#Aemond x Alyra

[feyhunter78]

Moonflowers (1/16)

Description: Dreams of love have always haunted her, and now Halaena finds herself reunited with Jacaerys, the sweet boy who always listened. Now he is older, bolder, and she finds herself thinking that maybe it would be alright if those dreams came true.

Sometimes time ran differently for Heleana, weeks would fly by in the blink of an eye, then hours would drag as long as years, and she had no way of telling which would happen when. At three and ten she was set to marry her brother, a boy of six and ten who made no move to hide his distaste for her. A year later she would give birth to her twins, that year flew by, but each night Aegon came to lay with her drunk and angry, those hours would drag on for years and years.

She noticed how her mind fluttered from topic to topic, how she would wake up in tears over the dreams she’d been cursed with, but most of all she noticed how her mind quieted in the presence of Jacaerys. He’d been ten when she’d married Aegon, still a boy with fluffy brown hair that clung to his mother’s leg. But he’d grown since then. No longer did he cling to his mother’s leg, but he stood beside her, tall and proud.

He'd seek her out, bring her bugs he’d found on Dragonstone, trinkets he’d collected from the markets, and listened to her talk. She liked that the most, that Jacaerys listened. No sighs of annoyance or grimaces, he would listen patiently, and ask questions that made her think. She found herself wandering to the training grounds under the excuse of watching her brothers, but her eyes were always drawn to Jacaerys.

His hair had grown and smoothed itself out. His face once childlike and rounded was now chiseled and strong. He swung his sword with confidence, and his kindness shown through in the way he would stop and help his brother correct his stance. Or how he would collect water for her brothers even though he knew they would refuse it.

When he spotted her, he would wave, and she couldn’t stop herself from waving back. Each time, he would trot over and engage her in a quick conversation, before Aegon and Aemond would intervene. Then she would be sent inside, and he would give her an apologetic smile. She didn’t blame him though, for all the anger her mother tried to instill in her, she could never blame Jacaerys.

The tourney was in celebration of the twins’ fourth name day. Heleana was seated up in the stands with her lady-in-waiting Alyra beside her. Heleana had confided in Alyra since they were children, but the further development of strange feelings for Jacaerys she’d kept to herself. Perhaps it was wishful thinking, or a trick, but she’d grown closer to Jacaerys since his family had returned to King’s Landing, and she wondered if he felt the same strange way she did.

“Jace is up next.” She told Alyra excitedly, leaning forward to catch a glimpse of the brown-haired man. He stood next to his father, sword at his hip, as they watched the duelers. As if sensing her gaze, Jacaerys looked towards her and tossed her a quick smile.

“Jace? I didn’t know you and the prince were so comfortable.” Alyra teased, leaning into Heleana as she spoke.

Heleana looked down at her lap. “We are family after all.”

“Yes, but only through the crown princess, so it’s not as bad as a direct relation.” Alyra crinkled her nose.

Heleana was aware her companion was unnerved by the “unholy” relations the Targaryens participated in. It was something Alyra and the queen had in common. Heleana herself couldn’t say either way, but when pressed, she confessed to Alyra that she wished she’d been allowed to marry for love.

“Oh hush.” Heleana said, swatting Alyra’s hand as Jacaerys came closer, his lance pointed towards Heleana.

“Princess, if I might request your favor?”

Heleana nodded and wrapped her embroidered ribbon around his weapon. “I wish you luck.”

“With this, I don’t need luck, princess, your beauty and kindness shall see me through.”

Alyra bit back a smile as Heleana let out a barely audible squeal.

“He’s very charming, is he not?” Alyra commented, a teasing smile on her face.

“A few words of flattery and you two are giggling like children.” Aemond sat beside Alyra nodding to them both.

Alyra tensed and bowed her head towards Aemond. She in turn had confessed her own strange feelings towards Heleana’s brother, but she like Heleana was not given the chance at love.

Alyra gathered her skirts, suddenly quite pale. “I’m afraid I may have left a candle burning in my chambers, I must go check, please excuse me.” She rose quickly and headed back towards the castle, ignoring Heleana and Aemond’s calls.

“She runs away quite often, doesn’t she.” Aemond commented, a hint of a laugh in his voice, his eye following Alyra.

“Perhaps from you, as you are the one who follows her day and night. The one who nearly ruined her chances at a successful betrothal.” Heleana said simply, her eyes watching as Jacaerys fought his opponent. She flinched when the other man slashed his arm, but Jacaerys pushed back.

“Shall I go after her then? Give her my sincerest apologies?” Aemond asked, trying to be coy, but she could see he was halfway out of his seat already.

“I don’t truly trust her betrothed, will you—” Aemond was already gone. She rolled her eyes at her brother’s impatience and turned back to the match. A roar came up from the crowd and Jacaerys’ opponent hit the ground, Jacaerys standing above him, lance in hand. Nausea bubbled up in her stomach and she fled the stands.

She hid herself in the dragonpit, stroking Dreamfyre’s scales as she whispered to her. Being with her dragon calmed her, her girl seemed to know what plagued her before Heleana herself did. Tucked against Dreamfyre’s side, drawing symbols in the dirt, was where Jacaerys found her. He was coming to visit his own dragon, the bond between him and Vermax was something to be admired, it was as if they were one, reading each other’s minds with just one look. It reminded Heleana of the way she and Alyra could communicate without a single word; a twitch of a hand or tilt of a head, and they knew exactly what the other was saying.

“Princess Heleana, my apologies, I didn’t mean to disturb you.” Jacaerys’ voice was deeper than it had been when they were children, and it wrapped around Heleana like a warm blanket.

She shook her head and stood, still keeping one hand on Dreamfyre’s scales. “No need for apologies, you have a right to the dragonpit as much as I do.”

Jacaerys smiled at her, a small smile, but one that felt genuine, nonetheless. “I appreciate your kind words princess; I know there have been tensions between our families as of late, but I have always held you in high regard.”

Heleana ducked her head to hide her blush, his words were so simple, and yet they stirred something in her that even Aegon’s best attempts couldn’t.

“I won the match.” He continued, stepping closer to her, something resting in his hand. “It was my first without my mother there.” He paused, and she glanced up to see an embarrassed smile on his face. “I must admit I felt a bit lost without her support, but your favor saw me through.”

She’d forgotten that her half-sister had brought a new maester to try and heal their father. Rhaenyra had been by their father’s side for days on end, and obviously had not been able to make it to the match.

Heleana raised her head, “you are a skilled swordsman, Prince Jacaerys, I cannot claim any part of your victory.”

Jacaerys shook his head and gently reached for her hand, unfurling her fingers and placing a silver bracelet in her open palm. “You do yourself a disservice, princess, it was your belief in me that gave me my victory.”

Heleana held the bracelet up to the torchlight, it glimmered, and her breath caught in her chest as she saw the charms dangling from the chain.

“I saw the chain in a marketplace back when father and I were in Harrenhal, then I’ve been collecting the charms as I’ve found them.” He pointed at each one, “this one, as I’m sure you can tell is a butterfly, then the next I had made into a dragon. The other I was told is supposed to represent an embroidery hoop, and of course I had the letter H added for your name, then this last one…” His words died off as she fingered the shield charm, in the very center hidden among the design was the letter J.

“J? For my children?” She asked. Part of her hoped he would correct her, tell her that it was for him. That he would drop down on one knee and swear to protect her, to become her sworn shield, much like his father was to his mother. She knew it was wishful thinking, but she’d gone so long unloved by Aegon, and she couldn’t help but long for the love she’d heard in songs. The love his parents shared, the love she felt they themselves would share.

Jacaerys nodded slowly, his hand moving to clasp the bracelet around her delicate wrist. “Yes, for your children.” He gave her a teasing smile, “luckily for me, they both have J names, so I only had to procure one charm.” His hand lingered after he’d close the clasp, and she felt warm tingles where his calloused fingers trailed over her skin.

“What would you name your children?” She said, her voice hushed as she glanced up at him through her long eyelashes.

Jacaerys was playing with the shield charm, his touch gentle, “if I had a son, I would want to name him Baelon after my mother’s grandfather, he was heralded as brave and loyal.”

“That sounds like a wonderful name.”

He smiled up at her, “and if I was blessed with a daughter, I would name her Daenys, after the savior of our house.”

Daenys the dreamer, Heleana had done her research on the woman who saved the Targaryen name, the woman who Heleana shared her prophetic gift with.

“That is of course if my wife had no objections to either name. It is the women who do the hard work, they should get a say in the name of their child.”

Heleana thought about how Aegon had missed the birth of their children, how her mother had suggested names for the twins.

“It is clear you have thought often about children.” She remarked as casually as she could.

Jacaerys’ hand slid away from her bracelet, his fingers brushing down her hand before he crossed his arms behind his back. “I have been outside the door for all my siblings’ births, it gives one time to think.” He looked towards Dreamfyre then back to her, “have you thought about having any other children, princess?”

With you? Nightly. She banished that thought, and shook her head, “no, Aegon has been busy as of late.”

In a surprising act of boldness, she’d never seen from him, Jacaerys reached out and cupped her cheek, his calloused hand rough against her skin, but she didn’t mind it. The callouses were proof of the hard work he put in, so unlike the soft clammy hands of Aegon.

When she leaned into his touch, he spoke again, his voice a whisper, even though they were alone. “If you ever wish to have another, one that will come about not through drunken gropes but through pleasure and devotion, do not hesitate to call upon me.” He leaned forward and brushed a kiss across her unclaimed cheek. “I am no stranger to keeping secrets.” Then he pulled away and bowed before turning down the tunnel that would lead him to Vermax.

Heleana stood frozen, her heart pounding. She remembered Alyra’s words from years ago, Didn’t King Aegon have two wives? Why can’t you have two husbands?

Chapter Two Here!!!!

[feyhunter78]

Poisoned Tears and Scorched Tongues (8/22)

Description: Aemond and Alyra know what they want and are willing to abandon everything for it. Even if it means a flight to Dragonstone and what may be an uncomfortable reunion.

Aemond’s heart beat against his chest like the wings of Vhagar beating against storm winds. She’d said yes, agreed to run away with him, to marry him. Her back was pressed against his chest as they soared through the air, leading King’s Landing behind them. She’d collected a few things from her room, and he’d secured them tightly to Vhagar’s saddle. She showed no fear, no hesitance when he wrapped his cloak around her and grabbed her chin pressing a searing kiss to her soft lips, then gave the command for Vhagar to fly.

As they flew in silence, he rested his chin on Alyra’s shoulder, turning to press an open mouth kiss to her neck, the tip of his tongue darting out to taste the sweetness of her skin. Now that she was his, he found it harder and harder to control his desire to consume her.

She shivered, drawing his cloak tighter around her, and tilted her head back to look up at him. “Are you sure this is what you wish to do? I will not hold it against you if you change your mind, I know how important your family is to you.”

He couldn’t fathom turning around now, going back now would guarantee they would be separated forever, and he’d burn down the keep before that happened. “I have wanted this since I first laid eyes on you.”

Alyra’s cheeks grew bright red and all she could utter was a bashful “oh,” before she collected herself and pressed a chaste kiss to the underside of his jaw. “As have I.”

Dragonstone came into view, and Alyra gasped, leaning forward to view the castle better. In all her time serving Heleana she’d never been allowed to visit the breathtaking island. Jutting out from the stone cliffs, it cut an intimidating figure against the horizon, and the sudden sound of dragon calls made Alyra shrink back into Aemond.

“Do not fear, I will explain everything to my half-sister, she will be understanding.” He said, after Vhagar let out a ground-shaking roar in response.

Alyra bunched her hands in his cloak. “Will she though? Your mother is actively trying to shore up allies to back Aegon’s claim to the throne.”

Aemond laughed, “she is a romantic, look at her choice of husband. Far below her station, no army to back her claim, and yet she would not consider any other man.”

Alyra’s voice was tinged with apprehension. “Aemond, I know she is a romantic, I have spent time with them both, they are very close to my mother, but that does not mean she will put aside her anger.”

“Do not worry, Ñuha dōna, she will help us.”

If she does not, someone else will. He thought. He’d already made a list of others he would fly them to if Rhaenyra would not agree to marry them.

Aemond directed Vhagar towards a large enough spot for her to land and slid down her scales, boots hitting the ground just as Dragonstone’s large doors swung open.

Alyra called after him, suddenly nervous, as she hastily slid down before he could turn and offer his hand. “Aemond, there’s something I should tell you before—”

“Our healer.” The crown princess beat her to it.

Aemond looked from his half-sister to Alyra, then back. “I believe your sons called me ‘one-eye or snake’ but I will accept this new title.”

Alyra cringed and brushed past him to greet the crown princess, who stood a few feet away. “Your highness, it is a pleasure to see you again.” She accepted Rhaenyra’s embrace and whispered, “I haven’t told him.”

Rhaenyra pulled back and brushed Alyra’s cheek with her knuckles, her voice taking on a motherly tone, “and why not?”

Alyra looked down at the ground. “I have made progress. I found my grandmother’s journals; they were buried underneath a mountain of dresses in my mother’s chambers. I found them the last time she visited, and I believe I have unlocked something, but I don’t know what.”

 Aemond watched as his betrothed stood in the embrace of his half-sister, his hand still resting on Vhagar’s leg. He had no fear of being turned away. If what Cassandra said was true, his beautiful girl has captured more than just his heart.

Rhaenyra nodded, “we will speak of this later.”

 Vhagar shifted, and he stepped forward as she took off into the skies. He watched her go before joining Alyra.

Rhaenyra’s eyes flickered to him, then she tsked and smoothed down Alyra’s windswept hair. “Aemond should learn to fly that dragon of his more carefully, look at what they’ve done to your hair.”

“She is the largest dragon in the world, ruffled hair is the least of her effects.” He snarked, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Prince Aemond.” Rhaenyra said, releasing Alyra and standing tall.

“Sister.” He replied, wrapping an arm around Alyra’s waist, and tucking her into his side. “We wish to marry; will you be our witness?”

Rhaenyra stared at him for a long moment until her eyes shot to Alyra as if seeking confirmation, that yes, she did want to marry him.

“It would be such an honor, my lady, if you would be the one to bind us.” Alyra said, fighting to keep the giddiness out of her voice in order to remain respectful.

Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow and leaned to look behind them. “Is this a ploy of your mother’s? Or will she show up on my doorstep enraged and backed by the Lannister army if I do this?”

Alyra wilted, and a flare of anger shot through him as he stepped closer to his half-sister. “This is no ploy of my mother’s, and I cannot tell you if she will come after us, but we came to you, because I believed you would do right by me.”

Rhaenyra scoffed, “do right by you?”

Aemond removed his leather eye patch, revealing the shining sapphire that replaced his stolen eye. “Your son took my eye, and now I ask for your cooperation in return.”

“Please, my lady, this is no trick. We fled King’s Landing, telling no one but Aegon of our plan.” Alyra reached to grab Rhaenyra’s hand between her own, her voice soft and earnest.

It angered him to see her beg, she was his love, his life. She should never have to debase herself in such a way. But at the same time, there was a small part of his ego that preened under the fact that she was so willing to beg for them—for him.

“You told Aegon?” Rhaenyra laughed, shaking her head as she covered Alyra’s hands with her free hand. “Oh, my darling girl, you two must be truly desperate to marry.”

Aemond pulled Alyra’s hands from Rhaenyra’s grip. “If you will not marry us, perhaps, I shall fly us to Driftmark and see if Princess Rhaenys will.”

Rhaenyra eyed her half-brother warily. “And why would she do that.”

Aemond already began looking to the skies for Vhagar. “In return, I will back her claim to the throne.”

Alyra went rigid beside him, and he could feel her frantic eyes on him.

Rhaenyra only laughed and patted him on the shoulder. “You have grown much, brother, I admire your dedication to my darling Alyra.”

Alyra relaxed, letting out a quiet breath and spoked quietly to him in her native tongue, “we did not discuss the Princess Rhaenys, I will not go against every member of the royal family. Let us fly to the nearest unaffiliated septa and have them marry us. I do not wish to anger the crown princess.”

Aemond cupped her face and kissed her with a slow languid motion, her smell of honeysuckle mixed with the scent of dragon, intoxicated him, and he hummed contently against her.

Alyra stood frozen for a moment then leaned into his touch, her hands on his chest, fingers bunching into his tunic, his warm lips banishing any thought in her mind.

“Am I interrupting something?” The deep voice of Harwin Strong sent Alyra reeling back and falling into a hasty curtsy.

“Lord Strong, my—our apologies. We have come to ask Princess Rhaenyra to marry us.”

Harwin held out his hand towards Alyra who rushed forward and let the well-built man embrace her.

Aemond grumbled under his breath, but the three others ignored him as Alyra filled the crown princess’s consort in.

Harwin chuckled and slung an arm around his wife’s shoulders. “You should stop teasing them, Nyra, you know you want to do the ceremony.” He leaned forward, lowering his voice slightly, “he’s Alicent’s favorite son, this’ll really piss her off.”

Aemond rolled his eye, the Strong man obviously was only pretending to try and keep him from hearing his words.

“My mother has no favorite.” He said, stepping forward to reclaim Alyra.

Alyra’s lips parted, but then she closed them and took his hand, smiling placatingly up at him.

Rhaenyra and Harwin looked at each other before bursting into laughter that ran on for a few minutes, leaving Aemond and Alyra standing there silently.

Aemond heard a stifled giggle, and he looked down at Alyra who was hiding her smile behind his cloak.

“The queen does show her love for her children in different ways, and different amounts, you cannot deny that my love.” She said carefully, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Aemond hummed dismissively and turned his head. Of course, he knew that his mother valued him over Aegon, perhaps even Heleana, but he was the one she could depend on, no matter the task. He felt a pang of guilt at the stress his mother would be under once she realized they’d fled.

Alyra noticed his shift and reached up to cup his cheek. “I love you.” She whispered, looking up at him with such adoration, he felt his breath catch in his throat.

“And I you, Ñuha dōna.” He whispered back, careful not to let his half-sister hear his words.

Rhaenyra coughed to get their attention. “Harwin is right. I do wish to perform the ceremony for you both.”

Alyra’s smile could outshine the sun, and Aemond wished he could bottle the light she radiated and keep it with him for whenever she left his sight.

“But I do require something from you.”

