#HSHAD

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☾ He saw her at daybreak ☾

"We have one moon left, sweet girl. We ought to narrow the list down, don’t you think," he smirked, his smile hidden within the tresses of her curls. Not that she'd attempted to look up at him then, she'd heard the amusement in his tone. 

He knew that when he felt her giggle faintly, her voice brightening as she replied, "Well you keep suggesting conquerors' names, my love. The list seems very short if those three names are our only options," 

"I never said we couldn't ponder more, I only said I thought the names ‘Visenya’ or ‘Rhaenys’ would be very suiting should we have a girl," he'd said it nonchalantly, not expecting Rhaena to shift in his arms just enough to prop herself up against him. 

Arching one brow up playfully as she spoke, "yet you also said 'this family has a knack for reusing names to its detriment and failing originality', your words, not mine." 

He didn't recall sounding so pompous when he'd uttered those words, but he'd peg that to the creative dramatic flair of his wife's reenactment of his voice. Ever snarky and snarl-like, she couldn't hold the expression she'd molded for very long, breaking into a lovely smile as she burst out a fluttering giggle at her own attempt of mimicking him. 

Aemond had only arched his own brow, biting back an instinctual grin as he let her jest go in good humour, "I just don't wish to name any of our sons ‘Aegon’, at the risk of assigning a fourth Aegon so soon after the still living second and third." 

"A valid enough point," Rhaena agreed, nodding honestly as she rested her head back down on his shoulder, absent-mindedly rubbing her hand upon her rounded belly, "besides, I think your brother would claim our child was being named after him if we did so. But I think I'd like name our son after someone else any-" 

"Absolutely not," he'd barely let her finish the sentence before he cut her and her mounting idea off at the tail. He knew where she was going with her tone turning ever so hopeful, she'd hinted at it before, and he couldn't let it happen. 

Certainly not that…certainly not for their first born.

Rhaena hadn't moved much, her belly wouldn't allow for such quick movements anymore, but he could feel her face turn towards him. He could feel her smile widen incredulously, her hand falling from her belly down to his thigh in a light grab of attention, "Aems, darling! Why not!" 

"We're not doing that. I cannot afford to hand him such an easy win. He cannot have a living namesake. He'd never let me live it down," he'd nearly grumbled the last few words, Aemond was sure he didn't have to explain himself any further. He was vehemently against it the first time she'd suggested it and now several moons later, he was no closer to coming around on it. 

"But ‘Daemion’ is an incredibly handsome name! And yes...perhaps...my father has an indelible sized ego, and naming a grandchild after him would inherently only boost said ego..." Rhaena's voice had gone all soft and filled with undeniable reverence and love for the man who'd raised her with all the same, it wasn't unfathomable for Aemond to see why she'd want this. 

It was just the ever present petty game that Aemond played with his uncle and Good-father. 

Giving him this would be admitting defeat so early in the game...he just could not relinquish this. 

Chapter 9: No Mother Is Born Ready

[ijinbeom]

pick your fighter: old man bobby vs maknae on top chanwoo

[canuckcumberbabe]

When asked by Rex Chapman to share a random fact about themself, Twitter user Harocan (@/HShads) quote-tweeted him with their reply:

I helped build Benedict Cumberbatch’s backyard shed when I lived in London in 2018. On the first morning I met him he made me a cup of tea. Nicest guy I’ve ever met.

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☾ He saw her at daybreak ☾

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3.1 | Part 3.2 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 |

Tag list: @minim236 , @bohemian-nights , @neocil , @nettysnest , @avidreader73 , @jordanjanellejoyy , @azaleapotterblack , @yourlittlehoe , @partypoison00 , (feel free to tell me if you want to be on the taglist or not)

There was something soft there…warm and innocent…but it didn't last. Aemond let his hardened edges return as he fought to glance away from her for just a moment, "ao sagon sȳrī gōntan hae lo iksan pirta, hae lo iksan toliot gōntan. Iksin nyke nūmāzma naejot dobotēdāves se udrimmi syt ao," you're behaving as if I'm wrong, as if I'm overreacting. Am I meant to ignore the obvious for you? 

"Ao ȳdra daor emagon naejot…" you don't have to…, Rhaena found her voice gritting, she wasn't getting anywhere with this and the song was nearly over, "Īles iā hinikagon, yn nyke ērinnon. Iksis konīr daor mirre hoskagon naejot sagon ēdas isse bona?" It was a risk, but I succeeded. Is there not any pride to be had in that?

In an instant, Aemond's hand reached up to cup her cheek, it was a soft hold at first, he let his thumb caress her cheek as he gazed down at her. But then his hand slid slightly down her neck, his grip tightened as he clutched her jaw and forced her eyes to lock with his. 

"Kostagon sagon ao ȳdra daor gīmigon skoros ao nūmāzma naejot nyke…skoros ao lanta nūmāzma naejot nyke," maybe you don't know what you mean to me…what you both mean to me, his voice rasped as his eye trailed down her throat and towards her belly, "skorkydoso jakegon ēdruta nyke gīmīmagon ziry," how else must I explain it. 

As if his words were punctuated by the music, the instruments stopped just as he did. 

Chapter 8: Soaring Over A Harvest Moon

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Rhaemond babies content - Jacaela Edition!

The many faces of

Aethan Velaryon

Aethan is the first born child of both Baela and Jace (he's currently a 1yr old baby in the story, but by the time Vaella is born, he will have turned 2!) He's Rhaenyra and Daemon's first grandchild, and their kids first nephew. Aethan is often thought to take after both of his parents, but mostly his features seemed to have favoured his mother. He inherited her eyes, her nose, her lips and especially her spirit. Whereas with his father, he mainly inherited his facial structure and his brown hair colour (both Aethan and his next sibling will have brown hair, but I'm imagining that their hair is not a simple regular brown. Like maybe in the sun there's a golden-like essence to it)

Aethan was given a Velaryon name when he was born, not because either Jace or Baela felt it necessary to do so, but because when they looked upon their newborn son, they simply felt it suited him. He entered the world quite stoically as far as babies are concerned, barely crying or screaming. He whined only a bit, but once he was safely swaddled and placed in his loving mother's arms, he was sound, quiet and peaceful. Staring up at his parents with big lavender eyes, a clear mix of purple tones he'd inherited from both of his parents.

As a babe, he was doted upon by the whole of his family. His parents especially of course, but all of his aunt's and uncles loved him dearly. And once the family's bridges had been mended, he was truly free to spend time with all of his relatives. His uncles Aemond and Aegon were among the two to spend a great deal of time with him (even if Aemond was reluctant to admit how fond he was his nephew then). And Aethan's little uncles loved him just as dearly, little Aeggie and Vis were very excited to have a new playmate, as were Aethan's cousins little Jaehaerys and Jaehaera. Jaehaera had a habit of stealing Aethan away from his nursery, plopping him down at her little tea table in her nursery and having little tea dates with him. He was very fond of his cousin, and sitting beside delightful stuffed dragons, so he didn't mind at all.

With Aethan's birth, the courtiers who frequented the Red Keep were forced to hold their tongue more than they ever had for Jace and his brunette brothers. For Aethan was a true born Prince of the crown, as well as being Jace's own heir to the throne. Aethan held a great deal of Valyrian blood, and with the Rogue Prince...now made King Consort being the boy's grandfather, it would be most foolish of any Lord to gain dragon Queen or King's ire by insulting their darling boy.

Aethan as a toddler could be seen accompanying many of his family members to different events and duties throughout the day. He'd sit upon his grandpapa's lap for hearings and petitions, he'd sit by his grandmama's side as well as his father's side during council meetings, doing his best to pay attention as he was the next heir after his father...though at such a tender age he most certainly was not paying attention.

He learned Valyrian quite easily from his maesters, as well as, mostly from his parents and grandparents. His mama sat with him often to go over his pronunciation, and his papa regaled him with myths and tales of The Flames in Valyrian to further help his understanding.

Aethan would sit and read with his uncle Aegon, though more often than not he'd remind his uncle that he'd skipped a page or misread a word. With his younger uncles Aeggie and Vis and his cousin Jaehaerys, the boys sought to teach their new little family member how to fight and play their favourite game Conquerors.

And when Jaehaera hoped to snag him away for tea dates, he'd be sure to sweetly invite his aunt Helaena for he always thought she'd enjoy having tea with them...even if some days it was just imaginary. He often enjoyed her sweet presence and attention.

As a result, as a young child, Aethan enjoyed a great many things. He'd learned the ways of his eccentric family and found that he loved them all for various reasons (even his step-grandmother Alicent had been a pleasant force in his upbringing. I never mention her, but I think she's nice to the next gen of little Targs...not Otto tho...Otto scares the kiddos). Aethan was an incredibly bright child, he loved to learn, loved myths, history and philosophy. He loved to read, but more often than not he'd rather read with the members of his family who had the patience for it, his papa or his Queenly grandmama most namely. But he loved to receive his bedtime stories from his grandpapa most of all, for Daemon's retelling of his battle at the Stepstones was the most enthralling tale no matter how many times Aethan heard it.

On the other side of things, Aethan had found so many activities to occupy his time within because of another reason. His dragon egg had never hatched, gifted to him by his grandparents, an egg from the great Syrax and Caraxes, had unfortunately remained cold and dormant.

It wouldn't be until Aethan's 6th nameday. By then, Rhaenyra as Queen had decided to re-initiate a Targaryen custom that her own father had neglected to continue with. And this was the custom of teaching and creating strong bonds with the next Targaryen generation. In the days when Viserys, Daemon and Rhaenys were young children, they used to frequent Dragonstone. Stay for days there maybe even frequent visiting moons, learning together, training together, bonding with one another. There'd be no room for petty strife or parental squabbles infecting their ideas of how they felt for one another. As opposed to the generation of Rhaenyra's, Daemon's, Alicent's children who had grown away from one another and grew to create rifts and strained relations.

So starting at the age of 6, Aethan would frequent Dragonstone more often. To bond with his cousins there, (by that point Vaella would be 4yrs old, and the twins, Daemion and Aelyx would be 2yrs old) as well as being able to see his beloved aunt and uncle as well. It was during one of these visits to Dragonstone, that Aethan at the tender age of 6, had managed to claim the great King of the Dragons, Vermithor.

As time went on, Aethan grew to become a most well rounded Prince. During his stays at Dragonstone he happily trained extensively with his uncle Aemond, relishing in the way that his uncle did not hold back/baby him (as Aethan sometimes felt his own father did, though I'm sure that was just because Jace didn't want to hurt his own kid 😂😂). During these training sessions, Aethan often went head to head with Vaella as well, see Vaella...she was his number one competitor in EVERYTHING. It started when they were little, training hard against one another, an ever growing competition of who could out do who. Once they both had claimed dragons, frequent dragon races were held almost daily as well. This competitive spirit followed them everywhere, whose studies were superior, who knew their family history the best, whose Valyrian was more accurate, whose written word was clearer. They were a terror running wild in the island towns.

Rhaena often worried that the children were competing too much, but Aemond often found it more amusing than not, assuring his wife that the competition was healthy enough. It wasn't a violent hatred, it was a natural sportsmanship, something that was motivating both kids to strive to do better than the other. This behaviour followed them back to King's Landing as well, for the many frequent visits Rhaena and Aemond had there, where they brought their children with them. The rest of the children all happily bonded and played with their cousins and uncles, while Vaella and Aethan were always going at one another.

Whether it was 4yr old Vaella biting 6yr old Aethan's arm because he dared to take the last custard tart, or 9yr old Aethan pushing 7yr old Vaella too hard when she insulted his brown hair and called him "only part Targaryen!"

The day a ten year old Vaella had defeated in a 12yr old Aethan during one sparring match, she'd inadvertently given him a black eye with the blunt handle end of her practice sword. It wasn't a terribly permanent wound, so while Baela may have wanted to be upset, but she loved her niece far too much to actually lecture the girl on the brutality needed for a sparring match. Instead she had turned to her sister, and laughed "you do realize you've simply birthed a mini version of Aemond, yes?" Rhaena had found herself laughing, because she'd always thought the same.

Besides it all, Aethan had taken the wound like a champ, neither crying or acting viciously in retaliation, instead he just stormed back to the castle...where Vaella quickly followed suit screaming apologies with added advice, "you should've dodged left! I told you, your movement was too predictable! But I am sorry, cousin!"

As a young man, Aethan had become quite the stunner. He'd filled out rather handsomely, truly taking after his father and his grandfather. His shoulders had widened, his arms and body toned with strong muscle, and his height had shot up immensely just slightly surpassing his father's 6ft in height, now reaching 6'1 or possibly even 6'2 (more on par with Aemond's height).

Aethan was a most accomplished fighter, having competed in several tourneys, and having won more than half of them by age 18. His bond with Vermithor was strong and well taken care of, as he flew with his mount as often as he could. Often going on trips with his beast either to the free cities to bring his mother, grandmother, aunts, sisters or cousins some lovely gifts. Or over to the North as he'd become great friends with Rickon Stark, Lord Cregan's eldest son (a kind of mirror to how Jace and Cregan are meant to be besties!). They'd often go hunting together, train together, drink and tell tales (he even had grown to see Cregan as another sort of uncle-type figure.)

With the amount of time Aethan spent in the North, it was largely rumoured that he'd most likely marry a Northern girl (something his mother and grandfather were adamantly against, they definitely wanted him to marry Valyrian). But if anyone was paying attention...and Rhaenyra always was, Aethan's eyes had only ever been set on one girl. The only girl in their family that he couldn't ever stop mentioning even when she had returned home was safely away from him. He'd say he hated the bickering, hated the fighting, loathed her competitive and brutish nature. But it was clear to his grandmother, that Aethan was never more alive, burning with true dragon's fire, than when he was in the company of his cousin Vaella Targaryen.

Romantically, Aethan was very fluid. He was a crown Prince, thought to be both handsome and beautiful, with something hypnotically captivating in the contrast of his Valyrian eyes and dark brown hair. Many Ladies of the land had set their cap for him, hoping to be the one he'd choose as his bride...hoping to be his future Queen come the day he became King.

And by this point, Aethan securely taken after his father and uncle Aemond, in the way that he deeply cared about his duties. He sat in many council meetings, stood by for all hearings, petitions and decrees. So the thought of his future and his future wife was not a thought he was neglected. He knew he needed start thinking of ensuring his own line. Whether his marriage would be a match of political alliances or one based on Valyrian purity.

Aethan had bedded both men and women in his time, for attraction to him went beyond the bounds of simple gender norms. But deep within himself, he certainly knew the feelings he had for Vaella that were unmatched by anything else. By the time Vaella had turned 18, she was officially of age for marriage proposals, and as he'd heard it, she'd already been receiving several since she was 16yrs of age.

But Aethan knew Vaella better than anyone, she'd never been fond of the idea of marriage. At least not to the men who had offered themselves to her. She had too much of her father within her, she needed volatility. If she was to marry, she wanted a warrior. She wanted someone capable of defeating her, not just with blunt strength, but with real skill. So when she made the request to their grandparents, a tourney for her hand, but the winner must defeat her single combat.

Well...Aethan wasn't beyond throwing his hat in the ring. Conversations of his own possible betrothals ranged from Lannister girls to Baratheons, to Starks...and certainly talk of Vaella becoming his wife had been mentioned. Contention was drawn as Vaella was his uncle Aemond's eldest, and in Queen Rhaenyra's reign, she hoped to instill that the eldest child, male or female, would be the heir to any seat especially in their family. That would make Vaella the next Princess of Dragonstone...but that would only hold, if Vaella chose to marry a second son...a man who stood to inherit nothing.

Whereas...more likely than not, she would marry a man who stood to inherit something more. Aethan's parents had hoped that maybe Vaella would rather be Queen one day...by Aethan's side. It was a possibility that had given his heart a great sense of warmth, the idea of having his beautiful cousin standing by his side, as his wife, as his Queen.

And as the idea had been mentioned to his aunt and uncle, his aunt Rhaena was not against the match, ever the sweet woman he knew her to be, she was in fact all for it so long as her daughter was interested in making it so. While his uncle teetered on the idea of having to give his daughter up as his own heir...but certainly loved and trusted his nephew as the best viable option, as he was respected and Valyrian...and surely Aemond enjoyed the idea of his daughter one day becoming the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. (Aemond's gotta have a nice little think about it all 😂😂 that's his precious little baby girl to him still.)

Either way, once Vaella returned to King's Landing for the tourney, Aethan decided to join the tourney. A fact that truly angered Vaella when she'd heard that he had. It was during this time that Aethan truly began to see his cousin in this new light, a light he never dared to view her in before. Acknowledging that their bickering and back and forth actually was something that entertained him greatly, it amused him, aroused him. He'd always lived to annoy his cousin, but now he was drawing even more from every interaction they had. Every round of the tourney that he succeeded to move past, Vaella only argued more with him, pulling him into close dark rooms to claim he was only "jesting, wasting her efforts to actually prove a point, to prove herself, to find a truly suitable person-".

That argument had ended with a rough kiss, and with their volatile nature with one another, almost every one of their outburst arguments started leading towards more and more aggressive kisses, grinding, and sexual encounters.

By the time Aethan reached the end of the tourney, he'd beat out every major Lord/house, collected no more than a few minor flesh wounds. And when he finally faced off against the one woman he wanted most of all, he knew better than to go easy on her, she'd never accept the outcome if he did. It was said to be a most spectacular match, as Princess Vaella Targaryen was a beast unleashed with her blade in her hand. But as Aethan knew best, Vaella always fought viciously when she was emotional...but in that state she also left room for very slight minuscule mistakes. Mistakes Aethan knew how to spot and capitalized on, and used to defeat her.

He pinned her twice, once she held her blade at an equally vital spot...but she would not yield. So he separated from her, and worked his way to knocking her sword from her hand, before pinning her again. His true dragon unleashed, he was grinning ferociously when he pinned her down for the second time. To the sound of screaming cheers from nobles and commoners alike viewing in the crowd, Aethan cared for none of it, he just needed to hear her say the words, that she yielded...and that she'd finally accept his offer for his hand.

And she did.

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Funnily enough, back when I first wrote Vaella's character bio I had no idea what my plan was for her future or for her love interest(s). But once I started thinking about Aethan and Jacaela's other babies and Lucenaera's babies, and I started drawing the lines between who'd end up with who. Aethan seemed like such a fun perfect character to match Vaella with!

Plus I find that the parallel throughline between Vaella and Aethan here feels like it really draws back to the core of Rhaemond in this universe! Like the base relationship isn't starting with real hatred or them being actual enemies, but there is an enemies to lovers element to them, and the bickering and competitive nature between seems super fun to me.

There's also technically a 3rd party to this relationship, a character I decided not to mention here. He will be introduced in this story and then he'll be more important in the sequel story when I focus on adult Vaella. There, I think, eventually with the three of them their relationship will result in becoming more of a throuple than just a straight linear marriage (though Vaella and Aethan's marriage will still be the core.)

Sidenote: when I do make Part 3 of this series, don't mind me if some of these details change when I do get to writing it. These are just my main initial thoughts for these characters now. But once I go into more depth with them, things might alter just a tad!

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Jacaela kids in order:

Aethan Velaryon (133 AC), baby #2 (137 AC), baby #3 & #4 (142 AC)

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Rhaemond kids in order:

Vaella Targaryen (135 AC), Daemion Targaryen & Aelyx Targaryen (137 AC), Valaena Targaryen (138 AC), Naerys Targaryen (139 AC), baby #6 & #7 (142 AC), baby #8 & #9 (153 AC)

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Not a new chapter, BUT I have updated/made a new moodboard for:

☾ He Saw Her At Daybreak ☾

I feel like this new moodboard captures the energy of what this fic is/will become! Like yes, the fluffy erotic explicit sex/smut will still be at the forefront of this fic, but I'm planning a lot more moody drama, conflicts, and some more on brand Targaryen violence and murder to take place later on in future chapters (again, no main characters are in danger of dying! So don't worry about that! But they may get hurt.) This fic really has become its own thing at this point, so if I haven't said it before: It's Visceral And It's Cruel will no longer be converging into this fic and vice versa 😂😂😂 I'M SORRY, I know I said this was a sort of epilogue/sequel series, but with the way I've plotted out IV&IC now, it's not going to lead into this story in the same way I thought it would when I started it.

SO consider this fic its own separate universe! If anyone actually wants to see a precursor to this fic, like a genuine one, then I'll definitely consider it for later 😂😂

I've also started chapter 9 already, I'm thinking I might trim some of the plotlines I have laid out for it, move them around so that I CAN have Rhaena give birth to their first baby by chapter 10 instead of pushing it further. So fingers crossed on that!

Anyways, this was just a minor update. Really just so I wouldn't confuse anyone when I start posting more chapter updates with a new image 💖💖💖

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More Rhaemond babies content!!

The Many Faces Of:

Naerys Targaryen

Naerys is the fifth born of Rhaena and Aemond (I'm still not sure how the time jumps will work once the babies start coming into the story, so I won't give an estimated chapter for her arrival.) She was born almost exactly 10 months after her sister Valaena (they're absolutely like "Irish twins") she burst into the world kicking and screaming as the clock struck midnight. She was born with slightly paler violet eyes than her brother Aelyx or her mama's own, but she shared Valaena's pale golden/classic Targ platinum blonde hair, as well as her slightly paler skintone in comparison to their elder brothers. (facially, I think Naerys and Valaena have a lot in common, like they genuinely look like identical twins in a sense, with very slight differences.)

Naerys was very nearly named Visenya, as it was Aemond's turn to name their babe, and he'd forgone the chance to name one their daughters after the great Conquering Queen beforehand. This was now his chanced, but from the moment their third daughter was born, safely swaddled and handed to him. He took one look at his new baby girl, and saw that she looked like a perfect little Naerys.

Valaena may have been a clingy baby, but at least that was paired with her overall sweet nature. In Naerys' case, she was incredibly clingy and incredibly fussy whenever she was not with who wanted to be with. Valaena may have certainly preferred to be carried around by her parents but at the very least she only cared that someone who looked like family was there to carry her around. In Naerys' case, when she was upset or fussy, she wanted either her mama and papa or her elder sister Vaella at the very least. No one else would do, she barely tolerated her Valyrian nursemaids, much less any maid who looked common or Andal. 

Naerys always wanted to be cuddled close to her papa especially, fussing if he didn't pick her up and take her with him throughout his daily tasks, petitions and hearings or his flights with Vhagar. Whenever he spoke to her, Valyrian or common tongue, whether it was a story, a lesson, or just him speaking to her regularly, she always perked up and paid close attention whether she understood him or not. The feeling was mutual though, Aemond certainly indulged his youngest girls quite a lot. As he was when Vaella was a babe, his daughters just always seemed to have him wrapped around their little fingers. 

This wasn't to say she didn't love her mama equally so, she loved hearing her mama's stories or listening to her lullabies. Naerys would always sway and hum along to her mama's lullabies especially. 

Naerys and Valaena were absolutely inseparable ever since they were babes. They shared their nursery, and all of their toys, and even both their dragons came from the same clutch. Though they were not born twins, they were still the kind of siblings that were able to feel each other's pain or replicate in the moments when they could not. (If Naerys started crying, Val did too, she didn't need to know why...her sister was hurting...so she felt as if she was well. They just reacted in tandem with one another.) They just couldn't help their incredibly close connection.

Nicknamed Naery or Nae Nae (Valaena is 100% the only one who calls her Nae Nae, and Naerys will always answer to it) is a little MENACE, much like Vaella was in her younger years. To Naerys, Vaella is the ultimate of children's goals. She and her sister Val would follow Vaella anywhere, all around Dragonstone and island towns, listening intently whenever Vaella talked about all of her old pranks and schemes she used to do around the castle. To Naerys, she was enamored with the idea of living up to those crimes and trying to outdo them. So as a child she unleashed hell on earth for the staff! And Daemion, ever a helpful brother, a true partner in crime wherever mischief was concerned, was always happy to help his little sister pull off her next prank. 

But where Daemion would absolutely get punished for his part in it by their parents, as he by then he was old enough to understand why what he was doing was wrong and was old enough to accept the punishment for his actions. Aemond usually let Naerys off with a warning (Daemion was never happy about it, he usually got stuck with early morning training or extra readings to do, while Naerys milked her spot as the youngest child, she was absolutely the kind of little sister that knew she could get away with most things. And she'd always stick her tongue out at Daemion whenever she did.) But even so he was still favourite brother, and Daemion wasn't cold hearted enough to stay upset with his baby sister for longer than a few hours, so they always got on. 

Vaella on the other hand wouldn't exactly participate in her little sister's pranks, but she was happy to praise Naerys should she succeed in executing an especially brilliant one. She'd even give notes and suggestions on the prank and schemes that didn't work, because Vaella hated to see her baby sister upset over anything. 

Like her sister Valaena, her egg hatched in her crib, a hatchling from the very clutch from Vermithor and Silverwing that gave Valaena her precious Qeldlie Kasta or Golden Blue. Naerys own however, was a shimmering bloody red he-dragon with white iridescent horns that had black tips and similarly sharp edged wings to his pale blue sister. Naerys would name him Gaelithox after the God. He was always her favourite, and she thought her dragon embodied the God who ruled over fire, the stars and the moon, the sun and the dawn. She could see all of that in her own mount whenever she saw how his scales glistened like flames at sunrise or sunset.   

When Naerys was not busy trying to beat her elder siblings' pranking records, she liked exploring the grounds of her family home with her mama. Dragonstone castle held so many mysteries and lost relics from their ancestors and Naerys loved to wander the halls and secret corridors and tunnels with her mama whenever she was free. She felt like it was their own secret mission, sometimes Aelyx and Valaena would journey with them, but usually this was an activity Naerys liked to do with just her mama. As she was the most knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the castle, besides her dark haired uncles or her grandmama Rhaenyra and grandpapa Daemon.

She also loved playing creative imaginative games in the gardens with her siblings or swimming in the bathhouse with her siblings. While she was exceptionally good at her studies, she did not like to sit and be taught by her Maesters. She always felt bored with them, as if what they were teaching was never new or hard enough for her (I'm thinking she's a bit gifted in a medieval sense, she's perceptive, she is intelligent, she grasps things quickly...etc).

Unlike Valaena, Naerys is incredibly coordinated with her training. But she is a bit shorter than Vaella, so she has a bit more trouble wielding a big longsword like Vaella prefers to. For a while, she tries to stumble around and train with her kepa with a practice longsword as it is the blade she wants to graduate towards. But eventually, Aemond sweetly suggests she try a short sword, as she'd have more control over the blade and could use her natural speed to her advantage. In the end it was the right move, Naerys wasn't always an aggressive girl, not as much as Vaella was. But she certainly inherited her father's temper just as well, you could always see it so clearly whenever she had a blade in her hand.  She was a vicious combatant, with both her short sword and daggers. She'd grow to become one of Vaella's favourite siblings to spar with because no matter how hurt or battered she could become. She always got up, dusted herself off, and came screaming like a ravenous animal at her opponent. (Aemond also likes training with Naerys a lot because he find it so amusing when she gets REALLY into it.)

