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Chapter Text

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VISERYS I

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105 AC -

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The last few moons were hard for Viserys. His beloved wife died giving birth to a son that soon followed his mother, his brother had the audacity to mock the death of his son and he made the unpopular opinion of naming Rhaenyra as his heir.

Today, Corlys Velaryon and his cousin, Rhaenys, insisted for a meeting on the royal garden of The Red Keep. Viserys knew that the old Sea Snake was up to something.

Corlys pointed out the recent problems of his rule and proposed the hand of his own daughter to him, to heal the wounds made since death of his uncle Aemon.

After a reluctant walk with the 12 year old Laena Velaryon, Viserys was left in a uncomfortable position.

Marrying Laena would please the Sea Snake and possibly bring a end to the between the two families, but, at the same time, Laena is too young and is clearly being manipulated by her parents.

There is also the fact that his eyes are in another woman at the moment. Lady Alicent Hightower was a very pleasant company during the hardship of the recent events. Of course, Aemma would always be his true love, but Alicent made her own way into his mind. And as a daughter of a second son, she is a less risky choice to Rhaenyra's position, if there is one.

Alicent is also almost five years older than Laena, who is too young fo his "taste".

Yet, Viserys decided to talk to Corlys once again before taking his definitive decision.

With all of that in mind, he sent a messenger to Corlys, asking for his presence in the yard for a cup or two of wine, but this time, alone.

After a few minutes waiting in a table on the gardens, Corlys came with a confident posture and a smile on his face. The Sea Snake clearly knows that tea is not the reason for the call.

"Your grace. I came under your request." The Lord of Driftmark says with a formal tone, taking the only seat remaining in the table. The king opens a smile.

"Lord Corlys, i am glad that you decided to join me for a nice cup of tea. I would ask for Rhaenys to be here too, but i would rather talk with you alone. A man to a man." Viserys proclaims, taking a sip from his cuo. Corlys laughs, serving a cup of wine to himself.

"I understand, your grace. Rhaenys can be quite... intense in this type of conversation. You want to talk about the proposal, right?" The Sea Snake asks, taking a sip of his tea. Viserys loses most of his smile and nods.

"Yes. I want to settle the matter here. To start, Lord Corlys, i have to say that i am quite concerned about how young your daughter is. She is almost as young as Rhaenyra." Confessed the King in a formal tone. Corlys frowns a bit and nods.

"I understand and respect your reluctance, your grace. But it doesn't need to be done imediatly. She will not be a child forever. You can marry her when she turns 16, for example. She will be a stunning woman and your hesitation about the marriage will vanish. All i want is a promise. A betrothal." Proclaims the Sea Snake in his soft, but firm, tone. Viserys sighs. He can feel the grip of the Sea Snake around his neck, refusing to give up.

"I understand that, Corlys, but i don't have much time to wait. I think you know that i had some issues with my health lately. With that, the counc is pressuring me to marry as soon as possible. House Targaryen has only four members right now. Me, Rhaenyra, my rogue of a brother and your own wife. With such low numbers, my house could be extinct in a single year of bad luck. We never know. And we never know what can happen to us tomorrow." Proclaims the King, lost in a past memory for a second while looking at his cup. Corlys let out a toughtful grunt, taking the attention of Viserys once again.

"Your grace, if you are so concerned about the future of your house, why do you keep your brother in his unfruitful marriage?" The Sea Snake asks, being more honest than before. Viserys frowns.

"That was a political marriage arranged by my grandmother, queen Alysanne. House Royce is the second most powerful house in the Vale. A annulment could be interpreted as a insult to House Royce and it would severe the relation of the crown with the Vale." Proclaims the king in a strict tone. Corlys nods.

"Your grace, i think you know that i am in good terms with Daemon. That marriage is clearly unpleasant for both sides, judging by what he told me. Rhea Royce is not found of your brother, to say the least." The Sea Snake says. Viserys frowns once again.

"Still, i don't think it is enough of a reason to undo such a important marriage." Proclaims the King, less certain this time.

"The marriage was never consummated." Proclaims Corlys. Viserys falls back on his chair, shocked.

"What?" The King asks, confused. Corlys opens a short smile.

"Daemon told me that. He never slept with Rhea Royce, not even in their bedding. A non-consummated marriage can easily be declared null." Proclaims the Sea Snake. Viserys look at his cup while thinking before looking back to Corlys with a serious expression.

"Lord Corlys, what do you achieve with the annulment of Daemon's marriage? Do you plan to wed Laena to him if i don't accept her hand?" The king points out. Corlys laughs a bit and relax on his seat.

"I am still just your vassal, your grace. I am trying to find a solution for the issue of your house. If Daemon can expand his own family while you also do so, House Targaryen could prosper in numbers soon enough. Daemon is hard to read, but i think a good wife could do wonders for him. He lacks purpose in life. He does not have titles or a direct family. You have a chance to give a bigger purpose to your brother, Viserys." Said the Sea Snake, going more intimate by the end. Viserys looks at his cup once again.

"Your grace, i know why do you hesitate with the idea of marrying Laena. You loved your wife and she is suddenly gone. You don't want to replace her. Gods, if i lost Rhaenys, i would never marry again, for sure. But, you have a duty with the realm. And i know that you also fear the idea of a girl getting pregnant too soon like Aemma did. You don't have to do this now. A few years will do. Just consider." Said the Sea Snake in a soft tone. Viserys relax more on his chair, immersed in toughts. He then gets up and the head of House Velaryon does the same. Viserys look to him with a softer expression.

"I promise that i will take that conversation to my heart, Lord Corlys. In some weeks i will call the council to announce my decision. Thank you for your time." Said the king in a gentle tone. Corlys smile and bows a bit.

"The pleasure is mine, your grace. Now, if you excuse me, i must go." Said the Sea Snake before walking out. Viserys look at him for a time before looking to the sky. He closes his eyes and sighs.

"What should i do, Aemma?" The king whispers to himself. The wind blows softly at him.

Viserys take a deep breath and then walks towards the castle. He has a lot of pieces to move.

---

The night falls and the king find himself seating in front of a fireplace while Maester Runciter and his assistants try to treat the injury in his fingers with maggots. Viserys sighs while he looks at the maggots going for the dead skin in his fingers. The king look at Ser Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, who is next to him.

"I had a meeting with Corlys and Rhaenys." The king mentions. Otto look a bit concerned.

"For what reason, your grace?"

"Marriage. He wants me to marry his daughter."

"Lord Corlys went too far. He is a very ambitious man." The Hand proclaims in a dry tone. Viserys nods slowly.

"He is, but, at the same time, he made good arguments. My main concern is her age. She is still 12. I married Aemma when she was 11 and she gave birth to Rhaenyra at 15. Her age at the time was probably the reason of why she is not here anymore. I feel guilty for that. I always will. I don't want Laena to meet the same end that Aemma did." Said the king in a sad tone. Otto nods slowly in simpathy.

"Your concerns are justified, your grace. You should marry a older woman. A young and fertile woman, but also one that has already matured." Said the Hand with confidence. Viserys look up to him, thinking.

"Ser Otto, i have something to tell you. In private." Said the king while looking to the maester and the other servants. All of them quickly leave the room. Ser Otto look back at Viserys, intrigued.

"What is it, my king?" The reachman asks. King Viserys relax more on his seat, trying to ignore the maggots on his hand.

"With the reduced number of members in my house, i decided to take harsher measures. I am considering the annulment of Daemon's marriage with Rhea Royce under the argument of it being unconsummated." Proclaims the king. Ser Otto looks at him, surprised.

"Annulment? He never consummated the marriage?" The Hand asked, out of posture. Viserys nods with a grunt.

"That was what Corlys said. I will send a letter to Rhea soon, asking for a confirmation and collaboration on the matter. After the annulment, i plan to marry Daemon to a woman that might be more of his taste." Proclaims the King in a vague tone. Ser Otto frowns.

"And who is the bride in question, your grace?" The Hand asks, really interested in the answer. Viserys fix his posture on the chair before looking to Otto on the eyes.

"Ser Otto, i want to make a proposal to you. I want my brother, Prince Daemon Targaryen, to marry your daughter, Lady Alicent Hightower." The king proclaims in a serious tone.

The eyes of Otto get wide and his mouth is left open. He clearly did not expect it.

"Y-Your grace, i think that is a bad idea. Prince Daemon and i have been in bad terms since your coronation. I fear what could happen in this marriage." Said the Hand, honestly nervous. Viserys sighs.

"I understand your worries, Ser Otto. But i promise that Daemon will do nothing harmful to your daughter. You have my word." The king promises. Ser Otto doesn't look any less nervous. He takes a deep breath.

"Why do you want my daughter to marry Prince Daemon, Your Grace?" The Hand asks after a moment.

"I am planning to accept the proposal that Corlys made. But, it will be just a betrothal until Laena turns 16. However, the reduced number of members in my house is urgent. One bad year could be the end of the Targaryens. Both Daemon and Rhea have been in a childless marriage for a too long. It needs to be fixed. And i see a opportunity here. Alicent is a kind and composed young woman. Daemon is the complete opposite. Rhea was more similar to Daemon in attitude, but it did not work out. Maybe with a wife completely different from himself, it could work. And with that marriage, i want the end of this stupid rivalry between you and Daemon. I can't accept my Hand and my brother fighting over and over in every meeting. Once Alicent give children to Daemon, the two of you will have a blood connection. I expect that things get better after that. Do you understand, Otto?" The king asks after his monologue. Ser Otto take a deep breath.

"I understand your points, your grace, but you really think that this marriage would be any different from his previous one? Daemon could just do the same to Alicent and never consummate the marriage. It could have the opposite effect and make our relation even worse." Otto proclaims, worried. Viserys sighs once again and look back at the maggots biting his hand.

"Otto, it will be different. I will obligate Daemon to consummate the marriage. Even further, i will obligate him to make a child with Alicent as soon as possible." The King says. Ser Otto looks skeptic.

"Your grace, are you sure that Daemon will obey your orders?" Otto asked, letting out Daemon's title. Viserys look back at him.

"I will make a negotiation with him. Daemon is ambitious and has nothing to inherit. He will probably want to go to war sooner or later. Probably on the Stepstones. I will give him the support that he needs." The King says and then gets up, taking his hand out of the maggots and getting closer to Otto, who is hesitant.

"So, Ser Otto, will you accept the marriage of your daughter, Lady Alicent Hightower, to my brother, Prince Daemon Targaryen?" The king asks in a straight voice. Otto looks down in contemplation. And then he sighs and look to Viserys.

"I am a second son, your grace. As such, i have to fight for my place in history. In my position as just a brother to a Lord, i can only be grateful to receive your offer. I accept your proposal." Said the Hand of the King, not happy, but composed. Viserys smiles.

"Great. I will start the negotiatons with Runestone and the High Septon for the annulment of the marriage. I promise that you will not regret that decision, Otto." The king said honestly. Ser Otto sighs and nods.

"I can only hope, your grace." Said the Hand, unmotivated.

---

After weeks of preparation, King Viserys calls his council to announce his decision.

The King takes his seat on the council with a sigh, preparing his mind for all the problems to come while the council gathers around the table.

"Your grace, what is the reason for your call?" The Master of Laws, Lord Lyonel Strong, asks in a composed tone. Viserys fixes his posture.

"I will explain when everyone gets here." The king proclaims and Lord Strong nods.

"The council is already here, your grace." The Master of Coin, Lord Lyman Beesbury, declares. Viserys nods.

"Yes. But there is one person missing here." Teh King says, getting slightly irritated as the time passes.

Before Ser Otto could make more questions to the King, the doors are open by the Kingsguard. Every man in the chamber looks at the door.

Prince Daemon Targaryen enters in the chamber with a dubious smile and a confident walk. He keeps a hand close to Dark Sister, which is in it's sheath.

"Sorry for taking too long, your grace. I had to take Caraxes to the Dragonpit and get here, and it can take some time." Said the prince in a ironic tone. He gives a short smile to Rhaenyra, who is serving wine on cups on a nearby table. She opens a childish smile to him. Daemon sits on the chair in front of Ser Otto before looking at the latter with a smile full of mockery. Otto look at him with a frown. Behind him, Alicent place a hand on her father's shoulder to calm him down.

"You seem to be in a bad mood, Otto. Not a great day to you, i guess?" Daemon provokes. Otto clearly gets angry, but before he could say something, Viserys take the lead.

"Daemon! Show more respect to my Hand. I did not call you here so you could cause more problems." Proclaims the King, frustrated. Daemon looks at his brother with interest now.

"Why did you call me then?" The rogue prince asks in a too informal way. Viserys sighs before getting up from his chair so he could get the attention of everyone. The guards close the door once again.

"After the unfortunate death of my dear wife, i have been pressured in almost all meetings to marry once again. During the past weeks, i came to a decision and prepared myself to it. I will marry." The king proclaims. Everyone in the chamber gets in a more serious position, focused on the matter. Rhaenyra looks concerned and fearful. Ser Otto looks neutral. Alicent seems nervous and look away. Lord Corlys has a confident gaze. Daemon is trying to understand why he should be here for that. Viserys take a deep breath.

"I have decided to accept the proposal of Lord Corlys. I will marry his daughter, Lady Laena Velaryon, once she becomes 16 years old, 4 years from now." The king announces. Lord Corlys gets a great smile of pure satisfaction in his face.

"It will be the greatest honor possible to my house, your grace." Said the Sea Snake. Viserys nods. Lyonel Strong looks concerned.

"Your grace, 4 years is a long time for such a reduced dinasty like yours. It would be wise to marry a older woman as soon as possible." Proclaimed the Lord of Harrenhal. Viserys nods, understanding his point.

"I know my situation very well, Lord Strong. For that same reason, i have a plan to deal with the low number of my house." Said the king. He then looks to Daemon, who looks back to his brother with a sudden rise of interest, and then he smirks.

"I will not sleep with Rhea Royce, Viserys." Proclaims the prince without any hesitation. Viserys laughs and Daemon look back at him, confused. The king takes a letter from his side of the table that Daemon did not notice until now.

"It does not matter anymore, Daemon. In the past few weeks, i have been trading letters with Lady Rhea Royce. She confirmed to me that you never consummated your marriage. Considering the fact that Rhea is the ruler of Runestone and the current state of our house, i have contacted the High Septon and he issued the annulment of your marriage with Rhea Royce." King Viserys proclaims in a imposing tone. The councillor look surprise, except Otto and Alicent. Daemon looks shocked for a moment before laughing out loud. He stops and then give Viserys a skeptic look.

"What do you really want with that, brother?" The prince asks in a neutral tone. Viserys gaze at Daemon's eyes. Purple to purple.

"For the sake of ending your stupid rival with Ser Otto Hightower, we agreed into a marriage between you and Lady Alicent Hightower." Proclaims the king with conviction. Most councillors look worried.

The expression of Daemon change several times during a single second. From shock, to disapointment and, finally, they lock into anger. He gets up from his seat.

"What kind of joke is that? You want to marry a prince like me to a daughter of a second son? Have you lost your mind, Viserys?" Prince Daemon asks, furious. Ser Otto gave a gaze to him while Alicent looked further away in her embarassment. Rhaenyra hides herself behind her table, clearly curious and nervous. Viserys stands on his position.

"Otto is a competent Hand, Alicent is a good woman, and you are my only brother. I want to connect this council and end this blood feud between you and the Hand of the King. Alicent is completely different from Rhea Royce, and you will learn that once you get married." The king proclaims with confidence. Daemon let out a laugh of disbelief.

"Oh please. What make you think that i will share my bed with a daughter of a second son of a house that is not even the overlord of their region? It is below me in every way! You give me hope of freedom and then you take that away from me one second later! You think that is funny, Viserys?" Daemon proclaims, loosing his whole composture. King Viserys hesitates for a second, and then he frowns and keeps his posture.

"I am very serious, Daemon. You will marry Lady Alicent. You will consummate the marriage. You will try your best to make a child with her. That is my order to you." Proclaims the king in a imposing tone. Daemon angrily gets closer to him. Lord Commander Harrold Westerling takes out his sword and give a step to the front, ready to defend his king. Viserys make a sign with his hand and the white knight put down his sword. The king looks to Daemon in the eye once more.

"And what will happen if i don't care about that stupid wedding, brother?" The rogue prince asks. King Viserys frowns in anger.

"Exile would be a immediate punishment and I would contemplate something beyond that if necessary. Either way, you would no longer be welcomed in my domains." The king proclaims between his teeth.

Silence reigns in the chamber for a few seconds until Daemon laughs and then gets serious once again.

"Fine. Tell me, brother, what do i get from you if i follow your orders?" The prince asks, taking a step back with a more relaxed posture. Viserys also relax a bit.

"I tought you would ask for that. You should be really grateful that i prepared a reward for you. Daemon, for the last 2 years i have been trying to give you a position in my small council. You couldn't keep even a single one of them for a whole year. You got bored, you said. I know you, Daemon. You love death. You love the glory of battle. You can only give value to a power that you conquered by yourself. Am i right?" The King asks his brother. Daemon look very interested.

"Go on." The rogue prince said in a low tone. Viserys takes a deep breath.

"Daemon, i am offering you the position of the main commander in the war against the Stepstones that is coming. I will give you the army you want and i will let Lord Corlys join you as much as he wish. If you manage to defeat Craghas Drahar and the Triarchy, and conquer the stepstones, once you came back to King's Landing, i will create a new position on the council just for you. Master of the armies. The supreme commander of the entire military force of the Seven Kingdoms. You will be responsible to defend the throne from it's enemies. What do you think of that, Daemon?" The king asks, knowing what would be Daemon's reaction.

His brother opens the most genuine smile he had in the past years. Lord Corlys, seating on the table, opens a huge smile. Viserys never saw the Sea Snake that much happy.

"Are you going to give me all of that if i just fuck that sweet lady over here?" Daemon asks, pointing to Lady Alicent, who is behind Ser Otto. She look away, embarassed. The young lady moves her fingers against each other to deal with her nervosism. Daemon smirks and look back at Viserys, who still keeps his composure.

"Not only that, Daemon. You have 1 year of marriage to conceive a child with Alicent. You will go to war once you get her pregnant." The King explains. Daemon nods with his head before letting out a sigh and then another smirk.

"I accept your terms, your grace." The rogue prince said in a too soft tone. Viserys relax with a sigh.

"Good. Now, do what you must do." The king proclaims, letting out the meaning of his words in the underlines. Daemon smirks and nods. He walks around the council table to get to Lady Alicent Hightower, judging her with his purple gaze.

Alicent look away at first, but then look back at Daemon, holding her hands.

"It... It will be a honor to be your wife, Prince Daemon. I will do my best." The young lady say in a nervous and low tone of voice, looking away right after. Otto gazes at Daemon with intensity.

The chamber is in silence for a few seconds until Daemon rises a hand and gently pull Alicent's head up by her chin, making her even more nervous and without reaction. He laughs.

"I already took a good look at you when i asked for your favor in the tournament, Lady Alicent. You are not ugly by any means. Your mother must have been beautiful, even, to compensate for your father." The Rogue Prince says, provoking his rival. Ser Otto gets up, looking to Daemon with anger. The prince let go of Alicent before smirking at Otto.

"Keep your calm, Lord Hand. I will respect the chastity of your precious daughter until our marriage, but, i have to ask... are you happy with the way things turned out for you?" The prince asks with a malicious smile. Otto looks at him with a controlled expression, letting out his anger with his gaze. He takes a deep breath.

"As a second son and a vassal to the king i need to be honored by the kind offer that your grace made to me and my daughter. I expect you to see that on the same way, Prince Daemon." The Hand of the King says in a dry tone. Daemon let out a short laugh before looking at his new bride.

"Goodbye, my lady." Said the prince, taking her hand and kissing the top of it. Alicent blushes and Daemon let out a smirk when he sees Otto's expression of discontent. The Rogue Prince looks at his brother.

"If that is all, i am out, brother." Says the prince, going towards the door. Viserys frowns.

"Where are you going, Daemon?" The King asks. The prince turns back at him with his usual malicious smile.

"I am going to visit my former gold cloak companions." Daemon said before leaving trough the door. The silence returns to the chamber after the door is closed. Viserys sighs.

"I can only hope that this will work out." The King let out in a low tone. Ser Otto nods his head with no eager.

"I think it is a interesting idea, your grace. However, do you really think that it is wise to give Daemon the direct power over the armies of the seven kingdoms?" The Lord of Harrenhal asks, uncertain. Viserys let out a grunt while he trows his back on his chair.

"Many things can be said about my brother, Lord Strong, but i have no doubt that he is loyal to me and our house. He is a excellent warrior and a able commander. That role is the ideal one for him. His time in the City Guard proved that." The king proclaimed while Rhaenyra fills his cup. Ser Otto sighs.

"During that time, Daemon proved to be too ruthless for the position. What will keep him from comitting acts of cruelty towards even the minor problems that emerge on his way?" The Hand asks, concerned. Viserys smile to his daughter before taking a sip of his cup of wine. He then looks at Otto.

"I think you know that children a man gets softer once he becomes a father, Otto. I am sure that he will change for the better." Said the king. Ser Otto doesn't seem convinced.

"We can only hope, your grace." The Hand says in a dry tone. Viserys looks at the content Lord Corlys Velaryon.

"So, Lord Corlys, the marriage will happen in 4 year, at the start of the year 109 AC. Until then, i want you to keep your children here. If Laena will be my queen consort, she needs to know how the court works. Bring her to the councils with you. Also, as you were the most interested part in a war with the Stepstones, i want you to lead the royal fleet. Laenor can help a lot in the comunication, as well. As a young dragon, Seasmoke is fast and can deliver messages sooner than anything the triarchy can hope to elaborate. That is a huge tactical advantage." Proclaims the King. The Sea Snake nods and smiles.

"It shall be done, your grace." Said Corlys before getting up and rising his cup. The lords do the same.

"Prosperity to King Viserys, the first of his name, and glory for House Targaryen!" Proclaims the Sea Snake.

"Long live the king!" The men says at the same time. Viserys, still on his seat, get a large smile.

"Great. The council is done for today. I need some time alone." Proclaimed the King. The lords then proceed to get out of the chambers after a quick bow to the King.

When the door is closed, Viserys looks to the only person that remained with him. Rhaenyra, his young daughter of 8, looks very nervous.

"what bothers you, my child?" The king asks, worried. Rhaenyra gets closer to her father, but don't look on his eyes.

"Laena will take muna's place?" The princess asks, concerned. Viserys gets one hand on her shoulder, making her look at him directly. He opens a sad smile

"She will take the position of queen, but she will never take the position your mother, Rhaenyra. You can be sure of that." The king proclaims. Rhaenyra looks more relieved with that.

"Kepa, Laena is not too young for you?" The princess asks, as curious as child is. Viserys laughs a bit.

"For sure. That is why the marriage will be done in the future, not now. That can be positive for you. Laena is close to your age, so she can become your friend. And she will soon claim her own dragon. You two could fly around together." The King says in a soft tone. The purple eyes of Rhaenyra shine a bit with that idea, before the concern return.

"Kepa... what if Laena gives you a son?" The princess asks in a low tone. Viserys sighs and take his daughter on his lap.

"That will change nothing, Rhaenyra. I named you my heir and i will keep it that way. No matter what." Said the king. Rhaenyra looks satisfied.

"You promise?" The princess asks on a childish tone. Viserys laughs.

"I promise. Now, ask a guard to take you to the Dragonpit. Syrax could use a flight." The King says. Rhaenyra smiles, kiss the cheek of her father, and then runs out.

Viserys sighs and try to relax on his seat, looking at the ceiling of the council chamber.

He can only hope that his plan will work out and pray that Daemon's ambitions will be satisfied by what he offered.

---

Chapter Text

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DAEMON I
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105 AC -

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Daemon Targaryen had mixed emotions.

He should be happy. The marriage he hated for a long time would be declared null and he would be freed from the bronze bitch.

But, his dear brother decided to take him out of the trap settled by their grandmother just to trap him into one of his own.

Alicent Hightower.

His brother decided that would be a great idea to marry his only brother to the daughter of the Hand.

Otto Hightower is a man that Daemon hates with all his guts because one simple reason.

They are too similar.

Otto Hightower is a second son, who only gets further and further from the sucession of his house. Just like Daemon himself.

Since 92 AC, when Prince Aemon died and his father, Prince Baelon, became the heir to the throne over Rhaenys, Daemon dreamed of seating on the Iron Throne as a mighty king. Ambition defines a second son. And both him and Otto have a lot of it.

Daemon desired to be king and Otto desired his blood on the throne. Two men who wants the same thing can only hate each other, like two predators fighting to decide who eats the prey.

And of course, both of them are trying to sway Viserys to gain power and go against the other.

But, Daemon is a proud member of House Targaryen. Rider of Caraxes, the Blood Wyrm. Wielder of Dark Sister, the sword of Queen Visenya Targaryen. He will not let the Hightower make a fool of him or his brother.

The Rogue Prince walks trough the hallways of The Red Keep in a fast pace, searching for a old friend of his. After a short period of time, Daemon finally land his eyes on Corlys Velaryon, who talking to a minor lord that he can't remember the name.

He gets near them with more loud steps and a frown. Corlys hear his steps, look at Daemon and then look back to the man he was talking to, whispering something. The man quickly looks at Daemon and then walks off with a short bow. Corlys turns to Daemon, giving off a short smile.

"Daemon. Having a good day?" The Sea Snake asks, almost with fun. Daemon smirks.

"Cut the crap, Corlys. You convinced Viserys on all of that, don't you? You want to control my life too now?" The rogue princes asks in a controlled burst of anger. Corlys keeps his posture, almost challenging Daemon.

"I did not convince Viserys of that. I only mentioned that you could use a better marriage and the fact that you never consummed it. Otto is probably behind it." Said the Sea Snake. Daemon let out a bitter laugh.

"Otto? Impossible. We hate each other. You could see that on his face. I would be happy with his expression if i did not have a bad one by myself." The prince proclaims in a frustrated tone. Corlys look intrigued.

"Well, his daughter has been visiting the king often. Maybe he wanted her to seduce Viserys and convince him to wed her." The Lord of the Tides said. Daemon sighs.

"I could see that been done on almost every man, but not my brother. Viserys is a soft fool, but he would not be convinced to marry a girl because of a pair of tits or a good ride. No. She probably was trying to get to his heart with soft talking. I am glad that it did not work, but i am now stuck into a marriage with a Hightower." Said the prince with a grunt at the end. Corlys cross his arms.

"Well, look at that on the good side. The girl is pretty. More than Rhea Royce, at least. And she is humble as well. Easy to deal with." The Sea Snake reflects. Daemon snaps his tongue.

"The tought of diluting my blood is disgusting. In a perfect world, i would have a older sister Visenya instead of Viserys. I would marry her, produce pure blood Targaryens and become a king." The prince proclaims. Corlys laughs.

"Ah, Targaryens and incest. I am actually glad that House Velaryon was not a family of dragonlords in Valyria." Say the Sea Snake, looking trough the large and close window who gets out to the castle yard. Daemon laughs a bit now.

"Your house only got access to dragons recently. You will see that it is necessary. Pure blood makes hatching and taming dragons easier and is not good to create your own competition when you marry a daughter to a man out of the family. Valyria could not keep a monarchy because of 40 fucking families with dragons." Proclaimed the Rogue Prince. Corlys nods.

"I guess you are right. So, will you bed Lady Alicent Hightower?" The Sea Snake asks. Daemon looks out the window, thinking.

"I will have to. Viserys will basically force me to. Well, at least i can be happy that Otto will be trying to sleep while i fuck his daughter." The prince said with a malicious smile. Corlys laughs out loud.

"That is one way to put it. Well, i can only wish you luck with that. Make a child in her soon. The more time the Triarchy rules over Stepstones, more wealth i loose." The Lord of the Tides proclaims in a sudden serious tone. Daemon also creates a stern look.

"I want it more than anyone. My urge of war is killing me. I am warrior, not a stout lord that live for feasts. And with that position proposal, i am more eager than ever. I just hope that Otto has at least raise a fertile daughter and that my children don't loom like him. It would be a tragedy worse than the burn of Harrenhal." The prince proclaims in disgust by the end. Corlys grunts and nods.

"Indeed. Well, it is always nice to talk to you, Daemon, but i have things to do. Have a good day." Said the Sea Snake. The two men trade nods before splitting their ways.

Daemon walk trough more of the hallways, but when he turns around, he bumps his shoulder on someone that he did not wanted to see now.

"Otto." Said the discontent prince. The Hand looks at him with the same lack of emotion.

"Prince Daemon. Looks like you are in a hurry." The Ser points out. Daemon grunts.

"Because i am. I want to talk to go out and take Caraxes to a ride. Any problem with that?" The prince asks in a slightly aggressive tone. Ser Otto raises his hands before getting closer.

"I am not here to dicuss with you, Daemon. We need to talk. Just not now. Not here. See me tonight on my office. We have things to talk." The Hand asks, walking out before Daemon can answer. Daemon smirks in disgust and continue to walk.

He don't walk much before a small figure come at him. But that one brings a short smile to his face. The small girl of silver hair walks to him with a large smile of pure bliss.

"Uncle! Are you going to the Dragonpit?" Princess Rhaenyra asks, getting close to Daemon. The prince laughs and bend to a knee to get to her height.

"Skoriot iksis aōha Valyrīha, dārilaros? (Where is Your Valyrian, princess?)" The Rogue Prince ask in High Valyrian. Rhaenyra's eyes gets wide.

"Vaoreznuni. Issi ao jāre naejot ūndegon se zaldrīzoti? (Sorry. Are you going to see the dragons?)" The princess ask back. Daemon smiles once again and nods. He then looks at her necklace.

"Iksan biare bona ao gaomagon skoros nyke tepagon naejot ao. (I am happy that you use what i give to you.)" The Prince said before getting up. The princess nods with a giggle.

"Well, you want to go see the dragons with your dear uncle, princess?" The Rogue Prince asks, offering his hand to her. Rhaenyra eargely takes his hand. Daemon laughs.

"You knew that the Red Keep has a lot of hidden passages?" The prince asks. Rhaenyra nods.

"Yes. But i never found one." Said the princess. Daemon smirks.

"Well, i will shown one to you. Don't tell tour father about that, alright?" The prince asks. Rhaenyra nods eargely.

Daemon take the princess by the hand and guide her by the hallways until he gets to a specific picture of a robust man with a stern look and a sword. Rhaenyra looks to the picture with curiosity, noticing the ruby crown on the man's head.

"Is that a king?" The princess asks. Daemon nods slowly.

"Yes. King Maegor the cruel. He was a bad person, but a exceptional warrior. He was the person who demanded the creation of the hidden passages. Icluding one to the future Dragonpit that he did not conclude. And that one is right here." Said the prince before getting closer to a pillar by the side of the picture.

He pull the pillar and it opens in half like a door, but only to a short angle. Rhaenyra looks really surprised with that. Daemon look at her with a smirk.

"Let's go." The prince said before pulling her to the dark inside of the passage.

After he closes the passage, it is all dark inside. As a little kid, Rhaenyra start to get nervous and hold tight to Daemon.

"Relax and follow me." Said the prince before taking her by the hand and inside the passage.

Besides the darkness, eventual spider webs and the rough solo, the passage is not that bad in the end. Daemon laughs during the walk.

"I remember when my father took me here when i was a kid. He said he and Aemon found it by accident when they were kids and they use it sometimes to go see dragons in the Dragonpit." The prince reveals. Rhaenyra let out a childish laugh.

After a extensive walk, they finally get out of the passage trough a wall. The place outside is dark, but there is some torchs in the wall. Rhaenyra looks around.

"Where we are?" The princess asks, curious. Daemon walks towards a torch and take it before looking at her.

"The dragonpit. In a deeper part of it. Let me show you." Said the prince before making a loud whistle.

A potent dragon roar echoes trough the walls and make the ground shake, clearly near. Daemon laughs while Rhaenyra look a bit astonished.

"Caraxes is always too full of energy. Come on." The prince calls. Rhaenyra follow him trough the chamber.

They soon get into a more open area with a lot of high and dark caves only illuminated by some torchs.

They walk until a certain a cave that Rhaenyra knew very well.

"Syrax!" The princess exclamed, running towards her yellow dragon. Syrax lower her head when she sees Rhaenyra, letting lut a soft grunt and a warm snort. Rhaenyra hugs her head and laughs. Daemon look at the scene with interest before getting to business.

The Rogue Prince walks towards Syrax, who grunts toward him, but is calmed by Rhaenyra. Daemon walks to her chains and starts undoing each one of them.

After Syrax is freed from her chains, she grunts and prepare to walk.

Rhaenyra tries to get in the saddle, but it is difficult because of her size. Daemon help her seat on it, locking her legs in the saddle. He then smile slightly to Rhaenyra.

"Wait for my whistle." The prince say. Rhaenyra nods with Vigor. Daemon laughs and walks out from that cave, going towards the one he known the most.

With just a minute of walk trough the tunnels, he finally reach the one he wanted.

Caraxes move his long neck around and let out a short grunt when he finally sees Daemon coming to him after the whistle he heard. The prince laughs.

"Emi iā dārilaros naejot gūrogon hen syt iā sōvegon, ñuha raqiros. (We have a princess to take out for a fly, my friend.)" Said the prince while placing his hand on the head of Caraxes, who let out a snort.

Daemon quickly take out the chains and gets on top of Caraxes, locking himself on the saddle like he did to Rhaenyra. He then takes the reins.

"Jikagon. (Go.)" The prince said. Caraxes let out a roar before turning around and moving towards the opposite entrance of his cave.

The huge door is locked guarded by Dragonkeepers on the outside.

"Open the gates!" The prince exclaims. The keepers quickly move out and the door slowly gets up. While the door opens, he let out a whistle for Rhaenyra.

Caraxes move his serpentine body to the outside, getting his desired space, letting out a hiss.

Without other command, Caraxes flap his wings and get to the sky, letting out a roar in the process.

Daemon smile when the wind hits his face. Flying with Caraxes is his favorite hobby. It always make him feel powerful and free, like he is or at least want to be.

Caraxes gets higher and higher in the sky and soon Daemon can see the whole King's Landing from above, with the clouds by his side. The orange light of the sunset illuminates the horizon.

Daemon turns his head when he hears a roar of a dragon getting closer. Rhaenyra and Syrax follow then into the sky.

Syrax has only half the size of Caraxes, but her lack of size make her compensate that in flight speed. But, the different built of Caraxes allows him to be much faster than a normal dragon of his size. Because of that, they are almost the same in speed.

Daemon smirks and pull the reins. Caraxes let out a roar while he dives in the air, picking up speed. Syrax follows him.

The two dragons dive into Blackwater Bay, flying just above the water.

'Let's see how able is the princess on managing her dragon' the Rogue Prince thinks on his mind. Caraxes roars before flying towards the docks.

Caraxes dodge the ships by mere inches, slightly moving them with the strong wind he creates.

After they cross the boats and fly higher once again, Daemon look back.

Instead of doing the same, Rhaenyra pull her reins and Syrax fly above the ships.

Daemon smirks and then decide to fly to the Red Keep. Syrax soon follow Caraxes.

The two dragons fly around the castle, getting closer to the ground. Daemon then sees Viserys and some of his kingsguard on the yard, looking at the two dragons.

Daemon let out a grunt. He will get scolded by his brother now, for sure. But he is a man. He will not run away from that.

Caraxes and Syrax soon lands on the large and open yard of the Red Keep. Daemon quickly get out of Caraxes just when Viserys and Lord Commander Harrold Westerling get closer to him. Other guards go to Rhaenyra to help take her out of Syrax.

"Daemon! How many times i said that you can't just take my daughter with you whenever you want? You need to understand your limits!" The kings proclaims, frustrated. Daemon open a side smile.

"I am sorry brother, but the princess really wanted to fly with her dragon. What kind of uncle i would be if i can't spoil my niece?" The prince asks while Rhaenyra walks to then, embarassed. Viserys calm down and sighs. He then look at his daughter.

"Rhaenyra, go take a bath. I need to talk to your uncle." The king say in a soft tone. Rhaenyra looks concerned.

"What about Syrax, kepa?" The princess asks. Viserys looks to Daemon, who sighs before looking to Caraxes.

"Jikagon arlī naejot se ripo se gūrogon Syrax lēda ao. (Go back to the pit and take Syrax with you.)" Said the prince to his dragon. Caraxes let out a grunt before everyone get away from him, with Viserys taking Rhaenyra by the hand.

Caraxes hiss to Syrax before taking the sky once again. The she-dragon soon follow. Both dragons go towards the Dragonpit.

A guard takes Rhaenyra to the inside of the Red Keep while Viserys turn to Daemon.

"You need to go talk to Lady Alicent. Both of you need to get along well for the sake of the marriage." The king proclaims. Daemon smirks.

"We will have plenty of time after we get married. Until then, i want to take advantage of my freedom." The prince say. Viserys let out a grunt.

"I am not making a suggestion. You will have dinner with her today. Only the two of you." The king commands. Daemon frowns.

"You think i am dog that you can boss around, brother?" The prince asks, getting closer only to be stopped by the guards. Viserys also frowns.

"No. You are both my brother and my vassal. As your brother, i want the best for you. I want you to have a good wife and i think Lady Alicent can be that wife. And as your king, i want the best for the realm. I am done with the rivalry between you and Otto. Now, get to your room and take a bath. Lady Alicent will be in the private dining room soon." The king proclaims in a direct tone, letting no space for discussion. Daemon grunts before walking towards the Red Keep.

---

After a long bath to try to wash away his stress, Daemon wear a elegant but simple black clothe with the sigil of his house on the left side of his chest.

He walks to the private dining room, just to be surprised by the two guards standing in front of the door.

'They are here to hear, not to protect. Viserys is going completely paranoid now.' The prince thinks, frustrated. The guards open the door for Daemon, who gets inside.

Lady Alicent is sitting on the table on the opposite side of the door. She wears a expensive and well made green dress that is still simple. But Daemon also see that the dress was pressed tight against her body to bring more attention to her figure. Probably a idea of Otto, who is trying to make things work, at least.

Alicent looks nervous, moving her fingers against each other. Daemon knows that the girl is shy in front of men. The very definition of a maiden .

'I would bet my cock that she never even kissed a man in her life. At least, i am playing with a new toy here.' The prince thinks to himself before opening a forced smile and walking foward.

"Good night, Lady Alicent. I hope that i did not keep you waiting for too long." The prince proclaims. Alicent try to fix her posture and create some courage to break her silence.

"N-No, my prince. I have been here for just a few minutes. Why don't you have a seat?" The lady asks in a well composed manner. Daemon smirks and take his seat on the 5 foot long table.

The table is full of all kind of food. Meat, grains, wine and other things. The two of them get their food on their plates and start eating.

The silence reigns there for a minute until Daemon decides to break it off.

"So, how old are you?" The prince asks, trying to pull something to talk. Alicent swallow her wine before she can talk.

"I am 17, my prince." Said the lady in a low tone of voice. Daemon slice his pork with his knife.

"17? You are a grown woman already. Good to know. Viserys married Aemma when she was only 11. She gave birth to Rhaenyra when she was 15 and never truly recovered from it." The prince say, taking some pork to his mouth with the fork. Alicent nods slowly.

"Queen Aemma was a good woman. She was only 6 years older than me. Dying at 23 is... horrible." She proclaims with a sad tone. Daemon nods back after taking a sip of his wine.

"Aemma was younger than me. I should have married her while Viserys married Rhaenys. It would have worked out better." The prince proclaims in a straight tone. Alicent take a deep breath.

"I guess so, but the king loved his queen. Nobody can deny that." Alicent said with honesty. Daemon let out a grunt.

"He did, for sure. But sometimes love can pay a huge toll on you. My father, Baelon the brabe, loved my mother. After she died giving birth to my brother Aegon, he changed. He became only a ghost of his former self. He never married again because he did not want to substitute his beloved sister-wife Alyssa with another woman, not even his other sister, Viserra." The prince explains, looking at his wine in contemplation. Alicent nods.

The silence comes back once again.

"Otto told you to wear that dress." The prince said, not asked. Alicent shrinks on her seat.

"Well... yes. He said you would prefer that i wore something better to look at. He want this to work out, my prince." The lady said, confident. Daemon laughs.

"Alicent the innocent. What a rhyme. You think on your father like a child do. You refuse to look the truth beneath his manners, i can see." The rogue prince proclaimed before drinking more wine. Alicent frowns.

"I know that you and my father don't have a good relationship, but i swear that my father is a good man at heart. And i am not oblivious. You know, he told me a lot of things about you, but i am trying to see if they are true first." The lady proclaims in a direct manner. Daemon is intrigued.

"And what are your first impressions?"

"That is for me to know, my prince."

Daemon laughs before taking his cup to his mouth.

"You are more interesting than i expected. Let's cut the crap. Stop saying 'my prince', it is annoying." The rogue prince proclaimed. Alicent nods slowly.

"If you wish. So, i should just call you Daemon?" The lady in green asks. Daemon open short smile.

"Yes. You should. Let me ask something, Alicent. Is your father happy with how things turned out to happen?"

"No."

"Oh. Direct. I like that. So, tell me, are you happy with a marriage with the infamous Rogue Prince?"

"I don't know. How can i know that if a don't know you much yet?"

"I see. Well, we will get to know each other very well, very soon. Do you know how to dance, Alicent?" The rogue prince asks. Alicent looks surprised.

"Of course i do. My mother tought me before she died. But there is no music here." The lady explains. Daemon smirks.

"I don't care. I just want to see what you can do with that feet of yours." The prince said before getting up and walking to her, offering his hand. Alicent is confused but accept his hand and get up.

Daemon place a hand on her waist and hold one of her hands before starting dancing around. He looks at her, who don't look back as they dance in a slow pace.

"Look at me while we dance." The prince commands. Alicent looks to him with hesitation, like a pray looking on the eyes of her predator. She fix her posture.

"I never imagined that you were interested in dancing."

"I am not. I am testing you with it." The prince proclaimed in a plain tone. Alicent look at him with surprise.

"Testing? What kind of test?"

"That is for me to know, my lady." The prince said with a smirk. Alicent blushes with that and get back to being silent, but keeping eye contact.

Daemon pick up the pace and Alicent is able to keep it going, still toughtful. Daemon smirks once again.

"You are very good, i have to say. Most girls of your age can't keep up with that pace. My feet know very well the sole of feminine shoes."

"i am sorry if that sounds pretentious, but i am not like most women of my age." Alicent proclaims with confidence. Daemon laughs honestly this time.

"I will have to agree with you once again."

Daemon continues with the fast pace, moving Alicent around to see how much she can take on the pace.

Soon, he gets tired of doing so and the dance loose the pace, going back to a slower one, both a bit sweaty. Alicent opens a short smile.

"Looks like someone lost the pace, huh?" Said the lady in green, panting. Daemon laughs between his teeth.

"You can't say that when you are struggling for air, Hightower." The prince said in a mockery tone. The two laughs. Daemon ends his smile.

"I did not expect to actually have some fun out of that dinner. I feel like a child and a fool at the same time, dancing around with a teenager in a dinner chamber without any music. Not fitting for the Rogue Prince, i guess." The prince proclaims in a serious tone. Alicent keeps a bit of her smile.

"Well, you are 24. That is not old at all. Everyone has a inner child, i guess." The lady in green say. Daemon look to her in the eye, getting his face closer to hers. Alicent stop smiling and gets nervous once again.

"Well, let me do something less childish." Said the prince before leaning to kiss her. Alicent reacts by turning her face to the side, making Daemon kiss only her chick. She trembles under him. Daemon laughs before taking his mouth near her ear.

"Come on, Alicent, just a innocent kiss, you are my bride, after all. I will get it eventually. Who cares if it is sooner or later?" The prince say in a low tone before kissing her ear. Alicent trembles once again and she loose resistance.

When Daemon kiss her cheek once again, going towards her lips, Alicent pushs him back before nervously running out of the chamber.

After the door is closed once again, Daemon is left behind with a smirk.

'I am surprised. She does have some wits. But now i am thirsty.... no. It will have to weight, is time to pay a visit to Otto.' The Prince thinks before getting out of the dining room.

---

Daemon took a while to find it, but he soon manage to find the office of Otto Hightower. He don't care about knocking first, he just open the door imediatly. Otto is here, writing something on his desk. He look up, irritated.

"You don't know any manners, Daemon?" The Hand asks, frustrated. Daemon quickly closes the door before looking to Otto with a frown.

"Cut the bullshit, you told me to get here, what is it?" The prince asks, impatient. Otto makes a sign for him to seat. Daemon grunts, but he seats.

"I wanted to discuss about the engagement, but i have a more important topic to talk with you. The dinner. What the hell did you do to my daughter?" The Hand asks, almost not controlling his anger. Daemon smirks with pure fun while he relax on his seat.

"We just talked and played a little bit. Nothing harmful."

"Don't play with words with me, Daemon. Alicent told me that you tried to kiss her. Thrice."

"Well, i really wanted to kiss her ear on the second one. I did not miss the mark." The Rogue Prince said naturaly. If a gaze in the world could kill, it would be the gaze of Ser Otto Hightower.

"Daemon, there is no problem if you and her just kiss, in practice. But, it need to be consensual, got it? Never try to kiss my daughter against her will. Never. Got it?" The Hand proclaimed, his anger almost leaking of his body. Daemon raises his hands.

"In my defence, she clearly craved for my touch. And once she resisted, she got away. I never tried that hard, to be honest. You are just jealous that i might stole your daughter from your hands once i marry her, right, Otto?" The Prince asks in a soft but venomous tone. Otto's face starts turning red.

"Hold your tongue! I am the Hand of the King and i shall be respected as such. And my daughter will never be a puppet of a rogue like you, Daemon Targaryen!" The Hand proclaims, getting up from his seat as he tries to control his temper . Daemon laughs and get up a bit slower.

"Sadly, i don't care about any of your words that, Hand. But i will take your sweet little tower and turn it into a lair wortht of a dragon." The prince says in a mockery tone.

Before Otto could answer, the door opens once again. A messenger walks in.

"My apologies for the intrusion, my lords, but i have been searching for prince Daemon. Your grace, King Viserys, is asking for you in the throne room, my prince." The messenger say and then bows before leaving. Daemon and Otto stands in silence before the first walks out without a word.

---

Daemon arrives in the throne room. His steps echoes on the empty room. Viserys is siting in the middle of the room, without his crown and looking to the throne. Daemon walk firm towards him.

"Here we are. Same place. Same men. The day you named Rhaenyra you heir. I am here to be punished once again, brother?" The Rogue Prince asks, bitter. Viserys turn around and frowns.

"It depends. The guards told me about your dinner with Lady Alicent. You don't have any sense of decency, Daemon?" The king asks, frustrated. Daemon grunts.

"I was only testing the waters with her. And what difference it makes? She will be my wife in a few moons. Is that worse than going to a brothel to fuck a whore?" The Prince asks. Viserys sighs.

"Daemon, Lady Alicent is not a woman that you can seduce after your first talk. Take it slow at least. I want both of our marriages to be done as smoothly as possible. Do you understand?" The king asks. Daemon smirks a bit.

"I do, brother. I will... try to take a slower pace." The prince say with second intentions in mind. Viserys frowns with the emphasis on the word 'try'. He then sighs and look back to the throne.

"I think that is the best i can take from you, in the end. At least your marriage will probably work out, right?" The king asks, uncertain. Daemon snorts while he walks towards his brother.

"Maybe. I have a positive opinion on her now, but i am still not sure of that. But i can at least do the effort during or bedding. The future will depend on the next few moons." The prince say, stopping by the side of Viserys, also looking at the throne.

They stay like that for a minute. Viserys look to Daemon with the side of his eye, thinking. He then finally turns toward him.

"I have something to tell you, brother." The king say. Daemon look at him, intrigued, but say nothing. Viserys take a deep breath.

"After i was named Prince of Dragonstone, our grandfather, King Jaehaerys, told me something. He told me about a dream that Aegon the Conqueror had before the conquest. Aegon dreamed of a terrible winter. A undead enemy that will come from the far north to start a war against the living. That dream motivated Aegon to conquer Westeros, to unite them for that future war. That is a dream passed down from a king to his heir since then. King Aegon told King Aenys. King Aenys told Prince Aegon the Uncrowned and his wife, Queen Alyssa Velaryon. Queen Alyssa told our grandfather and he told to Queen Alysanne, Prince Aemon and later our father, Prince Baelon. He then told me. Since then, i shared it only with Aemma. And now, i am sharing with you." The king proclaims in a toughtful tone. Daemon looks surprised for a second before creating a angry look.

