#and i think otto naming rhaenyra as crown princess then marrying alicent to viserys is as stupid of a move as tywin doing the red wedding

[atopvisenyashill]

look I'm a greenie but I'm sansa devotee first and foremost long before and I will be long after. that is why i have to agree that this idea that rhaenyra's marriage and children shouldn't affect her inheritance being something that doesnt gets applied to Sansa with her own situation by many of these same people is quite interesting.

And Sansa' own marriage hasn't been consummated, nor does she have any children by tyrion that the crown/lannisters can use to claim winterfell. they don't even have sansa anymore! she's escaped

to be completely honest, part of WHY i'm so partial to rhaenyra's side is in fact because of my stark (and martell) devotion. rhaenyra, in both books and show, is put in a really bad spot so her father can mop up his own mistakes, and is given no good options, then blamed for taking the option she thought would be the best. she knows rhaenys was given driftmark as a consolation prize, and she's worried about what happens to her if she's married off to a man that sees her as a womb; this is a girl whose mother and both grandmothers died in childbirth. of course she's being picky and weird about who she wants to marry, especially given that she's a teenager - like, we literally have that moment where Sansa thinks she's going to marry Loras because he's handsome and her age, and is disappointed about Willas, and this feels to me very similar to how Rhaenyra doesn't want to marry Laenor; she knows he's gay and this is going to be an issue for her, and she wants to marry someone she actually knows and likes and trusts.

so when people are like "well what did she expect" it's like well but what was she supposed to do in this situation? annul her marriage and completely alienate the most important allies she has? publicly shame laenor for not being able to have sex with her, once again, alienating her most important allies? rape her own husband?? just not have kids despite her father dangling her inheritance over her head while he's squirting out son after son? so she tries to have a kid, likely assuming her own genes will win out, and it doesn't work the way she wants, every single time. and then instead of anyone trying to offer her any sort of solution - again, no one offers to orys baratheon this, no one offers to annul the marriage, no one offers her a way to protect her sons without pissing off the velaryons, no one even assures her that they won't fucking execute her and the kids - they just go "welp that's why she can't be queen, because she's a WHORE" and then everyone keeps escalating the situation out of fear until she's turning to the one person who is actually offering her a solution and that's daemon. "oh well she could just give up her inheritance" i'm sorry, but you (general you, not you anon) are a fucking joker if you think that Rhaenyra or her oldest boys would ever be safe if she conceded after Laenor died when they're saying that she committed treason by having kids out of wedlock. Corlys may very well withdraw support if he's not getting his grandchildren on that throne as a prize for backing her clearly bastard born kids. She'll never be allowed off Dragonstone or Driftmark again. Something mysterious will absolutely happen to her kids and they'll die and her proof of that is ya know, the fact that this is exactly what happens to Harwin. She's still a constant threat to Aegon's regime, as are her dragon riding children. She was named heir so no, she doesn't get to go back to just ~being a sister~ if she gives up her claim and lives out her days on Driftmark, completely living off the goodwill of Corlys and Rhaenys.

so i find it endlessly frustrating that like, we can acknowledge that marriages in westeros are super fucked up, that jaehaera, aemma, alicent, dany, sansa, cersei, lollys, roslin, lysa, margaery, are all put in situations where they can't say no, where their children are in danger. rhaenyra is put in this exact same situation and she's an overreaching whore. she's a teenager put in a shitty situation by the adults around her, given zero good options, and chooses one bad option out of many bad options because she thinks it will protect her. she is just like alicent, she is put in the same fucked up situation by the exact same dudes - viserys, otto, and daemon - and told "okay don't freak out but your kids in danger" of course she freaks out!! of course they both freak out!!! they're terrified someone is going to murder their goddamn kids in their beds because no one in this situation is willing to de-escalate or bite back their pride and lose a bit.

[sayafics]

Dance of Shadows - Chapter II

Thank you to everyone who showed so much love to Chapter I and waited so patiently for this chapter! I do hope you enjoy it. Reading all your comments and seeing your likes and reblogs made me feel so appreciated, so thank you again!

This chapter will be very Daemon/Saenyra focused, but please presume everything else happens as normal <3

This is quite a long chapter, but I hope it's worth the read!

Next Chapter

Previous Chapter

Masterlist

The crowd roared in unison, a crashing wave of victory and excitement rolled through the tourney grounds as the people of King's Landing yelled in celebration - the tourney has begun, and so has Queen Aemma's labours.

Saenyra's father held the tourney in honour of her maybe-brother that was itching and turning to leave her mother's womb.

She wanted to be by her mother's side, to hold her hand, and ground her during the pains of bearing a child.

But Viserys had promised the girl Aemma would be fine, that it was of more importance she was to attend the tourney. As that was where her duty required her to be - an ornament, a prize placed at the forefront of a bloodied battle for men to lust for, soldiers to grovel for, and Lords to prepare bounties in exchange for.

Of course he had not said so directly to her, even his words, so gentle and kind, were not her's to listen to. Yet they were a silent command to follow.

Viserys had spoken the words to Rhaenyra, Saenyra had simply been there and nodded like the obedient child she was and obeyed an order they did not feel the need to grace her with.

In the back of her mind, Saenyra knew if her absence did not draw up the suspicions and whispers of the people, then her father would have paid no mind. Rhaenyra is heir, if not to the throne, then to Dragonstone.

She was simply a princess, with no power tied to her name nor land for her to cherish. All that came to her - all that would be her own, would first belong to the man her father asked her to marry. And, some nights, Saenyra feared she would not be able to deny her father's wishes, because she had always seen her father's words to her as they truly were - commands of a King, not the gentle whispers of a loving father.

The tourney had begun, and Saenyra sat next to her sister as she gazed upon the grounds, suppressing a flinch as she watched the men collide into each other with a violent crack. The sound was enough to snap her out of her reverie, realising she had already missed the introductions and did not know who was competing. She sat straighter, spine stiffening as she rolled her shoulders - it would not be good if the Lords and Ladies were to catch her ill-attention, cursing it as a lack of manners and a mockery to the Court.

She paid no mind to Alicent's and Rhaenyra's incessant whispers, knowing their words were not for her and to include herself would only lead to them drawing back until she stopped. So she sat, quiet and proper, eyes flitting over the game in front of her in feigned interest.

The man who had fallen was Ser Gwayne Hightower of Old Town, Alicent's brother. Saenyra remembers him well, recalls the whispers that Otto Hightower had proposed a marriage between his eldest son and one of Viserys' daughters, but it was Aemma who denied the match. She did not think it a coincidence when she had ran into the man the following evening in the library, and she was bound in suspicion when he offered to walk her back to her chambers.

To this day, Saenyra finds herself grateful that Ser Harwin Strong had found her in those moments, and she was gladdened to hear him offer to escort her back in his stead. Ser Harwin was a dangerous man, but he was also loyal to the crown and would do her no harm.

Ser Gwayne Hightower was his father's child, and Saenyra, despite all her years sharing the castle with him, had never known Otto Hightower enough to trust him.

She watched how Alicent held her breath as the armoured man knocked Gawyne off his horse with brutal ease. Ser Hightower conceded, and the man dressed in an armour of dark grey and riddled with red as dark as rubies cheered in victory.

Saenyra's eyes traced over the armoured man, following every curve and line that decorated the fine metal-work. She noticed him draw closer, and at his proximity Rhaenyra leapt up from her seat.

Rhaenyra exuded a familiar scent of childish glee at the sight of the man, and it was only then that realisation sunk in as gentle lavendar hues met the molten colour of vicious violet.

This was Daemon, dressed in armour fit for a dragon, so unlike the one she had seen him only before. He stood now, clean and shining. His eyes were bright, glowing with the fire of a new battle, his expression seemed eased, and Saenyra knew the tourney was nothing like the bloodbaths Daemon loved to seek.

"Nicely done, Uncle."

Daemon's eyes flitted to Rhaenyra, squinting against the sun as a pleased smile crossed his face. Saenyra couldn't help the jealousy that festered under her skin, to see her sister once again preen under the attention of their uncle who seemed to care for one sister more than the other - just like her father, just like her mother, just like the Kingdom and probably, just like her brother too.

"Thank you, Princess."

Daemon's words were spoken with a lilt, and any passerby would have assumed the man was enamoured by the girl who stood in front of him - the Realm's Delight.

Instead, his eyes bounced from Rhaenyra to her friend standing loyally beside her, and his mouth parted, ready to ask a question.

It was at that moment a glint caught Daemon's eye, and his eyes darted back to the quiet girl who sat in the shadows of her sister's tall and domineering presence. It was at that moment he remembered a call for a promise and a whisper to wait until the time came to be.

Daemon could have used such a promise to bargain some leverage, to gain the upper hand, and receive power or triumph in turn. But, eyes roving over the girl who avidly avoided his boring stare, he found he did not want to wait and see if a different opportunity arises. Not when he could live in a whispered moment of his desires right now.

