#fathers of Westeros nobility

[mejcinta]

Complicated And Manipulative Father–Daughter Relationships.

I really enjoy how Alicent and Otto scenes emphasize how Westeros nobility fathers can manipulate their daughters to the point of believing they have broken free when they are in fact still playing into their father's power games.

Like in episode 9 when Alicent calls Otto out for using her like a pawn in her childhood, then goes on to declare Aegon will be crowned in the public eye (a more genius plan Otto had not thought of)....ugh!, that was chef's kiss.

"In certain lights you remind me of your mother," Otto said, with a smug look on his face. He was pleased that his coaching had come full circle, creating a shrewd quick-witted Queen of his poor, delicate little girl. A vulnerable, innocent, grieving girl he SHOULD have protected but instead preyed upon to secure an important position for himself and his House in the game of thrones.

I would like to see father-daughter scenes like these with Rhaena and Daemon, but as a contrast to the Otto/Alicent manipulation game; as Rhaena slowly realizes she can never match up to Daemon's standard of a worthy Targaryen.

Unlike Alicent, Rhaena is freer and eager even to please. There's a naivety there, but also a deep desire to gain Daemon's recognition. It's a manipulation game of sorts, but rather different from Alicent's.

Daemon was as much a plotter as Otto was, using his children like political pawns in the Game he was losing as a result of being relegated in the line of succession when Rhaenyra was named heir in his stead.

When Laena could not grant him sons he swiftly moved to Rhaenyra (a more eligible catch in terms of proximity to the Throne that would go on to give him trueborn male heirs).

We are shown that he treats Rhaena disparagingly compared to Baela, who hatched a dragon and was skilled more or less in combat.

Rhaena will later be sent to the Vale for lack of a dragon (I hope they make some changes to this) and had to grow up without the validation and unconditional love of her father as a result of not meeting Daemon's set standards of Targaryen power.

This could help explain why Rhaena later made choices Daemon would have frowned upon were he alive, marrying men of considerably lower social standing from the Vale and Oldtown (Corwyn Corbray, a widower and Garmund Hightower, a third son); men from regions that Daemon despised with a passion for his tainted history with the Royce's and the Hightowers.

I'm eager to see if the writers will grant Rhaena and Daemon an angle in season 2, to explore their complicated father-daughter relationship just as they did beautifully with Alicent and Otto in those few impactful scenes.

It would be a missed opportunity if they do not.

[stuffedeggplants]

Another aspect to this is that the expectations for how the ideal Westerosi noblewoman should act would heavily punish Rhaenyra even implicitly acknowledging that her Strong children are bastards, which the request to Viserys to legitimize them would do. Honor in Westeros is a pivotal cultural force that both men and women are beholden to, but for women, their honor is tied to their sexuality in a way that it isn't for men.

When it comes out that Daemon and Rhaenyra were "coupling" in a brothel, the main issue for our characters isn't incest or exploitation, it's that Rhaenyra may have lost her virginity (her 'maidenhead') out of wedlock and her honor and value as a woman along with it. Marriage is a political tool; if all of Westeros believes that Rhaenyra has slept with a man outside of marriage, it could be more difficult to marry her off into the most powerful, prestigious houses. This isn't an abstract thing-- by losing the opportunity to form alliances with these houses, you lose access to the resources they command. (Specialized military units, strategic geographic features, the economic power of major trading hubs and shipping lanes, rich farmland that can be worked year-round, etc.) Like Viserys said, perception is everything, and regardless of what actually happened between Daemon and Rhaenyra in the brothel, if the elite class believes that Rhaenyra has acted inappropriately and lost her honor as a woman, the political consequences are real and her reputation and value have been diminished forever. This is not a good look for Rhaenyra as the heir to the iron throne, especially considering how much she's fighting against the gale of cultural expectations already by being a female heir. Her honor needs to be unimpeachable, or at least appear to be so. People can question it privately, but speaking it publicly is a completely different matter because it destroys the image that the ruler is trying to project.

If Rhaenyra asks Viserys to legitimize her children by Ser Strong, it's essentially a public confession that they are indeed bastards. It tells all the major power players that she has broken with the restrictive norms of female sexuality, and has broken the oath of fidelity to her husband that is the marriage contract. Keeping one's oaths is another source of honor and personal respectability, and because Rhaenyra was born female, admitting her sons are bastards is doubly worse for her because of how tightly honor, respectability, and the legitimacy of her as a monarch are bound up with expectations for female behavior/sexuality. Pretty much everyone knows that it's nonsense and that her children actually are Ser Strong's, but with how their social dynamics work, there's no benefit to openly speaking the truth unless you want to delegitimize Rhaenyra and House Targaryen for your own benefit. If you want Rhaenyra on the throne, you need to be furthering and maintaining the perception, if illusory, that Rhaenyra is an honorable woman by Westerosi standards. Her sexual behavior and fidelity to her husband cannot be under question.

Tl;dr - The Westerosi concept of honor is tied to patriarchy and double-standards for female sexuality in such a way that it makes it impossible for Rhaenyra to even implicitly acknowledge the truth of her sons' parentage if she wants to maintain legitimacy as a female political actor and (future) monarch.

I've seen a number of posts both on this website and others saying something to the degree of "Rhaenyra could have just asked Viserys to legitimize the Strong boys!" And while I'm all for being critical of Rhaenyra's decisions, this is not the cure-all that it's made out to be. So what am I gonna do? Write a wall of text about it!

Here in the HotD fandom, people are much more inclined to defend Jace, Luke, and Joffrey Velaryon than they would Joffrey Baratheon or Ramsay Snow. But because prejudice towards illegitimate children is so foreign to most Western viewers, I've noticed that the default seems to be parroting the talking points of their preferred side: either their Targaryen blood is all that matters because Laenor is fine with them, or they're proof that Rhaenyra is unfit to rule because she's trying to pass off Harwin's sons as legitimate.

The "just legitimize them" folks seem to come from both groups, painting it as an easy solution for her problems or calling her stupid for not doing so. They recognize that illegitimacy is a much bigger problem in Westeros than it is for us, but this argument pretty significantly underestimates the scope of that problem.

In the books, Rhaenyra had an extra measure of plausible deniability. Rhaenys was dark-haired, and her sons could theoretically have inherited it from their grandmother. In the show, their race makes it very obvious that they are not Laenor's. Instead of arguing something that is clearly a lie, why not go to Viserys and ask him to legitimize her sons? If Rhaenyra and Laenor presented a unified front on the matter, what's the issue?

Well, asking Viserys to legitimize Jace, Luke, and Joffrey would mean admitting that they're bastards in the first place.

Just as it is treason to question the legitimacy of trueborn heirs, it is similarly treason to pass off bastards as legitimate heirs to the Iron Throne (see: Cersei and her children). Viserys has his head pretty firmly buried in the sand on this issue - his horse anecdote to Alicent is pretty good evidence that he's convinced himself it's a quirk of genetics, not that Rhaenyra is lying, though one could argue that he does know and is just choosing not to say anything (see: how he publicly accepted Rhaenyra's story regarding Daemon and the brothel, but sent her moon tea afterwards). If she went to Viserys and said she's been lying for years and would like her sons to be legitimized please, he would probably pardon her for treason and do it without question, but this is the kind of crime that people get executed for. Massive risk if she's wrong.

If the matter could remain between Rhaenyra, Laenor, and Viserys, then the risk is much lower, but for legitimizing her sons to mean anything, it needs to be public. That means admitting publicly to the lords of the Seven Kingdoms that she has spent years knowingly committing treason, cuckolding her husband, and planning to install illegitimate children as heirs to the Iron Throne and to Driftmark. This is an extremely bad look for the heir to the Seven Kingdoms.

The safest moment to ask, with the least social backlash, would have been when Jace was a baby or small child, when she could call it one horrible mistake and play the penitent who went to her father as soon as she realized he wasn't Laenor's. This wouldn't work more than once, so she would have to take precautions to ensure she has no more children by Harwin. By the time Joffrey is born, that ship has long since sailed.

So let's say that at some undetermined point after Joffrey is born, she goes to Viserys and gets her kids legitimized in a big public ceremony, maybe including a vow to uphold Jace's claim like the one the lords once swore to her. They're legitimate now, and there's a pardon for the associated treason. Why wouldn't this solve her problems?

Many of Rhaenyra's allies are those who see her as the lawful heir, and see supporting her as the right, honorable thing to do. If she admits to years of infidelity and treason, she's going to alienate large portions of that group for moral reasons, pardon or no pardon. It's a serious propaganda loss that gives the Greens plenty of ammunition to accuse her of being a promiscuous lawbreaker. "If she's admitting to treason, what else is she doing that she won't admit to?"

Then there's the fact that conveying legitimacy onto Rhaenyra's sons is not necessarily enough to clear the stigma attached to their birth. A Wiki of Ice and Fire does an excellent job of summarizing it:

There is a certain stigma that comes from being born as a bastard. They are said to be born from lust, lies, and weakness, and as such, they are said to be wanton and treacherous by nature.

They're treacherous "by nature." Is that a ridiculous belief? Yes, absolutely. That doesn't mean it's not a belief that holds sway in Westeros, that will continue to affect her sons. Even legitimized bastards are not fully accepted (see: the assassination attempt on Alyn Velaryon, the bad reputations for all of Aegon IV's Great Bastards, and the admittedly deserved hatred for Ramsay Snow even after he became Ramsay Bolton.) Daemon Blackfyre is the sort of exception that proves the rule - he gathered support through immense personal charisma, but his supporters also weaponized accusations of illegitimacy against his rival Daeron II. While Rhaenyra's sons already face plenty of prejudice as suspected bastards, she's not making their lives any easier by confirming it. Your average Lord Joe in (for example) the Westerlands, who's never met a Velaryon or a Strong, could have shrugged and dismissed the accusations; that possibility is now destroyed. A woman on the Iron Throne is already a hard sell, and a legitimized bastard on the Iron Throne is an even harder sell.

Finally, it would cost her the support of House Velaryon, one of her greatest allies, and remove the Velaryon name from her sons. The Strong boys would be legitimized as Jace, Luke, and Joffrey Targaryen, because of their mother, but once you acknowledge that they have no blood relation to Laenor, they don't get to be Velaryons anymore (no, their great-great-great grandmother Alyssa Velaryon is not enough). That's the way legitimizing bastards works in Westeros, they are treated as though they're trueborn children of their parents (in this case, Rhaenyra and Harwin). There's no real precedent for adoption the way Rhaenyra and Laenor would want to do it.

Corlys was willing to let Luke inherit based on the principle that "history remembers names, not blood," but once you establish for the history books that they're very much not Laenor's and Rhaenyra was cuckolding him (the fact that it's consensual would make it even more embarrassing for House Velaryon, because they live in a culture of toxic masculinity and homophobia), then Corlys is going to drop his support.

Rhaenyra could try to force the Driftmark issue, but she would be playing an extremely dangerous game. In Westeros, you can't just inherit things willy-nilly, there needs to be a connection to the seat in question to begin with (see: Ramsay Bolton needed to marry "Arya Stark" in order to get Winterfell, Robert Baratheon's ascension justified through his Targaryen grandmother). Naming heirs works for when claims start getting messy (see: Daemon vs Rhaenyra, Baela vs Luke-as-Laenor's-son, Robb Stark's heir) but there needs to be a reasonable relation to begin with, and "Because Laenor Said So" is unlikely to pass muster among House Velaryon or most lords of Westeros. If Viserys orders that Luke shall inherit Driftmark without any blood relation, he's setting a dangerous precedent that's going to make just about every lord nervous about losing their own holdings. When you're relying on the lords to support your claim, it's not a great idea to alienate them by reducing their power.

So there you have it. Rhaenyra could theoretically have Viserys legitimize her sons, but it would come at the cost of support for herself and her sons' claim to the Iron Throne. Insisting that her sons are trueborn Velaryons doesn't look like a great strategy, but I think that for Rhaenyra personally it's the best of two bad options.

[novaursa]

Web of Gold (royal wedding)

- Summary: Alicent could only watch as you handle her son like a lioness who plays with her food.

- Paring: lannister!reader/Aegon II Targaryen (+Aemond Targaryen?)

- Rating: Mature 16+

- Previous part: aegon is jealous

- Next part: honeymoon

- Tag(s): @sachaa-ff @alyssa-dayne @oxymakestheworldgoround @purple-1995 @thisbiann @whiteoakoak

- A/N: The last part was skipping from present to past. I forgot to mention that. It has been fixed now.

The grand hall of the Red Keep has never looked so splendid. Golden tapestries hang from the walls, catching the light from the myriad of candles that bathe the room in a warm, shimmering glow. The floors are strewn with rich red and gold carpets, their colors a perfect match for the union taking place today—a union that has the blood of the dragon and the wealth of the lion entwined.

Your wedding to King Aegon II is nothing short of a spectacle. All of the nobility of Westeros is in attendance, their finery dazzling, but none more so than the families of the bride and groom. The Hightowers and the Lannisters are well represented, their seats in the front rows filled with dignified faces that watch every movement with keen interest.

At the head of it all stands Aegon, his usually unruly silver hair smoothed back for the occasion, though he still carries that familiar smirk as if he's already thinking about the revelry that will follow. He’s dressed in a regal black and red ensemble that reflects his Targaryen heritage, but with touches of gold embroidery—no doubt a nod to your Lannister lineage. As you approach down the aisle, his eyes are fixed solely on you, and his smirk softens into something more genuine, more admiring.

You, in turn, glide down the aisle with all the grace expected of a Lannister bride. Your gown is a masterpiece, shimmering gold and crimson silk, with intricate embroidery that mimics the flames of dragons and the roaring lions of your house. The entire court seems to hold its breath as you make your way toward Aegon, your steps light and confident, a smile playing at your lips.

Behind you, your uncles, the infamous Lannister twins, Tyland and Jason, follow with their usual contrasting expressions. Tyland, ever the composed and political one, watches the proceedings with an air of satisfaction, knowing how well this match bodes for the Lannister name. Jason, on the other hand, appears more relaxed, casting admiring glances around the hall and clearly enjoying the pomp and grandeur of it all. He leans over to Tyland at one point, whispering something, likely a comment on the opulence of the Red Keep, which Tyland responds to with a curt nod, his face impassive.

At the altar, Dowager Queen Alicent stands beside Otto Hightower, her father, both of them watching the ceremony with varying degrees of restraint. Alicent’s expression is one of controlled politeness, though there’s a tightness around her eyes that betrays her discomfort. She still hasn’t entirely warmed to the idea of her beloved son marrying someone who so effortlessly draws his attention away from her. Otto, however, seems entirely pleased, his hands folded neatly in front of him, his sharp eyes scanning the room as if mentally counting the alliances being forged today.

Aemond stands beside his brother, his face a mask of impassivity, though you know him well enough by now to catch the faint flicker of amusement in his eye. No doubt he finds the spectacle of Aegon getting married as something of an ironic twist, considering how hard Aegon fought to maintain his so-called "freedom." Aemond’s hand rests lightly on the hilt of his sword, as always, a silent reminder of his ever-watchful nature.

Helaena is there too, her dreamy expression focused on something far beyond the festivities, though she smiles softly when you pass her by. She’s dressed in a lovely gown of pale blue, her hair adorned with delicate silver ornaments shaped like butterflies. She murmurs something to herself, perhaps a quiet blessing for your future, though it’s impossible to tell for sure.

As you finally reach Aegon’s side, the High Septon Eustace begins the ceremonial words, his voice echoing through the hall. You can feel the eyes of the court on you, but your focus remains on Aegon, who is staring at you with a look that’s equal parts admiration and barely restrained mischief. His hand, warm and steady, slips into yours as you both face the High Septon, the weight of the crown on your head a constant reminder of the power this union represents.

“Do you, Aegon Targaryen, take Y/N of House Lannister to be your lawful wife, to honor and protect, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?” the High Septon intones.

Aegon’s grin spreads wide across his face, a flash of amusement dancing in his eyes. “I do,” he says, his voice rich with confidence, though there’s a playful edge to it that makes it clear he’s already thinking of what comes after the ceremony.

“And do you, Y/N of House Lannister, take Aegon Targaryen to be your lawful husband, to honor and stand beside, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?”

You meet Aegon’s gaze, the room around you momentarily fading as you reply, “I do.”

The High Septon raises his hands in blessing, proclaiming you husband and wife, and the hall erupts in applause. Aegon, ever the dramatic, doesn’t wait for the formal conclusion before leaning in to kiss you, his hands cupping your face as if you’re the only person in the room. The kiss is bold, full of the reckless passion Aegon is known for, and the court watches with varying degrees of approval and amusement.

Tyland and Jason exchange glances, Jason stifling a chuckle while Tyland remains impassive, though his eyes gleam with pride. They know the political weight of this match—House Lannister is now further entwined with the crown, and their power has only grown.

