#ALICE NEVER SWORE. SHE REFUSED

[justmymindandstuff]

Love doomed to fail - Jacaerys Velaryon x TargtowerReader (you)

summary: The divide between the blacks and the greens is deep. A final attempt to overcome the hostilities is the betrothal between Rhaenyra´s eldest son Jacaerys and Alicent's younger daughter. A constellation that is cursed from the start. Especially if your heart belongs to someone else. Or maybe not?

words: 14.427

relationships: Jacaerys Velaryon x Reader // Aegon Targaryen x Reader (previously; implied)// Jacaery Valaryon x Baela Targaryen (previously; briefly mentioned)

warnings/ tropes: enemies to almost lovers to enemies, slow burn , arranged marriage, angst, swearing, insults, violence, bastard bashing, rape threats (brief), adult themes, sexual themes (not explicit), jealousy, Jace has angerissues, incest (obvious)

a/n: trying a new writing style with this// English is not my first language// no use of Y/N // not proofread // first time writing Jacaerys // AO3 //

this turned out a lot longer than I originally thought. And to be honest, I'm a little proud of it🙈. I had a lot more fun writing Jace than I thought I would. Anyway, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.🧡

Have fun and be kind to eachother and yourself 🧡.

requests are open// main masterlist// hotd masterlist

Cold wind blows in Jacaerys face causing a teasing burn on his skin. His hands grip Vermax's reins tightly. The sun has barely risen on the horizon. Beneath him, on the restless sea, the ships of the Velaryon fleet are tossed back and forth in the waves.

The battle with the Trirachy is already in full swing. His little brother is on one of these ships. He has to save him. He has to destroy the enemy fleet to save his brother. The plan was to get Aegon and Viserys to safety. It had been his plan. He failed.

Now he has to win this battle. He must destroy the fleet to protect his brother. To win the war for his mother. The blockade must hold. He gives the command, Vermax turns towards the enemy fleet. Below him, the men caught up in the fight shouting orders.

Jacaerys's attention is drawn by a dark shadow above him. In the next moment, Vermithor breaks through the clouds. In that moment Jace knows he will die today.

Jace tugs at his shirt. The black silk is soft against his skin, yet he would rather tear the fabric apart. He feels uncomfortable. He doesn't want to be here. He wishes the black stones of Dragonstone would open up beneath his feet and he would disappear. But nothing like this happens. Instead, he stands next to his mother and watches as you walk up towards Dragonstone. Your ship is already turning in the harbor to sail back to King's Landing.

You only brought a few servants and maids. Your confidants. Jace knows that each of them is now under strict observation. His mother doesn't trust you at all.

Nevertheless, she smiles as you stand before them and sink into a perfect curtsy.

He recognizes the contemptuous look of your mother,Alicent Hightower, on your face. Your smile is perfect and false.

"Thank you for taking me into your home, dear sister." your voice is gentle, your words are kind. But it's all a lie. Everyone knows that's a lie. He heard the whispering. When your mother Alicent told you that you were to be sent to Dragonstone, its said that you have cursed and screamed. People said you had cried for two days and refused to leave your chambers. Jace wonders for a moment if the guards had to drag you to your ship.

Nevertheless, you stand here now. With a false smile and genuine pride. Your back straight. Dressed in the finest silk, green silk. Your long blonde hair in intricate braids. Gold jewelry in your strands that jingle with every step you take. Your purple eyes sparkle in the morning sun. You are the personified Targaryen beauty.

Jace can't help but admire your beauty. He allows it for exactly three heartbeats then he tries to raise his walls again. He swore to himself that he would never feel affection for you. But when you set your gaze on him and slightly lower your head in front of him, he doubts his vow to himself for a moment.

Jace really tried to be open to this betrothal. Since you two were little kids, you were engaged. You never accepted it for even a second. You hadn't even outgrown your nurserycambers when you loudly proclaimed in the courtyard that you would never marry a bastard. That you will never marry him.

Nevertheless here you are now. Send away from your family to marry him. Jace had negotiated a deal with his mother so he still has a little time before he has to marry you.

It's only fair. There was a different arrangement. Jace actually should have had two more years before the journey to the Red Keep for his funeral wedding. But things have changed. And that's your fault.

They were outsmarted. The enemy fleet has split up. Attack them from the north and south.

And they are accompanied by you on Vermithor.

None of them expected that. Spies and reconnaissance have reported that you are staying in the Red Keep with your sister Helaena to help her with her grief.

Jace should have never believed that. He knows you too well. He should have known that you wouldn't stay away from battle. He should have known that you would interfere. He failed again.

Jacaerys yanks Vermax around, out of the path of the Bronze Fury. His Dragon is too small to defeat Vermithor. He can´t do it alone.

But Jace still has a small glimmer of hope. He knows that Ulf and Addam are on their way.

Would the united strength of Vermax, Seasmoke, and Silverwing be enough to defeat you and your dragon? It has to be enough.

Jace is sneaking around outside the door to your chambers. Outside the keep he hears his brothers and stepsisters laughing. He wished he were with them now.

But his mother sent him to you. With a reminder of how important this marriage is for the family. So now he's lingering around your chambers, trying to muster the courage to knock on your door.

He sighs. That doesn't help at all.

He is a prince! The heir of his mother. One day he would be king and you will be his queen. He has to pull himself together. So he knocks on your door.

"Enter." your voice is gentle. You don't know that it's him standing at your door.

Jace enters your chambers and takes a quick look around. Nothing indicates that you have been living here for over a week. Nothing personal is lying around. Everything is tidy and seems unused. As if you were just here for a short visit and it wouldn't be worth unpacking your things. Presumably you hope that this is the case.

You sit at the desk and look at him with a cold gaze. You don't even show the respect to stand up for him. Letters lie before you.

Since you arrived, the ravens of Dragonstone have been busier than ever. Every day you send letters to your siblings and your mother. Daily, ravens arrive with answers.

Jace knows that each one of them is read by the Measter and his mother. So far, there doesn't seem to be anything unusual.

Do you know it too? Do you know that his mother is intruding so much into your privacy?

"What do you want?" you say with an annoyed voice. Jace gathers himself briefly before raising his voice.

"I wanted to inquire about your well-being. And ask if you have settled in well?" It sounds memorized and not serious. It's not meant seriously. He doesn't care whether you've settled in well. He doesn't want you here at all.

You snort disdainfully, not very princess like. "No, I haven't settled in." you say and turn back to your letters.

Frustration and anger rise within him. His hands clench into fists and he has to pause for a moment before he can speak again.

"I could show you the Keep a little. Maybe it will be easier for you to see it as your home then."

It's his mother's idea. Jace doesn't want to spend time with you. He wants to go to his siblings and fly over the surroundings on dragonback.

You jump up from your chair. Your dress is made of green silk, at always. The sun shines through the window behind you, making your skin glow warmly as you walk towards him. Jace becomes aware again of how beautiful you actually are. But he immediately pushes the thought aside. No! He doesn´t allow himself to think of you like that.

"This place." you make an expansive gesture with your hand. "Will never be my home! The Red Keep is my home." your voice is cold and full of hate. Hatred for him. And Jace can somehow understand it. He is the reason you are separated from your family. Although it's not entirely his fault, you also have your part in it. He refuses to take all the blame on himself. He forces himself to stay calm.

"I hope you change your mind. Dragonstone is not the Red Keep, but it has its advantages too. If you want, I can...

You interrupt him. "It's terrible here. I will never change my mind. I don´t want to be here, I don´t want to live here."

"It's your own fault that you have to be here already." he blurts out.

You pause, clench your jaw, and your eyes sparkle with such hatred towards him that Jace briefly fears you might claw his eyes out right here and now.

"I don't know what you mean." you lift your chin slightly. Liar. He wants to scream it in your face: Liar, liar, liar!

The rumors have reached Dragonstone. Rumors about the inappropriate relationship between you and your brother Aegon. Just the thought that his uncle has take his fiancée makes his skin crawl. It would suit both of you. You are unrestrained and rotten to the core. Just like all of Alicent's children. You take what you want. Whenever you wanted it. Best example is your brother Aemond, who stole Vhagar from Rhaena.

His gaze shifts to your necklace. The golden sun pendant lies on the pale skin of your décolleté. In Jace the urge to rip this necklace off your neck rises. He doesn't even need to ask you who you got this necklace from. Aegon is all over you. In your jewelry, on your clothes, green and gold is everywhere. You even have Sunfyre embroidered on a few of your dresses. Aegon has already claimed you as his. Although you rightfully belong to Jace. You are his fiancée! It makes Jace terribly angry.

He suppresses the urge to tear off your necklace and meets your hate-filled gaze with his own. "Then rot in your chambers. I don't care."

Vermax's frantic wingbeats makes Jacaerys nervous. He tries to calm his dragon, but he is also afraid. Vermax turns behind the fleet. Facing their enemys again. Jace lets his gaze glide over the battling ships. He searches for the lysian ship where his brother is supposed to be. If he manages to land Vermax onto it, he would be able to save his brother.

An arrow shoots past him just beside his head. The enemy ships have targeted him. He immediately makes Vermax climb higher into the sky, out of the line of fire.

Jace sees the large body of Vermithor flying over the Velaryon fleet below him. Two ships burst into flames beneath him.

You sit in the saddle, your long blonde hair blowing in the wind behind you. You turn your head and look up at him. You are too far away for Jace to see your face clearly. He expects you to summon Vermithor to attack him. To kill him. Instead, you make another round over the ships and set a few more on fire. The arrows from the scorpions, which have been set up on the ships of their fleet, don't seem to bother you. What is your plan? Why don't you attack him?

Are you so arrogant that you don't see him as a threat?

Can he use this arrogance to his advantage?

The stern look from his mother makes Jace shift his weight restlessly from one foot to the other. She is holding one of your letters in her hand.

"She begs Alicent to let her come home." Jace can hardly bear the disappointment in his mother's voice. "I asked you to make sure she feels comfortable here." It's an accusation. "Jace. You know how important this betrothal is. This marriage will reunite our separate houses into one. House Targaryen is only strong when it is united."

He has to suppress an annoyed groan. How many times has he heard that already?

"She doesn't want to feel comfortable here at all. She is unbearable."

Rhaenyra furrows her eyebrows. "Jace. You need this marriage. It is important for our house."

Jace knows exactly why the marriage to the Hightower daughter is important. It legitimizes him. It is supposed to cover up the rumors about his father. Jace knows that, you know that, his mother knows that. Even if she will never admit that his father is not Laenor. He wants to scream it in her face. Jace has to endure you as his fiancée and later wife because his mother has been lying with Harwin Strong. But instead, he swallows his anger and nods.

"I will try, Mother." he says.

She smiles gently at him and wants to say something more, but a knock stops her. Your letter is quickly hidden among other scrolls.

"Come in."

You enter the room. You don't give Jace a glance and simply turn to Rhaenyra.

"I wanted to ask if my siblings could come for a visit. Only for an afternoon?"

Jace notices how you try to hide the trembling of your hands. You are nervous.

"Our siblings are always welcome here. They don't need my permission to come visit us."

Your face immediately brightens. "Thank you, Rha… sister."

His thoughts are racing. He wished he had had more time to learn. More time to study more strategies, more battles, more tactics. Should he have listened to Daemon better?

Jace bitterly realizes how inexperienced he actually is.

But now is not the time to study. Now is the time to act.

"We can do this." he says, unsure if he is speaking to Vermax or to himself. His dragon lets out a high-pitched whistle. It sounds approving. Jacaerys gathers all his courage and lets Vermax fall down from the sky again. Directly towards Vermithor and you.

Jace is trying to please his mother and starts visiting you every day. It takes four days during which you repeatedly send him away with a biting voice and insults before you agree to take a walk with him. He managed to persuade you to take a walk outside the castle. The barren surroundings are not really interesting, and cold wind blows up from the sea. Catches in your blonde curls and your green dress.

The silence between you is suffocating and uncomfortable. Every attempt to start a conversation, you block with one word answers.

If only he could find something you both have in common. But he doesn't know you. Knows nothing about you at all. And you give him nothing. Uninterested, you walk by his side. You ignored his offered arm. You don't even look at him most of the time.

You frustrate him incredibly. He is really trying hard here. You have no interest whatsoever in him or in a happy life together with him.

Do you really believe that you can get out of this engagement? Maybe you hope that your brother will save you.

Just the thought of it makes Jace angry again. He takes a deep breath. Jacaerys tries once more with conversation.

"What do you usually do in the Red Keep?"

"Different things." you don't even give him a glance.

Jacaerys would like to scream. Or take you and shake sense into you. Why are you making it so difficult for both of you?

You shiver slightly as the cold wind blows around your ears. He doesn't know if it's his upbringing, his sense of duty, or just his character, but he follows his first impulse and takes off his cloak to drape it over your shoulders.

"Are you out of your mind?" you snap at him and push him away lightly. His hands clutch angrily at the fabric of his cloak. He just wanted to help. Fine then freeze, he thinks bitterly

You turn away from him. Jace considers for a moment whether to simply go back or call Vermax to him and fly away. It would certainly humiliate you if he would let you standing here all alone.

"Dragons" you hear a voice from one of the Guards of Dragonstone. Immediately, both of you turn around as well.

On the horizon, three approaching shadows can be seen. Vhagar, Dreamfyre and Sunfyre. At the sight, your eyes begin to sparkle and a radiant smile appears on your face. Jace has never seen you so happy. For the first time he sees you smile honestly and fuck you can smile so beautifully.

You spin around and take off running. Just leaves Jace standing there. He suppresses his anger slightly and then follows you. You eagerly await the dragons on one of the cliffs of the island.

Jacaerys stopps a few steps away from you.

Sunfyre is the first dragon to land. Aegon jumps off even before Sunfyre touches the ground, and immediately you both run towards each other and fall into each other's arms. Dreamfyre lands as well, and when Vhagar touches the ground, the earth trembles slightly. Your other siblings also quickly climb down from their dragons. You greet them no less enthusiastically. A few tears run down your cheek. Helaena is crying too.

A bad conscience creeps up on him. He is the reason why you are separated from your siblings. But when he sees Aegon carefully wiping the tears from your cheek, that hot feeling burns under his skin again. He remembers all the rumors that his mother wanted to keep away from him. Of course, he heard them all anyway. Baela gladly spilled everythin she had heard.

Alicent's children are completely ignoring him and he feels a little stupid standing aside. Maybe he should just go back. He is so different from them that it is difficult to recognize from the outside that they are actually all one family.

All four siblings are dressed in green, very Hightowerlike. Nevertheless, with their blonde hair, purple eyes, beautiful faces, and proud demeanor, they look much more like Targaryens than he and his brothers do.

"I brought you something," says Aegon, unbuckling a box from Sunfyre's saddle.

Jace rolls his eyes. Expecting another piece of jewelry with a golden sun. But when you open the box, soil and a few small green plants come into sight. Your eyes begin to sparkle and you beam at your brother.

"They have grown." you turn to Jace. For the first time since your arrival, you speak to him directly. "Before I had to leave the Keep, I planted a few new flowers in my garden. I thought they would die because I couldn´t take care of them." you explain. You have never spoken to him so gently. It seems you just realized that too, you blink in surprise and then simply turn back to your siblings.

"We took care of it," says Aemond.

"Thank you." again you smile your beautiful smile again. Jacaerys doubts you'll ever give him that kind of smile. "Let's go to the keep, I'm cold."

Your siblings agree with you. Aegon holds out his arm for you and you take it without hesitation. Then you hold out your hand to Helaena. For a moment, Jace thinks your sister would be angry at your open affection for her husband, but she just smiles happily and takes your hand. You and your siblings walk past Jace. Jealousy burns in his stomach at the sight of you leaning close to Aegon. Aemond gives him a disdainful look as he passes. Jacaerys watches you for a moment before following at a distance. He feels excluded and lonely. And then he realizes that you've probably felt the same way since you arrived here.

Vermithor and you are still busy setting the ships on fire. As Jacaerys quickly approaches, he can feel the heat of the flames. Vermax breathes fire without needing to be commanded. He aims directly at you. Jace knows that the flames of his younger dragon will not affect the Bronze Fury. But they will affect you. He can aim at you. He can kill you. Even if it's the last thing he does.

But Vermithor is experienced in battle. He senses the danger and turns his large body before the flames can reach you. Instead, the flames graze the skin of his wings. He lets out an angry growl.

You whirl around as the flames shoot past you. Now Jace is close enough to see your expression. Consumed by rage, you look up at him.

Jace's hands ache slightly as they slowly thaw again. Even his gloves couldn't shield him from the cold wind. Nevertheless, he would have preferred to fly on Vermax's back for hours longer. But it is time for his lessons. And before that he wants to quickly see his little brothers.

His steps lead him through the familiar halls of Dragonstone to the nursery. He opens the door and stops at the sight that greets him. A gentle song drifts through the room. Aegon and Viserys sit on a soft blanket in front of the fireplace. Their maid sits at the edge and is embroidering something. Next to his little brothers, you sit and watch over them. While little Viserys is completely focused on his wooden dragon, Aegon looks at you in adoration. You sing with a beautiful, gentle voice for his little brother, a soft smile on your face. Jace didn't even know that you were capable of smiling like that.

With him, you still block any attempt he makes to get to know you. Gods, you have even started to slowly befriend his stepsisters. Of course, neither Baela nor Rhaena are sure whether your friendliness is genuine or if you are still resentful because they are to blame for your brother losing an eye. Maybe you have finally understood that they were all just defending themselves against Aemond?

Nevertheless, they are trying to build a friendship. After all, they will soon be a family. Actually, they already are, but Jace feels that the rift between the Hightower children and them is so big that no one currently considers them as one family.

Your voice is gentle and weaves him in. It is a valyrian song, an old song. He doesn't know it. While you sing, he realizes that he is missing some words for an accurate translation. But the melodies you sing immediately dispel his frustration about it.

"Jay jay." Viserys' voice pulls him out of his trance. You also look up at him. You seem to notice him only now. Your song immediately falls silent. He wants to beg you to keep singing. He doesn´t do it and instead goes to his little brother. He kneels beside him and takes him in his arms. You watch him closely, your smile has disappeared, your jaw is tense again.

"Hey little one. Are you well?" he is not looking at you but at his brother. He wonders what you are doing here. What do you care about his little siblings?

Without a word, you stand up and leave the room. Aegon watches sadly as you leave, and Jace feels guilty because he drove you away.

"Did you have fun with the princess?" asks Jace.

"She always sings for us," Aegon replies, his speech still not quite clear but understandable. Viserys mostly just babbles nonsense that Jacaerys doesn't quite understand.

"Really?" he asks in surprise. He didn't know that. How could he? You still don't speak more than five words a day with him.

Aegon nods and smiles at him. He leans forward and begins to whisper. "She smells good. And she's pretty too."

Jace has to suppress a laugh but agrees with his little brother. "I know." he sighs.

That's exactly his problem. Your beauty attracts him. But that can´t be. He forbids himself to accept this. If you weren't so beautiful, it would be easier for him to handle your constant rejection.

Although there's a second problem. You are also damn smart. Your mind is sharp and quick. His mother had hired a new teacher. A philosopher and scholar trained at the Citadel in Oldtown. You had a lively discussion with him just a few days ago. You not only speak perfect High Valyrian, but also almost all dialects. Presumably even more languages. Rhaena had told him that you told her that you used to secretly read books from Asshai before your mother took them away from you.

It frustrates him. He would prefer to get this information directly from you. He is annoyed that he only gets all his information about you second-hand. He wishes you would open up to him.

Not just because his mother encourages him to do so. If he can win you over, then maybe your future together won't be as terrible as it might seem now.

At the same time, you're driving him crazy. One snarky comment from you is enough and his anger explodes under his skin. He has never reacted to anyone as quickly and as extremely as he has to you. You are unbearable.

Perhaps his hatred is strong enough to overcome his attraction to you?

He stays with his siblings for a moment longer before he really has to head off to his lessons. He arrives late. The master scolds him. Jace can hardly concentrate. Again, he gets scolded. But his thoughts are constantly revolving around something else.

Why are you spending your time with his little brothers?

What's behind it?

What are you planning?

Are you dangerous to the two little ones?

Did your mother gave you instructions to injure the two?

No, that can't be. Rhaenyra still checks every letter that comes in and every letter that goes out. If there were even the slightest suspicion that you posed a danger to Viserys or Aegon, Daemon would have fed you to Caraxes without hesitation.

Nevertheless, he finds no peace and finds himself at your chamber door in the evening. He knocks and enters without waiting for a response.

"Are you out of your mind!" you snap at him before the door behind him closes. Jacaerys hesitates and for a second he forgets why he came here.

You have already changed for the night. A fine, white nightgown envelops your curves. Your long hair falls in gentle waves over your shoulders. Your lips are slightly reddened from the wine you drank.

Fuck, you're even more beautiful like that as you are when you're all dressed up and adorned with jewelry.

"What do you want here?" your voice trembles with anger. You jumped up from the chair by the fireplace and are now standing in the room with your arms crossed. You probably don't notice that you are pushing up your breasts a little so that they almost spill out of your dress. But of course, you notice his inappropriate gaze on the curves of your breasts. The book you were reading before he entered hits him hard on the shoulder and then falls to the ground.

"Ouch! Are you crazy?" Jacaerys is pulled from his stupor. Jacaerys is torn from his stupor. His cheeks turn red.

"You look at me like a cow at the market! It's inappropriate that you are here so late," you say.

Jacaerys wants to explain himself, but in the next moment, you call for a guard. It takes no more than two heartbeats, and the door opens, and one of the guards from Dragonstone steps in.

"My Prince. Princess. Is there a problem?"

"Your prince is badgering me!"

Shocked, he stares at you. You didn't really just say that, did you? His jaw tightens. The guard looks at Jacaerys.

"My prince?" he begins. Jace can tell that he is overwhelmed by the situation.

"It's all right. The princess is just joking. Leave us alone," he commands, the guard obeys and leaves.

You stare after the guard with a shocked expression. Suddenly, something shifts in you. You swallow and blink a few times as you take a step back from Jace. You reach behind you for your morning robe and put it on. Jace sees that you feel uncomfortable. He feels bad. He just made it very clear to you that you have no power here. Not even in your own chambers. You feel vulnerable and unprotected and he forced you into this situation. He wants exactly the opposite He wants you to feel comfortable. Here on Dragonstone and with him.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stare," he begins, looking you in the face. He forces his gaze to stay glued to your eyes. He has the need to explain himself. "It's just" he begins, falters, and notices his cheeks turning red. He can no longer hold your gaze and instead looks out the window behind you. Outside, it's pitch black; he can only see his own reflection in the glass. Screw it. It doesn't matter anymore. He can´t deny it any longer. "You are very beautiful."

Every other maiden here would have probably shyly lowered her eyes and whispered a "thank you" with flushed cheeks at his words. After all, he is a prince.