As Naerys grew into herself as an adult, she too became a true Valyrian beauty. And unlike Vaella or Valaena, Naerys' personality had grown to become a slight mix of the two. She wasn't fond of regal court life, but she could play the game, she knew how to fake it. For as much as disliked the rules, she still loved all the pretty dresses and the gowns she got to wear as a part of society, as well as to balls and feasts. 

She also loved flirting and toying with boys and girls at balls and feasts, she was an electric life of any party. Sociable and funny, brash yet delightful. It was a balancing act but she always seemed to manage. And no matter where was, her bed was never empty (she definitely kept her maidenhead intact though)...she was a Princess both young Lords and Ladies all had their eyes on and wanted.

Naerys is oddly a rebel, like everyone knows she's bending the rules all over the place, but she's so good at doing what she needs to, balancing everything, that the realm still adores her. She's like the cool bad-girl of Dragonstone and King's Landing really likes her as well.

Naerys spent a lot of time flying with her parents as a child, especially with her grandpapa Daemon. She learned how to fly like a dragon rider of old, becoming one with her mount and being able to perform amazing aerodynamic stunts and moves. As an adult, she'd spend hours if not a day or two flying and journeying around the realm. Sometimes from a distance, unknowing townsfolk would mistake her Gaelithox for her grandpapa's great Caraxes, their deep red scales confusing them from afar. 

She was also very fond of tourneys, for the entirety of her life she always loved watching them and longed to compete in them. 

Sadly in Westeros women were not permitted to, much less Princesses. SO she was relegated to the viewing box. At least until she saw her eldest sister convince both their parents and grandparents to allow her the chance to face her suitors in single-handed combat. It was an amazing sight, until the end. And it thrilled Naerys with the possibility to do the same when her own time came. 

Only when her time came, she found herself falling for someone entirely different than she originally thought she would. 

Naerys always knew she'd married Valryian. It'd been instilled into her by her kepa of course, as well as her grandpapa. Her muña, on the other hand, never really cared who Naerys chose to marry, so long as they were noble and she loved them. And with such freedom of choice there, part of Naerys thought she'd have to convince her parents to allow her to marry a woman. For as her eighteenth nameday approached, she'd found no man to be of interest. 

Not any true options...there was a time when she was young, that she had a rather torturous crush on her uncle Daeron. A man who was only a couple years younger than her kepa...and who certainly only ever saw her as his sweet little baby niece. He'd brought her gifts, and told her stories of his daring travels and battles, he complimented her always...but it was only ever paternal love from his side. A useless pursuit that she grew out of by age 10. But then she'd developed a crush on an uncle who was much closer to her in age, Aegon the younger...or kepus Aeggie.

But somewhere along the lines, she'd realized his attention wasn't caught by her...and that he'd only remain a playful brother type figure to her. 

Nope, by her eighteenth birth, her season officially in spring, she went to King's Landing to visit the rest of her royal family. King's Landing's spring/summer fetes and parties had always drawn in the largest flocks of Nobles. All clamouring for the available hand of a Prince or Princess. It was during one of these evening parties where her uncles Aeggie and Viserys or Vis, had returned from their 5 years of travelling abroad.

And it was there that she smiled at the sight of her uncle Vis still being his usual quiet timid self. 

He was far too gentle and kind for the vigorous aggressive way these unmarried Ladies of court were throwing themselves onto him. And maybe, Naerys thought to do him a favour, to save him, when she stole him away for a dance. Only when she did so, when she took his hand and pulled him onto the dance floor without a second thought. She'd been caught off guard by just how much he'd grown, 5yrs had made a man out of him. He'd left with his brother when he was only nineteen, and now at four and twenty, he seemed so mature. His height seemed to tower over her, his jaw had become chiseled and strong, his face entirely handsome yet still delicate and beautiful. And his pale violet eyes nearly sparkled in the candlelight. 

Viserys II had broad shoulders and strong arms to sway her with, and all the while, Naerys found her heart begin to beat so much faster than it had during any other dance she'd shared with anyone else.

Unbeknownst to Vis, and really even to Naerys herself, she found herself starting a new game. Forget the Lords and Ladies of court, no she wanted to spend more time with her uncle. The one who always knew more than he liked to admit. The one who trained harder than any other, studied more than he ever needed to, and liked to keep to himself as much as possible...even if his siblings were never content to just let him be. 

There were parts of him that Naerys felt she could relate to the most, more than any other. And there other parts that Naerys found she just wanted to worm her way into and corrupt in a way that only she could. Only her usual methods seemed to have no effect on him. Exciting if not wholly infuriating, for Naerys knew she was incredibly endowed. She had a body that enticed any all sorts that she welcomed to it, even with her clothes on. Only, when she attempted to entice her uncle with it...he didn't pounce. When she opted to use her beauty or even just her wit and her mind, he still kept himself at bay.

She didn't know it though, that his resolve was cracking since the moment she chose him as her target. 

She wouldn't know it until she cornered him in the royal library one evening. Allowing the anger she was normally able to keep concealed and hidden at bay, to finally leak through as she raged at him. Wondering why he didn't want her, why he was being so dismissive if not downright oblivious to her obvious advances. He'd given her calm responses about how he respected her far too much to take advantage of her. But Naerys wouldn't take that as a response, instead she pushed and prodded for more from him. Until she drew a true emotion from the quiet Prince, making him explode right back, that of course he wanted her, who wouldn't. But he wanted her to be serious, that if he actually allowed himself to feel all the genuine things he did for her...he'd hate for it all to just be some sort of game to her. 

Naerys had kissed him before he could finish ranting back at her, knowing by then that she'd never wanted someone as much as she did him. Knowing she'd never felt like this with anyone else. 

Viserys might've asked her to take things seriously with him, so she did, but to her that also meant dragging him to every hidden crook and deserted room to have her way with him. Corrupting him might not have been a game anymore, but it was still so enjoyable to teach him all of the sexual acts she'd found enjoyable in her time...as well as learning some of the new ones he'd brought back from his travels. 

When the time came for Viserys to ask his uncle, Aemond, for permission to wed his daughter, Viserys had dreaded it, having seen the drama that his elder brother Aeggie had gone through the year prior when he'd asked for Valaena's hand. But to Viserys' slight surprise, seeing how his reputation was not one of a notorious rake, Aemond was slightly...just the slightest bit...more accepting of this match. Viserys was a respectable young Valryian man, and Aemond supposed if he was going to pair his rebellious daughter with anyone...this was as prime a choice as any. 

Although of course, daddy Aemond was still not fond of having to accept the cosmic karma of this situation once again, even if it was slightly more tolerable. But once again, the rest of this story will be told in full in the sequel fic!

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Sorry this took so long! And this is actually a super long bio LOOOL! The way these posts have just grown in length since Vaella's short first one.

Baby #6 is on hold as his birth comes with a big plot point! So the next baby post will be Jacaela's babies! Starting with their first born son, Aethan!

Sidenote: when I do make Part 3 of this series, don't mind me if some of these details change when I do get to writing it. These are just my main initial thoughts for these characters now. But once I go into more depth with them, things might alter just a tad!

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Rhaemond kids in order:

Vaella Targaryen (135 AC), Daemion Targaryen & Aelyx Targaryen (137 AC), Valaena Targaryen (138 AC), Naerys Targaryen (139 AC), baby #6 & #7 (142 AC), baby #8 & #9 (153 AC)

[an-abyss-of-stars]

He saw her at daybreak - Part 6

Summary: Rhaena is now five if not six moons along with her pregnancy and she's beginning to feel the weight of it all. She's hungry all of the time, she's craving odd things, she's irritable and easily upset, incredibly horny and Aemond has begun to become a touch too overprotective…

Warnings: SMUTTTT SMUTTY SMUT! This series is explicit fr tho.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3.1 | Part 3.2 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Ao3

Tag list: @minim236 , @bohemian-nights , @neocil , @nettysnest , @avidreader73 , @jordanjanellejoyy , @azaleapotterblack , @yourlittlehoe , @partypoison00 , (feel free to tell me if you want to be on the taglist or not)

P.S. I have returned!!! (Yet again!! I'm so sorry!!)

This is the "world-building" chapter, and I want to say that's why this took so long for me to finish/post it. But I'm also going to blame the next upcoming chapter for that! LMAO look out everyone, I've finished writing ch.7 and it's literally 30k in length, fucking hell.

But for now, enjoy this cute little "day in the life of preggo Rhaena" chapter!!

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THREE MOONS LATER 

It was a grey rainy morning, but it was there that Rhaena found herself tucked safely in Aemond's tight heated embrace. With her back pressed against his warm solid chest, his firm strong arms wrapped around her with his large hands splayed across her now rounded belly. How he managed to keep such a protective hold over her even while he was soundly asleep would never cease to amaze her. 

It was in this protective hold, where she felt the most at home. Always relishing in his closeness, the strong security he always provided for her. Especially now that Rhaena was five…if not six moons along, her belly had grown immensely in that time and several other things had changed as well. 

Three moons ago, Rhaena and her husband were officially crowned the Princess and Prince of Dragonstone . 

They were given a true ceremony, where the whole of their family was present, as well as an audience of all the noble Lords and Ladies of the realm. With Rhaena's mother, Rhaenyra, sitting upon the Iron Throne. Rhaena's father, Daemon had stood steadfast by her side as he always did. Both Rhaena and Aemond had knelt before them, before the Queen of the seven kingdoms. And Rhaena was happy to do so of course, but she'd known then that it still must've been an odd position for Aemond to willingly submit himself to. 

Though he'd made his choice long ago, the night he chose Rhaena to be his bride…was the night he solidified the side he wished to be on. And so on that day, he knelt before his eldest sister, his Queen, right alongside Rhaena, his wife. 

There Queen Rhaenyra spoke grandly, letting the spoken vow be known to all, before Aemond repeated the words as did Rhaena herself after him. 

Once they had, Aemond had been presented with the legendary Blood Moon , the Valyrian steel sword that once belonged to Daenys the Dreamer . It was an impressive long sword, the black blade held a dark reddish glint seen only in the moonlight or sunlight, it had razored ridges all along the sides down to the tip. While down the center of the blade lay shimmering engraved Valryian runes that read: Valyria may burn, yet, the blood of the Dragon shall walk through the flames . The hilt was curved and crafted like the wing of a dragon, gold and steel, the handle was black leather bound. And finally, there was one rounded ruby embedded dead center on the hilt, surrounded by a row of obsidian gems. 

Truly a blade made for her beloved dragon. 

It was just as dark and gleaming as he was, if not a tad overly jewelled for his liking, but either or, Rhaena knew Aemond would come to love the blade no matter what. She couldn't help the small smile that graced her lips then, the look on Aemond's face had been priceless. The pure awe that shone in his eye and on his face entirely, she knew it meant the world to him to finally be in possession of such a blessed and historical Targaryen artifact. Much more than that, he finally had a true Targaryen sword , a real Valyrian steel blade that had been passed down from ancestor to ancestor. 

That day had meant so much to him. 

Just as well, it made her heart soar to witness it with him. 

After he was handed his sword, Rhaenyra had slowly placed a crown upon Rhaena's head. Rhaena had recognized it immediately, from the deep dark pure red rubies which encrusted the golden crown along its spiked edges to the dotting shards of the purest obsidian which graced the peaks of the crown. It was archaic and ruthless in its beauty, sharpened like the fangs of a dragon, but graceful in its sway as it was made for a Queen . This was the crown of the great Conquering Queen Rhaenys . 

Yet another incredibly prized symbol of the House of the Dragon.   

With the fondest look on Rhaenyra's face, Rhaena had felt her mother's warm pride wash over her. And with a glance to her father, she could see a very similar look on his face as well. 

In part, she liked to believe her birth mother, her true muña , Lady Laena, was looking down on her with pride as well. For while she knew her mother spent the rest of her eternity flying amongst the ancestors in Balerion’s beautiful fated realm…it still only felt right to imagine that she was allowed to bear witness to the important things in her life. Such as her Valyrian wedding and now this ceremony…and soon enough, Rhaena hoped her muña would bear witness to the birth of her first child.

In the end, once the vows and blessings were bestowed, both Rhaena and Aemond were told to rise, proclaiming to the audience of nobles and family alike, that Prince Aemond Targaryen had now become the Prince Of Dragonstone and that Princess Rhaena Targaryen had now become the Princess Of Dragonstone . Sworn to the crown, sworn to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and King Daemon Targaryen, rulers and protectors of the Seven Kingdoms and the realm.

They now guarded and Lorded over the ancestral home of House Targaryen. They held authority over the keeping of the legendary Valyrian military post known as Hell's Edge , home to specially trained warriors subservient to the crown known as the Hell's Legion . 

They would also rule over the two ancient towns that rested on the island's lower region. The bustling port town, Dracaena and the quiet farming village, Tegun Skrykos.

They'd be the main ruling authority over hearings and petitions made by the towns’ common folk, small isle folk and the complaints of minor Lords of lesser importance, even major Lords with complaints that could be handled without meeting with the Queen herself. Depending on the severity of criminal cases, and attacks on the crown, they'd also have the authority to commit executions and or pardons. 

A part of the job Rhaena knew her husband would relish for certain…the execution part of things at least. 

And now that they were three moons into their position, Rhaena could say with certainty, Aemond most certainly loved a good execution. 

Any execution really, but that was besides the point. 

Dragonstone was a functioning castle and court once again. And while Aemond might bask in his new found authority here, Rhaena basked in ruling over the court here. 

But in the mornings, she mainly let herself melt into the warmth her husband provided for her. Still tangled up together in one another's arms and overall coziness, the previous night had been an eventful one. If Rhaena ever doubted that her husband would find her just as appealing as he had previously…compared to now, as she grew rounder with his child…well all such doubts evaporated day by day. 

If anything, Rhaena dared to think his arousal for her had only increased ever since her belly had begun to grow larger. 

She knew for certain that her own needs had increased tenfold. If she felt ravenous for him before, she found herself even more starved for him. Just yesterday alone she'd pulled Aemond into several partially secluded alcoves, obscure archways in the depths of the gardens, Gods she'd even managed to pounce on him in-between scheduled hearings. All solely to satisfy her ever growing needs, her body ached for satisfaction during the days, and she knew her dragon was the only one who could deliver such pleasure to her.

And he did, happily so. 

It never took anything more than a look, a curve of her lips, something in her eyes must've told him what she needed. And he was always ready to oblige her. 

This morning had been no different. 

It was pouring outside, harsh and windy, the droplets battering against the windows of their chambers. The greyish light of the early dawn had already begun to bleed into their rooms, faintly illuminating the surfaces, creating a slightly gloomy if not still cozy, hazy ambiance. 

Soft as she could, Rhaena tried to turn herself around without jolting her husband awake. 

Yes, she craved his love and attention at this very moment, but she still had her sense about her. She wanted to wake him gradually, she knew he was a very light sleeper, and the slightest touch could and most likely would wake him. But whenever she could, she still liked to see him in the mornings. Aemond never looked as blissful as he did when he was fast asleep. He'd say he was at his most vulnerable whenever he wasn't wearing his sapphire, but Rhaena would say he seemed far more vulnerable when he was relaxed and resting. 

Slowly, she tried …

"Mmm...are you trying to escape me, zaldrītsos ," little dragon , his voice rasped in a low sleepy grumble as his hold around her tightened. 

Her dragon was clearly an incredibly light sleeper, she'd barely nudged him and he'd awoken, she would've never succeeded in turning over completely to face him.

Smiling softly, Rhaena tried to glance back at him, but he was only snuggling himself closer to her, breathing lightly her voice lilted, "of course not, my love. I was only going to turn over," her own voice was still a tad bit groggier than she'd thought it'd be. 

"What for," Aemond hummed as his lips softly trailed a heated path along her neck, his hands caressing her stomach lovingly so. Slipping up to tenderly hold and squeeze her swelling breasts, they were slightly tender but Rhaena couldn't deny the sensation his hands gave her. She was also quite sure she could feel the great length of his extremely hard cock pressing against her plush bottom, making it rather obvious what he was after this morning. 

Thank the Gods, for she was desperate for it as well. 

Reaching her hand back behind herself, she carded her fingers through his silky hair, closing her eyes as she melted into his affectionate hold, "because...you look so peaceful when you're asleep, and I just wished to see your face," truly his face looked beautiful and rather adorable when he was asleep, but she'd never be able to tell him that so boldly…at least not at this moment. So she simply bit back a smile, noticing how he stilled against her for only a moment. 

She'd caught him off guard yet again...small moments Rhaena had found she truly relished. 

Though it did not last long, soon enough he was growling against her, his large hands sliding down from her breasts over her curves and down to her hips. Causing soft mewls to fall from her lips as he began to lightly grind his hips against her bottom, a wordless prodding question, his body already clearly begging for her to give into him. 

Rhaena wouldn't bother fighting against it; she wanted what he was offering. Though she supposed sometimes she liked to let him think it was his idea initially. 

Each warm kiss he peppered along her neck then shoulder just made her body shiver with the burning desire for him to enter her. 

"Mmmm Aemond, surely you don't plan to tease me so early," the words had slipped in a half moan half groan, her hand slipping from his hair and moving along his jaw. She felt the moment his clenching jaw softened at her touch, how he slipped a kiss to the palm of her hand as he pulled his hips back enough to guide his tip towards her entrance. 

Just like she wanted. 

Thankfully no begging was needed.  

Though Rhaena could wager Aemond wouldn't possess any such willpower when he'd only just awoken as she had. His primal urge would win, and thank the Gods because her own primal urges wanted him desperately. 

As the cool morning light bathed their room, he slowly thrusted into her from behind, deep and perfectly placed. Rhaena's teeth were still biting into her lower lip when the sweet sensation of his thick cock pulsed within her, coaxing a breathy moan to force its way from her throat. 

Gods, he felt so good, all thick and lengthy, stretching her already soaked cunt so perfectly. 

There might have been words she wanted to say but her mind was melting too much by the second. 

Paired with the searing feeling of his teeth grazing and biting her neck, he licked and kissed the areas making semi-permanent marks for his possessive enjoyment. And she loved every second of it, but the calming pace at which he thrusted into her was driving her mad. Her legs were squirming and itching to kick as her hips rocked in sync with his. 

All the while she only felt Aemond's lips spread into a knowing smirk against her neck, "so impatient, my sweet little wife," he chuckled against her skin. As one of his hands slipped under neck, reaching around her, sliding between her breasts and clutching one of them. Holding her flush against him as his other hand slid up and over her hip, then down between her thighs and towards her wet center. 

She knew what he was going to do before he did it, the moment his index and middle finger began rubbing crucial circles against her clit was the moment Rhaena's entire body began to hum and tingle. She was sobbing sweet moans every time his thrusts moved in sync with the friction his fingers caused her. Rhaena's hands were desperate to find some sort of purchase, one hand gripping onto his elbow as the other slid behind her and gripped onto his hip, her nails biting into his skin making him groan lowly right by her ear. 

"Dōna byka ābrazȳrys...ōregon ñuha riña isse aōha iemny," sweet little wife...carrying my child in your belly , his warm breath trailed along her skin, his voice sounded like smooth silk, "gūrogon ñuha orvorta sīr sȳrī...rual nyke naejot leghagon ao...qogralbar aōha ȳrda byka orvorta...mirre ñuhon," taking my cock so well...allowing me to fill you...fuck your tight little cunt...all mine. 

It wouldn't have mattered what language he said those words in, but the added fact that he'd chosen High Valyrian made her body feel like it was prime to blow, spontaneous combustion felt imminent. Rhaena couldn't manage anything beyond moaning his name, each lick of his cock only made her hips rock faster, her slurring moans begged him to fuck her with more intensity.

And thank the Gods he did.

Rhaena was trapped in a haze, early morning couplings always felt like the sweetest of dreams. As if she was in a daze yet somehow still wide awake, her mind was clouded with the overwhelming level of immense pleasure she was experiencing but even still her dragon's blood felt like it was calling to his. The ravenous beast that only he could unleash within her. His words only spurred her on, his praise always made her feel so complete, so wanted. 

Within the momentum, Aemond had managed to prop himself up on his elbow, leaving enough room for Rhaena to back just enough to see him leaning over her. Just as she always thought, he always looked like absolute perfection in the mornings. A glistening Valyrian God of Old, his long pale hair seemed to shimmer even more in the muted grey light of this morning. His indigo eye was a vibrant thing of beauty, while seeing his vacant socket gave her body an added surge of heat. Such sculpted cheekbones and full inviting lips…it was instinctual, her need to reach for his chin, to pull his lips down to meet her own. Her need to taste him most fervently, to breathe him in, to feel him with all of her senses as he continued to ram his cock into her.

When that all encompassing spark finally ran through her, her pleasure bursting over the horizon nearly in time with his. Rhaena felt herself slumping back, collapsing back against their bed in a sea of bliss of burning satisfaction. All the while, Aemond lowered himself back down, scooping her back up into his arms as he sweetly whispered her name, his teeth grazing her neck as his fingers circled her sensitive little bud in time with her moans. He rode her orgasm just as his came through for him, spilling his heated seed comfortably into her. 

He'd moaned her name with such a divine rasping baritone.

"Mmmm, I think this is proving to be a very good morning already," Rhaena sighed contentedly, quivering slightly as she felt Aemond's cock still twitch within her. She'd since let her hand reach back into his hair, caressing the unruly strands away from face as his arms tightened around her once more. 

With a low hum, he nodded against her neck, whispering back, "a perfect morning," allowing her body to turn just slightly towards him, while he stayed within her. Enough for her to turn her head just enough to reach his lips once again, capturing them completely, roving her tongue possessively over his. 

She'd wanted to taste him from the moment she'd woken herself this morning, and now she was truly soaking it in, and it made her feel whole again. 

Pulling back just a bit, Rhaena let her lips brush along his, smiling as his lips chased hers, "sadly, we can't lay here all morning-" 

He'd caught her lips before she could finish her sentence, his hand sliding between her legs once again, toying with her clit just enough to draw soft moans. He'd swallowed the sounds happily, smirking against her lips, "and why can't we. We, Lord over this castle now, I don't think anyone would dare interrupt us, especially not a Princely Lord spending time with his pregnant Princess of a wife. I'm in no mood to move now and I don't want you to move from this spot either." 

The sentiment was endearing, but if Rhaena knew Dragonstone and she did, there was far too much to do, far too many tasks to leave unattended. Surely there were several petitions to hear from, hearings to sit through, ceremonies to bless, livestock to bless and or reimburse…Sheepstealer was always causing some sort of trouble. 

As far as she knew it, her husband shouldn't have been too bogged down with duties today.  

But she'd have to double check with their Wardeness, Aelaera, as she kept a daily schedule, account, and management of their, well more specifically Rhaena's, full activities and duties. In the case of Aemond, Maester Varion, the current Head Maester of Dragonstone as Maester Gerardys had been appointed to King's Landing to serve the crown truly. In his stead here, Maester Varion was just as qualified and capable, and took to his new position seamlessly. He kept his logs and accounts, scheduling efficiently of every duty Aemond was to complete daily. 

Both Maester Varion and Wardeness Aelaera would usually brief Aemond and Rhaena in the mornings either before or after breakfast, and then the two would go off to do their duties.

Rhaena felt that after three moons of working together in these daily tasks that kept this castle and this island as a whole running properly…she dared to say they were doing a wonderful job. Her mother and father wrote to them constantly, mostly addressed to Rhaena, but Aemond was always mentioned heavily in those missives. And while some of the courtiers and town folk found Aemond to be a frightening Lording Prince, they did find him to be dutiful and proficient. As well as their growing adoration for Princess Rhaena herself, those parts of the missives never truly surprised her, as she'd only continued to do what she'd always done.

Treat people kindly and listen intently to their issues no matter how large or small they may seem. 

And it seemed the people appreciated that. 

But for the moment, Rhaena wasn't exactly against allowing her husband to lavish her in their bed this morning. The attention felt lovely, and so she'd happily soak it all in. 

The grey morning light made telling the specific time of morning rather indiscernible, it was something about the way the hard island rain rattled against the glass of the windows and stone walls of the castle. The sound was both calming and numbing, it only made one wish to waste the day away even more. 

"All of this love and attention so early in the morning, is it solely for me or it is because of the babe in my belly," Rhaena teased as his lips trailed heat along her jaw, kissing her favoured spots purposely as he slowly pulled his cock from her. Allowing her to lay flat on her back as he lay on his side, leaning over her just slightly. 

Aemond's deep Indigo eye cut through her so hypnotically, she might have nearly missed the way his jaw had tightened at her jest, "ñuha prūmia," my heart , his low voice stilled her jesting mood almost instantly. As his hand warmly caressed the growing curve of her belly, slowing and holding her possessively there, "my love and attention is made for both of you."

Rhaena felt her throat run dry for just a moment, swallowing thickly as she let the incredibly sultry tone in his voice float through her. It shouldn't have been this easy for her to find herself so aroused all over again. 

Slowly she slipped hand up to caress his scarred cheek, gazing comfortably into his vacant socket, as his sapphire was left on her bedside table. She sighed a sweet contented smile, her thumb tracing his scar with fine familiarity before she allowed her fingers to dip through his incredibly soft hair in her own possessive gesture. 

God's, mornings like these…Rhaena was certain life had never felt so perfect. 

Well…aside from the babe inside of her pushing down on her bladder, making her desperately need to relieve herself suddenly. 

Thankfully it seemed he could tell from the shifting blissful look on her face that now sunk into pure discomfort, he removed his hand from her stomach and instead cupped her cheek. He drew her in, softly pressing his lips to her forehead, "I see our child has decided to spoil our mood once again," she could hear the smile in his tone.  

"Oh, my love. I'm incredibly close to changing my term of endearment for this babe," Rhaena grimaced as she dared to rub her belly gently, "our little one seems intent on souring my mood whenever possible, I'm nearly certain I'm growing a little gremlin," 

She hadn't intended on pouting then, but her lips had done the gesture all on their own. 

Making Aemond chuckle in earnest as he began to pull himself from her. She certainly mourned the loss of his heat, but she casually enjoyed the sight of her bare naked, toned dragon walking across their chambers. Happily watching as the muscles on his back stretched and flowed as he reached for a pair of breeches and the sleek way he bent over to pull them on. 

What a lovely thing it was to know that this being was all hers. 

And hers alone. 

Soon enough he made his way back to her, taking her hands and arms, as he gently helped her out of bed. As she stood against him, her hands slid from his hands, to his forearms, to his biceps, to finally landing sturdy on his shoulders. 

But GOD'S how she needed the toilets. 

She'd squeezed her eyes shut by then, wincing and whining as the pressure within her pressed harder against her bladder. 

Thank the Flames, her loving husband was here to help her waddle over, allowing her to lean all of her weight against him as he guided her to their bathing ensuite of their chambers. The moment she sat upon the marble stoned toilet fixture, Rhaena was sure there was no sweeter release than loosening the pent up pressure from her bladder.  

All the all while, Aemond only leaned against the door frame, watching her fondly with a knowing smile. 

Once she no longer felt as if she were primed to explode, Rhaena rolled her eyes and smiled back, "what is it now, my dragon?" 

"Oh nothing," he smirked, crossing his arms casually, "I only wonder if there will be any clues or signs as to whether our little gremlin is a boy or girl."  

Rhaena couldn't help but giggle at the sound of him using the humorous term she'd referred to their babe as just moments ago. 

