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Chapter Text

1

Daemon was on his way to the dragon pit when a guard came and informed him of Rhaenyra’s request for his presence. He was with her just an hour ago, discussing some of the trade routes Dragonstone could establish with the free cities. Did she forget any crucial information? He walked back with the guard towards the meeting room. On his way there, he saw Rhaenys also walking towards the room. Corlys was back in High Tide because of his injury. Luke and Rhena are both there with him. Rhaenys looked as surprised as he was to be called for an audience with the princess at the same time. Something serious must have happened in the one hour he was away from her. Rhaenys also seemed to reach the same conclusion. They both walked into the room to see Rhaenyra pacing the room with a letter clutched tightly in her hand. Gerardys was also present, looking as disturbed as the princess.

“Wife?” Daemon called. Tension clear in his voice.  Rhaenyra looked at her husband and threw the letter onto the table as her answer. He picked it up and immediately sneered after recognizing Otto’s handwriting. Rhaenys also moved closer to read the letter. It was from Viserys, speaking through his hand. 

To Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, 

My beloved daughter,

From the Hand of the King and under my royal seal, I write to you not only as your father, but as your king.

The years have grown long, and the realm restless in the absence of our house united. I have watched from afar as distance bred silence, and silence turned to shadow between those who bear the name Targaryen. It is a shadow I can no longer abide.

With this letter, I demand that you, Prince Daemon, and your children return to King’s Landing in a week. 

Your son Lucerys Velaryon has now reached his sixteenth nameday. As is our custom and duty, it is time his betrothal is secured. After deep thought, I have chosen to betroth Lucerys to his uncle, Aemond Targaryen, your brother by law and my son by blood. It is a match befitting their station and our house, and one I deem essential for the future of our line.

This is my final decision. No appeal will be heard. The matter is settled.

Let it be understood: this union is not merely political. It is a gesture of reconciliation, of peace, of kinship reforged. The blood of the dragon runs in all of you, and I will see that bond honored, not broken by pride or past grievance.

By my word and will,
Viserys Targaryen
First of His Name
King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men
Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm

Daemon could feel a headache coming his way. What was his brother thinking? Marrying his sweet Luke to that One-eyed cunt? “ This can’t be real.” He spat out.  

“To Aemond, out of all the eligible alphas in this realm? Lucerys has taken that boy’s eye. Nothing but hatred will remain between them.”

“I know Princess Rahenys. I would have accepted this if it were Prince Dareon. But I will not marry my son to that monster of a child. You have seen what happened during Lucery’s presentation ceremony. He demanded my son’s eye, his debt to be paid, in front of the entire hall. This sure is his and his mother’s plot to take their twisted revenge.” 

Rhaenyra shuddered as she thought back to the last time she was in King’s Landing. It was the first time she had been there after her wedding to Daemon. Her father’s anger about their wedding melted at the news of his grandson being the first Omega to be born in the family after the late Queen Alyssa Targaryan. It was considered a blessing, a sign from heaven of the family’s prosperity. She had mended the bond between her and her father, using Luke’s presence for her advantage shamelessly. She knew that Lucerys was Visery’s favourite grandchild because of his resemblance to her late mother, Queen Aemma. She still remembers how her father wept when he held Luke for the first time. And honestly, even though as a mother she shouldn’t have favourites, Luke held a special place in her heart. She was her only child born with dark hair, taken after his true father. He is the only reminder she has of Harwin. Both Jace and Joffrey took after her, though there are glimpses of Harwin in Jace’s character. But Luke…he is really half of Harwin and her. And now…her father had sentenced her sweet child’s… his own favourite grandchild’s life to ruin….

She could feel Daemon’s hand wrapping around her shoulders for comfort. She looked up at her husband. She desperately wants this man to come up with a solution for her trouble. He always does…doesn’t he? 

“Daemon…our Luke…my baby..”

“I won’t let this happen. This is clearly Otto’s manipulation to get his hands on Driftmark through Aemond.”

“But how? The grace clearly mentioned his unwillingness to hear anything about this.” Princess Rhaenys spoke. 

“His unwillingness be damned. Write to Corlys. This is his heir’s future. He has a clear say on this, so do all of us. We will go to Kingslanding and make him listen to us.”  Daemon was getting more furious as each moment passed. He could see determination fill Rhaenyra’s eyes as he spoke. If the Greens thought they could take their child away from them, they would have to face the dragon's wrath. This marriage will not happen. 

“We can propose for Dareon’s hand instead. It will be good to have one of Alicent’s children on our side. And from what I could hear, the boy is nothing like his brothers.” Daemon wanted to be angry at Rhaenys for even suggesting such a ridiculous thing. But he is not stupid; he knows that there is a war coming. The greens won’t pass the throne to Rhaenyra that easily. That is probably why they want Aemond to marry his son. Dareon will be easier to handle than Aemond. Daemon has been watching that boy whenever he can.  He may look like a Targaryen, but his brain is through and through Hightower. It will be a task to control or manipulate him. They might have a better chance with Dareon since he grew up away from the Red Keep. 