You don't. You snort contemptuously and whisper a valyrian curse under your breath that he doesn't know. Contempt lingers in your voice.

"What do you want here?" you ask again.

Jacaerys hesitates for a moment longer and regrets having come here. But it's about his brothers.

"Why do you visit my brothers so often?"

Confused by his question, you look at him. "What do you mean?"

"Aegon told me you sing for the two."

"Is that forbidden?" your tone is sharp and makes Jace angry again.

However, if he starts shouting now, he would ruin everything.

"No, I just want to know the reason."

You study his expression closely, then your posture tenses up a little more and you shake your head slightly while disbelief is reflected in your eyes.

"They are children. I wish him no harm." your voice is so cold that an unpleasant shiver runs down Jacaerys' spine.

"I didn't mean it like that," he begins. He has to explain himself now. He wants to explain to you that you are misjudging him. But do you do that? He thought that you would harm his brothers. Where does this mistrust come from?

But before he can even sort out his thoughts, the door opens again. His mother enters the room next to her your guard.

"What's going on here?" she asks.

"Is here no privacy? These are my private chambers. Get out of here! Everyone." you suddenly yell.

Jacaerys is shocked by your disrespect towards his mother, the heir to the throne. Rhaenyra also needs a moment to regain her composure but then she smiles and sighs.

"You're right. I'm sorry, sister. We'll leave you alone now. Jace come." she apologizes instead of getting angry.

Jace can hardly believe his own ears. But then he follows his mother outside like a beaten dog.

In the hallway, his mother whirls around again, now the infamous Targaryenanger on her face. "We brought her here so early because of rumors! Don't be the reason there are new rumors!"

That's not what happend! His jaw tenses again, his hands clench into fists. He closes his eyes to calm himself down for a moment. But the image of your perfect curves under the thin fabric of your nightgown appears in his mind's eye. A strange mixture of lust and anger rises up inside him. You are driving him completely crazy. He quickly opens his eyes again. Jace wants to scream. Instead, he apologizes to his mother and turns around to go back to his chambers.

Vermax turns past the larger dragon, he is more agile and faster than your beast. He manages to create enough distance between you with quick wingbeats before Vermithor could turn around with a sluggish movement. The flames that burst from Vermithor's throat do not reach him. But the heat they radiate hits his neck painfully.

Jacaerys don´t see you for the next few days. Baela tells him that you are angry with him. Jace can't change that now. You made it very clear that you hate him. So he hates you too. At least during the day, he talks himself into it. He joins Luke in gossiping about you. All day long, he curses about how unbearable you are and that he doesn't want to marry you.

At night in his dreams, he can't lie. Almost every night, you haunt him in his dreams. They are inappropriate dreams that his horny teenage brain comes up with. Every morning he is rock hard when he wakes up. You really drive him crazy. Nevertheless, he can't resist and lets his dreams unfold before his inner eye while his hand slips under the blanket.

Afterwards, he feels better, but also guilty. He knows that you would burst with anger if you knew he thought of you like that. You would never consent. He feels bad. Still, he can't help it.

The conflict inside him is tearing him apart. Makes him tense. He notices his thin skin. Jace has to pull himself together and not shout at everyone.

When he returns to his chambers that evening to retire for the night, he can hardly believe his eyes.

You are sitting in one of the armchairs in front of his fireplace. The fire is burning. When he enters, you look up. You don't smile. Why should you? Nevertheless, this time there is no hatred in your eyes.

Jacaerys feels insecure in his own chambers. He lays down his cloak and sword and remains standing in the room. He doesn't say a word, even though his gaze is glued to you. He would prefer to sit down with you, but that feels inappropriately familiar to him.

"What are you doing here?" he asks in a calm voice. He doesn't want to argue with you again.

You hesitate for a moment. You stand up and smooth the skirt of your dress. The dark green silk appears almost black in the gentle light of the flames. Jace forbids himself from letting his gaze wander over your body. He looks you in the face. Not a single emotion can he see there.

Had your mother taught you to hide your emotions and thoughts behind a mask? He knows nothing about your childhood in the Keep. And yet, you will be his wife in just a few moons.

You exhale audibly, but when you speak, your voice is calm. Almost friendly.

"I wish no harm to your little brothers. I understand why you might think that. It's just, they remind me of my nephews. I miss them very much."

At the mention of Jaehaerys and Jaehaera, warmth creeps into your voice and a sad sparkle appears in your eyes. Jace blinks and it is gone.

Your words calm him down. Although he is quite sure that he never really thought that you were endangering his brothers. It had just been a thought that had come to him.

Your explanation, however, also confuses him a little. And because he is not as controlled as you, you can probably read his emotions on his face.

"Doesn't that suit you?" you ask. Your voice is sharp again. Jacaerys has to be careful about what he says now, he knows that. He briefly organizes his thoughts before he begins to speak.

"It surprises me that you miss your nephews."

You furrow your eyebrows. "Why? Because I'm such a bad person that I can't even love my family?"

Gods he hates it when words are put in his mouths. He certainly didn't mean to imply that. His voice is a bit louder, but he tries to keep himself in check.

"No. I just didn't think." he interrupts himself because he knows that his next words will lead to an argument. "It's not important."

But your posture is already tense, your eyes narrowed as your gaze pierces him. Jace feels as if the air around you vibrates with your anger.

Fuck, why do you look so good when you're angry?

"Speak your mind," you urge him. Don´t allow any objections. So he gives in.

"I didn't think you really liked your nephews. After all, they are the children of your sister with your lover."

"How dare you accuse me of such a thing?" you shout angrily. Your voice shoots up a few octaves. You feel attacked. Your gaze flickers to the side. "Aegon is not my lover."

Jace lets out a frustrated sigh. "Stop lying," he demands. Why can't you be honest with him? You need to be honest if your marriage should work out even in the slightest.

"I'm not lying! Such accusations are treason. I should write to my father, the king, so that he cuts out your tongue."

You both know that Viserys would never do that. Not to him. Not for you. Your expression becomes blank, even the anger disappears from your eyes as you raise your walls and put on your mask.

Just the sight of your emotionless face and the fact that you have such good control over yourself, much better than he have over himself, lets him explode. The anger burns hot through his entire body. You just don't want to be honest with him. Jace feels like he's running into a wall with every one of your conversations.

"It's not treason if it's the truth."

You huff disdainfully and shake your head. "I am a virgin and I will remain one for the rest of my life." you raise your chin and look at him challengingly. Now you're just being childish.

Annoyed Jacaerys groans. "You will be my wife. The queen of the seven Kingdoms. We will share a bed. It is your duty to the realm and to me," he states. You both know that he is right. You remain stubborn.

"You will have to rape me if you want to claim your right as a husband! I will never willingly lie with a bastard like you!" you scream at him.

All the anger and frustration of the last few days with you, with himself, with the situation, rises up inside him. The hot anger in him makes him see red. He takes the few steps towards you. Startled, you step back, slamming your back against the wall. He enters your personal space. He towers over you. You look at him in shock.

"Get away from me." you try to push im away but he is stronger than you.

"You will be my wife! Completely and entirely. And if I have to rape you for it, then so let it be."

You raise your hand to slap him in the face, but he catches it. You contort your face in pain, and he immediately loosens his grip. You swallow and he notices your slight trembling. In your eyes, there is no longer hatred but fear. Immediately, Jace is overcome with guilt. What is he doing here? That's not how he is. That's not how he wants to be.

Quickly, he takes a step back, lets go of your hand, and looks at you apologetically. "I'm sorry," he says to you. His voice trembles.

Confused, you stare at him, your mouth slightly open. Your hand, which he had held in his, falls to your side.

Jace turns around and simply leaves his own chambers. He didn't want to argue with you, but somehow that's the only thing you two are good in. Screaming, arguing, cursing.

You bring out this side of him. You make him like that. He hates it. He hates you. But gods, he can´t stay away from you. This marriage will be an absolute horror for both of you.

You let Vermithor realign himself. Vermax has to dodge another crossbow bolt but gets grazed on his wing. Jace feels as if it were cutting through his own skin.

Below him, he hears the screaming soldiers who are still trying to destroy the enemy fleet. Behind him, he hears the flapping of your dragon's wings. You are getting closer quickly.

Jacaerys knows that he can't fly away from you forever. He doesn't have to. Only until reinforcements arrive.

Jace watches as Sunfyre approaches the castle courtyard in slow, circling movements. The sunlight catches in the dragon's pink wings and is reflected by the golden scales. He looks as if he were cast from pure gold. Aegon moves skillfully in the saddle. You sit in front of him, skillfully keeping yourself in the saddle. You've ridden with Aegon several times before, it's obvious. The wind blows through your blonde hair. You look like a perfect Targaryen couple. Happy.

Jace could puke because of his jealousy towards his uncle.

He is jealous of the beauty of his dragon.

He is jealous of his connection to you.

When Sunfyre lands in the castle courtyard, Jace also steps into the yard. He has been waiting for hours for both of you to return.

Aegon picked you up this morning, he showed up without any notice and took you away. Jacaerys would have preferred to stop him. But he doesn't have the right to do that.

Not yet, whispers a voice in his head. But even after your marriage, he would never tear you away from your brother. Jace is indeed jealous but not cruel.

His uncle slips off his dragon and then helps you down. His hands are on your hips as he catches you and spins you through the air. You laugh. You laugh honestly, openly, and happily.

The jealousy burns beneath Jace's skin. He has to open and close his trembling fist a few times to calm himself down.

He clears his throat loudly. Tears Aegon and you out of your world. Immediately, you both tense up. Aegon straightens up a little, makes himself taller and stands close to your side, throwing daggers with his eyes at Jace. Now he knows where you learned that kind of look.

"Can I talk to you?"he asks and ignores his uncle.

"Talk."

"Private."

"You can speak open in front of Aegon. I would have told him every word anyway."

Jacaerys takes a deep breath. He really doesn't want to discuss this in front of Aegon. But this is your punishment for him. This little humiliation. So he endures it and begins to speak.

"I have to apologize to you. Yesterday was absolutely inappropriate. I shouldn't have said such terrible things. I shouldn't have threatened you. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. Also for hurting you. I don't know what came over me. I promise you … I swear to you and before all the gods that I will never force you into my bed and I will never hurt you again like I hurt you yesterday." He means every word he says. And he hopes you believe him.

Your expression remains unchanged. You look at him for a moment. Then you nod slightly. "I accept your apology." you don't say anything more.

Silence spreads across the courtyard. Aegon is the first to move. He takes a step closer, leaning forward, his breath brushing Jace's ear as he begins to speak.

"If you touch her against her will, I will find out. I will hunt you down even if I have to fly to the ends of the earth. I will slice you open from head to toe, then I will feed you your own bowels." his voice is quiet but dark. His gaze so steely and the description so graphic that Jace has to shudder and can only nod. He is sure that Aegon means every word.

Aegon gives him a false smile before turning to you. He pulls you into his arms and kisses your forehead. You whisper a few words that Jacaerys can't hear before Aegon climbs onto his dragon and disappears.

You watch him until you can no longer see him. Then you go inside without another word.

In the evening, you show up to the family dinner. But even there, you don't say a word to Jace. Instead, your attention is divided between Baela and Viserys, who is sitting on your lap.

For a second, Jace imagines what it would look like if you were sitting at the table with your child of your own. His and yours. At the thought his heart stumbles over two beats. Then he thinks about the fact that you hardly talk to him and that you certainly cannot raise a child together in peace.

Before dessert, his mother clears her throat to get the attention. "I don't think it's good for Aegon to keep visiting you," she addresses you directly.

Your smile immediately slips from your face. "What?" you ask. "But you said my siblings can visit us anytime."

"Our siblings, yes. Aegon not. It doesn't make a good impression. You know why." Rhaenyra's tone is stern.

Tears glisten behind your eyes and you struggle to maintain your composure.

The sight tugs at Jacaerys heart. His words come out of his mouth without him really thinking about it.

"That's a bad idea, Mother. He is her brother. Why separate the two? Wouldn't it just provoke everything even more, make it worse?"

His mother and you both look at him in shock.

Rhaenyra because she never thought he would stand against her in this matter.

You because you never thought he would stand by your side.

Silence spreads, but then his mother shakes her head. "No. I have decided it. I will send Aegon a letter tomorrow."

"I can't even send him letters anymore?" you snap angrily. "You read everything I write anyway."

Rhanyra's face tenses. "That's enough now. Eat your dessert."

You stand up. Your chair makes a disgusting noise as it scrapes across the stone floor. "Fuck your dessert. I'm not hungry anymore."

"More respect for your sister," Daemon suddenly interjects. You give him one of your dagger looks that Jace usually gets.

"Why should I?" you then ask with a cold, arrogant voice. "I hate you. I hate it here." you throw at Rhaenyra and run out of the room. For a second, there is dead silence in the room. Then Jacaerys surprises himself and everyone present as he stands up and follows you.

He finds you in your chambers. You are sitting on the floor in front of a wooden box full of earth. The small plants that your brother brought from Kings Landing have barely grown and their heads are hanging down.

Your face is buried in your hands and he hears you sobbing.

The sound makes his skin crawl and his heart ached. He hesitates for a moment. Then he walks over to you and sinks down onto the floor beside you. He doesn't touch you. He doesn't know if that would be appropriate. You sob a few more times. Then you turn your head to him. He expects you to yell at him, to curse him out. You do nothing of the sort. Instead, you wipe your tears from your cheek.

"Thank you for standing up for me." your voice is just a whisper. So quiet that he isn't sure if he didn´t imagined it. He nods because he doesn't really know what to say. He can't look you in the tear-streaked eyes, so he looks around your chambers. His gaze lingers on the sad flowers in the flowerbed. He notices your gaze on him.

Silence spreads. It's almost uncomfortable. Then you speak again.

"They don't grow well here. It's too cold."

Jace has no idea about gardens, flowerbeds, or flowers, so he just nods.

Vermithor has caught up with him. His mouth snaps at Vermax, but the smaller dragon manages to dodge. Glides under the neck of the larger one. Jace hears your angry scream because you missed him. He has to duck so the sharp claws of the bronze-colored one don't slice his face. Vermax flies down, but Vermithor's gigantic wingbeats disturb the air so much that his dragon is thrown off balance and stumbles. Cold fear runs through Jace. His hands grip the saddle as he struggles to keep his balance while being thrown through the air.

Suddenly, Vermithor throws his head to the side and roars loudly. You and Jace both turn around. Seasmoker and Silverscale arrive. Exactly at the right moment. Jacaerys breathes out in relief.

You don't yell at each other anymore. You hardly talk to each other anymore. But at least you no longer avoid Jace. Most of the time, he sees you in the nursery.

You sit with Viserys and Aegon every day. You play with them. You sing for them or read to them.

Jace usually sits in an armchair by the edge of the fireplace, watching his siblings and you.

Aegon idolizes you. He has a crush on you, that's for sure. Jace can't blame him for it. He can understand his little brother.

If you were to sing especially for him with your gentle voice, Jacaerys's heart would probably explode. But you don't sing for him, and he doesn't ask if you could do it.

Your songs are a bit sad now. You are sad. It makes Jace sad too to see you like this.

You don't say a single word to Rhaenyra anymore. Even if she addresses you directly, you just turn your head to her and remain silent until she says what she wants from you or simply gives up.

Jace knows that his mother is holding back Aegon's letters to you. He also knows that every time Aemond or Helaena arrives on Dragonback, they smuggle letters from Aegon for you.

He doesn't say a word to anyone. He gives you and your siblings space.

Jacaerys has an idea of how to cheer you up and he has already taken the first steps. It didn't take much to convince Baela to help him with Moondancer. You both have built a real friendship.

The conversation with Aegon and Aemond was humiliating, but he does it for you. So your brothers helped.

His mother is to blame for your unhappiness. Jacaerys feels responsible. And maybe you would give him a smile.

It is a warm afternoon when everything is ready.

He hesitates as he stands in front of your door. Nervously, he shifts from one foot to the other. He feels like an idiot. Still, he knocks.

"Come in."

Jace opens the door. You look at him in surprise. He rarely comes to your chambers anymore. He gives you space.

"I have something for you," Jace begins before he can change his mind. Skeptically, you raise an eyebrow. "Actually two things." he reaches into his cloak pocket and pulls out a letter. It was Aegon's condition for his help. Jace had to smuggle letters.

"What is that?" you ask, but you walk over to him. Your curiosity is written all over your face.

"A letter from Aegon."

Immediately, you snatch the letter from his hand. "Where did you get that from?"

"I was in King's Landing."

Surprised, you look up from the letter to him. "Why?"

"I picked something up. The second thing I got for you. Do you want to see it?"

You look from him to the letter in your hands. You think for a moment. Then you set the letter aside and nod. "Yes."

He opens the door for you, and you walk side by side through the halls of Dragonstone. He leads you to the north wing and down the stairs. The closer you get to the volcano, the warmer it becomes. You start to look around curiously. Jace knows that you are not interested enough in the castle to explore it. These corridors are unfamiliar to you. In front of an inconspicuous door, he stops.

"Are we there?" you ask skeptically.

"Yes." Jacaerys takes another deep breath and then opens the door.

You look past him into the room. Your eyes widen at the sight before you.

Jace had emptied the entire room. Instead, he had it filled with soil. But not the barren soil of Dragonstone. He flew all the way to King's Landing just to get the soil from there. And since he was already there, he took your flowerbeds with him. Now your flowers are blooming in this warm room. The castle's complex ventilation system has various shafts that lead through the walls to the outside. It took a while, but Jace found a room that even lets in sunlight.

"My garden," you say in shock. Your voice trembles as you look at him. Tears shimmer in your eyes. Jace's heart sinks. Did he make it worse? You don't like it.

But then a smile appears on your lips. It is your radiant, genuine, cheerful smile. He longed for you to give him exactly that smile. You take a step forward and hug him. For a second, he freezes. Then he carefully wraps his arms around you. Warmth spreads through his body. He could hold you like that forever. But after just a few seconds, you flinch back.

"Thank you, really Jace. Thank you. This means so much to me."

It's the first time you don't call him Jacaerys or Bastard. He never wants to hear his full name from your lips again.

Jace smiles slightly and hopes you don't notice that his feelings are currently a rollercoaster.

"Gladly. I'll leave you alone with your garden then."

"Wait."

He turns back to you, do you want him to stay here with you? That you spend time together?

"Can you show me the way up again? I wasn't paying attention and I'm bad with directions."

He tries not to be too disappointed. Jace nods and you both go back up the stairs together. This time, you focus on the path.

"You might not need to draw me a map," you admit quietly. Jace has to laugh briefly, and to his surprise and joy, you laugh with him. At least he learned something new about you today. You're bad with directions.

Addam nods to Jace, and hope begins to blossom inside him once more. Seasmoker dives into the enemy fleet below them. Jace turns Vermax away from Vermithor and seeks shelter behind Silverwing. Jace catches a glimpse of your face and realizes that you are afraid. You are not as confident in your victory anymore.

Yes, your dragon is bigger. But Silverwing is older. And they outnumber you three to one.

You should run. It would be the wisest to run now and come back with Aemond and Vhagar. Jace knows you won't run. You are far too stubborn to give up. To admit defeat. This would only end when one of you is dead.

You are sitting in the small garden that Jace had created for you. Your flowers bloom around you, and you smile at the sight of the colorful blossoms.

"Helaena and I had always sit in the garden for hours. I always plant the flowers that attract insects"

"You want to attract insects?" he makes a disgusted face. You look at him and suddenly laugh. It is not your scornful, contemptuous laughter. It is a warm, honest laugh. His heart skips a beat for a second only to then beat twice as fast again. You have never smiled at him so honestly.

"Hels is completely fixated on the little crawler. You should hear how much she can say about each insect."

Helaena has always been just a strange girl to him. She speaks in riddles and always seems to be with her thoughts somewhere else. Jace can't imagine that she talks about insects for hours.

"I miss them very much. All my siblings." Jace feels guilty again. But before he can say anything, you stand up. "Come on, let's go back up."

You start walking and he follows you like a puppy. Every day he goes down to your garden with you. Sometimes you are silent, sometimes not. You often have long, pleasant conversations or interesting discussions. Jace enjoys these moments. He admires your mind as much as your looks. He can no longer deny it. You have him wrapped around your finger. He is completely infatuated in you. And you didn't even had to try.

You walk so close beside him that your fingertips lightly brush against each other. Jacaerys hopes that in the coming days he will have enough courage to hold your hand.

Your path leads you out of the castle over the fortress walls. Cold wind blows up from the sea towards you. You shiver slightly.

Jacaearys' hands wander to the clasp of his cloak, but he hesitates.

"Do you want my cloak?" he then asks. You look at him from the side, nodding hesitantly. He takes off his cloak and drapes it over your shoulders. The dark red doesn't quite match the green of your dress. Nevertheless, you look beautiful. Jacaerys is sure that even dressed in rags, you still will be stunningly beautiful.

"It suits you well."

You roll your eyes, but a gentle smile rests on your lips. Your gaze sweeps across the sky, over the sea where Luke is currently flying a round with Arrax. Your gaze becomes sad.

"Do you miss flying?" Jace guesses.

"A little," you reply. "Sounds weird because I don't have my own dragon."

"Why don't you fly with Aemond or Helaena?" he asks. It would be the logical consequence. You shake your head slightly, he notices how your shoulders tense up a bit. Your reaction is strange, it doesn't quite fit

A nervous feeling spreads within him. He notices a tingling under his skin and a burning in his stomach. Are you only flying with Aegon? He thinks of the familiarity he observed when you were flying with Sunfyre.

He wishes for that between you and him. But Aegon is hanging over you. Would your fly with him and Vermax?

"I can fly with you on Vermax if you want." the suggestion slipped out of his mouth before he could stop it. In the next second, he realizes that he is testing you right now. He curses himself for it. You owe him nothing at all. He shouldn't expect anything from you.

"Your little dragon?" you laugh "No thanks."

Maybe you meant it as a joke. Maybe you were serious. He doesn't care. He feels attacked and immediately goes on the counterattack. He doesn't think and speaks out of anger.

"At least I am worthy of a dragon."

"What did you say?" immediately, hot anger burns in your eyes. Jace's gaze shifts from your eyes to your lips for a second. Then he pulls himself together again.

He wants to apologize to you. He knows that he shouldn't have said that. It is certainly hard to be the only one of your siblings not to have a dragon bound to you. Nevertheless, he says, "You understood me."

"Bastard," you spit in his face, turn around, and storm away. But you are not fast enough. He saw the tears in your eyes. Immediately, Jace felt guilty. Damn it! He wants to apologize. But he is too stubborn so he went into the other direction. You avoid him for the rest of the day. He deserves it.

He wakes up from the loud calling. Confused, he sits up in his bed. Outside, it is still pitch dark. Are they being attacked? No. Of course not. Who would dare to attack Dragonstone? No one is that foolish. Nevertheless, the voices outside sound nervous. Jace climbs out of his bed. He puts on a shirt and his coat, then steps out into the hallway. He quickly runs to his mother's chambers. She is already coming towards him with Daemon by her side.

