#saerah targaryen

[moonflower91]

Battles Not Fought With Steel

summary: After years apart, Saerah meets her nephews again in the same training yard she once beat Jacerys with a wooden sword

It was just as she remembered it. Years before, she had once sat with her father and his Hand, Lord Strong, here at the balcony that overlooked the training grounds.

She'd been a girl then, eagerly licking up whatever attention Viserys deigned to give her. She pitied the girl she'd been, and in a way, was thankful that she saw her sire clearly now.

Slow and weak and blind to all but his own hopes and pride.

Father had often enjoyed watching his sons and grandsons train together, feeding into his own delusion that they would grow up as close, trusted companions, never seeing the tension growing steadily between them.

Part of his foolishness, part of his arrogance, to think that just because he was king and head of their family, that he could force goodwill to blossom between them.

Truth be told, Saerah had somewhat believed those delusions herself, if only to appease her father. Aegon's vicious laughter with Rhaenyra's sons had been rationalized as boyhood blusters. Saerah stealing and secretly destroying the Strong boys' most precious toys had been a childish cruelty, little else than the actions of a mean little girl. The Strong bastards’ taunting of their true born uncle had been brushed off with sneers that to make it heavier than teasing, was to be soft and weak.

Every act of animosity exchanged had been the things of childhood, though Saerah had never counted her nephews as friends for what they'd put Aemond through.

Even her elder brother Aegon, who had so often banded together with the Strong bastards in their endeavours to humiliate Aemond, grew rageful when one of them bested either he or Aemond on the training grounds. Jacerys and Lucerys might be his play things, his hooting shadows that laughed with him when Aemond was teased, but they were still bastards. To best a prince of trueborn blood was something even a fool such as Aegon could not abide.

Then, that night at Driftmark had divided House Targaryen in half. Childhood had died that night and none of the adults present had attempted to soothe the wounds. Instead, they'd severed the mangled bonds entirely.

Where once Saerah thought Lucerys loosing his eye would have been a fair justice, her own exile made her hate the little cretin that coward behind his whore mother, and an eye became too small a price to pay.

As a girl, she'd spent as much time with her father as she was allowed, glowing each time his affection turned to her, even for a brief moment.

Now, she stood at the wall alone, watching her nephews as they practiced their swordsmanship. It was the first she'd seen them in years, but she could recognize them in an instant.

She’d arrived on dragonback a few days prior, and had asked the servants where the unwelcomed host of pretend Valaeryons had wandered off to.

She noted the colors they wore--black and red, Targaryen colors, although they held the name Valaeryion. The two little idiots might as well confirm the rumor that the only royal blood they had came from their Targaryen mother, while the rest of them hailed from the smoking ruins of Harrenhal.

It was a while before Jacerys noticed her, when his eye caught hers as he murmured lowly to his younger brother. He’d a fine face, she had to admit. Harwin Strong had been fine too, before he was melted at Harrenhall.

It would only be proper to greet them. Perhaps it would add a bit more humiliation if she bid them welcome here in the filthy training yard than at the castle gates.

She turned and made her way down the stairs, her slippered feet grazing softly over the stone, heralding her descent with softness.

“Nephews.” She called softly once she reached the boys. Her eyes flashed towards little Luke and her grin widened to see how terrified she looked.

“Aunt.” Jacerys returned, his voice taught. “We missed you this morning.” He challenged.

“Ah, yes, I had other engagements. Helaena’s little ones are just darling, I could not pull myself away from them.”

“I assume you are making up for lost time after your years in Riverrun.”

“Highgarden, actually.”

“Have you found any willing suitors then, at Highgarden?”

Saerah’s brows furrowed. What did he care if she’d had any suitors? “A handful. But I set my sights closer to myself. And from the rumours I hear, one of Daemon’s ilk are like as not to be your bride, whenever your mother decides to cut the cord.”

The tips of his ears reddened and his jaw worked.

“My affairs are not your concern.”

Her mouth hardened. “And my marriage prospects are none of yours.”

“I will one day be king, of course they are of concern to me.”

“Do you honestly care who I take into my bed, Jacerys?” She asked, tilting her head. Then, a wicked thought occurred to her, and she stepped closer. “Is that what you imagine? Me naked, in my bed, contorting my body in all kinds of sinful ways, shaking, crying out with pleasure?”

Jace’s jaw clenched again. “Your attempts to goad me into some kind of argument are falling on disinterested ears, aunt.”

“Oh if I really wanted to provoke you, nephew, I’d take up a practice sword and throttle you once more.” Beside him, little Luke stepped back, but Jacerys, hardheaded and stubborn and proud as ever, refused to back away. Instead, he stared hard into Saerah’s lilac eyes, daring her to do just that. “But fear not. There’s no practice sword in sights. Your face is safe from my wrath. “

"That was years ago, aunt." Jace replied lowly, ears colouring red at the memory of when he'd been throttled by a little girl.  

"I am sure the embarrassment still burns the same."

"As do your hands. Grandfather told me he had your hands lashed for the offence."

"Yes." She replied, biting her cheek as she cast her eyes towards the maid servants flittering about the edges of the yard.  It was the one part of the memory that darkened her mood. "A fair exchange, I would say. My hands healed, your pride may not. Afterall, what future king wants the shame of being bested by a girl over his head.”  

[moonflower91]

in another universe, Team Green

*Helaena, holding Saerah's hand over her pregnant belly*

Helaena: Sorry it's taking so long, it kicked for everyone else.

Aegon: It's hard for the little guy to perform under pressure.

Daeron: Top ten things Aegon said on his wedding night

Saerah, feeling the baby kick: Woah! It was small, but I think I felt something!

Ser Criston: Top ten things Helaena said on her wedding night.

*Helaena giggles*

Aegon: Stop laughing at it, Hel!

Aemond: Top ten things Aegon said on his wedding night

[moonflower91]

Saerah and Aemond Targaryen probably

Saerah: *playing around and accidentally hits Aemond in the face*

Saerah: *brain trying to say "are you okay" and "I'm fucking sorry" at the same time*

Saerah: ARE YOU FUCKING SORRY!?

Aemond: Saerah, what the hell is wrong with you?

[moonflower91]

Aemond x sister!OC (Saerah) random heandcanons

Aemond and Saerah slept in the same bed for most of their childhood. When they were eight and their mother decided they should each have their own rooms, Aemond would often sneak out of his room to sleep in Saerah's room but when Saerah was feeling sad, she’d be the one to crawl into his bed. Or her mothers

Saerah once had a little mouse she kept as a pet in secret. She named him King Nibbles because of how his little nose twitched when he ate. When Aegon found out, he fed the mouse to a kitchen cat because he thought it vermin and had taunted Saerah that he’d done her a favour. Saerah cried for days. Aemond put a dead rat in Aegon's bed in vengeance

Saerah has had her and Aemond's children's names picked out since she was five, as well as a few backup names because obviously four babies isn't enough (Aerys and Maera for the twins, and Elaena and Valera and Aemon and Rhaemond as back ups).

Had the war between the Greens and Blacks not occurred, or had a truce been reached, Saerah would have married her children to Jace and Luke’s children because while she hates them, she doubts they would be cruel to her babes.

