#what 'peaceful' solution was Rhaenyra looking for???

[an-abyss-of-stars]

I'm getting tired of this "if the war can be averted...I have a duty to try" shit, like the show keeps having these lead characters say it every episode. And it only really made sense in episode 10 of S1, before Luke died, there was a chance for that. The crown was usurped, but there'd been no major casualties.

But after Luke's death, Alicent kept saying it. And now after Jaehaerys' death, Rhaenyra is saying it.

And like, GURLS, DARLINGS, WE'RE HERE. THE WAR IS HERE. IMMA NEED YOU BOTH TO ACCEPT THAT.

People have DIED. You've both lost CHILDREN (well Rhaenyra and Helaena have). We're not coming back from that. The war isn't going to be curbed now.

And the stupid fucking misunderstood prophecy rearing its ugly head yet again. Like Rhaenyra, babes, you thought Alicent was going to change her mind NOW!???

Like c'mon, writers...let the war, WAR already 😭😭💀 Let these women get behind it and LEAD it already 😭💀

[cherriecove]

A New Dawn

Alicent Hightower x M!Reader

Summary: With the Hightower plot to place Aegon on the thrown a failure, Queen Rhaenyra finds herself unsure with what she should do with her old-friend. After some consideration she decides to remarry Alicent to her Hand, a man she trusts wholeheartedly, this of course upsets Alicent who belived her marital duties died when her husband did. Cherrie's Notes: This was a request that i really loved the idea of! Would like to apologiese in advance becasue this is so long I changed some things slightly but not too much. This is the first time I am writing a male reader and although there is no real description i hope it is satsfactory! There are so many words im sorry i got carried away! Masterlist

The bells of King’s Landing tolled in the early dawn, marking the end of one era and the uncertain beginning of another. With the death of King Viserys I, Queen Rhaenyra had ascended to the Iron Throne, securing her rightful place as ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. Yet, the victory was bittersweet, marred by treachery and near civil war. Alicent Hightower, Viserys’ widow and mother to Rhaenyra’s half-siblings, stood on the losing side. Her father’s ambitious plot to place Aegon on the throne had failed, and the Greens' hold on power was shattered.

Now, Rhaenyra ruled over a fractured court, her mercy the only thing keeping Alicent and her children alive. Otto Hightower, once the most powerful man in the realm, rotted in the dungeons. He was still scheming, still whispering plans of future influence, and Alicent found herself torn between loyalty to her father and a growing desire for peace.

Though Rhaenyra was urged to imprison or execute both Alicent and Otto, she hesitated. Old bonds of friendship still lingered in her heart, even if they had been buried beneath years of betrayal and political manoeuvring. In this delicate balance, you—Rhaenyra’s loyal Hand—offered a solution.

“If you wish Lady Alicent to live freely, Your Grace, then perhaps she should be placed under the care of someone you trust implicitly,” you had said, knowing full well the weight of such a suggestion.

“And who might that be?” Rhaenyra asked, her eyes searching yours with a knowing look.

You held her gaze. “Your Hand, Your Grace. I can see to it that she remains free but under close supervision.”

Rhaenyra’s expression softened into a sly smile. “Then you shall marry her.”

The queen’s words struck you as sharply as they did Alicent when she was informed of the arrangement. It was the last thing she expected. After all these years, she had thought herself done with marriage, with the expectations and duties thrust upon her. The mere thought of submitting again, of being bound by obligation, made her heart ache. 

Yet on the day of the wedding Alicent stood before the sept, her hands clasped tightly, the weight of the world resting on her slender shoulders. The vows echoed around her like a distant murmur, a ceremony that held little meaning for her heart. She barely glanced at you, her brown eyes, once so bright and commanding, now distant and guarded.

This was not the life she had envisioned. After Viserys’ death, she had assumed her time as queen was over, that she would fade into the shadows, left to a quiet existence without further demands. The idea of marrying again, especially to someone with no ambition, no thirst for power, had seemed almost unreal to her.

Yet here she was.

The thought of being bound to another man filled her with dread. Despite your reputation for loyalty and honour, she couldn't help but fear what this union might become. Marriage, in her experience, had always been about duty, submission, and control. The idea of yielding herself once more, her body and will, to another man’s authority terrified her. This marriage felt like a new prison, different from the gilded cage Viserys had kept her in, but a cage nonetheless.

On the night after your wedding, Alicent retreated to her chambers, her heart a swirl of confusion and bitterness. She had braced herself for what she assumed would come next—a knock at her door, a quiet but insistent demand to fulfil the duties of a wife. Viserys had not been cruel, but he had expected certain things from her, things she had learned to accept despite her reluctance. She feared history would repeat itself, that you too would seek an heir, another way to secure this alliance.

But you surprised her.

There was no knock. No intrusion. The silence of her chambers stretched into the night, uninterrupted by any demand or expectation. The following night passed in the same manner, and the one after that. You did not come to her room, did not impose yourself upon her. Instead, you gave her space, a freedom she had not anticipated. It unsettled her at first, the lack of pressure, but slowly, she began to breathe easier.

You treated her with respect, never asking for more than she was willing to give. You allowed her to visit her father in the dungeons, though under strict guard. Each visit left her feeling more conflicted than ever, as Otto, ever the schemer, continued to urge her to find ways to manipulate you, to regain some of the power she had lost. Yet, despite his machinations, you remained distant from those games, patient and steady.

One evening, after another tense meeting with her father, Alicent returned to your chambers, her face drawn and her steps hesitant. She hovered at the threshold, her fingers curling around the door frame. You sat by the fire, a book in hand, your features calm and focused. The warmth of the flames cast soft shadows on the room, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside her.

“I need to speak with you,” she said quietly.

You looked up, closing the book and setting it aside. “Of course. Come in.”

She stepped inside but did not sit, her voice low and uncertain. “My father… he’s still trying to use me. He wants me to manipulate you, to influence Rhaenyra’s decisions. He believes I can sway you.”

You didn’t react with surprise, nor with anger. Instead, you simply nodded, as if you had already expected this. “Thank you for telling me.”

Alicent exhaled, her shoulders sagging slightly with relief. “I don’t want to be used anymore. Not by him. Not by anyone.”

You stood, your expression soft but serious, and approached her with a deliberate slowness, careful not to make her feel cornered. “Alicent, you are not under anyone’s control now—not your father’s, not mine, not anyone’s. I won’t let him use you, and I won’t treat you like a pawn in his or anyone’s schemes.”

She looked up at you, her guarded expression flickering with something close to disbelief. “You… you truly mean that?”

“I do,” you said, your voice firm but gentle. “I never wanted this marriage for power or gain. I have no interest in forcing anything upon you—marital duty or otherwise.I don’t expect anything of you that you’re not willing to give.”

She blinked, her lips parting in surprise. The firelight danced across her face, casting shadows that highlighted the tension in her features. For a moment, there was silence—unspoken words hanging in the air between you, an understanding growing in the space that had long been empty.

Finally, Alicent spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "You... don't want anything from me? Not even—" She hesitated, her words stuck in her throat leading you to shake your head gently. "No," you said, your tone calm. "I don’t expect that from you, unless that is something you desire.” 

Alicent’s brow furrowed, a mix of confusion and hesitation clouding her eyes. “But we are wed,” she said, her voice barely audible. “Isn’t it… isn’t it your right to expect me to fulfil my duty? Is that not what this union is meant to be?”

Your gaze softened as you stepped closer, but still you remained careful not to approach too quickly. “You are not a vessel for duty, Alicent,” you said, your voice firm but gentle. “You are a person, not a means to an end. We are married because it is the only way to allow you peace, and to give our realm stability. Anything within our marriage is based on because you desire it—because we decide it together. Not because you’re bound to some obligation.” 

Alicent stared at you for a long moment, as though searching for something deeper beneath your words. Perhaps a hidden motive, a secret ambition. But all she saw was sincerity. There was no calculated manipulation, no power-hungry intent in your eyes.

Her hand fluttered to her chest, her fingers absently tracing the fine embroidery of her gown. “I never thought… I never thought I’d be free from such burdens,” she whispered. “Not like this.”

You offered her a soft smile, a reassuring one. “Then let’s make this work in a way that brings you peace. I know that it might take time for you to believe that.”

She nodded slowly, as if the weight of your words was beginning to settle. And though she remained distant, there was a subtle shift—a crack in the walls she had built around herself. You didn’t want her to be caged, not even in the gilded prison of a marriage. You wanted her to feel free to breathe, to live her life on her own terms.

In the days that followed, your quiet respect for her space became apparent. She had come to your chambers less frequently, yet when she did, you never pressed her for anything more than conversation or companionship. The two of you would sit together, occasionally exchanging stories of the past, speaking of times before the chaos that had defined both your lives.

One afternoon, as the sun cast long shadows across the chamber, you and Alicent found yourselves engaged in a quiet conversation by the window. The room was filled with a soft, golden light, and for once, it felt peaceful—unnaturally so, in the midst of the court’s usual tumult.

“Do you ever miss it?” she asked, looking out at the gardens below, where the birds fluttered amongst the flowers.

“Miss what?” you asked, your gaze following hers.

“The life before all of this,” she said, her hand resting on the windowsill. “The days before the schemes, the plotting, the weight of responsibility.”

You leaned back against the wall, your gaze drifting to the same view she saw. “I miss the simplicity of it,” you admitted. “But I wouldn’t trade the peace I have now for it. The quiet moments like this. The stillness.”

Alicent was silent for a while, as though considering what you had said. Finally, she turned to face you, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “You find peace in the simplest of things, don’t you?”

“I try to,” you said softly. “It’s the only way to survive in a world like ours.”

She nodded, though her eyes were filled with an uncertainty that had yet to fully leave her. For years, she had been used to a life filled with turmoil, her mind constantly burdened with the weight of others’ expectations. To be here, in this moment, with a man who did not want to control her, who did not demand anything of her, was a strange feeling—one she had not yet fully understood.

In time, as the days passed, your actions proved your sincerity. You allowed her to breathe, to make her own choices, while still offering her the safety of your protection. You never pressured her, never tried to push her into a role she did not want. And with each passing day, the distance between you lessened, even if only by a fraction.

The Small Council meetings had become more tense ever since your marriage to Alicent. The lords who sat at the table were no fools—they knew the weight of such a union. Whispers circulated through the court that you could no longer be impartial, that your marriage to the widow of the late king would compromise your loyalty to Queen Rhaenyra.

One such meeting came to a head when Lord Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake, leaned forward across the table, his brow furrowed. "You have served the queen faithfully for many years, Hand," he began, his voice deep and steady, "but now you are bound to a Hightower. Can we be certain your loyalties remain with the crown, rather than the family that sought to usurp it?"

Eyes turned to you, waiting for your response. The room was heavy with unspoken accusations, but you met them head-on, calm and unflinching.

"My loyalty has always been, and will always remain, with Queen Rhaenyra and the realm," you replied, your voice steady but firm. "I did not marry Lady Alicent for ambition or power. I married her because it was the Queen’s will, to keep the peace and ensure stability. If anyone here doubts my impartiality, let me assure you—my actions have always been for the good of the realm, not for the ambitions of any one family, including my own."

Lord Corlys, while still sceptical, leaned back in his chair, considering your words. The others exchanged glances, but no further accusations were made. Still, you could feel the lingering doubt, the tension in the air. It was a challenge you would have to face repeatedly as long as your marriage remained a topic of interest.

After the meeting, Rhaenyra sought you out, her brow furrowed. "They are suspicious of you," she said quietly, her eyes searching yours for any sign of resentment.

"They have reason to be," you admitted, not denying the reality. "But I will not betray you, my Queen. My marriage to Alicent does not change that."

Rhaenyra smiled, though faintly, and nodded. "I believe you. And that is all that matters to me."

While the realm questioned your loyalty, another tension brewed between you and Alicent. Though you had grown closer, there were still moments when her insecurities resurfaced, especially regarding her role as your wife.

One night, as the two of you sat in your chambers, she turned to you, her voice quiet but strained. “Do you expect me to give you an heir?” she asked, her eyes fixed on the floor. “I know I am still of childbearing age. You must expect children from me.”

You looked at her, surprised by the question. “Alicent, I do not expect that of you,” you said softly, setting aside the parchment you had been reviewing. “I married you because it was necessary for peace, not because I desired heirs.”

She frowned, her brow furrowed. “Then what do you want from me?”

You sighed, stepping closer but keeping your tone gentle. “What I want is for you to feel free. If you wish to have children, then that is your choice, not mine. But if you do not, I will not hold it against you. I am content to leave my titles to others—your children, or perhaps my nieces and nephews. My duty is to the realm, and to you, as my wife. Not to some legacy of blood."

Her eyes softened, surprise evident in her expression. “You are… different,” she murmured, almost to herself. “Not like the men I’ve known before.”

You offered a small smile. “Is that a good thing?”

She hesitated, then nodded. “Yes. It is.”

Over time, the relationship between you and Alicent deepened. Though it was not a marriage of passion, it became one of companionship. You spent evenings together, discussing matters of the realm or simply sharing stories from your past. Occasionally, she would speak of her children—her love for them, her fears for their futures—and you would listen, never judging, always offering comfort.

One evening, as you sat by the fire, Alicent glanced at you, her expression soft. “You’ve always been kind to me,” she said quietly. “Even when I didn’t expect it.”

You met her gaze, your voice gentle. “You deserve more than kindness, Alicent. You deserve peace. And if I can give you that, then I will.”

She smiled—a rare, genuine smile—and for the first time in many years, she felt a warmth she had long since thought lost. The heavy burden of her past was slowly lifting, thanks to the quiet strength and respect you had shown her.

As the months passed, Alicent grew more at ease in her new life. The tension between you eased, replaced by a mutual understanding and trust. She no longer feared manipulation or control, and you respected her autonomy in a way no man had before.

One afternoon, as you both walked through the gardens of the Red Keep, she turned to you with a soft smile. “I never thought I would find peace in marriage again,” she said, her voice light but sincere. “But with you… it feels different. It feels… free.”

You smiled in return, warmth filling your chest. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.”

For the first time in years, Alicent felt as though she was no longer a pawn in someone else’s game. She was finally allowed to live her own life, with a man who valued her not for her name or her power, but for who she was.

And in that, she had found something she never thought possible—contentment. A new dawn had come, for both of you.

[the20thangel]

The Caged Queen

Summary: The war has ended. Rhaenyra is dead, and Aegon is left burnt. You from House Celtigar have married the King and ruled at his place because of his injuries. To try to bring stability to the realm, you invite the lords of the realm to pledge their loyalty to the crown. Forcing you to reunite with a lord from your past, tensions run, and feelings come back. (I have not proofread, so I apologize for any errors)

Benjicot X reader

Tags: NSFW, MDNI, 18+

Word count: 3.5 K

Masterlist

Sitting in the council room, listening to the state of the realm, seeing how you can bring it into peace after the dreadful war. You sighed, listening to the lords discussing the possibility of marrying Prince Aegon, Rhaenyra’s son and your husband’s child, with his first wife, Heleana, Princess Jaehaera. The war ended, but the tensions were still high around the realm. With the current council holding surviving lords from both black and green sides, meetings usually ended with arguments rather than solutions. Since you had yet to provide a male heir to the king, you understood it was only plausible for the two to marry, but you did not want that for your stepdaughter. For you know, the sweet princess would never survive the hardships of court, just like her mother. You also could not help but think that Prince Aegon would be okay with marrying the daughter of the man who killed his mother. 

You were only a stand-in for your husband, who was too weak and almost always in pain to get out of his bed. Growing tired of the arguments, you cleared your throat. 

“My lords, I understand that the realm needs stability, but I don’t feel like marrying the young royals will achieve this. They have not healed from the horrors of the war. I will not force them into a marriage that could end in resentment. What would we do once they, in their anger, kill each other? Hmm? The realm will be left with no heirs left.”

You explained, twirling a ring on your right index finger; it was pretty garnet. Lord Corlys gave you a pointed look, stopping you from your nervous tick. Lord Peake condescendingly looked at you with pity.

“My Queen, no insult to you or the king, but since you have yet to become with child, King Aegon’s reign is frail; we need to make sure that the realm has heirs to prevent a war from brewing again.”  snidely explained Lord Peake, giving you a crooked grin, as eyes roamed down your body. 

Disgusted, you sneered at the lord, “Surely, you understand, my lord, that my husband is always in a great deal of pain, so tell me, my lord, how am I supposed to become with the child if laying with my husband will cause him immense pain? You want to ensure an heir for him; you should find a way for me to do my duty. I am responsible for Prince Aegon the Younger and Princess Jaehaera's well-being. My stepdaughter is still a child; I will not force her into an early marriage. So let us conclude this meeting by brainstorming a more realistic way to ensure lasting peace for the realm; surely our families and people deserve that much?” 

You stood up, prompting all the other lords to stand and bow their heads, letting you be the first to walk out of the council room. Walking to the king's rooms, you saw your husband peacefully sleeping on his bed. Turning to the maester, you asked about Aegon’s status. 

“The King is in great pain, but he seems to relax once given some sweet wine and poppy milk. Hopefully, letting him have adequate rest will bring back his strength.” 

 Thanking the maester, you turned to look at Aegon. You suppose you got lucky; you were his second wife after the tragic death of Heleana. Lord Larys, before Queen Rhaenyra executed him, convinced Aegon that he needed another Valyrian bride, and besides the Velayrons, House Celtigar was the only other house with Valyrian genes. So your father betrayed Rhaenyra, and you were soon married to Aegon. Although you pleaded for the Queen to help you escape from your fate, she was already ridden by grief and sent you away, claiming that you betrayed her like your father. Then Princess Baela attacked Aegon a week before your marriage, injuring him more than he was before.  So, although the seven witnessed the marriage, it remained unconsummated.  

Of course, the only people who knew that it was unconsummated were your ladies and Alicent Hightower, who would only glare at you should you be in the same vicinity as her. It did not help that you started prohibiting her from reaching your stepdaughter, but the poor girl confessed her grandmother frightened her. Sighing, you placed a kiss on his forehead before turning to leave the room. Walking to the children’s chambers, Aegon the Younger and Jaehaera played quietly. Smiling, you greeted them, allowing both children to embrace you. They were innocent in the war and lost people they cared about, and you needed to protect them from lords who wanted to place burden after burden on them. You spent the rest of the day with the children, trying to ignore the nagging feeling from that morning's meeting. 

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

The next morning, another council meeting was called. As you sat at the head of the table, you noticed that only a few lords seemed happy, and Lord Peake was not one of them. Turning to Lord Corlys, he cleared his throat. 

“My queen, after you left, I decided to follow through on your command and brainstormed a plan to bring stability to the realm, and I decided the course of action was to call all lords from the realm to come to Kingslanding and pledge their loyalty to the crown, ending the occasion with a ball. Therefore, the lords see how much we appreciate their oaths.” 