"Mother, what happened?"

"Come with me," she replies in a serious voice. The three walk to the castle courtyard, the black night is illuminated by the moon and torches.

His mother looks up and Jace follows her gaze. He can't see anything in the darkness at first. But then a shadow appears in front of the moon.

He recognizes a dragon. Too big for Seasmoke. Maybe Silverwing? The shadow grows larger as it approaches.

But only when the giant body glides over the walls of Dragonstone does Jace realize that it is Vermithor. It is unusual for him to fly through the night. He lives reclusively in Dragonmont.

The bronze fury lands in the castle courtyard in front of them. The ground trembles beneath his body. Jace steps back in shock. He hears the dragon keepers calling excitedly.

Vermithor throws his large head to the side and then Jace sees you. Proudly, you sit on the dragon's back.

You swing out of the saddle and slide down his wing as if you had been doing it your whole life. You land elegantly next to your dragon.

You look directly at him, the moonlight makes your eyes sparkle and catches in your hair. The large head of the Vermithor right next to you as the dragon blows hot air from its nostrils.

"Not worthy of a dragon, you said?" your smile is arrogant and proud. But as you place your hand on your dragon's nose and gently stroke it, you begin to honestly smile. Your eyes sparkle with happiness, and Jace thinks you have never been more beautiful than in this moment.

You really snuck down into the Dragonmont at night and claimed Vermithor for yourself. The Bronze Fury. Jace is impressed.

You walk past them with your head held high, back into the interior of the castle. Vermithor takes off and flies into the dark night.

Jace looks at his mother, her expression is tense. His grin fades.

Daemon is the first to speak and he turns directly to Jace.

"Now it is even more important that you marry her."

Jace is confused and looks at his mother. She gives him a smile. "We have nothing to oppose against Vhagar and Vermithor."

"What do you mean?" why do they need something to oppose thes two dragons?

"When the Hightowers try to usurp the throne." Daemon begins with an annoyed voice as if it were obvious what he was talking about.

"If..." Rhanyra interrupts, but Daemon just snorts.

"Get the Higtower whore to fall in love with you then maybe we will all survive."

Anger rises in Jace at his stepfather's words. He doesn't want Daemon or anyone else to speak so disparagingly about you. You are his fiancée. Without another word, he goes back inside.

The next morning, you and Vermithor are gone. Jacaerys would bet all his possessions that you flew directly to the Red Keep. He doubts for a moment if you would come back.

Now no one can force you to live here on Dragonstone.

Now that one of the largest and oldest Targaryen dragons is bound to you, no one can force you to do anything.

The sun is just setting on the horizon when he spots Vermithor's large body in the sky. He follows you both with his gaze until the dragon disappears between the rocks into the Dragonmont.

Silverwing rushes towards Vermithor. He hears Ulf bellow a poorly pronounced Dracarys. Silverswing opens her mouth. Vermithor right in front of her. Her flames are hot enough to harm him. But she doesn't spit flames. Instead, she closes her maw again and turns away. Ulf curses on her back and shouts at his dragon to obey him. He switches to the common tongue. But Silverwing refuses, turns away, and flies back to Dragonstone.

Your laughter echoes through the air. Jace turns to you, confidently sitting firmly in your saddle, and laugh at him.

"That worked out well with your army of bastards!" you shout over to him in a mocking voice.

Of course, Silverwing would never hurt Vermithor. She is his mate. How could they forget that?

Again, you laugh. It is a malicious, arrogant laugh that makes his blood run cold.

Jace is slowly getting a headache, and the Valyrian symbols are blurring before his eyes. He has been studying for hours. Nevertheless, the words come to his lips with difficulty. He tries again and again until his own voice sounds strange.

"Gods, your High Valyrian is even worse than Aegon's."

He flinches and turns to you. Hot anger rises within him at the comparison. He really puts in the effort, never misses even one lesson and studies as often as he can. Nevertheless, he is supposed to be wors in his mother tongue than the drunk, lazy idiot? You don't seem to notice his anger.

"Well. I just wanted to return your cloak to you."

Six days he barely saw you and didn't speak to you, and now you come and bring him his cloak? You confuse him. It drives him crazy that he can't figure you out.

Every day you flew towards the Red Keep in the morning and only returned in the evening. You enjoy every second on the back of your dragon.

Jace swallows his anger, walks over to you, and takes his cloak. Your fingertips brush against each other, and Jacaerys feels as if small sparks are coursing through his fingers.

He longs to hug you.

"Thank you," he says. He would have expected you to turn around and disappear to Vermithor. You stand still and look around the room uncertainly. "Is there anything else?"

"No," you say, your gaze flicking to the side. Skepticism spreads in Jace, he doesn't know exactly why. "I wanted to ask if you would like to fly with me, Vermithor, and Vermax? My siblings don't want to fly with me every day anymore. It's not as exciting for them as it is for me. They've had their Dragons for a while now." you chew on the inside of your cheek. Your hands are trembling slightly. A sign that you are nervous. He knows this by now.

It's the first time you're actively asking if he wants to do something with you. He has to bite his lip to avoid shouting yes immediately.

"Gladly," he replies after a brief moment. He looks at you and notices that your gaze is fixed on his lips. Heat floods through him. You look up, caught off guard, and glance to the side. Your cheeks turn red.

"Then let's go," you say quickly and turn around. He follows you quickly.

Your steps are light, you almost bounce alongside him. You radiate excitement and anticipation. Jacaerys has to laugh quietly. You gently hit him on the shoulder and grin at him.

"Don't laugh at me, I've been waiting so long for a dragon," you defend yourself. Jace raises his hands in surrender.

"I'm not laughing at you. I'm happy for you."

Again, that incredible smile that gives him butterflies appears.

"If you want, I can help you with your Valyrian," you then suggest.

"You think you can teach me?" he looks at you challengingly. You roll your eyes.

"If I can teach that drunk, lazy idiot Aegon, then I can definitely teach you."

"That would be very nice, yes please."

You arrive at the bottom of Dragonstone. Jacaerys whistles once loudly and shortly after hears Vermax's wingbeats. His dragon lands in front of him. Jace places his hand on his nose and presses his forehead against his head. A small greeting ritual.

Then it looks like as the whole mountain is moving. Vermithor’s massive body emerges from the shadows. His head is as big as Vermax's entire body. Nevertheless, the younger dragon remains calm. He knows that he is not in any danger.

You place your hand on Vermithor's nose.

"I still have to thank you."

"For what?"

"If you hadn't made me angry, I would never have dared to claim Vermithor." you smile sincerely as you climb onto the back of your dragon.

"Making you angry is one of my special talents, Princess."

It slips out. He doesn't mean it contemptuously or even as your title. It's a pet name. He realizes this as the word leaves his lips. He is briefly afraid that you will get angry. Instead, your cheeks turn red and you suddenly seem very interested in the reins.

Jace starts moving and climbs onto his dragon as well. Vermax takes to the skies. Adrenaline flows through his body as he flies through the air on the dragon's back. He hears your laughter behind him. Vermithor's great wings cast a shadow over Jace and Vermax for a moment before you fly to the side.

In that moment, Jace is sure that you both can be happy together.

You quickly fall into a routine together. In the morning you visit your garden, then go for a ride on dragonback. In the afternoon or evening you teach him Valyrian. Either in your chambers or in his. Jace enjoys every second with you.

Seasmoke fires his flames at the feet, while Jacaerys brings Vermax back into attack position. He breathes flames at Vermithor. You duck away. The huge beast turns back towards Vermax. Jace takes a deep breath. He is tossed back and forth in the saddle as Vermax suddenly dives down. But Vermithor is too big. His claws reach for Vermax. The little dragon still tries to dodge, but the claws tear a wing. Jace flees and turns around to have you back in his line of sight.

Vermax flies right in front of Vermithor's mouth. He is close enough that the flames will swallow him. But there is no heat, no fire, nothing. You don't give the orders. You hesitate.

A warmth spreads in Jacaerys; maybe there is still hope? Maybe he can convince you to switch to his side.

But in the next moment, your face becomes rigid again. You shake yourself lightly as if you need to wake up. Vermax loses some speed. Its difficult for him to fly with the injured wing.

Jace steers his dragon below Vermithor. The older dragon whips its head around. Snaps at Vermax but misses.

You call out a valyrian command. Vermithor's massive body turns with a powerful movement sideways and downward as he chase Vermax.

It has been raining all day. Jacaerys had argued with Luke in the morning. Viserys got on his nerves. His entire morning was shit.

Then his mother also sends for him. Aegon is feeling a bit ill the, Jace has to bring Stormcloud to him. So he collects the hatchling from the dragon keepers and carries it on a pillow to the nursery. He would rather find you and spend time with you than carry around his little brother's Dragon.

When he opens the door, he is greeted by a relaxed atmosphere. The fire in the fireplace is burning, Viserys is playing on the carpet. Aegon sits in front of the fireplace with a blanket around his shoulders.

You and Baela are sitting in comfortable armchairs. In your hands, embroideries. His little brother is leaning against your leg. As he enters the room, you all look at him.

You quickly look away again, and Baela starts to giggle softly. This reaction briefly confuses him.

"Stormcloud," calls Aegon, stretching his hands out towards his little dragon. Jace goes to him and carefully places the dragon in his arms. The hatchling lets out a satisfied hum.

Jace falls back and sits next to his brother in front of the fire. He looks up at you and Balea. His stepsister is struggling to suppress her giggles. You glance at her before turning to him.

"How are you today, Jace?" you ask deliberately lighthearted.

"Good. How are you?" he asks, confused. Since when do you ask each other how you are? At least not like that.

"I´m good."

He looks at you closely. Your behavior confuses him. Just like Baleas. Since when does she giggle so foolishly?

His gaze stops on your neck. Your sun necklace is not there. He has never seen you without it. You took it off. It satisfies something deep inside him. He feels triumphant even though he hasn't won anything yet. Nevertheless, his heart beats faster.

The water is coming closer quickly. The next moment, bolts from scorpions and crossbows are raining down on you. Jace doesn't even know if they are his men or the Greens'. It doesn't matter.

One of the scorpion bolts narrowly misses Vermax's neck. The next moment Jace hears a deep, rumbling dragon scream that goes right into his bones. Something hot, wet drips into neck and on his shoulders.

Jace turns his head. The bolt has hit Vermithor in the stomach. The wound is big. But not big or deep enough to kill the dragon.

He hears your angry scream and the next moment the bronze Fury is spitting fire. You're not aiming anywhere, it's just an expression of your anger. When you're angry, your beast unleashes all seven hells for you.

"I like this one." he points to a flower with a large, purple blossom. It gives off a gentle scent. You two sit in your garden together. Your flowers all grew good down here.

Your smile slips a little and your eyes become sad.

"That's Aegon's favorite flower too." you swallow a few times.

Jacaerys expected jealousy or anger to rise up in him. It doesn't.

Instead, it makes him sad to see you so sad. It's his mother's fault.

You still miss Aegon. He notices it. Sometimes your gaze drifts into the distance. He noticed that letters in his uncle's handwriting are lying next to your pillow. He knows he shouldn't have looked, but he went closer. The paper was covered in tear stains. Despite his curiosity, his eyes didn't read the words. It's really none of his business.

"Do you love him?" the words slip out before he can stop them.

"Of course I love him. He is my brother."

"I don't mean if you love him that way."

You clench your jaw. You look to the side. Your nod is so gentle that Jace almost missed it. "Yes I loved him."

He has to know now. He gathers all his courage and reaches for your hand. You turn your head to him, looking at him in surprise. Nevertheless, you don't pull your hand away.

"Can you be honest this one time? Please. I will never mention it again. No one will find out."

You study his face before you nod again. "Go ahead and ask."

"Did you share a bed with him?"

"No." you answer, not avoiding his gaze, and he believes you. This time he really believes you. You look at him openly and continue speaking. "We're not stupid, Jacaerys. We always knew that we couldn't do that. Gods,to be honest it was hard. We kissed but never more. It's over since I came here."

Your sudden unsolicited openness surprises him, but he is grateful. He wants to return the favor. You were honest about your past. Now it's his turn.

"I kissed Baela. I had a cush on her when I was younger. There was something between us."

Your lips curl into a slight smile. He didn't expect that. More likely that you would get angry after all his accusations about you and Aegon.

You turn so that you are now facing him. You briefly squeeze his hand.

"Thank you for telling me," you reply.

"You're not surprised?"

You briefly bite your lip. This small gesture draws his gaze in, and for a brief moment, Jace wants to lean forward and place his lips on yours. The need disappears as quickly as it came. As you continue speaking, your voice sounds slightly amused.

"I already knew it. She told me."

That's the last thing Jacaerys expected. "Did she?" he thinks of the awkward, inexperienced kisses his thirteen-year-old self exchanged with Beala and cringes for himself. He notices his cheeks turning slightly red. "What did she say?" he asks, unsure if he wants to hear the answer. You laugh warmly. At that tone, his heart skips a beat.

"Not much. Just that you're quite good."

He hadn't expected that either. Your gentle tone and warm smile give him courage.

"You can judge for yourself at any time."

You roll your eyes, but there's still a smile on your lips. For a moment, you look back at him and then to the side.

"Maybe I'll do that someday."

The bolt of a crossbow hits him. Pain courses through his body. Hot blood flows from the wound. The brief moment of shock is enough for you and Vermithor to attack once more.

The sheer force with which Vermithor crashes into Vermax squeezes all the air out of his lungs. The claws of your beast ram into Vermax's soft flesh. His dragon lets out a painfull scream. The sound makes Jacaerys's eardrums almost burst. His heart breaks and pain floods through him.

Tears well up in his eyes. Vermithor hurls Vermax and him through the air. He clings to the saddle. His muscles ache. Suddenly, an unknown coldness and deep pain fill Jace. Vermax is dead. He knows it even before he sees Vermithor's bloodstained claws. Then the dragon lets go.

Vermax is thrown uncontrollably in circles towards the ground. Jace doesn't even have enough time to take a deep breath before they hit the water. Vermax's body sinks like a stone. Jacaery's clothes soak up the cold water. He is being pulled down. But he manages to break free from Vermax to swim back to the surface once more. He gasps for air. His heavy clothes want to pull him down again. The icy water feels like needles. is this how his little brother feel shortly before his death? Did Luke die the same way? Or did Vhagar tear him apart with her razor-sharp teeth before he fell into the water?

Jace notices how he is getting weaker and weaker. He loses feeling in his arms and legs. Darkness spreads at the edge of his field of vision as unconsciousness pulls at him. He has failed.

A large shadow covers the sky above him. Vermithor circles just a few meters above the water's surface. You sit on his saddle and look down into the water. Your gaze searching. And then you see him. Your eyes meet.

Since you arrived in King's Landing, you've been different. The small gestures between you that made his heart race have disappeared immediately. You no longer hold his hand. You no longer adjust his cloak for him. You no longer point to one of the flowers near you and explain to him what kind it is and how to best cultivate it.

During the discussion about the succession of Driftmark, you did not stand by his side but next to your mother.

It annoys him terribly. It gives him the feeling that you are ashamed of him. For the fact that you like him.

Rhaenyra has emphasized for days that Jace is not allowed to argue with you as long as you are in King's Landing. Alicent would seize this opportunity immediately, break off the engagement, and bring you back to the Red Keep.

It already bothers his mother that you insisted on staying another week to attend the feast for Alicent's name day. She didn't have a convincing argument to deny you. Especially because Vermithor stood behind you the entire time during the discussion.

Jacaerys swallows his anger at your behavior and does the only thing he is sure will prevent you from arguing. He completely ignores you and avoids you.

That's why he doesn't even realize how angry this makes you.

The dinner with the king was a huge disaster. The worst thing for him was that you laughed as your brothers' insult him and his brothers.

Jace hand still hurts from the blow he dealt Aemond, just like his ankle. When his uncle pushed him, he twisted his ankle. The anger is still boiling.

Without knocking, you storm into his room. He flinches in surprise and looks at you. You are still dressed in your festive clothes, your hair tied back in strict braids. The anger you radiate makes the hair on the back of his neck stand up.

"How can you humiliate me like this?" you scream at him. He is on his feet before your words have fully echoed in the room. A hot rage courses through him. How can he hummiliate you? You are the one who turned away from him and is ashamed of him. You are the one who laughed at him today.

"What did you say?" he asks. You approach him. Your eyes are sparking with anger. Jace has to swallow at the sight. You stand just a few steps in front of him, but the tone of your voice remains unchanged as you start shouting again.

"You ignore me all evening and then you dance with my sister? In front of everyone! You pushed me aside. How could you do that?"

"You are jealous," he guesses and is surprised by it, and also by the fact that it pleases him. Did he want that? Was this his plan?Did he want to make you jealous? Did he wanted to get your attention this way? He doesn't really know himself.

"Nonsense." you shout angrily, but your gaze flickers to the side, just like always when you lie. Jace knows you by now. Even though you did everything to prevent him from doing so. You lowered your walls and let him in. You can't undo that now.

"You are jealous." this time he is sure.

"Rot in the seventh hell," you scream angrily. He knows that you only react so extremely when you are insecure. You whirl around and want to run out of the room, but Jace grabs your wrist, pulls you back, and turns you back to him.

For a second, you just look into each other's eyes. His gaze moves from your eyes to your lips. He doesn't know who leaned in first, but your lips are already crashing together before he can form a clear

thought. A shiver runs down his spine at the feeling of your lips on his. Your hand buries itself in his dark curls. Jace wraps his arms around your slim body, pulling you closer to him. Your lips part slightly and he slides his tongue into your mouth. Hot desire arises within him. He can’t get enough of the feeling of your lips on his. His heart is racing so fast that he's afraid it's going to jump out of his chest. You press yourself closer to him.

You part breathlessly. His eyes are on your beautiful face. Your eyes are sparkling, your cheeks are slightly red and you are gasping for breath. Your eyes find his and your lips creep onto your face. It's a gentle, genuine smile. He can't help but smile too. He carefully places his hand on your cheek, caresses the soft skin.

He rests his forehead against yours. You lean into his touch, lean slightly forward, and kiss him once more. This time gently, just for a brief moment, like a test. Immediately, his whole body tingles again.

"Maybe I was a little jealous," you whisper. Your gaze shifts from his eyes to his lips, the redness of your cheeks intensifying. But you make no move to free yourself from his arms.

"Why?" he whispers just as quietly. This moment is terribly intimate. Jace enjoys every second he can hold you in his arms. He has longed for this. To be able to hold you. Now he feels like everything is falling into place. Now that he can hold you in his arms. He is surprised by the sudden intensity of his feelings. Maybe because he has suppressed them for a long time.

"I... maybe... maybe I don't find you as terrible as I always pretend to." you admit. Jace has to suppress a laugh.

"Is that so?" he asks. He wished you would say the words. But he knows that you won't do it. He also knows that he can't say it now. Maybe someday, but not now.

You nod. Suddenly, you are shy. He never would have thought that you could be shy. "I don't know, I can't quite understand what I'm feeling," you admit openly.

"It's okay," he replies, his thumb stroking your cheek as his other hand searches for yours. You intertwine your fingers together. Jace looks down he can get used to the sight of your hand in his and the feeling of your soft skin against his."We have time."

"Time?" you ask.

"Yes, to find out what we feel."

You smile again and search for his gaze. Your eyes sparkle.

"When we are back on Dragonstone. Then we can find out what it is between us. We can figure it out. Together." he suggests.

"Yes, I like this idea." you say. He closes his eyes for a moment, then kisses your forehead and takes a step back. Your hands however remain intertwined. Your grip tightens a little.

Hope begins to blossom in Jace. Hope that his future and his marriage won't be as dreadful as he feared. Maybe the unimaginable can come true and you can be happy together. And reunite your broken family.

You sigh but your smile remains. You also take a step back, releasing your hand from his. Immediately, he wants to hold you in his arms again. But he holds himself back. This is not the right place. It's not the right time.

Nervously you giggle and look around, then back to him. "I should go. Not that rumors would start. My mother would be furious."

Jace laughs softly. "Yes. See you tomorrow?"

You nod. "I'll come with you to the Dragon Pit to say goodbye," you say. "And after Mother's name day, I will return to Dragonstone."

Anticipation spreads within Jace. He nods. A strange mix of hope, uncertainty, and affection spreads between you. You give him another one of your beautiful smiles, lean forward, and kiss his cheek. Then you turn around and leave his chambers with red cheeks and a smile.

Neither Jacaerys nor you know that your lives will fundamentally change within the next few days and that you will never set foot on Dragonstone's soil again.

Your face is the last thing he sees before the sea swallows him. And he saw the tears on your cheeks.

Maybe you really loved him. He loved you. It didn't make a difference. It is his last thought before the darkness swallows him forever.

a/n: tbh writing this made me sad😭 I wanted to give them a happy ending so bad but I couldn´t

Edit: I did give them a happy ending: Trust conquers fate (What if/ alternativ ending)

[lyraoftheevergreens]

The Realms Enchantress

Chapter 2

NSFW, minors do not engage

Pairing: Daemon Targaryen x Reader!Niece, Daemon Targaryen x Niece!Targaryen, Daemon Targaryen x Female!OC,

Summary: For years Daemon never had a care in the world just, sex, wine and a good battle. With the exception of his favorite niece. His little dragon he called her. He swore to be there for her and he got himself exiled when she needed him the most. Now, he returns from war at the step stones and is determined to get her back. No matter the cost.

Warnings: Targaryen Inscest, mentions of sex, oral female and male receiving, talk of nudity, mentions of death and blood, mother murdered, dead babies, depression, periods, vulgar language.

Authors Note: Welp, if you haven’t figured it out by now, I might as well tell you. I’m a complete whore for Daemon and that truly shows through this. I hope you all enjoy my slutty little works.

This is edited to a degree, I apologize for any errors in advanced. I tried my best.

Word Count: 5,542; sorry, got a little carried away

Tag List: Open

Chapter 1

2 years and some moons went by after y/n’s name day now 8 and 10 years of age a tourney is called in celebration of the babe in her mother’s womb. Celebration of the kings heir that has yet to been born. Your father swears it will be a boy. So hopeful that he is celebrating his arrival before your mother’s labors have even begun.

Your father gives his thanks and speech to commence the start of the tourney and alerts the people that your mother’s labors have begun. You sat with your family in the viewing area next to Rhaenyra and Alicent when Daemon approaches the viewing box, “Princess’ lady Hightower. Here to watch me win?” He said with his usual smug expression.

“We will see how true your words remain.” Y/n speaks first.

“You shall see then.”

