#by no means was Rhaenyra right but i understand where she was coming from

[ride-thedragon]

As funny as it is, the idea of Old Granny Vhagar just flying away fast enough for Daemon and Nettles not to catch her and then hide throughout the riverlands with magic, it makes it seem as though there was an active effort on Dameon and Nettles part and that's just not true.

They were coming back every day without any inclination of them camping out to try to trail him. They would bathe, eat, sleep, and do it all over again but come back just in time to repeat the process.

(Live footage from Maidenpool)

I'm not sure how big the Riverlands is or how long it would take to fly back and forth, but I feel like more than 12 hours as Aemond is just on the move consistently isn't an unnecessary request.

When Lord mooton is suggesting they split up, I think he's doing it out of a genuine place of them being there for a long time with no results and Daemon tells him that they'd die without each other (correctly) but he probably thinks they're prolonging the relationship they developed because we have no indication that he strategized something else in the wake of that conversation.

(Daemon and Nettles, while lives are being lost every day from a mission they've had for months.)

Rather than any inclination of a strategic change to their plan that hasn't worked for months, it takes a call on her life for Daemon to be like "Aemond would never fight me with her at my side, I should go and challenge him alone."

I know Lord Mooton was singing joyfully when he found out Daemon died because he wasted months of time and resources just to do the exact opposite of what the queen said after he sends Nettles away. His ass changed sides because he was tired, and I blame Daemon.

[drakoneve]

A Dragon's Wrath

Request: hello hello, how are u? Idk if u write for Harwin Strong, but I'm obsessed with this man, so if you're not taking requests for him, forgive me for being rude. So I wanted to make a request where the reader is the younger sister of Rhaenyra Targaryen, also daughter of Aemma and Viserys. She married Strong, and lives a dream life with him (they love each other very much, so please, Rhaenyra's children are not his 🫠) and the legitimacy of their children was questioned, of course the queen would never imagine that Harwin had a birthmark, which none of his brothers inherited from Lyonel, he being the only one to have it and ALL THE CHILDREN OF HARWIN AND THE PRINCESS HAVE THAT SAME BRAND, JUST LIKE THE FATHER'S. Maybe I went on too long and was stupid, sorry, you can do whatever comes to your brilliant mind, I just really wish the legitimacy of the children of the OC was proved by legal means and gave no right to be questioned even by the queen. Thank you for your attention, I understand if you don't want to do it 🤍.

pairing: harwin strong x targ!fem!reader

word count: 3k

warnings: mentions of childbirth, alicent being snakey

a/n: first harwin fic, harwin girlies lmk what you think!! for the sake of this fic, Rhae's children have Targaryen silver hair

In all the years the pair were married, King Viserys and Queen Aemma were blessed by the Mother with only two healthy, living babes. First born has been your elder sister Rhaenyra, whom you followed two years later.

Growing up the two of you remained close through your lessons and dragon riding, but as Rhaenyra grew older she would end up spending more and more time with her lady in waiting Alicent Hightower. Rhaenyra and Alicent being two of the only other girls your age in the Red Keep and their refusal to have anyone join them in their activities, you felt somewhat dejected by your sister's budding friendship.

This is what led you to find solace in the Red Keep's training yards. Day after day you watched knights, and knights in training, battle it out in the yard while you worked on your studies. It was there in the yard you saw him for the first time- your future husband, Ser Harwin Strong.

At the time you had no idea you would end up marrying him, of course, but you should have.

You'd heard all about Ser Harwin Breakbones, son of Lyonel Strong, one of your father's most loyal council men. Harwin's reputation truly preceded him and was rightfully earned.

You hadn't noticed it at the time, but you'd abonded your books and parchments in the stands by your supervising Septa as you approached the rail separating the stands and the training yard in an attempt for a clearer view.

Harwin stood taller than his opponents, shoulders back, sword in hand ready to defend himself. He watched his opponents carefully, calculating their next move. His short brown curls were halfway pulled back out of his face with a tie, exposing Harwin's jawline, much to your own enjoyment.

That afternoon you watched Harwin take down man after man without so much as a proper blow to his own body. He wielded his sword as if it were an extension of his arm in fluid, rushing movements.

When he had finally finished for the evening you applauded him, finally grabbing his attention as he had held yours.

"You are quite the swordsman, Ser Harwin!" you call out to him. "I feel much better knowing there are knights as skilled as you protecting my home."

Harwin grinned largely at your praise, twirling his sword in his hand for show as he approached the rail you supported yourself on. "I mean only to ensure you are safe at all times, my princess."

You smiled down at him now that he was almost right below you. "Well I have no doubts of your capabilities, Ser. I have a feeling you will do great things here, should you wish."

"You are too kind, princess," he chuckles. Then he looks up at the sky, towards the sun on it's way to set. "It is getting quite late, princess. Shall I escort you back to your chambers?"

The excitement and hopefulness in his face brought butterflies to your stomach.

"I would like nothing more, Ser."

After that night it was scarce the two of you weren't side by side, which all but pushed your fathers to wed the two of you.

Now you stood in those same stands, watching Harwin in the yard yet again, but now he's joined by your two eldest sons. Maevor has just passed his tenth and second name day, and Daeragon his ninth. Your two youngest babes, however remained with you and your maid and close friend, Malina.

Malina had first been assigned to you after your marriage to Harwin, and she'd stood loyally by your side as you birthed all of your children.

Malina's elder brother Ellion, a knight of the City Watch, stood closeby on the order of Harwin. He'd been one of Harwin's best men as you'd heard him compliment the younger knight on many occasions in the past. Being a Targaryen princess and wife of the Lord Commander in such uncertain times in the house of the dragon could be dangerous, and Harwin meant only to protect you and your babes.

Your first daughter, eldest of your month old twins, Naelora cooed softly in your arms as she played with the loose sleeve ends of your dress. You indulged her for a moment, raising your arm to lift the sleeve from her reach to tease her.

She gurgles in laughter, stretching her chubby little arms to grasp your sleeve once more.

The moment is over by the approach of Queen Alicent's lady in waiting, Talya.

"My apologies, Princess," Talya bows to you first. "But the Queen has requested Malina's presence for this afternoon."

Why would the queen need Malina specifically? Surely she could find another maid within the Keep to aid her?

Malina looks to you, pale brown eyes silently asking to stay. This isn't the first time something like this has happened, of course. After giving birth to your second son Daeragon, Queen Alicent began requesting Malina's presence more often.

Still sore from your labors, Harwin had taken the day off to aid you and watch over Maevor to allow you to rest.

You watched happily from your spot on the bed as Harwin held little Daeragon, to introduce him to his elder brother. Maevor, a boy of three years, stood as high as he could on his toes to get a peek over Harwin's bulk of an arm to get a glimpse of his brother.

Then your chamber doors open and Malina returns to your side after serving the queen all day. She approaches the foot of your bed, hands clasped together in front of her with her eyes cast slightly downwards.

"Malina, you needn't worry about me," you begin to dismiss her kindly. "I'm sure the Queen-"

But Malina shakes her head, brown curls following her, still refusing to meet your gaze. "I need to speak with you, Princess. And you, Lord Harwin, in privacy."

You share a concerned look with Harwin, who's joyfulness has been replaced with worry. In the time she's served you Malina had never been afraid to look you in your eyes.

He wastes no time escorting Maevor to his chambers just off your own, and placing little Daeragon in his crib next to your side of the bed. Harwin returns and stands dutifully on the other side of you as if protecting you.

"What is it?" you ask, and pat the bed in front of you for Malina to sit.

Malina makes no move to sit on your bed. "My princess," her voice wavers nervously. "I have served your for near half a decade now, and I know you to be the most true and kind person I have ever had the pleasure of serving-"

"Malina," Harwin interrupts sternly. "Speak it plain, what have you heard of my wife?"

Your heart thudded hard in your chest as you instinctively reached for Harwin's hand. He intertwined his fingers with your in an attempt to comfort you.

Malina takes in a deep breath before finally looking up to meet your gaze. "Queen Alicent requested my presence after your labors today for questioning."

"Questioning?" you tilted your head slightly. "About what?"

"Your sons," she answered swiftly. "She... She wanted to know if this babe looked like Harwin or..."

Harwin pulled his hand from yours, placing it on the hilt of his sword. "Or who, Malina?"

"Ellion," Malina whispers. "The Queen seems to believe that you spend too much time with Ellion, princess. She asked if I knew of any relations between the two of you, but I swore to her you are deathly loyal and would never-"

You move from your spot on the bed to bring yourself to stand. Harwin aids you as you steady yourself, then reach for Malina's forearm.

"You needn't explain yourself to me, Malina," you assure her. "I know you to be true to me, and you are one of the kindest ladies I know. You should go, retire for the night. We shall do the same."

Malina apologizes the whole way out your chamber doors despite your assurances. Harwin begins to strip his armor as you settle yourself back into bed.

Daeragon's crib sat just off the side of your bed, close enough for you to have a view of the newborn's little face.

Harwin soon joins your side clad in his nightclothes. You can feel his gaze on you, but you refuse to meet his gaze. Emotions ran rampant through you. You knew it must be the strain and high emotions of you and your new babe surviving the day, but you couldn't stop the rush.

It's when the tears begin to fall from your lilac eyes that Harwin wraps you up in his arms and pulls you back against him.

"My love," he cooes. "Sweet girl, do not worry yourself with the opinion of a misguided, jealous woman."

He raises his right hand to show off the inside of his right wrist, showing off the small, discolored patch of skin he inherited from his father, Lord Lyonel. A small, almost missable, seemingly insignificant patch of skin both Maevor and Daeragon had inherited.

Harwin leans in close, placing his lips against the shell of your ear. "We know I have fathered your sons, my love. Do not worry yourself with this, it is not worth it."

"You're right, husband," you hum, settling into your husband's arms for the night. "I'm just glad he's here, and healthy."

He kisses your temple softly. "You did that. You made him the healthy babe he is."

As you promised Harwin that night, you did your best to ignore the rumors pursued by Alicent. In the years following Daeragon's birth you'd heard more whispers within the court questioning your son's parentage, though you said nothing.

You tried your best to pay them no mind, other days they really got to you. But for now you simply obliged to the queen's wishes.

"Ser Ellion," you motioned your friend forward with one hand. He looked much like his sister as they shared the same nose, and brown curly hair, though Ellion's eyes were an elegant green. Still, no man in the Seven Kingdoms could come close to Harwin in your eyes.

"Would you mind taking my sweet Raemor from your sister? I'm afraid I cannot tend to both babes at once."

Ellion nods and leans down slightly to make a peaceful transition from his sister's arms. He wore an awkward grin on his face as he cradles the blanket wrapped babe the best he could in a full suit of armor. "It is an honor, Princess. Though I'm not certain he will be comfortable against such steel."

Malina bows and takes Talya's arm in her own. You know Malina's dislike for the woman, and you can only guess she's done this to ensure Talya is led away from you and your family.

You shake your head in response to Ellion yet keep your attention on your daughter in your arms. "It is no issue, Harwin holds them in his armor every day. He has with each of them."

A moment passes in silence and you look up to your husband and eldest children. Maevor's brown curls are just long enough on the top to be tied back while leaving some down thus his hair is relatively tame. Daeragon's, however, is tousled and absolutely untame.

Both boys are breathing heavier now, their cheeks flushed. But the beautiful, pure look of excitement on their faces melted your heart. They knew their father was Lord Commander of the City Watch, and that Harwin worked hard for his family at his very important job, and they treasured their father for it.

After taking them to see Harwin train with some of the new recruits of the City Watch two fortnights ago had been a mistake on your part for the boys had not shut up about training themselves. At first you had been hesitant, of course other Targaryen princes had been taught to fight years before your boys, but you were afraid of the things they might encounter so instead you encouraged them to spend time in the libraries and their respective dragons.

As a result the boys were extremely well read and years ahead of their pupils in their studies. Maevor is practically fluent in Valyrian now, and Daeg is not far behind.

Their insistent pleading had wore on you though, and you gave in to them with Harwin's reassurance he would personally oversee their training. In the end, Maevor and Daeg's immediate joy at being granted permission made it worth it in the end.

Harwin and the boys were cleaning their training gear and putting it away.

Ellion clears his throat, pulling your attention from your family. "I fear something is happening, Princess."

"What do you mean?" you ask, standing from your seat and brushing your skirts with one hand.

"I have been approached twice now," he explains carefully, watching who was sat in the immediate area. The closest people sat on the complete opposite of the training yard in those stands. "Once by a fellow knight, and then by Talya herself. I only mention this as a warning, Princess."

Harwin and the boys are nearly there and you don't want the boys to hear such slander.

"Thank you, Ellion," you force a smile to give him. "And I apologize for what has been whispered around court these last years, but I plan now to make it right."

Harwin approaches you then, slinking one arm around your waist as he presses a kiss to your temple. "Come, my love, the boys need to bathe and our littlest ones must be ready for their nap."

Maevor perks up, "Mother, may I carry Naelora back to your chambers?"

Your hearts melts at the question, Maevor ever the doting older brother. You grant your son permission, gently reminding him to hold her head carefully.

"And I shall take Raemor from you, Ellion. I thank you for your services for today."

He bows respectfully, "Tis my duty, and an honor."

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Once the twins are down for their naps and the older boys off to the bathhouse with Malina you informed Harwin of everything that had transpired this afternoon while he trained with the boys.

His thick brows furrowed almost immediately, angre written upon his face. Harwin had shed his armor by now, settling for more comfortable leathers for the evening. His sword however, stayed attached to his hip with one hand gripping the hilt.

"I am sick of hearing your name and reputation tarnished by fools!" Harwin seethes, angrier than you've ever seen him. "I have half a mind to slay them all down for even thinking such things of our children, of you."

You shake your head softly, approaching him to cup his face. You press your forehead against his own, something you've always done to comfort him.

"I have a plan, my dutiful husband," you assure him. "I happen to have a wonderful relationship with my father by law, if you must know. And I just so happen to know that a Small Council meeting starts in mere minutes."

Harwin eases a little, but now he's wrought with confusion.

"What have you planned, my love?"

You smile mischievously and press a sweet kiss to your husband's lips. "Just you wait husband, I first require our Maevor."

The boys are back from their baths by now as you can hear them bustling about Daeragon's chambers, which is the adjoining room to your own.

You knock before you enter as you always do, to the sight of your boys on Daeg's bed, books sprawled open before them.

"What have we there, byka zaldrīzoti (little dragons)?" you ask as you join them on the bed.

Daeg pulls the leather bound book to cover his lap to show you. "The Histories of Old Valyria!" he chimes. "Maevor was reading it to me in Valyrian."

You stroke Daeg's plush cheek with one hand, still able to see the babe he used to be in his face, and take Maevor's hand in your other.

"He's smart, your brother," you 'whisper' to Daeragon. "I would study hard, my Prince."

Maevor breaks his hand away to rustle his brother's brown curls. "Muña's teasing, Daeg. You are smarter now than I was your age."

You swoon, heart melting at the relationship between your boys. "Oh my sweet Maev," you kiss his temple. "Might I borrow you for a awhile, I have something important to discuss with the Small Council and I need your help."

Maevor's brown eyes widened slightly, "Of course, mother."

"Have no fear, sweet boy, I have a plan."

And you sure did. Once you explained what you could to Maevor while sparing his innocence best you could, he'd been more than willing to join you.

You squatted down to be closer to your son's level, Harwin by your side. "You are special, Maevor," you explain to him. You grab Harwin's right hand and Maevor's to put them side by side. Both birthmarks were near identical save for Harwin's being larger and slightly darker than his son's. "Each of my babes have this mark, all from Harwin, who inherited it from your grandsire, Lyonel. Do you understand?"

He nods, but says nothing. Harwin crouches down next to you, reaching to cup his eldest son's face.

"I wish we did not have to burden you with such a task, my boy," Harwin admits grimly. "I want you to know we are only doing this because we love you children, and I love your muña too much to let people speak of her in such a way any longer."

So the three of you set off, accompanied by Ellion as Malina had stayed behind to watch the twins and Daeragon.

Despite the Kingsguard outside the meeting room of the Small Council, you march right past them and push the doors open yourself.

Each member of the council turns to you now silenced. Otto sat up straighter in his seat as he looked towards his daughter. Alicent looked shocked to see the group of you, and you noted her visible nervousness.

Lyonel stands and comes to Harwin's side, demanding answers most likely. Harwin begins whispering in his father's ear, explaining the situation.

"Sister," Rhaenyra stands, hand placed over her round stomach. "What is wrong?"

You cross your arms over your chest, eyes blazing as you glare at the Hightowers at the table. "Since the birth of my Daeragon I have endured vile slanders against not only myself, but my marriage, and every one of my children."

Alicent shifts uncomfortably in her seat.

"Princess," Otto pokes in. "I can assure you-"

"Assure what?" you snap, slamming down on the table to lean towards the Hand. "Alicent has been the one to pull my ladies from me just after giving birth to insinuate my babes have been fathered by knight of the City Watch who is not my husband. Even now, a month after having my twins, I am approached with more blasphemy. No more."

You usher Maevor forward, who happily extends his right arm before you have to ask. Harwin joins you, followed by Lyonel, both of whom put out their wrists as well.

Alicent's mouth widens in shock before she grits her teeth. Even Larys' wears a look of shock as he checks his own wrists, coming up with nothing.

"I am tired of my children being put under scrutiny," you say finally. "And of my loyalty to my husband being questioned. Now, if you all do not mind, I would like to enjoy the rest of the day with my family undisturbed."

You step back from the table to leave when Rhaenyra wraps you up in a hug. "I am so sorry, sister," she whispers.

You assure her with a simple kiss to the side of her head before reaching for Maevor's hand.

The boy is practically bouncing on his feet as the two of you make your way back to your chambers, both Harwin and Ellion following close behind.

"She is very scary, your wife," Ellion admits to Harwin lowly. "I would to want to be on the receiving end of her wrath."

He only chuckles, "No, nor would I."

[novaursa]

Good evening love

I was thinking about that last night!

When Daemon and Rhaenyra goes to brothel they sleep together and obviously she’s pregnant and coz it’s just before her wedding (we will says it just before) everyone thing it’s Leanor.

She gave birth to a little girl all Targaryen looks. They’re was always some rumors but since she looks like every targ it’s easier for her. Harwin played dad role for her and she’s really protective of her brother.

more time passed and everyone can clearly see that she looked exactly like daemon physically and mentally.

And it’s finally during the funeral of her aunt, Daemon see her and he understand that she is his. She’s everything he want and have a special bound with her (first child, heir of the throne, powerful dragon)

Fire in Her Veins

- Summary: During Laena’s funeral, Daemon recognizes you as his own blood. 

- Paring: (daughter) targ!reader/(father) Daemon Targaryen (platonic)

- Note: The reader is the firstborn child and only daughter of Rhaenyra Targaryen. The reader is also bonded to Vermithor.

- Rating: Mild 13+

- Tag(s): @sachaa-ff

The sea air on Driftmark is filled with salt and sorrow, the crashing waves of the Narrow Sea providing a mournful backdrop to the solemn gathering. You stand with your brothers on the stone cliffs of the island, your hands clasped tightly together in front of you as the funeral procession moves solemnly forward. Lady Laena’s casket is adorned with pearls and driftwood, her body wrapped in the traditional Velaryon colors, and you can feel the weight of your family’s grief pressing heavily upon your shoulders.

The mood is somber, the sky above gray and heavy, as if even the gods mourn the loss of Laena Velaryon. The Velaryon banners flap in the wind, and from where you stand, you see the faces of the royal family—Alicent and her children, all clustered together, keeping their distance from you and your brothers. Their green dresses stand out like bright flames against the dark ocean and black mourning attire. 

You feel a familiar pang of protectiveness as you glance toward your brothers, who are standing just to your right, their small faces grim and pale. You notice how Jacaerys keeps his head down, avoiding the stern gazes from across the gathering. You recognize the unspoken tension between the two halves of the family, an invisible line that divides you all.

Behind you, you hear the murmurs of the court, soft whispers that seem to follow you wherever you go. They speak of many things—the death of Lady Laena, the grief of her husband Daemon, and the unspoken truth that seems to hang in the air around you. The truth of who you are. 

"She looks more like him every day," you overhear a noblewoman whisper, though she thinks she is being quiet enough to go unnoticed.

And you know who they mean. Not Laenor Velaryon, who raised you as his own. Not Harwin Strong, who shielded you when you were small, his fierce protectiveness marking him as a father figure in your life. But Daemon.

Your eyes, so like his—stormy, burning with fire—scan the crowd until they land on him.

Daemon Targaryen stands just beyond the gathering of mourners, his face half-hidden beneath his hood, his silver hair blowing in the wind. There is something wild about him, something untamed, as though he belongs to the sea and the sky more than he belongs to the earth. He looks broken today, mourning his wife, but in his eyes there is a flicker of something as he catches your gaze—recognition, perhaps.

Your heart beats harder, and you lift your chin, a Targaryen through and through. You are not afraid to meet his gaze. In fact, there’s something in you that draws you closer to him, though your feet remain rooted to the ground.

Daemon's eyes narrow, the brief glint of recognition becoming a full realization. His mouth parts slightly as if he is going to speak, but no words come out. You see the flicker of memory in his gaze, a moment that stretches back to the night you were conceived—the night Rhaenyra escaped into the shadows of King's Landing, into his arms, if only for a single stolen moment.

The likeness between the two of you is undeniable, your shared features as plain as day to anyone who cared to look closely. Your high cheekbones, the curve of your lips, the storm in your gaze. And there is something more than just the physical—an energy, a fierceness that burns in you as much as it does in him.

"Y/N," Daemon murmurs your name under his breath as he steps forward, moving as though drawn to you by some unseen force.

You do not step back. You hold your ground, standing taller, your spine straight. You are not the little girl who needed protection anymore. You are Rhaenyra’s daughter, the rider of Vermithor, a dragon like no other. 

Your brothers shift uncomfortably beside you as Daemon approaches, and you gently place a hand on Jacaerys’ shoulder, a silent reassurance that you will protect them. They are yours, just as much as you are theirs, and no one, not even Daemon, can change that.

“Do you remember me?” Daemon’s voice is low, so low that only you can hear it. His eyes never leave yours.

Your lips part, but words fail you for a moment. You do remember him through your memory as he was a ghost—and the stories your mother told you, the truths she revealed as you grew older. You remember the fire that courses through your veins, the unyielding bond with your dragon, the instincts that set you apart. It all comes from him.

"How could I not?" you reply, your voice steady, even though inside you feel like a storm is brewing.

