#the desolation on corlys's

[backjustforberena]

NEW PHOTO of Corlys Velaryon & Rhaenys Targaryen in "Driftmark"

[two-white-butterflies]

parallel lines | d. targaryen | part two

Description: An ordinary middle school teacher moves to a desolate town with her fiancee. After suffering episodes of vivid nightmares, she realizes that his uncle looks exactly like the man in her dreams.

Pairings: daemon targaryen/reader, aemond targaryen/reader

Trope: Reincarnation

series masterlist |

"Trust I seek and I find in you Every day for us something new Open mind for a different view" - Nothing Else Matters, Metallica

(CANADIAN HEIGHTS, DRAGONVIEW. JANUARY 3, 2023)

"You couldn't have told me about Rhaenyra?" the sentence slips off your tongue immediately after the door slams shut. He takes a deep inhale, further expanding your doubts as he places his coat on the rack. "I don't like her - never did." he grumbled while walking towards the living room - you trail after him.

"I didn't think that you'd meet each other." he reasoned while opening a bottle of beer. "- it's the first time in twenty years that I've seen her work. She got the majority of Dad's trust." he avoided your gaze.

You continued staring at him - waiting until he tells the truth. "You could've told me that she was your sister." you pointed out. A scoff exits his mouth. "Half-sister." he corrected while taking his mug off the counter and storming straight to his office.

(STARLIGHT STEAKHOUSE, DRAGONVIEW. JANUARY 4, 2023)

The dinner came sooner than expected. Soon, you found yourself in the middle of a crowded steakhouse with all the school's faculty. It was pleasant to be in this atmosphere - they all had a familiar aura. One that you'd find in the Mayor's Office or a Family Reunion. They were all cool - nonchalant almost.

"The political climate in Dragonview is relatively calm. I thought all hell would break loose after Viserys died - but Corlys seems to be running this city well." Harwin, Rhaenyra's husband, proclaimed. You were about to ask a question, but a man walks in.

He had an impeccable posture, shoulder's straight - with the same command as a military officer. He was wearing black trousers and a polo shirt that was tucked in neatly. You could hardly make out the Lacoste logo on his chest - if it weren't for the smell of Le Labo Santal 33 that blinded you.

Your eyes trailed from his clothes to his face. Those fucking purple eyes - those eyes that you've been searching for. They looked like a field of Lavender, and all you wanted to do was drown in them. "Is she the new teacher in lucky St. Goretti?" he opened his mouth, his voice was velvety and deep. It made your head spin.

"Yes, the middle faculty's attractive levels are rising." Rhaenyra pats your back and you share a small chuckle. "I'm Daemon, Daemon Targaryen." he says his full name - like it was something that you needed to remember. He looked important, who was he?

"(Your Name)" you responded while shaking his hand. Electric sparks course through your body. Enchanted by a guy that you only met? Unethical. The man sits beside you - tracing his muscles through his tight polo-shirt. He was familiar. You knew him somewhere.

You knew everything about his body language - the way he leaned back when something was hilarious - the way that he took up space because he knew that he was entitled to it. His face looked like coming home. He looked like a thousand sleepless nights cuddled near the fire. But you shouldn't be feeling this way.

It was wrong that time stood still for a man other than Aemond.

"He's my uncle, actually. He owns the land where the school is standing in." Rhaenyra confirmed and your eyebrows merged into each other. "He's your uncle? Is he also Aemond's uncle?" you inquired, seeing an unsettling resemblance between him and your boyfriend. "He's our father's brother." Rhaenyra answered with a smile. "It's a small town, everyone's related." Harwin says.

You felt outcasted one more. Aemond knew everything about you, but you hardly knew anything about his past. When you asked him about it, he'd ignore you and move to 'better' topics. It felt like you were purposefully in the dark about him - like he was hiding something important.

"It's nice to finally meet you. My first meeting with Rhaenyra was quite rocky." you chuckled nervously, everyone in the table was searching for something behind your eyes. Waiting for you to remember? "So she's told," Daemon flashed you a rare smile.

"Of course, he's arrived fashionably late as usual." Rhaenys teased her cousin while cutting through her steak. "Do not get too cocky with me Rhaenys, just because you're the mayor's wife now." Daemon jested and everyone laughed at his joke. "You can't blame him, ever since his ex-wife died and left him that massive public library - he's spent all of his time there." Rhaenyra rolls her eyes, taking a sip of a diet coke.

