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flowerandblood · 1 year ago

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The Impossible Choice (13)

[ Aemond • Targaryen x Baratheon! • female ]

[ warnings: sex content, smut, angst, physical violence ]

[description: Aemond comes to Storm’s End to choose his future consort. However, Lord Borros Baratheon presents him with only four of his five daughters. Being attached to his youngest child, he does not want to marry her. The prince, however, thwarts his and her plans with his decision. This is slow burn, with a lot of dark angst and sexual tension. (Anon Request)]

* English is not my first language. Please, do not repost. Enjoy! *

Previous and next chapters: Masterlist

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He felt as if the events of years ago were flying before his eyes. The closer the date of the arrival of his bastard nephew and his whore mother approached, the more clearly he saw each incident, analyzing it, remembering exactly every detail of every humiliation that he had suffered as a child.

He hated returning to it, but he couldn't bring himself to stop.

He went through the same process almost every night.

He always began for some reason with the most humiliating event, to which his brother had put his hand – the moment when he truly believed that Aegon and his nephews wanted to do something for him.

That they had found a way for him to have a dragon too.

That they would support him.

And then Luke disappeared into the darkness, only for her to emerge.

The Pig.

The Pink Dread.

That's when he felt it, the cold sweat and his heart standing in his throat, his hands trembling, the almost girlish tears of humiliation in his eyes.

His face went from full of curiosity and hope to stony and expressionless and it stayed that way forever.

He had never forgiven Aegon for humiliating him along with them, that he had contributed to what he had become and what he had lost. He did not stand up for him, as his older brother would have done.

Jace would never let anyone else mock Luke.

Even if they fought amongst themselves, Luke was his younger brother and Jace protected him from the others.

As usual, he could only go to his mother with his unhappiness; his father would only trivialise his words, saying that they were just ordinary, boyish taunts, that as a man he couldn't care less about such things.

Fortunately, to his relief, his mother, as usual, showed him understanding; she embraced him and comforted him, assuring him that one day he would have his dragon too. He did not believe her; he understood that she was only talking about it to comfort him.

Then Helaena, sitting next to them, looking ahead, said:

"He will have to close one eye."

Helaena often said things that he didn't understand, nevertheless, he liked her. He didn't spend much time with her because she was a girl, complicated women's issues and problems were beyond him, nor did he recognise that it was his concern as a man, as he thought of himself at the time, to delve into it.

If his mother had decided that they should marry, he would have done his duty.

He would be proud that, as a Targaryen, he would extend their pure blood with her.

He would treat her better than Aegon.

He would care for her.

She would be safe with him.

However, his parents had decided otherwise, and she had been handed over to his brother to be damned.

He had sympathised with her from the moment of their betrothal, but there was nothing he could do.

He thought that her destiny, like his, was to be miserable.

Then Lord Strong, father of the bastard children of his half-sister, died in the flames in Harrenhal, and although he repeated to himself that he felt satisfaction, saying that it was good that he died, when he saw Jace at Laena Velaryon's funeral, he approached him wanting to offer his condolences.

He thought that even if they were bastards, he was still their father.

He was unable to get the words out.

They just looked at each other, but he had the feeling that Jace understood what he wanted to say.

And then he heard Vhagar's roar from the distance, saw her large silhouette in the sky.

He thought that she was summoning him.

That it was the gods giving him a sign that his time had come.

The world's largest untamed dragon was waiting for a new rider.

In Rhaena's place he would not have waited a second, given the opportunity.

He concluded that if she didn't want it, he would take it.

He fled the fortress at night, watching carefully beforehand what place the dragoness had chosen for her lair, running a large distance between grasses and sands.

Finally he saw her, lying and sleeping a stony sleep, as big as a mountain, feeling his fingers tingle with excitement, fear, terror and joy.

He thought that even if he died, it was worth a try.

And he succeeded.

He returned on Vhagar to the fortress, feeling like a triumphant man for the first time in his life.

He considered it a huge achievement to tame a dragon that had not been attached to him since childhood.

He thought that his mother would surely cry with emotion and embrace him, that perhaps even his father would do so, at last proud of his great success.

And then he came across them.

A whole bunch of angry children, four against one.

He said, as he actually thought, that Rhaena had her chance and wasted it.

Then Beala hit him and the scuffle began.

He thought that they would never humiliate him again.

No bastard could stand in his way.

When he felt a burning sensation on his face and hot liquid on his cheek, when he suddenly lost sight in one eye, he collapsed, terrified, unable to hold back a scream. This drew the attention of the guards, who, seeing him, begged the heavens for mercy and took him to the maester.

He already knew what awaited him.

Not even a cup full of poppy milk could dull him enough to endure the pain of his eye being cut out of his skull. His mother and Aegon could not bear to watch; the maester put a piece of wood in his mouth to keep him from biting his town tongue and tied him to a chair.

He wriggled like an animal in the snare, involuntarily trying to escape the blade, and realised that he would remain a man without an eye for the rest of his life.

A cripple.

By the time the maester had finished sewing the wound he was no longer crying or screaming; he sat in the chair, staring calmly ahead, dulled by the poppy milk, listening with a faint smirk to Jace's complaints about him calling them bastards.

He was surprised when Aegon took his side for the first time in his life, mustering the courage to say to their father that there was no lie in that accusation.

His father had failed him then for the umpteenth time in his life, focusing more on the accusation itself than on his suffering.

It didn't matter to him that he had lost an eye, only that the children of his whore-daughter were considered bastards.

Everyone knew that they were Lord Strong's bastards, and he played the fool anyway.

He lost any residual love for his father that day – or so he told himself, in order to accept his rejection more easily – and never again sought his father's attention.

His mother instead, like a lioness, threw herself at his half-sister, showing him once again that she was the only person that he could trust with his secrets and his heart.

He didn't, however.

He loved his mother, but he did not share his thoughts with her.

He locked them away in the chest of his mind and threw them into the abyss, sinking for years under the weight of these events into himself, feeling as if he were a huge black hole with no bottom or end.

However, the evening before Luke arrived in King's Landing he felt that he needed to speak to someone or he would completely loose his mind.

For him these events were like a stinging, unhealed wound that kept opening up as if someone had sprinkled salt on it.

Sitting by the fire in his chamber, musing, he could smell in his nostrils the scent of his wife who was sitting on his bed, reading a book in silence.

He thought that perhaps speaking to her would calm him down.

It did, but gods, nothing calmed him more than her body.

When she was riding him, brushing his face sweet, warm kisses, looking at him so tenderly, with such understanding, when he dug his fingers into her soft hips, imposing a fast, brutal pace on her, panting along with her, he felt fulfilled, desired.

He had never thought that with such a defect his future wife would truly want him as a man and a lover.

His wife, however, seemed not to notice the absence of his eye.

He never took off his eye patch in front of her, and she did not force him to do so.

At first he had feared that it would slip off his face in front of her, and he had had to drink a full cup of wine at their wedding feast before their wedding night in order not to think about it.

It didn't matter to him now.

He wanted to believe that it wouldn't change anything.

It was only when he came deep inside her with loud gasp of relief and she embraced him tenderly that he managed to fall asleep for a while. As soon as he woke up, however, everything started all over again.

He saw the cave again, with Luke coming out of it, holding his pig dragon on a string.

The Pink Dread.

The next day he left before dawn without waking her, like every morning wanting to practice with Ser Criston hand-to-hand combat. He knew that they were likely to arrive any moment, feeling rage, curiosity and satisfaction at the same time.

He was not wrong.

After a few hours, picking out a new shield, he noticed out of the corner of his eye the silhouettes of two young men, a large, maniac grin appeared on his lips when he recognised those lush, curly, black-headed boys.

Fucking bastards.

They stood up to watch him fight, clearly not recognising him at first. He pushed against Criston with such ferocity that he barely dodged his strikes and when his blade was finally at his neck, there was a round of applause of recognition all around them. Criston smiled at him, clearly pleased with his progress, nodding.

"You will soon be winning tournaments, my prince." He said with a paternal pride that he didn't like.

"I don't give a shit about tourneys." He said dispassionately, turning the hilt of his sword in his hand with a light movement, pushing it away from his neck. "Nephews −"

He began, the dangerous smile on his face that didn't reach his eye, his gaze directed towards the horrified faces of his nephews, who looked at him in disbelief.

Never before in his life had he felt such wild, maddening satisfaction.

They were terrified.

The gods were just.

"− have you come to train?" He asked with undisguised hope that he was about to humiliate one of them in front of the crowd.

He could feel the wonderful adrenaline flowing fast through his veins, his heart pounding like mad.

His whole being was ready to crush them.

Suddenly, the sound of trumpets rang out.

The great gate opened and Vaemond Velaryon and his entourage entered the courtyard; he grinned with satisfaction at the sight of him, glad that he would be able to watch from the sidelines this theatre being played out between him and his bastard nephew.

After training he waited for his wife outside her chamber, circling impatiently with his arms folded.

Though his face was impassive, he could not hide his excitement.

For some reason the thought of her being beside him, of her promising to be his ally aroused him even more.

When he saw her he regretted that they didn't have more time, so that he could spill his seed inside her once more before they went to the throne room.

She wore her richest gown and most beautiful jewellery, her hair entwined in a multiple, intricate braid, framing her head wonderfully. She approached him and bowed before him humbly, a gentle, comforting smile on her face.

But there was no time for that.

He wished he could fuck her.

They moved towards the Throne Room to join his family; his grandfather stood proudly next to the throne, ready to sit on it in a moment.

He thought with amusement that the whole thing was some kind of farce and there was not a single person among them who could be considered impartial and fair.

Pathetic.

He listened to Vaemond's statement with dangerous smirk on his lips, watching Luke's reaction out of the corner of his eye.

He thought that he was a terrified, shaking child, hiding under his mother's skirt.

And then his father walked into the throne room.

He thought with disappointment, grinning widely, that his father had never loved any of his children the way he loved his first daughter.

He looked like a wraith in his golden mask and emaciated, ravaged face, stooped, hunched over, barely moving with his staff.

He felt a squeeze in his throat at the sight and realised with pain, that he had not stood up for him when he needed him but had been able to rise from his deathbed for his whore half-sister.

They didn't count.

They were the children of the wrong mother.

He knew from the moment his father arrived that the matter would be decided in Rhaenyra's favour, and he was not at all surprised by the amused chuckle of his brother, who was surely thinking exactly the same thing as he was.

When Vaemond shouted that the whore's children were bastards and finally someone called things by their name, he felt hot wave of contentment and fulfilment flow through his body.

He knew Velaryon was a fool and could have bid his tongue farewell, but it was still wonderful to hear it spoken aloud.

Husband of his whore-sister or not, Daemon Targaryen, unlike his father, was a true dragon.

He drew in a breath, shocked, and intuitively shielded his wife with his body, hearing her squeal, feeling her hand tighten on his arm, as his uncle swung and cut Vaemond's head in half with one, sure cut.

He never seen someone dismember someone with such a sure cut before.

His sword, his Black Sister matched his personality.

He defended his wife's honor without thinking, instinctively, just as he had shielded his own wife.

His madness.

It was at that moment that he realised that he should see how his wife felt about this sight, surely terrified; he glanced at her of the corner of his eye and saw that she was looking at him in worry, her lips pressed into a thin line.

He swallowed heavily, feeling a clench in his stomach at the thought that she had seen something on his face that he very much did not want her to discover.

Despite these events, the feast ordered by his father-king had not been cancelled; he felt sick at the thought of sitting with these traitors at the same table, however, his mother had asked him and his brother to make an effort.

When his father was brought inside on a lectern and seated in a large wooden chair, they all took their seats; he noticed with amusement and a twinkle in his eye that Luke and Rhaena were sitting across from them.

He thought, placing his hands in front of him to pray as requested by his mother, that this was an exceptionally satisfying coincidence.

During his prayer he imagined forcing Luke to pull out his eye.

He felt the heat spill throughout his body at the thought, a pleasant tickling in his fingertips that made him shiver. He opened his eye; Luke stared at him from a distance, but seeing his gaze he immediately turned his head away.

He felt like laughing at the sight.

Then his father began to speak; he was throwing around platitudes about one strong crown, about the family coming together for the sake of the kingdom.

He thought in the back of his mind that his father was a dying, naïve old man, living in his illusion from which, however, no one was going to awaken him out of sheer pity.

Everyone knew that this supper was to let him pass away in peace of mind, but then would come the fire and blood.

The first toasts began to be given and the atmosphere relaxed a little, he, however, had the feeling of a rumble in his head.

He felt like a predator who had already spotted the weakest prey and who was monstrously hungry.

He wanted to rip this boy to shreds, to make his whore sister cry over him the way that his mother had cried over him when he lost his eye.

He rose slowly from his seat and silence fell around them. He looked at his nephew expectantly, measuring him with a challenging gaze, while Aegon returned to his seat and grunted as if nothing had happened. Jace hesitated and licked his lips, a forced, polite smile on his face.

His eye glanced anxiously towards Jace when he saw Aegon rise from his seat, he cursed in his mind at the sight of his face leaning over Baela's shoulder, clearly displeased at his proximity.

He said for sure, as usual anyway, something inappropriate and Jace suddenly slammed his fist on the table, rising, his chest rising and falling anxiously.

He lifted his cup and raised a toast to their health, saying something about their wonderful shared childhood. He pressed his lips together at his words, impatient, looking away with fury.

Fucking craven.

He glanced at her of the corner of his eye, seeing that she was looking at Jace and Helaena, warm smile of satisfaction on her face.

As he sat back in his seat, music echoed around then; he and Aegon cast communicative glances at each other as Jace rose to ask Helaena to dance. She accepted his hand happily, immediately rising, moving with him to the back of the chamber.

He then realising that he had completely neglected his wife in favour of wallowing in his own, dark thoughts.

He felt his whole body tense up, every hair on his body rising in rage.

She was pleased that Jace had humiliated his brother in front of everyone.

In any other situation, with anyone else, he would have grinned with contentment himself, he would have appreciated her concern for his sister's happiness.

Not with them.

But not today.

She had promised him that she would be on his side.

He placed his hand on her thigh and firmly dug his fingers into her skin hidden under her gown, as if to remind her of his presence. She shuddered, startled by his sudden, intense touch and looked at him questioningly, clearly frightened.

"What made you so happy, sweet wife?" He hissed low, the menace in the click of his tongue, his eye black, his grasp strong and sure. He saw her swallow hard, she knew him well enough by now to know that he was furious.

She did not meekly lower her gaze as usual, looking at him confidently, her partially exposed breasts rising and falling in uneven breaths.

"The fact that a man has finally treated our princess the way that she deserves to be treated." She whispered with emphasis, furrowing her brows.

He felt a shudder run through her, her lips parted in disbelief as his hand lifted with a sharp movement her skirt and slipped between her thighs, closing on her hot, throbbing womanhood. She gasped and grabbed his arm, shocked, trying to stop him. He chuckled lowly at the sight.

He thought that if they had been alone in his chamber he would have explained to her what he expected of her.

He shuddered, snapped out of his reverie, quickly tooking his hand away, seeing surprised that someone had approached them. He pressed his lips together, barely swallowing his saliva, noticing who it was, shocked.

His fingers brushed against her bud, sliding down between her soft, slick folds.

He knew she felt it, her cheeks scarlet, drop of sweat running down her beautiful, slong neck. He his manhood reacted at the sight with aggressive throbbing pulsate hard, ready to possess her from the morning.

Daemon held out his hand to his wife, looking at her with a smile, something in his eyes that concerned him. He felt his heart start pounding hard.

"My lady." He said with emphasis, not even saying what he desired . He saw his wife quickly turn a questioning gaze towards him, but he was unable to get anything out, his lips tightened into a thin line.

He had told her not to speak to his nephews, but he had said nothing about his uncle, and to object loudly now, at the table, would have shown him to be weak and jealous.

Therefore he could only watch helplessly, furious, as his wife placed her trembling hand on his and moved with him towards Jace and Helaena dancing in the distance.

He glanced quickly at his half-sister, wanting to see if her reaction was likened to his, but she was discussing something with her father with a smile, making it seem as if her husband dancing with another woman didn't bother her at all.

He swallowed loudly at the thought that when he was a child he had overheard the ladies of the court chatting with each other about how Laena, Daemon and Rhaenyra sometimes slept in the same bed.

He quickly looked away, trying not to pay attention to the smirk on Luke's face that flashed before his eye and looked at his wife dancing with his uncle.

He felt a squeeze in his stomach seeing that they were conversing with each other, his uncle's gestures respectful, gentle, almost affectionate.

It made him sick to think that he might have desired her.

That his half-sister wouldn't mind if he took her to their bed.

He clenched his hand into fist, trying to calm his breathing.

It felt to him that this short dance had taken an eternity; relief surged through his body as they both bowed to each other and his wife sat down next to him again.

He didn't look at her, reaching for his cup, taking a greedy sip of wine from it.

She wanted to touch his hand lying on his thigh under the table, but he took it away from her with a quick, impatient gesture.

"Don't touch me." He hissed, unable to control his jealousy, uncertainty and fear, his gaze fixed on his uncle, chatting contentedly with his wife, putting food on her plate.

He stood up, furious at the thought, glancing at his surprised mother.

He thought that he had to take her immediately.

To feel that she was his, to fuck her, to fill her with his seed.

To remind her and himself that he was the only one she desired, and not his handsome uncle with both eyes, the greatest warrior in all Westeros.

He walked out into the corridor, hearing her quiet footsteps behind him and looked around. When he saw that they were completely alone, he grabbed her violently by the arm and dragged her into a side alley, slamming her against the wall in one sharp motion, turning her back to himself.

"My wife felt unwell. I will escort her to her chamber." He said dryly. His wife threw him a surprised look but seeing his murderous gaze she stood up docilely, bowing her head.

His mother asked him if she should summon the maester, but he just moved towards the entrance, expecting her wife to follow him.

All he could hear was her loud, accelerated breathing as he pulled her skirts up, forcing her to bend over and buck her hips towards him, her trembling hands clenched on the stone wall.

"Now I'm going to show you what I think of you dancing with my uncle and how much I appreciate the concern that you expressed for my sister this evening." He hissed, untying his breeches in a quick, sure movement, lowering them just enough to free his sore, swollen erection. He heard her breath quicken at his words, her whole body quivering in anticipation.

"It runs in our blood." He snarled mischievously, lifting her gown higher, so he could see her thighs and what was between them.

"She deserves a moment of happiness. Your brother is a monster." She said coldly. He pressed his lips together at her words, feeling his insides twist in rage.

He knew that there was truth in her words, but it didn't matter now.

A grin of satisfaction appeared on his face as he saw her pink, throbbing entrance, glistening from her moisture in the firelight. He slapped his hand over this sensitive place and she squealed softly, surprised by the sensation that was at once painful and pleasurable.

She sobbed loudly and tilted her head back as opened her folds with his thumbs and forced his way inside her with one, sure thrust of his hips, filling her completly. She mewled when he began to root into her with impatient, greedy pounds, struggling to keep her balance, clasping her hands on the wall, her cheek pressed against it in an expression of utter helplessness and surrender.

"Fucking knew it. Who made you this wet?" He growled, feeling his manhood throb hard at this perverted sight. His fingers began to tease her, brushing against her pearl in a light motion, spreading her wetness all over her slit.

"My handsome uncle or your monstrous husband?" He hissed and slapped her there again, getting the same, almost innocent reaction from her, the quiet, girlish moan that she tried to stifle in fear of someone catching them.

He could see her misty gaze, her sweet, puffy lips parted in desire, he knew that expression.

She fucking wanted it.

His cock slid in and out of her with a loud click of their juices, their bare skin slapped against each other again. He watched this sight as if enthralled, panting loudly, spreading her slick folds wide on his length, her fleshy, hot walls clenching wonderfully against him, sucking him inside.

He leaned his hand against the wall, his other hand clenching on the soft skin on her hip, speeding up his pace, only broken, sweet cires came from her mouth echoing through the dark corridor, lit only by a single torch.

"− come on, say it − say it − ah − say that you hate me − what a monster your husband is just like his brother, taking you when and how he wants to −" He growled out, slamming into her brutally, the loud, sticky, lewd click of their moisture making his aching cock throb hard inside her.

This position and place, his frustration, his fear, her scent, her sweet moans made him feel that he wouldn't last long.

She had to hate him, because it was impossible to love him.

"− say it and I'll give you what you want − fuck − come on, you can do it −" He exhaled encouragingly, realising that it was as he said.

It had to be.

She had to love him, because she had no right not to love the prince.

She said nothing.

Instead she began to whine his name in such a way that a low, quivering gasp escaped his throat, his fingers twirling around her pearl, all sticky from their shared juices, her hips responding fervently to his every violent thrust that rubbed against her upper wall, driving her mad. He squeezed his eye shut, an expression of desperation on his face as he felt his fulfilment approaching.

"– I don't hate you – you're not a monster – you're not like your brother –"

"− say it − say it, say it, say it! −" He growled, but she just came, her body bent like a string, a loud, surprised moan ripped from her throat.

Her walls began to squeeze him so greedily that he simply reached his peak inside her, panting hard, his lips parted in relief, his hips rooting into her for a moment longer, prolonging his pleasure, spilling his hot seed inside her. She swallowed loudly, her whole body trembling in front of him as he heard her soft, raspy voice.

_____

Aemond Taglist:

(bold means I couldn't tag you)

@its-actually-minicika @notnormalthings-blog @nikstrange @zenka69 @bellaisasleep @k-y-r-a-1 @g-cf2020 @melsunshine @opheliaas-stuff @chainsawsangel @iiamthehybrid @tinykryptonitewerewolf @namoreno @malfoytargaryen @qyburnsghost @aemondsdelight @persephonerinyes @fan-goddess @sweethoneyblossom1 @watercolorskyy @astral-blossoms @randomdragonfires @amirawritespoorly @apollonshootafar @padfooteyes @darylandbethfanforever9 @fudge13 @snh96 @diosademuerte @rwdkarla @echos-muses @ipostwhtifeel @letmeloveyouuuu @yentroucnagol @valeskafics

Others: @dreamymoomin @thedamewithabook @dc-marvel-girl96 @zillahvathek @helaenaluvr @tssf-imagines @heavenly1927 @hiatuswhore @it-is-getting-better @linkpk88 @luna-salem @toodlesxcuddles @happinessinthebeing @siriusblackrunmeover17 @alaaaaaaa @ladybug0095 @barbiegirlaemond @random-ocity @whoknows333

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mhsdatgo · 10 months ago

Note

Do you think the show is biased against the Greens vs. Team Black? If so, how should the show have demonstrated that both teams are awful, in your opinion?

Hello anon!

I've got a lot to say on this one.

First of all, yes. I totally think that the show had some obvious kind of bias towards the Blacks. Not necessarily with the way the Greens were treated as devils with no likeable qualities except for Alicent (even if there are several instances of them doing so) but more because of the way the Blacks were whitewashed.

Rhaenyra.

Look, you'll never catch me not expressing my contempt for this woman, no matter the fact she was brought up by a man who did nothing but spoil, enable and indulge her in everything and anything she says and does. I can see the path they're taking in the show by adapting her as an irresponsible woman who flees at the minimal inconvenience and cowers to her dad at any minor inconvenience, but literally everything that makes her Rhaenyra Targaryen, Rhaenyra Targaryen, is removed.

She just looks like the next girlboss Targ Dragonrider queen after Daenerys. They basically made GOT season 8 and sent show!Rhaenyra as an apology. But in doing so they basically made her... Boring. Her and her children, which I don't love or hate. (The closest one I am to "liking" is Jace, I guess, but the leaks are just making me rethink everything again.)

I would've loved it if they had given us ONE pre-Dance book!Rhaenyra scene that would've made her appear more ruthless than what we have on the show, and not just the time when she offered 10 year old Aemond to be tortured. Make her ask Daemon to go after Vaemond (sorry pookie) like she did in the books, make her feed his corpse to her dragon. Sure that wouldn't have made me change my mind about how much I dislike her bUt it WOULD'VE made me go "damn she stands on business."

I wanted her to act out of grief and insist on going to war when she miscarried Visenya and lost her father, because although I don't think that the Greens did kill that poor little girl (she had dragon features and was likely going to die anyway) I do think that Rhaenyra should've been allowed her pain and the irrational and impulsive thinking that comes with it.

Alicent.

OH BOY.

Where do I even begin with this one?

Olivia Cooke SLAYED. Lemme just start with that. She took the whole cake and ate it too and left no crumbs. The direction they've taken with her is a realistic one, at least for the actions and decisions she's taking. Reckless, for sure. Risky, deathly even. Her fear is realistic, even for someone as Alicent Hightower no matter how much determination had protected her from dread.

What I don't like is the way she was treated as everyone's object and her shutting up about it. From Rhaenyra to Larys, everyone uses her for their own disgusting pleasures or outlet of frustration. And she's made to take it without fighting back even once. The one time she does, bless her, she's treated as a woman who's gone mad.