Alicent, however, watches the display with barely concealed annoyance, her lips pressed into a tight smile. She claps politely, though there’s a stiffness to her movements, a reminder that, in her mind, no one could ever truly be good enough for her precious son. Otto, on the other hand, seems entirely pleased, his eyes flicking toward Alicent as if to gauge her reaction, though he remains composed.

Aemond watches the kiss with a raised brow, a flicker of bemusement crossing his features. He shifts slightly, as though resisting the urge to roll his eye, though a small smirk tugs at the corner of his lips.

The rest of the court stands, applauding as you and Aegon turn to face them, now husband and wife. You can feel the weight of expectation on your shoulders, but you stand tall, regal, with Aegon by your side. The cheers of the courtiers fill the hall, a cacophony of voices celebrating your union, and for a moment, it feels as though you and Aegon have already won over the entire kingdom.

As the feast begins, Jason Lannister raises his goblet in a loud toast. “To King Aegon and his golden bride! May their union bring strength to the realm!” His voice booms across the hall, earning cheers and nods of approval from the Lannisters in attendance.

Aegon, never one to miss an opportunity to revel in attention, raises his own goblet and smirks at you. “And may she forever spoil me with her affection, wine, and… other delights.”

The court erupts in laughter, and you can’t help but laugh too, casting a glance at Aemond, whose eye twitches in amusement, though he’s quick to hide it behind another sip of wine.

The night is long, filled with feasting, laughter, and the clinking of goblets as alliances are silently solidified with every toast. And as the evening draws on, you and Aegon bask in the glow of your new roles—King and Queen, dragon and lion, forever entwined in the history of Westeros.

The grand feast is in full swing. Laughter echoes off the vaulted ceilings of the Red Keep’s great hall, the clink of goblets and the shuffle of servants bringing more trays of roasted meats, fruits, and breads filling the space. At the high table, you sit next to Aegon, who is already well on his way to being pleasantly drunk. His cheeks are flushed, his laughter a little too loud, and every so often, he leans in to whisper something entirely inappropriate in your ear—something about what he intends to do later, no doubt—but you smile and nod, indulging him.

Across the table, Helaena sits quietly, her dreamy eyes fixed on the flickering candlelight as if it holds secrets only she can see. She picks absentmindedly at her plate, her fingers twirling a piece of bread like it's a delicate piece of embroidery. You catch her eye and smile warmly.

"Helaena," you say softly, leaning toward her, "are you enjoying the feast?"

She blinks, her gaze shifting to you as if coming back to the present from some distant dream. Her lips curve into a small, sweet smile. "It’s beautiful," she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper. "But the butterflies… they’re dancing too close to the fire."

You pause, tilting your head, unsure whether she’s speaking in metaphors or if this is just one of Helaena’s usual cryptic musings. Either way, you smile back. “I’ll be sure to keep an eye on the butterflies, then.”

She giggles softly, her fingers finally releasing the bread as she takes a sip from her goblet. There’s something endearing about Helaena, her quiet innocence standing in contrast to the rowdy festivities around her. You find her company refreshing—though you’re well aware that others find her eccentric nature unsettling.

As you pour another cup of wine for Aegon, who is now thoroughly engaged in a one-sided conversation with Ser Criston about something involving dragons (though Criston’s blank stare suggests he’s only pretending to listen), you feel a sharp gaze on you. Without even looking, you know it’s Alicent.

You glance up to find her watching you with that familiar tight-lipped expression of disapproval. Her hands are clasped so tightly in her lap that her knuckles have gone white. It’s clear she doesn’t appreciate the way you cater to Aegon’s whims, particularly when it involves filling his goblet over and over. But tonight, she says nothing, her lips pressed into a thin, sour line as she watches you with silent judgment.

You flash her a smile, sweet as honey, and deliberately pour Aegon’s cup a little fuller than necessary, making sure the wine sloshes right to the rim. He grins up at you with a sloppy, grateful smile, lifting his goblet with an exaggerated flourish.

“Ah, my perfect queen!” Aegon slurs, raising the cup in a toast that sends a bit of wine splashing over the side. “Always knows exactly what I need.”

You pat his hand and nod, biting back a laugh. “Yes, my love. Always.”

Alicent’s expression tightens even further, but she still says nothing, clearly choosing to hold her tongue rather than cause a scene at such a grand occasion. Her frustration, however, is palpable.

With Aegon now thoroughly distracted by his wine and the increasingly nonsensical conversation with Ser Criston, you take the opportunity to slip away for a moment. The noise of the feast dulls slightly as you move toward the quieter end of the hall, where Aemond stands, ever the watchful observer, his gaze scanning the room like a hawk searching for prey. He doesn’t sit—Aemond never seems to relax the way Aegon does. Instead, he stands with a goblet of wine in hand, his tall frame as rigid and poised as ever.

As you approach, he glances at you, his single eye cool but alert, that faint smirk already playing on his lips as if he knows exactly why you’ve come.

“Your husband looks quite… spirited this evening,” Aemond says, his voice low and smooth. His gaze flickers to where Aegon is now halfway through another story, clearly embellishing the details for the benefit of anyone still bothering to listen.

You chuckle, standing beside him, your fingers brushing the stem of your own goblet. “Yes, well, that’s to be expected, isn’t it? A wedding and an endless supply of wine—it’s a dangerous combination for Aegon.”

Aemond’s lips twitch with amusement. “Dangerous for him, perhaps. More tiresome for the rest of us.”

You raise your goblet slightly, giving him a sidelong glance. “I suppose you’re used to enduring such… tiresome things, aren’t you, Aemond?”

His eye narrows slightly, a knowing glint in it. “I endure what I must. Though some things…” He pauses, his gaze lingering on you for a fraction longer than necessary, “are more tolerable than others.”

You hum in response, your lips curving into a small, playful smile. “How kind of you to say. And here I thought you preferred your solitude over any company.”

Aemond sips his wine, his eye never leaving yours. “Solitude has its merits. But there are certain… exceptions.”

The weight of his words hangs in the air between you, subtle but unmistakable. You glance back toward Aegon, who is now attempting to stand, swaying slightly as he raises his goblet in yet another toast, clearly drunk beyond reason. The sight is both amusing and pitiful, and you can’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for your new husband. But at the same time, the pull of Aemond’s presence is undeniable, the tension between you two thickening with every passing second.

“And would I be one of those exceptions?” you ask softly, turning your attention back to Aemond. Your tone is light, teasing, but there’s a sharper edge beneath it.

Aemond’s smirk deepens, his gaze darkening as he lowers his goblet. He steps closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “You already know the answer to that.”

Your heart quickens, but you keep your expression neutral, unwilling to give too much away. This dance between you and Aemond has been ongoing for some time—never spoken of directly, never acted upon, but always there, clawing just beneath the surface. And tonight, with Aegon too drunk to notice, the tension feels sharper than ever.

Before you can respond, Aegon’s voice cuts through the room, loud and slurred. “Y/N! Where are you, my queen? Come! We must… celebrate!”

You bite back a laugh, casting Aemond a glance that’s equal parts amused and exasperated. “Duty calls,” you say, stepping away with a sigh.

Aemond’s eye follows you as you move back toward Aegon, the weight of his gaze lingering on you like a silent promise.

[branwinged]

a lot of targaryen takes sound like people making up some guys to get mad at. it gets a little tiring, the way they're imagined as uniquely awful within the text. i'm not certain we were meant to interpret them as the worst of westerosi nobility, simply that, being westeros' reigning house means they are afforded special narrative spotlight and scrutiny. if we had as much specific information on the history of the kings of winter or lords of winterfell, it would look much the same in terms of frequency of despotic rulers and dynastic conflicts. in the present timeline almost every noble house is in the process of unraveling, that's a theme with the lannisters, the tullys, the greyjoys, the baratheons, and the rest. the decline of house tully can be traced directly back to hoster forcing his teenage daughter through a dangerous abortion and then trading her as a political bargaining chip. it all goes back and back, tyrion thought, to our mothers and fathers and theirs before them. <- dynastic decline and intergenerational violence is an overarching series theme. like. "targaryens were always destined to die" is not really saying anything other than you think they're all ontologically evil i guess. and yeah about the dragons and the incest. well. i think the endogamy has more to do with concentrating dragon power within the family and less with the notion of 'valyrian supremacy'? i may regret saying this since i haven't read fire & blood cover to cover, but how is the sentiment behind “the blood of the dragon” materially different than “there must always be a stark in winterfell”? i don't know! they ALL believe in the inherent superiority of their bloodlines that's just how it works under feudalism where inheritance is secured through primogeniture.

[rynnthefangirl]

Okay, okay, I gotta be honest with y’all— I am low key a Larra Rogare defender.

Like yes, Viserys did not deserve what happened to him. He should never have been wed and bed by a 19 year old when he was 12, that is absolutely awful and disgusting. And nor did he deserve to be abandoned by his wife, from what we see of him it seems like he really did try to be a good and loving husband.

But Larra was not the one who asked to be in that situation! Her father forced her to marry Viserys, she didn’t have a choice in the matter. Yes, she could have waited to consummate the marriage, but even then you know her father was pressuring her to get with child. Should anything happen to Viserys, a child would ensure that House Rogare’s connection to the Iron Throne would remain. And she wasnt like some 40 year old woman— she was 19! She was still a teenager herself.

Then she is forced to leave her home and everything she knows and loves to come to a foreign land… where everybody fucking hates her. And don’t get me wrong, Larra 100% could and should have made more of an effort. Her disdain for Westerosi culture and snobbish elitism did NOT help her situation, and I think she chose to wallow in her bitterness and contempt instead of trying to make the best of her situation.

But even still, I’m sure it was very difficult, and some of the stuff she is most hated for I can’t even fault her for. Of course she would want to keep her own gods! They mean something to her, just as the Seven do to the people of Westeros! But rather than acceptance and tolerance, the nobility of westeros just despise her, spreading rumors and hate. And it all culminates with them literally trying to kill her! Her father dies, her House is collapsing, her brothers are arrested, and now the Kingsguard themselves are laying seige to Maegor’s Holdfast to arrest and kill her, with only two teen boys and Sandoq to defend her. Then afterwards, her brothers have to leave, and she is left alone to care for three children she never even wanted, one of them being baby Aegon the Unworthy, who was no doubt an utter menace of a child.

I think she was a miserable and frustrated woman, who like so many was forced into a marriage she never wanted to be in. It’s easy to demonize her because in this case the arranged marriage was to a young boy— an obvious victim. But that doesn’t mean that Larra had any more say than if her father had forced her to marry a 60 year old man. Lysandro Rogare was the real villain do that situation, and Larra was a victim of first her father’s orders and later of the xenophobia of Westerosi nobility and Unwin Peake’s schemes. I think eventually she just got fed up with it all, felt like she couldn’t do it any more, and left. It’s just awful that Viserys had to suffer so much in all this mess as well. But I can only blame Larra so much.

[hikarimiyanaga]

The Queen's Bride (Part 4)

Warnings : Omegaverse. Stark!Reader. Omega!Reader x Alpha!Daenerys Targaryen. Modern!AU.

Taglist : @kelloggs4cereal

You pace around the mansion's living room.

Even though you had class today, you opted to skip in order to know Sansa's second gender first. Your sister is more important than anything else.

"Mom! I- Y/N! You're back?" You smile at her.

"Yeah, just for a bit. How did your test go?"

"Beta. I am a beta." You sigh in relief and hug her tight.

"Good for you, my baby sis!"

"What- I'm not a baby." She pushes you away.

"Sansa, you are to me. Tonight, we celebrate! I'm taking everyone to your favorite restaurant!"

"With dad's money?" You wink at her.

"My own."

The truth was, you and Tyrion have a lucrative business. You guys help high school students cheat. It wasn't an ethical business but it did fill your pocket and secret bank account.

It also helps that your father has given you free reign on your allowance that is refilled monthly.

-

As you promised, you did take everyone except your mother, father and Robb as they were all busy.

"So what is the occasion, big sis? Why take us here?" Rickon asks and you smile at him.

"This is for your big sis's freedom!" You grim then turn to Sansa. "At least you get to have decisions regarding your marriage and your course. Do not choose any of the Lannisters even if they offer. I will kill you in your sleep."

"How about the Targaryens?"

"No. I'm already marrying one of them."

"Theon?" Arya asks innocently and both you and Sansa gag.

"Ew. We grew up with him. Borderline incest."

"Then who?" Sansa asks and you grin.

"Grow old without anyone."

"Y/N!" She slaps your arm and you laugh.

"Just stop looking at Westeros' Nobility and we're good."

"Are you oppose to any second gender?" You shake your head at that.

"No. Choose anyone you like."

"Okay." She leans on your shoulder and you pat her head.

"Come on, Sansa, order up. I can pay for everything if you want."

"No. Just because we brought Arya doesn't mean we can eat everything." You chuckle then turn to the other three.

"Choose anything you guys like, okay?"

"Even dessert?" Rickon asks, clearly excited.

"Yes. But that's after a meal. Eat up first."

"Okay!" Rickon says as he scans the menu.

-

It was an eventful evening. You had fun with all of them before all of you went home to the Stark Mansion.

You came inside carrying an asleep Rickon, a very sleepy Arya, and a barely awake Bran. Thankfully, Sansa is still awake.

"Looks like you guys had fun." Robb greets you and you roll your eyes at him.

"Too bad, you weren't there. Jerk." He laughs at that.

"Hey, someone had to man the company."

"Sure, you did." You carry Rickon up to their room while dragging Bran. "Bran, just a few more steps, okay? I'll help you guys change into pajamas."

"Thanks, sis." You sigh in relief as you reach their room and deposit Rickon in his bed.

"Come on, dude. Toothbrush then change. I'll help you find your clothes." Bran nods at that then he goes in the bathroom. You get their change of clothes and place Bran's on his bed. Then you carefully changed Rickon's clothes. Bran finishes up in the bathroom and changes into pajamas. He yawns loudly and smiles at you.

"Thanks for the fun night, sis. Goodnight."

"You're welcome, Bran. Goodnight." You kiss his forehead and tuck him in. "Sweet dreams, little brother." Bran sleeps with a smile on his face. You go downstairs and see a now sleeping Arya on the couch.

"Hey. Who are you texting?" You ask Sansa as you carry Arya.

"Margaery. She's also a beta." You hum.

"The Tyrells, huh?"

"Yeah. She's asking about you too." You raise an eyebrow at her.

"Me????"

"Yeah. You're taking knightho-" you cover her mouth and frown.

"Stop. Father doesn't know. Your room. Now." Sansa nods and goes to her room while you carry Arya to hers. You tuck her in quickly and go to Sansa's room.

"Dad doesn't know?" You shake your head as you close the door.

"Mom doesn't either. They both think that I'm only taking management."

"Why are you hiding it from them?"

"Because they only want management for me." You sigh as you sit besides her.

"Why?"

"Because I'm a weak omega." Sansa tilts her head at that.

"Weak? You?" You nod at her. "Does mom and dad need glasses????" You chuckle at her comment and pat her head.

"Everyone keeps thinking that omegas are only good for well-"

"Breeding?" You glare at her. "What? Margaery told me."

"Do not ever say that word again. Got it?" Sansa nods. "But pretty much, yeah. Why do you think one of the Targaryens are willing to marry me?"

"Because you're awesome?" You shake your head at her. "Omega?" You nod and smile at her sadly. Sansa has never seen you so sad.

"An omega from one of the noble families is considered a rarity. After all, Alpha and Beta bloods are much stronger. So they fought for me."

"Is that why you didn't want me to be an omega?" You nod at her.

"It's much better to be married by love than by being a trophy." You couldn't help the tear as it fell from your eye. Sansa panics now. You're her big sister and she has never seen you cry, not even when you get scolded by Ned or Catelyn. "I'm okay." You assure her as you wipe your tear. "Father might choose someone for you but I'll fight him every step of the way, okay? You, Arya, Rickon and Bran deserve freedom."

"What if they become omegas too?"

"By then, I'll be a Targaryen so-" you sit beside her. "So I can protect them." Sansa hugs you and you hug her back.

"I'll choose someone good, sis." You smile then kiss her head.

"That's all I want, little sister."

-

You get back to your class the next day.

Oberyn raises an eye at you.

"Did you get fucked all day yesterday?" You glare at him as you sit.

"Do tell, how the hell did you get into that conclusion?"

"Well, you've been wearing that outfit since two days ago." You look down and realize that he was right.

"Yesterday was Sansa's result day."

"Oohh. Do the Starks have another omega?" Oberyn says loud enough and almost everyone in the class looks at the both of you. Everyone here wants to know if there is another omega from the Starks that'll be fought for by every noble house in Westeros.

