#[ ♛ ] | interactions » ... wcrriorhearts.

[zobriezalarys]

@wcrriorhearts asked: ❝ would you come with me please? i adore your company. ❞ ( from Aemma for her favorite cousin )

"You   are   the   only   one   in   this   entire   realm,   cousin.   If   eyes   could   kill,   Rhaenys   would've   me   dead   already."   But   his   other   cousin   would   never   like   him,   nevermind   what   he   does.   Maybe   it's   the   fact   he   had   gathered   an   army   in   case   she   was   chosen   at   the   great   council.   Just   in   case,but   that   was   all   in   the   past,   or   maybe   she   is   upset   that   Daemon   was   bonded   with   Caraxes,   the   queen   that   never   was   father's   dragon.   But   it's   not   he   who   chose   the   dragon   but   Caraxes   chose   him.  

"Not   even   Viserys   seem   to   be   pleased   by   my   presence   here.   He   wants   me   in   a   cold   beld   with   the   bronze   girl   he   married   me   to."   Daemon   rolls   his   eyes,   taking   her   arm   in   his   own   as   they   walk   through   the   keep   arm   in   arm.   He   looks   down,   teasing   shoulder   bump   in   turn.   "See,   I   should've   been   the   one   who   married   you,   at   least   I   would   have   fun."   Instead   he   is   constantly   thrown   away   from   the   capital   and   send   to   the   Vale,   bored   out   of   his   mind.

[zobriezalarys]

@wcrriorhearts asked: ❝ are you still happy? with me, i mean. with us. ❞ (from rhaenyra )

there   is   a   pause   as   the   prince   lets   the   silence   falls   between   them.   he   does   not   understand   the   insecurities,   but   perhaps   it   explains   why   they   had   been   fighting   and   discussing   matters   when   they   would   be   always   a   united   front.   the   years   of   peace   on   dragonstone   had   been   disrupted   by   the   horrid   realization   that   she   had   been   usurped,   and   daemon's   body   aches   for   revenge.   a   son   for   a   son.   a   daughter   for   a   daughter.   a   father   for   a   father.   even   a   brother   for   a   brother,   as   he   left   king's   landing,   he   had   the   feeling   he   would   never   see   his   brother   again   and   he   had   been   right.   "yes.   the   pressure   of   recent   events   has   gotten   to   us   all.   we   had   no   time   to   mourn,   or   time   to   think."  

daemon   finally   responds   as   he   walks   closer,   the   war   room   empty   for   them   to   speak   in   peace.   "we   made   a   choice   and   I   do   not   regret   it.   are   you   having   second   thoughts,   my   queen?"   he   jest   her   with   her   new   title   but   he   does   wonder   if   perhaps,   she   is   finally   seeing   the   darker   side   of   his   soul   and   what   she   sees   is   not   to   her   liking.   "you   have   giving   me   sons.   and   a   daughter,   if   only   in   spirit   now.   I   have   stepsons   and   my   daughters   regard   you   like   a   mother.  

we   have   a   family   and   perhaps   if   these   had   happened   earlier,   the   war   would   not   be   this   hard   on   us."   caraxes   had   always   been   tender   with   syrax,   and   he   knew   then,   that   his   dragon   wished   to   be   around   the   other   dragon.   daemon   shared   the   fondess   for   his   niece.   targaryens   responding   to   gods,   theirs   had   been   a   rarity   in   the   matches,   it   makes   him   think   of   his   father   and   mother.   "we   will   have   that   peace   and   happiness   again."

[zobriezalarys]

"I   can   make   time   for   my   niece   if   my   brother   does   not   seek   to   fetch   me   away   to   the   Vale   again."   He   points   out   with   annoyance.   Who   better   to   teach   Rhaenyra   to   ride   than   a   rider   with   a   dragon   himself?   Viserys   had   a   bond   with   Balerion   once   but   the   Black   Dread   was   now   long   dead,   a   feat   on   it's   own   to   live   that   long   and   say   his   brother   was   the   beast'   rider   for   his   final   years.   But   the   dragon   keepers   know   nothing   of   riding,   only   of   the   commands.   "I   will   make   the   request   to   Viserys,   make   sure   he   understands,   that   the   more   Syrax   grows,   the   more   Rhaenyra   will   wish   to   ride   her."