As you thought in the plan, you brought up the concern that the smallfolk would see this as a slap in their faces if the highborn indulges while they are struggling. Another lord countered by saying they would provide opportunities for the smallfolk to work for the lords coming to Red Keep to earn coins and hold minor feasts outside the walls. Nodding, you decided to allow the plan to run its course, taking the rest of the time to prepare preparations for the many houses and where they would stay in the castle. 

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

Two moons passed, and finally, the lords were here to swear their oaths to the crown. Aegon was improving but still had too much pain to leave his room entirely. As you stood with Prince Aegon and Princess Jaehaera, each lord came up, bowing and swearing his loyalty to the crown and House Targaryen. The last house from the Riverlands came up to the royals, House Blackwood. Lord Benjicot came forth, staring at the Prince for a while before bowing. Your heart started beating fast, seeing the Raventree Hall lord for the first time since your marriage. Seeing him so close, your chest tightened, but propriety was a border between you both. Benjicot raised himself, allowing both your eyes to meet, gray on lilac. You closed your eyes, nodding to him. 

Benjicot stared at you. You were so close, but he knew better than to reach out for you. Seeing your face away from him greatly upset him; frowning, he bowed again before walking away, his fists curling. 

Soon, the festivities began, with lords and ladies dancing and laughing, enjoying themselves. You tiredly smiled, happy that the court seemed to enjoy themselves, but it took a toll on you. Hoping to use the children as an excuse to leave early when the herald's voice came out. 

“Presenting His Royal Majesty, King Aegon, Second of his name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm.” 

Everyone gasped as the Kingsguard practically carried Aegon to you, and everyone paled, including you, at seeing your husband. Seeing him wheeze in pain caused you to quickly go to his side, helping him stand beside you as the court became silent.  You scanned the room, seeing many of the court becoming uncomfortable at seeing your husband’s state, and you were saddened to see Prince Aegon shake in fear, walking farther away from you. Before walking to the young boy, you felt a coarse hand grasp yours. Turning, you saw Aegon pull at your hand. Walking towards him, he reached up to you, barely kissing the corner of your mouth. You froze, stiffening at his actions and feeling dread when you made eye contact with Benjicot, whose face darkened with anger, and walked out of the room. Your eyes followed the lord as Aegon addressed the crowd.

“I thank all of you here for coming to swear loyalty to me and my queen. Even though I have not made many appearances in court, I know I have left my rule in the best hands possible. My lovely wife has done an excellent job in ruling in my name, and I wish to come out today so that we may take the time to honor her.” He gasped again in pain as he pushed for you to stand closer to the crowd. 

The lords and ladies smiled, clapping for their queen; what Aegon was the truth, you had ensured that the realm slowly returned to the peaceful times of King Viserys. Shyly, you smiled at the crowd before turning back to your husband, urging him to return to his chambers, seeing him in pain. You may not fully love your husband, but you were not cruel to enjoy him in pain. He nodded and kissed your hand again before leaving with his guards. Sighing, you clapped your hands, asking for the bards to play joyful songs for dances. 

Turning to the prince and princess, you saw how pale they were from Aegon’s appearance; you comforted them and let one of your councilmen know that you were also retiring with the children, not noticing how a certain councilman, followed you out and then changed course towards the king’s chambers. You spent an hour with each child, reading them sweet Valryian tales until they relaxed enough to sleep. Smiling, you kissed each child goodnight before walking out and making your way to the Queen’s Chambers. As you were a few steps from your chamber, you felt an arm grab yours. You spun to punch your attacker, but your hand was quickly caught as you heard a slight chuckle. You relaxed, seeing that it was Benjicot. You nodded as you addressed him. 

“My lord, pardon my attack, but I would have thought you knew better than to sneak up on your queen?” you questioned, noticing your hand still in his, but you made no move to remove it. 

“Forgive me, my queen, but I couldn’t help but notice you walking alone. Should you not have guards or ladies with you, or does your king not care what happens to his wife?” Benjicot criticized. 

You lightly scoffed, “Usually, no one outside the royal family would be this far into Meagor’s holdfast.” 

Benjicot flushed; he was caught. Still, he shook his head, backing away slightly from you. 

“I apologize; I got lost while walking around the grounds. I was trying to find my way back to the ballroom when I heard footsteps,” he confessed, his eyes softening as he fully took your appearance. 

Nodding, you point him to the correct path, wishing him goodnight as you turn away. Pausing when he called your name. 

“Lord Blackwood, I am the Queen; you do not have permission to use my name freely,” you quietly hissed at him. Feeling your chest tighten again when you heard his husky voice speak your name. 

Benjicot smiled, walking towards you, his body nearing and pressing to yours. You both stared at each other, him taking a strand of your hair. 

“Does he treat you well?” he questioned, staring into your eyes. 

Your eyes softened, nodding, “Yes, as best as he can. I hardly see him, but he is kind whenever we see each other.” 

Ben nodded; feeling reckless, he reached to caress your cheek, but you moved your face away from his touch. 

“Don’t,” you stated, your eyes hardening at him. 

Ben frowned, “I’ve missed you…” 

You cruelly laughed at his words, smirking tauntly as his frown deepened. 

“You missed me? You left Ben… You don’t get to miss me when you abandoned me when I needed you the most… You lost the right to miss me.” you angrily stated, tears slowly falling down your cheeks. 

Ben shook his head, wiping tears away from your face. You sob out as you allow yourself to lean to his touch; no matter how much you can deny it, you miss him as well. 

“I did not mean to…I had to follow my duty, to fight for our queen-” 

You shushed him. Looking around, you brought him inside your chambers. 

“Do not speak about Queen Rhaneyra freely; you could be charged with treason,” you warned him. 

“I will never deny Queen Rhaenyra’s claim, you know this, at least you did before you married her murder and become a queen-” Ben didn’t finish his sentence as you slapped him. 

“Do you think I wanted this? I never wished to be queen. I never wanted to marry him. But what other choice did I have, Ben? I was alone; the queen pushed me away because of my father’s actions. You left me, YOU LEFT. Allowing my father to force me into a marriage I did not want. What was I supposed to do? Kill myself or try to survive and marry a man who was broken. Prince Aegon would have been killed with the queen if not for me. I fought for Prince Aegon while you all were fighting silly battles. I …” you sobbed, falling to the ground in heartbreak, finally allowing your walls to break down since you walked up the blasted steps of the Sept.  

Ben swallowed bitterly; he hated seeing you cry; kneeling, he gathered you to his arms as you continued to cry in grief. Hushing you, he kissed your crown, trying to comfort you. 

After a moment, you leaned back, your face close to his. 

Ben smiled sweetly, “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you…. When I heard you married him, I became resentful and filled with rage. The battlefield allowed me to release my anger.” 

You shook your head. Sadly, smiling as you felt a kiss on your cheek, “I don’t love him… I hoped you would have come to take me and the prince away from this golden cage. I cried at my wedding, trying to imagine that it was you who I was marrying infront of the weirwood tree, not him…but you never came. You left me, Ben.”

Ben closed his eyes in pain; he regretted not coming to take you away. 

“If I could go back, I would… I love you…I will never stop loving you,” he confessed, leaning in but stopping away from your lips. He would not dishonor you. 

You softened at him. He was still your sweet Ben. You were still his lady. As you expressed your thoughts, Benjicot grinned. Unable to stop himself, he finally kissed you. Allowing yourself to fall into his kiss, you placed your arms around his neck, leaning more into the kiss. You will stop denying yourself to him. You wanted him. 

As the kiss deepened, Benjicot dragged your body closer to him, causing you to grind his lap and groan at the sensation. Feeling like he was dishonoring you, he was about to stop when you grinded yourself harder to him, taking a loud groan from his lips to yours. Ben growled, knowing he should stop. You were married and the queen, but your sweet body cast a spell on him, with each movement of your hips, called out to his groin as it stiffened with each grind. Ben pressed your hips down harder to cause the fraction to strengthen; you grabbed his other hand and placed it upon your breast, moaning as he fonded your breast. 

Separating his lips from yours, he leaned to your ears, groaning your name from your movements, “We need to stop, my queen; if you don’t… I don’t think I will stop myself…I don..dishonor…fuck.” 

He could not finish his thoughts, leaning his head back from feeling your hips circling on his lap. Forgetting his argument, he kissed your neck, sucking and biting. You gasped in delight. 

“Your queens need you, my lord, I command you to love me…I command you to take me…take me, Ben.” you pleaded, grinning as he growled and picked you up, throwing you on your bed. 

Feeling giddy, you began to undress yourself as you saw him stalking you, undressing himself along the way. Calming on the bed, he pulled your body to him. Both groaned as he rubbed his stiff cock on your wet cunt. 

“So wet for me, I bet he could never get you this wet… you're wet for me and only me, my sweet girl,” he whispered to your ear, grinning as you moaned at his teasing. 

Kissing him, you wrapped your legs around him, sighing in delight as he rubbed himself on you. “I will never know; we never consummated the marriage..” you confessed. 

You needed him to know you were still a maiden. That you never entirely gave yourself to the king, that Ben would be the only one. Benjicot froze upon hearing the news; technically, your marriage was not valid… technically you were still his as he was still yours. Grinning wildly, he kissed you more fiercely, causing you to gasp and allowing him to sneak his tongue into your mouth. As you grabbed his shoulder, you felt the slight pain of him entering you. He fully sheathed himself inside of you, pausing to let you get used to his size and girth. 

Although it was slightly painful, you were happy; no other man would be inside you, for your body and soul were committed to Benjicot Blackwood. Nodding for him to move, Ben started slowly and deeply, causing you to moan, leaning your head back on your pillows, enjoying his sweet movements and kisses on your neck. As much you loved him being sweet, you needed more; you waited too long enough to have him. 

Pleaded for him to go faster, Ben grinned, switching his position to allow him to lift his hips faster as he began to pound into you, groaning as your walls began to clench around him. He felt at home; he belongs between your legs. Moaning, you began to drag your nails down his back, locking your legs around him. 

Sounds of skin slapping became louder with the grunts, groans, and moans coming from the queen and her lord. You whispered his name like a prayer, meeting his hips with each thrust, clenching hard as he pounded into you. You needed him; you will never tire of him. Soon, both movements began to grow sloppy, feeling your release coming fast. As Ben started to exit, you quickly grabbed his upper body with your arms as your legs tightened around his hips. 

“No, I will have it no other way but inside me; finish inside me; your queen commands it, Ben,” you commanded, moaning as he slammed hard twice before feeling his hot, creamy release inside of you. Coating your walls as your release milked him of every drop he gave. 

As you finally came down from your high, you breathed heavily; he was still inside of you. You ran your fingers through his hair, making him look up to you. Smiling, you brought his face to yours, kissing him sweetly. Benjicot grinned, moving up to caress your face when you both heard a commotion outside. Freezing, you both quickly jumped from the bed. You change into your shift fast before turning to help him redress. Hearing the Kingsguard yell, you promptly pushed him to hide as you turned scared, the guards flying into the room. 

“My Queen!” stated a guard as you reached for a cloak. 

“Commander, what is it?” your heart beat so fast. Did they hear you and Ben? 

The commander scanned, looking for danger; when he saw nothing, he turned to you. 

“My queen, I regret that the King has been poisoned. We are looking for the culprit.” 

You gasped; Aegon was dead. Quickly, you commanded the court to enter the throne room, asking the rest of the guards to bring the children to you. As they left, you breathed. He was gone; you would no longer be queen. Turning to Ben, he left his spot, taking your face into his hands. 

“You need to go to Ben before they find you and try to blame you…I’ll see you in the throne room. I will fight for Rhaenyra’s son to be king and bring my queen’s wishes to life.”  you asked of him. 

Nodding, he kissed you once more before he began to leave. Pausing, he turned to you with a slight grin.

“After this mess, will you marry me, my queen?” he asked, causing you to blush. 

You smiled as you breathed your answer, “I will gladly be your lady. After we crown our king, I will marry you infront of the Weirwood tree at Raventree Hall. Now go quickly.” 

Benjicot dazzled you with a broad smile, turning; he quickly left you, eagerly awaiting for the future.

[jinjinxedsoul]

When The Sun Loved The Moon - Aegon II Targaryen

SUMMARY | After abdicating in favor of his sister Rhaenyra, Aegon Targaryen seeks to distance himself from power and find a purpose beyond the throne. His marriage to his niece, Jaella Velaryon, symbolizes a strategic alliance but also a union built on mutual understanding and a deep bond. As Aegon and Jaella strive to build a life together, the peace they hope for is threatened by Alicent Hightower's ambitions. Unwilling to accept Aegon's decision, Alicent claims the throne for her youngest son, Daeron.

What began as an attempt to secure the kingdom's stability quickly spirals into a struggle for power, marked by betrayals and alliances that challenge even the strongest family ties. As the conflict intensifies, Aegon and Jaella must confront not only external threats but also the doubts and tensions that arise within their marriage. In a world where love and loyalty are constantly tested, they must decide what they are willing to sacrifice to protect what they hold most dear

PAIRING | Aegon II Targaryen x OC Jaella Velaryon (Rhaenyra's daughter, Jacaerys twin sister)

WARNINGS : +18, Targcest, underage drinking, underage sex, smut scenes throughout the chapters, a threesome at some point, aegon (he's a warning) characters death, mentions of abuse. (I'll add more as we advance)

Chapter index.

IT WAS IN THE YEAR 116 AFTER THE CONQUEST THAT PRINCESS RHAENYRA GAVE BIRTH FOR THE FIRST TIME, and as impossible and difficult as it may have seemed, the labor lasted an entire week.

The gods had blessed her and Ser Laenor with two children; however, the second baby had refused to be born alongside their brother. The night of the birth was exhausting for the princess, and the next day was even worse when little Jacaerys was presented to the queen, who quickly pointed out that the prince had not inherited Ser Laenor's features.

Seven days after Jacaerys' arrival, Rhaenyra gave birth a second time; Princess Jaella arrived in good health and brought good fortune for her and her brother, silencing the rumors that were already spreading through the court about the illegitimacy of her birth. Jaella was born with a good handful of silver hair and bright violet eyes.

The king seemed delighted with his two grandchildren, especially Jaella, who bore a strong resemblance to his late wife, Aemma. And although the rumors continued to circulate, their credibility was now more questioned than it had been at the time of Jacaerys' birth.

But if there was anyone more pleased than the king with the arrival of the twins, it was definitely Prince Aegon, who at just five years old was already yearning to feel less alone in the Red Keep; with a mother who constantly reminded him of a position he could not even understand, a father who barely looked his way, and an older sister who didn’t seem very fond of him, the birth of the twins represented for him a solution, perhaps a temporary one, to his loneliness.

Characters ! . .

Jaella Velaryon. 116 A.C "The valyrian pearl "

Aegon II Targaryen 113 A.C "The Prince Who Yielded"

. . . .

Decran Stark 111 A.C "The young wolf" |played by Tom Holland . . .

Daeron Targaryen 117 A.C "The usurper" |played by Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen

. . .

Harland Arryn 117 A.C “The Protector” |played by Oscar Piastri

. . . .

EMMA D'ARCY as Rhaenyra Targaryen MATT SMITHas Daemon Targaryen OLIVIA COOKEas Alicent Hightower HARRY COLLETTas Jacaerys Velaryon

and

the rest of the cast of HoTD!

. . . . .

SOUNDTRACK!

[fakescenariosbeforesleepblog]

By fire and heart.

PT.2

Daemma Targaryen. Second daughter of King Viserys and queen Aemma, you're the living portrait of your mother with the character of a true dragon, as a second daughter you don't have right to the throne but certainly, you will protect your sister's succession by heart.

You can read Pt.1 here and Pt. 3 here

Warning ⚠️: Credits of this images goes to whoever they belong to, I found them on Pinterest. Grammatical and spelling errors, maybe this won't be good enough but In my head the story was a good one.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.

After the ceremony your routine changed, your training became harder, you study until midnight, now you and your sister attend the council meeting.

«Both have to learn and listen to what those meetings are»

So here you are, listening about a lord who died, at least he died in his sleep, he didn't suffer, that's what they were commenting when Corlys Velaryon appeared.

- 4 ships burned, destroyed! The last one had the flag of my house! You sit here and talk but there's no solution about nothing!

- We already heard, and the council will consider...

- I want to know what will be your solution about my men and my ships.

- The crown will compensate you and will make an offer to compensate the families...

- I don't want compensation, I want you to do something about the crab feeder and I want to take the step stones by force!

- I will not start a war with the free cities.

(...)

Finally your father talks, but doesn't say nothing that could be interesting. You are waiting for him to say yes and have some action on the battlefield.

«You have Dragon riders, Father. Send us.»

Suddenly you feel Rhaenyra's hand squeezing softly on your forearm, you take that as a plea to support her idea.

- That would show our force, Rhaenyra is right Father...

- At least the princesses had an idea.

Corlys says clearly exasperated, but your father still looks uninterested.

- It's not that simple, girls.

- Perhaps the princesses can help us to pick a new guard, Lord commander would you take them with you?

- Good idea my Lord...

You roll your eyes, that asshole thinks he can control everything. But it's not time to complain, you and your sister simply walk away. Once you're there you decide to leave that to your sister, you have better things to do.

You were walking to your dorms when you stopped, Alicent was waiting outside your father's chambers, of course it was suspicious for you, once she was inside you approached to the door and tried to hear what was going on.

«Sometimes I would prefer to confront something else than my daughters»

Since for you it's suspicious but still those words weren't precisely something that could make you think there was something dark in the situation you decide to save it for you, your sister doesn't need more worries over her shoulders.

The king requested your presence for dinner, the most silent dinner you ever had.

- We barely talk since...

Rhaenyra breaks the silence and your father quickly talks.

- I Know... You are free to talk whenever you want, after all, you're the king.

They exchange some words and just when it seems like everything is going well, your sister talks about the council meeting, which your father quickly rejects, he never wants to talk about war or about what happens around the kingdom, he pretends everything is peaceful. So once more, everything goes back to silence.

None of you know that your father, is now, considering the possibility of a marriage, none of you expected it.

It's until the next morning you and your sister observe with surprise and annoyance the walk your father is taking with the very young Lady Laena.

- Does it make you feel angry?

Rhaenys your aunt and Laena's mother asks, apparently it's not only you who feels uncomfortable with this situation.

- Our father's the king, it's his duty to eventually get married again.

- I didn't ask that, I Asked if this annoys you.

- Laena is your daughter, doesn't it bother you?

- Of course, but I understand the order of the things. I doubt you do.

Your sister looks annoyed by all the conversation, but somehow, you understand what your aunt is trying to say, your father's marriage will bring more children, one will be a boy and the council will prefer to put him on the throne, they will not want to support your sister's right to the throne.

But your sister insists, she will break the wheel, she will change the order, but once more, your aunt's words are not more than true.

«The kingdom demands me to give them a new queen.»