Saerah will hit Aemond and Aemond will 100% hit back but it’s never Aemond to initiate the fight

Of the two of them, people think Saerah is sweet and gentle and Aemond to be with all the roughness of a boy, albeit quiet. When you get to know them, Saerah is full of bile and ill intent when angered, and Aemond follows her venom up with his own

When their twins are born, they don’t have any eggs to lay in their cradle ans both are very sad at this

Saerah tried many times to escape back to the capitol to see Aemond and Aemond planned to fly Vhagar to the Reach to see Saerah. Both failed.

Saerah and Aemond are their mothers children

Saerah had a little crush on a Tyrell squire while she was away, and Aemond had a crush on a lady of the court

One time, when they were small, she put Aemond into a headlock for tossing one of her dolls out a window in retaliation for breaking one of his knight toys

As adults they still play wrestle, Saerah thinking herself very mighty for being able to pin Aemond down, but Aemond knowing full well that he’s letting her

After the events of Driftmarm and Saerah’s exile, Aemond crawled into Alicent’s bed for three months because sleeping next to her was the next best thing to sleeping next to Saerah

Saerah slept with a hand maid for years after arriving at the Reach because she missed sleeping next to her brother

[moonflower91]

headcanon for the birth of saera and aemond's children (twins) there is symbology in this family and saera promises never to separate her children and aemond swears to be present for them

A/N: Detailed description of labor, childbirth and incest

The pain was unbearable.

Saerah screamed and howled into the air, her body writhing and then stilling with each pain that rolled over her. It was a shame the sun still shined in the sky, the warmth of the summer air making her feel much too warm. She had half a mind to rip her shift off.

“The birthing bed is a woman’s war.” Her septa has said. As a girl she thought it silly, for how can one fight a war without swords and arrows and axes?

"Mother!" she'd screamed as the pain built again, panic overwhelming her. No one had said it was so painful. No one had said she'd feel sick. No one had said she'd feel like she was...humiliating herself. "MOTHER!"

"I am here, my sweet." the queen assured, rushing to her side. She had just been told the princess' labours had begun and had not hesitated to rush to her side. Saerah's wild frantic eyes met her own, and her hand was tight when she grasped it.

Another contraction ripped through her belly and Saerah met her mother's eyes as she clenched her teeth together to manage the scream that wanted to break through.

"Very good, my love." Alicent cooed, brushing Saerah's pale hair from her sweaty forehead. "Very good."

"I-I'm afraid." Saerah mumbled. “M-mother…I can’t…I—“ her breathless plea broke off into a deep howl of agony, her jaw working tensely as the pain rose anew.

"I know, my love." Alicent murmured back, her thumb running over her child's sweat damp hair. "I am too. Listen to your body. Listen to what it needs to do. Helaena will be with us soon, and she will help."

When her sister arrived, Saerah wept, arms reaching for Helaena for comfort as Alicent ran a damp rag over her forehead.

“Shhh, sister. It will all be over soon. One becomes two, two become four.” Saerah only hummed at her sisters riddle.

"Push, my lady!" One of the midwives called. And Saerah pushed, a garbled scream breaching her pursed lips, shallow breaths filling the air in between.

When finally, with Helaena's hand in hers, with Alicent's hand in her other, a wet slip came between her thighs, and a cry that was not her own pierced the air.

"A girl, princess!" The midwife proclaimed joyfully, wrapping the babe in a blanket. "Hearty and hale!"

"Give her to me." The princess slurred, arms reaching out for the babe. She was so little, her red little faced screwed up as she continued to scream, her lips pouty, her little hands clenched. Saerah swore she never saw something so wonderous. "Shh...Quiet now, my little dragon. Quiet now." she hummed in High Valyrian. She thought the worst was over, but before long, her body began to tense, a new pain rolling through her as she gently rocked her baby.

"Saerah?" The dowager queen said, watching as her daughter's head fell back, a low growl of pain rising from her throat.

"One becomes two, two becomes four." Helaena murmured, brushing back Saerah's hair.

"Something's happening." Saerah growled out, letting her mother pull her baby from her arms.

The midwife felt along her belly, pressing down and making Saerah scream, her legs kicking out as she tried to escape. Two other midwives held her legs still as the first continued to press into her tender belly, still swollen.

"Another babe!" she cried. No sooner was it declared, another pain rippled through the princess.

It was the same horrible business as the first child, but when the second babe slipped from her body, screaming it's discomfort for the entire keep to hear, Saerah reached for him as eagerly as she had reached for the first babe, her daughter.

"A boy, princess!" the midwive called as she handed the squealing infant to the princess' waiting arms. Saerah's mind whirled. Two children, she had two children now. A son and daughter. Just like she and Aemond.

It was fate, it had to be. Meant to be. These little children were proof that she and Aemond were made for one another.

/ / /

"Ahhh," Alicent cooed, her hands gently rocking the baby boy, her smile wide and warm. "The boy is far more peaceful than the girl. He sleeps so deeply, I wonder what he dreams of."

"What can he dream of?" Saerah asked from the bed, her eyes solely trained on her wiggling daughter, who stared up at her with curious, innocent eyes.

"Good things, I hope. All he has known has been warmth and the company of his twin."

Saerah smiled, taking her daughter's little hand between her fingers.

“Aemond will be pleased.” Saerah mused aloud. “He’s had a cradle made, one that rocks so the babe would settle easier. He only had one made, but it is no matter. I doubt the children would mind sleeping beside each other.”

Aemond was not informed of his wife's labors, by the princess' own request. While Aemond had been admimant that he would stay at her side throughout, Saerah had silently decided that Aemond would carry on with his day as he usually would. She had learned from her mother's detailed account of the act, that birth was no sight for a husband.

Still, part of her knew that having his hand in her own might have made the birth seem not so long.

“They ought to have separate cradles.” Her mother said, rocking her grandson. Her mother has always been a faithful servant of the Seven but in the last few years of her fathers failing health, it had only enflamed Alicent’s ardor and hope that the seven would give him good health and make him free of suffering if only her mother made them all so devoted.

“Just because Aemond and I are cursed with our Targaryen proclivities, mother, does not mean our children will be.” Saerah stated curtly, her eyes still remaining on the babe in her arms.

“I thought as much when you and Aemond came into the world. When he screamed for hours when I tried to lay him beside his egg, I thought myself a wretched unnatural mother. Aegon and Helaena never cried so loud and you..." Her eyes went to her daughter's form, still thinking of the small babe she had been. "You cried so little. Only staring up at me, deep lilac eyes so perpetually displeased. One day you decided screaming was the best way to get what you wanted and your cradle was in the nursery and Aemond’s was right there. So I lay you beside him and at once, you fell silent." Saerah finally met her mother's eyes. She had never heard the story before. "I thought it a sweet thing, the bond between twins was something I’d heard of, and now I’d seen it in action. Only you didn’t grow as brother and sister. So I beg you, my daughter, let them grow up to be two people. Not one in two bodies. They deserve that.”

Saerah sighed. She loved her mother, and always found her council prudent and honest. Yet somehow, her words irritated some part that she did not know existed until her babes were placed in her arms.

“Aemond and I did not come into the world with the intent of disappointing you, mother. We came clean and innocent, and it is only by the gods’ own doing that they made me for Aemond, and Aemond for me, despite the blood we share.” She shook her head, her gaze falling to the furs that lay over her legs. “Perhaps that is our great suffering, the curse that follows us because we have so often compared ourselves to the gods. That we must foster a love that is unnatural, bear children that have an equal chance of being monsters.” Her eyes flickered back to her mother, still holding the babe. But Alicent’s eyes were soft and sad as she looked from her daughter to the child in her arms. “But they are not monsters, mother. They are perfect. Whole and living and breathing. They’re babes. Far from knowing who it is they will love.”