Daemon’s lips twitch, but it’s not a smile—it’s something darker, something more conflicted. He glances toward your mother, Rhaenyra, who stands a little ways off, her eyes firmly fixed on Laena’s casket. There is a tension between them as well, a history that lingers in the air, unspoken but understood.

“You look like her,” Daemon says quietly, but his eyes say otherwise. He knows you look like him. 

You tilt your head slightly, studying him. You have always heard the whispers, the stories, but standing before him now, there is something more intimate in the way he observes you. He is seeing himself in you, recognizing the dragon fire in your blood, the legacy of your shared heritage.

“I look like myself,” you correct, your tone sharper now. “I am my mother’s daughter.”

“And mine,” Daemon replies, his voice a murmur carried by the wind.

You hold his gaze, your heart thudding in your chest, but you do not back down. For years, you had wondered what it would be like to stand face to face with the man whose blood flows in your veins. Now that you are here, you find that you do not need his acknowledgment. You do not need his approval.

You are who you are, no matter who claims you.

"I didn’t need you before," you say, your voice low but firm. "I don’t need you now."

The wind blows harder, carrying your words with it, and Daemon stares at you for a long moment before he nods, almost imperceptibly. There is something in his eyes now—perhaps regret, perhaps something else entirely.

"You are strong," he finally says, his voice barely above a whisper. "That much is clear."

You nod, not offering him anything more, and you turn away, your brothers following you as you lead them away from the cliff’s edge and back toward the safety of your family. The tension in your shoulders slowly fades as you walk away from Daemon, though you can still feel his eyes on your back, watching you as you go.

As the sea crashes against the rocks below, you feel a sense of finality, but also a strange kind of peace. You are your mother’s daughter. You are bonded to a dragon as mighty as Vermithor. You do not need anyone to tell you who you are.

And yet, you cannot help but wonder what it might mean to carry the fire of both Rhaenyra and Daemon, to have the blood of two dragons raging inside of you.

[arabellasleopardcoat]

Hi! For the bingo: Daemon Targaryen & courting?

Mirror (Daemon Targaryen x Reader)

Warnings: Targaryen reader. Mature situations. Mature language. A bit of angst, incest, and innocence kink.

Summary: Courting. Daemon’s version.

A/N: Everyone who writes Daemon fics has tackled this trope. I missed oneshots so bad.

There was little King Viserys wouldn’t do for his lovely daughters. During your childhood, there were two of everything. Two Septas, two dolls, two play daggers. For as long as you have been alive, there have been efforts made to make things fair.

No doubt, it was the legacy of your mother. Your father was nice enough, but you doubted he had the foresight to try to avoid sibling rivalry. Queen Aemma’s influence had been greatly missed after her passing.

It had been then when the problems between you and Rhaenyra had started. Your relationship had gotten even more rocky when she was named heir. The situation had turned so bad, even your father had noticed. And just as if it were one of his models, he had demanded perfect symmetry in all aspects.

The same rooms. Same number of servants. Same number of dresses you were allowed to own. An even split of your mother’s jewels.

Unfortunately, there were things not even King Viserys could fix. This was one of them, you thought, as you sat on one of the rails of the dragon pit.

Daemon and Rhaenyra race on their dragons in the open sky right above you. They shriek in laughter and shout things in High Valyrian. You are not sure which you resent more. Rhaenyra, for dragging you along with the promise of tending to Syrax or Daemon for interrupting your time with your sister.

It seemed as if all you did was fight now. The occasion where you did not was rare, and so, intrusion on it was not welcome. But at the same time, you can’t help but wonder if Rhaenyra is playing a cruel trick on you, dragging you here so you can see what you are missing.

Despite your best attempts at keeping yourself calm, you can’t help but feel rage bubble up in your throat. Rage, and a deep sense of failure. You had heard even Laena Velaryon, younger than you, had managed to claim a dragon. Was this why your father had chosen Rhaenyra to be heir and not you?

It felt cruel, and hurtful. Not only did your uncle always pay more attention to Rhaenyra, but now you had to watch them do things you couldn’t do. Go where you couldn’t follow, and made you watch them go.

They dismount a few feet away from you. With them, comes all the hassle and fretting of the dragon keepers. Caraxes always takes a long time to settle after going flying, and so, you relax in your seat. You hope enough time might go by, they forget about your existence and you can slip out unnoticed. It would save you the embarrassment of having to hear them flirt and tell you everything as if you were a child.

No luck for you today, though. You smell it before you see it. Sweat, leather and the unmistakable stink of dragon. Your nose scrunches up, and you jump off the railing just in time to avoid your uncle’s ruffling of your hair.

Rhaenyra snickers a little. Despite the dragon ride, she looks as royal and regal as ever. It’s a feat you admire and despise greatly.

“Trying to sneak up on me?” You frown. You don’t need any further embarrassing. Being startled and falling into the mud would have been just the cherry on top.

Daemon ignores you, tugging on your braid.

“No dragon yet?”

“No.” Your answer it’s harsh, and perhaps a bit rude, but this feels as if they are targedly mocking you. Daemon raises his eyebrows, looking on the edge of apologizing, if such a thing it’s even possible for him. Rhaenyra, more used to your moods, just rolls her eyes.

“Let her be, Kepa.” She whispers, as if you are not there. “She is always like this.”

“Pouty?” Daemon tilts your chin up with two fingers. You jerk your head away, glaring daggers at him.

“Bitter.” Rhaenyra speaks, and you glare at her instead. You do not understand why she is so mean, lately. Her being named heir has not done anything good for your relationship, but you had tried your best to play nice. She didn’t seem to care.

“I can hear both of you.” You complain, but they just laugh. Angrily, you stomp off.

You feel too jittery to go back to your chambers. It would make you more angry, if you were to go inside the castle so soon. It’s too pleasant of a day to be spent cooped up at the Red Keep. Too preoccupied with your thoughts, you don’t notice someone is following you.

Your feet lead you to the training yard. It makes sense, in a way. This is where you have been coming the past few months when the castle got too small to house both you and Rhaenyra.

Early in the morning as it is, the yard is empty. Save for your sworn shield, of course. While Rhaenyra had gotten Ser Criston Cole, handsome and dornish, you had gotten Ser Harwin Strong. Riverlander, just as handsome and with a clear infatuation with your sister.

But kind. Unbearably so.

“I figured your meeting with the Princess would not go as planned.” He explains, as he helps you out of your cloak and jewelry. Ser Harwin helps you put on some protective gear before handing you a wooden sword.

He has been teaching you swordplay for the past few months. Not so much for self-defense, but as a way to curb your more violent impulses. When you feel like you might throttle Rhaenyra or perhaps smother her with a pillow, you come to him.

It's good. You have not learned a lot, but there is something utterly satisfying about hitting someone as hard as you can. With wooden swords and against Ser Harwin, you know there is no real possibility of hurting him. He is much taller and stronger than you.

There is also something satisfying about blocking his blows, too. In the smacking sound, in the effort it takes. You understand why men enjoy battle so much, finally. When you walk away, you are always sore and bruised, but your mind is finally quiet.

“I have just resigned myself to an arranged marriage.” You say to Ser Harwin, as you block his sword with great effort. “All the men in the court are panting after her, it’s no use.”

And you do think you are on the right, this time. Too often, you feel overshadowed by her, and seeing your uncle and Ser Harwin on the same day just confirms it. You have no chance at finding true love, not when every man here only has eyes for her.

You didn’t necessarily were a romantic person, but a bit of attention would be nice. Feeling desired and admired in the way Rhaenyra was. They even called her the Realm’s delight, for Gods’s sake.

“Are they after her? Or her tittle?” Ser Harwin tries to disarm you. You hit harder, a low blow aimed to his ribs that he avoids with little effort.

“You tell me.” You pant, a little out of breath. It was something you frequently wondered yourself, but never about him. Ser Harwin clearly wasn’t hoping to be King. What he wanted was something much more carnal. You had seen the way his eyes trailed Rhaenyra’s figure when they were together in a room. He appreciated her personality, perhaps, but he clearly wanted to bed her.

You loved teasing him about it. For such a big man, he could sure get sheepish.

“Fair.” Ser Harwin chuckled, raising his wooden sword again. You liked that he was very good-humored. He didn't mind your teasing. “But think of the bright side. If someone is after you, they are really after you.”

You frowned. He had a point, you supposed. If a man were about to pursue you, it might be because you are a Targaryen, or because of your valyrian looks. But never because of the Iron Throne. With baby Aegon existence, you are certain that whatever your place in the succession line is, plenty of people would have to die for you to even have a weak claim to it.

“Wise words for one so young.” The voice startles both of you. As if you were children caught with their hands in the cookie jar, you freeze. Ser Harwin even drops his wooden sword. “You should heed your knight, niece.”

“Uncle.” You answer, casually. You know Daemon. If he senses weakness, he is going to pounce. While Ser Harwin has given away already that you are not exactly doing something your father approves off, you are not going to have your Uncle thinking he has something to blackmail you with.

Daemon ignores you, choosing to attack the weak link. He tuts at Harwin.

“Poor form. And a poor trainer. Leave us.”

Harwin hesitates. He is not supposed to leave you alone and unprotected. Much less, with your uncle. Daemon it’s not known for his trustworthiness.

“With all due respect, Prince Daemon, I am not allowed…”

“Leave us, boy.” Daemon’s tone turns harsher. Channeling all the authority he has as a Prince. Now, your sworn shield can’t refuse. It’s an order, not a suggestion. But Harwin remains where he is, looking to you for approval.

Your uncle’s eyes flash dangerously at the defiance. You look at Harwin and nod. He leaves.

You twirl your wooden sword. Daemon smirks.

“Commendable.” He gives a slow clap. “Very loyal guard dog, you have there.”

“You could learn a thing or two.” You answer, vicious. The human equivalent of an animal biting down and refusing to release its jaws. By the brief look of hurt on his face, you have touched a nerve.

But soon, his expression smooths down into a vicious little smile, to match yours.

“So this is where you have been disappearing to.”

“So?” You ask, all nonchalance.

“Feisty.” Your uncle kicks Harwin’s discarded wooden sword away and unsheathes his. Whatever this is, it’s long overdone, you realize. You are bouncing with pent-up anger and frustration.

Daemon strikes at you, hard. The flat side of his sword hits your ribs. It hurts even with the protections Harwin makes you wear, a dull sting on your torso.

“If this was a real fight, you would be dead.” His tone is smug. You cannot take it, and so, bang your wooden sword against his hip.

“And you would be unable to walk.”

Your uncle laughs, coldly. He is angry too, you realize. In that messy way he gets, sometimes. Teeth bared in a cocky grin, still high on the thrill of riding Caraxes and chasing Rhaenyra.

Despite your best attempts, you are no match for him. He is a seasoned warrior. He has been at war for the last couple of years. No amount of anger can match his technique. Soon, he has you disarmed and cornered, Dark Sister at your throat.

“Not bad. I might even bruise.” His tone drips condescension, but there is something odd going on in his face. His pupils are blown, his chest is heaving, and there is no way it’s with exertion. While you were panting and begging for a respite, Daemon hadn’t even worked up a sweat. “You need a real sword.”

“Perhaps. But then Rhaenyra gets one, and this is only mine.” It’s more honest than you would like, but you are still trying to decipherate what exactly he is feeling. His cheeks are flushed, his eyes glassy. You feel confused.

“Is that why you want a husband? To have someone only yours?” Daemon suddenly is much closer, twirling the end of your braid between his fingers.

You scoff, and push him away.

“That’s none of your concern.”

You storm inside the Red Keep, scowling. Finally, it seemed, Daemon and Rhaenyra had managed to run you off the castle’s grounds.

The encounter is barely given a second thought. You decide to keep yourself busy for the rest of Daemon’s visit to King’s Landing. Knowing him, he is due to get exiled soon. There is no point in worrying about it.

You fill up your days with activities, be it harassing some tutors, your Septa, or even visiting orphaned children in King’s Landing. That activity is one you and Ser Harwin particularly enjoy. It fills you with joy when you get to run around and play in the mud with your stern guard having no choice but to tag along. You have even caught him smiling when little girls ask to braid his hair.

Things are surprisingly calm. You would have expected your uncle to be involved in a scandal by now. Yet, there are no rumors of him bedding three whores in one sitting, nor there is an irate Otto Hightower asking your father to send him away.

Until one night, you find a jeweled sword resting on your bed. It’s small, but you can tell from the sharpness of the blade that it is made from Valyrian steel. You start training with it the next day, getting used to its weight. If Ser Harwin thinks anything of your sudden interest in doing more than hitting him, he doesn’t show it.

You are not surprised to find your Uncle waiting for you after your morning practice. At first glance, the courtyard is as empty as when you began your training. Despite it, you can’t shake the feeling that someone is watching.

Just as you are entering the Red Keep, sweaty and ready for a bath, Daemon steps out from the shadows.

“You look so grown up in riding attire.” He says, from beneath some trees. “Almost didn’t recognize you.”

“Almost didn’t recognize you, either. No scandal in nearly a month?” You start to loosen your braid, accelerating the process of getting into your bath as you walk. There is nothing you want more than to just soak in hot water and let the warmth wash away your soreness. “You must be getting old.”

“Youthfulness is in the spirit.” Daemons hurries to reach you, falling into step right beside you. You resist the urge to walk faster if only to see him struggle. Power play. Always. Push, and pull, and don’t let anyone else get the upper hand.

“Ah, that makes sense.” You slow down your steps because while you enjoy angering your uncle, you would rather not anger him too much. “You have the spirit of a child.”

“I’ll take that as the highest of compliments.” Daemon ruffles your hair, uncaring that’s matted in sweat. You make a face. “Did you like your gift?”

“Depends.” You give him a feral little grin. Your uncle looks at you, as if deciding whether he wants to bite or not. Knowing him as you do, you know he can’t stand the intrigue.

“On what?”

“How many of Rhaenyra’s necklaces you had to melt to get the sword.”

“That blade is worth at least five of her necklaces.” Daemon boasts. You give him an unimpressed look.

“Huh. Then I like it.”

“Not love it?”

“It wasn’t ten.” And with a cheeky grin, you are off towards your chambers.

You don’t see Daemon for a few days. You hear him, unfortunately. He is everywhere at once, yet never wherever you are. You know of him in the shape of rumors and hearsay.

When you go fetch yourself a tea tray in the kitchen, your uncle is in the middle of the servants. “I heard last night he was with four whores!” As you ask a maid about your sister’s whereabouts, he is her chosen companion. “Princess Rhaenyra went out to race your uncle, Princess.” And of course, when your father complains, Daemon is in the midst of it. “He insulted Otto and then walked out of the council meeting.”

Despite your wishes, your uncle starts to occupy more of your mind’s space than you would like. You keep wondering what he is up to, each rumor more outrageous than the last. You cannot help but wonder if it’s you who was prompted him to wreak such havoc. The idea of having such power over him, that an offhanded comment can cause such a reaction, makes something tingle in your stomach.

You find him next in the gardens. Alicent and Rhaenyra are fighting again, a nasty thing that soon turns into a screaming match. That's a dynamic you have stayed out of, since you had memory. While Alicent and Rhaenyra were friends, you never felt anything towards Alicent besides a slight sympathy. She seemed nice enough, but she was not your friend.

Rhaenyra and you loved in the same way, you see. Possessive, harsh. As Princesses, you never learned to share. You wanted your person to be only yours. Alicent was Rhenyra’s, and so, you stepped aside.

When she married your father, you weren’t exactly pleased. But you had the emotional detachment Rhenyra lacked, being too close to the situation. In time, you had come to understand that it wasn’t like she had a choice, either.

So, it wasn’t like you were going to break with tradition now. To avoid their screams, you had decided to pace the gardens. Daemon seemed to have the same idea because you find him sitting on a bench with a book in his hands.

“Came to join me?” He asks, voice smooth like honey.

“Rather to escape the screeching.” You sit by his side, curiously peering at the book he holds.

“A Cautionary Tale For Young Girls.” Daemon’s smirk is the only thing that gives him away, that, and the fact that the book is written in High Valyrian. “Most illuminating read. You should try it.”

You laugh, despite yourself. His lips twitch into a more genuine smile, less full of smugness and bravado.

“I was getting lonely.” You say, softly. The admission surprises even you. “You are with Rhaenyra all the time.”

Don’t go where I can’t follow, you wish to say. Don’t take her from me. My other half. But you don’t speak the words aloud, from fear of him repeating your confession. You don’t want to beg Rhaenyra for affection, not when you have been competing with her all your life.

Daemon makes a face, as if pained of what he will say next. He seems wary of hurting you. You wonder if that means he cares for you, in his own twisted way. It’s not often he worries about what others think.

“She has a dragon.” No matter how gentle the tone, it hurts anyway.

“I miss her. Not you.” But it’s a lie. You know it’s a bad pattern, and you shouldn’t miss him, but you are so used to competing for affection that Daemon has become both your rival and the one you crave. The weeks without him have been lonely and taxing. No matter if it was you who pushed him away and didn’t care to reach out after.

“I remember you two were close.” Something must change in your face because your uncle reaches toward you, gently squeezing your arm.

“We used to be. She is just… So angry, all the time. And has all these new people. Admires, prospects…” You feel like a fool. There is a deep sense of unfulfillment and being wronged yet at the same time, you know you are being unreasonable. This was always going to happen. You can’t share the Iron Throne, and she has always been your father’s favorite. Rhaenyra was always going to be the heir.

“Which one am I?”

You shrug.

“It's not like I care.” But you do. You do care, despite your best sense. Because you want to be his favorite. You have always wanted to be someone’s favorite, but Daemon has a special brand of devotion for those he cares about. You wish you could be counted on that list, lately. By the smile on his face, Daemon can probably tell. “And it's not like before she didn't have things that were only hers.”

"I thought you shared everything.” Your uncle tucks a loose piece of your hair behind your ear. You lean into the touch, closing your eyes.

“She has Alicent. Had. Still does.” You know when the time comes, Alicent will be there for Rhaenyra. They are tied together by destiny in ways Rhaenyra and you are not.

“The curse of the younger brother.” With your eyes still closed, his hand gently brushing your hair back, the words do not feel as if they are being spoken aloud. The gardens around you feel muffled, distant. Perhaps it’s the soothing touch, or the deep pang of sadness in your chest, but you do not understand what Daemon means.

“I beg your pardon?” You open your eyes, giving him a confused expression. Not only is he muttering nonsense, your uncle is much closer to you than he was before. Daemon’s forehead is nearly pressed into yours, his thumb now gently rubbing across your jawline.

“Viserys and Rhaenyra are the same.” He explains, tracing your cheekbone next. As if he is keen to learn your face from touch alone, carve it on his mind. It makes you smile slightly. The pain from mourning your innocence is very much still there, but it doesn’t feel like it’s tearing you apart. “Just as you and I are the same.”

“I…” You are not sure of what to answer. Naturally, it makes sense. You can feel it in your bones, but you can’t quite articulate the thought.

Daemon’s thumb presses against your lips in a downward motion, closing them.

“We could fly off tonight. Go to the Free cities, marry. No one would care.” His tone is fervent, urgent. Pleading with you. You keep quiet, and so does he. The silence stretches between the two of you. Your mind races.

Just as your lips flutter behind his thumb to answer the proposal, your uncle speaks again.

“We are free, you and I. But the Iron Throne chains them.”

It’s then you realize it was not a proposition, but rather an explanation of the thoughts you were unable to articulate. And perhaps it’s the sting of rejection or the deep sadness that has taken root on you since the death of your mother, but you cannot keep the words in. They come flowing, tumbling, rushing out of your mouth.

“I want to be a girl forever.” You say to him, starting to tear up. “I am not ready to be a woman.”

You are scared, you realize. No longer are you a girl playing to be a woman, dressing up in your mother’s jewels and dresses. Five years down the line, you will be married. Ten, it will be you who is a mother.

Your uncle gathers you into his arms, painfully soft. You would have never believed Daemon capable of such a tender touch.

“You can’t be innocent forever.”

“Everything is so complicated now. I just… I don’t want anything to change.”

You whisper against his neck. It’s a doomed wish. You know already it’s too late for it. No longer are you an innocent, no longer anything is the same. It will never be.

“Not all changes are bad. There can be pleasure in losing one’s innocence.” Daemon kisses your temple. “And I intend to show it to you.”

That night, the two of you sneak out of the Red Keep.

“I wanted to give you something only yours.” Your uncle says, as he leads you down the Street of Silk. Both of you are wearing rough cloaks, for discretion. You cling to his arm, afraid of getting lost in between the strange sights and smells.

There is so much to see and so much to hear. People laughing in the streets, singing, drunkards and patrons from the brothels mixing. While you are familiar with the streets of King’s Landing, you have never seen them at night. It’s both frightening and exhilarating, watching the city come to life in ways new to you.

There are no children in sight, only adults. The message that Daemon hoped to convey by bringing you here is loud and clear. You are no longer a girl, you are a woman. And so, instead of sleeping soundly in your bed as you have done all your childhood, you get to enjoy the wonders of the night.

The crowd gets even more rowdy as you pass the bigger pleasure houses and walk towards the ones that are at the end of the street. Secluded as they are, they spark your curiosity.

“Where are we going?” You ask your uncle, tugging at his arm. “Inside one of those? Why?”

“They cater to tastes that the rest do not.” Daemon comes to a stop in front of one, and takes off his hood. The woman at the doors takes one look at his hair and quickly ushers you both inside a room.

The room is bare except for a couple of chairs and a bed. You examine everything closely, noting the inferior quality of the furniture. These are not the kinds of chairs you are used to, at the Red Keep. After a while, and only when you notice no one else is hiding inside, you lower your hood. Being overly cautious never hurt anyone, after all.

“What tastes?” You squeeze Daemon’s hand. He gives you a puzzled look. “You said they cater to tastes…”

“You will see.” You are saved from the wait to know what he means by the door opening. Two servants, dressed in little clothing, step inside. Men, near your age. They are completely unique, yet similar. You get the feeling they are not simple servants, even though they serve you and Daemon goblets of wine.

You stare. You do not understand why they are not leaving.

Your uncle steps behind you, to whisper in your ear. His arms circle around your waist.

“Look at them.” He presses a chaste kiss just behind your ear. “Really look.”

So you do. One of the men is tall and strong. Almost wide. All bulging muscles. He has dark hair and light colored eyes. The other man is slightly slender, yet strong either way. He has lighter hair and a much sweeter face. They are both handsome, yet you do not understand what game Daemon could be playing.

“You wanted something only yours.” He mutters, kissing the crown of your head. He perches his chin on top of it. “Most girls, they don’t get to choose whom they lose their innocence to.”