Rhaenyra was also thinking along the same path as Daemon. After all, it was she who proposed a betrothal between Helena and Jace. Anyone will be a better choice for Luke than Aemond. She doesn’t know how she will break this news to her son. Lucerys will be very upset. She had promised them that she would never force her children into an alliance they didn’t like. Now… she is doing what her father did to her. 

“Send word to Lord Corlys—we ride for High Tide first, and from there, we will fly together to King’s Landing. Maester Gerardys, prepare the most pressing matters I must see to before my departure. Time is not on our side.”

“Fear not, Princess. I shall dispatch the raven to High Tide at once and see to all that must be managed in your absence. The castle shall remain in capable hands.”

“Should we leave Jacerys and Baela behind? One of us ought to remain here.” Daemon asked.

 “Baela and Joffrey, perhaps—but not Jace. Lucerys will need his brother now more than ever.”

“Okay then. I will make the arrangements for our journey.” Daemon placed a kiss on top of his wife’s forehead and walked out of the room, his hands firmly holding on to his dark sister’s head. It's time to bathe in blood again.

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2.

Rhaenyra will forever remember the face of Lucerys when she broke the news to him. Anger, worry, and more than that, fear…. She never wants to see any of those expressions on his face ever again. She gathered him in her arms, quickly wiping the tears falling down his face and planting a kiss on his forehead. 

“We will not let this marriage happen, Luke. Do not worry about it.” 

“How? This is the King’s order? What if he doesn’t listen? What will I do then? I will not marry Aemond mother…never…”

“Luke..” Daemon stepped in as he could see the panic taking root again. Lucerys almost collapsed when they first broke the news to him. “You have my word on this, even if I have to kill that boy, I will do it to stop the wedding. No one can force you. Not even the King.” 

Rhaenyra could see color returning to Luke’s face a little bit. Daemon has that effect on her children. Laenor was a good father to all three of her boys, but he was gone too soon. She worried that they would be hostile towards Daemon, and she honestly didn’t believe that Daemon would be affectionate towards them either. But to her surprise, her boys looked up to Daemon and accepted him as their kepa. There is a feeling of security and safety that Daemon provides to her kids. She is blessed to have such a family. And she also believed every word Daemon said. And even if he fails, Rhaenyra knows that she will fly Syrax to battle if she has to, even if she is full with a child in her belly. 

“Hopefully it won’t come to that.” Lord Corlys whispered as he entered the room. “I had sent a raven to King’s Landing as soon as I received yours. Making it very clear that I would have a say in who my heir and grandchild marries. I had requested an audience and just received an affirmation from the Hand himself. Though he does not sound very happy about it.”

“Of course not. He can’t wait to put his greasy hands over the High Tide.” Daemon spat out.

“As long as I am breathing, that is not happening.”

“When is this hearing?” Rhaenyra asked

“In a week's time.”

“Okay. We can start our journey as soon as I can. I need to have a private conversation with my father before the hearing. If he could hear reason, it wouldn’t come to that hearing.”

“We can even put forward Vaemond’s son as another suitable match. He will be a better choice than Prince Dareon. Luke is familiar of him and is closer to his age. It will also placate Vaemond.” The last part of Corlys’s sentence was more to himself. Daemon watched Luke as the elders around him were busy deciding on the boy’s fate. He doesn’t know why, but it felt like there was more than just the betrothal that was worrying the boy. He took a deep inhale, and there was a subtle shift to the boy’s scent. Under the worry, fear, and anger…there is a small hint of saltness. Is it because he is reaching maturity? The scents of Omegas usually change around this time.  Daemon put the thought away as he brought his attention back to the conversation of the adults. 

Rhaenyra is discussing the possibility of the Hand being the one who will hear the petition on the King’s behalf. It is not an impossible scenario. The reports from Kingslanding about Viserys’s health were concerning. Maybe it is time to consider shifting back to the Red Keep. Hmmm…He should have a conversation with Rhaenyra about this. But first, let him fix this mess.

Chapter Text

3.

Jacerys was running his hand through Vermax’s scales to calm his dragon when he heard the screech from above. He looked up at the sky to see Seasmoke descending with her rider. The dragon keepers moved to receive the dragon and his rider. Jace waited near Vermax as he watched Addam get down from the dragon with ease. Addam said his byes and greetings to his dragon and started walking towards Jace. 

He remembers the shock he had when, five years ago, an unknown boy who looked similar to his father landed on their shore riding Seasmoke. Everything went haywire in Hightide that day. It didn’t take much time to detect how a commoner was able to claim a dragon. He wasn’t a commoner at all. Grandmother was really pissed, and for the first time, he saw the great Lord Corlys tremble in fear in front of his mate. Jace wouldn’t admit it aloud, but he lost a huge chunk of respect for the man that day. 

Grandmother was kind enough to open her house and arms to the bastards of her husband. It was she who filed a petition to the king to legitimize both the boys and give them the Velaryon name. He doesn’t know how she was able to do that. Princess Rhaenys is a true, brave, and kind woman. The strongest, if you ask him. Both the Hull brothers mingled very easily with the rest of the family, and Alyn even got an egg on his own that hatched six months later. 