He knew what was coming and fell to one knee, the words of loyalty slipping easily through his lips. On the trip to Dragonstone, he’d made up his mind. If Rhaenyra asked for his support when the time came in return for harboring them, he would give it.

Alyra’s hand rested on his shoulder and once he’d finished, he took it and pressed it against his lips.

Rhaenyra smiled at him; her eyes crinkled with mirth. “Truthfully, I was speaking to Alyra, but your loyalty was going to be a request if I was to bring validity to your marriage.”

Alyra laughed nervously, watching him for any signs of anger. He kept calm, nothing had changed, he was always prepared to support his half-sister if it meant he could have Alyra.

“My lady, that was a bit cruel,” Alyra protested, leaving her hand in his grip.

Aemond’s heart sang, his sweet Alyra, standing up for him to the woman whom she was so devoted to? A fire raged in him not of anger, but of pride tinged with something akin to lust.

Rhaenyra smiled softly at Alyra and then at him, the kindness in her eyes surprised him. He’d expected his half-sister to set obstacle after obstacle in his path, but instead she simply held her hands out to them. “All I ask from you, Alyra, is that you stay here and attend me until our newest child is two years of age.”

Alyra pulled her hand from his and flung her arms around his half-sister. “You are with child again? Oh the gods have blessed this day, I would be more than happy to attend you.” Her voice was lighter than Aemond had heard it in months, and he felt another twinge of guilt for his previous inaction.

“Well then, now that’s settled, shall we get you two married?”

Tag list: @nyctophilic0vitnir, @svtansdaddyx, @fan-goddess, @dc-marvel-girl96, @shintax-error, @bellameshipper

[feyhunter78]

Poisoned Tears and Scorched Tongues (4/22)

Description: A feast, betrothals, jealousy, Alyra has to decide what’s more important, her heart or her family.

It was officially Jaehaerys and Jaehaera’s name day, the weeklong festivities would come to an end after the feast, and then Alyra hoped the queen’s matchmaking would stop. All week she’d watched the queen parade woman after woman in front of Aemond hoping her son would choose one to court.

Aemond, ever the dutiful son, would take the women by the hand, talk with them in the garden, in the halls, and kiss their hands before he left them.

Each time she felt a surge of jealousy, Alyra would take hold of the pendant Tyrion had gifted her. A golden lion’s head hanging from a delicate golden chain, its eyes made from flecks of ruby. A beautiful gift, one that spoke of their courting without Tyrion having to say a word. It had become such a habit that she felt her fingers itch to take hold of it any time Aemond even stood next to another woman.

She’d be on her way to fetch more thread for Helaena and catch him speaking quietly with a noblewoman, and she’d have to force her feet to continue moving forward, ignoring Aemond’s stare as she desperately clutched at the pendent.

She knew Helaena wanted to ask her about it. She would try to venture near the topic, or give her sympathetic looks, but Alyra brushed them aside, focusing on getting her and the children ready for the feast. It’d been months since Tyrion Lannister had asked for her hand, months since he’d had to return home, and their courtship progressed mainly through letters.

As she brushed and braided Helaena’s hair, she caught the woman’s lilac eyes in the mirror.

“Have you heard from Lord Tyrion lately?” She asked lightly, holding Alyra’s gaze.

Alyra nodded, “He’s doing well, his father has been keeping him quite busy, so he will not be able to attend the children’s name day feast.”

“Oh, that’s a pity, I’m sure you were looking forward to seeing him again.”

Alyra hummed in agreement and finished Helaena’s braid before stepping back to let the princess admire her work.

“No pity, I am glad that I will be unoccupied in case you or the children need me.” Alyra smoothed down her dress, it was a robin’s egg blue with silver embroidery that caught the candlelight as she moved.

The neckline was low, but not scandalously so. Now that she was spoken for, she found it easier to dress as she wanted without worrying that others might stare. Her pendent rested against the exposed skin of her décolletage, the gold glinting in the light.

Helaena herself looked radiant in a deep forest green gown, her gold jewelry brought added warmth to her fair skin, and when she smiled it was as if all the light in the room was drawn to her.

She linked arms with Alyra. “I want you to enjoy yourself, please promise me you’ll dance. I know how much you love to dance.”

Alyra gave her a knowing smile, “I promise I will, if you promise to dance as well, maybe with Prince Jacaerys?”

Helaena’s face bloomed with color, “I am a married woman, it would be inappropriate.”

“Didn’t King Aegon have two wives? Why can’t you have two husbands?” Alyra teased, turning her head to make sure a nursemaid had collected the twins.

Helaena let out a mock scandalized gasp that dissolved into laughter.

“Might I inquire what’s so funny?” Aemond’s voice had Alyra’s head whipping forward, only for her heart to sink at the sight of Cassandra Baratheon on his arm.

Helaena said nothing, only looking at Alyra who scrambled for an answer. “I was telling her of something Lord Tyrion said in his last letter to me, it is…not appropriate for another man to hear.”

Aemond seemed to stiffen at the mention of Tyrion. “If it’s so sensitive, perhaps you should not share it with my sister, Lady Hawthorne.”

Alyra bristled at the distant way he addressed her, a frown tugging at her lips. Aemond’s eye went to the slight movement and his expression softened, his hand twitching as if he wished to reach for her.

Cassandra spoke up, surprising Alyra, “Oh come now, my lord, she is excited, it’s only natural to share excitement with a friend.” She let go of Aemond’s arm to step closer to Alyra, “especially if one has no sisters to share it with.”

Alyra braced herself for Cassandra’s next words.

“You have a sister don’t you Lady Alyra?” Her words were innocent but the gleam in her eyes was anything but. “Oh, wait, I remember she had an unfortunate accident in the forest that borders—”

“Lady Cassandra.” Aemond’s voice was like steel, cutting Cassandra off before she could finish.

Cassandra turned towards him with an obviously fake expression of confusion on her face. “Wasn’t she killed by a wild beast?”

Alyra clenched her fist, digging her nails into her palm so hard she feared she’d draw blood. “My lady we should join your mother at the feast, she will wonder where you are.” Alyra managed to say, her entire body tense.

Helaena grabbed Alyra’s free hand and began to walk away, not granting her brother and Cassandra the dignity of a goodbye.

Alyra leaned against the kitchen wall sipping a spiced wine from Dorne she’d snagged from a serving maid’s tray.

“I heard it’ll be Lady Cassandra.”

“No, I heard it’ll be the Stark girl.”

“It’ll be the Baratheon girl; I heard the queen talking with her father.”

Alyra’s grip tightened on the goblet. She shouldn’t be upset, she was going to be a Lannister, one of the great houses, nearly a princess in her own right. She shouldn’t care who Aemond married, and she definitely shouldn’t have let Cassandra’s words get to her.

As she stared at her reflection in the crimson liquid, the memory of her sister’s face rose, and for a moment she could have sworn her sister stared back up at her from within the wine’s intoxicating depths.

She had been ten and two that summer and sent home. Helaena was quite sick and didn’t wish for Alyra to fall ill as well. Days turned to weeks to months until Alyra had a slight fear she’d never be called back.

Her sister Allora was her only confidante, Theo was too small, their mother too busy. Allora had married well, not as well as a Lannister, but she lived comfortably. At eighteen, she was a well renowned beauty, a talented singer, and a skilled seamstress.

Alyra worshipped her sister, followed her everywhere, copied her every move, until one day it’d gone wrong. She tried to block it out of her memory, the shock on her sister’s face, the rage on her husband’s and the way her lover ran away like a coward. The sound of her sister’s pleading cut short by her husband’s blade was enough to send Alyra running home and sending raven after raven, begging Helaena to send for her.

Alyra shook her head and set down the goblet unable to stomach another sip. A tug on her gown caught her attention. A little boy with brown curls and vivid purple eyes looked up at her. He had to be no more than three years of age, and his face was streaked with tears.

“Hello, little one, are you lost?” She cooed, banishing her morbid thoughts.

The boy said nothing just held his arms up, the universal child sign for “hold me.”

Alyra bent down and picked the boy up. “Where is your maid, or your mother?”

“Dance.” The boy said his sweet voice reminded her of Theo, and she felt a sudden pang in her chest.

“They’re dancing? Why don’t we go find them then?” She had a strong suspicion this was the son of Crown Princess Rhaenyra and Lord Harwin.

A wave of nervousness washed over her. She hadn’t seen the crown princess and her consort since she’d failed to heal the king. They both said it wasn’t her fault, and that they bore no ill will towards her, but she could tell they were disappointed.

The boy rested his head against her chest and nodded sleepily.

“I’m Alyra, what’s your name?”

“Viserys.” He mumbled, his tiny hand clinging to the slanted neckline of her gown.

“Your mother is Rhaenyra?”

Viserys nodded again.

“Well, she’s very important so it shouldn’t be too hard to find her.” She said softly, placing one hand on his back as she exited the kitchen.

Maneuvering through the crowd with a sleeping child was harder than she expected, with his head down no one noticed the child in her arms was the young prince. To all the highborn lords she was just another lowborn woman with her equally lowborn child.

“Alyra, why do you have a child?” Aemond’s eyebrows were raised in surprise, and he stepped closer, wrapping an arm around her when a passing lord jolted her forward.

“Prince Aemond.” She curtsied as best she could with the sleeping Viserys in her arms.

Aemond frowned at the use of his title.

“Prince Viserys got lost and found me in the kitchen, I intend to return him to his mother.”

Aemond’s expression softened, and his grip tightened on her waist. “Let me accompany you, unless Lord Tyrion is waiting in the wings to steal you away?”

Alyra felt her cheeks tint pink. “Tyrion will not be in attendance tonight, he’s busy.”

“Too busy to spend the night dancing with someone as beautiful as you? I hope the Seven take me before I ever become that busy.”

She knew her cheeks were burning, and she knew Aemond could see it. Nothing ever slipped his piercing gaze.

“Do you know where the crown princess is?” She asked, desperate to change the subject.

Aemond’s gaze drifted over the crowd until it landed on the shiny blonde hair of his half-sister. “No, I haven’t seen her since father made his speech.”

Alyra let out a huff of disappointment, and shifted Viserys in her arms. “I was hoping to dance, but I guess that will have to wait.”

Aemond hummed lowly and loosened his grip allowing her to move to a more appropriate distance.

“Shall we make our rounds then?”

Aemond nodded, his hands clasped behind his back letting her lead the way.

As they walked Alyra broke the silence. “The Lady Baratheon quite beautiful, and I’ve heard she’s very intelligent, I’m sure you two will be a wonderful match.”

Aemond hummed in response, not sparing her a glance.

“Her family is strong as well, how nice is it that we both might honor our families through such advantageous marriages.”

“Advantageous is a word you could use to describe our predicaments.”

Alyra turned her head to look at him slowing her steps. “Are you not happy with your betrothed? I heard that the queen spoke with Lord Baratheon already, if you would prefer the Lady Stark, you should tell your mother now.”

Aemond stopped completely, causing Alyra to pause her steps as well. “And you, my lady?” He leaned closer, lowering his voice. “Are you happy with your betrothed? The roaring lion club who likes to roam these halls as if he owns them.” He spat out the comparison as if it was a rotten piece of meat.

She couldn’t stop the shock from appearing on her face. “How did you find out, no one is supposed to know we’re betro—" She took a step back attempting to escape his burning gaze but instead bumped into a sturdy chest.

“My beautiful Alyra, I was just looking for you.”

Alyra froze her mind registering the voice behind her. Large hands settled on her waist and spun her around. “Tyrion, I thought your father asked you to stay behind?” She managed to say, plastering an excited smile on her face.

Tyrion smiled brightly, his eyes the brilliant blue of ocean waves were solely focused on her. “I wished to surprise you, I know you were looking forward to the feast, so I convinced father to let me attend.”

Tyrion’s kindness made her uncomfortably aware of how close Aemond was now hovering behind her.

“I am honored that you thought of me, and that made the journey, you really did not need to.”

Tyrion shook his head, “nonsense, how could I pass up the chance to see my beautiful betrothed?”

Alyra glanced around and motioned for Tyrion to lower his voice. “This is to celebrate the children; our news can wait until after.” Suddenly feeling the growing tension between Aemond and Tyrion she took a step sideways. “I must return the prince to his mother; I will meet you at your father’s table?” She directed the question towards Tyrion who nodded before she all but bolted into the crowd.

Having returned Viseyrs to his grateful parents Alyra snagged a drink and downed it behind a pillar before greeting her soon-to-be family. As she spoke with the Lannisters she tried to ignore the pit in her stomach. They were a boisterous bunch, and they welcomed her warmly, making Alyra’s desire to bolt seem selfish.

She danced with Tyrion, his brother, his father, her uncle, and then finally Prince Aegon took her hand.

“A Lannister. I must admit I would not have pegged you as a lion tamer.” He snorted.

“I am grateful that the Lannister’s have been so kind to me, it is truly a gift from the Seven.” She replied, using the same distant tone she always used when speaking with Aegon.

He rolled his eyes and began to lead her to the edge of the crowd. “Must you always do that?”

“Do what, my prince?”

“That, the bowing and scraping. I’ve seen you berate a guard till he was nearly in tears. At least give me the dignity of seeing through your mask, if only for this conversation.” He handed her a goblet before downing his.

She sighed and took the offered drink. The dancing couples blocked them from view of both the Lannister and Targaryen tables. “As you wish, my prince.”

Aegon studied her a thoughtful look on his face. “My brother is stubborn, annoyingly righteous, and at times an utter asshole.”

Alyra raised an eyebrow as she sipped her drink.

“But he is still my brother. So, if you intend to drag him along while you pursue the Lannister boy, I must ask you to stop before you bring ruin down upon us.” Aegon’s voice was quiet, his expression open and vulnerable. “Because he will not stop until he has what he wants, and you, dear Alyra, are what he wants.”

Alyra dropped her gaze to the ground and swallowed hard. “I have no intention of hurting Prince Aemond, I can assure you of that. If anything, it will be him who hurts me.”

Aegon clicked his tongue and set his empty goblet down with a heavy thud before grabbing and draining another. “Lovesick fools, the both of you.”

Alyra shook her head, “you don’t understand, my feelings for Aemond don’t matter, he will marry Lady Baratheon, or Lady Stark, it will be a good match.”

“A great match,” Aegon murmured, his tone sarcastic and cynical.

“Exactly, and I will marry Tyrion Lannister, I’ll bring my family security and wealth, then I’ll disappear, never to bother Aemond again.”

“And you believe he will allow that? That Heleana would allow that? You are not just a Hawthorne, you are a member of this court, of our house, you will not be allowed to just simply disappear.”

“Aw do you care for me Aegon?” Alyra teased, attempting to switch the subject. This heart-to-heart conversation with Aegon was the most serious she’d seen him be in years.

“I care for my family, and they care for you. That is enough for me, let it be enough for you.” He clinked his empty goblet against hers and walked away, leaving her standing there, goblet in hand as she wrestled her emotions back into their proper places.

It was there Aemond found her, still standing, staring at the floor.

“What did he do?” He snarled, ready to go on the warpath and decimate his brother.

“Nothing, Aegon did nothing, we talked about my betrothal and—"

“Enough.” Aemond dragged her into a side hallway walking until he found a spot he deemed private enough. “Enough about your betrothal, about the Lannister boy, I don’t want to hear his name leave your lips ever again.”

“How do you expect me to do that Aemond? Should I call him “the boy” when I marry him? Would you be happy if I asked you to never say Lady Cassandra’s name again?”

Aemond leaned forward caging her in with his arms, his head ducked low so only she could hear his words. “I would never be in her presence again if you asked it of me.”

Alyra was sure he could hear her heart pounding, and she thanked the gods for the shadows that hid her blushes.

He ducked his head lower, his hair sliding forward shielding them from any potential onlookers. “Ask me to never see her again, tell me you hate her, that you want her gone. She insulted your sister, that’s reason enough to hate her.”

Alyra closed her eyes and shook her head, hands balling into fists as she tried to keep herself calm.

“Ask me to send her away, Ñuha dōna, you know I would do it gladly. I will send her away, I will send the boy away, we can be together.”

Alyra kept her eyes closed, feeling hot tears prick at her eyelids. “Tyrion is a good man, a wealthy man. Through him I will be able to return my family to our original seat of power, it’s the only option.”

Aemond cupped her face, his hands warm against her skin. She never knew how cold she was until she met him. “Alyra, please, ask me.”

She shook her head again and felt her tears slip past her eyelashes and down her cheeks. “I can’t, Aemond I can’t ask you that. You have to marry better than me.” She opened her eyes, but couldn’t meet his, instead focusing on his lips which were pulled into a heart-breaking frown. “Maybe our children can marry. Mine will be Lannisters, they’ll be worthy of your name.”

Aemond wiped away her tears with his thumbs, his eye tracking each as they fell. “Your name is worthy, you are worthy, it is I who is not worthy of you.”

Alyra tilted her head in confusion.

“I should have asked for your hand years ago; I was a coward and now I must pay for my inaction.” He brushed his lips over her forehead, the touch gentle and fleeting.

Her heart seemed to stutter, and a broken sob escaped her lips, as he released her face and stepped away. The air between them felt so cold, and she longed to reach for him, but she kept her hands bunched in her skirts as he walked away, her sobs echoing off the stone walls.

Tag List: @nyctophilic0vitnir

[feyhunter78]

Look of Love

So the wonderful @zenka69 asked if I would do #2 for my loves Alyra and Aemond, or "2A" as my readers have dubbed them on AO3, and I could not pass up the chance to write some cute fluff about my favs!!!! I will be taking #2 off for Aemond bc, I just loved this one so much idk if I could come up with a different idea for him XD

Aemond sat in the chair nearest the fireplace as Alyra unwrapped his arm, wincing in sympathy at the gash on his forearm.

“I thought you were faster than Sir Criston’s Morningstar?” She said, discarding the dirtied bandages, and hovering her hand over the wound, her other hand holding his arm steady.

“I am, but today there was a distraction.” He grumbled, closing his eye and relaxing as the warm tingling he’d come to associate with her healing abilities spread across the gash, his skin knitting itself back together.

“A distraction?” She asked, and he could hear the confusion in her voice. “It is not like you to be easily distracted, unless I am involved of course, but I was not in the training yard so, so it could not be me that distracted you.”