It dawns on you then. He wants you to choose one of the men to… Well. It’s a nice thing to do, but so undeniably Daemon it hurts.

Feeling mischievous, you turn around in his grip.

“And I can choose any of the men in this room?” You smirk. Your uncle’s brows draw together, in disbelief.

“That’s the point, yes.” Daemon speaks slowly, as if explaining to someone particularly daft. Or innocent. “I’ll pay for it, don’t worry.”

“Good.” You smirk, and kiss him. You feel him smirk right back against your mouth.

[lady-pug]

Written Between the Lines

Chapter I - In Between These Lines

Summary: Aemond had been avoiding you all day, and you were determined to get some answers, and maybe comfort him when he needed you to.

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x Reader

Word count: 2,4k

Warnings: canon-typical incest (uncle-niece)

Notes: Hello hello! It's the day of the (official) release of the season 2 finale of HotD and I thought it was the perfect time to publish this. I have been meaning to write for this fandom for quite some time now, and this one had been on my mind for quite some time now and I decided to write it down and see where it went, and I’m quite proud of how it turned out.

Just to clear some things up: reader is Rhaenyra’s eldest child (yes, I went for that trope), being one or two years younger than Aemond and one or two years older than Jace (so she and Aemond are more or less the same age). This first chapter is set on the same day of the Pink Dread incident (season 1, episode 6), which means they are children. (Also, I don't understand anything of palm reading, but that's kinda the whole point)

I really hope you, dear reader, enjoy this and have fun while reading it. If you spot any mistakes, please feel free to warn me and I'll correct it right away, and feedback is always welcome and appreciated. I hope you truly enjoy this story.

Reader is female, but no physical descriptions provided

Next chapter | Masterlist | Read on AO3

He had been ignoring you all day. The only time you even managed to catch a glimpse of him was on the courtyard during his training lessons with Ser Criston, accompanied by both your brothers and his own. It was pretty boring, really, watching from afar as it would be considered ‘improper’ for you to join them, even though both your father and Ser Harwin had taken upon themselves to teach you the ways of the steel in secret (even though you had a strong suspicion your mother was well aware of it). At least you got some free entertainment for the day, watching Ser Harwin beat the absolute shit out of Cole.

Serves him right for being cunt to my brothers, you had thought.

You’d normally prefer to spend your afternoons with Helaena, truly enjoying the girl’s company, her fascination with bugs and beetles and her clever mind never failing to make you smile. However, you’d later have to apologize to your aunt for skipping on your daily meeting as you ventured around the keep in search of her brother. You were supposed to meet at the weirwood tree after he got back from going to the pit with the boys so you could work on your high valyrian lessons together, but as the minutes passed you began to worry and set out to find him. 

You thoroughly believed he wasn’t even going to show up at supper, his mother smiling softly albeit crookedly upon your questioning, claiming he was feeling indisposed, but to your surprise he did come in if only a little late. He wasn’t acting like himself, however, choosing to sit in the seat furthest away from you, where he would normally sit right by your side, leaving the seat vacant for Aegon to sit next to you, his abhorrent manners at the table almost making you physically recoil. He didn’t look at anyone, nor did he speak to anyone unless spoken to and he seemed way more interested in poking around his food than actually eating it. And once the meal was over and everyone was excused he practically vanished, rushing out of the hall before you could even rise to your feet.

Now, as night had fallen, you were determined to find him and get some answers. Goosebumps formed on your skin as you ventured deeper in the hidden passages of the Keep where your sword lessons were held, the chilly air of King’s Landing biting at your exposed arms. You walked with confidence, knowing for a fact both your chambers were connected through these halls. You just hoped to the Old Gods and the New that you did in fact know where you were going and that you didn’t accidentally walk in on Aegon doing something very morally questionable with one of the servants.

Please let it be this one, you prayed as your fingers pressed against a loose panel on the wall.

And it seemed you had to look no further. Aemond was half submerged in a bath arranged in the middle of the room (confirming these were, indeed, his chambers), the ends of his hair sticking to his skin as water clung to the strands. Upon hearing the wall moving he startled, his eyes widening as he desperately scrambled to try and cover some of his modesty, even though you could barely see anything below the waterline.

“B-by the Gods!” he squirmed, clearly not expecting visitors at this hour, and you felt an amused smirk building on your lips at his attempts at covering up.

“Worry not, uncle.” you jested walking closer to the tub after closing the secret door behind you “You seem to forget I have three younger brothers. It’s nothing I haven’t seen before.”

His cheeks tinged with a bright shade of pink.

“What in the Seven Hells are you doing here?!” he tried once again to cover up, trying to look anywhere but at you standing in the middle of his chambers in only your nightclothes.

“Why have you been avoiding me?” you asked, the smirk promptly slipping from your face.

He seemed momentarily taken aback by such a question, looking away almost… ashamed?

“I have done no such thing, I have just been busy?” he tried, though his words lacked any conviction and ended up sounding more like a question.

“You promised to meet me after going to the Dragonpit.” you spoke softly “But you never came.”

At this he didn’t have a rebuttal, not one that wouldn’t give too much away, so he simply shrugged, his gaze cast down into the water. But you could tell from the way he shrunk under your gaze that there was something more to it.

“Did something happen in the Dragonpit?” you asked, taking a couple of slow and careful steps closer to him. When he stayed silent, only scrunching his eyes as if it physically pained him to think about it, you tried again “Aemond… what happened at the Dragonpit?”

“Nothing happened!” he snapped, his eyes brimming with unshed tears, before his voice acquired a venomous tone “Now if you could excuse me, little niece, I find myself quite occupied at the moment and don’t have the time to entertain you right now. Go meddle on somebody else’s business.”

Had you been anybody else you’d have left by now, with your tail between your legs and tears dripping down your face over the lashing of his tongue. And although his words did sting and left you feeling slightly humiliated, you stood your ground. You’d like to think that after all these years, having grown up together in the Red Keep, you’d come to know your uncle, your friend, better than anyone by now. You knew he, very much like yourself, was more reserved in his feelings, keeping them to himself, but once they finally bubbled over they tended to burn everything in their path. Aemond, like you, was the blood of the dragon after all. And you had come to learn that when he was hurting he tended to lash out at anyone and everyone around him, intending to inflict the same hurt onto others so he wasn’t left alone in his misery.

So, taking a steadying breath, you closed the distance between the two of you, carefully climbing inside the tub with him. The water was lukewarm, and given the propensities of the members of the Targaryen family to enjoy their baths scalding hot, it told you that he’d probably been here for quite a while now, sulking alone.

As you lowered yourself into the water, he pressed himself further into the side of the wooden tub, trying to stay as further away from you as possible. 

“T-this is hardly appropriate, niece.” he stammered, trying not to let his eyes curiously wander down to your now soaked nightgown.

You stayed silent for a moment, contemplating the situation you found yourself in, but you’d gone too far now to back down without the answers you seek.

“So, are you going to tell me what the matter is?”

He didn’t answer, but even though he refused to look directly at you, you spotted a lone tear escaping down his cheek.

“Aemond-”

“They gave me a pig.” he whispered, his gaze once again cast down.

“What?”

He swallowed thickly, his eyes finally meeting yours, and you could see the weight of the anger and the shame he’d been caring throughout the entire day.

“After Jacaerys finished his training with Vermax, he, Aegon and Lucerys mentioned they had found a dragon for me.” his voice wavered slightly as he recounted the event “I should not have believed them, I was such a fool… they brought a pig, decorated with wings and all.” more tears escaped his eyes, your heart clenching in your chest at the sight “‘The Pink Dread’ they called it.”

“Oh, Aemond-”

“I don’t want your pity, niece!” he lashed out once again, and you had to remind yourself it wasn’t personal “If that is all you came here for you can see yourself out.”

You pursed your lips, a frown etched on your face. You knew how much it pained him to remain dragonless. He had shared his thoughts with you once in the library after your lessons in high valyrian, way past the time you should have retired to your respective chambers. How he thought himself a disgrace to the Targaryen name, ashamed at not having a dragon for himself when even your younger brother Luke already had Arrax. You tried to console him but he was having none of it, too caught up in his self-loathing to listen. So you knew nothing you said could comfort him how he deserved.

An idea struck you. It was a stupid one, and you didn’t even know if it would work, but you had to try even if it backfired spectacularly. So you scooted closer to him in the tub, fitting between his spread legs without touching him, and extended your palm out.

“What are you doing?” he asked, eyes wide and confused.

“Give me your hand.”

“What?”

“Just give me your hand.” you coaxed, making come-hither with your extended fingers.

Once he realized you weren’t going to give him any further explanation, he did as he was told, laying his hand over your own, his palm facing down, which you quickly turned around. You started tracing the lines on his palm gently with your other hand, so concentrated you barely noticed the goosebumps forming on his skin from your ministrations.

“What-?” he started but you were quick to cut him off with a gentle ‘shhh’, which promptly shut him up, only slightly offended.

“See here?” you pointed at one of the lines in his palm, tracing it with your finger “It is your line of life. See how long it is? It means you shall live a long and fulfilling life.”

He glanced at you, still not understanding a word you were saying, and you gave him a soft, encouraging smile. 

“And see this one?” you pointed to another line “This is your line of heart. It turns upwards, which means you will be wed to a nice lady one day, and that you will love eachother very deeply and rejoice in your happiness together.”

You don’t know why saying that made your heart ache only slightly, but the sight of a smile slowly but surely curling on his lips made it all worth it, as it meant your plan was working. 

“And here,” you curled your fingers, closing his hand inside your own, and pointing to the lines that formed on the outer side “two deep lines and one shallow, meaning you’ll have three children when you grow older, two daughters and a son. And from how deep these two lines are, the girls will be very beautiful, they will probably give you a headache from how many suitors they will have.”

To this he chuckled, his tears long forgotten, and you giggled along with him.

“And here…” you opened his hand once again, and pointed to a long vertical line that crossed almost the entirety of his palm “is your line of the dragon. Only those of Targaryen descent have this one on their palms, see?” you pointed to your own hand which showed a similar line, different only in length “It means you will have a dragon one day.”

At this his face fell and he tried to rip his hand from you, but you held onto it firmly.

“The lines don’t lie.” you rushed to explain, now focused on his eyes as they softened at your words “You can check for yourself. Your brother and sister both have it on their hands, my own brothers have it. Seven Hells, you can even check Princess Rhaenys hands, she has one as well.”

You searched his eyes for any trace of doubt and found none.

“You will have a dragon one day, Aemond.” you squeezed his hand to emphasize our point “I’m sure of it.”

His smile grew on his face, sheepish but sincere, only a flick of his lips away from becoming a smirk.

“You just came up with all that, didn’t you?” he asked, and you gasped in mock offense, pushing against his shoulder.

“You wound me, uncle!” you pressed your hand against your heart “Why would I do such a thing?”

A beat passed before both of you burst out laughing, not one bit concerned the guards stationed just outside his door could probably hear you. You were glad you could make him smile again and give him some comfort, knowing you had succeeded on your mission.

As you both calmed down you looked at him once again, truly looked at him. He was quite beautiful when he smiled, and oh, how you wished he would do it more often around you. In that moment only the two of you existed, together. When asked later you wouldn’t be able to tell what came over you in that very moment, but once you realized what you were doing you had surged forward, pressing your lips against his in the gentlest, softest of kisses.

No sooner had your lips come in contact with his own, you were pulling back, eyes widening in panic. His own were blown wide as well, surprised by your actions. You didn’t waste a second climbing out of the tub, almost toppling over the side in your rush, your drenched nightclothes making your task all the more difficult.

“Wait!” he tried to hold onto you but you were quicker “Please, don’t go, I-!”

But you were already making your way to the hidden passage on the wall and disappearing from his chambers. He would have thought he had fallen asleep in the bath and dreamed the whole thing had it not been for the dark trail left behind going from the tub all the way to the wall from where water had dripped from your body in your haste to get away. 

And if, come the next morrow, he forcefully grabbed his mother’s hand and flip it to look at her palms, much to her protests, and notice a line present on the exact place where you had pointed the so called ‘line of the dragon’ the night before, his smile gave away the gratitude he felt for you at that moment.

[thatrandomidiot182]

Pt. 2! This might be a bit vague and confusing so I might come back and edit it, but my internet is being super spotty and slow but I hate cliffhangers!!

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Continuing on with Velaryon! Reader who...

Has spent her whole life preparing for a succession everyone told her she'd have, (Queen/Lady).

Everyone told her that Driftmark was her birthright, that she'd be one to ascend the Driftwood throne and rule. That, unless she willingly gave up the title, it was assured hers.

They said if she did choose otherwise, an even greater title would surely be hers. After all, no other girl has proven themselves quite as capable, or deserving, of being the future queen as she.

It was guaranteed she'd be titled sooner or later.

It was fate, that she'd be a gracious, caring, benevolent ruler at some point.

It was supposed to be her.

Yet, in one thirty-minute meeting, all of that was taken away from her.

Her birthright, her inheritance, her future, her throne, gone.

All instead given to a bastard.

A bastard, who has no knowledge of ships, or the sea, or anything about politics.

A boy, of fire and blood.

Whereas she, pure salt and sea, has been groomed for it her entire life.

Readers so furious. Like, body numbing, ear ringing, jaw clenching, blood drawing furious.

For once, she agrees with Vaemond.

The king had no right to declare the heir of Driftmark.

Alas, she's far more in control of her emotions than her uncle.

Aemond is just as angry as her. Lucerys took his eye, and now takes his wifes birthright away from her! That just won't do...

Aemond is the only one who knows how much Reader has sacrificed and gave to make herself worthy. How much she's suffered and endured just to gain her parents' approval. All the dreams she's pushed aside, opportunities she's lost, blood she's shed. He's been right next to her all throughout her journey, so of course, he's the only one who ever truly understands her. (Man is rlly delulu but it's kinda.... 😍)

He also sees this as an opportunity. Now that she's lost everything, she's more likely to go along with his plans, seeing as she does not have many other options.

Jace is flabbergasted. Appalled, disgusted, and terrified. Does this mean he can't marry Reader? Why couldn't Rhaenys just announce their engagement instead? It would've made sense. Everyone knows she was going to marry him eventually, so where did Baela come from? Was his mother keeping something from him? Was this Daemons doing!?

Yeah, he's taken so off guard, but he's also wary of Readers' next actions. He knows of her ambition, and he knows how far she's willing to go for it (no he doesn't) and he knows she already dislikes Luke bc of Aemond. He's really conflicted.

Rhaenys has had enough of Readers' indecisiveness and decides to make the choice for her. In her mind, the worst case scenario, is that Reader was going to choose Jace, and they end up marrying the boy to two women.

Best case scenario is that Viserys accepts Rhaena and Baela as 'the great unification' instead and allows Reader to marry anyone she wants. Anyone besides Aemond.

(Bad parenting on her part)

Reader is pissed, sad, and panicking, so what does she do?

She goes to Rhaenyra.

Rhaenyra, who has always pursued her heart over anything else.

Rhaenyra, who has consistently pushed aside duty and perception for love.

Rhaenyra, who is her last shot at securing the iron throne.

Reader approaches Rhaenyra in private and breaks down. She begs Rhaenyra to wed her to Jace alongside Baela.

She loves Jace! She's always loved him, but never had the opportunity to inform anyone of her feelings (which is true tbf). She's fine being a second wife as long as she gets to spend the rest of her life with him.

She really sells it. Kneeling, tears, snot, the whole nine yards.

Rhaenyra believes it. She has seen how much her son cares for Reader and mourns the future that could have been. However, she's hesitant to go against Rhaenys. She trusted the older woman to help her and her sons, and she did. So she must have had a good reason not to announce Reader and Jace rather than Baela and Jace.

"I am afraid it is not my decision to make."

"You will be queen one day, if you speak it, my parents will have no choice but to heed your wishes."

Rhaenyra is torn, but in the end, she prioritizes her children above anything.

"I will ask your mother to reconsider once the dust has settled, whatever choice she makes will be final."

"If you do not command it, she will never reconsider! The longer we wait, the more people will know and if that happens, it'll never be accepted!"

"I am truly sorry."

Oooooh now Rhaenyra is on Readers shit list.

So, Reader feels backed into a corner. She's hurt, angry, embarrassed, and ashamed. She feels as if she's lost everything, all within the span of a few hours.

Then, Aemond visits her. He comes to her with open arms and sweet words. He kneels before her and proclaims his love and devotion and his desire to make her Queen.

Reader is so angry at Rhaenyra and her parents that she allows herself to believe his honeyed words and sweet smile. She loves him as much as she loves Jace, so it's not a total loss. Besides, Aemond has proven himself willing to do anything for her.

She announces their engagement that night at the dinner table.

Viserys is stoked. Three engagements in a day!!

Otto and Alicent are also happy. Otto just thinks this has been a long time coming, and Alicent is relieved to finally have Aemond off of her plate. (These two have no idea what's coming 💀)

Rhaenyra is flabbergasted. Literally, like an hour before, Reader was begging to marry her son, and now this???

Jace is utterly heartbroken. He understands that realistically, it was inevitable, considering he was now betrothed to another, but the pain was the same nonetheless.

Rhaenys is pissed. She did all this to avoid Reader marrying Aemond, and she turns around and does it anyway!?! She can't speak up though because it makes her appear weak and not in control, and she'd never willingly show that to anyone, much less with Daemon present.

Luke is terrified, his two worst enemies are now engaged!?

Helaena is so excited to have Reader as a sister in law!! Her dreams have shown her great things about this marriage. She makes sure to include Reader in her toast as well lol.

Aegon finds it hilarious. The two dragonless Targaryen's getting married, ha! (He'll regret laughing later lol)

Daemon is unnerved. He's probably the only one who sees the marriage as what it actually is. A power move. One unseen by anyone but him. Though he'd never admit it, he was sure he could handle Aemond or Reader alone, but together? Together, they might just be unstoppable...

That night was the last time Reader danced with Jace before the war.

Aemonds toast was unexpected, but Reader felt it was justified and even broke Baelas nose when her niece got up to help Luke and Jace.

Jace was astonished.

Aemond had a sexual awakening lmaoo.

The night King Viserys dies, a shadow flies above kings landing, quickly followed by a terrible storm.

The next day, during the search for Aegon, Reader approaches Otto, and offers a backup plan.

She knows that all he truly wants is a puppet, that he has no care about 'rightful' heirs, which is why they chose to be so insistent on Aegon being crowned.

She also knows how much Aegon despises the thought of ruling.

They both know that Aemond would do anything for the crown.

But only she knows that he'd do anything for her.

So she proposes a deal. Should Aegon falter, it would be best to replace him with Aemond.

A war is inevitable, and they both know that, despite his temper, Aemond would be far more likely to win against Rhaenyra and Daemon than Aegon has any hope of.

Aemond is also as loyal as a hound to his beloved, and if Otto agrees to crown him, Reader would ensure that Aemond heeds his grandfathers every wish for as long as he lives...

Otto hesitates. He has come to see the kind of woman Reader is and has no reason to believe that she would lie. He agrees with everything she says, as it is all the truth. He also sees her as another pawn he could utilize as he believes she respects him and listens to him well. (🤡)

He accepts her proposal but insists that Aegon be King for as long as rationally possible. After all, it was Viserys' dying wish to crown him so it wouldn't look great to immediately replace him. He also reminds Reader of Alicents loyalty to Viserys and his wishes.

Reader isn't very happy with the deal, but accepts it nonetheless. She's waited this long right?

In the meantime, she swears loyalty to the greens.

Aemond is surprised to hear of this deal, but is elated at how much easier this would make their succession. He's so impressed and in awe of Reader!!

Rhaenys and Erryk attempt to take Reader with them to Dragonstone, but she vehemently refuses.

"You have humiliated me countless times. Ruined my childhood and painted false images of honor and glory in my head only to whisk it all away without a second thought!! Now, you ridicule me for choosing the only person who has ever truly loved me? Scorn and curse me for not bowing down to the mutts who took MY birthright from me!?! You speak of honor and oaths... You are nothing more than a hypocrite."

Rhaenys is gutted. She finally sees how big she fucked up. Still, it's not like she can do much so she leaves without her, swearing to come back for her once she 'sees the truth.'

Thus, Aegon is crowned king, and the Reader chases Rhaenys out of kings landing on the back of a huge black dragon.

Ideally, and in my head, its Balerion. The parallels of Vhaegar and Balerion being the previous dragons of Visenya and The Conquerer and now Aemond and Reader are too compelling!! If you prefer to be a bit more canon compliant, I also can see her claiming a son of Vhaegar and Balerion, hatched during the conquest and hidden away. Maybe Vhaegar leads him to Reader cuz she feels a war is coming.

The smallfolk see it as a sign. Since they love Reader so much, they view her obtaining a dragon in such a time as a promise that she is destined for greatness. In the light of the battle for succession, word flits about the people of kings landing that perhaps it is time for a change. Perhaps Reader and her Husband should sit the Iron Throne. After all, they ride dragons from the days of the conqueror, and have shown much more care and compassion for the true good of the realm than either Aegon or Rhaenyra.

Corlys and Rhaenys mourn the relationship they ruined with their only daughter. Corlys' only requirement to swear to Rhaenyra is that his daughter be spared, no matter what happens. Rhaenys and Jace back him up. Rhaenyra agrees. (They're all delulu and believe Aemond has bewitched her or manipulated her in some way)

Reader uses the time between Aegons coronation and Lucerys' death to bond and train with her dragon. While Aemond was sent to deal with Lord Borros, offering gold and slaves, Reader flew to Driftmark and rallied a good portion of sailors and soldiers. She has a good reputation amongst the people of her home, and many of them refused to live under and serve Lucerys when she was their one true ruler.

When Aemond returns to kings landing with the news of Luke's death, Reader is disappointed and vexed.

She wasn't mad that he killed Lucerys, but because he did so at the worst time. Otto was bound to see this major fuckup and completely reconsider their deal.

Aemond is so upset bc he disappointed her.

Jace is now resolved to 'save' Reader from Aemond, if he killed Luke what's stopping him from killing her??

Reader now has to work to save Aemonds reputation. Not only is he 'deformed' but now he's a kinslayer! Any claim he has to the throne is dwindling the more he acts.

She also has to figure out how to deal with Alicent.

And find a way to get Helaena and her children out of the keep before all hell breaks loose.

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Okay, officially, the end of season 1! Season 2 might take me a bit longer to write because there's a lot more to figure out. Also, I like how this was originally supposed to be a vague outline and just fleshed into a whole rant, lol. I'm kind of forcing myself to finish this format bc I really want to write more in depth one-shots showing some scenes but I can't until I finish posting these.