«The Velaryon's offer me their daughter's hand»

Your father's words are like knives in your chest, but your uncle's words echo in your mind, someone needs to be strong to support your family. You're hidden in your father's chambers, you still believe there's something strange in those Alicent's visits. Suddenly Otto Hightower appears informing about an emergency council meeting, your father demands for you and your sister's presence.

Once there, the news of your uncle's future second wife, the stolen egg that belonged to your baby brother and him calling himself future and legitimate heir, send shivers to your spine and a strange rage grew inside your heart, you couldn't hear the rest, or the actions the council would take but you're sure of one thing, your loyalty now rest at Rhaenyra's side, whatever she decides to do you will follow.

Otto Hightower offered himself to travel to dragon stone to recover the stolen egg and bring your uncle back to the capital.

But your sister had different plans. You saw her getting ready to ride on Syrax, you're maybe not so close but you know she's planning something.

- Where do you think you're going?

- I'll go by my own to bring and confront Daemon.

- Rhaenyra, let that idiot of Hightower do his job, you can't put yourself in danger!

Rhaenyra sighs, frustrated and angry she looks at you with a determined look and simply takes your hand.

- Daemma, Otto Hightower will start a war, I can prevent it... come with me, You say I'm putting myself in danger, then come with me, you promised you would be at my side...

She's right, the hand and his hate against your uncle would start a war, there's no need for it, you made a promise, now you have to attend her call.

- Seven hells... Fine, let's go.

You nod and go to your dragon, whitefyre, a dragon as large and majestic as Syrax, white scales that shine in the sun as a diamond, a magnificent and loyal beast.

Both dragons flew side to side all the way to dragon stone, for the first time you felt close and connected to your sister, you could say you felt happy and excited until you saw the sea of soldiers and Caraxes roared, you and your sister's dragon roared too, all the people on the ground now looks at your dragons flying over their heads.

As soon as both land, Otto Hightower questions your sister, what is she doing there? Does the king know about this? He sends Ser Criston to take her to a safe place but before Criston could walk to her you give a step first, in front of her.

- If I were you I wouldn't put a finger over the princess head, Syrax is very protector with her.

Your defiant attitude pisses Otto, clearly he doesn't have the control of the situation. Your sister continues her walk to Daemon, you can see them talking, Daemon doesn't seem happy or pleased but there's something in the way he looks at Rhaenyra, it's not an evil look, maybe he's angry but not with her, he has a soft spot for her.

Both stay quiet, you're only observing, prepared to jump and protect your sister when suddenly, Daemon leaves the dragon egg and walks back to the castle. Rhaenyra looks at you and nods, both walk to your dragons and leave the place.

The trip was full of laughs and races between sisters and dragons, jokes about the faces of Otto Hightower, you clearly know how to piss the poor man.

The king was notified about you and your sister's little visit to dragon stone, as soon as he knew about your arrival, he requested your presence. Both rolled your eyes, you know what is coming, another discussion about how dangerous it was.

- Father, Did you want to see us?

- You disobeyed me, you escaped without saying anything... And you, Daemma, followed her, did you think about the consequences? Both acted against the crown's lead!

- Can we sit?

- Father, Rhaenyra made something good, something that Otto Hightower couldn't do without spilling blood!

He leaves a small laugh escape, you were right, your sister prevented the violence and blood, and then with a loving look he smiles at your sister and talks about how similar she is to your mother, a small talk about how much all of you miss the Queen. Suddenly the news you and your sister were expecting, whether you like it or not, this is something that needs to be done and the only thing you can do is support the family.

The next day, at the council meeting, all of you are expecting your father's decision.

- I've considered and decided to take a new wife.

He looks at you and Rhaenyra who kindly smiles at him, but her smile vanishes as soon as she listens to your father's next words.

- I decided to marry Lady Alicent Hightower.

You don't remember much, the anger inside you doesn't allow you to remember what happened after that, Corlys Velaryon opposed to the king's decision, meanwhile the rest was quiet, Corlys disappears and right behind him were you and your sister.

Later, weeks later you heard the news of your dear uncle joining and supporting Corlys Velaryon In the battle at the step stones against the crab feeder.

It was in the middle of a warm night before spring ended when you made the decision, you left your home, maybe the king wouldn't support and wouldn't care about this war but you certainly wanted to help, and your adventurous spirit pushed you to fly away from your father and sister.

[very-straight-blog]

i think you're the only person in the fandom (except me) who hates hotd costumes. i always want to complain but stop myself bc everyone seems to love it. it's ugly and shabby. and the lighting is so dark that i only realise what colors they're wearing when i see gifs - gifmakers do magic to enhance it, in the actual show it looks like all clothes are "shades of black" i don't even see green it's that dark. men wear the same costumes ep after ep, women wear dresses that look the same only minor details differ if you squint.

The costumes in this series are terrible, seriously. Firstly, we (before the war) are talking about the most peaceful and rich period in the Targaryens' history and everyone is simply poorly dressed. Where are any rich accessories, where are the crowns on women or the rings on men, where is the layering in clothes? Where is THE VARIETY? Why does Rhaenyra keep wearing a dress that she ruined with her breast milk? Why does Aemond wear the same outfit again and again? Why is everything so POOR? Secondly - modern fabrics - synthetics with printed patterns instead of embroideries. Thirdly, a bunch of outfits just don't fit the figures of the characters, as if they were just Halloween costumes that were bought on Amazon. And these ingenious design solutions, where we have one half of the characters dressed in green, and the other half in red and black!

In the second season, the situation seems to be a little better, and here the costumes aren't the main problem anyway (lol), for example, we got real embroidery, I consider it a success, but I still don't understand why Aegon (the king!) continues to wear these single-layer tunics that make me sick, and also why he literally has two outfits for three series and for all occasions. In general - EW.

[starogeorgina]

𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬

Pairing: Harwin Strong x Targ oc

Warnings: Character death

3.07

Vaegon’s brows pull together as you walk slowly through the outer yard, your hand resting on your lower back. His eyes are full of concern. Your sons were of an age where they started to understand the dangers of pregnancy and labor but were still too embarrassed to ask you about it.

“My mother used to tell me discomfort is how we serve the realm,” you say softly. “I had no idea what she truly meant until I was pregnant with you and Aerion, but the discomfort is completely normal. It’s just our bodies changing to make room for the baby.”

“Is it painful?”

“It’s nothing for you to worry about, my sweet; besides, it’s completely worth it.” You squeezed his shoulder with your free hand, but Vaegon still didn’t look convinced. “If women didn’t endure childbirth, then we would never have our children, and I would be without the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Feeling light drops of water on your face, you look up. The ride over from Dragonstone has been peaceful, but since you landed, the sky has become much murkier, and the sun is disappearing quickly behind the thick gray clouds.

You glance back at the knight walking not far behind. “You don’t need to come in if you don’t wish to; the meetings can be rather dull.”

“No, I think being the king's cupbearer would be an honor.”

You smile and stroke his cheek. “Very well then.”

Holding your head high, you enter the same room you have been in countless times, yet you feel as if you don’t belong.

—

It was hard for you to read the expressions of the small council members, especially when they seem to be sleeping with their eyes open after rehashing the same issue over and over again. It was clear Alicent was the ruling force during these meetings, and although many times she was right when it came to saving money for the realm, she left no room for negotiation.

You attempt to hide a yawn with the back of your hand, but it is poorly done. Alicent narrows her eyes and asks, “Are the overcrowded cells not enough of a threat to keep you awake, princess?”

“I recall how tired you were towards the end of each pregnancy,” your father chuckles. “As is the case with most women.”

“I say cut their cocks off and be done with it.”

While a few of the lords nodded in agreement, Alicent scoffs, “That is the type of barbaric method I would expect to hear from Daemon.”

“It was Prince Daemon, the former commander of the gold cloaks, who suggested it many years ago; however, since his methods have stopped, the crime level has risen. And I don’t see how permanently taking away the weapon of men who commit the most heinous acts to stop them from repeating them is any more barbaric than cutting the hands of little children who only stole a loaf of bread so that they wouldn’t starve to death.”

Alicent grinds her teeth. “Then please, share what great solution to these problems you have conjured while sitting comfortably upon the throne of Dragonstone.”

“I don’t sit upon the throne; that is my sister’s seat. As will my fathers be one day.” Alicent rolls her eyes, and you tilt your head to look directly at your father, who looked less than impressed. “These men have been charged with being rapists and will remain a threat to the people of King's Land. Give them two options: they can have their cocks cut off and go north, or they can be put to the sword. The night’s watch is always looking for new blood, and the lords of Winterfell will be thankful for the extra men.”

You pause when Vaegon refills Alicent’s cup for her, and her hateful gaze burns into him. When he goes to refill the kings, your father smiles at him and says, “Good lad.”

“As for the children stealing, Lord Lyonel informed me that nearly all of them are from orphanages. If the crown isn’t feeding the poor, then it’s us who have failed.” Alicent opens her mouth to cut in, but you continue before she can. “Princess Rhaenyra has hired a stonemason to build ovens and will have fresh bread made every morning that will be delivered to the orphanages, and whatever is left will be given to the hungry living on the streets.”

“That is the most hono-”

“And how much will this cost the crown?” Alicent asks, cutting the lord who was speaking off.

��It will cost nothing, your grace. The stonemason did it in exchange for his daughter being allowed to assist the dragon keepers in the dragon pit from time to time. She is fascinated by our dragons.”

Alicent raises her eyebrows, challenging you silently.

“It will be the dragon riders on Dragonstone who will fly back and forth to the docks of the keep with the food from the bakery, and hopefully in the future, fresh fruit and vegetables as well.”

“Very well then,” your father smiles. “We will go forth with the ideas Princess Vaella has put forward. What is next?”

“The Stepstones are under threat again, your grace,” Jasper Wylde, master of law, says. “The pirates are taking root, and we must act as a matter of urgency.”

A sense of dread comes over you. “Many good knights died while defeating Craghas Drahar and his army. My king, you cannot allow this to happen again. Seasmoke and Varos are all familiar with the territory; I shall speak to Ser Laenor when I return home, and I will send a raven to my uncle.”

“Would you not fly out, yourself this time, princess?” The maester asks.

“Not while I’m with a child. Vhagar will most likely follow Caraxes, and hopefully the sight of the largest dragon in the world will be enough to sway anyone foolish enough to try and reclaim the stepstones for themselves.”

The council meeting continues until your father eventually ends it, after covering each subject brought up even though he didn’t seem fully satisfied with the solutions. Just as the lords were rising from their seats, a low rumbling came from outside, and a plume of fire was seen above.

“It’s Aegon returning on Sunfyre and Helaena on Dreamfyre!” Vaegon runs to the window and looks up. Excitedly, he asks, “Mother, may I go to the dragon pit?”

You wanted to say yes, knowing how disappointed he was when he never saw the other dragons when you arrived, but you didn’t feel it was safe for him to go alone, and the majority of the knights and you needed to speak to your father. “I’m afraid—”

“Forgive me, princess,” Ser Tyland says. “But I can escort my nephew to the dragonpit. I’ve been dying to see Nightmare and Ashwing.”

Ser Tyland looks genuinely intrigued as he walks to the door with your son. Just as the knight opens the door for them to leave, Alicent takes a gulp of wine and then asks, “Why those names?”

You weren’t sure who the question was directed at, but Vaegon answered. “I cannot recall why my brother chose that name for his dragon, your grace, but I named my dragon Nightmare because of Ser Harwin.”

Your breath catches in your throat.

“Ser Harwin?”

“Yes, your grace. My stepfather thought he was having a nightmare when he woke during the night and saw something black moving in my crib. He had never seen a baby dragon before and got a fright.”

You smile at the memory; it was one of the few times you’d ever seen Harwin look terrified. The look on his face when you insisted it was cute watching the dragon sleep beside your son and go back to bed was priceless. To you, it was normal, as you used to sleep with your dragon as a baby, but Harwin wasn’t convinced and spent the full night watching over the cribs, doing the same thing when Ashwing hatched.

The queen gives him a doubtful look. “Ser Harwin just happened to be checking on your nursery during the late hours of the night when your dragon hatched?”

“All my children sleep in my bedchambers until they have grown out of their cribs.” You look past her and smile at your son and Ser Tyland. “You better go now if you wish to catch your uncle and auntie before they leave the dragonpit.”

—

Your father makes small talk while the room is cleared, and when it is empty, he cuts straight to the point. “How are the king's hand and his son-in-law holding up?”

“They are both devastated. And I’m afraid Lord Lyonel might not recover from this, and you may need to find yourself a new hand.”

Visibly upset Your father sighs into his hand. “He is a loyal man, a good hand. Lord Lyonel will be difficult to replace.”

“I hope I’m wrong, and he does recover from this.”

“I thought he was no longer ill. The raven Rhaenyra sent suggested he was on the mend.”

“He is no longer physically ill, but mentally, I see him giving up. I hoped being around Harwin and his granddaughter would give him motivation, but he’s sinking deeper into depression.” You take a deep breath as the feeling of dread returns. “Father I… I saw the fire at Harrenhal in a dream years ago. That's why we never returned.”

His face crinkles with concern. “What? You never told me this before.”

“I saw my husband burning in the flames, screaming for his father. So I forbid Harwin from going back; that is why he and his father changed course and returned to Dragonstone. But the same night I had that vision, I had another. I believe it was a prophecy of some kind; on my Valyrian steel, it was written in our mother tongue that my son would be a bringer of blood and flames. I think there is war upon us.”

“Vaella…”

“I’ve been terrified all these years,” you admit. “I never told Harwin because I didn’t want to burden him; he loves those boys as if they were his own. He would gladly give them his house name. and I just never knew how to tell him. Every time I pray, I pray to see which son it is so I can change it and keep them safe.”

“Do you know when this war will start?”

“No, I don’t. This is why it’s so important that if Lord Lyonel doesn’t return to his post, you seek Corlys Velaryon to be your new hand. He is of our blood. He will help keep my children safe, as well as Jace, Luke, and Joff.”

“I think this is premature.”

You reach for his hand and say, “I believe there are vipers hiding amongst the grass, and we will most likely cut them off at the head before they can spread any more venom.”

“And what poison are you alluding to?”

Tears swell in your eyes; you could see it plain as day written on your father's face that he wants to listen to you. “Do not allow Otto Hightower to return to your council; this I beg of you. We spoke of crimes earlier, yet you haven’t addressed the crime of treason. What of those who call Rhaenyra’s sons bastards?”

He wipes your fallen tears away. “I will cut out the tongue of any man or woman who dares say such a thing.”

—

Walking down towards the dragonpit, you feel deflated, knowing your father was blinded by his devotion to his wife to see how the greens plotted against Rhaenyra. You speed up your steps as you smile politely to the lords and ladies you pass. The knight escorting you insisted you slow down; you just needed to leave the red keep.

When you reach the bottom of the staircase, you see Ser Tyland speaking with some other lords. You were confused as to how they made it to the Hill of Rhaenys and back so fast. “Ser Tyland?”

“Princess,” he says. “Prince Vaegon’s dragon is a lot larger than I believed. It must be true what they say about the magic in Dragonstone.”

“Did you travel to the dragonpit?” You ask, trying to catch sight of Vaegon.

“No, when we went outside to the courtyard, Nightmare was flying overhead, so we watched from there. A rare sight indeed.”

Nightmare usually comes and goes from the dragonpit in Dragonstone whenever she wants, so it was expected she’d do so in the keep. You quickly glance around and ask, “Where is my son?”

“With Prince Aegon. He returned shortly after we went outside and went off with him.”

“I just passed my brother in the hallway; my son was not with him.”

Your heart races as you frantically search for any sign of your missing son. Fear grips you like a vice, making it difficult to breathe as you call out for Vaegon. You rush through the different hallways, ignoring Ser Tyland as he calls after you. You feel this new terror could consume you until you spot the one knight in the keep you truly trust.

“Ser Harrold, Ser Harrold!”

He comes to an abrupt stop, as do the knights following behind him, “princess.”

“My son, Prince Vaegon, is missing.”

“You heard the princess; find the prince.” Ser Harrold waves a couple of ladies over. “See to it the princess is resting until we find the prince.”

—

You pace back and forth; fear and panic have a tight grip on your heart. You would not leave until he was found. Feeling a sudden heaviness, you sit with your head in your hands, rethinking your last conversation with Harwin before you leave.

“Stop,” you giggle, feeling your husband's hands roaming over your body. His hands move from your hips to cup your swollen breasts while kissing the back of your neck. “I’ll be leaving in a few minutes.”

“I can work with that,” he laughs.

“It will take more than ten just to remove my skirts,” you say, spinning around to face him. “I’m afraid you’ll need to wait until I return, and then we shall have all night.”

“Oh, it shall be a long wait.”

You peck at his lips and say, “But you’ll survive it.”

Since the night you first kissed Harwin, your desire for him has never ceased, nor has his for you. Over the years, you have become more obsessed with each other. Hearing footsteps approaching inside your rooms, you turn to face your son and ask, “Are you ready?”

He nods.

“Have a safe flight.” Harwin kisses you on the cheek, then goes over to Vaegon and pulls him in for a hug. “Be a good lad and look after your mother, eh?”

He nods again, but smiles this time and says, “I will.”

Your sweet, precious boy, you should never have let him out of your sight. You’d never forgive yourself if anything happened to him. When the door opens, your head snaps up and you look at the knight, whose face is still badly swollen and bruised from Harwin. “Ser Criston, has my son been found?”

“The prince has been located; he and princess Helaena are in Godswood.”

Tears fall as you get to your feet. You brush by Criston, and the other knights mumble a thank you before going to the godswood.

—

“My sweet boy!” You kiss your son on the head multiple times, trying your best not to cry again. “God be good; you had me so worried.”

“I’m sorry, mother; Princess Helaena wanted to show me her bug collection.” His eyes were full of regret. “I told Uncle Tyland I was going with her into the godswood; I thought it would be okay.”

Bloody Tyland.

“You didn’t do anything wrong, my sweet,” you sigh. “I just didn’t know where you went and got a fright.”

You look around, surprised that there aren’t any knights nearby. You watch your younger sister, who was happily sitting on the roots of the tree, playing without bugs, and smile softly. “Helaena, don’t you have a sworn protector?”

She doesn’t answer you because she's caught up in what she’s doing. You were desperate to leave, but don’t feel comfortable leaving Helaena alone outside. You place your hand on her shoulder and ask, “Sister, did a knight come out here with you?”

The young girl flinches at your touch. Tilting her head up, she says, “He’ll always fly but never run again.”

“Okay…”

“Three rivers; three dragon heads; weaving the colors of blue, red, green, black, and white. But no, he will never run again.”

—

The adrenaline from fear and panic was still fresh when you stepped into the great hall. Food was still being brought to the high table, and your family was still sitting around it. When you got closer, you noticed Rhaenyra and your cousin's absence. But Jacaerys and Lucerys were sitting with Aerion and Ada.

You motion for your son to go join his siblings, then look to Harwin. “Are my sister and Laenor not joining us?”

