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daemonbrain · 3 days ago

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Tears are blinding me rn no big deal.

I KNEW daemon was going to reject that boy and of course his selfishness and crazy knows no bounds but I was very uselessly hoping that would miraculously not apply to his children. I’ve been preparing myself for her death but that did NOT work. At least she’s with her twins now 😭😭 it was tears through everything until Gwayne came on and I just started sobbing. At least their goodbye back a few chapters will remain untainted in a way (I’m trying to cope, SHE DIDNT GET TO SEE HIM AGAINNNNN) like “goodbye twin.” Will remain to be the most memorable line of this story for me strangely enough. I can literally their voices in my head like a crazy person. The person you came into this world with didn’t even get to witness your last breath that is fucked up.

Also really worried on where that lands Aeliana since the only one to speak out against Rhaenyra and Alicent’s squabbling over marrying her was her mother and sort’ve Daemon with the whole “a long, long time away”. Like it’s now hitting me the time period we’re in and that The Dance still looms. Like I can already sense both her kids are gonna get caught up with some pretty bad splits in loyalties between the two factions. Maybe less her son though since his dad just had to go be a dick about everything as usual. But hey that’s not our problem, I’m gonna pretend they have great lives away from this crazy family 😌🧘‍♀️

When Daemon goes to the deep depths of the pits of the seven hells along with Otto, my girl will be eating cake with her babies and gwayne and (possibly morbid) her other two kids a long time after. That gives me some comfort hehe

Congratulations on finishing the story!! You’ve made something so beautiful <3

Tormented Spirit | 29

Part 1 [...] 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

"Is it such a sin to stand up for yourself?" you mutter as tears blur your vision. The way he reacted was visceral, instinctive even. "You never have to stand up for yourself ever again," says Daemon, reaching a hand to you, "come."

Daemon Targaryen x Hightower!Reader | 6k+ | cw: fem!reader, reader has brown hair, wife!reader, twin!Gwayne, arranged/forced marriage, canon divergence, alternate universe, slow burn, DD:DNE, death, emotional constipation, domestic violence, rape, pregnancy, miscarriage, postpartum, depression, panic/anxiety attacks, suicidal ideation, attempted suicide, daddy issues/child abuse/family problems, mentions/depictions of mental/physical/psychosomatic illness, ye old misogyny, angst, typos, etc.

A/N: WE DID IT! Final chapter FR FR. Be warned, I started tearing when I wrote the ending. Thank you to everyone who has followed this fic up until this point, especially those who take the time comment and reblog. Im so luv u all | cross posted on ao3

@arabellasleopardcoat @prettybiching

There is a tension no one names between you all. It flared further when when the Velaryons joined the table. You were glad to see Laenor, yet you could not shake the image of his son, Lucaerys, maiming Aemond as you spoke to him. You kept looking at the dark haired boy, and his two other brothers, feeling your stomach twist at the violent scenario that unwillingly played in your mind.

"It is possible that I'd be glad you are here now," Leanor takes your hand from across the table, "yet understand why you could not come to my sister's wake."

You nod as he slowly releases you. Of course he'd written about it already, but it is different hearing it from himself directly.

Daemon, who was sat beside you offers you a smile.

You smile back at him.

His smile brightens further when he looks to the woman beside Laenor. "How old is Aelina again, uncle?" Rhaenyra asks.

You turn to your girl, who decided she wanted to sit next to Aemond tonight. There is an ache in your heart for some reason.

Daemon chuckles, "she just turned four.*

Rhaenyra and Laenor smile. The latter speaks, "enjoy that age," he eyes Jacaerys on the other side of the table, "soon they will be 10 and 6 and spiteful."

Daemon snorts, "as we're you."

Laenor raises his brows at him, "was I not a good soldier under your fleet, commander?"

"Were you?"

Rhaenyra snorts.

Viserys, who was sat beside her, chuckles though he was struggling to breathe.

Alicent, who was sat beside him, raises her brows and sighs.

"I am offended, uncle," Laenor mutters as he scoops some potatoes onto his plate.

Rhaenyra grins, "perhaps when your daughter comes of age," she leans on her elbow, "you might match her with one of our sons."

Your ears ring.

Alicent turns to the woman, mouth watering in disgust of her greed.

You pull your head back, "what?"

"Yes, wouldn't it be go-" the princess's words go dry when she sees your horrified expression. She turns to Daemon for support but his brows are raised. She shakes her head, "I mean..." she waves a hand, "do you mean to have married to some," she laughs, "Lyseni noble?"