He goes on to pick his opponent, Gwayne Hightower, Alicents older brother. She becomes visibly nervous when Daemon picks him. It is when Daemon un horses him that you think she is going to burst out crying in fear for her brother. Daemon then makes his way back to you,” Lady Alicent, I am all but certain I can win these games but having your favor shall ensure it.” He says to her holding out his jousting stick. You and Rhaenyra were in shock, you hurt more so. Every tourney he asked for your favor now he ask for hers. When you took your seat you noticed the maester approaching your father. You sat the tourney for as long as you could but once the murder began you decided to take your leave. You went to snack tables and grabbed an apple where you were met with your uncle. “You’re leaving my tourney?” He spoke first.

“No, taking a break from the murder. Besides it’s not your tourney, it’s for the babe in my mother’s womb.”

“Unless that babe is born with a cock, I remain heir. Besides, It’s not murder when it’s in the name of the tourney.”

“My apologies, I refuse to watch.”

“Well I hope you return to watch your favorite uncle once more.”

“Perhaps I will.” With that you went your separate ways. Your uncle to the tourney field and you to the viewing. A few moments go past, your uncle is unhorsed and on the floor, “PRINCE DAEMON TARGARYEN WISHES TO CONTINUE IN A CONTEST OF ARMS.” Shouts the announcer. It’s then that you take your leave not wishing to see what happens next.

You made your way to the red keep and once in the halls of the keep all that could be heard were your mother’s screams, you made your way to the room this was coming from. The guards stood at the door would not let you in. You pleaded with them,” please, I wish to comfort my mother through her labors as I have done so through the previous ones.” Unbeknownst to the guards this birth would not be like the previous ones.

Once you entered through the large heavy wooden door your mother’s screams flooded your ears, your father and the hand maids holding your mother down like cattle, the maesters hands inside her womb. Blood everywhere. You stood there in silent shock. It wasn’t until one of the hand maidens alerted your father of your presence that you felt hands grab at your arms and pull you from the room. Your brain unable to process your father yelling at you to leave and for the guards to remove you from the room. “Remove your hands from her!” Yelled Ser Errol, he took you from the guards that had dragged you out the room, you looked up at him with tears streaming from your eyes. He could feel how limp you were. He carried you to your chambers and sat you on your bed. It was then your uncle came in,” You left. I suppose it’s fine due the fact I turned my back on my opponent and lost.” He said with an annoyed tone in his voice. He still wore his armor, he placed his helmet on your clothing chest. It was then that all could be heard was the shouts from the tourney. Your mother’s screams had stoped. You turned your head towards your uncle, tear stained face and shaky voice,”she is dead.”

“Who is dead?” He replied.

“My mother. He killed her.”

“Who killed her!” He shouted with his hand gripping dark sister at his side.

“My father.” Daemon let go of the sword and sat at the chair. “Tell me, what did my brother do.”

“He had the maesters cut the babe from her womb. His hands were inside her. My mother held down like cattle for slaughter. Like some birthing animal. He killed his wife. My mother! MY MOTHER!” It was the that you began yelling and crying hysterically. Daemon rose from his seat and pulled you into him. Your face on the metal on his chest. You began slamming the sides of your fist on it, beating his armored chest. He stood there and took your anger. Rhaenyra entered,” what has happened, is mother alright?” You looked up at Daemon and whispered a silent no. He understood. You walked to Rhaenyra and locked the door to your chambers. You turned to her and began to speak,” I’m so sorry Nyra, mother has passed.” Rhaenyra stood there silently and let her the shock of your words absorb into her. Daemon began to remove his armor and watched the two sisters. “She is dead.”

“Yes.” With that the tears slowly fell from her eyes. And then she broke out into a hysterical sob. You held her close to you, the two of you falling to the floor. You sat and held your sister as she sobbed into you. It was then that your uncle left. Unbeknownst to you at the time that he went in search of his brother. Eventually you and Rhaenyra made your way to the bed and fell asleep in each other’s arms. You both woke in the morning, she left to her chambers and you remained in yours, the maids helped you bathe and dress. You walked with Rhaenyra to Rhaenys is hill. Syrax atop the hill. You both stood in front of the two pyres. Not realizing how long the two of you were stood there till daemon approached Rhaenyra, “they are waiting for you.” He told her in a hushed tone.

“Nyke pendagon lo, during lī dorolvie hours issa lēkia glaesagon, ñuhon kepa finally found biarves”

(I wonder if, during those few hours my brother lived, my father finally found happiness)

“Aōha kepa jorrāelagon ao, tolī than ziry mirre emagon. Se both hen ao”

(Your father needs you, more than he ever has. The both of you)

“Nyke jāhor dōrī sagon nykeā tresy”

(We will never be sons) with that Rhaenyra stepped forward to your father she tried to speak but her voice broke. She looked next to her at her grieving father staring upon his dead wife and son. Her mother and brother. She quickly turned her head.

“Dracarys.” With that, Syrax made his way down the hill and set the pyres aflame. Daemon held you to his chest while you both watched your mother and brother burn.

“Nyke jorrāelagon ao kepus, sir tolī than mirre.”

(I need you kepus, now more than ever)

“Nyke’m kesīr.”

(I’m here) he spoke as he held you close.

Everyone retreated to the castle once the ceremony was over. Rhaenyra to her room while you and your father thanked people for coming and encouraged them to feast. You sat with your uncle while he drank his wine. Once it was all over Daemon turned to you,” Nyke līs sir jikagon byka zaldrīzes. Se oktion urnēbagon jorrāelagon issa.” (I must now go little dragon. The city watch needs me.)

“Nyke shifang. Geron issa naejot issa chambers kostilus”

(I understand. Walk me to my chambers please)

“Hen rhinka.”

(Of course)

Daemon offered you his arm. You took it and he escorted you to your chambers. You both entered. Stood there in the center of the room. He held you against his chest. His fingers ran through your hair.

“I must go now.”

“Stay with me.”

“I have a duty to the realm. Keep the streets safe, for the kingdom. For you.”

“I understand, but selfishly I want you to stay.”

“If I could you know I would.”

“I understand. Go, leave.” With this he kissed your forehead and left. Your handmaids undressed you and you changed into your night shift and made your way to Rhaenyras chambers. You entered without knocking and climbed into bed with her. She turned and placed her head on your chest. She cried into you until she fell back asleep. You woke the next morning in Rhaenyras’ bed. You turned to face what you assumed was her but were met with your uncle asleep next to you. You put your head on his chest and he spoke. ”good morning sweet girl.”

“Morning.” You mumbled to him. “Where is Nyra.”

“She is on Syrax. I saw her earlier leaving to the dragon pit. I asked where you were and she informed me you were asleep in her bed.”

“Mmm.” You grumbled. He laid there stroking your hair as you laid with your head on his chest. “Are you going to leave the bed today.” He asked, he spoke gently, with care. “No.” You answered. Your head and body ached with grief. Your eyes burned from all the tears. He left the bed first then proceeded to rip the covers off you. You shoved your face into the pillows, “Daemon.” You grumbled. He wasn’t having any of it as he picked you up into his arms and walked out the doors of Rhaenyras’ room into the halls of the red keep. Your arms around his neck. “Where are we going?” You questioned him. “Hush, don’t worry yourself about it.”

You held onto him, hiding your face in his neck. You heard him bark orders of getting a carriage ready but you didn’t see to whom these orders were being told to. He stood holding you for longer than you thought possible but he never faltered. In time he was notified of a carriage is arrival. He took you out to the carriage and you left his arms to enter the carriage he sat next to you and you held onto his arm resting your head on his shoulder. Soon you arrived at what you realize to be the dragon pit when the driver opens the door to the carriage. Daemon exists while you remain seated.

“No.” Is all you say as he stands waiting for you to follow him.

“That beast of yours misses you.”

“He is fine, take me back to the Keep Daemon.”

“If that were true why is he causing so much trouble for the dragon keepers.”

“Because it is a false belief that we control the dragons.”

“Then go. Set him free.”

“Daemon. Please.” You were practically crying at this point as tears began to form in your eyes.

“dōnus riñītsos, come with me.”

You stayed silent as you got out from the carriage. He held out his hand to help you down when you realized you wore nothing but your night shift and to make matters worse, you were barefoot.

“ I’m not dressed. And my feet are bare.”

“Then I shall continue to carry you.” He states matter of factly. You wrap your arms around his neck and your legs around his waist as he carries you like a child. His hands under your bottom holding you up.

He has the dragon keepers bring out Dyrax. He held on to you as they bring out your dragon.

“Gods has he always been so huge. He’s going to be to large for the pit.” You turn your head to look at your dragon “the beast” Daemon likes to call him, he had grown so large in the year since Daemon had last seen him. Dyrax saw Daemon holding you and could probably smell the sadness that over took you. He let out an ear bleeding screech. He was ready to set the whole pit on fire at the sight of his rider in someone’s arms. You asked Daemon to put you down and he refused, walking you to Dyrax.

You put your hand to the dragons face.

“It’s okay my love, Nyke’m okay issa jorrāelagon, nyke’m ȳgha. Ziry’s lentor.”

(I’m okay my love, I’m safe. He’s family)

“Put your hand on him.” You tell Daemon and he does, with one arm holding you to him and the other on the dragon.

“Aōha olvie nykeā magnificent dyni, nyke kostagon ūndegon skoro syt issa niece iksos sīr attached naejot ao.” (You’re quite a magnificent beast, I can see why my niece is so attached to you) Daemon says to the dragon. “Go on, climb in to the saddle.” He tells you and you wrap your arms and legs around him tighter. “No, I refuse. Take me back to bed.” You tell him. “Fine. Hold on tight.” He says and then begins to start his climb up Dyrax. “Daemon! I’ll climb.” You shout, letting go of him and begin to get into the saddle.

“Where are we even going?” You ask. As he begins to take his seat infront of you

“Dragonstone.”

“No. I won’t be able to stay awake for that long of a flight, I’m not well. I just want to sleep please take me back to the castle.”

“I’m taking you to a castle. You’ll be fine.” He says and then shouts to the dragon keepers, “Tepagon issa se fabric ties.” (Give me the fabric ties) they toss it up to him and he catches it.

“I am not an infant.” You speak sternly.

“Then why must you act like one.” He remarks beginning to tie you to him. “If you fall asleep while you are tied to me then I won’t have to worry about you falling to your death, if you die your father will have my head if this beast we are on doesn’t kill me first.”

“Fine.” You say helping him tie you to him.

“Sōvegon Dyrax. Obey issa.” (Fly Dyrax. Obey me.) Daemon spoke to him, but yet your stubborn beast refused to move.

“Rȳbagon naejot zirȳla. Gūrogon īlva naejot zaldrīzes dōron Dyrax.” You told the dragon. And with that he let out a screech and started his accent to the sky.

(Listen to him. Take us to Dragonstone Dyrax)

“Stubborn bastard.” Daemon mumbled making you laugh. You kept your arms wrapped around Daemon and rested your head on his back under his shoulder.

“Why Dragonstone?” You asked him.

“Why no? You are Princess of Dragonstone after all.”

“Nyra needs me.”

“She has the Hightower girl and Syrax, she will be fine.”

“What if it is I who needs her.”

“You have me.”

“For how long?”

“We will see zaldrītsos, I can promise you four days. Possibly more.”

(Little dragon)

“And your precious gold cloakes?”

“I’ve put Ser Harwin in charge while I attend to you.”

“Does anyone know I’ve left with you? Nyra, Ser Errol, my father?”

“I informed Rhaenyra of my plans when I saw her leave her room. Ser Errol is aware and as for your father do you believe he would let me have you to myself?”

“No. Besides he doesn’t leave his chambers so I suppose he wouldn’t notice my absence.” The two of you talked for sometime then eventually you drifted to sleep. After a long nap you woke to the sound of Daemon yelling commands to Dyrax.

“Tegon Dyrax. Naejot se ripo. Listen you stubborn bastard. Jikagon naejot se ripo.” (Land Dyrax. To the pit. Listen you stubborn bastard. Go to the pit.)

“Rybās Dyrax.” You spoke up. (Obey Dyrax.) with that he started to descend to the pit.

“He was almost listening to me.” Daemon mumbled. You kissed his cheek,” oh yes, very close.” You laughed. Once landed the dragon keepers of the island took Dyrax.

“Ziry jorrāelagon naejot ipradagon.” Daemon told the keepers to feed Dyrax, that he had a long flight, as he climbed down the dragon with you still tied on his back.

“Daemon, are you going to untie me.”

“No, I quite enjoy you back here.” He said holding your legs that are wrapped around his waist. The hour was late you noticed as the sun had set.

“What is the hour?” You asked as he walked to the doors of the castle.

“Hour of the eel I believe.”

“Oh quite late. Daemon, if I’m going to tire again I should walk.

“Okay but hold on.” You wrap your arms around his neck as he begins to untie you. Once untied from him you begin to fall to the floor. With an uumph from your lips.

“Thank you. Do you suppose the water is warm?”

“It’s too late to go in, I’ll take you on the morrow.”

“Fine. Your age is getting to you uncle Daemon.” You jest with him.

“Tis not.”

“Tis is.” You say walking away from him.

“Could an old man do this!” He shouts and begins to run towards you. You laugh as he chases you on the sand. He’s much faster than you are and eventually catches you. You scream and laugh, the two of you falling to the sandy floor. “Are you alright?” You ask him in between fits of laughter. “I’m just fine.” He lays there laughing and catching his breath. You sit up and smile down at him.

“I always forget how much I love it here. No politics, no ‘duty to the realm,’ it’s quite lovely. The dark sea.”

“Would you leave Kings Landing? Leave Rhaenyra?”

“Rhaenyra would come with me. But yes, I would.” You said and laid down next to him. Your head on his shoulder. You both laid there looking up at the stars.

“Qēlos.” You whispered. (Star)

“What’s the matter?” Daemon questioned.

“I wish there was a nicer word for star, the Valyrian word for star wouldn’t make a very nice name.”

“A name for whom? A dragon? It’s would fit a dragon quite nicely.”

“No. A girl. A babe. Mine, eventually. Hopefully.”

“I’m sure you will think of something beautiful.”

“I suppose so.”

“You still wish to have children after what you witnessed with your mother?”

“I watched my mother have still born babes and yet I still want many children, a husband who loves me. Our many children will be evidence of the love we have for another. My father let her die. If I wed the proper man, he won’t allow me to die.”

“I wouldn’t let you die.” Daemon whispers to you.

“You’re married.”

“My bronze bitch. Our marriage is unconsummated, it can be annulled.” He said.

You stayed quite laid in the sand when someone came walking down with a torch. Maester Gerold.

“Your graces, I was notified of your arrival. All is well?”

“All is well as can be.” Answered Daemon as he got up, helping you to your feet next.

“You’re in your night clothes princess?” The maester questioned.

“Oh yes. I apologize for my appearance.”

“Not necessary princess. If you will follow me, we have prepared your rooms. Do you wish to bathe?”

“The princess does, prepare it in her chambers.” Daemon ordered the maester as the three of you walked to the castles doors. Once inside the Maester ordered a bath to be prepared for you in your chambers. Dameon then ordered the maids to move his belongings to your chambers.

“I brought you here so it seems only right I keep you company.”

“Very well then.”

You sat on the bed and watched as the bath was prepared and Daemons belongings were brought to the room. The handmaidens stood to the side waiting for you to undress and enter the bath so they could bathe you. When Daemon spoke up and ordered them to leave.

“She can bathe herself.” He barked at them. They all hurried out of the room. “Good. Even better I don’t have that bleeding Ser Errol around either.”

“You don’t like him?”

“No. He treats me as though I’m to steal your virtue.”

“Are you not?” You questioned him.

“Only if you wish me too.”

“That’s alright. I will inform you when the moment arrives.” You say and drop your night shift off your shoulders and it puddles to the ground at your feet. No small clothes underneath. You stand there naked infront of him.

“No small clothes? Very naughty princess.”

You turn and walk away from him and get into the bath. Enjoying the hot water relax your tired body. As you rest in the basin eyes closed Daemon comes and sits next to you on the floor, with the back of a single finger he caresses your cheek. “Gevīe.” He whispers.

You knew you were beautiful, you were named the realms enchantress for a reason. Your beauty paralyses men and women. You could start wars with the look of an eye. Yet when Daemon called you beautiful with a look of want in his eyes you were ready to leap from the bath onto him.

He then glides his finger down from your cheek, to your neck to a single breast stoping right above the bud of your breast. You look into his eyes with yours. He removes his hand and retrieves the sponge and begins to bathe you. He wets your hair and cleans your body. His arm going under the water to wash between your legs. You close your eyes and hold back a moan. It took every ounce of strength for him not to take you out of the bath and have his way with you. But he kept his restraint. Finished bathing you and helped you out. Gave you your robe and had you sit on the chair infront of the mirror and brushed your hair. It was then you began to cry.

“Did I hurt you rinitsos?” He said looking at your face from the mirror. You looked up at his face and managed to get out a no in between your soft cries. You stood and looked up at him, “take me to bed.” You whispered as tears flowed down your cheeks. He lifted you and took you to bed, the blankets already pulled back. He lays you down and tries to get in next to you but you stop him.

“No. Undress. I’m bare, it’s only fair you are too.”

“You wear a robe.” With that you stood and untied it and let it fall to the floor.

“I’m not now.” You said getting back into bed. With that he began to undo the buckles of his doublet, removing his boots and breaches. Last his small clothes and tunic. He stood there naked before you. His member hanging there yet still quite large. It didn’t matter to you as you kept eye contact with his face. You patted the empty side of the bed as a gesture for him to join you. He entered the bed and pulled you into him.

“My mother will never brush my hair again.”

“I’m sorry my sweet girl.”

“What age were you when your mother passed?”

“4. I don’t remember her much unfortunately.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t-.”

“It’s alright, don’t fret.” He interrupted the start of a ramble. He stroked your wet hair and eventually tracing his fingers up and down your spine. You looked up at him and he felt your movement and looked down at you. Your hand moved up his chest to his cheek. Leaving your hand gently there you spoke, “Daemon, kiss me.” He laid there silently staring at you. Your hand moved into his hair. “Please.” That one little please was all it took and he was on his side pressing his lips to yours. You followed his movements and when his tongue entered your mouth you weren’t sure what to do so you allowed him to lead the kiss, you laid there having never been kissed but the need for Daemon was to strong to ignore. After a while you pulled away to breathe and just stared into his eyes. Nothing but the candles illuminating the room.

His hand moved to the back of your head and pulled you into him, his lips connecting with yours. He wrapped his arms around you and pulled you on top of him. You could feel his hard length under you as you hovered your hips over him. You pulled away to speak. “Does it hurt?”

“Does what hurt my sweet girl.” “Your.” You spoke, a blush coming to your cheeks as you pointed down. “Your uhm.” “My cock, no.” Your blushing ferociously now. He glides a finger over your wet center and over your pearl, a soft moan escapes your lips. “Does that hurt you?” He ask.

“No, it feels good.”

“As do I.” With that he flips you both over so he is on top. His cock between your folds rubbing over your pearl. Your head falls back as you moan. He puts a head over your mouth.

“Shh, you don’t want the servants reporting back to your father.” You pull his hand from your mouth.

“Perhaps I do.”

“As you pointed out earlier I am married zaldritsos.”

“Uhg, don’t speak of her.”

“My bronzed bitch.” He leans down bring his lips to your ear. “I spoke the truth to you earlier. I’ve never laid with her, not how I am with you right now.”

“She’s truly never had you?”

“No.” He continues to thrust his cock between your folds never entering you. His lips connect with yours. Your tongues dance. You lay there in absolute bliss. After a long time he gets off of you and begins to fist his cock, you lay there and watch for a moment. The act so arousing. You get up behind him and placed your hand over his. He turns his head to look at you.

“Can I?” You speak up.

“No darling, lay down. I’ll be done soon.”

“I want to. I want to make you feel good.” You whisper hesitantly.

“These are whores tricks, you are my sweet girl. Not some whore.” He says. You begin to kiss down his neck.

“Please. Teach me.” That was all it took and he gave into you.

“Okay.” He released his hand and placed yours on his hard length. So much bigger than when you had seen it earlier. His hand covered yours as he had you pump him.

“Get on your knees infront of me.” You did as he said climb off the bed and getting on your knees for him.

“Use both your hands.” You did as he said, “oh yes. Good girl. Now lick the head.” You lick it once.

“No sweet girl. Keep licking, keep moving your tongue over it.” You did as he said pumping his length in your hands and giving the head the attention it craved. Daemon sat with his head back breathing heavy.

“You wanna swallow my seed? Hmm?” He asked you.

You let out a, “mhmm” with your lips.

“Okay, give me your hand.” You did as he said, he put two of your fingers in his mouth and began to suck up and down on them. You began to grow wetter.

“You’re going to do that on my cock. It’s okay not all fits your mouth, you can still use your hands.” You did as he said and released one of your hands and began to suck up and down on his length. “Breathe through your nose darling. Thats it. Good girl. My good girl.” You kept going and quickened your pace.

“It’s here sweet girl, get ready to swallow all of it okay.” He spoke in between his heavy breathing. You kept up your movements and eventually your mouth filled with a warm liquid. Some of it began to come out the sides of your mouth “try and swallow it, try.” And you did, you tried but it was all so overwhelming you removed your mouth from him and his seed went on to your face. The sight of his seed on your face made him release a bit more. He used his thumb to wipe off some of it and bringing it to your mouth. You swallowed what was on his fingers. He got up and grabbed a towel the maids had left behind. Cleaning your face first and then his cock. You both climbed into bed you laid there head on his chest. Your eyes widened and you sat up. “Am I with child?”

“Why do you think that sweet girl?”

“Your seed is my stomach. Babes grow in the stomach.”

“No, they grow in the womb.”

“The womb is in the belly.”

“Did your mother not tell you how she came to be with child all those times?”

“No.” You blushed and were about to cry, you had so much to learn and no mother to teach it. Daemon brushed away a small tear.

“It’s okay, I’ll teach you.”

“How babes are made?”

“You have your monthly bleeds correct? You’ve seen your mother push out babes?”

“Yes I bleed, but when my mother begins her labors I’m always by her head.”

“You bleed from your cunt. When a man inserts his cock inside you, and releases his seed in there you will grow a babe in your womb.”

“Oh. I understand. So, the marital act?”

“Yes?”

“Is it that?”

“Yes it is.”

“Does it hurt?”

“At first, but fucking can be a pleasure. Like how you brought me pleasure with your hands and mouth.”

“I understand.”

“Let’s sleep, we can discuss this further after sunrise.” You laid with your head on his chest tucked into his side. You couldn’t fight the needy feeling you felt between your legs. How wet you were. You tried to sleep but it was impossible. You looked up at Daemon who was sound asleep. Lips parted as he gently breathed. The sight of him so relaxed didn’t help what was between your legs.

“Daemon wake up.” You shook him awake.

“What’s wrong?” He mumbled.

“I can’t sleep.” You remarked.

“Such a shame. It’s quite nice.” He responds his eyes still closed.

“I feel funny.” You tell him.