"Boy or girl I couldn't be certain, but either way I'm beginning to think they have far too much of you in them already," she smiled, wiping herself clean with a soft clean cloth. She then pulled herself to her feet, washing her hands in the basin before Aemond helped her into one of her crimson red silk robes. 

Somewhere in-between he'd managed to steal a soft beaming kiss from her, grinning against her lips, "well surely you should have expected that, sweet girl." 

Rhaena wanted to bat him away, but her heart was swelling far too happily to let her complete the motion with any real force. Instead she'd end up looping her arms around his neck, leaning her forehead warmly against his. Breathing him in for a just moment before she sighed, "hmm, I suppose so. I also suppose you should summon my chambermaids and ladies maids, we do have to officially start the day." 

"If we must," he smirked, guiding her back to sit on the edge of her bed. 

Reluctantly, yes, it was indeed time to start the day. 

☾

Rhaena's days usually started the same way, similar to most, but there were variations. 

She supposed it usually depended on how Aemond's morning started. For the most part, she could count on her husband's tendency to rise early in the morning. He seemed to always rise with the sun, something Rhaena could never really be counted on to do on purpose. On days like those, he'd awaken early, slip from their bed and head down to the training yard. Intensively training his body, until his muscles burned from the strain, he was always aiming to improve his skills and his techniques. 

He'd explained it to her before. 

And while Rhaena could say that she somewhat understood what he'd meant...she did wonder why he felt it so necessary to work his body so brutally. They had their own guards now, ones they specifically chose themselves. They weren't Gold Cloaks or former King's guards or rejected Queen's guards. 

As was historically customary, Rhaena and Aemond had chosen several knights from the Hell's Legion themselves. The age-old military post that had been established by Aegon the Conqueror and his conquering sister wives Rhaenys and Visenya. To weaponize the land of Hell's Edge, inhabitable as their ancestors once thought it to be, it was the conquering Queen Visenya who saw its potential and fortified it into its full potential. Creating an army full of Valyrian soldiers who were subservient to the crown and to the true blood of the dragon, house Targaryen. 

Every initiate had to have a recognizable amount of Valryian blood within them to be welcomed, bastards and dragonseeds were all welcome to join this noble outpost, even certain Targaryen Princes of the past had chosen the noble right to serve this ancestral post. 

Every six months dozens of initiates were welcome, and for three months those initiates would be trained brutally. Extensively pushing their bodies to limit, testing their resolve, their loyalties, their integrity. Quests and tests of all varieties were tasked upon these initiates, any who died during these tests were deemed to not have been worthy to begin with...and any who survived only had one final test to pass to truly be welcomed into the fold.

The dragon test. 

The final initiates would be brought to the castle to be introduced to the ruling Prince of Dragonstone. There they would all stand before Prince's bonded mount, upon the sacred Dragon Mound. This was deemed a blessed ceremony of sorts, to stand before a Dragon Prince and his beast, there to be deemed worthy of entry or to be destroyed. The Prince would ask one thing of his dragon, to determine who was truly the blood of Old Valyria. If the dragon deemed them worthy, deemed their Valyrian blood to be enough, then the knight would survive...if not...the Prince would not stand in the way of allowing his mount to burn and devour the unworthy initiate. 

Hell's Edge could only accept the best of the best. For the Knights who passed this final test would be knighted truly by the Prince of Dragonstone, finally welcomed to the Legion. Those knights would then be given the rights to learn age-old techniques and magics, alchemy and healing. They'd be taught by surviving Maesters and scholars, within the posting, their libraries full of tomes and archives on all manner of specialized practices in those fields. With hidden  secrets and relics to defeat any creature, beast or otherwise

In all honesty it was fair to say a lot of what Rhaena had known of that place had been read in texts and scrolls, if not told to her and explained to her by her father. Daemon was a relic of Old Valyria himself in a sense, and it was not unsurprising to raise a question of any sort on the topic to her father, for he usually had the answer and knowledge on it. 

What she knew of the Legion, was what mattered most. 

They were ruthless and their loyalty could not and would not stray.

When a King or Queen of old declared war, they called upon that army, they would unleash the “Hell's Legion” as they themselves rode upon their dragons and reigned fire down upon their enemies. 

It was always the custom for both the ruling King and Queen to appoint their King's Guards from this legion. Rhaena’s uncle Viserys had not done so...and unfortunately he somewhat paid the price for hiring Knights who were not succinctly loyal to him and his family above all else. 

Rhaenyra had not made this mistake. Yes she kept Rhaena’s kepa's Gold Cloaks close, but she'd made sure to appoint her chosen Queen's Guards from the Hell's Legion as was always the custom to. 

Just as Rhaena and Aemond had here. 

A knight of the Hell's Legion was easy to spot, while not all of them carried the tell-tale Valryian pale hair or specifically varying purple or unnaturally bright blue eyes...it was always a variation of these features that graced these knights. Their armour was solid black, dragon-esque in its design, with engravings and ridges made and designed for close-range combat should a soldier ever lose their sword or weapon. They wore either solid black capes, for Dragonstone, or black capes that bled into deep Targaryen red at the tips as members of the Queen's Guard. 

Their center emblem is the three headed Targaryen Dragon, but the whole chest plate and armour is  welded and molded to look like the chest ridges of a dragon. 

While they all wielded dark blades, made from the volcanic rock of the Dragon Mount, and forged with the heat of the volcano. Very powerful and durably made steel, it was not quite Valyrian steel, for they are not forged with dragons' fire...but they were still superior to the average steel made elsewhere. 

They rode to war on armoured black horses, like a true legion from the depths of hell themselves. 

Was it any wonder they were one of, if not, the most feared army of all probably next to the truly formidable Dothraki hordes. 

Suffice to say, here in the Dragonstone castle, they had nearly fifty knights posted to serve and protect the grounds. With six personal Prince and Princess Guards who guarded Aemond and Rhaena...well mostly Rhaena, especially now in her pregnant state. 

If it was up to Aemond he wouldn't have any of the six personal knights guard him at all, initially he wanted all six just to guard Rhaena...a matter on which she was quite adamant that her husband was being a touch too over protective. She needed guarding, sure...she did not, however, need all of their guards to guard her though. 

She tried to reason that he should at least keep two with him throughout the days, especially when they were apart. 

He'd agreed in the beginning...and then he tried to narrow that number down to one. Though, most days, Rhaena managed to convince two to stay by side, leaving four guards to walk the grounds behind her during her daily tasks. 

The only time Aemond was everkeen to keep two knights with him was when he wished to train. He'd purposely face off against and train with either one, if not, more often now, two at once. If he was feeling bold he'd enlist a third or fourth knight to train with him. 

He never wanted them to hold back against him, he wanted their best, and if they bested him, that only meant that he'd spend the next day training even harder...and harder. 

The amount of mornings in which her husband would return to their chambers, return to her, all battered and bruised. It ached her greatly, but he always seemed the better for it. Energized and excitable, there was usually an equal chance that he'd most likely return to bed to take her eagerly or more calmly he'd summon a bath for them and bathe with her. 

In their bathing chambers here as the ruling Lords of this castle, their large tub was a stationary one, white and gold made of smoothed marble stones. 

Those baths were always Rhaena's favourite, leaning back against her dragon, allowing him to gently care for her. As, ever since her belly had started to show, he'd become increasingly more and more protective of her. Wanting to have her to himself as much as he possibly could, he barely wanted Rhaena's chosen chambermaids to attend to her some days. Bathing with her, so that he could hold her himself, he'd even learned of the method in which she used to wash and care for her curls just so he could do that for her as well. And Rhaena could admit, being lavished with such care by one's husband held a far sweeter flavour to her mornings then the usual methodical approach of one's chambermaids. 

But unfortunately, this wasn't that sort of morning. Aemond had opted to stay abed with her this morning, waking to her nice and slowly. That choice alone meant he'd have to alter his schedule to fit his training in afterwards, meaning...this would have to be one of those mornings where she bathed alone. 

It wasn't all bad, Rhaena had liked her chambermaids. In fact she liked the vast majority of her staff here, she'd been given such free range, to interview and appoint her own inner circle. From her chambermaids to her ladies maids, and even her four new companions, four specifically chosen Ladies-in-waiting. 

But everyday started with her chambermaids, three girls, Kiera, Allyria and Cass, who were from common if not impoverished backgrounds who were tasked with preparing Rhaena in her bathing chambers. 

Kiera, who was from the free city of Braavos, had arrived with her elder sister Myria for positions in a royal household. Escaping the lowly choices available to them there, they were hoping Westeros had more to offer them...and they were right. Kiera would be chosen as a chambermaid, as she already had experience in the area, while Myria had been positioned as a ladies maid, where her skills were suited better. 

They both had rich brown sepia-toned skin, dark brown eyes, and thick dark chocolatey brown curls that formed a more fro-like shape, like some of Rhaena's more Velaryon featured cousins. They looked quite alike, but Myria's face was indeed slightly slimmer, her cheekbones slightly more pronounced as well as the fact that she wore more piercings than her sister. A fashion the Free Cities seemed to appreciate. One above her left eyebrow, and several teal studs upon her ears. Kiera for her part, had slightly darker hair, and her face held a softer, rounder appearance. 

Allyria, was a bastard-born girl from the Riverlands. With pale peach-toned ivory skin, and soft facial features. Wavy reddish pale brown hair and pale blue eyes. Her mother had operated out of a whorehouse in Riverrun, and by all likelihood, she was probably a bastard child of either house Tully or house Greyjoy, but she could prove neither. And so, the majority of her life she'd spent on her back at the mercy of men, good or cruel, so long as they had good coin to pay her...to pay the whorehouse at large. It wasn't a life she thrived in, so she made her escape...heard of the crowning of Princess Rhaena of Dragonstone...and made it her mission to secure a position. As she had succeeded in doing. 

Finally, Cass, a lowborn daughter of the Vale. She had warm ivory skin, which contrasted greatly with her pin-straight dark brown, nearly black hair. Cut short to her neck, with thin veiled bangs, her face held sharper features. A pointed jaw and chin, but her cheeks and eyes were soft. Greyish hazel eyes that spoke of wisdom beyond her years. She was incredibly intelligent and pragmatic, and in truth Rhaena alternated her position with other ladies maids quite often, as Cass was great company, truly. She was well read, and quite knowledgeable on most things. If anything, Rhaena had her as her chambermaid solely to start her day with good conversation most of the time. 

As Rhaena soaked herself in the steaming hot water of her bath, all three girls entered her bathing chamber, announcing themselves duly before entering. They curtsied and bowed before Rhaena, before they took their positions, Cass knelt to Rhaena's right, Allyria to her left, while Kiera knelt behind her. Cass and Allyria would scrub and bathe Rhaena while Kiera washed and cared for Rhaena's hair. 

It was a team effort, befitting the station of a ruling Princess. 

But Rhaena could admit that some days it felt like far too much pampering. 

Some days she'd dismiss the girls just to have the freedom of bathing herself. But it wasn't something she did often, she knew these girls were only doing their job, and if she dismissed them too often, it would make it seem as if their jobs were not needed...and they'd be let go. Which was not an outcome Rhaena wished to cause. 

Besides that, as the moons rolled on, Rhaena's pregnant body was working against her. The aches and soreness, along with the added weight the babe gave her...and had her put on, it wasn't as easy to lift herself in and out of the tub anymore. She already spent her days waddling from place to place, she was beginning to realize she'd have to accept a great deal of the help offered to her.  

"Tell me, Cass," Rhaena spoke casually, leaning back as the nimble fingers of Kiera worked their way along Rhaena's scalp and through her long silvery-white curls, "it seems today we shall have a great deal of stormy weather, do you still believe the same amount dignitaries shall come?" 

Yesterday, Rhaena's Wardeness, Aelaera, made mention that there was a great possibility that Prince of Volantis might make the journey to Dragonstone. He had no interest in joining the realm of Westeros as a whole, but it seems his wife had recently birthed him a son, and he was looking to secure a future Valyrian bride for his child. 

As Baela had birthed a son herself, the Volantis' Prince's hopes were dashed to marry into the Targaryen family. 

That was...until Rhaena's own pregnancy was announced to the realm. 

As the moons had passed, they'd received many a letter of possible marriage pacts for their child...even though none of these Lords knew the sex of their child just yet. No one did, the babe wouldn't be born for another 2 or 3 moons.

Aemond had become quite irritated with the letters, he cared very little for these offers, both because their child had yet to enter this world yet...and more than likely, he dismissed most of these offers because they were not Valyrian offers. 

If Rhaena knew her Valyrian purist husband well, and she did, she knew he'd want their children to marry Valyrian. Which unless he intended to marry all of their children to either Volantis, or the Celtigars or the Rogares...he'd have to square up to the fact that their children might marry some of their cousins. 

Either Jace or Luke's children to be, a fact that overjoyed Rhaena, and made it entirely comical whenever she mentioned it to Aemond. He still grimaced at the acceptance of that fact. 

"Well, my Princess, I've yet to see Aelaera this morn, so I could not be certain," Cass began, her slightly scratchy voice flowed softly, "but I'd assume the Prince of Volantis would not miss a chance to greet and dine with both you and Prince Aemond. Any royal family or Lording House would wish to create a marriage pact with House Targaryen, or course." 

Of course. 

Cass did spend a great deal of time with Aelaera, almost as if to be a Wardeness in training . Sadly, Cass held no Valryian blood, so she could not hold such a position here, even if Rhaena's mother was implored by Rhaena to make it so. 

Tradition ruled against it.

But, that didn't mean that Cass couldn't work alongside with Aelaera. 

It posed a great question for later. 

She'd broach the topic with Cass on her own, promote the girl to a newly created assistant role for Aelaera to divvy her lesser duties for Cass to handle. 

And then Rhaena would simply fill this chambermaid position with another. 

Yes, perfect.  

"Your Grace," Allyria's kind voice broke through Rhaena's train of thought, "the Harvest Festival is take place in two days time..." 

"Oh yes!" Rhaena smiled brightly, her body warming at the thought of all there was to do and prepare. But as Rhaena glanced over at her docile maid, she realized the look on the girl's face was far more sullen than she expected, prompting her to ask, "oh...is there something the matter with the Harvest Festival?" 

"I just...all staff are meant to accompany you that day, or so I've heard...but I'm not very fond of blood...or the sacrifices..." Allyria stumbled her way through her explanation, squinting her eyes and flinching as if she expected to be berated or hit. 

It was something Rhaena had noticed before, a reflex the girl must've picked up from a previously abusive position she must've held in another Lord's home or so. 

With a soft sigh, Rhaena gently took Allyria's hand and smiled, "there is no worry, Allyria. Contrary to how it may be in other households, you needn't accompany me throughout the entire day. The ceremony at the Temple of Elaena, is only attended by the royal family. Aemond and I shall go there by carriage and meet with the Priestesses there ourselves to bless the harvest. You shall not have to witness any sacrifices." 

The Temple of Elaena was an age-old sacred temple that lay in the old farming town , Tegun Skrykos , which translated to  'Land Of Shrykos' or 'Shrykos' Land' , both translations had always been accepted. This town is located on the western side of the island, in the lower regions, where due to years of volcanic shakes and previous eruptions, the land is slightly separated there. 

"Thank you, your Grace," Allyria breathed happily, accepting Rhaena's gentle hold. 

"What if I wished to attend," Kiera grinned, breaking the tensions of the room, "I should like to see a true Valyrian ceremony and sacrifice from up close. I've read about them before." 

Rhaena smirked at the comment, jokingly batting her hand at her, "shush Kiera, you cannot be so bloodthirsty this early in the morn," 

Once her bathing was complete, Rhaena was assisted out of the tub and patted dry with the softest of cotton wraps. Afterwards, she'd have Kiera add the finishing touches to her hair. Lathering in, massaging into the roots of her hair, slicked down the tips, was a white thickening mousse like cream popularly used by Pentoshi women with curls like Rhaena's own. Its rich syrupy sweet scent was one Rhaena was incredibly fond of, as well, she enjoyed just how much the sweet scent drove Aemond mad. Like a pheromone that attracted a bee to honey, on the days Rhaena washed her hair, it was usually quite hard to keep Aemond at bay. 

The mousse would be rinsed, and then a golden coloured moistening oil would be dripped into her roots. Kiera would skillfully massage and scrunch Rhaena's curls to hold the oil thoroughly. Once the process was completed, and her hair had dried, her silvery-white curls would be full and defined, beautiful, silky and bouncy ringlets. Ready to be styled up by one of her Ladiesmaids. 

While all of that was happening, Allyria would be tasked with moisturizing Rhaena's body, with a thick cocoa based butter-like creme that left Rhaena's skin smooth and gleaming. 

It was around this time that Rhaena would have liked to have her Wardeness summoned to her, knowing that by the time both girls had finished with Rhaena's hair and her skin, she'd be ready for her Ladiesmaids to dress and style her. And in that state of being partially dressed, it was the perfect time for Aelaera to inform Rhaena of her tasks for the day. 

So Rhaena sent Cass to retrieve Aelaera for her, and just as she planned, by the time they returned, Rhaena had already donned her undergarments as she stood in her bed chambers with her Ladiesmaids. Myria, Layna and Samantha. 

Layna, a pretty girl who sadly seemed to have a very similar past and upbringing as Allyria had. A former whore, who did as she had to, not as she wished to. A past Rhaena cared not to hold against any woman. Her skin held a similarly pale peach-tone to Allyria's, but her features had a far more Dornish...if not Velaryon quality to them. With shapely lips and a slightly flatter bridged nose. Her hair was pale brown, borderline blonde, with thick long bouncy curls and mischievous green eyes. She was a comical girl, and whatever her experiences were... she'd seemed to take them in stride. Never looking back, only looking forward. 

Samantha or Sam as she prefers to be called, was a kindly girl who actually used to work in the capital as a ladies maid. She used to serve Helaena, and by proxy had a slightly frisky consensual relationship with Aegon for a couple of years. It wasn't a matter or an issue, Helaena and Aegon may remain married on the face of things, but the whole family knows that they don't treat their private lives as such. Aegon has his mistresses, a fact Helaena has given full consent to, while Helaena keeps to her own private vices. Sam only wished to leave because as her relationship with Aegon came to mutual end, she wished to separate herself from him...in a perfect opportunity, Helaena suggested Rhaena take her on. As Sam was both skilled and experienced in this line of work. 

She had long straight raven black hair, pale porcelain skin and misty hazel eyes. Plump cheeks and plush lips, she claimed to be from the Stormlands, but there was something about her facial features that at least spoke to some sort of Free Cities' mixture. 

Like a swap of a shift, Allyria and Kiera tended to cleaning the bathing chamber, emptying the used bath water, cleaning the tub and putting away the various utensils. All while Cass tended to another errand Rhaena sent her on. 

But now that Aelaera was here, Rhaena prepared herself to hear of her activities for the day. 

Aelaera was an older woman, older than Rhaena's mother Rhaenyra, but most likely a bit younger than grandmother Rhaenys. Aelaera on the whole actually reminded Rhaena of her Lady grandmother a great deal, perhaps that is why she felt so comfortable with the woman. She held the same sort of stoic dutiful demeanor, with very Valyrian features, pale ivory skin and pale blondish-white hair. She held bright Valyrian blue eyes, and as Rhaena knew it she was most likely a lower born member of the Celtigar house. She'd fostered here with Dragonstone Maesters for the majority of her life however, so she was beyond skilled and experienced for this position...hence why Rhaenyra had appointed her. 

As Rhaena chose the pale lavender silk gown she wished to wear, Sam and Layna began to loosely work Rhaena into her underskirt, then her corset, tied lightly so as not to constrict the babe or cause discomfort. Myria tended to Rhaena's hair, as Rhaena had given her maid free reign on the styling she wished to do. She watched as her maid skillfully wrapped and beautifully piled her curls atop her head in a graceful style. Leaving tendrils of curls down to frame her face, braiding the ones by her ears in a specifically Valyrian style of braid. 

"My Princess," Aelaera greeted Rhaena properly, standing off by her right, keeping perfect contact, "on the list for this morn, you have decorations and menu items to approve of for the Harvest feast. Suggestions and ideas have already been listed down for you, your final say and or direct changes are needed to be finalized for today. There is a due rest break for you, then you have petitions and disputes from Dracaena and Tegun Skrykos. Dracaena has two port Labour law disputes to settle, while Tegun Skrykos has a neighborly disagreement settlement and Sheepstealer has once again devoured the livestock of another farmer…" 

At first, Rhaena was nodding and humming along, keeping a mental note of each activity and task. 

But then the petitions and disputes portion began and Rhaena had begun to notice a pattern that had befallen her yet again. It happened yesterday...and the day before that...and the day before that...

"Wardeness," Rhaena cut Aelaera off just as she began mentioning the late afternoon portion of blessing new born babes, "where are my hearings? For the past...week now, I haven't had a single hearing to attend to. Am I not meant to attend them with my husband? The Prince and Princess are meant to both preside over the hearings, for true impartiality." 

She said impartiality , but what she really meant was she knew she needed to be present so that her husband wouldn't simply get annoyed with a man's tone of voice and decide he was guilty because of it. Rhaena's goal was always to keep her husband's murderous rage at bay, but if she wasn't there to do that...who would? 

When Aelaera didn't answer in her usual timely manner, Rhaena found herself glancing over at the older woman. A slightly worried emotion flashed over her face before it returned to its usual steel-like resonance. 

This was not inspiring confidence. 

"Aelaera," Rhaena prodded more directly, "what is it? What is going on? This isn't just a coincidence is it," 

"No, Princess, it is not," Aelaera sighed, her eyes watching carefully as the Ladiesmaids finished lacing Rhaena into her gown. Applying the final touches, Rhaena's amethyst earrings, her Valyrian steel sapphire and amethyst necklace, as well as her varying sapphire and moonstone rings. 

Rhaena could see this was a topic Aelaera wished to broach with privacy, true privacy . 

Once Rhaena was certain she was presentable and ready, she dismissed her maids and gave her full attention to her Wardeness. 

"Princess, your...Prince Aemond doesn't seem to want you to attend any serious hearings in your current... condition ," Aelaera's surprisingly apprehensive tone told Rhaena that Aemond probably told this to her personally himself. Accompanied with a very serious death threat, if she knew her dragon well. 

With a heavy sigh, Rhaena worked to suppress her growing annoyance at the situation. 

He was doing it again. 

"What's brought this on? My listening and sitting through hearings is of no danger to the babe," Rhaena replied, stepping off her cushioned fitting platform, "I know he means well, but this is surely an unnecessary overstep." 

Aelaera's face gave nothing away, as she eyed Rhaena, "Princess, I would not blame him entirely. Maesters are incredibly over zealous at the worst of times. He's most likely been advised that any stressful activity or situation could harm your babe, and he's taken that to the literal extreme." 

Rhaena huffed at that, for even if Aemond had been instructed as such, he'd taken this advice to the extreme now. If, according to him, she was no longer able to handle hearings, soon enough he'd take petitions off of her plate as well. He already ensured her guards keep an even closer watch over, had insisted she minimize her steps around the castle, let maids fetch and do more for her...the other night he was incredibly close to suggesting one of her maids or guards should double as her official taste tester . 

It was becoming a lot. 

And yes, she loved him for caring as much as he clearly did. 

But she did not need this much pampering. 

No, she'd settle this now. 

And she would succeed with this, she wouldn't cow to his sultry voice or affectionate touches, she could get over his intense levelled gazes. She'd push through the overall inticing nature of her husband and get him to yield to her wants. 

She wanted her duties back. 

She did not need him to handle them for her. 

She could do this. 

"Aelaera, my husband, where is he," Rhaena started, making her way towards her bed chamber doors. She knew where Aemond most likely was, more likely than not, he was still training, but it didn't hurt to be certain. 

Her Wardeness was quick to follow, "in the training yard, Princess. But I would advise against this, surely the Prince only has the best intentions for why-" 

"I mean no disrespect, Aelaera, but I care not for advice on this matter," Rhaena smoothly replied as she opened her main chamber doors. Making her way down the corridor, her four knights immediately moved after she did. She waited a minute, for their usual formation to take hold. Two knights walked five paces ahead of her while two knights walked five paces behind her. 

Aelaera had hurried to keep herself in pace with Rhaena, for surely this was the fastest she'd moved since her belly had grown as large as it had. 

"Princess, with the lessened steps the Prince wishes for you to have during the day," the Wardeness spoke with slight gasp of air, she certainly wasn't used to walking at this speed with Rhaena, "surely this would exceed them, to walk down to the training yard and then to have to return up the number of stairs and steps again. Shall I not just summon him to come to you?" 

Rhaena was barely registering the idea, she didn't want him summoned to her, that would only prove his point. That she needed to be wrapped up and protected, catered to, when now more than ever, she wanted tasks to occupy her time. 

"No," Rhaena simply replied, "Aemond responds to shows of force. I need to meet him where he is, so he might take my complaint seriously," 

Now, Rhaena could understand Aelaera's apprehension. Most Lord husbands, when they made a decision or proclamation, their Lady wives' were meant to simply obey them. To take what they were given without question, without recourse or rebuttal. 

Even some Targaryen marriages could be seen with such a dynamic. 

But Aelaera should also know, that while some Targaryen wives may have been content to follow their husbands word and rule without question. 

Most Targaryen would not. 

The blood of the dragon bit out in various ways and forms. 

For as docile and sweet as Rhaena was by nature, she was not and had never been afraid to face Aemond when she needed to. Even now, as she'd been married to her wedded husband for a grand total five moons now. If she didn't agree with him, if she needed to confront him, depending on the situation she may have had her own level of apprehension. 

But she'd always find a way to confront him. 

To face him. 

Aelaera would not make a fuss over it, once she was sure Rhaena wasn't going to take her advice anyhow, she simply walked with her. Accompanying her down to the training yard. 

They passed the guards standing guard by the entrance to the Dragon's hold. Making their way into the more common areas of the castle. Where they passed by several courtiers who now resided within these castle walls as a sign for a more unified realm, building furthering relationships with the next generation of Lords and Ladies. 

Rhaena would only faintly greet each noble she passed, smiling softly with nods of recognition, as she followed her guards down the main grand staircase. The main level of the castle was a lot more lively, the hustle and bustle of the many maids and servants shuffling to reach their posts to complete their own tasks. More nobles making their rounds as they strolled the halls and hoped to greet their Lording Prince or Princess. 

Rhaena kept her persona as crisp as she always did, for whatever emotions she saw fit to share with her trusted Wardeness...the collective courtiers of the castle could not be privy to it. 

Once they rounded their way towards the southern exit, Rhaena motioned for another maid to follow with a tall rain repellent covering to hold over Rhaena and Aelaera as they stepped outside. For while the rain had lightened, it still drizzled and spittled down from the heavens. 

As they grew closer to the training yard, the sound of clashing steel and whirling sharp blades echoed out. 

Every step was drawing slightly more trepidation from Rhaena, as she'd initially moved to argue with her husband on pure impulse...and as she walked passed the beautiful southern garden her father had once commissioned be up kept for her mother, one part of a vast lovely garden that covered the grounds...a garden Rhaena now took comfort it having kept nicely. She'd watched as all the green plants and previously blooming flowers slowly died due the time of year,, the ninth moon of the year, wilting stems and fallen petals and leaves, all soaked and watered with the rain. 