"Now I am fairly certain I can win these games, Lady Alicent," Daemon watched how Rhaenyra's face fell as he addressed her friend instead of her, knowing what question lay on the tip of his tongue, and for a moment Daemon truly felt pity for the girl. "But having the favour of one so kind and gentle would all but assure it," he watched Alicent radiate a warmth of eagerness at his words, despite her attempts to stifle it in Rhaenyra's presence.

As a man who abhorred the existence of her father and his twisted words, Daemon could not help the thrill that wracked through him as he continued his words and watched the Hightower girl deflate.

"Would you send for my dearest niece? I have a question for her."

Alicent looked between Rhaenyra and her sister, pulling herself together as she deliberated her next course of action. Daemon raised a brow, and she nodded hesitantly in reply. She stepped backwards - once, twice. As though she was waiting for Rhaenyra to stop her - she never did. So Alicent turned on her heels and walked ever so slowly towards Saenyra who determinedly looked towards her fumbling fingers and avoided the eyes of her sister's friend, dread settling in the pit of her stomach at the sound of the approaching figure.

"Princess, your uncle calls to you."

Saenyra looked up with a frown, "what does my uncle want with me?"

Alicent looked over her shoulders for a moment, glacing at Rhaenyra's tense shoulders and Daemon's narrowed eyes - "I believe it is something you must ask him."

Saenyra regarded her with suspicion, eyes flitting over to see her uncle and sister locked in a bout of seething words. She found she did not want to approach, worried of what she may hear and what she may be asked.

Did Daemon want to ask for his favour now? Was it truly to do with Rhaenyra? Was that why she was so angry? Did Rhaenyra not want her to overhear what Daemon plans to ask of her?

Despite all the questions echoing in her mind like a deafening storm, she finds herself standing in a graceful manner and making her way to them with Alicent lurking a step or two behind.

When they approached the pair, Daemon and Rhaenyra were sharing a gaze heated by the fire of dragons - Rhaenyra glared at the man as though they had shared venomous words, despite them not being overheard by others.

Saenyra waited a few steps back, hesitance clouding her mind as she waited - hoping Daemon would call to her.

And he did.

"Saenyra," her name sounded so sweet, rolling off his tongue, his anger that flowed in steaming waves now seemed to lull in the air of her presence. "I have something to ask of you," a knowing look crossed his face, a sign that he was referring to their meeting by chance a few short days ago, and it was as though he knew she had not forgotten about it either.

Saenyra glanced towards her sister, but Rhaenyra simply avoided her gaze and stood with a passive expression painted along her face. Saenyra cleared her throat, her voice almost a whisper as she spoke, unsure of what to say, "of course, Uncle. What is it that you desire?"

She had stumbled over her words, cringing as she spoke faster than her mind had been able to think. But Daemon paid no mind, though his lip quirked with amusement as he thought of asking for her, then and there.

Alas, he knew he could do no such thing. So he commanded, an air of reverence in his words, "give me your favour."

His words were simple, so close to the words he truly wanted to say, but knew he could not with his brother's watchful eyes upon him.

Saenyra's cheeks heated at his words, but she did not miss how Rhaenyra's fingers tightened upon the railing, nor how her jaw twitched as she clenched it in irritation.

She almost said no, a part of her even wanted to - fearful of hurting her sister's feelings and possibly losing her in some way. But there was a selfish part of Saenyra, so young and wanting, that had craved for a moment such as this, where someone would ask for her in place of her sister. And she would truly be mad to deny this moment, regardless of how fleeting it came to be.

She bit her lip in feigned contemplation, and Daemon found himself growing warm in the confines of his armour at the sight. She glanced back at Daemon, unable to stop the teasing smile slipping onto her face as she leaned towards him over the railing - "only if you say please."

A flare of pure, unadulterated want radiated through Daemon at her words, and he found himself leaning towards her without a care for the watchful eyes of his audience - "please."

Despite all his savage glory, his plea was close to a whimper, and it seemed to ignite something in Saenyra he had never seen before. Her eyes glance to his lips before moving back, she pulled herself back with heated cheeks and laboured breaths as she clears her throat.

Saenyra turned to grab her wreath, only to find Rhaenyra stood infront of her with it in her grasp.

She stared at her sister for a few moments, unsure of what to do. It seemed even her father was not sure if he should intervene, and Otto simply watched with an interested gaze.

Rhaenyra held the wreath tight, her unrelenting grip causing the flowers beneath to crumble and give in. Saenyra glances back to Daemon's waiting figure, a shroud of determination settles in her as she regards Rhaenyra again, taking slow steps towards her before holding the wreath firmly and taking it from her grasp, she spares her sister a stiff nod - "thank you, Sister."

Rhaenyra doesn't move, nor acknowledge her. She simply waits to see if Saenyra would truly go ahead with this, and give Daemon what he seeks.

Saenyra walks towards Daemon, her steps much more sure and confident. She leans over the railing and gives him a shy smile. He returns it with his own - a broad and mischievous grin.

She reaches towards him to place the wreath, and just as the flowers brush the tip of his sword, he cants his horse to step back away from her as a glorious laugh escapes him. Saenyra can't help the way her heart flutters at the sound, but she rolls her eyes all the same - "Uncle."

Her words were drawn out in feigned annoyance, and he pulled himself back closer at the sound, waiting for her to reach out again before moving away.

"Ugh, Uncle. I swear to the Seven, I will simply take my seat again, and you can fight without my favour."

Daemon tuts, "we can not have that now, can we? Perhaps to make it easier, you can come onto the grounds?"

He raises his brow in challenge, so sure she would not heed. But a look over her shoulder, into the eyes of her raging sister, was all it took for her to move towards the stairs and duck under the arms of a cautious guard.

She ignored the calls of her father and his Hand, the indignant call of Rhaenyra and her friend. She stepped onto the grounds with a huffed breath, but her lips were stretched into a traiterous smile as she walked towards Daemon, who met her halfway.

Daemon unmounted his horse, leaving his joust on the ground as he moved towards her in slow, deliberate steps. He paid no mind to the baited silence of their audience nor the exasperated calls of the Court. He stood in front of her, his armoured boots brushing against the billowing skirt of her dress - a pale pink that stood brightly against the sun.

Saenyra held the wreath out towards him, a simple ring of flowers decorated in shades of blues and yellows - her favourite flowers, irises and begonias, formed into a colourful cluster.

Daemon reached out to accept it. His fingers, encased in his harsh and cold armoured gloves, brushed slowly over the petals to then skim the skin of her warm and delicate hands. Saenyra shivered, goose-flesh running up her arms as she repressed the tremble that silently wracked through her body. His touch paused as metal met metal, and his armoured fingers glided against a ring made of familiar steel.

A ring, so dark and grand, sat on the Princess' hand in place of where her future bethrothed's would. And it was made of Valyrian steel, a shared piece of ancestry.

Daemon admired how the ring looked upon her finger, how the blood-soaked jewel hammered into it radiated against her skin as though it was proud of its wearer and yearned to be showcased because of it.

A shared piece of him.

***

Daemon had avoided Saenyra after his trysts in Silk Street, unable to meet her eye or hear her voice without his mind flashing back to his escapade with Myseria, where all he could think about was Saenyra.

The lengths he would have gone to have her, or someone that simply looked like her.

His stomach would roll with nausea, and his mind was heavy with questions. He found himself needing to apologise with no true need except for the guilt that plagued his mind due to his traiterous fanatasies.

The night after his venture with Myseria, he found himself lazing away in his chambers as the sun fell into the arms of the night sky and the moon rose in its place.

Daemon found himself staring up at the ceiling, eyes tracing over every animate shadow and ears on alert for every step and whisper that sounded at his doors.

His heart beat at a calm pace, but every thud brought a sinking feeling of unease to settle in the confines of his chest. His mind began to wander, his thoughts flitting between images of his night with Myseria, to his gift to Rhaenyra, to walking into his little niece.

Daemon remembers how he struggled to force his gaze away from her bare neck - a princess of a Kingdom so grand and powerful, and yet her father would rather have the girl dressed as a commoner than royalty.

Daemon scoffed at the thought - oh, how he wanted to adorn her in jewels and diamonds, to weigh her heavy in the best of refineries so others would see just how much her beauty was worth. How much she is worth.

But he had already given Rhaenyra a necklace, and he wasn't blind to Saenyra's stares of sadness and envy. He knew to give her the same gift he gave Rhaenyra would be nothing short of an insult.

He would do no such thing.

He closed his eyes in frustration, his racing thoughts barely allowing him to catch a breath long enough to lull himself to sleep. He sat up stiffly, throwing his legs over the edge of the bed as he held his head in his hands.

A deep sigh escaped him, thumbs digging into his eyes as though he was forcing away the images of Saenyra - trying to forget her moonlit hair, her pale eyes, her murmured words and her hesitant breaths.

Daemon glanced towards the fireplace that now burned low, the heat had dampened down, and a cold chill filled the air. It was a feeling akin to flying Caraxes in the winter sky, a scathing feeling that somehow brought a warmth to him all the same.

His eyes rested upon his sword, which stood defiantly against the hearth. Dark Sister looked almost black in the shadows of a dying fire, the rain-guard glinting a violent gold against the blade.

Rhaenyra's necklace had been a piece of shared ancestry.