"No, dear loud mouth." You pinch his arm, pretty annoyed by him. "She's a beta." Everyone else looks away when they hear the disappointing news. Oberyn slaps your hand away and you glare at him.

"You must be relieved then?" You nod.

"So much."

"Congrats on her freedom, then." You smile as you nod then you bring out your notebook for the class.

-

You were about to go home when Daenerys sees you and takes you away. You look confused as she just looks at her phone.

"Where are we going?"

"Gala."

"Huh?"

"It's one of the Baratheon's birthday or something. The daughter of the eldest?"

"You mean Shireen?"

"You know her?"

"I met her before. Why are you going? Aren't the Baratheons your enemies?" You recall the bad blood between them.

"Still, I have a responsibility. Or did you really think the "heir" will come?"

"Ah. Okay. But I have nothi-"

"We'll pick up a suit and dress on the mall."

"You thought of everything." You deadpan at her and Daenerys smiles at you.

"You can't escape."

-

You arrive at the Baratheon's villa and unbutton the collar of your suit. It was suffocating the air out of you.

"We're here." You help Daenerys out of the car and hum.

"Do we have an invitation? the Baratheons can be picky about their guests." You still remember the one time you attended a gala of theirs without Robb and they rudely kicked you out.

"I am a Targary-"

"Yeah, that won't work here." Daenerys was about to refute you when-

"Y/N!" Someone calls out and you were suddenly lifted off.

"Ah! Uncle Robert!?" You struggle against the big man and glare as you find your footing.

"It is you!" Robert slaps your back and you feel like your spine broke. Jeez, the strength of this man.

"Yes. I didn't know it was Shireen's birthday today."

"It is. One of the reasons why I came home."

"What? Are the brothels not treating you well?"

"Ah, this jerk!" He slaps the back of your head and you rub it in pain.

"Y/N. Who-"

"Ah, this must be Daenerys! Your fiancé, right?"

"She is." You admit and sigh. "Daenerys meet Robert Baratheon. Unmarried. Although he has countless kids. Commander of The Baratheon Forces. And my father's best friend." Robert laughs at your introduction.

"Nice addition of titles, young one. You learned well."

"Is Gendry okay? He should be in high school, right?" Gendry and Shireen were the cousins from the Baratheon that you didn't mind talking to.

"He is. He likes Sansa, did you know?" You pale at that. As much as Gendry was a good person, you still didn't like the thought of high school romance, specially when it involves one of your younger siblings. "Maybe we'll finally be family!" He laughs wholeheartedly while you politely nod.

"We should get inside." Daenerys can feel that you are uncomfortable with the current topic so she tugs your arm.

"Right. It was nice talking to you, Uncle."

"Go. Tell your father that I will see him soon." You nod at him and escort Daenerys to the door.

"Sorry about that." You open the door and Daenerys just nods.

-

"So you're pretty close with the Baratheons?"

"No. Only Uncle Robert. He's kind of seen as a separate entity."

"And why is that? He is the middle child, is he not?"

"True, but he doesn't like to be in the family mansion. Or be associated with his siblings that much."

"Why?" You shrug at her.

"I don't know the particular details but some say bad blood between the three."

"I see."

"Y/N!" Shireen runs through the crowd and hugs you.

"Hi, cousin. Happy Birthday."

"Yeah! Although you did celebrate with me two days ago."

"Yeah. But I also got dragged to this gala." Shireen giggles.

"Who dragged you?"

"Hi there. I'm Daenerys. Her fiancé." Shireen looks at you.

"Fiancé? But Y/N! You promised me." Shireen gets teary-eyed and you panic.

"Huh!? Wait, wait, don't cry? Shireen? What promise?"

"That I'd be the one you married!" You chuckle and ruffl her hair.

"Not happening, little cousin, and besides we had a condition, didn't we?"

"Yeah." She sulks and crosses her arms.

"And? What was it?"

"That you'll only do it when you're a beta."

"Good girl!" You ruffle her hair even more and she pouts at you.

"Do you like her?" Shireen points at Daenerys as if she wasn't there and you chuckle as you bring down her hand.

"Yes. Incredibly so." And you realize as you say it, that it was the half-truth. You fell in love with her at first sight but you also knew why she wanted to get married to you.

"Then, uh-, Daenerys!" You beckon her closer as Shireen holds out her hand.

"You win! But um- don't you dare break Y/N's heart!" Dany forces a smile on her face as she shakes Shireen's hand.

"I promise."

-

The gala ends around midnight and you take off your jacket as you board Dany's Limousine.

"Not close to the Baratheons?" She asks and you nod.

"Not really. Shireen is special. She's the only one in that mansion that doesn't have a malice bone in her body."

"Do you like her?"

"As a cousin, yes. She's inquisitive and a reader like me."

"Are you in love with her?" You look at Daenerys with a dumfounded expression and she glares at you. "Answer me!"

"The fuck? No! Not at all! She's my little cousin, for the gods' sake!"

"We all know how famili-"

"Do not even say it. It's making me feel disgusted." You shudder as you even think about hearing the word.

"So, do you like someone?" You raise an eyebrow at her.

"What?"

"Like- you want to date them or something." You shake your head.

"None at all. Being an omega meant everything was going to be chosen for me. Even the people I hang out with. No more betas or Alphas. No more close friends. Just need to find me a suitable fiancé." You successfully hide the bitter tone in your voice but not the way you clenched your fist.

Daenerys, thankfully, stop questioning you and just drop you off at your apartment building.

'As if I ever had a choice.' You think as you board the elevator. 'I wonder how that'll be.'

-

A/N:

AS PROMISED!! YAY!!

Writer's block defeated once again... For how long, I don't know.

Also, I got a job! So that's cool!

[goodqueenaly]

If Elia wasn’t at harrenhal would Rhaegar crowning Lyanna have still been a scandal?

I think so, yes - a scandal different in kind, and perhaps to a limit extent different in degree as well, but a scandal nonetheless. While I do not at all want to undersell the extent to which Rhaegar passing over his own wife shocked and offended onlookers at Harrenhal - there is a reason Elia reportedly sat there “stiff-backed and trying to act as if nothing was wrong” in a probable attempt to minimize Rhaegar’s public humiliation of her - Rhaegar’s choice to snub his wife was only part of the Harrenhal tourney scandal. This is a point I made before (in a reblog from the late great Steven Attewell), but to reiterate, while the crowning of a queen of love and beauty is not necessarily and in all cases an expression of romantic sentiment, this act is not also completely free of such implications in every case either - especially when the chosen lady (or, rather, girl) is, by the standards of her (creepy, fetishizing) society, “part child, part woman … [a] ‘maid’ … [f]ertile but innocent, beloved of the singers”. For a man who was himself the son of a monarch infamous (at least in his early reign) for his seemingly omnivorous sexual appetite, offering the crown of queen and love and beauty to a beautiful, as yet unmarried (more on that in a moment) maiden, without any obvious sociopolitical justification for doing so, I think would have been seen as no less than the prince propositioning Lyanna in front of virtually the entire assembled nobility of Westeros - in other words, scandal enough on its own, without the added IOTL insult to Elia.

Moreover, because Lyanna was betrothed - and betrothed to the Lord of Storm’s End, no less - Rhaegar offering her the crown of the queen of love and beauty was a gross political insult, one immediately recognized by the Stark-Baratheon party present. Indeed, not for nothing does Yandel report that “Lady Lyanna's brothers seem[ed] so distraught at the honor the prince had bestowed upon her”, with “Brandon Stark … [having] to be restrained from confronting Rhaegar at what he took as a slight upon his sister's honor”, Eddard being “calmer but no more pleased”, and Robert Baratheon “brood[ing] on the insult”, so much so that “his heart hardened toward the Prince of Dragonstone from that day forth”. Even if Rhaegar, and likely the vast majority of the attendees, probably knew nothing about the specific geopolitical goals of the Stark-Tully-Baratheon-Arryn power bloc, every Westerosi aristocrat could appreciate the standard expectations of alliance represented by diplomatic marriages - expectations threatened by the apparent attempt by the crown prince to seize and use the Stark maiden at his whim, and presumably similarly discard her at his leisure. Again, if I can quote myself, “Lyanna was just sexualized enough to be seriously considered a target of romantic attraction while also being just unavailable enough to make any such attraction from anyone not her betrothed (or, perhaps, one of her brothers or her father’s bannermen) truly scandalous”.

[kataraavatara]

No, Corlys and Otto did not do the same thing here.

And this is in no way defending Corlys, so please don’t twist my words. These things are both awful, one is just worse.

Look at Laena and Viserys. Corlys and Rhaenys openly approach Viserys and say they have an offer of marriage. Laena and Viserys then take a walk outside, where they’re both visible to lots of people, including her mother.

However, Alicent is instructed by her father to visit Viserys “in his chambers” ie alone and without supervision. While Viserys is definitely a creep for marrying his daughters best friend, I (and I would also say Otto) don’t believe he would ever force himself on Alicent or that anything “untoward” would happen, and nothing physical did happen between them. But that absolutely would not stop the rumors that something happened from springing into existence, just like they did in F&B. There’s no way to keep these “meetings” a secret. In the best case scenario, Alicent marries Viserys and people whisper about the circumstances under which it took place. Worst case, Alicent’s reputation and chance to make a decent match is ruined.

Although obviously both these scenarios are disgusting, the Velaryons being very clear about their intentions and having it take place in a public setting is much more “honorable” in Westeros than Otto essentially telling Alicent to sneak around with the king and gain his trust. Although Laena is rejected by Viserys as a match, it doesn’t negatively affect her standing or reputation. This is not the same for Alicent.

Let’s go back to our worst case and say that Alicent’s “Vizzy Visits” become a scandal- while we, a modern audience, recognize fifteen year old Alicent is a victim, Westeros is a society that A) Regularly practices child marriages, at least among the nobility and B) Sees sixteen as the age of adulthood. Alicent would 100% be painted as an evil seductress who seduced the poor grieving king- hell, a lot of people in the fandom paint her that way in the 21st century! Otto, in an attempt to save face, could easily throw her under the bus. “Omg I can’t believe my daughter engaged in such scandalous behavior, things just haven’t been the same since her mother died :( poor me, pls don’t be mad, I had no idea.” If it’s Otto’s word vs Alicent’s, people will believe Otto.

Not to mention how aware he is of her friendship with Rhaenyra. And yes, Rhaenyra is just as much a member of Westerosi society as everyone else. She does not have the 21st century view of things we do. She at 14 has the responsibility of being heir to the Iron Throne with people swearing oaths to uphold her succession. Even if Alicent told her afterwards her father forced her into it, she just wouldn’t (and didn’t) understand- to her, Alicent and her both are becoming adults now and handling adult responsibilities and are accountable for their actions. Rhaenyra is headstrong, rebellious, and fiercely protective- “Because my dad told me to” is not going to cut it as an excuse. Otto knew this would ruin her friendship with Rhaenyra and didn’t care.

Now, the above analysis is mostly about the secrecy of it all. Rhaenyra didn’t seem to hold any ill will towards Laena in particular, which is why I believe her anger was as much about the secrecy of it as it was at the actual marriage itself. I think if Alicent was like “hey, my dad wants me to marry yours” there’s not much I can really do about it” she’d still probably balk but be much more accepting and sympathetic.

Now, look how they’re respectively dressed. Laena just has much more fabric covering her, with the cape sleeves and two layered dress, while Alicent’s is pretty form fitting. Not to mention the creepy incestous undertones when Otto instructs her to put on her mother’s dress and says how much she looks like her mom.

While both fathers are disgusting for doing this, Otto put his daughter in a much riskier situation where the question wasn’t if there would be fallout, just how much fallout there would be. By never formally and publicly declaring his intention to present Alicent as an option for the new Queen Consort, he put Alicent’s reputation and livelihood at stake in a way Laena’s was not. And this is not to take away from how inappropriate Laena’s situation was for a little girl. This is just to say-

When the bar is literally in hell, Otto Hightower finds a way to keep digging.

[thephantomcasebook]

What’s the logic for HotD pretending that Alicent being in a relationship with Criston is the height of scandal. She’s the Queen Mother as far as Westeros is concerned she can retire. She did her job- bore several heirs, raised them, the heir now King is married with an heir of his own. If Alicent wants to do a soft retirement attended to by her long time bodyguard well that’s her business.

Because most people don't know history or understand aristocratic and noble traditions, spoken and unspoken, that exist not only in Westros but in actual real life.

When it comes to arrange marriages in aristocratic settings, it is genuinely understood by both participants that there is an unspoken contract that states that you're loyal to your spouse in public, that you are loyal to your family, and that you will do your duty to your family and your line of succession.

However, once that duty is discharged and or achieved that you are free to pursue other ends and relationships, as long as you follow the rules of the societal conventions.

And no, that is not just for men, it is for both men and women - so there is no "muh feminism!" in these arrangements.

Once a noblewoman gives birth to an heir, a spare, and a daughter of which to use to bargain for more connections to other noble houses, the wife is now free to pursue romance and dalliance's with other men, as long as she sticks to the unspoken social arrangements.

That means not making a spectacle of the Romance in public, being discreet in the affair as to not embarrass one's spouse, and to keep up the appearance of fidelity of the marriage, and you will never - EVER - takes sides against your spouse in favor of your lover.

This was and is still so common among the upper-classes that it is genuinely and widely accepted that the younger children of a Noble House or Aristocratic family are illegitimate children of random affairs had by the Lady of the House. It is not uncommon for aristocratic Great Ladies to have two or three children in the beginning of their marriage and then later in life - Late 30's to Mid 40's - to have more children, with the understanding that these children are not her husbands.

This is such an established rule in European Aristocratic Societies - Especially British High Society - that it is a cataclysmic social faux pas, black listing offense, to point out or comment on the likeness of younger children to their elder siblings or - if you're really fucking ignorant - their father.

With all this said, no one, and I mean no one, would blink in King's Landing or in any court in Westros, that Alicent and Criston are having an affair. The existence of Aegon, Aemond, and Helaena gives Alicent a free pass in the eyes of the nobility to pursue romance and intimacy with Criston. People would not at all be shocked by it, in fact, they'd probably expect it. And if Daeron is not Viserys son, that still wouldn't shock anyone at all. They simply just wouldn't acknowledge it at all. People don't expect Kingsguard to keep their vows and they certainly don't expect people in arranged marriages to stay faithful.

The issue with Rhaeynra is that she is not following the rules of society ... at all. She immediately jumped to having affairs and birthing bastards without doing her duty of producing legitimate heirs to both the Iron Thrones and to House Velaryon first. The reason nobody cares about illegitimate younger children is because they don't inherit anything, their presence doesn't usurp what is rightly the legacy of the Lord of the land or master of the estate. Having bastards and letting them steal the inheritance of the noble family you're supposed to be serving through contract with society and God(s) is spitting on the fabric and social contract of which everyone plays their part in.

Rhaenyra thinks that just because they're her children, that it gives her the right to break conventions that keep their society glued together. And we see at the end of the war just what happens when her direct actions breaks the fabric of that society and the fate that befalls her and Joffery.

The Alicent and Criston manufactured drama is based on the false assumption that them hooking up is a moral sin in the eyes of everyone, when, in reality, no one would care but Alicent and Criston from the torment of their own conscious.

Also that somehow Aegon, Helaena, and Aemond would somehow be shocked or angered by this is fucking laughable. Criston Cole is the closest thing to a father that Alicent's children have ever had. Criston and Alicent have been inseparable for eighteen years. The show already hinted in 1x09 that Aemond already knows about Alicent and Criston. All the Green kids probably suspect it if they don't outright know about how their mother feels about their pseudo-father.

In the end, it's a failure of the writers to understand the social rules of high society in medieval era Europe and to convey that to a really dumb normie audience that just assume that what Alicent and Criston are doing is evil and wrong, when - in reality - no one would blink at all at it.

Cause, unlike Rhaenyra, Alicent already did her duty to Viserys and House Targaryen.

[megsironthrone]

More Than Any Throne

Based on this request: may i request a ramsay bolton x targaryen! reader? they are opposites since she is fire and he is ice and she is kind while he is well.. ramsay. he comes to essos to request her help in conquering the north (much like yara came to daenerys) and they end up ruling side by side, and ramsay doesn’t anticipate it but he actually loves her more than the throne?

Here you are! *Familiar Characters are NEVER mine!*

Warnings: None??

Pairings/Characters: Ramsay Bolton x fem!Targaryen reader

Ramsay stared up at you as you sat on your throne. For a queen of fire, you regarded him with such an icy expression it almost made him shiver. "I have heard of you, Lord Bolton. Of your betrayal of the Starks and the Greyjoys. I have heard of the murder of your father by your hand. Word of your horrible deeds has spread far and wide. I see no reason to trust you, especially not enough to form an alliance."