All the while...she grew closer to the training yard. 

With the dawning realization that she hadn't exactly planned ahead of time what she wished to say to her husband. 

She couldn't let Aemond have the upper hand in this, so she'd just have to rely on her gut instinct yet again- 

Without a word, her knights halted...and then so did the three knights her husband was training with. 

The movement was so perfect and precise, but their body language must've been the give away her husband needed. As he only chuckled and twirled his sword in his hand, without even turning around to face her, it seemed he already knew. 

Aemond's pale hair was tied back into a low ponytail, although it was all damp and drenched along with his back breeches, all due to the rain. He remained shirtless, his pale back completely exposing the faint scars he had along his flexing muscles. 

Rhaena took this time to step past Aelaera and two guards who stood in front of her. Slowly stepping forward with her maid holding the repellent cover still overhead. 

Rhaena watched as Aemond barely turned back, from the side of his face, she could already see his signature smirk forming, "mmm, skoros maghagon ao naejot nyke, byka ābrazȳrys," mmm, what brings you to me, little wife?

High Valyrian was meant to be their intimate choice for private conversations, but in moments like these, where they had Valyrian taught guards and servants present. It really served less of a point if everyone present could, for the most part, understood what they were speaking of. Surely their royal dialect of true High Valyrian would keep their guards and servants at bay, they most likely spoke and understood a lower dialect of it…but Aelaera was as good as any Maester, she would know. 

Although, Rhaena supposed, it wasn't really about that. 

It was about the intimacy, it was the fact that Aemond surely knew what this did to her. How hearing his low smooth voice speak their ancestral tongue so perfectly...how it made her body tingle and shiver, how her blood sang at the sound of it. 

"Jaelan ñuha valzȳrys naejot ivestragon nyke skoro syt issa meddling lēda ñuha tubis," I want my husband to tell me why he is meddling with my day, Rhaena swallowed, her throat drying...there was a problem growing on the horizon. Her body was beginning to ache for something else. 

Food . 

She hadn't had a morsel to eat all morning, and the babe wanted nourishing...she could feel it. Her stomach was primed to growl at any moment now, so she needed to speed this conversation along. 

Aemond handed his training sword to one of the Knights to put away, walking over to the slightly shedded weapons area where he snatched a clean dry cloth to wipe his face with. 

His leather patch looked damp now as well...ugh... FOCUS. 

Urging her maid to follow her as she moved towards Aemond, Rhaena crossed her arms overtop her belly as she eyed her husband. 

His smirk grew larger, as if her clear annoyance was just harmless entertainment for him. Which, surely it was, but that was not the effect Rhaena wanted to have right now. 

"Ivestragon nyke pār, skorkydoso emagon nyke gaomagon sīr," tell me then, how have I done so, he tossed the cloth to the side, crossing his own arms loosely, casually leaning back on his leg as he eyed carefully. 

His eye held both great amusement with a slight tinge of concern, Rhaena could see the gears turning in his head, he was beginning to think there was something wrong with her or the babe. 

"Ao-," you , Rhaena paused and decided she was in fact too annoyed and hungry to play this back and forth game with him, so she switched to the common tongue, "you took away my hearings! You've just unilaterally decided I'm no longer able to handle them? Without me? You didn't want to consult me on that decision? I noticed days ago...and I thought it was maybe a coincidence that I had something happening that day that conflicted with the times of the hearings...but no, you've specifically made that choice for me." 

There, his smirk faded as he exhaled heavily from his nose. 

"Rhaena, it's for the best," his tone wasn't harsh or sharp, but it was a solid low tone that spoke of a cemented decision he wouldn't budge on.  

That wouldn't do.

Rhaena took several steps closer to him, a dangerously close position, for this was we're she could be most susceptible to his charm. A charm she used to be able to work against, but ever since this babe started growing within her, a simple look from him made her want to tackle him and take him almost anywhere. Caution to the wind, she'd melt, she'd keen, she'd grapple and tear into him. 

No...she just needed to remain focused. 

*Growl* 

Oh, Gods. 

Her body was once again working against her, her stomach growling something fierce now. 

Which only brought Aemond's smirk back, as whatever worry he had...it seemed he now settled on the fact that the babe was likely fine, his wife was just hungry. 

"Ignore my stomach," Rhaena nearly pouted, growing annoyed with herself that she couldn't find it in herself to focus at all. She wanted him and she wanted food...and she wanted a drink, she was terribly thirsty now. Her feet felt slightly achy now, fuck, maybe Aelaera had been right about the amount of steps. 

But if Aelaera was right, then that would make Aemond right...and Rhaena didn't want to admit to that. 

"I can handle the hearings, Aemond," Rhaena pushed through, closing her eyes for a moment, trying to will away the feelings of hunger she had, "they're not too stressful for me, I am capable," 

Oh, please little babe, I'll feed you soon enough. Can't you work with your mama for once, instead of always working against me?

"Last week, a man from Dracaena was tried for killing a shopkeeper and stealing his products," Aemond replied matter-of-factly, stepping the final few steps in front of her, with ease he slipped his hands on her waist and pulled her close, "he was sentenced to death, a fair punishment for his crimes. And you burst into tears." 

Mmm...okay...yes, she had done that. 

The memory of it was coming back to her.  

Rolling her eyes slightly, she bit her lip, "yes...I recall that," 

"Mmm, a few days ago a farmer's hand was brought to trial for assaulting a farmer's daughter," Aemond started, and sadly she knew where this memory was going, "he was to be jailed, his bits severed from him...you cried."

Surely this wasn't a viable excuse as to why-

"Yesterday, a kitchen maid was caught trying to steal jewelry from our very rooms, and you told me to 'give her a second chance' as if she shouldn't have been jailed and fired at the very least, hands severed from her body automatically," Aemond's expression spoke of a man who felt he had no need to explain his thoughts on the matter for any longer. 

This wasn't fair. 

She wasn't choosing to be overly emotional about these matters, she'd handled them before.. .

"Ñuha jorrāelagon," my love , Aemond's tone had softened for her, as he drew a hand up to caress her cheek, "I'm sure it's due to the babe, but these hearings...they're making you emotional-" 

"Do say that again, please, I’m very much in the mood to run you through myself right now," Rhaena squinted her eyes up at him, sadly her challenging tone only made him chuckle. He pressed a kiss to her forehead as his thumb stroked her cheek affectionately. 

"I know you dislike this, but I've only removed the most stressful part of your day," his indigo eye searched hers for a nonverbal cue, an understanding that proved she understood him and agreed with him.

She did not. 

Or...she didn't want to. 

But it wasn't as if she could prove that she wouldn't feel emotional during the next hearing. 

In the end, Rhaena did her best to stand firm...and Aemond sighed in return, "do you really wish to fight me on this now? When, instead, you could be eating breakfast." 

Rhaena twisted her jaw at that, her lips folding as she pursed them. 

Fuck. 

He could see right through her. 

With a charming grin, he simply added, "I'm sure both you and our little gremlin is in need of nourishing." 

"It's not fair," Rhaena finally groaned as her stomach growled yet again. 

Reluctantly so, she finally relinquished. Letting her husband tip her chin up as he stole a kiss, before he began guiding her back towards the castle. With their guards in tow behind them, she knew she'd have to brace this topic with her husband again...another time.

When she was well fed. 

Maybe then her babe would let her win something. 

☾

'I know you dislike this, but I've only removed the most stressful part of your day,'

The arrogance of him.

How could he?

Well... mayhaps it wasn't strictly arrogance , clearly he did care. Maybe Rhaena was strictly ignoring the obvious fact that perhaps...in this specific case...he may...be...

... correct.

Ugh .

No.

It ached her to even think it, to even relinquish this victory to him mentally, was upsetting.

But even so, she'd allowed him to escort her back to their private dining hall, where a rather delightful spread was already prepared for them. A vast variety of mostly Rhaena's favourite breakfast foods. 

"Ipradagon," eat , her dragon's voice had been firm and direct, as if he knew she'd fight him on this as well...and she might have wanted to, "nyke'll sagon arlī isse iā moment," I'll return in a moment.

As he left with only one guard tailing him, Rhaena was left with the five remaining guards. Three standing guard outside of the doors, and two standing inside with her. 

It would be a slightly lonely breakfast if she had to wait for Aemond to finish bathing and readying himself before he joined her. They usually had their meals together, save for midday tea-times or lunch, it wasn't uncommon for Rhaena to share those moments with her Ladies-in-waiting. 

*Growl*  

In this case, it wouldn't be possible for Rhaena to wait. Her stomach felt as if it was caving in on itself, her babe must've been furious with her for eating nearly an hour later than her usual timing. 

So, Rhaena hoped to remedy that. Quickly filling her plate with bits and pieces of the abundance laid upon the table. Berries, and pastries, sausages and bacon, poached eggs. The greasier foods would fill her faster, and hopefully reach her babe and satisfy the little one. The pastries and the fruits slightly more for herself, but she was certain her little gremlin liked raspberries. 

It came as a shock though, as Rhaena had begun scarfing down her eggs and salted meats…it had tasted bland . Not unseasoned…just…not salty enough. 

She wanted more salt. 

It came across as a feeling, biting into her custard tart, it tasted perfect…sweet and creamy, just like heaven.

Then she bit a piece of her bacon…and it tasted…savoury…but bland . 

She wanted it saltier.

Why she couldn't say. 

But it was a feeling in her gut. 

So she reached across the table and practically battered her meat in salt…and then her eggs as well.

She was dangerously close to sprinkling salt over her bowl of berries when one of her guards spoke. 

Ser Garin Tanner, a young, commonly handsome looking knight. With curly walnut brown hair, nearly Valryian blue eyes and a sharply angled jaw. He usually guarded Rhaena closely, he was only a couple years her senior, he reminded her fondly of Jace in some ways. 

"My Princess, is the meal not to your liking? Should I have a maid send for something else?" Ser Garin questioned, his boyish tone quirked in the question, he was clearly concerned as to why his pregnant charge was pouring salt all over everything. 

Honestly…Rhaena was beginning to question herself as to why just as well. 

Slowly, Rhaena gulped down the salty mouthful she had in her mouth, locking eyes with her knight, "I am…no! No, all is well. Everything is…fine." 

That wasn't very reassuring. 

Another knight, Ser Drako Maar, who looked like the picture of Valyrian blood. With pale golden blonde curls that swooned by his neck, a playful smirk, a strong jaw and icy blue eyes. He was believed to be one of the best from Hell's Edge, hence why Aemond appointed Ser Drako to be one of Rhaena's personal guards. 

"But Princess, you've added a great deal of salt to everything, surely it's not been seasoned to your liking," Ser Drako let a slow smile grow upon his lips, Rhaena knew her staff was far more comfortable to be themselves in her presence than they were in with Aemond around. 

Sipping her spiced Lyseni tea, Rhaena only batted her lashes, "at ease boys, I am well. The babe craves salt, what am I to do for it." 

Ser Garin's lips twitched for only a second, before he folded them over in an effort to remain neutral. 

"It's not funny, Ser Garin," Rhaena nearly giggled, herself, before she pulled herself together, "shush, the both of you, I am trying to eat." 

"As you wish, Princess," Ser Drako, smiled with a shallow bow. One that Ser Garin mimicked immediately before returning to his impeccably straight solid posture. 

If they didn't have these modes of immature brotherly behaviour, she'd have thought them solid stone-like beings. A state they could remain in, and one Aemond always expected them to remain in. 

But Rhaena liked conversing with them in a far more relaxed sense. 

They were her guards, here to serve and protect her, yes. 

But they were kind, respectful, dutiful men, and it was nice to treat them as such on occasion. 

Soon enough, the dining hall doors were pulled in as Aemond sauntered in with purpose. Freshly groomed, dressed in his signature all black attire, his hair neatly combed as always, the silky sheen catching the grey morning light.  

He made his way to the empty end seat of the table, which was of course right next to her seat. Both knights nodded towards his entrance and took his presence as their signal to step out into the hall. 

Once the doors closed behind them, Aemond gazed over Rhaena, eyeing her plate as she'd managed to nearly inhale the majority of the contents. 

"Emagon ao geptot mirros syt nyke," have you left anything for me, his brow quirked playfully as his lips curved up, "Īlva rūs ēdruta emagon issare merbugon," our babe must have been hungry.

Rhaena bit back a smile, trying to remind herself that she was in fact still annoyed with him, "Īlva rūs ēza issare kreni," our babe has been satisfied.  

He hummed at her response, filling his own plate with salted meats and crisp fruits, "se skorkydoso iksis ñuha ābrazȳrys, iksis ziry kreni?" and how is my wife, is she satisfied?

Rhaena took another bite of her now incredibly salted eggs, the bitter tang soothing something within which cried for it. For several beats, she just let the silence hang in the air, not for dramatic effect…but solely because she wasn't sure how to word things. 

Outside in the training yard…she'd managed to fumble the situation, she'd gone to him, with what she thought was the upper hand. 

And yet…Aemond had managed to thwart her point with such decisive ease. 

So now, she was certain that she needed to be precise…she was no longer starving, so perhaps her mind could remain focused on the task at hand. 

Swallowing thickly, Rhaena ran her tongue along her lower lip, tucking a dainty braid behind her ear…as her eyes trailed up Aemond's chest, then pale neck…curving jaw and defined cheekbones. His silky hair clouded her mind yet again, she was in the mood to touch it…he hadn't braided it today. He'd done his old usual look of having it be half up and half down. 

But Rhaena wanted to braid it- 

For fucksake, the hearings! Focus on the hearings!  

He was looking at her now, another faintly stoic concerned eyebrow raise. 

"Jaelan ao naejot…Nyke jorrāelagon ao naejot…" I want you to…I need you to… ,Rhaena found her voice trailing off, she wasn't sure how she was meant to ask for this very same thing over again. How she intended to prove that she could handle the hearings without becoming overly emotional. There was heat brewing in her chest, rising with each breath she took. It was weighted, like a stone…and it made her heart hurt…made her cheeks burn. 

Am I going to cry? 

Now!?

Quickly, Rhaena bit her lip in an attempt to hold the emotional barrage at bay. This was such a simple question…he'd asked such a simple question. And the answer itself shouldn't have been difficult either. 

"Rhaena…" his smooth voice had struck her heart, maybe it was the hardened concern on his face, the emotion was obvious and clear…and then…he slid his hand over hers. 

Her fork had been trembling in her hand and she hadn't even realized. 

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

The internal screaming only grew louder as her throat grew sore and her body grew cold, her lower lip had begun to tremble, and then…

Her eyes began to fill with tears. 

"Did one of the guards say or do something?" Aemond's voice had hollowed out and hardened, his immediate reaction to seeing her in any sort of pain he couldn't explain, was to be on the offensive. Ready to pounce, maim, or slay anything or anyone who might have caused her pain. 

But what was upsetting could not be explained so easily. 

"No…no…the knights were fine, they didn't do anything," Rhaena slowly breathed, desperate to clear their names before Aemond thought to have any of them executed, "I can't explain it…"

It wasn't really about the hearings…deep down Rhaena knew it wasn't. 

She was more than likely, six moons along…in another three moons this babe would be ready to enter the world. She'd have to submit to the will of the Gods, to the fates, to nature…for…her birth mother did not survive the birthing bed on her third attempt. Baela and Rhaena, herself, had been her muña’s only successful births. 

How many Targaryen women failed to birth their babes and instead parished alongside them. 

Maybe it wasn't that at all either. 

Maybe it was just the grievances of growing a little dragon within her. How angry, annoyed…tired and achy she felt. Her mind was always a-scatter these days, her stomach always aching for more food…for odd foods. 

This time last moon, she'd only wanted sweet things. And now, all she reached for was bitter and salty.

She wanted to hit something, she wanted to return to bed. 

More than anything her lower regions raged for attention, attention she wasn't even sure could be satisfied like it normally was. 

How was it possible that she wished to fight her husband nearly as much as she wished for him to simply push his seat back so that she could climb atop him. 

A heavy sigh broke her concentration, Aemond had indeed moved from his seat, instead, opting to kneel down beside her. A gesture that drew him closer to her as he turned her seat to face him properly, making sure her direct line of sight could easily gaze down towards him. In the soft quiet of the moment, he reached up to brush away her tears with the smooth pad of his thumb, "ivestragon nyke," tell me.

Rhaena huffed, sniffling softly as she shook her head, "Nyke kostagon daor, nyke ȳdra daor know-" I can't, I don't know-

"Sylugon naejot," try to, he'd cut her off before she could flounder her sentence any further. With his hands sliding over and rubbing soothing caressing strokes along her thighs, Rhaena found her body had begun to warm again, her blood had calmed with his direct touch. 

"I feel like I'm going mad," she mumbled softly, her voice trembling as she closed her eyes, "I'm upset about everything. About the hearings…and about how I only wish to eat salty things now, and I think that custard tart I just had is making me feel ill. But I love custard tarts, and now the babe no longer wants me to eat them. And I hate how tired I get even though I only spend the majority of my days sitting in throne rooms, listening to other people talk and complain. I hate Lord Celtigar's perfume, I only passed by him this morn but it was so strong and pungent it made me feel ill…and Lady Vance gave me flowers the other day that were meant to smell of honeysuckle, but this morning the colour of them bothered me for some reason and the scent just made me feel sick. Most of all…I hate how upset I'm getting over all of this, which is nothing…all of it is all so inconsequential. Normally, I'd never cry over something so ridiculous. But you're right. You were right earlier, all I do is cry now and I don't know how to stop it…" 

More tears had fallen down her cheeks as she'd all but sobbed out a list of incoherent complaints. 

To his credit, Aemond hadn't arisen from his position. 

In fact, he actually chuckled. 

Might've been more of a genuine laugh really, when Rhaena peaked her eyes open to gaze down at him. He rubbed his eye delightedly, with that sweet honest smile on his lips, the one that made his cheeks form faint dimples, that only a rare few were ever privileged enough to see. 

Even so, his beautiful smile aside, Rhaena found it all confusing. 

She knew pregnancy brought on a great many emotions. 

But she couldn't recall it being all of this…or maybe her sister and her mothers' had just done a better job of keeping these overwhelming feelings hidden than she was currently able to. 

"What is so funny?" Rhaena's voice had slightly cracked in her query, while eyeing her husband closely, hoping to catch any minute detail she might've missed earlier when she'd been sobbing with her eyes closed. 

Instead, his smile stayed etched on his face as he leaned in and pressed a kiss to her swelling belly, the warmth of the gesture spread throughout her as she watched him slowly rise up to his feet. Tipping her chin to look up to him, he gently wiped her tears, "it's not funny per se …but it is amusing…" 

She'd glared at him just slightly.

And he chuckled as he amended his sentence, "you're not going mad, sweet girl. Helaena had moments like this as well. I'm sure Baela did too." 

So he says…but for some reason while Rhaena could remember her sister being irritable…she was sure it was not this irritable. 

This was surely different.

Maybe …or maybe her mind was just being selective now that she was experiencing it for herself. 

"Well…either way…what am I meant to do? I can't sit and do nothing, I need to keep busy or I'll dwell on things," she pouted, leaning her head against his stomach. She knew exactly which type of things she'd begin to dwell on, and she was still far too frightened to let those fears seep into her fully.

Soon it would become unavoidable. 

But until then, she'd soak in her husband's reassurance. For, Aemond hadn't hesitated to rub soothing circles along her back. 

As if he was thinking deeply or just as equally relishing in their quiet moment here before he'd have to leave her for the day so that they could both complete their duties. 

"I maintain that hearings would be far too stressful if not emotionally taxing on you," he sighed softly, leaning down, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head, "but the rest is simple enough. Sit through as much work as you wish to, and when you're tired, leave the rest to me or your Wardeness, she is capable of temporarily covering your position. If the Lord Celtigar's perfume offends you, I'll order that he change it. If all you want is salty foods, then that's what you'll have. And if next week you only wish to eat lemons or honeycombs…I will ensure that you have as many and as much as you could want for." 

At that she gazed up at him properly, somehow still in awe with the extents he'd go to for her when it mattered. 

Rhaena never doubted that she'd married the right man…but little moments like these certainly cemented the fact that she had, for her. 

"Avy jorrāelan," I love you, Rhaena sniffled as she smiled up at him. 

"Sȳz," good , Aemond smirked, leaning himself down enough to kiss her sweetly, "avy jorrāelan, ñuha zaldrīzes," I love you, my dragoness. 

☾

The problem with having a lack of hearings filtered within her daily schedule...was that it made the day go by incredibly fast. 

Planning for the harvest festival and the harvest feast, settling petitions and settlements. Sure, it used up the majority of her day, but by late afternoon, Rhaena had collectively managed to power through all of her duties. Now she sat lazing in the gardens, her favourite place to be in her in-between lulls of the day.

For all this free-time granted to her only gave Rhaena a great deal of time to think about the things moving and going on in her life. 

With the Harvest Festival only two days away, it was customary to have the celebration in the capital, in King's Landing at the Red Keep. But it was also entirely customary for the ruling Prince of Dragonstone to host festivities on the island. For the townspeople here, of both Dracaena and Tegun Skrykos, would never make the voyage to King's Landing. 

For all the towns and cities across the realm, many Lords who did not frequent the capital or Dragonstone at this time, saw fit to host their own fetes and festivals. 

There was to be a grand feast on the day of, when the moon aligned with the sun in the night... creating a bloody red, orange-like glow upon the great harvest moon.

To the beliefs of the Flames, this was meant to be an incredibly powerful time of year for the Fourteen Flames. The Gods energy surged, the stars grew closer in the night, as if the Gods had filtered down onto the ground of their children...now waiting and ready to bless and bear witness. 

Many towns folk and commoners who still believed in the Gods of old would make their pilgrimages to the sacred Temple of Elaena. This pilgrimage was widely inclusive, people travelled a long way to visit, pray and make sacrifices at this temple. People sailed in from Braavos, Lorath, Norvos, Qohor, Pentos, Myr, Tyrosh and Lys. 

The Temple of Elaena being one of the first Valyrian temples created in Westeros after Great Valyria burned . 

There was meant to be another. 

The Hall of Daenys . 

Supposedly it existed beneath Dragonstone, within the volcanic rock, beneath the castle. Rhaena's father had spent many years looking and searching for it, but in the ten years they'd lived here as a family...Daemon had never found it. 

One day...Rhaena hoped, perhaps she and Aemond might uncover it's whereabouts, before they declare it to simply be a myth or a tale.

In either case, the Hall of Daenys would not have been a temple open to the public. Most likely it was a truly holy, sacred temple for the Targaryen family only. 

While the Temple of Elaena was open to all who believed. The Gods would recognize anyone whose blood hailed from old Valyria. This was a time of year when the Gods were most accepting of prayers, it was why there must be a great sacrifice. In the days of old, a blessed individual would be free to offer themselves as a human sacrifice, to be given to the Gods along with a horrid despicable criminal. 

A sacrifice willingly given and a sacrifice forcibly taken. 

It was the duality of Old Valyria. 

Such violence could not be justified now. 

Though in the cases of horrid despicable criminals who were already sentenced to death...their deaths could be made as offerings to the Gods. Along with offering livestock.  

On the day of the harvest moon, things will be different, the pilgrimages cease the day before. For on the true harvest moon, the temple shall be closed to the public, only open to the royal family. That is when Rhaena and Aemond will make their way to meet with the Fourteen Priestesses, one who serves each of the Fourteen Flames specifically. The sacrifices will be made along with a prick or a cut from both Rhaena and Aemond. 

And then they would be permitted to ask the Gods for whatever they wanted.

In that time, they will bless the harvest. 

And then they will both be able to ask for anything, and Rhaena was sure she knew what they'd both want most of all. 

To ask for the safe and healthy birth of their babe. 

Once their prayers were complete, they'd be free to return to the castle. To ride through the city of Tegun Skrykos, and as Rhaena remembered it from her childhood days. The city would be draped in red and black silks, streams of yellow and gold, with beautiful torches lit, as music claimed the air. People would run through the streets, dancing and singing, screams and laughter. The air would be magnificent, electric. 

She was sure Dracaena would be very much the same way by that time of night. 

Once they'd return to the castle, the ruling Prince or Princess of Dragonstone would mount their dragons and fly into the night sky. Let their bonded beasts breathe bright flames, illuminating the darkness, a glorious spectacle for their subjects, while also showing the might and the power of house Targaryen. 

That part of the evening was not a must, it was as much a spectacle as it was anything else. 

But there were four festivals of this nature, the Blooming Harvest Festival for the spring moons, which took place during the third moon of the year. The Summer Nights festivals during the hot summer moons, which took place during the sixth moon of the year. The harvest festival for the chilling of autumn, which took place now, during the ninth moon of the year. And finally, the ice winter festivals for the cool moons, which took place during the twelfth and final moon of the year. 

Although the harvest festival would always reign supreme in Rhaena's mind, it had always been her favourite celebration. 

"Princess?" The voice was instantly recognizable as that of Lady Lelia Lannister, one of her key Ladies-in-waiting. She'd quietly interrupted Rhaena's peaceful thoughts, by now Rhaena had taken to laying out on a soft quilt upon the smooth grassy knoll of the eastern gardens. The rain had truly subsided, and the weather was not too cool or too warm, perfect for sitting...or laying outside. 

The sun had finally burst through, warming Rhaena's skin and body. In the clean fresh air, with the sea breeze that rose up flowed along the garden's edge. 

What a peaceful tranquil place, only Dragonstone's gardens could give such an aura. 

Rhaena didn't peek her eyes open just yet, assuming that if Lady Lelia had come to join her, then most likely, her three other Ladies-in-waiting must have done so as well. 

Lady Lelia was much like an elder sister, at the age of five and twenty, she was eldest of Rhaena's Ladies as well as being the eldest daughter of Lord Jason Lannister and his wife the Lady Johanna Lannister. 

She was a beauty, in the conventional sense and all, she was the sort of Lady any man with eyes would want for... barring they could not have a Targaryen Princess. With pale ivory skin, long wispy bright blonde hair, sky-blue eyes that would normally would have hypnotized the strongest of men with a playful almost flirty smile always gracing her lips. Tall, radiant and slimly curved. All this and yet...she could not seem to marry. 

She had the terrible misfortune of becoming a widow at the age of twenty when her husband, a respectable if not still inconsequential knight, died of sudden causes . It's been long since rumoured that she apparently murdered the man, with poison or black magic. It had earned her the moniker "The Black Widow Lioness" . 

Even though ever since she'd become Rhaena's Lady-in-waiting, the truth of the matter was that her husband only choked on his morning breakfast, eggs and dry toast. It had made all of the girls laugh when she told them. But it seemed her parents never cared to announce that fact, they failed her by letting the wrong rumours spread, and now no matter how many horrible matches they tried to set up for her...Lord or knight, they were always far too apprehensive to trust her. 

To wed her. 

Lord and Lady Lannister had all by begged Rhaena take their most beautiful daughter into her court before she was labeled a true "spinster" . Their hope was that if their daughter could gain Rhaena's own favour, along with the royal family on the whole...then maybe she'd be lucky enough to find a good match. 

Truthfully the Lannisters had gone to Baela first, and there, Rhaena's sister had no problem choosing to spite the Lord Lannister for his plots of near betrayal and near treason. 