"Dreams didn't make us kings. Dragons did. You really want me to believe that a fucking dream caused all of that?" The Rogue Prince proclaims, skeptic. Viserys sighs.

"Daenys and Aegon. Daenys the Dreamer saved our house from the Doom of Valyria. Aegon the Conqueror gave us power over Westeros. It is all destiny, Daemon. A dream came true, why not the other?" Viserys say, confident on what comes out of his mouth. Daemon still looks doubtful.

"Why are you telling me now? I am not your heir anymore. Rhaenyra is." The Prince proclaims, still bitter. Viserys snorts.

"Rhaenyra is only 8. Too young for that. I am telling you because you will be the most powerful general in Westeros. She will need you by her side, as a powerful commander." The king proclaims with determination. Daemon looks at him with a serious expression.

"That dream was made over a century ago. You are too pretentious to think that will happen now. It might be 200 years in the future!" The Rogue Prince say, angered. Viserys stood on his posture.

"It can happen tomorrow or a 1000 years in the future. It don't matter. Westeros must not get weaker, Daemon. I trust you with that secret. I need you to help me to keep the realm strong for not only the Second Long Night but also all enemys we will come across in the future. I might not live long, too. More and more problems appear on my body with each day. I neee you, Daemon. You will accept that mission, brother?" The king asks, hopeful. Daemon's expression get more softy when he looks at his sad old brother. Daemon opens a true smile.

"I will do my best, brother." The prince promises. Viserys smile and hugs his brother.

While hugging Viserys, Daemon can only think on one thing.

'A strong realm under a strong ruler... Rhaenyra will never be one. It must be me.'

And so, a ambition ignited on the Rogue Prince's heart. A ambition that will paint everything in red.

---

Chapter Text

---
ALICENT I
---

105 AC -

---

While she was running from the dinner room after dismissing any help from the guards, Alicent could not keep a clear tought on what just happened.

Her heart is shaking, her face is hot and she was almost out of breath. After she got a good distance, she started walking trough the hallways, trying to get some air.

What was the Prince thinking? She is a maiden of one of the most powerful houses in Westeros! Even if she is a daughter of a second son, he still needs to have some respect for his bride at least until after the marriage.

But... why she was susprised? He is the infamous Prince Daemon Targaryen. He sleeps more often in brothels than in his own chamber on The Red Keep.

Since she was a little a girl, all Alicent wanted was to make her father proud of her. To do her duty as a lady from the House Hightower. She is now a bride for a Targaryen Prince, a position that most women would kill to have.

And she can only feel conflicted about it.

After Queen Aemma died, her father gave her the mission of getting closer to the king. Get his heart on her hands and convince him to marry her. To put her blood on the throne.

Alicent is not as innocent as others probably think. She know that her father don't want what is best for her. He wants what is best for him. He wants his blood on the throne. He wants a legacy. And Alicent is a tool for it.

As a good daughter, she did as her father wanted. She got to talk to the King during the time that he expends working on his replica of Valyria. They talked a lot. The king is a nice man. Be his wife would not be a sacrifice for her, she believed.

But then, the King told her father about his plans to marry Lady Laena Velaryon.

That night, her father was frustrated and she was ashamed. She apologized to her father for her failure, but he was lost in toughts, trying to accept the whole situation.

He then explained everything to her and gave new instructions.

She would marry Daemon Targaryen. That was certain. She now had a new task around it: make sure that the Prince likes her enough to give her at least one... daughter.

Her father wants that she give birth to a daughter so that he could ask the king for a betrothal between his grandaughter and the King's male heir by Laena Velaryon. That is his last hope.

She promised to her father to do the best.

And then, the council happened.

After discussing with the king, Prince Daemon walked to her and said some things. She barely could look up to him.

King Viserys is a kind man that makes people feel comfortable around him. She could talk to him almost as a equal.

Daemon Targaryen was as different from his brother than wine is from water.

His gaze made her feel a shiver down her spine. His touch felt like the grap of a snake, one that she could not get out.

For her luck, the whole interaction was short. Soon, she was able to get free from that moment.

But then, the king wanted her father to arrange a private dinner between she and the Prince.

During her bath and preparation to the dinner, Alicent tought about what she was willing to do in order to appease her future husband.

Her limit was clear: intimate actions before their wedding. Shee needed to be away from him, if possible.

And then, she arrived on the dinner room and waited for him. And when hed arrived, they started talking and eating.

One of the things that her father always said about Daemon and something that she alsot noticed was his false kind manners.

The smile and sweet talk that Daemon Targaryen kept at the start of their conversation were as false as it could be. And so, she entered on the defensive.

After the talk, Daemon took her by surprise by asking her to dance with him on the dinner room, without any music there.

Alicent almost felt like cursing when she felt another shiver on her body whe Daemon hold her waist to dance.

What started as completely wierd for both of them soon became funny, with one trying to outmatch the pace of the other.

And so, soon they were both laughing and panting to each other. She finally was able to relax on his presence and his smile seemed to be genuine.

But, it all changed when he tried to kiss her.

As a pure maiden, Alicent imediatly got nervous with the situation and turned her face. Daemom landed a kiss on her face.

Once again, she felt the shiver that went down her body and her legs were weakened by the simple kiss that Daemon gave to her cheek.

And then, he whispered on her ear and kissed her cheek more times. She could barely think. She was seduced by his touch. By his kisses. By his voice. She was in a trance.

Luckily, she managed to recover her senses and walked away from the dinner room, getting on where she is now.

Alicent finally is able to recover her breath. She then walks towards the work chamber of her father.

The lady in green knocked on the door on a special way that only she knows how to do.

"Enter." The strict voice of Otto Hightower can be listened from the other side of the door. Alicent then enters on the chamber.

Ser Otto Hightower is looking to the papers in his desk with complete focus. He then looks up to his daughter.

"Something happened during the dinner?" The Hand of the King asks, still unsure about the whole situation with Daemon. Alicent take a deep breath.

She then tells him about what happened in the dinner. At the end, the Hand holds his papers in a tight grip while also slightly grinding his teeth in anger. Otto then takes a deep breath before looking back to his daughter, now more restrained.

"You did well. He is trying to play with you. Make you his puppet. You must resist any advances he makes until the marriage. You must show that you can stand on your ground. If you don't do that, he will probably never accept you as his wife. He will see you not much differently than a whore. And we depend on that marriage working." Said the Hand, getting more calm after his speech. Alicent looks down to his desk, thinking.

"What make you believe that this marriage will ever work out?" The girl asks, insecure. Ser Otto gets up and gets closer to his daughter, placing his hands on her shoulders and looking deeply on her eyes.

"I know how Daemon works. That is our advantage here. He likes to be challenged, at least at a certain degree. Rhea Royce was surpassed his taste. You need to resist, but not aggressively. Play his game. Give it back to him. Tease him. Wear more provocative clothes, but evade his touch. You need to be a worthy and desirable challenge. Do you understand?" The Hand of the King asks, placing his hands on each side of Alicent's face. The girl nods, nervous. Otto sighs before taking his hands from her face.

"Go take a bath to relax and then you can go to sleep. Daemon will appear here soon and i don't want you to be here when he does." The Hand of the King say before going back to his chair.

Alicent nods and then walk towards the door. She stops in front of it.

"Good night, father." The lady in green said. Ser Otto let out a grunt of recognition. Alicent sighs and leaves the room, going back to her own toughts while walking trough the hallway.

Her father did not used to be that cold and objective. Similar to Viserys, the death of his wife caused a change in him. Ser Otto Hightower became a man of pure ambition.

'I wish i could see his smile again' Alicent tought. 'I miss mom and the stories she would tell me as a child. The same stories i told to King Jaehaerys.' The lady in green tought in melancholy.

Alicent play with a hand against the other, taking small parts of her nails as a way of releasing her stress.

Her mind goes back to Daemon Targaryen. As a true Targaryen with the blood of Valyria running trough his veins, Daemon is a handsome man. A beauty that most men could envy.

As a humble daughter of a second son, Alicent was really surprised when Prince Daemon asked for her favour in the jousts. But, she quickly learned that it was just to displease her father by asking her favour and then defeating her brother.

She felt disapointed upon learning about that. She wanted to believe that Daemon just choosed her because he was interested in her, not just because of a old grudge with her father.

Alicent sighed once again. The sound of her steps echoes trough the empty hallway she is walking trough.

The lady in green can only want one thing out of her engagement: a peace of heart. But, with the Rogue Prince as her future husband, more and more problems will come.

---

After many moons, Alicent and Daemon had occasional encounters, but after the outcome of the first dinner, things got cold between them.

The door that she opened for him was quickly closed to near completion. Starting on their second meeting, she evaded his touch and was way more resistant to his verbal advances.

How Daemon reacted to this was a msitery for a long time to Alicent. He seemed both frustrated and... amused.

After each rejection of his touch, Daemon would retreat, but with a smirk on his face. Yet, not a angry one.

Her father said once that Daemon liked to play games with people. And now, she can clearly see exactly what is happening.

Daemon Targaryen was trying to make him his pet. A person that he can mold to his on desires, just like he does to Princess Rhaenyra herself. She want to see how long Alicent can take to break to his will.

Alicent vowed to herself that she would keep her ideals until the very end. She would not give up that easily.

Yet, her body almost failed with her several times. Every time Daemon touches her, Alicent gets more sensible to it. She almost... craves for it.

When she asked her father about that, Ser Otto, as a man, had little to no clue for what is happening to her. He could only make asumptions.

The most safe theory he had was that, as a pure maiden, every temptation of the flesh caused by Daemon is enough to make a difference in her. Like a man in a dornish desert getting a single sip of water.

She must resist.

She must resist.

She must resist.

Alicent repeated that on her mind over and over again, but her efforts seem to be losing strength.

But she is too close to her final objective. The marriage will hapen the following day.

So, now, on that warm morning on the Red Keep, Alicent find herself surrounded by several maids that are helping her with the wedding dress and her hair.

"You look beautiful on that dress, my Lady! I have never seen a dress that impressive on my entire live." A young maid say with a large smile, looking at Alicent with glowing eyes.

The bride look down to her white dress and take some time to admire it. The dress is fitting for the daughter of the Hand of the King and for a Royal marriage. Even if she has some experience on sewing, she can't imagine how much work must have been done to make all the embroidery in it.

Before she could say anything, the young maid is slapped on the arm by a older woman, retreating with a short squeal. The older woman look at her with a severe expression.

"Lady Alicent is not one of your friends, girl. Talk to her with more respect." The woman say in a dry tone. The young maid look down in shame. Alicent laughs a bit.

"That is not necessary. She can talk to me that way. And i really like the dress. After all, it was made as i described, after all." The bride say, looking at the mirror in front of her.

She looks really beautiful, modesty aside. The dress is the one that she dreamed since she was a little girl, dreaming of her marriage to a kind prince.

And here she is, almost married to a prince. But not one that look kind, at the best. The happiness she wished as a child is not here. The concern reigns in absoluten on her heart.

Suddenly, the doors open and the maids look back at it. Alicent hear the sound of small steps and look back.

Princess Rhaenyra walk in with a large smile on her face. She walk to Alicent with a look of wonder on her face.

"Lady Alicent, you look incredible! I wish i could wear a dress that beautiful. Kepa only let me use the same simple dresses every day." The princess say, doing a pout. Some of the maids let out a "Awww". Alicent laughs and bow down to talk to the princess.

"Princess, as much as i love your company, is your father aware that you are here?" The bride asks with a soft tone. Rhaenyra chuckles and denies with her head.

"I said to the guard that i was going to see kepa, but i walked here instead. I wanted to see your dress closely!" The princess said, holding the tissue of the dress with one of her hands and looking to it with wonder once again.

"Princess!" A voice come from outside as another person enters on the room. A man in the white armor of the Kingsguard, short black hair and pale green eyes. He bow shortly to Alicent.

"My lady, you have my deepest apologies for entering like that, but i am the guard assigned to take care of Princess Rhaenyra. I came here to take her to King Viserys. Sorry if she did anything wrong, it is all my fault." The guard said in a smooth tone. Alicent can see some of the maids almost eating him alive with their eyes. She stand in a straight posture over the base where she is.

"Of course. The princess was only here to see my dress. She did no harm to me. But, Ser, i have never got your name before. You are the knight that took the place of Ser Ryam Redwyne, right?" The bride asks in her composed diplomatic tone. The white knight nods with his head in confidence.

"Yes, my lady. I am Ser Criston Cole, son of Clarence Cole, the steward of Lord Damon Dondarrion of Blackhaven." The man declared. Alicent nods.

"Very well. Ser Criston Cole, you can take the princess now. Just don't mention anything to the king. He might not want to get worried for nothing." The bride said to the knight before looking to Rhaenyra.

"And you, little princess, you need to learn to behave better. That is not proper for the heir to the throne." Alicent say in a soft, but scolding tone. Rhaenyra sighs and then nods. Alicent smile to her before waving her hand towards Ser Criston.

And then, the princess and the knight go away together and the door is once closed. Alicent goe back to her original position in the base. A maid let out her breath.

"By the gods! Being handsome a requirement to enter in the kingsguard?" The woman said. Other maids laugh at that. Alicent chuckles a bit.

"Well, the kingsguard is always in evidence. After all, they wear white. Being handsome is a good trait for them, i guess." The bride said after thinking about it. Some of the maids agree with that.

Once again, the doors open, this time, more violently than before. Alicent frowns and don't look back.

"Gods, why the doors can't be kept close!" The Lady in white proclaims. Only now she see the surprised faces of the maids.

"Well, i think i can walk in to see my bride, can't i?"

Alicent's eyes go wide when she recognizes that voice. She turn back and see Daemon Targaryen walking towards her with the slow pacing she know very well. Alicent fix her posture.

"My prince. Is not polite for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. Some people believe that it brings misfortune to the couple."

"Some idiots, you mean. I don't believe in that foolish surpestitions." The Rogue Prince said with his infamous smirk. Alicent sighs before turning around.

"If you are only here to get in my nerves, you can go away now, my prince." The bride said looking to him trough her mirror. Daemon laughs.

"Oh no. I came here for more than that. Please, let me alone with my bride, ladies." The prince said in a firm tone. The maids quickly leave the room before closing the door. Alicent grunts in anger before turning back to Daemon.

"What do you want, Daemon?! You can't wait for me to get this dress done first?" The lady in white asks. Daemon laughs once again before getting up on her base, getting close to her. Alicent tries her best to not blush.

"No. I wanted to talk to you while you are i that dress. And... you look really good on that dress, Alicent." The prince said with a tone that seens to be honest. Alicent frown to him.

"Thank you. Now, get out." The lady say in a direct tone. Daemon denies with his head.

"Not yet. Let me look more at you." The prince said, before getting a bit more closer to her.

He holds parts of her dress while looking at it with a relaxed expression, getting closer and closer.

When she feels his breath near her exposed neck, Alicent take a step back out of instinct and slip on the border of the base.

"Ah!"

Before she could even think on trying to get up, Daemon gets his left arm on her waist and then he take her to the base, close to his own body.

"Got you." Said the prince with a deep laugh. Alicent almost melts with the hug-like grap.

She can only think on his breath on her neck, his firm grab on her waist, and his purple eyes on her brown eye. Her mind sink on the purple.

Lost in her feelings, she don't see when Daemon go to kiss her.

His warm and soft lips make a shiver go trough her whole body and she relax. When his tongue enters her mouth, she fights back with her own tongue on instinct. Daemon grabs her back with his right arm and get deeper on the kiss.

Alicent is completely blinded by how good it feels to finally kiss the prince that kept provoking her for whole moons. She could never imagine how good it could feel.

And then, when Daemon moves his left hand down, her trance is broken and she gets back to reality.

Alicent pull up from the kiss with a frown and raise her hand.

SMACK!

Daemon get out of the base, shocked with the slap he got on his bright red left cheek. He moves his hand to it and look a bit surprised at Alicent, who is possessed by anger while she recovers her breath.

"Ouch! I did not think you had that in you, Alicent."

"You are the one here that kissed me against my will! You deserve much more than a slap to your ugly face!" The Lady in white said, still very astonished by what happened. Daemon recovers and smirks once again.

"Against your will? Oh, please. You are almost begging for a kiss with your eyes, Alicent. I only gave what your instincts wanted but your mind was refusing to give. You liked it, don't you?" The prince ask with some arrogance. Alicent grunts.

"It does not matter if i like it or not! You should respect your bride until the bedding! You can't wait one more day, Daemon?!" The lady ask, furious. The Rogue Prince snorts.

"I could. But i want to prove my point here. You have been resisting to me better that i could ever expect, but that was my ultimatum. And i got it. You got a taste of me now. You craved for it, don't you?"

"You are a mad man, Daemon."

"Mad? Hmm... i don't think so. I just like to take what is mine. And you are mine, Alicent. I decided that. You think that i you will be mine only tomorrow. But no. You have been mine for the past moons. I can see that your face. I am the face that come to your mind during the night. I have stolen the heart of the precious little girl of Otto Hightower." The prince said before laughing loud, with the laugh echoing on the empty room. Alicent take a deep breath.

"It was always about my father. Never about me. You only care about your childish grudge. I am tired of just being a piece on the game of you two. I am done." The lady in white say before getting out of the base and going towards the doors.

But, Daemon extend his arm and pull her back to his grab, and once again, Alicent lose her ability to resist him. He look at her on the eyes.

"It is more than it, you can be sure of that. You are smart and strong of will, but still feminine and beautiful. You are not a weak and easy whore or neither a man with a cunt like Rhea Royce. You are the balance between the two. One very rare to find out there. Honestly, i did not want this marriage for obvious reasons. But, i guess, from all shit options of wives that Viserys could have pushed trough my troat, i was lucky to get you." The prince said in a direct and honest tone.

Alicent is astonished. Her face is red and she can hear her own heart beating. Her lips tremble.

Daemon smirks a bit, hold her face with his hands with tenderness and them lean to a chaste kiss. Lips to lips.

If the first one was about lust, that one was something else. Love? No. That would be too stupid of a presumption. Affection? Appreciation? Sounds more like that.

Giving up to her instincts, Alicent hold his head on the same way and kiss him back. Both of them close their eyes.

They get apart just to do another chaste kiss. And another. And another. One shorter than the other. The sound of the kisses echoes trough the room.

And then, with a final and longer kiss, they get apart, still holding the face of the other. And then, they touch foreheads with one another, taking a good breath. Daemon smirks.

"For a pure maiden, you are a good kisser." Said the prince before laughing. Alicent let him go and turn her back to him, taking more steps to get apart. Daemon sighs and fix his posture.

"Well, i will let you alone. You must have a lot to think. Have a good day." Said the Rogue Prince with a ironic tone before leaving.

After the door is closed, Alicent walks to the mirror in a slow pace out of pure uncertainty.

Her hair is messed up a her lips are bright red from the kissing. Alicent take a deep breath before seating on the base, looking at her reflection.

Alicent can't hold it anymore and let the tears roll. She take her hands to the face and try to controll her hiccups and sniffs.

"Sorry, father... i failed you..." The lady in white said, looking back at her reflection.

"Your precious daughter fell in love with the man you hate the most..." She said before letting her crying take over her.

Tears dropped, not out of sadness, but out of guilt.

---

The day has come.

Lots of nobles came along to the wedding, her father said. Most of the nobles of the Crownlands are present, and also lots of powerful houses from the whole Westeros.

Alicent take a look from the window in her chambers in the Red Keep, looking down at the enormous amount of people going to the Dragonpit for her wedding. The commonfolk walking on foot and the nobles using carriages.

"Scared of the attention?" Her father asks from behind her in a soft tone. Alicent turn to him.

"Yes. Even on my wildest dreams i never expected such a big amount of people going to my wedding. I think your wedding was not even close to that level, was it?" The lady asks with a short laugh. Ser Otto laughs back and nods.

"Of course. It was a modest one, for the most part. We married in Oldtown in the presence of the rest of House Hightower and House Florent. Some of my father's vassals appeared there, but nothing more than that. Your wedding is much different. It is still a royal cerimony and the King took the effort of inviting the most people that he could." The Hand explains. Alicent nods in understanding and sighs.

"Well, i have to prepare myself to the wedding. There is a lot of things to get in place." The lady says. Her father nods.

"Indeed. I will call the servants and let you alone for that." Said the Hand before walking to the door. Alicent bites her lips.

"Father?" Alicent asks. Otto stops and look at her.

"What is it?"

"Are you really not angry that i failed?" The lady asks, not sure of the answer to that question. Ser Otto walks towards her with a short smile. He then hugs her tight into his arms.

"I does not matter, my dear. You did your part very well. I couldn't demand more from you. Ok?" The Hand asks in a soft tone. Alicent smile and hugs her father tightly. Ser Otto then breaks it.

"Now. Get ready." Said the Hand before walking out of the room, closing the door.

Alicent sighs and look to her mirror, starting to take her current dress out.

She takes her time to look at her body as a whole. Her breasts, her curves... they are good enough for a man like Daemon, who has slept with all kind of women?

Alicent is interrupted by the knock of the servants on the door. She sighs and covers her body before walking towards the door.

That will be a long day.

---

After a long time of preparation, Alicent and Otto get on their carriage together with some company servants.

The track to the Dragonpit is full of people on the way trough and take more time than it would normally do.

During it, the silence reigns on the inside of the carriage until Alicent change things.

"I can only hope that i don't step on that dress. Why it need to be so long?" The bride asks in good humor. The maids with her let out a laugh. Ser Otto smiles a bit.

"A bride need to be the center of all attention. That is why." The Hand said in a honest tone, looking to the people trough the window. Alicent nods and sighs.

"So, father, that is how you expected that things would turn out for me?"

"No."

"You think that this marriage will work?"

"Only time will tell."

The rest of the track is completely in silence, until the horses finally stop at the top of the Hill of Rhaenys.

Lady Alicent get out of the carriage and her father pulls out the green cloak with the sigil of house Hightower, putting it on her shoulders. He then smile at her and take her arm.

The two walk towards the Dragonpit with the guards by their sides. They walk trough the black and red carpet towards big doors of the pit.

They walk inside to see the grandstand full with nobles from different houses. They get up an cheer the arrival of the bride. But what surprises Alicent is what is on the the ground.

On one side of the carpet, there is most of House Hightower and on the other is House Targaryen and the Velaryons related to Princess Rhaenys.

But, at the front there is the a unexpected guest. A giant red dragon with a long neck lyiny down by the side of the groom, hissing a bit. Otherwise, Caraxes looks verys composed.

Alicent walks with her father towards Daemon, who has his typical smirk. He is wearing a cerimonial black clothing wth the sigil of house Targaryen on the left side of his chest in bright red. Otherwise, the clothing is clearly way more valuable than his normal clothing.

Standing after Daemon, on the center, the High Septon is in his white clothing and using his crystal crown.

After they get to the end of the walk, Ser Otto and Prince Daemon trade a quick stare before Ser Otto offers Alicent's hand to Daemon, who takes it gracefully. Ser Otto bow a bit before reuniting with his family.

Daemon and Alicent look at each other. The first with a smile and the other very nervous.

"You look really well once again, Alicent. How lucky i am." Said the prince in a ironic tone. Alicent snorts.

"You don't look bad." She said in a dry tone. Daemon laughs.

The Rogue Prince take her Hightower cloak out and put it on a near table. He then place the Targaryen cloak on her shoulders.

"That colors look better on you." The prince whispered on her ear before he gets back to his position, letting a shiver down her spine. The High Septon takes a deep breath.

"We are all here today to celebrate the union of Prince Daemon of House Targaryen and Lady Alicent of House Hightower in a marriage. The source of life and death. To join two souls as one." The leader of the faith said, pointing his hands to both the groom and the bride. Alicent and Daemon look at the eyes of each other and both start to say together.

"Father..."

"Mother..."

"Warrior..."

"Smith..."

"Maiden..."

"Crone..."

"Stranger..."

As the last of the seven names let out of their mouths, Daemon gently gets his hands on her face before leaning to kiss her.

Different from the other kisses they had, that one was short and tender, lacking the intensity from before. After their lips got apart, their eyes connected once again.

"I am yours and you are mine. From this days until the end of my days." Both of them said together in a firm tone.

"Here, in the presence of gods and men, Daemon of House Targaryen, and Alicent of House Hightower, are now one heart, and one soul." The High Septon proclaims, raising his voice.

With that, Alicent and Daemon kissed one more time, but now with the intensity that was lacking.

The guests give out loud applauses to the new married couple, some screaming or whistling in commemoration. Caraxes took his head up and let out a hissing roar.

All that sound was meaningless to Alicent during that kiss. She once again got lost on the warm lips of the Rogue Prince.

After the kiss ended she got once again the sense of what happening around her. Daemon smirks and take arm into his before walking in the carpet towards the entrance of the Dragonpit.

The guests kept applauding while they got out of here and walked down the steps to a carriage private to them.

Daemon helos Alicent get inside the carriage and the door is locked. The prince sighs and sit by her side, opening his clothes a bit to let some air get in. He then smirks to Alicent.

"My brother wanted a big ceremony. I was against it, but i think you know how stubborn he can be about what he wants." The prince said with a dry smile. Alicent chuckles. The carriage start moving.

"Well, i doubt that he was the one that asked Caraxes to be there." She say with a smirk. Daemon snorts.

"That is about power. House Targaryen is what it is because of dragons. Rhaenys did the same on her marriage. Even worse. She arrived to her wedding on Meleys. We need to show off what we have, my dear wife." Said the prince in a malicious, but soft tone. Alicent look away.

"So, here we are. Married. Well, not entirely until the bedding." The lady in white say. Daemon laughs and denies with his head. He then gets closer to her.

"At least, i can do more of that." Said the prince before pulling her towards him for a kiss.

Alicent try to resist, but Daemon holds her tight while they kiss. His tongue forcing her tongue to submission.

"Daemon... please... somebody out there could see us!" Said the bride between the kisses. Daemon smirks.

"I don't give a fuck about that. I could just bed you right here. It would certainly be more interesting to me than another experience with a bedding." Said the prince with a grunt. The carriage shakes and Daemon use that to pull Alicent to seat in his lap. She let out a little scream, but is quickly baffled by his lips once again.

After she give up of complaining, Daemon starts kissing the exposed skin on her neck, making Alicent lose her breath.

In a glimpse of sanity, Alicent perceives one thing when she looks at the window.

"Daemon... we are almost on the Red Keep!" The bride said with some difficuly. Daemon stop his ministrations and let her go back to his side. Alicent tries to recover her breath and lose some of the heat on her body. Daemon grunts, but say nothing while he fix his clothes and Alicent does the same. He looks to the window.

"It was faster than i tought it would be." Said the prince, frustrated. With they leaving the wedding first, they could return way quicker than they would normally.

After a minute, the carriage finally reached the yard of the castle and the new couple was able to get out and walk to their feast together with their arms entangled.

---

After a time, the throne room was full of Westerosi nobles. Lords and Ladies from the whole seven kingdoms were there, eating, drinking, talking and laughing.

Alicent is by the side of Daemon in the main table in front of the iron throne, and by his side is King Viserys himself, wearing the crown of jewels of the Old King. The two brothers are talking to each other and laughing, sharing stories of their childhood.

Looking around the table, Alicent can feel a smile come to her face when she see such a number of happy faces.

Rhaenys and Corlys talking with short smiles and glances.

Laenor, Laena and Rhaenyra playing together with some bones of a turkey.

Even her father looks content enough while eating by her other side.

She sighs and relax on her chair.

Finally, some peace for her heart.

And then, the King gets up from his seat and the chambers get silent to hear what he has to say.

"Firstly, i would like to thank every guest that came for that marriage. That whole event was probably my only happiness on this difficult year. But, from what i saw, i have hope for the future. A toast, to Prince Daemon and Princess Alicent! For a better future for House Targaryen and for the Seven Kingdoms as a whole!" The King proclaimed in uplifting tone, rising his cup over his head. The nobles does the same.

"Glory to House Targaryen!" Everyone said together in a single sound and then several applauses can be heard. The king rose his hand, and there was silence once again.

"Now that most people stopped eating, it is time for the dance!" The king proclaimed with a smile, making a sign to the musicians. They start playing music with more vigor.

Several couples of nobles and other duos walk towards the center of the room, starting to dance.

Alicent take a look at Daemon. The prince sighs and take her hand before walking towards the center of the room wit her.

The others let out space for them in the middle of the room. With that, they start dancing.

Daemon hold Alicent close to him while they dance and pick up the right pace on the slow dance.

Alicent rest her head on his chest and take a breath in, enjoying the moment.

The memory of her dance in silence with Daemon from their first dinner come back to her as something sweet that make her smile.

The slow music ends and a faster one starts. Alicent fix her position and Daemon smirks with her sudden actions.

They quickly get on the right pace once again, but the pace of the music keeps going higher and higher, making it harder and harder to keep up.

And again, the memories come back to Alicent. Once again she is on a extenuous dancing session with Daemon. They start sweating on their thick clothes and panting more and more.

And then, the music ended and Alicent could finally breath properly. But, at the same time, the people around them start applauding.

Her face turn red when she understands that they were applauding their perfomance on the dance. Daemon laughs over her expression, he holds her tight.

"They are just a bunch of idiots trying to please the King, just ignore." The Rogue Prince said on her ear. Alicent nods, still a bit uncomfortable with the unexpected attention.

The applauses end fast and King Viserys rise from his seat once again.

"With the dance done, we will now go to the end of the whole ceremony. Start the bedding!" The King proclaims with a proper smirk of a brother of the Rogue Prince. A maid take out the young children.

Alicent goes pale when the people commemorates and get around them. Daemon laughs, entertained.

The new Princess quickly remember the instructions of her father for this moment.

She don't want to have her dress torn a part, so, she grabs the right spot and let it fall from her body and into the ground, letting her only own light clothes.

The men gathers around her and the women gathers around Daemon and start taking their clothes off while they walk towards their chambers together.

Alicent take deep breath while older men take her clothes off in hope of getting their hands on her body for a second. And they did, even if it was quick.

The worst part was all the obscenity they were saying about her body and references to the pleasures of the flesh.

She find some consolation when looking at Daemon. The women tear his clothes a part and he has only a large smile on his face. One of the younger women try to grab his lower part, but Daemon touches her teat instead, making her retreat and shame and making Daemon laugh.

And so, after a difficult walk, the two of them are let naked on their new chamber. More obscenitys are hears from the outside before they finally go away.

Alicent sighs in relieve while Daemon laughs once again.

"I was a bit ashamed on my first bedding, but, in retrospective, it was the closer i got to the touch of a woman that night." Said the prince in a bitter tone of humor. Alicent nods, but then remember that she is naked. She blushes, crosses her legs and cover her breasts with an arm. Daemon laughs harder.

"Really? You are trying to cover your body in front of your own husband in our bedding? I did not think you were that much of a prude, Alicent." Said the prince with his old smirk. Alicent blushes once again.

"It is just... hard to me." Said the bride in a low tone. Daemon laughs a bit more before getting closer to her and taking a new kiss.

While they kiss, Daemon take Alicent in his arms and move her to the bed, keeping her under him.

They trade a intense glare before going for the most intense kiss yet.

Alicent was taken away by the moment, letting her lust take over her. And when Daemon started kissing her neck and moved her hands down... she let out a moan for the very first time in her life.

And what came after that, felt more like a lucid dream than reality.

---

Chapter Text

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DAEMON II

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105 AC -

---

Daemon Targaryen open his eyes with the sunlight that came from the window.

The first thing the Rogue Prince notice is the soft body on his left side, holding his arm, and then the dark brown hair near his face.

He looks down to see Alicent, his new wife, sleeping nicely while holding his arm with one arm and covering her naked body with her other arm. Daemon snorts.

She was a prude even after losing her maidenhood.

Daemon relax on the bed and look to the ceiling, thinking on what happened.

After the first dinner, he was sure of what he should do.

He would have to actually sleep with Alicent, because his brother would not let him slide this time. He could see it on his eyes. And even if Viserys is soft, once he put his mind on something, he is very stubborn about it.

He came to thar dinner thinking that it would be a terrible interaction on what he believed to be Otto's puppet. Instead, he was somewhat surprised.

Alicent Hightower, altough still being the puppet of her father, is not a waste of time in flesh. She was very able on the arts of using the right words with the right person, something he could have guessed, but she was also someone that was interesting to talk to.

Or, as he would say, she was more interesting to play with than he expected.

He expected that Alicent would just be a girl reproducing what was told to her over and over again. A virgin that don't know anything about the relation between men and women. One that would be overwhelmed by him once he introduce her to a world she have never experienced before.

He was wrong about her.

Of course, Alicent clearly had no sexual experience. But, she had will enough to resist his advances.

She even had the audacity to slap him. That memory made him laugh.

And then, after that dinner, he started taking his chances with here more often, but, Alicent was clearly more on the defensive after his first attempt.

He liked that. A good predator don't like a easy pray because most of the fun is the hunt.

On the other side, Rhea Royce was also a woman with a powerful will. But she was too much of one. He still likes feminine women, not a women that acts like a man and is ugly.

Besides his preference for the Valyrian look that he has, Alicent is beautiful. He can't deny that.

But, everything has a limit.

When the day before the marriage arrived, Daemon was already too fed up with her resistance. If he waited for the marriage, he would lose the game. He needed to take what he wanted as fast as possible.

When he entered that room and he saw Alicent on the white dress, he felt even more motivated to go trough his plan, even if it failed once again.

Luckly for Daemon, Alicent was already on her limit. And on that day, he finally got his victory over her.

The kisses they shared where... different than he expected. Alicent was totally unexperienced, but she was also a quick learner. Soon, she was kissing back on the right way.

She should feel honored. Kissing is not something he does with most women. Only Mysaria, actually.

He still needs to talk to Mysaria about everything. The last moons dealing with Alicent left him with almost no time or desire for going to brothels or to meet her. Of course, he still slept with whores from time to time, but not as much as he did in the past.

That was a reason for his determination of dominating Alicent as soon as possible. And it was worthy in the end.

Alicent was not the best women he ever slept with. Not even close, but she was for sure the most able virgin he ever slept with.

They had different approaches when it came to sex. Alicent wanted the act to be slow and tender. An act of lovemaking. Daemon laughed at that. That was not with him. The Rogue Prince don't make love.

In the end, they got to a middle ground while Daemon tried to guide Alicent on the ways of the pleasure of the flesh.

"Thinking on something?" Said a curious female voice that he know very well at this point. Daemon look down and his violet eyes meet the brown eyes of Alicent Hightower, who looks a bit sleepy yet. Daemon let out a soft grunt.

"Nothing in particular." The prince said, vague. His new wife snorts before getting out of him. The sheets come down her naked body when she gets on her knees in the bed. Daemon look at her with a short and malicious smile.

"I must say, you look better naked than with anything else you can find to wear. Especially that ugly green dresses of yours." Said the Rogue Prince while holding her hips softly. Alicent frown to him.

"Green is the color of my house. House Hightower is one of the most powerful houses in all of Westeros. I am proud of using their color." She said with confidence. Daemon laughs.

"I don't think you understand your situation, but i will be kind enough to explain to you." Said the prince before sitting on the bed and pulling her closer to him, their faces mere inches away and his purple eyes going deep in her soul.

"Until yesterday you were just the maiden daughter of Otto Hightower. That pure girl don't exist anymore. You are not a maiden anymore, and more importantly, you are now married. To me. People will not talk about you as the daughter of Otto Hightower. They will talk to you as the wife of Daemon Targaryen. The seeds i planted on you last night are the blood of Valyria. The blood of the dragon. The most important house in Westeros. The top ot the hierarchy. House Hightower is nothing in comparison. So, as a woman married into house Targaryen, you will stop using that ugly green and start going for some black and red. Do you understand?" Said the prince in a progressive tone of anger. Alicent look to him with some shock and a open mouth. She stay in silence for a second and then close her mouth and fiixing her posture.

"I will do as you say, but don't expect me to accept your tone like a humble whore. I am not your toy, Daemon." Said her in a strict tone. Daemon look back at her and smirk before pulling her towards him, kissing her with hunger.

Alicent lose her resistance and they share a avid kiss, but a short one. When they separate, she is still with her hands around his neck. Daemon smirks once again.

"We will see about that." Said the prince with some fun. He then take her back on his left arm and her legs on his right arm and get out of bed. Alicent let out a short screen because of the surprise. The prince walks towards another door on their chamber.

"Daemon! What are you doing?!"

"Going to take a bath with you."

"The water is still cold! We need to call a servant."

"I don't care."

"At least lest wash separately! There is no space for two in the bathtub."

"Stupid of you to assume that we will just take a bath."

"But... we can't do that there! What about cleaning?!"

"We will just have to take two baths. Maybe three."

"We will get late."

"I will just say that i was taking care of my new wife."

"But..."

"Shut up already. Now, lets get to work..." Said the prince, entering the bathroom and closing the door.

---

"I fill so dirty... how can you walk around feeling clean after doing that in the bath?" Alicent asks in a whisper while they walk trough the hallway of The Red Keep. Daemon snorts.

"You have a lot of work to do on your innocence, Alicent. Everyone fucks in the morning. At least everyone with a decent marriage, i guess." Said the prince in a normal tone. Alicent blushes.

"Don't say it that loud!" Said her in a nervous tone, trying to hide a scream. Daemon smirks, looking at her.

After their non literal steamy bath, Alicent obeyed to his demands and is now wearing a modest black dress.

"You look good." Said him in a straight tone. Alicent snorts.

"You look the same as always. How can you always use almost the same clothes?" His wife asks. Daemon smirks.

"You never said i look bad." Said the Rogue Prince. Alicent snorts again and look away from him.

The two enter in the main hall after two members of the Kingsguard open the door. The same huge table of yesterday is still in front of the Iron Throne, but there is only four chairs in the middle, two on one said and two on the opposite side. The table was already served.

On the side closer to the throne, Viserys is seating in the bigger chair and not using his crown. Rhaenyra is on the chair in his side. Standing by the side of the king is Lord Commander Harrold Westerling od the Kingsguard and by the side of Rhaenyra is the Kingsguard that was appointed to take care of her. The man that defeated him on the tourney. The king smile to them, raising his cup.

"Good morning to you two! Yesterday was a good night, i guess." Said the king with a short laugh, hiding the true meaning of his words from his daughter. Princess Rhaenyra smile to them. Alicent bow in front of the king and his heir while Daemon only open his common smirk.

"It could have been way worse, brother." Said the prince before pushing a chair for Alicent to seat and then seating on the other. Viserys smile.

"Good to know. If our marriages prosper, Westeros will also prosper." Said the king with a honest tone. Daemon nods with a blank expression. Viserys then look to Alicent.

"Lady Alicent..."

"Princess Alicent, brother."

Alicent look back at Daemon with frustration for his rude interruption of the king.

The silence reigns for a short period of time before it is broken by the laugh coming from Viserys.

"I guess you are right about that. She is now your wife after all. I plan to also extend the titles of Prince and Princess to your children as well, you know." Said the king in a happy tone. Daemon opens a short smile on the border of his mouth.

"That is very kind of you, your grace." Said the prince in a dry and educated tone. One that Viserys did not take much note off.

"Well, as i was going to say, Princess Alicent, how is your marriage going still now? Any... problems, last night?" The king asked, trying to be the more respectful he can while asking a intimate question. Alicent manage to keep a good pose.

"It is going well, your grace. I hope that the mother will be kind enough to give us a child in the near future." Said the new princess in a smooth tone. Viserys looks satisfied by her answer.

"That make me glad. Daemon has been corrupted by brothels and violence since the death of our father. Maybe some children will give some light to his heart, like Rhaenyra did to me." Said the king while holding the smaller hand of Rhaenyra and giving his daughter a lovely smile. The princess look back at her father with a almost childish level of happiness. Alicent smiles.

But, Daemon is not smiling. His face turned into a frown at the second phrase of his brother. He take a last sip of his wine before getting up from the table. The other three look concerned at him.

"Any problem?" The king asked in a worrisome tone. Daemon look at him with a serious expression.

"I lost my appetite. I will take my leave now, your grace." Said the Rogue Prince before leaving towards the doors without further explanation. Alicent gets up.

"Daemon! Come back!" She claimed to her busband in confusion, walking on the same direction. Daemon leaves the hall with a loud sound of the doors when they close.

The rogue prince walks fast trough the hallway, trying to reunite his toughts. The memories coming back to his mind. The feelings he did not want to remember.

Getting some distance from the throne room, Daemon gets to a big window and opens it. He looks to the horizon of King's Landing and take a deep breath, trying to get back to his senses. He almost ignore the fast pace of a woman walking in his direction.

Almost.

"Daemon! By the gods! Why did you walk away like that?! Do you have any idea of how rude that is?" His wife asks, frustrated. Daemon don't look to her, only keep his eyes on the horizon.

"I grew up calling Viserys a soft fool, but he has some strengths that i don't. Strengths that i can only envy him for." Said the prince in a distant tone. Alicent look at him with concern.

"What are you talking about?" She asked, confused. Daemon sighs and looks at her.

"Forget about it. Forget about everything that happened in the last few minutes. I just started my day on the wrong way. I need to correct that. We will take a flight with Caraxes. You and me." Said the prince in a direct and recomposed tone. Alicent stand on her ground and frown.

"I refuse. As a Hightower, my right place is standing firm on the ground like a tower. You can take your beast for a ride. I am going to the gardens. Maybe the sept." Said the princess before going to walk pass him. Daemon then hold her arm and smirks to her.

"You don't get it, my dear. I am not asking. You will take a flight with me. At least once. The sense of power that come from looking down on the world is unbelivable. I would take a good flight over a good wench at any moment." The Rogue Prince say while moving on arm to ger hips. Alicent frowns once again.

"As i said. I prefer my feet on the ground. And who said that i want to feel powerful?" The princess asks in a annoyed tone. Daemon gets a bigger malicious smile.

"Oh, i see. You have fear of heights, don't you?"

"No. I don't."

"Yes you do. I can see that on your eyes. But, i don't care. My wish is final. You will go with me to the sky today, wife." Said the prince in a more authoritarian tone, getting her closer to his body before taking her hand and walking on a direction. Alicent relax out of forfeit.

Daemon take her to the hidden passage on the wall that he used with Rhaenyra some time ago. Alicent looks shocked when she is moved inside the wall with him.

After they get out, the two of them walk on the dark tunnels of the Dragonpit with Daemon holding a torch he found. Alicent look around concerned.

"Why is everything so dark here?" She asks in a low tone of voice. Daemon snorts.

"You disappoint me sometimes, wife. Dragons naturally lives in caves. The Dragonpit was made by Maegor to resemble a bunch of connected caves. The dragons like the darkness of their caves almost as much as they like the heat." Said the prince in a direct tone. Alicent nods, a bit ashamed.

The two of them gets near a cave where the intense snore of a dragon is coming from. They walk to that cave and now they can see the inside.

Caraxes is laying down on the ground. His wings cover most of his body and both his long neck and long tail are around his body. The air that comes from his nose release some smoke from the heat of his insides.

Alicent is insecure of getting near of the sleeping beast, but Daemon only walks to be mere inches away from the Blood Wyrm.

"Jiōragon bē, Caraxes. (Get up, Caraxes.)" Said the prince in High Valyrian. The dragon grunts and move on his sleep. Daemon frowns and then let out a loud whistle.

Caraxes grunt once more in what feels like a quick anger. He then opens his flaming orange eyes and start to stretch his body.

Alicent take a step back out of instinct while Caraxes take full use of his body, partially stretching his wings to get his front claws in the ground and stretching his neck towards Daemon with a menacing hiss.

With a short smile, Daemon holds the big head of Caraxes on his hands in a embrace, closing his eyes for a moment. Caraxes let out some hot steam from his nose that warms both Daemon and his wife. He laughs a bit and then looks at Caraxes on the eye.

"Nyke jorrāelagon naejot urnēptre ao someone, ñuha raqiros. (I need to show you someone, my friend.)" Said the prince in High Valyrian with a soft tone. Caraxes grunts a bit and then move his long neck back to look at Alicent, who is trying to keep a strong posture in front of the dragon.

Caraxes gets his head near to her, slowly. Alicent look back to his feral eyes with a caged fear. Daemon look at her with a neutral expression.

The Blood Wyrm take some sniffs on Alicent before looking more to her and then letting out another jet of steam towards her. Daemon smirks.

"Touch him. Now." Commanded the prince. Alicent look to him, doubtful. But, the gaze that Daemon send to her is enough to make her obey.

With lots of hesitation, Alicent manage to finally touch Caraxes on the front of his nose. Caraxes let out a shorter jet of air before retracting his neck back.

Daemon take a laugh out of the terrified look of his wife. She look at him.

"What whas that for?!"

"He was testing you. You passed."

"Testing for what?"

"To see if you are trustworthy to him."

"What would happen if i, for some reason, was not trustworthy?"

"You would be his new meal."

"Are you mad to have that dangerous idea, Daemon?! I could have died here!" Proclaim his wife, nervous. Daemon snorts.

"You did not and that is what matters. Now, you can ride him with me. Let's go." Said the prince before taking her hand and walking to the side of Caraxes. Alicent hold her tongue while the Blood Wyrm follow them with his eyes.

"Why he accepted me?"

"He could smell my essence in you, so he thinks that you are my mate."

"Oh..." said Alicent with some embarassment over the topic. Daemon ignores that and they get to the double saddle that is already there. Alicent frown when she looks to it.

"I nevet stopped to think about it, but that saddle had two seats since when?" The princess asks, suspicious. Daemon grunts.

"A long time." He say while pushing the net so they can get up there. Alicent look at him.

"Why?"

"You really think that you are the first woman that i take to the sky?" Said the prince while getting on the saddle before stretching his hand to her. Alicent holds his hand while managin to push her self up besides the dress. When she is able to seat on the saddle, his words finally hit her mind and she creates a grossed expression.

"By the gods... please, tell me you did not take whores there with you..."

"I sure did." Say the prince while placing the locks on her and then in him. Alicent is now furious.

"Daemon! That is inappopriate beyond any limit!" Say the enraged princess. Daemon smirks.

"I can't have both of my passions at the same time?" Said the prince before taking the reins. Alicent gasps.

"Have what?! You can't be serious... you did... that... here?! Do you know how wicked and dangerous that is?! I am now surprised that i never heard of a naked woman falling from the sky and ending up as a bloody mess on the ground of Flea Bottom." Said the princess in serious disgust. Daemon look at her and then laughs.

"Stop laughing!" The princess commands. Daemon laughs harder while Caraxes starts moving towards the opposite part of his cave so he can get out of here.

"Who could tell that a devoted woman of House Hightower, the closest house to the faith, could have such a dark humor! You made my day there, dear." Said the prince with irony and truth mixed together with a laugh. Alicent snorts and sighs. And then, her face turns to disgust once again.

"I just realized that i am sitting on the same place that a bunch of wenchs seated as well. How could you do that to your wife?" The princess asks. Daemon smirks with enjoyment.

"If that helps, i always ask for the keepers to clean it as well." Say the prince in a careless tone. Alicent take a few seconds to answer.

"It does not." Say her in a controlled anger tone. Daemon laughs once again.

Caraxes gets to the main door and Daemon commands the guards to open the door. Once opened, Caraxes hiss and finally gets out.

The Blood Wyrm hiss to the sun and the sky before stretching his wings to start his flight.

"What should i do, now?" Alicent asks, concerned. Daemon look back at her and smirks.

"Hold me like your life depend on it would be a good choice for now." Proclaim the prince in a mocking tone. Alicent grunts, but her arms around him.

Caraxes let out a hissing roar and flaps his powerful wings. His serpetine body finally gets to the sky and start getting higher in the air.

Daemon smiles while feeling the sensation of flight, feeling the feminine touch around him and hearing the screaming of a woman in fear for nothing.

Glorious.

Daemon laughs and move the reins. Caraxes stop getting higher and gets stable on the air.

Panting, Alicent finally stop screaming. She lose some of her grip on Daemon and look around, seeing only the sky and the red wings of Caraxes. She gets her head on the back of Daemon.

"That was horrifing... i tought that i was going to fall." She proclaim in a reliefed tone. Daemon laughs with irony.