Your feel the room darken as your breathing shallows, "she just turned four."

Rhaenyra nods slowly, "yes, I-"

"There was a time you were reluctant to the idea of marriage, princess," you snap.

Rhaenyra realizes her mistake then. She lowers her gaze then shakes her head, "forgive me," she looks back at you, "I was only thinking it would be good if your daughter would choose one of my boys in the future."

"Good?" Alicent cannot help but blurt.

Rhaenyra turns to her, her mood souring, "I beg your pardon."

Alicent chuckles, "it would be very good for you to have one of your sons wed Aelina, wouldn't it?"

Rhaenyra's jaw tightens, "I'm glad you agree."

You gulp and try to slow your breath.

"But she would want to speak to your sons first," Alicent wipes her lip on a napkin, turning to Aelina, "she seems to only care for Aemond."

You look at Aemond, who was listening to your daughter babble while slurping. He raises a hand at then points to Aelina's meal. The girl takes a bite of food and tries to speak through a mouthful. Aemond reprimands her and she sighs, leaning back on her chair as she chews her food in silence. Your heart aches.

Seeing this too, Daemon chuckles to himself.

"I'm sure she'll come around," Rhaenyra offers a smile.

Alicent turns back to her, "or she'll chose my son instead."

Your stomach drops.

Viserys speaks up, "I'm-" heaves- "certain she'll be an excellent bride-" sigh- "come the day."

"A day far, far away," Daemon adds, raising his cup before downing the contents.

You stare at Alicent, feeling your hands begin to tremble at her passing remark. You feel like you're about to burst. You cannot help yourself. You will not have your daughter be spoken off to fickly, "when the day does come, I do hope you'll maintain your enthusiasm when she choses none of your boys."

You feel their eyes fall on you. Your hear your pulse in your ears.

Daemon shifts and leans towards you, "my love, calm yourself."

"Calm?" you quip, eyeing him hotly, "they speak of your daughter like she's a piece of—"

"MUMMY."

You look behind your chair and see Aelina. Daemon watches your spine slowly begins to relax.

Her innocence is a balm. When she touches your lap, you feel your chest immediately loosen. You sigh heavily and clutch her cheeks. She leans into your touch, "I go see Sunfyre!"

Your brows furrow, "Sunfyre?"

"Kessa, kessa, kessa!" Yes, yes, yes!

Your expression contorts, "but that's-"

"Aegon kessa gūrogon nyke naejot se ripo!" Aegon will take me to the pit!

As if on cue, Aegon comes up behind your daughter.

Daemon narrows his eyes at him, "gaomas aōha bride daor jorrāelagon ao?" Does your bride not need you?

Aegon ignores him and explains to you, "we shall be quick."

"Kostagon īlon maghagon aōha lēkia?" Aelina asks Aegon, tugging the hem of his shirt. Can we bring your brother?

Aegon's face sours at her. He furrows his brows and quips, "what?"

Aelina points to her chair, "kostagon īlon maghagon—" Can we bring-

"You want to get something?" Aegon asks, pulling her hand off him, "go get it."

You furrow your brows at Aegon as Aelina grins and runs off to grab Aemond. Aegon paces in his spot, avoiding your gaze. You tilt your head at him, "issi ao sȳz?" Are you alright?

Aegon does not turn to you.

"Aegon."

He tenses as his eyes lock with yours.

"Issi ao sȳz?" you repeat.

He stares blankly at you.

Your forehead curls, "are you alright?"

He shakes his head, "why wouldn't I be?"

Just then, Aemond is dragged by the hand by tiny Aelina. Aegon's jaw tightens at him, "what are you doing?"

Aelina takes Aegon's hand as well, "gaomagon!" Ready!

Aegon tenses at the girl's touch. Still, he eyes his brother, quipping under his breath, "sit back down."

You hear it though and your brows knit, "Aegon-"

"Aelina wants me to join you in the pit," explains the younger prince.

"You want the one-eyed freak to join us?" Aegon asks Aelina.

You expression falls, "Aegon!"

Aelina looks up at Aegon, "one eye?"

"A jest," Aegon dryly explains to you.

Aelina turns to Aemond, "what freak?"

Aemond clenches his jaw.

"Aelina, daor," you shake your head at her. You turn to Aegon, "she is not very good at common tongue, so it would be better if you spoke to her in High Valyrian."