“Hey Jace.” Addam came to a stop in front of him. 

“Hey, how was the ride?”

“Little cloudy. I have a feeling that a storm is coming. How is your brother?” Jace sighed at that. He doesn’t want to think much about it. Every time that happens, he gets overwhelmed by rage and also guilt. The whole thing with Aemond and Luke happened because of him. If he had been able to fight back better, then Luke would have never needed to wield a knife to defend him. And Aemond’s eyes would have been spared, and so would have his anger and resentment towards Luke. 

“He is still worried. He believes that the grandsire will be too set on joining the family to hear any rejections.” Jace knows that Luk’s worry is reasonable. Plus, the poison that is Otto Hightower must have been deeply ingrained in their grandsire’s head. They should have never left the Red Keep. He had heard the conversation between Kepa and Muna. If they manage to convince the King, both of them are planning to stay behind in the Red Keep. Jace will probably be sent back to Dragonstone to rule it on his mother’s behalf. 

“If that is the case, what will happen?” Jace honestly doesn’t have any idea how to answer that. Sure, he and his family will fight hard against the decision, but what if it doesn’t bring any change? He knows that Daemon is all about killing the root problem itself, but Kinslayer is not a title that should be taken lightly. They can get exiled. 

“Let's hope it won’t come to that.” They both started walking back towards the castle. Each is deep in their own thoughts.  

“You know, Luke has been toying with the idea of writing to Aemond directly. He is of the belief that the marriage idea is purely Otto’s plan, and that Aemond will never agree to bond with Luke on his own. He is hoping that if both of them express their displeasure with the alliance, grandsire will hear it.”

“I don’t know much about Prince Aemond. I have only seen him in passing or from a distance. Though his disdain towards me and my brother was very clear from that look on his face. I have a feeling that he will be the kind of person who will bond himself to someone if needed in the name of revenge. But, I guess, it won’t hurt to try. Does Princess Rhaenyra know of this plan?”

“Not really. Probably, he will inform her of this soon. We should also talk with her about you accompanying us.”

“I would love to. But won’t my presence reflect badly on House Valeryon?”

“You are a part of this house—our family, Addam. Are you still doubtful of that? You ride our father’s dragon. Seasmoke chose you. Please stop doubting yourself. It's been years…” Jace couldn’t believe that Addam still sees himself as an outsider. To an extent, he could relate to the feeling of being looked down on because of being born a bastard. There were quite a number of rumors about him and his brothers when all of them were born with white skin. Luke’s dark hair also fueled the rumors.  Though it was shut down firmly, he could still see the doubt in some of the nobles’ eyes. Addam must still be struggling, even though the Alpha never shows it outside. 

“Either way, you are coming with us. Let's show those Greens our family's strength and unity. But first lets go to my brother before he kills himself with worry.” He patted Addam’s back and dragged the man towards the east corridor.

To Prince Aemond,

It is I, your nephew, Lucerys. I trust this letter finds you in good health.

I imagine you are well aware of the King’s recent decision regarding our betrothal. Queer customs such as this are no rarity in our family, yet never did I ever imagine you as a prospective mate. To me, you have always been an uncle, distant and often at odds, but family still.

Our shared past is stained with blood—by my own hand, no less. For that, I bear the weight. Yet I cannot believe this union is of your desire any more than it is mine. I believe that, like me, you would also dream of sharing your life with a partner who will love and cherish you. It is clear as the sky that we are not that person to each other.

If we were to speak with His Grace together, I believe he may come to see reason and reconsider this decision. I ask only that you support my family’s appeal for the dissolution of this betrothal and we return to what we were meant to be: uncle and nephew, and nothing more.

With respect,
Prince Lucerys Velaryon

Luke read the letter one more time. He does not believe that he could sound more civil than this to his uncle. If he is to use sweet words, Aemond would never believe it in the first place. His uncle’s hatred towards him and what he really thought of Luke were clear to him the last time they met. When Aemond tried to take a knife to Luke’s eye during the celebration of his presentation. That was three years ago. Yet he still could taste the fear he felt that night. Luke hopes that his uncle, for once in his life, sees Luke’s point and will stand by his side. This is for his own goodness, as it is Luke’s. No way Aemond will want to chain himself to the omega that blinded him…If it is the case, then he must have really gone mad….Like most Targaryens, turns out to be…

Chapter Text

4

Aegon walked into Aemond’s room with a wine bottle held firmly in his hand. The guards didn’t look surprised at all at the odd hour of visiting. Everyone in the castle knows how much of a loose cannon he is, and Aegon likes it that way. Let them look down upon him all they want; it will make it easier for him to stab them right in the back because they will never see it coming. Who will suspect the poor drunkard prince…

He could see his brother standing in front of the window, facing the storm brewing outside. Ugh…such a dramatic one… 

“Oh dear brother of mine…what troubles your heart at this ungodly hour?” Aegon asked with a mock greeting. Damn…he should have been a theatre performer. He is better than those cheap ones in Fleabottom. Aemond turned to look at him with a ‘I am pissed, don’t talk to me’ look. Oho…something must have happened. His Gaze fell to the crumbled letter on the table. Aegon picked it up…oh, it's from little Luke. To Prince Aemond…blabla..bla…..yet never did I imagine you as a prospective mate. To me, you have always been an uncle..Ouch, that ought to hurt. Aegon quickly finished the letter and threw it back on the table. 