Rhaena on the other hand, might have wanted to spite Jason Lannister...but once again, in the most unlikely of people, she found Lady Lelia to be a kindred spirit of sorts, and accepted her into Dragonstone. 

"Lelia, I know what you intend to ask me, and so I shall answer before you ask it. I am well," Rhaena sighed wistfully, because she was fine. She wasn't uncomfortable, or hungry, or sore, or in any sort of pain. 

There was an ache within her...but she couldn't name it...so she wouldn't. 

It was in an instant, but she felt a weight join her on the quilt beside her. Laying down soundly with a waft of mildly scented peonies. 

Lady Ellyn Baratheon, another of Rhaena's close and personally chosen Ladies-in-waiting. 

Lady Ellyn Baratheon had been another odd choice, mainly because there was a time when Rhaena's husband was quite close to being forced into a marriage with Ellyn's younger sister, Floris, Lord Borros Baratheon's favourite daughter. When the war was avoided, he'd asked Rhaena to allow Floris a spot in her court, as one of her Ladies-in-waiting.

Rhaena... might have blamed her hormones at the time, because just hearing the name Floris had enraged her. She knew it wasn't the girl's fault, but even so they idea of having Aemond's "almost wife" here in the castle made her jealous, annoyed, and quite irritated above all else. Besides it all, the girl was only four and ten, what need did Rhaena have for a companion so young. 

Or so she reasoned with herself. 

Aemond could have cared less for allowing either a Lannister or a Baratheon to be a part of their court, much less as Rhaena's personal own Ladies. But he reasoned the choice was hers, and so Rhaena opted for the cynical, sarcastic, articulate elder sister, Ellyn Baratheon instead. 

She had no real basis for her choice in this case, politically it would do well to have a Baratheon in her court, Rhaena knew that. 

For a house so rooted in Valryian ancestry, with Lord Borros' own great-ancestor having been the great Lord Orys Baratheon, while his grandmother had been Lady Alyssa Velaryon. 

It was obvious that it would benefit Rhaenyra's reign to keep this fickle Baratheon Lord in good spirits. 

But that never meant bowing to his demands entirely, he was only a Lord. Not a member of the royal household, so Rhaena chose who she wanted. 

And in the end her choice had been the right one, Lady Ellyn was an interesting woman. One and twenty years of age, she was an often overlooked third daughter. 

But as far as Rhaena was concerned, Ellyn was every bit as lovely as Floris was, maybe even more so due to the way her faint Valryian genes had struck her so. Her eyes may have been a remarkably common grey shade, but her chestnut brown hair was streaked with pale Valryian silver strands. Starting from the roots, it gave her a most interesting appearance. Her pale olive-toned skin glowed more than her sisters, and her face held such lovely regal features. She was about Rhaena's own height, only slightly more toned, as Ellyn was an avid horse rider. 

"Princess, if the lack of attending hearings bothers you so, why not ask the Prince to reconsider?" Lady Ellyn softly nudged Rhaena's arm, playfully begging her to engage with them. The girls must've been greatly worried in order to do so. 

"Exactly!" Lady Victaria chimed in, kneeling down on the other side of Rhaena's quilt, "Prince Aemond treats you as if you were a moon Goddess herself, I know I've not seen another man more in love with his wife...save for your father, the King with the Queen. Bat your lashes a bit and the Prince shall be putty in your hands. No one else could command him so," 

Lady Victaria Greyjoy, a girl of twenty years of age. She might've been Rhaena's favourite amongst her new companions, probably because she always had the nerve to just say whatever it was she was thinking. She reminded Rhaena of her sister, Baela, at the best of times.

Victaria was Dalton Greyjoy's younger sister, rumoured to be his bastard sister, but the claims were never proven to be true. Their father, Lord Greyjoy, and subsequently Dalton himself, had always claimed her to be legitimate...and so she was. Although, like Rhaena's own brown-haired brothers, it was Victaria's features that gave way to suspicion. Deep and dark nearly ruby red auburn curls, with peachy nearly deep beige skin, plush shapely lips and a structured rounded nose. She was a toned yet curvy girl, with an incredibly narrow waistline and wide hips, thicker thighs and a full chest...she, alongside Lady Lelia were two Ladies Rhaena was certain would find husbands soon enough.

But all the same, her features spoke of the possibility of having a Dornish mother...or possibly from another Free City.

A speculation Rhaena would never voice, for she knew how it was to have people constantly guess and whisper about one's parentage. She'd watched it happen to Jace, Luke and Joff whenever they were not in the presence of just family, especially once they had returned to King's Landing. Rhaena would never subject Victaria to such ridicule. 

Instead, she was happy to welcome such a bright outspoken girl to her court, Aemond had not been as enthused when Dalton arrived with his sister...but Rhaena was able to curb that conversation in her favour

"Maybe so, Victaria," Rhaena giggled lightly at the choice of words the Greyjoy girl had chosen to go with, "but even my Princely husband has his limits. Besides, I've already attempted to have him reconsider. And by it all now... I've come to think he may have been right in his original decision. I'm far too emotional to sit and preside over weighted hearings such as those. To remain impartial and calm...it is impossible with this babe inside of me." 

Saying the words, it weighed on her chest all the same to admit that she had to forfeit this part of her duties due to the little one within her. 

But all the same, she found herself fondly gazing down at her rounded belly, softly caressing the curve, as if she thought her words too harsh and wished to apologize to her unborn babe. It wasn't her child's fault...not really. 

"Then there must be something else we can do? Find another way to fill your time and cheer you, Princess," Lady Kyra quietly added, she hadn't moved from her seat on white stone bench that faced the gardens. But she had placed her novel down beside her, her eyes wide with concern. 

Lady Kyra Tarly was the youngest amongst them, only recently turned six and ten, she was a rather neglected fourth born daughter. Supposedly deemed "unattractive and dumpy" by her parents, solely due to her rather plump curvier body shape. She was a quiet, awkward, bookish girl who did not exude the appearance of "dainty sophistication" as most noblewomen were meant to. But these were not faults in Rhaena's eyes, when Kyra’s mother, the former Lady Tarly, brought her four daughters to Dragonstone in hopes that Rhaena would choose her one of her elder, supposedly more conventionally handsome daughters. 

Rhaena sought to do the opposite. 

She had no need for Ladies who'd discuss vapid empty topics with her, Rhaena dealt with enough of those women regularly. No she wanted companions, women she could truly hold personal if not interesting conversations with, women she could grow to trust and count as true confidants. 

And Lady Kyra held such a personality in Rhaena's eyes.

Besides it all, Rhaena supposed there was something soft and sweet about the girl that made Rhaena want to protect her. She hadn't liked the way Kyra's elder sisters or mother spoke to her, berated her. Her soft featured face, with faint reddish freckles splattered across rosy beige skin. She had big pale green eyes and rather unruly pale copper red curls. 

She felt like a little sister, adorable, soft and caring, so of course Rhaena was happy to take her in...just her though, the other three Tarly daughters could turn elsewhere for positions in court. 

"Well, dear Kyra, I am all ears to any suggestions you may have, any of you, really," Rhaena smiled, settling herself back against Ellyn. 

She could hear soft hums, followed by the tranquil silence of the gardens. Birds fluttering about through the flower beds and hedge bushes. 

It was clear, none of these girls had an idea between them.

It wouldn't really matter, as in the end, she wouldn't actually need their help. Her mind had been plaguing her with the same vague thought all day long now. Ever since her slight meltdown at breakfast, the feeling had only grown more intense. With each passing hour, it was becoming increasingly harder to ignore. 

Her body hungered for her dragon Prince. 

It was such an odd thing, one Rhaena had noticed gradually. The stark differences...they seemed to be ever-changing. The way Rhaena hungered for her husband now as opposed to before. When they'd been engaged, when he was only her betrothed , sex had been new and exciting, all-consuming and enriching. She wanted him as often as her body would allow her to, in every possible location they could steal away to. 

Then once they were wed, she thought she'd grasped a handle on it, a happy medium, where as ravenous as she may have felt for her husband. There was a level of control... slight...level of control. To be honest they were still sneaking around corners and abandoned hallways, secret passages and tunnels just to spend a moment pleasing one another. 

But this was different now. 

Last moon had unlocked something within, something volatile and urging. As if there was no way of fully satisfying the beast within her that craved his attention and his body. A moon ago, she'd all but stormed into a settlement hearing, dismissed everyone else and lowered herself to her knees for him. He might've questioned her for only a moment, before he leaned back and allowed her to undo his breeches. Desperate to taste him then, she'd let her tongue run along the length of him before she happily took his thick member into the heat of her mouth. 

She'd been sated then. 

But it wasn't the last time she returned to him that day. 

Or that week...or moon. 

Rhaena thought she might have needed to reign these feelings in, surely it couldn't have been healthy to seek so much... lovemaking ...from one's husband. 

And she would've kept a better handle on things today. 

But even now, here on the ground in the gardens, she couldn't help but think of his silky hair yet again. The arousing way his adams apple drew her in, the ghosting feel of his lips trailing down her throat. She wanted to feel his hands roaming her body, her breasts, her bottom. She wanted to feel the heat of his breath on her neck and the hard wanting of his cock. She wanted to feel him inside of her, stretching her deeply, fucking her soundly.

Rhaena didn't care where they did it or who saw them, heard them. Whether they managed to return to their chambers, for simply fucked in the dining hall... maybe even the council room...one of the throne rooms.

She cared not, so long as he wasn't gentle. 

He'd been sweet and loving this morning in bed, and she'd loved it then. But now she was desperate and hungry for him, she couldn't handle his usual teasing or his recent displays of wholesome lovemaking. 

She'd climb atop him as he sat the throne if she must. For Rhaena was aching, a needy heat pooling in her lower regions. She needed him to please her as only he could. 

Her mind could picture him so clearly, she knew where he'd be, listening to hearings in the eastern throne room...he wasn't far. One flight of stairs and a few steps and she'd be with him. 

And if she knew her husband, as much as he meant to shield her from anything that might stress her, he didn't much enjoy listening to people plead their cases to him. If it was up to him he'd simply execute the vast majority of people who vexed him. 

So by now he'd be in want of a distraction...one she was sure he'd welcome since it was coming from his wife. 

This was it, this was how she'd spend her time today. 

She'd go to him. 

And if anything, this was his fault to begin with.  

He'd been the one to plant this babe within her. And now because of it, she wanted for things at such an extreme rate. 

Besides, he'd also all but told her this morning that he planned to indulge her. Whatever she felt, whatever upset her would be banished and whatever she craved for would be fulfilled. Rhaena could reason such things would not just stop with food cravings and Lords' colognes.

As Rhaena continued to caress her belly, the soft motions only solidified her feelings. Surely it felt just a tad bit odd vividly imagining scenarios in which her husband might fuck her roughly out here in the gardens with her Ladies. 

But what could she do? At this very moment she craved her husband and nothing or no one else would do in his place. 

If she could, she'd want Aemond to lay here with her, to hold her...to caress her...to touch her...wreck her right here, right now. 

As opposed to this morning, where Rhaena could remember just how sweet and warm their lovemaking had felt. She wasn't sure if she wanted that exact feeling right at this moment, but she wanted him in some sort of capacity. 

So, abruptly, Rhaena began to push herself up and off of her quilt. She wouldn't wait any longer, she'd take what she wanted. It was what dragons did best, and Rhaena was a dragon in her own right. So she let her present maid, Allyria, who'd joined her outside, help her to her feet. Followed by her four personal guards, Rhaena made her way back towards the castle. Without really glancing back at her Ladies, Rhaena called back, "it is fine if you don't come up with anything, I think I shall just go and see my husband." 

"Shall you need backup? Moral support of a kind?" Lady Kyra innocently responded. 

Rhaena held back her own laughter at the thought of her Ladies rushing behind her, following her all the way only to realize their Princess wished to engage in very private explicit activities with her husband. She smiled warmly at her young Lady Kyra's innocence. 

And it seemed she wasn't the only one who found it amusing, as Rhaena made her way towards the castle, she could hear the other three girls giggling as Lady Lelia's delighted voice replied, "oh sweet one, I don't think she'll want any help with this particular encounter." 

It had made Rhaena's smile widen, as it seemed all of the older Ladies knew exactly what Rhaena was after, other than poor Kyra. 

The look of determination must have been a clear one. 

From the moment Rhaena stepped into the castle, nobles and servants made way for her to reach her destination expeditiously. Gliding through the exquisite stoney halls, the floors smooth and marbled as were many of the surfaces here on Dragonstone. The afternoon sun poured in through the many high placed massive arched windows. 

Draping the castle with a crisp classic yet ethereal White glow. 

In formation, Rhaena's four guards Ser Garin, Ser Drako, Ser Miklaz and Ser Moredo walked with her through the halls. She'd let Allyria return to whatever task she saw fit to continue or enjoy some free time for the moment. 

Ser Miklaz Rhonoq was a Myrish knight, with faintly visible Valyrian features and possibly Summer Islander ancestry as well. With dusky Blondish/pale brown curls, pale-cinnamon brown skin and pale blue eyes. He was stoic but kind-hearted, handsome yet far more humble about it than Ser Drako. 

While Ser Moredo Sand was a Dornish bastard-born knight, his Valyrian ancestry was far less visible than the others. But he did in fact look quite Tyroshi, nearly sandy-brown complexion, with dusty copper-ish brown hair and green-ish hazel eyes. He remained a quiet dutiful knight, rarely breaking his stoic duty to even just converse freely with his sworn royal charges. 

The eastern throne room was close enough, just up the grand steps, down a couple of turns and straight ahead. 

Close...but not close enough. 

The Eastern throne room was essentially the main throne for the ruling Prince or Princess of Dragonstone, it was where Aemond sat for most of his duties. Whether they be hearings, vital petitions, or larger settlements, this throne room is where this business was to be held. It was where Aegon the Conqueror once sat before he and his sister wives began to plan and plot how they'd conquer the whole of Westeros. The room was crafted with black stone, for the walls, the floors and the ceiling, the throne itself seemingly carved directly from black obsidian stone. It had the appearance of being melted and formed with dragons' fire,  four pillars spiked, with an oozing melted look to it, it would shimmer in the light...if such light was permitted. 

But this room was made to be dark and intimidating. Foreboding for all who were not of the blood of the dragon. There were eight windows in that room which allowed daylight, but by ceremonial principle, four were to have curtains drawn over them. Allowing for the room to need candle light, to keep the Dragon Lord in control of the emotional state of the room. 

Or so it is to be believed. 

Daylight calms people... daylight invites the idea that one is safe, safe to make claims and voice their opinions. But in the darkness, one might remember to remain humble...to fear the dragon that sits before you. 

Ambience and all aside, Rhaena was certain Aemond Targaryen needed no such help to exude such a feeling to his subjects. 

But she digressed. 

In Rhaena's own case, she essentially had her own throne room as well. The Northern throne room, was as its name suggested, in the Northern part of the castle. Far less dreary than its Eastern counterpart, its eight windows were allowed to be open. Encouraged in fact, to illuminate the white stoned room, a bright encouraging environment. The throne in that room mimicked the melting stone appearance of the Eastern one, only it was glossier with white marbling stone, it shimmered with iridescent beauty when any natural light shone against it. 

Once belonging to Rhaenys the Conqueror, she was the brightest, the most vivid in her beauty in comparison to her two other trueborn siblings. And so her throne room was meant to be a place where subjects could freely voice their concerns and opinions to the lovely counterpart of their Dragonlord. For Rhaena's own tastes, she might have added a great many green plants and boldly colourful flowers to the decor of the room. Adding colour and life to the place she was meant to think of as her daily setting. 

Harkening back to the days in which Rhaena would fill her own chambers with plants and floral vines, an extension of her personality that always made her feel at home no matter the place. 

There was also a third throne room...the Western throne room, in the western wing of the castle. It had once belonged to Visenya the Conqueror, but Rhaena had yet to have need for it. So she hadn't ventured to it as of yet, though she was sure Aemond must have already by now. Much like Aegon's former throne...she imagined the room to be a dark foreboding place...possibly far more blood red than dark and black. 

But who was to say. 

As Rhaena arrived at the doors of the Eastern throne room, she simply nodded towards the two Knights guarding the doors. 

Familiar choices for their castle wide guards...but as neither were amongst Rhaena's personal six...she couldn't say she'd remembered their names all too well as of yet. 

One knight deigned to speak to her, "you Grace, the Prince Aemond it currently presiding over a matter with Lord Celtigar and-" 

Her eyes lowered and rolled at the robotic regurgitated words the man seemed to think necessary in repeating to her. She already knew what her husband was doing, and was largely unsurprised with the fact that his hearing should be with the young Lord Celtigar. 

As per Dragonstone's court, they were not the Capital, whereas in King's Landing, the Red Keep may host the direct Lord and Lady of each house should they need to. Here in Dragonstone, they were hosts to direct heirs of a great few houses, soon-to-be young Lords and Ladies. From House Celtigar, Rogare, Darry, Vypren, Rowan and Vance. These Lords were insurance policies, direct lines to their Lord fathers' who could and would communicate with their heirs to make deals and alliances with the crown directly when they themselves could not make the journey. 

This idea went just as well with the many Valyrian based Free Cities. Although, as many of those cities had monarchies of their own, or elected officials, instead of heirs...they sent dignitaries. So Dragonstone played host to dignitaries from Lys, Volantis, Tyrosh, Pentos, Qohor, Norvos and Lorath. 

Hence the rather boisterous court Dragonstone held within its walls. 

In the case of House Celtigar, they'd been stalling on a rather important response to which Aemond was indeed tired of waiting for. 

Even through the closed heavy oak doors, Rhaena could hear the temperature rising from within the throne room. 

"For fucksake, Clement, I tire of your rambling! That old fuck of a grouchy father you have has managed to evade decisions long enough. Send a raven, sail to him if you must, grab him by the shoulders and get a fucking clear answer from the man. Before I think to send a 'message' of my own to him," Aemond's rough voice had seethed something dark by the end, he was making threats once again. 

Oh, by the Gods.

THIS was why Rhaena's presence for hearings such as these were necessary. 

Her husband was one snap away from drawing his sword on the hapless young Lord. 

She could hear the poor man of stammer through a muffled response, "m-my Prince, my father refuses to see reason, n-no matter what word I send to him-" 

"Would he see reason if I sent back his only son to him bit by bit, as severed limbs and pieces all stuffed and crammed into ornamental chest-box," Aemond growled loudly, "or maybe your dear wife would be a better a threat, or your children perhaps-"

OKAY...that was enough. 

He was clearly enraged, and now he was threatening the lives of this one man's entire family. 

With a pointed regal glare that spoke of the superiority and power she held in this castle, she burned her sight down onto the guard that dared to block her entrance. Adding on a sweet little smile as she said, "now, shall we make this easy, open this door. Before the head of Lord Celtigar is resting on your conscious. For I assure you, my parents, the Queen and King of Westeros, will not be pleased if you stood in my way when I could've just as easily stopped this. It would call for a very easy, very swift execution for you my good Ser."

She couldn't have been sure if it was her own glare that won the knight over, or if possibly the four knights behind her had joined in on her intimidation tactic. But either way, both guarding knights opened the doors for her in one synchronized motion, letting her glide inside with pristine grace considering the ravenous state her body was in just moments prior. 

Once inside, it was just as she feared, Lord Clement Celtigar stepping back apprehensively with his own valet and representatives from House Celtigar. All critically and fearfully watching as Aemond rose from his seat in a flash, drawing his dark red gleaming sword from its sheath. 

"I'm certain Blood Moon thirsts for noble blood," he snarled cruelly as he advanced upon the unprepared Lord, Clement Celtigar's own sword still sheathed and untouched. 

"Konir sagon mirre, valzȳrys, " that is enough, husband, Rhaena calmly stated as she fearlessly walker closer to the unfolding tension filled room, "lo ao ossēnagon zirȳla, īlon iēdrosa kessa daor emagon se udligon jaeli," If you kill him, we still will not have the answer we want. 

It was best to approach her irate dragon with a calm tone, speaking with that calm tone in Valyrian also helped to snap him out of his red vision just as quickly. She'd seen him in far worse states than this, it was nothing she could not handle. 

Even if her guarding knights seemed ready and willing to draw their swords to protect her should they need to. 

But she only glanced back at them, smiled sweetly with a gentle nod, to show them she was fine and did not need their assistance. 

Not here, not for this, and certainly not for her husband. 

She may not have had a true bonded dragon...but that didn't mean that she did not understand how to calm and tame the most wild amongst them. 

Rhaena watched as Aemond reluctantly halted, his shoulders rising and lowering, his heavy intakes with each breath he took. 

But his sword was still drawn, so unpredictability was still a possibility. She'd have to secure Lord Celtigar's safety in this moment with something more concrete. 

"Gīda ñuha zaldrīzes," calm my dragon , Rhaena softly spoke, sweetening her tone as she slowly walked towards him, acting as if there was no one else in the throne room, "rughagon zȳhon ānogar kessa daor mazverdagon se uēpa āeksio celtigar paktot lēda se pāletilla," spilling his blood will not make the old Lord Celtigar side with the crown.

Finally she watched as he growled, sighing heavily as he sheathed his sword again. Grinding his teeth as he took viciously precise steps back to his throne, with that Rhaena subtly ignored the soft whispers of gratitude Lord Celtigar and his team whispered to her. Instead she took her seat beside him, an ornate red with black floral throne chair that existed solely for their shared hearings. 

Aemond hadn't met her eye, not from the moment she walked in …and not even now. But he had clearly heard her, he'd instantly stopped and listened to her. He was just opting to be grumpy and petty about it all because she hadn't allowed him to kill the Lord. 

Rhaena could see Aemond's left foot vigorously tapping as he waited...and for a moment, Rhaena wondered what he was waiting for. 

But then it dawned on her, she'd essentially waltzed in and stolen the breath of the room, leaking all of the tension out and away. Aemond had no interest in this situation anymore, so much so, he didn't even care to end it properly. 

So Rhaena would, with a light sigh, she looked over directly towards the Lord, "Lord Celtigar," she started with a warm smile, grabbing his attention to solely focus on her, "my husband, Prince Aemond is correct. In that, you should reach out to your father once more. At your own digression, you may decide what would be a more efficient method, whether another raven would suffice or if you yourself must greet him in person. But this matter must be settled before the next moon ends. The crown needs to know if House Celtigar intends to stand with them, and by extension House Targaryen in this endeavor with the Stepstones." 

Breathing soundly, she watched as Lord Celtigar breathed a sigh of relief, dealing with the calm approach of the dragon Princess as opposed to the hostile nature of the Lording dragon Prince. 

With a bow he quickly replied, "yes of course, Princess...Prince. Ravens' have not sufficed, so it is probably best that I make the journey personally. I know how important securing and solidifying the Stepstones is to her and his Majesty." 

"Good, make your preparations, and inform us of the specifics of this trip," Rhaena gave a simple nod, "you are now dismissed." 

Rhaena patiently waited for Lord and his posse to exit the throne room, only truly breathing once they had left the room vacant with only servants and guards. 

"Nyke gōntan daor jorrāelagon ao naejot interfere, ēdan ziry gō control," I did not need you to interfere, I had it under control, Aemond finally grumbled after a beat of silence. 

Rhaena huffed a laugh at that statement, pulling herself up to her feet and stepping right in front of him. She placed her hands directly onto his wrists, pressing them down on the arm rests of the stone throne, leaning over him just enough to force his attention.

For his gaze could not remain on the floor forever. 

The moment his dark indigo eye locked onto her pale violet eyes, she felt a lovely heated shiver run through her body. There was something so dark and dangerous in his eye, inviting a threat…a command…a wanting of sorts. 

She couldn't claim to be sure of what this expression on his face truly read to be, but she was happy to risk the outcome. 

"Ao ivestretan nyke īlen se hakotan mēre, se yet, ao jeldan naejot gūrogon ānogar sīr nāqopsir ," you told me I was the emotional one, and yet, you wished to draw blood so easily, Rhaena breathed, a soft alluring sound wrapped itself around the pronunciation of each Valyrian word. 

From that his only response formed itself as a devious smirk that grew on his lips, an expression that only worked to entice her further. 

"Mmm, udligon nyke bisa," mmm, answer me this, his voice sounded so velvety smooth, nearly enchanting her to abandon all thought of decorum and-, "skoros emagon ao māzigon syt, byka ābrazȳrys?" what have you come for, little wife?

That alone might have been enough- 

But in that moment, Aemond hadn't waited for her response. With a swift sleight of hand trick, he'd managed to pull his wrists free whilst grabbing ahold of hers. Pulling her closer, inviting her to climb atop him. And as her lust for him began to cloud her mind once again, she allowed it. From the moment he released her wrists in favour of securing her waist in his hands. Rhaena made the comfortable choice to rest her hands upon his broad shoulders, her knees slipping into the space around his hips, straddling him truly before she seated herself down atop his lap.

Once she was seated upon his warm sturdy thighs she felt her blood tingle and shiver, her heart hammering soundly at a speed only he caused within her. 

"Nyke missed ñuha zaldrīzes iksis mirre," I missed my dragon is all, Rhaena softly hummed, pressing herself closer, finally drowning in that calming clean citrusy scent of his. Mixed with that cedarwood undertone that made her head feel light and dizzy, she found her arms wrapping tighter around him. Her fingers sweetly combing the smooth length of his hair as her nose reached and nuzzled against his. 

She could feel his previous hostility towards Lord Celtigar slowly dissipate and fade, however tense his body might've been moments ago, it was now open and inviting her to him. 

"Kessa nyke remedy bona pār," shall I remedy that then, were the last words he'd said before his lips claimed hers. It was as if she were swallowing flames, the instant heat that spread from her lips, down her throat and coursed its way through her entire body. The shivering satisfaction of feeling his tongue entangle with hers, tasting every last part of the molten heat of his mouth. She let herself melt against him, letting the dream-like feel of his large hands roaming her hips, her waist, her lower back and then round her bottom. 

So comfortably free of formality, both of them knowing exactly who they belonged to, who had claimed them, forever and always. 

In the melting frenzy of her wanting, Rhaena's hips had already begun to slowly grind themselves against his, already feeling the peaked hard rod of his cock buried within his breeches. 

And she knew she was making it worse for him, purposely teasing him with what she herself was already in desperate need to have. In that desperation, she held him tighter, kissed him harder…rougher, her teeth grazing his lips as she all but bit and possessed him. She was moaning so sweetly for him, she'd completely forgotten about any and every servant or guard who might've still been present in the throne room.   

For, indeed the word, ravenous , was most certainly the best word to describe her need at the moment. 

All the while, it seemed Aemond had happily embraced this vigor of hers. Pulling her just as tightly against him, smiling and chuckling as he groaned against her, "you should have told me you were starving for me, I would have come to you sooner." 

"I was just trying to put it off…" she panted heavily, kissing him soundly just as quickly. 

As he lifted her closer, his grip purposely squeezing and gliding along her bottom, he grinned, "never put me off, I'd rather this sort of distraction over anything else." 

Such a simple response had made her body electrify in an instant, making her already soaked cunt quiver at the sound of her husband's demand. Her hips only rolled more intensely against him, her desperation and want for him only growing, burning brighter. 

