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the20thangel · 6 months ago

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The Dragon and The Raven Ch 4: The Duel

Chapter Summary: Daemon couldn't believe that his daughter was betrothed. As he stared at the Lord of House Blackwood, Daemon decided if Lord Benjicot Blackwood was truly serious about his daughter, he needed to prove it to the Prince.

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Daemon stared at the young lord, watching his facial features, but the boy seemed to know how to mask his emotions. After another beat, Daemon turns to his daughter, smirking tauntly.

“I think I misunderstood you, my sea dragon -”

“There is no misunderstanding, Kepa ; I have chosen Lord Benjicot Blackwood as my betrothed.” Aemma clarified schooling her features to be indifferent, knowing that her father would try to get a ruse out of her.

Daemon’s frown deepened as he looked at his daughter's face. She was serious. “Has your mother given her approval on this boy?”

Aemma cursed internally, knowing that her betrothal was not officially valid since her mother had not sealed her approval.

Aemma cleared her throat. “I have sent a letter to let her know of my intentions. She will trust my judgment of Ben—Lord Blackwood.

Daemon deadpanned at his daughter for using the blackwood boy’s name with such familiarity. Knowing he wasn’t going anywhere with his daughter, he focused on the boy.

“And you, boy, do you think you are worthy of my daughter? A princess with the blood of Old Vayria?” Questioned Daemon as he stalked towards Benji, who straightened his back, never breaking eye contact with the Rouge Prince.

“Well…. I think you are just some boy who will piss his pants at the first sight of battle. Do you even know how to fight? Hmmm, boy… where were you when your brother foug-”

“DAEMON!” shouted Aemma angrily, as she saw Benji grow angrier with each sentence her father said.

Daemon smirked at seeing the boy break from his poker face, but his smirk fell once he noticed Aemma's anger. She looked just like her mother, returning memories of how he left Dragonstone. Sighing through his nose, Daemon refocused himself.

“Fine, if you think you are so worthy, I challenge you to show your skills in a duel,” stated Daemon. He noticed his daughter widen her eyes, and the Blackwood boy gave him a crooked smirk. He was either brave or stupid, that boy.

“I accept your challenge, Prince Daemon,” agreed Benji as he noticed his aunt arriving with his men. “If you excuse me, I need to settle my men, Prince Daemon, Princess Aemma,” said Benji as he bowed and walked away.

Aemma watched as Benji left her and her father, upset that he once returned to propriety by using her title; she was getting used to being just Aemma to him. Aemma turned to her father giving him the stink eye.

“What?” Asked Daemon, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he noticed her expression.

“You could have been nicer or at least given more respect to him, and you trying to ruse him by using his brother, Kepa -” Aemma explained her disappointment but was cut off by her father.

“I needed to see his worth, and I stopped, didn’t I? Besides, I will know if he is worthy of you from the duel.” Daemon defended himself as he and Aemma started walking towards camp.

“Are you really going to duel him?” Asked Aemma as she stopped to look at her father in disbelief.

Daemon paused, looking at her reaction; he chuckled while taking a strand of her hair between his fingers.

“I will not be the one dueling him… you are.”

Aemma’s eyes widden in shock, “But-”

“I never told the boy it was me; you and him assumed it would be me. I trained you, and you have bested me a few times. Who else can prove if that boy is worthy of your hand if not yourself?” explained truthfully to his daughter.

Aemma, understanding her father’s words, agreed and continued walking to the camp. She saw Aly and Benjicot greeting the Wolf of Winterfell. As Aemma joined the group, they bowed to the princess. Lord Cregan Stark gave Aemma a wolfish grin as he took her hand and kissed it.

“Princess, it's good to see you again. How is Prince Jacaerys? Asked the Winter wolf.

Unbeknownst to him, Benjicot’s smile turned to a sneer once he saw the Lord of Winterfell kiss her hand. Again, the ugly monster of jealously clawing up his chest.

“My brother is doing fine at Dragonstone, although I have a feeling he will be joining us soon,” replied Aemma sweetly. Cregan had become a good friend and ally to the siblings. She turned to Benji, and her smile loosened, noticing his sneer. Seeing the princess staring, Benji bowed and turned to walk to his tent.

“Um, if you excuse me, Cregan, I need to speak with Lord Blackwood. Have you met his aunt, Lady Alysanne Blackwood?” Aemma hurried an excuse as she walked away, leaving them behind.

Cregan, with his eyes, followed the princess going towards the Blackwood tents before he awkwardly smiled at Alysanne.

Aemma entered the tent and saw Benji sharpening his sword with hard eyes and a clenched jaw. She walked in to stand beside him, but the young man did not notice as he continued sharpening his sword. Aemma sighed and reached to touch his cheek, which made Benji flinch as he glared up, only to widen his eyes once he realized who it was. Aemma smiled as she lowered herself in front of her betrothed.

“What’s wrong?” asked Aemma as she held her hand to his cheek, lightly caressing it.

Benji shook his head and went to turn away from her, “Nothing…”

Aemma quickly turned his head towards her again, with a frown mirroring her face. “Don’t lie to me, Ben. Let us not start our courtship with lies. What bothers you? Was it my father?” asked Aemma quietly.

Benjicot sighed deeply before looking at her entirely. She raised her eyebrows and waited for his response.

“I don’t like how familiar he was to you…” Benji finally explained.

Aemma was confused about who he was talking about when it clicked: he was talking about Cregan. Aemma giggled, which only made Benji’s frown deepen.

“Cregan…Lord Stark is a friend and only a friend, Ben. He and my brother grew close to each other. There is nothing between him and I, and there never will be.” Aemma explained as she leaned closer to Benji.

Benjicot wanted to believe his princess, but he just couldn’t; how could Lord Stark not want to court her? She was gorgeous. Aemma sighed, seeing how he didn’t fully believe her words. Feeling daring, she stood up and sat on his knees, her legs on either side, cradling his face.

“There will never be anything between me and Lord Stark because he does not make me feel the same feelings as when I am with you,” she whispered.

Instead of replying, Benji reached up, grabbed her face with his hands, and kissed her. His kiss was desperate as if she were telling him she would leave him. Aemma gasped at the sudden kiss, but she leaned more toward him instead of pulling away. She wrapped her arms around his neck as his hands left her face and onto her waist, bringing her body closer to him. The world seemed to melt away as they deepened their kiss, and as much as Aemma was enjoying it, she knew they had to stop before risking it going too far. She slowly pulled away before giving one last peck at the corner of his mouth.

“We should stop; we can’t risk anything… not until our wedding.”

Benji smirked before he nuzzled her neck in contentment. Aemma giggled at the sensation, his hair tickling her as she held him in content. Feeling that she could spend hours like that when they heard a slight cough. Both heads turned quickly to see Aly smirking at them at the tent's entrance. Aemma blushed furiously and jumped off Benji’s lap, which made Benji quickly glare at his aunt before standing.

“ You both are lucky it was just me who found you. Ben, you know better,” Alysanne lightly scolded as she entered the tent.

“Are you here just to scold me, dear aunt, or did you need something?” asked Benji as he grabbed Aemma’s hand, caressing her knuckles.

Alysanne’s smirk widened, “Prince Daemon is looking for you both; something about our dear Ben proving his worth? What does he mean by that?”

Aemma stiffened before she released Benji’s hand, “I should go and help him prepare…I will see you there, yes?”

Benji stared at her but slowly nodded as he watched her leave the tent. He then turned to his aunt, who gave him a questioning stare while waiting for her answer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In Dragonstone, Queen Rhaenyra was eating her lunch with Jacaerys, Rhaenys, and Baela when Maester Gerardys came in holding two letters.

“My queen, two ravens came by, one from Princess Aemma and the other from Prince Daemon.” Gerardys held the letters to Rhaenyra before bowing and leaving the room.

Rhaenrya held both letters before handing Prince Daemon’s letter to Jace, asking him to read it. She was still upset with him and his actions. Then she hurriedly opened her daughter's letter, wanting to know how her time in Raventree Hall was spent. As she read, she was pleased to see that Aemma was accepted, and the people of House Blackwood were grateful. Stopping at the words “I have done my duty…” she was interrupted by Jace asking a question.

“What does Daemon mean? ‘Our sea dragon has gotten a pet raven.” Jace asked, looking at his mother and grandmother in confusion.

All three women were equally confused regarding the statement. Rhaenys reached for the letter and re-read the statement, noting that it held no more explanation, just those simple words. Baela, seeing her grandmother’s puzzled look, turned to her stepmother.

“ Muna, maybe in Aemma’s letter, there will be an explanation of what Kepa wrote.

Rhaenyra smiled at her and decided to read Aemma’s letter out loud so they could hear it. She started to read from where she left off.

“ Muna , I have done my duty to strengthen our house with allies. If your approval is given, my queen, I have decided to give my hand of marriage to Lord Benjicot Blackwood.”