          Ramsay knew he had to say something and quickly before you had his head. He was nothing if not quick-witted. "Queen Y/N, I too have heard of you. Tales of your kindness and compassion have reached far across the Great Sea to Westeros. I know my reputation. Even if I should gain the Iron Throne, the people would not accept me. I would be assassinated the moment the crown was on my head." You arched a brow.

          "You aren't exactly helping your case, Lord Bolton. Flattery may work on my sister and most definitely would have worked on my brother, but I am not them. Why should I not let you return to Westeros for your, most likely, inevitable assassination then cross the sea to take the throne for myself?"

          "Because then the people of Westeros would believe that you too are cruel. What sort of queen allows a potential ally to run to his death when she could stop it? That is what the people would say. Together, we could rule side-by-side. You would be returned to your rightful home as the true heir to the Iron Throne and the people would love you. And you can sway them in my favor as well. If the kind Targaryen queen could love the ruthless, mad dog Lord Bolton, there must be some good in him. They would accept and follow us both as their rulers. But I cannot-" Ramsay cut himself off for a moment. He hated sounding so weak, but he needed to do this. "I cannot do this alone. I need someone like you by my side."

          You let out a huff. "Prostrating yourself before me does not suit the 'Mad Dog', Lord Bolton. Once again, your words of flattery mean nothing to me." Ramsay felt himself growing frustrated. You were supposed to be swayed by him, but you weren't. You showed nothing toward him except amusement.

          It grew quiet in the hall as your Hand whispered in your ear. You hummed and nodded slightly. For a few moments, you watched him as Ramsay grew more and more irate. It was becoming difficult to keep his temper in check. After a while, you hummed again. "You've amused me, Lord Bolton. That's not an easy feat. I will consider your proposition and inform you of my decision in the morning. You are free to explore Essos, with an escort, of course. Or you may choose to retire to the chambers I keep for visiting nobility. Until morning." With that, you stood and swept from the room, leaving Ramsay utterly confused and, maybe a little bit impressed.

          The next morning, Ramsay entered the dining hall to find you already waiting for him. He bowed to you and you smiled at him. "Lord Bolton," you greeted with a warmth that had been missing the day before. Once again, Ramsay was utterly confounded by you. You sipped your drink before speaking again as Ramsay sat down. "Though your proposal was…ridiculous, to say the least, I accept." Ramsay blinked stupidly for a moment.

          "What?"

          "I will sail to Westeros with you and rule, as equals, by your side." Ramsay began to smile, but you continued, "Know this, however. If you betray me in any way, I will destroy you. Bear in mind that my sister is not the only Targaryen with dragons. My reputation may be one of kindness and compassion, but I will answer betrayal and harm with ruin." This time, Ramsay did smile.

*time skip*

          Ramsay glanced at you across the table as you broke your fast together one morning. The stress of ruling over Westeros had done nothing but enhance your beauty. If possible, you had grown more confident, stronger, and intelligent since coming over from Essos. You lead the people compassionately and held Ramsay's temper back whenever possible. People respected you and feared him and the dragons. It worked well for you and Ramsay, to his surprise, found himself caring more for you than for the throne he'd fought for.

           "You're staring, Husband," you stated, hardly looking up from the scroll in front of you. "Am I not allowed to look at my wife? My queen?" You rolled your eyes, but smiled nonetheless. "I am only your wife and queen because you wanted the throne and knew there was no other way to get it. So either you're forming some devious plan, or you've come to the realization that you've fallen in love with me."

          Ramsay blinked in surprise. The man had prided himself on keeping any and all emotions under wraps. Did he love you? He had his throne, but would he give it up for you? Yes. In a heartbeat, he would. Did that mean he, for the first time in his life, was actually in love?          

A soft laugh from you broke Ramsay from his thoughts. He looked at you again. "Did you think you were hiding? Ramsay, my darling, you forget that I have been able to see right through you from the moment we met." You pushed your chair back and rose to your feet. As you passed by Ramsay, you placed a hand on his shoulder. "There is nothing wrong with admitting that you're in love, Ramsay." You squeezed him lightly before moving to leave the room. Ramsay stood and turned to watch you leave. "Oh, and Ramsay?" you called over your shoulder, "I love you too." Ramsay stood still for a moment as his brain processed what you'd said. Once he snapped out of it, he was instantly running after you, intent on spending the rest of the day getting you to ignore your duties and spend time with him.

(a/n: I hope you like it!)

Forever Tags: @fizzyxcustard @brewsthespirit-blog @etherealpotter @line-viper @cd1242 @frozenhuntress67 @smalltownbigheart @gruffle1 @supernatural4life2022 @asgards-princess-of-mischief

[exitpursuedbyavulcan]

The Silver Dragon (8)

The Beach

After overhearing a conversation between Prince Daemon and Corlys Velaryon at dinner, Aemond recruits Arianwyn to help him achieve a lifelong dream.

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x OC (Daemon and Rhea's daughter)

Warnings: none

Author's Note: Me? Struggle with one scene for almost an entire month before deciding I hated it and just scrapping it? It's more likely than you think...

Series Masterlist - Previous Chapter - Next Chapter

The dining room at High Tide seemed warmer that evening, more inviting.

Before, Arianwyn had only noticed the imposing pointed spires of the chairs and how the ashy wood of the table seemed to enhance the cold stone of the walls – a coldness reflected in her father’s eyes.

Now, as Arianwyn entered the room along with the queen and Helaena, warm yellow candlelight filled the room, along with the voices of the gathered crowd. Having spent their tears at the funeral and subsequent reception earlier in the day, the family had moved on to cautious nostalgia. They still held each other for comfort – whether through embraces, joined hands, or arms around shoulders – but rather than sharing their woes, they instead told stories of joy.

As she moved through the crowd, Arianwyn heard tale after tale of Lady Laena. Of her prowess as a dragonrider, claiming Vhagar, the largest dragon in the world, when she was only thirteen. Of how she had skillfully maneuvered the massive beast in careful dances with Caraxes, awing the royalty and nobility of Pentos. She heard of Laena’s warmth and grace, how she charmed everyone she met within mere moments. She heard of her deep love for her daughters and how, in her final days, she had begged Daemon to let them return to Westeros to raise the girls – and their unborn child – in their true home, amongst their family.

How such a woman not only married but seemingly truly loved Daemon was beyond Arianwyn’s understanding.  

Still, Arianwyn listened with great interest to the stories of her late stepmother until the party was finally called to eat. Thankfully, Arianwyn was placed on the opposite end of the table as her father. The entire Velaryon family – including Princess Rhaenyra and her children – took the seats surrounding the head of the table, where Lord Corlys himself sat. For any other lord, the consequences would have been severe for setting the king and his family so far down the table, but Viserys had always given the Sea Snake an unusual amount of grace.

Arianwyn was comfortably seated at the opposite end of the table, among those she considered her own: the king and queen, Aemond and Helaena, and even Aegon and Otto Hightower. If she focused enough on the conversation surrounding her, she could almost forget anyone else was there.

Nevertheless, whenever she slipped into that sense of security and belonging, she was inevitably torn back to reality by Daemon laughing at the other end of the table. Arianwyn quickly decided that it was her least favorite sound in the world.

After one particularly infuriating bout of laughter from Daemon toward the end of the meal, as someone at his end of the table was telling a gruesome war story, Aemond reached out to place his hand on Arianwyn’s wrist.

Aemond had not seen her since the reception that afternoon. Nor had his mother told him anything about the meeting with Daemon, but from the hardened look on Aria’s face and the slight tinge of red around the rims of her eyes, he knew it had not gone well.

She froze at his touch, turning to look at him for the first time that evening.

He offered her a weak smile, but when she did not return it, his smile fell, and his stomach dropped. “What did he say to you, Aria?”

“Not much,” she grimaced through her answer, dragging her fork through what remained of the pale pink frosting that had covered her dessert. “Nothing kind.”

Aemond dropped his hand. “I’m sorry,” was all he could think to say. His own father had not shown much interest in his younger children since the birth of Rhaenyra’s sons, but at least Viserys acknowledged them – to a small degree – and he was never cruel to them. Aemond could not imagine living without a father for so long, only to have him be unkind when he finally showed his face.

He looked down at his dessert, a small cake flavored with rich butter and vanilla and shaped to resemble a sea star. He had already eaten one of the five “legs” but now felt himself losing his appetite. So Aemond reached across Aria’s plate to grab her fork and carefully transferred the cake from his plate to hers with both hands.

“Here,” he said. “You really liked yours, so finish mine.”

She did smile back at him then – she had never been so sad that cake could not cheer her. As she ate, Aemond found himself staring at her. She looked different tonight. There was a hard set to her eyes that had not been there before. It made her look older, stronger, and even more beautiful.

When had Aria become beautiful?

Before he could answer the question, his attention was drawn to a discussion at the far end of the table, as if some invisible force had turned his head.

“How long do you think Vhagar will remain on my beach, Daemon?” Corlys asked. “Her presence here has started to unsettle my men. Especially with no rider to control her.”

Vhagar. Laena’s dragon – the oldest and largest in the world – was still here?

“I imagine she’ll depart with us tomorrow,” Daemon answered. “She followed us from Essos, so I imagine she’ll fly with us wherever we head next.” He smiled proudly as he lifted his cup towards his youngest daughter. “Our hope is that Rhaena will claim her, once she’s had some time to recover from the loss of Laena.”

Aemond’s pulse quickened. Not only was the most fearsome dragon in the world here, on Driftmark, but she remained unclaimed. Excitement raced through his veins, but he forced his face to remain passive – as if he hadn’t just heard the answer to years of prayer. It truly must have been the gods who nudged him to listen to Lord Corlys.

He spent the remainder of dessert formulating a careful plan. When, at last, their host stood from the table and began to invite his guests to the library for drinks, Aemond grasped Arianwyn’s hand with all his might.

“What is it?” she asked.

Aemond looked deep into her silver eyes, hoping that his voice carried enough weight in his voice to show her how serious he was. “After we’re sent to our rooms, wait half an hour, then sneak out and meet me in the hall, the alcove where that giant shark is hung on the wall. There’s something I must do, but I need your help. Promise?”

For a few heart-pounding moments, she just stared at him, bewildered. But then she turned her head, examining him as if seeing his face for the first time. With a mischievous smile, she nodded. “I’ll be there.”

Aemond thanked all the gods – old and new – that Aegon was finally old enough to join the adults for the post-dinner festivities. He could not have stood his brother’s prodding and teasing as he tore through the books on the Velaryons and Driftmark he had brought to pass the time on the ship. Nor did he trust that Aegon would have stood by while he snuck out of their shared quarters. If he were lucky, his brother would be so drunk that he would not find his way back until morning.

He only had to wait a few moments in the shark’s alcove before Aria appeared, flashing a wide smile. She wore the heavy black cloak from her riding leathers, the thick material sweeping along the floor as she approached Aemond.

“You snuck past Ser Sterlan?” Aemond asked as he took her arm and led her to a more secluded corridor.

“No, but I told him we were sneaking down to the kitchens to try and find more of those starfish cakes,” she whispered.  “He said it was fine, so long as I brought him one, too. So, I guess we’ll have to actually find one at some point. Where are we going?”

Aemond unrolled a piece of parchment he had tucked in his belt. On it was a crudely drawn map of Driftmark, with a large “X” marked just south of the castle. He held the map out, indicating the marked area with his thumb.

“There are only a few beaches large enough for Vhagar,” he said, excitement ringing in his voice. “I thought that since –”

“Vhagar?” Aria exclaimed, looking up from the map to stare at him incredulously. “Why would you want to find…?”

Realization dawned on her face, followed immediately by an overwhelming dread. “Aemond, you cannot possibly mean to claim her!”

He sighed, lowering the map. His desperation ran so deep that it hurt. “There are no more dragons in the world that have not already rejected me, Aria. If I cannot claim her, I shall never be a dragonrider.”

“But you don’t know that for sure! Syrax and Dreamfyre could lay new eggs. And there are dozens of reports of wild dragons every year!” She pulled her cloak tightly around her.

Aemond scoffed. “Rhaenyra will keep Syrax’s eggs for her own family. And any eggs from Dreamfyre will be set aside for Aegon and Helaena’s heirs.” He stepped toward Arianwyn, forcing her attention to his face. “Besides, do you really think I have a better chance of finding and taming a wild dragon than I do of claiming Vhagar? She has been ridden by a Targaryen for nearly two hundred years. This is my last chance, Aria.”

Arianwyn could not deny Aemond’s logic nor the determination on his face. She had never seen him so sure of anything. But she had seen the aftermath of his failed attempts at claiming other dragons – weaker dragons. She could not bear to see what Vhagar might do should she reject him.

“What about Rhaena?” she asked. “Vhagar was her mother’s. What if she hopes to claim her?”

Aemond blinked as something like regret passed over his face, but it soon vanished, replaced by a resolute fire that set his violet eyes ablaze. His voice was calm and steady as he spoke, “If Rhaena is meant to be Vhagar’s rider, then she will not accept me.”

That was precisely Arianwyn’s fear. She had seen the aftermath of his attempts to claim dragons that did not accept him. But as he held her gaze, unwavering, she knew there was nothing she could say to dissuade him. “If I refuse you and remain here, you will still go?”

“I don’t want to,” he said, “but yes. I need to do this. I have no other choice.”

Arianwyn nodded, attempting to calm her nerves. “Very well. Then you will not be alone.”

Aemond, in the little time he had to prepare, had made an excellent plan, though Arianwyn was loathe to admit it.

His map, which he had copied from the navigator aboard the King’s ship, showed that only a few beaches on the island would fit a beast as large as Vhagar. Only one was close to the castle. And, as Aemond reasoned, if the she-dragon was loyal enough to the memory of Lady Laena to follow her family across the Narrow Sea, she would want to stay close to them at High Tide.

So, Aemond and Arianwyn ventured through the dark corridors of the castle. They moved in complete silence, relying only on the tilt of a head or the subtle movement of their eyes to signal their route. Keeping to the shadows Aemond knew so well to avoid detection, they made their way to the Sea Gate, a covert escape route explicitly built for the Velaryon family in case of invasion.

The path led to a narrow stairway descending a steep cliff. Arianwyn’s first instinct was to call for Emrys to fly them down. But sensing her intentions, Aemond took her hand and squeezed to stop her from whistling. It took her a moment to realize that doing so would alert all in the castle that something was awry. If the king, queen, or any other adult knew what he was trying to do, they would stop him.

Walking hand in hand for balance, the two slowly made their way down the stairs to the uneven rocks of the beach below. Though they were no longer at risk of falling, Aemond still held Arianwyn’s hand in his own. Curiously amused by his newfound confidence, she did not move to let go. Instead, she allowed him to take the lead, pulling her behind him as they crossed the beach.

Rock gave way to loose sand the further they strode from the castle, slowing their progress. Tall, dry grasses and large patches of scrub were their only relief from the rugged terrain. With no sun in the sky, it was hard to tell exactly how long they walked.

Whether it was mere minutes or long hours, Arianwyn did not care. Though her heart pounded, anticipating the worn bronze scales of Vhagar over every dune they climbed, this was still the most peace she had since arriving on this gods-forsaken island. She had only begun contemplating why she didn’t feel as afraid as she should when Aemond gave another sharp squeeze to her hand, pulling them both down to crouch beneath the crest of a large dune. Arianwyn shivered when he released her hand, pointing just ahead of them.

Vhagar.

Though she had long heard stories of the three great dragons that her ancestors had used to claim Westeros, nothing could have prepared her for the sheer size of the ancient she-dragon. Seven hells, she had nearly mistaken her for a hill!

If Emrys was large enough to carry two riders, Vhagar could hold an entire army. Her skull alone was larger than most of the dragons Arianwyn had seen, and just one of her massive, leathery wings – even folded in as she slept – was longer than Emrys’ wingspan twice over.

As she beheld the beast, Arianwyn couldn’t help but wonder why Aegon and his sisters had stopped with the Seven Kingdoms. With dragons like this, they could have conquered the entire world.

She was broken from her thoughts when Aemond began to raise himself from the ground, his fists clenched. On instinct, she reached out to grab his ankle. He turned, looking down at her with a questioning gaze.

Though her heart was nearly bursting with things she wanted to say, all she managed to choke out was, “Please.”

That one simple word meant so many things.

Please. Do not fail, for I long to see you fly.

Please. Be careful, for I do not want to see you hurt.

Please. Do not die, for I cannot bear to live without you.

She could only hope that he understood it all before releasing his leg. Aemond smiled down at her. Then, he was gone.

Arianwyn watched as he approached the sleeping beast. Her heart thundered in her chest, drowning out the sounds of the wind and sea.

Aemond approached slowly, though his steps were heavy in the coarse sand. Still, Vhagar did not wake. Even when the birds resting on her back flew away as he drew ever closer, the great dragon remained asleep.