"I could see that. You had the loudest scream of all women that i took here."

"Shut up." Said Alicent in frustration. Daemon snorts and look around.

"I will show you the city down there in a angle. Try not to scream or close your eyes this time." The prince advises. Alicent grunts, but try to recompose herself.

"Fine." She say. Daemon then move the reins and Caraxes start flying curved on a circle around King's Landing, giving a vision to them.

Alicent manages to look down at the city. Daemon look at her face and see her shock.

"So, what do you think?" He asks. Alicent take some time to answer, but even whe she does, she still looks at the city.

"It is both amusing and scary. It is incredible to look to the city in such a way that i could never imagine before. But it is also scary to be that much far from the comfort of the ground and still being able to see it. It is like being both close and distant from your home." The princess say in a distant tone. Daemon snorts.

"That is a way to put it. So, conclusion, you liked it?" The prince asks. Alicent finally look back at him with a toughtful expression.

"I think i will need more of that trips of yours so i can decided that." She proclaims. Daemon laughs.

"Good answer." Said the Rogue Prince before moving the reigns once again. Caraxes let out his hissing roar and starts getting away from the castle and the dragonpit, going to the sea. Alicent looks concerned once again.

"Where are we going?" She asks. Daemon don't look back at her, only looking towards the sea.

"Dragonstone. I want to take you to a short trip." The prince proclaims. Alicent don't say anything more, only holds him more tightly.

---

In no time, Caraxes lands on the yard of the castle of Dragonstone and soon enough Daemon and Alicent get their feet on the ground once again. Alicent almost falls, but Daemon hold her.

"Flying can shake the senses of novices. Remember that." The prince say. Alicent nods.

The two of them walks trough the path of black stones towards the castle. They look at the big castle with dozens and dozens of dragons sculpted in it while Caraxes roar and takes flight towards the dragonmont.

"The valyrians made that castle with their dragons, right? The Black stones. They say that is more resistant than any other material used to build a construction." Alicent say. Daemon nods his head and snorts.

"Yes. And as many other useful arts, it is all gone. My family were not composed by smiths, so they did not know how to create Valyrian Steel. They also did not know how to properly use Valyrian magic or even create that black stone. Everything is gone for over two centuries. If we were able to create more of the dragonstones, there would be a Black Keep instead of a Red Keep." Said the prince in a melancholic tone. Alicent nods to him.

Daemon look to the castle with some nostalgia in mind.

"I was not used to get here when i was younger. I did not have a dragon and my father was not the Prince of Dragonstone. Uncle Aemon was. Once i turned 16, i came here, entered the dragonmount and claimed Caraxes. And, for the first time, i felt truly free. Since then, Dragonstone became a refuge for me when i want some time alone." The prince say while thinking. Alicent look to him in silence for a short time.

"Well, Rhaenyra is now the Princess of Dragonstone. You should not get that much attached to the castle anymore." Said his wife in a honest tone. Daemon snorts.

"She is 8 now. I have some years to use it as a please." Said the prince before the two of them walkst to the inside of the castle.

The two walks trough the hallways of the black castle before a servant walk to them. A man in formal clothes, with short brown hair, a moustache and a pair of violet eyes. One of the many in Dragonstone with valyrian blood.

"Prince Daemon, how can we help you in your visit to Dragonstone?" The servant asks. Daemon look at him.

"Get some food done for me and my wife. We will also be taking the main bedroom." Said the prince. The servant nods before going away.

Daemon and Alicent walk trough the hallways of the Stone Drum, passing by the big number of sculpted creatures, mostly dragons. Alicent frowns after a while.

"Honestly, i understand that the Freehold was very proud of their dragons and of their dragonstone, but, all that sculptures of dragons around here is completely exaggerated. It would hurt to use something other than black stone and dragons?" The princess asks more to herself then to her husband, who just let out a grunt.

"Dragons and the dragonstone are symbols of the Valyrians. A symbol of their power. The power that conquered most of Essos. The castle as a whole is made to drive fear in the heart of everyone that looks at it. Just like the faith make use of white and other light colors to show purity." The prince explains in a bored tone. Alicent nods and don't make further comments.

The two of them get to the great hall trough it's heavy red doors, passing trough the maw of the dragon-like structure and getting to the central dinner table, that is obviously empty at the time.

Daemon look around, as always, admiring some of the paintings around the chamber. Paintings of several of his ancestors. Alicent have a intrigued expression.

"So, there is a lot of paintings here... is that one what i think it is?" She ask, pointing at one of the paintings. Daemon take a look.

It is a painting of a man seated on the throne of Dragonstone with a short hair and a thick beard. His body resembles the body of Viserys and his expression is a relaxed one with a small smile. His clothes are mostly black, with some parts in grey and red. He holds Blackfyre on his right hand, supporting it on the ground.

Standing up by his side and holding his hand is a beautiful woman with a long and volumous hair and a gentle smile on her face. Her body is both slim and curvilineous and is covered by a charming light blue dress with the seahorse of house Velaryon in white on the lower part of the dress.

But, the couple is not what take the attention of those who know the history of house Targaryen. What really take the attention is the three children on the painting.

Standing by the other side of the man, there is a young girl with a ponytail and a controlled angry expression, holding her hands on the back. She is wearing a little red dress.

Siting on the lap of the man is a toddler boy with medium sized hair looking at Blackfyre with shining eyes and a happy smile. He uses black and red clothes. The man holds him in place with his free arm.

Finally, on the free arm of the woman is a baby covered with cloths with only the tiny head out, with only a tuft of hair at the top.

The valyrian blood of the family is clearly shown by their golden-silver hair and purple eyes. Daemon smile a bit looking at the picture.

"Yes. It is what you are probably thinking. That is a picture of Lord Aerion Targaryen, his wife Lady Valaena Velaryon, and their children, Visenya at the corner, Aegon at the lap of his father, and Rhaenys on the arms of her mother. That is a painting from 25 years before the conquest, when Rhaenys was born. That painting is here as a childhood memory of the Conqueror is his sister-wifes. Family paintings are made in celebration of a new birth in the family, a new marriage, a new ruling lord, or a different special ocasion. Several of the older paintings were made by Daenys the Dreamer herself." The prince explains, immersed in the history of his house. Alicent look at him with amusement.

"Daenys the Dreamer was a painter?"

"Daenys the Dreamer was a woman of several talenta. Painting. Writing. Singing. Dancing. It is a shame that such a excentric woman was reduced to a mere mystical figure. But yes. She was a painter. A good one. From the moment she arrived with her family in Dragonstone to the moment she died here, she was the one that was doing our family paintings. I think she died during the ruling of her son, the first Aegon Targaryen of Dragonstone. Her first familt painting is right here." Said the prince, walking towards the larges painting in the room, that is also in evidence. Alicent follows him. Daemon points at the painting.

"The stoic man with a balding head is Aenar the Exiled. The reclused woman by his side is his sister-wife, Rhaella. By Aenar's side, smiling, is his son and heir, Gaemon the Glorious. And holding his hand is his own sister-wife, Daenys the Dreamer herself, on a white and blue dress." The Rogue Prince explains. Alicent looks in amusement to the painting.

"What hatchling is that around her neck?" She asks her husband. Daemon opens a huge grin when he hears the question.

"That hatchling, my dear, is Balerion the Black Dread." Said the prince with some pride on his voice. Alicent's eyes go wide when she look back at Daemon and then at the painting.

"That little thing is the Black Dread? Daenys was his first rider?" The princess asks, really curious. Daemon laughs to her excitement.

"Well, everyone starts somewhere. Even Maegor the Cruel was once on his life a little baby. And, no. Daenys was not his first rider. His first rider was no other than the first Aegon himself. The son of Gaemon and Daenys." The prince explains. Alicent nods in understanding.

"The story of your house is fascinating, my prince. I have to say that." The princess say, honestly. Daemon snorts.

"Well, of course it is. At least i don't have to remember 8000 years of story to talk about my house. Starks, Lannisters, Hightowers, all of you must have a hard time to keep a full history of events." The prince say in a neutral tone. Alicent nods.

"Much information was lost with time and legends ends up in the place of the truths. We only study the most important ones." The princess say. Daemon snorts and nods. The two hear a nock on the door.

"Enter." Say Daemon in a almost frustrated tone. The red doors are open and a few servants appear bringing food to the table. The main servant bow to Daemon while the others work.

"My deepest apologies for getting on your way, my prince, but your food is now ready. I hope that is everything good to your taste." The servant say before all of them leave once the table is ready.

The two of them take their seats in front of each other and start their dinner.

While Daemon make his plate, Alicent is whispering a prayer to the seven. Daemon snorts once she is finished.

"What a religious wife i have, i am truly blessed by the gods." Say the prince with ironic smirk. Alicent frown to him while serving her plate.

"I a woman of principles, Daemon. I pray to the gods i believe for strength to face my problems and gratitude for what i have." She say in a confident way. Daemon grunts after eating a piece of his turkey.

"You say that, but between four walls the only name you praise is mine." The prince say with a malicious smile. Alicent turns bright red and ger ger eyes fixed on her plate while she is eating. Daemon snaps his tongue and then grab the closed wine bottle on the table. With a quick movement of hands, the bottle is open with a pop sound. He starts pouring it on his cup.

"That is Arbor Gold. The Arbor is close to the Hightower. You probably have met the Redwynes, right?"

"A few times."

"So, if you have met them, you must have taken a dose of that wine. That bastards always try to shove their wine on every visitor they have. They are lucky that it is a really good wine." Said the prince with a laugh before pouring to her as well. Alicent look at her cup with hesitation.

"I am not sure... i am not used to drinking much. I mostly choose water." Said the princess honestly. Daemon smirks.

"Come on, a cup or two will not kill you. You need to relax more, my dear. What about a toast, huh? To our marriage." Say the prince with a mischievous smile while rising his cup. Alicent is unsure, but she soon does the same. The two cups touch in a toast.

"To us." Said the two of them before they take a sip of their cups. Alicent look surprise to her cup.

"It is more sweet than i remember." Said the princess before taking one more short sip from her cup. Daemon smirks.

"Well, Arbor Gold is a kinda weak wine. But be careful. The sweet taste can make you forget how much have you been drinking." The prince advises. Alicent look at him with a prideful posture.

"I think i will be able to see when i should stop, husband." The princess say with confidence. Daemon laughs and raise his hands in a piece sign.

"As you say, dear." Said the prince before the two of them took another sip of much to come.

---

Daemon opens his heavy eyes with some difficult, trying to adapt his vision to the light that is coming from the window.

The Rogue Prince grunts while he holds his head with a hand while he moves in the bed. The many drinks he took the last night are taking their effect now.

Daemon feels Alicent pressing against his side, and is easy to see that they are both naked. The memories of the night came back to him and he sighs.

Alicent moves on her sleep before grunting and frowning.

"Daemon... why my head hurts that much?" His wife ask, keeping her eyes closed and her voice tone down. Daemon smirks.

"I don't know. Maybe it was the several drinks of Arbor Gold you had yesterday. But i have to admit, you are more... active in bed when you are drunk. I should make you drink more often for my own enjoyment." Said the prince in a mockery tone. Alicent grunts in displease.

"I don't remember any of that." She say with a tired tone. Daemon look at her with a malicious smile.

"What a pity. You were full of energy. Demanding thinga. Cursing. I almost let you take the lead. Almost."

"Shut up..."

Daemon laughs and look at the ceiling. Alicent finally opens her eyes and look around, confused.

"What chambers are that?" The princess asks. Daemon keep looking at the ceiling.

"The main bedroom of the Stone Drum. The chamber where Aegon the Conqueror was conceived and also the chamber he shared with Rhaenys." The prince explained. Alicent get her eyes wide.

"Oh. So, you were conceived here?" She asks her husband. Daemon denies with his head.

"No. My father was not the heir to the throne at the time. Viserys and i were conceived in the Red Keep. Rhaenys was conceived here. On that bed." Say the prince with a smirk. Alicent frowns with a mixed emotion of amusement and disgust.

"You mean your cousin, the wife of the Sea Snake? Ok, now that is too strange for me." Said the princess, sitting on the bed. Daemon does the same and hold her in place by the hips, looking on her eyes.

"There is nothing strange about that. There is a lot of other acts that happened here that would give you more disgust, i think."

"What acts?"

"Rhaena Targaryen probably had orgies with other women in that bed." The prince proclaims with a malicious smile. The shock and disgust in the face of Alicent makes him laugh.

"That is horrible! Why would you take your own wife to a bed where such horrendous acts happened?!" She asks, horrified. Daemon laughs, holding her against him.

"Past is past. I want to remember the glories that were made here. Maybe i will ending up conceiving the next Aegon the Conqueror on the same chamber he was conceived. I like that idea." Say the prince before kissing Alicent's neck. She sighs and frown.

"Sadly, i don't think we can spend much time here. Your grace and my father will start asking for us soon."

"Oh, i disagree. I will ask Viserys if we can stay here until you get pregnant. Caraxes will enjoy being away from the chains. I could fly to King's Landing with him if i need to." The prince say while moving his hands trough her body. Alicent relax on his touch.

"I don't think my father will like that idea of yours."

"I don't care about what your father wants. You could some time away from him."

"So you can try to get your way in my head and gain some advantage over him?" Alicent asks, serious. Daemon smirks.

"At the moment, i am satisfied with fucking his daughter. And with that, i think we should get back to work..." Said the prince before takinher own a kiss. Alicent push him back slightly, frowning.

"I don't want to do that now, Daemon." She say with a bitter tone. Daemon snorts.

"Fine. Then, i guess i will just have to go find a brothel to get my needs solved." Say the prince in a relaxed tone, getting up. Alicent frowns in anger.

"You can't be serious right now..."

"Of course i am. I want some action and i will get it. If my wife is not giving me what i want, i will go search it elsewhere. I did it trough my entire marriage with Rhea Royce." Said the prince while searching for his clothes. Alicent gets up and walk to him.

"I will not accept that, Daemon. I will not let you go there and dishonor me by sleeping with some worthless wench!" Say the princess with a furious tone. Daemon laughs.

"I don't remember asking. Look, Alicent, you have duties on this marriage, if you don't do your duties properly, why should i do mine?" Say the prince, finding his clothes. Alicent lose her words after that, but quickly recovers.

"I do my duties!"

"Not enough. You need to do better." Say the prince, wearing his shirt. Alicent start thinking before walking to him again.

With a aggressive movement, Alicent pull him into a kiss, holding him by the neck. Daemon hold her hips and then smirks after the kiss ends.

"So, you made your choice?"

"I will play on your terms. If i give what you want, whenever you want, you will stop going to brothels?"

"Maybe. You need to show to me what you are willing to do for that results."

"I will try." Alicent say before going for another kiss. With a swift movement, Daemon takes her back to their bed while she takes his shirt out.

---

106 AC -

---

Almost a whole year have passed since the marriage. As Daemon predicted, Viserys gave permission to them to stay in Dragonstone until Alicent becomes pregnant.

Still, under the influence of Otto, Daemon was convoked almost every week to King's Landing to report to the king, also bringing his wife to see her father.

Viserys looked happy with the advance of his marriage. Probably has something to do with the fact that Daemon and Otto were apart for the most part, evading more conflict in the small councils.

Sadly for the plans of the Hand, Alicent was still not able to get pregnant, even with the huge amount of attempts they had each night. The patience of the Sea Snake was running low with the advance of the Triarchy on his ships in the Stepstones. He would not wait for much time.

Yesterday, Daemon and Alicent were called to King's Landing one more time. Daemon spent the night drinking with some of his comrades of the City Watch.

As a part of his deal with Alicent, he evaded women there. His little tower was able enough in bed for that, for the most part. He still tried to find Mysaria, but she disappeared after a single glance he had of her on that night. So, he spent his night drinking and talking to his former men.

He came back late on the night and Alicent was already sleeping. But it was not a problem. He was too drunk for anything.

Now, he woke up with what feels like the worst headache he had on his entire life. And, looking around, he is faced with a surprise.

Alicent is not on the bed.

Usually, she would at least wake him up. She never walked away without him. That make him concerned.

Daemon quickly get up and wear his clothes. When he was about to get out, he hears a knock on the door. He opens it and a servant bow to him.

"My prince, you grace is asking for your presence on the small council." The messenger say. Daemon nods and the man quickly goes away.

Daemon get out of his chamber and walk trough the hallways of the Red Keep.

After a toughtful walk, he finally arrives on the council room. The guards open the doors to him and he gets inside.

Here, he see his brother, Otto, Corlys Velaryon, Lyonel Strong, Lyman Beesbury and Maester Runciter.

Standing by the side of her father is Alicent, looking down like the day their wedding was announced. Shy. Something is wrong here.

He then see two things that announce to him the serious tone of the meeting. Viserys is wearing his crown and Rhaenyra is not there. The prince approaches the table. Looking directly to his brother. He gives a short bow.

"Your grace. What is the reason behind this reunion of the council?" The Rogue Prince asks. Viserys take a deep breath.

"I think it is time to finally start the war against the Triarchy in the Stepstones." The king proclaims. Daemon give him a surprised expression, but then Corlys take the moment to talk.

"The situation on Stepstones has reached a limit. Luckily, we are now able to go to war with all of our power against the Triarchy." The Seas Snake say with a relieved tone. Daemon looks confused at him and then at bis brother, who opens a large smile before getting up with his cup on his hand. The other do the same.

"Before we discuss more about war, i want to make a toast for my brother and his wife and the child they are waiting. A blessing to house Targaryen!" Proclaims the happy king. The lords of the council raise their cups in a shout of commemoration.

Daemon's eyes go wide and he look to Alicent, who evades his sight. He then looks back to his brother, nervous.

"I think there is a problem here, brother. I did not know about any of that." Said the prince, giving a strong gaze to Alicent. Viserys look to both of them before sitting on his chair. The men do the same.

"Oh. I see. Well, lady Alicent consulted maester Runciter this morning after feeling sick. He examined her and comproved that she is pregnant." The king explains, pointing to Runciter, who nods in confirmation.

Daemon is taken out of the ground by this sudden information, but he has not time to think about it.

"With the pregnancy confirmed, we can now move to our war in the Stepstones. We have been debating about the details of the war before you arrived." The Sea Snake explains. Viserys nods.

"Exactly. As i said to Lord Corlys, we have been preparing new ships and training soldiers for the upcoming war since your marriage was proved to be a promising one. Recently, we received the information of the suspicion of the Triarchy about us. They probably already know about our intentions. We need to move fast. The armies are ready. The ships as well. We need you and Caraxes at the front line, Daemon." The king proclaims in a serious tone. Corlys nods in agreement.

"Rhaenys and Meleys will join you soon in the war, but we need you there since the beggining. We have no time to waste." The Sea Snake say. Daemon nods in understanding before looking to Alicent and then his brother.

"I need some time to talk to my wife, your grace." The prince requests. Viserys nods with his head.

"You can talk as much as you want with her today. The preparations will be made by Lord Corlys and you will be dispatched with the ships to Stepstones tomorrow. You and Alicent are both dismissed for now." The king proclaims. Daemon bows briefly before walking to his wife, taking her hand and walking out. During that, he can feel the gaze of Otto on his back.

Once out of the council chambers, Daemon take her to a empty part of the hallway and slightly press her against the wall.

"Why did you not woke me up when you did? I am your husband! I should be warned about that before anyone else!" The prince proclaims, angry. Alicent look nervously to him.

"I was worried about how you would react to that and Maester Runciter quickly called the council, so i just waited there and talked to my father." The princess explains quickly. Daemon keeps his frown, but lose some of his rage.

"What do you expect of me? You expected me to be angry at you? I was waiting for that child! I want to fight this war! I am no coward to run from it!" The Rogue Prince say, hitting the wall behind her with his open hand. Alicent shrinks.

"I just..."

"I just what?!"

"I just don't want to raise a fatherless child! I don't want our child to have never met their father because he died in a war! That is a reality of our world, i know, but i can't stop thinking about your death, i becoming a young widow with a fatherless baby and being forced later on to marry a man of low value that would take me afterwards." The princess explaind, nervous. Daemon take a deep breath.

"Listen to me. I find your lack of trust on my skills disturbing. I am the blood of the dragon. I will win this war and i will came back. There is no doubt about that. Do you understand that?" The prinxe asks. Alicent nods in silence before letting out a sigh.

"I saw how the death of your father affected you. I just don't want it for our child. I don't want them..."

"...to be me. I get it."

"Daemon..."

"Forget it. Now, i need to go see with my own eyes the armies and the ships. Find the commanders and talk to them about strategies. I will see you later." Said the prince before pulling her hands and giving a kiss on their back. Alicent look at him and them pull him for a full kiss. They get apart soon and without a word Daemon walks out.

The Rogue Prince sinks. The whome walk he has to go the docks is filled more by his future child than anything else.

His child... his heir. It is coming soon.

He needs to win this war, more than never. He won't let his child become a Targaryen lost at the court of the more important part of the family.

Like he was.

---

Chapter Text

---

ALICENT II

---

107 AC -

---

When she first received the confirmation of her pregnancy from Maester Runciter, she was frightened.

First, she feared how Daemon would take the notice. Would he be happy about their child? Would he be happy about going to war? Would he be angry with all of that sudden movement? In the end, that worry was for nothing, gladly.

Then, afterwards, she felt the fear of death. Alicent was close to Queen Aemma and accompanied three of her pregnancies, with the last one leading to her sad death. The painful screams, the sadness Aemma had after another child that did not live and how everything took a toll on the king himself.

As a young mortal being, Alicent feared death. Even more a terrible one like dying in childbed.

As her belly grew, her worried grew as well. And when the babe started kicking, she felt like she was dying from the inside.

With Daemon on war on Stepstones, she moved from Dragonstone back to the Red Keep, to be supported by the court of the king and her father as well.

Her father helped her a lot during the pregnancy. He would treat her more gently than he ever did. The Hand of the King say that strong emotions can affect the baby. And he don't want something bad to happen to his grandchild, or rather, his plans.

Without the presence of her husband that she was used to, Alicent now had to be content with the company she has from other women. The maids would talk to her almost all day, trying all the time to calm down her worries, make jokes, and, of course, make gossips. Most of the time, the gossips were useless and Alicent was not a fan of them.

But, there is one person that helped her a lot more than all of the others. Princess Rhaenyra.

The young girl is now 10 and is more active and curious than ever. She would ask her about all the different things about her pregnancy and Alicent felt like a child once again while talking to the princess. She is like the little sister that she never had.

Now, she is on the final of her pregnancy. The baby can be born at any time. Her belly is heavy and hard to deal with it and she feel stressed and tired too often.

Alicent is seated on a stuffed chair on her chambers, knitting some pieces of cloth to her child with two maids also doing the same in other chairs. Knitting is a hobby she developed recently. One that her mother also had. She used to say that busy hands are easier to deal with it than busy minds. Oh, how much she misses her mother.

Someone knock on the door and Alicent stop her work to look at the door.

"Enter!" The princess says. The door opens and Princess Rhaenyra enters with a bright smile on her face.

"How are you feeling today?" The princess asks, looking at her large belly with curiosity. Alicent smiles to her.

"The babe is calm today. He barely kicked. He might be taking a rest after all the trouble he gave to me yesterday." The princess says, stroking her belly with tenderness. Rhaenyra nods.

"I guess so. Yesterday i tought that your belly was about to burst open out of how much pain i could see on your face. My mother never looked like that..." Says the princess, entering in a sad tone of voice. Alicent smile a bit and stroke her face with a hand.

"Don't be sad. Your mother was a very resilient woman for sure. Your cousin here is just a problem maker. Like his father." Said the brown haired princess, laughing along with Rhaenyra.

"So, you plan to have more children after that one?" The young princess asks, curious. Alicent thinks a bit.

"Probably. But, i will deal with that one first before thinking about a second one. Now, i want to go see my father. Can you go there with me, princess?" Alicents asks on a gentle tone. Rhaenyra smile and nods.

The maids there stop their work and help Alicent get up from her chair with more caution. The pregnant woman sighs and hold her large belly before smiling to Rhaenyra.

"So, let's go." The older princess says before going to the doors accompanied by the young princess Rhaenyra.

The two of them walk side by side trough the hallways of the Red Keep, walking towards the chambers of Ser Otto Hightower.

"Do you have any notices from uncle Daemon?" Rhaenyra asks with a shine on her eyes whenever she talks about her uncle. Alicent sighs.

"Not much. The last time he wrote a letter to me was saying that the war was still too even to call it a soon-to-be victory. The Triarchy is getting more and more support from the Free Cities and the Crabfeeder knows the region with the palm of his hand. He knows where to hide and wait for a new time to strike. Caraxes can't do much for him without a clear target. Ships burn and sink, but that is not enough to win a war. Dorne is also making everything worse. Fighting on three positions is hard to him." Alicent explains. Rhaenyra nods, trying to think on something.

"Rhaenys is with them? Two dragons can probably turn the tides, right?" The princess asks. Alicent laughs a bit.

"Oh, princess. Like i said, dragons can't solve all the wars that you fight. It does not matter if it is one, two, or ten. You need more than dragons to win a war. You need a sharp mind capable of seeing the next move of your enemy. St least, that is what i heard off. But yes. Rhaenys is participating now. Not as much as Daemon, but she is doing her part."

"You think that she will be there when the babe is born?" The princess with golden-silver hair asks. Alicent sighs once again, now partially sad.

"To be honest? I doubt it. The babe is almost there and there is no sign of victory on the war or his return." The princess explains in a sad tone of voice. Rhaenyra slowly nods.

The two of them remain in silence until they arrive in the door to the work chamber of the Hand of the King.

"I think my father will send someone to find me soon. I should go. Be safe!" Rhaenyra says before leaving in a hurry, probably just to not get in the way of a parent-child conversation, as Alicent thinks.

She sighs and knock on the door.

"Enter." Said the neutr voice of her father. Alicent then opens the door and gets in. Ser Otto Hightower relax on his chair when he sees his daughter.

"Alicent. Feeling better today?" Her father asks in a soft tone. She seats on a chair with some effort and try to be on a comfortable position, keeping one hand on her belly.

"I guess. The baby is not kicking that much today. But i am still feeling tired the whole day." She says with one more sigh while she lay her neck on the back of her seat. Otto nods, looking back to his papers.

"Well, i imagine that it must be hard to walk around on this situation. At least, you don't look like suffering that much pain than you did yesterday." The Hand says, writing something on his paper before changing to another one. Alicent look at him with a distant gaze.

"Father. I am still concerned about that pregnancy. Concerned about me and my child. I fear that i might die in childbed, or my child, or both of us, like happened to Princess Alyssa and Queen Aemma." The princess says, troubled. Otto sighs.

"Alicent, how many times have we discussed it since you discoveres that you were pregnant? You are not Princess Alyssa or Queen Aemma. You are Princess Alicent Hightower. You will pass trough birth, and both you and your child will survive. Like your mother did. I would be more worried for Rhaenyra than i would be for you. She has a lot of deaths in childbed on her family history. You don't have that problem." Her father explained with a tired tone of voice. Alicent sighs back.

"I know... but it always make me feel a little bit better when you at least say something to calm me. You don't do that normally." She confesses. The Hand look to her with a brief look of pity before he snorts and get up from his desk.

"What about i take you to the kitchen to get dinner? It is almost time for it."

"The king will probably want we to have dinner with him and Rhaenyra, as always."

"Then we will just take a small bite of something. You could use some meat on your bones. You look too thin for a pregnant woman." Her father says, walking to her. Alicent snorts.

"It would be easy for me to give up for my hunger and my lack of strength, but i did not want to turn into a fat pig. Did you know that is common for woman to gain lots of weight during a pregnancy? I am not having it. I eat what is necessary for me and my child and i also kept myself active, at least the most i can on the current state i am in." She explains. Otto nods and help her get out of her chair with some effort. The Hand holds the right hand of his daughter with his left hand and smile a bit.

"So, let's go." He says while guiding her to door, helping her to stand properly.

But, as soon as the door is open, Alicent lose her breath and shrinks in pain. Otto hold her on his arms and look to her, worried.

"Alicent! What is going on?!" The Hand asks quickly. Alicent is still not able to talk, only to grunt in pain.

As she was about to say something, she feel a sharp pain and then she feels the lower part of her body getting sudden wet. She looks to her father with fear and urgency.

"It is time! It is coming! It is coming! It is time!" She exclaims repeatedly, out of her mind. Otto quickly look around.

"Please! Help! Someone!" The Hand screams. Quickly, a member of the kingsguard appears in a fast pace. Alicent is too focused on her pain and worries to see who it is.

"What is it, lord Hand?!"

"Ser Criston! Help me take my daughter to her chambers! She is about to deliver her child!" The Hand proclaims. The Kingsguard quickly nods.

Ser Criston helps her father to carry her further in the hallways and Otto keeps calling for more help.

Soon, Maester Runciter appears and go with them to her chambers.

And her world after that was just pain and fear.

---

Alicent knew since an early age that delivering a child was something painful and could take long periods of time.

But she was still not ready for it.

She passed what felt like the whole night screaming in agony while trying to follow the instructions of Maester Runciter to push the baby, and failing at her attempts.

After a long time, she was covered by sweat, she was almost blind from crying too much, her voice was almost over, and she was almost passing out of pure exhaustion.

By her side, some maidens were there to hold her hand, clean her face and give her emotional support.

It was not near enough.

"Please, princess, i know you are almost without strength, but the baby is almost out. We need one more push. Give it all you got!" Maester Runciter pleads. Alicent, panting, take a deep breath.

"AAAHHH!" She screams as she try to give the biggest push she can, but she stop midway and keep panting hard, searching for air.

"Almost there! One more!" The maester pleads once again. Alicent crys a bit more between her panting. The maids hold her hands and clean her face.

"You can do it, princess! Just one more and everything will be over! Push!" One laid says in a motivating tone. Alicent take a deep breath, grind her teeth, and closer her hands tightly in the sheets.

"AAAAAHHHHH!" She screams while giving out the most she ever gave.

And sudden, she was freed by the loud cry of a baby. Alicent fell to her bed with a cry of relieve.

"It is a boy! A robust prince, indeed!" The maester happily proclaims. Alicent smiles between her panting and the congratulations of the maids.

A son. Her son. Daemon's son. A prince of House Targaryen.

"Give me... give me him..." She asks, weakened. The Maester quickly take the crying baby to a quick cleaning after cutting the cord.

Maester Runciter then place the baby on a blanket and gently delivers him to his mother. He then walks out of the room.

Alicent embrace her son with a happy smile and the baby quickly calms down, almost on a sleepy state.

She almost cry looking at him. Even on such a young age, she can see the few silver-blonde hair on his head. The sign of the blood of valyria. Alicent stroke his face gently.

"Look at you, little one... so cute... you look like your father, you know that?" She asks, but the baby only moves around her arms, making random sounds with his mouth. Alicent laughs and give him some kisses and a gentle hug.

The door opens again and Maester Runciter walk back in with her father and the king. The last two approach the bed, looking at the baby with fascination. Alicent smiles to them with some difficult and look to her father.

"Father, here, your grandson." She says, offering the baby to him. Ser Otto smiles back to her and take the baby in his hands gently, looking at him as a whole.

"He looks very healthy, Alicent. You don't need to fear for him. Look, your grace, he has the traditional valyrian hair of your house." Says the Hand, looking at the king in the end, offering the baby. Viserys smile and nods, accepting the baby on his arms.

"What a beautiful Targaryen prince, indeed. You should be proud, Alicent. You did a great job. I am grateful for the life of my nephew." Says the king with honesty, looking back at her. Alicent smiles back.

"I tried my best... your grace." She says in a low tone of voice. Viserys laughs a bit.

"You surely did. Well, did you and Daemon decided a name for him before he departed to the war?" The king asks, curious. Alicent dive into her toughts.

She was never thinking about names for a son. Only for a daughter. Because there was only one male name that was mentioned on almost all conversations she had with Daemon about the house of the dragon.

"Aegon. Prince Aegon Targaryen." The princess proclaims, elevating her voice, to be heard clearly. King Viserys smiles to it.

"A good name. A fitting name for a son of Daemon. You know... i met a Aegon Targaryen once. My baby brother... he lived less than a year, but i loved him until the end. That Aegon here will not have the same fate, i am sure of that. He is too robust for that. I will write a letter to Daemon, telling him about the birth of his son. Once he is back from the war, he can choose a dragon egg to the craddle of the boy." The king proclaims with a happy tone of voice, as usual for such situations. Alicent laughs a bit.

"It would be great, your grace, but, can you send my own letter with yours? I have some things to say to my husband." The princess requests. Viserys nods his head with vigor.

"Of course. You have all the right to say something to your husband. Today is a day of celebration! It is late on the night now, but tomorrow we will have a feast for the birth of my new nephew! Now, i must go. I am too tired right now." The king says, passing the baby back to Alicent and then walking away of the room. Ser Otto take a deep breath.

"You should rest. Rhaenyra is sleeping now but she will probably get here during the morning to see you and the baby. The maids will take care of the mess."

"I am too tired to complain." Says the princess, taking a short laugh from her father.

Ser Otto lean to his daughter and his grandson and give her a hug before kissing her forehead.

"Good night."

"Good night, father."

Otto then leaves the room. Alicent sighs and hold her son gently while laying on her bed more comfortably. The maids trade her bloody sheets and then they walk away. Leaving her with her son and the light of the candles. She smiles to the baby on her side.

"I am happy to meet you, Aegon. Your father will be too, i am sure." The princess says, giving the baby a gentle kiss on the cheek. Aegon moves on his sleep and she chuckles.

Alicent then close her eyes and let her mind give up to tiredness.

---

After a night not too well slept, Alicent wake up and is received by a maid that bring her food and a wet nurse to feed Aegon.

With both fed and in on new and comfortable cloths, Alicent is now sitting on a chair on her chambers, looking at the window while holding her son in her arms, thinking about everything that happened.

Her biggest fear was prevented, but, her last fear is still there. What if Daemon dies in the war? What if Caraxes lose another rider because of a arrow? Only the gods know. And that remembers her that she need to do a prayer to the gods for letting bother her and her child live. She is very grateful for it, after all.

And then, she hears a knock on the door. Alicent look at it.

"Enter."

The door opens and princess Rhaenyra walks inside with a fast pace. She looks to Alicent and then her eyes are fixed on the baby.

"It is true! The baby is born! A boy, right?" The princess asks, very curious, while walking towards her. Alicent laughs.

"Yes. His name is Aegon. Want to hold him?"

"Yes!"

"Here, be careful." Alicent says before gently giving Aegon to Rhaenyra. The princess look to the baby in amusement.

"Hey Aegon! I am your cousin!" She says to the baby. Aegon wakes up from his sleep and start crying.

Rhaenyra looks embarassed and Alicent take him back before giving her a apology smile.

"He is just a big fan of sleeping. Nothing personal. So, have you got food yet?" The princess asks. Rhaenyra lose her embarassment.

"No."

"There will be a feast later. Why don't you go to the kitchen and see if you can get something special made for you?" The princess consort asks. Rhaenyra smiles.

"Good idea! I want something sweet. I will came back here later!" She says before walking out of the chambers.

Alicent relax on her chair before looking to her baby, who is now looking at her, moving his little hands to try to hold her hair. She laughs.

"You are too cute to exist, you know that? You will have a tough future for sure. Being a son of the Rogue Prince is a tough position. I don't envy you." The princess laughs. Aegon look at him with a confused expression. Now, she can see his bright and innocent purple eyes looking at her.

"The hair and the eyes. A true Targaryen. Worthy of the name of the Conqueror. You will be a powerful dragonrider one day, for sure. To be feared or loved. Or both. You decide your fate, my son. I just hope that you don't regret it later." She says with a soft tone. Aegon then smile to her while extending his hand.

And with that smile, her heart melt. And she finally understood what is the feeling of being a mother. She would give her life for thar little thing she met yesterday without a second tought.

She can only hope that his father will feel the same.

---

Chapter Text

---

DAEMON III

---

107 AC -

---

Caraxes let out a hissing roar while diving into the night in the direction of a concentration of the Crabfeeder's men.

"Dracarys!" Daemon urges as Caraxes opens his jaw and the sand of Wreckstone is consumed by the crimson fire of the Blood Wyrm.

The screams of the men that died first alerted the rest, who hid inside the multiple stone caves that compose Wreckstone, just like every isle of the Stepstones.

Daemon, in the back of Caraxes, wearing full armor, grunts and the Blood Wyrm lands on the middle of the burning ground, roaring to the few fools that were still there to resist.

"Urnēptre aōla, Drahar! (Show yourself, Drahar!" The Rogue Prince screams in High Valyrian. His call is answered by the enemy with arrows.

Most of the arrows only hit the hard scales of Caraxes, making no damage. But, a flaming arrow hits Daemon in the shoulder.

Caraxes roar after feeling the same pain as his rider trough their bond. Daemon grind his teeth before taking the arrow out of his shoulder. He then oush the reins of Caraxes and the Blood Wyrm return to the sky.

Looking around, Daemon see ships of the triarchy with scorpion bolts coming towards them, and then something descends from the sky and soon one of the ships is burning with red flames.

Meleys roars while rising more in the sky after her descent into the ship, evading the bolts that are launched against her.

Daemon smirks before guiding Caraxes against the ships.

With a hissing roar, Caraxes starts burning the ships alongside Meleys. Soon, the ships of the Iron Throne also join ther cause and the rest of the ships of the triarchy tries to take a leave.

Daemon would not let them run.

In a fast strike, Caraxes move like a flying demon and descend in the ships with his flame, burning them until they sink on the ocean.

Daemon look around and see Rhaenys and Meleys flying by their side. The two Targaryens trade a glance before Daemon move his head towards a direction.

Meleys then goes towards that direction and Caraxes soon follow. The two red dragons fly together for a short period of time before finally finding their destination.

It has been some weeks since they managed to take Sunstone and are now using it as a base of operations.

Meleys lands first in the beach of Sunstone, but Caraxes soon follow. The two dragons let out roars to announce their arrival.

Daemon quickly gets his locks out of the way and grunts. He holds his shoulder as he get out of Caraxes. A troop lead by a armored Corlys Velaryon approach them.

"Daemon! Have you been injured? Call a healer!" The Sea Snake proclaims to his troop. Two of the men walk away, searching for help. Daemon grunts.

"I will be fine. I just took a flaming arrow to my shoulder. Nothing that bad. The important part is that the forces of Wreckstone are demolished. They are probably getting out of there right now, retreating to Bloodstone." The Rogue Prince explains while walking towards their camp. Corlys nods his head.

"Great. So, the attack as success. We can now plan our final attack to Bloodstone and finally end this war. If it was not for the fleet of the crown, we would be having much more trouble than that. A war is expensive, even for someone was wealthy as me." The Sea Snake confesses. His wife, Princess Rhaenys, walk to them, taking her helmet out and letting her Baratheon black hair flow down her back.

"It will not be that easy yet, Corlys. The Triarchy will not give up that easily. They will continue to attack over and over with time. They know the Stepstones better than we. They know how to hide and when to attack. More ships are probably being build, mainly in Tyrosh, which is closer, and Myr, the lands of the Crabfeeder." The Queen Who Never Was explains. Her husband nods and Daemon snorts.

"They can rise as much as they want. We did not lose a battle in moons. Once we take Bloodstone, this war is over. We can them create a outpost here to call for the throne to drive the Triarchy away if they attack again. If they persist, we can attack Tyrosh. But doing more than that is risking a union of all the Free Cities against us. And war on that scale would be a catastrophe. An attack on Tyrosh will be a last resort." The Rogue Prince proclaims, still holding his shoulder while they walk together towards the camp. Corlys nods once again.

"I agree. Well, i think you should go deal with that injure of yours. We will try to see the results of that battle and how the triarchy is moving. You can rest for today. You did a great job." The Sea Snake says honestly. Daemon nods with a grunt of slight pain before splitting ways with them.

Daemon enters his tent and start taking off his armor. A healer soon enters and start the process of treating the injure.

The Rogue Prince look at it. The hot red mark caused by the fire will probably let a mark. But that does not matter. A true warrior is a scarred one.

After his treatment end, the healer goes away and Daemon close his tent and go to get some sleep after a night planning that battle.

---

On the next day, Daemon wakes up, wear normal clothes with light armor underneath it and then walks out of his tent.

Under the light of the morning sun, now the whole camp is fully visible. He can now see the numerous tents over the rocky terrain and the smoke coming from some campfires.

The Rogue Prince walks towards the center of the camp, towards the largest tent. There, he sees Corlys Velaryon looking at the some maps on the table in front of his tent while arguing with his nephew, Vaemond Velaryon. Daemon walks slow, trying to hear the conversation without being noticed at first.

"Myr is sending a new flew to the north of the Stepstones and Lys is sending their own to the south. Each fleet is larger than any previous one we fought. With the fleets arriving and the Crabfeeder still no away to be found, we are running out of time. Our resources are ending and by the time the new reinforcements of the crown arrive, we might get ambushed by the enemy and it will be all over. We must retreat." Vaemond Velaryon proclaims in a demanding tone. Corlys looks to his nephew with a frown and a intense glare.

"Don't be a fool, Vaemond. If we retreat, they will get what they want. While we heal our wounds they will undo everything that we did in that forsaken pile of stones. We would lose the war and all that effort would be for nothing. And besides, with Caraxes and Meleys on our side, the Triarchy can send a million ships and they will burn just like the hundred candles from the Fourth Dornish War. The Crabfeeder is out of places to run and we will soon defeat him, and without his skills in holding the Stepstones or his men, the Triarchy will need to retreat and we will win this war!" The Sea Snake proclaims with conviction. Vaemond frowns, but take a step back before letting out a grunt from between his teeths.

"Dragons are not invencible, uncle. A good shot of a scorpion bolt can kill one. Just like Meraxes. You want another Rhaenys Targaryen to die in a doomed war?!" The younger Velaryon asks in anger. Corlys grunts and hold his nephem by the fabric of his shirt, looking to him in the eye.

"Be careful of what you say, nephew. You may be my blood, but you should hold your tongue if you consider yourself somewhat wise. Queen Rhaenys died of sheer bad luck. Do you know how hard is to pierce trough the eye of a adult dragon flying in air? That will not happen to my Rhaenys. I am sure of that." The Sea Snake says before letting Vaemond go. The younger Velaryon fix his posture and look back to his uncle, less angry.

"Then, we need to take Bloodstone as soon as possible. And we need a bait to the crabfucker. Who will be the mad man to take this suicidal task?" Vaemond asks, skeptical.

Daemon takes take a step to the front and everyone look to him. In silence, the Rogue Prince walks toward the table and let his helmet on top of it. Corlys inflates his chest before looking to his nephew.

"Do you have your answer now?" The Sea Snake asks, cocky. Vaemond frowns and look to Daemon, analytical. The Rogue Prince keeps a straight face while looking at him.

Before anything was said, a man walks trough the men around them. On a quick glance, the sigil of House Targaryen on the flag that the man carries declares that he is a messenger of the royal family.

"Sorry to interrupt, my lords! I bring a letter from your grace King Viserys of House Targaryen, the first of his name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, to his brother, Prince Daemon of House Targaryen." The messenger says, bowing while offering a letter to the referred prince.

Daemon frowns and take the letter before opening it and reading it's content.

---

My dear brother.

With great pleasure, i announce that your wife have finally gave birth to your child. A healthy boy blessed with the look of our house. A true Targaryen prince.

I hope that the war will be concluded soon so you can return home victorious and meet your future.

King Viserys of House 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 almost smiles with the information, but he then notices that there is a second letter behind the first one. He swaps the two of them.

---

Dear husband

As your grace announced in the other letter, our son was born recently in a good health and i was able to recover well from the birth.

Honestly, childbirth was much worse than anyone could advice me. But, i am glad that i was able to bring our son to this world without much issue.

I refuse to tell you his name by a letter. You will need to be here to learn that.

Please, come back soon.

Princess Alicent of House Targaryen

---

Daemon smirks while reading the letter. He can tell that Alicent herself wrote it.

The Rogue Prince close the letter and recovers his stoic expression. He then gives a glancs to the messenger, who quickly get away. Daemon fix his posture and look to the men around him, who are looking to him with expectation. He sighs.

"My wife gave birth to a living son of mine. Now there is five Targaryens that the world must deal with." The prince mocks with a smirk. The men around him whistles and claps in celebration. Corlys place a hand in his shoulder and look to him with serious expression.

"Congratulations, Daemon, but we need to deal with our problems now. We need you to take the lead on our last assault to the Triarchy so we can take the Stepstones. And once that war is over, you can meet your child." The Sea Snake proclaims in a low tone. Daemon frowns and nods.

The Rogue Prince fix his posture and look to the men around him, holding his helmet against the table with one hand while holding his other hand near his sword.

"That war has been going on for long enough. Almost a year of attacking and retreating. I think i am speaking for everyone here when i say that i am tired of that. We will finish the army of the Crabfeeder, take Bloodstone and sink all the ships of the Triarchy that appear, and victory will be ours. With fire and blood!" The prince proclaims in a inspired tone, drawning Dark Sister and pointing it to the sky.

The men roar in agreement and a big number of them do the same that Daemon did with their own swords.

The Rogue Prince smirks with the rise of his confidence. He then look back at the two Velaryons.

"What is the situation exactly?" The prince asks. Corlys take a deep breath.

"We have a big advantage against the rest of the army of the Crabfeeder, but we can't deal with the ships and army that the Triarchy is sending. We need Caraxes and Meleys to deal with them while we extract the Crabfeeder from his nest of rocks." The Sea Snake explains. Vaemond grunts.

"We know very well how Drahar operates. He and his men will hide in the caves as soon as they hear a dragon. Just like they did last night. They expect a dragon to arrive." The younger Velaryon proclaims. Daemon looks at the map of the Stepstones while thinking.

"The we just need to break that expectative." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Vaemond frowns, looking to Daemon like he was a mad man.

"What do you mean with that? Only dragons can enter on the stone mazes of Bloodstone and get out of here safely. Our armies will be crushed by rocks and arrows as soon as we get to the main entrance and there is no other way around. And once the Triarchy arrives, they will bring men and the bolts that they lack. We need to retreat and come back stronger. We need more men. We need more ships. We need more resources." Vaemond proclaims in a harsh tone. Daemon look at him with despise.

"The men that i hate the most are the cowards. You fear death, Vaemond? Or you just don't have any trust on your on side?" The Rogue Prince mocks. Vaemond grind his teeth a bit.

"I am not a coward. I am just not stupid enough to engage in a battle that we have slim chances to win and that can severely weak the Seven Kingdoms if a dragon is killed. There is only one two here. Only two targets for them." Vaemond argues. Daemon sighs and cross his arms before smirking.

"I guess you are right on something for once, Vaemond. We have only two dragons. We need more." The Rogue Prince says. Corlys frowns to him.

"And where we can get more Dragonriders? There is no Dragonriders of proper age for a war right now." The Sea Snake proclaims. Daemon snorts.

"We don't need riders. We need dragons. If a child can guide a dragon to attack ships, then the child is ready. We need your children here, Corlys. We need Vhagar and Seasmoke." The prince proclaims. The eyes of Corlys goes wide and Vaemond laughs.

"Is that a joke? You want to to bring two kids to a war? Are you insane?" The younger Velaryons asks, angry. Daemon smirks.

"They are not kids anymore. Laena is 15. Laenor is 13. They are capable riders. We need the power of Vhagar and the speed that Seasmoke has for being smaller and younger. What do you think, Corlys?" The Rogue Prince asks. Corlys take a deep breath before looking to Daemon in the eye.

"I have only two children, Daemon. One is my heir and the other will become our new Queen next year. I can't risk their safety into this war. There must be another way." The Seas Snake claims, resisting. Daemon snorts.

"We need to act fast to cover all the positions to get a definitive win. Your children don't need to fight for too much time or do too much in general. They just need to buy time for us. Destroy some ships. Time enough so i can get my work done. Laena can deal with the army coming from the north while Rhaenys deal with the army from the south. Me and Laenor will join Laena once the Crabfeeder and his men are dead. Any failure is very unlikely. Vhagar is old and slow, but very resistant and powerful. She will not die here." The prince proclaims with confidence. Corlys is about to say something when Rhaenys land a hand on his shoulder and take her turn to speak.

"We will accept that, cousing. But we need something from you as well. We can't risk our children, our future, so you can take the glory. We demand a sacrifice from you as well." The Queen who never was demands with a severe tone of voice. Daemon frowns and snorts.