Harwin wraps his arms around you in a comforting embrace. He kisses the crown of your bed; his touch offers a small measure of solace amidst the overwhelming feeling that something terrible has happened.

“Harwin?”

He whispers into your ear so that the children don’t hear. “Rhaenyra is trying to console Ser Laenor. A raven arrived from Pentos.”

“Daemon?”

“I’m afraid Lady Laena has died during childbirth.”

[sublimepoliticsmusicbiscuit-blog]

Guys, my mom is one of those 'my kids are the greatest in the world'.

One of those: 'Oh, your son is in med school at Harvard? My daughter is in a bachelor's degree at a no name university and has more personality and beauty in her pinkie finger than your stink ass son has in his whole body.'

I threw a glass of water in another kid's face once and she asked me why. I told her he told me I couldn't do it and so I did it. And she nodded and moved on.

My point being! My mother, from day one, has supported my rights and wrongs. My mother is my superpower because this woman who takes no prisoners loves me and has my back with an intensity that cannot be matched.

And so, I asked her while we're watching HOTD S2E8, she would support me if I burned down a town of innocent people if they had declared war on me a la Aemond, right?

And my loving mother, looks me dead in the eye and says : ' I brought you into the world, it would be my responsibility to take you out of it.'

I'm shook.

Anyway, my point being, that my mom is not surprised at all by Alicent's decisions this season. My mom is just like 'that woman is tired and her sons are assholes that don't respect her' or more importantly, the sanctity of life'. Which, you know, fair.

Something else my mom said is fascinating and I can't believe I didn't notice: 'Alicent from day one has been striving to do good.'

One of the reasons she can't stand Rhaenyra is that she sees her selfishness as a destabilizing force for the realm. Her father has always enforced in her mind that men are needed to provide proper leadership for the realm and Rhaenyra proves him right in a sense.

So when she sees her sons being so much worse than she could have imagined, it just reaffirms for her that there is no way her sons are good for the realm.

But when she sees that Rhaenyra risked herself to find a peaceful solution and avoid full scale war, it forces her to analyze her sons through that lense.

Alicent isn't Cersei or Catelyn. I think she's much closer to Brienne of Tarth.

Seeking a higher purpose in what they do to make sense of their lives. Holding onto a moral code in a world falling apart around them because they don't have much else. Judge those who veer from honor with an unrelenting censure. Until they're forced to confront that the world is much more complicated than they're comfortable with.

Tell me I'm wrong?

[horizon-verizon]

Full disclosure: I was on the side of the Blacks, even knowing that they eventually lose (or, rather, Rhaenyra herself loses). It’s absolutely unambiguous that Viserys I absolutely meant Rhaenyra to succeed him, and equally unambiguous that the Hightowers were the ones who usurped her and screwed it all up.

Having said that, after reading both novellas, Rhaenyra comes off like a spoiled and entitled brat, just perhaps to a lesser extent than her family members. She took for granted that she’d be queen without any challenges, when the experience of Rhaenys before her should have been a wake-up call that she needed to regularly secure her power. Not fair, but there you go.

And of course, she eventually descends into a pit of paranoia and cruel retaliation down the line, going so far as to demand that her own dragonriders be executed just because she made a poor judgment about some of them (give two meatheads access to huge dragons, what could go wrong). How she ended up is largely her own fault; it didn’t have to go that way, especially since she was on the legally right side.

Aegon II is no alternative. He is a whoring hedonist and rapist filled with entitlement issues and rage. He fails to understand that his Hand, Otto, seeks diplomatic solutions to the conflict. A good king will always choose peace over war as the realm suffers and the smallfolk pay the price. He tells him to spill blood, not ink. Eventually, he replaces him with the more bloodthirsty Criston Cole, who irrationally hates Rhaenyra, and forces nobles to choose him as king or die. The Greens back tyranny and bloodshed.

At the end of the day, both Aegon and Rhaenyra do a terrible job as ruler when they get their chance. They destroy all good will toward them and exhaust the realm. Both Rhaenyra and Aegon care more about THEIR own power, THEIR claims, THEIR rights than the people they are supposed to govern.

Responding, I think to these two: Post #1 & Post #2.

I think I understand where you're coming from. Why shouldn't we shoot for the best possible leader and "settle" for someone who wouldn't put their poorer subjects first? Why encourage that, or at least, what is the value? And I can understand why a person wouldn't want to stan or support Rhaenyra based on her personality alone. This statement is true: "Both Rhaenyra and Aegon care more about THEIR own power, THEIR claims, THEIR rights than the people they are supposed to govern". Because of neither book! nor show!Rhaenyra never once seemed to think about common folk in a substantive way even if she over Aegon would be just a better candidate. no other sources outside of Fire and Blood reveal much either.

A)

However, apart from Alicent also being a heavy-duty blood purist who never looked out for other women--even seized power from another woman entirely for herself and her house's patriarchal prestige and power (Rhaenyra was never a tyrant before King's Landing and the greens' usurpation), Rhaenyra should be destroyed not because she was a woman, but for her blood purity.

Yet she is destroyed and put in a more vulnerable position far before she fucks up because she is a noblewoman in a man's (and the misogynist woman behind him) way. There is value in seeing how this happens or could happen.

To go through the layers binding the Westerosi/feudalist paradigm of blood purity, we also need to inspect the misogyny for what it is/looks like and it becomes harder to do that when we constantly push aside the events and psychosocial-political processes leading up to Rhaenyra's end for her own final choices.

In some Greek tragedies and especially plays like Othello & Titus Andronicus, the protagonist has a major personal fault that stems from primary circumstances & historical events totally out of that protagonist's control. Then inspiring the protagonist to make personal or political decisions & develop qualities that address & oppose or foil plots, settings, institutions, and measures made against them and their desires or needs. So because we can trace how they developed into the persons they are and how much of it was due to misogyny, racism, blood purity, classism, etc., AND Rhaenyra did not do anything heinous or really of the moral error until she retook King's Landing. We saw how her need to impulsively self-assert against threats against her power after a lifetime of attempted sidelining, disrespect, and denial basically unlocked and revealed her blood purity. That blood purity was her weapon and armor.

Yes. Criticize her for that blood purity. Recognize that she herself made the Rosby/Stokeworth-dragonseeds-Nettles decisions to consolidate power and the sense of power (for all the pressure she was getting thinking she'd lose allies like Corlys) and that her decision was wrong. Were self-destructive short term and long term. Point out how by it being her choice to do these two things she has accountability for her own fall. Point out how she partially pushed herself over that edge. Acknowledge and also put less emphasis on how Viserys didn't teach her as much as he might have for a boy (Jaehaerys I wasn't trained like maybe Aegon the Uncrowned, but making Rhaenyra's education also kinda takes away her ability and the existence of her choosing how to maintain her power).

I only fear that people will totally subsume one for the other and claim that one objectively doesn't matter at all. *EDIT (5/31/24): Rhaenyra suffers from really bad sexist writing on GRRM's, not just the maesters', part and it undermines his own point.* And no, she doesn't need to be necessarily "moral" like Dany to be a deserving ruler. The point of her story was to highlight how no matter how good or evil or morally ambiguous a person you are, if you are female, you are subject to losing a power men are just granted. Or usurped. And this is inherently wrong. Rhaenyra chose to go to war rather than give up. This is valuable. Visenya was not thinking "for the realm" or for the benefit of smallfolk or outside of her family, yet she as so many fans bc she was not passive or restricted by "madness". She has less sexist writing.

In other words, for me and some others, it is the focus on misogyny's cruelty regardless of an individual's moral compass, misogyny's dehumanization the dynamics of that dehumanization so that personality/personal goals and values come to not matter, and guide aan already not-so-good person into being even worse. It's a tragedy of a particular human-social condition that itself created another tragedy for a different person as well as its own protagonist.

Once we understand this about these royals, there is still this phenomenon about the rules made and disrupted of the right to have power that is still important to explore:

people both in Westeros and in real life are not this far-thinking and will/have just considered the right to rule to be morally and practically a man's inherent right, and will make all sorts of justifications and prevarications for it. So that it is valuable and meaningful to inspect how we may justify such a thing. They do not want good leaders so much as a male ones to maintain patriarchal order. They'd rather have a morally/strategically mediocre male leader over a more capable/moral female one most of the time; they'd rather have a morally-horrible male one rather than a morally-mediocre female leader (Aegon and Rhaenyra). How embedded in society and in individuals' psyches, how--in detail--do women come to destroy others and/or themselves and loved ones for the power that is denied/reduced to them? So, there's the need to focus on how women self-assert anyway, even when they display behaviors that one may not want in a leader. It's about a different kind of leveling the playing field, between noble women and noble men...but it is still about leveling that field. Seeing a wrong, learning how it was wrong, recognizing it as wrong, and seeing how it still comes to shit.

Because misogyny tends to not care about fairness, misogynists will use the women's personality faults to re-support the idea that women, in general, cannot and should not rule... because the society/readers are already lubricated for that disbelief in women through centuries-long misogyny. Even logical arguments alone against misogynist readings are not enough to erase misogyny's influence. This is why you will see a lot of people be defensive in stanning Rhaenyra.

And I have to point out that I already explained why Rhaenyra is culpable for her downfall towards the end concerning Nettles, The dragonseeeds and Stokeworth/Rosby, how she uses blood purity--aka racism's grandfather and partner-- AND how she is concerning Rosby and Stokeworth.

B)

You wanna know why else Rhaenyra is stanned nevertheless? In one of those posts I gave, I explain somewhat but I will add and summarize:

HotD is telling this particular ASoIaF story RIGHT NOW -- more attention, therefore more attention to its characters in lieu of the ASoIaF desert and GoT flop

HotD, by inspiring curiosity from some--and appreciation in book readers who may have slogged through the Dance account-- revitalized closer inspections into Rhaenyra's character and motivations

HotD, by inspiring curiosity from some--and appreciation in book readers who may have slogged through the Dance account-- revitalized more "scholarly" examinations into how Fire and Blood is written as a misogynist text -> revealed the misogynist arguments towards her and allowed more people to observe the "hidden" politicking in the account told about the social landscape of the court/wider Westeros in Rhaenyra and Alicent's time

the blacks are less disgustingly amoral than the greens and people love to take sides to feel more emotionally invested in the story that is being told RIGHT NOW

her kids are morally less bankrupt (I would also just say that they are even just good people) than Alicent and the assumption is that this had to have come from a very good place in Rhaenyra-Daemon's personalities

Rhaenyra's story is still about female self-assertion in the face of misogyny while also supporting the historical context for how Daenerys's bringing the dragons back is a bigger deal and why -> while Dany provides context to Rhaneyra (the latter was written later) and Rhaenyra's self-assertion -> this tie and similarity is very thematically apt and aesthetically pleasing, matching how with Rhaenyra's end the dragons die and Dany's rise the dragons rise = female importance to society

Dany doesn't exist during this Dance of the Dragons; where there is misogyny, there is also the desire to stan the central woman/en who strive to overcome or use patriarchal traditions to win something/real power for themselves -- thought Alicent is a woman using men discreetly for her own power (as well as that for her house) since she has a lot of internalized misogyny toward a child since the very beginning AND that child-to-woman being an actual woman ruling in her own right is better for society (in creating that precedent) than one woman trying to gain power for herself, Rhaenyra wins out as a favorite

C)

These posts go into GRRM's writing of Rhaenyra as well as other notes about her leadership: POST #1, POST #2, POST #3, POST #4, POST #5, POST #6, POST #7, POST #8--esp Section B, C, & D

(all address Rhaenyra's rulership and has more quotes supporting what I will say below)

I even compare her to Daenerys Stormborn in one of the linked posts, but I also have frequently said that Daenerys is/would be a better candidate than Rhaenyra because of Daenerys' regard for those she is leading. This is not lost on me.

*EDIT (5/31/24): NO they are not the same person, I mean that Rhaenyra and Daenerys' one shared thing is that they both fight for something that would have bene denied to them on account of gender. Rhaenyra suffers from really bad sexist writing on GRRM's, not just the maesters', part.*

The difference between these women is that one grew up with many privileges as a princess AND fought for her right to lead and rule against no-woman-should-rule-over-male-lords because of her heritage while the other basically lived as a commoner, dependent on plotters, and then bridal slave despite her heritage...or rather in part because of that heritage (her brother wanting power for himself and choosing to go along with selling her)! Rhaenyra believed in herself, Dany believed in herself, yet one wishes to continue Targ supremacy, and the other wishes to start anew and build a better, safer world for those who can & do fall victim to power struggles between nobles/royals. Dany is partially so special and necessary bc her ancestors (aside from Aegon V, the second Daenerys, Alysanne, and Rhaenys I) do not work and claim power with more vulnerable persons in their minds.

Conclusion

If anon, you are neutral, this type of neutrality is the better and more sensical kind, but I hope that in it people don't become less encouraged to be aggressive towards how absent of morality (as a consideration in its attack against women) misogyny is.

And like I say several times, you do not need to stan Rhaenyra in her own story or wrongly claim she is a good person and think she is herself one of the best Targ rulers/candidates in the overall Targ dynasty. Just be honest and fair. Make sure you read the actual text, consider its sociopolitical context, Westerosi-Targ history, and look at things from Rhaenyra's perspective built from that context-text.

*EDIT* (8/21/23):

THIS is a great post by @mononijikayu about medieval queens, female rulers, the history of how women in leadership positions were made and seen as threats to the very structure of social "order", and contextualizing Rhaenyra thru Empress Matilda. I didn't even know about Matilda's husband being comparable to Rhaneyra's Daemon! PLZ READ!!!!

Excerpt:

just as much, along with these fictitious portrayals, more lies are depicted. these women are considered vixens that cause havoc to men by shifting them into desires and danger. through the written word, we see how women are cast in roles of villains in men’s lives. it is because by their conclusive thoughts, women are the only creatures that are able to turn ‘good honorable men’ into despicable creatures who do shameful, deplorable acts for the sake of women’s pleasures.  [...] it is within this narrative that ancient chroniclers declare that women were in fact the doom of men. if they were not able to control the dangers posed by the wiles of women, then the foundations of the mighty society they had built would be up in flames.  [...] as i mentioned, these factors of community are written down and preserved. and with that, the example of the ancients were the foundations by which medieval society built itself. the same concepts continued to cause the same issue within society and that was the exclusion of women from participating in the bigger picture of community and state, much so with governing states in their own right—without judgment or disapproval. 

[cepetriwrites]

Into the Storm - Chapter 7 - Laenor I

Read on AO3

Summary: Helaena always found her sister Rhaenyra and brother-in-law Laenor more attentive to her than her own parents. As a young child she hopes to marry Jace in order to join gain them as parents. As she grows older she realizes a dark truth, there is a storm coming. With two rising factions threatening to tear apart her family and homeland, she comes up with a solution that can ensure everyone's survival. A marriage between her and Jace, but is such a union even possible with her grandfather's power grab and mother's hatred?

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

Joffrey had told Laenor he had been blessed with his betrothal arrangements. Marriage to a woman who not only knew of his divergence, but accepted it. Had even given him permission to love whom he pleased after they fulfilled their duties. An accepting wife with her own paramour, life would be good Joffrey had said, better than he had ever dared hope for. Laenor had been excited as well, for the chance to safely spend his life with his lover and fulfill his duty to his house without the guilt. That was until Rhaenyra’s lover beat his lover to death at his wedding feast.

He never faulted Rhaenyra for Joffrey’s death; he did fault Alicent for protecting that monster from his vengeance. The seldom times he prayed, it was that one day, somehow, some way, he would see justice done to that bastard Cole. In the meantime, he tried to find some peace after Joffrey’s loss. Whenever the anger, grief, and indignity became too much and threatened to suffocate him, he escaped to the sea. Anytime he felt this way he fled to the sea, and there were many things that made him feel suffocated at court. The greens, the queen, the politics, the passive aggressions, the whispers, the eyes, the walls, the responsibilities. The sea offered relief, the sea was where he could be alone and free. He looked at the silver haired child standing on the deck, watching the waves, mostly alone. “Helena! The sail!” The child snapped too and hurried to pull the ropes. It was amusing to see the child’s tiny frame jumping up and down, using her full body weight to adjust the sail. She’d be deceptively strong one day, her time on his boat strengthening her body.

Usually, Qarl accompanied him when he went sailing, but his lover was off fighting at sea with his father’s fleet. Helaena was his sole companion today. His grip tightened on the steering wheel, he was jealous, Qarl was off being a proper knight, fighting battles. It had been a long time since Laenor had gotten to see a battlefield. Instead he was stuck in this stuffy court where the Queen endlessly sniped at his wife. He knew many found it amusing, he found it childish, she was a woman grown, a mother of four, yet she continued these childish games for what? To compensate for Alicent's lack of crisis?* Perhaps if his father-in-law had more - diverse talents – the Queen would be cured of her frigidity.

He did not know how such a woman managed to birth such a wonderful daughter. Though two sons were on their way to being spoiled brats, he supposed accidents happen. Helaena’s demeanor was certainly not due to her mother’s parenting, the queen’s unwavering formalities and aloofness had left the little girl wanting since birth. Her mothering was a routinely performed duty, Laenor saw little joy in it.

While he wanted to judge her for her behaviors, he understood the feelings, though he tried to fight them. He loved his sons, he did, he loved Helaena as well, but the burdens were starting to weigh down on him. Laenor yearned for the days when he was a young man free to run off and have adventures, with no family holding him back. And when one of his children would come running for his attention and affection, he’d be hit with guilt for ever resenting them. For viewing them as burdens. Perhaps this was his fate as a Velaryon, to always be restless, to always long for change. 

Now was not the time for fixating on his inner turmoil, he had news for Helaena. They had dropped the anchor and let the small vessel calm in the calm bay. Laenor stood next to Helaena, forearms resting on the railing. She was fiddling with a rope, practicing her sailor knots, enjoying the view of the sea. It was as smooth as glass today.  The gods made a mistake placing her in House Targaryen, Helaena loved the sea like he did, like his sister. Her home should’ve been Driftmark. “The ocean’s calm today.” She said.

Laenor nodded in agreement, “Rhaenyra’s pregnant.”

Helaena looked up sharply, she tried to keep her emotions masked, but she was not good at it. Fear and panic were on her face, it wasn’t about succession, she was scared of a trueborn daughter displacing her spot in Laenor’s affection. She swallowed and put on a strained happy face. “That’s so exciting, how far along?”

“A few months.”

“I pray the gods will bless her with another healthy son. I think Luke would like a little brother.” Of course she did, you’d think being the only daughter of Alicent and granddaughter of the Hightowers would give her the attention she needed, but no.

“Did you know your dragon’s first rider Rhaena Targaryen had three female companions, whom she was so close to they were called the Four-Headed Dragon?” Helaena gave him a quizzical look, “It was said there was no closer bond between anyone in the realm, even amongst kin. People marveled at their bond.” Of course at least one of them was definitely Rhaena’s lover, a fact so obvious, yet no one in the realm could acknowledge. “You remind me of them.”