"It's free and I will use it." he shrugged, turning his knees in your direction. You knew what it meant - he liked you. Was it possible that you weren't the only one with this feeling? "I must admit, I'm a little curious. Where did you meet my brother? What was his job again?" she placed a finger on her lips, attempting to remember her brother's job. Since her father's death, they've all went their opposite ways.

"He streams," you answer and the entire table falls into silence. They weren't luddites, but they were oblivious when it came to modern technology. "It's a work from home type of thing." you expanded and they all nodded. "How did you meet him?" Rhaenyra repeated her question and your face relaxes.

(BERNINA EXPRESS, SWITZERLAND TO ITALY. AUGUST 23, 2018)

Europe was beautiful, really cold, but beautiful.

It was your eighteenth birthday, also the death anniversary of your mother. It's been a decade since she died - life has never been better. "Coffee or hot chocolate?" the attendant inquires and you look at her, "Nothing, thank you." you popped those headphones back on.

So you're leaving, in the morning. On the early train.

It's been ten years since you've last listened to this song - it's humble melody still brought you comfort. You looked towards the vast horizon, soaking in the beautiful scenery of Switzerland. Never in a million years did you expect stepping foot in this country.

Well, I could say everything alright. And I could pretend and say goodbye.

"Miss, you're in my seat." a man leans down, standing beside you.

Your gaze hikes up to his face - he was an ethereal wisp of a man, he had a buzzcut and his hood was partially covering his face. Although, the hood wasn't enough to cover his missing eye. A purple eye?

"What? My seat is 13B." you stared at the ticket in your hands. You reached towards your phone, exiting Spotify and deciding to give him your full attention. "Yes, and you're in 13C." he clenched his jaw. Your cheeks turned crimson red.

"I'm sorry. Here, I'll move." you apologized, moving your body until you were seated beside the window. "It's alright, I'd sit there but I don't like window seats." he settled his backpack on his lap. A frown is etched upon your face, "How? It's the best seat." you voiced out.

An amused chuckle escaped his mouth.

"For you, maybe."

(STARLIGHT STEAKHOUSE, DRAGONVIEW. JANUARY 4, 2023)

"How did you meet him?"

"Europe, it's a romantic place." you smiled fondly at the memory. You always believed that you were lucky to meet him - the perfect strangers. It came straight out of a Disney movie. "Oh, where? Harwin and I met there too!" Rhaenyra cheered, quickly leaning on her husband's shoulder. "The Bernina Express."

Harwin's eyes narrowed - seemingly remembering an experience of his own. "Oh, remember that family trip when we went to in Italy? We took the Bernina Express too, was that where you met?" Harwin asked and Rhaenyra grumbled. "What date was that again?" she inquired and Daemon answered this time; with a shaky breath.

"August 23," he gulped.

It was the day where he remembered. The day that he began looking for you. "Exactly, it was my birthday." you smiled and Rhaenyra couldn't help but laugh. "We could've known each other sooner. Although, me and the others took the first class seats. Aemond insisted on getting the normal ones." she reminisced.

Daemon's teeth burrowed into his lower lip.

Did Aemond plan for this?

"Invisible string theory?" Mysaria inquired, but no one understood her reference. "We're glad to know you now," Daemon nodded - seemingly convincing himself. "Likewise," you smiled.

"(Your Name) can I get your Instagram? I took a really cool photo and I want to post it." Rhaenyra asked while pulling out her phone.

"Yeah sure!"

RhaeTargaryen: Dinner with the #SJTWSID Faculty! ❤️ Anyone know the full name of our beloved school?

liked by 3,854 others

>comments

cordenciagomes: st. Joseph the worker's school in dragonstone 🤣 a mouthful isn't it? - RhaeTargaryen: Quite 😅

HarwinStrong: Beautiful picture!

(RED KEEP MANSIONS, DRAGONVIEW. JANUARY 4, 2023)

"I hope that you don't take the entire thing to heart." Rhaenyra stands outside of her uncle's mansion, half her foot was inside the door - half was still splayed on the concrete. "Everything happens for a reason," he responded with a thin lipped smile.

