#Manfryd Mooton

[ride-thedragon]

The worst part about the Daemon is Nettles' dad claims isn't that it was made absent-mindedly to deter from a clear narrative point for them but that there are way better candidates than Daemon, Never Rational, Strangely Incestuous, Targaryen for the place of her father.

Corlys Velayron: Actually voiced an opinion in favor of her during the determining of her treason, in the same breath as his legal heir.

Manfryd Mooton: Defies his queen in favor of keeping her safe, twice, and changes factions in their absence.

Ser Florian: "The girl is a child, however foul her treason." That's father for any who question it. That's his baby girl no matter how long he looks at her and her activities.

Y'all don't care about her or her developing relationships with these men. Y'all just want Daemon to be good by weird standards, and I won't stand for it. Send him back home to his children, I'm tired of the pandering.

Also, cut the Nettles is a bastard of ------ nonsense. I'm tired, and it's contrived.

[stromuprisahat]

Daemon Targaryen returned to the castle just long enough to break his fast with Lord Mooton. “This is the last that you will see of me,” he told his lordship. “I thank you for your hospitality. Let it be known through all your lands that I fly for Harrenhal. If my nephew Aemond dares face me, he shall find me there, alone.”

Fire and Blood (George R. R. Martin)

She sees much and more, my Alys. 

- Aemond at Harrenhall

I bet she does. I bet her friends from Maidenpool sent her memo.

[horizon-verizon]

What do you think of when Nettles' execution letter is discussing between the lord and the guards, as to how to kill her, kill Daemon or not, etc. One thing that always bothered me about this scene for the nature of the relationship between Nettles and Daemon (although no, I don't believe they were lovers at all) is when the guard says Daemon is sleeping next to Nettles.

It can be confusing. But he doesn't say that Daemon sleeps with Nettles, but next to her, which may just fit within their adjoining rooms. And the lord of the place says they won't kill guests in their beds, so plural.

But it also says "may Daemon wake up to find her dead", which may or may not be interpreted as him sleeping with her, but that doesn't necessarily mean that either.

But I always wondered whether or not that scene meant that Daemon really slept in the same bed as Nettles. A doubt is posed in the way all this is formulated.

Many Daemon x Nettles stans argue that this must be the case, thus saying that Norren actually contradicts himself with the relationship he has established as paternalistic. (although sleeping in the same bed isn't something that necessarily relates to sex or lovers) That there's no way they're so scared that Daemon will intervene if he's not sleeping not with Nettles in bed directly.

Except we're talking about the same people who think Daemon could face 40 men alone and get away with it, even with a goddamn sleeping pill. Daemon is the best warrior there is, and their rooms with him and Nettles are connected by a simple door. If he heard any suspicious noise, I'm sure he would wake up and intervene.

Finally, what do you think of all this? Would Daemon have shared Nettles' bed, or not? This passage really disturbs me and the only thing that has ever really put me in doubt.

*EDITED POST* (12/16/23)

First, This Post Got a Bit Long, so Bear With Me.

The Direct Quotes

The section of Fire and Blood anon is referring to starts on page 497 in "Rhaenyra Triumphant". It starts with: “Long leagues to the north, in a castle overlooking the Bay of Crabs”.

[…]‘the prince and his bastard girl‘ supped together every night, broke their fast together every morning, slept in adjoining bedchambers, that the prince ‘doted upon the brown girl as a man might dote upon his daughter,‘ instructing her in ‘common courtesies’ and how to dress and sit and brush her hair, that he made gifts to her of ‘an ivory-handled hairbrush, a silver looking glass, a cloak of rich brown velvet bordered in satin, a pair of riding boots of leather soft as butter. […] and the maidservants who fetched their bathwater said that he oft shared a tub with her, ‘soaping her back or washing the dragon stink from her hair, both of them naked as their namedays.

AND

“Six men or sixty, he is still Daemon Targaryen,” Lord Mooton’s brother objected. “A sleeping draught in his evening wine would be the wiser course. Let him wake to find her dead.”

AND

“This thing is easily done,” said the captain of his guard. “The prince sleeps beside her, but he has grown old. Three men should be enough to subdue him should he try to interfere, but I will take six to be certain. Does my lord wish this done tonight?”

AND

“The queen has forbidden any harm to come to him,” Lord Mooton reminded them, “and murdering two guests in their beds is twice as foul as murdering one. I should be doubly cursed.”

(Fire and Blood; Rhaenyra Triumphant)

Answering the Actual Question

Basically, I still think it’s doubtful he slept with Nettles.

What’s at Stake

The reason why Daemon x Nettles fans/shippers care so much about them sharing a bed versus them having separate bedrooms where they “definitely” slept separately decides whether or not they were having sex with each other. They would have -- or feel they do -- have a stronger reason to claim that Daemon slept with Nettles and cheated on Rhaenyra with her while he was supposed to just be finding Aemond with her (the mission and reason why they are at Maidenpool in the first place). For them, this would show how evil or power hungry or misogynist Daemon is for not respecting Rhaenyra or treating her as his equal.

Answer

A)

You’re right, anon, that the language alone leaves it very open to its readers whether that Daemon could have either slept in bed with Nettles or whether he just slept in a room next to Nettles, or even whether it is the 2nd and they would just have sex with each other. It is simultaneously one of the most fun, the most frustrating, and one of the most indictive of how realistic medieval history telling that GRRM mimics for Fire and Blood’s in-universe writer, a maester named Gyldayn. 

But we don’t consider language by itself when reading any text.

Who is reporting or observing Daemon and Nettles here? It is:

the maidservants

Maester Norren writing about those maidservants

Maester Norren writing what Lord Manfryd Mooton, the captain of his castle guard, his unnamed brother, and Ser Florian Greysteel (the lord’s personal champion) said

those 4 men

We, the readers, can have an understanding that these people and the entire castle knew that Daemon and Nettles had a close relationship and interacted more intimately than they would expect a famous lord and some random peasant girl with culturally-considered-unattractive features to interact.

Immediately, we have to suspect these people because of what I just said: “interacted more intimately than they would expect a famous lord and some random peasant girl”. 

These people would not have liked or that Daemon would act out of his class character by even paying friendly, platonic attention to her. And they would already see Daemon as one whose past with seeking virgin sex workers proves that he looked to Nettles for sex and sexual intimacy. Or they could have been so surprised at his and Nettles’ “audacity” that they then find it easier to believe that Daemon would have sex with Nettles.

(Besides him liking and sticking with Mysaria, Laena, and Rhaneyra for an extended time with no mention of having extramarital sex with his marriages with the last two...and all of whom who would not have been virgins for different reasons).

Example: If Gyldayn/Norren don’t tell us how many times the servant(s) actually saw Daemon bathe Nettles and be naked while doing it and if Daemon were teaching Nettles to bathe herself properly once or twice and that was all, then when the servants/a servant came in witnessed him bathing Nettles, is it not feasible to think that they would talk, gossip, and/or exaggerate? Was Daemon even naked, then, when he would bathe Nettles? How frequently does he actually bathe Nettles when only once or twice would get her to understand so she does it herself? Is this the case of a tall tale? Castles and the work servants do are monotonous and hard-- what better topic of conversation and fun than a sex-perverse prince possibly sexing up a lowborn, brown-skinned girl?

Even Gyldayn gets into an investigation for how Daemon couldn’t have had an affair with Nettles...but he rests his argument on how he believes that she wasn’t a “unattractive” because of her looks but also how he believed she couldn’t possibly be a virgin (being a low classed girl who had to fend for herself) AND how Daemon refused to allow her to be executed despite Nettles (by implication) not mattering. 

In other words, Gyldayn is thinking like a classist and a misogynist and his bias is putting more into a situation than needs be. And these sort of readings really do not tend to reveal real truths but a heavily biased interpretation of events.

But, I already point out how this suspicion first comes to Gyldayn, or Gyldayn first mentions it through citing Mushroom as a source. I go further to into Nettles’ characterization HERE. I mention the bathing in on of these posts.  

Basically there is this repetition of “teaching” and the attractiveness of virginity and what that may have meant for Young Daemon vs Daemon at the Dance/Maidenpool. (By the way, this notion of sexual teaching came from Mushroom, see my post about it [above]; it overlaps with Daemon platonically teaching Nettles how to groom herself.) 

He began by giving her kissing lessons, if Mushroom can be believed. From there the prince went on to show his niece how best to touch a man to bring him pleasure, an exercise that sometimes involved Mushroom himself and his alleged enormous member. Daemon taught the girl to disrobe enticingly, suckled at her teats to make them larger and more sensitive, and flew with her on dragonback to lonely rocks in Blackwater Bay, where they could disport naked all day unobserved, and the princess could practice the art of pleasuring a man with her mouth. At night he would smuggle her from her rooms dressed as a page boy and take her secretly to brothels on the Street of Silk, where the princess could observe men and women in the act of love and learn more of these “womanly arts” from the harlots of King’s Landing.

