#I KNEW Baela and Rhaena weren’t twins. I KNEW IT.

[aemysbabyofficial]

Sweet Heart; Aemond Targaryen x Targaryen!OC

The sweet innocence that Baela and Saela called their sister would soon be back in their arms. But could time and colors finally divide the Targaryen Three?

Warnings: canon divergence; anxiety; tense situations; swearing; no mention of Aemond in this fic btw

The brick of the Red Keep looked down on the sisters. Even if they were greeted in open arms, nothing felt pleasing nor warming about walking into what felt like the lion’s den. Rhaena Targaryen kept up a gracious smile when her cloak was taken off while on the other hand, her older twin sister Baela kept a stern gaze around them. The woman’s cold glare would have frozen all that stood around her if it wasn’t for the beam of sun that melted the ice around her.

It was cold. The courtyard was void of its former rowdiness. Lord Caswell’s greeting was gracious among the grey sky and soundless space, but it did little to stir their hearts. Baela and Rhaena were escorted through the halls.

"Where is our sister?" The eldest inquired.

Caswell's head dropped before a rushed excuse past his lips. "The lady has personal affairs to attend."

"And when will she be...done?"

Baela's voice trailed off when the group were split up. Her arm latched onto Rhaena's while the rest of their family were escorted down separate halls. In place of Lord Caswell was a handmaid. By the freshness of her face, she wasn't that older than them--maybe just two and one.

"My Lady apologizes profusely for not greeting you today." The corner of the handmaid's mouth curved upwards. "Personal affairs of the household occupied more time than she would have liked in her schedule. Plans for future meetings will be further sent to you by letter."

Walking back through the Keep’s halls disturbed them—it felt like they were disturbing something, even if nothing rattled or shook in their presence. The handmaid stood before two doors across from each other, motioned to them with her hands, and left the sisters with a bow of the head.

Once they got settled into their rooms, Rhaena moved to her twin's room where the fire heated them and trays of food and wine were served.

“She is something, that girl. I wonder how life is treating her.”

All around them, moving past dusty linens and lighting candles, were handmaidens preparing for their travels back to King’s Landing. Evening had crept up so fast the sisters hadn't realized their cups of tea were changed for wine.

Since the beginning, Baela and Rhaena knew their youngest sister was something. Was that something good or bad they would never question, but their sweet Saela was something they weren’t for sure. Whereas Baela, the fearsome girl who’d rather fly than sit in a boy’s presence, Saela blossomed around in the attention of the male sex. But just as Rhaena, who was ever graceful with her gentle tongue, Saela had the tooth of a viper if talked to the wrong way.

The twins were four when they first saw their sister swaddled in her cradle. It had come to surprise Lady Laena Velaryon was expecting another child; the early signs hid themselves until late, she had never fallen sick in the months leading up to the birthing bed. Laena had both lamented and rejoiced her birth was the easier but happened so quick she was faced with shock when she held her third daughter. The pressure of bearing a son crushed the lady’s shoulders but the cries of the girl she named Saela eased off her worries. The same dawned on Daemon. Baela remembers more than Rhaena the mix of emotions their father wore. A son would have continued his legacy, but a third daughter…would complete the nest his family created. The prince could not stop his racing heart every time Saela opened her lilac eyes to look into his.

“Jaelan naejot ūndegon Saela, kepa!”

Baela reached to grab the bundle in Daemon’s arms. I want to see Saela, father! Even at the young age, the young lady roared her flames of protectiveness over the innocent. Rhaena hummed behind her sister, peeking her head around to get the best glance.

The bundle called the Targaryen Three were inseparable in their shared qualities and uniqueness.

The girls shared beds until the last moment possible (their sworn protectors had to rip their hands from the sheets that evening); shared gowns until one of their growths spirts ripped too much fabric; would disguise as each other until one of them cut their hair too short and another grew her hair out too long for the rouse to continue.

The Targaryen Three were each others best friends when the days looked to cloudy, and nightmares pricked the skin. They held each other tight until thick blankets and wooden tables, grounding the other in times of need and violent currents. No matter the time, day or night, if either sister needed a cheer up, talk down, or help from afar, Baela, Rhaena, and Saela would burn the world down for their sister.

No secret would leave their mouths from their ears. They were the only ones they could trust—sworn by blood with flames of fire, they whispered at night. No man, no power, no riches could strike their bond.

"You would think she would show her face to at least greet us in this cold." Baela shrugged her shoulders while burrowing herself further into the couch's cushions. The night sky was dark, the halls were quiet, and not a peep from their favorite person. It tickled the lady's mind that Saela hadn't shown her face--at all gatherings she made sure everyone knew her name.

“But she must be busy if her own handmaid was sent down."

Rhaena could feel Baela's ire and much like their father, its flames would grow if untamed.

"You remember how she opens the thread on her sleeves? A tell for whenever she did anything naughty. Mother always scolded her for having ruined her dresses.”

