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Chapter Text

“I intend to marry the Lady Alicent Hightower before spring’s end”, Viserys announced to the Council.

What the fuck?

Rhaenyra did not understand what was going on, and though she could feel her father’s eyes on her, she was frozen in place, staring at the woman who stood before her. Alicent had been looking at her this whole time, and yet now her gaze was cast down in shame. Corlys Velaryon started screaming, though in truth Rhaenyra could barely hear him over the sound of the terribly loud ringing in her ears. Her mind was riddled with a myriad of thoughts, and each one made less sense than the other.

How could this happen? Rhaenyra could not think back to her father ever showing any particular interest in Alicent, or even the two of them talking. So why would he choose her? What could’ve lead him to believe that marrying Alicent was a better choice than marrying Laena Velaryon? Laena was young, that was true, but she would grow. And as far as Rhaenyra could remember, her father had not had too many issues with his bride’s age the first time around, so what was different this time?

Rhaenyra continued to stare at Alicent, whose eyes finally looked up to find her own. Guilt and shame filled Alicent’s heart, and Rhaenyra was at a loss. She couldn’t breathe. She had to leave.

“Rhaenyra”, she heard her father call to her at one point, but she just couldn’t do it.

She took her leave, walking away from the Small Council chambers as she frantically made her way through the hallways of the Keep. Her hand dragged across the wall, and feeling the rough edges of this familiar surface was the one thing keeping her standing as she walked to the Godswood. This place had become a safe haven for her through these past few moons, as the outmost peace that ruled it brought her a comfort she had desperately needed since her mother’s death.

“How could they do this?”, Rhaenyra whispered as tears welled up in her eyes.

How could they do this to her? How could they do this to her mother?

Aemma Arryn had been dead for barely six moons, so in truth none could say that Viserys had not respected the mourning period. But Aemma had given her life for Viserys, and Rhaenyra just could not understand how he had found a way to replace her so quickly. And with Alicent of all people. Rhaenyra knew that she would never find another who could ever take her mother’s place in her heart, and though she understood her father had duties as King, she did not get why he just had to choose her one friend. Alicent was not the wisest decision politically, and though Rhaenyra loved her, there truly was not much that made her worlds different from other Ladies of the court.

“So why did it have to be her?”, she cried as she reached the Weirwood tree.

Alicent had been her one source of comfort in these cold and lonely moons, and to know that in some way her father had managed to take her away as well, left Rhaenyra feeling empty. Her mind was lost to her, as grief and anger merged to create something new. Something ugly, that triumphed in the hole that laid in her heart that Aemma's loss had left behind.

“Rhaenyra”, Alicent sighed as she caught up with her, “Rhaenyra please let me explain”

“What the fuck just happened?”, Rhaenyra questioned as she turned to her.

“I don’t know”, Alicent said meekly as she ripped at her fingernails.

“What do you mean you don’t know Alicent?”, Rhaenyra asked, “You mean to tell me that my father just picked you amongst all Ladies for no reason at all? I just wish to understand how this came to be”

“I didn’t know he would do this”, Alicent said finally, “I just wished to comfort him. That is all. I never intended for any of this to happen Rhaenyra, please sister you must believe me”

Rhaenyra’s mind just stopped for a second, as she tried to process this new information. Had Alicent just confessed to seeing Viserys in secret?

“What do you mean comfort?”, she questioned as she eyed Alicent wearily.

“I just read to him”, Alicent swore, “Nothing untoward ever happened Rhaenyra, I promise you. I just thought he might need someone to comfort him after the loss of your mother, that is all. I just read to him, I did not think it would lead to this”

“Alright”, Rhaenyra begun angrily, “So you spend time with a man, for who knows how long, and you don’t think that that is going to give him any ideas to perhaps marry you? And when did you even have the time to visit him? You were always with me, and when you were not you were with your father or at the Sep-”, oh.

Rhaenyra couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped her as she realised the truth. Alicent’s eyes fell down once more, as her cheeks reddened at having been caught.

“You lied to me”, Rhaenyra whispered, “You lied to me to be with him. Both of you did. Each time I came to you both, wishing for nothing but comfort as I grieved the loss of my fucking mother, you turned me away in favour of each other. I helped you as you mourned your own mother Alicent, and I did so because you are my friend. I loved you and I knew you needed me, so I was more than glad to be by your side during such a difficult time. Why couldn’t you find it in your heart to do that for me? And my father. My mother gave her fucking life for that man, and he couldn’t wait even a year before replacing her this way? Did her sacrificing her life for him mean nothing? What have either of us ever done to you two, to deserve such a thing?”

“Nothing”, Alicent almost begged as she walked to Rhaenrya, flinching when the Princess stepped away from her, “I promise you Rhaenyra, you did nothing. None of this was meant to hurt you, and I never wished to hide it. But you must understand, I had no choice in the matter. I could not deny my-”

Alicent stopped herself, realising too late that she had perhaps given up too much information. Rhaenyra remained silent, simply observing the other woman as her words sunk in.

“You could’ve come to me”, she said finally, “Your father may be above you, but he is not above me. You were my Lady in waiting Alicent, and as such I could’ve helped you find a suitable match. If you had come to me, I could’ve protected you. So why didn’t you?”

Alicent did not respond, simply shredding her already destroyed nails as she looked down at the ground. Rhaenyra didn’t know what to do with her silence, as rage started to rule her once more. She understood that many women had found themselves in Alicent’s position before, of being forced to marry someone they did not care for. And she could not fault her friend for simply abiding by the rules of their society. And yet she could not help the ugly suspicions that lingered in her heart.

Daemon had always warned her of Otto Hightower’s greed, of his hunger for power. Rhaenyra had seen it for herself, more times than she could count. And it was especially obvious now that she was a little older, and had a better understanding of how things worked in the Small Council chambers. Otto had her father under his pinky finger, so in truth he was the one who sat the throne. Though Rhaenyra could only imagine how much it had always annoyed him to know that he would never see it up close. But perhaps Otto had found a way.

“I think I need some time”, she said calmly, “I can not help but feel betrayed by all that has taken place on this day, but I would appreciate it if you could give me some time to truly let this all sink in. I do not know if my mind truly understands what just happened yet, and I do not wish to say or do things that I will later regret. I’m not mad Alicent, I just need a second”

Alicent nodded, evidently desperate to regain Rhaenyra’s favour. The Princess got closer to her friend, and though she could feel her Syrax calling to her, wishing to aid in ridding her of this problem that stood before her, she put that to the side. She took Alicent’s hands in her own, and held them tightly, perhaps even a bit too tight as the other girl flinched in pain.

“I just need some time”, she whispered as she looked in Alicent’s eyes.

Rhaenyra walked away from the Godswood, barely containing her rage as she closed her fists tightly as they wrapped around her black dress. She’d started wearing them after her mother’s death, as is costum, but she’d taken to them. And now she knew in her heart that she would probably never be rid of them, grief now made up a part of her heart, and Rhaenyra doubted that it would ever leave her alone. She held her head high as she made her way to her chambers, and noticed how all the nobles were looking to her. Some seemed to be mocking her, perhaps finding it funny that her best friend and her father had apparently been getting on behind her back. But most seemed to pity her. Rhaenyra had never cared much for the nobles of the court, always finding their frivolities fake and unpleasant. But she’d seen how affected they all had been by Aemma’s death, and in their eyes, she could now see that their grief for their beloved Queen, had turned into anger against their King.

“This is disgraceful”, she heard a Lady whisper as she walked by, “Our Queen has been dead for merely six moons, and the King simply could not wait to find another one to warm his bed. And for it to be the Hand’s daughter just makes it all much worse. The Lady Alicent was the Princess’ great friend, and to see such kindness be repaied with this betrayal is most unpleasant. Though I suppose one can not be too surprised, that is Otto Hightower’s daughter in the end”

Rhaenyra stopped at this, simply turning to the Lady and looking at her. She could feel tears well up in her eyes, as her walls were starting to fall, so she kept going. This day had been hard enough, she could not afford to have a public meltdown right now.

“Princess”, Ser Criston said as he walked behind her, with Rhaenyra almost flinching as she had forgotten about him with everything that had happened, “Princess please just wait a second”

The two of them had reached her chambers, and Rhaenyra’s forehead fell against the closed door as she breathed deeply. She felt Criston’s presence behind her, and though in any other moment she would’ve understood how unseemly this was, she found a sense of comfort in feeling his body’s warmth against her own.

“I’m sorry Princess”, he whispered, “Today was a lot, but you will be alright. I promise you that”

Rhaenyra did not respond, just slowly moving her head up and down so he’d know she’d heard him. She stumbled into her rooms, and almost clung to the table as she felt her legs weak underneith her. Once she reached her bed she simply laid on it, motionless as she stared at the ceiling.

Her mind riddled with thoughts, but Rhaenrya remained still, and let herself truly consider everything that had just happened. Her father was remarrying, and his choice of bride was her one friend. The two would wed, and probably have children. Rhaenrya would have siblings, and though she’d always wanted one, she found that now naught but anger grew in her heart at the thought of those babes. They would be nothing but remainders of all her pain. They would be the children her mother had never gotten to hold, and the boys she had died for. And Rhaenyra was certain that the Gods would see to it, that each of them reminded Rhaenyra of both their parents, so she would never be able to forget their betrayal.

And if one of them was a boy, then Rhaenyra would lose it all. She had lost her mother, her family in turn, her uncle was gone, and her father and best friend were now going to marry each other. She had nothing left. Nothing but her title. And Viserys would see it fit to take that away as well. Her father had killed his “beloved Aemma” for a son, so Rhaenyra doubted that he would set him to the side once he had him. She could see it now, the greatest of feasts thrown to celebrate the birth of the new Prince, the future King. And Rhaenyra would be forgotten, her and her mother together at last as their father traded them in for a new family. And Otto would be there, triumphant smile on his face as his blood finally made it to the throne. No matter the cost, no matter who was lost in the way, both men would get what they had always wanted. But Rhaenyra was not about to let that happen.

They think they can destroy her life and end up happier than ever?

No fucking way.

Chapter Text

Rhaenyra walked through the halls of the Keep, making sure to say hello to all the courtiers she saw, basking in the way they all smiled at her. To be aknowledged by a royal was a great honour, and Rhaenyra wished to bestow it upon everyone, so they might be taken by her. It was the little things she had to focus on, to ensure their loyalty if she wanted them to stick by her when the time came.

“Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen”, Ser Westerling announced her as she walked into the Small Council chambers.

The meeting itself was quite boring, with all simply speaking of the various festivities that would be held to celebrate the King’s upcoming wedding. Rhaenyra had to resist the urge to roll her eyes as everyone appeared so terribly happy at this news, as they evidently did not see what was plain to her. Otto Hightower just sat there, a winning smile on his face as he knew he’d done it, he was about to have it all. And Rhaenyra couldn’t wait to wipe that smug little smile off him.

“And what of Daemon?”, Viserys questioned at one point, “I know that my brother took leave without my go ahead, and I stand by my decision to rebuke this needless war. But I still wish to be kept up to date of any news that might come from the Stepstones”

“Not much to say truly”, Otto huffed as he evidently did not appreciate the change of topic, “We have little news of the Prince’s play at war. The Triarchy has yet to budge, and from what we know Prince Daemon and Lord Corlys are struggling to keep them at bay”

“Perhaps we should hel-”, Viserys tried to say.

“I do not think that wise Your Grace”, Otto interrupted him without a care in the world, “The Prince and Lord Corlys have started this war against your will, and it would not befit us to now show them our support. I believe there are better ways to spend our time and resources my King, than to humour your brother as he once again shows his lack of restraint”

Rhaenyra did have to roll her eyes at this. She understood that her uncle had his faults, and she’d never been blind to them. But she did not understand how her father refused to see that in the end, Daemon was doing it for them. The war against the Triarchy needed to be fought, as they continued to rain havoc in their rule of the narrow sea. Daemon may have left without Viserys’ approval, but in her heart Rhaenyra knew that this was yet another attempt from her uncle to get his brother’s attention. And she knew that it was for his King that Daemon was risking his life in this very moment.

The Council cleared out after some time, and yet Rhaenyra stayed behind. She wished to speak to her father, and wanted to take advantage of the one moment she could have alone with him, so Otto’s influence might not alter his thoughts.

“I think we should help Daemon”, she said calmly as she sat next to him, “I understand your anger father, as my uncle has never been an easy person to be around. And I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you, to love him as a brother, and yet have to suffer him as a King. But I truly do believe that it would not be wise for us to simply abandon him as he fights for us”

“Daemon fights only for himself Rhaenyra”, Viserys sighed as he drank his wine, “I know you’ve always been fond of him, but you must know what he is. Daemon is a second son, and as such it is in his nature to yearn for more. I humored him in our youth, when he wished for all to know of his prowess as a fighter and as a man. But this is too far”

“Then think of the men that are with him”, she said, “Those men are your men. They are our people father, and I would not think you ready to simply abandon them as they die for us. They are soldiers, and ‘tis no fault of their own that their Lord has brought them to wage war against their King’s wishes. I think we should support them, and I know we could”

“How?”, Viserys questioned.

“The Lannisters”, Rhaenyra answered quickly.

“What about the Lannisters?”, Viserys asked confused.

How was this man the King? Her father had ruled over the Seven Kingdoms for over a decade at this point, how could he be so clueless to what goes on around him?

“The Lannisters have the second greatest fleet of the entire Realm”, she explained, “And I believe that they would be the greatest of allies for Daemon at this time. I understand that the Triarchy is putting up a fight, and I do not doubt their resources. But I also know that uncle Daemon is terribly undermanned, and definitely outnumbered, so perhaps an ally would do him well. It might also inspire him, to know that his brother and King wishes to support him in his endevour”

“Perhaps”, Viserys pondered, “I’ll think about it. I’ll talk to Otto and we-”

“You are the King father”, Rhaenyra stated firmly, “Otto is your Hand, and as such it is his job to council you. But in the end the final decision is yours to make, so if you think that helping your brother is the right thing to do, then you can speak to the Lannisters. They shall be the ones to join the fighting, if they wish to, so in my opinion they are the first one who should know of your proposal”

“This was your idea Rhaenyra”, Viserys said with a proud smile on his face, “So I would like for you to be with me as I speak to Lord Jason”

“I don’t know father”, she said sadly as she let out an exhaggerated sigh, “I do not know how my presence could help you in matters of diplomacy”

“You are my Heir”, Viserys answered, “You will be their ruler after I’m gone, ‘tis only right for the people to see you act in service to them”

“I don’t know if they would take me seriously”, she admitted, “I might be the Heir, but I’m still a girl. I don’t even sit the Council”

Viserys remained silent at that, playing with his cup as a small pout made its way to his face.

“That is true”, he said, “I spoke to Otto of giving you a seat when you first became my Heir, but he said that he believed it would be more wise for you to learn from the sidelines before joining us”

“I’ve been learning since I was 8 namedays old”, Rhaenyra scoffed, “I understand that there is still much I do not know of what it truly means to rule, but I do not think that continuing to serve the members of the Council wine would befit me in any way. I shall rule over them one day, and it pains me to know that most still probably see me as nothing but a servant. Nothing but a girl”

“Then you shall have a seat”, Viserys declared.

“What?”, Rhaenyra questioned surprised at her father’s words.

“As you said, I am the King”, he said surely, “Otto may say what he wishes, but the decision is mine to make. I think it would be best for you to sit amongst us as we conduct Council business, so you shall. And I will speak to Lord Jason after the wedding, with you by my side hopefully”

Rhaenyra nodded, happy to finally see his father detatching his will from Otto’s. And also happy to see that Otto was not the only one in the Keep who could get what he wanted from the King.

She walked out of the Council chambers, with Criston by her side as she made her way to her next target. One thing that Rhaenyra had realised, is that though her position as Heir had always been precarious, the time would soon come when her situation might become even more dire. If her father had a son, then all would expect for him to change the line of succession. And even if he did not change his mind, Rhaenyra doubted that many would care after he was gone, and feared that they would rise against her in favour of her brother.

She would have to make herself indespensible, so that all nobles would come to rely on her. She would need to fight tooth and nail to ensure they knew she could do this, that she would be a Queen worthy of such a title. She would have to work harder than any before her, to make sure that people would think her capable of ruling them. And she was ready to do that.

She needed a husband who would stick by her, one who would stand by her side and support her as she ascended as Queen. She needed somone who would not shy away from a fight, but who would also hold her and her wellbeing closest to his heart. A fearsome killer with a soft spot for his family. And though she knew it would be a complicated road to get him, she already knew who she wanted.

She needed allies, and she would work to that as the opportuinity arose. But she also needed to keep an eye on her enemies. She knew many would take arms against her just because of her sex, and wished to ensure that she was one step ahead of them. She needed to find a way in, so she might know more than any would want her to. Needed to find someone who was eager to please, and who wanted nothing more than to get back on her good side. Someone who would tell her everything she needed to know, just to get her love in return.

“Hello Alicent”

Chapter Text

“You look beautiful”, Rhaenyra said as she finished lacing up Alicent’s dress.

“Thank you”, her friend whispered unable to look in the mirror, possibly afraid of what awaited her once she finally dared to face herself.

Rhaenyra sighed, turning Alicent around so she might clean up her bleeding nails. She was gentle with her touch, just wiping away all the blood that had begun to pool around the destroyed flesh. Alicent always did this when she was nervous, and though Rhaenyra was still weary of what truly laid within the Hightower girl, she did feel for her.

Through this past moon, Rhaenyra had spent her time between the Council chambers and Alicent’s. She wanted to know everything that was going on at all times, so she’d also spoken to some of the maids, so they might let her in on what went on when she was not there. They had informed her that Alicent was still visiting the King, though this time in the company of some Kingsguards, probably to dwell the rumors. Apparently, after the formal announcement of the King’s intention to marry his Hand’s daughter, someone had overheard a maid speak of how she had seen the Lady Hightower enter the King’s chambers. Alone. At night. For moons.

Otto had done his best to make sure the rumor did not spread, and much to her dismay, Rhaenyra had not seen that particular maid in some time, and nobody dared speak of her. The rumors had not reached the Seven Kingdoms, but the whole Keep knew, so it would not take long for the word to truly spread. Rhaenyra had spoken to Alicent about it, and the future Queen had sobbed as she vowed to Rhaenrya that nothing had happened. She promised on the memory of her own mother that Viserys had never touched her, and that the two of them only ever talked. Though it may make her sound naive, Rhaenyra had believed her. But that changed nothing. The people knew, and more people were sure to know as those who had come to the wedding went back to their own homes, chatting on about the secret meetings between the King and Queen. Alicent’s reputation was falling, and there was nothing anyone could do to stop it.

Alicent had been besides herself, almost locking herself in her rooms as she feared the judgemental looks from the nobles of the court. So Rhaenyra would simply sit with her, trying to support her in any way she could. In truth she did not care much, as whilst she felt for Alicent, she also understood how rumors surrounding her sibling’s true birth could only help her. But she needed Alicent to think her an ally. And since nobody else truly seemed to care for her, with both their fathers too taken by wedding planning to think of anything or anyone else, Alicent had come to rely solely on Rhaenyra. Just like she wanted.

“Everything is going to be alright”, Rhaenyra whispered as she took Alicent’s hand in her own, “I know you are scared, and perhaps you are right to. But everything is going to be alright. You’ve told me my father is kind to you, right?”

“Yes”, Alicent answered truthfully as tears welled up in her eyes, “He has always been nice to me, but I fear what it means to be a wife. I have always known this would be my fate, and yet now that I’m here, I can not help but wish mine own mother could be here with me”

“I know”, Rhaenyra said as she tightened her grip on Alicent’s hands, not wishing to think of mothers right now, “I’m sorry that she is not, and although I know ‘tis not the same, I hope that in some ways I’m a worthy alternate”

“You are”, Alicent said smiling, “I’m so thankful to have you here Rhaenyra, in truth I do not know what would’ve become of me by now if I hadn’t had your support. I always dreamed of having you with me on the day of my wedding, and though nothing else is as I had hoped, to have you here makes it all a bit better”

Rhaenyra left after some time, heading to her own chambers so she might finish getting ready. She knew that what she was about to do could get her in trouble, and yet she could not resist the urge to make a statement on this day. Her father had respected the mourning period, that was true, but all knew that this was but a farce. Every single person present here to celebrate this wedding, knew of the King’s secret meetings with his bride, and how they had started very soon after Aemma’s death. And Rhaenyra simply wished for them all to know that she knew as well, and that she still grieved her mother, though noone else did.

“Princess”, Ser Cole said surprised as he looked at her, mouth agape as he simply stared at her.

Rhaenyra had chosen to wear a black dress, something she had been doing since her mother passed, so it was not unusual. But this dress was different. She had asked for the royal seamstress to begin working on it the very day her father had announced his intention to marry Alicent, and it had come out perfect. The dress was covered in little details that honoured house Arryn, and house Targaryen as well. Little falcons and dragons flew in the dark sky of her dress, and Rhaenyra had never felt more like a Queen than she did in this moment, as all marvelled at her while she made her way to stand next to her father at the altar.

“Rhaenyra”, Viserys whispered as tears welled up in his eyes, “My girl I-”

He stopped himself, and simply continued to stare as his mouth shut. The entire Hall was silent, as all waited for the bride to make her appearence. And then Alicent showed up, looking younger than she was, as the dress her father had chosen for her was for a woman grown, so it did not fit her right. Alicent walked to Viserys, staring at the floor as she did, and once she looked up her face fell. Her gaze landed on Rhaenyra, and a look of confusion and hurt was evident in her eyes as she continued to walk. Rhaenyra smiled at Alicent, wishing to undermine any conclusion the other girl may have come to, and the ceremony went ahead.

Rhaenrya held her head high as she stood beside her father, eyes cold and a fake smile as she watched him parade before all his shameless betrayal. She almost flinched when the High Septon announced that the two could kiss, and turned away to look at the crowd to avoid having to witness such a sight. As she looked to the nobles, she noticed that most of them were looking at her. The ones she knew to be Otto’s friends, were looking at her with contempt in their eyes, probably thinking her nothing but a young girl having a temper tantrum. But most looked to her with pity, which she didn’t love, but she knew could work in her favour.

“My King, I think we should speak on what the Princess has done”, Otto Hightower whispered as they all sat at the royal table during the feast, “Her little display is a great sign of disrespect to yourself and my daughter as Queen. It can not go unpunished”

“What disrespect?”, Rhaenyra questioned putting on her best look of confusion, “I did nothing of the sort Lord Hand”

“Your dress”, Otto said through gritted teeth, “To show up at a wedding wearing mourning attire, donning the emblem of the former Queen’s house, is disrespectful to the new Queen”

“Black is the colour of my house Ser”, Rhaenyra answered in kind, “And dead or not, Aemma Arryn will forever be my mother. I’ve been honouring her house and mine own through my clothing since I was a babe, and I do not see why I should stop now”

“Because your new mother is a Hightower”, Otto said.

“No Otto”, Viserys intervened, “Alicent is my wife, and she is our new Queen Consort. But she is not Rhaenyra’s mother. The two have always been good friends, and it gladdens my heart to see that that has not changed. But Aemma will forever be Rhaenyra’s mother. And if my daughter wishes to honour her by donning Arryn blue for the rest of her life, then she is more than welcome to do so”

Otto seemed baffled by Viserys’ response, and Alicent simply lowered her gaze as she continued to play with her food. Rhaenyra had not expected her father to stand up to her in such a way, but she had known that he would not have called her out for her choice of dress. Viserys was still riddled by guilt for what he’d done to Aemma, and Rhaenyra knew he saw his late wife any time he looked to his daughter. He already knew he’d messed up by entertaining a relationship with Alicent so soon after Aemma’s death, and marrying her had not helped his case. He knew he’d disrespected Aemma’s memory, and his daughter as well by crowning a girl who but a moon ago had been her servant. He would not have dared do anything more to get on her bad side.

“I did not mean any harm”, Rhaenyra whispered to Alicent, “I simply wish to honour my mother now that she is gone. You have lost your own, you understand the pain I feel”

Alicent nodded, continuing to stare at her plate as tears welled up in her eyes.

“I wish she was here”, she said meekly.

“I know”, Rhaenyra said as she took Alicent’s hand in her own.

Soon enough the couple retired, and Rhaenyra quickly made her way back to her chambers, not wishing to hear the crowd cheer for the newlyweds. She was trying to play nice, but she did not care to hear all wish her father and former best friend good luck in the marriage bed.

“You did well Princess”, Ser Criston said as they reached her rooms, “I understand your suffering, and can not imagine how hard this day must’ve been for you. But you did well”

“I thank you Ser”, she said as she smiled to him, “The future that awaits us might be a dark one, and I wish to at least try and shine some light over it. I will be Queen one day, and shall face challenges much more dire than this one. ‘Tis only right I learn to cope as a ruler should, with grace and a strong will”

Criston nodded to her, a look of pride in his eyes as he bid her goodnight. Rhaenyra laid on her bed, staring at the ceiling as she thought of what to do next. Alicent and her father were now married, and Rhaenyra would have to work hard to ensure that this did not impact her negatively. Viserys had promised to send aid to Daemon as soon as the wedding business was dealt with, and himself and Rhaenyra had already spoken to Jason Lannister, who had agreed to help. The Lannister fleet would soon leave for the Stepstones, and Rhaenyra could only pray that her uncle would return safe and sound.

She knew her enemies were readying themselves for what was to come, as all awaited for a new Prince to join them soon enough. But she was ready as well. Chances were that Alicent would bring forth a son for her father, and Rhaenyra knew what that could mean for her. She could lose it all in favour of a babe, and Otto would have everything he’s ever wanted. But Rhaenyra would not let that happen. She needed to state her claim as her father’s Heir, and to do that she needed allies.

She needed Daemon.

Chapter Text

“I have been thinking”, Rhaenyra told her father as the two broke their fast, “I wish to find a husband”

“What?”, Viserys asked baffled, “What do you mean you wish to find a husband? I did not know you cared so for the prospect of marriage, in fact I’d been readying myself to tread lightly around this subject as I thought you’d resist me. But why so soon Rhaenyra? You are still so young”

“I am just mere moons younger than your wife father”, Rhaenyra spat at him, “And almost 5 years older than mine own mother was when she married you. I am a Princess, and the Heir to the Iron Throne, so I must marry. I understand that in choosing a husband, I will also be choosing a King Consort. And the burden of such a decision weighs heavily on my shoulders, so I wish to ensure that I take my time in making the right one”

Viserys did not answer her, playing with his cup after being called out for his hypocrisy. Rhaenyra tired of the way her father treated her, always thinking her a child and acting as such, evidently forgetting that the girl who currently warmed his bed was barely older than her. If Alicent was ready to be a wife, then what made Rhaenyra different?

“We could speak to the Council”, he said after some time, “I’m certain Otto will have some great insight into whom would be the best choice for your husb-”

“No”, Rhaenyra stated firmly, “You got to choose, and I wish to do so as well. Mother and I often spoke of my marriage, and she always said that she wished me to marry for love, and it would warm my heart to grant her wish. She will not be here to see it, but I know that she will be watching us from above. I do not wish for her to see me suffer as I’m tied to a man I do not care for”

“Indeed”, Viserys whispered as he continued to play with his cup, “Do you already have someone in mind? Has someone caught your attention my child?”

Yes, Rhaenyra thought, but she did not say it. She would marry Daemon, that was not up for debate. But she knew that her father would not simply agree to this match, so she had to play her cards right if she wished for him to not react poorly to her proposal.

“Not yet”, she lied, “But I know that I need someone who shall stand proudly by my side once I ascend as Queen. I need someone who will support me, and who will not care to stand before me as they yearn to sit the throne themselves”

“Such a man will be hard to find”, Viserys pondered.

“That is true enough”, she answered, “But I was also thinking of something else. I am in need of some Ladies in waiting. And it is my opinion that now is the right time for me to start looking for some. I have already drafted up some letters, and Lord Lyonel has assured me that what I wrote is more than alright. He studied in Oldtown when he was younger, so he is a learned man, and I trust his opinion on such matters”

“I did not think you cared much for the company of other maidens”, Viserys said.

“Well, since you married the one Lady in waiting I’ve ever had, I must look for someone to take her place”, Rhaenrya said annoyed, “I never thought Alicent would leave my side, and trusted that I could count on her until the end of my days. But now that I do not have her, I wish to find someone else. I also think it would be a good way to make contact with some of the great houses of Westeros, and in truth I do not know why I have only ever had one Lady in waiting”

“Otto thought it was alright”, Viserys admitted, “He always told me that Alicent could provide you with everything you could ever need. I did not think it right to question him”

Rhaenyra rolled her eyes at this, once again reminded of her father’s blindness when it came to his Hand. Rhaenyra was a Princess, and as such it was not odd for her to have Ladies in waiting. So she did not understand why her father would take it from her, in favour of abiding by Otto’s will.

“I do not care about what Otto has to say”, she said as she drank some wine, “You are my father, and ‘tis to you I ask for permission to do this. No matter what he likes to think, Otto is not above me. If you tell me that I can go ahead and send out my letters, then that is all the reassurance I need”

Otto had always been annoying, but through these past couple moons he’d become utterly insufferable. Since Alicent had become Queen, it seems that her new found power had gone to his head more than it had hers. The Hand spent his time heralding to all that he was the Queen’s father, and that his daughter was thriving in her new position. Rhaenyra had even heard from some maids, that he’d been heard reassuring some Lords that Alicent would soon enough bring forth a son for the King, and that all will be well once a Hightower sat the throne.

“Otto simply wishes to help Rhaenyra”, Viserys tried to say as he eyed her wearily, probably knowing that his words would do naught but anger her, “He has been a loyal servant to our family for years, and I trust that he has your best interest in mind”

“Well I do not”, Rhaenyra answered, “I have reason to doubt Otto’s loyalty to me. I understand you trust him, but I can not. He now has more reasons than ever to wish trouble upon me, and I do not care to simply sit here and play the little Princess as he toys with my life”

“What are you talking about?”, Viserys questioned.

“Otto’s daughter is now your Queen father”, Rhaenrya explained, “And Alicent herself reveled to me that she is with child. I do not believe that Otto will not care to fight for his own blood to reach the throne. Hence why I can not trust him to make any decisions about my future”

When the Queen had told Rhaenyra of her pregnancy, it had been hard for her to understand how she felt about it. Alicent had a pleasant smile on her face, but it did not reach her eyes as she violently ripped at her nails. Rhaenyra had tried to comfort her, understanding that perhaps Alicent feared the birthing bed as Rhaenyra did, but then Alicent had let something slip.

“They’re his”, she’d mumbled as she bit her nails.

At first Rhaeyra had thought Alicent was speaking of her husband, and since she knew that her friend did not truly love her father, she understood how difficult it could be for her to fathom bringing his children into this world. But then she’d noticed something, as she said those words, Alicent was looking at the little emblem of house Hightower that laid on the little table next to her bed. So Alicent knew what Otto would do. She knew that those children would never be anything but pawns for him to play with as he climbed his way to the throne, as she herself was. And Rhaenyra knew this as well. So she had to act.

“You are my Heir Rhaenyra”, Viserys stated firmly, “I do not care wether Alicent gives me a son, that will not change how I feel about this. You will be Queen once I’m gone, I promise you that my child”

“I’m happy to hear you say this father”, she said, “But I can not trust Otto’s compliance to obey your will after you die. If Alicent has a son, then I’m certain that Otto will fight to see him rise. I will not suffer because of your choice to remarry, not more than I already have at least. I do not care to fight a war, but I will fight any and all battles I must to ensure that said war never takes place”

“How can I help?”, Viserys asked.

“State it plainly”, Rhaenrya answered, “If Alicent bears you a son, then simply state before all, that I shall not be supplanted. That no matter what, I am your Heir. I will do my part as Heir, to ensure the people respect me, and that they see that I am worthy of ruling them. But you must do yours as King, and allow me the chance to do make my way to the throne unchallenged”

Viserys nodded, though Rhaenrya could see uncertainty in his eyes. She detested how scared he seemed of going against Otto. She understood the power that leech held over her father, but someone needed to remind this man that he was the King, not Otto. She had tried, but it had evidently not been enough.

“I was glad to hear of our victory in the Stepstones”, she said after some time to break the silence that had come to rule over the room, “It makes me happy to know that uncle Daemon will soon join us once more”

“Indeed”, Viserys said, “I was honestly surprised to hear that he had accepted the Lannisters’ help. Though I was quickly informed that he had not, almost killing the poor messenger we’d sent to let him know that the fleet was coming. It appears that Corlys was the one to welcome the Lannisters to the Stepstones in the end, and the war was fought at sea as Daemon battled the Crabfeeder himself”

“Daemon has always been a fearsome warrior”, Rhaenyra marvelled, “It does not surprise me to know that he bested the Crabfeeder on his own. To know that he will be back with us warms my heart”

Viserys eyed her, the usual look of concern he always got whenever Rhaenyra displayed any sort of affection towards her uncle. She knew that Otto’s influence had tainted her father’s concept of his brother, but she truly wished to ensure that that would change. If she wanted Viserys to agree to her match to Daemon, she needed him to see his brother as she did. A fearsome killer when faced with his enemies, but a caring man when before his family.

As Rhaenyra prepared to leave, Ser Westerling announced that both Alicent and Otto wished to speak to Viserys, alone. And from the triumphant look on Otto’s face as he walked in her father’s chambers, Rhaenyra knew that he was ready to tell Viserys of the joyous news. But Rhaenyra had bested him this time.

“You know what must be done”, she told her father before walking away.

Viserys just nodded.

Chapter Text

“Prince Daemon Targaryen”, Ser Westerling announced as Daemon walked into the Throne Room.

Rhaenyra simply stared at her uncle, admiring the way everyone lowered their gazes as he walked past them. Daemon was not wielding a sword, but as the Rogue Prince he did not need one to inspire fear in the hearts of others, his reputation was more than enough. Just what Rhaenyra needed.

“Add it to the chair”, Daemon said as he took his sword out of its sheath and threw it toward his brother.

“You wear a crown”, Viserys stated acting like a mighty Targaryen King, “Do you also call yourself King?”

“When we smashed the Triarchy, the men named me as King of the Narrow Sea”, Daemon answered, “But I know that there is only one true King. My crown and the Stepstones are yours brother”

Daemon bent the knee, taking his crown off and presenting it to Viserys. Her uncle turned, and as their eyes met, Rhaenyra knew that though she had made her choice of husband after much thought, there truly had never been anyone else for her. There had always been something that tied her to Daemon, as if the Gods had placed them on this earth to be with one another, and who was Rhaenyra to deny Them.

“Congratulations on your victory uncle”, she said as she walked to the two men, “All speak of your bravery as you fought to save us all from the Triarchy. The Realm owes you a great debt”

“Thank you Princess”, Daemon said lowly as he observed his niece.

Viserys clapped his hands loudly, evidently wishing to put a stop to his brother and daughter ogling each other. He announced to all present that they would reunite later in the afternoon, and that they shall meet in the Godswood to celebrate his brother’s return.

“I feared you would not come back after it all ended”, Rhaenyra said as she accompanied her uncle back to his rooms.

“I simply seek the comforts of home”, Daemon answered.

“I did not think you particularly comfortable in this home”, Rhaenyra stated, “But I am happy you have decided to come back to us. This past year has been troublesome, and I find myself in need of allies more than ever. I need you uncle”

Daemon simply nodded, a small and humorless chucke of indignation leaving him as he thought back to when Corlys had told him of his brother’s choice of a wife. He’d set fire to thousands of men that day, rage guiding his every move as he could not believe his brother’s idiocy. Otto Hightower’s daughter now wore a crown, my how their house had fallen.

“None have dared speak anything yet”, Rhaenyra continued, “But as Alicent prepares herself for the birthing bed, I do not doubt that all shall wonder how long it will take for father to set me aside once the new babe is born. Father assures me he won’t, but you as well as I know how weak he truly is”

“Indeed”, Daemon admitted as he wearily eyed his niece, surprised by her sudden understanding of her father’s true nature.

He'd always known of Viserys' frail nature, and of how that made him terribly unsuited to wear the crown. One needs an iron fist and a dragon heart to sit the Iron Throne, and though Viserys had been born first, Daemon knew the Gods had not built him to handle such a burden. He'd often worried for his niece as she was left to her father's inattentive hands, weary of her becoming yet another victim of Otto's schemes as Viserys would just stand there and watch, as he always did. He'd tried to speak to Rhaenyra of this when she was younger, but she had always assured him that her father loved her, and that she did not question that what he cared for most in this world, was her happiness. But it seemed that time, and Visery's own actions, had forced her to reconsider what she'd always thought to be true.

“I asked him to reinstate my claim once the babe is born”, she confessed, “And although he has agreed, I fear what will happen once Otto finds out. The Hand will not be happy, and I do not know if father will be able to bear going against him”

“You have matured Rhaenyra”, Daemon said as he smiled at her, playing with the necklace he’d gifted her so long ago, “I feared for you whilst I was away, weary of how many would try to dim your fire as you stood alone in this Keep. And yet it gladdens me to see that a true dragon stands before me now”

“I have lost everything”, Rhaenyra said with a cold look in her eyes, “They have taken everything from me. I will not sit by idly and let them have the one thing I have left. I am but the consequences of their actions, and ‘tis no one’s fault but their own that the little Princess they hoped to find as they took her throne died long ago. I must fight if I wish to rise uncle, and I hope you will be with me as I do just that”

Daemon simply observed his niece, worried by how empty her eyes seemed to be. He was glad to see the fight had not left her, but was concerned by the thought of what it had taken for her to get to this point. He had seen her grow from a babe to a woman grown, and had seen her experience every emotions through the years. But this Rhaenyra was different. She looked like a soldier preparing for war, and Daemon wondered what had happened for her to understand that sometimes one must pick up arms to survive.

“I’m here Rhaenyra”, he whispered as he looked deep into her eyes, “Whatever it is that troubles you, just know that I’m here for you”

His niece nodded, a solemn look on her face as she turned away from him. Daemon looked to her shield, the same knight who he’d mocked barely a year ago as they stood on the bridge of Dragonstone. Ser Criston’s eyes mirrored the worry Daemon felt in his heart, and the two shared a meaningful look as Rhaenyra walked away from them and before the knight followed her. That single look was all they needed, to know that the other would fight for Rhaenyra until their last day. Rhaenyra had apparently been alone in the Keep while Daemon was away, but it seemed that not all was lost as at least one person had remained loyal to her.

He'd never thought much of Crispy, and had most definitely not appreciated the man humiliating him on that fateful day. But seeing him now, as he stood by Rhaenrya's side with such pride, perhaps Daemon should reconsider his initial thoughts on the knight. He'd thought him careless, like many young men were when they first rose to power, and had feared that he would turn against Rhaenyra when the opportunity to rise even higher presented itself. But the knight had not wavered in his support of his niece, and the look in his eyes told Daemon, that he never would.

Daemon entered his rooms, and as he looked around, his heart broke as he realised that this place, that had been his home for his entire life, no longer felt his. For the whole year he’d spent in the Stepstones, he’d yearned for nothing but the comfort of his home, and yet here he stood, alone in his childhood chambers, and naught but ghosts welcomed him. Ghosts of his parents, who though he had never truly gotten to know, he missed more than anything. Ghosts of Aemma, his dear cousin and goodsister who had suffered the pains of the Seven Hells in her short life, as all simply stood by and watched her die. Ghosts of the relationship he once had with Viserys, that had been tainted by Otto’s influence on his brother. And ghosts of her. His beloved niece, the only one Daemon had felt any true sense of kinship towards since Viserys had become lost to him. He was worried for her, as the look in her eyes was much too haunted for someone so young. Rhaenyra needed help, and that was the only reason why Daemon was almost glad to be back in this cursed place.

Afterwards, he joined the nobles in the Godswood, and was immediately cornered by his brother as Viserys wished to know everything that had taken place during the war. Daemon gave him a fairly formal account of the events, not wishing to share too much as the details hurt too much. For his entire life he’d yearned for war, as he felt it would be the one way for him to prove that he was more than a second son. And yet as he fought, and saw so many die, he had changed. The fire in his heart still lived, and Daemon knew he would fight again if needs be, but he no longer felt hungry for blood as he had for most of his life.

The reality of war weighed heavy on Daemon. He'd always dreamed of having people begging for their life, as he stood before them ready to wield Dark Sister and show them all the might of the dragon. But instead, he'd had to watch on, as men begged for him to save them, and he'd failed them all.

“Any news on your wife?”, Viserys questioned suddenly, snapping Daemon out of his own dark thoughts.

“No”, Daemon scoffed, “The Lady Rhea and I have not had any contact in the past decade, thankfully”

“I know you dislike her”, Viserys said, “But she is still your wife brother, and I truly do believe that if you two gave each other a chance, perhaps you could find happiness in your marriage. As I have”

Now Daemon turned to his brother’s new wife, the little Alicent Hightower. The girl stood before him, gaze stuck to the ground as she evidently did not appreciate his company. She cradled her lightly swollen belly, and threw worried looks to her father as she remained by her husband’s side. Daemon had vague memories of the Hightower girl, only ever truly thinking of her as Rhaenyra’s friend and therefore never paying much attention to her. Her association to Otto was most unfortunate, but Daemon had never truly thought of her as a threat. He had spoken to Rhaenrya of Otto’s true nature, and had also warned her against getting too close to Alicent, fearing that the poison may have dripped from father to daughter. But the girl before him was scared, obviously so as she could barely meet his eye. At court one had to learn how to hide their true feelings in order to avoid letting others in too much, and it seemed the new Queen had not mastered that art yet, so her weaknesses were plain for all to see, Daemon included.

“Rhaenyra”, Viserys said as he welcomed his daughter, “How great it is for us all to be together once more. My family all under one roof, what a blessing”

“Indeed”, Rhaenyra said as she smiled at her uncle, with him smiling back as their eyes landed on one another once more.

Rhaenyra had always been beautiful, hence the moniker of The Realm’s Delight, but as Daemon looked to her now, sunlight hitting her face, she had never looked more gorgeous. The feeling he’d always held close to his heart, of being somewhat connected to Rhaenyra, had only grown with time. And as he stood before her now, a woman grown looking back at him, his heart finally accepted what had always been true.

They were meant to be.

Chapter Text

“Be welcome”, Rhaenyra said smiling as she looked to the five girls that stood before her, “I have seen to it that your rooms would be ready for your arrival, so if it is alright with you all, I would like to show you to your quarters”

Rhaenyra had been quite careful in picking her new “friends”, and she had made sure to create allies with those who could serve her right. She had picked girls from houses she felt could aid her most if needs be. The toughest cookie to crack had been the Velaryons, who still felt terribly slighted by Viserys picking Alicent instead of Laena. Rhaenyra had tried to ask for Laena to come join her household, but Corlys had denied her, stating that the King had made it abundantly clear that his daughter was too young for court business. Once again, her father’s mistakes coming back to bite her. Rhaenyra did not yet know how, but she would have to get the Velaryons back on her side. Not only were they great allies, but they were also her kin. She had little family left, and she did not wish to lose more thanks to Viserys.

Desmera Redwyne stood proud, blonde hair flowing behind her as she observed her surroundings. It was obvious the girl came from wealth, with the way she carried herself. She was a beautiful young woman, and Rhaenyra chuckled as she saw a guard almost crash into a wall for he was too busy staring at her to look at what stood before him.

Leonella Lefford looked terribly nervous, as she looked around almost waiting for a monster to crawl out of the walls. The girl evidently had a gentle nature, and Rhaenyra couldn’t help but take her hand into her own, wishing to bring her some much needed comfort.

Mina Tyrell was one of the youngest present, though Rhaenyra could already tell that she was very wise, as she cautiously eyed the other girls, almost analyzing them as they walked through the Keep.

Tya Lannister kept asking about her brother, whom she had not seen since she was but a babe. From what Rhaenyra understood she had been born when Tyland had already joined the court, so she was really curious to know what the other half of the Lannister twins was like. Rhaenyra reassured her that the two would be together soon enough, and the smile Tya gave her warmed her heart.

Jeyne Manderly continued to stare at Rhaenyra, almost as if she was a vision of the Maiden Herself. The girl had run to hug Rhaenyra when she first got out of her carriage, and though the Lady who had accompanied her had tried to scold her for this unseemly behaviour, Rhaenyra had reassured her that all was alright.

If she wanted these houses’ loyalty, she needed to treat the girls well. These were all noble women, and as such probably had high expectations for what life was supposed to be like. Rhaenyra wanted to show them what it truly meant to be a Princess, and wished for them to report back to their own families that she was a great and caring Lady. But in truth she also hoped to make some friends, and though obviously making alliances was her main concern, she was elated to think these girls might become true companions to her one day.

“My Queen”, Rhaenyra said once the girls ran into Alicent, “I would like to introduce you to my new Ladies in waiting. They’ve just arrived, and I was escorting them to their rooms. I thought it best to allow them some time to rest, before they join us for the feast my father has planned for tonight”

Rhaenyra smiled as she heard the girls giggle behind her, evidently excited by the thought that the King himself would care to organise a whole feast to celebrate their arrival. One sure way to win over most Ladies, is to make them feel special, and Rhaenyra meant to do just that.

“Oh yes”, Alicent said with a smile, though her unease was obvious, “Hello Ladies. It gladdens me to know that great women such as yourself shall walk the halls of our Keep from now on. I hope the rooms are to your liking, and will see you tonight”

Rhaenyra and the girls took their leave, and she could admit that she felt bad for Alicent. The Queen did not have many Ladies by her side, apart from those from court who naturally gravitated towards her because of her new status. Rhaenyra spent time with them every now and then, and she could barely stomach the outmost fakeness of their behaviour. These women only cared to gain the favour of the Queen, and little Alicent Hightower was left behind, all alone as she crumbled under the pressure of the crown she now wore. Rhaenyra had tried to be by Alicent’s side, and she had succeeded for some time, but Otto was starting to get in her way. It seemed that to his credit, the Hand had caught onto Rhaenyra’s attempts to be near his daughter fairly quickly, and had put a stop to her efforts. Quoting the Queen’s frail condition, Otto had stated that he did not think it wise for Alicent to spend too much time out of her rooms, and that it would be best that she rested. Rhaenyra had tried to resist, and had even tried to get Alicent to understand that as Queen she could stand up to her father. But nothing.

“This room is beautiful”, said Jeyne as she touched the various tapestries that decorated the walls, “Much bigger than the one I have at home. I’m forced to share it with my sisters you see, annoying little creatures”

Rhaenyra giggled at this, glad to see that all the girls seemed to take kindly to the chambers she’d chosen for them. She had worked with the maids to make sure that the rooms were spotless, and had even taken care to add some little personal details to make each girl’s room special.

“Aw”, Mina cooed as she found a small toy in the shape of a rose, “My younger brother has something like this, I miss him already”

Rhaenyra walked to the girl, placing her hand on her arm and smiling softly.

“I can not imagine how hard it must be for you all to be away from your families”, she said, “But I wish for you to know that I would like to make sure that this place feels like your home. I obviously will never be your mother, or your sister, as I know that that kind of bond is not one you can simply replace once it’s gone. But I need you girls to know that I will take care of you, and whatever you may need, you can come to me. And if you ever wish to go back to your homes, please tell me without worry. So long as it is not because of something that has happened here, you will not need to explain yourselves. I understand one’s longing for home. You are here as my Ladies in waiting, that is true, but I prefer to think of you all as future friends, and would like for us to truly get to know one another”

After some time Rhaenyra left the girls behind, wishing to give them the time she was sure they would need to get accostumed to their new home.

“You did well niece”, Daemon said as they walked, “Those girls may yet prove useful. I saw a Manderly there, were the Starks not available?”

“No”, Rhaenyra sighed, “Lord Rickon does not have daughters, and not even sisters. But in truth I’m not mad about Jeyne. She seems like a nice girl, and I know the Manderlys have great wealth thanks to their seat being White Harbor. When thinking of a house from the North, ‘tis obvious that the Starks would come to mind first, and yet I do not worry for them much. It might be naive of me, but when I think of loyalty, I think of them. Lord Rickon swore fealty to me, and I trust that his children shall honour his oath. So I don’t think I’ll have to worry about them when the time comes”

Daemon chuckled, a curious look in his eyes as he observed her. Rhaenyra could feel herself being studied, and yet she found that his gaze on her did not bother her so much. She had always liked having her uncle’s attention, and though she had changed much through the past year, this had not.

“Princess”, Ser Criston said suddenly, “I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation, but I must remind you of your meeting with your father”

“Oh yes”, Rhaenyra exclaimed with a smile on her face, “I think I may have great news to share with you soon enough uncle. So do not get yourself into trouble, and stay away from Desmera. I saw how you looked to her, and I understand. But trust me, you shall have everything and more if things go my way”

Rhaenyra confidently walked to her father’s chambers, with Criston by her side as he chuckled at her excitement. Through these past few moons Rhaenyra had taken to confiding in her sworn shield, never going into too much detail, as she did not care to share too much with anyone. But in truth she desperately needed someone to talk to, someone who had sworn to stand by her no matter what. And he had revealed himself a great listener. He’d helped her pick her Ladies, and had even aided her in drafting the letter that may or may not change the course of her life. He had not seemed too convinced at first, probably a bit put off by the costums of Rhaenyra’s house, and by the reputation of a certain man they both knew. But Rhaenyra had made sure to reassure him, and once she’d explained her reasoning to him, she could tell he was on her side once more. She’d have to work on the relationship between her shield and husband to be, but as two men who placed her above all else, she knew they’d get over their little feud in favour of being by her side.

“Rhaenyra”, Viserys scolded her as soon as she walked in, “What is this?”

“It’s a letter”, Rhaenyra said smiling, “It’s a letter that I’ve been waiting for for some time actually”

“Why would you do such a thing?”, Viserys questioned alarmed.

“I did nothing father”, Rhaenyra stated calmly as she sat next to him, “As I thought of what houses I should consider when picking a Lady in waiting, I looked to the Vale. And though I did not pick anyone from that region, I did think of the Lady Rhea, so I wrote to her. I did not say anything untoward, and she’s the one who brought up uncle Daemon, speaking of how terribly unhappy she was to still be married to him. I simply said that I felt for her, and said that after speaking with Lord Lyonel, he has guaranteed to me that they have grounds for an annullment. ‘Tis nothing new for Lady Rhea, as all know how both she and Daemon have been begging for one since the day they wed”

“But she has now asked me to grant her an annulment, officially this time”, Viserys sighed, “This matter is too complicated Rhaenyra. I understand that they are unhappy, and whilst that saddens me, Otto has reassured me th-”

“That what?”, Rhaenyra questioned as she rolled her eyes, “That having the Lady of Runestone forceably tied to us shall ensure she remains loyal? ‘Tis my opinion that by keeping her trapped in her marriage to Daemon, we are simply damaging our relationship with her. The two of them have never consummated their marriage, so I do not see why you should not grant them an annulment. Both have been pleading for it for the entirety of their marriage, and I seriously doubt that the Lady Rhea would be mad about it”

“She’s actually promised to throw me a feast if I do it”, Viserys said, “You do have a point. Daemon and Rhea are both terribly unhappy, and have been for years now. I always hoped that they would at least try to get along, and yet it seems that they are both stuck on not making things work. Perhaps I should just do it, for I see not what anyone could gain from this match right now”

Rhaenyra smiled, nodding to her father so he’d know that he had her support. He looked unsure at first, but her approval seemed to spurr him. He smiled back at her, and stood up to ask Ser Westerling to call for the Septon, since he wished to know what the faith thought of this before actually saying anything to the Lady Rhea. Last time a King went against the faith it did not go well, so Rhaenyra understood his hesitance on this. But as she observed the Septon, and saw him nodding to her father she knew.

Daemon would be a free man soon enough.

Though not for long.

Chapter Text

“My King, I do not think this is wise”, Otto said as his anger was barely remaining contained in his body, “A marriage is a sacred union, and it can not be so easily dismissed. I do not think it is a good idea for us to allow our people to think they can simply leave whenever they don’t like their spouse. As the royal family we-”

“You are not a member of the royal family Ser”, Rhaenyra chimed in smiling, “I understand that your daughter’s new found power may have allowed you to forget your place, but mind yourself as you speak to your King. My father has made his decision, and ‘tis not for you to question his will”

“Your Grace”, Otto sighed as he turned to Viserys, “I simply wish to-”

“Undermine him”, Rhaenyra interrupted him once more, “You wish to undermine my father, and for no good reason. The Lady Rhea has not taken offense to my father’s proposal, not since it is one she’s been begging for for decades. My uncle will certainly not put up a fight. And the High Septon himself agreed to grant them the annulment. Everyone is alright with this Lord Hand, so I do not know why you are not. Or do you mean to tell me that you think you know better than your King?”

Otto did not answer her, simply turning to her and from the look in his eyes, Rhaenyra knew he wanted to strike her. And by the Gods she would love to see him try.

“Rhaenyra is right Otto”, her father said as he eyed them both wearily, “I understand your concern, but it is not necessary. I have made my decision, and before doing that I ensured that it was the right one. And it is. So let us be done with this matter. My brother is now free to marry, and I will not stand in his way this time. So long as the bride is willing and of good family, then he is free to choose whomever he pleases”

Rhaenyra smiled brightly at this, cheeks going red as she giddily thought of how life would be as Daemon’s wife. She had yet to speak to her uncle about wether he actually wished to marry her or not, but in her heart there were no doubts. Herself and Daemon were one and the same, they had been made to burn together, and so they shall.

“And what of the Princess?”, asked Lord Tyland as he looked to her, “She is almost of age, and I know very many Lords who would be most honoured to take her as their wife. My own br-”

“My daughter shall also pick her own match”, Viserys said smiling.

“My King”, Otto said with his eyes wide, “The Princess is but a girl, she does not yet know the way of the world. She is too young to understand what it means to choose a husba-”

“I am barely younger than your own daughter Ser”, Rhaenyra said annoyed, “You think our Queen is old enough to hold such a position, and may I remind you that you have been insisting on giving her even more duties, even though you all claim she is so ill that she can not even bear exiting her rooms. If she can be a wife, Queen, mother to be, and also have control over our household as you so wish, then I believe that I’m old enough to bear the burden of marriage. My father was kind enough to promise me I could choose a husband for myself, and trust me when I say I shall make this decision with great care”

Otto did not seem happy, but he remained silent. For so long he’d had free reign to do as he pleased in the Small Council chambers, as all other Lords looked to him for guidance, knowing that he had the King’s ear. But now another one had shown up, one closer to him, and who unexpectedly was giving him a really hard time. Rhaenyra loved to see him get so riled up, his frustration evident as that funny looking vein popped up on his forehead. He had yet to truly lose composure, but Rhaenyra was starting to see the cracks in his well crafted walls.

“Have you thought about it?”, Viserys questioned once the two were alone, “Who you would like as a husband”

“I have”, Rhaenyra said as she breathed deeply, preparing herself for what was sure to be a difficult conversation, “As I told you before, I need someone who will stand by me as King Consort. Someone I can trust above everyone else, and who I know shall not shy away from a fight if needs must. I need someone who understands me, and who cares for me. And I think I know just the man”

“Well who is he?”, her father asked with a curious smile on his face, “Who is this great man who has taken you so?”

“Daemon”, Rhaenyra answered quickly.

Silence ruled over the room, as Viserys just remained frozen. He sat motionless before her, his eyes betraying the outmost confusion that ruled him. He had always known of his daughter’s fondness for her uncle, but he’d thought it nothing more than a childhood crush. But marriage?

“No”, he said once he recovered from the initial shock, “Absolutely not Rhaenyra”

“Why not?”, she questioned, “Daemon is someone I trust, and he knows me father. His heart and mine own share a beat, and they have since I can remember. There is noone else I’d rather have by my side as I go on with my life, and noone else I trust more to fight for me. As I know he will”

“Daemon is my brother, and I love him”, Viserys said as he breathed deeply, “But you do not know him as I do Rhaenyra. My brother is a second son, and as is in his nature, he always covets for more. I can not trust that he will not turn against you when the time comes for you to ascend. I can not trust that he will not try to get the throne for himself”

“Oh but you trust Otto”, Rhaenyra huffed, “The man who has done nothing in his life but wish for more. Otto who will soon have a grandchild of royal blood, and who will fight tooth and nail to get them on the throne. I have told you before that I believe this to be true, and I have my reasons, and yet you dismiss me. Otto will stop at nothing for power, and I think our current situation is proof enough of that. I do not fear that Daemon will harm me for the crown, but I can not say the same for Otto”

“Otto was the one who first proposed you as my Heir”, Viserys stated, “I know you do not think much of him, but he would not go against me so”

“That’s the only thing he ever does”, Rhaenyra said, exhausted by her father’s refusal to see what stood before him, “I have been attending these meetings since I was a child, and each and every time, I have to stand there and watch as you let him undermine you at every turn. You have a kind heart father, and I love you for it, but you do not recognise the dangers that lurk within, or those who may wish to harm our famly, or harm me”

Viserys remained silent, worry in his eyes as he looked to her.

“You fear him”, he whispered, “You fear Otto?”

“Of course I do”, Rhaenyra almost yelled, “Of course I fear him. That man has risen so far thanks to his scheming. Though I do not respect him much, I can say he has a great mind, and that makes him dangerous. He has reason to wish me gone, so of course I fear him. There is a big chance that Alicent will bear you a son at one point or another, and once she does, there is no doubt in my mind that Otto will wish for him to sit the throne. And when that happens, I will be the one thing that stands between a Hightower King and the crown”

“But I will tell all that the line of succession will not change”, Viserys said meekly, “I agreed to do that Rhaenyra, and I will do it. I’m the King, people listen to m-”

“And when you’re dead?”, Rhaenyra questioned, “What happens when you’re gone? I will be alone father, and you will not be there to tell anyone anything. I will have a difficult enough time as the first ruling Queen of our lands, with people questioning my authority left and right simply because of my sex. I do not wish to also have to worry of this as well, not when I know that I do not have to. I need someone who will protect me after you’re gone. And though I would love to say that I shall do it myself, I know that I can not do it alone. I need Daemon”

Viserys did not answer her, pondering what she’d just screamed at him as he stared at his hands. Rhaenyra could see his mind working, and she could only hope it was doing so in her favour.

“Do you love him?”, he asked after some time.

“Yes”, she answered truthfully, “I always have”

“He cares for you”, Viserys admitted, “My brother has always been a crude man, and yet I’ve never seen anything but outmost adoration in his eyes as he looks to you”

Rhaenyra smiled at this, leaning forward to take one of her father’s hands into her own. He looked to her now, and though she could still see that some worry laid in his heart, she could also see that his will was breaking. She had him.

“But what of Rhea?”, he asked.

“I’ve spoken to Lord Lyonel”, she said quickly, “He said that after an annulment, one can be married on the very same day if they wish it. I do not care to do that, as I would prefer to have a nice wedding rather than a hasty one. But whenever the ceremony might be, I would like you to be there as we are wed. It would please me greatly to know that you support us. That you support me”

Her father stood still, rubbing his thumb on her hand as he bit his lip. This was a big decision, and for the first time in his life, Viserys would have to make it alone. He’d never had the gut to do such things, always preferring to rely on others as he’d never truly taken to the responsability of his role as King. But he wore the crown, so he must also bear the burden.

“Please father”, she pleaded, “Please let us be”

Viserys gripped her hand tightly, turning away from her to look at a chair. His chair. Even though Otto Hightower was no longer here, his presence lingered, and Rhaenyra could see it taking hold of her father’s mind. But then he said it.

“Alright”

Chapter Text

“Are you certain of this Princess?”, Ser Criston questioned for the nth time as Rhaenyra readied herself to meet her uncle, “I know you’ve already spoken to your father, but nothing is set in stone. You still have time to change your mind if you wish to”

“I don’t”, she said calmly, “It gladdens me to see you worry so Ser Criston, but trust me when I say there is no need”

“I’m simply aware of Prince Daemon’s reputation Princess”, Criston said lowly, “I do not wish to overstep or insult someone you evidently care for, but the things I’ve heard about him make me fear for your safety”

“My uncle is a fearsome warrior”, Rhaenyra said, “He does not know limits when he’s wielding a sword, that is true. But I’m his blood. Daemon Targaryen is a man who lives for two things, the high of the battlefield, and his love for his own kin. I understand that my familiy’s costums may perhaps seem a bit odd to you kind Sir, and once again I am thankful to know that you worry for me, for that means you have a good heart and that I chose well when I picked you as my sworn shield. But everything is alright Ser Criston, I promise you”

Her knight still did not look convinced, but as Rhaenyra felt herself be assessed, she smiled at him. She wished for him to understand that she knew what she was doing. Her uncle may be seen as a monster by some, but those she would be fighting if she did not act now, would be much worse. Rhaenyra would have to wed at some point, let it be to Daemon or someone else, and unless the Gods saw it fit to condemn her to the same fate her mother had suffered, she’d have children. She feared motherhood for a number of reasons, but to think that she’d also have to worry for their lives as Otto lurked in the shadows was too much. If Rhaenyra wanted to act, she needed to do so now.

Alicent had not yet reached the halfpoint of her pregnancy, and already everyone was celebrating their future Prince. Rhaenyra did not know how many of those people would turn against her, believing that a cock mattered more than a brain, so she’d have to try and keep them all close. So far her main targets had been those who she knew would more likely than not be loyal to the Hightowers. All the girls she had chosen, apart from Jeyne, were from houses she believed may rise against her in favour of Otto’s cause. Through these past few sennights she had made sure to become friendly with all her new companions, and she had been glad to find out that most of them had already reported back to their families, speaking of how good and kind the Princess was. Rhaenyra knew that kindness could very easily be mistaken for weakness, so she understood that she couldn’t have every Lord or Lady of the Realm just think of her as a nice little Princess. But for her to treat their daughters right, and later on ensure that they have bright futures, it was a good start to form alliances.

As she walked through the halls of the Keep, she stopped every now and then to entertain small conversations with whichever noble she ran into. She had spoken at length with each of them, and had paid much attention to the Small Council meetings she attended every morn. She wanted to know everything about the people of the court, so she might aid them. She needed them to know that she had power, and that she would use it in their favour if they just remained loyal to her. She had to earn the trust of her people, and ensure that they respected her as an authority. And though most Lords were still perhaps a bit put off by having to ask a girl for help, they seemed to be warming up to the idea as time went on.

“Hello uncle”, Rhaenyra said as she walked into the Godswood, “How has your day been so far?”

“Not much to say Princess”, he answered as he continued to bask in the sun, “In truth I have been waiting all day for our meeting. I received the most joyous news from my brother just yesterday, and I must admit that I am terribly curious of what might be so important that you would call me here”

“As you know”, Rhaenrya begun as she sat next to him, “I was the one who spoke to the Lady Rhea, and now you are a free man”

“Indeed”, Daemon chuckled, “I’m very thankful Princess. For years both Rhea and I tried to convince Viserys to annull this farce of a marriage, and it pleases me greatly to know that I shall now be free of my bronze bitch. How you managed this feat I do not know, but I thank you nontheless”

“I did it because I wanted father to see what I do”, she stated, “I believe that you might serve a greater purpose to our Realm. And to have you tied to Runestone would not befit anyone”

“What do you want from me Rhaenrya?”, Daemon questioned as he got close to her, “I can see your mind working niece, and I’ve noticed the way you look to me. You want something from me, so just state it plainly instead of putting on a show. ‘Tis just us niece, no need for pretty words. Just say it”

“Marry me”, Rhaenyra said.

Daemon remained silent, a stunned look on his face as he stared at her. Her uncle’s hand had come to play with her necklace, as he often did when the two were alone. But now it had stopped, and remained motionless as it grasped onto what Rhaenyra had come to think as a symbol of what tied them together. The necklace was made of Valyrian steel, one of the few gifts that its children still had of Old Vlayria. Rhaenyra and Daemon were Targaryens, and the blood runs thick. They had been one since she was first born, but Rhaenyra was now proposing that they shall become that in truth.

“Are you certain?”, he whispered as he looked into her eyes.

“Yes”, she said without doubt in her heart.

“Why would you wish to marry me?”, he questioned lowly.

“Because there is nobody else for me”, she answered, “There never has been, and never will be. ‘Tis always been you uncle, and in my heart I think you know this as well. You and I were meant for each other, all know it. We are one half of the same soul, and as we live out the rest of our lives, I want us to be together as one”

Daemon continued to look at her, studying her as he went back to playing with her necklace. But then his hand dropped, coming to rest on her neck as his thumb caressed her cheek. For a second Rhaenrya thought he was about to kiss her, and she wearily looked around for servants. She wanted to feel close to her uncle more than anything else, but if anyone had seen them like this, this will all have been for naught. People would think her a shameless whore, and though she admired her search for freedom, Rhaenyra did not care to live out the rest of her days as her great aunt Saera had. She took a step back, looking at Daemon expectantly. She knew he wanted her, for his hunger for her was plain in his eyes, but she needed to know that that was not all he could offer her. She yearned for him as well, but she needed to ensure that her body was not all he cared for.

“Do you want me as well uncle?”, she asked.

“Yes”, Daemon said immediately, “But for some reason I doubt that my brother would agree to us marrying. And I certainly do not think that his most beloved Otto would like this either. You know how your father is Rhaenyra. If Otto says no, then it’s no”

“Well thankfully Otto was not there when I spoke to father”, she said as she turned away from him, walking to the tree as she touched its face, “He said yes uncle. If you want me, then I’m yours to take”

Daemon did not say anything, getting closer to her as she felt his breath on the back of her neck. A shiver ran down Rhaenyra’s spine, as she wanted nothing more than for her uncle to just take her as she was. She had felt this hunger before, for in the end she was a woman grown. But as she stood here, her uncle’s body almost pressed against her own, she understood why so many risked it all just to share a single moment with the one they loved.

“I do however need you to promise me something”, she said as she continued to caress the tree’s face, sighing as she felt Daemon’s hand rise up to play with her hair.

“Anything”, he whispered.

“Be with me”, she answered as she turned to him, “Never turn against me uncle. I have already been betrayed by those I thought I could trust, and I could not bear to suffer that way again. I have chosen you not only because my heart gave me no other choice, but because I need you. If I simply sit by and watch it happen, war will come for us all. I need your help. I need you to help me as I win over the court, and need you to be by my side to discourage any from taking arms against me. And if they do, I need you to vow to me that you will fight for me, and not join them to take the throne for yourself. I’m putting my life in your hands Daemon, please do not make me regret it”

Daemon’s hand once again found her cheek, wiping away that single tear that had fallen from her eye. He smiled softly at her, and then kneeled before her. Rhaenyra’s breath hitched at this, as Daemon Targaryen, the fearsome Rogue Prince, lowered his head in reverence to her.

“I, Prince Daemon of house Targaryen, swear toward my future Queen with all my strength. And give my blood for hers”, he begun to say, “I shall guard her secrets, obey her commands, ride at her side and defend her name, and her honour. I am yours Rhaenyra, I always have been. None matter to me as you do, and I will fight for you until my last breath. I vow to be by your side as your husband and King Consort, and to protect you and our children from any that may wish you harm. You shall know no fear my love, I promise you”

Rhaenyra felt tears well up in her eyes, as Daemon looked to her with adoration and utter devotion. She had always known him loyal to her, but to see him swear his life to her, made her feel like her heart was full once more. Through the past year she had felt empty, she had a rage fueled fire within her, but that could never compare to what she felt in this moment. As Daemon rose so their eyes might meet, he took her hands in his own, and she knew that they had been made for each other. Some might question wether Daemon’s loyalty lied with her or with himself, as she was sure many would think he was only using her to get closer to the throne. But Rhaenyra knew this to be false, for the love in Daemon’s eyes was undeniable.

And as they stood beneith the weirwood tree, in the ways of those who followed the Old Gods, Rhaenyra and Daemon truly felt like they were one already.

Though in truth they always had been.

Chapter Text

“Be welcome my Lords”, Viserys said as he spoke to the members of his Small Council, “I have called you here on this day, to announce to you all that I have made a very important decision. One that shall change the future of my family, and that of our Realm”

Rhaenyra couldn’t help but chuckle, as he saw a smile make its way to Otto’s face. The man looked to his left, where his daughter stood next to the King. Otto seemed triumphant, probably thinking that Viserys was about to say that his child with Alicent would succeed him once they were born. And oh how Rhaenrya wished that a painter could be here right now, so someone might create an accurate portrayal of the way Otto’s face would fall soon enough.

“As you all know, my daughter is about to be of age”, Viserys continued, “As a father it almost pains me, to see her grow so much, for in my heart she shall forever be my little girl. But she is a woman grown, and as such she is bound to marry. Rhaenyra and I spoke at great lenghts of who might be the best choice for her future King Consort, and we have found the one”

Otto’s expression changed, he looked to Rhaenyra almost confused, but then rage took over him as he noticed how herself and Daemon were standing perhaps a bit too close to one another.

“My King-”, he begun to say with great worry in his voice.

“It is with great pleasure”, Viserys said interrupting his Hand, “That I announce to you all, that my daughter and Heir, the Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, and my brother, the Prince Daemon Targaryen, shall marry by the end of this year”

The room fell silent, and Rhaenyra noticed the way Alicent’s gaze immediately snapped to her. The Queen had been looking down this whole time, hand on her belly as an almost absent look ruled her. But now she was awake, and the look of confusion and disgust as she stared at Rhaenyra was most evident. Rhaenyra knew that Alicent had never understood her fondness for Daemon, and that she had never taken kindly to this particular costum of house Targaryen. For so long she had tried to explain to her that to them this was normal, so she felt no shame as she fawned over her uncle. In some ways it hurt her to know that Alicent was disgusted by their love, but as she felt Daemon’s pinky lace with her own, she found that she did not care so much. Their love was true, and no matter what anyone thought of it, they would be happy, much more than many other couples ever could be. And nothing else mattered.

“My King, this is not the way”, Otto said as he barely managed to restrain the anger in his voice, “We named our Princess as your Heir to keep Prince Daemon far from the throne. I do not think it wise to hand it to him so easily now”

“I would not be the King Otto”, Demon said quickly, “I would stand by Rhaenyra as she rules as Queen. I think the correct way to address me would be King Consort”

“Your Grace”, Otto begun once more as he turned to Viserys, “Prince Daemon can not be controlled, and I do not believe we can trust him to simply stand by and watch as Princess Rhaenyra takes the crown. He will not let her, he wil-”

“Are you about to suggest that my betrothed would kill me Ser?”, Rhaenyra questioned annoyed, “I assure you that I am most capable of protecting myself Lord Hand, I am a dragonrider as well in the end. And Daemon loves his family, me above all. He would never harm me”

“I swore an oath to my niece Otto”, Daemon said proudly, “And I intend to keep it. My life belongs to Rhaenyra, and I would die before betraying her. And I would not have it any other way”

Otto continued to stare at Viserys, eyes wide as he could not find the usual uncertainty that laid in the King. For years he’d managed to do as he pleased as Hand, ruling the Seven Kingdoms for Viserys was simply too weak to do so himself. He’d taken the Young King under his wing when he’d first begun to sit the throne, and had ensured that noone’s council would matter to him more than his. Viserys had blindly followed his lead for years, but now it seemed that Otto was facing a different man, as the King did not appear intent on changing his mind.

“What of the costs then?”, he asked, evidently wishing to use all weapons in his arsenal to make everyone think that this simply could not happen, “We shall certainly have much to celebrate by the end of this year, as the Queen brings forth a child for the King. Can we also uphold a wedding without breaking in the crown’s coffers? I don’t think so”

“Actually we can”, said Lyman Beesbury, “Before this morn, the Princess herself came to me and asked me wether this could be done or not. She had already prepared some plans for me to look at, and I must say that she did a fine job. I foundnd no faults in her reasonings, and can ensure that we will be able to hold a wedding fit for a future Queen without much trouble”

“This is just-”, Otto tried to say as he once again turned to Viserys.

“My decision”, Viserys interrupted him, “That’s what this is. I am Rhaenyra’s father, and I am your King Otto. If I say that she will marry Daemon, then that is the end of this matter. You are the one who spoke to me of perhaps betrothing her to mine and Alicent’s son once he is born, so you evidently do not take issue with the costums of my house. I have assured you that Daemon will not harm Rhaenyra, and that she will rule as Queen. I do not see what upsets you so. And I do not appreciate your readiness to undermine me this way, or Rhaenyra for that matter. My daughter is to be your Queen, and I do not take kindly to you implying that she is not strong enough to fight for her right to the throne”

Viserys was angry, as he stared down the one he’d always thought of as his greatest friend and ally. For years he had never dared question Otto’s motives, which he believed laid with the best interest of the Realm. But after his talks with Rhaenyra, he had started to observe the other man more closely, and he had seen what Rhaenyra spoke of, and what Daemon had tried to show him many times before. Otto’s attempt to betrothe Rhaenyra to Alicent’s son, one who had yet to be born and yet whose sex Otto seemed certain of, had been the last straw. The betrothal did not make sense, as Rhaenyra was a woman grown, and by the time his son would become of age as well, she would be much too old to give him heirs. Otto knew this, and yet he had not budged. In that moment Viserys had thought back to what Rhaenyra had told him, of how Otto would do anything to get his blood on the throne. And it seemed she had been right all along.

“I do not wish to hear your opinion on the matter anymore”, he spat at his Hand, “I value your council Otto, but your will does not come before mine own. I am the King, and ‘tis time I think that you remember that you are not above me”

“Viserys”, Alicent tried to say, “I’m sure my father just meant to-”

“No Alicent”, Viserys shushed her, “I know that you love your father, but his behavior on this day has been most unseemly. I will only permit him to remain at court because of the years he spent as a loyal servant to my family, and I trust that he will once again go back to the man I once knew. But I no longer care to simply sit here as he steps over me. You may be my Hand Otto, and the father of the Queen. But I am your King. What I say goes”

Otto remained silent, lowering his gaze as Rhaenyra saw his fists clench as they sat atop the table. She noticed how Alicent’s body shook at the sight, and wished once more that her friend would allow her to be by her side. Alicent had always been a dutiful daughter, and she’d always cared to please her father no matter what. But Rhaenyra had tried to get her to understand that she no longer had to suffer him, and that as Queen she now held power over him. But Otto’s influence ruled Alicent, so the task at hand seemed almost impossible.

“Are you happy Princess?”, Criston questioned as the two headed back to her chambers.

“Very much so”, Rhaenyra answered as she felt her cheeks grow red, “I’ve feared marriage all my life, as I saw what mine own mother went through as a wife. The duty of us women is a grave one, and we’re forced to fight with noone to recongise our suffering. Though in a sense I think it is our fate to suffer. But with Daemon, I know that my life will be different. I know I must have children, for a Queen needs heirs. But I feel somewhat less afraid knowing that he will be by my side as I fight to bring them into this world”

“Children are a blessing”, Criston said, “But I understand your worries. I was not here when your mother still walked these halls, but I know of what happened to her. I’m sorry you had to live through that Princess, and I know how one’s heart breaks at the loss of their mother. I lost mine own when I was a little older than you are now, and though it pains me to say it, the wound has never truly healed. She was a good woman, and I can only hope she would be proud of me”

“I’m certain she is Criston”, Rhaenyra stated surely, “You have done well for yourself. You are still young, and yet you’re already a knight and a member of the Kingsguard. No parent could be anything but proud of all that you have achieved”

“I have you to thank for that Princess”, Ser Criston said, “With your kindness you bestowed upon me the greatest honour a Cole has ever known, and probably ever will. I owe you everything I have, and I wish for you to know that I won’t forget that as I continue to serve you”

Rhaenyra thanked him, and the two bid each other goodbye as she entered her chambers. She was welcomed by the sight of her Ladies, who all sat in her rooms, waiting for her return so she might tell them all of what happened.

“Well?”, Leonella asked.

“I’m getting married”, Rhaenyra said happily.

She was quickly swarmed by all the girls, as they congratulated her on her upcoming nuptuals. Even Desmera seemed happy the news, giving Rhaenyra a rare smile as she wished her goodluck in this new chapter of her life. Jeyne on the other hand could not contain her excitement, and immediately started questioning Rhaenyra on what she wanted the wedding to look like.

As she sat with her Ladies, all speaking of the various details that one must care for when planning a marriage ceremony, Rhaenyra couldn’t contain the sadness that took over her heart. As young girls, herself and Alicent had often spoken of what their wedding days would be like, and the one thing they’d always known for certain, is that they would be there for each other. Rhaenyra supposed that that would still happen, but she doubted that it would be as they had once dreamed. Alicent had grown even most distant, always locked up in her rooms unless she had to attend an event that demanded her presence as the Queen. Rhaenyra had tried to go to her, but to no avail. From what her maids had told her, the only people truly allowed in her Queen’s chambers were the King, the Great Maester, and her own father.

“Will you have a Valyrian ceremony Princess?”, Tya questioned.

“I hope so, yes”, Rhaenyra answered, “I will also have a Westerosi ceremony, as I wish to honour the beliefs of my people, as I know how you all hold your gods close to your hearts. And though I do not share your beliefs, I do respect them and understand how important they are. But I certainly want to honour mine own as well”

Rhaenyra had never truly dreamed of her wedding day, so much as she had seen it in her nightmares. For her whole life she had thought herself bound to the same terrific fate of many women who had preceeded her. She would be married off to whomever could offer the most gold to the crowns’ coffers, with no interest in wether she actually liked this man or not. For stome time she had feared that she would be forced to marry Jason Lannister, as she had seen the man looking to her with such interest. Politically the match would’ve been sound, but Rhaenrya dreaded thinking what it truly must be like to marry a man like him. But she would not have to worry about that.