(Fire and Blood; A Question of Succession)

If you are wont to believe that Daemon wants to go after girls who we’d rule as underage and children just because they are children that he wants to use their childness against for domination, then you are going to be inclined towards DaemonxNettles. If not, but are still disturbed, read as if this is a different world with its own rules (and as this is a fantasy world modelled after European medieval societies, you’d already have to) and throw HotD out the window.

B)

Just like in my questions/posts about the bathing and how other people have argued against the idea that bathing together = sexual dalliance, the sleeping in the same bed vs rooms next to each other don’t really matter to me because sleeping in the same bed is itself not an immediate indication or reveal of true sexual activity. 

So what if they did sleep in the same bed? If you are inclined to read the passage of him teaching Nettles and giving her very practical gifts for the sake of her becoming more “human” instead of a real courtship -- which why would he need or bother to, if he’s so evil and powerful as to just rape her? -- then you will see him as him more as a mentor and caretaker than someone sexually interested in her. thus he lets her sleep in his bed or he goes to hers for physical, platonic comfort. Because he literally is taking care of her:

“the prince and his bastard girl” supped together every night, broke their fast together every morning, slept in adjoining bedchambers, that the prince “doted upon the brown girl as a man might dote upon his daughter,” instructing her in “common courtesies” and how to dress and sit and brush her hair, that he made gifts to her of “an ivory-handled hairbrush, a silvered looking glass, a cloak of rich brown velvet bordered in satin, a pair of riding boots of leather soft as butter.” The prince taught the girl to wash, Norren says, and the maidservants who fetched their bath water said he oft shared a tub with her, “soaping her back or washing the dragon stink from her hair, both of them as naked as their namedays.”

(Fire and Blood; A Question of Succession)

C)

Daemon could have slept with Mysaria back at King’s Landing and that was talked about. If there tales about him and Nettles, why do they only come up when he’s at Maidenpool, where no one but servants and the Lord and his men would be looking at how Daemon interacts at Nettles and be hella disapproving?

Again, I personally still call bullshit.

How people will read this will depend on how they already think about age gap relationships,  them in a medieval/fantasy setting and in real history, their own biases/background/history, and Daemon. These will shape how they read the text.

[kckt88]

Take My Breath Away I

Summary:

The Dance of the Dragons is over and the Greens have emerged victorious.

A broken King sits the Iron Throne and in order to secure the succession, the last living daughter of Rhaenyra Targaryen is summoned to the Red Keep to do her duty to the realm and provide the King with an heir by marrying her Uncle Aemond Targaryen.

Vaeryna answers the summons and willingly marries the man responsible for the deaths of her brother and father, but what are her motives for doing so and what other secrets is Vaeryna hiding?

Warning(s): Swearing, Angst, Mentions of Death.

Word Count: 3117

GREENS WIN - SLOW BURN - ENEMIES TO LOVERS.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the House of The Dragon or Fire & Blood characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used.

Comments, likes, and reblogs are very much appreciated.

"With the King no longer able to sire children, an heir must be provided by other means."

"-And what means are those, Lord Westerling?" asked Aemond narrowing his eye.

"Vaeryna Targaryen"

"The girl is a bastard" sneered Manfryd Mooton.

“A bastard she may be, but she is the only living child of Rhaenyra and Daemon, her Valyrian blood is valuable” said Alicent firmly.

“If she were to marry Aemond and grant him a son, the boy could be named heir to the Iron Throne, we could also betroth him to Jaehaera, and secure the succession of the one true King” said Larys.

“There have also been rumours that Rhaenyra’s last act was to betroth her daughter, to Cregan Stark. We cannot allow that marriage to take place. There are still remnants that are loyal to Rhaenyra, we cannot have them and the entire North conspiring to put Vaeryna on the Iron Throne. The seven kingdoms cannot survive another war” exclaimed Alicent as she picked at her fingers.

“Where is the Princess now?” asked Aegon, grimacing in pain as he shifted in his chair.

“In the Vale with her Cannibal” replied Larys.

“Bit odd isn’t it. That Rhaenyra’s biggest asset in the war was sent away to the Vale”.

“Mayhaps, she thought to keep the girl safe” said Alicent.

Aegon sat silent at the head of the table, it was true that he could no longer sire babes and his only surviving child was his daughter Jaehaera.

He was the King, and he was without an heir.

Whilst indeed there were people who called him King, there were still those that called him usurper.

His claim to the Iron Throne was on shaky ground, and with no male heir, he was at risk.

If Vaeryna was their only salvation, then so be it. Bastard or not.

“Send a raven to the Vale, inform the Princess of her betrothal to my brother Prince Aemond and that her King commands her to come to Kings Landing by weeks end” ordered Aegon.

“Is he actually serious?” raged Jeyne.

“Is who serious?” asked Cregan furrowing his brow.

“That usurper cunt that sit’s on the Iron Throne, he has summoned Vaeryna to Kings Landing” retorted Jeyne angrily.

“For what purpose?”

“He has betrothed Vaeryna to the kinslayer” snarled Jeyne.

“Has he lost his wits?” said Cregan aghast.

“The rumours of the Kings inability to sire more children has proven true, his only remaining child is a girl. Obviously, he cannot name her heir lest he be labelled a hypocrite. So, his only option is to have his brother marry and produce a son that will be named heir” replied Vaeryna.

“He summons you to Kings Landing to be a broodmare for the kinslayer?”

“It’s an outrage. It’s a scandal” snarled Jeyne as she quickly downed a cup of wine.

“They know their grip on the throne hangs by a thread, I am the eldest daughter of Rhaenyra Targaryen, they can’t risk me marrying elsewhere, lest my lord husband develop the idea of putting me on the throne” replied Vaeryna.

“Which is exactly where you should be. Your mother was the rightful Queen, you are her heir. It should be you sitting on the Iron Throne” stated Cregan, his hand grasping the hilt of his sword so hard his knuckles turned white.

“Maybe in another life, but this is the one we currently live. I cannot ignore a summons from the King” muttered Vaeryna.

“Your not actually considering this?” gasped Jeyne.

“What other choice do I have? I can’t exactly ignore it. Sooner or later, they will come for me, I do not wish for either of you to suffer for my ignorance and I cannot risk them discovering that-“

“-I understand your reason Princess but to marry the kinslayer, to lay with him and birth his children, it is too great a sacrifice,” said Jeyne.

“You above all know what I promised my mother, and If marrying a kinslayer is the only way, then I will do what I must” replied Vaeryna firmly.

“Surely there has to be another way” exclaimed Jeyne.

“Princess-“ muttered Cregan sadly.

“I know that I have no right to ask this, but please Cregan would you-” exclaimed Vaeryna.

“-I swore an oath to your mother, and now that oath extends to you” replied Cregan.

“Both of you have my eternal gratitude. I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for me and-” said Vaeryna sadly.

“-We but do our duty to you sweet Princess. If ever you have need of us. All you need to do is ask” said Jeyne softly.

Vaeryna stared at her Cannibal and took a deep breath, the time had come for her to bid farewell to the peace and serenity of the Vale and travel to Kings Landing.

Cregan had already left the Vale earlier in that morning, wanting to get back Winterfell as quick as possible. Their farewell had been bittersweet. Whilst her mother had expressed a desire to see her married to the Lord of Winterfell, nothing official had been declared, not that it mattered anyway as no doubt the King wouldn’t have given his blessing.

Vaeryna was sure she would have been happy married to Cregan, but she wasn’t so sure that her Cannibal would enjoy the snow.

So with a heavy heart, Vaeryna bid farewell to the Lord of Winterfell and pressed a gentle kiss to the forehead of the small hooded figure hidden in Cregan's fur lined cloak.

Saying goodbye to Jeyne was hard. Vaeryna had been sent to the Vale at the start of the war and Jeyne had provided much comfort when all the only news they received was that of death and destruction.

After giving Jeyne one last hug, Vaeryna climbed on the back of her Cannibal and took to the skies, heading away from the Vale towards Kings Landing.

One she was air borne, Vaeryna couldn’t help but think about Aemond. From the sweet shy boy, he was, to the kinslayer he became.

News would often reach the Vale of Aemond’s exploits at Harrenhal and his burning of the Riverlands and Vaeryna would despair as countless innocents had lost their lives to Vhagar’s flames. But for his crimes Aemond suffered, as his witch whore was captured and executed by Sabitha Fey after she had seized control of Harrenhal.

Aemond didn’t have much time to grieve for his fallen witch as he faced her father in a dragon battle above the gods eye not long after and when he emerged triumphant, he had returned to Kings Landing to revel in his victory.

A few hours later, Kings Landing appeared on the horizon and Vaeryna couldn’t help but feel a little apprehensive. Of course, she was expected to marry Aemond and birth his babes, but how would she be treated outside of their need for her.