Aemond let out a low hum and stretched his arm once her touch disappeared. “No, it was not you Ñuha dōna, though you know I always welcome your distractions, especially those that involve your other talents.”

Alyra blushed and turned her face towards the fire, grabbing another wrap for his arm. He loved the way her cheeks tinted pink, even after years of marriage.

“You must keep this wrapped for another day or so, that way the maesters do not come and scold me once more.” She laughed a little. “They truly believe I intend to drive them from the Keep.

Aemond chuckled but kept still as she expertly rewrapped his arm. “If I were able, I would never allow a maester to touch me again, only my lovely wife should lay her hands upon me.”

“Yes, but then I would have to clean away the blood, and I do not wish to do that.” She jested, patting his healed arm then sitting in his lap before he even needed to ask.

He pulled her closer, breathing in her sweet scent of jasmine. “Then I shall allow the maester to clean only. Everything else will rest on your capable shoulders.

She kissed him gently, then pulled back, an inquisitive look in her golden eyes. “What was it that distracted you?”

“Rhaenyra and her brood are back, including that wretched eye thief. He and Jacaerys were fooling around the yard and nearly ran into me. They are lucky I was not more seriously injured.”

Alyra nodded and began running her fingers through his silken hair. “I will talk to them, perhaps they were simply excited, but that is no excuse for recklessness.”

He hummed in contentment, his long fingers stroking up and down her side. “What would I do without you?”

“Die most likely.” She said, brushing her lips across his, smiling playfully as she did.

“And you would live, most likely married off to that Lannister, and not having to trouble yourself over petty family squabbles.” He said, a tinge of insecurity coloring his voice.

Alyra tilted his chin up. “No, I would die without you. Even if you did not exist, I would know there was something missing from my life, and I would not be whole without you. I would sooner fling myself from the tower than live without you.”

Aemond stared up at her, violet eye scanning her features, drinking them in. Her words were said so easily, with no hesitation, or restraint. To think he would be loved in such a way, by such a beautiful woman? He wished he could go back to when he was a child and inform his young self just how wonderful their life would become with Alyra by their side.

She gave him a confused look. “Do I have something on my face?”

He shook his head, his hand cupping her cheek. He thought these words often, and they fell from his lips easily, without preparation or thought. “No. I merely love looking at you. I cannot believe you are real.”

She smiled brightly; her cheeks flushed with color. “Aemond.” She whined, both embarrassed and pleased, as she leaned forward and buried her face in the crook of his neck. “You cannot say such sweet things without warning.”

He laughed, and raised her head, kissing her cheek, her nose, her forehead, and then finally her lips, content and happy.

Tag list: @nyctophilic0vitnir, @svtansdaddyx, @fan-goddess, @dc-marvel-girl96, @shintax-error, @bellameshipper, @the141bandicoot, @the-phantom-of-arda

[feyhunter78]

Poisoned Tears and Scorched Tongues (7/22)

Description: Alyra can no longer hide from Aemond or from her feelings, Aemond has decided to act upon his.

Alyra sat next to Helaena during the tourney, she’d admittedly become clingy, never leaving the woman’s side unless absolutely necessary, or when Aemond appeared. That had been the hardest part, she longed to speak with him, to comfort him when she saw the hurt in his eye every time, she left the room as soon as he entered. But her uncle watched her like a hawk, so she didn’t speak to anyone but Helaena and the children.

“Jace is up next.” Helaena said excitedly, leaning forward to catch a glimpse of the brown-haired man. He stood next to his grandsire, sword at his hip, as they watched the duelers. As if sensing her gaze, Jace looked towards Helaena and tossed her a quick smile.

“Jace? I didn’t know you and the prince were so comfortable.” Alyra teased, leaning into Helaena as she spoke.

Heleana looked down at her lap. “We are family after all.”

“Yes, but only through the crown princess, so it’s not as bad as a direct relation.” Alyra crinkled her nose. She knew intermarriage was a Targaryen tradition, but she was not raised to see her siblings as anything but siblings.

“Oh hush.” Helaena said, swatting Alyra’s hand as Jacaerys came closer, his lance pointed towards Helaena.

“Princess, if I may request your favor?”

Helaena nodded and wrapped her embroidered ribbon around his weapon. “I wish you luck.”

“With this, I don’t need luck, princess, your beauty and kindness shall see me through.”

Alyra bit back a smile as Helaena let out a barely audible squeal.

“He’s very charming, is he not?” Alyra commented, watching her friend’s face fade from bright pink back to its normal porcelain.

“A few words of flattery and you two are giggling like children.” Aemond sat beside Alyra nodding to her and his sister.

Alyra could almost feel her uncle’s gaze burning into her, and she gathered her skirts. “I’m afraid I may have left a candle burning in my chambers, I must go check, please excuse me.” She rose quickly and headed back towards the castle, ignoring Helaena and Aemond’s calls.

Safe inside the castle’s walls, Alyra found a shadowed alcove and slumped onto the cool stone bench before burying her face in her hands. She couldn’t keep this up. Her wedding was still two months away, she couldn’t avoid Aemond for much longer, and her excuses were getting worse and worse.

“I thought I might find you here.” Aemond’s voice startled her, and her shoulders sunk lower, there was nowhere to run.

“Please don’t.” She whispered, not daring to look at his face and see the pain she caused.

“Helaena told me what Tyrion said, the terms of your agreement.”

Alyra heard the rustle of fabric, and she let out a small whimper. “I’m embarrassed, please leave.”

“He should never have spoken to you like that; his arrogance knows no bounds.”

Alyra dropped her hands to her lap and met Aemond’s gaze. His eye was fixed on her, that brilliant purple that in the darkened alcove almost looked gray. Gray as the ocean a moment before the dawn’s first rays strike the waves, just as fathomless as the sea. She could get lost, drown in the depths of his gaze.

“He is a fool, Alyra, an utter fool.” He was kneeling in front of her, wiping away the stray tears with his thumbs, as he cradled her face in his large hands.

“I’m so scared.” She admitted, closing her eyes and letting the tears slip from her eyes. “I try so hard, I know how important this betrothal is, but I—” She let out a shaky breath, her lips trembling. “I don’t know if I can do what they ask, I can’t imagine being happy on the sidelines. Seven knows I’ve tried; my brother’s safety is on the line. But there’s this part of me that still yearns for more, for something different.” Her eyes flutter open, tears collecting on her lashes as she searches Aemond’s face for…something, anything.

“You deserve everything, the very world should be placed at your feet, the idea that he does not see that—” Aemond cuts himself off. His right hand twitches against her skin as he seemed to wrap his hands around the chains holding back his emotions and pull, keeping them from breaking loose and running rampant.

Alyra placed her hands on Aemond’s not to remove them but just to rest there and feel the warmth of his skin against her palms. The memory of his hand in hers as they stood in the Dragonpit the first time she met Vhagar came to her mind unbidden. She’d been so sacred, practically terrified of the ancient dragon, but Aemond had held her hand, never once letting go even as they flew into the air. “I don’t want to speak of him, not now.”

Aemond nodded, his eye flickering to her lips and then back to her eyes as he stroked her cheek with his thumb. “I don’t either.”

“You would never do that, would you? Take a lover? You are an honorable man, you put value in your vows. I can’t imagine you ever breaking someone heart in such a way.”

Aemond looked off to the side for a moment before his intense gaze returned to her. “I would never break your heart; it is most precious to me.”

“It is not me you are marrying though, we have discussed this many times, my prince.” She chuckled softly, sadly, her laugh coming out watery from her tears.

“Not for my own lack of trying, I can assure you. It brings me no pleasure to see you become the puppet of your uncle. If I could, I would kill him and the Lannister boy, if only to cut your strings and free you.” His voice was gentle as he continued, his thumb had ceased its movements, resting near the corner of her lips.

Alyra’s eyes drifted to Aemond’s lips as he spoke, each word dripped from his lips like honey, and she found herself yearning for a taste.

“I also would never be stupid enough to assume you would not be enough—no more than enough for an entire lifetime.” Aemond smirked, one hand leaving her face and skimming down her neck before returning to his side.

“Oh?” Alyra asked, leaning forward, her hand going to steady itself on his shoulder.

“Only a fool would do that.” He says, taking her hand in his and placing a kiss to her palm. “And I am no fool.”

His heated gaze, his lips on her skin, Alyra shifted in her seat, feeling heat begin to flood her system.

“I would have you for as many lifetimes as you’d allow me.” He continued, his voice earnest.

“And I would allow you as many as you wanted.” She said, the hand that was previously resting on his shoulder slid to the back of his neck, her fingers spreading into his thick hair.

“Alyra, you deserve someone who knows you, mind, body, and soul. Someone who will worship you like the goddess you are.” Aemond whispers, his eyes fluttering closed as she begins to lightly run her nails along the parts of his scalp she can reach.

“I want that, I want you.” She whispers back, as his hand drops her own and fists itself in the skirt of her dress, trying to contain himself.

“You don’t know what you’re asking; what I’d give—”

“Please?” She’s clinging to his black tunic with one hand and when he opens his eye to look at her, his pupil dilated, she tightens her grip.

The chains release and Aemond closes the gap between them. She feels alive for the first time in months. His lips are warm against her own, and he releases her dress to pull her up and into his lap as he settles onto the bench, gripping her tightly.

“Anything, I’d give anything for the chance to be with you.” He breathed, resting his forehead against hers.

“I don’t want anything except you.” She confessed, finally allowing herself to admit her desires instead of always catering to everyone else’s, her chest rising and falling as she kept her eyes closed too afraid it was a dream.

Aemond chuckled softly, happily, one hand on her waist the other on the back of her head, fingers tangled in her hair. His hands hold her as if she’s made of spun sugar, one breath away from shattering. “I want everything that has to do with you. Anything you’re willing to give me, I would be grateful for.” His words are hushed, awe filled, as if he was speaking them in a temple; worshiping at the altar of her.

Alyra lets herself imagine a life with Aemond, traveling back and forth between his home and hers on Vhagar, laying in bed together reading books and nudging the other when they come upon something interesting. Spending dinners with his family. She’d be happy, she’d have a family with someone she loved. But she was betrothed, and so was he. Their fates had already been sealed.

She feels her lip begin to tremble again, and she moves her hands to his face, pulling his lips back to hers with a desperate need. If this was the last time, she ever got to feel him, she was going to make it count. She pushed all her passion, desire, longing, and grief into the kiss, letting his skilled lips take her under as he pulled her impossibly closer.

He returned the kiss fully, and she had no doubt he was descended from the gods, heat flooded her veins making her head feel wonderfully dizzy, his grip tightened sending a thrill through her as he whispered, “my sweet Alyra, my wife, the light of my world,” against her lips in High Valyrian.

“Aemond, my love, my heart. ” She whispered back in Denouan, trying to keep the tears from tainting her voice.

Aemond ever observant heard them and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before pulling back to look at her.

“I love you.” She whispered. Her eyes no longer radiated a glimmering gold, but now the deep dull yellow of wheat trampled underfoot. The feeling of being trampled and ground into the dirt is one she feared she’d carry with her for the rest of her life. “But my family is depending on me.”

Aemond nodded, his hand still tangled in her hair, his chest heaving. “And I will spend the rest of my life in agonizing and eternally painful love with you, knowing that you are a dragon’s ride away, and yet I will never be able to have you.”

Alyra shakes her head, a rouge tear slipping down her cheek. “I don’t want you to be in pain.”

Aemond wipes away the tear and presses her hand against his chest so that she can feel his heart beating. “Every moment away from you is a dagger to my heart, but I will learn to live with the pain because it is a reminder of you.”

“No,” she says, shaking her head, determination building. Something wild had taken over her, be it love, bravery, or frustration with her situation. “No, I won’t accept this, there has to be another way.”

Aemond thinks for a moment then speaks, “I could steal you away, whisk you onto Vhagar and marry you at Dragonstone.”

“Every action has consequences, what would be ours?” She asked, hand clutching his tunic as nerves began to smother her spark of determination.

“The loss of the Lannisters and Baratheon as allies?” Aemond seems unbothered by the prospect.

She chewed on her bottom lip, eyes cast downwards. “I cannot be the reason our families lose allies.”

“I’d lose a hundred allies if it meant having you by my side.” Aemond said, gently freeing her bottom lip with his thumb.

Alyra focuses on the steady beating of his heart and lets out a slow breath. “Promise me as soon as it’s done, we will go and collect my brother.”

“I’ll do you one better. I’ll fly and get him for you.” Aegon’s voice had them jolting apart, and Alyra holds a hand over her heart.

“Aegon, I nearly died of fright.”

Aegon shrugged and held his wine jug in the air. “I consider this a success, you two get married and cause a scandal, while I save a child from danger, which makes me a hero.”

Alyra watched Aemond’s eye flit from her to his brother. “Go now, take your dragon and collect my wife’s brother, then bring him to Dragonstone. Tell no one of your plan.”

“She’s not even your wife yet.” Aegon grumbled as he headed towards the Dragonpits.

Alyra looked at Aemond a smile brightening her face. “Are we leaving now?”

Aemond took her hand and pressed it to his lips. “That we are, my sweet.”

Tag list: @nyctophilic0vitnir, @svtansdaddyx, @fan-goddess, @dc-marvel-girl96 Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list!

[feyhunter78]

Vervain and Wolfsbane - Vamp AU

Description: Running from tragedy, Jacaerys and Alyra accept a job at Hightower Manor. The home is filled with shadows, riddles, and the strangely beautiful members of the Hightower family. With secrets weighing heavily on their shoulders, and rumors clouding the air, they fight not only to keep their sanity, but their secrets from being thrust into the cold, pale moonlight.

Aemond didn’t understand why his mother wished to hire a human governess. If Daeron was in such desperate need for an education, then surely a vampiric governess would be a more prudent choice. Especially for a fledgling as spirited as his youngest brother.

The bodies of his previous governesses had been quietly removed from the manor’s grounds and buried. Letters written in their own hands sent to their families explaining they had found a wealthy husband and left with him to start a new life. The charade was never ending, and Aemond simply didn’t understand his mother’s decision to continue it.

Then he saw her, the newest governess. He had watched from his window, ears trained to hear the words she spoke before they were whisked away by the howling wind.

She was a young woman from a small sun soaked city, a fair distance from Oldtown. Her correspondence came with glowing letters of recommendation and proof of her time spent studying education and medicine. Each letter praised her kindness and patience, proclaiming her the perfect governess for any child under the sun.

Pity for her, Daeron was unable to even be in the sun.

If Aemond used his enhanced speed to join his mother at the door before she opened it to greet the governess, then that was his own prerogative. There were no rules against using it in the house, and it did not mean he was intrigued by this new arrival.

She ducked out of the carriage, her hood falling back as she observed the manor with an air of polite interest. With golden hair and honey colored eyes, she glowed amidst the shadows and mist, a single shard of sunlight cutting through the gloom.

She introduced herself as Alyra Hawthorne with a radiant smile and an apology for the frigidity of her hands, citing the long trek made in the middle of the night as the culprit.

He hadn’t even noticed that her hands were chilled, too enraptured by the thrum of her pulse, the sweet scent that wafted off her. Jasmine, something uniquely human that tugged at his senses, fine-tuning them to her every movement, and a third scent, one he didn’t quite recognize.

“A pleasure to meet you Lady Hawthorne, I do hope you will find our home to your liking.” He said, taking her hand in his and pressing to his lips.

Her face tinted beautifully, and he had the urge to steal her away right then and there.

“Thank you, Lord…?” Her eyes gave away no hint of disgust or curiosity over his eyepatch, her smile staying firmly pleasant.

“Aemond, Aemond Hightower, your charge is my younger brother.” He said, keeping her hand within his grasp until his mother cleared her throat pointedly.

“Alyra, please, follow me to your room, then I will take you to meet Daeron.” His mother said, stepping between them gracefully.

“What about Jacaerys? He is still getting our luggage from the carriage.” Alyra said, worry creasing her brow.

Jacaerys? Who was this Jacaerys? He wondered, a sense of possessiveness prickling at his mind as he felt his fangs poke at his gums, longing to slide into place and tear out the throat of whoever this Jacaerys was.

“Ah, yes, my apologies. It has been so long since the manor has had a proper groundskeeper, I had almost forgotten he was arriving today as well.” His mother said, giving Alyra an apologetic smile.

Their last groundskeeper had been attacked and drained by a drunken Aegon, a year ago.

“Alyra, some help perhaps?” A male voice called from the half-opened doors.

This was Jacaerys. The third scent was clear now, pungently male, reeking of attachment.

Alyra hurried to the door and took her bag from the brown-haired stranger. “Apologies, Jace, I was speaking with our employer.”

It took all Aemond had to walk calmly over to her and gently take her bag.

Their hands brushed against each other as she looked up at him in surprise. “Oh, Lord Hightower, thank you.”

“It is my pleasure.” He assured her.

His mother clapped her hands together, and the sound echoed off the stone walls of the entryway. “Now, to your rooms.”

Alyra was unpacking her things when a knock came at her door. “Come in.” She called.

“Are you all unpacked?” Jacaerys asked, shutting the door quietly behind him.

“Nearly finished, am I correct in assuming you have finished your unpacking, and your tour of the grounds?”

He nodded and glanced around the room before he stepped closer. “I saw something odd in the garden.”

“Odd? How so?”

“There was a woman, with hair like moonlight, she was darting between the trees, and when I asked Sir Cole, the caretaker, about her, he acted as if he had not seen her.”

Alyra finished folding her last pair of stockings and tucked them in the drawer before closing it quickly. “Perhaps it is the new environment, making you see things.”

Jacaerys rubbed the back of his neck. “Perhaps.”

She patted his shoulder. “Get some rest, cousin, I must meet my newest charge.”

Lady Alicent had asked her to meet her in the foyer, and Alyra made her way down the winding staircase, admiring the art that lined the walls. Portraits, landscapes, and tapestries all beautifully crafted, and in pristine condition.

“Lady Alyra.” Lady Alicent said, a small brown-haired boy with large dark-brown eyes looked up at her from behind his mother’s skirts. “This is Daeron.”

Alyra knelt down and held her hand out to Daeron. “Good evening, Daeron, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

Daeron took her hand and held it shyly. “Good evening, Lady Alyra.”

