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alyshiba · 1 year

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Lilagon hen zaldrizoti

Part four: The Crown

Read on Ao3

Summary: AU where Visenya, Rhaenyra's only daughter lives and is born as her eldest child. To all of Westeros she is seen as the only trueborn child of Ser Leanor and Rhaenyra, but in truth her father happens to be Deamon.

Warning: description of death

Author’s note: As promised we finally get some more Aemond.

Should anyone wish to be notified when I post a new chapter, I can totally add you to the taglist at the end.

Now that each of you reading this nonsense I’m wiriting have all of my love <3

The morning breeze on Dragonstone had always smelled of sea, salt and of the lingering scent of flowers and pines coming from Aegon’s Gardens. It was comforting and it had always helped Visenya sooth her nerves: it smelled like home.Therefore waking up with the knowledge that she had to leave not knowing if or when she could be back to the place that had been home to her for the most part of her life was gut wrenching. Whatever dread she felt walking into the new life that awaited in King’s Landing had been overshadowed by the feeling of leaving behind everything that had made her feel safe and carefree for so long.

Balerion sensed and shared her emotions, nobody could deny it. It was evident in his silence, which was odd for his character, in the way he slowly crawled out from the caves beneath the castle where he nested and perhaps in even in his eyes, for they also shared a sense of fear: both of them knew that out in the open Visenya was safe and protected, but inside the Red Keep Balerion couldn’t come to her rescue if she needed it.

So now they found themselves in the grounds just outside the keep, looking each other in the eyes in silent acceptance of the Princess's fate. She slowly walked over to her dragon, waited for him to lower his shoulder allowing her to climb up, and settled quietly on the saddle, <<;Naejot dārys tegorīr>>* she simply whispered as Balerion jumped in the air and took off heading west.

*To King’s Landing.

The flight was short. It took considerably less time to cross the distance between Dragonstone and King’s Landing on dragonback then it did by ship, so Visenya had stayed behind while her family, the Queensguard and all of the Lords and Ladies who had been on their island-fortress boarded and sailed on the Velaryon fleet towards the mainland. Rhaenyra had decided to be seen by her people taking her rightful place as Queen in the most peaceful way possible, to silence any and all talks about a bloody war being fought on her demand. Visenya and Daemon strongly disagreed, but ultimately had to bow to their Queen’s orders. The only agreement they had found without arguing regarded Balerion: he was the Conqueror’s mount, the one token of legitimacy the greens didn’t have, so they agreed that he must be seen on their side. So that is why Visenya was currently flying straight towards the sept built on her namesake’s hill.

The closer they got to the sept the more people they saw in the streets. When they reached their destination, the Princess had her dragon circled the area twice to be sure she was seeing right: so many people had gathered to witness her mother’s coronation that the masses of people occupied all of the streets that converged on the hill. It looked almost like the hill itself was being besieged on all sides.

A good portion of the plaza, which was the biggest in the whole city, had been kept empty to allow enough space for Balrion to comfortably rest during the ceremony. As they began their descent she noted her family’s dragons flying lazily around. They were ordered to keep far not to frighten the people, but close enough to deter any attack.

Balerion landed with a thud and reluctantly allowed her to climb down from the saddle. As Visenya touched the ground of King’s Landing for the first time in many moons she quickly smoothed her clothes and straightened her back. She was wearing a long black velvet surcoat that hid her leather riding breeches. The coat had a high neck and long sleeves, and even though it hugged tightly her womanly forms it was modest enough for the holy grounds she found herself walking on. Once the Princess had decided she had smoothed out all the wrinkles her surcoat might have had, she went to nervously fix her hairs, which she had spent hours knotting in a thigh braid that went from the top of her head to almost her waist. Once she found nothing more to fix Visenya had no other choice than to take a long breath, raise her head, swallow down any worry she was feeling and start walking towards the entrance of the sept where her whole family was gathered.