“Funny how? We’ve slept in the same bed plenty of times. Oh no, I knew I shouldn’t have let you-“

“Im still wet from earlier.” You cut him off.

“Oh?” He opens one eye and looks at you.

“You need kepus to help you?” He remarks.

“Yes.”

“Let me think. I can’t take your maiden head.”

“Why not?”

“Because rinitsos, If you marry a cruel lord and you do not bleed for him on your wedding night, he may hurt you. I can’t have anyone hurting you. I think I know what might work.” He says filling the blankets of your bodies. “Open your legs.” He demands. He lowers himself. Eye level with your cunt. “7 hells you are wet. My poor girl, I was gonna make you go to sleep with all this between your legs. Not a very good Kepus of me.”

“Nope, bad Kepus.” He gives swift smack to your core at your remark. You gasp.

“Don’t start being bad, bad girls don’t get what I’m about to do for you.”

“I’ll be good.” You beg. With that he flattens his tongue lapping you up. His tongue goes between your folds and over your pearl. You’re a moaning mess already and he doesn’t bother to cover your mouth or give you something to cover your own mouth with. He loves hearing how free you are with him. The pleasure he’s bringing you. His tongue goes in and out of your cunt and his thumb rubs circles on your pearl.

“Please, please.” Your beg him. “Don’t stop.” You choke out. With that he shoves his tongue as deep as he can. Your cunt so tight he can feel it squeezing his tongue. He’s hard again imagining how it would feel around his cock. He’s now flicking and sucking your pearl with his mouth and using his smallest finger inside you. You’re a moaning mess for him. He can tell your about to peak by your cunt fluttering around his finger.

“I. I. Daemon-“ You’re cut off by your own release as you peak on his finger and tongue. Your shouting moaning mess as he devours every last drop and wipes his face on a fresh towel. He licks his fingers clean and uses a towel to wipe his hands.

“We are absolutely not returning to Kings landing now that I know you taste like that.”

“I taste good?” You asked.

“Absolutely. I’m addicted to it I’m afraid.” With that he pulls you in for a kiss and you can taste your self on his tongue. You pull away, “mmmm, I do taste good.” He gives a swift swat to your bottom. “Naughty girl. Only good girls get my tongue.” He smirks at you.

“I’ll be good. Your sweet girl.” The two of you go back to kissing and eventually fall asleep in each others arms.

Chapter 3

[drakaripykiros130ac]

Apparently, Rhaenyra is “selfish” and “entitled” because she didn’t sit down like a good girl after the vipers who had mentally abused her ever since her mother died, took her throne.

The misogyny is so real in this fandom and it’s highly disturbing for the 21st century.

If a woman fights for something that she is owed, she is “evil” (I thought we were past the caveman mentality).

And yes, Rhaenyra is owed the Iron Throne.

King Viserys named her his heir.

The lords of the Realm bent the knee to her and swore oaths of fealty to her.

Neither Rhaenys (the Queen who Never Was), nor Rhaena (Queen in the West and the East) ever had this much in their favor.

She is selfish because she wants to be given what she was promised?

It wasn’t like she begged Viserys to make her his heir. Viserys made that decision all on his own, and Rhaenyra accepted the responsibility and grew up knowing that she would be the first ruling Queen of Westeros one day. She trained for it too.

She is selfish because she refuses to let Hightowers dictate how the Crown rules the Realm, even though they are not the ruling House?

She is selfish because she needs to protect her own family from a faction of traitorous snakes who were planning to assassinate them all?

Because make no mistake: Rhaenyra and her family would have been murdered by the Greens if she hadn’t gathered her forces and fought back.

Rhaenyra, her husband Daemon, and her two sons, Aegon and Viserys, pose real threats to the Greens. They always would have. The usurper would have had to have them all killed to secure his reign (so much for “the Realm would never support a woman over a man”).

“Entitled” is not a word fit to use for any member of a royal family. You don’t “earn” a crown, you inherit it. That’s what a monarchy is. I don’t think any heirs before Rhaenyra had to fight for the right to inherit their father’s crown.

Why should Rhaenyra have to?

If you answer this question with “Because…” you’re basically a misogynist period.

The Hightowers stole her throne and then expected Rhaenyra to stand her ground and accept it for the “good of the Realm” (as if they care about that).

The Greens drew first blood and started a war which destroyed the Realm just so they could satisfy their thirst for power. If they truly “cared” about the people, they would have let the natural transition of power take place as it had been decided (and the people were more than okay with Rhaenyra being Queen, as proven many times in canon).

And as far as I am concerned, Rhaenyra was far too generous throughout this whole war.

She was willing to forgive Aegon and Helaena for the betrayal (because she knew it was not really their fault), she spared Alicent’s life, she didn’t burn Oldtown to the ground etc. I’m not sure if I would have been able to restrain myself, had it been me.

Show some respect for the Dragon Queen and pray that you never have your inheritance taken from you by a gold digger and her backstabbing family.

[lumaconstante]

DC Characters in the Fanfic 'Star'

— Bruce Wayne

• Got involved with Japanese singer Kira Hoshi for the first time in his teenage years, shortly before starting his training with Ra's Al Ghul;

• Swore to his childhood friend Thomas Elliot—and to himself—that it would be a one-night affair, but it turned into a relationship lasting a year and a half;

• Felt wounded in his pride when he proposed to her after learning about the pregnancy, only for her to refuse, saying she didn’t want to be just another trophy on his shelf;

• After starting his training with Ra's Al Ghul, he decided to keep his distance from Kira and the child for their safety, providing only financial support to them;

• After Jason Todd’s death, he vowed never to meet his daughter Alice;

• Blamed himself for Kira’s death, but even more for being unable to connect with his daughter, who resented the fact that he raised so many adopted children while rejecting her from the beginning, despite being his biological child;

• Tries to make up for his absence in her life with expensive gifts;

• Deep down, he envies Thomas because Alice always turns to him when she has a problem;

• He’s torn between wanting a chance to be her father and his duty to Gotham, not wanting to endanger her but also not wanting to keep pushing her away;

• Was pleasantly surprised to see Damian and Alice getting along well;

• Made the entire Batfamily swear to keep their respective identities secret. To Alice, they are to appear as a normal family.

— Damian Wayne

• Was irritated to discover he wasn’t Bruce’s only biological child;

• Initially found his older sister annoying, weak, and overly emotional;

• However, he grew interested and even became a fan when he saw her talent and aspirations to become a J-idol;

• Of course, he doesn’t admit it out loud, but he enjoys watching her rehearse for her shows;

• He discreetly takes care of her, purposely “forgetting” bottles of water and cereal bars in strategic places;

• Despite being older, she’s treated like his little sister. Woe to anyone who messes with her—Damian doesn’t hold back when it comes to someone important to him;

• Without realizing it, he grew genuinely attached to her, though he hasn’t stopped teasing her;

• Helps her with rehearsals;

• Asks her opinion about his drawings;

• Felt touched when she learned Arabic to communicate with him, as he often spoke Japanese to her when they were alone;

• Still, he teased her by speaking in specific Arabic dialects to frustrate her;

• Alice brings out a softer side in him. Though he won’t admit it, he enjoys feeling like the protective older brother in their dynamic;

• Was happy when he told her he wanted to study to become a doctor, and she supported him without hesitation;

• Turned against his own mother and grandfather when they threatened Alice;

• Secretly investigated the criminal backgrounds of all Alice’s classmates to ensure her safety;

• When Conner and Alice started dating, he secretly threatened Conner, warning him not to break his “little sister’s” heart.

— Tim Drake

• He knew about Alice from the beginning;

• One day, while rummaging through the basement to help Alfred decorate the mansion for Christmas, he found a small dusty box containing photos of her;

• He conducted deep research and, after pressuring Bruce, discovered Alice was his daughter;

• Secretly kept tabs on her occasionally to ensure she was doing well;

• Was the first to warn Bruce about the haters after Kira announced that Alice was her daughter;

• However, Bruce didn’t listen. On the day of Kira’s death, Tim, Damian, and Bruce were investigating a crime at Gotham’s docks when Tim’s phone alerted him to the news he followed about Alice;

• He informed Bruce immediately upon seeing the news. Tim and Damian handled capturing the criminals while Bruce went after Alice;

• Unlike Damian, it took Tim much longer to get closer to Alice;

• Even so, he tried his best, researching what she liked and asking Bernard and Dick for advice.

— Jason Todd

• Was the last to find out and was annoyed to learn he was the last;

• Discovered Alice’s existence through Dick;

• Met her for the first time as Red Hood, during her first nighttime escape from the mansion, wandering lost through Gotham’s dark streets looking for Thomas Elliot;

• She had no idea it was Jason;

• He convinced her to return home, following her to ensure she entered the mansion safely;

• The next day, she accidentally met “Jason Todd,” one of her older brothers, at her school’s exit. He showed up with the excuse that Bruce had asked him to pick her up;

• From then on, he tried to pick her up from school every day, and they would talk on the way home;

• He only walked her to the door and never entered the house;

• When Alice questioned him about it, he simply said he had done something bad in the past that had made Bruce furious with him;

• Deep down, he wanted to enter but didn’t feel welcome, while Bruce thought Jason didn’t want to come back;

• He attended all of Alice’s performances;

• Practically became her personal bodyguard;

• Alice, being kind and sensitive, easily melted Jason’s tough exterior, revealing his softer side. They quickly became each other’s favorite sibling;

• She invited him to play drums at one of her shows, and he accepted without hesitation;

• Secretly got involved in the search for her mother’s killer, intending to do what he knew Bruce never would;

• Helped Damian threaten Conner with kryptonite bullets if he broke Alice’s heart.

— Dick Grayson

• Was in Blüdhaven when everything happened, and upon hearing the full story from Alfred, immediately rushed to Gotham;

• Accepted Alice as his younger sister without hesitation;

• Taught her some acrobatics he learned in the circus for her to use in her performances;

• Practically became her babysitter while Bruce, Tim, and Damian were busy, though he didn’t mind;

• Starfire fell in love with her and her music at first sight;

• Whenever the couple was together, but Dick had to babysit, Alice acted as if she were their child;

• Once, Alice disappeared while Dick was babysitting. He was frantic until Starfire returned hours later with the girl carrying numerous shopping bags;

• Dick wanted to introduce Alice to the Titans, but Bruce was against it, wanting her kept away from that world;

• Performed acrobatics at home because he knew how much they fascinated Alice;

• Took her to the circus when he learned she’d never been;

• Frequently argued with Bruce about how he should be more involved in Alice’s life.

— PLUS! Thomas Elliot

• Wanted to punch Bruce when he said he wouldn’t be part of Alice’s life;

• Considered taking Alice from Kira, thinking she was too irresponsible and reckless to raise a child;

• Later wanted custody of her after learning she was motherless;

• To Thomas, he’s the father—end of story. A father is the one who raises the child. Alice is his daughter, and woe to anyone who says otherwise;

• Serves as her personal doctor whenever she’s sick;

• Oh, he was literally born to be a girl dad;

• Does absolutely everything Alice wants. She’s his little princess. No matter how grown she is, she’s still his baby;

• Secretly maintains a savings account to invest in her future;

• Resents Bruce for not giving him custody, even after rejecting Alice from the start;

• Yes, they fought about it a lot but eventually agreed on a sort of joint custody arrangement. Alice spends one week at Wayne Manor and the next with Thomas;

• Keeps a photo he took with Alice on Father’s Day when she was five years old in his office;

• His house walls and shelves also have pictures of her;

• Whenever someone asks about them, he says she’s his daughter living abroad with her mother;

• Offered to register Alice under his name, but Kira refused, much to his frustration.

And if you liked HEADCANONS but haven't read Star yet, know that the fanfic is available in English and Portuguese on Wattpad:

[that-random-outsider]

Family line is so fucking Red coated istg

Credit for this entre thing is from @199DegreesOfGay on ao3 I completely agree with your statement so I'm breaking down the song.

This first line could honestly go two ways of course this line could obviously go for the Queen of Hearts but I like theorizing so I'll let you know when we get to a more speculatory party sound good? Okay, so yeah Bridget was obviously not a great mother in the original time line. She was likely extremely distant and cold, only ever fetching her when she needed to and even then it wouldn't be anything loving or caring, because "love ain't it" she'd probably treated Red with that mentality too. Never showing her any real affection or care unless it was out of anger or contempt. There's also one of her most iconic lines "I loose my temper you lose your head." The queen may be regal in this franchise but she's always been violent, and while we don't know if Red’s abuse was physical or emotiopnal (likely both honestly) I wouldn’t be surprised if she found other ways to blow off some steam

Okay now for the speculation we don't really get to see Red’s father, but I feel like people often tend to forget there was a King of Hearts at one point. Like I mentioned this before but I was watching a bunch of movies about Wonderland to understand Red better and in both iterations there was a King. Like I know there's a bunch of theories that Hook might be Red’s father but just for the sake of speculation. He was likely really weak from what I saw, and probably was a laughing stalk in the queen’s court if I'm being honest.

I'm not sure what his relationship with Red might have been like while he was around but he likely didn't stand up for her much in fear of the Queen of Hearts. He probably didn't say anything for the most part, but with silence comes resentment. I wouldn't be surprised if his anger slowly began to fester over the years after being looked down on for so long. And I also wouldn't be surprised if Bridget was once a witness to that anger and lost a temper of her own. In Alice in Wonderland 2010 the queen of hearts is implied to have chopped off the head of her king, and while the two queens are so vastly different in personality I honestly would not be surprised if that was one of their few similarities. But like I said this part is mostly all speculation.

Ignoring the part about the kids this is basically Bridget’s story in a nut shell. She took so much without so much as sheding a tear. Uliana and her gang ruined her life in so many ways so many times. She lost everything to them with a smile on her face, and even after that she never let herself crumble. When she was a kid she refused to let anyone see past her smile, and when she became the Queen of Hearts she swore off showing any signs of weakness. But no matter what stage of her life she was in I'm convinced not even Ella truly saw her tears.

I say they're just the ones who gave me life But I truly am my parents' child

THIS PART!!! This is what in my opinion RoR was really about after everything. It's about Red trying so hard to prove she's nothing like her mother, while only ever being allowed to see herself through the lens her mother forced upon her. Red wants so badly to believe that she could be good, that she is somehow worth saving but in her mind if she can't even see it herself how could anyone else?

She's in the constant limbo of trying to be her own person while also having given up on believing that she could ever be more than the queen of hearts daughter. You can see it in the way she belittles herself so casually in the movie. When she tells Maddox that she’s a lost cause, or how she doesn't argue when Chloe says she's just like her mother. It's her worst fear and only destiny, like she's just waiting for the moment she cracks just like her mother had. It's why she needed to believe that becoming the queen of hearts wasn't the only future for Bridget and herself.

Bro just this as a whole I feel like encapsulates Red’s relationship to the Queen before her and Chloe rewrote history. Like I touched on this in my night falls fanfic but I mean Bridget like canonically threatens Red throughout the movie. I feel like I remember it happening twice but don't quote me on that. I mean she never said anything specific but I doubt that when your mother say "get it right or I'll show you punishment" she'll let you off with a slap on the wrist, and I can't help but wonder how many times Red had forced herself to say whatever her mother wanted to hear to get out of said punishments. Or even worse, what she's forced herself to do to pacify her on angrier days.

Honestly aside from occasional snark we don't even see Red openly oppose her mother in the movie except for when she stages the coup or when she says "I don't want to be anything like you" but even then she was really cautious with her words and her timing when she said that. Hell her entire song about being a rebel, and not following her mother's command was sung in a mask and hood as she hid in the shadows, because yes while she really loves to rebel and she really does believe that what her mother is doing is wrong she truly is afraid of her mother.

To put it simply she'll always be the daughter of the queen of hearts, no matter how much of the time line gets destroyed she still watched that blood spill, and I can't imagine how much that hunts her most nights. (or could I? This is giving me ideas for angst but moving on)

It's hard to put it into words How the holidays will always hurt I watch the fathers with their little girls And wonder what I did to deserve this

I imagine that after the timeline is changed Red and Bridget start spending the holidays with the Charmings and I cand only imagine how much it probably hurt the first year because she could have had this. Watching Chloe and her family be so loving and sweet, seeing them care. Red never had that, she never got to wear cheesy matching sweaters, or watch corny movies with her parents, she never got to ignore her mom when she warned her the hot cocoa might be to hot to drink, or stay up late waiting for Santa to come. Except apparently she had because the life she remembered wasn't hers at all anymore and she hated it. Why didn't she get this timeline from the beginning? Why didn't she get this mom? Why didn't she get this life? Didn't she deserve it too?

How could you hurt a little kid? I can't forget, I can't forgive you 'Cause now I'm scared that everyone I love will leave me

Everything, every trauma she went though was real, the scars may have vanished from her skin but never from her heart. I can't imagine her ever seeing Bridget the way she is now completely as her mother, or at the very least not for a long time.

This woman even if it wasn't her technically, she hurt Red. And even now I feel she wouldn't be able to trust that she doesn't still has the compacity do so. She'll never truly be able to trust Bridget not in the way most daughter would at least. And I don't think those sixteen years will ever truly just go away. She's still slowly unlearning everything the Queen of Hearts taught her about love with Chloe's help and most likely keeps up walls around Bridget. She honestly probably terrifies her

Oh, all that I did to try to undo it All of my pain and all your excuses I was a kid but I wasn't clueless (Someone who loves you wouldn't do this)

When Red first meets Bridget I honestly can imagine her feeling betrayed. "Everything I do is for you" that's what the Red Queen said before she staged a coup and destroyed the one chance Red had at getting what she wanted more than anything. Her freedom. And she'd say that all the time too, "I just want the best for you" "this is for your own good" "you'll thank me when you're older" we're leaning into speculation territory a bit here but just bare with me. I couldn't help but notice this trend whenever I was watching Qoh scenes she truly believes that everything she does is to protect Red, to prepare her for how the world will beat her down by beating her down first. Or better yet teaching her to take over before it could even get the chance to.

In her mind it all about survival but with Bridget as her mom Red realizes just how much she was missing. She realized it was okay to care for someone you love. That it didn't make her weak and that her old mom never needed to be so cruel All of my past, I tried to erase it But now I see, would I even change it? Might share a face and share a last name, but (We are not the same)

Okay long one but pretty self explanatory right? More than anything Red wanted her mom to love her for who she is. Not as "the future queen of hearts" but as "Red" her daughter the one she was supposed to love unconditionally, the one who she was supposed to care for, and support without question. She used to dream of a mother like Bridget since she was a kid, but now that she has one she's realized that nothing's changed.

She's still terrified that she'll never be good enough for anyone.(especially Chloe) The coppery smell of blood still hunts the castle with it's stench. She still flinches any fear when her mother tries to give her a hug. Her mother might be different but her memories stayed the same. It was as if nothing changed at all. Even so, one good thing did come out of it. Because If they could change Bridget's fate, maybe there's a chance she could escape her own

[nicksolemnlyswears]

HOTD S2 EP3 THOUGHTS

SPOILERS AHEAD

Where do i fucking start? So much happened Im still reeling

Im laughing cause we were all expecting to see more of the Blackwoods at the beginning and we just got the trailer scene. So that left me cackling. Granted it was quickly wiped away by the massacre scene.

I truly love how Criston Cole is utterly clueless and regretting every decision he’s made. He’s way in too deep and everyone knows it.

Let’s give a big shout out to Rhaenys who keeps speaking the truth and honestly being a great Hand to Rhaenyra even if she doesn’t hold that title. She’s the OG

Was expecting more of Daemon and bloodshed and dragonfire but my dude was simply in a fever dream of sorts? maybe he did get poisoned or something? Maybe the dark haired lady is a witch? So many questions and not enough answers

Talking about that scene I was so happy to see Millie back if only for a scene. It was such a nice surprise! I thought it was Aemma when he entered the room.

There’s the bit of Aegon saying he can be feared and baby boy just wants to prove himself. I can’t blame him literally no one sees him capable. They only use him.

It was so hilarious when the white cloaks where talking about one of the younger ones having never bed a woman and he was like 🤔 didn’t you swore celibacy. It seemed very innocent at the moment but that clearly went to hell later.

Fuck Larys Strong is all I gotta say. One manipulative motherfucker. Not even his house wants him.

I lowkey really like Mysaria. She’s an interesting character.

Rhaena baby I know you want a role in war but literally get that ticket out of the bloodshed and thank me later.

Rhaenyra is such a good mom protecting her children from the ugliness of war.

Were those Daenerys eggs? 👀 I really want there to be a cameo about them.

Jacaerys is so impatient. I can feel him shaking. He wants to fight he wants a purpose but he respects his mama at least.

Jacaerys hugging Joffrey? My heart ached.

Can’t fucking believe Criston Cole took the time to get a fucking haircut. Looks so stupid on him too. Good for me though it’s easier to hate him.

…does Alicents brother seem fruity to you? or just me? 👀👀 Guess it runs in the family

A dragonseed at last? But where’s the blonde hair? I thought the blonde was like a dominant gene? The dude was so invested in his family history. Bless his heart. Looks like he supports the Blacks so I’m all for that.

Okay the brothel scene. I got pikachu’d like three times. First, when he opens the first curtain and there’s a woman giving it her all. She was gagged (almost literally). Second, AEGON FINDING AEMON. I was so shook I really didn’t think it could get worse from there. But then Aemond stands and it’s like shocked pikachu x3. Respectfully Aemond looking good.

Aemond really put that mask on so fast. He was like “eh fuck her see if i care” baby boy…you care very much.

Moving on! Baela! How the fuck can she see anything from so high up! My miopía could never!

Alicent and her fucking candles. She needs a lighter.

I’ve been pikachued once more! I can’t believe Rhaenyra went through with the plan! It’s so odd seeing them together once more!

Our mothers are together once more!!! I had to laugh they were so awkward at first. Rhaenyra didn’t know what to do with herself. She even admits knowing she went about it all wrong. Peak Comedy.

You guys don’t know the joy I felt when Alicent realized it’s about Aegon the Conqueror and not her son. OMG.

At the same time I wa so sad for Rhaenyra cause for a moment she really though Viserys had changed his mind but suck on that Alicent.

She went to being a bitch so quickly. God I hate her. Rhaenyra is trying to make peace and she refuses. Fuck her. Can’t stand her. Even knowing Viserys never meant for Aegon to be king.

Overall, another great episode although I expected more from Daemon.

[lullaebies]

fic of aegon and helaena's reaction to their engagement

Finally clearing some fic reqs from the box - this one surprisingly flowed out of me pretty easily. I hope you enjoy! it's very much angsty with a tinge of a hopeful ending.

—

“It’s not fair!” Helaena hears Aegon say, behind the doors of his room. He scurried away after Mother and Father told them. Mother rushed after him, and she stayed with their father, who sighed with the same old disappointment and resignation that she always knew him to have. He told her Aegon will get over himself; he told her it would be fine.