Gasps were heard as Jace quickly stood up and took the letter from her, re-reading the letter. Rhaenyra was shocked. She and her daughter haven’t even discussed marriage, yet she stated that she was betrothed in her letter. Baela and Rhaenys were equally shocked but decided to wait before expressing their thoughts.

“This was not a decision made at the spur of the moment; both houses, Blackwood and Targaryen, can benefit much from our union…I eagerly await your answer at Harrenhall. With Love, Crown Princess Aemma Velayron.” Finished Jace with a sour look on his face. He didn’t know this, Lord Blackwood. Had he forced his sister to make this match? But Daemon would never allow that.

“ Muna , we must send a letter rejecting the match and telling Aemma to come back home we-” Jace ranted as he reached for a parchment only to have his mother stop him.

“Jace, we must trust both your sister’s and father’s judgment; if Daemon has not expressed rejection of the betrothal, then we should allow both your sister and her intended the chance.” Soothed Rhaenyra, as she knew her son would not want to agree.

“But..”

“Jace,” whispered Baela while staring at her betrothed. “We should listen to your mother, sister, and my father. If Kepa likes him, then he must be worthy of Aemma.”

“How about we allow Jacaerys to meet the lad and get a feel for him? If he approves, we will start making quick preparations for the wedding. We should be quick with the wedding as war is so close. If not, he will return with Aemma to Dragonstone?” proposed Rhaenys, trying to be diplomatic, even though she wanted her granddaughter back in her arms.

Rhaenyra considered it for a moment before she, too, nodded.

“Yes, we will do that, Jace; go quickly and swiftly to Harrenhall. Get to know Lord Blackwood and see if he is the best for our sweet Aemma. Baela, go with him in case Aemma becomes difficult for Jace.”

Both Jace and Baela nodded and left to get ready for the trip. Jace is determined not to give Benjicot Blackwood a chance, as he felt that Cregan would be the perfect husband for his sister.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aemma was finishing her laces when her father came into the tent holding something behind his back.

“Is everything ready?” asked Aemma as she walked to her father.

“Yes, the boy is eagerly waiting at the training field, poor fool,” chuckled Daemon. His laugh only grew once he saw his daughter send a glare toward him.

Daemon grinned widely, “I have a gift for you… rather than using an old sword, you, as a Targaryen princess, should hold a Valyrian steel.” Daemon brought out a shortsword, which took Aemma’s breath away as she took hold of it.

The sword was light enough for her to swing easily. The handle was a beautiful black, and two dragons were carved on each side, their eyes made from rubies.

Aemma grinned as she hugged her father, grateful for the gift. Daemon returned the hug and nuzzled her head, whispering, “Do not go easy on him; let all see the true power of the dragon.”

Daemon let go of her, and the two walked to the training grounds, where a huge crowd gathered, waiting for the duel. Benjicot was speaking with two lads, who happened to be heir Kermit and his brother Oscar Tully. Once the Prince and Princess reached the grounds, the crowd turned to them.

Daemon smirked condescendingly at the Lord of Raventree Hall, “Well, boy, are you ready to prove yourself?”

Benji returned a rabid grin, his tongue running through his teeth, “More than ready, my Prince; I am eager to duel with you.”

Daemon laughed, which stopped Benji and brought a frown to his face.

“Oh, you think you will be fighting me, my mistake, but you won’t be dueling with me.”

Puzzled, Benjicot looked at the Prince like he grew an extra head, “If not you, then who…” Benji never finished his sentence as he made eye contact with Princess Aemma, who grinned at him, spinning her new sword in her hands.

“You will be dueling Princess Aemma, one of the best sword fighters in Dragonstone. Beat or catch her in a draw, and you will have my blessing.” explained The Rouge Prince as he sat.

Benjicot’s eyes widened as he stared at his Princess, seeing her getting into position.

“I wish you luck, Lord Blackwood,” spoke Princess Aemma as she saw him become more confident, giving her a smirk.

“And to you, my princess,” Benjicot stated before he lunged at her.

Aemma waited until he nearly reached her to pivot and turn to him while swinging her sword, almost grazing the young Lord, who dropped and tried to kick the legs from under her. Thankful for her quick reflexes from flying, she jumped back, grinning. Benjicot quickly stood, his eyes becoming wilder as he and the princess continued striking and dodging. The crowd stared in awe; it looked like the young lord and princess were dancing instead of dueling, unable to take their eyes off each other.

Aemma was getting frustrated and bored, thinking the duel should have ended a while ago. Of course, it went to show the skill level Benjicot had with his sword if neither of them could get to the other. In the last strike, Aemma saw Benjicot widen his stance a little too much as he turned to her. Grinning, she pivoted away from him and kicked him on his shin. Causing the young man to buckle, as she pushed him to the floor while kicking his sword away as she swung hers. Benji quickly rolled away and kicked her feet from under her, causing her to lose her grip and drop her sword. Using this time, Benji promptly reached for his sword, swinging it as he turned to her. Then, everyone inhaled sharply. Aemma and Benji each held their swords to each other's necks, breathing heavily. A pause happened between them as they struggled to catch their breath.

Cregan smiled, “I believe we have a draw, everyone.”

This prompted everyone to cheer as they surrounded the lord and princess, who grinned at each other and moved away from each other, allowing them to stand side by side. The cheering then quieted once Prince Daemon walked up to the pair.

“Not bad, boy. You truly have some skill… but I have one last question.”

Benjicot stared at the Prince, making sure never to break eye contact.

Prince Daemon approached Benji and asked, “Would you give up your life for her if given the chance?”

Both Aly and Aemma gasped in shock at the question, “ Kepa , what-”

Daemon raised his hand, pausing her, and continually stared at the Lord of House Blackwood.

“We are at war and have many enemies who will do everything to hurt her or, worse, kill her, so boy, if you needed to, would you give your life for her to ensure she had the best chance to survive.”

Benjicot stared at the Rouge Prince as the rest of the crowd stared in tense silence. Finally, Benjicot kneed in front of the prince, who proudly stated.

“I swear upon the Old Gods of the North and the Fourteen Flames of Valyria that I, Benjicot Blackwood, Lord of Raventree Hall, will love and cherish Crown Princess Aemma Valeyron with everything in my body and soul. To protect and keep her happy and, if need be, lay down my life for her from now until the day I die.”

During his pledge, Princess Aemma started smiling, her eyes welling with tears, and she looked at her father with hopeful eyes. Daemon stared at his daughter before he sighed; he could never say no to her. Daemon reached out and held out his hand for Benji to take. As he helped raise the young from the ground, Daemon shook his hand.

“Very well, you have my blessing to continue courting her until the queen sets the day for your wedding.”

The crowd again cheered as Prince Daemon walked away, allowing Aly Blackwood to hug the princess and the Tully brothers clapping Benjicot on the back with Cregan smiling in the background. Aemma, feeling giddy from the leftover adrenaline, ran to Benji, jumping into his arms and kissing him. Which made the Blackwood and Northern men start whistling. After a while, she separated herself from him, blushing, as he ducked his head, suddenly feeling shy with all the attention on him and his princess.

In the distance, two dragon roars were heard, making everyone turn to the sky widely while Aemma and Daemon looked up.

“DRAGONS!” yelled a few knights as people ran from the clearing. Moondancer and Vermax came into view. Aemma grinned at seeing her brother and step-sister landing as she quickly walked to greet them, with Daemon, Benjicot, and Cregan following her. Once Jace helped Baela off Moondancer, he barely had enough time to compose himself as his sister jumped him. Laughing, he picks her up and spins her around. He had missed her terribly. After putting her down, he smiled at Cregan and nodded at Daemon before he noticed Benjicot. Jacaerys sobered up, looking at the young lord up and down, analyzing him.

“Lord Blackwood…”

#benjicot blackwood #davos blackwood #Benjicot Blackwood/oc #daemon targaryen #rhaenyra targaryen #baela targaryen #jacaerys targaryen #Princess Aemma Velayron (0C)#oc #ao3 fanfic #house of the dragon #hotd season 2 #hotd #house blackwood #bloody ben #thedragonandtheraven

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horizon-verizon · 2 years ago

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[HotD] Laena Velayron

They got three different actors for the same character for three successive episodes (except the child, but she only appears in two. The show doesn’t keep the teen and adult Laena actors for more than one episode each.)

We do not get a scene of Laena claiming Vhagar (at the age of 12!) nor any scenes of her riding her alone. Aside from her riding with Daemon in performances for Pentoshi leaders, who is Laena-the-dragonrider? Really, with how much she talks about being a dragonrider, you’d think we’d get her at her dragonriding pinnacle. See her in her element apart from Daemon! How much of a dragonrider is she if we don’t highlight these things and spend more time on her character! These should have been Laena’s times to shine, but instead we get her immolating herself in theme with motherhood. Even the shots of her flying on Vhagar in the 6th episode are shot mainly in Daemon’s perspective! We do not see things through her perspective once, without it having to do with her kids. She thematically gets tied back to motherhood and more as a superficial prop for Targ characters instead of showing her as her own person. How she, Daemon, and Rhaenyra’s each made each others’ lives better. How much of a loss Laena was apart from her parents.