But Saenyra deserved something more. For all she had done to be a dutiful daughter, she had not shared the grace of being a true dragon despite the blood of one burning through her veins.

When she was younger, a hopeful child who was so sure her egg would hatch as she aged, Daemon had pitied the girl. Even now, his heart would clench in sympathy for her. But he could see how such a loss of an opportunity had strengthened her.

She was just as much of a dragon as he was, despite never having one to call her own. She was just not able to see it yet.

Daemon saw a fragment of his soul in hers. The part of him that yearned for his father's approval, his brother's love. The fraction of him who had ached and begged for a dragon before he made it his mission to tame his own.

Daemon had called for a blacksmith the next day before daylight had broken and offered a pouch of Gold Dragon coins with one hand and his Dark Sister with the other.

Daemon knew exactly what his sweet girl deserved - what she needed.

Saenyra was a dragon, through and through - she simply needed a reminder of such.

The blacksmith had returned before dark, standing nervously with trembling hands as he offered Daemon his sword with one hand and held forth a cotton bag in the other.

Daemon glanced over his sword, his eyes easily catching the part that did not belong. The pommel was the same gold as his rain-guard, but it seemed dainty in comparison. He longed to hold his sword and test it for deficiencies, but his eyes caught the ivory bag clenched tightly in the hands of the blacksmith.

Daemon laid out his hand, and the bag was placed upon it with hesitance. Daemon rolled his eyes at the man's slow movements and snatched the bag away, pulling the ties open and tipping its contents into the palm of his hand.

A bejewelled piece of metal fell with a light thump. The metal felt familiar, even though it had been melted and twisted into something he did not recognise.

The band was simple, engraved with vines and flowers that were so quaint yet so detailed. And fitted perfectly in its centre sat a timid, glowing jewel likened to a pool of congealed blood.

Daemon thought back to the necklace he gifted to Rhaenyra, how its jewels were a bright and lively red. A mockery of who Daemon pretended to be.

This jewel, this colour, this steel. It was a part of him - a reflection of who he was. It was admiration and bloodshed and protection all in one. It was a silent promise and a vicious outcry.

It was a gift, fit for a princess. Fit for Saenyra.

Daemon reached for his sword, turning it over to have a look at the pommel of his sword where Valyrian Steel had been replaced by something else - it was a worthwhile sacrifice, he thought. His hands fisted around the ring, relishing in the feel of it imprinting against his skin.

Daemon had walked through the Keep with the ring settled in the pocket of his chemise for days now, unable to bear the courage to face her in fear of what his desires may ask of him.

It was not until the day of the tourney that he found himself in front of the youngest Princess' chambers. He nodded in greeting to her guards, not waiting for them to announce his presence before he marched into her chambers - he could not risk allowing hesitance to cloud his decisions and walk away.

Daemon held his breath as he closed the doors behind him. Saenyra sat at her dresser, combing through her hair before the sound of Daemon's loud entry forced her eyes to meet his in the reflection.

She was still dressed in her sleeping gown, a sheer shade of pearl that hugged against her figure. Daemon roved his eyes over her by instinct, hungrily drinking in the sight of her whilst he could. Saenyra was not blind to his devouring stare, clearing her throat despite her skin flushing under his heated gaze - "Uncle, can I help you?"

Daemon's eyes met hers, and the desire that pooled in them began to wane as he pulled himself together into the semblance of a gentleman.

"Saenyra," there it was again, her name passing through his soft lips with a gentle caress, "I have something for you."

She raised a brow in question, turning to look over her shoulder at him instead, "and what would that be?"

Daemon did not speak further, he walked closer towards her before stopping at the foot of her bed. He sat cautiously, waiting to see if she would object and send him away, but the girl was much too curious to do such a thing.

He beckoned her forward, and she hesitated for a moment.

"Come."

His voice was firm, as though he knew she would obey without question, and as she stumbled to her feet, she had the fleeting realisation that she would do anything Daemon had asked. She would follow him to the ends of the world and more, if he so desired.

She stood in front of him, and still she felt so small despite the fact that he had to look up to her. Her hands fiddled with the ends of her gown, which brushed against her thighs lightly - the idea she was so exposed in front of her uncle sent a shiver down her spine.

Daemon forced himself to keep his eyes upon hers, to not disrespect his darling niece when she had so politely adhered to his wishes despite the burning temptation to drink in the sight of her bare legs only a hairs-breadth away.

If he leaned forward, he was sure he could run his lips against her bare skin, and his body heated at the thought of her trembling under his touch.

He shook himself from his thoughts, looking upon Saenyra with adoring eyes as one of his hands took hers. He tugged her gently, tempted to pull her onto his lap but knowing it was a move much too daring.

Instead, she fell neatly onto her knees between his parted legs, and Daemon had to hold back a groan. She eyed him with such trust, full of so much naivety and innocence he found himself intoxicated with the idea of corrupting her and taking her as his own.

But he couldn't.

Shouldn't.

"I have a gift for you."

His words were a gasped whisper, spoken only between their shared breath that she had almost missed it, becoming so distracted by his warmth - by his dragon fire.

She blinked slowly, as though she was confused, "for me?"

He smiled at her, kindly. Something so unlike Daemon that even he was struck with the oddity of their circumstances. Still, he nodded.

She frowned, "why?"

His head tilted in sympathy to see his niece so surprised by such an act - "why not? Anything for my favourite niece."

Her eyes widened in surprise, "I'm your favourite?"

He grinned, "who else could it possibly be?"

Her head became down-turned, "everyone knows you love Rhaenyra more."

Her words struck a cord in his heart, is that what she truly believed? "And yet it is you I brought a gift for."

She looked back up at him, her face dead-pan as she spoke, "that is because you already brought her one. This is probably something gifted out of guilt."

She was close to the truth, but not entirely. This was a gift out of guilt for his wreckless thoughts and violent desires, but it was also a token of his devotion. Not that his dear niece needed to know.

He shook his head in turn, "this is so much more."

His hand reached into the pocket of his chest, nimble fingers pulling out the jewel he held so close to his heart as he waited for this moment. Her lips parted at the sight of it, and Daemon was sure he saw unshed tears pool within her eyes.

"That's for me?"

"Just for you."

Her eyes flickered to meet his disbelief, painting her expression - "Daemon," she spoke his name as though it was natural to her, and it sang with melodic delight causing desire to curl in his chest and hum contentedly. "Daemon," she repeated, so sweetly and softly, "I can't accept this."

"Yes you can."

"It is too much. It would not be fair to accept such a prize with nothing given in return."

Mischief raided through his heart as though it was a second nature, it clashed with desire and became pronounced - "then take it in exchange for another promise. A bigger one," his voice dipped, lowering into a whisper, "a dangerous one."

Saenyra didn't let her gaze fall from his, she knew she should deny him and his gift. She should send him from her chambers and pretend nothing had happened, but to have him so close and to see him act so daring, to challenge her so openly - it sparked a burning fire within her, setting her dragon alight - "so, what is it that you want?"

Her words felt like an echo of the ones she had said to him only days ago.

"I guess you shall have to wait and see."

She couldn't help the shy smile that slipped across her face at his echoing words, nor the heated flush that painted her cheeks as she felt him take her hand and slip the ring onto her left hand. It sat snugly on the finger where her future bethrothed's ring would have sat. And a small part of Saenyra, the one so selfish and greedy, knew no other man would have been able to produce a perfect fit for her apart from Daemon.

Saenyra couldn't pull her eyes away from his, she watched as his eyes darkened under her curious gaze. His own glanced towards her lips that she bit anxiously, and a thumb came to brush across it softly as he pulled it out before she could abuse it further.

His thumb sat on the bed of her lip, and he kept her gaze with a new ferocity. She glanced to his now, watching how he wetted his lips under her watchful gaze as his head grew heady with desire.

A knock on the door, loud and harsh, startled her from his grasp. His hand was still outstretched towards her, and his eyes never left her, even as she stood and brushed the gown straight.

Ser Harwin entered the room, a curious gaze passed between the unusual pair, before he focused upon the simmering figure of Daemon Targaryen- "my Prince, the King calls for you. The tourney is to begin."

Daemon lets out a frustrated sigh as he pulls himself to his feet, he walks towards Saenyra and pulls her focus back onto him. He holds the hand bejewelled with a piece of him and presses a longing kiss upon her knuckles - "I hope to see you on the grounds, Saenyra."

She did not get a chance to reply. He turned on his feet and walked out her chambers - not without sharing a sharp glare with Ser Harwin Strong.

After he had left, Saenyra shared a nervous smile with Ser Harwin before he prompted her to get ready as he would send the handmaids to help her. She nodded in agreement, returning to her dresser to brush through her hair, but throughout it all, she was unable to tear away her gaze from the fine ring that adorned her hand.

A flutter sang within her chest, and a traiterous smile and bubbling laugh escaped her as she thought of Daemon's glimmering eyes and bright smile.

***

Daemon had been knocked onto the grounds by Ser Criston Cole, the man was skilled in tourneys but Daemon was better - more experienced.