“You may call me Alyra.” She said, smiling brightly at him. “After all, we are to be good friends, yes?”

Daeron nodded and hid his face in his mother’s skirts once more.

“He is quite shy around strangers, I apologize.”

Alyra shook her head, standing back up. “No need to apologize, it is only natural for him to be wary.”

Alicent leaned forward ever so slightly and lowered her voice. “And his affliction that I mentioned in the letter, there will be no issue, I trust?”

Lady Alicent’s letter had detailed Daeron’s strange reaction to the sun, it burned his skin quite fiercely, prompting the family to live a nocturnal lifestyle. At first, Alyra had found it odd, but the pay was beyond generous, and Lady Alicent had agreed to hire Jacaerys as well, so she was more than willing to make the sacrifice of time spent in the sun.

“Not at all, I have always been more of a night owl myself, so I should have no problem adjusting.”

“Hear that sweetling? No need to fret.” Lady Alicent said to Daeron, carding her fingers through his hair.

Daeron nodded, then tugged at his mother’s skirts and whispered something in her ear when she bent down.

She smiled politely at Alyra. “You must excuse us, Daeron is positively famished, and he does not like to eat in front of strangers.”

Alyra nodded and waved goodbye to Daeron as they walked away. It was not the worst first impression she’d had with a charge, nor was it the best. Daeron was clearly a shy child who would need time to warm up to her, something Alyra had no issue with. As she had told the Lady Alicent, most children were that way with strangers.

Helaena was crouched on the ground whispering to a firefly when she heard the sound of footsteps crunching in the gravel.

“Pardon the intrusion, my lady.” A male voice, low and steady with a pleasant warmth to it, filled her ears.

She stood and turned, releasing the firefly and watching it flutter off into the night. “Yes?”

“I merely wished to introduce myself. Lord Jacaerys Hawthorne, I will be the manor’s groundskeeper.”

“A lord and a groundskeeper?” Helaena asked, examining the tall, broad-shouldered man before her.

His face tinted pink. “My family held a small title, but my sister Alyra and I are the only ones left. We have not been able to live the lifestyle of our ancestors, unfortunately.”

“I did not mean to offend, I was merely curious, my apologies.” She said softly, brushing the dirt from her gown.

“May I have your name?” He asked, his eyes a curious shade of brown in the moonlight almost rimmed with silver, they were beautiful, and she found herself ensnared by his gaze.

“Helaena Hightower, Lady Helaena, if you wish.” She said, not even flinching when he took her hand in his, pressing it to his lips, the warmth of his skin like a bonfire against the icy chill of her own.

“A pleasure, Lady Helaena, if I might be so bold? I was quite sure the moon could never be outshone, but your radiance surely turns her green with envy.”

Helaena felt a rapid flutter in her chest like those of a butterfly’s wings, and she couldn’t fight the small smile tugging at her lips. “I thank you; your kind words are most welcome this night.”

His brow furrowed in concern, and she was struck by the ease in which she could read his face. “Is something troubling you, my lady?”

“I have spent a great deal of time cultivating a sanctuary for my insect friends, and now I fear it will be destroyed.” She explained, motioning to the surrounding garden.

“Ah, well, if you wished, I could attempt to section out a portion of the garden for your personal use?”

“Would you?” She asked, still entangled within his gaze even as it swept over the section she guarded.

“Of course, the beauty in gardening is that it allows for freedom and variety within one place. It would be cruel of me to deprive anyone of the manor from enjoying such natural pursuits.” He said, rolling up his sleeves and surveying the grounds.

Helaena’s eyes were drawn to the prominent veins of his forearm, the steady heartbeat that pumped that sanguine substance throughout Jacaerys’ strong form. It almost startled her, how quickly her fangs slid into place, how desperately she wanted to sink them into Jacaerys’ muscled forearms and drink her fill.

“Lady Helaena?” Jacaerys’ voice pulled her back from within the recesses of her mind.

“Yes?” She was careful to hide her fangs until they retracted.

“Do you wish for me to escort you inside? You seem unwell.” Again, his brow was furrowed, concern sprawled across his face.

“Yes, please, I am quite famished.” She took his offered arm, and listened intently as he told her of his journey here, the thrum of his pulse fading as she found herself laughing along to his stories.

Tag list: Tag list: @nyctophilic0vitnir, @svtansdaddyx, @fan-goddess, @dc-marvel-girl96, @shintax-error, @bellameshipper, @the141bandicoot, @the-phantom-of-arda, @haydee5010, @partypoison00, @serrhaewin, @issshhh, @pax-2735, @malfoytargaryen, @sahanna, @dellalyra, @mxrgodsstuff, @jkhomes, @unusual-raccoon, @boofy1998, @kravitzwhore, @caribbeangel, @krispold, @issshh, @afro-hispwriter, @ryswritingrecord, @prettykinkysoul, @elissanatok, @sahvlren, @its-sam-allgood, @happinessinthbeing, @8e-h-e8, @feyres-fireheart, @just-emmaaaa, @crazylokonugget, @hedahobbit98, @devils-blackrose, @mercedesdecorazon, @snh96, @imjustboredso, @izzicle, @hiatuswhore, @aslanvez, @devils-blackrose, @yentroucnagol, @queenofshinigamis, @partyposion00, @cryptidsrcool

[feyhunter78]

Poisoned Tears and Scorched Tongues (5/22)

Description: Aemond isn't too fond of his betrothed or Alyra's and looking back on their lives together he realizes he doesn't care too much for what others think, he knows what he wants.

He stares forward as Cassandra drones on, ever since their betrothal was announced she’s decided that they should spend as much time together as possible, much to Aemond’s annoyance. Usually, he would spend this time in the library, or in the gardens with his sister and her children, and of course Alyra would be there as well, but that wasn’t the only reason he visited. At least that’s what he told his mother.

“What do you think my prince?” Cassandra was looking up at him expectantly and all he could see was Alyra’s tearful face as she bared her soul to him.

He gave Cassandra a small smile and pushed Alyra’s image out of his mind. “My apologies dear one, I must have gotten lost in thought. What did you ask?”

Cassandra tilted her head towards two approaching figures. “I asked if you knew how your brother and Alyra—”

“Lady Alyra.” He corrected her on reflex, used to making sure Alyra was given the respect she deserved by others of the court.

“How your brother and Lady Alyra have become so close?”

His eye darted over to where Aegon and Alyra were walking, she seemed in good spirits, and his brother didn’t look as if he wanted to throw himself out the nearest window. “She is my sister’s closest companion, and he my sister’s husband, I can’t find it too difficult to believe that over the years they’ve grown close.”

“Is she not betrothed to a Lannister?”

Aemond’s jaw clenched, and he pulled his eye away from the shyly smiling Alyra to look at Cassandra. “And what exactly are you implying?” His tone was frigid. The only thing keeping him from ending this ridiculous charade was Alyra’s insistence that marrying Tyrion was the best option for her family.

Cassandra took note of his shift in demeanor and shook her head. “I don’t mean to imply anything, I was simply inquiring after her marital status, I do have brothers after all.”

“Your father would marry off one of his sons to a Hawthorne?”

Cassandra pursed her lips then nodded. “The crown princess speaks highly of Lady Alyra; her words have sparked some interest in the Hawthorne name.”

“Interesting.” Aemond said, his eye drifting back to Alyra who was bent over to pick a small pink flower.

When Alyra first arrived, he strived to feel nothing. Fresh from losing his eye, he was insecure and annoyed by his older brother’s teasing. Then Helaena had returned from the throne room with Alyra in tow, and all his anger went flying out the window. She was radiant. Shy and sweet, with soft hands and a kind smile. She never flinched at his scars or his angry words, she sat beside him and helped him through his darker days. He had fallen in love with her before he knew what love truly was.

He felt sick on his ten and third birthday, Aegon had taken him to a brothel, told him it was “time to get it wet.” He wasn’t a saint, he’d had dreams, thoughts, fantasies, but this was nothing like that. It was rough, cold, and left him feeling hollow.

When he returned hoping to slink away to his chambers and hide from the world, she caught him. She, like always, was all smiles, open arms and a book he’d been searching forever for. He wanted to throw himself on his sword when he saw the way she ran from his room.

Then years later at the tourney he was forced to stand in the presence of his half-sister and pretend he didn’t have the urge to snatch Alyra away, to hide her from the rest of the world. Aemond had to swallow his anger as he rested his head on her shoulder, breathing in the scent of her hair, honeysuckle and lavender. When she turned in his arms, lower lip stuck out in a pout, he knew he would give her anything she asked for. Even if it meant leaving her in the company of the Strongs.

 Then she ran into the ring chasing after her brother and he felt his heart stop, ignoring his mother’s calls he pushed through the crowd nearly falling on his knees in front of her, but he kept his composure and pulled her from the ground in a rush unable to stop himself from taking hold of her. Propriety and manners of the court be dammed. It took all the strength he had to leave her with the Lannister boy and then again, all the strength he had when he found out the boy had asked for Alyra’s hand.

His Alyra, his dōna, the only woman he’d ever considered marrying, the one he wished was there in the brothel bed with him instead of the coarse older woman he laid under. Not that he would ever drag her to that horrid place, that he would ever dishonor her in such a way. She was too sweet, too pure, she could never know of the ways she crept into his dreams and left him gasping and hungry.

Cassandra pulled him from his reminiscing, and he let her lead him back inside. As they entered, he spotted the Lannister boy. Tyrion was talking animatedly with a visiting noblewoman, his loud laugh filling the air. Was he having an affair? Was this something he could use against the preening lion cub?

“Are we setting a date for the wedding soon?” Cassandra asked, her intelligent eyes tracked his gaze to Tyrion. “My father wants us married before the Lannister wedding; he doesn’t want to compete.”

Aemond nodded, “I’ll speak with my mother.”

Cassandra sighed and attempted to lay her head on his shoulder, but he moved quickly already calling out to Tyrion.

The golden-haired man’s smile faltered for a moment and he removed his hand from the arm of the woman in front of him. “Prince Aemond, how are you this fine afternoon?”

Aemond examined the pair, Tyrion seemed calm, his hands steady, his eyes meeting Aemond’s. The woman on the other hand seemed flustered, unable to meet anyones gaze she looked like a deer waiting for its moment to flee.

“Quite well, and you?”

“I couldn’t ask for a better day,” he motioned towards the woman, “my beloved childhood friend and I have just been reunited.”

“I am Lady Elisa of the Riverlands, your highness, it’s an honor to be here in your beautiful home.” Elisa had soft features and brilliant red hair, that reminded Aemond of dragon fire.

Aemond nodded, “have you introduced her to your betrothed?”

“I believe she’s with Prince Aegon in the garden.” Cassandra quickly said, linking her arm with his as if staking her claim.

Tyrion nodded, “Alyra and Elisa get along very well. I introduced them this morning, and they’ve already made plans to go into town to visit the markets.”

“Lady Alyra is so kind, she asked me to help her look at fabrics for her wedding dress.” Elisa added. “She said that since Tyrion and I have been friends for so long, I would be a great help in finding something he would like.”

Aemond hummed lowly and turned pulling Cassandra along with him as he stalked down the hallway. Visions of Alyra a wedding gown, her hands joined with Tyrion's taunted him and he unlatched himself from Cassandra.

“I must go visit my dragon; I will send for you later.”

Cassandra took a step back then stopped. “Might I come with you? If we’re to be married I imagine I’ll meet your dragon, why not now?”

Aemond restrained himself from scoffing aloud.

The only woman who would ride Vhagar with him would be Alyra. He’d seen it in his dreams, discussed it over and over again with Vhagar before he’d finally worked up the courage to ask her when they were ten and four.

She’d pushed herself so far into his chest as they climbed into the clouds, and he couldn’t help but be glad she could not see the smile on his face as he wrapped his arms tighter around her. Her joyous laughter and screams as they dived towards the sea before pulling up sharply rang in his ears for the rest of that day.

“She isn’t in the mood for visitors today.”

Cassandra took a deep breath and linked her hands in front of her. “My prince, I know this marriage is one arranged by our parents, but you do us both a disservice by pushing me aside.”

Aemond cocked one eyebrow.

“People have begun to talk.”

“About?”

“Lady Alyra.”

Aemond felt rage seize his mind, “who dares to speak ill of her? She is an invaluable member of the royal family and comes from a respectable house. She has done nothing to upset anyone, those gossips need to watch their tongues before I take them.”

Cassandra fixed him with a look. “One might think she was your betrothed the way you defend her.”

Aemond remembered his mother’s pleas for him to try and woo Cassandra. He stepped forward and brushed a lock of her dark hair behind her ear letting his fingers gently graze her cheek. “I would defend you with twice the vigor, but you, my dear, do not need defending.”

“But I do, you must defend me with your actions. You alone can put a stop to the rumors.”

 Aemond hummed thoughtfully, his mind already wandering to the last time he rode Vhagar with Alyra. The way she kept a cloak wrapped around herself, feeling too exposed in her riding leathers, the curve of her legs and hips wrapped in leather only to be seen once they were high enough in the air. How she would pull his arms tighter around her when Vhagar took a turn too fast for her liking. Perhaps he would steal her away from his siblings and convince her to ride with him once more.

“Promise me you will stay away from Lady Alyra, if only in the public eye. I know she is bound to your sister; you will not be able to avoid her completely.” Cassandra’s tone was firm, her mouth set in a grim line.

Aemond let out a laugh, a sharp disbelieving sound, that made Cassandra frown.

“Aemond, I’m serious. I will not be made a fool, not by court gossips, nor by your infatuation with a serving girl.”

At that Aemond stepped back his face an unfeeling mask. “Goodbye Lady Baratheon.” He left her standing in the hall and made his way to the Dragonpit.

As he stood atop the pit, he heard Vhagar’s wings and felt the ground shake as she landed, close behind her landed his sister’s dragon Dreamfyre, her pale blue scales glimmered in the sunlight. Helaena quickly slid off her dragon, then reached a hand out for someone he could not see.

“Sister,” he called out raising one hand on greeting.

Another pair of booted feet hit the ground and Alyra joined his sister in rushing forward.

“Wonderful timing, I was looking to borrow Lady Alyra.”

Helaena tilted her head in confusion, but a small smile played at her lips. “Well, I am supposed to meet mother, I was going to give Alyra some time to herself, but if you require her help?”

Alyra moved forward, her cloak still billowing around her. “My lady, I would be more than happy to stay with you, if you need me.”

Helaena shook her head, “dragons and lions are impatient, they break trees in their haste.”

Aemond’s ears perked up, he learned long ago to heed his sister’s cryptic words. Storing her words away he made a mental note to write them down when he returned to his quarters.

Alyra seemed to be doing the same thing and he felt a sliver of pride. That’s his girl, his wife, the court just didn’t know it yet.

“Lady Alyra, your particular skill set is needed, I’m afraid I must insist.”

Alyra glanced between him and his sister, biting her bottom lip before releasing it slowly and nodding. “If it’s alright with my lady, then I’d be more than happy to assist you, Prince Aemond.”

He fought back the urge to correct her, he hated when she used his title, preferring she call him my prince, or my lord. He almost shivered at the memory of the way she said his name the night of the feast. His name sounded so perfect, like honey from her lips even though the words that followed it greatly upset them both.

Helaena nodded and began to drift away, her head in the clouds.

Alyra waited until they were alone before she spoke. “What was it that you needed, my prince?”

Aemond cocked his head towards Vhagar. “I want you to fly with me.”

Alyra seemed on the verge of laughter and tears. “Beg pardon?”

Aemond stepped closer and tilted her chin up with two fingers. “You know you never have to beg me for anything.”

Alyra’s pretty face bloomed pink and her golden eyes flitted down to his lips before they pointedly stared at the space beside his head. “I don’t see how any of my skills would assist you, I am not a dragon rider, nor am I an expert in dragons themselves.”

He found himself wanting to say something ridiculous like you’re an expert in this dragon, but he knew better, she would laugh and brush him aside assuming he was joking with her. Or worse she would pull away and run farther than before. He couldn’t have that.

“You seem to have wrangled my brother quite well.”

Alyra gave a hesitant laugh, “Prince Aegon can be quite insightful, he just needs a more understanding outlet.”

Aemond wrapped one arm around her waist and pulled her flush against him the hand holding her chin moving to draw lazy circles on the exposed skin of her collarbone. “I thought you were mine? My sweet, understanding girl.”

Alyra swallowed hard and her chest brushed his as she took a deep breath. “I am bonded to your sister so it’s more as if I’m on loan.”

He hummed lowly, his hand pausing its ministrations to capture a lock of her hair. “Well then you are a loan I shall never pay back.”

“I don’t think that’s how that works my prince.” Alyra giggled, her eyes finally meeting his.

“Come fly with me, Vhagar misses you.”

As if to affirm his statement, Vhagar rustled her wings.

Alyra tapped her lips with one finger playfully as if thinking over his offer. “I mean if I will be helpful how can I refu—”

“Alyra Hawthorne.” Her uncle’s voice rang through the open air and Alyra jumped away from Aemond.

“Uncle, how wonderful to see you.” She said, rushing past Aemond and stopping in front of her uncle.

Aemond turned and watched Alyra’s uncle bow his head and speak quietly to her, he saw her body stiffen then wilt as she nodded and whispered frantically, her hands flying wildly as she spoke.

Her uncle took her by the forearm and forcefully guided her back down to the Dragonpit’s entrance leaving him standing there.

A messenger arrived with a summons from his mother, and his heart sunk.

Tag list @nyctophilic0vitnir

[feyhunter78]

Poisoned Tears and Scorched Tongues (6/22)

Description: Aemond and Alyra have different consequences for their actions, but Alyra arguably suffer more when Tyrion shows his true colors.

“I asked you for one thing, one thing, Aemond.”

“I know mother.”

“Woo the Baratheon girl, we need her father’s support if your brother is to be king.”

“Aegon doesn’t even want—”

“I’m not finished.” His mother was furious, but attempting to calm herself. “I understand wanting something different, wanting to make your own choices, but you are a prince.” She stopped her pacing to face him. “You cannot just run around with your sister’s lady-in-waiting while you are betrothed, especially since she is also betrothed.”

Aemond stood and crossed the room, grabbing his mother’s hands. “I love her, mother, I want to marry her.”

Queen Alicent gave him a look of both disappointment and exasperation before she held his hands tightly. “You think you love her.”

