exploded. Laenor grabbed her hand as her tears finally fell.

Viserys watched his daughter in silence. As many times the two had argued in the past, Rhaenyra had never raised her voice at him.

Rhaenyra sighed and wiped the tears from her cheeks before turning back to her father, “She was my only friend, and you took her from me. You could’ve chosen any daughter from a major house, there are over 40. Why did it have to be her?”

Viserys blew out a breath, “I knew that eventually the council would’ve wished for me to remarry after your mother’s death. Alicent was the daughter of a second son Rhaenyra. Her father held no title or lands to inherit. Any child born from this union would’ve held no challenge to your claim for the throne. And Alicent had grown in court from a young age. Her education in her duties as Queen Consort was not as difficult as they should have been.”

Rhaenyra was finally expressing her frustrations with her father that she couldn’t in her previous life. She paused and contemplated, because while her father’s words held merit he missed one small detail, “Then why not choose a bride from the small vassal houses? House Celtigar? A daughter from the reach or the crownlands?”

She continued when she noticed his inability to answer, “Did you ever consider that Alicent might not have even wanted to marry you?”

Viserys rested his hand on the ledge, “Alicent is a daughter of realm. She is well aware that her duty is to marry and provide heirs to her marital house. As is yours!”

Rhaenyra rolled her eyes, “As I am constantly reminded.”

“What was that?”, he asked.

She returned her gaze back to her father, “AS I AM CONSTANTLY REMINDED. Do you think I am unaware of my duty to the realm? The only reason I have not been married off to some lord who only wishes to use me to further his house, is because I am the heir to the throne. I am not unaware of your intention to have me courted.”

Viserys sighed in defeat, “Rhaenyra......I will not live forever. You need a family.”

“I already have a family. One you have managed to drive away one by one at the behest of your advisor.”, she retorted.

“Tell me father; Was it not Otto Hightower who presented his daughter as a candidate for your new bride? He wishes to replace me with the son she will give you.”

“Otto only wishes for the good of the realm. You have taken on the ire of your uncle and refuse to see Otto for what he is. He is loyal to me, he would not ignore my wishes to see.”, Viserys argued.

Laenor could not help but scoff silently. Anyone but the king could see Otto for what he really was.

Rhaenyra looked at Viserys in disbelief, “You cannot possibly think he does not wish to have his blood on the throne? I reckon it was him who suggested I started to seek a candidate for marriage as well?”

“Which is why I have discussed the matter with Alicent, and she has suggested that I allow you to pick a husband of your choosing. I will inform the council that you will tour the kingdom with the intention of solidifying your position as heir. But secretly I wish for you to compile a list of suitors you wish to court you and choose one eventually to present to the crown for your marriage.”

Rhaenyra closed her eyes in relief. Alicent had done her part and planted the idea of a tour in Viserys’s mind. She silently laughed in glee and looked over at her father who gazed out of the carriage window. They were approaching the steps of the palace.

“You may think I am unfair and harsh Rhaenyra, but it is my duty as your father to protect you. I only wish for what is best for you. I cannot protect you forever, and eventually I will be claimed by the stranger.”

The carriage door opened as Viserys stepped down. Laenor tapped his finger on Rhaenyra’s temple and stepped out to help her down. She watched her father from behind. Of course, she knew he loved her and only wanted to protect her. She remembered how much he defended her in her previous life and shielded her from the greens attempt to removed Lucerys claim for Driftmark and give it to Ser Vaemond. She approached him and stopped as he turned back to her, “I will inform the council of your intention to begin your tour in 2 moon’s time. Further discuss this with Alicent and Princess Rhaenys, then speak to me about the smaller details.”

“Thank you, Father.”, Rhaenyra nodded and smiled as Viserys hugged her, kissed her on the forehead and walked away, Ser Harrold trailing behind him.

She turned to Laenor who rested his arm on her shoulder, elbow to shoulder, “Kostilus nyke should gūrogon mirri pointers va skorkydoso naejot convince ñuha spouse syt ñuha personal gain.” (Perhaps I should take some pointers on how to convince my spouse for my personal gain.)

Rhaenyra smiled and ducked out from under his hand, “Se qilōni would these skills sagon dīnagon naejot se test va cousin?”  (And who would these skills be tested on cousin?)

Laenor flirtingly smirked at her, “Whoever I please as long as it gets me what I want.”

“For now, it shall be attempted more mildly with my mother. Wish me luck Princess.”, he exaggeratedly bowed and walked away.

Rhaenyra turned to Ser Criston who watched the entire exchange with furrowed brows. She recognized that annoyed look on his face and turned to walk away. First, I must speak with Alicent.

~Queen Consort Chambers~

Alicent startled awake as the bed she was resting on bounced slightly. Blearily squinting through her tired eyes, she spotted Rhaenyra crawling towards her and shrieked as she covered her with her body. Rhaenyra laughed in glee as she lightly smothered Alicent, “You did it!”

Alicent laughed and pushed Rhaenyra, “You’re smothering me. I do not know what you speak of Rhaenyra.”

Their laughter died out as they rolled and laid on their back, staring at the ceiling, “My father has just informed me of his decision to have me tour the kingdom for my choice of husband. You would not happen to know anything about that, would you, my Queen?”

“So that is what you speak of. I may have whispered a little bit here and a little bit there. Princess Rhaenys has already informed me of your success with Lady Rhea, so I take it your discussion with Prince Daemon went well?”, Alicent chuckled.

Rhaenyra rolled on her side and propped up on her elbow leaned into whisper, “Better than I expected. The war at the stepstones has ended in our victory. They intend to return in two moons time to inform the king of their victory.”

“YES! Then our plan is back on course. Do you intend to wait until they return before leaving?”, Alicent wondered out loud.

 “I will wait until the divorce is approved. I will, however, require your assistance. Lady Rhea requires a husband. One who is competent enough to provide her with strong heirs, but not power-hungry to try and take her title from her through their marriage. I will help you befriend her and request that you help her while I am gone.”

Alicent nodded and replied seriously, “You have my word, Rhaenyra. Besides, I will not have much to do in 2 months. I am only 3 moons along and my stomach is already extended. Another two moons and it might not be possible to move without assistance.”

Rhaenyra looked at Alicent’s stomach and reached out to rub the slightly rounded stomach. Her baby brother grew in there. She caressed the small bump and replied sadly, “You will go into labor while I am away. I will miss his birth.”

“Are you worried? You have already requested for Maester Gerardys to be brought to the keep. And the Princess Rhaenys will be here to help. I will be fine.”, Alicent soothed.

Rhaenyra nodded, “I will speak to the midwives in secret. I do not trust the grandmaester.”

She got up and smoothed out her clothing, “For now, I will return to my chambers for some rest. My mind feels clouded and heavy, the healer has insisted that I sleep some more.”

“In the morning, we will discuss with others where to go from here.”, she waved and slipped out of the door.

2 months later.........

Rhaenyra stood in her chambers preparing for court. It was the day before she was scheduled to depart for her tour. Elinda stood in front of her weaving her hair into a sliver headpiece adorned by varying colors of gemstones while she placed matching earrings in her ears. Another servant stood behind her binding the lace of her dress while another placed her shoes on her feet. Her lady-in-waiting and cousin approached her with a jewelry box and handed her a thin chain with dragon glass as the amulet. She smiled and placed the necklace around her neck, “Thank you, cousin.”

After she was dressed, Rhaenyra sent her servant's way, “I had thought it was only the birth of my sibling I was to miss, but how could you choose to wed while I am away cousin? Is your betrothed so dashing that you cannot wish to lay claim on him?”

Laena blushed and waved Rhaenyra’s teasing away, “Stop it. As if you do not wish to stop this farce and wed my brother and Daemon at once. Besides, if our plan works, should I wait until you return in a year to wed, the events will clash. Harwin is a gentleman, and I do not wish to have him stolen from me by another family.”

Rhaenyra pouted, “But the gift.”

 Laena grabbed both of Rhaenyra’s hands, “You have already given me a wedding gift by promising to request Harwin be placed as the guard of the royal children. He can stay in the keep with us once Daemon is reinstated as commander of the city watch. It is enough cousin.”

She tucked their hands in elbows and led her out the door, “Now come along princess. Alicent will be anxious for us to rescue her if she is already present besides the king and her serpent father.”

They both stopped and looked out the window as a whistling screech echoed in the distance. They both watched as a ship bearing the Velaryon Sigel approached the dock and the odd shape of Caraxes curved around the dragonpit. Rhaenyra smiled brightly as Laena nudged her with her elbow, “Daemon’s back.”

Chapter Text

~Throne Room~

Viserys paused as the throne room opened and his brother walked in. He felt a distant ache at the back of his neck as Daemon approached with a makeshift crown on his head made of wood. Otto smiled as Daemon entered the throne room with a crown on his head. To wear a crown as a prince in the presence of the king was as disrespectful as one could get. His week was already ruined since he could not convince the King to not send Princess Rhaenyra on a tour. It wasn’t in his plans to have the princess visit the house of every major house to solidify her position as the heir to the throne when it was possible Alicent could birth a son. NO. She must birth a son. Only a boy was fit to sit on the throne. Otto had worked too hard to ensure Alicent was the new Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Before the Targaryens conquered Westeros, Oldtown was the center of power. And yet now, he had served two kings faithfully. He had schemed and killed for it. It was his right to be rewarded for his servitude, and he only wanted the highest seat. His daughter was now Queen Consort, and he would ensure his grandson be made King over that faithless whore and her heathen of a family.

Daemon knew the smirk on his face irked Otto. He held the hilt of DarkSister and walked to the bottom steps of the throne. He stopped as Ser Harrold drew his sword and pointed it at his chest. He watched as Viserys stepped down from the throne and stood in front of him, “Daemon. I was not expecting your arrival, especially in this manner. You wear a crown...”

Daemon knelt at Viserys feet and bowed his head, “I have won the battle at Stepstones against the triarchy and as such they named me King of the Narrow Sea.”

Gasps rang out in the throne room as whispers spread. Daemon could not tell if it was because he had won the war or because of the title he was granted. No matter, this was the chance to prove to the court how loyal he was to his brother. He pulled the crown from his head and held it out to Viserys, “But the title is ill-suited for me.  There is only one King I serve loyally and that is you, brother.”

Viserys sighed as he took the crown and held Daemon up, “You have done good brother.”

Daemon leaned his head on his brother’s shoulder and sighed in relief. Viserys rubbed Daemon’s hair and patted him on the shoulder before turning to address the room, “My brother Prince Daemon has returned. He has claimed a new territory for the realm and added the stepstones to the crown. To reward him, I will grant him one request.”

Daemon ignored the cheers echoing through the throne room and looked at his brother in surprise, “If I give up my crown, I can ask for anything?”, he smirked again and looked over to where Otto stood fuming, “Then I wish to raise a petition to the crown for an annulment of my marriage.”

Otto stepped away from his spot next to the throne in panic. The chains of Runestone were what kept Daemon away from Kingslanding, “Your grace!” If he were to be granted an annulment........

Viserys looked over at his wife and daughter. When Lady Rhea had arrived at court this morning, he had found it strange that she was welcomed by his wife. He was sure Alicent had never met the Lady of Runestone. It was even more surprising to see his daughter chat with the woman as if they were long-lost friends considering Lady Rhea was a decade older than Rhaenyra. Now he understood this was set up from the beginning. He waved his Master of Laws over and turned to speak to his hand when they both stood next to him, “Prince Daemon has requested an annulment of his marriage to Lady Rhea.”

Lord Lyonel sighed and responded, “The Lady Rhea had petitioned her request for a divorce as well your grace. I fear this is a mutual agreement the prince and his lady wife have agreed on. It cannot be denied without an explanation from the council my king.”

Otto could not contain his anxiousness, “Your grace. This marriage was granted by the good queen Alysanne to Prince Daemon to learn responsibility and maturity. It would not reflect on the crown for it to be dissolved. No marriage is smooth sailing. Prince Daemon only needs to spend his time in Runestone with his wife instead of wallowing in the street of silk.”

Viserys sharply looked at Otto, “Mind your tongue, Otto. Daemon is still a prince of the realm.”

Lady Rhea nodded at Rhaenyra and approached the throne. She bowed her head and handed a slip of paper to Lord Lyonel who approached her. The paper was sealed with the Sigel of the citadel. He read it before interrupting Otto's rebuttal, “I’m afraid you cannot stop this Ser Otto. The high Septon has sent his approval for the dissolvement of this marriage.”

Otto scowled and snatched the paper from his hand, “Impossible.”, but as he read it further, he could not offer another refusal. He felt his face getting red as Daemon shot him a smug look.

Viserys turned to Lady Rhea, “Is this really what you want Lady Rhea?”, but Viserys already knew the answer. His brother and his wife despised each other.

Rhea bowed her head, “Yes, your grace. More than anything.”

“Then I, King Viserys of House Targaryen, hereby grant the request of Lady Rhea and Prince Daemon’s marriage dissolved.”

For the first time since Daemon and Rhea were introduced, they were finally in sync with each other as they sighed in relief. Rhaenyra and Alicent sighed in relief. Laena and Laenor sighed in relief. The only person who couldn’t sigh in relief was Otto.

~Palace Gardens~

Rhaenyra walked hand in hand with Alicent on her right and Laena on her left. The maesters recommended Alicent take daily walks as a form of exercise to keep her body healthy. She watched as her father and Daemon chatted and laughed under a tree across from them. She wasn’t sure what they were discussing but her eyes strayed over to him often when his laughter reached her ears. Laena had left to spend her afternoon in the company of her betrothed.

She and Alicent took one more lap before approaching the pair of brothers. Immediately she picked up on Daemon’s body language and narrowed her eyes at him. Daemon who noticed her glaring at him turned his attention to the Alicent, “Ah yes. If it isn’t my good sister Queen Alicent. se se spawn ziry carries.” (And the spawn she carries.)

Rhaenyra well understood Daemon’s dislike for Otto and the Hightowers by extension, but his dislike towards Alicent was unwarranted, “se 'spawn' ziry carries iksis ñuha lēkia Se ao would emagon care va skorkydoso ao ȳdragon hen both.” (The 'spawn' she carries is my brother and you would have care on how you speak of both.)

Daemon fully turned towards Rhaenyra, “Ēdan assumed ao realized skorkydoso ziry se zirȳla orvorta hen iā kepa schemed naejot emagon zirȳla placed isse aōha father’s bed skori aōha mother’s ānogar ēdas daor sesīr tista.”  (I had assumed you realized how she and her cunt of a father schemed to have her placed in your father’s bed when your mother’s blood had not even dried.)

“Daemon!”, Viserys scolded.

Alicent’s brows furrowed as her gaze bounced between the three. High Valaryian was not a language she was educated in so she had no idea what they spoke, “Perhaps Prince Daemon would like to see the tapestries? There are a few Rhaenyra received from Dragonstone’s vault.”

Viserys smiled mockingly at Daemon, “Would you like to see the tapestries?”, it wasn’t a few seconds before the brothers leaned on each other and started laughing.

Rhaenyra grew angry as Alicent’s kind smile and enthusiastic expression faded into a sad one. She turned to glare at her father and uncle, “Se ēdan assumed bona ao hen mirre people would shifang issare forced ezīmagon iā dīnilūks daor hen aōha choosing ondoso se elders hen aōha lentor uncle.  Se kepa, ao enkagon aōha ābrazȳrys iā apology.” (And I had assumed that you of all people would understand being forced into a marriage not of your choosing by the elders of your family uncle. And father, you owe your wife an apology.)

She ignored her father and uncle’s stunned expression, held Alicent’s hand, and walked away, “Do not take offense over their actions Ali. Men will always be men. I will view the tapestries with you.”

Alicent placatingly patted Rhaenyra’s arm to ease her anger at her father and uncle, “He thinks I wanted to steal your mother’s spot, but I would never attempt to replace Queen Aemma. Besides, I cannot blame Prince Daemon for his dislike towards me.”

Rhaenyra shook her head in annoyance, “Regardless of his dislike for your family, the actions of your father do not mean you should bear the consequences. He even dared to imply you are a scheming whore. No, I will speak with Daemon.”   

Alicent’s expression dropped, “Oh. Is that what he said when he spoke Valaryian?”

Rhaenyra only nodded, “Do not worry. I will request that Laenor teaches you high Valaryian and ensure Laena helps you while I am away. Eventually, your children will be taught High Valaryian as it is their right as members of House Targaryen. As their mother, it would do you well to understand them and help them where they might struggle away from their lessons.”

Alicent smiled and hugged Rhaenyra as far as her belly allowed her to, “Your father does not need to apologize Rhaenyra. I know he meant no harm when he laughed at my suggestion but thank you.”

“Now come. I wish to sit before my lower back folds itself in half. It feels as if my child is resting on my behind.”, the girls laughed and walked away unaware that Daemon overheard them.

~Rhaenyra’s Chambers~

Rhaenyra sat at her vanity and brushed her hair while staring at her reflection. She turned and watched as Daemon stepped out from the hidden passageway behind the painting, “You direct your ire at the wrong person Uncle. Alicent is not her father.”

Daemon leaned on the wall and crossed his arms, “I realize that now, but how can you be sure she will not turn to her father? No mother does not wish for her son to be a king. And when she births a son for my brother, because make no mistake, she will, do you trust her not to usurp you?”

Rhaenyra sighed, “Do you know Otto often hits Alicent when she disobeys him?”, she watched as Daemon’s eyes widened in surprise.

He shrugged, “I would not put it past the cunt.”

Rhaenyra got up from her chair and approached him, “She came to me in tears once her pregnancy was confirmed and begged me to believe she didn’t want to marry my father. And I believe her. Because while I lay dying, she held my hand through the night and tried to kneel at my father’s feet to ensure the Grandmaester would not stop treatment and let me pass peacefully. Alicent wishes to see me succeed my father and she will ensure it is done.”

Daemon cupped her cheek with his palm, “You should’ve let me come to see you. What if you had passed in your sleep? And then you had Laenor write to me, to ensure I would not come home once you recovered either.”

Rhaenyra closed her eyes and leaned into his palm, “I needed you to not anger my father more than you already had. You would’ve done just that if you returned to Kingslanding after you had been exiled. Do not dwell on the past uncle, it all worked out for the best, did it not?”

Daemon stared at her before leaning down and covering her lips with his own. He broke the kiss off and whispered against her lips, “I still do not understand why you will not allow me or Laenor to accompany you while you tour the kingdom, but instead chose a dornish knight from a lower house. I will watch over the green Queen while you are away and decide for myself if she is to be trusted.”

Rhaenyra looked at him in surprise, “You would do that for me?”

Daemon rested his head on her forehead, “I would do anything for you Princess.”

He held her stare, “Anything.”

Rhaenyra raised on the tip of her toes and sealed their lips together. Daemon walked her back towards the wall as their kiss deepened. She held onto his waist and tugged him on top of her as they fell on her bed. Daemon dug his fingers into her hair and held her head in place as he devoured her lips. Her tongue snaked out and coiled around his, sucking it into her mouth. Grunting, Daemon trailed his kisses down the side of her neck and lightly bit her collarbone. A soft moan escaped her lips as her back arched. Rhaenyra’s body shivered as Daemon pressed his cock into her belly. She grabbed his head and pulled him back to kiss her when someone else came through the secret passage into her room.

Laenor smirked at the two figures entangled on the bed and approached them, “So I arrive a little later than our agreed time and you’re already about to fuck?”

He sat on the bed next to them and leaned in to kiss Rhaenyra as Daemon situated her on his lap with her back to his chest. Rhaenyra dug her fingers into Laenor’s hair as he sucked on her tongue. He swallowed her moan when Daemon rolled her lower half over his lap.  Rhaenyra pulled away from him panting, “Do not be foolish Laenor. I will not give the hand of the king a reason to sully my reputation. No fucking until we are married.”

Laenor smirked deviously at Daemon and grabbed Rhaenyra’s hair in a messy lower ponytail in his fist, “Then perhaps I can show you what I have learned during my time at the stepstones with Daemon.”

Rhaenyra giggled softly as Daemon placed her flat on the bed and hiked her nightwear up, watching as Laenor’s head dipped between her thighs.

~Kingslanding Port~

“The lords have already responded and will welcome you, do not dally and be quick. You have a year, Rhaenyra.”, Viserys nagged.

Rhaenyra hugged her father and secretly winked at Laenor before approaching Alicent and Laena who stood hand in hand and leaned in whispering, “Maester Gerardys is already on a boat heading here, but if he isn’t here when you go into labor, remember to insist that you give birth while squatting. It will make the process easier.”

Rhaenyra waited for them to nod and turned her gaze to Alicent, “Daemon will be your protection until I return. You trust me, Ali, so I am asking you to trust Daemon. Otto fears him and will not approach you while he is near.”

She kissed them both on the cheek and followed her kingsguard, Ser Criston Cole, onto the ship. She had said her goodbyes to everyone and waved as the ship left the dock, Syrax flying above.

Chapter Text

~Kingslanding~

Alicent walked along the corridors of the keep towards her husband’s chambers with two maids in tow and her assigned kingsguard, Ser Lorent Marbrand. Normally she would take her daily walk in the garden, but the downpour kept her inside. It had been a month since Rhaenyra had left for her tour and Alicent was finding she missed her more every day. Her father had not sought her out since the news of her pregnancy was announced and she couldn’t be happier. She was approaching the last stages of her pregnancy and was instructed to reduce her workload on the advice of the maesters, but Alicent found boredom caught up to her quickly if she sat for too long. She glanced down at her protruding stomach and rubbed the underside. In 3 moons' time, she’d meet her child. The one that often kicked her stomach harshly in the middle of the night or kept her busy with frequent visits to the toilet when her bladder could not handle the strain. Alicent was content to wait until her baby was born even if she felt tired as soon as she woke in the mornings and hungry every few hours. She quickly checked her face to ensure there weren’t any cake crumbs on her cheeks from her secret snacking a few minutes ago before entering Viserys chambers after being announced. She nodded at the guard who stood in front of the door and instructed her servants to proceed with their duties.

Viserys looked up from his model and waved his wife over with a smile, “Good morrow my wife. How are you feeling this day?”

Alicent smiled and held his hand as he assisted her into the chair. The baby growing in her belly meant she could not move as agile as she used to. She settled in and rested her hand on her stomach, “It is a fine day despite the downpour husband.”

She looked over at the carving he held in his hand, “Is that a cow? You would even add those into your model of Old Valyria?”

Viserys excitedly nodded and placed down the carving of the cow made from clay before grabbing a large book and sitting next to his wife, “Look at this image. I am sure this is a farm of some sort. In the bottom corner, there’s a goat and a sheep.”

Alicent squinted, “Yes it does appear to be a group of animals. Is this the book the late Queen Aemma had brought in from Lys during Rhaenyra's birth?”

Viserys looked at his wife in surprise and nodded. He was sure he had only mentioned this in passing during one of their many conversations late at night. Furthermore, Alicent was aware of his love for his late wife, he did not expect her to mention Aemma. Oftentimes, he found himself comparing his late wife to his current wife, and while he missed Aemma more than anything, he found he could not deny his attraction to his new wife. They may be different people, but they both carried soft smiles and a kind heart.

Alicent knew he was surprised and reached to grab his hands, “I know that you still hold your late wife in your heart Viserys. You were married for many years after all. I do not hope to replace her, nor do I wish to. Queen Aemma was a kind woman who looked out for my best interests, and I will always remember her for it.”

Viserys sighed and squeezed her hand, “You may not have had the choice in marrying me as I have only now realized Alicent, and you might think that I cannot love you the way you deserve, but I do care for you as a man would care for a woman.”

Alicent felt her eyes widen as Viserys words registered. She had thought they both understood they did not love each other but their mutual attraction aided them in completing their marital duties in bed. She felt a small thump in her chest as Viserys spoke again, “But perhaps we can learn to love each other eventually?”

She looked in his eyes for a sign of deceit and nodded when she found none. Rhaenyra often pressed her lips to Ser Laenor when they thought no one was watching and Alicent wondered why they did it so often. During her lessons as a child with her septa, the woman always reminded her that a woman was not to seek pleasure during the act of conceiving a child. She often said it was ungodly and only whores of the pleasure houses would practice this. Alicent had knelt in the prayer room of the keep every time she bedded Viserys to ask for forgiveness when felt even a sliver of pleasure. She had been too ashamed to seek Rhaenyra’s advice on this and would rather partake in a fast than speak to the men and women of the sept. Alicent wanted more than anything to have someone explain to her why the teachings of her childhood contradicted everything her marriage represented.  

She watched as Viserys closed the book and went back to carving another mould of clay. She stared at his hand shaping the clay; the way his fingers smoothed out the rough edges and rubbed the points into curvier ends. Ever since she had fallen pregnant, Alicent would find her lower half getting heated with the simple things her husband did. Her face reddened when she remembered the drawing she saw in the book Lady Laena had gifted her 3 moons ago. The book her septa had shown her only illustrated that a woman needed to lay under her husband and not move until he had his spend, but the book Laena gave her had several pages of drawings with men and women in all sorts of positions.

Viserys looked over at his wife whose usually soft cheeks were now a rosy pink that started spreading down her neck and up her ear. His brows hiked up as he realized she was also unconsciously fidgeting while staring in a daze at his hand. He dunked his hand in the large bowl of water and washed it until the clay was fully removed and his hands were clean before drying and approaching his wife.

Alicent snapped out of her reminiscing and was startled when she realized Viserys was now crouched at her feet while gazing at her face. Her breath stuttered, “Viserys?”

Viserys continued to gaze at her in question, “There are many things I am unaware of my wife, but the face you make when you are aroused is not one of them. What are you thinking about that has you so distracted?”

Alicent contemplated whether to tell Viserys that the need to bed him increased once she was pregnant. Just as she had convinced herself against it, she remembered Rhaenyra telling her to speak her thoughts aloud more often or else she would never know the answer to her question. She ducked her head and replied to her husband, “My marriage to you has left me unsure of how to follow the teachings of my septa. It was stressed that I never seek pleasure and that I shall only have sex with you when you call or intend to conceive another child.”

Viserys was appalled because he had no memory of this ever being thought to him. He was sure it had never been thought to his wife either because she sought him out for her pleasure whenever she demanded. His brows furrowed in thought. Qogralbar! Is this why she only laid there whenever we bedded and only visited my bed when I called for her?

Viserys sighed and closed his eyes, “My wife...... I had assumed you did not wish to have sex with me.”, he raised his hand and rubbed her stomach, “That is why we only bedded to have this baby.” Viserys would not deny his attraction to Alicent. His wife was beautiful with her brown hair that often looked orange in certain lightings, and her bright green eyes that complimented her pale skin. The fact she listened to his ramblings about his model on old Valyria and how often Rhaenyra and Daemon’s actions make him light-headed.

Alicent was astonished. Perhaps I should speak with Lady Laena about this until Rhaenyra returns. She looked down at her stomach the same time Viserys did and furrowed her brows, “But the maester said it is best to avoid strenuous activities this late in the pregnancy. Besides, I cannot move the way I want with the baby like this.”

Viserys stood and started to unbutton the links on his shirt sleeve, “Do you seek to sate your pleasure, my wife?”

Alicent stared wide-eyed and nodded. Viserys nodded in return and pulled his sleeves up to his shoulder before bending and helping his wife up from the chair. He led her to the table they often ate their meal in the morning and gently pulled her up to rest on. Alicent looked around where she now sat and wondered what Viserys had in mind when he pulled the skirt of her gown up and his hand disappeared beneath.

Another wide-eyed stare of bafflement was sent when he ripped her undergarments and tossed them over his shoulder. “Viserys!”, Alicent gasped. This was the behavior of a barbarian, NOT a high lord and certainly NOT the king.

Viserys retrieved a cushion from the couch and placed it under her head as he gently pushed her to lay on her back on the table, “Relax my wife, and let me offer you pleasure that doesn’t involve us having sex.”

No sooner had he said that, did his head disappear under her skirt as he knelt on his knees. Alicent anxiously grabbed her hands as her belly blocked her from seeing him, but when his fingers ran up the length of her thigh, she trembled lightly. A loud gasp escaped her as his lips sealed over her sex and his tongue dipped inside. Alicent’s thoughts ran blank as pleasure coursed through her body. Her hand tightly gripped the table as his fingers slipped inside and rubbed a spot that had her back arching off the table, “Viserys! Wha-what are you doing?”

She tried to raise off the table, but her belly prevented her. And when her husband’s lips closed around the small nub on her sex, her eyes rolled to the back of her head which then thumped back down on the soft cushion. She tried to close her legs, to move away from the overwhelming pleasure, but found it a struggle as Viserys clamped his hand on both of her legs while the other dipped back into her. She bucked as he sucked the nub between his lips again while pushing his fingers in and out of her. Before she could catch her breath, her body seized as mindless pleasure crashed over her and her core clenched.

Viserys came up from under his wife’s dress and stood in front of her licking his finger as she tried to stop the loud gasps and heavy breaths from escaping her lips. He wiped his hands on his shirt and then reached down to help her down from the table. Before Alicent could think, she grabbed the front of her husband's shirt and pulled his lips down to hers in a chaste kiss. They had not exchanged kisses often, but she was hoping to fix that.

Once the kiss had eased, Viserys held her shoulders, “You do not hesitate to seek pleasure from me. That is your right as my wife. Do you understand me Alicent?”

Once she had nodded Viserys continued, “I will send for your servants to assist you back to your chambers.”

Alicent’s gaze strayed to her torn undergarments and found she still could not formulate any words, “......”

Viserys followed her gaze and awkwardly coughed, “Do not worry about your clothing my wife. I will commission some more.”

Alicent blushed and looked away. Perhaps I shall visit the library myself.

Chapter Text

~The Keep~

Daemon hid behind a pillar as he watched Otto corner his daughter into a small room. The man snatched her roughly by the arm even though she was of higher status than him and heavily pregnant. The maesters had informed his brother that she was due for labor within the week and to ensure she avoided any form of stress, but it seems the hand of the king did not heed the words.

“Father, you’re hurting me. Let go!”, Alicent struggled to remove her hand from his grip as she supported her stomach with the other.

Otto snarled and let go of her arm, “I have given you one simple task to do since you fell with child, and you cannot even do that? Why was it that I was informed by the king that it was you who insisted on sending that spoiled princess on a tour to solidify her position as heir?”

Daemon felt his brows raise in surprise. So it was Alicent who suggested that? He watched as the queen defiantly looked at her father.

Alicent fixed her sleeves and glared at Otto, “Because he intends to keep her as his heir father. The princess will soon be married and have children of her own. The best time to stabilize her position is now when she has the time.”

Otto raised his hand as if to hit her before lowering it, “A woman shall never sit the iron throne as long as I exist in this life and the faith remains steadfast. I did not scheme to make you the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms just for you to submit this ridiculous fantasy of a woman ruling the realm.”

“I never asked to be Queen! You have forced me to this position!”, she shouted.

Daemon continued to quietly observe the father and daughter pair. Reveal your secrets, Hightower.

“The king is foolishly granting a request from his dead wife to keep that girl as his heir. It is against the will of the gods and the laws of nature to have a woman succeed the king. The realm will soon be thrown into war if she takes the throne and any child you birth for the king will be put to the sword.”

Alicent shook her head defiantly, but Otto wanted none of it. He grabbed her roughly by the shoulder, “Yes you stupid girl. Your son is more fit in the eyes of the lords and Rhaenyra will realize this. So long as they live, your children will be a challenge to her claim.”

Alicent roughly pushed him away from her, “NO! Rhaenyra would never. She said so, promised me she would love them and protect them.”, but Otto could see how much on her face she did not fully believe the words she said.

“And do you truly believe that? The princess might not, but her uncle Prince Daemon would slaughter us all the minute King Viserys passes.”

Alicent bit her nail and started fidgeting. Otto who realized he had finally got into her head, grabbed her cheeks softly, “It is the will of men and the Gods that a male heir sits on the throne. Our blood is the most righteous of them all and will cleanse the filth of their incestuous blood.”

Alicent nodded as tears cascaded down her face that scrunched with terror. She looked at her father as if he were the only truth she would follow. Daemon shook his head in disbelief and soft chuckled. This is who Rhaenyra has trusted? The snake may not be as bad as her father, but she is weak to his manipulations. Just like my fool of a brother. He moved to sneak away once Otto had left.

Otto fixed his outer coat and rubbed his daughter’s arm, “I shall pray that what you carry is a son in your womb. You must convince your husband to have him named heir once he is born. This is our god-given duty to the realm daughter.”

Alicent softly sobbed and nodded, “Yes father.”, She waited until his form disappeared around the corridor before her body relaxed.

Daemon watched intrigued as Alicent’s face which wore an expression of terror a minute ago, dropped into a blank mask. She calmly used her sleeves to wipe the wetness from her cheeks and rolled her eyes while muttering quietly to herself. She looked around quickly, then turned to open the door behind her where a servant stepped out. Daemon recognized her as one of Rhaenyra’s handmaids.

The girl looked around and presented Alicent with a sheet of paper, “As you instructed your grace.”

“Good. Ensure Princess Rhaenys receives it. With your life Mandera.”

Daemon waited until the servant left before revealing himself to Alicent, “Quite the performance your grace. I almost believed you the way your father did.”

Alicent jumped as she shot Daemon a wide-eyed stare, “Prince Daemon!”

Daemon smirked and slightly bent his head, “In the flesh.”, he tilted his head at her towards the garden entrance, “Walk with me.”

Daemon crossed his hands behind him and waited until Alicent moved before trailing behind him, “Does the hand often handle you so roughly?”

Alicent nodded, “It has become worse since Rhaenyra, and I rekindled our friendship.”

“And you do not tell my brother why exactly?”

“My father has just gotten better at never leaving a mark on my skin. He never confronts me when I am in the company of someone else either. Besides, this is just a form of discipline. He’s still my father after all.”

Daemon stopped and looked down at her, “You are the Queen Consort. You outrank your scoundrel of a father. What did you give Rhaenyra’s servant to deliver to my cousin?”

“The Princess Rhaenys has asked me to record all my father’s moments of committing treason with Mandera as the witness. Once there are enough, she plans to present them to the council.”, Alicent responded.

Daemon nodded in agreement. It was a good plan because, without evidence, his overly trustful brother would not punish Otto. And if Daemon were to bring it up, it would be buried under his dislike for the hand.

His gaze strayed back to the Hightower Queen, “You defended Rhaenyra against your father.”

Alicent nodded and lifted her dress to step over a branch, “Rhaenyra will be a good queen. I do not for one moment believe my father in his claim to sow discord between us. She already loves the child I carry, and I haven’t given birth yet. My father seeks to place my child in a position of power to heighten his own. It will not happen while I am Queen during Viserys reign.”

Daemon stared at her for a while then reached his hand out, “I will shield you as long as you are against him. You married my brother, so that makes you someone under my protection, including the niece or nephew you carry and any after.”

Alicent looked at his hand, smiled, and reached to shake it, “Thank you.”

Daemon cringed as Alicent squeezed his fingers. He grabbed her by the shoulder to stop her from falling. A short scream and grunt of pain later, she raised her head and looked at him with wide eyes, “I think I am in labor Prince Daemon.”

**************************************************************************************************************

~Queen Alicent’s Chamber~

The bed chamber was bustling as servants traversed doing various tasks of refilling basins with warm water, removing bloody cloths, or fanning Alicent to keep her cool. Laena dabbed a small handkerchief on the forehead of Alicent who was panting in pain and fed her another sip from the cup that held milk of poppy. Soft breaths puffed from her lips as her expression contorted in pain. It had been half a day since she started laboring and Alicent was ready for it all to be over. Her back ached, wet hair clung to her face, she couldn’t feel her legs and her vagina felt like it was on fire. The room was too bright, too hot, too loud, and overcrowded. She wanted to tell them all to leave and send for the midwives, but no one was giving her the chance to speak. Laena was the only one who checked on how she was feeling as the others were only concerned for the child in her belly. She leaned up and screamed in pain as her stomach clenched painfully and the pressure in her lower half increased.

She flopped back on the bed panting, “Please it hurts!! Do something!”

Grandmaester Mellos moved from the chair he sat in and calmly walked over, “Please be calm, my Queen.”

Alicent glared at him, “My child is trying to leave my body in the most painful experience of my life, so do not tell me to be calm YOU FOOLISH OLD CUNT!! Get them out of me! NOW!”

Every person in the room paused at the vulgarity that passed Alicent’s lips. The queen was known for being calm and level-headed. A pious symbol for women who would never utter the words she just did. Mellos’s eyes widened in shock before he rushed to check on Alicent.

He raised the cloth covering her lower half and motioned for his assistant, “The child is already in her canal. Prop her up.”

He turned back to Alicent, “Push when I tell you to your grace.”

Alicent nodded and reached to hold the hand Laena extended to her.

“Push your grace.”, Mellos instructed. Alicent leaned over and pushed with all her might.

Outside of Alicent’s chamber door, Viserys looked at his brother in alarm as a painful scream echoed. He was terrified. Terrified of losing another child. Terrified of losing his wife. Viserys felt conflicted because one part of him wanted to run so he would not be here when the maester announced another child of his born dead or that his wife drew her last breath, but the other half of him wanted to be inside holding his wife’s hand and offering her his support. Alicent had, however, forbid him from entering her chambers while she labored, so he was out here pacing while his council and his brother stood around him.

Alicent screamed again and pushed when instructed. She felt tired enough to close her eyes and sleep. She had only been pushing for a few minutes, but she was already out of energy. She softly sobbed, “I appreciate having you here with me Laena, but also wish Rhaenyra were too.”, more tears escaped her eyes.

Laena nodded and wiped Alicent’s face again, “I know Alicent. I know. You’re almost done; the baby is almost here. You can tell Rhaenyra all about her new sibling when you’re done.”

Alicent nodded and pushed one more time feeling the baby finally come out of her. Loud crying filled her ears as her baby screamed with life. Laena laughed softly and looked over at the pink baby screaming his lungs out, “A healthy boy your grace!”

Alicent laughed in relief. It was good that he came quickly because she was out of energy and feared being cut open. Viserys entered the chamber just as the maesters wrapped the placenta in a cloth and her maids cleaned her up. Laena held the small bundle to her chest and softly swayed as Viserys sat next to Alicent on the bed she lay on.

He grabbed her hand and softly kissed the top, “How are you feeling Alicent?”

She nodded softly and turned to Laena who placed the baby in her arms, “A son Viserys!”

Viserys looked at the son he longed for with tears in his eyes. He finally had a son, but at what cost? He held the baby in the crease of his elbow and kissed his forehead. I killed Aemma for this. Why? Why? He sobbed as he held the pale baby to her face. Alicent smiled sadly as if already knowing why he cried.

The small council members walked in and offered their congratulations to the king and the queen while Laena stepped back and stood next to Daemon. They shared understanding glances as they turned their gazes to the hand of the king.

Otto brightly smiled as he took in the pale baby with fine silver hair. Finally! A son was born to the king. A child that carried his blood that was healthy and nothing reminiscent of the sickly children the late queen would birth. He approached the couple and clapped to offer his congratulations to Viserys, “Congratulations your grace.”

Lord Lyonel approached, “A name for the prince, my king?”

Viserys and Alicent looked at each other in surprise realizing they had never discussed a name. Alicent attempted to speak but was interrupted by her father, “I offer the name Aegon as an option your grace. You have been through many trials to achieve the birth of a strong son just like the conqueror who worked hard to unite the kingdom.”

Viserys who could not understand the hidden meaning of Otto’s suggestion only nodded as he continued to focus all his attention on his son.

Otto smiled triumphally as Viserys agreed and announced to the council, “Prince Aegon Targaryen!”

No one noticed the look Daemon, Laena, and Alicent exchanged as the council departed the Queen’s chambers.

Chapter Text

3 months since the tour began........

~High Garden, The Reach~

Rhaenyra sat in the company of the lord of House Tyrell, Lord Leo and his wife Lady Alys Beesbury drinking tea and chatting in their luscious garden. When Rhaenyra had arrived, Lord Leo had wasted no time before swearing his allegiance to her as heir to the iron throne. Lady Alys had enthusiastically welcomed her and insisted on keeping her company for the last day since she was scheduled to set out tomorrow for the Casterly Rock next. Four months had already passed since Rhaenyra left Kingslanding for her tour and 3 days since she arrived in the reach. Her laughter was cut short as a messenger entered the pavilion they sat in. She set her teacup down as the man approached her and handed her a letter.

Rhaenyra set the letter down after reading it and clapped with joy before turning back to the couple before her, “I have a little brother. Queen Alicent has given birth safely.”

Lady Alys lightly clapped her hands, “Wonderful Princess. This news makes you happy then?”

 Rhaenyra nodded, “I have always wanted another sibling. I suspect you will be receiving a raven shortly my lord.”

Alys and Leo exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.

3 months later......

~ Eyrie, The Vale~

Rhaenyra paused in her walk with her cousin lady Jeyne Arryn to receive the raven from her sword shield Ser Cole. She smiled and folded the paper, “My cousin Lady Laena Velaryon has finally wed Ser Harwin Strong. Twice now I have been away from all the festivities, punished only to receive the news, and hope my prayer carries the blessings I wish on them. Laena’s wedding and Aegon’s birth.”

She watched as her cousin’s face grew cold. There was no joy to her when mentions of her father and his new wife’s accomplishments were announced. The Arryn's were still angry at Viserys for his choice of remarriage. Her mother had not been dead more than six months before her father had announced his intention to remarry. Rhaenyra could not fault them for their feelings either. They both looked up as Syrax crested the mountain and swooped low before she disappeared among the clouds.

2 months later......

~ Riverrun, The Riverlands~

Rhaenyra looked out the window as they departed from the Riverlands. Lord Elmo was a grumpy man who she would prefer to not voice his thoughts while she was around. Though he had repledged his oath to her position, the man made it known of his dislike for women in power. No matter, he might not live long enough to see me succeed my father as Queen.

5 months later...

~Winterfell, The North~

Rhaenyra landed Syrax in the snow field off to the side of where the Stark family stood. Lord Rickon Stark waited until Syrax flew away before he approached her. Her guards, servant, and Cole stepped up and stood behind her. They had arrived 2 days earlier to set up for her arrival.

She bent her head and smiled, “Lord Rickon Stark”

Rickon bent and bowed to Rhaenyra, “Princess Rhaenyra. Welcome to Winterfell.”

She approached the group of people who stood off to the side and nodded. Lord Rickon introduced them as he pointed them out, “This is my brother Bennard, my wife Lady Gilliane Glover, and our son Cregan who just passed his third nameday.”

Rhaenyra bent and tickled Cregan under the chin. She smiled as the little boy laughed in glee. Rhaenyra was fond of Cregan in particular for his friendship with Jacaerys. The two became sworn brothers during her son’s time at Winterfell and from what the gods had shown her, Cregan came to fight for her claim after she had died and ensured her son Aegon was placed on the throne safely.

Her interest, however, was on the dark-haired woman with purple eyes, “You are .......a dragon seed?”

Cregan waved them over, “And this is our half-brother, Robbert Snow, and his wife Samantha Waters.”

Rhaenyra ensured the surprise did not show on her face, “I never thought to find a dragon seed of Kingslanding in the North.”

Robbert chuckled, “The plan was to return home to Kingslanding, but we found out I was pregnant. On the advice of the healer, we are waiting here until the birth of our baby.”

“Congratulations.”, Rhaenyra nodded at the woman’s largely rounded stomach.

Samantha smiled brightly and curtsied, “Thank you, princess.”

She returned her attention to Rickon Stark, “Lord Stark, I believe there is much to discuss. Mainly of an oath your ancestor took due to a vision my ancestor saw.”

Rickon looked down at her in surprise, “Of the long night.”

He titled his head to the entrance of his castle, “Come, Princess, we shall have this conversation in private while the servants prepare for supper.”

“You have heard of the prophecy my lord? Of a war soon to come in the long night that seeks to destroy the kingdom. That the song of fire and ice shall be fulfilled by the prince that was promised who comes from my blood.”, Rhaenyra spoke as soon as the study door was shut.

Rickon nodded, “Ay Princess. The oath my ancestor, Torrhen Stark made to Aegon the conqueror has since been passed from Lord to heir. I do not know what they saw, but that is why we the starks remain Lords of the north and loyal followers of the Targaryen Royal family. Should you call for our aid, without question we will answer. And should you need the support of the Starks, then the vassals will answer.”

Rhaenyra gazed out the window as the snow covered the wooden gate, “I do not know how much I can tell, but there is treason brewing in Westeros with the ringleader in the keep.”

Rickon looked at her in surprise, “Treason?”

Rhaenyra nodded and sat in the chair he gestured to, “There are many who wish for me to be removed and have my baby brother named heir. They do not speak these words in the presence of my father and for the wrong ears to hear, but they whisper it nonetheless.”

She looked Rickon in the eyes, “There are many who disagree with my father’s decision to keep me as heir when he has a legitimate son. I am not foolish Lord Stark. The minute my father draws his last breath, Otto Hightower will fight to put his blood on the throne.”

“The hand of the king dares to commit treason?!”, Rickon was appalled.

 “Tradition dictates that Aegon be named heir over me, but my father is relentless. Otto will find another way to ensure Aegon is crowned King.”

His brows furrowed as he clasped his hand on the table in front of him, “Queen Alicent is young and fertile. She will birth more sons for the king. Forgive me Princess, but the easiest decision would be to remove any challenge to your position.”

“Aegon and any other sibling I may have might be of that snake Otto Hightower’s blood, but they are also the blood of the dragon. They are my blood. My siblings. And I will protect them and care for them as if they were my own. Besides, I will not ascend the throne with the title of a kinslayer.”

Rickon nodded in agreement, “Then why not have him dismissed? He cannot influence the king’s mind if he is not present.”

“No. Otto Hightower may be a snake, but he is cunning and smart. He will wage war if it means I do not ascend the throne, and no child of Daemon does either.”

Rickon looked at her in surprise, “So you intend to marry Prince Daemon?”

Rhaenyra sighed and leaned back on the chair she sat in, “I intend to wed both my uncle and my cousin Ser Laenor Velaryon. To bind our blood in the way of my ancestors. Like the conquerors.”

Rickon was quiet for a while before he stood and stepped around his desk, “You mean to use the second page of the Doctrine of Exceptionalism to support your request to the crown and the Sept.”

Rhaenyra looked at him in surprise, “I have already acquired five signatures, but another will not hurt.” I was not aware he would be open to the idea.

Rickon laughed and sat next to her on the chair, “You forget Princess that here in the north we worship the Old Gods. The majority of us do not follow the Seven. I see no reason to shame you for your choice in marriage.”

Rhaenyra sighed in relief. Rickon turned back to face his desk, “Then you must also be here to request for my signature in support of your marriage. I will offer it under one condition.”

Rhaenyra looked at him suspiciously, “I must hear of what you ask my lord, before I offer my agreement.”

Rickon stood and walked over to the window that overlooked his training yard, “My brother, Robbert, and his wife, insist on returning to Kingslanding. He claims it is because he has a good-paying job, but the real reason is that he is ashamed of his origin. He was born from a drunken excursion my father had with Alianne Greyjoy a year before his marriage to my mother. She died in childbirth, and he was raised here in the north. My mother was not welcoming of his presence here and he has been treated as an outcast since.”

“I have tried to fix the mistakes my parents have made, but my brother would not welcome them. My vassal houses are insistent that I execute him because he is the oldest and lays a claim to my title.”, he sighed.

He turned to look at Rhaenyra, “I would sooner give up my place as Lord of Winterfell and Robbert knows this. Instead, he has self-exiled himself and refuses to allow me to petition for his legitimization.”

Rhaenyra nodded, “So you wish for me to ask my father to approve his legitimacy?”

Rickon shook his head, “As much as I would like that, it would do more harm than good. No princess. I would ask you to offer Samantha a place at your side. It does not matter if she is a handmaid or a servant. I just need to know they are financially okay since Robbert also refuses any coin I offer.”

“If you can watch over my brother and his wife while they reside in Kingslanding, then I will agree to whatever demand you ask of me Princess.”

Rhaenyra felt the request was simple enough, “You have my word, Lord Stark.”

Rickon sighed in relief and bent the knee to her, “This is my oath to you Princess Rhaenyra. Should you ever call upon House Stark, the North will answer.”

Chapter Text

10 months later..........

~The Keep, Kingslanding~

Viserys raised his hand to stop Lord Beesbury's recount of the budget distribution for upcoming events as the door was pushed open. Daemon who sat in the seat next to Viserys stood and retrieved a letter from a knight. There weren’t a lot of reasons Viserys permitted to interrupt small council meetings, so Daemon flipped the letter to identify the seal. He handed it to Viserys once he recognized it, “It is a letter from Rhaenyra, brother.”

Viserys face brightened, “Rhaenyra? Hand it to me.”

Viserys rose from his seat to collect the letter from Daemon and tore the wax seal open to read it, “It says here she has sent her servants and knights a week ahead of her. They are expected to arrive by this afternoon. She has diverted to make a short stop elsewhere and will be here in 2 days.”

Daemon laughed as Viserys rubbed his forehead and sighed, “Make the necessary preparations for her arrival Ser Otto.”

Daemon smirked as Otto clenched his jaw in anger, “Should we not question where the princess has gone alone your grace? She has already spent twice the time permitted for her tour and has now run off yet again without leave from the crown.”

Viserys sighed and sat back in his chair, “My daughter had already informed me of her delay in the north. Rhaenyra is responsible and I trust her. If she has gone somewhere before she returns here, then it is for a good purpose.”

Otto bowed his head in acknowledgment, “I only worry for her reputation your grace. The princess is approaching her twentieth nameday and she is still unwed. Now she travels without a steward......”

Daemon leaned back in his chair and glanced at Otto, “I don’t believe it is any of your concern when my niece decides to wed Ser Otto.”

Lyonel looked at the two and hurried to interrupt, “While that may be, there is still a cause for concern your grace. Princess Rhaenyra needs to produce heirs to the throne if she is to secure her position as your heir. I do believe it is in her best interest to wed as soon as possible.”

Viserys nodded in agreement, “I will speak to my daughter when she returns.” Viserys had yet to inform the council that part of the reason he sent Rhaenyra on a tour was to choose suitable candidates for her marriage. He knew she intended to marry Ser Laenor even if she had not told him as yet. He is not blind to the way they stuck to each other or the way they sought comfort. There are benefits to the marriage if Rhaenyra were to wed Ser Laenor. The strife with the Velaryons would be mended and their fleet would be readded to the crown. He would not reject the marriage if they were to ask, Laenor was a good man born of his cousin Rhaenys.

Daemon could tell Viserys thought Rhaenyra intended to marry Laenor. What he didn’t know was that both intended to wed him at the same time. Viserys would faint and Otto’s head would explode. I would pay all the gold dragons in my possession to see that. Worse, he couldn’t tell his brother what the plan for Rhaenyra’s marriage was because Otto had poisoned his mind with whispers of Daemon’s desire to be king. Viserys would no doubt see this as Daemon’s way of trying to take the throne for himself and not because he loves Rhaenyra and Laenor, and only wants to protect his family from the greed of men like Otto Hightower.

Viserys waved his hand and leaned on the arm of his chair to place his attention on Ser Lyonel who spoke, “Queen Consort Alicent insists on putting preparations for Prince Aegon’s second nameday on pause until Princess Rhaenyra returns.”

Otto blinked in surprise, “My daughter has? This will be Prince Aegon’s first introduction to the court and the lords. Why would it be of importance for the princess to be involved?”

 Daemon scoffed, “In four months, my nephew will be two. Alicent insists mainly because Rhaenyra has never met her brother and wishes to familiarize herself with him, including his nameday celebration. The new prince and the heir to the throne in a show of harmony. It will be good for the image of the royal family.”

Otto silently fumed at the hidden reminder of Viserys refusal to remove Rhaenyra and name Aegon heir. He has been relentlessly trying ever since the boy survived past his first month. He could not understand why the king insisted on keeping a princess as heir when he had a healthy firstborn son.

If the king would not change his mind about keeping the princess as his heir, then Otto had no problem using underhanded methods to have her disinherited.

2 days later......

~Dragon Pit, Kingslanding~

Rhaenyra had just finished instructing the dragon keepers to feed Syrax a goat when a carriage stopped a distance in front of her. She watched as her father stepped out and reached to help someone down the steps. She only saw the red gown with intricate black designs before she took off in a sprint towards them. Viserys steadied his wife before opening his arms for a hug when Rhaenyra brushed him aside and enveloped Alicent in a hug. He coughed and dusted his thighs off while looking around to ensure no one else witnessed that before turning back to the two who were softly squealing and laughing.

Rhaenyra pulled away and bent to softly hug and whisper to Alicent’s rounded stomach where another sibling lay, “Hello my sweet sister Helaena.”

Alicent slightly shook as she tried to hold in her laughter, “Rhaenyra......Viserys.......”

Rhaenyra blinked in surprise and spun around, “Father! I did not notice you.”

Viserys enveloped her in a hug, “You pushed me aside, daughter.”

He sighed and kissed her on the forehead before pulling away, “It is good to have you return safely Rhaenyra.”

Rhaenyra smiled, “Thank you, father. There is much for us to talk about.”

~Small Council Chamber~

It took Rhaenyra a few hours to clean up and wash the smell of Syrax from her skin. She went to see her cousin Laena and Princess Rhaenys, she ate some food and got some rest before having Elinda dress her and braid her hair. Aegon was asleep in the nursery so she would look for him again in the morning. Pushing the door to the small council chamber, Rhaenyra took a seat in the chair closest to the window and closed her eyes to enjoy the soft breeze and sense of peace. She was startled as a cool and slightly callused palm was placed over her eyes and rushed to sit up. A chaste kiss landed on her lips as the hand slid away and Laenor’s smiling face came into view. Rhaenyra squealed and jumped into his arms as he laughed and picked her up by the waist to lightly spin her around.

“Laenor! I thought you were in Driftmark. How are you here?”, she questioned as he placed her back on her feet.

Laenor shrugged as they sat down on a couch closer to the table, “I wanted to keep it a surprise. Mother and Father are here as well.”

“And Daemon? I have not seen so much as his shadow.”, she asked.

A soft kiss on her ear had her looking around just in time for Daemon to claim her lips in a sweet kiss, “Hello sweet niece.”

Rhaenyra blushed at the mischievous look in his eyes and turned away, grabbing Laenor’s hand to cover her red face. Daemon jumped away as the door opened and turned to watch Alicent walk in behind Viserys and then Harwin who held the door ajar for Rhaenys, Corlys, and Laena. Daemon reached to help Alicent sit next to Rhaenyra on the soft feather couch, “Good sister.”, Alicent patted his hand in thanks.

Viserys waited until everyone settled before addressing Rhaenyra, “You have already kept me updated on the progress you had on tour. There were no issues in having the lords reaffirm their oaths, so what is it you wish to discuss? Your marriage?”

Rhaenyra shot Rhaenys a pleading look. She had no idea how to breach the subject of this discussion to her father. Rhaenys saw the look on Rhaenyra’s face and turned to her cousin, “Yes, it is a matter of her marriage Viserys. Rhaenyra has already chosen who she wishes to marry.”

Viserys who had assumed because Rhaenys breached the subject of the matter meant that Rhaenyra had indeed chosen Laenor as he thought, smiled brightly, “So you wish to wed Ser Laenor? Brilliant. I wish you would’ve spoken to me about this sooner Rhaenyra, I have no issue with this choice.”

Rhaenyra cringed and looked away, “Actually father, I intend to marry Ser Laenor, yes, but I also wish to wed Daemon together.”

Viserys froze as Rhaenyra spoke. He blinked slowly as she continued, “In the way that the conquerors did. Bound their blood in the ways of Old Valyria.”

“W-wh-wha-wh-what?”, he stuttered. Rhaenys could see his already pale face getting even paler. She shot a glance at her husband who slowly stood and reached for the satchel behind him.

Viserys whose mind finally caught up, shot up from his seat, “Are you completely insane?! You wish to wed two men at once? Rhaenyra, we have long adapted to the ways of the faith. It is against the rules of the seven to wed two persons at once. The lords would never accept it.”

Alicent lightly grabbed Rhaenyra who was about to respond, “Not if you present the doctrine of exceptionalism husband.”

Viserys looked at his wife in shock, “You were already aware of this?”, he looked around the table and realized no one was shocked with the revelation, “Was everyone already informed before me?”

Rhaenys rolled her eyes, took out 2 pieces of paper and several letters bearing the seal of major houses, and placed them on the table, “Do not focus on the unimportant cousin. Your daughter has just informed you of a way to reunite our families and return us to the state of our origins before grandfather allowed the faith to have so much leverage over us and yet you worry about the opinions of the lords?”

Viserys was speechless, “Of course, I worry about their opinion Rhaenys. I cannot just do what I wish just because I am king.”

Rhaenys slammed her palm down on the table, “And I am not asking you to Viserys, but until when will you allow them to govern your every decision? You are afraid to disrupt the peace you have inherited from grandfather’s reign, but how can you not see you are doing just as he did? You wish to ask for their opinion just as he did when he let them choose you as heir over me and then my children.”

Viserys looked away in shame. Of course, I wish to keep the realm in peace. I do not wish to have the Lord's dissatisfaction lead to the idea of supplanting us. The gods know I struggle every time Daemon acts without my knowledge or permission. His eyes strayed back to his brother and his daughter who were quietly watching Rhaenys berate him. Funny how the people in question did not seek to offer any words on the matter, as if they had already decided and only needed his position. How long were they waiting? He closed his eyes and remembered what Aemma had told him the first time he exiled Daemon back to Runestone. Rhaenyra had cried for 2 days and refused to speak with him for a week until he allowed her to write a letter to his brother.

*Rhaenyra and Daemon are the blood of the dragon my love. Their blood burns hot and heady. You cannot stop her infatuation with her uncle. And if the gods will it, she will wed him whether you or I allow it. *

Viserys felt troubled. He thought he was doing the best that he could for the realm, but in the process, he was dividing his family even more. He looked back at his angry cousin, “How do you propose they legally wed?

Laena pushed the papers on the table towards him, “Here your grace. Your wife has already given you the answer.”