“Weren’t all of Rhaena’s friends murdered and died horrible deaths? What are you trying to say? You think I’m going to be killed?”

“No! No no, that’s not what I meant,” Gods, there was a reason Rhaenyra handled the emotional talks. “The point is, bonds are not only found in blood.” He could see she was still thinking of Rhaena’s tragic history.

“Didn’t her best friend,” lover, “steal her eggs?”

“Helaena!” He put his hands on her shoulders, “I’m trying to tell you that there are two types of families.  There is the one the gods give you, and the one you give yourself. It doesn’t matter if Rhaenyra has a girl. You are always going to be my daughter.” He meant those words, words he could only say when they were completely alone. Helaena’s closeness with Rhaenyra’s side of the family already fanned the tension between Alicent and the Heir Apparent. Which was unfair considering if Alicent only paid more attention to her daughter she would not be running to others for affection. 

“Promise?” She asked, a slight waver in her voice.

He nodded, “Promise. Many in this realm consider blood to be the strongest bond. They’re wrong. Ours is. We choose each other. Not the gods, not fate…”

“We are technically family.”

“Even if we weren’t, I would still choose you. There is more to families than blood.”

“Do you have any other chosen family?”

“I used to, his name was Joffrey, he was a great knight who fought by my side in battle. He was my best friend.”

“What happened to him?”

“He died.” It had been nearly ten years but Laenor’s stomach still twisted in pain, remembering how Cole savagely beat Joffrey to death on his wedding day. “He died and I failed to save him.” He’d been useless against Cole’s savagery, Laenor never stopped training after that day. One day, if the gods were good, Cole would not leave the battlefield alive. 

“I’m sorry. I wish I could’ve met him.” 

Laenor smiled at her, “He would’ve liked you.” Joffrey would’ve found her constant trailing annoying, but Helaena would’ve grown on him. 

They went back to staring at the sea, the turmoil in the young child mostly quelled, though he could see by the way she fiddled with her fingers, there was something on her mind. Finally she cleared her throat,  “Laenor, what if … we were… what if there was a way you could be my father? Not just in our eyes, but in everyone’s?” He knew where this was going. He couldn’t say he was surprised. “What if… I…” She stared out at the sea, not meeting his eyes, trying to form the words. “What if I married Jace?” Laenor didn’t say anything, there were many reasons marriages were formed, ambition, money, securing alliances, love, he had never heard of one being formed out of desire for a particular father-in-law. 

“The septas have been telling me how I’m going to be married one day. As a princess I need to have a marriage that will provide stability and strength to the realm. As a Targaryen I need to have a marriage that will strengthen my family. Marrying Jace would accomplish both duties.”

“Sound logic,” Helaena was waiting for approval, one Laenor was just smart enough to not promise without discussing with Rhaenyra first. “I think you and Jace would make a good match. I don’t dare promise his hand without your sister’s permission, but I will support it.”

“Do you think she’ll say yes?” Rhaenyra is not the problem.

“I do not foresee Rhaenyra being the issue,” He said cautiously, he did not want to speak ill of her mother to her face, but Helaena would have to start facing some hard truths about the growing faction in their family.

Helaena heaved a deep sigh, perhaps she was not oblivious as willfully ignorant, or hopeful. Laenor playfully nudged her, “Talk with your sister and worry about it later, we’re not allowed to be sad at sea. Why don’t we sail for a bit and when we dock we can get a treat from the stalls.” 

Helaena had a hopeful smile, “What kind?”

“You’re not getting another scorpion, I don’t know how you managed the first one.” 

“What about a lizard?”

“Does your mother even know about these pets?”

“She’s… laid eyes on them.”

“Does she know they’re alive and not dead and on display?”

“Candied fruit?” Helaena asked switching topics. 

She had strange tastes in pets, a corner of her room was becoming a display for crawling creatures. The maids and septas didn’t touch it, repulsed by the “grotesque” decor of pinned bugs and accurate drawings. She had even created a diorama of a spider's natural habitat in the Forest. Eventually Helaena had slipped in a live tarantula, Laenor still wasn’t sure if this had always been the plan, or she had simply realized the opportunity. He was tempted to get her a reptile, but then Luke would want one, and the only scaly beasts Rhaenyra liked were dragons. Perhaps some other time.

[crimson-kraken]

Dalton could sense how Toron silently celebrated the princess' compliment. He was sure that Toron would exaggerate the words to his siblings and make it seem greater than it actually was, but accuracy wasn't in Dalton's priorities right now.

Dalton was about to celebrate himself when the princess agreed to legitimize his children, but his smile faded as fast as it came once he listened to her conditions. He had only arrived with fifteen ships, the Raven and his brother's, wives' and children's ships included. He wasn't exchanging those at all. The other ships belonged to his lords, who Dalton was trying really hard to control. Taking their ships away was the fastest way to enrage any ironborn and Dalton wasn't going to fight another civil war for a simple decree.

—It's a good exchange. —Rohanne whispered. Even if Dalton didn't agree with her. He started to think of a possible solution. His fifteen were already small compared to whatever number of ships Corlys Velaryon would have on King's Landing and Dalton wasn't particularly excited to make that number even smaller. « I can take the ships from somewhere else. »

Rhaenyra continued with her proposal and Dalton couldn't hide that being named Master of Ships intrigued him. No Greyjoy had ever held the position at all. It was specifically made for the Velaryons and in a way Dalton liked to think he was stealing the title away from Lord Corlys' hands.

« Penny is in Pyke, and I'm making sure she stays there. » Dalton knew her household was probably the biggest between the great houses at the moment, so he could see where the confusion could come from. He wasn't so sure about the idea of his children joining as companions for the princess' own, as much as he loved his kids, Dalton knew they were chaotic at best and capable of taking eyes out and committing murder at worst. They wouldn't behave properly nor obey orders from anyone who wasn't him. Except Cerelle. If she wanted, she could be a really good lady. She knew the seven prayers. « That's how they are called, right? »

Dalton raised an eyebrow when Rhaenyra mentioned the Iron Islands' isolation as if the Iron Throne hadn't supported that on purpose for generations. Dalton pressed his lips in a tin line for a while, on paper everything sounded flawless... too perfect for his liking. « There has to be a defect somewhere. » But it was true that the Iron Islands had been ignored for long enough and having his voice inside the small council would do wonders for them. So he simply nodded after the princess finished talking.

—I can arrange your ships, but I will need time. The Lords who accompanied me didn't came expecting to lose their ships. I'll send word to my sister Amarys to prepare some spare ships and send them from the Iron Islands to King's Landing. —In truth, he was going to ask her to take the slow and small ones and the Naked Lady, who used to belong to his father. Dalton hated that ship. Losing it wouldn't be a problem at all. Maybe they could capture a ship crossing the Stepstones and pass it as their own, so they wouldn't lose so much.

—I'm not going to deny it, being the master of ships sounds interesting. —Dalton leaned back on the chair, trying to hide his excitement. He certainly wasn't a stranger to taking things away from the Lannisters. —How often does the small council gather? I suppose it would be in the Hand's tower, isn't it?

Dalton turned to his son. —Have your sisters said anything about becoming ladies in waiting?— He asked, Toron whispered back a « No. » Dalton wasn't sure his daughters have even considered the idea. « What does a lady in waiting do? » He looked back at the princess.

—I'll ask my daughters if they are interested, but I'm not sure if they will accept it. —He hoped they didn't.

Usually, Dalton would negotiate something else for himself or the ironborn to gain, but he didn't believe the Crown's words at all. They only cared about talking about their unified and peaceful kingdom, a mockery of the reality they simply chose to ignore. First, Dalton wanted to see for himself if they could keep a promise, that they could do it but simply chose not to, that the ironborn weren't worthy of it. They didn't care. Dalton wasn't going to create bonds with liars.

—I can't wait to work alongside you, princess. —For the first time in months, Dalton lied.

King's Landing, 129 AC

With: @black-queen-rising

Dalton loved the ocean, he could stay in his "Raven" for weeks with no land in sight and enjoy every second of it. When the news of the King's funeral arrived at Pyke, he smiled at the opportunity to take a voyage and leave the land once again.

In the weeks of the journey he felt really productive: he managed a marriage, an alliance and a visit to his in-laws at Lys. Illiria was delighted to see her parents and siblings and Dalton let some time pass so the Dornish would arrive at King's Landing before them.

But his fleet was too experienced and way faster than he expected, so they arrived at the same time, barely separated from the Dornish.

« If it's a genuine coincidence, then it shouldn't be suspicious, right? »

From his twenty two wives, Dalton arrived with twenty of them. Bella Mormont was chilling in Bear Island and Shireen Connington stayed at Pyke with his sisters.

He knew better than to show up with all twenty of them. He wasn't ashamed of his marriages, but the people of King's Landing would probably faint if they saw his wives at the same time.

So he decided to greet the Crown Princess in the company of his third wife and mother of his heir: Rohanne Lannister. Their son Toron was also forced to come with them.

They arrived at the Hand's tower. All of them dress formally, Johanne insisted they look properly. Dalton dressed his usual black leathers and Kraken themed jewellery, Toron followed his style but less dramatically than him and Johanne dressed in a golden dress, accompanied by sapphires.

— A pleasure to see you, Princess. — The three of them bowed and Dalton internally celebrated that his son made it properly. Dalton hadn't seen the Princess since the ceremony where she was named heir, but he could see the « Realm's Delight » was still as charming as he remembered.

Dalton looked at the princess with pride in his eyes. He wished for the power the Targaryens had and would obtain it one way or another.

[kitkatscabinet]

an eye for an eye, a child for a child

Aemond Targaryen x fem reader

Summary: Lost to her rage and grief at the loss of her beloved Lucerys Rhaenyra orders the capture of Aemond's pregnant lady wife. Only to find that maybe the two women could come to understand each other more than she thought possible.

Word count: 2k

Warnings: idk characters and their shitty canon behaviour, birth

A/N: Blood and Cheese didn't kill Jahaerys and Rhaenyra was close with Helaena. First Aemond request baby! keep em coming. This turned into a somewhat of a feminist rant lol

Although the circumstances of your occupation on the island weren't pleasant, you could still admit to yourself that Dragonstone held a beauty you readily admired. Your husband had always described the place as incredibly droll and dreary which you could easily see. But truthfully you found it peaceful, beautiful in a way King's Landing could never be. Even if you were confined to your room with Rhaenyra your only point of contact.

Hopelessly alone, terrified of what the blacks had planned for you, you wondered if what you felt was even a fraction of Lucerys's terror when he had been forced to flee from your husband. Tears burned in the corners of your eyes as one of your hands came to rest upon your protruding belly. Lucerys had been a child, and as a soon-to-be mother yourself a large part of you couldn't begrudge Rhaenyra for taking you in an act of revenge.

The creak indicating the opening of the door to your makeshift prison interrupted your thoughts. Turning you were met with the sight of a haggard-looking Rhaenyra. Her hands were empty, causing you to tilt your head in confusion as you watched her cross the space to sit across from you.

Immediately you noticed the darkened bruise decorating her neck, a mark you had often seen left behind on Aegon's victims as they tearfully tried to scurry out of sight. You didn't speak, waiting for Rhaenyra to start, but you knew she had noticed your sympathetic look. Surprisingly, she didn't say anything, just continued to stare at you with a faraway look in her eyes.

"I know my words will offer you no comfort, but I truly am so sorry for your recent losses. I can't even imagine..." you trailed off, wincing as a sharp glare was thrown your way.

"No you cannot" Rhaenyra's voice is filled with all the fury of a mother that has just lost two children.

"I just... I wanted you to know that through all of this, that you had someone on your side" you replied, struggling to find the correct words to truly convey your meaning.

"My side? Your husband killed my son" she yelled, fists balling so tightly you worried she would draw blood.

"He didn't want to" you hoarsely whispered, "he lost control of Vhagar. He is a boy playing at a war he cannot possibly understand. It's a weak defence and doesn't nearly justify anything but... He lost himself to his rage. A rage that we all let fester for years with no consequence. So while my words mean nothing I still wanted you to know that I am sorry, that Aemond is sorry, even if his stupid Targaryen pride will never let him admit it."

"Sorry doesn't bring back my son!" Rhaenyra's chest was shaking with rage that was waylaid into tears. Slowly you raised yourself from your seat, stepping towards the mourning woman to gently bring her into your arms. To your surprise, she didn't fight your actions, instead snaking her arms around to clutch at your back as she finally allowed herself to sob.

"I never wanted any of this" she admitted against your chest, "I had hoped to find a peaceful solution, but now I fear that will be impossible." Her voice was so small, so fragile that it took you a few seconds to reconcile it with the strong woman you had admired for so long.

"We might still be able to," you said, dropping to your knees and taking her hands in your own. "I want Aegon on the throne as much as you do. Aemond doesn't want him either, and I know you and Helaena care for each other. Hells, Aegon himself doesn't want the throne" you rambled a small spark of hope filling you suddenly.

Seeing Rhaenyra begin to pull away from you, you hurried to try and rectify your position. "He tried to run away you know? Aegon. He was going to escape to Essos but Ser Criston found him first on Otto's orders. Please, reach out to Alicent, you loved her once, that must count for something!"

"How?" is all the Queen manages to choke out at your declaration, grief still colouring her features.

"Because I know Alicent still loves you, loves you the same as you loved her in your youth." Though you loved Aemond now, you had not always done so. And as such, you had spent a great amount of time with the Dowager Queen in the early months of your marriage. While all the men in your lives seemed to be blind fools, you were not.

"It was her father that poisoned her against you. A poison that festered due to her bitterness. The men in our lives could never understand how we feel, but you can. You, Alicent, me. We've all been burdened with the task of womanhood, scorned and dismissed on the whims of men."

"Then why? Why has she been so persistent in my torment, in the torment of my sons. I have sued for peace more times than I can count only to be rebuffed at every turn" she scoffed, pulling her hands from yours as she moved to pace around the small room.

"I can't speak wholly for Alicent's reasons" you admitted, taking a deep breath. "But truthfully, I think she was jealous. She never loved your father. Her father has manipulated and trampled on her for her entire life, her children all ignored by their father. She has given her whole to duty, done what was expected of her whilst you trampled all over yours. I cannot excuse all of her actions, but try to see her point of view. Try for the woman that still loves you very much."

Rhaenyra is silent for some time, but you can see your words have had an effect. When she finally does reply it is with a question that takes you by surprise.

"And you?"

"I'm sorry, I don't quite understand the question your Grace" you frowned.

"You counted yourself amongst the women scorned at the hands of men."

"I didn't always love my husband, but Aemond demanded my hand" you admit, the truth tasting incredibly sour on your tongue. "Although I love him dearly now, he sometimes makes it very hard to. I suspect you may feel the same." One of the Queen's hands reached up to absentmindedly caress the bruised skin of her neck at your words as she simply hummed in agreement.

A sigh leaves her lips as she turned to face you once more, "Daemon wanted to have Helaena's children killed. In retaliation for Lucerys," you are left reeling at the confession, bile working its way up your throat as you collapsed back into the chair.

"I wouldn't allow it, wouldn't allow sweet Helaena to undergo that sort of pain. But Daemon was persistent, so in order to save her I chose you as the target instead."

You are prevented from replying to her admission by the sudden rush of cramps in your lower belly and back, the pain drawing a gasp and catching Rhaenyra's attention. The woman was at your side immediately, eyes widened as she watched your waters break.

"Fuck!" you screamed, hunching over as a new wave of pain assaulted your body.

"Quickly" Rhaenyra called, pulling you up and supporting your weight as she led you from the room and out into the corridor. Your pained groans were quick to catch the attention of the servants and lords alike as Rhaenyra screamed for a maester.

Daemon, who had arrived to investigate the source of all the fuss was quick to stand in your way, "this is what we wanted" he hissed to his wife, glaring at you. Both you and Daemon are then taken aback by Rhaenyra's fierce reply

"No, this is what you wanted! I am the queen, and I'll have no more of your schemes now move!" There was a power in her voice that you could only admire with a gaping mouth before you were forced on the move again.

To your great surprise Rhaenyra refused to leave your side, only slipping out once when you had begged for your husband through tears.

It was nearing the end of the night, the pain had made it impossible to continue your pacing and as you lay sweating in the birthing bed there was only one though on your mind.

"Aemond. Where is Aemond?" you choked out through cries and gritted teeth, squeezing Rhaenyra's hand as another contraction rocked your body.

"He's on his way sweetling" she promised, "Jace will be leading him back very soon." You couldn't find the strength to reply, head falling back limply against the pile of pillows as you tried to tune out the pain. According to the midwife it was still not yet time to push and you weren't sure how much longer you could hold out.

So lost in the haze of pain as Rhaenyra dabbed at your forehead you didn't notice as the chamber doors were violently thrown open, your furious husband stalking in. His feet quickly came to a stop as his good eye was met with the horrific sight of your pain.

Where you hadn't noticed the interruption Rhaenyra had, and was quick to yell at her younger brother.

"My lord!" one of the maesters interjected in abject horror, "you must wait outside-" Aemond however, was having none of his nonsense and for a second Rhaenyra feared the man's mouth had just cost him his life. Another pained groan from you was his saving grace though, and in record time Aemond was at your side, taking your hand from his sisters'.

"I'm here love, I'm here" he assured, throwing a quick glare at his sister before turning back to attend to you.

"Aemond?" you opened your exhausted eyes, desperately hoping you weren't hallucinating. A sob of relief leaving you once you realised he was really in front of you.

"My lady, you must start to push" your reunion is cut short by the midwife.

"I can't" you sobbed, shaking your head in denial.

"You must!" she insisted, even as you continued to refuse.

"Please love, you must listen to the midwife" Aemond urged, wiping your hair back from your face as he squeezed your hand. Groaning you attempted to sit up, only to immediately fall back as your muscles refused to cooperate.

"Aemond I can't" you protested once more, tears blurring your vision. It is Rhaenyra that ultimately comes to your side.

"Yes you can sweet girl. You must, your Queen demands it so." Her words managed to get a slight laugh from you as you remove your hand from your husband's to clutch at hers once more. "Aemond, sit behind her and support her weight" she demanded, and to your great shock he moved to comply with a complaint.

The hours blur together as you lay with your back against your husband's sturdy chest, Rhaenyra clutching one of your hands in her own as you screamed in pain. You are sobbing and heaving but with the support of your family, you push through. And eventually, you are rewarded with a shrill cry.

Tears of relief pour from your eyes as you demand to hold your child. You hear the hitch in your husband's breath as both of you lay eyes on your child for the first time.

"A girl" you whisper, voice choking with love. Looking back at your husband you can only watch in adoration as his eye refuses to leave your little girl's face, his arms wrapping around you to stroke at the small tuft of white hair.

A silent consensus seemed to be reached for the inhabitants of the room in that moment. The war could wait, the crown could wait. For now you would simply bask in the wonder of new life.