A child Saela was and a child she will always be. Tenderness burned Baela’s eyes come the last drop of her drink. Her hands reached for the decanter before her mind could stop her. A night drinking with her sister to reminisce washed them in a waters of melancholy. With the times they talked about their Saela recently, their hearts truly believed she was with them. But when the wind blows past their open windows and when gowns should go flowing, their minds break not seeing Saela’s open hair fly in the wind.

“And how breathless she becomes when she panics. A trait from the gods, I guess.” Rhaena shrugged her shoulders. Between them both, she could always find their sister’s tells.

“You always acted like mother to her, finding her tells and all. No wonder she went to you after she caused trouble.” Baela hid her smile behind her goblet.

“She needs a mother in her life. After mother…after mother left, that young girl needed a shield from the storm this family went through. She was a blessing we all needed, even if some deny her powers.”

The night was long, and memories were brimming the Targaryen twins minds. Even if their eyes watered and chests ached with the loss of their sister by their side, that gap would soon closely come the new day. Their Heart would be back and safe in her sisters arms.

“Your presence is requested for tea.” A knight stood at attention at large doors. A different handmaid stood at Baela's door with the letter requesting their attendance to tea.

An unspoken pressure settled on the sisters shoulders as their handmaids dressed and prepared them. The messenger stood at attention and made no move to leave or even turn around. The sisters exchanged glances before soundlessly following the woman. When the doors to a dining room was opened, Baela was surprised to see Rhaenyra, Daemon, and their children standing and seated around the room. The youngest children sat next to a lit fire with Rhaenyra on a couch while the boys and Daemon looked around the table.

“Was it for tea, as well?” Rhaena asked the room. Rhaenyra nodded. “Wasn’t told from whom.”

Daemon’s cold glare around the room mirrored Baela’s from earlier. It was calculating all he could see and could not: any secret passageways, a hidden guard, a trapped knife. With the Greens in control of their former home, one couldn’t become too comfortable.

A rattling against the door confused the twins behind them. All that could stand were silent when it was finally pushed open. When the heavy barrier connected the family back to the Keep opened, sun shone bright on them. No longer did the cold chill their bones or unsettle them in their gowns but comforted them in this time of uncertainty. Saela’s smile grew hundredfold when she saw her family.

“Sisters!”

Saela sprung into her sister's open arms. Tension in the room eased; shoulders relaxed, and breaths were no longer bated. The sisters danced in each others’ arms, warmed against the Keep's cold walls. Two handmaids stood behind Saela’s shoulders, their heads down and hands clasped to their fronts. Rhaena's brow twitched when she recognized the one on the right as the lady that showed them to their room the previous day.

“How was the journey?” Saela rubbed her hands over her sisters arms as she led them to the table. “Long and boring, I assume.”

“All that boredom was worth it,” Rhaena smiled. Her gaze jerked to Daemon standing tall above their heads. His eyes looked past her to find Saela’s. They greeted each other in muffled High Valyrian—the leather of his jacket muting some of her words. The way he spun his youngest daughter made the younger twin happy, but it pinched her heart. Rhaena instead focused her sights to the teacups and spread of desserts.

“Princess.”

Saela finally curtsied to Rhaenyra. It was prim, perfect, and controlled. The gown she wore covered her whole body and her hair was pinned away from her face. Saela’s back was straight, and her head was bowed.

The Queen skilled her too well. What else could she say? Saela picked up things fast.

“The moment I heard you would all return, I knew having tea would start everything on the right foot. It’s been so, so long since the days I hosted my childish tea parties, I just couldn’t wait to have one for real.”

Saela spoke once she sat at the table. Her sisters sat on either side, caged by Jacaerys and Lucerys on either end, while Daemon, Rhaenyra and Joffrey were on the other side. Memories and longings spanning six years were shared throughout the afternoon.

As they dined, both sisters mentally picked at Saela. The glow of the youngest shone from her, yet under the gold dress it felt shadowed. May be it court life, Rhaena told herself. Saela's face had slimmed, yet her gentle smile remained, even at Aegon's snotty face. She never pointed but the handmaids knew what she wanted--be it more tea, a rub on the back, or more sunlight--they were an extension of her mind.

"Before I forget, gifts." Saela clapped her hands. "Palina, Arah, the gifts!"

The two handmaids far behind Saela's shoulders dashed to dark corners of the room to retrieve small baskets addressed to each person. Inside were various treats from all around Westeros--lemon cakes, honey cakes, vibrant fruits, and Dornish Red. The smile on Saela's face was one of hostess--like a highborn lady to her guests.

The sisters clung onto every passing second, wishing it would not pass them by. Daemon and Rhaenyra excused themselves to put the young Aegon and Viserys to nap, kissing the girls heads before leaving the heavy doors.

“Does she want to sit down?”

Rhaena muttered under her breath. From the corner of her eyes, she caught a figure in gold ducking behind hanging tapestries, peeking its head of silver out. In. Out. In. Out. It was like the girl was playing a hiding game. Helaena peeked her head out the moment the sisters looked in the direction. Her eyes widened before she tucked herself back into the shadows. One of her sister’s handmaids whispered something into the princess’ ears.