  And   better   to   be   trained   for   it   than   have   a   worry   mother   and   father   when   they   learn   she   simply   took   off   with   the   dragon,   bonded   or   not.   His   request   to   go   to   the   Vale   with   her   is   met   with   a   quiet   understanding.   She   is   with   child.   "Gods,   Viserys   does   not   give   you   a   respite   does   he."   Aemma   had   been   far   too   young   when   she   wed   his   brother   and   ever   since   he   knew   her,   she   had   been   with   child,   Rhaenyra   had   been   the   only   one   to   survive   pass   the   year.  

Daemon   comfort   his   cousin   with   a   kiss   upon   her   forehead.   "Then   more   reason   for   me   to   stay.   All   those   Septas   and   Maesters   dull   you   to   no   end."   He   would   argue   being   in   the   Vale   might   help   her   ease   her   worries,   being   at   home   away   from   court   but   it   will   take   another   time   then.   "Ydra   daor   jenigon   aōla,   cousin."   

Aemma understood that there was a reason why dragons chose a rider and that Syrax had seen kinship in Rhaenyra, which was why the little girl had been able to claim her. But that didn't mean Aemma was free of worry. Then again, she worried about almost everything concerning her precious girl, so Syrax was just one of many things. After having lost so many pregnancies and her first child in the cradle, Aemma tried hard not to be overbearing, but her instinct always told her to protect Rhaenyra from everything that might harm her. Luckily, the little girl was very strong willed and managed to get up to all sorts of mischief without her mother's permission.

She patted Daemon's arm when he reassured her and smiled a little. "Ah, my dear one. That would be a great comfort to me, but you are always away. Will you even have time to tame the beast and your niece?" She saw far too little of Daemon these days, who was always doing the bidding of his brother in an attempt to appease him and prevent being exiled once again. "I would be grateful for your help, of course. It would make me sleep much easier than I do now even thinking of it. A part of being a Targaryen that still doesn't sit well with me." She chuckled, sighing deeply. When they had been children, Daemon had tried to persuade her to fly on Caraxes with him, something which Aemma had only ever agreed to once and never again. Like her mother, she was just not meant to be a dragon rider.

Life was so much easier for men. They were allowed to travel as they pleased, see the world and be the masters of their own fates. Women were not afforded the same luxury and Aemma envied Daemon for his freedom. His offer to take her along to the Vale warmed her heart, though. "Oh, I would so love to see my brothers and sisters again! It's been too long since I last saw them", she said, a beaming smile on her lips, which died slowly. "But Viserys will not let me go...I'm with child again." Her words sounded hollow and she averted her gaze. This should have been a joyful time, but it wasn't for Aemma. It would mean months of suffering for nothing but disappointment. "But I thank you for the offer, my darling. Perhaps one day."

[zobriezalarys]

luke   had   been   much   like   viserys,   that   much   is   true.   perhaps   that's   what   hurts   the   most,   like   losing   a   brother   twice,   but   it's   rhaenyra's   grief   that   strikes   him   most,   as   well   the   one   he   hides.   losing   a   brother,   and   losing   a   daughter,   not   his   first,   but   the   first   with   rhaenyra,   and   she   knew   how   much   she   was   expecting   to   have   a   little   visenya,   a   dream   he   knows   she   wanted.   daemon   nods   in   agreement.  