Taglist (crosses indicate an unavailable tag): @targeryenmoony @thelittleswanao3 @thenovelcarnival @yourlittlehoe @chattylurker @etherily @psychwardsiren @mihrimahsultan03 @bbyaemond @krispold @hyperfixated-freak @eudximoniakr @deadstarkblacksoul @weepingwitchofthewest

[maidragoste]

Antidote

Aemond Targaryen x Targaryen!Reader (Daughter of Rhaenyra) x Aegon II Targaryen

Masterlist Serie

Part 7

sorry for taking so long to update, I hope the wait was worth it and you like this chapter

Thank you for all the messages and comments, they mean a lot to me. I'm sorry I haven't been answering but tumblr wouldn't let me, luckily the problem has been solved.

thank you very much for all the support

Disclaimer: English is not my first language so I apologize for any mistakes.

You were still alive. But for how long? You were in and out all the time in a state of unconsciousness. Your temperature wouldn't drop no matter how many cold washcloths Alicent and the maesters put on your forehead. The nerves in the room increased every time you whispered the names of your dead brothers or called your mother. Alicent wanted to believe you were just hallucinating but the maesters thought your family was calling you to join them in death. The truth is that the maesters were not helpful, they could not detect what kind of poison you get poisoned with so they were only taking care of trying to lower your fever and wait for your death, the only maestre who seemed not to have given up on you was the same one who had helped you give birth to your children. The old man along with Egg—your little brother refused to see how another member of his family died—and Tyland Lannister —the man knew that with you dead there would be no peace and surely the northerners would attack King's Landing to avenge your death so he needed you alive—they were searching like crazy in old books for some kind of solution.

"You're not really thinking of giving her that," Aemond said angrily, coming in after his brother.

Everyone could feel the tension in the castle. Your dragon's wailing was not helping to reassure people. In addition, Baelon and Aemon could be heard crying non-stop as if they could feel that something had happened to their mother or perhaps they were distressed by the screams of the servant, the one who had given you the wine, being tortured. They had been able to locate the servant thanks to one of Larys Strong's spies.

As soon as they handed over the young man, neither of your husbands wasted time and began torturing him to get any kind of information from him. It didn't take long because the servant snapped when Aemond broke his leg. He confessed that he did not know what the antidote was or the type of poison, that he had only followed Borros Baratheon's orders in exchange for a bag of gold dragons.

Both the king and the prince wanted to continue torturing the bastard but they couldn't waste time on that, they needed to get the antidote to keep you alive, so Aegon ordered the guards to continue the torture but not to kill him.

Borros Baratheon took the longest, complaining with every blow and cut the Targaryen brothers gave him but only confessed to the crime after Aegon threatened to cut off his cock. The Lord of Storm's End believed that Aegon would marry one of his daughters since at the beginning of the war they had arranged a betrothal with Daeron Targaryen but now that he was dead he thought that the king would take his brother's place so he put on furious when the news of your nuptials reached him. He was outraged that Aegon decided to marry you instead of one of his daughters after his house had fought on the side of the greens in the war.

Lord Baratheon thought that if you died the king would again look for another wife to give him an heir. The worst thing is that the idiot didn't know what poison he poisoned you with, the only thing he said is that he got the poison through a witch. And what a great coincidence that a raven from Alys Rivers arrived with the antidote. Aegon didn't even hesitate, as soon as his brother told him that this was the antidote, he took the vial and went to your chambers.

“What's going on?” Alicent asked, she had been left alone looking after you after she'd thrown the maesters out because she heard one whisper that she sensed the Stranger in the room.

"We are running out of time and it is the only solution we have" The king replied to the prince, ignoring his mother "Don't you trust your lover?"

"That witch is not my lover!" The prince denied, holding back so as not to hit his brother. "I don't trust that witch, why would I do it? She bewitched me into her bed "he tried to ignore the nausea he felt at the memory"Aegon, thinks a little. Alys Rivers has no reason to give us the antidote "he pronounced the name in disgust" I'm sure it's some potion to worsen my wife's condition "

"If so, why would she sign the letter?" replied his brother leaving him speechless. He was right. It didn't make sense that the witch would sign her name to let everyone know that she murdered the queen. Still, he didn't trust her, he didn't forget that Borros Baratheon had said that he got the poison from a witch.

"You should give her the antidote," Alicent said to her firstborn, surprising him by siding with her in this argument. Besides that Alicent was a religious person so it was strange that she also decided to trust the witch's antidote "I don't think it's another poison or something worse" she said now looking at her second son, who still looked reluctant "How did you find out her about this?"

"The witch said that she saw it in the flames" replied the prince.

"Nonsense" Alicent snorted feeling only hatred for the woman. That witch had hurt her son, she believed Aemond's story, she had seen with her own eyes how in love he is with you, how he loves you so she knew he would never cheat on you. That damned woman almost ruined her son's happiness and now she was doing it again. Now it wasn't just you and Aemond who were suffering, when you passed out Alicent thought Aegon looked like he was about to collapse until she saw the fire in his eyes and started barking orders non-stop. "Surely she put all this together to make herself the savior and get some favor, maybe she thinks that saving the queen will get her a place at court"

Aemond was silent considering his mother's words. She was probably right. In the last few weeks, she had gotten more than one raven from the witch asking when he was going to fetch her so she and her bastard could join the court. He burned every one of the letters and pretended they didn't exist. That had been a mistake. As soon as the first letter arrived he should have gone to Harrenhal and killed them but he hadn't wanted to leave King's Landing again, he hadn't wanted to leave you alone again.

“Then we will deal with the witch. She will not go unpunished,” Aegon promised his brother before turning all his attention to you. He started calling out to you as he gently shook you, hoping you would wake up.

"Father?" you said without opening your eyes. Aegon felt a hole in his heart, but he didn't bother to correct you instead he helped you drink the concoction.

"You'll be fine," he whispered to you, stroking your hair tenderly, as you drifted back to sleep.

Alicent ended up leaving the room, although the truth is that she didn't want to leave your side but she trusted that her children would take good care of you, just because Aemond asked her to take care of the children. Now not only the cries of the babies could be heard, but also that of Jaehaera.

In the following hours, the brothers stayed with you. They took care of cleaning you and changing your sweaty clothes for clean ones. Then they each settled next to you and took your hand. Then the eldest of the brothers took advantage of the fact that they were alone to talk about the topic that made him so curious.

"Alys Rivers," the king noticed how his brother tensed just hearing the woman's name. He had also noticed how pale he had turned when they received the witch's raven and the disgust with which he spoke of her "She is not your lover"

"I already told you" the prince replied curtly.

“I'm just saying that I believe you. You didn't want to sleep with that witch, she forced you"

When the news came in the middle of the war that Aemond had a lover and had gotten her pregnant, Aegon couldn't believe it. It made no sense to him how his correct brother could have fathered a bastard, let alone how he could hurt you like that.

Now he knew the truth thanks to Aemond. If he were another man, Aegon wouldn't have believed the story that he was put under a witch's spell and that's why he was unfaithful to his wife. But it was Aemond, and he could see his discomfort and anger every time they spoke of Alys Rivers. He even came to realize the fear of him. That's why he believed him because his brother was good at putting on a mask and hiding his feelings. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen his brother scared.

"She knows?"Aegon asked, referring to you.

"She doesn't believe me" the prince admitted. Maybe he told him because he was tired and wasn't thinking. Or maybe just because it felt good to know that someone else believed him.

"You should tell him again about what happened to you with that witch. I'm sure he'll listen to you now, probably before the pain was very recent and he didn't want to know anything about your stay in Harrenhal"

Surprisingly, Aemond felt calm upon hearing his brother's words. Before he could answer you woke up coughing. Aegon wasted no time helping you sit down while Aemond poured you water.

“Thank you,” you said once you finished drinking everything “Are the kids okay? Egg? Jaehaera? Everyone is fine?"

Neither of your husbands was surprised that this is your first concern. They instantly reassured you that neither had been poisoned, that the kids had only been scared but were now in Alicent's care.

“Good” you sighed “I will definitely go down in history, the first day of my reign and I almost died. Oh gods, I already imagine people saying that it is a bad omen and I will bring misfortune to the kingdom” you frowned imagining all the muttering of the people. You would have to work hard to make people not give so much importance to the assassination attempt you suffered.

Neither you nor Aemond expected your words to bring Aegon to tears.

"I don't care what people say, we almost lost you," he said, throwing himself into a hug. You let Aegon cry into your chest. You felt sad to see him so distraught, you tried to reassure him by patting him on the back and reminding him that you were fine now.

"Come, come" you opened your arms and Aegon settled back to make room for Aemond. He hesitated for a moment, actually, he wanted to be alone with you but he knew that his brother was not going to leave your side, before joining the two of you.

Aemond watched the scene feeling uncomfortable, not knowing what to do, it's not like it was the first time he'd seen Aegon cry but he'd never seen him so broken. Now he was more than clear that his brother's feelings for you were not a whim but were real.

The prince also felt jealous because he also wanted to be in your arms, he was your husband first. You should be calming him down. He wasn't crying but that didn't mean he wasn't just as scared or worse than Aegon. Every minute you were unconscious was hell for Aemond. Not even when he fought in the Gods Eye was he as afraid as in those hours. He was so afraid that you won't wake up, so afraid of losing you. He had no idea what to do without you. He couldn't imagine a world without you.

"You should sleep. I'm sure you haven't slept for hours. Now you can rest, I'm fine and I promise to be with you when you wake up" you kissed both of their foreheads and the brothers felt warmth return to their bodies.

"Can you sing?" Aegon asked. At another time Aemond would have thought his brother was childish but this time he didn't find it annoying. What's more, he was grateful. He also wanted to hear your voice, he needed it, after spending hours without listening to you.

"Sure" you accepted before starting to sing, Aemond smiled as he recognized the song, it was the first song you two had danced together.

It didn't take long for your husbands to fall asleep. They were exhausted and after so much stress your presence, your warmth, and your sweet voice were a balm for them.

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[witchofvalyria]

HOTD Season I spoilers:

Episode 10. - Title: The Black Queen

Written by: Ryan J. Condal

- Directed by: Greg Yaitanes.

Premiere: October 23

Episode 10 opens with Rhaenyra and Luke talking about Corlys being unwell.

There is a scene of Jace learning High Valyrian with a maester and Rhaenyra is watching, she is very encouraging.

Rhaenyra Goes Into Labour

Rhaenys lands on Dragonstone wearing black and red armour with dragon scales on the bust and black jewels on the shoulders.

She is the one to deliver the news of Viserys’ death and Aegon’s coronation to Daemon and Rhaenyra, which eventually sends Rhaenyra into early labour.

Rhaenys wants Baela and Rhaena to go to High Tide for safety - Baela seems determined to fight.

Rhaenyra giving birth is spread out over a few scenes, Daemon leaves them, then she moves to her chambers and has a group of midwives and the maester attending her. Towards the end, she screams for them to get it out of her, but the baby starts crowning and everyone moves away in horror - Daemon is here at this point and looks a bit shocked.

Daemon makes Ser Lorent Marbrand and Ser Steffon Darklyn swear to Rhaenyra during her birth scene.

Rhaenyra has to pull the baby out herself and just sits on the floor lovingly cradling her for a minute, Daemon comes over silently and puts his hand on her shoulder to comfort her. Rhaenyra then says ''we must burn it''.

Rhaenys also interrupts Ser Steffon Darklyn who’s training with Jace and Luce and tells them that their mother wants to speak to them. Jacaerys is told what happened and goes to find Daemon to tell him not to plan an attack until his mother can weigh in.

Rhaenyra’s Coronation & Visenya’s Funeral

Ser Erryk Cargyll shows up having stolen Viserys’ crown, he gives it to Daemon as he kneels.

At Visenya’s funeral, Daemon crowns Rhaenyra with her father’s crown and kneels before her, as does everyone who’s present.

The Black Council

In the Black Council scene, the following characters are present: Rhaenyra, Daemon, Rhaenys, Ser Steffon Darklyn, Jace, Luke, Ser Erryk, Ser Lorent Marbrand, Lord Celtigar, Lord Staunton, 6 Targaryen guards and 20 unnamed Black council members.

The Black Council happens over several scenes; it is not very hopeful until Corlys joins the cause after being persuaded by Rhaenys.

It is made clear that Rhaenyra initially does not want to go to war and wants to find a more diplomatic solution, which is the reason why Rhaenys eventually decides to support the Blacks and convinces Corlys to do so too.

Rhaenyra and Rhaenys may have a bit of a tense relationship and rivalry, but Rhaenys really respects her when she demonstrates restraint when everyone else wants to go to war.

When Corlys swears fealty to Rhaenyra, he has just recovered from his injuries and the council chamber is waiting on what he will say, as his support would make or break the Blacks' cause, he starts off by calling her ''Princess'', but he then declares his support for her and says all of his ships and assets are hers.

After Corlys declares for the Blacks, the Black council starts planning a siege of King's Landing and they cut off sea supply as Corlys controls it after conquering the Stepstones.

Daemon and Rhaenys have a tense scene.

Daemon takes Jace to have the Kingsguard at Dragonstone swear fealty to him, he uses Caraxes to intimidate them and gives them the opportunity to have a clean death and be written into the White book if they choose not to swear, but die by Caraxes if they swear and turncloak.

The Greens’ Terms of Peace

Otto goes to Dragonstone after it's suggested the Blacks should be killed, it's Alicent who sways them to offer terms instead.

Otto says that she needs to be sure because once the Blacks learn about Viserys' death, they can't take back that information and thousands could die in the war.

Otto comes the next day with terms, Rhaenyra flies in on Syrax - wearing her father’s crown and once she lands, she rips off his badge as she believes him to be a traitor to both her and Viserys' memory.

Daemon wants him dead and has already drawn his sword, but Otto gives her a page from a book which Alicent held onto for years, from their shared childhood as a reminder that Alicent remembers how close they were and that she wants a peaceful resolution. This is what makes Rhaenyra stop Daemon from killing him and tells him that he’ll have his answer the next day.

The scene with Rhaenyra and the painted map table from the trailer is in episode 10 after Otto comes to Dragonstone with peace terms, this is Rhaenyra relaying the terms to her council.

The second black council meeting is more tense than the first, and Rhaenyra orders everyone to get out except for Daemon. They discuss peace and what being a good ruler means. Daemon is convinced that war with the Greens is the only solution and does not see an easy way out of this. He flips between furious and caring when Rhaenyra tells him that it’s her duty as Queen to try and keep the peace, trying to convince her otherwise. Rhaenyra tells Daemon about Aegon's dream thinking he knew about it, but Daemon flips out because Viserys never told him about it - meaning that his brother never actually considered him as an heir. (“Dreams didn’t make us kings, dragons did.”)

Aegon I Targaryen’s dream that every heir is aware of concerns the unification of the Seven Kingdoms and the reasons behind it - A dream of a threat that will in the future emerge from beyond the Wall.

Daemon keeps trying to convince her to start planning the war, but she’s still unsure of how to handle it. He calls her weak and storms off.

Daemon's emotional scene on the beach is described as a big release of emotion after their fight, Visenya’s funeral and the news of Viserys’ death.

The next morning, Daemon spars with knights, while Rhaenyra and Jace stand on a balcony watching. Rhaenyra tries to explain to Jace the importance of peace. But Jace says they cannot trust a usurper.

Daemon wears a modified version of his episode 1 tourney armour when he's training on the beach after Rhaenyra lost the baby, it's all black and heavy, not delicate looking, the helmet has a dragon on it, its wings go over Daemon's cheeks and its head is on top of his head, the red plume and wings that stick out were removed.

After Corlys has declared for the blacks, Rhaenyra reluctantly sends off Jace and Luke as envoys after they volunteer. She makes the boys swear to be messengers only and not participate in any fighting.

Luke is clearly afraid and runs back for one last hug before he leaves on his dragon.

Daemon & The Lost Art of Dragon Song

Daemon goes into the Dragonmont tunnels where the dragons dwell, he sings in slow, calm Valyrian lyrics as Vermithor stirs from the darkness, it's described as ''bronze with bright grey eyes, one horn is broken'', Daemon finishes the song and Vermithor lets out a rumble from its gut which is described as ''the purr of a lion''.

At this point Daemon is still just preparing for the eventuality of war, he doesn't want to sit idle while Rhaenyra decides if she wants to act, Daemon mentions in an earlier council scene that they had unclaimed dragons on Dragonstone, he's starting the process of taming them and claiming them for the Blacks' side.

Storm’s End

Luke lands on Storm’s End only to find Aemond already there, talking with Lord Borros Baratheon - who is described as obnoxious, rude and loud. We find out that Aemond has chosen his betrothed, Floris Baratheon. Lord Borros does the “which of my girls will you marry, boy” song and dance, but Luke refuses to participate because he’s already betrothed.

Aemond insults and provokes Luke, throwing a dagger at him. He demands he take his eye off to settle their score.

He proceeds on taking off the eyepatch from the injury he had inflicted on him, only to dramatically show off a sapphire in its place.

Borros stops them from fighting and lets Luke leave Storm’s End safely, but Aemond goes after him through the storm - Vhagar chomps on Arrax’s neck and kills Luke, devouring him. Luke's final moments happen while bastard-themed insults are hurled at him.

The last scene of the season is Daemon informing Rhaenyra about Luke's death, telling her that “she has war in her eyes”.

Notes:

● The Storm’s End scene lasts for about 15’.

● Rhaenyra's coronation/Visenya's funeral was intimate and not lavish,

there was a fair amount of Dragonstone locals there though.

● The baby prop was pretty monstrous, like a dragon foetus looking thing.

● The painted table glows at night time, as if it has molten lava inside it,

Ser Erryk, Ser Steffon, Ser Lorent and Lord Caswell are present.

[radioactivewatson]

The dragon's heart

Chapter 1

Pairing: Jacaerys Velaryon x OC Targaryen x Aemond Targaryen

Warnings: strong-ish language, talk of arranged marriage.

Summary: Rhaenyra realices there's only one way of making peace.

A/N: I am writing this as a way of going back to the writing game, as such I can't guarantee that every chapter will be very long or have a very exciting plot. I hope you enjoy my writing nonetheless and I'll see you next time. Lots of love ♥️♥️

The pale woman looked out of her bedroom’s window as she sighted at her husband's words.

“Rhaenyra…”

“I’ve had enough of it, Daemon!”

The prince pursed his lips as he exhaled through his nose in an attempt to calm himself, he knew it would do no good to his cause if he snapped back at his wife.

“You’re asking me to go back to the very place where my son almost lost an eye to that cunt’s madness”.

“I’m asking you to visit your father, my brother, Rhaenyra” countered Daemon.

Rhaenyra turned to face her husband. They both held the other’s stare until the princess spoke again with resolve.

“I refuse to let us be easy prey for Alicent to pounce on again”.