He launched from the grounds, demanding his sword before slashing and swinging against Criston's flail. He sent a frenzied attack that was oragnised yet doused with the fire of unbridled rage.

He admired the man's strength and his stubbornness, but Daemon was not one to lose.

He had knocked Criston to the ground, Daemon's shield had been shattered to splinters, but he swung his sword with ease, his golden pommel a shining beacon for the girl who owned the original piece.

He turned towards the audience, towards her - cheering and celebrating. He searched for the missing part of his sword in the victorious cries of the Court, in their waving arms and broad smiles. His sword usually felt light in his hand, as though it was an extension of him, but the longer he struggled to seek her out, the heavier it felt.

She had left the tourney before he had even succeeded, she had not waited to celebrate his victory, she had not shared a parting goodbye or stayed for a boisterous celebration.

And with her, she had taken her favour.

Daemon had let his guard down, and Criston had taken advantage of his wavering heart and beat him to the ground whilst his back was turned - the act of a coward, but the rise of a victor.

Daemon yielded.

His eyes closed in frustration as his mind flooded with flashes of her once more - why had she left?

***

Within the walls of the Keep, Queen Aemma's cries sounded loudly. Saenyra had wanted to comfort her mother, but they tore her apart before she could reach her.

They let her mother cry and scream and beg until her last dying breath. And the babe followed shortly after.

Perhaps her mother did not care for her as much as she did Rhaenyra, but Aemma was her mother.

Perhaps the babe would have preferred his eldest sister, the dragon-rider, to his other sister, the timid. But Baelon was her brother.

She had gained the affection of her uncle, but lost her mother and her brother as consequence.

Saenyra felt as though her body revolted in the shadows of a dark and humourous curse, one that took and took and gave so little.

Saenyra stared at the ring Daemon placed upon her finger, her eyes were blank and her face was streaked with tears, her breaths were coming out short and panicked and she tried her best to avoid her mother's gasping breaths, her pleas for a daughter who was absent and not the one who was present, her last tear and her father's wails.

She stared at the ring, and a piece of her - the growing envious beast within - wished she had never accepted the token, believing if she did not, she would still have the half-love of a mother and the possible love of a brother, in place of a displaced infatuation of an uncle.

She wanted Daemon, but she was not sure how.

She wanted Daemon, but she wanted her mother more.

I honestly loved writing this chapter, it was like the words just flowed. I really do hope you guys like it! Please comment, like, and reblog! Every single one is so greatly appreciated <33

I have so many ideas for the next few chapters, I can't wait!!

Taglist: @marihoneywk @ahristata @gracielikegrapes @luanasrta @pet1t3

[anxiousnerdwritings]

oh my gods Viserys forcing Corlys and Rhaenys youngest daughter to marry Aegon because the Velaryons are obviously pissed that Rhaenyra keeps having bastards but they won’t say anything. and whole funeral thing kind of added fuel to the fire. so Viserys thinks having the reader marry Aegon will smooth things over but it really just complicates everything.

of course the reader is her mother’s child. so there’s no way in hell that Aegon goes down the path that he does. homegirl whips him up into shape. and he kind of becomes a fun mix of Oberyn Martell and Tyrion Lannister where he’s always drinking and he always horny for his wife but he’s lowkey deadly. because she absolutely was not gonna be embarrassed by this boy.

and it brings up so many mixed feelings for Corlys because he really wants his bloodline on the throne but Rhaenyra’s boys don’t have his blood despite having his name. and there’s also a small part of him that wonders if Rhaenyra and Daemon really killed Laenor like the rumours say. what if Daemon comes after the boys to install his own sons? so he’s beginning to lean towards the Aegon and the other greens in the court. especially after seeing them welcome the reader with open arms because she was the only one who can reign Aegon in so they fucking love her and know she’ll make sure Aegon is a good king. but Rhaenys is stressing because it leaves the Blues stuck in the middle of the battlefield cause they’re daughter will be crowned queen and their grandson will be made the Prince of Dragonstone soon. and that’s her only living child. what if Daemon comes after the reader and her children? they’d lose everything if the reader died.

Okay but I can’t help but imagine yan!poly!Aegon and Helaena for the Reader in this situation. Like, I can see Viserys realizing after the whole Vaemond outburst that maybe he should try to work something out more with the Velaryons, especially since it looks like even they are torn amongst themselves on whose side to be on. So, why not make it easier for them, at least that’s what Viserys thinks his actions will be achieving. Only it does the complete opposite and makes things much worse, especially for Rhaenyra.

I feel like this betrothal would happen behind Rhaenys’ back because of course she wouldn’t be so willing to marry off her youngest and remaining child, especially not to the Greens. And especially not to Aegon. She doesn’t care that their child will be Queen of the seven kingdoms or birth the future princes and princesses, Rhaenys wants to keep her remaining child as close as possible. She’s already lost two of her children and one of them may have been murdered by his own wife so she surely wouldn’t trust Aegon or the Greens to do something similar to the Reader.

Corlys is apprehensive as well but this could also be a monumental opportunity for not only the Reader but also all of House Velaryon as a whole. He doesn’t want to use his remaining child as a playing piece either especially after losing Laenor and Laena but this may be just what they need. He knows his child well enough and knows they’ll be able to hold their own, especially against Aegon. Corlys isn’t too worried about how Aegon will be with the Reader but he is worried about the underlying threats of others, such as Otto, Alicent, Rhaenyra and Daemon. He would have to mull it over but would inevitably accept the betrothal regarding his child and Aegon. After all, he thinks this would be very beneficial for the Reader in the long run. But, Corlys also knows that this will inevitably cause a rift between him and Rhaenys when he tells her. And Rhaenys would take this as a betrayal on her husband’s part, never forgetting that he put their last remaining child up freely for the Greens to have.

Going off Aegon already having married Helaena and now being betrothed to the Reader too, he would just see it as yet another thing forced upon him. He hadn’t even wanted to marry Helaena in the first place now he has to marry yet again, being stuck with two wives. The only thing that may get him to think of it differently is someone referring to the situation as it being like Aegon the Conquer, Rhaenys and Visenya all over again. Aegon would take that as people seeing him as Aegon the Conqueror and his ego would only grow because of it. But the Reader will be their to knock him down a few pegs or more.

I like to imagine the Reader being pretty free spirited and strong willed. The first time they meet Aegon, whether before or after the whole betrothal thing, he was most likely drunk and either said something vulgar to them or about someone else and they heard it resulting in them verbally handing his ass to him. The next day Aemond, Jace, Luke and others are laughing about the situation which causes Aegon to storm off and seek out the Reader to ‘punish’ them. Only when he finds the Reader to do just that, they physically kick his ass and fuck his whole shit up. After that he sees them in a completely different light. He’s kind of scared of them and ashamed that he got his ass beat but it also totally turned him on cause of course it would. He never really had anyone do something him like that, let alone a woman. He usually always got what he wanted but that was the first time someone really put him in his place and it got him feeling some type of way. Of course he wouldn’t allow anyone else to ever do that to him and get away with it but he’d make an exception for his darling. After that, Aegon wouldn’t be able to take his eyes off the Reader, he would try to get as close to them as possible justifying it with getting to know each other better because of the betrothal. He’d always find his way to their side and if he couldn’t be there then he would take to keeping them in his line of sight. Inwardly panicking a little when he would lose sight of them, automatically fearing that someone had stolen them away from him.

Given that the Reader is a free spirit I imagine that they would always be riding their dragon and going on adventures, which would only cause Aegon even more anxiety. Sure, it’s one thing to be able to go on his own dragon and fly after the Reader but it’s another thing after they’ve gotten married and they insist on him staying behind to manage his royal duties and look after everything like a good king should do. There would be an underlying fear of the Reader leaving and never returning, whether due to them perishing on their adventure or because they decided to start anew and someone else ended up capturing their heart. Aegon would compromise that the Reader either wait until he has the free time and could come with/be able to follow them on their impromptu adventures or stop their adventures altogether if they wanted him to continue keeping up with being a ‘good king’. He would threat to burn all the Seven Kingdoms to the ground if they up and left him again like that, even if they were to always come back. If they ever did leave on their dragon again after he tried compromising, especially doing so just to spite him, Aegon would have no problem hunting them down himself and forcing them back home and once they were back home, he would go as far as to kill their dragon so they wouldn’t be able to leave him again. He may also take to having them locked in their shared room or they would at the very least be heavily monitored. Aegon would also keep the Reader pregnant as often as he could to ensure they would stay in one place and prevent them from trying to flee.