Alicent swallowed, her jaw working. “I meant what I said.” She finally said. She said it firmly, harshly, but Saerah could hear how hollow it was. “These children will replace you and Aemond in betrothals to House Baratheon and Tyrell. They will not ever be permitted to follow in yours and Aemond's footsteps.”

“Mother,” Saerah finally growled, her lilac eyes flashing up at Alicent. “My babies, will not live to be ashamed. They were born of love. They were wanted. What else matters?”

“That they grow up without needing each other.” Alicent replied, sitting on the bed, the babe’s little feet dangling over its grandmothers arm. Saerah tilted her head, lip trembling as she eyed that little foot. When she reached out to touch it, those tiny little toes clenched and pulled away. “I do not begrudge you, daughter, for loving the one you call husband.” The dowager Queen vowed. “It is all I desired for you and Helaena. I only wonder…if I had done something different, would you have had the chance to give your heart to someone else.”

“No.” Saerah said immediately, pulling her daughter closer to her chest. “There was never a question, mother.”

“I know, my darling. But what if—?”

“I would have felt like a ghost. Even when we were small, when he trained in the yard as I learned the delicate arts of womanhood…I’d…each blow he took…I knew when it would happen. I didn’t feel it in my body, but I knew.” She met her mothers eyes then, hoping she could try to understand. “Each time I pricked my finger with a needle, the first thing he’d do when he saw me next was take my hands in his and inspect them, looking for the puncture.”

Alicent sighed. If only she had been a better mother, her son might have married another, and her daughter's children might not look so Targaryen.

“We are half of each other, mother. I don’t know if these children are, and if they are, perhaps they shall still find other people to share their lives with. A deep love does not mean the love of a man and woman."

Alicent's warm and gentle hand grabbed at her daughter's leg through the furs, a tentative grin tugging at her lips before her mouth tightening into a line once more. Saerah sighed. Her mother didn't understand, either because of her indignation that she and Aemond had forced her hand to permit their marriage or out of some religious devotion.

The dowager queen made to speak once more, but a shout drew both their eyes to the door.

"Where is she? Saerah!"

"Aemond?!" Half a heartbeat later the doors opened, revealing Aemond.

Aemond stalked forward, his eye only trained on his wife, bypassing his mother and not sparing the babe in her arms a glance. His attentions were only set on Saerah.

"I told you to call on me when it started. I would have been here with you."

"You think I wanted you to see me like that? I had mother and Helaena, and an army of midwives. There was no need."

Aemond hummed, his fingers stroking idly along her wrist, his eye finally moving to look at the baby she still held. "I knew something was amiss, but I thought you'd have called on me if the babe was coming so I dismissed it." His lilac eye regarded her in an almost accusing fashion. Saerah scoffed.

"Trust me, love, it is as bloody a business as they say."

"I don't mind blood."

"You mind mine." Saerah deadpanned. One time, when they'd been about five, she'd tripped while running after a kitten, and had bloodied her chin. Aemond had not stopped fussing for a week after until the scab began to fall off. Each day he'd demanded the maester come to her to make sure the wound--a scratch more than anything--did not become an issue.

"Not so much if we have our child at the end of it."

Saerah laughed, her free hand lightly slapping the bed. "You have it next time, then."

"Next time, I would have you call upon me. It is not everyday a man becomes a father." Saerah sighed at that, her forefinger running along her husbands sharp jaw.

"Look at her, Aemond." Saerah murmured gently, her eyes regarding him with all the love and affection of a woman who loved the one across from her. Her skin was still glistening, her hair unbound and falling free about her, but to Aemond, she was as beautiful as he'd ever seen her.

Aemond's eye blinked up at her, a veil of confusion over the beautiful hue of his eye. She smiled, heart swelling with affection. "Her?"

Saerah smiled, looking down at their daughter, slowly drifting to sleep after her long day. "A girl. Born first, screaming annoyedly."

Aemond's brown furrowed down at the babe, "First?"

"We have twins, my love. A boy and girl. The girl born first, the boy second. Mother holds the other." she told him, her eyes flickering towards the silent dowager queen. Aemond followed her gaze, his eye softening at sight of the babe. With a little smile at her son, she brought the boy forward, and settled him in his father's arms.

Alicent regarded the little family, heart aching as it soared. Always she would wonder if she had been a better mother, mayhaps her twins would have found love elsewhere but from each other. Yet, looking at the two, she could not find it in her heart to regret it much more. There was love there--true, lasting love that would not dim or be betrayed when the storms came.

They would protect each other to their last breath. Lie and scheme to benefit the other. In her heart, Alicent knew she had nothing to fear of Saerah's husband, nor of Aemond's wife.

They were one, as Saerah said.

Seven years later, Aemond and Saerah Targaryen's twins were betrothed to the heir of House Baratheon and the first born daughter of House Tyrell. And though they never did follow in their mother and father's footsteps, their love and trust in each other never dimmed.

[moonflower91]

I know you’ve answered a similar question on if Saerah would intentionally rile Aemond up by flirting with other guys in front of her, but seriously, I love the idea of her openly being playful, little smirk and all, just to get a reaction from him.

I don’t know if you do requests at the moment, but I’d love a one-shot of a young lord or knight who’s recently arrived in the capital, so isn’t aware of Princess Saerah being off limits and he begins being openly flirtatious with her and she goes with it to amuse herself and just for Aemond to end up scaring the hell out of him later on with a Tywin style deathstare.

I know I’ve also answered it before, and I’m gonna kinda contradict myself, but Saerah is a little shit and I can definitely see her flirting just to be a brat and watch her oh-so serious and controlled Aemond squirm. especially in a world where there is no war or conflict and they can afford to be silly and dumb.

And yes! I’ll write this out for sure!

A/N: This takes place in an alternate timeline where Saerah kept her mouth shut during her time on Driftmark about Rhaenyra's sons and therefore was not sent away.

The Great Hall of the Red Keep was splendid. The walls adorned with banners from House Targaryen and House Hightower, the torches and candles suspended from above, lighting the dim hall so that the guests of the King and Queen might dance and laugh and eat and drink long into the night.

It was the harvest feast, and with the birth of the newest of Rhaenyra’s gaggle of children, the king thought it the perfect time to host an elaborate feast. No matter that the woman who they toasted was still on that damp rock, Dragonstone.

Just as well. Saerah could not stomach the thought of those plain faced, dark haired bastards in the Red Keep, nor their trueborn cousins, Baela and Rhaena. Not after what they'd done to Aemond.

She would have her home melted down than to have to suffer those self important cunts.

Saerah had chosen a lilac gown for the evening, a compliment to her eyes while her sweet Aemond had forsaken his black garb in favor of a dark green. He was so handsome, and Saerah wished she could see how his sapphire would gleam in the light, and wondered if it would flash at her from across the room so she could always know Aemond was there.

The king had begun talking again of betrothing her, her mother said. When Alicent had mentioned it the other morning as they broke their fast together, Saerah had huffed in annoyance. She felt almost cornered being confronted with such news, insulted even.

When they were small, she had heard rumors (mostly from passing serving girls gossiping, or from a nursemaid who was pondering the notion more than anything), that the king was considering betrothing her to Aemond, her twin brother. She had been very young, then, and the news had passed by her with all the dull acceptance of a child being told that the sky was blue.