“She is a Highttower, Rhaenyra, it is what they all do, they pounce and they hunt and they tear but that has nothing to do with my brother and you know it. What will you have us do, hide here until that snake has no more venom to spit, until there’s nothing she can accuse you of? Hide if you wish to, rinitsos (little girl), but if you command me to follow you I will not respond” said the prince bluntly.

…………..

“Nyke emagon vettan nykea decision, issajorraelagon” (I have made a decision, my love).

The rogue prince looked at his wife with a raised eyebrow and kept quiet; he had stated his stance on the matter and would not change his mind. The arrangements to leave for the Red Keep had already been made and a raven had been sent, it was up to Rhaenyra to decide if he would be made to leave by himself or accompanied.

“Yzaldrizes aoha iderennon sir, abrazyrys” (speak your choice now, wife).

“I wish to make an alliance with the greens”.

“You do not need my consent, my lady wife” Daemon said simply, not yet giving his opinion on the matter.

“That I am aware of, husband, however given our previous… discussion I find it important to know your thoughts".

Daemon exhaled slowly and closed his eyes. An allegiance to the greens could no doubt be something favourable for them. Despite the possibility of a positive outcome, the prince was also aware that the Highttowers were like no other family. Broken and small as it was, they were sick and twisted and Otto Highttower had such an unquenchable thirst for power he hadn't hesitated to place it before the happiness of his own remaining child . Daemon held no more sympathy for the man than he would for common murderer or thief. He, however, was also aware of what the bad blood between both families would eventually bring. From the moment Viserys married Otto's child the link that was born between both families became a sword whose sharp point always seemed to be pointing towards the Targaryens. But now, now they had the chance of changing that. There was only one issue remaining, an issue whose solution Daemon was already aware of. The prince finally opened his eyes and let them fall on his wife.

“An alliance with the greens will not be an easy matter to resolve, if we are to sign it off we must give them something valuable, something they can use against us if need be” he answered at last.

“I’m afraid this is where our views distort, husband…”

“What, where you just going to step foot on the Red Keep and offer to restore your friendship with that cunt for the good of the realm?” interrupted Daemon mockingly.

“Just what other thing could I offer her? I already put Jacaerys forward for the princess Helaena and she refused. Alicent has already expressed her wishes to befriend me again more than once”.

“If that is your wish, go through with it, but a pact simply based on the power of love will not last a fortnight. Helaena was already betrothed to Aegon, but the eldest daughter has not yet been married off to anybody”.

Rhaenyra looked at the rogue prince as if he had just grown a second head. She picked her fingernails nervously as she paced. She knew she would one day have to make the decision of wedding her children but she had expected to avoid it for as long as possible. She herself had suffered from an unfulfilling marriage once, and did not wish for her sweet boys to go through the same ordeal nor the same rumours spread about her to be about them, they already had enough with their own at the moment. She stopped her pacing as she heard Daemon’s steps near her. The princess felt her husband's arms circle her waist and his chin rest on her head. She turned to look at him and he took a hold of her hands, effectively stopping her nervous nail-picking habit.

“If you want an alliance with the greens there’s only one choice,” he whispered gently “so make it”.

“He barely knows her” Rhaenyra whispered as she sighed and rested her head on the man’s chest.

“Rhaenyra…” he chided.

“For all we know she could be as cruel as her brother Aegon”

“Aegon is a drunkard and a cunt, and he is seen as such by the whole realm, if she was as much of a monster as you worry she is, the same whispers would carry her name through the keep” reasoned the prince.

The princess lifted her head from the prince’s chest and finally looked at him. Still unsure, she took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

“I will do it. I will wed my son to Viserra Targaryen”.

Taglist

@stargaryenx

If you wish to be added to my tagglist let me know :)

[beautifulsnake2162020]

Higher Intervention: Aemond x FemReader (House of the Dragon x Sandman fanfic) Part 9

Disclaimer: This is a fanwork to show appreciation for the intellectual properties used. I also haven’t read Fire and Blood and most if not all that I know is from the TV show.

Gif by merlinaddams

Premise: Alys Velaryon, older twin sister of Jace Velaryon is the only member among Rhaenyra’s children whom Aemond cannot completely hate. As their love story progresses, a newer and larger threat complicates things and reveals discoveries that neither the greens or the blacks had ever imagined.

AN: This is one of the chapters that I was looking forward to writing (because everything is starting to come together and revelations are going to be made). Like the last scene from Part 8 plenty scenes from this was the reason I was inspired to write this story.

If you wish to read the previous parts (which I recommend you do if you haven’t read them yet):

Part 1 / Part 2/ Part 3/ Part 4/ Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8

Taglist (comment down below if you want to be included): @winxschester @memento-mora @mxrgodsstuff @thepowerstoner

Also tagging:

@lady-phasma @aemonds-war-crime @adderess @princeaemonds because some of their ideas of Aemond have undoubtedly influenced my work.

"You haven't done anything. You are not obligated to force yourself to feel anything for them." Aemond tells you as you carry a basket with all three sleeping dragons inside it laying on top of a few layers of napkins. There was no denying that as they still sleep waiting to be awakened by you that though their creation was not ideal, they were innocent and adorable.

"Why - why must this happen to us? Am I not allowed to be happy for once?"

"Don't - don't do this to yourself raqiarzy. I'm not losing you again. You heard the Storm God last night, Balerion is the only God who has survived the Doom of Valyria. That means even he can be destroyed."

You both enter the private dining hall, the same place where long ago the King made his attempt at trying to make peace with both sides of a divided family. The same night that Larys Strong drugged you and somehow placed you Criston Cole's bed.

Sensing your anxiety, Aemond puts a hand in the small of your back. Rubbing that spot until you had calmed down a bit as you relaxed your grip a little bit on the handle of the basket.

"Ready?" You nod, and he opens the door going in. The layout was generally the same with some tables added in. Corlys, Rhaenys, and Daeron now joined you, as well as some Hightower relatives that you had yet to be familiar with.

This time instead of Aegon it was your beloved Aemond sitting to your left as you sit across the King and Jace sits to your right with Baela to his own right.

However this wasn't a dinner gathering. You all had dinner before coming here.

This was a discussion on what happened last night and what to do about it.

First you explained your first discovery of your powers and abilities. But because it would have been more dangerous to admit it to anyone you tried to find the solution on your own and that in Dragonstone you found a prayer book to Balerion. How you have been praying to him ever since you were 16 and how it seemed your prayers just remained unanswered.

"When I first arrived here and once I've settled in I rushed to the library to see if there was anything that could help me control my powers over fire. It was getting frightening for me because of how unpredictable my control over it was. It was why I always went around with a napkin in my pocket because I don't know if the next time I sneezed sparks - which I guess was lightning now - would fly out and may injure someone. And as I found out about the God of the Heavens based on what literature we have on Saathi culture, that was when Ser Ion - Balerion...first introduced himself to me in his form. You all know how I was introduced to Ser Arari - I mean the Storm God...and Ser Kormy...the Red God."

"Have you prayed to the Red God?"

"Only a few prayers my Queen. But I thought they just went unanswered just like my prayers to Balerion. I didn't know who else to turn to and all of you were busy plotting against each other. Possessing dragons to be used against each other was dangerous enough, what more someone who has abilities over controlling the energy in blood, but who lacks control over her fire and lightning abilities?"

"Then why did you confide these things to my nephew and not to us?"

"She confided in me after I promised not to reveal it to anyone. And had we continued fighting I have no plans on her getting involved since it is because of her gifts that my father is still with us now."

"Alys...did you know of their feelings for you?"

"Only Ser Kor-the Red God's admiration for me. He has had that since we first met but I didn't return them and I turned him down as gently as I could. For the other two, Ser Arari just nodded when I rejected him and silently turned around despite me saying that we could still be friends. And Ser Ion ... Balerion was really upset but I tried to explain that he's an important friend by being one of my confidants here in court. I - I don't know what else to tell them mother."

"And now the realm is at risk once again. All three of them have offered to make you a Goddess."

"With all due respect Lord Hightower, I don't desire any of them. I don't even desire being a Goddess. What scares me is the power they have over things that can hurt us and this realm."

"In hindsight perhaps had we noticed earlier perhaps we could have been of more help to you. I'm sorry for this granddaughter and son."

"But let me ask - just so we're clear. Who would you choose if you didn't have anything to fear?"

Everyone anticipates the answer.

"I would still choose Aemond my Queen. It had always been Aemond. "

The Queen sighs in relief.

"Are you satisfied mother?"

"I am."

"Now." Daemon begins as he stares at the basket.

"What do we do about your nameday dragons from your suitors?"

"Father they're just babies! I haven't given them the command to wake up and start living." You couldn't help but put an arm around the basket to bring it closer to you. Almost like a mother putting a hand on her womb.

"I agree, Daemon they are harmless."

"For now."

"It seems your Step-father has not observed that your three new dragons are literally made for you."

"And it seems the hand here has not observed that these are not just ordinary dragons that has been given to my daughter."

"Otto, Daemon, please!" The King says as he ends the on going infighting between the hand.

"Am I to understand Alys, that they remain asleep and has only been sleeping?" Lord Corlys asks finally joining in the discussion.

"Yes, it seems that way grandfather. It seems they don't need food or anything more, and they don't appear to be growing. But it's just been one day so far."

"What are you getting at Corlys?"

"Your grace I believe that as long as they remain asleep, her nameday dragons are harmless. There are more pressing concerns that we should prepare for like the Storm God's ice dragons. An entire species of dragons that no dragonrider here has any experience with." An ominous tension arrives in the room. He had a point, while all dragonriders here have experience with fire breathing dragons, last night was the first confirmation that ice dragons were real and allegedly could be giant.

After all one of your baby dragons was an ice dragon. Unlike ordinary snow or ice, this divine ice did not melt away.

"We'll need to begin gathering everything we can about Ice dragons."

"We'll also have to choose carefully whom we get such information from." Princess Rhaenys added.

"What has the Storm God shared with you Alys?" She asks, or rather she orders you to say it but it was veiled through a question.

"The Saathi and Loreth have mages that specialize in lightning and ice magic. He hasn't told me about the ice dragons but he has shared that it is because of these mages that the Saathi were able to thrive in such harsh environments without much access to animals that provide fur, unlike the wildlings beyond the wall or our Northmen here."

"Speaking of Northmen I propose we also invite Lord Cregan Stark in this discussion." Jace says, speaking for the first time that night.

"Your drinking buddy?" Aegon asks in disbelief.

"He's the leader of the house which leads the North. If anyone knows how to deal with harsh winter environments, it's going to be him. If we get him involved, plenty of the northern houses will follow."

"We will also need to start recruiting magic users as well." Rhaena joins in.

"Especially the ones who have experience dealing with each of her Divine suitors."

"Tsch and you think mere mortal mages could protect us from their wrath once Alys rejects them?" Daemon brings up a good point. That was also one of your fears, the repurcussions to either the realm or to everyone else. If it was just you then you believe you could endure it. But knowing the stories involving the wrath of Gods...

"It's better than nothing father."

"Have you not heard the Storm God's offer to your sister last night? He offered her the sky. How are we going to hide anything from there?"

Sky.

"Do you see the sky?" You hear a familiar voice say in your mind as everyone else begins discussing and arguing.

Your instincts were trying to tell you something.

"Alys?" You hear Aemond call back to you.

"Alys? Are you still with us?" Your mother asks gently but firmly.

"I - I think I need to see something in the window for awhile. I don't know why my instincts are telling me this. Excuse me." You hear them continue their discussion while feeling Aemond's gaze on you. You turn and nod to him, and after your assurance he joins back in the discussion.

Once you reach the window and gaze at the dark star filled sky you take a breath.

Focus.

Allow the memory to flow through you.

Soon it didn't take long.

Like where you were now, you were gazing at the dark star filled sky.

"Do you see the sky?"

"Yes daddy it's so beautiful!" You were a little girl and you felt him carry you with ease in his arm.

"Would you like to add more stars?"

"Yes daddy! Oh and can you make them into an elephant? Or or a dog?" You hear him chuckle as warmth and familiarity now flood your heart and being.

"There is already a dog and elephant Jessamy."

"Huh? But I couldn't see it!"

"Here, imagine the dots being connected." He uses his pointer finger from his free hand to draw imaginary lines connecting the stars to each other.

"Hmm I'm trying."

"Oh beloved just make a clearer picture." You hear her now very familiar voice.

"Mommy! Mommy can you sing the star song again?" You feel yourself ask as his arms carry you back to a very familiar woman.

"Twinkle twinkle little-"

"No mommy. The other one." She laughs a very familiar laugh as she joins you two gazing out the window. As he brings out a black pouch in your periphery.

🎵"Look at the stars Look how they shine for you And everything you do Yeah, they were all yellow"🎵

She puts you on her lap as she makes you face him and the window showing the night sky.

🎵"I came along I wrote a song for you And all the things you do And it was called Yellow"🎵

🎵"So then I took my turn Oh, what a thing to have done And it was all yellow"🎵

You remember watching him in amazement as he turns the sand into stardust.

🎵"Your skin, oh yeah, your skin and bones Turn into something beautiful And you know, you know I love you so You know I love you so"🎵

🎵"I swam across I jumped across for you Oh, what a thing to do 'Cause you were all yellow"🎵

🎵"I drew a line I drew a line for you Oh, what a thing to do And it was all yellow"🎵

Like the artist he was he begins painting a clearer picture in the star filled sky. In your waking life you were taught that it's the Universe who made the stars. But here in the Dreaming, anything was possible.

🎵"And your skin, oh yeah, your skin and bones Turn into something beautiful And you know, for you, I'd bleed myself dry For you, I'd bleed myself dry"🎵

You could see it now. The Elephant and the dog made up of stars in the sky.

🎵"It's true Look how they shine for you Look how they shine for you Look how they shine for Look how they shine for you Look how they shine for you Look how they shine"🎵

In the Waking world, the stars didn't move as fast. But here in the dreaming your father was able to make them move. And make the Elephant and the dog play together like in your favorite cartoons.

🎵"Look at the stars Look how they shine for you And all the things that you do"🎵

"Do you see them now Jessamy?" He asks you with a happy expression on his face. It's in one of these moments that you could also see the stars in eyes.

"Yes daddy. I love you so much!"

"Don't you love me too?"

"Yes mommy, I love you just as much as I love daddy. I'm half of both of you!"

You feel the memory end as you hear their laughter fade away.

And you feel yourself cry.

They were watching and guiding you all this time.

You were never alone. All you had to do was to dream.

No, you need to hold back your tears, you can't let your mortal family and your beloved be worried again.

"Your grace, the Holy women have arrived."

"Send them in."

You hear their footsteps as you finally remember your name.

You take your time to compose yourself. Making sure that the tears you've shed did not leave any stains and that your heart calmed down.

"There are a few questions we would like to ask you three."

It was then that you turned towards them.

Now you know why they seemed so familiar.

"The Three who are one."

Everyone turns to you puzzled.

Everyone except the Holy women.

"You just remembered who you are haven't you?" Reyna - the mother figure inquires with a knowing look.

"Alys, what is she talking about?" The King asks.

"We will let her explain before we answer any questions." Agnes - the crone says with authority. No one dared question her order. You go back and stand in between your family and the Holy women.

"This is going to sound crazy."

"Alys, three Gods proposed to you yesterday. How can it get any crazier than that." Aegon says as he takes another drink of his wine.

Aemond gives a brief glare at him then he goes to you.

"Whatever it is I'll be here."

"We are dealing with very unusual circumstances and we will need to know as much as we can." Corlys says as encouragingly as he could while also leaving no room for evading it.

And so right then and there you tell them about your dreams. Your dreams and your memories that have been returning back to you ever since your powers came to you.

"So what you're saying is you're a Goddess?" Luce asks as he struggles to comprehend what you are.

"She's more than that. She is an Endless. The personification of the forces of nature." Kara - the maiden clarifies.

"Gods and Goddesses are a mortal concept. They need beliefs to stay alive, your sister doesn't need anyone to worship her."

"After all she is the very life force of the Universe." The mother adds.

"Reborn in this lifetime in a mortal shell." The crone quickly says as the three of them now turn to you.

"Just to be sure"

"Do you"

"Remember your name?"

You nod before straightening your back.

"Vitality, Vitality of the Endless."

Suddenly the entire place changed. That's not the unusual part for you. By now you were more used to it than when you began.

What was unusual was all of your family to also join you.

"What is this? Where have you taken us?"

"Don't panic."

"This is her memory."

"One that you should all witness."

And there you were in all your Endless glory.

Pure energy, and yet very much human.

Or at least human like.

You were standing on front of Balerion, and behind him was one of his blood experiments.

The very reason why you are here.

"Don't bother hiding it from me Balerion. I already saw it. And long before then I had already sensed it." He smirks as he turns to face you.

"You are not going to do anything to me."

"You have used the very gift I gave you to violate my own laws!" He doesn't bother looking guilty.

"Why is it that when a mortal does it, it's called an experiment. But when I do it you're treating it as if I'm breaking the very laws of nature."

"Because you are. There is a reason why the dead must remain dead. The vitality in them has begun it's cycle of returning to the environment. By doing this you are breaking that flow and cycle."

"Then why is it that in your home dimension - as you call it - there is a being named Jesus Christ whose main appeal is that he has resurrected after being dead for three days!"

"Jesus Christ had Divine vitality before he died. That's why he didn't break the laws of vitality when he came back to life. I've told you before Balerion that if you want to deal with resurrection you can only do so by giving Divine vitality either long before a mortal dies or on the brink of their death. You can no longer give life to what are now bones of various creatures that are mixed together no matter how much blood and fire you use."

"Then what are you going to do? I'm not like all your other offenders. I am a God, and if you want to punish me you will have to punish my followers and worshippers too."

"That's not necessarily the case and you know it. I shall take back the gift of fire and energy that I have given you long before -"

"Glaesēt! Wait" Queen Meraxes puts herself on front of you. In your periphery you could see how your family becomes curious as to who she is.

"Meraxes, please move. Your son has broken my laws, I came as quickly as I could when Syrax called me through her sigil of the crossroads."

"Glaesēt please spare him. Let me take care of it. He shall be punished under Valyrian customs, please - please don't punish him under the laws of the Endless." You feel your heart breaking as you watch this from retrospect.

She was one of your best friends.

And she was doing her job - protecting her family.

"Please Glaesēt, for the sake of our love and friendship, spare him. Vhagar will personally make sure that he suffers the consequences of breaking your laws. Please - please don't destroy my son." You feel the tears that you tried to hold back. You remember this part a little too well.

"There will be consequences whether it is by my hand or not. At least if he were punished by my hand it would only be him who shall suffer."

"Glaesēt, please, he is the first immortal who has broken your laws. We Gods have to hold ourselves to a higher standard. If someone needs to be punished then punish me! His own mother! Punish me for allowing this to happen." You shake your head at her as you retort.

"You didn't know this was happening Meraxes, I won't let you suffer the consequences of his actions."