"they   say   aemond   believes   he   can   beat   me   in   battle."   he   almost   laughs   at   it.   he   might   be   older   but   he   truly   was   a   green   boy   compared   to   daemon   in   battle.   "then   i   will   bring   you   his   head.   and   then   we   will   make   otto   hightower   pay   for   this   as   this   is   all   his   fault."   daemon   has   no   doubt   that   he   would   surely   plan   this   since   the   very   beginning.

  since   he   married   his   daughter   to   viserys,   since   he   saw   alicent   give   birth   to   a   son.   the   people   will   not   stand   for   this,   as   the   news   of   lucerys'   death   spreads   through   the   realm.   "we   will   back   what   was   stolen   from   you.   and   take   justice   for   our   son."   for   lucerys   was   as   much   his   as   hers.

her eyes fluttered shut when his forehead came to rest against hers and she took a few deliberate breaths, reminding herself of the bond they had forged with daemon through the years. despite recent events, the queen knew she could always count on his support. he was not always the husband she needed at the time, but his unwavering loyalty and dedication to their family was enough to make her forget that. even when they did not see eye to eye, he respected her opinion and allowed her to have a voice, which was a luxury not many wives had in the seven kingdoms, not even queens. there were so many things she valued highly about daemon and though his actions had hurt her, she would put them aside.

"he is much more severe and reserved than i ever was. he reminds me more of my father. always dutiful, rarely mischievous. definitely not like me at that age", she muttered, before drawing back, so she could look at her husband. her hand came up to cup his cheek and she ran her thumb along his cheek bone, lost in thoughts for a moment. even though luke had been much gentler and more sensitive than her, he had still been the best part of her soul. every good character trait she had, had been passed down to him and amplified. his kindness, his caring nature, his empathy - all traits she possessed, but never to his extent. his loss would forever rest like a heavy cloak upon her shoulders, until the day she died.

"i want aemond dead", she said, sucking in a breath. kinslaying was nothing she took lightly, but her half brother had lost his right to live the moment he hurt her son and ripped him from his family. she would have find peaceful agreements with the greens, would have advocated for their safety and welcomed them at her court, but they had usurped her and murdered her son, so her mercy was no more. now they would pay for what they had done. "aemond has no sons. i want him dead."

[zobriezalarys]

He   regarded   his   cousin   Aemma   with   a   mix   of   amusement   and   reassurance.   "Syrax   does   seem   to   have   Rhaenyra's   nature,"   he   agreed,   a   chuckle   escaping   his   lips,   he   considers   it   a   good   thing,   a   bond   so   deep   that   dragon   and   rider   are   often   unmistaken.   "Both   are   relentless   when   they   want   something.   It's   a   blessing,   really.   I   am   glad   she   is   so   lively   and   well."   He   knew   the   depth   of   Aemma's   gratitude   for   their   daughter's   health,   a   sentiment   rooted   in   painful   loss,   so   many   births   and   yet,   Rhaenyra   is   the   one   that   seems   to   remain   despite   the   efforts   for   a   son,   the   princess   remains   the   da   facto   ruler   and   princess   of   Dragonstone.   It   was   a   sorrow   Daemon   could   not   fully   comprehend   but   deeply   respected.   Unlike   Aemma,   Daemon   laughed   easily,   finding   pleasure   in   the   fierce   bond   between   Rhaenyra   and   her   dragon.  

"Syrax   is   growing   quickly,"   he   noted,   eyes   gleaming   with   pride.   "Soon   enough,   she   will   be   big   enough   for   riding   lessons."   He   saw   the   concern   flicker   in   Aemma's   eyes   and   quickly   sought   to   reassure   her.   "Once   Syrax   is   ready   to   be   ridden,   I   will   personally   teach   our   young   princess.   I   promise   to   keep   her   safe.   Caraxes   already   seems   fond   of   the   yellow   dragon,   and   you   know   there's   no   better   guardian   than   another   dragon."   Caraxes   seems   to   find   Syrax   amusing,   as   well   the   only   dragon   who   does   not   seem   to   mind   the   Blood   Wyrm's   less   than   ideal   fierce   nature.  