She would marry Daemon, her uncle and most loyal protector. Daemon who had been by her side for her whole life, and who had shown her more than once what it truly means to be a dragon. When she’d first been named as Heir, Rhaenyra had wanted nothing more than to be loved by her people. She saw the way all still thought back to her great-grandsire with such admiration, always speaking of what a good King he was. Jaehaerys had managed to keep the peace during his time, and achieving such a feat after Maegor must not have been easy. But Jaehaerys was a man. He had not had to face the same struggles Rhaenyra was sure she would encounter. Though Jaehaerys was very young when he first became the King, as her own father had been, nobody had truly questioned wether they could do it. But Rhaenyra knew that most had already decided that she could not.

She’d have to fight to let them understand that she would be their Queen, wether they liked it or not. She would be kind and caring, and she’d ensure that the Realm is at peace through her reign. But she will do so with Fire and Blood if necessary. People don’t take her seriously because she’s a woman? Well then she’ll just have to remind them that she’s not any random woman, she’s a Targaryen.

To be loved is a privilege for a Queen.

To be feared is a necessity.

Chapter Text

“Is there anything we can do?”, Rhaenyra questioned her father once more as the two waited outside of Alicent’s chambers, “How are we simply supposed to sit here and wait as she screams like this? One would think the poor woman is being skinned inside that room”

“’Tis normal Rhaenyra”, Viserys said, “It pains me to hear Alicent suffering this way, but it’s normal. Childbirth is a battle, and noone is spared from what it truly takes to bring forth a babe”

Rhaenyra shivered at this, thinking of what will be of her once her time comes. She had vague memories of some of her mother’s labors when she was younger, but whenever things really started happening, Daemon would usually whisk her away, taking to the skies so Rhaenyra wouldn’t have to hear her mother beg for her life.

Knowing that Alicent was the one giving birth now was odd, because though she knew it not to be true, in Rhaenyra’s mind the two were still young girls. She knew they were grown women now in the eyes of their world, but she could not let go of the girls they once were. If things had gone as they were supposed to, Rhaenyra would be with Alicent right now, holding her hand as she readies herself to see her greatest friend become a mother. But that had not been the will of the Gods.

“My King”, Grand Maester Runcinter said as he walked out of Alicent’s rooms, “The babe is here”

“What of Alicent?”, Rhaenyra questioned.

“The Queen is alright”, Runcinter said surprised, evidently not used to people asking after the wife and not just the babe.

Rhaenyra and Viserys walked into Alicent’s chambers, and they were quickly welcomed by a sight that warmed Rhaenrya’s heart, and yet broke it at the same time. Alicent was alive, but by the look in her eyes, one would think her a dead woman. The Queen was laying on her bed, exhaustion evident as slumped back against the cuscions, losing the composure that she had always mantained around others. She was looking ahead, and as Rhaenyra turned, she saw it. A little babe was there, being held by a maid as others cleaned it up.

“It’s a boy Your Grace”, Otto said as he smiled at Viserys, “Our long awaited Prince has finally blessed us with his presence”

Viserys let out a big sigh, of relief or despair Rhaenyra did not know. Her father sat down next to Alicent, and immediately reached for his son as the maid rushed to hand the babe over. Rhaenyra simply observed the new little family, and she noticed how terribly empty Alicent’s eyes looked as she stared at her son. Rhaenyra remembered how her mother’s entire being lit up whenever she looked to her, and it saddened her to see that life itself had abandoned Alicent’s.

“Does our Prince have a name?”, Maester Runcinter questioned, and much to Rhaenyra’s amusement, he was looking to Otto, not Viserys.

“I do not know”, Viserys answered as he continued to look at his son.

“The Queen and I spoke of this matter Your Grace”, Otto said as he smiled at Viserys, evidently happy to see how the King was already so taken by the new babe, “We thought back to various names that have been worn by great members of the royal house. And in truth there is only one that truly stuck out to us, and whilst it might be the most obvious choice, it will surely let all know who our Prince shall be”

“And what is it?”, Viserys questioned as he looked to Alicent.

“Aegon”, Alicent whispered as she tore her eyes away from her son, apparently unable to look at him any longer as she focused on ripping her nails to shreds.

“A mighty name for such a small babe”, Viserys said, “I’m not sure it suits him however, his features are much too gentle for him to be an Aegon. There must be another name you like”

“Aenys”, Otto suggested, and Rhaenyra had to roll her eyes at this, because my the man did not have a subtle bone in his entire body.

“No”, Viserys said, “What name are you going to propose next Otto? Maegor? No. My son shall not know the burden of such a namesake”

“In truth I still think Aegon is a valuable option Your Grace”, Otto tried once again, “’Tis a great name, and though his one namesake would be a grave comparison to hold up against, I’m certain a son of your blood shall do it with ease”

“There have been many Aegons in our line Otto”, Daemon said as he walked into the rooms, placing himself behind Rhaenyra as he loomed over the small babe.

“Of course”, Otto said through gritted teeth, evidently not appreciating the new presence in the room, “I simply meant, that your Aegon shall be named after the first one Your Grace, as he will follow in his-”

“What?”, Viserys questioned confused, “No he will not. This babe will never wear a crown, and shall therefore never be Aegon the Second, or Aenys the Second, or anything like that. Rhaenyra is my Heir, and my son shall be her heir apparent until she bears her own children, and then he shall fall in line after them. I do not care for him to have a mighty name, for he does not need one”

Otto did not say another word, simply bowing his head and taking his leave as he angrily stomped away from Alicent’s chambers. Rhaenyra had to use all her strength to hold in the chuckle she felt rise up in her throat, because while the whole scene had been quite humorous, Alicent looked miserable, so Rhaenyra understood that this was perhaps not the best time for her to make fun of Otto’s apparent loss of power over her father.

“What about Alerion?”, Rhaenyra proposed as she looked at Alicent, “It’s Valyrian enough, and it would be a great way to honour your mother. I for one think it sounds very pretty”

Viserys turned to his wife, who in turn continued to stare at her hands. Rhaenyra could see tears well up in Alicent’s eyes, and as she feared having perhaps dared too far, Alicent nodded. She didn’t smile, or look at her son, but she nodded. And for Viserys that was more than enough, as he started speaking of the huge feast he would throw for Alerion once Alicent had recovered.

“How are you feeling?”, Rhaenyra questioned as she took her father’s place next to Alicent, after the two men had left, “You do not need to hide from me Alicent”

Alicent let out a shaky breath, eyes glancing between Rhaenyra and her hands. Rhaenyra did not understand what exactly Otto may have told her to make her so resistant to speaking to her, but it seemed that some distance in a moment of such vulnerability, was almost enough to make her break.

“I don’t know”, Alicent admitted, “I don’t feel much if I’m honest. I love my son, I do truly. But I thought I’d feel... more? I just look at him as he is now with us, and I see nothing. He’s supposed to be everything, but I feel nothing as I look at him. I don't know what's wrong with me"

Alicent's eyes seemed lost for a moment, as she focused her gaze on her son. She was looking for something, that much was obvious, and a look of despair and frustration took over her as she evidently did not find it. But then Rhaenyra placed her hand on her arm, wishing to bring her some comfort, and that seemed to snap Alicent out of her spell, and she immediately put on a fake smile and shook her head hurriedly.

"I don’t know what I’m talking about Rhaenyra, please forgive me", she mumbled, "I’m just tired and my mind is all over the place right now. I’m not making any sense”

“It’s alright Alicent”, Rhaenyra said as she took her hand, “Birthing a child is a most difficult experience, and though I have yet to live through it myself, I can only imagine the pain you must be in right now. I do not doubt that you love Alerion, but you must allow your body time to heal, so your mind might do the same”

Alicent nodded, a lost look in her eyes as she took her hand back from Rhaenyra’s grasp. She did not give her leave, but from the way she turned away from her, Rhaenyra understood that she wanted to be alone.

“He’s not that ugly”, Daemon said as himself and Rhaenyra observed Alerion.

The two had decided to visit the nursery, as Alicent was still recovering, and Viserys had apparently chosen to take to his cups. Daemon had told her that her father had seemed upset, by what? Nobody knew. Maybe it was because of Otto’s little outburst, or maybe his long awaited son had not brought him the sense of fullfilment he had expected. Either way, both his parents were gone, and Rhaenyra did not wish for her little brother to spend the first hours of his life alone. Especially after what had happened to the last one. Alerion may not be her mother's blood, but he was kin.

“I’ve hated him for so long”, she whispered as she looked to the babe that laid before her, “When my mother was alive, I hated him because I thought that he was the reason for her suffering. And once Alicent fell pregnant, I hated him because I thought he would never be anything but a living reminder of her and my father’s betrayal. But he’s just a little babe”

Without much thought, Rhaenyra got closer to the crib, and wearily took the babe in her arms. She felt an odd sense of comfort at how his body felt against hers, and before she could think better of it, she brought his head closer to her so she could kiss it. As his body remained pressed against hers, she felt his heart beat so close to her own, and for some reason that made her feel complete.

“Valonqar”, she whispered as she played with his little hand.

Daemon got closer to the two siblings, happy to see that Rhaenyra had not become lost to her grief once more, as he was certain that memories of her mother, and of the friendship she once had with Alicent, were haunting her in this moment. He hovered over them for some time, wishing to allow Rhaenyra this chance to bond with her brother. But then he got even closer, and wrapped his arms around the two.

“Perhaps one day we’ll have one of our own”, he whispered as he looked to her.

“Perhaps”, she said.

And from the outside, the three looked like a little family.

And unbeknownst to all, they truly would be.

Chapter Text

“I’m so bored”, Rhaenyra complained to Ser Criston as the two walked around the Red Keep.

“I’m sorry you’re bored Princess”, the knight chuckled as she sighed dramatically, “Perhaps we could visit your brother once more”

“I’ve visited him enough for three lifetimes today alone”, Rhaenyra huffed, “I love Alerion, but I want to spend time with someone who is not a babe. Someone who can hold a conversation”

Her little brother would be two moons old within the next sennight, just in time for Rhaenyra’s wedding. Rhaenyra felt the usual rush of excitement course through her body, something that always happened whenever she thought of her wedding getting closer and closer. She could not wait to be Daemon’s in truth, and these past moons they had spent as betrotheds, had only proven to her what she already knew, Daemon was just the one she needed.

Her uncle had stood by her side faithfully, always with her as she attended the Small Council meetings, and always making sure to remind the random stray Lord that Rhaenyra was the Heir, and that she must be listened to whenever she spoke. Rhaenyra had done a good job at gathering the people’s support, but since Alerion’s birth she had sensed a certain hesitance in the hearts of some Lords. It was obvious that they did not appreciate Rhaenyra remaining as her father’s Heir, not when he had a son who could take her place. But Viserys had remained true to his word, and during the feast that had been held a mere sennight after Alerion’s birth, as all gathered to celebrate him, he’d just said it. She would rule after him, no matter what. Many had been taken aback by his announcement, as they thought they were about to witness their King change the line of succession, and yet nothing. They’d have a Queen next, and Rhaenyra could only hope they’d all get used to that idea soon enough, before she reminded them that it was not just a King who made their ancestors bend the knee, but two Queens as well.

Rhaenyra would be turning 16 namedays old today, so she had finally reached the age of majority. She would now be able to rule over Dragonstone on her own, and Rhaenyra could not wait to spend time in the home of her ancestors. Though she knew she needed to remain in King’s Landing, not wishing to give anyone the chance to do something while she was away. But if she could, she would love to live there for some time, and perhaps even raise her children there when the time comes.

“Where is Prince Daemon?”, Criston questioned, “The man has become your shadow Princess, one might even think that he is your sworn shield, not me”

Rhaenyra laughed at this, warmth filling her heart as she was glad to know that the hatred that once coursed between Criston and Daemon seemed to be gone for now. The two had not taken kindly to each other when Daemon had first moved back to King’s Landing, but as they spent more and more time together, they’d seemed to bond over their shared loyalty to Rhaenyra. One could not yet say that the two men were friends, but they were not at each other’s throats anymore. So that was a start.

“My uncle has taken to the skies”, she says as she points outside the window, where Caraxes could be clearly seen as he flew over the city, “I very much wish to join him, but the maids told me that Alerion did not sleep well last night, so I do not want to be too far from him”

Rhaenyra knew that this might have made her sound paranoid to some, but she remembered how little time it had taken for her brother Baelon to die, and she did not wish to leave Alerion alone for long enough for Balerion himself to take him from her. She truly cared for her little brother, and since neither Alicent nor Viserys spent too much time with him, she’d almost started to feel like a mother to him. She knew she was not, and yet as she looked into his eyes, and saw the little smiles he seemed to reserve for her and her alone, she couldn’t help but feel this sense of true devotion to her valonqar.

“It gladdens me to see you are so taken by him Princess”, Criston said, “When the Queen first fell pregnant I feared you would rebuke your brother out of some misplaced anger. That you care for him so, shows your heart as well as your wisdom. Prince Alerion is a Targaryen, and I beileve none other than you could be of greater example for him as he grows into a fine young man. Though I’ll be the one to teach him how to fight, obviously”

“You’ll have to argue with Daemon about that”, Rhaenyra laughed, “My uncle has already decided that Alerion shall be his prodigy. He took some time to warm up to his new nephew, but it seems that just like myself, Daemon understands that Alerion has no blame yet. He’s but a babe, and he should not have to suffer because of the sins of his parents. Or grandparents”

Criston sighed heavily behind her, head rolling back as he thought of the last meeting they’d all had with Otto Hightower. The Hand had started to lose it. For a man with such composure, who’d always carried himself so well, he was not reacting well to his sudden loss of power. He no longer had the King’s ear, as Viserys had become much too aware of what may happen if he allowed Otto free reign over his family. And Daemon and Rhaenyra were ever-present at all Small Council meetings, and they had shown the other Lords there, that they did not have to just sit there and take it as Otto Hightower did whatever he pleased.

Through the years Otto had become an all powerful being in the eyes of many, and Daemon and Rhaenyra had turned it into a little game, to see who could get him to show his true nature first. Because the truth was, that Otto was a spoiled little boy, and when he did not get what he wanted, he threw a fit. The day Alicent gave birth, after Alerion’s name had already been chosen and announced to all, he still showed up to Viserys’ chambers to try and get him to change his mind. Quoting that a boy should wear the name of one whose example he shall follow. In truth Rhaenyra understood why he was not being too careful in hiding his true intentions, because her father had been a blind fool this whole time, so perhaps even just a few moons back he would not have blinked at Otto’s will for his grandson to take Rhaenyra’s place. But something had changed within Viserys.

Her father had become angry, after finally figuring out that he’d been played all this time. He had truly thought Otto an ally, and to now know that his Hand had simply been toying with him to get whatever he wanted, had hurt him greatly. He’d spent many a drunken nights speaking of this to Daemon, who had obviously suggested that they just kill Otto, problem solved. Viserys however had denied his request, stating that he did not think it wise to rebuke Otto unless he truly committed treason, because his brother would take great offence, and house Hightower was too valuable of an ally to lose.

Rhaenyra was glad to see him stand up for her so, but she was weary of his relationship to Alicent. The Queen had not been seen much around court since the birth of her son, and yet Rhaenyra knew that she had not taken it well when she'd heard that Rhaenyra herself visited Alerion every day. In truth Rhaenyra did not see how she was at fault here. Alicent was struggling with motherhood, and Rhaenyra could not find it in her heart to fault her for it, but that did not mean that Alerion should be alone until Alicent feels ready to be with him. If she ever will.

“Princess”, Rhaenyra heard Tya yell from behind her, “Princess wait, I have something for you”

“Tya Lannister”, Tyland said angrily as he followed her as she ran toward Rhaenyra, “You have been at court long enough sister, this is not how one behaves in the presence of royalty”

“’Tis alright Lord Tyland”, Rhaenyra said as she smiled at Tya, taking the letter that the girl was holding, “Your sister has become one of my dearest friends, and if her excitement is so great that she wishes to run around the entire Keep, then I wish her good luck and hope the winds carry her wherever her heart desires”

“You’re much too kind Princess”, Tyland said, “I can not wait for the feast tonight, as we gather to celebrate your nameday. My brother is coming, and I must admit that I have missed him, so it will be good for our family to be together once more. He spoke of your husband to be in his letters, and I must say, to hear of Prince Daemon as he was during the war, has given me perhaps a new outlook on him. I always knew he was a fearsome warrior, but to know of how he cared for his men has allowed me to think that perhaps a man lies beneath the dragon we all see. And seeing him now at court, I can say that although I was weary at the start, I do truly believe that he might be a good choice for a King Consort after all. He seems to be most attentive as he sits the Council, never overstepping, not like someone else I know at least. And you should be proud of yourself Princess, to have the ability to keep a man like Daemon Targaryen calm, is the greatest of feats. You have been a good influence on him Princess”

“Thank you Lord Tyland”, she said truthfully as she smiled, “I always knew my uncle could do great things for our people if given the chance to, and it’s good to hear that others see it as well”

The Lannisters bid Rhaenyra goodbye, but not before Tya promised her that she would receive a lion as a wedding present from her family. As Tyland vehemently denied his sister’s claim and reminded her that lions were dangerous, Tya in turn reminded him that Rhaenyra rode a dragon, and the two siblings left as they argued over which one posed a greater danger.

“Dragon”, Criston answered their question.

“Obviously”, Rhaenyra agreed.

Later that day, as Rhaenyra sat at the royal table, she was glad to see that her letter had spoken true, and that the Velaryons had decided to finally return to court, even just for a day. They did not come close to her, but she saw the way Laenor smiled brightly as his eyes fell on her. The two had been great friends as children, and Rhaenyra begrudged that her father’s idiocy may have taken this from her as well. The Velaryons were her kin, and she wanted them near, not just as allies but as family. She had sent letter after letter to Driftmark, and yet nothing. For an entire year all her letters had remained unanswered, apart from that one she’d sent asking for Laena to be one of her Ladies in waiting, and Corlys had only answered to let her know that it would never happen.

“Is that Laenor?”, Viserys questioned as he squinted his eyes, “My he has grown”

“War does that to you brother”, Daemon answered, “Though Laenor did not fight for long, he still showed such bravery by showing up to help when he is still so young. Barely 15 namedays old and already fought in a great war. Corlys should be proud”

“And who’s that?”, Viserys asked, “The little blonde boy sitting next to him. I have not seen my cousin’s family in some time, but I do not remember any of her children looking like that”

“That is Ser Joffrey Lonemouth”, Daemon begun as he chuckled, “Laenor’s dearest companion”

“Why are you saying it like that?”, Viserys huffed, “Just because you don’t have any friends, that doesn’t mean Laenor can’t”

“I have plenty of friends thank you”, Daemon stated annoyed as Rhaenyra laughed beside him, “But I certainly do not kiss them as I saw those two do more times than I could count. The battlefield is an odd place to confess your love for one another, but I suppose the fear of dying might lead one to do things they had previously avoided. They were quite cute though, I will say that. A nice break from the blood and death of it all”

“Oh”, Viserys pondered, “And just think that Otto had proposed him as a match for you my girl. I wonder how that would’ve turned out”

Rhaenyra felt a shiver go down her spine, as she imagined what life would’ve been like if she’d married Laenor. She loved her cousin, and did not fault him for his true nature, but it definitely would’ve posed a challenge when it came to them both needing heirs. She could hear how the nobles would’ve poked fun, as the Heir without an heir roamed around the Keep with her husband and his lover. Or perhaps she still would’ve had children, but by another. Children who would’ve had to suffer as bastards, unless she somehow got her hands on her uncle, or a Valyrian looking man at least. Thankfully she would not have to worry about that, not with the way Daemon looked to her with such need.

“Would you grant me this honour?”, Daemon asked as he offered her his hand.

The two danced for some time, and Rhaenyra was glad to see how the nobles smiled at them. She knew that a fair amount of them were still not comfortable with their union, let it be because of faith in their gods, or lack thereof in her uncle. But as she stood on the dance floor, swaying around as herself and her uncle laughed, she did not care about them. Did not care about anything other than him, and what the two could be together.

“Tonight was fun”, Criston said as they made their way back to her chambers, “Though I must admit, I think Lord Lyman may have had one cup too many. Seeing a man of his age dance as he was frightened me a little, feared he might break a leg or two as he moved around with such haste”

Rhaenyra laughed, thinking back to the man who had become her tutor in this past year, as he simply let loose on the dance floor. She had come to care greatly for Lyman, who had shown her such kindness from the first day. She had been almost scared to approach him, fearing that he would belittle her for asking for his help. And instead he had welcomed her in, and made sure she understood that he respected her wish to learn, and admired that she was willing to try. He’d also counciled her to turn to Lyonel Strong, a man who had studied in Oldtown in his youth, and who could also help her learn how to be the Heir the Realm needed.

Rhaenyra sighed happily, as she thanked the Gods for allowing her this chance. She had been afraid when her father had first named her as his Heir, and yet the Gods had given her the strength to understand how valuable of an opportunity this could be. As Queen she could do good by her people, and she wished for nothing more.

“What’s that?”, Rhaenyra questioned suddenly as she walked into her rooms.

“What’s what?”, Criston parroted her as he followed her inside.

And right there, on her table, laid an unfamiliar bag. Criston pushed her back, and wearily looked around them before slowly opening the bag.

“What is this?”, Rhaenyra heard him whisper, “Whose clothes are thes-”

“Surprise!”

Chapter Text

“Daemon!”, Criston shouted as he finally recognised the figure that stood before him, “What the fuck?”

Daemon laughed, evidently thinking it hillarious that he had just scared the life out of both his future wife and her sworn shield. Rhaenyra and Criston tried to catch their breaths, and the knight finally lowered his sword, which until now had been directed straight at Daemon’s heart as Criston prepared to face what he believed to be an attacker.

“What are you doing here?”, Rhaenyra questioned her uncle, “Are you trying to get fear to strike me down Daemon? Why would you ever do something like this?”

“And how did you just walk out of a brick wall?”, Criston chimed in as he eyed the small opening Daemon had come from, almost as if expecting someone else to join them as well.

“I have come to take us all on an adventure”, Daemon announced as he placed the bag in Rhaenyra’s arms, “Come my love, you need to put those on if you want to join Criston and I tonight. Or else I suppose we’ll just go without you, have all the fun in the world as Princess Rhaenyra stays behind”

Rhaenyra continued to stare at her uncle, confusion apparent in her gaze as she was still trying to figure out what exactly was going on. As she observed the clothing more closely, she recognised that they were men’s clothes, and that they belonged to someone of a much lower station than those who surrounded her.

“Are we going to the city?”, she asked as excitement grew within her.

“Yes”, Daemon said happily, “Take that armor off Criston, we need to be subtle. And you won’t help us achieve that if you’re just clanking all over the place”

Rhaenyra immediately kicked the two men out, and hastily put on the clothes before joining them both as they walked through the Keep. Criston and Daemon had begun arguing whilst she was in her rooms, and had not stopped even as they found their way to Flea Bottom.

“I don’t believe you”, Criston said, shivering as he clung to the shirt Daemon had given him.

“I’m telling you Crispy”, Daemon sighed, “My brother agreed to this. I told him I wanted to do something special for Rhaenyra’s nameday, and since I know that she’s always wanted to know what her people are truly like, I proposed this. He was weary at first, I won’t lie, but then he agreed once I assured him that I would be armed, and that you would be by our side. Our faithful little Criston, whatever could we do without you?”

“Stop it you two”, Rhaenyra said as she saw the way Criston’s face reddened at Daemon’s japes, “This is beautiful, look at all the lights”

The streets of Flea Bottom were much more alive than she’d ever seen them, since she’d never visited them at night. The lights that shone through the various streets made it all look so much more enticing, and she was now starting to understand why her uncle was so fond of this place. The people seemed so alive as they ruled the night, and Rhaenyra marvelled at all the beautiful pieces that were on display in the various little shops that were scattered all throughout the city.

“Look at this”, she whispered as she found a pendant, a little dragon wrapping itself around a tower, “Alicent would love this, and maybe I can get one for Alerion as well. So they can represent both their houses as they wear these together”

And perhaps Alicent could finally recognise Alerion as her own, Rhaenyra thought bitterly. She loved her brother more than anything, and would see to it that he never lacked love in his life. But she did wish that Alicent would care for him as well. She’d be there for Alerion, and she could only hope that that could be enough. But she knew that as he grew, her brother would have questions about Alicent, and Rhaenyra would hate having to tell him that she’d barely known him. She had tried time after time to almost coax Alicent into Alerion’s rooms, even bringing the babe over to hers when Alicent had resisted her. It pained her to see her reject Alerion this way, but as she understood that Alicent was struggling to adjust to how drastically her life had changed in such little time, she’d let it go for the time being.

The three continued to walk, and as they did, they found their way to the center of the city. Rhaenyra tried to push through the people, as all seemed to have gathered around one single place. She did not know what was happening, but she was way too curious to simply walk away. She felt her uncle try to grab her, his muffled voice saying something about this not being a good idea, but she continued to push through as she finally managed to get close enough and see the stage.

“What is this?”, she asked one of the people who stood next to her.

“’Tis a play boy”, the woman said, “They put this on every single night. A pain in the ass if you ask me, this stuff gets boring after a while. But it’s pretty funny”

“Princess let’s go”, Criston said as he grabbed her arm, only for his hand to be swatted away, “I’ve heard of what takes place here. 'Tis better if we just go, you don’t need to see this”

“But I want to see”, she said, “Whatever could be so bad about a little play?”

And indeed, perhaps Daemon and Criston had their reasons to think that she should not be here to see this. The play was a grotesque representation of her life, as they mocked each and every tragedy that had ever fallen upon herself or her family. She flinched as she saw them play out her mother’s death, and then her heart grew cold once they started talking about Alerion. They spoke of how whilst Rhaenyra might still be her father’s Heir, she would never be a true ruler, because Alerion had something she never would, a cock. Rhaenyra let out an empty chuckle as she heard the people cheering, desperation filling her heart as she realised that they all evidently thought that a little cock was enough for her baby brother to be so much better than her.

Rhaenyra had spent the past year trying to prove her worth as her father’s Heir to the nobles, and had also tried to help the Smallfolk along the way. She knew that she still had much work to do, if she wanted to truly better their lives, but she had tried. She’d seen to it that the children of the fighting pits were taken to an orphanage, after finding out about such disgusting establishments when one of her maids had come to her crying, begging for her help as her little brother had been stolen away in the middle of the night. She had worked with Lord Lyman, to see to it that at least once a week, carters filled with food would make their way to the city, guarded by the men of the City Watch as they ensured that everyone got a little bit of something. She knew it was not much, but she had tried.

And it had not been enough.

“Rhaenyra”, Daemon whispered as he grabbed her hand, “You’re alright Rhae, let’s go now”

The walk back to the Keep was silent, as Criston and Daemon both continued to wearily eye Rhaenyra as she just walked back home. Her uncle tried to speak with her, even grabbing her hand at one point as they made their way through an odd and dark street with a group of men whistling to her, as if she needed more reasons to be angry. She saw a small child look at her at that point, before running away. But she was too upset to care about it, so she just lowered her hat a little more, to cover her hair, and continued to walk. She could feel the tears that had made their way down her cheeks, now drying as the wind almost wiped them away. She felt betrayed by her own mind, as she knew that she should see this as nothing but disrespect, for that’s what it was. She had tried to help those people, had done more in one year that many in the Council had done in their whole lives. And yet the people still turned against her. She should feel angry. And yet as she thinks back to how all those people laughed, mocking her for believing that she could actually do this, only utter despair found her heart.

“Princess”, Criston called for her as they walked to the Keep, “Princess wait”

Rhaenyra turned around, not caring that her weaknesses were on full display as she looked to one of the people she knew she could trust. Criston had been nothing but kind to her, and Rhaenyra knew that he would remain by her side, no matter how much she cried.

“Do you remember this?”, he asked as he pulled out a handkerchief, gently wiping away her tears as he spoke softly, “You gave this to me after a certain someone busted my lip during a tournament. That day changed my life Princess, because I met you. I stood before you, a random knight from a random house, and with a single word you changed everything. You wrote my name in the White Book, and all I have now, and all I will have in my life, I owe it to you. Those people do not know you, and ‘tis your duty to let them know you. But as someone who does know you, I will say this, you are a good person Rhaenyra. I see how you care for your role, and how hard you work to ensure that you can fullfil it to the best of your abilities. And I know you will make a fine Queen when the time comes. No matter what anyone else says, I know this to be true. And I will be most proud to stand by you as you ascend, if you’ll have me that is”

Daemon stood next to the two, his hand still holding Rhaenyra’s and squeezing it tightly so she’d know he was there for there as well. Her uncle had never been good with words, but in his eyes she saw all the love he held for her, and that was everything she needed. She may have many foes, but the friends she did have made her believe that she could truly do this.

In her chambers Rhaenyra laid on her bed, trying to silence the noises of the people’s laughter as it still rung in her head. The outmost humiliation she’d felt in that moment was consuming her, and as it became one with the despair she felt, Rhaenyra could not find sleep that night. Her mind was riddled by questions, of what would happen if no matter what she did, the people truly never believed she could be a good Queen.

She could not let herself think too much on this issue, for in truth she knew it would bring nothing but self doubt in her heart, but she couldn't help it. She’d decided to take her role as Heir seriously out of anger, as she did not care to see Otto Hightower get another win out of her pain and sorrow. But as she begun to learn what it truly meant to lead the people, and all she could do for them all as their Queen, she had genuinely started to care about this. And it pained her to know that that did not matter. Nobody cared about how much love for her people Rhaenyra held in her heart. She didn’t have a cock, so she was worthless. Unless one wanted a kid with a dragon to bring power to their family, then she was priceless. ‘Tis the fate of women. She may be a true Queen in her heart, but she shall never be anything more than a walking womb in the eyes of some people.

She could get the Gods Themselves, the Old Ones and the New, to tell everyone that she could be a good Queen, and some would still choose a mere babe, all because he has a little cock between his legs.

“Princess”, Criston called for her at some point, and as Rhaenyra rose from her bed, she was almost blinded by the very unexpected sunlight that shone through her windows, “Yes, I’m tired as well. But we must go”

“Why?”, Rhaenyra questioned, cringing at how hoarse her voice sounded after all the crying.

“The Queen wants to see you”

Chapter Text

“What happened last night?”, Alicent questioned angrily as Rhaenyra walked to join her in the Godswood.

Rhaenyra told Criston to stay back, as she could tell from Alicent’s hostile tone that something bad must have happened. She trusted her shield, but still did not think it wise for someone to overhear the Queen’s angry rant that she was seemingly about to go on. Through the past couple moons Alicent had become but a shell of herself, and nothing could be found of the sweet girl Rhaenyra once knew. She understood now that her marriage to Viserys had not been her choice, and yet it seemed that Alerion’s birth had been what truly sent her over the edge. Rhaenyra did not understand why, but it seemed that Alicent’s mind had become lost to her the second she bore her son.

“What?”, Rhaenyra asked confused, “Nothing really. Daemon and I just went to the city to celebrate my nameday, we got you a little something act-”

“Ah, celebrating”, Alicent scoffed, “Is that what you call partaking in such filth?”

Rhaenyra did not understand what was happening. Alicent had rejected every one of her attempts at remaining close for almost an entire year, and since Alerion’s birth she had barely seen her, not since she spent most of her time with the very same babe Alicent seemed intent on avoiding. The Queen would visit her son once every couple days, simply sitting next to his cot as she stared at nothing. She didn’t touch him or anything, and though it pained her to say this, Rhaenyra knew that Alicent was only visiting her son because she knew it would look bad if she didn’t. As Queen Consort, Alicent’s main duty was to provide children for the King, and to look after them. She had done the first part, but to a certain extent seemed uninterested or perhaps unable to carry out the second one. But appearences were all that mattered around court, so if Alicent was seen visiting her son, then no matter what she actually did with him, she looked like a good mother. Rhaenyra had been the one to truly look after Alerion, just as she had tried to look after Alicent before being pushed away, so what was this hostility about?

“Your Grace, I don’t understand what you’re talking about”, Rhaenyra insisted as she walked closer to Alicent, because although the two appeared to be alone, they were still in a public setting. And whatever Alicent was about to say, she could tell it was not good, and would rather avoid someone overhearing them and the rumor spreading.

“Whatever you think I did, I can assure you it did not happen”, Rhaenyra said surely, “I simply went on a walk with Daemon, nothing more and nothing less. If you tell me what you’ve heard, then perhaps I might shed some light on how ‘tis nothing but a misunderstanding. Because trust me, if you knew the truth of what happened, you would not be so angry. So what did you hear?”

“That you fucked Daemon in a pleasure house”, Alicent spat out with such anger and disgust in her voice that it almost made Rhaenyra flinch, “That’s what I heard. I know you Targaryens have queer customs, and I bit my tongue when you decided to follow them and marry your own uncle. But this is too far Rhaenyra, you must remember that you are a Princess. ‘Tis up to you to uphold the standards the rest of us must live by, and I’m sorry to remind you that you can not just do whatever you want. I know you think you’re untouchable, but you've gone too far now”

“What?”, Rhaenyra questioned baffled, “That is absolutely not what happened Alicent. Daemon and I just went to the city, we admired some shops, and I even have something that I got you and Alerion to prove it-”

“Do not bring my son into this”, Alicent scoffed, “Do not mention his name as you lie to my face”

“I’m not lying”, Rhaenyra said angrily, annoyed that Alicent would suddenly decide that now was the time to claim Alerion as her son when she had not been a mother to him this whole time, not like Rhaenyra had, “I did not touch Daemon, and he did not touch me. We went on a walk around the city, that is it. It hurts me to know that you do not trust my word, and in truth I do not understand what the point of this conversation is. You wish to talk to me, about what? You accuse me of such slanders, screaming them at my face with no care for who might hear, and then you do not even give me the opportunity to defend myself. Did you simply care to scream at me Your Grace? Get out some frustrations now that you have a chance? It pains me to know you do not care to listen to a word I have to say, as you evidently do not believe me. Though our relationship has not been what it once was for some time now, I did think you would trust me above whatever idle gossip you heard this lie from”

“My father is no gossip”, Alicent said.

“Ah”, Rhaenyra chuckled, “I see what happened. So what? Dear old Otto showed up in your rooms and told you this little story, so you just believed it as fact? No thought for why he might tell you such a thing”

“He didn’t tell me”, Alicent answered meekly, her confidence leaving her as she shrunk under Rhaenyra's gaze, “He told the King, I just overheard”

“So you overheard some ridiculous slanders about me”, Rhaenyra begun angrily, “Believed them without questions, and called me here to scream at me?”

“I just want to help you Rhaenyra”, Alicent pleaded.

“How?”, Rhaenyra questioned, “How exactly do you think you can help me when you don’t even believe me? I told you I did not do it. I did not touch Daemon, and he did not touch me. Do you believe me Alicent? Can you honestly say that you believe me over your father?”

Alicent remained silent, ripping at her nailbeds as the anger seemed to slip away from her. When Rhaenyra had first walked into the Godswood, she’d been faced with what looked like a true Queen, but now that was all gone. Little Alicent Hightower stood before her once more, and Rhaenyra was getting sick and tired of this back and forth. Either Alicent trusted her and stood by her side, or she did not. End of this story.

“My father would not lie to the King”, Alicent whispered.

“Yes he would”, Rhaenyra sighed, “He has every reason to. If my father believes this, and others do as well, and they will, because what person doesn’t love a little story about a whorish Princess, I will be ruined. If people think I laid with my uncle before we were wed, all will be taken from me. I will lose it all, my father’s trust, that of the people, and my title shall be taken from me within the day. And little Alerion will get the crown, just as Otto has always wanted”

“My father does not-”, Alicent tried to say.

“Don’t”, Rhaenyra spat angrily, “You may defend him to yourself all you please, as I understand that it probably makes it easier for you to cope with your current life. But I do not care to lie to myself. Otto Hightower wants me gone, because he now has a grandson whose royal blood could grant him the ultimate power. Slander is a good way to ruin a woman, and I will say that this is a pretty smart move. Daemon has a reputation, and hearing this story people would not question that he could do it. And when it comes to me, well I suppose I have my great-aunt Saera to thank for how quickly the people would buy this little tale, as they’ve heard it before. But your father’s plans will not work this time”

Rhaenyra turned away from Alicent, quickly making her way to the Throne Room after a castleguard told her that that’s where she would find her father. Alicent was almost running after her, pleading for Rhaenyra to just stop and talk to her. But Rhaenyra was not about to get Otto Hightower destroy everything she’d built for herself so far. If the wrong person heard about this slanderous lie, then she would be ruined forever. Everyone would think she had been sullied, she would lose her title, her uncle would be exiled, and Rhaenyra would probably be married off to whatever random old Lord wanted a Valyrian girl to warm his bed.

As she made her way to the Throne Room, Rhaenyra heard some loud and angry voices coming from inside the place. She quickly entered the room, and the sight before her was definitely not what she had been expecting. Her uncle was on the ground, still in his sleepshirt, and her father hovered above him with a knife held against his throat.

“You ruined her”, Viserys screamed accusingly as he grabbed his brother’s neck. “I let you go out with her for one single night Daemon, and you do this? You fucking ruined her”

“No he did not”, Rhaenyra said loudly as she made their way to them, immediately placing herself between the two men. Her father stumbled back as he realised how close the knife was to her throat now, and the rage in her eyes almost scared him.

“My girl”, he said, “I understand that you care for Daemon, but what happened last night was unforgivable. I tried to give my brother the chance to prove that he’s worthy of you, and he’s thrown that back onto my face. I’m sorry for what he did Rhaenyra, and I’m sorry I allowed him to be with you”

“He didn’t do anything”, Rhaenyra yelled exhausted by this whole conversation, “How many times do I have to say this? Daemon did not touch me. We did not go to any brothel, and I can most definitely assure you that we did not fuck in any of them either”

Viserys did not look convinced, continuing to switch his gaze between Rhaenyra and Daemon. For the past moons her father had not been so easily swayed by Otto’s influence, but it seemed that his still not complete trust in his brother had helped him believe Otto’s slanders this time. Rhaenyra understood why Viserys might not just believe whatever Daemon said, but she was his child, his Heir. If he didn’t have enough faith in her to believe her on this, then how could he trust her to succeed him as ruler and leave the Realm in her hands?

“I’m not an idiot father”, she said as she looked into his eyes, “And Daemon is not one either. We will be wed by the next sennight, why the fuck would we risk it all just to have one night together now? We will be free to lay with each other whenever and wherever we please in just mere days. What would be the point in throwing it all away? And why would we do it in a brothel of all places? Do you truly think me so stupid?”

“No my child”, Viserys answered, “I simply feared what your uncle may have done to you. Otto just showed up in my chambers this morn and told me this horrible story. I know of my brother’s true nature, and I only feared that he may have convinced you to do something careless”

“Well he did not”, Rhaenyra said, “And I can prove it”

“How?”, Viserys questioned.

“We were not alone brother”, Daemon said as he still laid on the floor, “I was trying to tell you, before you threw me to the ground, which was terribly unkind of you by the way. Little Crispy was with us, as I told you he would be”

“Viserys please”, Alicent tried to say as she touched her husband’s arm, “I’m certain this is all a terrible misunderstanding. My father would never do this on purp-”

“Ser Westerling”, Viserys called for his shield, angry and yet tired as he looked to his wife, “Bring me Otto Hightower and Criston Cole”

Chapter Text

“My King”, both Otto and Criston said as they bowed once they reached the Throne Room.

“What has happened Your Grace?”, Otto smiled as he noted Daemon lying on the floor, “Is this about what took place last night?”

“Indeed”, Viserys said through gritted teeth as he walked up to Otto, “Could you please relay to me once more what you were told of last night’s happenings?”

“Certainly Your Grace”, Otto said confidently, “My most trusted source told me that they saw the Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon walking around Flea Bottom. They noted how after some time, the two made their way to a brothel, where they then decided to do things most unbecoming for a maiden of our Princess’ station”

Rhaenyra almost laughed at Otto’s triumphant smile as he looked to her, obviously thinking that he had just brought upon her ruin. She knew others had seen herself and her uncle walk out of the Keep, as they had not bothered to hide themselves, with Daemon not even disguising himself as he cared for all to know that he was with her in case anyone recognised Rhaenyra. She had barely cared to cover her hair, not until they passed through that one street with those creepy men, not since they had the King’s permission to go out. But it seemed that Otto did not know that. Though she detested the man, Rhaenyra could admit that this whole ploy was a good idea, and it could’ve worked if things had been different. But they were not.

“Ser Cole”, Viserys begun as he now turned to her knight, “My daughter and brother tell me you were with them last night. Do you have something you’d like to say about what took place?”

Otto’s face fell, and he suddenly became terribly pale as he looked to Criston. Her sworn shield had been wearing common clothes the night before, so ‘tis likely that whomever had reported back to Otto that they had seen Rhaenyra and Daemon in Flea Bottom, had not recognised her knight. Cole was known by those of the Keep, but he had not been in King’s Landing for long, and Otto’s source had evidently not recognised him. My how fun life was when you had the upper hand.

“Yes my King”, Criston answered as he threw a confused glance at Otto, probably wondering how the man had managed to make up such a story, “Last night Prince Daemon showed up to Princess Rhaenrya’s chambers, and he told us that you had given the Princess permission to spend some time in the city, so she might celebrate her nameday with her people. The three of us walked to Flea Bottom, as the Princess wished to see the various shops that can be found there. We found a gift for the Queen and for Prince Alerion, and then we witnessed a fairly unfortunate attempt at a play. After that the Princess had grown tired, so we just came back to the Keep”

Otto’s face had turned white at this point, and Rhaenyra noted how Alicent shook as she looked to her father. She also noticed how her hand was now gripping Viserys’ arm, a pleading look in her eyes as she readied herself to beg her husband to forgive her father.

“And you are certain that nothing untoward happened between them?”, Viserys questioned.

“Yes Your Grace”, Criston said confidently, “After we came back to the Keep, I escorted the Princess back to her rooms. The Prince Daemon and I talked for some time, and then he left. I do not know where he went my King, but I can assure you that he did not see Princess Rhaenyra after she entered her rooms. And I know for a fact that she stayed there for the rest of the night”

Criston did not say it, but he knew that Rhaenyra had stayed behind because he’d heard her crying the whole night. His heart had broken at the knowledge that the Princess had been so hurt by the play they had seen, and he’d spent that night trying to decide how to best comfort her as morning came. He certainly had not expected this to happen.

“I was with some members of the City Watch if anyone cares”, Daemon huffed as he continued to lay on the floor, a smile on his face as he sneered at Otto, “And you can ask your son about that my good Ser. Your Gwayne was with me the whole time. Shit drunk your son is by the way, can not handle his cups. Almost threw up on me at one point”

Something switched in Viserys’ gaze, as he focused on Otto. Rhaenyra could see the pain in his eyes, as he was probably starting to realise how deep the betrayal ran, as it came from one he’d trusted so. But the sadness quickly turned into rage.

“My King”, Otto begun wearily, “I don’t-”

“Did your source have any witnesses Otto?”, Viserys asked angrily as he stared at his Hand.

“No Your Grace”, Otto admitted, “But they have never once failed me before, and I regret to say that they evidently have now. I did not mea-”

“So you heard a rumor”, Viserys continued, “And simply reported it back to me as a fact. You heard, from a random person who did not have any witnesses to back their claim, that my daughter had allowed her uncle to take her in the middle of a pleasure house. You did not think to question this source properly, and simply showed up to my rooms to tell me of this supposed happening as fact”

“Viserys please”, Alicent begged with tears in her eyes, “My father never meant any harm. As he said, this source had proved trustworthy before. ‘Tis not his fault that they chose to lie to him. We’re evidently talking about someone who wished to take him from you, as they know that he is a-”

“Liar”, Daemon finished the sentence for her as he got up, “A liar who wished to ruin my niece for his own schemy little plans. You’re not a subtle man Otto, and now all see you for who you truly are”

Otto continued to look at Viserys, begging for the King to go back to who he once was, his most favourite puppet who always believed whatever he said. But in Viserys’ eyes, all he saw was anger.

“My father would not lie to you”, Alicent pleaded as she tried to get her husband to look at her, “Why would he ever wish to do such a thin-”

“To ruin me”, Rhaenyra answered her question, “If the people hear of how I was sullied by my uncle, then none would respect me as a future ruler. And our dear Otto would have free reign to make Alerion the King. I already know that he wants Alerion to succeed my father, and in truth this would certainly help his case. If my reputation is ruined, then Otto can can just go around and tell everyone of what a shame it would be to have a whore like me as Queen, especially when there is a much better option sleeping in the nursery. An option that would grant him much more power than I would, that’s for certain”

Otto remained silent, a look of rage in his eyes as he stared at her. He’d been caught, and now had no way of denying what his true intentions always had been. When he’d first heard of the Princess and the Prince having been seen in Flea Bottom, he’d thought it a golden opportunity. He would tell Viserys this horrific story, of how his brother had taken his daughter for all to see, and Viserys would believe him. Daemon would be exiled, Rhaenyra would lose her title, and Alerion would rise. A Hightower King would finally sit the throne, and Otto would rule through him as he did with Viserys. And yet it seemed that the Gods were not by his side on this day.

“Otto Hightower”, Viserys said as he got closer to him, “You are removed from your position as Hand of the King. I thank you for your service to my family these many years, but I believe your interest no longer allign with those of the crown. You are to go back to Oldtown, and you will begin your journey on this very day. You taught me much Otto, always speaking of how it is those closest to you who wish you the most harm. You wished for me to think of my brother as the biggest threat to Rhaenyra, but I now see that your talks may have been naught but projections of your own secret intentions to take her throne when the time comes. I spent too much time trusting those who did not truly care for me, but I see now that I should never have strayed from my family. I’m a slow learner, that is true. But I learn. I thank you for all your many lessons Otto. I will never forget them”

After saying this, Viserys stripped away the Hand of the King’s pin, throwing it to the side as he turned away from him. Otto remained still, motionless as he stared at Viserys. His eyes almost bulged out of his skull, as his gaze switched between Viserys and Rhaenyra. And as he saw the look of victory in her eyes, he knew he’d lost. He had worked for years to get to the throne, and had gotten so close. But now he’d lost.

“My King”, Otto said lowly, “I regret that my failure has hurt you so, and I assure you that I did not wish the Princess any harm when I reported back what I was brought to believe was the truth. I accept your will Your Grace, but ask that I am allowed to remain here. The Keep has been my home for over a decade, and I could not bear to be away from my daughter and her son”

“You don’t care for Alerion”, Rhaenyra huffed, “I spend most of my days with him, and never once have I seen you in the nursery. You wish for him to be your little play thing, but that will not happen Otto. Alerion is my brother, and you will have to go through me if you wish to get to him. You have done more than enough to ensure misery for your family, you will not do that to him as well”

Alicent let out a sob at this, quickly covering her mouth as she continued to cry. Rhaenyra could see the panic in her eyes, and also a look of desperation as she looked at her father. Rhaenyra had never truly understood the relationship between Alicent and Otto, not being able to fathom how one could remain so loyal to someone who had hurt them in such a way. And yet she knew, that in her heart Alicent would forever be Otto Hightower’s daughter first. No matter what else she may become, in her heart she will always belong to him.

“You will leave this place right now” Viserys grunted as he stared at Otto, “You will get on a carriage, and begin your travels back to Oldtown. You will have no contact with anyone from this place, and if you do, I will ensure that both you and whomever you are speaking to are punished for desobeying my order. You will not get anywhere near anyone from my family ever again. You will stay away from this city, and I swear this to you Otto, if I find out that you have stepped foot in King’s Landing just once, Rhaenyra and Daemon have my permission to set you alight”

Otto bowed his head, anger evident in his face as he threw one last glance to the Princess, who in turn smiled at him. He walked away, head held high as he evidently wished to uphold whatever dignity he may have left. Alicent ran after him, not caring about her husband calling her back to him. Rhaenyra’s heart broke at this. Though she’d wanted to fight Otto, she had hoped to keep Alicent close, especially as he saw her crumble under the pressure of her new title. She understood that none of this had been Alicent’s will, and had hoped to be a source of comfort for her friend. But Alicent had rejected her. Now that Otto would be gone, perhaps Rhaenyra could once again find a way in her friend’s life. But as she saw Alicent desperately run after her father, turning away from her without doubt in her heart as she followed the man who had ruined her life, she knew that it could never be. Alicent had never been her own person, and Rhaenyra did not know if she could ever allow herself to be more than what Otto had created.

“Well that was fun”, Daemon said as he chuckled, “Took you long enough brother, but I’m glad to see you’ve finally let your dragon roam free”

Viserys did not respond, hurt and exhaustion evident on his face as he simply left the Throne Room. Though Rhaenyra had always begrudged her father for his complete trust in Otto, she knew that to Viserys that man had been a true friend. Otto had been by his side since he first took the throne, and Viserys truly did believe that he wanted nothing but what was best for him. But now he knew the truth, and to know that he’d been played all this time hurt him deeply.

“I need a drink”, is all Criston had to say on the matter.

Chapter Text

“Mina stop playing with that crown and hand it over to the Princess”, Desmera said annoyed as she tried to get the piece from the younger girl.

“But it’s so pretty”, Mina replied as she hung onto it.

“It is very pretty indeed”, Leonella said as she swooped in to take it from her, “Hence why it belongs to the bride, and not to her Lady. This is Rhaenyra’s day Mina, please don’t start complaining. I know you like to be involved, but perhaps you could involve yourself in helping the Princess, not in attempting to steal her things”

Rhaenyra laughed at the girls, and she saw Desmera roll her eyes behind her. As she stood before the mirror, Rhaenyra couldn’t help the sigh of relief that escaped her. The day had finally come. She and Daemon would be married before their Gods, and nobody could part them afterwards. As was costum during the Valyrian ceremony, Rhaenyra and Daemon would both be wearing traditional gowns, and as the bride, Rhaenyra would get to wear a beautiful crown that had been passed down through generations. She was grateful that she would get to honour her ancestors on this day, and could only hope that they would be proud to see herself and Daemon united as one.

“Can we go swimming tomorrow?”, Jeyne asked as she looked outside the window.

“No Jeyne”, Desmera sighed as she rolled her eyes once more whilst continuing to braid Rhaenyra’s hair, “We will travel back to King’s Landing tomorrow morning, and before you ask, no I will not take you swimming tonight. We have come to Dragonstone for the Princess’ wedding, not so you might swim in frozen cold waters and die. Such happenings would ruin the mood, and today must be perfect. So I will not allow any of you to mess anything up”

As the eldest of the girls, Desmera had become an odd sort of mother figure to them all. She did not have the kindness of a mother, but she definitely had the iron fist that came with such a responsibility. After Rhaenyra was finally ready, she turned around, and as the girls all celebrated how great she looked, she silently thanked the Gods for allowing them all in her life.

“I can’t wait to get married”, Tya said, “Jason has promised to find me a great husband, and I’m certain he will be handsome and kind, and hopefully he will look to me as Prince Daemon does to you. The man is very fearsome, and yet he looks so soft whenever you’re around”

“I’m very lucky”, Rhaenyra agreed, “And if you girls allow me, I would like to begin searching for a husband for you when the time comes. As you all live at the Keep, you are under my watch. I will obviously have to report back to your families, but it would be my pleasure to introduce you to the many Lords who visit our home, so you might perhaps find someone you like”

“One can only dream”, Desmera huffed, “My father is going to marry me off to Owen Fossoway, and while the man is not ugly, he is a little older than what I'd like. Though he was kind to me the one time we met, so perhaps it won’t be too bad”

“If he ever tries anything, you just tell me”, Rhaenyra said as she took Desmera’s hand, “You will not have to suffer him, not with me by your side. He will be your husband, but I will forever be above him. One word and he will get a visit from myself and Syrax, and trust me, most men quickly falter once a dragon shows up on their doorstep”

The girls made their way outside, and Rhaenyra was quickly welcomed by the breeze of Dragonstone. She welcomed the wind, as she basked in the air of her true home. She’d always lived in the Keep, but the second she’d stepped foot on Dragonstone, she’d known that she was always meant to come here. This place had been her family’s first home in Westeros, and the memories of those who had come before her were strong here, and she finally felt like she belonged.

She walked to the aisle, where Daemon waited her as a Valyrian officiant stood next to him, looking as beautiful as ever, long hair flowing in the wind as he smiled to her. Not many people were present, as Rhaenyra wished for it to only be herself and Daemon, and those they held closest to their hearts. Viserys was there, with tears in his eyes as he looked to her. He had a sad smile on his face, one that could only belong to a father who was watching his little girl become a woman grown. Alicent had decided not to attend, though Rhaenyra had tried to convince her to come. After her father left, Alicent had pretty much locked herself in her rooms. Rhaenyra did not know what Otto had told her as the two bid each other goodbye, but she’d seen Alicent almost run back to her chambers afterwards. She was crying, and Rhaenyra could only imagine the mean taunts Otto had spewed at his daughter as anger still cursed through his veins. She was sad to know that he still held such power over her, and could only hope that with him away, Alicent would understand that she could finally be free from his grasp.

Once Rhaenrya reached him at the altar, Daemon immediately took her hands into his. The ceremony was beautiful, and Rhaenyra was so thankful to be able to share this moment with someone who she knew honoured their ancestors as she did. The cutting was not the most pleasant experience, and she was certain that the sting would stay with her for days. And yet as she looked into Daemon’s eyes she found she did not care for the pain as much, for she would bear it every day if it meant they would be together.

After the ceremony Viserys almost sprung on the two newlyweds, hugging them both close as he spoke of how lucky he had been to witness their wedding.

“To see the two I love most become one”, he almost cried as he clung to them, “How grateful I am, that the Gods have chosen to bless me so”

The feast that was held in their honour was a peaceful one, thankfully. With such few people it was hard for things to go wrong, but Rhaenyra never doubted that if there was one family that could mess things up, that was her own. But in truth the one most likely to cause trouble was sitting next to her, a tight grip on her hand as he did not seem intent on straying. So hopefully by keeping Daemon Targaryen at bay, Rhaenyra could stop dreading that something would happen to ruin this day.

“Princess”, she heard a voice approach the royal table, “My Prince. You honoured my family by inviting us to witness as you wed. The ceremony was very beautiful, and I do not doubt that the Gods were with you as you took each other before them”

“I thank you Lord Corlys”, she said smiling, “It makes me happy to see that you have decided to join us. Though it saddens me to say that I feel the strain between our two families, I wish you to know that I cherish our kinship. Nothing matters to me more than my family, and that includes yours”

“Thank you Princess”, Rhaenys said as she stood by her husband, “It does however break my heart to know that our family is not together in truth, as there is one missing whose presence I know would've mattered most to you. But I know in my heart that your mother is with us today. Our most beloved Queen Aemma smiling down at us, as we watch two of her favourite people be wed”

Rhaenyra did not know what to say, the pain for her mother’s passing still so fresh in her heart. She was thankful for Daemon in this moment, as he gently rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand as he held onto it tightly, his warmth immediately comforting her.

“My cousin was a good woman”, he said with a sad smile, sensing that Rhaenyra would not be able to say anything as the pain took over her, “I can only hope she would’ve approved of our match. But in my heart I know that she would have, for she always knew how much I cared for Rhaenyra. I yearn for nothing more than to make her happy, and I suppose a mother could wish for nothing more as her daughter is wed”

“Indeed”, Rhaenys smiled as she looked to Corlys, “Marriage can be a complicated affair, but when you go through this journey with someone who you know would come back from the ends of the world for you, then it’s all worth it”

Viserys did not say anything during this interaction, simply staring at his cup with a small pout on his face. Hearing Aemma’s name always hurt, but to listen in as all wished for her to be here with them made it all so much worse. She should be here, and yet she was not. And it was his fault. In that moment he thought of Alicent, whose refusal to come had angered him at first, as he did not care for her defiance of him, but in truth he was almost glad she was not there. And he felt horrible about it. He knew that everything that had happened with Otto had taken a great toll on her, and to know his own wife was so terribly unhappy hurt, especially as he was now reminded of how he'd treated his first. But in the end, Alicent needed to understand that her father losing his position had been noone's fault but his own, and throwing tantrums would not get her anywhere.

Her insistance on claiming her father’s innocence was beginning to get on his nerves. He understood that like any daughter, she believed her father was a good man, but Viserys was her husband. She had to understand that now, he was the one she had to listen to, not only as her husband, but as her King. He’d visit her sometimes, and to hear her plead for him to allow her father to come back to the Keep was greatly troubling him. He just wanted this whole business to be over. He did not feel well, and no longer had it in him to fight her. Nor did he care to humor her anymore.

Her absence on this day had been noted by all, and Viserys had been forced to come up with excuses to justify why the Queen had refused to attend the Princess’ wedding. He himself had not cared much, as he knew that she did not support his daughter’s union to his brother, and did not wish for her constant complaints to ruin the festivities. But he detested that even after he had explained to her why this could not stand, she had resisted him. He’d insisted for a couple days, but had given up in the end, deciding that ignoring her would be the best course of action, so that she’d hopefully get over it after spending some time with herself. It usually worked, pretending that his problems were not there until they went away. And hopefully it would work this time as well.

“Father”, Rhaenyra called to him, distracting him from his thoughts, “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Yes my girl”, he said as he smiled to her, “It makes me happy to see such joy live within you once more. To know that you have found the other piece of your heart is enough to fill mine own”

Rhaenyra smiled, and Viserys saw the way Daemon caressed her hand. Gently his brother was seeking to comfort Rhaenyra, faithfully by her side as he always had been. Viserys was glad that he had agreed to their match, for he does not wish to know what would’ve happened if he’d kept them apart. Those two were meant to be together, and the proof was here for all to see, as the loved they shared was clear in their eyes.

The feast continued, with Viserys smiling softly as he watched his brother and daughter dance together. Daemon had never been one for dancing, but to see him spin Rhaenyra around as both laughed reassured Viserys that all was well. His life at the Keep had been bothersome, having to deal with naming a new Hand after the last one had been around for over a decade had not been easy, and Viserys could only hope that Lyonel Strong would prove himself as Rhaenyra had promised he would. Dealing with Alicent was another matter however, because while Viserys wanted to discipline her, because he understood that he could not have her straying too far from him, unless he wanted to have another Otto in his hands, he did feel for her.

“I think it’s time for us all to retire”, he announced as night fell over Dragonstone, “And may the Gods be with our happy couple as they join as man and wife”, he cringed a little at his words. He’d said it because he had to, as was costum for the Lord of the land whenever a wedding was held. But my did it pain him to force a smile, as he had pretty much just wished his brother and child good luck in the consummation of their wedding.

“Thanks brother”, Daemon said as he grinned at him, patting him on the shoulder with Rhaenyra laughing behind him. The two left, going to their rooms as they swayed their joined hands back and forth.

Rhaenyra had spoken at great lengths to the Small Council, about when it would be the most appropriate time for herself and Daemon to consummate their union. The conversations had been some of the most dreadful and embarassing moments of Viserys’ entire life, as he just tried to sink into his chair whilst the Lords of the Council spoke on when it would be most appropriate for his brother to bed his daughter. Rhaenyra and Daemon had both been ademant on doing it after the Valyrian ceremony, but the High Septon had challenged them, stating that they needed to wait until the Westerosi wedding.

Rhaenyra had been willing to listen to the man, though Viserys knew she held little respect for him as she thought him a friend of Otto’s, something Viserys knew to be true. But Rhaenyra had wished to hear what he had to say on the matter, as he was a representative of the faith most of her people followed and she wished to tread carefully around what the people wouldn't respond well to, but then the High Septon had stumbled.

“The ceremony at the Sept shall be the only true one, so you must wait”

Neither Rhaenyra nor Daemon had taken kindly to the man claiming that the wedding that would be held according to their own traditions as children of Old Valyrian was naught but a farce, and that is when all crumbled. Rhaenyra herself had asked the High Septon if he wished for her to send word to the Lords of the North, to let them know that since they did not get married in a Sept of the Seven, but instead in front of the Weirwood tree, then that meant that their marriages were all voids, and their children bastards according to the High Septon himself. So in the end, the man had relented, stating only that he wished for the sheets to be presented to him once the consummation occurred, as proof.

Viserys had noted how Daemon had seemed ready to argue that as well, but Rhaenyra had stilled him. She did not seem to comfortable with the idea of the High Septon wanting to see her bloodied sheets, but more likely than not, she knew that if she resisted then people would wonder why. Rumours of what Otto had stated had not found their way around the Keep, thankfully, but Rhaenyra knew she had to be careful. She knew the High Septon was Otto's friend, and also knew that the man would go back to Oldtown as soon as they were done with her Westerosi ceremony. She'd bleed on the sheets, that she did not doubt, and she'd hang them in the middle of the Great Hall of the Keep if she had to, just so that none would dare question her virtue, and her honour alongside it. If the man wanted the sheets, then she'd hand them over.

Viserys had been most proud to see her handle herself with such grace, and also glad to see that Daemon had never once spoken over her, just nodding in agreement and standing by her side without overstepping, not once. A part of him may still be uncomfortable with the union, but he knew it was the greatest of blessings for all involved, as Rhaenyra had won over a great ally, and Daemon was finally happy and off Viserys' back.

After bidding goodbye to all attendees, Viserys went to his chambers. He did not have Alicent to warm his bed, and yet he was almost glad as he did not care to hear her complain, or even worse, to see the sadness that had ruled her for days at this point. The last visit had been different, and she'd seemed almost in high spirits, much to Viserys' delight. But he still thought her absence on this day was for the best, as he knew that her presence would've made things weird for Rhaenyra. And today was her wedding day, so everything had to be perfect. And thankfully it had been.

And so he fell asleep, a lingering feeling in his heart that something bad was about to happen.

But he chose to ignore it, as he always did.

Chapter Text

“Daemon”, Rhaenyra whispered as her husband pushed her against a wall, “Daemon please”

“It’s alright ābrazȳrys”, Daemon said as he sunk his teeth in her neck, “I’ll take care of you, don’t worry”

Rhaenyra and Daemon had managed to keep away from each other throughout their betrothal. They knew all looked to them expecting them to cave, and yet they had resisted. Neither wished for anyone to have any reason to put a stop to their union, especially since they knew Otto was more likely spying on them whenever they were together. But now they were married, and nobody could stop them from finally giving into the hunger they felt for one another.

“Please”, she begged once more, her hands finding the laces behind her dress to start untying them. Her whole body shook as she felt need take hold of her heart and body alike, so after a while Daemon took pity on her and helped her rid herself of the cursed garment.

“So needy”, he mumbled lowly, “Didn’t know you yearned for me so my love”

“I do”, she breathed out, “I do Daemon please”

He quickly helped her get out of her dress, and as she now only wore her shift he took a second to look at her. The light shift barely helped cover her modesty, and he could clearly see the outlines of her body as it laid underneith. The moonlight shone through the windows, and Daemon couldn’t help but thank the Gods as he saw the way his beloved almost trembled as she waited for him.

He brought their lips together, kissing her deeply as their tongue danced a battle he won with ease. Rhaenyra almost appeared drunk, eyes heavy as she looked to him, hunger clear in her gaze as her hands found his pants. She started touching the tent that had formed thanks to their kiss, though in truth he’d been hard since he’d seen her walk to him as he stood at the altar. To see his beloved as she wore a gown that honoured their family had worked for him in many ways. And the way she’d looked deep in his eyes as she cut his lip had almost made him fall to his knees right then and there.

“Rhaenyra”, he moaned as she rubbed his cock, head falling back as he looked to the ceiling. He prayed to the Gods for some restraint, as he very much did not wish to come in his pants right now.

“Take me valzȳrys”, she whispered as she looked into his eyes, “Make me yours as none have before, and as none but you ever will. I’m all yours Daemon, and I always have been”

This woman was gonna make him lose his mind, is what Daemon thought before he roughly grasped Rhaenyra’s face in his hands. He brought their lips together again, this time almost angrily as he pushed his tongue deep within her mouth. He yearned to sheathe himself within her, to feel the warmth of her cunt as it tightened around his cock. But patience is a virtue.

“Lay down”, he said. Rhaenyra quickly followed his command, laying on the bed as she looked to him with such expectation in her eyes. He took his time to look to her once more, trying to decide on what exactly he wanted to do first. He almost crawled to her, placing his body atop hers as Rhaenrya immediately tried to join their lips again, yearning to feel him as close as possible.

“You’re beautiful”, he whispered. Rhaenyra smiled at him, a genuine one as love took hold of her heart. Daemon started placing gentle little kisses on her face, first on her forehead, then on her nose, her lips, and then a final one on her jaw before making his way to her neck.

“You’re so gorgeous my love”, he said as he continued to sing her praises, whishing for her to know how much he yearned for her as he made his way down her body. Though she was still wearing her shift, Daemon could feel the warmth of her skin through the thin material, and also noticed how hard her nipples were before he took one in his mouth. Rhaenyra moaned at this, her hand finding its way to his hair as she grabbed onto it roughly, which in turn elicited a growl from Daemon, who had always had a thing for pain in the bedchambers. He gently bit on Rhaenyra’s nipple, before continuing down until he was faced with what he’d longed for for so long.

“May I?”, he asked gently as he looked to her. Rhaenyra was breathing heavily as she looked down, eyes heavy as she struggled to keep them open. She nodded, though Daemon could see a look of confusion in her eyes, that quickly went wide as he dove into her. He immediately focused on her nub, knowing from past experiences that that was the one sure way to ensure a woman’s pleasure. Rhaenyra almost screamed at the feeling, terribly overwhelmed as she continued to stare at him. And with how hard Daemon was already, he thought the eye contact would make his cock explode if she carried on like this.

“Daemon”, Rhaenyra moaned as he carried on with his ministrations. As he continued to feast on her, he brought up one of his hands. His fingers gently caressing her leg, before getting to her inner thigh as he put more pressure in his touch. Gathering her wetness, Daemon ensured his middle finger was thouroughly coated in it before he brought it to her entrance. He wished to take her as she was, but did not want her to experience more pain than what was needed.

He knew that many only saw the act of the consummation as a duty, something that must be done in order to bring children into this world. But Rhaenyra deserved better than that. The woman who laid underneath him, looking at him like he was the only person in this world, deserved so much better than for him to just take her without caring for her first. He wanted her to know pleasure, needed her to know that from this day forth, she would never again leave their bed until he'd made her see the stars over and over again. The act itself would cause her discomfort, Daemon knew that, but that did not mean he couldn't make her feel good beforehand.

Rhaenyra let out a shaky breath as Daemon's finger breached her, and as he felt how warm and tight she was Daemon once again had to hold himself back from coming in his pants. He worked his finger in and out of her, continuing to soothe her with his tongue as he then added a second. As he scissored the two within her, mind lost to him at how tight and warm she felt around him, he found that spongey spot he was looking for. And the moan Rhaenya let out as he focused on that, was greater than anything any whore could ever have offered him.

He'd taken many in his bed before this day, both men and women as he'd never found it in his heart to deny himself the pleasure of either sex. He'd fucked them all and made love to many, but this was different. Seeing Rhaenyra as she laid there, writhing under him as her legs remained spread for him to observe, her body there for him to worship and mark as his own. He'd never experienced anything like this before. He'd thought he'd known pleasure in this life, but nothing could ever compare to laying with one who he loved more than any other, and who he knew loved him in turn.

“Oh Gods”, Rhaenrya almost sobbed at the overstimulation, before her whole body shook and Daemon’s mouth was flooded with her juices. He gently worked his mouth on her as she came down from her high, yearning to have her taste on his lips forever.

“So sweet”, he whispered as he once again placed himself above her. Much to his surprise Rhaenyra grasped onto his face and pretty much stuck her tongue in his mouth. Daemon did not mind this whatsoever, and gladly reciprocated the kiss as their tastes became one. Out of nowhere Rhaenyra pushed him off, quickly taking off her shift before demanding he bared himself to her. Daemon leaned in to touch her, but she placed herself further away from him. She simply looked to him expectantly, eyeying him up and down as she looked like a Goddess of Old Valyria. Her hair, though messy now, remained braided in the traditional style of their house. The scar on her lip prominent as their kisses had opened it once more, with her forehead marred by the symbol he’d drawn on her with their mixed blood. She kept staring at him, assessing him as he moved to remove his clothes.

Daemon did just that, slowly and with his eyes stuck on hers, noting the small sigh that escaped her once his manhood was revealed. He had never been shy about his body, not since he'd been in enough pleasure houses, and had laid with enough men, to know that he was more than well endowed. But seeing how she looked at him, hunger and need clear in her eyes as she almost moaned once he begun to make his way to her, he'd never felt more beautiful.

He looked deep in her eyes as he took his cock in his hand, running it over her slit to gather her juices, hoping that the slick would aid in making this first experience not as painful as Daemon knew it could be for women. He'd never cared much for the concept of a maidenhead, never truly understanding what was so special about when and where a woman was taken for the first time, or why men were so intent on ensuring that they would be the only ones to ever touch their wives. But now he understood. The mere idea of Rhaenyra ever laying with another, of anyone but him ever seeing her as she was now, eyes clouded by lust as her hands grabbed onto his shoulders, made fire rage within his heart. She was his, as she always had been. And nobody would ever get to have her as he was about to.

“I love you”, he whispered to her as he entered her, and to feel their bodies join in such a way made him feel like he belonged. Never once had Daemon ever known such peace as he did in this moment. Rhaenyra’s eyes filled with tears, and for a second Daemon worried she was in pain. But then his love shook her head, smiling at him as the tears fell.

“I love you”, she whispered back to him.

Daemon started moving, his thrusts gentle as he did not wish to disrupt the peace that now ruled between them. The room silent but for the noises of the bed as he moved, and the sighs of the woman he loved. The feeling of her tightness and her warmth as her cunt wrapped itself around him almost made him lose his mind, but that wasn't all. Cunts and asses could always be tight and warm if one was lucky enough to find a whore who had not yet been breached one too many times, but none of them could ever give him what Rhaenyra was right now.

He'd always felt tied to her, in a way that he'd never been able to understand for himself, and much less explain to others. There had always been something that told him that the two had been made to walk this earth together, and that he would never belong to any as he did to Rhaenyra. The love and devotion he'd always felt for his brother paled in comparison to the outmost reverence he experienced whenever Rhaenyra was around. The feeling had scared him for some time, the knowledge that he would burn the world down for her being almost overwhelming at times. But now he could see it, how all that had lead up to this.

The two had been meant to be together, and they had been meant to belong to one another in this exact way. In truth Daemon did not last too long, embarrassingly enough, but in his defence he'd almost come the second she kissed him on the altar, so he'd been holding it in for some time now. He remained sheathed within her afterwards, moving his hips around gently, almost as if he needed to know that his seed had reached as far as it could, to ensure that a child would be born out of this. He'd never felt that before, never caring to have bastards running around the place as whichever one of the whores he'd lain with demanded he cared for her and them as well. But with Rhaenyra, he needed to know that his own seed would settle in her womb, and that she would forever have some pieces of him within her body, needing to know that she would forever carry the mark he'd left on her on this day. Needing all to know that she belonged to him in every single way, as he did to her.

He had to almost force himself to pull out of her, only doing so when she made a noise of discomfort, as the overstimulation had evidently crossed the line between pleasure and pain. As he did, he fell back on his knees, and the sight of his seed seeping out of her was almost enough to make him sheathe himself within her once more. But instead, he settled for delicately gathering some of it on his fingers, watching as his seed and her juices became one. When Rhaenyra's hand came to grab onto his wrist, he thought he'd hurt her by touching her as she was still so sore, but instead, his beloved wife brought his wet fingers to her mouth, sucking onto them as she cleaned him up. And Daemon swore that he'd never gotten hard so fast in his life.

But with the thought of one day seeing what else Rhaenyra's mouth could do one day, Daemon decided to get up and grab onto a rag, gently wiping away his seed from her legs as he did not wish for her to feel any discomfort as it dried on her skin. After that he just laid next to her, Rhaenyra's head immediately falling onto his chest as both panted, breathing deeply as they basked in the knowledge that they were finally one, and nobody could part them now. Not that anybody could've done that in the first place.

And as he looked to her afterwards, as she slept soundly while Daemon cradled her close. The warmth of their bodies brought him a peace his heart had never known, and Daemon knew now more than ever, that there never had been anyone else for him. Because Rhaenyra was everything.

She was his home.

Chapter Text

“You look beautiful Princess”, Mina whispered as she looked to her, “Your mother would be proud to see you have chosen to honour her this way”

Rhaenyra did not answer, simply continuing to stare at her own reflection as she saw another stand in her stead. On this day herself and Daemon would be married according to Westerosi costums, and though Rhaenyra herself did not care much for this whole affair, she had decided to wear her mother’s maiden cloak. She’d found it randomly, as she looked through her possessions, and had broken down in tears as she held it close. Immediately she knew that she would wear it on her wedding day, and yet she could not help the utter dispair that took hold of her heart once she realised that she would have to give it over to the seamstress before she could do that. The cloak was so small, and Rhaenyra had once again been tormented by images of her poor mother, as a scared child of barely 11 namedays, as she unkowingly walked to her death. She had been so young. Too young.

“Thank you Mina”, she choked out, “I wish she was here”

“I know”, Mina said as she hugged her close.

The ceremony itself was quite boring, and Rhaenyra had to use all her strength to resist bursting out in laughter as Daemon stifled a yawn at one point. Once it was done, the two of them turned to face the nobles present, and Rhaenyra was glad to see that as they walked out of the room, they all smiled at her. Everyone seemed happy for the two, and it warmed Rhaenyra’s heart to know that her people seemed to have grown accostumed to the idea of herself and Daemon truly being one. She would rule when the time came, and Daemon would be by her side as she did, so she had hoped for so long that the people would warm up to him. And it seems that they had.

Once they all gathered in the Great Hall, various Ladies immediately swarmed her, all speaking of how gorgeous she looked, and of what a beautiful pair she and Daemon made together. She usually detested these women, terribly annoyed by how fake they always were, simply trying to gain her favour because she was a Princess. But she was happy to hear from them right now, as they seemed to share her joy.

“Princess”, a maid said as she walked to her, “Someone wishes to see you”

“Oh hello little one”, Rhaenyra cooed as she was handed Alerion, “Did you have a nice time valonqar? I hope we didn’t bore you too much”

The Ladies immediately awed at the scene, happy to see the Targaryen siblings together once more. Rhaenyra had heard from her own Ladies, of how those of the court had not taken kindly to Alicent’s apparent lack of interest in her child. She herself could not fault her for it, as she could not imagine how difficult it must be for Alicent to look at the proof of a marriage she did not want in the first place. But she loved Alerion, and was glad to see that all recognised how true and pure their bond was. Her little brother looked up at her, and with his chubby little hands tried to grab at her hair, and she couldn't help but giggle.

“You look beautiful together”, said Johanna Westerling, “Almost like a mother and son”

Rhaenyra sighed at this, smiling sadly as she looked to her brother. As Alicent’s resistance to bond with her son had simply grown after her father had taken his leave, Rhaenyra had taken to spending all her time with little Alerion. She was the one who the maids went to whenever Alerion had any issue, and she was the one they turned to when they couldn’t get him to fall asleep. She would always attend to him, not wishing for him to know of how little those who should truly did care for him, and she would sing. Her valonqar so loved it when she sang a little lullaby her mother had once sung to her, smiling at her before his eyes slowly fell shut. As she held him close now, his heart beating alongside her own, Rhaenyra couldn’t help but bask in the feeling that in her soul, she truly did feel like this babe belonged to her.

“My children”, Viserys said as he walked to them, “How it warms my old heart to see you together. My Heir and my son, what an image you two make as one”

As he spoke Viserys looked to her, but his gaze quickly fell to the ground as he noted that she was still wearing her maiden cloak. Her father had not been told of Rhaenyra’s choice to wear it on this day, and as he’d seen her walk down the aisle, he’d looked almost haunted by the one who stood before him. His eyes had filled with tears, and though it was clear he wanted to, he had not managed to tear them away from her. Guilt and shame filled his heart, and Rhaenyra was glad of it.

She knew his marriage to her mother had not been his choice, just like it had not been hers. Their grandparents had been the ones to decide that the two cousins would wed, so she could not fault her father for marrying Aemma when she was still a mere child. But she could fault him for laying with her. Rhaenyra knew that all the Maesters had advised him against it, stating plainly that Aemma was just too young, but Viserys hadn't cared. And her mother had died because of it. When he looked at her now, a woman grown who he still thought of as a child, she wanted him to remember her. Wanted him to be haunted by the image of the 11 namedays old child he'd taken, as she laid in their marriage bed, probably not even aware of what was happening as a man she thought she could trust condemned her to death.

“Little Alerion is a blessing”, Rhaenyra said, “It brings me great pride to know that I’ll have him by my side as I ascend as Queen. My brother will not sit the throne, but I’m certain that he shall be with me as I do. Family must stick close together, and the house of the dragon must remain united as one if we wish to flourish”

Daemon neared them at this point, and he quickly hugged Rhaenyra close as he groaned in her ear about how beautiful she looked as she held a babe. As the two had begun to explore the other side of their relationship, Rhaenyra had discovered that her uncle truly seemed very taken by the idea of her swelling up with his child. For so long she’d feared having babes, but as the three stood together, with his arms protectively wrapped around herself and Alerion, she knew she would be more than happy to bring forth a child born of their union.