She would be hidden and patient, she was the daughter of the Rogue Prince, she was blood of the dragon and she had made a promise to her mother, and by the gods of old Valyria she would see it kept.

If she was blessed with a son, he would be named heir, her blood would one day sit the Iron Throne, her mothers blood, her father’s blood. All was not lost.

Once Vaeryna arrived in Kings Landing, she had Cannibal circle the Red Keep a couple of times before he landed with a colossal thud on the stone walls that surrounded the castle. Announcing his arrival with a thunderous roar, Cannibal manoeuvred himself off the wall and lowered himself to the ground.

After taking a moment to gather her bags that were attached to Cannibal, Vaeryna elegantly moved off Cannibals back and descended down the wing that he’d pressed against the ground.

Cannibal lingered by her side for a moment, observing the two guards that had appeared at the entrance to the castle. His low rumbling growls echoing around the courtyard.

“It’s ok my sweet” urged Vaeryna as she ran her hand along Cannibals scaly neck.

Cannibal who was still hesitant to leave her side, bared his teeth as the guards moved closer.

“I’m fine, they are merely escorts. Go hunt and find a place to rest. I will see you soon” said Vaeryna as she pressed a quick kiss to Cannibal’s snout.

Cannibal trilled as he nudged her gently, lingering at her side for a few moments longer before he opened his large wings and took off from the ground with a huge gust of wind.

Vaeryna held her satchel close as the guards slowly approached her.

“Princess Vaeryna. Welcome to Kings Landing. Allow us to escort you to the King”.

“Thank you” replied Vaeryna.

Vaeryna silently followed the guards as they walked through the Red Keep. Ignoring the curious looks of the maids and servants as she went passed.

Eventually the guards came to a stop in front of a large ornate wooden door. The Throne Room.

The great doors opened and Vaeryna steeled herself for what she was about to face.

“Princess Vaeryna, of house Targaryen”

After she was announced Vaeryna walked into the Throne Room, her fingers clutching her satchel tightly.

Ignoring the whispers of those loyal to the King as she passed.

What a sight she must have made, dressed in her riding leathers, her long silver hair twisted into many elaborate braids that Visenya herself once favoured. Her red and black sash that represented her house and her dragon draped over her shoulder, the silver dragon chain that crossed from her shoulder to her waist twinkling in the light with every step she took.

“Welcome to Kings Landing Princess, I trust that you agree to the terms that were presented too you?” asked Aegon.

“Yes, Your Grace”.

“Very well, you shall wed my brother Prince Aemond within a month, I suggest you both use that time to get to know one another” said Aegon.

“As you wish” replied Vaeryna as she stared at the King, he looked so small sitting upon the Iron Throne, the blades of Aegon the conquerors fallen enemies looked like a twisted and gnarled hand that had sunk it’s claws into the usurper’s back and wouldn’t let go.

“Temporary chambers have been assigned to you for now, but I think it’s for the best that once you and my brother are wed, that you share chambers. To increase the chances of producing children of course” said Aegon firmly, ignoring his mother who tutted.

“Yes, Your Grace” muttered Vaeryna.

“I will also assign Ser Arryk to be your personal guard” spoke Aegon.

Vaeryna look at Ser Arryk who gave her a courteous nod before he resumed his post at the foot of the Iron Throne.

“I will expect your attendance at dinner every night” ordered Aegon.

“Yes, Your Grace” replied Vaeryna. She figured it was for the best that she keeps her answers short and polite.

No matter what she thought of his crowning or who was the rightful heir, which was her mother, it wouldn’t do well to anger the King.

“Is there anything you wish to request in return for your acceptance of my terms?” asked Aegon curiously.

“Only that I be allowed to see my Cannibal as often as I desire” replied Vaeryna.

“You could ask your King for anything, yet that is your only request?” inquired Aegon.

“Yes, Your Grace. I don’t require anything else” muttered Vaeryna, making the mistake of looking at Aemond who seemed to be eyeing her intently.

His arms folded behind his back, his posture rigid and firm. But it was the glint of silver at his hip that suddenly caught her attention.

Dark Sister, her father’s Valyrian steel sword.

Aemond followed her gaze and he smiled, wrapping his hand around the pommel of the sword.

Vaeryna’s lip curled in disgust, her hands clenched the material of her satchel so tight it began to rip.

It was only Aegon’s voice that broke her out of her anger induced haze.

“Very well. I grant your request. You may see your dragon whenever you wish”.

“Gratitude Your Grace” replied Vaeryna bowing slightly.

“I will have Ser Arryk escort you to your chambers so that you may bathe and get settled, I will see you at dinner” said Aegon firmly.

After she had changed out of her riding leathers and bathed. Vaeryna decided to pass the time by making sure her things were unpacked and placed exactly where she wanted them. Not like she brought many of her things with her anyway.

A few dresses, and books and her most prized possessions that she kept in a small, locked box; a seahorse pendant that Luke had given her just before he died, her mother’s Valyrian steel necklace, one of her father’s rings, a few scraps of parchment that Aegon and Viserys had drawn on, some dried flower petals and letters from Jace.

Vaeryna unfurled one of the letters and smiled as she read Jace’s messy looping swirls.

‘Issa gevie zaldrīzes’ (My beautiful dragon).

Jace wasn’t as proficient in high Valyrian as she was. He kept putting it off, until he gave in and ended up learning with Maester Gerardys.  

When her mother had married her father, after the incident on Driftmark. Daemon had insisted on teaching her himself.

It was his way of making up for not being there for her when she was born. By that time, he was living in Pentos and married to the Lady Laena.

Her father wasn’t a bad man, not really. He didn’t want power. He didn’t want the throne as so many others believed. He just wanted to be with family. To be important.

Vaeryna shook her head and continued to read.

‘ēva istan hēnkirī arlī’ (Until were together again).

A solitary tear slipped down Vaeryna’s cheek as she read the rest of Jace’s letter.

She would never admit it out loud. But deep in the depths of her mind, she missed him the most.

His deep brown eyes, his cheeky smile, and the way he would always make her laugh.

She even missed that god awful haircut that he’d given himself. He’d sheared off his beautiful dark curly locks just before they’d travelled to Kings Landing to defend Luke’s claim as heir to Driftmark.

Suddenly a knock at the door broke her out of her reverie. It was a maid informing her that dinner was ready.

Vaeryna silently followed the maid down the corridor. The only sound was the slap of her shoes against the stone floor and of course the clanging of Ser Arryk’s armour as he followed.

“Princess Vaeryna. Your Grace” said the maid after she had opened the large wooden door.

Vaeryna took a deep breath and entered the dining room. Sitting at the long table was Aegon, Aemond and Alicent.

The dowager Queen’s loyal dog and former hand of the King Ser Criston lingered in the corner.

“Welcome Princess. Pease come in” said Alicent smiling.

Vaeryna nodded slightly and slowly approached the table, suddenly becoming very aware of everyone staring at her.

“Perhaps an introduction-” suggested Alicent nudging Aemond who rose from his seat, he was much taller up close, his body lean and covered with leather, his features were sharp yet perfect that his face looked like it had been carved by the gods themselves.

His long silver hair tied back, the scar that bisected the left side of his face only added to his allure, his missing eye covered by an eyepatch.

Never had Vaeryna seen a man so handsome, just a shame he was a kinslayer and a loathsome cunt.

“-I have no need to be introduced. I’m well aware of who my uncle Aemond is and what he is” retorted Vaeryna as she took a seat.

Aemond scowled at her before he resumed his seat, glaring at Aegon who scoffed loudly.

“As the King said. Your courtship period with Aemond will last approximately one moon, after that the two of you will marry in the sept under the faith of the seven” said Alicent sternly.

“Of course,” whispered Vaeryna, fidgeting with the hem of her dress.

“You will be expected to be virtuous, chaste and do your duty as a wife and only bear my son’s children”.

Vaeryna of course picked up on Alicent’s thinly veiled dig at her mother, and obviously Alicent was waiting for her response as she stared her pointedly.

“I’m well aware of my duty Your Grace. Despite what you all may think, I have no such desire to sully myself or my husband by birthing bastards” muttered Vaeryna, looking at Aemond who was smirking.

“Pretty words Princess. Surely you can understand my reluctance to believe such things”.

“I honestly don’t care what you believe” shrugged Vaeryna.

“You will show respect to the dowager Queen” snapped Ser Criston.

“I only show respect to those who respect me” replied Vaeryna.

“You have given me no reason to respect you-”.

“-Neither have you” retorted Vaeryna.

“Mayhaps we should start this conversation again?” suggested Alicent.

“You talk about the importance of my virtue and purity, yet it was your own son who was involved with that Riverlands bastard” said Vaeryna.

“He didn’t-“ muttered Alicent glancing at Aemond who lowered his head slightly.