Aegon's brows raise. He chuckles dryly, "of course she isn't." He nods and turns to the girl, "I guess I'll just have to teach you."

Before you can respond, Aegon is pulling her away and she innocently jogs off with him. Aemond releases her hand, much to her displeasure. She turns back and reaches out for him.

"I'll take care of her," Aemond tells you.

You stare at the boy and feel your chest tighten, "thank you, my darling."

Aemond nods and quickly catches up with his brother and cousin.

"Skoros ēnka iksis aōha zaldrīzes?" Aelina asks as she swings Aegon and Aemond's hand whilst making it down the hall.

Aemond stares at Aegon. Aegon ignores Aelina.

Aelina turns to Aemond. Aemond speaks, "she asked you a question."

"Yeah," Aegon glares at his brother, "and what did she fucking ask?"

Aelina gasps, "bad word!"

Aegon looks down at her, "oh? But you know that, don't you, you little fuck?"

"Mummy said no!" Aelina tugs on his arm.

"Well, guess what, fucker," he leans into her, "I learned that from your daddy."

She raises her brows at him.

"Aegon," Aemond quips.

"What?" Aegon laughs a bit too loud, "are you going to pretend like Daemon doesn't curse worse than a fucking sailor?"

"Daddy?" the girl recognizes her father's name.

"Yes, your fucking daddy."

Aemond decides that's enough and pulls Aelina out of Aegon's grip, moving her to his other hand. Aegon notices and scoffs, "what? Are you getting protective? You still think Daemon gives a fuck about you?"

Aemond tightens his grip on his baby cousin.

"He didn't even tell our beloved older sister off for what her son did to your eye," Aegon leans in, "and neither did our aunt."

"I told her not to."

"Ha!" the elder prince looks front, "of course that's why they sat idly."

Aemond feels a great tension loom over him the moment they reach the dragon pit. Aelina remains innocently excited and clings on to his hand as she repeatedly hops on her spot.

When Sunfyre finally emerges, the girl gasps, "gevie." Beautiful.

Aemond looks down at her, tensing when she looks back at him, "hae Vagar!" Like Vhagar.

His heart squeezes at her smile.

"Se Caraxes," she jumps. And Caraxes.

Aemond nods, "se ao." And you.

She jumps again, repeating his words at him, "se ao!"

Aemond looks away. This girl is far too innocent.

Sunfyre leans into Aegon the moment he sees his master. Aegon relaxes in his company. For a moment, it's just them, and he forgot all about the ill feelings he's been harboring inside. That its, until he hears the voice of that wretched girl.

"Kostagon nyke renigon zirȳla?" Aelina asks. Can I touch him?

Aegon turns to her, jaw hardening at the purple eyes that stare back. What's so special about her? Was it the fact she had Daemon's face? Or was it because she was a pretty little princess? Had he been born a girl, would you have loved him more? He lowers his gaze, thinking it must be true, because you were so gentle with Helaena. He lifts his gaze— but then again, so were you with Aemond.

"She asked if she could touch him," translates his brother.

Aegon shifts, one hand remaining pressed against his golden mount, "you cannot if you keep speaking that stupid language."

Aemond feels Aelina's gaze. He looks at her and explains, "ñuha lēkia ēza mīvojughagon Valyrio Eglie." My brother has forgotten High Valyrian.

Aelina furrows her brows in confusion.

"Ēza daor ȳdragon ziry pār aōha muña geptot." He has not spoken it since your mother left.

The girl frowns, "skoro syt?" Why?

"Īles olvie mundagon," Aemond mutters. He was very sad.

"SHUT UP!" Aegon snaps, making Sunfyre grunt and huff.

Aelina watches the dragon. She recognizes his agitation and raises a hand, "ziry ik-" she corrects herself, "it's okay."

Sunfyre does not care for the girl's words, but Aegon hates her more for it. His nostrils flare, "you want to meet my beast?"

Aelina stares at Aegon, reluctantly nodding.

"Come here then."

Aelina understands that much and walks off, pulling Aemond along.

"Not you, pig," Aegon raises a finger.

Aemond tenses. Aelina looks at him and raises her brows, "not you?"

Aemond releases her hand.

"You're not pig," she frowns, confused and conflicted.

"Faster!" Aegon quips.

Aelina looks forward and scowls at him, "don't scream."

Aegon pulls his head back, "what?"

Aelina slowly walks over, "don't you scream at us!"

Aegon scoffs, blood boiling.