Idk what to call these. It's not a full fic, it's not really headcanons either...

[lilibethwrites]

Hello ! Im surprised how much im on love with Aemond right now, he's so interesting... I wanted to Ask for a scenario where he eavesdrops two Ladies and reader says that instead of being afraid and disgusted by his scar,shes more intrigued ...like she cant take her eyes from him. And now he wants to know who is so foolish. (I would probably stand still if he aproached me xD) thank you and have a nice.day

A Curse and a Blessing

Aemond Targaryen x F!Targaryen!Reader

Warnings: NSFW, incest

Word count: 2023

A.N.: This was such a fun request to write! I think it's pretty self contained, but let me know if you'd like a second part to it.

Aegon II’s nameday celebrations were famed to bring lords and ladies from all across the Seven kingdoms to King’s Landing. Your mother, Princess Rhaenyra and your father, Prince Daemon were no exceptions to those who received invites. Thus, you and your step-brothers flew to the heart of the Throne for a week of feast and entertainment.

Aegon wasn’t seen much, and the conversations of the adults bore you to near death. Offers and pacts, tight-lipped smiles that hid grudges and oaths that were broken as soon as they were made. You had no taste for the arguments over who was the best swordsman of the realm or what material made the best breastplate that your brothers engaged in either.

So you found yourself among your childhood friends with whom you’d driven Septas and Maesters to madness when you were under their tutelage. Some were married, and some even with children already. Though they did not quite delve into the philosophical inquiries of just how much the realm suffered for the fall of Valyria, their gossip was suitable enough to pass the evening.

With your cup in hand, you seated yourself within the close circle that whispered and giggled.

“Oh, dear Y/N, come sit. We were just conversing on the charms of certain Princes.”

“Oh, come off it! I only said I would choose him if I absolutely had to. He is the handsome one of the three.”

“Well, I personally would give my favour to Ser Criston Cole, if you catch my drift.” one of the girls rubbed her swollen belly while staring at the man standing guard across the hall from them.

Y/N grimaced, only half-jokingly. She knew her mother wasn’t fond of Ser Criston, and neither was she.

“Jeyne, who is it that you would choose so… grudgingly? The handsome of the three?” Y/N teased the girl with a plump face and auburn hair that was held in a bun with several colourful ribbons. She and Y/N were the only ones left unmarried, and by the looks of her attire, at least one of them was determined to change it that night.

“Oh, well…” she inhaled and took a large sip from her wine. Then she took a bite from the likewise large cut of cake on her lap to stall the answer.

“You know…” Then her voice lowered. “Prince Aegon.”

Then the girls groaned jokingly and erupted into laughter. Except for Y/N who only gave her a secret, understanding smile.

“Come on now, Jeyne! HE IS—he is a drunkard!”

“And he sired so many bastards they say the Flea Bottom has turned white-haired—oh, sorry, Y/N.”

Y/N only waved her dismissively. Aegon was Alicent’s problem.

“He is at least… intact!” Jeyne spoke with a mouth full of cake. “Unlike his brother! That man… he scares me. I saw him down the hall just this noon. There is something about him—”

“You mean… Prince Aemond?” Y/N perked up. Now, that was a Prince she would converse on.

Unbeknownst to them, behind the heavy tapestry that divided a corner from the Throne Room and reserved a makeshift parlour for the guests, Prince Aemond was eavesdropping on the conversation. He was nursing a cup of wine stronger and more bitter than the ones ladies drank. Though the conversation first grabbed his attention in case a treacherous slander was to be spread—Rhaenyra and her bastard sons were invited, after all—he remained because he was simply bemused. Though he didn’t expect his name to be spoken in a conversation on handsome men and potential husbands. He leaned on of the stone pillars that held the tapestry up in hopes of identifying the ladies.

“It is the scar. Absolutely,” Suesane pointed to the right side of her face, just where Y/N’s half-brother slashed Aemond’s eye out some years back.

“Oh yes. It really is something. I sure am glad we are not to see it entirely.”

“I wouldn’t mind it,” Y/N murmured matter-of-factly. The girls all turned to her with wide eyes and raised brows.

“What? It is not as bad as you say, I’m certain. I would like to see it. I hear he has a sapphire for a right eye now.”

Aemond couldn’t fight the smirk off his face and leaned even closer to the tapestry to make out the hushed voice of his brave champion.

“Do not toy with us! Imagine him… in… you know… your bedchamber. That is dreadful!”

“On the contrary. I think his scar is… well, I think it is handsome, like him. It suits him. It adds to his charm—”

“His charm! The man is a recluse and a maimed—”

“You are forgetting yourself, Emely!” Y/N spoke up. The fierce backlash forced the girls into silence. Y/N was of the highest-standing title, after all.

The girls scrambled to pacify the tone that shifted drastically with Princess Y/N’s outburst. From the other side, Aemond was intrigued now more than ever. A girl would defend him so feverishly even when he was not around, when she stood to gain nothing from shining up to him in his absence. She truly was his champion, it seemed. Besides, who could command the silence of spoiled, empty-headed pigs for ladies? Could it be? No! No it could not be his niece.

“I only meant that I hear Prince Aemond is a skilled warrior and a scholar, too. Do not be too harsh on him.” Y/N cooled off as well, attempting to salvage the chatter that she cut with her words which might very well have been Valyrian steel.

Aemond had to find out. He had to see. Y/N was too fond of her brothers to favour him. All Seven Gods together couldn’t make her see Aemond as anything but a brute and a bully. So, against his better judgment, he lifted the tapestry. It gave some of the ladies quite the scare as they gasped and shrieked. The cake on Jeyne’s lap fell to the floor with a loud clatter. They were like skittish horses galloping away from a dragon.

“Ladies,” Aemond greeted them with a nod and a smirk. In his mind, his entrance was no cause for alarm, yet to the girls, he seemed like a barbarian Dornish warrior who was intend on having their heads. It amused him all the same that they were scared near death.

“Princess,” he then turned to Y/N who was sitting tall, though her eyes betrayed the surprise his entrance was to her.

“Prince—ahem, Prince Aemond. Uncle.”

Was he just passing by and decided to give the poor girls a scare? That was indeed like him to do so. If not, just how much did he hear?

“I heard a matter unsettled on my brother. And…” he cocked his head to the side with a mischievous, lopsided grin, staring directly at Y/N. He blinked once, twice. With each shutting and opening of his eye, his bemused expression faded into something more difficult to read, something darker that unsettled even Y/N.

“And on my scar.”

“My Prince—we—we meant no—” one of the girls babbled, but the rise of Aemond’s hand stopped her swiftly.

“Allow me to chime in. You wished to see it, dear Niece,” his hand moved up to the eyepatch.

“Avert your precious eyes, my fair ladies,” he spoke with no concern to conceal the contempt he felt for the girls. And they looked all over the room but in Aemond and Y/N’s direction.

Y/N leaned closer in her seat like a woman famished at a rich supper. She often thought about Aemond, about how things could’ve been only if Queen Alicent and her mother could get along better. She also explored her body to the thought of her uncle—more times than she liked to admit.

Then, Aemond pulled the patch off. An icy blue eye and a darker cut of sapphire glimmering in the middle of a dark trail of once-torn flesh, a gift from Luke, stared back at Y/N.

“So see it for yourself.”

One of the girls, braver than the others, tried to steal a glance between her fingers but gasped in terror and turned her head away with a shrill “Oh, Gods be good!”

Y/N took a sharp breath, though Aemond scoffed because he assumed she was just as disgusted as the rest, she only realized his scar was much more handsome than the one she imagined with her trembling hands between her legs under the covers back at Dragonstone.

“That’s what I thought,” Aemond spoke with a tinge of disappointment in his voice. Though from the beating of her heart and the rushing of her mind, Y/N missed it. To Aemond, his niece was a coward just like the rest, and she’d sooner marry a pompous lord than to look at his face again.

“Enjoy your evening, ladies. Princess.”

Y/N chased after him. There was no point in staying anyway. The silence had fallen like a heavy blanket over a corpse upon Aemond’s departure.

Y/N reached for Aemond and grabbed his arm to stop him in his tracks.

“That was unnecessary.” Yet also highly intriguing. Captivating. Seducing.

Aemond gave her a joyless smile. “I warned you so, dear Niece.”

“It was not me who needed the courtesy of sparing the scare—”

“I do not care for the other girls. You claimed you could brave it. And yet—”

“And I did, did I not?”

Y/N stepped forward, now they were dangerously close to one another in the dark corner of the hall.

“Take it off and I shall brave it again if it pleases you, Aemond.” Please do take it off so I can admire it once more.

And he did. A surprise to both himself and Y/N, he pulled the eye patch off and the flames of candles glimmered off the sharp angles of sapphire. Aemond expected that without her audience, Y/N would speak her true mind. Surely, she’d tell him just how grotesque he looked and his ugly scar would haunt her even when she would be back at Dragonstone.

Instead, Y/N stepped closer, rose on her toes to reach for his face, and gently, oh so gently, ran her fingertips across the length of the scar. Where her soft fingers ran, scorching heat came off and flowers of spring blossomed—and they withered and died just as soon as her fingertips moved on.

Aemond was paralyzed under her touch. A lesser woman would’ve screamed for her life and run for the guards or the Queen. With shaky breaths, his heavy-lidded eye met Y/N’s.

“I truly think it’s beautiful,” she whispered, openly enamoured by his charm. Her finger stopped just beneath the sapphire, her palm dangerously close to caressing his cheek. “I shall forever regret the cruelty of my brother. But I shall also envy your lady wife when the time comes, for she will get to see you as you are now, for eternity.”

Y/N’s words sank like an anchor inside Aemond. She spoke sincerely, which made her words all the scarier. Aemond was used to artificial politeness, not to words spoken from the heart as Y/N did. And admittedly, he gave very little thought to marriage. Once he realized his sapphire eye was an object of terror for women, he shut the idea out. When the time came, as Y/N put it, his mother would choose a girl profitable enough to marry. And they wouldn’t be the first nor the final miserable couple in the realm.

Yet, there Y/N was with her finger on his scar and with the impossible promise that it wouldn’t have to be so.  

“Hm. If you speak true, perhaps you know me very little, niece.”

“Oh, on the contrary, uncle. I believe I know you better than most.”

The murmured exchange was cut abruptly when Y/N gripped Aemond’s shoulder to raise herself, and Aemond’s hands reached for her waist to keep her stable. Y/N tilted her head up and Aemond down and to the side in unison, and their lips felt as if they were created for each other.

Aemond Tag (let me know if you'd like to be added to it):

@cherishedauthor @schniiipsel @verycollectivecreator @dangerousbluebirdpoetry

[thebenjiblackwoodexpress]

Devil's Snare part.7

Aemond Targaryen x Reader

Description: King Viserys has died leaving behind a vacuum of power that the Greens are quick to fill. Aemond tries to qwell his wife's fears for the inevitable war between the Blacks and Greens. But at Aegon's coronation Aemond realises he might not be able to protect those he loves.

Features Aemond being a thought child and finally convincing his wife to ride Vhagar with him.

Previous part

Writer's note: Thank you for all the lovely comments on the previous part. So sorry for the massive delay in getting this part out! Was fighting for my life at work and as per usual overthought it. It follows the plot of S1 x 09 The Green Council. Mostly canon compliant for now but will change. I intend to give these babies as happy an ending as I can in the ASOIAF universe. Angst to follow in the next part.

Warnings: female reader. Some minor sexual content but no smut.

Y/N woke to the feeling of soft lips brushing against her hairline. Opening her eyes blearily she tried to adjust to the darkness as Aemond's face was lit only by a candle on the night stand. Noticing that her husband was fully dressed and had a cloak dark as night wrapped around his shoulders, she frowned and reached for him.

"You are leaving."

Aemond leant forward towards her outstretched arms from where he was sat on the edge of the bed and she wrapped them around his neck. His long silver hair fell around them like a blanket, giving Y/N a feeling of safety and the hope she could convince Aemond to stay. This was instantly shattered by Aemond's next words.

"King Viserys has died. They mean to make Aegon King and of course he is nowhere to be found. It is just like him." He mumbled the last part with not a little irritation.

Y/N's eyes widened. The King had looked unwell the last evening but it still came as a shock for him to have passed so suddenly and then there was the the matter of Aegon.

"But he chose Rhaenyra as his successor."

Aemond nodded tersely.

"Yes, however my mother claims my father's final wish was that she be diposed for Aegon."

Y/N was not sure she really believed the veracity of the Queen's claim, having seen first hand the King's clear preference for Rhaenyra over all of his other children, much to her chagrin as this included her own husband. By the expression on Aemond's face she knew he did not believe this any more than she did, but he was unwaveringly loyal to his family and she had the sense from the look of determination in his good eye that he would support his brother's claim.

Sighing resignedly she placed her hand on his cheek.

"You mean to go looking for your brother?"

Aemond leant into her touch, wrapping an arm around her back to hold her against him and support her weight.

"My mother wishes Cole and I to seek him out and bring him to her before the Hand can get his claws in him."

Y/N nodded in understanding, though she did not wish her husband to leave and feared for the consequences that must surely follow for this clear usurpation of Princess Rhaenyra's birth right.

"Will you promise to keep yourself safe and come back to me as you left?"

Aemond smiled at her care for his safety, though it was unnecessary.

"I promise my wife to return just as I left her."

Y/N moved her hand up to tangle in Aemond's hair before lightly tugging him forward to kiss him, his grip on her tightening possessively as their lips moulded together. He pulled away all too soon for Y/N's liking, pressing their foreheads together and tenderly rubbing a hand up and down her waist, his touch searing through the thin fabric of her night gown.

"You're not making it easy for me to leave you wife."

Y/N lifted herself up to press a kiss to his scar as she was oft inclined to do, to let him know that it only made him more beautiful to her.

"Come back to me quickly" She spoke, her lips tickling his skin.

He smiled softly down at her, gently lowering her body back down onto the bed and moving to stand himself. He brushed a hand over the top of her head and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. 

"I will heed my wife's command and return to her as soon as I can."

Leaning down he pecked her lips again.

Y/N grumbled as he withdrew quickly, though she knew it was not for lack of affectation, rather an attempt to avoid derailing his plans if they became too wrapped up in one another.

"Not soon enough."

Aemond chuckled at her.

"Sleep well, my love."

With that he turned on his heel and strode from the room, looking back only briefly once he'd reached the door, as if requiring just one more glance before they were parted from one another for an indefinite period of time.

Aemond did not feel any sadness when Cole came to inform him of his father's passing. King Viserys had barely ever looked at him and he could never forget how he'd allowed Lucerys to take his eye with no punishment. The decision to place his somewhat idiotic brother on the throne did send a wave of jealousy crackling to the surface. He was the better suited Prince for the throne and yet he had to scour the streets of King's Landing for Aegon, who never wanted the throne anyway. But he would be satisfied to remove Rhaenyra and her bastard sons from the iron throne.

He had found it difficult to wake his wife, the soft flickering of candlelight casting an ethereal glow over her beautiful features. But he did not know how long he would be gone for and he did not wish to leave without saying goodbye to her. In the end he'd had to remove himself from her, before getting caught up in the floral scent of her skin and the petal like softness of her lips. Aemond carried her image in his mind as he traversed the filthy streets of flea bottom, filled with a drive to find his feckless brother so he could deliver him to his mother and return to his lovely wife as soon as possible.

He was briefly shaken by coming across the Madame again, serving only as a reminder of what felt like a dark and sordid memory he'd rather forget. Before he met Y/N he did not think he could ever consider a romantic connection and any level of intimacy desirable after what had happened to him as a 13 year old boy. But Y/N gave him a sense of security he had never felt before. She made him feel safe and loved, brought light into his life that was all darkness before.

When he was finally able to track down Aegon with Cole he chased his brother, taking the steps from the Sept 3 at a time, wishing for nothing more than to put an end to this farce and return to his wife. Anger rose up within him at Aegon's remissiveness in his duty. Should they have come looking for him, he would intend to be found and to rule as was their birthright. Quietly seething, he reminded himself of his duty to his mother and half dragged, half carried his brother back to the Red Keep. 

Aemond permitted himself time to wash and rid himself of the dirt of fleabag before rushing to go see his wife. He found her so engrossed in whatever book she was reading, curled up on the chaise, that she did not even hear the door to their chambers open. Always able to move almost silently, he tread quietly over to her, kneeling behind the chaise and leaning down to brush her hair aside and kiss behind the shell of her ear.

Jumping at the rude interruption, Y/N snapped her head around to look at him. He laughed as his lady promptly wrapped her arms around his neck and practically threw herself into his arms as best she could over the chaise.

Words muffled as she pressed her face into his shoulder, he was still able to hear his wife's sweet greeting, so attuned was he to the tenor of her voice.

"I missed you, my love."

Aemond stroked her hair, before trailing a hand up and down her spine.

"And I you, Nuha Prumia." He smirked as he felt her shudder slightly against his body, aware of the affect his speaking High Valyrian had on her. Releasing her momentarily and inwardly delighting at her adorable whine of disapproval he moved around the chase, then lifted Y/N's legs and placed them back down on his lap as he sat beside her. Y/N shuffled closer, bending her knees to remove the distance between them and lean her shoulder against his so she was half in his lap.

Aemond was only too happy at her closing the distance, revelling in the feeling of warmth from her shoulder against his and her legs on his lap. Wrapping one hand around her waist appreciatively, he reached down under her skirt and began stroking the soft skin of her ankle. 

"You found your brother I take it?"

"Yes, my love. Aegon is to be crowned on the morrow in the Sept."

He watched as his love's face fell and where a moment ago her eyes had been filled with joy at his return, he saw only alarm.

"I am afraid. Rhaenyra will surely retaliate."

Aemond wished he could remove her fears, assure her that all would be well. But he knew that a war was inevitable. He also knew he would do everything in his power to protect the woman he loved.

Squeezing her waist reassuringly, he considered how he might calm her.

"Once Aegon is crowned before the masses he will have every symbol of legitimacy and the great houses will bend the knee to him. Vhagar and Sunfyre will also defend the city. Above all, I will not allow any harm to come to you."

The last he spoke with steely determination, his eye boring into hers as he tried to impress upon her how he would always place himself between her and any danger.

Y/N placed a hand against his chest, just above his heart.

"It is you I fear for. They will ask you to fight and I could lose you."

Aemond was once again touched by the selflessness of his lady and her protectiveness of him. He'd never been more in love with her.

"I do recall you referring to me as a fierce dragon rider and swordsman, my darling girl. Put your faith in me now. I do not wish you to worry yourself over me. I will always return to you."

Y/N lowered her head bashfully in remembrance of her past words, her voice coming out as a low whisper.

"How can I stop worrying about you? I love you and I cannot stop my mind from racing at the thought of you in danger."

Aemond hummed as if considering, slowly inching his wife's skirt up until it reached her knee and gliding his hand up the soft skin of her calf.

"I can think of ways to distract you."

Y/N huffed "Aemond, I am being serious." Nevertheless, she curled her fingers around his tunic, pulling him closer to her, speaking to her own desire for him.

Aemond lowered his head and gripped Y/N's exposed leg, trailing his nose from her ankle to her knee and smirking as he felt goosebumps appear over the smooth surface.

"So am I."

Y/N sighed "you are incorrigible."

Planting a kiss on her knee, Aemond pulled Y/N's skirt back down and sat upright oncemore, sensing that this was not the type of distraction she was looking for presently.

Wrapping the hand not holding her waist around her knees, he pulled her onto his lap so she was fully encased within his arms. "Alright my darling, how can I ease your mind then?"

Aemond's eye flitted to Y/N's mouth as she bit her lip thoughtfully, wishing to nip at her lips himself.

"I'm not sure. I just can't shake this feeling that something awful is going to happen."

Aemond kissed the crown of Y/N's head and thought of what he would do to distract himself and clear his mind. Anything that would comfort the girl in his arms. There was only one thing at the forefront of his mind, though he was not sure she would be amenable.

"How about a dragon ride?"

Y/N's jaw slackened and her eyes widened so far it was almost comical, but nevertheless predictable. Aemond know Y/N had a fascination with dragons, but also a strong fear of Vhagar.

"Vhagar is an extension of myself, she would not harm you knowing what you are to me. You need not fear her."

Y/N blanched under the weight of his stare.

"I'd beg to differ."

Aemond suddenly thought of a way to endear his wife to his dragon.

"You should know that it is Vhagar who transports your bluebells to King's Landing."

Y/N sat up straighter at that.

"What?"

"Yes, they can only be found on the other side of the Blackwater, I ride out on Vhagar to procure them for you. So you cannot judge my dragon too harshly. She can be gentle, like her rider." He spoke teasingly, stroking Y/N's cheek affectionately as a rosy blush spread across her face.

"Still so shy." He tutted slightly as Y/N tried to turn her face away from him, pressing his hand to the side of her face to redirect her gaze back to him. "It is alright, I find it endearing."

"I am sorry you have had to go to so much trouble for me" Y/N blurted out.

Sensing that Y/N's cheeks were in fact reddened with embarassment and seeing the guilty look on her face, Aemond's eyebrows pulled together. That was not the effect he had intended.

"Do you enjoy the flowers that I bring you?"

Y/N nodded "Yes, they bring me joy."

Aemond spoke matter of factly.

"That is all that matters to me. It is no trouble for me to bring my lady the flowers she favours."

Y/N took him by surprise as she dove forward to press her lips against his, though he responded quickly, having missed the way she tasted. She was everything beloved to him, his home.

Pulling away after a few moments, Y/N grinned at him. "I adore you."

Aemond felt his heart stutter at his wife's declaration and the tender look in her eyes.  "Then will you ride Vhagar with me?" He wished to shower her with words of love in return but took the opportunity of her good humour to press the case for his dragon. It was important to him that his two great loves should not be estranged from one another.

Y/N's voice came out unsure and laced with anxiety.

"Is it not dangerous to ride at night?"

Aemond smirked, prideful on both his and his dragon's behalf.

"It was on a night just like this that I claimed Vhagar. She can see just as well in the dark."

Y/N promptly shuffled off his lap and rose to stand, swatting his hands away as he made to grab at her skirts and pull her back down, unsure what he'd said to offend her.

Turning back to him, Y/N offered her hand out to him.

"Alright then. Take my hand before I change my mind."

Y/N wasn't sure what had caused her to agree to Aemond's proposal, a moment of madness attributed to the stress attendant upon plunging the realm into civil war, or the desire to experience the exhilaration of riding on dragonback her husband always described. Whatever it was, for better or worse she now found herself staring into the face of the oldest and largest dragon in existence once again, though this time of her own volition.