Aemond shook his head, holding her hands tighter. “I know I do. I have loved her since the moment I saw her.”

His mother let go of his hands and slumped into a nearby chair. “Aegon is supposed to be the one that gives me trouble, not you. But now I hear he’s attending his lessons, while you are off attempting to sneak the Lannister’s betrothed onto your dragon.”

Aemond knelt in front of his mother, looking up at her like he did as a child. “Please, mother, have I ever asked you for anything else?”

A sad smile graced her tired face, and she cupped his cheek with one gentle hand. “I am sorry, my love, but there is nothing I can do.”

Aemond’s shoulders dropped, and he nodded before he stood and pressed a kiss to his mother’s forehead. “I understand, I will do my duty.”

“Are you a complete idiot?”

Alyra ducked as another plate went flying towards her, the ceramic shattered against the wall and her uncle’s face was bright red with rage.

“No, Uncle, I just—”

“Just what? Just want to ruin your reputation, your chance at marriage? Want to end up dead in the dirt like your whore of a sister?”

Alyra bit the inside of her cheek, trying to focus on the pain instead of the tears welling in her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry?” Another crash, her uncle had smashed the glass against the table before he threw it. “You’re sorry? You should be begging at Tyrion Lannister’s feet, praying that he hasn’t heard the rumors and decided to call the wedding off.”

Alyra flinched as the glass sailed by her, biting her cheek even harder when she felt the warm blood drip down her cheek. “I’ll go to him now, I promise.”

Her uncle sighed heavily, “your face is a mess, clean yourself up before you see him.” He turned to leave but stopped, his voice deadly calm. “And I don’t want to see you near the second prince again.”

“I am his sister’s—”

“Find a way, Alyra, or your brother will pay the price.”

Alyra fell silent and nodded, staring at the floor until the door to her chambers closed. Once she heard the resounding click, she collapsed sobbing onto the floor, hoping the rug would muffle her cries. She knew her uncle well enough to know he did not make threats lightly.

She thought of her brother, his bright smile and golden curls, he was such a happy boy, soft and sheltered from the world. Digging her fingers into the fabric, she pushed herself off the floor and wiped her tears away, feeling the telltale tingle of her magic working to close the open wound on her face.

She’d gotten better at controlling her ability to heal, it stayed small, cuts, scrapes, and bruises, nothing too drastic. She’d kept it quiet, too. On the advice of the crown princess, and her mother, who had kept her own abilities secret from Alyra’s father.

Once she felt steady enough to stand, she smoothed the wrinkles from her skirt and made her way to the chambers Tyrion and his family were staying in.

“I wanted to apologize for any discomfort or confusion I may have caused you, and I wanted to assure you that my heart belongs to you, and no one else.” The lies slipped off her tongue like water, but tasted as bitter as venom.

Tyrion looked completely unfazed by the rumors, reassuring her that he was not threatened by a childhood friendship. His father seemed less assured, but when she began to tear up and beg for his family’s forgiveness, the older man crumbled. Giving her his own handkerchief to dry her tears with, curling her fingers around it when she tried to give it back.

“No child, keep it, think of it as the first wedding gift from your dearest father-in-law.”

Alyra held the cloth close to her chest, relieved that the Lannister’s were still excited about the wedding.

“Why don’t I walk you back to your chambers, beautiful one?” Tyrion asked, holding out his arm for her to take. His smile was kind, and he let her lean on him the way she did at the tourney.

“Thank you, Tyrion, I would love that.” She smiled tearfully at him and let him lead her back to her chambers.

“I truly meant what I said. I will not stray from you, not now, not ever.” She said once they’d been walking for a while.

Tyrion stopped and pulled her into a tight embrace. “I would not fault you if you did, I know a lifetime can be a long time with one person.”

Alyra looked up at him confused, “but that is marriage, and I want to spend my entire life with you.”

Tyrion stroked her hair, a pacifying smile on his face. “It is times like this I am charmed by your innocence.”

She pulled back, putting space between them. “My innocence?”

He rubbed the back of his neck with a slight laugh, “I assumed that in all your time around Prince Aegon you would have learned the true workings of a successful marriage.”

“Prince Aegon’s actions are not condoned by his wife.”

Tyrion gave her a teasing smile, “but they would be condoned by you, wouldn’t they? I mean, my family is doing your family a great service through this marriage.”

Alyra stared at him, her mind trying to fit all the pieces together. “You wish to step outside our vows?”

He smiled brightly and clapped her on the shoulder. “Now you’re getting it.”

“And am I allowed to do the same?” She asked hesitantly, clasping her hands behind her back.

“Gods no, what would people say?”

She tilted her head slightly, “would they not say the same as if it was you who had a lover?” She knew the answer, of course it wouldn’t be the same, she’d heard the whispers. The stories of how women had fallen from grace for one misstep while their husbands fathered bastard after bastard.

“Why would they?”

Alyra felt as if Tyrion had reached inside her ribs and taken hold of her lungs, squeezing them until she could no longer breathe. She told herself that at least she would be loved if she couldn’t have Aem—a choice, then at least Tyrion would love her, and that would be enough.

 But now? She would give up everything to be set up on a shelf and forgotten? She’d spent her entire life as an object, a pawn to be traded around, to be used to get to the queen, to her children, to the crown princess. Each time she resisted, she would be knocked off the board and have to start again, fighting to be seen as more than an empty-headed girl from a small house.

“Now, now, don’t cry, it ruins your beauty.” Tyrion cooed, taking his father’s handkerchief from her balled up fist and wiping away her tears.

Alyra caught his hand. “I misunderstood the terms of our arrangement, but I am aware of them now, I will see you when you return from Casterly Rock.”

Taking the handkerchief back, she turned and walked in silence until she reached her chambers. No one had entered since she left, glass littered the floor, her rug was bunched from where she’d held it as she cried. Closing the door behind her, she dug her nails into her palms until she felt the skin break. She watched as the scarlet bloomed onto the white cloth, then let it flutter to the floor.

She would make the best of her situation, she had to, there was no other choice.

Tag list: @nyctophilic0vitnir, @svtansdaddyx, @fan-goddess, @dc-marvel-girl96

[feyhunter78]

Targaryen Inc (10/?)

Description: Alyra and Helaena debrief, Alyra once again tells Jacaerys to get his shit together, and Jacaerys has the chance to play hero to Helaena.

Helaena watched as Dreamfyre and Ziras sniffed at each other before they ran off to dig toys out of the basket in the corner of Alyra’s living room.

“So, how did the date go?” Alyra asked, sitting down on her couch and handing her a glass of wine. It was their midweek catch up session. Every free Wednesday they had, they would meet in Alyra’s apartment and debrief.

Helaena took a sip, then spoke. “It was a nice time; Tyrion is funny and he’s very handsome. We actually ended up going out again last night, and…” She trailed off.

“Did you go home with him?” Alyra’s eyes widened, an excited smile spreading across her face.

Helaena set down her wine and played with the ends of her hair. “I did, but it got a bit awkward.”

“Awkward how?” Alyra asked before she took a sip of her own wine.

“I called him by Jacaerys’s name while we were hooking up.” Helaena admitted burying her bright red face in her hands.

Alyra choked and went into a coughing fit that had Ziras lifting his head to check on her. “You did what?” She rasped out, setting her wine glass down as she pounded her chest.

“I don’t know what happened, I was having a good time, and then it just happened.” Helaena cried, peeking at Alyra through her fingers.

Alyra started to giggle, then it ramped up to laughter, until she was doubled over, tears of mirth in her eyes. “Oh my gods, that’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard.”

Helaena took a pillow and smacked her lightly. “It’s not funny, it was embarrassing. He kept going and we both pretended it didn’t happen, but I just ran out of there once we finished.”

Alyra sighed and wiped tears from her eyes. “Was it at least good?”

“It was until I called him by the wrong name.” Helaena groaned, covering her burning cheeks with her hands.

Alyra began giggling again, and Helaena raised the pillow threateningly. “Okay, okay, I’m sorry.” She picked up her wine glass. “Jace would kill to hear that.” She mumbled under her breath.

Helaena grabbed her glass and pulled it away. “What do you mean?”

Alyra bit the inside of her cheek then leaned forward, lowering her voice. “You didn’t hear this from me, but Jace is in love with you.”

“He—what? How do you—Alyra!”

“He all but confessed it to me that day Alys came into the office.” She admitted, giving Helaena a sheepish smile.

“That’s why he came up to me when I was on my date.”

“Believe me, I had to stop him from marching down to your office and demanding you skip the date.”

“You should have let him.” Helaena whined, tilting her face to the ceiling.

“Are you?”

“In love with Jacaerys? Yes.”

“This is perfect, I can set you up.”

“Just a week ago, he still hadn’t blocked Sarah’s number.” Helaena reminded her.

Alyra sighed and massaged her temples. “He’s an idiot, Helaena, I’ll talk to him.”

“No, it has to be his decision.”

“I already told him not to make you a rebound.”

Helaena picked her glass back up and took a long drink. “I’m sure you did, but you know you can’t always control your heart.”

Helaena stepped into her office Thursday morning to find Lucerys waiting for her.

“How was the date?” He said as soon as he saw her.

“It was nice, he was very sweet.”

“And?” He questioned, pressing for more details.

“He’s really hot, we may or not may have slept together, and it may not have been really good.” She teased, knowing Lucerys would back down once she got into the more intimate details.

“Ew, I don’t need to hear that.” He whined, covering his ears and practically sprinting from her office.

The sound of a door slamming made her jump, and she saw Jacaerys’ back through Alyra’s office window.

Nothing wrong with a little jealousy. She told herself as she went down the hall to wish her parents good morning.

Jacaerys was fuming, hands curled into fists. “He slept with her? That blond haired asshole dared to put his hands on my Helaena?”

“First off, good morning, thanks for slamming my door, and second, she’s not your Helaena, you haven’t asked her out.” Alyra deadpanned. Taking a bite out of her donut, as she wiped some stray leaves from her desk and into her trash can.

“Still, he had no right to defile her in such a way.”

“Defile? Look who has a word of the day calendar.”

“Alyra, I’m serious.” He said, relaxing his hands and placing them flat on her desk.

“I know, but it’s not like she didn’t want to sleep with him. She’s a single adult, she can make her own choices.”

“Yes, but—I love her.”

“And I love Aemond, but I can’t stop him from letting some witch, grind up on him in a club.”

“Didn’t you technically do that, by causing a drunk scene?”

Alyra waved her hand dismissively. “That’s besides the point. You tried to interrupt her date, and it didn’t work. You’re going to have try harder.”

Jacaerys ran a hand down his face. “I will go into her office and declare my love for her, right now.”

“No, you know, Helaena hates when attention is drawn to her like that.” Alyra warned.

He hangs his head. “I know, I would never put her in that position, I just don’t want to lose her.”

Alyra patted his hand. “Look, the charity ball is right around the corner, ask her to go with you, privately.”

“And then I confess my love?” He asked, obviously too caught up in his thought to be following her train of thought.

“No, we don’t live in a period piece, you can’t just spring that on someone. It has to be natural, especially with Helaena. She deserves honesty, and thoughtfulness, not the Strong family way of barreling through everything and hoping it works out.”

“Hey, you like the Strong family way of doing things, you channeled it in the club.” He reminded, a teasing smirk on his face.

“I’m going to tell Aunt Rhaenyra, you’re bullying me.” She shot back, fingers ready to type a message to her.

“How is that bullying?” He protested, his jaw dropping.

“Because I don’t like it.”

Jacaerys rolled his eyes. “I’m not inviting you to Helaena, and I’s wedding.”

“That’s if she’ll marry you, she had a good time with Tyrion.”

“Strongs might be blunt, but we’re also charming. How do you think my dad got my mom to marry him?”

“I assumed blackmail, or that she was really into men who could carry her around.”

“You’re in love with a guy who double majored in finance and philosophy.”

“I like nerds, sue me.”

“I could.”

Alyra threw a pen at him, and he caught it. “Get out of my office, some of us have work to do.”

“Fine, but I’m keeping this pen, it’s evidence I need in my case against you.” He said, as he left her office, holding the pen aloft.

Jacaerys stuck the pen in his pencil holder, and opened his email, skimming the list to see which took first priority. One with an all bolded subject line caught his attention.

OTTO WILL NOT STOP SHOWING UP AT MY HOUSE, HELP ME GRANDSON

He groaned; his grandfather Viserys was not as technologically savvy as he believed himself to be. He forwarded the email to his parents, then opened it and scanned the contents. His grandfather would have an easier time just calling the police and having them arrest Otto for trespassing, but he’d never do it. He still had affection for the man that helped him start the company, even if Otto had been a major cause in the company’s earlier deficit.

There was a rapid knocking on his door, and he looked up from his computer to see Helaena entering. Her head down was, her arms were wrapped around herself, and he could hear her sniffling. He stood and was by her side before he could even finish forwarding the email to Alyra.

She looked up at him, nose red, and eyes filled with tears. “Jacaerys.” She whimpered, practically falling into his open arms as she began to sob.

He rubbed her back soothingly and cradled her head with his free hand. “Helaena, what’s wrong?”

She buried her face in his button down and said nothing.

“Did Aegon say something to you?” His jaw clenched, Aegon had come a long way, but there were still times he would tease her, and he never knew when enough was enough.

“No.” She sniffled, raising her head enough to look up at him. “We had to fire John from finance, and he was so cruel. He screamed at me, and called me a stuck up bitch, then he knocked everything off my desk and left still screaming about how I was useless, and my department was just a waste of space.”

He wondered if John was still in the building, if so, he was going to kick his ass. No one made Helaena cry.

His grip tightened around her, and he gathered his confidence enough to kiss the crown of her head. “I’m sorry Helaena, he shouldn’t have done that. Your department keeps everything running smoothly. We’d be lost without you.” He brushed away her tears and gave her a soft smile. “How about I walk you back to your office and help you fix your desk?”

Helaena sniffled once more but nodded. “Okay, thank you.”

He hugged her once more. “Of course, how could I not help my favorite flower?”

She blushed, a pretty pink dusting across her face, and he was struck with the urge to kiss her.

Helaena blinked up at him, lips pouty and pink, so close he could almost taste them.

Then he reined himself in, reminding himself that she was in a vulnerable state right now, and it would be a dick move to kiss her after she’d been crying.

“Let’s go fix your desk.” He said, gently wrapping an arm around her shoulders and shielding her from anyone’s prying eyes.

Tag list: @nyctophilic0vitnir, @svtansdaddyx, @fan-goddess, @dc-marvel-girl96, @shintax-error, @bellameshipper, @the141bandicoot, @the-phantom-of-arda, @depressedperson88

[feyhunter78]

Targaryen Inc (8/?)

Description: Everyone has an eventful night, Helaena goes on a date, and Aemond's past is revealed

Trigger warning: Vague mention of Aemond being groomed when he was younger, it's really short, no details, just Aegon choking out basic plot points of what happened. Just wanted to give y'all a heads up just in case!

They ended up back at Aegon’s apartment, and Alyra laid on Aegon’s living room rug, Sunfyre immediately trotting over and licking her face.

“Begone, you giant fluffball, I’m trying to be sad.” She groaned, petting his head even as she protested his attention.

“Don’t be mean to my dog, he’s a saint.” Aegon chided, sitting on the floor next to her and scratching Sunfyre behind the ear.

“Why?” She covered her face in her hands.

“Because he’s a good boy, yes he is, yes he is.” Aegon dropped into baby talk as Sunfyre left her to jump into Aegon’s lap and nearly send him toppling over.

“Not why is your dog a saint, I already know he’s a sweet boy, but why Aemond.” She threw her hands in the air in frustration. “Why is he the way that he is?” She closed her eyes, relishing in the way the world felt like she was floating on a pool floaty.

“Aemond is weird, he’s a math nerd, who doesn’t know any songs on the radio.”

Alyra bit the inside of her cheek as tears pricked at her eyes. She would not cry, not drunk on the floor over a man who did not want her.

Aegon’s fingers gently running through her hair broke the dam, and she sat up, tears spilling from beneath her eyelids. Aegon sighed sympathetically. “Alyra…”

She opened her eyes and tried to blink away her tears. “I just don’t understand, I thought maybe he returned my feelings, but now I feel stupid.”

Aegon blew out a breath then grabbed a toy and threw it, causing Sunfyre to dash off. “So, you know how I wasn’t always a great big brother?”

Alyra wiped under her eyes and looked at him. “Yeah.”

“Well, I may have done something shitty to him when we were younger.”

She sniffled. “What do you mean?”

“When I was sixteen, I found myself falling in with a rough crowd and I gained the attention of this older woman. I knew better, but Aemond was thirteen, and—” He sighed and ran his hands down his face. “He was naïve, and he was so insecure about his eye, and she just swept him up.”

“Like took him under her wing and was a mentor or like grooming?” Alyra asked carefully, stomach churning and not just from the alcohol.

Aegon’s eyes focused on Sunfyre who was happily chewing on his toy. “I found them in bed together, I ripped him out of there, and he was fighting me, screaming that they loved each other.”

“Oh, Aegon…” Alyra breathed, putting a hand on his shoulder.

His eyes shined with tears, and she pulled him into a side hug, resting his head on her shoulder.

“I tried to tell him, but she had him so wrapped up. I called the police, and our parents got a restraining order, but Aemond would never believe us when we said she was only hurting him.” He nuzzled into her neck; his voice strained. “I don’t know if he still doesn’t understand and is chasing after that memory, or if he just has a thing for older women, but either way it’s my fault.”

Alyra swallowed hard. “It’s not your fault, it’s hers. She took advantage of him.” A terrifying thought came to her mind. “This Alys isn’t that woman, right?”

“No, no. That woman is in prison, I look her up every year to make sure she’s still there.” Aegon said, and Alyra relaxed.

“Well, okay then at least there’s that.”

Aegon sat up and wiped at his eyes. “That doesn’t explain the way he’s been acting, though.”

“What did you say to him before we left?”

“I just told him he was being stupid.” Aegon said, looking back at his dog for comfort. Sunfrye seemed to notice his gaze and trotted over, laying his body in both their laps.

Alyra stroked his fur, while Aegon whispered to him in Valyrian, the same language he used in the club.

She wasn’t going to push him, not after everything he’d done for her tonight. “Thank you.”