Aemond balls his hands to fists, readying to spring into action if need be.

"Oh. You think you can tell me what to do?" Aegon slowly marches over to the girl.

The girl stops in her tracks but her defiant expression does not fade.

He fumes, shoving her by the shoulder, "you don't get to tell me what to do-"

"Aegon."

"Never-" he shoves her harder, "fucking," and again, "you."

Aelina whines as she falls to the floor.

Aemond grits his teeth and charges at him.

Sensing his hostility, Sunfyre immediately growls and bares his teeth.

Aemond stops in his tracks.

Aegon chuckles through his nostrils, looking down at the girl that his brother helps up. He looks back at his dragon, "good boy."

Before he can gloat any more, the princess snorts and quickly stomps her heel into Aegon's foot.

"AH!" he shoves her away, making her shoot past his brother. She falls on her back, her head thumping against the stone floor. "YOU FUCKING BITCH!

Aelina wails, her voice echoing in the room as tears immediately flood her face.

Aemond shoves Aegon before he can do any further harm to the girl, causing him to reel back into his dragon. Sunfyre screeches but Aemond cares little as he dashes towards Aelina, bringing her back to her feet.

Aegon fumes, "STOMP HER, SUNFYRE!"

Sunfyre roars, jaw opening to its biggest capacity, obeying the command. He marches over, but Aemond is too nimble for the beast. The prince grabs the girl and yanks her behind him to safety. He moves away but Sunfyre chases, growling in displeasure.

And though his heart races, Aemond grits his teeth and points, "STEP BACK!"

Sunfyre hesitates.

"BEGONE, SUNFYRE!" Aemond steps forward.

The dragon finds himself unable to deny the command.

Aegon, in all his wrath, charges at his brother.

Aelina screams and runs back, watching the violence play out before her. It is then that the lone dragon keeper, who had been asleep, is alerted. He runs towards the squabbling princes, realizing he ought to handle the princess first.

"I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU TOO!" Aegon hisses, pinning his brother down before punching him.

Aelina screams, agitating Sunfyre into screaming too. She decides not to wait and lunges at Aegon to rip at his hair. Instead however, she is caught in the cross hairs and hit on the nose as Aemond manages to overpower his older brother.

Aemond soon has Aegon's arm painfully curled behind his back, his knee forcing him down on the cold floor. The latter coughs as the former whispers, "you can fucking try."

Aelina wipes her lips, finding red all over her fingers. She is horrified but does not cry at the sight of her blood.

The dragon keeper pulls her away and deals with the agitated dragon that was about to strike any second. He pants and drives Sunfyre off, turning to Aemond, "ñuha dārilaros! Ivestragī zirȳla jikagon." My prince! Let him go!

Aemond's nostrils flare, "not until he's cooled off."

Aegon groans, "fuck you."

"Aemond," Aelina mumbles, eyes watery, "jaelan naejot jikagon arlī." I want to go back.

Aemond looks back at her. His expression softens, "go wait for me at the entr-"

"Aelina?"

The girl gasps and immediately sobs, "MUÑA!"

Your face falls as your daughter runs towards you with a bloodly nose. You look down at her, feeling your heart leap into your throat as she embraces your legs, "what happened?"

"Aegon ōdrikagon nyke."

Your breathing shortens as you repeat her words in common tongue, "Aegon hurt you?" You lean down and clutch her cheek, heart racing at the blood that was trickling down her neck, "he did this to you?"

Aelina sobs as she looks up at you.

"Aegon?" you whimper, looking out at your nephews that now pull away from each other.

Aemond looks at you and Aegon turns to his restless dragon. He hisses at him, "GET BACK, YOU IDIOT!"

Sunfyre whines.

"GO BACK TO THE DAMNED PITS!" he screams in frustration, allowing the dragon keeper to lead him back into the darkness.

"Aegon," you cry out, reaching a hand to your boy, "why is my daughter bleeding?"

Aegon turns to you, as does Aemond. The latter tenses and the former walks over, "how the fuck should I know?"

You wince, clutching your belly and your daughter's head, "Aegon."

"I showed her my dragon!" the boy- the man snaps, "she would not fucking listen!"

You tense, your throat constricting tightly, "I do not believe yo-"

"THEN DON'T!" Aegon snaps.

You are so taken off-guard that you flinch and step back. Aelina even runs behind you in fear. You were so used to having someone raise your voice at you, you hardly ever flinch. You are deeply disturbed by him.