“-Apologise, but there is no point in denying it. Everyone from Storms End to the wall knew of your favourite sons frequent visits to Alys Rivers bed” replied Vaeryna.

“Don’t you-” warned Aemond.

“-Seems as though she had quite the fondness for Targaryen’s, as my father also enjoyed her company during his time at Harrenhal” said Vaeryna smirking.

“That’s not-“ exclaimed Aemond his eye wide.

“-What true? Of course, it is. Surely you didn’t think you were that special. I must admit it’s quite poetic, isn’t it? Given your dislike of ‘strong bastards’. Yet you take one as your bed mate” retorted Vaeryna.

“That’s enough” warned Alicent.

"Boy it must really sting that when you were imprisoned, your precious son was far to busy getting his cock wet to even bother coming home to save you" said Vaeryna smirking.

"I said that's enough" exclaimed Alicent.

“Quite unfortunate that she died. As I dare say she would have given you your own little strong bastard eventually” retorted Vaeryna, looking over at Aegon who was sniggering into his cup of wine.

“You are excused. Return to your chambers. NOW” ordered Alicent as she slammed her hands down on the table.

“Your Grace” muttered Vaeryna bowing slightly to Aegon and then leaving the room with Ser Arryk.

“She should be punished-” snarled Criston.

“-For what? Telling the truth?” asked Aegon.

“Your Grace-“ muttered Alicent.

“-Oh, come on mother. We all know about Aemond’s little slip at Harrenhal, let’s not pretend otherwise” replied Aegon taking a sip of wine.

[bohemian-nights]

Nettles Week-Day 1: Favorite Romantic Pairing 🐑

Daemon Targaryen x Nettles (Dettles)

One hundred sixty leagues to the north, other dragons soared above the Trident, where Prince Daemon Targaryen and the small brown girl called Nettles were hunting Aemond One-Eye without success. They had based themselves at Maidenpool, at the invitation of Lord Manfryd Mooton, who lived in terror of Vhagar descending on his town.…. Her fires burned hot enough to melt stone, and neither Caraxes nor Sheepstealer could match her ferocity. Only together could they hope to withstand her. And so he kept the girl Nettles by his side, day and night, in sky and castle. Yet was fear of Vhagar the only reason Prince Daemon kept Nettles close to him? Mushroom would have us believe it was not. By the dwarf's account, Daemon Targaryen had come to love the small brown bastard girl, and had taken her into his bed.

[qyburnsghost]

Lady Mysaria, once Daemon's paramour, fed Rhaenyra's growing distrust of the dragonseeds with rumors of Nettles and Daemon's relationship. Rhaenyra raged, declaring that Nettles had used spells to bond with Sheepstealer and to seduce her husband, and that Daemon could not be relied upon while in the girl's thrall. The queen sent a raven to Manfryd Mooton, Lord of Maidenpool, ordering him to deliver Nettles's head but not to do Daemon any harm, only to tell him to return to the capital. However, according to Maester Norren, Manfryd and his advisors, fearful of how Daemon slept beside Nettles, unwilling to kill a guest or a young girl (or two guests, to prevent Daemon from becoming enraged at the death of the girl he was "more than fond of" and taking out his wrath on Maidenpool), disobeyed the queen and followed Norren's advice to pretend that they had never received the letter. When Maester Norren informed Daemon that Rhaenyra had declared Nettles a traitor, Daemon recognized Mysaria's actions in Rhaenyra's words, and and thanked the maester for the warning, before he allowed Nettles to escape the next morning. It is unknown how the two spent their last night together, but at dawn Daemon helped Nettles saddle Sheepstealer one last time. Nettles killed a large black ram and fed it to her dragon, then tearfully flew Sheepstealer into the morning mists of the Bay of Crabs. According to Norren, no word of farewell was spoken between Daemon and Nettles, but as Sheepstealer flew away, Caraxes let out a scream that shattered all the windows of Jonquil's Tower.

That same day, Daemon did not return to his wife in King's Landing, but publicly announced his departure for Harrenhal. He perished fighting Aemond in the Battle Above the Gods Eye. Since Daemon's body was never found in the Gods Eye, some songs claim that he survived the encounter and found his way back to Nettles.Rhaenyra was enraged by the disappearance of Nettles, and her husband's betrayal.

-ASOIAF Wiki

[jacaela]

🤡Ryan Condom: "We wanted it to be interesting, complex... not just a foregone conclusion," Condal continues. "We've set up Aemond as a human being who's had a tough life and has been bullied and lost an eye in the process, but we've also set him up as somebody who's smart and calculating. He's somebody who's capable of acting on impulse, but he doesn't feel like somebody who would go out and commit straight murder without thinking about it."

Fire and Blood:

in 110 AC, she bore him a second son, Aemond, who was saidto be half the size of his elder brother, but twice as fierce.

The Velaryon princelings were younger than Aemond — Jace was six, Luke five, Joff only threebut there were three of them, and they had armed themselves with wooden swords from the training yard. Now they fell on him with a fury. Aemond fought back, breaking Luke’s nose with a punch, then wrenching the sword from Joff’s hands and cracking it across the back of Jace’s head, driving him to his knees. As the younger boys scrambled back away from him, bloody and bruised, the prince began to mock them, laughing and calling them “the Strongs.”

Aemond commanded that Ser Simon be given a sword. “Let the gods decide if you speak truly,” he said. “If you are innocent, the Warrior will give you the strength to defeat me.” The duel that followed was utterly one-sided, all the accounts agree; the prince cut the old man to pieces, then fed his corpse to Vhagar. Nor did Ser Simon’s grandsons long outlive him. One by one, every man and boy with Strong blood in his veins was dragged forth and put to death, until the heap made of their heads stood three feet tall. Thus did the flower of House Strong, an ancient line of noble warriors boasting descent from the First Men, come to an ignoble endin the ward at Harrenhal. No trueborn Strong was spared, nor any bastard save…oddly…Alys Rivers. Though the wet nurse was twice his age (thrice, if we put our trust in Mushroom), Prince Aemond had taken her into his bed as a prize of war soon after taking Harrenhal, seemingly preferring her to all the other women of the castle, including many pretty maids of his own years.

One hundred sixty leagues to the north, other dragons soared above the Trident, where Prince Daemon Targaryen and the small brown girl called Nettles were hunting Aemond One-Eye without success. They had based themselves at Maidenpool, at the invitation of Lord Manfryd Mooton, who lived in terror of Vhagar descending on histown. Instead Prince Aemond struck at Stonyhead, in the foothills of the Mountains of the Moon; at Sweetwillow on the Green Fork and Sallydance on the Red Fork; he reduced Bowshot Bridge to embers, burned Old Ferry and Crone’s Mill, destroyed the motherhouse at Bechester, always vanishing back into the sky before the hunters could arrive. Vhagar never lingered, nor did the survivors oft agree on which way the dragon had flown.

[finitefall]

What do you think of the scene where Caraxes screams and breaks the windows of the Jonquil tower when Daemon watches Nettles leave? A lot of people say that's the ultimate proof that Daemon was in love with Nettles, but that doesn't prove anything either. Yes, Caraxes is reacting to Daemon's emotions as he watches Nettles leave, except we don't know exactly what Daemon had in mind at the time. I see Nettles leaving as a breaking point for Daemon from all the other shit he's been through since the start of the war. But people act like that possibility is impossible, always saying he's looking at Nettles, so he's only thinking about her, which is... based on nothing? Anyway, I'm curious to hear your opinion on this pass?

Hi nonnie. I'll go back in time a little bit: we know Daemon and Nettles are in Maidenpool and Rhaenyra in King's Landing, and we know people around Rhaenyra are talking about how Ser Addam Velaryon and Nettles were planning to betray her, with only Lord Corlys and Grand Maester Gerardys to speak in their defense. Septon Eustace wrote about Rhaenyra's state of mind back then:

Her Grace had been betrayed so often, by so many, that she was quick to believe the worst of any man. Treachery no longer had the power to surprise her. She had come to expect it, even from those she loved the most.

Yet, she still had doubts and asked Mysaria, as she obviously trusted her and the informations she could have as mistress of whisperers (in all but name). But Mysaria told her the same version Mushroom would want us to believe about the relationship between Daemon and Nettles. I'll skip a little now and go to the part where Manfryd Mooton, Lord of Maidenpool, received a raven from the Queen telling him to kill Nettles and bring her back her head, as the girl had been judged guilty of high treason. Maester Norren is the one going to give Daemon the letter Lord Mooton received from the Queen, and this is what he said:

Weary after a long day of fruitless flight, they were sharing a simple meal of boiled beef and beets when I entered, talking softly with each other, of what I cannot say. The prince greeted me politely, but as he read I saw the joy go from his eyes, and a sadness descended upon him, like a weight too heavy to be borne. When the girl asked what was in the letter, he said, 'A queen's words, a whore's work.' 