Now, I would've been fine with her taking all these hits if only they knew how to make Alicent change properly and completely from there. If it was me, the incident at Driftmark would be my start to revenge. No longer would I look at Rhaenyra with hope to reconcile with her. No longer would I bear any more of Viserys' shit when it's clear his first daughter (the image of his first wife) bears way more importance to him than me and all the four kids he forced me to have combined.

They'd have to nightly talk me out of suffocating him with my pillow a minute more for every wince and ache my now eyeless son suffers, for a month straight if not more. I wouldn't eagerly stand by his side and listen to his last words only to mistake them for permission to go along with my plans. I'd stand there passively at best, waiting for him to be done, before leaving the room.

Everything else can just be left the same way it was. Her fear when she realizes the effect Viserys' death has on her and her children is realistic. I'd break down for a moment too. I'd act as soon as I could too. I'd cry tears of relief, dread, grief (depends on how you interpret that scene) too. After letting his stinky ass rot for a fortnight. I would've preferred this to be a "there was a plan, but we weren't ready to act it out" situation more than a "what the fuck is going on" situation.

I'd also slap that "you toil in service of other men" dialogue from Rhaenys right back in her face (sorry grandma) since if we're talking about the show, it's literally the only thing she has done throughout the season.

House Velaryon.

HEAVY on this one. They have been done so wrong on so many levels. Every single one of them.

Laena was made to "pursue" Daemon, she changes from a precious, small and shy little girl to a confident, seductive young woman (teenager for fuck's sake, screw everyone who thought making her change this way would've been good) and later on a side piece, "the one Daemon settles for because he can't have Rhaenyra" even if it was known that she was the only one he was never unfaithful to, "she's made her peace" (WTF???????).

It apparently never hits Corlys that the bitch who he believes has made him childless (I AM TALKING ABOUT DAEMON) deserves no support from him and his house or that Luke should actually become a ward there at Driftmark if he's so adamant on keeping this farce that he's a Velaryon and the next Lord of the Tides.

Vaemond is seen as the odd, evil and power hungry one for pointing out that his house is falling into an OBVIOUS bastard's hands whether this kid likes it or not (even as my support for this claim goes as far as questioning Luke's parentage) and to add insult to injury he's made to say Rhaenyra is a whore, which never happened in the books.

The Silent Five are removed completely, Vaemond's sons as well (@redrosesandcharmingsouls knows I was FROTHING at the mouth waiting for Daemion Velaryon to make an appearance but the motherfuckers couldn't even give me that) so that we don't have any kind of reason to believe an execution so brutal and unjust had any repercussions on the support House Velaryon has on the Blacks overall. They are made into Rhaenyra's cheering squad through and thorough, even if they have every reason to be anything but.

The Laenor situation is actually really fucking funny. They made him leave instead of killing him to not bury the gays and they aren't aware that this has totally fucked everything up. Like thanks for telling me ALL of Rhaenyra's children are bastards. Cool, HOW THE FUCK TO YOU HANDLE SEASMOKE NOW?

Aegon II.

No this isn't an apologist post. I'm actually slithering on the ground on my knees for TGC daily but Aegon is a clusterfuck right now, no matter how you look at it. They tell us he's a psycho drunken rapist and he likes to watch children fighting every Sunday and when you actually see his adult version he's a crying love starved bitch of a man and he winces and frowns when Vaemond's head is cut off.

Instead of taking the throne to protect his children, he takes it because he's forced. And that makes Alicent the villain in everything once again. Now it doesn't matter if you look at the book version or what we see of the show version, everywhere you look this is just out of character.

It's inconsistent. He's made the worst thing ever so people can say "See??? They believe a rapist is better to put to the throne than our girlboss virtuous heir!!!" you either make him a psycho or a touch starved baby, why make both?

So yeah, I think this is all. For now. We'll have to see how this show progresses to see if I change my mind in any way.

Thanks for the ask!!!! ^_^

#hotd #house of the dragon #team green #anti hotd #pro team green #anti team black #anon #anon ask

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storiesbyjes2g · 2 months ago

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3.195 Uncle Luca's day out

So, uhhh ... We have a closet now. After seeing Less', our empty wall was looking extra empty. Once I told Sophia what I saw, it was a wrap. She ordered that thing so fast, and it arrived way too early this morning, but here we are. It's funny how this room is smaller than the last one, yet we never had so much storage space before. Fewer windows have advantages, I suppose.

Rosie is barking outside our window. Our dogs are always barking, especially when she is playing, but what catches my ear this time is another voice. I look out the window and see Alessia playing with her! This house is doing a number on all of us, I see. I love that she's not only getting along with our dogs but also seeking them out. I've said it a million times, and I'll say it once more: we're going to be alright.

The other night, when me and Sophia looked school information after trying to prep Desiree, we learned the school system is on winter break right now, so we have loads more time with her! I was so glad and relieved to find this out. I mean, if she had to go to school, we'd send her, but I felt like we were all unprepared for this next phase of life. It came around so fast! Now we have the time to prepare, and we get to have more fun together. With school out, four kids, and two deserving mothers, I decide to take the kids out and let the moms rest. Also during the school information quest, I stumbled upon the high school's events page. They host many events that the public can attend, and tonight there's a football contest. That sounded like a good event for the kids, but it wasn't until 5 p.m., so I made an impromptu agenda to kill time. We began our adventure early with breakfast in Oasis Springs.

We go to the steak house me and Sophia frequent, but I don't recognize the host this time. She must be new, but man, does she have an attitude. She acted like me bringing four kids to a restaurant at 9 a.m. is a personal affront to her. Maybe it is early, or maybe I'm just too flabbergasted by her outburst, but I don't know how to respond. It's for the best because I probably wouldn't be nice because I feel the spirit of "I got time" rising up in me again, heh. I need to get into the gym and hit a bag because it is clear I want to fight someone. I blame Alessia's sperm donor, Jace. We got all hyped up about fighting him and never did. Maybe that urge never left me. Anyway...

The cook had just walked in on her berating me and shook his head at her. If this happens a lot, why don't they fire her? It can't be good for business.

"Come on, man," he said to me. "We've got plenty of tables, and I have to walk that way, anyway."

That was so nice of him. We followed him to a table, and I told ol' Nasty Nelly to have a good day so the kids could hear, heh. Sure, it was sarcasm, but hopefully they haven't learned that concept yet. With any luck, they'll learn to return nastiness with kindness.

When we get to the table, we have a quick family meeting. Because it's their first time in public, and I am the lone adult, we discuss inside voices, manners, and general public behavior, aka, this is not a playground, aka do not embarrass me, heh. Breanna and Arvin want to play in the rain, so I let them go as long as they are quiet. Desiree and Lex stay with me. She colors the placemat, and he plays quietly with a toy.

When the food came, I collect the other two from outside, and we have a fairly decent time together with minimal incidents...

I'm not naïve enough to think we could go all day without someone acting up. But what I did not anticipate was it would be my child I'd have to call out. She kept farting and laughing about it. I didn't realize she was the culprit until Breanna had enough and screamed at her.

I told her no one else thinks it's funny. We're eating, and no one wants to smell that with food in our mouths, and she should apologize to the table. Her remorseful face almost broke me, and I wondered if I was too harsh. I knew I wasn't because I didn't yell, but I just hate seeing her sad. I stayed strong, though.

After breakfast, we still have several more hours before the event, so I take them to Copperdale so we'd already be in town. I remembered a park down the street from the pier, so we go there first. The weather is not conducive to playing in the park. A thick blanket of snow covers the ground, and it's still falling on top of being extremely cold. I should cancel our plans and go back home because I don't want anyone getting sick. But the kids scatter before I can stop them. Desi says she has to pee and goes to the bathroom. Breanna makes a beeline for the monkey bars, reminding me so much of her mother. Arvin also goes to the bathroom, which leaves Lex with me again. He's such a cool little dude with a chill temperament, like me. I noticed his outfit earlier, and he seems to care about his appearance more than the other two.

Some older gentlemen are out taking a stroll for some reason and come over to talk about the weather. Lex doesn't seem to mind, but I want him to have fun too, so I excuse myself to have some snow fun with him. We have a snowpal building contest with Bre.

We win by default because Bre quit when she saw Desi and Arvin talking outside the bathrooms. We're still proud of our victory, though.

It seems a shame to come all the way to Copperdale and be a stone's throw of the pier and not ride the rides, so I check on the kids to see how they're doing with the weather. It stopped snowing, so the visibility is better, but it's still freezing. Children have an uncanny knack for being impervious to the weather, however, so they all said they're fine to stay out. I tell them about the haunted house ride, and they're all very excited about it. I figure we'd do that one over the Ferris wheel so we can get inside for a bit.

Although I know the cars only have two seats, I still wish we can all go together. I want to ride with Desi, but who would stay and watch the other kids while we ride? She wants to go with Arvin anyway, and Lex wants to go with me. Breanna is a boss just like her mom, and she doesn't want to sit with anyone. By the time we all take our turns, it's about 5:30, so we head to the high school.

On the way, I explain how this will be their school when they become teenagers. There're all kinds of activities they can get into, like the football team, which is what we'll be doing today, cheerleading, chess club, computer club, and so much more. Realizing they have no frame of reference for school, however, we walk around the classroom building to warm up and see what it's all about. This isn't my alma mater, but a school is a school. They're all basically the same.

Bre got upset about Desi farting again. Just as I begin to express disappointment, I remember something from her infancy. She was gassy a lot and constantly had hiccups. And she belched a lot when we burped her after feedings. Could something still be going on with her stomach? Am I telling her to stop being nasty while she can't actually help it? I didn't say anything that time and decide to talk to her about it in the privacy of our home.

#ISBI challenge #sims 4 story #sims 4 gameplay #adolting #adolting gen 3 #luca winston murillo #desiree amari murillo #lex murillo #arvin murillo #breanna murillo

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xoxo-surfergirl · 1 year ago

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A Very Targaryen Holiday - Dark!Aemond x Strong!Niece

Part I

summary: Lucera and Aemond reunite with their families to spend the holidays together. Aemond wasn’t always nice to her when he was younger, but has he changed?

notes: the main pairing in this is aemond x strong niece, but I guess I did write it as aemond x fem!lucerys velaryon. Whichever floats your boat more! aemond is not the nicest in this, but this fic is a mix of fluff and smut (but none of the fluff comes from aemond, lol). Slight dubcon, rough oral sex, and attempts at humor. There are no physical descriptions of Lucera besides her having long hair. There is a second part, which I will be posting soon. I cross post on ao3, with essentially the same username (just without the hypen) xoxosurfergirl! I hope you enjoy!!!! <3

Lucera took a deep inhale, followed by a deep exhale. Indulging in her breath usually helped whenever her nerves began to get the best of her. Her suitcase was cracked open in front of her, waiting for her to stuff it.

A few fancy dresses. A few long sleeves—it could get cold there at night. Several pairs of pants. A tank top just in case. A swim suit for the hot tub. More underwear than she needed.

She ran back to her dresser to grab the last few items required to fulfill her trip, when her door swung open loudly. Baela was able to nearly leap from the door to the bed, causing her comforter and pillows to jump from impact.

Her curls splayed out onto the bed in a halo. “I’ve always loved your bed. It’s the softest out of all of ours, you know.”

Lucera looked at her, unease crawling its way through her stomach and up her throat. “Yeah, well. You can always ask mother for a new one.”

Baela softened her face. “Luce, I know this is weird for you.”

“No, no. It’s fine, really, it’s just been awhile.” Lucera folded her clothes to keep her hands focused.

“It’s not really fine. I know we haven’t talked about it for a long time, but I know how weird it must feel for you.”

Lucera sighed. “It’s just, everything might be completely normal you know? And I’m anxious about nothing.”

Baela sat up on the bed, making deep eye contact with Lucera. “Don’t discount your feelings. It’s been four years since we’ve seen them, and for very good reason. Let me remind you that after you accidentally maimed him, he did try to hurt you. On purpose.” Lucera looked away, but Baela continued. “The only reason why we haven’t celebrated Christmas with them is because there were so many close calls and mother noticed”

She remembered the “close calls”. If only they had known all of the times the calls weren’t so close, but no one was there to see it.

“I know, I just wonder sometimes if it’s all in my head. Nothing really happened,” Lie. “I’m the only one who actually hurt someone.” A deep sense of shame leaked through Lucera’s chest, one that she had been trying for years to tame.

But Baela wouldn’t let her stew. “It was an accident, Luce. It’s okay. I’ll tell you as many times as you need to understand it. But what he was doing was not an accident. Remember the year he locked you in Grandfather’s industrial freezer for half an hour? Any longer than that and you would have died. Remember last time he took an ornament and forced you to crush it with your hand so you’d get glass stuck in your skin? Remember when he tried to slam your arm in the oven but Jace stopped him? Remember that other year he almost drowned you in the hot tub? There are even more than this, Lucera. You are perfectly right to be nervous about seeing him again.”

The walls in her mind were crumbling with Baela’s narration of the past holidays. These were memories Lucera had done her best to stifle, but they always returned louder than ever. She would never tell Baela that she had let him do these things, or that there were several more incidents that no one else knew about, because she had always felt like he deserved some form of retribution for losing his eye at her hand.

Aemond had always taken a keen interest in her. He had always followed her, watched her intently. It wasn’t hard to take notice of it. Everyone had.

But everyone had written it up to be nothing beyond youth fascination. Children stare at each other all the time. There was nothing peculiar about Aemond’s behavior.

It was only after the accident that his attention on her took a slight new meaning. Although hesitant at first to resume the previous non-concern from the rest of her family, time had worn away the worry it had initially caused. It had allowed for much else between them to take place.

“Thank you, Bae. I am nervous, but part of me does think we’ve all changed a bit. I certainly have.” And she had. They are adults now. It would be weird if he was still into torture. Most kids grow out of it.

“Exactly. We were weird teenagers and now we’re actually older. I’m sure we’ve all changed a lot since then.”

------------

The snow crunched under their tires, a fresh coat not yet salted by the city. Lucera recognized the skyscrapers in the distance, and her face softened when she saw the telltale curves of the family company’s building peak around the corner. Although it had been some time since she had visited their family townhouse in the city, she remembered the streets like she had lived there her whole life. Happy Little Treats, the best bakery in the city. Blackie’s, the best diner on the East Side.

Her, Rhaena, Jace, and Baela had decided to drive separately from their parents, who also had Joanie with them, as well as little Aemma and Viserra. It was much easier to take two cars, especially when they knew they would probably want to go out at different times from their parents who had two little ones. Poor Joanie, too young to be with the older girls all the time, but also far too old to be stuck with Aemma and Viserra, was doomed to float between the two groups.

The radio was tuned to holiday music, and the girls delighted in singing along to every song that rang through the speakers.

As they were closing in on their destination, Baela intercepted the music with her normal speaking voice, the first to do so in over an hour. “What do you think they all look like now?”

Rhaena was the first to answer. “I’m not sure about Aegon or Aemond, but Helaena and I see each other at uni. She’s radiant and beautiful, as she always has been.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot you've mentioned seeing her around.” Baela replied.

Rhaena smiled, and shook her head down. “Yeah, she’s the coolest, honestly.”

Baela laughed. “Out of those three? It’s no competition.”

Jacaera’s breath fogged up the window as she spoke. “I’ve seen Aegon and Aemond in passing at uni as well. They seem alright. Aegon is no longer the tall one.”

Lucera perked at this. Aemond? Tall? She shook her head. “I swear I forget we all go to the same school sometimes. There’s just so many people I never see them.”

“Aemond is tall now? Wow. I’ll have to see it to believe it.” Baela jeered.

Jacaera drew a heart in the fogged glass before turning and facing the rest of her sisters. “Yes! It was honestly shocking at first. I barely recognized him, but I saw the eyepatch and knew immediately.”

Oh right. The eye patch. Lucera sighed. Baela moved her hand to sit atop hers in acknowledgement.

A right turn here, a left turn there, and the chateaux-style massive townhouse came into view. The four stories were gaudily embellished by baroque trim, with a massive oak door calling attention to its center. Wreaths were attached to the base of every windowsill, and a candle placed in each window. They watched as Rhaenyra and Daemon pulled Aemma and Viserra out of their carseats, having arrived a few moments before they did. Joanie was looking up at the mass of the townhouse, most likely counting how many windows there were, trying to remember which room was what.

Two men Lucera didn’t recognize dressed in all black greeted her parents, and Daemon smiled and gave him his car keys.

Rhaena twisted the steering wheel to pull up right behind them, and the other man dressed in black immediately jumped to open all of their car doors. Lucera felt like she was moving in slow motion the way the man was everywhere at once, and by the time she had stepped onto the sidewalk, he already had the trunk thrown open and was lifting their suitcases next to her.

“Thank you!” Lucera said enthusiastically, trying to cut through his quickness.

The house—if it could be called such a humble thing, loomed above her. She felt as if she was stepping into all holidays past, where he lingered with the bitter taste of sadism.

The large doors eased open, beckoning them inside. When she peaked in, she saw Daemon’s black trench coat deep in the arms of her grandfather, Rhaenyra to his side, buried in Alicent with a beaming smile of delight. They let go, embracing one another in turn. Viserys could barely contain his excitement at the sight of the little ones, having crouched down to greet them. Lucera noticed the exact moment he caught sight of the rest of her and her sisters, and his joy multiplied ten times over.

“Oh, my girls! My girls.” He said, reaching in to hug each one of them. “I couldn’t be more happy to have all of my family in one place again.”

Greetings were further extended to Alicent. It must have been an exhausting process for Viserys and Alicent, she guessed, since there were so many of them.

Alicent addressed the group. “I was just telling your parents, the rest of them are lost in the house somewhere. I’m sure you’ll see them shortly.”

The girls nodded, and Joanie said something about being excited to see Daeron. The flurry of movement divided as everyone was sent to their rooms to unpack.

Alicent nodded to a staircase on her left. “I put you girls up in the kid’s wing.”

Jacaera laughed, playfulness in her voice. “Only some of us are still kids.”

“Oh don’t be ridiculous,” Alicent waved her hand downwards. “You’ll always be children to me.”

Climbing up three floors was exhausting without the bag, and Lucera could hardly imagine doing it with the extra weight in tow. She looked at the house staff carrying her and her sisters bags, and felt a bit sorry for them.

After reaching her rooms, she was delighted to see that she had a window overlooking the front sidewalk. There were fresh winter roses placed delicately in an opaque white vase on her bedside table, the blue jumping out against the walls of her bedroom.

Her nerves were reaching an all time high. She still hadn’t seen Aemond, yet he was here. But her thoughts were interrupted when Baela swung open her door.

Lucera turned to look at her. “Do you ever knock?”

Baela spun around and leaned exaggeratingly against the door frame before saying, “Not with you, I don’t. All of us girls are going to the hot tub. Put your bathing suit on.”

Lucera smiled, and unzipped her suitcase. “I’ll be ready in five. Wait for me?”

------------

The hot tub was roiling, jets pumping near blistering water against their backs. It was heavenly. Their hair was tied up in variations of buns and pony tails, the ends tickling their necks.

Rhaena had been intently looking at the back of the townhouse. “It’s so crazy to be back here after all these years.”

“It’s hardly changed since then. It feels like I’m stepping into a place frozen in time.” Jacaera marveled.

Helaena chuckled at their insight. “I’m sure it feels that way. I haven’t been to Dragonstone in forever either.”

Jacaera turned to her in revelation. “Gods that’s right! You should come stay with us for the summer. The beach is so warm then.”

“Yeah! Maybe when we all finish up our finals Helaena can just come home with us?” Rhaena said in agreement.

“I’d be happy if you had me,” Helaena replied. “What are all you studying anyways?”

Baela went first. “I’m studying business, with a concentration on finance.”

Lucera seconded her. “Me as well.”

Jacaera tagged at the end of Lucera's agreement. “Also me.”

Helaena laughed. “All you three planning to work for the family business, then?”

“Something like that. Jacaera, Baela, and I will take over after Rhaenyra and Daemon.” Lucera answered. “After Viserys passes, of course. It will be awhile, but there’s a lot to learn anyways.”

“Aemond’s going to do the same. Aegon isn’t interested in being a part of Hightower Associates, and neither am I, but Aemond is preparing to take over after our grandfather. Have you seen him around uni?”

Baela chuckled. “We were just talking about that,” she looked at Jacaera. “Only Jace has, really.”

“Hm. That’s funny considering he’s also in your department.” Helaena remarked.

“Right? I mean the library is huge, but it can’t be that large. I’m there all the time.” Jacaera pondered.

“Knowing him, he probably found a secret room and lives out of it”. Helaena sighed. “He doesn’t go out too much, and he’s really focused on his work.”

Lucera thought about the growing man Aemond had morphed into. One who was deeply integrated and committed to his family business, just as she. It only meant he had gotten more cutthroat. It’s the only way to survive in the world of finance they were thrust into. None of the top hedge fund managers, heads of banking families, or titans of brokers reached and stayed where they were because they were the most virtuous. To survive in this world meant being vicious at times.

A trait that ran in the family, clearly.

“We’ll probably run into him one of these days.” Baela acquiesced. “What are you studying again Helaena?”

“Studio art, concentrating on painting. Aegon is doing the same, but focusing on photography. We both much prefer it to the chaos of the family business.” She said proudly, until she realized the context of the conversation. “Not that I’m putting you down for choosing it, or anything.”

Jacaera giggled. “No, we get it. It is pretty chaotic.”

The hot tub had gone from the initial burn, to comfortable, to boiling again as the conversations ebbed and flowed through several different interests of theirs, such as their love lives and the semester's hook-ups, with extra time spent on the more embarrassing ones. It was truly Baela dominating the bulk of the conversation, hardly anyone else had anything to add apart from a meager makeout here and there.

Baela was also newly introduced to the term “situationship”, as the rest of them deduced she was most certainly in one with Adam Hull.

“Just because we sleep in the same bed most nights doesn’t mean we’re together.” She objected.

Helaena was set on getting her to admit it. “And does he stay in the morning? Do you do any other activities together?”

Baela scoffed. “We get dinner sometimes. And go to the movies every Tuesday, but that’s only because tickets are half-off on Tuesdays. And we go to the gym together. But it’s nothing, really.”

Helaena tried to ease her into it. “You do realize that is essentially a relationship, besides you have no direct commitment or any expectations? Someone is going to get hurt eventually.”

Lucera rolled her eyes. “And it’s probably him. Gods Baela, the man is probably in love with you and you are too daft to see it.”

All eyes on her, Baela was lost in the processing of this new information, until she remembered who and where she was, and quickly found a way to deflect it. “Oh shut up. Says you, you’re like the genuine version of a pick-me girl. Every man who looks at you falls in love with you.”

Lucera rolled her eyes. “You’re exaggerating.”

A smile crept across Baela’s lips, successfully removing the attention away from her situationship. “Um, no I’m not. What of Tyrek Lannister? Gerrick Greyjoy? Dorren Stark? And that’s only from this quarter.” She used her hands to prove her point, counting them on her fingers.

Lucera threw up her arms. “I can’t help it! Honestly! Besides, I don’t lead anyone on, just have maybe a kiss or two.” The rest of the girls sang a chorus of oos, bringing a blush through her cheeks.

“And who was the best out of them?” Jacaera coaxed.

“It hardly matters,” Lucera drawled, “but, it was Gerrick.”

“Hm. I’m surprised it wasn’t Stark.” Rhaena gave a side-long glance at Jacaera. “I’ve heard good things about Stark men.”

Jacaera’s face flushed, praying the heat from the tub would conceal her thoughts. Naturally, everyone noticed, but chose to spare their easily flustered sister.

Helaena looked her in the eyes, and threw her a trusting wink.

------------

As the day wore on, Lucera’s anticipation of seeing Aemond waxed and waned. She thought it would have happened by now—if they were still kids, it surely would have, being at the age where presence around the family was required. She thought of the many places he could be, the things he could be doing, but it was difficult to imagine someone she hadn’t seen in several years. It was nearly impossible to conceive of it, and it only raised her nerves.

Dinner passed along quietly, winter soup and charcuterie being served on a come-and-go basis in the parlor to account for the rush of her family’s arrival and the need for a little bit of flexibility in their schedule. Afterall, there was still much planned for the day: they were going to the ballet, and everyone would be attending.

In front of her vanity, Lucera examined herself in the mirror. She lifted the delicate silver chain to secure it around her neck, the deep crescent moon in its center sitting in the joint of her collarbones. She didn’t try to examine her reasonings for being extra fickle about what she wore, but it was hard to escape his presence in them. It had been so long, and she didn’t want him to think her ugly. He either had changed for the better and would no longer say his cruel thoughts aloud, hadn’t changed and would say that and so much more, or he had gotten worse. A shudder rippled through her as she tried to imagine how that could be possible, but what if it was?

She wanted him to look at her and see how much she had changed, that she was no longer a girl anymore. And perhaps, if he had any lingering thoughts of resentment, that could lend him to realizing that she was no longer deserving of his hostility.

Her nerves from earlier had thawed, and amongst the remains was a newfound confidence. Her mary janes clicked on the sidewalk, her self-assuredness carrying through her legs. She reached into the SUV where her family was waiting for her.

Rhaenyra, holding Aemma on her left leg, reached over and grabbed her hand. “You look radiant, darling.”