“So what? We already knew he was not gonna be happy about it. His non-existent feeling for you was apparent for a long time brother. Don’t need to pout about it.” He threw himself on the nearest available chair. Ughh..why is every piece of thing in this room is made to make people feel uncomfortable? Seven Gods, why is his brother so set on self-torment? Where did they go wrong in raising him?

“The boy expects me to plead his case along with him when I was the one who put that idea in our father’s head in the first place.”

“Technically speaking, it was me.” Aegon almost burned in the spot with the look his brother gave at that comment. “What? I deserve credit where its due.” This time, it was he who pouted. His brother is such a buzzkill. 

“Looks like our whore of a sister is going forward with the petition. Even Lord Corlys is arriving at the court to talk about this.” 

“No point. As long as it is our grandfather who is gonna hear the petition, Rhaenyra and Daemon can cry and whine all they want, but nothing is gonna change.” Aegon said as he poured another glass of wine for his brother. 

“Make sure that he is drunk on the poppy when she is here. We don’t want any change of heart in the last moment.” 

“Don’t worry, that's all under control. He wouldn’t even recognize her. The new herbs are magic.”

“Once the petition is rejected, we need to push the marriage closer. We do not want them to get any more ideas. Lucerys shall be mine by the next moon’s turn.”

“Can’t wait to wet your cock in that cunt, huh?” Aegon teased his brother with a laugh. After all, he is the only one who knows how cuntsruck his brother actually is. Even before the boy presented as an omega, Aemond’s alpha had already considered the boy as his. Aegon remembers the first time he caught Aemond fucking a whore that resembled their nephew, who disfigured him. It was awkward and funny. Aegon pestered the boy for a week before Aemond caved in and admitted his feelings. It was the first time Aegon saw his brother this vulnerable.

He knew that he was never a good brother to Aemond when they were children, but Aegon wanted to change that. He knows that it's them against the world from the day Aemond lost his eye. The way only their mother stood for them will forever be burned into Aegon’s and Aemond’s memories. It was a glimpse of the future they would have if Rhaenyra ruled. That's when Aegon decided that he would have that throne for himself. Not out of greed, but for the security of their own lives. They can’t expect anyone to fight their battle for them. Even grandsire, Cole, Larys, and all those rats who claim loyalty to the greens have their own motives and reasons. He and his brothers are just tools to achieve that. What they want won’t matter to those people. So they will have to take it for themselves with whatever means they have. 

Aegon looked at his brother, who finally sat down opposite him and is drinking the wine he poured. It took a great deal of effort to reach where they are today. Aemond was hostile and distrustful of Aegon. Can't blame him for that. It took a lot of trial and error for them to build the allegiance and trust they have in each other. Aegon had never worked this hard for anything in his life. Even those history lesson with Maester was a piece of cake compared to this. But worth it though…totally worth it. Now, both of them are all set to play the game of thrones. Aemond’s marriage to Lucrys is only the first step. And the next is….

“When should we send off our dear father to meet his beloved wife?”

“Not so soon. I want to know what Rhaenyra’s plan for the future is. Whether she is going to live here or return to Dragonstone. The king can’t die when she is here. It will be difficult to turn the council to our side if that is the case. There are still quite a few of them who are loyal to her.”

“Hmm..whatever the timing is, you talk it out with Larys on that. The man gives me the creeps. I can’t wait to kill him once he is out of use. That stupid ass with his stupid limp…blurghhhhh” 

Aemond’s lip slightly curled up in the corner. Still not getting that smile to fully take form…Aegon really hopes that after his wedding to Lucerys, Aemond will loosen up a little. Because he is honest to god scared that his brother’s broodiness will start rubbing off on him soon…and Aegon will not have that. He likes being the fun one. Thank you very much. He stood up from the chair after finishing his glass and went to lie on his brother’s bed. God…he is sooo tired. 

“Tsk..go and sleep in your bed Aegon.”

“Mhhmmm…nooooo…make mee.” Aegon sang out in a mock sweet voice. Though he said he would stand by his brother’s side, he never said he would stop teasing him. 

Ouch…did Aemond just throw a book at him? His future king?? “You are so dead brother. Prepare for the attack from the mighty dragon. Aghhhh” Aegon screamed as he jumped on a surprised Aemond.

“GET OFF ME YOU IMBECILEEE.”

“NEVER….NO NO…” 

Soon, Aegon's laughter and Aemond’s half-annoyed and half-amused curses filled the room.  