"Of course. I will risk myself. I will go to Bloodstone alone, falsely bend the knee to the Crabfeeder, and then attack when his men are out and defenseless. Laenor and Seasmoke will burn as much men as possible. I will the Crabfeeder or die trying." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a straight tone. Vaemond frowns.

"Attack under a peace banner? That is a war crime. There is no true victory in that. The Triarchy will return more motivated because of that." The younger Velaryon says. Daemon grunts.

"I don't care, Vaemond. We need to win. That is all that matters. Being honorable will not lead me to victory. The Triarchy will need years to recover for another war. Something around 10 years to heal their wealth and army. Until then, we will only get stronger. More men. More ships. More gold. We will control the trade in the Narrow Sea and our dragons will get bigger. By the time the Triarchy returns they will probably have to deal with more than 4 dragons as well. Our victory now is more important than anything." The prince proclaims. Vaemond grunts back. Corlys nods slowly.

"Well, i think we have a plan in the end. Daemon, you will really accept that almost suicidal plan? I will be surprised if you survive." Corlys asks, unsure of how to feel about the last topic. Daemon sighs.

"I am sure of it. I prefer to die on my war than getting rotten on a bed. I am a warrior and a second son. My value nust be conquered. And i have a son now. If i die, my blood is still around on this world. But i will not die that soon, Corlys. I will win that war." The Rogue Prince proclaims with pride. Corlys nods to him and Vaemond snorts.

"If you are so certain, so let's go foward. We have a battle to fight." The Sea Snake proclaims and the men rise their weapons and shout. Daemon smirks and nods before looking to his cousin.

"Rhaenys, we need to do thing fast. I want to do things as soon as tomorrow. Because of that, i need you to fly to the Red Keep and bring Laena and Laenor here. You can explain the things to my brother first, but i want the three of you here by the night, understand?" The prince commands. Rhaenys nods.

"I could use a talk with my children and Viserys." The Queen who never was say with irony before walking iut towards where her dragon is landed. Daemon then look back at the maps and plans on the table.

"So, time for the tedious part. Vaemond, i think it is your time to do something useful." The Rogue Prince smirks and the men around laughs. Vaemond grunts and pull the papers.

Daemon sighs while Vaemond start talking about ships, gold, men, weaponry, time, weather...

He is a man of action. And that what he is good at. The rest, does not matter to him.

---

Daemon grunts while doing some effort to move the oars of his small boat to the coast of Bloodstone.

While he gets closer and closer to the beach full of rocks, he looks to the sky, which is completely full of grey clouds, even if it is still morning. The rain will fall soon, but hopefully it will not be a problem to him right now.

The Rogue Prince arrives at the coast and land his feet on the wet sand. He grabs the peace banner that he brought with him and raise it while walking foward. The white flag and his silver hair move with the wind.

Daemon walks toward the oval entrance of the rock formations. He looks around with the corner of his eyes, trying to assimilate every single piece of broken boat and every single large stone that he can get.

He stop walking, looking towards the entrances on the two levels of the rock formations, where he knows that the Crabfeeder and his men are watching every movement that he does.

Daemon rises the flag with both hands and shake it around as a peace sign. He then craves the flag on the sand by his side.

Lots of men come from the various entrances. The ones high on the rocks holding bows and the ones on the ground holding swords and other close-range weapons. They all look at him with caution.

And then, from the main entrance at the front, the disformed and half-masked face of the Crabfeeder appears, shaking a bit while moving. He looks at one man by his side and make a sign with his head, never using a word.

The man call two more to be by his sides while he slowly approaches Daemon.

The Rogue Prince take a deep breath and then draw Dark Sister. Arrows are pointed at him and swords are raised, until he falls to his knees and then offer his sword on his hands.

The three men approaches him and the leader extend his hand to grab Dark Sister.

But then, Daemon grabs the hilt of his sword and in a quick movement Dark Sister cut trough his weak armor and opens his belly, letting his guts flow out of his body.

The archers prepare their arrows and the men start running towards Daemon. The prince quickly evades the attack of one of the two men on his front and then cut off a leg of the other one, who falls to the ground.

Daemon runs to a near rock and ends up getting protected from some arrows. He then take a breath before throwing a rock at his left as a bait so he can run to his right.

He clashes his sword with another man before moving fast and craving his valyrian blade on his neck. Daemon then runs to a destroyed part of a boat, but get hitted by two arrows.

The Rogue Prince grunts, but jump trough a rock and get to the big chunk of boat. He is now out of the range of the archers, but the men are still running towards him.

He takes out the two arrows and grunts in pain. He take a deep breath and raise his sword to fight to death if needed.

But then, as the enemies were almost on his range, grey fire come from the sky and engulfs the men, stopping their charge while their leather armor and skin burns.

Daemon looks up to see Seasmoke roaring in the sky, with the young Laenor on his back. The grey dragon starts bursting his flames over the archers to clear the path for Daemon.

The Rogue Prince look around to see the Crabfeeder entering on his cave. Daemon runs towards him, making quick work of the bruning men that are still trying to stop him.

Daemon enters on the cave and has his vision filled by the darkness.

He then see a torch being lighted up some meters on his front. As a experienced warrior, Daemon can see trough a bait.

The Rogue Prince turn back and swings his sword at the Crabfeeder, who dodges it before attacking with his axe.

The two weapons clash against each other before both of them retreats. Daemon and Drahar look at each other trough the darkness and the small light of the torch.

The Crabfeeder attacks once again, and Daemon dodges before cutting the knee of his enemy. Drahar fall into a knee with a grunt and try to attack Daemon once again, but the Rogue Prince quickly cut his hand off with Dark Sister. The right hand of the Crabfeeder fall to the ground with his axe.

Drahar grind his teeth while holding his bleeding arm. Daemon stand triumphant in front of him, looking down at his defeated enemy.

"Issa daor toliot... (It is not over...)" the Crabfeeder says in high valyrian with the dry voice of someone that is not used to speak. Daemon snorts before rising his sword.

With a quick diagonal swing, the Rogue Prince split the body of Craghas Drahar in half. The two parts fall to the ground, leaking his guts.

Daemon take a deserved breath. He takes the axe as his trophy and then grabs the arm of the superior part of Drahar's body. He then drags it towards the exit of the cave.

The light of the cloudy day arrive to his eyes and he can see the Corlys and his army arriving to massacre the rest of the men of the Crabfeeder.

Corlys and Vaemond lead some men towards him after cleaning the path. The Sea Snake look down and smirks when he sees the body of Drahar.

"It looks like you finally did it, huh? You must do the other part of the plan now, Daemon. Take Laenor with you. We cand deal with the rest." The Sea Snake proclaims, landing his hand on his shoulder briefly before leading the men in other direction.

Daemon leaves the body of the Crabfeeder before taking some steps. He then looks at the sky an let out a loud whistle.

The Rogue Prince hears a hissing roar and look back.

Caraxes emerges on the top of the rock formation, moving his neck like a snake. He then jumps from it and uses his wings to land into the sand in front of Daemon, who retreats a bit.

The Prince quickly get on top of his dragon, locking his legs in place. Without a single word, Caraxes roars and take flight.

The Blood Wyrm flys higher and leaves the island. Daemon look around and guides Caraxes to the fleet of the Triarchy.

Daemon looks back and see Seasmoke and Laenor following them as well as they flew towards the battle in the sea.

There, Daemons spots the massive body of Vhagar burning down boats with it's massive green flames. The scorpions can barely scratch her thick scales.

The Rogue Prince pull the reins and Caraxes dive towards the boats to bath them in red flames.

The might of the three dragons combined is too much for the fleet to handle. Their scorpions can't even get launched before being burned or at least they can't land properly on their target.

Soon, the sea is covered by the leftovers of burned ships and men trying to swim for their lifes. The fleet was defeated.

The three dragons let out roars of victory. Daemon looks down with a smirk before leading the three dragons back to Bloodstone.

Caraxes, Vhagar and Seasmoke lands on the coast of the island. Daemon gets out of his dragon and meet with some men, with Corlys, Vaemond and Lord Celtigar on the front. The Sea Snake opens a large smile.

"It is done. The rest of the men are either dead or captured. Our army claimed every single inch of land in Bloodstone. The Stepstones is ours!" The Lord of the Tides proclaims, raising his axe in the air while looking to his army. The men scream in commemoration while rising their own weapons. Daemon snorts.

"The war has ended, but we still have problems here. The Triarchy will came back eventually. We need to take a more tight hold of Stepstones. Any plans for that, Sea Snake?" The Rogue Prince asks with irony. Corlys gives slowly nods.

"Lord Celtigar was showing his plans to us. Why don't you hear about it as well?" The Sea Snake asks while making a sign to the referred lord, who takes a step further.

Lord Jon Celtigar, the Lord of Claw Isle, is the current head of House Celtigar, a family of valyrian descent that are vassals of the Targaryens since the era of Aenar the Exiled.

But, the Celtigars were never as close to the Targaryens as the Velaryons was. Even their valyrian blood is considered to be more diluted. The appearance of Jon Celtigar is a proof of that.

Lord Celtigar is a man on his forties and considerably overweight, but still a man with a lot of strength on his thick arms. He holds a book on his left hand and a he supports his weight on his valyrian steel axe, the Crab's Pincer. Jon has the valyrian purple eyes, but he has a more common light brown hair, which he keeps short, instead of the more classic silver hair kept by the Targaryens and Velaryons.

As a house of the Narrow Sea with a relevant navy and loyal to house Targaryen for over two centuries, the Celtigars were called to aid them in the war.

For Daemon, aid would be a strong word to use.

The Celtigars are infamous for their large wealth, for a smaller house, but not as much as they are infamous for their avarice.

Lord Jon Celtigar was not a exception.

His dear brother Viserys tought that Lord Celtigar would be the best person to take care of the crown's finances and avoid wasting everything in no results.

Convincing the lord to do something most of the time was a suffering. He always had a complaint about the gold going to waste and how they should think more on a future perspective.

At the time, Daemon almost could not resist to be on the same place as the man without cutting his throat open after five minutes. Lord Corlys was the one doing that. He also did not seem to like it.

Daemon snorts and look to Jon Celtigar with a bored expression. The Lord of Claw Isle stand in his ground.

"My Prince, since that whole war started, i have been making plans to the Stepstones once we manage to win."

"A victory that took longer than expected because of you, Celtigar. We could have ended it moons ago, but insteas you insisted in holding our resources. Why should i hear any plan from you?" The Rogue Prince proclaims in a mockery tone while frowning. Lord Jon Celtigar snorts.

"You will understand why i did that right now, my Prince." The Lord says with confidence. Daemon snorts and cross his arms.

"Go on."

"We need to get a better hold of the Stepstones, as you said. But, we can't work with that bare rocks in the middle of the sea. We need to build a base here. We need to have forces here, like the Crabfeeder and his pirates had."

"Let me guess, you took a look on more of a future perspective?"

"Yes."

"How predictable... tell me, what is it?"

"We need to build keeps on each island of the Stepstones and connect the caves to them in the same way as the ones in the Red Keep. But, not only we would need a large amount of gold to make the keeps, we would also need a constant number of ships and men to keep the Stepstones safe during the constructions. We would also need loyal men to lead the constructions. I have made some sketches with the help of some men, here, take it." Lord Celtigar says, handing his book to Daemon.

The Rogue Prince grunts and take the small book. He opens it and see a ig number of notes and sketches of keeps, detailing the constructions according to the location of each island. Daemon frowns and look back at Jon Celtigar.

"You did a good job, my Lord. I can certainly see the advantages of going further with them, but, i doubt that we have the resources for that, even with your avarice ruling or gold." The Rogue Prince says with some frustration. Lord Celtigar laughs.

"I would not make a proposal that could not be done, my Prince. We for sure does not have resources enough to make all that constructions without going in debt, but i have my personal wealth to assist our cause. Of course, i would need some compensation for that." The Lord of Claw Isle proclaims with a mischievous smile. Daemon laughs with a bit of disdain.

"I killed the Crabfeeder to make a deal with the crab himself. Fine. What do you want, Celtigar?" The Rogue Prince asks, losing all formality. Lord Celtigar look at him without flinching one bit.

"I am not sure yet. I think i could get some... benefits out of Stepstones. You know how much my house respects wealth, my prince." The Lord says in a evasive tone. Daemon smirks before walking around Jon Celtigar. The man follow him with his eyes, concerned.

"Benefits, you say? Well, that pile of rocks can have many uses. Many profitable uses. The main reason the Sea Snake here wanted that war was the absurd taxes that he was paying to go trough them. As a greedy Celtigar, i think you must have a eye for that, don't you, my lord?" The Rogue Prince says in a tone of mockery. Jon Celtigar frowns.

"My prince, what are you trying to propose to me?"

"Oh, it is simple. You help us to build the forts in Stepstones and to keep reduced taxes for the crown and it's vassals. But, you still would have to pay the taxes that you wuld collect outside lf the seven kingdoms. Like with the dornish or the triarchy. I offer you the title of Protector of the Narrow Sea and Guardian of the Stepstones. You will stay in the Stepstones, collect the taxes, make reports to the crown, defend the land angainst invasors, and also finance and help in the construction of all the keeps that we need. What do you think?" The Rogue Prince asks, being direct. The purples eyes of Lord Celtigar shines with the idea, but he keeps well his tough act.

"It would be a honor, your grace. But i am concerned about my own lands, the Claw Isle. If i stay here, the isle will be out of my supervision, it's current holder." The Celtigar man says. Daemon frowns.

"How old is your heir, Lord Celtigar?"

"My son Bartimos is in his twenties."

"Well, so the solution is clear. Let your son be your regent in the isle. He would be their lord after your die, after all." The Prince proclaims in a authoritarian manner. Lord Jon snorts and then nods.

"I accept your terms, my prince." The lord proclaims. Daemon stop walking around to be just in front of the man, looking down to him with disdain.

"On your knees, Lord Celtigar." The Rogue prince demands, taking out Dark Sister. The lord of Claw Isle quickly fall to a single knee, closing his eyes while he bows his head. Daemon place the tip of his sword in a shoulder of the man. All the men around watch in contemplation.

"As a representant of your grace, King Viserys of House Targaryen, the first of his name, king of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First-men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, i, Prince Daemon of House Targaryen, name Lord Jon Celtigar as Protector of the Narrow Sea and Guardian of the Stepstones. Lord Celtigar, do you swear fealty to your grace, King Viserys?" The Prince asks in a formal manner. Lord Celtigar looks up with a honest gaze.

"I swear my loyalty to your grace, King Viserys the first. From this day, and until the last of my days." The Lord proclaims in a firm tone of voice. Daemon nods and then he move his valyrian sword back to it's hilt. Lord Celtigar get up and the men applaudes in comemoration. Daemon take a deep breath before looking to Corlys.

The Sea Snake is smiling while having a little conversation with his two children, one in each arm. Rhaenys is just by his side, keeping a shorter smile, having returned from her own successful fight. Daemon snorts, asking himself if a man like him could imagine himself on that position. Father or not, the scenario is still laughable when presented to him. Daemon walks towards them.

"Sorry to interrupt your family discussion, Corlys. But, i think i should give my greetings to your children here. They did a good job against the Triarchy today. You must be really proud of them. All thar a father can want." The Prince says, being cordial with a ironic tone sliding trough his lines. If Corlys notices it, he is not shaken by it. He only smiles back.

"Thank you, my prince. Yes, i am proud of them. I am proud of my dear boy here for showing all the bravery that a future Lord of the Tides need to sail in the more harsh of storms. I am also proud of my sweet girl here. A fine future queen that can stand her ground in war very well. A warrior queen that don't appear since Queen Visenya, who's the dragon has my daughter as a rider. I am very satisfied with the conclusion of that war." The Sea Snakes proclaims with a honest tone, making both Laenor and Laena happy on their own ways. Daemon smirks and then looks to his cousin, Rhaenys.

"You did a great job as usual, Rhaenys. You make a good use of my mother's dragon." The Rogue Prince proclaims in a neutral tone. Rhaenys nods her head.

"Thank you, cousin. I did what i could for a war that involved the future of my family. I am happy that we can go back home without major casualties." The Queen Who Never Was proclaims. Daemon snorts, but nods. Corlys looks back at him.

"So, you are a father now and the war is over, at least for now. You plan to fly straight to the Red Keep to see your son?" The Sea Snake proclaims. Daemon frowns.

"No. I can wait one more day. Tonight, i want to celebrate our victory with my men. Bring some wine to all!" The prince proclaims, looking around with a large smirk. Corlys laughs.

"Just be sure of not drinking too much, Daemon."

"No promises. I have been waiting for that."

"Well, your problem. Fetch me some wine as well."

"Now we are talking. Someone bring a good one for the Sea Snake!"

---

Caraxes let out his hissing roar while flying trough the sky, getting closer to Dragonstone.

Daemon frowns with the headache he got from drinking too much the last night. But he has no regrets. Because of the war he almost never got the chance to take some drinks and get his frustrations out.

The only thing still missing for him is some action. But on that cursed stones in the sea finding a woman is harder the finding his own weight in gold.

Of course, he promised to his wife that he would at least try not to sleep around, as long as she does her job. And that she did, ha can't deny that.

In his few visits to the Red Keep during that time, he spended most of his time with Alicent in their bedchamber. He has needs, after all. But it was a different experience to say the least.

The Rogue Prince, a being natural to brothels, was never too familiarized with sleeping with a pregnant woman.

Each time he visited Alicent, her stomach would be bigger than before and sex became more troublesome. In the last moon, doing it was almost too strange for him. At least, he could see that his wife was trying to do her best.

Most probably because she don't like the idea of sharing her husband.

The tought makes Daemon smirk a bit as Caraxes finally arrives in Dragonstone, flying around the island for a bit, searching for a specific place.

Caraxes dives into the entrance of a cave. The vision of Daemon gets darker as the Blood Wyrm lands inside the cave.

Daemon get out of Caraxes and place and light a torch that he brought with him. He places a hand in the nose of Caraxes and the dragon hiss a bit before laying in the ground in silence.

The Rogue Prince walks deeper into the cave. The sound of his foot echoes trough the walls of the cave.

After a while getting more and more deep into the cave, separate ways start appearing in front of Daemon. To the left, to the right, to basically any direction.

Experience with the Dragonmount, Daemon quickly choose a path. The walls of that path are smaller, but he can walk trough it with some effort.

As Daemon passes trough that passage, he hears a distante roar of a dragon coming from somewhere. It is not Caraxes and it is not that far. He might need to go faster.

After passing trough a passage that he had to walk sideways, Daemon finally arrives where he wanted.

He is now on a huge chamber that could fit a ship in it. On the side of the chamber there is a huge hole that can be usde by a dragon to enter and get out.

In the middle of the chamber, Daemon finds what he was searching.

Seven dragon eggs above some rocks that are liberating some steam because of their high temperature. Because of that steam, Daemon knows that their mother is near, probably out to hunt.

Daemon take a breath as he remembers of his father bringing him into the Dragonmount and showing that place to him.

The lair of Silverwing, not so far from the lair of Vermithor, her mate. The perfect place to get a dragon egg in Dragonstone.

Daemon then looks at the eggs and try to choose one.

As soon as he gets his torch near one of the eggs, the light of the fire is reflected by only one of them. The one in the middle.

Daemon take a look and see the bright golden scales of the egg, reflecting the light like they were made of pure gold. It almost looks fake. The Rogue prince touch the egg.

Real. Real and very hot.

Perfect.

Daemon smirks and take the egg, he then quickly go his way back, before he have to meet Silverwing while trying to take her egg.

The Rogue Prince arrive back to Caraxes and the Blood Wyrm imediatly looks to the golden egg in the hands of his rider, giving it a smell. Daemon laughs.

"Majestic, right? A perfect egg for my heir, don't you agree?" The Rogue Prince jokes. Caraxes snorts some steam.

Soon, the two of them take flight once again and Daemon is now able to see better the egg that he got.

As he saw, the egg is full of a golden color, but now he can also see some pink veins in it. Daemon smiles while looking at the egg reflecting the light of the sun.

"Nobody can deny the royalty of a gold dragon, for sure. And if you are similar to your father, you will be a war beast in no time." The Rogue Prince whispers to the egg before smirking.

Daemon pull the reins of Caraxes and the dragon let out his hissing roar before flying towards King's Landing to a long waited return.

---

The Blood Wyrm flys trough the clouds before diving down into the area of King's Landing, letting out a powerful roar to announce his arrival.

From his dragon, Daemon can see both commoners and nobled running around and looking at him. Satisfied with the advice, he guides Caraxes to the Dragonpit.

The red dragon lands on the open grounds of the Dragonpit and Daemon get himself out, holding the golden egg with him. The Dragonkeepers guide Caraxes towards the entrance to the pit while Daemon meet with ser Harrold Westerling, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.

"Prince Daemon. You have returned. Any particular reason for your return?" The white knight asks in a composed tone. Daemon snorts.

"I have my reasons, commander. I will discuss them with my brother. Only with him." The Rogue Prince proclaims. The Lord Commander frowns, but nods.

"Very well. If you don't feel bothered, i would like to go with you to the Red Keep, my prince." Sir Harrold says. Daemon nods and the two of them get on horses before departing to the Red Keep.

They passes trough the streets of King's Landing and Daemon gets the usual looks from the smallfolk. Some looks of admiration towards a prince and others in fear or anger towards the infamous Daemon Targaryen. That brings a twisted smile to the Rogue Prince. His time as commander of the gold cloaks has not been forgotten.

After entering the castle with Harrold Westerling, Daemon walks trough the strangely empty halls of the castle before arriving at the throne room.

Guards open the doors to him and Daemon walks in to meet a great number of nobles and commoners around the court, looking at him and whispering.

At the front of the Iron Throne, his brother stands with the crown of the conciliator on his head, looking to him with caution.

Daemon walks trough the tapestry in a slow pace, his eyes fixed into his brother's eyes. The Rogue Prince pulls out the weapon of the Crabfeeder and the guards raise their swords. But, Daemon trow it at the feet of his brother before taking a deep breath.

"Your grace. The Crabfeeder and the triarchy have been defeated. The Stepstones and the Narrow Sea are now commander by Lord Jon Celtigar as a Protector under the power of the Iron Throne. As such, i have come here as a humble bannermen to announce our victory." The Rogue Prince proclaims before getting in his knees in front of his brother, letting the egg by his side.

Viserys looks at the Daemon while the guards take away the weapon of the Crabfeeder. The king look at his brother in the eyes, then hold his shoulders and give him a hug.

The court applauds the tender gesture between two brothers as Daemon gets up. Viserys smiles.

"Brother, i felt much happiness when i heard the reports. I am glad that you have returned whole and victorious. We need to celebrate, but i think there is someone you need to meet first." The king says with a laugh before pointing to a direction.

From a corner that Daemon did not notice yet, Alicent walks towards them. Dressed in a red dress, his wife is just as formal and good looking as he would have expected.

But, in her arms she hold something rolled in a white fabric of high quality. Daemon lose his breath a bit when he looks to it. Alicent gives him a short smile after seeing his reaction.

"Your son, my prince." Said the princess with s soft tone, offering him the baby in her arms. Daemon hesitates for a moment before taking the child in his own arms.

The court applauds once again while Daemon take a first look of his son.

He notices the short silver-golden hair of house Targaryen in the child. Just a bit more blonde than his own hair. The baby, who was previously sleeping, move in his arms and opens his eyes to show his purple eyes. Eyes that remembered Daemon of his own father. The darker shade of purple of Baelon the Brave instead of his light violet color. Daemon opens a rare honest smile.

"What is his name?" The Rogue Prince asks, not moving his eyes from his precious heir. Alicent fix her formal posture.

"I named him after the Conqueror and your younger brother, my prince. His name is Aegon Targaryen." The child's mother proclaims. Daemon look back at her.

Prince Aegon Targaryen. What a pretentious name. He originally wanted to name his child after his father, but after the incident with his nephew, it is better that way.

"A good name, my dear. I hope that he will live up to the weight of that name." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Alicent nods with a smile.

Daemon gives his son back to Alicent before rising the golden egg, showing it to the baby, who looks at it with clear interest, making his father smirk.

"A golden egg for a golden prince. It does not get better than that." The Rogue Prince laughs while Aegon trys to hold the egg with his tiny hands. Alicent smiles while looking at the egg with admiration.

"A beautiful egg, indeed." Said the princess. Viserys laughs and hold a hand into the shoulder of each one of them.

"What a great day! Now, what about we get some food? I am starving!" The King proclaims with a large smile. The guards start to lead the court out while other guards guide the royal family to another room.

On the way, the young figure of Princess Rhaenyra walks to her uncle with a bright smile.

Daemon take a second to take a good look at her. She is growing fast, that is certain.

"I am glad that you have returned, uncle. Anything for me?" The princess asks, joking. Daemon smirks.

"I spoil you that much?"

"Not enough, i would say. Last time you gave me nothing as well."

"How rude of me. Next time i will bring to you something. I can't get more than a rock in the middle of a the Stepstones." The Rogue Prince proclaims in a dramatic tone. Viserys laughs loudly before they all sit in the table to get a really nice feast together after a period of hard times.

---

"Daemon, i think you drank too mu-mph!" Alicent has her phrase cut short when Daemon crushs her lips with his, pressioning her back against the wall of their room just after they closed the door. She moans as Daemon moves from her lips to her exposed neck.

"Do you know how much time i have waited to get some action? I am just starting. Maybe i will start working in giving a sister-wife to Aegon while i am at it." The Rogue Prince mocks before grabbing Alicent by her waist and kissing her once again.

She melts on his arms and kiss back, moving her hands to his neck and head. She breaks the kiss, struggling to get air. Their eyes met.

"I don't think i am ready to a second child now. Aegon's birth was really hard. I need more time to recover." The princess says with a concerned tone. Daemon grunts while takes his shirt off.

"Do as you wish, but i am not doing half the work here" the Rogue Prince mocks. He then notice Alicent looking at his cobered injury of a arrow with severe concern.

"By the gods! What happened? Have you been treated when you arrived? Are you feeling any pain?" The princess asks, extending her hand to touch around the injury. Daemon snorts.

"Is not a big deal. Just a arrow. Is not even changing my movement now. I can still do this..." Said the prince before throwing Alicent to the bed, gaining a short scream from her. Daemon laughs. She sits on the bed with a messy hair and give him a glare.

"That was not fun, Rogue Prince." She mocks him back. Daemon smirks once again.

"Not quite there yet, but you are getting better at imitating me." The Prince says. Alicent sighs in exasperation while she watches her husband take out his pants. She frowns.

"You really want to do that now? It is still soon. We just ate dinner." The princess proclaims. Daemon snorts to her.

"You say that like you don't want it, but i know you. You don't even dare to touch yourself, like the delicate lady you think you are."

"..."

"I will take that as a yes."

Alicent sighs while her face turns red. She moves her hands to the back of her dress and Daemon opens a malicious smile.

---

In one common day of his life, Daemon Targaryen wake up with a terrible headache caused by too much drinking.

The Rogue Prince grunts and ignore his sleeping wife, going to the toilet.

After just wearing some clothes, Daemon hear someone knocking on the door. He grunts once again.

Once the door is opene, he receives a maid with a frowned face of irritation. The young woman is clearly anxious.

"Excuse me, your grace, but something has happened with Prince Aegon. We need you there as soon as possible." The maid asks almost too quick to be heard. But Daemon did.

Ignoring the woman completely, Daemon quickly reaches the room where his son was sleeping and open the door with a strong push, making it hit the wall with a loud sound.

Daemon finds the other maids scared into a corner of the room, looking to him and also to the craddle. When Daemon looks to the craddle, he feels his breath returning.

Inside the craddle, Aegon laughs happily while a small creature smells his body and give it some licks.

Daemon slowly walks towards the scene, fascinated.

The hatchling dragon looks up to Daemon, open his wings to look bigger and screechs, trying to roar. Daemon smirks with the attitude.

The sunlight coming from the window that reach the dragon makes his golden scales shine like real gold, his wings are of a pale pink color and his chest is a yellowish color. At the top of his head is a pair of small white horns, a very rare trait for hatchlings. The pieces of the golden egg are all over the craddle.

Daemon is a bit taken away by the beauty of the dragon, ignoring how the little thing is making a death threat to him.

"What a majestic creature you are, little one." The Rogue Prince says with a low tone of voice, offering his hand to the hatchling, who screeches and retreats. Daemon look at the bronze eyes of the dragon.

"Drakari pykiros... tikummo jemiros... (Fire breather... winged leader...)" The Rogue Prince starts to sing. The dragon relaxes it's posture a bit, looking at him with curiosity. Daemon gets his hand closer.

"Yn lantyz bartossa... saelot vāedis... (But two heads... to a third sing...)" The Prince continues as his hand get closer. His fingers touch the dragon, but he retreats once again.

"Hen ñuhā elēni... perzyssy vestretis... (from my voice... the fires have spoken...)" Daemon sings when he touches the dragon once again. The dragon finally relaxes and let out a satisfied grunt while he gets some scratches. The prince smirks.

"Be fierce, little one. We will need a warrior dragon in the future." The Rogue Prince says before retreating his hand.

The golden hatchling screechs at him. Daemon opens a malicious smile.

"That is more like it."

---

Chapter Text

---

RHAENYRA I

---

108 AC -

---

Hundreds of nobles talked, walked and laughed around in the Red Keep, filling all the halls and corridors of the large castle for the celebration of the royal marriage of King Viserys Targaryen and his yoing wife, Lady Laena Velaryon, the new Queen consort of the Seven Kingdoms.

The marriage was already done, and after one of the most discomforting kisses she ever saw, the King and his young Queen are now hosting the feast in the center of the main table with their family.

Princess Rhaenyra, as a girl of one-and-ten, was not very interested on the whole event. Today she can only remember of her mother.

Three years of the same feeling. The hole in her chest. A father too busy to be as present as her mother wete and a beloved uncle now too entangled with his own growing family to care for his dear niece.

She tries a lot to stay the sweet smiling child that her father loved, but most often than not her face just returns to a frown of boredom.

A look into her uncle on the other side of the table is inevitable. He is there, making inappropriate jokes with the Sea Snake and casually drinking, without a care in the world.

After his return from the Stepstones, Daemon quickly took his promised office of Master of the Armies. Nonetheless, he was not very fond of the name, so he changed it to High Commander. He now had full control over the royal army and was the direct liege of the City Commander. As a sign of that, he now wore a red badge of a hand raising a sword on his chest, similar to the badge of the Hand of the King.

And with such a important position, the Rogue Prince became a very busy man. He had to manage the troops and fix major problems that required his intervention. Some of that problems were even outside of King's Landing.

Most of that external problems were in Stepstones. She heard that even after the defeat of the triarchy, some attacks of pirates still happens.

The part that really took a toll on the young princess was how her dear uncle was now spending near to zero time with her.

In the past, he would take her around places in King's Landing and fly with her above the city in their dragons. She can still remember the gazes he gave to her. He made her feel more than just the daughter of the King.

Now, her uncle was either always busy with his job or dealing with his growing family.

Of course, standing by his side is Daemon's wife, Princess Alicent Hightower, the daughter of the Hand of the King. She is wearing a elegant red dress and her hair is being hold tight and covered by some jewels, mostly of them being rubies and emeralds.

On Alicent's lap is Aegon. The baby did not even complete his first nameday yet, as the year just started, but he is already pretty large. His golden-silver hair is short and his cheeks have a pink tone in it. Aegon holds a wooden toy of a dragon on his hands and look at it with curiosity, shaking it around with his thick little hands and laughing, causing his mother to laugh as well.

A cute view, the bored princess has to admit. But, the scene also makes her miss even more her mother.

Did she hold her the same way when se was a babe?

Thinking about the former queen makes Rhaenyra look to the new one. Laena Velaryon is a beautiful young woman, well developed and wielder of the stunning presence of the valyrians. Lady Laena is using a very expensive and well made blue and white dress that holds her figure tightly. On the dress is the sigil of House Velaryon in a pearl white color. Golden bracelets, earrings and a necklace covers the young Queen to show the wealth of her father, the Sea Snake. Her silver hair flows trough her back and her lilac eyes is said to be as light as the eyes of Prince Aemon Targaryen, her grandfather.

Laena has a bright smile in her face, trying to hide some discomfort with the fact that she is marring a man much older than her. One that could easily have married her mother, Princess Rhaenys.

Nonetheless, Laena has a imposing posture, expected of a Queen consort that rides the largest dragon in the world, Vhagar.

Rhaenyra drinks a bit more of her sweet juice, because her father don't let her drink wine yet, and look around, seem people happily talk and lagh. Lord of all parts of Westeros.

How tedious.

Luckily, her father gets up from his seat, holding his cup and a keeping a huge smile on his face. He raises the cup.

"I think we had enough time to feast, my lords and ladies. What about we start the dance already?" The King asks in a high tone. The nobles whistle and some shout in agreement.

The musicians starts playing a joyful song as the nobles starts to form duos to dance. The King let his cup on the table and offers a hand to his new wife. Laena gracefully accepts and the two walks to the mid of the hall.

Rhaenyra looks to her uncle, thinking that he would maybe ask for her hand first than anyone, but she is frustrated when he offers his hand to his wife, walking with her still holding the baby Aegon.

She did not expect that they would walk to her first. Alicent makes a apologizing smile.

"My princess, could you hold your cousin here for a bit so we can dance? I would give him to a maid, but i can't find one right now." The princess asks, kinda timid. Rhaenyra frowns, but nods. Alicent smiles and give Aegon to her. Daemon opens a short smile.

"After i take my lady wife here to a dance, i will take you for one as well, niece." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Rhaenyra opens a smile and nods.

"I will remember that, uncle." The Princess of Dragonstone smirks in a imitation of Daemon. The three of them laugh and the married couple walks to the center of the room as well.

Rhaenyra looks at Aegon in her arms. Her cousin is still playing with the wooden dragon, but when she looks at him, he looks back. Aegon opens a sweet smile, making her smile back.

The baby prince then points the dragon to her and laughs. Rhaenyra laughs back and grab the toy, pointing it at him.

"You like to play with dragon, uh, cousin? I saw your dragon. He is majestic, but you are much cuter than he could ever be." The Princess laughs, simulating a bite of the dragon in his belly, making Aegon giggle and laugh.

Rhaenyra looks back at the parents of the baby in her arms. They are dancing with the music, whispering to each other and sometimes laughing. She quickly looks away, feeling wierd.

And then, someone approach her in a slow pace, she looks up and see Laenor Velaryon looking at her with a discomforted expression.

"Hey."

"Hey."

"So... my sister and your father. How intriguing."

"You don't have much more to say, don't you?"

"No. I don't."

"Then why are you here?"

"My father."

"Oh. Lord Corlys want to you to talk to me? Why?"

"He said that i could use some talking to a girl for once."

Rhaenyra laughs.

"Well, i know you well enough, cousin. I know your preferences."

Laenor sighs and look away while standing by her side.

"I just... don't feel comfortable around girls, you know? It is just not my thing." The young heir of Driftmark confesses. Rhaenyra nods her head.

"I see. It does not matter. As long as you don't catch much attention, you will be fine." The princess says. Laenor laughs.

"I guess so. My father said that i should invite you for a dance, but you apparently have your hands full right now." The young Velaryon says, looking at Aegon. The baby looks back at him with curiosity. The wooden toy is now in his toothless mouth. Rhaenyra perceives that and take the toy away from his mouth.

"Aegon! Bad boy! Don't put that in your mouth." The princess shout at him. Aegon makes a pout and a cry face. Rhaenyra quickly tries to shake him around to prevent him from crying. Laenor laughs at the scene.

"Any problems there? How is Aegon?" The voice of Alicent takes them in a surprise and Rhaenyra sighs. Alicent and Daemon walkst towards them after ending their dance.

"He was putting the toy at his mouth. I took it way and adverted him. He was almost about to cry." The Princess confesses. Alicent takes Aegon back into her arms and the baby recovers his happy face upon seeing his mother. She the smiles to Rhaenyra.

"Don't be harsh with him, Rhaenyra. He is just a baby. He is learning and his teeth is growing. When you adverted him he tought that he was in danger. You will understand that when you have children of your own." The lady in red proclaims. Rhaenyra smirks at her.

"I am not much interested in having children." The Princess proclaims. Alicent laughs.

"You will understand when you get older, Rhaenyra. Well, i think my husband here promised you a dance. I will take Aegon to bed. He must be tired already." Alicent says with a comforting tone. As she said that, Aegon let out a yawn. The Hightower smiles and looks to her husband.

"I will see you soon, Daemon." The princess proclaims before walking out trough the people. The Rogue Prince follows her with his eyes for a moment before turning to loom at his niece with a short smile.

"I promised you, right?" Her uncle asks in a soft tone. Rhaenyra laughs.

"You sure did, uncle. What about you, Laenor?" The princess asks the Velaryon. Laenor snorts.

"I will be fine here. Go have some fun." The heir of Driftmark says with a weak smile. Rhaenyra nods and let Daemon take her to the center of the room.

The two Targaryens in black clothing starts dancing the new joyful song. Rhaenyra manages to keep the pace with her uncle. Daemon laughs.

"You are much better at it then i remember, my niece." Daemon proclaims in a soft tone. Rhaenyra smiles.

"I had time to practice more and i am not that short anymore. That helps" The princess proclaims back at him. Daemon smirks.

"I guess so. You also looked a lot more sad around here. Why?" The Rogue Prince asks in a neutral tone. Rhaenyra is taken a back my his analysis.

"Nothing much... i just miss my mother. You know how is that, right?" The princess asks in a weak tone as they dance around. Daemon grunts.

"I was only 3 when my mother died, so i don't have much memories of her. But, i remember my father very well. Baelon the brave. He was a poweful warrior, had a cunning mind and was a charismatic heir to the throne. But he died. And i miss him. So, i think i can relate to you pain, my sweet niece." The rogue prience says with a hollow tone. Rhaenyra nods slowly.

The song ends and a slow one starts. The two Targaryens dance closely to each other.

"What makes you feel better when you are not having a good day, uncle?" The realm's delight asks with curiosity, laying her head into his chest. Daemon grunts while thinking. He then smirks.

"Well, i think you are too young for the main thing right now, but the second thing is a good go. I loved to fly around with Caraxes. Sometimes even to other parts of Westeros. When the wind is against your skin, waving you hair, and you can see enormous castles look like some rocks and people look like ants, you can't think of anything more." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Rhaenyra laughs happily.

"I think i have done it way too much times."

"Have you done it at night? Have you seen the lights of the city at night or the stars above the clouds?"

"No. My father would never let me go around the city alone." The Princess proclaims with a sigh. Daemon smirks and gets his mouth near her ear.

"He just don't need to know. Let's go out when he is not looking." The Rogue Prince says in a whisper. Rhaenyra feels shivers down her spine, smiles, and then nods.

The slow dance ends and the people applaudes. Viserys stands in front of everyone with Laena by his side.

"Now, let the bedding begin!" The King proclaims in a joyful tone. The men shout in comemoration and people starts to cluster around the new married couple.

In the confusion, Daemon takes Rhaenyra's hand and push her towards the exit.

"Let's get out. I doubt that you want to see people touching your naked father, right?" The Rogue Prince asks with a smirk. Rhaenyra laughs.

The two of them get out trough the now empty corridors of the Red Keep, getting trough the same old secret passage direct to the Dragonpit.

---

After a good trip around King's Landing, some other parts of the Crownlands and even Dragonstone, Daemon finally takes Rhaenyra back towards her chambers when everyone is already sleeping.

When they get to the door, Daemon meets with the young Kingsguard that is assigned to take of Rhaenyra. He looks at Daemon with concern.

"Where did you take the princess, my prince?"

"Who you think you are to ask me anything, Ser?"

"I am the protector of the princess. I only asks what the King will probably want to know."

Daemon snorts.

"I know my brother better than you will ever do. As long as Rhaenyra is here tomorrow, he will not care for it."

"If you say so, my prince." The Kingsguard member says with a grunt. Rhaenyra opens a weak smile to the white knight.

"Don't be so harsh, Ser Criston. My uncle was just lifting my humor tonight. I am back now and whole. You are dispensed for today. Get some sleep as well." The Princess demands. Ser Criston gets clearly more soft. He was about to resist, but he sighs.

"Very well, my princess. I wish you a good night." Says the knight before leaving after a final glance at the uncle and niece. After he is out of sight, Rhaenyra smiles to her uncle.

"Thank you for the night, uncle. You saved my day." The Princess says before getting in the point of her fingers and kissing the cheek of her uncle, who retreats.

Rhaenyra laughs and enter her room, closing the door at the image of a toughtful Daemon Targaryen.

The princess sighs, then smiles, then jumps into her bed, laughing.

Rhaenyra looks at the ceiling of her room while the light of the night comes from the window. She sighs and get up, reunuting the last of her forces to change clothes.

After getting into her nightgown, Rhaenyra falls to her bed once again, holding her pillow as she falls sleep. Her face gets red as she dreams with her uncle all night long.

---

Chapter Text

---

ALICENT III

---

109 AC -

---

Alicent take a deep breath of air and enjoys the calm wind and the sound of birds around the garden of the Red Keep.

The Hightower princess looks down to the sleeping baby in her arms that uses pink clothes and have a bunch of golden-silver hair in her head. Alicent smiles to her beautiful daughter.

Some moons after the king's marriage, Alicent found out about her second pregnancy. She was surprised by that, but not as much as her husband.

With the years of marriage that they already have, Alicent can say many things about Daemon. One clear thing is his own isolation. Almost self-imposed.

Since his father died, Daemon tought that he was alone, and as such, refused to create emotional connections to anyone. Even the concept of building a family was not something he could see for himself, clearly.

When the day came, the birth was way easier than Aegon's and she managed to recover way faster. Daemon was delighted to see his first daughter, on his own way.

But no one was more delighted than her father. When he learned about the girl, she was very content. He most probably is now waiting to see if Queen Laena manages to get a son so he can try to arrange a marriage with the king.

Alicent sighs, but looking to her daughter makes her heart lighter than a feather. Helaena, she named her. A fitting name for a Targaryen, the Rogue Prince said.

The princess then look at the stone ground of the garden that is front of her and opens another smile.

Sitting in the ground and playing with his wooden toys is her dear son. Aegon, now 2, is taller and can talk to some degree. He can also take some steps.

The eldest child of the Rogue Prince turned out to be a child that is very demanding of attention, extending his arms so people would move him around. When he don't get what he wants, he would hug his legs and cry in almost silence. Raising him is already showing to be a hard task in the long term.

"Muna! Boom!" Aegon says with a childish laugh while raising his favorite wooden dragon to her. Alicent laughs.

"Don't boom things, my love. Keep your dragon in controll. You don't want him ti break things, do you?" The princess asks in a maternal tone. Aegon pout and looks back to his toy.

"I disagree, dear. A dragon that is not fierce and powerful, is not a dragon. They are not horses." The Rogue Prince proclaims as he walks from a direction of the garden. Alicent almost jumped of her seat out of surprise. Daemon smirks, looking at Helaena. Aegon laughs while clapping.

"Kepa! Kepa!" The young prince exclaims, extending his arms. Daemon ignores the whims of his son.

"My little princess is sleeping once again? Honestly, that girl passes most of the day sleeping. That explains how the egg i gave her still did not hatch. The dragon must be sleeping as well." The Rogue Prince mocks. Alicent frowns to him.

"That is not something you should say about your own daughter, Daemon! And you also never hatched a craddle egg as well, so who are you to say that?" The Princess asks, serious. Daemon laughs a bit.

"The tower show her archers to the dragon. How cute. But don't worry, my wife. Maybe she can claim a dragon of her own in the future, like i did. Dreamfyre would suit her more than well. A dragon even bigger than Caraxes. Of all of the dragons under the power of the power of my house yet, she is the second largest." The Rogue Prince proclaims before walking towards Aegon. Alicent frowns again.

"Second? I tought that she was fourth. Behind Vhagar, the Cannibal and Vermithor, in that order." The princess says. Daemon grunts before giving his son a stroke in his hair, making him laugh more.

"Vhagar is ridden by the queen, a Velaryon. The Cannibal is a wild dragon that was never claimed and probably will not be any time soon. Sadly, there is only three Targaryens that ride dragons now. Me, Rhaenys and Rhaenyra. Soon, this little boy of mine here will be able to fly as well, right Egg?" The Rogue Prince asks with the corner of a smile. His son nods eargely to his father, even if he can't understand him. Alicent raises a eyebrown.

"Egg? Why are you calling him that?" The princess asks, confused. Daemon smiles with melancholy.

"That is a old story that i remembered. Back in the days before the Conquest, the first Aegon, son of Gaemon the Glorious and Daenys the Dreamer, was born bald, and during his childhoold his hair was slow to grow. His future sister-wife, Elaena, called him Egg as a joke. She did it until the last day of her life. Aegon was so angry of that nickname that he almost never got his hair cut. When he died, he had a very long hair and extensive beard. They would make my grandfather jealous, they say. Since then, every egg was called Egg by his relatives as a memory. Aegon the Conqueror, Aegon the Uncrowned... my brothee..." The Rogue Prince explains, getting more cold. Alicent sighs.

"I miss the Old King. He was on his worst years when i took care of him, and yet i could see how wise he was. I cried the day he died, and i still mourn him to this day." The princess confess with honesty. The Rogue Prince don't say anything.

The sound of steps come from a direction and then someone walks him in green clothes and a imposing posture, with his arms behind his back. Ser Otto Hightower walks in with a short smile in his mouth. Daemon imediatly frowns upon landing his eyes on him, fixing his posture. Alicent looks at her father with curiosity.

"Good morning." The Hand of the King announces in a composed tone. Daemon smirks.

"What do you want here, Otto?" The Rogue Prince asks, impatient. The Hightower knight don't move a inch.

"I am here to talk to my daughter, my prince. Am i not allowed to?" The Hand of the King asks with irony. Daemon grunts.

"I will take my son here to see his dragon in the Dragonpit and then fly in Caraxes. You can talk with her as much as you want." The Rogue Prince proclaims before picking up Aegon, who is very excited about it. Alicent looks at him with concern.

"Daemon, i already told you to not take Aegon with you in Caraxes. It is dangerous." The Princess says. Daemon rolls his eyes.

"There is no danger. My brother did the same with Viserys and i when we were younger than Aegon is. He will be fine. You should keep your mouth shut before i decide one day to take Helaena with me instead." The prince proclaims. Alicent frowns with frustration. Daemon then leaves with his son, trading a final gaze with Otto. Alicent sighs and Otto fix his eyes on her.

"I see that you still don't have much control of his temper." The Hand points out. Alicent snorts.

"I will probably never have control over that, father. Daemon is too obstinated about what he wants. Sometimes, arguing with him is lime arguing with a rock." The princess says in frustration. Otto slowly nods.

"I have to be honest, i think he is being more manageable lately. His position and his children are making him less unpredictable and less of a Rogue Prince, i would say. That is good." The Hand of the King says, thinking on things far from Alicent's understanding. She nods.

"What bring you here, father? You usually send a envoy to call me to your office." The princess points out, moving Helaena a bit in her arms. Otto opens a severe expressiob.

"I want you to be the bridge between me and Daemon." The Hand says in a neutral tone. Alicent looks to him with confusion.

"A bridge?"

"Yes. Daemon is more comfortable with you than anyone else. I need you to make him cooperate with my plans." The Hand of the King proclaims. Alicent frowns.

"What plans?"

"You gave two children to him. A boy and a girl. Viserys is now married to Laena Velaryon, and she might give him a new son, a new heir. And so, whem she does, i want to propose a marriage between that child and Helaena. With a proposal of both the Hand of the King and his own brother, the King would be very willing to accept. Even the Sea Snake would be pleased. I need you to convince Daemon to support me when that day come." The Hand explains. Alicent reflects on it.

"Viserys looks very convicted about keeping Rhaenyra his heir. I am not sure that a son would make him change his mind."

"In that case, we have Aegon. We can propose a marriage between him and Rhaenyra. Realisticaly, we can do both things. We make that proposal and then ask for a new one if he changes the succession, proclaiming about how the change damaged the previous arrangement." The Hand explains once again. Alicent is unsure.

"I... I will try, father. But Daemon is very resilient about any of your ideas, even if that pleases him as well. He is a proud man."