Jacaera patted the seat next to her. “Something got your spirits up?”

“Nothing in particular, just had a good day.” And it was true. The day had been knotless. She had been surprised by its ease, and delighted just the same.

Once the tires slowed and the doors slid open, she reached her hand around to grab the frame, the other taking Daemon’s hand to step out of the car. The marquee hung gaudily above them, its essence of performance steeped in its display. She looked around for the Hightowers, who had pulled in ahead of them. She found Alicent’s thick calico fur shawl, trailing to Helaena’s platinum hanging down her back, to…

Her throat seized. Was that really him? His back was set against her, but she could see Aegon’s side profile, meaning the other one must be him.

Jacaera was right, he is tall. She had never pictured him with his hair long. Her sisters poured out of the car to stand alongside her.

Baela was the first to acknowledge it aloud. “Gods, I hardly recognize them.”

The slamming of the car doors must have carried, and he turned around from his mother to face the rest of them.

His hair swung gently, and she caught the moment his eye landed on her. His eyepatch looked menacing, scar tracing just outside of it. While holding her gaze, he upturned his lips into a tight smirk.

Their families approached each other, not too far away to begin with.

Aegon looked delighted to see his cousins, endearing them each. His face had filled out on the edges, and he hadn’t grown an inch. Aemond upheld his apathetic image, looking slightly uninterested, but they knew him better—-he simply always looked that way. Her sisters took turns pulling each of them into hugs with their greetings.

When Aemond reached her, he regarded her for several moments, his dark smile returning. “You’ve changed, Luce.”

She straightened her back, ignoring the way he was openly sliding his eye across her from head to toe. “So have you.”

He surprised her by pulling her deep in his chest, bending his neck down to whisper in her ear. “I haven’t forgotten our little games.” Before she could respond, he released her.

Baela had witnessed the interaction from a few paces away, her eyes still on Aemond, who had gone to greet Rhaenyra. Lucera walked up to her.

She fell into step beside Baela, through the doors, tickets in hand. “What did he say to you?”

Back and forth, she contemplated telling her the truth. Through her childhood, she had never been fully honest through the extent to which he hurt her. Rhaenyra had questioned, Daemon had asked, and her sisters had pushed after her wellbeing once the accidents had been exposed as something more purposeful. Lucera knew her parents were smarter than she, but they also didn’t push the subject when she refused to yield.

She didn’t quite know why, though she supposed it was because she felt she owed Aemond her pain. It was the least she could do for taking his sight. He hadn’t permanently damaged her, afterall. Even though he got close, she reminded herself.

Her mind completed its process, and Lucera would continue her pattern with conflict as she always had. “Just that we all look older now.”

“Hm.” She grabbed Lucera’s arm, looping it in hers, voice quieting. “He looks like a fucking super villian.”

Lucera couldn’t bite back her amusement. “He really does, doesn’t he?”

She didn’t want to think about what else he looked like. Attractive, for one. It felt like a sin to even say it in her mind. Lucera was startled by how menacing he looked, but it suited him. His face was lined in hardness and brutality, his lone purple eye allowing for expression.

His walk bled dominance, something she could do without recognizing. But it was hard to ignore the complex grace in his movements, how every turn of his head and lift of his hand was controlled and measured.

Her eyes kept finding him unwillingly, absorbing the man he had become. Lucera couldn’t help herself, needing to remind herself to keep her gaze anywhere but him. He would notice. Baela would notice. Daemon would notice.

After getting their tickets scanned, she and Baela followed their entourage to their seats. The gilded plasterwork came alive from the walls, creating deep shadows, brightening the jewel tones that sat there. The lattice work was interladened with cherubs holding glowing sconces and foliated candelabras. Figurative and floral murals and abstracts curled and jumped from the ceilings, each framed by golden trim. The proscenium arch jutted out gently from the stage, red curtain dropped to hide the rest of the stage.

Their seats were hoisted on the second floor in the box on stage right. Lucera smiled to herself. She knew whoever had bought their tickets did so knowing that the best view would be from above, so they could see the aerial perspective of the dancer’s intricate formations. If she had to guess, it was probably Alicent.

She had sat in the first row of seats, between Jacaera and Baela, while he sat in the second, off to the side, closer to the stage. The curvature of the seats allowed for her to see him out of the corner of her eye, his side profile unmistakable. As she gauged where he was in relation to her, he caught her eye. He brazenly smirked towards her, and then looked away. She ran her fingers over the front of her dress, needing the movement to keep her grounded. Shortly after, the curtains opened and she breathed relief at the comfort that she would have something else to focus on.

It wasn’t as easy as she had hoped.

As they progressed through the suites, Lucera was trying to tame her gaze, pulling and forcing it to remain ahead on anything but him. There was so much to look at, too—the dancer’s tutus and tights, skin and hair was alight with glitter catching every ray of stage light. The way they moved, their arms pouring up and down, their legs fluttering across the stage. Glissade en arriere to arabesque. The live orchestra in the pit, the sliding of their bows, the dancing of their fingers. She had so much to choose from. And it worked for a time, until she remembered his presence, and she had to pull her gaze forward again.

He caught her once or twice, and returned her wandering eyes with the same haughty smile.

She didn’t know if it should scare her, but it definitely made her feel something. Like she wanted to push the button to reveal a secret. Perhaps it was curiosity; she was a woman now, and can’t possibly be pushed around like she used to. He wouldn’t kill her. Not now at least. It would have had to happen years ago, when he was still a child and could get away with “accidental” murder. At present, he’d go to prison for manslaughter. Right? He has to know that. And he himself is a man grown, who has risen above such ideas. Right?

The curtains were drawn, they stood from their seats, her family quickly ushering everyone to get back to the house as fast as possible.

Once alone in the comforts of her bedroom, she unzipped, unlaced, and undid every button and tie on her clothing, releasing more than just the tension it had held on her skin. The whirlwind of their evening had finally come to an end. She had seen him, and it had been somewhat eventful, but she had expected nothing less.

------------

The next morning after an uneventful breakfast, Viserys had called all of his grandchildren to the kitchens. He ensured they knew their presence was mandatory.

“You kids haven’t seen each other in so long. It’s time you bond again.” It was hard to tell what the room-wide cringe was from: being called kids, or being told they must bond over something of Viserys’ choosing.

Lucera looked around the massive kitchen, and knew immediately what they were going to be doing.

Viserys waved his hand. “I dismissed the staff early today. Instead, you all are going to be making our family’s holiday cookies!”

Joanie squealed in excitement, diverting the attention away from Aemond and Aegon, who both rolled their eyes louder than she’d ever seen it done.

“Why not. I love baking!” Rhaena perked.

Viserys stepped out to be more directly in front of them, looking at each of them intently. “Here’s what’s going to happen. Aegon and Jacaera, you two will do our peanut butter kisses. Aemond and Lucera, I want you two doing our sugar cut-outs. Daeron and Joanie, you two are in charge of snowballs. Rhaena, Helaena, and Baela, you three will do our gingerbread cookies. You’ll need the extra person since they’re a lot of work.” He gestured towards the back wall. “I’ve had the cooks set out all the ingredients, and there should be plenty of room for all of you.”

Lucera didn’t know quite what to do. Her intimidation of him was preventing her from moving her feet. Let alone, she didn’t know if Aemond hated this idea, and she didn’t want to feel his rejection. But then again, very little sounded better than fresh cookies.

Joanie and Daeron had practically run across the kitchen, as if it was a race to see who could finish the fastest. Lucera smiled at her youthful enthusiasm.

“Are you going to just stand there and look dumb?” Aemond’s voice cut through her thoughts.

She looked up at him. “No, no of course.”

“Of course you’re going to stand there and look dumb?”

Lucera grumbled. “You know what I meant.”

They walked over to the corner of the kitchen. Lucera knew this recipe by heart, having made it many times the past several years at Dragonstone.

“We need to work the butter, first. Cream it up a bit.”

She began unfolding the wax off of the butter.

“They’re quite simple. I don’t know why he wants the two of us to do it. A child could make these by themselves.”

Lucera took the flat end of the spatula and smashed the butter into smaller pieces in the bowl. “You know why he wants us to do it together.”

Aemond pulled out the bag of flour, dipping the cup deep in the bag. “I suppose. Funny thing for him to act like he cares so much about bonding time.” He swiped a knife off of the top of the measuring cup. “So this is what bonding looks like?”

Lucera scoffed. “It could be, if you actually acted like you wanted to be here.”

Across the kitchen, she could hear Jacaera scolding Aegon over the bag of hershey’s kisses. “You do realize we need some of those to actually make the cookies? Save some for the rest of us.”

Aemond paused, mulling over his next words carefully. “I could be doing something else.”

Lucera looked over at Baela, Rhaena, and Helaena, who were giggling over the molasses and brown sugar.

“And what might that be?” She questioned mockingly. While he poured in the sugar and flour, she began mixing in the butter.

“Working.” He turned to face her, dipping his head to look down at her from their close proximity. Sarcasm sat between his next words. “Ever heard of it?”

Lucera was slightly ruffled by this, and even though she caught on to his tone, wasn’t willing to go along with the act. “You don’t know the slightest thing about me.”

He stood behind her to grab something on the other side, and whether it was for stability or otherwise, he put his hand on her waist. She tried not to make any sudden movements to imply she was thrown off or affected by this gesture, and could not say if she was successful or not. His hand was large, fingers stretching across the right side of her lower back. Just breathe. She tried to tamper down her blush, not wanting him to know that he flustered her. It would only make her more of a target.

“Twas just a joke, Lucie.” He smirked, pulling away, and warping his fingers to the newly formed dough in the bowl.

She tried not to watch the way his deft hands worked the dough into a ball. Needing to prove she was not in fact bothered, she replied, “Regardless, I will have you know that I’m in the line of succession. Me, Jacaera, and Baela are all going to uphold Targaryen International Banking after Rhaenyra and Daemon.”

To her surprise, Aemond showed her possibly the first form of respect she had ever received from him. “It’s an honor to not only be a part of our family, but also uphold its greatness.”

Lucera pulled out the various cookie cutters, clearing her throat. They had been apart all this time, their secret torture games known truly just between them. She knew she should hate him, but she didn’t. And the unfortunate circumstances had decided that he must grow into a desirable devil. But she can’t think about that right now. Looking at her cookie shape options, she decided her favorite was the Christmas tree. “I heard you’re inheriting Hightower Associates.”

He smiled, and even though it was tight lipped, she could tell it meant something to him. “Yes. Otto most likely has another decade in him to run it, but it will be mine once he is no longer fit for it. Thank the gods, Aegon and Helaena would destroy it.”

Lucera looked over at her sister and Aegon. He looked at her with light in his eyes, while she double checked each dough ball to ensure they were the same size. As nice as the scene was, his momentary calm was deceiving. She laughed quietly in her throat imagining him being put in charge.

Their own dough had been rolled out, and they began stamping it with the cookie cutter. “I’m sure you will do the business much good. You can be…” Lucera looked for the right words, and wondered if it was even a good idea to remind him of his nature in the first place. “Quite intense. And cutthroat.”

He paused at her implicit acknowledgement of the past, looking at her directly once again. His chest was at her eye level, even though she pried her eyes upwards to meet his. The soap on his neck had a clean, sharp scent. “Yes. I suppose I haven’t changed much.” He waited for any kind of reaction, but she figured it best to not give him any. Lest he get any real ideas.

Lucera slid the cookies into the oven, the warmth heating up her arms. She vaguely recalled when Aemond had tried to shut her arms in the frame of the oven, and startled herself with his proximity.

He noticed her pulling away from the oven with fear in her eyes. “Relax. My days of trying to scar you are over.” Aemond poured a small stream of milk over the powdered sugar on the stove. “Besides, my hands are busy. And there’s people here.”

It wasn’t until she finished sliding the tray in the oven and closed the door that she processed his meaning.

She looked up at him, eyes widened. “You’re not going to…?” Lucera didn’t say it out loud, for she didn’t want anyone else to hear.

He continued stirring, the smell of the heated sugar between them. “We’re both adults now. I wouldn’t be so senseless.”

The tension she had been holding around him had faded, filled in with relief. “I don’t know why,” she chuckled, “I just didn’t know what to expect.”

His side-eye landed on her, but he was playing lighthearted. “You wound me Lucera. Surely I would hope you think higher of me than that.”

“Hm.” She smirked at him, wanting to joke with him as he had to her. “You’ll just have to prove how smart you are then.”

His face held an unreadable expression, but she still counted anything besides scowling as progress.

The butter, sugar, and flour were melding together in the oven, releasing a heavenly smell. Lucera released some of the tension she had held around him. Perhaps this new chapter of their lives could strengthen their family, instead of tearing it apart as their childhood had.

Reading the golden edges of the cookies, Lucera determined they were finished and removed them out of the oven without fear of Aemond shutting her arm in. The royal icing was ready, and she put them in the refrigerator so the cookies were able to cool before they could put the icing on.

A large guffaw of laughter exploded from the other side of the kitchen, where Joanie and Daeron were saddled with powdered sugar. It had lodged itself in the creases of their faces, deepening their smile lines. In their attempt to brush it off their faces, they only served to spread the sugary dust to every surface in their vicinity.

Daeron, upon realizing the blessing this was, ran to Aegon with his snowy sugared hands and started furiously wiping them on the back of Aegon’s sweater.

Having been attacked by the enemy in a blind spot, Aegon was initially at the disadvantage. But, once he turned around, he used his height and weight to throw Daeron to the ground.

This move might have deterred many from another attack, but Daeron was a Targaryen, afterall. He grabbed onto Aegon’s leg, not letting go. It was an advanced move, leaving the victim—Aegon—unable to do much else than furiously try to peel him away.

Joanie made a jump to his other leg despite Aegon’s protests for her to not get involved. The two clung to his calves, anchoring him to the floor, giggling in victory. Aegon ceased his complaining and sighed in defeat.

“Anyone want to help me?” Aegon moaned.

Jacaera was busy pressing what was left of the hershey’s kisses into the cookies. She shrugged. “I can’t, I have to do this while they’re fresh out of the oven.” Besides, she was too amused by the situation.

“Sorry, I don’t want to get powdered sugar all over my new pants.” Baela shouted from across the kitchen.

Aemond was also pleased by his brothers, and after hesitating a few moments too long, began long strides towards the scene.

He had nearly reached Aegon, but once Daeron had peeked his head around Aegon’s knee to see the long legs of his other brother coming towards them, he flung himself off of Aegon and skittered across the floor. Joanie was quick to follow.

Once the cookies were all primed and pretty—to the best of their ability, at least—Lucera padded up the steps with a giggling Jacaera. In the parlor, Rhaenyra was drinking tea with Alicent. They must have heard of Viserys’ plan, as they looked at Lucera with concern, subtly checking over her limbs and face for any signs of harm as they had done when she was younger.

Alicent leaned over with furrowed brows and express interest, Rhaenyra had worry in her eyes. “How was baking my darlings?”

Knowing that they truly wished to know of her wellbeing, Lucera was relieved that for once around the holidays, she could tell them the truth. “It was good! No unlucky burns or anything! Just tasty cookies.”

They brought a plate over with all of their treats.

Rhaenyra beamed at her daughters. “I see gingerbreads, sugar cut-outs, and—?”

Jacaera leaned forward. “Peanut butter kisses. Aegon ate half of the hershey’s chocolates, so we didn’t have enough to put on top of all of them. Those ones are just plain peanut butter cookies.”

Alicent rolled her eyes through her smile, lovingly joking. “Of course he did, the little twat. I’m sure they’re still delicious.”

“Once he stopped eating the candy and started participating, he really enjoyed baking. Does he ever go down to the kitchens to bake?”

Lucera raised her eyebrows. She knew exactly what made Aegon so interested in baking earlier, and it wasn’t the sweets.

“He’s never thought it interesting before. Perhaps he was just happy to see everyone.” Alicent had toned down her surprise at the idea that he enjoyed the experience, having a mother’s sense of what was really at play. Her and Lucera shared a knowing glance, Jacaera none the wiser.

“And you Lucera?” Alicent had turned to face her.

“Oh yes! Aemond and I got along quite well. He’s an arse, but it suits him.” The sense of relief she glimpsed earlier had returned, and the weight of lying no longer chained to her. She was able to be genuine without having to pretend. It was a welcome feeling.

“He’s a proud man, that’s for sure. I still don’t know where he inherited his arrogance.” Alicent chimed.

Rhaenyra was put at ease with the grace of her features, always knowing the truth of her daughter. A shadow of skepticism remained, but she was optimistic that their maturation had changed things. “I’m glad you had a good time, darling.”

At least for the time being, any fears she had could be put to rest.

It had been a hard period of time when she had lied to her, both of them knowing that there was something much deeper to her words. It had been why, without too much evidence, Rhaenyra had decided it best that they spend a few holidays alone at Dragonstone. Viserys had insisted that they return each year, believing that it best for the family to be together when there was tension. Namely, after the accident where Aemond lost his eye, and his consequent aggression towards Lucera. Rhaenyra could only look at the truth in her daughter’s eyes for so long.

He hadn’t done anything out in the open, but he was occasionally sloppy. He was only a child after all, and was still learning how to keep a victim silent. He was lucky it was Lucera, who in her docility and self-blaming from the accident, let him act as he saw fit.

Her least favorite memory was when he held her head over the tub in the basement filled with water. He had grabbed her hair and held her face under water, keeping it there until her squirms softened to near limpness. He would then pull her up again, allowing for her to catch her breath before repeating the cycle. She had silently trusted him to let her live. It didn’t make the moments she spent choked underwater any less terrifying.

That had been the last time she saw him. Rhaenyra had remembered her coming up the stairs, face flushed, edges of her hair wet. Lucera recalled telling her that she slipped and fell in the snow outside, but her eyes had given her away. Even after much pressure, Rhaenyra still wasn’t sure what had happened, but she knew Aemond was involved and that Lucera looked like she had been through a torture sequence. Which, of course, she had.

But those days were behind them. He had said it himself.

------------

Later in the evening, after a light dinner, a particularly competitive game of Scrabble that nearly ended with Daemon’s knife at Aemond’s throat, and a Hallmark movie that Viserys claimed would “calm everyone down” (which it hadn’t—not entirely—although the two had slowly united across the one hour and thirty five minute screen time against their hatred for such movies), the family had dispersed and found their ways to bed.

Lucera was tucked in, nearly drowning in the comforter, just how she liked it. There was just one thing—she needed water. Her eyes had closed, her body tired and unwilling to go downstairs. But her throat was scratching for relief, and no amount of willing herself to sleep had changed it.

She skimpered down the steps, her long fuzzy socks lightening the blow of her feet. All of the lights had been turned off, and she relied on the underlights of the cabinets to light her way.

Under the fridge light, she filled up her cup.

The silence was broken by the stream coming from the fridge, and then by footsteps coming near. Lucera tried to cover up what little she could, as a simple t-shirt and underwear had been all she needed in the privacy of her room. She hoped whoever it was wouldn’t look too closely or scold her for being so indecent.

She would be gone in a moment anyway.

Putting her water glass in the sink, she turned to go down the hallway when she saw the illumination of platinum hair in the dark.

“Aemond.” And even though she whispered, the surprise was not lacking in her voice.

“Lucera. It’s getting late.” He was stepping closer to her, his voice soft.

“I was just a bit thirsty. I’m going back to bed now.” She tried to step around him, but he blocked her way with his arm against the wall.

“You know, before I saw you I wondered if I’d continue our little games.” He glazed his eye over her near-nakedness. “I thought I might not. And then I saw you, this pretty little thing, and I realized that we can have so much more fun together.”

She knew what he meant by it, but tried to ignore it for the moment. “But I thought you said you wouldn’t—”

“I said I wouldn’t scar you. I never said I wouldn’t do other things.” He grabbed a lock of her hair, twisting it between his fingers. “Oh how you’ve grown, Lucera.”

She tried to grab at the wrist of his hand in her hair, but he only grabbed onto her wrists instead, pushing her backwards towards a door in the hallway. He fumbled with the knob before throwing her in, the force of it landing her on the floor.

Lucera pulled her hair out of her face and stood up. “You didn’t need to be so rough with me.”

He grabbed her chin domineeringly soft. “Look at me, Lucera.”

Her lip quivered and she looked up at him, her large doe eyes unable to prevent her from looking nothing but innocent.

He looked deep in her eyes, commanding her submission with nothing but a look. “You always let me torture you, sweet little thing.”

All breath in her body halted, every movement, every beat of blood. The silence around her grew louder, unsure if she had heard him correctly.

“But now I want to do other things to you. I’m still using your body, of course, just in a different way. And you’re still going to listen to me, just like you always have?” Aemond tilted her jaw upwards to the right, then moved it to the left, as if he was examining her face from every angle.

The blood moving through her veins got thicker, her heart quickening its pace. Lucera quietly admitted to herself that she was excited at the idea that he could want her that way. Did he really think her attractive enough to want? He couldn’t mean what she thought he meant. Did he? Surely he didn’t want her like that.

He sneered in her face, clearly finding her dumbfoundedness amusing. “Look at you. Big eyes just looking up at me, waiting for validation. I knew you’d do anything I’d ask. Hells, you’ll probably enjoy it too.”

Lucera didn’t know how he had such a hold on her. How could he get away with talking to her like this? Why did she let him? Why was her belly aching with heat? She could feel her arousal dripping along her slit, sitting warm in her panties.

She pulled every last string of dignity together and tightened her hold to say, “No, Aemond. You’re not allowed to treat me this way.” and tried her hardest to turn away from him.

But, he was quick to react, and immediately pulled her backside flush against him, arms locked across her neck and midsection. “Squirm all you want. I see how your eyes hold nothing but submission for me, they always have. Is it guilt? Or something else?” He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I don’t believe you wouldn’t enjoy every last drop of anything I give you. I’ll prove it to you right now.”

He moved his hand knowingly across her hip bones, giving them a hearty squeeze before sliding his fingers down her thigh to hike up her skirt. Her panic was felt immediately as she put her back and shoulders into every push and shove she gave him. “No, no no no, don’t—”

“Why? Are you worried about what I’ll find?” She wasn’t able to break out of the cage that was his strength, and his fingers gently trailed across the thin fabric hiding her entrance. What little barrier she had did a poor job of concealing her heated wetness.

He began lightly circling her clit, bending his face into her neck. “Tsk tsk tsk. Just as I thought, Lucie.”

She whimpered. “I just, I just am confused.”

“Hmm? I don’t think your body is confused. Your body wants me, Lucie. It wants me inside you. It’s all soaking and ready to take me.”

“You’re just so mean to me. I can’t let you do this if you’re mean to me.”

Aemond chuckled, feeling her melt into his touch as his deft fingers pleasured her. “You’ve always been so good at letting me take out my frustrations on you. This is no different, Lucie.”

She whimpered in his arms, unable to control the profound pleasure he was thrusting upon her. And it was him. There was something so enrapturing about his presence. She wanted to be engulfed in it, to feed off of it. But he had too much power—it wasn’t fair, he had always had the upper hand.

He slipped his fingers underneath the constraints of her underwear, immediately finding her slick folds. He gathered some of the wetness he found there and brought it up to her clit, where he rubbed gentle circles against her. “You’re soaking for me Lucie. I want to hear you submit to me. Your body is begging you.”

She whimpered again. The pleasure was too great, his weight pressed against her from all sides. Lucera needed more. Her resolve and rationality were slipping, disintegrating into a state of utter obedience, the teasing becoming too much to bear. It was like he was drowning her again.

“Anything, I’ll do anything, Aemond. I need this,” her voice squeaked from under his arm.

He laughed darkly in her ear before licking it, the warm sensation filling out through the rest of her body. “You will listen and do as I say, yes?”

“Yes. I swear it.” She cried.

“Good. On your knees, sweet girl.”

Her eyes got even bigger as she received his command. Lucera hesitated, looking up at him in his utter assertiveness. The look in his eye alone made her knees buckle.

Softly finding the most comfortable position she could on her knees, she tilted up her chin, attempting to hold as much dignity as possible. He grabbed both of her cheeks with each hand, fat pudging out between his thumbs and forefingers.

“You’re going to swallow my cock, do you understand? And when I decide I want to fuck your throat, I will.” He moved his right thumb down to her chin. “And if you bite, we can play one of our old games.”

She wouldn’t have bit him, but she was old enough to realize he got off on the power he had over her. And yet, she didn’t have to fake her submission. It was real, and it soaked her through.

With that, he let go of her face and gave her a playful slap on the cheek.

His hands remained at his sides, and she took that to mean that she must be the one to remove his pants.

Lucera tried to conceal the hesitation to approach his cock, but she couldn’t help herself. The bulge reaching across his leg was considerable, and she was unsure about trying to stuff something so large in her throat.

When she finally collected the courage to pull down the flannel in her fingertips, she was truly faced with the reality of such an act.

He was beautiful. Of course, even his cock has to be perfect. She took her hand, and worked the warm skin up and down, twisting her palm ever so slightly.

“Suck.” He said bluntly.