We don’t get her canon close friendship with Rhaenyra (that was likely romantic) or a picture of her, Daemon, and Rhaenyra’s life–them all together while Laena was alive. How present Rhaenyra was for her during her last pregnancy. (Plus, in the book Daemon brought her to Driftmark not long after she gives birth to Baela and Rhaena, no debate. So another missed opportunity and a twisting of not just her, but Daemon as well.)

We do not get to see how she interacts with her parents or her brother, so we do not have a strong impression of her family ties and a look at their dynamic. We know thay they loved her but we don’t see that love in action until way later, and even then it has problems (read the end). Why? To focus only on their purpose for the Targs. But with what happens later on in the story of the Dance, (if you know, you know), wouldn’t it serve the writers better to show the Velaryons as a family more apart from the Targaryens, to see the breath of Corlys’, Rhaenys, Laena and Laenor’s personalities, values, etc? Even how the all regarded Vaemond and other Velaryons? Corlys barely ruminates on Laena’s passing other then that it was an accident or her unlucky fate. His words in the 7th episode, Rhaenys’ advising Corlys to name Baela as his heir in Laena’s memory, and Laenor’s grief–they all are the only real indications of their relationship with Laena. It is as if it is only her death matters, to get us to the Targ fight. But Laena is intrinsic!

#laena velaryon #the velayrons #hotd critical #hotd comment #hotd characterization #dragonriding #dragonkeeping #laena's death #ASoIaF #A Song of Ice and Fire #hotd #house of the dragon #laena velaryon's characterization

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entitled-fangirl · 5 months ago

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I won’t burn you.

Jace Velaryon x Targaryen!reader

SMUT

Summary: After the Battle at Rooks Rest, the reader is upset at Dragonstone. Her betrothed comforts her.

Warnings: oral (f receiving), fingering, heavy makeout, talks of death

Masterlist

…………………………..

Jace's eyes didn't leave her body.

Y/n Targaryen stood among the small council table of Queen Rhaenyra. A green at birth, Alicent's second daughter and youngest child, she now stood next to the rightful queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Across the table, Rhaenyra’s heir and the girl's betrothed, Jace.

The two had been betrothed to make amends between the two houses during Luke's petition of Driftmark.

And when Rhaenyra decided to take her children home and return later to King's Landing, she had proposed taking Y/n with them so she may get to know Jace more. Though hesitant at first, Alicent was persuaded to agree by Viserys.

Now, Y/n remained loyal to Jace through the betrayal of her brothers.

Rhaenyra admired the girl's bravery throughout the ordeal.

Now, months later, Y/n stood at the table, utterly silent and motionless, save for the steady stream of tears that ran down her face at the news of the Battle of Rook's Rest.

Her brother injured beyond repair. Rhaenys dead. Sunfyre gone. Meleys paraded around King's Landing like a war prize.

It was the first time she had cried at Dragonstone.

Jace stood on the other side of the table, watching in pain as she weeped in silence.

The council was speaking, he was sure of it, but he couldn't tell what. Nor did he quite care.

He had offered to fight that battle.

In anyone world, Vermax may have been the war prize paraded.

He wanted to help. He did. It seemed he never knew how to help.

The moment Rhaenyra called an end to the meeting, Jace rounded the table to his betrothed. He took her face in his hands. His eyes darted across her face rapidly before his voice came out softly, "Please stop this."

Y/n's eyes finally looked up at him with her teary gaze, and Jace felt breath leave his body.

"My love, please," Jace tried again, not caring for the others in the room.

Her voice was hoarse, barely a whisper, "Why must it all end in fire?"

He wasn't sure what to say to that. "It's… it's in our blood."

She pulled herself from his grip, wiping at the tears herself. "My brother did not even wish to be king, and now he lies in a bed, half-dead. And for what? The feud between our mothers??"

"Watch yourself, my love." He warned, "Do not say the wrong thing just because you are upset."

She pushed his chest lightly, "You don't understand!"

His face morphed into one of anger, "I don't understand? Your brothers live. Where is mine? Slain by one of yours! I DO understand. More than you know!"

She shook her head as fresh tears warmed her face, "Please do not shout at me."

Jace scoffed lightly and crossed his arms, "Do not be unreasonable."

"I wish I was not who I am."

She began to rush out of the hall.

Jace opened his mouth to call out to her, but nothing came out.

…

Y/n had spent hours in her chambers with the door locked. No servants or guards were to bother her.

Her weeping could be heard throughout Dragonstone, making the Prince's gut tear itself in two.

But only when his betrothed's servant came to him to tell him of Y/n’s refusal of food did he do anything.

…

A knock sounded at the door.

Y/n sniffled and her soft voice called out, "Leave me."

"It's Jace."

"I said leave me."

"No."

She turned to look at the door. "Leave."

"Not until we speak."

She cursed lightly for his Velayron stubbornness.

"I won't come in until you say the words."

She finally gave in. "Fine. Come in."

Jace slowly opened the door, a tray of food in his hand. He closed the door behind him before his eyes settled on her frame.

Her eyes were bloodshot and puffy from the tears, a few still escaping down her cheek as she sat on the floor in front of her bed.

He stood awkwardly, not sure what to do.

Finally, her meek voice spoke up, "Forgive me."

His head tilted, "W…what?"

"Forgive me." She sniffled, "I said awful things to you. You know the pain of loss more personally than I ever shall."

"That's not true," he said as he stepped towards her, setting the tray on a table. "You lost your father only months ago."

"He was your grandsire."

"Still."

She continued, "And you've lost Luke, Princess Rhaenys, your father Laenor, your-" She stopped herself. "Your mother's… guard."

Jace looked down at the floor. "Yes, but I… it is different with me."

"I don't see how."

When Jace finally looked back to her, unshed tears swam in his eyes. "I don't know."

She sniffled, "Please just say you'll forgive me."

He knelt down next to her, looking deep into her eyes. "You know I will."

She reached up, brushing his unruly curls from his face before connecting her lips with his.

Jace's body wracked with sobs as he pulled her into his lap. Her kisses became more passionate, intent on showing her feelings through them. His tongue darted out to her bottom lip, and he was quickly granted access to her mouth.

"I love you," he whispered against her lips.

"You know I love you, Jace."

He stopped himself, pulling his lips from hers, "We should stop here."

She leaned forward, connecting their lips again, "I want you, Jace."

He shook his head, "We're not to marry until after this war. I won't sully you."

"I don't care. I need to feel you. Please."

He nodded, his hands pulling her hips closer and reconnecting their lips.

Her hand moved to his hair, pulling lightly.

"Onto the bed," he murmured.

She quickly left his lap, standing and beginning to pull at her dress.

He smiled as he wiped his tears and stood with her, "Let me."

He stood behind her, his lips leaving open mouth kisses against her neck as his fingers unbuttoned the small ones down her back.

She let out a small moan, resting her head on his shoulder.

When the buttons were undone, he tugged her dress down, making it pool at her feet. Now only in her shift, she turned in his hold and kissed him again.

His hands moved to her hips, and he walked her into the bed, playfully pushing her onto it.

She let out a grunt as her back hits the covers, but she laughed lightly at his antics.

He made quick work of tugging off his clothes, leaving him in his small clothes. He then joined her on the bed.

As he crawled over her, she grabbed his face gently, "How do you do it?"

He sniffled from his past tears, "Do what?"

Her thumb brushed over his bottom lip, "Suddenly I don't mind being consumed by fire as long as it is from you."

His lips pulled into a bright smile, "I won't burn you.”

She pulled him to her again in a desperate kiss.

Jace's hands began to pull her shift up to her hips. He pulled away to look at her, "Are you sure?"

She nodded.

"Please, I have to hear it. Please."

She smiled, "I want you, Jace. As much as you'll give me."

He pushed her legs up by her thighs, "I'll give you anything you want." He then made agonizingly slow movements as his body began to move lower and lower down hers. She waited with bated breath.

Jace had never pleasured a woman before. He was rather terrified of failing. But he was intend on trying.

His face lowered between her thighs. He felt breath leave him at the sight that laid before him.

He slowly lowered himself the rest of the way, licking a long stripe up her slit.

She let out a gasp from deep inside her.

He looked up with a hesitantly, "Does that feel good?"

Her hand trailed to his hair, "Please don't stop."

She could feel his smirk against her as he continued his motions.

It was experimental, continuing the things that made her gasp or when her grip on his hair tightened.

When his nose brushed her clit, her hips jerked back as a sinful moan left her mouth.

He reached up, holding her hips steady as he continued.

His tongue moved deep into her now, wanting to moan along with her.

"Jace…. Oh gods, Jace…."