“Hmm, who?” Saela followed her sister’s line of sight to the corner opposite of them. Rhaena turned to see her sister freeze—her cup stuck between the table and her mouth. It was like her body steeled.

“Sister—”

The handmaid speed-walked back to the table and whispered into Saela’s ears. The chatter between Lucerys and Baela drowned the little Rhaena could hear. But by the way her sister’s brows furrowed and how hard she swallowed, she knew something was wrong. Saela whispered back with dark eyes.

The air in the tea room dampened drastically. No one besides Rhaena could feel and see it. It was choking, heavy, and scary. The Lady had no idea where the air could have turned sour. The sun Saela brought with her vanished behind dark clouds and stones.

“Is there anything I can help with?”

The handmaid from before whispered into Saela's ear. The girl's fingers rimmed her sleeves. She whispered back before shooting Helaena a look.

"Sister?"

"No!" Saela whispered loudly. Luke, who passed by to sit, shot them a glance before adding his point to Baela's comment.

“No, no.” Saela's breath hitched even though she was seated. Her eyes warned her handmaid a message. “No, um, Helaena was--"

The flames of the dragon were heated in Saela's eyes. Urgency burned through her bones and threatned to burn all around her. Rhaena rested a hand on her sister's shoulder to feel her tremble.

"Is something the matter, Saela?" Rhaena's voice was hushed. Yes, the younger lady loved attention, but her sister's shadows was where she found comfort. Fear was stared back at Rhaena. Unspoken fear. Rhaena felt her gut drop. Her mouth opened, but her eyes watched Saela turn to her handmaids.

Whatever Helaena was saying through her waving hands forced Saela from her seat. Rushed apologies fell from her lips before her gold gown trailed behind her running figure. Neither Targaryen nor Velaryon had a chance to stop or thank Saela for hosting them tea when the door slammed behind her, but in the wide space, the cousins continued their talk about anything.

Through all the drinking and dining, a thought tugged at Rhaena's mind. Baela would chide her for bringing it up, but her mind screamed at her heart.

Gold thread from Saela's sleeve were scattered on the table and seat.

Saela wasn't seen for the rest of the day. Whenever Baela or Rhaena asked for her whereabouts, knights would shake their heads and handmaids would bow their heads deeper.

Baela skipped the path she memorized led to her sister's bedchambers. Her daydress was already changed to riding gear and in-hand were matching gloves Rhaenys saved for her granddaughters. It was a surprising hot day at the Keep. The moment heat passed through the red walls, the castle was deserted and those afforded the luxury of not only returning to their homelands, but also those who could sit out the impending succession hearings, vacated the Red Keep.

"I hate the cold." Saela told her sister as they prepared for flight. A hot sun shone down on them without clouds to block its rays. The hot weather was the reason she went without a leather coat or gloves.

"Laevon loves the sun as much as you do." Baela smiled at the silver pair.

"It is how we connect, dear sister. Skin-to-skin. Heat-to-heat."

When Baela reached the hall of her sister's chamber, a knight stepped from the shadows with a lifted hand. Baela didn't miss the other hand on the hilt of his sword.

"Where is my--"

"Tending to business," was the only excuse she and anyone else was given. Baela wasn't given another chance to ask or even open her mouth when the knight physically turned her around and pushed her away. Where she was, she couldn't care less. The problem lay with the fact no one could say where her sister was--almost like it was a sin, or a crime.

Saela was absent for Driftmark's succession hearing--the penultimate reason they were at the Keep.

It was finally at the dinner two days later she reappeared, this time quieter than ever and her eyes dancing all around the table. Fortunate to sit next to her sister again, Rhaena felt her attention was somewhere else. Daemon must have noticed, she thought, because the quiet lady watched her father bore holes into her younger sister's soul.

"You know I love you two, right?"

Saela's drawled under her sheets, muffled from burying her head in her oldest sister's shoulder. It had been over a decade since the Targaryen Three had shared a bed and after a day like today, they needed it. In tangling their limbs and talking until past the Hour of the Owl, the three ladies could be young children again.

"You only have us to love," Rhaena chided with a smile. Saela's body sunk further into the blankets.

"I love you so much, I would do anything for you."

In the dark of the room with the candles blown out, Baela and Rhaena looked over Saela's head. Her head was lolling to the side and her eyes were hooded--sleep threatened to take her under even though she fought hard to stay awake.

"There is nothing I would do to hurt you. Do you understand?" A silent beat past. "Rhaena? Baela?"

"Are you awake, sister?" The latter poked her sister's cheek with raised brows.

"I am always awake...waiting."

Sleep captured the sisters without a word, knocking them into unique worlds of dreams. As the hours slowly passed, their bodies rolled side-to-side and gentle snores past their lips. The scarfs around their heads shifted high and low. A low scoff broke the tranquility in the room.