As the feast continued, Rhaenyra mingled with the various Lords and Ladies present, and made sure to speak to them all and pay attention to everything they had to say. She listened to all their complaints, and tried her best to give them educated council on how to best solve their problems. She saw Lyonel Strong sat at the royal table, by her father’s side as the pin of the Hand of the King shone bright on his doublet. She had been the one to propose him as Hand after Otto had left, since she had seen how dutiful he was as he taught her all she would need to know to make a good ruler. He was a good man, and a loyal servant. And most importantly, he believed in her. If her father was going to rely solely on his hand to rule the Realm, she might as well try to provide him with one who wished to see her succeed.

“Are you tired my love?”, Daemon questioned once the two sat back down at the royal table, with little Alerion on Daemon’s lap as he had fallen asleep, “Just say the word and I’ll whisk you away my heart, nothing would make me happier than for the two of us to retire back to our chambers”

“Ew Daemon”, Viserys sighed next to Rhaenyra, “Please brother, refrain from making such crude comments when I’m around. I’m eating, and the images make my stomach hurt”

Rhaenyra chuckled at this, laughing as Daemon made a big show of placing his arm around her shoulders and tugging her close, much to Viserys’ annoyance as he huffed loudly.

“The Queen Alicent Hightower”, Ser Westerling announced as Alicent finally made her appearence.

She had not been there for the ceremony in the Sept, and when Rhaenyra had questioned her father about it, he’d mumbled something about how she had been in a bad mood and he did not care for her to ruin their celebrations. Rhaenyra did not know why Alicent was so upset, as she had actually thought that Otto’s absence would do her well. She had not appreciated Alicent's little tantrum in the Godswood, but she could not stop thinking about how afraid of Otto she had looked when he'd stormed out of the rooms. Their relationship was a complicated one, and though Rhaenyra did not understand it, she did know that Alicent was not to blame for how she submitted to her father's will, for that was simply the way of their world. She had felt horrible for her friend for moons now, and had truly hoped that not having her father around would help her in understanding that whilst yes, she was married to Viserys, Rhaenyra was still by her side. But as she looked to her once most beloved friend walking to her, rage fuelled her heart.

“What the fuck is she wearing?”, Daemon grunted next to her.

Alicent was wearing green, a cursed color that had a very specific meaning to her house, and Rhaenyra’s breath caught in her throat as she saw the look in her eyes. Alicent was livid, that was obvious, but she also seemed proud. She walked to the royal table with her head held high, and had a weird smile on her face as she looked to the table where the other Hightowers sat. Through her year as Queen, Alicent had been naught but a scared little girl, looking tinier and tinier as the pressure of a crown she never wanted weighed her down to the ground. But now she stood tall, and for once she truly did look like a Queen.

“What is this?”, Rhaenyra said loudly before she could think better of it.

Alicent stopped, evidently not having expected to get called out so quickly. She remained motionless, but a step away from the stairs that lead to the royal table. She almost looked like a prisoner, waiting to hear of her fate as her executioners looked down to her.

“What is the meaning of this?”, Rhaenyra questioned as she rose up from her seat, staring at Alicent as the entire Hall had now fallen silent.

“I don-”, Alicent tried to say.

“What is this Alicent?”, Rhaenyra asked again, anger in her voice as she walked to her, “Why are you wearing this? Do you not understand what this means?”

Alicent did not respond, simply staring at Rhaenyra as she fidgeted with her fingers. Rhaenyra could see that the pride she’d held but moments ago still lived within her, but it wavered once faced with the dragon that now ruled Rhaenyra as she confronted her.

“On the day of my wedding, you showed up wearing mourning attire. So I do not see what issue you may take wih me wearing a normal dress”, Alicent said as she looked in Rhaenyra’s eyes, “Green is the colour of my house, and I wear it with pride”

“No it’s not”, Rhaenyra answered in turn, “You are no longer a Hightower, and haven’t been since you married my father. You’re a Targaryen now, so your colours are black and red, hence why I wore black to your wedding. I’m wearing black right now, and this is not a funeral”

“Not yet”, Daemon mumbled as he sipped his wine.

“But even then, green is not the colour of house Hightower”, Rhaenyra stated loudly, “Not unless one wishes to call for war. Is that what you’re doing Alicent? Are you trying to call for war?”

Alicent tried to mantain her composure, holding her head high as she looked to Rhaenyra, but the walls were beginning to crack. The look in her eyes was now one of desperation, as she realised that what she thought of as a show of power on her part, was being used against her by Rhaenyra. She looked around, and noted that nobody seemed intent on sticking up for her. The Lords and Ladies were looking at her with contempt, and she even saw a couple of them laughing at her.

“I would think about it long and hard if I were you Alicent”, Rhaenyra said through gritted teeth, “What you’re trying to start is a needless war, and you will lose. You stand alone, and you will continue to do so if you dare to do this. I most certainly do not intend to let you take Alerion on this journey you’re trying to go on. So just know, that if you move against me, you will do so alone. And I don’t know how many would be willing to bet on a lonely tower as it stands against dragons”

Alicent’s eyes were filled with tears, and though she remained motionless, Rhaenyra could see in her eyes that she wanted nothing more than to run away from her. Just this morn she would’ve felt horrible for leaving Alicent in such condition, but she had done this to herself. In Alicent’s eyes she now saw anger, resentment, and just pure fear. Good.

“My people”, Viserys said as he rose from his seat, angry stare directed at his wife as he looked down to her, “I never thought I would have to do this, and yet my wife’s little display on this night has given me no other choice. As I have stated more than once before, my daughter Rhaenyra is my Heir, and that will never change. She will succeed me as your Queen, for that is my will. The birth of my son Alerion, does not alter the line of succession, and to ensure that I shall make an official decleration to you all. My son Alerion, shall no longer be in the line of succession at all. He will no longer hold the title of Prince of the Realm, and I will ensure that there is a royal decree, that states that not him, nor any other children I may have in the future, will ever sit the throne”

The Hall remained silent, and even Rhaenyra found herself speechless as she looked at her father. He’d said it before, that Alerion would never be King, and had even declared it before everyone during the feast that had been held to celebrate his birth. He’d made sure to correct anyone who dared to imply otherwise, and had remained true to his word that he would support Rhaenyra as his Heir. But she’d never expected this.

“My King”, Ormund Hightower begun to say, “This is a great sign of disrespect to my house. Between this and what happened to my brother, the dismissal is too great for me to simply sit her-”

“And yet that is exactly what you will do”, Viserys interrupted him, “I am your King Ormund, be sure to remember that before you try to speak against me. Your brother got himself exiled back to Oldtown, for committing high treason. I did not cut out his tongue out of respect for your family and for my wife, but if I had been any other King, I would’ve had his head for daring so far. Alerion will remain at court, as he is in the end my son. He is a member of my family, and will remain as such until his last day, or until he himself decides otherwise. I named Rhaenyra as my Heir the year before Alerion was born, and I have never faltered in my support of her. If anyone ever deluded themselves into thinking that I would change my mind, well that is on them. Alerion was never meant to wear the crown, and he shan’t. Your blood will never sit the Iron Throne Ormund”

Everyone present remained silent, as they looked to their King, a man who had once been the most meek of humans, always smiling politely and just sitting there as all did as they pleased. In his stead, a dragon wore the crown on this day, and none could help but awe at this display of a father’s loyalty to his child. Silence ruled the room for some time, as all who had planned to see Alerion rise, wondered how they could do that now that the boy was no longer a Prince. It would've been difficult enough already, with all the allies Rhaenyra had gathered, but now that Alerion wasn't even an official member of the royal family? Would it even be worth it to try and fight, if there didn't seem to be any hope for victory? All remained silent, as the King's words and their meaning sunk in.

And out of nowhere, Alicent started laughing.

Chapter Text

“That is not what a merman looks like Jeyne”, Mina said as she poked fun at the younger girl’s attempt at embroidering her family’s sigil.

“Well in all fairness to her”, Leonella intervened as she saw a little pout show up on Jeyne’s face as she prepared to cry, “A merman is much more complicated than a rose, so leave her be Mina. You might be the most experienced amongst us, but she’s trying her best. And I for one think this fish with eyes and a head full of hair is very beautiful Jeyne”

Rhaenyra giggled at this, as Desmera rolled her eyes behind her. The girls were sitting in the Godswood, simply appreciating the sunlight as it shone on their skin. Rhaenyra was not feeling her best, so they had all decided to just spend the day in the place that brought her most comfort.

“Where is Prince Daemon?”, Tya questioned Rhaenyra as she giggled, “I would like to see his attempt at embroidery”

“My husband is with the King”, Rhaenyra answered as she too laughed at the thought of her fearsome husband wielding a needle as one would a sword, “The two had a meeting this morn with Lord Corlys Velaryon, about a possible match between his son Laenor and Mya Baratheon. I met the woman a few times in my life, and I must say that I admire her. Her older brother, Borros, has a very strong character, and Mya manages to overrule him with such ease, that I can not help but awe at her. I can only hope that her marriage to Laenor is a happy one. Though I know my cousin well, and in my heart it is all but certain that he will be a great husband”

Rhaenyra smiled, as she realised that through this marriage, she’d have the Baratheons as well. She had worked tirelessly to gather the support of all houses she could get their hands on, and since she knew that she already had the Velaryons by her side, by marrying Mya, Laenor would truly be doing her the biggest favour. She was acutely aware of Laenor’s true nature, and though she understood that this could cause some issues for him as he approached the tasks that he would face as a husband. But, she had also heard a story of two about Mya herself, and how the girl had been caught with a maid in some dark room of Storm’s End. So hopefully things would work out for everyone.

“Has anyone heard of the Queen?”, Tya questioned wearily as she knew the subject was a hard one to speak of for the Princess, “I asked my brother yesterday, but he refused to speak of her”

“I know nothing”, Rhaenyra said, and she hoped her tone let all know that she did not care to talk about Alicent.

The Queen had not been seen much by anyone since Rhaenyra’s wedding. She had tried to ask various maids if they knew anything, but everyone said that the Queen had simply exiled herself to her chambers. The few who did see her, the maids who looked after her and some Septas, all stated that the Queen seemed to have fallen into a state of delirium, quickly followed by one of utter despair. Alicent apparently spent most of her days lying on her bed, just staring at the ceiling in silence. She had not seen Alerion in moons, and Rhaenyra was happier for it. She did not care to have that woman anywhere near her brother, not until her mind cleared up.

“’Tis only normal”, Daemon said as the two spoke on the matter over nuncheon, “That girl has never taken a single breath without her father’s approval. Who knows what Otto told her to make her think that doing something so stupid was a good idea. Not that it would matter, since I’m fairly certain that he could tell that girl to jump off a tower, and she’d just ask which one he preferred. She does not know who she is without him ordering her around, if she is anything at all. Being forced to fuck an old man because your father wants a crown is bad enough, but finding out after the fact that your son won’t even get the throne? That must suck”

Rhaenyra remained silent, playing with her food as in truth she did not feel like eating today. Her stomach had been hurting for some time now, and Rhaenyra just knew that it was the stress of this whole thing that was taking a toll on her. She knew that she should no longer care for Alicent, not after the way she’d betrayed her, and yet she couldn’t help but feel for her somewhat.

Rhaenyra knew that Alicent had never wanted any of this. It was obvious in her eyes that she did not truly care for Viserys as a husband, and Rhaenyra had seen how she’d stiffen up every time he touched her. Just a slight brush of his hand against hers was enough to make Alicent look like she’d rather fondle Vhagar herself than her husband. This had all been Otto’s doing. He’d given his daughter’s life for a crown, as to him that was a fair exchange, and Alicent had suffered for it. She was now forever tied to a man she did not care for, all so that her father’s blood might reach the throne. And it wouldn’t. So her life had been taken from her for no reason at all.

Rhaenyra had not taken kindly to Alicent’s attempt at starting a war, but in a weird way she almost understood, which did not mean that she forgave her. Alicent had lost everything in her father’s search for a crown, the least she could do was try to get it. And now that he was not by her side to guide her, she had thought to rely on her family and the power they held. But sadly for her, towers never fare well against dragons.

“I know you feel for her”, Daemon said as he placed his hand on her own, “I don’t know why, but I know you do. But you must remember, it was either her or you. If Alicent had been allowed to play the mighty Queen, and if we’d let her treason go unpunished, then just imagine what could’ve been. Though I doubt it, some may have sided with her, and little Alerion would’ve been torn to shreads as they forced him to fight against you”

“Never”, Rhaenyra stated, “Alerion is mine, not hers. He is more my babe than hers, and I love him more than she ever could. Over six moons on this earth and she’s seen him but a few times. I have taken him in my heart as my own, and I will not allow her, or anyone for that matter, to ever dare place themselves between us”

“I know”, Daemon whispered as he smiled at her, “Your love for your brother is admirable my heart, and in truth I believe it might be the one thing that ensures that no war shall ever be fought. Perhaps if you had not held him so close to you, then he may have turned against you at some point. But you’re his mother Rhaenyra, his real mother. The devotion you show as you care for him, could never result in anything but outmost loyalty on his part”

And after that conversation, Rhaenyra couldn’t help the physical need she felt to see Alerion again. She’d visited him early this morn, since she knew how grumpy he got if he woke up and she wasn’t there, but the urge to see him once more was too great for her to resist.

“Slow down Princess”, Ser Cole said chuckling as she hurried to the nursery, “Little Alerion is barely six moons old, I doubt he’ll be leaving his bed on his own anytime soon. No need to rush Princess, I’m certain that he’ll be there waiting for you, as he always is”

Rhaenyra ignored Criston, continuing to speed her way to her brother’s chambers as she felt her stomach turn again. She’d been sick for the past couple sennights, but today her troubles were so great that she could barely contain herself from vom-

“Oh Gods”, Ser Cole said as he rushed to her, “Princess what’s wrong? Alright, let me just- Do you mind if I hold your hair? I don’t know what the etiquette is in these instances. Is it more appropriate for me to touch you without your go ahead, or to just let you hurl all over yourself?”

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me”, Rhaenyra choked out once her stomach allowed her some room to breathe, “I’m sorry Criston, I did not mean to trouble you so. At least I managed to get it all in this pot. Why’s there a pot in the middle of the hallway?”

“That will be a chamber pot Princess”, Criston mumbled as he cringed at the sight of its contents.

“Oh Gods”, Rhaenyra said as she felt sick again.

“I really think you should see a Maester”, Criston said for the nth time as Rhaenyra continued to make her way to Alerion’s chambers, “I undestand that you don’t like Runcinter, but he could help you”

“No”, Rhaenyra stated firmly, “That man is not getting anywhere near me, especially not now”

Rhaenyra could feel the way her body shook, as fear took hold of her heart. Until now the thought had not even crossed her mind, and yet the more she thought about it, the more it made sense. Herself and Daemon had been married for over four moons now, and they had certainly spent enough time together in their bedchambers for this to have happened. As she grew to love Alerion, she’d started to yearn for a babe of her own, not that she didn’t think of her brother as her true son, but she wanted one that she could call her own in truth. But fear grew in her heart as she realised that her dreams were about to become a reality.

The mention of Runcinter made her heart skip a beat, as she thought back to her mother. The dream of having a child was a nice one in theory, as one obviously skipped over the worst parts and just focused on having a little babe to love and cherish. But the thought of actually having to bring a babe into his world had kept her up at night since she was but a child herself. She’d seen her mother die each time she lost a babe, or a pregnancy, and she knew that true death had found her as she fought to bring forth another one. Aemma had always told her that it had all been worth it, because she had Rhaenyra, and she could not imagine her life without her daughter by her side. She always spoke of how when a mother holds her babe in her arms for the first time, the joy they feel is not something one can put into words. Rhaenyra believed her mother, as she felt something akin to that whenever she held Alerion, but the fear of the birthing bed still lingered.

“Hello little one”, she cooed as she walked into the nursery, happy to see that her brother was awake, smiling as he saw her, “Come here my love”

She took him in her arms, as always relishing in the sense of utter peace she felt whenever she cuddled him close. She could not explain it, but just the feeling of having him so close made her feel like the whole world had stopped for a second, and she could just breathe and all would be alright, just because they were together. She sat down on the chair that she’d placed next to his crib, and simply held her brother.

“It’s all good”, she whispered as her lips remained pressed against his head, “I feel like shit right now, but it’s all going to be fine. I think I’m about to bear you a little brother. Or a nephew I suppose. Would you like that my love? A little brother for you to adore as I do you? Or maybe I’ll give you a sister. That would please me most my heart. I know I should want a son, because of the succession and all that business. But could you imagine her Alerion? A little me running around the Keep. She’d be adorable, my little Visenya”

The pain in her chest as she said the name was a great one, for that had been the name she’d proposed to her own mother if she ever were to have a little sister. That had never happend, and Aemma had never gotten her Visenya. But perhaps Rhaenyra could.

After an improptu visit to Dragonstone, with Rhaenyra almost scaring Maester Gerardys to death as she just showed up on his doorstep with a dragon, he’d confirmed what she already knew. She’d cried, clinging to the hand the poor man had offered her like her life depended on it. And in truth it might. She did not trust the Maesters, not after the ways they’d failed her mother through the years. But Gerardys was different. She didn’t care to have him there as she birthed her babe, as she would much rather have her Ladies there, but she did wish for him to be with her through these next eight moons.

“I need a favour”, Rhaenyra whispered as she walked into Mina’s rooms, and she should probably stop just showing up without being invited, because her poor Lady fell off her bed at the sudden irruption.

Later that night, as Daemon laid on his own bed, pouting as he wondered where exactly his wife was, he got up suddenly. He walked straight out of their shared chambers, and immediately went up to the man he was looking for, nose against nose as Daemon wondered for a second if it would be funny to just kiss Criston to see his reaction.

“Where is she?”, Daemon asked frustrated.

Criston just shrugged his shoulders, a snide smile on his face as he looked almost amused by Daemon’s upset. He was hiding something. Rhaenyra had been gone for the whole day, and Criston was hiding something.

“Has she run off with Desmera?”, Daemon questioned, “I knew it. She told me to stay away when I first met the Redwyne girl. I thought she was jealous of me, but I was evidently mistaken. I see the way those two look at each other, and I always knew something would happen, not that I would’ve minded it if you understand my meaning. I certainly would not be opposed to paying witness to that, or even partaking if the Gods were kind enough, but I never thought that Rhaenyra would just take off like this. She didn’t even ask me if I wanted to go with them. And trust me, I do”

Criston just stared at him, a look of confusion and then annoyance on his face as Daemon went on a rant about what a great life Rhaenyra and Desmera will live now. Far away from the Keep as they had evidenly ran off into the sunset, leaving Criston and Daemon all alone to miss them for eternity.

“Unless”, he whispered smiling, “Perhaps you and I could-”

“Hello husband”, Rhaenyra said, “Leave my shield alone. Good night Ser Criston”

Daemon stepped back, chuckling as he noted how confused the poor knight looked. But he threw a second look before entering his chambers, as he noticed that Criston’s cheeks had reddened somewhat. As he looked better, the knight looked more flustered than anything. Could it ever truly be that-

“Why is Alerion here?”, he questioned as he finally realised that they were not alone, “My love we have spoken of this, I move a lot when I sleep, and you have kicked me more times than I can count. It is not a good idea for him to sleep in our bed”

Rhaenyra just sat on their bed, Alerion on her lap as the little boy gave him one of his gummy smiles. Daemon was a warrior at heart, and his reputation as a fearsome killer preceeded him all over the Seven Kingdoms, but he would be lying if he said that his nephew’s chubby cheeks did not get to him even just a little bit. He took his place next to Rhaenyra, and once Alerion noticed him he waved his hands at him, his way of saying he wanted Daemon to hold him. So he took the babe in his arms, immediately moving his hair back so Alerion couldn’t get his spit coated hands all over them.

“Don’t do that”, he mumbled as Alerion tried to touch his face, “I appreciate that you wish to caress my cheek, but you will not be doing that with this nasty little hand. You don’t just stick your hand in your mouth, only to then smack it on other people’s faces. That’s not nice Alerion, not nice at a-”

He froze. As he moved his nephew away from him, trying to put some distance between his face and the boy’s hands, he saw it. Alerion was wearing a shirt, with a word embroidered on it, a word that made Daemon’s heart stop. A word that changed his life forever.

“Are you serious?”, he whispered as he turned to look at his wife.

“Alerion will be a little lēkia my love”, Rhaenyra answered with tears in her eyes, “I simply thought it would be appropriate for him to dress for the occasion, as it is a title one must wear with pride”

Daemon couldn’t say anything, simply staring at his wife as he unconciously brought Alerion closer to his chest. He held the boy tight, eyes filling up with tears at the thought of finally getting to welcome a babe of his own blood in his family. He’d always wanted a child, but with Rhea that feat had been impossible, so for the longest time, he’d thought he’d never have children of his own. But Rhaenyra had changed everything.

“Thank you”, is all he mustered up in the end.

Daemon did not sleep that night, as he simply laid there, staring at the two beside him. Alerion laid on his chest, as any time Daemon tried to move him, the boy would begin to cry. He’d struggled to truly bond with his nephew at first, seeing nothing but Otto’s face anytime he looked to him. But as Rhaenyra loved her brother so, and spent most of her time with him, he had taken to doing that as well. Alerion was alone. Apart from Rhaenyra, he had nobody else. Viserys did not care for his long awaited son, and Alicent was lost in her own mind. So Alerion was alone, as was the fate of second sons. Daemon had started to warm up to the boy after some time, feeling a sense of kinship to one he knew would understand what it meant to grow up in another’s shadow. But Alerion would never know what it meant to be alone, because unlike Viserys had done to him, Rhaenyra and Daemon would not leave him behind.

As Daemon moved his arm, Alerion awoke somewhat, beginning to stir and cry softly.

“It’s alright little one”, Daemon said as he rubbed his hand on the babe’s back.

“Kepa’s here”

Chapter Text

“I look huge”, Rhaenyra complained as she tried to make her dress fit as it once did.

“You look beautiful”, Daemon marvelled as he looked to her.

Rhaenyra sighed dramatically, sitting on their bed as her hand fell on her belly. She was about six moons in at this point, and the knowledge that her stomach would only continue to grow made her wonder how exactly it was supposed to then just go back to normal. And what if it never did?

“You have never looked more beautiful actually”, Daemon whispered as he kissed her neck, “To see you as you swell up with our babe makes me insane my love. To know that it is my seed that laid within you and created this child, makes it almost impossible for me to resist getting my hands all over you”

Rhaenyra giggled, sighing as she heard his teeth sink into her neck. She turned to him then, quickly straddling him as his hands immediately fell on her hips. She laid her forehead on his, simply breathing him in as he continued to hold her.

“We have to go”, Rhaenyra whispered as she felt Daemon’s hands grab onto her, trying to get her to move over him, “I shall be yours as soon as we get back husband, but now we must go. It does not befit us to leave the King waiting”

“And what of the Queen?”, Daemon questioned as he eyed her wearily.

When Viserys had first proposed this idea, of the five of them all having supper together, she had been more than confused. Alicent had scarcely been seen by anyone in almost a year, and though Rhaenyra knew that her father had started visiting her some time ago, after the Maester had told him that leaving the Queen alone to her own mind was not doing her any favours, she hadn't thought he would do this. Rhaenyra did not care to see Alicent, especially not now, as she felt so vulnerable whilst carrying her babe. She did not care to face someone who had betrayed her in such a way, and also someone who had yet to apologise.

Rhaenyra had not demanded an apology from her father, but that is because she needed him and his support. She had definitely not shied away from letting him know of all the ways in which he had failed her, but she had always tried to keep him close. But she did not need Alicent, so her betrayal will not be so easily set to the side.

When her father had first spoken of this "family supper", she had tried to resist him, quoting her frail condition and stating that she did not feel she could handle such a meeting. But he had insisted, stating that Alicent had repented, and that she had suffered greatly through these moons of confinement. In truth Rhaenyra did not know what that had to do with her, since Alicent had been the one to decide to lock herself in her chambers, and Rhaenyra did not remember ever vowing to be by her side, not like Viserys had at least. He was her husband, and it fell on him to assure she was happy. His failures in this matter, were not Rhaenyra's problem.

Today was Alerion’s first nameday, and though the true feast with all the nobles, would be held in a couple days, he’d thought it wise to plan this little family reunion to celebrate his son. In truth Rhaenyra did not understand what either he or Alicent had to do with Alerion, as neither of them had cared about their son in this entire first year of his life. Herself and Daemon had been the ones to do that, hence why she’d had more than one Lady of the court assure her that she would be a good mother when her babe was born, for she already had one. The people knew Alerion was hers, so she did not know why her father bothered to make such a big fuss of wanting himself and Alicent to be there as they celebrated his nameday.

“Good eve”, Viserys said as he welcomed the two in his chambers.

Rhaenyra and Daemon sat down at the table, both bowing before doing so, though Rhaenyra’s curtsy was hesitant, as her gaze remained stuck on Alicent.

The Queen wore a black gown, and she sat next to her husband with a smile on her face. Rhaenyra didn’t know what this smile meant, as it did not reach Alicent’s eyes who in turn were just cold and empty as they stared at her and Daemon's joined hands. She knew very little of what the other woman had been up to these past few moons, as the maids all reported back that she spent her time alone and locked in her rooms until her husband called for her. But whatever it was that she had been doing all this time, Rhaenyra did not trust it one bit.

“How are you Rhaenyra?”, Alicent questioned calmly as they all began to eat, “I remember from mine own pregnancy, that these later moons can be troublesome. Has your babe given you any issues?”

“No”, Rhaenyra said firmly. Though she did not care to talk to Alicent about her pregnancy, she also did not wish to make a scene in this moment, not with Alerion present, “My babe and I are both perfectly fine Your Grace”

Alicent nodded, gaze faltering as Rhaenyra’s stare remained stuck on her, eyes cold as she sized her up. In truth Rhaenyra had had some troubles during her pregnancy. Though her body had not failed her, thankfully, her mind had been array. The fear that had always loomed in her heart had only grown as her pregnancy progressed, and she’d spent countless nights just laying awake as she dreaded what was to come. Daemon had been there for her, always trying to reassure her that all would be alright. He’d told her that he was more than ready to fight off Balerion himself if he dared to try and take Rhaenyra from him, and though she was thankful for her husband’s words, they did not soothe her worries. She herself would’ve fought death to keep her mother by her side, and yet the Gods had seen it fit to take her away. Leaving Rhaenyra behind as her heart yearned for her mother’s comforting embrace, now more than ever.

“It gladdens me to hear that Rhaenyra”, Alicent said after some time, “I regret that I’ve not been there for you during these past few moons. Though I know that our friendship is not what it once was, it pains me to know that I have not been by your side as you prepare yourself to become a mother”

Rhaenyra scoffed at this, as she looked at Alerion who was playing with his food as he sat next to her. She already was a mother, and she found it humorous that Alicent refused to acknowledge that. She could imagine that it stung to know that your own son truly belonged to another, and yet Alicent had done this to herself. From the start she had refused to be there for Alerion, so it was only normal that the boy would bond with the only one who truly cared for him. At first she had understood Alicent’s struggles, as she could not imagine that it was easy for her to bond with a child she had never wanted.

But when Alicent had shown up at her wedding, dressed in green as she supposedly readied herself to fight for her son’s right to the throne, she had understood what was truly happening. Just as Otto had used Alicent for power, Alicent had wished to do the same with Alerion. She did not care for him, not as a mother should, but was ready to use him to grasp at the little sense of power she held. Alicent had never had anything, and she evidently begrudged Rhaenyra for what she herself had. But to use a babe to fight his own sister, trying to start a war amongst kin, all because you’re envious of her? That was unforgivable.

“I’ve heard that Alerion’s egg has grown cold”, Viserys said with a solemn look on his face.

“Indeed”, Rhaenyra answered as she caressed the boy’s cheek, smiling as he giggled, “But I would not worry about that. This little guy is a dragon, and he shall have one of his own when his time comes. Many dragonriders in our line bonded with their dragons when they were older, Daemon did that and so did you. I mean, the Lady Laena managed to bond with the Queen of Dragons herself some time ago, and she is 13 namedays old already. So I do not doubt that our little Alerion shall do the same when his time comes”

“He already likes dragons”, Daemon said as she smiled at the boy, “He took to Caraxes immediately when I first allowed the two to meet”

“You brought my child on a dragon?”, Alicent questioned alarmed.

“I brought Alerion on Caraxes, yes”, Daemon answered evidently annoyed by the Queen stating that Alerion was her son, as she had not been a mother to the boy, “My mother did the same with myself and Viserys as well when we were babes.’Tis a costum of our house Alicent, though I would not expect you to understand that”

“I simply do not think it wise”, Alicent said as she looked to Viserys, “It’s not safe for a small babe to be anywhere near a dragon. And I do not appreciate that I was not informed of this happening”

“And why would you be?”, Rhaenyra questioned angrily, “In the past six moons you have not visited Alerion, not once. You’ve never even asked after him. Why would anyone think you care about him or what he does, when you don’t even bother to see him?”

“He’s my son”, Alicent protested.

“Is he?”, Rhaenyra asked as she stared at Alicent.

The Queen remained silent, angrily looking at the woman who sat before her. Rhaenyra saw how her father's mouth opened up, and from the look in his eyes, she knew he did not appreciate her speaking to Alicent like this. Suddenly, Alicent tried to grab onto Alerion, wishing to sit him on her lap and perhaps make Rhaenyra upset. But then Alerion started to cry. He looked to the woman who’d grasped onto him, and began to wail. His hands reached for Rhaenyra, as tears of fear streamed down his face.

“Let him go Alicent”, Viserys hissed almost embarrassed by his wife’s attempt to hold onto the boy, as he was screaming his head off whilst desperately trying to get away from her.

“He just needs a moment to calm down”, Alicent said through gritted teeth as she tightened her grip on the babe, “I did not know he was such a difficult child”

“He isn’t”, Daemon answered as he leaned over to take Alerion, with the boy immediately calming down as he settled in his arms, “But he doesn’t take kindly to strangers”

“I’m his mother”, Alicent hissed.

“But he doesn’t know you”, Daemon replied with a small smile on his face, “You may have pushed him out, but you’re not his mother. Not in truth at least”

“Daemon”, Viserys chided his brother, “Alicent has had a difficult time these past few moons, do not mock her. She has assured me that she will never again try anything against Rhaenyra, and though I will keep an eye on her to ensure she remains true to her word, I would prefer it if you just let her be”

The supper was a silent affair after that, with Alerion switching between Rhaenyra and Daemon as he wearily eyed the strangers who sat before him. Rhaenyra could tell that her boy was uncomfortable, and so as soon as he showed signs of tiredness, she used that as an opportunity to retire. Alicent tried to resist, even daring to suggest that perhaps Alerion could be with her in her chambers that night, and Rhaenyra had not been able to contain the laughter that left her at that proposition.

After her wedding, she had vowed to herself that Alicent would never get anywhere near Alerion, and she was not about to break that promise. Though her father seemed certain that all fight had left his wife’s body, Rhaenyra disagreed. The look in Alicent’s eyes as she looked to Alerion, was not one of a suffering mother as she realised how she’d failed to look after her son. She looked angry at him, almost disappointed at the way he’d turned against her in favour of Rhaenyra. Alicent wished to own Alerion, the way her father owned her. And Rhaenyra would never let that happen.

“How was it?”, Criston asked once the two got back to their chambers, “Did you guys have so much fun without me?”

Rhaenyra just gave him a look, and Criston almost shivered as he saw the true rage that resided within her at that moment. He knew that the Princess had not been excited about seeing the Queen, and he certainly hadn't expected for the meeting to go well. He’d thought that perhaps the Queen and the Princess would get in a screaming match, but by the way she was clinging to Alerion, with the boy’s cheeks marred with dried tears, he was now starting to worry that something truly bad had happened.

“Are they alright?”, he asked Daemon as Rhaenyra walked back into her rooms.

“She’s angry”, Daemon whispered as the two stood next to each other, “You know how protective she is of Alerion, and though I know she does not feel threatened by Alicent, she definitely did not appreciate the woman’s constant attempt at reminding Rhaenyra that she, in some way at least, is Alerion’s true mother”

“The Queen is without shame”, Criston said angrily, “The Princess has been looking after her brother since the day he was born, daring to imply that anyone else might be the boy’s mother is simply ridiculous”

Daemon nodded, sighing as his back landed on the wall behind him. As he looked to Criston, he saw the absolute outrage that ruled the other man. He smiled, glad to see him stand up for Rhaenyra this way. When Daemon had first showed back up to the Keep, himself and his niece’s knight had not gotten along, as they had a small history behind them that two greatly proud men could not simply overlook. But as time went on, they both recognised that in the end, they shared the same goal, keeping Rhaenyra safe. They’d bonded over the sense of duty they both felt for the Princess, and were ready to fight for her together if needs must.

“No need to worry so Criston”, Daemon said as he placed his hand on the knight’s own as it clung to the handle of his sword, “Rhaenyra is a woman grown, and she can hold her own. In that room she was a dragon, protecting her little one as only a true mother can. She will not let anyone take Alerion from her, and I will not let anyone try. She’ll be alright”

Daemon smiled as he noted the odd look Criston threw at their joined hands, patting his cheek before bidding him goodnight. As he entered his chambers, he was welcomed by the sight of Rhaenyra and Alerion having a one sided conversation, as his wife tried explaining to the boy that poking at her belly was not funny. Daemon laughed at this, helping Rhaenyra out of her dress as she immediately fell back onto their bed, exhaustion and yet frustration evident on her face as she pouted.

"You did well my love", he whispered as he gathered her in his arms, "All know you are Alerion's mother, if that woman refuses to acknowledge her own failures that is on her. You have done more for our babe than many others would for one of their own blood, and he knows it. That's what matters most"

Rhaenyra sighed, head falling in the crook of his neck as she mindlessly caressed her belly. Daemon's hands quickly joined hers, drawing little patterns on her swollen stomach as she giggled at the ticklish feeling. But then another hand joined them, a smaller one this time.

"Fat", is what little Alerion chose to say in the end.

Chapter Text

“Good morrow Princess”, Rhaenyra said as she walked to Rhaenys, “Is all ready for today?”

“Indeed”, Rhaenys said as she invited Rhaenyra to sit next to her, “It gladdens me to see you here Princess, and I know Laenor will rejoice as well once he learns that you have come here on this day. He always cared for you deeply, and I’m certain he will love to have you with him as he marries the Lady Mya”

Rhaenyra smiled, placing her hand on her now terribly swollen belly as she thought of her cousin. Herself and Laenor had always been very close, spending countless days in the Dragonpit as both learned to bond with their dragons. Laenor had been obsessed with Seasmoke when the two had first bonded, so much so that one time himself and Rhaenyra had snuck out in the middle of the night just because Laenor thought it would be fun to “fly to the moon” as it shone bright in the sky. And Rhaenyra did not think she’d ever heard either her mother or the Princess Rhaenys yell so much as she had that night.

“Are the two taken with each other?”, Rhaenyra questioned.

“Very much so”, Rhaenys replied happily, “They found that they have much more in common than one might expect, so it is my hope that their marriage shall bring them both peace as they make their way through the world together. It was a smart move Princess”

“Thank you”, Rhaenyra said, “Though I did it for Laenor, as I did not wish for him to continue struggling in his search of a wife, I must admit that I also wished to keep the Baratheons close. I know that Lord Boremund bent the knee to me years ago, and I trust that he will keep his oath. But from what I’ve heard of Borros’ thoughts on women, I can not say the same for him. But with his sister by my side, perhaps he won’t dare stray too far”

Rhaenys observed her for a time, a small smile on her face as she seemed almost proud. When Rhaenyra had first become her father’s Heir, she and Rhaenys had spoken of what it meant to be a Queen in a world of Kings. The Queen Who Never Was had been honest with Rhaenyra, ruthlessly so as she was not known for biting her tongue. She’d told Rhaenyra that the second Viserys remarried, and had a son, everyone would rise up against her to crown him, because that was the order of things.

“It seems that you’ve done well Rhaenyra”, she said after some time, “You told me you would create a new order, and it appears you’ve done just that. Many speak of how attentive you are to the issues of your people, and I’ve even heard some say that you’ve been more a Queen these past couple years than your father has been King in over a decade now. You have influence over the men of the Council, and it gladdens me to know that unlike many, you seem to understand the power of the smallfolk as well. You’ve done a good job Rhaenyra, and it pleases me to know that perhaps this time, the people shall accept a Queen”

Rhaenyra sighed, eyes lost as she thought of how difficult it must be for Rhaenys to witness her ascend. Her aunt had been raised to be a Queen, as her father Aemon had wished for her to succeed him when the time came. But Aemon had never become the King, and the people had not cared about how right Rhaenys may have been for the position, they had chosen Baelon. Rhaenyra loved her grandsire, and though she did not have many memories of him, she knew he’d been a good man, and he would’ve made a great King. Certainly better than her father, though in truth it did not take much. But Rhaenys should’ve been the Queen, that was a fact.

“I do not begrudge you Rhaenyra”, Rhaenys said as she noticed how her mind wandered, “When my time came, the people were not ready to recognise that a cock is not all that it takes to rule. But it seems that they are now. And that is good. No matter your father’s words, little Alerion still lives, and yet I have heard nothing of anyone wishing to see him rise in your stead. You’ve done well Rhaenyra. You care for your people and wish to do good by them, and they know it. They know that you are what is best for them and their future. It gladdens me to see another woman do what I was not allowed to, because it means things are changing. And perhaps, this could mean something for others as well. Your ascension will change things forever Rhaenyra, and not just for you. And I hope you know that”

Rhaenyra nodded solemnly, understanding exactly what her aunt meant. Once she ascended as Queen, she would become the first woman to rule in her own right. She knew what this meant for other women in the entire Realm, and was willing to fight for each and every one of them. She’d already heard of the struggles her aunt Jeyne Arryn was facing in the Vale, as many had tried to rise against her as she was the rightful heir of those lands. Hence why she had sent a letter to the Lady Rhea Royce, asking her to send men to ensure that Jeyne remained safe within the walls of the Eyrie, and Rhea had been more than happy to help another woman rise as she had when she’d become the ruling Lady of Runestone.

“Men do not like being reminded that we are people as they are”, Rhaenyra said as she cradled her belly, “To them we are but wombs to fill, and we have nothing else to offer this world. If we dare rise, then we are disturbing the peace of mind they granted themselves once they decided that they could control us. By placing themselves above us, they created a society where we as women are expected to want nothing more than to be wives and mothers. I cherish the life I have as Daemon’s wife, but that is because he sees me as his equal. When the time comes for me to sit the throne, I will ensure the people remember that as a woman is ruling them, they shall not dare think less of any other”

The two women sat there, before the fire as they faced each other. Two generations of Targaryen women, so close and yet so far from one another. Both had been destined to rule, and yet only Rhaenyra would wear the crown. She understood what this meant, and would not take her responsiblity lightly.

“It should’ve been you”, she whispered at one point.

“Perhaps”, Rhaenys pondered with a sad smile on her face, “But it must be you. If history repeats itself, then we as women shall never escape the cages men built for us. We can not let that happen Rhaenyra. I see hope for us all when I look to you, and I trust that you won’t take that for granted”

“I won’t”, she vowed.

The wedding was a nice event, and Rhaenyra rejoiced as she saw the big smiles that adorned the faces of both bride and groom. She was also glad to see that Corlys seemed happy, as she and Laenor had spoken before of how upset his father had been with him once he’d found out about him and his Joffrey. He’d told Laenor that things would change, and that once he felt the touch of a woman he’d understand how things were truly meant to be. Laenor had been devastated, fearing that he would never be able to gain his father’s favour, as in his heart he knew that he would never change, because he could not. In his letters, he’d told her of how insistent Corlys had been that he needed to marry, and of how terrified Laenor was at the prospect of becoming a husband.

But as she saw him now, sitting next to his bride with his Joffrey by his side, Rhaenyra knew they’d be alright. She did not know how they would make things work, but she was certain that they’d find a way.

“How are you my love?”, Daemon questioned as he placed a hand on her belly.

“I miss Alerion”, she sighed, “I so wish he could’ve come with us”

“I as well”, Daemon admitted, “But do not fret my love, your Ladies are with him. And with Alicent here, none will cause him harm. Even though I’m certain that Desmera would trample the Queen, before she allowed the woman anywhere near our boy”

Rhaenyra laughed at this, knowing that her unlce’s words rang true, as Desmera’s firey nature would’ve scared off the mightiest of warriors before they dared fight her. She was saddened though, as she remembered that soon enough her oldest Lady would leave the Keep, as she was to marry Owen Fossoway. Rhaenyra was sad to see her leave, but rejoiced knowing that the two had grown to like each other during their betrothal period. She was also glad to know that the marriage would not be for another four moons, meaning that Desmera would get to be by her side as she birthed her child.

“Just one more moon my love”, Daemon whispered as he caressed her belly, “One more moon and you shall bless us all. Our child will be the most beautiful babe in the Seven Kingdoms, of that I have no doubt”

“I do”, Viserys chimed in from his seat next to them, “I do not question that the babe will be beautiful, as no ugly babe could ever come from my daughter. But none will ever compare to Rhaenyra. The moniker of the Realm’s Delight was placed upon her for a reason brother, do not forget that”

“Oh I don’t”, Daemon said as he smiled at his brother, “Do not fret Viserys, I am acutely aware of Rhaenyra’s beauty. Have gotten to observe it upclose oh so often since she’s become my wife. ‘Tis my child that lays in her belly, and trust me when I say I truly admired her beauty as I placed it whithi-”

“You’re disgusting”, Viserys huffed as he turned away from them as the two giggled.

Looking to her father, Rhaenyra couldn’t help but let her gaze fall to the woman who sat next to him. Alicent was staring at her and Daemon, anger in her eyes as she observed them. Her gaze was stuck on Daemon’s hand, and Rhaenyra could very clearly see the envy that lived within her at her husband’s show of affection to her and their babe. Without thought she brought her hand to join Daemon’s, and as Alicent’s eyes now looked to her, Rhaenyra smiled.

For a long time she’d felt for the other woman, wishing to save her from the fate her father had condemned her to. But Alicent had resisted her. She had shunned Rhaenyra from the first few days after she was married to Viserys, and even after Otto had left, no matter how many times Rhaenyra had tried to get close to her once more, she had rejected her. Alicent had nothing whilst Rhaenyra had everything, and Rhaenyra would feel for her, if she did not fear that the other would try to take it all from her as some sort of revenge.

Through the past couple moons, ever since that fateful supper, Alicent had slowly come back to court. The other nobles had not taken to her kindly, as they had not appreciated the Queen’s little show during the Princess’ wedding. They’d thought it a desperate move, and from what Rhaenyra knew, not many had spoken to her since she’d come back. Especially since now, thanks to her father's announcement, nobody cared too much to fight for the perceived right to the throne of a boy who was not even a Prince anymore. The few who had spoken to Alicent were Otto’s friends, and though Rhaenyra feared them, she did not believe that Alicent could truly stand her own. She was too meek.

Alicent had always upheld the view society had of women, and because of that, she’d never dared to fight for herself. Whenever Rhaenyra saw her with those men, she was always silent, simply standing there as they talked over her. If Alicent truly wanted to stand up against her, then she’d have to try much harder than this. Rhaenyra had been working tirelessly for over two years now to get everyone by her side, and she had been successfull in her pursuit. Though she recognised that house Hightower was mighty, she knew that they could not hold up against the rest of the Realm.

Alicent had power, but she did not know how to use it, and because of that she would lose.

She was just a Queen Consort.

But Rhaenyra would be the Queen.

Chapter Text

“Oh Gods”, Rhaenyra cried as she sat on her bed, “Oh Gods please no”

She was desperate as she sobbed, clinging to her sheets as another pain washed over her. The time was here. The day she’d been waiting for for moons had come, and she was scared. These first few pains had been great, but from what Rhaenys had told her of her own experiences with childbirth, they were about to get so much worse.

“I need to go”, she said as an unexpected strength took hold of her body.

She stumbled out of her chambers, hands dragging along the wall as its rough texture brought her back to earth. She was terrified, and in great pain, but she had to go. She continued to walk, stopping every now and then as the pains took over. Her mother’s last labour had lasted for an entire day, and Rhaenyra couldn’t help the sobs that escaped her as she thought of what had happened next.

Through her whole pregnancy, she had tried to separate her own experience from those of her mother, not wishing to live in fear as she readied herself to birth her babe. And yet she’d found it impossible. Each step that she took on her way to motherhood, she thought of her mother. During her pregnancy she had longed for her more than ever before, and had taken to wearing her dresses as a desperate way of seeking her warm embrace. She’d cried the first time she’d done it, simply staring at herself as she saw her mother looking back at her in the mirror. She wondered how Aemma would’ve reacted to her pregnancy. She knew her mother woul’ve feared for her, but she was certain that she would’ve helped her. She would’ve caressed her forehead when she was sick, and held her close in the aftermath. She would’ve braided her hair when the babe made her too tired to do so by herself, and would’ve helped Rhaenyra pick a name for them. Daemon had done all those things, but it was not the same.

She was grateful for her husband, but none could compare to her mother. Because the loss of a gentle soul who had warmed her heart for so long, was not one that she would ever recover from. No matter how many she gained through her life, none would ever fill the void her mother’s death had left within her heart.

“Princess?”, Criston questioned from behind her, “Princess what’s wrong?”

The knight had been following her since she first got out of her chambers, and had been calling for her this whole time to no avail. He’d seen her hunch over in pain, and had sent a random castle guard to immediately call for Daemon. He’d thought about calling a Maester, but once he remembered the way the Princess flinched each time Runcinter was mentioned, he’d thought better of it. He knew he probably should’ve gone himself to get Daemon, but he couldn’t just leave the Princess like this.

“Rhaenyra please”, he whispered as his hand hovered over her back, not knowing if his touch would be of comfort to her or if it would just make her more upset, “Did you have another nightmare?”

Criston knew that the Princess’ nights had been tormented as of late. She’d woken up many times screaming, tears streaming down her face as none could soothe her. Criston had burst through the doors each and every time, and had paid witness to Daemon hugging his wife close as he whispered words of comfort against her hair, though they always fell on deaf ears as the Princess cried herself back to sleep.

“She dreams of Aemma”, Daemon had once told him, “Targaryen women have never had much luck in the birthing bed, and I lost mine own mother to such battle as Aemma herself did. She’s haunted by the memories, and I fear her mind will become lost to them when the time comes”

“Rhaenyra”, he called for her once more as he tried to get her attention.

But the Princess kept walking, staggering as she made her way through the corridors of the Keep. The hour was late, so thankfully nobody was here to see her in her current condition, as he could not imagine she’d appreciate them looking in on her in such a vulnerable state. After realising that she had evidently chosen to ignore him, in favour of walking way from him, he followed her. And once she made a sharp turn down one hallway, he understood where they were going.

“I need to see him”, she sobbed as she tried to open the door, though with the panic that coursed through her veins her hands trembled, “I need to see him Criston please”

Criston did not know what to do. He’d never seen this side of the Princess. Even after the death of her mother she hadn’t lost herself in such a way, and not even the play had managed to get her to break like this. He was taken aback by her tears, motionless for a moment as his heart hurt to see a woman he cared for so much, suffer a great pain that was both of the body and of the mind. The Princess gave up on trying to open the door, and just laid her forehead against it as she continued to cry. She was begging him, pleading for him to open the door as she needed to see her brother.

“I need to see him”, she continued to say, “If this is to be my last day, I wish to be with him before I go”

Criston’s heart stopped at this, as he watched a mother beg for him to grant her what she thought might be her last moment with her child. He slowly got closer to her, not wishing to invade her space as she once again succumbed to her pain, nails dragging down the door as she cried. He reached for the handle, and pushed the door open whilst his other hand reached for the Princess, holding onto her as her body fell forward. She immediately walked inside, desperately seeking for Alerion as she got him from his crib.

“Muña loves you Alerion”, she whispered as she kissed the babe’s head, holding him tight against her chest as tears fell down from her eyes onto the boy, “No matter what happens, know that I have loved you more than I ever thought possible. My heart beats for you my love, and it will continue to do so as I fight to come back to you”

Criston just stared, tears welling up in his eyes as the Princess cradled her brother close. She stood there, in the middle of the nursery, lips pressed against the babe’s head as she begged the Gods to not take her from him. She whispered that they needed each other, and that she could not bear to leave him behind to live a life without her love for him keeping him safe.

“Rhaenyra”, Daemon almost yelled as he brust through the doors, “What’s happening?”

The Princess simply shook her head, sobbing as she clung even tighter to the babe in her arms. Daemon tried to get closer to his wife, but she turned away from him, not wishing for him to take Alerion away.

“The babe is coming”, Criston said as he placed his hand on Daemon’s arm.

The Prince turned to him, a look of fear in his eyes as the reality of the situation before him settled in. Criston’s grasp on his arm tightened, wishing to reassure him that he was there, and that he would not leave them behind as they faced this battle. No matter what the outcome was.

“Rhaenyra you need to lay down”, Daemon said wearily as he looked at Criston one last time before turning back to his wife, “My love, we need to get you back to bed”

“No”, Rhaenyra whispered as she backed further into the rooms, “If I go then he’ll be alone. The Gods took my mother from me Daemon, what if they take me too? I don’t want to die”

“You won’t”, Daemon said with tears in his eyes, “You won’t Rhaenyra, I promise you”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep”, Rhaenyra hissed angrily, “You can’t protect me from this Daemon. I will fight alone on this night, and there is nothing you or anyone can do to save me if the Gods will differently. I promised my own mother that I would look after her, and she’s dead. I had to burn her body after I failed to keep my promise, and I wish for you to do the same with me if I’m taken. I might die as a woman, but I wish to be buried like a dragon”

Daemon’s breath hitched, tears falling down his face as he nodded. Criston noticed the way his entire body shook, as the Princess kissed her brother one last time before placing him back in his bed. The little boy had woken up at this point, and a look of confusion took over him as he watched Rhaenyra leave him behind. He started to cry, begging for her to come back to him as Rhaenyra could do naught but walk away, as she felt another pain take over her.

“Look after him”, she told Criston as she turned to leave the rooms, “No matter what happens, look after him. Do not leave him alone Criston, please. Neither of them”

Criston nodded solemnly, looking in the Princess’ eyes as fire ruled her once more. He had sworn his life to her, and in this moment, she was asking him to do the same for her babe and husband. To know that she trusted him enough to know that she would die to protect her son and her Daemon brought tears back into his eyes, and as he watched her leave, he swore that he would watch over Alerion and Daemon until his last day.

“She’s going to be fine”, he whispered as he took Daemon’s face in his hands, “Daemon look at me. Rhaenyra is a fighter, and she will not simply lay there as death takes her away. She has much to stay for, and you need to believe in her right now. Trust in her strength, that is all we can do”

Daemon didn’t respond, just shaking his head as a small sob escaped him. He let his body fall against the wall, holding his head in his hands as he breathed heavily. Criston didn’t know what to do, as in truth he did not have words to comfort a man who knew there was a chance his wife would die tonight, so he remained silent. After some time, Daemon pulled back, a look of acceptance in his eyes as they looked into his.

“She’s going to be fine”, Criston promised once more, attempting to convince himself as well while trying to soothe Daemon, before the two followed Rhaenyra back to her chambers.

A sudden rush of strength seemed to have found the Princess once more, as she now paced around her rooms, bearing the look of a soldier preparing for battle as she walked. Criston noticed how her fists would clench shut every now and then, a grunt following suit as the Princess’ pains were getting closer and closer.

“Get my Ladies”, Rhaenyra said as she fell onto her bed, “Leave Jeyne and Mina alone though, they’re much too young for this. I don’t wish for them to be forever scarred if something happened”

Criston rushed to the Ladies’ rooms, as Desmera, Leonella and Tya, all looked like soldiers bearing arms as they walked straight to Rhaenyra’s chambers. Nobody uttered a word, but Criston saw how Desmera’s hands shook. A woman who had always held such composure, always walking with her head held high as she walzed through the Keep, now shook in fear. She understood what she was walking into, and what she could be leaving behind as she left Rhaenyra’s rooms once the matter was done. They all did.

Rhaenyra’s labours lasted the whole night, and though Criston couldn’t hear much, since Rhaenyra had decided that she did not want anyone to know of what was happening, so she’d bit onto a leather piece from Daemon’s armor, the few noises that made their way outside her chambers haunted him. He stood watch the entire time, as was his duty, and his heart failed him each time he heard one of Rhaenyra’s muffled screams. He could not imagine the pain she was in, as she fought off memories of such tragedies whilst trying to bring a child into this world.

He was not the most faithful of men, always believing in people much more than he did in any god. But on that night, he prayed. He prayed for whatever God might be listening to him, to let her live. She had so much more to do, and those who loved her needed her to survive. He begged the Gods to spare her, so she might bless these halls once more.

And then, as the morning light shone through the Red Keep, he heard it.

A babe screamed, and Criston finally felt like he could breathe again.

Chapter Text

“He’s beautiful”, Desmera whispered as she looked at the little babe that still laid in his mother’s arms.

Rhaenyra had to agree, as her son might just be the most gorgeous being she’d ever seen in her life. He had just been born, but already he was everything to her. As she observed his little face, she could clearly see both herself and Daemon as their features came together to create such a beautiful creature. She was tired, the Gods knew she was absolutely exhausted, but she didn’t care. The pain between her legs was so great that she didn’t know if she could ever stand on her own again, but she didn’t care. He’d been worth it all.

“Poor thing got my nose”, Daemon choked out as his teary eyes had yet to pull away from his son, “He’s perfect my love, and I thank you for such a blessing”

After Rhaenyra gave her leave to do so, Tya let Criston in, and the knight almost stumbled on his own two feet as he walked to her. She could see the haunted look in his eyes, as he wearily approached her bed. She couldn’t even imagine what a sight she must make in this moment, as sweat and blood still covered her body, since she did not yet feel ready to leave her bed. But Criston’s eyes did not betray any disgust, only reverence and perhaps worry as he looked to her.

“Are you alright?”, he whispered once he got closer.

“I’ve never been better”, she said honestly, “My body aches, but my heart is full”

“Thank the Gods”, Criston sighed as he lost his composure, tears in his eyes as he knelt before her, “I was so worried Princess, could not bear the thought of losing you this way. I knew you could do it, did not dare question it for a single second. But Gods, to know you were fighting this battle alone and that I could not help you, was just pure torture. I’m so happy you’re alright Princess, could not imagine life without you here”

Rhaenyra smiled, hand reaching to wipe the tears that had made their way down Cristons’ cheeks. She knew her shield was loyal to her, but the emotions he was showing in this moment went beyond mere duty. He truly cared for her, and she was forever grateful that he had allowed her to hold such a place in his heart.

“Would you like to hold him?”, she questioned with a soft smile on her face.

Criston nodded, and quickly got up to finally look at her son. A small sob escaped him as he marvelled at the babe as he was placed in his arms, his forehead immediately falling to place itself against the boy’s. In his mind Criston made a vow, one he would uphold until his last breath, that he would protect this child with his life. The Princess’ family would never fall, not if Criston could stop it. This babe would never know fear, because Criston would be there to protect him as he would Alerion.

Rhaenyra smiled as she looked to him, her heart filling with warmth as Daemon walked over to her knight, both looking at her babe with so much love that she almost shed a tear at the sight. "There’s someone here who would love to meet our newest little love”, Leonella announced as she walked into Rhaenyra’s chambers.

“Oh my heart”, Rhaenyra said immediately as she reached for Alerion.

The second her boy was in her arms, Rhaenyra clung to him desperately, holding him tight against her as she kissed his head. The thought of leaving Alerion alone had been the greatest torment for her through her entire pregnancy, not wishing to know what would’ve happened to him if he’d been left without her. As she brought forth her babe, she had been ready to fight Balerion himself to get back to him, and having him here now, back in her arms where he belonged, she couldn’t help but thank the Gods for sparing her. Her son by blood was her greatest pride and joy, and he already held her heart in his tiny little hands, but Alerion will forever be her first love. No matter what anyone said, he was her son, her first.

“Look little man”, Criston said as he brought the babe closer to the bed, so Alerion might finally get a glimpse of his nephew.

Alerion did not seem impressed, a look of confusion as she turned to Rhaenyra, evidently not understanding why everyone was so excited about the little bundle of blankets Criston was showing him. As the moons went by, Rhaenyra had tried to explain to him that she was pregnant, and that a babe would soon join them, but it seemed that he had not truly understood what she meant. Her boy was barely a year old, so none could blame him for not connecting the dots between Rhaenyra’s huge belly and the babe that now laid sleeping in her shield’s arms.

“This my love”, Rhaenyra begun as she took her babe from Criston, “Is Aemon Targaryen. He’s your valonqar Alerion. Do you know what that means?”

Her little boy shook his head, leaning over to put his chubby hands all over the babe. Rhaenyra let him, as she understood that this was his way of learning the world as it stood around him, and her heart burst with joy as she saw Alerion’s little smile as he finally saw Aemon’s face.

“This babe is your little brother trēsy”, Daemon explained as he took Alerion and placed him on his lap, both sitting next to Rhaenyra as Daemon’s eyes once again landed on their babe, “Aemon will look to you as he learns his way around this world. You will be his guide as you become men, and he will be your most beloved friend as you two go through life together. You’re his lēkia my son, and that means you must protect him. Aemon will be your greatest ally if you let him, and I can not wait to watch you two grow as one. Hopefully none shall stand between you, because you are brothers, and brothers must stand together. Like mine own kepa and his lēkia, and like myself and my lēkia when we were small”

Daemon almost whispered these last few words, hurt evident in his eyes as he thought back to what once was between himself and Viserys. When he was younger he thought his brother had placed the stars in the sky, and had wanted nothing more than to be by his side as he truly believed that the two of them belonged together. That’s what their father always said, often comparing the two to himself and his Aemon. Daemon’s heart failed him as he wondered where it had all gone wrong, where in this life he’d lost his brother. Otto’s hand in the downfall of their relationship could not be ignored, but what hurt most, was that Daemon knew that his brother had not once resisted the Hightower’s attempts at keeping them apart. Daemon had given Viserys his heart, but that had not been enough.

“Our sons will have each other”, Rhaenyra said confidently as she smiled at Daemon, hand on his arm as she knew how her touch comforted him, “No matter what happens, we stand as one”

After Rhaenyra and Aemon had been bathed, with her cursing in pain as she stood up for the first time, clinging desperately onto Desmera and Leonella as they helped her wash the sweat and blood off herself, the King was called.

Though it pained her to say this, Rhaenyra had not thought of her father once as she laboured. When she was younger he’d held such a huge place in her heart, and she could not have dreamed to welcome her first babe into this world without the certainty that he was outside her chambers, waiting for her and ready to come to her aid if anything went wrong. But now, she almost didn’t want to see him.

Her father had been loyal to her as his Heir, and she was thankful for the support he’d shown her as he’d defied many when he’d decided to keep true to his word. But in truth, he’d betrayed her more than she could ever express. Rhaenyra now knew the pains of motherhood, and she could not bear the thought of facing the man who’d forced such horrors upon her mother over and over again. Rhaenyra understood that as a wife, it was Aemma’s duty to provide Viserys with heirs, but what he’d done to her was simply unjust. He’d not been able to contain himself, and had laid with her when she was much too young, against the advice of all Maesters as they told him that a pregnancy at just 11 namedays old, could result in Aemma’s body never truly recovering and not being able to carry a pregnancy to term. But he’d done it anyways. He’d laid with a child and condemned her to death. He knew what he’d done was wrong, and yet never rose up against those who faulted Aemma for her so called “failures”. He knew her suffering was his fault, and yet put her through it for years on end until it finally killed her. All for a son. And now that he did have a son, he didn’t even care about him.

Her mother had died for nothing. Viserys had killed her for nothing.

As she now knew the suffering that had been forced upon her mother for so long, she knew that no matter what, she would never find it in her heart to overlook the harm Viserys had done to her, as many others did instead.

“That looks like it hurts”, Daemon hissed as he gently laid her on the bed, cringing as he got a glimpse of the blood as it still seeped out of her.

“It does hurt”, Rhaenyra replied, “Thank you for your acute observation husband. I’ve just pushed a child out of my body, and I’m bleeding. So yes, my entire body hurts”

“My girl”, Viserys called for her as she entered her rooms, Criston behind him as he eyed her wearily, wishing to know how close the King could come to her.

“Hello father”, Rhaenyra said, “I would like to introduce you to my son, the Prince Aemon Targaryen”

Viserys immediately begun to coo over the babe, stepping towards her with his arms out as he evidently thought she’d just hand him over to him. Well he thought wrong. Rhaenyra pulled her son back subtly, a cold look in her eyes as she stared at her father. Viserys’ heart broke at his daughter’s rejection, but since he truly did wish to be near her, he sat down on a chair that was next to her bed. As he saw his grandson for the first time, his heart burst with happiness.

“He looks very much like you when you were little”, Viserys said as he looked to his brother, “I remember the day mother gave birth to you, and though those are Rhaenyra’s eyes, all else is just as I recall brother”

Daemon did not say anything, simply staring at his brother as his mind was riddled with thoughts of how abandoned he’d felt by Viserys for most of his life. As he’d looked on whilst his boys met for the first time, he’d seen it clearly, how the two would share a bond so great that it would go down in the history books, as the one between Baelon and Aemon. He’d thought the same of himself and Viserys when they were younger, and yet his brother had turned against him at every given opportunity. Anger ruled him as he looked at Viserys, who was now holding Aemon, and he was thankful for Criston’s hand subtly taking a hold of his own as it brought him back to earth. This was a happy day, and he would not let Viserys’ presence ruin it for him.

“Why Aemon?”, Viserys questioned.

“For the person whose strength I admire most”, Rhaenyra replied, “One whose spirit I’m certain shall look over my son as he grows. One whose kind heart shall inspire him to do good by others”

“The Prince Aemon was indeed a good man”, Viserys acknowledged, “Though I did not know either of you admired him enough to name your son af-”

“I was speaking of my mother”, Rhaenyra said with a cold look in her eyes, staring down at her father as his mouth clamped shut.

Viserys did not say another word after that, just sitting next to her with a small pout on his face as his eyes refused to meet hers. Rhaenyra in turn continued to stare, wishing for her father to understand that to her, he was to blame. Her mother should be here with her, but she was not, and it was his fault.

“May I see him?”, Alicent asked as she spoke for the first time since entering the rooms.

Rhaenyra did not say anything, and did not move a muscle as she just looked at Alicent. The denial was obvious, as Rhaenyra’s eyes would let anyone know that to get near her babe, is to be burned, and yet Alicent dared. The Queen walked confidently, though her composure faltered once she saw Daemon’s eyes set on her, observing her every move as she walked to Rhaenyra’s bed.

“He’s very pretty”, she said as she looked at Rhaenyra’s babe.

Without thinking about it, because when did he ever, Viserys just handed Aemon to Alicent. The room fell silent as the Queen held the boy close, with Criston’s grip on Daemon’s hand tightening as he knew the other man was about to jump the Queen. He understood Daemon’s anger, as he felt it as well, but physically harming the Queen would be too dangerous, and the possible consequences too grave. Especially because Alicent wasn’t really doing anything bad, as she simply stood there motionless, staring at the boy in her arms with what looked like contempt in her eyes.

“Give him back”, Rhaenyra said firmly as she looked to her father, anger so clear in her gaze that she saw the man tremble.

“I think it’s best we leave now”, Viserys stated hurriedly as he got up after hearing both Caraxes and Syrax roaring from outside. He walked to Alicent, and without even sparing her a look just took Aemon from her and handed him to Daemon, the look on his brother’s face telling him that they had to go, “Rhaenyra my child, you must be so terribly exhausted. It pleases me to know you are well, but I think it’s best we leave you alone for now. So you might recover and rest as you bask in this little blessing”

As the King and Queen left, Rhaenyra’s Ladies followed suit, but not before congratulating her once more, and telling her that whatever she might need, they were there for her.

“I’m not touching his dirty underpants though”, Desmera said finally before she took her leave.

“He truly is just perfect Princess”, Criston marvelled once more as he looked at Aemon, “He will be a mighty King, and I do not doubt that he will be a good one, as he’ll learn from you what it means to care for his people. You fought valiantly on this night, you should be proud of yourself. I know I am”

Criston looked to her, asking for permission as he leaned over to get closer to her babe. Rhaenyra nodded, a smile on her face as Criston placed the softest of kisses on Aemon’s head. The knight bid goodbye to little Alerion as well, with the boy waving to him as he remained on Daemon’s hip. .

“Thank you Criston”, Rhaenyra said, “Thank you for being here, truly”

Criston simply nodded, a smile on his face as he looked at Daemon. The two stared at each other for some time, and Rhaenyra could see the silent vows that were exchanged between them. Vows of loyalty to Rhaenyra, and to her children, as the two men knew they could trust each other when it came to protecting their family.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else”, Criston whispered before bowing and taking his leave.

“He’s a good one”, Rhaenyra said as Daemon walked back to sit on their bed, Alerion in his arms as he settled next to her, “We got very lucky”

“Indeed”, Daemon smiled.

The four laid on the bed, with Rhaenyra flinching in pain at each movement as she tried to make herself comfortable, a task most impossible as even breathing seemed to hurt terribly. But as she laid there, her babes next to her as her husband wrapped his arms protectively around them all, she was alright. Though it was still early in the morn, Rhaenyra felt her eyelids become heavy, and now that she was finally alone with her family, and felt safe enough, she allowed herself to succumb to the exhaustion she felt.

“Goodnight my love”, she whispered to Alerion as she kissed his cheek.

“Night muña”, Alerion replied back to her as he too fell asleep.

With her heart full in ways she could never have thought possible, Rhaenyra tugged her boy close, tears in her eyes at the title he’d bestowed upon her. Before tonight, he’d taken to calling her Nyra, as Rhaenyra had always feared how some might react at hearing her brother refer to her as his mother, fearing that they might report back to Alicent and that the other woman would throw a fit. Alicent had no right to Alerion, and all knew Rhaenyra had been a true mother to him, but in truth, as she readied to bring forth her babe, Rhaenyra had just dreaded the prospect of having to deal with Alicent. The supper had been more than enough. She knew Alerion was hers, just as she was his, and could only hope that with time he came to understand that just Rhaenyra not being his mother by blood, meant nothing to her. But to know that he felt this too, this bond that tied them together, healed her heart in more ways that the little boy could ever know. A silent tear fell down her face, as she pressed her lips against the top of his head, thanking the Gods for blessing her so.

Her world at peace by her side, Rhaenyra fell asleep.

Chapter Text

“Indeed Princess”, Lord Lyman said with a proud smile as he looked to her, “The proposition is most admirable, and I’m certain that our people will be thankful to know that you thought of them during this special time of your life”

“I simply think it’s the right thing to do”, Rhaenyra said as she sat the Small Council meeting, “I am most grateful for all I have received as various nobles from our Realm have decided to bless my son with gifts to celebrate his birth, but in truth, I do not need much of it. I’m most blessed to live a life of luxury, but I know that many in our lands are not. I will make sure that none feel slighted by what I have decided to do, as I do not wish for them to think that their gifts were not appreciated. But I think others might benefit more from them than I ever could”

“It’s a good idea Princess”, Lyonel Strong said as he sat next to her father, “I’ll speak to my son Harwin about how to best ensure that your gifts are spread evenly through our city. The City Watch will guard the food and clothes you’ve chosen to give our people with great care, and I’m certain they will see to it that those who need them most, get them first”

It had been about a moon since her Aemon had been born, and as the news spread around the Realm, the nobles had decided to send carriages and sometimes even ships filled with gifts. Rhaenyra had been most grateful, but she’d thought it unfair to keep this all for herself. Her son was a Prince, and he already had more than he could ever need. But Rhaenyra knew that most children did not, as she had spoken to the women who worked at Queen Aemma’s orphanage, and also some of Daemon’s former friends who worked at various establishments throughout King’s Landing, and she knew that her people needed help.

When she’d first become the Heir, Rhaenyra had tried to help the smallfolk as best as she could, even spending her own allowance to ensure that once a sennight food would be delievered to the city, and spread evenly to all. But it had not been enough. Her people were not starving, yet, but Rhaenyra did not ever want it to get to that point.

“Your plan sounds good my girl”, Viserys said with a smile on his face, “It brings me such joy to see you settle in your role as my Heir, you’ve done well my child”

Rhaenyra nodded, a cold smile on her face as she acknowledged her father’s words.Their relationship had become sour ever since she’d given birth to her babe, as her resentment for him only grew as now that she had a son of her own blood, she could not understand how he willingly threw Alerion to the side. He’d been a good father to her when she was younger, but she did not know how he lived his life without his son by his side. To her her boys were the very reason her heart continued to beat, and she could barely stomach thinking that her father cared so little for his own. And her resentment for him had only grown these past couple days, as a certain news had made its way around court.

Alicent was with child again.

Her father had evidently not been able to restrain himself, and he’d placed another child in the woman Rhaenyra knew hated her. After Alicent’s little show at her wedding, she’d spoken to her father about how it would perhaps not be the wisest of choices to have another child, and he’d agreed. He’d told her that he understood that Alicent yearned for the throne as her own father always had, and had assured her that he would not share her bed again. And yet here they were. Rhaenyra knew that her father and his wife were getting close again, especially Alicent had seemingly lost her mind during those moons she spent alone in her rooms, but she had hoped Viserys would be smart enough to not put them all through this again, but alas. It seemed that her father was once again besotted by Alicent, much to Rhaenrya's dismay. She did not care what they did, so long as it didn't reflect back on her or her children, and this could.

If Alicent bore another son, then Rhaenyra would once again have to ready herself to fight and keep this one on her side as well. She’d have to ensure this one did not fall prey to Alicent’s grasp, and she would do so happily, to make sure that no war against her own kin ever took place, but she begrudged her father for once again putting her in such a position. Neither him nor Alicent even cared about the first child they’d had together, so in truth Rhaenyra did not understand why they’d want to have another one. But her father was a man, and he was a weak one at that, and Rhaenyra knew that to Alicent, this child would be naught but a second chance to get to the throne. If she had another son, then this would strengthen her claim, and perhaps even convince some to stand by her as she usurped Rhaenyra’s throne, as she now had an heir and a spare. But that would never happen.

“The Lady Mya Baratheon is with child”, Rhaenyra told Daemon as she relaied to him the contents of the letter she’d received from Laenor, “My cousin sounds happy of this news, and I’m certain the two will be great parents when the time comes. Perhaps I should go to Driftmark when the Lady Mya is bound to give birth. It would please me most to be there as they welcome their first babe”

“Perhaps”, Daemon answered as he tried and failed to get Alerion to eat his nuncheon, “Do you not like this my boy? Or are you simply intent on getting all this food on my beautiful clothes for fun? Is that it? Do you enjoy seeing your kepa covered in carrots? Do you think that’s funny?”

Rhaenyra smiled as Daemon tickled Alerion, with their boy laughing as he tried to escape him. She sat next to them, with Aemon on her lap as he fed from her breast. Various maids had tried to take this from her, quoting that it was not appropriate for a woman of her station to do such a thing, but Rhaenyra had resisted them. To see her child as he suckled on her breast, and to know that it was her body that was keeping him healthy and allowing him to grow strong, made her feel more fulfilled that anything else ever could.

“Muña help”, Alerion called for her as he toddled towards her.

Rhaenyra laughed, as she looked on at Daemon and Alerion running around her rooms, falling onto their bed as Daemon pretended to have been bested by his son, smiling at him as Alerion proclaimed victory over his kepa.

After nuncheon, Rhaenyra placed Aemon back in his crib, where his little Stormcloud waited for him. Alerion kissed his baby brother goodnight, and as Rhaenyra noted how his eyes became sad at the sight of the dragon hatchling, she tugged him close. She understood that it pained him to know that his brother, who was but a mere babe still, had something that he had yet to find. Alerion was still very young, that is true, but from the way he’d cried after his last egg grew cold, Rhaenyra knew that he understood much more than what others gave him credit for.

“It’s alright trēsy”, Daemon cooed as he took Alerion in his arms, “You will have a dragon one day my love, that I do not doubt. You’re a child of Old Valyria, and you’re being raised by the youngest dragonrider in history and the rider of the mighty Red Wyrm. With time, you’ll learn all you need to know about dragons, and how we as Targaryens bond with them, so when you get your own, you’ll be unstoppable”

As Daemon continued to whisper words of comfort to Alerion, with the boy cradled close to him, Alerion fell asleep. Daemon nuzzled his forehead against the boy’s, something Rhaenyra had come to find was his way of showing affection to those he loved most, and after a little kiss on the temple, he set him on the bed.

“I feel for him”, Rhaenrya said sadly, “If he never does bond with a dragon, then he will be the odd one out, and I do not wish that upon him. There are already those who will tell him that he is not a part of our family, I do not care for them to use his lack of dragon as an excuse to make him feel different”

“He will have a dragon”, Daemon answered with certainty in his voice, “My brother might be weak, but he is a Prince of the blood, former rider to Balerion the Black Dread himself. So althought he may not act like it, Viserys is a dragon, and our blood runs thick, so it must have passed down to Alerion as well. He will have a dragon Rhaenyra, do not fret”

As the hour grew later, Ser Fell came to pick up Alerion, so he might bring him to the Maester’s chambers where he would attend his lessons. He was still terribly young, but as Rhaenyra had noted that her boy seemed to have some struggles with speaking, she had asked for the Maester to help him learn how to sound out the words. Runcinter had been horrible when it came to caring for her mother as she prepared to bring forth her children, but so long as Alerion wasn't laying in the birthing bed, Rhaenyra hoped that learning from someone who had spent his whole life studying, could help her boy. Her Alerion had taken well to these lessons, and she could already see the improvement.

“Have fun little guy”, Criston said as he waved at Alerion once the boy got out of the chambers.

In truth the lessons were quite boring, useful, but still boring. Alerion was still young, so to get him to pay attention to anything was a seemingly impossible feat. And the Maester was old, so his patience was not perhaps what it once had been. But nontheless, the lesson carried on, with Alerion almost crying as he failed to say Rhaenyra’s name for the nth time.

“Nyra”, he insisted as he angrily wiped his cheeks, frustrated and upset by his own tears.

“It’s Rhae-ny-ra”, the Maester repeated again and again, heavy sighs leaving him as he evidently did not care to work with children, not even royal ones.

And then suddenly, the wall opened up.

Alerion smiled as he looked to the new person who’d walked into the chambers, thinking that muña had finally come to rescue him from such boredom. But his smile quickly fell, as he noted the red hair that flowed behind the woman who’d just walked in. That was not Rhaenyra. The Queen was a woman who Alerion feared greatly, he did not understand why, but the way she looked to him and his muña always made him feel like he wanted to hide from her. There was so much hatred and disgust whenever she saw his family, and he did not want to be alone with her. Alerion immediately tried to seek some sort of protection in the older man, as he did with Daemon and Criston, knowing that the two would never have let Alicent anywhere near him, but the Maester simply shrugged him off. The man just nodded to the Queen, before sitting on a chair away from them, leaving Alerion alone as the woman stared at him.

“Hello son”, Alicent said, an odd smile on her face as she sat in front of him.

Alerion remained silent, staring at his feet as the woman's mere presence was enough to make him feel unsafe. He remembered how she’d grabbed onto him on his nameday, her touch so similar to that of his mother, and yet so different from it that it had left him in tears. His mother’s touch comforted him, as he felt safe in her arms. The woman’s had made him afraid.

“Do you know who I am Alerion?”, she questioned as she gripped his hand tightly, an act of false affection that made shivers go down his spine.

The little boy nodded, because although he hadn’t seen much of the woman through his life, he knew she was the Queen. He’d seen her by the King's side a couple times during some feasts, and knew that she was his wife.

“Queen”, he mumbled as he tried to take his hand back from her grasp, with her only tightening her hold on him as an annoyed huff left her at his answer.

“I’m your mother Alerion”, she said firmly, “No matter what anyone may have you think, you’re mine. You belong to me my son, as I do you. I will not leave you alone to fight your battles Alerion, do not worry”

Alerion shook his head, confused by the sudden anger that seemed to have taken over the woman who sat before him. He knew what a battle was, as his kepa would often tell him stories of the ones he’d fought to keep him entertained. But what battles was she speaking of?

“Rhaenyra may toy with you as she wishes”, Alicent said with a look of contempt in her eyes as she almost spat out the other woman’s name, “But she knows who you are, as everyone else does. She knows who you should be, and she wishes to keep you all to herself to keep you under her grasp, so she might have you close when the time comes. You’re the future King Alerion”

“No”, Alerion denied, “Muña Queen”

“Do not speak that cursed language”, Alicent hissed as she grabbed his face harshly, “You are a Hightower Alerion, and as such you are blessed by the Seven Who Are One. The Targaryens may fool themselves as they please, thinking their ability to ride those beasts means they’re favoured by whatever false gods they believe in. But we are the blessed ones Alerion, and the true Gods know it. They will fight with us as we take back what is rightfully ours”

Alerion trembled, fear taking hold of his body as the woman’s grasp on his face hurt him. He did not understand what was happening, and couldn’t truly decipher the meaning of her words. But the woman before him looked angry, and Alerion’s lip trembled as he realised that he was alone. The Maester was sitting there silent, and Ser Fell was outside, and he either hadn't heard anything or just didn't care. Nobody was coming to help him, and he could do nothing but sit there as tears welled up in his eyes while she continued to speak.