Gods, how she wanted him…she wanted him inside of her that very instant. 

She couldn't say what it was about this dimly lit setting that had only added to her arousal. A room that was meant to convey fear and foreboding…now only made her want to ride her husband till completion. 

And she would.  

Although it seemed they couldn't have pulled apart for the decency of relieving their staff, and oddly enough, Rhaena might not have cared to do so at that moment either. The quiet audience that probably wished to exit but were simultaneously compelled to stay, unsure of what their next move could possibly be for so long as they didn't infuriate their Targaryen Lord and Lady they would be fine. 

They would be safe. 

But that also meant no one could truly interrupt them either. 

Whatever shared looks and glances they may have been sharing, throats clearing in an attempt to draw either Rhaena or Aemond's attention long enough for them to be dismissed…all went unheard and unseen. 

For both Rhaena and her dragon were far too occupied with one another to care for anything or anyone else. 

With those sets of multiple eyes somewhat made to witness them, it all made Rhaena's body feel like it was transcending, so much so that she'd barely missed a beat when her fingers nimbly began to unlace Aemond's breeches. Pulling his hard cock free to the sound of a raspy groan from her husband, she wasted no time shuffling beneath her skirts, shifting her underclothes just enough to guide his thick throbbing member to her drenched opening. 

She'd felt the deep sultry whine that bubbled in the recesses of her throat before it threatened to burst out and echo into the throne room. Before the entire sound could resonate, she'd managed to catch Aemond's lips. Allowing him to swallow the sound, just as she swallowed his reverberating moan as she sank down onto his length. 

"Oh my Gods," Rhaena had whimpered against him, the words had simply slipped away from her and there was no returning them. 

Only matched by Aemond's own smirk at her sentiments, "fuck, you were already so wet for me…how long have you been missing me," 

"Since breakfast-" she moaned just as he thrusted his cock deep within her, stretching her cunt for his own thick size to snugly occupy. 

It was then that the doors to the throne room had been opened, it sounded so faint, so way off in the distance. But by the resounding sigh of recognition, she could just barely comprehend that it must've been Maester Varion. A man who'd had the apparent displeasure of catching Rhaena and Aemond in the act several times before. 

He never spoke of it afterwards, never acted the slightest bit surprised or cross when he came face to face with their actions. 

He only ever did their staff the courtesy of dismissing them from the room. Just as he did now, he must've quickly and quietly motioned for all, including Rhaena's and Aemond's personal guards, to leave the room.

Rhaena only knew it to be true, once her growing pleasure rose to an unmatched peak, the fire stoked within her, her blood trilling and singing to the synchronized bliss of fucking ones dragon mate. She'd pulled her lips away from his, enough to quickly glance around the room before letting her hands grip into his hair as she pulled tightly. Relishing the strangled husky groans and wincing that fell from Aemond's lips.  

"I don't care, whenever you feel you need me…whenever you wish for me to take you… please you…fuck you senseless," he panted as his forehead rested against hers, "you find me…send for me…and I will come."

God's he looked like absolute perfection in this golden light. The orange candlelight paired with the faint daylight that peered through the windows. His striking curvilinear features, on display just for her. 

Oh how she tried to focus on his words, the most important being, if she wanted him then he'd come to her . 

So she'd keep that in mind. 

But for now, she purposely fought the urge to tuck her face in the crook of his neck, no she wished to see him when she came. Each perfectly timed stroke made her feel drunk and frazzled, her own movements had become erratic, burning with the speed in which her hips snapped against his. In her heat for him, she'd snatched his leather patch off. They were all alone now and she wanted to see everything, moaning simply because she'd realized he hadn't worn his sapphire today. The sweet bliss of truly seeing the real him at this very moment, when she was already so close. 

"Harder, ñuha dōna zaldrīzes ," my sweet dragon , Rhaena begged in a mixture of languages, her back already arching so nicely for him in his hold, "I need you to hurt me," 

It was all the command he needed, as his hand reached under her skirts solely so he could feel the heated smooth skin of her bare thighs and hips. Gripping violently hard into her skin, with the clear intention to bruise her, to give his hand a rougher purchase on her body. While his other hand under her arm and around to the back of her neck, squeezing her tightly, holding her rigidly. She barely winced at the recognizable sweet ache, only focusing on the delicious pleasure it gave way to as he thrusted into her even harder…deeper. 

"Qogralbar, dōna riña," fuck, sweet girl, Aemond groaned roughly as he thrusted so deeply into her that her cunt clenched tightly around his cock, "ñuha gevie byka ābrazȳrys," my beautiful little wife. 

Gods…how she loved him. 

He had to know how the sound of his voice…how his gravelly Valyrian seeped into her skin and roused her entire body. 

So much so that Rhaena couldn't even bear to think of a response, her mind had long since melted and turned to mush. 

She couldn't control her body anymore, as she threw her head, arching back as she writhed viciously. It made her own grip tighten in his hair, as one of her hands gripped so hard against the cotton silk of the shirt beneath his doublet, against his shoulder where she let her nails dig in and bury themselves against his skin. By then Aemond had leaned down over by her neck, his teeth grazing and the soft tender skin of her throat, probably breaking the skin if only slightly as he soothed the burn with his tongue. 

It was in that space, the place between immense pleasure and pain, where Rhaena felt that electric fire build and build until it peaked over a near ethereal horizon. 

In the dark bliss of perfection, she felt her dragon merely thrust twice more before he joined her in groaning aloud their shared pleasure…and now satisfaction. 

As he spilled his heated seed within her, Rhaena felt her body go limp as she collapsed against him. Resting her head on his shoulder as her chest heaved with every deep panting breath she took. A sense of calm clarity washed over her as she loosened her grip in his hair, lowering her hand to caress his chest before she gently raised her hand up to cup his scarred cheek. Nuzzling her nose against his neck, breathing in that savory citrusy spiced cedarwood scent of his that both calmed her and aroused her, as she let her thumb trace over the scar that travelled down his left cheek. 

"I never thought a throne room would lend itself to such a pleasure," Rhaena breathed, smiling softly, content in the bliss of this quiet moment, "we should convene here more often." 

Aemond had chuckled warmly and she soaked in the lovely sound, "I'm certain I've invited you to use this room before," 

"Surely not," she playfully disagreed. 

"Definitely have…but it matters not. Should I be trapped here again," he grinned, kissing the crown of her head with such warmth and love, "then do me the honour of interrupting me… distracting me…" 

Rhaena smiled at that, humming sweetly as she nodded her head, "as you wish, my love."

-

P.S. I hope this was a fun little smutty one!

LOOL I had fun with this one, the idea of Aemond being overprotective but also being right, but also being wrong (because he was not handling things well with Lord Celtigar near the end there).

Expect more of that in the next chapter! The main "issue/conflict" for the next chapter really hinges on them both being as equally right as they are wrong, I think so at least LOOL

I'm also trying to keep track of the kinks I'm checking off as I go, this chapter definitely had horny Preggo Rhaena and a bit of their exhibition kink!

Ch.7 will have a bit of the food kink/whip cream kink as well as a bit of bondage. Ch.8 is where the Lactation kink will finally come into play! As well as an anal scene!!

Shit's ramping uppppppp…and baby #1 is so close to getting here, in ch. 9 as far as my notes are concerned!!

[an-abyss-of-stars]

He saw her at daybreak - Part 7

Summary: The babe is growing steadily, and with merely three moons left in her pregnancy Rhaena begins to feel the calling of a dragon…

Warnings: None for this chapter!

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3.1 | Part 3.2 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Ao3

Tag list: @minim236 , @bohemian-nights , @neocil , @nettysnest , @avidreader73 , @jordanjanellejoyy , @azaleapotterblack , @yourlittlehoe , @partypoison00 , (feel free to tell me if you want to be on the taglist or not)

P.S: AGGHHHH BLEH BLEH I'M BACKK!!

PLEASE, if you haven't been following my spotty updates on Tumblr, I basically wrote this entire chapter about month or more ago…and it totaled out to about 30k words in length…and the I reread it and hated it! LMfAO, so, I've been going through it slowly trying to make it tolerable, and in that process I've realized that I don't mind this first half too much! I think it's pretty good, so I decided I'd cut the chapter in half and let y'all read this bit! For those of you still care about this weird smutty fic!

This half isn't smutty i'm afraid to say, but the next half will have the other 20k words in it…so that'll have the sex scene it! Either way, long time coming! Hopefully you all enjoy it!!!

-

☾

The rest of that evening had been calm and peaceful, mainly due to Rhaena stealing her husband away, to enjoy the serene nature of the grassy fields that faced Dragon mound. 

Aemond had Maester Varion push his last two hearings over to the following day, giving him the free time to lay with her and Vhagar in the grassy fields as the sun slowly began to set on the horizon. Rhaena had always thought this spot, here on the peak, was one of the most perfect spots to witness a sunset here on Dragonstone. The saturated orange glow of the setting sun bathed the grass and anything on it in such an ethereal way, everything glowed like pure gold. 

Truly the Golden Hour.  

With a soft tranquil breeze that ruffled and flowed over against them. Rhaena had leaned herself back against the solid massive heat that was Vhagar's side, while Aemond had comfortably rested his head on her lap. His body laid out on the cool grass, casual and relaxed, as he crossed his arms. 

For once, truly, Rhaena's mind was at ease, sitting here in their shared comfortable silence. With her fingers absentmindedly running through his hair, Aemond had closed his eyes, either just as peacefully soaking in their solitude or just as likely he might have found himself comfortable enough for a light nap. 

Not unlike his bonded dragon, Vhagar, the legendary she-beast could be heard purring soundly, a massaging rumbly feeling that vibrated against Rhaena's back.  

Just off in the distance, Rhaena could see the great King of the dragons, Vermithor, nestled closely with his beautiful mate, the iridescent Silverwing. Seeing them together like this often brought back old memories of Rhaena's childhood, when she'd run these fields with her siblings and their own dragons. Back when they could sit with Caraxes and Syrax, and kepa would tell them all wild and exciting tales from his youth, the many exiles he'd experienced for annoying and angering his grandmother or aptly, his elder brother. Of his battle in the Stepstones, a personal favourite for all of the kids then. Sometimes he'd tell them about muña Rhaenyra in her youth, tales that made her blush and swat him affectionately. 

But most cherished of all, to Rhaena at least, were when he told them all of how he'd courted the girls' other mother, their birth mother, muña Laena. 

It always sounded so fantastical and romantic, Rhaena had always loved to hear of it, even when her muña was still alive. But after her death, she supposed it meant all the more to know that her kepa hadn't forgotten her. That even though he'd found love again, he'd never let go of his previous love…he never let her name or her memory fade into oblivion. 

And she loved him dearly for that. 

It was also never lost on her, the incredibly soft, fond expression Rhaenyra had whenever he spoke of Laena. A clear expression of someone who also once loved her mother.

Though, of course, by now Rhaenyra had been more of a mother to Rhaena than her birth mother, Laena, had ever gotten to be. This coming year, it would be eleven years since Laena died…eleven years since Rhaenyra had respectfully taken her spot in Rhaena and Baela's lives. 

And just as well…this coming year…Rhaena would have a babe of her own. 

Frightful business indeed…but exciting nonetheless. 

Rhaena's little train of thought had swiftly eroded away as a new surge of energy started to spark within her. It started like a low hum…sizzling…sparking in the pit of her stomach, a faint tingle ringing throughout her body like full-bodied butterflies. 

It was a feeling that sought attention…beckoning her over…and as her eyes searched around for the source. 

Rhaena found herself gazing directly over at the glorious iridescent beauty, pink and white, light and regal…the Queenly she-dragon, Silverwing. 

It wouldn't have caught her as off guard as it did…except, the dragon in question was gazing right back at her. 

From across the vast field, their eyes met with fire-like intensity, something Rhaena had never felt before. 

Surely this wasn't…

Not now…

After all these years…

The calling .

No. 

It couldn't be. 

Quickly she broke the line of sight, and tried to distract herself with conversation. 

"Aemond," Rhaena breathed, still slightly startled, still in disbelief over what she assumed might be happening…but Silverwing would not move to her. If this was…what she thought it was…she'd have to make that move herself. 

And for now…she wasn't sure she wanted to. 

She wasn't sure she could…even if she did. 

Eighteen years…her entire life she'd never wanted anything more. And now she was too scared to take it…claim it. 

Maybe it wasn't fear . 

Maybe she found herself existing in a false sense of acceptance. 

Rhaena Targaryen…the only Targaryen in her current living family to not have a dragon. 

This was a fact. 

And it had been for years. 

Was she really meant to change that now? 

"Hmm," upon her lap, Aemond hummed faintly, whether he had in fact been resting or not, she couldn't be sure, but she had his attention now.

So she figured she'd use it, redirect her thoughts into something else, "the babe…do think we'll have a boy or girl? Or perhaps twins…they are quite common in our family…"

Her sentence trailed off into silence…try as she might, she could not focus. 

That electrifying feeling ached and demanded attention. 

Thankfully, she supposed, Aemond hadn't noticed the subtle change in her demeanor. Instead letting her casual question marinade as he turned his head towards her belly and pressed a soft kiss against her. His hand reaching up to caress the curve, "since they're coming from you, I wouldn't care what you birth." 

"I could birth a deformed dragon creature," Rhaena had meant it as a slight jest, but the moment the words left her mouth, she realized there was a true possibility that she could. House Targaryen prided itself on pure Valyrian blood matches…and seeing how both of their fathers' were brothers and indeed incredibly pureblooded. 

A true dragon-like babe was a real possibility. 

Not a likely one…but a possibility nonetheless. 

"I'd love them just the same," had been Aemond's calm response as he pulled himself up, sitting in front of her as he eyed her closely, "why do you ask?" 

"Oh! No particular reason, just curiosity," she smiled sweetly, pulling her legs up and crossing them, "I just know, most men would prefer sons…is all." 

Real authentic, nice work…

It wasn't at all, but it seemed to pass well enough. At the very least, the more she distracted herself with this pleasant conversation…the more time she'd be able to give herself to truly comprehend what was happening within her. 

Softly, her mated dragon pulled her from her thoughts, she was drowning in them but thankfully he provided sanctuary. As he caressed her cheek, his indigo eye held her gaze quite intensely, it seemed as if he was trying to read between the lines. To view something upon her face that she hadn’t purposely realized she’d given in to, an expression, a twitch, a look…something to reveal more than what she had said. 

And part of worried he might have seen what he was looking for…that he would be able to see right through her. 

Her thoughts of callings and Silverwing …

Although, why she felt the need to keep these odd feelings to herself…she couldn't say. 

But she didn't wish to attempt describing this discomfort when she wasn't entirely sure about it herself. 

It had nothing to do with the symptoms she felt due to the babe and even then she’d barely been able to explain herself.

"You should be happy to know that I am not like most men," his voice was so low and smooth, silk-like in its delivery, while his gaze was so intense yet charming. His lips had begun to quirk upwards, something playful mixing in with his usual cunning smirk. As his hand slid from her cheek and down to her chin, his thumb affectionately stroked down over her lower lip to the shallow dimple on her chin. Such a simple gesture had managed to fluster her if only slightly, his tone had simpered down to a suggestive rasp, as he queried,  "now, which were you hoping for, byka ābrazȳrys?" little wife?

Oh, how she loved when his voice did that. 

Such a simple question, and yet, now he had her swallowing thickly and biting her lip.

"I couldn't possibly…" Rhaena spluttered, her voice all airy yet bereft, her eyes darting upwards towards the sky for just a moment, to calm her heated chest and mind. All the while his patience was unyielding…calm and planted like a purposeful current in a rushing river. When her eyes finally returned to him, she decided she might as well divulge a truth she’d once known, "hmm, well…a few moons ago. When I first heard that I was with child, rather instantly I imagined us having an adorable little boy. And it seems, ever since, I’ve only ever been dreaming of him in more vivid detail."

There a mixture of sweet fondness filtered through Aemond’s heated gaze, silently urging her on, clearly he was patiently waiting to hear more of her innocent dreams for their little growing family. 

And so Rhaena thought she would indulge him with the details, letting her own hand reach for his cheek, as a naturally sweet smile grew on her own lips, "well, in my dreams, he always looks like a cute little version of you. And he has your eyes, deep and dark, that perfect indigo shade that so simply draws one in. He has your sharp cheekbones, but with really chubby cheeks. He also has your jaw, and maybe your eyebrows. Really floppy pale blonde curls, and maybe his skin is just a shade lighter than my own. But what I remember most, every time, is his adorable little laugh, it tugs at my heart even though I know I’ve only created it in my mind myself. But he smiles so much…all of the time. He’s such a happy little babe…and his smiles are so much like your own mischievous ones. He’s the most perfect little thing in my mind." 

Rhaena had fallen into a slight daze, practically gushing over every little detail she’d imagined for their child. For even as she was only describing a dream…a fictionalized created image to her husband, one she’d seen a dozen times by now. It still felt oddly cementing to admit it all out loud, as if she was speaking this child into existence…truly cementing the idea that this little boy might be theirs…that he might be real. That her current little gremlin which she carried within her at this very moment, was possibly in fact the very same babe from her dreams. 

Aemond for his part looked as if he had enjoyed her description, his face held an incredibly fond expression as he seemed to be putting her words to an image in his own mind. Especially grinning deviously once she’d gotten to the end of it all, “ mischievous smiles, are they," his free hand slipping around her waist, pulling her close to him, practically up onto his own lap, "wouldn’t you think it’s a dangerous thing to want our son to be the spitting image of me."

Her body instantly warmed, engulfed in the heat of his response with the added feel of being held in his larger more muscular arms. Rhaena might have planned on laughing, giggling brightly really, but his movements were faster. The nimble speed in which he tipped her chin up for his own easy access to her lips, just as fiercely as ever, he devoured her with a deeply passionate yet possessive kiss. She’d sighed instantly, melting against him wholly, as his heated tongue slipped through her parted lips. Delving into the molten heat of her own mouth and she did the same to his, her tongue roving over and syncing into a fire-like dance they’d played a million times over. And even so, her body always reacted the same, sparking live-electric currents through her blood. Like an itch only he could ever scratch for her, with just a kiss he held so much power over her.   

Their rising tension seemed to connect with Aemond’s bonded mount, as Rhaena could hear Vhagar ruffling and rumbling behind her. Not that it stopped her husband, he only tugged her closer. Pressing her against him as much as he possibly could, desperate to feel the heat of their bodies entwined and bound together. 

If he wasn’t careful, they’d end up writhing against one another in this field… once again .

For they’d done it several times before.

It was an active pull of force, to work against the current of energy her body was willing with his own, to deny the primal urge to feel his large member thrusted deep within her again so soon. But by the time Rhaena had found the resolve to want to pull herself back just enough to breathe, it felt as if she was pulling herself out of a heated trance. Her lips still desired to cling to his, latched on with near animalistic intent as her teeth still grazed at his lower lip, a possessive hold she barely wished to relinquish. And only caused him to groan quite provocatively, something deeply seeded from within him. 

It took quite a lot of self control, to trail a heated path of kisses down along his jaw before she panted the words, "you cannot want me again so soon, three times in one day? I thought we were pacing ourselves?”

The incredible low and husky chuckle he’d given her had made her entire body flutter just at the sound alone, nevermind the dark wanting look in his eye, “you haven’t much cared for pacing ourselves during this last moon…if ever,” 

This sort of talk was exactly why she was with child so soon after their wedding.

But as much as she wanted him at this very moment, her body urged rest and…more importantly, her little gremlin urged for more nourishment. 

In just a moment, my little baby , she thought, glancing down at her swollen baby. 

Deciding she still wished to finish their previous conversation, before their ever undercurrent of lust and love overruled them. Rhaena wrapped her arms more securely around his neck, leaning further onto him as she brushed her nose against him, leaning her forehead against his, feeling the innate sturdy warmth he always provided for her. Softly she gazed up into his eyes, practically puring when his indigo and sapphire eye gazed back into her own pale violet eyes, “you do realize that you still haven't answered my question, ñuha gevie zaldrīzes . What have you pictured for our child? What does my valzȳrys dream of, " my pretty dragon, husband . 

There was a beat of sweet silence, as Aemond caressed her back, warm soft streaks drawing down her back as his nose nuzzled hers. As if he only craved to kiss her again, to drown in the senses of tasting her and holding her…forgetting the world around them. 

Eventually his lips curved into a smile, one of those boyish grins that still made Rhaena's heart thump no matter how many times she saw it, "I already told you, I don't have a preference,”

“Well humour me then, my love,” she whined lighty, shifting herself around on his lap so that she’d be able to rest her cheek on his shoulder, “if you were to have a preference, what would it be? When you were most adamant about a fucking a child into me, did you not consider imagining what said child would come to be or even look like?” 

Rhaena was wearing him down, or at least she hoped she was. Not that he needed much. She had her thumb softly caressing his neck as she held him there, pressing her plush lips against the scarred line he had on the other side of his neck. The one he had once earned during the tourney that was set right before their wedding, his final single combat match with Lord Cregan Stark. She still remembered how furious she’d been with him that day, how careless she’d thought him to be to remove his helmet during a match like that. Even now seeing the completely healed mark still evoked a strained emotion in her, one that always simmered into some sort of pride mixed with love, that her idiotic dragon had managed to win and live. 

“Fine, for you, my little dragon," he sighed, drawn out dramatically as if he wasn't anything but excited to speak about their futures, about the child that would soon join their lives, "I suppose I've pictured a little baby girl. Daughters are far more precious, are they not?" 

Her chest had burned almost instantly, primed to burst, for Rhaena hadn’t even dared to imagine her dragon carrying a little baby girl around the castle. But just the thought of it alone…he was indeed right, it would be a most precious sight. The idea of her stoic dark dragon Prince playing little games, sitting for little tea dates or escorting around the castle a tiny little Princess.

Rhaena couldn’t stop smiling over the thought, maybe she was equally hopeful for a daughter after all.  

"Either way I wouldn’t mind, but if the babe is born a girl…then I'd hope she'd have the good fortune to take after you. I’ve envisioned a sweet little version of you," he'd kissed the edge of her jaw as he spoke, but Rhaena hadn't missed a word. Her heart, hammering at the idea of it all…that he could want for such a thing just as much as she did. 

As she pulled herself up to properly gaze at him, his lips began to traverse the length of Rhaena's neck. His hand glided along the curving dip of her waist, and just as the flames of pleasure began to seep in once again…she found her eyes landing on Silverwing in the distance. 

Once again. 

Seemed she couldn’t escape it. That sparking feeling from deep within her, the one she'd spent the last half hour trying to suppress…it had awakened once again. 

Even as she tried to focus in on her husband's affection…on the roaring sound in the distance, where from the corner of her eye, Rhaena could see a pure black dragon soaring out from the direction of the Dragon Mount volcano, most likely Cannibal. 

But all would be for nought…her body longed to brave the scene. 

She couldn't allow it now. 

If she was wrong…she'd be putting more than just herself at risk. She'd be risking her babe as well. So instead she shook the thought from her mind, refocused on the dragon she had before her. Guiding his face back up to hers, brushing her lips over his, teasing the ferocity that laid beneath the surface. 

Just as her stomach audibly growled, Rhaena grinned sweetly against his lips, with a soft contented sigh, "I am quite hungry now…"

"Then let's feed you," he stole one quick kiss, before he pulled her to her feet, walking her back to the castle. 

☾

The next day, Rhaena had felt Silverwing's calling become even more potent…increasing throughout every hour of the day. It felt like a stiffening burn, charring and scorching, the more she tried to ignore it…the more it singed her from the inside. 

As afternoon rolled around, Rhaena found herself perching her back against a cool wall of a corridor in the southern wing of the castle. Her chest felt as if it was constricting her…squeezing her lungs shut each time she tried to breathe deeply. It was in these moments, when the feeling was most intense…she could hear a roar in the distance, one she hadn't known all that well but was familiar enough with to distinguish it from the other dragons. 

It was Silverwing. 

She was calling to her…this was real…this was happening. 

"My Princess, are you well?" Ser Garin questioned, clear concern etched on his face, he stepped forward to her but made sure not to touch her, "shall I alert Wardeness Aelaera, you may wish to retire for the day?" 

A considerate offer, but no, Rhaena did not wish to retire…although she also did not wish to sit through petitions now either. 

Soon enough the burning in her chest would subside, and in that moment of clarity, Rhaena simply shook her head and pulled herself off of the wall. Breathing deeply, collecting herself before she glanced up towards her knight, "I thank you, Ser Garin. But I am fine, I needn't retire…but just as well, I do not feel fit enough to endure through the rest of my duties today. Do inform Wardeness Aelaera she may sit through the farmers' disagreements on my behalf. Anything more, which requires my personal attention, may be moved to the morrow." 

Ser Garin nodded swiftly, and left to relay the message. 

Now left only with Ser Drako, Ser Miklaz and Ser Moredo, Rhaena turned towards them. 

She had a few possible options now that she'd cleared the rest of her day. She could interrupt her husband once again, a very enticing option if only for the possibility that his presence might actually distract her. Or she could go for a calming stroll, summon her Ladies in waiting…or…do the frightening thing. 

Do the one thing she'd wanted all her life… claim a dragon . 

If that was what this was…if that was what Silverwing was truly calling her for. 

She could just go to her…do the deed…but of course it was not that simple. 

Rhaena supposed, she could simply ask Aemond…find out whether this feeling…was truly what a calling felt like. Or whether it was simply another symptom of her pregnancy…the latter of which he most likely wouldn't be able to say definitively.

Although if it was a pregnancy symptom, surely Maester Varion would have informed her of such during her check in with him earlier this morn. Not that she'd bothered to specifically bring up the recent way her body reacted around Silverwing, but if such a thing was ever present in Targaryen women when they were with child. 

Surely he would have mentioned it. 

Then again, she also wondered if it was an average occurrence for a Targaryen woman to claim a dragon when she was child as well. 

The likelihood of either seemed slim to none, but she couldn't be sure. 

Either way, Maester Varion had instead extensively checked over her physical progress. Laid up in bed in only a two-piece ensemble of undergarments so that she could expose her belly, allowing gel-like ointments to be poured and rubbed over it. There he examined the steady growing size of her belly, listened in for the babe's heartbeat and even confirmed that it was more than likely that she was simply growing one babe and not several.

No such luck with twins on their first attempt, but Rhaena found herself feeling slightly relieved when she'd heard it was not to be. One babe would already be a big new experience, two would have been just slightly frightening…just slightly. 

At the very least, when she'd glanced over at her dragon Prince, he didn't seem phased by the news either. 

He only cared that his wife and child were healthy and well.

And after their Maester checked off everything necessary for his examination, he assured both Aemond and Rhaena that she was currently in perfect health as was the babe. He even went as far as to inform them both that Rhaena's salt craving was nothing to be worried about, that women were known to crave all sorts of various things due to their babes…some a lot stranger than salt. 

A fact, Rhaena was sure she already knew, but it did do well to be reassured by a Maester as well. For she knew her husband was more than likely just trying to calm her nerves the other day when he simply offered to give her whatever she wished for. 