It was not news to her that she'd spend her life next to Aemond, not to her four year old mind.

There had never been a word contrary, not even when it was announced that Aegon would wed Helaena.

But afterwords, before her eldest brother had even sobered up from the wedding feast, a name reached her ears, attached closely to her own.

Lord Viktor Tyrell.

"A fine match indeed, my queen." the king had rasped within the Small Council chambers once it was suggested. The House of the Dragon was already bound together by Helaena and Aegon. It only made sense to utilize their other children's marriage prospects and strengthen their family if they were bound by oath to other houses.

House Tyrell was rich, their harvests had fed thousands in King's Landing. Their daughter would be Lady of the Reach, a title many maidens coveted, but few ever earned.

Saerah wanted none of it.

Ladies seemed to be divided on their desires, she’d noticed. Some wanted the freedoms of a man while others longed for status and love and a quiet life.

Saerah longed only for the freedom to marry Aemond. Glory, power, children could all come next.

“I won’t have him.” She had declared once her mother came to her with an official proposal. Lord Tyrell had not yet declared his intentions, but the Crown would have to be blind not to see the offer creep ever closer. Others began their decent as well—Lannister, Tully and Stark—but the Tyrell’s were the first to make contact.

“Saerah…” her father grumbled. “It is a good match. A smart one.”

“It is one I don’t. Want.” She replied. "If you force me, I shall scream my protest all through the Keep. I'm sure Aemond will run the man through if I ask him to."

Viserys had left it at that, resolute that his youngest daughter was in the midst of the streak of rebellion his eldest daughter had. Her fires would dampen soon enough and she would marry and be content as Rhaenyra.

While the king was blind to the true nature of all his children, the entirety of the keep was not. None could mistake the way Aemond watched his sister for brotherly protectiveness. The way Saerah drifted to his side during feasts and tournaments and Court. The guards breathed not a word of how often Aemond went to his twin’s chambers long after the torches were guttered.

Had they been lower in station, they'd have been pariahs, the gossip floating through the air with ease and delight as a thousand eyes watched eagerly for their ruin.

But none would dare invoke the one eyed princes' wrath. And to insult his lady would bring the mad ferocity of a dragon down upon them.

When it came to the princess, Aemond's thirst for retribution knew no bounds, and shortly after their four and tenth name day, every man in the Keep knew that Saerah was so far beyond their reach, that to attempt it was madness. Some young knight from the Crownlands had pleaded for the girl to grant him her favor during their name day tourney.

Saerah had graciously given it and wished the lad good fortune, her brother's eye keenly watching the man below, fingers gripping the arm of his seat until the wood began to creak. Aemond hated tourneys and would not lower himself to be made a spectacle for the enjoyment of fools, and so he waited until the feast later that night to strike.

The knight had walked with a limp the next morning, but none noticed, too distracted by the mess of his face, and the three fingers missing from his sword hand. He never named who had done it, but they all knew, even without seeing the state of Prince Aemond's knuckles.

\ \

Aemond had gone to speak with Aegon at the royal family's table at the base of the Iron Throne, while Saerah mingled with some of the ladies of the Court.

Unknown to her, was that she was being watched. Ser Wendyll Rosby was a second born son, but the one thing he could proudly claim was the skill he possessed with a sword, and the charm that ladies said dripped from his tongue like the sweetest of wines.

His brown eyes were drawn to the princess, a vision in her lilac gown, her hair falling in silver waves from the braids woven behind her head. She was as beautiful as they said, her smile lighting up her face, her laugh rivaling the music sweeping warmly through the hall.

She must have a hundred suitors vying for the chance to claim her hand, he thought, watching as she gestured as she spoke, the ladies around her listening attentively as their princess regaled them. So infatuated, he did not even find it passing strange that the princess remained unmarried, when so many ladies her age were wedded, bedded and swollen with child.

But as Ser Wendyll watched the princess, a soft smile pulling his lips, Prince Aemond watched him, his keen eye darting between his twin and the man admiring her, rage bubbling in his gut. He did not recognize the brown haired, brown eyed man who gaped at his sister like a simpleton. He was a stranger, and obviously did not know that Saerah was his.

For men, marriage was not a deterrent for them. Many men gawked at married ladies and some even took them to bed. But not for Saerah. Weather or not Saerah was his wife, no other man would dare disrespect her by watching after her with lustful intent.

"Ser Criston beat a man to death during our sister's wedding feast." Aegon recalled, a slight slur to his words as a grin pulled at his lips. Aemond's gaze flickered back to his elder brother, before settling on the fool gawking at his twin. "You ought to outdo her. I suggest a good gutting would eclipse Rhaenyra's wedding day spectacle. Just don't get anything on Saerah's gown. She'd hate that, and then she'll complain to Helaena, and then it will eventually pass to me."

"Shut up, Aegon." Aemond murmured, fingers tapping against the table, his fist clenching when he saw the fool gather up his courage and approach Saerah.

\ \

"Princess." a soft voice came from behind her, a male voice she did not recognize. Turning her head to see who had spoken, Saerah's voice left her. He was very handsome--tall, dark haired, dark eyed, a beard coming in on his cheeks and jaw. She did not recognize his face. She would've remembered a face so fine. "Might I say you look beautiful this evening?"

Saerah giggled. "You may say it as often as you like, ser..."

"Wendyll, princess. Wendyll Rosby."

"Ser Wendyll Rosby. I have not met you before."

"I have lived my life away from Court, princess. As a boy, I was fostered in Nightsong, in the stormlands. I loved it there, so I simply did not leave."

"Why come back now?"

"I came in search of a wife." He replied, his soft brown eyes watching her with such a tenderness that she wanted to squirm, the implication much too apparent to ignore entirely. Unthinking, her eyes flashed to where her brothers sat at the table, a flare of delight surging within her to see Aemond watching them, his hand clenched tightly on the table.

"I see." she hummed, a little grin pulling at her lips. "Are there no suitable ladies in Nightsong?"

"None I would like to call my own." He smiled. "Might I be so bold as to ask the princess for a dance?"

"Your boldness had rewarded you this night, ser. I shall happily dance with you."

\ \

"It is a shame father keeps her unmarried." Aegon mused as he and Aemond watched as the unfamiliar man led their Saerah out to dance. "I imagine this one is the first of many." a smirk played on his lips, hidden by his wine cup. "Bet that bothers you, brother."

Aemond did not dignify the statement with a reply, continuing to watch the two as they glided around each other, his rage mounting higher. Saerah must know he was watching. She must.

"Seven hells, why don't you just pay off a damned septon and wed her? Who would deny you? It isn't like any man here would look twice at her." Aegon sat straighter, a drunken surge of brotherly indignance for their sister surging within him. "Really, it's cruel more than anything. That girl's bed is cold and empty because her lover's resolve is as soft as an old man's cock. Or, mayhaps, he wants all the perks of a married man but none of the bother." he suggested, a giggle on his lips as he took another drink of wine.

That brought Aemond's attention back to Aegon, his jaw clenching tight. "You've drunk too much, Aegon. Again. Do you really think the empty words of a septon will make my match with Saerah any more true?" Aegon shrugged, that look of drunken glee still on his face. Aemond hated it and snatched the cup from his brother's hand, tossing it's red contents to the floor. Aegon gave an affronted shout, but it went on a hundred deaf ears. "She's been mine, as I have been hers since the day we were born." With that, he stood, his chair screeching.