"Glaesēt, please let him suffer according to the hands of Destiny, your own grandfather."

You take a moment of consideration.

Looking back now you really shouldn't have hesitated.

"Please don't kill him Glaesēt. I will more than allow Destiny's design to be the one to punish him for his blood experiments."

"And what if Destiny puts me in that position? Will you stop me then from punishing him like how you are doing now?"

"If Destiny's design will put you in such position, then I shall not interfere."

And with a flash you all are back in the dining room.

All except the Holy women.

The three who are one.

Fortunately everyone decided to retire. Probably to digest what was discussed and revealed.

That night you were too exhausted to actively dream. But you also once again give and respond the mysterious cries for help that has been calling you. Now that you had remember most of who you are, you realize that these cries for help had been asking for your help by needing any life force you can give. This happened almost daily and it actually helped prevent you from being overpowered.

Which was why you awaken in shock and surprise as your handmaidens were pressing themselves in the corners of the room.

"Vereena? Kayla? What's going on?"

"We don't know my lady!" Vereena says as she embraces the basket where your sleeping dragons lay. She tries calming herself by focusing on the sleeping dragons. You couldn't blame her, they were adorable as they were just sleeping. And even the most reluctant person might be tempted to pet them.

"We were just preparing to help you dress when we heard noises coming from your dragon eggs boxes!"

You slowly go to the boxes where there were indeed noises. As you go closer you began to hear what seems like...children talking?

"It's still so dark!"

"OUCH! You're stepping on my tail!"

"Oh sorry!"

"Maybe I should just go back to sleep."

"Let me climb on your back, maybe I can open this thing."

"It's still too high. SOMEONE HELP!"

Deciding to take a chance you open the boxes and are met with the surprise of your life.

Six new baby dragons.

Who can talk.

They were all smaller than the average dragon hatchling.

But they can talk.

First in the box of four dragon eggs that Aemond had leant you long ago. Or maybe he had secretly intended of actually making them actual engagement gifts for you.

One dragon had a short neck compared to the proportion of its torso. It was white in an almost translucent way with black speckles all over.

Then there was a dragon in vibrant kastra colors with a notably long tail. It's scale's shifting color depending on the angle you see it. From blue to green then back to blue. It had white spikes on its dorsal area.

Beside it was a red dragon also with spikes not just on its dorsal area but also on its head just behind what would be the ear area. This time the spikes were black and on its sides and on the outline on its black wings was gold. Speaking of wings this dragon seemed to have the largest wings out of everyone in its box.

Last but not the least from this box was a black dragon with silver patterns in various spots on its body. Compared to its siblings it was the largest in the group of little ones. Another notable thing was that its tail was whiplike.

Next in the box containing the dragon egg that you were given and that you had kept. Was a hatchling whose colors were white and gold with red spikes and horns on its head. Notably the horns were small - or maybe small for now - and it was almost arranged like a tiny crown on its head.

And finally from Rhaena's box was a golden dragon with a light violet underbelly. It was smaller than all the others. Almost delicately snakelike.

"Hello?"

"Oh it's the voice!"

"The one that helped us?"

"Yes, she's the one who helped us hatch."

"Muña!"

"Mama!"

"Mommy!"

"Oh wait a moment dears. Kayla can you please find another basket?"

"Yes my lady." She says as she rushes out in a hurry. Vereena has settled on the farthest part of the couch still craddling the basket containing the three sleeping dragons.

"Now, who told you that I was your mother?"

"The person with a hood and the book." Replied the black and silver little dragon.

"And then when we began going into a very nice place, there's a lady with wavy black hair that says you are our mama because you gave us energy and strength to hatch!" Says the white and gold dragon from your dragon egg.

So your mother and grandfather Destiny were the ones who told them. You don't understand the logic now, but given recent events you knew better than to question it.

"Oh Issa! They said that we were mōrqitta and our souls came from you." Says the Red dragon with black wings with gold highlights.

"I see."

"My lady, here's the basket. And his Highness is just outside your door with your parents, and the Queen." Kayla says as she gives you the larger basket.

"Wait what are they doing outside?"

"Um, they might have heard Vereena and I shriek earlier and might have thought that you were in danger."

"We're sorry my lady."

"It's fine girls. Prepare my dress for the day. Byki zaldrīzoti, I'll be putting you inside this basket and we'll be having some visitors once I'm ready to meet them alright?"

"Issa!" "Issa muña!"

You then gather your new dragon children and very gently place them inside. You were thankful that you didn't have an attire that required formality with more layers and you could be decent with just a few.

"Alys? Alys are you fine?" Your mother asks knocking on the door.

"We heard your ladies shriek earlier."

"I'm decent now mother. You may come in, we just had a surprise this morning."

They come inside and as expected were puzzled and shocked by seeing six very awake and very new dragons.

"Before you say anything, I am just as startled as all of you. And the three sleeping dragons are over here." You say as Vereena shows them the three sleeping dragons on the basket she has been holding.

"They hatched?"

"Issa and it took SO long." The translucent white dragon with black speckling says.

You were mildly amused by their expressions when they hear this.

"You can talk little one?" Your mother asks as she goes closer.

"Issa, why does everyone keep asking that?"

"Maybe it's because you bit my tail!"

"I thought it was an egg shell!"

"Zaldrizoti." You say with a firm tone, trying to imitate either of your mothers whenever you and your siblings would be squabbling.

Fortunately that did the trick as the white and black dragon and the kastra dragon settled down.

"Vaoreznuni muña." "Sorry mama"

"Mama?" Aemond asks you with an amused expression. You couldn't help but roll your eyes a little bit.

"I have no idea how I did it. But somehow ever since I awoke from my fiery rest I've been hearing some voices calling for help and since I had plenty of excess energy, I sent it to them almost everyday. And today they hatched."

"The hooded man with the book said that you were feeding us vitality. I don't know what that is but it felt really good." The tiny gold and delicate dragon said as she looks at the Queen in curiosity.

"What's that on your head?" The gold dragon asks her.

"Oh this?" The Queen asks as she points to the crown she was wearing.

"Are those your horns?"

Oh no.

Of all the people that had to be asked, it was the Queen and your future mother-in-law.

And of course your father was chuckling.

"You know, I'm beginning to like my dragon grandchildren."

"I'm so sorry your grace -"

"It's fine Alys, they are just children. It's not horns, it's called a crown."

"My lady the morning meal is ready. Your Grace, your Highness, Princess, Prince."

"Thank you Kayla."

"Alys I'll carry the basket with my talkative grandchildren. Why don't you carry the one with the ones still sleeping."

"Take care of them mother."

"What's talkative?"

You let them go ahead while you and Aemond take your time. You carried the basket with the divinely sleeping dragons gently rocking them.

"How are you my love? Now that you know my otherworldly nature. And that's only a day after I find out that three Gods want to marry me."

"If you think that's supposed to scare me, then it's failing. And learning of your other nature - at first I thought I would be overwhelmed, but I'm not. It explains why you've had the foresight to know that our infighting would lead to nowhere."

"Given how my current abilities are only a fraction of my actual power without my mortal shell, I'm quite relieved at how unphased you are." He leads you down a dark corner where you two share a deep kiss.

"I'm not going to lie." He says as he begins kissing the side of your lips giving you a moment to breathe.

"I'm looking forward to making love with someone who is practically a powerful immortal."

"You were about to say Goddess weren't you?" You tease as you pull him back for one last deep kiss. Teasing him even more as you decide to suck the tip of his tongue with yours.

"Mmm, careful now the children are sleeping." He says before sucking on your bottom lip.

"I just wanted to show my affection. Sadly you can't visit me now that I have curious little ones in my room."

"We don't have to do anything scandalous. If I visit and exchange a few kisses here and there while bonding with my future children, they might as well get used to it."

He leads you back in the public path.

"Something still doesn't make sense to me. Why do they think offering me immortality would make me choose them? I return back to my Endless self at the moment I die. Why offer me something that I already have?"

"They must not know. They believe that you are just a mortal with extraordinary power."

"Assuming that they don't know - why go after me? There are plenty of other mortals who also have powers. What about me that would make a God desire-"

Then your eyes light up.

Oh of course.

"Realized something?"

"Let's just say you and the rest of my family might be seeing more of my Endless family a little sooner than you might expect. I think I know who is behind this."

"How soon?"

"Possibly tonight - or however soon I can put the little ones to sleep. I don't want them anywhere near in case something should happen."

"Why not put Vereena and Kayla in charge? They're your handmaidens and I think the byki zaldrizoti would work their charm on them, they love children."

"Hmm true."

Later that night, after putting Vereena and Kayla in charge of taking care of all baby dragons - both talking and sleeping - all of you, except the King who had to rest, head to the courtyard. You initially wanted to do it on your own but they all insisted. Aemond you could understand, but your siblings, Daeron and Aegon? That was a surprise.

You return to the very place that you used to train with your divine suitors in both fire and lightning. It's hard to believe that now those are just memories.

"I don't know what will happen but just be ready for possible combat."

"What are you going to do?" You light up a fire that had sparks of lightning flowing through it in your hand.

"I'll be talking to a relative of mine your Grace. Someone whom I suspect has been behind this all along."

You turn around them and clear your mind.

Using the energy from your source you wave your hand from left to right then right to left slightly below it.

And your gallery emerges from the energy you used to summon it. One set of picture frames containing various floating sigils of your parents and the first generation of the Endless was on top. The other set slightly below held the sigils of your four siblings.

"Wha-what is -?"

"These are the sigils of all the members of the Endless. Except for mine since this is my gallery." You turn to them to give one final reminder.

"When in doubt please follow my lead alright?" After confirming that they've all understood. Lingering longer with Aemond to tell him without words that if anything should happen he's in charge. His expression confirms this and you now begin the part you've been dreading.

One final breath before you reach for the heart shaped sigil.

"Desire, it is I your niece, Vitality. I stand in my gallery as I hold your sigil. I have a few questions for you."

A large fire grows covering the space of the picture frame.

And then Desire's smirking face appears through the flames.

"My oh my how are you my dear sweet niece? Considering that you're calling me this way, it could only mean you got your memories back. Congratulations are in order."

"Thank you - but that is not why I'm calling you."

"Then allow me to open up a portal so that we can talk here in my chambers."

"No, I learned my lesson last time I went there unprepared."

"Then I shall go where you are."

"That's not ne-"

"Now." They speak behind you startling you. Here was the personification of Desire, attractive to all by their very nature. The fact that they were here in the same space with you and your family made this situation more dangerous.

"Well well look at my handy work. Not too much, not too little, just the perfect midpoint to make plenty...desire over you."

"So you did this to me?"

"Oh don't worry you were already beautiful. With Life incarnate as your mother I'm not surprised. I just made sure that you were irresistable to your three divine suitors." You were uneasy, Desire was not normally this forthcoming.

"Why?" At this, they chuckled sinisterly.

"Why? It's simple really. They thought they were immune to my powers. My powers of passion and urges, and impulses. Hahaha and they thought that they would never fall for a mortal. And now thanks to you, my point to them is about to be made."

"About to? They have all proposed to me when I have already told them that I don't desire any of them."

"Exactly." Their chuckle becoming more and more sinister.

"They all thought they were immune, and they are now about to be rejected by the very person they all want."

"And then I come in." You turn around to see a large woman placing a hook on her cheek.

"Despair."

"I'm excited to see you reject them Vitality. And my powers shall come over them and their followers, wanting to tear you apart for making their Gods serve you and not them."

"You - you two. You have made me both Helen and Paris! No matter what choice I make there's war?! When I've already done Destiny's task of preventing the infighting from escalating?!"

"Oh but sweet niece, you have already made your choice haven't you." Desire turns you to face Aemond who was quietly analyzing the situation.

"I can feel his urge to protect you from me, even though he could never harm me. And your feelings for each other match up so well. It would be a shame if I were to make any changes."

"Enough Desire." You hear a voice that you'd never thought you would hear.

"Why if it isn't Life, my big brother Dream's beautiful anomaly. Have you finally tired of my brother?" Your other mother, Life incarnate emerges from the shadows in all her Endless glory.

"Despair, release them from your existential and paralyzing dread. Desire, release my daughter. You both got what you wanted now go."

"But I still want more."

"You'll get more in the war."

"And what if I want it now."

"Then you will also have to deal with me." You hear the Sandman - your father's voice surround the courtyard. His normally enticing dreamlike voice now held the danger of one of his nightmares.

"Scared to show yourself brother?"

"No."

And then a gust of sand covered the room. But your eyes were strangely - or not so strangely- covered from the worst of it.

You find yourself transported back into the bedroom. All your dragons were asleep and your handmaidens have already left.

You feel drowsy, but you weren't afraid anymore.

After all your father just saved you.

You allow yourself to be brought into sleep.

Strange.

This felt like a memory.

But it wasn't yours.

You were in a dark and firey place.

Your father enters the room and the large imposing winged figure turns to him and shows of control over the central fire.

"Hello Dream."

"Greetings to you Lucifer Morningstar. And to you Mazikeen of the Lilim."

A figure revealing it's half-faced deformity turns to him.

"Greetings Dream Lord."

Now you know which memory of his is this.

He had just freed himself from imprisonment and went on a journey to recover his three items of authority that was stolen from him. This was why he descended to Hell. He had recovered his pouch of sand, and is now going to recover his helm. He had to engage in a duel with Lucifer Morningstar.

"As the challenged, I set the meter and take the first move." Lucifer says now dressed for battle.

"Very well." Your father says with confidence. Similarly dressed for the duel.

"Make your move." While you have heard of him tell this story to you and your siblings, you couldn't help but get excited to see how it went.

"I am...a dire wolf. Prey - stalking, lethal prowler." Lucifer says at ease.

Momentarily the image of a dire wolf emerging from the darkness was shown in your mind.

"I am a hunter. Horse - mounted, wolf - stabbing."

An image of a hunter using his arrow shooting at the wolf.

Then showing Lucifer being stabbed on the chest.

Your father waits, preparing himself as Lucifer straightens back up. Face filled with contempt.

"I am a serpent. Horse-biting, poisoned toothed."

You were now less interested in the images that momentarily popped up showing the action. You were now more concerned as your father showed signs of being visibly poisoned.

"I am a bird of prey. Snake - devouring, talons - ripping."

And on Lucifer's cheek now lay talon scratchmarks across their cheek.

"I am a butcher bacterium. Warm-life destroying."

Your father falls down as his flesh was being devoured by bacteria. You wish you could help him but then you recalled that this was a memory.

"I am a world. Space - floating, life - nurturing."

"I am a nova. All - exploding, planet cremating."

Your father was burned. You were scared for him and wonder how he could return and fight back."

"I am a universe. All things encompassing, all life embracing."

Similar to one of your own memories of the Universe the image shown into your mind gave you a sense of wonder at the universe existing at all.

"I am anti-life. The beast of judgment the dark at the end of everything."

You were submerged in darkness as you suddenly feel overwhelmed with the sensations you were experiencing. You feel paralyzed in place.

"What will you be then, Dream Lord?"

A raven goes by your father's side. Matthew, one of your old baby - sitters in your lifetime as Jessamy Rizmon. He was helping and encouraging him as Lucifer taunts him.

"What can survive the anti - life?"

Your father looks at Lucifer and a realization comes to him after Matthew's encouragement.

"I am..." He stands up and looks at Lucifer.

"Hope." The room brightens and he returns to his normal self.

"Hope?" Lucifer repeats in dread.

"Well, Lightbringer? It's your move. What is it that kills hope?"

Lucifer relents and orders that your father's helm be returned to him. To get back at him Lucifer taunts him one last time.

"What power have dreams have in Hell?"

Your father smirks.

"...But to say that dreams have no power in Hell? Tell me Lucifer Morningstar, what power would Hell have if those who were imprisoned were not able to dream of Heaven?"

And then you awaken.

And you discover that it was a shared dream.

"After we were covered in sand I found myself back in my chambers." Aemond tells you as he escorts you to the dining room.

"The Dream Lord in my dreams duelling a being called Lucifer Morningstar in Hell. He's your father, isn't he."

"Yes, he is. I'm surprised that this was a shared dream, he normally doesn't do this."

Apparently he did this to everyone with whom he covered with sand to protect them against Desire and Despair. Despair was getting sneakier with her powers. She avoided touching you so you didn't notice that nearly everyone was gripped in despair. You only noticed when your Immortal mother ordered her to stop.

"Well, that solves the mystery of Priestess Kara's words." Your mother, the Princess Rhaenyra, says over the morning meal.

"It actually explains a lot of things." The Queen says as she breaks her bread and helps the King with his meal.

"Alys, you have a very powerful father! Now I want to meet him."

"Then after this meal you can go back to sleep Daeron. That's practically his domain."

"If you want I could tell that to Morpheus directly." Everyone pauses as they hear a voice. Seemingly from nowhere until a raven flies directly on front of you.

"Good morning Matthew."

"Good morning Vitality. Or do you want me to call you Alys? I just figured since you know, you now remember maybe it would be okay to finally call you that."

"It's fine, but maybe save 'Vitality' for when we are in private."

"A talking bird? It's real?" Jace asks trying to wake himself up.

"Technically I'm a dream. And my pronouns are he - him."

"You don't need to say that here Matthew."

"I just wanted to be sure. Oh hey you must be Aemond, Vitality's boyfriend right?"

You wanted to die of embarassment right then and there. Aemond turns to you amused and teasing.

"Boyfriend?"

"It's a term from a very long time from now. Matthew please use era appropriate terms. Aemond and I are already engaged now."

"Oh my bad. Let me try again. You must be Vitality's lover."

You face becomes hot as you could hear your beloved smirking as he chuckle.

"Yes, that would be me."

"On second thought Matthew, go ahead and just use boyfriend. Wait - why are you here?"

"Oh yeah yeah, your parents told me, to tell you to stop delaying the inevitable and tell your God suitors that you don't want any of them. They can't threaten or make themselves known to them until you do. Strike while the iron is hot so that they may finally be more present during the war preparations. Take advantage of them not really knowing you. That's all, now I'm going to go on my smoke break."

"Thank you Matthew. And smoking is bad for your health!"

"I was just joking! I'm not going to smoke, I'm going to vape." He says as he flies off.

"Do I want to know?" Aemond asks teasingly.

"You're better off not knowing."

But they were right, the sooner you could end this the better.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is one of my shorter chapters but I hope it was still good for all of you.

1.) Yellow is made by coldplay and the cover that I was thinking off while writing was by Kinna Grannis;

2.) The baby dragons were fun to write. Expect them to slowly make more appearances (and to finally have names);

3.) The Sandman characters are finally making their proper appearances (I have been waiting for them for awhile now);

4.) As a preview for next chapter - imagine the Driftmark scene wherein alliances become divided. Do you have that in your mind? Yes? Okay now imagine this time instead of the Targaryens, its more of a Godly, and Endless version (I think it's obvious who Desire, Despair, and Dream and my OC Life Incarnate, would choose.)