“Of course, what are friends for?” He said, lowering his face so her could nuzzle his nose against Sunfyre’s.

Aemond nursed his drink, half listening to what Alys was saying. He couldn’t get Alyra’s wounded expression out of his head. Her amber eyes were filled with anger and her lips were tugged down in a heartbreaking frown. The nickname he called her in his head even slipped out, as he begged her to stay, to let him see her home safely.

 He trusted Aegon to an extent. But nowhere was safer for Alyra than with him. He could still feel her warmth in his arms, against his chest. Still feel the softness of her face lingering on his palms. He turned his hand and smirked at the shimmer, some of her highlight must have rubbed off on him. She always complained about her makeup but refused to buy expensive products, claiming it was “a scam to pay more money for a name.”

“Aemond?” Alys’ voice drew him out of his memories, and he looked at her.

“My apologies, what did you say?”

“I asked if you wanted to go back to my place, ever since your assistant made that scene—”

“She’s not my assistant.”

She rolled her eyes. “Ever since your co-worker made that scene, I’ve wanted to leave. She really ruined our night.”

Aemond looked down at her. She had seemed so mature and sophisticated when they first met, but now?

“You said it yourself, we’re co-workers. Not friends, not dating, not anything.”

Alyra had said those words with such anger, and he couldn’t understand why she would think that. She was Alyra, his good luck charm. She was someone he could always count on, both on and off the clock. Seeing her through her window every morning as he walked to his office made him smile, and when she wasn’t there, he was in a terrible mood.

“It’s over Aemond, you’re safe, she’s gone, it wasn’t your fault. I support your dating choices, but you can’t rewrite the past. His brother’s jaw was clenched, his violet eyes narrowed. “You know you’ve had Alyra’s heart for ages, and you keep throwing it away, so you don’t get hurt, but news flash, Aemond. It was an older woman who hurt you, not Alyra.”

Aemond bristled and went to respond, but Aegon shook his head. “I’m not watching you break my best friend’s heart any longer, so get your shit together or leave her alone.”

He watched as Alyra clung to Aegon, shoulder shaking. He’d made her cry, his sweet Alyra, was crying because of him.

“Aemond? Seriously, are you that drunk?” Alys placed a hand on his thigh, and he stood abruptly.

He threw cash down on the bar. “Here’s money for a cab, delete my number.” Then he left, ignoring her screaming at him. He pulled out his phone and blocked her number before completely wiping any trace of her from it.

Helaena wouldn’t say she chose this restaurant because it was Jacaerys’ favorite, but she definitely couldn’t deny it without lying.

She sat across from Tyrion Lannister who was very handsome, with close-cropped blond hair, brilliant blue eyes, and a winning smile, he wasn’t hard to look at. He was funny too, a friend of Aegon’s from college, he had plenty of embarrassing stories about her brother to share.

“And then Aegon jumped out of the car, ran into the dark then came back with a traffic cone in his arms. He gets back into the car; dirt is everywhere, and he just yells at us to drive.” Tyrion is animated as he tells the story, and she almost feels like she’s there in the car with them. “And that why I now have a traffic cone in my apartment.”

She giggles, and he smiles at her. “What?” She asks, suddenly feeling self-conscious.”

“You have a cute laugh; I like hearing it.”

She blushes and takes a sip of her white wine. “Thank you.”

“So Aegon told me you got a degree in psychology, what drew you to that?” He asked, looking genuinely interested in whatever her answer might be.

“Oh, well, as you know, our father died when we were younger. I wanted to explore the human mind, how it processes grief, and then as I kept learning I found more and more that interested me.”

“That’s really fascinating, and I’m sorry to hear about your father, Aegon spoke fondly of him.”

Helaena nodded and took a bite of her food to keep from answering. “Well, what about you? Why did you become an accountant?”

Tyrion gave her an embarrassed smile. “It’s a family thing, everyone works in finance. My aunt interviewed me for the job, and she was ridiculously strict. I understood, though, I didn’t want to get the job just because I was her nephew.”

They chatted on, talking about their jobs and hobbies, until someone tapped her on the shoulder.

“Helaena?” Jacaerys was standing behind her.

She turned. “Jacaerys, hi, what are you doing here?”

He motioned to where his family sat on the other side of the restaurant. “It’s Viserys’ birthday, and he loves this place.”

Rhaenyra waved at her, and Viserys ran over. “Leana!” He said, tugging on her hand. He has a little pin that said birthday boy on his dinosaur themed shirt. “It’s my birthday, I’m four now.”

She gave Tyrion an apologetic smile and leaned down. “That’s amazing, happy birthday.” She kissed his cheek, and he turned bright red, hiding behind Jacaerys’ legs.

Jacaerys picked him up and smiled down at her. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m on a date.” She turned back to Tyrion and introduced him.

“Ah, right, Alyra told me you were going out sometime this week.” His smile was strained.

“It was nice to meet you, Jaehaerys, but if you don’t mind?” Tyrion said.

“It’s Jacaerys.” She and Jacaerys said at the same time.

“Right Jacaerys, my apologies.”

Jacaerys nodded. “All good, man.”

All good? Man? Jacaerys never called anyone ‘man.’ Helaena was thoroughly confused, but also a small part of her wondered if perhaps he was jealous.

He bid them a goodbye and returned to his table.

“Sorry about that.” She turned back to Tyrion.

Tyrion shook his head. “No need, I love kids.”

“Me too.” She said, smiling softly at him.

Jacaerys sat back at his table, imagining all the ways he could kill Tyrion Lannister.

“Jace what are you ordering?” His father’s voice broke him out of his murder plans, and he gave his order to the waitress.

Viserys sat in his lap, coloring, and Jacaerys snuck another glance over to Helaena’s table. Stupid Tyrion and his stupid hair, how dare he ask Jacaerys to leave their table.

“Jace, you’re staring.” His mother said, taking a sip of her wine.

“No, I’m just making sure she’s alright.”

His mother hummed in disbelief.

“I like Helaena, she’s a nice girl.” His father commented, tucking his phone in his pocket and intertwining his hand with Rhaenyra’s.

“Very nice, and beautiful as well.” She added on.

“Better than Sarah, that’s for sure.” Lucerys snorted.

“Laena is a princess.” Viserys said, reaching for his lemonade.

Jacaerys scooted his cup closer for him. “Helaena is wonderful, but tonight is about Viserys.”

His mother raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

“Oh, looks like they’re leaving.” His father said, jerking his head towards the now standing couple.

He took a swig of his beer. “That’s their business.”

Harwin chuckled and clinked his bottle against Jacaerys’. “That’s what I said when your mother was dating Laenor, and I was lying too.”

Rhaenyra bit her lip to keep from laughing and hid her face in her husband’s shoulder.

“Gross, I don’t want to hear about that.” Joffrey groaned, burying himself in his phone to avoid his parents.

Suddenly, Helaena appeared at their table. “I just wanted to wish Viserys a happy birthday one more time and say goodbye to everyone.”

Viserys climbed out of Jacaerys’ lap and wrapped his arms around Helaena. She giggled and kissed the crown of his head. “Happy birthday Viserys.” She said goodbye to the rest of them, then left with Tyrion.

Tag list: @nyctophilic0vitnir, @svtansdaddyx, @fan-goddess, @depressedperson88, @dc-marvel-girl96

[feyhunter78]

Hold My Heart (Between Your Teeth) 11/?

Description: Helaena returns, bringing the rest of the Targaryen-Strong clan with her

Next Chapter

Aegon dreaded the return of his sister, namely because she brought Rhaenyra’s whole rabble with her. Which he voiced to Seraphine as they stood by the gates waiting for them to arrive.

“Then following the death of Laenor and her subsequent marriage to Harwin Strong, all her children are legitimate heirs to the throne though, it was said she was pregnant before she married Harwin. Even though her and Laenor hadn’t consummated their marriage.” He whispered in her ear, chin on her shoulder as he held her close, her back to his chest.

“You do not wish for the throne, why does it matter if they are legitimate or not?” She asked, her voice sweet and hushed.

Her question struck a chord within him. Why did it matter? He had no desire for the throne, and now he had his pretty wife, secretly as of two days ago. He’d bribed a maester to marry them in secret, but Seraphine still refused to bed him, afraid of the rumors that could start. Once they were married in the eyes of the court, he’d been toying with the idea of telling his grandsire to put a stop to all scheming. He does not need the throne, not now that he has Seraphine.

“They are insufferable, that is why it matters. Much heavier price to pay for punching an heir to the throne than a bastard.” He grumbled.

She giggled, and he pressed a kiss to her neck, causing his mother to cough.

“You are upset when I do it, but look at Alyra and Aemond.” He protested.

Alyra had her hands in Aemond’s hair, his hands on her waist, lips meshed together in a heated dance.

Alyra’s lips trailed down to Aemond neck, and she sucked a bright red mark onto his pulse point before she pulled away, a bashful look on her face. “Apologies, I do not like the way one of Rhaenyra’s maids stares at Aemond. I thought I might send a message, before I warn her that if her hands find their way into my husband’s lap again, I will condemn her to Ziras’ jaws.”

Aemond had a dazed look on his face, and it took another sharp cough from his mother for him to snap out of it. “Yes, apologies.”

Alyra giggled, and moved to take her place beside Aemond, but he pulled her in front of him, whispering something in her ear.

Aegon rolled his eyes. His brother and good-sister were disgusting in their affections, but not as disgusting as—

“Aemond, Alyra!” Helaena called out, sliding down from her dragon, only to be quickly offered the arm of Jacaerys who had all but flung himself from his dragon to be by her side before she took more than two steps.

“Helaena!” Alyra called back, a bright smile on her face.

Soon the other dragons landed, and they were faced with all of the Targaryen-Strong clan.

Alyra rushed forward and pulled Seraphine from his arms, guiding her over to Helaena who fussed over them both, her stomach rounded, her skin glowing with joy.

Aegon watched as his mother approached Rhaenyra, a stiffness to both their movements. “It is good to see you again, Rhaenyra, your father has missed you.”

“I have missed him as well.” Rhaenyra said.

There was a weight to both their words that made him think that perhaps it wasn’t his father they were truly speaking of.

Aemond moved to be by Alyra’s side one more, steadfastly ignoring Lucerys who hung back by his father.

Aegon moved as well, even though he had no desire to prolong the time Seraphine spent with his nephew and sister.

“Aegon has been so kind, and he told me much about you, all wonderful things.” He heard Seraphine tell Helaena.

He smiled and strode up to the group. “I trust you all are being kind to my lady wife?”

“Lady wife? Have we missed the wedding? I could have sworn it was tomorrow.” Jacaerys said, his brows furrowing.

“It is.” Alyra said, linking arms with Helaena and Seraphine. “Which is why we must go; we do not have as much time as one might think.”

Seraphine let Alyra drag her off, sending a look of apology to Aegon who just shook his head. They’d already been married, a secret she held in her heart, his vows had been so beautiful, so heartfelt. She had to pinch herself to be sure she wasn’t dreaming.

“My lady, I don’t understand, why do we need to start getting me ready when my wedding is tomorrow?” She asked Alyra, once they were in her and Aemond’s quarters.

“Oh, we do not, I merely grew too cold to stay outside. I have been feeling a bit under the weather as of late.” Alyra said, pulling a soft looking blanket from a nearby armchair and wrapping it around herself.

Helaena giggled softly. “From the forest a dragonling comes.”

Alyra raised an eyebrow. “What was that?”

“What?” Helaena said, blinking in confusion.

Seraphine watched the silent conversation between the two, and her heart ached for Jayne.

“And how are you faring with the babe Helaena?” Alyra asked, drawing Seraphine’s attention back to the conversation.

“Very well, I believe it will a boy, but Jace thinks it will be a girl.” Helaena smiled, resting her hand on her stomach.

“You may be carrying twins.” Seraphine said, not able to resist using her future knowledge to join in the conversation. “The way your stomach is rounded makes me believe your babe is not alone in the womb.”

A bright smile bloomed on Helaena’s face, and Seraphine understood why Alyra and Aemond seemed so glum when she was not around. “Twins? That would be wonderful.”

Alyra nodded. “One of each, Jace gets his heir, and you get your little girl.”

“Jace truly wishes for a girl, he tells me day and night how much he would love to have a daughter.” Helaena said, smiling down at her bump. “I know he will love either, but I am hoping for at least one girl as well, it would make him so happy.”

“It is admirable for Prince Jacaerys to think so highly of his future daughter.” Seraphine said, warming up to the idea of the prince and his family staying in the Keep.

“Jace has always been such an honorable man, with a big heart.” Alyra added, smiling fondly.

“Do you think Aegon would like a daughter?” Seraphine asked carefully.

“Are you with child? I will wring his neck.” Alyra said, nails digging into her palm.

“No, no, we have not slept together, we are waiting until the wedding as is proper.” Seraphine reassured her.

An odd look came over Helaena’s face, and she turned to Alyra. “Good-sister, would you mind running and fetching Jace? I feel a bit odd.”

Alyra stood and nodded, squeezing Helaena’s hand before she left.

“How many times have you done this?” Helaena asked Seraphine, her voice distant and dreamy.

“Done what?” She asked.

“Relive, of course, I can see it in your eyes, this is not your first time living alongside Aegon.”

Seraphine stared at Helaena. There was no way she could know. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean, princess.”

“You were a different player the gods threw into this game of theirs. It was the first time Aegon hadn’t been betrothed to me, I was happy, but no one else was.”

“I truly don’t—”

“You died, fell down the steps, most likely tripped by Larys Strong, he got my children killed in our last life.”

Seraphine felt sick. “How do you know this?”

Helaena just looked at her. “I am the blood of the dragon, a dreamer. I see all.”

Seraphine clutched the ends of her chair. “You will not tell anyone, will you?”

Helaena shook her head, a smile toying at her lips. “This life has been good; I would not risk it.”

Jacaerys burst through the door, followed by a winded Alyra. “My flower, are you alright?”

She nodded and took his arm to stand. “Yes, I thought perhaps I was going into labor, but it was a false alarm.”

Jacaerys scooped her into his arms. “I will take you to the maester.” He nodded at Alyra then Seraphine before hurrying away.

“That boy is so nervous; I think he is stressing more about the babe than Helaena is.” Alyra chuckled.

“He seems to be a very attentive husband, that’s nice.”

Alyra nodded. “Well, we should be off, we must get dressed for dinner.”

Tag list: @nyctophilic0vitnir, @svtansdaddyx, @fan-goddess, @dc-marvel-girl96, @shintax-error, @bellameshipper, @the141bandicoot, @the-phantom-of-arda, @haydee5010

[feyhunter78]

Turn of the Tide, Call of the Sea (2/?)

Description: Aemond and Helaena reflect on the party, and their newly developing feelings for the mysterious strangers from the sea.

Aemond was furious, he was confused, he was insulted, and he was enamored. Truly and completely enamored. Alyra Hawthorne had not only managed to win his heart in a matter of hours, but she also robbed, and knocked him out cold. He had to have her, no one but that—temptress, that sweet voiced, golden eyed woman who stole his heart with a single line of flattery would he accept at his side.

His sister wasn’t fairing much better, she sat at her window, and sighed, drawing the portrait of a man over and over again.

“Do you know this man, or is he one of your book characters?” He asked, leaning over to see what she was drawing.

Helaena snapped her sketchbook closed. “That is none of your business, brother, have you made any progress on finding your future bride?”

Aemond sat beside her with a groan. “The Hawthorne family owned a small perfumery, that went up in flames seven years ago, consuming their family home. Her father and brother died in the flames, but Lady Alyra and her mother were declared missing. No one has heard from either of them since the fire.”

“Incorrect.” Came their grandfather’s voice, followed by the heavy thud of papers landing.

Aemond pulled the top sheet. “Jacaerys Targaryen, wanted for piracy, theft, arson, murder, bootlegging, and a long list of other crimes. What does this have to do with Lady Alyra?”

Otto cleared his throat and pointed to the next wanted poster.

There staring back at Aemond sketched in black ink was Alyra. The artist gave her a roguish smile, her eyes gazing out at him, and her crimes were listed out the same as Jacaerys’.

“You desire to marry a criminal, a filthy pirate.” Otto snapped, tapping Alyra’s picture harshly.

Helaena had the poster for Jacaerys in her hands, and the light left her eyes as she scanned it.

“Clearly, I had no knowledge of her crimes until now.” Aemond said, his eye tracing her features, lingering on her lips. They were so soft against his, and the scent of her, honeysuckle, and lavender, overwhelmed his senses. He’d been able to hang onto one of her gloves and kept it tucked away in his desk drawer.

She was a pirate? His sweet girl, who danced with him, who kissed him with such passion? The woman who stole his signet ring, obviously issuing a challenge to him. To come and find her, to claim her as his own.

Helaena took the poster up to her room and sat on her bed, staring at it. This was her love, the man in her dreams. Could she have seen his portrait before? No, he’d aged as she had, unless… She hated when she had her visions, they left her weak and unsteady, but her mother thought that perhaps they were signs of greater power.

She pulled out her sketchbook and compared the drawings, a perfect match. Except that she had added the freckles across his nose, and the way the corners of his lips would quirk up whenever he saw her. She traced his features with her fingertips, at least she had a name for him, the dreams were odd like that, whenever he tried to tell her his name the sound would be muffled.

“Jacaerys Targaryen, scourge of the seas.” She whispered, trying to imagine the kind man she’d come to know as a cold-blooded killer. Her mind couldn’t do it, instead she was reminded of all the times he held her as she cried or told her about his family.

She tucked the poster into her sketchbook and began to get ready for bed.

She was on a beach, a secluded one, tucked into a cove he’d told her. He sat waiting for her in their normal spot, under the shade of the palm trees.

“My flower.” He called to her, standing, and brushing the sand from his pants, and starting towards her.

“You’re a pirate.” She said, remaining firmly in place even as he reached for her.

His eyebrows furrowed. “Why do you say that?”

“My grandfather brought your wanted poster in, along with Lady Alyra’s.”

Jacaerys gave her a sheepish smile. “My apologies for Alyra’s behavior, but she’s not going to give your brother’s ring back.”

Helaena shook her head. “How could you keep such a secret from me? How could you not tell me you were real?”