“Our little meetings shall be our secret, yes?”, she whispered as she now caressed the cheek she’d previously marred with her strong hold, “Rhaenyra would be upset if she knew that you were speaking to me, and you don’t want her to know that you’re doing this, right? Don’t want her to be mad at you for defying her wishes. She wouldn’t understand why you’ve done this, that you simply wish to be with the only one who truly loves you. She’d be very angry Alerion, and you don’t want her to be angry with you, right?”

Alerion shook his head, fearing the woman as she tugged him close to her chest. She caressed his hair, continuing to whisper that she would keep his secret, and that Rhaenyra would never know how he had betrayed her. Alerion did not understand, because he’d never wished to betray his muña. He didn’t understand the meaning of the woman’s words, but her voice was grave as she told him of how angry Rhaenyra would be at him if she ever knew. He felt afraid, tears welling up in his eyes as desperation took hold of his heart at the thought of his muña being mad at him. He wanted nothing more than to seek protection in the arms of his parents, and yet he remained motionless.

Caged in the woman’s arms, as a single tear made its way down his face.

Chapter Text

“It would seem you’ve lost your touch my Prince”, Criston mocked as himself and Daemon made their way back inside the Keep, “You once told me that I only beat you because I cheated, and yet look at us now. Besting you has never been easier”

“Fuck you”, Daemon mumbled, “I will have you know that caring for six children and dealing with the men of the Council is no easy feat, thank you very much. I’m a well renowned fearsome warrior Criston, and I’m also your friend, ‘tis not kind of you to make fun of me”

The two walked to Daemon’s chambers, just sitting on the bed as Daemon continued to argue that today had simply been a bad day for him, but that within anoter day he’d be back to himself and beating Criston without an ounce of struggle. Though the knight doubted it, as he could very clearly see that the other man was about to fall asleep. He chuckled at this, just watching as Daemon fought to stay awake and complained at Criston mocking him.

“Daeron kept us up all night”, Daemon huffed as his body slumped against the bed as he breathed heavily, “Love the kid, but my does he have some lungs on him”

Criston chuckled as he began to change his clothes from those he wore in the training grounds, to the armor of the Kingsguard. By this point, the house was so full of children that Criston honestly wondered when the little Targaryens would revolt and take over the Keep. Not if, when.

“’Tis honorable what you and the Princess have done”, he said, “To take your brother’s children in as you also raise your own, ‘tis an admirable feat”

“Better this than to leave them to that horrid woman”, Daemon sighed, “My brother may have been stupid enough to continue placing children on her, but at least he’s not blind enough to think she could mother them as they deserve. I would feel bad for her, to see how she’s used as naught but a broomare, but with how she acts, perhaps it’s for the best. I certainly do not care for her to have any actual power, over anything in truth, but the children especially”

Criston nodded, his heart skipping a beat as he thought of how things would’ve been like if Alicent had been the one to raise her children, and he found himself thanking the Gods that the Princess had fought to have each and every one of her children, even as the King faltered after Helaena was first born. He hadn’t taken much issue with handing his second daughter to his first, but when Baelor was born, he’d tried to resist Rhaenyra, quoting that Alicent was lonely, and that a boy needed his mother. But Rhaenyra had absolutely lost her mind, and the fire within her had scared off the King, thankfully.

He wondered how his beloved Baelor would’ve been like if the Queen had gotten a hold of him first. The boy’s heart was so kind and gentle, she would’ve destroyed him. The woman had grown cold with time, and nothing could be found of the kind Lady Criston had barely gotten to know before she was wed to the King. She spent most of her time either in her own rooms, her husband's or the Sept. Rhaenyra had placed various of her own maids around her, and the women had reported back that the Queen just spent her time either reading or praying until her husband called for her. He’d felt for her when she’d first become the Queen, as it was obvious to all that it was not what she desired, but she’d allowed her anger at her own situation to reflect back on all those who surrounded her. She would’ve raised those kids with rage and resentment in her heart, and she certainly would’ve poisoned them so they might be as miserable as she was. But thankfully, the Gods had willed differently.

“How is the Princess?”, Criston questioned, struggling to get his shoes on, as he was fairly certain that Daemon had switched them with smaller ones, “She must be ready to give birth any day now. Are you excited?”

“Of course”, Daemon answered as he chuckled at Criston’s struggles, “The two children she has given me already are more than enough, the greatest of blessings that I shall forever be thankful for. But I must admit that I wish for a girl this time. My boys are the very air that I breathe, but seeing Rhaenyra with our little Helaena has only allowed me to dream of what it could be like for us to have a babygirl of our own blood”

“Kepa”, Alerion screamed as he ran into the room, with Criston finally loosing his balance after flinching at the noise, and just falling to the ground, “Muña has begun her labors, and you promised me that I could help you look for an egg for the babe”

“Indeed”, Daemon huffed as he tried to not let his fear at the news show with the children present, “Let us go my boy”

“I want to come too”, Aemon said as he pushed his brother to make his way into the chambers, “Hi uncle Criston”

“Hello children”, Criston said, sneering at the Prince as he got up and fixed himself, “Shut up Daemon. Let’s go boys, wouldn’t want to keep your little sibling waiting when they finally join us”

Rhaenyra’s last labours with their Rhaegar had been the most tranquil experience, with her handling the pain as only a true dragon Queen could. So whilst Daemon did fear, obviously, he trusted that she could do this. Rhaenyra had actually been the one to suggest that Daemon take the kids to pick an egg for the new babe as she brought forth their third child, as all still remembered the terrified cries that both Alerion and Aemon had emitted as they listened to her screaming in pain last time around. So Daemon took his sons, and went into the Dragonpit.

“’Tis not fair”, Aemon mumbled as they walked to Syrax, “I didn’t get to be there when you chose Rhaegar’s egg, so why does he get to come and pick this one?”

“Because you were barely one when Rhaegar was born my love”, Daemon sighed as tried to qualm his son’s competitive nature, “Alerion wasn’t there to pick yours, but now all three of you are old enough to know how to behave around dragons, so you all can come with me”

“I still don’t think it’s fair”, Aemon said, “When muña has another babe, then Rhaegar and I will be even with how many eggs we’ve picked, but I should have more, because I’m older”

As the children continued to squabble, they all finally made their way to the Dragonpit. Aemon immediately started begging one of the dragonkeepers to let him see Stormcloud, whilst Rhaegar’s hold on Daemon’s hand tightened, as the boy’s egg had yet to hatch. Rhaegar was 5 namedays old at this point, so Daemon knew that the chances of his son’s egg hatching were very little, but the boy refused to budge, sharing a bed with the egg to keep it warm, as he said that he could feel it in his soul that his dragon laid within it. Nobody had the heart to tell the small child that more likely than not, the little hatchling never would be, but Daemon already had plans to take his son to Dragonstone once he was old enough, so he might claim a dragon there.

“That one’s pretty”, Alerion mused as he observed the two eggs Syrax had hatched, just in time for the newest babe, “But that one’s gorgeous”

Daemon couldn’t help but agree, so the hunt for the egg ended fairly quickly, though as he finally held it, Daemon could feel that its core was already cold. He sighed, saddened by the thought of another one of his children having to grow up without a dragon, but as he knew that Rhaegar would be a dragonrider, he knew that the same would be true for the new babe.

As Daemon and Criston fought tooth and nail to drag the children away from the Dragonpit for what felt like hours, Alerion sped away, as he went to bid his Sunfyre goodbye. When Alerion had first claimed his dragon, Daemon did not think he’d ever been more proud of his son, wearing a smile so wide it almost hurt, as he watched his eldest bond with such a beautiful creature. Getting to fly with Alerion would certainly be one of the greatest moments of Daemon’s life, and he could scarcely wait for it, as he saw their bond only grow stronger with time, and yet Alerion had become sad. At first he was extatic, talking about nothing else other than Sunfyre to anyone who would listen, and even those who would not. But then he’d become sad, a look of defeat in his eyes anytime he saw his once beloved dragon. Daemon had tried to question him on the matter, but Alerion had assured him that all was well, and the dragonkeepers said that the boy and his dragon were bonding just fine, so Daemon had let it go, for now.

“We’re back my love”, Daemon announced as they walked into Rhaenyra’s rooms, after Jeyne had told them that his wife’s labours were over, “How are you my hea-”

“Where is she?”, Alerion questioned alarmed as he scanned the chambers for any sign of his mother, “Kepa where is she? Jeyne said she was fine, so why is she not here? And where is the babe?”

Daemon breathed deeply, trying to not lose his composure in front of his children as to not scare them. But as his heart beat its way out of his chest, he realised that indeed, his wife was not in her rooms. His wife who’d just given birth to their child, and who he’d left alone as she fought this battle, was not where she should have been.

“The Queen called for her”, Elinda said meekly as she appeared in the rooms, a sad look on her face as she still held a blood soaked towel in her hands, “She wanted the babe to be brought to her, but the Princess wouldn’t leave the babe alone, so she went to the Queen”

“What?”, Criston asked with wide eyes, “What do you mean the Queen called for her? The Princess has just given birth, why would the Queen need to see her now?”

Daemon did not say anything, placing a hand on Alerion’s shoulder as he saw how the boy had almost flinched as his mother by birth was mentioned, and leaving Rhaenyra’s rooms. He was angry, his heart raging as he stalked down the various corridors of the Keep. He could faintly hear Criston call for him, trying to grab onto his arm as he reminded Daemon that killing the Queen was not the wisest course of action. But Daemon ignored him. The woman had gone too far now.

As the years had gone by, Alicent had turned more and more cold, as it was obvious that the reality of her situation made her miserable. Every time Daemon saw her, she was alone apart from the maids Rhaenyra had placed around her, and she didn't even have a guard, not after she had tried to convince her husband to name her brother Gwayne as her shield, and Viserys had almost agreed. Rhaenyra had intervened immediately, putting a stop to it and telling Alicent that if she really wanted a guard, then she could have Arryk Cargyll, someone Rhaenrya knew she could trust, but the Queen had said no. So she now spent her days alone, apart from whenever her husband called for her, and little Arryk only followed her if she went to the Sept.

Alicent had not put up a fight as her children were much taken away from her and given to Rhaenyra, simply standing there as the King made it clear that he did not trust her to raise them on her own. Viserys had wavered at first, and Daemon had feared that something was up with his brother, but in the end he’d given them both Baelor and Daeron as Alicent just stood there. But the look in her eyes had disturbed Daemon. She looked way too calm, almost as if she thought she had the upper hand on the situation. Why? Daemon did not know. And that worried him, hence why he'd given Mysaria leave to spy on Alicent whenever she left the Keep, and had hired even more servants to keep an eye on her whenever she walked around the castle. But nothing. Nobody had reported anything odd, so evidently the Queen had simply lost her mind. And after this, after she dared pull something like this, Daemon was certain that she must've gone mad.

“Who the fuck does she think she is?”, Daemon grunted as he neared Alicent’s chambers, “Calling the Heir to the Iron Throne to her chambers like a godsforsaken dog?”

“She’s the Queen Daemon”, Criston replied as he continued to try and grab his arm, “Please don’t do anything brash. I understand you’re angry, but please don’t get yourself killed over this”

Daemon ignored him once more, forcefully making his way into Alicent’s chambers as he pushed little Arryk Cargyll to the ground with a single shove. The scene he walked into made him rage even more, if that were possible. Alicent stood there, a look of contempt in her eyes as she stared down at Rhaenyra, who was standing before her with a babe in her arms as blood covered the back of her dress.

“Brother”, Viserys welcomed him in the rooms, an idiotic smile on his face as he was none the wiser of the outmost horror of what had just taken place, “You have a daughter Daemon. My what a blessing. As a father of two girls myself, I can tell you that to have a son is good, but having a daughter is great. Rhaenyra has always been the joy of my life”

Daemon stared at his brother, dumbfounded as Viserys seemed oblivious to his daughter’s pain. He stood there, rambling on about how she was everything to him, and yet evidently did not care for her enough to notice that she was bleeding all over herself because his fucking wife had called to her mere seconds after she’d given birth.

“What the fuck did you think you were doing?”, he hissed as he walked up to Alicent, towering over her as his hand itched for his sword, “Feeling entitled to take such a joyous moment away from my fucking wife, as you wish to take our babe from her before she can even draw her first breath? You better thank whatever fucking gods you believe in Alicent, that I was not there as you dared call for my daughter. Because trust me, Dark Sister would’ve been more than happy to tell you all I wa-”

“Daemon!”, Viserys bellowed, “Alicent just wanted for us to meet our granddaughter, nothing more. ‘Tis not uncommon for a babe to be presented to court when they’re first born, and as King and Queen, we represent the court. Alicent did not wish any harm brother. She doesn’t have babes of her own to keep by her side, as you know, so she just wanted to see Rhaenyra’s”

“Then why were none of her babes ever presented to court?”, Daemon spat out as he looked to his brother, “Why was your wife never made to bleed before all as she went up flights and flights of fucking stairs to make her way to a petty child playing the role of a Queen? And children are not interchangeable Viserys, that woman doesn’t have her kids with her because she’s not fit to care for them. I will not let you make Rhaenyra and our children pay for your misguided choice of wife”

“I called for the babe”, Alicent said calmly, her hand on her husband’s arm as she counted on his support, “’Tis not my fault that Rhaenyra came as well”

“You think I could ever bear separating from my child so soon after she was born?”, Rhaenyra asked as she spoke up for the first time since Daemon had walked in, “May I remind you, Your Grace, that my brother Prince Baelon died barely one hour after he was born, a fate he shared with the Princess Daella and the Prince Jaehaerys, two other children of mine own mother’s blood who did not see the end of their first day on this earth. I saw how quickly small babes get taken away, so no, my Queen, I’m sorry but I was not about to let you take my child from me”

“I simply wished to see her Rhaenyra”, Alicent huffed, “You’re acting like I would’ve stolen her away. Don’t be so dramatic”

“’Tis not my fault you don’t understand a mother’s love for her children Alicent”, Rhaenyra stated firmly, a cold look on her face as she got up from her seat, ready to finally leave these chambers.

Daemon spared one last look to the two who stood before him. Alicent had yet to lose that smug look she had when he’d first walked in, though Daemon saw how fear coursed through her veins as she clung to Viserys, who in turn just had a small pout on his face.

“You’re a fool Viserys”, he spat out as he looked at his brother, “And I hope she’s worth all this”

“Daemon please”, Viserys begged as he left Alicent behind to grab onto his brother, “This fighting between us is not necessary. Alicent did not mean any harm, and I’m sorry that her past actions lead you to always think the worst of her. But I can assure you that she has changed, and she wishes for nothing more than for us and the children to be together as one family. As do I”

“How can you be so blind?”, Daemon questioned angrily, “How can you just ignore all the ways in which this woman you allow to stand by your side has hurt all those you claim to love? What happened on this day was naught but a show of power, and by letting her get away with it, you’re just allowing her to think more of herself than she already does. This will not end well Viserys, I’m telling you brother, and you need to put a stop to it. You’re the King, and as such you’re the only one who can truly act against Alicent, so just fucking do it before I intervene. And trust me, there will be little left of this Hightower girl you so like once I’m done with her, so I’d think on it long and hard before leaving her to me instead of acting yourself”

“I just want peace”, Viserys sighed, “I don’t feel well Daemon, and I just need us all to get along. I no longer have it in me to fight, and I beg you to understand that both Alicent and I just want for us all to be a united family as we once were. Like mother and father would’ve wanted”

“We have never been a true family”, Daemon hissed, “Not since you picked the Hightowers over your own kin. You’re greener than ever brother, and Baelon and Alyssa would be so disappointed to know what you’ve become. They taught us that nothing mattered more than family, and yet you seemed to have forgotten that as you once again kneel before the fucking Hightowers”

He walked out of the rooms, immediately taking Rhaenyra’s arm as Criston held the other. He could hear the knight asking Rhaenyra some questions, wishing to know how she felt and demanding to know where Ser Erryk had been when Alicent called for her.

“I asked him this one favour”, Criston mumbled, “You requested I go with the children to the Dragonpit, and I asked him to be with you as you birthed your child. That man just had to stand outside your rooms and ensure no harm came to you. This is your own house, how hard could that have been?”

“It was Arryk”, Rhaenyra hissed as they made their way down the stairs and back to their chambers, “I don’t know where Erryk is, but you spoke to Arryk before you took your leave. I’m certain it was but a misunderstanding, as the two brothers did not communicate with each other as they should have. It’s alright Criston, you are not to blame for any of this. The King and his Queen are”

Daemon cringed as he noted how Rhaenyra's legs wobbled at each step, and how she could barely contain the noises of pain that escaped her as she went down the stairs of the Keep. He wished for nothing more than to just take her in his arms and hold her close to bring her back to their rooms as quickly as possible. But then, as soon as he proposed this to Rhaenyra, she shook her head, and subtly nodded to the various courtiers who were now looking at them.

"This was the Queen's doing?", one of the Ladies asked shocked as she spoke with another.

"Between that Hightower girl and our King I don't know which one is worse", the other answered, "The poor Princess, after all she does for her father and that woman, caring for their children as if they were her own, and this is how they repay her? Absolutely disgusting"

Daemon almost smiled at this, kissing Rhaenyra's temple as he understood her plan. All these people were on their side, Daemon knew that, as he'd been with Rhaenyra this whole time, witnessing as she took hold of the Keep and the nobles who lived within it. But if any had ever wavered, Rhaenyra wanted to make sure that they saw what their beloved Queen was capable of. Rhaenyra was seen as the kindest and most generous royal at court, and perhaps even in generations, so why would anyone betray her to side with a cruel Queen who would force her to walk so far mere seconds after giving birth?

Alicent hadn't called for Rhaenyra, but the people didn't need to know that.

When a maid, one that Rhaenyra herself had appointed to Alicent, had walked into her rooms almost shaking to report back what the Queen's orders had been, Rhaenyra had been appalled. And it had only gotten worse when the maid had said that whilst yes, the order had come from Alicent, Viserys hadn't opposed her. She knew her father was sick, and that he was also getting dumber as the years went by, hence why she had pretty much taken control of the Council at this point, but this act of cruelty would not go unnoticed. Rhaenyra had tried to preserve the image people had of her father, mainly to preserve her own as she didn't want anyone to think that just because he was stupid, that meant she was as well, but she wanted the people to know of this. Wanted the people to know that the King and Queen were together as they failed to honour their duties, because they were too busy tormenting the Princess, who on the other hand had never once faltered in doing exactly what she needed to do to ensure happiness for her people.

Once Rhaenyra was finally safe and sound in her bed, a smile found its way to her face, as her children surrounded herself and her babe. Alerion almost cried at the sight of his new little sister, pressing his forehead against hers and whispering something about how he’d keep her safe. After the children had had their time to meet the newest babe, with Criston having to pry little Helaena off her as she tried to place a spider on her head, Rhaenyra and Daemon were left alone.

“I’m so sorry my love”, Daemon whispered as he helped her bathe, “To know that I was not there as you suffered such horrors is my greatest shame to date. She’s terrible, but we knew this. He’s the one whose idiocy takes me back every single time. No matter how many times my brother proves it, his blindness to her faults surprises me each time”

“He just wants peace”, Rhaenyra breathed out as the warm waters begun to soothe her pains, “He’s so obsessed with his own idea of peace, that he willfully ignores all that goes wrong around him. He knows what Alicent is, and knows that what took place on this day was naught but a show of power on her part. But that’s too complex for him, as it would require for him to actually act and put a stop to it. So he simply ignores it, pretending that his was just Alicent wanting to see the babe because she's this loving grandmother who just couldn't wait to meet her newest grandbabe. And in truth I think he feels for her. He’s tried more than once to get me to bring the children to those dreadful suppers he forces us to endure with himself and Alicent. And each time I deny him, he has the guts to say that it’s not fair for her to suffer such a lonely life, as if it’s somehow my fault that he married her and locked her in this place. He’s weak Daemon”

“But he hasn’t always been like this”, Daemon sighed as he got her out of the bath, “I remember how he stood against her on our wedding day. Damn it, I was almost proud to see him fight for you like that. But now he does this?”

“He’s ill”, Rhaenyra reminded him, “He’s ill and he wishes for peace in his mind if he can not have it in truth. And I can not imagine it is easy to live with Alicent as she is, always complaining about not seeing the children or her father as if it is anyone’s fault but her own and Otto’s. Oh and about that, I sent some servants to look around Mellos' chambers when he was away, and they found no evidence of any correspondence from Oldtown. I don't like the man, but I liked Runcinter even less, and at least Mellos has not given me reason to hate him unlike that other fuck. To know that Runcinter was the one who brought the knife down on my mother tormented me every time I saw him, so I'm glad he's dead"

Rhaenyra breathed heavily, mind riddled with thoughts of how much pain that man and her father had inflicted upon her poor mother. She had never forgiven either of them, and the fact that both just thought back to that day as an "accident", or as something that can happen normally as a consequence of duty, made her sick. Runcinter had not been a man that one could trust when laying in the birthing bed, but he'd been a learned man. Hence why Rhaenyra had sent Alerion to him when he was a babe, as he struggled to speak. Just because Runcinter didn't care for women, that didn't mean he would harm a child. But even with that, Rhaenyra had made sure that Ser Fell accompanied him to every lesson, as he did now that Helaena and Baelor had begun joining them as well. Ser Fell stood outside, but Rhaenyra trusted that the man would intervene if anything happened. Mellos had not been an issue so far, even though Rhaenyra had hoped to get Gerardys, as she like the man much more than any other Maester.

Once the two were back in their bed, they simply laid there, their little babe between them as she slept soundly. Daemon finally took his time to truly look at his daughter, and a small sense of peace found his heart as he saw her little face.

“She’s perfect”, he whispered as he gently caressed her cheek.

“She is”, Rhaenyra agreed, “Our little girl has finally joined us my love”

“Our Visenya”, Daemon marvelled as he felt Rhaenyra’s breaths even out.

And outside the Keep, a mighty roar shook the hearts of all who saw the huge beast fly above them. Night fell over King’s Landing much sooner that it was supposed to, as all became dark once the dragon made his appearence.

It seemed that the Cannibal had finally found a rider.

Chapter Text

“This is a disgrace”, Alicent ranted as she paced around the Maester’s chambers, “For that mere girl to have been claimed by that godsforsaken beast. Rhaenyra and Daemon are bad enough, going around with their dragons as they flaunt their power for all to see. But now two of their children also have dragons. You must claim one as well. You two are the blood of the dragon, what use are you if you can not even honor your birth right and claim those creatures? We need dragons if we wish to stand a chance against them”

Alerion simply bowed his head, wearily eyeing Baelor as he stood next to him. His brother was shaking, trembling under the gaze of the angry woman who towered over him. Alicent neared them at one point, grabbing onto Baelor’s face before Alerion dared to try and stop her.

“Cursed Targaryen blood courses through your veins”, she hissed as she stared at her son, “’Tis my greatest shame to know mine own children share blood with those godsless beings, but the one good thing that must come as a result to such unfortunate happenings, is that you claim a dragon. Unless you do that, then we will all perish. Do you understand that Baelor? If you don’t claim a dragon, you will die”

Baelor shivered, tears falling down his face as Alicent’s nails dragged onto his cheeks as she forced him to look in her eyes. Alerion didn’t know what to do, wishing for nothing more than to stand between his mother and brother, but knowing that Alicent would only become angry at him if he intervened. So he just stood there, hands coming to pull at his hair as he prayed to the Gods for this to end.

It always went like this. He could not remember a time where these meetings had not taken place, making fear rise in his heart whenever he was called to the Maester’s chambers to attend these so called “lessons”. The Queen had been ever-present in his life, always calling for him and stripping him away from the safety of his muña’s arms. Every single time, Alerion had wanted to tell Rhaenyra, wanting nothing more than for her to put a stop to this, as he knew she would. But Alicent had always warned him against it, because Rhaenyra would be mad at him. His muña and his kepa had raised him to be strong, teaching him to stand up for himself and his siblings, and yet he’d failed them. As he stood here, watching the Queen angrily speak to his brother as the little boy sobbed, he knew he’d failed them once more. Rhaenyra and Daemon would be so disappointed in him, as Alicent always told him, and he couldn’t bear to let them face what a coward their son truly was.

“You know it must be done Alerion”, Alicent said as she now turned to him, “You all must claim dragons, as that is the only way for any one of us to make it out of this alive. Your uncle Gwayne was gravely injured during a tournament, so he’s no use to us anymore. We stand alone as we fight for our lives in this godsforsaken place. The second your father dies, Rhaenyra and Daemon will kill you all. So we must ready ourselves to fight”

“They would never-”, Baelor tried to say, as Alerion sighed knowing what was about to come.

“Those two are monsters”, Alicent hissed after her hand collided with Baelor’s wet cheek, “They may toy with you as they please, acting like loving parents, wishing to keep you close and play with your hearts. But they know the truth. You two stand between Rhaenyra and the throne, as all know Alerion should be the King. As soon as Viserys dies, your beloved Rhaenyra will give you to the torturers. I know that to be true, and you do as well. Don’t you?”

Baelor shook his head, little sobs escaping him as he cupped his cheek. Alicent breathed out, kissing his forehead and forcing him into an embrace. She hugged the boy as he cried, with him clinging desperately to her as he seeked comfort in the arms of a woman who had done nothing but harm him all his life. Alerion had always found it fascinating, even with his own experiences with Alicent. The woman screamed at him, reminding him that he was nothing but a failure, but then she hugged him close, wiping away his tears with the same hand that had caused such harm, and he fell for it every time.

“I simply wish to protect you children”, she whispered as she held Baelor close, “You were born to be Kings, and I shall not allow you to die at the hands of those who claim to love you. ‘Tis cruel what Rhaenyra and Daemon have done, pretending to care for you as they plot your deaths. But you must not fear my sons, mother is here”

Alerion couldn’t truly remember how all this had begun, as he could not think back to a time where his mother’s presence had not struck fear in his heart. He knew he should act, that he should put a stop to all this, if not for himself, then for his siblings. And yet he couldn’t. Alicent always spoke of war, one that was inevitable as Alerion’s existence was enough for Rhaenyra to wish him dead. In his heart he knew that his muña would never harm him, and yet he feared. His mother’s words always in the back of his head as they tormented his every waking moment. Once he’d claimed Sunfyre, it had only gotten worse. Alicent had told him plainly, that now that he had a dragon, he was an even bigger threat to Rhaenyra.

“You are a true Targaryen King now”, she’d told him, “Your dragon shall die with you, because Rhaenyra will have no choice but to kill you now that you have him. Your beast means you are even more powerful than you were before, and death shall befall you both unless you fight”

He loved Sunfyre, and remembered fondly how happy his kepa had been, right by his side when Sunfyre had first approached him. But then, his mother’s words had started to sink in. Alerion knew he should not believe her, as Rhaenyra loved him. But Alicent claimed to love him as well, and yet she harmed him every chance she got. His relationship with her ran so deep, that he’d begun to confuse love and hatred, not knowing where the line was between one who claims to love you, and one who does in truth. Rhaenyra claimed to love him, but Alicent always said it was naught but a game. Alicent claimed to love him, and yet hurt him more than any other ever had. He didn’t know what to do.

“Black will triumph, and green will fall”, Helaena mumbled as she sat on a chair, staring at her dress with a hand on her stomach as her eyes seemed lost, “I will fly, and so will she as the tower glows”

Alicent rolled her eyes at her, ever frustrated by her daughter whenever she rambled on like this. His mother had always hated when Helaena spoke her riddles, thinking her slow minded and never paying her much attention, a look of disappointment in her eyes whenever she looked to her daughter. But Alerion had always minded to his little sister’s words. He could never decipher their true meanings, as most times it seemed that Helaena herself didn’t even know what she was talking about. But Alerion always listened.

“I’ve spoken to my father”, Alicent said as she now turned to Alerion, “We think it best that you two marry. I personally have always found such practices disgusting, but it must be done. To see you two wed in the ways of your godsless ancestors, will only enforce your claim. You will wed Helaena as soon as she bleeds Alerion, and you must bear children with her quickly. Your father is ill, and I do not know how long we’ll have with him before the Seven Hells break lose. So you must have heirs when the time comes, so none shall question the strength of our line”

“But I don’t want to marry Helaena”, Alerion whispered as he looked to his baby sister, “I love her, but not as a husband should a wife”

“What you want is of no consequence”, Alicent hissed angrily, “Marriage is naught but an arrangement, so one might gain something from it. Love has nothing to do with it. She will be a dutiful wife to you, as I have been to your father. She will bear you children, for that is what she was born for”

Alerion felt a shiver down his spine, sadness taking hold of his heart as he saw his little sister be thought of as naught but a womb for him to fill when the time came. Helaena was a special girl, always playing with her crawly friends and favouring their company to that of other people. She rarely spoke, and hated being touched. How was he supposed to be her husband without harming her, when she couldn’t even be touched? How would he live with himself as he was made to force himself upon her?

“She’s a girl Alerion”, Alicent said annoyed as she noted the tears in his eyes, “To marry and bear children is the one thing she was placed on this earth to do, as we all were. The Gods gave me a son first, and then a daughter. You were born to rule, and she was born to stand by you as you do. Simple as that. No need to make yourself upset about reality. This is what must happen my son, so it shall”

Through the years, before he’d learned that speaking out did not help anyone, he’d tried to let her see what he thought to be true, that there was no need for war. He’d thought her truly scared for him, and had tried to reassure her that nothing was going to happen. Rhaenyra and Daemon loved him and his siblings, and they’d never dare harm them. But she’d resisted, telling him that the games Rhaenyra and Daemon had been playing with him all his life, were just that. He’d always tried and failed to get her to see reason, but since his siblings had also started being involved in these meetings, he’d remained silent, once it became clear that she would use them against him.

“I won’t fight her”, he’d said desperately as tears ran down his cheeks, a mere boy of 5 as he tried to stand up against her, “I won’t challenge her claim, so she’ll have no reason to think I’d take her place”

“You are the challenge”, Alicent had hissed, “Simply by living and breathing. Once Viserys dies Rhaenyra will have your head, and theirs as well. Do you want to see your little brother and sister die Alerion? Do you want to know that their lives laid in your hands, and that you failed them because you did not care for them enough to protect them? I’ve given everything for you to sit that throne, and you will not fail me this way. Not after all I’ve suffered for you”

She would use his siblings to make the burden she’d placed on him heavier. Because now it wasn’t just his life on the line, they’d be taken as well if Rhaenyra took the throne. Alerion couldn’t think as the meetings took place, always trying to make sense of the two versions of Rhaenyra that were placed before him. On one hand he had his muña, the woman who’d cared for him all his life, and who he knew he could count on to comfort him no matter what. But on the other hand was this heartless monster, a spoiled Princess who cared for nothing but power, and who had simply taken advantage of his naivety as she coerced him into trusting him, so she might have him close when the time came to take his head. These two women had reigned his mind for his whole life, as he faced one daily whilst then fearing the other whenever he entered the Maester’s chambers. His mind was too young to comprehend everything that was going on around him, so he’d just forced it to stop trying.

For so long he’d tried to fight, but each time he stepped into these rooms, and his bravery failed him as he never spoke of them to anyone, he knew all was lost. He’d done this to himself, as Alicent always said. Rhaenyra and Daemon had made sure that he never had any contact with the Queen, and if he’d wanted to, Alerion could’ve said something after the very first meeting that took place. It did not matter that he was a mere babe when it happened, he should’ve stood up for his family, and he hadn't. He’d failed them, and so this was all his fault. Alicent always told him that Rhaenyra would be mad as she learned of such betrayal on his part, and as time went on, Alerion had started to believe her. He feared that his muña would think less of him, for allowing himself to be placed in such a position. Alicent had always told him that this was all his fault, and he believed her.

“I’m sorry”, he whispered once the siblings were left alone in the Maester’s chambers, “I’m so sorry”

He hugged Baelor close, his little brother desperate as his mind tried and failed to process all that had just taken place. Alerion knew he’d never understand, as he himself had not. How was it possible that two versions of the same woman could co-exist, when they were worlds different from one another? How could his beloved muña be the same cold hearted kinslayer that Alicent always spoke of?

“I’m scared”, Baelor sobbed as he cried into Alerion’s chest, “I don’t want to die”

“You won’t”, Alerion said firmly.

As he clung to his brother, he left a small kiss on his head, his heart hurting as he thought of all the times Rhaenyra and Daemon had done the same for him. Baelor continued to sob, begging Alerion to help him, because he did not want to die.

“We will all fly if the tower glows”, Helaena said once more, staring at him with eyes so empty it almost scared him, “We will become four, and only one will be left before her wings fail her as well”

Alerion sighed, hands coming to grasp at his hair as he seeked the familiar sting, one that caused him such pain and yet soothed him more than anything else. He didn’t know when he’d begun to do it, but he knew that his mother had tugged at his hair many times during their meetings, hence why he'd started keeping it short. As she spoke to him, his mind wandered, images of her war taking over as she told him of all the losses they would face if he failed them. The pain in his heart was a grave one as he lost himself to his own mind, and he found that the sting on his head somehow soothed him, distracting him from the terror that ruled him even for just a moment.

His muña had questioned him about his sudden decision to cut his hair, as she'd always loved to braid it, but he'd soothed her worries. She had tried to speak to him many times after that, as Alerion had started to become more and more sad, but he'd always remained silent. He wanted nothing more than to tell her everything, but he just couldn't. His mouth slammed shut every time she questioned him about it, and the few times she'd brought Alicent into the conversation Alerion's heart had almost failed him. Did she know about the meetings? Did she know that he'd been speaking to her for years? Did she know that he'd been too much of a coward to stand up to her, and that now his siblings were suffering as well? Did she know of how he'd failed her?

“We won’t fly”, Alerion vowed, “I won’t let us”

And in that moment, with his little brother in his arms and his eyes locked on his sister, he made a promise, that he would forcefully place himself between them and the executioner’s sword. He didn’t know who would be wilelding such weapon, but as he thought of how tragic their end would be if his mother spoke true, he couldn’t help the tears that fell from his eyes.

“We’ll be alright”, he chocked out as he hugged his brother close.

But as the words came out, they left a bitter taste in his mouth, for they were naught but a lie.

Chapter Text

“How are you Laena?”, Rhaenyra questioned as she looked at her cousin who sat next to her, “It pleased me most to hear from your mother that your birth went well, but I wish to know from you”

“I’m happy”, Laena answered with a smile on her face, one of her girls in her arms as the other rested in Rhaenyra’s, “I won’t lie, facing the birthing bed was the most terrifying experience of my life, and I thought my labours may never end. You should’ve seen how scared the poor maids looked as Vhagar roared from outside the halls of Driftmark as I brought my girls into this world. The pain was greater than I could ever have imagined, and I truly thought the Maester was toying with me once he told me that a second babe was to be born, but all is well cousin. I thank you for your concern, but I’m happy”

“And how is Harwin?”, Rhaenyra questioned as she looked at her cousin’s husband, smiling as she noted his arm placed around her protectively.

“He’s great”, Laena answered with a soft smile on her face, “I was weary when we were first betrothed, as I knew nothing of him apart from his moniker. The name Breakbones is a fearsome one, and I was scared of the man who I might find beneath all that muscle. But he’s been nothing but kind to me, and to have him by my side as I birthed our girls simply assured me of his devotion to our family. He truly is such a blessing”

Rhaenyra nodded, happy to hear that her cousin had been able to find happiness in her match. When Rhaenys had first told her of Corlys’ plans to wed his daughter to the heir of Harrenhal, Rhaenyra had been a tad worried. She knew that this was naught but an attempt from the Lord of Driftmark’s part to tie himself to a house that had gained power, and feared that he may not have considered Laena’s wishes or her happiness as he betrothed her to this man she didn’t even know. She’d seen Ser Harwin around court, and could tell he was kind, and doubted that an angry man could ever come from the same blood as Lyonel, but Larys worried her. Lyonel’s second born was an odd man, always a creepy smile on his face whenever he saw her. He hadn't done much around court, or anything for that matter, but his presence was just unsettling. She did not question that Lyonel had been a good father to his children, but as she saw how Larys had turned out, she worried of Harwin perhaps sharing his brother’s nature. But it seemed that Lyonel’s gentle soul, though it had apparently lost its way to his second son, had found his first.

“I’m happy for you Laena”, Rhaenyra said as she placed her hand on her cousin’s, “To know true love is a great blessing many are not privy to, but I’m happy to know that you were able to find it. And I must say, your girls may be the cutest babes I’ve ever laid my eyes on. Though I can already tell that one has fire in her”

Laena laughed at this, noticing how Elyana’s little fists were clenched shut as she wearily eyed everything around her. Her twins were most similar in how they looked, but their hearts differed. Whilst Rhaena was the calmest of babes, her heart beating with the same rythm as the calm waves of the sea that surrounded Driftmark, Elyana was a dragon, and the fire that ruled her was obvious to all. She’d been named after Harwin’s mother, who her husband assured her had been the most peaceful woman to walk the Seven Kingdoms, but it seemed that her granddaughter was not too interested in taking after her.

“Becoming a mother has brought such peace to my heart”, Laena pondered as she caressed her daughter’s cheek, “I did not know this love was possible, and yet now that I have it, I do not know how I ever lived without it”

Rhaenyra smiled, agreeing whole heartedly as she too knew that her heart would never beat again if she ever lost one of her children. She placed a hand on her belly, now swollen with her fourth babe. Having another child was a decision herself and Daemon had made after many conversations, about wether or not this would be a good idea. They were terribly outnumbered by this point, and though Rhaenyra adored her children, she could admit that seven kids were a lot to deal with. Herself and Daemon had many responsibilities as Heir and future King Consort, and the time they spent away from their children, was filled with Small Council meetings. Her father had become more and more absent as the years went by, and now barely attended the meetings, not that anyone minded. In truth, ever since Otto had first left, Rhaenyra had almost taken his place as ruler of the Council chambers. At first it had been because her father wished to see her rise, but now she knew that it was because he was simply too ill and just unbothered to attend them anymore. But in the end, Rhaenyra was doing a good job, even as she was so busy. The people knew it, and they admired her for it. The Realm was at peace, so another babe could be naught but the greatest of blessings.

“I don’t know how you do it, truly”, Laena marvelled, “To raise seven children on your own. ‘Tis a great challenge the one you must face every day, and it’s admirable that you handle it with such grace”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way”, she answered truthfully.

She won’t lie, having to care for seven children was a struggle at times, especially now that all were at such different points in their lives, but as she looked at Daemon, who was currently trying to stop Visenya from ripping out Daeron’s hair as the two fought over the last lemon cake, she knew she’d never have it to do it alone. For years she’d had the help of her Ladies, who had now all left her as they went off to get married and start their own families. Rhaenyra missed them all dearly, but she kept in contact with them, and her heart filled with warmth as she heard their tales of how happy their lives were. Her little Jeyne was with child, and though to Rhaenyra she would forever be a small kid herself, she knew the girl would be a great mother, and could not wait to one day travel to the Twins and meet Jeyne and Forrest Frey’s babe once they were born.

“How is Aelinor?”, she questioned as she thought of the niece she’d never truly met, “I hear she’s growing into the most beautiful little Lady. It pains me that I’ve not seen her since she was born, though even then, she was a great beauty”

“My niece is well”, Laena said smiling, “And I’ve heard rumors that someone has been planning something between her and a certain Prince”

“Nothing is set in stone”, Rhaenyra assured as she looked to her Aemon, barely 8 namedays old, and certainly not ready for marriage, “I do think it would be wise, for our houses to unite once more, but I will not force anything between anyone. If the children meet, and they take kindly to each other, then I will propose a betrothal once they’ve both reached the age of majority. But I will not bind anyone to a loveless marriage”

“Aelinor has a kind soul”, Laena said, “And I know that your Aemon is already growing into a good man, so I do not doubt that the two will care for each other once they first meet. But only time will tell”

Rhaenyra smiled at this, looking at her son as he was currently sitting there holding a little spider Helaena had handed him for safekeeping, the fear in his eyes was obvious, and yet he held the creature, because he knew how his little sister valued it so. Laena was right, he was a good boy.

As the feast continued, Alerion sat at his table in silence. He never took a seat at the royal table, as had been decreed by the King long ago. Rhaenyra had asked Alerion more than once, if he wanted to sit with them, but in truth he did not, as he did not care to have all nobles flock to him every two seconds. He appreciated the quiet as he sat with his blood siblings, even though now he found himself alone, as Helaena was with Aemon, and Baelor was trying to get Daeron to dance with him. His little brother had become a sad child ever since Alicent had taken to tormenting him as she’d always done with Alerion, so even though he yearned to have them all back at his side, he was glad to see that they had found a way to be carefree children. At least for one night.

“Are you having a nice time?”, Criston questioned Alerion as he stood watch behind him, “I know you don’t like big feasts, but you’re doing a good job hiding it. This will all be over soon Alerion, but try to see how this could be fun. Perhaps you could ask Helaena to dance”

The boy shook his head violently, not wishing to give his mother any more reason to believe that the two could ever make a good match. He knew Alicent was pretty much counting down the days until Helaena bled, not caring about her 7 namedays old daughter unless she could provide heirs for him. Alerion sulked, wishing for nothing more than this feast to be over. He could see Alicent staring at him from the royal table, where she sat next to her husband. With her eyes she was pointing to something, and that’s when he noted Maester Mellos heading towards him, despair taking over his heart as he saw Criston leaving his side to go back to his rightful post behind Rhaenyra.

“My Prin-”, the Maester begun to say.

“I’m not a Prince”, Alerion interrupted him with a cold look in his eyes, hoping that the older man would understand that he did not wish to be disturbed.

“Perhaps not”, Mellos mused, “But you will be a King when the time comes”

“No I will not”, Alerion denied vehemently.

He’d never dare resist his mother in such a way, as he’d grown to understand that with her, submission was the one way to avoid her screams as she dug her nails in his face. But Mellos posed no threat, especially not now, as they were in the middle of the Great Hall, and the Maestro would hopefully not care to have so many witness his treason as he declares Alerion the rightful Heir.

“You must understand what duty truly is”, Mellos said as he sipped his wine, just standing next to Alerion as to not bring attention to the conversation the two were having, “Your mother does so well enough, perhaps you could learn something from her instead of being an ungrateful and spoiled little boy. Although that should not be surprising, considering the one who stole you from your mother”

“Do not speak of her”, Alerion hissed, “You know nothing of who she truly is. Much more a mother to me than your niece ever has been, or ever could be. You people think yourselves all powerful, and yet fail to see that you would be fighting dragons as you reach for what has never, and shall never belong to you”

“And you will be with us as we do it”, Mellos answered in kind, “You must be, unless you wish to watch on as Rhaenyra cuts your siblings’ heads off. Is that what you want boy? For your brothers and your sister to be executed because you don’t have the guts to do the one thing you were born for?”

Alerion shivered, a familiar dread ruling his heart as the images of his siblings’ impending dooms had become clearer and clearer through the years. At first he’d never even dared truly think of it, as he knew Rhenyra would never harm any of them. But as Alicent continued speaking of such matters as unavoidable, the images had started to rule his nights. He couldn’t even count the amount of sleepless nights he’d spent in his rooms, alone as he cried after waking up from witnessing such horrors as they took hold of his mind.

“Do you have nothing better to do with your time?”, he questioned the Maester as he tried to fight back the tears that were making their way to his eyes, “Your Lord Donnel Hightower has just died, and Ser Gwayne can’t even walk anymore, and yet you have come here, and for what? To terrorise a child for fun?”

“I’ve come here to let you know that we stand by you Alerion”, Mellos replied, “My Lord knew what everyone else does, and the same goes for Gwayne. You will be our King one day, and your family will stand behind you as you do. You will never be alone Alerion, not when you have us”

The threat in his decleration was obvious, as the man subtly and yet firmly grabbed onto his arm as he said those words. Alerion would never be alone, because they’d be there. He could never escape them, because no matter what, they’d start a war between kin just to see one of their own wear a crown. He’d never know peace, because they’d be there lurking in the shadows.

“You’re a Hightower Alerion”, Mellos whispered finally, “Remember who you truly belong to”

And once Mellos left, Alerion found himself alone once more. He furiously wiped at his face, as stray tears now marred his cheeks. He was so tired of all this. For his whole life, he’d lived in two different realities, and he was much too tired of it all to even care and try to make sense of it. He just needed it all to stop. And then he saw it, Mellos' cup left behind as the man made his way back to his table.

He shouldn’t do it, he knows it. He was just 9 namedays old, much too young for wine. His kepa had always warned him of the consequences of drinking, especially after he’d done so himself.

“Your head feels like it’s about to fall off”, he’d told Alerion once as he was recovering after a night out with the men of the City Watch, “You drink and you drink, and all is well. Until you wake up that is”

“Then why do it?”, the boy had questioned.

“Because when you stare deep into the bottom of a cup, your mind is free”, Daemon had answered him, “I can’t tell you exactly why, and I suppose you’d have to ask a Maester or something to truly understand the workings of such happenings. But drinking helps you ease your thoughts. Everyone reacts differently to it, that is true, but for me personally it helps me sleep. No matter what is going on around me, if I drink then I know my nights shall not be burdened by unsavoury thoughts, because the wine will flood my mind. As I said, ‘tis not worth it, but sometimes it does seem like it is”

The thought of his mind clearing up was a dream, and as the cup stood before him, its presence almost dared him to act on his thoughts. He’d been tormented by the workings of his mind for his whole life, always feeling a step behind compared to everyone else, and never knowing how to catch up as he felt like no matter what he did, it would all be for nothing.

He could stick by Rhaenyra and Daemon, and be the loyal trēsy they’d raised him to be. He could have all he’d ever dreamed of, with his whole family by his side as they grew together. But then Rhaenyra could turn against him. His mother’s words would become the only truth, and Alerion would have to sit there and watch as his siblings and his mother paid for his naivety in trusting a woman he’d been warned to be weary of. He’d have noone to blame for their deaths, but himself.

Or he could stick by Alicent, and be the loyal son she’d trained him to be. He could stand by her, his blood siblings with him as they created their own little faction of the family. But then the war could start. His mother had always told him that Rhaenyra and Daemon would never bend the knee, so he’d have to fight against them to keep himself and his faction alive. And Alerion would have to sit there and watch as his muña and his kepa died by his hand, his little siblings with them as well, paying for the love they’d once held for Alerion. He’d have noone to blame for their deaths, but himself.

His head hurting and his heart racing, Alerion took the cup.

"You're much too young for that my love", Rhaenyra mused as she walked to him and took the goblet from his hands, "I know you must be curious Alerion, but I do not think it wise for you to begin drinking wine right now"

"Sure", Alerion mumbled, cursing himself for the poorly concealed sadness in his voice as worry immediately showed up in Rhaenyra's eyes.

"Are you alright?", she questioned wearily as she sat next to him, "If there is anything that worries you my heart, you can tell me"

Alerion remained silent, hating this question more than anything else in the world. It felt like torture, to have someone by his side who he knew could save him, and yet feeling some kind of spell in his mind as he couldn't form the words. Alicent had always told him, don't say anything. She'd told him that the second Rhaenyra and Daemon knew that they had been caught, all would be over. They'd stop playing nice with him, and even though Alerion knew that there was a chance his mother was right, he couldn't bear the thought of losing his family. Even if it all was just a game.

"It's all good", is all he said in the end.

Chapter Text

“Brother wake up”, Baelor said as he nudged Alerion’s shoulder, “Wake up Alerion, kepa awaits us in the Dragonpit”

“Go away”, Alerion grunted annoyed as he turned away from his brother, trying to ignore him and fall back asleep.

“But we must go”, Baelor insisted, “You know how kepa cares for our training, and the Queen will be gravely upset if you guys don’t strengthen your bonds with your dragons”

Alerion’s body froze at the mention of that woman, his mind blanking as it always did when she was brought up. He was awake now, eyes empty as he mindlessly put on his clothes and readied himself for the day. Baelor was rambling on about something, as he always was. Alerion wanted to listen, as he knew how his brother yearned for his attention, but his head hurt way too much to actually pay him any mind.

“I saw her this morn”, Baelor said at one point, “She whispered something to Larys Strong. They didn’t even stop and talk to each other, but I know they did. That man creeps me out Alerion, and I’m telling you that they’re up to something. I don’t know what, but I will find out”

“Don’t”, Alerion stopped him as he held his shoulders firmly, “Do not try anything Baelor. Whatever the Queen and the Strong guy do, let them. Do not try to meddle in that woman’s affairs. Trying to deal with her is of no use, trust me”

When he was much younger, he’d tried to understand his mother’s true motives. He did not understand the fear that seemed to rule her heart as she spoke of Rhaenyra, not seeing the monster she evidently saw as she looked to his muña. So one day, when he knew she was with the King, he’d snuck into her chambers. After he’d seen a couple maids leave the chambers with some clothes to wash, he knew that nobody would be in the rooms, so Alerion had entered her chambers, undisturbed as he looked at his surroundings.

Rhaenyra had told him of what the rooms had once looked like, when her own mother lived within them. She’d spoken of the many falcons and dragons that flew together as little ones were painted all over the walls, as her mother cared deeply to honor both her houses in any way she could. Rhaenyra had also told him of a little portrait that the late Queen Aemma kept on a small table next to her bed, one that depicted her and Rhenyra when she was but a babe.

“So she might see me one last time each night as she falls asleep”, Rhaenyra had explained, “’Tis why I have one of you children on mine own table. To allow for your beautiful little faces to be the very last thing I see as the night rules our home, and so that you shall hopefully pay me a visit in my dreams”

But the rooms he’d walked into that day, looked nothing as they once had. The rooms were void of any decorations, apart from various figures of the Seven Pointed Star, as they covered the walls and somehow made the room feel much smaller and colder, almost like a cage. He’d observed his surroundings for some time. He found the many Stars unsettling, and decided to touch one just out of some childish curiosity, but then it fell. He'd immediately looked behind to the door, hurrying to bring the Star back to its original place, but then he saw it. A small scroll laid hidden within the Star, and Alerion’s blood had run cold as he noted the green wax seal that had once held it closed.

“The golden is lost, as the flowers grow out of reach”, the letter said at one point, “And the storm rules away from us. But the green flame glows, bright although alone”

The letter had been written in some sort of code, with monikers used for whomever it was that they were speaking of, but the message was clear enough. Otto Hightower was preparing for war. Alerion did not know if he’d ever moved so fast in his life, just scurrying to put the letter exactly where he’d found it as he was terrified of what Alicent would do if she found out he knew about this. As time had gone by, he’d regretted not using it as evidence against her, but in that moment he’d been too afraid to truly think about anything, especially because the second he’d hung the Star back on the wall, he’d heard it.

“What do you think you’re doing?”, Alicent had questioned him as she suddenly appeared in the room.

Alerion had tried to defend himself, putting on his best smile as he tried to act like he’d been looking for her, simply wishing to spend some time with his mother before supper. It had not worked. Alicent had raged at his show of disrespect to her, claiming that she had broken her trust in such a way that he would have to work really hard to earn it back once more. Her words had left Alerion in tears, as she spoke of how disappointed she was in him, his own mother, his own blood, speaking to him like he was naught but a failure to her.

“But I forgive you my love”, she’d said as she caressed his head once she was done screaming at him, “I forgive you because you’re my son, and I will always hold you closest to my heart. I do all this because I love you, you know that right? And you love me as well, don’t you?”

Alerion had nodded, his mind struggling to understand how a woman who hurt him so deeply, could then love him so forcefully. This was the one thing he’d never understood about his mother. She hurt him more than any other ever could, but claimed to love him. With her the line between love and hate laid so thin it was barely visible, and he was much too young to truly grasp onto why that was. All he knew, is that he felt drawn to her, because he could not escape her. She had always been there, and would remain in his home until his death, because that was the way of things. She had told him many times, of how no matter what the Princess said, she was the Queen, and the Keep was her home. She had told him that the King was hers, and that if Daemon ever tried anything against her, he would pay, because Viserys would net let any harm come to her.

He’d seen it as well, how the King would turn a blind eye to all her faults, even after what she’d done when Visenya was first born, so he knew she spoke true when she said that no matter what, she’d stay there. His father did not care for him, and never had as far as Alerion could remember, so he could not trust that he would intervene if Alerion ever confided in him about how much he feared his mother. And the King was the only one who could help him against the Queen, as Alicent always said, and since Alerion knew he would not, he knew he was alone. They all were.

“Just let this go brother”, he told Baelor once more, “Promise me you won’t go anywhere near her, not unless I’m with you. Promise me Baelor”

Once his brother made his vow, the two exited their rooms and approached the Dragonpit. Baelor clung to Alerion’s hand, as he always did whenever the two roamed around the Keep, as his brother had become terribly weary of all those who surrounded them. He knew that the Maester and Ser Fell were on Alicent’s side, and feared whomever else might be secretly allied to her. He lived in terror that one day, someone might show up and take Alerion away, as he’d convinced himself that he and his brother would be separated by some higher power, and that he’d never see him again.

“Helaena saw it”, he’d told Alerion once, “I will fall in the eyes of the Gods if we go our separate ways, that is what she said. So I will not leave your side brother, never”

Alerion’s heart hurt knowing that his brother lived in a state of such fear, and as Baelor’s grip on his hand only tightened whenever they approached a castleguard, he knew he’d failed him. When each of his siblings were first born, Alerion had promised himself that he would not allow them to know the same fear hat had ruled him since he could remember. And he’d failed them.

“Hello boys”, Rhaenyra welcomed them as they walked into the Dragonpit, “Sunfyre has been calling for you trēsy, so I was thinking, if you please, that we might take to the skies together today, as we did when you were younger”

“Can Baelor come?”, Alerion questioned.

“Of course”, Daemon answered with a smile on his face as he looked at his brother, “But I do not think it wise for him to travel with you, as Sunfyre has not been on his best behaviour the past couple days. Helaena has already flown on Dreamfyre today, and she is terribly busy looking for some creepy little bug in the gardens. So how about you come with me my boy?”

Baelor nodded, though he looked unsure as he left Alerion’s side to go with Daemon. Alerion knew that his brother struggled as he did, never knowing wether they could trust Daemon or not. His kepa had never shown anything but true love and devotion towards them, and yet their mother’s words rang in their heads whenever the Rogue Prince was around.

“He’s a man without honor”, Alicent always said, “As a mother herself, I don’t know if Rhaenyra would have the guts to do what I know she wants to. But Daemon will, without doubt in his heart he will take your heads. Rhaenyra will order your deaths, but it will be Daemon who wields the sword”

As Alerion and Sunfyre took to the skies, he allowed himself to cry over the reality he lived in, as he often did whenever it was just the two of them. He never let himself truly feel anything when he was at court, always weary that someone might see him and report back to either Rhaenyra or Alicent, and trying his hardest to put on a show of strength for his siblings. But as he looked to the clouds, Sunfyre’s warm body underneith his own, he sobbed freely. His golden boy had been the greatest of blessings, and yet according to Alicent, he was naught but the final link in his prisoner’s chains as Rhaenyra would never allow him to live now that he held such power. When he was a young child he’d always yearned for a dragon of his own, wishing for nothing more than to fly with Aemon and their parents like a true family, but now that his dream had finally come true, he knew the Gods had simply been toying with him, because he now would have to wield his dragon against those he loved if Alicent’s words were to be believed.

“I’m sorry”, he cried as he leaned his forehead against Sunfyre’s neck, “I’m so sorry”

His dragon would be naught but another victim of the war, and Alerion knew that by bonding with him, he’d ensured Sunfyre’s death. There was nothing he could do, all who ever came close to him would perish. Everyone he’d ever loved would die, and it was all because of him. If his siblings had been born with anyone else as their eldest brother, then perhaps that man would’ve protected them. But Alerion was weak, as Alicent always said.

“You were born to save us all”, she’d hiss in his face whenever she was upset, “And yet it pains me to say that you’re the greatest failure of my life. You were meant to be the mightiest King in your line, blessed by my blood that courses through your veins. But you’re weak Alerion, just like your father, always bending to the wills of others for his own desperate search for happiness. You don’t know how easy it is to strike down someone like that, who will do anything just to make others happy simply to soothe his own heart, but I do. Three children I got from that man after he rebuked me, just because I was so very sad and he was too weak to bear arms against me forever, and death shall find us all unless you realise that you must fight if you wish to save even just one of us”

“I can’t do this”, he sobbed and grabbed at his chest as his heart felt like it was going to explode, as Sunfyre roared, feeling the pain of his bonded as the boy cried.

He’d never wanted any of this, and blamed the Gods for ever allowing him to hope that he could put a stop to it. He’d never been a man of much faith, and yet had prayed each night for most of his 13 years on this earth for this to all stop. He didn’t want the throne, and certainly did not want to do what Alicent said he’d have to in order to take it. He didn’t want to kill Rhaenyra and Daemon, his beloved muña and kepa who had cared for him all his life. But Alicent always reminded him that he wouldn’t have a choice.

“It’s either us or them Alerion”, she’d say, “You must choose. Do you wish to stand by them to live in this fantasy you’ve created in your own mind, where you all are just a happy little family, only to then be woken up by your precious Rhaenyra as she orders the death of yourself and your siblings? Or do you wish to be a man, and protect those whose very lives depend on you?”

“Alerion!”, Rhaenrya screamed as she brought Syrax to fly next to Sunfyre, “My love what’s wrong?”

Alerion ignored her, too caught up in his own thoughts to even truly hear her as she screamed for him, begging him to land as he was in no state to fly anymore, with Sunfyre continuing to roar in pain as they flew without an ounce of control. He vaguely saw Caraxes approach him as well, and as panic filled his heart once he realised he was surrounded, he fled. He didn’t even know Sunfyre could fly this fast, and hadn’t even ordered for him to flee, but Sunfyre knew. As his mind ruled him once more, with him unable to stop it as thoughts of Rhaenyra and Daemon killing them all were bringing him to the brink of madness, he just fled, leaving his siblings behind in the arms of those who he’d been taught to believe wished death upon them all.

He was a coward.

His mother had always been right, Alerion was naught but a failure as without thought, he left his three little siblings behind to their deaths, and he escaped. His heart hurt for Helaena, Baelor and little Daeron as well, as they’d all have to pay the price for his cowardice.

“I can’t do this”, he continued to sob as his thoughts frantically ran around his mind, making less and less sense as he just lost himself to a sense of madness.

Rhaenyra had been pestering him with questions for moons now, years even. She could tell that he had not been doing well, and though Alerion knew that she had only ever tried to help him, her concern for him had felt almost suffucating. He knew he should have just said it long ago, but he’d never managed to actually do it. The fear in his heart had always been too great to dare challenge Alicent’s claims that Rhaenyra had simply been toying with him this whole time, so he’d remained silent. He’d been able to play as the happy kid for some time, but once Alicent’s tales of war had become more real, as if the woman knew that something would soon happen to ensure that her stories became true, Alerion had become lost. Rhaenyra had worried terribly for him, but Alerion had never found the courage to tell her. Because he was a coward.

And as he looked down, King’s Landing so small beneith him as he flew atop the city, a clear thought popped up in his mind. Thinking of nothing else but that, as it became obvious that in truth, this had always been the one way to get out of this, he unclasped the latches that tied him to Sunfyre’s saddle.

“I’m sorry my boy”, he whispered before placing a soft kiss on his dragons neck, and just let go.

Helaena had always said that he would fall, and he’d always thought it a condemnation. But as he felt himself plummeting to his death, he finally felt like he could breathe again. He’d thought about it before, as he remained awake during such lonely nights. He’d often found himself staring down his window in Maegor’s Holdfast, pondering wether or not everyone would be better off without him, as Alicent always spoke of his birth as the one thing that had cursed them all to die. So he knew that everything bad that had happened, and that would happen to his family, was his fault. But he’d always walked back to his bed, little Baelor popping up in his mind as he knew that Alicent would simply turn to him after Alerion was dead. But in this moment, his mind was lost to him. He didn’t think of anything or anyone as he just closed his eyes, waiting for the sense of peace he’d never found on earth.

Hopefully his parents would forgive him for his weakness.

Chapter Text

“Is he alive?”, Rhaenyra questioned as Daemon carried Alerion to the Maester’s chambers, “Daemon answer me. Is he alive?”

“I don’t know”, Daemon whispered as his voice trembled, mind empty and yet riddled with thoughts as he watched the way his boy’s head swung back and forth as he walked. He looked dead.

Daemon ran to the Maester’s chambers, giving the old man no explenation as he simply laid Alerion on his bed and demanded he brought him back to them. His heart was beating its way out of his body, and without care for appearences, Daemon brought his ear to his boy’s chest, begging the Gods to allow him to hear anything that would indicate that his eldest still lived.

“Is he alive?”, Rhaenyra questioned once more as her gaze switched between her son and the Maester. She was worried, that much was obvious by the way her hands wrung together, but her eyes appeared empty. She looked as she had the night Aemon had been born, as fear took hold of her heart and she was naught but an empty shell as her mind became lost to her.

The Maester almost pushed Daemon off Alerion, and the Prince would never have let such a slight slide if he had been in control of his body. And yet he was not. As he looked to Alerion, his eldest boy, his first babe, as he simply laid there motionless like a corpse, his mind was blank, and he could do naught to stop Mellos from forcing him outside the rooms.

He stood outside the closed doors, as his mind worked tirelessly to figure out what had just happened. He’d been on Caraxes, just calmly flying with little Baelor as the boy rambled on about the histories of the various buildings of King’s Landing. Sunfyre had been flying in front of them, as Rhaenyra wearily eyed him from Syrax as herself and Daemon flew side by side. But then Sunfyre had started to roar out, his pain evident as Daemon couldn’t help but flinch at the sound. He’d only ever heard such roars once before in his whole life, and that was when Rhaenyra had been told of her mother’s death. His son must’ve been in pain, one greater than any 13 namedays old boy should ever have to experience, for his dragon to feel it so strongly and react in such a way. Rhaenyra had thrown him a worried glance, and the two had ordered their own dragons to catch up to Sunfyre, and once they had, they saw Alerion. Their boy was sobbing his heart out, desperately clutching at his chest as he cried, and once he saw them, he fled.

Caraxes was faster than Syrax, but not faster than Sunfyre apparently. Daemon had not even had the time to truly process what was happening, as he saw his boy’s body falling from his dragon. He hadn’t had the time to think, just diving as quickly as he could to grab onto his Alerion. His son was almost a man grown now, but as he saw him fall, Daemon could see naught but the babe who’d won over his heart so long ago as he reached for him. He’d grabbed onto the boy’s arm, and Alerion’s terrible scream, followed by the noise of something breaking, as his head fell back and his eyes closed shut, would haunt Daemon until his last day. But at least he’d caught him.

“Daemon”, Criston called for him as he ran towards the two, “What the fuck happened?”

Little Baelor was in his arms, as Daemon vaguely remembered how he'd pretty much thrown him over to the knight as he ran to the Maester's chambers. Baelor was sobbing desperately as he pulled at his hair. Daemon had never seen a child act like this, as it truly seemed like Baelor couldn’t grasp for air, and as he noted the boy’s face becoming redder and redder as he failed to breathe, he took him into his arms. He felt numb as he held his son, whispering words of comfort that didn’t even register until they’d come out of his mouth.

When he’d first been born, Baelor had been so terribly small, and even now at 10 namedays old, he was not much bigger than little Daeron at 6. Daemon and Criston had tried to teach him how to fight, but by lack of disposition of both body and soul, the boy had not taken to the sword. But he had found such love in books, and Daemon now knew so much more about the history of each room of the Keep than he ever thought he would. The Maesters had been concerned by how small little Baelor was at first, but since they had confirmed that all was well, and after some said that Baelor would actually grow to be really tall, Daemon had started to find some comfort in still being able to hold him like one would a babe. And now more than ever, if he just tuned out everything else, especially the boy’s words, Daemon could just pretend that he was back in time, holding his little Baelor for the first time.

“He’s dead”, Baelor mumbled over and over, and though Daemon tried to comfort the boy in his arms, he couldn't deny the truth that laid before them. And his heart failed him as he realised that he’d heard nothing as he laid his head on Alerion’s chest, continuing to press his lips on Baelor’s head as he tried to think of anything else but that.

“He’s going to be alright”, he said as he hugged Baelor, trying to convince himself that his own words rang true as he soothed the boy, “Your brother is strong trēsy, he’s going to fight to come back to you”

“They’ll take me”, Baelor sobbed as he pushed his head into Daemon’s neck, his nails dragging on his skin as it seemed that the boy wanted to crawl into him, “If they can’t have him, they’ll take me”

“He has to be alive”, Rhaenyra mumbled as she paced in front of the locked doors, “He can’t die Daemon. Our son can’t die. He’s my babe. He can’t die”

Daemon sighed, clinging onto Baelor as his wife seemed to have lost herself to some kind of madness, as she continued to speak of the possibility of Alerion being dead as if it did not make any sense. Daemon’s mind was empty, but the more he thought about it, the more dread filled his heart as he tried to understand what had happened.

“He fell”, he said as his eyes locked onto Criston’s.

“What do you mean he fell?”, Criston questioned alarmed, “I’ve seen you all prepare to take to the skies every day for years, and the contraptions that keep you tied to your dragons don’t just break. One must take them off willingly if they wish to be free, so what do you mean he just fe-”

The hall fell silent, as understanding dawned over the knight’s face. None spoke the words, but all knew what they thought to be true. Alerion had just tried to kill himself. His little boy, barely 13 namedays old, had just tried to end his own life.

As Rhaenyra continued to mumble, trying to make sense of how the words Alerion and dead could ever fit into the same sentence, Daemon walked. He held Baelor close, as the little boy kept on speaking of those who will take him away now that Alerion was gone. A part of Daemon wanted to question him, as he did not understand who they were that his son was so afraid of, but the more the Maester’s chambers remained closed, the less he could think of anything but his boy’s body growing cold within them. The cracking he’d heard, was that the arm or the neck? That was the only thought that haunted his mind.

“What did you do?”, Alicent screamed as herself and Viserys made their appearance, “What did you two do to my son?”

Nobody answered her, as nobody cared enough to humor her in this moment. She stood before two true parents whose hearts had already begun to mourn their child, and they had no time for her right now. She continued to question them, yelling out the worst insults as she accused them of bringing death upon her son. Daemon could barely hear her, and had no intention of paying her any mind, until she grabbed onto Baelor.

“Give him to me”, she said as she grasped onto the boy, who in turn just froze “You’ve already done enough. Taken my eldest away from me like the true monsters you are, you will not have Baelor as well. So this is how it is huh? You toy with Alerion, acting like you love him, only to then kill him when he least ex-”

“My son”, Daemon hissed as his hand found the Queen’s neck, “Is fighting for his life in that fucking room Alicent. You say one more fucking word, and I will kill you. I do not care who you are, or what power your cunt has granted you. I will kill you. You dare speak such words ever again, and I will watch as life leaves your body as I take it with my bare fucking hands. Do you understand me?”

The Queen trembled, her arms failing as Baelor almost fell to the ground, caught by Criston as the knight eyed Daemon wearily. He’d known the man for over a decade by now, and yet the hatred in his eyes was new. He’d never seen Daemon like this, and struggled to fathom that this was the same man who would gently caress his children's cheeks as he put them to bed. Daemon had always been a complex person, and Criston knew that a dragon laid underneith the soft smiles he seemed to reserve for a select few, but to see the beast finally reveal itself almost scared him.

“Daemon”, Viserys whispered as he walked to his brother, “Daemon let her go”

“She dares to imply that I would harm my own fucking son”, Daemon grunted as his hold on the Queen tightened, “The boy I’ve raised since he was a mere babe. The boy I held in my arms as my heart learned how to truly beat thanks to his. I saw my son fall from the sky, and stand here as I wait to know wether he still lives or not. And she dares to say that I would kill him, she who bore him into this world and could never even look at him without hatred and contempt in her eyes. I’m the who has truly loved Alerion, and this worthless fucking woman dares to say that I would ever harm him?”

Daemon looked into the Queen’s eyes as they grew wide, as he dug his fingers into her throat a fire lived within him that he’d never known before. Not even as he fought Craghas had he felt such anger as he did now, staring into the eyes of the woman who dared question his devotion for his son. His heart had not beat ever since he’d seen his boy fall from his dragon, and yet it now raged as he saw the woman’s face turn red. Her brown eyes were almost bulging out of her skull, and Daemon couldn't help relishing in the knowledge that with a single move, he could break her neck with such ease.

“Daemon let her go”, Viserys insisted as he placed his hand on his brother’s, trying to pry them away from where they sat on his wife’s neck, “Alerion is her son, her mind is not with her right now as she worries for him”

“You say one more fucking word”, Daemon grunted, barely hearing whatever his brother was trying to say, “And I will carve your heart out of your chest Alicent, so you might know how I feel before you dare speak to me about my own fucking son”

He let Alicent go, pushing her away roughly as her body fell to the floor, her hands coming to rest on her neck as she grasped for air. He faintly heard her sceam something about how Viserys should punish his brother, for daring to lay his hands on the Queen, but Viserys just stared at him. His brother knew that Daemon thought of Alerion as his own, but to see such grief in his eyes at the prospect of the boy’s death broke his heart. He himself didn’t know how to feel, as though Alerion was his own blood, he couldn’t even say that he knew the boy. But the fire in Daemon’s eyes was that of a dragon, protecting his own against those he believed would wish them harm. He remained silent, helping Alicent off the floor and asking that Ser Westerling take her back to her chambers, as he sat there, awaiting to hear from the Maester what would be of a boy who he’d never cared for as his own.

“Is he alive?”, Rhaenyra questioned once more as Daemon sat next to her, “He has to be alive Daemon. Our little babe, he can’t die”

Daemon didn’t know what to say, simply cradling Rhaenyra’s hand into his own as he wondered what would become of them if the Maester told them that their son was gone. He knew that Rhaenyra’s heart beat for their children, as his own did, and did not dare to think of what would happen if they lost one of them. His mind was beginning to clear up at this point, and the rage that had ruled him when Alicent appeared, turned into despair as reality sunk in. Alerion had tried to take his own life, and Daemon now had to sit here and wonder where exactly he’d failed his son. He evidently had, as a boy with a good and present father would never think that death was the way, and Daemon had failed him. He’d tried to be there for Alerion, always wishing for nothing other than happiness for all his children, and yet he’d failed him. He’d failed his first, and in turn he’d failed them all.

“He tried to kill himself”, he whispered as Criston took a seat next to him, “My son tried to kill himself”

“It’s going to be alright”, the knight said as he tried to soothe Baelor who still laid in his arms, “Daemon please look at me. It’s all going to be alright”

Daemon let out a humorless chuckle, as the fear in the knight’s eyes betrayed that he knew the words he spoke were naught but empty lies. The whole group sat there for what felt like hours, as Elinda came to collect Baelor once the boy cried himself to sleep. The girl had tears in her eyes, as she stood there with her mouth agape, evidently wishing to ask after Alerion, but sensing that the people who sat before her were too lost to their own grief to answer her questions.

“Send for Ser Fell”, Rhaenyra told a random castle guard.

Rhaenyra knew that Alicent had something to do with this. She didn’t know what, but she knew that it was her. Her Alerion had become a serious child as the years passed by, and she had tried desperately to get him to open up with her pretty much every time she saw him in the past few moons. Her boy had always denied her, quoting that he was simply in a bad mood that day, but in truth Rhaenyra had thought it had something to do with him perhaps realising the reality of his situation. Alerion had known love all his life, as Daemon and Rhaenyra had made sure to never allow him to feel left out, but the reality was that for many, Alerion was not a true member of their family. He was with them, but many regarded him as one would a bastard. He was born to a King, and yet was not a Prince. Rhaenyra had simply thought that his bad mood may have something to do with her boy trying to figure out where he fit into this world, but now she just knew that that wretched woman had had something to do with it.

“What do you want with Willis?”, Criston questioned.

“That man was trusted with the lives of my children”, Rhaenyra grunted, “And he’s evidently failed them. I trusted him to look after them, and if that woman managed to speak to Alerion even once, then that makes him a traitor. I want him brought here, and I want him questioned on each and every second he spent with my children, and he must account for everything they did. If he can not, then I want him gelded, and I want each of his fingers to be removed slowly until he finally feels ready to share his truth with the rest of us. I trusted that man, and he has evidently betrayed us. But this is on me. I trusted him with my children, and that was my mistake”

“You couldn’t have know-”, Criston tried.

“I should have”, Rhaenyra hissed angrily, “I should’ve followed that man around. I should never have trusted anyone in this godsforsaken place to care for my children. I should never have let them out of my fucking sight for a single second. I should’ve hunted him down like prey through each step he took with my fucking children. I didn’t, and now my son has just flung himself off his dragon, and I don’t know if I’ll ever see him again”

Criston tried to stop Rhaenyra's rant, understanding her pain but not wanting her to feel that this was her fault. Though in truth he felt this way as well, and by the look on Daemon's face, the Rogue Prince felt responsible as well. And in truth they were. They had all taken these children in as their own, and they had failed them.

"And you", Rhaenyra whispered as she got close to him, "You are going to get Ser Luthor Largent for me. You are going to tell that man that by royal decree, he has now been appointed as the guard to Queen Alicent Hightower. I know that woman has something to do with this, and she will never be free ever again. You will be the one to lock her in her rooms, something we should've done fucking years ago Criston, and Ser Luthor will be the one to stand guard until I get ther-"

“My King”, Mellos said as he walked out of the rooms, “Alerion is-”

Rhaeyra didn’t even let the man finish his sentence, pushing him to the side as she ran into his chambers. The cry she let out was that of a wounded animal, and Daemon’s legs almost failed him as he got up to follow her. He didn’t want to enter the rooms, as Rhaenyra’s sobs told him all he needed to know about what awaited him within them.

Daemon looked at Criston, terror and fear making his heart stop in a way he’d never thought possible, as the knight himself walked into the rooms, his hand on Daemon’s arm forcing the man to follow him. Daemon’s gaze remained cast down as he finally approached the bed, as he could not bring himself to face how he’d failed his son so.

“Kepa”, he heard a voice weakly calling for him.

And at that Daemon fell, his knees hitting the ground with such force as the strings that had held him up for his whole life finally gave out. He breathed heavily, throat dry as he tried to speak, tried to tell Alerion that he was here, that his kepa was with him and that whatever had been so wrong up until now, would be gone. That he would make sure that whomever had dared harm him in any way would meet the most painful death imaginable. But he couldn’t. No words came out, as Daemon pushed himself to kneel before his son as he laid on the bed.

“I’m sorry”, he said as he grabbed onto Alerion’s hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing it hard, as its warmth allowed for his heart to beat once more, “I’m so sorry my love”

Once he finally looked at him, Daemon noted that Alerion looked absolutely miserable. Tears marred his boy’s cheeks, and on his other side, Rhaenyra laid next to him, an absent look in her eyes as she cradled his head to her chest. His left arm was wrapped up, and tightly snug against Alerion’s body as Daemon cringed as the noise of it breaking made its way to his mind once more. Alerion looked horrible, as one only could after having fought Balerion himself, but he was alive.

“I’m so sorry”, Daemon continued to beg for his son’s forgiveness, as he took his place by Alerion’s side, his head falling against the boy’s chest as he desperately needed to hear his heart beating. Daemon remembered how the first time he'd heard Alerion's heart beat against his own, he'd vowed that the boy would never know fear. He'd failed him, that much was obvious. But even though he had been unable to protect him, that did not mean his son couldn't be avenged.

And Alerion just laid there, between his parents as the two held him so tight it almost hurt. He saw Criston as he stood next to the bed, his broken heart evident as he looked to him.

But Alerion felt nothing.

Chapter Text

“Why would you do such a thing?”, is the first thing Alerion hears as he wakes up, his arm hurting him terribly as he reached for the cup of diluted milk of the poppy that Gerardys had given him for his pain.

“Listen to me!”, Aemon screamed as he took the cup from his hand and threw it on the floor, “Why would you ever do such a thing? How could you ever even think of doing something like that?”

Alerion didn’t answer him, simply sighing as his body slumped against the bed. Since he’d woken up, he’d been tormented by questions, as all wished to know why he’d done it. The truth was that he did not know why he' chosen that moment, as he barely remembered much from that day apart from getting to the Dragonpit. But he did know that as he laid here, and was forced to face those he loved as they knew he’d tried to leave them all behind, he wished he’d succeeded. Looking at Rhaenyra and Daemon was unbearable, as the pain in every breath they took was so raw that it almost felt like he was being stabbed each time he saw them. His attempt had left them broken, and his silence was only hurting them further.

His littlest siblings had not been allowed to visit him, as none felt that it would be wise for such small children to pay witness to him in this state. As far as they were concerned, he’d just fallen as he tried to get off Sunfyre too quickly, a cautionary tale of sorts for young dragonriders. But Aemon had apparently overheard his parents speak of the truth of the matter, and he often came to his rooms, just sitting quietly next to him as he tried to understand how he’d failed to see that his brother was struggling this way. At first his questions had been kind, whispered in the darkness of the night as he just wished to know how he could help. But as Alerion remained silent, it appeared that Aemon’s sadness had turned to anger.

“You would leave me alone?”, Aemon yelled as tears streamed down his face, “You would leave us all alone to mourn your loss for the rest of our lives? How could you ever think that any of us would ever be able to take a single breath without you here?”

Alerion did not respond, refusing to meet his little brother’s gaze as Aemon’s questioning became more and more aggressive, with the boy’s fists clenching around the sheets on Alerion’s bed as the elder wondered for a second if his little valonqar was about to hit him. And he wouldn’t have faulted him for it if he had, as he knew he’d deserve it. He’d take the hits silently, as he always had with his mother.