Helaena is unsure. She has always known this a possibility, but never considered this fully in her heart. Perhaps she was afraid to. She thought they were better, now that they both had dragons, now that they flew together at times. They were supposed to ride together today. Now it is all ruined.

She fidgets with her hands for a while, before bringing one to the doorknob of Aegon’s room. Her fingers glide over it nervously, afraid to fully squeeze on the gold of it. This will be your room, soon enough, she thinks. Her stomach lurching, she twists it open; does she have any choice but to. “This is what has been decided and it is duty all the same—”

“Another one for me to sorrowfully fail you in, is it not!” Aegon yells back at Alicent when she tries to come closer. She flinches slightly, but Helaena’s step inside the room is what gets the both still. Some books are on the floor; a sundial has been broken as well, spilling sand on the red brick of the keep.

Time stops when Aegon’s eyes land on her, and shatter when they look away. Mother comes, arms open to hug her, but Helaena flinches back just like her, blocking her hands from reaching her shoulders. She does not understand it is no comfort. She does not understand that her eyes betray her, that they show pity and tiredness instead of compassion.

Her mother takes the rejection bitterly, as she does. Helaena swore herself she won’t be the same. 

“Can you leave?” Helaena asks her bluntly. Her voice is hushed but poignant all the same. Alicent takes in a jittery breath, and Helaena bites the inside of her cheek. “For now. I only want to speak to my brother.”

Aegon turns around at that, still the same sullen look on his face. She can manage with that; she has handled his sullen face since they were toddlers. Alicent brings a hand to her hair, some protest in her deer-like eyes, but as her fingers trail down the strands of her hair, they find the edge and the end of it only. Helaena only returns a defiant stare, and her mother relents.

“All right,” she finally says. She looks back at her son before she leaves. “Be mindful of yourself, Aegon.”

Aegon grinds his teeth at that, the curls of his hair hanging down a craned head. It’s like a drape, like a divider between them two. Helaena knows her brother refuses to see, refuses to look at many things, hiding from himself; but to Helaena it’s very clear there is no choice but to look ahead. It’s a curse as it is a gift.

When their mother is out of view, the room falls into odd silence. Helaena is scared to step forward, as she is scared to speak first. Her words were never the convincing sort. If anything, they are nearly always disregarded. She’s not sure if she can trust them. 

“Lost your tongue now?” Aegon asks, squinting at her. He has a sort of a twisted laugh to him, when in melancholy. “Enough gall to cast away Mother, but not enough to call me your betroth.” 

Helaena would have glared at him, had she not known him to mope bitterly. “If you remembered calling me my name, I’d consider,” she answers evenly, though her body’s inner workings are anything but stable. I will not be afraid of you, not the way Mother is scared to defy Father. You were my brother first. “You have a fine assortment of names for me.”

He huffs. “Your rebellion is wasted on me, you idiot,” he answers back, looking away. “If you had any concerns, you should’ve raised them with Father.”

“What could I have said, that wouldn’t have fallen on deaf ears?” She asks him sincerely. There’s a burning sensation in her nose and by her eyes. “If my husband’s words don’t matter, what are mine?”

Aegon turns his back to her then. “Go away. Leave me be,” he says, looking at the window. The gust of wind from outside makes her shiver. The air hitting her has never been her fear; it was a joy, atop of Dreamfyre. But the soft breeze makes all of her hairs simmer, rise up on her nape. 

Helaena refuses to leave. She steps ahead instead. “You are the only one that can hear me,” she says, pleading. Perhaps it makes him more scared than consoled. It’s okay; she thinks, even though her tears gather at her eyes. “And I’ll have to be the one who will hear you the same.”

Aegon’s fists clench and unclench, she hears his shaky breath, the way she always hears Mother’s. Mother just wants touch, just wants to be assured, just wants to have control over what she must carry. Is it always the same, she wonders. It’s her only choice to see if so. She reaches for Aegon’s sleeve, clutching it. 

“Aegon,” she calls him, voice somewhat shaky now. He turns to look at her with teary, repressed eyes of his own, trying to control his face. She tries to smile through the tears gliding down her cheeks. “I still want to go to the dragon pit today.”

Don’t forget who I am, who I was for you now. In the free blue sky they don’t fear a thing, even when they must look upon the setting horizon. Aegon looks at her hand on his wrist; his own one coming to feel up the fingers with his thumb. 

“I’d be a bad brother, to refuse you.” He says through a soft sigh.

“And an even worse husband.” She nods, blinking away the last bits of the wetness in her eyes.

“I’m not your husband yet,” he says unceremoniously, and pulls back the hair that hid his face from her. “I cannot sorrowfully fail you still.”

If Helaena has any doubts to what he means, it clears when he goes to his closet and pulls out some of his dragonriding leathers. The stony weight of duty remains looming; but until it grounds their dragons down, Helaena solemnly swears she will not let herself wither under him; so both of them could still breathe.

[incandescentlysomething]

Lady of the Ashes: Chapter 11

House of the Dragon Season 1

Aemond x TargaryenOC

Chapter Word Count: 6881

She was his everything… For her…he would do anything.

From the moment of her birth, Aemond Targaryen swore himself to the protection of his niece Aelinor Velaryon. As the two grew up inseparable, they find themselves entangled in the Dance of Dragons, battling to stay together even as their families try to pull them apart.

A/N: Only one chapter left!!!! Let me know what you think Thanks for reading! Cross posted on A03

Let me know what you think!

Masterlist A03

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 P.1 P.2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10

The Small Council Chamber

“What of Rhaenyra?”

“The former heir cannot, of course, be allowed to remain free and draw support to her claim.” Otto said.

“You mean to imprison her.” Alicent felt as though her mind was moving through a fog. Hours ago her husband had been alive, and now she was being made aware of plots that she had never known existed. 

“She and her family will be given the opportunity to bend the knee and swear obeisance to the new King.” Otto replied.

Aelicent shook her head in disbelief. “She will never bend the knee, which you know. Nor will Daemon.” At her father’s unflinching stare, she sighed. “You mean to kill them. And all here accede to this?”

Lord Orwyle spoke up, his voice grating Alicent’s nerves. “Your father is correct, Your Grace. A living challenger invites battle and bloodshed. And there is Daemon to consider, we—”

“The King would not wish for the death of his daughter!” Alicent cried. “He loved her and I will not have you deny this.”

Things were spiraling so quickly out of control. Alicent had never made plans, had never truly imagined what it would mean for her to support her son’s ascension, but she had not prepared herself for this. The King’s body was not yet cold. 

“Time is of the essence,” Otto was saying. “Ser Westerling, take your knights to Dragonstone, be quick and clean.”

Alicent stared in shock as Ser Harrald walked away from the table, refusing to obey until his orders came from the king himself. 

She walked from the room as the council was dissolved, heading directly for her son’s chambers. She needed to speak to him, needed to ensure that he saw sense before her father led them down a path of madness. Before her children were—

Her children . 

Aemond .

She turned quickly to one of the guards at her side, a Kingsguard who’s name she could not be bothered to remember.

“My father was moving to secure the Keep, yes?” She asked.

“Yes, Your Grace,” He confirmed. “No one shall enter or leave the Keep without swearing fealty.”

Alicent knew what that meant. She could already hear the echo of footsteps down the stairs as servants and courtiers alike were roused from their sleep and taken to either the cells in the dungeons or to kneel before the Iron Throne.

She needed to gain control of this situation, which meant that she needed to ensure that all of her children would cooperate and stand by her. And there was one person in the Keep who could derail all of that.

“Take another guard and go secure the Princess Aelinor.” She ordered. “Quickly and quietly.”

“Secure her, Your Grace?” The knight asked.

Alicent dug her fingernails into her palm. If Aelinor remained where she was, Aemond would go to her. Though she did not doubt her son’s loyalty, she doubted her ability to draw his focus away from Rhaenyra’s daughter. Aelinor would have to serve as leverage in this, whether she liked it or not.

And besides, Alicent thought, this was a mercy. Better she be responsible for Aelinor than her father, who would likely have her confined to the cells.

“The empty rooms in the east tower.” Alicent directed. “Lock the outside, and tell no one she is there.”

“And if she resists, Your Grace?”

“The Princess is to be moved to that tower. Do whatever it takes.”

The knight hesitated only a second before bowing his head. “As you wish, Your Grace.” He marched away, another guard at his heels.

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

Aelinor was jolted awake by the sound of someone pounding on her door. For a moment she was seized by fear, unable to remember where she was or what was happening. It was disorienting to hear a commotion not immediately followed by the sound of her brother’s arguing, or Prince Daemon shouting about something.

But then she remembered where she was, at the Red Keep, and she quickly pulled herself from bed. Unable to find her robe without a light, and unwilling to take the time to light a candle, she moved from her bedchamber in just her loose nightdress. The main door to her chambers was shaking with the force of the pounding. 

“Jeyne?” She called worriedly, moving through the dark room. “Is that you?”

What a silly question. Of course Jeyne was not the one about to break down her door, especially not at this hour, when she could not even yet see the sun rising over the horizon. But worry flooded through her. Something terrible must have happened, and immediately she wondered if something had gone wrong with her mother’s ship, or perhaps even with the King.

She undid the bolt on the door with shaking hands, jumping back as it was thrown open. Two unfamiliar Kingsguard stood before her.

“Sers,” She greeted, resisting the urge to cover her nightgown with her hands. “Has something happened?”

“Princess Aelinor,” One of them said. “We have been sent to escort you to the east tower. For your safety.”

“For my safety?” She asked. “What’s wrong? Are we under attack?” 

“Now, Princess.”

She balked at the coldness of his tone. Never in her life could she remember a guard speaking to her in that way. Perhaps the situation was more serious than she realized.

“Let me just grab my robe,” She turned.

A hand wrapped around her upper arm, yanking her into the hallway with painful force.

“Ser!” She cried, trying to pry his fingers off. “What are you—How dare you?”

The other guard grabbed her other arm, his grip only a touch less painful, and they started to march her down the hallway.

“Stop this at once!” She demanded, struggling to free herself. “What is going on? I’m only in my nightdress and this is not proper!”

They did not answer, dragging her forward until her feet were tripping over each other and she was struggling to stay upright. 

Emerging out onto the main stairwell, they all stopped in their tracks, the guards looking both ways as if to be sure that no one would see them. Once they determined the way to be clear, they pulled her toward the stairs and started moving up.

Aelinor glanced down, and her blood ran cold at what she saw.

Dozens of people, some servants, some nobles, all of them in their night clothes, being marched down the stairs under armed guard. Their faces showed the same confusion and fear that Aelinor felt. 

Something was very, very wrong.

Aelinor opened her mouth to scream. “Help m—”

A metal gauntlet clapped itself over her mouth before she could be heard, the force enough to leave a bruise on her face. She struggled as the guards lifted her off the floor, carrying her up the steps two at a time. 

They climbed for what felt like an eternity, Aelinor’s resistance only serving to earn her more bruises as they tightened their grip. Moving into the East wing, they climbed again, until they were passing stone hallways lined with cobwebs and dust. Aelinor could not recall ever coming to this part of the Keep, and from the looks of things, no one else ever visited either.

Only when they reached the end of the staircase did they stop, one of the guards releasing his hold as he pulled a rusty iron key from his belt and pushed open a heavy door. It unleashed a cloud of dust that made him cough, but then he stepped into the room and held the door open. She was dragged through, kicking and screaming. 

“Let me go!” She shouted. Gods, was there anyone around who might hear her? Who might be able to tell her what was happening, and why?

The guard marched her to the far side of the room, and then without ceremony tossed her down onto an ancient velvet settee. The plume of dust it let off was enough to make Aelinor choke, and by the time she realized she was free the guards were already shutting the door behind them.

With a cry she threw herself across the room, her fists landing on the door just as she heard the telltale sound of a lock clicking into place.

“There has been a mistake!” She screamed. “Let me go!”

Their footsteps were fading, and soon she knew that she was alone.

Her entire body shaking, Aelinor turned to examine the room. It was small, as small as her own  bedchamber. The entire room was coated with a layer of filth, the only disturbances in the dust from the guards, herself, and some small footprints that looked alarmingly like rats. A chandelier heavy with cobwebs hung from the ceiling, the wax melted down the sides of the dull brass. As it was, even if she did have candles, she had no way to light it. The settee was the only furniture in the room, obviously left behind whenever the last resident moved out. It was worn, the upholstery torn and clumps of the stuffing spilling out from the seams.

She rushed to the window, through which a chilly morning breeze swept into the room. There were no curtains or shutters to keep out the cold. When she leaned over the stone, she peered down and stared directly down into the city. The buildings were tiny specs below her, the people practically invisible. Leaning more, she saw that there were no balconies below her, and thus no hope that anyone would spot her in the window.

She was trembling now. She had been locked away, perhaps to be forgotten, and her family was miles away on Dragonstone, completely unaware of what was happening. Even she didn’t understand why this was happening to her.

Something scuttled by in the corner of the room, and she screamed.

Rushing back to the door, she started to bang her palms against it.

“Hello? Is anyone out there?” She screamed. “I need to speak with Prince Aemond! Hello?”

But no one answered.

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

Aemond was roused early from his bed and escorted under guard to his brother’s chambers. There he found his sister and his niece and nephew, but no sign of his brother. It was hardly a surprise to find his brother missing, but nothing could have prepared him for the shock of learning that his father was dead.

The King was dead.

It wasn’t that Aemond had ever felt particularly close to his father, who had been old and somewhat frail by the time Aemond was old enough to be interesting. But it was still his father, and Aelinor’s grandfather, and a man who had been a pillar in their family for as long as any of them could remember.

Had someone told Aelinor? She would be devastated, he was sure, for she loved her grandfather dearly. Even he felt a smidgeon of grief, though it was spurred mostly by gratitude to his father for announcing their betrothal only two days before he passed.

He leaned out the window. The sun was just peeking over the horizon, and he watched as some guards hurried to lock the main gates to the Keep.

Understanding dawned on him. Perhaps some of his rationality had been veiled behind sleep or the daze of his day with Aelinor, but now things began to make a bit more sense.

The King was dead.

Princess Rhaenyra was on Dragonstone.

Which meant the Iron Throne sat empty for the taking.

Almost as soon as he realized this, the door the the chamber was opening and his mother and Ser Criston were walking in.

“Where is Aegon?” Alicent demanded.

Helaena looked up from her embroidery. “Not here.”

Alicent sent Ser Criston out to confirm whether Aegon was within the castle, and she began to pace back and forth.

“Mother?” Aemond asked quietly, speaking low as to not disturb his sister. “Is Aegon to sit the throne?”

Alicent stared at him for a long moment, before nodding. “It was your father’s dying wish.”

Aemond didn’t much care what his father’s dying wish was. It had never been a secret that their entire family did not wish to see the throne pass to Rhaenyra and her pack of bastards, and as far as Aemond was aware, that had never changed.

“Has Aelinor been informed?” 

Alicent looked away. “Do you have any idea where your brother is?”

Aegon shook his head, frowning at the change in subject. “I have not seen him since the day before yesterday. Mother, has Aelinor been informed?”

But Ser Criston was striding through the door. “Prince Aegon is not to be found within the castle walls, Your Grace, Your father has sent Ser Erryk into the city to find him. And Ser Erryk knows Aegon, so he has the advantage.”

His mother’s hands were shaking. “Then I trust to you, Ser Criston. Aegon must be found, and he must be brought to me. The fate of the Seven Kingdoms may very well depend on it.”

Ser Criston bowed. “I will not fail you, my Queen.”

There was shouting from outside, and Aemond watched as an unfamiliar lord was hauled off of his horse before reaching the gates. The Keep was being put under lock and key.

He walked past his mother. “I shall go see to Aelinor.”

“No, Aemond!” His mother demanded. “You shall not.”

He turned slowly. “She is my betrothed.”

“She is the daughter of a false heir,” Alicent took a deep breath. “And so she is, at this moment, an enemy.”

“An enemy?” Aemond hissed. “What have you done to her?” 

“Aemond, I—”

But he was already rushing from the room, hurrying through the Keep and dodging scuffles and whispered conversations as he went. This was madness. Aelinor was not an enemy, and his mother was a fool if she thought she could ever convince him of that. And she would be even more foolish to harm Aelinor, knowing the wrath she would face from her parents.

But when he reached Aelinor’s chambers, the door hung ajar, and she was nowhere to be found.

With a frustrated cry, Aemond turned on his heel and marched back to his family. His mother still stood in the center of the room, trying to make a plan with Ser Criston. 

“Where is she?” He demanded, interrupting their conversation.

“Aemond,” Alicent began calmly. “Aelinor has not been harmed, and she—”

“Where is she!” He shouted, the volume making his sister flinch. “Where have they taken her? To the dungeons? She isn’t a traitor!”

“She is the daughter of a potential threat,” Ser Criston said. “Securing her was necessary.”

“Securing her?” Aemond demanded. “I swear, if you—”

“Aemond!” Alicent reached for his arm, but he recoiled from her touch. Hurt shone on her face. “I swear to you, Aelinor has not been harmed. But her safety depends on us being able to quickly secure Aegon’s place on the throne. This means we must find him, quickly.”

His face must have shown his reluctance, for she continued.

“Once Aegon has been crowned, and with Aelinor in our custody and treated with kindness, Princess Rhaenyra will have no reason not to bend the knee.” Alicent implored. “We must use reason in determining our priorities.”

Aemond did see some logic in this. If Aegon was not found, if things were allowed to descend into chaos, then Aelinor would become an incredibly valuable pawn. And not all parties would treat her as well as they would.  

“Where is she?” He asked again.

“Safe.” Alicent repeated. “And once Aegon is found, you can see her.”

Frustration grated at his bones, but he finally nodded. “Alright. Then I will go with Ser Criston. Ser Erryk is not the only one who knows Aegon’s haunts.”

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

“You’ve been here before, My Prince?” 

Ser Criston’s voice was grating, making Aemond wish that he had insisted on coming alone. His tone was full of judgement, matching the look of scorn he had been wearing since they entered the Street of Silk.

Aemond glanced up at the pleasure house, watching as two whores shook out a blanket through a window, not hiding their open curiosity. Even with his cloak and the rags Criston was wearing, they would draw attention if they took too long. 

Criston knocked on the door again.

“Aegon brought me to the Street of Silk on my thirteenth name day.” Aemond started, not sure why he felt the urge to share this story with Ser Criston. “It was his duty as my brother, he said, to ensure I was as educated as I was. At least, that’s what I understood him to mean.”

“I don’t follow.” Ser Criston said, far too moral to catch the innuendo.

Aemond leaned forward. “He said, ‘time to get it wet’.”

That night was very clear in Aemond’s memory. It had been less than a year after he lost his eye, after he claimed Vhagar. He had thrown himself into training, determined to become the best dragon rider in his family, and Aegon had been making what he now realized was a genuine effort to bond with him. It was not Aegon’s fault that his interests lay more in perversions and drink where Aemond cared only for dragons and training. But he had gone with his brother, not aware of where he was being taken.

The whore that Aemond had hired for him had been at least ten years older than him, and when she had stepped forward clad in nearly invisible blue chiffon, Aemond had wanted to run for the hills. She had been blonde, nearly light enough in color to be white, and he had known why Aegon had selected her. 

He felt some shame as he remembered that moment when he had looked at that woman and imagined that she could be Aelinor. He was thirteen, a young man with a young man’s passions, and unable to exercise the restraint needed to understand why he was so drawn to that whore. 

He had done it, of course, and it was not the only time. He was not so stubborn as to rebuke the pleasures of the flesh, especially when those at court so frequently turned their backs on him. But he had never been able to let himself go in the same ways Aegon did. He went to the Street of Silk for momentary distractions, not for any true satisfaction. Eventually he had grown enough that he no longer required Aegon’s escort, and that brief attempt at brotherly bonding had resulted in no change to their relationship.

The sting of shame made him tense as the door opened. What would Aelinor think if she knew that he had been here before, that he had once fucked a woman just because she reminded him of her.

He shook his head, forcing those thoughts from his mind. They had far bigger things to worry about at the moment. He needed to be focused on finding Aegon so that he could be reunited with Aelinor. 

They’d watched the guards hang a man on their way out of the Keep, and he did not like the thought of Aelinor alone and unprotected as his grandfather staged his coup.

The woman who answered the door — the madam of the establishment, if he was remembering correctly — had not seen Aegon in some time. Her words about Aegon’s tastes confirmed the rumors that Aemond had been hearing for years, and ultimately only served to tell him that it would not be so easy to track down his brother. 

The madam eyed him, and he saw recognition in her gaze. He could dimly remember her being there on that night several years ago, leading him down a smoke-filled hallway to a private room, whispering promises that she had selected only the best for him.

“How you’ve grown,” Her lips curled in amusement.

Aemond nearly smiled at her audacity. He was not the same boy he had been when he first visited this place, and he was no longer one to succumb to temptation.

“It seems you were mistaken as to Aegon’s habits,” Criston said as they walked away.

Aemond just sighed. King’s Landing was the biggest city in Westeros, and there were a thousand places for Aegon to disappear to. “He could be in the hands of mercenaries, on a ship to Yi Ti.”

“He could be dead,” Ser Criston said sternly. “Let us hope, for your mother’s sake, that is not the case.”

They spent hours combing the city, checking every house on the Street of Silk before venturing to inns and taverns that dotted Fleabottom. Hardly places that a prince should be hiding, let alone a king.

“We shall find him, Prince Aemond,” Ser Criston tried to calm him when he kicked at a sack of straw.

Aemond was deeply frustrated. Every second that his brother was gone was a second that he was parted from Aelinor. Aegon did not deserve the throne, he did not know what it was to do one’s duty, to value lineage and ancestry and protect those that he loved. He treated his marriage to Helaena like a joke, belittling and insulting their sister at every turn. How could he expect to be protector of the realm if he did not even have the good sense to stay out of trouble.

“Here I am, trawling the city, ever the good soldier in search of a wastrel who’s never taken half an interest in his birthright,” He glared at Ser Criston. “‘Tis I the younger brother who studies history and philosophy, it is I who trains with the sword, who rides the largest dragon in the world. It is I who should be…” He caught himself before he spoke the treason on his tongue. “I know what it is to toil for what others are freely given.”

“Prince Aegon is not clever,” Ser Criston said. “If he is still unfound, it is because he has been taken, or waylaid somewhere by his drink. If we must turn over every stone in this city, we shall find him.”

“Hmmm,” And how long would that be? Aemond’s patience was wearing thin. “His secrets are his own and he is welcome to them. I’m next in line to the throne. Should they come looking for me, I intend to be found.”

An image flashed through his mind, a fantasy so vivid and enthralling that Aemond stopped in his tracks. Himself, seated on the Iron Throne, Aelinor by his side, a bright smile on his face. The crown was his, the result of a lifetime of devotion to his family. And below them, their families celebrating their ascension, Aelinor’s great hope was realized as they ceased their fighting. At his feet, Jacaerys and Lucerys knelt, finally bowed in humility.