During her check in, her Maester had advised that so long as she made sure to stay more hydrated during her days, and kept the rest of her diet leaning more towards leafy greens and hardy vegetables as opposed to harder to digest heavy meats. She would be able to ensure the babe continued to grow healthy and well nourished. With a set of prescribed added vitamins and minerals, as well as mentioning the tonics she would have to start consuming once the next moon arrived. 

All in all, it was assessed that Rhaena was indeed six moons along and that babe would arrive precisely in three moons, during the twelfth moon of the year. 

Some time close to the Ice Winter festival or possibly even Qēlos Bantis … Star Night . A Yule-like holiday reserved for glittering parties, hymns and spiritual worship, gift giving and all. But most of all during the coldest moon of the year, it's reserved as a time for family, peace and love, blessings and good tidings. 

How very wonderous it would be to give birth to a babe then, not that Rhaena much liked the cold, but it would surely make the time of year even more beautiful. 

With sigh, Rhaena reorientated her thoughts. 

She wasn't meant to be thinking of her babe now, even as her hand subconsciously already reached to rub soothing circles along her swollen belly as she thought. She needed to think of her situation. Of the fact that husband, her love, Aemond…he was a fiercely protective man. Especially now that she was carrying his child, if she went to him with her thoughts on attempting to claim a dragon…surely he wouldn't want her risking her life for such a thing.

It'd be her own life as well as their babe's life at risk all on the possibility that this may be a calling . 

No . 

The danger was beyond herself…she'd need to be certain. 

This could not be a simple guess or a hunch, she needed to be truly certain. 

What she needed was…an outside opinion. 

Someone she trusted and loved, who'd know just as well what it felt like to claim a dragon. 

Now all of her siblings were of no use in this case, as all of them had been given the fortune of having their dragon eggs hatch in their cradle with them as babes. 

Her muña, Rhaenyra, had been blessed with just the same fate. 

No, her choices were limited. In fact she had only one true viable option in mind…she'd write to her kepa. 

The only other member of her family who had to claim a dragon, the only other man in her life that trusted and loved her so fiercely that he'd do just about anything for. Her father may be her very opposite in many things, but this was one thing he'd be most qualified in aiding her with, and she knew he'd be glad to.

Or at least she hoped he would be . 

If she could receive a response from him soon enough, then she'd be able to make an intelligent decision. 

Taking a deep sobering breath, Rhaena began to plot out her next set of moves. Starting with her with guards, she needed some space from them. She could do with some peace and seclusion for the next few hours. 

"Ser Drako, I think I shall return to my chambers. I wish to send a raven. Nothing of note, just a letter to my father, the King," Rhaena spoke slowly, crisp and clear, she left no room for discussion before she turned, taking paced steps down the hall, "and Ser Moredo, do summon my Ladies to my chambers. After I'm finished with my task, I'd like to visit the bathhouse. The private hold's bathhouse." 

"Of course, Princess," Ser Drako had grinned as he bowed, she could hear the joviality in his tone. 

While Ser Moredo simply affirmed, "as you command, your grace." 

Certainly a far more stoic young man than her two favoured knights. 

Once Rhaena had returned to her rooms, she sped over to her seat by her vanity table, finally within the privacy of her bed chambers. With the remainder of her guards waiting outside in the hall, Ser Moredo only left to summon her Ladies a few minutes prior.

It was in that time, between her Ladies arriving to greet her here at her chambers, that Rhaena aimed to complete her letter to her father and have Ser Drako send it. 

It was most definitely feasible, and Rhaena only assured herself of that as she shifted on her rosy toned cushioned chair, hoping to find at least one angle comfortable enough to perch herself. 

It seemed her babe insisted on shifting uncomfortably within her today. 

But she'd remained focused, already envisioning the words she'd put down on the page once she was ready. Pulling a clean sheet of parchment from her drawer, she began dipping her quill into some fresh ink: 

To his Highness, King Daemon Targaryen, 

Kepa, 

I write to you with news, at least I believe it to be so. Over the past day or two, I have begun to feel something. Something seems to be drawing me towards Silverwing, I can feel her calling to me. Like stoked flames rising in my chest that burn all throughout me. It feels all-consuming, but I cannot seem to bring myself to her. 

What if I am wrong? 

And she does not in fact wish to bond with me? 

Could I not be putting myself and my unborn child in unnecessary danger by risking such an encounter that may not be what I think it to be? 

I sound a coward, I know I do. You've taught me better than this surely, as a true Targaryen, I should go to her. Take my chances, and should I perish, it would be a true dragon rider's death. 

Even saying so evokes dark memories of my muña. 

I'm not frightened of dying per se, not entirely. I'm more frightened of being wrong. And so I suppose, I'm writing to you in hopes that you might tell me that I am right. That is this is without a doubt the feeling I've been waiting for. And that if it is, I will not stall on it any longer. I will face my fate and I will go to Silverwing. 

Until then, I shall wait…I am a patient one, that you know. 

In all, I hope you are well, my dear kepa. I do miss you all, muña Rhaenyra as well, I know you both have suffered at the loss of little Visenya. We all have.

My heart also calls for all of my brothers and Baela of course. It's ridiculous I'm sure, but I hope my little brothers Aeggie and Vis have not forgotten me. I receive letters from Joff with their little questions from time to time, and it is most heart warming. 

I have, as you've requested, been careful not to overly exert or stress myself. As you and my husband clearly are of the same mind, if it was up to him, I'd have no duties to attend to at all. I'd simply be sentenced to bed rest for my safety for all days until the babe was born.

In all, I hope my missive finds you well, kepa. 

With all my love,

Your beloved daughter, 

Princess Rhaena Targaryen, Princess of Dragonstone  

When she was done, she waited a few minutes for the ink to dry. Skimming over her words once more before she rolled the parchment, sealed it closed with a red and black swirled wax, pressing down Dragonstone's own Targaryen three-headed dragon seal stamp. 

She hadn't mentioned why she hadn't spoken to Aemond about all of this in her letter, but she hoped her father would have the sense not to mention it either.  

Feeling she'd said all she possibly could, covered all of her bases. Rhaena slowly pulled herself up from her seat and waddled back through her rooms. Stepping back through her chambers, opening the door, and finally, handing her letter off to Ser Drako for it to be sent.

As he left, Rhaena's Ladiesmaids entered to prepare her for the bathhouse. 

Perfect timing. 

Preparing for the bathhouse meant removing her ornate pink blush-toned jeweled gown, as well as undoing her elegantly done fishtail plait that had trailed down her back. Slipping off her jewels, her earrings, bangles, rings and bracelets, as well as her prized sapphire necklace. 

The last of which Rhaena supposed she could take with her, but at the risk of her sapphire, possibly, to her horror, slipping into the waters of the bathhouse. Sinking away from her, lost to her forever. 

No, she could not risk such a thing. 

Even though…knowing her husband, he'd never let her shed a tear over the lost item, he'd instead, most likely in secret, find a way to either retrieve it or replace it. 

Though that wasn't an outcome she wished to invoke, as Rhaena was just as much attached to the item as she was with the memory of how she'd received it. To have spent her life receiving gifts and jewels from so many suitors and expectant eligible Lords. All meaningless frivolous glittering gifts, all meant to show the wealth they and their house was capable of. 

Gifted like a trap meant to lure in a Princess …but not a dragon . 

And to think this one simple yet elegant necklace had been the one gift that meant the world to her now. 

Given to her by a man she never thought she'd have such intense feelings for…yet. 

How the Gods worked in the most mysterious of ways. 

Rhaena would always cherish the memory. How during the moon of their engagement, Aemond had made no fuss or spectacle on the day when he gave the necklace to her. He'd spent three whole days away from the castle, only to return and sneak into her chambers late at night. She'd been awake, reading as per usual. But the look in his eye told her that he had something for her, he hadn't said what, he only asked that she close her eyes and lift her hair to give him access to her bare neck.

She could still remember how she'd felt as the cool smooth steel graced her skin for the first time, how her mind could only focus on the warmth of Aemond's fingers. The way they'd grazed against her collarbone and slid along her shoulders, making her shiver with arousal, gooseflesh prevalent and prickling. All while still simultaneously offering her an odd yet all consuming sense of comfort with just his touch alone. 

To think so soon in their newly made romantic relationship, he'd managed to have such a power…such a thing that came to easily. 

Allowing her to naturally ease back against him, his sturdy heated chest, like a gravitational pull, she could do little else but meld against him. 

By the time he'd bade Rhaena to open her eyes, she found that she could barely speak. In her mind, she had ideas of what sort of necklace this may be. What jewels may have been used, what cut of the gem, design of the steel or gold or silver. 

But she'd been wrong.

The choice to use Valyrian steel should have crossed her mind, at the time she was preparing to marry a man who was most proud of his pure Valyrian blood. It was not uncommon for Targaryen men to court their Ladies with jewelry made of Valyrian steel, just as her kepa had done with her own muña, just as he'd done with current muña, Rhaenyra. 

It was an apparent trend for most Targaryens, going all the way back to even some of their earliest ancestors. 

And yet, it hadn't crossed Rhaena's mind that she might have such an opportunity. An opportunity that was now simply her reality. To be gifted a piece of her dragon, part of the very Sapphire he wore in his left eye, used to complete this necklace. Made to be an offering that would allow her to carry a part of him wherever she went…whether he could be with her physically or not. 

It was her one precious item…her only jewel which she treated like no other. She’d never risk damaging it or losing it. 

So she removed it, everything really, including her undergarments was stripped from her. With her silver curls undone, let loose, flowing down her back and slipping over her shoulders. Once she was ready, she simply donned a thick silky robe and soft cozy slippers. 

Soaks in the bathhouse were meant to be calming affairs. So Rhaena dismissed her maids afterwards as she waited for her Ladies-in-waiting to enter the Dragon's Nest. It wasn't customary for anyone unauthorized to enter this area of the castle, it was always securely guarded as the one safe haven for any members of the royal family. 

Rhaena even giving permission for her Ladies to enter beyond this point was a blessing in itself. 

As it was, Dragonstone held two bathhouses. One that was welcome to all courtiers and noble visitors alike, located in the northern wing of the castle. It was on the main level of the castle. Warmed by the volcano's heat well beneath the building’s structure, but as it was built on the main floor, the water’s temperature remained more of a Lukewarm temperature than a true quality Targaryen heated spring bath. 

Which, Rhaena supposed, made perfect sense. 

For that bathhouse was not meant for the royal family…it wasn’t meant to appease true dragons. 

No, there was another bathhouse. On the main floor, down in the southern wing of the castle, one corridor led to the securely blocked off and guarded Dragon's Nest. Passing through that corridor, which led to several rooms, chambers and solars that were reserved for the royal family alone. There, there was a hidden door at the end of the corridor, smoothed in with the slick granite walls, missed by all who did not already know of its existence...for behind that door there were special specific steps. Steps that led down a level to the private Targaryen bathhouse, known as The Springs Of Caraxes . A true hot spring, one that allowed the heat of the volcanic magma from the Dragon Mount, deep below the castle, used directly to warm the waters of the bathhouse. 

It was a far lovelier room as far as Rhaena was concerned. 

It was a bit of a walk, through a hidden corridor or two, but once inside it was the brightest, most beautiful of places. The size of a large grand hall, the halls were once again made of smooth white marble. With pillars and archways that held smoothly carved statues of the Fourteen Flames in their most grand humanoid forms. The ceiling arched and curved with a cascaded glass ceiling that allowed in glowing sweet daylight. This ceiling did not face the grounds' of Dragonstone though, it seemed to be crafted upon the cliff's edge. 

For it only ever faced the sky.

Along the edges of the crisp blue bath water, along the borders, were small steaming water fountains that helped to steam the air. Rhaena had also, of course, decorated the borders with more potted plants. Pale blue Hydrangeas and pale violet Wisterias mixed in with pink Roses and Dragon Spittles, a thorny green plant Rhaena found, looked quite eye-catching in floral arrangements. 

Yes, this bathhouse was where she felt the most at peace. 

Eventually her Ladies would be given passage to her chambers, and once they had, with Rhaena's two remaining guards in tow. She guided her Ladies to the hidden bathhouse. 

It was a bright sunny day, so the bathhouse was illuminated beautifully. The afternoon sun reflected so brightly against the water and the white marbled room. 

The guards would remain outside the doors of the bathhouse, while Rhaena and her Ladies would unsheathe themselves from their robes and enter the steaming water of the bath bare. 

Of course, Rhaena's own tolerance for the water's temperature was higher than the others. Lady Kyra couldn't take the heat in particular, so she usually sat in one of the cushioned chairs along the side with a book in hand. 

Lady Ellyn's tolerance was much better; she'd always stay in the water the longest alongside Rhaena, while Lady Lelia and Lady Victaria would periodically remove themselves from the steaming hot water. 

Rhaena had taken to floating on her back, looking up and out at the sunny blue sky. Bright and exfoliating. Lady Ellyn stayed seated on the steps that entered the water, letting her legs soak while she laid back. As Lady Lelia had chosen to lay out on a pale pink chaise lounge, opting to let her skin take in some sun, as she claimed she felt 'too pale'.  

A sentiment Rhaena and the rest of the girls found to be a bit comical, as women from her region were meant to be celebrated for having pale skin. 

"Princess, I've been meaning to ask. But how have you been, pregnancy wise…each passing day is a day closer to your due date," Lelia Lannister asked, her voice floated in, echoing in slightly with the crisp acoustics of the room, "I know I was quite frightened when my late husband had placed a child within me. Though I suppose I never did get this far along, to know any true symptoms beyond nausea." 

It was true, Lady Lelia had lost her child early on…early enough that she'd never been too distraught over the loss. Not as distraught as her late husband had been. 

"I'm fine, I suppose," Rhaena sighed, her discomforts with her pregnancy came and went like the wind sometimes…and sometimes they stuck to her like glue and bogged her down for hours if not days. But that wasn't a feeling she felt she could convey all too easily with just words. 

"Truthfully you're handling it quite gracefully," Victaria smiled, slipping back into the water as she'd been sitting on the edge, "I've seen some of my brother's salt wives, and I recall some of them being incredibly irritable." 

"Oh I've been irritable," Rhaena laughed, "you've only missed the worst of it. I broke down crying to Aemond over salt just yesterday. Apparently the babe only craves the oddest of flavours." 

"Really!" Kyra giggled, "what is it with babes in the womb always making their mother's consume the oddest of foods. My cousin, who lives in the North, she once wrote to me upset that her babe only craved sweet cream and mint leaves. She'd lamented having eaten a whole tin of only mint leaves!" 

At that, all of the girls giggled.

And Rhaena's chest felt lighter…warmer.

"I suppose I can relate, this morn, I'm sure I poured a bowl's worth of salt into my porridge and then drizzled it all with honey," Rhaena sighed with a smile, "I have no idea what sort of creature I'm feeding, but surely this is no regular babe." 

Lelia turned herself over so she could look at Rhaena when she spoke, "Princess, if anything is certain, you shall give birth to a most beautiful child." 

"Such flattery shall get you nowhere," Rhaena grinned, but her cheeks had warmed at the compliment nonetheless. 

Lelie was unfazed, only shrugging, "come now, everyone knows house Targaryen only births beauties. You're already one of the most beautiful women of all the realm, and you've gone and married quite possibly the most handsome member of your family. There is no doubt you shall birth a lovely babe." 

"Absolutely, a babe that only loves for salty foods!" Victaria giggled, and Rhaena joined her, splashing a wave of water over her. It was so close to Kyra that she shrieked.

In the aftermath, Rhaena only sighed a soft smile, relishing in the comfort of having such kind ladies in her company. 

"But Princess, you shall tell us if things become too much, yes," Lady Ellyn who'd remained quiet thus far had spoken so elegantly, stoically nearly, "the pressure of pregnancy is not one any woman should be bogged down with. Especially not as you enter your later moons. And I could understand the fear a Targaryen woman may feel as she enters motherhood…" 

At a glance, Rhaena caught her smokey grey eyes, and nodded softly, "I'm not sure anyone but another Targaryen woman may truly understand this fear…but nonetheless, I thank you. All of you. You four are my trusted confidants." 

She didn't wait for their responses, instead Rhaena dipped herself below the water's surface and swam to the further edge of the pool. 

In the silence of the water, one thing was certain…soon enough she'd have to face the things that frightened her. 

For one could only run so long. 

☾

It was getting worse, at night Rhaena would only dream of Silverwing. As if she could see her great-grandmother in her youth, gloriously riding atop the beautiful glistening dragon. A true Targaryen Queen of old riding a mount that was most fitting for a Queen. 

Surely, Rhaena thought, she herself was no such Queen . 

Formidable and ethereal. 

Did Silverwing truly wish to be claimed once again? 

By Rhaena Targaryen no less? 

It was a thought that plagued her, rounding its way through her mind, her body, her soul. 

If it was to be…it'd be all she ever wanted. She'd finally feel right…true…worthy of her name. Worthy to be the namesake she was, to be named after the great Queen Rhaena …rather than to live her life of eighteen years with no dragon. 

Surely her ancestors must have been disappointed…even if her parents and family claimed not to be. 

Even if her husband claimed not to be. 

Aemond would always say it didn't matter to him, that he was happy to be her dragon, that she'd claimed rightfully so. 

A sweet sentiment she'd believed in most days…but ever since this burning feeling from Silverwing…Rhaena was beginning to doubt things. 

He'd chosen her above all others, and of course, deep within herself she knew that he'd chosen her because he found something kindred within her. Because they could relate to another, had things in common with one another…found one another deeply attractive, like a magnetic pull that neither could deny.  

All that she knew.

But she also supposed that her pure Valyrian blood held more weight than whether she claimed a dragon or not. Either way, the fact remained that whatever hole existed within her…however the realm would view a Targaryen Princess…things would be exponentially different if she were to claim Silverwing. 

"Skoriot emagon ao geptot naejot," where have you left to , Aemond's low voice pulled her from her winding thoughts about Silverwing. Bringing her back to the clear present, where she stood behind her seated husband in their chambers. 

That morning had been a rather average one, Rhaena had awoken alone as Aemond had woken himself earlier to train. Upon his return they'd bathed cozily together, in the heated water Rhaena had allowed herself to melt against her dragon . She'd let his strong arms secure her fears and wandering insecurities. 

But even still…she hadn't been able to broach the topic of dragon claiming . 

Afterwards, they'd helped to dress one another, an activity she'd missed from their earlier days of wedding to one another. It always made their mornings feel more comfortable, when they could spend their time together before they had to step away from one another to take care of their duties. 

It also gave Rhaena the time to braid her husband's hair, something she really loved doing. 

She had him seated at her vanity table now, as she brushed his still slightly damp pale hair. Combing her fingers through the silky feel of his hair, scratching his scalp lightly with her nails the way she knew he liked it. She then messaged in small amounts of her own hair milk and oils. He never did oppose to her using her own products on him, creams and oils or otherwise, even when they were sweetly or floraly scented. 

It was both heartwarming and slightly amusing to think of her husband storming around the castle, intimidating nobles, servants and subjects alike…all while partially carrying her scents around with him. 

"Iksan vaoreznuni, ñuha jorrāelagon. Ñuha bartos…nyke've sepār issare tubis ēdrurys," I'm sorry, my love. My mind...I've just been day dreaming, Rhaena hummed softly, it wasn't a complete lie…as far she was concerned at least. She had been lost in thought…thinking of her odd dreams and the weird feelings her body had been giving her. 

Aemond only hummed as a response, leaning his head back just a bit so she could begin braiding, "hmm, ēdrurys hen skoros, ñuha gevie dārilaros," hmm, dreaming of what, my beautiful Princess.

Rhaena couldn't help the bright smile that formed on her lips as his voice rasped handsomely at the word beautiful . 

She wondered if she should have been used to his casual compliments by now…they'd been together for several moons now. Surely the honeymoon phase had come and gone by now…although Rhaena could concede to herself that no amount of time could pass where she wouldn't feel so affected by him.  

So she sighed, a peaceful dreamy sound, soft and demure, "the usual by now, I suppose. Of dragons and babes. The Harvest Festival too, preparations may be all but complete for the feast itself, but then there is the ceremony and the sacrifices…" 

Rhaena had nimbly and neatly braided his hair down in one single plait, tying off the end with one of her thinner black hair ribbons. 

Once he felt she was finished, Aemond leaned himself back so he could look up at her truly, "you're thinking the sacrifices will be a problem," 

It was a loaded question. 

His voice had simmered into a most sympathetic tone for it just as well, because he wasn't really asking her about the sacrifices themselves. He was hinting at the true center of the issue…her aversion to situations that dealt with large quantities of blood. 

During their time here, he'd been most considerate if not entirely conscious of his decision to perform any and all approved executions without her present. It'd been a decision they'd never had ever really discussed or cemented as an agreed upon move to go forward with. But either way, Rhaena was most thankful for it. Ever since Criston Cole and his plot to steal away Aemond and possibly even slay her in the process…she'd never really been able to put that night behind her. 

Maybe the aftermath and consequences of it all…but the actual events that occurred that night. They still haunted her at times…some nights still. 

And now, as they approached their first celebration here that would require a blood sacrifice for the Gods…it would seem Rhaena would be forced to face her fear once again. 

"Only slightly," she leaned herself over him, pressing a warm kiss to the crown of his head, draping her arms over and around his shoulders as she nuzzled her chin atop his head, "but I shall overcome it. Even though, for the ten years that I lived here exclusively with my family. Every year, every solstice, there were four festivals that required blood sacrifices to the Gods. And a handful of others that encouraged them. It's never stopped me from liking the ceremonies, I always have, I'd just turn my head away or close my eyes for the sacrifices. If I should feel uncomfortable tonight during that portion, I'll…simply do the same." 

Aemond's hands held hers, his thumbs caressing the palms of her hands. He wouldn't ask her, he'd simply guided her arm, and her body to step around from behind him. Allowing him to smoothly swoop her up onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her waist as he pressed slow heated kisses along her jaw and throat. Rhaena found herself sighing contentedly, relishing the feel of him, his body burned hot and hard against her but he felt so soothing nonetheless. With his chin nuzzling along her neck and against her shoulder as he breathed deeply, seemingly settling himself. Tempering whatever wishes or thoughts he might have had in the moment. 

In the reflection of the mirror on Rhaena’s vanity, she met Aemond's eye, watching as his jaw rolled while his lips twisted. He was mulling over the various things he wanted to say to her, figuring out how to word his thoughts, as if he was sifting through a million emotions he'd never be able to verbalize to her. 

Not that she ever needed him to. 

"Ñuha dārilaros…ñuha vok byka ābrazȳrys," my Princess...my perfect little wife , his voice was all low and somewhat husky, like a near sultry growl that worked its way from the back of his throat, "I don't want you to feel any discomfort, not if I can do something to help it. I can have the High Priestess perform the ceremony another way…" 

"I love you, so much, oh, how you know I do," Rhaena wasted no time attempting to turn herself just enough to grasp his chin and kiss him sweetly, smiling against his lips as she did, "but…there is no need to ask the temple for such a thing. The Gods only respond to blood anyhow, and by rights of our ways, I must be present for it. Whether I gaze upon the slaying exactly or not has never been specified in any text, but physically I must bear witness with my presence. It is the way of things." 

He loosed a far more weighted hum accompanied with a heavy sigh as his arms tightened their hold around her. 

She could tell that wouldn't be enough for him, he'd want to offer her something…anything. 

So, Rhaena did her best to think of something, thinking back to the many ceremonies she'd attended as well as the many texts she'd read on the topic. She couldn't see a clear way to avoid anything.

"The other day…" Aemond had started, the way his breath warmed the exposed skin on her shoulder made her shiver just slightly, "I found in most texts, the ruling sovereign may perform the sacrificial act instead of the High Priestess. I carry Blood Moon now, either or, it would be most fitting if I do carry out the deed by my hand, my blade. Besides, I'll be quicker than the High Priestess. I'll be fast, it'll be painless for them, and that way you won't have to witness it for long."

It was true, Rhaena's own father had always taken the task honorably during most ceremonies that required such large sacrifices. 

So, she supposed the fact that her husband may want to handle this task himself as well…it made sense to her. 

And in this case he intended on doing the duty quickly…for her sake. 

For a moment, Rhaena gazed out the window beside the vanity, her eyes trailing along the lovely cliff side view, the crashing deep blue sea several leagues down below them. The sky was clear this morning, with only a few scattering clouds floating across the pale blue sky as the sun beamed down bright rays through the open windows of their chambers. 

And there flying off in the sky…off in the distance…there she was. 

Silverwing.

Flying, circling loops around her mate Vermithor. 

Picturesque as always. 

The might of house Targaryen. 

So many things…so much clouded around her mind. Here she was in her husband's embrace, as he worked to please her as much as possible by making her life easier. And even now…she couldn't even imagine bringing up the one true thought that plagued her. 

This might be her chance, her only chance, and here she was letting it pass her by. There was no telling what happened to one's body if they ignored the calling of a dragon. This flame that coursed its way through her, all fury and wanting, if she left it unquenched…would it engulf anyway?

Would it kill her if she didn't act on it?

Would it kill her to share these thoughts with her own bonded mate, the man she'd grown to trust with every part of herself. She'd given him access to every inch of her body, her heart and her soul. Her mind was usually so open to him, her thoughts and emotions on clear display for him and only him. 

And yet…with this one thing…she still felt the need to keep this hidden. 

At least for a little while longer. 

"It's true, my father used to be the one who'd make the sacrifices. I trust you'd do them quickly, swiftly," her voice was so close to straining, such a lump had formed in her throat but she managed to fight past it, leveling her sound out as she pulled her lips into a soft smile. She hoped desperately that Aemond wouldn't see through her now, she wouldn't be able to cope if he did. Rhaena was in no mood to shed tears now, so early in the morning over a matter that seemed to overwhelm her entire being. 

So instead she quickly aimed to shake off the discomfort, feeling his hands caress her belly, she placed her own warmly over his. Nuzzling her cheek against his, "after the feast and ceremony are done with. Next we shall have to redecorate the nursery, we only have a few more moons before our little gremlin arrives," 

Rhaena could feel his smile, his warm chuckle reverberating against her back, "sepār hāre tolī hūrus, byka mēre," just three more moons, little one.  

There, Rhaena felt her heart burn sweetly, a truly happy smile graced her lips, especially as she knew that sentence wasn't for her. 

It was for their babe. 

Bit by bit…she'd have to remember to think of her babe when things felt too overwhelming.  

She’d have to learn to embody what it meant to be a mother.

☾

-

P.S: So overall, I think what was really obstructing me with this fic was the arbitrary "40 chapters" total I gave this fic, so if you've noticed, I've taken that off and I'm just going to let this fic go on for as long as it needs to. That way I won't feel too bad if I split things up or meld things together, and I won't be fighting myself to stay on target with the number of chapters I'm writing/creating.

Anyways, this just means the initial plan I had for when baby Vaella will arrive has been pushed back one chapter so far, so instead of her arriving around ch.10 it'll probably now be ch.11. Nothing too major. (This effects Ao3 only really...)

And now I've just got to go through/edit the 2nd half of this chapter! Honestly, I like what I've written, and the plot and everything is fine. It's just the sex scene that's bothering me!! Like I don't know what it is about it, but I hate something about it…the things they do is all fine, like the sex itself is what I wanted to happen…it's just the way I've described it or something…I can't really explain it. But something about it just lacks feeling or true eroticism…it just reads like I'm describing things that are happening…but I don't think it sounds genuine…if any of that makes sense.