Gulping anxiously, she turned to Aemond who was standing a few paces behind her, his hands clasped behind his back and a subtle smirk upon his elegant features. Likely he was satisfied he'd finally convinced her to face his dragon again. She thought that he was strangely obsessed with them getting along.

"Promise not to let me fall."

Stepping towards her until he towered over her, he gently took hold of her elbows.

"Only a fool would drop you. I will keep you safe."

Nodding, she tried to steel her nerves.

"How do we get up there?"

Vhagar was impossiblly big, her sheer enormity prompting Y/N to realise she may in fact have a fear of heights hitherto untested.

Aemond turned them back towards Vhagar, reaching over her shoulder to point in the direction of a ladder attached to Vhagar's hind. "We'll have to climb I'm afraid." She blushed as she realised she'd been too busy trying to keep her eyes on Vhagar's teeth to notice it.

Her clothing presented another problem.

"I don't believe my gown is the most practical for climbing." She swished her skirts to demonstrate.

A dangerously playful glint appeared in Aemond's eye then.

"By all means if you intend to make a habit of riding out with me on Vhagar I will have riding leathers made for you." At her wide eyed expression he chuckled and rubbed her waist reassuringly.

"For now I will ensure you do not fall. You will go first and I will follow behind to catch you should you slip. You have my word."

Y/N still felt unconvinced and it must have shown on her face, for Aemond only sighed before leaning down to brush his lips against her jaw.

Feeling his hot breath against her skin, Y/N began to lose focus.

"You are precious to me. I will not let anything happen to you." Each word was spoken with determination and a sense of finality she could not argue with.

She was startled out of her dazed state when Aemond straightened, a pleased expression on his face and she realised the rogue had meant to distract her so. Nevertheless, she turned from him towards the ladder, gingerly placing her hands against the first rung.

"Right then. Eyes forward."

"My eyes are always forward." Aemond replied indignantly.

"No they're not, Aemond."

Y/N heard him chuckle as she started to climb, gripping onto the ladder for dear life.

She smiled as she felt Aemond's hands hovering over her lower back as she climbed, keeping her safe just as he had said. Each time she felt her grip slipping, Aemond was there, encasing her body with his and pressing his hand to the small of her back to keep her steady until she reached the top out of breath and unsure how Aemond found this the least bit enjoyable.

Hauling herself on top of Vhagar's back, exhausted from her efforts, she felt Aemond slip behind her, then hands reaching for her as he lifted her to sit up in front of him. She let herself fall against him, glad of his arms wrapping around her to support her as she caught her breath.

"How do you do that all the time?"

Aemond kissed her temple affectionately.

"Yesrs of practice, my love. You did well. It will not be so difficult the next time."

Y/N felt her heart warm at his praise, but misliked his assurance that there would be a next time. If looking upon Vhagar was frightening, feeling the dragon's thick scales and leathery muscles beneath her was even worse.

Y/N felt her heart beating erratically, and then Aemond's hands brushing against her abdomen and hips as he pulled a belt around her and buckled it to the saddle. She shifted her torso as much as she could to face him.

'What about you?"

Aemond shook his head slightly, preoccupied with securing her in place to the saddle.

"I have never needed it. You do not either, I will keep you from falling. But I wish you to feel safe. You're already being brave for me, my darling girl."

Y/N raised her hand to stroke a finger down Aemond's cheek.

"I do feel safe...with you. But thank you."

Aemond smiled softly at her, the light of the moon illuminating his striking Targaryen features, rendering him all the more handsome to her.

"I am glad to hear it, little one. Are you ready?"

She thought she was as ready as she would ever be.

"Yes."

Aemond positioned his arms around her body so she was ensconced protectively within his hold, and reached for Vhagar's reigns.

"Good, then lean back against me and try to relax."

Doing as she was bid, and settling herself against his chest, Y/N was surprised by how safe she did feel, grateful that Aemond had not laughed at her for her fear and had attentively taken steps to make her feel as secure as possible.

Even before Aemond spoke, it was like the creature below her was cognisant of his thoughts and inclinations, stirring and laboriously shifting its enormous limbs to rise. Aemond called out in a clear and commanding voice "Soves". Y/N immediately felt rumbling beneath her legs as Vhagar responded to her rider, breaking into a run that had Y/N jolt, causing Aemond to tighten his hold on her. Her stomach did somersaults several times as Vhagar took flight, a gasp leaving her lips at the uncomfortable sensation as Vhagar rose higher into the night sky. But when they were so high Y/N could no longer see the ground Vhagar began to glide, and all Y/N felt was exhilaration, just as Aemond had said.

She laughed in delight as the cold wind whipped at her face, excitedly turning her head to take in the vast expanse of the night sky, dotted with stars which cast a glow upon Vhagar's scales.

Aemond brought his lips to her ear.

"I take it you like it then?"

Y/N twisted to beam at him

"Yes, I do." Tilting her head up and closing her eyes, Aemond was quick to understand her request and bring his lips to hers. He removed one hand from the reigns to tenderly stroke her torso, but Y/N's eyes snapped open and she gripped his arm in alarm.

"Aemond, hold onto the reigns."

The corner of his lips quirked up in amusement, though Y/N was grateful he removed his hand from her person to retrieve the reigns.

"Do not be alarmed, wife. Vhagar will fly smoothly as I have commanded. I am more than capable of flying my dragon and holding my wife at the same time."

Unconvinced and well aware they were suspended high over King's Landing, Y/N huffed exasperatedly at her husband's complacency. He never saw anything but wonder in his dragon.

"You just keep hold of those reigns and keep your hands to yourself until we've landed."

Turning to face forward oncemore and shuffling closer to Aemond as the cold air caused her to shiver, she heard the smirk in Aemond's tone rather than saw it.

"As you wish, my love."

Aemond kept his promise for as long as they were airborne. But when she was still a few rungs up from the bottom of the ladder, hands wrapped around her waist to lift her down. Despite enjoying the dragon ride far more than she could have ever believed, Y/N was glad to have her feet planted on solid ground once more. Though she stumbled slightly, her legs slightly numb from sitting in the saddle for so long and the subsequent climb. The feeling was short lived as Aemond swooped an arm under her legs and lifted her into the air oncemore, carrying her towards his horse.

"What are you doing Aemond?"

Her question carried no real opposition, just curiosity. Y/N didn't much feel like complaining, tired and cold from the chilly night air and happy enough to nestle onto Aemond's perpetually warm shoulder, the blood of the dragon flowing through his veins.

Aemond smiled down at her, his voice laced with a playfulness she was always glad to hear, fancying she could bring out a side in him that others could not.

"I believe the rule was that I would keep my hands to myself while we were aloft. I wish to hold my wife now it is permitted."

Snorting in a rather unladylike manner which would embarass her in front of anyone other than Aemond, who'd heard her make such a noise before and still loved her, she patted his chest affectionately and settled back into the crook of his neck.

Sharing the experience of riding Vhagar with Y/N had made him feel even closer to his wife if that were possible, as if she understood the deepest part of his soul that he bore to no one else. The brief moment of peace and pure unadulterated happiness, one that had made him forget the war that loomed over their heads, was shattered when Rhaenys emerged from the floorboards of the Sept upon her dragon Meleys. His first instinct had been to step forward and take up a protective stance in front of his wife and sister, though he knew it would do little good. As he felt Y/N's hand brush against his arm, whether seeking comfort he could not give or protection he would gladly give if he could, he did not know. But he stood between the dragon and the woman he loved determinedly, despite knowing it was fruitless if Rhaenys instructed her dragon to kill them all. In that moment Aemond felt helpless for the first time since he had claimed Vhagar, an act which had made him feel as if nothing could ever hurt him again. He had not accounted for falling in love and for the perils attendant upon placing someone else's wellbeing above your own. In his helplessness, he felt truly afraid.

After he had escorted his wife and sister back to the safety of the Red Keep, following Rhaeny's flight, all Aemond felt was rage. White hot and uncontainable, a fire that continued to build, each remembrance of the tears on his wife's face and the the abject terror in her eyes as he'd tried to calm her acting as kindling for the flames of his anger. He wished for nothing more than to act, to reign fire and blood upon Rhaenyra and her brood of bastards, and all those who supported the false Queen. Instead, he was forced to listen to the ravings of his grandsire within his mother's quarters.

"Had you not married that girl you could offer your hand in a marriage pact to Lord Baratheon. Now you must fly to Storm's End with empty hands. You foolish boy."

Standing so abruptly the legs of the chair he'd been sat upon screached painfully sharp against the wooden floorboards, Aemond rounded on Otto.

"Careful, grandsire. 'That girl' is my lady. Do not ever speak so disdainfully of her again. I am confident I will win the support of Storm's End through my diplomacy alone and barring that Vhagar should be incentive enough for Lord Baratheon to make the correct choice." Aemond did not give his grandsire a chance to respond, briefly turning to bid his mother goodnight before storming from the room. He did not return to his own chambers immediately, eager to calm himself before he faced his wife, not wishing her to see him so angry and not trusting in his ability to mask his feelings.

Y/N tried to slow her breathing to mimic sleep as she heard Aemond enter their chambers, not wishing to discuss what she had overheard. She knew he would try to comfort her and reassure her but she did not think she could believe him when her very existence presented such a challenge to their standing. Y/N tried not to stiffen and reveal that she was really awake as the bed dipped and Aemond snaked an arm around her waist, pulling her against his chest. Her heart raced as he rested his chin on her shoulder and whispered teasingly in her ear.

"I know you are awake."

So her act had not been as convincing as she'd hoped. Nevertheless, she remained still and did not answer, hoping he'd assume he was mistaken.

She felt his chest reverberate as he spoke and fought to keep her breathing even.

"Hmm, perhaps not."

Y/N's sense of self satisfaction lasted only a moment before her eyes flew open as she felt Aemond's lips against her bare shoulder where her night dress had ridden down, though she quickly shut them tightly again.

Panic set in as she felt feather light touches up and down her ribcage. Unfortunately, Aemond had discovered she was ticklish quite early on into their marriage and it had simultaneously caused him endless enjoyment and her endless irritation.

"Are you sure you're not awake?". Squirming as Aemond's ministrations intensified, clearly well aware she was awake at this point, she sighed and turned to face him. She pushed against her husband's chest and shot him a glare as she took in his wide grin and the mirth in his eyes.

"Fine, I'm awake."

Seemingly satisfied thst she was now paying attention to him, Aemond stopped his movements and instead rested his hand on her waist.

"I thought as much. Why were you pretending? Do you not wish to speak with me?" Guilt seeped through Y/N at the sadness that laced Aemond's tone. She did not wish to feed her husband's insecurities.

"I came to find you in your mother's quarters and overheard The Hand suggesting a marriage pact with a Baratheon Lady...and disparaging our marriage."

Aemond's expression darkened and his grip on her waist tightened.

"Ignore him, I will secure Lord Baratheon's support. I have no need of a marriage pact.  Vhagar should be incentive enough."

Y/N bit her lip and cast her gaze down, an overwhelming admixture of guilt and embarassment consuming her. "I worry that I have irreparably damaged your standing and that of your House. You should never have married a maid. Rather a lady who could have offered you more than I can. I know it is what your grandsire would have preferred...perhaps he was right."

Aemond lifted her chin gently between his thumb and forefinger so she was looking into his eye.

"That is not what I would have preferred. You are my love."

Y/N inwardly cursed her sensitivity as she felt tears prick at her eyes and her throat close up uncomfortably.

"If we were not married. If you still had the choice and were not bound to me. Would you not choose the Baratheon lady to save your family?"

Aemond's voice was low and soft as he spoke between each kiss he placed upon her tear stained cheeks. "You, you, you, always you. You are my choice."

Y/N let her head fall onto Aemond's shoulder, pressing her lips to his throat, relieved by her husband's reaffirmation of his love for her. Her heart was immeasurably moved by the fierceness of it sometimes, how someone who others feared could be a safe haven for her. She felt the intensity of it as Aemond slipped a hand under her night dress to pull her leg across his torso, his fingertips pressing into her skin, holding her to him so tightly it was almost painful. She didn't mind. Truly she'd let him crush her to him just as long as he didn't let her go. But she knew that on the morrow he would fly to Storm's End, and she had a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach, bolstered by a sense of foreboding that Aemond was slipping in between her fingers like water.

Tagging in the comments because I'm fighting for my life with tags at the mo.

Thanks for sticking around if you made it this far :)

[poppinspops]

Dear older brother

Part 1, Part 2

Lucerys velaryon as your brother (platonic) the beginning of your relationship to the end of it..

Fem reader! Sorry, it's just easier to write for girls as a girl myself. I do hope you understand

Lucerys is your older brother as you were born a year after Luke was born a bastard, just like your two older brothers having dark hair and dark eyes

Though your mother Rhaenyra doesn't like it when you call yourself that neither do your two brothers but alas you still do when upset with yourself

Lucerys HATES being called Lukey by everyone that's not you, and you hate when others (besides joffery, jace, and your mother) call him lukey

You and jace mainly use it when you are teasing him, and sometimes Rhaenyra joins in

You two where sat next to each other at dinner, always whispering about something or someone you always did strive to make your older brother laugh

Luke is more open with you because you would come into his chambers and let your brother rant to you or vice versa

But it was more often that he came into your chambers and spoke his mind with no fear of judgment from you

Often, big events ended in him in your arms crying after something stressful happened in his chambers, though you didn't mind

You're usually the one consoling him if your mother hadn't beat you to it

You are the definition of a brothers girl

You are usually seen next to Luke or walking beside him. Wherever Luke went, you weren't far behind him

Though if Lucerys isn't off with jacerys doing something most likely practicing sword fighting, you'd be seen with your mother Rhaenyra

During important dinners or really any social event your mother planned or was invited to, you'd always would be seen standing next to luke or sitting with him whispering to Luke

Most likely, just you gossiping to him about something another Lord told you or how disgusting one of the lords where with you

-----------

You bumped Lucerys gently with your elbow whispering to your older brothers "so.. how are you 'enjoying' this beautiful banquet older brother?" Giggling as you saw his quick roll of the eyes before he replied back in a hushed tone

"Oh, I see how it is.. how was dancing with almost every lord tonight?" Luke said with a sly smirk on his pale face. Now it was your turn to roll your eyes giving him a good elbow in the side making him grumble as he rubbed his side. Your feet hurt like hell from all of the dancing you had to do tonight it was almost as bad as your name day.. "delightful." You replied in a strained voice. Luke had laughed at that, making you smile and laugh with your brother, elbowing him harder in the side this time, making him yelp out in pain.

You two quickly composed yourselves when your older brother turned his head over to the two of you making you straighten your back and look away from his gaze not seeing the small smile on his face from seeing his two younger siblings seemingly having fun teasing one another.

-----------

Luke is the calmer one between the both of you which was funny as your mother thought that her having a girl after her two boys would mean the two older boys where going to be the ones protecting their younger sister from others when it turned out to be the complete opposite, not that Rhaenyra minded at all she was proud that her first daughter could defend herself

Daemon had once told his wife you acted like her when she was younger, and Rhaenyra agreed as you did

Though she did wish that you would hold your tongue at times as you would go head first into arguments no matter if you or your brothers were in the right or wrong

One of your brothers could have been the one that got the facts wrong, but you would have still defended them with your life, that made you get into physical altercations with many lords and some lady's aswell

Though Rhaenyra was proud of that, it was like she had given birth to a second jacerys. Just this time, you could punch harder than jacerys could..

You were a natural when it came to learning High Valyrian much like Lucerys is

When you got the news of your mother being pregnant, it left you overjoyed. You so dearly wanted to know if you had a little sister coming. Look. It's hard being the only girl in a family of mainly men.

When your baby brother joffery was born, you adored him from the moment you first got a glimpse of him

You always volunteered to watch over little joffery, to teach him how to walk and how to say his first words, begging your mother

Though this did leave Lucerys a bit envious of his little brother joffery and how he seemed to take up all your time and attention now ever since he was born.

It caused Luke to start giving you a bit of the cold shoulder rolling his eyes when your little brother was brought up

When you had figured out why Luke was giving you the cold shoulder for a few weeks, you laughed and teased him for it as it was silly and lucerys knew that

You and Jace started teasing Luke about it for months on end

You had started spending all your free time teaching your younger brother how to speak and what names each color had much to Luke's dismay, you where often seen in Jofferys' room reading to him, as you had always wanted a younger sibling and you had finally gotten one a well mannered one at that.

You were a tad bit upset that he wasn't a girl, though you had quickly gotten over that once you held him in your arms as he tried to say your name

When you were younger, you used to follow Luke around, just like what little joffery does with you now

It was funny to Rhaenyra that joffery acts so much like his older sister

though she was glade that unlike his older sister, joffery didn't go and dig up holes in the ground, looking for worms much to her mothers dismay when finding her daughter outside, digging up bugs from the ground..

You were never too fond of Daemon, your stepfather. Though he seemed to be fond of you quite a lot being as he has daughters of his own (girl dad daemon), so he understood you on a level your brothers just didn't.

Daemon was the first to defend you, or he'd just appear by your side randomly at times. You thought you had been the one intimidating people, but it was really daemon standing behind you that intimidated those people and scaring them off

once you had punched him out of shock, as he had scared you as you didn't know he was standing behind you once though he just smiled as your punch didn't do much.... that day hurt your pride and ego very much, though you were just happy you didn't get punched back.

You and your mother Rhaenyra got along swell she gets you the most since your the only two girls in a house with four boys

You being Rhaenyras' first daughter and all means you have a special place in her heart as you weren't going to get a fancy title like you had always hopped for as you were sadly born a woman. And your brothers men.

You and lucerys safe place was always near the water

Least to say, after his death, it was no longer your safe space it was a place of fear, death, and great mourning when you sat near the water.

You had gotten news of your elder brother lucerys death when you were getting ready for bed. The news brought you to your knees in tears, your mothers soft voice trying to calm you down as she herself was a reck, but she tried to hold it together for you

It took hours for you to stop crying. Your eyes had a red rim around them with tear stained cheeks and a wobbly lip

You wouldn't come out of your room and barely talked much for almost half a month

The funeral couldn't even be called one as all you had of your brother was clothes and personal belongings to burn. They couldn't find lucerys body now lost at sea, and that made the anger in that you boil up, making you snappy at people

You had sympathy for aemond before he killed your brother, you did feel a bit bad for his eye being stabbed out by your older brother feeling guilty everytime you saw him with that eyepatch he was a child like yourself afterall..

You never did hate aemond you two would well 'talk' well it was more of exchanging a few words when you had too though, Jace always seemed to come in and swoop you away you where always greatful for that as your exchanges of words where rather awkward. It was more staring than talking if you were honest.

Aemond took every chance he could to remind you of how your brother took his eye

You didn't know what kind of reaction the older boy wanted to gauge from you, but he never seemed quite happy with the reactions you would give him

He only seemed pleased when you would apologize for your older brother saying how he shouldn't have done that and things along those lines for some odd reason unbeknownst to you, a weird almost delighted smile would appear on the aemonds face it was odd.

Though you always found aemond to be a bit weird, so you brushed it off as aemond being aemond

After your brothers death and having to be at his make shift funeral, your heart held no sympathy for the older boy.

when you thought of the one-eyed boy, all you could think about was taking his other eye from him and forcing him to live the rest of his pathetic life blind.

You could no longer see the ocean as safe and calm. You saw the true nature of what the ocean could truly be. Its waves were angry as it took the lives of people you held so very dearly into its depths to never be seen again, or maybe that's just how you saw it in your many hours of grieving

After half a month, you were slowly healing your relationship with the sea, knowing that at least your brother died both as a targaryen and as a velaryon and he wasn't alone in death he had his beloved dragon both dead but dead together.

[anxiousnerdwritings]

hi, well i was wondering how you think yandere hotd's men would react to marrying darling reader who is a widow and has a son (time skip) they have children with reader but she has obvious favoritism for her son from her first husband (an attitude like Viserys with Rhaenyra)and their children are sad, how do you think they would react? thank you take care of yourself ♡♡

I like the thought of Widow!Reader not even being conscious of how much more attentive and involved she is regarding her child from her first husband. As far as she knows she treats all her children equally but that couldn’t be further from the truth, at least from her new husband and children’s point of views.

Let’s be honest, there’s a damn good chance that Daemon probably had a big part in his darling’s late husband’s death. It would be kinda funny if he didn’t know that they already had a child with their first husband, otherwise he may have taken them out of the picture too. Either way, Daemon would portray himself as somewhat understanding and to an extent he genuinely is, especially when he first married his darling. He had Rhaena and Baela from his marriage with Laena so he could be understanding of the situation, especially if his darling’s son was still quite young, but as time went on and they had their own children together his understanding grew to lessen. He did take notice of his darling fulfilling her role as mother to all their children, even including Rhaena and Baela, but not to the same extent as she is with her first child. It would be one thing if his darling’s child looked more like her than their original father but if they were the spitting image of the Reader’s late husband then he’ll have a harder time allowing the favoritism to continue. Daemon would go as far as even using their children to guilt trip and manipulate the Reader into feeling absolutely awful for holding their older half-sibling above all of them. He would of course talk to his darling himself when they’re alone together and relay how neglected and insignificant the other children feel compared to the time and attention the Reader puts towards their older sibling. By the end of it he’ll have his darling a sobbing, apologetic mess feeling like a complete shit mother for having disregarded their other children. He knows he has his darling right where he wants her. He’ll hold her close, comforting her while still coming off as understanding of the situation and knowing his darling wasn’t intentionally pushing aside their children together, but he needs her to put her focus into their family now. He needs her to make their children together and himself her main priority, otherwise he’ll need to take matters into his own hands. His darling’s son should be old enough to foster off by now anyway, right? Leave it to Daemon and his darling will wake up one day to her pride and joy from her first marriage having been sent off to somewhere else, somewhere far away from them.

Out of everyone, Viserys would by far be the most understanding. In a way he finds it endearing that his darling has taken similar to him in regards to how she is with her first child, but once he and his darling begin having children together he expects her to extend all that motherly love and care to their new children as well. Compared to how he was with Aegon, Helaena, Aemond, and Daeron, Viserys would be much more involved with and caring towards his children with his darling. He’d even get after Rhaenyra for not interacting with her newest siblings, even she wouldn’t be exempt from neglecting Viserys and the Reader’s children, therefore neither would his darling. Again, he’s much more understanding than anyone else but that doesn’t mean he’s going to sit by and allow his darling to solely focus on her first child from her first marriage. He sees this as his darling not letting go of her first husband and as much as he can sympathize with it after having lost Aemma, Viserys has invested himself in his new family. He’s invested himself in you, his new wife, and your children together, so why can’t you do the same? Unlike Daemon who would contemplate the idea of getting rid of his darling’s first child permanently, even if only for a second, Viserys would only go for sending the child to be fostered off. He’d give his darling plenty of chances to try harder for their children, to do better by their children but eventually even he reaches his own limits and can only do what he thinks is right by his newest children even if it means going behind his darling’s back.