Viserys reached and unfolded all five letters from the Velaryon, Baratheon, Tyrells, Arryn, and Stark individually sealed by the Lord of the house’s stamp.

“Not the Lannisters?”, he understood Rhaenys had probably asked for the approval from her uncle, Lord Boremund.

“Lord Jason currently holds command of the Lannister house as Tyland is bedridden with seafood poisoning. He has offered his support of the marriage in exchange for his request to marry Lady Rhea of Runestone to be approved.”, Alicent added.

He nodded, put the approval letter from the sept aside, and picked up a worn-out cloth material to read the words written on it.

THE DOCTRINE OF EXCEPTIONALISM ~~PAGE 2

Written on this page, Written by the High Septon, Witnessed by the Faith of the Seven, and executed by Visenya, Aegon, and Rhaenys, herein lies the second page of the doctrine that records their marriage. In the eyes of gods and the approval of the people, any Targaryen who wishes to repeat this process shall hereby collect the approval of five major houses with the signature and seal of their house, the approval and signature seal of the High Septon, and the permission of the King.  

Gather these documents attached with this doctrine and none but the King of Westeros can deny this union. In the eyes of the Faith, you shall marry in the Sept, and in the eyes of the Gods, you shall seal this union in the ancestral home, Dragonstone.

So it has been written, So it has been legitimized, So has it been signed.

High Septon ~  The King

Viserys put the documents aside and sat back down in his chair to contemplate. It was several minutes of thinking before he looked over at the three still silently sitting in a corner, “I cannot stop this, can I?”

Rhaenyra looked at him with pleading eyes, “I have never asked anything of you Father, please grant this one. If you must grant the lords a political reason, tell them you wish to mollify the slight against the Velaryon and as such you wish to wed Laenor and I.”

Viserys looked over at his brother, “And daemon?”

Daemon shrugged and looked away, “Tell them it is the only way to ensure you can keep me chained to your command. They will question why you removed me as your heir only to have me wed Rhaenyra, but you do not owe them an explanation when the doctrine is on our side. Use our ancestry if you must.”

“Our ancestry indeed....”, Viserys mused.

He stood and approached them, “You three will wed in the ways of our house first. A Valyrian wedding held on Dragonstone. Do not consummate the marriage. Return here and I will present your wedding to the court along with the doctrine and the approval of the house.”

Rhaenyra stood from the couch with a bright smile full of joy and squeezed Viserys in a tight hug, “Thank you, Father.”

Laena clapped while gushing, “There will be no need for a courting period in this case. You can be wed in 3 moons time.”

“You have already invited every lord to the hunt you prepared for Aegon’s second name day in 4 months, Viserys. Perhaps we can join the celebrations?”, Alicent questioned from her spot.

“We must discuss a matter of succession for the children this union will bring forth, but I must inform the council of this decision. You three will leave in two days time at first light.”, Viserys ordered, “Once you are gone, I will call for a small council meeting.”

Chapter Text

~Royal Nursery~

Rhaenyra stuck her head through the nursery doors searching for her baby brother. A squeal of delight and small tapping of feet had her crouching as Aegon’s small form came around the chair. His silver hair was sleep-ruffled and sticking out in disarray. From the creases on his plump cheeks, she assumed he had just woken from his afternoon nap. Picking him up in her arms, she realized they matched with their deep red shirts and black pants.

She smoothened his soft locs and laid a kiss on his forehead, “And how is the cutest prince of the realm doing this afternoon?”

His soft giggle as he hid his face between his arms and her shoulder squeezed her heart. She laughed and picked him up on her hip. She intended to head for a walk before visiting Syrax in the dragon pit, but perhaps it was time for her brother to meet her dragon. She looked around the scattered toys for his shoes, smiling in triumph when Aegon’s nursemaid came around the corner with them. Sitting on a chair, she placed Aegon on her lap and helped him into his shoes. Once on, she pulled him onto her hip and left the nursery. While she entertained his nonsense babbling, they passed servants and knights all completing their duties. Behind her Aegon’s guard Ser Harwin, newly appointed, followed alongside Rhaenyra’s kingsguard Ser Cole. Before she knew it, they were approaching the dragon pit. Rhaenyra had spent the entire ride in the carriage trying to get Aegon to say her name as he only could call for his parents, but his underdeveloped tongue could only say, “Nywa!”, he giggled and waved his wooden dragon toy.

Rhaenyra placed a soft kiss on his head before taking the toy and handing it to his nursemaid. Rhaenyra had the woman come with them along with one of his servants and one of hers. She picked him up as the carriage stopped and Ser Criston opened the doors. Rhaenyra had sent instructions to the dragon keepers for them to saddle Syrax for a flight, but Rhaenyra had to cancel since Aegon was not appropriately attired for a ride on Dragonback. She approached the dragon who bent its neck to nudge the pair. They spent a few minutes together and prepared to head back to the castle when a dragon keeper approached with a small cloth bag. He appeared out of breath and slightly rattled. Rhaenyra handed Aegon to his servant and concerningly walked over to the dragon keeper.

“Daki? issi ao sȳrī?”, she questioned as he handed her the bag. It was heavy and warm. (Daki? Are you well?)

Daki nodded and gestured to the bag he gave her, “Iksan sȳrī dārilaros.  Nyke found bisa drōmon isse iā doru cave.  Iksan unsure skore zaldrīzes ziry māstan hen yn zȳha vāedar iksis iēdrosa kostōba.” (I am well Princess. I found this egg in an empty cave. I am unsure which dragon it came from, but its song is still strong.)

Rhaenyra opened the bag and found a shiny brown egg with intricate rose gold swirls. She whipped around as Aegon started whining and reaching for the egg. Pulling the small dagger she kept hidden in her boots out, she placed the bag on the ground gently and cut it open to wipe the grime from the egg. Handing the now dirty cloth to the keeper, she placed the egg on Aegon’s hold and watched as he smiled happily and calmed.

“I believe Prince Aegon has found his dragon Princess.”, Harwin spoke.

Rhaenyra nodded, “We must hurry. The egg needs a brazier before it dies.”, she grabbed her brother and his new egg, “Back to the palace.”

Rhaenyra handed the dragon egg off to a servant and instructed them to place it in a lit brazier near Aegon’s crib. She held his hand and headed down another corridor nodding at everyone who stopped and acknowledged them. Approaching the kitchen, she placed Aegon back on his feet and crouched to his level, “shhh”, she whispered as she placed her finger over her lips. Aegon giggled silently and crouched like they often did before they went to the gardens and crawled on all fours into the kitchen. The staff smiled fondly at their prince and princess while pretending they didn’t see them.

The kingsguard Ser Lorant and Ser Criston stood at the door while Rhaenyra and Aegon disappeared under a table. Rhaenyra picked Aegon up by his waist and stealthily raised him on the table to look around. Before he could stick his hand into the plate of lemon cakes they were sneakily trying to take, she grabbed it and pulled them both back under the table. There wasn’t a person in the castle who did not know of the princess and prince’s obsession with lemon cake. The head chef waited until the tablecloth covered the table before placing a fork on the edge and moving away. They waited until Aegon’s small fist closed around the fork before returning to their duties. Rhaenyra placed the slice of candied lemon in her mouth before taking the smaller candied orange slice and feeding it to Aegon in pieces. She waited until he finished before feeding him pieces of the cake in small portions, she didn’t want him to choke.  By the time they were done eating the slice of cake, Aegon’s hands were a sticky mess, his face and mouth were covered in cake crumbs. Rhaenyra collected the tissue from under the leg and cleaned him up before they escaped from the kitchen.

~Royal Garden Pavilion~

“I did not expect to become pregnant again so soon either, but it is a gift from the gods nonetheless.”, Alicent reaches for her cup and takes a sip.

Laena looked at her in surprise, “But does it not scare you? I remember what Aegon’s birth was like. You appeared to be in a great deal of pain.”

Alicent nodded and placed the cup down, “It was painful. Quite possibly the most painful thing I have ever experienced. But Aegon came swiftly so I was not all bad.”

Rhaenyra leaned forward intrigued, “But you took moon tea when the maesters cleared you after Aegon was born. How did you become pregnant again?”

Alicent furrowed her brows, “I’m not sure.”, she waved them off, “It’s alright though.”

It was not fine though, and Rhaenyra intended to investigate.

Laena leaned forward and whispered, “I missed my blood last month and it seems absent this month too. I had the maesters check and it looks like baby Harwin is growing here,”, she patted her lower stomach.

Rhaenyra shook Laena’s hand in joy as Alicent silently clapped, “Congratulations are in order good sister.”

Laena nodded while smiling, “I will announce it after you return cousin. Do you look forward to your wedding?”

Rhaenyra blew out a breath and smiled, “I do. It is just the start of our happiness. Daemon is beyond excited. He has always wanted a Valyrian wedding, but those dreams were crushed when great-grandmother married him off to Lady Rhea. Now that he has another, he wishes to leave in haste and Laenor and I do not have the heart to deny him.”

Laena turned to Alicent, “While we are on the topic of Lady Rhea, the king has approved Ser Jason’s request for their marriage. How did you create that union? They are on opposite sides of the map.”

“I only presented them the opportunity to interact. It was Rhaenyra who insisted on introducing them.”

Rhaenyra shrugged, “Ser Jason is an intelligent lord who had the misfortune of being born after his idiot brother, Lord Tyland. Lady Rhea has the title of Lord of Runestone, but she prefers to hunt and visit the battlefield. They were compatible in their goals. What I did not account for, was that they would grow affectionate. It is a bonus.”

“I’d say. He requested to marry not even 3 moons into their courting. He is smitten and so is Lady Rhea.”, the girls laughed.

~DragonStone~

Maester Gerardys stepped out on the black sands of Dragonstone as he awaited the arrival of Princess Rhaenyra along with Prince Daemon and Ser Laenor. At first, it was a surprise that the princess had wished for him to head her wedding ceremony. Gerardys was no Valyrian, but he was the closest it came to a Valyrian priest. Gerardys, unlike his brothers and sisters who trained in the citadel, was appreciative of other cultures. He had spent an entire decade visiting various parts of Westeros for knowledge the citadel did not offer. It was by chance that he met Prince Baelon who then employed him at DragonStone. Gerardys was one of the few if not the only maester who spoke High Valyrian fluently and never judged the Valyrians on their customs or any who served a God not of the faith. It was one of the reasons he remained in charge of DragonStone, the ancestral seat of the royal family, and why Princess Rhaenyra had liked him so much. He watched as three large dragons landed and hurried to approach.

“Princess. My Prince. Ser”, Gerardys bowed.

Rhaenyra patted Syrax after dismounting and rushed to hug him, “Maester Gerardys!”, she laughed. Rhaenyra had missed him. He was ever loyal to her in her previous life, even when she had strayed down the wrong path. His death had hurt her deeply. Ser Alfred had grown envious and hateful when she had Gerardys named Castellan of Dragonstone’s castle and turned to the enemy. Maester Gerardys was hung from the very chain Rhaenyra had gifted him after his chains of the citadel were destroyed. Maester Geradys froze before hesitantly returning the hug before Rhaenyra pulled away. Daemon smiled and patted him on his shoulder.

“It is an honor to meet the great maester Gerardys.”, Laenor laughed and shook Gerardy’s hand.

“You honor me my Lord, but there is nothing great about who I am.”, Gerardys blustered.

Laenor shook his head, “There is not a man of the citadel who can proclaim Daemon a friend.”

They laughed and turned to walk back to the castle, “I have already prepared everything as you have instructed. You need only change into the ceremonial wear.”, Gerardys explained.

It took them a while, but before long the three stood facing each other in the Targaryen wedding garb. Rhaenyra smiled at them as Gerardys recited the prayer to bind them in the ways of their house. The headpiece she wore pulled her hair away from her face while the rest of her hair was in a long braid. Daemon reached and took the dragon glass dagger maester Gerardys handed them while Laenor took the chalice from his assistant and their only witness. Daemon reached for Rhaenyra’s chin and gently cut a line down the middle of her bottom lip, using the blood to draw a line on her forehead. She smiled as he repeated the action on Laenor, painting an arch instead of a line. Laenor took the dagger from Daemon and handed him the chalice, repeating the action on Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra waited until Laenor finished before doing the same and then cutting her palm, allowing the blood to pool into the chalice. Once Daemon and Laenor had done the same, Gerardys collected the chalice now filled with the blood of all three and handed it to his assistant. He took the black cloth embedded with small coils of gold and bound the hands of all three together.

He placed the cup in their free hands and gestured for them to complete their vow. Rhaenyra could not contain her grin as Laenor slightly squeezed their bound palms. Daemon lightly swirled the cup and waited until they were ready to say their vows.

“Ānogar ānograro.

 kin hen ñuha kin.

 isse se laesi hen īlva ancestors se se gaomilaksir hen īlva lentor, nyke letagon nykēla naejot ao isse bisa ābrar se se hembar.

 nyke vow naejot dohaeragon, follow, pāsagon, obey, se jorrāelagon daorys yn ao. 

 sagon ñuha witness, izula ampā gods hen perzys, nyke mazverdagon bisa vow naejot dōrī pryjagon.

 nyke kessa daor gūrogon iā jelevre lo gaomā daor paghagon.  Nyke kessa dōrī blink lo gaomā daor ūndegon.  Nyke kessa dōrī jorrāelagon lo iksā daor kesīr.  Se lo ao henujagon gō gaoman, pār kesan umbagon ēva īlon rhaenagon aril”

(Blood of my blood.

Kin of my kin.

In the eyes of our ancestors and the duty of our house, I bind myself to you in this life and the next.

I vow to serve, follow, trust, obey, and love no one but you.

Be my witness, Fourteen Gods of the flame, I make this vow to never break.

I shall not take a breath if you do not breathe. I shall never blink if you do not see. I shall never love if you are not here. And if you leave before I do, then I will wait until we meet again.)

Rhaenyra took a sip from the cup, “ñuha valzȳrys”, and sealed her lips over Daemon’s before turning to kiss Laenor.

Laenor took a sip from the cup, “ñuha valzȳrys”, and leaned in to kiss Daemon before turning to kiss Rhaenyra, “ñuha ābrazȳrys”

Daemon drank the last of the contents in the cup before kissing Rhaenyra, “ñuha ābrazȳrys”, and then Laenor, “ñuha valzȳrys”

They all smiled as Gerardys unbound their hands and removed the chalice, “Until the blood dries, do not wipe it or wash it away.”, he tearily looked at the three, “Congratulations Princess. Congratulations my Princes.”

!           SEXUAL CONTENT  AHEAD     !

~Dragonstone Bed Chamber~

Rhaenyra giggled as Daemon tossed her on the bed and Laenor covered her with his body. She grabbed him by the face and kissed him roughly. Daemon gently undid the clasp of the headpiece Rhaenyra wore, avoiding disrupting the passionate kissing his husband and wife were engaged in beneath him. They both seemed to be fuelled by the metallic taste in their kiss. My wife and husband. Finally, one of my choosing. Laenor pulled Rhaenyra upright to pull her dress above her head and toss it behind him. He broke away to turn and kiss Daemon while Rhaenyra helped them out of their shirts that were soon thrown next to her dress. She trailed kisses down the side of Laenor’s neck as Daemon pressed up against her back. She soon found herself on her back as Daemon started to kiss her and Laenor’s hands ran down the length of her body. The three were so in sync that no words passed between them, yet they understood what course of action to take.

Her undergarments were soaked as Laenor’s hands dipped inside. He pulled them down her legs and off as Daemon’s large palms found her breast and caressed. When he broke their kiss to lick the valley between her breasts, Rhaenyra’s loud moan sounded through the room. Daemon moved up to lay next to her head and continued to fondle her breasts when Laenor took a long lick down the inside of her thighs. When his tongue passed over her opening, her hips bucked off the bed. She reached down and grabbed his head as his tongue continued his ministrations. Her nails dug into Daemon’s biceps as he lightly bit her right nipple. She couldn’t focus on one thought. Laenor’s finger was moving in her slowly as he lightly licked her clit. Her entire body was washed in pleasure as her husbands worshipped her body. Rhaenyra wanted to push them away for a break, but Daemon ever so perceptive, knew what she was about to do and sealed his lips over hers in another deep kiss, tongue curling around hers. He pinched both nipples as Laenor sucked her clit and felt the vibrations of her moans as she orgasmed. Laenor wrapped his hand around her bucking hips and softly licked her until her orgasm faded. Rhaenyra felt like she was souring in the clouds with Syrax. Her chest rose with heavy breaths as her legs trembled and the spot between her legs tingled. She opened her eyes in time to see Daemon grab Laenor by the back of his neck and pull him into a deep kiss. With her face flushed, she realized Daemon was trying to clean Rhaenyra's wetness off of Laenor’s mouth.

Daemon released Laenor from his kiss and lightly kissed his cheek. Laenor moved to sit behind Rhaenyra and lightly propped her up as Daemon moved between her legs, “I thought it would be too painful to kiss, but I am now realizing that it is a pain I can ignore.”, he looked down into her dazed eyes with mischievous blue eyes, “Both of you.”

They both turned to Daemon was rubbing his manhood between Rhaenyra’s thighs and coating it with her wetness. Rhaenyra’s face burned as she made eye contact with Daemon. She remembered in her previous life when she gave her first time to Cole, it hurt even though her senses were dulled from the arbor gold she had. Daemon notched his cock at her entrance and smirked at her, “Do you want this fast or slow Princess?”

Rhaenyra could not look away as she replied, “Fast.”

Laenor grabbed her chin and sealed their lips in a kiss and Daemon drove in. Daemon groaned in pleasure just as Rhaenyra moaned and bit Laenor’s tongue. He grunted as he slowly pulled out and slowly pushed back in. Laenor held Rhaenyra’s cheeks tighter and pressed into their kiss more roughly as Daemon found momentum. They broke their kiss gasping and Daemon slammed into her. Her back arch as pleasure after pleasure wash over her. Daemon held her knees and used them to anchor himself to continue thrusting into her tight heat.

He groaned as she clenched around his cock, “Fuck Rhaenyra. So tight and hot.”, he muttered eyes closed, head tilted to the ceiling. Rhaenyra’s hand reached out to caress his toned chest and muscled abdomen.

Laenor reached in front of Rhaenyra to fondle her breasts as she squirmed and tried to quiet her moans. He lightly kissed her neck as Daemon picked up the pace. Daemon leaned down to lock lips with Rhaenyra and groaned as he spilled his seed inside her. Rhaenyra whimpered as the heat of Daemon’s spend washed inside her. Without pausing, Daemon pulled out and lightly lifted her for Laenor to slide in. She moaned loudly as he stretched her and held her hips to rock inside. Laenor lifted his head to accept Daemon’s rough kiss next to her; the wet sound of their lips was distinct next to her ear. It wasn’t too long before Laenor sped up, already strung tight from watching Daemon fuck Rhaenyra. He lightly bit Rhaenyra on the shoulder as he came. Rhaenyra’s body tensed as Daemon reached down and lightly rubbed her clit in fast swipes. A soft yet intense tingle washed over her as she orgasmed again.

Throughout the room, only the sound of their heavy panting could be heard as they collapsed in a pile. Rhaenyra was in the middle as Daemon lay on her right and Laenor on her left. She reached for one of their hands each and brought it to her lips for a kiss as she giggled. Laenor turned the hand she held his with over and placed a kiss there while Daemon buried his face in the neck and lightly kissed it.

She laughed in disbelief when she remembered what her father had ordered, “We were not supposed to consummate.”

Daemon pulled his head from her neck and looked down at where the mixture of his and Laenor’s seed leaked from Rhaenyra’s sex, “I suppose we will need to ask the maesters for contraceptives as well...”, though he sounded more than reluctant.

Laenor reached over and lightly patted Daemon’s hand that lay on Rhaenyra’s stomach, “Do not worry uncle. It is only 120 days before we can work on getting our wife swollen with child.”

Daemon groaned and rolled his eyes, “120 days............”

They both grew quiet as soft snores escaped Rhaenyra who had fallen asleep between them. They locked eyes and settled down, Laenor wiping her down with a cloth and then laying down as Daemon covered them in a sheet.

*And from above, the fourteen gods watched as the faith of house Targaryen veered onto another course*

Chapter Text

~Small Council Room~

Viserys had been silent the entirety of the council meeting, which was not strange to the members, but he had also been distracted and appeared anxious. Lord Beesbury who had lastly finished his report addressed the king, “Are you well your grace?”

Viserys blinked and focused on the members who were staring at him, “There is no easy way to address this so I will just inform you all. This matter will need to be addressed in court as well.”

Grandmaester Mellos shot the man across from him a joyful look. Otto sat up straight in anticipation and turned to face Viserys. His hands clenched in expectation. He wondered if Alicent had finally convinced the king to name his grandson the heir. Could it be that Viserys had finally come to his senses?

Viserys blew out a breath and intertwined his fingers, “My daughter has chosen a candidate for her marriage and has decided to proceed with a wedding in the customs of our house. She departed to DragonStone on the eve yesterday and is set to return by nightfall today.”

Otto furrowed his brow in confusion. He had not heard a word of Princess Rhaenyra choosing a husband, from neither his daughter nor the king. Though the princess was of age to marry, Otto had thought her husband would be chosen by the council, but now King Viserys was informing them that not only was a candidate chosen, but the princess had also eloped to have that blasphemous ceremony. Otto could not believe the seven would smile upon him like this. Why would he scheme to have her disinherited when she has placed the nail in her coffin?

Viserys cleared his throat, “And she has done so with my permission as King and the permission of my lady cousin Princess Rhaenys as the eldest of our family.”

Otto froze and looked at Viserys with a wide-eyed stare. Grandmaester Mellos coughed, “Your grace this is unbecoming of the princess. The heir to the throne is only legitimate if they are wed in the sept and anointed by the High Septon.”

Lyonel nodded and spoke to Viserys, “I agree with your grace. It is not against the laws of Westeros for the Targaryen royal family to have a Valyrian wedding, but for the princess’s marriage to be legitimate, she will need to be wed in the sept.”

Grandmaester Mellos who was feeling smug that Lord Lyonel agreed with him, froze as he continued, “If the princess has already wed on DragonStone, we must prepare for an official ceremony. It will take time to send ravens across Westeros, not to mention budget and approval of the High Septon.”

Grandmaester Mellos nudged Otto who was still frozen with his foot. He looked at the king, “And who has the princess wed your grace?”

Viserys looked at the small glass ball he held in his hand, “My daughter has chosen to wed the heir to Driftmark.”

There was no knowledge of the princess’s search for candidates to court her hand before and now out of the blue, she has wed the heir to the wealthiest house in Westeros.

Viserys looked up and continued, “And my brother Prince Daemon as well.”

Otto had not snapped out of his shock before he was left speechless again. He looked over at the empty seat of the commander of the city watch Daemon usually occupied and realized he had been absent from yesterday's meeting as well. Otto had not paid it any mind because he had assumed Daemon was in the city.

Grandmaester Mellos abruptly stood from his chair, “This is immoral my king! Blasphemy. It is against the faith of the seven to take more than one spouse at the same time.”

Viserys glared at him, “Despite my family's adaption to the religion of Westeros when my ancestors conquered it, you have forgotten the doctrine was established during my grandfather’s reign. My daughter and brother are devout followers of the gods of Old Valyria. They offer tribute to our house by having a Valyrian wedding. One that has not been done since the days of the conqueror.”

Lord Lyonel wondered, “But your grace, the doctrine legalizes the right for the royal family to intermarry. No part allows a marriage between three.”

Viserys nodded, “There is on the second page.”, Viserys collected the document Ser Harrold handed him and placed it on the table for the council to see, “My cousin Princess Rhaenys had it brought from Visenya’s vault on DragonStone. My daughter, Prince Daemon, and Ser Laenor have bound themselves together in the way Visenya, Aegon, and Rhaenys had.”

The document was passed to each member who could not refute the written words. Grandmaester Mello's mouth hung open as he was rendered speechless yet again. Otto stared at Viserys fierce defense of his daughter and realized should he speak now to outright reject this sinful union; he would come under suspicion. He glared at Mellos to shut up and breathe a sigh of relief as the man sat back down.

~Throne Room~

It was another day before the three newly married had returned to Kingslanding. Viserys had called the court to session a week later to announce the marriage of his daughter, the heir to the throne, to his brother Prince Daemon and Ser Laenor Velaryon, heir to Driftmark. While some were against the union, no one dared to outwardly defy the king. Viserys had presented the Doctrine of Exceptionalism to allow their marriage as kin, and then the second page to legitimize Rhaenyra’s decision to marry two persons. The signed and approved letters of houses Baratheon, Arryn, Velaryon, Tyrell, and Stark were presented along with the sealed approval of the high Septon.

Otto could only fume silently as the court expressed their approval and the marriage ceremony of the three was announced in 3 moons time, a week after Aegon’s second nameday hunt. He had intended to have it pushed back as far as possible while he worked to dissolve it, but ‘those cowardly fools Lyman and Strong’ had convinced the king to have the ceremony then while the Lords were already here for the hunt.

That hunt was our chance to gain support for Aegon’s eventual ascension to the throne, but now it has turned into a celebration for that blasphemous union. Curse Them! They’re all idiots, incapable of seeing the truth. Why had he worked so hard to have Daemon removed as heir? WHY? Now the demon’s eventual spawn will be in the way of his blood’s path to becoming King.

Otto’s gaze strayed to his daughter clad in Targaryen red and black, a gold crown embedded with pearls, no doubt from House Velaryon. He looked at his grandson in the arms of Daemon and felt his anger rising more. The boy was also clad in Targaryen red with no sign of Hightower house colors. The whore of a princess held the hand of the Velaryon heir and his sister that married the Harrenhal heir. Alicent stood next to Viserys who was dismissing the court and smiled indulgently at him. Otto was certain steam rose from his ears. FOOLS! All of them. He angrily turned and left the throne room before anyone could identify his noticeable anger.

3 months later.......

~Royal Hunting Grounds~

Rhaenyra held Aegon on her lap as he played with a small wooden dragon toy. It was a gift she had presented him with after his first name day, and he had loved it since. There was never a toy that caught his attention when he had the dragon toy in his grasp. He waved it around while squealing in joy, not paying attention to Rhaenyra who was trying to get him to say her name.

She tickled his tummy, smiling as he squirmed away in giggles, “Say my name, little brother. Rhae-nyra. Rhaenyra.”

Aegon stared her in the face before breaking out into a toothy smile, “Nywa! Nywa!”

Alicent laughed silently as Aegon went back to his toy and comforted Rhaenyra, “He will say it eventually Rhaenyra. Give him time.”

Rhaenyra sulked, “He has already called Laena by her name. He has said father, mother, uncle......he has even called for Talya. Is my name so hard?”

Viserys reached over and took Aegon to his lap, comforted as his son leaned his head on his chest, “Perhaps it is because you are his favorite person? You could not say Daemon’s name until you were 5.”, Viserys rubbed his hand down the back of his son’s head and smoothened his hair.

Rhaenyra smiled indulgently at Aegon and looked at Viserys, “Perhaps Father.”

The carriage hit a small hole and shook roughly. Alicent reached her hand under her stomach to steady while her face pinched in pain. Rhaenyra squinted at her, “Should you be traveling in your condition?”, while pointedly looking at Alicent’s enlarged stomach.

Alicent smiled and nodded, “The maesters say it is alright.”, she patted Rhaenyra on the hand as they arrived at the hunting grounds. Viserys stood with Aegon in his arms and exited the carriage. He waited until Rhaenyra helped Alicent down before turning to address the various lords of the major houses in front of him. There were rows of tents, men already cleaning their kills, guards spread around the grounds and a large table set up in the center.

Viserys looked over them all and spoke, “I welcome you my lords and ladies to the hunt prepared for my son Prince Aegon Targaryen in celebration of his second name day.”

A few of the lords took in Aegon’s pale skin and silver hair with purple eyes and rejoice. Though few, they were not brave enough to proclaim Aegon the second of his name. Though they chanted it quietly, Viserys still heard the whispers. There were over 100 people present for this hunt, so Viserys was unsure where the whispers originated from. Otto could not help the glee that overcame him, perhaps there were still men with good heads who recognized the reality of the situation. Aegon was meant to be king.

Otto’s joy was cut short when Viserys then turned to Alicent, “My wife Queen Consort Alicent, and my heir Princess Rhaenyra.”

The smile on Otto’s face was wiped off as the majority of the lords chanted Rhaenyra’s name. He knew even though the lords had sworn an oath to Rhaenyra, the minority preferred Aegon. Otto would work on changing the minds of the rest. The title of an oathbreaker was of no importance if the realm was torn apart should that girl take the throne and her godless husbands.

*************************************************************************************************************

Rhaenyra settled Aegon down in the arms of his nursemaid once he had fallen asleep and ensured Ser Harwin was at his post before seeking out Alicent. She found her in the company of a few ladies drinking tea. The women acknowledged her passing presence, “Princess Rhaenyra.”

Rhaenyra spotted Harwin’s brother, Larys next to Alicent and forced her face to not screw up. Rhaenyra wanted him nowhere close to Alicent. The gods were kind enough to show her who was responsible for the rumors surrounding her children and talk of bastardy in her previous life. Larys was someone she had no desire to change and had every intention to get rid of. He had filled Alicent’s head with lies from the same book as Otto, increased her paranoia and fear, and then forced her to exchange sexual favors for information. Rhaenyra remembered how it was he who paid Qarl to murder Laenor at the orders of Otto in her previous life. Cole had escaped her wrath because the chain of events her actions had caused, had changed the way they had become enemies, and though there was no chance of him turning on her in this life, she could not trust him or call him a friend like before. There was no space in her heart for mercy when it came to Otto and Larys, they’d both die if she had her way.

Lady Redwyne who sat closest to Rhaenyra raised her nose and sneered at her, “Not quite the attire for a young lady Princess. It is unbecoming to dress as a squire and hunt as a princess of the realm. However, I should not be surprised. You had even run off quite ignorantly at the stepstones.”

Rhaenyra focused her attention on Lady Redwyne and her mangy dog, “Should you not be thankful my lady? It is common knowledge that the Redwyne fleet has begun using the Stepstones sea lanes. Your gold has doubled in price, has it not?”

Lady Redwyne scoffed while petting the strange-looking animal, “The crown demanded taxes to fund that war. It is only compensation for the war started by your uncle and the sea snake. The realm was almost poorer for it.”

Rhaenyra rolled her eyes and pulled her gloves on, “And how have you served the realm as of late Lady Redwyne? By eating cake?”

Lady Redwyne blinked at her dumbfounded as Alicent choked on her tea trying to stifle her laugh. Rhaenyra leaned down to whisper to her, “I have something to do. If my father asks, I went into the forest with Ser Cole as my guard.”, Alicent nodded so Rhaenyra ended, “And do not keep Larys as company. Avoid him as much as possible.”, she stood and acknowledged the other women, “My ladies.”, and left.

Rhaenyra mounted her horse and led it into the forest with Ser Cole behind her. She remembered in her previous life, after an argument with her father, she had left in anger, killed a boar, and encountered the white stag. Perhaps this could be the start of her chance to prove herself the rightful heir in the eyes of the lords. She slowed her horse as she came into a small clearing where Lady Rhea was approaching.

Lady Rhea who spotted Rhaenyra stopped next to her horse and smiled, “Princess Rhaenyra.”

“Lady Rhea, delightful to see you. I had thought you to still be on your honeymoon.”, Rhaenyra smiled.

Rhea blushed and looked away remembering Jason’s reluctance to let her leave their bed, “It was much convincing my husband to worry less for me to attend the hunt.” They had been married for 3 moons now

Rhaenyra chuckled softly and eyed the small rabbits that hung on the saddle of Rhea’s horse, “Is Ser Jason not aware of your love for hunting?”

Rhea shook her head, “No he knows how much I love to hunt. It is because I am pregnant.” Rhea had thought herself to be infertile because she was having a hard time getting pregnant, unaware that Jason was drinking contraceptives because of his fear of losing her to the childbed. It took many days to ease his worries.

Rhaenyra clapped, “Congratulations my lady.”

Rhea noticed the bow and quiver Rhaenyra carried, “Thank you. Are you hunting as well, princess? Might I accompany you?”

Rhaenyra nodded and nudged her horse, “I see no problem. I would enjoy your company.”

The two ladies chatted and continued their walk deeper into the forest. They were startled as a large boar broke through the trees and rushed them. Rhaenyra calmed her horse as it reared up scared and yelled at her guard, “Ser Cole! Protect Lady Rhea.”

Criston who had dismounted his horse to run to her paused as he heard her orders, “But princess.......”

Rhaenyra glared at him, “That is an order! She is pregnant. Protect her.”

The bore turned around and rushed Rhea’s horse after backtracking. Lady Rhea whose horse startled, reared up in surprise. Rhea who tried to grab the reins eyes widened as she slipped and fell from him. Rhaenyra felt her heart jump out of her chest. This was the scene she saw of Rhea’s death in the past, though an assassin instead of a wild boar.

She blew out a breath as Criston grabbed Rhea and cushioned her fall with his armor. He held her from hitting the ground and pulled her away from the fallen horse. Rhaenyra nocked an arrow in her bow and aimed at the boar charging her. She released just as her horse jumped and she fell from it. Rhaenyra landed hard on the side of the boar that collapsed from her arrow in its eye. She rolled off of it and lay there breathing harshly. Lady Rhea who had injured her wrist in the fall tapped Ser Criston on the arm and pointed at Rhaenyra who lay on the grass. They watched as the boar squealed and tried to get up despite an arrow in the head.

Rhaenyra pulled the dagger she kept in her shoes and stabbed the boar repeatedly until it stopped moving. She was angry because this had happened before except Lady Rhea was not here and in direct line of danger. She could have lost the pregnancy if Cole had not caught her in time. Because of this stupid animal! Rhaenyra lodged the dagger in its head for good measure. She looked down at her hands and clothing that was covered in blood, even her hair Laena had taken care to style this morning.

She sighed and stood to approach the two people who stared at her in stunned silence, “Are you alright Rhea? The child?”

Rhea reached down and rubbed her slightly rounded stomach, “I feel okay.”, she turned to Criston, “Thank you, Ser Cole.”

Criston shook his head, “No thanks needed my lady. It was the princess who insisted I protect you and your unborn child.”

Rhea looked back at Rhaenyra with teary eyes, “Thank you, Princess.”

Rhaenyra nodded and looked at their horses that were slowly trotting back into the clearing, “We should return and have the maesters check just in case. Your wrist needs tending to as well.”

Criston helped Rhea back on her horse while Rhaenyra tied a rope on the legs of the boar and attached it to Criston’s horse saddle to take back to camp. They mounted and prepared to leave when Rhaenyra squinted at the rest of the forest. They all froze as a branch snapped and a portion of the trees started rustling. Rhaenyra nudged her horse in the direction and nocked another arrow while aiming.

Rhea and Cole watched in disbelief as a large white hart stepped out from the trees, approached Rhaenyra, and dipped into a bow. It stood taller than their horses, antlers giving the appearance that it was almost 3 meters tall. Rhaenyra lowered her bow in amazement. It came to me again.

Rhaenyra laughed in disbelief as the hart stared at her intently. Its eyes flashed purple as a voice rang in her head.

Claim your destiny child. Bring forth the beginning of the prophecy.

Rhaenyra and the hart continued to stare at each other. Rhaenyra reverently bowed her head and released her arrow.

The gods watched contentedly as Rhaenyra re-entered the hunting ground with the spirit of a warrior. They watched as her family fussed over her well-being and Lord Jason worriedly rushed to his wife. They watched as Daemon scolded Rhaenyra while Laenor patted her down for injuries. Watched as Rhaenyra rejoiced that Aegon finally called her Nyra over his distress at her supposed injury because of her bloody state.

Laughed as Otto Hightower who had spent his time spreading the old myth among the lords that a symbol of royalty, the whitehart, would approach the one blessed by the gods. And watched as it was used against him when Rhea and Criston recapped how Rhaenyra had been approached by the hart that bowed its head in acknowledgment before she slew it.

Chapter Text

 ~Kingslanding~

The kingdom was high-strung with excitement as the day of the heir to the throne’s wedding came upon them. Several shelters set up by Prince Daemon delivered carts of food and drums of booze to flea bottom to celebrate the union. Streamers were hung from every window; confetti pouches were delivered to the people and guards were sent to monitor the progress of distribution.

At the palace, the kitchen was working with double the effort to prepare food for hundreds of Lords and their guests arriving for the wedding. In the nursery, Aegon fussed as he was placed in clothing made from the finest material and wrapped in gold jewelry. The small crown Viserys had commissioned for him, studded with rubies and sapphires was placed on his head, only then did he settle. Otto had attempted to have her son dressed in green, but Alicent would rather send Aegon as naked as the day he was born before she did that. She was not stupid to ignore the meaning of the color. Her father wanted to silently rebel against the king's decision to approve of Rhaenyra’s marriage to both Daemon and Laenor by using the color of their house’s war symbol. Alicent blew a breath and sat down to rest her feet after she was sure he would not attempt to remove a piece of his attire.

In his chamber, Daemon stood still as Laenor brushed his hair into a low ponytail. He was dressed in a ruby-red doublet covered in dragon scales designs and black pants that matched his shoes. His cousin Princess Rhaenys had forbade him from wearing darksister during the ceremony, but Daemon had no dreams of their ceremony moving along peacefully. He patted his back where a dagger hid and fixed his cape to ensure it was hidden. He turned around as Laenor finished adding small silver ornaments to his hair and grabbed his waist.

Laenor nodded in satisfaction as he finished dressing Daemon to his perfection. He was dressed in rich Velaryon blue cloth swarmed in intricate black and gold waves. His locs were undone and braided into fine-sized twists his servant styled in a half-up style. Every braid was weaved with black thread and sealed together with nubs that hung small gold pearls on every other one. The length of his top hid his black pants that covered his shoes. He received Daemon’s kiss and reached down to remove the dragon glass drop earring Rhaenyra had gifted them. He placed one in his ear and reached up to place the other in Daemon’s ear. Rhaenyra had the pair made in a set with a necklace she often wore. They both looked at their appearance in the mirror and nodded in satisfaction.

Rhaenyra stood still as Elinda tied the last string of her corset and turned away to kneel at the jewelry chest at their feet. Rhaenyra’s dress was a sparkling white that was covered in shiny gold lace and a dragon scale pattern on the waist. The gown’s length covered the crystal-designed heeled shoes she wore. She focused her face on the mirror where Mandera was finishing up by rubbing red taint on her lips that shined from the sweet oil she layered it with. She lightly lifted her head as Laena clasped the hook of her dragon glass necklace and pushed her rings into her palm.

Rhaenyra chuckled as Laena stopped and puffed, “Tired already Lady Laena? Poor performance from my head lady-in-waiting.”

Laena took a deep breath and supported her large belly as she sat on Rhaenyra’s couch, groaning as she fixed the pillow behind her back, “Oh fuck off Rhaenyra. The twins seem to be sharing the excitement of everyone here for your wedding. They have not stopped moving since last evening.”

Rhaenyra laughed harder at Laena’s miserable expression, “Not even for your lord husband?”

Laena mock glared at her, “Oh they settled for Harwin alright. They like his voice so much, I often tell him it should be him who carried them in his body.”, she chucked.

Rhaenyra’s eyes twinkled as Elinda finished weaving the crown into her hair, “Nicely done Elinda. You have truly outdone yourself.”, she chuckled as Elinda blushed and packed away her jewelry flustered.  Elinda had curled her hair into small rivulets. The top part of her hair was pulled up, braided into tiny twists, and weaved into each other and her crown. Small curls streamed onto the corner of her face and from out of the crown. Gem-encrusted vines were entwined in each braid, twinkling and chiming every time she moved her head.

Her servants stepped back and happily smiled, “Beautiful as always princess.”

~The Sept~

Viserys worriedly held Alicent’s hand as the doors opened and Rhaenyra walked in. He felt his eyes burn as tears sprung quickly. Oh Aemma, I wish you were here to witness this. Our daughter looks beautiful. He looked over at Daemon and Laenor who stood on opposite sides of the septon and felt a sense of peace wash over him as they focused all their attention on Rhaenyra. He sneakily wiped his eyes and watched as Rhaenyra let go of her servant's hands to place hers in Laenor’s outstretched palm. She softly laughed as Daemon took the other and they both lightly kissed the top.

They listened to the High Septon drone on and on about the meaning of pledging before the gods and how sacred marriage was before he dipped a long strip of white cloth handed to him by a septa in a large bowl of purified water. He used it to bind the three hands together and had them vow to always cherish their union and each other before pronouncing them legally married with God as their witness. Loud cheers erupted as they turned to the people witnessing their union and showed their hands. Rhaenyra laughed as Daemon quickly rushed them to exit the sept and mount their carriage. It was a few hours later after passing through the people of Kingslanding and handing out gold coins, did they finally arrive back to the keep.

Rhaenyra had traded her heeled shoes for flats as they approached Viserys who stood in front of the throne. The feast was set in the banquet hall behind the throne. Viserys stepped down and grabbed Rhaenyra’s cheeks, lightly placing a kiss on each, “I wish you nothing but happiness, my sweet girl.”

Rhaenyra widely smiled and hugged him. Laughter broke through as Alicent and Laena wiggled their brows at her suggestively. She smiled softly at Rhaenys who winked at her and shot a smug look at Otto who looked as though he swallowed a cup of fresh lemon squeeze. Rhaenyra did not miss the green doublet he wore that was dark enough to as black. They entered the hall and strode to the back of the hall as the guests stopped to bow. Rhaenys who planned the entire event with Velaryon funds directed them to a long table at the back, smiling as her good son approached with Prince Aegon. She looked at his outstretched arms and reached to take him from his nursemaid.

He wrapped his arms around her neck and smiled brightly at them, “HI!”

Rhaenyra reached up and lightly pinched his cheeks, “Having fun Valonqar?”

Aegon giggled and watched Rhaenyra with adept fascination, “Pretty rōva mania!”

Daemon laughed, “Mandia little nephew.”

Rhaenyra smiled indulgently at him, “Thank you Aegon.”

The little boy giggled and became immediately distracted as the lords began mingling and music echoed through the room. Rhaenyra looked over at Laenor who grabbed her hand and led her to dance. They stopped among the pairs already dancing and seamlessly blended into the routine. Happily smiling and sailing through their routine, Laenor raised his palms above his head and waited for Rhaenyra to step behind him and wrap her hand around his neck. They chuckled as the crescendo picked up and the dance changed. Rhaenyra brushed her hand down Laenor’s ear that held the earring and laughed as he stumbled, missing a step in the routine. She laughed as he grabbed her waist like all the other gentlemen and spun her twice before placing her back on her feet and locking their elbows.

After the third turn, they stopped as Daemon interrupted and fitted himself between them, “Pardon me.”, he smirked.

The dance often performed at weddings was meant for two persons, so they took a while to maneuver their steps as 3. Many of the lords stopped and clapped along with the beat as the newly wedded couple disappeared into their own world. Rhaenys watched them fondly and held Aegon more firmly on her lap. The little prince was already asleep, tired out after stuffing himself with lemon cake. Harwin sat next to Laena feeding her often in small bites as she sipped on a glass of watered-down wine. He smiled fondly and reached to wipe droplets from her lips, smirking knowingly as her gaze strayed to his lips, “You watch me with hunger as if I am not feeding you, wife.”

Laena tightly squeezed his hand as it lightly rubbed over her lower lip. Though Harwin was the knight assigned to Prince Aegon, he was relieved for the night to perform his duty as a son-in-law of the royal family. He was instructed to remember the rules of the family and to tend to his wife. He looked over at Ser Criston who was placed in charge of Prince Aegon’s safety as he stood behind Princess Rhaenys. The attention of the room was focused on the couple ending their dance, so no one noticed as Harwin and Laena left the hall.

It was a few hours later in the early hours of the morning that the celebration was over and Rhaenyra, Daemon, and Laenor returned to her chamber. They were granted Maegor’s old apartment as a present from Viserys, but their belongings were not transferred as yet. Rhaenyra waited until Daemon positioned himself on her bed before collapsing on his lap. Daemon held her steady as Laenor leaned down to remove her shoes and place them in a corner. A short moan of relief escaped her as she sunk lower onto Daemon’s lap, lifting her thumbs to Laenor who was massaging her aching feet.

!           SEXUAL CONTENT  AHEAD     !

Daemon leaned Rhaenyra’s body slightly forward and started working on undoing her corset. Rhaenyra reached for Laenor’s cheek and lightly caressed it while gazing into his sparkling blue eyes. Laenor waited until Daemon peeled Rhaenyra’s dress off of her shoulders before pulling it down her body and dropping it on a chair. He reached up and grabbed Rhaenyra’s legs to wrap around his waist as he pulled her off of Daemon’s lap. Rhaenyra squealed as she wrapped both of her arms around his neck. Laenor dropped them more at the center of the bed and sealed their lips together in a deep kiss. Rhaenyra was not aware when her undergarments were removed and found she did not have it in her to care either. Laenor’s fingers dug into her hair as Daemon ran his hands down Laenor’s back. Thank the gods I had Elinda remove our hair ornaments before we returned. Her back arched as Laenor’s fingers found a place in the apex of her thighs and his lips followed a path down to her breast. Her head was thrown back as her body warmed. Daemon heatedly watched his wife and husband, impatiently reaching to grab his wife’s chin and kiss her roughly. Rhaenyra moaned loudly and bit his lip and Laenor caused her to orgasm.

Daemon reached down pulling Rhaenyra’s body more up the bed and parted her thighs as Laenor sunk in to the hilt. They all groaned in pleasure for various reasons. Laenor squeezed his eyes shut as Rhaenyra clenched tightly on his cock, groaning as pleasure coursing through his body. Rhaenyra felt the familiar tingle in her lower abdomen causing her to squeeze her fingers on Laenor’s thighs before her orgasm washed over her. Gasping as Laenor continued thrusting into her and prolonging her orgasm, only stopping once Daemon started dragging his fingers down his spine. Breathing a sigh of relief as Laenor stopped to kiss Daemon, Rhaenyra tried to catch her breath and get her brain to start functioning. Daemon dipped his fingers in a jar of ointment and started massaging Laenor between his butt cheeks. Rhaenyra felt the moment Daemon’s fingers slipped inside of Laenor, indicated by Laenor’s fingers tightly clenching her calf. This was not the first time she saw them bed, but it never failed to have her lower half tingle.

After a while, Laenor moaned and lightly thrust into her as Daemon prepared him. He looked down at her with twinkling blue eyes and leaned down to kiss her. Sliding her lips down the side of his neck, she lightly bit his shoulder and made eye contact with Daemon who was in the process of oiling his cock. He watched them with heated eyes as he stroked his enlarged cock at the sight of Laenor sliding into Rhaenyra with tiny strokes. Daemon kneeled behind Laenor’s form that was between Rhaenyra’s thighs and notched himself between Laenor’s cheeks. They all groaned loudly as Daemon slid inside with one thrust, causing Laenor to roughly enter Rhaenyra. Laenor tucked his face in Rhaenyra’s shoulder, hot puffs of air caressing her shoulder as he tried to stifle his moans. Rhaenyra grabbed his hand and placed it over her mouth in an attempt to silence her whimpers as Daemon’s motion of thrusting into Laenor caused him to rock into her.

Daemon bit his lip and groaned as his cock throbbed in pleasure from the tight and warm cover of Laenor’s insides. He reached down and grabbed Laenor by his free hand and pulled him to his chest. Rhaenyra took in Laenor’s pink face scrunched with pleasure and felt another orgasm crest. Daemon buried his face in Laenor’s back and groaned as he emptied himself inside of Laenor. Rhaenyra wrapped her fist around Laenor’s length as he slipped out of her and stroked him in until his back arched from Daemon’s chest. He wrapped his hand around Daemon’s neck and bent his head back to seal their lips as he came. They rolled and collapsed next to Rhaenyra, chests rising as heavy pants escaped their lips.

Rhaenyra took a few minutes to catch her breath as Laenor grew hard against her hip. Chuckling to herself, she remembered the first time Laenor had revealed to them in the past that he couldn’t function properly if he wasn’t sated. In her previous life, she had suggested he took a male lover during their marriage, but now they had Daemon. She turned over to saddle Daemon who was kissing Laenor and stroking his cock. Reaching for his hard cock, she sunk onto it and threw her head back as she drew a deep breath. If there was one thing she looked forward to, it would be her husbands pleasuring her and themselves until they were too tired. They were in no hurry as this was their wedding night and a leave from their duties. When fingers slinked into her hair to pull her down, she smiled into Laenor’s kiss as Daemon grabbed her hips and thrust up.

!           END OF SEXUAL CONTENT     !

One month later.......

Rhaenyra held her dress up as she hurried along the corridor behind Maester Gerardys. Alicent had gone into labor at dawn and Rhaenyra had gone to personally fetch her maester from the docks to attend Alicent. Rhaenyra without a doubt did not trust Grandmaester Mellos after learning of his behavior during Aegon’s birth. She found it even more suspicious to learn that Alicent took moon tea to delay having Helaena and yet somehow had fallen pregnant exactly a year after Aegon’s first nameday. Ser Criston pushed the doors to Alicent’s chamber open to allow her and Gerardys to pass. She glanced at Mellos who stood whispering with Otto while her father sat next to Alicent holding her hand. Laena should be here, but she has been bedridden ever since she hit the 6th moon mark. Gerardys had demanded she rest due to how heavy a strain of carrying twins was taking on her body. Rhaenyra had a sneaking suspicion that it was Baela and Rhaena she carried, but that shouldn’t be possible because the girls were Daemons in the other life.

She placed the bag she held in her hands next to Gerardys’s case and turned to address the two men still whispering in the corner, “Grandmaester Mellos! The queen consort has been laboring for almost a day and the baby is not here as yet. Should you not be doing something?”

Mellos shot her an offended look, “The queen has depleted her energy and is no longer able to push. I am discussing other measures with her lord father to-”

Rhaenyra cut him off already aware of his intentions, “You mean to cut her open.”

They only looked at her in silence, “That decision lies with King Viserys, her husband.”

“As you have always said Ser Otto, a woman becomes the property of her husband once she is married off and no longer the worries of her father.”, she smiled and turned away without waiting for them to speak.

Alicent panicked as she heard Rhaenyra’s words, “NO! PLEASE! I can do this.”, she looked over at her shocked husband, “Viserys I can do this. Do not use the blade. PLEASE.”, she sobbed.

Rhaenyra held Alicent’s lower leg and squeezed, “Not while I am here Ali.”

Otto sidestepped Mellos and glared at her, “With all respect Princess, this is not your decision-”

Rhaenyra turned to her Viserys effectively cutting Otto off, “Entrust me with this, Father. Maester Gerardys has traveled to many lands that hold knowledge we have not discovered as yet. Step out and allow him to do this.”

Viserys stared at Rhaenyra for a while then looked at his wife. He leaned over and kissed her sweaty forehead before standing, “Everyone who is not needed, OUT!”

“Your grace!”, Otto protested.

Rhaenyra shot him a smug look as her father exited the room. He openly glared at Rhaenyra as he huffed and exited, not even concerned with his daughter. Rhaenyra turned back to Alicent, and with the help of Gerardys’s assistant pulled her up to squat, hands braced on the bedrail.

She turned back to Gerardys, “Where is Samantha? She is more versed in childbirth methods from Essos.”

Maester Gerardys handed Alicent a small brown herb to chew as he replied to Rhaenyra, “Lady Samantha was delayed in flea bottom. Cale has injured himself in Robbert’s shop. A vial of acid spilled on his leg.”

Rhaenyra's chest clenched in worry. Their boy is only a year old. After Samantha had given birth in the north, Robbert brought them back to Kingslanding a few months later and set up a smith’s shop. When Rhaenyra found out Samantha worked in Essos as a healer, she had her secretly employed as Gerardys’s assistant and they have been together since. Whenever Gerardys returned to Dragonstone, Samantha would stay in Kingslanding as Rhaenyra’s healer.

She looked over at the maesters behind Mellos, “All of you. Get out.”, she ignored Mellos’s affronted look as he left. Though Rhaenyra knew not all the maesters of the keep were secretly in cahoots with Otto, they were under the direct command of Mellos who was. She could not trust any of them.

Rhaenyra instructed the midwives to refill the hot water and bring more towels before placing a small towel in Alicent’s mouth, “When he tells you to push Ali, bear down and push okay?”

Alicent looked at her and nodded. Rhaenyra wiped the sweat from her face and smiled. Gerardys stepped close to Alicent and placed his hand under her dress, “I can already feel the head.”, he nodded, “Are you ready your grace?”

Alicent nodded and bared down, pushing as the towel in her mouth muffled her scream. It was only a few minutes of pushing before the baby slid out into Gerardys’s hands. He placed the screaming baby in the outstretched hands of the midwives and separated it from the cord. Alicent collapsed breathless as Gerardys’s assistant turned her on her back and Rhaenyra smiled joyfully at her, “A girl Alicent. You have a little girl.”

Once the placenta was removed and Alicent was cleaned up, one of the midwives placed the now clean and squirming baby in her arms and stepped back. Alicent looked down at her daughter and sobbingly laughed, “Hi.”

Rhaenyra opened the door and let her father and his council into the room. Viserys stood next to the bed as he gazed down at the mother and daughter duo, “Well done my wife.”, he turned and bowed his head to Gerardys, “Thank you maester.”

Rhaenyra tried to contain her glee as Mellos’s face screwed up. He was no doubt feeling embarrassed and slighted that Maester Gerardys did what he could not. Otto was no different, both only caring to nurse their wounded pride instead of being relieved that lives were saved. A smile, however, broke through as her father announced Alicent had chosen to name the new princess Helaena...........and Otto who was unaware that the plan he was scheming now that a princess was born for him to legitimize Aegon’s future rule with pure-blooded Targaryen offsprings of his blood, was none the wiser to the smirk Rhaenyra shot in his direction.

Chapter Text

Slamming the door in frustrated anger, Otto kicks the small table over. He paced his chamber as he tried and failed to control his anger. Viserys dared to proclaim another ridiculous motion to the court. How could he tell them that the bastard his whore of a temptress he calls daughter will eventually give birth to his grandchild who will be her heir? As if he did not have a healthy trueborn son! Otto had become acquainted with Viserys ever since he had convinced the old king Jahaerys to have the lords choose the heir when Baelon died. Years of careful planning to instill his daughter as the new queen so that she’d birth his grandchild as the new king was working perfectly. Yet everything was going wrong ever since that damned princess almost died. His daughter never listens to him, Viserys is slipping from his grasp and now Daemon’s spawn is set to inherit after that sinful woman. THIS WAS UNNATURAL! Otto was well stuck on his morals that a woman should never hold a seat of power. It was the will of the gods. His family had long held the seat of power when the kingdom was divided and yet now, they were nothing but another common house. To Otto, Hobert was a fool who could not stop flaunting his position as the head of the family when it was more deserving for him to have it. Otto was the one who worked his way up from a second son set to inherit no titles or lands to the position of the hand of the king. He was the one who manipulated two kings to have his plans work in his favor. Otto had whispered in Viserys’s ears about the need for a new wife and how much his daughter would suit the position. Viserys was in the dark about what Otto truly wanted when he had Alicent made Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. The plan was to have Daemon disinherited and have Rhaenyra be a placeholder until Alicent birthed a son. Daemon was dangerous and he despised Otto and his family more than anything, he would’ve been a thorn in his plans. Otto ensured that Viserys only saw the worst in Daemon and kept him away from the throne. Once Alicent gave the king a son, Rhaenyra should’ve been removed and married off to some distant lord. Yet she remained here in the keep as the heir to the throne at the behest of her father.

Now the girl had managed to bring his simple-minded daughter on her side and away from Otto. She had Laena Velaryon wed the heir to Harrenhal and now both houses were sworn to her. Princess Rhaenys who had cut herself off from the royal family was now always there to contradict anything he told Viserys spending more time here in Kingslanding than on Driftmark. Though Princess Rhaenyra was the one who brought Daemon back to court, Princess Rhaenys had Viserys reinstate Daemon as Commander of the CityWatch despite Otto’s insistence on the opposite. Prince Daemon always had the interests of flea bottom above the noble lords. It took Otto days to convince King Viserys that Daemon and his gold cloaks’s act of murdering the thieves and rapists of Kingslanding was an act of defiance and rebellion. Years later Otto could not have the knights loyal to Daemon disbanded, no matter how much he tried to tell the king it was Daemon’s army.

Then came the war at the stepstones. For once, the council had agreed that it was a waste of time and the crown's money to fund a war for an island of broken rocks just to soothe the relationship between the Velaryons and the royal family. He had hoped that once he had Daemon exiled via Viserys’s hand, he would head to the Velaryons. And he was right in his predictions. Daemon had joined the Velaryons and started a war with the triarchy against the decision of the crown. What he had not predicted was Rhaenyra and Laenor heading off to aid them and convince the king that it was needed.

Then Daemon had won the war and returned newly crowned King of the Narrow Sea. Otto thought again, Finally, yet again his expectations were crushed as Daemon relinquished his crown. It then took a turn for the worse as Viserys promised to grant any request from Daemon. Otto had thought Daemon would request for his removal as hand or to be renamed as his heir, but no, Daemon had requested for his divorce to be approved, to which Viserys had agreed. Otto did not think it could get worse, but it did. Viserys decided to send Princess Rhaenyra to tour the kingdom’s major houses and have the lords renew their oaths to her as his heir. He could not reject the idea because the gender of Alicent’s baby was unknown.

Then Aegon was born, and Otto could not be happier. A son! A prince born of my blood. Otto did not care that Aegon was half Targaryen. What mattered was that he had his blood that was purer than any of the incestuous blood the Targaryen carried. To him, in a few years, the vile blood would be bred out and his name as the grandfather of a king would be higher than any accomplishment his brother could have. He would mould and form his grandson into the greatest king once Viserys had passed even if it meant poisoning Viserys chosen heir to get it. I had it all planned to the very tiniest detail, so why was that whore so determined to ruin everything I have worked for?