“I’ll try, but I don’t know how I’m going to—”

“If you can’t figure it out, I think pounding your throat will do the trick.” He interjected, his hand landing in her hair firmly.

This drove her to action, as she wanted to maintain as much control in the situation as possible. She pushed the head past her lips, his salty precum landing on her tongue. Her jaw expanded as much as it could, and she pushed herself to swallow his length.

Lucera could already feel the sides of her mouth being triggered to wetness by the intrusion, and she was thankful for it. She held onto the base to steady herself, and she began slowly moving back and forth, lathing her tongue on the bottom of his cock.

She could feel his hands shift in her hair as he played with it gently, combing his fingers through.

“You’re such a good girl, Lucera”

His voice felt like pure encouragement, and his validation was something she had never felt before. Lucera decided she liked that feeling.

She pushed herself deeper on him as her throat warmed up, but was still unable to fit it all. She tried using her hand to make up for what she couldn’t reach, and although she wished she could deep throat him, she was proud that she had made it this far.

He grabbed her hair a bit more assertively, and guided her up and down with a touch more of force. “You’re taking it so well, your throat wraps around me perfectly.”

Her eyes had begun to slightly water, but she still tried to connect their eyes. She had read in a magazine that boys liked that.

He began to move her head even more strongly, and pushed her throat further on his cock. She gagged, but he only moaned in his chest, the sensation squeezing his cock in her throat.

Lucera could hardly see, her tears clouding her vision. Her saliva gathered around her lips and slopped down her chin as she felt him push deep into her throat.

“Look at you, on your knees for me. This is where you belong.” He thrust into her mouth, holding her by the back of her head. As rough as he was, Lucera found that she just wanted to impress him. To show him that she wasn’t weak, and that she was capable.

“Fuck, Lucera.” He moaned above her, his breath deepening. With animalistic impulse, he worked her throat with lewd hunger, before pulling her as hard as he could towards his hips.

She knew what was about to happen, and although she was still choking on his cock, braced herself. Lucera felt his length throb in her mouth as he unloaded down her gullet and straight to her belly.

Having ceased his brutal thrusts, Aemond brushed her hair gently. “Swallow all of it, Lucie.”

She subconsciously tried to swallow around it, but it was difficult to move much of anything.

After holding her there for a few more moments, he released her. She stuttered backwards slightly, coughing and gulping for air.

He tucked himself back beneath his waistband, and bent down next to her. He took her shirt and wiped off the excess spit that had gathered around her chin, and then moved it up to wipe her eyes.

“You’re gorgeous on your knees, you know that?” His hand dragged languidly against her inner thigh, towards her underwear. She inhaled deeply at his movements, canting her hips to meet his hand.

“You’re so needy, aren’t you?” He tilted his head, looking down at her below him devilishly. “My cock down your throat only made you more soaked, hmm?”

His words burned into her pleasure, and Lucera couldn’t help but whimper. His fingers on her moved in light circles on her clit, warping the pleasure building inside her.

“Tell me how it felt in your throat.” His voice poured over her. She drank in each syllable of every lewd word spitting out of his mouth like ambrosia.

“You felt heavy on my tongue,” Lucera said, her breathing erratic. “I didn’t know how I was going to take it.”

“Hmm, that’s right.” He drawled. “It’s not easy taking a thick down your throat is it?”

“N-no.” She mewled.

“But you did a good job,” he brushed his thumb above her stomach. “You didn’t miss a drop.”

She panted as he loomed above her, playing her body like an instrument. She had already been so worked up, so much ache already inside her, that she knew her orgasm was coming. Aemond must have noticed too, for he picked up his pacing to the exact tempo she needed.

“Cum on my fingers, Lucie.”

She didn’t need anything further than his voice to send her over the edge as her eyes rolled back in her head, orgasmic pleasure bursting deep in her belly. She did her best to hold back the amplitude of the cries in her throat lest someone hear her.

The euphoria rippled through her body, and she could feel his satisfaction at her pleasure. After a few more moments, the lingering contentment was joined by a new wave of drowsiness.

It was late.

Lucera opened her eyes. Aemond stood up, pulling her up with him.

“Sleep well, Lucie.” He opened the door, gave her a quick slap on her ass, and walked towards the kitchen.

Her haze carried her to bed, where she unceremoniously slung herself under the covers, half-unconscious already.

#aemond targaryen #aemond targaryen x reader #aemond targaryen x lucera velaryon #aemond targaryen x female!Lucerys Velaryon #smut #house of the dragon #hotd fanfic #aemond targaryen x Fem!Lucerys #aemond targaryen fanfic

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emrysflame · 7 months ago

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My opinion on the eye incident

Now there is still some discourse with this topic so I wanted to give my own personal thoughts with it.

I want to start off by saying that I don’t really blame any of the children. Not really. They are children and honestly this fandom needs to stop judging a child character for not making adult rational decisions. They are children.

I do blame the adults who should have been watching them. Why are five royal children able to roam around a castle at night with no guards around? Why was Aemond able to claim a dragon with no one knowing? Why were Jace, Luke and the twins able to go out of their chambers and roam around? Why were no adults watching them?

Also to the point of Jace bringing a knife. He’s a royal child. A royal male. It’s not uncommon for male royal children to be carrying knifes/small dagger. It’s really not something that should be a surprise.

Also the four children were not looking specifically for Aemond. They didn’t know who went to Vhagar until they saw Aemond. “It’s you.” Implies that they didn’t know until they saw Aemond. Saying they maliciously went after Aemond specifically is wrong.

I don’t blame Aemond for being angry over losing his eye. I don’t believe Aemond stole Vhagar. I don’t believe dragons can be stolen. BUT he did claim her right after a funeral for two young children’s mother. I can see why they would be upset. They just lost their mother and now just lost a connection to their mother, her dragon. Is Aemond wrong for claiming Vhagar, no. But I don’t think it’s wrong for the twins to be upset.

I also don’t blame Luke for what he did. He genuinely believed that Aemond was going to kill Jace. It doesn’t matter what we know to be true, Luke in his mind thought his brother was going to be killed. Anyone in that position would try to do anything they can to save the person they love and care for.

Should Luke have been more punished for what he did? Sure. But those punishments shouldn’t be: sending him to the Wall. He’s a child. That is weird. If you want to bring up young characters who were sent to the Wall, go for it. It’s still weird to want to send him there.

No he shouldn’t lose his titles and sent away. First, that wasn’t ever going to happen but it also doesn’t make sense. What Luke did was in defense. And you could say that Aemond calling them bastards (which they are legally legitimate as Laenor claimed them as his children.) would be considered treason. But no one is advocating for Aemond to lose his titles (and I’m not either. But I’m saying Luke shouldn’t have to lose his).

And no he shouldn’t have his eye cut out either. That’s also another weird punishment to want to do to a child. Wanting to see a child maimed is weird. Luke didn’t purposefully cut out the eye of Aemond. He was defending his brother but we don’t see him purposely cutting out his eye. Do you really think holding down a CHILD to cut out his eye is appropriate?

All in all, I don’t blame any of the children. The adults should have been watching them. There is an argument that all the children did something to escalate the fight but they are children and I don’t blame children for not making rational adult choices.

#aemond targaryen #lucerys velaryon #jacaerys velaryon #rhaena targaryen #baela targaryen #team black #team green #house of the dragon #hotd #opinions #I will stand that the adults should have been watching royal children

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izzy-the-ginger · 1 year ago

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Targaryen clan HoTD at the beach!

Alicent is the healthy “fun” mom.

For food She brought some sandwiches, plain organic potato chips, carrots, celery, grapes, apple and oranges slices.

She forgot the dips, not the wine.

Aegon is on leash made for children

Helena is looking for hermit crabs in the sand

Aemond is next to Alicent both on matching beach chairs, Alicent with a glass of wine aemomd with a book.

Daeron stole the chips

Aegon and daeron dig a big hole, they won’t let Jace or Luke help.

Aegon lays in the hole and daeron covers him with a beach towel and and the stolen chips

Aegon catches a seagulls

Alicent is mad there is bird crap on her expensive ass beach towel

Not even that far away from the Rhaenyra lays in her beach chair, fresh martini in hand.

It was a beach day, so she let the kids splurged.

Brought five different bags of family size chips with them, some freeze dried candy bags so it wouldn’t melt or get too sticky, a large bag of pretzels, apple slices, cherries, grapes, carrots, celery, cauliflower, and four different types of dip, two for the veggies, two for the fruit.

The boys were told not to share their when aegon and Daeron refused to let them catch a seagull.

Rhae gives Jace a decent amount a cash and tells him and the other two oldest to go to a near by beach stand and get them a real lunch other than chips.

Jace, Luke, and joffery come back with hotdogs for them, grilled cheese and chips for the littles, and açaí fruit bowl for their mama with another martini.

They don’t tell her how they bought the martini.

Aegon the younger and little viserys bury daemon in the sand before leaving him to eat.

He’s asleep

Alicent ask Rhaenyra for a spare towel.

Rhaenyra bought a cheap ass bulk package of towels because her boys always looses them.

Tells Alicent the boys are using the extra towels.

All the boys are eating in a circle with no towels.

Rhaenyra’s boys go out to swim with beach toys

aegon wants to float on the giant unicorn floaty

Aegon isn’t allowed in the water after the last beach day incident

Baela and rhaena slept in and came to the beach a little later

Baela, rhaena, Jace, Luke, and joffery go to get ice cream

Baela gets chocolate

Rhaena gets strawberry

Joffery gets vannila

Luke gets cotton candy ice cream

Jace gets a ice cream milkshake that’s cookies and cream

Both the littles get a small scoop of chocolate ice cream on a cone with sprinkles

The twins gets Helena a vanilla milkshake

Aegon wants ice cream

Alicent’s tells him that she already brought snacks

The poor vanilla milkshake ends up on the rest of Alicent’s towels

Jace give Helena his milkshake because he feels bad

Alicent leaves with aegon and daeron begging to stay

Aemond is happily packing up their possessions

Rhaenyra offers for Helena to stay

Alicent agrees and leaves dragging a screaming aegon by the ear

Rhaenyra wakes a beached daemon up to go and get the girls some food while the kids play in the water

It takes ten minutes for Rhaenyra to dig him out enough for him to get out of the sand

Daemons face is bright red and his body is covered in sand

Baela , rhaena, and Helena get a açaí bowl

Aegon the younger and viserys dig two big holes

Jace and Baela lay in them

Rhaena and Helena lay the extra towels on them

Joffery places chips and pretzels on the beach towels

Jace caught a seagull

Baela caught three seagulls

Luke made sure to get a video

Daemon is mad bird crap is on the towels.

Rhaenyra sips her martini.

#hotd incorrect quotes #house of the dragon #aemond targaryen #hotd aegon #hotd rhaenyra #hotd daemon #helena targaryen #jacaerys targaryen #jacaerys velaryon #lucerys velaryon #joffery velaryon #aegon the younger #viserys ii targaryen #alicent hightower

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anothersarcasticdolphin · 10 months ago

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A refinement of my thoughts on a second Aemond 5+1 series:

So as much as I want to write Daemon's bastard daughter Daenys killing Aemond, I'm going to bump those two ideas from the series. They may get written as separate one-shots, but I want to keep the series as a whole consistent and not have a random OC showing up and then disappearing.

Also I kind of want to try and do each chapter across the series in a different POV.

1. Aemond's eye gets infected after Driftmark and he dies. 'Mournful song' I think this would be a one-shot from Alicent's POV. Which on the one hand I find very intimidating - because it would have to be centered around her worry and her gradual mix of denial and panic, where she is almost lying to herself.

2. Training accident with Ser Crispy (morningstars are dangerous) Title TBD. Or it might just be 'Morning(star).' I think this would be a two shot - with Ser Crispy and Aegon each narrating their very different accounts what would basically be the same events. I also think Alicent's POV would be great here, but I want her POV for the first story and I think Aegon could be very interesting as well.

3. Daemon pulls a Laertes during sparing practice. Title TBD. This would also probably be a two shot. Daemon and Rhaenyra would be the two POV characters, and this would Daemon in all his wrathful bastardly glory. He's going to be in love with Rhaenyra. But he's not going to be a good person.

4. Rhaenys uses blood magic to make Aemond kill himself [she's less theatrical than Daemon though] so Rhaena can have Vhagar 'Stolen (back)' This would be a one shot with Rhaenys as the POV character. And I think poor Vhagar may end up being rather instrumental in it all (in more ways than as just motivation), but that's by no means set in stone.

5. The Blacks show up after they find out what's happened to Luke and make what Dany did to KL look like a light breeze. 'Ashen wings.' This would probably be four chapters, and I want to model them after the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Baela as the Conquorer, Jace as War, [TBD as Famine], and Rhaena as Death. Jace is the most wrathful one, Baela vengeful but not quite as much as Jace, and Rhaena with a more detached perspective because she would be almost an outside POV as she wouldn't be in the actual attack on KL (at least at first). Also I want to get the line 'The best defense is a good offence' from Daemon in some form at some point.

So for Famine - Joffrey feels too young. I'm almost tempted to have Corlys be Famine given House Velaryon's control over trade in the Dragonstone/Driftmark/King's Landing area. Also Rhaena could be Famine and then I would have Helaena as Death. But I'm slightly terrified to try and write Helaena's POV.

+1. Aemond hates Aegon's guts for the pig incident and runs off to the Free Cities instead of doing his part for Team Green. 'The tree remembers.' This would be a one shot from Aemond's POV. Helaena is very an important character here. This one may end up being an au where Aegon didn't show up to his own wedding so Aemond married Helaena in his place - if so she and their kids are coming with Aemond.

-------

Ideas that are being relegated to independent one shots:

Aemond sides with Rhaenyra out of pure spite cause he hates Aegon's guts. This would be kind of cracky.

One of Daemon's less savory 'friends' gets Aemond while he is searching for Aegon. This would be an aftermath fic where the Blacks are on Dragonstone having been presented with the sapphire and are trying to figure out what to do.

OC [Daemon's bastard] kills him over Storm's End. 'A fell voice in the air.' We never got to see how scary Daenys could be in Four Dragons. This would probably be looking at three chapters - Daenys, Aemond, Daemon?. Also Storm's End is likely to be harmed in the making of this fic.

Daemon [+/- OC?] flies around burning stuff and gets the drop on Aemond. 'Hunter (Hunted)' The other candidate for the line 'the best defense is a good offense.'

Any thoughts?

#hotd fic #hotd fic ideas #my fic ideas #do people like these posts of me working out my thoughts for fic?#also I really need to get back to the Valyrian culture fic for second conquest #too many fics and too little time

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torchwood-99 · 1 year ago

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So can we take it that Team Green fans who want Jace, Lucery and Joffrey cast into the wilderness are no fans of chosen family/found family? Because even though Corlys and Laenor both knew those three weren't related to them, they; especially Corlys, loved them as their own family and never wavered from wanting to pass Driftmark down to them, or want them or their name to come under threat.

Corlys and Laenor weren't related to those three by blood, but they chose them. Even Corlys, who had none of the incentives Laenor did to accept them, still loved the boys and was angry at Rhaenys suggesting Baela be made heir because it meant putting them at risk.

Heck, even Rhaenys, who is critical of Rhaenyra and wanted Baela to inherit Driftmark, wanted Baela to inherit out of love for Laena, not out of dislike or hatred for the boys. She showed she was protective of them after the Vhagar incident, and spoke of them as her grandsons after Rhaenyra was usurped.

Baela, Jace, Luke and Rhaena choose each other pretty much instantly as well, when Rhaenyra encourages the boys to comfort their cousins, the four of them get into a fight back each other up, Baela tells her father about Vaemond's plot, and when Baela is ready to throw hands with Luke and Jace again after Aemond mocks them.

The Blacks are by no means an ideal family, but they're a family that chooses each other. Choose to love each other. To fight for each other. And to actually just like each other.

Never thought I'd see the day when tumblr turns against a group of people who aren't related by blood but choose to love each other just as much as if they were a bad thing. But this is the ASOIAF fandom. Even found family isn't sacred.

#HOTD #House of the Dragon #Team Black #Corlys Velaryon #Rhaenys Targaryen #Rhaenyra Targaryen #Baela Velaryon #Rhaena Velaryon #Lucerys Velaryon #Jacerys Velaryon #found family #family of choice

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delinquentbookworm · 6 months ago

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I love all this! J4 frantically scribbling in notebooks is so real.

My logic for the Jace-derivative names is that J3 has gotten used to and likes the J part of J3. It's the 3 he doesn't like. Also, he's still going to get called Jace during school hours. And if he can pretend like people are just calling him a short version of his real name, it'd be less grating.

And there's also a vibe of 'if I pick something easy and similar to what they were already calling me, it'll actually get used by Porter and Jace'. Kinda like if a trans person wanted to be called they/them, but no one was using they/them, so they add in a binary option because then at least they can stop having to correct people, if that makes any sense at all.

As the originator of Bluejay I have some formless thoughts on the names for the other two that don’t necessarily have to be integrated mass fandom but

Esme @neerdowellnarrator suggestion for j3 n j4 to be magpie (greed connection) and canary (the omen, the one trying to warn the others to get out before it’s too late) is genuinely brilliant I love it so much

I also like nightingale for j4

I will say, tho. I think J2 is fully ready to glom onto Bluejay as his name name but for j3 and j4 the bird nicknames are just that. They’re Porter pet names but that’s not who they Are.

J4 wants a person name. She’s been mulling this over for a while and she’s been trying to find the right one but nothing has clicked yet (nothing has clicked for me yet ok)

J3 is the most ambivalent about being j3. He does not like being Three but doesn’t mind being J3. For some reason the distinction feels important. In some ways I actually think he tries to own being J3.

Doesn’t stop him from playing around with what the others call him tho but the tone when he workshops is a lot more unserious than j4’s like. Scribbled frenzied notebook of ideas and crossed out names.

J4 wants a name that is not evocative of Jace at all. J3 doesn’t mind a Jace-derivative. Jess, Jax, Jasper etc (that’s an Elijah @delinquentbookworm special thank you) (on a personal note I actually like all of these for him. Even if Jess is mainly bc I can’t stop thinking abt Jess Ross’s cabbage tramp stamp. J3 wishes that was him)

#idk there's just something inherently trans about searching for a name because the one your (parent) creator gave you doesnt fit anymore #there's a transness inherent to the clones that is seperate and distinct from the transness they have by virtue of being Jace #jaceclones #four jaces incident #elijah ramblings

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presidenthades · 6 months ago

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Reading the latest chapter it got me thinking in lavender without Jace to temper Aegons mean streak was there a pink dread incident.

Or is Aegons relationship with Aemond more antagonistic or close or something in between.

In the Lavender verse, it’s only Aegon, Helaena, Aemond, and Daeron growing up together. Compared to the Gold and canon verses where there are a lot more kids with dragons, Aemond is only 1 of 4. I think his dragonless state, while something Aegon still makes fun of, doesn’t stand out as much, especially since Aegon and Helaena also claimed their dragons; Daeron is the only one of the four with a cradle egg.

And because it’s only the four siblings, Aegon and Aemond don’t have other royal Targs to befriend, so they naturally end up closer. They still fight like cats and dogs, but they only have each other to play games and make trouble with, since Helaena is a loner and Daeron is much younger.

The Pink Dread is a lot less funny to Aegon if there isn’t a good audience for it. In canon, he has Jace and Luke as his co-conspirators. In the Gold verse, he has Daeron to help, and he expects the girls to be his audience for the prank. But in Lavender universe, it would just be Daeron as an assistant and Helaena as the audience, which takes away much of the appeal. So if the idea occurs to Aegon, he doesn’t actually follow through.

Overall, I think Lavender!Aegon and Aemond have a fairly similar relationship as their Gold counterparts. At the end of the day they are brothers, even if they’re the first to insult and make fun of each other.

#my writing #ask me anything #lavenders blue lavenders green

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sunfyresrider · 2 years ago

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The God's Will

Summary: Elaena Targaryen is the youngest daughter of KIng Viserys and Alicent Hightower. She had always been frail and sickly which encouraged her to find solace in the faith, maybe a little too much solace. Growing up she had always held a special place in her weak heart for Jacaerys Velaryon, but it seemed the Gods may not be on their side.

Pairing: Jacaerys Velaryon x OC x Aemond Targaryen Warnings: Driftmark incident, bastards, family fights, alcohol w stupid decisions, OC got some adhd and depression, RELIGION, fluff and kissing (barely) Word Count: 20K Note: this takes place when they were children/young teens so no funny business. (I think this works as a one-shot idk but it’s been in my drafts for months so it needs to be posted again:)

ACT I

Elaena Targaryen was the youngest daughter of Queen Alicent Hightower and King Viserys Targaryen. Her birth itself was such a struggle it scared the Queen from trying for another. When she was born, she was silent. Every maester and nursemaid in the room panicked. They rushed to breathe life back into the babe only to discover she was breathing just fine.

"She's a shy one." The maester spoke to calm the nerves of those around him. Alicent who was half unconscious was not being paid any attention as per usual. No one celebrated the birth of her children or apologized for her hard labors. Her own husband had missed the birth entirely to celebrate his grandson's name day.

Elaena was a year younger than Jace but born on the same day. Jace was born in 114 AC whereas Daenys was born just months prior to little Lucerys Velaryon in 115 AC. It seemed she was cursed to remain in his shadow just as her mother was cursed to live in Rhaenyra's.

As a toddler she was quiet. According to stories she nearly died in her cradle several times. Most kinds of physical labor were too taxing for her small body. Her appetite nearly never existed. It was by the will of the gods she survived. She was more polite than her siblings. Always making projects and doing things for those around her. It was how she vied for the attention of others.

The septas adored her meek and gracious attitude. She was far easier to handle than her other four siblings. Aegon had always been the rambunctious sort and Helaena was nit-picky and distant. Aemond was too obsessive and possessive of the things he enjoyed or hated. Daeron was the closest to her. He was kind, charming and studious, the best out of the bunch.

As she grew her personality remained. Elaena was meek, shy, gracious, gentle and frail. Though she had a sense of humor only few noticed. Elaena was far more sensitive than most and had a great many fears. For that her family kept her hidden from the depraved nature of the world and she remained innocent.

She blossomed into a fine and delicate beauty. She was slender and short with big purple eyes. Her skin was fine, pale, nearly translucent.

She dressed more conservatively than most. Elaena tended to wear well-made but simple clothing. She seldom wore any jewelry besides a seven-pointed star necklace. Though she had beautiful golden hair, she hid it beneath a hair net or a cowl. By all accounts she would have been a septa if her grandsire permitted it.

She became a devout follower of the faith as she aged. She found solace in the gods and thanked them for not letting the stranger take her. Elaena was quite skilled at the harp, sewing and embroidery. In her spare time, she wrote poetry and painted scenery.

Elaena often read to her sickly father. Though he rarely remembered her name and oftentimes mistook her for Rhaenyra. He was always much kinder and more attentive to his girls. He always claimed she had such a lovely voice.

Unlike most of her family she did not hold any ill-will towards her half-sister. In fact, she tried harder than any to gain her affections. She enjoyed her nephews who were so close in age to her. Especially Jacaerys who shared her name day. Although sometimes he would say she was more Hightower than Targaryen.

As for her family it was another story. Her grandsire Otto also preferred the girls over the boys but tended to forget she existed. Her mother was lovely but never paid much attention to her, she was far too busy wrangling her eldest three children. Aegon was never present much. She was not made aware of his doings because they were deemed inappropriate. Heleana or 'Hel' as she liked to call her always went to septa classes with her. They never got close in childhood due to her obsessive nature over bugs and Elaena's crippling fear of them.

Daeron was her other favorite besides Aemond. Though she did not enjoy his rude nature towards their nephews or her nephew's cruel nature towards him she did not pry. He was kind and gentle with her.

But Aemond was her other half. He was obedient, charming, kind, and handsome. He cared for her like no one else did. When she was sad or could not find sleep, he read to her. When she was more sickly than usual, he stayed to take care of her. He listened to her every whim and made her laugh. No one else noticed that she loved to joke, only him.

Her dragon was a mirror image of herself timid, small and was born sickly. Urrax was her name, and she was by all accounts the least dragon of them all. She was white, nearly translucent like Elaena. She grew only large enough to saddle her or a small child. The she-dragon had tried to be friendly with the others but those around her were far too aggressive. She did not eat enough and spent most of her time behaving as a large child.

Though she did not fly her as often as she should for, she was too afraid of heights. That was Elaena's closest companion. Others had made fun of her claiming she was useless and the worst dragon of them all. But Elaena claimed it was the gods' will to make Urrax so much like her.

Elaena and Jacaerys sat on a bench surrounded by hedges much taller than they. She had taken up the task of trying to teach him High Valyrian. Though they both fell flat as she wasn't that good at either.

"Valar Morghulis" Elaena spoke. "Valar Morghulis." Jace replied. "No, that's the wrong response." Elaena counteracted. "Valar...valar.." Jace stuttered over his words trying to remember the phrase. "Valar Dohaeris. come on Jace, you tell Vermax to dohaeris all the time." Jace sighed and continued kicking his feet. "My mother asked to betrothe Helena and I." Jace spoke his eyes, never leaving the ground. His lips were pouted in a…sad manner. "That sounds lovely. What did the king say?" Elaena closed the book and turned her full attention to him.