Baela rolled her eyes as she sat up to re-wrap her hair and readjust her robe. She was about to lay head back down again when she noticed the empty space. Saela was gone. To not disturb her soundless twin, she peeled herself from the bed to peer around the room. She couldn't have gone far, Baela told herself. Light from the moon illuminated enough for Baela not to bump into anything. In the dim state, the lady noticed nothing out of order. The table next to a vanity was higher and as she grazed her hands over the furniture, she was surprised everything was taller and softer. Nothing was out of order.

The hallways were quiet, lit by lamps and littered with few knights and servants going to and fro. In spite the fact it had been years since she walked these halls at night, Baela's feet guided her throughout the Keep until she made a new turn. A hallway to her left was darker than the whole castle. A cool wind blew at the lady's nightgown, both driving and inviting her in. The moment Baela took a step into the hall, laughter filled the air.

It was light, weightless.

A child. No, children.

Light peeked from a single door in the hallway. The more Baela approached the door, the louder the children's laughter became. Then voices intermingled with the supposed children. Her fingers glided across the cold walls before the cool metal of the hinges stung her skin. A voice inside asked for the windows to be shut. No, just "a voice. The tone was familiar, smooth with its warning yet sharp in its urgency. That voice carried a light laugh at the end as it shushed a loud yell, telling the child they shouldn't yell at night. The cold touch of the metal hinges froze Baela in her place.

The door suddenly creaked open. Saela caressed her breasts with a low groan. Her robes hung loose around her and fatigue dripped from her long breaths.

“Where were you?”

��Fuck!” Saela screamed. Her hands flew to her chest and her eyes, wide with fright, stared at the long figure in front of her.

A pregnant pause passed around the sisters; confusion in the dead of night swam through the air, unravelling thoughts and perceptions of their space and time. The door Saela clung to closed to allow the little most pass through the crack. Given her taller height, Baela could just the collection of silver-haired children sitting in a circle.

"W-what are you doing here?" Saela asked breathlessly. She still held a hand to her chest while the other let the door shut fully.

"I believe we share the same question." Baela raised a curious brow. "You leave your sisters sleeping in your bedchambers without a word, Saela. You can't--"

Saela shook her head while she focused her gaze onto her older sister. It was more controlled before and her voice came out clearer, like she hadn't been running through the halls, "I mean, what are you doing here?"

"Saela."

The air around the girl's mouth must have tasted salty because she smacked her mouth and licked her lips. An uncharacteristic show of expression. Baela frowned at the expression.

"I-I was--" The door whipped open again.

"Jaehaera was asking if--" the moment Helaena noticed Baela, she disappeared back into the room. Before the door shut, her flashing eyes tuned to Saela's back before it locked.

"This is nursery, if you had to ask, for whenever a child gets sick. I was helping Helaena with her daughter. The poor girl felt horrible and I couldn't let my friend suffer in silence."

A twinkle returned to Saela's eye after she looked at the closed door. Her chest fell down with a soft sigh and the fingers rubbing circles on her chest soon fell to her sides.

"It is late and those children had me running around. You need to stop asking me questions before my head explodes. Let me tell Helaena goodnight, first."

Baela had yet to say a word in what felt like ten minutes. Saela had ducked back into the room and said all the goodbyes she needed to before trekking down the Keep's quiet halls back to her bedchambers. The walk was quiet and no questions were asked. Even as they slid under the sheets of the softest cotton, velvet, and fur, it was quiet.

Not a word passed through the room until the morning. Unlike the previous mornings where handmaids would dress them before their minds could snap into focus, the Targaryen Three were left to their own devices. Morning light from a drawn curtain forced Rhaena from her sleep. When she turned to poke her sister's awake, she gasped an early morning breath.

Baela stared at her with a near-hollow gaze. Her eyes were awake and alert, darting over them like she expected something to happen. On the contrary, eyebags hung under Saela's closed eyes. Her breathing was deep and slow.

"She won't wake any time soon," Baela spoke, though her voice descended to a whisper.

“Do you think she is hiding something from us?”

Rhaena frowned. It was too early to think about hidden antics or double meanings. But she couldn't deny her own thoughts. She looked over to her sister.

“Do you think she could?”

Saela Targaryen was many things if not something, her sisters could not deny that fact. A liar? They would never wish, not even imagine, that name to be spoken in the same sentence as their sister’s name. Hiding something? We all had our secrets and private wants.

After the sisters rose from their bed and the twins left the bedchambers, Saela vanished again.

What Saela was hiding made them curious, urging them to discover the truth their sister hid behind the Keep’s walls. Maybe it was the long time that separated them—over half a decade apart could change a person. How much that time could mattered on the power of pigment and the fealty to one’s union. Whether Saela’s blood shed for Black or Green was a question they would never ask. Not yet, they hoped, or not ever.