Aegon would absolutely resent and despise his darling’s first child, especially if they resembled his darling’s late husband so much. He’s only reminded of the treatment his father forwent giving him and his siblings in favor of his eldest half-sister and he can’t tolerate that. Never. It’s not even necessarily so much that his darling isn’t paying as much attention and care to their own children together that really eats at him (although that does still very much trigger him), instead it’s the fact that his darling’s abundance of dedicated love and care towards her first and eldest child is only proof that his darling isn’t completely his and he hates it. You still have love and attachment towards your first husband and that irritates him more than anything. Your first husband is dead, he’s long gone, meanwhile Aegon is right here in the flesh along with the children you two share together and yet you’re still stuck in the past. Why can’t you see what you have now? Is he not good enough? Are your children together not deserving of your love as much as your first child? Why can’t you give yourself completely to him and your new family? What needs to be done for him and your family together to become your priority? He honestly doesn’t even need to ask that last question, he knows what needs to be done and he has no qualms about it. Everything from your past needs to be wiped away and he can do exactly that. You just need a fresh start, a clean slate, and then you can finally give him and your children what they all need. All he has to do is get rid of your first born, that other man’s spawn, and then you can put your all into him and your new family. And he will go through with it without a doubt.

Aemond would feel similarly to Aegon. He would wholeheartedly despise his darling’s first child but I could see him taking a different approach then Aegon. Aemond of course hates the love and affection that his darling has always given her firstborn, even long before he and his darling got together and had children of their own. But unlike Aegon, Aemond would try to have some form of relationship with his darling’s child but it’s more so in a way to corrupt them and any piece of their original father in them. He would break this child down and forge them into a son he would be proud of, one he could really call his own. He wouldn’t immediately go for getting rid of his darling’s first child although he has certainly considered it many times. He would rather put the time and effort into stripping away everything that makes his step-child the product of their real father. It would bode a lot better if the child looked or shared a similar personality akin to their mother, then Aemond wouldn’t be so invested in changing them too much but that doesn’t mean he would have a different reaction to his darling still paying more attention and care towards that child over their own children together. He loves his darling deeply and to an extent he can be understanding, at least he tells her that he understands, but he can’t stand for his children with his darling being neglected in favor of their older half-sibling. He would talk to his darling, telling her how completely hurt and lonely their children have become due to her neglect. He’ll give his darling a few chances to redeem herself with their children before he becomes much more stern with the threat of sending away his darling’s first child so she can put more focus and love into their children. He doesn’t necessarily take pleasure in making his darling cry and beg, on the contrary he hates seeing his darling in such a state, especially when it comes to pleading for her child to stay with her but then he’s reminded that their own children have been pushed aside in favor of her firstborn and thus whatever empathy he feels leaves him. If anything, their children are in need of her more than anyone else, hell even he is more in need of his beloved darling. She’s been more than enough for her first child, she’s done more than enough for him, now it’s time to put her all into Aemond and their children. As said before, Aemond loves his darling deeply and he adores their children together but he will go behind his darling’s back in favor of ensuring his children have the mother they desperately need and crave for. Especially if that means getting rid of his darling’s first child once and for all. It would most likely be either a dragon ride ‘gone wrong’, or a set up of some sort. I could see Aemond trying to make nice with his darling’s child and offering to let him meet Vhaegar or something like that and the child ending up getting killed by the dragon or a dragon in general. Either way, his darling’s child’s death will be played off as either a freak accident or an attack by the Blacks or someone else.

Jace would be deeply hurt by his darling’s dedication to her first child affecting their own children together. He loves his darling more than anything and he wholeheartedly accepted her and her child from the very beginning, more than willing to take on a fatherly role for her child but now that they have children together he feels conflicted. He still very much adores his darling and nothing could ever change that for him but he also very much wants for his darling to put the same dedication and love into their children together. Jace knows without a doubt that his darling loves and adores their children but he only wishes she showed it the same way she shows it for her first born. As far as their children know their mother favors their eldest sibling over any and all of them, no matter how much this darling denies it. As much as Jace doesn’t want to do anything drastic, he is willing to if push comes to shove. He’s even tried taking on more one on one time with his darling’s first child so that his darling can give some much needed attention to their children and it works well enough until they come back and his darling his fretting all over her firstborn and forgoing their children all over again. Jace would seek his mother’s advice on what to do. He doesn’t want to hurt his darling by any means but he knows that if he takes any action towards her child it will spark something that he may not be able to come back from and could greatly affect his relationship with his darling. But he knows he needs to do something to make sure his children get to have the love and care of their mother that their eldest sibling gets tenfold.

Daeron is patient and gentle with his darling after having dealt with the death of her husband and raising her child solely on her own. He, similar to Jace, would try to be more of a father figure to his darling’s child early on but unlike Jace once Daeron’s children come into the world his attention would be directed primarily towards them. He genuinely loves and cares for his darling and he can attest that they’ve been a dutiful mother but there is a stark contrast in how his darling is with their children versus her first born child. Eventually, Daeron would grow to resent his step-child for taking up his darling’s love and attention, taking it away from both Daeron himself and his children with his darling. He wouldn’t want to hurt us darling in any way, he wants to find some form of happy medium with their family but if his darling continued to put more attention into her firstborn than he would need to step in and do something. He may go to his mother for advice, maybe even his grandfather or brothers and whatever they told him he would take to heart. He didn’t want his children to grow up being second best (if even that) to their eldest half-sibling, he had gone through that himself, forced into trying to form some semblance of a relationship with his eldest half-sister’s spawn but it only made things worse. He wouldn’t want to put that in his children so if his darling’s child needs to go then they need to go.

[madamealys]

Imagine Aegon is your rival and you end up marrying him 😏 (+21)

Note: your plot is Rhaenyra’s… sort of.

***

You and Aegon are nearly twins. He was born a year after you, so the difference of twelve months bears no difference in how you and him were educated together.

At first, there were too many differences to provide a genuine fondness for one another. In fact, it could be said that, until when you bloomed into a handsome young woman, there was nothing but rivalry between you two.

Such is the scenario you and him grow into. Mutual teasings developing to rivalry as years grow by. To worse all, the king favouring you over Aegon means you might inherit his throne, probably breaking the long and old Westerosi tradition where male inheritance prevailed over female’s.

Nevertheless, in spite of your stepmother’s attempt to fuel this rivarly, as you and him grow, these sentiments are slowly leaving space to let another grow.

How’d you know, when Aegon loves to tease you? It’s this kind of teasing that irritates you. The acknowledged prince of Dragonstone seems to take a delight in sweeping off a smirk off your lips whenever he has the chance.

Not to mention he does so with the support of Queen Alicent, who envies the stepdaughter’s alluring beauty. Your long silver locks and brightening lilac gaze together with your now womanly curves makes you the object of praiseful poems, overshadowing this woman your father calls wife.

“Sister, long time no see”, greets Aegon when spotting you, coming by yourself after riding Sunfyre.

His eyes linger at your curves, noticing that even your riding clothes cannot conceal the woman you’ve become.

Though you too admit he’s grown to a fine man, you’d prefer to have a knight named Criston Cole as your husband instead of him.

“Aegon”, you despise him like always. “You just saw me earlier today with our… family.”

Not in the mood to be around him further, you try to get your steps faster in direction to your privy chambers. Unfortunately, Aegon is quick too.

“Running from me?!”

“Oh, you don’t say, Master Knoweth It All.”

“Leave that title to Daeron. He’s the one to become a maester anyway”, says Aegon, not missing your efforts in concealing a smirk.

And then of course he stops right before you. You are surprised by his bluntness, but more so for noticing how taller he is.

“Aegon…”, and your eyes scan his well build muscles in an effortless move to escape his intent stare at you. “What do you think you’re doing? Mistaking your royal sister to a whore?”

Aegon dramatically sighs, but you spot amusement behind his eyes when you dare to raise yours.

“Y/N Targaryen”, and here he boldly pins you against the wall, his hands gently holding your wrists, thus impending you of leaving. “Always proud.”

“You and I never saw eye to eye”, you hope not to sound too nervous, but for a strange reason you feel yourself dripping wet. “To come after me like that… one can only presume it is hardly for brotherly reasons.”

He tilts his head, eyeing you up and down.

“You underestimate me, Y/Nickname”, and you detect some irritation in his remark.

“Your deeds, my darling, have not left me with many choices, have they?”, you tilt your head, and Aegon finds some hope in how you hold back his gaze.

You both hear steps before you find chance to remove yourself off his dangerous presence. You best avoid him—in order to preserver whatever reputation you have, or maybe to shield your pride.

Aegon, distracted by the subtle arrival of Aemond, sighs annoyed when seeing he misses you again.

“You know… I’ll never understand how the fuck you poorly disguise the love you have for our dear sister behind a hate you lack.”

“Don’t get me started, Aemond. Rhaenyra has the affection of our father for a starter.”

“Does she? Not even Laena has this amount of attention father has towards you.”

A sensitive topic which Aegon hopes to avoid. Like usual, he prefers to resolve this by changing topics.

***

Aegon’s eyes are found staring at you again as you slide inside the great hall where a ball on behalf your father’s name day is given. You are wearing in red and black Targaryen colors, your locks perfectly braided and your skin is embellished with jewelry.

You like the attention, to be the center of every man and every woman’s eyes, but nothing warms your body than the way your father’s heir—for that’s what he is now—looks at you.

And when he notices you look back, he gives you a sensual smirk that makes you weak in your knees. Suddenly the gown is too tight. But you rather focus somewhere else. Someone else.

A knight named Criston Cole extends his hand out to you, which you pleasantly take—much to Aegon’s consternation. You notice the weight of his stare, the evident disapproval in his eyes.

As melody begins to be played and you and the shiny knight dance together, you cannot help yourself but taking a peak of Aegon’s jealousy. He cannot conceal it, he struggles against it and it’s when he decides to turn his attention to something else that you find yourself fearful for losing him to his wenches.

It’s when you realize that you have grown fonder to this brat you are related to. More than your pride cares to admit.

But who’d know your darkest secret might set alight when the king stands and asks for a minute, prompted to make an announcement that will shock all?

“I am found in this delicate position upon which a king is found contemplated the two heirs the Gods provide me. In order to make my conscience in accordance with the old traditions to our house, I hereby declare the betrothal of my eldest and most loved daughter, Y/N, with my dearest son and heir Aegon.”

Oh.

You couldn’t see it coming, could you?

***

Aegon makes sure to prevent Sir Criston Cole to meet you. Having noticed what happened in the ball, the prince decides to deliver the message he’s no man to share.

“Always concerned about me”, you muse, when noticing he’s following you.

“Indeed. You are my soon to be wife”, and he once again has the control of you. “Y/N… Do not slip off me again.”

You turn at him, surprised to find yourself trapped in his needs.

“What do you think I am? A man who lives after his wenches?”, he scowls at you as you two stand right in front of the door of your privy quarters.

You tilt your head.

“Again, this speech? Aegon, we cannot evolve from rivalry. We’ve tried this before and thanks to your dear mother, friendship between us isn’t working.”

“Rivals we may be, but there’s more. Deeper, I know. Let me show you.”

With no waiting for your response he finally holds your face and dives to your lips. You gasp out of surprise, but the way his tongue pursuits yours in a domineering rhythm makes you moan rather than push him off.

You want him and your body shows it. He knows, he feels his body electrified by the mere contact with yours. As he kisses you passionately, Aegon makes clear he owns you. And you forget your pride by letting being owned.

No fear, nothing to apart one from the other remains when the dragon fire sparks. He opens the door, showing a sort of confidence never before familiar to you.

You want more of him, you let him dominate you, and when he lies you down in bed…

“We cannot…”, your reasonable self still lies awake, though breathless you are after this intense kiss and the way he looks at you makes you forget why you should give ears to reason when he’s going to be your husband anyway.

“Silence, darling. I won’t ruin you for our day”, he smirks at you.

Lying beside you, he lifts the skirts of your gown all the whilst he gazes at you. To your astonishment, you don’t find lust in his eyes, but a different feeling—one of the kind you fear to disclosure.

“Cannot I admire you?”, he asks you, no more with the prideful and arrogant mask he wears. “You look at me as if I am different than you’ve judged.”

His hands slowly caressing your thighs before resting over your pubic hair make difficult to you reason with his words, but you try to keep the reins of yourself.

“I never thought…”, you hesitate, unsure as to how to word your own insecurities.

“I never hated you, Y/Nickname”, and here Aegon leans to brush your lips all the whilst his slender fingers move to your womanhood. “I’ve always desired you.”

And as he kisses you, muffling the sounds that come out of you as you burn under his skillful fingers, you experiment a sort of delight never before tasted.

His fingers go deeper in you, wet in touch with the liquid you produce. Aegon is aroused at the way you react, like calling him to fuck you the way you deserve; his thoughts are messy, all he wants is you.

Then he parts the kiss only to gaze at you, the proud princess, humbled by his fingers. You spread your legs wider, your eyelashes are barely open at how he touches you, nice and slow at first before fingering you harder.

“Oh my…”, you turn your head at him. “Aegon!”

The prince smirks at how you call his name.

“Yes?”

“Aegon, please!”, you cry out sensually, legs already heavy, beginning to levitate as your belly experiences butterflies.

“Give in, my sweet”, he brushes his lips against yours, hardened just by how you call his name.

But to your slight irritation, he doesn’t kiss you. Yet he moves his lips to your neck, there staying until…

So suddenly.

So intensely.

So… unexpectedly.

He replaces his fingers with his eager mouth. Aegon holds firmly your hips, diving his tongue right into the core of your womanhood. He does so with no decency, his tongue licking the walls of your cunt, spinning and sucking every bit of you.

“Aegon!”, you delight yourself in this new bliss, enjoying to ride his beautiful face, pumping into his mouth, arching your back desperately. “AEGON!”

You don’t mind being loud, but when you rise yourself, you ride him all right, and it feels good, it feels sinful, it feels like paradise.

You owe him now, and when he raises his eyes to meet tour lilac ones, a smirk crosses his lips and you feel so aroused… so bloody hot, that you cum not only once, but twice, thrice even.

And he drinks every bit of your juices, still digging his fingers against your bum, slapping it nicely before dropping to your side.

“My Gods”, you lean sensually against him. “Aegon…”

“Was it good, my darling?”, he holds your chin, reading in your eyes the defeat of your pride, the victory of his pursuits. “I will fuck you like that in many days ahead of our marriage.”

Aegon likes the view of your meek smile, and he caresses your face before kissing you gently.

“I best go. I shall not ruin my bride.”

“Aegon!”, you protest when seeing him stand and adjust himself.

“What? You are my princess”, he says, “my queen to be. Not any wench I can do as I please.”

You sigh heavily, very frustrated. That night, you secretly wish you were his dear, little whore. But you had to content yourself with using your hand.

***

The marriage proves to be a successful match. The feast surprises the guests by showing former rivals in harmony. Some of them think it’s a show you and Aegon play for the sake of your father, king Viserys, but it can be said, in the words of dear Helaena:

“A joyful occasion to prevent tempest; greater kings shall come from this nest; a war was avoided, but another is yet to come… prepare yourselves, easier is said than done.”

Like usual, none pays too much to her words, in spite of Aemond shooting Helaena a meaningful glance.

You are dressing red and your now husband is dressing green for his mother, but other than that.. you are positively surprised for enjoying how this is going.

“We are great together”, says Aegon, after you two shared a dance; now sitting on the table, he wants more of you.

You give him a smirk, locking gazes as you sip your wine.

“No one can beat us, darling.”

“Truer words have never been spoken.”

And here he stands, offering his hand.

“Let us show one more time how we came to surpass this rivalry instigated by all.”

“Another dance? Never took you for a dancer”, you smile at him.

Aegon smiles the brightest when saying:

“I am many things you are yet to disclosure, sweet Y/Nickname.”

And the dragons danced.

***

Finally by yourselves, you give him the charge. Aegon begins by undoing your elaborated braid before unlacing your gown.

“So beautiful. An angel.”

“Some say that we Targaryens are above from men and gods”, you give him a long glance, smiling almost seductively as you enjoy his gaze all over your body.

Once the gown falls off your body, showing your nude state, you feel his lascivious eyes devouring your curves as he stops before you and remove his own clothes.

“We are certainly more divine than many mortals. Hence why only a dragon can wed another”.

He arches his back and messes with his hair, straightening himself as he takes a seat at your marital bed. You drink of the view: his features more manly, his chest with some old scars acquired in training, and his manhood…

Oh it has your attention, indeed.

You step forward and before you know, you get to your knees. Aegon spreads his legs, groaning, already full erect before you.

“This shrew woman is going to be tamed”, he says firmly, yet there is a sweetness in his voice when he holds your face that makes you look at him, completely undone. “My prideful wife on her knees for me.”

“Aegon…”, you moan sensually, finding unbearable to taste this fire and not yet get burnt by it.

He looks at your round, full breasts, biting his lip as he stares at your nipples. The prince wants you in every indecent manner that is possible, but his mind is blank when you, impatient, take hold of his erect manhood.

“Y/N…!”, he groans loud.

You smirk at him.

“Tell me you want me.”

“Badly. No woman of the realm can match your alluring beauty. Many I’ve fucked thinking of you. Wishing I could kiss your lips and fuck your cunt.”

You shiver at his words.

“So indecent.”

“As if you are hardly innocent”, Aegon says in between gritted teeth. “I still recollect when you let me spot you bathing naked at the lake. And you touched yourself, seeing I was there.”

You blush at the memory.

“Rivals, uh?”, Aegon chuckles before moaning louder. “So much for the narrative of the shrew.”

His moanings are so sensual, so captivating. You like how he calls you that, acknowledging your pride, your flaws, but your virtues, you as a woman of your own.

It’s when you get too thirsty and…

“Y/N!”, Aegon is the one tamed by your skillful tongue. When looking at you, seeking for his approval, every doubt of your inexperience dies. “Oh let me teach you how it’s done.”

And you take his full length, all of it, licking it, swallowing his precum and going wild with the tip of his cock. It feels so good to be commanded, to subdue to him like this…

“Rise, my princess. I want to have my cum inside you, not in your mouth. Not today.”

And you obey, having his lips clashed against yours. In this night, you and I are together the way you’ve always secretly desired.

He possesses you perfectly, throbbing carefully within you, matching his hips with yours. Aegon pins your hands above your head, treating you kindly.

When he takes your breasts with his tongue, Aegon knows you get louder and he takes his time. Getting to know you carnally is fulfilling his naughtiest wishes.

One moves with the other in a slow, soaked pace, with bodies entangled as one.

However, towards the end of it, as each finds the climax, you turn at him and find him looking at you.

No more lust, but that same something you feared to name is what lies behind his eyes.

“This isn’t about copulating”, says Aegon, sounding more insecure than he likes. “I hope you know this.”

“You are my husband now, Aegon.”

“It is but a formality. I want you to know how I feel for you is beyond titles and traditions”, and he’s on his elbows now, searching for your face as he strokes your cheek. “I love you, Y/N.”

It is a beautiful sight when you assimilate his words. Aegon sees the confusion stamped behind your eyes, moving to a slight skepticism before reasoning to it.

And you smile because you feel the same.

“My rogue prince”, you hold his face too. “I love you, you bastard.”

In between chuckles, he kisses you. Like a needy boy, he buries his head in your neck. Likewise, you cuddle onto him.

One needs the other. Beyond saving a dynasty, Aegon and you saved each other.

[cherryheairt]

Hi! ☺️

I just binge read Dragon Dreamer, and I love it! Part V just gave me many thoughts that I thought I'd like to share with you.

I love how Daenys' baby black kitten vibes bring out Cregan's 'lonely black wolf that just adopted said black kitty' vibes. The part where she stood up to Knott? I totally imagined her just lifting her chin up defiantly in all her small frame cuteness, but in my mind Cregan was actually standing behind her with menacing glare that said "I dare you to disagree with her. Go on." I just love how he finds her adorable - how he has found her adorable right from the start. 🥺

Also, I love how you described her dynamics with everyone around her. Her backstory is amazing, giving more depth to the already existent Rhaenicent conflict. There's this saying in my country that goes "If your house is made of glass, don't go throwing rocks at other people (because you don't want them throwing rocks back at you)." - it describes the fact that Alicent bullied a little girl for being a dreamer, because she thought she was odd, when her own little girl was also "odd" in similar ways. That little scene about how Daemon was talking about her, not wanting to respect her, though got me thinking that her and Daemon are in a way similar, because Daemon's only companion throughout his childhood was Caraxes, beside Viserys of course. Let's not forget how she has a matching saddle with her mother! That's absolutely adorable!

I did not miss that little fact that her dragon is called Lightbringer, and Azor Ahai has a sword called Lightbringer, or that she's a dreamer and her love interest is a warg. It's very wonderful how Cregan understands. I can't wait for them to bond over that part.

You have an enchanting way with words and how you describe her anxiety, how she dazes off after a dream and especially that part when she was just walking in the snow until she was being chased by the wolf.

Thinking about "A wolf does not care for blood", the meanings that came to mind were how Ned Stark's children were wolves, a dragon and a kraken. And the fact that Cregan's close kin betrayed him, and the fact that House Stark always cares for honor and actions, not meaningless words and simple names. He does not care that she can possibly be the heir to the throne nor the fact that she is a princess, but he cares about her for her. But I also wanted to ask you what you originally wanted it to hint at.

Looking forward to read more!

hehe yess, he's behind her all ready to cut him down at her command, but pauses and lets her find her own voice. Like a proud bf 🤭

Absolutely, Alicent only hated on Daenys because of Rhaenyra and her questionable partners. If Daenys had been her own child, she would be loved and adored by the courts as a prophet instead of a madwoman. Like hellooo the call is coming from inside the house, Helena speaks prophesies out loud very often.

I love that saying! Alicent was a child bride forced to marry an old man, and then hates on Rhaenyra for making the best of her situation and finding a man that she loves even in her forced marriage.

Daemon and Daenys are very similar, though neither realizes it because they cannot look past their base personality traits.

Daenys always thinks of Daemon to be some unstoppable warrior who protects their family without fear, and Daemon thinks of Daenys as his little girl who is not capable of anything but being in her own world yet.