Once she had climbed each step the Princess was immediately greeted with the sight of her mother: Rhaenyra was wearing a lavish red silk gown studded with gemstones and pearls, with a high neckline and long sleeves. All of her jewelry was a mix of gold and rubies, and on a cushion right behind her she could see the crown that had been worn by Viserys and Jahaerys waiting to adorn the Queen’s head.

Her father was at Rhaenyra’s right, standing at just one step behind to remind everyone, if it was ever needed, that it was his wife that was ascending the throne. All of her brothers and cousins stood on the left, close to Princess Rhaenys and Lord Corlys Velaryon. All were surrounded by the five members of the Queensguard whose loyalty they were sure of.

Still it was neither of those people whose sight had frozen Visenya where she was. It was seeing for the first time since Storm’s End her uncle Aemond, standing quietly on a corner of the balcony that led to sept’s entrance staring right at her.

He was covered in leather garments like all of the other times she had seen him: black breeches and a black buckled doublet. No sword was strapped at his waist, as she expected and of course his eyepatch was covering the sapphire she now knew was nestled in his missing eye socket. Visenya resumed her walking and took her place on her mother’s left side, constantly feeling Aemond’s single eye glued on herself.

The ceremony was long and boring, Visenya wondered how Daemon had succeeded in tolerating the endless hours in which the High Septon had blabbered about the Gods and virtues and whatnot without comments, laughs or grimaces, she was sure he was sleeping upright, there was no other explanation. After what felt like a lifetime the High Septon asked her mother to kneel and anointed Rhaenyra with the sacred oils, <<may the Warrior give her strength>>, he began, <<may the Smith land strength to her sword and shield>> continued the old man with a moment of uncertainty, <<may the Father defend her in her need, may the Crone lift her lamp and shine her way to wisdom>>. The High Septon then delicately grabbed the golden crown of Viserys the peaceful, placed it on the Queen’s head and bid her to rise.

<<All hail Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, the first of her name. The rightful and lawful Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men. Lady of the Seven Kingdoms and protector of the realm.>> There was a long moment of silence before everyone knelt to the new monarch. Visenya turned for a moment to see Ser Edric giving a small nudge to Aemond who kept standing, while the knight quickly kneeled and bowed his head.

She rose when she felt her mother’s warm hand on her shoulder, <<Rise Visenya>> she said in her loud and firm tone, <<Princess of Dragonstone and heir to Iron Throne>>. It was official now, she thought, swallowing down the lump of nervousness formed in her throat.

There was a moment of silence before cheers erupted from the mass of smallfolk gathered, which then spread to the High Lords and Ladies who stood at the base of the staircase. They were separated from the common people by the city watch who was, to Deamon’s delight, still as loyal to him as when he was called Prince of City.

Rhaenyra then took a step forward, she gave herself a moment and then turned towards Aemond, <<brother>>, she called him, and everyone fell silent at once. But it was not a silence of respect or reverence: every single present was holding their breath, for that single moment had the potential to start the most terrifying war ever seen, or end it before it even began. It was all in the hands of Rhaenyra Targaryen. Aemond walked towards his sister, fearless and defiant, as Visenya had expected him to be. He bowed his head without question, for he had always been smart enough to understand when to fight and when to comply and accept his fate.<<My first act as Queen will be to honor our father’s will>> Began the Queen, her tone calm, firm and cold, <<it was ever King Viserys’ wish to see our family united, and it was with this in mind that in his last act as King, before his passing, he decreed your betrothal to my daughter and heir, Visenya>>, as her mother was speaking, with the corner of her eyes the Princess saw her father stiffening and moving his hand towards the hilt of Darksister. Visenya held her breath and prayed to anyone listening that her father would keep his calm and see reason. <<Kneel, brother. Swear your fealty to your lawful Queen and within the week you will be wed to Visenya, and when the time comes you shall rule by her side.>> Aemond waited a long moment before reacting, she was sure he was weighing his options, but ultimately kneeled without saying a word out loud.

Rhaenyra bid her brother to rise, placed her hands on his shoulders and kissed his cheek, like a mother would a son. It was an unexpected gesture which caused the common folk to erupt in cheers once again, all the while Aemond stood still, confused. The Queen then gestured him to take his spot by Visenya’s side, which he quickly did.