 Otto had to find a way to get rid of Rhaenyra or at the very least, have her disinherited. Then like the gods were watching over him, the matter of Rhaenyra’s marriage came up. Otto had already spoken to Lord Jason Lannister to propose marriage and eventually pull the princess away from the crown, even if it meant to keep her pregnant and occupied. Otto did not think Viserys would agree to have her marry two men at once. He had wanted to convince the king of how blasphemous such an affair was. Never did he think the king would present the second page of the doctrine of exceptionalism as his reason for the marriage, let alone that the three would wed on Dragonstone in the ways of Old Valyria before he could stop it.  

Rhaenyra now had the south, the storm lands, the Vale, and the north to back her claim as Viserys’s chosen heir to the iron throne. Laena Velaryon, her head lady-in-waiting had wed Harwin Strong, the heir to Harrenhal, and added them to the mix. Not to forget house Velaryon now that she has wed the heir to Driftmark. Otto was only thankful that Lord Grover Tully remained steadfast in his decision to support a male heir to the throne. At least she does not have the backing of the Riverlands.

Otto paced his chamber as he calculated their differences. The only ones sworn to their cause to place Aegon on the throne were his brother Hobert, Grandmaester Mellos, and Jason Lannister. The Lannister family currently held the power and riches of the Westerlands, Hobert would ensure the faith backed them while Mellos worked on waring Viserys down. Otto just needed time to mold Aegon into the perfect puppet as his master and everything would be his. He was, however, unaware that Rhaenyra was determined to block him at every corner.

1 year later........

~Throne Room~

All heads turned to the throne room doors that opened with a loud bang and bowed their head as the royal family entered, announced by a kingsguard,

“King Viserys Targaryen, First of his Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm.”

Viserys walked in with Blackfyre on his hip and dressed richly in Targaryen colors adorned by jewels and his crown. The small council members followed behind him, Ser Harrold on his right side and Ser Otto on his left. Rhaenys smiled as she stood next to her husband Lord Corlys. They stood next to the iron throne as the grandparents to one of the royal children being presented to the court and as kin to all of the children.

Viserys walked up the steps of the iron throne and sat, turning to address the lords below, “Today I welcome you my lords and ladies as I present the newest addition of royal children. I ask that you celebrate with us as they pass the safety period and are now presented to the realm. Including my heir’s heir.”, gesturing towards the door again.

The lords watched as Princess Rhaenyra stepped through the door with a small baby in her arms, Daemon stepping in behind her with Prince Aegon in his arms, and Ser Laenor supporting her by the arm, all dressed in dark red and black colors. Viserys reached for the baby in Rhaenyra’s arms and kissed the forehead of Aegon who happily stood in front of Rhaenys and Corlys with them holding his shoulder to keep him still. They stepped off to the side and watched as Viserys raised the sleeping baby towards the court, “Prince Jacaerys Targaryen, second in line to the iron throne. First born son of the marriage between my heir Princess Rhaenyra and her husbands Prince Consort Daemon Targaryen and Prince Consort Laenor Velaryon.”

Many had wondered with the princess’s marriage to two men, how would the crown decide the matters of succession. The royal line to the throne would be passed from the princess to her firstborn, but then what next? How would the royal family ensure that the secondborn meant to inherit Driftmark be of Velaryon blood? Would the princess’s firstborn be a pure-blooded Targaryen or of mixed Velaryon blood? But now as they observed the pale-skinned baby with Targaryen silver hair, it was unclear who had sired the young prince when his features were only of his mother. The only indication they would depend on was if Prince Jacaerys had the Targaryen's purple eyes or the blue eyes of the Velaryons.

Viserys placed a gentle kiss on the baby’s head before Ser Laenor stepped up to collect the sleeping baby. Only once he was back beside his spouses did the doors open again and Alicent stepped through with a squirming toddler. Otto gritted his teeth as Alicent walked in proudly wearing her husband’s house colors and undertones of grey in unimportant areas like her sleeves and skirt pleats. She stepped up and bowed her head before Viserys reached for the laughing toddler stretching towards him. Alicent stood off to the side and tickled her son Aegon before facing the crowd.

Viserys fixed the baby’s dark pink dress before lifting her towards the lords, “My second daughter, Princess Helaena Targaryen; and what a happy baby she is.”, he chuckled as she squealed in laughter when he smothered her cheek with a kiss. Many watched in fascination as the child born of Alicent and Viserys, yet again held only Targaryen features. The only resemblance she bore to her mother was her head of curls. Everything from her silver hair to her purple eyes and pale skin was all of King Viserys. He continued to hold her as she chewed on his shirt sleeve and motioned for the guards again.

The doors opened as Laena Velaryon and Harwin Strong stepped through the doors with babies swaddled in green and red. Laena who walked forward in a modest blue and gold gown stopped just before the king and smiled, “Cousin. This is Baela Strong.”, she turned and nodded towards Harwin, “And that is Rhaena Strong.”

Viserys waited for them to turn around before announcing to the throne room, “Lady Baela and Lady Rhaena of House Strong.”

There were whispers and glances of confusion among the people present in the throne room. Several of them voiced their questions on why the grandchildren of the Lord of Harrenhal were being presented to the court as royal children.

“Many of you may question why Lady Baela and Lady Rhaena are being presented as children of the royal family when they belong to house Strong. The royal family has come to a consecutive decision to add them to the record as they hold Targaryen blood of two generations and the Lord of Harrenhal Ser Lyonel Strong has excluded them from the line of heirs. As such, they will be raised by their mother’s house, House Velaryon and here in the keep among the royal children.”

While many of the lords and ladies present expressed their sympathy and pity for the girls, how could they know that it was all planned by their parents and the royal family?

It had taken Rhaenyra, Laena, and Alicent many days to decide how they were going to ensure Laena’s children were kept among them and their royal children. Rhaenyra had felt immense guilt knowing that her stepdaughters in her previous life were not going to be fathered by Daemon in this one. She was even more unsure of their existence because their father was now Harwin Strong. It took her many nights of praying to the gods that Baela and Rhaena would belong to this lifetime, especially because of the revelation that she would have her children again in this lifetime. How could she face Jacaerys and Lucerys if the only person they loved was erased from existence because of her interference? She was only calmed once it was revealed that Laena carried twins. And then relieved when the two girls with softy-tanned skin so similar to Harwin were born. Rhaenyra did not care that the girls were blue-eyed instead of purple or the fact that their curly hair was now streaked with brown instead of fully silver. The girls were here again, and Rhaenyra would ensure they were among their kin and not hidden away in the Riverlands.

It was Rhaenys who had suggested the girls be raised by House Velaryon. It was more appropriate for them to be raised in the royal palace as Targaryen kin via House Velaryon instead of House Strong. Rhaenyra, however, had more selfish thoughts. She intended to raise the children together in hopes that they would rekindle their love of her previous life to her sons. If Baela was betrothed to Jacaerys and Rhaena to Lucerys, she would ensure the strong girl married back into the Valyrian Houses. Since Lucerys was not born, she would have to wait until he came before proposing it to their family. Lucerys and Rhaena did not have time to explore their engagement before he was murdered, but Jacaerys and Baela’s love reminded her so much of her own. She would give it her all to bring them back together.

Rhaenyra looked down at her sleeping son and smiled softly. Her family had believed Daemon to be Jacaerys’s father and Rhaenyra had thought so too because of his Targaryen features so different from his brown hair and eyes in her previous life when he was born from her union with Laenor. They, however, were left even more confused once Jacaerys had passed three moons and his looks became identical to hers. The matter of her son’s father became unclear, and she found she did not care. Rhaenyra would have to ensure she bedded only Laenor until she got pregnant with Lucerys to ensure he would be of Velaryon blood as the future Lord of Driftmark. Jacaerys was her heir and only needed to be of Targaryen descent regardless of whether he was fathered by Laenor or Daemon. From her curly silver hair to the curve of her nose and the slant of her lips, everything was of Rhaenyra. His complexion was a shade darker than Laenor with his eye shape and color, but it was his eyes that held them enraptured. She watched as her son woke up and blinked at her with deep purple eyes. Purple eyes of the shade that only Daemon carried in the Targaryen family.

Chapter Text

• After the time jump:
   

15 YEARS LATER

 Lord Corlys Velaryon- 72 years old, Lord of Driftmark
 Ser Otto Hightower - 65 years old, Hand of the King
 Princess Rhaenys Targaryen- 58 years old, The Queen Who Never Was and Lady of Driftmark; Dragon: Meleys the Red Queen
 King Viserys I Targaryen- 55 years old, King of the Seven Kingdoms; Dragon: Vermithor the Bronze Fury
 Prince Consort Daemon Targaryen- 47 years old, The Rogue Prince; Dragon: Caraxes the Blood Wyrm
 Ser Harwin Strong- 43 years old, Heir to Harrenhal, and Captain of the Kingsguard assigned to the royal children.
 Lady Laena Velaryon- 41 years old, Lady of Harrenhal; Dragon: Vhagar
 Prince Consort Laenor Velaryon- 38 years old, Heir to Driftmark; Dragon: Seasmoke
 Queen Consort Alicent Hightower- 37 years old, Queen of the Seven Kingdoms
 Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen- 36 years old, Heir to the Iron Throne; Dragon: Syrax the Golden Lady.

  Second Generation

 Lord Cregan Stark- 19 years old, Heir to Winterfell, and sworn brother of Prince Jacaerys Targaryen
 Princess Nymeria Martell- 19 years old, Heir of Sunspear.
 Prince Aegon Targaryen- 18 years old; Dragon: Sunfyre the Golden
 Princess Helaena Targaryen- 17 years old; Dragon: Dreamfyre
 Prince Jacaerys Targaryen- 16 years old, Second in line to the Iron Throne; Dragon: Vermax the Ill-tempered.
 Lady Orwinda Snow=Stark- 16 years old, Princess Helaena lady-in-waiting; Dragon: Silverwing
 Lady Baela Strong- 15 years old; Dragon: Moondancer the Swift
 Lady Rhaena Strong- 15 years old; Dragon: Morning the Gentle
 Prince Aemond Targaryen- 14 years old; Prince of Stepstones; Dragon: The Cannibal
 Prince Lucerys Velaryon- 14 years old, Heir to Driftmark; Dragon: Arrax
 Prince Baelon Targaryen- 12 years old; Dragon: Tyraxes
 Prince Daeron Targaryen- 12 years old; Dragon: Tessarion the Blue Queen
 Prince Aegon Targaryen (Little Egg)- 11 years old; Dragon: Stormcloud
 Prince Viserys Velaryon- 10 years old; Dragon: Ironfang
 Princess Viserra Velaryon- 10 years old; Dragon: Ironbreath
 Lord Crenyl Strong- 9 years old, Heir to Harrenhal; Dragon: Frostflame
 Princess Alyssa Targaryen- 9 years old; Dragon: Greyghost the Hidden
 Princess Visenya Targaryen- 9 years old; Dragon: Shadowfyre
 Lord Rhean Royce- 15 years old, heir to Runestone
 Lady Cassandra Royce- 12 years old.

Kingsguard and the members of the royal family they guard.

 Ser Harrold Westerling, Commander of the Kingsguard- King Viserys I Targaryen
 Ser Criston Cole- Baela Strong, Rhaena Strong, and Helaena Targaryen
 Ser Steffon Darklyn- Prince Consort Laenor Velaryon
 Ser Gwayne Hightower- Alicent Hightower
 Ser Erryk Cargyll- Rhaenyra Targaryen
 Ser Arryk Cargyll- Aegon Targaryen
 Ser Lorent Marbrand- Jacaerys Targaryen
 Ser Glendon Goode- Lucerys Velaryon and Aemond Targaryen
 Ser Lyonel Bentley- Baelon Targaryen, Daeron Targaryen, and Aegon Targaryen (Little egg)
 Ser Adrian Redfort- Visenya Targaryen, Crenyl Strong, and Alyssa Targaryen
 Ser Loreth Landsdale-Rhaenys Targaryen

Members of the Small Council

 Heir to the Iron Throne- Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen
 Hand of the king- Princess Rhaenys Targaryen
 Commander of the CityWatch- Prince Daemon Targaryen
 Master of Ships- Lord Corlys Velaryon 
 Master of Coin- Lord Lyman Beesbury
 Master of Laws- Ser Lyonel Strong
 Captain of the Royal Children’s Guard- Ser Harwin Strong

Chapter Text

15 years later...

~Kingslanding~

Commonfolk of Flea Bottom stopped their bustling to gaze in awe at the two large dragons passing over their houses. Though the sighting of a dragon flying over their kingdom was not uncommon, their existence was still a magical experience as the people revered them as Gods. At least once a day a dragon flew around the city and back within the week. Usually, it meant a member of the royal family was on the back of said dragon if they weren’t hunting. This time was no different as they recognized the golden color of the two dragons speeding towards the dragon pit. After watching the dragons disappear among the clouds, they continued what they were doing. People were hanging curtains and decorations as the anniversary of the king and queen’s marriage was upon them. Carts of food and beverages were being delivered to every house and establishment bearing the royal family’s crest. The small folk had grown used to donations whenever a royal event was being hosted. And they had no one to thank but their next queen Princess Rhaenyra who ensured when the royals celebrated, the people of the kingdom were included.

A gold cloak soldier in charge of distributions stopped in front of the shelter created for women by Queen Consort Alicent and greeted the woman in charge, “Lady Samantha.”

Samantha Waters turned and nodded in welcome, “Ser Blodryne. I have asked you many times to not address me by that title. I am no lady. Samantha is enough.”

Ser Blodryne shook his head in refusal, “These are the orders of Princess Rhaenyra my lady. I have secured the guards to protect the building as requested. Prince Daemon has assigned 15 gold cloaks, my lady.”

Samantha shook her head in defeat, “We would always banter on this matter despite my many requests. Please offer my thanks to Prince Daemon.”

Ser Blodryne clasped his hands, bowed, and exited the building.

~The Palace~

Rhaenyra and Alicent walked down the corridors of the palace as they finalized preparations for the banquet tomorrow. Rhaenyra was in the process of checking off the lords housed in the kingdom while Alicent was instructing Talya on the children’s choice of clothing. They sighed in relief as they finished and sent their servants off. Ser Steffon Darklyn, Alicent’s assigned kingsguard nodded at Erryk and followed his charge through the door. Ser Erryk Cargyll trailed behind Rhaenyra as she nodded goodbye to Alicent. Over the years, Rhaenyra ensured all the members of her Queensguard were sworn into her father’s kingsguard as soon as possible because she knew she could trust them. She entered Aegon’s chambers to see him asleep on the floor near his bed. His kingsguard Ser Arryk stood near the door watching on in amusement as Rhaenyra smacked her brother on the forehead.

Aegon sprung awake in surprise, “Ow! What was that for?”

Rhaenyra raised her brows as she looked down at him, “You, little brother, were supposed to be preparing for supper. Not sleeping. Especially on the cold floor when your bed is right there.”

Aegon huffed as he rubbed his pink forehead, “I was just getting some shuteye, sister. You should know how taxing dragon riding is on the body.”

Rhaenyra reached her hand down and pulled him from the floor, “Yes. But that was hours ago little brother. Supper in upon us and you stink of dragon.”

Aegon chucked and looked down at his body, “That is because I am still in my riding leathers, Nyra. Perhaps I shall attend supper just as I am. There would be none among us who do not ride dragons of their own. The smell would bother no one.”

Rhaenyra smiled and reached up to smooth his curly hair from his forehead, “Your mother may not mind the smell, but the same cannot be said of Ser Harwin.”

Aegon was now a man grown, standing taller than her at ten and eight, “Prepare yourself properly Aegon.”, with a kiss on his forehead, Rhaenyra exited Aegon’s chambers as servants piled in. He rubbed his head absentmindedly, chuckling as he started to undress.

Ser Erryk stepped forward as he noticed his charge pause in her steps, “Princess?”

Rhaenyra looked out the window at the setting sun, “Seeing the state of Aegon, I have decided to check on the rest of the children starting with Jacaerys and Aemond. Where is Prince Daemon, Ser Erryk?”

“In the training grounds princess.”, he bowed. Rhaenyra nodded and turned around to head in the direction of the training grounds.

Ser Erryk did not question why Rhaenyra was heading to where Prince Daemon was when she was supposed to be looking for the royal children, because where Prince Daemon was, Princes Jacaerys and Aemond were never far behind.

~Royal Training Grounds~

 Prince Jacaerys stood off to the side covered in mud and dirt as he observed Aemond and Daemon sparring. The more he watched them, the more he understood why Aemond earned the nickname of ‘Daemon II’. Jacaerys was well versed in the matters of the sword, but it was nothing compared to his uncle Aemond. He absorbed every speck of information as a swordsman from any swordmaster brought to train them. To Jacaerys, it was only a matter of time before Aemond claimed the title of the best swordsman in the kingdom. Just then, Daemon swiped Aemond’s legs out from beneath him and pointed his sword at his throat.

Perhaps not too soon.

 Daemon reached down to grab his nephew’s hand and pull him from the ground, “I always tell you to watch the feet Aemond.”

Aemond scoffed and dusted the sand from his pants, “You play dirty uncle.”

 “Dirty tricks you need to look out for.”, Daemon retorted as he handed his sword to his squire.

“You give kepa too much credit Aemond. If there is a chance for him to be dishonorable, he would take it.”, Jacaerys laughed as he ruffled Aemond’s silver hair.

Aemond pushed Jacaerys away with a huff, “Perhaps if your kepa would stop using that move in my blindspot-“

Daemon grabbed Aemond by the shoulder, “When your enemy strikes again, they will not care that you have only one eye Aemond. They will seek to use it to their advantage. You must always be one step ahead of them if you wish to do your duty as a prince to the realm and keep our family safe.”

An image of a beautiful girl with hair like that of ash and eyes the color of storm clouds briefly flashed in his mind before it was gone. He nodded as Daemon squeezed his shoulder, “I understand uncle.”

“As for you Prince Jacaerys, your blocking needs work. You continue to use your arm to block a sword when you will not always have armor on to stop it. You will lose your arm sooner rather than later. If you do not improve, I will be forced to stop your lessons with the bow, do you understand me?”

Jacaerys sighed as he pushed his silver hair from his face, “Of course kepa. Are we done with training? Father has promised to help me in the library before supper......provided that Aegon remembers and is not asleep somewhere.”

Daemon nodded and motioned for them both to go, “Fine. I have reports from the city to review as well. Do not be late for supper boys.”

Aemond waited until Daemon disappeared before running his hand through his hair, “Do not jest Jace. The entire kingdom is aware of Aegon’s preference for a room of books than the training grounds.”

“Of course I jest, uncle.”, Jacaerys shrugged and eyed Aemond who was placing a weird-looking braid in his hair, “Why do you continue to grow your hair when you cannot manage it?”

Aemond rolled his eye and tossed his hair behind him, “Because she promised to care for it so long as I never cut it.”

Jacaerys smiled sadly, “Do you intend to have Rhaena braid it forever? She cannot do it when she is married and off to the Driftmark. It will hang from your waist before your fifteenth name day. You cannot request this of Helaena either.”

Aemond laughed and backed away from Jacaerys, “That is why I have a dragon nephew.”

Jacaerys shook his head and shouted as Aemond ran through the exit of the training grounds, “You cannot use a dragon called the cannibal as transportation to get your hair braided!”

~Rhaenyra’s Apartment~

Princess Helaena entered the side room of Rhaenyra’s apartment, ducking just as a wooden toy sailed past her head, smacked against the door, and landed at her feet. She stopped Ser Harold Darke, the assigned kingsguard from approaching and reached down, picking the blue seahorse up and approaching the pouting little girl on the verge of tears, “My lovely Princess Viserra.”

Princess Viserra Velaryon was the sixth child of Rhaenyra Targaryen, and the only daughter sired by Laenor Velaryon. Lord Corlys had declared the little princess a replica of her aunt Lady Laena at birth. She was said to be a model princess of the realm at only ten name days and Princess Rhaenys favorite granddaughter. And though she had her father’s gentle nature, her temper was everything of her kepa, Prince Daemon. The little princess was never quick to anger, but once sparked, her sharp tongue and fierce personality were only eased by her twin brother Prince Viserys.

Helaena reached to wipe the tears from Viserra’s sugar-colored cheeks, “What has upset you?”

Viserra buried herself in Helaena's arms and cried, “Aegon broke the toy Grandfather gifted to me. He took it without asking and left me with an ugly replacement.”

Helaena nodded and patted Vierra’s head of silver curls held in a ponytail by a seahorse clip and fixed her tiara, “I will speak with my nephew. Alright? Do not cry anymore. I have come to fetch you for supper. You do not want to go with puffy red eyes, do you?”

Viserra’s blue eyes sparkled as she shook her head. She looked over as the doors opened and Viserys stepped through. Helaena waved him over as she noticed the state of his hair. She directed him to sit in the chair next to Viserra and moved to grab a brush.

Viserys looked over at his sister as his aunt started to brush his hair, “Are you alright sister? Why are you crying? Has Aegon taken another one of your toys?”

While Viserra was known for being quick to anger, Viserys rarely got angry. Perhaps it was because he always acted as the ice to Viserra’s fiery temper. She nodded, “Aunt Helaena says she will handle it.”

Viserys nodded and looked in the mirror as Helaena finished placing his hair in a single braid. While the rest of his family had silver hair, Viserys was the only one whose hair was dark blonde almost brown. Viserys remembered the first time he told Daemon his wish to cut his hair off.

“Kepa, can I not cut this off?”, Viserys frowned at the mirror.

Daemon paused in covering Viserra with her blanket and looked over at his son brushing his hair, “You are five namedays old my son. I understand the length bothers you, but-“

Viserys shook his head, “I hate it. Why am I the only one who doesn’t have silver hair?”

He reached for Viserys’s small form and held him by the shoulder, “You wish to cut off your hair?”

He pulled the brown pin-straight hair between his fingers, “That is not necessarily a bad thing Viserys. It makes you special.”

Viserys looked at his kepa suspiciously, “Special?”

Daemon nodded, “There has only ever been one other Targaryen to have the same color. That was my mother, Princess Alyssa. I am told she was as fierce as any man with the sword and loved to ride her dragon.”

Daemon rubbed his hand on Viserys back, “I do not remember much of her because she died when I was just a boy. But because of you, I at least now remember what her hair was like. If you still wish to cut it when you are older, I will not stop you. Okay?”

Viserys nodded and allowed his kepa to tie his hair in a ponytail before tucking him into bed.

Viserys blinked as Helaena tapped him on the shoulder. He looked in the mirror at the simple French braid and smiled. He grabbed Viserra’s hand and helped her down from the couch. Carefully fixing her gown, Helaena reached to fix their clothes before they exited the twin's rooms.

~Royal Nursery~

The Royal Nursery currently housed two children of the royal family and one relative of the king. Assigned to them was the kingsguard Ser Adrian Redfort who guarded all three children along with their respective guards. The three children had just celebrated their ninth nameday which meant they still had one more year before they were given their own chambers and removed from the nursery.

 Crenyl Strong, the second heir to Harrenhal, who was raised among the royal family to train under his father. Harrenhal was currently being governed by Lord Simon Strong, head of the collateral line until Ser Harwin Strong returned to succeed Lord Lyonel as the heir. Crenyl who still resided in the nursery was raised among the royal children as the nephew of Ser Laenor Velaryon, the prince-consort. The young Harrenhal heir had taken his father’s appearance of tanned skin, curly dark brown hair, and a pug nose. The only features he inherited from his mother were her Velaryon blue eyes and the ability to ride a dragon.

The only daughter of Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen, Princess Visenya Targaryen, who was placed in the center room of the nursery, and Princess Alyssa Targaryen, the lastborn child of King Viserys and Queen Consort Alicent Hightower. The princesses were the youngest of the royal children and thus raised together. Though they were aunt and niece, the girl’s similar ages caused them to act more like sisters. The people of the kingdom often referred to them as the new Princess Rhaenyra and Queen Alicent due to the similarities the girls embodied of their mothers. With straight silver hair and lilac purple eyes added to her lively personality, Princess Visenya was now crowned the new realm’s delight while Princess Alyssa inherited Queen Alicent’s thick and curly reddish-orange hair. Alyssa was, however, born with the eyes of the king’s mother and her namesake; one green eye and one purple eye that often subjected her to the whispers in the keep.

Rhaena instructed her servants to dress her brother Crenyl in his room at the back of the nursery and turned to help Alyssa fix her earrings. She liked spending time with the children who often sought her out. Their servants usually tended to them, but ever so often Rhaena and Helaena would come to assist them. Rhaena often wondered if it was the gentle nature of Helaena or her coddling that granted them the favor of the children. Crenyl’s servant brought him from his room dressed in a gold shirt and black pants before directing him to sit on the couch with Alyssa and Visenya. The girls were both dressed in the darkest shade of blue dresses and adorned by jewelry made from rubies and sapphires. Rhaena crouched to slide a ring with a single pearl in the center onto Visenya’s finger. Fixing the bow on the waist of the plain gold gown she wore, Rhaena pushed a hairpin to pull her hair from her face, before leading the children from the nursery.

~Supper Room~

Baela Strong was not like her sisters and nieces. While they preferred dresses and pretty clothes, Baela chose comfort in pants and shirts like the men in her family. While they preferred to spend their time practicing embroidery, Baela preferred to hunt with her cousin Jacaerys. He was the first person to help her find comfort in being different and brave enough to let her parents know how much she disliked forcing herself to be the way they wanted. Luckily, none of the elders in the family abhorred her or treated her differently. Her father, Harwin Strong had agreed to her request to train with the princes and for Prince Daemon to be her trainer. Baela didn’t train as often as the men in her family, but it was enough for the court to voice their protests. The hand of the king, Ser Otto Hightower had raised a request for her to be sent to the sept to learn how a lady should act, but her grandfather, Lord Lyonel Strong had denied the request on the basis that she desist. Not many knew that Baela was his favorite and that he had asked the king in private for her to continue her training in secret.  

She directed her younger cousins, Prince Daeron, the last son of Viserys and Alicent, Prince Baelon, the third son of Daemon and Rhaenyra Targaryen, and Prince Aegon, the fourth son. Daeron and Baelon had just celebrated their 12th nameday while Aegon was a few months from his. Which meant the boys were rambunctious and disorderly as they came. One was never without the other from the minute they had learned to walk. When it was time for them to leave the royal nursery, Aegon often called egg to not confuse him with his namesake, was removed a year early. The boys then chose chambers on the same corridor to ensure they were never far apart. Due to their silver hair and purple eyes, most nobles meeting them for the first time could never tell which prince was which or who their parents were. And because the boys often dressed similarly, the only way for strangers to differentiate them, was the small actions they did unintentionally. Egg, like his mother, would twirl the rings on his finger once stressed. Baelon, also like his mother, would bite his nails when anxious. Prince Daeron, however, would often pick at the bed of his nails when frightened, a habit his mother worked tirelessly to resolve. Baela had just managed to push them into their chairs before the doors opened again.

Aemond Targaryen, the second son of King Viserys, stepped through the doors followed by Prince Lucerys Velaryon, the second son of Rhaenyra and Laenor. Like always, both princes wore the same outfit in both color and design. When it came to the closest children of the royal family, Aemond and Lucerys took the gold. Aemond and Lucerys shared a nursemaid from young and grew as brothers. While many thought the heir to Driftmark would be a shadow behind his eldest brother, Prince Jacaerys, heir to the iron throne, it was Prince Aemond who he preferred.

As Laenor Velaryon’s heir, Prince Lucerys spends a third of the year on Driftmark to be trained as its heir with Prince Aemond, a Targaryen. Lucerys Velaryon, however, was faced with endless criticism due to rumors of his bastardy. While he was the replica of his father’s looks and his grandfather’s ability to command a ship, Prince Lucerys was born with his grandmother Rhaenys’s dark hair and his mother’s purple eyes. Anyone with clear eyes could see that the prince was of Velaryon heritage with better skills as a sailor than his grandfather Corlys at his age, but it did not stop the questioning of his parentage among the nobles.

Viserys and Rhaenys watched from the door as the room filled to the brim with the next generation of the royal family, unlike their lonely childhood of just them and Daemon.

Chapter Text

~Royal Supper Room~

Viserys and Rhaenys waited until all of their grandchildren were seated before waving the servants over and beginning the meal. Rhaenys narrowed her eyes at the empty seat next to Viserys and rolled her eyes as Otto Hightower stepped through the door. Daemon ignored the man taking a seat and helped his youngest daughter with her juice cup. He sat on his brother’s left between Alyssa and Visenya.

Alyssa stretched for the bowl of bread rolls too far for her hands to reach before turning to Viserys, “Papa, can you pass the bread please?”

Viserys picked up the container with the bread and stopped halfway, “Epagon arlī ñuha jorrāelagon” (Ask again my dear.)

Alyssa pouted as she tried to remember her high Valyrian lessons with her uncle Daemon, “Kepa, kostagon ao rēbagon se havon kostilus?”

Viserys kissed her on the forehead and handed her a bread roll before passing the container to Otto. The man was always quiet at the dinners he was invited to and Viserys had no idea why. He would often miss the sneers Otto shot at his family and the snide remarks exchanged between him and his kin. Today was proving no different.

Aemond took a sip from his wine cup and ran his hand down the scar trailing from his eye mask, “Īlen gō se impression bona bisa iksin iā lentor supper. Skoro syt iksis konīr iā peldio among īlva?” (I was under the impression that this was a family supper. Why is there a snake among us?)

Lucerys nudged him with his elbow as he glanced around. No one seemed to have heard what Aemond had said except for him. Lucerys was well aware of Aemond’s dislike for Otto. Perhaps more than the elders of the family, except his grandfather. He looked at the way his uncle absentmindedly caressed his scar and thought back to how he got it in the process of losing his eye.

*Flashback*

2 years ago.......

Orwinda Snow was the only daughter of Lady Samantha Waters and Robbert Snow. Orwinda was often brought to the palace when her mother came to do health check-ups for the royal family. She had first been introduced to the children of the royal family during Viserys and Alicent’s 5th-anniversary feast. Her mother had received an invitation despite being a commoner and a bastard. Orwinda had chanced upon a conversation where Rhaenyra pleaded to have Samantha legitimized since Robbert had declined but found herself growing resentful as her mother too declined. Her older brother Cale Snow was often left with their father Robbert in his blacksmith shop while Orwinda was brought to the palace as a servant for Princess Helaena. Helaena had a select few people she allowed in her space when it came to her servants. When she had met Orwinda during the feast, she had taken a liking to her immediately. Likewise, the same could be said of her younger brother Prince Aemond. He remembered the way his heart started beating erratically when Orwinda first smiled at him. Helaena remembered when Aemond begged her to add Orwinda as a serving girl after his face grew hot when she complimented his hair and his skill with the swords.

It had taken Aemond weeks to get Orwinda to stop treating him as a prince and instead as a friend. They often snuck into the gardens to play and spend time together before she was forced to return to her duties. He remembered the first time he realized he was in love with her. He was in a slump as his sister Rhaenyra declared his egg had calcified and wouldn’t hatch. Aemond was upset at being the only one among his family whose egg didn’t have a dragon. His younger brother Daeron was only four namedays old when his egg hatched in his cradle, yet Aemond was almost 12 with no sign of his egg hatching; an egg that was now cold and dead. Orwinda had found him hidden away on the roof of one of Maegor’s holdfasts and confessed to liking him despite him not having a dragon. It was then that Aemond began to scheme on how to get his father to engage him to Orwinda. He thought it would not be too difficult because he was 13th in line to the throne, therefore no significance could be placed on his marriage. The problem was his grandfather Otto who Aemond was now aware vied for his sister Rhaenyra’s throne.

Aemond peeped from behind the door to make sure the coast was clear before grabbing Orwinda by the hand and pulling her through the back exit of the kitchen. Lucerys short form stumbled out of the door and slammed it shut behind them. They were all dressed as commoners in an attempt to blend in with the common folk they intended to sneak through. Once they were over the wall, Aemond fixed their cloaks to cover their hair before heading towards the dragon pit. Lucerys had finally found Aemond after searching to comfort him over his eye when Aemond requested to be taken to Dragonstone in secret. His sister Rhaenyra had promised to visit Dragonstone with him so that he could attempt to claim one of the wild dragons. Aegon had found evidence of a rider claiming more than one dragon and brought it to their father in hopes that the magic of the bond would stop the sickness from spreading from his fingers. Unfortunately, they wanted to wait another moon before heading to Dragonstone to attempt. Lucerys had promised them that a flight to Dragonstone on Arrax would take no more than a few hours. Originally, they agreed to just let Aemond and Luce go, but Aemond wanted Orwinda for support. They were unaware that once Arrax had taken flight and left the pit, that word was sent to their parents who grew pale with fright.

~Dragonstone~

The three shakily climbed from Arrax’s saddle as the dragon rose off the sane from his unstable landing.

Aemond helped Orwinda dust the black sand from her ash-colored hair and clothing, “Perhaps you should spend more time practicing Dragon riding and not sailing Lord Corlys's ships, Luce. What kind of landing was that?”

Lucerys rolled his eyes and patted Arrax who huffed a fume of smoke at Aemond’s words, “Arrax is young you grouch. He already did well in carrying all 3 of us. We’ve only been flying for half a year.”

Orwinda tapped the sand from Aemond’s silver hair and laughed, “The sand is not letting go of your hair, my prince.”

Lucerys tugged the hair at Aemond’s ears hard enough that Aemond groaned and smacked his hand away, “I would be happy to cut it off for you.”

Horrified, Orwinda wrapped her arms around Aemond’s neck and pulled him away from Luce, “You will do no such thing.”

Orwinda was a year older than Aemond and Lucerys. She had already started to come into her womanhood at the age of 13 as she stood taller than both boys. Aemond's face grew hot as he felt two soft bumps pressing on his back. Flustered, he tried to step out of her arms, but Orwinda spun him around, she held him by the shoulders, “I will care for it. Do not ever cut your hair Aemond. Promise me?”

Aemond nodded quickly to get to release him, “I promise.”

Orwinda sighed and reached down to dust the sand from her pants. Lucerys wiggled his eyebrows as Aemond tried to clear the red from his pale cheeks. He pushed Lucerys away as the boy started snickering. It had taken them many instances where they just walked in a circle before they spotted a giant entrance on the side of the mountain, large enough for a dragon. Before they could attempt to head in the direction, loud beating of wings reached them as the breeze kicked up sand. Aemond felt his chest start to tingle as something large passed over their heads temporarily blocking the sun. They looked up just as a large black dragon with terrifying white spikes started diving towards them.

Aemond’s eyes widened as he shouted at Orwinda and Lucerys, “RUN!”

The three children took off in a sprint towards the entrance of the cave in the mountains, “Whatever you do Orwinda, do not stop or look back!”

She entered the entrance of the cave and dashed down a smaller corridor before she lost her footing as the ground gave out and she fell. The last thing she saw before losing consciousness was sunbeams reflecting off of a large silver dragon.

 Aemond and Luce exchanged fearful looks as they glanced behind them. Though they were trained in dragon commands and how to care for their dragon, they had not gotten to the part of their lesson that dealt with how to handle wild and untamed dragons. Aemond skidded to a stop as the large dragon landed in front of him to block him off from the cave entrance. It was the biggest dragon he had ever seen, even bigger than his cousin Laena’s dragon, Vhagar. It had large white canines and sharp talons. Rows along its spine and tail of spikes and two long horns descending from above its ear with a muscular body covered in shiny black scales. The most unusual thing was the large green eyes that were currently taking him in. Aemond stood to his feet slowly and started to back away because the dragon appeared to be focused on only him and paid no mind to Lucerys.

“Luce. Go and find help.”, he whispered while still looking at the dragon.

Lucerys eyes widened, “Are you mad? I will not leave you here with a dragon matching the description of the cannibal.”

Aemond’s heart jolted in fear before he calmed. There was not a royal child who didn’t know of the dragon that got his name from eating his own kind. He eyed the cannibal that was crouching lower as he moved with him and spoke to Luce, “I do not think he wished to harm me.”

“You do not think-, “Lucerys thought Aemond to have gone mad from fright. He watched as his uncle raised his hand to the terrifying dragon and tried to claim him.

“lykirī”

Cannibal’s large body rose, and he roared to the sky.

“lykirī”

The sound was loud and painful to his ears, but Aemond was determined to claim the dragon.

“lykirī Cannibal”

He could feel it with his entire body that this was his dragon.

“It’s not working Aemond.”, Luce panicked as the dragon appeared to become agitated as flames filled his mouth.

Aemond had grown tired and snapped, “Listen to me you overly large lizard!”

The cannibal paused as his fire receded and titled his head at the small human beneath him.

Aemond’s purple eyes glared at the dragon, “I have long been without a dragon. My egg never hatched so I came here to attempt a claim on one of your kind. If you will not allow me to claim you, then move out of my fucking way or bend your head and allow me to be your rider.”

Lucerys stood frozen as Aemond shouted at the wild dragon, watching in amazement as it lowered its entire body flat and placed its head down for Aemond to touch. Arrax had hatched in his cradle, so he never had to claim a stubborn dragon, but he was certain it was not supposed to be done the way Aemond had. He slowly stepped toward the pair and only spoke when he was sure he wouldn’t be attacked, “Congratulations Uncle.”

Aemond raised his face from his dragon’s snout and looked around, “Where is Orwinda?”, They both followed the trail of footsteps towards the entrance of the cave where they disappeared. Shooting each other widened eyes filled with fear, they ran into the cave.

************************************************************************************************************

Orwinda grabbed the back of her head as she sat up rubbing the throbbing spot. Pulling away her fingers to check if she was bleeding, she sighed in relief and looked around. The cave she fell into was dark and humid, only lit by beams of sun rays peeking through the holes in the rocky walls. Moving to her feet, she followed the path to try and exit, stepping around weird-looking pools of liquids. She stopped as she stepped on a white log that crunched under her feet. She picked it up trying to figure out what it was before recognizing what must have been a rib. Realizing she was in a dragon cave, Orwinda followed the line of burnt animal carcasses to a large silver dragon waking up. Her breath hitched as fear overtook her, stumbling back, her leg breaking, and landing in something warm and wet. She looked down as she eased her foot from something slimy and tried to move as the dragon crouched down to her. The dragon kept gently nudging her and causing her to fall over. Orwinda shakily reached out and rubbed the nose of the silver dragon, crying in relief as it purred and settled next to her frozen body. She looked around as Aemond and Lucerys scrambled into the cave. They paused as the large silver dragon covered her with her wings and snarled at them.

Aemond wearily looked at them, “Are you alright Win?”

Orwinda shakily nodded, “I don’t know what happened. I fell in here and she just kept following me until I petted her.”

Lucerys looked at her in shock, “You claimed a dragon? That’s not possible.”

Aemond eyed the incensed dragon, “Isn’t it? Her mother is half Targaryen.”

Orwinda looked between the two incredulous, “Are you mad? I carry a little more than ¼ of Valyrian blood.”

Aemond smiled gleefully at her, “And it is enough.”

Orwinda looked at the agitated dragon above her, “Well how do I get out from under her?”

Lucerys looked around to make sure there were no other dragons, “The dragon command for ‘be calm’ is lykirī.”

Orwinda reached up to rub the wing of the dragon, “lykirī”

Aemond nodded, “Now dohaerās.” 

Orwinda stepped out from under the dragon's wing and rested her hand on its snout, “dohaerās”

Once the dragon had allowed her to move next to her friends, she commanded it to be calm once more and slowly backed out of the cave.

Lucerys refused to take his eyes off the dragon. His curly black hair was plastered to his forehead with sweat. The silver patch of hair above his neck was filled with sand and he was exhausted, “So uncle, you have managed to claim the fiercest wild dragon of our people while Win has claimed the most docile. If I am not wrong, that was Silverwing. The mount of the Good Queen Alyssane.”

Aemond laughed in joy, “I have a dragon!”

“I understand you are overjoyed Aemond, but we have bigger problems. Someone not of the royal family has just claimed a dragon. I was not permitted to claim her.”, Orwinda worried.

They stumbled and fell backward out of the mountain cave as Lucerys mused, “Wait till Mother hears about this.”

“Hears about what?”

Chapter Text

Rhaenyra watched as Aemond and Lucerys scrambled to their feet in surprise, waving to brush the sand dust they kicked up away. Alicent grabbed Aemond by the shoulders and spun him around as she searched for injuries or burns. Daemon pulled Lucerys into a tight hug and breathed a sigh of relief in his head of dark hair. Rhaenyra held Orwinda by the shoulders and she looked her over worriedly. They only calmed once they had personally checked all three children and found no injuries.

Rhaenyra hit Lucerys on the shoulder, “What were you thinking leaving without an adult for an unsanctioned ride on dragonback? And with your uncle and Orwinda too?”

Lucerys knew what he did was irresponsible, so he never tried to argue and accepted the scolding from his mother. Aemond tried to stop it, “No sister. This was my fault. I begged him to take us here.”

Daemon crossed his arms, “Which was dangerous. Arrax has not yet been trained to have someone who isn’t his rider on his back. He could’ve attacked you two or thrown all three of you from the saddle.”

“Do you know how terrified I was when we got word that you took off to claim a dragon? Why would you do this? Rhaenyra had already promised to have you brought here next week with the proper preparations! This was reckless of you Aemond. You as well Lucerys!”

 Orwinda stepped out from behind them and faced Alicent, “We’re sorry your grace.”, looking over at Rhaenyra, “but I’m afraid princess. Lucerys and Aemond seem to think I’ve claimed a dragon.”

Daemon blinked and looked down at her, “I’m sorry?”

Just then Silverwing flew out of the entrance in their direction. Alicent grabbed Aemond and pulled him behind her just as Rhaenyra did the same to her son. When Daemon tried to grab Orwinda, Silverwing screeched and dove towards them. Caraxes who stood a distance on the beach, let out a high-pitched whistle at the Silverwing.

They all froze as Orwinda ran from between them and called Silverwing to her. Rhaenyra and Daemon gaped as Orwinda had Silverwing land next to her and stay. Just as they were relieved, Cannibal landed behind Alicent and snarled at her. She grew pale and tears gathered in her eyes from fear of the large black dragon attacking her. Its green eyes looked so much like the fire at the top of the tower her house lights when they declare war. The color manifested a great deal of fear Alicent could not understand. She wondered if its fire would be the same green color as wildfire and for some reason, her body recoiled at the thought.

“Alicent!”, Rhaenyra screamed as she pushed Lucerys into Daemon’s hand. She eyed the wild dragon and the way it kept trying to get to Aemond but grew angrier as Alicent blocked him. She slowly walked towards them while keeping Cannibal in her line of sight, “Ali. Step away from Aemond.”

Alicent watched her incredulously, “What?”, looking behind her as Syrax started creeping forward.

Rhaenyra looked at her younger brother, “That’s your dragon, isn’t it Aemond?”

Alicent looked down at her son and then the dragon glaring at her before looking at Rhaenyra, “Are you sure?”

Rhaenyra nodded and grabbed Alicent by the elbow while speaking to Aemond, “Instruct him to go away.”

She turned to Orwinda, “You too.”

Once the dragons flew away, Daemon pulled Aemond into a hug, “The Cannibal. Well done nephew.”

Alicent grabbed Orwinda who wouldn’t stop shaking, “How is it possible for her to claim a dragon?”

Rhaenyra stared at Orwinda’s ash-gray hair, “It must be the Targaryen blood from Samantha.”

“Mother, how did you get here? Did you ride a dragon?!”, Aemond questioned in surprise.

Alicent blushed and looked away. Of course, she rode a dragon. Rhaenyra had once asked to fly on Syrax for them to run away once her mother had given birth to Viserys heir, but Alicent was scared of the large beasts. Her fear was forgotten once the letter came from the dragon keepers that her son had left to claim a wild dragon unaccompanied. Alicent had never felt such fear; she didn’t question Rhaenyra telling her to mount Syrax either.

Rhaenyra pinched Lucerys on the ear, “You should thank the Gods your Kepa is here and not your father. Pray even harder once he learns of your foolish decisions because you will not see the deck of a ship for a moon.”

Daemon looked at their dragons circling each other in the sky, “This is a problem.”

They watched as Sunfyre landed on the beach and Aegon dismounted.

~DragonStone Council Room~

Rhaenyra leaned on the table, “This is a problem indeed. If every Targaryen bastard learns that they can attempt to claim a dragon because they have our blood, we will have a war on our hands.”

Aegon appeared in thought as he flipped through a book written in High Valyrian that he found in DragonStone’s library. It was one of the many skills he was proficient in, perhaps due to Rhaenyra’s teachings from a young age. Before Aegon could speak English, Rhaenyra was already instructing him on High Valyrian, starting with his dragon commands. By the age of 10, Aegon was fluent and preferred to spend his time in the library when he wasn’t in a different territory learning their cultures.

He placed the book on the table, “Here. It says that an attempt could be made by a rider on another dragon once it is receptive. The bond of a dragon to its rider is blood magic fused in the dragon lord’s blood. I think as long as you have a certain amount of Valyrian blood, it's possible to claim a dragon.”

Alicent furrowed her brows, “Which means others cannot steal the dragons if they do not welcome the bond.”

Aegon nodded, “Yes mother, but I also think it’s possible for father to maybe claim another dragon.”

Rhaenyra looked at Daemon in surprise, “Could the bond help? With the sickness I mean.”

Daemon nodded, “It’s possible that the magic might be able to burn it from his blood. It is not an external injury; the disease is eating Viserys from the inside. Another dragon bond might cure him. It won’t bring his fingers back, but it could stop the progression.”

Alicent stood, “I will send a raven.”

Aegon closed the book and smiled, “I already have.”

It was another 4 days before Viserys arrived. He entered the room and looked around, smiling as Aemond rushed into his arms, “I heard you have claimed a dragon Aemond. And the cannibal no less! I am happy for you.”

Aemond laughed and pulled away, “Thank you, father.”

They looked around as the door opened and Rhaenyra stepped through with Daemon. Viserys kissed Rhaenyra on the cheek and looked at Daemon, “You believe this will help? I did not think I would be offered the chance to have another dragon when Balerion passed.”

Daemon nodded, “There is no harm in trying brother.”

Rhaenyra raised her arm as Aemond moved under them, “Alicent is with Orwinda. The poor girl is terrified.”

Viserys looked around for his grandson, “A matter we must discuss this evening. Where is Lucerys?”

“Lord Corlys is sailing to Claw Isle. Luce flew to Driftmark yesterday. He will return to Kingslanding before us. Aemond and I are going to see the dragon keepers for a temporary saddle until we return to Kingslanding.”

**************************************************************************************************************

Rhaenyra held Aemond as he dismounted the saddle on Cannibal’s back. The dragon was nothing like she imagined. For one rumored to eat his kind, he was calmer than most dragons when it came to staying in the presence of other dragons and strangers. The dragon keepers had no issue binding the saddle reins to his horn. Aemond was excited to ride his dragon for the first time, so they waited for Syrax to be saddled before she took him for his first ride. They ran out as a scream filled the air, watching as a large bronze dragon ascended the sky.

Aemond watched with glittering eyes as his father sat on the back of the huge dragon, “He did it.”

Rhaenyra turned to Daemon who ran up next to her, “Is that?”

Daemon watched as the dragon dipped in the sky, “Vermithor the Bronze Fury.”

2 days later........

~Kingslanding~

Otto watched from the balcony as Vermithor flew over the city, clenched his jaw as the citizens cheered. He slammed his fist when he noticed Daemon and Rhaenyra’s dragons follow. Aegon had arrived the day before with a letter to Princess Rhaenys that Viserys had claimed another dragon and would return to Kingslanding the next day. Otto had wished he heard his grandson wrong. The king already had a dragon that died. He shouldn’t have been able to claim another dragon. Yet, Otto watched as the new dragon descended into the pit with King Viserys on its back. Frightened screams reached his ears as an even bigger dragon sailed over keep. He fumed silently as he remembered Aegon also telling them Aemond had claimed the Cannibal. This would’ve worked in his favor had Alicent not raised his grandchildren like Targaryens. She refused to have them wear green, never allowed them to visit her hometown, limited his time in their presence, and only allowed her brother among them, all of which caused Otto to grow desperate. With his unruly son swearing himself into the kingsguard, Otto’s line was now reduced to the children Alicent had birthed for the king. Children who disregarded their Hightower blood and acted as full-blooded Targaryen despite being only half. He had given up trying to convince Viserys to name Aegon his heir because the boy had no calling for it. There is only one option that remains. If Viserys will not make Aegon king, then I will.

~King Viserys Bedchamber~

Rhaenys rubbed her elbow as she paced in front of Viserys, “The only advice I can offer is to have the girl swear in writing that Silverwing belongs to the royal family, therefore, as her rider, she is not permitted to use Silverwing for heinous activity without the crown’s leave.”

Rhaenyra nodded, “It might not be much of an issue. Orwinda is already Helaena’s servant. I do, however, think that as a dragon rider, this might be beneath her station. Helaena refuses to have anyone else tend to her. Currently, she already does the duties of a lady-in-waiting assigned to Helaena. Why not officially give her the title?”

Viserys took the cloak from his servant and looked at his daughter, “It is against the rules. Orwinda is the daughter of two bastards. Her status does not allow it.”

Daemon appeared in thought as he eyed the servant who retreated to stand behind Viserys, “Then legitimize her.”

Alicent shook her head, “Her parents have already denied Rhaenyra’s request. Because Robbert Snow is Lord Rickard’s eldest son, if he is legitimized, the lords of the North fear he will challenge Ser Rickon. Robbert does not wish it until Cregan becomes the new lord of Winterfell.”

Daemon stood from his seat, “Then have Orwinda legitimized. If she becomes Orwinda Stark, then as a noble, her status is enough to be made Helaena’s lady-in-waiting. With both of those statuses, we can create a new law. One that declares only nobles with dragonlord’s blood can lay claim to a dragon. If there is a case of a non-Targaryen claiming one of our dragons, the law ensures they remain loyal to us.”

Viserys nodded, “What you say holds merit brother. It will be done by the end of the week.”

Rhaenyra looked at them in amusement, “You can pretend, but we are all aware of Aemond’s affection for Orwinda. If she is legitimized, I fear it will not be long before he requests an engagement.”

Alicent looked at Viserys, “Aemond is only 12 and a prince of the realm.......surely not?”

Viserys shrugged as Daemon chuckled, “My namesake is bold and certain of what he wants. A manifestation of blood and fire. And a dragon always takes what he wants. If he wishes to marry her, nothing will stop him; not even the difference in their status.”

Aegon and Aemond who were hidden in the secret passageway listened to what they said and felt immense satisfaction. Orwinda being a bastard had never bothered him. Now that his father agreed to legitimize her, Aemond decided he would wait until his 14th nameday to ask his father to wed them. He silently laughed as Aegon grabbed him by the shoulder and happily shook him before pulling them out of the small passageway.

Similarly, no one noticed that Viserys personal servant listened to the conversation overly focused. The man listened to them speak of a bastard claiming a dragon on Dragonstone, agreed to legitimize them, and then possibly agreed to wed her to the young prince. He quickly excused himself and hurried down the corridor. He looked around to ensure no one was around before using a secret knock on the door. Hurriedly stepping inside, he pushed the door shut before approaching Otto Hightower who sat drinking tea.

He bowed before straightening, “My lord. I come with troubling news.”

Otto placed his cup down and motioned for the man to continue, “What is it?”

“There is a new dragon rider for the princess. Claimed at the same time Prince Aemond. The new rider is the bastard daughter of the Stark bastard who owns the blacksmith shop in Flea Bottom. Her mother is the Targaryen bastard that serves the princess’s maester.”

Otto straightened up at what he was hearing, “What?! Which dragon?”

The servant nodded and continued, “Silverwing my lord. The king has decided to have the girl legitimized and made Princess Helaena’s lady-in-waiting to ensure the dragon stays under the control of the royal family.”

Otto pushed the table away from him and paced away. He appeared to mutter to himself and let out a few grunts of frustration. The servant waited until Otto calmed before speaking again, “There is more my lord.”

“Princess Rhaenyra claims that Prince Aemond holds affection for the girl and intends to wed her once she is legitimized and stabilized in her position as the princess’s lady-in-waiting. The Queen tried to disagree but, the king stated he would grant the prince's wish when asked due to Prince Daemon stating that Prince Aemond would wed her with or without the crown’s position.”, cringing as Otto kicked the table over, “WHAT?!”

Otto blew out a breath, “Fetch the grandmaester.”

He waited until the servant had left, “Viserys cannot be a fool to marry his son to a bastard. Aemond has the potential to be the greatest sword of Aegon’s rule, yet he wishes to hold him down with this? This is the doing of that WHORE! No doubt.”

“That bastard belongs to one of her people. Does she take me for a fool? She would wed my outstanding grandson to one of her servants! She wishes to keep him under her thumb to cripple Aegon......I WILL NOT ALLOW IT.”

Mellos quickly entered Otto’s chambers, “You will alert the entire castle with your shouting. What has angered you so?”

Otto spun on Mellos, “That bitch princess wishes to wed my grandson Prince Aemond to a servant. This is yet another ploy to keep the king’s trueborn sons from their rightful claim to the throne. Should Aemond marry that bastard, his children will be illegitimate.”

Mellos looked at Otto funny, “The king would never allow his son to marry a bastard, let alone a servant.”

Otto glared at him, “The girl has claimed the mount of the good queen Alysanne. King Viserys has decided to have her legitimized to ensure the dragon stays in the royal family.”

Grandmaester Mellos looked surprised, “The king has not brought this matter before the council Otto. It means he has decided to pass this decree without our approval. You cannot stop her legitimization.”

Otto took a deep breath and evilly smiled, “Then the girl will need to disappear. I will have her killed if I must.”

He turned to Mellos, “Have a raven sent to my brother. Inform him of my request for his assistance.”

Chapter Text

~Royal Palace~

Aemond had ditched his kingsguard and snuck through the hidden passage to head to his sister’s chamber. Ever since he overheard his father stating he would announce Orwinda’s legitimization, Aemond could not sit still. Because in his 12 name-days-old brain, the increase in Orwinda’s status meant the lords could not deny his request to wed her once he could. Aemond had already decided to ask Orwinda to elope with him to Dragonstone for a Valyrian wedding, but this was satisfactory to him as well. He thanked the guard and entered Helaena’s chamber. Looking around for Orwinda, he stopped at the sight of his sister digging through her fireplace.

Approaching he stopped and stared, “What are you doing sister?”

Helaena jumped as Aemond’s voice spoke behind her. She turned to look at him in surprise, “Aemond! How are you, little brother?”

Aemond shrugged, more interested in what she was doing, “Fine. Why are you combing through coals?”

Helaena looked down at her hands covered in soot, “Myra has escaped her container. I do not know where she has disappeared to.”

Aemond trailed his eyes from his sister’s hands to the black worm coiled around her braid and laughed, “Your ugly worm in your hair Helaena.”

Helaena looked at him in surprise and reached up to check her hair. Feeling the worm, she gently uncoiled it and pulled away. Humming softly, she smiled and placed the millipede back in its container. Safely placing it with the rest of her animals, Helaena turned back to her brother in suspicion.

“Why are you here brother? Did mother not forbid you from leaving your chambers for a week?”

Aemond chuckled awkwardly and looked away, “My guard does not know I left my chambers.”

“You used the secret passage, didn’t you?”, she squinted.

Laughing, Aemond sat on her couch as Orwinda stepped back inside with a bowl of warm water for Helaena’s night routine. Helaena watched him amusedly when she realized he had come to see Orwinda and not her as he claimed.

Orwinda stopped and blinked in surprise when she noticed Aemond’s form on the chair. She curtsied and placed the bowl on the table, “My prince.”

Aemond waved her off, “Not again. You promised you would not use my title when we were in private.”

Orwinda smiled and turned back to Helaena. Waiting for her to sit, she helped Helaena wash her face and complete her night routine before emptying the water and moving to brush her hair. Aemond waited until Helaena was done getting her brushed before he spoke, “Did you hear? Father intends to have your legitimization announced to the court. By next week, you’ll be known as Lady Orwinda Stark.”

Orwinda blushed and looked down. Her parents had already explained to her what would happen when she was legitimized. Legally she was no longer a bastard and would be known as the only girl of the Stark’s younger generation. Her uncle Bennard had no wife or children, and her Uncle Rickon only had her cousin Cregan. Orwinda had long known the Starks wished for her father to be legitimized, but her father was firm in his decision to wait until Cregan became the new Lord of Winterfell. Her brother Cale was squired to the heir of Runestone, Lord Rhean since he was 10. At 15 namedays, Cale and Rhean were sworn brothers despite being master and servant. Orwinda had asked why Cale could not be legitimized and was then sat down and explained to. Even though Robbert was a bastard, he was still older than both Rickon and Bennard; if Cale were to be legitimized, he would be added to the heirdom of the north and be seen as a challenge to Cregan’s claim as heir. Like his father, Cale had refused Rhaenyra’s offer to have him legitimized until Cregan succeeded his father.

Helaena lit her bedside candle as she asked Orwinda, “Are you excited? Naturally, you will be promoted to my lady-in-waiting and join us in Dragon training classes.”

Orwinda laughed in agreement and moved to close Helaena’s balcony door. Aemond hastily stood from the couch as Orwinda was pushed onto the floor at Helena's feet and two men scaled the balcony to enter the room. Orwinda scrambled to stand in front of Helaena and one of the men pulled a knife from his belt and approached them. Aemond attempted to rush to them but was stopped as the other man lunged for him.

“Do not involve yourself, young prince.”, he sneered.

Helaena took in the appearance of them both dressed in all-over black, dark cloaks and worn boots. Their teeth were rotten and yellow, skin covered in grime, and appearance unkempt. Aemond could only conclude that these were assassins.

The other one smiled as he pointed his blade at Orwinda, “We only want the girl.”

Aemond looked at his sister and they both came to the same conclusion. Whoever these men were, they had no intentions of hurting them, only Orwinda. Helaena used her eyes to convey to Aemond that a guard was just outside the door of her chamber. She wasn’t sure the guard could hear what was happening in her room because to get to her bed-chamber, another room stood in the middle. Just as she pulled Orwinda behind her, Aemond lunged for the knife from the man closest to him. As hard as he could, he tackled the man to the floor and hit his head. Noticing the man’s disorientation, Aemond grabbed the blade and looked at his sister, “GO HELAENA!”