[plutoscosmoss]

Fire Inside   ➸ c.17

Warnings: This series includes themes of violence, death, smut, childbirth and childbirth complications (if I forgot to mention any please let me know)

Pairing: Jacaerys Velaryon x OC

{Series Masterlist}

Previous Chapter

Chapter 17: The Wedding

It had been a few days of wedding prepping and getting to know the layout of her new home. Renva still participated in her early morning training with her brother, not refusing no matter how much her muscles burned. Daemon came to them one morning as they practiced on the beach, to discuss what would happen with her training once Cregan left. Cregan asked the Rogue Prince if he or another knight at Dragonstone would train her, Daemon had given her brother a small smirk and agreed that he himself would do it. He would train Renva along with Baela, and occasionally Rhaena. The younger of the twins didn’t dislike training, but she preferred more ‘ladylike’ hobbies. 

So Daemon and Baela would accompany them on the beach when training occurred. Baela and Renva often practiced against one another. Both fighting until they couldn’t and would end in a draw. Daemon and Cregan both gave remarks to the girls on how to fix their stances, postures, and how they can use their leanness to their advantages. Both girls improved greatly, and to Renva’s joy, she bonded quickly with Baela. It was a fear of hers that due to the betrothals and decision made from them Baela would hold it against her. 

The twins found comfort in Renva, almost as an older sister of sorts. The girls were often seen around Dragonstone, reading books from the library and practicing Valryian. The twins would help Renva practice the lines she must learn for her wedding ceremony, and in return Renva told them the legends about the wisps. When the girls weren't seen together, Renva could be found spending time with Jace, getting to know more about one another. They would take walks on the beach under the chaperone of Renvas new handmaiden, Ceria, who was 10 years her senior. 

While the betrothed were on their walks they would discuss memories from their childhood. Jace told Renva the story of the ‘Pink Dread’ which she slightly scolded him for, but ultimately found a little funny. Renva spoke of the north and their traditions, along with time her brother Ranvir, almost took her head off with his sword for scaring him during training. The two could be heard laughing from the beach in Dragonstone, bringing joy to not only Rhaenyra but also Cregan. He then knew that his sister would be happy spending her days with Jacaerys. 

—

It was finally the day of the wedding. Rhaenyra and Ceria readied Renva, helping her first into a chemise, then a corset. They opted for skipping a petticoat due to Renva’s detestment.  Then came time for her gown, it was a red floor length silk gown. Renva admired the dress as she looked at herself in the mirror,  the neckline was off the shoulder, with embroidered gold details running down the arms of the dress. Rhaenyra came up behind her placing an overcoat that was grey with a lighter grey and red detailing to match the dress underneath. Once the dress was completed, Ceria and Rhaenyra approached behind her with the ceremonial robes. They were a creamed color with the edges dyed a light red color. 

After placing golden shoes on Renva sat at the vanity that was placed in her temporary chambers. Rhaenyra took over and braided Renva’s hair, her dark locks forming braids that only the Targaryens wore. Once she finished Renva examined her hair, finding big braids going straight down from the front of her head all the way to the back. The sides of her head however were braided in a way the warriors in the north wore them. They were much smaller and tighter braids that followed along the side of Renva’s head. Woven onto the ends of her braids were small golden cuffs. 

Renva smiled at herself in the mirror and spotted Rhaenyra dismissing Ceria. Once Ceria exited the room, Rhaenyra came up behind Renva placing her hands on her shoulders, Renva then placed her own hands on top of the Princess’s. Leaning down, Rhaenyra placed three small kisses on Renva’s temples, a gesture she only did with her children and husband. Renva’s eyes filled with tears, 

“Oh sweet girl, don’t cry. Are you okay?” Rhaenyra worried for her, she knew how anxious this day could be for her. 

“I am fine your grace. I am happy but I am also saddened to be leaving my family.” Renva wiped her tears away and gave the Princess a reassuring smile. “You won’t truly be leaving them. You and Jacaerys can always visit on dragonback, or your father and siblings can come visit here whenever you’d like.” Rhaenyra told the young girl. “However it is time for the ceremony to start.” Rhaenyra led Renva out of the walls of Dragonstone and to an alcove near the beach which held an alter. Before reaching the alcove, Rhaenyra stopped and Renva saw her brother approaching in Stark house color wedding attire. 

“I can take it from here Princess, I believe you have someone waiting for you as well.” Cregan spoke kindly to Rhaenyra as she nodded and went towards the alcove. “We can always run if you need, they might have dragons but I will get you off this island.” Cregan whispered making sure the Princess was a good distance away. “Cregan, all is well. Let’s not keep them waiting.” Renva smiled as her brother locked arms with her. She gave him a reassuring arm rub as they walked towards the alcove. “I should be comforting you.” Cregan whispered, “I was always better at it.” Renva smirked back. “You look beautiful by the way, father and mother would be proud of you.” Cregan gave a small smile as they approached the alcove, seeing the whole mixed Velaryon and Targaryian family. “Thank you brother.” Renva whispered back. 

As the two Starks walked towards the altar, Renva took notice of Jace’s siblings. Daemon, Baela and Rhaena stood towards the side where her own family should’ve been, letting Renva know that they were there for her. While Lucerys, Joffrey, Aegon the younger, and Viserys II, stood with Ceria waiting for Rhaenyra to join them. Behind the family members were families of high nobility, and the knights that resided on Dragonstone. Rhaenyra stood behind Jacaerys, as the Septon stood infront of the altar. The altar itself held what looked to be a golden chalice, along with a few white cloths and one red cloth with gold embroidery. The last thing on the altar that Renva noticed was what looked to be dragonglass. 