Chapter Text

5

Aemond walked away from the corridor. He knows that Lucerys has been trying to get him alone to talk about their betrothal. He has been avoiding the boy for the past two days since he and his family arrived. It really was one hell of a spectacle. Six dragons in the sky circling the King's landing. A true show for the common people and the nobles. He has to give it to his sister; she knows how to make a dramatic entry. The boy had tried to get a meeting with him twice, sending invitations through the guard one time and knocking on Aemond’s door the other time. Though he itched to have a moment alone with his nephew, Aemond had to hold himself back this time. He knows what Luke has to say, and he does not intend to give an ear to that bullshit. They can have talks and spend time together for the rest of their life…so it's fine to turn the boy away for now. 

He had heard from his trusted servants that Rhaenyra had met with her father twice. By the gloomy way she stepped back out of the room, it was clear that the king was too drunk on milk of poppies to come to his precious daughter’s aid. That is good. Daemon and she won’t stand a chance against Grandfather and his mother. His mother is still not sure about this betrothal, not wanting to tie her child to one of common blood, per her words. Aemond doesn’t bother with her. He loves his mother, but she will never understand what it is to be like a Targaryen. Grandsire at least knows well enough from his years in Kingslanding, but his mother still clings to her religion and refuses to learn. 

Speaking of his grandsire…Otto Hightower still thinks about him and his brothers as just insignificant pawns. Well, as long as he is working to get Aegon on that throne, he can think whatever he wants. For Now. But the moment everything settles down, when everything falls into their palms, they will need to get rid of him. The man loves control and power a little too much for Aemond’s taste.  He will be impossible to manipulate. 

He wonders what God is thinking about him. Plotting to murder both father and grandsire without an ounce of guilt…All to have what he had always craved within his hands. Lucerys…does he know the extent to which his Alpha is going for him? Their bond is forged in blood and fire; no one can deny that. Even Aegon had asked him a couple of times why he chose the boy who blinded him. It is a valid question. But the truth was, he had chosen Luke long before that night in Driftmark. The moment he first laid his eyes upon the baby babbling and giggling in the crib, the moment those warm brown eyes met his lavender ones, he had decided. It was always going to be Luke. For a while, he thought the boy shared the same feeling. How else will you explain the way baby Luke always brightened up when Aemond held him? The way Luke will follow him around in his baby steps, blabbering in a language that no one understood except Aemond. The way the boy will always give him a share of his lemon cake, cling to Aemond's words during studies… It was Aegon and Jace who snatched the boy away with their pranks. And then Driftmark happened. Aemond knows something fractured between Luke and him that night. Maybe forever.

It was hard not to resent the boy in the months after the incident. The pain, the disfigurement, the loneliness… However, as months and years passed, the Alpha in him sought out the buried feelings of his. Instead of an eye, a womb will suffice as a debt paid. Lucerys will marry him and birth his children, spending the rest of his life as his mate and husband. That seems like a fitting punishment. 

Aemond walked out of the castle towards the hill where Vhagar rests. A ride will calm him down. He needs to have a clear head; after all, the hearing is tomorrow. 

Aegon came to stand beside him as the hearing started. For once, he doesn’t reek of alcohol. Rhaenyra and her brood are standing in the centre. He can see Lucrys standing a step behind his mother, always protected by her shadow. Behind him stood Jacerys and that bastard of Lord Corlys. Jacerys looked one step away from jumping for his grandfather’s throat. That boy was always so easy to rile. Daemon and Lord Corlys stood nearby, with Princess Rhaenys behind them. 

"The betrothal was made without our knowledge. We are his parents—he is Lord Corlys’s heir. Surely, you can understand our apprehension, Lord Hand, especially given the history they share."

"Prince Lucerys is of the King's blood, Princess. His family. The King would never make a decision that would endanger his most beloved grandchild. Or do you suggest your authority outweighs His Grace's? As for the past—it is just that, the past. Prince Aemond bears neither resentment nor grievance toward the boy. On the contrary, he has forgiven him entirely, a testament to the strength and grace of his character. Prince Aemond is a remarkable alpha, an intelligent scholar, a skilled knight, and the rider of the realm’s largest dragon. Who better could be chosen for Prince Lucerys? This hearing, I daresay, is wholly unnecessary." 

Aemond could see the storm brewing in Rhaenyra’s family’s face. They are losing their grip. There is nothing they can argue back. He looked at his Omega. Huh. He can’t read the boy’s face. He looks deep in thought…eyes far away, like he isn’t hearing anything that is happening in the room. Before he could analyse anything further, the door to the great hall opened…

"King Viserys of House Targaryen, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, and the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm." 

Will you look at that!!! The rotting corpse of a man who was drowning in milk of poppy had managed to get himself up for his beloved daughter’s hearing. Talk about favouritism…Aemond hopes the man is not going to ruin the plans. He had worked weeks to put this idea in his head, saying there is no other way to unite their estranged family. The man was desperate enough to bite on that bone like a starving dog. Rhaenyra’s tears better not wash away all that effort. 

All of them held their breath as the King slowly ascended the chairs and sat on the Iron throne. The Hand disgruntledly got up and stepped away. Rhaenyra looked hopeful now. 

“The matter of the betrothal was settled, and I decreed that no appeals would be heard. So tell me—what is this commotion about?” Whatever smile that was on Rhaenyra’s face vanished, and Aemond couldn’t help but smirk at that. However, it was Lord Corlys who stepped forward to answer.