Helaena grabbed Orwinda’s arm and tried to run to the door, gasping as her hair was yanked from behind. She gasped as the man tossed her to the floor, crying out as her head bounced off the side of her jewelry chest. Aemond swiped the knife and stabbed the man under him in both eyes before scrambling to the other. Orwinda pushed the other assassin who became distracted as his partner cried out in pain. Lightly screaming as she helped Helaena who was bleeding from her temple off the floor, “Princess!”

Aemond grabbed the leg of the assassin when he tried to grab Orwinda and stabbed him in the thigh. The man cried out in pain and kicked Aemond in the face. Aemond felt his forehead clench as the man’s foot connected and rolled onto his back. When the man straddled his waist, Aemond tried to fight him off unsuccessfully as the man was twice his size. Aemond’s eyes bulged as the man wrapped his hands around his throat and started choking him, “Don’t worry my prince. I won’t kill ya.”

Orwinda paused in helping Helaena as she noticed Aemond being choked and pushed her towards the door, “Go, princess! Get help!”

Helaena held on to Orwinda’s hand in panic, “No! They were here for you, you cannot- “

Orwinda pulled her hand from Helaena’s grip, “I cannot leave Aemond to die. FIND SOMEONE.”

Orwinda watched as Helaena ran through the door before grabbing the large vase and smashing it over the man’s head. Pushing him off, she pulled Aemond from the floor as he gasped for breath. Aemond tried to focus, but his vision was blurred, and his ears rang. Shaking his head, he grabbed the post to steady himself. Orwinda screamed as her braid was pulled from behind in a tight fist.

Aemond spun around just as the man placed his knife at her throat, “STOP!”

Orwinda sobbed as the blade dug into her skin, “Why are you doing this?”

The man shrugged as he panted, “Nothing personal girl. Someone wants you dead.”

Orwinda cried even harder once she heard him, “But I haven’t done anything.”

The assassin looked down at her, “You seek to rise above your station. A servant, no less a bastard dares claim a prince for herself?”

Aemond paused as he looked at the man, “what?”

Orwinda looked down at the silver glinting on the floor, recognizing it as the knife Aemond had.

“Blame your cursed blood for that beast you claimed as well. You Targaryen are so arrogant to think yourself above all, but without your dragons, you’re all weak.”, the man ranted, “And it will cost you.”, he smirked at something behind Aemond.

Aemond turned around just as the other assassin he blinded earlier tried to stab him with another knife. The man grabbed his shirt from the front and tried to stab him in the shoulder. Aemond tried to grab the blade from him but missed, instead choosing to bite him on the hand hard. A mistake Aemond would regret. The man screeched in pain and wildly waved his hand to get away. The blade he held in his fist swung uncontrollably catching Aemond in the face.

Screaming in pain, Aemond collapsed on the floor, blood gushing from his face as he lost his vision. Orwinda screamed as Aemond got injured, grabbing the blade at her throat with her fingers, she pulled it from her neck and sunk her teeth into the wrist holding the blade. She let go as he pulled away from her, reaching down for the knife on the floor. Grabbing the blade, she rose and shoved it into his head. He blinked at her in shock as she glared at him. She waited until he dropped the bloody blade he held outstretched and collapsed dead.

 Orwinda slumped next to Aemond who was screaming as he held his bleeding face and tried to get him to calm down. However, she found that her voice wouldn’t come out despite her mouth forming the words. Looking at the blood dripping onto Aemond’s hand, Orwinda reached up and touched her throat. She coughed up blood as pain radiated from her touch. Confused, she tried to stand, only to collapse next to the overturned table. Aemond tried to find Orwinda as her touch disappeared, crawling when he felt her skirt brush his fingers, but it was hard when blood was in his eye and the other wouldn’t focus.

Daemon and Aegon ran into the room just as Aemond grabbed Orwinda’s leg. The guard behind then restrained the assassin who failed to find an exit and threw him next to his partner who bled out. Aegon scrambled to kneel at his little brother’s body, tearing up as Aemond’s disfigured face came into view, “Aemond! Wh- wha- “

Daemon’s chest clenched as he took in his injured nephew. He had seen many injuries on the battlefield, a replica of the one he was seeing right now. In his head, he already knew; Aemond might lose his eye.

Daemon turned to the other guards that followed him here, “GET THE MAESTERS!”

Aemond gasped as Aegon lightly brushed his hair from his face, “Orwinda- You have to help her.”

Daemon looked around the room only now noticing the little girl collapsed behind an overturned table. He scrambled to roll her unconscious body over, placing his head near her chest. When he found a beat, Daemon removed his cloak and pressed it on her neck. There was a jagged cut on her lower neck closer to her neckline that thankfully was not bleeding as much as he feared. Aegon watched her worriedly as Daemon picked her up from the glass she lay in and placed her next to Aemond who passed out.

**************************************************************************************************************

Helaena’s chamber was filled to the brim. Several guards surrounded the room both inside and out. Servants traversed the room carrying bowls of hot water and clean towels, while the maesters and their assistants worked on the three injured children. Rhaenyra stood next to the bed Orwinda lay on asleep as she rolled the rings on her fingers anxiously. Aegon wanted to stay, but the commotion had woken the entire castle, including the children. He was tasked with calming them and putting them back to bed along with his cousin Rhaenys. Daemon and Lord Corlys had been in the black cells since the maesters arrived, interrogating the only surviving maester. Baela was tasked to ensure Orwinda’s parents were summoned while Rhaena had to ensure Laenor was summoned from Driftmark.

Alicent paced next to them as Viserys sat and held Aemond’s hand. Grandmaester Mellos was currently cleaning the wound on his face. Aemond had refused to be treated before Helaena and Orwinda so Viserys ordered Grandmaester Mellos to deal with Orwinda while his assistant helped patch Helaena’s head wound. Otto remained silent as he took in the results of his work.

Maester Gerardys inspected the wound on Aemond’s face once clean and sighed. He looked at Viserys and Alicent, “The eye is lost your grace.”

Alicent closed her eyes in despair as tears leaked from it, “And the wound?”

Gerardys looked back at Aemond, “Once the eye is removed, the wound will have to be sewn shut.”

 Viserys’s jaw clenched as he nodded. Aemond was given a glass of milk of poppy and sat still as the maester removed his eye. His fists clenched around his father's as the wound was sewn shut and covered in an ointment.

Gerardys stood and addressed them, “The prince will have to learn how to function with his one eye. He will have to relearn balance, sword fighting, and reading. It will be difficult, but it can be done.”

Viserys was enraged as he shouted at no one in particular, “WHAT HAPPENED?”

Ser Westerling bowed his head, “Prince Daemon is currently with the assailant in the cells, but from what we know. Two assassins had entered the palace through Princess Helaena’s chamber.”

Alicent moved from her spot next to her daughter and swung around, “Who would dare seek to murder members of the royal family? Who gave them such guts?”

Helaena spoke from the chair she sat on, “They were not there for us, Mother. They wanted Orwinda.”

Rhaenyra’s brows furrowed in confusion, “Orwinda? Why would someone try to have her killed?”

Aemond looked around from the chair he sat on, “It's true sister. They said it was because of the 'beast' she claimed. One even accused her of trying to rise above her station by marrying a prince once she was legitimized.”

Alicent’s eyes found Rhaenyra in surprise, “What?! That’s impossible. No one should know about Orwinda’s legitimization.”

Rhaenyra swung around as her eyes searched the room for someone. When she spotted him, she pointed him out to Ser Erryk, “Grab him.”

The servant tried to run from the room, failing as he tripped over someone’s leg. Viserys recognized the man Erryk forced to kneel in front of Rhaenyra as his personal servant. He started crying as soon as his hands were tied, “I have not done anything.”

Rhaenyra looked down at the man, “Orwinda’s legitimization was discussed among myself, the king, the queen consort, Prince Daemon, and Princess Rhaenys. Why would two assassins know this?”

The servant cried harder, “It wasn’t me, Princess.”

Alicent glared at him, “You were the only servant present at the time.”

Viserys had no time to listen to his senseless pleading, “Give him to Prince Daemon.”

Alicent ignored the crying servant and knelt at Aemond’s feet, “Are you alright, my son?”

Aemond nodded and tried to console his mother, “I am just relieved their attempt did not succeed. I just regret that Helaena was hurt in the process. Orwinda too.”

They both looked over at Orwinda who was unconscious as she lay with bandages around her neck and body. Aemond wanted to beat himself up. The maester had said that even though the wound was not deep, it would leave a scar as well as issues with her speech. They would only be sure once she had woken up and after her injuries healed. Helaena had a cut on her head that could be hidden in her hair and a sprained finger. She smiled as Rhaenyra kissed her temple and squeezed her shoulder. Alicent stood as Viserys pulled Aemond from his seat and into a tight hug. Aemond patted his trembling father on the back before releasing him. Viserys then approached Helaena and kissed his daughter on the cheek. Only sighing once she smiled at him clearly and without pain. Looking at the girl his son risked his life for, Viserys vowed to execute all responsible.

************************************************************************************************************

Once Viserys retired to bed and her children were left with their kingsguard and 2 additional knights, Alicent snuck into Rhaenyra’s apartment. Nodding to Rhaenys who was already there, she squeezed an exhausted Laenor in a hug and sat next to Laena.

Alicent waited until they were all sat before speaking, “This was my father’s doing.”

Rhaenys looked at her surprised, “Are you certain? I understand we do not like the man, but to accuse him like this...”

Alicent nodded, “I am certain. That servant was brought to Viserys from Oldtown when we were wed by my father. 'A small gift' he called it.”

Daemon stood behind Laena as he leaned on a post, “And I can make a guess why. He must have been furious once he learned Orwinda had claimed a dragon. We are all aware he wishes for his blood on the throne through his grandchildren. And since the children were raised together, he can only force Aegon to be king. If he were to wage a war for that cause, Silverwing is only another dragon on our side.”

Rhaenys leaned on the table, “If he got rid of the rider, then there would be no dragon. But why now? Viserys is still healthy. If he wished to force the crown on Aegon, it wouldn’t be for another few years.”

Laena clasped her hands together, “Because she is young. She has only just claimed Silverwing. She does not know what it takes to be a dragon rider. If he were to kill her now, it would be less troubling than if she were to become an experienced rider.”

Rhaenyra stood from the table, “There is also the matter of her legitimization. When Orwinda is legitimized, she will be the only lady of Winterfell, but she will have no claim to the north. Added to her position as Helaena’s lady-in-waiting, two years from now she would be eligible once Aemond asks to betroth them. If they were to wed, she brings no benefits to Otto’s cause.”

Laenor angrily clenched his fists, “Then why are we not telling the King?”

“Because there is no proof that ties Otto to this crime unless we can garner a confession from the two in the cells. For now, all that can be done is to add this to the record of his treasonous actions.”

Daemon held Alicent’s hands and squeezed them, “I will train him Alicent. I swear it.”

Alicent smiled shakily and nodded, “We must be vigilant. My father will not attempt anytime soon, but he will try again. Nothing is going the way he wishes, and soon he will grow frustrated to the point of acting irrationality.

***************************************************************************************

Lucerys rushed to Aemond’s chamber through the secret passage, lightly placing the tapestry back to cover the lever. Sitting at the foot of Aemond’s bed, he backed him, “You will not like what I have heard uncle. They know who attacked you.”

Aemond turned his head slowly to Lucerys, “I told you.”

Luke closed his eyes and turned his body around to face Aemond, “It was your grandsire.”

Aemond’s eye widened, “Grandsire? But why-”

“I heard Kepa say it was because he wishes for Aegon to take the throne.”

Aemond shook his head, “Aegon does not want to be king. Father chose Rhaenyra as his heir. My sister will be a good queen.”

Lucerys nodded, “But Aunt Laena said that your grandsire does not care and will put Aegon on the throne by force. It will cause a war. He did not wish for Mother to have another dragon on her side.”

Aemond lay back on his pillow, “So he planned to have her killed so that Silverwing would be riderless.”

Lucerys nodded in agreement, “He also wanted to ensure you do not wed once Orwinda’s status is high enough to be a match. Because your marriage to her would bring no benefits to his cause.”

Aemond swallowed, “Grandsire is stubborn. He will not stop.”, His eyes flashed with anger, “So this was my fault. Why did he not think of me? For his selfish desires, he would do this?!  His greed will be his end. I vow it!”

Lucerys clasped his hand with Aemond’s, “And I promise to stand with you.”

Aemond tearily nodded and looked away, “But I cannot place her in any more harm. What good am I to her now? Maimed and disfigured. Father will still legitimize her so.............. she would be better suited for someone else.”

I will keep my distance.

Chapter Text

~Banquet Hall ~

After the announcement to begin the banquet of King Viserys Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower’s anniversary, many lords and ladies began dancing and mingling. Alicent stood next to Viserys conversing with Princess Rhaenys and a few others. Rhaenyra held her husband, Ser Laenor’s hand as they danced while Daemon sat with his daughter Princess Viserra at the dessert table. Aegon stood with his cousin Lady Rhaena as they spoke with a few rich merchants from Lys. Jacaerys held his cousin Helaena’s hand as they danced. His cousin often despised the touch of many for as long as he could remember. Not knowing why or how to remedy it, her family settled on listening to her when she was uncomfortable and avoiding touch if possible. Jacaerys kept noticing her glances that strayed to the side where his sworn brother Cregan danced with his cousin Baela and turned to look back at Helaena.

“Perhaps you should dance with the young lord? It is not as though he is a stranger.”, he said.

Helaena, whose gaze had strayed to the side again, was startled as she turned her focus back to Jacaerys, “Do not tease me, cousin. Though Lord Cregan and I have exchanged letters for a year, we are nothing more than friends.”

Jacaerys spun her around and caught Baela’s eye two rows over. Once he signaled her, he turned his attention back to Helaena, “Friends? That is not what he referred to you as when I spoke to him.”

Helaena’s eyes widened in surprise, “Truly? What did he call me?”

Jacaerys smiled at her, “You can ask him yourself.”, and twirled her into Cregan’s arms as Baela grabbed Jacaerys’s arm.

Cregan held Helaena’s arm as they continued the dance, “Princess Helaena.”

Helaena red race scrunched, “Lord Cregan. Did you not promise me in our last letter that you would desist from using my title?”

Cregan shrugged, “Not in the company of the lords and ladies of the kingdom your Highness. I do not want to cause damage to your reputation by eliciting unsavory rumors if I were to call you by just your name.”

Helaena rolled her eyes, “My reputation? I did not know I was prohibited from acquiring friends.”

Cregan locked eyes with her as they spun from each other and came back together, “Friends? Is that what we are?”

Helaena stuttered as he held her waist for far too long than the dance allowed, “Are we not? We exchange letters, we hunt together when you come to Kingslanding to visit Jacaerys, we have shared meals...”

Cregan pulled her to him so that their chests touched and leaned down to whisper, “We have also snuck out into flea bottom, you have visited my chambers to share tea and exchange stories, and you have promised to allow me the chance to court you.”

Helaena paused in her steps, “I have? I do not recall such sir.”

Cregan held her hand and placed a kiss on the top, “You will when you meet me under the weirwood tree at the hour of the first bell.”, with that he bowed and stepped away to head into the gardens. Helaena gazed at his back before turning to seek out her lady-in-waiting, Lady Orwinda.

Jacaerys and Baela’s gaze followed them as they parted before turning back to each other. The mirror images of scheming that twinkled in their eyes were enough to keep them entertained.

Baela looked at Jacaerys, “You are not subtle with your plans cousin.”

He only smirked and touched their hands, “Neither are you. How long do you think it will take before our parents realize?”

“Helaena is kind, but she is also naive. And Lord Cregan is a good man. He will be good for her. Your mother has been watching them from the minute you forced them to dance.”, Baela said.

Jacaerys gaze followed Helaena as she exited through the same door as Cregan, “He has loved her ever since she told him of the tale of the dire wolves. It has been a year since and now he wishes to court her.”

Baela stroked his shoulder, “The north is a great distance away. If they were to wed......”

Jacaerys pulled her hands from his shoulder, “Helaena is a dragon rider, a week at most would be the journey on Dreamfyre.”, kissing her knuckles he held her hand and tugged her towards the hall door, “For now let us see if she accepts his wish to court her.”

The lords and ladies secretly watched as Prince Jacaerys who held Lady Baela’s hand, bumped into his brother Prince Lucerys and their cousin Prince Aemond.

Lady Baela Strong was the twin sister of Lady Rhaena Strong, both aged 15, and was the eldest daughter of Lady Laena Velaryon and Ser Harwin Strong. Like her father, she excelled in swordplay. Her silver head of curls complimented the rich caramel of her skin, while her lean figure complimented her average height of 5”7. The green dress she wore to represent her father’s house, matched the simple jewelry she wore; enough to hide the small dagger she held in the waist of her dress. Several people of the kingdom anticipated the day she became of age and who she would wed.

Prince Jacaerys Targaryen, the eldest son of Princess Rhaenyra, was his mother’s replica with his striking silver hair and purple eyes. He stood at 5’10, pale, muscular, and already proven a worthy heir to the iron throne. His brother Prince Lucerys, and Cousin Prince Aemond were only four and ten, yet they both stood at 5”8, lean and excelling in their duty to the realm. Prince Lucerys had his grandmother’s black hair and the ability to be the greatest sailor known after his grandsire, Lord Corlys. Prince Aemond, the second son of King Viserys Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower with his pin-straight silver hair and sharp tongue, was known to the kingdom as ‘Daemon II’. Perhaps, because the young prince was mentored by his uncle from infancy, he had picked up most of his traits and in turn adapted his personality. Aemond was the most skilled sword user of his generation despite his sight disadvantages due to the attempt on his life two years prior. Though to the kingdom, someone had tried to assassinate the king’s children, the royal family knew who the real target was.

Aemond tapped Lucerys on the shoulder for him to put his wine cup down as his eyes trailed behind his sister Helaena and her lady-in-waiting. They both hurried to follow when they bumped into Jacaerys and Baela. The four laughed and continued through the door. There was never a point in time after the conquest when the royal family held so many children. King Jahaerys and Queen Alysanne had more than 10 children, yet most had died before they reached the age of 10 or passed before them. With Princess Rhaenyra’s ceremony to appoint her as the next in line to the throne, came 3 marriages and a total of 17 children. The kingdom was thriving, the people were happy, and the Targaryen were stronger than they had ever been since becoming the ruling family.

It was just that the greed of one man threatened to destroy it.

Otto Hightower stood in the company of his brother Lord Hobert Hightower and Lord Tyland Lannister. His eyes followed the young Winterfell lord as he exited and subsequently, his granddaughter that followed. He narrowed his eyes as four more children of the royal family followed. Taking a deep breath, he pushed the anger threatening to rise as he noticed his grandson in the mix. No doubt he sneaks away to accompany that bastard. Two years had passed and yet Otto toiled every day in regret that the men he tasked Mellos to find with the intent to kill Orwinda failed, and in turn maimed Aemond. Helaena to this day wears the scar behind her hair she often hides her hair. He had instructed Mellos to kill the girl and yet, she was still alive. To Otto, murdering a child to get what he wanted was nothing heavy on his conscience. Sure, his grandchildren were injured in the process, but he was more incensed that Orwinda still lived, was legalized, promoted to a lady-in-waiting, and trained among the royal children in dragon riding.

The damn girl even learned High Valyrian. No matter, once Helaena is queen, I will have the stark bastard removed from her service and sent back to the North.

Otto did not care that Orwinda was born in Kingslanding and grew up there, joining the palace as a servant when she was ten. To him, she was a chest piece for Rhaenyra he intended to remove from the board before he destroyed it. He lowered his wine glass and spoke to Tyland, “My granddaughter is a few months from 18th name day. As agreed, I will convince the King to wed her, and in exchange, you provide your army.”

Hobert sneered as he took another sip from his glass, “And just how will you achieve that? It has been 18 years since your daughter birthed a legitimate son for the king, yet that heathen whore remains his heir. You were to convince the king to name Aegon heir before she married.”

Otto snapped as he whispered, “Do you think I have not tried? The king before his brother returned listened to every word I spoke and followed every advice given. He will not budge on the matter of succession because of his dead wife and his promise to the Vale. I tried to stop the marriage.”

“And yet the princess has wed, however blasphemous it may be, and brought forth her heir along with spares. She has subsequently pushed all of your grandchildren down the line of succession. Aegon is the king’s first-born legitimate son and yet, he is 8th in line to become King.”, Hobert berated Otto.

Tyland interrupted as he smirked, “What does it matter? We only need to garner support to back the prince’s claim, and once the king has passed, we will place him on the throne. You wed the Princess Helaena to my son, and my army is yours.”

Do you think I do not know that you arrogant fool? The only reason I am offering Helaena’s hand is because of your riches and fleet. I would have preferred to have Aegon wed her to bring forth true-born Targaryen to secure his position once he becomes king.

Otto tried to curb his reluctance to accept favors from the Lord of Casterly Rock, but he was out of options. If he were to combat the Velaryon fleet, the Lannister lord was needed because even though the Redwyne fleet was sworn to his cause for Aegon to be king, it wasn’t enough.

Tyland sighed, “The king would not disagree. My ladywife has passed for more than two years now and I already have a son in need of a wife. He would not pass up the opportunity to bring the richest family that governs the mines into his favor.”, he licked his lips lecherously as he eyed the Princess held by Ser Laenor, “It is a shame. If only Princess Alyssa was a bit older, I would wed her myself.”

“Sate your desires for now Lord Lannister. Perhaps once my nephew is King, he will oblige with your wish. For now, we must work on placing the crown on his head. What is to be done about this Otto?”, Hobert hissed.

Rolling his eyes in annoyance, Otto faced both men, “The poison we began using lost its potency once the King claimed a new dragon. He has only just created a stronger batch. The king will be taken care of.”

~Council Room~

Viserys accepted the cup of tea from his servant and returned his attention to the meeting. They were on the last matter to be discussed before he visited the Alchemy room for his medicine. The sickness that tried to claim his life, but thankfully only cost him two fingers was threatening to return. He had managed to cleanse his body of it once he claimed Vermithor but lately felt as though it was trying to strengthen. Otto glanced at the cup in Viserys hand, “The princess Helaena is off age to be wed, your grace. You insisted on waiting when a list of suitors was proposed on her 15th nameday at the behest of the Queen.”

Viserys blinked at him in surprise, “Yes and this council agreed that she would begin accepting suitors after her 18th nameday. It is still a few months away.”

Lord Corlys who held the position on the council as Master of Ships exchanged fleeting glances with Rhaenyra. Though Princess Helaena was like a granddaughter to him, the matter of her marriage was not something he had the position to offer opinions on.

Rhaenyra leaned forward, “My sister is young and has never expressed her wish to marry.”

“The princess’s choice does not matter. It is the duty of her father to choose her husband and the council to agree the match benefits the crown.”

Rhaenyra shook her head as she slowly stood from her seat, “My sister’s marriage will not be used as a bargaining chip for the crown. I am the heir to the throne. I have done my duty and provided five sons for the crown. I have secured alliances and aided in fixing many of the issues that trouble our people.”

Otto tried to hide his sneer at Rhaenyra reminding him of her position. Grandmaester Mellos harrumphed in his chair, “With all due respect Princess, you are not Princess Helaena’s mother.”

Slamming her hands on the table, “Neither are you maester.”

Mellos grew red in the face as Otto interrupted Rhaenyra, “My granddaughter knows her duty as a woman and a princess is to marry.”

Rhaenyra narrowed her eyes at Otto, “Princess Helaena is in a position where she has the choice to choose whom she wishes to wed as her marriage will bring no benefits the crown does not already have.”

Viserys spoke before the argument could progress, “Princess Rhaenyra is correct. I will speak with Helaena on the matters of her marriage. Only with her agreement and the permission of the Queen will the council proceed in gathering suitors to court my daughter.”

Rhaenyra smirked as she took her seat, delighted as Otto failed to conceal his anger. Subtly Lord Corlys nodded at her and twirled his stone ball in front of him. Silently both he and Rhaenyra had realized what Otto’s intentions were and quickly stopped it before he could manipulate Viserys into unknowingly agreeing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cregan Stark- Aged 19

Chapter Text

~Street of Silk~

A tall figure covered in a dark cloak looked around before entering the doors of Flea Bottom's most popular pleasure house, Silky Heat. The pleasure house was known for having the most skilled workers when it came to matters of sex, but also for its secrecy. Known for only accepting important clients, this particular pleasure house was known throughout Westeros where many young lords were taught to please their wives and lovers in bed. The figure pulled the hood over his head further to hide his face and handed the coin pouch with a gold tablet to the woman at the entrance. She looked at the tablet their top clients were given and smiled at him. She placed the pouch in her apron and guided him to a room at the back of the building. It was covered in flower wreaths and held a cart with the most expensive wine and several delicacies. The bed was covered in the richest cloth material along with the other furniture.

She bowed and seductively rubbed the man’s shoulder, “If you require some company, my lord.......”  

The man shook his head and politely removed her hand, “No thank you beautiful.”

She pouted and bowed before exiting. Disappointed again because the man never asked for a companion from the staff. He only ever asked for the same and waited until his companion arrived before asking to not be disturbed until they left. Every 7 days for two years, he would always follow the same routine.

Her coworker chuckled as she noticed the woman’s face, “Rejected again Mara? I warned you.”

Mara frowned, “A shame. There are few lords of this kingdom as gentlemanly as this one. Only loyal to the woman he waits for.”

They both watched as a shorter figure came through the door, gold dress peaking from beneath the cloak she wore, paid her coins, and entered the room of the lord they were gossiping about.

The woman entered the room and quietly shut the door behind her. She moved to step further into the room when the man stepped up behind her with a knife to her throat. She froze as he wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her snugly against his body. She felt him lean down to whisper in her ear, “Miss me?”

The man stood a head taller than her so she rubbed her butt on his groin, chuckling as he groaned and loosened his hold. She grabbed the knife from him and pulled him over her shoulder to then straddle his body now laid out flat on the floor, “Should I have?”

She watched his silver hair spill from the hood as he laughed, purple eyes twinkling as he flipped them and held her hands in his fist above her head, “There would be a problem if you didn’t my love.”

Her dark eyes narrowed at him, “Is that why you greeted me with a knife to my throat?”

Aegon laughed as he looked at the knife in question, “Hardly any damage since it was made to cut butter.”

He released the woman’s hands as she reached for the knife and flicked it behind her, lodging it in the wooden panel of the window. She cocked a brow at him, “Seems pretty damaging to me.”

“Your people are skilled with the dagger. Why would I doubt a princess of Dorne's ability to use even a piece of wire to cause harm? I fear for my life many times.”, Aegon smirked as he looked down at her.

Sharp laughter escaped Nymeria’s as she responded, “You do not need to worry. I love you enough to never use those skills on you.”

They stared at each other before she rose to meet his kiss. Her hands untied the knot holding his cloak closed and he pulled her hood down and allowed her black curly hair to spill. They paused to throw the hoods in a corner before coming back together in a rough kiss. Aegon shuffled and grabbed Nymeria by her thighs as he spun to braise her against the door. Nymeria closed her eyes as Aegon’s kisses trailed down her jaw and soft nibbles caressed her neck. Her hands pulled the strings of his shirt to unravel as one of his hands held her up and the other pulled her shirt open. Aegon moved them from the door and dropped her onto the bed as he undid his pants and smirked down at Nymeria’s panting figure. Her fingers had just finished undoing the button on her skirt when he dipped back down. Her fingers dug into his curly hair as they resumed kissing passionately. Aegon shuffled and kicked his pants off before climbing above his lover's body. Her hands ran down his chest as he pulled her skirt off and tossed it next to his pants.

Nymeria lightly bit his lip as she rolled them, twisting so she sat on his lap. Aegon moaned as she grinded down on his erection. He felt the heat from her cunt and her wetness rubbing against his cock. Grabbing her by the waist, he pressed her down harder, groaning again as she bit him on the shoulder. He leaned back on the headboard, allowing her to kiss down his chest and grab his cock in her warm palm. When her mouth closed over it, he threw his head back and closed his eyes as pleasure overcame him. Nothing but groans and gasps of pleasure escaped his mouth.

He looked down at Nymeria who had his cock in her mouth and caressed her cheeks softly, “You’re so beautiful.”

Nymeria lightly laughed, “You’re only saying that because I have your cock in my mouth. No one pleases you like I do.”

Aegon rolled his eyes, “I have only bedded you, so who else would I have?”

Nymeria placed her hand in his outstretched one and admired the contrast of his pale skin to her dark olive own, “You have only ever fucked me, and it will remain that way.”

Aegon smiled indulgently, “Without question.”

Nymeria squealed as he used their intertwined fingers and pulled her back up to straddle his chest. He ran his pale hand between her dark curls and held her by the back of the head him as he devoured her lips. Sticking his tongue into her mouth, he groaned as she moaned into his mouth and pulled him down as she fell back. Aegon ran kisses down her neck and lavished her breasts with them equally, nibbling on her mounds and sucking on her nipples. His tongue trailed down her chest, dipping into her navel and lightly sucking on the skin of her stomach. Grabbing her legs and spreading them, Aegon blew a cool breath on her center and burrowed his tongue deep in her hole. Nymeria gasped as her back arched in pleasure, hands scrambling to grab Aegon’s hair as he sucked on her lips and his fingers lightly caressed her clit. Loud moans left her mouth as he entered two fingers into her and continued to suck on her clit. When he curled them and rubbed her clit at the same time, Nymeria screamed as her orgasm washed over her.

She panted as Aegon pulled his fingers out of her, “Perhaps I should have never taught you that.”

Aegon rose and deeply kissed her, allowing her to taste herself, “Are you regretting teaching me how to please a woman?”

Before she could answer, he flipped her over, spread her legs, and entered her in one thrust. His eyes closed in pleasure as her tight heat clenched on his cock. Nymeria’s waist-length curly hair was spread out on the bed. He began thrusting into her, loud moans of pleasure echoing in the room. Gripping the covers of the bed and biting a pillow, she tried to quiet her moans. Reaching down, Aegon grabbed her arms to arch her up against his chest and nibbled on her ear. Wrapping his hand around her neck, he leaned over and kissed her neck, “You often forget I do not read just historical books for my studies.”

Nymeria smiled as she licked her lips, “I do not.”, whimpering as he increased the pace of his thrusts, “After all, your love for knowledge is what drew you to me.”

Aegon laughed and bent her neck to kiss her as they continued to make love.

**************************************************************************************************************

In the building next door, Rhaenyra and Daemon entered a room belonging to an old accomplice. Mysaria also known as the White Worm was a dancer from Lys who became Daemon’s lover in their past life. When Rhaenyra birthed Lucerys, whispers began following her about the nature of his black hair. While most understood that Lucerys black hair most likely came from his grandmother Princess Rhaenys who held the same hair color, rumor still circulated labeling her son a bastard. And when Lucerys first opened his eyes and it was revealed to be Velaryon blue, Rhaenyra had expected the rumors to abate. When they continued, Rhaenyra realized someone was purposely discrediting her. She then turned to Mysaria and made a deal. Rhaenyra would offer Mysaria gold in exchange for information. It took time, but eventually, Rhaenyra regained Mysaria’s trust and approved her request to open a pleasure house. Through that business, Mysaria gathered information from clients and brought it back to Rhaenyra. After all, who spoke more truth than a man high on pleasure and wine in the presence of a beautiful woman to stroke his importance? It was only after Baelon’s birth that was it revealed that Harwin’s brother, Larys was responsible for the rumors. Swiftly, Rhaenyra colluded with Alicent to have him executed after framing him for sexual extortion of the Queen Consort. Mysaria was then made her unofficial Mistress of Whispers and habitually fed her information.

Rhaenyra removed her hood and sat down, “I received your letter. You said it was urgent?”

Mysaria locked the door behind them and ensured they were secured before turning back to Rhaenyra, “Yes Princess. A member of the Citadel has purchased a vial of Everrot from Volantis. A maester here, in Kingslanding.”

Daemon brows furrowed, “Everrot? Is that not poison?”

Mysaria nodded and placed a slip of paper in front of them, “I am not supposed to have this, but it is a sale of agreement from the merchant who spent the night in SilkyHeat. Look at who has stamped it.”

Daemon flipped the paper and swore as he handed it to his wife. At the back of the paper was a stamp of a Grandmaester, signed by the only one in the keep, Mellos.

Rhaenyra stood, “That was not approved to enter the palace so he must need it for personal use.”

Daemon chuckled, “That old cunt must be foolish. What does he intend to do with poison?”

Rhaenyra spun back to Mysaria, “What are the symptoms of this poison?”

Mysaria folded her hands, “It is used to kill the body from within. On the skin, it causes sores that eventually fester. But once ingested, it rots the body from within. Over extended use, you grow senile and weak to the point of losing limbs.”

She shrugged, “Usually on the skin, one only needs to burn the area poisoned with an open flame, but if ingested there is no cure because one cannot drink fire.”

Rhaenyra looked at Daemon in shock, “Yes they can.”, she held the paper up, “THIS is why father grew sick 3 years ago, why he lost two fingers. They were poisoning him.”

Daemon nodded, “But once he claimed Vermithor, the bond burnt the poison out of his blood.”

Rhaenyra remembered in her past life Viserys had gotten sick a few years after Aegon was born. At first, it was just a cut, but then he lost a finger and then two until he eventually lost the entire hand. The sickness only spread until her father could no longer stand without help, could hardly see, and remained bedridden after.

“Mellos is the Grandmaester of the royal family. If he is poisoning my brother, what would he gain from that?”, Daemon asked out loud.

“If my father can no longer govern the kingdom, that responsibility falls on the hand of the king Daemon.”

Daemon cursed and slammed his fist on the arm of the chair he sat in, “This means that Mellos is working with that fucking snake.”

“Forgive my interruption, but it is not only the Grandmaester. Ser Otto has been meeting with the lord of Casterly Rock and Lord Hightower as well. If Ser Hightower is given the position to sit the throne, then they will stop at nothing to ensure the king’s firstborn son is crowned.”, Mysaria said.

Daemon looked at Rhaenyra, “I told you to let me kill him.”

Rhaenyra shook her head, “We cannot know who his supporters are if we kill him now. They need to act and reveal themselves.”, she tucked the paper into her sleeve, “Find the merchant Daemon and bring him to the council room. We will start with getting rid of Mellos first.”

Before they left, Rhaenyra stopped at the door and smiled, “Thank you Lady Misery.”

Mysaria giggled and covered his smile, “It is my duty, your highness.”

**************************************************************************************************************

Nymeria leaned on a large chair as she stroked her fingers through Aegon who lay on her lap’s hair. Their clothes were still tossed on the floor, pillows scattered, wine canter empty, and both sated from rounds of lovemaking. Aegon’s eyes were closed as Nymeria’s strokes lulled him to sleep.

Nymeria absentmindedly massaged his scalp as she stared out the window, startled as her lover spoke, “How long will you deny my proposal Nymeria?”

She smiled sadly, “You are the king’s firstborn son Aegon. I am the crown princess of Dorne. It would be a doomed marriage simply because of the political aspect.”

Aegon sat up and turned to face her, “What does it matter if you are the crown princess? I am not the heir to seven kingdoms. My marriage holds no political value.”

Nymeria stroked his cheek with the back of her hand, smiling as he held it there, “There is no guarantee the king will not change his decision and name you his heir. It is Westerosi tradition that the king’s firstborn son succeeds him. I am set to take the Dornish throne. We cannot both be the heirs to our kingdoms and wed.”

Aegon grabbed her hands and held them in his own, “We can if I wed into your kingdom.”

Nymeria’s eyes widened in shock, “What?”

Aegon nodded and brought her hands to his lips, “My father has had 15 years to change his mind. But he has never wavered in his choice of heir. Even if he changed his mind and named me his heir, I would decline. I wish to marry you. The only woman I have ever loved. I would wed you as your consort, it does not matter to me.”

Nymeria swallowed, “Your father would never allow it.”

Aegon shrugged, “Perhaps not”, his purple eyes mischievously looked at her, “But my sister would.”

He swiped his fingers through his hair, brushing the curls from his eyes, “Sure Dorne is currently an independent nation and not a part of the seven kingdoms, but if we were to offer them something in return, then I am sure my sister would agree.”

Nymeria appeared in thought, “Not servitude, but perhaps if my kingdom enters an alliance with the seven kingdoms to support your sister’s claim.”

Aegon kissed her knuckles, “I do not care what our parents discuss as long as you become mine.”

Nymeria smirked at him, “If we are being technical, you would belong to me since you are becoming my consort.”

Aegon chuckled and cupped her cheek, “So you accept?”

“Yes.”, she smiled and stretched to kiss him.

************************************************************************************************************

~Throne Room~

Viserys kept anxiously glancing at the empty spot where his daughter and brother usually stood for court and cast a worried glance at his cousin Rhaenys. Rhaenyra, as his heir never skipped a day of court; even more worrying when Daemon was also missing.

The door to the throne room banged open as Rhaenyra stepped through followed by Daemon and a man bound by rope and gagged with a dirty cloth. Grandmaester Mellos’s eyes grew wide as he recognized the man being dragged in by Daemon. He shot an alarmed glance at Otto who was too busy staring at Rhaenyra.

She motioned for Daemon to deposit the man at the foot of the throne and bowed to Viserys, “Father.”

Viserys watched as Daemon moved and stood behind him before turning to his daughter, “Rhaenyra. What is the meaning of this?”

“Father, I have recently uncovered a plot to harm the King and commit treason. Someone close to you has been poisoning you.”

Blinking at the crowd that burst into whispers, Viserys silenced them before turning back to Rhaenyra, “Poison?”

Rhaenyra nodded, “When you fell sick three years ago and subsequently lost your fingers, it was not from a disease. Poison was commissioned from Volantis and used on you.”

Viserys looked down and at the trembling man at his feet, “And this is?”

“The merchant. He has recently sold the person who poisoned you another vial of the poison. Everrot.”

“And you have proof of this?”, Viserys questioned.

Rhaenyra nodded and handed the receipt over, “The traitor is here.”

Rhaenyra subtly nodded to Daemon as Viserys’s features grew angry and his face reddened. Viserys spun around just in time for Mellos to attempt an escape. Daemon quickly drew his sword and cut him on the leg, watching as he screamed in pain when he fell. Rhaenyra stepped back and moved to stand next to Princess Rhaenys. Mellos tried to plea and beg for his life, but with clear evidence of his signature, as well as a testimony from the merchant, it was clear to all that Mellos was poisoning Viserys. Rhaenys made sure to stare down Otto as Viserys declared Mellos guilty and ordered Daemon to execute him.

Otto could only clench his fist in anger until his palms bled from his nails puncturing his skin.

Rhaenyra smirked as he glared at her. Smiling gleefully as Daemon unsheathed Darksister and decapitated Mellos.

Chapter Text

~The Keep~

Helaena sneakily looked around the corridor as she pushed her door shut and informed her guard she was settling for the night. Once her servants had left, Helaena breathed a sigh of relief and turned to open the small door hidden behind a large curtain next to her bed. Many of her servants knew a door was hidden behind, but they were unaware that it opened to a secret passage. Helaena pushed her jewelry chest away from it, pulled the curtain, and unlocked the door allowing Cregan to step through. She smiled as he held her hand and softly kissed the top, “Princess.”

Cregan felt his chest grow warm as Helaena held eye contact with him, her bright purple eyes twinkling with mirth. She sat on her bed and pushed him down to sit on the short table she often used daily to rest her feet when her servants helped her into her shoes. Helaena's pale hands warmly stroked Cregan’s dirt-brown hair as he closed his eyes and rested his head on her knees. He groaned softly as her fingers massaged the spot behind his ears, “Only you will I allow to do this Helaena.”

She laughed again as she eyed her pale fingers weaving through his dark hair, “Something I am happy about.”, but then smiled sadly, “I do not wish to see you leave so soon.”

Cregan turned his head and mock glared at her before chuckling and resting his cheek on her knee, “I wish we had more time.”

“I could visit?”

Cregan shook his head, “The north is too far. It would take you months to arrive.”

Helaena lightly tugged on the hair hanging over his eyes, “You forget I have a dragon. On Dreamfyre, I would be upon the north in 3 weeks.”

Cregan could not explain the way Helaena made him feel. Whenever he was in her presence, it felt like the breeze had stopped blowing or the wind stopped howling.

He remembered the first time he saw her.

It was her sister Princess Rhaenyra’s tenth year of marriage, and the king had held a tourney to celebrate. Helaena was covered in Targaryen red and black as she stood in the royal box with the rest of the royal children next to her brother Prince Aegon. Like so many others, Cregan too heard of the closeness of the king’s children and thought soon a betrothal would be announced between Aegon and Helaena. Despite being 13, Cregan had already been knighted and fought in two battles in the north. It was during a mock battle he fought against Jacaerys since they were both squired to their uncles who participated. The two instantly became friends and eventually, Jacaerys would introduce him to all of his siblings. From then Cregan and Jacaerys would often exchange letters, and he would subtly bring up Helaena until outright asking.

By the time Cregan had turned 16, he and Jacaerys became sworn brothers by blood oath in front of the weirwood tree in Winterfell. During Jacaerys 15th nameday celebrations, Cregan had gotten lost in the palace and accidentally stumbled into the nursery where Helaena was finishing up helping her sister Princess Alyssa sleep. He remembered the way he got sucked into her soft purple eyes, the way her silver hair was brushed into light curls that shaped her soft face. With a lot of awkward stuttering and fumbling, eventually, they found their footing. Cregan and Helaena would then become friends who often wrote to each other where he would confess his affections for her, and she would return them despite them never doing so in person.

 *Flashback to Anniversary Banquet*

Cregan hugged Helaena tightly from the back to stop her from escaping, “Do not run from me again my lady.”

Helaena's body trembled as his warm body covered her back, “Please Cregan. We cannot be seen like this.”

He shook his head, “You deny your feelings for me and thus you deny us. You need only to say yes to my proposal, and I will.”

Helaena softly shook her head in refusal despite her body softening in his embrace, “We cannot. The council will never allow it. They wish for me to marry Aegon.”

Cregan turned her around to face in, “But do you wish to marry each other?”

Helaena looked at him sadly, “It does not matter what we want.”

“Aye princess. It does. I have known Princess Rhaenyra as young as a boy. She would not force this on you and neither would Prince Aegon.”

“They would never, but as King my fath-”

Helaena's words were muffled as Cregan covered her lips with his in a soft kiss, “Tell me your desire.”

When she shook her head, Cregan kissed her again before she could speak, “Say it.”

Helaena quickly became distracted and forgot to even answer as she continued to kiss young Lord Cregan behind the pavilion in the gardens. When his hand wrapped around her waist to pull her closer, her back arched as she pressed herself into him, lost in the kiss. Cregan smacked kisses all over her face until she agreed.

“Say”

“your”

“desires”

“You. I wish to marry you.”, she sighed softly.

Cregan smiled softly as he pulled her into a hug and rested his chin on her head, “It will be done, my love.”

*Flashback Over*

“It would be inappropriate for a princess to do this for a man who is not her husband.”, Cregan said. Before Helaena could get sad, he reached up and held her cheek, “Which is why I have personally requested from the King to court you.”

Helaena's features lit up with joy as she softly squealed. Cregan quickly reached up to cover her mouth with his hand as they fell back on her bed with his body covering hers. Helaena looked at him surprised as he chuckled and lightly kissed her cheek, “I must return to the north in two days to hand the betrothal letter for my father to stamp his seal of approval, and then I will return to kinglanding to court you.”

Helaena gently rolled them until she lay next to him and hung halfway over his body, her hair blocking the moonlight from his eyes. All it did was paint her more beautiful than she already was. Cregan rose just as she leaned down to place her lips on his.

“Of course, our parents will have to work out the political benefits they can take from each other, but there would be no reason for them to deny.”, Helaena laughed as Cregan huffed.

“My father is well aware of my feelings for you Helaena. He has seen every letter we exchanged and tried to bribe me so that I would allow him to see the contents. My mother only wishes for me to be happy.”

Helaena gazed into his eyes, “As does my family. Will you make me happy Lord Cregan?”

Cregan kissed her on the forehead and pulled her down to lay her head on his chest, “Like my life depends on it.”

~Viserys Chambers~

Viserys held his daughter’s hand in his and he questioned one last time, “And you are certain that you wish to marry him, my girl? The north is far. As your father, I do not wish to have you away from me, but your mother and I only wish for you to be happy and free to choose who you want.”

Helaena placating smiled at her father, “I know father.”, Helaena understood that Viserys loved her and did not wish to see her leave all the way to the north. He had hoped she would grow affection for Aegon, but the two could not hate the idea anymore. Helaena loved to be outside and explore for more animals to keep, but Aegon preferred to read and spend his time wherever he could find a book. She loved her brother, but only as one.

Viserys sighed and kissed her on the cheek, “Alright. Go. I know you have lessons to attend.”

Helaena smiled softly at him and left with her servants following. Viserys’s attention drifted over to his daughter’s lady-in-waiting, sighing in defeat. He turned and entered his room, gesturing for them to sit as he took his seat at the head of the table. The meeting was held in his room with his brother, daughter, son-in-law, and his cousin Rhaenys and her daughter Laena. It looked like he was only catching the tail end of it.

“There is a matter we must discuss.”, Alicent said. Once she had their attention, “Aegon has expressed his wish to wed.”

Rhaenyra’s brows raised in surprise as she looked at Alicent, “I mean, it is not like this is news. It has been weeks since Aegon has asked for permission to marry the woman he fell in love with almost 2 years ago.”

Laenor shook his head, “Yes but he has never revealed her identity.”

Viserys nodded in agreement, “He has only ever told us that she was eligible for marriage.”

Daemon said, “Then the only thing to worry about is if the girl is highborn and fitting for his status.”

Alicent leaned back in her chair, “The ‘girl’ he wishes to marry is the Crown Princess of Dorne.”

Rhaenys who had just taken a sip of her wine, started choking as Alicent’s words registered, “What?”

Simultaneously around the table, all manners of surprise were exclaimed.

“I beg your pardon”

“Excuse me?”

“You must be joking.”

“My nephew is bold and has taste.”, They all turned to stare at Daemon as he loudly laughed, “The princess of Dorne eh.”

Rhaenyra took a sip of her tea, “Dorne is not a part of the seven kingdoms. They are an independent nation that does not follow Westerosi tradition. Princess Nymeria is the only child of King Qoren Martell.”

Laenor nodded, “If Aegon were to marry her, it would be as her consort. She would take him as her husband, not the other way around.”

 Laena tapped the table, “Hang on. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Aegon has expressed his wish to wed her, but does the Princess or Dorne agree? Has Aegon ever interacted with Princess Nymeria even? This is not a discussion to have through letters and ravens.”

Alicent clasped her hands and nodded, “Then perhaps we send an envoy to Dorne. We ask them to enter discussions with us on the marriage if there were to be one, and then we plan from there.”

Daemon shook his head as he looked at Viserys, “I think you are all forgetting that it has been almost 4 years since the council requested Aegon to marry and he has refused at every turn. It is no secret that the main reason is because he does not wish to challenge Rhaenyra’s claim as your firstborn son.”

Viserys denied, ‘I am aware that there are some who wish to see Aegon succeed me, but I have remained steadfast in my wish to keep Rhaenyra as my heir. They must see that.”

Alicent looked at her husband, “Our son is wise. I do not think there is any part of him that wished to wed her only because it would remove him from the successor line. The way he speaks of her, it is as if they have known each other for years. I do not think this is an impulsive decision. Aegon may have affections for her, but we must agree that her position has a role to play as well.”

Rhaenyra rolled the rings on her finger, “There is also the issue of the benefits to the crown that marriage might bring. Will it add Dorne to the seven kingdoms?”

Viserys sighed, “For now we will send an envoy to Dorne.”

“And what of the dragons?”, Laenor asked.

“The dragons?”, Viserys replied.

Rhaenys stood from her chair, “It was Princess Rhaena who began the tradition of placing dragon eggs in the cradle when our grandsire was born. Grandsire then continued the tradition but only with princes. He feared that should any of the princesses bond a dragon, once they were wed, the dragons would belong to other houses.”

Rhaenyra nodded, “Grandsire Baelon continued the tradition when he placed Syrax’s egg in my cradle and we continued for all of the children. If Aegon were to marry out of the family, Sunfyre would belong to Dorne. And if he were to have children, do we give them eggs as well? And our daughters? If they marry out of our family, what then? Before long, every house would have a dragon.”

“I did not think of that. Lord Cregan has requested to court Helaena for a year, but she has made it clear that they mutually wish to marry. He has agreed to pay whatever price we ask for her dowry.”, Viserys informed.

“So now we have an issue where two of the royal children may marry out of the family along with their dragons.”, Laenor said.

“Daeron and Baelon are also arranged to leave for their stewardship in the Vale after their 12th nameday in a few moons; Daeron in Runestone, Baelon in the Eyrie, Aegon in Claw Isle under Lord Celtigar; WITH their dragons. This is no different from when we allowed Orwinda to legally claim Silverwing. Perhaps it is time to revise that law and add a few more rules to it.”, Rhaenyra said.

“The boys are inseparable. With Daeron in Runestone under House Royce and Baelon in the Eyrie with House Arryn, will they agree to be split up?”, Laena asked.

“The distance between those two houses on dragonback is one day. It is only for five years, they will be fine.”, Daemon amended.

“If we are seeking an envoy for such an important matter, I recommend sending Jacaerys.”, Alicent said.

Rhaenyra nodded in agreement, “I agree with Alicent. If this were one of the other children’s marriages, I would ask that we send Aegon, but since it is his........”

Viserys stood, “Then it is decided. We send Jacaerys and perhaps this will give him the chance to prove himself a worthy heir to the throne. I will let Jacaerys handle peace talks with Dorne and once he has received their agreement to come here, we will include Aegon.”

**************************************************************************************************************

~Flea Bottom~

Meanwhile, in a seedy bar tucked away behind a brothel on the edge of flea bottom, a group of men sat at a round table, faces hidden behind cloaks.

“I have the gold from OldTown and a few scrapped off the top of the crown’s coffers. None would suspect the hand of the king.”, It was no secret that Otto Hightower was the leader of this ragged bunch.

Tyland Lannister’s face, however, was easily recognizable, I have already sent my men and a dozen ships to transport the merchandise.”

The man whose face remained hidden shook the pouch and inspected the inside, “As agreed. Two thousand sell swords will be delivered by the end of the season.”

Otto smiled in triumph as the man handed over the slave contracts. He carelessly looked them over before handing them to Tyland and looking back at the man.

Tyland looked at him from the corner of his eye, “This would have been much easier had you managed to bring the High Septon to our side.”

Otto shook his head, “I do not know what the princess offered him, but he followed the same course as his master when he signed off his approval on the doctrine years ago.”

Tyland took a sip from his wine cup, “Fortunately, the High Septon of Oldtown understands what is necessary for the realm.”

The stranger got up and fixed his hood, “I cannot tell whether it is bravery or stupidity that pushes you to wage war against a family with dragons, but that is not my business. I’ve been paid and our deal is done.”, he lightly bowed, “Pleasure doing business with you.”

Tyland eyed the man suspiciously as he left, “We should kill him. He knows too much.”

Otto shook his head, “No. He belongs to Hobert’s merchants and can be trusted. The Hightower’s vouch for him.”

~~

Yet, Otto was destined to be disappointed again as the man entered a small hut, snuck down into the tunnels, and exited through a trap door into Mysaria’s office, “Lady Misery.”

Mysaria collected the pouch from him, smiling as she read the contents. She folded it in plastic and tucked it into a jar of honey. Turning back to her lover, she pushed the hood from her face and kissed her on the cheek, “Thank you, my love. They did not suspect you?”

Janari was a woman indebted to the Velaryons and had come from a wealthy merchant family. Her father had gambled away more than they had and had offered her up as payment when he could not repay his debt. She had been saved by Lord Corlys during a small battle against a triarchy ship that transported slaves for Lys. Since slavery was outlawed in Westeros for 10 years now, they were freed and given housing all across Westeros. Because of her large stature and skill with the sword, she was often mistaken for a man. In some cases, it worked well in her favor as she was given to Rhaenyra who then let her choose to guard Mysaria.

Some of those cases like now, “He believes I am a sell sword captain from Braavos under the command of his brother Lord Hobert.”

Mysaria nodded and pushed the basket filled with honey sub-items, “Have them deliver this to Princess Rhaenyra or Queen Consort Alicent.”

Mysaria covered the basket with a cloth; insignia inscribed on the bottom corner, “The White Worm”

Chapter Text

~Small Council Room~

The only sound Daemon could hear in a meeting he deemed pointless was the sound of his fingers tapping on the table. Attending only because he had a request to raise with the council. Leaning forward, he interrupted his brother who was about to speak, “I have a suggestion for the council. It's a request really. I would like to recommend a new cupbearer.”

Viserys looked at him in surprise, “A cupbearer?”

Rhaenyra nodded in agreement as if this was not her suggestion, “There has not been another since I was given a seat on this council. Who would you have in mind husband?”

Smirking, Daemon leaned back in his chair, “Our son Prince Jacaerys”

He looked over as Lord Lyonel spoke, “The prince is old enough your grace. And as his mother’s heir, it would be beneficial for him to gain an insight for when his time as king comes.”

“I object to this recommendation your grace!”

Daemon could almost laugh at the way Otto always followed the path Rhaenyra led him on. The man is so predictable. Looking over at the hand of the king, “And why would you object lord hand?”

Otto looked to the rest of the council members as if to garner support, “Prince Jacaerys has already been promised a seat on the council once he has been wed. There is no reason for him to hold this position as well. There are other princes available.”

Viserys brows furrowed as narrowed his eyes at Otto, “What lord Lyonel says holds merit, but which prince would you recommend if not Jacaerys?”

“Your son Prince Aegon”

As if knowing who Otto would name, Viserys interrupted him, “My eldest son is old enough to be married. You have served as the hand of two kings, how could you forget a cupbearer must not be older than 16 years of age?”

Rhaenyra made eye contact with Daemon as Otto spoke again, “Then have Prince Aemond serve as the cupbearer, your grace. You have 3 legitimate sons who hold no power in court, it is unheard of.”

Rhaenyra lightly tapped her father’s hand and nodded her head slightly when he looked at her from the corner of his eye, “Very well. I will have Aemond made cupbearer.”

He looked over at Ser Westerling, “Ser Harrold. Have someone send for my son Prince Aemond. He should be with Princess Rhaenys for his riding leathers fitting.”

Silently breathing a sigh of relief as he finally succeeded, Otto smugly looked at Rhaenyra and Daemon. It was as if he meant to taunt them for failing to keep his grandchildren from power. You thought you could keep the king’s sons from having any power in courts? I will not allow it. I will make Aemond the most fit for Aegon’s second once he is King.

 But how could a man as smart as Otto not know he had walked into a trap and that another boulder would be placed in his path? Before he could think to plan what to do next, Viserys announcement crumpled over 20 years of planning.

Viserys stood and placed his hands behind his back to address the members, “The lord of Winterfell has requested for his son Cregan Stark to court my daughter Princess Helaena for marriage. I spoke with her to hear her thoughts, and I am happy to inform you that it is mutual. The young Lord returns to Winterfell tomorrow to begin preparations and will return in half a year.”

Otto wanted to disagree, but what would he give as a reason? Helaena was the daughter of the king before she was his granddaughter. Her marriage was decided by her father and her mother. Damn you Alicent. Yet Otto was left even more speechless at Viserys next announcement.

“And my son Prince Aegon has chosen a young lady as his bride; a dornish princess.”

Otto speechlessly stared at Viserys as Lord Lyonel stood, “Dorne your grace!?”

Lord Lyman who had remained quiet during the entire meeting questioned, “Dorne has only one princess your grace; Crown Princess Nymeria Martell.”

Lord Corlys decided to act out his part, “Dorne has remained an independent nation since the time of the conquerors. Prince Aegon wishes to marry their princess?”

Viserys none the wiser nodded, “She has requested to wed my eldest son as her consort. Though this was done with the approval of King Qoren, my grandson Prince Jacaerys has been sent as an envoy along with Prince Consort Laenor to settle the agreements and return with approval for peace talks.”

Otto felt as though the sound in the room was slowly becoming less. He felt like his vision was wavering and he could not catch his breath. A consort? To dorne? His body felt as though it were becoming heated and his mind unclear. Before he could garner a thought, his anger took hold of him, and he shot up from his chair.

Paying no mind to the cup of wine he overturned or the chair he sat on that now lay on his side, Otto angrily pointed his finger at Rhaenyra, “This is your doing you whore of a cunt.”

Silence immediately followed as Ser Erryk moved from behind Rhaenyra and rushed to grab Daemon. Yet, Otto’s eyes never strayed from the heir to the throne who to him, sat there looking at him with taunting eyes, “You have finally done it. Convinced the king to get rid of the true heir to the throne.”

He stepped around his fallen chair, “Do you think you have won? You are nothing more than a placeholder for the true heir! You think because you have a seat at this table and the king allows you to have a bit of power, that you are above us? YOU ARE A WOMAN! Your sole duty as a princess was to wed and add more children to your husband’s line!”

Viserys was aghast, “Otto! What has gotten into you?”

Rhaenyra smirked as she stood from her chair, “It bothers you does it not? That you have schemed and plotted to have your daughter become queen so that she could give my father the son he has always wanted. You act as though you do it for the better of the realm, but really it is your greed that you seek to sate. To have your blood on the throne.”

“IT IS FOR THE REALM! Aegon is the legitimate firstborn son of the king. It is his birthright to be his father’s heir. The king is just too foolish to see it and hangs on to sentimental feelings for your mother.”

Lord Lyonel slapped his hand on the table, “The princess has done more for this realm than you have as the hand Ser Otto. The people are well fed, we have not had a war in 10 years, alliances were signed and made solid, and the streets are clean.”

Lord Lyman nodded, “Not to mention reports for the city are that crime has been reduced by 80% thanks to Prince Daemon. DragonStone has flourished under her rule and has since strived for the last 5 years she has returned to Kingslanding.”

Otto looked to the seat of the grandmaester for support only to remember Mellos was executed the week before.

Corlys said, “The princess will be a good Queen.”, he knew exactly what to say.