"No." Elaena hummed in response. "It must be because of your ages. We are far closer in age anyways." Jace whipped his head around and stared at her in disbelief. "Are you saying you want to marry me?!" Elaena giggled, "No! I'm just saying it would make more sense." Jace scoffed, "Well I wouldn't marry you anyways. That's gross!" Elaena shoved his shoulder. "I'm not gross, you're gross!"

Jace mockingly stuck his tongue out at her. Elaena leaped to her feet and Jace took that as a signal to run. The children darted around the gardens bursting with laughter. The sounds of their little feet hitting the stone path echoed. Though physical activity was not her strength she quickly ran out of breath and stopped in place. "I yield!" Elaena bent over and placed her hands on her knees. One downfall of her sickly life was she could not play long with the other children. Her body gave up on her faster than her mind.

Jace slowly eased his feet and turned back to her. She was never able to run fast enough to catch him. It was a fun but short game they played. He didn't mind waiting on her or finding something else to do. She was his only friend besides his brother. The kindest out of her siblings. If he were to be king, he thought she would make a good consort.

"I win!" He announced proudly. "It's no fair! You're too fast." Elaena removed her hands from her knees and walked towards him. "Or you're too slow!" Jace retorted. A frown formed on Elaena's laugh and worry shot through his body thinking he made her cry. He reached his hands out to her. "El, I'm sorry-"

Elaena took that chance to pounce. She grappled him to the ground and began throwing punches. It felt as if his baby brother was attacking him. Her punches were soft and light at best. Jace began his own attack, tickles were her sworn enemy. She fell down to his side and he rolled on top. Her laughter filled his ears like a song. She pleaded with him to stop through tears and fits of giggles.

A shadow casted over them and he pulled back. The giggles of children ceased and sounds of them scurrying to stand took its place. Princess Rhaenyra wore a curious look as she observed the two. She approached Elaena with one hand on her pregnant belly and plucked some leaves from her hair. "It seems you two abandoned your Valyrian lessons." She spoke. "Sorry mother."

"Sorry Princess." Elaena had never referred to her as a sister. The age difference was too vast and the strife between their families too big. Rhaenyra lowered her hand and smiled at the two. "When I was your age, I didn't care much for lessons either. I preferred to ride Syrax and eat cake." Whatever trouble Jace thought he was in disappeared at his mother's admission. Elaena enjoyed watching how they interacted. She did not have the bond they had with her own mother. In fact, if Alicent saw them Elaena would be berated for not acting ladylike. That was if her mother remembered she existed. "Elaena sweetling, why don't you join us for supper?" Rhaenyra questioned and Jace poked at her arm. "I'd love to! But I have to go back to my septa before she gets mad."

Elaena was a true follower of the faith. She did not commit sins like others around her. Except one, she would tell a white lie from time to time. She could pray for forgiveness after. "I'll see you on the morrow, Jace!" Elaena lifted her skirt and did a small courtesy towards Rhaenyra before she scurried off.

"Bye!" Jace waved furiously before he turned his attention back to his mother. "You two are quite close hmm?" Rhaenyra quizzed him, raising one eyebrow. "She's my friend." Jace kept watching her disappear into the distance. "Maybe when you grow, she will be more than a friend." A small smirk climbed onto her face. "Ew! Don't say that." Jace whipped his head around and his cheeks flushed. "I am merely thinking aloud." Jace pouted his lips and turned his gaze to the ground. "Please don't think anymore."

Rhaenyra chuckled and ruffled his curly brown locks. "Run along now, you need to bathe!"

Elaena only lied when she did not wish to reveal her secrets. When Jace brought up the possibility of a betrothal a new idea sparked in her mind. She wanted to paint a Valyrian wedding. No one would notice if she did eat dinner tonight.

Her brother, Aemond had given her a new set of oil paints for her last name day. They glided across the textured canvas easier. The colors were far more vivid than the chalk she used to use. She had exactly twelve jars of paint to choose from. Today she would simply need five.

It took her three hours of continuous brush strokes to finish what she had started. Once she got an idea, she would fixate over it until it was done. That was an issue she had whenever something sparked her interest; she obsessively consumed it until she got bored.

Elaena stood back to admire her new painting. A part of her wished she could take it to someone and have them appreciate her work but that was not her life. Sometimes it ate her alive to think of how little she mattered to those around her. In those dark hours she simply reminded herself the gods would always be there to watch over her.

The sound of her door slowly creaking open caught her attention. However, she was in a trance staring at her work and didn't turn. She was observing every small detail trying to find a problem she could fix.

"You're doing it again." Aemond’s voice rang through her chambers. "Hmm?" Elaena was far too focused to pay attention. "You're forgetting to eat because you're so distracted." He stalked towards her. "I'm not hungry." Elaena could feel Aemond roll his eyes. "The Gods say it is a sin to lie...Here I brought you a plate."

He knew how to tug on her heart strings. Religious guilt was something she accidentally instilled in herself by finding too much solace in the faith. She dropped her head and sighed. He moved over to the small table in her chambers and waved her over. "I haven't seen you at all. Have you been fixating on this all day?"

Aemond regretted getting her new paints. He knew how she got when she really enjoyed something. Though some call it a strength, it was also a weakness. It worried him how often she would forget to eat or bathe because of a new story she was writing or fabric she was stitching. Painting was just a new obsession that preoccupied all of her attention. He would not directly admit it, but he did get jealous when she paid no mind to him. "No, I spent the day with Jace. Then I began working on this before the sun set."

She picked apart the food on her plate. It did not help her sickly nature that she was so particular about her food. She preferred sweet and mild flavors over those of spice and bitterness. She liked soft and easily chewed textures rather than rough meats. Most vegetables were her sworn enemy as well as salted pork.

"You shouldn't spend so much time with him." Aemond spoke. "And why not? He hasn't done anything to me." Elaena continued to stare at her plate. "They aren't good company to keep. You know how people whisper that they are-" She cut him off. "No, I don't hear any whispers. No one tells me anything."

Aemond sighed. No one told her what a bastard was. There were many times they were scolded for potentially saying unsavory things in front of her. Their mother had kept her as innocent as possible, perhaps to prevent her from turning out like Aegon or Rhaenyra. Or maybe so she could easily manipulate her into doing what she wanted because she knew nothing else. Maybe she just didn't care enough to teach her. Aemond did not know which it was, but he knew she loved her. The Queen was just too busy to handle all the children she had. "I just mean if people see you with a boy who isn't your brother, they may think bad things." Elaena dropped her fork. "What bad things?"

Aemond quickly realized this conversation was going nowhere. Sometimes he wondered if she acted oblivious on purpose, or she really was that dense. His eyes wandered over to her new artwork. For her age she was quite skilled at the craft. He could tell it was a scene from one of the history books he read to her.

"Are you planning on marrying someone? Why did you paint a wedding?" He inquired. "I got the idea because Jace said he might marry Helaena! Wouldn't that be exciting to go to a real wedding ceremony?!" She exclaimed. "Mother would never allow us to marry one of them." Elaena rolled her eyes. "I know, he told me."

Aemond was getting annoyed that the conversation kept going back to Jacaerys. He would need to find her a new friend or start hovering over her more frequently. They would taint her with their ways just as his mother said they would.

"I thought you only liked the seven-pointed star. Why have you painted a Valyrian wedding?" Elaena cleared her throat, "Just because I do not wish to follow it does not mean I cannot see the beauty in it. There is beauty in everything, good or bad, such is the Gods' will."

Sometimes the way she said things surprised him. Aemond was genuinely fascinated by the way her mind worked and how she carried herself. How could someone so closely related to them be so different. Times like this he understood why she was sheltered from the outside world. "Spoken like a true saint. The High Septon would be proud."

Elaena finally began eating her food. She picked the carrots and cabbage out and put them to the side, then she crushed the meat pie enough it would be easy to chew. It was only a few bites of food but she was in a hurry to please Aemond so he would give her the berry cake she smelled in his lap. He always brought her sweets as a reward.

"All done!" She dropped her hands on the table and stared into him. "That's nowhere near enough." He spoke. "But-" Aemond quickly cut her off. "Eat half."

Elaena growled at him, earning her an amused look from him. She shoved the mushier half of the pie in her mouth. While her cheeks were still full, she spoke, "Now give it to me." Aemond laughed at her. "You look like a squirrel preparing for winter!"

He pulled out what he knew she desired and slid it over. In one quick gulp she swallowed her food and began ravishing the cake. She had the most manners out of them all, but it was lost once she was alone, and sweets were on the line. He couldn't help but giggle at her passion for eating desserts and the mess she created.

"You desperately need a bath!" He chuckled at her. Aemond pointed at the red stains from berries on her face and the leftover paint on her skin. "I'll bathe when the maids remember I exist."

Her maids had forgotten to come and check on her. Aemond would have his mother scold them later. That was the power he had being the perfect son. If he saw something that was not good, usually she would listen and do something about it.

Aemond took the empty plates from her and began the march to the Queen's chambers.

ACT II

She had taken Jace down to the dragonpit with her this morrow. Urrax was more of a glorified dog than a dragon. She rarely held the fury other dragons possessed and was more useless than them all. She was a lot more obedient and trustworthy of other people but did not care to listen to them. She enjoyed sunbathing and neck scratches most of all. Urrax was not big enough to be ridden and her rider was too scared of heights anyway. She didn’t mind that because Urrax was lazy above all else.

“You see, having a dragon is not all that fun. Urrax doesn’t even move.” Elaena pointed at her dragon and frowned. “That is because she’s too much like you.” Jace spoke in a matter-of-fact manner. “Well, she also rarely flies.” She rolled her eyes and placed a hand on her hip. “That is because her rider is scared of heights.” Jacaerys spoke with a cheeky smirk plastered on his face.

“Uh...Urrax come! See, she doesn’t even listen.” She tossed her hands up in the air. The she-dragon stayed sitting staring at what they could only presume to be a mouse.

“That is because she is distracted by that mouse like you get distracted by your crafts.” Jace patted her on the head and ruffled her hair. Elaena dropped her shoulders in defeat. “A dragon who is born in a cradle tends to be a mirror of their rider's personality.”

Jacaerys spoke confidently. It always intrigued Elaena how smart he could be when he tried. Usually he fell short in academics, not because he was dumb but because he was lazy. Every once in a while, though he would shock her with random facts he had picked up.

“Come” Elaena took his hand and dragged him over to Urrax. She plopped down on the ground and dragged Jace with her. She enjoyed petting Urrax and speaking with her. Though she doubted she could understand what she was saying. Urrax looked to get a rush of excitement and laid herself down next to them. She knew what time it was. “She enjoys being pet…like a hound.”

Jacaerys scoffed at that. Elaena narrowed her eyes at him and began stroking the scales on Urrax’s neck. The dragon purred and closed its eyes. She was a quiet attention whore just like Elaena.

Jace's eyes seemed to light up when he touched her. Vermax was never the kind of dragon to allow people to pet him. He was extremely ill tempered as most green dragons are. Jacaerys and him got along well enough but he was nothing compared to Urrax.

“Is she…purring?” His eyes widened as he leaned closer to listen in. “She is! That must mean she likes you.” Elaena cheerfully proclaimed. “It is said that dragons and riders share feelings.” He spoke quietly. Elaena was oblivious to most things around her, including the feelings other people had for her. It was not because she was dumb it was simply because she lacked the ability to read people. It was much easier for her if people just told her flat out how they felt.

“Ah, I like you, so it makes sense. Does that mean she will eat my grandsire?” His cheeks flushed red before his face was taken over with curiosity. “You don’t like your grandfather?” Elaena stopped petting Urrax for a moment to think. It was not a holy thing to judge other people, only the gods could do that. Internally she started to become conflicted on if she should start her rant or pretend, she said nothing. “I misspoke, my apologies.” She had decided to say another white lie. That would be the only sin she allowed herself to commit.

Jacaerys nearly barfed in his mouth when she admitted that. He hated that so much of her life was focused around the seven. It completely prevented her from living. All of the Hightower children were weird in their own way. Aegon was a drunk, but he was still cool sometimes, especially when they picked on Aemond together. Helaena was weirdly obsessed with bugs and spoke in riddles. He didn’t dislike her at all, just had little in common with her. Elaena, though she was so sweet to him and an amazing friend, was held back by imaginary Gods. Daeron, he never got to know well enough. He did not like Jace that much he knew. Aemond loathed him to his very core. Every time he was with Elaena his eyes beat red with jealousy. He normally held his tongue, but Jace knew what he wanted to say.

Elaena was the only one he could genuinely consider a friend. His mother liked her more than the others too. One thing that separated her from the rest was she never called him a bastard. She never even brought up the whispers or his relationship with Ser Harwin. Either she was completely oblivious or did not care and he enjoyed that she was like that.

“I don’t like your grandsire either.” He meant it to be comforting to tell her she wasn’t alone. It seemed she didn’t feel the same because he watched as she stood up and brushed the dust off herself. “I wish to go to the sept and pray. Will you join me?” Jacaerys never went to the sept, nor did he wish to. However, for a reason unbeknownst to him he could never say no. “Yeah always.” He took her hand into his own and let her guide him. Elaena always had the softest hands though she was always cold. He sometimes thought he could warm her if she just stayed close to him.

They were escorted by guards the entire way to the grand sept. Children would obviously not be allowed to venture the streets alone, but he wished for alone time. That was not a request he was going to receive today though. The sept was dark and lit by hundreds of candles on the mantle in the center of the room. Statues of each of the gods lined it and stared down at him. The windows were colored and had the seven-pointed star decorating them. It was not a place that brought him comfort, it brought quite the opposite actually.

“Do you know how to pray?” He felt guilty when he had to shake his head no. “No matter, we all must start somewhere. Here follow me.” Elaena led Jace to the front of the mantle and handed him a candle. She lit her own and passed the stick to light his. “What are these statues?” He asked with genuine curiosity.

“The bearded man is The Father. He is said to protect his children. You pray to him for the strength and wisdom to seek justice yourself or for him to take justice on your behalf.” She pointed at the statue with a stern face. It did resemble Ser Harwin a bit. “That is The Mother. She is said to be loving and protective of her children. You pray to her for mercy, and to keep loved ones safe….The man with a sword is The Warrior, you pray to him for courage, a favorable condition during battle, to watch over soldiers, give them strength, keep them safe, and help warriors to victory.” She took a deep breath to prepare for the next explanation.

“The man with a hammer is The Smith, he is the mender of broken things who puts the world of men to right…The innocent looking woman is The Maid. People pray to the Maiden to keep young women safe. A mother may pray to the Maiden to lend courage to her daughters and guard them in their innocence, while a bride might light candles in thanks if a suitable marriage offer is made. Women may also ask for forgiveness for their sins.” She took notice of Jacaerys slowly becoming bored and zoning out. She let out a deep sigh before continuing, “The Crone is the woman with the lamp. You pray to her for wisdom and guidance. Lastly there is the stranger. He leads the newly deceased to the other world. However, he is also meant for the outcast and wanderers of the world. People who fit in that category tend to light candles for him.”

Jacaerys wasn’t sure who he was meant to pray to. His own mother never taught him much about religion, it wasn’t something that was common in their household. “Who do I pray to?” Elaena let out a huff of annoyance, presumably at how uneducated he was. “To whomever you need to speak to.” That was not very helpful. He watched her close her eyes and clasp her hands together. The candies illuminating her porcelain skin looked beautiful. He wished he looked more like her and not like…Jacaerys wouldn’t think about that right now. He chose to awkwardly ask the warrior for strength and the father for wisdom. One day he would be king and perhaps the gods who help him become a good one. It was a short pray and his knees hurt from kneeling. Elaena was taking her sweet time talking to the gods.

Elaena first prayed to the father to bless her and her family with wisdom. She then moved to the mother and asked for protection for her family. She prayed the warrior gave her brothers strength. The smith mends the bonds of her family that had been broken. She asked the maid for forgiveness for her sins and help in maintaining her innocence. She prayed the crone guided her down the right path with her lamp. Finally, she asked the stranger to lead all the ones that were lost to their salvation. An unusual prayer came to mind today. Her brother Aemond had always been an outcast. Perhaps the stranger would lead him to a path of salvation too.

“I’m done.” When she was finally satisfied with her conversations, she turned to Jacaerys. She noticed at one point he was fiddling with the hot wax and trying to find a distraction. “We should probably head home then..before our mothers worry themselves sick.” Her mother never worried sick about her. She was far too busy with her own duties to keep track of the youngest daughter. Only Aemond cared about where she went. “You’re right, I’m late for septa lessons too..hurry!” She ripped Jace off the ground at the sudden realization and took off. She was never late to lessons, the scolding she was about to receive would ruin her entire week.

Not only was she late to her lessons but it was the first time her entire family had shown up to one. Elaena couldn’t fathom why they were all crowded in one room. She felt her heart plummet into her stomach and the sweat started to pool on her palms. She should have prayed to the mother for mercy today.

“Elaena, where have you been?! You’ve never been late before.” Spoke her septa, Margaret. Alicent was watching Helaena sew before she turned her attention to Elaena with a questioning gaze. “I-I went to the sept to pray, and I lost track of time..I’m really sorry.” Her eyes were nearly about to spill out tears. She never got in trouble, she always stayed in the shadows. Now it was her first time that the attention was all on her. “It is good that you pray, my dear child. Who escorted you all the way to the grand sept?” She turned her eyes to Aegon who looked excited that someone besides him was getting in trouble. Aemond looked at her quizzingly. There was no one there to save her.

��Jacaerys took me.” She spoke excitedly thinking that having an escort would get her out of trouble. Elaena couldn’t have been more wrong. “The Velaryon boy?! It is inappropriate enough that you are frolicking around with a boy who is not your family.” Alicent scolded her for the first time. Her lips began to quiver, and her shoulders trembled. Elaena didn’t understand what was so wrong with him. “The Maiden would not be pleased to see her child with a random boy…especially one of them.” Her mother lowered her voice and spoke in her usual soft tone.

She didn’t know what she meant by one of them but assumed she meant boys that weren’t her siblings. She prepared herself for another berating before a soft voice chimed in. “It is my fault, mother. Elaena asked me to accompany her, but I was far too busy reading. She only went with him because he obviously had nothing else to do. You have my apologies.” Aemond’s face had an apologetic look. Alicent let out a deep sigh and shook her head agreeing with him. He had lied to save her. She would thank him greatly later.

“I’m sorry, Your Grace.” Elaena curtsied and lowered her head. Alicent ushered her over to sit next to her. She began brushing Helaena’s hair and started an announcement. “Aegon and Helaena will be married soon. I wish for us all to congratulate them.” Elaena silently clapped for them. She may be a fool but not big enough a fool to believe anyone would want to marry her brother. He was the living embodiment of sin. Daeron patted his brother on his back and clapped silently for Hel. Aemond and Aegon both looked as if they were going to vomit in their places. Helaena simply ignored everything her mother said and twirled a string in her fingers.

“I will pray Aegon improves before your wedding.” She whispered to Helaena. The air in the room grew tense as Alicent began bickering with Aegon. “I have more news…Daeron is being sent to Oldtown to squire.” Elaena clapped cheerfully now. Her smile was of genuine excitement. Though she could not shake the sorrowful feeling in her heart to see another family member leave. Daeron seemed proud of his new station, at least in Oldtown he would be given proper attention. Elaena wished she could go as well but her mother would never let one of her daughters out of her sight for too long. The meeting came to a close with a few hushed good lucks and soft hugs. Aemond was the one to follow her out.

“Why does she hate the Velaryon’s so much?” Elaena asked in her supremely innocent voice. “They are not like us. It is something you’ll understand when you’re older.” Aemond crawled into bed next to her and opened a book about the history of Oldtown. “I’m old enough now to understand most things.” She sighed as she watched him flick through the pages. “The Maiden protects your innocence as does our mother. That is all she’s trying to do by keeping them away.” He spoke softly. Even Aemond got annoyed at her hyper fixation on the Gods. However, it was one of the few things she listened to and took to heart. He felt guilty each time he had to use it against her or to explain away something but, it was a simple option.

He paused on a page with a painted picture of Oldtown. The grand Hightower stood in the midst of the citadel. It was surrounded by mountains and the ocean. “It looks so beautiful on paper; I wonder what it looks like in person?” He sighed, “Daeron will know soon enough.” She sunk deeper into his chest and inhaled the scent of leather and dust. He always smelled dusty from the library.

“I prayed for you today.” She spoke softly. “Why me? Aren’t there more important things?” He glanced at her quizzingly. “None more important than family…I prayed to the stranger.” Aemond sat up from his position and his eyes gleamed with shock. “You pray for my death?!” She covered her mouth as her giggles sang throughout the room. The twisted expression he wore was humorous to her. “No fool, the stranger helps outcasts too! I prayed he would give you a dragon and guide you like the other wanderers of the world.”

Aemond settled back in his previous position. His heart was conflicted on if he should be thanking her or scolding her for thinking of him as an outcast. “Thanks…” His voice was as unsure as his mind. Damn those little bastards for making him look bad. “When you do get a dragon, I’ll pray he’s not as useless as Urrax.” Even that made her brother laugh. She was cursed with a dragon more like a dog and he had none at all. Fate was such a fickle thing.

Aemond hadn’t come to visit her until late the other night. He was covered in ash. He ranted and raved over being given a pig. He made her swear to the gods to never speak to those bas- she couldn’t say the word. He made her swear to never speak to them again. It felt as though her soul was being torn in half. Jacaerys was always so kind to her, how could he do something so cruel? If she was there, she might have prevented it.

Elaena was not there for the fight in the yard either. She didn’t have the stomach for violence nor the patience to watch boys swing wooden sticks for hours. It was just another tear in her family she failed to prevent. It was not her place to feel so much guilt, but she did. Instead of crying she began a new project.

Morning, noon, and night for the past week she tirelessly sewed a gown for Helaena. It was white with glistening jewels and lace sewn onto it. The headpiece itself was a monster of its own. The dress was meant for the wedding if her mother permitted it. She would, of course, no one was a better seamstress than her. Oftentimes she found herself pricking her own fingers and ignoring the small drops of blood that pooled on her tips. Once she was ‘in the mood’ as Aemond liked to say nothing could distract her. A dragon could burn down King's Landing and Elaena wouldn’t even notice.

Creeeeeeeeak

The door slowly moved open, and a bush of brown locks popped in. A pair of brown eyes followed and wandered around the room. A small tan hand pushed the door the rest of the way open.

“Psst” Elaena was too focused. “Psst, Elaena!” The whisper grew louder. “Elaena!”

Jacaerys shouted in a whisper. How could she be so deaf? She furrowed her eyebrows and backed away from the dress. She could have sworn she heard something- A pair of small hands covered her mouth before she could scream. His big brown eyes stared into hers. “Shhh I’m not supposed to be here! You have to keep quiet.” She mumbled in the palm of his hand. Elaena’s eyes searched around the room. “Do you promise not to shout?”

Jace’s face was one of worry. She shook her head, and he slowly pulled his hand away from her. Elaena’s face was now covered in his hand sweat, gross. “Jace!” She shouted, before he could reply she jumped and wrapped her arms around him. Yes, she was still mad over the pig joke but without him she was so lonely. He could be forgiven just like all of The Mother’s children. Aemond would probably forgive him too once they learned how to be friends.

“I missed you too.” He nuzzled his head into her hair. Besides smelling like floral oils that were used in her bath, she smelled like the fabrics or paints she surrounded herself with. It was a comforting smell that encased his senses. He used his hands to rub her back just as his own mother did to him. “I want to take you somewhere.” He pulled away and placed his hands on her shoulders. He was not asking her permission, simply telling her what they were doing. “It’s really late…I don’t want to get in troub-“ He interrupted, “You won’t! Just please follow me.” It was impossible to say no to him. Especially when his big brown eyes stared into your soul. It was like looking at a begging dog. “Ok…. but where are we going?” She examined his face for any clue. He simply grabbed her hand and pulled her with vigor. “You’ll see!”

After ducking and dodging several nighttime guards they stumbled upon the gods wood tree they spent so much time under. It was dimly lit from the torches within the castle. “Why are we here?” She spoke in a hushed whisper. He pulled her to the ground under the tree and cupped her hands. His expression was laced with seriousness. “I needed to tell you something but only in private, in our place.” Her heart sank, imagining what words could be uttered from his mouth. “Wha- what is it?” He sighed and his fingers tightened. “We’re moving to Dragonstone. I’m not sure when I’ll be back or if we will ever see each other-“

“No!” Elaena was a sensitive girl with too many feelings. Her tear ducts acted on their own accord and released a flurry of tears. Jacaerys acted quickly and embraced her harshly. The sounds of her whimpers were muffled in his night clothes. “I wanted to do something with you…swear something to each other.” Elaena pulled herself away from him and wiped her tears. Her response was intertwined with sniffles. “Swear what?”