Aemond feels like a helpless child as he sees you weep the way you did when he was a child. But then he remembers he's not a child anymore, or at least, he was stronger than his half-wit, drunken brother. He comes between you and Aegon, "that's enough."

Aegon's anger makes him forget his brother just subdued him. After all, he was still older, even if the fuck was as tall as him now, "and what are you going to-"

Aemond punches him in the gut.

"Aemond!" you whine, reaching a hand to him.

Aemond looks back, face clouded with worry and confusion.

Aegon, who had lurched forward in pain, growls as he straightens.

You scream. Once more, they are upon each other, fists pounding into flesh, splitting skin, spilling blood.

You whimper and tense in horror. You're about to scream again, tell them to stop, but then you feel a warmth spread across your legs. You lift your skirt and find yourself screaming for an entirely different reason.

This scream, unlike the first, is so terrible the brothers cease their quarrelling. It is so horrifying, Aelina screams too.

You step back, finding wetness on the floor beneath you. You scream again.

The darkness does you no favors and you find red again where there was none. You cannot look away from the floor, "AELINA!"

Your daughter stares at you in mortification.

"CALL YOUR FATHER!"

Aelina trembles, her feet barely even lifting from the ground as she steps back.

Aemond shoves Aegon off him and runs to your side, "muña."

Your knees begin to give in as you manage to turn to your daughter, finding Daemon's worried face staring back at you, "D-Daemon."

Aemond catches you as you begin to lose your balance. He turns to his brother, who was stupidly lied on the floor, staring at you with a busted lip. "HELP ME!"

Aegon is stunned momentarily, but finds himself pushing his body off the floor, coming to your side.

Your breathing grows shallower by the second. You see Viserys on Aegon's face as he calls for guards. You think of the terrible horror that's happened to you once before. You shudder, "please, no."

"There's no time," Aemond tells his brother, "we have to carry her to the maester's."

"W-what?"

"I can't carry her on my own," Aemond growls under his breath, not wanting the pressure to get to him.

"Yeah, and what if we FUCKING drop her-"

Aemond slaps him into silence.

Aegon is stunned.

"Do as I say," he commands, beginning to lift you off the ground.

Aegon is left little choice but to comply.

"Come, Aelina," Aemond says as they begin to carry you off.

Aelina is the one who opens the door to the maester's room. She is also the one who alerts the maester's with her loud wailing.

It's all a blur from this point moving forward.

Aemond does not remember when his uncle or his grandfather arrive, or where his brother went after. He does not even remember how he managed to go to his chambers, with Aelina at his hip, no less.

There, upon his bed, the girl weeps as he wipes the blood off her face. He freezes when she speaks amidst her shaky sobs. His brows tense and he tilts his head, "what was that?"

"Is she going to die?"

Aemond's face falls, "what?"

"She's sick," the girl mutters.

The boy clenches his teeth and clutches her cheeks, "muña is very strong, is she not?"

Her only response is the tears that streak down her face.

Aemond feels helpless as she looks upon her. You were not his mother, yet in a word you were, and the thought of you dying haunted him. He can only imagine how one as young as she would feel at the thought of losing her own mother. "Whatever happens today," he takes her hands, "you must know you are just a girl that wanted to see a dragon."

Aelina looks at him.

He realizes then that he ought to translate his words, and so he does.

She scratches her eyes as she begins to sob some more. "Īlin jāre naejot iderēbagon rūkluni hemtubis," she shudders and shakes her head. We were going to pick flowers tomorrow.

Aemond nods, "and you will."

Her lips wobble, "Aemond."

"Yes?"

"Issi ao pirtir?" Are you lying?

"Nyke..." he starts but cant continue as he begins to tear up himself, and his eye patch begins to grow uncomfortable on his face, "nyke gīmigon ziry ōdrikagon," he clutches her neck, "yn kessa rēbagon." I know it hurts, but it shall pass.

"Nyke-" she heaves, "gōntan daor nūmāzma naej-" I did not mean to-

"Hush," he squeezes and shakes her gently, "you did nothing wrong."

But to Daemon, everyone was doing everything wrong. He was restless as he watched you scream. It was just as bad as it was with Aelina, if not worse, because Otto was there, praying over your body as if you were already dead.

Neither of them were supposed to even be here, but neither of them were willing to leave as both of them were united in the same fear that they would never admit to: this might be the last time they see you.

"It's alright princess!" one of the midwives encourage, "you're beginning to crown!"