He stopped at her side to gaze at her saddle. It was made of well-aged brown leather and held on by countless ropes around the dragon’s chest, woven to form a ladder up her massive side. His hands and feet itched to climb it – to mount the fearsome beast.

His blood was burning with the urge to throw off his fear and sense to seize his destiny at last.

But he remembered his lessons with the Dragonkeepers well. Without a dragon of his own to distract him, for years, he had little to focus on but the words of the acolytes and elders. He would not mount her yet. Not until she was his, and only his.

Resuming his approach, he reached out his arm, his fingers tingling in anticipation. He slipped past one of the massive ropes, at last laying his hand on her. Her scales were not as smooth as Emrys’, each one rough and weathered – though whether by age or battle, Aemond did not know.

SNAP!

Aemond looked over to see a pair of massive orange eyes staring at him. He stepped back as the dragon lifted her head, nostrils flaring and teeth bared. Those golden eyes narrowed as she assessed him.

Aemond knew she was relying on a sense he could not detect himself. It was one of the first things the Dragonkeepers taught young riders – the dragons had the mysterious ability to peer into a person’s soul, judging them for who they truly were in the deepest parts of their being. It was through this sense that a dragon judged an aspiring rider – whether they were worthy enough to claim or a stain to be burned from the earth.

Look at me, Aemond thought. See me for all that I am. I am the second-born son of Viserys Targaryen and a Prince of the Realm. I am the descendant of your first rider, Visenya Targaryen, with whom you conquered this land. I am kin to Laena Velaryon, whom you so recently lost. I am the Blood of the Dragon, and I am here to claim you.

With a single, slow blink, Vhagar turned away.

Taking the gesture as an invitation, Aemond reached once more for the ladder.

But Vhagar whipped her head back to him and released a low, rumbling roar. Distantly, he heard Arianwyn begin to pray aloud as the she-dragon opened her jaws, and the night was illuminated by the fire churning in the back of her throat.

“Dohaerās!” Aemond shouted, raising a hand as he refused to shrink back. “Dohaerās, Vhagar! Lykirī! Lykirī!” Obey. Obey me and stay calm.

Though her fire still burned, Vhagar let it cool slightly as she again looked down at the boy in front of her.

His breath shaking, Aemond again reached out with his thoughts for the she-dragon, this time admitting to her the truth he had never given voice to before.

Look at me. See me for all that I am. I am a second son; I will never ascend a throne, and I will never wear a crown. I shall never claim glory as Visenya did, nor be as fierce and well-loved as Baelon or Laena. Though I may ride you into battle, I will never conquer a land as you did with Balerion and Meraxes. When your legend is told, I shall be counted least among those who were blessed to ride you. I am fearful, and I am unsure. But I am the Blood of the Dragon. I am a true-born Targaryen Prince.

I am Aemond Targaryen, and I mean to claim you.

Her rumbling roar faded, along with her fire. She brought her snout closer to the young Prince’s outstretched hand until her warm scales rested against his palm.

As the contact was made, a surge ran throughout Aemond’s blood, warming him to his very bones. As the pupils narrowed in Vhagar’s orange eyes, he could almost hear a low voice in the back of his mind.

I see you, Aemond Targaryen. And I claim you.

Arianwyn let out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding as she watched Aemond at last grasp the ropes that hung on Vhagar’s side and climb into the saddle. She felt his joy reflected in her face as he held the reins and commanded the Queen of Dragons herself.

“Sōvēs!” He shouted. Fly. “Dohaerās, Vhagar! Sōvēs!”

The ground itself seemed to shake as the dragon pulled herself up from where she had rested. She let out a mighty roar, nearly throwing Aemond as she shook the sand from her hide.

Arianwyn stood, lurching forward with an arm outstretched as if she could catch him from the crest of her dune. But he hung on, gripping the horns of the saddle with all his might as he was at last carried into the skies.

Vhagar roared again, the sound almost like laughter as she climbed higher and higher in the air until she was so far above her that to Arianwyn, she seemed the size of a hatchling.

Then, she dove.

Arianwyn was too enthralled by the sight of Aemond riding his dragon that she did not realize that Vhagar was diving directly towards her until there was no time left for her to run.

“Daor, Vagus!” Aemond’s scream was muffled by the beating of Vhagar’s wings and the blood rushing in Arianwyn’s ears. “Sīmon��s! Ziry ōdrās daor!” No, Vhagar. Rise! Do not hurt her!”

The dragon roared – whether in protest or reluctant acquiescence, Arianwyn could not tell. All she knew was that after Aemond’s command, Vhagar surged up with an agility that far outmatched her size. As Vhagar passed her, Arianwyn only suffered a light spray of sand as the end of her tail brushed over the next dune.

Arianwyn watched the great dragon soar above her, graceful and terrifying all at once. Her heart soared as she heard Aemond’s screams of fear transform into whooping shouts of victory that echoed throughout the cliffs and waters of Driftmark. She had not felt joy like this since her first flight on Emrys.

Vhagar continued out over the sea, an amused shriek escaping as she maneuvered through a flock of gulls. She dipped slightly, flying close to the surface of the water and tilting to dip the tip of each wing under the surface before pulling up, a rain of her own creation falling from her back as she once more climbed toward the stars.

After a few more heart-pounding moments that seemed to Aemond to last both heartbeats and an eternity, he finally landed Vhagar back on the beach where they had left Aria. He dismounted and walked to her head, running a hand over her snout as he whispered his gratitude. She let out a puff of hot air, warming him from the chill of the sky and mussing his already windblown hair. While affectionate, it was a gesture of dismissal. Vhagar was ready to resume her rest.

So Aemond patted her scales once more before running back up the dunes to meet Aria. She stood atop the hill, hands clasped in front of her, entirely unprepared for the tight embrace he claimed her in, lifting her up and spinning her around in circles before tripping in the sand, sending them both tumbling down the dune.

“Did you see, Aria?” he asked, undeniable joy in his voice. “Did you see her? Did you see me?”

Laughing, Aria scrambled to rise to her feet. “I saw! I saw it, Aemond! It was simply amazing.”

His cheeks flushed as she offered her hand to help him stand. It was only when he was again facing her that he realized she was shivering. Curious, the night air was cool, but not cold. Perhaps it was simply thanks to Vhagar that he was still perfectly warm.  

“Here, take my cloak, too.” He did not allow her to protest as he draped it over her shoulders and fastened it around her neck. “There.”

Her smile had become strange – smaller, but no less happy – and her cheeks were rosy. “Thank you, Aemond.”

“Let’s hurry back to the castle,” he said as he retook her hand. This time, he realized that she was cool to the touch. “I want to tell Mother straight away!”

He squeezed her hand, his only warning before he ran back across the beach as fast as he could, dragging her along with him. They laughed the entire way, Aemond recounting his flight with all the dramatic flair he could muster, as if Aria had not witnessed the whole thing. She humored him, reacting to his words with enough enthusiasm that even he could believe she was hearing it for the first time.

They did not quiet until they were back in the tunnel of the Sea Gate and saw four figures running toward them.

“What are they doing here?” Aria whispered, her grip on Aemond’s hand tightening.

It was their cousins – Jace, Luke, Baela, and Rhaena. They all stared at Aemond with a measure of surprise and fury. He dropped Aria’s hand and pushed her behind him, protecting her from the threat he saw in the gaze of his half-sister’s bastards and the daughters of Daemon.

“It’s him,” Baela spat.

Yes, she was Daemon’s daughter indeed.

It did not matter.  He was a dragonrider now – the claimant to the largest dragon in the world. Say what they may, his cousins could harm him no longer.

With all the confidence of the world, he replied, “It’s me.”

[novaursa]

The Dragon's Right (11)

- Summary: It was by grace of the gods that firstborn child of Viserys I and Aemma was born a boy and he lived. And all of the rest, scholars will later say, is by power of something more malevolent in kind.

- Paring: male!reader/Rhaenyra Targaryen

- Rating: Explicit 18+

- Word count: 5 800+

- Previous part: 10

- Next part: 12

- Tag(s): @sachaa-ff @alyssa-dayne @oxymakestheworldgoround

The Sept near Casterly Rock was a grand structure, its towering spires reaching high into the sky, casting long shadows over the golden hills surrounding the Lannister stronghold. The sun was bright in the sky, its warm rays cutting through the otherwise somber mood that lingered inside the Sept itself. The vast interior was filled with the nobility of Westeros, all gathered to witness the union of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Lord Jason Lannister. It was an event that had drawn powerful lords and ladies from every corner of the realm, eager to see one of the most important political marriages of the age.

The Sept was decorated lavishly, with red and gold banners hanging from the high arches, the Lannister colors boldly displayed alongside the dragon sigils of House Targaryen. Flowers were strewn along the aisles, filling the air with their fragrance, a stark contrast to the heaviness of the occasion. Seated in the front rows were the most prominent figures of the realm, their faces a mixture of anticipation and curiosity, but there was an undercurrent of tension beneath the gilded ceremony.

Jason Lannister stood at the altar, dressed in the finest silks and gold, his lion sigil prominently displayed on his chest. His posture was proud, his expression smug, as though this marriage were another jewel in the Lannister crown. His twin brother, Tyland, stood beside him, his face more composed, though his eyes gleamed with quiet satisfaction. Jason’s gaze, however, frequently flickered toward the entrance, waiting for the arrival of his bride. It was clear he took great pride in having won the Targaryen princess, even if she had not come willingly.

Whispers echoed through the Sept as the ceremony was about to begin, the lords and ladies murmuring to one another, casting curious glances toward the entrance. They had heard the rumors, of course—rumors of Rhaenyra’s defiance, of her refusal to bow to the will of the Crown and be married off like a prize. But here they were, all gathered to see it happen, to see if the wild princess could truly be tamed.

Suddenly, the great doors at the far end of the Sept swung open, and all eyes turned as Rhaenyra Targaryen entered.

She was resplendent in a gown of deep red and black, the colors of her house, the fabric embroidered with intricate dragons that seemed to swirl around her as she moved. Her hair, pale as silver, was pulled back into an elaborate braid, adorned with small gems that caught the light. The gown flowed around her like molten fire, her figure regal, but it did nothing to soften the sharpness in her expression.

Her face was set in a mask of cold defiance, her violet eyes scanning the crowd with thinly veiled contempt. She walked slowly down the aisle, her steps steady, but each movement carried a weight of rebellion. She was not walking toward her future; she was walking toward her doom, and everyone present knew it. Her gaze flickered toward her father, King Viserys, who sat near the front, his expression one of barely concealed disappointment. Rhaenyra shot him a sharp look, filled with anger and betrayal, the tension between them palpable even from a distance.

The whispers grew louder as she approached the altar, her displeasure clear for all to see. It was no secret that she had been forced into this marriage, and her rebellion was written in every step she took. She refused to look at Jason Lannister, whose smirk remained firmly in place, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. To him, this was victory.

As Rhaenyra reached the altar and stood before the Septon, her hands clenched tightly around the bouquet of flowers she held. Her chest rose and fell with the weight of her fury, but she kept her composure, her face set in stone. The Septon stood before them, draped in the white and gold robes of his office, the Seven-Pointed Star gleaming on his chest. He raised his hands, his voice loud and booming as he began the ceremonial rites.

“Before the eyes of gods and men, we gather to join this man and this woman in marriage, to bring together the houses of Targaryen and Lannister,” the Septon intoned, his voice echoing through the great hall.

But even as the words filled the Sept, Rhaenyra’s mind was elsewhere. She barely heard the Septon, barely registered the murmurs of the crowd, the weight of her situation pressing down on her like a boulder. Her eyes flicked toward her father again, her heart burning with resentment. How could he have done this to her? How could he have forced her into this farce?

Jason glanced at her, his smirk widening as if he could feel her resistance, and Rhaenyra clenched her teeth, her grip tightening on the flowers until the stems dug into her skin.

Suddenly, there was a loud thud from above, and the entire Sept seemed to shudder. The ground beneath their feet vibrated, and dust began to fall from the high ceiling as the massive structure groaned under the sudden impact. Gasps of shock and alarm rippled through the crowd, lords and ladies looking around in confusion.

“What was that?” someone whispered, their voice filled with fear.

The Septon paused, his eyes widening as he looked up toward the ceiling, where more dust and debris began to trickle down. The Sept shuddered again, the sound of stone grinding against stone filling the air. The once orderly crowd began to stir, whispers growing louder as panic started to take hold.

“Something’s on the roof!” a man shouted from the back, his voice trembling.

Jason Lannister’s smirk vanished, replaced with a look of confusion as he glanced at his brother, Tyland. “What in the Seven Hells is happening?”

Rhaenyra’s eyes snapped upward, her heart pounding as she felt the familiar rumble in her chest. The ground beneath her feet trembled again, and this time, the shaking was stronger, sending more debris falling from the ceiling. The crowd, sensing the danger, began to rise from their seats, voices rising in panic.

Another thunderous impact rocked the Sept, and now it was clear—something massive had landed on the roof, and whatever it was, it was not gentle. The ancient stone groaned under the weight, cracks beginning to form along the arches of the ceiling, and the once majestic hall began to crumble.

The Septon backed away from the altar, his voice trembling. “This… this is an omen…”

But before he could finish, a loud, piercing roar echoed through the air, shaking the very foundations of the Sept. Panic erupted, people screaming and scrambling toward the exits as the ceiling above began to crack and crumble, chunks of stone falling to the floor.

Rhaenyra stood frozen for a moment, her eyes wide, her heart racing. She knew that roar.

And she knew exactly what—or rather, who—had just arrived.

The piercing shriek of a dragon cut through the panicked cries inside the Sept, echoing off the stone walls as if the very gods themselves had arrived. Rhaenyra’s heart leaped in her chest at the sound—it was unmistakable. Silverwing. You had come, just as you had promised all those moons ago. The ground beneath her feet trembled with each movement of the great dragon above, the stone walls groaning under the immense pressure. Chaos erupted around her as lords and ladies screamed, scrambling for the exits, their finely embroidered cloaks and gowns tangling as they tried to flee.

Rhaenyra's eyes darted around, searching for a way to escape the suffocating madness. She had to reach you. The ceremony was forgotten, the image of Jason Lannister and the Septon dissolving into the chaos. Without hesitation, she pushed past the panicking nobles, her heart racing as she ducked through the panicked crowd. She could hear her father’s voice shouting her name over the din, “Rhaenyra!” but she didn’t stop.

She had no time for explanations. All that mattered was getting to you.

Behind her, Jason Lannister shouted as well, his voice rising in anger, “Where do you think you’re going, Princess?” He lunged forward to follow her, but the crowd surged between them, cutting off his path.

The Kingsguard, stationed near the aisle, saw her running and immediately gave chase. But Daemon, standing casually near the edge of the Sept with his arms crossed, watched the chaos unfold with amusement. As the guards ran past him, Daemon shifted subtly, stepping in just the right way to trip them. One guard stumbled into a pillar, his armor clattering against the stone, while the other fell flat on the floor, his sword sliding across the polished marble. Daemon smirked and gave Rhaenyra a small nod, knowing she would understand. He wasn’t letting anyone stop her today.

Rhaenyra pushed through the grand doors of the Sept, her breath coming in short gasps, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. The sunlight hit her face like a slap, the chaos of the Sept replaced by the sight of Silverwing descending, her massive wings outstretched, stirring up the dust and dirt around her as she landed just outside. You were atop her, your silver armor gleaming in the sunlight, and the sight of you filled her with a sense of relief so strong she almost forgot to breathe.

You locked eyes with her as Silverwing let out another fierce roar, sending waves of heat into the air as her claws scraped the ground.

"Brother!" Rhaenyra gasped, running toward you as if her life depended on it. The wind from Silverwing’s wings whipped through her hair, but she didn’t stop. She had been waiting for this moment for what felt like an eternity.

“Rhaenyra!” you called down, your voice filled with urgency as you extended a hand to help her up onto Silverwing’s saddle.

Without a second thought, she took your hand, her fingers gripping yours tightly as you hauled her up, pulling her onto the saddle behind you. Her gown tangled beneath her as she climbed, but she didn’t care. The feel of the leather beneath her and the solid presence of Silverwing’s powerful body beneath her legs was enough to make her forget the world below.

“Hold on!” you shouted over the sound of Silverwing’s wings beginning to flap, preparing to take flight once more.

Before Silverwing could ascend, a roar echoed from the skies above. Syrax. Rhaenyra turned her head just in time to see her golden dragon soaring overhead, her wings outstretched as she circled, waiting for her rider to follow. A bond between dragon and rider that could never be severed.