Rhaenyra becoming his close confidant was a surprise. In his other life, he was older by decades - in this life, there were only four years between them. They could relate to each other now - know each other in ways deeper than shared blood.

She breathes a sigh of relief.

"I'm glad that's all sorted. Just don't think much about it, I'm sure that Aemond doesn't remember. We haven't seen him since that trip 5-years ago, where he met her." Rhaenyra whispered. "Do you think that he remembered there too?" he couldn't help but inquire.

Rhaenyra ponders for a moment, before seeing her son descend from the Grand Staircase. "Don't think about it, uncle." she moved past him. "Jace, it's time to go home." she smiled.

Daemon did think about it.

It was 12:00am. Four hours past his bedtime.

All he could think about was you. The thought of you being engaged to his nephew brought shivers down his spine.

You were his wife for gods sake! The woman that healed his wounds, showed him what true love meant. Aemond did not deserve you.

He closes his eyes, trying to remove the mental image in his head. His nephew's arms around your waist, pressing kisses on your neck. Aemond standing beside you, usurping Daemon's rightful place.

There was an indescribable feeling in his heart. Hopelessness.

He'd exchange all the money in his bank account just to feel you in his arms again, seeking comfort in him like you used to do before. He misses the way that you'd talk to him about healing, and sometimes he'd tell you stories about his past in the battlefield.

Most of all, he misses the way that you'd plan about the future. Naming all the sons and daughters that you wanted to have.

Sons and daughters that he promises to have with you.

Please remember. Was the last thought that went through his head until he fell asleep.

(TIRANO, ITALY. AUGUST, 23 2018.)

Daemon exited the building carefully, excited to finally be back in this beautiful place. The country where Renaissance began. He sees a woman - walking past him and he can't help but feel drawn towards her. She was beautiful, slender and with alluring eyes.

The world stood still for a moment, before he finally got the guts to open his mouth. "Miss, can you take a picture of me?" he requested, pulling out his vintage camera that he bought especially for this trip. "I really have to meet someone," she tried to reason, clearly panicked and staring at the floor.

"Please, just one picture." he pleaded - feeling that familiar pain in his head. Hopefully the dreams wouldn't return tonight. "O-okay," she stuttered, reaching for his camera. He adjusted his suit, leaning on one of the airplane statues that they had in the courtyard. She clicks, taking a picture of him - before running off.

All without staring at his face.

"Thank you," he whispered - holding his camera and feeling electric sparks course through his body. She was the last thing he remembered before falling out of consciousness.

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DaemonTargaryen.phd: Beautiful day here in Tirano. 🇮🇹

liked by 632 others

Posted August 24, 2018.

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next chapter >>

[tqwnw]

the rhaenys/corlys ao3 tag is so desolate .. bring me back to october/november.

[goldoriole]

House of the Dragon S2 Ep 3

My thoughts/reactions on the most recent episode

Beautiful Bracken you rock

The immediate cut to a desolated battlefield, all the quiet dead, the blood, bodies in the river...chilling!!!!

Jace protesting burying the twins together because it sullies his grave...BABE we are all sullied by war!

RHAENYS DEFENDING OTTO? not on my bingo card!

Rhaenys is slaying this entire scene

"AS YOU PERMITTED THE MURDER OF A LITTLE BOY IN HIS BED."

Cutting to Criston having a quiet breakdown over his sudden promotion. This man does not know what he's doing.

AEGON MADE HIS FRIENDS HIS KINGSGUARD????

WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES I NEED TO KNOW

Does this mean that two of them will be entrusted to whisk Jaehaera and Maelor (if he exists) to safety? If so, very sweet that Aegon's friends will protect his children.

Well, if they get their act together! Imagine Visenya seeing some kingsguard sitting on the stairs. Instant death by Dark Sister.

Tyland logic

DAERON MENTION!!!

He must be mentioned as frequently as possible to make up for his absence in S1.

Aemond and Cole making eye contact at the table - Oof, Aemond is not happy Cole is putting him on the sidelines.

Aegon volunteering himself. He is so eager to prove himself.

"I'm as fearsome as any of them." I BELIEVE YOU!!

Knowing Mysaria's ending...girl GO HOME BE FREE GET OUT

Seasmoke is anxious!!!