"I   recently   journeyed   to   Essos.   Lys,   in   particular,   has   captured   my   interest.   There's   something   about   that   former   Valyrian   stronghold   that   resonates   with   me.   Perhaps   it's   the   history,   perhaps   it's   something   else   entirely."   His   tone   carried   a   hint   of   naughtiness,   acknowledging   Lys's   infamous   reputation   without   needing   to   elaborate.   Seeing   the   longing   in   Aemma's   eyes,   Daemon's   expression   softened.   "You   know,   cousin,   I   could   speak   to   the   king   on   your   behalf.   A   change   of   scenery   might   do   you   good.   I   could   take   you   back   to   the   Vale,   even   if   just   for   a   little   while.   A   small   respite   from   this   castle.   And   Rhaenyra,   she   could   benefit   from   spending   time   with   her   maternal   family   as   well."

"Well, your brother has always been more enamored with duty and his model city than anything else. That is not mine or your fault", she jests and beams up at her cousin, patting his arm. It is no secret that Viserys and her have developed an amicable relationship through the years, but at least on her end it isn't love. He is a kind man, one who loves his daughter dearly and wants the best for the seven kingdoms, but he has never been the person Aemma would have chosen, had she not been married to him at one and ten years of age. She never had a choice in her own life, but that doesn't mean she lacks an opinion.

Syrax is a sore topic for Aemma, who has never been fond of dragons to begin with and doesn't want to even think about her little girl flying on her own. It's a dreadful thought that gives her nightmares, but luckily the toddler is still far too young to do so. In the years to come, Aemma will hopefully make her peace with the idea. "Syrax seems to have Rhaenyra's nature. Both are relentless when they want something. It's a blessing though, really. I am glad she is so lively and well." Rhaenyra is not Aemma's first child, but the first one that lived. Before her little girl, Aemma had a son at four and ten, who seemed to be a healthy little lad, but died in the cradle after a week into his life. Therefore she will never take Rhaenyra's health for granted.

"Tell me, what adventures have you been on lately? I am sure you have experienced so many interesting things!" Unlike her, who is stuck in this castle day in and day out, with none of her old friends to keep her company. Daemon no longer lives here, nor does Rhaenys and her favorite aunt Gael, who used to be their age too, killed herself years ago. Their grandmother died just recently, followed by the old King, so there is barely anyone left from their family now. Her own siblings are twenty years her seniors and have never been particularly interested in her life either, so Aemma's only joy is Rhaenyra.

[zobriezalarys]

the   betrayal   must   cut   deep.   he   had   never   trust   the   hightowers,   even   little   alicent   who   perhaps   was   once   a   puppet   but   soon   became   a   puppeteer   the   moment   they   put   a   crown   into   her   head.   no   one   was   truly   safe   from   the   power   of   the   iron   throne.   his   brother   had   tried   to   and   he   is   paying   the   price   now   in   death.   "jace   reminds   me   of   you   at   that   age.   he   has   charm.   if   he   makes   a   friend   in   lord   cregan,   you   will   have   an   ally   for   life.   who   will   honor   your   crown   and   his."  

the   vale   was   already   secured   and   he   was   going   to   send   rhaena   there   as   her   dragon   has   not   hatched   yet   and   she   could   be   in   danger   here   at   dragonstone.   there   is   already   something   dark   brewing   under   his   eyes,   as   he   leans   in   toward   his   wife   and   let   his   forehead   lean   into   her   own,   lilac   against   lilac.   she   knows   him   well,   she   already   knows   revenge   is   setting   in   his   heart   but   he   wonders,   if   she   would   approve   of   it   or   senf   him   in   exile   for   returning   the   favor   to   the   greens.

"our   son   will   be   avenged,   rhaenyra.   all   you   have   to   do   is   say   the   word   and   I   will   see   it   done.   no   questions   asked."   a   son   for   a   son.   let   them   suffer   the   same   pain   they   are   suffering   now.   he   should   take   two,   for   their   visenya   was   lost   before   their   time   too   but   lucerys   had   only   been   an   emboy   and   now   he   is   lost   because   aemond   is   madder   than   he   is.