“I love you Alerion”, Aemon said as he took his face in his hands, “How could you ever imagine that I could live without you? You’re my lēkia, and you’re my best friend. I can’t even think of life without you, and I don’t want to, so why would you do such a thing?”

“I don’t know”, Alerion whispered, cringing at how groggy his voice sounded after two days of silence.

“I’ve failed you brother”, Aemon stated firmly as his lip begun to tremble, “I’ve failed you if you ever thought that I could take a single step without you by my side. I’m sorry Alerion, I should’ve seen that you were troubled. I'd noticed that you had changed, but I thought that it had to do with you becoming a man grown. I should’ve known you were hurting, and yet I remained blind to your suffering. I’m sorry brother”

“No”, Alerion said as he tugged Aemon close, holding his brother as he cried into his arms, “This is not your fault valonqar”

“But it is”, the younger boy sobbed, “Muña and kepa always told us we had to stick together, and yet I left you alone when you needed me most”

“No”, Alerion said over and over as tears welled up in his eyes, heart hurting as his brother’s body shook against his own, violent sobs taking hold of the younger boy as Alerion clung to him to try and keep them both afloat.

The two laid on the bed, as Aemon’s sobs quieted down after some time. Alerion continued to hold him close, fingers brushing through Aemon’s hair as he whispered that he was alright, and that what had happened was not his fault.

“You’re not to blame for not being able to fix what she broke”, he said absent mindedly as he pressed his lips to his brother’s head, “You are much too young to take on such a burden, and I don’t want you to think that you could’ve saved me. Not when I always refused to tell you all that I needed help”

“What are you talking about?”, Aemon questioned as he lifted his head to look into Alerion’s eyes.

“Nothing”, Alerion said hurriedly, caressing his brother’s cheek and hoping that his touch would be enough to ease the pain in his heart, and perhaps allow him to forget the sin Alerion had just confessed to.

“No”, Aemon said louder this time, “What are you talking about Alerion? Who is the she you speak of?”

Alerion sighed, forcing his eyes shut as his head hurt and his breathing quickened. He felt the familiar sting in his heart as that woman’s face appeared in his mind, taunting him meanly with the prospect of his siblings dying by his own doing. He tried to force the image of her away, hand coming to rub at his eyes as he attempted to lose himself to his thoughts as he often did when she came to mind.

“Tell me”, Aemon insisted as he grabbed Alerion’s hand.

Alerion looked at his brother, mouth opening and closing as he tried to force the words to come out. Rhaenyra especially had been questioning him relentlessly about Alicent, always kind with her words as she understood the vulnerable state he was in, but she still asked. She came to his rooms every single day, telling him that Alicent would not get near him again, and that Ser Fell was dead now, so whatever Alerion needed to say, he could do so without worry. He’d yearned for such a moment all his life, when he finally felt safe enough to come clean about how he’d betrayed his family so deeply. When he could tell all that he’d entertained a relationship with his mother, and how she’d told him the truth that all tried to conceal from him. How she’d told him of her plans to kill his whole family, and how he’d listened, because he was too much of a coward to rise against her and defend those who’d cared for him all his life. But his heart failed him once more.

“I’m just sad little one”, he said as he brought Aemon’s hand to his lips to kiss it, holding it tight as he tried to convince his valonqar that that was all, “I do not know what happened that day, but I know that it had nothing to do with you. I love you Aemon, and I know you love me as well. I can not explain why I did what I did, but please believe me when I say that you are not to blame for any of it”

“Why won’t you trust me?”, Aemon mumbled as he laid his head on Alerion’s chest, and his question went unanswered as the elder just let out a sigh as he hugged his brother close.

Outisde the chambers, Daemon stood weary, his ear pressed against the closed doors as he tried to listen in to his sons’ conversation. He’d been simply walking through the hallways, making his way to Alerion as he did every single day, but then he’d heart it. Someone was screaming at his son, and thinking of his boy as he laid unprotected in his bed, vulnerable as he was of both body and mind, Daemon had rushed to his aid. The pain in Aemon’s voice had almost brought him to tears, and as he heard how his boy yelled, he’d thought of intervening, wishing to bring an end to the fighting between two of the people who he loved most in this world. But then Alerion spoke something peculiar, something that caused pure rage to find his heart once more.

“We need to talk”, he said angrily as he stormed into his brother’s chambers.

“Daemon please”, Viserys begged as he sat on his bed, looking terrible as his illness took hold of his body and soul alike, “I know you’re upset by what happened to Alerion, but please brother let us not fight. I don’t have it in me”

“I don’t give a shit”, Daemon spat out, “We must act brother”

“How?”, Viserys questioned tiredly, “Gerardys has told me that Alerion’s arm will heal with time, and I do not know what to do about his suffering as it concerns his mind. Aemma lost herself this way sometimes, as she struggled to cope with the losses she faced. And Alicent did as well, when her father left and then when you took her children from her. I didn’t know how to help them then, and I don’t know how to help Alerion now”

“I want her dead”, Daemon grunted as he neared his brother.

“Why Daemon?”, Viserys asked confused, though there was a little something in his eyes that told Daemon that perhaps his brother knew the answer to his own question already.

“I have reason to believe that your cunt of a wife got near Alerion at some point”, Daemon answered, "I do not yet know how, but I intend to find out. And trust me brother, when I figure out who allowed my fucking son to wind up in the hands of that wretched woman, the Doom of Old Valyria will pale in comparison to what I’ll do to them and their entire fucking bloodlines”

“I don’t know what you speak of Daemon”, Viserys coughed out, eyes unable to meet Daemon’s as he hunched over on his bed, “You are the one who placed Ser Fell with the children, to stop Alicent from coming near them. I abided your wishes to raise them alongside Rhaenyra, and to keep Alicent away from them"

"That Fell cunt was naught but a traitor", Daemon hissed, "His death proved as much. Fucking coward threw himself on his own sword the second my men burst through his doors. He was in on it, that much is certain, helping her get near the children. I just need to figure out who else aided her, because I refuse to believe that all knew of your fucking wife abusing my children and nobody fucking told me Viserys. This happened in secret, meaning someone helped her. The maids Rhaenyra placed around her have denied knowledge of any of it, and since they all knew that I know exactly where their families live, I'm inclined to believe them. She's your fucking wife Viserys, how do you not know where she was?"

"Alicent has not seen Alerion since before the accident, and I know for a fact that she has not visited him these past few days since you locked my wife in her rooms against my will as King", Viserys mumbled, "Her uncle Ormund died suddenly a couple days ago, some odd illness taking him from one day to the other, and she’s been in her rooms as she grieves this loss. She is suffering greatly, as she has been for some time now with you insisting on keeping her children from her, even as I told you of how it pains her to be away from them, no matter how much you insist that she wants to cause them harm. She has not been anywhere near Alerion brother, and I even abided your wishes to let Gerardys care for Alerion instead of Mellos, so I don’t know what more you wish from me”

“Throw the whore down Maegor’s Holdfast”, Daemon answered coldly.

“No”, Viserys denied, “You have no proof that any treason has taken place brother, so I can not allow you to just kill Alicent because you think she may or may not have done something to Alerion. You wish to investigate and confirm whatever you think you know? Go ahead, but leave me out of it”

Daemon just looked at his brother, disappointed and sadly not surprised by the frail creature he saw before him. Viserys had always been weak, but this time he’d reached a new low, and Daemon couldn't bear to think of how much of his life he'd spent trying to be with him.

“You disgust me”, he said after some time, “Your son by blood just threw himself off his dragon, thinking that death might be better than the life he leads with us. I tell you that I have reason to believe that your wife might have something to do with the pain he endures, and you don’t even care enough to do something about it? 'Tis you alone who holds the power to try the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, and once you accuse her of treason, I'm certain the truth will come out. You're the King Viserys, act like it for once in your fucking life”

“I’m tired Daemon”, Viserys sighed as he fell back onto his bed, “You’re the one who always told me that I was too weak to wear a crown, or to do anything of note. And you were right. I’m weak and I’m ill, I can offer no help to you as you seek vengence. Alerion is alive, and that should be enough”

Daemon let out a shaky breath, dumbfounded by his brother’s behavior. He could not understand how Viserys’ heart did not rage as his own did at the thought of someone harming Alerion. The boy was Daemon’s, he knew that, but he was still Viserys’ kin. How could his brother care so fucking little?

“You keep away from my fucking son Viserys”, he hissed before he left the chambers, “And if I find out that Alicent has gotten anywhere near him at any point, I will have your head alongside hers”

“You threaten kinslaying and kingslaying in the same breath”, Viserys mused, “My brother, I thought you loved me”

“Not as I do Alerion”, Daemon answered quickly, “Nobody comes before my children, and whomever dares to harm them, shall be fed to Caraxes. Each and every person who had something to do with this, or even just knew of Alicent speaking to Alerion, they will all pay. One by one they will live to see as my dragon takes their lives slowly, piece by fucking piece, so all might know to not touch a hair on those I love”

Daemon stormed out of his brother’s rooms, leaving Viserys behind as in his heart, he knew that whatever childish affection he’d held for his brother this whole time, was now officially lost. He’d known of Viserys’ gentle nature, and had tried to be by his side even as he failed, because he understood how the burden of the crown weighed him down in ways he could not handle. But Viserys’ lack of care for the safety of his own children was something Daemon could not overlook, so he would not.

As he walked away, he failed to notice how Viserys had begun to tremble after his last threat.

“I think we should speak of something”, Daemon told the Lords of the Small Council after he’d called for an urgent meeting, “As you all know, my brother has become ill. It is my own personal belief, which is backed by the analysis of the various Maesters who have attended to him, that he is no longer fit to sit the throne. I do not propose usurping him, but I do think that the members of this Council, should perhaps start to think of what would be best for our Realm as it pertains to who rules over the people”

“And what do you propose Prince Daemon?”, Tyland Lannister questioned.

“I think Rhaenyra should become Princess Regent”

Chapter Text

“This is the saddest of tragedies”, Rhaenyra said as she held Aelyx close to her chest, “For Laena to be taken in such a way is horrific. To know that the Gods saw it fit to strip her away from her children is just devastating. I can not imagine how Rhaenys and Corlys must be feeling right now”

“Indeed”, Daemon agreed, “But at least her girls still have a father by their side. I don’t know Ser Harwin well, but from what I’ve heard he’s a far cry from that creep of a younger brother he has. So even in a moment of such suffering, I’m certain Ser Harwin will be there for his children, as they all find comfort with one another as their hearts begin to heal once Laena is laid to rest”

As Daemon said these words, Rhaenyra’s gaze found Alerion, who sat next to them with his eyes closed as he welcomed the breeze on his face. Her heart broke as she saw little Baelor on his brother’s lap, as the boy had not spent a single moment away from Alerion since they’d first been reunited. The act that Alerion had committed two sennights ago had been a grave one, and had shaken the entire family to its core as all tried to figure out how to best help one they all held so close to their hearts. Everyone wished to be close to Alerion, but Baelor’s refusal to let go of his brother at any given moment was painful to watch. The boy had been inconsollable after it all happened, as he’d sadly been there to witness it, and had raged more than Rhaenyra thought possible for a small child once he was told that it would not be wise for him to see Alerion immediately after. They’d tried to explain to him that his elder brother was in a vulnerable state, and that he needed some time to recover, but Baelor had not been willing to listen.

“My love”, Rhaenyra said as she touched Alerion’s uninjured arm, “How are you feeling?”

“I didn’t know the Lady Laena very well”, Alerion answered as he tucked Baelor’s head under his chin, “But I do remember how kind she was to me that one time I saw her as she came to King’s Landing. She was a gentle woman, and it pains me to know she met such a cruel fate. But perhaps she will be at peace now, and she’ll have her babe with her, so at least she won’t be alone”

Rhaenyra shivered as Alerion spoke of death as something peaceful, and wished to tell him that there was no peace to be found away from those one loved most. But as she opened her mouth to speak, the commander of the ship announced that they’d arrived at High Tide. And as the whole family gave their condolances to both Rhaenys and Corlys, Rhaenyra continued to look at her son.

Alerion stood there, an empty look in his eyes as he stared at the waves as they crashed against the shore. Aemon walked to him at one point, whispering something to his brother as Rhaegar stood next to him. Rhaenyra couldn’t hear what the boys were saying, but as she saw Alerion nodding to his brothers with a little smile on his face, her heart filled with warmth as she had desperately missed seeing anything but misery painted on his face. These past couple sennights had been worse than she could ever imagine the Seven Hells being, as the reality of the situation truly sunk into her heart. For the first days she’d been numb to it all, as her mind simply could not grasp the truth of what had taken place. Even though he was almost a man grown now, Alerion would forever be the little babe she’d taken into her arms when he was first born, and to know that such despair had ruled him, with her none the wiser, broke her in more ways than she could ever begin to express.

She had not left him alone, not one single second. Even when she attended the Small Council meetings, she had ensured that at all times, someone from their family was with him, showering with love as she wished for him to understand how much he mattered to every one of them. But Alerion had simply grown colder, and her boy seemed to have given up on everything. The happy child he was once, lost to her as someone else, someone much darker and more tragic now stood before her. She had tried to convince him to sleep in her rooms during their stay at High Tide, but he’d told her that he preferred being alone with Baelor. It had hurt to hear him dismiss her so, but with her son in such a vulnerable state, Rhaenyra had not found it in her heart to deny him. So, since she did not wish to force her presence on him, but still wanted someonew who wasn’t his 10 namedays old ittle brother to keep an eye on him, she had assigned Ser Steffon to look after them.

Rhaenyra knew that after Ser Fell’s apparent betrayal it might be naive of her to trust another Kingsguard, but she’d known Ser Steffon all her life, and he’d been one of the first people to swear fealty to her. But most importantly, Steffon had a bastard brother in the city, a result of one of Lord Gunthor’s visits to the Keep during his youth. Rhaenyra knew of this, and Steffon knew that she knew. So she trusted that he wouldn’t stray too far at the risk of losing his brother. She knew it was not wise or kind even to ensure one’s loyalty like this, but she would be damned before she allowed anyone to play her as Ser Fell had.

“I don’t know how to do this without her”, Harwin cried as he clung to his girls, “I don’t want to do this without her. We need her here, and I can not fathom how I’m supposed to just go on with my life now that she’s not with me”

“I’m here son”, Lyonel said, silently cursing his second born for staying behind and refusing to be with his brother in a time of such need, “Whatever you or your girls need, I’m here. Perhaps you could come back to the Keep for some time, to get away from this place. Larys told me that from his last visit, everything seemed to be going alright at Harrenhal, so I don't see the problem in you stepping away for a moment. Maybe new and yet familiar surroundings would do you well”

“No”, Harwin denied vehemently, “Harrenhal is my home, and that of my girls. Unless it is to visit you or their other grandparents here on Driftmark, I will not strip them of the comfort that place brings them. That is how Laena wished for them to be raised, with stability, and even though she will not be here, I need to grant her this one wish”

Rhaenyra didn’t know what to do, as she faced a man who was suffering a loss she could never even fathom. The thought of being without Daemon was a harrowing one, as her heart had beaten alongside his for her whole life. Harwin and Laena had had a happy marriage, something Rhaenyra knew for certain as her beloved cousin often spoke of him in her letters. Although her loss weighed heavy on Rhaenrya’s heart, she was glad to know that her cousin had known such love in this life.

Rhaenyra walked for some time, avoiding Laena’s coffin as best as she could, not yet ready to face it knowing what laid within it. Rhaenyra had known of Laena's second pregnancy, as herself and her cousin exchanged many letters to keep each other updated on how their lives were going. Laena's pregnancy had been a normal one as far as Rhaenyra had known, with no complications that could've allowed anyone to think that something so horrific would ever take place. Harwin had told her that she'd suddenly become ill in the last couple sennights before her death, but that everyone had thought it was simply her body readying itself for the birthing bed. Her dearest cousin had been dead for almost an entire sennight at this point, and even though she had lost her life at Harrenhal, she was still a Velaryon, and deserved to be honoured like one. Rhaenyra had offered to fly with Laenor as they went to Harrenhal to retrieve the body, since Rhaenys was already there, but Rhaenrya had doubted that she was in the condition to handle such a thing. But her request had been denied, as all thought it best for Laena to sail back to Driftmark, and none dared separate her girls from what remained of their mother.

She had to grab onto Daeron at one point, as her boy tried to run to Corlys to ask him questions about the boats, but Rhaenyra held him back as she did not think the Seasnake would be in the right mood to deal with a small child. She sighed as she saw her father just sitting there doing nothing, a sad look on his face as his health seemed to have taken a turn for the very worst these past couple sennights. Daemon had mused that after what happened to Alerion, his guilt for abandoning his own son was eating him alive. And Rhaenyra could only hope and pray that he was right. Viserys had not taken well to Rhaenyra's decision to lock Alicent in her rooms, stating that they had no proof of her treason, and Rhaenyra had to resist the urge to have him locked up as well just because of his idiocy. Alicent was not in attendance, as the King told everyone that her grief over her uncle is why she’d decided to stay at the Keep.

The truth was much different however, though Rhaenyra had thought it best to keep it to herself until she finally had all the evidence she needed to prepare a trial for Alicent. The Council had abided her will without even questioning the King, because even though she had yet to be officially named as Regent, all knew she’d been ruling for years at this point. They might not have proof of whatever Alicent may have done to Alerion, but after Rhaenyra had spoken to her son, she’d seen the true fear that had ruled him at the mere thought of talking about the woman. She didn’t know what had happened, but Ser Fell taking his own life on the very night Alerion had tried to take his own, was too much of a coincidence.

Rhaenyra didn’t know what had taken place yet, and though she had tried speaking to Alicent, the other woman had remained silent. She had planned on taking more extreme measures to get Alicent to talk, perhaps even requesting Ser Largent's aid, but Laena’s death had put a stop to her plans, for now. She had been weary of leaving the Keep during such a difficult time, but she trusted the men of the Council, as she knew they were loyal to her. The only person who had dared speak for the Queen, had been Mellos, so the man now eagerly awaited Rhaenyra's return while in the black cells. She had already spoken to the Council all about how to best go about her proclamation as Regent, considering her father had refused to abdicate in her favour. The Lords didn't know why he'd done it, considering the fact that he had not been honouring his duties as King for years now. But Rhaenyra believed that she knew the ugly truth, which was that for whatever reason, Viserys was protecting Alicent.

"You have no proof", he'd told her, "You lock her up, with no proof of treason. How could you think yourself a fair ruler if you don't act like it"

In truth her father had looked afraid of her when she'd lost her mind as they all waited outside of the Maester's chambers. She had made a vow to kill anyone who'd dared betray herself and her children, and she'd seen the fear take hold of his heart as she did. Her father had never been one prone to violence, and Rhaenyra knew that his way of dealing with problems, was to ignore them. In his mind, he probably thought that the best way to go about dealing with Alicent, was to just let her do whatever she pleased, so as to not complicate the situation even further. But unlike him, Rhaenyra actually cared to do what was right by her family. And if that was to isolate a traitor and torture them until she revealed what Rhaenyra knew to be true, then that is what would happen.

The Keep had been pretty much locked down, and Rhaenyra had ordered Ser Luthor to call for the torturers for whomever tried to approach Alicent's chambers. But also, High Tide was not that far away from King's Landing, and before taking her leave, Rhaenyra had promised Alicent that if she dared anything, Syrax would get to her quickly enough, without need or care for a fair trial. She only cared for a trial to avoid the people's outrage as a member of the royal family was set alight without evidence of treason, but if Alicent tried anything, Rhaenyra would just say that the Mad Queen had tried to claim a dragon and that she'd burned for her stupidity. She had also placed more members of the City Watch around Alicent, knowing that Daemon had trained those men to act exactly as he would if Alicent ever tried to escape. Though in truth Rhaenyra knew she would not, as she still remembered how the other woman had almost fainted at the sight of the gigantic figure of Luthor Largent when the two met for the first time.

“Laenor”, Rhaenyra sighed as she neared her cousin, keeping her distance as she could see how the man was hanging on by a thread as he was supported by his very pregnant wife, with his Joffrey by his side as Laenor leaned on him, “Laenor, I don’t even know what to say. I know how close you and Laena were, and I can not even imagine how your heart aches now. But I need you to know, that whatever you or your family might need in this time, we’re here for you”

“I don’t know what to do”, Laenor choked out as he clung to Mya’s hand like his life depended on it, “Laena was everything to me, the one person who made my heart feel complete. She was not my twin, but I can assure you that we felt like it because our souls were one. She was my little sister, and I was not there for her when she needed me. She died without me, and I just-”

Laenor crumbled, Mya and Joffrey immediately grabbing onto him and leading him to a chair as he could no longer hold himself up. Little Aelinor remained motionless, staring at nothing as tears welled up in her eyes. Laena had always told Rhaenyra of how close she was to her niece, and it hurt her heart to see the little girl alone during such a difficult time.

“Perhaps you could speak to her”, she told Aemon, “Your cousin has just lost someone very dear to her, I’m certain it would do her well to have someone by her side”

“I wouldn’t know what to say”, Aemon answered.

“Just be with her”, Rhaenyra whispered as she lead her son to Aelinor.

She wanted to be with the girl herself, wishing for nothing more than to comfort her and hold her close. But she understood that right now, this girl was surrounded by strangers, and Rhaenyra thought that perhaps, she’d be more keen to open up to someone closer to her age. She observed her Aemon, as he just stood next to his cousin and whispered something Rhaenyra couldn’t hear. Then the little girl looked up at him, eyes filled with tears as she took his hand in hers and just held it tightly.

“Your boy’s a good one”, Rhaenys said as she suddenly appeared behind her, “My little granddaughter is the most gentle of souls. I tried to speak to her when they arrived yesterday, but it seems that she has accepted silence as her only companion in her grief”

Rhaenyra turned to her aunt, mouth agape as she tried to come up with something to say to a woman who’d suffered such tragedy. But her mind failed her. She’d seen her own mother suffer such losses, and had never once been able to find the words to comfort her.

“Don’t”, Rhaenys dismissed her with a sad smile on her face, “There is nothing you or anyone could ever say that would make this any better. A piece of my heart is lost to me forever, and I can only thank the Gods that they allowed me to be with my Laena before taking her from me. Her suffering was a great one, but in the end, she managed enough strength to try and walk to Vhagar. Harwin stopped her, and we all hugged her close as she took her last breath. My girl felt my heart as it beat for her one last time, and that is more than many others get before their child is taken from them”

Rhaenyra couldn’t speak, tears in her eyes as she imagined the outmost horror that ruled Rhaenys’ mind in that moment. Her Alerion was alive, but she’d experienced something similar when he’d thought him lost forever as she sat oustide Mellos’ chambers. Her heart had known that her child was dead, and yet her brain hadn’t been able to process it, so she’d become numb to it all. And as she looked in Rhaenys’ eyes, a look of empty acceptance staring back at her, she knew that her aunt had fallen prey to the same ailment.

“Laena was with those who loved her most in her last moments”, Rhaenys said finally, “’Tis something I had always wished for myself. And in some ways I got it, as a part of her died alongside her. But there is naught anyone can do now. My girl is gone, and she won’t come back to me. But her daughters are here, the last pieces of my Laena are still with me. And I’m thankful for that”

The funeral ceremony was a grave one, as all who loved Laena gathered together to bid her goodbye for one last time. Rhaena and Elyana were crying, but they looked lost as they grasped onto their father, as they were much too young to truly understand what was happening. Though it had been over a decade now, Rhaenyra still vividly remembered the hole that had been carved into her heart as she lost her mother, and she felt for those girls deeply. It had never brought her much comfort, but at least she’d had 15 years with her mother by her side, and as she thought of the twins having to live her whole lives without their own, she clung to little Aelyx as he stood before her. Her boy was 4 namedays old, same as Rhaena and Elyana, and the thought of him living the rest of his days without knowing her love was almost enough to break her.

“What a shit day”, Daemon said as the two made their way back to her chambers.

The two had asked to be given rooms far away from those of the others, as Rhaenyra did not think it would be nice for the Velaryons especially to have to hear her Aelyx babbling on through the night, as he often did whenever in the company of his siblings. Her boy struggled to sleep at times, and though Rhaenyra knew that he soothed himself after a while, she had thought it best for her chambers to be away from those of the other people of High Tide. Rhaenys and Corlys had just lost a daughter, and Rhaenyra did not think it would be kind of her to make their nights even more difficult, by forcing them to listen to her son’s laughter as they mourned. He was too young to understand the gravity of the ceremony he had just taken part in, and though she hoped he would allow her to sleep, as she was grieving as well, she doubted it.

“Indeed”, Rhaenyra agreed.

“You should sleep my love”, Daemon whispered as he caressed her hair once they reached the rooms, “I think I’ll take a walk around with Criston if you don’t mind”

“Sure”, Rhaenrya answered.

After what had happened to Alerion, she had lost herself in her own mind, and whilst Daemon had understood that she dealt with her pain differently than he did, he had desperately needed someone to speak to. So every night, he would stand outside their chambers with their knight, crying his heart out about the fear that ruled his heart at the reality that they’d almost lost their son, and plotting on what to do next to avenge Alerion. Rhaenyra knew that herself and Daemon were getting closer once more, as her mind was clearing up and she was finally able to speak of what had taken place, but she did not begrudge him for continuing to talk to Criston.

Some time later, the maids brought her littlest ones to her chambers. She was most glad to have them by her side, as their presence brought her some much needed comfort. Daeron and Visenya fought over who got to lay on their muña, as they always did. Daeron continued to speak of the beautiful boats, and even talked about a young boy he’d met as he’d wondered off at one point to be closer to the sea. Addam or something like that. Little Aelyx began to babble on, and Helaena just sat on the bed.

“The rats are coming”, Rhaenyra heard her say at one point.

“There are no rats here my love”, she said as she looked around her rooms.

“They’re here Rhaenyra”, Helaena stated firmly, an odd look in her eyes as she stared into hers.

“They’ll take their own unless the red one sings”

Chapter Text

“Baelor what are you doing?”, Alerion questioned as he looked at his brother, annoyed by the younger one’s apparent insistence on leaning as far as he could out of the tiny window in their chambers. The little window was pretty high up on the wall, so Baelor was almost hanging off it as he held onto the edges.

His brother ignored him, a small smile on his face as he nodded to nothing. The walls of High Tide were tall, so Alerion was certain that there was nobody Baelor could be speaking to. The boy had sprung out of his bed suddenly, waking up Alerion as he climbed to the window, mumbling something about someone singing to him.

“I hear her”, Baelor said excitedly, “Brother I hear her. I truly do”

“Baelor what are you talk-”, Alerion begun to ask, but quickly stopped as an odd noise came from outside their rooms, the haunting sound of someone dropping to the ground enough to scare Baelor, who almost fell onto the floor as he let go of the window.

Alerion rose from his bed, slowly and making as little noise as possible as he made his way to his brother, placing himself in front of the younger one as he wearily eyed the door. He could not think of anyone who would care to visit either himself or Baelor, not now at least as it was the middle of the night. Little Daeron was supposed to sleep with them, but Alerion had heard him ask Rhaenyra if he could be with her instead. The mood on this day had been somber at best, so Alerion truly doubted that any of his littlest siblings would be showing up to play hide and seek as they did at the Keep. The chambers the boys had been given were far enough from the main Hall, so the likelyhood of someone just accidentally stumbling upon them was very small.

“What is it?”, Baelor whispered as he poked his head from behind Alerion.

“I don’t know”, Alerion answered as he started to regret not having accepted Rhaenyra's offer to be with her on this night, “But stay behind me”

The door rattled for some time, until it finally opened. Two cloaked men were revealed as they walked into the boys’ chambers, quickly and without making the littlest of noises, as they finally looked at the children. Alerion stared at the men, once again damning his own brain for misplacing his dagger as he realised that he’d left it behind somewhere before he went to bed.

“Hello”, one of the men said with a grave tone that made Alerion shiver, trying to make himself bigger as he attempted to cover up his brother as he felt the boy’s body shake behind him.

“Who are you?”, Alerion questioned, trying his best to sound nothing like the scared child he truly was in that moment, “And where is Ser Steffon?”

The knight was supposed to be there, standing guard outside of the boys’ rooms, as was his duty. But Alerion’s heart failed him as one of the men just smiled, as he dragged a body from the corridor into the rooms, before locking the doors shut. Alerion’s brain blanked, just staring at Ser Steffon whose dead eyes stared right back at him, a deep gash on his neck still bleeding as he just laid there. He’d been a good man, and a great fighter, and if he hadn’t been able to protect himself from these men, then what chance did Alerion have?

“You don’t need to worry about that”, the other man said with a smile, “Just know that we are debt collectors, and your mother’s payment is due, as it has been for some time”

“What are you talking about?”, Alerion asked as he shook his head, mind clouded by terror as he tried to figure out what the Queen had to do with this.

The man chuckled, a dark and humorless laugh as he walked towards them. Alerion froze, his mind blanking as this huge figure loomed over him. He heard Baelor cry behind him, and could do nothing but hold onto his brother as he ravaged his mind for something to do.

“I have great wealth”, he told the man, “I vow to give you all the gold I have to my name, and I can assure you that I’m a man of his word. If you let me and my brother go, all the gold you could ever dream of will be yours”

“Oh look”, one of the men said with an eyrie smile on his face, “Our little pretend King thinks he can promise us more than the true one shall pay us for this great service. That’s cute”

What?

“I’m sorry little guy”, the other man mused as his hand came to touch Alerion’s face, the boy shivering as his thumb grazed at his bottom lip, “You scream, and I will make sure the little guy suffers a slow and painful death right in front of your pretty little face, and after that I'll kill you too. There is no getting out of this, for either of you. ‘Tis three sons for three sons, no more and no less. Three sons were taken because your mother dared too far, so I shall take three of her own in turn, it’s only fair. Although I will say, you might never wear the crown, but I can think of other things you could be usfeul for. Would be such a waste to throw you away like this”

Alerion’s lip trembled, not understanding the man’s words, his eyes filling with tears as the hand found its way on his neck. Though it did not appear as a threat, or at least not one of death. Under the man’s gaze Alerion felt small. He’d been training with a sword all his life, and Daemon had made sure to teach him hand to hand combat as well to ensure he could keep himself safe. But now, as the men whispered such words, and at the realisation that him and Baelor were alone, Alerion felt helpless. He'd learned long ago that fighting back never worked, but in this moment as he truly wished to scream, the man's threats against Baelor rang in his mind, and he remained silent. He didn't know if anyone else was awake, or how long it would take for them to get to them if Alerion screamed out for help. But with the man but an inch away from him, he knew they'd never be quick enough to stop him from killing them both. If he wanted to get out of this, he'd have to do it alone.

“I’ve heard many great stories of your mother, and from what I’m told you look much like her. Though I can only hope you take after her in more ways that one. Four kids that wench bore, she must have a golden cunt on her to keep her whoremonger of an uncle entertained in such a way”, the man whispered as his lips almost hovered over Alerion’s, “Does your cunt shine as well little one? Shall we put that to the test?”

Alerion’s mind blanked at the man’s words, and he felt Baleor’s breath hitch behind him. These men thought they were Rhaenyra’s children. They thought that the boys were Aemon and Rhaegar. Why would they think tha- oh.

These were their rooms.

Earlier on this day, Aemon had asked Alerion if the brothers could switch rooms, something about Rhaegar wanting to be closer to a lit tunnel as he was afraid of the dark.

And Alerion had agreed to it.

Himself and Baelor were in their brothers’ chambers, and they would die because of it. All because Alerion had agreed to the change. For a second the thought crossed his mind, of telling these men the truth of who stood before them, but then it would be Aemon in his position right now. His little brother would be standing where he does now, and just the thought of his kind hearted valonqar having to suffer the man’s touch as he was almost made him sick. He didn’t know what to do.

“Take me”, he said suddenly, “You can take me, whichever way you prefer. Let my brother go, you don’t need him. You can have me. Kill me if you want, but let my brother go. I will stay with you if that’s what you wish instead. I can please you, I promise. But let Rhaegar go”

As he said those words his heart failed him, beat after beat hurting as it pounded against his chest. Baelor was sobbing behind him, and Alerion tried to push him further back, childishly hoping that his little brother could escape through that tiny little window. He’d feared Baelor leaping out of it just minutes ago, but as the man before him shook his head, he cursed himself for not throwing Baelor out of it himself. His brother would’ve died, but as sinister smiles made their ways to the men’s faces, Alerion feared that death would be a much kinder fate than what the two had in store for them.

“We must have you both”, the man answered him as his fingers pushed Alerion’s head back, “A brave boy this one, offering his body and soul to save his brother. But the answer is no. I will have you, for that is what I wish, but your brother will die, as will you. Who will die first? Well, that’s up to you”

“What?”, Alerion questioned as his mind struggled to understand what the man had just said.

“Choose”, the man repeated with a smirk on his face, “You either watch your brother die, as I take you to my liking. Or you die, knowing that he’ll be left alone with my man here. And then we’ll kill him too. Either way, we’ll have such fun together tonight”

“Please”, Alerion begged as tears now streamed down his face, “Rhaegar is but a boy. He’ll be no threat to you or whomever sent you. He doesn’t even have a dragon. I promise that once you kill me, he will just leave. He will get on one of those random boats that can be found on the shore, and he’ll leave. You will never see him again, and he will cause you no trouble. Right Rhaegar?”

Behind him Baelor sobbed, shaking his head as his nails dug into Alerion’s back. His brother had fallen to the floor at some point, and Alerion’s entire body shivered as he saw how the other man had found his way around them, and was now looking to Baelor with such hunger.

There was no way out of this, and ugly sobs escaped Alerion’s mouth as he tried to figure out what to do. He couldn’t watch his brother die, as the image had been haunting his mind since he could remember, and he was no more ready to face such a thing as he had been when he was a boy. But he couldn’t bear the thought of dying before him, taking the coward’s way out as he went first, leaving his brother alone with these beasts. And before he could think about it, his body acted.

His head fell forward, hitting the man’s nose as hard as he could as he stumbled back, more surprised than hurt as he let out an annoyed grunt. Alerion then turned to the other man, kicking him between his legs and taking advantage of the one second with both men distracted, as he grabbed onto Baelor and pulled him up. His brother did not react, surprised by the sudden turn of events as he stumbled on his own two feet. But Alerion persisted, using his good arm to drag Baelor with him as he threw himself against the doors of their chambers. His hand was shaking, adrenaline coursing through his veins as he grabbed onto the handle, desperately trying to pry the doors open, beating against them with all his might as the handle failed him. But the exit, their one way to salvation, remained locked shut.

“You little fuck”, one of the men grunted as he grabbed his bad arm and threw him onto the floor, the pain so great it made Alerion see stars as he almost felt himself faint, “You think you can break my fucking nose and get away with it? Ser Otto was very clear boy, I must hand him your head, and your brothers’ as well. I don’t know where the littlest one is, but trust and believe I will find him, as the man has promised me great reward for my hard work, and I will not allow a little shit like you to fuck this up for me. Do you understand?”

Alerion cried, the man’s weight over his body suffocating him as he choked on his own tears. The mention of his estranged grandsire stung, knowing that unbeknownst to all, it would be his own kin to die on this night. Otto had wanted Aemon, so he could get Alerion’s crown. But it seemed that he’ll get his head instead.

“’Tis simple enough”, the man mused as he took Alerion’s wrists into his hands and tugged them over his head, such a rough touch on his injured arm making Alerion wonder if the man would just rip it off, “I kill you worthless fucks, and take my rightful King and his heirs to safety. Oldtown will rise, as it was always meant to, and I’ll become a member of the Kingsguard. And perhaps I’ll rise even higher than that, find my way to the King’s bed, if the boy’s as pretty as his mother. It would be the most judicious reward for all my hard work in my opinion, a royal ass to keep me warm at night. But for now, I think I’ll settle for you”

One of the man’s hands kept hold of Alerion’s wrists, as the other wandered down to his pants. Alerion wriggled around, trying to make it as hard as possible for the man to succeed in removing his clothes. Evidently annoyed by Alerion’s struggling, the man grunted, and mercilessly let go of his pants, only to grab onto his hair.

“You have such beautiful eyes”, Alerion faintly heard the other man say, and as he turned he saw him sitting on top of Baelor, a dagger in his hand as he dragged it across his little brother’s face, cheeks covered in tears as the boy continued to sob, “I’m sure Ser Otto won’t mind if I just take a little something to remember you by”

“Don’t”, Alerion yelled out, but before he could even try to move, his world suddenly became hazy.

“There you go”, the man said after smacking his head against the floor, “Now you’ll be good for me, won’t you? Just lay here boy, I don’t need anything else from you little one”

Alerion tried to struggle again, but his limbs had become too heavy for him to lift. He felt a warmth pooling beneath his head, and could barely even flinch as he heard his brother screaming in pain, a mighty roar coming from outside as his heart skipped a beat, before his eyelids grew heavy.

Suddenly there was a terribly loud noise, and the weight of the man on top of him disappeared.

And Alerion’s eyes fell shut.

Chapter Text

Screams.

Just screams, that is all that could be heard coming from that room on that fateful night.

Alerion was on the ground, pants down and unconscious as he laid in a pool of his own blood. The man who’d been atop him just seconds ago, was now staring at Daemon with fear in his eyes as Dark Sister sat on his neck.

Criston on the other hand had thrown himself onto the man who’d been attacking Baelor, and was now almost sitting on top of him, Criston’s weight tying him to the ground as the man mumbled something about just obeying orders. But Criston could barely hear him, as little Baelor continued to scream next to him, thrashing around as the knight struggled to understand what was truly wrong with him. The child was scared, that much was obvious, but his were screams of pain, and Criston was struggling to make out exactly how Baelor had been injured. There was so much blood on his face, and Criston almost gagged once he noticed what laid next to the small boy. His heart raged, and without thought he just grabbed onto the man’s face as hard as he could, his thumbs digging their way into his eyes as he thought of how terribly his sweet boy was suffering.

The man under him quickly fell unconscious, as Criston relished in the sight of his body falling limp against the cold floors. He left him behind for a moment, always weary of the man, but choosing to focus on Baelor.

“You’re alright”, Criston mumbled as he trid to pry the child’s hands away from his face, “You’re alright Baelor. Just keep your hand down, alright? Just let uncle Criston fix it, alright? I will fix it Baelor, I promise you my boy”

Criston loved all of the children of the Keep as if they were his own, knowing no greater love than what he felt for this huge family he’d found himself in, and who had been kind enough to take him in as one of their own. He cherished all the kids, but Baelor had always been closest to his heart. He didn’t know what it was about him that made him so different to the others, but Criston had always felt drawn to him. He still remembers the day he was first born, and how Criston had marvelled at how such a small babe could already hold such a huge place in his heart. From his first moment on earth, Baelor had been Criston’s little companion, always with him as the knight paraded him around court as his little me. Baelor had a kind and gentle nature, and to know that the Gods had repaied that with such cruelty made him question why They even existed in the first place. If not to protect children like Baelor.

“He’s alive”, Daemon said as he gently lifted Alerion’s head to understand the gravity of his injury.

Criston breathed a sigh of relief that both boys were alive, one could not say they were doing well, but they still lived, so that was better than nothing at this point. Baelor had stopped screaming, simply staring at Criston with the one eye he had left, as the man cringed at the sight of the open wound that now made up most of the little boy’s face. As he looked at Daemon, he suddenly remembered the other men in the room. Criston turned, and saw that the one he’d taken out was still laying motionless on the floor, and as he looked behind Daemon, he noted that the other one was also incapacitated at the moment. The man sat on the floor, eyes wide as he stared at his hand, the only one he had left as it was impaled by Dark Sister, the sword passing through it and straight through a wardrobe, effectively chaining him to the chambers. His right hand, the one that had been on Alerion’s pants when Daemon had first walked into the rooms, sat next to him, motionless and growing colder by the second as it just laid there.

“Did you hear that Baelor?”, Criston questioned as he caressed the boy’s uninjured cheek, “Your brother is well my boy. Everything will be alright”

He shook his head as he said the words, tears in his eyes as he wondered why such tragedy would befall these poor kids. They were innocents, and had not harmed anyone, and yet the Gods had seen it fit to punish them so, for no reason at all. Criston was no fool, and he knew that no matter what, Alerion and Baelor would never again be the children he’d raised alongside Rhaenyra and Daemon. They would never be the same sweet souls he’d helped tuck into their beds most nights of their lives, because they were no longer children. Their innocence had been stolen from them on this very night, and nothing would ever change that.

Suddenly, Baelor’s body went limp in his arms. Criston panicked, immediately trying to shake Baelor and will him to wake. Begging the little boy to come back to him as he frantically searched for any sign of life.

“We have to get a fucking Maester”, he screamed as his hand remained stuck on the little spot on Baelor’s neck, the one thing keeping him sane as the rythm within it assured him that the boy still lived, “Where are the fucking Maesters?”

Daemon and Criston both stumbled outside the rooms and almost tripped over Ser Steffon’s body, as some random castleguards had run to the scene and were now helping the two as both Alerion and Baelor, needed more than one person to hold them in their frail conditions. The way Alerion’s head had fallen back when Daemon had picked him up had sent shivers down Criston’s spine, the blood seeping out of the child’s head almost enough to make him sick. Both boys were in horrible conditions, but at least Criston could feel Baelor’s heart beating against his own. He did not know if the same was true for Daemon, as the man refused to speak, just walking to the Maesters’ chambers with his son in his arms, a scene not too dissimilar from one they’d both lived just mere sennights ago.

The Maesters of High Tide were shocked by what they saw, as these blood soaked men laid blood letting children on their beds. They all immediately got to work, and Criston noted how Daemon just stood there, no expression on his face as his sons were sewn back together. Both boys were unconscious, and the amount of blood that covered them both made Criston feel faint. He’d never taken much issue with blood, he was a warrior in the end and had seen much worse in the battlefield, but these was the blood of his children. How was he supposed to just stand there as they appeared to be loosing all the blood that had ever coursed through their veins?

“Is he alright?”, he asked the Maester who was caring for Alerion.

“He will live”, the Maester answered as he cleaned the boy’s wound, “But I can not say wether or not he will be alright. His arm was already gravely wounded, and only time will tell if the damage that was done on this night will forever impair the boy. And the injury to his head is thankfully not as bad as it could’ve been. The cut is deep, but the amount of blood loss is not indicative of the gravity of such injury, as the head simply bleeds a lot more than other parts of the body sometimes. I believe Alerion passed out from both pain and bloodloss, and perhaps his body was kind enough to shut down to help him avoid the situation he found himself in. His body will recover in time, but I can promise nothing for his mind or his heart”

Criston nodded, letting out a shaky breath as he cringed at the Maester’s needle poking in and out of Alerion’s head. He turned to Baelor at this point, and the sight of his boy just laying there, looking lifeless as the Maester continued to wash the blood off his face, was almost enough to make him faint. He got closer to the child, hand coming to caress his uninjured cheek as he questioned the Maester, who in turn just mumbled that the boy would live. He’d seen Baelor’s eye laying on the floor in those cursed chambers, so he knew it was lost. Those fucking men had taken his boy’s eye, and tears welled up in Criston’s as he realised that Baelor would have a constant reminder of the great horrors that had taken place on this night. Never able to escape the memories of the men who had hurt him so, as their brand on him would mar his face for the rest of his days.

“Daemon”, he called to the other man as he noticed him leaving the chambers.

The Prince ignored him, simply walking away as he strode back towards the boys’ rooms. He looked like a dragon as he walked, unarmed and yet ready for battle as he once more faced the men who had hurt his sons so deeply. As Daemon walked into the chambers, he gave leave to the guards who had stayed back with the men, and the two trembled as Daemon made his way towards them. The guy Criston had injured was awake now, laying on the floor as his empty eye sockets stared at the ceiling.

“Who sent you?”, Daemon questioned, and the calm tone he was using scared Criston more than his screams ever could.

“My Prince please”, one of the men said as he desperately tried to rip Dark Sister out of his hand, his movement erratic as Daemon neared him.

Daemon crouched down, facing the man as he smiled. His hand came to grab at Dark Sister’s handle, and for a split second, hope found the other man’s face as he was evidently stupid enough to think that the Prince would actually free him. But then Daemon twisted the sword as it still impaled his hand, and the man screamed.

“You touched my son”, Daemon stated lowly, “You touched my son, and your friend over there gouged the other’s eye out. You planned to kill them, that much is obvious. I just want to know who sent you”

“I don’t know”, the man lied, “I was just told to get the Princess’ children, but I don’t know who sent me. I was just following orders my Prince, please”

“Mh”, Daemon mused as he scoffed, “Of course. It pains me to think that a loyal man such as yourself has chosen to follow the losing side. But you see, you touched my son. I can not simply let that slide, and I hope you understand that what I’m about to do, must be done”

“My Prince”, the man begged as Daemon’s hand took Dark Sister out of his hand, quickly turning away from him and going to the other man. Criston immediately neared him, as he did not want the man to think this was his chance to escape. But the look on the man's face told him that that would not be an issue, as the bloodloss was evidently impairing him.

“How about you?”, Daemon questioned as he stood above the blind man, “Will you be so kind as to tell me who sent you?”

“It was him”, the man said with a groggy voice as he tried to crawl away from where he thought Daemon might be, “My Prince please, we were just following orders. You can not fault us for that”

“Oh but I can”, Daemon answered with a chuckle.

The Prince stood above the man as he laid on the floor, Dark Sister caressing his skin as he dragged it from the top of his head down to where his eyes once were. The man trembled, hands coming up to blindly try and grab onto the sword.

“Who is he?”, Daemon growled, though from the look in his eyes Criston could tell that the other man already knew the answer to his own question, “I need a name, and if you give it to me, then perhaps I’ll let you live”

“Otto Hightower”, the man said quickly as he turned his head to the side, away from Dark Sister’s cold blade as the feeling of it against his skin made his whole body shiver.

“Thank you”, Daemon answered calmly, kneeling to place his hand on the man’s face, gently turning it over to look at him as he whispered, “Baelor sends his regards”

And before the words could even register to the other man, Dark Sister plunged itself straight into his empty eye socket and through his skull. Daemon lingered there for some time, just twisting Dark Sister around the man’s now broken head as the apparent composure he’d been able to uphold this entire time, was lost. Little was left of the man’s face after Daemon was done with him, and the Prince quickly turned to the other one who in turn remained frozen, motionless as he stared at the dead body of his companion.

“You’re coming with me”, Daemon said as he grabbed onto the man’s bleeding hand, a smile on his face as the man screamed in pain.

Daemon dragged him through the halls, ignoring the terrified looks of all who stumbled upon the scene as he made his way to his brother’s rooms. The man was barely conscious by the time they got to the King, bleeding profusely from both his stump and his hand as he looked around, desperate for anyone to rescue him.

“Daemon”, Viserys whispered alarmed as he stared at what stood before him, “Daemon what is this?”

“This man and one of his friends”, Daemon said as he threw the man onto the floor, with him landing right at the King’s feet, “Broke into my children’s rooms on this night. Alerion’s head has been broken in, and Baelor shall now live out the rest of his days without a fucking eye. Their intention was clearly to murder them, and they would’ve done so if I hadn’t found Alerion’s dagger and thought to give it back to my boy. But then, when I was on my way to what I thought were his rooms, I heard someone pounding on a door. And imagine my fucking surprise brother, when after I ran toward the noise as quickly as I could and broke the door down, I found this creature on top of Alerion as the other gouged out Baelor’s eye. This fuck tried to kill my fucking children Viserys. And his friend told me something oh so interesting before I sent him back to whichever of the Seven Hells he’d crawled out of. Would you care to tell the King who sent you little one?”

The man shivered at Daemon’s words, and Criston cringed as he remembered how the man himself had called Alerion that when they’d first found them. The image of this beast sitting on top of that poor child was harrowing, and Criston did not even want to think about what would’ve happened if himself and Daemon hadn’t burst through the doors when they did.

“My King”, the man said as he kneeled before Viserys, “I beg you Your Grace, this was but a misunderstanding. I never meant to harm you children, I was just sent here to-”

“To kill mine”, Daemon mused, “Is that it? Did you think you had found the Princess’ children on this night? My how mad your master would’ve been, if you’d shown up with his grandons’ heads instead of my kids’”

“What?”, Viserys questioned wearily, eyes locked on the bleeding man.

“Tell the King who sent you”, Daemon demanded as he pushed the man onto the floor, kneeling next to him with Dark Sister in his hand as he looked into his eyes, “Tell the King who ordered you to kill my children. Tell His Grace who gave you leave to touch my fucking son”

The man trembled as Daemon dragged Dark Sister over his body, from the top of his head down to his pants. He looked up at Viserys, eyes filled with tears as he silently begged the King for help.

“It was Otto Hightower”, the man confessed as he trembled, “My King please, I’m but a soldier. I was just doing what was ordered of me. I have a letter that can prove that he sen-”

The scream the man let out was that of an animal, eyes almost bulging out of his skull as Dark Sister came down onto him, carving out his greatest possession. Daemon’s eyes were filled with a fire that would scare off the Black Dread himself, as he threw the severed member onto the floor with a smile.

“You touched my son”, he whispered as his lips almost hovered over the other man’s, “That little thing right there, got you in great trouble today. So I just thought it best to rid you of it, and is that no so very nice of me?”

Criston just stood there, motionless as the man cried with his stare locked on his member as it now laid next to his head. The sight was a horrific one, and yet seeing Daemon this way, with the blood of the men who’d hurt his children all over his face, Criston knew a dragon stood in his stead now, and was more than proud to be by his side.

“You”, Daemon begun as he walked to his brother, nose to nose with him as Viserys’ gaze remained empty as he evidently had yet to process everything that had just happened, “Are going to go back to the Keep, take your fucking wife, and lock her in the black cells until I get there. And once I do, I will carve her heart out of her chest as I once promised I would. And the thought of her screams as I do it is already doing it for me in more ways that I can express brother, so I’d think on taking her out myself if I were you. Because trust me Viserys, you will not want to see what will become of your pretty little wife once I find her. Death is too kind an end for her and her family, and I’m not a kind man”

Viserys trembled, legs failing him as he fell onto his bed. The King was crying, eyes lost as he stared at nothing whilst shaking his head. The man mumbled something about how this had not been his intention, or how he never believed this would happen, but Daemon and Criston were on a mission, and didn’t bother to listen. Criston followed Daemon outside the chambers, uncaring for the King he’d once vowed to protect, not when that was the same man who had allowed people like the Hightower to rise this way. Himself and Daemon walked, and both stopped immediately once they heard Rhaenyra’s shrill screams as they shook High Tide to its core. Criston couldn’t even imagine what the woman was going through right now, after having been woken up randomly only to be told that two of her sons were fighting for their lives. She had barely started to recover from what had taken place with Alerion, and Criston truly did not know what would become of her now.

“Daemon”, he called for the other man as he continued to walk, now making his way outside High Tide, “Daemon please wait”

The man stopped, turning to him with a manic look in his eyes as his hand quickly found Criston’s neck. The knight let him, uncaring for the tight grip that almost hurt, as he knew that no matter what, Daemon would never truly harm him. As it often was between them, Daemon was trying to use Criston to get himself to calm down. And that’s what this hold meant, it was naught but a way for Daemon to ground himself, for him to feel in control of something, anything. Daemon pressed his forehead against his, eyes closed as he breathed deeply.

“We’re going to Oldtown”, he said finally.

Chapter Text

“How could this happen?”, Corlys raged as he paced outside the Maester’s chambers, “How could any of you useless sacks of meat allow this to happen? For two little children to be so viciously attacked in my own fucking home? Where the fuck were you?”

The guards that stood there, simply bowed their heads in shame as their Lord screamed at them. The whole of High Tide had been woken up by children yelling in fear, and those who had not, had been forced to rise from their beds as the Princess’ own screams rang through their halls. The few guards who’d been quick enough to find their ways to the boys’ chambers when the men still laid within them, had been terrified by what they had seen. A couple of them had been sent to guard the other children, and Rickard Thorne’s body now laid cold in front of the Princes’ chambers, as he’d been caught trying to steal them away from their beds. The knight had killed Ser Arryk Cargyll, the man who had been placed to guard the children, he had panicked once he’d realised that the boys before him were not the ones he’d been looking for, and the guards had taken advantage of this to strike him down before he could harm the children.

“Rhaenyra”, Rhaenys whispered as she tried to grab onto her niece, “Rhaenyra you need to breathe”

“Breathe?”, Rhaenyra questioned with a crazed look in her eyes as she ripped her arm away from her aunt’s grasp, “Those men meant to kill my children, and they almost managed to do it. Two of my sons now lay in your Maesters’ chambers, one has yet to regain consciousness, and the other one has only woken up to scream in pain as your Maesters closed the wound that now takes up half of his fucking face. My other sons were almost killed, as a man I thought I could trust killed one of his sworn brothers to slaughter them in their beds. Could you imagine what would’ve happened if Rickard had gotten to them before the guards reached him? I will not breathe Rhaenys, not until those who are to blame for this are set alight”

Rhaenyra was raging, her heart beating its way out of her chest as she could barely control the urge she felt to get on Syrax on this very moment. She wanted to leave more than anything, yearning to go to Oldtown and hungry for Hightower blood. But she couldn’t leave now, not after Baelor had woken up screaming for her mere minutes ago.

“You”, she grunted as she turned to her father, who just sat there motionless as life itself seemed to have left him, “You are to blame for this. I told you more than once, of how dangerous the Hightowers were, and yet you allowed them to live. Daemon spoke to you of how he believed your fucking wife had harmed Alerion, and yet you had the audacity to blame me and pull a fucking fit for locking that cunt in her chambers. Otto Hightower commited fucking treason, and yet you allowed him to go back to his own fucking house. The Gods may forgive you for your idiocy Viserys, but I never will. This is all your fault, and if one of my children loses their lives on this night, you will beg for death when I get my hands on you. You and your beloved Hightowers will get to die together father, and is that not the greatest end to your love story with that cursed family?”

Viserys didn’t say anything, just slumping back against the wall as his empty eyes looked to the ground. Shame and guilt were evident in his eyes, and he had no reply for his daughter’s words against him. His own child had just threaten to kill him, to commit kinslaying, and yet nobody in the room found it in them to fault her for it.

And he could only wonder what Rhaenyra would do if she knew how much he was actually to blame for this.

“Princess”, one of the Maesters called for her as he exited the rooms, “Alerion is awake”

Rhaenyra sprinted into the chambers, falling to her knees in front of her eldest as she clung to his uninjured hand. His body shook from the pain, and Rhaenyra could only hold him as she saw the absolute terror that ruled his heart.

“Muña”, he mumbled as his eyes found hers.

“I’m here my love”, she said quickly as she brought his hand to her lips, “Muña’s here”

“I’m sorry”, her boy sobbed, and Rhaenyra swore that the whole of Westeros heard the way her heart broke as Alerion started to cry, “I’m so sorry muña. I tried to protect Baelor, I swear I did. But I failed him, I failed you all. I’m so sorry”

Rhaenyra shook her head, sobs escaping her as she fell forward, her forehead hitting Alerion’s bed as she cursed herself for ever allowing her son to think that he’d ever need to apologise for something like this.

“You did so well trēsy”, she said, “You did such a good job my boy, and you were very brave. Muña is so proud of you my heart”

Alerion cried, shaking his head and letting out a heartwrenching cry as he looked at his brother. Little Baelor laid next to him, unconscious and with his head turned to Alerion, his wound on full display as the elder stared at the proof of his failure.

“I tried muña”, he cried, “I swear to you that I tried. But the men were so scary, and they were so big. And then one of them got on top of me and I couldn’t breathe anymore. He touched me and I just couldn’t breathe”

Rhaenyra’s heart stopped beating at that, rage ruling her as her boy cried desperately as the memories took hold of him. Her mind went blank as she watched him tremble in fear, and without much thought, she just caressed his face with an empty smile on her own.

“You did well my love”, she whispered, “And you will recover in due time once we go back home, alright? You should rest my heart. Muña has to go for now, but I’ll come back to you before you wake up again”

Alerion cried out for her, begging her to stay with him, but Rhaenyra could barely hear him. She walked straight out of High Tide, ignoring Rhaenys as the older woman called for her. The roar Vhagar let out as she sat on the shore should’ve scared her perhaps, and yet its might only matched the fire that ruled Rhaenyra as she got on Syrax. One goal in mind as she took to the skies.

The flight back to King’s Landing was a quick one, as Rhaenyra’s mind raged with thoughts of all that her boys had suffered at the hands of those men. She knew that Daemon was heading to Oldtown, and trusted that her husband would be more than capable of taking care of the traitors that slept within those walls. But there was someone else Rhaenyra needed to deal with, as she was sure that this one had much more to do with this plan than anyone would ever think possible. When everything had first happened with Alerion, Rhaenyra had wanted to at least try and speak to Alicent, since in truth she was aware of how difficult it could be for her to explain why she'd slaughtered the Queen without evidence to back her claims. But she didn't care anymore. As she looked to her sons, unconscious and bleeding, she felt a physical need to rage, and she knew exactly who she wanted to let out her anger on.

For years Rhaenyra had begrudged Alicent, resenting her for abandoning her Alerion and turning into an angry woman who attempted to belittle her at every turn. She had tried to keep her children away from the Queen, because she could tell that her father’s blood coursed through her veins. But she’d never thought her capable of physically harming her kids, and that had been her greatest mistake. One she would make up for quickly enough.

“Rhaenyra”, Alicent said surprised as the Princess burst into her rooms, “What has happened?”

The look in the Queen’s eyes betrayed the fear that ruled her in that moment, wearily looking around for anything she could use to protect herself against Rhaenyra as the other woman stalked towards her. The false concern in Alicent’s voice did nothing but anger Rhaenyra even more, as she resisted the urge to set Syrax on the woman who stood before her. Alicent would die, no doubt about that, but dragon fire was too quick a death for someone like her.

“Is everyone alright?”, Alicent dared question.

A snarl escaped Rhaenyra as she pushed Alicent to the floor, as she understood the true meaning of her words. The Queen thought Rhaenyra’s children were dead, as she had so wished, and now believed she was facing a grieving mother. And in a way she was, as Rhaenyra mourned her boys, because she knew they never would be the ones they once were. And it was all because of Alicent and her father.

“How?”, she questioned as she straddled the woman who laid underneith her, “How did you do it?”

“What?”, Alicent asked as she shook her head, “I didn’t do anything Rhaneyra, I swear. Whatever may have happened to your children has nothing to do with me”

“I didn’t say anything about my children”, Rhaenyra mused as she took out the dagger she always kept tied to her leg as it laid under her dress.

It had been a present from Daemon, who had taught her how to wield it so that she might protect herself if such a time ever came. Rhaenyra had no need for protection right now, as Alicent closing her eyes and praying to her gods with tears on her face, was more than enough to let her know she’d already won. And yet holding the dagger against her felt right, as she dragged it across the woman’s cheek. Not harming her in truth, but just letting her know that she could.

“Your men fucked up Alicent”, she whispered, “They got the wrong ones”

Alicent stopped breathing under her as her eyes became wide, she started shaking her head violently, trying to wriggle out of Rhaneyra’s grasp as the Princess’ hold on her wrists only tightened.

“No”, Alicent mumbled, “No, that can not be true. My boys are fine”

“My boys are dead”, Rhaenyra screamed as she could not bear the woman’s insistance on claiming that she had earned the right to call the children her own, “And it is all because of you”

“No”, Alicent continued to say, over and over as her eyes became haunted.

Rhaenyra felt bad for lying about her sons’ current state, and she feared stating such things. Though she did not believe in bad omens, it certainly did not feel right to say that her sons were dead when they were still fighting for their lives. But she wanted Alicent to suffer.

“Your men walked into the wrong rooms”, Rhaenyra continued, “They took my sons’ heads Alicent, just like you wanted. You will be glad to know that whilst I’m here, Daemon has gone to Oldtown. So you and your most beloved father will be reunited once more, and together, you will suffer the consequences of your actions”

Alerion’s words haunted her, as she could not imagine how terribly afraid her boy must’ve been as he and Baelor faced those men all alone. Her mind had become lost to her once he said that the man had touched him, and she would make sure that that beast suffered before he died. From what she knew he already was, having somehow survived Daemon and being looked after by some Maesters, at Rhaenyra’s request. That man will die, but not so soon and certainly not so quickly.

“I didn’t mean for any of this to happen”, Alicent sobbed, “I just wanted to keep my children safe”

“So you sent men to kill mine own?”, Rhaenyra screamed as she dug her dagger into Alicent’s neck, a small cut bleeding out as the Queen cried, “I have never given you any reason to question my love for my fucking children Alicent. You have never once been a mother to them, but I have. Those kids are the very reason my heart beats, and you took two of them from me”

Alicent continued to shake her head, trembling as she denied Rhaenyra’s words over and over.

"I loved those boys more than life itself", Rhaenyra said, "I know you don't understand what that's like, because your heart is too cold to make way for anyone within it, but those boys were everything to me. You took them from me, to keep them safe you say. Safe from what Alicent? The only person in this world who has ever harmed them is you"

The Queen didn't respond, just shaking her head as Rhaenyra could see that the thought of the boys being dead had not fully sunk in yet. She continued to ramble on about how this had not been the plan, and how this was not how things were supposed to end.

"What fucking plan Alicent?", Rhaenyra screamed, grabbing the woman's neck as she fought the urge to just kill her now, "You kill my kids, and then what? How in the fuck did you think this would act-"

“My father told me it would work”, Alicent said suddenly, all fight gone from her as her eyes stared at nothing, “Larys would poison Laena during one of his visits to Harrenhal, and you would go to Driftmark to attend the funeral. You don’t have as many allies in High Tide as you do here, so it would be easier. He told me that my boys would be taken to Oldtown, and then they would all come back here. Viserys will die soon, so Alerion would become King quickly enough, and the people woul stand by us because they would understand that Alerion was meant to be the King, and all would be alright”

“Nobody has ever stood by you Alicent”, Rhaenyra grunted, “Nobody wants Alerion as their King, and there is not a single person who wants to see you fucking Hightowers rise”

“My father told me they would”, Alicent repeated, “He told me that this night would look like just two assassins doing what they do. He had planned to kill them once it was all done, and to make it look like they’d wanted to take the children to get gold from you, but that things had gotten out of hand”

“And what of me?”, Rhaenyra questioned, “Did you dumb fucks truly think that I would simply sit there and watch you thrive after you killed my fucking kids?”

“You are with child”, Alicent answered her, “Stress can easily kill a babe, and then you’d have to face the birthing bed sooner than expected. Once you’re there it’s easy enough, as it always has been”

Rhaenyra’s mind went blank at this, as she simply stared at the woman underneath her wondering where her Alicent had gone. But then her words sunk in, and Rhaenyra thought back to how insistent both Runcinter and Mellos had been to enter her rooms each time she laboured, and how disappointed they had been every time they were turned away. She thought back to the one time her mother had tried to refuse Runcinter’s help, and how the man had gone against her will and entered her chambers, nobody stopping him as Otto Hightower ordered them to let the Maester in.

Rhaenyra was with child, that was true enough, but she hadn’t told anyone, not even Daemon. She hadn’t even had the time to think about it herself, with everything that had happened with Alerion. She was about three moons into this pregnancy, and yet nobody knew. Nobody but Alicent apparently.

“Larys”, Alicent whispered, “He knows everything. I don’t know how, but he just does”

“You planned to kill me”, Rhaenyra questioned angrily, “You wished for me to share the same fate as my mother, and her mother before her. You wished to take my children from me, and then take my life as well? And for what? So you could have a crown and sit on a bunch of melted swords?”

“So that you couldn’t have it”, Alicent answered, “You have everything Rhaenyra, and I’ve never had anything for myself. You have a father who cared for you, and who wished to see you rise. I have a father who forced me into the bed of a man thrice my age when I was a mere child. You have a husband who loves you and cares for your well being. I have a husband who is old and sick, and who made him bear his children only to take them from me. You have kids who love you and who would do anything for you. I don’t even know my children. I don’t like them, and I don’t care for them as I probably should. But they’re mine Rhaenyra. They belong to me”

Rhaenyra shook her head, grip tightening on Alicent’s neck as she spoke of her beloved children as mere objects one should possess.

“I gave up my entire fucking life for those children”, Alicent rambled as she pushed her head forward, almost goading the knife that sat on her neck, “I laid there as your father forced them into me while calling out for your fucking mother, because that was my duty. I stood there and obeyed his will when he took their titles away, because that was my duty. I didn’t say a word when he took them from me and gave them to you, because that was my duty. But they’re mine. My father sold me to the King so my son could sit the throne. I gave up every inch of my being to that foolish man so my son could wear a crown, and I was not about to let it all go to waste because of you”

“So you kill my children?”, Rhaenyra questioned once more, “You’re angry because your father and mine own turned your life into one of the Seven Hells, so you kill my kids?”

“They’re what matters most to you”, Alicent answered, “You have everything and I have nothing. ‘Tis only fair that for once I gain something and you lose everything. I spent most of my life watching you live my dream as I did all I could to be a good daughter and wife. I listened to my father, listened to my husband, and yet you continued to win. You did whatever you wanted, and got everything in return. I did what was asked for me, and got nothing back”

“Daemon would’ve gutted you all”, Rhaenyra hissed, “You know that right? My husband would’ve set fire to the Seven Kingdoms if you had succeeded with your plans”

“My children have dragons”, Alicent said, “Those beasts spits fire like all the others, and it would not have been a problem for us to set them on Daemon. He would’ve lost himself to madness after losing you and the boys, an easy target, my father said, like Viserys before him. Once Daemon came for us all, Alerion and Helaena would’ve had no choice. It would be either Daemon or us, as I always said. I always said it would end like this Rhaenyra. I always told them that we would all die by your hand, and look at me now. But nothing matters anymore. My sons are dead, my father has no use for me anymore. Nobody does. Nothing matters anymore”

Alicent continued to ramble on, delirious as she thrashed under Rhaenyra. She wasn’t trying to escape her anymore, but it seemed that her mind had become lost to her, and her body was following suit as she just moved around the floor witohut purpose. Rhaenyra just stared at her, the images of a younger Alicent flashing in her mind as she mourned her former friend. But then she thought better of it, as the woman before her was no longer her Alicent, and she hadn’t been for some time now. This woman had sent men to kill her children, and had done so without doubt in her heart, all because she was jealous of Rhaenyra. She’d wished to take her kids away from her loving arms, and so Rhaenyra felt no pity as she walked out of Alicent’s chambers.

“Take him”, she told a castleguard once she found Larys.

The man tried to speak to her, wishing to tell her all of Otto’s plans, probably hoping that Rhaenyra would spare him to know more. But she didn’t care. Daemon was headed to Oldtown, and she knew that fire coursed through her husband’s veins, and she did not doubt that he would be more than capable of stopping whatever Otto had been planning to do. She had him locked in the black cells, and ordered for the Queen’s chambers to be locked once more.

“Princess”, Lord Lyman said as he walked into the Small Council chambers, the other Lords following him as they had all been called here by the woman who stood before them.

“I’m your Regent now”, she stated plainly, daring anyone to deny her as Syrax roared from outside the Keep.

“We have much to discuss”

Chapter Text

“Good job Baelor”, Criston praised the boy as he helped him down the stairs, “Just a couple more steps and we’ll be outside my love”

The little boy tried his best to not miss a step, as his injury caused him a lot of issues when it came to understanding how close or how far things truly were from him. The pain was great still, even though it had been two sennights since that night, but Baelor had been very brave as he pushed through it. He tried his best to move around on his own, and never let the shame he felt in his heart take him down whenever he fell or stumbled onto something or someone, but the nights were hard.

Criston had taken to standing outside what were now Alerion and Baelor’s chambers, as nobody had had the heart to separate the boys after all they’d gone through, and after everything that had happened the two did not feel safe with anyone but their parents and Criston. The knight had been there every time as Baelor woke up screaming, his nightmares tormenting him as the memories of that night took hold of his heart. The first times had been hardest for both, as Baelor struggled to differenciate reality from the images that haunted his mind, and he’d just curled up into a ball on the floor, begging Criston to not hurt him as he thought him one of those men. The knight had not known what to do, his heart breaking at the sight of his boy crying in fear, fear of him. So he’d just stood there, as Alerion slowly made his way to his brother, and held him until he cried himself to sleep, as the elder just stared at nothing.

“There you go”, Criston said smiling as he kissed Baelor’s head once the two got to the Godswood, happy to see the other children were already waiting for them.

“Good morn brother”, Helaena whispered as she walked to Baelor, sitting down on the floor next to his feet and looking at him expectantly.

Baelor sat down as well, silent as he listened to his sister ramble on about some bug she’d found. He’d always cared for her, but she had become his closest companion these past few days, apart from Alerion and Criston of course. Helaena’s nature was peaceful, and her voice calmed Baelor down in ways he couldn’t begin to comprehend. She’d started visiting him the very day he got injured, just swaying around his rooms and mumbling something about how since the dragons would never dance, she could now. He hadn’t understood the meaning of her words, but he’d rejoiced in seeing her so calm. She didn’t ask him questions, and never demanded more from him than he was willing to give, so he was more than happy to spend his time with her.

“How are you my love?”, Rhaenyra questioned as she walked to him, “Gerardys has told me that your wound is healing well my heart, that is good. He’s also told me of a salve he gave you to cope with the pain. He’s assured me of its efficacy, but I wish to hear from you. Is it helping?”

Baelor just nodded slowly, Rhaenyra letting out the smallest sight next to him as she pressed her lips against his head. Baelor had not spoken a word since that day, apart from his screams at night that shook the walls of the Keep. He didn’t know what was happening to him, but ever since those men had walked into his chambers, his voice had become lost to him. He hadn’t spoken then, not able to say anything as the men touched his brother and gouged his eye out, and could not find the strength to speak now.

Once Alerion reached the Godswood, Baelor almost ran to him, sitting on his lap and laying his head on his brother’s chest. He was 10 namedays old now, definitely too old to behave this way, but he did not care. He needed to feel his brother close, and needed to hear his heart beating as he pressed his ear against the noise as it soothed his mind. Alerion never protested Baelor’s actions, always bringing his arm aorund his brother and holding him tight as the two sat together, or even laid together as Baelor could no longer sleep without Alerion by his side.

“Can I sit with you?”, Aemon asked wearily as he approached his brothers.

Alerion nodded, eyes closed as he basked in the sunlight. Aemon sat next to them, keeping his distance as he remembered how it had gone the last time he’d tried to touch his brother. Just a slight brush of Aemon's hand against his arm, and Alerion had lost his mind, sobbing desperately as he tried to get away from him, with Sunfyre roaring alongside him. Aemon had not understood what he had done to cause such a reaction from his brother, but his mother had simply told him that for now, it was best to just let Alerion be. She’d told him that his brother’s heart was hurting, and that until Alerion himself said otherwise, nobody was to touch him.

“I’m sorry”, Aemon mumbled as he looked at Baelor, the boy’s remaining eye empty as he stared at the fallen leaves that covered the ground.

“’Tis not your fault”, Alerion said firmly and yet kindly, a sad smile on his face as he spoke.

“But it is”, Aemon insisted, “I heard muña speaking to the Council. Those men wanted Rhaegar and I, not you guys. If I had just told the guards of the switch, and hadn't listened to Rhaegar when he asked me to keep it a secret, as he feared being mocked for his fear, you would've been fine. If you had told them the truth, you would’ve been fine. You lied to keep us safe”

“And I would do so again”, Alerion assured, “My only regret is that Baelor had to suffer as well. I made my choice out of love for you, and I could never regret doing anything out of love for my family. You’re my valonqar Aemon, there is nothing I would not suffer to ensure your safety. I tried to protect Baelor as best as I could, and I failed. But at least I protected you guys”

Baelor stiffened in his arms, a miniscule movement that Alerion only noticed because the boy’s body was pressed against his own. The guilt Alerion felt whenever he looked at his brother could not be put into words, feeling physically sick each time he saw him. Not because of the scar, but because of what it represented. He’d stood between the men and his brother, and had faltered, and his brother had lost an eye because of it. Baelor had caught him crying about it just a couple nights ago, and had crawled over to him shaking his head, uninjured cheek pressed against Alerion’s as he just sat there in silence until the elder calmed down.

As Alerion sat there, with Baelor on his lap, he looked at his left arm. Gerardys had told him that more likely than not, he would never be able to use it again, and the Maesters of High Tide had even thought of amputating it that night, as they feared some sort of infection would take root in the “dead limb” as they’d called it. Indeed, two sennights later, Alerion remained unable to so much as wiggle his fingers, let alone do anything of note with them. And he felt nothing. He'd even tried to place it over a fire, to see if perhaps that would wake his arm up. But nothing.

“Do you want to see Vhagar?”, Alerion questioned as he whispered into Baelor's ear, not wishing to scare him as his brother had become terribly sensible to loud noises.

The little boy nodded, and so the two, accompanied by Criston, made their way to the shore of King’s Landing. Baelor walked between his brother and their knight, and though usually he clung to both, this time his hands were wrapped solely around Criston’s, as the knight eyed Alerion wearily, evidently trying to understand why Baeolr was upset with him, as Alerion himself was. Baelor’s gaze remained stuck on the floor as he walked, not caring to see the looks of the nobles as they stared at him. Alerion and Criston both snarled at those who dared make a face at Baelor’s scar, and Criston had even beaten up a random guy from court who’d referred to Baelor as the “one-eyed boy who failed at being a Prince”. Alerion didn’t even known how the man’s family had recognised him after Criston was done with him, as the usually gentle knight had absolutely destroyed the guy’s face with his bare fists.

As the three approached the shore, a small smile found Baelor’s face. In the end, his brother’s accidental bonding with Vhagar had been the one good thing to come out of their trip to Driftmark. The first time he’d seen the Queen of Dragons up close, Alerion’s heart had almost failed him at the sight of this huge beast making her way towards his little brother, who looked so very tiny in comparison to that gigantic dragon. But seeing Vhagar seemed to be the one thing that brought Baelor any comfort, apart from being with him, so Alerion would fight his fear and accompany his brother to the shore every single day, just to see him smile.

“By the Gods she’s huge”, Criston said as Vhagar got closer to them.

Baelor had yet to fly on Vhagar, as the Maesters did not believe him healthy enough to do so. His little brother had pouted when Rhaenyra had tried to explain it to him, as Alerion knew that for most of his life, Baelor had yearned for nothing more than to take to the skies with him. Alerion had almost begged Baelor to react, to rage at the thought of being kept away from his dragon, but his brother had just pouted before nodding and walking away.

Alerion understood that what had happened to them would follow them both for the rest of their lives, and yet he feared for his brother more than he did for himself. He had taken to spending time with his siblings, just basking in their presence as he cherished the tranquillity of the Keep. He was not the boy he had been before leaving his home to go to Driftmark, but in his heart he could feel hope growing at the prospect of a new beginning. And yet he feared that the same could not be said for Baelor.

Apart from his nightly meltdowns, Baelor had yet to utter a word since they’d come back, and he had not shown much of a reaction to anything. He hadn’t flinched as the Gerardys removed the bandages and accidentally tugged at his stitches. He hadn’t wailed when he’d first realised how he struggled to read now, as his mind had yet to adjust to the loss of his eye. And hadn’t so much as blinked when he was told that they were going back home, and of what would happen once they did.

Alerion observed his brother, as the boy got closer to Vhagar. The beast growled at him, but from the little Alerion had come to understand of his brother’s dragon, that was her version of purring, so it was alright. Baelor didn’t say anything, just placing his forehead against Vhagar’s huge frame and letting his body sag against hers, almost disappearing between her scales.

He sighed, staring at his brother and wishing nothing more than to figure out a way to help him as he struggled so. He was suffering as well, but he was the elder brother, so it fell on him to aid Baelor in going back to the child he had been before Driftmark, or at least something close to that.

“You’re doing all you can”, Criston whispered as he neared him, “What you boys went through was the most horrific of tragedies, and you’re handling it like a true warrior. But you must remember that you are a child as well, and you need help Alerion, there is no shame in asking for it. I understand you feel a duty to your brother, and that is most admirable my boy, but please don’t forget yourself as you look after him”

“He needs me”, Alerion said, “I couldn’t help him then, but I can try to make up for my failures now”

“You did not fail him”, Criston stated firmly, “That wretched man told us much of what happened that night, and though it pains me to know that you had to go through that alone, you showed great bravery Alerion. Not many would’ve been ready to sacrifice themselves as you were, and that just shows what a good brother you are. Baelor knows that as well”

Alerion shook his head, tears welling up in his eyes as his body trembled at the mention of that man. He knew he was here at the Keep, and that he was probably being held in the black cells, alongside the others, but nobody ever spoke of him. And in truth Alerion did not want to know anything about his current state.

“I should’ve done more”, he said, “If I had just acted a little faster, or if I’d had my dagger, then perhaps Baelor would still have his eye. And instead I just stood there, wetting my pants like a fucking child as mine own failures as a brother were carved into Baelors’ face”

“Alerion please”, Criston tried to say, “I know you haven’t been sleeping, and I just think that maybe tallking to someone might help you my boy. You can’t go on like this”

Alerion walked away, making his way back to his chambers, tears streaming down his face as he yearned to be alone. He knew that Criston was just trying to help, but he didn't feel ready to hear it yet. He loved Baelor, and was more than happy to be there for his brother whenever he needed help. But sometimes he just needed to be alone, so he might truly allow himself to feel all he kept hidden when his little brother was around.

As he was nearing his rooms, he was approached by someone he’d been avoiding for some time now, fearing what her presence might mean as Alerion knew that the moment he’d been dreading was approaching.

“We need to talk”, is all Rhaenyra said before walking into Alerion’s chambers.