\ \

The dance came to a graceful end, and Saerah let the young knight escort her away from the new wave of courtiers who were inspired to dance by their princess.

“I must say, my princess, your dancing skills are impeccable." Ser Wendyll complimented, their feet coming to a stop well away from the others.

"Is that why you asked me to dance, my lord?" she asked sweetly. "To assess my skills?" It felt exhilarating to flirt this way, and she could not really understand why. But she hoped Aemond saw, hoped he saw and doubled his efforts to convince their king to wed them to each other. Or, perhaps he'd be inflamed, and come to her and ravish her as he'd done when that knight had asked for her favor. They'd been younger then, and though they'd gone no farther than kissing and sleeping next to one another, the strength and fire Aemond had shown her had inflamed her like nothing else. She longed to feel it again, to experience it fully as a woman grown ought to.

Saerah's eyes flashed to Aemond's, wickedly pleased to find him gone from his seat with Aegon. He would not abandon this feast without her, and she knew somewhere in this sea of faces and fabrics, he'd find her again. Yes, let him watch and burn and strike and show them all that I will not marry anyone else.

Ser Wendyll smiled, appearing almost shy. "I asked you to dance, my princess, because you are the most beautiful women I have ever had the pleasure to gaze upon. And I would never have forgiven myself if I did not at least try to earn a dance with the fairest maiden in the Realm."

Saerah's cheeks heated. "You flatter, ser."

"I speak only the truth." Saerah regarded him, his face holding no falsehood, and another surge of excitement gripped her belly, wringing it out like a wet rag. How sweet this would be, when Aemond came and took her and solidified his claim. Their father be damned.

Taking Saerah's reserved silence for appreciation, Ser Wendyll stepped forward, close enough that Saerah could feel his body heat. "Sweet princess, I would crown you with a garland of roses at the next tourney. Oh, please, princess, say you shall accept. I shall not offer it to any other. Not even the Maiden herself can claim half the beauty. you possess." His voiced was honied, earnest and lustful and Saerah might have accepted, just to dig her teeth in a little deeper to both the fool before her and her lover. But, Aemond appeared like a specter behind her, voice soft and cold and enraged. Dangerous, a dragon ready to breathe flame.

"She doesn't care for tourneys." He murmured, walking forward from the shadows. He'd heard the entire pathetic plea. He wished he could take Saerah into his arms and take her against the nearest pillar, just to show this little pup what he may never have the pleasure of doing. Saerah made such sweet sounds in the midst of her pleasure, her body squirmed so beautifully, trying to take more and more and more. Insatiable, greedy, sweet Saerah. All his, only his. "It's farce. She thinks it s a hollow, pathetic display, lacking of any real talent."

Ser Wendyll's irritation spiked at the appearance of the one eyed prince. While the Realm named Saerah a jewel, they called the one eyed prince ruthless and cruel and calculating. Once or twice he'd heard someone wonder if he even had the normal feelings of a man.

"The princess is quite well spoken, Your Grace." Ser Wendyll bit out as kindly as he could.

"Aye, she is." Aemond murmured softly, his eye studying his twin's profile, while his hand crept from her lower back and to around her waist. Ser Wendyll watched the princess' face for indications of disgust--hoping it would be there, but Saerah only smiled and tilted her head. And when her forehead brushed the one eyed princes' neck, while his jaw rubbed along her forehead, Ser Wendyll suddenly felt every bit the fool they deemed him as.

"I hate tourneys." the princess confirmed softly, her lilac eyes (eyes he had thought so soft and gentle), piercing him like a needle.

Ser Wendyll's brown eyes flickered back to Aemond's hand, which slowly crept over the expanse of the princess' midsection. Had Prince Aemond been a common man, he'd have challenged him to a duel--not even for the damned woman who pit them against each other, but for the sheer insult he'd been dealt by the two lovers before him. In fact, it would have been the sweetest justice to watch the princess weep over her brother and lover, dead and brutalized beneath his hands and sword.

It was the gods' ultimate injustice that Aemond was a prince.

"And I hate these feasts." Wendyll murmured hatefully, throat bobbing as he pinned the princess with his dark stare. "I hate farces as well, princess. In fact, the last I was caught in a farce, nothing could stop me from retaliating."

"Oh." Saerah hummed, her eyes widening in a mocking sort of surprise. "Well I your wounded pride came back stronger than before, if such a slight wounded you so."

"What else do you hate, boy?" Aemond asked lowly, his lilac narrowing, a taunting smirk playing on his lips. Wendyll knew the prince would have no greater joy than having an excuse to spill his guts onto the floor.

"Undue quarrels." Wendyll replied evenly. Hmm, Aemond thought, not a very clever one. "Quarrel has no space in the life I intend to build, nor the tourneys I want to compete in." His brown eyes flashed back to Saerah, and although there was no rageful challenge there, she knew the knight before her would not forget the slight before him.

"Neither does ours. We intend to have a peaceful life." Saerah smiled cuttingly, her hands coming to rest over her twins' at her waist.

"Very good." The knight bit out, eyes shifting between the two, rage mounting. "May you both have lasting marriages. Excuse me, princess." he seethed, brushing past them.

A beat passed, Saerah's mouth spreading into a wide smile as Aemond's arm curled around her middle to pull her close to his side, her breasts tight against his side. It was as clear a display of ownership as any.

"At least you didn't cut off any fingers this time." Saerah smiled up at her twin, breath catching as he gripped the ends of her hair to yank her head back.

"My darling." Aemond murmured, his hands coming to cradle her face, tilting her head up so she could meet his eye with her own. "The night has only just started."

(How Saerah's night definately ended off)

[moonflower91]

Aemond with his children headcanons

This is all hcs about my OC Saerah and her twin Aemond Targaryen's children :D

At first, although he loved his children and wanted more of them after holding them the first time, Aemond didn't know what to do with them

He didn't know how to be silly or what level of roughhousing was acceptable, he didn't know his kids adored him and even took his punishments with a level of love, rather than outright hate.

This is due to Viserys' failures. His own father never played with his younger children, never tossed them up in the air, or playfully pinned them down to tickle their sides. And when Viserys was well enough to dole out punishment, none of Alicent's children (especially after Saerah was sent away), felt it was for good reason.

But slowly, after a few weeks, he began to know and learn his babies' temperament. Aerys was a tiny scoundrel, quiet as he was. But he would be sweet to his mother, reaching for her hair and balling it in his tiny hands before trying to chew on it. But with Aemond, he reached most for his eye patch, and when Aemond finally had it with the babe's constant grabbing, he revealed the sapphire and the damned child smiled! And Aemond learned the boy liked to chew the leather of the patch as much as he liked to chew his mother's hair.

But Maera...Maera was Aemond's favorite person. She was sweet, and gentle, always easy to sooth despite the fact she screamed twice as much as her younger brother. She was second to talk, but the first to learn how to walk, and she'd walked for him. Him, the second son, the last choice, the dragonless, the monster who'd somehow stolen a dragon from a grieving girl. But Maera found him worthy to reach for, tiny, fat little fists reaching for him, relying on him to catch her if she lost her balance. And when Maera eventually grew old enough to wed a man, Aemond found it hard to let her do. Literally, he'd tightened his arm around hers once they'd reached the end of the aisle to her intended.

Saerah, damn her, had cackled about it for more than a year.