They will see when they meet again, after both of their growth arcs, that they are not so different.

Haha yes, the name Lightbringer was carefully chosen for our girly Morningstar. 'Lightbringer' was the sword that brought an end to the Great Other, wielded by Azor Ahai.

It is stated a few times that Daenys does not follow any religions. Alicent shoved the Seven down everyone's throats, and they had never answered Daenys' prayers, so she detached herself from them early on. She has very little knowledge of the Old Gods, seeing as very few still follow them. The Lord of Light is not quite mentioned in the story, but I think it would be an interesting religion for Daenys to find out about and follow.

I have many plans for our warg Cregan, just need to figure out when to include them <3

I think Cregan understanding her dreams as gifts instead of curses is a vital part of their friendship before their romance. He is the only one who truly understands her from the beginning and does not judge or question her, only trying to keep her safe in the midst of her dreams.

I love your interpretation of 'a wolf does not care for blood'! Yes, Cregan has no use for titles and pleasantries, he only cares about a person for who they are. He's seen hundreds of 'good men' be sent to the wall for their vile crimes. He understands that even a good life and name do not breed good people. He cares little for the fact that she is a Princess that doesn't quite act like one, as long as she is a good person.

My original meaning was that Cregan does not care about her bastardry. His sister was loved and accepted within Winterfell, given a place as a Lady beside him until her marriage. When they eventually have that conversation, Cregan would not care like other vain lords would. Being a bastard is a great shame for Daenys, one that nags at her mind whenever she sits among other nobility. She feels like a fraud in her titles, I think he would help her accept herself.

You're going to love the next chapter I have in the works I hope 🤭🤭 ty for your feedback

[horizon-verizon]

Master Post of Anti-Criston Cole-ism

He was Never Raped or SA-ed

A) [HotD] HotD's Episode 4, from the Actor and Writers

i)

🔗LINK to Entertainment Weekly Article that Describes Frankel & Writers Making this Scene Consensual Sex Scenes where Criston "Chooses" to Forget his Vows

Neither of these reveal that either the actor nor the writers or directors wrote the sex scene to be something Criston was afraid of or didn't want. The way it's talked about, with people "discovering" each other and themselves shows consent and enjoyment. Frankel wanted to play out his fear of Criston's own desire to break his own vows and facing the guilt of that; Rhaenyra never pressured him into anything.

REMINDER: He's still not "commonborn" nor Dornish, since:

he has a last name, which peasants don't have AND his father/house is House Cole, stewards of the Dondarrions...the Tyrells at one point were stewards to House Gardner in the Reach & they were still nobles of that time, stewards don't mean full fledged "servants"

Blackhaven is in the Stormland part of the Dornish Marches, not the Dornish part of the Dornish Marches...Samwell Tarly's family's castle is in the foothill of a part of the Dornish Marches, ....Barristan Selmy's family's castle, Harvest Hill, is based in the Dornish Marches in Stormlander territory, so is Barristan Selmy Dornish? Cole is a Stormlander!

Marchers hate Dornish people more than other nonDornish Westerosi do...Criston said his dad was a steward of the nonDornish Dondarrions...HotD has never shown us whether either of his parents are Dornish by origin so what proof do we have he is Dornish even in the show?!!! And we see no discrimination (hint or overt) the court has against Cole...

lets' say that Cole was Dornish...the Velaryons are black and realisitically, even rich Black people do not manage to avoid subtle racial discrimination (there's a black woman on TikTok from a wealthy family that talks about it, idk her name)...so if Criston faces racism and the Velaryons don't either the writers are incompetent or don't know racism

Not only is this a misreading of what the Dornish Marches are on the HotD writers'/producers' part, it's a misreading or understanding of race either in medieval times or the modern day, AND people have tried to use a supposed racial disparity b/t Rhaenyra (Valyrian-Targ princess) to argue that Cole (the racially-inferior) felt racial pressure as well to comply to sleep with her and avoid censure or punishment if she blabs...as if his race would give him the right to sleep with a teen girl who some have argued was also very drunk here-- even if Criston was Dornish!

ii) [HotD] HotD's Episode 4, from the actual Episode

People don't know what SA or rape actually looks like...can we just, please?...

B) "If the Roles were Reversed" [HotD AND the Original Story]

i)

Rhaenyra didn't "make" him do anything b/c she doesn't have the ability to take on that new level of risk. So much protest using the "if the genders were reversed", and yet no acknowledgment or breakdown of what their respective unique positions are.

A male heir =/= a female heir in terms of power and privilege, gender really matters even here, as every source on the matter--whether HotD or the original story--has made every single minute to point out and emphasize...the only reason we are even talking about the Dance is that it was a group of people arguing that no woman should go before a man inn any line of succession which comes from the belief that women are inherently insufficient military leaders. And female chastity is a whole concept in of itself where the woman/girl must be sexually "pure" as to ensure that a man's and his family's lineage remains "proven" to be inherited by someone blood-connected to them. To preserve that wealth and privilege. etc., within that family. Female chastity - female "obedience" or submission to male supremacy.

Women could never be knights so they can never be Kingsguard.

Brienne is not a knight...yet[?], and she exists YEARS after the Dance; even if there were female monarchs before, check out real history for how medieval people regarded female rulers if they didn't happen to be very "good" ones...I mean just check out Juana I of Castile!

We can never equalize these situations in matter of gender because this society structures on the inequality of its genders.

A World of Ice and Fire shows us glaring examples of women over men being brutally sidelined or physically attacked to make way for male leaders or candidates (Shiera Blackwood, Agnes Blackwood, that unnamed Lannister woman who had to marry a non-Lannister man so he could take her name just so he could lead the Lannister house instead of her, Argella Durrandon, Marla Sunderland); Fire and Blood has a bunch of girls raped, mutilated, SA-ed or sexually manipulated so the men can inch their way towards power or to just feel in control (Cassandra Baratheon, Lucinda Penrose, those Tumbleton 8-year-olds, the septas, etc.).

Making as if sexual violence against men or just general violence against men is treated the same, as frequent, and socially justified as violence against women and girls both in real life and in the ASoIaF/HotD/GoT universes is disingenuous. As long as we live in a society where enough people think a woman's body is never totally her own, it never will be.

ii) Let's play with this "Reversal" Anyway:

a) We already see Rhaenyra-Criston in the version of her approaching him...

In F&B, we already have one verison of what happened b/t them in Mushroom telling us of a situation of Rhaenyra approaching Criston and Criston denying her, with no material consequences for him...and he freely decides to hate and try to destroy her anyway ("A Question of Succession"):

Even IF Rhaenyra approached Criston and in this way, she does not go to Viserys to ruin Cole or do anything else to him. She sleeps with Harwin instead. And why doesn't she go to Viserys to fuck Criston's life up? Bc he has been her trusted guard for ages, but also because of what I say below in section b) below and i) above.

Reminder, Viserys in both the show and book forces Rhaenyra to marry Laenor, and book!her explicitly is rumored to say she wanted Daemon. She faces censure or punishment, not Cole.

Show!Rhaenyra has also been "friends"/friendly with Cole for years; what reason do we have to expect or fear that she'd complain to Viserys? How much does Criston really expect Rhaenyra does, since he's the said friend in her "confidence"?

b) Occam's razor

Since women cannot be Kingsguard in Westeros, the female-Cole would either be a lower-ranked noble woman or she would be like Jonquil Darke, the female sworn-shield of Alysanne Targaryen (who still wasn't part of the Kingsguard). JD was also a Darkling bastard.

It's so very unlikely that even if female-Cole become the guard to young/older male-Rhaenyra.

That's inconceivable to these people. Why would the probably already-sword trained male-Rhaenyra need a personal female-guardsman when they'd have an actual Kingsguard knight (still all male) as the male-Rhaenyra's guard before a female warrior is ever considered? This is the mindest of these royals and nobles, btw.

And again, Jonquil was the protector of Alysanne, not Jaehaerys. But Jaehaerys did use Jonquil to stop Saera from running away, and this proves that Jonquil's "final boss" is and always has been Jaehaerys, aka, the Monarch, not the person she was protecting. If a male-Rhaenyra approached a female-Cole (but not a bastard) who was a sort of Jonquil Darke person, even with that female-Cole being well-versed in swordsmanship or anything physical to defend herself, the social consequences of that woman sleeping with a royal man while not being married to him is still as real and worse for her than for him. She'd be less willing to fully engage with him and dread the consequences of his growing angry with her.

What if female-Cole was just a regular noblewoman, either ranked high from a prestigious family/Great House (Starks, Martell, Hightowers, Lannisters, Manderlys] or from a lower ranked or not-as-prestigious and influential family (Tarlys, Selmys, Boltons, Wyls)? And male-Rhaenyra took a liking to female-Cole but didn't want to or expect to marry them?

Because female-Cole is a female noble and had grown up knowing that women & girls are socially condemned for actually practicing sexual autonomy, they'd be much more cautious and vulnerable to censure in either scenario:

If the female-Cole was from a more prestigious or "Great" House, male-Rhaenyra wouldn't as likely approach them unless they thought they'd be good for marriage because that house is powerful and important enough to put some pressure on them IF they ever found out. An affair is very possible, and depending on female-Cole's age and assessment of her own abilities and worth growing up female, we don't know whether they'd be willing to pursue a true consensual affair with male-Rhaenyra without there being a hope or guarantee for marriage. Because, like Lysa Tully, they still run the risk of tainting their family/house' image and face punishment or abuse from their own family if such affairs were made public. (If I have to explain Lysa Tully to people, they either forgot what happens b/t her & Petar Baelish or never read the bks, and if the latter they should not speak on anything to do with any character in things like this that requires lore knowledge AND some objectivity. Or they don't see what happened to her as "a big deal"...) Still, there is room for her to not want the attention because women are not a monolith of the exact same personalities or circumstances for us to believe every single woman would go for a real affair regardless of there being a desire or expectation of marriage. Thus what I describe below for lower ranked women/girls still counts. If anything, the stakes can be said to be higher because her family's prestige or power is so high that they could also take the path of blaming her. Therefore, a woman/girl of this group could still feel cornered.

If female-Cole came from a lower/less prestigious house, male-Rhaenyra is more interested & likelier of pursuing an affair or making female-Cole their paramour/mistress. Same situation, but the girl has even less reason to believe that there would be a marriage bc her house' rank/prestige/powers are so low for a possible marriage to the future King. She'd have to be either be mentally incapacitated (Priscella Hogg), under another immense pressure, or very young to believe that. So in this case, there is a stronger likelihood that if she sleeps with male-Rhaenyra, it's because she was cornered or felt she couldn't avoid him and had no assurances to avoid him later on. Or that he'd later feel slighted and begin rumors of her in court and her reputation gets ruined either way.

in either case, because male-Rhaenyra is a man while female-Cole isn't and men are far more likely to use physical force to intimidate or push a woman down then the reverse; men on average feel entitled to women's bodies' and attention, what more a royal prince like Aegon & Aemond? (I didn't use these examples by accident: that 12 yr old "paramour" Septon Eustace informs us and Alys Rivers)

And male-Rhaenyra would be the heir, still. There would be no doubt against male-Rhaenyra because she'd be male, male leaders are credited their deserving to rule armies by being male. His path to ascension is clearer than what real-Rhaenyra currently and will have to face. Male-Rhaenyra has no reason to even be all that secretive with female-Cole if he did intend on making her his paramour & he thought he'd get away with just making her his paramour...which is most likely a woman in a much lower "rank" or of a family with much lower powers than some others. Yes, Viserys would say that he is acting "unseemly", he could be called stupid or reckless, and some lords and ladies would think he's acting too licentuously...but no one would begrudge or hate male-Rhaenyra long for extramaritally/premaritally sleeping with a woman of any origin as to say they were a "whore" or try to use this as their primary reason be shouldn't be the next King. The "new" greens don't as much shit to stand on. They'd look silly(ier) for actually using this as a reason to say he shouldn't be King.

Female-Cole has little to no leverage against a male-Rhaenyra in the specific moment of a sexual cornering bc there is simply more risk for her than for him based on their respective genders AND ranking. We can't separate the two, they will inform the other.

Cole-Cole has more social leverage than a woman actually corned by a male higher-ranking noble/royal bc Rhaenyra-Rhaenyra's reputation can be ruined a lot easier than a male heir's. In any iteration, female-Cole rather than Cole-Cole has more risk & pressures in because women are given less grace in events where it's known they extramaritally/premaritally sleep with a man. Because she's already side-eyed or doubted to be a capable leader or worthy, censures against her lack of practicing female obedience and chastity would make her seem less deserving of the throne and give her enemies more fuel to fire their own agenda.

Again, this hierarchical feudal society is built on making gender, class, etc. essential differences that grant individuals privileges over others.

Finally, Criston Cole, his relationship with Rhaenyra, AND their sex /how it happened cannot be compared to a modern-day boss-employee-relationship/sexual harassment sort of sex-reversed MeToo! situation. Viserys is, as many have said on both camps, Criston's real and unequivocal "boss". Really, this whole argument then diminishes what actual SA is and the MeToo! movement's focus on holding mainly male professional superiors accountable for willfully using their positions to assault those under them.

The writers trying to make Rhaenyra the one in with more psychological control over Criston when canonically there' isn't much evidence to support that is very suspicious.

Reasons to Hate Cole

A) Show/House of the Dragon

i)

Let's really think about Criston's suggestion to run away and marry.

The guy said this in episode 5 of season 1:

I've soiled my white cloak. And it's the only thing I have to my fսck¡ng name! I thought if we were married, I might be able to restore it.

Criston's logic reveals he's more concerned about retaining his own sense and perception of his honor and not "honor" in general bc running away to elope would bring great disgrace to both his and Rhaenyra’s families & houses. Not just Rhaenyra herself. If it is Rhaenyra's "duty" to marry Laenor, she would be breaking her vows to become Queen. If she runs away, she arguably broke her vows to "protect" the realm from the Others as by her and Viserys' conversation about Aegon's prophecy. Cole may not have heard this from Rhaenyra, but he didn't want to hear anything from her because all he wanted was for her to go along with what he wanted, not to actually listen to her any misgivings she may have had.

He looked at marriage as a way to "bring back" a sense of honor for himself. Vows hold "sacred" honor. Criston is trying to distance himself from the very idea of freely and willfully “soiling” his cloak by trying to "replace" his brken vows with new marriage vows.

Remeber, he consented to sex with Rhaenyra, so it was his willful decision to sleep with her and "soil" his own "cloak". The writers and the actor, again, both work in the understanding that Cole "chooses to lie with Rhaenyra" [top of this post].

Criston absolutely knows that she can't marry him in the usual, open way and still retain her position as heir or even as part of the royal family. He's asking her to abandon her entire family...let that sink in. It shows a gender disparity that does not justify "if the roles were reversed". Lower-ranked-Female-Cole would never and could never hope to convince the male-Rhaenyra to run away with her and start an entirely new life, abandon both of their families (for marriage specifically) bc he doesn't have to in order to marry her. He may lose some people's respect if he marries her, but the consequences for him versus a female heir are not the same. A female heir would have to run away & not be among other Westerosi nobles, become a peasant, etc. to marry someone like Cole. *EDIT (3/17/24)* Example: Prince Duncan and Jenny of Oldstones. *END OF EDIT*

He was attracted to her, but his main motivation was to escape the shame of his soiled cloak and soiled honor. That his honor is actually a lie, a made-up thing in itself. That he, himself, soiled it and thus he, himself, has made himself a liar.

ii)

He has been living in court being Rhaenyra’s personal guard for years. Some of us thought that he should have known that nobles largely do not follow the same rules that excuse their positions through rumors. That they withhold and lie to protect themselves. (And generally, humans are wont to try to bend their own rules to satisfy their own desires.) 

And so we think that he should have done the same--patiently withhold information and observe what happens so he could adapt to it--while Alicent was getting to ask if Rhaenyra had slept with Daemon, and not if he slept with her.

It may not be faithful to one's vows, but if he actually knew what kind of person Rhaenyra was--that she would never run away with him (as he should after so many years of being with her and thus I think he did know but asked anyway, this he never really cared about her but himself)--then he should have never brought up the suggestion of running away or thought she'd ever marry him. What exactly did he think would happen for him after sleeping w/her? And as I argued, he had much more choice than some may think and took advantage of it. As nobles often do.

And yet, he decides that Rhaenyra is responsible for what he freely chose for himself AND what he could have easily avoided as a man/Kingsguard and her being female. And he does so so he can avoid accountability. Rhaenyra is much less likely to be able to & doesn't want to, once again, "make" him do anything with her. And Rhaenyra does not control Criston Cole's conscience nor his penis nor his reasoning.

Occam's razor again.

iii)

He decides to take it out on the Velaryon boys, as clued by what happens in the training yard of episode 6. It's obvious he refuses to treat them similarly to the green princes and train them at the same level. He's also much more physically rough with Jace than with either green boy. Finally he presses for Aegon to get more violent than necessary against Jace, clearly taking pleasure in vicarious revenge against Rhaenyra.

He's a loser who uses children's pain to inflict his own frustrations. And no, "illegitimate" children are not less human than "trueborn" ones.

B) Fire and Blood (The Original Story)

These are the versions of what happens b/t them, Septon Eustace's vs Mushroom's ("A Question of Succession"):

Really, alinahams already tackled this HERE, so check them out.

Excerpt:

In both versions, Criston is never involved with Rhaenyra in any way. Both versions take care to mention how it was all about Rhaenyra's choices about her life and body that bothered Criston and made him hate her. It's never about Criston being used and discarded. That is what makes Criston an Incel and a villain. Rhaenyra never did anything wrong to him. She didn't do anything to deserve his life long hatred and betrayal. It was his own twisted madonna/whore complex that ruined his friendship with Rhaenyra.

Criston decides to make it his life mission to destroy Rhaenyra because he couldn't handle her making her own decisions, bc honestly even if she (a 16-17 yr old) had decided to try to seduce him as Viserra did with Baelon...did Baelon hold it against Viserra or say that she was a whore or try to condemn her or get back at her for daring to "disturb" him in his grief over his dead wife, their sister, Alyssa?

Even with Baelon being a prince to Criston's Kingsguard, we see that both Viserra & Rhaenyra were desperate to have some sense of control over their own bodies through sex--and for Viserra through a marriage to a more powerful man--because it is through sex and marriage that their entire autonomy is being taken away or suppressed. And some in this fandom have argued that Viserra was bad or amoral for trying to seduce Baelon in his grief, and some have even said she was trying to take advantage of him! But does Baelon think this way or try to "avenge" himself on her? No.

Why try to ruin her and her kids' entire lives? Once more, Rhaenyra, even in Mushroom's version, does not ever complain to Viserys or try to ruin Criston. So....

[syndrossi]

resonant ch26 dvd commentary

That's right, it's a series now!

Favorite line:

“They will return soon enough,” he told the tiny dragons, feeling a kindred dismay that his sons had gone riding with someone other than him. “Until then, you must content yourselves with me.”

It's not my favorite chapter, and doesn't have any real bangers, but this was a fun little exchange. The mental image of Qelebrys and Shadow perched on Daemon's shoulders, all three of them wearing a glum/pouting expression, is very cute.

Favorite detail:

Carrying the theme that Daemon noticed when he took Rhaegar and Jon on Caraxes to and from the Giant's Toe, where Rhaegar is drawn to the beauty of the world when he's up high on a dragon, while Jon is looking at those ships below and pondering their significance. It's just as much reflective of their life experience as personality. Jon without the burdens he carries of having been a leader, responsible for administering multiple wars, might be able to afford to look upward or forward, rather than downward at the world encroaching in.

Favorite dynamic:

We had a few barbs traded with Cole, but it was fairly tame. Rhaenys and Daemon are my favorite dynamic again, in part because I enjoy writing people giving advice that makes sense to them but isn't necessarily the most healthy. No one character is an infinite font of wisdom, existing to dispense it to our heroes. Everyone has their own faults, flaws, self-interest, etc, and their advice is colored by it.

I'm talking, of course, about Rhaenys basically telling Daemon to suck it up, give up on having a good relationship with his brother founded on mutual understanding, and resign himself to the fact that his brother prefers a version of Daemon that isn't real, with all the edges filed off. Daemon does in fact know his brother better than Rhaenys, so it's actually not the best advice in this situation!

But it doesn't mean he didn't need to hear some version of "suck it up and figure out an approach," because he's been reactive/passive so far with Viserys. (Some of that is out of fear, to be fair.) But he can't afford to be afraid/not take risks, Rhaenys believes. Not with so much at stake.

(Rhaenys is not without her own self-interest, either.)

And Rhaenys has a better grasp on Otto than Daemon. She's not wrong about what he fears. So that was also good context for Daemon, if he pays it heed. But the conversation doesn't leave Daemon in a great place at the end, sadly.

"Quick" hitters:

I mentioned this before, but there were three separate scenes written for and removed from this chapter, including one that was up in the draft I saved on AO3 and then removed this morning before I posted it.

I think I figured out my real issue with this chapter, and it comes down to using the wrong lens during the Dragonpit parts. We're focused in tightly on Daemon and Rhaenys's conversation, which is fine/fair, but we pull back too much for the kids and hatchlings interactions. It would have been nice to perhaps get the actual introduction of the dragons as dialogue rather than exposition, and focus in a bit more on Jon during the final naming.

The chapter feels very self-indulgent and filler-y, which may be while I feel guilty about writing it. Not that you can't write those things, but I always feel like they fit better in side-stories.

Jon naming Shadow was added into this chapter after the fact. I'd decided on the name a while ago and kept trying to find the perfect moment for it, only for it to not really materialize. Jon making it a game the baby cousins could join in on ended up feeling right.

I kept going back and forth between the Valyrian and Common versions of "Shadow," but at the end of the day, Jon has a theme.

I really liked Harrenkos for a name ("suitably long" in Valyrian), given that Shadow is a longer boi than most.

With Laenor and Rhaenys about to be gone, and Rhaenyra in Dragonstone, the poor Velaryon boys are about to be on their own (with their nurses) for a while, poor lambs. We'll see if Daemon invites them over for supper a few times. That's a lot of kids to wrangle by himself!

I'd been holding onto this, but I don't think it's something I'll end up doing later on in the story, so I'll go ahead and share one of the deleted, incomplete scenes. Originally, there was going to be an attack on the carriage on the way back, but Daemon being up in the air on Caraxes made it a really poor choice on the part of their attackers (and the attack itself a little too obvious not to have the place swarmed with Goldcloaks), so I scrapped it.