Looking away from the altar, Renva looked at her betrothed. He wore a similar robe, with a bigger headpiece. To Renva he looked ethereal, his brown hair looked to have been trimmed recently. He was tapped by Rhaenyra which made him glance up and make eye contact with Renva. Renva saw a smile grow on his face, it made her stomach flutter. Knowing that in just a few moments the two would be married. Cregan led Renva past everyone and to where Jace was waiting. Once standing in front of Jace, Cregan let go of his sister's arm and gave her a small embrace. Kissing the top of her head before turning to Jacaerys and giving him a small nod then walking to where Daemon stood with his daughters. 

“Hi.” Jacaerys softly spoke to her, “Hello Jacaerys.” Renva returned with a small smile. The two held eye contact as the septon began to talk. 

“We gather here today to join Jacaerys Velaryon and Renva Stark into one union, through the ways of Old Valyria.” Renva and Jace are then instructed to each grab a piece of dragonglass, and to make a slice into each other's bottom lip. Jacaerys went first, grabbing his shard of dragonglass, he held Renvas bottom lip with his other hand to steady it. Slowly he slid the sharp dragonglass along Renva’s lower lip, letting it make a clean cut. Jace then put his thumb onto her bottom lip, swiping some of her blood onto his finger he made the Valyrian fire symbol on Renva’s forehead. It was then Renva’s turn. She clutched the piece of dragonglass so tightly in her hand, she felt it almost slice her. With a shaky hand she steadied Jaces’ lip before she rised the glass and too cut his bottom lip slowly. She fluttered her eyes back up to his momentarily before dabbing her thumb onto his lip and marking his forehead with the Valyrian symbol for blood. 

The two then held eye contact again while the septon spoke. Renva felt like it was just them two and the septon, she almost forgot about the groups of people watching the ceremony. It was now time for the two to slice their own palms to join blood. The two did as instructed by the septon, then joined hands. The septon held the golden chalice under their hands and let their blood mixture drip into the cup. Once there was a decent amount in the chalice, the septon wrapped their conjoined hands in the red cloth. At the point in the ceremony they both had to recite the vow together, “Iksi sir mēre ñelly, mēre prūmia, mēre soul sir se forever.” (We are now one flesh, one heart, one soul now and forever.) Once they recited the vow, they were handed the chalice, Jace first then Renva. Each taking a small sip from the chalice, their hands were untied, each given a white cloth to hold to the wounded palm. 

Renva met Jaces’ eyes again, the two feeling the stares of the onlookers waiting for what they know will happen. As the two leaned into one another, Jace raised his non bloodied hand and cupped the left side of Renva’s face. Renva placed her good hand on the crook of Jaces neck, as their lips connected they heard a round of applause. The two smiled into their kiss as they heard the cheers of the people, as they broke apart they connected their foreheads. Renva let out a small giggle, “I’m glad it's you Renva, I really am.” Jace spoke softly to her before they both turned, locked arms and walked back to Dragonstone. 

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.

next chapter

[sirenalannysgreyjoy]

Alannys laughed at the idea of a crow and a dragon becoming friends, though she had never known Husband to show fear in the face of any creature.  “Don’t worry, any jewelry on your hands is usually safe.  Besides, Husband somehow never steals from people he knows are friends.  A dragon and a crow would be a strange match, but so is a kraken and a dragon and yet here we are.”  Alannys was unbothered by the lack of tradition surrounding their betrothal.  Being the first made everything feel more exciting, but also more important.  She had access to an alliance her ancestors never could have dreamed of, though deep down she knew some of them would scorn her for even considering a marriage to a Targaryen.  Yet, how different was the situation on Joffrey’s side?  She was sure there were those at court who weren’t happy with the idea of a Targaryen marrying a Greyjoy either.  “I promise not to laugh at you trying to learn how to sail if you don’t laugh at me being a bit wary of your Tyraxes.  I think even the bravest Ironborn would be a bit intimidated by even the smallest of dragons who could fly with a rider.”  

While Alannys had never imagined herself becoming a lady in waiting, she had been enjoying the position more than she’d imagined.  She had been surprised to find that she actually liked Baela along with her twin sister Rhaena.  Alannys had yet to interact with many of the other Targaryen family members, but she found she wouldn’t mind marrying into the same family as Baela and Rhaena, which had come as a shock.  She’d always imagined that the prince and princesses in King’s Landing were entirely different people than the ironborn, but she’d started to learn there were just as many similarities as there were differences.  Joffrey practiced archery with his sister just like Alannys had often done with her own brothers.  “Yes, Princess Baela was kind to offer me the position, especially since court life is all a bit new to me.  I would love to practice archery with both of you one day as long as we don’t have to do it from horseback.  I’m a slightly better rider than some of my siblings, but I can’t imagine trying to hold on and aim an arrow at the same time.”  She thought she had heard that was a skill shown off in tourneys, but perhaps that had only been a story she once heard from another ironborn.  Either way, she was sure Joffrey, who was a dragonrider and an excellent archer, would have no problem with such a feat.