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More Rhaemond babies!!

Baby #4

The Many Faces Of:

Valaena Targaryen

Valaena is the fourth born child of Rhaena and Aemond (I'm actually not sure what chapter she'll be joining us, I'm thinking this fic might get bumped up from 20 chapters to like 30 or 40? We'll see!) She was born a little over a year after the twins (Aemond's breeding kink has been unlocked by this point) she was happily welcomed to the world late in the night/early morning. She was born with vibrant violet eyes, pale golden/classic Targ platinum blonde hair, and slightly paler skin than her elder brothers. (I think facially, she actually takes after her late grandmama Laena mixed in with elements from both of her parents!)

Valaena (was named after her grandmama, Laena, as well as the name Valaena already holding deep significance in Velaryon culture. Rhaena wished to name at least one of their kids with a Velaryon name...she also had always thought the name was a beautiful one nonetheless). Valaena was a super sweet but clingy baby. I think she might've been even clingier than Aelyx was with mama Rhaena. In Valaena's case, she didn't care which parent was holding her, she just liked being carried everywhere. She loved warm cuddles, and she liked hearing her parents talk to her in Valyrian.

Valaena and (the next baby to come after her) were naturally very Valyrian coded, in that especially when they were babies/toddlers, they didn't like being around anyone who didn't at least look Valyrian. They'd always cry and throw tantrums if they woke up from their nap and their parents weren't around, or the nursemaids looked Andal or common. If Valaena and her younger sibling were causing too much of a fuss, Vaella would bring them to Aemond, she did it quite a lot, since he didn't mind having the babes sit on his lap during his petition hearings and whatnot.

Now ever since Valaena was born, Vaella was SUPER HAPPY about it, because she finally had a sister!! And it was mutual feeling, because as Valaena grew, she could be seen following her big sister Vaella around Dragonstone and the island towns almost always. Valaena just thought her sister was the most interesting person ever.

Nicknamed Val or little Laena (when Vaella wanted to push her buttons) (also Rhaena gets emotional every time she hears that nickname), her egg hatched in her crib, a hatchling from a clutch from Vermithor and Silverwing. A shimmering aquamarine/pale blue she-dragon with black tipped horns and sharp edged wings. Valaena would name her Qeldlie Kasta (Golden Blue in Valyrian) or simply Kasta for short.

Valaena was a good little girl, she didn't partake in the pranks Vaella and Daemion often planned. Instead she and Aelyx would happily sneak to library to read, or the gardens to play, and eventually Vaella and Daemion would join them there too.

Now unlike her hero big sis, Valaena never felt she had the coordination for training with a sword. Not for lack of trying, Aemond was very patient with his young daughter. But the day he found her in the training-courtyard one morning, sniffling and crying that "she'd never be as good as everyone else, as her other siblings," and that her kepa should just give up on trying to train her. Aemond had fought the urge to laugh at how dramatic his little girl was being, as he sat down beside her and folded her into a warm hug. He told her that he only wished to make sure that she was able to defend herself in the future, and besides that, swords weren't the only weapon she could choose from. In that moment, she was able to dry her eyes with her father's encouragement. And eventually she would discover she was quite skilled at aiming with a bow and arrow instead.

As Valaena grew into an adult, she grew to become a true Valyrian beauty. But unlike Vaella, she became very court focused. Where Vaella cared more about becoming a dangerous fearsome warrior like her papa, I think Valaena really falls in love with court life and really starts to take after Rhaena once puberty hits.

She loves dancing, she loves balls and feasts, she's very sweet and dainty actually! I think the majority of her personality as she grows older is far more like Rhaena than Aemond's or Vaella's. I think she wants to be just like her mama, and I think that realization dawns on her around age 12 or 13. She's hands down the sweetest of all the kids and the towns people of Dragonstone and King's Landing really love her!

Valaena would go on to become an excellent dragon rider of course, seen flying magnificently on the back of her beautiful pale blue dragon. She'd also become very proficient with her archery skills, but she wasn't fond of hunting, so she just liked aiming at targets for fun.

Once she came of age, she was HIGHLY sought after by many Lords! And unlike her elder siblings, she was happy enough to entertain her suitors. When her season starts, she returns to King's Landing to visit her grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. She enjoys all of the spring/summer fetes and parties that take place during that time.

But while she's there, she catches the eye of a certain uncle, in true Targaryen fashion. Aegon The Younger, Rhaenyra and Daemon's second youngest son, who was once known as little Aeggie, has grown into a very handsome young man. And like his father before him, he's also become a rather chaotic ladies-man. He's reached the age of marriage, and while his parents may not have forced him into a political match...they have implied that it's time he settle down.

He's reluctant to agree, as once again, like his father before him, he'd only really want a Valyrian woman anyhow. He couldn't consider his nieces born from Baela and Jace, as he'd practically been raised with them and they felt far too much like siblings of his. And with Luke and Daenaera, of their three kids, they only had one daughter, and while she was only 13 years his junior...well...13 years felt like far too large a gap for him.

No, his options lied elsewhere.

It was a joke at first, he thought he'd court Valaena as she was the sweet courtly one that everyone wanted. She was innocent and docile, and originally he thought he'd have some fun corrupting her along the way...only of course that plan didn't exactly play out that way. He'd been away travelling for nearly 5years, he hadn't seen what puberty had done to her. From the moment he laid eyes on her as a grown woman, his entire plan was now skewed with the fact that he truly wanted her ALL to himself.

Queue MAJOR drama between him and Aemond, because daddy Aemond was not fond of watching the cosmic karma of his relationship with his own wife repeat itself now with his sweet daughter and his menace of a nephew! But that story will be told in full in the sequel fic!

❃ ❃ ❃

Hope this was a fun one!! I'm so serious about this sequel fic too!! I've actually planned out all of the ships for each of Rhaemond's kids!! I think I might make some relationship specific posts after I'm done posting all of the kids! Just so you all can see the art I've done for everyone! That way I won't have to go back and edit them into these. But I've also already made Baela & Jace's kids and Luke & Daenaera's kids as well! Characters that will be featured in the sequel fic!

But Valaena and Aegon III are 100% happening! I love the cosmic karma of it all! Daemon started by falling for Rhaenyra LOOOL! And then Aemond did it to Daemon by marrying Rhaena, and now Aegon's gonna do it to Aemond. Father of the bride is never happy in this family LMAOO

And I'll leave this here once again just in case!

Sidenote: when I do make Part 3 of this series, don't mind me if some of these details change when I do get to writing it. These are just my main initial thoughts for these characters now. But once I go into more depth with them, things might alter just a tad!

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Rhaemond kids in order:

Vaella Targaryen (135 AC), Daemion Targaryen & Aelyx Targaryen (137 AC), Valaena Targaryen (138 AC), Naerys Targaryen (139 AC), baby #6 & #7 (142 AC), baby #8 & #9 (153 AC)

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More Rhaemond babies content!!

The Many Faces Of:

Daemion Targaryen & Aelyx Targaryen

Daemion and Aelyx are the second and third born children of Rhaena and Aemond (these babies will probably join us around chapters 12 or 13, maybe sooner or later). Twin boys who were born 4 minutes apart from one another...Aelyx was a tad bit unexpected. Daemion's eyes are a bit more of a "classic Targaryen" violet, in my canon he literally inherited his namesake, grandpappy Daemon's violet eyes. While Aelyx inherited his mama's pale violet eyes. They were both born with golden blonde hair that would pale over time, but would still remain golden. Facially they are very identical, but they do have their slight differences (I'm thinking they both look more like a perfect mix of both Rhaena and Aemond, like neither favour either parent more or less than the other.)

Daemion (named after his grandpa Daemon, how Rhaena convinced Aemond to let her name one of their kids after her father is a plot line that WILL be shown 😂) was always the more chaotic of the two. He was louder, bolder and far more sociable (slight parallel to how Baela is compared to Rhaena!). As much as he loved pulling pranks on the staff at Dragonstone he also liked befriending the staff as well. He was a little charmer, and unlike Vaella he knew how to genuinely charm people to get what he wanted.

He had a very active imagination and always had energy to burn, though unlike his father or his elder sister, he didn't have the patience to sit and focus on things. He loved hearing about his family's history, he just couldn't be asked to sit and study it. He liked fooling around with swords and weapons, but he couldn't be asked to truly pay attention and train properly (I imagine he's got medieval ADHD to a certain degree)

Daemion loves his twin brother a lot and he's always done his best to make sure Aelyx felt included in his adventures. But Daemion also really loves and looks up to his older sister, she seemed invincible to him and he wanted to be just like her. Whether she was pulling off an incredible prank, flying his dragon for the first time, learning something he wasn't supposed to be taught just yet...he always wanted to do what she was doing.

Aelyx on the other hand was the complete opposite. He was a lot quieter, a bit more awkward and soft spoken, and was not really fond of social situations. When he was a toddler, he would run crying to his mama for every little thing, she was his favourite person and she always made him feel safe. During a time when she wasn't available (NOT SPOILING THIS PLOTLINE), Aelyx had found himself needing his papa instead, and Aemond easily decided to clear his day to bond with his quiet son.

Aelyx liked reading on his own or being read to by his parents, he could often be found in the library with his nose tucked in a book. He liked snuggling with his mama, and he liked listening to Vaella's dramatic tales and storytelling. He liked conversing with his papa in Valyrian and properly training with him in the mornings with Vaella, he especially liked sitting on his grandpappy's lap and listening to his old battle stories (he and Daemion usually did that together!).

But he also loved his twin brother Daemion over all else, he wasn't the biggest fan of pranks or shenanigans, but he enjoyed tagging along with his two older siblings. Whether they were pranking the maids or servants, sneaking around cooks to steal sweets, or attempting to sneak past the dragon-keepers or trying to get closer to the dragon mount. Aelyx may never have initiated any these endeavours but he'd happily let Daemion drag him along for them.

Daemion's dragon egg would hatch in his crib, the egg itself had been from a clutch of Syrax and Caraxes (his favourite dragon was his grandpappy's Caraxes). He'd name his dragon Meraxes both after the Goddess of the sky, but also because in their culture she'd been Caraxes' twin and he was very fond of that. Aemond would later jest and try to sway his son to maybe appreciate the history of how Meraxes was also the great Queen Rhaenys' former mount, and while Daemion did like that, he was very fond of Rhaenys from the histories, Rhaena knew having a dragon who was the hatchling of his grandfather's is what meant the most to their son.

Meraxes takes after her mother, in that she's a glorious horned dragoness, a deep burgundy toned red that shimmers iridescent in the sunlight and moonlight. with golden horns.

When Daemion is 8yrs of age and Meraxes had grown to a ride-able size he sneaked off with Vaella to ride their respective dragons (I think Vaella will claim Grey Ghost, I think I've decided! Let's say she claimed him when she was around 7 or 8 herself.) Rhaena was more worried than upset, but she's reminded by Aemond how Vaella had done the same just a few years ago. But seeing how he can't simply let the kids off completely, they both earn two sessions of early morning training as their punishment (a punishment that's really only upsetting to Daemion because Vaella loves training...she doesn't like waking up early though, so maybe that's the punishment part.)

Aelyx's dragon egg on the other hand, while it had hatched in his crib like his brother's...the poor hatchling had not lived long enough to bond with baby Aelyx. He'd receive another egg when he's 2 or 3, from a clutch from Silverwing and Vermithor, but the egg would never hatch. Even though he'd be assured by his ENTIRE family, his parents, his grandparents, uncles and aunts, cousins, and even his old sister, that he'd be able to claim a dragon when the time was right...he still felt excluded and upset about it.

In all his years he'd go on countless rides with his father and siblings (and others family members!), but finally at the age of 16, he'd sneak out alone. He felt a call to him, deep in the volcanic mounts of Dragonstone, and there he found Sheepstealer, and a bond would be made.

The moment he claimed his dragon, he flew to King's Landing first, beaming with excitement he wanted his grandfather to be the first to know. And of course, Daemon was very proud. (He also figured he'd earn a lecture and a punishment from his parents for sneaking into the very dangerous volcanic mounts of Dragonstone by himself at night...so grandpa Daemon seemed the best bet at the time!)

Daemion would grow to be a very blatant charming flirt. Vaella, Aelyx, and their three younger siblings would always make fun of him for it. Because he was truly a charmer, he'd never force any girl, he had impeccable manners, but he'd end up with loads of young maids hoping and thinking that he felt more them, than he actually did. It only got worse when courting seasons began, and young women began falling for him left and right! Between the ages of 17 - 22, Daemion was a menace leaving a trail of broken hearts behind him in his wake.

That is until a certain cousin/fellow Targaryen caught his eye (I'm thinking possibly one of Baela's and Jace's daughters, OR Luke and Daenaera's OR maybe even Jaehaera...ouuu older woman kink. Either way, Daemion seems VERY Targ cultured to me, like accidentally so very. He's his father's son, in that he's going for a Valyrian bride at the end of the day! 😂)

By the time he's grown into a young man, he is a relatively skilled sword fighter, though he's far better with a morningstar or an axe than a sword. He and Meraxes are an inseparable bond and he's a great dragon rider. Daemon loves annoying Aemond by that praising his namesake grandson only grew up so well because of his name (grown men Aemond and Daemon still 100% act like children with eachother and I think that's part of their father-in-law/son-in-law charm!)

Aelyx had also grown to become a handsome young man (he doesn't know it or get it, but the noble girls of the Kingdom are very attracted to him...even some of the noblemen, the sexually fluid noblemen of Westeros are very attracted to both twins honestly), but he'd always remain a far more silent brooding type (much like his father). As he'd gotten older, he'd actually gravitate towards his father a lot, spending countless hours flying and training with him, as well speaking of histories and conversing in Valyrian. As he got older he'd spar with Vaella (and another sibling!) a lot, the two being the best sword fighters of all the children (debatable as there are some other kids coming who are quite good too! But I still think Vaella and Aelyx are the technical best).

Aelyx would also grow to be his younger siblings favourite tutor, when they weren't taking lessons with their maesters, they always wanted Aelyx to read to them because he always had the most patience compared to Vaella or Daemion.

When courting seasons begin, he's not as fond of it as Daemion (and another sibling!) is. He keeps to the edge of the dance floor with Vaella (he hates the social outings themselves, while Vaella could just care less for dances or court etiquette, she's well versed in both...she just doesn't care for them. He's also well versed in both, he just has anxiety and hates the attention/feeling crowded) but they're both always constantly asked to dance by noblemen and noblewomen.

I think Aelyx marries a tad bit outside the family, maybe still Valyrian -esque features wise but maybe like a Celtigar girl or someone from Lys or Volantis. Maybe a Velaryon cousin! Or maybe truly outside the family, like a Stark or Lannister, Tully or Grejoy, Baratheon...who knows! Aelyx is a bit of a wild card to me ✨

❃ ❃ ❃

Just like with Vaella's, this was just a fun little addition I wanted to share! I have created the art for ALL 6 children, every once in awhile I'll drop their little life bios as fun little bonus content! I'm also going to start linking them together at the bottom of these posts for convenience and or anyone who later on wants to check the full set!

Sidenote: if I ever do make that Part 3 to this series, then don't mind me if some of these details change when I do get to writing it. These are just my main initial thoughts for these characters now. But if I ever go into more depth with them, things might alter just a tad!

-

Rhaemond kids in order:

Vaella Targaryen (135 AC), Daemion Targaryen & Aelyx Targaryen (137 AC), Valaena Targaryen (138 AC), Naerys Targaryen (139 AC), baby #6 & #7 (142 AC), baby #8 & #9 (153 AC)

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✨He Saw Her At Daybreak✨ EXTRAS:

Supplementary content!!! (More shit absolutely no one asked for!) Since my most recent chapter, ch.6, had a lot of world building, new characters being introduced...etc!

I thought I'd share the character art/inspo I used for my descriptions!! Me and my obsession with using this AI app to make character model art for my fics 🤣🤣 I actually made the art first, before I described them for their scenes! I feel like my descriptions were pretty vague though, so enjoy this random pic dump, you can see what some of the new staff, guards and the Ladies-in-waiting look like!

Rhaena's new Chambermaids and Ladiesmaids!

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The personal Prince/Princess' Guards/Knights of Dragonstone!

Technically there are two more guys (because I did say there were 6 personal guards!) but I haven't actually introduced them in the story yet, so I figured I'd just leave them out of this post for now 😂😂 these 4, however, have been mentioned, and will probably be mentioned the most, at least while we're in Rhaena's POV as they're the guards that hang around her the most! The other two stick with Aemond more!

✨✨

Rhaena's Ladies-in-waiting!!

Funnily enough, it only dawned on me TODAY that maybe I should have these girls find matches and whatnot during the course of this story! I mean that's technically their purpose for being here is, other than just being noblewomen that Rhaena can confide in and have as companions/friends. So I've started thinking of who they could marry, who's available, what new male characters I may have to make (who might be secretly queer 😌)

For the moment, I'm thinking Ellyn might actually hook up/end up with Daeron! Idk, I just think it'd be funny. I imagine Daeron as a super charming flirty guy, and Ellyn's going to be more of a dry wit, sarcastic kinda girl going forward. So Daeron trying and failing to get her attention seems pretty fun for a little background plot 😂😂 the other three girls are completely up for discussion though! 😂😂

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Fic Updates!!

(Yes, I'm back with these 😂)

Update notes for:

It's Visceral And It's Cruel

Burnt Over And Over Again

He Saw Her At Daybreak

Struck By Fire Drowned By The Sea

*Burnt Over And Over Again* (Modern Au)

So I am currently working on this MAJOR sex scene for the upcoming chapter (chapter 5). BUT I'm actually in the process of reworking it. The initial draft was like 80% finished 🤣💀

I'M SORRY, I was actually so close to being ready to edit and then post. But the further I went with that version, it just wasn't giving what it was meant to give. And to share my thoughts/struggles with this plot point/scene without spoiling the entire scene. If y'all remember, chapter 4 has Rhaena and Aemond bickering like an old married couple in a nightclub in Prague. And as their drama progresses, Aemond finds a way to get Rhaena alone so they can have a private tense conversation. Their sexual tension builds up to a point where they HAVE to do something about it.

Semantics I guess, but there's a ✨mood✨ I'm trying to convey and it's SOO hard to convey it genuinely, idk why 🤣 Like Rhaena is in denial, but she's CLEARLY still very attracted to him. And he's down so BADDD for her, but he's also really frustrated and annoyed with the current state of their relationship. Like the sex isn't going to be all that frantic, because of the way I've slowly built the tension. But at the same time, Aemond's frustration still needs to be present? At least I want it to be? Like I want him to coax her into this, because deep down she definitely wants it, she's just in denial.

Am I making any sense? I don't really know 🤣 I just don't want it to sound like coercion, and that feels like such a fine line with this scene for some reason 😩 like he's definitely not forcing her to do anything, but he is leading this whole thing. The key for me, is making it really feel like she's down for this and welcoming it all physically even if she's still trying to keep him at arm's length emotionally... UGHH it's a fine line fr.

My goal is to update this fic before I move onto any others. So fingers crossed for meeee 😭

(I'm also working out some more background lore for this modern au universe, like what everyone in the family does career wise, I'm working out who has pets and whatnot, expanding the lore of Rhaena's former relationship with Dalton since I initially made it rather vague...SOOOO get ready for this whole story to expand as it goes. Because I kinda want this story to be a bit more than short fic now 😂)

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*It's Visceral And It's Cruel* (reg medieval time period)

Nowww this is my bread and butterrrr 🤣 I have about 13k of next chapter (chapter 9) written and ready for editing. BUT I still have about 5 scenes to go, or at least those were scenes I originally planned to include in this chapter.

I'm starting to think adding in all of those scenes will make this chapter TOO long if I include them all here 💀 like I added in two extra scenes to make the narrative flow in a more interconnected manner. But in doing that, it's definitely going to make this chapter too long. And the final scene I initially had for this chapter was going to be the Royal Hunt shenanigans. And THAT is a scene/plot point that needs a lot of time/words dedicated to it. Especially since it's going to be written from Aemond's POV, and that boy is going to be going THROUGH it watching Rhaena purposely flirt with literally every other man there EXCEPT for him 🤣🤣

So I think I'm going to move the hunt over to chapter 10 (even though I promised it would be here 😭😭). Because logically...like I must 😂 I can't let this chapter be 40k in length, I'd take DAYSSS to edit it if I did🤣💀

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*He Saw Her At Daybreak* (horny married Rhaemond Fic)

UMMMM I actually have no clue when I plan to work on the next chapter LMAO 😂 There are a few things I need to map out plot wise. Like slight spoilers:

But here are the scenes I'm planning on including in chapter 10:

• Actually showing Aemond flying over to Driftmark and interacting with Grandma Rhaenys (for the Spice Towk salt that Rhaena craves).

•Aemond and Aegon actually discussing their mother returning to court for the birth of the baby.

•I want to slip in a sex for Rhaemond, since ya know, this IS the horny fic 🤣and this is my last chance to include the lactation kink before the baby gets here, so I must do it 😂 I'm also thinking that scene could definitely start with pregnant Rhaena being a little self conscious about her body before a family event. Like I haven't had much of that insecurity mentioned for her.

•The family event being the Valyrian equivalent Yule/Christmas holiday event, that's going to be like a nice wholesome gift giving scene. Targ family shenanigans.

•ALL culminating with Rhaena's water breaking and the baby finally coming. Like this baby is COMING in this chapter, most definitely 😂😂 we are ending the chapter with Rhaemond happily holding their newborn baby.

So there's a lot to write, and I'm still only on the first scene 💀💀 but hey, now the 10 of you so still tune in, have an idea of what's to come! 😂😂

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*Struck by Fire, Drowned By The Sea* (Pirate Fic)

LORD, I PROMISE I HAVEN'T FORGOT ABOUT THIS ONEEEE. AGHHH oddly enough, like this writing process feels like the sex scene in BO&OA, I can't seem to land on the vibe™ for the next chapter (chapter 5). And it's not even a sex scene, so Idk why I'm overthinking it all 🤣🤣

It's weird, really. I usually have a really easy time writing from Aemond's POV for my other fics, but since Pirate Captain Aemond is more of a mystery to both Rhaena and the audience. It for some reason feels a lot harder 💀🤣 like it shouldn't be, but it is 🤣🤣 I've rewritten/restarted this chapter at least 6 times trying various ways to tell the same scene, seeing how much I should give away in his inner thoughts or not. And I just haven't landed on a good ratio for him, like we all know this IS Aemond. But there's still so much of his past that hasn't been revealed, and it's all still a mysterious element for captive Rhaena, she's still trying to figure him out... especially since they've never really met until now.

Their relationship is going to be SOMETHING wild, if I can get past this damn chapter 🤣🤣

—

This just feels like me explaining in depth, four various types of writer's block 🤣🤣

Anywaysss, if any of y'all have any suggestions or helpful ideas, for any of these fics, I'm very open to them 💖

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Fic Updates!

Update notes for:

It's Visceral And It's Cruel

He Saw Her At Daybreak

Burnt Over And Over Again

Struck By Fire Drowned By The Sea

Really just a major update/author's note for all of my Rhaemond fics 🤣🤣

BUT since S2 of HOTD is basically here. And active reactions to new episodes, theories, drabbles and the like will be the main thing in the tags while the season is airing. (At least I'd assume so.)

I'm thinking I'll use that time (S2 airing over the course of however many months) to try and build up a back log of chapters for ALL of my fics here! That way I can start dropping them again with some regularity after the season comes to end? Plus it'll be that down time drought in between seasons when I think people will be heading back to fics and whatnot to engage with afterwards anyway.

Does that make sense? I hope so 🤣🤣 writing horny Rhaemond fics while people are all about the the tragic bloody nonsensical season seems like a off mix of vibes to ME. So, yeah, if you don't see me posting updates during the season's airtime...that'll be why! I'll start posting chapters again after the season ends tho!

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Modern au one-shot with domestic married Rhaemond in their late twenties/early thirties, having a sleepy morning/afternoon with their twin toddlers. Just sweet wholesome cuteness.

Yes I am writing this one!

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Something I haven't done in AGESS, is give y'all some fic updates!!

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I'm going in order of what's being worked on the most at the moment!

✵It's Visceral And It's Cruel✵

So I've been working on chapter 5 for the past couple of weeks here and there, but I've really tried to buckle down this week and I'm actually about halfway through it! Since the next couple chapters are already pre-planned out, I've got my list of plot points/scenes that I know need to be included per chapter. This chapter has 6 plot points/scenes and I'm planning on finishing off the 2nd scene and moving on to the 3rd today! Fingers crossed honestly, but Y'ALL I'M SO EXCITED FOR THIS CHAPTER!! A lot is going to happen, and while it won't all be particularly Rhaemond based, I think it'll be super interesting! A lot of things will be set into motion and there's going to be some super tense and interactions between our big name characters!

Release date: TBD (I would LOVEEE to work all through my weekend to get this out by then, but we'll see, I won't promise that now tho)

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❤️‍🔥Burnt Over And Over Again❤️‍🔥

OOOOOooooo this fic has a chokehold over me right now!! Likeee, chapter 5 has ALOT planned for it. It's going to be a pretty long one in comparison to the other relatively short chapters! Last chapter had Aemond tracking Rhaena down in Venice and it was so tense and sexual, just imagine that energy multiplied for this next chapter!! The ✨DRAMAAAAA✨ I'd say I'm about a quarter of the way through, there's an argument/conversation they needed to have at the start of this chapter that was really giving me trouble, but once I worked through it, things were flowing a lot easier!

Release date: TBD (there's still a lot left to write, but who knows, maybe the inspiration will hit me this weekend)

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💝Coffee, Tea, Muffins and Nibbles 💝

I.e. Early One Morning Part 2

So technically this is a pretty direct sequel to Early One Morning, and if you've read that, then this literally takes place that very same morning 😂😂 except it's ✨ Breakfast Time✨ now. I've actually got this entire thing written out, back when Early One Morning was going to be one big one-shot, I'd already written this scene as the next scene after the kids joined Rhaena and Aemond in bed. So technically, all I need to do is spruce it up a little and then edit it and it's done! Thinking about it now, I think I might try and finish this one up as soon as possible so maybe it can go up by Thursday or Friday...maybe even tonight, but we'll see.

Release date: (Hopefully) Thursday OR Friday!

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☾ He Saw Her At Daybreak ☾

Oh fuck...here go 😭😭😭

Y'all... there's only so many times I can be sorry about the delay with this ONEEEE 😭😭😭😭😭😭 Remember the good ol' days when I used to just drop a chapter a week 🤣🤣🤣 like spontaneously it was all flowing! But not any more it seems. Again, honestly, I think you all know the issue by now. It's editing and reworking it 😂😂 which might have actually been done by now if I could find the will to return to that 30k doc 🤣😭 All things aside tho! Like don't worry, EVENTUALLY this will come out and hopefully my readers still care about it when I finally do😂😂 I'm not planning on discontinuing or abandoning it, I've got too much planned for this smutty fic to just let it go 😂 too much planned for the futures of all of their babies and the family at large 😂

Release date: TBD (Eventually 😂)