Daemon tells Maester Norren to leave and speak no word of it until the day after. Now, I said here what I thought about their relationship: Nettles, a bastard girl without any family, with Valyrian blood, a dragonrider, was taken under Daemon’s wing who taught her, gave her gifts etc, like a father would do with his daughter. Daemon loved Nettles as a daughter, and he’s very loving and protective of his family.

He’s losing another loved one, again, and he knows Rhaenyra’s state of mind. He doesn’t blame her, he immediately understands that Mysaria is the one who told his wife that twisted version of his relationship with Nettles. It could also be that Mysaria, if we accept the version where Daemon had Rhaenyra’s permission to have sex with her, felt abandoned when he left King’s Landing and heard about him doting on this young girl. It’s only speculation, of course, but she might have been jealous if it was more than sex for her (unlike for him who was in love with Rhaenyra until the end) and seeking revenge.

So, let’s see: he's lost his unborn child when he sent a pregnant Mysaria away and her ship sailed (all because his brother was furious at him for wanting a dragon egg for his future child and told Daemon to go back to the woman he had been forced to marry). Then his second wife Laena, mother of his two daughters, died in childbirth as well as their son. He’s happy when he marries Rhaenyra: they’re in love, they have a beautiful family with two more sons together, Rhaenyra is gonna be Queen after her father one day. Except that the Greens commited treason, Rhaenyra gave birth to a stillborn daughter, Luke died, Jace died, and when Rhaenyra finally has the throne which belongs to her... she’s the one who became a tyrant, but Daemon didn’t want to hear any more than she did about making peace with the Greens. They’re angry, rightfully so: there will be no peace.

And now, he’s losing another loved one. He’s losing another child, since she was like a daughter to him. He asked the Maester to wait until the day after. Why? To prepare. Nettles leaves, and he says immediately after that he’s leaving for Harrenhal, where he will wait for Aemond and finally avenge Luke (driving Dark Sister into his blind eye instead of the other one wasn’t a coincidence).

How the prince and his bastard girl spent their last night beneath Lord Mooton's roof is not recorded, but as dawn broke they appeared together in the yard, and Prince Daemon helped Nettles saddle Sheepstealer one last time. [...] No word of farewell was spoken betwixt man and maid, but as Sheepstealer beat his leathery brown wings and climbed into the dawn sky, Caraxes raised his head and gave a scream that shattered every window in Jonquil's Tower.

Could it be what he’s thinking about as Nettles leaves and that Caraxes feels? Because yes, that’s sure to break a lot of windows.

[muadweeb]

im pretty sure ive made a post about this mf before but manfryd mooton is my favourite character in the dance of the dragons! this guy is literally the most pragmatic, realistic person EVER. he switched up like every single second, changing teams left and right according to whichever dragon landed on maidenpool. he is so very normal. he is just A Guy. also he has a fucking heart. he didn't just follow orders and kill an awesome child (nettles)...also he took like 6 singers (for entertainment) with him to return an elephant to the sealord of braavos on a diplomatic mission. relatable king.

[thesevenkingdomschroniclesrol]

Manfryd Mooton apoyó a los negros y a la reina Rhaenyra Targaryen durante la Danza de los Dragones. Se convirtió en Lord de Pozo de la Doncella cuando su hermano, Lord Walys Mooton , fue carbonizado mientras intentaba matar al dragón Fuego Solar.

Al escuchar que el príncipe Aemond Targaryen estaba arrasando las Tierras de los Ríos con Vhagar, Lord Manfryd envió mensajes urgentes a Rhaenyra.

El príncipe Daemon Targaryen y Ortiga, utilizaron como base Pozo de la Doncella para orquestar la defensa de los Ríos. Enterada de la relación que había surgido entre su esposo y Ortigas, la reina envió una carta al maestre Norren ordenando a Lord Manfryd que matara a la muchacha, pero que no le hiciera daño a Daemon. Sin embargo, el perturbado Manfryd no quería romper las Leyes de Hospitalidad, ya que ambos eran invitados bajo su techo.

Después de discutir la carta en secreto con su maestre, su capitán de la guardia, un hermano restante y su campeón, Ser Florian Greysteel. Manfryd decidió ignorar las instrucciones de Rhaenyra. Norren informó a Daemon y Ortigas de la carta, alegando que no se la había mostrado a nadie más dentro del castillo, y los dos jinetes del dragón partieron a la mañana siguiente.

Daemon agradeció a Manfyrd por su hospitalidad y le dijo que le pasara el mensaje a Aemond si llegaba hasta Poza de la Doncella de que estaría esperándolo en Harrenhal.

La noche después de la partida de Daemon y Ortigas, Manfryd hizo bajar el estandarte de la reina Rhaenyra de las puertas de Poza de la Doncella y lo reemplazó con los dragones dorados del rey Aegon II Targaryen.

Después del final de la guerra y la coronación de Aegon III Targaryen, Lord Manfryd se convirtió en miembro del consejo de siete regentes que gobernaría hasta que el niño rey alcanzara la mayoría de edad. En el 133 se contagió de las llamadas Fiebres de Invierno y ha quedado bastante débil de salud.

Después de la muerte de Ser Tyland Lannister, Manfryd quería que los regentes se reunieran y deliberaran sobre las decisiones que Aegon III estaba tomando, sin embargo, en lugar de esperar, Lord Unwin Peake dejó de lado los nombramientos de Aegon y se nombró a sí mismo Mano del Rey, hecho que le causó un sinsabor.

[readerbell]

No. Nettles is not Daemon’s daughter.

No. Rhaena will not take on Nettles’ storyline no matter how hard Daemyra stans cry about it. George said just last week he’d love to have written a novella about Netty. The show isn’t going to get rid of one of his faves.

And no, Nettles isn’t Daemon’s daughter. That’s never even suggested. In fact, George goes out of his way to show how she tames Sheepstealer (a wild dragon) in the ways of the Shepherd Valyrians of old.

The closest Fire and Blood gets to suggesting a paternal relationship is Maester Norren saying he treats her as any man would a daughter. A man who doesn’t know Daemon would mistake special attention, gifts and constant companionship with a younger girl as that. The book never includes mention of Daemon’s relationship with his kids so idk why people think his actions towards Nettles are paternal as if he has a long history of paternal acts for his children. The only evidence we have of him acting like that is with the girl he goes on to marry: Rhaenyra herself.

In fact, let’s have a read of the different accounts about this relationship:

The Princess and the Queen suggests they’re lovers.

Norren’s account about the relationship being paternal isn’t in The Princess and the Queen. There, Daemon and Nettles are said to be lovers.

“Long leagues to the North in a castle overlooking The Bay of Crabs, another lord found himself sliding down a sword’s edge as well. From King’s Landing came a raven bearing the queen’s message to Manfryd Mooton, Lord of Maidenpool. He was to deliver her the head of the bastard girl Nettles who was said to become Prince Daemon’s lover.

The World of Ice and Fire outright calls them lovers:

Sheepstealer was eventually tamed by Nettles—a plain, baseborn, disreputable girl who fed the dragon mutton day by day until it became used to her. The dragon and its rider played their part in the war, but Nettles’s loyalties were not so clear as brave Ser Addam’s. When she and Prince Daemon became lovers it drove a final wedge between Rhaenyra and her lord husband.

The extra content from HBO in the GoT Blu-ray releases is clear they’re lovers

This also calls them lovers. They even have Oberyn narrate it for extra salaciousness.

As well as her dragon, the girl had taken to riding Daemon.

Fire and Blood falls on the side that they were

And in Fire and Blood itself, even Gyldayn concedes that given everything they know about Daemon, Mushroom might just be right this one time.

None of this constitutes proof that Daemon Targaryen had carnal knowledge of the bastard girl, but in light of what followed we must surely judge that more likely than most of Mushroom’s tales

The Rise of the Dragon suggests they were lovers

Then there’s the 2022 publication, The Rise of the Dragon, which doesn’t include any mention of a paternal relationship between the two of them. In fact, they say Norren supported the idea that Daemon & Nettles were lovers.

However, Mushroom suggested another cause for Daemon’s unwillingness: that he and Nettles had become lovers. This theory is supported by the Chronicles of Maidenpool, maintained by Lord Mooton’s maester, who remarked that the prince and Nettles were inseparable, their bedrooms were adjoining, and that Daemon often gave her gifts and even shared a bath with her.

So you have 4 different tellings of the story vs 1 that includes Norren’s and is easily dismissed in-world because it goes against Daemon’s nature and is contradicted by what others who were there saw too. Daemon was never faithful to Rhaenyra. He slept with Mysaria too but it’s Nettles people have a problem with. Why do you think the man who slept with other women at court would suddenly stop? We already know age isn’t the thing that stops him. He was always known for going for young girls. Nettles is definitely his preferred demographic. Not only that, she tamed a wild dragon without having Valyrian blood. She speaks to him in a way no one else does probably. She also tears down his world view about Targaryen exceptionalism in the way Brienne pierces Jaime’s own hubris about himself.