“My sweet flower, I never denied being flesh and bone, you refused to believe me.” He took her hands in his and pressed quick kisses to her knuckles. “I did not tell you that I was a pirate because I didn’t believe it mattered, I enjoyed being able to be your love. Not Captain Jacaerys, the heir, the scourge of the seas.”

Helaena melted as his lips brushed over her skin, bringing to mind their passionate embrace only a week ago. “How will we ever meet now? My family will never let me meet with a pirate.”

Jacaerys lead her over to their spot. “I am currently working on a way to see you. It will have to wait though, my ship left Oldtown a week ago, and we’re headed to the eastern coast to pick up a shipment.” His voice was apologetic, and she let him pull her into his arms. “I’m sorry Helaena, if I had known you were in Oldtown that night I would have come and stolen you away.”

Helaena turned her head, so he couldn’t see the pink tinting her cheeks. “My brothers would hunt you down.”

Jacaerys laughed, “I’d like to see them try and catch me. The Vermax is the fastest ship on the narrow sea.”

Names and information flowed easier between them now that their names had been revealed in the waking world, it was nice, she enjoyed hearing the way his tongue curled around her name practically caressing each syllable.

“My brother intends to marry your Lady Alyra, or well he did, I’m not sure how he feels now. He truly detests pirates.”

 “I shouldn’t hold a place for him on my crew, then?” He teased, nuzzling his nose against hers.

She giggled, and shook her head, the image of Aemond on a pirate ship was a humorous one. “I do not believe he’d be very happy to even hear of that offer.”

Jacaerys’ back was against the tree, and she sat sideways in his lap, head resting against his chest. He brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear. “A pity. Luckily for me, I have his sister as a consolation prize.”

“Ah, but you do not have me, not yet.”

“I beg of you, don’t remind me; it is torture to wake up each morning without you in my arms.”

“I feel the same, I am so cold when I wake, and you are not beside me.” She lamented, intertwining their fingers. Now, knowing that he is real, that some power connects them, will make waking up each morning much harder.

“Hold out hope, Helaena, soon we shall be together.” He promised, holding their joined hands to his heart.

She's shaken awake by her mother, whose warm brown eyes are filled with regret. “Your grandfather wishes to speak with you.”

Helaena stands outside her grandfather’s office, picking at the embroidery on her sleeves.

“Come in Helaena.”

She walks in and immediately notices how distressed her grandfather looks. His eyes are sunken, his desk is disorganized, and a bottle of whiskey sits on the floor beside his desk.

“Is something amiss?”

“That Targaryen bitch has raided another one of our ships, someone must marry and boost our coffers.”

“Aegon, is of marrying age.” She suggested, fearing her grandfather’s next words.

“I’ve already decided. You will marry Lord Tobias Hawkings. He’s wealthy, his wife passed two years ago, and he has no children. He has even agreed to forget about your dowry in exchange for your arrival within the month.”

Helaena has to sit, or she fears she’ll faint. “I wish to stay here. I beg of you, do not send me away.” Tears ran down her face as she begged her grandfather not to ship her off, sending her even further away from Jacaerys.

“He is paying good money for you, Helaena; I will not have your childish emotions prevent our family from thriving.” He snapped, turning his back to her.

“I will marry the Lannister boy, I swear, I will cause no trouble, just please do not make me marry that lecher.”

She’d met Tobias Hawkings once before; he was callous and leered in a way that caused even Aegon to step in between them. Now that was the man who’d bought her like cattle at an auction. She would marry the Lannister’s son, they’d made the suggestion to Helaena’s mother the night of the party, surely it wasn’t too late now.

“It’s too late to change your mind, Helaena, they’ve already withdrawn their offer.”

She buried her face in her hands. “Please, if you have ever loved me, do not do this.”

Her grandfather stood and placed a hand on her shoulder. “It is because I love you and the rest of our family that I must do this.”

Tag List: @nyctophilic0vitnir

[feyhunter78]

Poisoned Tears and Scorched Tongues (9/22)

Description: Alyra finally gets to marry the man she's loved since she was a child, but her worries still loom at the edge of her mind.

Alyra was bursting with happiness, she was to marry Aemond, and use her abilities for something other than scrapes and bruises. She’d been practicing, pouring over her grandmother’s journals late into the night. She’d healed a lame horse, a dog with a torn ear, and even been able to restore sight to a blind beggar in the Fleabottom.

 Her abilities were a gift, one born of sacrifice, her grandmother had written. Long ago, her foremother had been chased deep into the forest near their home. She had killed a nobleman who had murdered her daughter and left her strewn in the street for all to see.

Her foremother hadn’t escaped unscathed, though. Heavily bleeding and close to death, she collapsed at the base of a Hawthorne tree and begged the old gods of the forest for protection. Her anguished cries reached their ears and as she took her last breath, they imbued her with the ability to heal. She returned from the forest three days later, changed. Her husband died of mysterious circumstances, and she remarried. The children born of their union were said to be powerful and great blessings to their families.

Alyra wished her grandmother was still alive, she had so many questions, and she knew her mother could not answer them. The way the journal’s spine cracked when she opened it told her it had sat untouched for decades. Anger coursed through Alyra, maybe if her mother had been more dedicated to their family’s heritage her sister and father would still be alive. She shook her head, clearing the storm clouds in her mind, today was to be a happy one.

She closed the journal and smoothed the nonexistent wrinkles in her skirts. She obviously didn’t have her wedding dress. Decorated with the Lannister colors, it wouldn’t have fit the occasion. Instead, Rhaenyra let her borrow the very dress she’d gotten married in. Alyra protested, telling her that there was no way she could wear such an important gown, but Rhaenyra shushed her as she tightened the corset laces.

“I kept it in case I had a daughter, but so far it seems the gods are content with giving me sons.”

Alyra bowed her head, “I hope I will do you proud then, as a surrogate, until you and Lord Strong have a daughter of your own.”

Rhaenyra rested her chin on Alyra’s shoulder, and they both admired the way the dress clung to Alyra’s curves and brought out the shining amber of her eyes. “Your mother would be devastated to know she is missing your wedding.”

Alyra shook her head, “my mother will be furious that I ruined her plans.”

Rhaenyra sighed, “soon you will be a Targaryen, a princess. She will learn to be happy with that.”

Alyra turned, her bottom lip trembling. “What if she is not? What if she disowns me? What good is a princess with no family, no mother to stay by her side when she gives birth, or to help plan namedays.”

Rhaenyra’s heart broke, Alyra’s fear and grief was clear on her face, and she was shocked by how much the girl reminded her of Alicent in that moment. They shared the same crease between their eyebrows, the same rapid blinking to keep the tears at bay. Their breaths were shaky, their words breaking in the middle as a sob forced its way up their throats. Rhaenyra did what she wished she had done to her friend years ago and pulled Alyra into a tight embrace, shushing her gently. “It will be alright, if she is foolish enough to abandon you in her anger we will claim you, give you the name of House Strong to go with your Targaryen one.” She stroked Alyra’s hair and let the girl sob her heart out. “You will not be alone, Alyra; I promise you this.”

Alyra nodded, her tears staining the crown princesses’ dress. Alyra was not a short woman, at ten and seven she stood as tall as Aegon who was only a few inches shorter than his younger brother. It was something Heleana liked about her, said it made her feel protected, the way Alyra could stand in front of her and hide her from the gaze of others. But the crown princess stood taller than her, so it allowed her to hide her face in Rhaenyra’s décolletage like a child.

“And Aegon is supposed to bring Theo here and, but he has not yet arrived, what if something has happened? I cannot bear to be the reason he has been harmed, he is so little, he’s only six.” A wave of guilt washed over her, and Alyra felt Rhaenyra lift her chin.

“I will send a raven, it won’t seem suspicious, people know your mother and I are friends.”

Alyra wiped away her tears and took a deep breath, trying to expel the sadness as she breathed out slowly. “Thank you, my lady, you have done far more than required of you, I will be forever grateful.”

Rhaenyra used her sleeve to dry the remainder of Alyra’s tears and smiled softly. “Today you are my daughter, and you know I would do anything for my children.”

Alyra bit the inside of her cheek to keep from crying again. “I am honored, truly.” She picked up a nearby hairbrush and ran it through her hair before she applied powder to her face to cover the redness from her crying. “Shall we go meet my betrothed then, mother?”

She linked arms with Rhaenyra, and they talked quietly as they walked to the garden. There standing next to Harwin and a septa was Aemond. He’d ditched most of his riding gear and fixed his hair, when he saw her his eye lit up. A tug on her dress stopped Alyra. Viserys handed her a dagger, before he trotted back to his father’s side.

Alyra wrapped her hand around the dagger’s handle and glanced over at Rhaenyra who just smiled and made her way to join Aemond. Harwin switched places with his wife and took Alyra’s arm.

“I know your father isn’t here, would you mind if I stood in his place?” Harwin asked her, his voice kind and soft, the same tone he used when speaking to Viserys.

Alyra linked her arm with Harwin’s. “You saved my brother and I, that’s more than any other male member of my family has done.”

The ceremony went quick, with Rhaenyra officiating the ceremony in Valyrian, her words steady as Alyra and Aemond cut each other’s lips and mixed their blood before Rhaenyra asked them to repeat after her.

“One flesh,” they say.

“One heart,” Aemond paints her temples with their blood.

“One soul,” she does the same to him.

“Now and forever,” he hands the cup off to Harwin and takes Alyra’s face in his hands, crushing his lips to hers.

Then the septa performs his prayers, has them repeat their vows under the eyes of The Seven. Alyra kisses Aemond first this time, the salty taste of their blood dances on her tongue, and she breaks away with a joyful laugh.

“No one can argue the validity of your marriage now.” Rhaenyra says, a smile on her face as she scoops Viserys up into her arms. “You’ve married in the tradition of our family and in Alicent’s, even she can’t deny The Seven.”

Alyra doesn’t even think about the queen as she looks into Aemond—her husband’s eye.

“We will not be performing the traditional bedding ceremony.” Aemond said, not taking his eye off her.

Alyra’s eyebrows drew together in confusion.

Aemond’s voice dropped to a whisper, his voice smooth and heated. “No one needs to stand outside our door, they will hear you on the other side of the island.”

Alyra’s cheeks go bright red.

“I hear you, lad; we weren’t going to insist anyways.” Harwin chuckles, taking his wife by the arm and leading her inside.

Aemond and Alyra stand in the middle of the garden, hands still connected. The septa followed Rhaenyra and Harwin inside, leaving the two alone.

“You look beautiful.” Aemond says, his thumb running gently over the cut on her lip.

Alyra’s eyes flutter shut, “I could say the same for you, husband.”

Aemond lets out a satisfied growl and scoops her into his arms. “Say it again.”

“Husband?” Alyra teases, wrapping her arms around Aemond’s neck.

Aemond groans and practically kicks the door to their chambers open when they reach it.

Alyra lets out a surprised yelp when he drops her on their bed and watches as he goes to close and lock their door before, he strides back towards her like a hunter tracking his prey.

“My sweet wife.” Aemond says reverently as he lies beside her, tracing her lips with one lithe finger.

She reaches up to brush his hair back from his face. “My courageous husband.”

Aemond catches her hand and presses a heated kiss to the inside of her wrist, his violet eye burning with desire. “Allow me to make good on my words in the garden.”

Tag list: @nyctophilic0vitnir, @svtansdaddyx, @fan-goddess, @dc-marvel-girl96, @shintax-error, @bellameshipper, @the141bandicoot

[feyhunter78]

Poisoned Tears and Scorched Tongues (3/22)

Description: Alyra only wants to make sure her brother is alright, but her mother and Tyrion Lannister have other subjects they'd like her to worry about.

“Let me help you to the tent, Lady Alyra.” Tyrion said, appearing unfazed by Aemond’s presence. His hand still rested on her shoulder, and he squeezed it lightly.

Alyra pried her eyes away from Aemond’s face and tried to remove her hands from his grip. “I’m sure I’ll be fine to walk there myself, I thank you both, but I’m sure you have other duties to attend to.”

Tyrion shook his head, holding out his forearm for her to lean on. “Nonsense, I was planning on speaking with your mother once the tourney was over anyways.”

Aemond caught her hands before she could pull away, and Alyra shot him a pleading look. “My prince, this commotion must have upset Princess Heleana, would you mind informing her that I will come to see her as soon as I’ve seen to my brother?”

Aemond gave a low hum and dropped her hands, turning back towards the dais.

Alyra let Tyrion lead her to the maesters’ tent, nodding politely as he described the duel he’d participated in.

Once inside, she found her brother seated in their mother’s lap, happily playing with a roll of bandages someone had given him. Lord Strong was talking quietly with Princess Rhaenyra and her mother. They looked up when Alyra was ushered in, leaning heavily on Tyrion's arm.

“Sister look!” Theo said, holding out the roll of cloth in his hands, it began to unroll and fall to the ground, causing tears to spring to his eyes.

Princess Rhaenyra collected the cloth before it could touch the dirt and handed it back to Theo, who beamed up at her.

Alyra curtsied awkwardly; her arm still linked with Tyrion's. “Lord Strong I cannot thank you enough for saving Theo and I, please if you or the crown princess ever need assistance do not hesitate to call on me. You have my never-ending gratitude.”

“I was just echoing those sentiments to the princess and her consort,” her mother said, holding Theo close to her chest, tear tracks down her cheeks.

Tyrion cleared his throat lightly and bowed to the crown princess. “I apologize, I know this is an inconvenient time, but I was wondering if I might have a word with Lady Amina in private?”

Her mother gave Alyra a confused look, who she shrugged in return.

Amina nodded and turned to excuse herself from the crown princess’ presence, but she and her husband were already halfway out the tent. “Of course, Alyra, take your brother outside, the maester says he just needs to rest.”

Alyra reached out and took her brother, balancing him on her hip, her hands smoothing out the back of his tunic. “I’ll be just outside if you need me.”

Outside the tent, a few feet away, stood Princess Rhaenyra and Lord Strong, their heads bent together.

“Lady Alyra, might I speak with you?” The crown princess called, smiling kindly at her.

Alyra held Theo closer and whispered for him to stay quiet before they joined the pair. “How may I help you, your highness?”

Princess Rhaenyra lowered her voice. “Your mother was telling us about your family’s abilities. I was wondering if you’ve ever tried to heal the king with them?”

Alyra glanced around them before pressing Theo’s head to her chest and covering his exposed ear with one hand, her voice dropping in volume as well. She’d known the king was sick, but she also knew it was not something she was supposed to know.

“I just unlocked these abilities, I could try, given the chance, but I’ve never been alone with the king, and our abilities are not very powerful. My mother wasn’t able to save my father when he fell ill, I…am not sure how much help I would be.” Alyra worried at her bottom lip, not meeting the crown princess’ intelligent violet eyes.

“If we could get you to the king, would you be willing to try?” Lord Strong asked, his gruff voice warm and patient.

Alyra looked at the man who towered over her. “I meant what I said in the maesters’ tent, my never-ending gratitude, but I do not wish to anger the queen. I know she has sent for dozens of healers, all much more skilled than I am.”

Princess Rhaenyra laughed softly, “that won’t be a problem, I will speak with my father.”

Alyra heard her mother call her name.

“Go, I will send someone to find you after I’ve spoken with the king.”

Alyra curtsied and hurried back to the tent.

Her mother was beaming and reached to take Theo from her. “Wonderful news, my darling.”

Alyra gave her mother a confused smile and handed over her brother, “do tell.”

Tyrion was still in the tent as well, a bright smile on his face.

“Lord Tyrion has asked to court you.”

Alyra’s smile faltered. “Oh…and your answer was?”

Her mother gave her an affectionate nudge. “I said yes, he was so earnest, you will make a wonderful match.”

Alyra blinked, once, twice, then a third before she turned to Tyrion who was already reaching for her. “I know our time together has been short, but I am quite fond of you Alyra, and I wish to express those feelings before the entirety of the court.”

Alyra let Tyrion take her hand. She didn’t dislike the boy, he was handsome, kind, from a good house, only a year older than her, and here he was asking to court her. She glanced at her mother who had a look of brilliant shining hope on her grief-worn face.

As angry as she was at her mother, for herself, for Theo, for her father, she couldn’t deny the toll her father’s death took on her. She remembered how her aunt had to drag her mother away from his coffin and the weeks she locked herself in their room, leaving Alyra in the care of her cousin. The sound of her mother’s screams for him as she gave birth to Theo haunted Alyra’s nightmares for months after.

She’d come to King’s Landing for the good of her family, to escape becoming a broodmare. Tyrion had plenty of siblings that would take his father’s seat before he would. Their marriage would be good for her family, good for her.

She pushed down the part of her heart that stubbornly held onto her childish affections for a certain silver-haired prince and returned his smile.

“That sounds wonderful Lord Tyrion, I must confirm with my lady first, I am duty bound to the princess.”

Tyrion's smile dropped but he quickly regained his good mood and took her by the arm, “of course, let’s go speak with her now.”

Alyra dug her heels into the dirt, “I’m afraid that is not possible, the princess is unsettled by violence, she will not be in any state for visitors. I will ask her tomorrow.”

Irritation flickered in Tyrion's blue eyes, but it quickly passed, and he nodded. “You know the princess better than I do; I will put my trust in your judgement.” Then he released her hand and gave her mother a slight nod before exiting the tent.

“Isn’t this so exciting?” Her mother said once Tyrion had left.

Alyra nodded, keeping her back to her mother, a tightness in her chest she couldn’t seem to ease.

“This is such great news, just think of what your marriage will do for our family.”

Aemond’s worried visage flashed in her mind, furrowed eyebrows, his eye filled with concern scanning her face, the way his hands held her face so gently as if she were made of porcelain. “What if I don’t marry him? What if we spend more time together and find each other repulsive?”

There was a beat of silence then she heard her mother stand, the fabric of her dress rustling. “That will not happen. You are my daughter, the flower of our family, beautiful and clever. No man will be able to resist you.”

Alyra turned to face her, bringing her hands behind her back, she dug her nails into the palm of her hand to stay calm. “What if my heart is set on someone else?”

Her mother rolled her eyes. “The second prince? Darling, you know that isn’t possible, we are a lower house, for him to marry you would be a political disaster.”

Alyra dug her nails in deeper, “I know mother, it was just a hypothetical.”