Aemond stopped right in front of her, on his face the same expression he had that night in Storm’s End, he gently took her hand in his and kissed her knuckles. To everyone it looked like a romantic gesture surely, and perhaps it was for the best since they had to show unity, but the Princess knew that her uncle meant to reclaim ownership over her. She met his eyes with a smile, and when he took his place to her right and offered his arm for her to take, she politely did. Visenya would be the image of the perfect, dutiful betrothed and wife as long as the eyes of Lords and smallfolk alike were on them. But she would not be a pretty doll to be toyed with and owned.

They both did not pay much attention to Rhaenyra’s speech, both too immersed in their own thought and machinations, but they were brought back to reality the moment Ser Harrold Westerling appeared on top of the steps of the sept’s entrance balcony at the head of a small group composed by the Queen dowager, Aegon, Helaena and their children and Daeron. She felt Aemond stiffening his muscles and for a moment she allowed herself to be empathetic towards him: a powerless witness to his family’s fate.

She took a moment to look at them: Aegon had an old scarring wound on a cheekbone, his eyes had evident dark circles and he looked like he hadn’t slept in weeks, if it was in fear of being assassinated of for the burdens of the crown she’ll never know. Helaena was holding a baby in her left arm, a boy who was clinging to her, and keeping two other children close to herself. She didn’t look scared as her children were, maybe she hoped that her half sister took pity on them and would spare her and the babes. Behind her was the teenage boy Daeron who was helping his sister in keeping the children calm. As soon as the group stopped in front of Rhaenyra Alicent moved toward her only daughter and the kids, to protect and comfort her as best as she could, even if the Princess knew there was no need. Their blood would not be spilled.

<<You have received and accepted my terms of peace>> Began Rhaenyra, looking straight at her childhood friend, <> the Queen was brief and her voice never faltered. Helaena was the first to bow, gently nudging her twins to do the same: it was the act of a mother willing to do anything to protect her children. When Rhaenya bid her to rise and welcomed her as she did with Aemond she felt all of the tension leave her uncle’s arm. Visenya then noticed how his sight never left his sister, and former queen, or her children. She took note and turned back on the other member of their family.

Daeron and Alicent quickly followed Helaena’s example, but they never dared look at Rhaenyra's face, unlike Helaena who had smiled at her almost warmly. At last Aegon kneeled, unclasped Blackfyre from his hips and left it at Rhaenyra’s feet. When he rose the Queen placed her hands on his shoulders <<my brother>>, she told him, <> her mother was giving her own half brother the chance to get out of that all ordeal with his honor still intact. He would be seen as a fool, but a victim. Not a willing usurper. <<Someone who had used you as a tool against your own will>> Aegon looked at his sister in the eyes then, just before turning his eyes towards his mother, a gesture that to Visenya meant more than any words. <> Concluded the Queen, who kissed and hugged Aegon just as she did with her other half siblings. He must have never been hugged before, the Princess thought, for it was clear from his expression that Aegon didn’t know how to respond to his sister’s gesture.

<<There are those however>> Said Rhaenyra as Daemon started to stretch the muscles of his neck, <<that cannot be pardoned, and whose crimes must be punished>> as she finished her last sentence, Ser Harrold climbed the stairs once again, this time pushing in front of him Lord Otto Hightower and Ser Criston Cole, the lord commander of Aegon's Kingsguard. Behind them stood the remaining two members of the guard that had remained in the capital.