George replicates Cersei/Jaime/Brienne in this trio’s story. Rhaenyra becomes a tyrant, like Cersei. Daemon grows jaded by the war. He spends time with his Brienne like figure and starts to rethink things. Rhaenyra sends him an order calling him to return, just as Cersei does to Jaime as the Faith Militant turns against her. Jaime burns Cersei’s letter. Daemon allows Nettles to escape. Ceraxes’ wail breaks the windows on Jonquil’s Tower, named after one half of the most famous lovers in Westeros. Like them, Netty and Daemon are also tied together by the singers after this farewell (I think he dies but it’s notable that the singers memorialise them together).

After Daemon let’s Nettles go, he doesn’t return to Rhaenyra despite her order and the urgency of her need for him. He spends 2 whole weeks in Harrenhal. He never sends her a letter explaining his relationship with Nettles (if she’s his daughter as people love to say). He never flies to KL. He never even goes hunting for Aemond. He chooses to die all because she chose to order Nettles’ killing. Before that he’d been fighting to live.

I didn’t ship the two of them but given the racist undertones of so much of Daemyra stans’ hatred for her, I’m shipping this out of spite.

[ride-thedragon]

NETTLES MARKS TRAITORS.

I've talked about the loyalty or protection of Nettles being in direct contrast if disloyalty to Rhaenyra. It's another aspect of why they work as parallels and foils. Specifically in the narrative, Corlys, the Mootons, and Daemon are all seen as traitors after they help her in spite of Rhaenyra and her decree.

This aspect seems to get over looks when people say Daemon betrays Rhaenyra by fans of Daemyra, but it's how George wrote it. To help Nettles, in that instance, was to be against Rhaenyra, so they all were.

The sentiment gets wilder because all these men go out of their way within the story after this point to disregard her instructions or change their support to Aegon. For different reasons, even Corlys had threatened to pull back before, but, for some reason or the other, they all become traitors to Rhaenyra after defending Nettles to some extent.

[stromuprisahat]

From King’s Landing came a raven bearing the queen’s message to Manfryd Mooton, Lord of Maidenpool: he was to deliver her the head of the bastard girl Nettles, who was said to have become Prince Daemon’s lover and who the queen had therefore judged guilty of high treason. ... “These are foul times,” Lord Mooton said, “and it is a foul choice this queen has given me. The girl is a guest beneath my roof. If I obey, Maidenpool shall be forever cursed. If I refuse, we shall be attainted and destroyed.” To which his brother answered, “It may be we shall be destroyed whatever choice we make. The prince is more than fond of this brown child, and his dragon is close at hand. A wise lord would kill them both, lest the prince burn Maidenpool in his wroth.” “The queen has forbidden any harm to come to him,” Lord Mooton reminded them, “and murdering two guests in their beds is twice as foul as murdering one. I should be doubly cursed.” Thereupon he sighed and said, “Would that I had never read this letter.” And up spoke Maester Norren, saying, “Mayhaps you never did.” What was said after that is unknown. All we know is that the maester, a young man of two-and-twenty, found Prince Daemon and the girl Nettles at their supper that night, and showed them the queen’s letter.

The Princess and the Queen × Fire and Blood (George R. R. Martin)

To quote Daemon Targaryen himself:

“You are a bad maester, but a good man.”

[horizon-verizon]

I never understood this raving about: "Pro-Black accounts validate the Daemon & Nettles relationship." What fucking pro-Black tales are they talking about exactly? The tales are kept by the masters. More than the majority hated the Targaryens and relate events they didn't witness, years later, through other sometimes/usually biased sources and rumors. What pro-Black accounts are they talking about?!

I think they mean Maester Norren, the lord of Maidenpool Manfyrd Mooton, his guard's captain, Ser Florian Greysteel (the lord’s personal champion), and his unnamed brother (my post about them concerning DaemonxNettles), who were all Black supporters/fought for the blacks before Rhaenyra ordered Nettles’ execution. They defect and go green after Daemon leaves for Harrenhal since they disobey the order, for survival.

But in the post I linked in the parentheses, I already argue against the notion that one or any of these particular people thought Daemon was actually sleeping with Nettles. 

Gyldayn also continually writes more against Rhaenyra & Daemon than for them, especially in comparison to Alicent/Otto/Aegon II:

Rhaenyra’s weight constantly negatively mentioned or used against her character (1, 2, 3)

him constantly using Mushroom as a sources for her sexual escapades or not offsetting against Mushroom enough

the misogyny against Nettles, maligning and contradiction of the idea of Daemon sleeping with Nettles

him including her in the blame for the eye fiasco instead of just Alicent, who was the one who demanded Lucerys’ eye immediately 

So they can stuff it, honestly.

[kckt88]

New Beginnings.

Summary:

In the midst of yet another tedious council meeting, a new heir to the Iron Throne is named and another Targaryen makes their entrance into the world.

Warning(s): Childbirth, Swearing, Allusion to Child Loss.

Word Count: 2200.

Author Note: A companion piece to Wedding & Consummation/Arrival(s)/Mother & Father/Petitions & Final Tributes/The Hand, The King & The Dragon/Dragonstone/Blood & Cheese/A Time for Grief/The Gullet/Harrenhal and the Rivers/The Gods Eye & The Fallen Queen.

But can be read as a one-shot.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the House of The Dragon or Fire & Blood characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used.

Comments, likes, and reblogs are very much appreciated.

“I know this might be tough for you to think about Your Grace. But you should consider marrying again”.

“-And why would I do that?” asked Aegon.

“Y-You need a male heir Your Grace” uttered Roland Westerling nervously as he noticed Aemond narrowing his singular amethyst eye at the Lord of the Crag.

“Who do you consider worthy of becoming the wife to a King?” questioned Aegon.

“Borros Baratheon has other daughters that can be taken to wife,” said Roland.

“Is my brother Daeron not enough of a boon to Lord Baratheon that he would seek to have another one of his daughters married to a dragon” snapped Aemond.

“It was merely a suggestion Your Grace” muttered Roland.

“What of the ladies Baela and Rhaena?” asked Royce Caron.

“Are you mad?” exclaimed Vaera running her hands over her rounded stomach.

“Your sister’s have Targaryen and Velaryon blood, it would be a fine match and having his blood upon the Iron Throne might assuage Lord Corlys’ ire,” said Tyland.

“Legitimizing his bastard son and granting his petition to have him named as heir to Driftmark will also do that, besides Rhaena is betrothed to Garmund Hightower” said Vaera.

“Another bastard in line to Driftmark, does Lord Corlys have no shame” muttered Torrhen Manderly.

“Lord Corlys is also requesting the blessing of the King for a marriage between his granddaughter Lady Baela and his son Alyn upon the agreement of his legitimization” said Grand Maester Munkun.

“I think the King should consider it” said Vaera.

“It is of little consequence what you think Princess” said Manfryd Mooton.

“-And what is that supposed to mean?” demanded Jayne Arryn.

“Women have no place on this council” argued Manfryd.

“How dare you?” snarled Aemond slamming his fist into the table.

“M-My prince” gasped Manfryd.

“You dare sit in front me and insult my wife” snapped Aemond.

“I meant no offence Prince Aemond but-“

“I am Hand to the King and my wife is the Mistress of Laws and you will show some respect, My wife sists on this council by the command of your King” shouted Aemond.

“Apologise Lord Hand, but perhaps on the matter of Lord Corlys your wife is swayed by her personal feelings”.

“I merely wish for the King to make his own choice and not be forced into a union that he does not wish for” said Vaera.

“I-I will grant Lord Corlys’ request. Alyn will be legitimized, and my blessing will be given for his granddaughter Baela to marry” said Aegon.

“But your grace who-“

“I shall take no wife. Discussions for another marriage will never be spoken of again” exclaimed Aegon as he pushed his half-filled cup of wine away.

“You need to secure the succession Your Grace,” said Tyland.

“It has already been secured Lord Lannister. I may have no son, but I already have an heir”.

“Your not making sense Your Grace,” said Roland.

“My nephew Rhaegar” replied Aegon.

“You can’t be serious?”

“Why not? My daughter cannot be named heir, lest we start another war and I do not wish to have more children. So, we will have an official ceremony where Rhaegar is named heir to the Iron Throne, and I will also announce his betrothal to Jaehaera” said Aegon firmly.

“I think that’s a splendid idea your grace” said Munkun.

“Do you not agree with the King’s decision, Lord Westerling?” asked Aemond.

“I was merely suggesting that-“

“-That you wish for another to be named heir instead. Mayhaps, you desire to see Aegon the younger or Viserys on the Iron Throne” said Vaera, taking a deep breath as a dull pain rippled across her stomach.