I imagine that Helaena would really be the closest person to the Reader, maybe besides Rhaenyra depending on whether the Reader was still on her side after the rumors about her having Laenor killed. I don’t think the Reader or Helaena would have a hard time getting along and if they both have to be married to Aegon then that would only drive them closer to each other. Aegon may even grow jealous of how much closer his darling his with Helaena then compared to him. He would childishly accuse the Reader of loving Helaena more than him whenever he got drunk, which would be often. And both the Reader and Helaena would roll their eyes and ignore him or try very half assed to soothe his hurt feelings. These little jealous bouts happen more often then not so his darling and Helaena are more than use to them. The few times all three of them have shared the bed together there have been times Aegon will wake the Reader and Helaena out of their sleep accusing them of cuddling with each other more than with him. The three of them have been forced to try and find a sleeping arrangement that would work where Aegon would feel included but to no avail, he’d always find a problem. So eventually he just kicked Helaena out to her own room. But then one night Aegon woke up all alone in the bed while the Reader had slipped away to keep Helaena company in the night. Which led to Aegon barging in and throwing a huge hissy fit. He would complain about it to his mother and his brothers but Aemond honestly couldn’t careless and didn’t want to hear any of it due to his own envy. But eventually Aegon would come around to moving Helaena back into his and the Reader’s shared room. He liked it better when it was him and the Reader but they insist on it since Helaena is a part of the marriage as well. Not to mention it doesn’t feel right when she’s gone. If it bothers his darling so much than he can tolerate it, he supposed.

When Aegon hits his limit with the Reader up and leaving on their own accord and has them kept in their room, Helaena would be their sole company for the most part, besides Aegon himself. (Aemond and Daeron would visit themselves if only Aegon hadn’t banned them from interacting with his darling.) Helaena doesn’t agree with Aegon, knowing that no matter how many times the Reader left or how long they were gone they would always come back to the two of them. But she could also see where he was coming from. She did often worry herself whether their darling would just abandon them or meet their fate on one of their adventures. This way they can ensure their darling is safe and with them always. Not to mention it results in Jaehaerys, Jaehaera, and Maelor getting to have more siblings due to Aegon using that as a way to keep the Reader occupied and to prevent them trying to run away.

Earlier on when the Reader was in the beginnings of shaping Aegon to be a rightful king, there’s a good chance that they could get him to be on good/okay-ish terms with Rhaenyra. Especially if the Reader was still very much Team Black. It didn’t matter whether they actually had any care for Rhaenyra but given that she does have the Reader’s nieces and ‘nephews’ with her I could see the Reader trying to keep peace so as to not cause any harm or trouble for Baela, Rhaena, Jace, Luke, and Joffrey. And if the Reader themself were close to Rhaenyra then I’m sure they wouldn’t want anything to put a damper into that either. It would really be Alicent, Otto, Larys, Aemond and Aegon himself who would ruin the peace. Leading to Corlys and Rhaenys having to choose a side.

Also, there’s a very good chance that Rhaenys moves to King’s Landing permanently once the Reader is married off to Aegon. Rhaenys wouldn’t want to leave her child all alone with the Greens and would certainly want to be there for when her grandchildren are born, not to mention she’s still very pissed with Corlys for even goimng through with this whole thing and is still very much feeling betrayed over it. She would also want to make it very clear to her child that they have support by having her there with them. Although, Aegon wouldn’t like it too much with Rhaenys giving and always being with the Reader and also given that she watches him like a hawk whenber he’s near his darling but his mother would make him bite his tongue to keep Rhaenys and the Velaryons on their side. And if it did mean a lot to the Reader to have their mother with them then he could deal with it, for now.

[strangesmallbard]

okay here are the asoiaf ocs rotating in my mind. they’re all a little half-baked because i haven’t actually written any fic, but i love them:

daella “venya” targaryen

“alysanne waters”

tybalt hill

dara stark

daella “venya” targaryen:

au where baelon is a girl who survives with congenital heart issues, leading to chronic illness as she ages. rhaenyra pushed for her to be named visenya regardless, but otto was like “the realm is already super mad that she’s a weakling girl and may view naming her visenya as an insult” lmao as if the smallfolk care. regardless, rhaenyra tells daella her true name is visenya targaryen and she’s the blood of the dragon who will take what’s hers with fire and blood. you know how it goes with these guys.

eventually, everyone in the red keep calls her venya as a compromise, except viserys (who usually feels too guilty to refer to her at all) and otto (misogyny). venya is very close with rhaenyra during her childhood and doesn’t like to be parted with her under any circumstances. she knows she’s resented by everyone but rhaenyra and clings hard. venya herself is like. passionate and stalwart but also vain and petty and bitter; she wants and wants and wants. *stores all the disability-related bitterness in the asoiaf oc* rhaenyra is initially very indulgent but like. eventually she has her own children and needs to start prioritizing her ascension, and venya never really forgives her.

on the outside, however, venya maintains a veneer of gentleness and grace. she learns the harp, she reads scriptures, she daydreams about running her own household, knowing that she might not live long enough to marry, even if anyone would marry her. (which is proving hard but like. she probably would get married to secure an alliance.)

anyway, venya defiantly stays at the red keep when rhaenyra moves to dragonstone. but now she’s just alone most of the time—except for queen alicent, who visits out of guilt or her own loneliness for rhaenyra. (once upon a time, alicent told rhaenyra that venya would never be alone as long as they’re both with her,) but venya resents how weak alicent seems to her. she’s really visenyaism distilled. as the stress in the red keep mounts, her symptoms worsen, and eventually she dies very suddenly during a heart attack.

in his final act of faildadding and with the last of his energy, viserys uses some valyrian blood magic to uhhhhh sacrifice his life and raise venya from the dead! it works a little too well and with many consequences. venya is back with a lot more energy than before, but she still has the same heart condition—only now she like. can’t really die? like she can, but not from her condition. we don’t know much about valyrian blood magic so i’m making this up as i go along.

venya is uhhhhhhhhhh okay. well. what if you combined aemond, maegor, and visenya into one person? Princess Daella the Terror of the Realm is here babey! and she wants revenge! on everyone, including herself for her perceived weakness! she steals a dragon and attempts to steal the crown for herself. she could be a good queen—she certainly has studied the part more than rhaenyra or aegon! but the visenyaism cursed babey. this entire oc is also just an examination of westeros’ ableism and misogyny + an interrogation of the "disabled people get magically cured" trope.

alysanne waters:

actually jaehaera targaryen after rhaena scoops her out of the red keep and fakes her death, but she counts as an oc. alysanne has a fairly peaceful life, all things considering. she’s never quite free of the horrors, but absolutely no one is pressuring her to be anyone at all, so she’s kind of free to be whoever she wants within westeros’ extremely limited imagination for women. she serves as a companion for rhaena’s trueborn daughter, embroiders, and explores the ancient stone underneath the hightower. normal behavior. i think she gets into magical history after rhaena’s daughters leave the hightower to get married, but no one’s too worried. that’s kind of normal for hightowers anyway.

alysanne also compartmentalizes her two lives—she thinks of jaehaera as an entirely separate person who’s body she used to inhabit, basically. is this healthy? probably not! but westeros has the opposite of therapy, so she DIYs her own coping mechanisms. she doesn’t resent princess jaehaera at all, however; she feels this almost sisterly protectiveness over her memory. in a hypothetical fic, king aegon iii visits the hightower and she undergoes an identity crisis/exploration moment.

tybalt hill:

actually the youngest son of ned/cat and twin brother of dara in my “cat is pregnant during the war of the five kings and exchanges herself for sansa au.” he never has any other name besides tybalt hill. to cover cersei’s political blunder, tywin only announced the birth of dara, killed the midwife who delivered the twins, and shipped baby boy stark to casterly rock to masquerade as kevan’s bastard. (this, of course, ruined any happiness in kevan’s marriage, but anything for the lannister family.)

tybalt has red hair and grey eyes, meaning he stands out at casterly rock in the worst way and loathes his appearance. he might have been a sweet kid, if a bit conceited, in other circumstances, but now his capacity for loyalty is 100% directed toward the lannisters. he's raised a bit like jon, but a thousand percent worse in every way. he’ll prove he’s a lion whatever the cost. oh no!

dara stark/"alayne stone":

short for eddara; the youngest daughter of ned/cat and twin to tybalt hill in the same au. dara got to stay with cat in the red keep, but has no memories of living there. at 14 months, littlefinger spirited her and cat away; dara became alayne stone and catelyn her mute septa. oh no! (catelyn is mute because she cuts her own throat to prevent the lannisters from punishing dara or sansa, now imprisoned at the twins, when joff is poisoned. she doesn’t die, but her voice box is fucked up now. i enjoy making canon divergent aus parallel the og story when possible.)

like her twin brother, dara has red hair and grey eyes. unlike her brother, she has a mostly carefree childhood. she’s a lot like both her sisters: high-spirited and friendly, with a huge rebellious streak and a love for fine dresses. catelyn shelters her as much as possible and is very, very strict with her. she wants dara to survive any world where she could end up alone. dara suspects catelyn is her mother, but never asks—they’re a bit like elphaba and liir from the wicked books.

petyr loves pretending dara/alayne is his own daughter lmao. it’s still creepy, but not as creepy as petyr was with sansa; this time cat is still alive, if “damaged” in petyr’s self-centered, misogynistic pov and dara looks enough like ned that petyr can’t project his obsession in the same way, although he still yearns (ew) for that idealized version of young catelyn. he’s also possessive of his fake dad role + rebukes any ideas from catelyn to have dara eventually marry a northern lord so she can take back winterfell.

this au basically becomes a fucked up parent trap because tybalt ends up visiting the vale with kevan at some point on a red keep venture. petyr kept dara and cat pretty well-hidden so dara and tybalt have a real spider-man pointing.png moment in the godswood.