<<Lord Otto Hightower, you had faithfully served my father and his predecessor loyally and the best of you abilities for many decades>> She began as Daemon allowed a mocking laugh to escape his lips, <<your treason had deeply wounded me, for I had always seen you as a man whose loyalty and virtues were to admire>> as her mother kept speaking the Rogue Prince moved closer, a predator stalking his prey. How long had he waited for that moment? Visenya wondered, years? Decades? She didn't know for sure. <<You conspired to usurp my throne, to murder me in cold blood alongside my children, used my own family and blood as pawns to fulfill your greedy desire for power>> Rhaenyra's tone grew more enraged as she listed the former hand's crimes, <<for those crimes I Rhaenyra of House Targaryen, first of my name, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, lady of the Seven Kingdoms and protector of the realm sentence you to death>> the Queen closed the distance that separated her from Otto, took the hand pin from his doublet and walked back a few steps, to try and avoid the blood sprays Visenya thought, <<one cannot usurp what is rightfully his>> yelled the former hand in an attempt to win the crowd’s favour towards his and his grandson’s cause. <<Aegon is the firstborn son of the King, the succession changed the day he was born. He was crowned with the Conqueror’s crown and he bore his swords and name, he is the rightful heir.>> Continued the Lord, Visenya felt the weight of the real crown which she had still hidden in the inner pockets of her clothes. Otto was trying a pathetic last stance to perpetrate his grandson's cause. <<Crowns and swords can be stolen>> Said Daemon unsheathing Darksister, <<dragons however cannot, and the Conqueror's mount, Balerion refused him, he bowed to your lawful Queen’s heir instead>> said her father preparing to strike, as the huge black dragon stood silent and vigil. Visenya spared a moment to look at the crowd that gathered: what could they be thinking seeing two coronations happening in the span of a few moons? Would doubt insinuate in their minds? After all twenty years had passed since her mother had been named heir, and even then only a handful of High Lords were present, certainly none of the hundreds of thousands of people gathered here today could remember or even know of that event. So she quietly unclasped her harm from Aemond's grip, walked over to where her parents stood, and carefully extracted the coronet from the inner pockets of her surcoat. <<This Lord Hightower>> Said Visenya, raising the crown high so that everyone could see it, <<is the valyrian steel and ruby crown that my namesake placed on her brother and husband, the Conqueror, head when she named him King of all Westeros and protector of the realm>> she never once moved her stare from Otto's eyes, for she felt the strong urge to see the defeat in eyes. <<Whatever crown you placed on my uncle's head was a forgery, just like the lawfulness of his claim to the throne>> Daemon laughed, and stretched his hand towards her, to better admire the family relic, she placed the crown in his hand and stood as both her parents silently shot her questioning looks. She would have explanations to give.

Otto Hightower’s head was rolling at her feet before anyone could say another word. She looked at it for a moment. Visenya should have felt victorious then, after all the mind which orchestrated the plan to usurp her mother’s birthright was rolling on the ground, and would quickly be followed by the heads of all of those who had any part in the ordeal. But as she turned to walk back to her betrothed she couldn’t shake the feeling that their troubles had just begun.

She was deep in this thought when Criston Cole’s head rolled close to Otto’s, and when Ser Lorent Marbrand chose an honorable death instead of pardon, or when Ser Errik’s twin finally bent the knee and swore his oath to protect her mother and her family. She looked at Aemond for a moment, his gaze had never once moved from Helaena and her children.

—

Aemond’s quarters were clean and tidy to Visenya’s surprise, she expected his rooms to be a mess like her brother’s, but thank the Gods she was wrong. At least she wouldn’t have to live in a dirty messy stable like Jace and Luke happily did.

She had used the servants' corridors to get to her uncle’s apartments, and judging by the silence and the unlit candles he wasn’t there, as she wished. The Princess used the time she had to take a look around, there were books piled on a desk, some of which in High Valyrian: histories, medicine, and so forth. Everything looked new, clean and untouched, either Aemond used his quarters just to sleep or he was an order maniac. Once she was done prying in his things, opening cabinets and drawers she sat on the lounge chair by the lit fireplace and she waited for her future husband, under the protective and judgemental eye of Ser Edric Dayne.

They didn’t wait for long. <<Good evening, my love. Should I start calling you that ?>> She called using her sweetest tone. Upon hearing her voice Aemond turned in her direction, his hand went instinctively to where his sword would have been, if he hadn’t had to relinquish it at the gates of the Keep. None of those whose loyalty was at question were allowed to hold weapons.