Jacaerys took this as a good sign and unsheathed his dagger. Ser Harwin gave it to him before he left, now he vowed to take it everywhere with him. Elaena’s eyes widened like he had never seen them before. She muttered short ‘whats’ as she began pulling away. “I’m not going to harm you! It’s just to carve something into our tree.” She stared at him in confusion. “Carve what?” His lips curved into a mischievous smirk. “A promise that we'll be together no matter how far away we are.” That sounded like something Aemond read in story books. Lovers torn apart making a promise to each other.

“I’ll start.” He took his time sloppily carving something into the tree. His hands shook as the bark fell apart. It was completely unintelligible. “There, now your name is carved into here for the rest of time.” That made her giggle with joy. He moved the dagger, so the end was facing her. “It’s your turn to carve mine.” She nervously took the blade from him. Elaena had never wielded a weapon before, nor did she intend to. She gave him an awkward smile as she tried her best to write his name. It was even worse looking than what he did. She pulled back and her face crinkled at the poor craftsmanship. He let out a laugh then took her hands.

“It is time for the promise itself…are you ready?” She shook her head once more. For a boy of ten he looked very grown up at this moment. “With this kiss I pledge my love. I shall be loyal to you always, and hold no secrets from you, now and forever. I share your joy, from this day to my last day. And, with this flower, I pledge my passion.” He handed her a little dandelion he picked up. It was a weed not a flower but no matter. What was that about a kiss? Before she could mull it over, he pecked her lips with his own. Her entire body felt as if it was lit aflame. Her cheeks were a shade of blistering red. “It’s your turn, El!”

Her throat betrayed her and spoke before she could think. “With this kiss I pledge my love. I shall be loyal to you always, and hold no secrets from you, now and forever. I share your joy, from this day to my last day. And..um..” She didn’t have a flower on her. The air around them became awkward quickly as she searched herself for anything. Ah, the seven-pointed star necklace she always wore.”And, with this necklace I pledge my passion.” She dropped it into his lap and stared. Elaena was not bold enough to do what he did. Her fingers began to fiddle with the seams on her dress. Her cheeks burnt hot to the touch. She quickly asked the warrior for courage and leaned in.

“Ow!” She had failed miserably and flashed her forehead into his. Elaena rubbed the knot that would most likely form after tonight. Jacaerys laughed at her under his breath and grabbed her face. “Muuuuuah!” He didn’t peck her this time it was the worst open mouth kiss a child could do. He slobbered on her like a dog, and she couldn’t help but crinkle her nose. Jace saw his mother and Ser Harwin do it once…he realized it looked better than actually doing it. They didn’t notice the pair of violet eyes staring at them or the small brown ones following suit.

Thus, two little kids made a promise neither could fully comprehend. A pledge that they may never end up keeping. Everything was so much simpler in the story books they read. The goodbye was sweet and simple, but she couldn’t hold back her tears. Luckily for Elaena she would be seeing Jacaerys very soon.

ACT III

The wind of Driftmark was chilly and the air smelt only of salt from the sea. It had only been a few days since they departed to Dragonstone before Elaena saw him again. Her mother summoned another rare group meeting to announce the Lady Laena had passed and you all were to attend her funeral. It was an odd thing going to a funeral of someone you didn’t know but that was the duty of a princess, Elaena thought.

She was completely dazed throughout the entire ordeal. Only exchanging glances with Jacaerys who looked more solemn than usual.

“Why does he seem so sad? I didn’t think he knew her all that well.” Aegon snickered at her obliviousness and Aemond rolled his eyes. “His father died and his grandsire too.” She confusingly looked around the funeral.

“Aemond, they’re right here.” He lowered his voice to nothing above a whisper. Aemond was acting as if he was sharing top secret information. “No…their true father, Ser Harwin Strong died in a fire. Lyonel died with him which is why grandsire is the hand again.” Elaena’s eyes widened as she took in the new information. Jacaerys did always look a bit like a Strong…and he was rather fond of the Lord Commander too. “If he was their father, why didn’t he claim them?” Aegon bit his lip trying not to laugh. He placed a hand on her shoulder and leaned in. “Because they are bastards born out of wedlock. To claim a bastard is to forever shame yourself in the eyes of the Gods you worship, silly girl.”

It was that word again. The word Aemond threw around in her room the night after the pig incident. If it were true, that they were ba- born out of wedlock that would mean their entire life was a lie. Their claim to anything was also a falsity. Oh my, her best friend and half-sister had been living in sin her whole life and she never noticed. She might be considered a sinner too for…liking him.

She stared at him with wide eyes for the entire speech. Elaena would go and pray for him soon. Overall, she wasn’t that worried about him, more about how the gods were going to punish her for associating with him. Would they damn her to the Seven Hells for what she had done? Would they take the life of someone she loved too? What cruel punishment would they give to her for kissing a bas- born out of wedlock child?

“Don’t tell them that you know. You’ll get in far more trouble than you deserve.” Aemond looked at her with a serious expression. “How do we know for certain?” She quizzed him, secretly she hoped it to be a lie. Maybe Aegon told him as a jest, and he took it too seriously. One of the jealous ladies spread the rumor, surely. “Mother.”

It was the truth after all. The guilt started eating her alive almost immediately. If his very birth was against the gods, wasn’t he supposed to be..cruel? Jacaerys had always been kind to her. He didn’t seem to be someone who was a sin, not yet at least. Her mind began racing, endlessly searching for a path to forgiveness. Elaena could just go and offer him saving...bring him to the light and turn him holy. Yes, that’s what she could do right now. The gods were merciful after all, and he had proved himself too not be evil. They both may not have to face persecution.

Aemond watched her face wash over in anxiety. Her eyes focused entirely on the direction of their nephew. He had finally said something that struck a chord with her. Now, he could finally stop worrying about them interacting. He turned to Aegon who had already begun bickering about his marriage again. It disgusted him how little he cared for duty or the law. How he managed to dishonor himself every day with another serving girl or liquor. It was a blessing she never had to witness his doings…Aemond froze for a moment and realized she wasn’t clinging onto him anymore. He whipped his head in several different directions before he spotted them. It always had to be them.

Elaena had been following Jace’s movements around the funeral awaiting an opportunity. Oddly enough, Rhaenyra was doing the same to her uncle. They pretended not to notice each other wandering aimlessly, a secret understanding of sorts was made. She stalked through the crowd of people and lost sight of him. Of course, her sister would distract her fro-

“What are you doing?” Her entire body whipped around, and Elaena’s face burnt red from the sheer embarrassment. “I-I wha- are you stalking me?” She spoke, shifting the blame onto the other person that was definitely a sin of some sort. He furrowed his eyebrows, “Why would I be stalking you? I was trying to find my cousins and you’re in the way.” He scoffed; his words came out far more venomous than he had intended. Jacaerys was simply upset about everything around him. He was confused and angry that his parentage was kept hidden away for so long. And he was overwhelmingly sad that Harwin had died before he got the chance to form that sort of bond with him. It was a lot for a boy of ten to handle on his own.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Elaena shuffled to the side so he could get past. Anyone else in her family would probably bark back at him. Scold him for being rude towards them. Not her, she simply accepted defeat.

“It’s fine…” Jacaerys mumbled under his breath. Internally he was rather pleased to see her again. Though he had an amazing family, he yearned for the comforts of someone less…biased. Someone who he considered more of an equal rather than his little brother or mother. The faintest of smiles crept onto her face as she reached forward. The necklace she gave him was still hung around his neck. “As long as you wear this the gods will keep watching over you…My apologies for the loss of Lady Laena…And Ser Harwin, I know you all had a strong bond.” He grabbed her hand with strength she did not know he possessed. She stumbled back, ignorant of the implication she made. Elaena had chosen the worst word to describe them without realizing.

“What did you just say?” His cheeks were red but not in their usual flush, they were an angry shade of crimson. His eyes shot daggers through her, and his grip tightened when she wouldn’t answer.

“I-I..” She couldn’t figure out what she had just said wrong. What could she have possibly said to trigger this sort of reaction? “You’re just like the rest of them, aren’t you?!”

Her eyes began watering on their own. Tears forming a pool threatening to spill over on the edge of her lids. Elaena did not do well getting in trouble. Especially, when she had no idea what she did. “Let's go.” The voice from behind her spoke firmly. Elaena turned her head,

“Aemond!” Jacaerys and Aemond had a short-lived stare down. His eyes were cold, dull even and seemed to pierce right through Jace. He let go of Elaena and stepped back, he raised his chin to Aemond, “Do you always meddle in your sister’s life?”

Aemond laughed, “I never noticed how strong of a grip you had, perhaps a trait from your father.” Jacaerys took a step forward and looked as if he was going to strangle Aemond to death. But, not before Aegon decided to join in the fun. “Fighting at a funeral? Isn’t that unbefitting of a future king, Jace?”

Jacaerys didn’t let go of eye contact with the youngest brother. Though for a moment it seemed his lip twitched. Aegon normally wouldn’t waste his energy on childish fights but after the pig joke, he owed Aemond. Plus, only he was allowed to make fun of his sisters.

Jace was the first to break, he was outnumbered and wouldn’t cause a scene on such a sad day. Unlike Aemond he wasn’t that desperate to fight another person. He let out a childish huff and moved over to his cousins.

“Why were you talking to him?!” Aemond scolded her. “I just wanted to say sorry.” Elaena muttered. “Did you see what happened?! That’s why I tell you not to talk to them!” Aegon chimed in,“Look, she's crying now, idiot!” Aemond furrowed his brows. “Yeah! look at what he did to her!” He pointed to the tiny red spot on her wrist. Jacaerys didn’t grab hard enough to leave a bad mark, he wouldn’t do that. “Stop yelling, she’s crying more!” Aegon pointed at her face. “How is that my fault?! It’s the bastard's fault.” Aemond retorted. “Of course, it’s his fault but you’re making it worse!”

Elaena felt the sting of hot tears forming in her eyes as Aemond and Aegon both started to yell at her. She felt her throat tighten and her vision blurring as the tears started to slide down her cheeks. Embarrassed, she tried to look away, but the boys’ yells kept ringing in her ears and she couldn't bear it any longer. She suddenly remembered her room and the shelter it could provide from the scolding. Without another thought, Elaena ran inside and into her room, her face wet with tears and her heart filled with sadness. She sank into her cotton bed, pulling the covers over herself and let the tears flow freely. She tried to muffle her sobs, but the boys’ voices still echoed in her head and overwhelmed her. She cried until a deep, exhausted sleep came over her.

“Wake up!” Two hands shook her vigorously.

“Elaenaaaaaaaaa….wake upppp!” They pulled the blankets off her. Elaena groaned and rolled over. Her eyes stitched shut by dry tears and her throat sore from sobbing. The smell of wine filled her nose and forced her fully awake.

“Aegon, you’re drunk.” She spoke in between yawns. “We need to go!” He yanked her by the arm. She barely had time to pull a nightgown cover off her chair before she was rushed down the stairs and into the great hall. Aegon hadn’t told her anything as he raced her and Helaena to the scene. The room was packed to the brim with onlookers.

“What’s going on?” Helaena spoke in a loud whisper. Aegon shuffled them to the side of the room where their mother stood. Elaena immediately took notice of Aemond’s absence. She gazed around the room and spotted the Velaryon boys covered in blood. Her first instinct was to gag at the sight then the next was to try to go over to Jacaerys. Aegon pulled her back and leaned down.

“Look! Elaena look what they did!” She moved her gaze over to the chair, her mother sat in front of it with tears in her eyes. The maester worked vigorously on someone. She cranked her head to the side and saw him. Her eyes widened and she stumbled back. His eye was gone, it was completely gone. The bile in her stomach itched at her throat. Aemond had gotten his eye cut out.

The king, her father, started demanding answers. The noise of his shouting and everyone else’s was blurred in her head. She had tunnel vision; all she could stare at was him.

Aemond had been right all along, they lived in sin. Jacaerys and his siblings were all bastards, their lives were against the gods themselves. Sweat began pooling on her forehead and her eyes flickered between the children. The gods punished her by taking his eye, just as they punished Rhaenyra by killing Ser Harwin. This was all her fault for associating with him, for kissing him. She was a sinner now too.

Elaena was consumed with an intense guilt as she realized Jacaerys took Aemond's eye with the dagger they exchanged their vows with. She felt sorrow and outrage, mixed with the grief and indignation of betrayal, as she was reminded of the warning Aemond had given her about Jacaerys being a sin. This moment made it all too real, making it impossible for Elaena to deny that she had failed her faith and her brother, dabbling with something her religion denounced. Her throat was thick with tears that she was unable to shed, and her mind was beset with conflicting thoughts as she wrestled with her own belief system, realizing that she had been wrong to ignore Aemond's warnings. She wanted to stop the pain that Aemond was enduring but could do nothing but watch helplessly as her brother's eye was taken in such a cruel and calculated manner. The Velaryons were all monsters, and she was now one too.

The sounds of fighting erupting were drowned out by her own mind. Accusations being sent across the room like hell fire. The arrival of her half-sister and the Velaryons did not ease the tension.

“You will make good will to one another! Elaena and Jacaerys are henceforth betrothed. Their union may just make this interminable infighting cease!” Viserys spoke. “Thank you, father.” Rhaenyra replied.

Elaena was ripped out of the daze she was in. When she heard she was to marry Jacaerys, Elaena felt a wave of deep despair flooding her heart. The news caught her completely off guard and her natural reaction was to recoil away from him in fear. She knew without a doubt that his previous actions were nothing less than sinful and to be married to him would make her complicit with it. She couldn’t help but feel that she was losing her way in the eyes of her religion and her faith in her own goodness was diminishing.

She casted her view to Jacaerys who lowered his eyes, Rhaenyra offered her a soft smile, Aegon was too bewildered to speak, Helaena wasn’t even present in her mind to react. Her final turn was to her mother and brother. In her mind she was begging them to make it stop. Don’t let this happen, don’t let them drag her farther into sin and away from her faith.

“No!” Aemond shouted. "Goodwill and betrothals will not make my son whole again!” Alicent spoke in a plea that would go unheard. She felt her chest tighten and her heart start to sink as she tried to wrap her mind around the reality of the situation. She couldn’t shake the feeling of being doomed – like she had already lost and was heading further away from redemption and the light. The thought of it was unbearable.

She watched in horror as Alicent lunged at Rhaenyra. Her own father had forsaken them. He allowed them to take his eye with no punishment and then threaten to punish him for an insult. It wasn’t until now she realized the way of things. On this night she realized her ‘father’ did not think of them as family, only backups. He did not love them, he only had love for his other family. Her mother had been right to warn them this entire time. He would take out their tongues for speaking the truth and force them into unwanted marriages for his own gain. Rhaenyra and her brood were sinners and the king stood idly by and let them do as they pleased whilst the rest suffered.

The night swiftly came to an end when Alicent released the blade and Aemond said it was a fair trade. It was not a fair trade in her mind, nor would it ever be. She stared at Jacaerys with tears welling in her violet irises, he did not return her gaze. Elaena was mentally pleading with him to say sorry, to offer them anything. He did no such thing. Instead, he walked away from the scene with his own family. Rhaenyra and her kin were always good at fleeing when things became unsavory. It left a bitter taste in her mouth and a stain in her heart.

Elaena spent that night with Aemond and many other nights after.

Her disdain for her other family had simmered down. She still did not think of them as her true family and still believed them to be sinners in need of saving, but she did not loathe them. She prayed for them instead and for her future husband. Lucerys was truly the only person she had quarrels with. He took her brother's eye after all; she prayed the warrior would serve him justice one day. However, her disdain for the king did not relent. The Gods would be angry she could not be rid of the grudge that held onto her heart but there was nothing she could do. He had caused the divide even if he did not mean it.

It was easier to forget her betrothal and inevitable doom whilst at home. Her mother fought tooth and nail to have her stay at home with them. For the first time her mother took notice of her, real notice. She was interested in her art and crafts and her love for the seven. The Queen permitted her to wear more conservative clothing you might see a septa wear…she even considered letting Elaena become a septa like she wished. The King would never allow the last bit but at least her mother now tried.

She had taken to becoming Aemond’s caregiver as a way to appease her sins. Elaena followed his every move like a dog. Though he was not an easy patient, he wished to do everything on his own. The worst part of it thus far had been the removal of the stitches. The maester said that he may have chronic pain for the rest of his life to match with the massive scar. His eyeball was completely gone and for now it was just a hole he covered with a patch. Elaena wouldn’t admit out loud it was a hard sight to behold.

He also had been in higher spirits because of Vhagar. She had doted on him like a mother whose babe had just gotten injured. Aemond flew on her every single day, sometimes he wouldn’t return for hours. Elaena remained content waiting for him on the ground. It wasn’t like Urrax could magically grow large and take off. His entire aura had changed after that night. He was no longer the shy and polite boy she knew. Instead, he was self-assured, audacious, diligent, and independent. He was more mature and prince-like now than he ever was.

He wanted to go and escape on Vhagar today but all of the king’s children were forced to watch the tournament for his first-born son’s wedding. He had invited every lord and lady from all across the realm to enjoy the festivities. Though, it wasn’t a very festive week for the couple or for the younger children who were reminded they would forever be in the background of the eldest.

“I hate tourneys.” Aemond mumbled under his breath. They sat in the royal box looking down at the “excitement” below. Aegon and Helaena sat opposite to them. One was already drowning in his cups and the other was lost in her own head. “I think they can be nice.” Elaena smiled at him. She was purposely staring any other way besides the violence below. “Real men don’t need to prove their honor in tourneys with sticks. They prove it in real war with real swords.”

She hummed at his words. “It can be kind of romantic…A man winning with the favor of a girl and crowning her in front of the masses…Not everything has to be about proving your honor, it can be about defending someone else’s.” Aemond tapped his fingers on the wooden chair she sat in. “Do you wish for your future husband to do that?” She peered up from the ground. Her future husband, Jacaerys Velaryon. A subtle frown creeped onto her face at the mention. “No, I don’t think my future husband will do anything of the sort for me.” Aemond's lip twitched into a smirk. “Mayhaps I will consider it.” He leaned back down into his chair and watched her closely waiting for a reaction. He was sorely disappointed when she did not falter and got lost in another daydream.

Elaena did not understand why he would consider it. She failed to understand the reasoning for most things around her. For example, why Aegon did not participate in the tourney to crown Helaena queen of love and beauty. He was completely drowned in his cups the entire tournament. Neither of them wanted to be married but at least it was Helaena and not a bas- Velaryon. She still did not let the vile word seep onto her tongue or into her mind freely.

Her uncle won the tournament for Helaena. Gwayne was her mother’s brother, and he was quite the knight. Though, she barely knew him since the king kept them all locked away in King’s Landing. Daeron was permitted to come back to see the wedding too…but only the wedding. The king cared the least for his youngest son who he forgot existed the majority of the time. Elaena had requested to be sent to Oldtown too but was refused instantaneously. After the incident at Driftmark he had completely casted aside her four siblings. The only reason the marriage was being celebrated was because Aegon is the first-born son.

“She looks pretty with a crown, don’t you think?” Aemond leaned back into Elaena. “Hmm, I suppose.” She lightly slapped her brother’s shoulder. “You’re supposed to agree.” He rolled his eyes and turned back to her. “Maybe I think it would look better on someone else.” A weird feeling formed in the pits of her stomach. Why would it bother me if he thought it would look on someone else, she thought. “W-who?” Aemond’s stoic face melted, and a light tint of rose painted his cheeks. “Erm…Aegon” The weird pit in her stomach disappeared as it tended with laughter. “He does look like a pretty princess! Look at his luscious blonde locs!” She giggled hysterically. Aemond left out a breath of relief for whatever reason.

“Who’d dress, would you rather wear mine or hers.” Elaena spoke with narrowed eyes and venom laced on her tongue. A tailor had come in to fit Helaena for the god-awful dress they had concocted. It was plain and an ugly cream shade with no detailing whatsoever. It wasn’t befitting a princess by any means. “Insolent child.” The plain-featured woman growled. Elaena’s face twisted in dismay. She had spent hours tediously sewing and stitching fine details onto this dress. Her little hands had subtle scars from the needle pricking her skin. It was by all account perfect, and this hag wouldn’t waste it.

“I think they’re both beautiful.” Helaena spoke softly whilst she gazed upon them with her doe eyes. She was far too sweet for her own good. “I’ll ask your mother.” She sneered and walked towards the exit. “No, I’ll ask my mother!” Elaena rushed towards the door and grabbed the handle. They began pushing and shoving each other to get hold of the doorknob. Neither were about to willingly let their hard work go to waste.

Sadly, Elaena was weak and sickly. She was easily overpowered and knocked to the floor. Tears began welling into her eyes and the room became distant. The embarrassment of being so quickly overpowered and undermined by this woman was draining her resolve. “Don’t bite off more than you can chew, kid.” The woman spoke with a subtle smirk, she turned to open the door but was beaten to it by the Queen. She stood in the doorway and observed the scene before her.

“Elaena, my sweet, why are you on the floor?” She moved over so she was standing above her. The tailor began muttering incoherent sentences out of fear. “Sh- she pushed me an- and she called me insolent.” Her sobs echoed throughout the room. “All because she didn’t like the dress I made!” Elaena pointed a finger at the woman. It was a sin to lie, but sometimes a simple sin is necessary. You would always be able to pray for forgiveness later. Alicent’s face dropped, and her eyes turned cold as she turned to the woman. “Ser Criston, escort the lady out.” Cole, the sworn guard and occasional father to the Hightower siblings, took her arm rather roughly and pulled her out. Apologies were being thrown around like snowballs in the North.

“Elaena made me a dress, it’s quite pretty.” Helaena spoke whimsically. “Aw my beautiful girl.” Alicent walked over and tried to cup Helaena’s face, but she flinched away. She never liked to be touched. She let out a sigh before turning to trace her fingers across Elaena’s dress. Her eyebrows raised slightly, and a glimmer of interest showed on her face. “You made this?” Elaena wiped the real and fake tears off her face. She used her hands to pat down her dress and rid it of the wrinkles. “Yes, I spent the last two moons on it.” Her mother stood back and clasped her hands together, she appeared deep in thought. “It’s lovely…A dress worthy of a future queen.” Elaena chose to willingly ignore the last comment. Any type of praise overshadowed the possible treason. “I’d like to wear hers instead. If that’s ok mother.”

Helaena got her way; Elaena guessed it was because her mother felt bad for forcing her to marry Aegon. She waited impatiently on the seetee as the servants dressed her sister. She had never looked so beautiful before. Her hair was in high braids on top of her head and the dress fit her curves perfectly. The lace and jewels simply accentuated her features. When the ladies were finished her mother waved them off and allowed the sisters just a moment of alone time.

“Are you scared…for marriage that is.” Elaena nervously asked, she was beginning to think of her own. “I suppose, I heard husbands leave you alone once you bear children. I’m looking forward to that.” That did not do well to ease her own nerves. She didn’t like the thought of bearing children let alone to someone who took her brother’s eye. Then again, she didn’t even know how you made children. “You look too beautiful for him not to fawn over you. I’m sure it’ll be much happier once you’re officially together and the Gods bless your union.” Helaena turned around and stared at her sister. She pondered for a moment before crossing her arms and giving a soft smile. “Elaena…you know nothing.” It wasn’t spoken in a harsh manner, nor was it intended to be an insult. She still felt a subtle ache in her chest at the thought she knew nothing. Before she could ask any more questions, another knock was heard.

“It’s time to go, Princess.” Her father was there to escort her into the grand hall. Elaena quickly popped up out of her position “Good Luck!” She waved as she opened the door and rushed past the king. He stared at the child whose name he forgot rushed past him in haste.

“Why was she in here?” He asked. Helaena smiled brightly at the attention her father was about to give her. “Elaena made my dress. She is quite talented.” Ah, Elaena, his youngest girl. She was an odd one, much more Hightower than Targaryen. She would make a good future wife of Jacaerys, very docile and obedient. And Rhaenyra voiced how much she liked her and how they had bonded. I should start paying more attention to her, the king thought, “What a lovely dress!” He limped his way over to Helaena and placed his hands on her shoulders. “You look beautiful, my girl.” She bowed her head slightly. “Thank you, Your Grace.” Unlike their half-sister it was rare the five siblings called him father. He was more of a man they occasionally interacted with than a dad. Though he did take special interest in Rhaenyra and Helaena, he obviously preferred girls.

The wedding venue was in the throne room. The great hall was decorated with white floral arrangements and Targaryen banners. The smell of wine and expensive food filled everyone’s noses. It was backed to the brim with Lords and Ladies from across the realm. Elaena shuffled nervously next to Aemond, noticing all the eyes on them. “You look fine.” He whispered in her ear. They weren’t staring at her; they were looking at the boy with an eyepatch. “We all look better than them.” Daeron spoke and the three children turned. In the midst of their wedding vows Aegon began to cry, Helaena followed suit.

The king learned from Rhaenyra’s wedding that the feast should be held after the vows are made. Since he decided this, Aegon was unable to drown in his cups…yet. The Grand Septon announced that their vows were finalized, and they leaned in. “…that is the worst kiss I have ever seen.” Daeron said with subtle disgust plastered on his face. “When have you seen married people kissing?” Their parents never once placed their lips together. In the entire time she was there was not a single moment of romance between the two.