 Otto felt his ears ring as his face grew red, “IT WOULD NOT MATTER IF THAT BITCH WAS JAHAERYS REBORN. SHE. IS. A. WOMAN! My grandson should be KING.”

Otto grew quiet as he realized what he had done. To utter those words out loud was treason. Immediately his hands shook as terror overtook him. He fearfully looked over at Viserys, “I I- I did no- not. Your grace-”

But Viserys had heard enough, “Ser Harrold. Arrest Ser Otto. He is to be confined to his chambers until I have decided his punishment.”

Before he left, Viserys walked up to Otto and removed the ‘hand of the king’ pin from his shoulder, “You will not be needing this.”

~~

Rhaenys pushed the door to the council room open just as a guard was escorting Otto out. Her eyes followed him as she guided Aemond into the room and spoke to Viserys, “What on earth is going on?”

Viserys looked at his son and softly caressed his hair, “Speak with your uncle my boy. You have been made a cupbearer of the council.”

Viserys waited until Aemond heading to Daemon before he turned back to Rhaenys, “A revision of my council cousin. For now, I would ask that aid me in running the seven kingdoms and become my hand.”

Rhaenys looked at him in surprise, “Viserys! This is unheard of. I cannot-”

Viserys shook his head, “You have advised me in private often cousin. And I have wronged you many times. Allow me to make things right.”

Rhaenys looked at him in the eyes, “I am a woman. The court will never-”

But Viserys shook his head, “I do not care what the court or lords say. I will place this position in your hands and this pin on your shoulder............ if you would have it”

Rhaenys looked at the pin in Viserys’s hand and found her husband’s eyes over his shoulder. Corlys had always told her she was wiser than most and deserved to be more than the Lady of Driftmark. When he nodded, she looked back at Viserys and smiled, “Of course, cousin.”

Viserys chuckled as he placed the pin on Rhaenys, “I welcome you, cousin.”

~~

Aemond moved around the table as he refilled the cups, stopping to give only Lord Corlys water.

“Now on to another pressing matter. The triarchy is attempting to reclaim the stepstones, your grace.”, Corlys stated seriously.

Rhaenyra nodded, “I expected as much. Though my husband had added the stepstones under our rule, it is unguarded. The triarchy was bound to try and reclaim the land. It was only a matter of when.”

Viserys brows furrowed, “We do not have the manpower to defend the land. It is also too far from Kingslanding to have them traverse daily.”

Rhaenys looked up, “Can we use sell swords?”

Lord Beesbury shook his head, “It would cost less to fund another war.”

“They also cannot be trusted.”, Lord Corlys also said.

“What if you relocate some of the knights?”

They all turned to Aemond who was in the process of refilling the canter in the corner. Daemon looked at him, “Explain nephew.”

Aemond’s face grew red as he realized he had spoken out loud. Viserys waved him over, “Tell me my son.”

Aemond looked around the room for a map, smiling once he found one and placing it down on the table. He pointed to the small area illustrated as the stepstones, “I read Uncle Daemon’s report from the war a few years ago. Many of the merchant families currently use the shipping lanes around the stepstones. The triarchy also used that same route to rob the ships as they passed through, including Lord Corlys.”

“So what if we build a small fief and port on the island with an appointed sea lord to rule the Stepstones? They could collect taxes from the ships that use the route with the crown’s permission of course, and we add those taxes to the crown. You can assign the men appointed to guard there with a residence and pay as well. That way, there is always someone to block pirates from possessing the island................................Or that is what I would do”, Aemond looked away.

Rhaenyra smiled proudly at Aemond, beckoning him over as she stood to hug him, “It is the most brilliant idea, Father.”

Lord Lyonel nodded in agreement, “I agree with Prince Aemond’s suggestion as well, your grace. Perhaps, the taxes could be listed under the Master of Ships? It could be used for many things. Like port maintenance or reducing the price of seafood sold in the local market of flea bottom.”

Lord Beesbury appeared in thought, “The crown could fund the fief until it is self-sufficient. I would recommend the fief be hereditary as well your grace.”

Daemon leaned forward, “But what sea lord would we appoint? Lord Corlys already governs Driftmark. Laenor is set to inherit after.”

Lord Lyonel looked around, “What of Ser Vaemond? He is a Velaryon and Lord Corlys’s brother.”

Corlys immediately shook his head, “My brother may be Velaryon, but he is no sea lord. He wishes only for power and money. He cannot be trusted.”

Rhaenys also spoke, “The stepstones also belong to the royal family. If we were to make it hereditary, then it must be a Targaryen.”

Rhaenyra looked down at her brother tucked into her shoulder, “What of Aemond?”

Aemond’s eyes widened in shock, “What? Me?”

Lord Corlys nodded in agreement, “You have spent your childhood in the company of my grandson. You attended his lessons with my son on Driftmark on how to be a sailor. With a little more training, I believe you can be a great sealord.”

Rhaenyra squeezed his shoulder, “Besides, you do not need to be excellent, little brother. Just knowledgeable enough to do a good job. You are already a great sailor and even greater with a sword. With this title, when you eventually wed, your children will inherit after you. This could be your legacy.”

Viserys looked at his son, “If you do not wish to bear this burden, I will not force it on you, my son.”

Aemond stared at his father, The Stepstones are closer to Dorne than Kingslanding or Driftmark.......”

“If you worry about traveling, be reminded that you have a dragon nephew.”

Aemond thought about it long before he agreed, “Okay Father.”

Viserys clapped joyfully, “Wonderful my boy. Do not worry. It will take some time to build the castle and residences as well as the dock. You will not be assigned the fief until your 16th nameday or after you are wed.”

“For now, you will attend lessons with Lucerys on Driftmark with Lord Corlys or Ser Laenor to gain experience.”

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It was another 2 days before Alicent went to see her father. Rhaenyra and Laena had planned to have her leave Otto on his own and hope that he would eventually turn to her for help and in doing so reveal his plans. And just as they anticipated, in anger, Otto revealed his cards to Alicent.

“This is entirely your doing you wretched girl!”

Alicent had not even fully stepped into the room before her father was screaming at her. She nodded to the guard to close the door before turning back to her father, “Mind the way you speak to me, Father. I am the Queen Consort of the seven kingdoms.”

Otto mockingly laughed, “Queen? And what do you have to show for it besides the children you have bore?”

Alicent sat and looked up at him, “Was that not the reason you practically sold me to the king? So that I could give him sons?”

“And yet your sons are set to inherit NOTHING!”

He pointed his hand at her, “I have labored for years to make you Queen so that you would birth the next king of the seven kingdoms. You have given the king THREE sons and yet that girl remains his heir.”

Alicent calmly rubbed her fingers, “Have you forgotten that I also have daughters? Your granddaughters!”

“Who I had already planned to wed Tyland Lannister’s son Lorean. You are not stupid daughter. This realm will fall to war the minute Viserys takes his last breath. Helaena's marriage to Lorean would’ve guaranteed the Lannister’s army and fleet. Yet you have agreed to the decision to wed her to those northern barbarians. They will now stand with that WHORE.”, Otto panted as he exploded.

“Daeron was meant to foster in Oldtown with your uncle Hobert. Instead, he is being sent to the Vale with that woman’s sons. You seek to block me at every turn in support of that cunning spider.”

Alicent stood from her seat and faced her father, "And you seek to ensure my children are put to the sword once Rhaenyra is Queen. I will not allow it. She is a good sister to them and would never wish them harm. I simply cannot say the same for you.”

Otto rolled his eyes in exasperation, “Whether she is good or not is no concern of mine, and neither should it be yours. This is the best chance for us to make a name for ourselves. Would you not prefer to be remembered as the wife and mother of a king?”

Alicent looked at him in disgust, “No father. It is you who wish to have your name praised as the grandfather of a king. My son is smart, but he does not have what it takes to be king, nor does he wish it. You would seek to place the crown on his head and rule in his place. Do you think I do not see it?”

She sneered in his face, “Do not invite your death father. End this path you tread to treason.” and walked away.

As she turned her back and exited his chamber, she missed his ominous words with a deranged look in his eye, “Smart as he be, he does not have ambition. If that is the case, there is no need for his intelligence. You are right daughter. I will make him a puppet king.”

Chapter Text

~Pavilion, Royal Garden~

Rhaenyra sat between Alicent and Laena as they discussed the next step for their children. Alicent places her cup down, “From what he unintentionally revealed last night, my father intended to sell my daughter to the Lannisters in exchange for their army. My precious Helaena.”

“We knew he would attempt it. He did not spare you from that faith, why would he not sacrifice them for his goals? The problem lies with the Riverlands. We now know he will offer Tyland something else, now that Helaena has been promised to Cregan Stark.”

Laena nodded, “Lord Grover is of the same opinion as Ser Otto. We may garner support if the banner houses follow my good father, but I am not certain. There is nothing but their oath that guarantees their loyalty to us instead of Ser Otto.”

Alicent appeared in thought, “What if we tie our house to yours? Through a marriage? As it stands, House Strong is only tied to House Velaryon through your marriage, but not to House Targaryen.”

Rhaenyra’s eyes lit up, “You mean wed Jacaerys and Baela?”

Laena nodded in agreement, “We all see the affection they hold for each other. They are both quick to anger, but she calms him when necessary. My daughter is not like the rest, the court has already labeled her unladylike, but it is Jace who defends her at every turn.”

“A week ago, he gifted her a new sword, when her suitors have requested that she desist in her training if they were to have her hand. Politically, it would bind us to House Strong and hopefully secure the loyalty of the Riverlands if Lord Grover turns to Otto’s side.”, Rhaenyra said.

Alicent dusted her fingers from the crumbs of the scone she ate, “I will speak with Viserys while you speak with your children. Jacaerys is past his 16th nameday. It is only a matter of time before the court starts calling for his marriage.”

Rhaenyra was assured, “Even if we did not need the support of the Riverlands, Jacaerys would ask for Baela’s hand. My son is sure of what he wants, and he wants Baela.”

They looked up as two average-sized green dragons swooped through the sky and disappeared among the clouds.

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Jacaerys pulled Vermax’s reins to head up as he dodged a stream of fire from Moondancer. Baela laughed as Jacaerys dipped down and Vermax’s tail brushed the leg of her dragon. Moondancer screeched as Baela directed her to fly past Jacaerys. The two raced their dragons over the capital and past the port, blowing plumes of smoke to acknowledge the people who waved at them from below.

Jacaerys spotted the small island off the coast of Blackwater Bay they marked as their ending point and directed Vermax to dive. He laughed as Moondancers flew past him; her wings tucked in as Baela won their race. They directed their dragons to land, Jacaerys holding Baela by the waist as she dismounted. Covering their face to avoid the sand their dragons kicked up as they flew away to hunt, Jacaerys held Baela’s hand and pulled her toward the shore.

Baela smugly looked at him, “You insist on racing and losing every time. Moondancer is a dragon built for speed. You would never win.”

Jacaerys sat and pulled her down next to him, “Her slender build is what makes her so fast. You also train with Meleys often.”

Baela rolled her eyes, “Our grandmother trains us both. It is you that always escapes when you are frustrated. Aunt Rhaenyra was right to give Vermax the nickname, Ill-tempered.”

Jacaerys brushed his hair from his face, “My dragon suits me the best. Ill-tempered he be, he is mine. Soon enough, we’ll win a race.”

Baela laughed mockingly, “Work on your evasive manoeuvres first. You and I both know you only try to beat Moondancer and me so that I would accompany you on flights.”

Jacaerys rested his head on her shoulder, “Should I be more shameless in my need to spend time in your presence?”

“Do you not have enough of me in the keep?”

Jacaerys groaned, “Between my duties as mother’s heir and the eldest of our siblings if I could slide under your skin, I would.”

Baela loudly laughed and ran her hand down his cheek, “If you are like this, I cannot imagine what our life will be like once married.”

Jacaerys moved his body down to lay his head on her lap and looked up at her, “I would marry you now if our parents allowed it. Mother said she would speak with Aunt Laena and Alicent.”

Baela used her palm to brush his curly hair from his forehead, “I am still a few moons from my 16th name day Jace. Mother has always expressed her wish to see me married only when I have matured.”

Jacaerys shrugged his shoulder, “I am no barbarian. I would wait as long as you wish to consummate. I only want you to be mine and to ensure the entire kingdom knows as well.”

Baela stared into his soft purple eyes and leaned down to kiss him. Jacaerys’s hand caressed her cheek and held it to his as they softly kissed, waves crashing against the rocks as their dragons played in the background.

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Lucerys Velaryon was the firstborn son of Laenor Velaryon, the heir to Driftmark. Grown under the guidance of his grandfather Lord Corlys Velaryon, Lucerys would often spend half of his time on Driftmark sailing with his grandfather and the other half in Kingslanding with his parents. Lucerys loved sailing, but not as much as he loved his grandsire and spending time with him. His mother, Princess Rhaenyra was his comfort; the person he ran to as a child when anxious. As a child, his self-consciousness was always his biggest problem. And it all stemmed from the rumors surrounding his parentage. Lucerys was born with his grandmother Rhaenys’s black hair and silver streaks, but his mother’s purple eyes; and the court made sure he never forgot. The rumors disappeared around the time he turned 8, but Lucerys had already realized the people of Driftmark never spoke about him the way others did in Kingslanding. By the age of 10, he started sailing with his grandsire and escaping to the Driftmark whenever he could. He loved his dragon, Arrax, but he also loved the way the sea called to his blood. The sense of calm when he swam in their waters, the respect he garnered from his grandsire’s men, and most importantly, the person always at his side.

Aemond would often come with him to Driftmark one season every year since they were 10, but it was Rhaena who often sought him out before he left to accompany him. Her soft way of speaking, gentle smiles, and cheery demeanor are what attracted him to her. The way her silver locs were always styled to match her attire or the way she favored pink from the moment her dragon, Morning hatched. Rhaena would usually attend her studies, spend time with Helaena or in the nursery, and then seek him out. He found himself looking forward to her arrival so often that Aemond would tease him endlessly. Currently, he was preparing to head back to Kingslanding as he finished loading the last ship of fish set for the keep while Rhaena changed into riding leathers.

He tied the last knot on the sail, nodded to the captain, and headed back to the castle to leave. Laughing as Rhaena jumped on his back from behind, his hand immediately reached to hold her legs to prevent her from falling, “Have you finished prepping Morning?”

Tucking her head between his neck and shoulder, she nodded, “Arrax has been saddled as well. Grandsire expects us back in the keep before sundown.”

Rhaena slid from his back and stopped to stare up at him as her head came only to his chin. While Lucerys was only 14, he was already tall for his height and kept his physique because he practiced with his cousin Aemond. They approached their dragons as the dragonkeeper stepped away. Lucerys held Rhaena’s hand to stop her from moving away, and pulled it to his lips, laying a soft kiss on top. She admired the way his purple eyes complimented their tanned skin tone. Lucerys on the other hand loved the way Rhaena’s blue eyes looked on her skin, just a shade darker than his. To him, he felt as though he could spend an eternity gazing into them.

“We must be on our way Luce.”, she softly laughed and stood on her toes to place a light kiss on his cheek.

The dragon keepers watched softly as their future lord of the tides grew red in the face and hurriedly mounted his dragon to fly after the lady he fancied on her pink dragon.

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Aemond lurked behind a column as Helaena entered her room with her servants trailing behind her. He strained to see if he would catch a glimpse of her lady-in-waiting, but to no avail, he shook his head once he didn’t and headed back to his chamber. Softly closing the door, he startled at Orwinda’s figure sitting on the edge of his bed.

Looking around to make sure no one else was there, he turned back to her, “What are you.....”

Orwinda’s eyes trailed from his shoes to the hair on his head as her voice came out in a whisper, “Until when will you avoid me Aemond?”

Aemond’s empty socket tingled at the sight of her, as if to remind him of why he avoided her, “You appeared to not want me around Orwinda.”

She stood from the bed in anger as she shouted, “YOU ARE THE CAUSE FOR THAT!”, immediately coughing as her voice strained.

Aemond rushed to get her a glass of water, waiting until she finished it, “Do not injure your voice anymore Win.”

Orwinda held his arm as he moved to get away from her, “Why do you do this? Why do you continue even? It has been more than 2 years.”

Aemond looked away as he tried to hide his eye patch from her view, “I jus-”

“You what? Tell me, would you have spoken to me after so long, only when I am being given away to another? You promised we would be together. Am I no longer what you desire?”

Aemond’s eye widened, “Never. It is I who am not worthy enough. I may be a prince, but I am maimed and disfigured. Not to mention a second son. You will be subjected to the criticism of the court.”

Orwinda narrowed her eyes at him, “And why would that affect how I feel for you?”, she reached up and untied the bow from her neck, revealing the long scar across it, “Is this why you avoid me? Am I ugly to you now? Maimed and disfigured as I am? A bastard?”

Aemond shook his head, “Never. You are not a bastard Lady Stark.”

“Stark? It is nothing but a name. In my veins courses the blood of a bastard. My parents are bastards. Do you think I care for the whispers of the court? I loved you from the minute we became friends.”, she argued.

Aemond’s eye filled with tears, “I thought this was best for you.”

Orwinda shook her head, “You do not get to decide that. That is my choice to make.”

Aemond reached down and grabbed her hands in his, “My grandsire was the reason you almost died. He wanted you gone because I asked my sister to convince Father to wed us. He hired assassins to kill you and it’s partially my fault.”

“I am not blind Aemond. That is not the only reason. It is also because of my dragon. If he had the chance, he would try again. He is to blame. Not you.”, she ducked her head to look in his eye, “Please. Do not avoid me anymore.”

Aemond broke down in tears as he pulled her into a hug. No one but Lucerys understood how much he missed her or how much it pained him to watch her from a distance. He took the risk of approaching Helaena but decided against it when he overheard her discussing Orwinda’s betrothal to Rhean Royce, Lady Rhea and Lord Jason’s eldest child, heir to Runestone. How could Aemond know that Helaena purposely concocted that lie to push Aemond into confronting Orwinda? She had schemed with Lucerys to make sure Aemond still felt the same for Orwinda. Once Lucerys had left for Driftmark, Helaena started speaking about Rhean whenever she noticed Aemond lurking until ‘accidentally’ telling Baela a ‘secret’ about Orwinda’s betrayal. She then ordered Orwinda to take a break after noticing Aemond following her. Orwinda had wanted to confront him since his dance with Lord Frey’s daughter at Viserys and Alicent’s anniversary banquet.

Aemond’s fingers lightly caressed the scar on Orwinda’s neck in regret. Orwinda didn’t die that night, but she also didn’t escape freely either. The cut wasn’t deep enough to kill her, but it damaged her vocal cords. While she could still speak, anytime she raised her voice too loud, the strain caused her immense pain. As soon as the wound had healed, Orwinda started using a scarf to cover it. Perhaps it was that action, that caused Aemond to start wearing an eye patch before the wound healed. Orwinda grabbed the hand and brought it to her cheek, placing a light kiss on his palm and he stared and leaned down to kiss her forehead.

**************************************************************************************************************

Daemon helped his sons tighten the strap on their saddles before moving to adjust his nephew’s belt. Daeron pushed his hands into his riding gloves and his uncle Daemon patted his leg. Laughing, he looked over at his uncle Baelon as he grumbled and tied his hair in a ponytail on top of his head. Between the three of them, Baelon was the only one who grew his hair out. Currently, it hung past his shoulders in light silver waves. His brother, Aegon the Younger had the same silver hair, but like his father Daemon, he cut it every chance he got. Aegon’s hair hung just past his ears pin straight like his father too. Daeron’s wavy hair was currently regrowing after he chipped it off unevenly a moon ago, it now stood in curls on top of his head. Their purple eyes glittered with glee as Daemon gave them permission to take a flight.

His dragon, Tessarion was nicknamed the Blue Queen because of her bright blue scales. She was the only she-dragon of that color, hatched in Daeron’s cradle at 4 years old. Aegon’s dragon, Storm Cloud, hatched in the cradle at 6 years old, was dark grey as a thunderstorm on the way, known for being docile and ever loyal to his rider. Baelon’s dragon Tyraxes had hatched in his cradle at 5 years old, the color of bronze and green with membranes pink as undercooked meat. The boys had trained their dragons together and often took flights to train them. At the moment, they were on their way to the lake they often escaped to for a swim.

Daemon nodded at them, “Be careful and return before the sun sets.”

It took them no more than 30 minutes to come across the lake before leading their dragons to land. Once dismounted, their dragons waded into the waters while the boys dipped in a distance away.

Baelon undid the tie on his hair and pulled it into a lower ponytail, purple eyes blinking to clear the salt water from in, “Seven hells. Does it get more salted every time we come for a swim?”

Aegon burst out from the water, shaking his hair out, “It appears so brother.”

Daeron brushed his wet hair off of his forehead, appearing darker once wet, perhaps from his mother’s red hair, “It is the tide. Once it goes out and comes back in, it’s always saltier. Should we find another lake?”

Aegon looked around, “What point is there? We leave for our stewardship in two moons.”

Baelon wiggled his eyes at Daeron, “Daeron is more eager than us. A certain lady of Runestone perhaps?”

Daeron rolled his eyes laughing as he splashed water on Baelon, “Lady Cassandra is a friend.”

Aegon locked eyes with Baelon, “Who said anything about Cassandra?”

They laughed as Daeron dove under the water to avoid their teasing. Emerging he splashed them again, “Laugh all you want Baelon, but I know the only reason you aren’t going to Claw Isle with Aegon is because Lady Jeyne asked your mother to train him there.”

Aegon looked at them, “Why do you suppose that is? Why would she ask for Baelon only?”

Baelon swam closer to them, “I heard it is because Lady Jeyne does not intend to marry and is looking among the collateral lines for an heir.”

Daeron looked at him in surprise, “Does not intend to marry? And the elders of the Arryn family have agreed?”

Aegon nodded, “Makes sense. Lady Jeyne has never allowed herself to be courted. She only keeps a lady at her side. Do you think she is like father? The way he loves kepa?”

Baelon shrugged, “Perhaps? It would mean if she intends to choose me as her heir, I would have to wed a girl from the collateral line.”

Aegon looked at him surprised, “And that does not bother you, brother?”

Baelon shook his head, “I do not mind, if it is my duty. Perhaps if we do, we might grow to love each oth-”

Daeron interrupted them, “Why are we talking about love and marriage? We are only 12 for god’s sake. Seven hells, I am only 11. Marriage is far in our future.”

They looked at each other and laughed again. Looking up at the sky and the setting sun, the boys dip a lap in the water before exiting and calling their dragons to head back home.

**************************************************************************************************************

Alicent looked over at her daughter and granddaughter attempting a new embroidery stitch. The girls usually learned from her daughter Helaena, but when Helaena was busy, Alicent taught them. They despised their septa, so their parents never forced them. When Rhaena wasn’t on Driftmark with Lucerys, she and Helaena would teach them a new stitch. Helaena often stitched insects and weird butterflies, so Alicent was in charge of the designs they embroidered. Today they were dressed in light orange gowns the color of a dull fire and adorned with just a chain and onyx earrings, not having much time to dress after rushing from their dragon training lessons. They sat patiently in their chairs as Alicent directed them on how to complete their latest project, a daffodil. They had completed the outline during their previous lesson and were now filling it with any color they desired.

Once they were on the right track, Alicent sat to drink some tea. Alyssa immediately leaned over to peek at Visenya’s cloth and giggled. Visenya’s daffodil while outlined with white thread, was colored the darkest black Alyssa had ever seen.

She poked Visenya with her fingertips, “Are you representing your dragon again?”

Visenya covered her mouth and giggled, “Shadowfyre could never be as soft as a flower. He is too moody.”

Visenya’s dragon, Shadowfyre was hatched on DragonStone a day after being placed in Visenya’s cradle. The egg had come from Silverwing’s clutch while Rhaenyra was carrying out her duties as heir and living on DragonStone. The egg was found by Laenor and Daemon in her cage. Visenya who was born on Dragonstone, was the only child of Rhaenyra whose egg hatched there and so soon. The dragon was as dark as night with glowing orange eyes and white membranes between his wings, known for being lazy and disliked being disturbed before the sun had risen.

Visenya looked over at Alyssa’s drawing and covered up her snort. Despite being Queen Alicent’s daughter, Alyssa was terrible at embroidery. Her mother often lamented Helaena being the only one to inherit her skills. Alyssa’s daffodil was a dull grey Visenya recognized as GreyGhost, Alyssa’s dragon’s color. Alyssa had claimed the dragon only a year ago during a vacation to DragonStone. The shy dragon was often nesting on the rocks behind the dragon cave on DragonStone and only emerged to hunt, usually the creatures of the sea. GreyGhost was exactly like Alyssa, calm in temperament and preferred the company of herself if Visenya could not.

Alicent silently smiled as she observed the two little girls try to contain their giggles as they became distracted from the embroidery and found she couldn’t bear to reprimand them. They reminded her so much of her friendship with Rhaenyra growing up. She placed her teacup down and moved over to Alyssa and Visenya, placing a chaste kiss on their foreheads as she smoothed their curls from their forehead.

**************************************************************************************************************

Harwin huffed as Laenor once again used his eyes to gesture at Aegon. The young prince was once again in the library hoping to find the answers he sought within the comforts of his books. Laenor knew something was wrong as Aegon sighed for the 10th time within the few minutes he sat at their table.

Harwin closed the book he was browsing, “Are you alright my prince?”

Abruptly Aegon pushed the book he was reading aside and turned to them, “Yes. I thought you would not ask.”

Laenor chucked as he too closed his book. Aegon looked at them with pleading eyes, “How do you go on with your day when your wife holds such a high position Uncle Laenor? And how do you control your desires for such a strong woman Uncle Harwin? Father has assured me that he will do whatever he can to get Dorne’s approval for me to marry Nymeria, but I worry. She is the crown princess, her position second to only King Qoren. Am I good enough to be her consort?”

“Or strong enough? I am not like Aemond who prefers sword fighting, or Daeron who prefers Dragon hunting. I like to read and discover new things and take Sunfyre on calm rides. I am not Nyra who holds the title of the youngest dragonrider or Alyssa who is already practicing evasive maneuvers with GreyGhost. What if Dorne decides I’m not good enough to be her consort?”, Aegon bit his nails as he voiced his worries.

Harwin locked eyes with Laenor, both of their eyes glinting with amusement. Harwin leaned on the table with one arm, “It is quite simple my prince. I love Laena for who she is. She did not let the opinions of strangers dictate how she lived. She rides the biggest dragon currently, has given me 3 beautiful children, and hung on to our love despite my position. She’s smart and kind and the smartest woman I have had the fortune of mutual affection.”

Laenor nodded, “My wife, your sister, is also the Crown Princess. Of the seven kingdoms too. I knew who she was and what her position was before I decided to wed her. I’ve loved her since we were children. Despite what many folks of the kingdom have to say about her position as the heir to the iron throne, regardless of her gender or what it is worth, my wife has managed to shut every negative comment down. She has done more for the people as heir than my good father as King. I have 7 lovely children and am free to love her and our husband as I please. Everything I have done is to ensure our family remains safe and she ascends the throne without question.”

Harwin looked him in the eye, “Do you love Nymeria only because she is the Crown Princess of Dorne?”

When Aegon shook his head, Laenor tapped him on the shoulder, “And I am certain she loves you for who you are. Scholarly as you be. People will reject you and always question your actions. To support your wife as her consort, you need to prove them wrong.”

Laenor turned his head to look out of the window, “Not by changing who you are and turning into someone else, but by showing them that regardless of their worthless opinions, you are where you are for a reason.”

Harwin nodded in agreement, “You are the firstborn son of the king, a prince of the realm, intelligent beyond compare, and an excellent dragon rider.”

Aegon nodded as his spirits were lifted, “Yeah.”, he looked at them haughtily, “Perhaps their grievances with me stem from petty jealousy. Nymeria is an excellent woman and the best there is around. Why wouldn’t they be jealous she chose me as her consort and not them?”

Harwin and Laenor burst out into laughter. Not quite what we meant but at least he is no longer filled with worries.

**************************************************************************************************************

~Dragon Pit~

It was just after midday and the dragon pit was already filled with a small crowd. Several dragon keepers, a few knights, and several kingsguards stood around the entrance of the pit as the youngest of the royal family began their Valyrian commands as part of their dragon training. Because of how many dragons the pit currently housed, the royal children were forced to take their training in parts. Before lunch, Visenya and Alyssa had their training accompanied by King Viserys and Princess Rhaenys. Now, Viserys, Viserra, and Crenyl were being trained as Laena and Rhaenyra watched on. Viserys was forced to return to the palace for his detox of the poison he was fed, but Rhaenys stayed. The three children were dressed in plain pants and shirts as they were only practicing basic commands and not flight training. The dragons were younglings, hatching only 3 years prior, and no bigger than the size of a large ram.

Laena quietly encouraged her son, Crenyl as he practiced trying to get his dragon, FrostFlame, to breathe fire. The young dragon was abnormal from birth, pale and without color in either her eyes or her membranes. She was the only white she-dragon and the only other white dragon besides Arrax, who even though was white, held pink in his membranes and green eyes. Crenyl was currently at the point in his training where FrostFlame was being thought to breathe fire before moving on to using it as a defense and then for hunting in a few years.

Laena stooped and held her son’s shoulders as the dragon keepers brought FrostFlame forward, “You remember your command for fire Crenyl?”

Crenyl nodded, his brown curls bouncing as his head shook and blue eyes alight with eagerness. He waited until the dragon keepers gave him the okay before looking at his dragon, “Dracarys” (Dragonfire)

The pale she-dragon rose and cocked her head to the side. Laena squeezed Crenyl’s shoulder, “A bit firmer.”

Crenyl took a deep breath, “Dracarys FrostFlame” (Dragonfire FrostFlame)

FrostFlame screeched as smoke puffed from her mouth. Bending and aiming at the floor, she released a stream of fire on the stone. Everyone watched in amazement as FrostFlame raised her head and released another plume of white fire.

~~

Unlike others, Viserys and Viserra’s dragons were the only two eggs born of Seasmoke. The eggs had come from the same clutch, retrieved by Daemon from a Seasmoke’s nest in a water cave on Driftmark. The eggs were large and dark, the color of melted silver. Viserra’s egg had hatched when they were a few moons past their 5th nameday and Viserys 4 moons later within the same year. The hatchlings had silver membranes and gray spikes but notably were the color of iron, hence their names Ironfang and IronBreath. Viserra’s dragon, IronBreath was the first of the young hatchlings to breathe fire, much earlier than any dragons raised in the pit. At just 2 years old, IronBreath often breathes fire at any dragon who enters her space unless it is her clutch mate IronFang. Viserys’s dragon, IronFang, was the opposite. He would only be found under the wing of Seasmoke when not in the crevice of the cave IronBreath claimed for herself. The two dragons were currently being trained to accept touches from their riders by understanding each other's boundaries.

Viserys had just finished his training with his dragon and stood off to the side with his Grandmother Rhaenys as his blue eyes followed his dragon back to her cage. His hair was tied in a lower ponytail, and the light brown curls folded into a bun. The twins were not allowed to cut their hair until they left the nursery which was still a year away. Viserys’s hair was the most curled as he took his father’s tight coils while Viserra’s hair was looser, but curled, nonetheless. He had already decided to twist his hair the same way his father kept his. He silently watched as his mother tried to calm his sister.

Rhaenyra smoothened Viserra’s hair from her face as the little girl pouted. Her dragon, IronBreath lay at her feet gazing at her with his brown eyes. Viserra’s blue eyes watered as she noticed pieces of her silver hair tangled between her dragon’s mouth.

Rhaenyra crouched and looked up at her, “Why are you crying, sweet girl?”

Viserra’s eyes strayed from her dragon to her mother, “Why can’t I use non-Valyrian commands mother?”

Rhaenyra’s eyes crinkled as she held in her laugh, “Is that why you are upset? Not because IronBreath has just eaten a piece of your hair?”

Viserra shook her head in denial, “It will grow back.”

Rhaenyra grabbed her daughter's tiny hands, “We use Valyrian commands because it is our culture Viserra. We are the last dragonlords of Old Valyria. It is our duty to keep our culture alive.”

Viserra frowned, “But Uncle Aegon said that he taught Sunfyre some of his commands in English so why can’t I?”

Rhaenyra remembered to keep her face in check as she swore to find her brother when they were done. She looked back at her daughter, “The only command Sunfyre answers to in English is Dive sweetie. And that is because your uncle Aegon bites his tongue whenever he tries to sound out the command.”

Viserra whined, “Then I cannot sound the words out either.”

Rhaenyra took a deep breath to gather her patience and decided to switch methods, “Ok. Then what if your dragon is stolen from you and given to a common lord because he only answered commands in English?”

Rhaenyra knew that it was not that easy, and downright impossible for a dragon to change riders when its current rider was still alive, but how could Viserra know this?

Rhaenyra ducked her head to catch her daughter’s eyes, “Would you want IronBreath to switch to another rider because you only taught him English commands?”

“No”, Viserra grumbled. Rhaenyra nodded and turned her daughter around the face her dragon again, “Lovely. Now command him to return to his cage.

Viserra nodded at looked down at her dragon as he gazed back at her eagerly, “jikagon arlī isse IronBreath” (Go back in IronBreath.”

 The young dragon let out a soft screech as he scrambled into his cage and settled only after Viserra gave him a strip of meat.

Rhaenyra kissed her on the forehead and stood, beckoning Viserys over to place a kiss on his forehead as well. She motioned for the dragonkeepers to carry to hatchings back to their cave and reached down to place a kiss on Crenyl’s head, “Now back to the keep kids. Supper is upon us.”

Rhaenys patted Rhaenyra on the shoulder in consolation as she herded the children to their carriage surrounded by their kingsguard. Rhaenyra’s kingsguard Ser Erryk moved behind her as she followed next to Laena. Ser Harwin often guarded Laena, but today she chose to come with Rhaenyra as he stayed back in the keep. Ser Harold Darke, the twins kingsguard helped them into the carriage before moving around to help Crenyl up.

Laena wrapped elbows with Rhaenyra, “We did a good job did we not?”

Rhaenyra smiled indulgently, “Absolutely.”

Chapter Text

~Crown Princess & Her Consorts Quarters~

Laenor moaned as Daemon’s hand reached from behind him and stroked his cock. His back was already plastered to Daemon’s chest as they lay on their side making love. Daemon continued to fuck Laenor in slow and deep strokes as he tucked his face in his neck and trailed wet kisses from his ear. Groaning as Laenor clenched on his cock, Daemon stroked Laenor’s length faster while turning his head by the chin to kiss him deeply. Laenor groaned into Daemon’s kiss as his orgasm washed over him, his seed spilling on the sheets and Daemon’s hand. Daemon continued to fuck him through his orgasm, only pulling away to lightly bite Laenor’s shoulder as he spilled inside him. They breathed hard as they tried to catch their breath. Daemon slowly pulled out from Laenor and rolled him onto his stomach, heatedly watching as his seed trailed down Laenor’s legs. His fingers swiped through it and moved up to push between Laenor’s lips, groaning as he eagerly sucked them down.

They both looked up as Rhaenyra pushed their bed chamber's door open and slipped inside. She looked past them and moved to grab the ring left by her mother off of her dresser. Once pushing it onto her finger, she turned and looked at her husbands, smirking as Laenor eyed her heatedly, “You cannot look like you have been thoroughly fucked and still look at me like that Laenor.”

Laenor’s head lay on his folded arms, “When my wife is the most beautiful in the kingdom, I will wish to fuck her even if I were bedridden.”, he laughed.

Rhaenyra’s eyes swung to Daemon, “You clearly haven’t fucked our husband hard enough. Can you no longer do your job Daemon?”

Daemon smirked as he rolled off of his side, “How about you come over here and I will show you how great I do my job?”, moving off of the bed.

Rhaenyra squealed and ran from the room in laughter, silver hair braided in a halo at the front and curls left to hang free down her back. Her black dress hugged her body, especially around her stomach where a small pudge lay after several pregnancies. Despite the chain in her body, it was a daily task to stop her husbands from keeping her in bed all day between them. If it were up to them, she’d be fucked and coddled in her chamber, responsibilities be damned.

Responsibilities like this.

She lightly stepped down the stairs into the room her son Baelon was currently pacing in. A guard stationed at the door acknowledged her and bowed as she passed. Baelon was currently accompanied by his instructor for Mapping. A large parchment lay on the table next to where he paced as his instructor waited for him to point out the highlighted part. Rhaenyra chanced a glance at the map that held a drawing of Westeros and its neighboring nations, noticing Baelon was tasked to put a name to the landmarks.

She waited until he let out the telltale sign of frustration before approaching him, “It is Silverhill, my son.”

Baelon turned around and looked at her in defeat, “Silverhill. Right. The one that borders the small river. Why am I so stupid?”

His instructor tried to lighten his mood, “You are not stupid my prince. Many young lords cannot name more than 24 places on the map. You have knowledge of over 40.”

Baelon shook his head in denial, “Most young lords are not princes of the nation. I am past my 12th nameday and still, I fall behind.”

Rhaenyra stepped up and ran her hand across the map, “My point exactly. You are only 12 Baelon. Further in progress than your peers. I do not expect you to have the map memorized in a day.”

Baelon looked away, his braided ponytail swishing, “Jace knew the entire thing by his 13th nameday. Luce by 10. Why am I falling behind?”

Rhaenyra waved his instructor away and stood in front of her son, “Jacaerys is my heir Baelon. He began Mapping before any of his other lessons. Luce has been sailing with your grandsire Lord Corlys from the moment he took his first steps, so it would be understandable for him to excel in mapping. Why are you so hard on yourself?”

Baelon’s eyes watered, “I overheard you and grandsire talking about my stewardship in the Eyrie. You are not sending me there just to stay with Aunt Jeyne, are you?”

Rhaenyra sighed and brushed the curls framing his face from his forehead, “Yes, your aunt wishes for you to become her heir to the Vale, but I do not expect you to do that in a day.”

“I am afraid of disappointing you, mother.”, he sighed.

Rhaenyra’s head tilted and she softly looked at him and leaned in to place 2 kisses on his temple, “You will never do that sweet boy. Your stewardship is for five years, and you do not leave for another 3 moons. That is plenty of time to learn. You are smart and you are young. Your father, kepa, and I will prepare you, and should you decide the burden of being the heir to the Vale is too much, you are still my son and a prince.”

Baelon smiled softly and pushed himself into his mother’s arms, tightly holding her as she hugged him.

**************************************************************************************************************

Laenor wiped the sweat from his forehead as he handed the wooden sword in his hands off to the squire. He collected the one his son handed him and passed it off too, “Your footwork has improved Luce.”

Lucerys brightly smiled at the compliment, “Thank you, Father. Aemond has been helping me in exchange for fishing lessons.”

Laenor looked at his son; so much like him despite his black hair and purple eyes, “You are now a teacher?”, he laughed.

Lucerys shrugged and lightly laughed, “You know I am not like Jace. He prefers his books and the training yard. The feeling of being at the helm of a ship and in the water is where I belong.”

Laenor stared at his son whose face lit up at the mere mention of sailing or the sea and wondered if this was what his father wished he was as a child. Despite being the son of the greatest sailor alive, neither Laenor nor Laena felt as strongly for the sea as they did with their dragons. As much as the elders of the Velaryon family waited on him to succeed his father, Laenor knew deep down that would never happen.

He held his son by the shoulders, “Regardless of what others may say, you are my pride Luce. Perhaps it is time I speak with you.”

Lucerys looked up at his father concerned, “What? Are you alright Father?”

Laenor nodded and squeezed Lucerys’s shoulder, “Your grandsire is old. In less than a decade, he will step down from the driftwood throne.”

Lord Corlys was past his 70th nameday and within the last decade preferred to send Laenor on sails while he sat his seat on the council as Master of Ships. Lucerys nodded, well aware of his grandsire’s age, “And then he will pass it to you Father.”

Laenor shook his head, “The elders may want that, but my duty is as your mother’s consort once she is Queen. The sea calls to you more than it has ever to me or your aunt Laena. I want you to take the Driftwood throne after Lord Corlys.”

Lucerys brows furrowed, “But grandsire-”

“Would agree with my decision.”, Laenor kneeled in front of his son, “It does not mean you will be the new Lord of House Velaryon right now. There are still a few more years, but when my father retires, I want that position to be filled by you.”

When Lucerys remained silent Laenor reached up and ran his hands over his head of dark curls just below his ears, “You do not have to decide this now Luce. Think it over and speak with your grandsire if you must. Okay?”

Laenor stood and kissed his son on the top of his head when he nodded.

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Jacaerys walked behind the long chair his sisters sat on as he overlooked their Valyrian writing. Usually, their father or kepa would be in charge of their lessons, and sometimes their mother, but when their parents were too busy, Jacaerys would handle the Valyrian writing lessons with his siblings. Currently, Visenya was translating her latest bedtime story Rhaenyra read to her while Viserra was writing a poem for her twin brother Viserys.

Jacaerys leaned over Visenya’s side and pointed his finger at the incorrect part, “Buzdari little sister.”

Visenya’s nose scrunched as her purple eyes narrowed at the text, “Are you sure Jace?”

Jacaerys smiled and kneeled at her side, “This part of your story is about a lord who tried to tame a dragon when he wasn’t a dragon lord. What does Mother always tell us before we go to our dragonriding lessons?”

Visenya brushed her silver hair from her face with the same hand that held her inkbrush, “Zaldrīzes buzdari iksos daor.” (A dragon is not a slave.)

He nodded and pointed at her book, “Then your translation is Buzdari, not Busdare, okay?”

Jacaerys lightly laughed as he used a cloth to wipe the ink from her face, laughing harder as her face scrunched from the cold.  He moved over to Viserra who was focused on her poem, messy and uneven as it was, Jacerys nodded as he spotted no errors.

He sat next to her as she finished and proudly showed it to him, “Look, brother!”

Jacaerys read it over and reached over to pinch her cheek, “Well done little sister.”

Viserra smiled and placed her poem back on the table. Jacaerys decided to tease her, “But where is my poem Viserra? This is clearly favoritism between brothers.”

Viserra rolled her eyes as she wiped her fingers free of ink, “That’s because I like Viserys more.”

Jacaerys gasped in mock offense as he noticed his sister’s blue eyes twinkling with mischief, “Aha! But Viserys is not here to save you from me as I.....”, he reached over and started tickling her, “EAT YOU!”

Viserra squealed with laughter as she jumped down from her chair and ran to hide behind her sister, “Sister, save me.”

Jacaerys stopped and faked a complicated look, “What do I do now?”

Visenya giggled as she slipped from her chair to hide Viserra behind her, lessons forgotten. Jacaerys blew a breath and shrugged, “One more princess for me to eat.”

Ser Lorent, Jacaerys kingsguard, hid his smile as his charge chased his little sisters around the room, laughter echoing through the room.

**************************************************************************************************************

Princess Alyssa, Alicent’s youngest daughter sat with her father, King Viserys as they sculpted another part for his model of Old Valyria. Viserys was currently creating smaller pieces for what he thinks is a courtyard while Alyssa helped him mix the clay. This was their bonding activity as Alyssa was the only one of his children that shared his love for crafting. Her reddish-brown hair was wrapped up messily while her servants dressed her in worn pants and old shirts from her brother Daeron. Alyssa loved spending time with her father and watching him carve clay, but her talents were still developing. For now, she was content to get dirty as she helped her father with the clay as he created the smaller items. Viserys placed the last carving they were working on in its place to dry and turned to his smiling daughter. He always grew sentimental when she watched him softly with those eyes like his mother’s, one green and one purple. The similarities ended there, however, because his daughter hated the training yard and too many loud noises. She avoided confrontation and preferred to stitch or paint with her mother when she wasn’t carving with him, so unlike his mother Princess Alyssa.

Viserys accepted the cloth from his daughter as he finished washing his hands and used a cleaner one to wipe her face clean. Alyssa was almost 10 and would soon begin lessons with her septa, where she would be too busy, so Viserys spent as much time as he could with her. He helped her down from her chair and held her hand to personally take her back to the nursery.

Alyssa swung their hands as they exited the room and into his chamber, “Papa. Do you think my husband will let me carve clay as you do?”

Viserys steps faltered as he registered her words, “Husband? My daughter, you are just past your 9th nameday. What husband do you speak of?”

Alyssa oblivious to her father’s inner turmoil continued alongside him, “Mother says Helaena is getting married soon. And I once heard grandsire say it is a daughter’s purpose to get married off so-”

Viserys stopped her right away as he pulled them to pause, “Do not heed a word your grandsire says, Alyssa. Your sister is getting married because she is of age, and it is her decision. That is not the same for you.”

He knelt in front of her, “When you are of age and you wish it, you will wed. It is no one else’s decision. Do you understand me, Alyssa?”

Alyssa happily nodded to Viserys relief, “Okay father.”

Viserys blew a breath out and stood as they continued their journey with his thoughts surrounding Otto, “What have you turned into dear friend?”

**************************************************************************************************************

Daemon helped his son fix his posture and motioned for him to continue, “Swing and hit below knee Viserys. You are small in stature and that means you are quicker.”

Viserys took a deep breath and moved through the motion his kepa was trying to teach him. He tucked his elbows in, and barrel rolled until he turned over onto his knees again, quickly striking the knee of the mannequin. He looked at his kepa for approval and smiled brightly as Daemon grabbed him by the waist and lifted him, “That’s it, my son.”

Daemon brushed Viserys’s dark blonde hair from his face and wiped the sand from his cheeks, “Spice cake for dessert as promised.”

Viserys who was propped on Daemon’s hip jutted his fist out in triumph, “Yes!”

Gesturing for the squire to take their wooden swords, Daemon secured Viserys on his hip and made his way inside the palace from the training grounds. He felt Viserys prop his chin on his shoulder and let out a yawn indicating his tiredness. They had been in the training yards all afternoon as Viserys was determined to pass his lessons and perfect the move his kepa was teaching him.

No one understood Viserys’s love for spending time with his kepa when it came to sword training. From the minute Viserys could walk, his interests lay in only a sword. Among Rhaenyra’s children, Viserys showed the most promise to be his father’s second if his Uncle Aemond had not taken it. When his dragon had hatched, it meant Viserys got to spend time with all 3 of his parents. Dragon riding from his father, High Valyrian from his mother, and sword training from his kepa. When his siblings would spend time on Driftmark with their grandsire, they had all the time they wanted to spend with their dragons and play to their heart's content, but once in Kingslanding, their duties as Princes and Princesses took priority. Because the twins were born two years before Rhaenyra had moved back to Kingslanding, they hardly spent time in their ancestral home. Once their mother was Queen, they hoped to explore more of not only their homes but Westeros.

Many servants bowed as Daemon passed them with the youngest prince in his arms. It was not a sight unknown to them as Prince Viserys was often referred to as his kepa’s favorite. Before long, Daemon entered into the halls and walked past to kitchen and then through the gardens. Unknowingly to him, he was rubbing Viserys’s back as his son lay on his head on his shoulder. By the time they came upon the door of the nursery, Viserys had fallen asleep. Daemon waved away the nursemaid as she moved to grab Viserys and started pacing the room. His son often worried over his blonde hair whenever it was time for his bath and Daemon wanted to allow him a little rest before his daily routine began. Over the years, Viserys dislike for his hair color lessened, but it was there. Daemon paced the room as he pushed the windows to the nursery open and looked down at his niece and nephew.

**************************************************************************************************************

Several servants and guards stood in the garden quietly as they watched their prince and princess dig through the dirt on their knees. While it was no strange sight to see this, Helaena’s servants lamented over the fact that her newly commissioned dress was now covered in mud and what else. Orwinda would lecture them for hours after.

Helaena was currently searching through a daisy bush for a new spider while her brother Daeron helped her look for small moths. Helaena had seen the spider build a web behind the chair set up in the garden and then retreat to this bush when it was destroyed by a servant who cleaned it.

She exclaimed as she spotted it, “There you are!”

Daeron rose from the rows of purple flowers he didn’t know the name of just in time to witness his sister coax a large blue spider into her palm. He felt a shudder run through his body as the spiny legs of the insect rubbed against her palm and its large eyes watched nothing. Daeron did not understand his sister’s fascination with insects. In fact, no one in their family did except his sister Rhaenyra and their aunt Laena. It was Rhaenyra who had first commissioned small carriers for Helaena’s insects on her 8th nameday much to Alicent’s horror. Their mother was disgusted with the small insect but couldn’t find it in her to crush her daughter’s excitement. His gaze strayed from the two and the large pink butterfly few onto a flower in the corner of his vision. He hurriedly covered the butterfly with his palms and gently encased it inside.

Turning back to his sister with outstretched hands, “Look Hel. I found the butterfly.”

Helaena smiled brightly and ruffled Daeron's hair with one hand while the other held the spider, “Thank you Daeron.”

She motioned towards the doors, “Come. I have already instructed for their cages to be prepared.”

Daeron walked alongside her as they headed back inside with their servants in tow. He looked over at her as she let the spider freely move along her arm, “I will never understand your fascination with those hideous creatures, sister.”

Helaena paid him no mind as she played with the spider, “Your perception cannot be mine, little brother. There is beauty in everything.”

Daeron looked at the furry insect as he tried to find the ‘beauty’ Helaena spoke of, and quickly looked away as it weirdly hunched down on her palm in his direction. He is quickly reminded of when her previous spider had gotten out of its cage and made a nest on the ceiling of Helaena’s balcony. Daeron had opened the door to let some air in and was left fearful of the creature ever since when it swung in on a web and landed on his face. Daeron remembered screaming himself hoarse as he floundered and hit his head on the door. It was the first time he had broken his nose.

They entered Helaena’s side room their father King Viserys had constructed for her specifically to hold her insects. Helaena collected the cage from her servant and gently placed her new spider inside.

Daeron watched horrified as she took the butterfly from him and pushed it into the same cage, “You meant to feed the beautiful butterfly to that hideous spider?”

Helaena softly laughed, “What have I always told you Daeron?”

“Appearances are not always as they seem.”

Helaena nodded and touched the cage, “This is a Granlodu spider. They produce a toxin that the maesters add to honey for bee stings. It hardens the honey and allows them to remove the stinger.”

Daeron eyed the black spider in the cage as his sister pointed to the pink butterfly, “And this is Manarli Pivar. Despite its looks, it is not a butterfly. It looks like a butterfly because it has only just hatched. When they molt, they evolve into a small birdlike creature whose blood is poison for us. Their saliva once it enters the eyes, acts like acid. One drop will cause you to develop a fever so high that you begin to hallucinate. Two drops and your organs begin to liquidate. Three is enough to stop your heart from beating while blood leaks from your ears and eyes.”

The more Helaena described what Daeron thought to be a butterfly, the more his face displayed the horror he felt, “You had me hold that in my hands??!!”

Helaena laughed softly as she placed the cage among the others, “Relax little brother. It has only just hatched. They created a bond of servitude to their caretakers once they molt.”

“Does father know you have that thing? What if it gets loose?”, Daeron questioned a bit hysterical.

“They have an incredibly short lifespan. Only living for a moon once they molt.”, Helaena spoke softly.

Daeron shook his head as he hurriedly hugged her, “Well you never have to question my love for you sister, but please do not let Aegon know of this. He worries enough about the safe ones outside of the palace. I fear he will request that Father allow him to move to another castle should he learn you have a creature here that is poison.”

Helaena watched as her servant lad Daeron out of the room and softly laughed, “I guess there is no point in asking which Aegon you speak of as they are both cowards.”

Chapter Text

~The Keep~

Aegon looked back at his younger nephew Aegon, otherwise known as Egg, and pulled on his reins to slow his horse down. Among his nieces and nephews, Aegon was most close to Egg. While there were several reasons for that, what held the number one spot was Aegon being trapped in a hidden room with his sister Rhaenyra as she went into labor with Egg. The two had fallen through rotten wood into a storage room underground, the fall forcing Rhaenyra into labor with only Aegon there to assist her birth of the baby she would then name after him in his honor. Rhaenyra held the spot of the closest sibling and now Aegon held the spot of his favorite nephew.

Currently, Aegon and Egg were on their weekly hunt in the forest area just behind the castle that held only small critters. Aegon had no skill with the bow, but like his mother, Egg was talented. Their weekly hunts mostly entailed Aegon accompanying Egg as he hunted. Among the younger generation of royal children, Egg was the most proficient at hunting. Aegon watched as a rabbit hopped into their path and stopped to eat some berries. Turning his gaze to his nephew who notched an arrow in his bow and shot the rabbit point through the neck without hesitation. Aegon and the guards were always impressed at little Aegon’s precision and skill with the bow. The problem was...........

Little Egg jumped down from his horse and stopped to stare at the animal corpse. It was another five minutes before he took a deep breath and pulled the arrow from its neck. As blood spurted from the wound, Egg turned away and gagged.

Rhaenyra’s fourth son immensely disliked the smell of blood.

Aegon used his palm to cover his laughter as his nephew continued to gag as he attempted to pick up his kill. When Aegon was 7 years old his parents discovered his aversion to blood after he fainted when attending his first tourney. Egg would then subsequently faint at the sight of blood until Aegon started taking him hunting to get him used to the sight. It was only once Egg had turned 11 did his fainting changed to gagging at the smell.

Aegon dismounted his horse as he moved to rub his nephew’s back while his guards retrieved his kill, “You’re doing good nephew.”

Aegon retched once more before wiping his mouth and standing upright, “It does not feel that way uncle.”

Aegon shook his head, “Before you fainted at the sight of blood. Now you only gag at the smell. I think this is what we call an improvement.”

Egg rolled his eyes and collected the sack of water given to him to wash his mouth out, “Yes. A prince of the realm cannot stand the sight of blood. I’m sure that will do wonders to attract ladies.”

“Whichever lady decides to take a fancy to you will do so for who you are. Would you prefer her attraction to you be for your title alone? Besides, I was not aware you fancied someone little nephew.”, Aegon cocked his brow.

Egg shook his head, “I do not nor have I ever. And that worries me.”

Aegon wrapped his arm around Egg’s shoulder, “Have patience nephew. It will happen when it will.”

Egg looked up at his uncle, “What does that even mean?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

**************************************************************************************************************

Rhaena held her dress up from the bottom as they climbed the steps into the sept. Helaena held her arm as the entered behind Alicent towards the alter. Their guards stood outside the doors while their kingsguard guarded them from the inside.

Alicent turned to her brother, Ser Gwayne Hightower, who was also her kingsguard as he grabbed her by the elbow, “While I am aware the city is safer because of the royal family and the people are no longer starving because of the princess and her consorts, I do not trust our father and whatever men he has managed to bring to his cause. We cannot stay for long.”

Alicent nodded and patted her brother’s arm, “One prayer with the girls.”

Rhaena and Helaena looked over at their kingsguard Ser Criston Cole as motioned for them to follow Alicent to the alter. They stopped to pull their veils over their head to cover their hair and knelt next to Alicent. Helaena passed the lighting stick to Rhaena and waited for her to light her candle before clasping their hands to pray.

Alicent had never given up her religion once she had married Viserys because while the Targaryens had adjusted to following the faith of the seven during King Jaehaerys reign, Prince Daemon, and Princess Rhaenyra prayed to the fourteen gods. Now, the children of the royal family were free to choose what religion they wished to follow, and Rhaena and Helaena chose the faith of the seven. Prince Aemond would often come to the sept with his mother, Queen Alicent, but he followed the same religion as his uncle. Helaena chose the religion of her mother and would come to pray with her when she wanted. Rhaena while being her mother’s favorite, spent most of her time with her grandfather or her Aunt Alicent. As such, she followed the faith of the seven like most of Westeros.

Helaena knelt at the altar with her hands clasped and eyes closed as she prayed to the seven to bless her family, my servants, her fiancé and his family, and her betrothal into a happy marriage. Rhaena prayed for the safety of her family and for her feelings to reach Lucerys in hopes that they would become a couple while Alicent only prayed that nothing went wrong and that her father may find peace in the afterlife. Because Alicent wishes him nothing but the worst and more as he is currently alive. She waited for the guilt to come as she begged the Gods to take him away and sighed with relief as she found none. At first, when her father had practically sold her to her husband, she believed it was her filial duty, then he had started scheming to have her son be named heir against everyone’s will but his own. When his physical abuse began again, Alicent grew irate because she realized the way her father treated her was something she wouldn’t dream of doing to her beautiful children. When Alyssa was born and her different colored eyes were revealed, Alicent lost all love for her father as he ordered her to have Alyssa sent to be raised as septa because her eyes were a shame on his blood and to Targaryen.

She looked up at the statue on the altar as she silently prayed, “Please mother above, remove his blight from ever reaching us.”

**************************************************************************************************************

Baela looked behind her to see if her grandmother was still losing their race and shouted in dismay as Meleys large body shot up from below startling Moondancer. Once Moondancer was knocked ajar, Meleys shot over the canon causing Baela to once again lose a dragon race against her grandmother. She laughed as the Red Queen blew a large flame in joy and landed their dragons back at the entrance of the dragon pit.

Baela patted Moondancer and dismounted, “You always use tricks to win our race grandmother.”

Rhaenys laughed as she raised her head from Meleys snout, “I learned them from your grandsire. When he still rode Caraxes, there was never a race he did not cheat in to win against my aunt Alyssa. My uncle Baelon always stayed from their races because Vhagar was too large. Your mother handles the moody old lady well.”

Baela’s dragon, Moondancer was lean and built for speed. Once Baela had begun riding, it was quickly realized, and she began training with her grandmother Rhaenys. By the time Baela had turned 12, she gained the title of best dragon rider among her generation, and her dragon was nicknamed ‘Moondancer the Swift’. She was able to take sharp curves and steep dips while catching her rhythm when pulling out of dives. The young she-dragon was striped with two shades of green with black added to the mix and sharp spikes and membranes that allowed her to take her corners.

Baela pulled her black riding gloves off and tucked them into the pocket of her pants. Her riding leathers consisted of red and black with her mother’s Velaryon colors. Her curly silver hair was braided into a bun and pinned away from her face. She quickly moved into step with Rhaenys and held her arm, “Grandmother? What is it like? Being the first woman to be appointed hand of the king?”

Rhaenys softly ruffled Baela’s hair, “It does not feel any different. I sit the Driftmark throne when your grandsire leaves and I often advised Viserys as the eldest Targaryen of our family. The only difference is now I am acknowledged by the kingdom.”