“This is regarding the future of my house, and with all due respect to the grace, you cannot make a decision alone. That boy has stolen my daughter’s dragon before her body could hit the seafloor and had raised his arms against my grandchildren.. Driftmark will never welcome him beneath its roof. If it is unity between our families you seek, then we would sooner welcome the younger son—Prince Daeron—than this one.” 

What the.. Anger rose like a tidal wave inside Aemond. After everything he had done, they are putting in Dareon’s name? If this is what will get Rhaenyra to agree to this, the King will go along with it, and as long as he can put his greasy hand on the driftmark throne, Grandisire will also not object. His plan will get ruined. By the way Aegon is looking at him, he also knows that. 

“Prince Daeron is a beta—surely an alpha would make a more fitting match for Prince Lucerys. And Prince Aemond has already paid dearly for his actions—he gave his eye. As grown men and women, should we not learn to let the past rest?” 

Aemond sighed in relief. For the first time in his life, the king is finally acting like their father. 

“The betrothal between Jacaerys and Helaena was once proposed—and it was your queen who refused it. If uniting our families was truly the aim, why not then? Why now? This reeks not of unity, but of ambition. A Hightower ploy, no doubt, to lay claim to my lands and fortune under the guise of marriage.” Lord Corlys was fuming with anger. 

“The betrothal between Jacaerys and Helaena was cast aside—and I will be forever regretful of that. I offer this match now as a path to mend what was broken then. This union is not a Hightower scheme, nor a slight to Driftmark—it is the crown’s will, and a chance to bring peace where there has been division. I will not see my house crumble into war while I yet live. The matter is settled. I will hear no more of it.” 

The blacks were losing. Aemond watched as anger, betrayal, and frustration flashed across each one’s face. He will make sure that none of them leave the keep now. He will push for the marriage to be held in a fortnight. If he lets them go, they will surely plot something to undermine this. Rhaenyra never held any respect for rules. She ain’t starting it now. 

He looked at his Omega. His Luke. His hands itched to hold him, touch him, feel him..how many years he had starved, deprived of his right. Not anymore. 

The boy, however, didn’t share any of the emotions his family was feeling. He looks like he expected this outcome. He looked determined…. for what? He watched as the boy stepped aside from the shadow of his mother and walked towards the king. Even his family was startled, watching him curiously. This wasn’t something they discussed beforehand. 

The King’s face softened at the sight of his favorite grandchild.

“Prince Lucerys. Is there anything you wish to speak?”

“Your Grace… I am, and will always be, grateful for the love and protection you have shown me all these years. But I cannot, in good conscience, accept this betrothal.” A hush fell over the hall. No one dared to speak. Someone had just defied the king, that too openly. 

“Prince Lucerys, mind your station. How dare you defy the command of your king?” Otto almost screamed the roof down. Lucerys didn’t even flinch. 

“This is not a decision made in haste, your grace, nor is it meant to dishonor Prince Aemond. But… my omega has already chosen his mate. My heart belongs to another.” 

“Luke…”
By the look on Rhaenyra’s face—and the stunned silence that followed—it was clear none of his family had known.

The Queen’s fury rose like fire.
“Prince Lucerys,” she snapped, her voice sharp as a blade. “Do you even comprehend what you’ve done? You disgrace your house, defy the Crown, and are committing treason with those words.” 

Aemond watched as the boy stood stern like a rock, unshaken, confident, without an ounce of fear. His eyes were firmly placed on the King’s face. He looked like a true Targaryen, a dragon…

“Who is it?” The king asked. 

“Addam of House Velaryon.” 

Chapter Text

6

There was a pindrop silence following Prince Lucerys’s statement. Then, altogether, chaos erupted in the hall.

“The bastard?”

“Is he tainted?”

“Like mother..”

“How dare an omega defy the king’s command.”

“It's blasphemy..”

“SILENCE!” The king roared. The hall fell back into silence. Everyone's face showed the shock at the scandalous reveal of Prince Lucerys. Even the prince’s family is shocked. Their face showed a mix of surprise. All eyes are now focused on the man standing beside Prince Jacerys. 

Addam of Hull, now of house Velaryon, stood in the middle of the hall. Head held high, eyes solely on the omega prince standing in front of the king. Like a sailor bracing for a storm, he stood there, brave and determined to see it through…Both Alpha and Omega looked unbothered by the commotion they had created.  They were determined to fight anything that the people might throw at them. Their love and devotion for each other were forged in fire. They would rather let that fire consume them together than let go of each other's hands. 

Aemond was burning in fury…how dare he? A bastard no less, putting a claim on his omega. Aemond will burn that worm in Vhagar’s fire. He will gouge those eyes out that dared to look at lucerys with lust and love, he will chop those fingers that dared to touch his Luke. 

Aegon had to hold his hand in order to prevent the Prince from drawing his sword in the great hall. The older prince is as shocked as everyone at the sudden turn of the events.

“Not now, brother..people are watching.” He whispered urgently in Aemond’s ear. They can’t afford to show their emotions in the court now. No one should know how much Aemond desires for his nephew. Luckily, his brother is a master at controlling his emotions. Aemond let go of his sword and took in a deep breath. 