Alannys lit up at Joffrey’s compliment.  She had known back when she had first chosen knives as her favorite weapon that she had chosen a difficult path.  Knives required close contact, which technically meant more danger for her if she wasn’t careful.  She quite liked the idea of the prince watching her fight in a proper battle, though she wasn’t sure he would enjoy the spectacle as much.  Fighting up close like that tended to mean she got a bit…messy.  A demonstration with throwing knives and a target like Joffrey had suggested would probably be better, though she couldn’t quite let go of the idea of having him actually watch her fight and seeing what he thought.  

“It is a strange rumor, but ironborn can be more fanciful than one might assume.  It comes from all the tales sailors bring back about distant lands and strange creatures, I think,” Alannys said, thinking back to her own trip to the Summer Isles.  She had met so many wonderful people and seen so many strange creatures she could have never imagined to have existed.  She’d brought back one of them, a small creature apparently called a hedgehog, for her youngest sister Penny.  “But to be honest, I want to get to know you myself.  I don’t care what some random person from the court thinks about you, I want to decide what I think for myself.”  Alannys hadn’t been at court long so she hadn’t heard much, beyond the rumor that she was fairly sure the majority of the kingdom had heard, which was the question of Joffrey’s true parentage.  As far as Alannys was concerned, whether his biological father was Laenor Velaryon or not was irrelevant.  She knew the Targaryens didn’t worship the Drowned God, but in her eyes it didn’t matter whether he was a bastard or not.  The Drowned God didn’t care about such trivial things and neither did she.  

Bright blue flowers sprouted up alongside the path they were walking on.  Alannys had noticed Joffrey looking at them earlier before she had brought up the idea of rumors spoken about her around the Red Keep.  She wondered if he had been thinking about picking one for her before she distracted him.  Despite knowing him personally only for the length of their current conversation, she had a sense it was the kind of sweet and gallant gesture he would be inclined to do.  Joffrey had already been so kind to her and she wanted to do something for him that he could appreciate.  Acting on instinct, Alannys bent down and carefully picked one of the flowers before reaching up to tuck it behind his ear.  “It isn’t emphasized much in the love stories I’ve heard, but I think men deserve to receive beautiful things from their lovers too.”  Alannys smiled almost shyly, her heart beating a bit faster for no reason she could actually discern.

The Siren's Courtship: with @princejoffreyvelaryon

Alannys considered herself well versed in the ways of romance.  A slightly too close dance in a tavern, the adrenaline of fighting side by side with blades in hand, and a friendly wrestling match where she had almost broken her opponent’s nose had all been precursors to many of Alannys’s more successful relationships.  However, courting was not romance.  There were rules and expectations surrounding it that Alannys didn’t know and nobody she trusted enough at the Red Keep to ask about it.  So ultimately, Alannys had decided to go about courting someone her own way.  She refused to diminish herself into a person she wasn’t for a man’s favor.  If Joffrey did not like her, that would be fine but it would be best to figure that out sooner rather than later to allow Alannys to turn her sights towards more promising prospects.

She’d been told Prince Joffrey could often be found in the gardens around this time of day and that’s where she headed, her dark blue gown swishing around her feet as she walked.  While Alannys wanted to be genuine in personality with her potential betrothed, she knew first impressions were important and that being too forcefully Greyjoy early on might scare him away.  So she had put on one of her more delicate gowns and pulled her brown curls up with a simple blue ribbon.  She’d been told on more than one occasion that she and Tyanna had faces that portrayed too much innocence for Iron Islanders, which was a comment that often annoyed her but today she hoped it could work in her favor.  Alannys stepped out into the gardens, immediately being surrounded by trees and flowers transplanted from all across Westeros.  It was a beautiful sight, but too curated and artificial looking for her personal tastes.  

She made her way down the gardens various paths searching for her potential betrothed between the creeping vines and vibrantly lurid flowers.  Just as she was about to lose hope, she turned the corner and spotted him a few yards ahead of her.  Alannys strode to his side, holding out a hand for a handshake as she reached him.  “Hello, I’m Lady Alannys Greyjoy.  I’m sure you’ve spoken to your mother about it, but she and my father have been discussing a potential betrothal between us.  My father knows I won’t consider a betrothal with anyone I don’t like, so I thought we could get to know each other?”  Alannys smiled, feeling genuinely excited for the outing if it was accepted.  She wasn’t sure why, but when her father had announced that Queen Rhaenyra had proposed Joffrey instead of Lucerys as the potential match between their houses, Alannys’s heart had picked up with a jolt of excitement she had yet to understand.  She had observed the prince at the court functions she’d been forced to attend and had witnessed his seemingly endless kindness and courtliness to others.  Part of her wondered if the kindness was an endearing mask to curry favor while another part of her almost admired him more if the kindness was genuine.  That open and soft type of kindness had a tendency to get carved out of a Greyjoy’s heart at a young age, so it fascinated her to see it in someone else.  Either way, it was a mystery she found herself wanting to solve.