From the doors of the Sept, Viserys stumbled out, breathless, his hand clutching his chest as he tried to call after his daughter. “Rhaenyra!” he shouted again, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and anger. His health had been deteriorating, and the strain of running out of the Sept left him gasping for breath, but he pushed forward, determined to stop her.

The king halted abruptly as he saw you, his son, for the first time in two long years. His face was a mixture of shock and disbelief as he stared up at you, sitting tall atop Silverwing. The reunion he had imagined was not like this. His eyes, wide with emotion, met yours for a brief moment, and in that glance, you saw everything—relief, sorrow, and the knowledge that things had changed far more than either of you had expected.

Alicent rushed to his side, her gown sweeping the ground as she took her place next to the king. Her breath hitched as her gaze shifted from Viserys to you, her eyes widening with realization. You had returned—but not for her. No, you had come for Rhaenyra. For your sister, for the woman you had always protected. She knew then, in that instant, that whatever hope she had harbored of your affection, whatever foolish dreams she had let linger, were gone.

Her face twisted in a mixture of shock and resentment, though she hid it well, standing dutifully at Viserys’s side. She had been left to endure her fate in silence, to bear the weight of the crown’s decisions without complaint. But Rhaenyra, as always, had found a way out.

Silverwing’s wings beat heavily as she lifted into the air, the powerful gusts of wind scattering dust and leaves across the courtyard. The people from the Sept, now spilling outside, watched in awe and terror as the great dragon ascended into the sky. Syrax let out another piercing roar as she followed closely behind, her golden form cutting through the clouds.

You turned to look at Rhaenyra as the two of you soared higher, away from the madness below. Her arms were wrapped tightly around your waist, her face buried against your back, but you could feel the tension in her body begin to ease. She was free now, at least for a moment.

“You came,” Rhaenyra whispered, her voice barely audible over the wind. “I knew you would come.”

“I made you a promise,” you replied, your voice steady as you guided Silverwing higher into the sky, away from Casterly Rock, away from the Sept. “I’ll always come for you.”

Rhaenyra tightened her grip on you, her heart racing, but for the first time in months, it wasn’t from fear or anger—it was from relief. Together, you and Rhaenyra flew, with Syrax trailing close behind, the roar of the dragons echoing through the skies as the people below watched in awe.

The Sept of Casterly Rock, once filled with nobles and royalty, now stood silent and stunned as the two Targaryens flew away, leaving nothing but whispers of rebellion in their wake.

The winds howled around Dragonstone as Silverwing descended onto the rocky terrain near the ancient Valyrian chapel, her massive wings folding with grace as she landed softly on the ground. The air was thick with the scent of the sea, and the sky above was a deep shade of crimson as the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon. The island felt almost otherworldly, shrouded in mist and history, a place of old magic and forgotten traditions.

Syrax followed shortly, her golden form cutting through the sky before she landed on a high perch, her piercing eyes watching over her riders with a protective gaze. The dragons, majestic and powerful, seemed to sense the gravity of the moment, their usual restlessness subdued as if in reverence to the events about to unfold.

You dismounted Silverwing first, your boots sinking into the loose gravel as you turned to help Rhaenyra down. The flight had been long, and the winds had battered her appearance, her once-perfect braids now unraveling, her gown wrinkled and slightly torn. But to you, she was still as radiant as ever. She looked up at you, her violet eyes filled with emotion, a mixture of relief, hope, and love. It was the first time you had truly looked at one another in two long years, and in that moment, the world seemed to stop.

Your hand reached out, fingers brushing gently against her cheek, caressing the soft skin as if to reassure yourself that she was real, that this moment was not a dream. Rhaenyra leaned into your touch, her breath catching in her throat as your eyes locked, the intensity of your shared bond clear in the silence between you.

“I’m here,” you whispered, your voice low but firm, as if the words held all the promises you had made and kept. “I’m always here for you.”

Rhaenyra’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but she quickly composed herself, her lips curling into a soft smile. “I knew you’d come.”

You held her gaze for a moment longer before you gently took her hand in yours, guiding her toward the ancient chapel that stood on the cliffside, overlooking the churning sea below. The chapel was old, far older than any other building on Dragonstone, its architecture a testament to Valyria’s glory, carved from black stone with intricate designs depicting dragons and flames. It had been abandoned for centuries, used only for the rarest and most sacred of Valyrian rites.

Inside, the air was heavy with the scent of incense and saltwater. The flickering light of torches illuminated the stone walls, casting long shadows that danced like ancient spirits. At the far end of the chapel stood the Dragonkeeper, an elderly man whose skin was weathered by time, his long silver hair tied back in a neat knot. He wore the traditional robes of old Valyria, a deep shade of crimson and black, with a silver dragon embroidered across his chest.

He greeted you both with a solemn nod, his eyes filled with the weight of tradition and duty. “Prince Y/N, Princess Rhaenyra,” he said, his voice gravelly but reverent. “You have come to be wed in the ancient rites of our ancestors.”

Rhaenyra stood beside you, her hand still firmly in yours, her heart pounding in her chest. This was what she had dreamed of—the only marriage she had ever wanted. Not to Jason Lannister, not to any of the suitors her father had paraded before her, but to you, the brother who had always stood by her, protected her, loved her.

The Dragonkeeper gestured for you both to step forward, toward the altar, which was adorned with ancient Valyrian relics—dragons carved from obsidian, vials of dragonfire, and a single silver chalice filled with wine. The flames of the torches reflected in the obsidian, creating an almost ethereal glow that bathed the entire chamber in an otherworldly light.

“By the old customs of Valyria, where dragonlord and dragonrider were bound not only by blood but by fire, you stand here today to unite your lives,” the Dragonkeeper began, his voice echoing through the empty chapel. “Fire and blood, as it has always been, will seal your bond before the gods and dragons.”

He extended his hands toward you, and from a hidden compartment within his robes, he produced a small dagger—the blade was Valyrian steel, its edge sharp and gleaming in the firelight. He handed the blade to you, his eyes locking with yours. “As is tradition, your blood will bind you.”

You took the dagger in your hand, its weight familiar and ancient, and turned toward Rhaenyra. She met your gaze with unwavering trust, her eyes never leaving yours. Without hesitation, you gently took her hand, holding it steady as you pressed the blade to her palm. The sharp steel cut through her skin with a precision that was both swift and ceremonial, a single drop of blood welling up from the wound.

Rhaenyra didn’t flinch, her eyes burning with determination as she watched you. You handed her the dagger, and she did the same for you, the blade gliding across your palm, a mirror of the mark you had made on her.

The Dragonkeeper stepped forward, holding the silver chalice beneath your hands. “Blood of the dragon,” he intoned, his voice low and reverent, “from the same bloodline, from the same fire.”

Together, you pressed your hands over the chalice, letting the blood drip into the wine, mixing with the ancient liquid as the flames around you flickered and danced. The Dragonkeeper took the chalice and raised it above his head.

“From this union of fire and blood, let no man tear you asunder. By the will of the gods and dragons, you are now one.”

He lowered the chalice and handed it to you. You took it in your hands and brought it to your lips, tasting the metallic tang of the blood mixed with the wine. Then, you handed it to Rhaenyra, who drank deeply, her eyes never leaving yours.

The Dragonkeeper stepped back, his hands raised in final blessing. “You are wed. Let the dragons bear witness, and may your union be strong, unbroken by time, as Valyria once was.”

As the final words were spoken, the air in the chapel seemed to hum with an ancient power, a presence that filled the space around you, binding you and Rhaenyra together in a way that no other ceremony could.

You turned to her, your hand still clasped tightly in hers, your hearts beating as one. Her face, despite the disheveled state caused by the flight, was radiant, her violet eyes gleaming with a mixture of triumph and love. Without a word, you leaned forward, pressing your forehead against hers, a gesture more intimate than any kiss. In this moment, words were unnecessary.

“I love you,” Rhaenyra whispered, her voice barely audible, as if the very walls of the chapel were not worthy of hearing such a declaration.

“And I love you,” you replied, your voice thick with emotion.

The ancient flames flickered as you pulled her closer, your hands still intertwined, the bond of fire and blood sealing your union as husband and wife.

Outside, Silverwing and Syrax roared in unison, their mighty cries echoing across the cliffs of Dragonstone, the sound carrying on the wind like a herald to the gods.

The Valyrian wedding had been completed. The blood of the dragon was bound once more.

The grand courtyard outside the Sept was a flurry of stunned and panicked nobles. The once-anticipated wedding of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Lord Jason Lannister had dissolved into chaos in a matter of moments. Eyes lifted to the sky, where Silverwing, with Rhaenyra and you on her back, flew higher and higher, disappearing into the distance toward Dragonstone, Syrax trailing close behind. The sound of Silverwing's powerful wings still echoed faintly in the air, but the shock remained heavy in the courtyard.

King Viserys stood rooted in place, his hand resting on his chest as his breath came in labored gasps. His gaze was fixed in the direction of his children’s departure, his eyes distant as if already resigned to the inevitable. He had watched you fly away with his daughter, both of you slipping from his grasp like sand in an hourglass. His children—both of them, so intertwined by blood and fate—had rebelled together, and now they were gone.

Jason Lannister emerged from the Sept, his face red with fury, his hand clenched so tightly around the hilt of his sword that his knuckles turned white. His twin, Tyland, stumbled out behind him, still dazed from the sudden turn of events, his usually calm demeanor shattered by the sight of you taking Rhaenyra away. Jason's eyes blazed as he stormed toward Viserys, his voice loud and full of indignation.

“Your Grace!” Jason spat, his voice carrying across the courtyard. “I demand that my bride be returned to me! This is an insult to House Lannister. I will not stand for it!”

Tyland, his composure slowly returning, reached out a hand to his brother, trying to calm him. “Jason…” he began, but Jason shrugged him off, his fury unchecked.

Before Viserys could respond, Daemon Targaryen, who had been standing off to the side with Lady Laena Velaryon at his arm, let out a scoff loud enough to draw the attention of those around him. His silver hair gleamed in the sunlight, and his smirk was as sharp as ever as he stepped forward, his arm loosely draped around Laena’s shoulders.

“Your bride?” Daemon drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “It seems, Lannister, that my nephew came for what was his and took it. He did what any dragon would—he claimed what belongs to him.” His violet eyes gleamed with amusement as he surveyed the angry Lord Jason. “You should be thankful this farce is finally over.”

Jason's face turned even redder, veins bulging in his neck as he glared at Daemon. “I will not tolerate this mockery! Rhaenyra was promised to me!”

Daemon chuckled, the sound low and mocking. “Promised? By whom? Your coins and titles? Dragons do not care for gold, Lannister. My nephew and niece have decided their own fate, it seems.”

Laena stood beside Daemon, watching the exchange with a cool expression. She was poised and composed, clearly more intrigued than surprised by what had unfolded. Her dark eyes flickered toward the sky where the dragons had disappeared. “It seems the dragons have chosen their own path,” she murmured, almost to herself, her lips curving into a faint smile.

Otto Hightower stepped forward, his face tense, his mind already calculating the ramifications of what had just occurred. He turned toward King Viserys, his tone carefully measured but insistent. “Your Grace, this... act of rebellion by your children cannot go unanswered. If we do not act swiftly, the realm will begin to question your authority. House Lannister will not be the only one demanding answers.”

Viserys remained silent, his gaze still fixed on the distant horizon. The weight of his crown and the crumbling control over his family weighed heavily on him, the burden etched into the lines of his face. He could feel the eyes of his council on him, waiting for his decree. Waiting for him to bring order to this chaos.

“Your Grace,” Otto pressed, his voice more urgent now. “If there is any chance of changing Rhaenyra’s mind, of preventing her and your son from... doing something that could destabilize the realm, we must act. Now. We cannot allow this defiance to go unanswered.”

Jason, still seething, nodded in agreement. “The crown must uphold the promises it has made, Your Grace. House Lannister demands retribution for this insult.”

But before Otto could continue, Viserys lifted a hand, silencing the crowd around him. His face was pale, his hand trembling slightly as he took in a slow, deep breath. His eyes, weary and filled with sorrow, finally turned toward Otto and the assembled nobles.

“No,” Viserys said quietly, but with finality. His voice, though soft, echoed in the stunned silence that followed. “I will not stop them.”

The nobles exchanged shocked glances, whispers immediately breaking out among the gathered lords and ladies. Otto’s mouth fell open slightly, and Jason’s expression turned to one of disbelief.

“Your Grace,” Otto began, trying to keep his voice level, “this is not—”

Viserys cut him off, his voice firmer this time. “I will not chase my children down like criminals. My daughter… and my son… have chosen their path. And I will not stop them.”

Jason stepped forward, his voice rising in frustration. “This is madness, Your Grace! You’re allowing your heir to defy your will and to steal away with the woman promised to me!”

But Viserys didn’t respond to Jason. His gaze remained distant, filled with a deep sadness, as though a part of him had already accepted what had transpired. His hand, still trembling, fell back to his side, and he turned away from the gathered nobles, the weight of the crown heavier than ever.

Otto’s face tightened with frustration, but he didn’t dare press further. The king’s decision had been made, and despite the chaos it would surely cause, Viserys was unyielding. The silence that followed was deafening, save for the whispers of the lords and ladies who could scarcely believe what they had just witnessed.

Daemon, standing off to the side, let out a low chuckle, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “Well,” he said, his smirk widening as he turned to Laena. “It seems the crown is more flexible than we thought, my love.”

Laena raised an eyebrow but said nothing, her amusement mirroring Daemon’s.

As the crowd began to disperse, the tension still thick in the air, Otto stepped closer to Viserys, his voice lowered so that only the king could hear him. “Your Grace, this will have consequences.”

Viserys glanced at him, his expression one of quiet resignation. “It always does, Otto.”

But for the first time in a long while, Viserys had chosen to side with his heart rather than his crown. And the realm, for better or worse, would have to live with the consequences of that decision.

The air in your chambers at Dragonstone is filled with the scent of fire and salt from the sea that laps at the fortress’s shores. A soft, golden glow flickers from the hearth. The chill of the evening is driven away by the warmth of your body, of her body, and the moment you've both craved for so long stretches before you, heavy with anticipation.

Rhaenyra stands before you, still adorned in the remnants of her Valyrian wedding attire. The delicate fabric clings to her figure, and you can’t help but marvel at her beauty, your wife now, in every sense. Her pale hair cascades like molten silver over her shoulders, loose and wild, a stark contrast to her earlier regal appearance. Her violet eyes, so much like your own, burn with intensity as they meet yours.

It has been a long road to this moment — years of stolen touches, whispered confessions in darkened corridors, and glances that lingered far too long for any brother and sister. You’ve always known, though. From the moment you both understood what it meant to be Targaryen, to be dragonkind. Bound by fire and blood.

Yet, it was tonight — after the ceremony, after the sacred words spoken in High Valyrian — that the weight of the bond truly settled upon you both. You are husband and wife now, joined in the eyes of the gods of Old Valyria.

And now, finally, here you stand, ready to consummate that bond in the most intimate of ways.

Rhaenyra steps closer to you, her fingers trembling slightly as they reach for the clasps of your tunic. You catch her hands gently, your thumb brushing over her knuckles.

"You need not rush, Rhaenyra," you say, your voice low, thick with the emotion of the moment. "We have all night. We have forever."

She smiles at that, a rare softness gracing her lips, though there’s a hint of something else in her gaze — something vulnerable.

"I know," she whispers, stepping closer still, so close that the warmth of her body reaches you. "But I’ve waited long enough to have you like this, truly. I don’t wish to wait any longer."

Her hands slip free of yours, and with careful, deliberate motions, she begins to undo your tunic. The fabric slips from your shoulders, revealing the hard planes of your chest, the scars that mar your otherwise flawless skin, souvenirs of the battles and skirmishes at the border of Dorne. Rhaenyra’s eyes trace them, her fingers following the paths of old wounds.

Her touch is reverent, and she says nothing for a long while as she explores your body. Her fingers linger on the deepest of scars, the one that runs across your abdomen, the memory of an enemy's blade.

"This one," she murmurs, her hand pressing lightly against the raised flesh. "Does it still pain you?"

"Not anymore," you reply, your hand coming up to cup her face, lifting her gaze to meet yours. "Not when you touch it."

Rhaenyra’s breath hitches at your words, and you see the desire in her eyes deepen. She leans into your touch, her lips parting as she exhales a shaky breath.

"I am sorry," she whispers, her voice trembling with the weight of the confession. "Before you left for Dorne, we argued. And I regret it."

"I know," you say, brushing your thumb over her lower lip. "But it doesn't matter now. This is where we were meant to be from the start."

She nods, a tear escaping her lashes, though it’s not one of sorrow. You kiss it away, tasting the salt on her skin as your lips move to her cheek, her jaw, and then finally her mouth. The kiss is slow, languid, a promise of what is to come. Her hands are in your hair, tugging gently as she pulls you closer, her body pressing against yours, warm and soft.