He pulled away and brought himself up to her face again, kissing her deeply. She let out a small whine at the taste of herself on his tongue.

He grinned, "Not like it?"

She let out a calming breath, "Just feels strange."

"Want to stop?" He asked with a tilted head.

She immediately shook hers, "No. No, please don't."

He smiled, "Pretty girl."

Their lips connected again in a heated makeup.

She let out a small gasp when his fingers began to toy between her thighs, and he took the opportunity of her open mouth , letting his tongue explore her.

All-consumed by Jace, she gave in completely, her eyes closed and her lips slowing against him.

When his fingers slowly entered her, her entire body froze.

"This alright?" He whispered when he noticed her stiffness.

She gave a whimper but nodded her head.

"Jace…"

"You're so beautiful."

His fingers began to pump very slowly, his pants tenting at the feeling of his fingers in her.

She pushed herself up to kiss him but his fingers curled and her open mouth paused inches from his own.

He couldn't help the smirk that came to his lips. "You like that?"

She breathed out heavily, her eyes meeting his. "You… You know I… I love you."

"I love you."

"Burn me, Jace."

He kissed her jaw lightly, "I'll never mar your pretty skin."

…

They returned the next day to the council meeting in new spirits. Daemon's eyes moved between the two with a knowing look.

He knows the look of a man that's pussy whipped.

Perhaps he could get Rhaenyra to move the wedding closer.

……………………………

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evebestt · 9 months ago

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LISTEN just look at them matching I can’t

#their outfits #their stances I just can’t #they’re too good together oh im so excited #also not excited though like how dare they make me love these characters so much even though I KNOW #eve best #rhaenys targaryen #corlys velayron #steve toussaint #hotd #house of the dragon

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j-k-writes · 2 months ago

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The Bronze Targaryen - 8

Summary - (Y/N) and his family travel to Driftmark for the funeral of his stepmother, Laena Velayron, but her loss is not the only one his family mourns.

Warnings - canon character death(s), general HOTD warnings, violence and maiming

It seemed mother nature had sensed the sober mood of the day's events. Gray clouds blocked any sunlight that might have warmed (Y/N), and cold winds cut deep into his bones despite his clothing. (Y/N) watched as ropes were tied to his stepmother’s casket, and Vaemond Velaryon began to speak.

“We join today at the Seat of the Sea to commit the Lady Laena of the House Velaryon to the eternal waters.”

Although (Y/N) mourned the loss of Laena, more for his father and young sisters than himself, she was not the only loss plaguing the prince. Both Ser Harwin and his father Lyonel had perished just days ago at Harrenhal, the very night the two had arrived. Though his children had wished to attend the funeral, (Y/N) and Rhaenyra had agreed it would only add more fuel to the rumors that haunted them.

As he continued to speak Vaemond’s gaze settled on Daemon, eyes narrowed and voice tense. “As she sets to sea for her final voyage the Lady Laena leaves two true-born daughters on the shore. Though their mother will not return from her voyage, they will all remain bound together in blood. Salt courses through Velaryon blood. Ours runs thick. Ours runs true. And ours must never thin.”

Daemon laughed to him, and (Y/N) whispered under his breath as the Velaryons glared at the man. “Father, please.”

The knights began to tug on the ropes dragging the casket slowly off the cliff and toward the sea. “My gentle niece may the winds be as strong as your back, your seas as calm as your spirit, and your nets be as full as your heart. From the sea we came. To the sea we shall return.”

As Vaemond finished, Laena's casket plunged into the ocean, leaving his father widowed once again. The crowd began their ascent back up to the balcony, (Y/N) followed his father and sisters, Rhaenyra and the boys following close behind. The guests dispersed, Viserys taking a seat in the middle of the balcony, getting drinks and food while they spoke with one another.

(Y/N) lingered by his father, watching as Baela and Rhaena sat alone. He made eye contact with Rhaenyra across the yard, nodding in the direction of the young girls and she nodded walking over to where Jace was standing.

“How are you?” (Y/N) asked.

His father turned his body toward him, an effort to keep their conversation as private as it could be with the onlookers on the balcony, “I could ask you the same question. I understand Ser Harwin was as devoted to you as he was to your wife.”

“Yes he was.” (Y/N) sighed, “We should have forbidden Harwin from returning to the Riverlands. They say Harren’s curse is as strong now as it was after the Conquest.”

Daemon scoffed, “Do you truly believe that?”

“No.” (Y/N) looked over the balcony as the dark waves crashed against the rocks below. “It’s a ghost story the queen and her father gladly exploit to hide their depravity.”

His father gave a pleased hum at the same time (Y/N) felt a small body collide with him. (Y/N) looked over his shoulder chuckling softly at the mop of brown hair pressed into his back. He turned, prying Luke’s hands from his cloak. He ran his hands through his son's hair, positioning him between him and Daemon.

“Are you alright?” (Y/N) asked, and Luke nodded silently. He placed his small wooden hawk that (Y/N) had gifted him on the bannister of his balcony, and (Y/N) gently rubbed his hand in soothing circles down the boy's back. “Why don’t you say hello to grandfather, Luke.”

Luke shyly looked up at Daemon, “Hello.”

Daemon laughed, “How is your training with Arrax going, Luke?”

(Y/N) smiled at his father, delighted that he had remembered what (Y/N) had written about his sons and their dragons in his many letters. (Y/N) watched as his father and son conversed, Luke rambling on about his many lessons with the Dragonkeepers. Distracted by the scene in front of him, (Y/N) didn’t notice his uncle’s approach

At the sight of his uncle, (Y/N) grabbed Luke’s shoulder, steering him away, “Let us go find your mother.”

(Y/N) nodded to his uncle and father before walking away. He found Rhaenyra standing toward the back of the crowd with Jace, his sisters, and Rhaenys. (Y/N) approached his sisters, and they watched him warily, they had not seen each other since their presentation at court, and then they’d been barely a year old.

(Y/N) kneeled next to Rhaenys, “Do you know who I am?” Baela nodded, and (Y/N) smiled. “Then you know I too lost my mother. I know that no amount of condolences will make up for what you have lost, and it never will. This loss may hurt, but the pain will lessen as you grow.”

(Y/N) stood, pressing soft kisses to his sisters’ hair. “If you two ever need anything, all you need to do is ask and I will provide it for you. Do you understand?”

Baela and Rhaena looked up at him, and nodded, silent tears streaming down their faces. (Y/N) turned to look at Rhaenys who just gave him a grateful nod. A commotion in the crowd startled the small group of royals, and they all turned to look at the source of the noises.

Lord Corlys had a knight by the front of his tunic, whispering harsh words that (Y/N) could not make out to the knight before shoving him through the crowd. Rhaenys sighed, standing up and brushing off her dress.

Rhaenyra turned to their boys, “Go to bed.”

“But mother-”

“Go.” (Y/N) said, and Jace and Luke frowned but walked off anyway.

As Rhaenys ushered the girls after the boys, Rhaenyra grasped (Y/N)’s hand tugging him toward the stairs. They faltered only slightly on their path at the sight of Aegon unconscious in the corner of the stairs, and (Y/N) could not stop the laugh that escaped him at the sight. Rhaenyra just rolled her eyes and continued pulling him along.

“Rhaenyra,” (Y/N) said as they walked along the beach. “Why are-”

“Can I place my faith in you, (Y/N)?”

(Y/N) paused, turning to face his wife. “What?”

Rhaenyra swallowed, continuing on ahead of (Y/N) as she spoke. “I know better than anyone our marriage was not born of love, yes we have found love within ourselves over the years but that does not change the fact that you abandoned me when I needed you most.”

“Abandoned you?” (Y/N) scoffed, “Rhaenyra I thought we were past this.”

“How can we be?”

(Y/N) grabbed her wrist, stopping her in her path, and turning her to face him. He cupped her cheek forcing her to look at him. “I did not abandon you, I spared you from the infighting that plagued my family. Did you wish to be on Runestone as I fought to keep my seat?”

“I wished to be with my husband.” Rhaenyra spat.

“I am sorry,” (Y/N) said. “How many times do I have to say that? I made a mistake, I was a child-”

“So was I!” Rhaenyra released herself from (Y/N)’s hold, walking away from him at a speed that forced him to break into a small jog to catch up with her. She was shaking her head when she stopped, cheeks wet with tears and (Y/N)’s heart fell at the sight. “I do not wish to fight with you. We have lost too much to turn on each other, but I need to know that when the time comes you will stand with our family.”

(Y/N) thought of Harwin, separated from them as he burned alive at Harrenhal. Did he think of the Prince and Princess as he died, did he think that if he had stayed away from them perhaps his life would have been spared, or did he think of how they loved each other as he took his final breath? Perhaps if (Y/N) had insisted more that he stay in Kingslanding, if he had taken him on as his Sworn Shield, a role the man had basically already held, he’d still be alive. He’d abandoned them both, Harwin and Rhaenyra, when he left and although he had won his place at Runestone it seemed he lost more in doing so than the seat itself was worth.