Aemond as King, with Aelinor as his Queen .

But that was an impossibility. Aegon would sit the throne, as soon as he was found, and neither of their families would set aside their differences in his name. 

No, he was the second son, after all. It was his job to find the king, not to be crowned himself.

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

Aelinor was not sure how many hours she had been confined to this chamber. The sun had moved through the sky, passing high noon and dipping into the afternoon, and yet it did nothing to ease the chill. She sat in the corner, unwilling to touch the filthy chaise, her arms hugged tightly around her knees. Her nightdress was thin, nearly transparent, and did little to keep her warm. Parts of it were stained with blood after she had torn loose two fingernails trying to claw one of the hinges from the door.

Part of her hoped that this was all a grave misunderstanding. Soon someone would be coming to free her, to apologize for her treatment and assure her that it would never happen again. But with every hour that passed without someone rescuing her — without Aemond coming for her — the sense that something was horribly wrong grew worse.

She heard rats scuttle on the other side of the room, the pests fleeing only a moment before she heard footsteps on the other side of the door. Aelinor leapt to her feet, hearing indiscernible voices and the fumbling of keys. 

When the door swung open and she saw Aemond standing there, she nearly wept. He wore an unfamiliar black cloak, his hair ruffled as if he had recently been in a fight.

“Aemond!” She cried, launching herself into his arms, ignoring the two guards at his back. The same two who had locked her up in the dead of night.

“Lina,” He breathed, pulling away to look at her. “What are you—how long have you been here?”

“She was escorted here shortly after the King’s death, Prince Aemond.” One of the guards said.

Aelinor’s breath froze in her lungs. “The King…he is dead?”

“He passed in the night,” Aemond whispered.

A tiny sound escaped her throat, and she shivered violent. Gods, her sweet grandfather, he was gone. She could only pray that it had been peaceful, that he had not suffered as he left this world.

“Why are you in your nightdress?” Aemond asked.

Aelinor crossed her arms in front of her chest, suddenly very aware of just how undressed she was. “I…they woke me from my bed in the night.”

Aemond turned to glare at the guards. “These men did?” 

The guards both bowed, not in apology to her, but in deference to Aemond. “It was the Queen’s orders, My Prince.”

Aemond stepped forward, his hand reaching for his sword. As much as Aelinor wanted to see the guards answer for how they had treated her, she did not want to be the cause of violence. She grabbed his arm. “Aemond, I want to leave.”

Aemond turned quickly, removing the cloak from his own shoulders and draping it over her. “Come, we must get you warm and fed.”

She let him wrap an arm around her waist and lead her from the room. Her bare feet were cold against the stone, but she did not complain, all too aware of the guards at their backs.

“Aemond,” She whispered. “What did they mean, it’s the Queen’s orders? And why were they moving people in the middle of the night? What is happening?”

He just squeezed her. “I shall explain, but we must get you to my rooms.”

“I must return to my rooms,” Aelinor shook her head, unable to imagine the scandal if she were caught in Prince Aemond’s chambers. “I must find Jeyne. She is probably so worried.”

“Jeyne?”

“My maid.”

“All servants have been secured in the dungeons, My Prince.” One of the guards said, clearly thinking that he was being helpful.

“The dungeons!” Aelinor exclaimed. “Aemond, what—”

“I have been told to take you to my chambers,” He said. “I will explain there, Lina. I promise.”

Whatever explanation he intended to offer, it was not one that he wished for others to hear. Aelinor relented, following him through nearly empty corridors until they reached his chamber. At the door Aemond turned and ordered the guards to send someone for her clothes and a meal.

Once the door had closed behind him, Aelinor turned. “Aemond, what is happening?”

“First we must tend to you,” He stepped forward, opening the curtains and casting light on his surprisingly sparse room. A desk piled high with books, a neatly made bed, and some tapestries showing the mountains of Old Valyria. 

He lifted her hands first, frowning at her bloodied fingernails, before moving to her face. His fingers traced her jaw, a look of rage clouding his eyes at what he saw there. “Did they strike you?”

“What? No. They…” The events of that morning seemed an eternity ago. “They were covering my mouth.”

That did not seem to alleviate his anger. “My mother assured me that she directed that you be treated well. They will answer for this.”

“Aemond, what do you mean your mother ordered this?” She pulled away, letting him keep her hands in his. “Is my grandfather truly dead?”

He nodded solemnly. “He is. I am sorry, Lina. I know you cared for him deeply.”

She did, and she would grieve greatly in the coming days. But her grandfather’s health had been a constant pain to him, and she was sure that every day was an agony for him. He was a great man, but perhaps this could be a mercy.

She nodded slowly, swallowing down her tears. “And when will my mother arrive?”

Aemond didn’t answer.

Aelinor pulled away and paced to the window. “Gods, this will not be good for her. With the babe, and she has only just returned to Dragonstone. There will be so much to do, and she—”

“Aelinor.”

“Yes?”

She could not identify the expression on Aemond’s face as he studied her. “Your mother has not been sent for.”

“What cause for delay could there be?” She gasped. “I understand the Queen will wish to mourn, but she must—”

Aemond just shook his head.

She felt terror like she had never known flood her veins as she realized what he meant. Rhaenyra, the rightful Queen, had not been summoned. She had been dragged from her bed in the night. People were being imprisoned in the dungeons.

“Who has done this?” She breathed.

Aemond ignored her question. “The rightful heir will be crowned by the end of the day.”

“The rightful heir?” She demanded. “Surely you do not mean Aegon? My mother is the named heir. All of the houses of the realm swore fealty to her!”

“Aegon is the King’s eldest male heir, and the crown will pass to him.”

“Aemond!” He sounded like he was echoing his grandfather. “You cannot mean this! What will happen to my family? What will happen to us? Gods…” She held a hand to her mouth. “We’ll all be killed.”

“No, No!” Aemond stepped forward, reaching for her hands but she flinched away. “Lina, I will not let this happen. Don’t you see, this is a good thing.”

“A good thing? How could this ever be good?”

He reached for her again, his fingers grasping the edge of the cloak she wore. “If your mother were ground it would throw the realm into turmoil. A Queen has never sat the throne, and there is the question of Jacaerys as her heir. Aegon succession is less likely to be contested, and he already has an heir.”

Aelinor though of those two little children, and just shook her head. “You expect my mother, my father to just lay down their arms and accept this? The other houses.”

“They will,” Aemond insisted. “Because we have you.”

Aelinor’s breath shuttered. “I am a hostage.”

“No, you are to be my wife.” Aemond promised. “But your family will not risk war while you are here, and it can all be resolved peacefully.”

Aelinor just stared at him. “I know you do not believe that.”

He did not deny it.

Aelinor turned from him, going to lean on the windowsill. How had things gone so wrong, so quickly? Her family would suffer for this, and he was pretending that there could be a peaceful resolution. When she knew that both he and his brother would celebrate her family’s fall.

A choked sob escaped her, and she bent over, her head in her hands.

“Lina,” Aemond’s hands were at her back. “I swore to protect you, and I will not break this promise. You must trust me.”

“How can I?” She sobbed. “How can I trust anyone after this?”

“You must.” A voice from the doorway startled both of them, and they turned to find Queen Alicent standing there in a dress of deep emerald. Aelinor thought the Queen looked exhausted, and yet she felt loathing like she had never known rise up in the back of her throat.

“Usurper!” Aelinor cried. “How could you do this? You were once friends with my mother, were you not?”

Alicent glanced down at the floor. “Aemond, I must speak with the Princess. Alone.”

“Mother, I do not—”

“Just go.” Aelinor said, straightening as the Queen approached. “Just go.”

Aemond gave her a look of regret, but he obeyed, closing the door behind him as he left.

“I am sorry that things have transpired this way, Princess.” The Queen said.

“No, you are not.” Aelinor shook her head. “Your son ends up on the throne.”

“It may be difficult to believe, but it was my husband’s dying wish to see Aegon succeed him.”

“Your husband, who broke tradition to install my mother as heir and never once wavered?” Aelinor demanded. “How dare you invoke his name for your lies. For your treachery.”

“You shall be treated kindly, Princess and I—”

“Kindly! I was dragged from my bed in the night and treated with anything but kindness. And now Aemond says you mean to use me as leverage against my family.”

Alicent sighed. “It is necessary.”

Aelinor was disgusted. “You all have fallen into madness.”

She was alone here, here family gone, and her father had been right. This was a snake pit. Whether Aemond believed in his brother or not, he would not betray his family, which made him a usurper too. She had no allies here, no one who could—”

“Where is Princess Rhaenys?” Aelinor remembered. “Has she been imprisoned as well?”

“The Princess Rhaenys has been confined to her chambers.” Alicent said. “As were you.”

“Then I have great sympathy for her.” Aelinor sighed. “What is to become of us?”

Alicent stepped forward suddenly, grabbing Aelinor’s hand with surprising force. “Aelinor, it does not need to be this way. There is a way forward where we can all find happiness.”

“Happiness?” Aelinor tried to pull her hands free. “How?”

“The way the King intended,” Alicent insisted. “You will wed Aemond, show your support for Aegon’s ascension, and your mother will see reason and the realm will finally be at peace.”

Aelinor succeeded in pulling her hands free. “I was not aware that the realm was at war.”

A knock sounded at the door, and Aemond entered, holding a bundle in his hands that Aelinor recognized as one of her velvet day cloaks. She assumed that within the bundle was something for her to wear that wasn’t a nightdress.

“Aegon will be crowned in two hours’ time,” Alicent said. “It is for the best that you be there, with us. That you stand in support of the rightful King.”

Aelinor met Aemond’s gaze, saw something like pleading shining in his eye. 

She turned to Alicent, holding her gaze steady as she spoke. “Do with me what you will. But if you put me in front of a crowd, I shall declare your treachery for all to hear.”

Disappointment flashed across Alicent’s face, but she nodded. “Very well then. You shall remain here, until it is decided what is to be done with you.”

She turned, touching Aemond’s arm as she left. “You will be there, Aemond.”

It wasn’t a question, but he answered anyway. “I will, Mother.”

The Queen left, leaving them alone once again. 

“How can you do this, Aemond?” Aelinor demanded. “To my mother, to me.”

He set her clothes on the bed, walking forward. “I am doing what is right, I only hope that you can understand this.”

“Understand?” She scoffed. “Did you not hear your mother? They are going to decide what is to be done with me. If your brother wills it, my head might be on a pike tomorrow!”

“No, you shall be safe.” Aemond assured her. “We will marry once all this has blown over, and all will be well.”

“It cannot be well when a usurper sits the throne.”

Aemond took her hands in his, leaning down until his forehead pressed against hers. “I am begging you, Lina. These things are unsavory, and I know you to be too goodhearted and gentle to bare them, but we must do our part. Do you not wish to marry me?”

“Of course I do.” She promised, lifting her hands to touch the sides of his face, her thumb tracing the side of his eye patch. “But I could not bare to see my family hurt.”

Aemond pressed a kiss to her lips, and she tried to let some of the tension leave her body. “We can only do our own part, Lina. Mine is to defend my brother, and yours is to be your mother’s best advocate at court. An advocate for peace.”

“And how do I do that?”

“You marry me. You keep the peace. You stand beside me at my brother’s coronation.”

Aelinor closed her eyes, picturing it. Clothed in a gown of deep green, standing at Aemond’s side as Aegon knelt to receive the crown. A show of unity that would force her mother to yield. It could bring about an age of peace.

Or it could be the cause of a war.

“I will marry you, Aemond.” She said quietly. “I love you too dearly to wish for anything else.”

He smiled, moving to kiss her again.

She held up a hand. “And I shall not try to leave King’s Landing. I would not give the less rational members of Aegon’s court cause for retribution.”

Aemond nodded. “You will be safe here, under my protection. I swear it, my Love.”

My Love .

“But Aemond.” Aelinor stepped away. “I will not be at Aegon’s coronation, not unless you drag me there bound hand and foot.”

His face darkened. “And you will not change your mind?”

“I shall not.” 

He nodded, stepping back and assuming a false calm that unsettled her. “Very well then, have it your way. You will remain here until I return. I will have someone escort you back to your chambers.”

“Thank you, Aemond.”

He looked like he wished to say more, but he just bowed and left her alone to change. After escorting her back to her rooms, he left her alone without another word.

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

Aelinor spent the following hours pacing her chambers, worrying over Jeyne and the Princess Rhaenys. As she had promised Aemond, she did not intend to try to escape. If she were caught it would give the Queen an excuse to throw her in the dungeons, or worse, and that would only result in spurring her mother into war. No, she needed to keep her wits about her if she were to survive this.

Through the window she watched the masses of King’s Landing be herded into the Dragonpit for the coronation.

She had Aemond by her side. Aemond who, while she did not doubt that she was loyal to his family, would never see her hurt. And though she was itching to wring his neck for supporting Aegon, she was not ready to turn her back on him either.

Perhaps he was right. If she stayed here, played her part, perhaps she could contribute to bringing about peace. If she stayed long enough, the other lords would muster to her mother’s cause and force Aegon from the throne. Her mother would be merciful, her father could be persuaded, and she would still be allowed to marry Aemond. There was still a way forward for them.

She climbed into the window, leaning against the wall and studying the city. The tiny buildings that leaned against each other, the harbor sparkling in the distance, the Dragonpit standin tall above it all.

Did her mother know what had happened yet? Surely someone must have made it out of King’s Landing, must have shared the news. She would be worried, probably furious with herself for leaving Aelinor behind. It would not be good for the babe, for her mother to worry so. Aelinor chewed on her fingernail. Her father would be itching for war, and she hoped there was a small part of his desire for vengeance that stemmed from care from her.

Jacaerys and Lucerys, they probably would have already flown back on dragon back, to try to rescue her on their own. She imagined her mother locking them in their rooms, and the thought made her laugh. 

With a sigh, she leaned her head back against the stone. The bells tolled, signaling the start of the coronation. Somewhere, beneath the Dragonpit, underneath Aegon’s very feet, was Darrax. She wondered if she would be allowed to visit him soon, as long as Aemond accompanied her. But then she realized that Aemond would not have time to accompany her anywhere. This was a coup, after all, and they would have much work to do to consolidate their power. He would not have time for her. 

She closed her eyes, whispering a prayer. They just had to weather this storm. One way or another, Aemond and her would be together. She just needed to have faith, and to keep her own strength.

An unfamiliar rumble reached her ears, and when her eyes opened she saw the crimson streak of Meleys crashing through the doors of the Dragonpit. Underneath her feet people were trampled, hundreds more running for their lives.

Aelinor began to weep.

[jacaela]

"Rhaenyra brutally killed Vaemond, so the greens usurped her, they feared for their lives." - someone from reddit.

First, she ordered Daemon to cut off his head, and fed the dead body to the dragon. Secondly, this was done with the light hand of Viserys and Corlys, because Vaemond violated the royal order. Nobody cared about his death, neither the greens, nor even Corlys. A little surprise that will burn your asses:

His brother Lucerys agreed, insisting that he and Jace were men, or near enough to make no matter. “Our uncle calls us Strongs, but when the lords see us on dragonback they will know that for a lie. Only Targaryens ride dragons.” Mushroom tells us that the Sea Snake grumbled at this, insisting that the three boys were Velaryons, yet he smiled as he said it, with pride in his voice.

Luke’s young brother Joffrey (Jace was still away on his mission north) swore a terrible oath of vengeance against Prince Aemond and Lord Borros. Only the intervention of the Sea Snake and Princess Rhaenys kept the boy from mounting his own dragon at once.

Having outlived all of his children and suffered the betrayal of his nephews and cousins, the Sea Snake seemed more than eager to accept these newfound grandsons.🤣

Yet none of these losses were felt so deeply as that of Jacaerys Velaryon, Prince of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne. Rhaenyra’s youngest son seemed lost as well. In the confusion of battle, none of the survivors seemed quite certain which ship Prince Viserys had been on. [...] It is written that when the Sea Snake was congratulated on his victory, the old man said, “If this be victory, I pray I never win another.”

And most importantly, at the green council no one even mentioned him, so this argument has zero value. The reason Rhaenyra was usurped is misogyny. Alicent and Otto had been plotting to usurp her long before she married Laenor. For the same reason, the greens refused to send a raven to the Arryns.

“King,” insisted Queen Alicent. “The Iron Throne by rights must pass to His Grace’s eldest trueborn son.”

One-eyed Prince Aemond, nineteen, was found in the armory, donning plate and mail for his morning practice in the castle yard. “Is Aegon king?” he asked Ser Willis Fell, “or must we kneel and kiss theold whore’s cunny?”

GRRM: “The Civil War in England between Stephen and Matilda, which was over whether a woman could in fact inherit the English crown. And they passed her over but she was pissed about it and went to war and that war ripped England apart.”

"Rhaenyra would have killed greens"

“I offered her an honorable peace, and the whore spat in my face,” he declared. “What happens next is on her own head.”

Broken by the loss of one son, Rhaenyra Targaryen seemed to find new strength after the loss of a second. Jace’s death hardened her, burning away her fears, leaving only her anger and her hatred. Still possessed of more dragons than her half-brother, Her Grace now resolved to use them, no matter the cost. She would rain down fire and death upon Aegon and all those who supported him, she told the black council, and either tear him from the Iron Throne or die in the attempt.

Rhaenyra rejected her stepmother’s proposal with scorn. “Your sons might have had places of honor at my court if they had kept faith,” Her Grace declared, “but they sought to rob me of my birthright, and the blood of my sweet sons is on their hands.” “Bastard blood, shed at war,” Alicent replied. “My son’s sons were innocent boys, cruelly murdered. How many more must die to slake your thirst for vengeance?”

Sunfyre, it is said, did not seem at first to take any interest in the offering, until Broome pricked the queen’s breast with his dagger.

[tasha-writes]

A Stitch in Time - Part 4

Yes this fic is still progressing, I just may or may not have been forgetting to post here instead of ao3, whoopsie.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Alicent grimaced Sunfyre skittered over her lap. The dragon was approximately the size of a cat, but his tiny talons were sharp as knives. Currently, the young dragon was playing fetch of all things with Aegon. Helaena watched attentively from her cradle, the closest she ever got to matching Aegon’s claps and giggles. Aegon had his tempers as a child to be sure, but overall, he had been such a lovely baby. How did that turn into the drunkard rapist in her dream? Her other life? Two days of mulling it over and she still couldn’t be sure. 

She did, however, remember the source of her antipathy towards Rhaenyra and found herself angry all over again. Whether it be months or years of separation from the event, Alicent still found her temper boiling at the lie Rhaenyra had fed her. Their years of friendship apparently meaning nothing. Had Rhaenyra told the truth, Alicent would have protected her. Wouldn’t she? She was almost sure that she would. It was the lie that hurt the most. 

The door to the nursery banged open, throwing Helaena into one of her screaming fits immediately. The screaming infant sent the tiny dragon barreling into the wobbling toddler that was Aegon and knocking him over, sending him into a kicking and screaming tantrum himself. Alicent almost felt bad for the little gold dragon who was now being squeezed for comfort. “You dismissed Ser Criston!” Alicent suddenly felt like screaming and crying in unison with her children. 

Instead, she went to Helaena in an attempt to comfort the ever-crying infant. “Rhaenyra,” 

“What did he tell you?” Alicent sighed. She wondered if Rhaenyra knew she was incriminating herself, although Alicent already knew the truth.

“I will speak plainly, stepdaughter,” Rhaenyra scoffed, “He bloodied his white cloak with your maidenhead, for that alone I should have dismissed him immediately. And then his unsightly behavior at your wedding,” Alicent shook her head, “disgraceful.” Not to mention what Criston did with Alicent years down the line. “Close the door Rhaenyra, and - Aegon for the love of - Rhaenyra could you possibly rescue that poor lizard?” 

Rhaenyra stalked over to her brother and gently pried Sunfyre out of his grubby little hands. “Careful Aegon, kesā ossēnagon se mijegindita run. Se pār skoriot kessa ao sagon?” Alicent frowned over her shoulder at the two siblings, what could Rhaenyra have possibly said to him. ‘Careful’ had been in common tongue, careful what? Careful of your grandfather who would have you usurp me? Careful of your mother that would let him? “Alicent, you’re practically shaking poor Helaena.” Rhaenyra’s angry face was a sharp contrast to her kindly intentioned words. 

“Thank you, Rhaenyra, but I do not need instructions on how to care for mine own children,” Alicent snapped. Rhaenyra just rolled her eyes in response and sat to pet Sunfyre. 

“He confessed his sin, didn’t he. Before the welcome feast?” Rhaenyra asked after the dragon had finally decided he’d had enough and skittered off towards the fireplace. It was infuriating how astute this younger version of the princess could be when she wasn’t so busy being angry at the world. 

“You lied to me, Rhaenyra.” Alicent accused harshly. “You swore to me, on your mother, that you maintained your maidenhood,” Alicent turned towards the window, refusing to let the princess see the tears that threatened to spill. Helaena continued to cry, Alicent bounced her harder. 

“Is this truly what this whole feud has been about?” Rhaeynra scoffed, “I didn’t lie to you Alicent. I swore that Daemon had not touched me, and it is true I did not sully myself on his cock,” Alicent flinched “I never swore that I remained a maiden.” 

“That language is not suitable of a lady, much less a princess,” Alicent hissed, “Do try not to be such an influence on my son.” 

“Apologies, your Grace,” Rhaenyra spit out sarcastically, “I shall endeavor to control my mouth.”

“See that you do,” Alicent said coldly. 

“As you should endeavor to control yours about my lord husband.” Rhaenyra’s demanded, a fiery temper against Alicent’s icy one. The tension was thick enough that you could cut it with a knife, and there was something oddly comforting in that. This was what she was used to. The anger, the resentment. The back and forth of the year between Aegon’s second and third name day had been stressful. Alicent constantly felt as if she had been on eggshells. 

“It is an open secret,” Alicent scoffed, “the whole of court knows, and duly ignores it. I find I cannot do the same,” Rhaenyra rolled her eyes. “Do you think that he will be able to provide you an heir? Any children you have will likely be of dubious parentage at best.” 

“Laenor and I will perform our duty to the realm.” It was almost cute how Rhaenyra actually believed that. 

“Do not act naive Rhaenyra, it does not suit you,” Alicent chided. 

“And what would you have me do?” Rhaenyra snapped, “Have no children at all? Ensure that it is Aegon and his descendants who sit the throne after me?” 

Alicent took a moment to consider courses of action and their various political insinuations. In truth, she had never imagined she would be in the position to advise, although in anger, Rhaenyra’s situation. “Lord Corlys certainly knows his son's preferences, as we all do. Annul the marriage, promise your heir to one of Laena’s children.” A clean solution that allowed for the Lord of the Tides to actually put his blood on the Iron throne, however many generations removed. 

“And how do you suggest I provide this heir?” Rhaenyra sneered, “Shall impregnate myself perhaps?”