RHAENA ALERT RHAENA ALERT

Aegon and Viserys going to the Vale? Not Pentos?

NO THEY ARE GOING TO PENTOS

"WHERE MY MOTHER DIED?" SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS SO SAD!!!! RHAENA!!!!!

"I need you to be the mother to them that I cannot." Other people have already dissected this line better than I could. The implications are crazy.

Rhaena asking about Baela.

"Because she has a dragon."

"I cannot promise to make you happy." UGH

Daemon's armor is so ugly, maybe its just the helmet though.

HARRENHAL. HARRENHAL.

"I'm claiming Harrenhal." "Apparently so."

Who is this baller! Simon Strong? Simeon?

I WAS RIGHT.

I like this guy.

Cutting to Criston's new haircut. Traumatizing.

Gwayne!

"Modest beginning."

"Giddying ascent." Gwayne you do not talk like a serious person.

This is how Alicent and Criston say goodbye?

GRANT HER FAVOR

GRANT HER FAVOR

GRANT HER FAVOR??????

OH!!!

So sad Alicent is not vibing with him right now. Favors and chivalry are so important to me. Alicole breakup I guess.

Music as Criston rides out is great.

Jace is clearly frustrated at this meeting.

WHOS THIS GUY WHO LAUGHED AT RHAENYRA??? HIS QUEEN?

Corlys/Rhaenys scene!!!!

Feeding her tenderly.

Love that she's standing on a box.

Corlys bade farewell to Rhaena? Elaborate. What is your relationship like.

NAME RHAENA HEIR!!!!!

This conversation between the two of them will become so tragic in light of the next episode.

GO BACK TO HER, CORLYS!

little Joffrey!!!!!

Jace hugging his brother D:

Baela walking Rhaena out.

TWIN HUG!!!

"I feel sad about Jaehaerys." Something about the bluntness of that line made me laugh.

Oh, Helaena is trying so hard to cope. this is so sad.

"Sadness is a condition of motherhood."

Larys serving rn in an evil advisor sort of way

OG Aegon had ugly ass armor.

Aegon's friends are such fucking goons.

ULF!!

Every time a character appears for the first time on screen I react like a Marvel fan whenever an obscure superhero gets namedropped. Why am I excited for Ulf the White of all people.

Baelon???

If that's true, that's crazy. RIP Alyssa I guess.

Aegon is a boy's boy (derogatory)

aegon catching aemond.

full. frontal.

oh man this reminds me of that one time I got a hate comment on The Water Between Us and it ended with "I hope Aemond's cock was worth it." Guest User Raefa I hope you were okay after this episode

Gwayne is so dumb. Unserious person.

Baela, you wonderful reckless girl!

Moondancer! I like the stripes but I still wish she was a more vibrant green.

can jace get some dialogue PLEASE

I would have killed to not have been spoiled about Milly Alcock before the episode aired. curse you GQ article for being published too early

ALYS! She looks phenomenal!

Rhaenyra going to KL is so risky and stupid

Alicent's disgusted face is always so funny

"You know what Aemond is." Elaborate please

Scene is a bit silly but so well acted that I barely took any notes. Such a great performance from both Cooke and D'Arcy

Really liked this one, especially with all the Velaryon screentime. Hopefully this is not the last we see of Rhaena and Baela, and I am really hoping there will be time for Jace to step into the spotlight. He's such a remarkable young man in F&B.

[youleavethetardisbrakeson]

This Brief, Mortal Life

Lord Corlys returns from Tarth with Prince Aemon's body; Rhaenys is distraught.

Link to AO3 here

The sounds of Rhaenys' wails still echoed in Corlys' head, even hours later. 

He had never seen his wife in such a state. The princess' immaculately-kept mask of calm had been torn asunder by grief, leaving her screaming on her knees aboard the Sea Snake.  There was nothing he could do, no solace he could offer other than to hold her in his arms as she wept for her father. 

Eventually, when Rhaenys' tears had exhausted completely, Corlys gathered her up and helped her to stand. She clung to his chest, her breathing still wracked by sobs, as Aemon's body was moved offboard. Corlys looked to Lady Jocelyn, her eyes red with bitter tears. She gazed back forlornly, her eyes lingering on her daughter, before nodding for them to go. 