His elder two children never claimed an egg until they were much older, and even then, only one egg hatched. His boy Aerys did not ever get a dragon, and Aemond had Vhagar saddled for two as soon as his twins were old enough to know to hang on tight. But Aerys felt too ashamed to ride with him after he reached his thirteenth year. Aemond missed his son beside him, but never pushed to bring him back atop Vhagar.

Saerah and Aemond both wanted more children after they first saw their twins. Saerah planned for five more, Aemond for four. They ended up with five children in total.

He also thought it was improper for Saerah to nurse their children. Their own mother and half-sister attained nurses, and Saerah was a princess with much better things to do than feed her children like a cow.

But Saerah refused. Her mentor, Lady Tyrell, had nursed her younger children and said it was far more enjoyable than custom described. It did hurt, those first few feeds, and sometimes her nipples were raw and sore and aching for a soothing balm, she still chose to feed her children herself. "Why?!" Saerah had asked, aghast. "There is some kind of...happiness to be found in giving your babe the nourishment it needs."

It took Saerah a while to wrap her mind around it, and even asked her midwives what it was like to breast feed and decided at their birth to nurse them herself. Aemond could not understand it, and avoided being around during feedings until their second child was born when he got curious.

It was only after their forth that he got used to the idea.

Aemond and Saerah's children are named: Maera, Aerys, Valaena, Aemon, and Rhaemond. It is Aemon who inherited the brown locks of his grandmother, but the rest had the silver hair of their parents.

Their forth child, a boy named Aemon, was the child that Aemond understood the best. Their third, a girl named Valaena, was much like her aunt Helaena. She did not enjoy touching, she did not do well in crowds. She lived more in her books about Old Valyria than in reality. Aemond loved her so dearly, and was more protective of her than any one else, but it was Aemon he knew best. Aemon who was more like him than any of his children.

And while Aemond did not play with them as much as Saerah did, Aemond loved and protected them, and spent more time with them than Viserys ever did with him. And by all accounts, his children named him a good papa.

PS: I also just want to make it clear, I am in no way bashing mamas or daddies who feed their babies formula! A fed babe is the best babe. And I know for sure a certain bond forms regardless of what baby eats (formula or breast) I just believe that if you feed a newborn, a bond forms regardless of what you feed them. Cause you're providing them what they need, and that's a beautiful thing

[moonflower91]

Do aemond and Saerah anddd their children survive the Dance of dragons?

Oooohhh...in my head, I'd love them too. I'd love for the Greens and Blacks to be yanked to the table by their ears and sat down to settle on a decent truce. (but ngl, a little Daemon and Jace knocking down a few pegs? I wouldn't mind)

Like if the child of Team Green wed the child of Team Black (Jace/Baela's child + Saerah/Aemond? Jaehaera + Joffrey?)?

Or if Rhaenyra relinquished naming Jace her heir, named Aegon II her heir (everyone knows he'll never be king), but betrothed in blood and vow that one of her children would marry one of Alicent's grandchildren, and their children would be heir, that way everyone gets a piece of the pie. Jace might be thwarted, but it's much less pressure (I don't know about anyone else, but I think that Jace was as ill suited for rule as Aegon II for the fact that he has anger issues and would likely rule with a bloody iron fist).

In my imagination, all this stupid succession shit could have been done away with if the Greens and Blacks had a moderator to negotiate a peaceful resolution that they could all agree with. And obviously without that freak Daemon in at the table so Rhaenyra could make up her own mind.

If none of that happened, and the war continued on, I think it would be more realistic that either Aemond or Saerah end up alone raising what remains of their children in exile, or for them all to perish. One thing's for sure, I don't think if the Dance went on that Saerah and Aemond would be able to live out the years together, and neither would all their children live to see adulthood. Everyone suffered in the Dance in one way or another, and they're no exception.

[moonflower91]

In my opinion, this is how Otto feels about his grandchildren in my Saerah verse

Aegon: the thing he always wanted, a means to the Iron Throne, a prize but also a useful tool. Utter disappointment to him because of his drinking and disinterest in politics and battle. 5/10 and he only gets a 5 because he’s the first born boy.

Helaena: loves her. His favourite. Would do anything for her. Fell in love with her little baby face the first time he saw her and loved her even more when she started crawling and crawled to him first (if only to inspect the bug bite on his hand). He fucked up with Alicent and felt like Helaena was his second chance to be a good grandsire. 100/10.

Aemond: did not see his use until he was grown, but made sure he got the same level of education as Aegon in case Aegon died. No deep affection there, only seen as a spare, but did resent Viserys for not giving Aemond justice for his lost eye. 6.5/10

Saerah: she was a nice baby, but very small. Deserving of gentleness because who knew when she would catch a chill a never recover? Bought her dolls for every birthday. Thought her to be a mouthy fool for speaking against Viserys’ favourite child to his face and in public. 6/10

Daeron: good boy, very considerate, very thorough, very dutiful. 6/10

[moonflower91]

Hey, don’t wish to spoil anything for you, but Daeron will definitely add a new dynamic to the Green faction.

He’s interesting because he was recorded as being the most popular and well-liked of Rhaenyra’s sons amongst the Smallfolk and nobility, since he was by all accounts a sweet and honourable boy.

It will be heartbreaking to see the shit he goes through and how it will change him.

P.S. do you have any headcanons on his relationship with Saerah?

My lovely anon, I can very rarely be spoiled, and when I am, I am not annoyed by it :))

Except for the time I found out my childhood cat died on Facebook, that was not cool. But movies, books, TV shows? I have to know at least vaguely what happens to watch it or else I feel too uncomfortable.

And I want to know everything about Daeron! I still haven't gotten a chance to read the book or much on the wiki, but I'm so interested to find out. He seems like such a popular guy, and I read a fanfiction where he was featured, and my god, he seemed like a little tough/cunning little shit but with a soft and gentle side! (And I know FF isn't an accurate source, but FF is what we make of the source material, right?)

I've been asked about him and Saerah before, and I'm still wanting to write about it, but I have to do a bit more research :D

[moonflower91]

Do Not Go Where I Cannot Follow

“Aemond, please. I beg you with every bit of love and affection I have for you and you for me…please don’t leave. Our family is here, our life is here. Do not leave us now. Rhaenyra and her vermin can come down on us any day and without you and Vhagar, we’re helpless.”

“Vexxa and Dreamfyre and Sunfyre are here.”

“They are not war trained as Vhagar is. They’re babes compared to Caraxes.”

“Would you have our hold on the west weaken and leave it open to Rhaenyra? Hmm?”

“Do not patronize me with those condescending hums.”

“Do not act, then, like a mewling babe in search of a teat.”

She slapped him, her dainty little hand striking his face and leaving a burn.

In the aftermath, Aemond turned his face back to her, fully intending to return the hit, but Saerah looked just as hurt as he was. Her lips trembled, her eyes were red with tears. Aemond clenched the pommel of his sword, staying the hand of retaliation, awaiting Saerah’s watery words of explanation.

“If that woman takes Kingslanding, she will put our children to the sword.” Their little ones, a boy named Aerys, a girl named Maera. Hardly half a year in age but he knew that their tender age would not soften Daemon. Rhaenyra was a mother too, and he could not imagine she’d make another mother suffer the loss of her children without pause. Daemon, however, would see that Saerah watched as her babes squealed and wept and died. “If we are left alone, I am afraid that me and Helaena will have to give our babes mercy before Daemon can get his filthy hands on them.”