“I hold no loyalty to anyone capable of taking the life of a man whose only crime was loving us.” (Y/N) said. “My loyalty lies with you and our family, Nyra. It always has.”

“Do you believe Alicent capable of such a thing?” Rhaenyra asked, and (Y/N) scoffed.

“She has certainly benefited the most from the ordeal.”

Rhaenyra stopped in front of (Y/N), placing her hand on his chest. “We are not children anymore, (Y/N).”

(Y/N) placed his hand atop Rhaenyra’s, leaning forward to press their foreheads together. “I will stand by you, whatever you choose to do I am there, I swear by the old gods and the new.”

Rhaenyra captured his lips in hers, her free hand snaking its way up his shoulder into his hair. (Y/N) groaned as she desperately grabbed at his hair, and his hands moved down to her dress but a distant roar startled them apart before he could undo its laces.

“Vhagar?” (Y/N) asked, watching the dragon as it soared in circles around Driftmark.

“It seems your sister has finally claimed a dragon.” Rhaenyra smiled at him, but it soon fell at the look upon her husband’s face.

“Rhaena is in bed.” (Y/N) frowned, eyes narrowing. He grabbed Rhaenyra’s hand, “Something is wrong.”

He and Rhaenyra hurried to High Tide, (Y/N) taking the stairs to the castle two at a time. Rhaenyra and (Y/N) rushed through the halls of the castle, only the sound of raised voices guiding their way. When they reached the throne room (Y/N) threw open the doors scanning the crowded room until his eyes landed on his sons. Jace and Luke stood by Rhaena and Baela, all four children covered in dirt, bruises, and blood.

“Jace? Luke!” Rhaenyra rushed over to their sons, (Y/N) close behind her. Rhaenyra crouched in front of Luke, carefully taking his hand away from his face to reveal his injured nose.

(Y/N) looked between his sons and his sisters, “Who did this?”

“They attacked me!” Aemond shouted from behind Mathos, and he turned, giving (Y/N) a clear view of his cousin’s injuries. His eye was sewn shut, red, bloodied, and swollen. The cut trailed down from the middle of his forehead down to his jaw line, and (Y/N) frowned at the sight of it. The boy would no doubt lose his eye.

“He attacked Baela!” Jace yelled out behind (Y/N).

“He broke Luke’s nose!”

The children began to shout overtop of each other, having to be held back by their parents as they got progressively more aggressive as the argument continued on. (Y/N) managed to catch the reason of the fight, it was Aemond who had claimed Vhagar not Rhaena. Viserys tried to silence the argument, as his wife joined in with her own shouting. (Y/N) ignored the shouting around him, turning Luke to look at him and taking his own look at the boy's nose.

“Silence!” Viserys yelled, causing everyone in the room to quiet.

“He called us bastards.” Jace whispered to his parents, and both (Y/N) and Rhaenyra tensed. Rhaenyra shot (Y/N) a pointed look, and he sighed, turning to face the rest of the room.

“Aemond I will have the truth of what happened.” Viserys approached his son. “Now.”

“What else is there to hear your son has been maimed, her son is responsible.” Alicent said, and (Y/N)’s tensed further, hand subconsciously reaching for the blades kept in his belt.

“It was a regrettable accident.” Rhaenyra’s eyes caught her husband's movement, and stepped in front of him and their children.

“Accident?” Alicent asked. “The Prince Lucerys brought a blade to the ambush. He meant to kill my son.”

(Y/N) opened his mouth to speak, but Rhaenyra cut him off before he had the chance. “It was my sons who were attacked and forced to defend themselves. Vile insults were levied against them.”

“What insults?” Viserys asked, and Alicent paled.

“The legitimacy of my son's birth was put loudly to question.”

“What?” Viserys’ said.

“He called us bastards.” Jace yelled out, and (Y/N) placed a hand on his shoulder.

“My sons are in line to inherit the iron throne, your grace. This is the highest of treasons. Prince Aemond must be sharply questioned so we might learn where he heard such slanders.”

“Over an insult?” Alicent scoffed. “My son has lost an eye.”

“You tell me boy. Where did you hear this lie?” Viserys approached Aemond.

“The insult was training yard bluster.” Alicent pleaded behind her husband. “The lot of boys, it was nothing.”

“Aemond, I asked you a question.” Viserys ignored his wife, continuing to question the injured boy. “Aemond, look at me. Your king demands an answer who spoke these lies to you?”

(Y/N) could not get a look at his cousin, the large chair he was sitting in blocking his view. But he saw his uncle shoot a dirty look at his wife as Aemond delayed his response. Finally the boy spoke. “It was Aegon.”

“Me?”

Viserys rounded on Aegon, “And you boy? Where did you hear such calumnies?”

Aegon was silent.

“Aegon! Tell me the truth of it!”

“Just look at them.” Aegon said under his breath, and Rhaenyra stepped further in front of her husband and children. Viserys looked back at his wife, who at least had some decency to look ashamed.

“This interminable infighting must cease!” Viserys yelled, glaring daggers at his family members. “All of you! We are family! Now make your apologies and show good will to one another. Your father, your gransire, your king demands it.”

Viserys slammed his cane down at the end of his speech, the sound of wood meeting stone echoing through the room. He looked more defeated than (Y/N) had ever seen him as he turned around to make his departure.

“That is insufficient.” Alicent begged, eyes wet with tears. “Aemond has been damaged permanently, my King. Goodwill cannot make him whole.”

“I know, Alicent, but I cannot restore his eye.”

“I know because it has been taken.”

“What would you have me do?” Viserys was obviously exhausted, and his wife’s protests were doing nothing to help the sickly king.

“There is a debt to be paid.” Alicent stated, and (Y/N) tensed at her next sentence. “I shall have one of her son's eyes in return.”

“My dear wife.”

“He is your son, Viserys.” Alicent cut him off with a whimper, and if she was someone else (Y/N) may have pitied her, but he could not bring himself to feel bad for the Queen after all she had done to damage his family. “Your blood.”

“Do not allow your temper to guide your judgment” He spoke, and it was clear by the tone of his voice that that was the end of it. He walked away once again, and (Y/N) allowed himself to relax, sighing softly.

Alicent was not satisfied with her husband’s action though, “If the King will not seek justice the Queen will. Ser Criston.” She turned to face Criston, all of the desperation of her previous expression gone. “Bring me the eye of Lucerys Royce. He can choose which eye to keep, a privilege he did not grant my son.”

“You will do no such thing.” (Y/N) said, stepping next to his wife and placing both of their sons behind him.

“Stay your hand.” Viserys ordered Criston.

“No you are sworn to me!” Alicent yelled, glaring at the knight when he still made no move. Criston looked around the room, shifting in his spot, before he looked back at Alicent.

“As your protector my Queen.”

Alicent scoffed, arm falling to her side in defeat, she looked at her husband in disbelief. Luke buried his face in (Y/N)’s side, and (Y/N) brought an arm up to wrap around his son’s side. Jace looked up at him, and (Y/N) reached his free hand out for Jace to grab as he brought his eldest into his side as well.

“Alicent.” Viserys said, anger clear across his face. “This matter is finished, do you understand?” Viserys turned away from his wife, obviously not caring about the glare she sent his way, and faced the crowded room. “And let it be known: anyone whose tongue dares to question the birth of Princess Rhaenyra’s sons should have it removed.”

“Thank you father.”

As Viserys turned away, (Y/N) let his sons go, ready to send them to their chambers so they could be looked after properly before he sent them back to bed. With his back turned to the crowd he did not see as Alicent grabbed the knife from Viserys the chaos and yelling that erupted throughout the room was the only indication to the Royce Prince that anything had happened. (Y/N) turned as Luke looked at the scene behind him and screamed. At the sight of Alicent approaching Rhaenyra with the knife held high in her hand, (Y/N) grabbed the hilt of his sword, stepping toward his wife. Ser Harrold grabbed the Prince before he could reach Rhaenyra and Alicent, grabbing him from behind and taking his wrist in hand. Ser Harrold dragged him back from the two women, grunting as (Y/N) struggled against his grip.

“Let me go.” (Y/N) spat, but Ser Harrold just tightened his grip.

“You’ve gone too far.” Rhaenyra said in the circle, her hands the only thing preventing Alicent from bringing the Valyrian steel knife down into her chest.

“I? What have I done but what was expected of me? Forever upholding the kingdom, the family, the law. While you flout all to do as you please.” Alicent spat, ignoring both his husband and her father’s commands to stop as she continued, tears streaming down her face. “Where is duty? Where is sacrifice? It’s trampled under your pretty foot again. And now you take my son’s eye, and to even that you feel entitled.”

“Exhausting, wasn’t it?” Rhaenyra sneered at the woman she had once called a friend. “Hiding beneath the cloak of your own righteousness. But now they see you as you are.”