He looked closely at his sister’s family. Maybe this is a plot all of them came up with to stop the wedding. Probably Lord Corlys’s move to put his bastard son and blood back on the throne. But no matter how closely he watches, their surprise and anger seem to be genuine. Either Lucerys had hidden this information from his own family, or all of them are great actors. 

“What is the meaning of this child?” The King asked.

“Your grace. I apologize for the way I had to deliver this news to you and my family. It was not my intention to surprise you like this.” The prince turned towards his family. His eyes moving from one face to another. He was clearly guilty and sad to put his family in such a position. “I am sorry Mother, Kepa, grandsire, brother… please forgive me.” 

Even though Lord Corlys still looked caught off guard, the man was surely happy at the turn of the events. And the rest of the family is slowly digesting the news. Though both Prince Jacerys and Daemon looked like they would like to ask questions, they held themselves back in order to present a united front. They can’t forget the fact that they are still in the viper’s nest. However, Prince Daemon still managed to throw a glare in Addam’s direction with a promise of a grilling session after the petition. Addam gulped in fear at that look of the rogue prince.

“It is okay, my child.” Prince Lucerys nodded his head in gratitude and turned back to the king. “After my sixteenth nameday, Addam and I were planning to go to our families to express our desire to wed each other. And with their blessing, write to your grace for your permission. Addam and I have held affection for each other for the past three years, and it has only grown stronger as each days pass. Thus, I cannot take anyone else as my mate. I plead to you, your grace, please dissolve the betrothal.” 

“How dare you stand before the King and speak so brazenly! A bastard? You dare name such filth as your chosen mate? Before vows are spoken, before marriage is sanctified, you flaunt sinful affection as if it were virtue. It is a stain upon your house, a mockery of your duty, and an insult beyond bearing to my son.” Queen Alicent couldn’t take it anymore and shouted at the boy in front of her. Rhaenyra had mocked the rules and the faith all she wanted without a worry about consequences, and now her son is also doing the same. She won’t stand for it.

“Prince Aemond is of the King’s blood, yet you would shame him, shame all of us, by denying a bond decreed by His Grace? You disgrace your mother, your grandsire, and the very Crown that raised you. This is not love, boy, it is rebellion, it is wickedness, and I will not suffer it spoken in this hall!”

“Addam is a member of the House Valeryon and legitimized by the king himself. If you see one uncle to be worthy to marry me, so can the other, your grace.” Lucerys was not willing to bow down or cower in front of any of the Hightowers. He knew that it was a battle. One that will cost him the love of his life if he loses. 

“How can you compare my son with that…that…My son rides the biggest dragon in the world. He is a prince of the realm. What can that boy says for himself?”

“He was chosen by the gods themselves. His dragon, My father’s dragon choose him..claimed him. How many targaryans can say that for themselves. If seasmoke deems Addam worthy, so  is he for me.”

“Enough. By your own words, you cast doubt upon your honor, boy. What prince spurns his duty for a bas..another alpha’s embrace, and dares parade it before the King?”

“Mind your tongue Hightower, unless you want it cut off from your mouth.” The rogue prince will not tolerate any questions about his son’s character. 

“It is only true. The prince himself alluded that.”

“How dare you.” Rhaenyra stepped forward angrily.

“If it is my chastity you question, set your mind at ease. My bond with Addam is one of hearts, not of flesh. We have not defied the gods, nor will we. Like any who honor the Faith, we will wait until we are wed.” Lucerys replied before the hand could say anything further. 

“Prince Lucerys, you forget yourself. You are no common boy to follow the whims of your heart. You are a prince of the realm, and with such blood comes duty. It is your charge to obey the decree of your King, not to question it. His Grace will never agree to such a match as you suggest. Should you defy the will of the Crown and worse, the laws of gods and men, you will only find consequence and punishment awaiting you.”

“I am willing to suffer any punishment that his grace wish to bestow upon me.” Lucerys turned to the King. His voice softening… “Your grace, grandsire…I am standing infront of you, not as a prince of the realm, but as your grandson. I love Addam. My heart and soul has already chosen him. I cannot bear the thought of marrying anyone else. I will rather chose death than that. I beg for your mercy your grace. Please dissolve the betrothal between me and prince Aemond.”

“This is treason. Such words may see you banished from court. Your Grace, you cannot allow this. To set aside a betrothal proclaimed by the Crown is to rend the very fabric of royal authority. No king has ever undone a match he himself decreed.” The Hand was losing composure. 

The king, after being silent throughout the arguments, finally decided to speak. As he leaned forward, everyone held their breath in anticipation. 

“What you ask carries a grave price, child. How much are you prepared to lose?" 

Lucerys stood there for a moment. Considering his king’s question. A small smile bloomed on his face. 

“I, Lucerys of House Velaryon, Prince of the Realm, son of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Late Laenor Velaryon, heir to Driftmark, hereby declare that I will renounce my name, my title, and my inheritance if the King wishes it so.” 