Apologies to Rhaegar, who was going to get a hero moment and possibly his first kill (though I didn't get that far).

x~x~x

The hatchlings were exhausted after their exciting day, each settling on their laps to nap for the carriage ride back to the Red Keep. Jace soon followed their example, nodding off against Princess Rhaenys’s side twice before she rearranged him so that he could rest his head on her lap.

Jon had enjoyed their day out, but he did feel a sting of regret at not being able to accomplish either of the things he had wanted to today: gaining an audience with King Viserys, and speaking to their father about the candle. There was always tonight for the latter—or tomorrow. But he hated the thought of it continuing its efforts to torment Rhaegar, especially since they were now separated in the afternoon.

“Did you hear anything today?” he whispered to Rhaegar.

“Not in the yard,” his brother said, which was not a no.

The bumpiness of the ride down the sloped path leading from the Dragonpit gave way to the cobblestone of the Street of the Sisters. The sun had set, and the sky was halfway to twilight, leaving the interior of the carriage dark. Jon tuned his senses to hearing to distract from the unpleasant odor of Flea Bottom, which the street passed through briefly.

It was quieter than he remembered. Even the slums of King’s Landing had their equivalent of markets, and plenty of peddlers hawking their wares. He sat up straighter in his seat as the carriage slowed, and the strong scent of burning wood wafted through the window. He could hear the low murmur of their two Kingsguard ahead of the horses.

Jon glanced at Rhaegar, who met his gaze with a tense frown as their hatchlings stirred on their laps. Princess Rhaenys meanwhile was gently shaking Jace awake, turning to glance behind at the window. A glow was visible now, lighting up the area, and calls began to ring out from further away. Jon stood on his seat to get a better view; up ahead, he could see buildings aflame on either side of the street, and what looked to have once been a wagon burning in their path.

“Can we go around?” Jon heard Ser Erryk—or Arryk—say in a low tone to the carriage driver.

“Only if you fancy going deeper into Flea Bottom,” the man said.

“Turn back,” the Kingsguard ordered. “We will return to the Dragonpit.”

Smoke was beginning to drift through the window, stinging his eyes, and the shouts were growing louder. Jon reached carefully for his knife, which was strapped against his leg beneath his pants, though he did not yet slide it free. It was possible that whatever fire had broken out along their path was entirely accidental, but if so, it was extraordinarily convenient timing.

The clack of horseshoes on cobblestone was just audible over the din as one of the Kingsguard pulled alongside them. “My princess, remain within. We will turn and head back to the Dragonpit until the fires are put out.”

The tension in the knight’s voice told Jon that he too believed it to be no coincidence. The street was still narrow at this point, which meant two very long minutes of horse and carriage maneuvering to turn back north.

Too long.

The horrible scream of a wounded horse pierced through the din, and through the haze of the smoke still spilling in through the window, Jon could make out the shaft of an arrow embedded in its flank. Two clanking noises followed, the noise familiar to Jon—the clatter arrows deflected by a shield.

“Ser Erryk,” Princess Rhaenys called out tensely, holding Jace tightly to her side. Their young cousin was wide awake now, eyes large with fear.

There came another two loud thuds, this time above them, and Jon could see the point of an arrow splitting through the wood of the roof, and another a foot away from it.

“They are trying to set the carriage aflame, princess,” the knight said. By the sounds of it, he had drawn up along the side of the carriage opposite from where the first two arrows had come. “You and the children may need to leave it, if the fire catches.”

Jon could hear the agony of indecision in his voice. The carriage afforded protection from arrows, but the longer they remained within, the longer whoever was attacking it could get into position for—whatever it was they were after.

Us? Jon wondered. So far, none of the arrows had been aimed at the body of the carriage, but even so, he dragged Rhaegar several inches further from the wall. The other Cargyll brother joined his twin on the safe side of the carriage.

“There are at least four with bows,” he said. “They do not yet approach.”

The horse’s screams were quieting, which Jon knew meant another obstruction on the road. The smoke was growing thicker, enough to make Jace cough, and a glance upward revealed a darkening of the wood of the roof.

“Jon.” Rhaegar’s voice was low but urgent, his face set with tension. He extended a hand toward Jon. “Give me the knife.”

His first instinct was to deny the request, the notion of being unarmed in the chaos nearly unthinkable, but his arm was still injured. Rhaegar might lack Jon’s experience in a real melee, but he stood a better chance of defending them.

[end scene]

[asoiafsworld]

HEADCANON; BEING MARRIED TO RHAENYRA AND DAEMON AND BEING A MOTHER TO THEIR CHILDREN

pairings; rhaenyra targaryen x fem!reader x daemon targaryen, jacaerys velaryon x stepmother!reader, lucerys velaryon x stepmother!reader, joffrey velaryon x stepmother!reader, baela targaryen x stepmother!reader, rhaena targaryen x stepmother!reader

warnings; mentions of the boy's illegitimacy, sadness, tooth rotting fluff

first part | third part | fourth part | fifth part | masterlist

⊱ ───────── {.⋅ ✯ ⋅.} ───────── ⊰

JACAERYS

➼ you aren't particularly close with him in the beginning but there's also no hatred between you two

➼ he knows you from all the stories his mother used to tell him about you and how one day, you would come back to her and be apart of their family

➼ he notices how much happier his mother is once you join her and daemon and he only then realizes how important you are to her so he makes it his mission to befriend you which was very easy

➼ he takes you up on your promise to learn high valyrian together

➼ and you both struggle a lot with it

➼ "kerimvose? right? that has to be it!"

➼ "it's kirimvose, jace! it means thank you, you should know that!"

➼ so much bickering between you two when the maester asks you to name certain words and it becomes a competition between you

➼ but in the end, jace learns his mother language much faster and better with you as his learning partner

➼ he starts trusting you more and comes to you when he has doubts about his birthright again since his mother only denies it and doesn't feel that she can openly talk about it with him

➼ "how can i expect anyone to support my claim when i'm not even a true born son?"

➼ you don't know the truth about it but you try to take jace his insecurities away

➼ "your right to be king of the seven kingdoms one day relies on your mother's birthright. so whoever your father is, it doesn't matter because you are certainly rhaenyra's son and i know that you will make a great king one day."

➼ he thinks about your words and knows that you're right and is so endlessly thankful to you and your support for him. his insecurities still remain but they get easier to live with as long as he has you by his side to reassure him

➼ he trusts you on a deeper and more vulnerable level after that

➼ often clinging to you and asking where you are and making sure you're safe because you are his second mother after all

➼ he used to love to fall asleep in his mother's embrace, always feeling protected and loved with her

➼ and even though he's already grown, he definitely exploits your love and affection towards him to make you do the same

➼ he falls asleep in less than a minute when you play with his hair he just loves it so much

➼ it shows how much he trusts you because of the way people expect him to be composed and perfect all the time

➼ and he wants you to think of him like that too but you know that underneath his composed and collected demeanor, he's still a very young boy who's scared of doing something wrong

➼ because he knows that as soon as someone sees him take one wrong step, he will be called a bastard again and questioned on his legitimacy

➼ but you always do your best to reassure him that it doesn't matter what others say, it's not their business to criticize his every step

➼ when occasions like that occur, you are always the first one defending him, shutting everyone who dares to question him off and afterwards making sure that he's okay, letting him sleep in your arms once more, singing him to sleep and running your fingers through his soft hair

➼ at some point he talks to rhaenyra about how glad he is to have you in his life because you are such a big, supportive person in his life and she's so happy to hear this from him

➼ overall he's just very happy to have you be his biggest supporter and defender

LUCERYS

➼ he's wary of you at first because he has a hard time trusting strangers

➼ mostly ignores you and just doesn't talk to you

➼ you understand why, you're a stranger to him after all and just because you married his mother and stepfather doesn't mean he has to get along with you so you accept it

➼ it still makes you feel bad, to see that he does not wish to even look in your direction at any time

➼ rhaenyra and daemon notice that it makes you sad even though you refuse to tell or show them

➼ they attempt to speak to luke about it but you are insisting that he should make up his own mind and leave him be

➼ over the weeks after your wedding, luke sees how his brother opens up to you and gets closer to you

➼ he sees how gentle you are with him, always ruffling his hair and giving him a hug when he needs it

➼ and little luke wants that too but he's bad at asking for affection

➼ so he just watches your interactions with jace with veiled jealousy and anger at himself for wanting your affection too

➼ at some point you're sitting on one of the cliffs surrounding the castle when you hear a familiar screech behind you

➼ you turn around to see arrax looking at you curiously, the small dragon almost seeming like he was studying you

➼ you had long gotten used to dragons freely roaming around your new home but you had never seen one approach you like this

➼ the dragon comes closer but you're not scared, instead you slowly reach your hand out to touch the dragon and he seems to like the way you proceed to pet him

➼ he likes it so much that he lays his head in your lap and you giggle at how sweet of a creature he is

➼ some time later you hear two voices shouting for arrax and you recognize them to be daemon and luke

➼ you wave and call out to them and they come towards you, both suprised to see arrax with you

➼ daemon grins at how happy arrax is to sleep on your lap and he's proud of how well you interact with the dragons despite not being a targaryen or velaryon. he brushes his hands over the top of your head and gives you a small kiss on your forehead

➼ "it seems that arrax found a new spot to sleep. i don't blame him, i would do the same."

➼ you playfully slap his leg but smile all the same, then direct your attention to luke who's staring at you and at arrax

➼ you stop petting the small dragon and he lazily lifts his head at that seemingly demanding more petting

➼ "you slept long enough now, your rider needs you. come on, up with you arrax."

➼ he's very reluctant to give up his cozy spot but gets up all the same, trotting towards luke as if he was half asleep

➼ you get up as well and brush the dirt off of your dress when you suddenly feel two arms wrap around your torso and a face bury itself in your stomach

➼ "i just wanted to hug you too."

➼ your heart does a weird little thing that you proceed to ignore but you hug him back all the same, one hand softly caressing his back and the other going through his dark locks

➼ after that, luke begins talking to you and spends all the spare time he has with you

➼ he is often found on the beach with you where he shows you the cool tricks arrax has learned

➼ so. many. hugs.

➼ like this boy is clinging to you so much, he just loves the way how warm it feels to be held by you

➼ he starts to be very defensive and protective of you even though he is a tiny boy

➼ but tiny boy will love and protect you forever

➼ rhaenyra loves to watch you interact with him because it's the same way he's with her and it makes her see that he sees you as a mother too

➼ you give him lots of kisses on his forehead and he gives you kisses on your cheeks because he loves to see how you smile when he does

➼ he's the sunshine and you're the sunshine protector from that meme. just very wholesome and sweet after a rocky start

JOFFREY

➼ now joffrey has no idea who you are but when his mother tells him that you are his mother too he doesn't question it for a single second

➼ like he doesn't even care about questioning who you are because he's still so young and when he sees rhaenyra kiss you he's automatically like alright thats new mom!

➼ he comes to you and just sits on your lap like it's the most natural thing and demands cuddles whenever he wants to

➼ because of this he was the first one to treat you like his mother out of the children and it certainly gave you good prep for how you would treat the other kids

➼ joffrey often had nightmares, sometimes feeling too scared to sleep on his own so he would come to you when that was the case

➼ most of the time you slept inbetween rhaenyra and daemon because, according to them, you were their most precious prize to protect

➼ so joffrey often trampled all over daemon to sleep in your arms and you laugh when he shows you the bruises he has the next day

➼ joffrey spends a lot of time with maesters for his studies and whenever there's something he doesn't understand, he waits until the lesson is over and asks you about it instead of the maester

➼ because according to him you are so much smarter than him and know everything so well!

➼ you tell him not to say that to the maester and help him study

➼ he likes it when you read him a story to help him sleep, especially the ones from aegon's conquest

➼ he's a very bright, sweet little boy but he can be very mischievous

➼ hides from you when it's time to go to bed because he doesn't want to sleep

➼ i'm a prince, i can choose when i sleep!"

➼ "and i'm your mother so i choose when my little boy should sleep so he's not tired all day tomorrow!"

➼ when he warns you to not want to sleep at his bed time, you take him to your chambers and have him cuddle with you on his lap and sing him to sleep because that's a guaranteed way of settling him

➼ rhaenyra and daemon often times come in to retire for the night as well at that time and see you holding him as if he had always been yours

➼ it often makes your wife teary eyed to see you love her sons the way you do and she knows that she will never regret her decision of bringing you into their marriage

➼ and after you put joffrey to bed in his own room, your husband and wife show you how eager they are to have even more children, especially yours

BAELA

➼ now here comes your biggest challenge; daemon's kids

➼ it's different to interact with them than with rhaenyra's children because she was the one who had always loved you and wanted to be with you and marry you in any shape or form she could

➼ and daemon... just didn't love you the way rhaenyra did because he didn't know you, that's just how it was

➼ you know that that's why his children are keeping their distance from you and... it stung. you didn't want to admit it, told yourself it was fine if you only had rhaenyra's children to love but that wasn't true

➼ besides that, rhaenyra's children were all boys so you wanted to take care of the girls too, if you could

➼ of course this all changed after you got engaged and married and now daemon would gladly take a million swords to the heart just for you to be safe

➼ baela however did not know how to feel about you

➼ losing her own mother was very hard for her since she was so close with her but over the years, she had learned to live with the pain, just as she learned to live with rhaenyra as a mother to her

➼ but bringing in another person... she only hoped her father was doing the right thing

➼ she didn't speak much with you but she was still friendly to you

➼ she saw how your relationship with daemon developed and how he grew to love you but she still had her doubts

➼ one evening she talked to her father about this

➼ "i know that you only married her for rhaenyra which is a big risk... what if you had despised her? you would have been trapped in a loveless marriage for the rest of your life."

➼ "but i'm not. i do love her, with all my heart, i belong with her just as much as i belong with rhaenyra. she is a very sweet girl and she makes me a better man... and when i have children with her, they will be your siblings by blood. at some point you should start to get along with her."

➼ baela acknowledges the honesty that her father was showing and decides to be at least a bit more open to the idea of welcoming you to her family

➼ just a few days after their conversation, she's walking through the halls of the castle to go outside for some fresh air when she hears sobbing and crying from a nearby room

➼ she follows the sound and it leads her to the cracked door of her father's, rhaenyra's and your chambers

➼ she doesn't see much through the small crack of the door but there's a mirror right in her line of sight and through that she sees you sitting on the bed with a piece of paper in your hands, crying and sobbing all alone

➼ this is your chance, baela thinks and softly knock on the door as she opens it a bit weider to peek her head in

➼ she sees you wipe your cheeks from your tears as you hear someone entering and try to compose yourself as you turn around to face her, a suprised look on your face as you see who came in

➼ "i didn't want to disturb you but i also didn't want you to be alone when you're clearly not feeling well.. may i ask what happened?"

➼ "oh no, don't worry yourself baela, i'm fine, i just... wasn't feeling well but i'm all better, don't worry about it."

➼ baela clearly sees that you're lying and now fully enters the room, closing the door behind her

➼ "i know i have not been the best at welcoming you or being kind to you but... i want to now. please tell me what has happened and let me comfort you because you are clearly not well."

➼ you let her words sink in and sigh deeply after a few seconds, casting your head downwards and looking at the letter in your hands

➼ "this... this letter just came... it's from my father. he found out that i married daemon and rhaenyra and he's anything but not happy about it. he calls me a whore and tells me that i'm the laughing stock of westeros and that i will never be respected or welcomed back to my family. but i don't care about any of that... he called rhaenyra a whore too! and daemon a fool for marrying someone as stupid as me, how dare he insult them!"

➼ you break out in tears once more in anger and sadness and baela is quick to come to you and hug you closely, all her doubts about you flying out of the window

➼ because she sees that you're not affected by your own father calling you names and instead are angry at your father insulting your partners and she realizes then that you love her father very deeply

➼ you cry in her arms and think of how stupid you must seem to her but she only shushes you, hugging you closely and telling you that your father is an imbecile and a prick

➼ you laugh slightly and agree with her and think it's curious that she was so quick to comfort you

➼ you ask her not to tell her father and rhaenyra about this because they would have your father's head rolling in mere seconds just for making you cry

➼ not that you care wether he's dead or not but it would only get them into trouble and you obviously don't want that

➼ from that day on you and baela become good friends

➼ you're often seen taking walks along the castle and the beach and talk about the newest gossip of westeros together

➼ you often play with each other's hair, giving each other silly hairstyles and telling each other secrets

➼ with her, it feels like you are carefree and she reminds you of your relationship with one of your sisters when you were younger

➼ after it is announced that she is betrothed to jace, you're the one she comes to to ask for advice for when she would inevitably be married to him

➼ because she surely can not talk about this with her father and rhaenyra is the boy's mother so that would be awkward

➼ you are jace's mother too in a way but you would not be in a conflict about a conversation like this like rhaenyra would be

➼ "i'm not scared of the wedding night but... what is it like? does it hurt? what if he's rough with me?"

➼ "jace is a respectful and good man, he will be as gentle with you as any man ever could be and i will talk about it with him too before the wedding, don't you worry about it. if he does it right and takes care of you, which i know he will, it will feel good for you too."

➼ she's very thankful to have someone like you in her life, she only ever had her sister as a friend but rhaena was a little too innocent to talk about these things with

➼ she's not big on skinship but she demands one of your famous, world healing hugs every now and then and it reminds her that she has a friend, a sister and a mother in you

➼ baela always admires how much you take care of all the children and it makes her happy to have you in the family

RHAENA

➼ rhaena is totally a daddy's girl so when she sees daemon loving and trusting you, she does the same

➼ she's a quiet girl, often occupied with reading her books on dragons and her family's history

➼ she doesn't seek vou out much because she sees how occupied you are with the other children

➼ but when she sees you reading a book by yourself, she joins you and asks if you can read to her, which you are only happy to

➼ rhaena is often hard to read because of her quietness and she's still young so she's often unsure about her place in this very big family

➼ she feels overlooked often times because she is, in a way, a second daughter, otherwise she would not be marrying luke

➼ she doesn't mind it though, he's a sweet boy and is always kind to her

➼ but the attention that she sometimes doesn't feel she gets from her father or rhaenyra, she gets from you

➼ you often ask her how she's feeling and if she has anything on her mind and she opens up to you about it and you already had your suspicions about her feeling neglected, which she confirms to you

➼ you make sure to seek her out as much as you can when the other children aren't demanding your attention

➼ and when you simply sit next to her, read with her and sometimes study with her, you already make her endlessly happy

➼ daemon often catches you reading with her and sees the loving gaze in your eyes as you look at his daughter, his heart bursting with pride at how sweetly you treat them

➼ overall, rhaena likes your calm presence is happy to have someone who will always be there for her and understand her

AEGON & VISERYS

➼ since these two are the only babies at the moment, you spend a lot of your time with them

➼ you send the nurses away when you're there because you don't want the children to grow up thinking that their own parents never wanted to take care of them

➼ you know that that's not really common and that most noble women never learn to be mothers but considering that rhaenyra is often busy, you take it upon yourself to give the young little princes the kind of attention that only a mother could give

➼ as mentioned before, aegon is very taken with you

➼ he often cries when you go away, even if it's just to take a toy from the chest to give to him

➼ he's just the cutest little thing, always babbling about and giving all his toys to his brother who happily plays with them

➼ he doesn't care for the toys anyway when you're there, he just wants you to put him in his lap and give him tickles that make him laugh so sweetly

➼ he often plays with your necklace when you hold him up and always inspects it closely when it's one that he hasn't seen you wear yet

➼ he often tries to chew on them as well but you always make this cute face where you look like you'll cry when he brings it to his mouth and he immediately drops it, attempting to pat your cheeks so you wouldn't cry

➼ you love aegon very much but of course, you take care of visery too

➼ he always wants to show you his toys and makes you play whatever imaginary game he's thinking of

➼ he also loves to play with your hair and often proceeds to put it in his mouth because it's so pretty

➼ and then he coughs it out because it's hair!

➼ when they find the time, rhaenyra and daemon come to the nursery and sit and watch you play with the babies and it makes their heart ache

➼ to see you so lively and happy to play with the babies that weren't your own is just very special to them

➼ they admire you for how hard you work as a mother of seven children and are so happy to have brought you into their lives because you make them and the kids so endlessly happy

➼ and they can't wait to see you pregnant and have your own children too so they can spoil them rotten and love them just as much as they love you

[darklinaforever]

So according to Rhaenyra :

- Daemon shouldn't have held a war council where he was preparing defenses for Dragonstone against the Greens, knowing that Rhaenys warned them that the Greens were coming for Rhaenyra and their children ?

- And according to her he should also have let her consider sending their sons hostage to the Greens in addition to giving up her crown and the inheritance of their house for "the peace of the kingdom" ?

And if he did this first thing and refused this second thing, that mean he doesn't really accept her as his queen ?

Tell me I'm not the only one who thinks that the HOTD writers completely made Rhaenyra an idiot...

Once again, I understand that Rhaenyra took it badly that Daemon let her experience this difficult birth alone, knowing in addition that she was in triple mourning.

Except that Daemon is also in triple mourning and he is still capable of thinking correctly (besides it kills me how she doesn't even seem to take into account that Daemon is also in mourning).

Beyond that, even though he wasn't with you while you gave birth to Rhaenyra, he made sure to place defenses around Dragonstone, your home, to protect you and your children, knowing that Rhaenyra had literally just come from warn you that the Greens were coming just for you and the children !

I'm not saying that she shouldn't be a little angry with him, but a little common sense all the same !

What does that have to do with him not respecting you as a queen ?! Even you in episode 10 said he was going to madness with all this shit !

Also, I don't understand Rhaenyra's delusion to insist at this point on the fact that Daemon wants to shed the blood of the Greens, as if that was the only thing that interested him for always and that he is just using of all this mess to finally satisfy this desire...

Girl...

Daemon literally didn't care about the Greens as long as they didn't come and piss you off. I'm not even sure he really knew the names of his nephews and his other niece at this point !

When they usurped you and hid Viserys' death so they could have time to do it, he had the right to want to kill them. The usurpers, they are killed in your world Rhaenyra as a reminder ! Why are you shocked by this Rhaenyra ?!

Damn the screenwriters, stop giving 21st century morals to characters who don't belong to this context !

Not only that, but then the mess created by the Greens killed his unborn daughter and now his stepson ! Obviously they want to kill Rhaenyra ! The real question at this point is why you don't want to kill them ?!

Otto Hightower will have literally killed you all in your sleep if you had stayed in episode 8 when Viserys died ! It killed me to see Rhaenyra half-heartedly complaining that Daemon wanted Otto's head on a pike in 1x10. How annoying as a spectator...