Her mother placed a hand on Alyra’s cheek, “do not waste this opportunity on childish dreams. You are not a princess; you are a Hawthorne.” Her mother’s voice was ice cold sending a shiver of fear down Alyra’s spine.  “Do you remember what that means, or has your time in the court made you turn your back on us?”

“No one leaf is more important than the other, we all sacrifice for the good of the tree.” Alyra recited the phrase she said to herself every morning, but to say it here, knowing it meant accepting she could never be truly happy, left a sour taste in her mouth.

“Good, good. Remember those words, and don’t disappoint me.” Her mother patted her cheek lightly then left Alyra standing alone in the tent.

She made her way back to Heleana’s quarters in silence, head spinning as she replayed her mother’s words over and over again. There would be no arguing, no other choice. She would be happy with the arrangement, perhaps not now, but eventually.

Heleana looked up as she entered, her twin children sitting to the side playing with carved wooden dragons. “Alyra, Aemond told me your brother is unharmed?”

Alyra nodded, her eyes drifting to the lit fireplace. “Lord Tyrion Lannister is seeking permission to court me.”

Heleana set down her embroidery turning to fully face Alyra, gathering up the skirt of her pale pink dress, to make room for her to sit. “I see.”

Alyra stood next to the couch but remained standing. “My mother gave her permission, and I agreed.”

Heleana bit her thumb nail, a habit she picked up from her mother, before she spoke. “What about Aem—”

“I have no chance, Heleana.” Alyra said, cutting her off. “I do not possess the social standing to be considered a suitable candidate, and my mother has already agreed to Lord Tyrion request. She believes it will be good for the family.”

“But will it be good for you?”

Alyra stared into the fire, her eyes conjuring patterns and dancing figures out of the flames. “No one leaf is above another.”

“Yes, but Alyra—”

Alyra pulled her eyes from the fire and bowed her head. “My apologies, princess, I’m not feeling well and would like to retreat to my room to rest.” Then she turned and fled the room, the light of the fire still burning in her eyes.

[feyhunter78]

Moonflowers (2/16)

Description: Heleana gets some news concerning her lady-in-waiting, has a vision, and Jacaerys finds himself in the right place at the right time.

Her musings were interrupted by the sound of heavy booted footsteps.

“Princess Helaena, your mother needs to speak with you, it’s of the utmost importance.”

She followed the kingsguard back to her mother’s chambers, where Aegon stood, looking utterly bored.

“Aemond has just informed me that Alyra is with child, and they wish to marry as quickly as possible.”

Helaena reeled back in shock, if Alyra was with child she would know, and if it was Aemond’s child—a dream she’d had months ago reappeared, and she nodded. “Well, then it's a happy day. I cannot imagine a better match than my dearest brother, and my dearest friend.”

Her mother looked at Aegon who shrugged. “If he wants to stick his cock in one woman for the rest of his life, that’s his decision.”

Helaena wanted to laugh, Aegon was married to her, and he shamed her constantly with his affairs and bastards. She knew Aemond would not do that to Alyra though, now with a clear mind she realized the signs she’d missed. Her younger brother was truly and completely besotted with her lady-in-waiting, and Alyra was the same.

“Aegon.” Their mother said, scandalized.

He chuckled and headed back to his chambers, snatching a bottle of wine as he did.

Alicent slumped in the nearest chair and sighed. “How will he ever become king?”

Helaena fiddled with her bracelet, “perhaps he will not.”

Alicent’s head snapped up. “Helaena that is borderline treason. Do you not wish to be queen?”

There was a skittering feeling up her spine, much like when one of her spiders would climb her, but wrong. “Queen of blood or queen of black.” She mumbled, her eyes unfocusing then refocusing on her mother’s concerned face.

“Are you feeling well, sweetling?”

Helaena brought her hand to her chest and tried to breathe deeply. “I will be, I just need to rest.”

Alicent nodded and guided her out of the room, asking a guard to escort her back. As they walked, she saw Alyra, her bright hair shining in the sun, she was talking quietly with someone Helaena couldn’t yet see. She strained her ears but was met with the dulcet tones of Alyra’s mother tongue, a language Helaena couldn’t seem to pick up no matter how hard she tried.

As they continued walking, Alyra turned at the sound of footsteps and bowed quickly. “My lady, I was just coming to find you, I must speak with you.” She was glowing, and Helaena again wondered how she missed such obvious signs.

“Of course, come, I’m headed back to my chambers, I feel a bit ill.” It wasn’t truly a lie, whenever she was plagued with visions, they always left her feeling shaky.

Alyra’s face instantly morphed into one of concern, and she rushed forward, clasping Helaena’s hand between her own. “You feel ill? You should have sent for me right away.”

A voice Helaena had become familiar with spoke up, “I’m sure that was the princess’ next course of action, Alyra.” Jacaerys stepped out from the shadows, he had changed clothes since she last saw him.

Now he wore a black tunic that clung to his abdomen in a way that had Helaena’s eyes wanting to drink him in like honeyed wine. He bowed and smiled at her before continuing to address her lady-in-waiting. “Your lady is not only beautiful, but intelligent as well, or have you forgotten?”

Alyra rolled her eyes and shot Helaena a look that she knew quite well. “Of course not, my prince, I am merely concerned for her health. There are so many new visitors to the keep, perhaps one of them brought a sickness with them and unintentionally spread it to the princess.” Her voice dripped with something Heleana couldn’t identify, but it seemed to spark something in Jacaerys.

“Let me accompany you both back to the princess’ chambers, then.” He dismissed the guard and held out his arm for Helaena to take.

Alyra said something to Jacaerys in her mother tongue, and he responded back in kind. Then she spoke to Helaena, “I must ask my lady, I know the queen spoke with you. Did you give your approval?”

Helaena always forgot Alyra was close to Rhaenyra’s family. She spoke so little of it unless pressed, seemingly preferring the company of Heleana and her family.

Both Alyra and Harwin, her half-sister’s husband, hailed from the Riverlands. Alyra had once told her that they moved there from her mother’s homeland, so her father could retake his seat, and that the Strong family had aided them when her father died. Her words were always tinged with a bitterness when she spoke of the move, but lightened when she spoke of the Strong family. Despite all that, Alyra would always assure her that her loyalty lay with her and no one else.

When Helaena didn’t respond, Jacaerys bent down his hand resting on her arm, “do you need me to carry you to your chambers, princess? I do not mind as long as you do not get sick on me.” His voice had a tinge of amusement, and she could hear Alyra begin to protest, concerned about how it might look.

As she clung to his arm, she felt that same crawling feeling, her mind filled with images of bloodshed, and then she was falling into the void. With a gasping breath, she felt her knees weaken and Jacaerys scooped her into his arms as Alyra said something about finding a maester.

Helaena rested her head against Jacaerys’ firm chest as he spoke quickly with Alyra in Denouan, who nodded and rushed off, presumably to find a maester for her.

“Alyra will bring a maester to your chambers princess, don’t worry.” Jacaerys said soothingly, the low timbre of his voice was calming, and she could feel the vibrations from her position resting against his chest.

“How did you know Denouan?” She asked as he continued his trek towards her chambers.

Jacaerys chuckled, “As future heir to the throne, it’s important to be able to speak to my people in their own tongue, to show them that I am are not unaware of their existence.” He adjusted his hold on her, his large hands gripping her legs and upper back, long fingertips almost brushing against the side of her breasts. “Also, my mother is quite fond of Alyra. Having no daughters of her own, I believe she is using her to fill that void. So, I thought it best to speak the same language as my sister.”

“That’s very sweet, I didn’t know you and Alyra were so close.” She said, butterflies fluttering in her stomach at the way his hands radiated warmth. She was often so cold, feeling out of place with her brothers and their dragonfire tempers that kept them and their grudges warm.

“We are closer now than we were as children, but I had an ulterior motive for having Alyra teach me Denouan. It isn’t as well known in the keep as Valyrian is, so it makes for a wonderful way to keep one’s words guarded.”

Helaena nodded, she liked that Valyrian was something that belonged to her family, that she could speak her secrets and only few would understand, but she could see the advantage of a third language. “Alyra tried to teach me, but I haven’t had much luck.”

Jacaerys raised an eyebrow, “you, not being able to perfect anything you put your mind to? Forgive me, but I’m having difficulties believing that.” His voice dropped low as he slipped into Denouan, the words like music to her ears.

“And what did that mean?”

Jacaerys just smiled and shrugged his shoulders, lifting her slightly as he did. “Only that perhaps you need a different tutor. Alyra can be quite scattered in her teachings.”

They finally made it to her chambers, where an anxious Alyra stood, her whole body practically vibrating with nerves. “Oh, thank the gods, the maester is inside.” She held open the door for them, and Jacaerys gently set her on a nearby chaise lounge.

The maester asked her a few questions, inspected her, then patted her head and recommended she rest before taking his leave.

Alyra immediately came to sit beside her slipping into Valyrian, “I wanted to tell you so badly Helaena, I swear, but Aemond wanted your father’s permission first. Please, tell me, was it the news that upset you so?”

Helaena squeezed Alyra’s hand, “it is not your happy news that affected my health. I am overjoyed for you and Aemond.”

Alyra visibly relaxed, and Helaena wondered why her friend seemed so scared of her reaction. Yes, she was upset that she hadn’t been told, but she wanted nothing more than happiness for those she loved.

Jacaerys coughed lightly to get their attention. “This is where I shall leave you both, Lady Alyra congratulations on her upcoming wedding, my mother will be pleased to hear of it.”

Alyra thanked him and moved to open the door for him.

Helaena began to pick at the fabric of her skirt, waiting for Jacaerys to leave. Instead, he knelt in front of her. “And princess, if you ever feel ill again do not hesitate to lean on me, I am quite strong, I could even carry you to the dragonpit if you wished.” He gave her a disarming smile, and she knew her cheeks were blooming pink.

Helaena smiled softly, “I thank you, Prince Jacaerys, I am already feeling better just from those few minutes off my feet.”

Jacaerys smiled and took her hand, pressing it against his warm lips. “That I am glad to hear.” His lips brushed against her skin with each word, and she bit the inside of her cheek to keep her composure. Then he left, leaving her sitting there, heart beating wildly in her chest.

[feyhunter78]

Targaryen Inc (12/?)

Description: Helaena notices a change in her brother and best friend, Alicent and Rhaenyra prepare for the arrival of the company's president.

Previous chapter

After Wednesday goes by, Helaena notices two changes in her best friend and her brother, the first is an easy change to notice. Alyra is no longer ignoring Aemond, and Aemond is no longer stomping around the office with a frown deeper than the Mariana Trench. Everyone notices that. Plus, when flowers appear on Alyra’s desk, she keeps them. And if Helaena notices lipstick on her brother’s shirt collar in Alyra’s signature pink shade after these flowers appear, she doesn’t say a word.

The second though? That one is much more subtle. It’s the way they look at each other, the silent communication that seems to occur mostly when she and Jacaerys are in the same room.

 Like how when they were all eating lunch together in the kitchen and Jacaerys gave her the extra pickle spear that came with his burger. Alyra and Aemond glanced at each other, and she could have sworn Aemond’s lips quirked up before he dove into a story about Vhagar bringing yet another squirrel into the apartment building. Which made Ms. Doris from the first floor start screaming, and demand Vhagar be banned from the property.

Helaena almost wants to ask about it, this newfound telepathy, but fears getting a talk about boys and how they’ll break your heart from her younger brother. So instead, she ignores their actions, and focuses on the main issue of today.

 Namely, that former CEO and president of the board Viserys Targaryen is coming in today. Viserys hasn’t stepped foot in the office since he turned operations over to Rhaenyra and Alicent, over two years ago. Helaena can tell her mother and aunt are nervous, they’re going department by department making sure everything is running as smoothly as possible.

“Helaena, sweetling, is everything ready for Mr. Targaryen’s visit?” Her mother asked. Alicent is in a jade green powersuit while Rhaenyra is in a jet black one.

Helaena resists the urge to tell them that together they look like Shego from Kim Possible, and instead nods.

“I’ve got the coffee from Peru, the Danishes from Sweden, and Alyra and Aegon put together a display showing off the Aemma Arryn foundation’s most recent successes. They even got photos of dogs that had been adopted out recently with their new families.”

Rhaenyra smiles at that. “My mom would be so happy to see that, she loved knowing the dogs she helped rescue went to good homes.”

“It’s in the kitchen if you’d like to go over it? Alyra and Aegon have more photos in case either of you didn’t like the ones they chose.”

Helaena prayed they wouldn’t ask for different photos. Alyra and Aegon spent hours agonizing over the diorama, going office to office asking people to choose which dogs were cuter and stealing all of Helaena’s calligraphy pens so Aegon could painstakingly label each photo. She was sure both Aegon and Alyra would burst into tears if anything had to be changed.

“No, no I’m sure it’s perfect, I know Alyra and Aegon understand how important this day is.” Rhaenyra said, checking her phone. “Why is he always late? The charity ball is this weekend, we only have five days left, we can’t waste time waiting for him.”

Alicent put a hand on her shoulder. “Deep breaths, Rhaenyra, I’m sure he’s just grilling Harwin for details on the children.”

Rhaenyra sighed but nodded. “You’re right, my father loves to talk, and Harwin loves to gush about the kids.”

“Why don’t you two grab a cup of coffee and ask Lucerys to watch the elevator?” Helaena suggested, wanting to get their nervous energy out of her office before it started to affect her.

“Wonderful idea sweetling, come Rhaenyra.” Her mother led Rhaenyra to Lucerys’ office and then to the kitchen.

Helaena sighed in relief and began straightening her desk, even though she had done that five times already.

Alicent hated this day, she hated it when she opened her eyes, and she hated it when she stepped into the building. Not only was it the anniversary of his ex-husband’s death, but Viserys was also visiting. As much as she loved Rhaenyra, she held no such love for the woman’s father. She sipped her coffee while Rhaenyra looked over Aegon and Alyra’s diorama.

“They did a wonderful job, I’m so glad they work so well together. I was worried at first.” Rhaenyra admitted.

This was news to Alicent. “Really?”

Rhaenyra nodded. “Alyra was so nervous when she started. Daemon had left such a mess for her to clean up, and Aegon was older than her, more experienced, and she worried that maybe he wouldn’t see her as an equal.”

Alicent tried not to bristle at her friend’s words. She knew Aegon was a bit of a wild card, and that Rhaenyra wasn’t meaning to insult him, but she still felt protective of him. “Aegon adored Alyra from the moment they met.”

“I know, after their first assignment Alyra came to me and told me she wasn’t nervous anymore, that Aegon had defended her from some asshole reporter, who asked her if she only got the job because she was pretty.”

Alicent felt her heart swell with pride for her firstborn son. “That’s my boy.”

“I’m happy that it all worked out.” Rhaenyra took a long sip of her coffee, then made a face and dumped three sugar packets in it. “My father has the worst taste in coffee.”

Alicent laughed, and for a moment her heart felt lighter, then a sharp stab of fear shot through it when the elevator dinged.

Jason was a terrible husband, a borderline negligent father, and a dangerous man. She still worried when she saw black vans or heard someone speaking angry Russian. How she ended up with a man in the Russian Mafia she’ll never know, but she was glad he was gone.

Criston on the other hand was a wonderful husband, a caring father, and an honorable man. He spent the entire morning reassuring her that she was safe, that their children were safe, and that he would never leave her. He even promised to stick by her side the entire time Viserys was visiting.

It was the sight of him, his black hair, and warm brown eyes, his tan skin, and sturdy figure that brought her comfort. He smiled at her and left Viserys with Harwin.

“My love.” He said, bending down to kiss her gently, his strong arms encircling her waist.

“Husband.” She said, smiling into the kiss. He always knew how to make her feel safe.

“Father!” Rhaenyra cried, setting down her coffee cup and hugging the elderly man.

“My daughter, how have you been?” Viserys asked, returning her hug.

“Good, I’m excited to show you how well the company has been doing.”

Viserys stepped into the kitchen and observed the spread. “How wonderful.” He turned to her. “Alicent did you set this all up?”

He hugged her, and she felt him sniff her hair.

When he released her, she stepped back, jaw clenched. “No, my daughter Helaena did. Along with my son Aegon, and your granddaughter Alyra.”

His face lit up at the mention of Alyra. “My granddaughter, where is she? I must thank her for all this.”

Alyra walked in with Aemond by her side. “Grandfather.” She said, reaching out to hug him.

“My little Alyra, this is all so wonderful, excellent job.”

Alyra smiled. “Thank you, but Aegon and I only did diorama, everything else is all Helaena, she’s a genius at these types of things.”

Alicent adored the way Alyra refused to let Viserys put all the credit on her, it was one of her best traits, her loyalty to her friends.

Helaena soon appeared as well with Jacaerys at her side, Lucerys and Aegon followed soon after.

Viserys hugged his grandchildren and heaped praise upon them, before giving a slight thanks to her children.

Alicent moved to Helaena’s side. “You did beautifully, I’m very proud of you.”

Helaena smiled softly. “Thanks mom.”

They toured the building, and everything went perfectly, which boded well for the charity ball.

Finally, they reached the top floor again, and Viserys asked them to accompany him to the conference room.

“If the ball goes well, I wish to hold a dinner at my home, to celebrate.”

“That sounds lovely, father, what a wonderful idea.” Rhaenyra said.

Harwin nodded his agreement.

“All are invited, including my girlfriend, and in a show of good faith, Otto will be attending.” Viserys declared, looking proud of himself.

Both Alicent and Rhaenyra sat there frozen, and Criston’s hand found hers.

“But Viserys, my father has threatened you, threatened the company, and has trespassed on your property many times. I thought you wanted him out of your life?” She protested.

He nodded at her. “Yes, I have said that before, but I miss my old friend and wish to reconcile with him before one of us dies.”

“Are you sick?” Rhaenyra asked, voice filled with concern. “It’s cancer, isn’t it? Like what took mom.”

“No, no, I’m perfectly healthy, I’m just getting older.” He reassured her.

Rhaenyra visibly relaxed, and Harwin squeezed her shoulder.

“How do we know my father won’t attempt anything rash?”

“I’ll have my dear son-in-law check him at the door.”

Harwin looked a bit put-out but agreed.

Viserys clapped her hands. “Now, show me what you have for Saturday.”

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