Baela looked away in thought, “I did not think they would be so receptive to a woman in power.”

Rhaenys patted Baela’s arm, “Your aunt Princess Rhaenyra is already at a height in power no woman was ever allowed. She will not be the last. When she is Queen, she will set a new precedent.”

They boarded the carriage where Baela’s kingsguard waited on his horse, “Does it not bother you? That the lords denied you and yet they welcome her. Bent the knee and swore an oath?”

Rhaenys shook her head, “When my claim was put forward after my father died, there was no one to support my claim but your grandsire and the entire Velaryon family. Daemon raised an army should Viserys be passed over for me. The lords chose Viserys and now he has chosen Rhaenyra. What has happened is in the past and now I offer my support to his heir.”

Baela nodded and looked out of the carriage window. Rhaenys reached over and held her hand to get her attention, “When Rhaenyra is Queen, she will create a new order that will benefit your time as Queen.”

Baela’s dark skin hid her blush, but her face still grew warm, “There is no guarantee that Jacaerys will ask for my hand. As the crown prince his marriage cannot be decided lightly.”

Rhaenys pinched Baela’s cheek, “Your aunt and mother wish to see you both wed. It is of no opinion if there will be a betrothal but yours and Jacaerys. Do not underestimate how much your mother can scheme when in the presence of your aunts.”

Baela’s brows furrowed as she smiled at her grandmother, “Even Aunt Alicent?”

“Especially Alicent.”

“I won’t tell Mother what you said.”, Baela whispered.

Rhaenys scoffed, “I recon your mother likes the things she learns from your Aunt Rhaenyra.”

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Laena’s fingers dug into her husband's curly hair as he slammed her into their bedchamber door. The servants were all dismissed for the day and their only guard was outside of their chamber which was separated by a lounge area and another door. Harwin’s lips found Laena’s neck to trail kisses and tiny bites to her shoulder. She moaned as he bit her hard enough to bruise but not enough to break the skin. Her hands ran down his back as she felt every muscle in his back twitch and contract when he moved to prop her higher on his waist and undo the ties of her dress. Harwin swung them around and walked over to the bed blindly as Laena kissed him wildly. Her legs tightened around his waist as she undid his shirt buttons. He was off for the day and Laena intended to get every second of it for herself. Her children were currently with their grandparents, and they finally had time to themselves.

Harwin threw her on their bed and rose to pull his shirt off. Laena’s dress was already discarded on the floor as she lay there and bit her lip as her husband’s muscles clenched on his stomach. Her fingers ached to reach up instead choosing to lean up and run her lips across the expanse of her husband’s chest and abdomen. Laena’s tongue dipped between each ab as her lips trailed lower. Harwin’s head fell back as he tried to contain his sounds of pleasure. His hands reached down to pull his wife’s hair tie off and dug his finger into her curly hair once it was free. Holding the strands tight, he pulled her head back and away from his chest as his lips leaned down to cover hers. Laena moaned as his grip tightened and fell back as he pushed her down and kicked his pants off. She rolled on top of him and continued kissing as their undergarments disappeared. Harwin leaned up as she settled on his lap and over his erection. His lips trailed down her chest and found her breasts, one hand massaging the mound and his lips sucking her nipple of the other.

Laena’s wetness trailed down her thighs and covered her erection as she ground down on him. Harwin knew once his fingers found the source of the heat on his cock, he would find her slick and ready for him. Her hands moved over his shoulder and down his waist to grab his cock and direct it to slide inside herself. They both moaned as pleasure consumed them. Laena immediately began rocking as Harwin’s large hands grabbed her by the butt and controlled the rhythm. Laena’s palms framed her husband’s face as they gazed into each other’s eyes. Harwin shifted slightly and slammed her down harder, hammering a specific spot that caused her eyes to roll into the back of her head. Harwin’s arms wrapped around her waist as she held onto his shoulders when her orgasm came over her in a rush.

Laena’s legs trembled as Harwin held her thigh to his waist and covered her body with his. His cock slipped in and out of her at a rapid tempo as the familiar tingle raced up his spine. His forehead fell on the spot above her shoulder on the bed as he held off, “Release my shoulders before I release my spend in you, my love.”

Laena shook her head and held on tighter, “Just release inside Harwin.”

His head rose as he looked down at her, “I do not like the idea of you taking moon tea again. It is not healthy for the body.”

Laena smiled seductively, “What if I wish for another child?”

Harwin’s eyes clenched shut as his seed abruptly shot out of him. Laena’s nails dug into his back as the warmth of his semen covered her insides and another soft orgasm washed over her. Harwin’s head fell on her shoulder, “You are 41 years old Laena. We cannot.”

Laena only silently kissed her husband on the cheek and smiled softly as she brushed her hands over his dark curly hair.

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Crenyl walked alongside his grandfather Lyonel as they headed off to his office. He was unsure as to why he was with his grandfather because usually, he would spend his time after his lessons with his grandsire thrice a week. He did not mind though.

He held his grandfather’s hand and skipped, “Grandfather, why did you make me your heir after father?”

Lyonel looked down at his grandson surprised, “Why would you ask that Cren?”

Crenyl looked up, “I know how much you wanted older sister Baela to be your heir. Why did you choose me instead? Is it because I am a son?”

Lyonel stopped, “You are smart for your age Crenyl, and you hear more than what you are told. Tell me why think I chose you?”

It was no secret that Baela was Lord Lyonel's favorite granddaughter. Many did not know if it was because Baela was his first granddaughter or if it was simply because of her. Her mother had spoken to Lord Lyonel with Rhaenyra and Alicent once the twins had turned one and Lyonel wanted to name Baela heir to Harrenhal after her father. Rhaenyra had taken a risk and campaigned with Laena that Baela would be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms and Rhaena lady of Driftmark because she believed it was what they would have wanted, but Rhaenyra remembered Baela rejected Lord Corlys’s offer to be his new heir after Lucerys death in her past life, choosing to wed Jacaerys instead. Harwin had agreed that whatever child they had after the twins would be his heir and it was settled once Crenyl was born.

Of course, we would never tell them this.............

Crenyl appeared in thought, “Is it because Mother wished for sisters to be raised in the royal family and needed them to not be the heir to another house? It is only because I am a boy that I’m still here. Baela or Rhaena would’ve been sent to Harrenhal at 7.”

Lyonel’s eyes widened slightly, “You are smart Crenyl.”, he rubbed his curly hair, “Smarter than many realize.”

“But you do remember that even though we return to Harrenhal every few moons, on your 13th nameday you will be sent there permanently until your training as heir is complete?”

Crenyl nodded, “Father and Mother will be there with me, won’t they grandfather?”

Lyonel nodded, “And me as well.”

“And Grandpa Corlys!”

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The said grandfather was currently preparing to return to Kingslanding as he gathered several of his wife’s documents, sighing as his office chamber door opened and his brother walked in.

Corlys was 10 years his brother’s elder and, tried to do his duty as one, but growing up, he and Vaemond were never close. In the past, he wondered if it was because they were only half brothers, as Corlys’s mother had died of winter fever and his father remarried 8 years later. His mother as the Lady of Driftmark, wanted her son to become the new heir to Driftmark and she spent every day of Vaemond’s childhood promising him such. It was to their disappointment that Corlys became the new Lord of Driftmark a year before his father passed. Corlys had recognized from early on in Vaemond’s childhood that all he cared for was money and power. Both, he would have access to had he been named heir. Corlys had considered offering Vaemond a place at his side, but his brother’s addiction to gambling would be the downfall of their house if he were to be placed in charge. Their relationship had only become more strained when Corlys married Rhaenys and Laenor was born. Though Laena was the eldest of his children, she had no desire to sail. Corlys had hoped Laenor would, but while his son had the skills of a true Velaryon, he did not have the passion for it.

He had only felt relief when his grandson Lucerys was born. Corlys had long known of his son’s affiliation with men and feared the end of his line. This a misconception because the only woman Laenor had in his company was his cousin Princess Rhaenyra. When Lucerys was born and subsequently began showing an interest in sailing, Corlys could have wept with joy. His grandson was a true Velaryon of salt and sea, and Corlys spent every day passing on whatever skills he could for when he would eventually pass. It was just that some people were determined to drink from cups that were not in their hands.

He turned around to face his brother, “Whatever you wish to complain about Vaemond, be quick. I am on my way to return to Kingslanding.”

Vaemond’s face screwed up, “Again? And who have you left in charge to sit the Driftwood throne? Because your wife is Kingslanding and so are your children.”

Corlys rolled his eyes, “Who I wish to place on my seat is no business of yours, brother. I am the head of this family.”

Vaemond scowled, “You may be the head, but I am still a Velaryon. Surely not would you place that boy!”

Corlys narrowed his eyes as he placed his satchel back on the table, “Surely not? Boy? I should hope it is not my grandson you are referring to with such disrespect.”

Vaemond rolled his eyes as he scoffed, “Grandson? That boy is no Velaryon.”

Corlys eyed him, “Have you gone mad, brother? Lucerys is Laenor’s first Velaryon son. Within Lucerys’s vein runs Laenor’s blood and subsequently mine.”

Vaemond groaned and turned away, “A Velaryon?? Do not jest brother. His eyes are Targaryen purple, and he has black hair!”

Corlys felt himself getting angry, “Passed from my wife and through Laenor! For God’s sake, Lucerys manifests the very abilities you lack as a Velaryon. My grandson learned to swim before he could walk, sailed his first ship at 10 years old, and captained his own ship at 13. What Targaryen to your knowledge has taught their dragon to use the water to their advantage as an exit? HE LOOKS JUST LIKE MY CHILDREN! YOUR NIECE AND NEPHEW!”

Vaemond remained silent as his older brother shouted at him. Corlys stopped as he realized Vaemond was not looking at him, “No matter how much he proves himself, you are never satisfied.”

Vaemond glared at him, “OF COURSE NOT. I should have been your heir. Not the bastard of that sinful pillow biter you call a son.”

“VAEMOND”

He grew quiet again.

Corlys looked at him with wide eyes, “You would dare repeat treason within these walls?! Insulting my son and calling my grandson a bastard? Do you wish so much for your death?”

“I did not thin-”

“YES. Quite often you never think. Do you think I am unaware as to why you wish to covet the Driftwood seat? You thirst for gold and lust for power and title without accepting the responsibilities. Did you know our father considered naming you captain of your own ship and placing you in charge of the collateral line?”

Vaemond looked at him shocked, “No.”

Corlys nodded, “Yes, he considered. But did you know why he decided against it? He discovered your frequent visits to the pleasure houses and the gambling den. You wish to be the Lord of Driftmark, but you ruin us. I will not risk it.”

Vaemond’s face contorted, “You are 70 and three brother. Once you are gone, the elders will never accept your son’s aim to push his sons as the heirs to our family. Do you think Ser Otto will allow them to live once he places Aegon on the throne? They are children of the princess and thus will be executed. Same for your son who you so shamelessly married off to her.”

Vaemond sneered as he turned to walk away, “By then, who of your line will you place on the Driftwood throne?”

Corlys snatched his brother by the arm, “What did you say? Vaemond, tell me you have not conspired with that traitor.”

When Vaemond remained silent, Corlys received his answer. He dropped Vaemond’s hand and stared at him with disappointment. Shaking his head, he turned around and collected his satchel. Without looking at his brother he moved to exit, “I had once thought that despite your greed, you would remember your family always came first. I have defended you and cleaned up your mistakes many times over. And yet, you would betray me to satisfy your own personal gain.”

Corlys stopped at the door and looked back at his younger brother, “Whatever consequences you reap for your actions, remember it was you who picked your side Vaemond.”

He turned to the guard at his door, “See him out and allow access to no one without my command.”

Vaemond watched angrily at his brother’s receding back and clenched his fist that held the letter from Hightower, “No. Remember it was you who denied me what I am owed Corlys.”

Chapter Text

~Dorne~

It took Jacaerys 4 days to arrive in Dorne on Dragonback. What he was not expecting was to arrive in Dorne and be greeted by the King instead of the Crown Princess who wrote to them. He now understood what his Uncle Aegon meant when he told him there was nothing to be done except to get the seal stamp on the document he was given. Aegon had told him to hand it over directly to King Qoren so Jacaerys never tried to read its contents. He read it only until he was in the chambers gifted to him for the duration of his stay. The documents were written by Princess Nymeria detailing why Dorne would enter an alliance with the Targaryen family.

“When Aegon weds Dorne as Nymeria’s consort, Dorne would become part of the seven kingdoms but remain Lords over the small kingdom. Thus, The Martell family would become Dorne's wardens, and all means of war would be prohibited. Trade will become established and Dorne would remain just as they are, untouched by the Royal Family. Any children born of the union would only be allowed to claim a dragon if they wed back into the royal family. Dorne would be exempted from paying taxes until the nation was reestablished as part of the seven kingdoms or until Rhaenyra became Queen.”

Dorne did not follow the customs of Westeros and the Martell’s refused to as Jacaerys found out Nymeria was already in Westeros. He returned to Kingslanding before two weeks had passed and presented his success to the small council. Jacaerys curly hair was still intricately braided from during his time in Dorne as small beams of light bounced off of the ornaments weaved into it. He lightly bowed his head, “Princess Nymeria arrives on the morrow with 2 guards and 3 handmaidens. She will stay here until the betrothal period of 6 months has passed and she weds Aegon. Dorne has agreed to all the conditions set and will peacefully join the Seven Kingdoms where House Martell will be named Wardens of Dorne.”

Lyonel looked surprised, “I did not think King Qoren would accept the conditions we set.”

Jacaerys nodded, “The king agreed to whatever decision Princess Nymeria chose and only requested to retain their titles. The king did not wish for centuries of his house’s name as Kings and Queens of Dorne to be removed.”

Rhaenyra stood from her seat and moved to her sons. Placing a kiss on his brow, “Well done Jace.”

Viserys nodded and patted his grandson on the shoulder, “Yes well done Jacaerys. Return to your chambers. You must be tired.”

Jacaerys bowed once more, smiled at Alicent who sat next to his mother, and patted his father on the shoulder as he left. Daemon’s eyes gleamed proudly as he watched his son leave. There was never a doubt in his mind that Jacaerys would complete the task given to him.

He turned to his wife and good sister smugly, “And you wondered when Aegon would have had the chance to interact with Princess Nymeria? She has been here in Kingslanding for who knows how long.”

Rhaenyra softly laughed as she squeezed Alicent’s hand. She looked around at the members of the small council in satisfaction. Once Otto had been removed from his position as the hand of the king that was then given to Princess Rhaenys, Aegon spent 2 days sleeping in the library before he found a way to add his mother to the small council at the request of his sister Rhaenyra. A position that entailed planning any and every event held by the royal family whether that included a tourney or a nameday celebration, the tasks were always taken care of by the Queen Consort, as such Alicent was named Master of Events. An empty title but one, nonetheless. Maester Geradrys was named the new Grandmaester of the council after Mellos had been executed. The master of ships, her goodfather Lord Corlys was returning from Driftmark in two days as well and Otto had fallen from grace. Once Corlys returned with the documents hidden in his wife, Princess Rhaeny’s safe on Driftmark, she planned to present it to the small council. Rhaenyra will then insist that Otto be tried in court and intends to have him executed no matter the cost. Our plans are finally coming into motion.

Originally Viserys had wanted to exile Otto from Kingslanding as his punishment, but Rhaenyra and Alicent had advised him against it. While Alicent wanted nothing more than for her father to leave, Rhaenys deduced that with his absence from the keep, Otto would have free reign to commit more treason. Daemon had argued that they should just kill him and be done with it, but Laenor had pointed out that Otto was not the figurehead of the people he was allied with to usurp Rhaenyra’s throne. If they killed him now, it would be difficult to unearth his supporters. Laena had even pointed out that Otto’s death after all this time would make him a Martyr to his followers and his cause. Rhaenyra had then decided that they would present the years of evidence they amassed and pushed for a trial to have him, and his followers executed. Daemon was convinced and a little excited to torture the information out of Otto. Alicent had convinced Viserys by lying that she wished for her father to not be banished as he is the only parent she had; and while Viserys had softly looked at her and granted her request, Alicent could not be more impatient for her father to get as far away as possible from them. The decision was made for Otto to be confined to his chambers and only allowed 2 hours with his kin per day. He was appointed a guard to him and relieved of his position permanently. Viserys had hoped that Otto would use the time to reflect because he didn’t want to lose the closest friend he had and the dearest one he’d known the longest. Perhaps Otto might spend more time with his children and grandchildren.

But how could Viserys know that Otto’s only two children hated him more than anything?

**************************************************************************************************************

Gwayne knocked on Queen Consort Alicent’s chambers as he waited for someone to open the door from the inside. It was not often that he came to his sister’s chambers because they spent more time together as he was her assigned kingsguard. Gwayne remembered the exact moment he decided to swear in. Mostly, it was to spite his father for daring to try and secure an alliance with his marriage to House Bracken. The main reason was because as Otto’s son, Gwayne was not entitled to any lands or titles unless his uncle Hobert died along with his cousins. Gwayne had made the decision to swear in after he returned from a trip his father had sent him on to Volantis, only to find out his baby sister had been wedded off to the King. Gwayne had thought his father needed him to deliver the gold to a merchant in Volantis personally because a new sept was being built and funded by House Hightower. In actuality, Otto needed him as far away as possible so that he would not object to his sister’s marriage. Gwayne had already vehemently protested when Otto decided to take Alicent to court, but what could an 11-year-old boy do? Gwayne was beaten and shipped off to steward in Casterly Rock under Lord Lannister. By the time he was past his 18th nameday, his sister had already integrated in court, and they could only exchange letters without their father’s knowledge.

When he found out his father intended to commit treason by instating Aegon as King after King Viserys passed despite Rhaenyra being heir, Gwayne had finally decided to give up on Otto and leave him to his fate. He desired to protect his sister and his nieces and nephews. Gwayne no longer cared what became of his father. He peeked inside and looked around until he spotted his sister braiding her hair. Only one servant remained who was currently placing a cup of tea on a short table.

Once she left, Gwayne approached and sat opposite Alicent, “How are you sister?”

Alicent looked at her brother with soft eyes, “Really good. I am finally at peace.”

Gwayne watched her from the corner of his eye, “It would not have to do a certain someone’s imprisonment would it?”

Alicent frowned and placed her cup on the table, “I am not ashamed. Yes. I am delighted that father has finally been made to suffer the consequences of his action.”

She looked at him funnily, “You are not upset with me, are you?”

Gwayne’s eyebrow raised, “Upset? Do not be ridiculous Ali. Father and I have long been estranged from the moment he decided to send me away so that he could sell you off to the King.”

He put his cup down and leaned back while crossing his legs, “You do not think I am unaware of what he seeks to do even now? Try as you might to hide his treason from me, I see with more than my eyes. Rumors have already begun circulating of why he was dismissed from his position as hand. Is it true?”

Alicent fixed the bottom of her dress and stood, “Yes brother. Father lost his rationality once Viserys announced that Aegon would be wedded to Dorne and not the other way around. He has long wished for me to convince my husband to remove Rhaenyra as his heir and name Aegon his successor, but I know my son. Aegon may be smart, but he has no desire to be king. Rhaenyra does. She is diligent in her duty as both the king’s heir and as a woman. The people are happy, Kingslanding is not drowning in poverty and flea bottom is clean. My children are safe and happy.”, she sighed and turned back to him, “If father was concerned that Rhaenyra would have her brothers killed to secure her claim, I would have understood his desire for Aegon to be king, but Rhaenyra loves her siblings.”

Gwayne nodded, “Father only seeks to further his name and sate his greed. Like many, he thought he could have our blood on the throne. That is why he forced you into this marriage. He should have been dismissed long ago. How could the king be so blind?”

Alicent sharply looked at him, Mind your words brother.”

“Viserys is blind to many things because he wishes for peace. Father has long been perched on my husband’s shoulder. He will not undo what has been by a mere few days. I love my husband, and he loves me, but Viserys and I were the product of an arranged marriage. After a while, we came to grow affection with each other. But I do not wish the same for our children. To be used as pawns in the game of the greedy.”

Gwayne looked back at her, “Then you understand that if Father continues on this path despite our every warning, he will be executed.”

Alicent lifted her chin, “If? With all the crimes we have recorded over the years, he will not be given the chance of a trial either. And I cannot wait for when that day comes.”

Gwayne smirked and stood. Walking over to her, he leaned and grabbed her hand, bringing it to his lips for a light kiss, “Then you and I agree sister.”

“He would not be so foolish as to touch the children either. Father is greedy but he is not stupid.”

And how wrong they were.

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Dyana entered the kitchen and placed the tray she held down on the counter. It has been 2 years since she began working for the royal family, starting as Princess Helaena’s handmaiden. In 2 moons when she turns 15, she would be transferred to the nursery as Princess Alyssa’s head serving girl. Just as she was about to leave, the head chef pushed another tray towards her with a pleading look, “Dyana, I know you are off, but Carlina has just left on a last-minute errand and Prince Aegon needs this delivered. His fiancé arrives on the morrow, and he cannot sleep.”

 Dyana rolled her eyes and picked up the tray, “Only because I am off from work for the next 3 days.”

She fixed her skirt and headed down the corridor to Prince Aegon’s chamber. Stopping at the door, she was about to enter when someone ordered her to stop.

Swinging her gaze around, a maester stepped up to her and nervously looked around, “Is that Prince Aegon’s wine? You were supposed to bring the cup to the alchemy lab for the sleeping tonic to be added girl.”

Dyana bowed her head, “Oh I apologize. I was not informed-”

The maester cut her off and tipped the contents of the vial in his hand into the cup, “You should thank me that I foresaw this.”, pushed her towards the door, “Go now.”, he turned and hurriedly walked away.

Dyana entered with her head bowed and approached Aegon who was sitting at his desk reading a book illuminated by an oil lamp. She curtsied and placed the cup on the table, “My prince.”

Aegon looked up and smiled at her while retrieving the cup, “Thank you.”

Downing the contents, he placed the cup back on the tray and looked at Dyana, “Could you be a darling and close my drapes? I think I will turn in for the night.”

Dyana nodded and placed the tray down on the table before moving into Aegon’s bed chamber to close the blinds and lock the windows. Meanwhile, Aegon felt his chest growing warm as his vision began to blur and quickly stood up. His ears began to ring as his eyes burned and his manhood grew erect. Panicking, Aegon tried to move away from his desk, but instead fell over as his knees grew weak. Belatedly, Aegon realized he had been poisoned and tried to cry out as his voice croaked until he eventually passed out.

Dyana heard a noise and hesitantly pushed her head out, shouting in alarm once she noticed Aegon’s unconscious form. She knelt and tapped him on the face while shaking his shoulder, “Prince Aegon??”

She sighed in relief as he groaned and squinted up at her. Before she could think, he forcibly pushed her down and climbed over her. Dyana froze as he tore at her top and started running his hand down her chest. Snapping out of it, she tried scratching at his arms to push him away and grew pale with fright when he wouldn’t budge. His knee slid between her legs to push them apart and Dyana began to cry heavy sobs when he tore her shirt down the middle to expose her breast.

When his hand slid down her belly, Dyana screamed as her hand flailed above her. She tried to reason with him, “Please my prince. Do not do this. I don’t want this.”

She pleaded with him, but looking at his face, Dyana noticed his eyes were red and unfocused. He appeared as if he could not hear her or understand what he was doing as his arms were stiff and his body moved almost robotically. Eyebrows furrowed in confusion, her hand finally caught something, and she swung as hand as she could. The chalice she had brought his sleeping wine is connected to his cheek as he fell off her and rolled on his side. Dyana scrambled away from him and grabbed the first object she saw on his table, which happened to be a letter opener. Holding it in front of her threateningly to him, she backed away.

Aegon groaned as he opened his eyes, and his head throbbed. His hand reached up to rub the sore spot on his temple, hissing as pain radiated as soon as his fingers touched the spot. The last thing he remembered was his body feeling weak as his vision blurred and then he lost consciousness. He rolled over to stand on his feet and looked over as the sound of fabric rustling reached his ears.

He looked over at the servant girl on the floor and moved in her direction, “Are you alright?”

Pausing as she scrambled away from him further, Aegon took in her teary face and bruised arms that held her top up. He looked around his office area for a sign of burglary, turning back to her when he found none.

Dyana burst into tears as he dropped his hand, “Please do not do this, my prince.”

Aegon’s brows furrowed, “What are you-”

He spotted several scratches and lines of blood on his arm from the corner of his eye and raised it to his eye to see clearer, “What the hell..”

He looked back at Dyana, “Wait, did I do this Dyana?”

Dyana's hands trembled as she stared at him in confusion. Did he not remember what he had just done? She shakily lowered the hand holding the letter opener, “Do you not recall?”

Aegon’s hands dug into his head as panic ensued. His heart began to beat out of his chest because he could not remember attacking Dyana, “Did I? Did I force myself on you?”

Aegon’s stomach rolled with nausea as he anticipated what Dyana would say because if he did do what he hoped he didn’t, Aegon without a doubt would kill himself. He looked at her pleadingly with teary eyes as he stepped back from her, “Tell me I did not.”

Dyana just watched him silently as he began to curl into himself with self-loathing.  She desperately wished for this all to be a horrid dream. Startling as Aegon fell into the wall holding his forehead, he groaned as he sunk onto the floor again. His vision was wavering again as his chest grew warm. Scared out of his mind, he began begging her to leave, but Dyana had already realized that he was not himself. When blood began to trickly from his hairline, her eyes widened in fright.

She stepped forward to approach him, “Prince-”

But Aegon recognized what he was feeling at looked at her with unfocused irritated eyes, “RUN.”

Chapter Text

As Dyana runs out of Aegon’s chamber, she collides headfirst with his kingsguard Ser Arryk, and Prince Jacaerys who is on his way to Aegon’s room. Ser Arryk steadies her as Jacaerys watches her concerned, “Are you alright Dyana?”

He takes in her torn clothing, scrapes and bruises mottling her skin, and the terrified look on her face. Dyana starts sobbing as soon as he holds her up, “No sir. It is Prince Aegon.”

Jacaerys’s gaze trailed from her to his uncle’s door and back, “Did he – did he do something......to you? Did he force himself on you?”

Dyana shook her head frantically, “No my prince. He tried to, but-”

Jacaerys’s face hardened, “He what?”

Dyana shook her head as she tried to steady her breathing, “No. There is something wrong. Please.”

Ser Arryk looked behind him at the two guards following Jacaerys and urged them, “Find the King.”

He pointed at the maid, “You. I am placing her in your care.”

Dyana looked at her in shock, “Carlina? They said you were out on an errand.”

~~

Jacaerys burst into his uncle’s bed chamber just as Aegon hit himself in the face again. His cheeks were fiery red, and a large bruise bloomed from his temple. Blood was trailing the corner of his mouth as he once again smacked himself. Jacaerys lunged and grabbed him just as he moved to hit his other cheek, “Uncle! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?”

Aegon looked up at him with teary eyes, “I don’t know Jace. Something is wrong. I think I have been poisoned.”

Jacaerys searched his uncle’s face, cringing at his red eyes, “Did you perhaps have too much to drink Aegon?”

Aegon shook his head, “Only a sleeping tonic. There must have been something else in it. My sight goes and then I black out. I cannot control my body.”

Aegon grasped Jacaerys shoulder as his head bowed, “I attacked that poor girl, and I do not remember any of it. She hit me across the head, and it woke me up.”

Jacaerys frantically looked around Aegon’s destroyed office for any clue as to what might ail his uncle. He looked back at Aegon just as he groaned in pain and shouted, “It’s happening again.”

Jacaerys watched as Aegon’s eyes rolled back and he passed out. He wildly looked at Ser Arryk who entered the room and pointed at his uncle, “Grab him.”

They reached down and held Aegon up by the shoulder to move him to a chair just as he woke up. Dropping his body weight, he ended up tipping Jacaerys over and reached down to pull at his shirt. Arryk panicked and grabbed Aegon under his arms as he yanked him off Jacaerys.

He tried to restrain him as Aegon bucked and snarled, “Please my prince.”

Jacaerys pulled his shirt back down and directed Arryk to push Aegon down on his bed just as Viserys and Daemon ran into the chamber, highly concerned at the scene.

Daemon rushed over and grabbed Aegon by the shoulder to flip him as he held him down on his back and Ser Arryk held the other. Jacaerys breathed hard as he stepped back and bumped into Viserys, “Before he became incoherent, he told me he thinks he was poisoned grandsire.”

Daemon’s eyes roamed over his nephew’s bruised face, “What happened to his face?”

Jacaerys looked back at his father with a sudden realization. He walked back over to his squirming uncle and slapped him hard across the face. While Daemon gaped at him, Viserys was shaken, “Jacaerys!”

They all looked down at Aegon as he groaned and blinked his eyes open.

Alicent burst into the chamber in her night robes just as Laena stumbled in behind her, “Aegon?!”

Aegon felt so immensely overwhelmed and in pain, tears began to leak from his eyes as he started crying, “Just kill me.”

Alicent’s eyes expressed her confusion as her concerned gaze swung from her son to her husband and back, “Do not be ridiculous.”,

Her eyes moved over his body as she tried to touch him but was pulled back by Viserys as her son’s eyes closed and he began snarling and foaming at the mouth to reach her.

Gasping, she covered her mouth with her hands as tears gathered in her eyes. It swung to the door that was pushed open again where Rhaenyra and Grandmaester Gerardys rushed through. Behind Rhaenyra stood Nymeria disguised in plain clothing, horrified as she took in Aegon. Gerardys rushed to Aegon and placed his kit on the table next to his bed. He inspected him by taking in the redness of his eyes and the aggressive way he moved. Nymeria stepped up behind Aegon and placed her palm on his forehead, sighing in relief as he stopped thrashing. Aegon felt his head clear as he felt a warm hand on his head and then the smell of his lover’s perfume.

He blinked his eyes clear, “Nymeria?”

A watery laugh escaped Nymeria’s lips as she leaned over him, “Hi, my love.”

Aegon’s brow furrowed as he looked around, “How are y-”

“I wanted to surprise you. Your parents allowed me to come unofficially. What’s wrong with you?”

Gerardys motioned for Daemon to pull Aegon up and stood before him, “Open your mouth, my prince.”

When Aegon opened his mouth and Gerardys spotted what he was looking for, he nodded and turned to address Alicent and Viserys, “The prince has been poisoned your graces.”

“Poisoned?!”, Rhaenyra exclaimed.

Gerardys nodded and looked back at Aegon who now lay on Nymeria’s lap, “A strong aphrodisiac; Mugwert.”

All eyes swung to Nymeria. Daemon looked down at his nephew, “That is a Dornish poison.”

Gerardys nodded, “It makes the user muddleheaded and aggressive. Once they become addicted, it wears the mind down until they are nothing more than a fool.”

Nymeria shook her head, “But it is an old poison. We used it to create slaves who were sent to work in our army. Once they were addicted to it, they were given a master who supplied them in exchange for following commands mindlessly, but my father had it outlawed 25 years ago when he became king.”

Aegon watched as his mother exchanged looks with his sister and patted Nymeria’s hand, “They know it was not your people. Someone is trying to set you up.”

Daemon rolled his eyes, “They are doing more than that. They are trying to stop your marriage. Only the members of the small council were aware of this.”

Gerardys collected the bowl from his assistant and sprinkled a white powder in. He stepped up to Aegon just as he finished mixing the contents in, “The culprit may have wanted to destroy Prince Aegon’s reputation and perhaps his mind.”

He handed the bowl to Aegon, “Drink this. It will force your body to expel the contents of your stomach.”

Aegon swallowed the contents and handed the bowl back to Gerardys as Nymeria helped him sit up. “I feel fine,” he said.

Just as Aegon spoke, Gerardys placed a bucket in his hand and waved a container of green liquid under his nose. Once the fumes entered his nose, Aegon folded over the bucket as he vomited.

Gerardys turned back to Viserys, “Once the prince’s tongue loses the blue color, the poison has worked its way out. He will be bedridden with a fever and delirious.”

Alicent rubbed her hand on Aegon’s curly hair, “Whoever did this will try again.”

**************************************************************************************************************

A soft breeze blew through Aegon’s room as he lay asleep bedridden with fever. Though the contents of the poison were flushed from his system, another poison was used to do it. While not fatal, the effects left him with a high fever. Carlina who had been Aegon’s servant once he left the nursery sneakily looked around before she entered. Otto had long brought her over to his side and promised her several benefits for completing her tasks. This time she was given the most rewarding of all. Placing the tray down, she admired Aegon’s still figure on the bed. His silver hair curled around his face, lean arms, and broad shoulders, his face flushed pink from his fever. Carlina’s face grew warm as she fantasized. Pushing her sleeves off and stepping out of her dress, she dragged Aegon’s covers off and climbed onto his bed. Brushing her hands over his face, her eyes carried a manic look of ownership. Carlina then began fondling Aegon against his will until he grew aroused and mounted his waist to sink onto his manhood.

Aegon’s eyes opened blearily as he felt a weight settle on his waist. Everything was a blurred mess, and his body was so weak he couldn’t even lift his arms. He forced himself to turn when he realized the person above him was not Nymeria and that he couldn’t remember how they ended up there. Was I poisoned again?

A hand reached from behind Carlina and grabbed her by the neck to toss her on the floor. Aegon’s flaccid dick flapped against his stomach as he fell back on his pillow.

Nymeria directed the guards to grab Carlina who tried to use her hands to cover her breasts and lower half. She glared with such hatred at Nymeria that they wondered if the two had ever met. Nymeria kicked Carlina’s dress towards her, “Cover yourself.”

She then turned and approached Aegon who was weakly calling out for her. Sitting halfway on his bed, she leaned over and brushed his curly hair from his face, “My love.”

Aegon only calmed once her voice reached his ears. Nymeria could see he was delirious, so she gently brushed her hands through his hair until he fell asleep again. She collected a cloth and wiped him off before pulling his covers back over his body. Placing a gentle kiss on his temple, she turned and motioned for the guards to drag Carlina out of Aegon’s bed-chamber and into his outer lounge.

Closing the door softly, she turned back to the servant at her feet, “I should have you killed. For daring to assault a dynasty member.”

Carlina struggled against the guards restraining her, “Prince Aegon and I are lovers. You can’t come between us.”

Nymeria scoffed, “What lover? You were Aegon’s nursemaid and then caretaker when he was given his chambers. You are 40 years old!”

Carlina smirked, “He’s mine. He does not even wish to marry you.”

Nymeria smirked and stooped down, “That’s strange. Prince Aegon and my betrothal has not been announced. How do you know this?”

Carlina’s eyes widened, “I-”

Nymeria stood and went to retrieve the cup on the tray Carlina brought in. Taking a whiff of his contents, she looked back at an alarmed Carlina, “This has Mugwert.”

Fully turning to her, “It was you. You were supposed to bring Aegon his sleeping wine last night. Did you drug it too?”

She watched as Carlina pursed her lips. Nodding her head, she looked at the guards, “Throw her in the black cells and report our findings to Prince Daemon.”

**************************************************************************************************************

Alicent wiped her tears as her chamber’s door was pushed open. She turned around ready to compose herself until she noticed it was her husband. Bursting into a fresh round of tears, she hastily rushed into Viserys’s open arms, “Oh Viserys.”

Viserys rested his chin on Alicent’s head as he continued to hug her and attempted to offer comfort, “I know. But he is okay now. And we will find out who did this.”

Alicent sniffled as she thought, “I know exactly who did this.” He dared to touch her children after she warned him.

Right now, the only thing Alicent wanted was comfort; and she intended to get it from her husband. She pulled away from his hug and tearily looked at him. Viserys observed her pink nose and watery eyes, smiling softly as he leaned in and kissed her. Alicent held him by the waist as they kissed and pulled him down to the couch she previously sat on. Alicent climbed onto his lap as he brushed her nightgown off her shoulders. Viserys knew that his wife needed him right now. Though the sun had already come up, it was so unlike her to remain in her chambers and not begin her duties. Her nightgown was a simple green slip that he easily pulled over her head to remove. He was dressed in plain black pants and a white shirt covered by a cloak he left at her door. His lips trailed down the side of her neck as her fingers weaved into his hair for grip. Alicent softly moaned as she rocked against Viserys’s hardened manhood.

Every thought in her mind when she willingly sought her pleasure was against the rules they were taught at the sept. It had taken Viserys almost two years to rid her of the guilt she felt every time she slept with her husband. Alicent pulled Viserys shirt off and pressed her breasts to his chest. Eventually, they moved to the bed where Alicent lay on her back as Viserys entered her. Pressing her hand to her mouth, she tried to stifle her moans when he leaned down and sucked on her breasts. His hips rocked into her as the bed shook slightly. When his fingers brushed over her clit, her legs tightened around his waist. Before long, her orgasm washed over her abruptly. She bit Viserys on the shoulder to silence her shout as he groaned and buried his face in her neck. A few more pumps and Viserys locked their hips together as he came. Only the sound of their breathing filled the empty room as the two slowly came down from their high. Viserys rolled them until he lay on his back with Alicent’s head resting on his chest. He pressed a kiss to her red hair and ran his hand comfortingly down her back. Alicent gazed at the green drapes covering her side window that Otto ordered she never removed they returned from Aegon’s second nameday.

“I know he is your friend Viserys, and you cannot imagine he would betray you like this, but my father will not stop.”

Viserys pulled away to look at her surprised, “Otto? I know he wishes to see Aegon on the throne, but he has already been punished. I have stripped him of his position. He will rot risk it.”

Alicent looked at him sadly, “He already has.”

Chapter Text

~The Black Cells~

A week later.........

Harsh breathing filled the room as groans of pain echoed. Carlina was bent over a bucket of water trying to catch her breath. Hair wet and plastered to her skin, water dripping from her nose, saliva escaping her mouth, and her knees bleeding from how long she was forced onto them. Ser Gwayne held her bound arms behind her back with one hand while the other held her by the head. Carlina had never felt fear like this before and almost regretted her actions as she burst into tears. Daemon who stood across from her leaning against the wall rolled his eyes in annoyance.

Pushing off he approached her and leaned down, “How quickly you’ve been subjected to tears. Perhaps you should have thought of the consequences before you drugged and assaulted my nephew.”, he looked at Gwayne, “Again.”

Carlina shook her head and attempted to speak but was cut off as Gwayne submerged her head in the bucket of water. Thrashing and trying to come up for air resulted in failure and Gwayne waited until she swallowed a few mouthfuls before pulling her back up, “I’m telling you my prince we should have begun by dismembering her first.”

 Daemon smirked and looked down at Carlina, “There’s always tomorrow.”

Carlina began crying again in heavy sobs, body shivering from the cold, “Okay! Please!”

Daemon crossed his arms, “Tell me what I wish to know.”

Gwayne let her go as she flopped on her behind, “It was Ser Otto.”

Gwayne’s angry eyes found Daemon’s. The one thing they shared in common was their hatred for Otto.

Carlina lost all reason and blurted out everything, “Ser Otto approached me when Prince Aegon was given his chamber after he was removed from the nursery. All he wanted was for me to monitor Prince Aegon and report back to him. He hated that the king kept Princess Rhaenyra as his heir instead of Prince Aegon. His anger only grew when Prince Aegon was kept away from him and placed with the princess. He thought the chance would come if the princess died in childbirth. When King Viserys announced Prince Aegon would wed a Dornish princess as consort, he ordered me to come between them.”

Gwayne glared at her, “And you both thought it best to drug my nephew??!!”

Carlina frantically shook her head, “It wasn’t supposed to be like that. Mellos procured the poison from Volantis after he started poisoning the King. In small doses, it was an aphrodisiac. I was meant to put it in the prince’s sleeping wine and then accompany him.”

Daemon stared at her, “But you got sent away and Dyana was tasked to deliver the wine.”

Carlina snarled, “That fool of a maester put too much!”

She looked away, “The head cook sent me to deliver the Queen’s tea. I had the mugwert with me. How was I to know he would give Dyana the wine to give to my Aegon?! Otto panicked and ordered the maester to add a dose of mugwert disguised as the prince’s sleeping draft, but he put too much.”

Gwayne kicked her in the back, “He is not yours! You were his nursemaid. He thought of you as nothing but a mother figure.”

Daemon took a deep breath and looked up, “Are you telling me that Otto meant for Princess Nymeria to catch you and Aegon in bed, and in anger dissolve the marriage agreement?”

Carlina’s eyes took on an obsessive gleam as she nodded, “And once I became pregnant with Prince Aegon’s child, he would wed us.”

Gwayne side-eyed Daemon as if to see that they were both witnessing a deranged woman’s rambling. Daemon burst into laughter, “You are almost 50 and 6, Carlina. What child would you bear?”

Gwayne sneered at her, “My father is not a kind man. Once the agreement was dissolved you would have been found in a ditch somewhere with your throat cut.”

Carlina shook her head, “You’re wrong. Aegon loves me.”

Daemon motioned the guards to grab her, “That’s enough from you. Gag her and prepare to present her to the court.”

*************************************************************************************************************

~Throne Room~

The court was in session as Viserys sat on the throne with Blackfyre on his hip listening to petitions all morning. His heir, Princess Rhaenyra stood on his left, and his cousin Princess Rhaenys on his right as his hand. His council stood below on the left with Aemond and to the right stood Laenor, Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Aegon who was still unwell. Rhaenys’s brows furrowed as she read the name of the last petitioner: Vaemond Velaryon.

Rhaenys looked at his face as he stepped in front and bowed slightly, realizing why he was there. Her Lord Husband was bedridden and unconscious after eating something while returning to Kingslanding. This meant Rhaenys should have been sitting on the Driftwood throne, but as the hand of the king, she was stuck in Kingslanding. Laenor had just returned from Driftmark once everything was taken care of so she wondered what Vaemond could be asking for this time.

Vaemond bowed, “Your grace. I request to be named Lord of Driftmark.”

Rhaenys’s eyes widened.

Viserys sat up and looked at Vaemond, “Ser Vaemond. I do not decide the matter of succession against the decision of the Houses. Lord Corlys has committed no crime to be stripped of his title.”

Vaemond nodded, “But my brother is dying your grace. Driftmark cannot be left without an heir.”

Rhaenys rolled her eyes, “My son is alive Vaemond. Laenor is the heir to Driftmark.”

“Ser Laenor is married to the heir my lady. He cannot be Lord of Driftmark and the Prince Consort.”, Vaemond smirked.

Laenor stepped forward, “And as you know Uncle, my son Lucerys is my heir.”, he turned around and faced Viserys, “A matter I did not wish to bring up so soon your grace, but my father wished to name Lucerys Heir to Driftmark. I will relinquish the title and Driftmark shall pass from my father to my son.”

Viserys glanced at Laenor, “A decision written and stamped by Lord Corlys.”

Viserys waited for Laenor to nod and looked back at Vaemond, “Then it is settled Ser Vaemond. My good son has spoken. Your brother, the Lord of Driftmark, has made his succession clear.”

Rhaenyra smirked as Vaemond watched them stupefied. His eyes moved over her to Laenor and finally rested on Lucerys. Growing irate, he unintentionally interrupted Viserys, “The matter is not done.”

He moved off from his spot and pointed at Lucerys, “He does not inherit our blue eyes nor our silver hair.”

Alicent looked at him funny. Sure, Prince Lucerys had Princess Rhaenys’s black hair embedded with silver streaks and his mother Princess Rhaenyra’s purple eyes, but Lucerys was a replica of his father in skin color and face.

Laenor glared at Vaemond, “And what would you call his skill with sailing uncle? Or the fact that he carries my entire face?”

Vaemond brushed it off, “He is tanned because he spends his time in the sun. If you will not allow me to become the Lord and insist that Laenor’s son be named the heir, then name Prince Viserys heir of Driftmark and allow me to be his regent until he comes of age.”

Rhaenyra descended the steps of the throne, “Are you insinuating that my son Lucerys is not of Laenor’s blood?”

Vaemond sneered at her, “THAT is not true Velaryon.”

Ser Harrold unsheathed his sword, “Mind your words, my Lord. You are bordering the lines of treason.”

Aegon and Jacaerys shuffled closer to Aemond as he moved to stand next to Lucerys just as the throne room door was pushed open and Daemon stepped through.

Vaemond’s eyes followed him until he stood next to Laenor, “This farce of a marriage you have allowed for the sake of your daughter. You allow her to wed two men like a common woman working in a brothel. There is no way to decide what prince or princess is of my house.”

He glared at him and looked back at Viserys, "You may run your house as you see fit, but you will not decide the future of mine. My house survived the Doom, and a thousand tribulations besides, and gods be damned, I will not see it ended on the account of this b-”

Daemon had stood outside at the beginning of Vaemond’s rant and waited to enter just like Rhaenyra had instructed him. Daemon crossed his palms on Darksister and smirked at Vaemond, “Say it.”

“Her children are BASTARDS!”

Viserys stood from his seat on the throne as his face flushed red. Gasps and whispers broke out in the room as Vaemond smirked at Rhaenyra, “And She. Is. A. Whore.”

Aemond grabbed Jacaerys just as Lucerys held Aegon to stop them from lunging at Vaemond. Rhaenys shook her head as she watched Vaemond with disappointment, “You are so far gone in your greed that you would commit treason?”

Viserys lifted his chin and glared at Vaemond, “You are accused of treason Ser Vaemond Velaryon.”

Lord Corlys stepped out from behind the small council as he looked at his brother, “You are predictable brother.”

Vaemond looked at Corlys in shock as a realization came over him, “You were never close to death, were you? You tricked me!”

Viserys looked at his cousin confused, “What is this?”

Corlys turned his back on Vaemond and bowed to Viserys, “My King. I had suspected my brother to commit treason and set a trap for him. I found letters exchanged between him and the Queen’s father, Ser Otto.”

Viserys brows rose as he looked at Alicent, “What?”

Alicent looked at him sadly, “You refused to see him for what he was. There was no other way.”

Rhaenyra and Laenor moved to stand where Vaemond stood with Alicent and collected the evidence to present while Daemon moved to stand next to Rhaenys.

“These are evidence we gathered from the moment you wed again. My father has been manipulating you ever since you became king and finally into marrying me when Queen Aemma lost her life to the birthing bed.”, Alicent handed him several witness statements, “My father colluded with Grandmaester Mellos to feed Aemma poison that would weaken her womb to prevent her from giving you a male heir.”

Rhaenyra nodded and collected a discolored glass vial, “And when my brother Prince Baelon was born, he fed this to his nursemaid. It is Hydyft. The poison settled in her blood and eventually in her milk that would then cause his death.”

Alicent squeezed Rhaenyra’s hand softly before looking back at her husband, “Once Queen Aemma had passed, Father convinced you to marry me in hopes that I would produce a male heir for you. But then he had you name Rhaenyra your heir in hopes that it would keep Prince Daemon away from the throne until Aegon was born. He never expected for you to insist that Rhaenyra succeed you.”

Mandera stepped out from a side door and passed her a few brown notes. She handed them over to Viserys, “After failing to change your mind, he then tried to force me to convince you by trying to turn me against Rhaenyra. Over and over, he would say my children would be killed to secure Rhaenyra’s reign; sometimes with force.”

Viserys clenched his fist, “Why did no one inform me of this?”
Daemon scoffed and rolled his eyes, “Do you think I have not tried? I have been telling you this for years!!”

Rhaenyra rolled the rings on her finger, “Another thing, father. Ser Otto had Mellos tamper with Queen Alicent’s moon tea to ensure she gave you more children. When Helaena was born, he had hoped to eventually wed her to Aegon so that pureblooded Targaryens would be born of the union to solidify his position.”

Viserys nodded, “But he was thwarted once Helaena was betrothed to lord Cregan Stark.”

Laenor collected a paper from his guard consisting of a list of names and handed it over, “Not only that My King, but he colluded with Ser Larys Strong, to spread rumors of bastardy concerning our children, including my heir, Lucerys.”

His eyes passed over Vaemond, “I reckon that is where my uncle began believing Lucerys was not of my blood.”

Daemon took a deep breath and motioned to Gwayne at the back of the room, “There is more brother.”

Gwayne came back with Carlina bound and gagged. He tossed her at Daemon’s feet just as he stepped down from the throne and turned back to Viserys, “This is Carlina. She was Aegon’s nursemaid and then placed in his service once he left the nursery.”

Daemon grabbed her by the hair ignoring her whimpers of pain, “She was sent by Otto. The plan was to drug Aegon into sleeping with her to dissolve the marriage agreement between us and Dorne. Unexpectedly, the cook had sent her on an errand and Dyana was tasked with delivering a fresh cup of wine.”

Another man was tossed at the feet of the stairs still dressed in his maester robes, though only two chain links were present, “And this scum is the one who in panic threw too much Mugwert that caused Aegon to lose his mind and lash out.”

Gwayne bent his neck, “They attempted to try again and were caught. Carlina confessed that it was all arranged by Ser Otto.”

Carlina looked at Aegon with pleading eyes, but all he remembered was the feel of her hands assaulting him. He could not explain the way he felt because, on the one hand, he did not remember her face, but on the other, he remembered her voice, the way she tried to arouse him and still failed only to go through with forcing him to have sex with her. He felt his skin crawl when he met her obsessive eyes, so he just turned away and rubbed his arms across his chest.

Rhaenyra was concerned at the way her brother seemed to fold in on himself. She glared at the two on the floor, “Ser Otto believes me unfit to rule as I am a woman and he claims will be detrimental to the realm, but it is clear he only wishes to sate his greed and place his blood on the throne in an act of self-importance.”

Viserys face grew red as he took in all the evidence of treason happening under his roof. His childhood love died along with many of their children, his current wife suffering, and his children and grandchildren subjected to harm. The papers clenched in his fist, and he shouted in anger, “APPREHEND SER OTTO.”

Flipping his cloak, he turned around and sat on the throne, “and bring him to me AT ONCE!”

~~

Unfortunately, when Ser Harrold arrives at the chamber of Ser Otto, the guard assigned to him is unconscious on the ground and bleeding. Ser Erryk stops to check if he is still alive while Ser Arryk steps over them and enters the room. Three unknown men lay dead in the sitting room and one in the bed chamber.

Arryk looks at his brother just as another guard helps move their unconscious brother, “All four are dead.”

Erryk nods, “Probably killed by Qarl. He has a cut on the thigh and a bump on the head, most likely what knocked him out, but the blood is mostly not his.”

Ser Qarl was a regular guard under Ser Harwin Strong. Though not kingsguard, Ser Qarl was efficient with the sword and aided in the training of young knights joining the royal army. He was assigned to guard Ser Otto until a verdict could be given.

Arryk sighed and held his brother’s shoulder, “We must inform the court. Come.”

~~

Viserys slammed his palm on the handle of the throne as he stood in anger, “He dared?!”

Alicent worriedly spoke with Rhaenys and Rhaenyra as they whispered. Daemon paced angrily at the steps of the throne before turning to glare at his brother, “I warned you SEVERAL times Viserys.”

He pointed his finger at his brother, “I told you he was a snake, and now look what has happened!? He is gone to the comfort of his followers perhaps to finally set his plans of treason in place.”

Laenor approached his husband and held him by the shoulder, “I know you are angry Daemon, but be calm. We are still in court. You cannot be seen disrespecting the king.”

Daemon glared at his brother who for once looked ashamed. Rhaenys lightly shook her head at him to not push the matter.

Viserys looked over at the members of his small council and the people at court, “Place a bounty on Ser Otto’s head. I want him found before he causes any more harm.”

 He looked down at Ser Corlys before looking at Ser Vaemond who stood off to the side, “Ser Vaemond is charged with treason. His punishment is left to be dealt with by my heir and by the Lord of his house.”

Vaemond blew out a breath of relief, safe in the thought that his brother would never kill him. In the end, his punishment was left to Rhaenyra who had his tongue removed and then fed to Arrax.

Chapter Text

~The Palace~

Nymeria pushed her head into the room and looked around for her fiancé. It had been two days since he recovered, and she knew something was troubling him. Softly closing his door, she walked around trying to spot him, sighing with relief when she found him curled under his covers in bed.

She approached him and sat on the edge of his bed, “Aegon?”

Yet, he remained silent and still.

She brushed her hand over his forehead to push his hair back, “Something bothers you, my love.”

Aegon pushed his head out from hiding and looked at her with teary eyes, “I hate this. What she did to me. I can’t stop feeling as though I should be taking a bath every hour of the day.”

Nymeria frowned sadly and moved up on the bed. Aegon reached for her hands and clasped them together.

He stared at them as he whispered, “I feel dirty.”

She shook her head in denial, “Do not say that. This was not your fault. She forced herself on you.”

Her eyes tracked his unkept hair, the dark bags under his eyes, his drapes that remained close despite the sun at its halfway point, several empty wine cups, and the way his chest was pink and irritated as if he tried to scrub the feeling away.

Aegon pulled their clasped hands away, “You should be disgusted with me. Another woman entered my bed. My body is now sullied and unclean.”

Nymeria felt tears gather in her eyes as she took in her distressed lover, “Tell me how to make it better. I hate what this is doing to you. Do you want to go for a flight? You’ve always said a ride on Sunfyre always eases your worries.”

Aegon stared at their hands and looked up at Nymeria with a resigned whisper, “Make love to me. Erase all the places she touched.”

Nymeria nodded and climbed onto his lap, “Whatever you want, my love.”

Quickly stripping, Nymeria took her time worshipping his body. Places kisses from the top of his head to the sole of his feet, softly caressing his skin and laying her lips on every pleasure spot. Aegon grabbed her by the arms and pulled her up his chest to kiss her. Reaching down, he grabbed her leg and pulled it up to open her legs for him to slide through. He rolled them over and gently entered her wet cavern. Nymeria softly moaned into their kiss as he began rocking into her in deep thrusts. Nymeria held Aegon tightly to her as they lay chest to chest. Her hands caressed his back and settled on the back of his neck to thread through his hair. She moaned as he lightly bit her on the shoulder and quickened his thrusts. Before long, Aegon felt his seed boil out of him when Nymeria orgasmed and clenched on his cock. Stuffing his face in the pillow next to her head, he smothered his groans of pleasure.

Nymeria stroked the back of his head as they caught their breath. Aegon leaned up and stared into her eyes. No matter how many times he did, he loved her soft chocolate eyes more than anything in the world. He loved her more than he loved himself. His eyes shut as she leaned up and placed two soft kisses on both of his eyelids. He dropped his head on her chest and made himself comfortable, finally getting to sleep after so many days with his betrothed there to comfort him.

**************************************************************************************************************

Daemon entered the chamber he shared with his wife and husband. The children were put to bed and his brother had retired for the night with his wife. They still had no information on Otto’s whereabouts or who and where he escaped to. All Daemon craved right now was the comfort of his bed where he slept between the warm bodies of his spouses. He closed the door and unlatched DarkSister from the satchel to rest it on the table. He followed the voices to his bed chamber only to be greeted by the sight of his husband and wife in the middle of having sex. Leaning against the door, he bit his lip aroused and Laenor had Rhaenyra bent over their bed where his face was buried between her thighs. He always loved the way Rhaenyra begged for release when she was denied. And right now, as Laenor feasted between her legs, he took in her pink and sweaty face scrunched in agonizing pleasure. Approaching, he sat on the bed in front of her and grasped her by the chin. Tilting her head up, he took in her pleading eyes and leaned down to roughly kiss her. A high pitch moan escaped their kiss as Laenor sucked her clit into his mouth, groaning in pleasure as she orgasmed.

Rhaenyra collapsed forward on the bed breathlessly as Daemon leaned over her and roughly grabbed Laenor behind the neck to kiss him. He delighted in the taste of Rhaenyra’s cum on Laenor’s lips. Pulling away, he heatedly watched them both. Laenor knew the look in his eyes; he wanted to watch them have sex. Without breaking eye contact, he wrapped Rhaenyra’s single braid in his fist and yanked her head up. She bent her neck to give him more access to lay kisses from her neck to her shoulder. Daemon wrapped his hand around her neck to deeply kiss her just as Laenor lined up and slid his cock inside her. The abruptness of his thrust and the intensity made her squeal, but Daemon refused to pull away from the kiss. He slid his tongue in and tangled them just as Laenor grasped her hips and began thrusting into her. Rhaenyra’s hand trailed down Daemon’s waist to stroke him over his clothing, delighting in the way he hardened under her touch. Pulling himself out of his pants, he stroked himself as he watched Laenor fuck Rhaenyra.

White flashes blinded him temporarily as he came at the sight of Laenor spilling his seed on Rhaenyra’s back. Picking some up with his fingers, the sucked them into his mouth and leaned down to meet Rhaenyra’s eager want for his kiss to taste both of her husbands. Rhaenyra lay blissed out and satisfied between her husbands as sleep came for her quickly. Laenor and Daemon softly watched her as they moved her around to clean up and eventually fell asleep tangled together.  

**************************************************************************************************************

Lord Corlys sat in front of the fire in a chair next to his wife Princess Rhaenys. She held his hand in hers hoping to offer comfort for the loss of his brother.

Corlys looked at her silently, “Are you alright Rhaenys?”

Her brows furrowed as she looked at him, “Quite. It is you I worry for husband.”

Corlys sat up straighter, “Vaemond?”, he scoffed and looked away, “I loved my brother, but his greed was bound to have gotten him killed.”

He shook his head, ‘No. I worry for our house and for our children and grandchildren. With Otto missing, I fear a war on the horizon.”

“Otto wishes for one, but Aegon is who he wishes to place as a head for their cause. The boy does not wish it. He loves Rhaenyra and this family. More importantly, he loves his betrothed. Whatever Otto wishes to do will be pointless.”

Corlys stared into the open flames, “For a man that schemed for nearly two decades to achieve his goal, I do not seek him giving up.”, he shook his head, “No, there will be a war. It is inevitable.”

Rhaenys sighed as her shoulders sank, “The children.......”

Corlys picked up their entwined hands and kissed them as Rhaenys looked at him with worry-filled eyes, “There is no war where people are not lost. We must be vigilant.”

Rhaenys leaned her cheek on their entwined hands, “More than ever.”

She leaned in to meet him in the middle for a soft kiss.