Rhaenyra pushed Alicent away, but it was too late. Alicent brought the blade down onto Rhaenyra’s arm as both women were caught. A harsh silence fell over the crowd as (Y/N) finally freed himself from Ser Harrold’s grip. He grabbed Rhaenyra’s arm, hearing gasps as blood dripped down her arm and onto the floor. (Y/N) heard the dagger drop to the floor, and he reeled on Alicent.

“If you raise a blade to my wife again-” (Y/N) spat, but Rhaenyra grabbed him, interrupting his threat.

“I am fine.” Rhaenyra lowered her voice, “Do not escalate this further.”

“She attacked you.”

Rhaenyra did not respond, simply shaking her head at her husband.

“Do not mourn me, Mother. It was a fair exchange. I may have lost an eye but I gained a dragon.” Aemond spoke, and the look he gave (Y/N)’s family made his throat tighten.

“This proceeding is at an end.” Viserys said, turning and finally exiting the throne room. Alicent followed soon after, flanked by Ser Criston and followed by her children. Corlys and Rhaenys escorted their granddaughters back to bed, followed closely by Daemon. (Y/N) turned to his wife, still bleeding, gently grabbing her arm and guiding her out of the room. Jace and Luke followed silently as (Y/N) and Rhaenyra walked to their chambers, the maester had also followed the group out of the room immediately tending to Rhaenyra as soon as (Y/N) sat her down in a chair.

There would be consequences to the night’s mess, that was the only thing (Y/N) was sure of. The strained relationship between the Queen and Rhaenyra was no secret, but a couple petty insults over the years were easy to brush off, the violent quarrel in the throne room of Driftmark surrounded by Lords, Ladies, and Knights of the realm was not.

(Y/N) watched silently as Rhaenyra’s arm was stitched up, Rhaenyra stood as soon as the maester had finished and turned his attention to Jace and Luke. (Y/N) followed his wife as she walked over to the balcony, watching silently as Rhaenyra looked down at the ocean. She cleared her throat before speaking.

“If I am to be Queen I need strong allies.” She said, “I cannot afford to fight for my seat as you did. The greens have proved their intent tonight, we cannot be caught off guard when they decide to make a move.”

“You have the power of House Royce behind you.”

Rhaenyra smiled, giving a thankful nod to her husband. “And your father? I know you two have not seen each other in years but-” She paused, taking a deep breath. “We need Daemon on our side, and with Daemon comes your sisters, which comes the Velaryon fleet.”

(Y/N) nodded, “I will speak with him.”

He found Daemon on a balcony not thirty minutes later.

“I’m sure you have heard your fair share of condolences,” (Y/N) said, and his father looked up from where he was staring off into the distance, turning to look at his son. “But I am sorry.”

Daemon gave him a soft smile, “Don’t be. I am at least allowed to mourn my losses.” Daemon reached his hand out, and (Y/N) took it relaxing as his father brought him into his side. He felt Daemon press a soft kiss into his hair, and smiled to himself. “I have missed you, zaldrītsos”

(Y/N) laughed, “I am a grown man, father. You cannot call me that.”

“I will call you what I like.”

“I have missed you too, kepa.”

He had not seen his father in person since Baela and Rhaena’s presentation at court. Although the two wrote to each other as often as they could, words on a page could not fill the gap of his father’s absence. They’d only just mended the hole in their relationship when his father married Laena, running off to Pentos to avoid Viserys wrath. Afterwards (Y/N) wanted to hate his father for abandoning him again, but he found he could not bring himself to.

“Come back to Dragonstone with us.” (Y/N) said, and Daemon stiffened, pulling away from his son to look at him with an eyebrow raised. “I miss you, and I wish to know my sisters.”

Daemon smiled, “That is not the only reason. Is it?”

“No.” (Y/N) looked out to the sea of Driftmark, he could just barely make out the shape of Dragonstone across the waters. “If Rhaenyra is to be Queen her subjects must love her, yes, but they must fear her as well. I have spent this last decade fighting to secure my seat, but the throne of Runestone is not the Iron Throne. I can only help Rhaenyra so much, but with you-” (Y/N) paused, unable to tell where his rant was going. He frowned, rubbing his brow. “We need you, father.”

Daemon smiled, he cupped (Y/N)’s cheek, “Anything you need, I will provide.”

---

Translations -

Zaldrītsos - little dragon

Kepa - Father

#x male reader #house of the dragon #x reader #x y/n #daemon targaryen #house of the dragon x male reader #house of the dragon x y/n #rhaenyra targaryen #rhaenyra targaryen x male reader #rhaenyra targaryen x reader

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cherryheairt · 3 months ago

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Dragon Dreamer side story I

dont need to read the story to understand this

In which Cregan's meeting of Dusk parallels Daenys' first flight.

side story before chap 15, didn't know where to fit it in the chapters. 🩷

foreshadowing for chap 15 also

taglist: (i wasn't sure if I'm supposed to tag the list ppl if its only a mini side story, let me know if you only want main chaps)

@hueanhdang @beebeechaos @r-3dlips @emery-aka-emmy @watermel0nsugarhigh @delaynew @thelastemzy @pedro-pascal-love @fall-winter-heart97 @purple-1995 @itsaslaminak @saintkittykat @iv7867 @alexandra-001 @thatkindofgurl @theadharablack @reyndaisy @mandeepandee1997 @littleblackcatinwonderland

Daenys always remembered the day of her first flight on Morningstar well. Every vivid detail locked in her mind, even at the young age of seven that she was. Many memories of that time had long faded in her adulthood, but a few in particular could never leave. Some fond, some not.

The day did not start out pleasantly. Not at all, in fact. Her mother was busy fussing over young Luke in her chambers nusery rooms in the Red Keep. Her father was away at sea on another voyage, and had been for months.

Daenys was not mad at them, of course. She would not demand attention, especially when Luke had recently come down with his first fever. Those were always watched closely, by Maester or mother. Daenys had drifted around the nursery for a while before growing bored. Jace was preoccupied with some visiting young sons of House Massey, and Helena was with her mother, leaving Daenys to find her own occupation.

Outside, dark storm clouds gathered at a pace much faster than Daenys was comfortable with. There was rainfall in King's Landing often, yes, but nothing harsh and unforgiving. The sound of drizzling hitting her window on a cool day always calmed Daenys.

Even at sea, a storm could not tame a Targaryen or Velayron. She wondered how her father fared. If a storm was gathering above him, too?

After lazing around her chambers for a while, the storm had turned from a drizzle to a downpour quickly. The thunder 'boomed!' outside of her windows and the harsh water droplets sounded like rocks being pelted at the glass and stone.

Huddled in her room, she just wished the storm to go away.

Unluckily for Daenys, something much worse came. Aegon.

Barging into her sleeping chambers as if they were his own, Daenys was startled out from under her covers by his harsh yank.

"Come, niece! I have a surprise for you." Aegon said, a twinkling in his eyes.

Confused, Daenys did not move. Not yet a teen, the boy's taste for mischief grew every day. His main victim—Aemond. His second favorite, Daenys of course. Only because she was less easy to find, thanks to Ser Harwin's careful shadowing. The two were the easiest targets, though Jace followed Aegon around often like a little pup eager to please its owner. Helena was unreceptive towards such teasings, perhaps because she was unaware of their true meaning.

He tried again, "it will be worthwhile. It is a secret—only I know about." He boasted, chest puffed up like a peacocking bird.

Daenys slipped out from the bed, boredom and curiosity overtaking her common sense. It couldn't be that bad, surely. If Aegon found something cool in the Red Keep, she at least wanted to know what it is, else the unknown would knaw at the back of her mind for weeks.

"What is it?" She asked slowly.

"Wouldn't be much of a surprise if I told you, now would it?" He scoffed lightly, turning and striding out of her bed chambers.

Daenys followed quickly, reminding herself of Jacaerys as she cringed. A quick look and she'd return to her chambers.

The thunder continued beyond the walls as Aegon went to his chambers.

Within his rooms contained mostly simple things since he did not spend much time in them. Daenys, bemused, turned to look at Aegon, who clawed strangely at his walls.

"It's just..." he trailed off in his search. "Here!" He exclaimed, pushing open the wall to reveal a hidden space behind it.

Daenys gasped slightly, leaning forward to see behind it. "Paths, within the walls of the Keep." Aegon said proudly. "And I found them on my own."

"Now, come on." He continued, guiding her hurridly by a shoulder.

"We're going inside? What does it lead to?" She asked, apprehensive of getting lost in such dark tunnels.

"Everywhere." He shrugged nonchalantly.

The darkness was only broken by the torch that he held in his hand. The world was otherwise a dark pit, leaving Daenys to cling to his tunic like a child to her mother's skirts. Aegon allowed it only due to the fact that it made her walk with haste. The rain sounded louder as they went along, down some dusty stairs and winding trails.