And now for the piece de resistance, a sure-fire way for her father’s scheming to come to an end, “We joked about when we were supposed to lunch together, before you stormed off, “Alicent took a breath to steady herself, “Marry my brother. Marry Gwayne.”

Alicent’s suggestion was met with absolute silence, even the children had quieted, Helaena’s sobs having faded into hiccups. The minutes ticked by and Rhaenyra’s face had dropped into a carefully neutral expression. Was she considering Alicents offer, or just how best to say no? Alicent couldn’t blame Rhaenyra if she did, perhaps one of Otto Hightower’s children marrying into the family was more than enough. 

“What would you have done if I had told you the truth?” Rhaenyra asked quietly. “About Ser Cole?”

Why in the name of the Gods were they circling back to this? Alicent shrugged, “I would have honored your trust in me and kept our friendship, I would have acted accordingly with that.” With Helaena finally calmed down, Alicent deemed it safe to place the child in her crib and give herself a break. 

 “I should still like us to be on good terms, But it is hard when you do not trust me and have endeavored to commit sins that have damaged my trust in you as well.” 

“What has brought this on Alicent?” Rhaenyra asked. Almost as if to answer for the queen, Aegon crawled upon his elder sister's lap and started playing with the long strands that fell in front of her shoulders. 

“In truth, I fear for my children. I do not wish for them to be caught in the crossfire of our anger. Nor your children, once you bear them,” Rhaenyra grimaced at the reminder of bearing heirs. “And I am lonely,” Alicent admitted, “something that I have admitted to you previously, when Daemon returned from the Stepstones.” 

Rhaenyra sighed heavily, “We have both hurt and been hurt by half truths. Perhaps we could both endeavor to open our hearts more fully to each other.” Alicent resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the thinly veiled attack. The princess, it seemed, was still upset about Alicent’s marriage to Viserys. 

“I suppose we could,” Alicent allowed. 

“Ser Criston asked me to run away with him.” Alicents gaze shot towards the princess. Rhaenyra was looking down at the prince in her lap. “I said no, of course. My duty lies here, in the keep. He wasn’t satisfied with being my whore as he called it. And that was that.” 

Alicent wasn’t exactly sure what to say to that. She had wondered why Ser Criston had seemed so upset with Rhaenyra. “Thank you,” Alicent sighed, despite every instinct telling her otherwise, she knew she should meet Rhaenyra’s truth with one of her own. “I didn’t set out to marry your father or keep it from you. My father strongly suggested I visit him, provide solace in the aftermath of your mother’s death. Your father asked me not to tell you, I should have regardless.” It wasn’t quite an apology, but it was close as Alicent felt comfortable getting. 

Rhaenyra gently lifted Aegon from her lap and stood, crossed the room and took Alicent’s bloody and bitten hands her own calloused ones, “Thank you, Alicent.

The high valyrian means "Careful Aegon, Careful aegon, you will kill and poor thing. And then where will you be?"

I didn't want to translate in the chapter because it felt like it would take away from the pov being limited to Alicent

[helaelaemond]

Do you got any Helaemond headcanons to share with the class? 👀

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aemond calls her 'Lae' - it stems from a lazy joke that Aegon made about her being called 'Hel', because she is his Hell. After that, Aemond swore he'd never call her Hel again, so Lae it is.

After claiming Vhagar, Aemond went to Viserys and Alicent to request that Helaena be betrothed to him instead (despite the betrothal being set in stone). Both Viserys and Alicent denied him. He came at it from a point of view of duty - that he would provide for her and protect her - rather than desire/emotion, as he was aware that if his parents suspected his true motivations and denied him, it would mean barriers would be put in place of his relationship with Helaena. Neither of his parents seemed to think that he did it out of anything other than duty. He put up somewhat of a fight at first, but he accepted their refusal fairly quickly because at the end of the day, they're his parents. Helaena was upset about it for a long time.

They didn't sleep together until a few years into her marriage with Aegon. It was emotionally messy, and they both wept during and after. But it got better, and they were able to channel their passion quickly

The twins were born long before the two of them began the physical aspect of their relationship, but Maelor is likely Aemond's. As Aegon only came to Helaena when he was drunk, she was able to make sure that he didn't spend inside her for the most-part. Of course, she loved all of her children equally, and it didn't matter that the twins were Aegon's and Maelor was Aemond's.

There was always an understanding that they loved each other more than in a brother/sister way. They were always close, and it was never a secret between them that it was deeper than normal siblings. It made them incredibly dependent on one another.

Aemond draws a sense of calm both from her and for her. He knows how the slightest sign of conflict forces her to retreat into herself and he fights with himself to keep control of his emotions around her. In turn, her calm soothes him, and makes it almost easy.

Helaena draws bravery from him. He is steadfast and strong and silent in his support of her. It makes her feel brave.

When they're apart, his grasp on peace is greatly diminished. His greatness teeters into madness without her balance - the coin is flipped. Without him, she retreats into herself and no one can guide her back out. The Riverlands burn for it - and so too does Kings Landing.

[rekino2114]

Could you do yttd girls with a reader like Nagito Komaeda?I love your blog ;)

Yttd girls with a nagito komaeda reader

A/n:Thanks so much. And i love your request cause it's the first yttd one, also I know this sucks I didn't have that many ideas, I feel so sorry giving you this after you complimented my blog😭 also sorry I couldn't think of anything interesting for nao and the dummies.

Spoilers for your turn to die

Sara chidouin

When you first met after being kidnapped, sara liked you, she thought you were just another normal person who was forced to participate in this game.

It was only when you completely went insane during the first main game that she realized she was wrong.

She started to notice the similarities between you and sou, namely the fact that you both were kind of psychotic so she just stays away from you two. Sara in on the verge of a mental breakdown every 15 minutes in this death game she doesn't need another crazy person to deal with.

She's kind of annoyed at your talk of hope and your luck mainly cause you somehow always end up with the commoner or sage card while she had the keymaster and sacrifice in a row.

"Ah, Sara how are you doing on this fine day?"

"..........."

"Oh? Are you ignoring me? I understand a beacon of hope like you should never interact with trash of my kind"

"*sighs heavily*"

Reko yabusame

She also thinks of you, kinda similarly to how she views sou:a weirdo

You always compliment her singing which makes her really uncomfortable.

She tried to punch you when you said any of your weird things after Alice's death( if we're in her route)

"Reko your singing is truly sublime, might I call you the ultimate singer?"

".....the fuck are you on about?"

Sue miley

At first, she thought you were another boring participant that she would enjoy seeing suffer, but during your crazy monologue in the first main game she realized you are much more interesting than that.

Even if you were kind of insulting her calling her an agent of despair or something similar, she didn't pay attention, she could see it in your eyes, that same look she had, you were insane and you weren't even faking it like sou,that made you much more interesting and entertaining in her eyes.

She was pretty sad that you had to go to the other floors, but she could still watch your progress, she kinda started rooting for you to win, and she tried talking the other floormasters into increasing your chances of survival after what they saw.

"Listen y/n, before you go, i wanted to tell you that you're much more entertaining than the others I would appreciate it if you were to win"

"I don't plan on winning but destroying this game so that everyone can see that hope will win against despair"

"Tch whatever, just don't die"

Tia safalin

To be honest, she's kinda scared of you. You remind her of ranger, but somehow more sadistic and insane.

She's very impressed and kinda freaked out by the fact you somehow always complete the attractions without receiving any damage because of your luck.

She'd like to study your brain, so she tries to convince you to use her machine a lot, but you always refuse cause you just have no trauma even after everything that happened, which makes her even more curious and scared.

"H-hey y/n are you OK?"

"Ah, safalin, yes, please don't worry about me. I'm totally alright"

"A-are you sure? I-i could help you if you want"

"No it's fine you don't need to worry about trash like me"

"........o-ok"

Maple

You two surprisingly get along pretty well maybe because the only person who can understand and not be freaked out by your personality is literally not a human.

You're intrigued by how technological her body is and how she can feel emotions despite being a doll, you liked seeing her hopeful face when she talked with you

You feel incredibly angry towards midori for what he did to her, and when she died, you swore to kill him because he was the epitome of despair in your eyes.

"Oh y/n, you're back! I'm so happy would you like some tea?"

"Thank you maple, yes I would like some"

"I'm glad you come to visit me so often, it gets lonely in here"

[advitameternal]

AEGON, the first child she was forced to have for the throne. She remembered laying in bed, staring at the ceiling, waiting for her husband to be done. Aegon, who came without a fuss, at the price of her innocence. Too young to be a mother, but aware that the crown needed its heir — wasn’t it why Aemma died, bleeding in bed after Viserys ordered for her to be cut open? A terrible fate, one that made her shudder. The very same thing could have easily happened to her.

She wanted to be the kind of mother who could love her first child unconditionally, but her heart was shackled by the chains of her the weight of her responsibilities. Before she could even learn how to be a mother, she was pregnant again. With another child on the way, the fragile bond she hoped to forge with Aegon seemed to slip further from her grasp. Her duties multiplied, her time divided, and yet she tried. She held him, cradled him at night, and when he cried, sometimes, she did too.

Still, loving a baby was different than loving a future king, and while he was still small, while he still needed the comfort of her arms, she tried to give him that for as long as she could. The maids tried to tell her she should not hold Aegon while heavily pregnant but she refused to listen to them. For a little while, she could pretend that Aegon was just 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔, and did not belong to the throne.

Now the guilt is devouring her very soul, and she thinks about all the times she could have just hugged him.

HELAENA was born, a beautiful baby girl with shining eyes. Yet, this daughter did not belong to her either, she was Aegon’s. The future queen, the one who would have to take over this burden one day. A reflection of her own fate, of her own pain, but Helaena would be raised for it, and Alicent secretly swore to herself that she would never let her down. No matter what, she was always going to protect her little girl. A fussy baby, who never stopped crying. She spent hours trying to calm her down in front of a window, not giving her away to any nurse. It was her daughter, and she wanted to be a good mother, but all the time occupied with the incessant cries also took her further away from her first born.

She wishes she could cradle her like she used to and protect her from the horrors of the war.

AEMOND was more hers than her first children. A word she loathed: the spare. Perhaps it was why she protected him more, trying her hardest to shield him from mockeries, from feeling like he was not simply born in case Aegon died. Without a dragon, she knew her son could not find his place within this already torn family, and yet for a while, it made her closer to him. In his arms, he is more protected than on the back of a dragon. It was her he sought when in trouble, when his cousins – and brother – mocked him, and with him she felt needed, and loved.

He does not anymore, he is on his own path, one of destruction that she has no idea how to stop.

DAERON, her youngest, a precious child. Daeron, who clutched to her legs with strength, who whispered mama with a big smile on his face. He was forced to share a wet nurse with Jacaerys, her husband foolishly thinking it would be enlightened to create bonds, instead making the rivalry grow. Daeron, so charming, helpful, who wanted to make his mother proud. Their family was being torn apart by hatred, resentment growing in each of her son except him. So she sent him to Oldtown, so the atrocities of the court could not poison his beautiful son. A necessary sacrifice so he could grow up with no burden on his shoulders.

He does not reply to her letters anymore, the child she tried to protect, and she feels lost, more alone than ever, but also proud of the child who is much better than she could ever be.

There is no name for a child that is not born, that potentially did not exist, moon tea erasing it from existence before life could form. Ironically enough, it would have been the first child made with her consent, with her feeling pleasure, instead of staring at the ceiling, waiting for the deed to be over. The moon tea, a poignant reminder of the love she was both embracing and denying, a reminder of the life she could have had, if she had never married Viserys. Surely, it was foolish to feel love and longing for a child that did not exist, yearning for a phantom future that could never be.

[queenofcats17]

The Ink Demonth 29

This day's theme was Queer.

So, I decided to focus on how weird Audrey probably seems to everyone around her. This takes place in the King's Heavy Heart AU.

============================================

Audrey Klein was a queer child. Everyone agreed.

Although, admittedly, no one could quite explain why they thought she was so queer. By all accounts, she looked like any other child, and especially like her father when he'd been young. She played with other children, she did well in school, and she enjoyed reading, drawing, and pestering her older cousins and adults with questions about the world. She was a bright young girl who was just as sharp and no-nonsense as her Aunt Esther.

But there were some strange things about Audrey as well. She'd never broken a bone. No matter how many times she'd fallen out of a tree or off playground equipment, she'd never broken a single bone. Some passed it off as her just being lucky, while others swore they saw her limbs... bend instead of break. Like rubber. And if anyone ever saw Audrey bleed, which wasn't often, they swore her blood looked black. It didn't smell like blood either. It smelled like... ink.

And then there were the drawings.

From the time she'd been very little, Audrey had only seemed interested in drawing one thing. Bendy the Dancing Demon. Alice Angel and Boris the Wolf had featured sometimes, Boris more than Alice, but Bendy was usually the main focus. And... sometimes... she drew a man with a ponytail in a grey vest and a red bowtie. Usually, she drew him frowning, attached to Bendy with what looked like a chain. Always, he was drawn in a dark space.

When asked who the man was, she would reply, "That's my daddy. He's with my brother right now. But they're not getting along."

When pressed by adults to explain what she meant by this, she refused to offer any additional information. That had been a common theme when she'd been young. She'd often spoken of her father who was with her brother. She said they were somewhere secret, along with a lot of other people. She said her daddy did something bad and now everyone was stuck. Esther had always claimed the stories were just the stories of an imaginative child, but it was hard to miss the concerned look in her eyes whenever Audrey started telling the stories.

As Audrey had gotten older, she'd stopped talking about her father and brother and ceased drawing them. But she always came back to drawing Bendy. No one was surprised when she went to work for Archgate after they acquired the rights to Bendy.

Audrey was a queer girl. Everyone agreed.

But no one had any idea just how strange she truly was.

[unohanabbygirl]

Q for HIPS! Could you give us thoughts on a what would have happened if the greens/baratheons hadn’t been succession in burying the fact that Aemond went into rut madness before chasing after Lucerys? Like if there was just one knight who was loyal to Daemon or an old maid who once cared for Rhaenys who reported what happened immediately to Rhaenyra? I feel like it would be total chaos. Especially since the Hightowers are so closely related to the Faith that a lot of minor lords would abandon them, not to even mention the small folk or Daeron. Would it speed up of the violence of the war or would it ensure that it never happened if what Aemond did and the loss of the greens’ moral high ground pushed Aegon into giving up kings landing to protect himself? It’s one thing to have Aemond kill Lucerys on dragonback in a storm, it is a whole other thing to imagine him going into rut and hurting Lucerys so badly through an assault that he would die.

I like the idea of an old woman whose served house Baratheon her entire life and even took care of Rhaenys as a child hearing about what happened in court and immediately seeking out answers. This entire situation is a straight up death sentence for Borros as he’s doing everything he can to make sure no one speaks of what happened to a single soul, so anyone who wanted to inform the blacks would have to be careful as hell.

It would take some time but soon enough the woman gets a message sent to Dragonstone explaining everything she knows from Luke falling to the floor as he presented to Aemond going into rut and chasing him out before Borros swore everyone to secrecy and pledged his allegiance to Aegon. Rhaenys doesn’t want to believe the message, but this woman practically helped raise her and knows she’d never lie about such things.

From there on out the blacks declare war. Even though they don’t truly know what’s happened the chances of Luke making it away from a prime alpha in rut madness whilst in heat basically makes it a guarantee that something horrible has happened. In such a situation the best possible scenario is that Aemond left Luke alive after an assault while the worst is that he’s been murdered brutally as prime alphas in rut madness will continue to assault their victims even after their death. Every knight loyal to Rhaenyra including those who serve their allies houses (who were informed of the situation through raven) are sent to search every inch of land surrounding Stroms end for Luke and Arrax over the next days. Corlys wants Aemond’s head more than anything, but Daemon has to remind him that sending their men after him will end in a blood bath if he’s still in that state while Vhagar is at his side.

Once Luke is found along with sure signs that Aemond was the one who assaulted him such as his scent, their fears are confirmed and messages are sent out to every single house both minor and great.

The minor houses are disgusted without question since the faith is such an important part of their lives. They live and breathe by it. For the greens to hide something that’s basically akin to spitting in the face of the mother and holy omega is blasphemy, sin in its purest form. They loudly give their support for the blacks and the smallfolk follow in turn with riots calling for justice.

War has been declared and the greens are now left with only the Baratheon’s on their side. Aegon is their only capable dragon rider since Aemond and Hel are out of commission and Daeron has gone to bend the knee to Rhaenyra much to Alicent’s distress. Even her own house has turned their backs on them, calling for them to surrender in a last ditch attempt to save their lives. Something Otto’s stubborn ass refuses to do because he knows Rhaenyra nor Daemon and Corlys would allow him to live in exile after what Aemond’s done.

All in all, there isn’t much actual violence or fighting outside of what’s already happened to Luke as well as the small folks rioting at the keeps gates because the war is won before it could begin in more than name. The greens have no support and only one dragon rider who’s never even wanted to be king in the first place.

By the time Luke comes to consciousness Borros has been executed, Aegon surrendered much to his mother’s distress, and Aemond is being held in the black cells along with Otto, Aegon and Alicent, which is the best case scenario since there’s hardly been any casualties.

I can imagine that the family wants Luke to decide how to punish Aemond since he’s the one who’s been wronged the most. Holding him in the cells with heavy security until Luke has the strength to make a decision.

[lya-dustin]

Someone will remember us

Chapter 84

Cw:death,angst

Gif by: @userzil

Taglist: @mercedesdecorazon @stargaryenx @arrthurpendragon

“Have you come to gloat?” Rhaenyra asks, refusing to look at him.

They are more similar than they believed.

She and Aemond loved to sulk, brooding in silence and staring at anything except the person they are cross with.

Rhaenyra was not the young woman he had loved and then loathed with the passion of a Dornish summer.

She was pale, lavender eyes sunken in deep purple circles and had scars on her arms from the Iron Throne.

Her calm, that once irked him to no end, replaced by apathy and paranoia.

She had been betrayed by her own men, her ladies and attendants dead or imprisoned so they witness the Queen’s execution tomorrow.

“No, I came to break you out.” He said holding little Prince Aegon on his hip.

Aegon had allowed the boy to see his mother one more time.

Little Aeg's nurse had dressed him in rags and laced his milk with dreamwine to prevent him from crying should the worst happen.

A reasonable man would know it is one or the other, a man knowing he is dead either way can strive to save both mother and child.

“What about your precious king, do you want me to believe that was all for show?” she asked and glared at him in suspicion.

Not once in his career had he lied as much as he had these three days.

Has Aemond claimed Vermithor? No, it is just the dragon seeking his mate.

Do you think they will take Kingslanding with their army of riverlords and northmen? No, to call a bunch of half-starved men and women an army would be an insult to the word itself. Let the false king and the Shepherd tear them to pieces tomorrow.

Are you loyal to me, kingmaker? Unequivocally, your grace.

“Yes, I swore my loyalty to your daughter, and I meant it. The crown was her idea.” He answered hoping she believed him.

“Some daughter I have. Everything I did for her, and she chose her brother’s murderer over me.” The deposed queen scoffed.

“You called for her arrest, Rhaenyra.” The knight pointed out. “Was she supposed to let you kill her and everyone else you sentenced to death?”

“I would not have killed her. She is my child, my firstborn and only girl. Baela, however, betrayed Jacaerys and fucked his half-brother!” the queen defended her actions, perhaps once they are in Duskendale, she will see sense.

“Your daughter sought to protect the girl and the child like Ser Laenor protected you and your sons.”  

Funny how he used to loathe the little princess and yet would fall on his sword for the young queen these days.

This the queen in her cell points out.

“Did you hate her because she was not yours?” the queen asked, looking at him with suspicion.

When Aemma was born he lost the tilt thinking the babe was his.

She’d come a moon early, making it possible for him to hope Rhaenyra had not taken the moon tea.

But then, later that night when he snuck into the nursery and took the sleeping infant in his arms, Rhaenyra smashed that last chance for them to pieces.

She’s not yours, she’s Laenor’s. You said you did not want to be my whore and I honored your wishes, the princess had said coldly and taken the baby as if he might kill her like he killed the Knight of Kisses.

He shouldn’t blame her; he had given Queen Alicent his undying loyalty in gratitude knowing the moment he falters she’d kill him too.

After that he devoted himself to the Queen’s children. To Aemond who could be the son he would never have.

To Aegon who hated being the promised son, Daeron who his mother could barely stomach the sight of, so she sent him to her brother the moment he became old enough to foster and Helaena whose mother cursed her to live a life worse than hers.

“I do not know.” The knight answered honestly.

He hated Rhaenyra’s sons because the Faith is clear on why bastards are to be hated and whatever Alicent believes in, he must believe in too.

Sometimes he wondered if he hated the sight of them because Harwin had what Criston could have and on some lonely nights yearned for.

Aemma had been told to fear him by Aegon, by anyone who didn’t know she was not to know he had killed Joffrey Lonmouth.

Alicent resented the girl for eclipsing her children in the eyes of the king.

It was not the little girl’s fault Viserys had been a bad father to all his children.

But the queen’s bitterness was not born out of rationality, it had been born from the belief that Rhaenyra needed to be punished for doing what she had no power to do.

And Criston believed her, his injured pride and tainted honor wanted someone to blame for his own weakness.

He supposed the queen’s disdain for the girl had rubbed off on him.

“You cannot save me. Well, not if you want to get my sweet boy to safety.” She was resigned to her fate, saying the thing Criston knew. “He plans to feed me and my ladies-in-waiting to Sunfyre on the morrow.

“You kept my secret despite me throwing the first stone at you. The least I can do for you is try.” The knight admits why he is doing this.

He owes her a life debt, as much as Queen Alicent did to save him, it was Rhaenyra who kept the target on herself and not once revealed he was the one who made her a whore to the realm.

“My white knight.” She said sadly, “Sometimes I wish I had run away with you.”

There are few guards on Dragonstone, well, few loyal to Aegon.

The majority turn a blind eye; some even join them and watch their back as they make it to the cave leading to the hidden cove.

These were men who had known Rhaenyra since she came here at six and ten, who had seen Aegon’s cruelty and even had daughters, sisters, and wives who he had defiled in his stay here.

But then, just as the dinghy is pushed into the open water, Criston hears the arrows fall around them like rain.

He shouts for them to duck, but his warning comes too late to some.

Rhaenyra is one of them.

She falls forward in agony and dies in his arms as he promises her to protect her children.

“Did you think I fell for your lies, kingmaker?” Larys Strong shouts from a cliff the knight had cleared beforehand.

He had followed them here, and yet does not stop the fisherman from leaving with her last living son.

Aegon will need an heir after he kills Aemond, Aemma and their son, even he has heard about his impotence in the few days he had been here.

“How low you have fallen, Lord Commander.” The Clubfoot laughs as he has never been heard laugh before and orders for a second round to finish the job.

Criston Cole dies holding the princess he once loved and hated with his white cloak soaked in blood and soot.