**************************************************************************************************************

~~

Aegon stopped and stared at the door of the tavern in front of him nervously. He could not stop clenching his fists to ease his worries. Nymeria rests her hand on his shoulder, “You are nervous my love, but this can only go one of two ways. Either she accepts or she does not. All we can do is keep trying until feels comfortable.”

They had snuck out of the palace to go into flea bottom disguised in dark cloaks that covered their heads and identifying features. Aegon reached his hand up and knocked on the tavern's back door that Dyana’s family ran. He wanted to apologize for his actions, but by the time he was cleared of bed rest, Dyana had already left on paid time away from work. He worried that she would not want to see him, so he asked Nymeria to come with him and be his support.

When Dyana spotted him, she froze in place and curtsied. Immediately, Aegon bowed his head in shame. Dyana watched him as he stuttered over his apology, “I hurt you, my lady. I apologize for that dearly.”

Dyana’s tilted her head as she watched the bizarre scene of a noble apologizing to a lowborn like her, “My prince you were poisoned. It was not of your doing.”

But Aegon wished to hear none of it. Dyana’s eyes widened in alarm as he shook his head and got down on his knees, “It does not excuse what you have faced. I know it will be long before you are truly healed, but I wish to start by compensating you and offering my apologies.”

He placed his head on the cold floor as he folded over and bowed, “I am sorry.”

Dyana approached him and held him by the shoulder as she motioned for Nymeria to help her pull Aegon from the floor, “I have already forgiven you, my prince. And the Queen has moved me up to the nursery under Princess Alyssa’s service. My family was compensated with a year’s worth of gold. It is enough.”

She looked at him seriously, “As long as this does not happen again?”

Aegon’s reddened eyes softened in relief as he nodded and tried to contain his sobs, “I will kill myself before I ever allow myself to be taken advantage of like that again to hurt another innocent person.”

Dyana nodded and curtsied before returning inside. Nymeria held Aegon up as he hunched over her with a weight finally lifted from his shoulders.

**************************************************************************************************************

~House Hightower Fief, Oldtown~

Loud shouting and angry voices could be heard from the study of Lord Hobert Hightower. Tensions had been running high since Otto had sneaked into Oldtown after evading his trial. He knew his schemes were revealed and his plans had failed. To survive, Otto had to be declared a traitor. Nevertheless, when Aegon is King I will have my charges cleared.

Otto did not dare to believe that he had failed. It had taken him two decades to get where he was at the height of power. THE HAND TO TWO KINGS. THE BACKBONE OF THE THIS DAMNED KINGDOM. I MADE THIS KINGDOM WHAT IT IS WAS. It was me who brought it to glory as the advisor to King Jahaerys. I fixed their mess. I made my daughter the Queen. She bore 3 sons for the King. It is my blood that flows through all of their veins. My blood that is pure and gifted by God. Only it could cure the sinful stain of that incestuous family and their sorcery and monstrous beasts.

“And you could not even do that. You have been cast aside and now there is a bounty on your head. I shield you here at the risk of our entire line being executed! What have you to show for this mess Otto?!”

Otto glared as his brother continued to shout angrily at him. He slammed his fist on the table, “Do you think I would get this far without a plan? Like always, you underestimate me.”

“We have the followers. Many of the houses have declared for us including House Lannister. They all share our thoughts. That bitch and her hoard of bastards will never have the throne. I will not allow it and the Lords will not either.”

“I have labored for YEARS to put this realm at the height of its power. I did not do it so that it would all be for naught because the King holds affection for that weak woman and the whore she left behind. MY daughter is Queen now and MY grandson will be King.”

Hobert watched Otto’s deranged eyes and his unkept appearance in silence. He wondered if Otto had lied to himself so much that he now began to believe them, “For the realm? Do not play the jester Otto. We have schemed this long to put Hightower's blood on the throne. Because before these ungodly heathens descended on Westeros, we held power. Oldtown was the center of it all and that is the way it should be.”

“AND IT WILL! When Aegon is King.”

Otto took a deep breath and looked out the window of his brother’s study.

All of this should be mine. Just because I was born a second son, the glory of our House is left in the Hands of my cowardly brother and his unfit sons. Perhaps I should get rid of you as soon as my grandson wears the crown.

He looked at his brother and hid his disdain, “You know what is to be done.”

**************************************************************************************************************

The small council was in the middle of a discussion when the doors were abruptly pushed open and Knight hurried in. He appeared out of breath and slightly panicked, “Your grace! There is urgent news from Honeyholt. Ser Braxton has written.”

Lord Lyman abruptly stood as he reached to collect the letter. Ser Braxton Beesbury was the only son of Lord Lyman Beesbury and heir to Honeyholt. He was knighted at age 14 and was considered the most handsome and skilled knight in the reach. Often writing his father with updates on how House Beesbury was doing and other times of what their spies reported.

Lyman read the contents of the letter and turned his horrified eyes to King Viserys, “Your grace, my son Braxton has reported that there have been sightings in Oldtown.”

The room paused in abated breath, “The beacon atop the tower in Oldtown has turned green.”

“House Hightower has declared war.”

Chapter Text

~The Palace~

Several servants and guards bustled around the keep as the royal children were being prepared to travel. The Hightowers had declared war. Rhaenyra remembered exactly how that went in her previous life. The betrayals and the ambushes from people she trusted. Rhaenyra had already contacted her cousin Lady Jeyne Arryn beforehand to prepare for such an event. Viserys, Viserra, Crenyl, Alyssa, and Visenya with their dragons were being sent to the Vale along with Laena Velaryon as their guardian. In the events of war, children were always subjected to the horrors of war and the family elders of House Targaryen refused to allow it. It was a few days after receiving the raven from Honeyholt that Viserys had ravens sent out to call their bannermen and Rhaenyra had letters sent to their loyal houses to declare a side and remember their oaths sworn. Unfortunately, Viserys believed that Otto was alone in his quest to usurp his throne and place an unwilling Aegon on it. He was disappointed to learn that many houses joined Otto.

Rhaenyra stood next to her father as they held a council meeting around his table. She pointed at the houses that were lit, “ Houses Lannister, Redwyne, Ambrose, Bourney, Butterwall, Crakehall, Fossoway, and Graceford have all turned to follow the Hightowers.”

Daemon’s hand rests on the hilt of his sword, “Houses Bracken, Blackwell, and the Riverlands have remained neutral.”

Rhaenys stood on the other side of Viserys, “Perhaps once I would have been certain that House Baratheon was our ally, but with my great uncle’s passing, Lord Borros is now Lord Baratheon. He is all brawn and no brain. We cannot be certain he would declare for us.”

Alicent and Laenor were with Ser Harwin preparing the children being sent to the Vale. They were unwilling. But Rhaenyra would not make the mistake of negligence that resulted in their deaths a second time. Aegon, Orwinda, Jacaerys, Aemond, Baela, Lucerys, Helaena, and Rhaena were at a separate table in the room listening closely to what they were about to be ordered. A thorough plan was drafted in preparation for the war. Daeron, Aegon, and Baelon stood in another corner of the table.

Viserys waved them over to the table and looked at them seriously, “As much I do not wish to involve you in this war, your Uncle Daemon believes you are ready. You all have separate tasks being entrusted to you. You will complete them, but you will be safe. Am I clear?”

Rhaenyra rolled the rings on her finger as she fiddled and called her son’s attention, “Jacaerys. You will fly to the North to call on them to fulfill their oath.”

Daemon waved Aemond and Orwinda over, “You two will be going to the Riverlands to deliver this raven to House Tully. Lord Grover is old and bedridden but still the Warden of the Riverlands. They will not answer our call if he does not allow it. You MUST convince him to declare for us.”

Rhaenys rolled her eyes, “DO NOT threaten him Aemond. You are just like your Daemon when he was a boy. We cannot afford to anger the entirety of the Riverlands. That is why you are going with Orwinda. Your uncle will head to Harrenhal while I head to the Storm’s End. You will communicate with him once you arrive, okay?”

Orwinda looked at Aemond before they both nodded to Rhaenys.

Rhaenyra approached the table and held Lucerys hand, “You will go with your grandsire Luce. You remember what I instructed you to do, right?”

Lucerys looked at his mother adoringly and nodded. She had long sat him down with both his grandsires and informed them of the possibility that Otto would ally himself with the triarchy ships and House Lannister’s fleet. She remembers how Jacaerys lost his life in the Battle of the Gullet and risked exposing this under a lie that she saw it in a dream. She wanted nothing more than to prevent her family from partaking in this war, but it was not possible.

She held Daeron and Baelon by the shoulder, “You two will remain here with us. You are being tasked with patrol duty. Baelon you will cover the gullet with your uncle Daeron. You are to patrol alone and not to engage in any form of battle.”

She turned to her son Aegon, “You, my son will deliver this letter to House Celtigar in Claw Isle. Once you receive a written answer, deliver it to your Grandsire on Driftmark and remain there until further instructed.”

She waited for them to acknowledge her before placing a kiss on their foreheads, “Go to your chambers and prepare.”

Aegon approached her and stood still. She reached up and brushed her hair from his face, eyes still dark, face displaying how tired he was, it was clear Aegon was still sick. He looked at Rhaenyra, “And what would you have me do?”

Viserys lifted his head and looked at his son, “You are still unwell Aegon. You are unfit to engage in any type of physical exertion.”

Aegon’s brow scrunched as he turned to Viserys, “But Father-”

Daemon shook his head, “Do not argue Aegon. Otto wishes to put you on the throne despite your refusal. You are practically the face of his rebellion. You CANNOT be captured.”

Aegon knew they spoke the truth, but he felt like he was not doing enough. Rhaenyra held his arm and slightly squeezed it to get his attention. He reluctantly looked down at her, “You know he speaks the truth litter brother. You will guard our ancestral home. Dragonstone is large enough and contains its army. You will be protected there until we discover everything we need to know about this war.”

Rhaenys approached him and nodded, “Your cousins are also staying here, and it is not because they are women. Helaena will accompany you to Dragonstone once your betrothed returns to Dorne. Baela remains here to patrol Kingslanding while your Uncle Laenor guards Blackwater Bay and your cousin Rhaena is being sent to the Vale with your nieces, nephews, and sister. You each have your tasks Aegon.”

Aegon reluctantly accepted their words of comfort and returned to his chambers to finalize his preparations.

**************************************************************************************************************

Rhaenyra and Alicent stood at the docks with their husbands as they watched their children’s things be loaded onto Lord Corlys' ship. Alicent moved to hug Aegon and Helaena who would be travelling to Dragon Stone for protection and to hide them away as Aegon was still unwell. She pressed a soft kiss to Helaena’s cheek and squeezed Aegon’s hand before turning and hugging Nymeria. Crouching, she squeezed a crying Alyssa in a tight hug as she tried to be strong.

Alyssa’s tears kept gushing as she held onto Viserys leg, “I don’t want to leave, Father. Please don’t make me.”

Alicent ran her hand over Alyssa’s dark curls with a sad smile, “My love, it is for your protection. It isn’t forever.”

Viserys held her by the shoulders, “When it is safe again, you’ll come right back here with us. And you won’t be alone. Your aunt Laena will be with you and your cousins.”

They both kissed her on the cheeks and wiped her tears, “Be strong for us like your cousins.”, Alyssa’s eyes strayed to her younger cousins across from them.

Visenya stood between her siblings Viserys and Viserra with a defiant pout. Viserys and Viserra had already said goodbye to their parents, but Visenya was reluctant. Rhaenyra patted Daemon and Laenor as she motioned to them. She waited until Laenor picked up Viserra and Daemon led Viserys away before crouching in front of her unhappy daughter, “Visenya, my sweet girl.”

Visenya’s purple eyes watered as the tears she tried to hold back broke free, “Mother.”

Rhaenyra pulled Visenya into her arms to soothe her tears. The little girl was always mature and acted older than she was so it never occurred to Rhaenyra that Visenya would be the one she needed to calm. Rhaenyra ducked her head to catch her daughter’s eyes, “Do you love our family?

Visenya tearily nodded. Rhaenyra reached up and wiped her tears from her cheeks, “Well, there’s this bad man that wants to harm our family. He wants us all gone so that he can be king. Your family, the ones that will remain here, will do everything we can to stop him. The only thing we ask is that you and your cousins remain safe.”

Rhaenyra kissed her on the cheeks and ran her hand over her head, “Can you do that for me, my sweet girl?”

Visenya soundlessly nodded and burrowed her face into her mother’s neck. Rhaenyra took a deep breath to control her emotions as she moved to her other children. Placing a kiss on each of their temples, Visenya, Viserra, and Viserys were placed in the hands of their nursemaids. She did the same for Crenyl and crouched in front of Alyssa, “You’ll be brave for me, right little sister?”

Alyssa stared at her and tearily nodded before hugging her as well. There were another few minutes of goodbyes between siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles before they were loaded onto the ship. Rhaenyra frantically looked around for her other son. Once she spotted him, she hurried over to where he stood with her brother. “Lucerys!”

In another life, Lucerys was murdered by his uncle, her little brother, Aemond. Rhaenyra took comfort in knowing that in this life, the hatred they held for each other did not occur. She held him by the shoulder and stared him over before grabbing Aemond’s hand as well. Lucerys wore his regular clothing set for sailing, but Aemond was dressed as an envoy head to toe in Targaryen red and black.

Lucerys looked at her concerned, “Are you alright, mother? I was just saying goodbye.”

Rhaenyra shakily smiled and brushed her hand over his hair, “Fine, my sweet boy.”

“You will listen to your grandsire Luce. Do not act with overconfidence and recklessness. Be concise and be safe.”

Lucerys softly smiled at her and nodded, “Okay Mother.”

She placed three kisses on his temple and returned the hug he gave, “Go. Your grandsire is waiting.”

She smiled at his back before turning to her brother, “Are you prepared for this Aemond? Lord Grover is not an easy man.”

Aemond nodded, a picture of serious, “I can handle him.”

Rhaenyra recognized the look on his face and shook her head frantically, “No no no, little brother. I know that look. You cannot kill him.”

Watching the defeat on his face at her warning, Rhaenyra muttered under her breath, “Look at what you’ve created Daemon.”

“This is why I am being sent with you.”

They turned at the voice as Orwinda came up behind them dressed in Targaryen red and stark grey. Rhaenyra was relieved as she held them both by the shoulder, “You will be careful. If there is any sign of danger or a battle you cannot win, take flight on your dragons as high as you can return here.”

Once they nodded, she pulled them into a tight hug and moved to find her other son, “Aegon!”

She had already spoken to him, but her heart would not rest. She could not shake the feeling that he should be kept here. Aegon approached his mother immediately taking notice of her rolling the rings on her finger, “Yes Mother?”

She shook her head after looking him over once more, “You remember your duty? Deliver the letter to Lord Celtigar and then return here.”

One last kiss was delivered to Harwin and then Laena was loading the children onto the ship. Alyssa, Visenya, Viserys, Viserra, and Crenyl were guided by their guards and Laena promised to protect them just as Vhagar flew overhead blocking out the sun. Their dragons were circling the sail of the ship. Though they were not hatchlings, the dragons were also too small to make the journey to the Vale, and their riders were not trained for flying either. With Laena as the only dragon-riding adult, the rest feared not being able to control them and ensure no one got lost. Hence, Lord Corlys’s ship was tasked as it left Kingslanding heading for the Vale.

Daemon, Aegon, Helaena, Aemond, Orwinda, Jacaerys, Rhaenys and Egg who were all dressed in riding leathers boarded their carriage and collected their horse’s reins to head to the dragon pit for their dragons. Laenor was tasked with patrolling Blackwater Bay, Baela to Kingslanding, and Daeron and Baelon with the gullet. After Nymeria and Aegon had said their goodbye, she boarded her own ship to return to Dorne. It was the one request her betrothed requested of her and she served as a backup should Kingslanding fall.

Rhaenyra, Viserys, Alicent, and Harwin boarded another carriage returning to the palace to start the next step of their plan in this war against Otto. On the way back, they watched from above as several dragons set off from the dragon pit and branched off in different directions: Aegon and Helaena to Dragon Stone, Rhaenys to Storms End, and Jacaerys to the North.

Rhaenyra’s eyes followed them until they disappeared in the clouds; If Otto wanted a war, then it was a war he would receive.

Chapter Text

~Tumblestone~

Jason Lannister directed his horse to stop as he dismounted and gave the rein to a knight in his army. Keeping his eyes lowered, he slowly but confidently approached Baela who sat atop Moondancer as she gazed at the approaching army downhill. Her eyes narrowed as she spotted banners from House Lannister and the minor houses under them.

Her head turned with a suspicious gaze to Jason, “I am to assume correctly that these are not your men that approached from downhill?”

Jason sighed as he spotted his brother at the head of the army proudly strutting, “That would be correct my lady. I do not see my nephew Lorean however.”

Baela’s silver hair was intricately braided in a row of cornrows weaved with gold silk ribbons and clipped at the end with small seashells. She wore green and blue riding leathers with a red cloak stamped with the Targaryen sigil. Her blue eyes squinted as she took in the large army. She smirked as she sat upright in her saddle, idly patting Moondancer’s spikes to calm her when she screeched, “I did not think your brother would be this foolish Lord Jason.”

Jason took in the army below him and felt relief overcome him. He placed his helmet back on his head and returned to mount his horse as he descended, “My brother has always been arrogant, and it is that arrogance that will be his downfall.”

—_—

He stared at his brother, resigned, “How could you be this foolish Tyland?”

“You declare for that whore and would call me a traitor? Aegon is the legitimate firstborn son of the king. It is his birthright.”, Tyland sneered.

“The King you sere chose his heir, and it is Princess Rhaenyra. What you are doing is treason, brother. What has that snake Otto promised you? You would ruin our house for your own agenda?”, Jason asked.

“My agenda? Should you be saying these things to me when you pledged loyalty to that cunt because she helped you marry Rhea?”, Tyland mockingly laughed.

He narrowed his eyes at Jason, “Do not think me a fool, Jason. Your marriage to Royce should have guaranteed Runestone to our family’s side. Or do you think yourself a Royce and not a Lannister?”

Jason smirked, “Well, now that you have doomed our House to treason, I think I will take Rhea’s name. My children are Royce, what difference would it make?”

Tyland watched his brother in shock, “Have you gone mad?”

Jason looked around the generals of Tyland’s army, “Speaking of children, where is your son? I thought you would have kept Lorean by your side. He is, after all, your pride and joy.”

Jason snickered silently as he watched Tyland’s face screw up. It was no secret how much Tyland hated Lorean. His jealousy and envy of his son blinded him from seeing how good of a man Lorean was. Any Lord would have been satisfied with his nephew for an heir, and the only reason Tyland couldn’t get rid of Lorean was due to the family elders' barrier.

Jason didn’t like the smile that spread across Tyland’s face, “My son is indisposed at the moment, locked away in the family dungeon because he was foolish enough to swear his loyalty to that bitch instead of our prince. Lord Otto has promised me Princess Alyssa’s hand in marriage when Aegon is crowned King. Once she gives me an heir, I will have no use for that coward.”

Jason felt the horror displayed on his face, “Princess Alyssa is almost upon her tenth nameday! You would wed a child?!”

He felt a cold shiver crawl over his body as a lustful look overcame Tyland’s face, “A woman is a woman regardless of her age. Once she is my wife, I will bed her whenever I please. Once she is old enough, she will give me another son.”, he licked his lips.

Jason drew his sword and pointed it at Tyland, “You are no brother of mine. Disgusting and repulsive to even carry the Lannister name. I will not let you.”

Tyland laughed loudly, “Let me? And how do you propose you are to do that? I have 10000 men in my army, and you have nothing more but House Royce’s old hunters and women who should know better than to join the battle of men when they were born to spread nothing more than their legs for our service.”

Jason shook his head as several laughs echoed from Tyland’s army. Sheathing his sword, “You have until the end of the week to surrender, Tyland.”

Tyalnd chuckled, “Your confidence must come from that little girl and her hatchling of a dragon with no battle experience.”

Turning around to move through his army, he left with parting words, “I will allow you to keep your dignity after death and leave your name in the family registry book.”

Baela pulled her gloves back on and strapped herself in her saddle once Jason had safely reached back up the hill. Pulling the reigns, she shouted her command, “Sōvegon Moondancer.” (Fly Moondancer)

~Riverrun~

Aemond dismounted his dragon, patting him as he approached Orwinda, who was rubbing Silverwing’s snout as she stared at the Tully castle. Aemond fixed her red cloak and pulled his gloves off absentmindedly as she did the same for his cloak pin. Their identical hairstyles of a single braid complimented by the leather patch Aemond wore over his eye and the blue scarf Orwinda kept wrapped in a bow around her neck. They both silently stared at the gates of the castle that were being opened for their unannounced arrival. While Orwinda was thinking of solutions to convince Lord Grover to declare for Rhaenyra, Aemond wondered how he could light the castle on fire without involving innocent people. Orwinda eyed the expression on Aemond’s face and softly commented, “You cannot burn it down Aemond. Princess Rhaenyra sent us here as messengers and nothing more.”

Aemond smirked and rested his hand on the sword attached to his hip, “Not entirely correct. Nyra said to deliver the message to Lord Grover and if he declares for her, then we are to instruct him to take the army of the Riverlands to aid Lord Jason and Baela.”

Orwinda waited for him to continue because she sensed he was not done. Aemond’s gaze followed Lord Grover who hobbled out with the support of his cane and a boy who looked to be around Jacaerys’s age. Several guards filed out behind him as people looked at them through the castle’s window. His gaze slid back to the sneer on Lord Grover’s face, “But Uncle Daemon said to kill him quietly if he declares for Otto.”

Orwinda’s eyes widened as her head swung to her betrothed. Before she could respond, Lord Grover stopped a few feet ahead of them, “To what do I owe this unannounced visit, my prince?”

Aemond took in the way Lord Grover purposely refused to acknowledge Orwinda and saved it for later. He pulled his cloak aside and dug into his satchel to remove a letter sealed in wax with the Targaryen sigil. He held it out in front of him and gestured for them to take it.

Lord Grover looked at the letter and motioned for it to be retrieved, “Get the letter, Oscar.”

Aemond observed the timid way Oscar approached them with his shoulder hunched and eyes never leaving the floor. Crossing his arm as Grover collected the letter, “Ser Otto Hightower is accused of treason and has declared war on my family to force my older brother on the throne instead of my eldest sister, whom father has chosen as his heir. My father reminds you of the oath you swore to my sister Rhaenyra to loyally serve her and answer her call in time of need.”

Orwinda sighed as Lord Grover tossed the letter in the mud and scowled at them, “I serve a King who puts the good of the realm before his personal feelings, not King Viserys. He breaks years of tradition and law to put that woman as our ruler when he has three legitimate sons. And you expect me to come to his side?”

Aemond flicked his fingernails as he listened to the old man rant. He eyed the way his face was sweating even though they had only stood as they spoke. His face was growing pink, and his breaths labored as he continued to rant to them. Sighing, he whistled a high-pitched tune and waited for the answer to roar in response. Smiling gleefully as Cannibal landed harshly behind him, snarling at the men of the Riverlands. His smile widened as Oscar, whom he believed to be timid, remained upright and unflinching when the rest scrambled. Interesting.

“Let me be perfectly clear, Lord Grover. The only reason I allow this disrespect is because my sister made me swear to come as nothing but a messenger. Otherwise, I would cut through your men like a piece of wood through butter. Understand that you risk the safety of your children and grandchildren as well as the safety of the men, women, and children of the Riverlands. I will not allow your ignorant grudge to lay innocent blood at the feet of my family.”

Aemond shot Grover an annoyed glare as he cut him off, “And what would you know of family, boy? You currently choose the side of your whore of a sister and forsake your grandsire.”

Orwinda grabbed Aemond’s hand and moved to draw his sword. She softly shook her head and squeezed as she whispered, “We cannot be the first to draw our sword. It will reflect poorly on Princess Rhaenyra.”

Lord Grover stumbled back in fear as Cannibal’s green eyes glowed menacingly as smoke fumes escaped his mouth. Silverwing screeched as she circled above them and gently descended behind her rider. Orwinda turned to address Lord Grover, “It is incredibly foolish to insult the members of the royal family as you admit to treason, Lord Grover. You accumulate your bravery with the knowledge that Ser Otto backs you when you should be more attentive to Prince Aemond’s and mine own dragon right here outside your walls.”

Lord Grover spat at her feet before coughing as he struggled to draw a breath, “I will not be lectured by a bastard girl.”

Orwinda calmly watched Lord Grover as Aemond turned away to calm his dragon that was growing more incensed as he channeled his rider’s feelings. Orwinda cleared her throat to ease the ache, “And your son has also declared to Ser Otto’s cause?”

Grover wiped his mouth, “My son will do as I order. I AM HIS LORD!”

Orwinda and Aemond’s gaze slid over to Oscar, who was softly shaking his head to disagree. They locked eyes before Orwinda looked back at Lord Grover, “As ordered by King Viserys. We have a full day to receive an answer from you Lord Grover.”

Aemond scoffed as Orwinda walked back to him and they mounted their dragons, “You have until dawn tomorrow, Lord Grover.”

~~

Lord Grover was awakened from his sleep as the sound of his chamber being shut echoed. He squinted as he tried to identify the figure approaching him. Sighing in relief, he slumped as he recognized his grandson, Oscar, “What are you doing in my chambers so late boy?”

Oscar silently watched him with barely concealed disgust, “I held hope that Father was wrong when he said you grew senile and paranoid. You would risk the lives of the people in the Riverlands over a promise grandsire? When did you become reduced to this?”

Grover sensed something wasn’t right. His grandson was just like his son, sniveling and weak. They were not strong enough to wield a sword or portray strength. Yet now, Oscar’s eyes watched him with contempt on a face he began to not recognize. Before he could speak, Oscar continued, “You are almost 90 years of age grandsire. They will suspect nothing but a peaceful passing.”

Oscar reached over and pressed a pillow over Grover’s face. He remained stoic as the old man weakly struggled to gain a breath of air, “The princess has done so much for us and will do even more once she is Queen. Your treason will be your crime and yours alone to carry.”

He waited until the old man stopped moving before turning and opening the balcony door. Stepping back, Aemond leaped over and walked in to stare at Lord Grover who died with his eyes open in fear. He turned back to Oscar who handed him a sealed letter, “My father has written in this letter that he declares for Princess Rhaenyra. Our army will be upon Tumblestone in 5 days should we move well rested.”

Aemond pushed the letter into his satchel as he observed Oscar, “My uncle would love you. Smothering that old cunt with a pillow is something I imagine he would have no issue with.”

Oscar blinked at him speechless.

~Oldtown~

A teacup smashed on the table, “Impossible. I personally paid him through your messenger. Lord Tyland can account for that. How can you tell me the purchase was never made when war is upon us?”

Hobert’s face was pale as he rubbed his chin, “I have not heard from him since he made contact with you. I assumed you had him removed.”

Otto glared at his brother, “I did no such thing. If you did not send him, then where are my gold dragons? I paid 2000 gold for that army.”

Hobert sighed as he held his head in his hands, “He has obviously run off with the gold.”

Otto sank into his chair as despair overcame him, “How could you mess up this badly?”

Hobert’s angry eyes lifted as he flipped the table, “This is your fault, Otto. What were you thinking when you declared war on the royal family? They have an arsenal of dragons and riders. Several of the houses declared for them over our house, and your daughter has chosen her side. You assured me that Aegon secretly wanted to be king and would work on the inside. Yet, we have not received one letter, and he has disappeared to God’s know where.”

Otto could not believe his brother was placing all the fault on him, “You were the one who pushed me to do this Hobert. I said I needed more time, but you were impatient. Aegon could have been under my rule and on our side.”

“Well, he is not! He is on his sister’s side, and we are left as traitors who were foolish enough to commit treason.”, Hobert shouted.

“You-”

Ormund Hightower, Hobert’s youngest son, only 17 years of age, chuckled silently as he listened to his father and uncle toss the blame to anyone but themselves. He returned to his chamber and scribbled on a piece of paper. Quickly tying it to the leg of his raven, he placed an orange ribbon around the neck so that she would know it was going to his cousin, Queen Consort Alicent. Ormund had long been a spy in Hobert’s home for his cousins from the minute Gwayne had joined the Kingsguard. He leaned on his window sail, watching as his raven headed to Kingslanding.

~The Gullet~

Lord Corlys stood at the helm of his ship watching the clear waters ahead of them. He had over 50 years of experience as the captain of a ship yet could not understand why Rhaenyra had ordered him to take half of his fleet and wait in the gullet. They should have been sailing to meet the Lannister fleet in the narrow sea, but they were here like sitting ducks instead. He looked over at his second, Jontro, as he approached.

Quietly, they watched the waters before Jontro broke the silence, “My lord, why are we here? These waters are empty of attack ships.”

Corlys sighed and rubbed his beard, “Princess Rhaenyra made me promise to stay here for whatever reason. She claims we will be attacked from the Gullet and Shipbreakers Bay. As such, I sent the other half of my ships in that direction while we wait here.”

Jontro’s brows furrowed, “With all due respect my lord, the royal family does not comprise of sailors. We are too close to Driftmark and Dragonstone for an army of ships to attack us here. The Lannisters and the Redwynes are too far away and-”

His face displayed confusion as the waves began rocking harder against the boat. Corlys squinted through the sun's rays as a flag appeared off the coast. What is that?

“BREACH ON THE COASTLINE”

“ATTACK SHIPS SPOTTED”

“INCOMING”

Corlys’s eyes widened as over 40 ships sailed into the gullet over a large wave. He turned around quickly and moved across the deck shouting at his crew, “Prepare for battle. Raise the signal”

“I can see Lannister and Redwyne flags Lord Corlys.”

A loud sound echoed off his ship as Jontro blew a horn to signal the rest of their ships. A red flag was raised to signal the others that the army was the enemy and not friendly. Corlys’s eyes displayed his amazement, “She was right.”

Before long the three fleets engaged in a fight where explosives were tossed back and forth. Corlys’s fleet outnumbered the enemy by 20 ships. His crew flew out breaths of relief as the enemy numbers started dwindling.

Jontro’s eyes widened as a wave of arrows hit the side of their ship. All eyes swung to the new ships arriving behind them, “TRIARCHY SHIPS!”

Corlys laughed in surprise, “I must toast a drink to the princess.”, he looked down at Jontro, “Second battle signal.”

Jontro raised a black flack and waited as Corlys’s ships sailed back to crowd each other. They were now evenly numbered as the enemy and they now had between 50 ships. Jontro waited until the Triarchy was just over the boundary line before blowing a second horn with a lower pitch. Corlys looked up just in time to see Arrax’s pale body burst from the clouds and light the first row of triarchy ships aflame.

Lucerys spotted his grandfather’s ship between the third row of the Velaryon fleet and smiled. Pulling Arrax’s reigns, he disappeared between the clouds before diving back to the triarchy, “Dracarys Arrax.”

Arrax’s flames decimated another ten ships of the triarchy army before his rider gave him another command, “Pālētēs Arrax” (Evasive Maneuvers Arrax)

A move he learned from his father Laenor, Lucerys twisted Arrax’s reigns before they barrel twirled and disappeared underwater. Corlys held his breath until his grandson burst out of the water in bright laughter and burnt the remaining 5 ships. He sighed as Lucerys black hair shined under the sun before they circled his ship once and flew off. Rhaenyra had warned them in the battle strategy meeting that the Lannisters were coy and could not be trusted to be predictable. She begged them to listen to her just this once and to place their trust in her, believing that the attack would come from the Gullet, as she believed Otto had made a deal with the Triarchy. Following her orders, half of their attack fleet was sent to the gullet and the other half to the shipbreakers bay. Lucerys was instructed to wait until the Triarchy army revealed themselves or if Lord Corlys’s army faced issues.

Corlys leaned on his cane in relief as his army broke out into loud cheers with their victory as he watched the enemy fleet’s ships on fire where they eventually sunk. He wiped the water from his face as he took in the sinking ships and his fleet that lost only a few, “Help our men from the waters. As for the enemy, if they surrender, bring them aboard and lock them away in the cells. Kill the others who refuse.”

Chapter Text

~Kingslanding, Small Council Room~

Rhaenyra, Alicent, Viserys, and Lyonel all sat around the table as they discussed further plans to stop the war. Laenor retrieved the tray from the servant at the door and placed it down on the table before distributing the letters to the people they were addressed to. His brows furrowed as he read the letter from Helaena informing them that she was taking Dreamfyre to the Vale to assist Rhaena as the youngest children’s guardian. He placed the letter from his nephew Prince Aegon in Viserys’s open hand.

Viserys sighed after finishing, “My son Aegon has informed us that he will remain on Dragonstone to govern it in Rhaenyra's absence and will come to its defense if necessary. Helaena has departed to the Eyrie to assist Lady Laena and Rhaena.”

Lord Lyonel folded the letter he received from his current Castellan, “Ser Simon is also happy to report that Prince Daemon arrived two days ago and awaits the army of the Riverlands to join the knights of my house.”

Rhaenyra nodded, “It should not be long. Aemond and Orwinda have already sent word of Lord Grover’s unfortunate passing and, in turn, Lord Elmo’s written support of us. The Riverlands army should arrive on the morrow.”

Alicent rubbed her palm across her eyes to work out the ache that had settled there as she muttered, “Muña toliot.  Kostilus gaomagon daor ivestragī bisa āeksio's rēbagon sagon rȳ se fault hen ñuha tresy.” (Mother above. Please do not let this lord's passing be at the fault of my son.)

Laenor’s eyes twinkled with laughter as he handed her a raven with an orange bow. She peeled it open before addressing the council, “Ormund says that tension grows in Oldtown as my uncle Hobert and father become frantic. They argue nonstop and their trust in each other is declining.”

Ser Harrold, who stood behind Viserys, spoke, “It would be the perfect time to move our forces in whilst they are unprepared.”

Viserys looked at his daughter intriguingly, “How much longer do you intend to put it off, Rhaenyra?”

Rhaenyra leaned over her family’s ancestral table currently glowing orange and blew out the candle lit under the Narrow Sea land mass, “We have already won the battle of the gullet. I imagine word has already reached their ears that Lord Corlys defeated the Lannister-Redwyne fleet and their Triarchy allies.”

She moved another piece from Harrenhal to the Riverlands and another piece from Storms End and Tumblestone, “Their numbers on land are divided into these three areas. We must win at best the Riverlands and Tumblestone as the Lannisters currently have an army of 10,000 men.”

Laenor pushed a smaller piece from Volantis into Oldtown, “By now; they must also realize their army of sell swords won’t be arriving.”

Alicent stood next to Grandmaester Gerardys, “So what you are saying is that once Tumblestone and Harrenhal are won, then you will begin the attack on Oldtown?”

Rhaenyra nodded and reached over to place a stone on the north, “We have yet to receive word from Lord Rickon, but I am not worried. There has never been a Stark who forgot an oath.”

All eyes swung to the chamber doors being pushed open as Jacaerys, dressed in Targaryen red and black, stepped through. His silver hair was pulled away from his face by two braids at the front while his purple eyes could not hide his mirth. When Rhaenyra turned around and saw him, she could not help but remember how this exact moment played out in her previous life. Instead of sorrow over Lucerys’s death, Jacaerys was now eager to deliver whatever news he brought from the North. Standing here was not her eldest forcing himself to be older than he was, but a boy just past his sixteenth nameday and a worthy claimant to the iron throne.

He stepped up and bowed before straightening and resting his hand on his sword handle, “I bring good news from the north, your graces. Lord Rickon has promised us 2000 soldiers that should arrive within two weeks. He will remain in Winterfell but has placed his heir Cregan in charge of the army. We are to use them for whatever tasks may aid us in winning this war.”

“Well done Prince Jacaerys.”, it was unclear who the praise came from, but it was delivered in good faith.

Alicent and Laenor smiled proudly at him while his grandsire Viserys squeezed him on the shoulder with a smile, “However, I know you are eager to prove yourself, but you are your mother’s heir, and thus you must remain here.”

Jacaerys nodded, “I understand grandsire.”

Viserys sighed in relief, “You will take your place on the council between your parents.”

Jacaerys smiled as Laenor hugged him tightly, and Rhaenyra placed a kiss on his temple, “Is there any word from father?”

Rhaenyra nodded, “He has arrived in Harrenhal and awaits the army from the Riverlands.”

“I take it Aemond and Orwinda were successful then, Mother?”

~Harrenhal~

Aemond circled the sky above Harrenhal and took in the rows of tents stretched across the estate and the field behind, smiling as victory was already guaranteed for their next battle. He spotted his uncle’s dragon, Caraxes perched on the side of a mountain west of Harrenhal castle and the Silverwing below. He directed Cannibal to land there once he noticed Orwinda’s figure dismounting from her dragon. Cannibal thumped beside Silverwing and screeched before lowering his wing for Aemond to slide down.

“Why are you out here Orwinda? It is cold.”, Aemond questioned as he approached her while pulling his riding gloves from his fingers.

Her eyes lit up with joy as she spotted him, “There is not much that I can do. Practicing flight techniques with Silverwing is what Prince Daemon suggested.” Orwinda had arrived in Harrenhal 5 days ago when Aemond snuck out to speak with Oscar Tully. The plan was for him to fly to Harrenhal as soon as he received the support of the Riverlands.

An arm reached from behind him and pulled him in for a shoulder hug, “I was beginning to wonder if you had gotten lost, nephew. Explain to me why a flight that should have taken you no more than a day instead cost you 5.”

Aemond rolled his eyes and quickly hugged Daemon before pushing away, “I escorted the army of Riverlands folk. They arrive within the hour Uncle.”

Daemon’s eyes gleamed as the news was delivered, “Good. We will convene for a strategy meeting as soon as they arrive. Great job you two.”

~~

Daemon held his helmet as he moved through the large entryway leading to the back mountains where Caraxes was. The Riverlands army arrived just as Aemond reported, and after a lengthy meeting, it was decided that the army would be split into three parts. Two thousand men were to remain in Harrenhal with Orwinda and Silverwing, while the remaining 16000 were split in half and sent to two different battlefields. Lord Simon Strong was tasked to continue acting as the Castellan of Harrenhal until the war was settled. Eventually, Daemon and Aemond led the Riverlands army against the largest Greens faction army made up of men from the Hightower and Lefford families. The battle waged for a week before Daemon’s strategy had the enemy surrounded in a forest on the north side of Pink Maiden. Aemond had used Cannibal to cut off their exit before pushing them to the river that passed through the Stony Sept into Acorn Hall. Daemon’s army now outnumbered the greens faction 5:1. Carcasses littered the battlefield, structures aflame, and death smothered them. The green faction that previously held hope that this was a battle they could win now succumbed to the fear that slowly ate away at their resolve. It was the sheer force of regret and stubbornness that kept them fighting a losing battle. Aemond circled back to the last stand as he noticed a row of archers surrounding the rest of the army. Pulling on Cannibal’s reigns, he hunched down and shouted his command, “Dracarys Cannibal.”

He landed behind them as Cannibal rose and roared at the pitifully small army. Caraxes thumped down in front of them and let out a loud whistle-like roar that rang in their ears. Daemon reconned that if he were a dragon, he would choke on the stench of fear the army in front of him perfumed, “I am offering you a chance not many have received. Lay down your weapons and surrender.”, leaning on Caraxes saddle, he smirked at them, “Or burn.”

THE DEVIL. THIS MAN IS THE DEVIL.

Aemond could almost hear the expression on the enemy’s face. Nevertheless, they all looked around desperately before dropping their weapons and falling to their knees. Laughing, Aemond pulled his dragon’s chain, “Soves!”

~TumbleStone~

It was another 2 days before Baela received a raven from her father reporting their victory against the green faction's largest army. Baela laughed delightedly before handing it to Jason, who then passed it to his generals, “Prince Daemon had brought another victory for our King. The Hightower and Lefford family's army has surrendered.”

Baela grabbed a white paper and a pin to cover the areas on the map before moving around to where they were, “Our reinforcements should arrive within the week.”

Jason nodded and sat down, “Our supplies are not dwindled. We can hold out for another 30 days, my lady.”

“How many of our men are fit for battle?”

Jason reached over and pulled a book hidden under the table before pulling it open, “Excluding the patrol guards, about 80%.”

Baela looked over at him, “And Lord Tyland is still unaware of the 200 we sent to Casterly Rock?”

Jason swung his arm to get the creak out of his shoulder, “I wrote to the king, but have yet to receive a reply. Princess Rhaenyra reassured me that she would send someone to ensure Lorean is found and kept safe.”

She approached the tent opening and peeked through the small opening to survey their surrounding, “And you are certain you do not want to take your brother’s place as Lord Lannister?”

Jason shrugged and smiled, “I am content with what I have. My wife is Lord of Runestone, and my children are set to inherit. I am quite alright at my wife’s side. Besides, the position of Lord belongs to my nephew, and I intend to deliver it to him.”

Baela nodded and clipped her cloak on, “It is time for my patrol. I will venture a bit further to see if I can spot the Riverlands army.”

However, Baela had encountered more than that. Her gut had warned her to fly above the clouds, and she was always one to listen. Within the trees behind where they set up camp, Baela could see several reflections of silver armor crinkling under the glare of the sun. Fucking hell. Pulling her dragon’s reigns, Baela sped back as fast as Moondancer could go. She landed with a heavy thump just as Jason exited the strategy tent, “Lannister army within the trees. They crossed over the river and are coming from the westbound forest!”

Just then, a loud bell echoed throughout their camp, “AMBUSH ON THE WEST.”

Baela looked back at Jason, “Your army commander. I will fight from the skies.”

Jason looked at her anxiously, “Be safe, my lady.”

“Sōvegon”

Violent dust clouds spread as Moondancer took flight. We were careless. We’ve been engaged in small fights with Lord Tyland’s army for 10 days now since he was delivered an ultimatum to surrender. He always attacked us from the north, east, and south but never from the west. The patrol was low on that end because of the large forest at our backs and the river that led to Bitterbridge.

Never did they think the Lannister army would wade through those poison fungi waters to ambush them.

Baela swopped Moondancer down just as the first line of green soldiers broke through the tree line, “Dracarys!”

Moondancer screeched before smothering the enemy in fire.  Alarms were sounded, and soon, their camp became a battlefield as blood stained the grass and the smell of fire and smoke began to permute. Jason had long lost his helmet as he moved through the battlefield. He was not as good with a sword as with books, but sheer determination to return to his family kept him going. A loud horn broke through, swords clanging as the Riverlands army arrived. Jason soon became surrounded by archers. Raising his sword, he swore he would not fall to death’s clutches in this battle. A loud screech sounded just as he dove to the side and Moondancer swooped lighting the enemy on fire. He cringed away from the searing heat, squinting at the burnt corpses in front of him, before rolling back to his feet.

~~

Tyland looked around frantically as his army was decimated. Scrambling on his knees, he tried to escape through the trees just as Jason stepped in his path with a sword pointed at him. He reached for his blade, grasping at the empty socket. Looking down, he realized his sword was missing, and so was his knife. Placing his hands up in surrender, he began to beg for his life, “Brother.”

Jason scowled at him, “You were warned Tyland.”

“You wouldn’t be cruel as to kill your brother, would you? You are no kin slayer. I am still Lord of Casterly Rock!”

Jason looked at him disappointedly, “Kinslayer? Where is Lorean?”

Tyland sunk to his knees, “If you let me go, I’ll tell you. I swear it. I’ll even give you the position of Lord. You can be the new Lord Lannister. I’ll sail across the sea to Braavos or Lys......Myr. You’ll never see me again. Just please, brother.......”

Sheathing his sword, he watched as Tyland sighed in relief. Motioning to his men behind his brother to restrain him, “I won’t kill you, Tyland.”

“Wha-”, he weakly tried to fight off the men tying him with rope before looking at Jason.

A man in plain clothing burst into the clearing on a large brown horse and approached Jason, “My Lord. Lord Lorean has been found and has departed for Kingslanding.”

Jason smirked at the horrified look on Tyland’s face just as Moondancer swiftly landed behind them for Baela to dismount. Jason turned back to Tyland, “You will answer to the King for your crimes Lord Tyland.”

The last thing Tyland saw was Baela’s small leg turning to deliver a blow to the side of his head.

All parties watched as Lady Baela knocked Tyland unconscious and then angrily puffed as she wiped blood from her cheek, “Deliver him to the King as quickly as possible.”

**************************************************************************************************************

~Claw Isle~

Aegon the younger clutched the letter in his hands excitedly as he moved to mount his dragon. Stormcloud looked above at the darkening clouds and trilled as he urgently beckoned his rider. A storm was on the horizon. Aegon looked up at the sky worried as he remembered one of the first rules his mother taught him once he was cleared to go on dragon rides without supervision.

NEVER fly in a storm Aegon. Promise me.

He never understood why, but growing up, they all had a set of rules that only applied to them. Baelon wasn’t allowed to go into Kingslanding without an escort, Jacaerys was never to engage in fights in the Gullet, Helaena wasn’t to be found near Maegor’s holdfast room above the spiked gates, Daeron was forbidden to contact any Hightower in Oldtown. The strangest was that his namesake and Uncle Aegon was never to be given no more than a cup of arbor gold and he was never to fly in a storm.

Quickly strapping himself in his saddle, he departed from Claw Isle under the watchful eye of Lord Gaemon Celtigar, the new Lord of Claw Isle and head of House Celtigar. The rain quickly soaked him as he tried to get back to Kingslanding. Squinting at the lightning flashing ahead of him, he pulled on Stormcloud’s reigns to divert him to Dragonstone instead so that they could wait out the storm. The rain started pelting down harder as loud claps of thunder began echoing. Aegon cringed as one particular clap rang his ears painfully. His head tilted down to block the ear to his shoulder as if he could run from the sound. His vision hazed out for a second as he contemplated using his palms to cover the sound. Aegon, at some point, lost track of the direction he was heading as he tried to block the deafening thunder and unblur his vision.

GO AEGON. I WILL FIND VISERYS.

He gasped painfully as the voice shouted at him. Looking around, confused, as a fight played out in front of him. Ships were on fire, men were dead at his feet, and his nanny was shielding her eyes from the carnage surrounding them. He looked around frantically as he recognized the sound of his brother Jacaerys pleadings.

AEGON!

Swinging around again, he finally spotted Jacaerys yelling at a younger version of him. Confusion overtook him as he stared at Jacaerys’s brown hair and brown eyes, younger looking, grabbing him by the waist and pushing him onto Storncloud’s back that held no saddle.

Aegon did not understand what he was seeing. Why was Stormcloud so little? Where were they? Where am I? What is going on?

Jacaerys grabbed his wrists and wrapped them tightly around Stormcloud’s neck, “Fly back to Mother, Aegon.”

Aegon’s short silver curls stuck to his face which displayed his panic. He stubbornly shook his head, "No, brother. I won’t leave you here. We must find Viserys.”

Jacaerys sadly looked at him and rubbed his palm down the side of his face affectionately, “You MUST survive, Aegon. Mother cannot lose one of us again. I already failed to protect Luce. I won’t allow you the same faith.”

He looked around before looking back at Aegon, “You, little brother, will do as you’re told and fly back to Dragonstone. I will find Viserys.”

Aegon’s tears flew freely as he felt despair he knew was not his own. He watched the younger version of him nod, “Do you promise, brother?”

Jacaerys sadly stared at him before pushing the brown locs from his face, “I do little brother. GO!”

Jacaerys could not tell Aegon that he witnessed Viserys being pulled from the ship and loaded onto a smaller boat.

“SHOOT THE BOY DOWN.”

“If we cannot hold him hostage, then he must die. We cannot allow him to return to the Princess.”

Horror filled Jacaerys as he watched the Triarchy position themselves at the edge of their ship to aim at his brother. Vermax was currently on the deck of his grandsire’s ship awaiting him. Quickly straddling his dragon, Jacaerys never bothered to strap himself in. His only thought was ensuring Aegon escaped safely.

 Aegon’s eyes followed the scene as he watched his brother burn the men alive never noticing the smaller group behind grandsire’s ship.

“NOOOOOOOO”, he shouted in fear as Jacaerys pulled Vermax into the path of the arrows aimed at his back and watched as several embedded themselves in Vermax’s belly and neck. A single bolt speared his older brother through the neck and another 3 in his chest before he and his dragon crashed into the sea.

Stormcloud painfully screeched as Aegon screamed into the open air. Images were flashing through his head as memories not of himself embedded themselves into his mind. He blinked blearily as he noticed Stormcloud had brought them to Driftmark instead of Dragonstone, where they were heading initially. Looking behind him, he realized they had flown through the gullet. Taking a deep breath, he tightly held Stormcloud’s reigns as he tried to make sense of the memory he just saw. Another cloud clap of thunder startled him so much that his purpled eyes froze as they widened as if to ensure he saw the next memory.

He watched Stormcloud cry out as several arrows struck him in the neck and belly before he could move out of the triarchy’s reach. He stared painfully as his sweet and docile dragon fought to get him back to land before they crashed on the shores where Stromcloud succumbed to his injuries.

The last thing Aegon remembered as he hit the ground painfully was a group of figures rushing to him as loud shouts filled the air.

~~

Aegon blinked slowly up at the dark wood on the ceiling as he awoke. His body felt sore as his head throbbed and his leg burned. He pushed himself up slowly as a tall figure pushed the door open noticing him awake and struggling to sit upright. The man dressed in Velaryon blue with silver hair and blue eyes rushed to help him up before stepping back. Aegon took in the stranger's dark skin so reminiscent of his grandsire, “Thank you, sir....”

 The man blinked before hurriedly bowing, “Forgive me, my prince. I am Ser Daeron Velaryon. Eldest son of Ser Vaemond Velaryon.”

Aegon’s brow raised in surprise, “Ah? You are grandsire Corlys’s nephew. Then that would make us cousins, would it not?”

The man now known as Daeron Velaryon blinked again in surprise before chuckling softly, “How do you feel, my prince?”

Aegon looked down at his leg that was wrapped tightly and the piece of wood that was currently digging into his flesh, “Just Aegon is fine, cousin. My head and leg hurt.”

Daeron nodded, “As expected, Prince Aegon. You hit your head when you fell from your dragon’s saddle. It will heal within the week, but your leg is broken. When your dragon fell from the sky, your leg was caught under it. The maester has placed a splint to aid in healing, while you are to be given milk of the poppy to help with the pain.”

Aegon shook his head, “No milk of poppy unless it is from Samantha. My mother’s healer under Grandmaester Gerardys.”

Daeron’s mouth turned down, concerned, “Are you certain, my prince? A broken leg is no small matter.”

Aegon reached up to rub the spot on his temple that ached, possibly where he had hit it, “I will manage. Mother always said that the milk of the poppy was too addicting. It leaves you no better than a drunken fool. We are only permitted to use the concoction Lady Samantha creates unless we are dying.”

Aegon smiled crookedly, “And as you can see good ser, I am not. How many days have I remained unconscious?”

“It has been a full day, My prince. You are currently being housed in the second main house where the second sons of House Velaryon reside and inherit.”

Aegon looked around, “My satchel. Where is it?”

Daeron handed him a glass of water, “Your items are on the table to your left.”

Aegon took tentative sips, “I must trouble you, cousin. The letter must be delivered to mother. Or grandsire. Or kepa. With urgency.”

Daeron retrieved the letter and nodded, “As you wish cousin. I will see it be done. I must, however, inform you that I must report to the crown on your situation. You are in no condition to return to the Keep.”

Aegon stared out the window as a few seagulls flew past the window, “I do not remember much. We were attacked... or not? It is all a blur. I cannot tell what was real.”

Daeron looked down at him, “From what my sailors have reported, you appeared to faint and then lost control of your dragon where you then crashed on the west side of the island.”

Aegon blew out a breath as he weakly nodded. Daeron moved to leave, “You will need lots of rest. My wife is currently on the east side of the island acting as a castellan for the mainline until my uncle returns from battle. My daughter Daenaera will be in charge of your care while you are here, and I cannot. Do not hesitate to have her seek me out, my prince.”

Aegon nodded just as a knock sounded at the door. Daeron turned away, “That must be her.”

A young girl dressed in a Velaryon blue dress that complimented her dark skin entered. Deep blue eyes framed by silver lashes and brows blinked at him curiously. Soft pink lips curved as she smiled brightly at him, “I am Daenaera Velaryon, my prince.”

Aegon’s face grew warm and pink as he took in the sheer beauty of the girl speaking to him. For once, Aegon found he could not conjure an intellectual sentence. Heart beating erratically, he coughed meekly into his folded fist before fixing his face in what was meant to be mature, “A pleasure, my lady. I am dutifully in your care.”

Daenaera’s eyes twinkled as she took in his reactions. She smiled brightly as her cheery persona began to brighten the room. Aegon peeked outside to see if the sun was perhaps emerging to explain why every color that caught his eyes seemed to shine brighter. Daenaera patted her father on the arm as he left and turned back to Aegon, who had resumed assessing her.

The goddess Tessarion glared at Goddess Shrykos, "Could you not have shown him the memory in his dreams?"

"Do not turn your ire to me, sister. Tyraxes insisted it is done this way.", Shrykos muttered.

Vermax turned Tessarion's head towards the Goddess who tasked them, "There is your release."

Meleys leaned on the cauldron, smiling brightly, “A small reprieve of happiness to offer you, young King. Your misery and pain shall be forgotten as you are reborn and sewn to a new thread of faith. Be happy, Broken King, for you shall never be who you once were.”

Aegon stared at the face of the girl he now believed to be his great love, “Have we met before, Lady Velaryon?”

Chapter Text

~Storms End~

Lord Borros Baratheon, the proud man he is, was good for only one thing as the great Lord Boremund’s son: skill on the battlefield. And what he made up for in brute strength, he lacked in intelligence.

Rhaenys arrived within the hour of departure from Kingslanding to reason with her cousin even if she had to mention the blood they shared. Rhaeny’s mother, Lady Jocelyn was Lord Boremund’s younger sister and thus Borros’s aunt who made the relation between him and Rhaenys first cousins. Rhaenys did not dare to be naive enough to think that would be enough to ensure House Baratheon stood with House Targaryen. Truthfully, ensuring the alliance of House Baratheon ensured the Stormlands would not end up in the hands of Otto Hightower. With the death of Lord Boremund, Borros was now Lord Baratheon. It came as no surprise to her when Borros loudly proclaimed he would follow no woman and decided to answer Lord Hobert’s cause through a marriage proposal. As he had only four daughters all approaching the age of marriage, Borros signed an agreement with Lord Hobert to have his eldest, Lady Cassandra wed Lord Hobert’s eldest son Ormund. Borros had loudly proclaimed in the hall of his castle that he would only answer to his oath if Rhaenyra renounced her position as heir to the king’s eldest son and swore to have him wed one of Borros’s daughters. Rhaenys had calmy renounced their relationship as kin and swore the crown would answer for his treason.

Not long after, his wife Lady Elenda Caron, bedridden from the strain of her fifth pregnancy, went into labor when the news of Borros’s treason reached her chambers. Rhaenyra had instructed her to stay in Storms End until the news of Elenda’s labor spread. Rhaenys chuckled to herself from the inn she hid in not even two days later. It was another two days before news had spread of Lord Borros’s heir being born, Lord Royce Baratheon. Rhaenys sat at a table hidden in the corner of the tavern and waited for the arrival of someone. It wasn’t long before a figure covered in a cloak appeared and sat in front of her. The woman pulled at her fingers nervously, “Princess.”

Rhaenys took a sip of her water and gently smiled, “We are kin. You do not need to address me by title.”, raising her head she took in the person in front of her, “Lady Cassandra.”

Cassandra squirmed before looking around again, “How did you know mother would have a boy this time?”

Rhaenys lightly shrugged as she looked away, “A little help from someone. Do you believe me now?”

Cassandra drew in a shaky breath, “Father has always wished for a son, but would he give us to any lord?  Ellyn has only just flowered, and Floris has not even reached her 10th name day.”

Rhaenys nodded, “Maris has already been promised to Lord Graceford.”

Cassandra shot her a horrified look, “Maris is only 15. Lord Graceford is almost a decade older than father himself.”

Rhaenys finished her water, “Your father now has the son he always longed for and as such no longer has any use for you or your sisters. He might now even spare your mother from the childbed and continue to indulge himself with his mistresses. Now that he has committed treason, you nor your siblings are safe.”

Cassandra slowly collected the vial Rhaenys placed on the table between them, “Your mother has just birthed the new heir to the Storm Lands and thus, done her duty. Should the Lord meet an unfortunate end, your mother will act as regent until your brother comes of age and any bargain with his signature becomes void.”

Rhaenys stood and pulled her cloak down, “I trust you will make the right decision, my lady.”

Rhaenys left the tavern certain that Cassandra would do as she was ordered. Rhaenyra had already promised her that she would find suitable matches for the girls when they came of age if Borros was dealt with, and rarely has she ever been wrong.

And just as she predicted, news soon came of Lord Borros’s humiliating death. The man was found balls deep buried in a whore suspected to have had a heart attack from too many stimulants. Elenda Caron was then declared regent until the new Lord of Storms End, Royce Baratheon came of age. Before long, once Elenda had sworn allegiance to the crown, House Baratheon had engaged in a battle with Rhaenys and her dragon against House Wylde. It was a short battle as the knights of House Baratheon decimated the pitiful army of House Wylde. Meleys had burnt their infantry in a surprise attack at dawn before they were swiftly defeated.

~The Keep~

Rhaenyra pulled the candles from under the Riverlands, Harrenhall, Tumblestone, and Stormlands, smiling in victory as the final stages of their war strategy began. With victories in all areas, she sent a silent prayer to the fourteen gods of the flame. Yet sometimes, all good things never last. Ser Harrold opened the doors to the small council room after hearing loud frantic knocks echo off of it. A young man that reeked of salt water and fish stumbled in wide-eyed before bowing, “YOUR GRACES.”

Rhaenyra turned to him as a sinking feeling overtook her. The young boy bore all the features of a Valyrian that he could have only been a part of one of the three houses. She stared harder at his face as she tried to remember where she had seen him before. Laenor stood from his seat and stepped around her as he addressed the young boy, “Addam?”