Corlys all but carried his wife to their rooms in the Red Keep. She did not speak, merely clutched his hand as he guided her. The Lord of the Tides noted with fear just how gaunt his Lady had become since he'd last seen her. Gone was his joyous and fiery, albeit concerned, wife wishing him good fortune and a safe return from war – desolation had stolen her from him. 

The maesters brought milk of the poppy; enough to sedate, but not harm the child growing within her belly. Only when Rhaenys finally succumbed to sleep, curled against his side, did Corlys let his own tears fall. 

-

A soft knock at the door roused him from dreamless dozing. Corlys gently rose to answer it, thankful that Rhaenys still slept undisturbed. 

A maester greeted him, his face solemn. "Welcome home, Lord Corlys," he whispered quietly. He motioned an arm out into the hallway. "If I might have a word?"

Corlys obliged. As the door shut behind them, the maester continued, voice lowered. "It is a delicate matter, my lord. I hesitated to speak on it, but it needs mentioning. The princess – we worry for her health and that of the babe's. Ever since Prince Aemon's passing, she has been," he searched for the words, "listless… distraught. Such undue stress is not good for the child, nor mother."

Corlys closed his eyes and sighed heavily. The report did not surprise him, but it was difficult to hear all the same. "What would you have me do?" 

"She is in a delicate state. Keep her calm. Soothed. Try to avoid anything which could cause… agitation." 

"You do realize that my wife is a Targaryen?" Corlys said with half amusement. "That task is easier said than done."

The maester nodded, seemingly unperturbed by the comment. "Do not hesitate if you require assistance, my lord." He bowed and turned, leaving Corlys alone with his thoughts. 

-

Corlys re-entered their rooms, shocked to find Rhaenys awake, propped up against a mountain of pillows.  

"Have the maesters lectured you on my health?" she asked wearily, by way of greeting.

Corlys couldn't lie to her. "Yes," he admitted, standing awkwardly by the door. "They're concerned, Rhaenys."

That earned him a small, tired scoff. Rhaenys held her rounded stomach protectively. "I lost my father over a fortnight ago, Corlys. I do not intend to lose this child." She paused for a moment, lost in thought, smiling faintly before saying, "I felt him move yesterday."

Corlys' eyes widened. "You did?"

Rhaenys nodded, her tired smile growing brighter. "He's quickened, Corlys." 

He stared with wonder at the roundness of her belly, conflicted with both pride and sadness that he had missed it swell, if only for a few weeks' time. 

Rhaenys, as though sensing his melancholy, moved to stand. "Come here, husband," she instructed gently. 

Corlys hesitated for a moment, and Rhaenys stepped towards him to close the distance. She took his hand in hers and placed it on her stomach. "I won't break," she reassured him. 

As Corlys slowly stroked his thumb across the slope of her belly, he couldn't help but smile. Rhaenys looked up at him, touching his face tenderly with her free hand. "He missed his papa," she said softly, her eyes watering. "We both did."

Corlys kissed her then, for the first time in weeks. It was soft and sweet, nothing like the rough, desperate kisses he'd left her with. After a moment, he pressed his forehead to hers, a hand still on her belly. 

Rhaenys swallowed thickly. "He was so happy, Corlys," she whispered, barely able to get the words out. "... to have a grandchild."

Corlys closed his eyes in remembrance. They'd told Aemon just before departing for Tarth; something to look forward to upon their return. "We'll make him proud," he whispered back, squeezing her hand. She nodded solemnly in reply. 

Corlys moved to kneel before her then, his head coming to rest on her stomach. He snaked a hand up under her shift, reveling in the feel of her skin beneath his fingers. "Our boy," he whispered with adoration. 

Rhaenys sniffled at the sentiment, carding her fingers through her husband's hair. "Our babe will be his legacy."

[dwellordream]

Initial Impressions of HotD, Episode 5

be warned there are spoilers below.

i have read fire & blood, but i am not judging the show as to its accuracy towards the book, as i had major issues with fire & blood, particularly in regard to how grrm wrote the female characters and handled the Dance.

this is not an evaluation of it as an adaptation but on its own merits.

Rhea’s actress did a great job establishing her character in such a short amount of time as confident, independent, and blunt - similar to Daemon in many ways, but clearly not someone he would ever find appealing because she would never flatter his ego.