Chapter Text

“You’re not in trouble trēsy”, Rhaenyra said as he sat at Alerion’s desk, with the boy on his bed as his gaze remained locked on the floor, “Please look at me my love. You’re not in trouble Alerion, I just wish to speak with you”

Alerion looked up, eyes wearily finding his muña’s as Rhaenyra gave him a reassuring smile, calling for him to sit closer to her. Alerion moved, taking slow steps until he reached the little chair that was closest to Rhaenyra’s.

“As you know”, Rhaenyra begun, “I was named Princess Regent almost two sennights ago now, and though thankfully none dared speak against me, it has been difficult for us all to adjust to this new way of life. Because of that, certain things that must happen, and that needed to happen years ago if you ask your kepa, have been delayed. But we can not wait any longer”

Alerion nodded, hand coming to grasp at his hair and tug on it as he seeked the familiar comfort of that sting. His mother did it when he was a child, grabbing onto his hair to remind him that he was a Targaryen too, a man at that, and that he needed to act like one. It had always hurt Alerion greatly, but as time went on, he’d started doing it himself. He didn’t know why, but the pain soothed him.

He didn’t want to hear anything about the trial, and just the thought of what would happen once Alicent was found guilty made him feel sick. She’d told him all his life, of how Rhaenyra would bring to her death, and it seems that she had been right all along. But Alicent had told him that Rhaenyra would do it because of him, and instead she’d be doing it for him. He knew that she was the only one to blame for the end she would meet, and he did not feel for her whenever he thought of everything himself and most importantly his siblings had suffered because of her. And yet the thought of her dying still hurt somewhat, as Alicent had installed in his brain that it was his duty as her son to save her, and instead he would be standing by those who would take her life.

“Stop it”, Rhaenyra whispered as his hand came to stop Alerion’s, but she stopped before it reach its target, almost flinching as she saw the way Alerion moved away from her.

“I can not imagine how difficult this must be for you my heart”, she continued with a sad smile, “But I need you to tell me everything. The trial will take place this next sennight, and as Regent I shall partake in the evaluaton of the evidence and the judgement itself. I would never want to put you in this position Alerion, but whatever you think I might need to know, please tell me”

“I don’t know”, Alerion mumbled.

“Whatever comes to mind”, Rhaenyra tried again, “Anything about the woman or the men. No matter how small it might seem to you, any detail might be of great importance”

Alerion tugged at his hair harder now, hand shaking as he begun to almost rip it out. He could see that Rhaenyra wanted to stop him, but she resisted as she'd been there when he'd had his little meltdown after Aemon had touched him. Alerion wanted nothing more than to tell his muña everything, and yet the fear in his heart stopped him, as it had all his life. It was the same fear that had forced him to just stand there as his mother screamed at him, hitting him as hard as she pleased because Alerion couldn’t stand up for himself. It was the same fear that had forced him to remain silent about the terror that had ruled him all his life. And it was the same fear that had driven him off Sunfyre’s back. If only he’d spoken up, then perhaps none of that would’ve happened. But the fact that he hadn’t said a word then, didn’t mean he couldn’t do it now.

“It was her”, he said finally, “It’s always been her”

Rhaenyra nodded, encouraging her son to continue speaking as she remained silent. Alerion took a deep breath, trying to keep the tears at bay as memories of all the years he’d spent with the Queen just flooded his mind.

“She would take me when I was a babe”, he said as his heart begun to beat faster, with him quickly beginning to ramble on as the dam finally broke down, “Ser Fell would accompany me to Runcinter's chambers, and then he would lock the doors and Runcinter would just hand me over to her, when I was supposed to have my lessons. And then Mellos did the same when he showed up. She’d come from the walls and tell me that you and kepa would kill me, that you would kill us all. She told me that you all knew that the people would never stand by and watch you be crowned, because I lived as the King’s firstborn son. I never believed her muña, I promise you, but then Baelor was born. And she told me that you would kill him and Daeron too, and they were so scared. I couldn’t do anything to stop her from getting them as well. Well, in truth I suppose I could’ve done something, anything. And I should’ve done something"

The shame that found his heart as he spoke of all he'd allowed Baelor to go through was almost enough to break him, as he let out a small cry while trying to carry on with his story. In truth there was a much uglier aspect of all that had gone down in those rooms, but Alerion couldn't bear the thought of Rhaenyra knowing about it for now.

"You should’ve seen him muña, Baelor was so scared every time she showed up, trembling as she screamed in our faces and declared that we would be slaughtered the second the King died", he blurted out, "And then she started to say that I had to marry Helaena, and I love Helaena you know I do, but how could I ever be her husband when she doesn’t even want to be touched? And I love her as a sister, not as a wife. But the Queen always said all those things about how it didn’t matter what any of us wanted, because it was either that or death and I just couldn’t do it. I should’ve done something to stop her, I know that and I’m sorry I didn’t. But I was so scared, and she always said that no matter what she did the King would stick by her. And she always spoke of all the power she held, and all the people that would rise to support her when I ascended as King. I was just so scared muña, I'm so so sorry"

Alerion broke down, sobs escaping him as he almost fell out of his chair. His hand came to grab at the table, but as he’d accidentally tried to use his injured arm, his dead limb failed him, and he just slumped on the floor. He immediately felt a presence by his side, and could almost sense the need in Rhaenyra’s heart to hold him close, and yet she wavered. He continued to cry, shame chaining him to the ground as he couldn’t bring himself to look at his muña.

Alicent had always told him that Rhaenyra would be so mad if she ever found out about their meetings, because his muña didn’t want him to be near Alicent, and yet he’d allowed it. Time after time he’d gone into the Maester’s chambers, and had even allowed his siblings to be with her. No matter how much she hurt them all, he always went back to her. He couldn't bear to look at her now that she knew how weak he'd been.

“My love”, Rhaenyra whispered as her hand hovered ovea his head, and without being in control of himself, Alerion just fell into her arms.

For the past two sennights he hadn’t been able to bear anyone’s touch, flashes of the man’s grabby hands forcing their way into his mind whenever anyone approached him. He only tolerated Baelor’s, but even with him, he couldn’t handle it truly. Baelor always needed to feel him close, and Alerion had never denied him as he knew his brother needed comfort, but he couldn’t sleep. The feeling of his brother’s body on top of his own too much for him to cope with, and he couldn’t sleep.

Alerion continued to sob, his body shaking violently as he let out horrid cries against Rhaenyra’s dress. His muña was holding him close, stroking his head as it laid on her chest, right where her heart was. She was whispering words of reassurance to him, telling him that everything was fine, and that he was safe. But Alerion barely heard her, until she started singing.

He remembered seeing her do this with all his little siblings, as she’d just cradle them close and sing a Valyrian lullaby her own mother had sung for her when she was small. Daemon had once told him that she would do the same with him when he was first born, because it was the one sure way to get him to fall asleep. And as Alerion hugged his muña tight, almost crushing her as she clung to him with equal strength, his eyes begun to feel heavy.

However many hours later, he woke up on his bed, his body aching as he couldn’t even remember the last time he’d slept this long. Night seemed to have fallen over King’s Landing, and as Alerion looked around, he noticed that Baelor was in the rooms as well, but in his own bed this time. He felt bad for his little brother, as he knew how he longed for Alerion’s warmth as he slept, and the small frown on his face did not help ease the guilt Alerion felt at how almost glad he was at finally being alone in his bed.

“I don’t know what to do”, Rhaenyra whispered at one point as Alerion finally noticed that she was still there, toying with her rings as she sat next to him, “I don’t know how to behave now that I know I failed you so. Nothing of what happened was your fault Alerion. When you were first born I vowed to keep you safe, as did Daemon, and we failed you. I did not know of what Alicent was doing, and I need you to believe me my love when I say that I would’ve set Runcinter on fire if I’d known of his betrayal. He’s lucky he’s dead, but Mellos is not, and I will kill him. But none of this falls upon you my heart. You were just a babe”

Alerion didn’t say anything. His body felt lighter than ever, as he was finally free of a burden he’d been carrying for so long, and yet his heart felt heavy. Rhaenyra was telling him that none of this was on him, but Alerion didn’t believe her.

“I know nothing of what happened that night”, he said, “I don’t know who planned what or why, all I know is that Baelor and I were in the wrong place at the wrong time, and we paid the price for it. The men just showed up, telling us that we had to die, and then they beat us up. That’s all I know”

“I’m not certain that’s true”, Rhaenyra whispered as she eyed him wearily, “I understand if you’re not ready to talk about it my heart, and that is alright. But just know that you are safe Alerion. No matter what you say, my love for you won’t change or falter. Whatever happened that night, you’re still my first little love”

“He touched me”, Alerion mumbled, “He touched me and I froze. Baelor was behind me, and I tried to buy the men off with gold I don’t even have, and when that didn’t work, he touched me. And I let him, because I thought that maybe they’d let Baelor go if I did as they asked. I hoped that if I gave him what he wanted, that he’d kill me and let Baelor leave. It was naive, I know, but I didn’t have much else to do but cling to the little hope I had left. Sometime here I realised that they thought we were Aemon and Rhaegar, and just thinking about the little ones standing where we were made me feel sick, so I remained silent. I could’ve told them I suppose, but I was not about to risk my brothers’ lives to save mine own. I hit the man at one point, got them both actually if memory serves me right. The doors wouldn’t open, and that’s when he threw me to the floor and pulled my pants down. I struggled and he did not seem to like that, so he crushed my head against the floor and that is when the other guy took Baelor’s eye, as I just passed out”

Rhaenyra sat before him, shaking her head as her trembling hands came to rest on her belly. Alerion knew that his muña was preparing herself to bring forth a new sibling for him, and whilst he knew that perhaps this one’s timing had not been the greatest, he was still excited at the prospect. He'd always loved welcoming new little ones to the family, and somehow not even Alicent had been able to ruin those moments for him. Rhaenyra’s sobs were quiet as she rubbed her stomach, something she always did when she was nervous.

“I should’ve been there”, is all she said after some time, “For all of it, I should’ve been there. I never liked Runcinter, and I never should’ve allowed either him or Mellos around you kids. I simply wanted you to have a good education, and though I did not trust them when it came to caring for me as I give birth, I knew they were learned men. I disliked them because of what they did to my mother, but I did not think that their lack of care for women in the birthing bed could translate to them harming you children in such a way. And Alicent is just...”

Rhaenyra took a deep breath, fury evident in the air that surrounded her as she thought of the Queen, or the “Queen in Chains”, as the smallfolk had begun to call her. Alerion did not know much about her current condition, because in truth he simply did not care to know. She was locked in her rooms, away from him, and would never get near himself or his siblings ever again. That was enough.

“You did all you could”, Alerion reassured her, “It was up to me to tell you of what was happening, and I never did. She always told me you’d be mad, and I suppose the fear of losing you and our family was too great for me to ever dare try and prove her wrong. She’d tell me that you guys would shun me if you ever discovered how I had betrayed you by speaking to her, and then when I got a little older, she started talking about the war. Especially after I claimed Sunfyre, she wouldn’t speak of much else”

“You know that none of that is true, right?”, Rhaenyra questioned quickly, “I do not fault you for believing her, because you were but a babe and how could you ever know better when these horrid ideas were porposefully placed in your mind to torment you. But you do know that I never would’ve turned against you if you’d told me, right? Just as I won’t do so now. You are my first love Alerion, none but your other siblings could ever compare for me. There is noone else on this earth that I trust more than my children, and noone whose safety I value more. And I’m sorry that you were put in a place where you had to question that. I’m sorry she did that to you trēsy, I can not imagine how scared you must’ve been”

After Alerion nodded to her, Rhaenyra sat next to him, her forehead pressed against his temple as she kissed his cheek. He used his good arm to lift the other, so it might lay on his legs and Rhaenyra could get closer to him, and he noted how she cringed as his hand just kind of flayed around as he was still unable to control it. The kisses on his cheek became a bit harsher at this point, as Rhaenyra took deep breaths against him and he felt her warm tears wet his own face.

“To know you lived with such fear in your hearts is the greatest torment”, she whispered, “And to know that I could’ve put a stop to it all if I’d just paid more attention, is just pure torture. I will never be able to apologise to you all for how I failed you, and I shall repent for the rest of my days for allowing any of this to happen. I don’t yet know how, but trust me when I say that you will be avenged my loves. Both of you”

As she said that Rhaenyra looked behind Alerion, and once he turned, he noted that Baelor was awake, staring at them as he laid motionless on his bed. Alerion tried to smile at his brother, waving to him as he tried to get him to share his bed. But Baelor denied him, turning away and choosing to face the wall instead of joining his brother.

“Give him time”, Rhaenyra mumbled against his forehead, giving him one last kiss before getting up from his bed, “I must go now my hearts, but I hope to see you both for nuncheon tomorrow”

Rhaenyra then made her way to Baelor, caressing his face gently as she whispered something to him, pressing a soft kiss on his forehead and sighing heavily as her boy remained silent. She then bid them both goodnight, and Alerion heard her speaking with Criston for some time before she took her leave.

“Baelor”, Alerion tried to call for his brother one last time, even walking to his bed as he wished to understand what had made him so upset, “Did you have another nightmare? You know you can co-”

Suddenly Baelor turned to face Alerion, and the look in his little brother’s eye scared him.

Just pure hatred stared back at him, as his little Baelor could no longer be found.

Chapter Text

“Good morning boys”, Daemon said loudly as he walked into his sons’ rooms, “The sun is shining for you children, so wake up”

The annoyed grunt that Aemon let out was almost comical, and Daemon had to resist the urge to laugh as his son attempted to turn away from him, only to roll straight off his bed. Rhaegar and Visenya were in his son’s bed together, and if Daemon’s sight didn’t fail him, little Daeron was hiding under the covers as well. He so loved mornings with his children, especially since he knew they all hated them as he pried them away from their beds.

“You look beautiful Princess”, Criston cooed as he walked the children to their mother’s rooms where they would break their fast, little Visenya holding his hand as she spun around to show him her dress.

“I know”, the little girl said confidently.

As all made their way to Rhaenyra’s chambers, Daemon immediately noticed that someone was missing. Alerion and Baelor were absent, and Rhaenyra looked like she had not slept at all. He’d known that she'd wished to speak to Alerion last night, and had been terribly worried when she had not come back to their rooms. He hadn’t thought much of it, as Rhaenyra often slept with their children when anyone needed comforting, and he was certain that after a conversation of such a heavy nature, anyone would need comforting. But as he looked to her now, he feared what had taken place in the boys’ chambers.

He tried to speak to her as they all broke their fast, but to no avail. She remained silent, smiling softy at her children and hugging little Daeron a little tighter than usual as the boy asked her when they could go back to Driftmark, because he wanted to see the boats. He had thankfully been spared from the horrors of that night, and would only speak of the sea, which Rhaenyra thought was a great blessing. Daemon attempted to get Rhaenyra to come back with him to their chambers, but she avoided him quoting the Small Council, even though he knew that it would be hours before she needed to attend to her duties. His wife was avoiding him, and though it hurt, Daemon recognised that sometimes Rhaenyra just needed to be alone.

“What happened?”, Criston questioned as the two walked to Daemon’s chambers.

“I don’t know”, Daemon confessed, “She was supposed to speak with Alerion last night, and I can not even imagine how hard it must’ve been for her to hear our boy recall what took place at Driftmark. It was hard enough to hear it from that perverted fuck, and just thinking about Alerion talking about it makes me sick”

“It had to be done”, Criston whispered as Daemon sat on the bed, standing next to him as the other man pouted, “I know it must’ve been difficult for both Alerion and Rhaenyra, but it had to be done. The trial will take place soon enough, and unless we want for Alerion to be called to testify, and for him to have to sit there as all stare at him whilst he recounts all that that horrid man did to him and Baelor as well, this had to be done”

“I know”, Daemon sighed, “I can not believe that this will all be over in a mere sennight. Years and years of fighting Otto, and trying to get Viserys to understand what a nasty little leech that man is, and it all lead up to this. Do you remember his face on that day? The most precious sight”

“I thought he might crap himself”, Criston mused as he laughed at the memory, “In all fairness to him though, I would’ve been striken down by fear if Caraxes just showed up on my doorstep, with you screaming for my head. So the man’s little fainting spell was not so bad”

Daemon chuckled, thinking back to the mess they’d found when they got to Oldtown. For a house that was preparing for war, the Hightowers truly could not get a hold of themselves as Daemon walked through the halls of their house, screaming for Otto to come out unless he wanted that castle to become a second Harrenhal. Little Lyonel Hightower, the new Lord of Oldtown, had been an absolute mess, wetting his pants the second he saw Daemon and immediately pointing to the room where Otto was hiding. And much to Daemon’s amusement, as he’d looked into Lyonel’s chambers to ensure that his directions weren’t a decoy, he’d found the Lady Samantha Tarly, naked as the day she was born as she laid on her stepson’s bed.

He'd found Otto immediately, as the man was seemingly trying to crawl into some sort of hiding space he'd created in his own wardrobe. If he didn't hate Otto so much, Daemon could almost say that was a smart move. But Daemon had gotten into the rooms before Otto could try anything, grabbing the man by the nape of his collar and immediately placing a blade against his neck. Otto had tried to resist Daemon, stating that his daughter was the Queen and that the King would never allowed for him to be treated this way.

"Maybe the King wouldn't have let me my dear", Daemon had mused, "But the Princess Regent will love me for it"

In the end Otto had been dragged outside of the Hightower, where he'd been thrown before Caraxes as Daemon taunted him. The look of terror in Otto's eyes as Caraxes got closer to him, his beautiful red boy knowing exactly what to do as he opened his mouth just at the right time and realisation of what was about to happen finally dawned on the Hightower man. And then Otto had fainted. Daemon didn't know if he'd ever laughed so hard in his life, almost falling to the floor as Otto's body just slumped down. He'd handed the man to Criston, telling him to send word to all the houses that surrounded Oldtown, to get men to protect the city until Rhaenyra decided who would take hold of it, now that the previous owners were no longer available.

As soon as he’d gotten the whole place under control, though in truth it did not take much as apparently everyone was at everyone’s throat, as they all believed Lyonel to have been responsible for the death of his father, and nobody wanted to see Caraxes up close, Daemon had spoken to the High Septon. He didn’t care for his gods, and certainly did not respect the man just because some people had decided that he was special, but he did understand his power. He’d told the High Septon all he had seen, and the man had simply grunted in frustration at Daemon’s confirmation of what he’d hoped was just a rumor.

“’Tis just deprolable”, the High Septon said, “The Lady Samantha may not be Lord Lyonel’s mother by blood, but she is by marriage. And Lord Ormund has been dead for barely two sennights at this point. His death was odd my Prince, I assure you. I questioned the Maesters before performing the funeral celebrations, because Lord Ormund was a fairly young and healthy man, so I couldn’t imagine that he would just drop dead from one day to the next as he did. And not even some of the most learned men of the Seven Kingdoms could tell me how he’d died. Only one of them dared speak it, poison”

Daemon had almost laughed, wondering how Otto must’ve felt as he planned a war, counting on the support of his house, only to realise that his nephew had murdered his father in the meantime. Lyonel was young, and therefore careless, and without meaning to, the boy had just handed Daemon the High Septon.

“I can not stand by this”, the man had said, “I refuse to. What has taken place within these halls is most cursed by the Gods, and to hear of what Ser Otto tried to do to your children is just abhorrant. I may not appreciate the customs of your house my Prince, but what the Hightowers have done just goes too far. I can not in good faith lead my people to follow such monsters. The Seven stand with you my Prince, and with our Princess as well. I shall pray for your children tonight, and will call for my people to do the same. I’m certain the Mother will be merciful, as She’s with you in your suffering”

Otto and Lyonel were currently being held in the black cells, alongside the man who they had sent to kill Aemon, Rhaegar and Aelyx. Daemon himself had not told Otto anything about what had actually taken place at High Tide, because in truth he'd hoped to see the man have a meltdown during the trial for all to see. But Daemon's laugh had been heard all throughout the Keep as Otto lost his mind after the man told him of his failures. He’d been there as it happened, almost pissing himself laughing as Otto’s eyes bulged out of his skulls and he tried to grab onto the man, being held back by guards before they threw him onto the disgusting floors of his cell.

“Aemon has told me he wants to be there”, Daemon told Criston, “In truth I’m not certain he’s ready to witness what shall take place, as it is my opinion that the only fate worthy of a man like Otto, is for him to be eaten by either Syrax or Caraxes, and to become dragon shit. But Aemon is Rhaenyra’s Heir, so perhaps it would not be a bad idea for the people to see him there as his mother carries out the Queen’s justice”

“And what of the King?”, Criston questioned Daemon wearily, as he knew how difficult it was for him to speak about his brother, “I’ve heard he nears death’s door”

“Indeed”, Daemon answered coldly, “My brother has been dead for a long time Criston, and what now lays on that bed is naught but a breathing corpse. He’s been ill for years now, but it seems that the shock of High Tide has pushed him to his limit. In truth the Maesters were not even certain that he’d survive the journey back home, so now ‘tis but a question of mere moons until he leaves us”

Criston sighed, noting the sadness in the other man’s eyes that was clouded by anger. Daemon detested Viserys, for all the ways he’d failed his family, but Criston knew that his Prince still mourned the brother he once had.

“He’s still your brother Daemon”, he whispered finally, “There is no shame in grieving such a loss. No matter what he’s done, that’s still your older brother”

“No”, Daemon denied, “Alerion is a true older brother, standing between Baelor and death itself as he was prepared to suffer the pains of the Seven Hells just to ensure his brother lived. Aemon is a true older brother, caring for Rhaegar with such devotion. Viserys was like that once, but that version of him died years ago. Otto may have turned him against me, but Viserys let him. Never once do I remember my brother standing up for me as Otto slandered my name, with Viserys just sitting there and nodding his head as his master spoke. My brother made his choice Criston. He longed to be a Hightower more than he ever cared to uphold the teachings of our parents, that as brothers we needed to protect each other. He may have forgotten that our blood runs thick, but I have not. He placed others above his own kin, and I can never forgive him for that”

Criston nodded, staying with Daemon as silence ruled over the room, only interrupted by the other man’s light snoring as he fell asleep. So Criston took his leave, mind riddled with thoughts as he made his way to the Princess.

He’d been barely a man when he’d first arrived at court, eager to prove himself as all doubted him because of his birth. A man of dornish blood, son of a steward, who dared to think himself at the same levels as those of noble birth. He’d struggled for years, desperately trying to show everyone that he could do it, and that the lack of notoriety of the name he carried meant nothing, and yet nobody cared to see him for who he was. But then she’d come into his life.

Rhaenyra had changed everything, altering his life forever as she allowed his name to be written into the White Book. She’d shown him naught but kindness during his years as her shield, and as he watched her struggle to find her place in this world, he’d seen some of himself in her. The Princess may have lead a life of luxury, but she was just as out of place as he was. Both were berated and belittled for something that was out of their control, and yet both had a hunger to prove everyone wrong. She’d helped him find success in his pursuit, and he’d vowed to do the same for her.

He’d always seen her for who she was, a woman who could do it all, if the people would only give her a chance. He’d never questioned her ability to rule, as he’d seen how she cared for those she would one day lead, nobles and common folk alike. But seeing her become a mother had just ensured his mind that what his heart had always known was true. The Princess had become a fearsome woman as she protected little Alerion, and had only grown stronger as she had more children.

She’d be a good Queen, and that Criston knew for a fact. And he was more than proud to know that he’d be there to see her rise. Not just as a member of the court, but as a part of her family. Her incredibly large and terribly odd family, who he loved with every ounce of his being.

For so long he’d wondered through the world, desperate to find a place where he could be loved for who he was, and not faulted for who he was not. And knowing that later on this very day, Rhaenyra, Daemon and their children awaited him for nuncheon, so they all might sit together as a true family, he knew he’d found it. Their family might be an odd one, and a lot of them had a lot to work through as the world had not been kind to them.

But they had each other.

Chapter Text

“I thank you Princess”, Maester Gerarys bowed as she thanked him once more for the work he'd done to help Alerion and Baelor, “It has been an honour for me to serve your family from afar, and ‘tis the greatest of blessings to know you to see me fit to be by your side during such a difficult time”

“Indeed”, Rhaenyra agreed, “I thank you all for coming my Lords, and though I know the subject is a difficult one, I think it best for us all to speak of what awaits us in the upcoming sennight. As you know, a trial will be held for those suspected of treason against myself and most importantly my family. The main people we shall focus on are Ser Otto and Lord Lyonel Hightower, the man who attacked my children at High Tide, Maester Mellos, the Lady Alicent Hightower and Larys Strong”

Rhaenyra noticed how Lyonel flinched at the mention of his son’s name, a look of indignation over his face as he shook his head. Lyonel had almost ran to her rooms when he’d first been told of what his son was being accused of, begging her to tell him that it was all naught but a misunderstanding. But sadly for him, Alicent had been fairly forthcoming about Larys’ role in the planning of the war, and Rhaenyra could not simply ignore what the former Queen had revealed about Larys' part in Laena's death. Apparently the Cubfoot had rejoiced in the promise of a place in the new court, and had done everything in his power to ensure that Alicent and Otto would not be disturbed as they schemed to usurp Rhaenyra’s throne, as he’d been the one to ensure that Alicent and her father could communicate without anyone finding out about it.

“These people stand accused of treason”, Rhaenyra continued, “They stand accused of attempting to usurp me, the rightful Heir to the throne, to instead crown my Alerion. Larys Strong alone stands accused of the murder of my dearest cousin and his goodsister the Lady Laena Velaryon, and it saddens me to say that as he attempted to beg for his own life and give me a reason to spare him by relaying what he believed would be news to me, Mellos confessed to brewing the poison that Larys used to kill Laena. Harwin and the Velaryons have already been notified Lyonel, and I'm really sorry I didn't tell you before now. I simply thought it best to alert them all quickly so they could know before the trial took place, and could perhaps get here in time if they wished to attend"

Lyonel let out a shaky breath, hand coming to clamp over his mouth as he just let his head fall against the table, as her Aemon placed a hand on his arm in an attempt to comfort the older man. Rhaenyra couldn't even fathom what her poor Hand must've been going through these past couple sennights, after finding out that his second son had been involved in such horrific events. She knew that even with Alicent's confession, he'd been holding out hope that her accusation of Larys poisoning Laena was a farce. But apparently it was not.

"They all also stand accused of attempted murder, as letters have been found that prove that all knew of what would take place at High Tide, and that they all planned for such horrors to take place", Rhaenyra continued after a moment of silence, "And they also stand accused of another count of attempted murder, as it has determined that with the help of Larys Strong, the Hightowers planned to kill me as I laid in the birthing bed. From what we know their plan was to lock me away in my chambers after the death of my boys caused me to lose my babe, and since Larys knows of a secret tunnel that leads to them, they would use it so Mellos could sneak in and give me some sort of poison that would allow me to bleed out, so it would look like any other failed birth”

Rhaenyra took a deep breath after that, hand coming to cradle her belly as she thought of how horrific it would’ve been to lose her life in such a way. Her babe was well, she knew that to be true, and yet the fear lingered as she felt dfferent this time than the last. She’d been pregnant four times by now, but this one felt different. Though she knew it was untrue, as she could feel her babe move within her, she feared that Mellos had gotten to her somehow, and that he’d given her the poison at some point. Her mind had become weary of everything and everyone by now, and though she knew she was being irrational, the fear lingered.

“The trial will be most difficult Princess”, Lyonel said as he slowly came back to himself, “What those people have done is most grave, and they deserve to be punished for the abhorrent and disgusting things they were planning to do. But most of them are of noble birth, and though I can assure you that my house does not stand with Larys, I’m not certain that the same could be said for the Hightowers. I know that the High Septon has said that he does not support them, but will he just stand by and watch as they’re executed?”

“I don’t think that will be a problem”, said Tyland Lannister with a small smile on his face, “We received a letter from the High Septon just this morn. He publicly and officially rebukes house Hightower. And Princess, I fear there is another heavy charge to add to an already grave list. The Maesters of Oldtown have found proof that Lord Lyonel poisoned his father. It does not seem that the Lady Samantha knew of this, so I suppose she can not be tried. From what Lyonel himself said, their affair started moons before his father died, and the Lady Samantha falling with a child, that they suppose is Lyonel’s, was the reason why Lord Ormund was killed so quickly”

“Shit”, Rhaenyra sighed, “How could this have happened all under one roof? How is it that we let house Hightower think so highly of themselves, that they planned to kill me and my children as they kill their own kin all at the same time?”

Nobody answered her, as the Lords just shook their heads in disbelief. In truth most of the Lords present had almost forgotten about Otto, as they had all rejoiced after he'd left. They all knew that Otto had no support, as every house in the Seven Kingdoms stood with Rhaenyra, and hadn't even thought that Otto would dare try anything when he'd have nobody by his side. But they had evidently forgotten about Otto's overly ambitious nature. The man had sent his child alone to the King on a random night, certain that she would become the Queen and with no worry of anyone finding out about it. He'd berated the Princess without a care in the world for how she was above him, because he thought he could. He'd pretty much coined her a whore, without worrying about needing witnesses, because he thought he could. They all should've remembered his unwillingness to let go of what he wanted, before they just forgot about him. Otto had strayed, but he had now been brought back to heel, and it was over for him.

House Hightower had been a mighty one for generation, both thanks to their alliance to the crown and to the faith of the Seven. But now they’d lost it all, and the people could do naught but sit and watch as the house crumbled.

“The High Septon has also denounced the Lady Alicent”, Tyland added, “He stated that the previous High Septon had supposedly been paid by Otto to ignore certain rumours that surrounded the Lady Alicent when she first married the King, and that he himself can’t stand by that. He's stated that unlike the previous one, he's sworn only to the Seven, and not to gold. He also said that he refuses to welcome in his faith people who would so readily agree to send murderers after little children. And he’s also refused to come to King’s Landing and give a final blessing to the traitors as they’re found guilty and sentenced. He said, and I quote, that he shall not allow himself to share air with such filth. But he has assured me that when the time comes, he will be more than proud to come here and name you Queen before all”

The Small Council meeting was brought to an end after that, and with a heavy heart, Rhaenyra and Aemon made their way to her chambers, as she was eager to be with all of her children since their presence was the one thing that could bring her any comfort these days.

As she walked into her rooms, her heart filled with warmth at the sound of her babes laughing together, with her Aelyx running to her as she picked him up and held him close. As she took her place at the head of the table, with Visenya and Daeron both by her sides as they begged her to understand why each deserved to eat the first slice of cake more than the other, Rhaenyra’s gaze immediately fell on Baelor, as the boy wore a terrible scowl on his face. She asked him if he was alright, but he just ripped his hand away from hers and continued to angrily stare at the plate before him.

“Did he have another nightmare?”, Rhaenyra whispered as she leaned to Alerion.

“I don’t know”, her boy sighed, “I tried to speak to him after you left last night, but he rejected me. I thought he may have been upset at sleeping on his own, but he pretty much threw me out of his bed when I tried to get close to him”

Once Daemon and Criston joined them, everyone begun to eat as they chatted by. Everyone but Baelor, who just continued to stare at his plate. Rhaenyra noted how her knight brought his chair closer to the boy, whispering something to him and making a confused face as Baelor turned away. Her boy had been suffering greatly these past couple sennights, but he'd seemed to be relying on Criston to pull through, so Rhaenyra was truly starting to worry now as she saw him this way. Alerion also seemed concerned by his brother’s behaviour, wearily eyeing him as he moved to sit next to Aemon.

“Kin against kin we were meant to fly, but none shall die as the green one cries”, Helaena said at one point, eyes glossed over as they often were when she spoke this way. She continued to eat, as if she'd said nothing, and Rhaenyra was once again forced to wonder wether her girl was even aware that she'd spoken the words

Helaena had always been an odd little girl, and Rhaenyra and Daemon had always worried for her, as they thought back to the last woman in their line who’d been thought of as “simple”. Obviously they never would've treated Helaena the way many had treated her grandmother Daella, but they had feared for how others would take to Helaena, and how some might even wish to take advantage of her sweet nature if they thought her simple. But Rhaenyra and Daemon knew better than that. Helaena’s words may have been confused at times, but in her eyes Rhaenyra could see a world that nobody was privy to, nobody but Helaena.

“Our little dreamer”, Daemon had cooed the first time he’d been able to decipher one of her riddles.

Her husband had been proud to witness someone so special as such a gift was rare enough, but as the riddle had had something to do with what took place at High Tide, with Helaena saying that unless Daemon had shown up both Alerion and Baelor would’ve died, Rhaenyra had not seen it as a good thing. Her heart hurt for her little girl, wondering what horrid images haunted her mind as she spoke such terrible things.

“Stop it Helaena”, Alerion said almost angry as he looked at his sister, “Just stop it”

The room fell silent as Helaena shrunk into her seat, with Alerion letting out a big sigh as he rubbed his eyes. To hear her speak of death was bad enough, but as he’d learned to understand the hidden meaning of his sister’s words, he knew she was speaking of the trial, and he did not want to hear of it. His mother had tormented him for years, telling him that unless he rose against Rhaenyra she would be killed, and now here they were. And though Alerion could not say he had ever held any love for the woman, he couldn’t help the guilt he felt, as she’d drilled it into his brain that her life depended on him, and now he'd just watch on as she was killed.

“Alerion”, Daemon warned as he did not appreciate his son’s tone. He understood that this was a difficult subject, but he was not about to allow Alerion to speak in this way to his sister.

“I don’t want to hear of it”, Alerion stated firmly, “Those wretched people may be traitors, but they’re still my kin, and I do not care to hear of how they will die”

Baelor let out a small chuckle at that, and all turned to him as this may have been the first noise the boy had made since High Tide, apart from his screams that haunted their nights.

“What?”, Alerion questioned frustrated, “That woman is horrible, but she’s still our mother by blood. She’s hurt us all in more ways that I could ever express, I know that Baelor, you know I do, but I don’t want to hear of her death. She’s still our ki-”

“You didn’t seem to care about your kin that night”, Baelor said.

Alerion’s breath hitched, staring at his brother like he’d grown a second head as his words cut into his heart. He’d been praying to the Gods for Baelor to speak to him again for sennights, but he had not expected this.

“Bae-”, he tried to say meekly.

“No”, Baelor said angrily as he smacked his fork against the table, “Shut up Alerion. All this talk about you caring so much about your kin that you don’t want to hear of their deaths makes me sick. Just shut up. How could you care so much about them when you cared so little about me?”

“Baelor wait a second”, Rhaenyra attempted to intervene as she straightened up in her chair.

“No”, Baelor yelled as he got up from his seat and approached his brother, “You chose him. You chose him over me. And I lost an eye because of it. Those men wanted him, and you gave me up to save him. I’m your kin Alerion, the one you supposedly care so much for. And yet you threw me to those men to avoid bringing your beloved Aemon into it. You were ready to sacrifice me for him”

Alerion shook his head, lip trembling as his eyes filled with tears. Baelor grew annoyed by his silence, and begun pushing him to get his attention, screaming as Criston got up and walked to him. And if Alerion’s mind had blanked at his bother's screams, his hands on his body had broken it entirely.

“Were you ready to watch me die brother?”, Baelor questioned at one point as he continued to strike him, “Were you ready to watch those men take me to save him? You had a choice, and you chose him. You could’ve told them the truth, and they would’ve let us go. That man would never have touched you as he did if he’d known who you were, and I certainly would still have my eye if you had only told them the truth. But you didn’t, because you love him more than me. You love them all more than you love me. I stood by your side these past few sennights, desperately trying to convince myself that you regretted what you did, but you don't. You said it yourself just yesterday, you made a choice, and you would do it again. You would let them carve my face open all over again, just for him. Because you love him more than you have ever loved me, and you love yourself more than you love me. That’s why you left me to that man, and that’s why you almost left me to her”

Alerion remained seated, just staring at the table as tears ran down his cheek. He continued to shake his head, desperate to find the air he needed to deny his brother’s words. And yet he couldn’t. Baelor’s hits hurt his heart more than his body, and he felt his mind blank as memories took over. Memories of that night, and how he had indeed chosen Aemon and Rhaegar over himself and Baelor. And memories of her, and all the times he’d just stood by as she screamed at Baelor.

“Baelor stop this”, Criston said as he grabbed onto the boy and dragged him to the other side of the room, away from Alerion as the other boy crumbled to the ground.

“You were ready to leave me”, Baelor screamed as he thrashed in Criston’s arms, “You were ready to leave me alone with her as you jumped from Sunfyre. You were ready to let that man kill you first, leaving me to him as he would’ve made me his before cutting my head off. You were ready to let him have you and then have me. And you were ready to do all that, just for him and for yourself. You don’t want to even hear of how her head will roll, but you were ready to leave me here with her”

Baelor continued screaming, as Criston brought him out of the chambers, with the boy kicking in his arms as he forcefully carried him outside. Vhagar’s mighty roars shook the Keep, and yet Alerion barely heard them as he rocked back and forth while sitting on the ground. His mind was empty, as Baelor’s words sunk in. He had made a choice that night, but to him it had been between himself and Aemon. He’d put his little brothers first, forgetting about the one who hid behind him as he seeked his protection. He’d tried to stand between Baelor and those men, but the truth was, that if he’d told them everything from the beginning, Baelor wouldn’t have needed his protection in the first place.

“My love”, Rhaenyra whispered as she called for him again, as she’d been doing for some time now.

She’d sent the children away, as herself and Daemon now remained in the chambers, their eldest between them as his silence ruled over them all. Nobody had expected such an outburst from Baelor, a boy who had always been so kind and gentle, and who had taken to silence ever since that night. Rhaenyra didn’t have the heart to tell her boy off for his cruel words to his brother, as she could not imagine how difficult it was for such a young mind to cope with the great tragedy he’d suffered, but from what she knew of that night, Alerion had done everything in his power to protect Baelor.

“Trēsy”, Daemon tried.

“I was ready for it”, Alerion mumbled at one point, “As the man touched me, I was ready to let him have me as he pleased, because I didn’t want him to touch Baelor. But then the other one got to him. I would’ve let him have me as well to keep him away from Baelor. But he didn’t want me, he only wanted Baelor. I hit them both, and I tried to get us out of there, but it didn’t work. I tried kepa, I swear I really did”

“I know”, Daemon whispered as he brought his hand forward, without thought letting it fall on Alerion’s shoulder and regretting it immediately as his boy sprinted away from him.

“But I didn’t do it with her”, Alerion continued frantically as he crashed against the corner of the room, looking around with wild eyes like an animal caught in a trap, “I just let her do as she pleased with him. I stood there, silent and motionless as she screamed in his face, called him useless and hit him more times than I could count. She never did it with Helaena or Daeron, but I think it’s just because she often forgot about them as Helaena couldn’t get her the crown, and Daeron was a bit too far down in her made up line of succession for her liking. But with Baelor, it was constant. I fell silent after some time, because I knew that trying wouldn’t get me anywhere with her. But he never faltered. He always stood up for you guys, more than I ever dared to, and she hated him for it. She hated me too, but I could take it. I shouldn’t have allowed her anywhere near him, but I did. I tried to protect him at first, but through the years she just became bigger and bigger. I don't know how to explain it, but she just became all powerful in my eyes, and I just couldn't move when she was around. I never dared do anything against her, so I just let her have Baelor. I never helped him”

He didn’t even know what he was saying, his thoughts too fast for him to process as his greatest shame just bared itself to the two people he’d tried his hardest to conceal it from. Rhaenyra and Daemon had raised him to be brave, and to be there for his siblings. And he hadn’t done that. He didn’t remember the first time he’d actively stepped back, leaving Baelor to stand before him as Alicent screamed, but he knew he’d done it. ‘Tis why he’d been ready to die that night. In some messed up way he’d thought it fair, that he suffer before death took him. He’d let his brother take the brunt of their mother’s hatred for too long, and in that moment, as he finally stood up for Baelor, he’d thought it a fitting end for himself. He needed to be punished for betraying his brother as he had, hence why he’d offered himself up to that man in exchange for Baelor’s freedom. But the damage had been done, and it was too late now.

“My heart”, Daemon whispered as he walked to him, “You were just a child”

“No”, Alerion denied as he shook his head, “I should’ve put myself between him and her, and I should’ve taken the hits instead of letting Baelor suffer in my stead”

“You’re a child Alerion”, Rhaenyra said as she sat in front of him, Daemon by her side as both tried to be near him and yet give him the space he needed, “You are not solely responsible for keeping Baelor safe. In those moments, Alicent should’ve been the one to know better than to hit Baelor, or any of you for that matter. She trained you to fear her, and she would’ve gotten to Baelor even if you’d stood between them, just as those men did. Nobody can fault you for being a scared child my love”

“He does”, Alerion sobbed, “Baelor knows of my failures, as he sees them in the mirror every single day. He knows I should’ve done more”

“Baelor is a babe my heart”, Daemon whispered as he wearily approached him, Alerion letting him as his walls started breaking down, “He’s suffering, as you are. We all deal with tragedies differently, some people close in on themselves, and some of us rage. Your brother is angry my love, but not with you. He’s angry at the Hightowers and at those men, but they’re far away and much bigger than he is. And as unfair as it sounds, you’re the next best thing. Baelor is much too young to truly understand all you went through with that woman, and he probably can’t even grasp what happened between himself and Alicent. His heart has been broken for many years now, and it will take a lot of time for it to truly begin to heal. And all we can do, is support him”

Alerion continued to cry, nodding as Daemon offered his arms for him to crawl into. Rhaenyra and Daemon both embraced him, their warmth providing him some much needed comfort as he sobbed. The three stayed like this for some time, just holding each other as the two adults wondered when their children would finally be able to find peace.

But today was not the day.

“I lost him”, Criston cried out as he burst through the doors.

And from outside the Keep, Vhagar’s mighty roar could be heard.

A tiny speck of white hair on her back, as she flew away from the city.

Chapter Text

“Baelor please land”, Aemon screamed as he tried to catch up to Vhagar.

“Go away”, Baelor yelled as he sunk into his saddle, almost disappearing against Vhagar’s huge frame as he flew herratically.

Aemon was terrified. He’d just been flying on Stormcloud, having taken to the skies to think about that horrible nuncheon as he travelled through the clouds, just hoping to figure out a way to help his brothers. But then suddenly, the sunlight had disappeared as his young dragon was overshadowed by the huge body of the Queen of Dragons. He’d risen to ride alongside her, wishing to congratulate his brother on his first flight, but then as he’d seen Baelor, and noted that his parents were not flying with him, he’d known something was wrong. Baelor was sobbing, a manic look in his eyes as he desperately clung to the ropes on his saddle. The fear in his heart was obvious, but it seemed that his suffering was greater, as he refused to land.

“Baelor please”, Aemon tried again, “You’re going to get yourself killed valonqar. I beg you, just land”

Finally Baelor relented, giving Vhagar the commands they’d learned together as children, as the dragon landed on a random spot of land far away from the Keep. Aemon was not sure how long they’d been flying for, but he did not recognise this place, and he didn’t love that such an unfamiliar spot would be the one to witness a long overdue conversation with his brother.

Baelor stumbled off of Vhagar’s saddle, almost losing his grip on the ropes that helped him get down from her back as he continued to cry. Once his feet touched the ground, his knees followed, as the boy sobbed whilst pushing his head against the patch of grass.

“It’s alright”, Aemon said as he wearily approached his brother, attempting to imitate the soothing tone his parents always used whenever they comforted the children.

He’d never been closest to Baelor, for no reason in particular. He’d just always gravitated most to Alerion and his youngest siblings, as the boy’s interests strayed from his own a bit too much for Aemon to truly know what to talk about with him. Aemon was taken by politics and the workings of their world, yearning to learn all he could to hopefully one day be worthy of following his mother as ruler, whilst Baelor was more interested in histories and how the world functioned before they were born. But even with that, Baelor was still his little brother, and to see him in this state broke Aemon’s heart.

“No it’s not”, Baelor cried, “I was horrible today, and Alerion will never speak to me again”

“Of course he will”, Aemon said quickly as he rushed to Baelor’s side, only stopping as the growl Vhagar let out made him freeze, “Alerion loves you Baelor, as do I, as do all of us. You’re in great pain, and we understand that. Your words may have been unkind, but sometimes we need to let ugly things out for prettier ones to find their way in”

“I just hate them all”, Baelor whispered as his fists grabbed onto the grass, “I hate them all, and I don’t know what to do with the rage I feel. I can’t make them pay for what they did to me, nobody can”

“They will be brought to justice”, Aemon promised, “You will be avenged brother”

“But I will still be like this”, Baelor screamed as his hand angrily grabbed at the injured side of his face, “I will forever look like this, because of them. I don’t care if their heads are cut off, or if they burn or whatever. This will never leave me. They will never leave me. I will never be normal again, and it’s because of them. Their deaths won’t fix this”

Aemon sighed, slowly making his way to his brother as his eyes remained trained on Vhagar. His kepa had always been very clear, do not approach a dragon that is not your own unless you are with their bonded. Baelor was not in the right state to tell Vhagar to leave Aemon alone, but he couldn’t just stand here as his little brother broke down.

“There is nothing wrong with you Baelor”, he whispered as he sat down next to him, “What those monsters did to you was horrible, but that it happened does not say anything about you. You are the kindest and most gentle boy I know, and your heart is filled with such love for those you hold closest. Your scar does not change who you are. You’re a good person Baelor, and that is all that matters”

“But what I said”, Baelor choked out as he gasped for air.

“What you said was harsh”, Aemon conceeded, “But trust me when I say this, Alerion is hurting just as you are. I’m certain your words stung, but I know in my heart that if the two of you just talk, all will be well. Because Alerion loves you most in this world, you know that right?”

The little boy shrugged, sniffling as he wiped away his tears with the back of his hand. Aemon cringed at how rough Baelor was being with the tender skin around his scar, so he turned to face his brother, and gently took his hand away so he might clean him up. He used a little handkerchief his father had given him, one that had his mother’s initials on it that he himself had been given by the late Queen Aemma. He gently wiped away Baelor’s tears, taking the time to caress his cheek as the boy calmed down.

“I love you Baelor”, Aemon said, “I love all of my siblings with my whole heart. But I don’t know if I would’ve been able to do what Alerion did for you. It pains me to admit it, but I’m not certain that I could’ve stood before death itself, and offer myself up without doubt or fear in my heart. Alerion did that for you Baelor, because his heart beats for you. From what I know of that night, there is no reason to question his devotion to you”

“But he didn’t tell the truth”, Baelor whispered, “He knew that if he told the truth, the men would let us go. But he didn’t. He chose you guys over me”

“He chose us over himself”, Aemon said surely, “I can not imagine the outmost fear that must’ve ruled you two in that moment, as those creatures towered over you. But I know Alerion, and I know that he never would’ve done anything to cause you any harm. In that moment he was as afraid as you were, and thought to sacrifice himself for us all. Sadly his plan did not work, and I’m sorry that you had to suffer this way. But is it not true that he offered himself in exchange for your freedom?”

The boy nodded, tugging at his fingers as his gaze remained locked on the ground. Aemon could see his lips tremble, and thought he saw shame in his brother’s eye for a second.

“I do not wish to undermine how you feel Baelor”, Aemon said quickly, “You are more than entitled to all the anger in this world, but all I ask is that you don’t misplace it. There are people who are to blame for what happened to you, and Alerion is not one of them. I’m sorry that you ever thought he would sacrifice your life for mine own, or for Rhaegar’s, but even though I’m not Alerion, I know he would never do that. You are his world Baelor, and he fought off death itself to try and save you”

Baelor didn’t say anything, only slumping against Aemon’s body as the elder immediately wrapped his arms around him. It was only now that Aemon noticed how Baelor was shivering. Aemon himself was wearing his leather riding gear, but Baelor was still wearing the light doublet he’d been wearing at nuncheon.

“Did you sneak out?”, he questioned suddenly.

“Maybe”, Baelor mumbled, “I suppose ran away is more like it”

“Baelor”, Aemon scolded him.

Oh Gods, his parents must be besides themselves looking for him. Though in truth, Vhagar was huge, so it wouldn’t take much to spot her if one tried.

“Criston took me away, as you know”, Baelor continued, “He tried to get me to calm down, but the more he spoke of how loved I was the angrier I got. So at one point, as he turned to get something he said he wanted me to have, I fled. I heard him call after me a while later, but by that point I was gone. I ran straight to the shore, and Vhagar was there waiting for me”

“You could’ve died Baelor”, Aemon said sternly, “You have never ridden a dragon before, and Vhagar is not just any little dragon one can take on a stroll around Flea Bottom. You could’ve fallen from your saddle if you hadn’t tied yourself down properly”

“I don’t think I did”, Baelor sighed, “I had to hang solely onto the handles at one point because I couldn’t figure out the different ropes”

“Gods”, Aemon huffed as he breathed heavily.

The boys sat there for some time, Vhagar’s warmth almost coaxing them into falling asleep as they laid against her. Aemon continued to caress Baelor’s cheek, not avoiding the scar, but touching it gently as he saw how red the skin had gotten after Baelor’s meltdown.

“Do you think anyone will like me with this?”, Baelor whispered after a while.

“Of course”, Aemon answered immediately, “You’re a very beautiful boy Baelor, you always have been. I can assure you that not a single person in our family thinks less of you because of it, absolutely not. And the Ladies love a scar, because it makes you look like a fearsome warrior, just like kepa. He has scars as well you know, on his back. He got them in the Stepstones, and he always says that he wears them with pride as they remind him of all he survived to come back to muña. You survived as well Baelor, no shame in bearing a scar that proves you continue to live. Especially when the one who gave it to you, does not”

Baeor felt a shiver going down his spine as he thought of that horrid man. The pain had been unbearable for the first moment, but then it had gone away. The Maester had tried to explain to muña that sometimes when the physical pain is just too much for the heart to handle, the mind shuts down to try and protect itself. Even after the fact, and after Gerardys had given him a salve to soothe it, Baelor could cope with the pain. But the memories were too much for him. He still remembered how the man had looked at him as he gouged out his eye, a look of true hunger in his eyes as he carved into his face.

“Will I ever forget him?”, Baelor asked.

“No”, Aemon said truthfully, “I don’t think so. But you will live valonqar, and he will not. And I think that in time, you will find some comfort in that. The trial has not taken place yet, but all know how it will end. And I hope that knowing that all those who have ever wished or done you harm are gone, will finally allow your heart to be free”

As the boys sat there, four dragons appeared in the sky as they flew towards them. The growl Vhagar let out almost made Aemon wet himself, as Baelor only chuckled softly and caressed her side.

“Calm down”, Baelor told Vhagar in High Valyrian, “It’s just my family, they’d never hurt me”

As Rhaenyra and Daemon ran to their boys, with Helaena instead choosing to walk as she wore a tranquil smile on her face, they were all surpassed by Alerion.

“Baelor!”, the boy screamed as he sprinted to his brother.

Baelor started running as well, and the two met in the middle, crashing into each other as their embrace brought them both to tears. They just stood there, hugging each other close, with Baelor being lifted into the air as Alerion held his waist, and Daemon and Rhaenyra waited behind them, wishing to allow the brothers a second by themselves.

“I’m sorry”, Baelor cried as he dug his hands in his brother’s back, face hidden in his neck as he clung to him, desperate to explain himself.

“It’s alright”, Alerion said as he pressed a kiss on his head, “I’m sorry too brother. But we’re alright”

“We’re all going to be alright”

Chapter Text

“Do you like it?”, Helaena questioned with a small smile on her face as she looked at her brother, “I embroidered it myself you see, it’s a little dragon. I actually wanted it to be a spider, but muña said that maybe a dragon would’ve been a better fit for you. I understand. Spiders are more my thing, you can have your dragons”

Baelor smiled softly at his sister, staring at his own reflection as he observed how the eyepatch fit over his scar. Through this past sennight, he’d actually started to come to terms with the new version of himself he saw in the mirror, but he couldn't help the sting in his heart as he noticed the way those of the court looked at him now. Rhaenyra had assured him that he still looked like her gorgeous little boy, but he was saddened each time he noticed how a Lady would flinch as she saw him approach.

“No shame in hiding something you’re insecure about”, Criston said from behind him as he put his hands on his shoulders, “Daemon covers his scars as well sometimes, not because he’s ashamed of them, but because they’re not for everyone to see. People can be most unkind when they see something they’re not familiar with, and you don’t have to suffer their stares if you don’t want to. Just because something is hidden, that does not mean it’s bad”

“Indeed”, Daemon agreed, “You look good my boy, and you did a very nice job Helaena. It’s beautiful”

“Thank you kepa”, Helaena said before going back to her bed, as little Visenya waited for her, so Helaena might braid her hair the same as her own.

“I have something for you”, Criston whispered to Baelor before turning away from him and grabbing something from a bag, “’Tis actually something I meant to give you a while back, but you ran away from me before I could, if you recall. A woman from Flea Bottom gave it to me, as thanks for returning her child to her one day, as I found him wandering around the entrance of the Keep looking for her. Poor thing had gotten lost and was absolutely terrified, and I’m certain that being approached by a metal man with a sword didn’t calm his ner-”

“Yes yes”, Daemon interrupted him, “We get it. ‘Tis a great story Criston, but perhaps you could just give Baelor his gift. I don’t mean to sour the mood, but you and I are in a bit of a hurry”

Baelor flinched at that, uncomfortable with the reminder of what would take place on this day. The trial would be held, and all would die. None of the children would attend, apart from Aemon as he was Rhaenyra’s Heir, and the Council thought it wise for him to start appearing in more formal events. He would not be there for the conclusion of the trial, but Baelor knew that the older boy had fought to be there, as he wanted to see his brothers be avanged.

“Look”, Criston cooed as he held his hand to Baelor, “’Tis a little pearl. Isn’t that the most beautiful piece you’ve ever seen my boy? It almost looks like it changes colors as you move it, and it sparkles when sunlight hits it. This shade of violet reminds me of your eyes, so I thought it would be nice for you t-”

“Thank you”, Baelor said as he hugged Criston close, the knight chuckling as he hugged him back.

“You’re welcome”, Criston mumbled as he pressed a kiss on top of his head, “I’ve already spoken to Maester Gerardys, and he’s told me that the act of placing it in will not be most pleasant. But once it’s done, you can keep it there forever so long as you care for it properly. There is no pressure Baelor. If you want to wear it, that’s fine. But I do not want you to feel obligated just because it’s a gift from me”

Baelor nodded, holding the pearl in his hand as he marvelled at it. He feared what might await him as Gerardys would probably have to re-open his wound to insert the pearl, but with time, he knew he’d feel ready to do it. It was much too soon now, but as he placed the pearl in a little jewellery box Rhaenyra had given him, he vowed to keep it safe until he felt he could wear it.

“That was very nice of you Criston”, Daemon said as the two made their way to the Throne Room, “You know how our Baelor loves you, and I’m certain that a gift from you means a lot to him”

“Today is a grave day”, Criston sighed as the two got closer to the Throne Room, and started to stumble upon various courtiers, “I just wished to offer whatever little comfort I could”

“I think I’m going to be sick”, Rhaenyra blurted out as she bumped into them, Aemon by her side as he tried to soothe her, “Do I look sick? I feel sick”

“Alright”, Daemon sighed as he got behind his wife, hugging her to him as his hands cradled her terribly large belly, “It’s all good my love. I know today will be difficult for you, but it must be done. Trust me when I say that I oh so wish I could do it in your stead, as just the thought of standing there as Otto Hightower begs for his life at my feet is working for me, but it must be you”

“I know”, Rhaenyra breathed as her hands joined his, “We should've done this years ago, and I just hate that the boys had to suffer like that before these creatures were finally made to answer for their crimes”

The four made their way to the Throne Room, with all bowing as Rhaenyra walked amongst them before sitting on the throne. She was not wearing a crown, but looked the very image of a Queen as the swords of the Iron Throne surrounded her.

“My people”, Rhaenyra begun, “We are gathered here today, because grave treason took place within these very halls. The betrayal runs deep, and as the sins of those we are to judge on this day are most unforgivable. I have called you here to pay witness to myself and my Council as we decide the fates of those who dared try and harm our Realm”

One by one, each of the accused entered the Throne Room. Lyonel looked terrible, and out of them all, he was the one who had evidently had the worst time in the black cells as he could barely hold himself up. The man beside him did not look much better, as he was almost dragged into the Throne Room like a lifeless doll. Otto had lost that infamous smug smile he’d always worn whenever he walked the halls of the Keep, and he just walked to the throne with a lost look in his eyes. Rhaenyra had heard of how the man had lost his will during his time in the cells, as he’d realised that there was nothing he could do anymore, he’d lost it all. A man who had held such power for so long, now forced to share the filthiest cell the Keep had to offer with lowly criminals. Larys didn’t say anything or look at anyone, just bowing to Rhaenyra and kneeling. Mellos was much the same, though the man sat instead of kneeling as he was just too old, and the sound of his knees cracking made Rhaenyra cringe a little. And then Alicent showed up.

The Queen in Chains very much lived up to her monicker, as she was dragged into the room by Ser Largent as he kept a mighty grip on her wrists. Rhaenyra had heard the tales of the one maid who had been allowed to care for Alicent during her time of isolation, and it did not look like her former friend was doing well. Alicent had torn her room to pieces, screaming her heart out and ripping her hair off her head as she cursed her father and husband alike. The first visitor she’d ever had was a Septa, who Rhaenyra had sent to simply force Alicent to eat something, as she was not about to let the woman starve herself to death before the trial. But Alicent had attacked the poor woman, screaming something about how the Seven didn’t exist, because how could They allow one of Their own to suffer as she had and still was. And the new maid as well, stated that the first time she'd seen the Queen, Alicent had been roaming around her rooms naked, refusing to wear the colours of house Targaryen or those of house Hightower. In the end she had been given some random clothes the maids didn't need anymore, and now the former Queen of the Seven Kingdoms walked amongst her people looking like a servant. So yes, Rhaenyra was fairly certain that Alicent had lost her mind by now.

“Lyonel Hightower”, Rhaenyra announced, “You stand accused of plotting to usurp the Iron Throne from me, our King’s rightful Heir, in favour of your nephew Alerion. And you also stand accused of kinslaying, for the murder of your father Ormund. How do you plead to the charges?”

“I’m guilty”, Lyonel said without much resistance as he begun to cry, pathetically so if Rhaenyra could say so herself, “I just knew it was what my father wanted, so I said yes. Uncle Otto always told me it was the right thing to do, so I just said yes. And for my father, I jus-”

Rhaenyra had to resist the urge to roll her eyes as the man before her fell to the floor, sobbing as guards tried to get him to rise once more. The look in poor Ser Erryk’s face was almost humorous, as he seemed terribly embarrassed for Lyonel as he wailed.

“I love Samantha”, Lyonel cried, “I love her, I really do”

To a certain extent Rhaenyra felt for the boy, as he was much too young for the burden of Lordship, but kinslaying was the greatest of sins, and she could not forgive that. Perhaps in another world, him and the Lady Samantha would’ve had a nice life together, as Rhaenyra was certain that the young Lady would’ve been much happier with him than with Ormund, as the man had been almost four times her age by the time the two had married. But alas.

“I did it”, Lyonel nodded as snot covered his face, “I did it for love Your Grace”

“Mh”, Rhaenyra mused as she nodded for the guards to move to Mellos, “Maester Mellos, you stand accused of plotting to usurp the Iron Throne from me, our King’s rightful Heir, in favour of my younger brother Alerion. You stand accused of treason, for allowing the Lady Alicent Hightower to get anywhere near my sons and enabling her abuse of them. You also stand accused of plotting to murder me as I prepare to face the birthing bed once more. How do you plead to the charges?”

“I beg you Princess”, Mellos said, “I only did what I thought was right by our people. You are a good woman Princess, but you are in the end still a woman. I don’t mean to slight you when I say this, but you were not born to sit the throne”

“And yet I do”, Rhaenyra answered with a little smile on her face, “So you plead guilty to the charge of treason. And what of the one about plotting to kill me Mellos?”

“Never”, Mellos denied.

“Interesting”, Rhaenyra said, “Because I actually happen to be in possession of the most curious letter. One that was found in Hightower Maester, and it is a piece of correspondence between yourself and Ser Otto over there. In this you said, and I quote, a couple drops of this and the whore will bleed so quickly that she won’t even have the time to scream for her uncle to come rescue her. Now please correct me if I’m wrong, but this is your handwriting, is it not? This is your parchment paper, as it can be recognised by the small emblem you always place on the paper you make so it might be returned to you if it is lost. This is your signature, and this is your own personal wax seal. Am I wrong Maester?”

Mellos remained silent, all colour washed from his face as he just looked at the floor. The Maester’s head shook side to side, eyes wide as he turned to Otto, evidently not appreciating that the other man had kept such pieces of damning evidence against him. Otto had probably done it to have a bargaining chip against Mellos if he ever strayed, and though Rhaenyra had refrained from reading it all aloud, as in the end it didn't have anything to do with Mellos specifically, the letter also mentioned something of how things like this had been done before to other women of her line. She’d spoken to Daemon of this, as his own mother had died when in the care of Maesters, and from the look on her husband’s face, Rhaenyra doubted that Mellos would get a quick death.

“Ser Otto Hightower”, Rhaenyra moved on with a small smile on her face, “My how the mighty have fallen. Ser Otto, you stand accused of plot-”

“I did it”, Otto said loudly, “I did it and I would do it again. You’re naught but a spoiled cunt of a Princess who wants to play at being a Queen because your father humored you far too much in your youth. You never understood the way of our world, and the proof lays in your cursed wedding to your own craven of an uncle. The children born out of such a disgusting union could never be anything but sinful creatures, and therefore they, like you, do not deserve the throne. Alerion and Helaena would’ve thrived as one, because of their Hightower blood, but your children are naught but monsters as they’re born from you.The death I had in store for them and yourself is a much greater kindness than any of you deserve, and my only regret is that I didn’t carry out my plans myself. No matter what they may say, each and ever single person who stands in this room, knows that I am right. Alerion was meant to sit the throne as King, and for you to think yourself more worthy of it than him, is the greatest of insults to decency itself. I saw what all do, and chose to intevene. I regret nothing”

“Such big words for a man who’s worth nothing Otto”, Rhaenyra said, “Confessing to treason, the attempted murder of Princes of the Realm and of your future Queen, all in a single breath. But I suppose it makes sense for you to sign over your life like this, it’s not like you have anything to go home to. Your Gwayne is bedridden and has barely uttered a word since he fell off his horse all those years ago. Your brother is dead, at the hands of your nephew nonetheless. Your daughter is no longer the Queen, as she stands by your side and awaits my judgement for the most egregious of crimes. And your grandchildren have rebuked you. You have nothing Otto, and therefore, you are nothing. You wanted it all, and gave everything away in the process. You could’ve had a good life, if you had simply served my family as was your duty, but instead you yearned for more, and now you shall die knowing that all this, is your fault. All the misery that befell your house, is on you”

“My house will rise once more”, Otto said surely, “It may not be with me, but house Hightower shall find glory again. We are still the bearers of the great beacon of Oldtown, as its light leads the way for those of the faith as the High Septon himself supports u-”

“About that”, Rhaenyra stopped him, “The High Septon has rebuked you, and has taken leave from Oldtown until the rest of your family is gone from the land. You will be glad to know that your younger nephews will live, as they are but children and therefore are not to blame for any of this. They will be sent as wards in minor houses of the Reach, until they are of age, and then they will be asked to choose between going to the Wall or going to the Citadel to become Maesters. Either way, they will not father any children and will not hold any lands, so your line ends here Otto”

“And what of-”, Otto tried to say with a small smile on his face.

“Do not you dare say their names”, Rhaenrya hissed as she rose from her seat, “You say just one of their names and I will have your tongue ripped out of your head. They have nothing to do with you. They’re not Hightowers, not by name and not by heart. Whatever they do with their lives, will be for themselves and for house Targaryen. House Hightower will become lost to history form this moment forward, and I shall ensure that all know that it was your greed that brough forth the fall of such a great house. It’s what you always wanted, is it not? To take all power away from one of the most powerful dynasties in Westeros. Well, you did do that Otto, congratulations. But you got the wrong ones, again”

As Rhaenyra said that Alicent’s body shivered, as she thought back to her words from that day. Nobody had told the Queen the truth of what had actually taken place that night, as she had not been in the black cells with the others since Rhaenyra wanted her to be alone with herself. Rhaenyra knew that perhaps it was cruel of Alicent to think her sons by blood dead by the hands of one she and her father had sent, and yet she couldn’t find it in her heart to care. Alicent had tormented those boys for their whole lives, out of nothing but envy and resentment, and she had allowed for two men to be sent over to Driftmark and slaughter Rhaenyra’s children. She had been completely alright with Rhaenyra losing three of her own boys, so Rhaenrya didn’t care if she thought her own lost, not when she knew that her boys were perfectly fine. Alicent had never cared about either Alerion or Baelor, as her abuse of them proved, and yet Rhaenyra hoped that thinking them dead, allowed Alicent to feel even just a sliver of the outmost horror and devastation that she had experienced as she watched them fight for their lives.

“Larys Strong”, Rhaenyra said as she threw a sad glance to Lyonel. Her Hand stood proudly beside her, but she could see the tears in his eyes as his gaze remained stuck on his son.

She had proposed that Lyonel did not attend the trial, as she could not even begin to imagine how difficult it must be for him to stand here, knowing that his own son was more likely than not going to be sentenced to death. But he had denied her. He’d tried to give up his role when everything had first happened, quoting that it would not do Rhaenyra well to keep him around now that Larys had soiled his family name. Rhaenyra had thought about it, just because she understood that perhaps Lyonel just wanted to go home to Harrenhal with Harwin and his granddaughters. But she had assured Lyonel that his son's sins did not reflect back on who he was as a man and as a father, and had been even more worried to let him out of her sight once Mellos had revealed to her another part of Larys’ plans.

“You stand accused of plotting to usurp the Iron Throne from me, our King’s rightful Heir, in favour of my younger brother Alerion. You stand accused of plotting to murder my children and myself. You stand accused of the murder of my cousin and your goodsister, the Lady Laena Velaryon. And you stand accused of plotting to commit kinslaying, as you planned to send men after your older brother Ser Harwin Strong and his daughters. How do you plead to these charges?”

The Hall fell silent at Rhaenyra’s words, as all shared horrified looks at her stating Larys’ true intentions. Nobody at court liked the man, as they thought him creepy. But to know that he was planning on killing his own brother and nieces just to rise higher in society, was much worse than what any of them had ever thought him capable of. Rhaenyra noted how Lyonel had a physical reaction to the news, and she once again thought back to how he'd become ill when she'd told him the first time.

She had found out thanks to Mellos, who in another attempt to convince Rhaenyra to spare his life, had blurted out that Larys had sent men after Harwin and his daughters before everything had happened. Thankfully it seemed that whomever these people were, had heard of Larys' imprisonment, and had probably realised that with him locked up, they wouldn't get whatever he had promised them as recompense for killing his brother and nieces. Harwin had been beside himself, almost demanding that Rhaenyra allowed him to visit his brother in the black cells, but she had denied him. She understood how he yearned to avenge his wife, himself and his daughters, but she couldn't allow him to sully himself by committing kinslaying. She wouldn't have faulted him for it, but she feared what others would've said if he'd killed Larys. Harwin and his family had already been through enough.

Larys remained silent, just bowing his head with a betrayed look as he turned to Alicent.

“I stood by you”, he said at one point, “I listened to you as you rambled on about your hunger for power. I kept your secrets my Queen, and it pains me to say, that since you did not do the same with me, then I am now forced to tell all what truly hides underneith your pretty facade”

Alicent started shaking her head, falling to the ground as Luthor Largent just let her. Rhaenyra noted how Alicent started making an odd noise, and though at first she thought she may have been crying, it turns out that Alicent was laughing as Larys continued to speak.

“The Queen sold herself to me Princess”, Larys said with a snarky smile on his face, “She offered her body to me in exchange for information. We never truly consummated our union, but I assure you that the things she did to and for me were most satisfactory. She yearned to know all of each and every one of your pregnancies, and often goaded me to kill you as you birthed your children. She even promised to suck my cock once, to get me to kill your Visenya when she was first born, as she disliked the fact that your daughter had bonded with a mighty beast such as the Cannibal. I tried to do that, walking into her rooms through a tunnel as she slept, and only failed because she was never alone, sharing her chambers with her other siblings. To kill a babe is one thing, as 'tis easy enough to make it look like an accident, but if I'd killed them all then it would've looked too suspicious. She’s the one who first presented the idea of sending men to Driftmark, and she’s the one who told me to stay back at the Keep, so I might be there when Otto showed up and we took our throne. And she’s also the one who plotted to kill the King”

“What?”, Rhaenrya questioned confused. This was a new piece of information, one she had not been privy to until this very moment.

“Ah yes”, Larys said with a chuckle, “She’s been poisoning him for years now. I don’t know when it first started Princess, but I know that it was Runcinter who first gave her the little vile she emtpied in her husband’s cup each ad every night. As she pretended to care for our sick King, the Queen was killing him, slowly but surely as she planned to take his crown and place it on Alerion’s head after Driftmark”

“Gods”, Lyonel sighed beside her as his head fell into his hands.

Viserys’ illness had come out of nowhere, that was true enough. But because of how slowly it had progressed, nobody had thought anything of it as everyone just assumed that it was nature taking its course. Some even thought it may have been the Iron Throne, as many still believed that the Queen Visenya had placed a curse upon it, so that nobody unworthy would sit it and cause the fall of their house. And considering the kind of King Viserys had been, nobody questioned that if the curse was real, it certainly would’ve taken him. But nobody had dared to think that it could've been his wife’s doing.

“You”, Rhaenyra continued, not wishing for things to get out of control as the people present had started screaming for Alicent’s head, “Blood, is that your true name?”

“Yes Princess”, the man lied.

Rhaenyra had tried to figure out what the man’s name actually was, but to his credit, he’d stuck to Blood even as Daemon cut off his other hand. So if he was so attached to the name, might as well honor it. It’s not like he’ll have a tombstone anyways.

“You stand accused of plotting to usurp the Iron Throne from me, our King’s rightful Heir, in favour of my younger brother Alerion”, Rhaenyra said, “You stand accused of the murder of Ser Steffon Darklyn, a sworn brother of the Kingsuard. You stand accused of attempting to murder my children. And you stand accused of attempting to rape one of them. And since your man is not here, but you are, you shall pay in his stead. So you also stand accused of maiming one of my boys. How do you plead to the charges?”

“Princess please”, the man begged as he cried, “I was just following orders. I’m a soldier, this is how I make my way through the world. My master commanded me to-”

“If your master commands you to kill children, then he is evil”, Rhaenyra screamed, “You are no soldier Blood, you are a worthless and perverted man who wished to take his pleasure from a mere child before slaughtering him in front of his little brother, before then taking him as well. I know of what took place that night, I know everything. You were sent to kill them, and yet you did so much worse than that. You did that to satisfy your gross and sick urges, and I refuse to have men like you living and breathing amongst my people. ‘Tis with great pride that I tell all present, that my husband, the Prince Daemon Targaryen, took care of ensuring that you shall never harm another as you did my child. But that is not enough”

The man continued to cry, begging to be sent to the Wall, and Rhaenyra smiled as she saw the smirk on Daemon’s face. Her husband had not had much to say on the trial, wishing for Rhaenyra to handle it as she saw fit. But he had asked one thing of her, and that was to let him have the man once it was all over. He wouldn’t kill him, that much Rhaenyra knew, and she was glad of it. Death was too kind an end for a creature like him.

“Alicent Hightower”, Rhaenyra said as her voice thundered through the Throne Room, “You stand accused of plotting to usurp the Iron Throne from me, our King’s rightful Heir, in favour of my younger brother Alerion. You stand accused of abusing my sons. You stand accused of plotting to murder my children and myself. And now, thanks to Larys here, you also stand accused of attempted kingslaying. How do you plead to the charges?”

Alicent laughed, maniacally so as she looked at Rhaenyra with wide eyes that betrayed the madness that had taken hold of her very soul. She could tell that the woman had barely heard what Rhaenyra had said, as she was much too busy laughing to listen to whatever was going on around her. It seemed that isolation had not done the woman any good, but considering all she had done to the children, Rhaenyra didn’t care.

“I did it”, Alicent confirmed with a small smile on her face, “I did it all Rhaenyra. I did it all because it was my duty. You will never understand what it truly means to be a woman in our world, but I do. I married your father because mine own wanted a crown, but then you took him from me. You took him from me and I was left alone in this cursed place, watching you live out a dream as I laid there and let your father have his way with me. And then at your wedding, I decided it was enough. You had it all, and I wanted just a little something for myself. And my children lost it all because of it, because of you. You just couldn’t cope with someone having something in your stead, could you? You get the loving father and caring husband, and also the children. You get my children as well, because of course you do. How could I ever dare think that mine own fucking children could ever belong to me when you want them for yourself? So yes, I did plan to put my son on the throne, and I planned to kill yours and kill you as well. And yes, I tried to kill your father. And I have no regrets about any of it. Watching that man wither away slowly gave me more pleasure than a thousand whores like you ever could”

Rhaenyra remained silent, just looking at the one who had once been her closest friend as she continued to ramble on, laughing maniacally as she spoke of how unfair her life had been. How she had just wanted to do her duty, but Rhaenyra had made it impossible for her.

“Your duty was to stand by your King”, Rhaenyra interruped her, “You had no right to question his choice of Heir, and yet you did it anyways. It never had anything to do with Alerion being more suited for the throne, as you don’t even know my boy. You did this all because of your own resentment towards your own life, and you lost it all because of it”

“The King”, Alicent chuckled, “You will never know the truth about your precious King. You will never know how deep his betrayal of you runs. I cherish in this, in the knowledge that you shall die knowing that the one person you ever thought truly cared about you, never did. Your King loves me Rhaenyra, more than you will ever know. He is with me, and he has been this whole time”

Rhaenyra was confused at this, not understanding what Alicent was talking about. She knew what the High Septon had told Daemon, of how the previous one had known of Viserys taking Alicent into his bed before the two were wed. She obviously did not take kindly to knowing that her father had disrespected her mother’s memory this way, but after everything else that had happened, this was the least of her concerns. Her father may not have aided her when teaching her how to rule, but he had stood by her as his Heir, so Rhaenyra did not know what Alicent was talking about. Perhaps it was just another one of her delusions, that in naming Rhaenyra as his Heir and sticking by her, Viserys had actually meant to name Alerion or something like that. She waited for Alicent to continue, but alas, the woman did not. Alicent just slumped back onto the floor, watching Rhaenyra with an odd smile on her face.

“We could’ve had it all Alicent”, Rhaenyra continued, “I understand that your marriage to my father was not a happy one, but I could’ve helped you. From what I know you were the one who presented yourself to him to bear him more children after Alerion was born. You did that to strengthen your false claim. If you had only accepted me as your Queen, none of this would’ve happened. You could’ve been a part of my family, living a content life alongside Alerion and mine own children, and we would’ve taken you in as one of our own, as we have done for others”

As she said this Rhaenyra looked to the side, where Criston stood proud as he smiled at her, Daemon and Laenor next to him as they waited for her order.

“But you chose differently”, Rhaenyra said finally, “You chose your father over me, and you chose yourself over your own children. That is a sin I can not forgive Alicent, especially not when I think of all that was lost as a result of your choices”

The trial ended soon after that, with the accused having been found guilty on all charges presented against them. Lyonel took his leave quickly enough, as even though he’d said he would be there for the executions, as was his duty as her Hand, he’d almost fainted as he saw his son being brought before Laenor. So Rhaenyra herself had granted him permission to go back to his chambers.

Aemon left as well, accompanied back to his chambers by Ser Erryk as Rhaenyra believed he’d seen more than enough already. Her boy was barely 12 namedays old.

And what was about to take place, was not for a child to witness.

Chapter Text

Rhaenyra had thought long and hard about how he wanted to execute the people who now kneeled before her, and though she could hear Syrax call to her as she wanted to help her rid herself of these monsters, she resisted. To die by dragonfire was an honor as far as Rhaenyra was concerned, a death fit for naught but true dragons. And these being before her knew nothing of what it truly meant to be a dragon.

So the sword was the next best thing. Blood had already been taken back to the black cells, and Rhaenyra had smiled as she heard the man begging for the guards to kill him before Daemon got to him. Perhaps she’ll pay him a visit as well after all this was over.

She now stood on the steps of the Great Sept, as she wanted for all, nobles and smallfolk alike, to bear witness to what happens to those who dare go against herself and her children.

“Lyonel Hightower”, Rhaenyra begun, “For your acts of treason against my family and our Realm, and for your act of kinslaying against your father, I condemn you to death”

And his head was cut off by Criston, as the young man begged for someone to tell Samantha he loved her, and to allow their child to live. He also continued to tearfully thank Rhaenyra for the mercy she'd shown to his siblings, and vowed to any God that he could think of that they had nothing to do with this. He said his final goodbyes to the children before he died, looking to the skies as he prayed that they could find happiness in this life. Rhaenyra almost felt bad for him, but his head rolled anyways.

“Grand Maester Mellos”, Rhaenyra continued, “For your acts of treason against my family and our Realm, and for plotting to murder myself and my children, I condemn you to death”

Mellos’ execution was a little more brutal to witness, and Rhaenyra noted how some of the nobles actually became sick at the sight of Daemon driving Dark Sister through his belly, disemboweling the man and leaving him to bleed to death as he towered over him with a bright smile on his face. She flinched at the image before her, Aemma Arryn’s gentle face popping up in her mind as she watched the man writhing in pain, thinking of how her mother must've suffered, but Rhaenyra pushed it to the side as she continued making her way down the line.