“They weren’t married.” He giggled to himself. “Shut up, Daeron.” Aemond whispered in a stern voice. “They aren’t going to consummate.” He spoke. “What’s that?” Elaena asked with genuine curiosity. “Daeron! Shut up!” Aemond yelled in a whisper. “You talk about it all the time!” Daeron pointed at his chest. “Talk about what?!” Elaena pleaded. “Not in front of her!” He was no longer whispering and spoke loudly. All eyes were on the youngest as the eldest siblings turned to them. They had all been caught red-handed gossiping.

Elaena smiled brightly trying to avoid the disapproving stares. Her face burned bright red as she slowly backed away behind her brothers. Daeron and Aemond shared tight lipped smiles as they turned and ushered Elaena to the table. “Are we going to get in trouble?” She asked softly. “Hopefully Aegon will do something worse.” Daeron said. “We can depend on our dear elder brother to mess up more than we have.” Aemond sneered. He hadn’t forgotten the pig joke and had yet to fully forgive him.

The feast was spread out far and wide. The table that was placed before the throne was long. To the left of the king were Otto, Aemond, Elaena and Daeron. To his right were Queen Alicent, Aegon, Helaena. Aemond had scooted far away from the king. The scent of his rotting flesh ruined the meal. His presence in general ruined the meal for many. Viserys slowly stood up and went to make a toast to the new couple when he paused. It seemed he realized his favorite family was not here and would not be attending.

“Today we are gathered to celebrate the union of my first-born son, Aegon and his wife, Helaena…The crown wishes you to take part in the plentiful feast and celebrate all the great houses who bless us with their presence…” He paused to cough on his own spit. Alicent immediately began rubbing his hand and begging him to sit. Gods, she was a saint for dealing with this man. The door to the throne room slowly began to open.

“Lord Corlys Velaryon, Lord of the tides, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Ser Vaemond Velaryon, and Lady Baela and Rhaena Targaryen.”

Elaena dropped her fork into her plate and Aemond’s entire body tensed. “What are they doing here?” She reached over and grabbed his hand. There was nothing she could do to ease the tension filling the room. The King looked up and smiled “Please, begin the festivities!” Elaena watched carefully as they approached the table. Rhaenys was the only one to gaze upon Aemond’s scar before she turned her attention to the king. “Congratulations to the newlywed couple. May this union bring you happiness.” Lord Corlys spoke with the fakest smile plastered on his face. “Congratulations cousin.” Rhaenys bowed her head slightly.

Elaena squeezed Aemond’s hand tighter as the Velaryons bowed one last time and walked to their seats. She could feel every muscle in his body tense as they approached and not once did, he take his eyes off the two girls. “They’re gone now. It’s just us three again.” She whispered in his ear. Aemond unclenched his jaw and leaned back. He maintained the grip on her hand.

The music started playing and the sound of silverware hitting plates echoed throughout the room. Elaena peered over to look at her siblings and it was as expected. “Aegon is drowning in cups already.” Aemond scoffed, “When is he not?” Daeron peered over the table. “I expect this of him…I did not expect Lord Baratheon to be drinking so heavily.” Elaena bit her lip and contemplated her next words…were they sinful?

“Lord Borros resembles a hog more than a stag.” Daeron choked on his drink and Aemond let out a quiet laugh. “Look closely, you can see Tyland is already drooling over his brother's wife.” Elaena shook Daeron’s shoulder. “Lady Redwyne has already descended upon the cakes!” Their giggles were quickly becoming uncontrollable. “Lord Caswell’s balding has spread to his nape. He’s practically a dragon egg!” The children burst out in laughter and Aemond simply smirked next to them.

“You’re both so immature…Eat your food before Lord Borros gets it.” Elaena’s face turned bright red as Aemond finally made a jest of his own. It was so comforting for all of them to be together again. However, the comfort ended when Helaena and Aegon stood up to dance. He was already stumbling slightly, and Helaena had completely disassociated from the situation. Daeron shifted in his seat, “It’s like watching two headless chickens.” Elaena stared at the mediocre dance performance below. “I thought marriage was a gift. This looks more like a punishment from the gods.” The children quietly ate their food and avoided eye contact with their siblings. They all felt bad of course but what could they do about it? The king and queen wished for it, so it was.

The music shifted and so did the room. Other guests descended upon the dance floor. Elaena watched as Aegon approached their side of the table. “Aemond, I’m begging you just dance with her for a few more songs, please!” Aemond sat there more annoyed than when the Velaryons arrived. “No! She’s your wife.” Aegon scoffed, “That doesn’t mean I want to dance.” Elaena and Daeron side-eyed each other as they watched their eldest siblings. “Ask Daeron!” He whipped his head around. “Don’t drag me into this, I promised our cousin from Oldtown.” Elaena sighed, “You’re all horrible. It’s our sister's wedding and not one of you will dance?” Aemond’s face washed over in guilt, and he stood up. “A real man does what his lady wishes.” He stared Aegon down and walked over to Helaena. For the first time in the entire night, she smiled brightly.

“Your cup is still full, sister.” Aegon slurred his words. She watched him take the seat next to her. She went to turn to Daeron, but he had gotten up out of guilt too. “I don’t drink, it’s improper for a lady.” His eyes rolled so far back in his head he probably saw his brain. “You’re a princess not a lady. Look, even mother drinks.” She looked across the table and noticed her mother drinking far more than usual. Mayhaps this wedding was dreadful for all the participants. “Here, drink this cup and if you hate it, I will never bring it up again, I promise.” He was bored and trying to drag someone else down to his level. His other siblings weren’t as gullible as Elaena. Sometimes her personality reminded him of a dog, submissive and obedient. If someone said fetch, she would probably do it. “Fine.”

She eyes the red liquid inside her cup and swirled it around. This wasn’t a sin, the seven allowed girls and boys to drink. She just simply did not wish to partake in something that may get her in trouble. She sniffed the cup and her face curled in disgust. Elaena shut her eyes tight and said a quick prayer before she dumped the entire contents of the goblet into the back of her throat. “Seven Hells!” He laughed as he scooted back. Elaena choked and snorted some out of her nose and onto the table. Majority of it went down her throat and already she could feel her insides warming. “My septa is less bitter than this.” Aegon chuckled, “Elaena I did not know you knew how to jest!” She tried to narrow her eyes at him, but it quickly became a smile. “I am the best jester in the seven kingdoms. If you simply paid attention.” Aegon nodded his head and called over a servant.

“Dornish sweet wine.” The maid quickly bowed her head and scurried away to grab another. “This is far sweeter though it’s darker in color.” The nice lady refilled Elaena’s glass and she took it instantly. “Elaena! Let’s have a drinking contest. Whoever reaches the bottom first wins.” Elaena turned her head to her brother. She raised one eyebrow, “What is the prize for winning?” Aegon sat back in his chair and swirled the wine in his cup. “I’ll let you ride Sunfyre if you win. If I win, I’ll need you to pretend I’m with you when I sneak out.” Elaena huffed, “One ride for an eternity of me aiding in your antics? That’s not even remotely fair.” Aegon pouted, “Fine just this week then.” Elaena rolled her eyes.

“On three…One…Two…three!” She threw the cup back like she did the first time, but her throat didn’t listen. Half of it went back in the cup whilst the other seeped into her stomach. She tried to quickly try again but Aegon had already depleted his goblet of wine. “You drink like a braavosi sailor!” She shouted! “I drink just the right amount, little sister. You should drink more!” That was a grand mistake, but she did it anyway. He refilled her glass twice more and twice more did she lose to him. “Lady Jeyne has already begun harassing the servants.” Aegon pointed to the woman. Elaena didn’t know what he meant but nodded anyway. “Lord Stark looks like a melted snowman.” He hummed in agreement.

“If I win this one you have to answer me three questions.” She spoke. Aegon was drunk enough to no longer be able to say no. “Absolutely! “ The goblet was refilled a fourth time and for the first time she had won. She mastered the art of draining the contents in one go. Aegon let out a vile burp afterwards that made her face twist in disgust.

“you’re such a wastrel.” He scoffed, “oh and you’re such a saint. Saintly little Elaena who kissed Jacaerys under a tree.” Her entire body froze, and sobriety hit her like a sword. Except, the moment of clarity was only a moment long. “If you tell anyone I will cut off your manhood!” He looked at her as if she was crazy. “Do you even know what manhood is?!” No, that she did not know. She was severely uneducated in many aspects. “Fine! Since I won, tell me a few of your secrets since you know mine.” He sunk down into his chair. He looked to be deep in thought. “I relieved myself out of the window a few times.” She didn’t know what that meant. She took it as he pissed outside of his window a few times. Which wasn’t disgusting but he could do worse. “Not good enough:”

He scoffed, then his mood turned solemn. “I feel terribly that I can’t be a good husband to Helaena, nor will I ever be…my heart belongs to someone outside these walls.” Elaena suddenly felt her heart ache at the mention. It was awful for both parties involved but that didn’t excuse his actions. Though, she was going to be in his position soon. Once she was forced to wed Jacaerys that is. She sighed deeply, “A toast for our future failed marriages.” Aegon furrowed his eyebrows. “Our?You don’t like him?” She rolled her eyes. “Absolutely not, did you not see what happened at Driftmark?” He nodded his head and picked up his glass. “A toast to our inevitably unhappy futures!” They clinked glasses and gulped down their contents.

Hiccup

“Aegonnnnn”

Hiccup

She shook his shoulders. “I wish to danceeee”

Hiccup

“I just escaped the dance floor, now you want to drag me back?” Elaena nodded quickly. “Aegonnnn, pretty pleaseeee.”

Hiccup

“I never ask you for anythinggg.” He pushed her face out of his own. He stood up and reached out his hand. “Payment for drinking with me, I guess!” They were both absolutely sloshed. Firstly, Elaena’s entire body felt as if it was hot air, and it vibrated every time she moved. Secondly, the world was spinning in a fun way, and she could barely stand without holding onto Aegon. Thirdly, their faces were bright red, and wine stained their clothes. As he tried to lead her down the stairs he tripped, and they both went rolling. The world moved in slow motion as they toppled down the stairs to the bottom. Every single eye in the room was directed towards them.

Elaena couldn’t feel a thing, nor did she really know what happened. “I saw the gods!” Elaena jested. “I don’t think they want me.” Aegon replied. They burst into laughter that forced tears to trickle down their faces. Neither realized the adults rushing to them to berate them to no end.

“Aegon! What were you thinking!” She spoke in a whisper shout as she attempted to drag him off the ground. “And you?!” Elaena felt the sudden urge to vomit. Her head started to spin, and her surroundings quickly disappeared. “I got her, mother. Take care of him.” Her savior pulled her up by the arm and dragged her out of the hall. She couldn’t see what was going on nor could she process it.

“Air! I can’t breathe! Air!” Elaena shouted at her savior. He quickly changed their course and dragged her out into the courtyard. The chilly air cooled her burning skin, the wind dried her sweat and tears. It wasn’t enough…the second she was outside she dropped to her knees and emptied her stomach contents.

“Did Aegon do this?” She waved her hand behind her back as she continued to leave a pool of wine below her. “Everytime I leave you alone you get into trouble…how is that possible?!” She wiped her face off on her sleeve and sat up. She could see clearly again, and her head was no longer ringing. “I-I” She started to tear for whatever reason. Her breathing became heavy, and her heart raced against itself. “I’m sorry.” The tears that flooded her eyes spilt out into her hands. Why was she crying? What had just boiled up to the surface?

Aemond knelt down on the ground and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m not mad at you” She let out a loud cry, “No! I’m sorry I’m nothing like you! I’m sorry my dragon is useless! I’m sorry I don’t know the things you do! I’m sorry I can’t fight or stand up for anyone! I’m sorry I’m not a real Targaryen an- and I’m sorry I’m so much like a bastard!” She pushed him away and sobbed into her hands. He reached out to touch her head. ”You are nothing like those bastards!”

She slapped his hand away. “No! No, you don’t get it! You ride the largest dragon in the world! Aegon is the first-born son! Helaena is the dreamer married to the first born! Daeron is the charming squire of Oldtown! I’m just Elaena! The forgotten daughter, the forgotten child, the forgotten princess. Even the gods have forgotten about me! Im nobody to everyone!” Her breath hitched in her throat, and she started to gasp for air. Her tears ached as they streamed down her face. He had no words to comfort her. No actions he could take to fix her problems. They were born unlucky and for now nothing would change. Aemond didn’t know what to do exactly but he did know what always made him happy.

“Get up!” She turned to face him. “Why?” He yanked her arm up. “We’re going!” All of her protests were met with no response or a quickening of his pace. He dragged her out the back of the keep and into one of the small beds of sand near Blackwater Bay. It was only a short walk from where they were, but it looked like an entirely new landscape. She was completely out of breath from the running. Her tears had officially ceased though and she was able to gain a bit of herself again.

“Why are we here?” Aemond’s face lit up with a smirk and he pointed up. He whistled loud enough her ears rang. “I’m taking you where I go everytime I’m upset.” She gazed at him and the excitement on his face. He was rather…cute in the moonlight. “H- How?” Her thought was interrupted by the sound of giant wings descending to the ground and a splash of water cascading towards the beach. She stumbled back and her eyes widened as she looked upon the massive beast.

Vhagar

“You’re going to fly a dragon today. No more sulking while the rest of us are in the skies!” He grabbed her hand and tried to pull her, but she stumbled back. Her eyes were the widest they had ever been and her face flushed red. She looks beautiful in the moonlight, he thought. Aemond took her hand and dragged her towards his dragon. The she-beast would be gentle with anyone he enjoyed. He pulled her shaking hand up to her scales. “See, she’s gentle.” Vhagar let out a huff of smoke causing Elaena to giggle. He liked the sounds of her laughs.

Getting her to climb up the saddle was harder than he imagined. Her little arms were too weak to pull herself up. He had to maneuver himself below her and push her butt up. It made a little more sense why she never willingly tried to ride a dragon. He sat behind her and pulled the reins to him. “I'm scared.” She spoke in her sweet soft voice that sounded like a prayer. “It’s okay, I’ll keep you safe.” He pulled the reins back and shouted,

“SOVES!”

Vhagar took off into the night sky. The stars and moon reflected onto the water perfectly. In some ways Elaena was his moon and stars. She is what lit up the dark world around him. Elaena’s eyes were closed shut and she was holding onto the saddle for dear life. “Open your eyes, El!” She shook her head. “I got you, just open your eyes!” He snaked one arm around her waist for extra support. She opened her violet eyes slowly and peered into the vast sky. The sky was littered with white stars that reflected along the water. The waves created by Vhagar’s wings made it all the more majestic. She would paint this, she thought.

She leaned back into Aemond and watched the clouds pass by. The cool air beating against her skin made the sickness of earlier fade. The thoughts that had plagued her melted away in the sky. It felt as though she were…free. Elaena savored every moment knowing it would probably be her last. Urrax the little beastling was too sick and frail like her. “El, you see that black mass. That’s where we’re going!” She leaned up in the saddle and gazed across the water. An island? This close to home?

Vhagar’s descent onto the land was met with a huge cloud of sand flying into the air. She was simply too massive for this world. Aemond climbed down first and held his hands out. “Jump!” She peered down at the sheer distance and decided she couldn’t. “I can’t!” She cried out. “I’ve never let you fall before, have I?” She rolled her back and sighed. No, he hasn’t let me fall before, she thought. “If I die don’t let them burn me!” Elaena took a deep breath and jumped. He caught her but she also was suffocating him with her dress. Aemond thrashed at the cotton until he could see the light again. He helped her down on the ground and noticed her legs were wobbly. His legs were too the first time he rode Vhagar.

Elaena wrapped her arm around Aemond. “Where are we going?” A smirk creeped onto Aemond’s face. “It’s my secret place.” He walked her to the edge of the island where a cave that ran deep appeared. On the inside there were remnants of his previous visits. There were books, blankets, a wooden sword, and a firepit. He pulled her deeper in and on the other side of the cave was an entrance into the clear blue water. It was nothing like the disgusting sewage water of king’s landing. “We can swim, if you’d like.” Elaena hadn’t ever swum before but if her first time was to be with anything it should be Aemond. “Ok! How do I do it?” He shuffled next to her. “First you have to take off your dress, so it doesn’t get wet, then I’ll go first, and I’ll catch you.” Take off her dress? As in be naked? She momentarily felt her cheeks redden but it quickly disappeared. Was it a sin for family to see each other naked? Is this against the seven? What would her punishment be for this? The thoughts that plagued her mind quickly washed away when she heard his voice. “Do you want to?”

She had no reason to be nervous; it was only Aemond! “Ok..turn around though!” Elaena tried to undo her dress quickly but the sound of him jumping in the water happened faster. She fought with her dress as she ripped it off her head and threw her undergarments to the ground.

The excitement that was building was too much for her to handle. Before Aemond could turn she leaped into the water. The feeling terrified her at first, but after a second it was calm. She stared at the stars from beneath the water in awe. Aemond heard her jump in and didn’t see her come up and quickly became panicked. He dove underneath the water to look for her, but it was too dark. He stared down for a moment and called her name…nothing. Just before his heart could burst into flame, he felt a small finger tap his back. He turned and a splash of water was spewed into face. “You little rat! Come here!” The sounds of children’s laughter and water splashing echoed within the cave for hours. It was a truly pure sight to behold.

Aemond pulled Elaena back up to the shore and sparked the fire once they were done. He delicately wrapped her in the blankets he previously bought and sat down next to her. She leaned her head onto his shoulder. “Thank you.” The words sounded like honey dripping from her mouth. He was feeling rather prideful at this moment…bet the bastard couldn’t offer this. “This place is our secret spot now…You can bring your paints or whichever project you’re doing, and we can escape here.” Elaena nuzzled closer into him. “I’d like that a lot.” A soft smile formed on his face. “I know you think you’re a nobody but to me you’re everything…and I think you’re destined for great things.” Elaena popped her head up and stared at him. For a moment he worried he did something wrong. Instead, she placed a quick kiss on his kiss. “I think you’re destined for great things too.” Her lips curved upwards, and the shadow of the fire danced around the features of her face. Aemond pulled Elaena back into his embrace and laid there.

They accidentally spent the night there and rushed home in the wee hours of the morning. It became a habit they couldn’t break even as adults.

Three years later....

Elaena hadn’t grown at all over the years. Her chest slightly enlarged, and her body began to grow hair but that was all. She was recently told about her blood moon and when she got it, she would have to marry like Helaena. That haunted her nearly every day. Mainly because her sister's marriage was so horrible and not once did, they seem happy. Aegon spent one night with her, and she had twins later on. Then according to rumors, he himself made bastards. She no longer liked her eldest very much and they weren’t close by any means.

She asked, “When are they coming?” Aemond clenched his jaw at the reminder. “On the morrow.” Elaena felt a nervous pit welling in the depths of her stomach. “Maybe we can just run away whilst they’re here. I doubt anyone would care.” He let out an amused breath. “They might not care for my absence, but they will be reeling over yours.”

Aemond hated the bastards and his half-sister more than he would admit to her. They were greedy and took whatever they wanted without any thought. They had no discipline or sense of duty, only fueled by their own desires. He recently had started to understand his feelings for Elaena more. As a child it was a crush now it was more of a lov- liking. He liked her very much and would have no issue cutting down Jacaerys if he touched her. Aemond refused to let them take anything else from him.

He took his life far more seriously after he was maimed. He had to relearn everything from scratch due to his vision. He studied far harder than the rest, he trained in combat more vigorously and he practiced flying with Vhagar. He was the catalyst in making him feel less alone and their bond was special. It boosted his ego riding the largest dragon, but it did not make him forget his supposed place. He not only lived in the shadow of brother but the bastards as well. None of them deserved what was so freely given.

Aemond was insecure about his eye, but Elaena soothed the feeling. It was a talent of hers to always keep him grounded. He only wore an eyepatch to not scare the ladies at court. The sapphire he placed in his socket was for multiple reasons. At first it was to simply fill the void. Then it was because Elaena became obsessive over the color. Lastly it was because it was his own personal sigil. The sapphire gem symbolized Prince Aemond Targaryen.

“We’re going to be late to dinner.” Elaena spoke as she finished picking up the ripped paper. Aemond held his arm out and waited for her to take it. It was common for him to escort her everywhere.

The large table was set with a white linen tablecloth to cover the table. Dark wood chairs with soft cushioned seating surrounded the table. Glassware and cutlery of fine silver and crystal was set on the table, arranged in an elegant display.

The meal consisted of pigeon pie, an assortment of shellfish that was recently shipped in, an array of steamed vegetables and a broth to wash down the pie. Dessert hadn’t yet been served but Elaena knew it would be a combination of custard and candied plums. She made sure to check ahead of time to see if her favorites would be there.

Everyone at the table drank wine except for her. She couldn’t drink the water in King's landing. You were more likely to get a disease than be hydrated. So, she turned to water with just a tad bit of “beer” in it to kill the nasty things in the water. Some may say she was mildly traumatized after the first time she drank.

The king sat in the middle of the table. His skin was decaying less, and his spirits were high. Her mother was on his left and grandsire on his right. On the opposite side of the table sat Daeron, Elaena, Aemond, Helaena, and Aegon in that order. Daeron came a few days ago for the celebration of the king’s health. Rarely did they get together for supper like this, so it must have been a really important occasion.

“Eat your food.” Aemond whispered into her ear. “I thought we got exotics shipped in?” She asked in a hushed tone. “It’s for the week that they are here, not for us.” Elaena pouted at the reminder they were never going to be the ones to receive the good tasting things from Essos. “Don’t worry, I’m sure there will be lemon pies tomorrow.” Daeron chimed in.

Viserys coughed to gain the four children’s attention. Elaena avoided eye contact with her father, or well the king. “I’m sorry I have gathered you all here tonight on short notice…As you all know my health has been improving and I have invited many Lords and Ladies to celebrate it. My daughter- Princess Rhaenyra and my grandsons will be coming as well. I beseech you to put aside your grievances and welcome them with open arms.” The room was silent as the king smiled at them.

Their mother nodded her head in their direction to encourage them to speak. “Of course, your grace.” Daeron spoke. The rest hummed and nodded in agreement. They would not be putting aside their grievances any time soon. Viserys cleared his throat and turned to Elaena. “This will be a great opportunity to get to know your future husband, Elaena. I’m sure you both have much to catch up on.” The meal was ruined in an instant. “Yes, your grace.” She spoke softly to him but under the table she was digging her nails into her thighs.

The king sat back down and requested the bards to play music to rid the room of its silence. Aemond slipped his hand under the table and placed it on top of hers. “Do not fret, you won’t be catching up with him anytime soon.” She let out a deep breath and stared at her food. “He’s a fool to think a marriage will end the strife between us.” Daeron spoke in a hushed voice. Aemond’s lip curved into a smirk. “Be wary, his ears have yet to deteriorate.”

Elaena’s mind raced with all the worst images. Firstly, how terrible her marriage would be compared to all the ones around her. Rhaenyra cheated on her first husband then he and her lover died. Her own mother was a child when she married her father and has been miserable ever since. Helaena doesn’t even speak to Aegon except for the two times he spent the night in her room since they were wed. The entire prospect was terrifying and sounded dreadful.

It was not only that, would they even get along after three years? She did not like him, but he could change that… maybe. If he was as holy as her and proved he had changed. After all, it was Lucerys who took Aemond’s eye. If she married him, she would have to live with that creature.

Jacaerys was named the heir to the throne and such. That would mean she would have to learn how to be a consort. It was an entirely new stress on its own. Then she would be forced to push out as many heirs as possible. Would she die in childbirth like so many before her? The maesters said she was probably too sickly to ever carry. How did you even get pregnant? How do you give birth?

Elaena’s attention was turned to Helaena’s swelling belly. She already has twins of her own now but a third was on its way. She contemplated asking for half of the dinner. When the dessert was brought out, she blurted it out like an idiot. “Helaena, where did your babies come from?” Aegon choked on his drink and Daeron slapped his mouth close to prevent from laughing. Alicent and Aemond’s entire body tensed at the question. Viserys and Otto turned to Alicent, questioning her. Elaena beat bright red and stuttered, “I- I know you can only have them if you’re married but how? Where do they come from? How do you bring them into this world?”

Helaena looked as if she was about to answer honestly, she was just as unaware as Elaena but was quickly cut off by the sounds of Aegon and Daeron laughing hysterically. “Aemond do- “Alicent quickly chimed in “Do not answer that!” Aegon spoke, “I’m assuming you don’t frequent the street of silk.” Aemond seemed rather angry when he said that and pushed his chair out. “Shut up!” Aegon stood up out of his chair with a cocky grin. “Why? Are you planning to show her yourself?” Aemond punched Aegon in the jaw and he stumbled back. Aegon lunged at him and grabbed him by the waist. “Cease this at once!” Shouted Viserys.