I think her death scene was a little silly; they could have had her riding out alone, and then show Caraxes’ shadow overhead, then cut to her being found dead, but I’m glad they kept it nebulous as to whether Daemon directly caused her death, or even meant to hurt her at all.

Otto is a horrible person, but it’s true that Rhaenyra’s claim will never be secure so long as Alicent has living sons. Rhaenyra might not initially intend to harm them, but they would always be a threat to her, and Daemon would have zero qualms about killing them.

Having it be autumn at this point in the story is a good choice, because everything is declining; Rhaenyra and Alicent’s relationship is dead in the water. Viserys’ health is fading fast. Daemon has repeatedly squandered the power he has. Laenor and Rhaenyra’s betrothal is depicted as a rather tedious, reluctant affair.

Not getting to see the shiny silver roofs of Driftmark was a missed opportunity. It looked very generic and seemed quite desolate, as opposed to a bustling port.

Larys’ actor is great, and he and Alicent have a very fun dynamic. He comes across as much more awkward than the typical scheming advisor, but in works in his favor because he is aware people already pity/scorn him due to his disability.

Laena’s actress is great, but this show has done her very dirty. Laena easily could have featured in Episodes 3 and 4 as Rhaenyra started to pull away from Alicent. They also cut her claiming Vhagar, which annoys me a lot. The writing for women of color on this show sucks, frankly.

It was a delight to see Rhaenys again. Then, again, we could have seen a lot more done with her in the last two episodes. What a waste.

Corlys and Rhaenys seem to have become disillusioned with Daemon now that Laenor and Rhaenyra are a possibility, which makes sense. They very pointedly bring up that Daemon may have murdered his wife, and have probably heard the rumors about him and his niece.

Viserys never says anything about Rhaenyra’s firstborn child succeeding her regardless of gender in Fire & Blood, so it’s strange here that he doesn’t even try to go��‘well, of course Rhaenyra will have sons...’. 

It’s nice to see Rhaenyra trying to be kind to Laenor and proposing a marriage of friendship and respect, even if his actor is much more stiff than hers. 

To be honest the breakneck pacing of this season could have been slowed down considerably, and the finale could have been Rhaenyra and Laenor wedding, and Alicent turning against her permanently. It would have developed the Velaryons much more.

Corlys being in denial about Laenor’s sexuality and insisting he’ll ‘outgrow it’ seems silly. It would make more sense for him to be aware, but not see it as a genuine impediment to Laenor siring children.

Joffrey Lonmouth is very fun, and I think his actor has a lot of charm. You can see how Laenor, who seems much more solemn, would be attracted to him.

I assume the implication here is that Rhaenyra and Criston have continued their sexual relationship in the few months since last episode. He never seriously proposes running away with Rhaenyra in Fire & Blood, and I don’t really like his characterization here - I can’t see Criston being willing to abandon his post as Kingsguard and the honor/fame of it for a life on the run with a princess.

However, I do think his reaction to Rhaenyra proposing they continue the relationship after her marriage is good. Criston wants to preserve Rhaenyra in his head as a pure and chaste princess who was only willing to give up her virtue to him, and then never stray from her husband. He’s horrified at the thought of being the third party to a marriage between her and another man, even if Laenor is gay.

Alicent’s nervous speech to Ser Criston, trying to ascertain if Rhaenyra actually had sex, is very well done, especially when she tries to play the wise older woman reflecting on the ‘flush of youth’. Alicent never got to make youthful mistakes or have any lapses in resolve. And the thought of Rhaenyra having had sex doesn’t just upset her on a moral level, but seems yet more salt in the wound of the life she never got to lead, and the pleasurable relationship with Rhaenyra that ended abruptly with Alicent’s marriage.

Nice to see some actual dragons again the dragon show.

Daemon waltzing in to the wedding celebrations uninvited and knowing damn well he is still exiled is such a Daemon thing to do.

Alicent’s evil stepmother entrance was beautiful. Seeing her do the first genuinely petty, selfish thing for herself right at the perfect moment to show up Viserys was so fitting. The music was also great; a very sinister waltz.

Joffrey massively underestimating the consequences of joking about Criston Cole is pretty heartwrenching. 