he should have been there, she agrees. he should have been by her side for those three days she was in labor, should have held their daughter before she was given to the fire, but he didn't come. rhaenyra understands why, knows he will always choose action before powerlessness and that this birth must have reminded him of laena's demise. but the wound in her soul has festered for many years, because at the end of the day, she has always been abandoned to suffer alone. no one was there when she mourned her mother, when she lost the first love of her life, when laenor left. no one protected or saved her during the years she was abused at court, nor has she been given any comfort or support now that she lost two of her children and her father in quick succession. all the peace of the past seven years has evaporated and even the living seem to be slipping away from her.

his hand in hers is warm and calloused, so familiar after years of holding it that it should bring her comfort, but instead she fights the urge to recoil at the touch. she craves it, more than anything, but doesn't want to give in to the need of being held, knowing he will just leave her again. as soon as he can fight a war somewhere he will be gone and only the Gods know if she will see him again. he does it for their family, of course, for her claim to the throne and rhaenyra honors that, but it doesn't change the fact that she knows he will leave her. she might not have helaena's gift of foresight, but this is a truth painted by everything he has done to mobilize their troops and plan attacks.

"apparently alicent's word was enough to make at least half the court believe it and the other half was executed. i don't think that honor matters anymore at this point, nor does loyalty. but you are right, the north is a strong and valuable ally. jace has done well to secure it." her heart aches for the boy she sent to the north, who will return a man, hardened by the loss of the brother he has never had to live a day without. only one year apart in age, luke and jace have spent every day of their lives together and now one has to continue without the other. just as she will never be the same without luke, neither will her oldest son and heir.

[zobriezalarys]

"Yes,   but   Viserys   could   have   said   something   once   the   old   man   died.   Look   at   me,   Aemma.   The   bronze   bitch   complains   that   Caraxes   keeps   eaching   her   sheep."   She   is   lucky   enough   that   his   dragon   is   trained   to   eat   sheep   and   not   humans   unless   it's   during   warfare.   He   rolls   his   eyes   at   the   consideration   of   Rhe   Royce.   Every   year   he   begs   for   the   marriage   to   be   annulled,   and   every   year   Otto   Hightower   makes   a   point   to   keep   it   alive   and   Viserys   dismiss   him.  

"My   brothers   despites   that   I   can   pick   you   up   more   easily   than   he   does.   What   a   scandal,   cousin."   He   jest   and   to   prove   his   point,   he   does   use   his   free   hand   to   pick   her   up   and   return   her   to   her   side   before   smiling   in   turn.   Viserys   is   not   a   jealous   man   but   he   does   wonder   if   his   brother   might   feel   jealousy   over   the   close   relationship   he   has   with   Aemma.   The   name   of   his   niece   brings   a   smile   to   his   lips,   nodding.

  "Aye,   her   little   Syrax   keeps   bothering   Caraxes   at   the   pit,   seems   like   she   is   just   like   her   soon   to   be   rider."   Not   that   Caraxes   seems   to   mind   the   company   of   the   smaller   dragon   but   it   was   amusing   nontheless.   "Then   I   will   leave   when   you   tell   me   to   leave   and   tell   Otto   to   sod   off.   I   only   follow   one   queen's   command."

No one can ever make her hate Daemon. He is a living wildfire and cannot be contained, but it matters not to Aemma. When she came to the Keep at ten years old in lieu of becoming Viserys' wife, Daemon was the one who made her life worthwhile here. At only a year apart in age, they grew up together and timid, gentle Aemma was coaxed out of her shell by the wild, unpredictable boy. How could she ever not love him? He was everything good about he childhood and Aemma has spent many years wishing she had been married to him, not his brother.

"Grandsire married you off, not Viserys", Aemma reminds him with a a smile and a gentle pat on his arm. It was indeed King Jaehaerys, long before Viserys ever had a say in stately affairs. But it is true that he has a habit of keeping his younger brother away from court, much to Aemma's dismay. Sometimes she wonders if it is because of how happy it makes Aemma when Daemon is around. Viserys has never openly showed any jealousy, but that doesn't necessarily means he feels none. "I am sure he is very pleased to have you here! He is just very busy being King now. But who cares about him anyway? What matters is that I am happy, my darling cousin. And Rhaenyra will be as well!" Her little three year old is just as fond of Daemon as Aemma herself and will undoubtedly beg to be taken to the skies on Caraxes.