"Even the most prideful of men can bend for a good opportunity to gain more power, my child. Just do the sweet talk with him."

"Fine."

"Good. I expect you in the council tonight when i make the first proposal to the King."

"Already?"

"Already. We can't wait much more. He might receive other offer that may caught his attention."

"I see..." Alicent says in a distant tone. Otto lands a hand on her shoulder and looks in her eyes.

"Do your part and i will do mine. Now, i must go. Be safe." The Hand proclaims in a soft tone before leaving without wasting more time.

Alicent sighs and look at her sweet daughter, who just opened her beautiful purple eyes, a bit darker than her father's eyes.

"Oh, darling. So young and we are already talking about your hand in marriage. How sad. Just don't grow that fast. I will miss this cute face." Alicent proclaims in a soft tone. Her hearts melts when she sees the cute smile of her daughter. A smile that makes all the turmoil in her life a bit more worth it.

---

After a afternoon with her daughter and talking to same minor nobles and some maids, Alicent walks towards her chambers after putting Helaena to sleep in the other room.

Just as she was informed, Daemon is here, wearing clothes after a bath. He just finished the lower part of his body, but his chest is still exposed. Alicent is too used to each to even bother.

"Well, you are back. How was your flight with Aegon?"

"Good."

"Good. Is Sunfyre growing fast? It will be big enough for Aegon to ride in a few years?"

"Soon enough."

"And..."

"You are not skilled in starting a natural conversation with second intentions, Alicent. What do you really wants?" The Rogue Prince asks without turning his back to her while he is wearing his clothes. Alicent sighs.

"I want to talk about Aegon's future."

"His future? If you are talking about swords, i plan for him to start learning when he is 8."

"No. I am not talking about that. I am talking about marriage." The Princess declare with confidence. Daemon finally looks back at her with a severe frown.

"You would not want to talk about that when Aegon is that young. Your father asked you to do that, right?" The Rogue Prince asks with some disgust. Alicent sighs.

"He did. But i believe that it is the best choice now. You two are very ambitious. Marring Aegon to Rhaenyra, the heir, would bring both of you closer to the throne." Alicent argues. Daemon smirks.

"Oh, the old way of bringing your blood in the throne. He wants to be the great grandfather of a King. Your father failed to marry you to Viserys. Why i should believe that it will work this time?" The Prince asks before laughing at the idea. Alicent stands proud and a bit angry.

"Your brother was suffering after the death of Queen Aemma. I wanted to help him go trough it as well. I lost my mother sometime before and i shared similar feelings." The princess defends herself. Daemon snorts and laughs a bit more.

"As well, huh? You don't even try to hide your intentions, don't you, my wife?" The Prince mocks. Alicent frowns before achieving some confidence.

"At least i was trying to get closer to a adult." The princess proclaims in a authoritative tone.

The room turns into pure silence until Daemon set his eyes on his wife. His glare was almost terrifing of how much anger it behold. The whole posture of the Rogue Prince changes as he elevates his body before taking a step towards Alicent, who look at him, concerned.

"What do you mean with that, Alicent?" The Prince asks with a controlled angry tone, like a snake getting around it's prey. Alicent take a deep breath.

"You can't fool me Daemon. Even before we married i have been noticing how you act around Princess Rhaenyra. You act like a good uncle that brought gifts to his only niece, but i noticed the little things. The constant contact. Moving her by the hand, landing your hand on her shoulder, and the worse part, the eyes. I could see your intentions trough your eyes. How can you even dare to say something about me, Daemon?" The princess asks, angry.

Daemon moves towards her with a furious expression. Alicent walk backwards but hit a wall. Daemon gets very close to her, pressing her body against the wall. Their heads almost touch, but there is not lust here, only anger.

"Do you even understand what you are accusing me?! You are saying that i was trying to seduce Rhaenyra! A child! What kind of sick bastard you think i am?! I have my own limits!" The Rogue Prince screams in anger while looking at her eyes. Alicent's hand shake in fear and her face goes pale, but she stands on her position. Somehow, she gets courage to talk.

"You probably did not want to sleep with her as a child, but you are letting your seed on her on another way. She adores you, Daemon. Everyone with eyes can see that. You wanted that. You hope that with age that adoration would turn into a passion and you would be able to take her as your wife. That is what you wanted, right? Your stupid throne and your precious valyrian wife. Instead, you got the short end of the stick. You are here with me. Having children with me. How can you say that my father lost something when you lost even more than him?" The Princess proclaims with a strong tone of voice. Daemon frowns at her and the two of them look at each other in silence.

And then, Daemon holds her face in his hand, pressing her cheeks with his finger and holding his palm on her chin. Alicent is surprised by that.

"I will play the stupid game of your father for once, but don't expect me to lick his balls. Until then, don't talk to me like that. Never again." The Rogue Prince proclaims in a angry tone of voice. He then let out of her face and quickly get out of the room.

Alicent supports her back on the wall and take a very needed breath. She then walks to the bed and sit on it, reflecting.

Things will certainly get worse before they get better, she thinks.

But, for now, Alicent gets up and go towards the chambers of her father to tell him what just happened, hoping that the Hand will also be able to get her mind back in place.

---

As the night came and the dinner ended, the small council reunites in it's chamber.

Together with the main components of the small council is Alicent and Queen Laena.

As consorts of a Prince and the King respectively, they were allowed by the King to be in the council as well. While she could expect thaf benefit for the Queen, Alicent did not expect the same thing for her. Most probably her father, ironically, had a hand on it.

King Viserys have been gaining more weight with the years and now he sometimes loses his breath after walking a longer distance.

At his side, Queen Laena is sitting in her chair with a impecable posture. Her hair and blue dress are all in excellent condition and she looked like the perfect example of a noble young Queen. Yet, Alicent could easily notice how bored she looked. She is still a young woman, after all. Alicent could very well herself in her shyness marring Daemon at the same age some years ago.

Princess Rhaenyra was also there, wearing a black dress and walking around serving tea with a composed smile. When she served Daemon, she was clearly disappointed when the Rogue Prince kept his eyes in the table, thinking on other things while moving his fingers up and down in the table.

"Why did you call the whole council here, Otto? I tought that we were done with that cursed taxes changes..." The King proclaims, stroking his forehead. The Hand of the King take a breath.

"Your grace, i want to make a formal proposal in the name of my daughter and her husband." The Ser proclaims. The eyes of the king goes wide as he looks to both Otto and Daemon, who keeps his silence and permanent frown.

"You and Daemon? Did i miss something? Since when did you two agree on doing something together? Now i am scarred." The King proclaims before laughing. The Sea Snake share a short laugh and Laena almost opens a smile. Daemon grunts and Otto keeps his posture straigth.

"We propose the union of both family branches of Prince Baelon the brave in a marriage between Princess Rhaenyra, your daughter, and Prince Aegon, Daemon's son and my grandson. I believe that the family conection between all of us will finally heal whatever problems we might still have." The Hand of the King proclaims.

Alicent looks at Rhaenyra, who looks at Otto with shock, her mouth open wide. She looks at everyone in the chamber, but decides to remain silent, but still anxious.

Viserys lay his back into his chair, frowning and thinking. He then looks at his brother.

"Daemon, what is your opinion of that proposal?" The King asks with curiosity. Daemon snorts and fix his posture.

"I think it is a really good idea, brother. I doubt that Rhaenyra could get a better match. Aegon is a prince of valyrian looks and blood and a future dragonrider. What else she could ask for?" The Rogue Prince asks with a persuasive tone. Viserys looks very unsure.

"I don't know... there is a big age difference here... 10 years is a lot. Rhaenyra would have to wait 14 more years to marry. I don't think that a maiden princess should be kept unwed for that long of a time. She will soon be catching the eyes of many men, and i fear of what some vile men can do for her. She would be more safe wedding sooner than that." The King proclaims, hesitant with the idea. Daemon smirks.

"And what now? You will wed her as soon as possible and let her be at risk of becoming a new Queen Aemma and let childbed be her grave?" The Rogue Prince asks with irony.

After a miserable second of silence, the King get up, lands his hands at the table in a loud hit and give a mortal look to his brother. Rhaenyra retreats, scared after the sudden rage of her father.

"Don't you dare bring her name with that much of disrepect! That is a problem that you have. You can't hold your tongue. Your damned sharp tongue. I am tired of it. We might be brothers, but i will not tolerate inappropriate mockery in my council! Do your hear me?!" The King asks his brother after screaming. Daemon raises his hands and keep a neutral expression, showing some defeat, at least. Viserys grunts and sit down on his chair once again. The silence stays for a bit until he looks at his Hand.

"Otto, i think your proposal is a very good one, but i have my problems with it. Aegon and Rhaenyra are not fitting in age, which is big problem to me. And also, i don't think that Daemon deserves to be rewarded with such a access to the throne. Not yet." The King says with a dry tone. Alicent can feel the cold fear on the back of her head when she looks at her husband.

Daemon get up with a furious expression on his face, looking at his brother with dispise.

"I don't deserve it?! I have been working hard for years to prove my worth to you and to Westeros. I conquered the Stepstones. I reformed the City Guard. I organize the armies on the way they should be organized. If there is someone worthy of receiving Rhaenyra's hand as a reward, that is ME!" The Rogue Prince proclaims, losting all of his temper. Alicent frowns. The Kingsguard men move towards Daemon, almost bringing their swords out, until Viserys rise a hand and they stop. The King sighs, tired. He then looks at his brother.

"Daemon, i gave your current position of administrating the armies as your reward. I have no debt with you. And also, i took a look at the reports of your work last week. The men under you really likes you, but the smallfolk feels fear upon hearing your name. You are grey, Daemon. A being of light and dark. Too unstable to even exist properly. Why should i reward you, Daemon?" The King asks, frustrated. The Rogue Prince grunts, but looks more in control of his emotions.

"After everything i did to our family and Westeros, i am treated like a nobody by my own brother. What am i to you, Viserys? A disease? A ever lasting headache?" The Commander asks, bitter. Viserys sighs and his expression turns to sadness.

"You are my brother and you are very important to me, Daemon. I just..."

"You don't trust me or my children. That is what you want to say."

"Daemon..."

"Do as you want, you grace. I don't care. I am out for today. I have too much to think right now. Good night." The Prince proclaims with a severe tone before leaving the chamber. Alicent looks at her father, who sighs and make a sign to her. She looks to the sad king.

"You grace, i will talk to my husband. My apologies for any problems." Alicent says with a bow before walking away.

She leaves the council chamber and walks blindly trough a hallway. Luckily, she easily find Daemon walking in a direction with closed fists and rough steps. She walks towards him.

"Daemon! Wait!"

"I don't want to deal with you now, Alicent."

"But you will!" She proclaims, grabbing one of his arms. Daemon pull his arm from her grasp and turn around to face her. His expression is a distant one that Alicent knows very well.

Toughtful sadness.

Alicent gently holds his face with her hands and look to him in the eyes.

"Your brother is wrong about you and you know that. I might not agree with how you handle things as well, but i know that you are much more than what you let people know. You are a good father to our children. Better than most noble fathers, at least. You are a incredible warrior and a very clever tactician." Alicent proclaims with a honest tone. Daemon snorts.

"Don't make me laugh. I know my problems, Alicent. I know who i am. Quick to anger. Bitter. Vengeful. Ruthless. Unforgiving. That is Daemon Targaryen. That is me. And if my brother don't want my blood on the throne, i don't care. I will build my legacy on my own. I will not be on his shadow anymore. King or not. I don't need pity. I need respect." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a grunt before taking her hands out of his face and then walking away.

Alicent observes her husband disappear in a hallwah before sighing and placing her hands together in her chest before doing a silent prayer.

"Crone... please... give Daemon some wisdow to light his way..." The Princess whispers.

"The crone might not help win, but We Light the Way, right?"

Alicent turn back and see her father getting near her with a permanent frown after his sarcastic phrase.

"How did the meeting end?"

"Terrible. The humor of the King was gone and he quickly refused my proposition. Worse, i think that the poor perfomance of your husband ruined any expectatives we had to a marriage trough him. We will have to wait to Laena give birth to a son of the king so we can ask her and Corlys to marry the boy to Helaena. But first, you need to learn how to deal with the prince." The Hand proclaims with a frustrated tone. Alicent sighs.

"I doubt that i can do much with him, honestly. He is just too short tempered."

"I know him very well, my dear. But you need to find a way. Have you been... doing your marital job?"

"Father..."

"I know. Inappopriate, but that is a important factor."

"I do my duties, so, yes."

"Then, i think you need to make him... happier."

"I already said that i am doing my job."

"Not pleasure, my child. He need to find a new kind of happiness. He needs love. Or something similar." The Hand proclaims. Alicent frowns.

"You want me to make the Rogue Prince fall in love with me? Is that even possible?"

"Why not? Either he needs to fall in love with you, get soft to his children, or... he just needs to know how important you are on his future."

"Besides the fact that i gave birth to his children and probably will give birth to more of them?"

"Not only that. I know Daemon Targaryen. Behind his tough act and violence, he is insecure. He lost his mother at age 3. He lost his beloved father at age 20. His relationship with his brother is going from bad to worse. And that where you enters. Be his light, Alicent. Make him dependent on your existence. As a wife. As a lover. As a friend. As a mother. It does not matter. Remember our words. We light the way." Her father says before hugging her. Alicent hugs him back while thinking.

As Otto walk away, Alicent walks trough the hallway in a slow pace, thinking more and more about the situation.

Insecure? Daemon Targaryen? How?

And then she finally understood. His sad expression that she learned to identify but did not get the origin. She knows now.

Loneliness.

The Rogue Prince. A man walking against the tides so he can write his name in history. A man struggling against the world, alone.

Alicent sighs. She understands him better now. It only took a few years. How stupid she feels...

Suddenly, She hears steps and turn around to see Princess Rhaenyra quickly running to her.

"Princess? Want something with me?" Alicent asks, curious. Rhaenyra stops and take a breath.

"How is my uncle going? Have you seen him? Is he better?" The Princess asks, worried. Alicent slowly nods.

"He had worse days in his life, i am sure of it. Don't worry, princess. As his wife, i will take care of him. You can go to your room." The older woman proclaims. Rhaenyra sighs, but nods before walking in another direction.

Alicent walks towards a certain room. Lots of toughts are spinning in her mind.

---

Arriving in Helaena's room, Alicent tell the maids to live her alone with her daughter.

Sitting in a comfortable chair, Alicent holds her baby daughter in her arms. Different from early on, Helaena is totally awake now. She is a silent baby for the most part, but she is also a very happy one. More than Aegon was and less inclined to cry. A precious jew for her mother, that always succeed in stealing a smila from Alicent.

"Oh my sweet princess... your father is as rough as always. I wonder if you and your brother have any effect in him at all. Is he that distant from reality that he can't enjoy what he has?" The princess asks her baby daughter, who looks at her with curiosity, stretching her fatty little hands to her face. Alicent laughs and give a kiss in each hand, receiving a cute smile from her daughter.

Suddenly, the door opens and a very incovenient man in a bad humor enters the room, closing the door.

"What are you doing here, husband?" Alicent asks. Daemon grunts.

"That is my daughter's room too. I came here to see her." The prince proclaims. Alicent raises a eyebrown.

"You came to see our daughter alone? You never cared much about her until now." She points out. Daemon frowns in frustration.

"I want to do something different for once. You will givr me my daughter or not?" The Rogue Prince demands. Alicent sighs and get up. She then carefully hands Helaena to Daemon.

The Rogue Prince holds their daughter with a awkward care. Helaena looks at his face with her bright eyes and Daemon looks back at her.

"She does not seem to recognize me. Her own father..." The Prince whispers, offering his free hand to the baby. Helaena holds one of his fingers with her hand and looks to it and back to her father's face. Alicent sighs and then smiles.

"She is a very curious girl. I bet that she will be very smart in the future." She says with confidence. Daemon grunts once again, but don't say anything.

They remain in silence, only observing Helaena playing with her father's fingers for several minutes. Then, Daemon takes a deep breath before looking at Alicent in the eyes.

"You are my wife first, or you are Otto's daughter first, Alicent?" The Rogue Prince asks. Alicent frowns, but keep her posture.

"Neither. I am proud of being a wife of the prince and the daughter of the Hand, but i am the most proud of being the mother of such beautiful children." She says, looking at her precious daughter. Daemon frowns, but nods. He then looks back at Helaena.

"I promise that i will not let my name be forgotten by the history books, Alicent. I will make the whole world remind the names of Daemon Targaryen and hid children. No matter what. Taking down the Triarchy, conquering the far north, it does not matter. I refuse to be forgotten." Daemon promises, looking back at his wife's eyes.

Alicent looks at his purple eyes and he can see his will. A determination that looks more like a obsession. He is not changing his mind anytime soon.

With Daemon and her father tied together by blood now, she fears what will happen in the future.

As a shiver goes down her spine, she knows very well what may be emerging in the future. After all, that are the words of the house of her husband. The words that she now has to accept.

Fire and Blood.

The time of dragons burning armies and innocent blood being spilled is arriving

May the gods have mercy, because her husband surely will have none against whoever that emerges as his enemy.

---

Chapter Text

---

DAEMON IV

---

110 AC -

---

Daemon walks fast trough the hallways of the Red Keep after a day of work dealing with a new arrival of merchant ships from Essos that came without much advise.

The entire day he had to talk to a bunch of merchants that barely knew his language or even High Valyrian. It was a tedious mess.

And when he tought he was free to go back to eat and get some sleep, he was told by a messenger that his wife started her labor.

After Helaena, Daemon tought that they would take more time before going for their next child. Instead, not much time after the whole fiasco in the council room, the maester once again confirmed that Alicent was pregnant after just a few moons of giving birth to Helaena.

That pregnancy was very troublesome. Alicent was in constant pain and always tired later on in the pregnancy. That took a toll on him as well, because in the last moons she did not sleep with him, making him resort to other ways of seeking satisfaction.

Grunting with that tought, The Rogue Prince finally arrives in the front of the chamber where Alicent is giving birth. In front of the door, Rhaenyra is there with her father and Otto. She looks to him once he arrives and smiles.

"Uncle! I was worried that you would not come..." The Princess proclaims before hugging him. Daemon accepts it for a moment before moving her away from him.

"How long has she been in labor?" The Rogue Prince asked his brother and his father-in-law, looking to the door. He can hear Alicent's screams trough it. Viserys sighs.

"Two hours. The maester said that she is struggling to get strength to deliver the child. He says that it can go either way." The King proclaims with a sad tone. Daemon frowns.

"Either way?"

"It means that she can either safely deliver the child or she can die trying. It is all up to the gods." The Hand of the King says with a frown of his own. Daemon looks at him.

"You don't look worried about your only daughter's live, Otto. I tought you loved her." The Rogue Prince mocks. Otto gets angry.

"How i react to things is not of your interest. I have faith on the gods and in Alicent. She is strong. Everything will turn out well. I am sure of it." The Hand proclaims with confidence. Daemon smirks. Viserys is still looking at the door with sadness. He sighs.

"How much our family will still have to suffer with our woman struggling in childbirth, brother? The gods took my mother first and then my dear Aemma, and finally they almost took Laena too last year when she lost our child. I am tired of that sick joke coming from above." The King proclaims, bitter. Daemon looks away, Rhaenyra looks down with a sad expression and Otto looks at his liege with compassion, landing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Hard times, your grace. At least, Queen Laena is still alive and doing better. She might be able to get another child soon." The Hand says with a gentle tone. Viserys snorts.

"I am not interested in that risk. I will wait some years. She need to mature even more. She is not quite ready for motherhood yet. Rhaenys was devastated at her condition. Laena is not even in a good condition now to be here, after all." The King proclaims. Otto nods his head and Daemon grunts.

"She has not recovered? It happened a moon ago." The Rogue Prince asks, uncertain. Viserys looks at his brother with a serious expression.

"She lost a lot of blood and she still feels pain, both in her body and her mind. She is still a young woman, Daemon. I refuse to fall in the same mistakes that i did with Aemma. I will wait. You and Alicent already expanded our house, so i don't need to rush things. I have time." The King proclaims. Daemon smirks.

"I don't think that Corlys will like that idea. He seems quite urgent into Laena producing a new child for you." The Rogue Prince mocks. Viserys frowns.

"And i don't care what the Sea Snake likes. I am the King and will do as i want with my family. She is not known as the Sea Snake's daughter anymore. She is known as the King's wife. My queen. He should remember that." The King says before snorting. Daemon opens a malicious smile.

"You are right about that, brother." The prince says, giving Otto a look. The Hand frowns at his implication.

Before the Rogue Prince and the Hand were able to continue their discussion, the door is opened and Grand Maester Runciter came out. Otto is the one to take action.

"Maester, what is the situation? How is Alicent and the child?" The Hand asks, worried. The old Maester frowns and take a deep breath.

"It is a very tough situation. Similar to the one with Queen Laena. But, at least, i can say that she will be able to recover better. She is more mature and more used to giving birth, after all." Runciter proclaims. Daemon grunts.

"What about my child?" The Rogue Prince asks, impatient. The Maester looks at him with his serious expression.

"The child looks healthy, as far as i can see, but we will only know for sure soon. It is almost there. I am here to ask if anyone want to give her some emotional support. She might need it to have strength to do the final pushes." Runciter explains. Daemon frowns, but Otto nods.

"I will. You will do the same, my prince?" The Hand asks. His gaze is a demanding one, one that dares the prince to deny. Viserys look at him with a more mild version of the same gaze.

By his lack of interest in being in that room, Daemon would refuse, but the two men gazing at him forced him to rethink that. With a long grunt, Daemon nods and follow Otto inside the room. Viserys, still disturbed by the recent events, stays out of the room with Rhaenyra, who is too hesitant about getting in or not.

Daemon and Otto enter the bedroom to find Alicent take short and very desperate breaths. She is mostly red in the upper part of her body and sweat covers her and her blanket. Downside, her legs are open and the maids are dealing with the child and the bloody mess there.

Otto goes to her head and goes to his knees to look at his daughter with worry. Alicent opens a weakened smile upon seeing him. Otto lands his hand on her cheek with tenderness.

"Be strong, Alicent. You will pass trough it safely. I am sure of it. You did it two times already. Why not one more?" The Hans asks with a gentles smile on his face. Alicent laughs a bit.

"Oh, father... i don't know. I am hoping here, but it looks difficult. More difficult than Aegon's birth." The princess proclaims with a weak tone of voice. Daemon snorts and looks at her, still standing up.

"I know you well enough Alicent. Take hold of your will and push that kid out of you. Don't you dare dying in childbed. Women enough died like that in that house." The Prince proclaims, giving her a severe gaze. Alicent looks back at him, unsure.

"Daemon... but..." She says, but she is interrupted by a scream that forces trough her with a contraction. Daemon keep gazing at her from above.

"No buts. Be strong and push." The Rogue Prince Demands, finally taking her hand from Otto and holding it tightly.

Alicent take a deep breath and screams once again while pushing. Maester Runciter is back at his position.

"One more! Almost there!" The Maester proclaims. Alicent gasp for air.

"Do it, Alicent." Daemon demands, holding her hand with more strength. Alicent hold her tears of pain and take a deep breath before holding his hand with all her strength and also the blanket.

The sound of a crying baby takes the whole room like a sudden thunder. The weight in the air almost completely disappears. Runciter takes the child in his arms.

"It is a boy! A prince!" The Grand Maester proclaims before cutting his cord and giving to the maids so they can clean it.

Daemon sighs and look at Alicent, who gasps for air and then faints in the bed. Otto gets up quickly and check her pulse and heart. He sighs.

"She is alive. Probably only fainted out of stress, pain and lack of energy." The Hand proclaims, mostly to himself. Daemon grunts before moving to his target of interest.

Runciter sees Daemon get closer to him and the maids who are taking care of the baby.

"Ladies, let the prince hold his new son." The Maester demands. The maids quickly obeys and give the child to Daemon. Runciter goes out of the room to call the King and the Princess.

The baby is still crying loud, moving his tiny limbs around with vigor. Daemon smirks.

"A healthy boy. Will be a great warrior like his father." The Prince proclaims proudly. He is also more than happy to notice the few amount of silver-gold hair in the baby's head. The gods apparently decided to bless him with more children with the Valyrian look. The baby soon stop crying and opens his deep purple eyes. Daemon smiles.

Perfect.

Viserys and Rhaenyra eargely enters the room. Rhaenyra looks at the baby eith curiosity. The King walks to bis brother and lay a gentle arm on his back to do somekind of a hug.

"The gods finally opened their doors to us, brother! Another nephew for me. What is his name?" The King asks, holding the baby's tiny hand. Daemon frowns.

"I don't know. I will wait for Alicent to wake up so she can give some ideas." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a neutral tone. The King nods.

"Can i hold him?" Rhaenyra asks her uncle. Daemon smirks.

"Why not?" The Prince says before giving her the baby. Rhaenyra smiles to the cousin in her arms. The boy looks at her and then shake his body around a bit. Viserys laughs.

"He looks very stubborn. A son of Daemon, indeed." The King proclaims. The Rogue Prince snorts, but say nothing.

The Targaryens are interrupted by a feminine grunt coming from behind. They look back to see Alicent waking up with a tired and a bit painful expression. Otto helps her to sit in the bed.

"Where... where is my baby?" Alicent asks, still beaten. Rhaenyra walks to her and gently give the baby to his mother. Alicent smiles to him.

"My sweet boy... you look healthy. I am so happy with that..." She almost whispers when a single tear run down her cheek. The baby looks at her, confused about everything that happened in his first minutes of life. Otto smiles to his daughter and grandson.

"The gods be praised, because they let both of you live. Do you have a name to him already?" The Hand gently asks. Alicent looks to her father and then to Daemon, who approaches them with a almost curious expression.

"I wanted to name him Jaehaerys, after the Conciliator. I took care of him in his final years, and i created a great appreciation for him, both as a king and as person, even in the end of his life." The Princess proclaims with a melancholic tone. Viserys smiles.

"That is a fantastic name. Don't you think, brother?" The King asks. Daemon frowns while looking at his wife and son.

"No." He directly answers, surprising the others around him.

"No? Why not?" Alicent asks her husband. Daemon snorts.

"He is a second son of a second son. While i always wanted to name a child of mine Aegon, i don't think he should have a King's name. He should bear a name of his own and search his own glory. Like i did." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Alicent frowns.

"Well, if you want him to be more like you, why don't we just call him Daemon as well?" The princess asks with a ironic tone. Daemon smirks.

"There can be only one Prince Daemon Targaryen around." The Rogue Prince proclaims, proudly. Alicent frowns, toughtful.

"What about..."

---

While Alicent is taking care of the child and trying to recover, The others let her alone with the maids in the room. As soon as they are out, a Lord Commander Harrold Westerling appears in his white armor, looking at Viserys.

"Your grace, Lord Darklyn is here to talk about a recent problem in Duskendale." The white knight proclaims. The King sighs.

"My duties call me, sadly. Daemon, Otto, i wish you two and Alicent luck. Rhaenyra, i think you should find Ser Criston Cole so he can take you to the Dragonpit. You have not take Syrax for a ride for some time, right?" Viserys says. Rhaenyra opens a large smile and nods.

"Yes, thank you!" The Princess proclaims before kissing her father in the cheek and then running away. Viserys laughs before nodding to his brother and Hand and walking out with the Lord Commander.

Now, the two enemies are alone in the same place. Otto quickly looks at Daemon.

"You have been evading me." The Hand points out. Daemon snorts.

"To do that i would need to notice you first, Hightower." The Rogue Prince mocks. Otto frowns.

"Your lack of temperance took away our best chance of getting our blood in the throne. It would make sense that you would want to avoid solid criticism." The Hand mocks back. Daemon grunts.

"I am not avoiding criticism, cunt. I am avoiding your annoying presence when i am out of the council. And who said that we want the same thing? Don't force me into your games." The Rogue Prince says, irritated. Otto snorts.

"You can't fool me Daemon. I know you. I know what you want. We want the same thing. Our legacy in the throne. Why we need to be enemies if we have common objectives?" The Hand asks in a fabricated soft tone. Daemon smirks once again.

"I did not want my blood in the throne, like a simpleton from a lesser house would. I want my own throne. I want my name to be remembered by all of Westeros. We are not the same. You lost your daughter, Otto. She is mine now. My wife. Mother of my children. If you think you can use her to use me, you are very wrong." The Rogue Prince proclaims with arrogance. Otto frowns once again, but keeps his temper in check. He laughs a bit.

"You will understand things in the future, Daemon. I can see it coming. Hard times are coming faster than you can imagine. Laena is struggling to have children and Rhaenyra is still the heir. Things can get out of hand fast. We need to ve ready to adapt to the situations. Do you understand that?" The Hand asks, being enigmatic. Daemon frowns.

"I am a man of action, Otto. A warrior without adaptation can't last a single day in the battlefield." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Otto laughs a bit more.

"I know. Take care of her. I have things to deal with." The Hand proclaims before walking away.

Daemon grunts. Like a snake, Otto Hightower is always moving around without him noticing it.

But his words...

He really...?

Daemon decides that it don't matter for now. He sighs and lay his back in the door, trying to assimilate things in his head.

---

After Alicent managed to regain more strength, Daemon walked with her towards the chamber of their children.

As soon as the door opens, a very young boy with silver-golden hair runs to them, smiling with his tiny teeths that are still growing. In his hands, Aegon brings his favorite wooden dragon.

"Muna!" The young Targaryen screams happily, running to his mother and hugging her leg. Alicent laughs while trying to keep standing.

"Aegon! You will make me fall!" The Princess proclaims trying to make her son leaves her leg. Aegon laughs and let go.

The boy of 3 looks up to his father, smiling. Daemon smirks and strokes his hair with a hand.

"Be good, kid." The Prince proclaims. Aegon nods his head eargely.

On the otherside of the room, Helaena gets up in her craddle, holding her hands in wood while looking at them in silence. Daemon laughs a bit upon seeing it, making his way to her.

"You should keep your mouth closed, little one." The Prince proclaims with a soft tone before stroking the face of his daughter of 1. Helaena smiles a bit and then seat in her craddle to play with her feet. Daemon snorts.

The Rogue Prince turn around to see Aegon going to him and grabing his pants.

"Kepa! I wanna see Sunny!" The young prince demands, making a pout. Daemon sighs.

"How many times i have to tell you, Aegon? You will not call your dragon Sunny."

"Sunny!"

"No."

"Why no?"

"Because it is a not a good name for a dragon."

"But i like Sunny!"

Alicent laughs at the serious arguing that the Rogue Prince is having with his infant son. Daemon grunts.

"You are seriously arguing with a child of 3, dear. Let he call the dragon the way he wants. He will see that it is a silly name when he gets older." The Hightower princess proclaims. Daemon snorts.

"I hope so. But for now, boy, we have someone to show you." The Rogue Prince tells his son. Aegon looks to him, cofused.

Alicent approaches them and Aegon finally notices that his mother is holding something in her arms.

"Muna, what is that?" The young prince asks, curious. Alicent opens a large smile, but then a frown when her legs trembles. She looks at Daemon.

"I don't think i can get in my knees. Can you do it for me?" The Princess asks. Daemon sighs, but approach her.

The Rogue Prince takes the baby from her arms and then get on his knees. Aegon looks at the baby with curious eyes.

"This, my child, is your baby brother. He is be with us from now on. As a older brother, you have to take care of him as well." The Prince whispers to his son. Aegon looks at his new brother, surprised.

"He is so tiny! Can i play with him?" The young boy asks. Alicents laughs harder and Daemon snorts.

"He is not a toy, Aegon. You can play alongside him when he gets bigger. Just like your sister, she is getting bigger, right?" The Rogue Prince asks, annoyed with the fact that he has to explain to a child what is a newborn sibling. Aegon looks to Helaena in her craddle and then back at his father.

"Lena can't talk or walk like me! She is boring!" The young boy proclaims with another pout. Daemon smirks at him.

"Not for much time, kid. You will be able to play with both soon. Just wait. For now, take a look at your brother." Says the Rogue Prince, losing his patience. Aegon looks at his brother once again for a few seconds. Alicent smiles observing them.

"You want to hold him, Egg?" The Hightower princess asks. Aegon looks at her and then nods. Daemon grunts.

"Here... be careful..." The Rogue Prince says while trying to make Aegon hold the baby, which turned ou to be basically a hug for the little boy. Aegon laughs while the baby looks around, bothered.

"Hey! What is your name?" Aegon asks, but the baby only moves his hand to weakly hit his face, making Aegon do another pout. Alicent laughs and Daemon smirks before answering the question.

"Aemond. His name is Aemond."

---

Chapter Text

---

VISERYS II

---

112 AC -

---

Viserys sighs as he sits in his large bed after waking up. As usual, he is alone on his bed. Laena always wake up much earlier than him.

It has been 4 years already since their marriage, and until now, their relationship have been nothing more than a cordial relationship between them and the often sex they had, either with the intention of producing a child or to satisfy his own sexusl desires.

He is thankful that Laena is not a person that is hard to get along with. She is quite a simple woman when it comes to her personal life.

The King walks out of his bed with some effort and looks trough the large balcony of his bedroom.

In the sky, near the docks of King's Landing, he can see the really distinguished figure of Vhagar.

The giant dragon flys around the city with strong, but slow, flaps of her massive wings. Her body often blocks the sun and cast a shadow that can let whole streets in the dark.

Seeing Vhagar flying was a melancholic memory to him. He could remember his father flying around in Vhagar, often with Daemon, after his brother claimed Caraxes. Viserys sighs once again as he tries to let the past in the past.

He sees Vhagar flying towards the Dragonpit, probably to land. He wears his casual clothes and walk out of his room.

On the outside, the King is quickly followed by the two Kingsguard men that guards his bedroom.

The King and his guards arrive outside the Castle, in the front garden, as the queen arrives with her guards.

Laena is wearing a leather clothing made for women to use while riding horses. Her silver-golden hair is tied in a ponytail. She looks at her husband with a annoyed gaze. Viserys frowns a bit.

"Another flight? Have you at least eaten something already?" The King asks, worried. Laena sighs and frowns.

"Excuse me, your grace, but i think i am your wife, not your daughter. But, as an answer to your question, i may have eaten a apple or two during my way trough the streets to the Dragonpit." The Queen proclaims, shameless. Viserys sighs and stroke his face.

"Please, let me alone with my wife." He proclaims to the guard. They bow and soon leave them alone. The King walks past Laena, who is intrigued by that.

"Follow me trough the gardens while we talk." Viserys calls. Laena snorts, but soon follows him. He looks to me immerse in toughts.

"Laena... tell me... do you really like to be my queen?" The King asks honestly. Laena looks at him, confused. She thinks a bit.

"Well... i would be lying if i said that i don't enjoy the benefits. The respect and all. King's Landing is way bigger than Driftmark and there is a lot of places to go with Vhagar. However, i still miss my freedom as a maiden in Driftmark, but in general, i am satisfied." Laena proclaims. Viserys sighs and denies with his head.

"That is not what i said. I did not ask if you like being queen. I asked you if you like being MY queen. Tell me, how do you really view me? You are satisfied by how things are working out with us?" The King asks in a soft tone. Laena looks at him, surprised.

"Oh... it... could be worse. You are a good man, your grace, but... i don't feel a attraction towards you. I am here trying to live up for my father's expectations. I am sorry if you expected to get a loving wife or one that could actually manage to give you children." The Queen proclaims in a now sad tone of voice. Viserys looks at her with compassion, landing a arm on her shoulders and slightly giving her a hug.

"That is not your fault, Laena. You don't have to hurry to give birth to any child of mine. Daemon has extended the Targaryen family very well in the last few years. And, as far as i am concerned, we don't need to love each other. I take care of you and you take care of me and we are good, right?" The King asks, being positive. Laena laughs a bit.

"I am fine with that, your grace."

"Please, i said to you a thousand times. Call me Viserys. You are not a vassal of mine. You are my wife. You are my queen, so call me by my name when we are alone. Do you understand?" The King asks gently. Laena smiles.

"I do, Viserys." She says. Viserys smiles back to her. Then, he remembers something.

"Can you tell me exactly what are you father's expectations to you? He is not satisfied with your position as Queen?" The King asks, suspicious. Laena is surprised, but she recovers her posture, letting out a sigh.

"He expects me to give you a new heir as soon as possible." She admits. Viserys frowns.

"What?" He asks, irritated. Laena retreats a bit.

"He wants me to give birth to a proper male heir of yours, placing his blood on the throne." The Queen affirms. Viserys is clearly frustrated by that.

"That is absurd. The succession is settled! I named Rhaenyra as my heir and that is final. I will talk to him later and interrogate him further on the matter. I refuse to have people on my back with second intentions." The King proclaims, irritated. Laena lands a hand on his shoulder.

"Calm down, Viserys. We can resolve things better with a clear mind." The Queens proclaims. Viserys loses his frown and take a deep breath.

"You are right... i need to keep my mind in place here. What about we don't go take a early lunch? I bet that you are starving." The King says with a short smile. Laena laughs.

"I am. I would love to have a nice lunch." She says. Viserys offer his hand and she eargely accepts it. The two of them walks trough the garden, going back to the Red Keep.

---

Viserys looks at his empty cup of wine with a frown, immersed in toughts, seated on his chair on the council, with only the darkness of the closed room and the light of the candles.

Inheritance.

Inheritance.

Inheritance.

Always the same thing. They can't let him alone? He has decided. The topic is finished, but yet there is always the same talk to be done.

And so, the door of the chamber is opened and the Sea Snake enters the room.

Always very vigorous, his age looks to be finally catching up to the old Lord of the Tides. His hair lost much of his bright, his face has more marks of age and his eyes are more tired than ever. Yet, he was not weak. A fearsome, imponent and experience man. A visual deserving of a man with his fame.

Corlys seat down on the chair on the opposite side of the table and takes a deep a breath before making a quick bow with his head.

"You grace. You called for me. Here i am." The Sea Snake proclaims, proud. Viserys snorts.

"I did. I was talking with Laena this morning. About our relationship and about us in general. You know what she said to me? She said that you were basically demanding her to be more willing to give me children." The King proclaims, serious. Corlys frowns.

"Simple words like that can't let clear my true intentions, your grace. I am concerned about the state of the realm. You have only a daughter, and i know how difficult is that position. As soon as she gives birth to a healthy son, any question about succession will be solved." The Sea Snake explains. The frown of Viserys turns into a more angry expression.

"Seven years, Corlys. I named Rhaenyra my heir seven years ago. How long you will take to accept that. It does not matter to me if Laena gives birth to a son of mine or not, i will keep Rhaenyra as my heir and that is definitive!" The King proclaims in a high tone of voice. Corlys frowns, but keeps his posture.

"You grace, it might not be a good idea. Much of the realm might question her legitimacy..."

"I am the King and my world is legitimacy. Rhaenyra is my heir and anyone trying to say otherwise will loose their tongues! You are not excluded, Sea Snake." The King proclaims, his head red of screaming in anger. The Sea Snake gets up.

"I am sorry, your grace, but that is outrageous to my house. You married my daughter, which i am grateful for that, but such a marriage comes with expectations. I expected that our lines would be tied together, and you just take it away fro me after years of marriage!" The Sea Snake arguments. Viserys get up.

"I did no promises to you, Velaryon! You should be content about me taking your daughter as my new Queen consort. I need to remind you again who is the king and who is the vassal? You can't demand anything from me!" The King proclaims, furious. Corlys lands both of his hands in the table. The two men gaze at each other with angry eyes.

"You are right. I can't demand anything from you, your grace. But, i am Corlys Velaryon. The Sea Snake. The Lord of the Tides. I may not be a king, but i have the largest wealth and fleet of the Seven Kingdoms. I have more power over this realm than you can imagine. You deny my blood and i will deny my support to the maitenance of Lord Celtigar in the Stepstones. I will take my wealth and my ships and go back to Dragonstone, and let all that expensive work of years be destroyed by the Triarchy until the end of the year." The Sea Snake proclaims. The eyes of Viserys gets wide and he grunts.

"You are breaking vows here, Sea Snake! I can easily call the guards and have you arrested and then later executed for threating a treason in front of me!" The King exclaims, even more furious than before. Corlys is still calm, for the most part.

"You can arrest me. You can execute me, but it won't make the Velaryon fleet stay there. Laenor was too young during the war, so he had no vows to protect the Stepstones or support it with gold. And with my death, he and Rhaenys will probably just isolate from the crown. The same with Laena. You really want to kill the father of your wife because he felt betrayed?" The Sea Snake asks. Viserys grind his teeth.

"Betrayed?!" The King screams, punching the table, which shakes. "Betrayal is what you are doing to me right now, Corlys! Why can't you be less of a snake?! I don't care about what you or Laenor will do. I will not change the succession! I will not go back from my word to Rhaenyra!" The King proclaims with a almost broken tone, sitting down. He strokes his face with his hands. Corlys also sit down.

"There is a way for you to fix this, you grace. A way for both of us to get what we want." The Sea Snake proclaims in a soft tone. Viserys take away his hands and frowns to the Velaryon.

"What do you mean?" The King asks, confused. Colrys takes a deep breath.

"I propose a marriage between my son and heir, Laenor Velaryon, and your daughter and heir, Rhaenyra Targaryen." The Sea Snake offers. Viserys lay his back on his chair before grunting.

"You were not satisfied with one royal consort and now you want both of your children to be royal consorts? Why should i accept you getting that much power over me on your hands, Sea Snake?" The King asks, skeptic. Corlys smiles while relaxing on his chair.

"You are not just giving power, your are receiving as well. I get my blood on house Targaryen and the Throne and you get your blood on house Velaryon, my wealth, my fleet and my lands. Laenor is a dragonrider and has the most valyrian blood of anyone available to her in the realm. It is a victory for both of us, and it will heal the wounds you caused to my pride. Their children together will inherit both the Iron Throne and Driftmark. Tied by blood. Together like brothers. The only two houses of dragonriders in Westeros. It does not sound good for you, my King?" The Sea Snake asks softly. Viserys frowns in tought and then sighs.

"It does. I can't deny that. But i am not comfortable in marring Rhaenyra without her acceptance." The King proclaims. Corlys snorts.

"Queen Alysanne did not ask for your opinion when she married you and Daemon to Queen Aemma and Rhea Royce." The Sea Snake says. Viserys get a hit of sadness by hearring the name of the beloved wife he lost. He sighs.

"I am not my grandmother, Corlys. I am not making a marriage that she hates just so it end up like Daemon's first marriage."

"Rhaenyra and Laenor know each other since a young age, your grace. I always see them talking to each other in feasts and other events. They are very close. I doubt that it would be terrible match. And, between us, i think the princess needs more... discipline." The Sea Snake says in a more mild tone. Viserys frowns.

"Are you questioning my parenting skills now, Velaryon?"

"Not exactly my King. I know that Rhaenyra loves you as her father, but she needs to know more about duty. Since she was born, i only saw her receive everything that she wants. If she does not learn to do sacrifices, how she will be able to rule the Seven Kingdoms?" The Lord of the Tides asks, gently. The King frowns in tought before looking back at Corlys.

"Very well. You got a deal. I will convince Rhaenyra to accept this marriage on the most friendly way possible. Are you satisfied now, snake?" The King asks, a bit hostile. Corlys smiles a bit.

"Your grace, i am not a snake. I am a sea snake. There is a big difference. But, yes. I am more than honored with that deal, your grace. But, watch about their children? You have a preference of names for their houses?" The Sea Snake asks, curious. Viserys thinks about it before coming with a answer.

"By tradition, they should take their father's house name, Velaryon, until one of them ascend the Iron Throne, when that one will take the Targaryen name. Other child of them will take Driftmark after Laenor. That is enough?" The King asks, tired of the discussion. Corlys opens a large smile.

"I am very satisfied, your grace, but i have a nice idea for the event as well. You and Laena will commemorate five years of marriage next year. We should make the marriage a huge event to glorify the union of our houses. A great tourney for all of the major lords in Westeros! A perfect event." The Sea Snake offers, excited. Viserys relax more with that idea.

"I like that idea a lot, actually. I have been missing a good tourney later. It shall be done." The King proclaims, finally opening a smile. Corlys rises his cup of wine.

"A toast for House Targaryen and House Velaryon. May our union be long and prosperous!" The Sea Snake proclaims. The King raises his own cup and then the two men drink it all in one go.

While the wine goes down his throat, Viserys sighs and think about what just happened while Corlys is drinking more wine.

How did it get to that? From rage to agreement? Is he that feeble of a King? As he is questioning his choices, Corlys ends his wine and get up.

"I am sorry, your grace, but i have something to do. I need to go now. I hope any... hostility between us is forgotten. Nothing but wind. Have a good night, your grace." The Sea Snake proclaims before bowing to him.

Corlys moves towards the doors, but is stopped by the voice of his liege.

"I will not forget what you did in this room, Sea Snake. I will have my eyes on you. Any more of that and i having sea snake for dinner." The King proclaims in a serious tone. Corlys does not turn back.

"Good night, your grace." The Sea Snake says before he leaves.

Viserys sighs as he lay in his chair, holding his face with one hand that is supported in the table.

How he will be able to tell Rhaenyra about all of that?

---

A new day comes and Viserys decides to deal with thing early in the morning.

The King sighs as he moves towards the chamber of his daughter, alone.

As soon as he arrives, he finds Ser Criston Cole standing in front of the door, as always.

The handsome and very skilled knight of the Kingsguard has made his name trough King's Landing. He is now considered to be the current best name for the position that is still occupied by Ser Harrold Westerling. The position of Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.

The knight bows to his King while moving away from the door.

"Good morning, your grace." The Knight says in a well mannered tone. Viserys nods to him and then knock on the door.

"Rhaenyra, it is me. I need to talk with you there. Alone." The King proclaims, looking at Ser Criston. The knight nods and move to be more distant of the door, to not hear anything.

After a minute of random sounds from inside the door...

"Enter!" Rhaenyra exclaims from the other side. Viserys then opens the door and enters.

Rhaenyra's room is quite simple for a princess, but still bery well made, but, that is not important for Viserys now.

As he looks to his daughter of now 15, he is proud. From a pretty child, Rhaenyra turned into a beautiful young woman. He would even dare to say that she turned out to be more beautiful then Laena, but his opinion on the matter is not valid, for obvious reasons.

His daughter resembled so much her mother that he felt a hit on his heart from firstly looking at her now.

Rhaenyra stands here with a casual black dress and her hair running free. She opens a short smile to her father.

"What bring you here?" The princess asks. Viserys take a deep breath.

"I want to talk with your about the future. Your future."

"What do you mean?" The Princess asks, confused. Viserys take another deep breath.

"Rhaenyra... you are five and ten now. Next year, you will be considered a young adult. A woman. And as my heirn you have the duty of continuing the family line and create your own heirs. As such, you need to marry soon." The King proclaims. The eyes of his daughter goes wide.

"Marry? But father, i don't have any interest in marring now. I don't even have a person in mind. And what if i don't want to marry at all?" The Princess askd, defensive. Viserys snorts.

"It does not matter if you want it or not, Rhaenyra. You will have to marry. Rulers sometimes needs to do things they don't want to do." The King explains, but Rhaenyra is not happy. She frowns to him.

"What serves the crown that you use if you can't rule your own life? The most powerful man in Westeros can't have any freedom. It is like a joke to me, father." The Princess proclaims. The King sighs.

"Power comes with responsabilities. You need to learn that before you become a Queen. With that, i have to tell that i have already arranged a marriage to you." The King announces. The eyes of his daughter get wide in her shock.

"Arranged?! I sill not even be able to choose my own husband? I have to live and go to bed with a man that i never choosed to be by my side? Who is it?" The Princess asks, angry. Viserys takes a deep breath once again to calm down.

"Laenor Velaryon."

"Laenor? Really? You are married to his sister! Why did you even accept that offer?" The Princess asks, frustrated. Viserys grunts.

"I had to in order to keep you as my heir and also keep some stability in the realm. Corlys was angry when i said to him that i would keep you as my heir. He demanded a compensation and managed to convince me to accept that marriage." The King explains. Rhaenyra frowns.

"He was angry about keeping a vow that he made? You just gave my hand to appease a traitor? You could have taken his head or something!" The Princess exclaims, nervous. Viserys frowns.

"Like i said, it is not that simple. Stepstones depends on the Velaryons, and they have dragons of their own. I can't just kill the Sea Snake and not think on the retaliation."