[quinntamsin]

She frowned, the noseguard of her helm was bent from battle and obscured her vision. Even worse was the blood leaking into her mouth from the cut on her cheek. "What is you wish to say to me, My Lord?" The old man glanced at her and shrugged. "Kwyn, an Iron Born raid struck the west recently. Your cousins Lisbeth and Ryan were slain, I just wanted to tell you first." The young redhead grit her teeth and swore quietly to the Old Gods, that soon a sacrifice of blood would be hung in the Gods Wood upon the Weirwood.

Out of no where we decide to watch Episode 3 "Second of HIs Name" of House of the Dragon.

We open to several pirates following the Crabfeeder as they burn a ship from the Velaryon. Prince Drahar of the Triarchy stakes a man by his hands as he's insulted. Suddenly a dragon comes out of the swirling sky above and Carxes begins his assault while stomping on the poor bastard being eaten by crabs. Hundreds of Free Cities soldiers burn as the prince takes his vengeance. Even the caves appear in danger as the dragon's fire finds all it touches. Daemon is hurt in battle by a fire arrow and forces Caraxes to flee. Three year have passed since the War in the Step Stones has come, so it's been two years since we saw everyone in Episode 2. We appear to see that Aegon II has been born as a son of Alicent and Aemon has found some happiness in his family. I really like how Caraxes is very long and snake-like compared to some of the other dragons. It also appears that he felt the attack on Daemon. Back in the Redkeep the King is celebrating at a massive feast. The new Crown Heir (which will be decerned in the coming years) Aegon the Second is two years old. The Grand Maest and Hand speak about the fact of a Male Heir. Lord Lannist interrupts with stories from the steptones as the King ignores it. Yu, Viserys the fucking trying to keep his shit together. Criston Cole has definitely aged with longer hair and a more evident beard. Alicent Pregnant again as Rhaenyra reads in her family's godswood. Alicent goes out to find her former friend ignoring the festivities while reading. The Princess and Queen are certainly at odds, Rhae ignores the wish to join the hunt. Dammit, Viserys really is letting things fall apart. He should definitely be finding a better way to situate his kids. She makes a point that the king is basically celebrating his lost child of Aemma and likely can't make up his mind on how to treat Rhae as the heir. His adisors by this time might have even argued him into almost changing his mind soon about the succession. Our massive wheelhouse arrives at the grounds for the hunt at the Kingswood, and yes. They are kind of ignoring Rhae here. She herself likely has hadn't formed any bond with Aegon and thus there's that as a problem as well. I think that this really shows how the King himself was while a man trying he kind of fucked up royally with his family. Oh and the Princess burns lady Redwyne, seriously I don't like the Redwynes much. Heh and one of the Lion's approaches the Dragon and we get a interestingly witty man with some of the prettiness of Jaime. Just not as good hair. Oh he seems to be trying to tame Rhae, and we can see he's not very good at it. It's a bit to forward and I did like her shushing him. He informs her she has to marry. The hand seemingly defuses the argument, but we can see that the Princess has left. Sir Cole breaks his post and rides after her in a furry. Deep in to the Kingswood and at a hard pace. She is stopped by Criston Cole who catches her and eventually offers to kill him as a joke. I wonder why he changes his mind as he supports her. They both seem to be fine checking out the Kingswood. Walking their horses along as they speak of Cole's background. The hunt gather's for the Prince's nameday. Otto lays on the support for his part of the line to inherit thick. And we switch to Viserys sitting alone atop his little throne as Jason who appears to be in on the Hand's schemes. He pushes the idea of himself marry Rhae. He decides to fuck up, insinuating that Aegon would become King. And the King decides to step up and shu these fuckers up who want to continue their misogyny. Fucking Andals. Godsdamn it could a while. Otto slyly suggest that Rhae marry's Prince Aegon. Yup, marry the two year old to the fucking seventeer year old. Heh, I love how this mand just pushed a boundary. I am curious how Laeron will play into this.We watch as the King sees his subjects and their push for Aegon and their mockery of his family. He falls into a drunken stupor to what appears to be deafen the dpression of his life. Even seeing his son and pregnant wife doesn't appear to help. Lyonel steps up and we can see he's likely aligned with House Velaryon. It's not a bad idea as both Houses -have- Dragons. Rhaenys rides a dragon as will her two children. More dragonseed means more riders and a stronger fucking Targaryen line. Side Note: This really to me shows how if the Targaryens had followed with a more traditional British set up of peerage having each non-Heir having separate inheritance might have worked. First. Cadet branches spread the blood about and prevent inbreeding and establish back up if one dies. Plus, in a way they could have used their own Dragon's to decide perhaps for who was heir. The most Dragonriders of a parent = the strongest Dragon mayhap. Switching back to Criston and Rhae, we see the Horses are spooked. Cole takes his sword as he creeps away from the fire.I'm calling it white hart! And it's just a boar. ONe big enough to gore Ser Criston and Rhae. Criston ends the fucking thing and I think Rhae get's a bit of a wake up on how dangerous shit is. And, the girl's pain in her family is taken out on the pig. So, hello misplaced progress and mince pork. Here we see how the King's Dream for a son have caused problems. And he sees how his remarrying has brought more anguish. His Dream and fixation killed his wife and Baelon. We see Alicent is seemingly trying to be supportive of both her husband and her former best friend. He comes out for the last of the hunt to see the stag restrained in place for him to kill. Viserys appears reduction and then decides to kill the creature. His blow doesn't end it though and he watches it in pain only to hesitate. The killing blog pushes the creature over as his screeches its last. We see Rhae standing on a cliff overlooking the Kingswood and she sees the White Hart. A massive elk of pure white color who comes towards her. This seems to infer in fact she is the True Heir the Gods seek to wear the Iron Crown. She brings home her kill with Ser Cole and everyone witnesses the blood covered Queen. Her body mussed and messed up, but we see that she's walking high. Directly past the King and then we return to the Red Keep. Otto continues to lay it on thick he wants Aegon to rule, and goddammit. Alicent is definitely not all the way on board with screwing over her best friend. Otto is honestly the reason that his line dies via Alicent. Its Aegon III, son of Rhae, who will eventually claim the throne for the Blacks over the Greens. Vaemond Velaryon, brother of Corlys, sends a message calling for aide. Vsierys is set on not appearing weak. Alicent gets blunt with him and we can see he finally makes a fucking decisive. The Princess arrives just as it happens, and I think maybe we'll see a little of that divide healed. She tells him how she is not really worth it. Viserys is serious with her as he remains in her defense. Maybe, she'll pick it up and he gives her the right to choose her own match. "Strengthen your claim." He's being good here, that is -what she should be donig-? Why just languish when you could have been building all the connections to defend her claim. Which she's not since you know she's a FUCKING CHILD. No one seems to have been there for Rhae and while Alicent is manipulated by her father her best friend is out to dry. Back to the Stepstones, and we see that Vaemond is being a piece of shit. And I also noticed that there are several dar skinned soldiers serving driftmark. Which makes me happy. And it made me so happy to see that they FINALLY MENTIONED THE RHOYNAR in the fucking attestation of the King. Daemon reads his brothers message gives it back. Then he beats the living shit out of the messenger like the fuckboy he is. The new troops will help, bt you can see the asshole just wants to appear like a badass. Goes to shore, seeing the water logged banner of Driftmark and past the rows of those efed to the crabs. Holding up a white flag, it wonder if he's asking for Parley or to lure out the crabfeeder. He's offering his sword, yup, this appears to be surrender. Drahar glances skyward searching for soldiers and Dragons. HIs men creep out of the caves they hide in and head for the Prince. As a man takes his out thrust sword he attacked, all alone on the battlefield he runs through a hailstorm of arrows. Dashing strike and using Valyring Steel to share through his opponents. Matt smith is so good in this role, and as the Arrows whiz by his face he is just cleaving away at a run. The RNG seems to be screaming "CRIT CRIT CRIT CRIT" as he takes out the Triarchy soldiers. An arrow finally gets him in the chest and leg pinning him under more arrowfire. As they rain further down, we hear the subvocal rumbling of Caraxes, the Dragon was waiting. As the soldier's stream out of the caves we see them getting within Daemon's vision. He appear to be ready to die as they surround him. Out comes the Se Snake and his troops falling upon the bastards through the smoke. We see Laeron riding Seasmoke, the smallish grey dragon like a cute bastard kills the enemy as Corlys rushes in with a massive two-handed ax. The half-moon stabs and breaks the Triarchyman, and the Crabfeeder recedes to hide in his burrow. Daemon pushes further in to find his prey, walking out of the man's burrow he holds the upper remains of Drahar. Bleeding in his hand he drags the left side of the man's torso and proclaims his kill. The Sea Snake and the Rogue Prince have won the war.

Gay Canon

Okay, seriously, going on the THeory the Hightowers have Valyrian Blood, id' love to see a story where one of the Dragon's chooses Alicent as a rider. This causes a stir before her father can push further with her. She secretly swears to marry Alicent. Yup, I like this idea for a story.