“Otto Hightower”, she said with a smile, “For your acts of treason against my family and our Realm, and for plotting to murder myself and my children, I condemn you to death”

“Waited fucking years for this”, Daemon mumbled as he made his way to Otto, grabbing onto his hair and forcing him to look in his eyes, “I want you to know that it’s me dearest Otto, who will get the pleasure of taking your life on this day. You hurt my family out of naught but greed, and my children suffered the pains of the Seven Hells because of you, so it brings me great pleasure to know that you are to meet the end you deserve. You played your cards well for a long time Otto, but the Gods favored us, the family you so hate as you strived to take us down. But it did not work. And the last thing you’re ever going to see, is a Targaryen smiling down at you as you die”

Before Otto even had the time to think of something to say, Daemon forced his mouth open, and the noise of Otto’s tongue hitting the floor made Lord Lyman gag as he stood next to Rhaenyra. Daemon then cut Otto’s throat, a smile on his face as he still held onto the man's hair, relishing in being able to see life itself slowly leaving his body. His head was cut off afterwards, and though Rhaenyra knew she should’ve been concerned by her husband chuckling as he killed someone so brutally, she understood, so she didn’t mind.

“Larys Strong”, Rhaenyra moved on, “For your acts of treason against my family and our Realm, for plotting to murder myself and my children, for the murder of the Lady Laena Velaryon, and for your attempted acts of kinslaying, I condemn you to death”

"Why did you do it?", Laenor asked as he grabbed onto Larys' neck, "My sister was never anything but kind to you. Why would you wish for her to suffer so greatly? She was a good woman, a great wife and mother, and the most wonderful sister. And you took her from us"

Larys didn't answer, just flinching slightly when Harwin begun to scream out for Rhaenyra to let him get at his brother, as some members of the Kingsguard grabbed onto him as they tried their hardest to hold him back. The crowd as well was chanting for the Princess to let Ser Breakbones be the one to do it, and for a second Rhaenyra thought about it, but then she remembered that she had just killed Lyonel for kinslaying, so it wouldn't necessarily bode well for her to then allow someone else to commit such an act with her blessing. Allowing Laenor to be the one to take Larys' life had not been a difficult decision, as Rhaenyra knew it was only right for someone from Laena's family to get the opportunity to avenge her. Someone who wasn't blood related to the murderer. She had asked Corlys if he wanted to be the one to take Larys' head, since he was Laena's father, but the man had given Laenor his blessing, as in truth he'd seemed almost proud of the fire that had ruled his son as he demanded to wield the executioner's sword on this day.

"Ser Laenor", Larys choked out after some time, "Before my life is taken, I wish to ask something of you. I've been carrying a great burden all my life, and I would like to be rid of it now, so I won't have to drag it around with me at least in death"

In turn, Laenor just plunged his sword into Larys' foot, not cutting it off, but just twisting the blade around as the man screamed with an odd smile on his face. Laenor looked fearsome as he continued to attack Larys, but after some time Rhaenyra noted the tears that begun to well up in his eyes, as her poor cousin started to lose composure. And after that, Larys' head was severed off, though because of Laenor's emotional state, it took him a couple blows to actually cut it off completely. And thank the Gods Lyonel was not present at this moment, because such a sight was most unsuited for a parent to witness, no matter how insane their child was.

“Alicent Hightower”, Rhaenyra said finally, “For your acts of treason against my family and our Realm. For your acts of cruelty against my children, as you forced them to live in fear. For plotting to murder myself and my kids, and for your attempt at kingslaying, I condemn you to death”

Alicent looked at Rhaenyra, eyes empty and yet wide as she noted how Daemon handed her Blackfyre. Rhaenyra had known, from the very moment Alerion had first spoken to her of what Alicent had done to himself and Baelor, that she would be the one wielding the sword on this day. Daemon had tried to talk her out of it, as her condition was frail at the moment, with her struggling with this pregnancy more than she had with the others. But the thought of the babe that laid within her, the same one who Alicent had wanted to take from her, and who Rhaenyra was sure she would’ve killed if they had been born a boy, just made her want to do this even more.

“You killed them”, she whispered as she approached Alicent, “In more ways than you will ever know, you killed those boys. They were good, and they were kind, and you killed them for it. They didn’t want to stand by you, because their natures were too gentle to handle the thought of harming those who have always loved them, and you killed them. The boys I raised will never come back to me Alicent, and it’s your fault”

Rhaenyra’s words rang true, no matter that their cryptic nature was meant to keep Alicent under the delusion that Aemon and Baelor were dead, when they were not. But a part of them was, and they would never get it back. Rhaenyra could only hope that with time, and with the support of those who loved them most, they would heal. But her boys would never be who they once were, and as Rhaenyra mourned who her children could’ve been, she raised her sword over the one who had taken it all away from them.

"But all will be well now", she said, "With you gone, my boys will get to grow up without fear in their hearts"

Alicent’s breath hitched, and as a look of understanding dawned on her face, a wail escaped her.

But it did not last long, as Blackfyre fell down on her neck and Rhaenyra just watched numbly, as the head of the one who had once held her heart in her hands, fell down the stairs that lead to the Sept. Before this day, no matter how dead set she'd been on wielding the sword herself, she had worried that her heart might fail her as she finally found herself standing before Alicent. And yet it did not. She felt a sense of satisfaction, at knowing that she had been the one to avenge her children, at ridding them of the monsters that had haunted their dreams for so long. She'd hoped that this moment would be enough for her as well, to finally find peace with what had become of her old friend. And instead, Rhaenyra was even more livid somehow.

“Farewell old friend”, she whispered as she watched Alicent’s wide eyes as they stared back at her, a look of despair on her as sorrow had followed her even in death.

Angry tears welled up in her eyes, as she was once again taken over by thoughts of how none of this would’ve happened if Alicent had just accepted her. She had longed to be near her when this all started, trying desperately to keep her friend afloat as all fell around her. But Alicent had denied her. Otto’s influence on his daughter could not be understated, but after some time, Alicent had done it all by herself. She had allowed rage and resentment to take hold of her very being, and Rhaenyra’s children had suffered because of it. In her dead eyes Rhaenyra could now see the Alicent she had once loved, but she knew that that was no longer. The body that now laid at her feet belonged to someone who had tormented her children, so Rhaenyra couldn't resist the small kick she gave to move it aside.

“My people”, she turned to face the crowd, “What took place on this day was most unpleasant, but I trust that you all understand that it had to be done. I took no pleasure in taking the lives of mine own people, but I can not simply stand by as others try to start up a needless war. These beings thought I could not rule, on the basis of my sex, and wished death upon myself and my children so that they themselves could rise. They put their own selfish wants above the needs of our Realm, and because of that I had to put an end to their lives. I hope that this is a lesson for us all”

She walked forward as she spoke, going down the steps and resisting the urge to kick Alicent’s head as she made her way to her people. They all looked to her, some with reverence and some with fear, and they all listened to her every word with bated breath.

“My ancestors took these lands over a century ago”, Rhaenyra continued, “I inherited almost 80 years of peace from my great grandsire, the King Jaehaerys the First of his Name, and my father, the King Viserys First of his Name. I now stand before you as their rightful successor, and vow to you all that as Princess Regent, and as Queen when the time comes for me to ascend, I will protect you from any that wish you harm. I will ensure that none stand against me, as they would be standing against you as well. I trust that you will support me, as I will strive to support you”

The people remained silent for some time, just staring at her in awe as she stood before them, wielding Blackfyre as Alicent’s blood still dripped from the ancestral sword of her house. What she had done today felt like kinslaying, as Alicent had been one of the reasons Rhaenyra's heart beat for so long, and though she did not regret any of it, she feared what the people would think. But then she heard it.

“All hail Queen Rhaenyra”, someone from the crowd started screaming, soon joined by all as the smallfolk and nobles got together to call for her.

As Rhaenyra stood there, she felt something pull at her heart, tears welling up in her eyes as she saw the people join together to show their support of her. For so long she’d feared that they never would, and that she would have to fight for their love until her last day. But as she heard them now, chanting her name like a prayer, she knew she’d done it.

Syrax appeared in the skies, as all dragons soon joined her as they flew over the city, roaring loudly as they seemed to wish to join the people in herralding Rhaenyra.

“All hail Rhaenyra, the Dragon Queen”

Chapter Text

The first few moons after the trials had been terribly difficult for Rhaenyra, both as a Regent and as a mother.

The Council had been most weary of preparing themselves in advance, to be able to intervene swiftly if anyone tried anything in protest against what had taken place on that day. But nothing. The only murmurs that had made their way to King’s Landing, was that some of the Maesters had not taken kindly to one of their own being killed as Mellos had been. But when Rhaenyra herself had gone to Oldtown, wishing to speak to the oldest Archmaester present about all he may have known about anything that had happened to Targaryen women who had lost their lives under the care of Maesters from the Citadel, suddenly everything got quiet.

Sadly Rhaenyra hadn’t found out anything of note about this apparent conspiracy that had originated in Oldtown to rid the Seven Kingdoms of her family. The one thing she had found was an old scroll, where she discovered that Grand Maester Elysar had been most interested in the art of brewing poisons during his years at the Citadel. But she couldn’t do anything about that, since the old man had been dead for decades at this point. And Elysar should thank the Gods for that, as Rhaenyra could only imagine what her husband would’ve done if he’d gotten his hands on the man who had apparently been responsible for the death of his mother.

Rhaenyra couldn’t have trusted just anyone to care for the education of the Maesters at the Citadel, and so she’d asked Lyonel for his opinion on who could best guide the future generation. Her Hand had spoken fondly of one of the Archmaesters who had helped him most during his own time at the Citadel, the Archmaester Sandeman. In truth Rhaenyra had already heard of the man, as Gerardys had asked for his council when attempting to find a cure for Alerion’s arm. And although sadly Alerion still remained unable to use his left arm, Rhaenyra had been able to witness Sandeman's skills and his wisdom. The man had come to King’s Landing a couple of times, and though Rhaenyra had sent her own people to the Citadel, as she would never again allow anything to happen without her knowing about it, the Archmaester had been most kind to her and her family. She wouldn’t leave the Citadel to him just yet, but out of everyone else, she somehow felt like she could trust him most. And she was not about to give them Gerardys, that was for certain.

When it came to who would rule over Oldtown now, the matter was still up in the air. Rhaenyra had assumed that everyone would want a piece, and yet it seemed that the Lords and Ladies of the surrounding lands were almost weary of claiming a right to the former stead of house Hightower. She’d heard whispers of some stating that the place was haunted by something terribly evil, and that that was the reason behind how so many evil people had come out of that house. They were almost treating it as a second Harrenhal. For now the High Septon had come back to Oldtown, after the little Hightowers had been sent off to various houses of the Reach. The man had spoken to Rhaenyra of his wish to destroy the beacon, as he believed that its assotiation with the Hightowers had forever tainted its meaning. And Daemon had already started begging her to be the one to set the place alight, so she’d have to think about that sometime.

“How are you Princess?”, Elinda questioned her as she braided her hair.

“I feel absolutely horrible”, Rhaenyra answered honestly, “Last night was terribly difficult, as the babe felt the need to remind me of their presence by kicking me and keeping me awake”

“Just two more moons Princess”, Elinda said.

“Two more moons until my screams wake up all the poor occupants of this Keep”, Rhaenyra mused.

Elinda giggled at this, and Rhaenyra laughed as well. Her pregnancy had been hard on her, both because of everything that had happened since she’d fallen with child, but also because of the physical ailments she’d suffered through the past few moons. She didn’t know why exactly, but this pregnancy had felt different than all the others, and though Rhaenyra had been working tirelessly to keep herself calm, not wishing to let her fears take control of her heart, she could admit that a lot of her sleepless nights had been caused by fear more than the babe kicking her.

She always felt afraid whenever she was with child, but as her last couple pregnancies had been most peaceful, she had hoped this one would be like that as well. And yet it had not. Daemon had stayed awake with her many nights over, just whispering words of comfort and caressing her hair as she either felt ill or just couldn’t sleep. This babe was much more active than all the others, and though to a certain extent it bothered Rhaenrya, as she was much too busy to just not sleep at all, it soothed her heart to know her babe lived and was growing strong.

“Hi muña”, her little Aelyx said as he walked into her rooms, Visenya by his side as she held onto his hand, “Can I come to see the dragons with you?”

“Of course my love”, Rhaenyra cooed as she took him in her arms, “You can ride with me if you wa-”

“What about me?”, Visenya interrupted her, “Can I ride alongside you muña?”

“Not yet”, Rhaenyra sighed as she readied herself for the meltdown her daughter was sure to have, “You are much too young my heart, I’m sorry. I know you want to be with us, and I know the Cannibal is your bonded, but you’re still too young. The dragonkeepers have also told me that you have been skipping your lessons Visenya, and that will not help you get on dragonback faster”

Visenya huffed, explaining to Rhaenyra that she hadn’t skipped all her lessons, but just the “boring” ones. Her youngest daughter was a feisty little creature, always yearning for nothing more than to join her brothers in the training grounds, hence why she continued to skip her lessons in the Dragonpit, and those with poor Gerardys who had more than once been found looking for her around the Keep.

“I want to be a fighter”, Visenya said, “But I want to wield my sword on dragonback, like Queen Visenya did”

“That’s a lovely idea my heart”, Rhaenyra said, though in truth she hoped that her daughter would never have to actually wield a sword in any true battle, “But in order to fly a dragon, you must learn how to command them first. As Targaryens, we don’t truly control the dragons. Our beautiful creatures are santient beings, and as such they have their own free will. So you must learn how to wield your bond to the Cannibal with the same strength you use when you wield the sword”

As Rhaenyra and her babes made their way to the dragonpit, with Visenya continuing to complain that her mother just didn’t understand that her bond with the Cannibal was so great, that she didn’t need to learn any commands, and therefore didn’t need to attend the lessons, Rhaenyra noticed two maids, who bowed to her before carrying on with their conversation.

“Have you seen Talya?”, one of them questioned.

“No”, the other answered, “Haven’t seen her since the trial actually. I heard her speak of how the Lady Hightower was before that day, and it must not have been easy for Talya to be around someone like that. She spends most of her free time just locked in her rooms now, poor thing”

Rhaenyra frowned at this, making a mental note to ask some of her own maids if they could check in on Talya. Rhaenyra hadn’t spent too much time with the maid before she’d assigned her to Alicent, just needing someone to make sure that that woman didn’t find a way to kill herself before the trial. She’d talked to her just once before the trial, when the poor maid had told her of Alicent’s state during her isolation, and she had looked fairly disturbed, but not enough to warrant her locking herself up in her rooms. Had Alicent done something to this poor woman? Rhaenyra wouldn’t put it past her, that’s for certain. She’ll send someone to look after her later today.

“Muña wait”, Visenya said suddenly as she began dragging her by her hand, “I want to show you what I learned with uncle Criston yesterday. He let me wield his morningstar, and it was so gr-”

“She stole it”, Aelyx interrupted his sister, “He was speaking to Alerion and she stole it. Almost took her own head off as she tried to actually use it”

And so, with Visenya trying to jump on her little brother, and Rhaenyra chiding her daughter for acting like weapons were toys, they found their way to the training grounds. Rhaenyra was quickly welcomed by most of her children, with Aemon and Alerion training and Baelor and Helaena just sitting on the balcony with a book and a bug each to keep them company.

“This is not a playground Daeron”, Criston sighed as he grabbed onto the boy, “You can play sailors all you want my boy, but not here. Your brothers are training, and unless you wish to join them and take this seriously, then I need you to just sit there and not run around”

“But I want to play with Alerion”, the little boy whined, “He’s always here”

And indeed little Daeron was right. Alerion had been spending most of his days in the training grounds, often arguing with Daemon when the elder told him that perhaps he should take a break. Rhaenyra and Daemon had worried of this at first, because even though Alerion had taken to the sword with ease when he was younger, he now seemed to care for little else other than training. But as the two had been even more concerned of him shutting down as he had after his attempt or after Driftmark, they were honestly glad to see that such fight still lived within their son. He still spent time with his family, and still attended his lessons with Gerardys and the dragonkeepers, but he always scurried off as soon as he could to go back to training. When he'd first been born, Daemon had told Rhaenyra that he would turn Alerion into his little prodigy, and indeed he had. Her boy was incredibly skilled, even now as he still had a lot of training to do before he could call himself a swordsman, but he was really good, even with one arm.

“Fine”, Alerion sighed, “I guess I’ll take a little break, but just for you Daeron”

Rhaenyra laughed as Alerion began to chase Daeron around, with Criston’s eyes almost bulging out of his skull as the boys ran past all the steel weapons. It had been tough for Alerion and Baelor for the first couple days after the trial, but in truth it seemed like a weight had been lifted off both their chests. Rhaenyra knew that Alicent had to die, and she did not regret anything about that day, but she also understood how complicated it must be for her boys to handle the myriad of emotions she was certain were troubling their young minds. Alicent had fuelled their nightmares for years, so Rhaenyra knew that they were both better off without her, and she knew that they understood this as well. And yet she knew that Alerion in particular, almost felt responsible for what happened. She had spoken to him at great length, desperate to get it in his mind that Alicent had done this to herself, and while Alerion had told her that he was aware of that, she knew that he still had a lot to work through. But hopefully, now that the monster that had been tormenting him for years was gone, it would be easier for him to start healing.

“Falcons and dragons shall meet again”, Helaena mumbled at one point, “Joy instead of blood will flow as my love shall not turn into pain”

Baelor just nodded, very clearly not paying attention to his sister as he mindlessly scratched at the eyepatch he now wore every day. Rhaenyra had always worried for Helaena, as the little girl spoke her riddles which revealed that such darkness seemed to haunt her mind, but lately things had changed. Rhaenyra hadn’t picked up on it when Helaena had first started talking about falcons, but a couple days ago she’d received a letter from her cousin Jeyne Arryn, letting her know that she had chosen one of her nephews, Joffrey, to succeed her when the time came, as she had no intention of marrying. Jeyne had simply wanted to ensure that Rhaenyra would not allow anyone to try and get in Joffrey’s way when he ascended as Lord of the Vale, but once the Princess had finally connected the dots between Helaena’s mentions of falcons and the little boy, she had immediately written back to Jeyne and told her that herself and Helaena would visit as soon as Rhaenyra gave birth.

“Hello my love”, Daemon said as he walked to her, kissing her temple before taking Visenya in his arms, effectively stopping her as she attempted to spook poor Aelyx, who was currently beginning to doze off, “Shall we go?”

“Are you all ready?”, Rhaenyra questioned loudly as she addressed her children.

Immediately they all hurried to her, starting to speak to one another as they went to their rooms and readied themselves to take to the skies. Gerardys had warned Rhaenyra against moving around too much, because of the discomfort she’d experienced through this pregnancy, and yet she’d never stopped riding her dragon. She didn’t know why, but getting on her Syrax never caused half as much trouble as getting out of bed sometimes did, and in truth her golden girl loved flying leisurely and at a fairly slow pace, so it was no issue for Rhaenyra to continue riding on dragonback.

“Can I come with you?”, Rhaegar asked meekly as his hand came to grab hers.

“Of course my love”, Rhaenyra answered with a smile on her face as she asked a dragonkeeper for help to bring her boy on Syrax.

“Visenya Targaryen!”, Daemon bellowed at one point, and Rhaenyra didn’t even have to turn to know that her daughter was trying to sneak away and get on the Cannibal.

The previously wild dragon did not stay in the Dragonpit, as she was much too big for it like Vhagar, so the two creatures spent most of their time together, just flying around and inspiring both awe and fear in the hearts of the smallfolk, before they found a place to sleep. Rhaenyra still remembers how petrified she’d been when Cannibal had first approached Visenya, as Rhaenyra and Daemon both understood that the dragon had chosen their daughter as her rider, and had brought her to the shore so the two might meet. Visenya had cooed at the Cannibal, staring at her with wide happy eyes as the dragon loomed over her. Rhaenyra knew that a dragon would never hurt their rider, but my how she’d almost felt faint at the sight of such a huge creature sniffing the little babe in her arms.

“Can uncle Criston come?”, Aelyx asked as he settled in front of Aemon on Stormcloud, his little Qēlos on his lap as Rhaenyra was fairly certain her boy thought of his dragon as a small babe. He’d even convinced Helaena to make a little cape for the hatchling as he feared he might get cold when they take to the skies.

“No thank you”, the knight said quickly, “I’ve done it once, and that was more than enough for me”

Daemon laughed at this, his head falling back as he clang to Visenya while poking fun at Criston for how he’d behaved when the two had gone to Oldtown. Apparently the knight had shown great bravery at first, adrenaline pumping through his veins as he hadn’t even faltered when Daemon told him to get on Caraxes. But once the two had actually begun flying?

“He puked”, Daemon chuckled, “Can you believe that tala? Uncle Criston looked down for a single second, and then just puked everywhere”

“I’m not a dragonrider Daemon”, Criston argued, “I was not brought to the skies as a babe like you guys were, and normal people don’t get anywhere near- You know what? Have fun everyone, I’m going to take a bath”

Soon enough, the whole family had taken to the skies, as the smallfolk could do naught but stare at a show of such power. The people had almost become accostumed to seeing the dragons at this point, as Rhaenyra loved nothing more than flying around with her children. It had become a little more difficult these past few moons, as herself and Daemon had been terribly busy with the Small Council, and her Aemon as well since he’d started actively participating in the meetings. Aemon had been coming to the meetings with Rhaenyra since he was a young child, but these past few moons, he'd become terribly invested in actually learning how to hold his own around the Lords. And thankfully, everyone present had taken kindly to Aemon's initiative, and just like Rhaenyra herself once had, her boy had turned to Lord Lyman and Lord Lyonel, with the latter being most excited at the prospect of helping one he thought of as a grandson.

Everything was well, and as she watched on as her babes took to the skies, all laughing together as basked in such shared joy, Rhaenyra couldn't help but thank the Gods for everything she had. It had been difficult to get to this point, and in truth there had been a time where she hadn't thought it possible to ever get her family back, both when her father had taken it from her, and when Alicent had tried to do the same years later. But her family had prevailed.

And the house of the dragon flew united as one, as it was always meant to.

Chapter Text

"This might just be the ugliest thing I've ever seen", Daemon grunted in frustration as he brushed out the braid he'd just made.

"You're still learning valzȳrys", Rhaenyra chuckled softly, "Learning how to do one's hair takes time"

"But I want to do this for you", he whined, "And since Visenya has become annoyed at being the one to suffer my attempts, it falls to you my love"

Rhaenyra laughed, caressing her belly as she breathed through a small pain. She was over nine moons along at this point, and was fairly certain that her labours had begun, but she did not wish to interrupt this moment she was sharing with Daemon. She was terrified, and was desperate to seek comfort in her husband right now, but she knew that it would all end the second she alerted him of what was happening.

"How do you do this with such ease?", Daemon breathed out as he stared at her hair like it was his greatest nemesis, "It's not supposed to be this difficult"

The two remained seated on their bed, just chatting by as Rhaenyra's pains were getting closer and closer to one another. She had done this four times before, and knew that soon enough, she would not be able to hide her condition from Daemon, who in turn was enthralled by the duty he'd placed upon himself to do Rhaenyra's hair. It was not going well, and though Rhaenyra's pains were quickly turning from some vague discomfort to actual pain, she couldn't help but giggle whenever he sighed frustrated as he damned whomever had decided that the traditional hairstyle for those of Old Valyria had to be so complicated. But then it all came to an end.

“Fuck”, Rhaenyra said alarmed as she felt something gushing out of her.

“Is that pis-”, Daemon begun to ask as he eyed her wearily.

“The babe is coming”, Rhaenyra stated firmly as she grasped onto his hand.

Daemon immediately got out of bed, before moving to the door and telling Criston to call for Elinda. Rhaenyra laid on her bed, breathing heavily as she clung to the sheets. Her first labour had lasted an entire night, but her last two babes had made their appearances a mere hour after her pains started, so she knew she didn't have long left until she had to push.

“It’s alright”, Daemon said frantically as he brushed her hair away from her face, “It’s all good my love, you’ve done this before and you can do it again. Alright? You can do this Rhaenyra, I trust in your strength now more than ever. You’re doing so wel- Ouch!”

“Shut up Daemon!”, Rhaenyra bellowed as a pain took hold of her, grabbind Daemon’s hand harshly as she breathed through it, “I love you but shut up please”

Daemon nodded, looking around for something to do as he attempted to figure out a way to help. He had been in the rooms as Rheanyra brought forth Aemon, and just the thought of having to witness all that took place when a woman laid in the birthing bed almost made him sick. He wanted to be here, to be near his wife as she birthed another babe, but by the Gods just the memories of the sight of a human being coming out of her made him feel faint.

“Princess”, Elinda said as she hurried towards her, “The day has come Princess. We’re ready for it as we were last time, alright? Prince Daemon, you can go with your children if you want”

“No”, Rhaenyra denied as she shook her head, “Please Daemon stay here. This pregnancy has been harder and different than all the other ones. Something is wrong Daemon, please stay here. I need you to stay”

Daemon froze for a moment, hand hurting as Rhaenyra grabbed onto it like her life depended on it. His wife had complained for moons of the pains she was experiencing in her condition, and though Daemon knew that pregnancy was difficult on women, she’d never been this way before. Especially after her first, Rhaenyra had come to almost enjoy being with child, as she cherished the knowledge that a new babe was to join their family. But this time she had been afraid.

“There’s something wrong”, she’d told him many times as she cradled her belly.

With everything that had happened during Rhaeyra’s pregnancy, Maester Gerardys had told Daemon to keep an eye on her for any sign of true discomfort, as they warned them both that too much stress was not good for the babe. But the stress had been unavoidable.

Between Alerion’s attempt, Laena’s death, everything that happened at High tide and the trials that had followed, Daemon had not been able to protect Rhaenyra from the cruelty of their world. He’d tried, always by her side whenever she felt sick, and always rubbing her back or gently caressing her belly whenever she complained of any pains. But Rhaenyra’s fears had not left her.

“What if he did it?”, she’d asked him once as they laid on their bed, soon after the trial as they held each other during the night, “What if he got to me and I just don’t know? What if Mellos took our babe Daemon?”

The fears were irrational, as Daemon could often see the babe moving within Rhaenyra, and yet he could tell that this paranoia haunted her every waking moment. Daemon had never allowed for such a thought to truly sit in his mind, as he didn’t know what he’d do if he and Rhaenyra lost their babe, or worse, if he lost Rhaenyra. The mere thought of living life without her belonged in the deepest and darkest of the Seven Hells, and though Daemon knew that his children relied on him, and that Criston would be by his side no matter what, he did not think he could do it without her. He did not want to do it without her. He’d throw himself on Dark Sister before having to take a single breath without Rhaenyra by his side.

“It’s all good”, he said absentmindedly as he caressed her hair, trying to kick the ugly thoughts away from his mind as Elinda observed the terrifyingly quick progression Rhaenyra was making, "It's all good my love, just breathe"

Minutes went by, or perhaps it had been hours, Daemon didn’t know. He just sat there, holding his wife’s head on his chest as she cried. He could not even begin to imagine how much she was hurting right now, but his heart broke as he realised that it was fear that brought tears in her eyes, not pain.

“You stay with them”, she said firmly once Elinda told her she had to push, “Whatever happens you stay with them, did you hear me Daemon? Our children need you, and you will not leave them behind to follow me. And if I die and this babe lives, you will not abandon them either”

Daemon shook his head, not even wanting to think of having to raise the babe who’d killed his wife. He knew the thought was an horrible and perhaps even irrational one, as it would not be the babe’s fault if Rhaenyra lost her life, and yet he knew he would not be able to do it.

He was a young boy when his mother died, barely 3 namedays old as he watched death take her away from him. And yet he still remembers how much he’d hated the little babe she’d brought forth, and whose life had cost her her own. Hence why when Rhaenyra had proposed to name their first son Aegon, Daemon had denied her. His father had scolded him so at the time, mind clouded by grief and yet still so mindful of not allowing Daemon’s pain to cost him a relationship with his little brother. But Daemon had not been able to help himself. He remembers how he’d prayed for the Gods to change their mind, and take Aegon away to give him his muña back. But then Aegon had died, and Alyssa had not come back to him.

“Criston”, Rhaenyra screamed as she writhed in pain on her bed.

The knight rushed into the rooms, as he’d been waiting outside and eagerly listening in to try and gauge the situation that laid within. He immediately went up to Rhaenyra, kneeling beside her bed and taking his hand in his own. He cringed as he saw the grave amount of blood between her legs, closing his eyes and kissing her hand as he held it tight.

“It’s all good”, he said meekly.

“If I die”, Rhaenyra begun with a shaky voice, “Don’t let him out of your sight. I don’t care if you have to chain him to this very bed, do not let him leave you behind”

Criston nodded, desperately trying to hold back the tears that welled up in his yes. He always feared whenever the Princess neared the birthing bed, but this time had been different. Rhaenrya had been absolutely miserable this past moon in particular, almost bedridden as most movements caused her great pain. She’d attend the Small Council mettings dutifully, but Criston saw how she almost had to drag herself back to her rooms afterwards. Hence why her chambers had become a sort of meeting spot for all her children, who had now taken to leaving their toys behind so they might just sit there and play with her as she laid on her bed.

“Gods!”, Rhaenyra screamed once more, with Criston’s entire body flinching as she almost crushed his hand, “I can’t do this”

“Yes you can”, Elinda tried to encourage her, wearily eyeying the Princess as she saw a small speck of white hair coming towards her, “I see them Princess, your babe is right there. Just one more push and they’ll be here. One more push and you’ll hold your precious little babe in your arms”

The screams Rhaenyra let out were deafening, and Criston continued to kneel beside her as his eyes found Daemon. The Prince was standing there, in the corner of the room, eyes haunted as he just stared at his wife. He often did this, when he was afraid, just lost himself to his own mind as he tried to pretend that nothing was happening. He’d done the same when everything had happened with Alerion, and at High Tide as well. But Rhaenyra needed him now.

“Daemon come here”, Criston called for him, “Daemon please come here”

Criston pushed himself up, walking to Daemon and grabbing his arm as he almost dragged the man to his wife. Daemon fell to the ground, his knees hitting the floor just in time to grab the screaming babe as Rhaenyra’s body fell back onto the bed.

“Oh Gods”, Daemon whispered as he held his babe tight in his arms, eyes locked on whatever laid between Rhaenyra’s legs, “Oh Gods Rhaenyra”

So much blood. Too much blood was just oozing out of the Princess, as she grew more and more pale. She just laid on the bed, eyes hazy as she stared at the ceiling. Elinda suddenly brought her hands over Rheanyra’s stomach, almost pushing down as Criston had to resist the urge to feel sick as even more blood came out. Elinda seemed to be feeling around for something, a look of determination turning into one of worry as she looked at the Princess.

“Move”, the Lady said as she pretty much pushed Daemon out of her way, so she might get a better look as she lifted up Rhaenyra’s shift once more.

“What’s wrong?”, Criston questioned as he helped Daemon stand up, keeping a hand on his back as he saw how the other man’s legs shook beneith him, “Elinda what the fuck is happening?”

“There’s another one”, Elinda muttered hurriedly as she looked at the Princess.

Criston shook his head in disbelief, his eyes falling to Rhaenyra as she looked barely conscious on her bed. She couldn’t do this. How the fuck was she supposed to do this? This first babe had seemingly taken all her strength, how was she meant to push out another one when she could barely keep her eyes open?

“Rhaenyra”, Daemon said wearily as he handed Criston the small babe and got closer to his wife, his hand gently caressing her face as he tried to get her to look at him, “My love you need to do this. Please Rhaenyra. I know it seems impossible, but you must try. You have so much to do still, and so many rely on you my love. Think of the children Rhaenyra please. Think of me my heart. How could you ever dream of any of us being able to do this without you?”

“I’m tired Daemon”, Rhaenrya whispered as she shook her head.

Criston shivered, the feeling of Rhaenyra’s grasp on his hand losening up making him panic. Daemon continued to encourage Rhaenyra, begging her to do this for them all.

“They need you Princess”, Criston said as he looked at her, tears in his eyes that mirrored her own as she stared back at him, “We all need you Rhaenyra please”

Rhaenyra shook her head, muttering something about feeling sleepy as utter dread ruled the hearts of all present. But then something changed, a fire lit up in the Princess' eyes, and suddenly Criston was once again facing the fearsome Dragon Queen as she readied for battle.

“Fuck”, is all Rhaenyra whispered as she moved up on the bed, Daemon and Criston both jumping in to help her as Daemon settled behind her, holding her close against his chest as his face disappeared amongst her hair.

Criston could faintly hear Daemon muttering something over Rhaenyra’s screams, he didn’t know what it was, as Daemon was speaking High Valyrian, and although Daemon had tried to teach him, the knight was still not very good at the language. But even though he didn’t understand his words, he did catch their meaning. Daemon was praying.

The knight had never known the Prince to be a man of faith, counting on himself and those he loved more than on any God, as Criston himself did. But in this moment, there was nothing anyone could do. Daemon couldn’t help Rhaenyra, nobody could. She had to fight for herself, and no matter how hard she tried, the Gods might take her away from them. After all she’d suffered, and after all her family had gone through, the Gods could still take her away.

“I see them”, Elinda said at one point, hands covered in blood as she gave Criston an almost manic smile while nodding to him, “I see them”

And just like that, a shrill scream thundered through the chambers, as a new little babe finally came into this world, ready to join their mess of a family as Criston could no longer contain the tears he’d been holding in this whole time.

“Thank you”, Daemon said over and over as he placed little kisses all over Rhaenyra’s face, “Thank you my love”

“I’m never doing that again”, is all Rhaenyra had to say as a faint smile appeared on her face once she looked at Elinda holding the little babe.

The Lady walked up to the bed, a big smile on her face as she handed Daemon the babe, before quickly going back between Rhaenyra’s legs as she covered her in layers and layers of towels. The man begun to cry, forehead falling against the babe’s as he thanked Rhaenyra over and over again.

“You did so well”, Criston told Rhaenyra as he dared place a small kiss on her temple, “Look Princess, we’ve got two new little loves now. Aren’t they the most precious little babes you’ve ever seen? This one looks like our Helaena I think”

“Mh”, Rhaenyra mused as she nodded, head apparently heavy as it fell back against the bed.

“Rhaenyra”, Criston called for her, alarmed as he saw the last bit of strength leaving her.

Rhaenyra tried to keep her eyes open, wishing for nothing more than to bask in seeing her babes for the first time, but she was too tired. The strength that the Gods had granted her to bear her children leaving her body as she fought to stay awake for just a second longer.

But everything went dark.

Chapter Text

“But I’m Aemon”, the boy said, “She can’t be Aemma if I’m Aemon, it’s too similar. And don’t say Alyssa, poor Aelyx is right there sister”

“Well then you have to find another name”, Visenya huffed annoyed, “I’ve always wanted a little sister, so it’s up to me to decide her name. And I think Aemma is the perfect name for this little cutie”

“How about Baela?”, Baelor questioned with a little smirk on his face.

Rhaenyra laughed at her children, laying on her bed as they all surrounded her, sitting with her as they tried to figure out what names would best suit her twins. Her little babes had already been born for two days, and they still did not have names. In all fairness to her, she had been unconscious for the better part of their first day on earth, and she’d fault Daemon for not thinking of names for them, if she didn’t know that he’d been worried sick for her as Gerardys worked to wake her up.

“I always thought the name Daenys was really pretty”, Daeron chimed in.

“Indeed”, Daemon said, “I like that one too my boy, what do you think my heart?”

Rhaenyra nodded, she had always been oh so fascinated by her family’s history, and without the original Daenys, none of what her ancestors did would ever have been possible. That brave woman had saved her entire family for the Doom, and Rhaenyra’s heart felt warm as she thought of honouring her this way. She felt a little sting as she thought of the hardships Daenys must’ve faced, as she could not imagine that knowing such tragedy would take place allowed one to live in peace. But her family already had a little dreamer, so she could only hope that her newest little girl would not be burdened in such a way.

She had worried terribly for Helaena once she had understood the true nature of her confused words. She feared what the future had in store for a little girl with such a kind heart, who the Gods had seen fit to torment with such horrible visions. But as she looked to her now, sitting beside her as she forced Alerion to hold onto one of her crawly little friends, smiling at the creature as she nodded to it like it was speaking to her, she knew she’d be fine. Helaena was a special girl, but she was surrounded by people who cared for her, and who would not take advantage of her innocence. So all was good.

“I like Laenys for a boy”, Rhaegar said, “For aunt Laena”

“Daenys and Laenys would be too similar my love, and we already have a Laenys”, Rhaenrya reminded him, “Your uncle Laenor has a son called Laenys, born just a couple moons after poor Laena passed. My I can not imagine the pain he must’ve felt in that moment. Welcoming a child so soon after you’d lost someone so close to you”

Rhaenyra had kept in close contact with the Velaryons, Laenor in particular. Her cousin had not looked well when he'd first taken his leave from King's Landing, and although Rhaenyra knew that what he'd done was most honourable, as he'd avenged his sister, it was plain for all to see that Laenor's heart had been broken even more by the trials. In some ways Rhaenyra understood, as she herself knew what it meant to hope that this one act will take away your pain and that of those you love most. But it couldn't. Laenor had avenged Laena, but that hadn't soothed his pain, because in the end no matter what he did, Laena would never come back.

Rhaenyra had been terribly worried for Laenor after he'd left, and if she'd been well at the time she would've followed him herself, but instead she'd been glad to see Rhaenys flying right by his side as the two went back to Driftmark. Rhaenyra knew that the entire Velaryon family, including Mya and Harwin, had decided to spend some time there after the trials. All desperately needed comfort, and they knew they would only find it with each other, so they'd banded together and reunited all in one place, just for a little while. They'd thought of going back to Harrenhal, but in truth Rhaenyra knew that Harwin had been struggling to cope with living in the same house Laena had died in. His uncle, Ser Simon Strong, had been more than ready and willing to come to his aid, offering to stay in his stead and just watch over things until Harwin felt ready to come back. Lyonel had visited Driftmark as well, just wanting to be with Harwin and his granddaughters as the Strong men leaned on each other to come to terms with what Larys had done. It had been difficult, and Rhaenyra could still see great pain in Lyonel's eyes, but with time he was coming back to the gentle man she'd come to know when she'd asked for his help all those years ago.

"Jon?", Baelor questioned startled, "You want to name a Targaryen babe Jon?"

"What's wrong with it?", Visenya complained, "My horse's name is Jon, and he's the prettiest horse in the Seven Kingdoms. Kepa said so"

Suddenly, woken up by his sister's screams, her little boy started to cry, and Rhaenyra immediately took him into her arms and held him tightly, trying to comfort him as best she could. Maester Gerardys had taken great care of her, even though Rhaenyra had tried to resist his intervention at first. She trusted the man, but she was terribly weary of Maesters, especially after she had been given reason to believe that there had been a plot on their part to get rit of the women in her family. The pain in her body was still great, and Gerardys had told her to stay put, and to avoid any and all movements. But she couldn’t just leave her babe to cry on his own. Especially not when his little pout made her heart flutter.

Coming back to earth had been strange, as in truth she did not remember much of the day she’d given birth to the twins. She remembers being in bed with Daemon, and then suddenly she woke up and she was told that not only had her husband beaten the wretched man in the black cells to death with his own bare hands, but that she had twins screaming for her in the next room. What a weird morning that had been.

“What about Vaegon?”, Lord Lyonel proposed as he tried to get Rhaegar to stop eating all the candies from the little box he’d brought as a gift for Rhaenyra, “I met the man in my youth, when I was studying in Oldtown. And I must say that I was most impressed by him. He was an incredibly astute man, and his wisdom was greatly inspiring. He was not the best with people, but his brains made up for it”

“Are you a little Vaegon?”, Rhaenyra questioned her boy as he laid in her arms, and as the babe stopped crying to give her what she interpreted as a little smile, she knew they’d found the right name for him.

Rhaenyra basked in the company of her children, holding her little ones close as she honestly felt a little saddened at the prospect of never having a babe to coo over again. Gerardys had been very clear, no more babies. He had tried to explain how something had torn within Rhaenyra as she struggled to birth the twins, and that she had only survived because Elinda had immediately intervened in stopping the bleeding as quickly as possible. Knowing that she had come so close to death had been a daunting feeling for Rhaenyra, because although she was acutely aware of the often cruel reality of the birthing bed, she'd never experienced it for herself. She loved her children more than life itself, and herself and Daemon had often joked about attempting to outnumber King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne. She had always yearned to have a large family, and had been a little upset at the idea of never welcoming another babe in this world, but since the choice had been between having more babes and never seeing the ones she already had ever again, it had not been a difficult one for her to make.

“We have more than enough my love”, Daemon had told her, “I love each and every one of our children more than the very air that I breathe, but you’re worth more than any other ever could be”

Her heart had failed at this, and she had cried in Daemon’s arms as she thought of her mother. Daemon had told her many times throughout the years, that no matter what, he would choose her over any babe. And though Rhaenyra knew that this was basic decency, as she would’ve found it most horrible for her husband to pick a babe over his wife, she knew that not all felt as he did, and Aemma Arryn had paid the price for it.

She'd always counted herself lucky to have Daemon by her side, but as the two went through life together, she knew she had been blessed to have him. When she was younger she yearned for him because he was something forbidden, something she wanted desperately and yet could not have, and so for a young and admittedly spoiled Princess, it had been too enticing of a challenge to just forget about. But then her father had remarried, and Rhaenyra had understood that if she wanted to survive, she needed someone by her side who would discourage any to bear arms against her. Daemon had been a loyal protector to her for years, and she had always loved him with her whole heart. But as the years went by, and their relationship matured, she somehow loved him even more.

“I need to speak with you Princess”, Lord Lyonel said once Daemon and the children had left her rooms.

Rhaenyra let out a deep breath, sitting up on her bed as she readied herself for what she knew was about to be a terribly uncomfortable and yet much needed conversation. The topic at hand was one that the Council had spoken about many times, especially in the past few moons, and yet Rhaenyra had yet to become accustomed to it. She had complicated feelings on the subject of these conversations, and truthfully, was not certain on how to best handle it.

"Your father is dying", Lyonel stated plainly as he sat next to her.

“I know that”, Rhaenyra sighed as she rubbed at her temples, “My father has been dying for years Lord Hand. ‘Tis but a waiting game now”

“Maester Gerardys is certain that it is a question of sennights Princess”, Lyonel continued, “I have taken the liberty of speaking to the Council, and Prince Daemon was with me as I did. I apologise for not alerting you, but as you lay here in this condition, I thought it best to just say the words without having to worry you so. I wanted to ensure that everyone was on the same page about what shall happen when our King dies. I know that the other men of the Council are as loyal to you as I am, that was never up for debate, but I simply wanted to make sure that the correct preparations had been made. The Council stands with you Princess, and all is ready for the day when we will finally get to see you ascend”

Rhaenyra breathed heavily, an odd weight on her chest as she thought of what would come next. She had been readying herself to ascend as Queen for most of her life, and she knew she could do it, and yet the fear lingered. She had been acting as Regent for moons now, though in truth she had been guiding the Council even as her father still ruled, and all the men trusted and listened to her, and yet the fear lingered. She had taken care of all who dared to oppose her, and knew that her people stood by her, and yet the fear lingered.

“You are ready Princess”, Lyonel reassured her as he saw the worry in her eyes, “You are a strong woman, and I am very proud to have been by your side to see you grow from a Princess to a true Queen. You have done well by your people even without a crown, and I do not doub that you will continue to honor your promise to care for them once you sit the throne. We have people all over the Seven Kingdoms, and apart from Lady Samantha’s anger at her children being taken away, and the Blackwoods and Brackens going at each other as they always are, all is well. The Realm has been thriving Princess, and ‘tis all thanks to you. Our people’s lives are better, and ‘tis all thanks to you. You have been their Queen for years by now, and have proven more than once that you’re worthy of such a title. All will be well”

Rhaenyra sighed, cradling little Daenys close to her heart as she yearned for a comfort only her children could bring her. She had known this moment would come for years, and yet now that reality was knocking on her door, she was afraid. She feared for herself and for her children, weary of the dangers that may lurk in the shadows.

She had tried to keep them all safe for their whole lives, and the trials had proved that she had failed. Yes, the people who had harmed her children, and had wished to take everything she holds dear away from them were gone. But she’d been too late. Alerion and Baelor will forever be scarred by what happened to them, and it is Rhaenyra’s greatest shame that she had remined none the wiser of what Alicent had been doing to them for so long. She should’ve accompanied them to the Maester’s chambers, or should’ve sent Criston to be with them at all times. She should’ve done something to prevent Fell's and Rickard's betrayals. She should’ve killed Otto the second he stepped foot outside the Keep, or even before that. But she had not. And her children had suffered for it.

The trials had helped her somewhat, as she now knew that she could do all she must in order to protect her family. She had been worried for some time as the day neared, fearing that her hand would waver as she wielded it against Alicent. For so long she had held such affection for the woman, and had clung to the version of her she knew so many years ago. ‘Tis why she’d never seen the ugly truth that laid within her. She’d kept her kids away because she’d thought Alicent was not stable enough to look after them, but she’d never thought she’d harm them as she had. That single mistake had cost her children their youth, their innocence, and their dreams.

But she wouldn’t do that again.

She would not trust anyone like that again. She had been naive, and her children had paid the price in her stead. But it would never happen again. She would be Queen soon enough, and she had given everyone proof of what she was capable of when it came to defending those she loved.

In her youth, she had yearned to be loved by her people. Once a woman grown, she had understood that they needed to fear her somewhat if she wanted them to respect her. And as she looked to the crowd on that day, and saw the looks of the nobles as she walked through the Keep on the days that followed, she knew she had it all.

She was loved and admired, but she was also feared as only a dragon could be.

Good.

Chapter Text

“Lord Corlys, Princess Rhaenys”, Rhaenyra welcomed her aunt and uncle as she sat in the Small Council chambers, “I’m very happy to have you here on this day”

“We thank you Princess”, Rhaenys answered as she sat down next to her husband.

Rhaenyra had become closer to the Velaryons ever since Driftmark, since Lord Corlys had been almost desperate to get Rhaenyra to understand that whilst his guards may have failed in their duties, he had no involvement in everything that happened that night. Rhaenyra did not doubt that for a second, but she'd taken advantage of the various letters he sent her to ask about the family, and how they were all coping with what had taken place during the trials. Thankfully it seemed that the time they all spent together on Driftmark had done them well, as Harwin was now back at Harrenhal with his girls, and had started working on some plans to build a statue for Laena in the Godswood of his home.

“I was actually hoping that Laenor might be here as well”, Rhaenyra said, “You two are more than worthy as alternates to my dear cousin, and I’m most thankful and honored to have you here, but the business I called you here to discuss does require his presence”

“I know”, Corlys stated with a knowing smile, “Little Laenys has proven to be a great challenge for his parents, and sadly Mya did not recover quickly from the birth. To make matters worse her father, Lord Boremund, is ill Princess, as you know. Laenor and Mya both travelled to Storm’s End to be with him, and my son was planning on flying here today, but apparently Lord Boremund’s condition is most dire”

“I’m sad to hear that”, Rhaenyra said honestly, “Lord Boremund was always very kind to me, and he was also our kin through his mother, the late Queen Alyssa Velaron. My what a mighty woman she was, such inspiration. Either way, I’m sorry about Lord Boremund, and I’ll make sure to send a letter over to Storm’s End to ensure that the family knows that we are with them during such a difficult time. I’d fly to them myself, but I have yet to fully recover from my latest birth, as it has been barely two sennights since I brought forth my babes, and don’t think it wise to take to the skies right now”

“How are the little ones?”, Rhaenys asked smiling.

After a small conversation about how her most peaceful little Daenys had revealed herself to be the greatest screamer in Westeros, keeping the entire Keep awake all night every night just so they could hear her sing, and Rhaenyra almost begging Corys to just talk to Daeron about the boats as her boy had not spoken about anything else in moons, she got to the point.

“I wish to propose a betrothal of sorts”, she said, “I do not care for it to happen now, or any time soon in truth. But I would like for my Aemon and your Aelinor to have the opportunity to meet some time. I believe the match is wise, and relish in the idea of our families being one again. But I will say this, I will not force any of my children to marry people they don’t love. If Aemon and Aelinor meet, and they take kindly to each other, then I would be happiest to see to them being wed once they’re old enough. But if the two don’t like one another, or even if they just don’t wish to become husband and wife, then it will not happen”

As she said this, Rhaenyra stared straight at Corlys. She knew of the man’s ambitious nature, and did not doubt that he would force his granddaughter into a marriage just to get a little more power. He had done the same with Laena, and her beloved cousin had been most lucky that in the end, herself and Harwin had found love in their union. But she would not let Corlys toy with Aelinor. She had not been able to help Laena, but this time she had true power, as Regent and soon to be Queen.

She did not doubt that her Aemon would be kind to Aelinor, and that he would never dare harm her even if the two didn’t love each other. But she would not force him, or any of her kids, to marry out of anything but love and respect for the partner they chose. She thought the match made sense politically, that was true, and she thought it would be a good idea for the children to spend some time together to see if perhaps it could happen, also true. But she would not tie them to one another if things didn’t happen by themselves.

“’Tis the most just proposition”, Rhaenys agreed, “My dear Laena actually spoke of this to us many years ago, as apparently the two of you had talked about it, and Laenor has agreed. He has given us a letter for you Princess, and in it he speaks of perhaps coming over and bringing Aelinor to the Keep in time for the feast to celebrate your nameday”

Ah yes, Rhaenyra had almost forgotten about that. She would be turning 30 namedays old in but a sennight, my how time flies. She was certain her Daemon had not forgotten though, as her husband so loved a party. But in truth she was weary of holding such celebrations during this time. Her father could die any day at this point, and though Rhaenyra herself didn’t know how much she cared for that man anymore, she knew it wouldn’t be most appropriate for her to sing and dance as his body grew cold in his rooms. After speaking with Corlys and Rhaenys for some time, Rhaenyra bid her goodbyes, but not before inviting the two to supper with her family.

“What are you doing my love?”, Rhaenyra questioned as she found Baelor sitting on his bed, upside down and with a book in hand as he scribbled something down.

“I’m trying to find all of Maegor’s tunnels”, the boy said smiling, “Kepa has been helping me. He told me that he searched for them as well when he was small, so the two of us have started exploring them together. Rhaegar came with us the first time, but he doesn’t like the dark, so that didn’t end well. I’ve been keeping records of the ones we find, and I’m trying to look at old plans for the Keep to figure out where the rest might be”

“My smart boy”, Rhaenrya praised him as she kissed his head.

She just observed him for some time, happy to finally see that with time, he was turning back into the boy she once knew, and perhaps even finding a new joy that he had not been able to feel before. He’d always been a very good student, and Maester Gerardys had told Rhaenyra that he might be the most devout learner of histories he’d ever met. And that reminded her of someone else.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”, she questioned as she sat next to him.

“I don’t know”, Baelor mumbled, “I never thought about it really, never had the chance to. But right now I just want to be here, with you”

Rhaenyra smiled, holding her boy close as her heart ached at hearing he’d never dared to think about the future, as his mind had been filled with horrific images of the tragedy that lay in wait for him. But that would never happen. She’d thought about what her children would do as they grew, the four who didn’t hold any titles, but she wanted to hear from them.

She knew it would be difficult for them to marry in great houses, as the nobles did not often care to bond with those who couldn’t offer a title in return. But her children, Princes or not, were Targaryens. They were of royal blood, and they were good boys, so Rhaenyra couldn’t think of a single Lady who wouldn’t count herself lucky to have someone like her sons by their side. But marriage was not the only thing one could yearn for in life, and there were many other options for her children if that was not what they wished for.

“Maybe I’ll be a Maester”, Baelor whispered as he eyed her wearily.

“Is that something you would like?”, she questioned as she squeezed his hand, wishing him to know that she supported him.

“I think so”, he replied, “But I don’t want to leave now. I’d like to spend the rest of my life surrounded by books, learning all there is to know about our world and our history. But for now, I want to stay home. I want to be with you muña, and kepa, and uncle Criston, and all my siblings”

“Of course my love”, Rhaenyra reassured him, “You are still very young Baelor, and you are more than welcome to stay with us for as long as you want. My, you’re welcome to stay with us forever if that’s what your heart desires. I sure know that it would please me most to have you by my side for the rest of my days. But no matter what you want to do, I support you. I wish you to find all the joy this world has to offer, and if that joy awaits you in the Citadel, then I’m certain the Maesters would count themselves most blessed to have you amongst them”

“I want to be like you muña”, Helaena chimed in as she walked into her brother’s rooms, “I want to find someone who loves me like kepa loves you. And I want to have little babes I can play with, and who I can adore and cherish as you do us. But not as many as you have. That is far too many”

Rhaenyra laughed at this, because indeed her Helaena was right. She had very many children, too many perhaps as far as some people were concerned. But she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Three has turned into two”, Helaena mumbled with a smile as she sat with Rhaenyra, “I like two. Two little falcons will be good and kind. Two is good muña, and two is happy. Three were not happy. Three died alone, as did I and as did you. But two will live, and so will I and so will you”

“Two is very good tala”, Rhaenyra said as her heart broke into tiny little pieces.

Hearing Helaena speak of her visions was always difficult, especially since they revealed such darkness and sorrow. She always talked about death and despair, of loneliness and of rats. But there was a time where her words felt like a condemnation, as she wondered around the Keep with sad eyes, looking out the window of her rooms as one would a burial site. But that was no longer. Her words still troubled Rhaenyra, as she wished for nothing more than to stop whatever force was causing her daughter to suffer this way by forcing these visions in her head. But now she spoke of something that never would be, and had started talking about other things that would take place in their stead. Good things.

“Princess”, a maid bowed to her with a worried look in her eyes, as they met in the hallway.

“Hello”, Rhaenyra said wearily as she did not understand what she’d done to make the woman look at her with such fear, “You’re Talya, right? The maid who looked after the Lady Alicent before the trial. I heard of how Alicent was during that time, and I’m sorry you had to witness that. I don’t mean you to think I’m sending you away when I say this, but if you want to be with your family for some time, I underst-”

“I have something to tell you”, the woman muttered hurriedly, “But I can not say it here. I can come to your rooms later, if that is appropriate. It’s probably not actually, I’m sorry Princess. I jus-”

“Yes”, Rhaenyra said, “It’s alright. You can come to my chambers later, it will be just myself and my children, so you will be able to speak freely. If I dare ask however, does this have anything to do with any men at court? Because who he is does not matter to me, if anyone has harmed you in any way, you can tell me, and I will punish them and protect you. Or did the Lady Al-”

“No”, the maid said as she shook her head, “Later”

Rhaenyra had asked Elinda to visit Talya some time ago, after she'd heard a couple maids speak of how the woman had apparently almost locked herself in her rooms. Her Lady had done as Rhaenyra had asked of her, but had not reported back anything of note. Elinda had indeed confirmed that Talya seemed to be disturbed by something, and that she'd looked worse for wear when she had first approached her. From what Rhaenyra knew, Elinda had tried to speak with the maid, ensuring her that whatever had happened, she could speak to Rhaenyra about it, and that if she needed help, Rhaenyra would try her hardest to see an end to whatever was troubling her. But Talya had dismissed Elinda, stating that it wasn't the right time, whatever that means. The maids Rhaenyra had placed around Talya had also failed to report anything particular, but as it seemed that the woman had become a little more calm in the past couple sennights, so hopefully she now felt ready to speak on whatever had happened that had troubled her so.

“Aelyx come back here”, Rhaenyra heard Criston screaming as she made her way back to her chambers. And suddenly, a naked little boy ran past her as he laughed his head off.

“It’s fine”, Criston huffed as he approached her, “I got him. It’s all good Princess, I got this”

“You sure?”, Daemon question as he chuckled, leaning against the doorframe as he looked at the knight, always so put together, and yet losing it all against a boy of 4 namedays.

“Fuck you Daemon”, Criston grunted before turning back and running to get her little boy.

“Love you too”, Daemon yelled after him as he laughed.

Rhaenyra entered her chambers, heart immediately soothed as she heard the little cooes of her babes as she neared them. Daenys and Vaegon were both laying in their cots, giggling as they saw her. She couldn’t lift them both at the same time, so she just brought a chair closer, and sat there as she just observed them both.

“They’re perfect my love”, Daemon whispered as he pressed his forehead against hers before joining their lips, “You’re perfect”

“I know”, Rhaenyra sighed before giggling as Daemon chuckled next to her.

“I mean it”, he said seriously, “They’re perfect, as all our children are. They’re perfect because we raised them together. We can do anything together Rhaenyra, you know that right? No matter what awaits us in these coming sennights, it will be fine, because we’ll do it together. Alright?”

Rhaenyra sighed, closing her eyes as she felt Daemon place a small kiss on her temple. The past meetings of the Small Council had been filled with preparations for her coronation ceremony, which was odd, because the King still breathed.

Rhaenyra had visited him a couple times, though he's been unconscious for most of it. From what Gerardys had explained, Viserys had become ill on his own, and Alicent’s actions had simply made him worse than he should’ve been at this point. The Maester had told her that without Alicent, Viserys couldv’e lived for another decade, and yet he was dying, and Rhaenyra didn’t know how to feel about it.

Viserys had been a good father to her, when she was a babe. He’d coddled her and spoiled her rotten. But that was about it. People heralded him as the greatest father in Westeros when she was younger, but the truth was, that he’d never truly supported her. Yes he’d stood by her as she fought to keep her title as Heir, and she was thankful for that, but apart from that, he’d left her alone.

He hadn’t cared that she was raising his children, and had certainly never cared enough to even try and becom a part of their lives. He hadn’t cared enough to actually help her learn what it truly meant to be a ruler, and had planned to simply throw her to the Lords of the Council without any true understanding of how to lead them. Though in truth, if Rhaenyra could think of one person who should not council anyone on how to rule, that was her father. She had nothing to learn from him on the subject, apart from what not to do. And yet she was angry at him. He’d named her as his Heir, but she’d been the one to truly make the title mean something, by working tirelessly to earn and keep the loyalty of the people. He hadn’t helped her do any of that, actively making things harder for her by continuing to place children in Alicent and seemingly becoming blind to her faults once more after some time.

He hadn’t even accepted her invitation to come to the trials, and though Rhaenyra understood that it might be difficult for him to face the one he thought was his dearest friend, and his wife, as they both were declared traitors, that had not been the issue for him. She’d gone to him the day before, simply wishing to speak of what would take place, since he was in the end still he King. And that’s when he’d stopped her, raising his shaky hand to silence her before saying the words:

“I don’t want to hear of what you do”, he’d choked out, “They don’t deserve this. You can’t kill everyone you don’t like. They called Daemon the second coming of Maegor, but it shames me to say, that that might be you”

Her brain had stopped working at that point, and she’d questioned her father on how he could ever dare say something like that to her. She’d explained to him everything that those creatures had done to herself and to her children, and everything else that they would’ve had in store for them if Driftmark had gone to plan.

“None of that happened, so just let them be”, he’d said, “You can’t win peace with the sword. The boys still breathe, all is good”

And that is when Rhaenyra realised, that her father would’ve been ready to do anything, just to protect his own peace. It didn’t matter what happened, if Viserys was happy, then nothing else mattered. He hadn’t always been like this, and Rhaenyra did not doubt that his illness was ailing his mind as it was his body, and yet she could no longer bear to be near him after that conversation.

To hear him say that her boys being alive, meant that nothing of note had happened had almost cost her her sanity. She did not understand how he could say something like that, not since she knew that Daemon had spoken to him on that very night, of what those men had done to Alerion and Baelor. She had even told him of all that Alicent had done to them, of how she’d forced them to live in fear because of her own anger. And he had not cared, just repeating that if Rhaenyra did not let this go, then she’d be the one at fault. Acting like she was the one in the wrong for avenging her children.

What she’d had to do on the day of the trials was unsavoury, she knew that. But she’d done it for her children, so she could never regret it.

“What do you think about taking the children flying later today?”, Rhaenyra questioned her husband.

Daemon happily agreed, rambling on about how heartwarming it was going to be for Caraxes, Meleys and Vhagar to finally take to the skies together once more. Rhaenyra happily listened to him, but a thought lingered in her mind. The way that maid had spoken to her had been most unsettling, and though at first she'd assumed that Alicent had harmed her, from the way the woman kept looking around with such worry in her eyes, Rhaenyra now feared that whomever had scarred her so still walked the Halls of the Keep. She needed to find out more, and at this point didn't think it wise for her children to be there when the conversation took place.

“I got him”, Criston announced triumphant as he held up her little Aelyx, trying desperately to catch his breath as the man looked like he’d just fought a battle. And perhaps he had.

“Did you get him dress-”, she begun to ask before actually looking at her son.

“Is that your cloak?”

Chapter Text

“You look so pretty muña”, Visenya said as they made their way to the Great Hall.

“Thank you my love”, Rhaenyra answered with a smile, “You look very beautiful as well”

Visenya giggled in turn, spinning around to show Rhaenyra her dress, one that was a little copy of the one she herself was wearing. Helaena walked with them as well, as she too was wearing a lovely little gown that matched with her mother and sister. Rhaenyra loved her boys so much, but her little girls would always have a special place in her heart, and she yearned to keep them close for as long as she could.

She worried for all her children, but the fear for what may await her girls in the future was a great one. Rhaenyra understood the ways of their world, and knew what people expected from women, no matter how young or unwilling they were. She’d seen it with her own mother, a child of 11 namedays as she was forced to marry her 16 namedays old cousin, who against the council of all Maesters took her when she was much too young, and condemned her to death for his own greed. She’d seen it with Alicent, barely 15 and married off to a 40 namedays old man, no care for her wishes as the men in her life made their decision. She’d seen it with Laena, who Corlys had proposed as a bride for Viserys when the girl was barely 12, with her mother having to promise her that the old man who stood before her wouldn’t touch her until she was 14, and even then Rhaenyra herself was not sure that her father would’ve stayed his hand.

Men could be cruel, and though Rhaenyra would do absolutely everything in her power to ensure that those who her daughters married were good ones, she still feared. Helaena often spoke of her future, and she seemed happy enough as she spoke of the little birds that would keep her company as herself and her children looked at the moon. Rhaenyra had yet to meet little Joffrey Arryn, as in the end it had taken much longer than expected for her to fully recover from birthing her twins, but Helaena seemed certain that their match would be a good one, and she always seemed tranquil as she thought of the future she saw in her dreams, and that was good enough.

Visenya would be more complicated to deal with, as her 7 namedays old little girl had taken after her beloved kepa in more ways that Rhaenyra would like to admit. The amount of times she’d caught her daughter trying to sneak a dagger into her bedchambers was unbelievable. Rhaenyra did not fault Visenya for her interest in the art of swordsmanship, how could she when she had named her after one of the greater fighters of the Targaryen dynasty, but she feared for her. Rhaenyra would ensure that the people let go of their convictions on what women could and couldn’t be as she sat the throne, but she knew that something that ran so deep within the roots of their society, could not just be erased.

She feared that her little girl would struggle to find someone who would understand that her fiery nature did not take away from the beautiful Princess she was growing into. But she’d heard some tales of another small child who seemed to have a passion for fighting, and she’d make sure to keep an ear out for any news on little Benjicot Blackwood as the now 6 namedays old boy grew into a fine young man.

“What are you two doing?”, Rhaenyra questioned as she approached her sons, who were currently hiding behind a column and staring at something with little smiles on their faces.

“He’s so love struck already”, Rhaegar mused as he chuckled, “He looks like he’ll faint if she just looks at him once”

As Rhaenyra finally found what her boys were staring at, she couldn’t help the big smile that made its way to her face. Her Aemon stood there, eyes stuck on the Lady Aelinor as if she had placed the stars in the sky, while just standing next to her as she smiled at him. Her niece was beautiful, there was no denying that, but Aemon truly looked like he wanted her image forever ingraved in his eyes as he refused to look away from her. Aelinor seemed to have noticed this as well, giggling softly as she offered him her hand so they might join the other nobles and dance together.

“He’s gonna hurl”, Alerion laughed as Aemon was dragged onto the dancefloor, with Aelinor having to be the one to place his hands on her hips as the two swayed around.

Rhaenrya smiled widely at the sight, happy to see how the two children begun to speak to one another, and the look in Aemon’s eyes when he managed to make Aelinor laugh, ensured her that if things kept going like this, she would not have any issue when proposing a match between them.

“Hopefully they won’t run off together”, Mya said as Rhaenyra approached her, “Your Aemon has been so very kind to Aelinor these past couple days, and though my daughter has always been shy around others, she already seems quite taken with him”

“I’m really sorry about your father”, Rhaenyra said quietly, “The Lord Boremund was a good man, and I’m terribly sorry for yourself and your family as you suffer such a loss”

“Thank you Princess”, Mya answered with a sad look in her eyes, “My father was indeed a good man, and his presence will forever be missed by us all. My family really appreciated Prince Daemon’s visit as he came to give condolences from himself and your family. It has been a really difficult time, and my brother has not taken kindly to the new responsabilities that come with his new title as Lord of Storm’s End, but do not fret, I shall keep him in line”

Rhaenyra giggled, and the two continued on with their conversation as they observed their children. Aemon and Aelinor truly did make the cutest little pair, and though Rhaenrya knew that they were still terribly young, both barely 13 namedays old, she could already see a bright future ahead of them. Aemon would be King after her, and he needed someone to stand by him and support him, like Daemon had done with her. Aelinor certainly seemed to be much softer than the Rogue Prince, but there was a little fire in her eyes, one Rhaenyra was glad to see she had inherited from both her father and aunt, and her mother as well. They would make a fine King and Queen when the time came.

“Are you having fun my love?”, Daemon questioned as she sat next to her at the royal table, “’Tis my greatest pleasure and honor to watch as all celebrate you on this day. And I could think of noone else who deserve a feat as great as this one”

Daemon had been worried for Rhaenyra for some time now. Her mood had been off for days, and though Criston had joked about it having something to do with her nameday coming up, and people’s fear of time passing by, Daemon knew it was something more. He’d caught her many times this past sennight, just sitting on their bed and staring at nothing. As nights ruled over King’s Landing, and the Keep remained quiet, Rhaenyra was awake. An empty look in her eyes as she just stared at the wall with poorly contained rage surrounding her. He’d tried to make this feast more special than any who had preceeded it, wishing to bring her some comfort and combat whatever was troubling her. But even now, as she smiled at their children, he could tell something was wrong.

“I’m happy husband”, Rhaenyra said with a bit of a forced smile, “How is Criston?”

Her knight had been unhorsed by her husband the day before, as they had both chosen to partake in the tournament that had been planned for her nameday. Criston had asked for her favor, which she had granted gladly, and Daemon had instead sported Visenya’s, with her little girl losing her mind as her kepa named her as Queen of Love and Beauty after he won. Criston had not been gravely injured after his fall, thankfully, and by the looks of him it seemed that his pride suffered more than his shoulder.

“He’s fine”, Daemon chuckled, happy to see her distracted from whatever troubled her mind, “Our poor little knight is recovering in his chambers, but he will be just fine. Gerardys has assured me that it was but a scratch, do not worry about that”

Rhaenrya laughed, thinking back to how Daemon himself had done so after Criston had batted his hand away when the Prince had offered to help him stand after his fall. The strong friendship between the two was undeniable, and though they had definitely both moved past their first meeting, Rhaenyra knew that their competitive nature had not left either of them through the years.

The little dance Daemon had done in celebration of his win was proof enough of this.

The feast was a nice one, and Rhaenyra had almost shed a tear as she looked on at all who had come to the Keep to celebrate her. All nobles were a welcome sight, but the women who had suddenly decided to make an appearence, without warning Rhaenyra first so they might surprise her, had been the most joyous sight. And Rhaenyra had not been able to hold her tears any longer, as she hugged her former Ladies.

“He’s an absolute nightmare”, Leonella said as she watched her son, little Elys Westerling, who was seemingly attempting to steal his great uncle Harrold’s sword as the man wearily tried to get away from the boy, “But I love him. My Gawen is very good to me Princess, and I thank you for ensuring that he was kind before the two of us were wed. I love my life, and I love my son, but by the Gods I can not wait for this one to come out of me”

Rhaenyra giggled, watching as the woman let out a big sigh as she cradled her incredibly big belly. Desmera laughed beside her, her own daughter Florence sitting next to her, the very image of her mother as Rhaenyra couldn’t help but think back on the years of their youth, when these wonderful women had been her greatest friends and most valuable supporters. She could not have done it without them, and she strengthened her hold on Jeyne’s hand as she turned to her.

“And how is this little girl?”, she questioned as she took Jeyne’s babe in her arms, “She’s so beautiful Jeyne, and I’ve heard many tales of your twins as well. It was a great honor for me to be by your side as you birthed them, and it pains me that they are not with us today”

“I know Princess”, Jeyne sighed, “But Foster was so stuck on accompanying them to Winterfell, so they might befriend the new little Lord. Poor thing that Cregan, only 13 namedays old and already such a heavy weight on his shoulders as he readies to truly become a Lord. I can only hope my boys are able to bring him some comfort. Little Thorren is the most gentle soul, but Petyr is the most exhubberant boy I’ve ever met. Always lost in his own thoughts as he yearns for adventures”

“I wonder who he got that from”, Desmera mused as she thought back to how troublesome Jeyne had been when she was small.

“Whatever”, Jeyne mumbled, “I can only hope my little Wylla here takes after my Forrest, who only longs for his books and his children. And me, of course”

Rhaeyra laughed at this, but her heart hurt a little as she looked to Mina. She knew of the other woman’s struggles to fall pregnant, and could only hope that being surrounded by so many children wasn’t causing her much pain. She’d kept in contact with her through letters, and though Mina had assured her that her husband, Lord Robin Penrose, had not been angry with her since they were both still very young, Rhaenyra worried. She knew how terrible things could be for women if they did not bear children, as others saw it as a failure on their part, and she could only hope and pray that such a fate would not befall the sweet woman who sat before her. She feared that Mina would perhaps feel left behind as all others had brought their children with them, and yet as she saw how she smiled and spoke with little Helaena as the young girl asked for her advice with embroidering and proudly showed her her work, she knew Mina would be alright.

“This child will be the death of me”, Tya sighed as she grasped onto her boy, who was desperately trying to wriggle away from her as he yearned to be with his older brothers, “You can not go and be with Kermit and Oscar my sweet, I’m sorry. The boys are playing with the Princess’ children, and you are much too young to join them”

Little Grover did not seem interested in listening to his mother, continuing to try and escape her grasp with the mighty force that only a boy of 2 namedays could have as he thrashed around. Thankfully, right as Tya looked to be reaching her breaking point, her husband showed up. Ser Elmo Tully coming in to save the day as he took his son in his arms, giving his wife a much needed break as she slumped back into her seat.

“I love my children”, she mumbled over and over as her hands rubbed her temples, closing her eyes and repeating those four words as the other women laughed.

They weren’t poking fun, but since Tya had always made sure to be as composed as possible once she’d become a woman grown, seeing her like this was most humorous. Rhaenyra could relate to the feeling of desperation that seemed to have befallen the other woman, as she too had had her fare share of moments where she truly felt just absolutely overwhelmed by her children’s seemingly never ending energy. In her defense, she had ten kids constantly running around her, ages from 14 namedays to just 2 moons. Being a mother was hard work, and she was most thankful to see that just like she herself had support, the other women did as well.

“We had such fun”, Rhaenyra reported back to her knight as she walked into his chambers, “All my Ladies came to visit me today Criston, can you believe it? They all have such busy lives, and yet made sure that they could be here for me. And they brought their little babes with them. Mya and Laenor were here as well, and I can already tell that Aemon and Aelinor are most taken with each other. My friends and my babes, all with me as we shared such a joyous night. I’m most blessed”

“Indeed Princess”, Criston said as he tried to push Daemon away, who in turn was attempting to take up as much space on the knight’s bed as he could, “Ouch Daemon! My arm hurts, thanks to you if I might add”

“Aw”, Daemon cooed mockingly, “Do you want me to kiss it better little Criston?”

“I hate you”, Criston mumbled.

Rhaenyra smiled, taking a deep breath as she observed the two men of her life being so carefree. It had taken a long time for them all to get to this point, where they could simply sit here and be together, without having to worry about monsters lurking in the shadow. And she was most grateful that on this day of all, she had gotten to bask in the company of all those she had loved most in her life.

She left Criston’s rooms after some time, as Daemon had fallen asleep on the chair, after the knight had finally convinced him to get out of his bed. She was planning on going to the nursery, wishing to bid her babes goodnight as the twins had not taken part in the feast, as Rhaenyra believed they were much too young still and probably wouldn't have appreciated all the noise. She had felt a tremendously heavy weight on her chest for an entire sennight at this point, and though she knew that she would have to deal with it one day or another, she was glad to have had at least one night of happiness befo-

“Princess”, Ser Westerling called for her as she walked back to her chambers, a grave look on his face as he spoke.

“It’s the King”

Chapter Text

“I don’t think he has long left”, Gerardys mumbled as he stood outside the rooms of the King, “More a question of minutes than hours Princess, I’m sorry”

“No need to be sorry Maester”, Rhaenyra sighed, breathless as her mind was so terribly clear as she was more than ready to face what awaited her in those chambers, in truth she was almost relieved, "'Tis just nature taking its course"

She hadn’t been here in some time, uncaring for the way her father had taken to speaking with her after the trials. He hadn’t been there to witness it, but as King, he had been told of what had taken place. And he had not taken kindly to the news that his own daughter had beheaded his second wife.

“It’s almost kinslaying”, he’d apparently choked out.

Which Rhaenyra thought was fairly funny, considering that herself and Alicent did not share blood, unlike Viserys and Aemma had. Her father may not have broguht the blame onto her mother’s belly, but he’d given Runcinter the go ahead to do so, and if he hadn’t ignored all Maesters’ advice, or if he’d simply left Aemma alone all together, then she never would’ve been in that bed in the first place. He’d killed his wife for a son, only to ignore Alerion once he was born. He’d killed her and bedded another within a sennight after her death, if the High Septon was to be trusted on what the previous one had known in regards to Alicent and Viserys’ relationship. He’d killed Aemma out of greed, and yet faulted Rhaenyra for taking the life of those who had harmed her children.

She didn’t much care for what he had to say.

“Rhaenyra”, Viserys said meekly as he looked to her.

“Hello father”, Rhaenyra answered coldly as she sat down on the chair next to him, and just observed what had become of her once beloved father.

Viserys looked disgusting, for a lack of better words. Last time Rhaenyra had seen him, he still had his eye where now laid a golden mask, meant to cover up the hole she was certain laid underneith. She almost chuckled at this, thinking back to that night at Driftmark, when at a loss for words after seeing Baelor for the first time, and trying to convince all to somehow stop Rhaenyra from getting to King’s Landing, he’d told Rhaenys that Baelor still had his other eye, so all was well. Rhaenys allegedly slapping him afterwards, was one of the many reasons why Rhaenyra would die on the hill that her aunt would’ve made a wonderful Queen.

She’d tried to convince Rhaenys to become her Hand, especially after the trials, as Lyonel’s grief over what had become of his son had taken hold of his heart. He had remained dutiful through it all, but Rhaenyra had feared that perhaps having to see the one who had sentenced his son to death every day, as he stood by her, would’ve been too much for him. But Lyonel had prevailed, and Rhaenys had denied Rhaenyra’s request, quoting that her time at court had ended many years ago, and that she simply wished to be with her grandchildren.

Rhaenyra knew that Rhaenys had taken Aelinor under her wing, especially at the prospect of the young girl becoming the Queen one day, and she was most glad to know that a little Rhaenys would perhaps one day finally wear a crown. Aelinor would not be a Queen in her own right, but Rhaenyra was certain that her son would count on her council, as he had already spoken of how she was an incredibly bright girl. And how could she be anything else with women like Mya, Laena and Rhaenys by her side?

“I’m sorry my girl”, Viserys whispered, “I thought I was doing the right thing, but the burden is too heavy for you”

“I carry it just fine”, she stated angrily, annoyed at him daring to belittle her, “And I don’t carry it alone. But unlike you, those who aid me have my best interest at heart”

“I just wanted to keep the peace”, Viserys mumbled.

Rhaenyra had to roll her eyes at this, as she had come to understand a very long time ago, that to her father, keeping the peace just meant ignoring everything that happened that wasn’t to his liking. Especially since he’d fallen sick, he’d just reverted back to the whiny child he was before Rhaenyra had woken him out of the spell that Otto had put him under. He struggled due to his illness, nobody could deny that, but it seemed that he saw too much of Daemon in Rhaenyra, and no longer cared to be by her side as he called her “The Cruel”. It had almost hurt her when he’d first said it, but then, the maid who had cared for Alicent had confided something to Rhaenyra. Something that Alicent had apparently mentioned in one of her moments of madness as she waited for the trial.

The poor woman had been too afraid to inform Rhaenyra when she was still with child, knowing that she was struggling and not wishing to make things worse for her. She had apologised profusely for not speaking up, and had begged Rhaenyra to understand that she had made a mistake, and that she had not meant any disrespect. Rhaenyra had been most confused, trying to understand why this maid was crying at her feet and begging her so. But then the girl had said it. And after that, Rhaenyra had not walked into her father’s rooms again, not until now.