You can feel her heart racing beneath your touch, and yours beats in time with hers as you guide her back toward the bed, the silken sheets cool beneath your fingers as you lower her onto them. Rhaenyra watches you with half-lidded eyes, her chest rising and falling with anticipation as you strip away the last of your clothes.

When you turn your attention to her, you take your time, untying the intricate knots that hold her gown in place, layer by layer. She shifts beneath your touch, her body trembling with each brush of your fingers, until finally, she is bare before you, the soft glow of the fire casting her skin in a golden hue.

"Beautiful," you murmur, your voice reverent as you kneel before her.

She reaches for you, her fingers curling around your wrist as she pulls you down to her, and you follow willingly, pressing your body against hers, the heat of her skin igniting something primal within you.

For a moment, neither of you move. You simply lie there, holding each other, breathing in the scent of each other’s skin, feeling the steady thrum of life between you.

"You’re mine," Rhaenyra breathes, her lips brushing the shell of your ear. "And I am yours."

You answer her with a kiss, deeper this time, more urgent, your hand sliding down her body, feeling the curve of her waist, the softness of her hips, until you reach the place where she is already warm and wet for you.

She gasps into your mouth, her nails digging into your back as your fingers slip inside her, her body arching beneath you.

"Please," she whispers, her voice strained. "I need you."

And so you give her what she asks for, positioning yourself between her legs, your heart hammering in your chest as you finally press inside her, slow and steady, until you are fully seated within her warmth.

Rhaenyra lets out a soft cry, her hands clinging to your shoulders, and for a moment, you both simply hold still, lost in the sensation of being joined, of finally being one.

Then you move, gently at first, then with increasing urgency as the need to feel all of her overtakes you. Rhaenyra meets your movements with equal fervor, her body rising to meet yours with every thrust, her cries growing louder with every passing moment.

The room is filled with the sound of your bodies, the crackle of the fire, the soft whisper of your names on each other’s lips.

When you finally reach the edge, you bury your face in her neck, your teeth grazing her skin as you spill yourself inside her, her body trembling beneath yours as she follows you into bliss.

You stay like that for a long while, wrapped in each other’s arms, your bodies still connected, your breathing slowly returning to normal.

"I never want this to end," Rhaenyra murmurs, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on your back.

"It won’t," you promise, pressing a kiss to her temple. "This is just the beginning."

And as you hold her close, the two of you tangled together beneath the warm embrace of the dragonlord's legacy, you know that you will keep that promise. You are bound by fire and blood, and nothing, not even the gods, will tear you apart.

[madame-fear]

How about a fic where y/n is not nobility but is a daughter of a businessman who deals with shipping things around westeros. In one meeting her father and corlys are working on things and luke, as the next lord of the tides is aprenticing to learn about his responsibilities but he's not learning anything at all when the businessman's daughter is there, also aprenticing under her father 😍

*ೃ༄ 𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐒 .ೃ࿐

★ amira speaks! : hello honey! sorry it took me some time on getting this finished,, i apologise beforehand if it’s rather short, and since i wrote it heavily sleepy and tired, i really do hope it was what you expected. 💕 — summary : [ — ✧ request ] — word count : 1.8k

— pairing : lucerys velaryon x shipping businessman daughter!reader — genre : fluff.

Sailing through the seawaves was something you’d been used to ever since you had memory. Your father, being a businessman that shipped all sorts of things throughout Westeros and particularly for certain royal Houses, constantly took you with him to every important meeting. After all, you were his one and only child, and you had to know how to properly keep the shipping business functioning once the responsability officially fell into your hands.

Soft, cool breeze gently swayed bits of your hair as you arrived to Driftmark, accompanying your father to meet the current, and future young Lord of the previously mentioned location. House Velaryon was one of the greatest Houses, being known for it’s rich maritime heritage and it’s great fleets. They have great knowledge on how to sail through the Narrow Sea, and the vast ocean. And with your father being well known for his great wisdom on trading, shipping for foreigner markets and throughout the entirety of Westeros as well, both House Velaryon and your own family greatly benefited from each other for each other’s respective businesses.

The people from Driftmark, the very moment you arrived, joyfully hosted you with great pride and kindness. Being fairly new to the shipping business, still apprenticing under your father, you remained as glued as possible to him. Despite always remaining quiet, attentively observing the way your father negotiated with whomever wantd to make business with him, you never considered yourself to be a timid person. Often, you were very polite and kind with whomever your father made business with.

But of course, this particular major meeting between your father and Lord Corlys Velaryon was different. Of course, it wasn’t only special because this time it was the grand House Velaryon the one you were making business with — but rather because, as expected, Lord Corlys’ grandson, Lucerys Velaryon, stood by his grandsire’s side; much like you stood next to your father quietly. And it was only natural for him to attend the meeting as well, as he was to be the future Lord of Driftmark. Lucerys was the future heir, like you were your father’s future heir. It was slightly awkward to admit it, but you could feel a tinge of shyness growing on you the moment you spotted him, noticing his sweet, vivid green hazel eyes.

The young Velaryon Prince seemed to be rather meek and awkward around you from the very first second you were introduced to one another. A faint rosy hue crept on his pale cheeks, mimicking your own fluster. Most certainly, you were very pretty — and there was no denial in that. How delicate his features were and how gentle he behaved when greeting you didn’t pass unnoticed at all, as well, and you could feel your heart slightly thumping loudly against your chest. Don’t behave strangely, you kept reminding to yourself mentally, realising you were becoming shy around him.

As the meeting officially started by getting inside of Driftmark and getting introduced briefly by the surroundings, both Lucerys and you followed your eldests from behind, attentively listening to how they chatted about the things they would ship and trade across the Narrow Sea, and Westeros.

Walking closely by Lucerys’ side, you couldn’t help but discreetly steal glances at the shy boy next to you, trying to catch his eye. He appeared to be deep in thought; or perhaps focused on the meeting himself, but really, Luke simply could feel your gaze timidly lingering on him, and felt too overwhelmed to even dare to dart his stare back to you, and engage in a conversation properly instead of being dead silent, following your father and his grandsire like lost puppies. The voices and occasional chuckles coming from the two men as they arranged some things to ship around leisurely faded away, being some sort of background noise for you.

Often, when following your father to his business meetings, you were never the type of person to easily lose your concentration on what truly mattered; which was, negotiation and managing the shipping business just as perfect as your father did. But this time, you could feel yourself too... Focused on your own steps without listening a word of what they were saying, and noticing the heavy awkwardness lingering between Lucerys and you, continously having each other grasping arms when you walked.

Part of you longed to initiate a conversation with the young Velaryon, and yet, you were too afraid of making things far more embarrassing than they already were for both of you. And, the one to break the ice for once and for all, was Lucerys.

His arms were hidden behind his back as he walked leisurely behind of his grandsire, and by your side. You were so distracting and overwhelming, but all of that in a good way, as you seemed charmingly delightful. Luke cleared his throat faintly, “You must be apprenticing under your father as well, my Lady, are you not?” as Lucerys craned his head to stare at you, he felt startled to see you so closely, fixing your beautiful eyes on his own. It felt as if his heart was going to melt right there, which made him have to gain courage and strength to not stutter right there.

“I am indeed, my Prince.” you replied, with a little timid grin tugging at the corner of your lip. “My father has been trading and shipping all sorts of things with many noble Houses throughout Westeros, and I have been following his steps ever since I have memory.” fortunately those words seemed to roll smoothly off your lips, being at the brink of feeling like you would begin stuttering.

“House Velaryon has been no exception today.” a toothy grin appeared on his lips, as your own quivered into a wide smile as well. “Both my father and I feel tremendously grateful. I must admit, I know everything that there is to be known about your House, my Prince.” those words spurred naturally from your lips, immediatly gazing down at your feet as you kept walking by his side, in a poor attempt to cover the fluster on your face that slowly intensified with a notorious crimson shade. His hazel eyes were fixed on you, feeling almost like a little boy with a growing crush.

As his Grandsire stopped walking rather abruptly to show your father something that seemed related to House Velaryon, both of you simply stood behind of them. Your hands were clasped together in front of your body, standing in front of him, managing somehow to gaze deep into his eyes.

The feeling of butterflies fluttering their wings softly on his chest appeared at the way you stared at him, “You do?” was all he managed to reply in a quiet tone, keeping his arms behind his back. “I feel honoured to hear you say so. Thank you.” he replied. It was meant to be a thought to himself, but it came out as a faint murmuring to himself, yet loud enough for you to hear. You snickered, nodding in agreement. “I do, my Prince. It’s safe to say, House Velaryon might be my favourite of all the noble Houses I ever met.” you continued, despite still feeling a bit awkward around him. Not in a bad way, of course, but rather, in a way that made you not focus about whatever responsabilities you had and just concentrate on having a good impression on him. And Gods, he was obviously doing the same.

Being the future Lord of Driftmark, he knew he had duties and responsabilities to fulfill, and constantly comply to. But it was so incredibly difficult not to focus on those beautiful features of yours, swallowing nervously. “I believe your great fleets, knowledge of the vast sea, and your honour and loyalty are the things that make just feel too tempted to keep reading about the traditions of your House.” you said, tilting slightly your head to the side, offering him a little proud grin after letting him know you had previously informed yourself about the values of his House.

The crimson hue on your cheeks seemed to creep across the rest of your face, noticing his own doing the exact same. “I see,” he replied meekly, daring to lean a bit more near towards your body with his own. Discreetly, he licked his dried lips in a swift motion. He was not the most courageous one when it came to talking to girls his age, nor expertise, but for you, Luke felt bold enough to try and approach you. “Well, then, perhaps... You could come visit us more often, here at Driftmark.”

You anxiously swallowed, trying to hold back a dumbfounded toothy grin from suddenly appearing in your lips. “I would truly be delighted to show you around, and you could get to know about House Velaryon more personally.” at least, that sounded like the perfect excuse to him to be around you more often, talk to you, and get to know you better. His Grandsire seemed to be getting well enough with your father despite having exclusively met to discuss shipping business, so Luke was certain he would get to see you more often. “And perhaps, you could teach me more about sailing and shipping. Don’t you think so?”

His little grin was alluring enough for you to agree to his proposal in the blink of an eye. Not that you would deny it either way, of course. Without allowing silence to take room between the two of you, you snickered, and immediatly nodded. Your cheeks were entirely heated from the shy, yet excited nerves you had from being around him. And unbeknownst to you, he was truly doing the greatest effort to not shy away from you right there, or simply die from nerves.

“You’re tempting enough for me to accept your proposal, Prince Lucerys.” you retorted, “I agree, and I would be delighted to teach each other.” his smile grew wider, releasing a soft sigh that hinted at how a huge relief overwhelmed him, having been previously tense in case you would deny to see him more often. Playfully, he offered you his hand for you to shake, and you immediatly understood, chuckling lightly. Taking his hand, you gently shook it, fixing your gaze into his eyes, just like he was doing.

“We have a deal, then.”

The idea of lurking you to visit him at Driftmark with your family more often and having the opportunity to talk to you was thrilling. Your charmingly sweet way of being, your lovely company, and the knowledge you had about the traditions and values of his House were enough for you to have easily made your way into his heart without a doubt. And perhaps, you could be perfect to fit for the currently empty spot of being his future Lady of Driftmark.

♡ taglist : ♡

@jacesvelaryons @jjamieberry @anemicroyalcore @countsmoon @beeebo234 @manuholland6 @capellaadara @kyuupidwrites @tchatso @dopepersonacloudllama @phantasyy @tasty-nutella @mstxdes @valeriecash @cookielovesbook-akie @zzz000eee @bellarkeselection @feliuuuksks @visenya-reigned @maria699669 @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 @sweethoneyblossom1 @jamiemydeer @snowprincesa1

[dwellordream]

female adultery in ASOIAF and why it's not akin to modern day cheating

frequently fans insist on treating adultery within the world of ASOIAF as it it were the same as modern day infidelity. this, of course, ignores the fact that most marriages among the nobility of Westeros are arranged.

this does not mean every marriage is miserable, of course, but there is significantly less emotional attachment between the couple beforehand, unless they have known one another since childhood.

with that said, fans quite often do use this argument in defense of adultery- not for wives, but for husbands. a frequent claim put out is that men like Rhaegar, for example, don't owe their wives any loyalty because the marriage was not their choice. while technically, yes, no one is mandated to love their spouse or to respect an inherently broken marriage system, this ignores the fact that a woman like Elia is not free to carry on an affair the way her husband would be. women's bodies and sexualities are far more policed than men's in Westeros.

even with her husband's permission to take a lover on the side, most women would face extreme social ostracization and scorn if they were found out to be having affairs. and especially for the wives of princes and kings, this carries the weight of treason, because it puts into question the parentage of any royal heirs. Elia could have been outright killed if she was found to have a lover, regardless of Rhaegar's personal feelings on the matter.

the vague exception to this rule would be in the case of a woman like Genna Lannister, who is considered to have been forced to marry 'beneath her station', to a Frey, and thus, the jokes and insinuations that she may be cheating on Emmon do not carry quite the same weight. yet even so, I doubt Genna Lannister would ever openly announce she had a lover or directly discuss having an affair with her husband.

to go back to my original point, I am far more interested in female adultery than male. this is primarily because one of the few ways most Westerosi noblewomen can fight back against a forced or arranged match, or against an abusive or neglectful husband, is to secretly pursue their own pleasure and ambitions with a lover.

that is not to say that I think cheating is moral in these situations, but it is certainly not the same as a modern day woman having a fling while her husband is oblivious. a woman like Cersei, for example, did not choose to marry Robert. she was initially happy to become queen, but she quickly became disillusioned with her marriage, and Robert proved an extremely abusive and contemptuous husband.

Cersei cannot divorce or leave Robert, and even if she attempted to, would likely lose all contact with her children. nor does her family support the idea of her ending her marriage. given these parameters, Cersei cheating on Robert is simply not the same as it would be in a modern AU.

similarly, Rhaenyra is often bashed by the fandom for likely carrying on an affair with Harwin Strong during her marriage to Laenor. while there is zero indication in F&B or HOTD that Laenor was ever abusive or cruel to Rhaenyra, we know she did not freely choose to marry him. while HOTD presents the match as something Rhaenyra accepts and tries to use to her advantage, in F&B, Rhaenyra initially strongly protests the marriage until her father threatens to disown her if she does not accept Laenor as a husband.

in F&B, Laenor and Rhaenyra's marriage is depicted as stable but distant. the couple does not spend much time together and while Laenor appears to have tolerated Rhaenyra's relationship with Harwin, and to have had his own lovers, he obviously expected Rhaenyra to still have children who would be publicly presented as his offspring.

outside of any arguments over Rhaenyra's actions during the Dance or her time as reigning Queen, was Rhaenyra wrong to pursue a relationship outside her marriage, and to claim the children from that relationship as legitimate? I don't think so. 'legitimacy' is a construct of the feudal system in ASOIAF. while this doesn't mean it doesn't cause real trauma and pain, both to children raised knowing they are bastards, children who are accused of being bastards, and women who are expected to silently tolerate their husbands potentially pitting their own children against one another, it is not, actually 'real'.

Rhaenyra's sons are still her sons. her sexuality and personal autonomy shouldn't, outside of the context of the story, actually be something she is judged on. so it is strange to me when people insist that Rhaenyra having an affair or claiming her sons as legitimate is openly tyrannical or malevolent. there is plenty to criticize her character on- much as there is plenty to criticize Cersei on- but choosing to defy the institutions around her is not one of those critiques that should be valid.

[imperatorcaesaraugustus]

Jace, Mysaria, and the Dragonseeds: Disruptions to the Social Order

(this is one section of my House of the Dragon Season 2 Review)

One of the most significant storylines in season two of House of the Dragon is that of the Dragonseeds, lowborn descendants of Targaryens who find themselves thrust into an unexpected position of privilege and power for having claimed dragons. The Dragonseeds demonstrate an uncharacteristic level of social mobility for Westeros, embodying an inherent challenge to the status quo and the attitudes that uphold it. Around this issue, the characters of Jacaerys Velaryon and Mysaria come to represent opposing perspectives. Mysaria, a commoner who has managed to rise to a position of power and influence, sees them as a vital asset regardless of their origin, while Jace, a member of the nobility whose position is somewhat precarious, views them as an existential threat.