Another midwife unceremoniously shoves the praying Lord Hand away when you begin to slip out of consciousness. It must have been, what, the eighth time? She clutches your cheek and repeatedly slaps you firmly. She loudly calls out your name and rubs your chest.

Yet another midwife comes to your other side and rubs your arm. You feel cold and yet she has to wipe sweat off your forehead, "princess, you're almost there. Don't give up."

Daemon feels sick as your eyes open only to roll back and close again. He paces around the room before deciding to come to the side of your bed, calling out your name.

It grounds you, and you fight for consciousness, even through the harrowing pain, "Daemon?"

One of the midwives moves away, encouraging him to take her place. He drops to his knees as he grabs your hand. It is icy against his burning one. He kisses your knuckles as he watches your face contort.

"Is it-" you whimper, "is it a girl?"

Daemon clutches your cheeks, "the babe is not here yet. You need to push for me, one last time."

You whine, tears streaming down your cheeks, "I cant."

"Y-you can," he whispers hotly, "you must."

Otto watches the exchange. He feels bile rise up his throat and decides to exit the room. It is there he then sees the Cargyll twins, waiting restlessly with their helms on their hips. The come to attention when they see your father, "my lord."

"Why are you here?!" he snaps.

Erryk clenches his jaw, "we were summoned, lord."

"By whom?!"

Arryk turns to the door when he hears your scream. He gulps, "by the princess."

Otto scoffs and motions vaguely, "do you think she is in the state to be seeing anyone?!"

The twins lower their gazes, "no, my l-"

"Then bloody leave!" he snaps, pointing a finger to nowhere.

"With all due respect, lord," Erryk lifts his gaze, "I'd rather be punished for disobeying you than misheeding my princess."

Otto's eyes twitches.

Arryk nods, "as would I, my lord.

"Fine," he barks, "then expect a punishment most severe."

The twins nod as the Hand decided to circle around the hall. They speak in unison, "my lord."

"THE BABE'S COMING!" announces a midwife at the top of her lungs.

Daemon looks back a moment before turning to you. He calls your name, assuring you it will all be over soon.

You take deep breaths and focus solely on getting through the task at hand. You tell yourself you just have to do this one last thing, and it'll all be better.

"YOU DID IT!" the midwife says, "YOU DID IT, MILDAY!"

Daemon looks back when he hears a wailing babe. He's about to check on the child, until your hand goes limp within his. His heart leaps to his throat, "no, no, no, no-" he rapidly slaps your cheeks, "stay with me!"

"Hmm?" your eyes roll.

"It's a prince!" says the midwife.

Daemon looks back again, an excited chuckle leaving his lips. He turns to you, repeating the news, "we have a son, my love. It's a boy!"

"Hmm?" your eyelids struggle to stay open, "what does he look like?"

Before Daemon can reply, the midwife hands him the babe. His eyes water as he wipes the blood off the boy's face, "why don't you look yourself?"

You groan and try to pry eyes open.

"She won't stop bleeding."

Daemon turns, watching the women scramble to get more towels. He looks at the boy when he wails, his violet eyes opening as his pink fingers reach out for nothing.

You start and grab your baby, immediately pulling him to your breast.

Your husband watches as the baby eagerly suckles and whatever wonder he feels is shrouded by the terror that that grows from red that spread more onto your blanket.

"M'cold," you shudder.

Daemon turns to you, rubbing your shoulders, "it's alright. I will warm y-"

The words are cut off by the sound of Otto calling out your name. He freezes just as he enteres. The room is in turmoil. If it was not apparent to Daemon, it was apparent to him. He comes to your side, "my girl."

You turn to your father.

Otto cannot contain his tears. The sight before him mimics the exact scene of the last time he ever spoke to his wife, yet it was you here, lying in bed with the same greyness of your mother's skin. For a moment, you look like the tiny, shaking child of his who loved him more than anything in the world. His face in female form reflects ob you. His throat tightens, "my love."

Daemon's nostrils flare, in anger, in jealousy, in possessiveness, in grief that is not yet grief, but his terror keeps him still.

"Y-you lied to me."

Your father leans closer, "what?"

"You told me Gwayne would be here."

He nods rapidly, "he is," he lies, "his carriage has come as well as Daeron on his mount, Tessarion."

"He is?" your eyes grow a little brighter.

Daemon perks at it.

"He is," Otto nods, "he's excited to meet your child."

"He'll help you name him," Daemon adds, hoping it'll bring more sparkle to your eye.