“Your version of peace caused my children great harm”, Rhaenyra said calmly as she harshly grabbed Viserys’ hand, “I know what you did father, and I’m certain that your beloved Alicent awaits for you in the Seven Hells, so you might wonder together how you ever thought you could get away with it”

Viserys cried out as she dug her nails into his hands, Rhaenyra cringing as she felt the skin almost mold around her hand as it was so frail. Gerardys had tried to explain to her why this was, speaking of some sort of infection that had spread around his body, only worsened by Alicent’s poison. And it seemed that the infection had started in his hand, which Rhaenyra had found most humorous.

“You let her have them”, Rhaenyra continued as she stared into his eyes, “Alicent complained to you about not seeing the children, and you grew tired of her whining, so you let her have them. Whenever Alerion told me that Alicent would get into the Maester’s chambers through one of Maegor’s tunnels, I wondered how she had found them, and how she could enter them without anyone seeing her. I questioned the maids over and over again, almost losing my mind as they kept pleading ignorance, but I just didn’t understand how Alicent went from her rooms to the Maester’s, and nobody fucking saw her father. But then little Baelor begun his studies, and much to my surprise, the answer to the question that had been haunting me for moons, of how in the fuck I had remained ignorant to Alicent’s movements for so long, was right there. It took one child’s drawing for me to know how deep your betrayal of me truly ran, and I don’t know if you could ever imagine my fucking surprise, when I saw just one single tunnel, from your chamber straight to the Maester’s”

Viserys choked out a breath at this, trying to rip his hand away from Rhaenyra’s as her grip only tightened. There was shame in his eye as he looked at her, perhaps even some regret. But it was too late now.

“That’s why you didn’t want her locked up”, she hissed, “You didn’t want me to speak with her, because you were afraid she’d rat you out. You feared what I would do to you once I found out the truth, and that might just be the one smart thing you’ve thought in over a decade Viserys. But my question is, why would you do it?”

“She was so alone”, Viserys whispered, “I felt for her”

“Why?”, Rhaenyra questioned angrily, “Did you finally realise that you ruined Alicent’s life by marrying her? Did you finally realise that no 15 namedays old child would ever walk into an old man’s rooms without someone pushing her to do so? Did you finally realise that she never loved you?”

Viserys cried at this, a tear streaming down his face as Rhaenyra almost chuckled at the sight.

“You let that woman have my fucking kids”, Rhaenyra grunted, “Did you ever stand there and watch father? Did you listen in from the tunnel as they cried out after she hit them? Did you ever think of telling me that my children were being abused in my own fucking home by your fucking wife?”

“They’re my chil-”, Viserys tried to say, quickly stopping as Rhaenyra got up from her seat, nose to nose with him as fire reigned in her eyes.

“My fucking children Viserys”, she grunted as she grabbed onto his face and ripped his mask off, “You were a good father once, and a good man. Perhaps even too good for the throne, but your soul became rotten years ago. You knew she was spending time with them, and you said nothing. You didn’t think of telling me when it first started happening, or when Alerion tried to kill himself, or even after Driftmark. You’re a coward Viserys, a weak and spineless little man whose idiocy would’ve caused the fall of this house if myself and my family hadn’t intervened. Alicent planned a whole war under your nose, and you said nothing. Did you know she was speaking with Otto?”

“He was her father”, Viserys choked out, "He had a rig-"

“He was a cunt”, Rhaenrya sneered, “And so was she. Headless cunts now, both of them. And it is all thanks to you. If you had not allowed Alicent access to my boys, then they would never have suffered as they did. If you had told me of her intentions, or of her actions, I would’ve set the whore alight before she ever got near them, and my children would be alright now. If you had not let her communicate with her father, then maybe their heads would not have rotted away on spikes for almost a moon after they were severed off”

Viserys shivered, fear in his eyes as he could no longer recognise the girl who sat with him. But that’s because that girl was gone, and it was his actions that had lead to her death. Rhaenyra had been forced to learn how to fend for herself years ago, and she had understood fairly quickly that she could not count on him to help her out. He’d named her his Heir, and had taken titles away from her siblings, that was true. But everything else, she’d earned it all without him.

“Were you on their side?”, she had to ask, “Is that it? This whole time, with you pledging your allegiance to me only to stab me in the back as you helped them toy with the lives of my children. Did you agree with them? Do you also think that I’m not fit to sit the throne?”

“I don’t know anymore”, he croaked.

“Well”, Rhaenyra mused as she sat back, “It doesn’t matter. Nobody cares for the thoughts of a dead man. And you’ve been dead for a long time father. Nobody cares about you. Little Baelor thought you’d died on Driftmark, and didn’t ask about you until a couple days ago, just curious to know when you claimed Balerion as he is working on a paper about the dragons of our family. It has been almost a year since Driftmark Viserys. An entire year without you, and nobody noticed. Nobody cared”

If anyone overheard Rhaenyra now, the moniker of “the Cruel” would most definitely stick, and yet Rhaenyra didn’t care. She had waited a long time to tell her father the truth of how she felt about him, and had patiently waited to look him in the eye and tell him of all the ways he’d failed her. And most importanlty, of how he’d failed her children.

“I just wanted us all to be a family”, he said.

“You killed my family”, Rhaenyra said angrily, “You do realise that right? Or do you still truly believe that what you did to my mother was naught but your duty? Was it duty when you slithered in her bed as she was just 11 namedays old? Was it duty when you continued in your relentless pursuit of a son as she slowly died before your very eyes? Was it duty when you gave Runcinter the go ahead to gut her like a fish? And was it duty when you fucked my one friend on the night of her funeral?”

Viserys did not answer her, just staring at her as his one eye filled with tears. People had always coddled her father way too much for her liking, and she’d done so as well for a time, when she was young, as she wanted to keep him near in order to gain the favor of the King, so he’d do as she asked. But he was no longer the King.

“Was it duty when you allowed Alicent to beat my sons?”, she hissed as she got closer to him, “Was it duty when you allowed her to speak with her father as they planned the murder of my children? They planned to kill me father, did you know that? Wished to poison me as I lay in the birthing bed, as they have been doing to you for years. The people you stood by so faithfully, have been killing slowly, cherishing in your suffering as you aided them so"

Viserys began to whine at this, sounds of pain that stemmed from both body and soul coming out of him as Rhaenyra spat the truth at him without mercy. This man had helped Alicent get to her sons, because he'd wanted her to get off his back, or perhaps even because he'd genuinely thought that she could be a good mother to them. But Rhaenyra didn't care. After Alerion's attempt and what happened at Driftmark, Viserys should've spoken up. Rhaenyra and Daemon had both spoken to him of how they believed Alicent had harmed Alerion, and he never said a thing. All to protect himself.

She wanted him to know everything. Needed him to know that the woman who he'd abided by for so long, probably hoping to get her to go back to the young maiden he'd first taken into his bed, the one who'd had no choice but to act like she loved him when he'd first sullied her, had tried to kill him. Viserys had been ready to sacrifice the wellbeing of Rhaenyra's children, as in truth all knew that Alicent was not in the right mind to care for her kids, and he'd done it all out of sheer stupidity and greed. She wanted him to know that as he was allowing Alicent to harm her children, his wife had been killing him.

"And then they would’ve killed Daemon as well. They evidently lack a true understanding of dragons, and thought that Sunfyre could ever stand a chance against Caraxes. Though in truth, it could’ve worked", she mused as she caressed his face, with him trembling as he could do naught to stop this false act of affection, "Daemon would never have harmed Alerion or Helaena, not even if his own life had been on the line. My husband understands what duty truly is, and he follows it blindly when it comes to protecting his family. Something you, Viserys, have never understood. And you never will. But I do, and there is nothing I wouldn’t do to protect my family. Or to avenge them”

As she looked to him now, she thought of her mother, who she was certain had suffered the pains of the Seven Hells as he took her on this very bed. Over and over he had called for her, uncaring for her wellbeing or for her happiness as he took his pleasure from her. Rhaenyra still remembers how her mother had begged him to wait once, as Rhaenyra herself was laying on her mother's bed, keeping her company after the loss of a babe. It had been barely a sennight since she'd given birth to Prince Jaehaerys, only for him to die mere hours after he was born. Her mother had been in no condition to suffer Viserys in that moment, and even after she'd asked him to wait, trying to tell him that she could barely walk and begging him to wait just a little longer, he'd denied her. And Rhaenyra could only hope that as he laid on this bed, Viserys felt even half of the pain he'd put Aemma through, so he might perhaps begin to understand what a monster he truly was.

Rhaenyra took a deep breath, a satisfied smile on her face as she grabbed onto a pillow that laid underneith her father’s head. She took it away harshly, with him letting out a hitched breath as his head fell back, eye wide and afraid as he realised what was about to happen. He tried to speak again, but Rhaenyra was no longer interested in hearing whatever he had to say. Because he didn't matter anymore. Her father had been dead for a long time now, and the body that laid before her now was naught but a rotten representation of all he'd become.

“This is for mother”, is all she said as she pressed the pillow against her father’s face.

In truth it did not take long for Balerion to take him, as Rhaenyra knew that the God of death had been looming over her father for some time now. She just stood there, holding the pillow against his face as he put up quite the pathetic fight, trying to grab onto her wrists as she continued to stare at him. She knew he was bound to die on this night anyways, and yet she wanted him to see her. She wanted him to know that it was her who stood over him as he died. She wanted him to know, that Aemma Arryn’s daughter was here, and that she remembered.

She looked on, her eyes stuck on his, and she relished as she saw it well up with tears. Tears that would forever remain unshed, as King Viserys First of his Name, took his last breath. And Aemma Arryn’s spirit was finally allowed to rest, as her daughter avenged her.

Rhaenyra gently lifted his head, placing the pillow back under it as she caressed his cheek. She put the mask back on him slowly, a little smile on her face as she took one of his hands in her own and sat back down next to him.

And then she began to wail.

Chapter Text

“Dracarys”, Rhaenyra said loudly, a cold look in her eyes as she stared at the pyre.

Syrax’s flames quickly engulfed the body that laid atop the dry wood, and Rhaenyra felt a weight lift off her shoulders as she watched her father burn. Many years ago now, she had found herself in a similar position, standing on this very hill, forced to set fire to her mother and her little brother, and yet things could not be more different for her than they had been at the time. Her very being had been broken beyond repair, and Rhaenyra had barely managed to spit out the word, but this time there was no pain in her heart, just relief. Aemma Arryn and her little Baelon had been innocent victims of Viserys’, as much as Rhaenyra’s children had been, and they would be free now.

Viserys was gone, and all would be alright.

“You did well my love”, Daemon said as he kissed her temple.

Her husband didn’t know the truth of what had taken place that night, because although Rhaenyra knew that he wouldn’t fault her for what she had done if he'd known the reason, she did not wish for him to know how very little was left of the woman he’d fallen for so long ago. She hadn’t so much as blinked as her father’s dead body laid underneith her, and had not shed a single tear for him. Well, no true tears at least.

She’d put on quite the show that night, crying her head off and sobbing for someone to help her poor father as he lay dead on his bed. Gerardys had been there immediately, comforting her as himself and Ser Westerling almost had to drag her away from his chambers, as she continued to cling to his body and beg someone to bring him back to her. Quickly enough, Rhaenyra had been surrounded by her children, all yearning to be with her and attempt to bring her some comfort. None of them had ever truly known Viserys, not since he’d cared so little to honour his title as their grandsire, with Lyonel Strong filling in for him just fine. But they had seen their muña was hurting, and so they'd all surrounded her as she laid crying in her bed.

She almost felt bed for lying to them all, but it had to be done.

Daemon had shown up after some time, having visited Viserys’ chambers before going back to his family. He hadn’t said anything, simply laying behind Rhaenyra and kissing her head, caressing her face as he whispered that all was well. Rhaenyra had not told him of what the maid had said, weary of him putting on a show of killing Viserys before she could stop him. Her father had to pay, she knew that, but if Daemon had paraded his corpse around King’s Landing, as Rhaenyra was certain he would have if he’d known the truth, that would’ve been kinslaying and kingslaying all in one. And though their house was mighty, and few would ever dare rise against them, Rhaenyra understood that that would’ve been a bit much for people to just look past.

“I think we should wait some time”, Rhaenyra said as she sat as head of the Council, her Aemon was by her side, listening in as she spoke to the Lords, “My father’s death weighs heavy on all our hearts, and I’m certain our people feel the same way. Nobody could fault us for taking some time to mourn before we proceed with my coronation”

“I agree Princess”, Lord Lyonel said, “Everything is ready, as it has been for some time with your father having been in such critical condition before he left us. The Realm is at peace Princess, and we have received no notice of people readying to take advantage of this situation. Transitions of power can often be a time when people take arms in order to attempt to rise, but you did a great job in your years as Heir, and in the year as Regent. All wish to see you ascend Princess”

Playing the role of the sad little girl who had just lost her most beloved father was almost too easy, and yet it stung. She remembered how it had felt when she’d lost a parent she truly loved, and the thought of having to almost mimic that version of herself angered her. When she’d mourned her mother, she’d done so truthfully, because the loss of Aemma Arryn had been worth all the tears Rhaneyra had shed for her. But Viserys did not deserve anything, not even Rhaenyra’s fake tears, but it had to be done.

“You did very well trēsy”, Daemon said proudly as himself and Alerion fought in the training grounds, “You’ve always been my greatest student, but the fire within you is most welcome my son”

“He almost bested you one armed my Prince”, Criston chuckled, “Are you certain that this feat is thanks to Alerion’s skills, and not to just you getting old?”

Rhaenyra laughed as she watched them from above, looking on as Daemon started running after Criston as her boys chuckled at the sight. She looked to Alerion, wishing to see if Criston’s comment about his arm had bothered him somewhat, as she knew how hard it had been for him to adjust to his condition, but her boy was smiling. It had taken some time for Alerion to learn how to live his life without being able to use his left arm, but the fire that had taken over her boy and had brought him to the training grounds, had also spurred him to adapt to this ailment. He'd tried to do some exercises with Archmaester Sandeman when he'd come to King's Landing, as the man wished to determine if there was any way of Alerion getting his arm to function ever again, but sadly the outcome of those experiments had been negative. But, both Sandeman and Gerardys had agreed that it would do him well to work with his right arm, so even though Rhaenyra had been worried of Alerion overexerting himself at first, she'd let him be.

The first few days after the trial had been difficult for Alerion and Baelor, as both were finally being given the time to realise that the woman who had been tormenting them for their whole lives, fueling their nightmares with such horrors, was no longer. It had been a hard feat for both, but thankfully time seemed to have had its desired effect, and now her boys seemed to have found purpose in their lives. Moons had gone by now, and Rhaenyra could see that pure happiness had finally found its way back to their hearts.

Baelor rarely spent any time away from the library, and could often be found following Lord Lyonel around to pester him with questions about anything and everything the older man learned during his time at the Citadel. If he wasn’t there, then he was in his rooms with Criston, as his fondness for the knight had not wavered with time. And if he couldn't be found at all, then that meant he was exploring Maegor's tunnels, often terrifying people as he accidentally burst into their rooms through the walls after having discovered another tunnel. Helaena often kept him company as well, simply sitting with him as Baelor read his books, as she tried to convince him to give up on buildings and histories in favour of learning more about her bugs.

And Alerion had taken to the sword, never away from the training grounds as he became Daemon’s little prodigy, just like his kepa had wished for so long ago. Rhaenyra still rememebered how her husband’s first gift for their eldest, had been a little toy sword, and he’d almost cried the first time Alerion had wielded a steel one. Rhaenyra could only imagine the tears of pride that would escape him when Alerion finally bested him. Daemon was a proud man, that was true, but there was nothing he yearned for in life, more than to see his children find success in whatever they wished for most. So Rhaenyra knew that if Alerion truly wished to become a knight, as he often said nowadays, Daemon would be more than proud to make him one.

“Shut up Rhaegar”, Aemon muttered at one point as the two boys sat next to Rhaenyra.

“You like her”, his little brother taunted mockingly, “You like her so very much”

Rhaenyra giggled as Aemon’s cheeks grew red. She knew that her boy had been spending most of his time with little Aelinor Velaryon, and she also knew that this morn he had asked for the girl to accompany him on a walk around the gardens. And from the little flower she saw him gripping onto like his life depended on it, looking at it like it was the most precious treasure, she was glad to see that it had gone well.

“Can I bring Cannibal to your wedding?”, Visenya asked with a little smile on her face, “I promise she won’t trouble your little Stormcloud brother, or Aelinor’s baby dragon either. What’s the name?”

“Vermax”, Aemon answered, “And no sister, you will not bring your huge dragon to my wedding. And stop trying to use her to bond with Aelinor. Your Cannibal has been known to eat other dragons, if you tell Aelinor that she will look after Vermax while you two play together, she’ll think you’re threatening her dragon to convince her to spend time with you”

“Well maybe I am”, Visenya said with a creepy little smile.

By the Gods she looked so much like Daemon sometimes.

“So you do want to marry her”, Rhaegar taunted his brother.

As her children bickered amongst each other, two maids showed up and brought over Rhaenyra’s littlest loves. The traning grounds almost shook as Daenys decided to let all know that she had arrived, letting out a pitch scream that honestly made Rhaenyra wonder if her child was an actual dragon. Because how else could such a noise come out of that tiny little body?

“Hi muña”, Daeron said as he walked to her, little Aelyx holding onto his hand as he used the other to wave at his older brother, with Alerion smiling as the boy called out for him.

"How are you my-", Rhaenyra tried to ask.

"Will Lord Corlys be at the coronation?", Daeron interrupted her.

"He should be, yes", Rhaenyra sighed as she readied herself for one of Daeron's rants about Driftmark.

Her boy had followed Corlys around for the entirety of his stay at the Keep, desperate to let the man know that he wanted to go back to Driftmark and join him on one of his voyages. Rhaenyra had known that Daeron had been spending more time with Baelor, and in truth she'd hoped that he had found something else to fawn over in his brother's books. Turns out, that Daeron just wanted to know everything he could about the nine Great Voyages, so he could torment the Seasnake with questions when he got to the Keep. And indeed, he had done just that. But thankfully Corlys had been most kind to her boy, ready to answer all his questions with a smile, as in truth it looked like he enjoyed having someone to talk to about his adventurous youth.

Rhaenyra so loved seeing her children discover their passions, and if Daeron's was the sea, then she could only hope that the winds would be on his side. She had been happy to see that Corlys had seemingly taken kindly to Daeron, and he had even told her that whenever Rhaenyra thought it was most appropriate, the boy was more than welcome to visit Driftmark so Corlys might show him the ways of sailors. Everything had gone well, until Daeron had tried to sneak onto Meleys to go back to Driftmark with the Velaryons, though thankfully Daemon had seen this before the boy could actually get near the dragon.

"Wait what?", Visenya questioned suddenly, effectively interrupting Daeron as she turned to Baelor, "But I thought Lord Corlys was the Seasnake"

"He is", Baelor sighed, "But he got the moniker thanks to the boat he sailed through many travels. This is why you should pay attention during our lessons Visenya, the things we learn with Maester Gerardys are actually incredibly fascina-"

"Sure", Visenya said, looking terribly uninterested as she walked away from her brother.

Rhaenyra couldn't help but chuckle at this, though she knew she would once again be forced to speak to her daughter about not allowing her mind to wander around during her lessons. After Rhaenyra had pretty much bought her by saying that unless she learned her commands and understood the history of dragons, she would never be able to ride the Cannibal, Visenya had started attending her lessons. But getting her to pay attention? That was a much more complicated feat to tackle.

Once Helaena finally joined them all, as they made their way back to Rhaenyra’s chambers, Aemon started asking questions about the coronation, wishing to know if there was a chance that Aelinor could stand in the front row, as he wanted her to see him be named as Rhaenyra’s official Heir.

The mention of the celebration stung a little, as Rhaenyra was once again forced to think back on what had taken place that very morning. Viserys had been dead for a couple days now, but under the rouse of allowing Gerardys to do some work on his body, and perhaps figure out what poison Alicent had used, just for the Maester to study it, Rhaenyra had ordered him to be left there.

Left to rot in a random chamber in the Keep, as Rhaenyra slept soundly in his bed.

She knew that she should be horrified by what she’d done, and perhaps should be even more disturbed by the fact that she was not. And yet her heart was at peace. She’d done what she had for her mother and her children, and though kinslaying was the gravest of sins, and she’d taken Lyonel Hightower’s head for it, she could not find fault within herself. She had done it all for her family, and because of that she was at peace.

Many said that the Gods would punish a kinslayer, and yet as she watched her children, playing around her as they happily spoke on the festivities that would take place soon enough, when all nobles and smallfolk alike would gather at the Keep to watch on as she is named as their Queen, she knew everything was alright.

The Gods were on her side.

Chapter Text

“Elyana come back here”, Harwin hissed as he tried to grab his daughter, “By the Gods, why do I feel like it would’ve been easier to bring Moondancer, an actual dragon, rather than this girl?”

“I got her”, Laenor huffed as he grasped onto his niece, “I think she wanted to get to your father”

“Grandsire is busy my love”, Harwin said as he attempted to fix her dress, “Today is a very important day my girl, and your grandsire is to stand right there, as Princess Rheanyra becomes our Queen. We cannot disturb him Ely, do you understand me?”

Elyana didn't listen to her father, instead turning to look at the throne, a little confused by why all seemed to marvel at what to her, looked like just a bunch of swords stuck together. She knew what the throne was, and what it rappresented, but she just didn’t get why so many people thought it was so cool.

“How about you just stay with Rhaena, ay?”, Harwin questioned as he wearily placed her back on the ground, though his hand remained on the nape of her cloak, to avoid her running off again.

The twins stood there together, alongside all the nobles as they waited for the royal family to join them so the ceremony might begin. Helaena was next to them, cooing over all the little details of Rhaena's dress.

“My muña gave it to me”, the little girl said with a sad smile.

“It’s very pretty”, Helaena said, “My muña gave me this”

Harwin almost jumped back as the little girl held out a spider for them all to see, but looking at the excited smile on her face as she looked to him for approval, he couldn’t help but nod to her with a shaky smile on his own. He was also glad to see that his girls smiled to her as well, though their unease was obvious. His father always told him in his letters, of how special the little Helaena was, and it seemed that he was right.

“Here they come”, Daeron said at one point, grabbing onto Harwin’s arm and continuing to beg for the man to hoist him up on his shoulders.

Harwin had tried to explain to the boy, that that would not be the most appropriate thing to do during a formal event such as this one. The coronation of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, First of Her Name, was a moment that would go down in the history books, and Harwin would rather not be mantioned as that random guy from Harrenhal who was raising a child to the sky as the Princess became the Queen.

“But I want to see muña”, Daeron huffed annoyed, quickly turning silent as Alerion placed a hand over his mouth. An embarassed smile on his face as the elder turned to Harwin, silently apologising for his brother’s behavior as Daeron continued to struggle against his hold.

Harwin couldn't help but chuckle at this, especially after he noted how as the eldest and youngest fought, Baelor was just standing between them, calm as ever and not at all bothered by what was happening. This was evidently a normal occurance in the Targaryen household, and in his mind, Harwin thought that if the Princess and her husband could handle so many children with all this energy, then keeping the Realm at bay would be no big deal.

“Prince Daemon of house Targaryen, consort to our Princess Rhaenyra”, Criston Cole announced with a proud smile as the royal family begun to enter the Throne Room, “And the Princes and Princesses, Aemon, Rhaegar, Visenya, Aelyx, Daenys and Vaegon, of house Targaryen, children of our future Queen”

Daemon walked before his children, leading them all as they walked down the aisle as the nobles all gawked at the family. There had always been something about the Targaryens, something that just made them almost otherwordly beautiful, and the strength they held as dragonriders was undeniable. But in this moment, the outmost power that could be felt as it took hold of the room, as Princess Rhaenyra’s family walked to the throne, was nothing Harwin had ever seen beforehand.

Prince Daemon looked mighty as ever, walking with his head held high as only a proud husband could on the day of his wife’s coronation. He’d always been fearsome, and Harwin knew that many had always thought that he yearned for the throne. But as he took his place next to it, a smile on his face as he waited for his wife, Daemon looked like he would not want to be anywhere else. Never had a man looked more proud and satisfied than he did in this moment.

Prince Aemon seemed a little nervous, and Harwin thought it probably had something to do with the way everyone had their eyes locked on him, analyzing his every move as he walked to stand by the throne, opposite to Daemon who looked at him with such pride. But then a little smile found his face, and as Harwin followed his gaze, he saw Aelinor waving at him, and he noticed that in her hair, there was a little flower, one that matched the one on Aemon’s doublet. Young love was a precious thing.

He clung to his children a little harder after that, his eyes looking to the sky as he thought of Laena. She would’ve been so happy to stand here with him. She loved her cousin dearly, and would’ve been most proud to see her ascend. But in his heart, as he looked at his girls, he knew she was with them on this day.

“Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Heir to the Iron Throne”, Criston announced.

Rhaenyra looked beautiful, she wore a black gown with red dragons and little silver falcons embroidered all over it, as they flew together against the dark background of her dress. There was a fire in her eyes as she made her way to the throne, and she looked like a true dragon as she walked amongst her people. She looked to the nobles as they bowed to her, and a little smile found her face as she saw her former Ladies, all standing together as they saw a woman they loved, and who had done so much for them, finally become the true Queen they’d always known she could be.

Rhaenyra walked to the throne, nodding to her children as they stood in the front row, all bowing to her with little smiles on their faces. And then she finally reached the top of the stairs, where the High Septon awaited her.

“My people”, the man begun to say, “Today is the most joyous of days. For years on end, our King Viserys, First of His Name, was unmoving in his support of his daughter, Rhaenyra, as his Heir. It is our great fortune and privilege, to be here to witness as his wish is honored. A new day for our city. A new day for our Realm. A new Queen to lead us all”

Rhaenyra turned, and kneeled before the High Septon as the man smiled at her. She saw Daemon and Aemon standing behind him, watching her as if she were a Goddess of Old Valyria, and as the High Septon begun to bless her, Rhaenyra knew that her family had already done that more than any god ever could.

“May the Warrior give her courage”, the High Septon said as he drew the image of the Seven Pointed Star on Rhaenyra’s forehead, “May the Smith lend strength to her sword and shield. May the Father defend her in her need. May the Crone lift her shining lamp and light her way to wisdom”

Rhaenyra sighed, looking at Daemon with a smile as he walked to her. He had a crown in his hands, the Conqueror’s crown. Rhaenyra had thought of wearing the one of King Jaehaerys, as she knew that for many it represented peace and unity, and yet she knew that that would never fit her right.

She’d had to fight to win over the people, with less fire than the Conquerors had wielded, that’s for certain. But she’d shed a fair amount of blood, more than any would ever know. Hence why she did not mind sharing a crown with Maegor either. The man had been a craven, with the way he had used and abused his wives. But there was one thing he’d gotten right, as his own mother had before him. The throne goes to whomever has the strength to take it, one must fight to earn the right to sit upon it and to wield the power it commands, and Rhaenyra had done just that.

“The crown of the Conqueror”, Daemon stated loudly, “Passed down through generations of Kings, shall now find its rightful place on our Queen”

Rhaenyra almost shivered as the crown was placed on her head. For so long she’d dreaded this moment, fearing that perhaps the burden would be too heavy, as it had been for many before her. Aegon had perished on the throne, Aenys had been too weak to wield its power, Maegor had lost himself to madness because of it, Jaehaerys had lost it all as he sat upon it, and Viserys had almost caused it to end up in the hands of those who least deserved it.

But in this moment, as Rhaenyra turned around, finally facing her people. The crown on her head and Blackfyre in her hand, it all felt just right. She’d been born for this.

“Let the Seven bear witness”, the High Septon said behind her, “Rhaenyra Targaryen is the true Heir to the Iron Throne”

The crowd begun to cheer for her, and Rhaenrya basked in the feeling of them all finally accepting her. She looked to Rhaenys, and found the woman wearing a proud smile on her face as the two locked eyes. Perhaps Rhaenys should’ve sat the throne in Viserys’ stead, but Rhaenyra knew she was meant to do so now.

The people moved to the steps of the Great Sept, where all had witnessed Rhaenrya’s true power, and she could think of no better place for them all to see her wield it once more.

“All hail Her Grace, Rhaenyra, First of her Name”, Criston heralded, “Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lady of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm”

As Rhanyra just stood there, the people cheering for the new Queen as she cherished a moment she’d been waiting for for years. The dragons flew from the Dragonpit. One by one they took to the skies, joining the people as they roared in support of their Queen.

“All hail Rhaenyra, the Dragon Queen”, someone from the crowd yelled, and suddenly Rhaenyra had earned herself quite the mighty moniker.

Her father would be Viserys the Weak, as many had taken to calling him after his young daughter had been able to take it all from him with such ease, besting him at his own job by the time she was a girl of 16 namedays. Even though this would be the first day they all got to call her their Queen, everyone knew that Rhaenyra had been ruling for years.

She had done good by them, and they trusted that she could continue to do so. And Rhaenyra would do it, daring any to challenge her as she stood there, a family of dragonriders behind her as the proof of their power flew above them all. She had everything, and she had earned it all. She knew that while this title had been given to her as her birthright, she’d worked hard to ensure she was worthy of the honor of leading her people. She knew she deserved it, and so did they as they cheered for her.

She looked at her children, all standing behind her proudly as they represented the present and the future of their house. House Targaryen was united, now more than ever. Many had tried to stand in their way, and some had almost found success in their pursuit, thanks to one Rhaenyra had once thought she could trust with her life. Great grandsire Jaehaeyrs had always said it, that the one thing that could destroy the mighty house of the dragon, was itself. And yet Rhaenyra had prevailed.

She had won.

Chapter Text

“That’s not good enough”, Aemon huffed desperately as he looked at the rings his mother had placed before him, “I am about to ask the love of my life to marry me muña. The ring can’t be anything but perfect”

Rhaenyra smiled, more than happy to take out even more pieces of her jewlery collection to help her son out in his search for a ring for his beloved Aelinor. They had been going at this for almost an entire hour at this point, and perhaps some may have been annoyed by Aemon’s apparent refusal of anything that Rhaenyra put before him, but her heart was filled with warmth at how thoughtful her son was being.

Aemon and Aelinor had been together since they were children, with the boy finally mustering up the gut to ask her to be his “companion” when the two were 14 namedays old. They were now almost 18, and Aemon had asked his mother to betrothe them, so they might marry soon enough. Rhaenyra had been a bit weary at the start, thinking her son too young, even though she herself was 16 when she married her Daemon. But then she’d seen them together one day, just walking on the beach of Dragonstone, love surrounding them as the two swayed their joined hands back and forth. The peace that laid between them had allowed Rhaenyra to understand that they were ready to be together, and so she'd agreed.

The two had grown into a dutiful pair, both acutely aware of the responsabilities they’d have to take on in the future. Aemon would be King one day, and as she loved him so, Aelinor had known for some time now that she’d be his Queen. She hadn’t started participating in the Small Council meetings yet, but Rhaenyra knew that Rhaenys had been teaching her the ways of ruling since her granddaughter had declared to her that she wanted to marry Aemon, so she knew that her soon to be gooddaughter was more than ready for what awaited her at court.

Rhaenyra had known for some time that the two were meant to be, as they had been inseparable since they’d met for the first time. She had been more than happy to then allow for her son to finally marry the one he loved, and had proposed to speak of this to Laenor, and then to the Council as was custom whenever a member of the royal family married.

“No”, Aemon had denied, “I want to ask Aelinor first. She’s everything to me, and she deserves much more than to receive a random latter from you or Lord Lyonel to know of my intention to marry her. I wish for that moment to be special for her”

Rhaenyra had hugged her boy close after that, kissing his head as she marvelled at his kind heart. She’d always known Aemon was a good boy, but seeing him grow into a great man had been the biggest joy of her life. So now here they were, in Rhaenyra’s chambers as Aemon ravaged through her belongings.

“This one”, he said finally as he grabbed onto a ring, “This one is perfect muña. I’ve never seen a piece so beautiful, and look, the gem is blue, just like the sea Aelinor loves so much. This is the one mother, I know it”

“This”, Rhaenyra sighed as she looked at the piece, “Belonged to your grandmother my boy, the late Queen Aemma Arryn. It was given to her by her older sister, the Lady Amanda Arryn, as a gift to celebrate my birth. There’s two little As there my love, do you see them? That’s for Aemma and Amanda, as my aunt wished for her little sister to have something to remember her by as the two were away from each other. The Lady Amanda had the same ring, and she took it with her to her grave once she passed. She had it written in her last testament, that it should be buried with her, so her sister might be with her at least in death. Mine own mother gave it to me when she birthed her Alyssa, and though sadly my little sister didn’t live very long, I still cherished the gift”

“Oh”, Aemon said gravely as he placed the ring back in its little box with great care, “I’m sorry mother. I would never wish for you to have to give up something so precious. You can keep it, I’m certain I’ll find something else”

Rhaenyra shook her head, a sad smile as she took the ring and gave it back to Aemon, holding his hands tightly as the ring laid within them.

“No my love”, she said, “My mother was the gentlest woman in the Seven Kingdoms, and it is one of the great pains of my life that you two did not get to meet. But I know that she would’ve loved you Aemon, and I’m certain she would be most proud to be with you in some way, as you ask for the hand of the woman you love”

Aemon looked to her, a sad look in his eyes as he nodded, accepting the ring and promising her that he would look after it. Though Rhaenyra had not doubted that for a single second.

The two went their separate ways, with Aemon terribly excited to show his brothers the ring, and Rhaenyra instead following the noise of a very distressed girl turning her rooms upside down.

“I can’t find it”, Helaena mumbled desperately as she searched for something in her wardrobe, “Kepa this is a disaster. We must cancel my trip, I can’t go without it”

“What are you looking for tala?”, Daemon questioned as he walked into her chambers.

“My necklace”, Helaena stated as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, “Joffrey gave it to me the last time we saw each other. It is my most prized possession, and I can’t leave without it. How would it look, if I just showed up to my love’s home without the gift he was kind enough to give me? It belonged to his late mother, and he trusted me with it, but I’ve lost it”

“It’s alright”, Daemon said wearily as Helaena looked like she was about to start crying.

Rhaenyra entered her daughter’s chambers, and herself and Daemon begun to help her search for the missing necklace. Helaena had never liked jewelery, saying that the feeling of the metal against her skin made her brain upset, as some fabrics seemed to do as well. But then little Joffrey Arryn had gifted her a beautiful necklace, one that his own father had given his mother when the two had first gotten married. And ever since Joffrey himself had put it on her, Helaena had never taken it off. Until now apparently.

“This is a travesty”, Helaena huffed as she threw herself onto her bed, “Falcons and dragons together as one, that has been true since the tower grew cold. But will it be, if I lose something so precious?”

Rhaenyra sat next to her, hand brushing over Helaena’s hair as she attempted to comfort her. Her girl did not like the feeling of others’ skin against her own, but she so loved when her muña gently caressed her hair.

“I’m sure it’s here my love”, Rhaenyra said, “It can’t be any-”

And that’s when she heard it, a faint little giggle coming from under Helaena’s bed. A heavy sigh left Rhaenyra, as she looked underneath her and saw those two little menaces, smirking as they waved at her.

“Come out of there, both of you”, she stated firmly, a small smile on her face as her twins popped out from under their sister’s bed, a necklace in Daenys’ hands as she attempted to flee.

Daemon grabbed onto her, sighing as he took the necklace from her, giving it back to Helaena who in turn started rambling on about how she had to go, because Dreamfyre was calling to her as the dragon knew they were late. She blew small air kisses to both her parents and just waved at her siblings, as they had once more tried to toy with her, as they often did with everyone around the Keep.

“You two are getting much too old for this, as am I”, Daemon said as he placed Daenys on the bed, sitting her next to Vaegon as they shared little smiles, “It was funny when you were small, and I thank you once more for dying Criston’s cloak pink, as that may have been one of the best days of my entire life. But you are 5 now, and it is time you understand that sometimes, toying with others is just mean. So I beg you to leave Helaena alone. You know how she cares for Joffrey, and it is most unkind to try and make her upset when she readies to be with him”

“It took me almost a whole moon to make it turn back to white”, Criston complained as he joined them, “How you did that I still don’t know, but it wasn’t funny Daemon. I looked ridiculous, and as Commander of the Queensguard, I can’t afford that”

“I thought you looked very pretty uncle Criston”, Daenys giggled with a sneaky little smile.

The family gathered together for supper, with Visenya immediately complaining about how Helaena was allowed to visit her love, when she herself was not. Little Benjicot had visited King’s Landing only a couple times, with his father Lord Samwell as Rhaeyra was desperate to seek an end to the fighting between his house and Lord Humfrey Bracken’s. Indeed the meetings had not gone well, with Humfrey spitting at Samwell’s feet and poor Lyonel Strong having to place himself between them as the two tried to kill each other. But nontheless, little Visenya had become obsessed with Benjicot. Turns out, that even with all the tales of the boy’s love for fighting, he was actually a terribly kind child, and it seemed that his gentle nature perfectly balanced out Visenya’s fiery one. In truth Rhaenyra was not certain that her girl cared for Benjicot as one should a husband, but the friendship between the two was a great one nonetheless.

“I just think it unfair”, her girl mumbled, “Aemon gets to bring Aelinor to Dragonstone to ask for her hand, Daeron gets to go to Driftmark and see his beloved sea, and Helaena gets to visit the Vale with Ser Erryk to be with Joffrey. I mean, even Aelyx gets to see his Cerelle whenever she comes to visit her father. Why don’t I get to see Benji?”

As Aelyx rose up to defend himself against the accusation of liking Cerelle Lannister, acting like he didn’t follow her around whenever the girl came to the Keep, and continuously begged his mother for a lion to gift to his Lady, Rhaenyra just sighed. She loved her children more than anything, but by the Gods there were so many of them.

“Because they’re older Visenya”, she tried to explain, “Your siblings are grown men and women, according to the ways of our world, and Daeron goes over to Driftmark in order to learn the ways of sailors from Lord Corlys, not for fun. You my love, are barely 12 namedays old. I promise you that Benjicot will come to visit us soon enough, as Lyonel once again wishes to try and bring peace amongst the Blackwoods and the Brackens. I don’t know how if I’m honest, as I’m fairly certain that the two would rather watch the whole world burn before even breathing the same air. But my Hand is a wise man, and I’m young enough to deal with the next generation if this one is not willing to budge”

Rhaenyra understood the importance of getting the two families to finally get along, and she hoped that perhaps a future alliance between herself and Lord Samwell would aid in him bending his will a little. Lord Humfrey was no less stubborn than his nemesis, but he was old, and Rhaenyra was keeping a close eye in his son Amos, and she’d heard some tales of a secret “friendship” he may have begun to entertain with Samwell’s nephew Davos.

Rhaenyra didn't know if Visenya was actually interested in marrying Benjicot, but she knew that her daughter would never let go of the young boy, and she was certain that Lord Samwell would never dare risk losing such an alliance, and Rhaenyra trusted that Amos would be more lenient than his father, and that he would not wish to harm someone she’d heard he held very close to his heart.

“Muña, I need to tell you something”, Rhaegar rushed to her after supper, as she was walking back to her chambers, Daemon and Criston by her side as they took a step back, as Rhaegar evidently wished to speak with her alone.

“Are you alright my love?”, Rhaenyra questioned, “Did Baelor ask you to go with him in the tunnels again? You know you don’t have to Rhaegar. He means well when he tries to make you get over your fear, but you don’t have to push yourself if you’re not re-”

“I’ve met someone”, he blurted out with wide eyes.

“Oh”, Rhaenyra stated smiling, “That’s wonderful Rhaegar. Who is the lucky one who has stolen your heart trēsy?”

“Her name is Aliandra”, he said lowly, eyes on the ground as he looked at his feet.

Rhaenyra had heard that name before, but she couldn’t put her finger on where. She couldn’t think of anyone at court who held such a name, and did not remember any Lady of the Seven Kin-

“How the fuck did you get a Martell?”, Daemon questioned loudly as he had evidently been eavesdropping on their conversation.

“I just wanted to know about the war”, Rhaegar said quickly, “I always heard your stories of what took place in the Stepstones, and I just sent a letter to Prince Qoren to know more about what actually happened. But apparently his daughter got her hands on my missive, and she said she liked my handwriting and that I sounded nice. So she wrote back to me, and we’ve been doing this back and forth for almost two years now. I didn’t mean to hide it from you, I swear, but I was just so nervous about it and didn’t want you to worry”

Rhaenyra was breathless, Daemon standing next to her with his mouth agape as their son just continued to ramble on. Rhaegar had always been the quietest little boy, never straying far from his parents’ arms, and had even managed to claim a shy dragon that matched his own nature when he bonded with Grey Ghost.

Rhaenyra hadn’t even noticed when it first happened, just walking on the beach of Dragonstone when she’d suddenly bumped into her son and the dragon sitting together, looking at each other shyly like a young couple who has been newly betrothed. Between Rhaegar’s and Grey Ghost’s shared ability to just move around in silence, Rhaenyra had more than once feared that the dragon would find his way inside the Keep one day, and that nobody would notice as he just pranced around.

“I love her”, Rhaegar continued, “I really do muña. I’ve never seen her, but I know in my heart that she is the most beautiful woman in the world, and I can not bear to be away from her any longer. We thought of running away at one point, I won’t lie. But we didn’t, and that’s good. Her father knows, well kind of, sort of. He thinks you know, and he thinks we’ve only been speaking for some moons now. He sent a letter over, and it should arrive within a couple days, hence why I needed to speak to you. He wishes to know when I can visit Dorne so he might decide if I’m fit to marry his daughter. Oh yes, I asked her to marry me, sorry I forgot about that part. And she said yes, isn’t that great?”

Rhaenyra just stared at her son, utterly confused by everything that had just happened as she tried to fully understand what he’d just said. So much information in such little time, so it took her a second.

“This is good my son”, Daemon said happily as he cupped Rhaegar’s cheeks, “A match between you two would do much for a possible alliance between us and Dorne. We must tread carefully though. I remember Qoren, he helped us greatly during the war, we even laid together once, but he always said that it did not mean that he liked me, which I thought was quite rude, because I happen to think I’m very likeable. But anyways”

Rhaenyra was still a little stuck, as she suddenly realised how her children had grown. It was just yesterday that Alerion was first born, and now he was but days away from becoming a member of the Queensguard. Aemon would marry Aelinor within the year more likely than not. Helaena would soon be betrothed and leave for the Vale. Rhaegar was apparently about to run off to Dorne. Baelor had already started organising all he needed to go to the Citadel. Daeron was going to sail away the second Corlys thought him old enough. It would take hundreds of armed men to keep Visenya from Raventree Hall, and even then Rhaenyra doubted they would succeed. And Aelyx and Cerelle would probably marry at some point, unless Rhaenyra wanted her son to explode from disappointment

To see them grow had been the greatest joy of her life, and though it pained her to know that they would leave her soon enough, she knew it was a good thing. She’d miss them more than anything, but would do nothing to stop them from finding happiness, no matter where that happiness was. She could only enjoy the time she had left with all her children at home, and hope that she had given them reason to want to come back to her.

She made her way to the twins’ rooms, wishing to bask in the little ones she still had as Daemon took Rhaegar to celebrate. She could only hope he wouldn’t be too dramatic about it, as Daemon was prone to crying these days. He’d had a moment of realisation a couple moons ago, on the day of his 45th nameday. Her beloved husband had decided that he was old, and for some reason that had turned him into an incredibly emotional man. She’d always loved his softer side, but she much preferred him when he was carefree and did not worry so about missing the future that awaited their children. Though she knew, that nothing and nobody would stop her Daemon from finding the fun in everything.

“I still don’t understand why Qoren always said he didn’t like me”, Daemon said, “I assure you my son that he seemed to like me just fine whenever it was just the two of us. Maybe it should’ve been us, Qoren and I, to marry in order to to unite our families”

“I could see it”, Criston chuckled, “Daemon Targaryen the blushing bride, I bet you’d look great in a dress”

And if Rhaenyra’s ears didn’t fail her, that was all quickly followed by the sound of metal clanking as Criston and Daemon chased each other through the corridors, as Rhaegar laughed.

Gods she loved her family.

Chapter Text

“You look great son”, Daemon whispered with tears in his eyes as he looked at Alerion’s reflection, “I wore this very same armour when my grandsire first made me a knight. You look so beautiful trēsy, and I count myself most blessed to be by your side on this day”

Alerion smiled at his kepa, placing his hands atop Daemon’s as they laid on his shoulders. He felt nerves brewing in his belly, but pushed them down as much as he could. He was ready for this.

On this day, his muña, his Queen, would name him as a sworn brother of her Queensguard, and Alerion was ready. He’d been training for years, and had won tournament after tournament, making sure to silence all who questioned him due to his injury. His arm had never truly healed, laying limp by his side as Alerion had to tie it to his chest before every training session, to avoid it flinging around as he fought. He’d spent most of his days with Ser Criston and with Daemon for years, just training for hours on end until his body gave up on him.

He didn’t know when exactly he’d decided that he wanted to become a knight, but he’d started truly working towards it when he was 13 namedays old, much older than most other boys who yearned for such a title. Driftmark had been his breaking point in so many ways, but it had also been on that night, as he stood before his brother and placed his life on the line for that of an innocent, that he’d decided that there was nothing else he could think of that was more honorable.

He’d found success in his pursuit, and his own kepa had named him as a knight on his 16th nameday, and my how Daemon had cried as he moved Dark Sister from shoulder to shoulder. Alerion would’ve feared his kepa losing his grip and perhaps cutting him by accident as tears clouded his vision. But crying or not, his kepa was Daemon Targaryen, and his hand was as steady as ever. So he’d become a knight, and this year, after Ser Harrold Westerling had passed at peace in his bed, there was an opening in the Queensguard. And everyone had turned to Alerion.

He’d spoken to both his parents at length, as they wished to know that he was sure about his decision, and he was. He wanted to become a Queensguard, and defend those who could not defend themselves, so nobody would ever have to suffer as himself and Baelor had that night, or through their years with Alicent. He would fight for his family, for his Queen, and for honor itself. Nothing else could bring him more pride.

“To a Queen one was born, twice over that is”, Helaena mumbled, “The Kingmaker that once was no longer is, but a new one is born as he knows who he is”

Alerion remained silent at her words, his eyes falling to Aemon as the younger boy stood by the door of his chambers. He would serve his mother faithfully, as he’d always yearned to do. And he would do the same for his brother when the time came. Aemon would make a good King, and Alerion could only hope to become a knight worthy of standing by his side.

Helaena took great care of braiding his hair, with little Visenya chiming in every now and then to give her opinion on her sister's work. It had taken some time for Alerion to allow his hair to grow long, because even though he didn't truly understand why, it had taken a long time for him to feel ready for it. When he'd first cut it off, it had been to prevent his mother from tugging at it, and for some reason even with her gone, it had been incredibly difficult for him to stop wearing it so short. But then one day, as he stared at his own reflection with a knife in his hands and readying himself to cut it off, he hadn't wanted to. He didn't know why, but knowing that he could now wear his hair long without having to worry of anyone using it to harm him had been a very important moment for him. And he was most thankful for it, as he could now sit here with his sister as she braided in the way of their house.

His siblings accompanied to the Throne Room, where various nobles waited for him as Rhaenyra sat the throne. His mother looked beautiful, as she always did. Alerion remembers how the crown of the Conciliator had made the King Viserys looked smaller, almost as if the weight of his burden brought him closer and closer to the ground as the years went by. But his mother looked perfect with the Conqueror’s crown, and though Alerion knew this was not true, a part of him thought it must’ve been made for her, as it fit her like a glove.

As he walked toward the throne, he saw Criston standing next to his mother, and the knight could not have looked more proud if he had tried. Daemon stood by him, and any fears Alerion may have had left in his heart, just disappeared. He made his way to the throne with his head held high, as he walked to his parents, the people who had raised him and loved him most in this world, the ones who had made him into the man he now was. All three of them.

Once he neared the throne, his muña smiled at him, rising to meet him as he kneeled before her. From the corner of his eye, he saw his siblings, all standing in the front row as they watched on. He would be giving up much on this day, but knowing that he’d get to stay home, with the people he loved, was worth more than anything else.

“My people”, Rhaenyra begun, “Today we are gathered here, to pay witness as my son, Ser Alerion Targaryen, takes the sacred vows to join the Sworn Brotherhood of the Queensguard”

Alerion felt a shiver make its way down his spine as his mother approached him, and the second Blackfyre touched his shoulder, he felt whole.

“I swear toward the Queen, with all my strength. And give my blood for hers”, he said as he looked into her eyes, “I shall take no wife, hold no land and father no children. I shall guard her secrets, obey her commands, ride at her side and defend her name and honour”

Rhaenyra let out a big breath, keeping the tears at bay as she looked to Daemon, thinking back to something similar that had happened between them so long ago. On that day, Daemon had sworn his life to her, and had vowed to protect her and her family from any that wished them harm. And he’d done that. When Alerion was first born, both she and Daemon made a similar vow to him, and they'd honoured it. And now, their son, their first babe, was doing the same for them.

“In the name of the Warrior, I charge you to be brave”, Rhaenyra stated surely as she wielded Blackfyre, “In the name of the Father, I charge you to be just. In the name of the Mother, I charge you to defend the innocent”

Rhaenyra stepped back, and on shaky legs Criston made his way to Alerion. The man had received a new cloak when he’d first become the Commander of the Queensguard, but he had kept his first. Rhaenyra herself had been the one to place it on his shoulders when he’d been sworn in as a member of the Kingsguard, and Criston had done his best to honor the oath he’d made. He still remembers that moment, as the little Princess who stood before him, grief still clouding her mind after the loss of her mother, had given him the white cloak.

As he kneeled before her, Criston had been making his oath to the King, but only she ruled his mind as he said the words. Rhaenyra had given him purpose, changing his life for the better in more ways that he could ever have known in that moment. But he had already known that he would serve her until his last day, because noone else mattered as she did. But then the children had come into his life.

Criston thought he knew what love was when he’d first allowed his heart to open up to Rhaenyra as he vowed his life to her, but that was nothing compared to what he felt for the children. They may not be his by blood or by name, but they were his in every way that truly counted. He had welcomed them in his heart with an ease he hadn’t thought possible, and they had done the same with him.

He now walked up to Alerion, looking into his eyes as he unravelled the cloak. The boy who kneeled before him was a man grown, but in his eyes, Criston saw the babe he once was. The same one who had suffered the pains of the Seven Hells, and who had come out smiling, ready to face the world with a strength Criston had been lucky enough to witness up close.

He’d been weary when Alerion had first spoken to him of his interest in swordsmanship. The boy had always been very attentive during their training sessions, but the change in his behavior had been most obvious. When he was younger, Alerion fought because he had to as was part of his routine, but then something had changed. He’d begun to fight with purpose, and with a fire in his eyes that reminded Criston of Daemon whenever someone dared to harm those he loved. Alerion yearned to defend those who could not do so for themselves, and since to Criston his cloak represented his love and utter devotion to his family, he could not think of anyone else he’d rather pass it down to.

“Arise Alerion Targaryen”, he said once he’d placed the cloak on his boy’s shoulders, “A sworn brother of the Queensguard”

Alerion stood back up, eyes looking into Criston’s as the other man couldn’t help the proud smile that found his face. They had been family for a long time, bound to protect each other against any and all who wished them harm. But now they were brothers, and Criston had to contain the urge to hug Alerion as he understood that that would’ve been a little unseemly considering that this was technically a formal event.

“How does it feel?”, Vaegon asked as Alerion carried him on his hip.

“It feels right brother”, Alerion answered truhtfully, “On this day, I swore my life to our Queen and her family. Do you know what that means? I swore my life to you valonqar. And nothing else could make me happier, than to know that I will be here to protect you for the rest of my days”

“Do you not want babes?”, Aelyx questioned as he walked with them, “I heard you before, and you said you wouldn’t father children. Would you not like to brother?”

Alerion sighed, head hurting at the gravity of the question little Aelyx had just placed before him. In truth, that had been the one thing that had weighed on his mind at the thought of becoming a member of the Queensguard. He loved his siblings more than anything in this world, but the prospect of becoming a parent in his own right was one that he’d feared terribly when he was younger, as Alicent would always tell him that his children would perish as well in the war. The lives of those non existent children had weighed heavily on Alerion’s heart for years, and the thought of having them with Helaena had not made any of it better. But the war would never be, so even though he knew he could have children who would know naught but happiness in life, there was something else he'd taken into consideration, something he hadn't dared speak to anyone of in fear of them worrying for him.

Though it had been years since that night, Alerion still did not take kindly to a specific kind of touch from others. He could handle the touch of his siblings, and that of his parents and Criton’s, but only to a certain extent. He’d tried once, with a woman he met in the Keep, just a desperate attempt to erase the memories and replace them with new ones. But the second her hand had touched his pants, he’d lost it. Her touch had been most gentle, nothing like the man’s, and yet even though Alerion had tried to just lay there, wishing to fight and win over the memories, it had not taken long for him to start crying. Thankfully the woman had understood, and though he hadn’t gone into detail about his own experience, she had comforted him. Now, he had found a way to deal with his own touch, which in a weird way had made him feel more “nomal”, but he’d realised that he simply didn’t yearn for that of others. He detested that the man still held such power over him, and that he would never know if his lack of interest in carnal pleasure had been born to him, or as a consequence of that night. But either way, the vow of chastity he’d made did not bother him.

“There are a lot of children in this world already my love”, Alerion said, “So many are not as lucky as we are, to have muña, kepa, and Criston to keep us safe. As a knight I can protect them all, and as a member of the Queensguard I can stand with those I love most”

For so long he’d feared having children, terrified of taking after his parents by blood. He’d spoken to Rhaenyra about it once, and she had assured him that his heart was good, and that those people had nothing to do with who he could be. The fear had lingered for some time, but as Alerion spent more time with his siblings, never once had he thought of harming them. Not when Daeron gave his favorite shoes to Tessarion, as he tried to convince the dragon to break free of his chains and fly him to Driftmark. Not when Daenys cut his hair off as he laid asleep in his bed. And not when Baelor had crawled out of his walls and almost made his heart stop beating in the middle of the night because he’d found another tunnel. Never.

With time, he’d realised how terribly easy it was to not hit children, and to not scream at them. When he himself was small, he’d almost marveled at his parents, for containing the urge to harm them as Alicent did. But now that he was a man grown, he knew that nothing of what Alicent had done was normal. She had tried to convince them that it was, and that screaming at children and smacking them around was just another way to show someone love. But that's because she was a monster. Hence why himself and his blood siblings, had had a conversation with the Council not too long ago.

“We want to be Targaryens”, Alerion had stated.

“You are Targaryens”, Daemon had said confused as he sat next to his wife, who in turn had a sad look of understanding on her face.

“We want to be just Targaryens”, Baelor had clarified, “We don’t want anyone else to ever be able to claim we were anything but”

The Council had fallen silent for some time, as Lyonel Strong whispered something in Rhaenyra’s ear. The Lords had tried to send the children outside the rooms, but they had resisted. These were their lives these men spoke of, and they deserved to have a chance to say what they believed.

“It will be done”, Rhaenyra had stated firmly, daring anyone to challenge her as she stood up, “In truth it has already been done. When the children of house Hightower were sent out as wardens, they were given the name Flowers. I did not care for anyone to try and rise up that house once more, did not want for that wretched man to think that his actions would not have true and dire consequences. House Hightower is no more”

“But the historians will know”, Baelor muttered, “We shall forever be her children in their eyes”

“No you will not”, Rhaneyra had hissed, calming down as she saw how Helaena flinched at her tone, “Historians will say that the Lady Alicent Hightower was naught but a traitor, who allowed greed to guide her as she attempted to take down the house of the dragon and kill its children. But she failed. And those who shall come after us will know that I, Rhaenyra Targaryen, claimed you all as my own the second you were born. Because that is what I did. Alicent believed that women were naught but wombs for men to fill, and that is what she will be remembered as. An empty woman who granted the Queen some of her greatest treasures, naught but a womb. She was not a mother to you in life, she will not become one in death. Oldtown is ours, and so is the Citadel. History is written by the winners my loves, and that is us. If I say you’re my children, then that is the end of this matter. The Hightower line ended with Gwayne when he succumbed to his injuries. That is what history will say”

Alerion walked the boys to the Maester’s chambers, grabbing onto Daenys as the girl tried to escape her lessons, before making his way to his own rooms. Gerardys was a good man, and when he found out what had taken place in the original Maester’s chambers, he’d requested to have new ones and often even held his lessons in the Godswood. He knew how Baelor in particular so loved to attend his lessons, and did not wish for him to have to relive any bad memories as he did. The old chambers were now locked shut, emtpy and forgotten as dust covered the walls.

It hurt, walking past them every day. He’d just stand there sometimes, thinking back to all the times he’d yearned for someone to come in, a brave knight from the stories Helaena loved so much, one that would just burst through the doors and save them all.

Nobody had come to save them, but Alerion and his siblings had survived either way.

He’d needed a corageous knight all his life.

So he’d become one himself.

Chapter Text

“Fuck it’s hot here”, Visenya complained as she got off her dragon.

“Visenya Targaryen”, Daemon hissed, “You are a young Princess of the Realm tala, behave like it. At least when others are around. Our family has not been here in Dorne since the Conquerors attempted to burn it to the ground, we must make a good impression. We are the royal family, we must appear mighty”

“Tell him that”, Visenya mumbled as she looked at Rhaegar, who was currently running towards them with tears streaming down his cheeks, a beautiful woman behind him as he screamed for them.

“Muña”, Rhaegar sobbed as he fell into his mother’s arms, “I missed you so much”

Rhaenyra smiled softly at this, running her fingers through his hair as she hugged him close. Her Rhaegar had always been a gentle soul, and though Rhaenyra knew from his letters that the Martells had been most kind to him during his time here, she knew he’d missed his family, just like they had desperately missed him. She’d been weary when Prince Qoren had first spoken of Rhaegar moving to Dorne, as she feared how her boy would adjust to being away from home for the first time. But Aliandra would be the ruling Princess of Dorne after her father passed, and Rhaegar would act as her consort, so it only made sense for him to be the one to move to her.

“Hello Princess”, Rhaenyra said as she smiled at the woman before her, “It is a great honor for myself and my family to be with you on this day. My son spoke of you at length in his letters, but I must admit, your beauty coud never truly be put into words. He’s also told me you have been most kind to him, and for that you have my thanks”

“Thank you my Queen”, Aliandra said with a small smile, quickly falling into a curtsy that showed some hesitance, to which Rhaenyra did not take offence, “Your Rhaegar is a good man, and I love him dearly. He has the kindest soul and has been the greatest companion for me through this past year. You’ve done a good job my Queen, you raised him right. And I’m very thankful for that”

The family made their way inside Sunspear, with Baelor immediately beginning to ramble on about the history of the castle, and all that had taken place within its walls. He started talking about how some of the structures that surrounded it had been burned down at one point, and that is when Alerion was kind enough to place a hand over his mouth. The Targaryens were trying to befriend the dornish, no need to remind them of such happenings.

“Queen Rhaenyra”, Qoren welcomed them all as he walked to them, “King Daemon”

“It’s King Consort actually”, Daemon corrected, “Hello Prince Qoren, my what a pleasure it is to see you again. It’s been much too long, and I’m most grateful that we finally get to meet once more, and under such happy circumstances as well”

“Indeed”, Qoren said, “I was weary when my daughter first told me of her correspondance with your Rhaegar, as I did not know if my people were yet ready to be at peace with yours. But in the end, I spoke with Rhaegar myself through some letters, and he truly is a good man, a great one even. And in truth, from what I know of you my Queen, you might be the first Targaryen ruler I feel is not a threat to my people. Your great grandsire was a good man, but we would never have bent the knee to him. And I have no intention of doing that now either, but I would not mind us speaking about perhaps furthening our alliance now that our houses shall become one”

As the family readied themselves for the wedding, Rhaenyra took the time to look at her children, and she was once again forced to thank the Gods for blessing her so.

Her children had always been her greatest pride and joy, but now, seeing them all as they had grown up and become people in their own right, her heart burst at its seams at getting to admire how good they all were.

Her Alerion was an honorable knight, fearsome and known for his outmost devotion to his family, and for his will to protect all those who could not fend for themselves. He had done a great job in his first couple years as a Queensguard, and if Rhaenyra thought she had cried a lot when she’d first written his name in the White Book, nothing could’ve compared to what it felt like to be able to write of her son’s feats. Thankfully the Realm was at peace, so there was no war for Alerion to prove himself in, but violence is not the only way a man can prove himself mighty, and Alerion knew that.

Aemon and his Aelinor made the most beautiful image now that they were finally husband and wife, as they could show the love they’d always felt for each other without a care in the world. It had not taken long for them to marry after they became betrothed, but that is because all had known it would happen for years, so there wasn’t much planning left to do. The ceremony had been beautiful, and Rhaenys herself had not been able to contain her tears as she watched her little granddaughter marry the man she loved, the one she was certain would make her happiest. They now spent most of their time on Dragonstone, but flew to the Keep often to attend to their duties as Heir and future Queen consort. Rhaenyra had reason to believe that Aelinor might be with child already, which worried her as the two were still so young, but as she noted how attentive and gentle her Aemon always was with his beloved wife, she knew that their babe would be most loved.

Helaena had finally been betrothed to Ser Joffrey Arryn, the heir to the lands of the Vale. His aunt Jeyne had been weary of the match at first, as she did not care to ally herself to the Hightowers, but after a fairly strong worded letter from Rhaenyra about how her Helaena was not and never had been a Hightower, she’d relented. The love and care between them was true, and though Rhaenyra had feared for her Helaena, as her nature was so gentle, Joffrey seemed to know exactly how to handle her with most care.

Her Rhaegar sat there, with Visenya braiding his hair and rolling her eyes as he cried, telling all how good it was to see them again. He spoke of how terribly blessed he was to have found a woman like Aliandra, and how he could only pray that their love remained this way forever. Her son had never been a warrior, his soul much too kind for him to ever care to pick up a sword, and yet he thrived. He’d found a woman he loved, and who loved him back, and Rhaenyra was certain that he would be as good of a consort to Aliandra, as her Daemon had been to her.

Baelor had flown from the Citadel just for the wedding, and Rhaenyra had almost cried when she’d seen him for the first time. He’d only been gone for moons after his last visit to the Keep, and yet to her it felt like it had been a lifetime. Though he was one of the eldest, Baelor had always felt like one of Rhaenyra’s babes, and he still did, even at 18 namedays old. She’d always yearned to keep him by her side, desperate to hold him close and protect him from anything and everything because for the first years of his life he’d been so small, and so terribly hurt. But now, her boy had grown to tower over them all, even Daemon much to his devastation as he’d cried about where his “sweet boy” had gone. He was happy at the Citadel, and he was already finding much satisfaction in his studies. Nothing else mattered.

Daeron had sailed away from the first time just a moon ago, and Rhaenyra did not think she had ever seen her son happier than when he’d received the letter from Corlys telling him that he could finally join himself and Addam on a small trip. Rhaenyra had not taken kindly to finding out about Addam and his brother Alyn, absolutely livid in Rhaeny’s stead, but in truth the boys were not at fault for any of it, so she was glad to know that her son had found a friend. Rhaenys had not been swayed by Corlys’ attempts to claim that the boys were Laenor’s, and from what Rhaenyra knew, she now spent her time between Driftmark and Harrenhal, to be with her son and her grandchildren, actively avoiding Corlys.

Visenya had decided that she would become a knight one day, and Rhaenyra was more than happy to allow her daughter to make that dream a reality. She knew many would not care for it, and yet she dared anyone to tell a ruling Queen what women could and could not do. If she could rule them all, then her daughter could wield the sword. She still planned to be by little Benjicot Blackwood’s side in some way, and since sadly the boy’s father had passed away suddenly some moons ago, she’d gone over to Raventreehall to ensure that all was well, and that Amos Bracken would not try and take advantage of this moment of weakness. Thankfully it seemed that the young Lord Bracken was much less willing to burn down the Blackwoods than his father had been, and he’d agreed to sign a truce. Rhaenyra had dreaded leaving Benjicot alone, and yet as she’d seen Ser Davos, and the Lady Alysanne, she’d felt much less apprehensive, as she knew the boy would be safe in their arms.

Aelyx was the bane of her existence, barely 12 namedays old and himself and the Lady Cerelle had already announced that less they married by the time they were 16, they’d run off together. Jason had almost fainted at his daughter’s words, muttering something about how this was her mother’s brash nature speaking through Cerelle. Rhaenyra had heard much about the Lady Johanna, and the first time she’d met her she’d been so incredibly struck by the woman’s strong will and the outmost fire that ruled her. She had not yet agreed to marry Aelyx and Cerelle, as they were still so terribly young, but the match would be politically sound, and Rhaenyra would so love to have someone like the Lady Johanna as a part of her extended family.

Vaegon and Daenys had tried to set escape to the Dragonpit to visit the North, because they wanted to see the snow that Gerardys had told them about. Thankfully Alerion had seen them, and as one of the few people in the world who knew how to handle dragons, he’d been able to calm the twins’ little hatchlings, Vēzos and Hura. Vaegon had repented, begging for his mother to understand that he just wanted to play in the snow, but Daenys had not budged. She’d said that Gerardys had spoken to them of how Silverwing had refused to fly over the Wall when Queen Alysanne had visited the North, but that she knew that her Hura could do it.

Daenys had also mentioned something of how perhaps herself and Vaegon should escape to Dragonstone as King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne had, hence why Rhaenyra had made sure to assign an extra guard to both her twins. At first she hadn't thought much about it, just assuming it was another ploy for her youngest daughter to make her life as difficult as it could be. But then Helaena had written something most peculiar in one of her letters.

"The two who were born as one were meant to be, and none shall stand in their way as they become three"

In truth Rhaenyra had had a difficult time truly grasping onto the fact that her twins would ever get married or let alone have a child, as they were still so terribly young. But in the end, she knew the family she'd been born into, and she was married to her own uncle, so she couldn't really say anything about it. She didn't take issue with the two wishing to marry one day, but she would rather it not include them running away together and doing it in secret. So after a conversation with both Daenys and Vaegon, where she'd tried to explain to them that if they still wished to marry one another when they'd reached the age of majority, then Rhaenyra herself would make sure that their ceremony would be one worthy of a Princess and a Prince of the Realm.

Rhaenyra sighed heavily as her Rhaegar made his way to the altar, attempting to keep her tears at bay as she was once again reminded of how her children were growing. Daemon was by her side, and though Rhaenyra could admit that he was doing a good job hiding it, she could tell he was about to break. He’d been holding her hand this entire time, and the second Aliandra and Rhaegar sealed their vows with a kiss, she felt his grip on her tighten. He’d bawled his eyes out at Aemon and Aelinor’s wedding, and Rhaenyra could not even begin to imagine how he would be as his Helaena got married, but she understood.

Their babes were growing, and that could be the greaest of pains for parents. They brought some of them into this world, protected and loved them all with their whole heart, and now they could do naught but watch on as they left. But Rhaenyra’s heart was full.

Every single thing she had ever done, she’d done it for her children. They may leave her home, but they would never leave her heart, and that was more than enough.

She was happy.

Chapter Text

“I think I’m going to faint”, Aemon said as he breathed heavily, body swaying as he tried to grasp onto the bedframe.

“Don’t you dare”, Aelinor grunted as she grabbed onto his hand, “Aemon Targaryen, I am trying to bring our child into this world. You placed them into me, and you are going to be awake when I push them out. You will not leave me now Aemon”

Rhaenyra cringed as her gooddaughter let out a horrid scream, holding the girl’s hand as she tried to breathe through the pain.

“You’re doing a good job my love”, Mya whispered as she caressed her daughter’s hair, “Just a couple more pushes and you’re going to have your babe. I assure you my heart, that once they’re born and you have them in your arms, this will all have been worth it”

Aelinor cried, tears streaming down her face as she pushed again and again. Her labours had been going on for hours at this point, with the walls of Dragonstone shaking with both her screams and those of Vermax as the dragon roared at his bonded’s pain. Rhaenyra had been here the whole time, trying to bring some comfort to her gooddaughter as she understood the pain she was in. Her eldest babes were 8 namedays old by now, and yet she still remembers the agonising pains of all her labours, because no matter how many times one faced the birthing bed, in Rhaenrya’s own experience, it never got better.

She had wept tears of joy when Gerardys had confirmed that Aelinor was with child, and yet she had worried when she'd noted how Aemon immediately clung to his wife, a look of despair in her eyes as she sobbed in his arms. A first she had thought that perhaps the woman before her did not feel ready to become a mother, as she was still so young, and had even considered speaking to her about a certain tea she herself had started using when Gerardys had warned her against falling with child again, but then Aelinor had said it.

“I don’t want to leave like aunt Laena did”, she’d choked out as tears ran down her cheeks.

Rhaenyra knew what that fear was like, the outmost terror that ruled some women as they readied to face the birthing bed. She’d felt it herself, especially when she had fallen pregnant with Aemon. Her first pregnancy was not one she remembered fondly, even though her son was one of the greatest joys of her life. Those nine moons had been tainted by despair, as Rhaenyra was terrified of suffering the same fate as her mother. She vaguely remembers the night she brought Aemon into this world, and how she had ran to Alerion’s chambers to hold him in her arms, fearing that it might be the last time she’d get to be with him. Her other pregnancies had been a bit better, as Rhaenyra now knew that she could do it, but the fear lingered each time.

Aelinor and Aemon had spent most of this pregnancy at Driftmark, as the girl yearned to be with her family during this time. Aemon would fly to King’s Landing often, not only to uphold his duties as Rhaenyra’s Heir, but also to seek comfort in the arms of his parents, as he feared for his wife.

“You must trust in her strength”, Daemon had told him once, laying with him in the dark night as Aemon’s fears had started haunting his dreams, “Aelinor is a brave woman trēsy, and since you can not take her pain away, you must trust that she can handle it and fight to come back to you”

And indeed, Aelinor had shown much strenght on this day. The girl had started labouring in the middle of a Small Council meeting, and had simply gotten up, asked the Queen for leave stating that she felt unwell, and then gotten on Vermax to fly to Dragonstone, the place that had become her second home.

Aemon had lost his mind when Alerion told him that his wife had left, telling the knight that she was going to visit her mother. And yet when Alerion got to Storm's End, she hadn't been there, and in her stead, he'd faced the panicked Laenor and Mya as they questioned him on where their heavily pregnant daughter was. Corlys and Rhaenys had joined in as well after some time, as they had come to wait until Aelinor gave birth, and all tried to figure out where Aelinor could be. It had been Laenys in the end, to suggest that since his sister was always weary of worrying others, she may have gone to Dragonstone to be alone.

Hence why four dragons had suddenly showed up on the island, scaring the poor guards who had already almost been struck down by fear by the first one who’d flown to them without warning. And indeed, Aelinor was there, pacing around in her rooms as she cried.

“I didn’t want you to see”, she’d told her mother, “I know how haunted grandmother still is by the memories of what happened to aunt Laena, I didn’t want you to suffer that way”

Aemon had immediately taken his wife into his arms, calling for maids to bring warm water and oils, some he knew his own mother favoured when she faced the birthing bed. He’d never been there as she gave birth, but he knew how frightening it could be for women to face this battle. He couldn’t fight it himself, or feel Aelinor’s pain in her stead, no matter how much he wanted to. But he could be by her side, clinging to her tightly, daring any God to take her from him as he was more than prepared to fight them off with all his might. He’d been brave for a time, until the blood had made its appearance, then suddenly Laenor had found himself holding his goodson up as the boy could barely stand on his own.

Rhaenys had needed a moment to collect herself after what Aelinor had first said, not wishing to lose herself before her granddaughter as she was already in such a frail condition. So she’d taken to the skies, her Meleys’ warm body bringing her some much needed comfort, and she’d gone to King’s Landing, to alert everyone of what was happening. After seeing her family, Aelinor had begged for the rest to join as well, having decided that no matter what happened, she needed them close. And they were not about to leave her alone.

“I’m never letting you touch me again”, Aelinor hissed at her husband.

“That’s fine”, Aemon answered meekly as color begun to drain from his face, and Rhaenrya wondered if her son was seriously about to faint at the sight of his first child being born.

She was thankful that Rhaenys was right next to him, just to catch him fall if he truly collapsed to the ground. Though in truth the woman did not look well either, as she was clinging to him for support just as he was doing with her. Rhaenyra could not even begin to imagine how difficult it must be for Rhaenys, to be in these rooms as her granddaughter fought the same battle she’d lost her Laena to. But Rhaenys was a strong woman, and she would not let anything keep her from Aelinor’s side.

Aelinor begun screaming once more, cursing her poor Lady in waiting, Alannys Greyjoy, who had joined Rhaenyra’s court as the Queen wished to keep her father Dalton at bay as best as she could. Thankfully the Lord of the Iron Islands had not caused issues, yet, and instead Aelinor had gained a beloved friend in Alannys, who had braved the skies just to be by her side in this moment, and was now between her legs as she tried to help her deliver her child.

“Just one more push Princess”, Alannys said at one point, excitement clear in her voice as she had evidently seen something, “Just one more and they’ll be here”

Aelinor yelled out once more, crushing Rhaenyra’s hand as she pushed as hard as she could, with Mya almost flinching as she continued to hold onto her daughter. And then, a pitch scream was heard, followed by Vermithor's mighty roar as the dragon had been circling around Dragonstone for hours by now, clearly ready to meet his new rider.

“Oh Gods”, Aemon whispered as he fell to his knees, “Oh Gods thank you my love”

Rhaenyra could only watch on, as her son almost crawled to his wife and begun placing small kisses on her forehead, thanking her for this blessing and crying as he looked to their new babe. Alannys quickly cut the cord that connected mother to babe, and then immediately placed them in Aelinor’s waiting arms. Rhaenyra knew what this felt like all too well, the feeling of utter bliss that filled one’s heart when they held their babe for the first time. A sensation of completeness that took over your entire being, as you finally know what love truly feels like, thanks to this small babe that has just come into your life and changed your entire world.

“You did so well”, Mya cried as she looked at her daughter, her first babe, now holding her own, “You did so well my love, I’m so proud of you”

Aelinor did not say anything, just staring at her child with a smile on her face, one that could only be worn by someone who had just met the other half of their soul. Rhaenyra had always known that Aelinor would be a good mother, for the girl’s heart was kind and she saw how easy it was for her to bond with Rhaenyra’s own children. But in this moment, as she saw how both Aelinor and Aemon looked at their babe, like there was nobody else in the world but that little bundle of joy, she was certain that they’d both make wonderful parents.

After giving Aelinor the time to breathe, and after Rhaenys and Alannys had helped her clean herself up just a little bit, the doors of the rooms opened up. And approximately 10 and something people just fell into the chambers, as all had evidently been waiting with their ears pressed against the locked doors. Everyone started rambling on, asking question after question about how Aelinor was feeling and with Daenys and Vaegon demanding to know if Aemon had hurled because they needed to settle a bet they’d made. Everyone was talking over each other, apart from Helaena.

The girl walked over to the bed, a serene look on her face as she sat down next to Aelinor. She did not touch the babe, simply looked at the little face, and smiled once more while nodding.

“He is here”, she said as she looked to her husband, “I told you Joffrey, fire and rain came together, and the Storm is here. He was always meant to be with us all, though we almost missed him as river and fire did not find one another this time. But he was always meant to be, a mighty King with a good heart, whose sacrifice once saved the priceless treasure from the sea, but who will never again have to hold such a burden. He was always meant to wear the crown, and the river has turned into a storm, and he is finally here”

“Oh”, Joffrey whispered a little embarrassed as everyone turned to him, “She kept telling me a storm was coming, I thought the Vale was about to be flooded somehow”

As Rhaenyra now allowed herself to simply admire her family, her heart was at peace. For a long time she had feared never finding her way through this world, and yet as she saw her children all huddled together as they admired their first nephew, she knew the rest of her life would be good. No matter what happened, and no matter how long or short it would be, she already had more than she could ever have dreamed of. She was the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, and yet the crown that sat atop her head would never be worth anything without her family by her side. And Rhaenyra sat there, as all celebrated the birth of her first grandbabe.

"He looks just like you my love", Laenor whispered as he placed a soft kiss on his daughter's forehead.

"And thank the Gods for that", Visenya joked, poking at Aemon's shoulder to break him out of the spell he was under, as he had yet to look away from his son. But in turn the elder just held his arms open for his little sister, who immediately hugged him close as she finally let her softer side shine through for just a moment.

Rhaenyra looked around, surrounded by all those she had ever loved, and sighed content. It had been a hard fight, and the enemies they’d faced had been fearsome, but her family had come out of the each battle victorious, and they could now live their lives unchallenged and without worry ruling their hearts. When she’d first held Alerion in her arms, she had vowed to ensure that his life would be a good one, and she’d done the same with all her other children. And she’d honoured her promise. Her children would never know fear ever again, and Rhaenyra knew the same would be for her grandchildren, because they had a mighty family standing behind them, who would protect them all with their lives. Her family was united, and Rhaenyra was at peace, as she allowed herself to simply bask in the joy of of knowing that no matter what, they always would be. The house of the dragon would never fall, and it was all thanks to her and her family.

Suddenly, as all dragonriders basked in the purest happiness, their dragons joined in as well. Vermithor leading the charge, evidently wishing to celebrate the birth of his new rider, and the others soon followed suit, roaring together as they welcomed little Jacaerys into this world.

And the dragons sang as one.