            Let us start with the Hull brothers, Alyn of Hull and Addam of Hull. We are introduced to Alyn first, a serious, stalwart, and dutiful man working in the Velaryon fleet. We are told that he is the one who saved Corlys from an incident that nearly cost him his life last season, and Corlys attempts to reward him for this, raising him up to command a ship in the fleet, though Alyn is very resistant to Corlys’ aid. His brother, Addam, is shown to be a more free-spirited person, but receives little screentime until he is confronted by the dragon Seasmoke. Alyn swears his loyalty to Rhaenyra without hesitation but is still heavily mistrusted by the members of Rhaenyra’s council. It is also at this point that I believe it is confirmed that Corlys is the father of Alyn and Addam, though I can’t be sure because I read Fire and Blood and thus knew from the jump what their lineage was. When the decision to find more Dragonseeds is made, Corlys goes to speak with Alyn, who decides not to make the attempt but rather to stay with the fleet. Alyn then chastises Corlys for the way he and his brother were ignored growing up, forced to live in poverty and work for everything they achieved because they were bastards, and to be honest if I just wrote out the text of that speech instead of writing this section of the review it would get most of my point across.

            After the brothers of Hull, the Dragonseed we see the most of is Hugh, known in the book as Hugh the Hammer. We first meet Hugh petitioning before Aegon on behalf of the smiths of King’s Landing. He asks for a portion of the payment for the weapons and armor being made for the war to be paid in advance, as waiting for payment after the fact is placing them in a difficult financial position. To Hugh’s surprise, Aegon agrees to this demand, but it becomes clear later in the season that the institution of government never made good on these promises. Hugh serves as our primary perspective on the smallfolk of King’s Landing throughout the season. When Melys’ head is paraded through the city after Rook’s Rest, he is the one who voices the collective realization that dragons are not gods, but just meat. We see through his struggles to take care of a sick daughter the hardship that is imposed by the blockade on King’s Landing, and he is present for the start of the rioting that occurs when Rhaenyra sends food. When the sowing of the Dragonseeds occurs, we learn that he has a negative view of the Targaryens due to the treatment of his mother, Saera, but he goes to Dragonstone in the hopes of acquiring a better life.

            The next story I want to look at is that of Mysaria. Season one established her as the head of a network of operatives working towards the betterment of the conditions of the smallfolk, but her base of operations is burned by Larys. She is found in this season attempting to leave King’s Landing via ship, and her capture leads her back into Daemon’s control. He promises her freedom in exchange for her help in arranging the Blood and Cheese incident but leaves for Harrenhal before he can grant her that freedom. Rhaenyra, after some deliberation and to Mysaria’s surprise, makes good on Daemon’s promise, but Mysaria stays in her service. Mysaria becomes one of Rhaenyra’s most trusted advisors, the only one who does not doubt her ability, even developing into the beginnings of a possible sexual relationship towards the end of the season (though it only seems to be present in the one episode and is not touched upon again). In her position of power, Mysaria consistently voices the potential that lies with the smallfolk of King’s Landing, and her idea to send food to the city successfully causes the people to riot against the Greens.

            And now let us talk about Jace and about the sowing. In this season, Jace chafes against the position he is in, too important as Rhaenyra’s heir to contribute to the fighting. He desperately wishes to advance the cause, taking his own initiative to treat with House Frey in order to do so. It is from this same desire to contribute that he proposes the idea to Rhaenyra of searching outside of the Targaryen family for new dragonriders, notably wanting to find them from among the nobility of Westeros. When the attempt with Ser Darklyn fails and Addam of Hull turns up with a dragon instead, it is Mysaria who presents the idea that the lowborn descendants of Targaryens are, in fact, the best place to look. This upsets Jace greatly. He, being widely perceived as a bastard, is less secure in his position than most of those around him. Rhaenyra can afford to disrupt things somewhat in order to gain an advantage in the war, but Jace correctly identifies that his own legitimacy is further called into question when bastards are provably able to ride dragons. And his fears seem to be proven right after the sowing occurs. Addam and Hugh are respectful, but Ulf the White treats Jace as an equal, just a fellow dragonrider. And when Rhaenyra flies to Harrenhal, she brings Addam with her and leaves Jace behind.

            The reality, of course, is that Mysaria is right, and so is Jace. The smallfolk have power in numbers and they have the potential to be just as capable as the nobility. And because of this, the power the nobility has over them is fragile. The Targaryen claim rests foremost with their dragons, as that is the power through which they enforce their will. If the lowborn are capable of riding dragons, then what is there to separate Targaryens from commoners? Monarchs are just people, and dragons are just meat. This season does a good job of highlighting the arbitrariness and unfairness of the social order here. Alyn’s tirade against Corlys in which he highlights the way his life differed from that of Laenor simply because they had different mothers is the best example of this, though the effectiveness of Mysaria’s smallfolk-focused strategies also underlines this theme. There are some places where this falls short, however. For one, the scenes where Corlys is talking with Alyn prior to the final episode never seem to go anywhere. But more substantially, Jace’s position as a protagonist means that his concerns are given weight. We see Ulf as unduly rude, as an interloper who refuses to see Jace as his superior, when these themes should lead us to the conclusion that Jace is not, in fact, superior to Ulf in any inherent way. Both of them, and Addam and Hugh as well, are the descendants of Targaryens, and the only difference is that Jace was raised as though he were a trueborn son.

            This leads me into the final thing I want to discuss. The above has been an analysis based on what is in the season, but now I want to turn to something that wasn’t. If you want to stop reading here, feel free, it should be a more or less complete review without this next bit. For those of you who want to continue, however, it’s time to talk about Nettles (probable spoilers for Rhaena’s story next season).

            Nettles is a character in Fire and Blood, the book from which House of the Dragon is derived. Nettles was one of the characters who showed up for the sowing of the dragonseeds, but the book suggests that she was not actually the descendant of Targaryens. For one thing, she is described as having brown skin, black hair, and brown eyes (the Velaryons in the books have pale skin, as do all people of Valyrian descent). This doesn’t fully preclude the possibility of her being a dragonseed, but when combined with the way in which she claimed her dragon, it seems likely she was not. Targaryens seem to have some sort of magical bond with the dragons they ride. Each person can only ever ride one dragon, each dragon only has one rider at a time, and the way a dragon and rider choose one another is somewhat mysterious. Nettles, however, used a different method. The dragon she went after was Sheepstealer, a wild dragon whose preferred food was sheep. Nettles would bring the dragon sheep until it was full enough to be docile, at which point she mounted it, a method much closer to taming an animal than the mysterious mystical connection that comes with being a Targaryen.

            Dragons are, among other things, an allegory for power. The Targaryens can ride dragons because of their blood. It is through their lineage and their racial purity that they claim the right to rule. In this way, they are emblematic of the feudal monarchy over which they preside. Nettles has none of these things. She is lowborn and dark-skinned, and yet through her ingenuity she claims a dragon anyway. Unlike the other dragonseeds, she defies the common knowledge that only those born from a certain lineage are able to ride dragons and – in the allegory – able to rule. Rhaena, who seems to be taking Nettles’ storyline in the show, does not fulfill this thematic role. She is, unquestionably, a member of the royal family. She views herself as being of lesser worth because she has not claimed a dragon, but there is not much evidence of others holding that opinion. She believes she was sent off to the Vale because she was unimportant, and it is true that she could not contribute to the fighting, but the tasks of keeping safe Rhaenyra’s children and working to maintain a critical alliance are not the trivial things Rhaena thinks of them as. Rather than being the most disadvantaged of all the characters and claiming a dragon anyway, Rhaena is more secure in her position than even Jace and her lack of a dragon has become an issue of self-worth more than anything. Self-worth is important, but I find it to be a very disappointing substitute for Nettles breaking the illusion that enshrines the nobility’s monopoly on governance.

[hikarimiyanaga]

The Queen's Bride (Part 3)

Warnings : Omegaverse. Stark!Reader. Omega!Reader x Alpha!Daenerys Targaryen. Modern!AU.

Taglist : @kelloggs4cereal

Sorry for not updating immediately, holidays are crazy here and I have writer's block.

You come home to Catelyn and Ned Stark waiting for you in the mansion's living room.

"Mother. Father." You greet them. Ned scoffs as you bow respectfully at them.

"You are late." He points out and you clench your fist.

"I apologize for the tardiness, Father." 'Never mind the fact that you literally just called me an hour ago.' You bow and he waves away your apology.

"Your mother has prepared a suit for you in your room. Go change and behave yourself at the gala. Understood?" You nod then bow at him.

"Of course."

"Go." He waves you away and you go up to your room. Thankfully, everyone else is asleep so you go straight to your room and change into the white suit with a gray bowtie. Your house's colors.

You go down and see only Catelyn waiting for you.

"Y/N. You look dashing, daughter." You nod as she pretends to fix your tie.

"Thank you, ma." You smile sadly at her as you pull away. "I'll be going now."

Catelyn can only watch as you go into your car and drive away.

She didn't want this. She didn't even want to disturb your day.

"I'm sorry I couldn't stop him."

-

You arrive at the gala and sigh. Galas for the nobility of the Westeros Conglomerate are quite common. There's like one every week. But not everyone has to attend. Not you, at least.

"Finally arrived. You are late." Robb greets and you roll your eyes at him.

"Shut up." You punch his shoulder and he grins at you.

"Thank the gods that you arrived." He holds out a glass of champagne and you take it.

"You need saving?" You ask as you down the champagne.

"Desperately. Every mother wants me to marry their daughter." You laugh at that.

"Never mind that most of them are still underage, right?" He glares at you as the both of you go inside.

"Asshole." You just grin in return and was about to get another glass when someone holds your wrist.

"Finally." Your eyes widen as Daenerys smiles at you. "You are late."

"What? I-I didn't know I was-"

"Supposed to attend? I suppose not. But this is an heir's birthday gala." You look at Robb who was just smiling at you.

"We have him." You point at your older brother and Daenerys nods.

"I suppose so. But still, remember the plan?"

"Plan? We have one? You only gave me rules."

"Yeah. But we have one plan." She pulls you closer. Enough that you can smell her scent. You realize that she smells like sandalwood.

"W-what?" She pulls away and fixes your collar.

"We need to convince everyone that we're in love."

"We do?"

"Yes. I don't this to become just another arranged marriage."

"But it is." She smiles at you.

"Yes. But we can pretend that it's not."

"Why?"

"Too many questions, Y/N." You clear your throat and hold out your arm to her. She smiles as she gets your hand and pulls it to her waist instead. "This is better." She explains and you just nod as you blush profusely. You look at Robb who was smirking at you.

"Good luck." He mouths and you flip him off. He laughs as he goes inside the gala.

"Remember. Look at me like you're in love with me."

"Of course. Can I ask just one question?"

"Sure."

"Are you in love?" She smiles at you.

"That's a secret." She then pulls you inside.

-

You sigh as you get inside the bathroom.

You've been talking to other people for about an hour and you are exhausted. Specially with everyone's snickers and whispers.

"How could a Stark like her have a Targaryen as a fiancé?"

"Isn't she the Omega of the Starks? Did she get lucky?"

"How did Ned convince King Aerys???"

You run a hand through your face and look at the mirror.

"Fuck this gala!" You shout and flinch as a stall opens.

"I agree. Hi, Y/N." Ellaria says and you sigh in relief.

"Ellaria. Is Oberyn around?"

"Yes. He accepted because he wanted free drinks. Why are you here?"

"Ask my Father." You groan as you wash your hands.

"Your father really does control your life, doesn't he?" You glare at her. "How about your training? Does he know?"

"He doesn't. I doubt he'll approve."

"Even though Master Syrio has approved and even recommended you?"

"Yes. Even if fucking Ser Barristan can recommend me, I doubt he'll give a shit."

"Your father is so strict when it comes to you but your brother and sisters has freedom."

"Do they? Do any of us?" You laugh at your own question. "Sometimes I think about running away from all of this."

"Westeros?"

"Everything." Ellaria sighs at your defeated sigh.

"I am not Oberyn. But there is one thing I know. You are one of the most honorable people here. You have to survive." You smile at her then look at the mirror as she leaves.

"Survive? But I-" You clench your fists. "I want to live."

-

You come back to the gala and see that Daenerys is charming yet another group of people. You look around and see Robb talking to a woman. You smile as he lights up as she talks.

"Robb has finally taken a liking to a woman, eh?" You shiver and back away. "Don't be like that, Stark. I know that you're friends with Tyrion." You glare at Jaime.

"Exactly. Tyrion. Not you, ass-hat." He chuckles at the insult then looks at you.

"I heard that your fiancé is showing you off."

"Why the fuck do you care?"

"I actually wanted to marry you, you know?" You shiver at that and you clench your fists as you look at him. "I needed you as shield."

"Why because you're fucking your own-" He quickly covers your mouth and you push him away.

"Shut your mouth, Stark!" He dumps his glass on you and you clench your fist at him. "That's right, stay down, fucking dog."

Daenerys comes to your side then glares at Jaime.

"What happened here?" She asks with an angry tone but you stay quiet. You know what the consequences are if you ever messed with an heir. Specially a Lannister one.

"It was an accident, dear princess." Jaime says and you sigh. "She bumped into me and I didn't budge."

"Really?" She asks you and you look away. You stand and Robb is there, ready to punch Jaime. He was growling but you hold him back.

"Robb, stop." You plead. "It was an accident."

"Like hell it is! I saw him!"

"Robb! Stop!" You clench his suit and he looks at you. You were shaking. "It's not worth it." You push him gently. "I'm not worth it." He glares at Jaime as he guides you.

"This is not over, Lannister." Jaime just smiles as you and Robb leave. He escorts you to your car and gets inside.

"What- your car?"

"I can just get it later. Hop inside." You sit inside the passenger side and sigh. You look at the gala and don't even see Daenerys. She didn't even follow to make sure you were okay. Robb drives away and you take off your jacket.

"Why the fuck did you stop me? That asshole deserves a punch."

"And Father will get angry at you?" He flinches at that and you sigh. "It's not worth it."

"But he pushed you!"

"Robb. Stop. I'm begging you." You get a towel from the bag inside your car and dry yourself with it. "Who was the woman you were talking to?"

"Oh. You saw me?" You hum as you get your phone.

"Yeah."

"Her name's Talisa. She's a doctor."

"Talisa what?"

"Maegyr. She's from Volantis."

"Ah. She's far from home."

"She is. She said Westeros had the best school for medicine so."

"She came here. And she stayed? Is she okay?" Robb laughs at that.

"She said she really liked the place." You chuckle.

"But not the people, huh?"

"No." You both laugh.

-

You wake up in your own apartment and pajamas. After you got home was all a blur. You look around and there was a note from Robb.

Text me when you wake up.

You get your phone and see that it's Sunday. Good. No classes.

You groan and stand from your bed. You get your phone and text a quick 'I'm fine' to Robb. You get ready for the day.

As you finish up your shower, you get a text.

It was Daenerys.

Dani : Are you okay? I'm sorry that I couldn't check up last night. Everyone asked me about us.

You : And? What did they ask about?

Dani : Mostly why I was with you.

You : What did you say?

Dani : That it was a secret. This is just a soft launch after all. We need to keep them in suspense.

You : Got you.

Dani : That Lannister talked to me too.

You : What?

Dani : He said that you are hanging out with his brother which is how he knew you.

You : Ah. Yeah. Tyrion. He's a friend.

Dani : Do you like Tyrion?

You raise an eyebrow at her text.

You : What are you talking about?

Dani : He insinuated that the both of you were "special friends".

You : Special because I'm the rare omega and Tyrion's the rare dwarf. I'm gay, Daenerys.

Dani : Oh. Good to know.

You hum as you put down your phone and get yourself some coffee.

-

You were just lazing around and watching some TV when Jon barges in and looks at you.

"Y/N!" He shouts then hugs you. You push him away and glare at him.

"Personal space, asshole!"

"The date went great!" He ignores your complain. "She was so pretty and cute! We're a match made in heaven!" You glare at him.

"And? Why are you telling me this instead of, I don't know, mating with her?" He blushes and you laugh at him. "Jon Stark! You're a grown ass man! Is the idea of mating with to-" He throws a pillow to your face cuts you off, it was a good thing that you had fast reflexes and you block it with your hand.

"Stop saying that!" You laugh at his blush.

"Seriously? Mating is nothing to be ashamed of, Jon."

"I know that! But I- I-" He groans as he sits besides you.

"You what? Never saw yourself doing it?"

"Technically?" You hum and stand from the couch, you get inside your room and after a few minutes, you come back out with several books in your arms. You settle the books on the coffee table.

"Read up." Jon takes the first book and reads it's title.

'Sex for Dummies.'

"What the fuck?" Despite saying that, he still opens it and reads.

"Planned on giving these to Sansa. Then Arya, and the boys."

"Why?"

"Better me than Father." Jon looks blankly at you.

"Right." He stands from the couch and scoops up the books. "How long can I borrow these for?"

"Two weeks max. Sansa is going to find out her second gender tomorrow."

"What do you think it will be?" You shrug.

"I hope she'll be a beta." Jon nods in agreement and leaves your apartment. You sigh. "I really hope she is."

-

A/N:

Thank you for reading!

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