Enraged, Aemond grasped his wife’s arms, fear and rage battling within his heart. He knew the notion was just as upsetting to hear as it was for his poor Saerah to utter. But the threat to his children made him angry, even if it was done as an act of mercy.

“You will not ever say that again!” He shook her. “Do you hear me?! Never!”

“Do not leave me then!” She cried, her hands hooking around his biceps, fingers digging into the muscle. “Don’t leave! You are safer here with us than you are in the river lands!”

“I ride atop Vhagar, I am safer mounted in her than afoot!”

“Why do you want to leave me?!” Saerah howled, her face contorting into a look that Aemond could only call agony. “I-I—“ she sobbed, unable to finish. Aemond’s heart ached, and he loosened his hold to pull her close.

“I must.” He murmured softly into her hair as she continued to weep. “You’re here alone, that is true. So you need to stop. If they think you weak, you put them at an advantage.” He pulled away, taking her wet face in one hand to tilt her head up to meet his eye. “You have to protect us because I cannot do it while I am gone. Helaena is fragile. Mother is occupied. Grandfather cares not for comfort. It is all down to you. You to ensure Helaena eats and sleeps and wakes. To ensure Jaehaerys and Jaehaera are safe and happy and innocent. You to make sure that our babes are still babes when I see them next. You to ensure that your lovely eyes are still brimming with hope when I come home.”

Saerah sniffled. “How can I do all that without you beside me? How can I-I even begin to—?”

“Shh,” Aemond hummed, his thumb brushing over the sharp curve of her cheek. “Shhhh. We survived once before, didn’t we? We shall survive again.”

“We weren’t at war, then, Aemond.”

“But it was a certain taste of hell, was it not?”

“Stop asking me to do this willingly, Aemond.”

“How else am I to find the courage to leave you?”

Saerah stared at him a moment longer, taking in his face, his softness, the harsh lines he drew, the love he showed with the narrow range he let it shine through. And without warning, she yanked his body towards hers. She crushed him against her soft form and breathed him in. There was no way he would stay, and there was no way she’d let him go. It was a futile quarrel. But maybe she could have him entirely just for a few moments more. Maybe that would be enough.

[moonflower91]

I think the actress you put out as a potential face model for Saerah (she’s the actress from Vikings right?) is perfect especially with that gif where she tilts her head with a blank expression.

For me, I’m just seeing Saerah with some super rich lady (Lord Lannister’s daughter or a Hightower cousin etc) she caught carelessly bragging how she’ll become Aemond’s wife and win him over and how they’ll make him forget about that exiled twin of his.

Saerah is just “Oh no problem… we’re absolutely fine… have a great day, my lady”

Vexxa just happens to have a dangerously close flyby near the lady’s bed chambers later that night with a demonic roar.

Awww that’s so nice! I typically like setting a specific actor or model to the character I invent because I know that when an author does that and it’s a character I don’t like or an actor I don’t like, I get kjnda turned off haha. I’ve been trying to get over that because I know I’m missing out on other stories

And for sure lol. Saerah will be like “yes keep talking let me know how deeply to hate you :)”

And hell yes! The next day Vexxa decided (with no prompting from her rider that it was a a good day to fly so low) to swoop down on the Red Keep while breathing fire into the air.

Needless to say the lady went back home afterwards.

[moonflower91]

Can you maybe write more about Alicent and Saerahs relationship? Like how was Alicebt after her daughter got sent to highgarden ect

Yes I can!

"Viserys, please!?" Alicent had pleaded, the whole of Driftmark hearing her. Hours had passed since Viserys had grabbed their child, since he'd ordered her confined to her rooms. Aemond had refused much poppy's milk, and she knew if she went looking for him now, she would not find him in his own bed. Rather, he'd be curled up beside Saerah. Alicent could not find herself to be annoyed at that like she might have been in Kingslanding.

Especially now that Viserys had outlined his chosen punishment to her.

"Please! Do not send her away now! She's just a little girl!"

"A little girl with a mountain of treasons on her back. If she'd been anyone else--". He stopped at that, bile burning in his gut at the vague notion.

Alicent was horrified at first, but rage began to build anew. If he so discarded their son's maiming, perhaps she would demand the King's eye in satisfaction.

"You'd what, husband?" she asked, voice level and cold as Viserys had ever heard it. "Cut out her tongue? Her hands?" Viserys turned from her, a shuddering, feeble breath leaving his lips. "Her head?"

"Enough!" he roared, making Alicent draw back. He'd never hit her before, but then, he'd never grabbed one of their children like he had grabbed Saerah only hours before.

"Do not send her away." She pleaded once more. "She's just a child, my--our child."

"Alicent, she is a child who has to learn she cannot utter what she likes without consequence. If I stay my hand, she will be flaunting herself around court before long. Gossip will rise, men will become too familiar, and she has not the will to send them away."

"You think she'll whore herself?" Alicent demanded, aghast that he thought so little of their Saerah when only hours before, the girl had spoken bluntly of her half sister's own dalliances.

The king did not answer. "I will not argue with you, wife." He sighed again, turning back to look at her, a softness taking over his features. "Highgarden will be good for her. She'll learn how to be a lady, she'll foster new friendships. Her attachment to Aemond must cease."

"You thought to have them wed, you told me this not a month ago!" Alicent did not wish her twins to marry each other, but her blood ran hot and she would rather entertain the notion that Aemond and Saerah wed than have her girl cast off far from reach.

"I have changed my mind. She is too attached, and insulted Rhaenyra and her sons to avenge Aemond's hurt. It must not come to be."

Alicent felt her resolve crumble away into despair. "Viserys, please. Do not."

He did, and Alicent forever harbored a secret resentment towards her husband for it.

She did not weep until after Saerah's wheelhouse was far from view. She locked herself away for hours in her chambers, thankful her other children were otherwise occupied. Ser Criston later told her the children spent hours in the dragon pit, arriving together and leaving together to ride their dragons along the Rose Road, shadowing their sister until they had to turn back.

When her girl returned to the Capitol, Alicent had raced through the keep, dress hitched high to her calves as she raced through halls and down stairs to greet her sweet child.

[moonflower91]

After blood and cheese, saerah brutally murders rhaenyras and daemons children in front of them as well as killing their dragons with vhagar

She refused to meet with Rhaenyra privately.

Aemond was still in the west, Aegon was still too hurt to show his melted face at Court. Helaena...

It fell then to her to sit the Iron Throne and judge Rhaenyra before the eyes of the Court.

She watched as her elder half sister was brought into the throne room, unchained as a courtesy.

On any other day, Saerah would let this victory make her gleeful, rude, smirking. But all she felt was empty. Rhaenrya was at her mercy, but little Jaeharys was dead. His mother was in shambles. Her family was forever altered.

The courtiers were silent as the two women regarded one another,

"What had that babe ever done to accost you, Rhaenyra?" Saerah finally asked.

"What sin did my son Lucerys commit that earned him his end?"

Saerah's hand clenched into a fist. She wanted to scream that it hadn't been Aemond's intent to kill Luke, to defend him now as she always had. But Aemond would rather the world think him a kinslayer than admit Vhagar was out of his control.

"So your answer is to kill one child to avenge the other?"

"A son for a son. It is the only just thing this war has wrought."