"You are the king and we have our dragons!" The Princess screams. The King lose his patience.

"Two, Rhaenyra! Two! Caraxes and Syrax. Aegon is only 5 and Sunfyre is barely the size of a young horse. They have three dragons. Meleys, Seasmoke and Vhagar, the largest dragon alive! All of them are larger than your precious Syrax!" The King explains, furious. Rhaenyra take a step back.

"But... you can take Laena as a hostage. I might stand a chance against Laenor and Daemon have a good chance in defeating Meleys..."

"I WILL NOT START A WAR IN YOUR NAME, RHAENYRA! Corlys was right about one thing... i spoiled you too much. You never learned anything about duty or sacrifice. You will learn now. You will marry Laenor Velaryon next year and that is my final words about it." The King proclaims after a explosion of rage. Rhaenyra grunts and her eyes fill with tears.

"What if i don'f accept? What if i don't say my vows?" The Princess asks, furstrated. Viserys frowns, grinding his teeth.

"You will marry Laenor or i will call the court, publicly disinherit you, pardon Daemon for his words against your brother, and then name him heir presumptive until i can have a proper heir from Laena. Both things will work for the Velaryons. Is that what you want, Rhaenyra?" The King asks in a low angry tone. Rhaenyra looks at him in shock. Her lips tremble.

"No..."

"Good. So, you will marry Laenor, right?"

"But... father... you know how Laenor is not very fond of woman or how he always walks around close to men. Too close." The Princess points out, holding her tears. Viserys frowns.

"He is only 18. People change with age. He will know his duties when the time came. You need to find a agreement with him. He is a good young man and will make a good and caring husband and father. Do you understand that, my child?" The King asks, getting closer to her.

Rhaenyra trembles while holding her tears, immersed in toughts. When Viserys touches her, she coils herself a bit and starts crying.

The door is suddenly opened and Ser Criston Cole enters, very worried.

"Sorry for entering, but i heard a lot of screaming and now crying, did something happen, your grace?" The white knight asks.

Rhaenyra uses the distraction to run away trough the door, passing over Criston. Viserys sighs as the knight run after the princess.

Viserys take a good look around the now empty bedroom of his daughter, seeing her dresses, jewels and many other things. Some of that are there since she was a little girl.

His little girl.

"My uncle Maegor was cruel, but age is crueler." His grandmother, Queen Alysanne, once said.

At the time, he just interpreted it as being about old age, but now he can see that not only age, but time itself is cruel.

As time passes, his sweet girl change into a woman, he sees his younger brother build a family, and he sees his own health go away, little by little.

As the King sighs, he can only pray to the gods for mercy to all of his family, because he has a bad feeling about the future.

---

Chapter Text

---

RHAENYRA II

--

112 AC -

---

Betrayed.

That is how Princess Rhaenyra is feeling right now after her "conversation" with her father.

She is now running trough the hallways of the Red Keep, trying to stop crying, and avoiding anyone that look at her.

"Princess! Wait!" Ser Criston Cole calls from way behind her. She completely outruns the armored man and take a specific turn on a hallway.

While running, she remembers how her uncle demonstrated to her a passage trough one of the walls of the Red Keep.

She looks around a manage to find a similar one, but not the same. She moves the pillar on the right spot and manage to enter, closing it behind her.

She sits on the ground of the dark place and wait, covering her mouth.

She hears running steps passing the entrance of the passage.

Ser Criston lost her.

Rhaenyra hold her legs against her chest and cries freely now. In the dark.

Why her father would not allow her to take control of her own life?

Why is she forced to marry against her own will?

Why is she surprised?

Rhaenyra wipe her face with a part of her dress and gets up. She takes a few deep breatha to get her head more in place.

The Princess decides that she could see where this tunnel would lead. It might be useful for her one day.

As she walks down the dark tunnel, she finally finds a torch on the wall, which is common for the secret passages.

She grabs it, but can't figure out how to actually light it up, so, she decide to just leave it there.

As she blindly walks trough the darkness, she uses her hands to feel the walls to guide herself.

Finally, she finds a texture that is not just a wall full of rocks and dirt. She feels a heavy door of polished stone.

With some large effort, Rhaenyra manages to move the thing a bit. The sunlight enters on her vision, but the entrance is, for the most part, blocked by something, making it impossible to properly open the door fully.

With her skinny body, Rhaenyra manages to get out trough it, but she ends up ripping a bit her dress against the rock. She then realizes where she is after closing a passage, so no one will see it.

On both sides, there is walls of bricks, one from the Red Keep and the other of another building that she don't know.

The place between them, where she is, is very tight and she can barely move trough it.

Looking down, her black dress is ruined, full of dirt and a bit ripped from her actions. Her body is also full of dirt and her hair is all messed up.

Luckily for her, no one that passes trough the exists of the alley notices her.

When one of the sides looks safe to leave, she goe on her way, trying to hide behind things to not be seen by the smallfolk.

But then she hear a lot of people talking together in a high tone, followed by almost silent.

She hides behind a barrel, and tries to see what is coming.

Mounted on horses, three men of the City Guard passes by. The golden cloaks that her uncle created lay on the back of their armors, showing their position to everyone.

But, when they pass by her, one of the man stops his horse and look on her direction. Rhaenyra quickly hides more behind the barrel, now uncapable to see more.

She then hear the horses leabing and she relax, getting out of her hiding place.

"Princess Rhaenyra?" She hears a voice of a man behind her. Shivers goes down her spine as she turn around to face the city guard man with a nervous smile. He looks at her with curiosity. He has a helmet hiding most of his face.

"Yes?" She says, too nervous to think on anything better. The man laughs a bit.

"What are you doing here alone and in that poor state of yours?" The guard asks, informal, and probably having some fun asking. Rhaenyra loses her smile while she thinks.

"I... i wanted to see more of the city on my own, Ser. As such, i got here hiding of the guards." The Princess explains, telling half truths. She always wanted to se more of the city, after all. The guard does not seem much convinced.

"I understand... well, i will be punished if someone find out that i found you but did nothing about it, so, i need to take you back to the Red Keep." The guard proclaims in a soft and honest tone. Rhaenyra frowns, but a idea comes to her mind.

"Can you show me around the city for a bit before it? I bet that as a City Guard you know many interesting places in King's Landing, right?" The Princess asks, expecting to not return to the keep just yet. The knight thinks about it and opens a smile that makes Rhaenyra also smile.

"I can't really deny a request from the daughter of the King, can i? I will show you some places, but first, you need to change your clothes. No one can identify you." The guard explains. Rhaenyra eargely nods.

---

After finding some common clothes of a cheap material and something to cover her golden-silver hair, she is now on top of the horse of the City Guard, who takes her to several different locations.

She goes to see merchants selling a lot of different things, people doing tricks and presentations. She laughed at a lot of things that happened around the city, and so did the knight that was with here.

As the horse move trough a more calm street, she holds the City Guard with her arms and laughs around after she sees a man failing at drinking a whole bottle of wine. The guard smiles to her when he looks back.

"You had fun, princess?" He asks, curious. Rhaenyra smiles and eargely nods.

"It was the most fun day i had in ages! I can't be more grateful to you. You literaly saved my day." The Princess says, honestly. The guard laughs.

"Good to know. I am happy that you are happy. But, the night is coming soon, i must take you back to the keep. The nights in the city can get out of hand really fast." The guard says in a more serious tone. Rhaenyra bites her inferior lip when she has a idea.

"I will guide you to a place where you can leave me and i can get in on my own." The Princess says. The guard nods.

Soon, they return to be near the local they met, close to wall of the Red Keep. The guard looks at the princess with confusion.

"Why here, princess?" He asks. Rhaenyra laughs.

"If i show you, you swear to keep this a secret?" The Princess asks, playful. The guard laughs from the corner of his mouth.

"I promise." He says with honesty. The two of them dismount and Rhaenyra guide him back to the alley that she emerged from.

Even if confused, the guard struggles to enter in the alley with her. And then, Rhaenyra points to the entrance of the secret passage.

"Move that for me." She commands. The City Guard look at the place with confusion, seein nothing special, but he does as he is told to.

For his surprise, a passage is opened after he does some effort. Rhaenyra gives him a tricky smile.

"That secret passage lead back to the Red Keep. Not far from my bedroom." She tells him. The guard nods, interested.

"I get it. Well, i think you must go now, princess." The City Guard points out after pointing out to the sky, which is already turning orange. Rhaenyra denies with her head.

"No. Not until i can see the whole face of the man that gave me such fan today." The Princess proclaims. The guard laughs and relax a bit.

"Fine. As you please, my princess." The guard says before moving his hands to his head and taking his helmet out.

Rhaenyra smiles more when she sees curly brown hair that goes down near his shoulders, a well cared beard, and brown eyes that, while pretth common, she can barely move from the gaze.

The princess hesitantly moves her hands to his face, something that the knight is very skeptical to accept, but he does. She smiles again.

"You are very handsome, Ser."

"I appreciate that, princess, but now you must go before someone see us there." The city guard points out once again, getting more nervous with the whole situation. Rhaenyra laughs, looking to him in the eyes and moving her hands to the back of his neck.

"Before that, i think you need a reward for saving my day." The Princess proclaims before getting in her toes to kiss the guard in the lips.

The guard hesitates, but when the princess try to continue the kiss, he gives up and put his own will on the kiss.

Rhaenyra never felt like that before. She is feeling like she is in fire. She wants to feel more of that.

More.

The kiss between them gets more and more intense, with the guard, without noticing, pressing her against the wall while they share their passionate kiss.

But, when she let out a moan when he accidentaly touches the side of her body, the guard suddenly get out of the kiss and turn around, understanding what happened while she recovers her breath.

"You should go now, princess." The guard says with a firm tone, not moving around. Rhaenyra laughs and once again bite her lip.

"Can you at least tell me your name, Ser?" She asks with a sweet tone. The City Guard sighs.

"Harwin. Ser Harwin Strong." The man finally reveals himself. Rhaenyra smiles.

"I will remember you, Ser Harwin. Until next time." She says while getting inside the passage.

As soon as she is inside, the guars quickly closes the passage.

Rhaenyra smiles to herself in the dark while enjoying how warm body feels. After calming down, she starts going back trough the passage.

---

She manages to get back on her bedroom without being seen with a lot of luck.

From her closed door, she demands a maid to make a bath for her and bring her the dinner. Hopefully, her father will not think it is strange because of their discussion early on.

After getting some good food and a relaxing bath, the Princess lay on her bad with a large smile on her face as she looks to the ceiling.

As she is there on her white nightgown, she can only think of how she felt during the kiss with Ser Harwin Strong.

She felt something new to her. Something that she liked very much. The mere memory makes her body almost as warm as she was back then.

But, her toughts are interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Princess? They told me you have returned. You want to talk?" The sweet voice of a man that she knows very well is coming from the other side of the door, as usual.

For several years Ser Criston Cole have been her champion. Her sworn sword. Her favorite. A handsome man that is also one of the most skilled in the realm. On her eyes, Ser Criston and her uncle were the two examples of what she appreciates in a man.

But now, there might be a third example.

Getting her back on track, Rhaenyra seats on her bed.

"Enter, Ser Criston." The princess says. The white knight enters the room with some hesitation.

With that short and straight black hair and beautiful green eyes, Ser Criston is one of the most attractive men in the realm. So, the way he always look to her with admiration always makes she feel like one of the most beautiful women in the realm.

"Princess, can i know were have you been?" The Knight asks. The princess laughs while walking towards him.

"Nothing important, Ser. Only walking around the city, disguised. I returned before the night came. Unharmed. Nothing more to see." She says as she gets closer to him. Ser Criston sighs.

"Good. At least you are not..." He stops talking when he sees Rhaenyra grabbing his arm. The two look at the eyes of each other. Rhaenyra moves her hands to the ropes that hold the armor in his arm.

"What are you...?" The white knight asks. Rhaenyra smiles and ignore him before removing thar part of his armor. She then look up on his eyes.

As she did to Harwin, Rhaenyra kiss Criston's lips by surprise.

However, he hesitates more. But, after, one, two, three kisses, he finally surrender to her whims and kiss her back.

She don't know who is a better kisser, Harwin or Criston. She only knows that she wants more of it.

As their kiss get more intense, both her and Criston start removing his armor.

And from a intense kiss standing, it goes to a intense kiss in the bed, then hands starts to move into places...

...and the rest is history.

---

Rhaenyra wakes up alone on her bed, and she has some time to understand what happened on the previous night.

In a way, she felt happy and satisfied with how things turned out, but in other perspective, she is questioning her decisions.

Did she took a wrong path the previous night? It was a mistake?

Ignoring that questioning with a sigh, Rhaenyra gets up from her bed and get dressed.

As soon as she is almost ready to get out, she hears a knock on the door.

"Princess?" She hears the voice of Ser Criston, but lacking his habitual confidence. She smiles.

"Enter." She answers. The door opens slowly and Ser Criston enters, using his armor and keeping a toughtful expression on his face. On his hands, there is a plate with a cup. He closes the door before turning to her.

"Princess. I brought something for you. It will be better if you drink it." The Knight proclaims, offering her the cup. Rhaenyra takes it before looking at the liquid with a curious gaze.

"What is that?" She asks. Ser Criston is uncomfortable.

"It is a tea made to... solve any concerns from the last night. I had a lot of trouble doing that without anyone learning about it." The knight proclaims. Rhaenyra is still a bit confused, until she finally understands.

"Oh... i get it." She says before drinking from the cup. While she drinks it, Ser Criston gets less nervous. She finishes the cup with a frown because of the taste. She then looks at Criston with a smile.

"I hope you don't have any regrets from last night, Ser. Because i don't." She says, leaving the cup in a desk before walking towards him, but before she could hug him or something, Ser Criston takes a step back.

"I have. To some extent." The knight says. Rhaenyra frowns.

"What regrets, my knight? You don't like me?"

"No. It's quite the opposite. The problem is that i broke a sacred vow last night and i could be executed for that." The Knight proclaims, bitter. Rhaenyra laughs a bit, making him look at her confused.

"Then, it will be our secret. If i can manage take that tea of yours, everything will turn out well and we will be able to have our adventures together." She proclaims with a smile. Ser Criston frowns.

"So you are asking for me to keep breaking vows and risking our lifes for that passion?" The knight asks, worried. The Princess nods with a smile.

"Why not, as long as nobody finds out, we are free." Rhaenyra says with honesty. Ser Criston thinks a bit before looking at her.

"Princess, i have a proposal to you."

"Hm? What proposal?" She asks, curious. Ser Criston fall to his knee in front of her.

"I have been protecting you for years, but recently i have felt that you have changed. I can't see the sweet little girl that i wanted to protect anymore. I can only see a beautiful young woman that stole my heart with her smile. I propose to you that we should let the past in the past. Forget my cloak. Forget your crown. Let's leave King's Landing together and go to Essos. Build a new life based on our love." The knight proclaims, passionate.

Rhaenyra opens her mouth in shock as she moves her hands to her chest, trying to find something to say.

Is that what she wants? She really likes Criston, and the idea of living freely with him, traveling the world, is wonderful. The freedom she always asked for.

But then, she remembers what she would have to give up. Her family. Her position as heir. All the power that her father promised to her would get away from her hands and she would become another stain on her family. Another Saera Targaryen.

She looks to Ser Criston with bitterness, taking a hard decision.

"I... i can't do it. I am the Princess of Dragonstone. The heir to the throne. I can't just leave and forfeit of what i have. I am sorry, Criston." She says, conflicted. Ser Criston gets up. His face is a confusion of emotions.

"You can't? I can forfeit of everything i have for your love. Of my vows. Of my honor. Of all that i managed to build being of a such a minor house. You said to your father that you wanted freedom and i offered it to you. But now, you choose power over freedom and love. How are you different of any of the snakes of the realm?" The knight asks, bitter and angry. Rhaenyra is taken aback, a bit worried. But she grabs his hands, managing to calm him down a bit.

"Ser Criston, relax. I want you still by my side. Forget your vows. They mean nothing to me. Laenor prefers the company of other men. I need a man to be my side on his place. You can be that man, Criston." She says with a soft tone. The knight looks on her eyes.

As he continues to think more and more about the situation, he gets more and more angry. He pulls his hand from hers.

"What is wrong with you? You not only want me to keep spiting on my vows and use this white cloak without any honor, but you also want me to sleep with you while your husband fuck other men? You know what are you asking for? Treason! One of the worst treasons i have ever heard of!" The knight proclaims, frustrated. Rhaenyra looks at him, concerned.

"Calm down, Ser. I know my father. He would never allow something bad happen to me. We will be safe." The Princess says, confident. Ser Criston frowns and remains in silence for a moment.

"That is the problem, princess. You are abusing of the love of your father. You are abusing of my love. You abuse of everyone around you if you gain something from it. Tell me, am i just a tool for you? Like one of the whores of your precious uncle?" The Knight asks, angry. Rhaenyra frowns and walks to him

She slaps him in the face, holding her tears. Ser Criston don't look bothered by it. He looks at her with more anger.

"You really are a spoiled child. Forget everything that happened between us. I will tell the King that i want to not guard you anymore because of my failure to find you yesterday. And you can find another fool to get your bed warm. I don't care. Goodbye, princess." The white knight says before leaving the room and slamming the door.

Rhaenyra sits on a chair and hold her legs, crying.

Everyone really thinks that she is a spoiled child? She will not be capable of ruling the realm one day? She is abusing of what she have?

Rhaenyra looks around while trying to hold her tears. She locks her eyes on the mirror of her room.

Weakened, she walks to it and looks at her own reflection.

She sees herself with her face covered in tears. The expression of a weak girl struggling against the world.

The Princess frowns, take a deep breath, wipe her tears, and fix her posture.

She will not let people control her life anymore. She will not bend with ease.

The blood of old Valyria runs trough her veins. As her uncle would say, a dragon don't care about the opinion of sheep.

She can feel the odd feeling on her chest when she remembers her uncle.

Rhaenyra sighs.

The tales she heard as a girl are mere delusions for the heart of a girl.

She tought that Criston would be the one to be her mighty warrior once he defeated him in the tourney almost a decade ago, but now... she can see that there is only one in her heart.

And of course, her father took him from her as well, just as her brother took her mother from her.

Rhaenyra frowns.

Yes... people keep making a fool of her and her desires.

She had enough.

She will play their game, but by her own rules.

---

Chapter Text

---

ALICENT IV

---

113 AC -

---

Alicent seats in a chair on the bedroom of her children, slowly and gently brushing the soft hair of Helaena, who is sitting on her lap, looking at a ant that is walking trough her short legs.

"Lena, look to me." The Princess asks with a smile. Her daughter looks up to her with a innocent expression of someone that was thinking on another thing. Alicent laughs.

Helaena, now at age of 4, is a very pretty girl with a soft face and a sweet voice. She is using a red dress with details in white. Her long golden-silver hair is something that Alicent often tells the maids to keep as a braid, but today she is letting her daughter use her hair with only a lace, because today is a special day.

"Your cousin Rhaenyra will marry today, Lena. You need to look good for the lords in the wedding, so, no playing in the floor with bugs, do you understand that?" The brown haired mother asks. Helaena looks at her with a sad face.

"Why not?" The young girl asks in a low tone of voice that always succeeds in melting the heart of her mother. Alicent smiles to her.

"We can't let your beautiful dress ger dirty, my love. A dirty princess is a bad princess." The mother explains. Helaena makes a pout, but accepts her destiny.

While she continues brushing her hair, Alicent looks to another one of her children on the room.

A older boy seating on a chair, making a pout and crossing his arms while the maids brush his hair and fix his clothes.

Aegon, now 6, grew a lot in the last few years. Her happy first baby was long gone and now a child that kept looking either bored or angry is always around. His own valyrian hair is kept short and his clothes are also red, but on a darker tone, and with some golden details.

"Aegon, stop doing a pout. Nobody likes a prince that don't have manners." Alicent demands with a gentle tone. Aegon grunts with his childish voice.

"I don't care. I want to do get out. I want Kepa to take me to see Sunny..." The Prince proclaims, irritated. Alicent sighs.

"Your father is busy right now, Egg. You can see Sunny after the marriage. Why don't you go play with your brother there?" The princess asks while pointing to a direction with her head.

Seating on the floor, the youngest of her children plays with wooden blocks, trying to do something with them.

The little Aemond, now at age 3, is growing up to be the opposite of his older brother. Where Aegon is loud and demanding, Aemond is calm and silent. He clearly listens to what the others are saying and even managed to learn how to walk faster than he siblings. Yet, he took a longer time to learn to speak.

The boy had a frown on his baby face that anyone could see clearly the blood of her husband on her child.

At the time of his birth, she suggested the name Aemond almost as a joke, as it was basicaly the name Daemon with the D on the opposite side of the word. Yet, Daemon adored it.

"New and old at the same time. A name for a new legacy that also bears a resemblance to his father. I like it." The Rogue Prince said at the time.

Alicent shakes her head and laughs. Aemond hears that and looks at his mother with slightly curiosity. However, he soon ignores it and go back to playing with his blocks. Aegon pouts.

"He is boring!" The Prince says, shaking his legs on his seat, impatient. The maids laugh and Alicent sighs.

The door of the room is suddenly open and the Rogue Prince makes his entrance, wearing a more appealing version of his usual black clothing. The sigil of house Targaryen is clearly visible trough all of his chest and Dark Sister is on his hilt, as always. He smirks at Alicent and Helaena.

"Looks like both of my princess here are ready, right?" The Prince says with a educated tone. Helaena smiles a bit to her father.

"Kepa! Muna said that i can't play with bugs! Can i?" The Princess asks, making a cute face. Daemon snorts.

"I never liked bugs, Lena. They are not worthy for a princess such as you. You are better away of them." The Prince proclaims with boredom. Helaena sighs and make a sad pout. Daemon frowns.

"Let's make a deal. If you don't play with bugs today, i will give you a silver butterfly in your nameday that you can use on your dresses. Sounds good?" The prince asks, trying. Helaena smiles once again and nods.

"What about me, Kepa?!" Aegon asks from his chair. Daemon looks at his firstborn son.

"Be a good boy and i will let you take your dragon to the sky later on. Sounds good to you?" The Rogue Prince asks. Aegon's eyes shines with the idea. He smiles.

"Yes! I promise to be a good boy!" The Prince says, excited. Daemon grunts.

"Good boys are not loud. Be quiet." The Prince demands. Aegon shuts his mouth in one second and become quiet. Alicent frowns to her husband.

"Daemon! He is far too young to take a dragon for a ride on his own. You can't allow that." The Princess proclaims. Daemon sighs.

"Rhaenyra did at seven. Aegon is already seven. I don't want my son to be left behind." The Rogue Prince says, firm. Alicent sighs, knowing what fights she should evade.

She looks at him, and see that he is looking at each of his family members with a enigmatic look. That is suspicious to her.

"Any problem?" Alicent asks in a soft tone. Daemon blinks and it's like he is coming back to reality. He frowns and looks at her.

"I am just thinking about how things change fast. Nothing else." The prince proclaims, serious. Alicent sighs and relax on her chair, opening a short smile.

"They do. And it's both good and bad to see our children grow." The Princess says with honesty. Daemon frowns.

"Good and bad?"

"Yes. Good because we can see how they change and we can be near their formation as a person. Bad because we will miss how little and cute they are now." The princess says, stroking a cheek of Helaena, who smiles a bit to her. Daemon smirks.

"In that case, i just need to shove more of my children into you, so you will never be lacking a young child to take care." The prince jokes, laughing. Alicent snorts.

"I prefer to evade children for now. I tought i was gonna die when i gave birth to Aemond and that moment is still very fresh in my head. And also, i will not give birth to children forever." The princess proclaims, serious. Daemon snorts and then smirks.

"Until then, we will start having grandchildren anyway." The Rogue Prinxe points out. The princess sighs.

"Too far away for me now. I don't want to think of our children having children when they are that young yet. We don't even have a idea of marriage for them." The Princess says. Daemon raises a eye brown.

"No idea? There is the tradition of my house of wedding brother to sister. Either Aegon or Aemond should marry Helaena." The prince proclaims. Alicent frowns to him before letting out a sigh.

"I am not very fond of the idea of my own children wedding each other. But that is the costume of your House, i liking it or not." The Princess give in. Daemon smiles a bit.

"Good. We need to keep the bloodline close. My grandfather, as wise as he is, comitted a mistake by not wedding Rhaenys and Viserys. Now, the Velaryons also ride dragons. In less than two centuries after the Doom of Valyria, we are no more the only house of dragonriders. As such, Helaena will only marry outside if she has no other compatible option. And she already have two good options right here. I honestly prefer to marry her to Aegon, as he is from a older line than Aemond." The Prince explaind. Alicent frowns, thinking about what he said.

"I guess you are right about that, but what about Laena? She might still give birth to a son."

"5 years of marriage and nothing. Helaena is too much older to any future child of Laena and that son have zero chance of becoming the heir now. And i am getting tired of Velaryons everywhere, anyway." The Rogue Prince proclaims with frustration. Alicent would ask more about it, but they are not on a proper location for that.

Alicent get up from her seat after finish Helaena's hair.

"Well, we better move on. The first annoucement will happen soon in the Dragonpit." The Princess says, taking her daughter's hand. Aegon gets up from his seat and Aemond get the help of a maid to get up, walking to his mother. Alicent smiles and also grab his hand. Daemon snorts.

"The carriage is on the castleyard. We don't want to be late." The Prince mocks before leaving the room. Alicent guides her younger children trough the way while Aegon follows from behind, bored.

---

After a short travel trough the city, with the citizens observing them and Aegon complaining of the lack of fun, they finally arrive on the entrance lf the Dragonpit.

As they get out of the carriage, Alicent smiles to all the decoration and people walking around because of the royal wedding.

"This brings memories. 8 years now, right, Daemon?" The princess asks, joyful. Daemon grunts.

"Stop with that already. I don't need you recording my past all the time." The Rogue Prince proclaims, dry. He then walks towards the people outside the main hall of the Dragonpit. Alicent sighs, looking at her children by her side with a short smile.

"Your father is a tough man, my loves. We need to move. Come." The princess says, taking them with her to the center of the event.

As she passes, several lords gava her and her children greetings and compliments that she eargely answer back in equal intensity.

The mother and her children arrives to the circle that Alicent was searching for.

The King and the Queen are talking to her father, the Hand of the King, the Sea Snake, Lady Rhaenys and even Ser Laenor. She approaches them with a bow.

"Greatings. Sorry for being latr. Took a while to get the little ones here looking good for the wedding." Alicent says, smiling to everyone. Viserys laughs.

"Don't worry. We have plenty of time. Rhaenyra is not even here yet. Oh! Let me see, how are my little nephews doing?" The King bends his body a bit to smile to Alicent's children. Aegon frowns a bit

"I am good." The Prince says with half interest. Viserys laughs a bit more.

"Strong willed as always. You remember me a bit of your father when he was at that age, Egg. I hope you can achieve even more than he did. What about the smaller one here? How are you, Aemond?" The Kings asks his youngest nephew. Aemond looks to him with a straight face, holding his mother's leg.

"Good." The Prince says with a simple tone. Viserys laughs loudly and even the others in the circle do the same for a bit.

"You are very direct, boy. I like that. Now, what about the little flower of the Targaryen garden? Have you seen anything interesting?" The King asks his niece with a soft tone. The princess opens a large smile.

"Yesterday i found a beetle that could throw ants far away!" The Princess says, happy about it. Viserys smiles.

"Good job, girl." The King says before getting up. He snaps his back while doing so and grunts a bit. Laena hels her husband to stand properly. He sighs.

"Time has not be gentle to me, that is for sure. You are very lucky, cousin. You might be some years older than me, but you look a decade younger." The King compliments Lady Rhaenys with a smile. The Queen Who Never was smirks.

"I guess so. You should do more exercise. Corlys is much older than you and he is in a way better shape." The oldest Targaryen alive proclaims. Viserys looks at her and the smiles.

"I don't think that will work, Rhaenys. I am always too tired to this type of things. I prefer to just enjoy the health i have. I am privileged to have such a supportive wife in Laena and being in good terms with House Velaryon, once and for all. To us!" The King proclaims while raising his cup to a toast, which everyone complies, except Alicent, who choose not to drink.

While the others take a good sip of their cups, she looks around and find a familiar face.

Ser Criston Cole is standing on a corner, fully armored, and with his arms on his back.

Alone.

Alicent is confused. In all this years, Ser Criston was always around Rhaenyra, as her personal guard.

Yet, the recently named Lord Commander of the Kingsguard is now looking at a blank spot on the floor, immersed in his toughts. His expression is complex, but he surely is not doing well there.

The confused princess looks to the King with curiosity.

"Your grace, why is Ser Criston not with Rhaenyra on the Red Keep?" Alicent asks. Viserys sighs as he ends his cup of wine. He then frowns and looks at her.

"One day last year, he told me about a... disappearance of Rhaenyra on that day, he was feeling guilty about that and wanted to not be her guard anymore. I tried to comfort the mind of the poor knight, but he was very resistant to it. I finally agreed and then he was just around me, like a common Kingsguard. It turned out better once Ser Harrold Westerling sadly died and Ser Criston took his position as Lord Commander. Yet, he has being the most silent in all the time her serves the royal family." The King explains with a frown. Alicent slowly nods.

"I think something happened with him and he just don't want to talk about it." Queen Laena says. Alicent frowns.

"That may be it..." She says before looking tow Laenor. "What about you, Ser Laenor? Congratulations in your marriage." The Princess proclaims with a soft smile. Laenor smiles back to her, a bit uncomfortable.

"Thank you, princess. I am happy to marry someone that i can understand, like Rhaenyra. But, i have to ask, will Prince Daemon participate from the jousts on the tourney? I would really like to see him and Ser Criston jousting once again." The young Velaryon asks in a very formal manner. Alicent frowns.

"Daemon took the first steps here and then disappeared in the middle of the people. I don't think that i know where he is exactly. But, answering to your question, no. Since Daemon took a arrow in his left leg on the last defensive battle in the Stepstones a few weeks ago, as you know, he is still not able enough to compete." The princess explains. Laenor nods, a bit disappointed. Corlys take a step further.

"How have he been since the injury? I heard that he barely manager to stay in the bed for 3 days. He is a restless man." The Sea Snake asks, joking a bit. Alicent thinks.

"He is clearly more impatient and bored. He wants to go back at action soon. You know how he is." The princess says. Corlys laughs.

"Yes, i do. As such, i know where i will probably find him. So, i will talk with him." Says the Sea Snake before starting to leave the cycle. Alicent looks at him.

"Please, can you say to him that he should stay by the side of his wife and children, Lord Corlys?" The princess asks in a soft tone. The Sea Snake nods and leaves. Laenor also turns around to follow his father after giving a bow of respect to the others.

Suddenly, the King frowns and almost falls out of balance. Laena holds him with gentle grab.

"I think i need to sit now. I am standing and drinking for a while now. We need to take a seat on a table, Laena. Let the two mothers talk to each other." The King jokes with a short smile before Laena helps him to find a table to seat. Alicent and Rhaenys watch that scene and the latter sighs.

"It bothers me how much he don't care about his own life. He is literally rotting himself to a early bed." The older lady says with a frown. Alicent frowns back to her.

"Honestly, lady Rhaenys, i did not expect for to care that much for the King because of your... position." The Princess points out. Rhaenys snorts.

"Besides everything that happened decades ago, Viserys is still my cousin and he never did anything wrong to me or my family. Something that someone like your husband would you do on his position." Rhaenys points out back. Alicent frowns more deeply.

"Are you saying that Daemon would take actions against the Velaryons if he was the king?" The princess asks, surprised. Rhaenys smirks.

"Daemon and i are cousins, but we are very apart from each other. When rumors spread about the Velaryon feet moving after my grandfather died, he was more than eager to call the arms, even without a true confirmation. Daemon don't bet on the good will of others. He acts fast so he always take the first step. Your husband is a very dangerous man, princess. Remember that." Rhaenys says before leaving her behind, disappearing among the people.

Alicent is immerse on her toughts, until Aegon pulls her right hand. She lools at him.

"Muna! I want to eat something!" The little prince demands. Alicent smiles a bit and looks to the three maids that came with her to help take care of the children.

"Give them some food, please. I need to talk to someone." The princess says. The maids nods and two of them take the hands of Aegon and Helaena.

The last maid try to take Aemond's hand, but the boy refuse to let go of his mother's leg. Alicent smiles to him with kindness.

"Sweety, muna will be back soon. I promise. This gentle lady will take you to get something to eat." The princess says with a soft tone. Aemond looks at her, unsure. He then finally let go of her leg and accepts the hand of the maid.

With a short bow to the maids, Alicent walks towards the person that she really wants to talk right now.

She goes for the place where he was, but he is not there. She can only find another member of the Kingsguard around.

"Do you know where the Lord Commander is, ser?" The princess asks. The white knight thinks a bit.

"I think that he walked to a isolated and small garden in the corner of the Dragonpit. He probably wanted to take an air and get away for a moment of all tha noise."

"Can you take me to that garden?"

"Yes, princess."

The knight takes her to a corner of the Dragonpit, where she can see a really small path of grass leading to another corner betweem two of the pillars of the Dragonpit.

The guard let her alone as she walks trough that narrow path.

She finally manages to get to the end.

The so called garden is just a bunch of grass aroumd that probably get cuts half of the times that other parts of the location does. The grass almost tickles her leg.

On the opposite side of where she came, Ser Criston is seating with his back against the wall, covered by the shadow of the construction. He looks at her with confusion, but don't get up.

"Princess Alicent? What are you doing here?" The white knight asks, bothered. Alicent frowns to him as she gets more near.

"Why am i doing here? What are you doing here?" The princess asks back. Ser Criston frowns and then sighs.

"I wanted a quiet place to think alone and get my head back on track." He says. Alicent looks at him with curiosity.

"I can see that, but what is bothering you?" The princess asks. Ser Criston looks at her, conflicted. He then sighs.

"If i told you, princess, i would be executed for that." The white knight proclaims with a bitter tone. Alicent frowns.

"That is even more of a reason to tell me. You need to face the consequences for your actions. Be a knight of honor and tell me what you did." The princess demands. Ser Criston smirks, but he nods.

The white knight moves to be in his knees, bow his head to her, and lay his sword in front of him, still on the hilt. He then looks up to her.

"The day Princess Rhaenyra went missing and came back early on the night, i got to talk to her. We talked for a bit and then... she kissed me." The white knight confesses with a serious tone.

Of all things that Alicent expected to hear, that was not one of them.

Her eyes goes wide as she looks to the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. It takes all of her will to control her voice.

"She did what?" The princess asks, trying to understand. Ser Criston sighs.

"She kissed me. I should have denied her advance... but i gave in. In that moment i gave in to my own appreciation towards her and kissed her back. And then... she motivated me to go further." The white knight struggles to say. Alicent opens her mouth in shock.

"You... you..."

"I took Princess Rhaenyra's maidenhood." The white knight confesses with a shameful expression. Alicent moves her hands to her mouth and take a step back. The shock then turns into anger.

"Why did you do that? You broke your vows! You slept with a royal princess! The king will take your head if he finds out!" The princess proclaims, trying to control her angry voice. Ser Criston takes some air and then sighs.

"I know, my princess. If the king demands my head for that, i will accept it. But, before my death, i want to make my own confession about the truth of that day. One that the king will surely not believe. Princess Alicent, can you listen to honest confession of a dishonorable knight before he is sentenced to death?" The man asks, bowing in submission. His tone is one of pure melancholy.

Alicent looks to him with a huge surprise. She is unsure if she should hear him or not. His version will surely be full of his own vision on things, but, she can't deny one thing.

She is very curious.

"Go on." The princess says in a serious tone, frowning to him. Ser Criston Cole sighs in relieve before looking at her, taking some air, and starting telling his version of things.

"Princess Rhaenyra came from her disappearance... different. She was aroused. Whatever happened before she met me, it let a mark on her." The knight starts. Alicent frowns, thinking about it.

"I will remember that, but you are still not defending your position on things, Ser." The Princess proclaims. Criston nods.

"Of course. I have to be honest, i had feelings towards the Princess for some time. I don't know how they emerged, but they just did. Yet, i controlled myself. I knew that i had to keep my vows and stay true to my honor. And i did that, until that day." The white knight proclaims, sighing once again. Alicent frowns, but says nothing as he continues.

"When the princess kissed me, my mind was running fast. What should i do? I could have pushed her away, but i would be hurting the one that i did a vow to protect. Dishonorable. If i rejected her with words, i could hurt her feelings. Dishonorable. If i slept with her, i would please her, but throw my honor in the dirt. Dishonorable. I could comfort myself by saying that i choose her offer myself, but that is simply not true. I choosed love over my honor. And now, i have nothing. I am only a shadow of the man i once was." The Lord Commander confesses, bitter. Alicent looks at him with a enigmatic and serious expression. After seversal seconds thinking, she sighs.

"You said you have nothing now. You also have been distant from the Princess. It looks like the forbidden love tale of you two ended in a sour taste. Why was that?" The princess asks, being demanding. Ser Criston is not afraid of answering.

"Yes. After that night i spend with her, i gave her moon tea and then i tried to... i tried to convince her to run away with me, run away of all the pressure." The knight explains, looking shameful. Alicent frowns to him with a shocked expression.

"You honestly tought that she would accept it? That she would abdicate of her claims to be with you? Look, i appreciate romantic men, but that is an absurd proposal." The princess points out. Ser Criston Cole snorts.

"I know that now. I was just desperate to leave the old life that i ruined and start again with the woman i tought i loved. But, when i asked it to her, she not only rejected me, but she also wanted me to persist on our wrong doings." The knight proclaims, angry. Alicent frowns and opens her mouth in shock.

"She wanted to keep doing that? That is not acceptable to her position as named heir and a noble woman! Huh... go on." Alicent demands, frustrated. Cole nods.

"I snapped after that. I told her about how she did not care about honor and was too spoiled to understand her wrong decisions there. And then i leaved. I could not take it anymore. I felt betrayed by myself and the princess. I could not serve a woman that i now found disgraceful. I felt like a piece of shit without a place in the world. I am not derseving of that white cloak or a new chance in life. Once the wedding is over, i will tell the truth to the king as well." The Lord Commander says, bitter. Alicent looks to him in shock one more time.

"Are you mad? The king will never accept your words are truth. He will protect his daughter and behead you for saying that supposed blasphemy." The princess proclaims. Criston nods with a strong will.

"I don't care if he believes in me or not. At the very least, i will get the chance of confessing my sins and being true to myself once again. Once that is done, i can die with some relieve and whatever fragment of my honor i may find." The white knight proclaims with a downcast, but resigned expression. Alicent frowns and walks towards him.

She slaps him in the face.

Ser Criston looks at her with surprise.

"How can you prefer death over the chance of redemption?! Ser, what i see in front of me is a man of principles and full of skill as a knight. From what you said, Rhaenyra also did a mistake. What about you just turn that page and try to be true to your honor from now on? It would be a waste of a man, otherwise." The Princess encourages him after letting her anger out.

Ser Criston looks at her with shock and then with a bit of admiration. He smirks.

"I suppose you are right, princess. I can at least try to make up for my mistakes. Thank you." The white knight says, bowing one last time before getting up. Alicent smiles a bit to him.

"You can talk to me whenever you want, Ser Criston. I would like to have a honest person to talk in that city of crows waiting to feast on corpses. I can even ask the king to make you a protector to me and my children. I am sure that he will agree. What you think?" The princess asks, smiling. Ser Criston smiles back.

"I would be pleased to serve your family, my princess. I promise to be the most loyal sworn sword you can possibly imagine." The knight proclaims with a determined tone. Alicent nods.

"Good. Do you have anything else to tell me, Ser?" The princess asks, curious. Ser Criston frowns.

"After our discussion, Princess Rhaenyra have selected Ser Harwin Strong, heir of Harrenhal and Commander of the City Guard, as her sworn sword. I can clearly see the intentions behind their eyes when both of them look at each other. I would dare to say that he is the one at fault of the arousal of the princess on that day. Looks like the Princess has found a man dishonorable enough to do what she wanted me to do." The Lord Commander proclaims, disgusted. Alicent frowns, thinking.

"She is... sleeping with a man constantly? It is worse than i imagined. But... i can't do anything about it directly. The king will not listen to me. I will need to talk directly to her." The princess says. Ser Criston snorts.

"I doubt that this will work out, my princess. She looked very firm to me when the topic is satisfying her whims." The Lord Commander mocks. Alicent frowns to him.

"Be more open minded, Ser. I want to believe that Rhaenyra can still see her mistakes and learn with them. There is still time to change things. She only needs some guidance. After all, she is only 16." The princess arguments. Ser Criston shrugs, not convinced.

"You want to talk to her before the wedding or after it?" The knight asks. Alicent thinks.

"After. I don't want to risk ruining the mood of the bride just before her wedding. I will talk to her after the tourney. Now, we need to go back to the feast. They will start to notice our absence soon." The princess proclaims. Ser Criston nods.

"As you wish, princess." The knight proclaims and the two of them walk out of that small hidden garden between walls.

As they walk back to meet all the nobles at the feast, Alicent can only think about how much Rhaenyra can make things difficult.

She is that stubborn? She only thinks about herself and not about consequences?

Alicent hopes that she can solve things with the niece of her husband, for the good of House Targaryen, and for the good of the Seven Kingdoms.

As she sighs, she can only crave the act of holding her children a little bit more. Her only comfort in such troubled times.

---

Chapter Text

---

DAEMON V

---

113 AC -

---

The Rogue Prince take a deep sip of his wine as he looks around to the people in the wedding feast from a more isolated corner.

He is not in the mood for a wedding at all. Specially that one.

How could his brother open his legs that much for the Velaryons?

He and Corlys achieved a friendship over the years, after all, they think on a similar way. Yet, Corlys is achieving what Daemon always wanted: his legacy on the throne.

As a convenience, Corlys finds him in the corner and gets closer with a neutral expression.

"Good to see you, my prince." The Sea Snake says with a short smile. Daemon snorts.

"Corlys. I presume that you are very happy today, right?" The prince asks with some mockery. Corlys nods.

"Indeed. It is a very special day for my family. After all, my son will marry the heir appointed by the king and will be a future king consort himself. And, in the future, my granchildren will seat on the iron throne. Why i would not be happy?" The Lord of the Tides asks. Daemon frowns.

He can see what Corlys is doing. He is pointing out his achievements over the prince's failure. He is showing dominance. Daemon smirks.

"I tought that you were expecting a son from Laena. Your plans changed?" The Rogue Prince asks with a too sweet tone of voice. Corlys nods.

"Yes. The king was very firm about his believes of keeping his daughter as his heir. Thankfully, i managed to convince him to marry Rhaenyra to Laenor, keeping our houses in a strong tie." The Sea Snake explains. Daemon grunts.

"Good for you." Said the prince before taking another sip of his wine. Corlys land a hand on his shoulder, making the prince surprised.

"I know how neglected you feel, Daemon. I know your frustration. Let me propose one thing to you. What about we arrange a marriage between our lines as well? Once Rhaenyra and Laenor have a child together, we could arrange a marriage between that child and one of yours." The Sea Snake offers. Daemon laughs with a ironic smile.

"Not satisfied, Corlys? You want to lay your hands on every single branch of my house?" The Rogue Prince asks, a bit bitter. Corlys raises his hands in a defensive manner.

"I am only trying to solve the conflicts here. You are a very important person in the realm. Your satisfaction is very important for the stability of the Seven Kingdoms." The Sea Snake proclaims. Daemon smirks.

"I will think about it when the opportunity appears. I will remember that conversation." The Rogue Prince promises. Corlys nods.

"Excellent. Now, i have more people to talk to. You should take a closer look to your children. They might make your heart a bit lighter." The Sea Snake says before nodding and leaving with a short smile. Daemon smirks as he sees the Sea Snake walking away.

He can't stand with a bunch of young kids for long, not even if they are his own children.

The Rogue Prince find a person in the middle of a conversation with other nobles. One that he really wants to talk to. Daemon walks towards the group.

Lord Jon Celtigar, the Lord of Claw Isle and Protector of the Narrow Sea, makes a joke and the whole group of noble men laugh. But, when he sees Daemon, his smiles fades away. He then looks to the other men.

"Excuse me, i have to talk with Prince Daemon. I will be back soon." The lord proclaims before leaving the group and walking towards Daemon with a nervous smile.

"My prince. You need to talk to me?" The Lord asks. Daemon frowns.

"Yes. What is the current situation in the Stepstones?" The Rogue Prince asks with a serious tone. Lord Celtigar take a deep breath.

"Things are working out, but they are still tough. We finished the towers in the islands, but the Triarchy starte to come back. We lost a bunch of ships during transportation. They are always sacked and then destroyed. The Triarchy will restart the war soon and we need to act soon." The Lord proclaims with a frown. Daemon sighs.

"How much time we have to prepare?" The Rogue Prince asks. Lord Celtigar thinks for a bit.

"I think we still have at least a year before they are ready to make a worthy attack to take the most eastern part of the Stepstones. And you can bet that they will be more ready to deal with dragons this time." The Lord says. Daemon grunts.

"They can prepare as much as they want to. It does not matter. We massacred them in the past and now Laenor and Laena are older and more capable. We only get stronger and stronger. I also used a lot of the gold of the crown to make new ships. We are much stronget than before. We also have Rhaenyra in a reasonable age to fight this time." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Lord Jon Celtigar holds a laugh.

"Sorry, my prince, but i don't think Princess Rhaenyra is fitting to fight in a war. She is clearly not Princess Rhaenys or Queen Laena. She is not a warrior." The Lord says. Daemon frowns.

"A dragonrider is much more than a simple warrior, Celtigar. The time will come where she must take herself to action. She will understand that. Either way, i want you to make me more reports about the wat situation in the Stepstones. You talk too much about taxes in your letter. Too much." The Rogue Prince says with a sour tone. Lord Celtigar nods, nervous.

Without a next word between them, Daemon leaves the Lord behind and move on trough the people, deciding to go find his wife.

After a while, he only manages to find the maids taking care of feeding his kids with some sweet delights. He frowns to them, making the young women nervous.

"Where is my wife?" The Rogue Prince asks with a demanding tone. The closest maid take a step back.

"She was trying to find someone." The maid says into a shy tone of voice. The Rogue Prince frowns even more.

"Who?"

"W-we don't know, my prince."

Daemon grunts.

"Where did she go?" The Rogue Prince asks. The maids looks at him with concern one more time before a maid points out to a direction.

"She was going towards here. I saw a guard guiding her." The maid says into a low tone of voice. Daemon nods and starts to walk in that direction.

Before he leaved, he feels something grabbing his left leg, or rather, someone.

He looks down and see Helaena hugging his leg with a sad expression on her eyes.

"Kepa? Can you take me to muna?" The little princess asks. Daemon frowns a bit, but he sighs right after.

"Later, my child. Later." The Prince says before taking her hands out of his leg and leaving the maids to deal with the sad young child.

Daemon follow the directions and quickly realise where will it ends. He knows every inch of the Dragonpit, after all.

He arrives in the entrance of the narrow part of between two parts of the Dragonpit, but then, he finds who he was looking for.

His wife walks out of that alley with the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard by her side. They are surprised to meet him there. Daemon frowns with irritation.

"May i learn why you two were there?" The Prince asks. Alicent takes a few steps to the front, brave.

"Don't imagine stupid things, Daemon. I noticed the fact that Ser Criston was missing and then i searched for him to ask about his behavior lately." The Princess explains and Ser Criston nods. Daemon snorts.

"Sure. I can't tell if you did more than just talk, so i will let it slide this time. Now, tell me Cole, what were you doing in that alley?" The Rogue Prince asks. Ser Criston sighs.

"It is a long story, my prince. One that we might not have much time to share here. And for sure not in the middle of all this people." The white knight proclaims. As soon as he says that, they hear the musical call for the people to gather. Daemon grunts and the three of them leave towards the gathering of guests.

The guests split in two lines, letting the middle section empty for people to pass. The King, the Queen and the groom stands at the end of the line while the Velaryons stand on one side and Daemon and his family stand on the other side.

A carriage stops at the entrance and it's door is opened. From there, two maids in light blue dresses get out and stands by the sides of the door.

Then, a man steps out of the carriage and takes a deep breath.

"With much respect, all salute the bride, Princess Rhaenyra of House Targaryen, Princess of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne!" The man proclaims before bowing and moving out of the line.