“Let’s go.” Daeron pulled her by the arm and took her out of the room before it escalated. Elaena had tears in her eyes, violence wasn’t her forte. “I- I didn’t mean to.” Her brother patted her back, “Of course, they’ll use any excuse to duel.” She began fiddling with the sleeves of her dress. “Will you tell me?” Daeron let out a sigh, “That’s a conversation you have with Helaena in private. Maybe even mother if you must.” Elaena simply hummed in response.

She sat at her table writing a rather dull poem. Nothing she wrote was ever good enough to her standards, but she was trying. It was her newest obsession that took over her life.

Dear Husband

Teach me how to live

Without crying

For what is past

Teach me how to live

Without fearing

For what is coming

Teach me how to live

Without yearning

For what I haven’t

Teach me that living

Is more than surviving

But it is thriving

She stared at the page and repeated the words in her head until they grew worn out. Nothing she did was ever truly good enough for her. No matter what she could always do better and be better. This was a trick her own mind played on her. Elaena could create the most perfect piece of artistry known to man, but she would not think it. Just like how her family did not think she was enough, just like how she knew she would never be enough for them.

She dreamed of escaping and living a different life. Her daydreams were filled with fantasies of her being the perfect daughter with the perfect life. If not that then the perfect septa with the perfect faith. She would be the most perfect poet, painter, seamstress, jeweler, musician, dancer, dragon-rider, teacher, storyteller, midwife, and baker. Elaena had many dreams that would amount to nothing.

“Elaena.” Aemond spoke from the chair he sat in. He was here the entire time but was too busy brooding over dinner. “Yes.” She spoke, clearly not paying him full attention. “Don’t listen to Aegon... and don’t follow him anywhere.” She let out a sigh and got up from her desk. He was traumatized at the ripe age of thirteen by Aegon, but she did not know why. Aemond wouldn’t tell her what happened either.

She placed herself on his lap and curled into his chest. Elaena twisted a strand of his long hair between her fingers. “I have no intention of ever doing either.” Aemond placed his head atop her own. “Good.” Elaena sunk further into his lap and raised her head to meet his gaze. “Will you tell me where babes come from?” He bit the inside of his cheek to hold back a laugh. Aemond took a deep breath, “I’ll show you one day.” He placed a quick kiss on her forehead.

Aemond was her savior in many ways.

Elaena was the only person forced to stand outside and greet her other family with the king. She wore a veil to hide her hair and a dress of pale pink and purple silk, with jewelry made of pearls. It wasn’t too lavish but far more than what she wanted to wear. She didn’t mind the color though she preferred off-whites. It was just a bit much; she normally seldom wore any jewelry.

The sun shone brightly on the courtyard. It hurt her eyes and made her dress uncomfortably hot. Elaena wasn’t completely alone, Aemond and Daeron were pretending not to be staring out the window and monitoring her every move. It was rather creepy, but they did not trust the Velaryons.

“Are you excited to see them again, your grace.” The king smiled down at her. “Yes, very much so. Are you happy to see Jacaerys again?” Elaena forced a fake smile. “I am truly ecstatic for his arrival.” The conversation ended just as quickly as it started. They never talked… unless it was about him.

The carriages pulled up and a trumpet was sounded. A few king’s guards went to escort them. Her heart began to race and the grip on her dress became overpowering. He had changed a lot since she last saw him. He was taller and had long curly hair like Ser Harwin. Jacaerys was handsome in some senses. The closer they approached the deeper her nails dug into her side.

“Rhaenyra!” The king exclaimed and embraced his only daughter. Daemon simply nodded at his brother. Rhaenyra moved in front of Elaena, and she swore she felt her heart plummet. “You haven’t changed much at all.” The woman smiled sweetly. “You still look beautiful sister, though I see your belly has swollen. Do I have another nephew or niece coming?” She trained hard for today with her mother. Every single sentence she spoke must be friendly but not too friendly. “Hopefully a girl this time.” She nodded her head in agreement and her eyes moved to Daemon.

He was a scary man whose age was beginning to show. He did not speak nor smile, only stared at her like she was a piece of rubbish. It sent shivers down her spine. “Elaena.” A sword was plunged into her gut. “Jacaerys.” She ignored the pain and kept up the act. “It’s so good to see you again!” He embraced her in a crushing hug. It was the last thing she expected, and she truly did not know what to do. “Jace… you’re much stronger than I remember.” Elaena patted his back a few times and he pulled back. “I have grown a lot. You haven’t changed much, you’re still as tiny as ever.” It was like staring at a puppy dog. His big brown eyes beat into hers with genuine excitement, totally oblivious to his surroundings. She scoffed, “I am average sized for my years!”

Aemond’s grip on his sword tightened. “What could they possibly be talking about?” Daeron said whilst leaning on the edge of the window. Aegon scoffed, “Probably about how big his cock has grown.” Aemond clenched his jaw, “The bastards are being too friendly.” In unison the other two agreed. They didn’t all share the same feeling for Elaena as Aemond but they all shared a hatred for the bastards. They were not allowed around their sisters. Daeron jested, “Go down there before he takes your woman.” Aegon laughed, “It would be easier to take his other eye.” Aemond realized he was surrounded by fools.

“Elaena, will you please escort your nephews to their rooms,” Viserys asked. “Of course, your grace.” She bowed her head and motioned for the two eldest Velaryons to follow her. Lucerys hid behind Jace like a child, that was smart of course no one had forgotten what he did to Aemond’s eye. “I thought Baela and Rhaena lived with you now. Why did they travel separately?” Jace perked up at the mention of Baela. “Oh, they wanted to travel here with their grandparents instead.” Elaena nodded her head.

“Do you always call your father your grace? I’ve only heard my mother do it a few times.” The sword in her gut twisted deeper. “Yes, it is just what I’m used to.”

Jacaerys knew he shouldn’t have asked but he did it anyway. His brain could never just simply think before it muttered words out. He had been anticipating seeing her again for the longest time. He sent her letter after letter and received no reply. Except for one on his birthday that sounded like it was forged. In the past three years he worried she had grown to despise him and his family, but it seemed she remained the exact same.

Jace took his betrothal very seriously. It didn’t matter if they didn’t always get along, they were to be married. It was important they found common ground and made amends, or both would be miserable. He had tried to apologize more times than he could count but once again, he received no letters back. His mother claimed it was Alicent preventing her from seeing them, but he wanted to check for himself.

When they were young, he had this mad childish crush on her. He was rather excited when the king announced their future marriage but over the years, he started to get nervous. Especially since Baela arrived and they got on rather well. She took Elaena’s place in many ways. Well, he never kissed her or swore a vow under a sacred tree, but she was there for him like Elaena used to be. Jace started to think they would betroth them instead but luckily the king was adamant on the former.

“We made sure your rooms were right next to each other. I heard you two are quite close.” Elaena clapped her hands together and prepared to leave. “Will you be joining us later?” Lucerys asked from behind. Dear gods, please grant me the strength to handle this child. “Yes Luke! I will be hoping to see you both there… I do have to run and finish my own duties though. It was nice to see you again.” She waved and took off down the corridor before they could say otherwise. Elaena was not going anywhere without Aemond.

Elaena sat in the carriage with Aemond and Daeron peacefully waiting to go to the woods for a hunting party. The trio was dreading having to go out and endure the festivitie with their extended family. Not to mention the Lords and Ladies who would surely be following their every move trying to grasp for power. A worse fate was bestowed upon them though when the doors to the carriage opened.

“My Princes, Princess, the other carriages were full so the king requested Prince Jacaerys and the ladies Baela and Rhaena ride with you.” The knife in her gut dug its way a little further inside. “Joy.” Daeron said as he shoved himself besides Elaena and Aemond. “You’re squishing me, Brother.” He rolled his eyes, “It’s not my choice, dear sister.” Aemond closed his eye and leaned his head back. He was praying for strength to not strangle Jace the second he walked in.

The other trio climbed inside and sat snuggly opposite to the Hightowers. “Cousins.” Baela smiled politely at them. “It’s good to see you again. It’s been far too long.” The words dripped off her tongue like sour wine. The tension was growing too strong for anyone's enjoyment. “I don’t think you’ve met Daeron! He’s just come back from Oldtown to visit.” Elaena shook his thigh motioning for him to speak. He was always charming when he wanted to be. surely he could find something to say. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you cousins. I hope you have been treated well during your stay.” He outstretched his hand motioning for them to shake it. Both girls softly shook it and turned to each other, they were speaking with their eyes.

The carriage took off and Elaena’s head hit the back wall. Aemond opened his eye and placed a hand on hers. Jacaerys did not enjoy what he was watching nor was he going to allow it. “Elaena, why weren’t you at dinner last night?” She pulled her hand away and clasped it with her own. “Do you remember how entranced I would get in things I enjoyed? Well I recently started writing and I lost track of time.” A smirk creeped onto Aemond’s face at her lie. She was with him all yesterday avoiding any interactions.

“Ah! I remember you forgetting to eat or bathe for days because you were wrapped up in painting… Do you still paint?” Jacaerys didn't mean any harm but by the sudden twitch of her brow and Baela biting her lip he said something wrong. “Yes… I still do paint sometimes but I no longer forget to bathe.” Jacaerys shook his head, so that was what he said that was wrong. He didn’t mean to be so awkward and occasionally dull he just didn’t think before he spoke. He tried to quickly change the conversation to something.

“Does Urrax still behave like a hound?” Elaena sat up straight and forced a smile.

“Yes, but she is still too sickly to ride.” Baela raised her eyebrows. “It must be hard being a Targaryen and not being able to ride a dragon.” Rhaena seemed to melt into her seat. It wasn’t a jab at her sister but rather the Hightowers. The knife was deep enough in Elaena’s gut she could no longer breathe. “She rides Vhagar all the time. Rhaena is the only one who hasn’t flown.” Aemond finally spoke and his eyes shot daggers into the girl. Everyone turned to look at the prince. The air turned cold and the world stilled.

“The dragon keepers said Urrax is growing at the same pace as Elaena. It’s a sign their connection is very strong.” Daeron chimed in with a smirk. Before the fight that was brewing could break out Elaena decided to speak. “Rhaena you might be able to take an egg from Dreamfyres next clutch! If not, when Urrax grows you can ride with me.” She smiled at the girl. Elaena understood what she was going through and seeing the embarrassment and sadness in her eyes was too much. She decided to reach out to the girl in the best way she knew how. “Thank you, Elaena.”

It was the first time she ever referred to her by her name. She smiled, “The gods will provide for you, just like they do with all their children.” That bit didn’t seem to hit it off like her original statement. It seemed no one else here was faithful. She sunk back into her seat and painfully waited for the journey to end.

Aemond was seething internally and resisting the urge to lunge towards the plain featured boy. Not to mention the little wench seated next to him. He never held a big grudge against the two girls, they were easily forgettable. The eldest sister though had a stench that reeked of jealousy. Elaena was oblivious to it as she was too pure and too kind but he saw it. She wanted the bastard boy all to herself and he would gladly encourage it. Elaena was not to be touched by sin and Jacaerys was the embodiment of it.

Jacaerys hated Aemond Targaryen with his entire being. He threw slanders at him all throughout childhood. He took his cousin's dragon before she ever got a chance to claim it. And he was far too close to his sister. The words that came out of his mouth were laced with envy. He had feelings for his future wife. It was unacceptable by all means, even Baela had taken notice of it. Aemond was the personification of cruelty and Elaena was not to be defiled by such a thing.

Daeron wanted to throw himself out of the window. The awkwardness was unbearable and he kept accidentally brushing his feet against Rhaena’s. It was obvious there were two in this cart who loathed the wedding and it was not the future couple. His sister wouldn’t marry a bastard, she deserved better. But he wasn’t about to start a brawl in a carriage like the other two “men”.

Rhaena hated uncomfortable situations. She hated how she always had to be reminded she had no dragon. Aemond stole her dragon from her, though he paid a great price for it. The loss of his eye is why she forgot about Vhagar and tried to think of other ways. Elaena was just as kind as Jacaerys said she was, though she seemed a little air-headed. Maybe they could be friends and bond over their lack of flying… or maybe not because the tension was too much.

Baela was annoyed most of all. Jacaerys forgot how she never wrote to him, visited, or bothered to remember that they were to wed. She was the same as all the other Hightowers but he refused to accept it. She wished Elaena could just disappear or marry her damn brother already. Jace deserved a better wife than what she could be.

The cart came to a halt and Elaena began to thank the gods. She sprung out of her seat and was the first to rush out the door. Once again, she could finally breathe.

There was a grand procession of nobles and knights, accompanied by musicians and elaborately decorated carriages. The attendees were dressed in brightly-colored clothing, carrying weapons and shields emblazoned with their house banners. The tents were all decorated in the appropriate house colors and tables lined the yard for people to feast.

During royal hunts like these an exciting animal hunt would take place, often involving beasts like stags, boars, and hens. A grand bonfire would be held late at night. If the favored animal was caught someone would bless it and it would be made a main course. The furs or interesting bones would be made into decor… though Elaena didn’t like that.

As for the small festivities for children to partake in there were few. Rock throwing contests and a game of tug o war at best. Mostly, you were forced to listen to gossip from the noble houses and pretend to care.

Elaena walked off in the direction of the royal tent. She did not care about leaving anyone behind, she needed to escape quickly. “Princess, it’s good to meet you.” She stumbled into the young Blackwood boy. He was around her age and had curly black hair and big brown eyes. He was skinny in stature but looked to be fit. “Hi, Benjicot?” He nodded at her. “Yes! but most people just call me Benji.” She smiled, “it’s good to meet you Benji. Have you come all this way by yourself?” He shook his head no, “My father is in the tent waiting for the king’s arrival. Did you come by yourself?”

Elaena looked around and realized her family was either still in the cart choking each other or escaped to nearby areas. “No… I came with my brothers but I think they’ve run off already.” Benji shuffled in his place for a moment. “… if you’d like you can come with me! I was about to go fishing at the river nearby.” She peered around and noticed the Lords had already whisked away her brother. “I’m not sure where my mother is… If I go we have to tell your father in case I get lost.” Benjicot excitedly nodded and took her hand to drag her over to his father… This may be the first friend Elaena had ever made.

Elaena was struggling to keep up her pace with the Blackwood boy. She was rather frail and struggled to do any type of long distance walking, labor, chores… anything physical. The river was quite large and the water was flowing fast. Benji said fast moving water meant bad fishing conditions but it didn’t hurt to try.

“How do we fish?” Elaena asked innocently. “Well I’m gonna tie this line to this hook to this stick then I’m gonna put a worm on it then we toss it in the water and wait.” He had a really thick accent that she struggled to understand sometimes. “I can help.. I sew at home so I can tie things well.” Benji excitedly handed her the stick and string and she began tying.

It was as thin as the ones she used to sew and her little fingers were able to loop it perfectly. The hook was harder to attach since you had to avoid being poked. Benji patted her back on her good work and pulled out a bag of worms. In unison the children went, “gross.” They both giggled at their reactions.

“Now that we’ve done this you just toss it in and wait.” Elaena held the stick up and the line swung near Benjicot’s head. He ducked and backed away. “Sorry!” She spoke in a hurry. “It’s your first time, I stuck my dad in the foot once!” Her laughs filled the quiet forest and she aimed once more. It landed in the water but the stream threatened to carry it away.

Aemond was forced to entertain the Baratheon girls who disgusted him. Elaena had wandered off with a Blackwood boy and had yet to return. He was practically jumping out of his skin waiting to go and find her. It only got worse when he noticed Jacaerys disappear from the tent. Was he going after her? Aemond stood to go and follow but his mother pulled him back. “It’s not your business.” The words beat into his head like a drum. It was completely and utterly his business.

Aegon was having a lovely time drinking and ignoring everything around him. He hadn’t yet realized his sister disappeared or that his sister-wife was casually conversing with Daemon. His eyes flung open when he realized what was happening. He may not love Helaena as a wife but gods be damned if Daemon Targaryen touched her.

Daeron was casually talking to many Lords and Ladies. He was taught that it was not only polite but very good to make connections. He noticed Elaena hadn’t returned in a while but doubted she would ever get into any trouble. Every once in a while he turned to observe Aemond practically bouncing out of his seat waiting for a chance to escape. It was honestly a little pathetic.

Lucerys felt trapped inside the tent with everyone. He knew half of these people thought he was a bastard and hated him. The other half liked him but also knew he was a bastard. It was a terrible situation all around. Jacaerys had just left to go and find Elaena who ran off hours ago. He didn’t dislike her at all but would prefer if Jace just married Baela instead. She was nice to him and there was no strife between their families. He sighed and sunk down into his chair trying to ignore all the stares and weird looks he was receiving.

Baela and Rhaena were both bored out of their minds. As women they were forced to listen to the other ladies gossip their heads off. It was an endless symphony of nonsense that did not matter in the long run. The pair had learned to communicate with their eyes and both were annoyed. The bonfire should be starting soon was all they kept repeating to themselves to get them through the afternoon.

The sun was lower in the sky now and no sign of any fish. However, they had taken up trying to skip rocks. The sounds of crunching leaves from behind caused them both to jump. “Calm down, it’s only me.” Jacaerys stumbled over the rocks and leaves and joined the children.

“Who’s this?” Jace asked whilst staring at Benji. “Benjicot Blackwood, My Prince.” He smiled and shook the boy's hand. “You can call me Jacaerys!” Elaena felt a wave of nerves rush over her. He approached and she nearly ran off again. “Fishing? I never thought you liked outdoors stuff.” His voice was kind and soft. It did well to quell her nerves. “I’m trying it out but we’re not catching anything.”

Jacaerys looked at the water and sighed. “It’s because the current is too strong.” Benji glanced around, “It was the only river near us.” Elaena had been here every year for birthdays or other celebrations. She knew one other stream that could work though they would have to cross the river. “I know of one other. If we walk a little farther ahead there should be a broken tree we can climb across.”

Benjicot perked up and pulled his pole out of the water. “Let’s go then!” Elaena was glad someone was finally listening to her ideas. Jace wasn’t following their movements though. “Aren’t you coming?” She asked.

That was all the initiative Jacaerys needed and he took off after the other two.

The walk to the fallen tree was very peaceful. The trio seemed to get along rather well and even Elaena wasn’t having a hard time talking to Jace. All thoughts of him being a bastard and Aemond’s incident melted away. The trees grew thicker and the grass as little denser as they walked through less charted territory. “Do you think we’ll get in trouble for being out so far?” Elaena turned on her heels and faced the boys. “When my brothers and I come out here no one seems to notice.”

“How do you always manage to go unnoticed? If I leave for a second my mother sends a search party.” That was a very interesting question. The real reason was because no one cared about Elaena or what she was doing. “I never cause trouble so they never get concerned.” She smiled brightly at Jacaerys implying he was a troublemaker. He rolled his eyes and walked closer to her. “I don’t cause trouble either!” Elaena chuckled, “I bet you don’t.”

“Do you guys not have royal guards follow you or is this a rare occasion?” They both turned and thought to themselves. “Well… I don’t have an assigned one so no.” Jace chimed in, “It depends on if I’m with people my mother trusts or not.” That caught her attention extremely quickly. Rhaenyra… trusted her? Is that why he was allowed to come out here? It was probably the most shocking revelation of her life.

“There it is!” Jacaerys shouted and pulled Elaena towards the broken tree faster. She was completely out of breath once they were at the foot of it. She took a look around and noticed the current had picked up here and the log was slightly deteriorated. “How do we get across?” Benjicot asked whilst staring at the old trunk.

“I just walk across… or you can crawl.” Jacaerys got excited and proclaimed, “I’ll go first!” Elaena pulled his arm back. “No! You need to watch me so you know how to do it.” Benjicot nodded his head in agreement. He was examining the wood and it didn’t look as sturdy as she originally claimed. Since she’s done it before maybe she just knew how to walk across it without breaking it.

“What if you fall? You can’t swim.” Jacaerys said with furrowed brows. She groaned, “If I fall the gods want me dead.” He shook his head in shock at what she just said. Elaena smiled and patted his chest. “Just follow after me okay?” The boys nodded in unison.

She climbed onto the tree and struggled to find her footing at first. Her legs were unusually shaky today because of the exercise. Her illness hadn’t completely gone away. She stood up and nodded her head in reassurance. Elaena was slowly inching her way across the trunk. It was hard to keep her balance and it was even harder when the log wouldn’t stop shaking.

Creaaaak

Fear shot up her spine and she froze. It had never made that noise before nor had it felt so loose beneath her.

Creaaaak

“Jaceeee!” Her voice was laced with fear. The log began to move underneath her. “Elaena!” He moved forward towards the log. “Don’t move!” She took a deep breath in and felt tears welling in her eyes. She should have stayed home. She should have never left.

Creaaak

“Jace!” She screamed. “Elaena!”

Snap

Elaena didn’t have a moment to catch her breath before she was engulfed in the freezing water. Her dress was too thick to swim in and she wasn’t strong enough either. The current took her away and sucked the air out of her body. Water began filling her lungs faster than she could push it out.

“Go get my mother!” Jacaerys shouted and before Benji could say anything he dived in. The water was freezing but it wasn’t different from Dragonstone. He pushed his way to the surface and thrashed around looking for her. “Elaena!” The current was taking him towards wherever she was. “Elaena!” He went under for a second time, the water was stronger than he imagined. “Elaena!” Jacaerys frantically shouted looking for any sign of his future wife.

Benjicot Blackwood had never ran faster in his entire life. He had just witnessed two of the nobility fall into a river. To make it worse he thought he was actually making friends for the first time. His little legs began to ache as he neared the camp. Sweat and tears poured down his face and soaked his shirt. He avoided his fathers tent and ran directly towards the royals.

“Help!”

He shouted running into the tent and two guards grabbed him. “Please! It’s the princess! I need to speak to the king!” He spoke through pants.

“Let him through.” Rhaenyra stood out of her seat and waited for whatever the boy was about to say. The tent was filled with The king, the Queen, the hand, the council members, Rhaenyra, Daemon, Lucerys, Baela, Rhaena, Joffrey, Rhaenys, Corlys, Aegon, Aemond, Helaena, and Daeron. The king stood up and motioned the boy over.

Benjicot was speaking through tears. “Elaena! She fell into the river! And I- and I-“ Alicent jumped out of her seat and ran to the boy. “My daughter? What happened to my daughter?!” Benji took a deep breath before letting it all out. “We were at the river and she fell in and the current took her away! Jacaerys jumped in after her and told me to tell his mother!”

Aemond jumped out of his seat and ran off before anything could be said. “Shit!” Daeron stood up and took off after them. Aegon drunkenly got up out of his chair and tried his best to run towards a horse. Everyone knew she couldn’t swim and everyone knew he wasn’t strong enough to out swim a current.

Elaena woke up coughing hysterically. Everything felt cold and her entire body ached. Her eyes fluttered open and closed. She felt a pair of lips on hers and a gust of air enter her lungs. Elaena pushed them off her and rolled onto her side. She continued to cough up mud, blood, water she could not tell.

“Elaena?!” Two large hands cradled her waist and pulled her back to them. It was dark outside and her ears rang with water. A hand gently caressed her face and pulled it towards them. “Elaena!” She forced her eyes fully open and took in her surroundings. Jacaerys was holding her and it was dark outside. “J-Jace,” Her lungs hurt so bad she could barely speak. “Aemond!” She lunged forward and wrapped her arms around him. The sounds of her sobs echoed throughout the forest. Her mind was flooded with the memory of falling. The water whisking her away and her inability to free herself. The feeling of water filling her lungs and sunken rocks and twigs cutting her limbs. She was a scared girl in general, but nothing compared to this.

He combed the back of her hair as she clung to him. Jace swore when he heard she had fallen, his heart left his body. It shattered into a million pieces and his adrenaline took over. The entire way he feared she was dead. He had no time to pray or think, only race down the stream. It was by the grace of gods she was already washed up on the bank.

When he was blowing his breath into her lungs and pressing on her chest he prayed the gods took him instead. It was foolish and impossible but he was desperate. His Elaena was freezing cold to the touch and was littered with little cuts and bruises. It was the worst sight he had ever laid eyes upon.

It was only when she opened her eyes and coughed up water was he able to finally relax. His heart mended itself and his mind almost cooled down. Now she was shaking in his grip and he worried she was going to have a fever.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to- “ He pushed her back and stared into her teary eyes. It would never be her fault. “Don’t be. You can’t control the river.” He cupped her cheek and stared into her watery eyes. “You haven’t done anything wrong.” A different feeling rose in Elaena’s chest. One that she hadn’t felt before. It embraced her heart and its warmth radiated throughout her body. Is this what love feels like? She could not say for sure. She cupped his face with her hands and examined his features closely. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Elaena raised her chin and gently touched his lips with her own. The world around her melted and so did her fears. It was a comfort she didn’t realize she had.

Jace’s soul left his body. His eyes stayed open and stared at her. Was this real? Was this really happening? He noticed her smile falter and her eyes start to open and he regretted taking so long. He pushed her head into his and connected their lips once more. Her lips were soft and molded around his perfectly. He felt his entire body warm in her embrace. Every problem in his life melted away at that moment. His thoughts consisted of two simple sentences….

‘Fuck Aemond Targaryen…’

‘I win’

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