“No. I was-“

“Enough Lord Westerling. My decision is final. Through my brother, my nephew is naturally next in line to inherit the Iron Throne and I would see him married to my daughter, to see that my own blood ascends after me” said Aegon.

“As you wish, Your Grace” replied Roland.

“Now with that out of the way, I wish to discuss the situation with Dalton Greyjoy”.

“The red kraken’s support of Rhaenyra during the war is known, as were his raids on the western coast,” said Tyland.

“-And they still continue?” asked Aegon.

“Yes. Greyjoy conducts his raids from the Iron Islands,” said Tyland.

“Mayhaps we can support-“ gasped Vaera as her hand flew to her stomach.

“Is everything ok?” asked Aemond worriedly.

“I-I don’t-“ stammered Vaera as she felt something wet and slimy slid between her legs.

“P-Princess your wet,” whispered Jayne, noticing the puddle on the floor.

“The-The babe is coming” exclaimed Vaera as another sharp pain tore across her stomach.

“That’s it Princess, keep pushing” encouraged Maester Munkun.

“AEMOND!” screamed Vaera.

“I’m here my sweet” replied Aemond.

“I-I can’t do this,” cried Vaera.

“Yes, you can” exclaimed Aemond as he climbed onto the bed at sat behind Vaera.

“W-What are you doing?” muttered Vaera.

“Lean against me and take my hands” urged Aemond as he sat Vaera between his open legs.

“A-Aemond” gasped Vaera.

“Now, you squeeze my hands as hard as you like” said Aemond.

Vaera was sweaty and exhausted, but she took a deep breath and as the next contraction ripped across her stomach, she pushed.

“FUCK!”

"Keep going my sweet you’re doing great" said Aemond.

"I'M GOING TO CUT YOUR COCK OFF!" screamed Vaera.

"Oh, my love, surely you don't mean that".

"I do. This is ALL your fault,” cried Vaera.

"I seem to recall that you were a willing participant in our love making, if not the instigator on several occasions my love" replied Aemond.

"Not even remotely funny" yelled Vaera.

"Another push Princess" 

“I swear if you say push one more time. I'll feed you too my Cannibal” snarled Vaera.

“The head is out Princess, but I need you to stop pushing. The cord is wrapped around the babe’s neck” exclaimed Maester Munkun.

“W-What” cried Vaera in alarm.

“It’s ok. Issa dōna ābrazȳrys. Just breathe” said Aemond (My sweet wife).

After a few moments, the maester had managed to cut the cord from the babe’s neck and with a wet squelch the babe arrived.

But the room was silent.

“M-My babe?” asked Vaera her hands raised in expectation of receiving her babe.

“Just a moment” replied Maester Munkun as the babe was lifted off the bed.

“What’s happening?” yelled Vaera, her hands still grasping endlessly for her babe.

“Why is the babe not crying? What’s happening?” exclaimed Aemond.

“Aemond” sobbed Vaera, her entire body shaking in fear.

Aemond could only sit in silence as he watched the Maester try to save his newly born babe.

Vaera began wailing loudly in anguish, as the seconds passed.

She couldn’t think of anything except her babe. Not even the pain of the afterbirth swayed her mind away from the quite bundle in Maester Munkun’s arms.

Her heart was in her throat as the Maester did everything he could to stimulate the silent babe.

“No. Please. Don’t take my babe. Not again. I can’t lose another babe. Please I pray to the mother. I pray to the god’s of old Valyria. Save my babe” sobbed Vaera.

Then the sweetest sound in the world echoed around the room.

A loud shrieking cry.

“A daughter, Princess” declared the Maester.

Vaera all but snatched the crying babe away from Maester Munkun and sobbed.

“T-Thank you Maester” breathed Vaera, the tears streaming down her face.

“Your welcome Princess” replied maester Munkun.

“S-She’s ok. Aemond, look” gasped Vaera.

Aemond who’s face had been buried in Vaera’s shoulder, let out a sob of relief as he gazed at his crying daughter.

“My daughter. She’s ok. She’s alive. Thank the gods” gasped Aemond.

“She’s beautiful” sobbed Vaera as she stroked her daughter’s head.

“What shall we call her?” asked Aemond.

“Vharla” whispered Vaera.

“A-After my dragon?”

“I know how much Vhagar means too you and I wish to honour your old girl” replied Vaera.

“A perfect name. For a perfect little girl”

“So perfect” whispered Vaera.

“I’m so proud of you Issa prūmia” (my heart).

“I love you” muttered Vaera.

“-And I love you. My sweet perfect wife.” praised Aemond as he nuzzled Vaera’s neck.

“Would you like you hold your daughter?”

“Please” whispered Aemond as he manoeuvred himself away from Vaera and climbed off the bed.

Their daughter. They’d almost lost her. But she’s here. She’s safe.

Aemond cried openly when his wife placed their tiny babe in his arms.

“A-Are you ok?” asked Vaera her voice laced with concern.

Aemond nodded meekly as his gaze never leaving his precious daughter.

Nestled in her father’s arms, Vharla had opened her eyes for the first time and Aemond’s heart stopped.

Those eyes. The colour of dark amethyst.

Exactly like her big brother’s.

She had Aemon’s eyes.

"Daddy. Up" urged Rhaegar eagerly.

“Be careful sweet boy” said Aemond as he helped his son climb onto the bed.

"Come. Meet your sister" said Vaera quietly.

Rhaegar plopped onto the bed next to his mother and stared silently at the babe nestled in her arms.

"Her name is Vharla".

“Gevie" replied Rhaegar smiling as he leaned towards his sister and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead (Beautiful).

"Just like your mūna" whispered Aemond (Mother).

Vaera blushed ever so slightly at Aemond's compliment.

"What shall we do about an egg, Dreamfyre hasn't delivered another clutch yet-"

"-No egg" said Rhaegar sternly.

"What?" asked Vaera.

"Your sister deserves an egg" said Aemond

"Vharla will fly with Brightfyre" replied Rhaegar in a sing song voice.

"That's very nice of you to say but-"

"No daddy. Sister will fly with Brightfyre. I saw it" said Rhaegar.

"Y-You saw it?"

"When I was asleep. I saw her fly" cooed Rhaegar.

"Oh, you had a dream" said Vaera.

"I was flying with her. She was laughing" muttered Rhaegar.

"That sounds lovely"

"It was mama. My brothers and sisters were flying too" exclaimed Rhaegar smiling.

"B-Brothers and sisters?" gasped Aemond.

"Yes" said Rhaegar as he snuggled into his mother and silently observed Vharla as she slept.

"How many-" asked Vaera curiously.

"I'm not going to tell you that mama" whispered Rhaegar.

Vaera exchanged a look of shock with Aemond who simply shrugged.

Rhaegar however smiled ever so slightly.

Vaera entered the chambers she shared with Aemond, and she was stopped in her tracks at the sight that greeted her.

Her husband sat by the fire, with their six-week-old babe fast asleep on his bare chest.

“Issa dōna hāedar” whispered Aemond. (My sweet little girl).

Vaera smiled and simply observed her husband and their daughter.

“Issa byka zaldrīzes” (My tiny dragon).

Despite his initial fears over what type of father he would be, Vaera could say with absolute certainty that Aemond was an amazing father.

The love he had for their children was unparalleled.

Most husband’s left the upbringing of the babes to their mothers or the nannys. But Aemond had insisted from day one that he be included, whether it was changing their soiled cloths, helping to bathe them or simply rocking them to sleep.

He was there.

“Valzȳrys” whispered Vaera. (Husband).

Aemond turned towards his wife and smiled. His sapphire eye glistening in the dim light of the fire.

“Is everything ok? Issa prūmia” asked Aemond. (My heart).

“Rhaegar is fast asleep, and I’ve had my check up with Maester Munkun”

Aemond raised a curious eyebrow at Vaera’s mention of the Maester.

“He’s declared me healthy and ready to engage in matters of the marriage bed” replied Vaera.

“But…” said Aemond.

“I-I would like to wait just a little bit longer if that’s ok?” muttered Vaera.

“Of course, it is. I will wait for as long as required. The Maester can declare you sufficiently healed, but it’s your body Vaera and you’ll know when you’re ready”.

Could he be any more perfect?

“Besides there are other forms of intimacy besides sex” whispered Aemond as he carefully placed Vharla in her crib.

“Such as?” asked Vaera smiling.

“I could hold you in my arms as you sleep, or mayhaps we could simply take a walk together” suggested Aemond.

“A walk sounds nice” muttered Vaera shyly.

“I know how much you like the moon my precious pearl” replied Aemond as he pulled on a loose tunic and slipped his eyepatch over his head.

“I will call Myla to watch Vharla and Rhaegar” said Vaera as she quickly left the room and then reappeared a few moments later with the nanny.

“We shouldn’t be gone long” muttered Aemond.

“Of course, my Prince. I will watch over the little one's whilst you're gone” replied Mayla.