[zobriezalarys]

she   is   right   on   that.   there   has   barely   been   time   for   them   to   be   on   their   own.   daemon   had   been   busy   moving   tropes,   the   purpose   of   a   soldier,   a   warrior,   mobilizing   those   he   knew   were   loyal   to   him   and   would   be   loyal   to   rhaenyra.   met   mysaria   again   for   a   plan   that   would   be   brought   to   rhaenyra.   a   son   for   a   son,   had   been   chanting   in   his   mind   and   he   won't   stop   until   that   comes   true.   but   he   does   realize   he   had   abandoned   her   when   she   needed   him   the   most.   "i   should've   been   there   with   you."   when   she   called   for   him   and   gave   birth,   he   was   out   there,   giving   orders,   teaching   jacaerys   how   to   become   a   proper   heir   if   she   were   to   die   in   childbirth.   and   then   their   daughter   died   and   rhaenyra   spend   in   pain   for   the   rest   of   days.   so   much   in   so   little   time.  

viserys,   visenya   and   then   lucerys.   if   there   had   been   a   time   for   peace   between   factions,   it   had   all   been   destroyed   for   him.   "jacaerys   will   come   with   the   north's   on   his   back.   they   are   barbaric   but   they   are   loyal   and   will   come   to   your   side.   the   vale   too.   he   is   a   good   man.   a   proper   heir.   show   them   that   you   are   a   woman   with   a   man's   heart   if   you   have   to.   men   like   that   admire   power   and   unwavering   decisions."   he   stands   up   from   his   chair   to   walk   closer,   taking   her   hand   on   his   own,   offering   some   comfort   but   words   of   wisdom.   "I   would   give   you   dark   sister   if   I   could,   for   she   was   made   for   women's   hands.   visenya's   legacy."   their   ancestor   rode   a   dragon   and   wielded   a   sword   better   than   any   other   man   he   had   known.

  "tell   me   this,   what   proof   do   they   have   that   viserys   changed   his   mind,   on   the   last   day   of   his   life   with   no   witness   but   alicent?   is   there   a   will?   a   proclamation   with   his   sigil?"   nothing   to   prove   that   his   brother   changed   his   mind.   "he   chose   you   to   rule   after   him.   gods   forbid   if   you   let   aegon   have   a   crown."

the words have left her lips, before she could reconsider them. it is rare to have a moment of quiet peace with daemon, as every minute of every day seems to be dedicated to planning a war. for hours she has sat in this room, pumped full with milk of the poppy after visenya's catastrophic birth to be able to even think, with no time to recover physically or mentally. now another loss has been added to the ones carved into her heart already, but this one weighs heavier than all the others. she will forever mourn her father and the sweet daughter she wanted so much, but could only hold for a moment, but lucerys was...special. he was the child she consciously decided to have, a son for herself, not the throne. the kind, gentle, often quiet boy, who had loved fiercely and been closer to her than any of the other four. there was not a mean bone in that boy's body and he still suffered the most cruel fate.

she has never been insecure about their love for each other, but the last few weeks have been particularly hard. they barely had time to speak in private, to talk about what they had lost, nor about anything else. with daemon plotting and scheming, she has often found herself alone in their chambers at night, wondering if he has tired of her by now. though they have two healthy sons, she gave birth to a deformed and dead girl and she has wondered since if perhaps this was the beginning of the end for their relationship. when she speaks now, however, his words calm her mind. "no, of course not. it's just been...hard lately. we barely see each other, unless we're in council meetings, where we most often disagree", she points out, tiredly leaning her head against the side of the armchair she is sitting in.

"i pray to the gods you are right. i cannot see another one of our children be taken from me. whatever i do, it is to protect our sons and daughters", rhaenyra sighs, running a hand over her face. "but i fear it will still not be enough. i fear they will not accept me as queen, simply because i do not have a cock, even when i take back my throne. would it be easier to give up the crown? would that ensure the survival of our children? i do not care for power or titles. our family is what truly matters to me."