"Who are you to talk of justice?" Saerah snarled. "You will die for what you did to Jaeharys, Rhaenyra. Had you not set those animals on that boy, I would have advised my brothers not to kill you, but rather keep you close, your sons standing in high positions at court, wed to illustrious houses, honored as their Targaryen heritage demands. But no longer. You will live so long as Aemond is in the riverlands, and so long as Aegon heals. But once my brothers are able to see you die, I will see to it the entirety of the Capitol sees you for what you are, and hear your screams as you are consumed by dragon fire."

For a long moment, Rhaenrya was silent, her jaw working as she absorbed her sister's words. It had been Daemon's plot, the orders given to his assassins as she wept with grief for her sweet Luke. She had not known of the attack until word came on the wind, detailing the horrific choice Helaena had been forced to make.

Saerah watched her elder sister, and the enormity of her decree struck her all at once. Her sister, her flesh and blood, had ordered this horrible deed to be carried out.

"You are a mother, Rhaenyra. You know the agony of loosing a child. How could you do this to another mother? Your sister, no less."

"We were hardly ever sisters, us three." Rhaenyra replied softly, the malice drained from her voice.

Saerah sighed, mouth drawing downward as she bit back the bitterness that filled her at that wretched truth. Perhaps, in another life, they could have been. If pride had been set aside, if hatred had not bloomed and blame was set where it was meant to be set, perhaps they would not be so stained red with blood.

"No." Saerah finally agreed. "But I am sorry for Luke. That should not have happened." It was the first time she'd ever dared admit it out loud. True, she hated the boy for the pain he'd caused Aemond, but his death forced out of her some uncomfortable feelings that she had to face in the months following.

When Aemond told her of his demand that Lucerys cut out his own eye to repay the one he'd taken, she realized she could have been contented with that. An eye was taken, not a life. It was then she realized she had not hated the boy more than the fact that he'd had no punishment for what he'd done.

If he had been punished, she might have let it go. Or, perhaps her childish pride and arrogance would have convinced her it was not enough and Vhagar's actions that day at Storm's End had been warranted.

She would never truly know how it would have been. All she knew now was that sweet Helaena was forever shattered, and that she was deathly afraid of what she'd do if she were left alone.

She had thought she hated Rhaenyra before, but she was wrong. Hate was a cold feeling, not scorching like she'd always thought.

It gripped her heart like a fist, unrelenting and painful. And the most startling thing was that she was not angry. Just tired. It would not be enough to simply watch Rhaenyra die, but what else could be done? Torture would only lengthen the process, and she wanted it to end, already.

"

[moonflower91]

Saerah and her siblings, probably

*in Aegon and Helaena's chambers, bickering about something stupid*

Saerah to Aegon: "What in the gods name, have I not shared with you!?"

Aegon: "How about the fact that it's your stockings tied to the Seven Pointed Star in Maegor's Holdfast!?"

Saerah scoffing: "ANYONE could have done that! YOU probably did that!"

Aegon: "Aye, but not anyone could say a one eyed prince of the kingdoms told you!"

Saerah: "AEMOND!!?"

Aemond: "HELAENA?!"

Saerah, seething at her husband:" "You bitch."

Aemond, aghast at his elder sister: "Helaena, Seven Hells, I told you that in confidence."

Helaena, cringing: "I didn't know it was a big secret..."

PS: In my story, I firmly ascertain that Aegon and Helaena do not have an abusive unhappy marriage, just the unenjoyable act of having to consummate once. ONLY once. Helaena just got pregnant that one time. So, they aren't abusive, they just don't enjoy each other's company

[moonflower91]

I adore your Saerah x Aemond series! Is there any chance we’d be able to see their reunion after her exile in a future post? I got weepy when I read her first seeing her dragon after all these years.🖤

Yes yes yes!

By the time Saerah had steered Vexxa down towards the Dragon pit, her hair felt tangled and her body felt looser than it had in years. The pleasure of finally returning to the skies would surely follow her for days after.

Vexxa was warbling with happiness as she feasted on roasted goat while Saerah gently ran her hands over the expanse of her left flank, feeling the heat beneath her fingers, exalting in the way her sweet girl grunted and huffed and breathed.

It was there that Aemond found her.

He had not been the first to behold her dramatic return, but he knew very well where to find her. As children, the best place to find Saerah had either been at his side or Vexxa’s.

“Saerah.”

The voice struck a cord in her. She'd heard him say that name a thousand times before, in a hundred different tones. Annoyed, pleased, taunting, encouraging. It sounded strange to hear it now with the heftiness of maturity. But still, it filled Saerah with warmth.

"Aemond." she breathed, her body turning from her sweet Vexxa to the man who'd said her name.

Even without the patch that covered his eye, Saerah knew him.

She knew him, knew is smell, his tones, his moods, his touch and smile. She knew the cut of his humor, the way he liked to sleep, the sound of his walk.

She knew him better than she knew herself.

He'd grown so much taller in their time apart. Her head came up to his chin, now. When they were still in the nursery, one of the nurses made mention that she was so much fiercer than Aemond, despite the fact that none had had hope that she would survive long. Saerah had beamed with pride at that, because she always felt small, and meek compared to her twin brother. The nurses mistook her loudness for ferocity, and Aemond’s quiet tones for timidness.

He was so beautiful. His hair had smoothed, his shoulders broadened,  his jaw became more angular. The horrible, swollen mark from that Strong bastard had calmed into an angry red line. Saerah felt a bit unkempt. Her hair was in tangles, and she reeked of dragon.

Her heart felt aflutter, her mind clustered with a thousand thoughts.

“Aemond,” she whispered, her hands reaching for him before she could think twice. Aemond rushed towards her and then his arms were encircling her, crushing her, assuring her, breathing her in like it was the last time he’d be able to.

“Saerah…” he murmured into her hair. She curled her arms around him, her hands grabbing at his cloak, her knuckles turning white. “You’re not allowed to leave me again, you understand?” one of his hands smoothed down her hair, soft and gentle.

“Never, never, never, never.” She replied gripping him tighter. He was not the boy she’d left behind, but he was still Aemond. Her rock, the one she wept to, the one she screeched at, the one who took all her moods with ease, who avenged her hurts, and dealt out her vengeance.

How could mother and father or anyone think she was best suited away from him?

“I’m sorry.” She found herself babbling, pulling back. “I-I tried to come home, I did, but fa-father he didn’t let me take Vexxa, and I-I-I had not way to—”

“Saerah.” Aemond’s calm voice halted her, his hands coming to circle her face in a gentle, firm hold. “I know. I tried to come to you on Vhagar. Had it in my mind that it would be easy to steal you away with Vhagar on my side.”

“You did?”

“Every day for a month.” He vowed, pressing his forehead to hers. “Mother had me watched day and night to ensure I didn’t slip away.”

Saerah only gave him a watery smile, hands running down his shoulders. “You’re so tall, now.” She mused. When they were small, when her arms were scrawny and her brothers shoulders were narrow, she could tackle him easily. Now, she had to lean up to meet his eye.

“I’ve missed you, Aemond.” She admitted, her tears finally falling. She’d missed him so much. She’d missed Vexxa, longed for her. But each day she’d gone without Aemond, Saerah felt a little part of her drift away. It didn’t die, but perhaps that was worse. She could feel something pull away from her, something she needed, something vital. She remained, but what kind of life was it, without this thing that was so essential to her existence?

She did not know until it was returned to her, how dearly she’d missed this.

Aemond smiled that cutting smile she knew so well. “I’ve missed you as well.”