<<;Princess>> Purred Aemond, hiding his surprise, <;<can you not wait for our wedding day?>> joked the one-eyed prince fully turning towards her, then he noticed the knight standing in the shadows behind her, <<or have you come to free yourself of our marriage agreement?>> she smiled, serving herself with the wine she brought from her own chambers. She poured a cup for Aemond as well and signaled for him to sit on the other lounge chair.

<<Why is it so odd to wish to know my betrothed better before our wedding?>> She smiled sardonically as he approached the chair wearily. Edric then rudely pushed Aemond down so that he was now sitting, her uncle then accepted the goblet of wine that she offered him. There was a long silence before she spoke again, <> Visenya spat now in a serious tone. Aemond smirked, he made to bend and move closer, ready to spat a response, he was resting his elbows on the wooden short table that separated them, when Edric placed one of his strong hands on his shoulder. He began to pull him back when the Princess stopped him with a gesture. She then mimicked her uncle and future husband's posture, so that they were now only inches apart. <> Visenya whispered, moving one strand of hair from Aemond’s face, just like he did in Storm’s End to her, <> She sweetly said resting her hand on his cheek, <<you however do need me: to have a chance to rule the Seven Kingdoms by my side, to make sure your head stays on your shoulders and to keep your children safe>> she basked for a moment in the look of silent dismay on his face, before kissing his lips and leaving him on his chair by the fire.

The trek back to the apartments that had been made ready for her were quiet. Only when they were at a safe distance did Ser Edric Dayne stop right in front of her, blocking her path, <<you will not arm innocent children>> he said looking at her in the eyes, his tone was firm, angry and resolute, the voice of one of the few men in this city that had a shed of honor. <> Visenya angrily retorted, not leaving his stare, <<seven hells, I do not even know if those children are actually Aemond’s bastards. But I must have some leverage on him if I want to survive long enough to sit on that throne, when my mother will pass>> it was a challenge to keep her tone low and inaudible by any other who might venture in the servants corridors.

Ever since they journeyed back to Red Keep she couldn’t shake the thought of Aemond’s constant stare towards Helaena and her children. He never once spared a look to his brothers, he briefly showed a look of concern towards his mother, which was understandable, but during the entire time Helaena and the kids had been in sight he never stopped staring at them. And Visenya was sure that it wasn’t simply the devotion and worry of an uncle towards his infant niece and nephews.

<<If you haven’t noticed I am a woman>> She explained to a puzzled Queensguard, <<useless from the moment I will give him a male heir>> Ser Edric was a man, a Lord’s second son, never in his life had he worried with the hardships women had to face in that world. <<If I do not take matters in my own hands I will find myself in the afterlife the moment I will birth him a healthy and living son, for then he and his family won’t need me anymore to get back on the throne>> With that last sentence she pushed her knight aside and sprinted towards her chambers.

Author’s note: It seems that the show had cut Maleor, the younger son of Aegon and Helaena. Which should be 1/2 years old if I'm not mistaken (correct me if I'm wrong)...I added him back.

Then since I got a couple of comments on Ao3 so I feel like maybe I should clarify some things:

Regarding Aemond and Visenya’s relashionship.. if she was a real HoTD/ASoIAF character, probably didn't really grow up together, they likely never spent time together as children.

In the show for instance, we got several scenes of the boys training or messing around together (mostly bullying poor Aemond), while Helaena was never with them, becouse in the GoT/HoTD/ASoIAF universe (and as in real medieval times) girls get brought up differently (sering, septas etc..).

On top of that you have to consider that they are on opposide sides when it comes to supporting who they believe is the rightful monarch, AND Aemon tried to maim Visenya's brother by taking out his eye.. so they do not hate eachother, but they also don't have a relationship at this point. They don't know eachother.

They can feel attracted fo sure, but love takes time.

Regarding Helaena's children, I'm going to stick with the theory that they might be Aemond's. I'm not saying that they are nor the contrary at the moment.

Taglist: @hawsx3

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