Hottakes:

The King dealing with his shit still.

Ser Otto is intent on seeing his grandsprog on the Iron Throne.

This show definitely shows the growing split in the Kingdom. How House Strong will eventually side with the upcoming Blacks faction.

The greens including the Lannisters and High Towers are on another side.

The pavilions of the hunt were nicely colored, but we could have seen brighter colors that were a little bit more evident.

Rhae is out rebellion and is definitely dealing with the agony of how she's basically a spare with only a small oath to hold her to the Throne.

The pained scene where the stag was slain by the King was - ick. Corlys putting his brother in his place was a nice scene

Seeing more difference in the Dragons is nice. Sea Smokes more compact form which appears closer to Syrax in size is interest. Caraxes meanwhile is long and lankky. His legs including webbing to help him glide.

Drahar was menacing without lines, but I felt he could have said something. I LOVE CORLYS Armor.

[iris-sistibly]

The Targ Talk (a review series): House of the Dragon episode 5

[🔥]

This is just based on my own understanding, but the more Alicent interacts with her father, the more I understand why she acts and think the way she does. She wasn't just forced to whatever she is told, she was groomed by her father to believe into whatever he says.

Fan theory: In the earlier part of the episode where Alicent and Otto spoke before the former Hand left King's Landing, he made his daughter feel guilty for defending Rhaenyra. And when Alicent pointed that it was because Otto had been persuading Viserys to name Aegon his heir, he brought up some shit about the people questioning or being against Rhaenyra should she be crowned queen (which was possible considering that in this timeline, many believe that women were more fit to be consorts, for bedding and giving birth than ruling a kingdom). However, even if it was true it was still fucking shady for Otto to plot his way into getting closer to the iron throne through Alicent, and I've noticed how the young queen never questioned that. Meaning, Alicent obviously had always known of her father's plans and she supported it, thinking that whatever her father says or do, it's always for the "gOoD oF tHe rEaLm." This is the very reason why Rhaenyra couldn't trust her, even if Alicent [still] considers the princess as her friend, she has always been bound to betray Rhaenyra because the queen's loyalty will always be towards her father.

Speaking of which, I liked how Alicent reacted when she realized Rhaenyra fooled her. She went from being in denial into I-am-so-coming-for-this-bitch mode, and I was thinking, this is the Alicent I've been waiting and been wanting to see. In Fire & Blood, I love and hate her at the same time, the same feelings I've harbored towards Cersei in GoT.

That grand entrance Alicent made in the midst of Viserys' speech. I love how she became fiercer and more cunning, her wearing that green gown sent Rhaenyra a clear message: the battle is on.

Fun fact: In Fire & Blood, when the relationship between Rhaenyra and Alicent was becoming more tensed, the court became divided as well: "the party of the queen," and "the party of the princess." During the fifth wedding anniversary of Viserys I and Alicent, the queen wore a green gown while Rhaenyra wore red and black. Thus, it became customary to address the queen's supporters as the "Greens" while those who supported the princess were called "Blacks."

I love the mutual understanding between Laenor and Rhaenyra ❤️ also, their respect for one each other was the reason why they didn't have any problems on getting married. They both knew what and/or who they want, and they were both well-aware that their union was nothing but political, and they both agreed to might as well benefit from it.

The wedding scene where the Velaryons made a grand entrance! I mean, Alicent made a pretty good impression with her 2.0 version BUT the Velaryons owned it.

For me, what I loved most about this episode was the dance. I think whoever choreographed it did his/her/their homework well. Watching Laenor and Rhaenyra's dance was like watching 2 dragons doing some sort of a ritual before the actual mating process. All in all, the entire dance number was a literal dance of the dragon and I enjoyed watching it.

Speaking of the wedding scene, I love how Daemon casually gate crashed the party and was like, "what's up bitches?" and Viserys had no choice but let him stay 😂.

DAEMON AND RHAENYRA DANCED AND ALMOST KISSED EACH OTHER!!! Aaaaand Viserys' face upon seeing the two of the together was so fucking priceless.

Another funny scene was when Gerold Royce came up to Daemon and accused him of killing Lady Rhea, the prince brushed him off and stated his claims on whatever his late wife left instead, leaving the guy speechless. This is why I love this motherfucker.

[Meh]

Okay so...Lady Rhea Royce was literally introduced and killed on the same scene. I mean, she didn't really have any heavy role to play in both the book and the show but...I feel bad. I like her sarcasm though.

Fun fact: Rhea Royce did fell off her horse while hawking, but it was entirely an accident. She died nine days later.

[WTF]

I never liked Criston Cole in both the novel and the show. But in this episode, I strongly agree with everyone that he's a dumb bitch:

For those who feel bad for him after he got rejected by Rhaenyra, don't. He said it himself, his title as knight was all he has, whilst Rhaenyra even though she herself did crazy things, she has her father, the King who always puts up with her shits and protect her. He has NOTHING, once everyone finds out he broke his oath, he will be disgraced and punished. To save his ass, he planned on using Rhaenyra. He knew he could benefit from her, but what would Rhaenyra gain from him? Nothing. Aside from the fact that Viserys will disinherit her once she decides to runaway with Criston, she will be shamed, and will be left with nothing. In other words, Criston could not give her whatever Viserys provides her.

Yes, I've also considered the fact that it was Rhaenyra who initiated that uh...moment, but still, I cannot fathom at how he didn't understand that Rhaenyra is a princess and future queen, therefore it is her duty to make allies with other strong houses through marriage. Considering Criston's background, does he really think he stood a chance against Laenor? Or even the other lords who competed for her hand as far as marriage is concerned? This may seem cruel, but let's face it, he will never be good enough for her. The only reason why Rhaenyra turned to him in the first place, was because she got frustrated with Daemon (remember the brothel scene?).

Fun fact: In Fire & Blood, There were two contradicting accounts about what happened between Criston and Rhaenyra. According to Septon Eustace, Criston did beg the princess to elope with him and asked for her hand in marriage but Rhaenyra rejected him stating her reasons that she was blood of the dragon, blah, blah, blah and if Ser Criston could set aside his vows as Kingsguard, why would marriage vows mean any more to him?

In Mushroom's accounts however, it was Rhaenyra who went to Ser Criston and told him to take her virginity but Criston remained true to his vows and rejected Rhaenyra's advances.

Another scene where Criston was proven to be stupid was when he confessed to Alicent about having sex with Rhaenyra. Why the fuck would he do that when the queen was suspecting Daemon? Daemon. If he was so worried about getting stripped off of his title, and getting punished, he should have kept his mouth shut.

HoD won't ever be called GoT's prequel without a fucking bloody wedding. Yes, Joffrey was killed by Criston during the tourney (in celebration of Laenor and Rhaenyra's wedding). He died six days later, and during his last days, Laenor was beside him. In the show, I couldn't believe how they didn't even give the poor guy time to grieve or at least process everything that happened. He was immediately dragged into the ceremony and could barely even say his vows. At this point, idk what's worse, the red wedding or this.

[Special Shoutout]

This will be the last episode where we'll be seeing Milly Alcock and Emily Carrey! I miss them already, but I really enjoyed watching these two. They truly are deserving to be part of this show, both are amazing actresses ❤️ Cheers to Milly and Emily! I feel sad that I won't be seeing them on the show anymore, but I am looking forward to Emma and Olivia taking over starting episode 6 next week, also excited to meet the rest of the Targaryen & Velaryon fam (and spoiler alert: the Strong sibs too 😬).

[drpepperhateblog]

House of the Dragon Episode Prediction (Spoilers)

Episode 1 was 104 and half of 105 AC. Episode 2 was 105 AC and half of 106 AC.

In the latter half of 106 AC Alicent marries Viserys, and Daemon and Corlys invade the Stepstones. They also appear to be taking care of the event of 107 AC - Aegon’s birth - according to previews, as well as the clear nod to him considering how the episode is named “The Second of His Name”. (Technically third, but since Aegon the Uncrowned was never actually crowned, I suppose it checks out.)

The timeline however also gets muddy, because previews show discussions of marriage occurring regarding Rhaenyra. She doesn’t wed Laenor Velaryon until 113 AC, which is 6 years later. Peculiar decision, maybe her sons will be aged up?

Episode 4 is called “King of the Narrow Sea”. Daemon Targaryen styles himself as the King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea in 109 AC. So I expect it will deal with that year and the aforementioned - in 108 AC Daemon kills the Crabfeeder, then declares himself king. Helaena Targaryen is born. Otto Hightower is sent away from court.

When is the time jump and when does it occur?

We know a time jump will occur either in episode 5 or the episode after. Episode 5 is called “We Light the Way”, the words of House Hightower.

Episode 6 is called “The Princess and the Queen”. This is also the name of a novella, but I wouldn’t put too much thought into it. Again, they named Episode 2 “The Rogue Prince” despite the fact that it actually deals with the events leading up to that novella. So I expect this episode to be events leading up to that instead.