Rhaenyra’s eyes widened slightly as recognition took her. This was Addam of Hull. In her previous life, he had appeared during the war to swear alliance with her when he claimed Seasmoke. There were several rumors surrounding the nature of his and his brother’s birth. The loudest was that they could be either her good father, Lord Corlys’s bastards, or her husband, Laenor’s bastards. She had not heard much of them in this life after the course had changed, but she carried many regrets for not trusting Addam and ultimately leading him to his death. He was only past his sixteenth nameday when he defeated those traitors Ulf and Hugh.

Her gaze swung to her husband who seemed to know of Addam, and briefly, she wondered if, despite all her measures to ensure Laenor’s sickness of sex did not spread to the need of a lover, he still managed to sire a bastard. Laenor helped Addam up by the shoulder, “Addam. Are you alright?”

Addam took another deep breath before straightening, “Quite, cousin. I am here with urgent news from Father.”

Alicent approached and stood next to Viserys, “Your father?”

Addam flustered before bowing again, “Forgive me your grace. I am Addam Velaryon, eldest son of Ser Daeron Velaryon, the only child of the late Vaemond Velaryon.”

Rhaenyra’s eyes widened comically as she took in this turn of events. Did I mess around this much to cause such a change?

Viserys’s brows furrowed, “You have urgent news?”

Addam’s silver locs were pulled into a low braid that swung past his elbow, “It is concerning the young prince Aegon.”

Laenor grabbed Rhaenyra just as her legs faltered, “Aegon? My son?”

Addam nodded, “The prince was caught in a thunderstorm off of the coast of Claw Isle and the gullet. The maesters are unsure of what happened, but both he and his dragon crashed onto the shore of the west end of Driftmark. He was found by a few fishermen who brought him to our castle.”

Alicent’s fingernails dug into Viserys arm and terror seized her, “Is he okay?”

Addam quickly nodded, “His dragon broke his fall, your grace. Prince Aegon has suffered a small head injury and a broken leg. As he is unable to travel, my father requested that I deliver this personally to the Princess Rhaenyra. It was the only item in his satchel.”

Before Addam could hand Rhaenyra the letter, her eyes rolled into the back of her head as she fainted. Laenor quickly grabbed her around the waist to catch her before she hit the ground. Lightly tapping her pale cheeks, “Rhaenyra?! Rhaenyra!”

Grandmaester Gerardys hurried around the table and knelt next to her still form. After briefly checking her, he sighed in relief, “The Princess has only fainted.”

Laenor sighed before turning back to his cousin, “But my son will be, okay? He is not dying?”

Addam nodded, “He is in the care of Daenaera and on the road to a full recovery.”

Viserys held his forehead with his palm, “And they have not given him milk of the poppy?”

Addam shook his head, “The prince refused.”

Alicent shakily nodded and tapped Gerardys on the shoulder, “Perhaps Samantha would journey back to Driftmark?”

Laenor picked up Rhaenyra from the floor and took a deep breath from her hair as her head rolled on his shoulder and tucked into his neck, “Of course your grace. I must tend to my wife, but I will send for Lady Samantha.”

Lyonel worriedly watched as Alicent followed behind Grandmaester Gerardys with Rhaenyra’s unconscious form in Laenor’s arms, “I hope the princess is well, but I must interrupt your grace. There are whispers of House Blackwood and Bracken on the verge of another bloody fight.”

Viserys sighed, “Can it be confirmed?”

Lyman shook his head, “It is all but hearsay your grace.”

Viserys sat back down, “Have Baelon scout the area to verify these whispers and send Daeron to patrol the skies of Kingslanding as Laenor is currently indisposed.”

~~

Baelon swooped low on his dragon, Tyraxes as he spotted a small army of men belonging to House Bracken and House Blackwood separated by a tiny low running stream. He landed Tyraxes just as swords were drawn and tension had reached a breaking point. The two groups scattered further apart as Tyraxes loudly screeched at them before landing in the middle. He spotted the heir to House Blackwood, Benjicot at the front and turned his gaze to the unusual heir of House Bracken, Lady Afrina Bracken. Baelon leaned on his saddle as he patted the head of Tyraxes, “Easy Boy.”

He looked down at the two groups itching to shed blood, “Did you not tell me you would sort this out before my uncle Aegon’s betrothal announcement?”  

Afrina rolled her eyes, “If we were given the chance, but it seems House Blackwood is too eager to spill blood.”

Benjicot snarled, “Your men came on to my land Afrina. It is only because of Aleyna that I do not send them back in pieces.”

Baelon clapped his hand before another argument broke out, “I take it the treaty has not yet been signed? My grandsire seems unaware of it when you swore to me that it would be drafted several weeks ago.”

When silence was all that met him, he dismounted Tyraxes, “You both swore an oath to me. This pointless fighting would end if I found a solution to your feuding. Your fathers agreed.”

Yanking his gloves off and raising his wrist to display the jagged scar, “We all made an oath. I will not allow this ridiculous need to fight move over into my mother’s reign. We all have people we wish to protect. You both are aware of the contents to which we swore.”

While the members of their groups appeared to be confused, Benjicot and Afrina glared at each other before softening. Baelon pulled his gloves back on, “Should any whisper of a fight brewing between your families reach the ears of the keep, I will show you why you are lucky we are friends and not enemies.”

“Your written oaths signed by Lord Samwell and Lord Amos, on my mother’s desk, before my uncle Aegon’s wedding.”

 “Soves Tyraxes”

They shielded their eyes as Baelon took flight and soon returned to their castles without blood being shed.

~OldTown~

2 weeks later......

“THIS IS RIDICULOUS”

“SHUT UP OTTO. I grow tired of your whining. You have ruined us.”, Hobert snapped.

His green robes swished as he spun, “You planned and schemed, and you have failed yet again. As it was expected from someone like you. I thank the mother above daily that you were born nothing more than a second son. If not, centuries of our House would be reduced to NOTHING were you in my place.”

Ormund watched them amused as they argued yet again on the failings of their treason. He turned to the servant behind him, “Clear it out. Ensure it is empty as far as the prayer fountain.”

Otto glared at his brother, “And what have you done for our house? We were powerful once. Before those godless heathens arrived. Oldtown was the center of power. I have worked my way up to become the hand to TWO of the best kings Westeros has ever seen. Had you not been so impatient, our House would be more.”

Hobert mockingly laughed, “Yes. Because all of your plans have played out how you wished it so far.”

He pointed his finger at Otto, “This was your doing, and you shall suffer the consequences. ALONE. There is nothing that leads back to my name, only yours. For the sake of our family, you will shoulder this blame.”

Otto’s eyes widened, “You seek to lay all the blame at my feet?”

Hobert watched him snobbishly, “Should I hold your hand and share it? I am the head of this family. I am Lord Hightower. You are nothing. You are not even the Hand of the King anymore. You are under my authority, and you will do what I order you to without question.”

Otto laughed mockingly, “Use that authority of yours and save this wretched family. I will take no part in this.”

Hobert cocked a brow, “And just how do you plan to achieve that dear brother? GUARDS.”

Several knights entered the room they currently occupied. Otto stepped back as Hobert looked at him menacingly, “Confine him to his quarters.”

“Have you gone mad Hobert?”

Hobert looked at one of his knights, “Cut his tongue as well and deliver him to Kingslanding. I will write to the King.”

Before they could move, a large explosion sounded as the building began to shake. They both rushed to the window just in time to see Vermithor rain fire on the tower lit with a green flame. On Vermithor’s back, Viserys pulled the reigns to have him circle before streaming fire on the building again until it collapsed. They dropped to the floor as the windows shattered when Vermithor landed on the rubble.

The people of Oldtown slowly trickled from their homes once the dust began to settle. Never have they seen a dragon before, much less the two that currently circled their skies and the two that just destroyed their sept. Murmurs rose as Daemon’s deformed dragon landed atop what was once a statue of the mother in the sept of Oldtown. Meleys’s large red form landed behind the Hightower castle and perched on the large building connected to it. Viserys’s gaze strayed from Sunfyre and Tessarion in the sky before homing in on Hobert and Otto trickling out of their home surrounded by at least 100 knights.

Otto tried to speak, “Your grace”

“Silence Otto. I have listened to your serpent tongue long enough. You have shattered whatever trust I held for you.”

Hobert saw the opportunity he was looking for and hurriedly knelt, “Your grace. Might I ask why you attacked our city and destroyed century-old structures?”

Viserys let go of the reigns for Vermithor, “Do not play ignorant with me Lord Hightower. You declared war on the royal family and as such accused of treason. Ser Otto subsequently defected when he was accused on separate charges and forfeited his right to a trial.”

“This is tyranny, my King. You destroy our city on an accusation of one person? I have received no letter or warning. I would have gladly handed the traitor over to you had you requested this of me.”

Otto watched as his brother lied, “You-”

Daemon crossed his arms and leaned on the helm of his saddle, “Cease your lies. We have proof that you conspired with dear old Otto. There are witnesses and written testimonies.”

Hobert and Otto looked at Daemon shocked before turning on each other. Hobert jumped on Otto to wrap his hand around his neck, “You lying snake.”

Otto’s face grew red as he struggled under Hobert. Turning his head, he bit him on the arm, “I did no such thing.”

Ormund whistled as he stepped out from the main door, “On the contrary......”

Hobert and Otto stopped fighting as they looked at him in shock. Ormund leaned down and smiled at them, “That would be me.”

He stepped away and bowed at Viserys before motioning for his servant. A large brown chest was placed at his feet, “All written testimonies and statements of every act of treason committed by my father and uncle, my King.”

 Daemon cackled above his seat on Caraxes, “The little Hightower has now been named the third I like.”

Viserys looked to his side at Lord Celtigar who awaited instructions with his army at his back should the Hightowers decide to foolishly fight, “Bound them.”

Meleys blew a stream of fire above. Daemon dismounted Caraxes, “Lay down your weapons or foolishly lay down your lives, Men sworn to House Hightower.”

Hobert and Otto fearfully looked around as their only source of protection surrendered. They could only defeatedly allow themselves to be gagged and bound.

~Kingslanding~

Laenor knelt as Visenya’s small figure slammed into him in a hug, tumbling them both to the cool stone floor. Daemon scooped Viserra and Viserys up as their excited squealing was et with happy laughter. Lucerys and Aemond met in the middle as they tightly hugged each other before turning to pull Jacaerys into another. Alicent wiped her tears as Alyssa buried her face in her arms.

“My boy.”, Viserys smiled happily as he rubbed Aemond’s shoulder and placed a kiss on his forehead.

Daeron and Baelon hugged their siblings before tightly pulling their parents into a comforting hug. There were many more exchanges of greeting between Rhaenys, Laena, Crenyl, Helaena, and Laena. Rhaena looked around before she spotted her sister, “Baela!”

Baela turned around before tearily reaching for Rhaena, “Sister! You’re all right.”

Rhaena tearily laughed, “I should be the one to mutter those words. You were in the heart of the fight and fought on the battlefield. Father and mother would be proud.”

Baela cackled loudly, “Maybe, but grandsire will have my head. He angrily wrote that I return home when Lord Tyland attacked us. I imagine a lecture awaits me.”

Rhaena wrapped their arms together, “Grandsire is not who you should be worried about. Your betrothed had to be confined to his quarters to prevent him from flying to you last I heard. Mother received that letter from Uncle Laenor just a few days after yours had arrived.”

Baela groaned as they continued walking, “Where is Mother?”

Rhaena motioned to their mother who stood with their grandmother and uncles. Aegon pulled away from his mother’s arms and looked around, “Where is Rhaenyra?”

Daemon turned to look at his nephew before swiping his silver curls from his face, “Your sister is on Driftmark. Aegon had an accident.”

Silence reigned as they all turned to tune in to Daemon’s recount of what happened. It wasn’t long before Aegon hastily hopped back onto his horse and raced off to the dragon pit.

One week later......

~Dragon Pit~

Flea Bottom town square bustled noisily as people hurried to the dragon pit in masses for the execution of the traitors. Today was the day the Lords who swore allegiance to House Hightower and partook in the rebellion for the throne were executed. The law was that any criminal regardless of the severity be given a fair trial in the event to prove their innocence, but such a law became null in the face of treason. The royal family all dressed in the colors of their houses varying from red, black, gold, blue, and grey all stood in unity as the Kingsguard led the traitors onto the stage in nothing, but rags and chains attached to their hands and feet. After they were forced to kneel, Viserys stood from his makeshift throne of dragon glass, Blackfyre attached to his hip, and addressed the masses, “Standing before you are those who sought to overthrow the reigning monarch in a quest for power and personal greed.”

“They sought to claim my throne for themselves, as they believed me too inadequate in my ruling. HAVE I NOT BEEN A GOOD KING?!”

Loud cheers of agreement filled the area.

“I inherited years of peace from my grandfather King Jahaerys Targaryen. I have worked to make this kingdom better for peace and prosperity. Thanks to my council and my heir, the streets are clean, and this kingdom no longer starves.”

“And yet, men who disagree with my choice of heir seek to ruin all that we have worked for in return for their personal goals. They slithered their way into my home, harmed my family, and PLACED POISON AT MY TABLE. They have waged a war, and they have LOST.”

Daemon stepped out from behind Viserys dressed in his Lord Commander of the City watch armor. Behind him, his top gold cloak knights followed as they took a stance behind the traitors. Viserys unsheathed his sword and pointed it at Hobbert who trembled with his eyes closed, low mutters escaping his lips, perhaps a silent prayer.

“Lord Hobbert Hightower is charged with treason as the leader of this and hereby sentenced to death. LET THIS SERVE AS A REMINDER TO ANY WHO WISH TO CHALLENGE A TARGARYEN’S RULE.”

“You should be thankful that death did not follow my family, or I would have had the entirety of your house lineage executed.  Any who wish to repeat this act of foolishness will suffer the same fate.”

With one strong swing, Viserys removed Hobbert’s head from his shoulders. Daemon smirked as Tyland who knelt in front of him pissed his pants. Without care, Daemon cut Tyland’s head off as his gold cloaks followed with the rest of the traitors. Their bodies were piled and returned to their prospective families while their heads remained placed on a spike outside the city gates to be feasted on.

A punishment worthy of them.

~Black Cells~

Otto looked up through his swollen eye at the figure that stopped in front of his cell. Scoffing, he looked away annoyed, “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

Viserys looked at him sadly, “When did you become this person?”

“I care not for your sentiments. You have doomed this realm.”

Viserys stared at him blankly, “Or perhaps you have always been this way, and I have been too blinded by my sentiments.”

“Your actions have cost good men their lives and almost damned us all. Your daughter, your grandchildren, and possibly the entirety of your house. And what do you have to show for it?”

Otto hastily stood and slammed his hands on the metal bars as Viserys stepped away, “I DID WHAT WAS NECESSARY. NO WOMAN SHOULD HOLD SUCH POWER OVER MEN. YOU BREAK CENTURIES OF TRADITION FOR NAUGHT. ALL OF YOU ARE BLIND. BLIND!”

“You walk around with your head held high as if you stand above us with your ungodly beasts and cursed blood. Without those things you bond yourselves to, you are nothing but men. No different than us.”

Otto slammed his hands on his repeatedly, “IT IS MY BLOOD THAT HAS CLEANSED THSI WRETCHED FAMILY. PIOUS AND HOLY. The mother above blessed me with a mission to save us. It is my blood that flows through your legitimate sons. With your eldest on the throne, the realm would question naught, and your sins henceforth would be forgiven. In a few years, that nasty blood would have been washed clean.”

“Yet you allowed that blasphemous marriage to that whore of a daughter left by that weak woman and bound her to those pillow biters. She has populated this keep with a hoard of bastards and you allow it. They have poisoned my children against me and now my devout offspring have turned to sin and dwell in blasphemy.”

Viserys shook his head tiredly, “You are not the man I thought you to be Otto. The only reason you were not executed alongside your traitors is because of my daughter.”, before turning and exiting the prison.

Helana waited until the door shut before she stepped through the hidden entrance with Daemon and Aegon in tow. Silently they opened Otto’s cell and grabbed him before he could stand from the stone floor. Daemon held Otto’s arms behind him while Aegon hurriedly stuffed a rag into his mouth. Otto struggled and fought as muffled screams escaped his immobile form to no avail. The guards at the door turned a blind eye and closed the entrance to the cells to stand guard.

Ser Criston Cole, Helaena’s kingsguard placed a small stool down for her to sit before standing guard behind her. Helaena produced a small cage with a brightly colored little bird that weakly lay on the bottom. She placed it on the bench next to her before turning her gaze to Otto, “I’ve never considered you my grandsire you know. Perhaps it was the way you often spoke to Mother when you thought Aegon, and I were too young to understand. Or the way you grabbed her, and she cowered with fright. On many occasions, Aegon and I had to stop Aemond from slitting your throat.”

She sadly picked up the now still birdlike creature and placed a soft kiss on its tiny head, “It took great restraint from our sister to stop Uncle Daemon from killing you after you schemed to have Aegon’s betrothal dissolved.”

Collecting the small glass bowl from Cole, she used the small dagger her brothers insisted she kept on her at all times and nicked the neck of the creature before turning it upside down to allow the blood to drain, ‘But you crossed a line, Otto Hightower.”

Helaena stood from the stool and leaned down to look Otto in the eyes, “Perhaps I might have been self-sacrificing enough to allow you to marry me off to whatever Lord fit your motive, but Alyssa? She is only 9 name-days old. How could you even think of handing her over to Tyland Lannister? She is a child.”

Turning around she picked up the small creature’s corpse and showed it to Otto, “This is a Manarli Pivar. Their saliva once it enters the eyes, acts like acid. If you ingest one drop, you develop a fever so high that you begin to hallucinate. Two more drops and your organs begin to liquidate. Three is enough to stop your heart from beating while blood leaks from your ears and eyes.”

Picking up the small bowl, she stared at it as her voice came out in a whisper, “I pondered on what punishment would suit you.”

Daemon grabbed Otto’s hair and wrenched his head back as he smiled gleefully, “But the decision was mine to make.”

Daemon smiled wider as panic bled into Otto’s eyes, “Oh yes. Me.”

Aegon grabbed his grandfather by the head framing his hands on the sides and held him still as Helaena walked over and opened the beak of the Manarli to allow the saliva to drip into Otto’s eyes. They stepped back as Otto began to scream and writhe from the pain of his eyeballs melting. They stepped back just as Daeron entered and leaned against the bars. Otto’s hands were still bound behind him and his mouth gagged with a rag. Blood rivulets cascaded down Otto’s face as it contorted and reddened. A manic grin took over Daemon’s features as he watched with immense satisfaction.

Daeron eyed him funnily, “You look mad uncle.”

Aegon held his little brother by the shoulders, “Positively mad I might add. Though I can’t quite tell if it is joy either.”

Helaena’s soft voice trickled between them, “Perhaps a little of both.”

The three siblings jumped as Aemond’s voice broke through the moment, “I cannot believe you left me out.”

Helaena softly ruffled his silver hair, “I would never little brother.”

Criston Cole walked over and handed Aemond the small bowl of blood before stepping back. Helaena lightly pushed Aemond, “Just three drops should be enough for him to wish he was dead.”

Yet, without a moment to waste, Aemond wrenched Otto’s jaw open and removed the gag. While Otto was loudly screaming his pain out, Aemond dumped the entire bowl of Manarli blood down his throat and stepped back. They watched as blood poured from every orifice on Otto’s body before his empty sockets were left wide open as he drew his last breath.

And thus ended the life of Ser Otto Hightower, Hand to two of the greatest Kings of Westeros, Father to the Queen Consort, and .....................a traitor of the realm.

Chapter Text

~Royal Training Yard~

Harwin patrolled between the ranks of knights in the training yard as he corrected forms and threw around instructions. The royal family’s knights had increased significantly post-war. While the key players of the rebellion were executed, their vassal houses who were reluctantly dragged into the war, were given light punishments. Some were forced to pay a year’s worth of their household budget, while some had their taxes increased. The harshest of the punishments was the admittance of one eligible male of the family to the royal family’s army of knights. The punishment was decided by Rhaenyra and Rhaenys after much consideration. While the vassal houses only answered the call of their master house, they still had a part to play in the war.

“I say we execute all of them. They fought against us.”, Daemon shrugged.

Laenor’s brows furrowed as he looked around, “I disagree. They are vassal houses. What choice did they have? Break their oaths and possibly incur the wrath of the others?”

“I agree with Ser Laenor, but we also cannot allow this insult to remain unpunished.”, Lord Lyonel folded his fingers.

Rhaenys put down the book in her arm, “What happens when someone else gains the courage to rebel? Their vassals can claim to be ignorant, and we would welcome snakes into our houses unpunished.”

Alicent took a sip of her water, “Then perhaps a lighter punishment?”

Rhaenyra pointed at the small parchment with a list of the leaders of the rebellion, “Houses Lannister, Redwyne, Ambrose, Bourney, Butterwall, Crakehall, Fossoway, and Graceford cannot be spared from the sword. Vassals or not, their family Lord’s sent ravens to the Kingdom in support of Aegon on the throne.”

Lyman weakly wiped his brow, “Perhaps a fine?”

Viserys contemplated silently, “I have decided.”

In the end, House Lannister compensated all expenses and damages to Lord Corlys’s fleet. Houses Butterwall and Redwyne had their taxes raised on all imports and exports of their products. Ambrose, Crakehall, Fossoway, and Bourney were forced to place their heirs as squires and cupbearers for the royal family. While those were positions of honor for most families, right now it was nothing more than a glorified prison. The families had suffered a hard setback with their lords executed and their heirs held prisoner. Smaller vassal houses were only required to hand in two males.

1 week later......

~Sunspear, Dorne~

Aegon landed Sunfyre in the open space dedicated to them at the entrance of the royal palace. He cringed as they kicked up sand and hurriedly fixed his loose shirt before sliding from his saddle. Currently, he was dressed in dornish-styled clothing sent by Nymeria for his visit. He wondered if he would survive the journey from the cold of Kingslanding in the thin material but gazing up at the sun blaring onto his skin, he realized his worries were for nothing. Jacaerys warned him the temperatures were high unlike what they were accustomed to, but he downplayed it. Distractedly gazing at the sky through his fingers, he missed Nymeria’s slim figure launching at him. He hurriedly caught her by the thighs as she squeezed him tightly around the neck and waist. Aegon did not realize how tense he was until he had her back in his arms. Burying his face between her neck and shoulder, he took a deep breath and smiled with his eyes closed as his body slackened in relief. This is what home feels like.

“Nymeria”, he sighed contentedly.

Nymeria squeezed him once more before sliding off his waist. She caressed his face between her hands and gazed at him tearily, “You’re here.”

He held her hands to his face before leaning down and placing a kiss on her forehead, smiling softly as she closed her eyes and leaned into him, “I missed you.”

“Your Highness Prince Aegon!”

Aegon’s eyes widened as Nymeria turned around and pulled him towards the jovial older man in front of the procession. He could tell immediately that this was King Qoren Martell just from the similar features he shared with Nymeria. His skin was a shade darker, but he had the same dark curls and brown eyes. The wrinkles next to his eyes led Aegon to believe the man smiled often. Aegon held Nymeria’s hand in a clasp before paying his respects to Qoren, “King Qoren”

Qoren waved it away, instead choosing to clap Aegon on the shoulder, “An honor to have you here Prince Aegon. I have heard much of you from my daughter.”

Aegon side-eyed Nymeria before smiling at Qoren, “All good things I hope.”

Nymeria’s laughed tinkled next to him, “Mostly.”

Qoren laughed loudly before directing them to the palace, “Come. We have prepared much for your visit.”

~~

Later that night, Aegon sat in his quarters on the balcony admiring the stars and brightly lit moon fascinated. He was startled as his chambers were pushed open and Nymeria stepped in. She closed his door before coming over to sit on his lap to lay her head on his shoulder, “I had thought you to be asleep my love. Father tends to always do too much.”

Aegon chuckled as he rubbed her back, “I had an entertaining day. I worried your people would not welcome me, but I was pleasantly surprised.”

Nymeria raised her head to watch him surprised, “Why would they not?”

“We are different in many ways my love. In our cultures foremost. I worried I would not be seen as worthy of you.”

Nymeria’s eyes softened immediately seeing through his insecurities, “Oh Aegon.”

Leaning up, she placed a soft kiss on each eyelid of his while rubbing her thumb on his cheek, “You are more than enough. Culture be damned. I do not need a warrior for a husband. I love you just as you are. You are blind to how much I crave our union. I want the entire kingdom to know that you are mine.”

Aegon’s cheek grew red as his eyes were downcast. Nymeria tipped his chin up to find his eyes, “And even to that I am unsatisfied. A mere document will bind you to me. When we are no longer of this world, I am selfish to the point that I do not wish to part even in death.”

Aegon’s eyes lit up as he sat forward to pull Nymeria from his lap, “Then let us do that.”

Nymeria’s brows furrowed in confusion as Aegon handed her one of the dresses she wore in Kingslanding. Aegon could not tell her he slept with the dress in his arms while recovering on Dragonstone because of how much he missed her. He sighed with relief as she wordlessly put it on. When he was done dressing, he threw two cloaks over his shoulder and grabbed Nymeria by the hand, interlocking their fingers, “Would your father miss you for a few days?”

Nymeria shook her head as they made their way out of the palace and into the back garden that led to the oasis Sunfyre was currently uncurling from as they approached. Aegon rested his head on Sunfyre’s snout as the golden dragon nudged him, “Ñuha qeldlie valītsos” (My golden boy)

Sunfyre softly growled as Aegon petted him, “Nyke epagon bona ao rual se jorrāelagon hen ñuha ābrar naejot journey va aōha arlī.” (I ask that you allow the love of my life to journey on your back.)

Aegon smiled softly as he continued to coax his dragon. Sunfyre’s gaze moved to Nymeria as Aegon beckoned her over. He held her hand and placed it on Sunfyre’s lower cheek, “Kostilus” (Please)

 The dragon trilled softly before closing his eyes and puffing a soft fume of smoke. Aegon laughed before leading a mesmerized Nymeria to the saddle, “Aegon you have not explained what we are doing or where we are going.”

Securing her in front of him on Sunfyre’s saddle, Aegon grabbed the reigns, “Something that will surely cause chaos at home. Sōvegon”

2 months later......

~Kingslanding~

Just as Aegon foretold, chaos erupted in Kingslanding a month after his visit to Dorne when a letter arrived from Dragonstone. It simply stated that Prince Aegon had visited with his betrothed Crown Princess Nymeria Martell of Dorne. Grandmaester Gerardys had returned the week before formally to be relieved of his duties as Dragonstone’s castellan. It was not unusual for Rhaenyra as Princess of Dragonstone to return on her monthly visits.

Viserys lamented as he was not firm in his suspicions. Another letter had arrived a week later from Rhaenyra this time reporting that Aegon and Nymeria held a Valyrian ancestral wedding cemented by Grandmaester Gerardys with Rhaenyra to bear witness to the union. Viserys had promptly fainted from shock as the scandalous news soon spread across the kingdom of the wedding.

Another child of his had run off and gotten married without royal protocol! In the end, Aegon and Nymeria’s wedding had been a rushed affair. They will remain in Kingslanding until the end of the yearly season.

And even though Rhaenyra had permission from him, Aegon did not. No one informed Viserys that he had in fact been manipulated by his wife and daughter even though a decade had passed.

“At least one child has not caused me another headache.”, Viserys muttered as he watched Aemond dressed in ceremonial garb, kneel at his feet.

The ceremony was to award the key players for aiding them in winning the war. The last two to be awarded were his son Aemond and Lady Orwinda Stark. Viserys sat on the iron throne with Blackfyre held between his legs and crown proudly on display as he addressed the court.

“And to Prince Aemond Targaryen for his bravery and skill, he is awarded the title Prince of the Stepstones. For his dues in securing the alliance of the Riverlands army, he is granted one request to be asked of the crown. What have you decided my son?”

The crowd of lords and ladies in the throne room softly cheered as Aemond received his title. They held their breath as he raised his head to look at his father. Aemond’s straight silver hair was weaved into an up and down style becoming of a lady rather than a young man. Orwinda held her laugh as she watched him push the small part left out behind his ears. Her face grew warm as he glanced at her before looking back at Viserys.

Aemond lowered his face again, “I wish to ask for the approval to choose my own lady wife, your grace.”

Viserys kept his face straight as he looked at Aemond, “A request I shall grant within my power. Who have you chosen, Prince Aemond?”

With a bated breath, Aemond looked at his father, “Lady Orwinda Stark, your grace.”

Loud whispers broke as all eyes swung to Orwinda knelt at Aemond’s side. Viserys stood from his throne, “And what say you, Lady Stark?”

Orwinda looked back at her parents who tearily nodded at her before answering Viserys, “I accept, your grace.”

Viserys nodded, “Due to your assistance in this war, you are also granted one request to be granted by the crown, my lady.”

Orwinda nodded, “I wish to think on it more carefully your grace.”

“Then in accordance, Prince Aemond Targaryen is hereby awarded an engagement to Lady Orwinda Stark.”

Alicent laughed as Aemond proudly smiled at her with loud clapping echoing throughout the room.

**************************************************************************************************************

! SEXUAL CONTENT AHEAD!

Rhaenyra collected the tray from Elinda with water and wine. Pushing the door closed again, she turned around to place it on the table, throwing out a cup of wine. Taking a large sip, she walked over to stand behind Daemon who held Laenor in his lap controlling the speed at which his cock impaled him. Grabbing him by the hair, Rhaenyra kissed Daemon and slowly trickled the wine into his mouth. Chuckling as Daemon licked his lip and smirked at her, she took another sip and moved around him to sit in front of Laenor. She grabbed him by the chin to pull his head from Daemon’s shoulder and kissed him deeply to feed him the wine. Taking in his dazed eyes blissed out on pleasure and wine, Rhaenyra clenched her thighs to ease the tingle and finished the cup in her hands before placing it back on the table. Shedding her gown cover to reveal the sheer lace under, Rhaenyra knelt in front of Laenor to kiss him again as she stroked his cock. Warm and hard as steel in her palms, she stroked him quick succession, smiling as Laenor couldn’t focus to kiss her properly. His head thrown back on Daemon’s shoulder rolled as Daemon thrust into him as Rhaenyra stroked him. He whimpered as Daemon turned his head to kiss him while making eye contact with Rhaenyra moving down the bed.

Laenor’s head shot up as a warm mouth clasped over the head of his cock. His fingers threaded into Rhaenyra’s silver curls to pull her off as the sensitivity rushed his orgasm. Daemon reached around to grab both of Laenor’s hands and restrained them behind his back. Laenor squirmed as his spine tingled, “Wa-wait...please Nyra. Daemon. I-”

“FUCK”, His seed boiled out of his cock as his orgasmed crash. Rhaenyra continued to suck him off as Daemon fucked him through his orgasm. Laenor slumped as it eased, groaning as Daemon pulled out and spilled his seed across his back. Laenor reached down to grab his wife by the cheeks and pull her up the bed as he crawled over her. Daemon pulled her nightgown off as Laenor spread her legs to feast between them. He thoroughly cleaned up Daemon’s cum leaking from her opening, lightly sucking on clit before running his tongue between her lips. She whimpered as Daemon held her arms above her head and lightly sucked marks into her neck, pale skin dotted with several hickeys and bite marks. She moaned loudly as Laenor thrust into her, hips snapping forward to chase pleasure.

Pressing on her abdomen with one hand, Laenor pinched her nipple, twisting and plucking the two in succession. Rhaenyra turned her head as Daemon pressed his cock to her lips, groaning as she swallowed him up. Already heated up from their previous play, Rhaenyra came hard as Laenor rapidly rubbed her clit. The warm rush inside her had her trembling as Daemon orgasmed in her mouth, head thrown back and eyes closed. Harsh breathing filled the air as they collapsed among each other, Laenor to her back and Daemon to her front. Before long, they fell asleep with Laenor’s arms wrapped around her hips, head buried in her back, and Daemon’s arms surrounding their head with Rhaenyra’s head buried in his chin, legs tangled.

~~

Viserys shifted as Alicent broke their kiss to sit up and continue riding him. Holding his hand, Alicent thumped on his cock as she chased another orgasm. Viserys groaned as she clenched tightly on his cock. Untangling their fingers, he rubbed over her clit, watching amazed as she trembled with the force of her orgasm. Pushing her down onto her back, Viserys leaned over to kiss her, taking in the beauty of his wife spread out under him, skin glowing and auburn curls displayed on their sheets. The wet sound of his cock driving into her charged his arousal. Alicent’s hand reached under his arms to wrap around his back as whimpers fell from her lips. Viserys buried his face in her shoulder as he released his seed into her.

Panting as they rolled apart, Viserys looked at Alicent from the corner of his eyes, “I’m unsure if I can still sire children at my age, but you are young Alicent. I do not want you to ingest moon tea, yet I also do not wish for you to see the childbed again.”

Alicent rolled on her side to prop her head on her arm, “I have given you five children Viserys. I do not care if I cannot have more. The moon tea is no bother.”

Her eyes followed down to his cock that was hardening, “Besides, you are still agile for your age. Allow me to have my pleasures, Husband.”

Propping her hips up, Alicent rolled onto her stomach as she shot Viserys a seductive look, “Release your seed in or out. I do not care. Ease your worries by knowing that I will not visit the birthing bed again.”

Raising to press a kiss on her lower back, Viserys held Alicent by the hips and drove his cock into her. Alicent’s eyes rolled into the back of her head as Viserys threw his head back, silver hair swishing.

**************************************************************************************************************

~Dragon  Pit~

Rhaenyra received the ravens Elinda passed to her and opened them to read. She turned to her father and Alicent, “The guards and servants have arrived safely.”

Rhaenyra quickly wiped the stray tear from her cheek as she tried to reign in her emotions. Today was the day Aegon, Baelon, and Daeron were set to leave for their stewardships. As agreed with her aunt Lady Jeyne Arryn, Baelon would train in the Eyrie as the heir to the Vale as Lady Jeyne remained unmarried and with no desire to. As per their agreement and Baelons, he would train in the Eyrie for 5 years and on his 18th name-day, wed a daughter of distant line. The child born of the union would henceforth have their name changed to ‘Arryn’ when they succeed Baelon. Rhaenyra pulled him into another hug as she tried to comfort herself.

Baelon sighed but returned the hug to his mother, arms wrapped around her waist, “It is only for 5 years, Mother. Besides, I am permitted to leave the Vale once a month. I will come back to visit.”

Rhaenyra pressed another kiss to the top of his head and three more to his eyebrow before releasing him. Laenor pulled him into another hug and placed another kiss on the same spot as Rhaenyra before releasing Baelon, “You remember your instructions, Baelon. You are a prince of the realm and as such you have a duty to the realm. Above all, you must be safe, and you must be content.”

Daemon brushed his hand down to smoothen Baelon’s hair, “And should you ever feel overwhelmed, your home is here.”

Baelon nodded just as Aegon squeezed between them to burrow into Laenor’s arms. He looked up at him with sparkling purple eyes, “Grandsire said you spoke to him. Did he agree?”

Laenor’s eyes twinkled with amusement, “Yes Aegon. You are permitted to only see her within the manor on Driftmark and with notice.”

Aegon whooped and skipped away, tumbling into Rhaenyra’s outstretched arms. Daemon moved to stand behind Laenor, “Ah. Young love. He is smitten.”

Laenor covered his mouth with his hand to hide his smile, “And what a time to be. His stewardship in Claw Isle allows him to traverse the short distance whenever she agrees to see him. We are lucky Addam is soft-natured.”

Alicent knelt in front of Daeron as she fixed the clasp on his cloak. His silver hair was pulled away from his face with a traditional dragon-riding headband that matched the blue of Tessarion’s scales. His excitement showed itself in the way he could not stop bouncing or moving as Viserys latched the clip on his headband.

Alicent held his hands in hers, “You’ll be careful and perform your duty, Daeron.”

Daeron nodded in quick succession, “I won’t embarrass you, Mother.”

Viserys kissed the top of his head and smiled at him, “We do not expect you to. Lady Rhea and Jason Royce expect your arrival in two weeks' time. Your guards are stationed at every inn along the way. Do you remember the way to Runestone, my son?”

Daeron puffed his chest out, “Of course, Father.”

Viserys nodded proudly and gathered the three boys together, “You boys are within flying distance of each other. Your dragons will need to exercise, and the mountains are vast in the Vale. Aegon? You should have no issue with Stormcloud hunting as he prefers animals of the sea. You manage your dragons and you do not leave your guards.”

Alicent clasped her arms, smiling as Rhaenyra rested her hands on her shoulder, “No sneaking out either. You are princes of the realm, and as such there will always be someone willing to use you.”

Daemon glared at them mockingly, “Do not forgo your sword training. There is no point in lying to me; I will know if you do either way.

“Or your High Valyrian lessons.”, Laenor input.

Rhaenyra placed a kiss on Daeron’s brow as he smiled at her brightly, “It is not all about your books either. You are allowed to have fun when it is fit.”

As the boys pulled their riding gloves on Rhaenyra reminded them, “Your servants have already been given your schedule, but you are to remember Jacaerys and Baela will be wed in 3 moons time. You will not be present for their engagement to the court but under no circumstances are you allowed to miss their wedding.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Yes, sister.”

4 months later......

Soft cheers sounded out throughout the room as the High Septon anointed Jacaerys and Baela, declaring their marriage legal in the eyes of the law and the gods. Jacaerys couldn’t contain his grin as Baela smiled brightly at him. Finally, she’s mine. Jacaerys was dressed proudly in the colors of his House as the heir to House Targaryen. Red shirt, swirled in gold and Velaryon blue paired with black trousers. His silver hair was lightly curled and weaved into a black crown embedded with red jewels. His lilac eyes glittered as he took in his bride who stood before him in a deep gold gown adorned in greenish-blue crystals and wrapped at the waist with a black ribbon. Her silver curls were weaved into a pearl headdress to compliment the simple earrings and amulets. Rhaenyra and Laena stood off to the side with Alicent as they held their tears in and smiled brightly at their children. Daemon handed the black and red cloak of House Targaryen to Jacaerys as Harwin removed the green cloak of House Strong. Baela sadly looked at her father trying not to cry as he watched her tearily before placing the House Targaryen cloak around her shoulders. Harwin and Laena placed a kiss on her forehead before they stepped back.

Baela rushed to hug Rhaena tightly before reaching down and hugging Crenyl too. Her little brother looked down, “Are you sure you’ll be back, Baela?”

Nodding she brushed her hand down his cheek, “I’ll only be gone for a month little brother.” Tightly hugging her, he muttered a soft okay.

Jacaerys finally managed to pull himself away slightly annoyed, “You would think I am moving away like Aegon. We are only going to DragonStone for a moon’s turn!”

Pulling Baela’s hand lightly, he urged them to mount their dragons in the side courtyard of the dragon pit where they had their ceremony. Alicent stood between Laena and Rhaenyra eying the two dragons taking flight, “I have never noticed this before but even their dragons compliment each other with the green color of their scales.”

~Dragon Stone~

Baela collapsed on the bed in their chambers on DragonStone exhausted. Between the ceremony held in Kingslanding that took the entirety of their day, once she and her husband arrived on Dragonstone, in the early hours of the morning, they completed their traditional Valyrian wedding. Her lips still stung from the cut made with dragon glass as she eyed the sun rising behind the curtains. Before long, her eyes fluttered shut as she fell into a deep sleep.

By the time she stirred, it was dark outside. Rising, she looked around, spotting Jacaerys as he stepped in through the chamber doors with a tray in his hand, “I have settled us in with the castellan and had the servants dress you after your bath. My wife was tired.” My wife.......

Baela groaned as she covered her face with her hands, “I fell asleep?! On our wedding night?”

Jacaerys lightly laughed as he placed the tray down on the table next to their bed, “I mean currently the day is over and the sun has set. I have brought you some snacks as dinner is two hours away.”

Jacaerys lightly pulled her hands away as he fed her a small piece of cheese. Placing a piece of orange in her mouth, he swallowed as her tongue touched his fingertips and the groan she let out. Baela wiped the juice from the corner of her mouth as the tart taste salivated her mouth.

! SEXUAL CONTENT  AHEAD!

Placing the now empty tray down, Jacaerys shed his robe and climbed onto the bed over Baela. She looked up at him in surprise as he stared at her lips hungrily. Baela settled into the pillow under her head, “Jace?”

Pressing his hand down beside her head, Jacaerys leaned to kiss his wife as he lay on top of her. Baela wrapped her arms around his back as she tilted her head to accept his kiss. Pulling back without breaking the kiss, Jacaerys hefted Baela’s small figure onto his lap as she wrapped her arms around his neck. His hands kneaded her butt as she ground down on his hardening length between her thighs. She threw her head back as his lips trailed over her neck in soft kisses. She moaned as he bit down on some spots before lightly sucking it to ease the ache, “Jace”

Baela was ever impatient as Jacaerys took his time in pleasuring her. She was already annoyed that they were only wed until after her 16th name-day due to their mother’s fear. Jacaerys had always told her he was ready to wait for whenever Baela was ready, but right now, she felt as though she would combust. Pulling back, she eyed the nightshirt and pants her husband wore before looking down at her thin gown. Pushing Jacaerys down onto his back, Baela pulled his shirt off to display his toned chest. Jacaerys eyed her incredulously, “Baela.”

Baela leaned down to suck on his neck, “You take too long husband.”

Jacaerys closed his eyes as her hands ran over his erection before taking a deep breath, “We need to take time. Father says the first time for a woman is painful. You can get hurt if we are not careful.”

Baela continued to press kisses down Jacaerys’s chest, “And what else?”

Jacaerys groaned as he bit his lips, “I must make you cum at least once to get you wet e-”

His words broke off as Baela pulled his hand that was gripping her thighs and pushed them between her thighs. He hissed as the wetness smeared his palms before looking back at his wife who stared at him with pleading eyes, “Please Jace. I am more than ready.”

Jacaerys leaned back up to pull her nightgown over her head as she met in the middle for a fiery kiss. Her hands disappeared in his hair as he rubbed her breasts before pinching the nipple. His fingers trailed down her waist as he rubbed his fingers between her lips before lightly pinching her clit. Baela moaned loudly as a shiver rocked her body with pleasure. She flopped on her back as Jacaerys pulled back to slip his pants off before climbing back between her thighs Her eyes widened as his length bobbed before he rubbed it over her wetness. She froze as his head nudged her clit before drawing back, “Jace......that...”

Jacaerys paused as he looked at her. Baela’s eyes rose to meet him as she switched between him and his cock, “Is it supposed to be like that? It looks nothing like the pictures... it’s supposed to be......smaller.”

Jacaerys laughed as he looked at his cock currently resting on Baela’s lower belly. The head was just under her navel and weeping precum, “Kepa says I take after him. It will be fine. Do you wish to stop?”

Baela took in his flushed appearance and pink cheeks before shaking her head, “No. Don’t stop.”

Jacaerys coated his length in her wetness before surging forward in light thrusts. Baela’s nails dug into his forearms as he slowly seated himself inside her, finally drawing a breath as he was fully in. Jacaerys rubbed his thumb over her clit as he watched her concerned, “Alright?”

Baela nodded quickly as she took a deeper breath, “It hurts less when you move.”

Jacaerys continued stroking her clit as he lightly pulled out before thrusting in again, “You should commend my self-control greatly.”

Baela whimpered as her lower belly tingled with each thrust, “Why is that?”

“Because all I wish to do is fuck you into this bed.”

Her face grew warm as he thrust hard into her before stopping and continuing in deep strokes, “But I must not. Our first time must be gentle.”

Baela wrapped her legs around his waist before pulling him down on top of her, “Our first time will be as we wish.”

She kissed him just as he began rocking into her with quick, hard strokes. Before long, Baela felt her muscles lock as a warm rush moved from her toes to the top of her head. Her scream of pleasure was swallowed by Jacaerys kissing her and slipping his tongue to tangle with hers. His vision blacked out for a minute as his seed shot out of him with the cresting of their orgasms. Panting as they broke their kiss, Jacaerys sat up and pulled himself free from his wife’s tight heat. They both gazed mesmerized as his cum trickled out from inside her mixed with small streaks of blood.

He collapsed next to her as she turned to fold into his side with their legs tangled. Jacaerys placed a kiss on her brow just as she broke the silence, “Jace. I do not wish to become with child.”

Baela knew the responsibilities she inherited once she had wed Jacaerys. As the heir's heir, it was expected that he have as many children as possible, but Baela wasn’t ready to become a mother. She feared her personal feelings would come in the way of their duty to the realm.

“On that, we agree. I wish to have my wife with me for just a bit longer. Which is why I instructed the maester to prepare a cup of moon tea.”

Baela sighed as she rubbed her cheek into his chest and got comfortable, “I wish to do this again.”

It was Jacaerys’s time to sigh in relief, “You enjoyed it then?”

Baela sleepily muttered against his chest, “More than anything.”, before falling asleep.

Jacaerys dreamily sighed before tucking his face into Baela’s curly hair, “I love you.”

Chapter Text

6 months later

~Driftmark~

Aemond wrapped the long rope around his arm and propped his foot on the rail to steady himself. Turning 180^O, he yanked the heavy rope and pulled until the sail opened. Smiling brightly, he wrapped it around the wood to stabilize it before whooping as Lucerys jumped on his back, “You did it!”

Corlys stepped before them nodding, “Well done Prince Aemond.”

Aemond and Lucerys were currently training under Lord Corlys on Driftmark for sailing and fishing. After 6 months, Corlys thought they were ready to man their own ships. Aemond and Lucerys were a few moons before their sixteenth nameday where Aemond would officially be moved to the Stepstones after his wedding to Orwinda.

Corlys held both boys by the shoulder, “With this, your training is now over lads. You are now fit to receive your titles.”

Lucerys brows furrowed as his smile fell, “Grandsire...”

Corlys shook his head, “I may be stepping down from my position as Lord of Driftmark Luce, but I am not in the hand of the stranger yet. This is your destiny, Luce. You are my grandson. I will be here when you need me.”

Corlys looked over at Aemond, “And you Prince Aemond, are one of the greatest sailors I have had the chance of training. Stop worrying so much. You are ready.”

Despite being as tall as his grandsire and considered a young man, it did not stop Lucerys from burying himself into his grandfather’s arms to tightly hug him. Corlys patted him on the back before releasing him, “Now, we must set a course back to Kingslanding in 2 days.”

Aemond’s eyes lit up, “Yes Lord Corlys. Sister would be upset if we missed it.”

Lucerys chuckled as he handed Corlys his cane, “It is not for another 3 weeks. We will not miss it.”

3 weeks later

~Kingslanding, Dragon Pit~

*Princess Rhaenyra’s Coronation*

Rhaenyra nervously ran her fingers as she paced behind the closed door of the hall into the Dragon Pit. Elinda stood behind Rhaenyra as she watched her princess drown in her nerves. Rhaenyra’s silver hair was beautifully styled in large curls that cascaded down her back from the intricately woven ponytail. Gold earrings embedded with ruby gemstones and a gold necklace with 3 dragon heads rested on her neck. Her black dress replicated dragon scales as Syrax’s body was stitched into the dress in a pattern with gold thread. Her mother’s rings adorned her fingers, and a bracelet was given to her on one arm by her father and the other by her grandsire at age 4. Her dragon glass necklace from her wedding was hidden in the collar of her dress that covered her neck and attached to a red cloak belonging to her Grandmother Princess Alyssa.

Rhaenyra knew eventually when her father named her heir, she would succeed him and sit the iron throne. She had prepared for this ever since. She had worked to better the kingdom and show them she was a worthy heir. At some point, she began to look forward to it. She worried how the people would take it now that her father was about to be the first king of Westeros to hand his crown and title over to his heir while he was alive. It was not tradition.

Elinda approached her to rub a red oil on her lips and line her eyes with black coal to make the purple pop before stepping back and nodding. She held both of Rhaenyra’s hands in her own, “You worry for naught Princess.”

“The people are happy, and the kingdom is striving. They are aware that it was many of your policies that strengthened us, and you were the key contributor to ending the war. No one will object to your rule. I already see you as my ruler and they will too.”

Rhaenyra weakly smiled, “Thank you, Elinda.”

“ANNOUNCING HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, PRINCESS RHAENYRA TARGARYEN! HEIR TO THE IRON THRONE AND PRINCESS OF DRAGSTONE!”

Ser Erryk stepped behind Rhaenyra as she took a deep breath, fixed her dress, and walked through the doors. Thousands of eyes watched her excitedly as she made her way down the path leading to the stage mounted at the back of the pit to her family. Laena proudly wore the colors of all 3 houses as her dress was a multitude of green, blue, and red with black sleeves. Alicent and all of her siblings were dressed down to their shoes in Targaryen black and white. Rhaenyra had informed Aegon and Nymeria that it was alright to wear the colors of House Martell, but Aegon wanted to show his support to her. Just for today, her children were dressed in black, red, and Velaryon blue to support both of her husbands houses. Her father stood in the middle of the platform and to his left, her good mother Princess Rhaenys, was next to Lord Corlys. Rapidly blinking to stop her eyes from gathering tears, she took a deep breath and knelt before her father.

When the High Septon had finished anointing her with oils and blessing her future rule, Viserys addressed the crowd, “It has been almost 3 decades since I inherited the crown from my grandsire King Jahaerys and the years of peace that followed. I, myself, had fallen for the words of scheming men who wished to tear my family apart for their personal greed. And they would have succeeded if not for my daughter, MY CHOSEN HEIR Princess Rhaenyra!”

Loud cheers broke out as the masses showed support, “I stand before as your King of the Seven Kingdoms. I have done my duty and thanks to the support I have received, the kingdom is prospering.”

Viserys drew Blackfyre and tapped Rhaenyra on each shoulder 3 times to signify her role as the sixth ruling monarch of Westeros. Sheathing his sword, Rhaenys stepped up to remove his crown from his head and placed it on Rhaenyra’s before Ser Harrold retrieved Blackfyre and handed it to her flat on her palms.  Viserys lovingly caressed her face before giving Daemon who stepped out a pointed look, “Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, First of her name. Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men. Lady of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.”

Ser Erryk helped her up as she turned to the masses for all to see when a voice rang out, “QUEEN RHAENYRA TARGARYEN!”

~~

It was not long before a loud chant followed of her people celebrating her crowning. The kingdom celebrated for seven nights and seven days as Viserys threw a large tourney and a royal hunt. Yet, just as the activities had died down, another was on the rise four weeks after Rhaenyra’s coronation.

Prince Jacaerys Targaryen was to be named, Heir to the Iron Throne as Rhaenyra’s successor and Prince of Dragonstone. The ceremony was long as every Lord of the kingdom swore allegiance to honor Jacaerys as Rhaenyra’s heir. There were no qualms about Rhaenyra’s choice as he had several positive factors backing his position. The young prince was 18 years old, already proving himself a worthy heir for his participation in the war and his reputation growing up. He had been wed 2 years prior and his wife was the granddaughter to two individuals on the small council as well as her childhood being brought up in the palace. None would argue she did not suit the young prince, for she was one of the few able to calm him during his seldom moments of anger. Lady Baela also secured herself by being an active figure in the war and aiding in the defeat of the Lannister army. Many awaited the news of a child born from the admirable couple though there were whispers that the prince and his consort were not ready.

Only time will tell......

~~

It has been two years since King Viserys I stepped down from his position as King and his daughter Queen Rhaenyra was crowned. Just a month later, her eldest was named her heir and now a new celebration was to be had. Prince Lucerys Velaryon and Lady Rhaena Strong’s wedding was upon them. The young prince had been named the heir of Driftmark the year prior on his seventeenth name day after his betrothal announcement was made on his sixteenth nameday to Lady Laena Velaryon’s second daughter, Lady Rhaena Strong. Her twin sister, Crown Princess Baela Strong had been wed a week after their sixteenth nameday, but Rhaena had wanted to wait until after Lucerys had been named Heir to Driftmark.

Now a year later, that time has come. Baela helped her tighten her corset string before patting her on the back and moving away when done. Rhaena took in her gold dress and smiled delightedly. Her servants had wrapped her locs to sit atop her head and embedded little pearls to each one. Her chain and necklace were made of the same pearls gifted from her grandsire. Each Velaryon child and grandchild of Lord Corlys was given a jewelry piece embedded with a single pearl to match the color of their eyes. Rhaena had her pearl made into a gold and green bracelet with the pearl embedded in the center.

Baela patted her cheeks with a handkerchief as her pearl ring flashed before hugging her sister once more, “I’m sorry. The baby is making me cry a lot. And also, very emotional.”

Rhaena reached down and patted Baela’s slightly rounded stomach with glee. Her little niece or nephew lay there. Baela was almost 4 moons pregnant with her first child and Rhaena couldn’t wait to have her one of her own.”

She nervously looked at Baela, “I’m a bit nervous. What if this does not go well? Perhaps, Luce has changed his mind...”

Baela reached up and silenced her sister by painting a clear oil on Rhaena’s lips, “I was just as you are when it was my wedding. I am telling you now, there is no need to worry. Luce was raised together with my Jace. You worry over nothing.”

Rhaena smiled and kissed her sister on the cheek before they shared a brief hug. Because just as Baela said, the wedding went without a problem. It was held in the halls of House Velaryon on Driftmark. Lucerys was set to inherit the title of Lord of Driftmark from his grandsire, then his subsequent move as its new Lord. It made the most sense to have the wedding held there instead of Kingslanding despite Lucerys being a prince of the realm and the second son of its ruling Queen. The hall was filled with people as several lords and ladies arrived to attend their wedding and his conferment ceremony. He had left his little brother, Aegon in the company of their cousin Lady Daenaera Velaryon to dance as he sought out his wife. She had changed into a simple pink dress the color of her dragon and stood speaking to Helaena who had come from the north with her husband Cregan Stark. Rhaena softly squealed as Lucerys lifted her in his arms from behind and spun her around. There was no one happier today than him.

“LUCE!”

She hit him on the shoulder as giggles escaped her, “Put me down!”

Lucerys gently lowered her to her feet before spinning her around and kissing her silly. No one said much as the young couple moved away from the hall and into their chambers to end the night. The week was long as Prince Aemond Targaryen had gotten married to Lady Orwinda Stark 3 days prior.

In 2 days, the young Prince would be taking residence on the Stepstones to officially rule the land gifted to him by his father. Like Lucerys, Aemond had his wedding on the other side of the island in Lord Daeron Velaryon’s castle. The hall was twice bigger than Lord Corlys. It was decided that the two princes and their brides would be anointed at the High Sept of Kingslanding and then hold their ceremony on Driftmark Island. In all, the ceremonies, weddings, and parties were all done in 7 days times. The Stepstones Castle was already equipped with a castellan and Aemond’s second-in-command along with all the servants and the knights working there. A large dome structure was put up on the edge of the island behind his castle and opposite the port for the dragons. Two dragon keepers were assigned to the island from Kingslanding. Now in the kingdom of Westeros, there were three known dragon pits apart from the main one in the keep: each on Dragon Stone, Driftmark, and now the Stepstones.

The port had been up and running for a month before Aemond’s wedding. Now with the tax they collected from each ship moving through the port, funds were being sent to the coffers specifically to maintain all shipping ports, fishing ports, and the seafood markets of the kingdom. It took some time of course as Aemond had to deal with a fair share of foolish men who wished to overrun their port and claim his island, but they were swiftly dealt with. It was after some time that their attacks and assassinations finally decreased. So, while Aemond mostly ran the port and Orwinda managed the castle and all the affairs, Lucerys and Rhaena would arrive the last weekend of every month. From there, they would head to Kingslanding to deliver their reports, spend a week there in the company of their family, and then fly to Driftmark for the weekend before heading back to their respective castles.

A few months later......

~Kingslanding~

Helaena wiped Baela’s sweaty face as she rested on Rhaena who sat at her back. Orwinda stooped next to her holding her hands as Baela leaned forward with her face scrunched. Her caramel skin currently had a pink undertone, and she screamed.

Lady Samantha who was stooped between Baela’s legs shouted, “One more push Crown Princess!”

Helaena took the hand Orwinda held as Baela squeezed her hands once more. Another scream as she bore down to try and birth her baby. Orwinda pressed on Baela’s stomach lightly before Baela collapsed on the bed and piercing wails filled the room. Baela was so tired and in so much pain, she had a difficult time remembering where she was or what she was doing. More than anything, she wished to sleep for several days.

Samantha cut the umbilical cord and handed the screaming newborn to Orwinda to clean up, “You have a little prince, Baela!”

Helaena tearily looked at Baela before wiping her face again. Baela shared her smile as she chuckled while Rhaena rocked her slightly from behind, “You did it, sister.”

Samantha met Baela’s eyes, “the second one comes quickly most of the time. When your stomach clenches again, bear down and push Princess.”

Baela shook her head, “I cannot”

Helaena grabbed Baela’s hand, “Yes you can.”, just as Rhaena helped her up again, “You can do this Baela.”

When her stomach clenched again, Baela pushed, thanking all fourteen gods and even the mother as her second baby slid out in no more than two pushes. Samantha wrapped the squealing baby before handing it to Helaena who moved and carried it over to Orwinda and the group of midwives, “And a princess!”

Samantha lightly shook Baela’s leg, “Well done, my lady.”

After cleaning both babies and Baela, Jacaerys who was worriedly pacing outside was finally allowed entrance. He immediately headed for his wife, smiling tearily s he kissed her forehead. Rhaena was sitting in a chair next to the bed, stomach with a barely there bump.

Jacaerys slid on the bed to hug his wife, “You have made me a happier and even more content husband, Baela.”

She rests her head on his, smiling softly. Rhaena watched them happily as they whispered words of reassurance and offered words of love. Jacaerys eyes rose as Helaena and Orwinda brought their children and rested them both on Baela’s lap. The babies were pale and tiny, tuffs of white hair on their heads as they curled into each other soundly asleep. Jacaerys didn’t bother to wipe the tears from his face as Baela introduced them, “These are our children, my prince. Prince Maelor and Princess Valaena Targaryen.”

Jacaerys wept as he kissed them both and kissed his wife, “Thank you.”

His eyes turned to Samantha who was in the process of heading out the door, “And Thank You, my lady.”

Baela and Jacaerys smiled brightly as their parents entered and family trickled in.

The gods looked down and smiled happily as they glimpsed at the future, “You have done well.”