“Luke…”

“Noooo” 

“Father, please don’t. He is a child. Your grandchild. Once you forced my and Laenor’s hand into a match, please do not do that to my children, too. Allow him to marry Addam. His family is happy with the choice, and so is Lord Corlys. This betrothal was never my son’s wish. Do not punish him for someone else’s decision.”

“If the prince himself wishes to renounce his title—” The king, with a hand gesture, stopped the Hand from speaking further. Viserys looked towards Addam and beckoned him to come forward. He looked towards Lucerys once before following the King’s command. 

“Do you love Prince Lucerys boy.”

“Yes. With every breath I draw, with the whole of my soul, I love him, Your Grace. My heart beats only for him. My body, my dragon, my sword, and all that I am belong to him, and him alone.” Despite the fear, his voice didn’t falter, not even once. 

“Evn if it means the Prince will loose his title and inheritance, you still wish to go foreward with your desires?”

Addam was hesitant for a second. The king speaks the truth. If lucerys still wishes to choose him, he will lose everything that is dear to him.

“That choice is not mine to make; it is the Prince’s alone. But this I know; title or none, until my last breath, I will hold him in my heart and do all in my power to bring him joy. I love him for who he is, not for crown nor claim. And if the Prince deems me worthy and chooses me, I will spend the rest of my life proving my love to him.”  

“If I chose to go forward with the betrothal, then?”

“Prince Lucerys has always held you in the highest regard and spoke of you with nothing but fondness. If you do not see me as worthy and do not want me as his mate, I will understand. I will bear that sorrow. However, I plead that your grace do not force his hand into a match that would make him miserable. I cannot bear to watch him bound to a life that he did not choose. Where he is unhappy. If it comes to it, I will stand between him and that fate. Even if I must stand against the Crown itself, even if that stand costs me my life, I will fight for his happiness.”

“How dare you speak like that, you bastard. What are you waiting for? GUARDS, take that traitor’s tongue out for speaking treason.” The Hand screamed.

“Nooo!” Lucerys screamed. It all happened so fast. Addam was dragged down, forced to his knees by two guards. Criston Cole was already moving, sword in hand, his steps heavy and certain. Daemon and Lord Corlys rushed to intercept, steel drawn, but the King’s Guard closed around them in a flash.

There was no time. No moment to think. As Criston raised his sword to strike, Lucerys flung himself forward, throwing his body between Addam and the blade.

“Lukeeeeee” Rhaenyra’s cry echoed in the hall. Nobles gasped in shock at the turn of events. 

But the sword never touched Lucerys’ throat. Instead, steel bit into his palm as he caught the blade with his bare hand. Blood ran down his fingers, dripping onto the floor, yet he didn’t flinch. His eyes, burning with dragonfire, locked onto Criston’s with a fury fierce enough to rival a dragon’s roar. 

“How dare you! If you want to touch him, you’ll have to go through me first!” 

“ENOUGH. Guards, pull back now.” The King commanded. 

A sneer twisted Cole’s face, as if he would gladly drive the sword through Lucerys’ neck. But he pulled back at the last second. The moment the guards’ grip loosened, Addam threw them off and surged forward, wrapping Lucerys in a protective rush.

“Luke… Luke… are you hurt? Gods, your hand is bleeding! Why would you—Maester! We need maesters!”

Lucerys, cradling Addam’s face gently with his uninjured hand, shook his head. “Love… it’s just a cut. I’m fine.”

“Why would you throw yourself infornt of a sword like that? You could have gotten seriously hurt.” 

“Of course I will. How can I not? I will not stand to watch you in pain, just as you cannot watch me suffer.” 

Everyone in the hall averted their eyes. The way Lucerys and Addam held each other, the depth in their gaze, was so intimate that it was impossible to look without feeling like they were witnessing something private. They all could sense the kind of love the boys shared. And how far they were willing to go for each other. 

Lucrys turned towards his grandisre once more, one hand still holding Addam’s firmly. 

“If you wish to kill him, I beg that you take my life as well. I do not wish to live in this world without my Alpha.” His voice was finally cracking under all the tension and fear. But he wanted the king to know that it is either Addam or death for him. 

The King looked tired as he watched the two boys in front of him. He looked at his daughter, whose face was pleading with him not to do what he did to her. He made his decision.

“I, Viserys Targaryen, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, hereby dissolve the betrothal between Prince Aemond and Prince Lucerys. I give my blessing to the union of Addam of House Velaryon and Prince Lucerys Velaryon. May the gods watch over your love and grant it an eternity of happiness.” 

Lucerys staggered with relief. Tears of gratitude and joy fell from his eyes as he bowed low to thank the King. He could hear the hands and the queen’s protest and his family's relieved murmurs. But he didn’t give his ears to any. He turned towards the love of his life, his Alpha…His Addam…. ‘We won’ he whispered into the air between them. Addam slowly brought Lucerys’s injured palm up and placed a soft kiss as if to heal the wound. 

“I love you my prince.” 

“I love you too.” 

They smiled as they held onto each other. The war is finally over.

The lovers were lost in each other’s gaze, unaware of the fury that burned behind another eye. The war was far from over. It had only just begun.