Harwin being completely unthreatened by Daemon, but also never contradicting or defying him establishes a lot about him as a character. He doesn’t have much of a temper or ambitions; he just wants what he wants, and is willing to bend rather than break for it.

Criston ‘accidentally’ killing Joffrey during a tourney was one thing. Brutally killing him in a brawl during the royal wedding celebrations is another. I hope they’re prepared to explain the consequences of this next episode. The Lonmouths are not a minor house, and they would be enraged by this act from a Kingsguard.

Despite my issues with how they have handled the Velaryons, especially Laena, I do think this was the best episode since Episode 2. The pacing was tight and the suspense was genuine, and there were a lot of great shots of characters carefully observing one another.

[backjustforberena]

Idk what this is but it's been a year since episode 9 and I just have a gut feeling that if Rhaenys had burnt the Dragonpit, Rhaenyra would have hung her out to dry to secure her reign...

“You will have to kill me.” Her voice is miraculously steady. Corlys’s hand squeezes hers tightly, his presence a reassuring pillar by her side but she cannot put her weight on him. He is too weak, and still recovering; the hand that does not hold hers grips tightly on his walking cane. He cannot protect her now. Not when the whole realm cries for her blood. 

Daemon, for his sins, looks almost remorseful. He gives a sharp nod. Rhaenys cannot say she is surprised.

“I did not think they would bend for anything less.”

“The Hightowers, the Lannisters, the Strongs and the Wyldes all lost that day. Even the Faith denounces you, for you killed their Septon. Paramount Lords call for justice for their vassals. Rhaenyra cannot suffer you to live if she is to succeed,” Daemon explains, his hands resting on the pommel of his sword. Rhaenys takes it in. Perhaps Rhaenyra could suffer it, if she wished it; what power does a monarch have if not absolute? But it is the easy way out for her. No one will blame the Queen for the death of her usurper brother if she condemns the hand that did it. The dragon that did it. Her hand. Her dragon.

“I had no choice, cousin. They would have had war.” Rhaenys wants him to know that. Her voice echoes in the cavernous Hall of Nine, bathed in twilight. She feels Corlys’s thumb trace against her knuckles, grounding her. Daemon makes a low noise in his throat, his gaze steady on her. He agrees. That is something of a surprising relief.

The moment plays in her mind, again and again. Flames everywhere. Screams ringing. She had flown straight to Dragonstone, to tell Rhaenyra of her ascension and take her granddaughters. For what purpose she did not know; to keep them safe, keep them near. But Rhaenys had only achieved the former and she had had to flee as quickly as she came, once ravens reached Rhaenyra, telling her of the desolation she had caused. 

The burning of the Dragonpit. The deaths of the High Septon and his men, of the Small Council and the Grand Maester. And the murder of the Dowager Queen and three of her children. Aegon, Aemond and Haelaena. Aegon’s crown had blackened and twisted in ashes, fallen from a head never meant to wear it.

Rhaenys had had no choice. That is what she must tell herself. There was no other way. And yet, another son lives, in Oldtown. She hopes to the Gods that Daeron Targaryen has taken his blue mount and flown far away from this cursed continent. She hopes to the Gods that, in attempting to prevent a war, she has not ensured it. But that is why they are here, is it not? That is why her cousin comes with a summons to King's Landing. To mete out justice and have her pay for her crimes. 

Slowly, she extricates her hand from her husband’s. Rhaenys can imagine what will come in the coming days. Would it be a sword or axe that felled her head from her shoulders? Perhaps even dragon fire. A spectacle, to be sure. This is not a sentence that could be carried out in darkness. It is the dawn of a new day. It is pacification. Purification. It is what must be done. 

Lost in her thoughts, she has moved a few steps, forward, as if walking to Daemon is the walk straight into the Stranger’s arms. 

Then a tight hold reasserts about her wrist, pulling her back.

“They will not take her.” Her husband growls. She sways a little, and blinks. He is glaring at Daemon. “You will not take her.”

“Corlys-” She presses a hand to his chest, willing him to stay calm, to not exert himself. He only tugs her closer to him, as if shielding her with his body will shield her from all to come. He has not lived what she has lived. He did not hear the screams. If the Queen would not come for her, then the Gods would. There's nothing more accursed than what she is now.