As Aegon pushed open another piece of wall, he peaked his head out to check for people. The rain was clear as day when it had opened, revealing the storm in all its glory. Satisfied, he turned back to her with a grin and nodding his head towards the outside. "Look, you can see the entrace to the castle from here."

Daenys peaked just her head out, gawking at the sight. They were outside of the Keep's main building, able to see the stairs up to the grand entrance doors from their spot. The doors were closed, no guards bothering to stay outside in such conditions and instead closing the doors to the Keep instead of guarding them. No one would bother attempting to enter unwarranted in such weather anyways.

On the other side of the courtyard was the open arch towards the outside, King's Landing's city itself. Daenys had only ever been to visit the Sept and the dragonpit. With escorts, of course.

Without warning, Aegon pushed Daenys outside of the safety of the passage. Stumbling to catch her footing, she turned back to Aegon to ask why he had done that, only to be met with a slammed 'wall'.

Panicking, she pushed at the wall. Banging on it after it didn't budge, she yelled to Aegon, "let me in! This isn't funny, Aegon!"

She heard muffled speaking behind the wall, but was unable to make it out. After a short pounding on the wall, she presumed that Aegon had accidentally jammed the door and run off.

She prayed that he'd at least have the decency to admit his prank to Alicent and someone would be sent after her.

Daenys rushed to the entrance doors, repeatedly pounding on them. Pressing her ear to the door, she heard nothing. Only the ever-pouring rain all around her. She was soaking wet already, feeling like a drowned cat in her heavy day dress and loose hair. Coughing, she found little cover under the roofs of the entrance. With all the wind the effort was made futile.

She waited and waited for someone to exit the doors, but none came.

She wanted her father.

With Laenor gone for such long periods of time, the days dragged on endlessly with no means of communication between the kin. He was her best friend, besides perhaps Helena. He always cheered her up, made time for her, and took her on long rides in the skies with Seasmoke being the willing transportation. He would notice straight away that Daenys was missing from her chambers.

Giving up on her efforts, Daenys decided to go to the only other place she could stay safe and dry. The dragonpit. She knew the way there like the halls of the Red Keep, but had never made the journey alone before. Already shivering, she couldn't wait. Walking past the yard's archway, Daenys glanced around. The streets were empty beyond the stairs' bottom. Any passerbys gave her no notice as they scurried past, covering their heads or food with cloths.

Daenys ducked her head after passing every straggler, even with that information in mind. Any curious eye would notice the fancier clothes and jewels on the little girl, and who knows what one desperate person was willing to do. Luckily, in its wet state, her hair managed to look more grey and blonde than the moon-silver it was when dry.

It wasn't long before she reached the pit. Tiptoeing inside, she found that even the keepers had gone home in the midst of the harsh storm. What fools would enter a dragon's home, anyway?

The pit was pitch black, filled only with the sound of soft snores.

Daenys whispered out, "Morningstar?" For the young dragon she was bonded to.

Miraculously, the two were born on the same day. When an egg was placed in a cradle, it was usually weeks or moons before the egg hatched after the birth. The two were twins, beyond just a Valyrion blood bond.

Another deeper growl met her ears. Turning, she was met with a slight glimmer of gold. Sunfyre, Aegon's dragon. They had quite an impressive bond despite Aegon's lackluster skills in the dragon's known language.

She froze, preparing herself to be devoured by the beast. She had never spent time with The Golden like she had other dragons: Meleys, Seasmoke, Syrax, Vermax, and Arrax. They all knew her, welcomed her as their bonded riders had. Sunfyre was one of the only ones she had not interacted with except to observe his and Aegon's bonding time. As they all often did as a group, assigned by Viserys, of course.

If he was here, where was Dreamfyre? The massive blue dragon seemed to take the younger golden one under her wing, sticking with him when she was not out flying with Helena. Gulping, she backed up slowly. The dragon inched closer, now seemingly curious of the girl. His pointed snout poked at her, almost unintentionally knocking her over with its power. Hesitantly, she petted at his nose, earning a satisfied rumble from him. Attention starved, she was sure, from Aegon's forgetfulness.

Relaxing finally, Daenys allowed herself to lean into the dragon's warm touch. Laughing at his second nudge for more attention, she had to push him away reluctantly as she heard shuffling coming near. Morningstar, rising from the sound of her laugh, closed in on the two and rose her neck defensively toward Sunfyre like a baby snake. The other, though he was slightly larger than the white dragoness, huffed and backed away back to continue his sleep.

Aegon had been able to ride Sunfyre since he was 10 years old, praised for the young age that he was able to command a dragon. Though, he could not best her mother, who had been titled the youngest dragonrider in the realm. Her first flight with Syrax was when she was seven years old. Now, Syrax and Rhaenyra had an unbreakable bond, and the bronze dragon was still growing, though large and formidable, like her forebares.

Rhaenyra had suspected Morningstar would grow quickly and to an impressive size, given the ancestry of the white dragon. At seven, she was already approaching the size of a dragon almost four years her elder. Daenys didn't mind if she was big or small, though, as long as Morningstar stayed by her side.

Daenys turned to place a soft kiss on her dragon's snout, giggling at the jealousy of her dragon. "I was coming, don't worry." She cooed. Leaning her weight on to the dragon, she felt the sting of tears hit her eyes. Safe now, she could allow herself to relax in the comfort of Morningstar's warmth.

Though the dragon had other plans. One big purple eye never seemed to leave Daenys, a lingering need for something. Usually, the hungry look she held when a live sheep or deer was placed in front of her. Daenys couldn't understand her with words, but with actions. Leaning back from the embrace she attempted to hold the dragon in (barely, the same arms that could wrap around the dragon's neck entirely could not even reach from head to shoulders anymore), Daenys squinted.

"What do you need?"

Morningstar trilled, lowering to a suggesting crouch. The position made the idea spring to her head, gasping. It was the same that Syrax or Seasmoke lowered into to allow their riders to mount. The wing lay out in front of her, though it was too small and thin now for her to actually press her full weight on like an adult dragon's could handle. Gingerly, Daenys hopped on to the dragon's back. Spines and rough scales picked at her limbs as she uncomfortably shifted.

She was unsure if anyone had been able to ride saddleless, but she was determined not to let this slip past her. If Daenys could fly now, as she was destined to, she would no longer be confined to the Red Keep. At any time she wished she could escape. To the beach, where her father took her to comfort her, to Driftmark, where her grandmother and grandsire could welcome her in their home, to wherever Morningstar would take her.

Daenys did not wait any longer, grasping onto Morningstar's horns with a firm, "Sōvēs."

Immediately the command took, Morningstar running in the only way a dragon of her structure can; on her wings and hind legs. After breaching the pit's entrance, the dragon took flight. Even in the pouring rain, she could not be hindered or stopped. The dragoness was on a mission, whether of her own desire to allow Daenys to see what she saw daily or simply to comfort her. Whichever it was, she was grateful for it.

King's Landing seemed tiny behind her. It was such a small city yet it seemed to contain the entire realm's sins in its walls. Turning her head back forward, she only wished to forget the Keep for the time being.

She felt wild, free to do whatever she wished in the world. She could fly all the way to Essos, Dorne—The North. The thought was enticing. Flying far away from this filthy place and never returning. Her dragon-riding family was free to visit whenever they wished, but she would never be confined to walls again. Never locked out of her own home.

She imagined sailing the seas of Westeros and Essos, Morningstar above her scouting loyally. A fleet led by a Velayron and her dragon would be unbeatable—untouchable. Her father, too, at her side with Seasmoke. Luke, when he came of age to learn the duties of his heirhood, with Arrax following close behind the two elder dragons. They'd visit home often, of course, wherever they made their home, to be with the rest of their landlocked family who chose to stay behind and lead in the cities. Targaryens ruled the land while Velayrons ruled the seas, meeting in the air to be the most fearsome force any in history had witnessed.

Daenys would travel until she saw it all. All corners of the realm, a voyager at heart. Retirement would come slow and without issue, her heart filled with contentment and mind with memories to last a hundred lifetimes.

With her dragon, Daenys would be free.

🗡

Cregan was three and ten when his father died. Even younger when his brother and mother did. Loss was a familiar feeling to the young Stark. His only family left was his sister, Sara, and even she prepared to leave the Stark ancestral home for her martial days ahead. His uncle and his three sons had to be imprisoned in the dungeons under Cregan's own order—the only way to mercifully spare the power-hungry man. He was alone among his council, only guided by the same men who guided his father before him. They respected Cregan because they knew his capabilities, as shown by the small-scale civil war in Winterfell, but the distance was clear.

They did not hold the same affection for Cregan as they did for Rickon. They knew the young man was intelligent and clear-minded but still saw him as an inexperienced child compared to themselves. It was common that he had to correct members of his own council and remind them of their place, which was serving him and the North.

In time, Cregan was confident things would change for the better. It would take years of building assurance and trust, which he must practice patience for. He knew of his fate to lead Winterfell and the North as it's Warden since he could walk. The only unexpected thing was just how soon that would be. At seven and ten, he was ready to take the mantle back from his uncle. At eight and ten, he finally won it back.