It does. You smile, turning to your baby, "he'll help me name my boy?"

Otto nods, brushing your dark hair back, "yes," he turns back, "CARGYLL!"

The twins immediately emerge from the door.

Otto marches over and quips urgently, "see to it that once my son arrives he is to make no delay to this room!"

"Cargyll?" you mutter, eyes slowly closing.

"My prince," one of the midwives call for Daemon, "she won't stop bleeding."

Daemon comes to a stand and snaps, "well then fucking make her stop!"

"My prince..." another midwife says.

He refuses to listen further. He drops to his knees and grips your hand again.

You hear someone call your name. You call back, "mummy?"

Daemon hears your faint whisper. He is mortified, "no! No, it's Daemon! Listen to me-"

Otto comes to your side. His throat tightens at the state of you. He places a hand on your shoulder, "I love you."

"Daddy?"

"I'm here," He chokes on his saliva, "will you look at me?"

"... forgive me."

He speaks your name and sighs, "there is nothing to forgive."

"Daemon?"

"My love," he sobs out, kissing your cheek repeatedly.

"I'm tired."

"Please," he rubs your eyes, trying to encourage you to open them, "please don't."

"... forgive me."

The room continues to bustle loudly for a moment, and then it is eerily quiet. There is a deep silence that comes after your final breath. Similarly, your son sighs, lips unlatching from your nipple, satisfied from his fill of milk. It was then Daemon looked at the boy and found his face staring back at him. You gave birth to a babe who had his hair, his eyes, his lips, his nose. His son had his face and it haunted him. It was he that did this to you. It was he and his greed, his lust, his pride, his him.

He reels back as if he saw a ghost, and collides gracelessly onto the floor.

Otto lowers his head. Tears wet his beard and he turns to the midwife, motioning to your sleeping boy, "get the child."

Daemon is numb.

"Assure that he is given a wetnurse and bring him to the queen."

"Yes, milord."

Your father stares at you for a moment longer, then looks at your pathetic husband. He feels bad. Momentarily. "Maester."

The maester comes to him, "Lord Hand."

"Clean my daughter's body-"

Daemon's eye twitches as he looks up.

"-and prepare her to be sent to Oldtown."

The maester turns to Daemon, and steps away instead of replying.

"You fucking CUNT!" he lunges at him.

Otto is shoved against the wall but Daemon releases him and drags him away when he topples atop you.

The prince looks over you in worry, before turning back to his enemy, "you will not FUCKING have her!"

Otto rubs his neck and scoffs, "and do you plan to have her rot here? In a chamber, waiting to be seen off, like your twins did for y—"

The sound of Dark Sister being drawn inspires the shrieks of all onlookers. Daemon hisses, pressing the sword against Otto's neck, hard enough that blood begins to whet the blade, "I'd fucking kill you, but reuniting you with your wife and daughter so soon would be too merciful," he scoffs, "or I mean, sending you to hell."

Otto grits his teeth and uses his arm to shrug the blade away. He grips his gashing wound.

"I will be your hell."

His lips curl, "and my daughter?"

Daemon turns to you, anger mangling into anguish, "I will send her off in the traditions of my ho-"

"She is from Oldtown."

"She is a Targaryen," he snaps at him.

Lord Hand grits his teeth, "she told me once before she wanted to be buried next to her mother and have Moonblooms—"

"That was before she was mine."

He chuckles dryly, "she's not fucking yours."

Daemon marches towards him, "she's my FUCKING—"

"Nephew."

The sun rises gently, shining softly upon the pink roses shrouding the garden. Aemond looks back. Whatever exhaustion he felt fades as he sees the smiling man approach him. He straightens and nods, "uncle."

Gwayne smiles brighter, "you did not stay awake this long to see me and Daeron, did you?"

He chuckles, lowering his gaze to this hands and he shakes his head, "no."

"Aha," the auburn haired man snorts, "I see," he motions to the flowers he held, "you must be in love."

Aemond looks up at him.

"Only a fool in love would wake at dawn to pick flowers for-"

The two turn when they hear pattering draw near. A gasp rips through the air after the movement comes to a stop.

Gwayne turns, looking down at the girl before him. Her silver hair shines with the light and her expression looks strikingly familiar. His lips curl, "you must be Aelina."

Aelina looks at the man. She finds the gentleness of his smile, the gleam of his eyes, the fire of his hair. She knits her brows at him, "who are you?"