“She is a Princess of the Blood! She is no common criminal!” Corlys spits at Daemon, ignoring her. “The crimes are not with my wife but with those that plotted against the rightful Heir. The Heir who is now our Queen, thanks only to the Princess Rhaenys!”

“No one has ever accused your wife of being common, Lord Corlys.” There is an echo of a smirk; a red rag to a bull. If Rhaenys were feeling at all in her body, she would have scolded her cousin, by word or by expression. As it is, she remains dull. She is trying hard to be strong and to be steel. To face her fate. But all she feels is air. Corlys charges, words on his lips but she cuts across him.

“Will there be a trial?”

The attention falls back on her.

“Mayhaps.” Daemon cannot say. Gods, Rhaenys wishes he could. Instead, he looks down at his boots. Like the child she had once known. She swallows against the bile in her throat; the part of her that is afraid, like the child she once had been. None of them are recognisable now. 

She clears her throat and straightens her back. 

“Will I be chained?” She asks as if it is no matter either way. Beside her, she can feel her husband rile at the question. But Rhaenys remains calm, she will not lose herself or her dignity in the pursuit of this knowledge. Daemon looks up at her.

“Mayhaps.” She gives a short, sharp nod and takes a moment to consider.

“And Meleys?”

“Her fate is up to the Queen also.”

“She has not said?” Confusion flickers across her face. Daemon shakes his head. Has this Queen decides nothing? Should Rhaenys make the choice for her, as she did on that fateful day? Why summon her if Rhaenyra had no stomach? She may walk to her death, but do not make her dig her own grave also.

“No.” 

Rhaenys only sighs.

[backjustforberena]

That ep 7 gif set you’ve just posted? Mr Steve was in his acting bag because the vulnerability Corlys was displaying? Phew.

You know what, I could talk about this scene for AGES. I just think it's the pinnacle of what a scene can be and what can be communicated to an audience when you're working with people at the top of their game. Director, set designer, costume, actors, writers. All of it. I just think it's a marvellous scene. It's so nuanced and if you are willing to look hard enough, it tells you everything you need to know about these characters and about their marriage. AND IT WAS THEIR FIRST SCENE FILMED.

And whilst I don't know what "in his acting bag" means, I'm assuming it's something along the lines of: he ate and left no crumbs. Because that he did, nonnie. That he did. And it's the vulnerability that gets me every time. In this moment, he is essentially being stripped of his pride. And initially, he responds to that by holding fast to what amounts to a script at this point; his pride, his notion of righting this great wrong and that it’s not his fault, this was the fault of all of those people on the Great Council, that’s where this started, that’s why their life is as it is and they’ve suffered that loss. Those are the walls he uses against everybody else. Is it such a terrible thing for your husband to wish to win it back?

And she’s saying stop it. Through no malice on Rhaenys’s part, she’s handing him a mirror and telling him to take a look at himself. If this is an act of the Gods, as he would have it be, then it is because the Gods have forsaken them both. She sees that. She’s accepted that. She knows her flaws but Corlys refuses. So she tells him how she sees it. And I honestly think that this is the plainest she’s ever been with him, the most desolate, and the most firm. It’s the unvarnished truth as she sees it. It’s a heck of a lot of words, and every one of them lands. 

He can’t defend against it. A lot of Corlys previously has been him wilfully ignoring things in order to get closer to the Throne, and nevermore so than with their children (Laenor’s happiness, Laena’s happiness - though we don’t know the circumstances of her marriage within the show’s canon - she was unhappy by the end and wanted to come home). It’s utterly brutal because it’s all for nothing. Rhaenys is telling him it was all for nothing.

And he doesn’t get angry. That’s what I most appreciate. He could put up his hackles, he could rage and rail and continue to cling to whatever godawful argument he can come up with to soothe his ego. He doesn’t do that.

He knows Rhaenys is right. So they’ve gotten to the heart of the matter. And he just... he just wants her to understand, and to agree, and to see why he’s done it all, that it was worth something surely, that they are still on the same side and of one mind. Rhaenys’s opinion is the only one that he cares about, and he’s just lost her good one. He’d do anything to get that back.

He gives his line about legacy, is as vulnerable as he can be, but she still doesn’t respond. She doesn’t even look at him. They’re opposed. And that gap between them gets wider and wider in the scene till his walls are raised against her. And he leaves.