Cregan held no happiness for the way he did, but it was the solemn duty of the Lord of Winterfell.

It had only been a few moons since he was named Lord Stark. Every day, he was nagged about different things.

"Lord Stark, it would be wise to start finding a Lady Wife."

"Lord Stark, the stockades for winter have been reduced for the commonfolk to recover from the spreading of illness."

Every day, it was the same. Solving problems for others was his responsibility, and he did it well, taking them upon his shoulders like he knew his father did years prior.

"Lord Stark, Castle Black has written to you about the Wildlings again."

"Lord Stark, your uncle Bennard is demanding to see you again. He is growing quite insistant."

Today, he was too tired to sit among the chattering bannermen on his council. He informed his men of him leaving on a solo hunt. Promising to return soon, Cregan swiftly left. One day a year, he got his own day. It was his nine and tenth nameday, the one time he allowed himself to serve his own desires instead of his people's.

They would not fall for a few days of being unguided. Cregan tried to shake the guilt he felt for leaving, if only for a few short days. With only his clothes, Ice, and traveling supplies, he left Winterfell's walls on Red.

Hours later, he felt tension leave his shoulders. Alone, there was no one hovering over his shoulders and murmuring in his ears about any problems or infighting. The only sounds were his own breathing and the snow crunching beneath Red's hooves.

The Wolfswood was a vast and expansive place, the perfect shelter for solitude. He had explored the wood so often as a child that it was no longer scary and foreign, instead a blanket of comfort to him. One of his few solaces which seemed to be less and less day after day.

His friends that warded in Winterfell to learn the duties as a Lord of their own Houses had left, old enough to either marry, take the mantle from their fathers, or serve at the wall. Cregan's cousin on his mother's side served there, too, a recent development that he both sympathized with and honored. His brother had passed when he was only a young lad, not even yet nine years of age before succumbing to illness. That solace was taken from him, leaving him rendered friendless and without most of his kin in his home. The bannermen that served him had served long and faithfully by Rickon Stark's side, and Cregan had no intention of replacing them with less experienced and wise men even at his own behest.

Loneliness was something he had grown used to. It had become its own comfort, a constant throughout his days. He knew he was the most reliable person in his life.

He longed for his family every day. His father, especially. The strong pillar of strength that he looked up to had left him so suddenly, reminding Cregan of his own morality. Every time he was nagged to take a wife, he knew they were right. He did not have the heart to lock himself in a loveless marriage, not when his lordship was so green. While his parents were lucky to find affection in their marriage, it did not change the fact that it did not start out so great. Rickon had been an ornery young man before he became Lord, fathering a bastard while he was bethrothed to Gilliane. Gilliane, while being a benevolent and kind woman, did not easily forgive a transgression like that.

It took years before they found love. They told the story to Cregan many times. He did not have time to spend building a relationship with a future Lady Stark, not when he was just starting to learn the full extent of his duties. The marriage would be strained and distant, he knew. Every day he postponed his decisions was another day the Starks went without an heir, making the North grow nervous and tense.

Sighing, Cregan forced dark thoughts from his head. Such things could wait until he was back home in the empty halls of the Great Keep.

Red trudged on, guided by instinct and Cregan's strong sense of direction. He hoped to bring home a deer, at least, to make the hunt worthwhile.

As the hours passed, Red seemed to grow anxious. Ears pinned to her head and tail flicking back and forth, agitated about something. Cregan pulled her to a hault, scanning the surrondings. If a horse as steady as Red grew nervous, something must be amiss.

Slowly, he dismounted and grabbed Ice from his shoulder. Scanning the forest around him, he saw nothing. Red shifted again, leaning almost away from the side opposite Cregan, but still she did not run.

He toed over to that side, not able to notice any shifts in shadows or footsteps. If it were wildlings, they'd surely make enough noise for him to hear. He was no stranger to their fowl tactics, nor clueless on how to deal with them.

Finally, it was only when Red 'neighed' with a panicked rear before she ran off that Cregan was able to notice the stalking wolf in the woods. Caught off guard, he couldn't brace himself properly before he was on the floor.

🗡

Grunting, he was given no time to think before he instinctively whriled around under the body pinning him. Snarling jaws met his bicep as he threw it out to cover his face. Only able to get on his side, Cregan struggled to reach for Ice. The wolf was a deep brown with big blue eyes that pierced hatefully into his own.

Unable to get his longsword, he instead punched at the nose of the wolf, earning a pained yelp but no release. Instead, he seemed to latch on harder. Cregan's arm burned like fire was leaking through his veins, the sensation almost numbing. Doing the only other thing he could think of, without losing a few fingers, Cregan bit down on the ear closest to him.

It was only then that the wolf finally let go, a bloody scar left on his ear from the force of the bite. The dip would be a painful reminder that humans were not prey, and Cregan's own scar was a reminder of his role in life—standing alone.

The wolf snarled and nipped at him again, but Cregan was able to kick him off of him this time. They both stood, staring each other down intensely. Both were ready to move when the other did, scanning and preparing for the next attack.

Cregan was able to properly assess the wolf. Finding that it was barely older than a pup, gauging from the size of its bared teeth, but had the body mass of an adult wolf. A direwolf, he knew it had to be. They grew quickly and almost three times the size of a normal wolf. Cregan would be dead if this one were an adult.

It was not starving, either. Cregan's nameday landed in mid Summer, meaning prey was abundant for the wildlife. His coat shined with the nutrients he clearly got regularly. His teeth were all there, sharper every day. His frame was as burly as a young wolf's could be. It was simply an aggressive young wolf eager to prove itself and mark its territory, which Cregan had apparently encroached upon.

Cregan narrowed his eyes, faultering when a shooting pain shot to his head. When he opened his eyes, he saw only himself staring back at him. His eyeline was low, as if he were a babe looking up at a man grown. His body was still in an uncanny sort of way. He had never seen himself beyond the occasional check in the mirror, but being able to see one's own body entirely was a surreal experience. With a clenched heart, Cregan held his breath and tried not to panic.

He was in the wolf. Or rather, in its mind. Able to see through its eyes and control its body, Cregan had known what this experience was but never thought it would happen to himself. A warg, just like many Starks before him had been. Most bonded with birds, small forest animals, or the hunting dogs in the kennels of Winterfell. He was quite unsure if any had warged into a direwolf before. They rarely came below The Wall, creatures of the dark and unknown.

Cregan wished for his father.

He had no one to guide him, lest he chose to seek out advice from his crazed uncle. The very thought was traitorous to himself and Rickon Stark. He must navigate this alone, though he wished desperately to be guided by the firm but gentle hand of his father just one more time.

He moved, just slightly. The effort was different, walking on four legs instead of two. All his senses were heightened, and his ear stung and smelled of iron. Or, the wolf's ear, he should say. A few feet in front of his face, he could even smell himself and the blood pouring from his arm wound.

The sun was setting now, the day almost over. What a long day it had been. When Cregan blinked again, he saw the wolf in front of him. The brown direwolf did not seem so menacing now, instead looking up at him with interest instead of bloodlust.

Cregan hesitantly knelt to the floor, reaching an open hand out to the direwolf. With the same weariness it approached, sniffing at the gloved hand before meeting Cregan's eyes again. "Hello, Dusk." He muttered, petting the space between his eyes and smiling at the way he leaned into the newfound affection.

It seemed they both needed each other.

Perhaps he wasn't so alone, not anymore.

GIVE HOTD BIG DRAGONS. Syrax was not tiny 😭 they make her such a pretty princess dragon (she is) so she has to be small? She was described as large just not ferocious or battle-worn. She could've fought and done some damage if Rhaenyra was allowed to fight

anyone else think Sunfyre really isn't 'the prettiest' dragon? I didn't care for his face design it looked quite off compared to others. I think Moondancer or Syrax would the most visually pretty ones lol I adore Moondancer's stripes

This may have seemed extreme from Aegon but I think its realistic of a 11-13 year old boy to pull a prank like that bc he doesn't know the type of consequences it could have. also, having a prank go wrong but not asking for help because you KNOW You'd be in deep shit is so real

when Aemon Targaryen called Cregan the finest swordsman he'd ever fought I took that personally

i firmly believe they'd both slightly be daddy's girl and daddy's boy characters as kids. love both parents equally of course, but the bond between them and their dads was just untouchable and couldn't be replicated.

also didn't want to make Rickon stark a cheater, I don't think Stark men are cheaters ✋️

no animal abuse pictured they were simply throwing hands. I'd like to think they play fight still occasionally, also that bite was embarrassingly inspired by Snow Dogs (2002). When the guy bit Demon's ear to finally get him to cooperate I just think its so funny and Cregan would do it

#dragondreamer #cregan stark x reader #cregan x reader #hotd fanfic #cregan stark x oc #cregan stark #hotd

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