The lord slowly crouches and offers him a smile, "I am Gwayne Hightower. I am your-"

"Mummy's half?" she gasps and drops her flowers, jumping forward to clutch his cheeks.

Gwayne chuckles, his heart swelling at the darling reaction of the girl. He wraps an arm around her, his smile turning into a pout when the Aelina begins to weep. The girl seems to be memorizing his face.

"You look like mummy," she whispers.

Her uncle chuckles, "indeed, my dear," he rubs her back, "how terrible to share her wretched face."

"NO!" Aelina squeals, "NO TERRIBLE!"

Gwayne pulls his head back, watching the weep like fountain beside them. His guilt overcomes him, and momentarily, she bares dark hair like you. But then he blinks and she's once again your daughter. "Forgive me, darling," he tentatively touches her shoulders.

She does not budge.

He sighs and picks a felled rose, putting it in his hair, "if you're anything like your mummy, you ought to look at me and grin."

Aelina scratches her eyes.

Gwayne smile, showing her the flower, "pretty?"

She nods slowly.

He sighs, "I did not mean to-"

Aelina jumps into his arms, embracing him tightly.

He grunts, rubbing her back as he holds her tightly against him.

She breathes deeply then sighs. She mumbles against his neck, her tears wetting his skin, "smell like her."

Gwayne hums, "do I smell like your mummy?"

Aelina sobs harder.

"Tah," he secures his arms around her, carrying her in his arms, "we ought to go to mummy now."

"You don't know, do you?" Aemond mutters.

He turns to him, "know what?"

The boy's expression falters, "did neither ser Arryk or ser Erryk find you? They were looking for you earlier."

"I saw no Cargyll twin on my way," he raises his brow, "why do you ask?"

Gwayne does not believe what Aemond tells him next until he sees you. Except he doesn't, he doesn't see you. He sees your husband and your father fighting over your corpse— nay, your... your body, which was bound in white fabric. He could not smell you at all, and he thinks what Aelina said, his heart breaking for her. Your scent was now only medicinal herbs and sterile maester tools. How was he to know if he was truly mourning his sister when there was no trace of you?

And as he wept at what would be your chest, his gaze angrily lifts to the men who could not stop screaming. They killed his twin, and still, they squabble over you with not a shred of respect.

"GWAYNE!" Otto yells, his red, bleary eyes unfortunately finding his, "you make the deciding decision for your sister funeral rites."

Daemon laughs dryly, his face red in rage and mourning, "of COURSE that little rat will fucking-"

"Burn her body," Gwayne straightens up, looking down at you.

They are both taken aback at his answer. Daemon grows smug as he looks at Otto; the latter's face hardens, "bu-"

"Then bury her ashes in Oldtown," he looks up, tears streaming down his face.

The two turn to Gwayne as he chokes out a sob.

"Had either of you truly loved her, you would have thought of this—"

Daemon immediately snaps, "how fucking DARE-"

"— and you wouldn't be fighting so eagerly in front of her."

The prince is frozen in his spot. Gwayne stares at him, and his face haunts him because he bears the same face of his lover. He looks away, "the boy."

Ah... the boy. The poor, motherless boy. "Your son?"

The words make Daemon flinch, "bring him to Oldtown with you."

Gwayne furrows his brow.

"Be warned," he looks up to his dead wife's twin, "he not only stole your sister, but as well stole my face."

Otto watches Daemon erratically pace on his spot.

The prince does not seem to know whether he wants to leave or stay.

Gwayne raises his brows. How sorry he feels for his sister's son whose father rejects him for being his mirror, for merely being how he was born. He wants to scream at Daemon, he wants to fight him and tell him he ought to be haunted, but in honor of you, he simply obliges. "Daeron will be glad of him."

"Yes," he wipes a tear, "Aelina was."

Gwayne watches Daemon leave. He watches Otto follow. He watches the maesters take your body. He watches the Cargyll twins rest you upon a pyre. He watches Caraxes incinerate you with no hesitation. He watches Aelina sob as your ashes are gathered into a golden urn. He watches Daeron hold your boy as he buries you, not beside your mother's grave, but in the garden that was once yours and always will be yours. He watches Moonblooms grow over the patch.

And on that same year, on his nameday, he lights one candle, because he cannot bare the idea of seeing two now that his half is gone.

#daemon fanfic #daemon targaryen x reader #daemon targaryen #other people's writing #AMAZING AND EASILY MY FAV DAEMON FF

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