“I was thinking that, perhaps if you have the time, we could visit my ship and also visit your dragon Tyraxes?  I imagine my identity as a ship’s captain is just as important as your identity as a dragonrider.  It could be a good way to introduce each other to the important parts of our world that the other may be unfamiliar with.”  Besides the dragons that had flown overhead when she, her father, and her siblings had been sailing with Prince Aegon, she hadn’t seen a dragon in person.  If everything else about this meeting went sour, at least she would have had the chance to see one up close.  “All of this is if you desire my company, of course.  But I will say, having spent much of my time with sailors and at taverns, I’ve rarely had anyone find my company boring,” she added conspiratorially.  While she would never suggest a wrestling match to the prince—he would probably faint at the very idea of doing such a thing—she wanted to see how he would react to the idea of her supposedly less than ideal pursuits for a woman.

[igotthecinema]

Okay, I am awake and I think now less emotional (or not! hahaha) I must say, Baela is my favorite of the Velaryons! She is a perfect copy of Laena in posture and attitude! Very sassy! One thing I didn't realize is that the twins were separated, Baela was living Rhaenys and Rhaena with Rhaenyra! But still, they both look beautiful and wonderful! They both look very much like their mother! Although Vaemond publicly expresses Rhaenys' thoughts, I really wanted to punch him in the face! hahahahaha Speaking of Rhaenys, that queen pose of hers on the wooden throne was 🔥🔥🔥🔥!!! A true queen! I love this woman, my God! Daemon defending Rhaenyra was everything!!! I spent almost the whole episode screaming haisuhdaushd And when Daemon caressed baby Viserys' head???? 😭😭 And Viserys reaction when he met his grandson was so beautiful! 😭😭I liked that they put Daemon more present and defending Rhaenyra at all costs, which Leanor didn't do. She is capable of defending herself, but there were times when she really needed someone to take the reins and Laenor just didn't do anything and Daemon is now doing it! I just love it! This scene here?

It just blew me away! I had to muffle my screams to be honest, my friend who was watching it with me… poor him! hiauhsdasihdis And speaking of Daemon defending Rhaenyra, that scene with Vaemond showed exactly that! And what a scene! I'm not a big fan of gore and explicit sex scenes, and HOTD is doing it very well, totally different from GOT, which were very gratuitous and unnecessary scenes most of the time. That dinner was beautiful! Even Otto was smiling! Who would have thought! I was waiting for Viserys' scene with the mask, but I didn't expect him to take it off, it was really scary! I have to confess that Aemond is gaining a place in my heart along with Daemon, that bitch behavior is everything! And yes, the pig scene was the cherry on top of the cake! Perfect!

That tea that Dyana and Rhaenyra drink is an abortive tea (by the way, Alicent's hypocrisy here… oh sister…)

I'm in the beginning of the book and I'm enjoying it. I'm still in the Aegon, the Conqueror part (I don't know the names and titles in English because I'm reading in Portuguese so maybe I'm speaking the wrong names/titles). But yes, it is worth it! The book is not a romance book, it is more of reports and the most common are from the septon Eustace and the court jester Mushroom (best character by the way!) I wish they had put him in the series. But it has other versions, for example, if I am not mistaken the Laenor part has 4 or 5 versions and the series follows some of them, for example the Alicent parts the series uses more the septon's reports and the Rhaenyra ones they are using more Mushroom's reports.

For I'm reading the book on kindle, I downloaded a copy of it, but as soon as possible, I want to buy the physical book (I need to make room on my bookshelf so for now all the books I read are on kindle)

Hi Beca. Hope you’re doing good!!

E7 and E8 has a small time jump. I personally think it would be great if they add that on screen instead us knowing.

Rhaenys would make a fierce queen if she was chosen. Stupid Jahearys. And when said to Vaemond ‘My brother will have your tongue for this’ I cant stop fangirling the character.

At least Viserys is dead knowing he had one last night with his family in a happy mood and his daughter and wife made up. I love viserys when he supports Rhaenrya irrespective of the shit she does.

Just for you Beca

I knew i’ll be a mess if i see at Sunday night. So I waited until it was Monday morning keeping my phone away for spoilers and it was worth waiting. Oh and my dad was sitting beside me and I was mentally praying that no explicit scenes should start. And thank god there weren’t any.

Viserys started the whole Dance of the Dragon by saying ‘Aegon’ where he was mentioning Aegon Conqueror but here Alicent is thinking it’s her stupid elder son. and then Rhaenrya goes and names her son also Aegon. Like what’s wrong with people in House Targaryen? Even jon snow original name was Aegon *smh*.

Tbh, not a big fan of books/novels. But thinking to give it a try. Let’s see what happens. If i start reading them, I’ll let you know.

PS: Neither the video nor photo belongs to me.