“Come my sweet” said Aemond as he held out his hand.

Vaera took one last look at their sleeping daughter before she took her husband’s outstretched hand and the two of them left the room.

Aemond could help but smile to himself as he walked around the gardens of the Red Keep hand in hand with Vaera, the chill of the wind washing over them.

“Thank you for this” exclaimed Vaera happily.

“I live to make you happy my sweet. Mayhaps on the morrow we can go flying on Vhagar and Cannibal, my old girl has been feeling quite restless lately” replied Aemond.

“Has it been a while since you flew together?” asked Vaera.

“I haven’t taken her out since we returned to Kings Landing”.

That was surprising, Aemond never usually went more than a few days without flying Vhagar.

“I-Is that because of me?” asked Vaera nervously.

“No, in truth I’ve been feeling a bit strange lately”.

“S-Strange?” mused Vaera curiously.

“Yes, the thought of being separated from you or our children has me on edge. It’s difficult to explain but the moment we thought we’d lost Vharla…”

“Aemond” whispered Vaera.

“I feel like I’ve failed in my duty as a husband and father” muttered Aemond.

“What! No how could you say such a thing?”

“Aemon is dead, and I should have been there. I should have-“

“You are not to blame. What happened was not your fault. The man responsible is gone from this world, you avenged our son” replied Vaera.

“What did I ever do to deserve you?”

“I love you more than anything. You are a fantastic father, promise me that you will never doubt yourself again” urged Vaera.

“I promise” replied Aemond quietly as Vaera wrapped her arms around him, her head resting on his chest.

[bohemian-nights]

Imagine building a “ship” based on rumours 🤡 that explains why you are so miserable, dumb and obsessed with Daemyra😂 Matt Smith just said that no one can trust mushroom at comic con few days ago 😂 Daemyra is everything you crave for your deranged (self-inserted👀) 🚢

You feel better now? Come off anon and say it with your whole chest if you do not. I promise I will not bite🤗

Now let’s get into your deeply flawed accusations, shall we😊:

1. Daemon and Nettles’ romantic relationship is based on more than just rumors (Mushroom is not the only source despite you people falsely claiming that he is). I know that you Dumbnyra, my apologies, Daemyra stans are a little slow so let me break it down for you:

In both Fire & Blood and in The Rise of the Dragon (left passages) Maester Norren’s(who was there with them at Maidenpool unlike Mushroom) testimony is used to support the claim that Daemon and Nettles were lovers.

Of course, I know that you are going to say that Maester Norren is the same one who mentions Daemon doting on Nettles like a daughter, but what man bathes with his grown daughter or someone who he sees as his daughter? I also know that you’ll spout out some bull crap about how in The Wheel of Time two friends bathed together and it was platonic. Don’t do that.

I want you to show me a piece of media where a father(or father figure) is bathing naked with his grown adult daughter and it wasn’t considered creepy and weird🙃

Would you consider it normal if Rhaenyra bathed with Corlys 🙃 Or better yet, would you take a bath with your father or a fatherly figure at the age you are now 🙃 Is that what you do for father daughter bonding time ☺️

Furthermore, in Fire & Blood, Lord Mooton’s brother(top right passage) makes note of how fond Daemon is of Nettles. Fond enough that the man who murders family members including children for his own advancement would fight through sixty men, burn down a castle, and would lay his life down for Netty.

Daemon chooses to put Nettles first, disobeying his beloved wife’s orders(remember she wanted him back by her side in Kings Landing not going after Aemond by himself) and betraying her trust causing her to ultimately lose the war and her life:

“Long leagues to the north, in a castle overlooking the Bay of Crabs, another lord found himself sliding down a sword’s edge as well. From King’s Landing came a raven bearing the queen’s message to Manfryd Mooton, Lord of Maidenpool: he was to deliver her the head of the bastard girl Nettles, who had been judged guilty of high treason. “No harm is to be done my lord husband, Prince Daemon of House Targaryen,” Her Grace commanded. “Send him back to me when the deed is done, for we have urgent need of him.” -Fire & Blood

“By evenfall, Rhaenyra Targaryen found herself sore beset on every side, her reign in ruins. “The queen wept when they told her how Ser Lorent died,” Mushroom testifies, “but she raged when she learned that Maidenpool had gone over to the foe, that the girl Nettles had escaped, that her own beloved consort had betrayed her, and she trembled when Lady Mysaria warned her against the coming dark, that this night would be worse than the last.” -Fire & Blood

In The World of Ice & Fire (in the above bottom right passage) Nettles is unquestionably recognized as being Daemon’s lover.

In the Novella The Princess and the Queen Daemon and Nettles are said to be lovers:

“Long leagues to the North in a castle overlooking The Bay of Crabs, another lord found himself sliding down a sword’s edge as well. From King’s Landing came a raven bearing the queen’s message to Manfryd Mooton, Lord of Maidenpool. He was to deliver her the head of the bastard girl Nettles who was said to become Prince Daemon’s lover.”

Lastly, we also have this little piece of media where Nettles is once again stated to be Daemon’s lover.

I can not reiterate this enough, none of the above sources cite Mushroom’s testimony as evidence for Daemon and Nettles being lovers and Daemon loving Nettles. We are not making sh!t up or basing Daemon and Nettles’ relationship off of Mushroom’s salacious tales. They are claimed to be lovers in every(because once again despite in Fire & Blood Maester Norren saying Daemon doted on Nettles like a daughter he is the one providing evidence for their sexual and romantic relationship) single edition of the story.

2. HOTD and shipping Daemon and Nettles is my hobby. The only time I talk about your ship is in defense of my ship or if someone is asking me about your ship.

That being said, while this is a hobby, I’m not going to turn a blind eye to the blatant anti-Blackness and misogynoir that is rife in this fandom. Misogynoir that is perpetuated mainly by your side of the fandom, so what you are not going to do is come for me because I call you people out on your bs.

What we are not going to do is act like I came out the gate swinging for your ship when I did not. You people are actively making Black fans' experience in fandoms(which is supposed to be a fun space) unenjoyable because we either have to ignore your racism or make posts like these defending ourselves on why we say what we say or ship what we ship. So save your miserable, dumb, deranged, and obsessed accusations for the people who are spouting out this bull crap:

3. Matt was referring to the rumors that Daemon and Alicent had an affair in The Rogue Prince novella (these rumors were cut from Fire & Blood):

He was not referring to Daemon and Nettles’ relationship. You would know that if you were actually paying attention, but I understand that the facts are not your side of the fandom’s forte. I understand that y’all would rather make up bs to prop up your sinking ship than hear the cold hard truth 🤷🏽‍♀️

At any rate, the show has already incorporated some of Mushroom’s bawdy tales (notably the brothel fiasco😊):

And I don’t think I need to remind you he’s not the only one who mentions Daemon and Nettles’ relationship(revisit point 1. if you need that reminder 😊)

4. There is nothing about your ship that I want for my ship because I don’t crave this for Daemon and Nettles:

Or this:

Or this:

(This is the fate that awaits your self insert, who is a racist sociopath that thinks the appropriate response to finding out your husband is with someone you deem as being lesser is to go on a racist tirade and commit a hate crime , when the love of her life leaves her on read while saving Netty🤷🏽‍♀️)

I sincerely hope that Daemon and Nettles’ romantic relationship is nothing like your ship and I hope that we get to see this come to life:

“How the prince and his bastard girl spent their last night beneath Lord Mooton's roof is not recorded, but as dawn broke they appeared together in the yard, and Prince Daemon helped Nettles saddle Sheepstealer one last time. It was her custom to feed him each day before she flew; dragons bend easier to their rider's will when full. That morning she fed him a black ram, the largest in all Maidenpool, slitting the ram's throat herself. Her riding leathers were stained with blood when she mounted her dragon, Maester Norren records, and "her cheeks were stained with tears." No word of farewell was spoken betwixt man and maid, but as Sheepstealer beat his leathery brown wings and climbed into the dawn sky, Caraxes raised his head and gave a scream that shattered every window in Jonquil's Tower. High above the town, Nettles turned her dragon toward the Bay of Crabs, and vanished in the morning mists, never to be seen again at court or castle.” -Fire & Blood

Or this(which has more of a real possibility of happening than Dumbnyra, oops I mean Daemyra, riding off into the sunset together since your fave turns into a BBQ Dragon special 🍗):

“The singers tell us that the old prince survived the fall and afterward made his way back to the girl Nettles, to spend the remainder of his days at her side.” -Fire & Blood

And of course this:

Again, if you guys think Dumbnyra, sorry, Daemyra is some epic romance then honey you are watching the wrong show/reading the wrong book. Daemon choking Rhaenyra’s lights out hours after she gave birth to lizard alone should have told you everything you need to know.

Nettles is coming whether you like it or not so you can go cry about it with the rest of the butthurt Aryan-I mean Valyrian supremacist girlies ☺️