We know the Green Council is held in 129 AC, when Viserys dies, and that happens to be the name of Episode 9 too, so I doubt Viserys will die in any episode prior to that. Therefore, Episode 5-9 have to squish all of this:

110 AC - Aemond’s birth. 111 AC - The tourney where Alicent wears green and Rhaenyra wears black. Viserys and Daemon briefly reconcile, then Daemon is banished again. 112 AC - Criston Cole becomes lord commander of the Kingsguard. 113 AC - Rhaenyra marries Laenor Velaryon. Criston Cole kills Joffrey Lonmouth. 114 AC - Jacaerys is born. 115 AC - Lucerys is born. Rhea Royce dies. Laena and Daemon marry. 116 AC - Baela and Rhaena are born. 117 AC - Joffrey is born. 120 AC - The Red Spring - Laena dies in childbirth, Laenor is killed by Qarl Correy, Harwin and Lyonel Strong die in the fire at Harrenhal, Aemond loses an eye. Oh yeah, and Rhaenyra and Daemon marry and have a son, Aegon. Uh, I assume this one will be an episode on its own, because holy fuck. 122 AC - Viserys is born. 123 AC - Jahaerys and Jaehaera are born. 126 AC - Corlys briefly falls ill. Vaemond is executed for calling Rhaenyra’s sons bastards. 129 AC - King Viserys dies, the Green Council is held.

This is a lot to squeeze into 5 episodes. My guess is this:

Episode 5: We Light the Way 110 AC - Aemond’s birth. 111 AC - The tourney where Alicent wears green and Rhaenyra wears black. Viserys and Daemon briefly reconcile, then Daemon is banished again. 112 AC - Criston Cole becomes lord commander of the Kingsguard. 113 AC - Rhaenyra marries Laenor Velaryon. Criston Cole kills Joffrey Lonmouth. I believe they just might move the Laena and Daemon marriage to be earlier here and have Rhea Royce die earlier, so Daemon’s marriage is a direct reaction to the king banishing him, and sowing seeds for Corlys to secretly plot with Daemon.

Episode 6: The Princess and the Queen I think it’s possible that they move the Green + Black tourney to this episode and have it take place forward in time. But either way, I think this is a massive time jump where Rhaenyra gives birth to Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey, and Laena gives birth to Baela and Rhaena,

Episode 7: Driftmark 120 AC - The Red Spring - Laena dies in childbirth, Laenor is killed by Qarl Correy, Harwin and Lyonel Strong die in the fire at Harrenhal, Aemond loses an eye. I could be misremembering but I think Laena’s funeral was held at Driftmark. If it isn’t, it still makes sense for it to be. We still don’t know who is behind the fire at Harrenhal, but if it’s Corlys, this makes additional sense.

Episode 8: The Lord of the Tides 126 AC - Corlys briefly falls ill. Vaemond is executed for calling Rhaenyra’s sons bastards. Viserys is born and Jaehaerys and Jaehaera are born.

Episode 9: The Green Council This episode should be where Viserys dies and the Greens make their moves. Rhaenyra loses baby Visenya upon hearing the news at the end of the episode.

Episode 10: The Black Queen Aftermath. Rhaenyra is crowned queen.

[aion-rsa]

Who are the New Characters in Game of Thrones Prequel, House of the Dragon?

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This article MIGHT contain mild spoilers for House of the Dragon.

The Game of Thrones prequel is heating up with three major lead additions to the House of the Dragon ensemble. With the casting of Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, and Emma D’Arcy, significant pedigree has been added to the series, particularly for either Doctor Who or British Royal Family enthusiasts with regard to Smith. And it also feels a lot more tangible for fans looking on from the outside.

However, other than a brief mention of who the new cast members are playing—Daemon Targaryen, Alicent Hightower, and Rhaenyra Targaryen—not much in the initial press release blast is preparing you for the high stakes courtly intrigue that is to come. So if you don’t mind peaking a little behind the curtain a little to look ahead at the wars to come, here are details about who each new cast member is playing, and what it means for House of the Dragon’s narrative…

Matt Smith is Prince Daemon Targaryen

Perhaps the biggest name just added to the House of the Dragon cast is Matt Smith, aka the Eleventh Doctor on Doctor Who. Also appearing in Edgar Wright’s upcoming Last Night in Soho and as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during the first two seasons of The Crown, Smith will make his Westeros entrance playing an entirely different type of prince.

Prince Daemon is described in HBO’s press material as a “peerless warrior and dagonrider [who] possesses the true blood of the dragon.” But he was a little bit more complicated than his combat prowess or heritage might suggest. Certainly hot-tempered and alleged to have a cruel streak, Prince Daemon is the younger brother of King Viserys I, the dithering monarch who’s death eventually triggers the infamous “Dance of the Dragons.” The Dance in question was a civil war that tore the Seven Kingdoms asunder when Viserys I decreed that his daughter and eldest surviving child, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, is his heir. Viserys’ final wishes said one thing, but his Small Council said another; they lined up behind young Aegon, Viserys’ oldest son.

See, Rhaenyra was born from Viserys’ first marriage, while Aegon (or “Aegon II,” as he is crowned) is born from Viserys’ second marriage. It’s all loosely based on the actual 12th century British civil war known as “the Anarchy.”

Where Daemon falls into this is crucial. As Viserys’ younger brother, Daemon believed he would naturally be Viserys’ heir for years while all the king’s sons died in the crib or were stillborn. So Daemon bides his time by being an apparently ruthless Lord Commander of the City Watch, inventing that his men wear gold cloaks, inventing a tradition that carries on into the time of Game of Thrones. Daemon also becomes known as King of Flea Bottom due to his penchant for visiting prostitutes there and spying on the local populace.

Yet as his power in King’s Landing grows—as well as abroad with Daemon leading conquests along the Stepstones on behalf of the crown and declaring himself King of the Narrow Sea—his enemy in Hand of the King Otto Hightower begins to tear Daemon apart in the king’s ear. And after King Viserys takes Otto’s daughter as his second wife—also soon giving birth to healthy sons—Daemon makes maneuvers to claim his crown by other means… by marrying Viserys’ oldest child, Rhaenyra.

When the war comes, the Seven Kingdoms’ greatest warrior sides with the daughter Viserys named heir, while much of the rest of the realm sides with…

Olivia Cooke is Alicent Hightower

Rising star Olivia Cooke might be best recognized for appearing in Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One—though you should really check out her phenomenal work in Thoroughbreds and Sound of Metal if you have not—but that is likely about to change with her casting as Alicent Hightower.

HBO describes Alicent as “the most comely woman in the Seven Kingdoms,” and a young woman gifted with “courtly grace and a keen political acumen.” She’s also gifted with being born to one of the best placed families in Westeros. She also possesses the good tact of knowing how to use it. Aye, Alicent’s father Otto Hightower is Hand of the King when she catches old King Viserys’ eye. Although Viserys is a man with a daughter of near the same age, Viserys takes Alicent Hightower as his second bride, with whom he has multiple children.

Gossip in Westeros’ history tomes (written by George R.R. Martin) suggest Alicent may have had an affair with Daemon before her marriage to his older brother, but no one knows for sure. Daemon certainly became a political enemy to Alicent, viewing her children as obstacles that pushed him further down the line of succession. Alicent, however, was apparently an intelligent political operator, befriending Viserys’ actual heir, Rhaenyra (at least until Alicent’s son was born) and winning the favor of much of the court.

After Viserys’ death, many of the lords and ladies of Westeros come around to Alicent’s way of thinking, which is to make her son Aegon the king, stepping over Viserys’ actual heir. Some accounts (rather unconvincingly) suggest Alicent had a hand in Viserys’ death. In any event, she certainly was ready for it and what came next.

Emma D’Arcy is Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen

A relative newcomer, Emma D’Arcy appeared in Amazon Prime’s Truth Seekers and BBC/Netflix’s Wanderlust. She also recently starred The Crucible in the Yard Theatre. She might likewise have the juiciest role of the players who’ve so far been cast.

As Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, D’Arcy portrays the king’s first born, pure Valyrian blooded child, who like her uncle is a dragonrider. According to HBO, some say Rhaenyra was “born with everything… but she was not born a man.” She also was not born into the easiest family. As the daughter of King Viserys I and Aemma Arryn, the power of her Valyrian heritage showed early when she mastered riding her dragon Syrax at the age of seven.

Read more

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She also became her father’s protégé, cupbearer, and heir apparent, as a son continued to fail to materialize from her parents’ marraige. Even so, the grossness of the Targaryens is borne out of historical rumors that suggest she had an affair at a young age with Prince Daemon, her uncle, losing her maidenhood to him. She certainly married him after several other brief marriages, and after her father took Alicent as his second wife.

From Dragonstone, Rhaenyra ruled from on high and waited for news of her ascendance. But when word of her father’s death finally came, it was accompanied by the treachery of a small council that aligned with her baby nephew and mother-in-law, including old friends and lovers who picked Aegon II and the Hightowers over the true Blood of the Dragon. No matter, unlike Aegon II and Alicent, Rhaenyra could fly a dragon into battle, which she did alongside her husband in the wars to come…

There is of course more to say about all three parties, but we’ll stop there in case we get much too far ahead of the upcoming House of the Dragon…

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