Finally, Princess Rhaenyra walks out of the carriage with the help of the two maids, smiling at the people that cheers her arrival with claps and whistles.

As always, Daemon could only be impressed at the beauty of his niece.

Rhaenyra was wearing a large and very well made black wedding dress. The dress was full of subtle details of scales and dragons that had some red into it to be noticeable. Her long silver-golden hair is flows freely trough her back. Her skin is flawless and her smile is as white as snow.

And then, their eyes met, and Rhaenyra smiled to him. Her purple eyes were filled with joy at that moment and Daemon felt something was... off.

He was used to the eyes of adoration Rhaenyra gave to him, but this time there was something wildly different on her gaze.

When she used to look at him, Daemon would always see the bright eyes of pure adoration. A niece that holds her uncle in a high place on her heart.

And now, that eyes were gone. In it's place, there was other eyes that he was well used to receive from other women.

Lustful eyes. Eyes of desire. Eyes of a women.

A experienced women.

That gaze let him with mixed emotions and he is only able to frown to her, making Rhaenyra moves her eyes from him.

He has a lot of questions, but for now, he probably will have to deal with the fact that he has a very smart wife that is very capable in noticing things.

Surely enough, when Daemon looks to Alicent she is looking at Rhaenyra with a frown of pure irritation.

Yet, she says nothing for a while, she is not surprised, which in turns surprises Daemon, who is even more lost now.

And then, Alicent finally says something.

"I think your seeds have finally grow, Daemon. Congratulations." The Princess proclaims with a ironic and angry tone. Daemon frowns in silence while he looks at Rhaenyra walking her way to her father while she smiles and wave to the nobles.

Now, with a lot of frustration, he has to agree with his wife.

Rhaenyra finally meets her father at the end and bows to him and Laena with respect. The crowd goes silent.

"You grace, as humble bride, i came here to take responsability, as was demanded from me as a princess, as the heir, and as a daughter." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims with a respectful tone of voice.

Viserys smiles to her and take her hand before kissing the back.

"I am very proud of you, my child, and your mother would be too." The King proclaims before hugging his daughter and letting a pair of tears rolls down his cheeks. The crowd applauses the emotional moment of father and daughter.

Daemon frowns while his wife smiles to the scene. She looks at him with a slight frown of her eyebrowns.

"What is irritating you now, husband?" The Princess of brown hair asks. The Rogue Prince snorts, still looking at his brother hugging his niece. He moves his mouth to his wife's ear.

"There is something off here and i don't like it. Rhaenyra is... changed. Can't tell how much." The Prince whispers, frowning. Alicent don't look as surprised as he expected. Instead, she nods and looks back at the princess, who is now hugging the Queen.

The two young men trade some words, smiling, but Daemon can't hear what they are saying.

Rhaenyra then turns to Laenor, the two smile formally to each other. Laenor bows and kiss Rhaenyra's hand, whispering something as well. The crowd applauses the whole act. The King raises his hand in the air and everyone stops to hear him.

"Now, with the Princess among us, we can go to the inside of the Dragonpit and have a first short feast before going to the tourney. I could use some food instead of more wine." The King says before laughing. A lot of nobles laugh with him.

As the nobles struggle to pass trough the entrance of the Dragonpit, Daemon takes slight looks at Rhaenyra, who is smiling to everyone, confident. The Rogue Prince is still very troubled.

As the crowd enters the Dragonpit, Daemon can now see the open round camp of the Dragonpit full of chairs, tables and food, with the traditional bigger table for the royal family.

As everyone takes their seats, they start talking, eating and laughing around the whole building.

Daemon sits by Rhaenyra's right side. On his own right side is Alicent. He knows how tough the situation is when he looks at his left and Rhaenyra smiles at him with a slight shine on her eyes.

"You look well, uncle." The Princess proclaims with a sweet tone. Daemon frowns, smirking a bit.

"So do you, princess. Are you... satisfied with your marriage?" The Rogue Prince asks, letting a bit subtle the real question. Rhaenyra laughs a bit.

"Well, it is my duty. Laenor is a nice man and the celebration looks good. It could be much worse." The Princess says, trading a short smile with Laenor, who looks a bit shy and uncomfortable.

So, no. Daemon thinks.

He knows very well what kind of man Laenor Velaryon turned ou to be. Rhaenyra will certainly not be satisfied with his preferences in bed.

Daemon opens a smirk once again.

"Good to know. I hope you can find a common ground with each other. I am sure that both of you has a lot of... preferences in common." The Rogue Prince says with a forced sweet tone while taking a sip of his wine. Rhaenyra laughs a bit and Laenor looks nervous while smiling.

"I certainly hope that i get such a pretty family like yours, uncle." The Princess says while looking besides him. Daemon looks to the same side.

Alicent is holding Aemond on her lap, giving him some grapes. The boy of three is munching on them with vigor while his mother hold him in place with a smile. A short smile emerges in Daemon's face.

"I guess i am lucky enough when it comes to my children, princess. I hope you find a way too." The Rogue Prince says with another provokation against Ser Laenor, who looks even more bothered. Rhaenyra keeps her friendly expression.

"I am sure that everything will be fine, uncle." The Princess says, less confident. Daemon nods, satisfied with the answers he got.

When he moves his head around, Daemon finally notices the white knight in the corner.

Ser Criston Cole is standing on a dark corner of the place, observing specially two persons.

His niece and his wife.

When he looks at Rhaenyra, Cole looks bothered, but when he looks at Alicent he seems to relax.

When the two men meet their eyes, Daemon uses a severe expression and the white knight nods to him and look away.

And once again, Daemon feels he is missing something.

He is confused and he hates it.

King Viserys gets up from his seat after eating and claps one time, getting the attention of everyone.

"Now, while we let the food rest in our stomachs, what about we don't get a traditional dance?" The King proclaims before looking at the musicians, who starts displaying a slow song.

As the song starts and some nobles starts to get up, Rhaenyra looks at her uncle with a smile.

"Could you dance this first music with me, uncle?" The princess asks with a sweet tone, extending her hand to him.

Daemon frowns and looks at Laenor, who nods. The Rogue Prince sighs and get up from his seat with a short smile.

"Very well. I can't refuse a request of the bride on her own wedding, can i?" The Prince jokes before taking her hand. Rhaenyra laughs. Laenor gets up, turning to Alicent.

"Princess, i think it is fair enough if i ask you for a dance too, right?" The young Velaryon asks with a gentle tone. Alicent smiles to him, catching the hand he offered.

"Of course, Ser Laenor. The pleasure is mine." The brown-haired princess smiles before getting up as well. Daemon ignores the two. Laenor is the smallest of his concerns when it comes to men trying to get too... intimate with his wife.

As the pairs moves to the center of the place, they start dancing on the rythm of the song. Rhaenyra fixates her eyes on Daemon's, who finally gets to ask her.

"You look very confident today, princess. Something happened?" The Rogue Prince asks in a whisper. Rhaenyra smiles.

"You can say that. I would say that i had a... enlightenment." The princess says while the song gets faster. Daemon frowns.

"A enlightenment?" The prince asks. Rhaenyra smiles with confidence as Daemon spins her during a part of the song.

"Yes. I finally understand what i want and i am not letting people be on my way." The princess proclaims. Daemon snorts before smirking. He holds her by her hips and gets closer, almost whispering in her ear.

"Se skoros gaomagon jaelā, dārilaros? (And what do you want, princess?)" The Rogue Prince asks in High Valyrian. Rhaenyra opens a malicious smile and a ambitious gaze as she gets her lips closer to his own ear.

"Ao. (You.)" The princess says with a seductive tone, also in High Valyrian. Daemon almost freeze on the place upon hearing that, not knowing what to do next.

"What?" The Rogue Prince asks in the common tongue, losing his composure. Rhaenyra laughs, never losing her sweet and malicious tone of voice even then.

"Jaelan ao. Daor vala nyke gīmigon kostagon sesīr ōregon iā qēlītsos naejot ao. Nyke jorrāelagon ao. Nārhēdegon se pāletilla. Nārhēdegon īlva lentor. Ivestragī's henujagon hēnkirī. Naejot Essos. Naejot mazverdagon iā arlie Valyria se īlva vestriarzir. Kesan gaomagon bona syt ao. (I want you. No man i know can even hold a candle to you. I need you. Forget the crown. Forget our family. Let's leave together. To Essos. To build a new Valyria and our story. I will do that for you.)" The princess proclaims with a decisive tone that almost leaks with her desire, ambition, and even affection. And that whole speech cause a confusion of emotions on Daemon while Rhaenyra looks at him, waiting for an answer as they dance around, when the music starts going slower and slower.

First, Daemon feels surprised about the absurd offer. Is she mad?

Then, the confusion hits and he tries to find any reason for that.

And finally, the more he thinks about it, the more irritated he grew.

Daemon looks to Rhaenyra with a deep frown and a serious gaze.

"Ao ȳdra daor shifang skoros iksā asking syt, riña. Jaelā naejot ilzigon everything qrīdrughagon? issi ao ribazmoqitta? (You don't understand what you are asking for, girl. You want to throw everything away? Are you mad?)" The prince whispers between his teeth. Rhaenyra loses most of her confidence with the answer, but she still stay on her ground.

"Iksan ēdrugī hen tolvys ivestragon nyke skoros naejot gaomagon. Jaelan naejot sagon dāez. Dāez naejot sōvegon. Dāez naejot jorrāelagon (I am tired of everyone telling me what to do. I want to be free. Free to fly. Free to love.)" The princess proclaims with conviction. Daemon grunts, finding it harder to keep dancing and evading any suspectful gazes.

"Ȳdra daor sagon doru-borto, rhaenyra. Iksā se dārilaros. Emā mirre jiōragotan naejot ao. Nyke jaelagon ēdan bona... (Don't be stupid, Rhaenyra. You are the heir. You have all offered to you. I wish i had that...)" The Rogue Prince whispers with a bitter tone. Rhaenyra sighs, resting her head on the top of Daemon's chest, who is now on a more alarmed position. She then looks up to him with fiery eyes.

"Iā zaldrīzes mazēza skoros jaelza. Ao va moriot vestās bona. Jaelan naejot dīnagon syt jorrāelagon. Iksis bona tolī olvie naejot iepagon? (A dragon takes what it wants. You always said that. I want to marry for love. Is that too much to ask for?)" The princess asks with a frustrated tone. Daemon snorts as he holds her with a more aggressive grip.

"Ao kostagon daor emagon mirre bona jaelā rȳ mirre jēda, Rhaenyra. Ao jorrāelagon kustikāne naejot jiōragon skoros jaelā. (You can't have all that you want at any time, Rhaenyra. You need strength to get what you want.)" The Rogue Prince proclaims with a severe tone. Rhaenyra opens a short smirk.

"Sepār hae ñuha kepa dīnilūks ao se Alicent? (Just like my father wedding you and Alicent?)" The princess says with a bit of irony. Daemon frowns.

"Kessa. (Yes.)" He says, something he can't deny. Rhaenyra laughs.

"Nārhēdegon nūmāzma hen zirȳ. Īlon sepār jorrāelagon both hen īlva. Konir sagon skoros ao jeldan, daor? īlē va moriot se sȳrje vala isse ñuha laesi. Laenor iksis daor sesīr close. Kessa dōrī sesīr tegun zȳhon ondos va nyke. Iksā special syt nyke. (Forget about of them. We just need both of us. That is what you wanted, no? You were always the best man in my eyes. Laenor is not even close. He will never even land his hands on me. You are special for me.)" The Princess says with a steady gaze. Daemon grunts once again.

"Ao iēdrosa ȳdra daor shifang skoros ao iderēbagon. Jēda ēza rēbagon, Rhaenyra. Ȳdra daor sagon iā riña se arlinnon aōha kȳvana. Issa toliot. (You still don't understand what you choose. Time has passed, Rhaenyra. Don't be a child and change your plans. It is over.)" The Rogue prince proclaims before the song finally ends and everyone applauses. Rhaenyra looks at him with a sad gaze.

Daemon let go of her and walk away from the room in a steady pace.

His head is burning now, and he needs to get some fresh air and think about what is happening here.

As he finally gets out, the Rogue Prince takes a deep breath. He then finally got to think a bit more.

The hatchling he rose came back to bite him in the ass, he sees.

He got the final result that he once wanted, but now, it is meaningless.

What else is also meaningless?

He really has some sort of legacy or he and his children will be just a bunch of lines in a book of a old cunt in the Citadel?

"I said that you would pay for your consequences."

Daemon turns back to face Alicent, who walks to him in a ellegant pace and with a severe expression. He frowns, concused.

"What do you mean?" The Rogue Prince asks. Alicent smirks.

"Mazēdan mirri lessons isse Valyrio Eglie. Naejot kostilus ao. Īles worth ziry sir. Nyke ryptan aōha ȳdragon lēda rhaenyra. Ao lanta sia tolī interested naejot notice nyke se laenor lilāre va ao. Ziry also ryptan ziry. (I took some lessons in High Valyrian. To please you. It was worth it now. I heard your talk with Rhaenyra. You two were too interested to notice me and Laenor dancing near you. He also heard it.)" His wife says in High Valyrian. Daemon looks to her with surprise before laughing a bit.

"Nyke gōntan daor tepagon ao enough credit, ābrazȳrys. Se, kessa, ēdi iā... qopsa ȳdragon (I did not give you enough credit, wife. And, yes, we had a... hard talk.)" The Rogue Prince proclaims. Alicent frowns.

"Kostā ivestragon bona. Zirȳla jorrāelagon iksis iā pirtir se issa tolī ābrītsos naejot jiōragon ziry sir. (You can say that. Her love is a lie and she is too young to get it now.)" The princess says with a dry tone. Daemon sighs with frustration.

"Nyke gōntan ñuha sȳrje naejot sagon tolī. (I did my best to be more.)" The Rogue Prince says with honesty. Alicent is still focused and serious.

"Se mērī run ao gōntan iksin tepagon iā qringaomatan jaelagon naejot riña. (The only thing you did was give a failed wish to a girl.)" She proclaims. Daemon frowns before he smirks.

"Se ao qringaomatan naejot dīnagon se dārys, hae aōha kepa jeldan. Iksi mēre se keskydoso, isse se mōris. (And you failed to marry the king, as your father wanted. We are one and the same, in the end.)" The prince says with a strong tone of voice. Alicent sighs and walks towards him.

She then lands her hand on his face... as a caress, not a slap. Daemon looks at her confused as she looks to him in the eye with a sad expression.

"Iksā paktot. Iksi mēre se keskydoso. Lanta bona qringaomatan. Iksan biare bona ao iōrtan lēda īlva riñar. Kirimvose. (You are right. We are one and the same. Two that failed. I am happy that you stood with our children. Thank you.)" The princess says with a short smile before she kisses his cheek before letting him go. Daemon frowns, still confused.

How much confusion he can feel in a day?

"We need to get back inside. The tourney will start soon." Alicent says, now in the common tongue. Daemon grunts and then frowns to her.

"What is the deal between you and the knight? I could see his gaze towards you and Rhaenyra." The Rogue Prince points out. His wife looks confused for a second before she shakes her head.

"We had a talk. He told me some serious things. We will talk with him before the tourney begins. You will probably find his answers to be very... clarifying." The brown-haired princess says with a serious tone. Daemon nods, curious.

As they passes trough nobles to get back inside, Daemon can only thing the amount of shit he will probably still go trough in this wedding.

And for the first time, he finally understands the reason to why his brother drink so much.

---

Chapter Text

---

CRISTON I

---

113 AC -

---

As the Rogue Prince leaves with Alicent following him not long after, Cristo moves his eyes to Rhaenyra.

The Princess of Dragonstone looks disappointed and sad, but then she turns to her soon-to-be husband, the two of them trade some whispers and start dancing together when a new song emerges.

The Lord Commander observes as the two of them dance around, seeing how Rhaenyra is thinking on other things and clearly bothered.

He knows very well what happened.

Is not new to him how much Rhaenyra liked her uncle. A bit too much. He still remembers the episode where she came back late with him.

When he first met her as a young girl, he tought it was just admiration of a niecd towards a uncle that she likes, but, the time proved him wrong as her gaze changes as she matured.

His believes were proven even more right on... that night.

That night he saw the eyes she gave to Daemon towards himself. And he could not resist that.

Criston takes a deep breath, trying to focus. While he was thinking about the past, the song ended, the crowd cheered and the couples came back to their seats.

Soon enough, Princess Alicent returns with her husband by her side. In silence, the two of them walk back to their seat. Rhaenyra and Daemon evade looking at each other.

The Rogue Prince eat a bit while he occasionaly whispers to his wife, while Rhaenyra looks at her plate with a distant look once again.

By Laenor's other side, seats a young blonde man. Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, if Criston remembers right. The two of them talk and laugh a lot, but Criston, as well as some others, can see how they interact, touch and look at each other.

He really does not care about who Laenor sleeps with, but he is seriously questioning the reasoning of the King to choose Laenor as Rhaenyra's husband. He is that much under the influence of Corlys Velaryon?

Looking at the Sea Snake, Criston can only see the pride that the man let out with his posture and expression. And by his side, Rhaenys Targaryen is seated with a cold expression that is very characteristic for the Queen Who Never Was.

And their daughter, Queen Laena, looks as beautiful as ever. Her smile, even if not a honest one, could conquer any men she wanted. Yet, she was married to a overweight and aging King.

Oh, how their world is unfair.

And then, the King gets up from his seat with somme difficult. He projects his voice to everyone.

"With the feast and the dance concluded, we will start the tourney as soon as possible. Today, i decided that we shall have a melee!" The King announces. The crowd cheers and they start getting up from their seats as the guards guide them to the upper seats and servants starts removing everything from the feast to make space for the contest.

Ser Criston, being the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, he stands by the side of the king as the royal family get on their private part of the seat, alongsides the small council members.

As King Viserys take his seat by the side of his young wife, he looks at Criston.

"Ser Criston, you will fight today?" The King asks, curious. Ser Criston slowly nods.

"I want, your grace, but i still don't have someone to take me as a champion." The knight explains. Viserys frowns before turning to his daughter.

"Rhaenyra, i tought Ser Criston was your champion? What changed?" The King asks his named heir. Ser Criston resist the impulse to sigh.

Viserys is not a bad man, but he certainly do not understand the what is happening around him and his memory fails him sometimes.

Princess Rhaenyra evades looking to the Lord Commander as she looks at her father with a neutral expression.

"Ser Criston and i are in different paths now, i am afraid. Ser Harwin Strong, the son and heir of your Master of Laws, have caught my favors lately, so, i named him my champion." The Princess proclaims. Viserys frowns once again, but nods in agreement. Queen Laena looks at Ser Criston with sympathy.

"I am sorry, Ser Criston. I could choose you as my champion, but Viserys and i can't choose a champion because we are the hosts of the tourney, as you know." The Queen says with a soft tone. Ser Criston nods.

"I know. Thank you for the consideration, your grace." The Lord Commander says with a slight bow, but then, Princess Alicent get up from her seat, making Prince Daemon rise a eyebrow.

Alicent walks towards him with a composed smile as the others look at her.

"You have been kind to me recently, Lord Commander. I would be glad that take you as my champion, if you want." The Princess proclaims with a formal tone. Ser Criston smiles to her before getting into a knee.

"It will be a honor to me to represent you in battle, princess." The Lord Commander proclaims as he returns to his feet. King Viserys laughs, happy.

"Excellent. Now, i think you should go. You need to prepare with the other knights. The eastern entrance of the pit is separated for the preparations." The King says, pointing at the carvenous entrance. Ser Criston nods. He looks at his fellow Kingsguard Ser Steffon Darklyn, who takes his place guarding the King. Criston then bows.

"With your permission, i will take my leave." The Knight proclaims before walking down back to the ground. And when he touches the soil of sand and dirt, he hears a voice.

"Good luck, Ser Criston." Princess Alicent calls from the top part, letting her tissue fall. Ser Criston grabs it and nods before walking towards the entrance that the King pointed out.

As he is walking to the entrance, he looks at the tissue on his hand.

A soft silk tissue, white as snow and with the red sigil of House Targaryen on a corner. He then guard it inside the armor of his right arm, hoping it will give he more luck when he swings his morningstar.

Ser Criston descends the stairs of the carvenous entrance and reach a dark corridor that is iluminated by some torchs, there he meets other knights. Preparing armour, talking to each other, and checking their weapons. Swords, axes and all.

Most of the men look at him when he appears, showing differente reactions to his presence. But, one of the men step foward with a smile and crossed arms.

"So, the Lord Commandet is here, good. I really want to fight you, Ser. I want to see if your ability is that big of a deal." The tall knight proclaims. Ser Criston frowns.

The man of brown hair, strong as a bull and tall as a standing bear is very familiar to him.

"Ser Harwing Strong. The Breakbones. The least surprising person to be on this melee. I hope you realise there is much more in a battle than strength. As such, you should be careful about what you ask for, Ser." The white knight proclaims with a soft and ironic tone. Ser Harwin Strong is clearly bothered by it, but he contains himself and only let out a grunt.

"We will see about that, Cole." The Commander of the City guard says, moving away from the white knight.

"So, Ser Criston Cole, i have heard about you as well. You were the one to beat Prince Daemon 8 years ago, right?" A jovious voice asks from behind him.

Criston turn around and see another familiar face. Ser Joffrey Lonmouth looks at him with a smile on the cornor of his mouth.

The blonde man is shorter than Criston by a considerable margin. The mostly yellow sigil of house Lonmouth stand out on his armour with all the skulls and lips.

A terrible sigil on Criston's opinion.

"Yes. I did." The white knight answers in a dry tone. Ser Joffrey nods his head.

"I have something to talk with you, follow me." The knight says before walking further into the dark tunnel.

Ser Criston looks at the other knights before following the blonde knight.

Once the two are distant enough of the other knights, Ser Joffrey looks back at Criston.

"As you might know, i am very close to Ser Laenor, and as such, he tells me almost everything. And, recently, Laenor became quite close to his future wife. She shared thinga with him, and he shared them with me." The Knight explains, being subtle. A shiver runs down the back of Criston's head ad he frowns to the blonde knight.

"And what i have to do with this?" The Lord Commander asks, impatient. Ser Joffrey smiles a bit, malicious.

"I know what you did, Ser Criston." The knight says. And then, Criston snaps and quickly pll Joffrey by his armour, staring at him with furious green eyes.

"Say that to someone and i will personally cut you in pieces and feed to the dragons." The Lord Commander whispers between his teeths. Ser Joffrey loses his smile and becomes nervous, but he keeps his posture before rising his hands.

"Calm down, Ser. I am only trying to make a deal with you. No needs to death treaths." The blonde knight proclaims. Criston frowns and let him go, taking a step back.

"What are you talking about?" The white knight asks between his teeth. Ser Joffrey fix his confident posture. He smiles with a slightly malicious tone.

"Well, i think we both have a personal interest here with the new couple. What i propose is simple. Laenor discussed it with Rhaenyra already. He was willing to let her... enjoy the company of other men, as long as she also let Laenor do the same." The blonde knight says with a short laugh. Ser Criston looks at him with anger running trough his veins and almost breaking his control over himself.

"You are saying that Laenor and Rhaenyra decided to just broke their vows in other to seek pleasure? What is the problem with them? What is the problem with you?" The Lord Commander asks, furious. Joffrey shrugs.

"You can't control your heart, Cole. You can't choose who you fall in love with. That you certainly know, right?" The blonde young man asks with a mockery laugh. Ser Criston grind his teeth and grunts as he gets closer to Joffrey, looking to him in the eyes.

"Listen you piece of shit, i don't care about love, heart or any other stupidity you are saying. Your offer is a absurd act that i will certainly let the King know. It can't be tolerated." The White knight proclaims, turning around. Yet, Ser Joffrey pulls his arm to call Criston's attention back to him, now with a serious look.

"Let ne go down the tough part to you, then. We are all on the same boat here, Criston. If that boat sinks, you will sink with us. Got it?" The blonde knight asks. Ser Criston frowns.

He get it. If he does not agree with their terms and tell the king, he will also be exposed and certainly die for taking the purity of the princess.

Yet, Criston stand on his ground as he looks once again to Joffrey. The green eyes of the Lord Commander almost hit the soul of the younger knight.

But then, he realises something. He has a new purpose. He can't die. Not right now.

Biting his tongue here, Ser Criston sighs in a simulated way.

"Very well. I will play that game of yours, sword eater. But remember, i am not on your side." The white knight proclaims as he bumps bis shoulder on Joffrey's shoulder. But, as he is leaving, he hears the voice of the blonde knight, laughing.

"I knew that you would give up there. Even the most brave of men are cowards in the face of death." The Young knight mocks with confidence.

A single word that Joffrey said resonates on the head of Criston.

Coward.

He had enough.

Grunting with wrath, Criston pull out his sword and walks towards Ser Joffrey.

"What did you call me?!" The Lord Commander screams as he starts to rise his sword. Joffrey's eyes get wide as he pulls his own sword in defence.

But, before Criston could properly attack, a big hand lands on his shoulder. Criston look back to the face of Ser Harwin Strong, who looks at him with a neutral expression.

"The fight is not here. Any problem you two have with each other can be resolved in a good fight on the melee." The Commander of the City Guard says.

Ser Cristob shrugs Harwin's hand from his shoulder before putting his sword back on the hilt with a grunt. He then looks at Joffrey with anger one more time before leaving.

As Criston seats on a chair alone as the other knight prepare around him, he has a lot of things to think.

Since the battles in the dornish marches, Criston has a problem with his temper.

Like a pile of sand, even a mild wind can move him from his place.

Lord Dondarrion once said to him to take a deep breath and calm down when he gets too emotional or nevous about something.

The Lord Commander takes a deep breath.

Air in. Air out.

He can't be reckless.

Air in. Air out.

He needs to focus.

Air in. Air out.

The white knight closes his eyes and try to get tome relaxation before things start going down out here.

---

Soon, the melee started on single fights. One against one. And, as usual, it was a violent mess.

Criston always enjoyed battle. His heart on his throat and the rush on his mind made him feel more alive than ever.

With his morningstar and a wooden shield with the sigil of his modest house, Ser Criston Cole started beating his opponents.

Crushed bones, damaged armor, blood in the floor. That is how the Lord Commander do his battles.

As he advanced trough the matches, he was still starving for a good match for once. Until now, no one even got a strong hit on him.

As Criston defeat his opponent once again and servants take the unconcious man out, the man that does the announcements walk in do the middle of the battlefield.

"Now, lords and ladies, with the victory of Ser Criston Cole, he has two fights left to fight to be considered the champion. And his next opponent is... Ser Harwin Strong!" The man proclaims as he walks out. The crowd cheers as Ser Harwin Strong walks in, wearing his full armor of the City Guard.

Ser Harwin is a bit damaged. His chestplate is dented and he has a snall bleeding cut on his left cheek. He walks to be in front of Ser Criston, holding a long warhammer. He looks to Criston with a serious expression.

"I will defeat you now, Ser Criston. Nothing personal, but the best warrior always win in the end." The heir of Harrenhal proclaims, proud.

Ser Criston can only laugh with a malicious tone. He then looks to Harwin in the eyes.

"You are not a true warrior, Strong. Strength can only carry you at a certain point. You only fought in tourneys, in front of a crowd. I fought for my life on the dornish marches. I killed dozens of dornishmen. I am far above you in experience. That said, yes, may the vest warrior win." Ser Criston says with a straight tone. Ser Harwin frowns, angry.

"We will see about that, Cole." The man of the gold cloak says as both men get some distance from each other.

And then, the sound of a horn echoes and the battle begins.

Ser Harwin holds the lower part of his hammer and grunts as he runs and goes for a long strike going down.

Ser Criston dodges the attack without much effort.

Ser Harwin then quickly recovers and go to a side strike with the large back of his hammer.

Criston take the hit with his shield, grunting as he feels a bit of pain.

Ser Harwin repeats his strike with his hammer, but that time Ser Criston dodges and swings his morningstar to attack.

The weapon hits the left leg of Ser Harwin, making the man grunt between his teeth and lose some of his stability.

Criston uses that to swing his morningstar again, which Harwin defends with his shield, losing a part of it with the strike.

Harwin then attacks with his hammer after defending, which Criston dodges by taking a step back.

The two men than separate and the crowd cheers as they walk around the field, looking at each other. Ser Harwin snorts.

"You play dirty, Cole. Were you trying to break my leg?" The knight asks, bitter. Ser Criston smirks.

"Maybe. I don't care about playing fair, Strong. On a true battle, fighting for you life is the more important thing. The dornish did not care about honor. I learned it very quickly." The Lord Commander proclaims as he walks and go for a attack.

The morningstar swings, but Harwin Strong manages to dodge, he then swings to the side with his hammer with all his strength.

Criston blocks it with his shield, but the hit is too strong. The white knight loses the air from his lungs when his shield arm is pressed againsy his side, hurting him. He falls to the ground.

The crowd makes a sound of simumated pain.

As Criston recovers his air, Harwin laughs.

"Need help, survivor? Well, let me end it quick. Princess Rhaenyra would be sad if i humilliated you. What a gentle soul." The knight proclaims with a malicious laugh as he rises his hammer for a final strike as Criston is down.

The Lord Commander grunts as his hands shakes with anger.

Rhaenyra this

Rhaenyra that.

He is tired of that whore of a princess.

The white knight rolls out of the way of Harwin's hammer before getting up as quick as possible.

Harwin goes for another strike, but Criston once again dodges his hammer and then attacks with his morningstar in a loud grunt.

The weapon hits the back of Harwin's arm and the sound of bones breaking echoes trough the field. The crowd gasps.

The gold cloak let out a single scream of pain because of his broken elbow. His hammer fall to the ground, unable to he used.

As Harwin try to recompose himself, Criston walks to him, smirking and receiving a angry look from the injured knight.

"Go back to the feet of your princess, Strong." The Lord Commander whispers, mocking his adversary.

The bigger knight looks to Criston with anger before, grind his teeth and let out a shout of pure wrath as he goes for a punch with his shield arm.

Criston dodges it by a inch before letting a final strike with his morningstar.

The weapon hits Harwin's collarbone, shattering it and denting the armor. Ser Harwin falls to the ground on his back with constant grunts of pain.

The crowd talks and cheer. Criston looks to the royal section, and see thr damned Princess looking at Ser Harwin with a worried look.

He gets it. That eyes. He can see trough them.

The troubled heart and mind of Ser Criston became unstable once again upon seeing it. His anger take place, and he rises his morningstar once again to finish Ser Harwin, who can only looks up with wide eyes.

"Enough, Lord Commander!" The voice of the King echoes trough the place, silencing the crowd and making Criston stop.

The white knight take a deep breath as his mind return to the plave.

Criston turns his morningstar down and sighs as he takes steps back.

Two guards helps Ser Harwin to get up. The large man looks at Criston with anger.

"It will not end like that, Cole." The gold cloak says as the guards help him to get out of there. The man that makes the announcements take a step further.

"Victory of the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Ser Criston Cole!" The man proclaims. The crowd cheers as things move on. The man than continues.

"Now, we will have the final battle of this melee! Ser Criston will fight with the champion of the soon-to-be Prince consort of Dragonstone, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth!" The man announces. The crowd cheers as the blonde knight walks into the field from the carvenous entrance, waving and smiling to the crowd. His armor is dented in some places, his face is sweaty and his armor has some dirt on it. He clearly had a hard time on his previous battles.

The two knights meet on the middle of the field and Ser Joffrey smiles.

"May the best man win, Ser Criston." The young man proclaims as he gets his distance. The Lord Commander frowns.

The best man. What is the best man here? Criston could only see a fool that offered to him a continuous act of treason and dishonor, just like Rhaenyra did. His blood start to boil as he gets his distance, not answering the younger knight.

The horns are blown and the crowd cheers as Ser Joffrey pulls his sword and Criston makes a few swings with his morningstar.

Ser Criston advances with a swing of his morningstar that Ser Joffrey barely dodges. The young knight then rises his shield a bit as he tries to attack with his sword.

The Lord Commander blocks the attack with his shield and then attacks with his morningstar on Joffrey's side

Ser Joffrey blocks with his own shield, but the attack makes him retreat to recover. He laughs.

"Very good, Ser Criston, but i am a man with a strong will, you know?" The blonde knight says with a laugh. Criston grunts.

"Shut up." The Lord Commander demands as he strikes once again with his morningstar, this time, Joffrey dodges and laughs.

Criston snorts. He is very familiarized with this kind of opponent. The ones that want to win by attacking the mind of the opponent, breaking his temperance.

The fucking dornish were masters of that art. Anger rises trough his veins as memories of the past rush trough his mind. Ser Joffrey can see that.

"Looks like someone is getting angry. You should relax a bit more, Lord Commander. Let me help you." The knight of kisses rise his sword and goes for a quick cut, but it merely scratches the white armor of Criston as he takes a step back. Joffrey laughs once again.

"Oh, that was close. I will promise that i will hit you next time." The knight of kisses mocks as he walks around in circles, with Criston doing the same.

Joffrey strikes from Criston's side, but the white knight defends with his wooden shield. He then trys to strike with his morningstar, but misses. Ser Joffrey retreats and laughs once again.

"Come on, you can do better than that! I expected more from the guard of the princess! Maybe that is why she is not interested in you being by her side anymore! Maybe you were not fit for the job!" The knight of kisses proclaims loudly with a mockery. The crowd is mixed between cheering and talking.

A buzz emerges into Criston's ear.

Not fit for the princess.

Not fit for the princess.

Not fit for the princess.

The weak control Criston still had ober his mind breaks as he let out a angry and loud grunt. He swings violently his morningstar against Joffrey.

The knight of kisses block it with his shield, but Criston's weapon take psrt of the wood with the strike.

Criston strikes again and another part of the shield is broken, falling in pieces to the ground. Joffrey retreats, fearful.

The younger knight rises his sword, but before he could attack, the third strike of the morningstar came and breaks most of the what was left of the shield aftet the second strike. It was useless now. The knight flowers gets his eyes wide before rising his sword and holding it with two hands. The crowd chears as the battle reaches it's climax.

The blonde knight attacks with his sword, only to be blocked by Criston's shield. The two knighta looks at the eyes of the other.

"It don't need to go further than that, Cole. Our dear lovers would get angry if one of us got hurt." The knight of flowers whispers. Ser Criston, still taken by anger, grunts.

"I don't have a lover. You and this couple of idiots can burn in the seven hells." The knights whispers between his teeth. The eyes of the blonde knight goes wide with this.

Ser Criston shouts as he moves the sword away and then strikes his shield into Joffrey's face. A wet sound echoes as the nose of the young knight bursts with blood when it is broken. The crowd let out a gasp of pain.

Ser Joffrey screams in pain as he holds his nose with his former shield hand and take a few step backs, looking scared at Criston.

The Lord Commander grunts as he attacks with all his strenght on a last swing.

The morningstar hits the side of Joffrey's helm, denting it deeply with a loud sound of steel and broken bones as blood bursts from there.

The crowd goes out of control as Ser Joffrey falls to the ground and his helm falls from his head. A large amount of blood starts coming out of the young knight's head and the helm.

Criston tries to recover his breath as he hears a painful scream and see Ser Laenor crying and desperatly trying to get trough the Kingsguard to get to the battlefield.

Criston grunts as people starts to move around. He walks back to the carvenous entrance.

As blood slowly falls from his morningstar, Criston walks to the darkness and a guard closes the door to isolate the white knight there.

The Lord Commander sits on the ground and lay his back on the wall. He sighs and strokes his face.

What he just did? He probably killed the lover of the future King consort.

How can he let his anger carry him away so quickly?

In isolation, Criston tries to ignore the voices over there as he closes his eyes and try to get a rest for his head, falling into a heavy sleep.

---

"Ser Criston..." A feminine voice calls the Lord Commander, who slowly opens his eyes and looks up.

Criston sees Princess Alicent, who looks at him with some degree of sympathy. By her side is the stoic presenfe of her husband, Prince Daemon. The knight get up, looking down. The entire place is dark and silent. The flames of the nearby torches iluminates the three of them, reflecting on his white armor and making the purple eyes of Prince Daemon almost glow.

"My princess, my prince, i am sorry for what i did outside, it was unecessary. I dishonored your trust in me, my princess." The Lord Commander proclaims, lowering his head. Daemon smirks.

"Stop being a cunt, Cole. It was a melee. If someone dies, it was because of their lack of skill or luck. I am more ashamed of my wife here choosing a man of weak attitude like you as her champion." The Rogue Prince mocks. Ser Criston frowns, but remains in silence as he looks at Daemon. Alicent lands a hand on her husband's chest, irritated.

"Stop, Daemon. We are here to listen to Ser Criston. He surely has some things to say." The princess proclaims, confident. Her husband smirks once again.

"Oh, i want to hear what he has to say. It might be funny." The Rogue Prince mocks, crossing his arms. Criston grunts and Alicent frowns at him before looking at Criston.

"You looked angry trough the two last battles. What happened?" The princess asks with a sweet tone. Ser Criston sighs as he relax more.

"Lonmouth talked to me before the melee started. He admitted to be Laenor's lover." The Lord Commander proclaims. Alicent is surprised, but Daemon just snorts.

"Laenor's love for cocks is not something new to me, Cole. Go on." The Rogue prince demands and Ser Criston just snorts back.

"Apparently, Rhaenyra and Laenor are closer than i imagined." The white knight says. Daemon frowns.

"It means he will do the hard task of fucking Rhaenyra?" The Rogue Prince asks, only to receive a slap in the arm by his wife, who looks back at Criston.

"Sadly, no. Rhaenyra told Laenor about... that night. And Laenor told his lover. Lonmouth was trying to manipulate me with the information so i walked under their lines and kept it a secret." The Lord Commander proclaims. Daemon laughs.

"Oh, that is precious. The idiot really tought you were keeping it a secret all this time. I guess you have a more open mouth than he could expect, Cole." The Rogue Prince mocks. Criston grunts once again and Alicent sighs, impatient.

"Stop provoking him, Daemon. He is telling us really important things and you are not helping." The princess proclaims and Daemon snorts. Ser Criston continues.

"When i fought Harwin Strong, i could finally see what i already suspected. His devotion to Rhaenyra is even more clear to me. The princess has found another man to warm her bed." The Lord Commander proclaims between his teeth. Alicent sighs and Daemon frowns.

"The son of Lyonel Strong? How disgraceful. His father seems like a foolish honorable man. He will feel betrayed if he learned about his son fucking the heir to the throne behind his back and the back of the King." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a malicious smile. Alicent looks at Criston with sympathy once again.

"If it helps, Ser Joffrey is still not dead. He is being treated right now. The confusion that Laenor caused with what happened to Joffrey made the King demand that the wedding would be done immediatly. No time to wait for the High Septon to arrivae. Laenor and Rhaenyra were wed by a septon and were moved to the Red Keep for the bedding. The Dragonpit is basicaly empty now." Alicent explains. Criston nods in understanding and Daemon smirks one more time.

"Sadly for Rhaenyra, she can't bring her Strong man to the bedding. Laenor might want to take him for himself." The Rogue Prince jokes, laughing to himself. Alicent looks at her husband with a serious expression.

"How much time you will expend making jokes to deal with the fact that your dearly niece is sleeping around?" The Princess asks, angry. The smile of Daemon fades as he frowns to her. He then snorts and Alicent looks at Criston.

"So, Ser Criston Cole, we have a proposal to you. We want you to be our protector. To be by our side." The princess proposes. Criston is surprised and unsure.

"Are you sure about that, my princess. I don't think i have the best temper to deal with children or the best history to be the sworn sword of a princess." The Lord Commander proclaims with a bitter tone. Alicent smiles and nods.

"I am sure. Even if you failed once, it took a toll in you. I believe that youbare a man of principles, Ser Criston. Consider it to be your act of redemption." The princess proclaims. Ser Criston looks at her with surprise before he looks at Daemon, who is neutral.

"What about you, my prince?" The white knight asks. The Rogue Prince snorts.

"I have to agree with Alicent. I can see how foolishly you are tied to your principles. I could use a man like you. The Lord Commander is also a very good presence to have by our side. Besides, you are a very capable warrior. You could take Aegon and Aemond as squires in the future. They will need to be skilled at arms." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a misterious tone. Criston frowns and nods. Alicent then looks at him with a smile.

"So, Ser Criston Cole, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, will you be our protector and my sworn swors?" The princess asks, gently. Ser Criston smiles and get on his knee.

"It would be a great honor to me, my princess and my prince. I promise to never fail with you. I promise to be by your side until my very last breath." The white knight proclaims. Alicent smiles while Daemon merely observes him with a curious gaze.

And, for the first time since he took his white cloak, Ser Criston felt complete once again, and more resilient than never.

He will follow his words to the grave this time. No turning back.

---

Chapter Text

---

RHAENYRA III

---

113 AC -

---

After the unfortunate defeat of Ser Joffrey Lonmouth at the hands of Ser Criston Cole, the wedding was pretty much ruined.

Of course, that kind of thing happens a lot during melees, but Laenor clearly did not care about that.

With the poor state of Laenor, the King executed the wedding imediatly, to get things over with.

A bitter Rhaenyra and a crying Laenor looked at each other with pity and sadness. With simples kisses and the cheeks and the vows, they were from now on married.

After the septon was done, the royal family was moved to the Red Keep so Rhaenyra and her new husband could consummate their marriage.

Luckily for her, the whole mess caused the cancellation of the bedding part. She could not be more relieved with that.

Yet, when they arrived at the Red Keep, Laenor would spend hours with the unconcious Ser Joffrey, waiting for good news and observating the work of the maesters.

As her husband was busy taking care of his... beloved knight. Rhaenyra had a lot to think while she was sitting at a chair on her bedroom.

Firstly, the dance.

How could she be so stupid?

She got carried away in the moment. A dance with her dear uncle. Her heart shaking at his touch. She could not resist her own toughts. Her own desires.

Maybe she is the foolish girl that people believe she is.

Yet, after the clear rejection from Daemon, she felt sad and disappointed.

As a young girl, she imagined her uncle to be the man of her dreams. The knight that would place her on the back of his dragon and carry her away from the tedious capital.

But, she needs to move on. Daemon is away from her and she now have another on her heart.

Rhaenyra and Ser Harwin have become closer and closer recently. After Ser Criston leaved her affections, she turned to the other handsome knight she knew to give her comfort.

A lot of comfort.

Ser Harwin is a very devoted man. He spoke to her like she was some kind of deity and would do whatever he could to please her. Rhaenyra is relieved to have such a dedicated person on her side.

Thinking about the heir of Harrenhal made her remember what happened to him in the melee.

Harwin was a very skilled and powerful warrior, yet, it did not matter once he was facing Ser Criston Cole.

The Lord Commander of the Kingsguars was unstoppable. He massacred every opponent he had in the melees, and sadly, her new favorite knight was one of them.

She spended a few hours with Harwin to see how bad was his injuries. Of course, it was not as bad as Joffrey's, but they certainly were tough to look at.

The white knight broke Harwin's elbow and collarbone, basicaly turning him unable to accomplish his duties a knight for some time.

After a few hours holding Harwin's hand and gently talking to him, he finally fell asleep and Rhaenyra leaved him here with a kiss in his forehead.

When the night came, Rhaenyra ate her food alone as her new husband was too busy to care about her.

And so, Rhaenyra took a good bath, got herself on a revealing nightgown, and entered her bedroom. She layed on the bed and waited for Laenor to came.

And she waited some more.

And she fell asleep on the bed.

Until, a lot of time later, she woke up with the door opening. Rhaenyra look up to see Laenor entering the room with red eyes after crying too much and a defeated expression on his face.

"So, you finally came, husband." Rhaenyra said, making a suggestive pose in the bed. Her gown move up a bit to show more of her well developed legs.

Yet, Laenor looked at her with lack of interest before seating into his side of the large bed, looking at the wall.

"Why are you even trying, Rhaenyra?" The new Prince Consort of Dragonstone asks. Rhaenyra sighs before seatinf on the bed.

"Trying does not hurt, Laenor. I just need you to shove your cock in me for a few minutes every moon or so. Is it that hard?" The princess asks, frustrated. Laenor sighs, looking at her with the corner of his eyes.

"To do that i would need to get it hard. I simply cannot get it hard with a woman. I tried. Several times. Father once took me to a pleasure house in Lys and made me look to every kind of woman imaginable. None worked. I am sorry." The heir of Driftmark proclaims with a bitter tone. Rhaenyra lay on the bed and let out a exasperated sigh. She then laughs with sarcasm.

"The world loves to play dirty with me, i guess." The Princess of Dragonstone says with a frustrated smile. Laenor looks at her with sympathy.

"We have negotiated that already, didn't we?" The man in blue asks. Rhaenyra frowns, seating on the bed again and looking at her husband's eyes. Purple on purple.

"Are you sure about that? We might get caught. They maybe look more like their real father than me. That would be a problem. A big one." The princess proclaims. Laenor snorts.

"You say that, but you will not stop fucking your sworn sword either way, right?" The heir of Driftmark asks. Rhaenyra laughs with a malicious intent.

"I will not stop. Harwin is too precious to me." The princess says with a distant tone. Laenor smirks.

"The man or his cock?" The man in blue asks, sarcastic. Rhaenyra laughs, biting her under lip as she looks to the roof.

"I can have both, Laenor. That is why i like him." The princess says with a smile. Laenor snorts.

"Yet, you don't love him the same amount he loves you." The consort proclaims. Rhaenyra looks at her husband and frowns.

"What do you mean with that?" The princess asks. Laenor looks at her with a serious expression.

"I knew it before, but i also heard you talking to Daemon during the dance. Your desire. Did you even remember that i can also speak High Valyrian?" The heir of Driftmark asks.

Rhaenyra feels a shiver go down her spine as she tries to keep her composure.

"He rejected me. It is over, Laenor." The princess proclaims, trying to be confident about it. Laenor laughs, but without any sign of humor in it.

"No. It's not over. You love him. You love him more than you could ever love Criston Cole or Harwin Strong, right? I doubt that this will change anytime soon, but you need to learn your limits. Your proposal to Daemon was absurd. You were really about to give up everything and asked Daemon to do the same so you could live a love story? Just how delusional you are, Rhaenyra?" The new prince consort asks his wife. Rhaenyra's face turns to a sad expression as she hugs her pillow, looking down with a distant gaze.

"I know. I got carried away. Now i want to forget that. We need to plan our future. Our tough future. You are my husband now, we are on this together." The Princess proclaims, holding his hand. Laenor smirks, but hold her hand back.

"I need to be your husband at least in some regards, after all. What i want from you is a promise. Tell me that Daemon Targaryen is out of this. The relation between us and the Hightowers are already tense. My father and Ser Otto are arguing a lot in the council lately." The Velaryon heir says. Rhaenyra frowns, curious.

"Really? What is the reason for that?" The princess asks. Laenor sighs.

"Ser Otto thinks that the King is being ruled by father and not the other way around. He thinks that the two marriages were too much of a effort for a alliance with us. Father says that he is angry that he did not manage to convince the king to marry you to Aegon, his grandson." The consort explains. Rhaenyra snorts, crossing her arms.

"He is only 6. I would have to wait 10 whole years to marry him. And even then, it would be a strange marriage for us. A woman of 26 married to a boy of 16. It would not work, at least for me." The princess proclaims. Laenor smirks.

"That, and how you desired to marry his father." The Velaryon mocks. Rhaenyra slaps his arm in a playful way and both of them laugh.

But then Laenor loses his smile and look at her with a serious expression.

"Can you promise it to me?" The consort asks his wife. Rhaenyra sighs and nods, confident.

"I promise. I want to move foward. I want to make things work out for both of our families.." The princess proclaims. Laenor nods to her and then gets up.

"Good. Well, i am feeling tired. I need to sleep and i need to sleep here. With you. So... can i?" The heir of Driftmark asks, pointing to his clothes. Rhaenyra snorts and laughs.

"Of course. You are allowed to sleep by my side, husband." The princess of Dragonstone proclaims, sarcastic. Laenor smirks and then takes most of his clothes of.

The two of them lay in the bed on opposite sides and when the fire of the candles fade away, they are alone in the dark.

And even with a man by her side on the bed, Rhaenyra still feels lonely.

---

A week passes by and a lot of things happened to shake the new couples's life.

Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, after several days, died in his sleep. Laenor was devastated for the rest of the day and would isolate himself on his bedroom. Rhaenyra also felt really bad for him for not being able to help.

The next day, Laenor was now able to get out of his shell, even if still very sad. His father, Lord Corlys, proposed that the two of them should go to Driftmark and Laenor quickly accepted.

After preparing themselves, the yoing couple walk out of the Red Keep together, being guided by guards towards the carriages.

"Why we need to go to Driftmark? King's Landing is a way better place to live and your father lives here, not in Driftmark." The princess complains. Laenor sighs and nods.

"Exactly. As a council member, he lives here in King's Landing, so, i take care of Driftmark on his place as his heir. I need to be there to deal with a lot of things. And, to be honest, i prefer much more to live in Driftmark. Much more calm and with much better coast." The heir of Driftmark proclaims with a emotionless tone. Rhaenyra sighs. Laenor is talking like that since Joffrey died.

"Can't you Velaryons not talk about the sea for five minutes?" The princess asks, trying to ease things around. Laenor has no reactions.

They get to the carriage and inside they met with Corlys and Rhaenys. The Sea Snake is on his habitual proud posture and a short smile. But it is Rhaenys that makes Rhaenyra a bit uncomfortable.

The Queen Who Never Was looks at her like she is judging her soul. Like a wild beast trying to judge if the meat in front of her is fresh or rotten.

As they seat on the carriage and it starts to move, Rhaenyra opens a formal smile and gently bows to the parents of her husband.

"Lord Corlys. Lady Rhaenys. It is good to see you two today, now with a new perspective." the princess says. Corlys nods.

"Indeed. You are now the wife of my only son. As such, i hope that you understand that the Iron Throne is not the only title here. Your marriage is also the future of house Velaryon." The Sea Snake proclaims, serious. Rhaenyra nods and tries to keep her posture.

"And i hope you understand the order of importance here, my Lord." The princess proclaims. Corlys nods, a bit satisfied, for her surprise. Rhaenys smirks.

"You understand that you will have a lot of problems to keep your position, right? You will ne to be very careful about your decisions." The oldest Targaryen alive proclaims with a subtle tone.

Rhaenyra knows very well what she means in reality. Rhaenys knows the nature of her son, and knows how tough of a situation it is. She is basicaly asking how she is going to surpass it.

"I like to believe that there is always a way out of tough situations, good-mother. You just need to he wise enough to find them." the princess proclaims, enigmatic. Rhaenys snorts.

"Sometimes, the way out ends in a abysm. As i said, be very careful with your choices, princess." The rider of Meleys proclaims, looking trough the window. Rhaenyra sighs. The older woman was not impressed by her answer. Corlys looks at his wife for a second before looking at his son.

"Rhaenys will go with you two to Driftmark as i will be meeting with King Viserys today. I just have someone to talk to in the Dragonpit." The Sea Snake proclaims. Rhaenyra don't know who he is talking about and honestly she does not care.

Looking to the window, she can only be happy now with the idea of flying on Syrax again.

---

When the four of them arrive in the main entrance of the Dragonpit, they met two unexpected persons.

Alicent Hightower is there, looking to the sky, apprehensive. By her side, the Lord Commander Ser Criston Cole is standing with a serious expression while looking at them. His eyes are cold while looking at Rhaenyra.

She was surprised when she learned that Alicent wanted Ser Criston to be her sworn sword and personal Kingsguard and her father accepted it. The Princess of Dragonstone still don't understand fully why that happened in the first place.

Rhaenyra walks towards Alicent with a curious expression and a formal smile, trying to ignore the white knight. Alicent notices and look back at her with the same kind of smile.

"Lady Alicent, how surprising is to meet you here. Can i ask why are you here?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks. Alicent keeps her formal posture intact.

"I am waiting. They will be here very soon." The brown-haired princess proclaims. Rhaenyra frowns.

"Who are you waiting for?" The nominated heir to the throne asks. As Alicent opens her mouth to answer, the sound of two different roars echoes trough the sky.

Everyone looks up to see two figures emerge from the sky.

Firstly, a big red dragon with a long neck descends with a loud hissing roar. Caraxes moves in the air almost like a snake.

And then, right behind Caraxes, a second dragon emerges. A much smaller dragon, not much bigger than a horse, full of bright gold scales and a pair of long marble white horns, descends with a more classic roar for a dragon. The light of the sun goes trough the clear pink part of the wings of the dragon. A marvelous creature, for sure.

The two dragons dance in circles in the sky. Rhaenyra is surprised.

"Is that dragon..."

"Aegon's dragon? Yes. My husband tought it was time to let our eldest son take his dragon to the sky. I was against it because Egg is only six, but i am powrless here." The princess from The Reach says with a sigh. Rhaenyra nods in understanding, still surprised.

"At six? I did that when i was seven. Is my uncle trying to create a competition here?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks, not moving her eyes away. Alicent snorts.

"I hope that you don't try to beat it, princess. I don't want even younger children to ride dragons to the skys." The daughter of the Hand proclaims, a bit bitter. Rhaenyra nods, agreeing with her. Laenor, who was by her side all the time, looks to Alicent.

"Have any of the eggs of the other two hatch?" The prince consort asks, curious. Alicent sighs.

"No. Daemon said that it was destiny. He did not hatch a egg and instead claimed a older dragon. He expects Helaena and Aemond to claim older dragons in the future. And i am a bit concerned, as you can imagine." The princess says, serious and almost sarcastic. Rhaenyra frowns.

"They are Targaryens. I am sure they will have no problems to claim dragons." The Princess of Dragonstone says with confidence. Alicent sighs.

"May the gods let you be right about that, princess." The older woman proclaims.

And then, Caraxes roars and prepare to land, with the smaller dragon following him. The two dragons lands in the ground near them, letting out some grunts as they do so. The observes walks towards them.

Daemon Targaryen dismount from Caraxes and stroke the scales on the neck of the dragon, who hisses a bit.

The Rogue Prince then walks towards the gold dragon, who grunts to him, showing his sharp teeth.

"Gīda ilagon, iksan daor kesīr naejot ōdrikagon aōha kipagīros. (Calm down, i am not here to hurt your rider.)" The prince says in High Valyrian. The dragon calms down and let Daemon get to his saddle.

Rhaenyra sees her cousin, the little Aegon, with a messy hair, a large smile and the bright eyes of a very happy child. He laughs as his father remove him from his saddle.

"Kepa! I want to fly more! I want more!" The young prince complains, shaking himself on his father's arms. Daemon grunts in irritation before letting his son on the ground.

"Not today, boy. Be satisfied that i even let you take your dragon for a ride." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Aegon does a pout, but nods. He then smiles again and run towards the head of his dragon, hugging and stroking it.

"Avy jorrāelan, Vēzzy! (I love you, Sunny!)" The young prince proclaims in High Valyrian. The golden dragon growls to him with some kind of appreciation. Corlys laughs a bit as he looks towards Daemon.

"Your boy still calls his dragon Sunny?" The Sea Snake asks. Daemon snorts.

"I convinced him to give the dragon a proper name. Aegon, come here and tell Lord Corlys here what is the name of your dragon." The Rogue Prince demands. Aegon let his dragon go and then walks to his father, who points out to Corlys. The little boy looks up to the old Sea Snake, a bit intimidated.

"His name is Sunfyre!" The young prince proclaims it out loud. The Sea Snake smiles to the boy.

"A good name, my prince." The old man says and the boy smile back, before finally noticing his mother and going towards her.

"Muna!" The boy proclaims as he opens his arms and Alicent is happy to bend down and take him into a hug.

"Oh Egg! Look at you! Your hair is a mess, your clothes are out of place and you almost worried your mother to death! We need to get back in the Red Keep so you can take a bath, do you understand?" The princess asks, kissing the cheek of her son before taking him by the hand. Aegon makes a pout.

"I don't want a bath, muunnaa!" The boy complains, but it falls in deaf ears as his mother takes him in direction of a carriage. Before she leaves, Alicent looks up to Daemon.

"Are you coming with us, husband?" The princess asks. Daemon trade a gaze with Corlys Velaryon and then looks back at Alicent.

"No. I have other things to do here." The Rogue Prince answers and Alicent nods before leaving in a carriage with her eldest son and Ser Criston Cole.

The dragonkeepers came around and guide Caraxes and Sunfyre to the cavernous entrances. The gold dragon resists more, being a naturally very agressive dragon. And then, Lord Corlys look at Rhaenyra and his family.

"I will see the three of you soon in the future. I hope you get used well to Driftmark, princess. My son, take good of our ancestral lands. And of course..." The Lord of the Tides proclaims, before smiling and walking towards his wife.

The couple share a short, but passionate kiss. And after that, they let their forehead connected for a bit before they let go. No words spoken.

Rhaenyra was never as much jealous in all her life as she is now.

Daemon then nods at everyone in respect, but does it as shortly as possible to Rhaenyra, who feels like she just took a needle to the heart once again.

The three dragonriders walks towards a dark entrance of the Dragonpit as they let the Rogue Prince and the Sea Snake behind. Rhaenys take a torch and light their way trough the human made caverns of the Dragonpit. The silence reigns around them.

---

Syrax roars trough the sky as Rhaenyra pull the reins to make the yellow dragon fly higher.

The Princess of Dragonstone smiles and laughs as she enjoys the pure emotion of flying. Her gold-silver hair moves in the wind without a care in the world. She don't care about her appearance right now.

Rhaenyra extends her hands and touch the clouds, enjoying the experience and feeling like she is once again the girl of seven that just claimed her dragon.

When Syrax get stable on the air, Rhaenyra sees the other two dragons on her sides. The grey scales of Seasmoke, who is slightly larger than Syrax, and the red scales of Meleys, the Red Queen, who is larger than the two other dragons, but still a bit smaller than Caraxes.

The three dragons have being flying trough the skys of the Narrow Sea for some time now, crossing Blackwater Bay in their way to Driftmark.

And then, it finally appeared. The island emerges in front of them. Rhaenyra firstly notices the extensive beaches on the coast of the island, then the docks where several ships are berthed.

And when they got closer, the could see the entirity of the majestic castle of high Tide. The marble shines in the sun. A show of the mighty and wealth of the Sea Snake.

The three dragons lands on the back of High Tide, a place made by the Velaryons to keep their dragons with only some chains, instead of the enormous structure that was the Dragonpit.

Syrax lands first on the ground and is soon followed by Seasmoke and then Meleys.

Rhaenyra get out of Syrax and give her dragon some strokes of affection before the keepers came to chain the dragons in place.

The three dragonriders walks together to the insides of High Tide, walking trough the several representations of the voyages of Corlys Velaryon on the walls of the castle's hallways.

Then, they finally arrive at the great hall of Driftmark, the Hall of Nine, where Corlys kept several of his treasures from his voyages. The Driftwood Throne, the ancient seat of House Velaryon, is there in evidence as well.

Rhaenys turns to the servants in the great hall and command them all to leave. Once the three of them are alone, she walks towards the Dirftwood Throne and seat on it, looking at both Laenor and Rhaenyra with a serious expression.

"Tell me, how will the marriage of you two work out? I know very well how Laenor... behave. What is your solution for that incovenience, princess?" The Lady consort of Driftmark asks. Rhaenyra tries to be as confident as possible in front of the eldest member of her house.

"Laenor and i have come to a agreement. He gave me permission to pursue the satisfaction and legacy that he is unable to give me, and as such, he will pretend to be the author of such actions, taking all the responsability." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims, trying to keep her voice in place as she talks in a enigmatic way.

Rhaengs is clearly not satisfied with that. Her expression is one of disgust and irritation.

"Foolish children, do you have any understanding of what are you two proposing? This a treasonous act that could destroy everything that my cousin and my husband are building here. What if this... legacy of yours don't look like they should look?" The Queen Who Never Was asks, angry. Rhaenyra takes a deep breath.

"I have tought about it. If the legacy don't turn out to be ideal, we will just have to do some explanation. The author is one of trust and one that i refuse to change because of the intimate aspect of the topic in question. It has to be him. We can use the past legacy to justify things as well. Like your own hair, good-mother." The princess explains, gaining more confidence as she talks. Rhaenys frowns.

"I know the author you are referring to. You really think that this plan of yours will work? There will be several people that will guess things out and can feel betrayed by that. House Velaryon, for example." The older woman proclaims. Rhaenyra frowns back.

"Lord Corlys got both of his children as consorts, he has no reason to complain. After all, he agreed to the marriage even knowing the circunstances. He ended up biting more than he could chew and is suffering for that now. My position is frail and i need my own legacy to support me as fast as possible. But i have a proposal here. I want to tie my legacy with yours, lady Rhaenys. Trough Laena." The princess explains and proposes. Rhaenys frowns, thinking more before smirking.

"Laena still don't have a legacy. She might never have or even that legacy might not last long. And, if she does have a legacy, why we should not try to change our preferences and forget about your legach to embrace hers?" The woman of black hair asks. Rhaenyra takes a step-back with the implications, but frowns with a serious expression, recovering her posture.

"That is treason, lady Rhaenys, and you know that. My father named me to my position, and it will still be my position independent of the legacy that your daughter build with him. It does not matter if that legacy have something that i don't. You asked me what i would do if people start to notice things, and i have the most simples answer. Nobody dare to question the word of the King. And the the King, my father, is the most important supporter that i have and the only one i truly need. If i say that my legacy is your legacy as well, i am sure that he will stand by my side. With that, i will ask you one thing. Will House Velaryon go against the word of the King of the Seven Kingdoms? Will House Velaryon call me a liar and a criminal and probably start a war that would kill several members their own family?" The princess asks, making her voice higher with each phrase.

Rhaenys and Rhaenyra trade fixed glares, staring at the soul of each other. Purple on purple.

And then, Lady Rhaenys sighs and get up from the Driftwood Throne. She walks towards Rhaenyra and looks at her more closely in the eye.

"The choice is yours, Rhaenyra. You reap what you sow. But remember, the Iron Throne is the most dangerous and desired thing in Westeros. Your father will not live forever to support you. If Laena gives what Corlys wants, i don't know what he might choose. But, the worse one is Daemon and the Hightowers. Your biggest adversaries." The Queen Who Never Was whisper honestly. Rhaenyra frowns at the end.

"My uncle would never go against me and i consider Alicent to be a friend of mine. They are not my enemy." The princess proclaims firmly. Rhaenys smirks.

"Daemon tought he was the heir before your brother died because you are a woman, by the ideals of my grandfather, Jaehaerys the Conciliator, the greatest king of Westeros, he would still be the heir to the throne over you. He has the Hightowers on his side, one of the most powerful houses in Westeros. He has a perfect legacy now. And, the worst part... he has a ambition as deep as the ocean. Whatever affection he has to you does not matter in front of his ambitions. Don't hesitate around him, Rhaenyra." The Lady of Driftmark whisper, very serious. Rhaenyra take a step back, but keep her posture.

"It does not matter. If he ever become a enemy, and when my father is gone, with House Velaryon by my side and the world of a peaceful King guarding me, no one will stop me of getting what i want. I am sure of that." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims, still looking at Rhaenys in the eyes. The older woman smirks before walking away.

"Be careful, princess. Your path will be filled with blood, for certain." The Queen Who Never Was says before leaving the hall.

Laenor, who was just watching in silence, look at the troubled Rhaenyra with compassion.

"I will try to make things a bit easier with my mother. Do you need anything?" The heir of Driftmark asks softly. Rhaenyra sighs and denies with her head.

"No. There is nothing that i need. Go talk to her." The Princess of Dragonstone says, looking at the ground. Laenor nods and leaves the hall.

Rhaenyra, now alone, looks at the entire Hall of Nine, seeing the legacy of the Sea Snake.

A true legacy.

She might be building a legacy of lies, but is her legacy. And she don't need to give satisfaction to anyone. She will do as she please and will deal with the consequence on her way as well.

With a final sigh, Rhaenyra seats on the Driftwoof Throne and relax, thinking about her lover and how much time he might take to get here. She might need his assistance pretty soon.

---

Chapter Text

----

LAENOR I

---

114 AC -

---

The year that followed Laenor's wedding with the heiress of the Iron Throne was certainly a tough one.

For the most part, the new couple was living in Driftmark while Laenor took care of the Velaryon fleet and administrated the island.

The administration itself gave Laenor several headaches trough the year. His cousin, Ser Vaemond, don't have near as much respect for him as he does to the Sea Snake. Lack of age and deeds were not in his favor, even if he fought in the Conquest of Stepstones, as that war was now frequently named.

Yet, the most trouble he had was dealing with everything that was related to his marriage.

Rhaenyra was not impressed by the island for too much time and spended a lot of her day on the sky with Syrax or walking on the sands of the coast, a hobby she ended up developing during the year.

And during the night, she would share a considerable amount of time with her beloved knight on her bedchamber.

By Laenor's perception, Rhaenyra is a very lustful young woman. Even with his lost lover, he did not spend even half the same amount of time in the bedchamber.

Remembering Joffrey is still like a stabbing his own heart, but he is getting more used to it with time. Yet, he has not found solace with anyone else. He is focus is elsewhere now.

Just a few moons after their marriage, Rhaenyra announced that she was pregnant.

His father was delighted with the information, after all, he don't know about the arrangement that was made between him and Rhaenyra.

His mother, on the other hand, knew very well what the young couple was doing. She observed in silence what was happening and often gave her inputs to them when they were alone.

Rhaenys was, of course, against the whole act, but she did not expose anything to her husband or even the King.

Laenor would be punished for going along with this and the alliance between the Targaryens and the Velaryons would be drastically severed. Her hands were tied and trying to convince them was the only option she had.

Her first proposal was to Rhaenyra to lay with a man of valyrian blood. Maybe a Velaryon of another line that would be trustworthy. Rhaenyra declined imediatly. She was not willing to open her legs to a man she don't feel any kind of affection.

The second proposal was Rhaenyra to not have any children at all and just let Laena's future children be her heirs.

His wife was also against it. She really wants her legacy on the throne at any cost.

In the end, any proposal made to Rhaenyra was rejected. She was too stubborn about her on plan.

Rhaenyra got things the way she wanted.

And now, Laenor finds himself waiting outside on the hallways of High Tide while Rhaenyra is in labor on the room in front of him. She often screams with pain, making a shiver of sympathy goes down his spine.

He was alone with her when she entered in labor and they quickly called the maester of Driftmark to make the deliver of the child.

The whole birth has being going for an hour, but it is seems to be close to a end, according to the maester.

As Laenor is staring at the door, his mother finally arrives in a quick pace, looking at him with a very common frown from her in this past year.

"Is she close?" The Lady consort of Driftmark asks directly. Laenor nods his head.

"The maester said so. He said that it was quicker than average, but Rhaenyra was suffering more pain than he expected. She might need to rest for some days." The Prince consort answers. Rhaenys nods and then gets closer to her son.

"Is he with her right now?" The Quee Who Never Was whispers. Laenor sighs.

"No. He wanted to, but i denied. We can't let things more obvious than it is already. He is somewhere on the castle and will not be close to Rhaenyra until she recovers." The heir of Driftmark explains. Rhaenys sighs in relief.

"Good. Now, we only need to pray that he child looks more valyrian and the plan might actually work." His mother says and Laenor can only nod in complete agreement.

In just a few minutes, the screams of Rhaenyra fades and in a few more minutes the maester comes out of the room. He gives a skeptical look to Laenor. A bad sign.

"Maester, how did it go?" The Prince consort asks, worried. The maester sighs.

"It is done. The baby was born. A healthy boy. The Princess is tired and fell asleep already. Come with me." The maester proclaims with a neutral tone. Laenor and his mother entered the room with him.

Laenor sees a very sweaty Rhaenyra in the bed, covered by a blanket. Her gold-silver hair is a mess all around her head and the bed. She is breathing heavily. And then, he sees the female assistants of the maester taking care of the child, who let out some common sounds of a baby.

Apprehensive, Laenor come closer and the woman holding the child smiles to him before passing him over with a white blanket around him.

Time for the truth. Laenor and Rhaenys take a good look at the baby.

His heart almost jump off his mouth.

The child is indeed a healthy boy with a lot of vigor as he shakes his little arms and legs around. But, it does not matter to them now.

The boy has a bunch of hair on his head. Brown hair. And when he opens his eyes, they are also brown.

Laenor keeps staring at the baby, asking himself on his head what he should do now.

Rhaenys looks at the maester and his assistants with a frown.

"Maester, please, let we alone for now. I will call you if we need anything." The Lady of Driftmark proclaims. The maester nods and leaves the room with his assistants.

After they leave, Rhaenys turns to Laenor with a serious expression. Her purple eyes stabbing his soul once again. Laenor knows what she wants. He sighs.

"You were right, mother. Satisfied?" The Prince consort asks, feeling bad. Rhaenys frowns with a low grunt.

"I should be the one asking you that. Can you see how much problem Rhaenyra's plan cauded to us now? She will not be able to lie about the nature of that child. He don't even have purple eyes. My hair will not be enough of a excuse." The Queen Who Never Was says, trying to keep her voice down. Laenor grunts as he tries to hold the child better on his arms.

"It is too late to do anything about it now. Exposing Rhaenyra will not work. The King is too defensive about his daughter and will pretend that everything is just a lie. No. He would actually believe it is just a lie. We need to play along. You will by our side, right, Muna?" The Prince consort whispers, almost desperate. Rhaenys gets a more soft expression and she sighs, hugging her son and, by extension, hugging the baby on his arms.

"I will be by your side, my son. Today, tomorrow, and always. But i will not defend Rhaenyra's mistakes. I will go on with her failed plan and pretend that this boy is my grandson. We can only hope that the influence of Viserys will be enough." The Lady consort of Driftmark whispers on his ear. Laenor smiles to his mother and hug her back.

As soon as the hug ends, Rhaenyra starts shaking on her bed and slowly opens her eyes, grunting.

"Laenor... are you there?" She asks, looking on his direction while her senses are probably still coming back. Laenor sighs and walks to her with a small and optmistic smile. He gets on his knees by the side of the bed, holding the baby.

"Here is your son, my princess." The heir of Driftmark says with a gentle tone as he extends the boy to Rhaenyra. The young mother seems to get better by his words and quickly holds the child her arms, hugging him as she seats in the bed with a large smile and watery eyes.

"My baby... my son... i am so happy that you are healthy... i am so happy to be there with you." The princess says, hugging her child with all the affection that Laenor could imagine. Even Rhaenys seems touched a bit by the scene.

Crying out of happiness, Rhaenyra turns to her husband.

"Oh Laenor... i was so worried about dying in childbirth like my mother and grandmothers. I tought that i would die here today." The princess proclaims, crying a bit more. Laenor smiles and hug her with a arm.

"You did it Rhae... you are well. You and your child will be fine. You need to relax now." The Prince consort says to his wife. Rhaenyra smiles to him and nods, using her hands to wipe the tears. She then finally get a good look to her son and her happiness fades away and a expression of shock emerges on her face.

"Oh no... he looks... oh no..." She says, not being able to elaborate phrases anymore as her hand goes to her mouth. Laenor sighs and Rhaenys frowns, crossing her arms.

"We have a problem here. A problem with no solution. You trust your father that much, Rhaenyra?" The Queen Who Never Was asks very seriously. Rhaenyra looks up and confidence slowly goes back to her eyes.

"Absolutely. My father will be my side. I am sure of it. My fear is Lord Corlys..." The princess almost whispers by the end. Rhaenys nods.

"Your fear is justified. Corlys is one of the smartest men that i have ever met. That is a reason for why i married him. He will gather the pieces and found this answer in second once he sees the baby. He was informed of your labor and will be here at any second. You will need to convince him to play along, Rhaenyra." The Lady of Driftmark says. Rhaenyrs nods, fearful. Laenor looks at his mother.

"I am involved. Exposing Rhaenyra is exposing me. He would never do that to me." The heir of Driftmark proclaims, confident. Rhaenys sighs and looks at her son's eyes.

"I am not sure of that. Corlys might feel that you are betraying and might throw you to the lions. Laena still did not give any children to the King, but Corlys might still do something like that to keep his pride and honor. Be careful." The Queen Who Never Was says. Laenor nods, troubled by that. Rhaenyra holds her son tightly against her. She looks to the eldest Targaryen woman.

"I will not let the Sea Snake be between me, my son, and my throne. I will make him submit, you can be sure of that." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. Rhaenys smirks, skeptic. Laenor looks at the baby once again.

"Do you have any name in mind?" The consort asks his wife. Rhaenyra frowns.

"No. Do you have any ideas?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks. Laenor thinks for a bit before one name quickly rolls out of his tongue.

"Joffrey. I want to name him after Joffrey." The Prince consort proclaims. Rhaenyra frowns.

"I am not naming my heir after youf dead lover, Laenor. It is not even a valyrian name. What about naming him after a powerfum Targaryen king? What about Jaehaerys?" The princess asks her husband once again. Laenor seems to like it, but Rhaenys smirks.

"It is not a good idea. My grandfather would probably be against your claim to the throne, remember that. You should stay way of that name." The wife of the Sea Snake says. Rhaenyra sighs, but nods.

"Any suggestions, good mother?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks the black-haired woman. Rhaenys frowns and thinks for a second.

"What about Jacaerys? It is a old Velaryon name." The Queen Who Never Was suggests. Rhaenyra thinks about it.

"Jacaerys... i like it. So, this little boy here is Jacaerys Velaryon, my son and heir." The Princess of Dragonstone says, hugging her son once again with a smile of pure affection. Laenor smiles a bit.

The door is suddenly opened and the three of them looks to the door to see a a messenger, panting. He looks to Rhaenys.

"My Lady, Lord Corlys has arrived with his retinue to meet his new grandchild. He will be waiting in the Hall of Nine." The man says, Rhaenys nods, and he leaves.

Laenor feels Rhaenyra holding his hand tight as she grows more nervous. Rhaenys sighs.

"We should not let him waiting. Laenor, help your wife to get up. I will call the maids to help her change to more proper clothes." The Queen Who Never Was says, leaving the room.

Laenor nods and helps Rhaenyra get up. He sighs, hoping that things don't turn out too bad.

---

The walk to the Hall of Nine is made in silence. The only thing that can be heard is the sound of steps echoing trough the walls of the castle and the distant sound of waves coming from the windows.

The large doors are opened by two guards and when they get in, they see the Sea Snake seating on the Driftwood Thrones. He gets up with a smile and walks to them.

"How glorious report i received! So, are you recovering well from the birth?" The Lord of the Tides asks. Rhaenyra weakly smiles.

"I will live, Lord Corlys." She says. Corlys laughs and nods. He then walks closer.

"I hope so. Now, let me see my grandchild." The Sea Snake says, looking at the covered baby on Rhaenyra's arms.

Laenor feels his heart failing him for a second. He and Rhaenyra trade a stare before Laenor standing by the side of both his wife and his father as Rhaenyra uncovers the child and Lord Corlys take a good look.

The Sea Snake looks at the child for a bit, but his expression is quickly changed to a frown. He looks at Rhaenyra with a serious glance and then at Laenor.

The heir of Driftmark feels his heart rise to his throat as his father get closer to him. The purple eyes of the Sea Snake are filled with a confusion of emotions that Laenor can't properly understand what is his father feeling right now.

But then, Lord Corlys snaps his fingers and all his guards quickly leaves the Hall of Nine, letting only the four nobles on the Hall. Corlys is still staring at Laenor, who takes a deep breath and creates bravery to speak.

"Father, i..." the Prince consort starts.

Until his father slaps his face with all his strength, making Laenor shake as his feels the pain in the place.

"Corlys! I will not let you strike our son!" Lady Rhaenys proclaims as she frowns to her husband, holding his arm. Corlys grunts as he moves his arm away from her, looking at the Queen Who Never Was with a irritated expression.

"Are you trying to defend the failure of our son, Rhaenys?! I don't care about his preferences as long as he accomplishes his duty with his house. Yet, he spitted on his legacy! He is letting this girl humilliate our house like that!" The Sea Snake proclaims, furious, pointing his finger at Rhaenyra. The Princess frowns and take a proud posture.

"I would hold my tongue if was you, Lord Corlys. A false accusation against me is a act of treason against the crown. My father could demand your head for that." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. Corlys grunt, getting closer to her. His bigger size makes Laenor's wife get uncomfortable near his father.

"The only thing false here is the legitimacy of your bastard here, princess." The Sea Snake whispers between his teeth. Rhaenyra keeps her stare.

"My father will surely have any doubts about the legitimacy of my son, Lord Corlys." The princess proclaims, certain. The Sea Snake stares at her for one more second before smirking.

"So, the little girl is hiding behind the legs of her protective father. King or not, your father can't protect you from everything. So, tell me, what would happen if i formaly accused you of birthing a bastard and trying to fool me, take you as a hostage and demanded from your father annulment of this marriage, to send this bastard to the wall or the Citadel, and send you to the silent sisters?" The Lord of the Tides asks with a strong tone of voice. The eyes of the others get wide.

"Father, you can't be serious! That is a exaggeration!" The Prince Consort proclaims, worried. Corlys grunts.

"Keep your mouth closed, Laenor. I don't want a word for you after how you betrayed me!" The Sea Snake proclaims. Laenor step back, shocked by his father's words. Corlys looks back at Rhaenyra, who hugs her son more tightly and try to stand up.

"My father would declare your acts as treason and my uncle would go to war against you to retrieve me. You would be defeated, executed, and Laenor would ascend to be Lord of Driftmark and my ally." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims with confidence. Corlys does not look surprised. He looks at Laenor with dissapointment for a second before looking at his wife.

"Who will you stand up with, Rhaenys. Your husband or the Princess that betrayed us?" The Sea Snake asks. Rhaenys looks at him in the eyes, serious, but also troubled.

"I am sorry Corlys, but i am a mother first and i will stand with my children until the bitter end." The Queen Who Never Was proclaims. Corlys sighs. He then looks at Rhaenyra.

"Let me tell you what would really happen, Princess. After i make my demands for justice and your father fails to even discuss that and go to war to get his precious daughter back, he would never see you again. I would get you and your bastard executed in a blink of an eye. I would disinherit Laenor, take Rhaenys as a prisoner on our bedroom, and name Laena as my heir on his place. Sure, i would eventualy loose and die, but i would win. I know your father. He would never execute Laena for whatever i do. She will still be his queen. She will give him new children in the future. And my blood will seat on the iron throne one day. Do you get it?" The Sea Snake explains. The Princess of Dragonstone takes it almost like a real punch to the stomach. Laenor grunts to his father.

"It would not work that way, father. The King holds the word, not a defeated lord. If you are defeated, Rhaenyra would be declared innocent, and that would make the reason for my disinheritance null. I would become the Lord of Driftmark. The only way to make it work the way you want would be executing me. But you will never do that. I am your son. I know you. My entire you told me that our family was the most important thing to you. Was that a lie?" The Prince Consort asks with a demanding tone and watery eyes. The Sea Snake slowly looks at his son. His anger fades and sadness take it's place.

"No. Never. I value my family more than any gold that i have. And yet, my family want to stabb me in the back." The Lord of Driftmark proclaims, losing his will as he looks to the marble floor. Rhaenys lands a hand on the shoulder of her husband, calling his attention.

"You told me more than once that history does not remember blood. It remember names. We can solve things. Please. Just hear what Rhaenyra has to propose to you." The Queen Who Never Was begs with a soft tone. Corlys thinks for a bit and then sighs. He looks to Rhaenyra with a serious expression.

"Tell me your proposal, princess. I hope it is a well tought one. For your own good." The Sea Snake proclaims, still bitter with the situation. Rhaenyra sighs and recovers her posture.

"Well, Lord Corlys, as you points out, Laena will probably give children to my father. Children that will be very close in age to my son. As such, i propose to marry my son to Laena's first daughter. If i have more children and Laena does too, we will make more weddings as spares. As such, your blood will surely be on both the Iron Throne and Driftmark once again. And by name, it will always be there. What do you think?" The Princess of Dragonstone proposes. Corlys snorts.

"Laena still did not gave your father any children in 6 years of marriage. I hope that she give him children, but they might not even be from the right sex. They might be all boys. I need more from you, princess." The Sea Snake proclaims. Rhaenyra is frowning, clearly thinking.

And then, her face is substituted by a mix of realisation and also nervousness. Laenor does not like that at all. His wife looks to his father with a troubled expression.

"I have a idea. A idea that i think you might agree, but i need the acceptance of another person." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. The Sea Snake frowns, confused.

Rhaenyra walks to Laenor and gives him the little Jacaerys. Laenor struggles to hold him for a bit.

The princess turns to Rhaenys and grunts as she falls to her knees, looking up. The older woman looks to her, wondering what she is doing. Laenor is also very confused.

What in the seven hells is the idea of his wife? He observes as Rhaenyra bows her head to his mother.

"Lady Rhaenys, i have tried all the options that i have, but it is not enough yet. Your dear husband demands his blood on the throne at all costs. There is only one solution, and i think you know that. But, i need your acceptance first." The Princess of Dragonstone asks, being humble. Rhaenys gather the pieces on her mind and gets shocked when she understands. Laenor and Corlys are also very surprise. Then, the eldest Targaryen alive frowns, irritated.

"You were very against this kind of thing last year. What changed?" The Queen Who Never Was asks, bitter. Rhaenyra sighs.

"I don't have a choice. I need to. If Laena doesn't give a proper wife to my son, i will have to do it myself." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims.

Laenor finally understands the plan. He can't deny, it leaves a horrible taste on his mouth. His father is skeptic as he looks at his mother.

"You would be conniving with that, Rhaenys?" The Sea Snake asks. Rhaenys snorts with a grunt.

"Don't try to be what you are not, Corlys." The consort of Driftmark procalims with a bitter expression in her face. Lord Corlys looks shameful with that comment of hers.

Rhaenyra stands up and looks to Corlys. Eye on eye. She is clearly embarassed.

"That plan is a last resort. I hate it, but if that is what necessary, so be it." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. The Sea Snake snorts.

"Good. Now tell me the requirements of that plan of yours." The Lord of the Tides proclaims. Laenor feels like a needle is going trough his chest. Rhaenyra keeps a strong posture.

"If Laena doesn't give birth to two consorts to at least two of my children in 5 years, i will let the plan be executed so i can accomplish what she failed to." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims, trying to keep her voice in check to proclaim something that she doesn't like. Lord Corlys frowns, thinking.

"And what if none of that works? What if Laena and you fails?" The Sea Snake asks. Rhaenyra frowns, irritated.

"I have made all the offers i could to you, Lord Corlys. There is no certainties in this world. I gave you a large chance of your blood ending in the throne. That is all i can offer to you." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. Corlys smirks.

"Good answer. It might be good for you to remember that, princess. Most of the time, things does not go as you plan. You mentioned before your uncle helping you. How long do you think he will be by your side?" The Sea Snake asks. The Princess frowns, almost offended.

"My uncle will be my side until the end like he always was. He has no reason to be my enemy." The heir to the Iron Throne proclaims. Lord Corlys laughs.

"You don't understand your uncle, princess. He is ambitious. He is unforgiving. He is willing to walk over anyone that stands in his way to power and glory. He is married to Alicent Hightower. The daughter of the Hand of the King who also has the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard by her side, who, as i heard, hates you now. So, let me ask again, how long will take to Daemon Targaryen to desire the Iron Throne for himself?" The Sea Snake asks, very serious.

The silence reigns in the Hall of Nine as Rhaenyra lost all her words, thinking and thinking, but without finding any answers. Corlys snorts.

"You are learning things, girl. You still have a long way to go if you want to be a good Queen. I accept your proposal, but i hope that the gods either accomplish your wishes or bring a better solution. Now, i have other things to do. I will see you in the dinner." The Lord of Driftmark proclaims, leaving without any more words.

When the door closes again, Rhaenyra sighs, almost falling to the ground.

"By the gods, it is finally over." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims with relief. Laenor denies with his head, getting closer to her.

"It is not over. It is just the beggining. Here, take the babe." The heir of Driftmark says, giving the baby back to the mother. Rhaenyra smiles to her son before smiling to Laenor.

"Thank you, Laenor. For standing by my side. For everything. I don't deserve you." The princess proclaims, saddened. Laenor holds her shoulders with both hands and smiles to her.

"I am only paying for my failures as your husband. I wish i could be a better one to you. I am sorry for that." The prince consort says honestly. The two of them hugs, evading hurting the baby. Laenor kiss the forehead of Rhaenyra before turning to his mother with a sad expression. Rhaenys is clearly troubled. He walks to her with open arms.

"I am sorry, muna." The heir of Driftmark says, hugging his mother tightly. Rhaenys also hugs him back with all her strength.

"I will always be by your side, Laenor. Remember that." The Queen Who Never Was whispers in his ear begore kissing his cheek, which Laenor returns.

The hug ends and Laenor gets a arm around the shoulders of Rhaenyra while he looks at his mother.

"I will take her to rest on the bedroom. Thank you, muna." The Prince consort says with a short smile. Rhaenys smiles back before the young married couple let her alone in the Hall of Nine.

Laenor takes Rhaenyra trough the hallways of High Tide in a slow pace. All the time, Rhaenyra is thinking more and speaking to him.

"Do you think my uncle will go against me? He always treated me so well..." the Princess of Dragonstone asks, sad with the perspective. Laenor sighs.

"Daemon Targaryen is the very definition of a ambitious man. I fought by his side once. He has a thirsty for glory that i never saw in any other man. You should think again if his actions were affection or him trying to manipulate you in his favor." The prince consort proclaims, serious. Rhaenyra nods slowly.

As they enter into another hallway, they met someone.

A tall and muscular knight in armor with a golden cape on his back. He smile and takes his helmet from his head, revealing the face of Ser Harwin Strong. Rhaenyra imediatly smiles and recovers some of her vigor.

"Princess, i am delighted to hear that you are recovering well. How is the child?" The knight asks. Rhaenyra's smile get larger.

"He is doing well. A very healthy boy. Look." The princess proclaims, showing the boy to him. The eyes of Ser Harwin almost shines. He laughs, moving his hand to the child, who moves around with it.

"Indeed. The health of a future warrior. What is his name?" The heir of Harrenhal asks. Rhaenyra laughs a bit as her son try to hold Harwin's finger with his little hand.

"His name is Jacaerys Velaryon. Do you want to hold him?" The princess asks. Ser Harwin nods and she gives him the child. The knight smiles to the child.

"Hey little one. I am the one protecting your mother day and night, you know? We will see each other a lot." The knight proclaims with a laughs as the little boy moves his hands and feet around, even if a newborn. Rhaenyra smiles to the scene.

Laenor coughs to call their attention and the smiles fade away as Ser Harwin retrieves Jacaerys to his mother. He then looks at Laenor and Rhaenyra.

"I will be going, my Prince, my Princess. I hope to see you two later. Congratulations for the baby." The Gold Cloak says before bowing to them and leaving.

Rhaenyra looks to Laenor with a irritated expression. The heir of Driftmark frowns.

"The whole situation will never make me stand near him in a comfortable way. And you should let things less and less obvious, Rhaenyra." The Prince consort says with a serious tone. Rhaenyra sighs.

"I guess you are right..." She says as the two of them continue walking.

Laenor has a question stuck in his throat, however.

"Would you really... do what you promised to my father?" Laenor asks, concerned. He fears the answer, but his curiosity is too big to ignore.

Rhaenyra frowns, disgusted, but serious.

"A promise is a promise, but you heard what he said. If there is a better way in the future, he will accept it. It was about sending a message, Laenor. I was proving that i can make sacrifices, as a good Queen should. However, i still need to learn more. A lot more. He conered me with ease." She whispers with a rispid voice as the two of them continue to walk.

The silence reign for a few seconds before Laenor smiles to his wife.

"So, what about we have a few cup of tea as we read a book together in the bed?" The Prince consort offers with a soft tone, extending his left hand to her.

Rhaenyra opens a large smile as she enlance her right hand with his left hand, both making gentle strokes in the back of the hand of the other with their thumbs.

"I would love to." The princess proclaims as the two of them walks towards the bedroom.

---

Chapter Text

---

DAEMON VI

---

114 AC -

---

The Rogue Prince grunts as he walks after his eldest son trough the entrance of the Red Keep, passing trough the guards.

Aegon looks at his father with a large smile. His golden-silver hair is cut short and he is using dirty black clothes with the Targaryen sigil covering his chest.

"Kepa! When we can fly again?!" The young prince asks. Daemon sighs, annoyed by the constant voice of the boy on his head, invading his toughts.

"We just got back from one, Aegon and your mother hates it. I don't care about her opinion, but i don't like to here her complaining for over a hour." The Rogue Prince says with a neutral tone. Aegon makes a pout.

"Muna is not fun! When i get older, i will fly as much as i want!" The prince says, running more trough the hallways. Daemon grunts.

"Aegon! Come here and be quiet, boy!" The Rogue Prince calls, frustrated. Aegon snorts and cross his arms with frustration as he walks back to be by the side of his father.

Instants later, a servant walks to them and bow.

"Prince Daemon, the Hand of the King is calling you to his room as soon as possible." The servant says. Daemon smirks, keeping walking with his son as the messenger follows them.

"What he wants with me? If it is another stupid discussion about taxation, i prefer to watch paint dry." The prince proclaims. The messenger denies with his head.

"He says he needs to discuss recent informations with you. Important ones, apparently." The messenger says. Daemon frowns and then smirks. He looks as Aegon, who is just hearing, a bit confused.

"Looks like your grandfather has finally become a gossipy old lady." The Rogue Prince mocks. Aegon laughs, even if he don't fully understand the offense behind the joke. Daemon looks at his son with a neutral expression now.

"Go back to your room. Play with your brother if you want. If you get lost, i am making you eat onlg lettuce for the rest of the week. Your mother will probably like that." The Rogue Prince says with a malicious smile. Aegon's eyes get wide with terror.

"Nooo! I will not get lost!" The young prince says, running away. Daemon sighs as he sees that it is the right direction. He then nods to the messenger before walking towards the chambers of his not so beloved good-father.

---

The Rogue Prince take a final turn into the hallway where Otto lives and see his door with a very familiar figure standing by the side of it.

Ser Criston Cole is there with his shining white armor, looking at the opposite wall with a emotionless expression, like a statue of marble. Daemon walks to him with a laugh. The white knight looks at him.

"My prince." The Lord Commander says with a simple nod of his head. Daemon smirks.

"I might be asking the obvious here, but is my wife inside this chamber by any chance?" The Rogue Prince asks, ironic. Ser Criston snorts.

"Yes. She is, my prince. I think you should join her and her father." The white knight proclaims with a neutral tone. The two man gazes at each other.

Since Rhaenyra's wedding, Ser Criston became the official bodyguard of his wife.

A lot of husbands would be concerned about another man being by the side of his wife almost all the time, but he has no reason to be worried about Cole.

After hearing the entire story of the knight, he can easily identify what kind of relationship Criston has with Alicent.

Devotion.

Rhaenyra broke his patethic heart and now he craves for a idealistic woman. A symbol of pureness. The opposite of the image he has of Rhaenyra now.

Laughable.

Yet, that kind of man is perfect to have around him. Easy to manipulate in his favor and too idealistic to dare "corrupt" his wife. A perfect tool.

The Rogue Prince walks to the door and knocks. He can hear the faint sound of a chair getting moved.

As a experienced warrior, Daemon can say that the chair was moved by someone getting up, and by that speed, it certainly was Otto.

His wife was, after years, heavy with one more child. It happened by accident, but Alicent being the obsessed religious woman that she is refused to drink moon tea after learning about it.

He is not complaining, however. He could use one more project of a perfect soldier or a daughter that could make new allies for him. His toughts are interrupted.

"Enter. Both you and Ser Criston." Otto calls from inside the room. Daemon and Criston looks at each other for a second before they enter in the room.

Daemon take a good luck on the same old room of Otto Hightower. The aligned books on the shelfs and the papers on their place in the table.

The windows are closed, so the only light on the dark room is coming from candles.

Otto is standing behind his table with his usual green clothes. His gaze is a composed one.

Daemon moves his eyes to a close chair and see his wife there, laying her back on the stuffed part of the chair.

Alicent relax while keeping both hands on her enlarged belly. She is closer and closer to give birth. She looks at her husband with curious eyes. She clearly does not understand what is happening. Daemon turns his eyes back to Otto and grunts.

"What do you want, Hightower?" The Rogue Prince asks, impatient. Ser Otto frowns and ignores him for a moment as he looks to Ser Criston, who is behind Daemon.

"Ser Criston, please, lock the door. This conversation is very private." The Hand commands. The white knight nods and close the door. Afte the sound of the lock is heard, the four of them are isolated inside the room. Otto sighs and looks back at Daemon with a serious expression.

"Take a seat." The Hand says, pointing to a chair by the side of Alicent's chair. Daemon smirks, but seats on the chair, giving a quick look to Alicent's belly before looking back at Otto, who is now serving wine in two cups.

The Hand walks to Daemon with the two cups and offer one to him. The Rogue Prince frowns, but he accepts the drink. He could enjoy some wine.

"What do you want with that reunion, Otto? I hope you are not scheming anything again. I am tired of you and your plans." The Rogue Prince says with a grunt before taking a sip of the wine. Arbor Gold, he notices. How unoriginal for a man of the Reach. Ser Otto snorts.

"I am not scheming, my prince. It is the opposite. I fear that i have to inform you, Alicent and even Ser Criston of another person scheming around us." The Hand of the King proclaims. Daemon frowns, Alicent is confused and Ser Criston is in both situations.

"Lord Hand, sorry, but i think i should not be there for that conversation. I will leave." The Lord Commander proclaims, turning around. Ser Otto frowns.

"I think what i have to tell here is of great interest to you, Ser Criston. Please, stay." The Hand demands. Ser Criston hesitates, but complies, walking more to the middle of the room, looking at Otto with curiosity. Alicent sighs, frustrated.

"Please father, say what you want to say and just let we go. I want to see my children before going to take a nap. My back is killing me." The pregnant princess says, grunting as she tries to fix her posture on the chair. Otto sighs, before looking at a small rolled paper on his hand.

"Princess Rhaenyra has given birth in Driftmark. A healthy boy. She named him Jacaerys Velaryon." The Hand of the King proclaims.

The room is in complete silence as the information settles. Daemon laughs with a malicious smile.

"Let me guess. The baby is too... strong?" The Rogue Prince says before laughing. Alicent frowns at him, offended.

"Daemon! We already had this conversation. I refuse to believe that Rhaenyra would do that unworthy act! By the gods, she is the heir to the throne! Please, father, tell us how the baby looks." The princess asks, hopeful and almost desperate. Ser Otto sighs once more.

"The boy has brown hair and brown eyes." The Hand of the King proclaims. Daemon laughs even louder as Alicent goes pale in shock, her mouth opened.

"Look at your face! You seriously believed that Rhaenyra wouldfo the deed with Laenor! What a foolish lady you are, Alicent." The Rogue Prince proclaims, etertained. Alicent is still shocked, trying to speak.

"B-But w-why? Why would she do that?! She has no idea of what she is doing!" The princess proclaims, getting more angry and stressed. Daemon smirks.

"I can already see my brother making excuses. Hilarious." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a laugh. The bitter tone on his voice going almost unoticed by everyone, except to the old Hand. Daemon takes a big sip from his cup as Alicent tries to calm down.

Daemon sighs after drinking almost all of his cup of wine and then looks at Ser Criston, who is looking at the ground with a mixed expression. Anger, sadness, confusion... all is there on the face of the Lord Commander of the King's Guard. Daemon smirks.

"I tought you would be more... energic, Cole. How does it feel that your former lover is having children of questionable birth?" The Rogue Prince asks. Ser Criston frowns to him, irritated.

"I don't know. How does it feel to be behind a bastard in the succession of the throne?" The white knight asks. Daemon grunts with anger, getting up.

"What did you say, dog?" The Rogue Prince asks, walking towards Criston as the armored knight does the same. Ser Otto gets between them as Alicent grunts, trying to get up.

"Enough! I will not let any fights happen between us! We already have too much on our pla-aah!" The princess proclaims as she grunts in pain as she falls back to her seat. The three men turn to them and Otto runs to his daughter as she starts to breathe faster, frown in pain, and hold her stomach.

"Alicent! What is happening?!" The Hand of the King asks, holding her free hand with one of his own hands and holding her back with the other. Alicent grunts in pain once again.

"It is time... father... AAH!" She screams in pain once again. Otto looks back at Daemon and Criston.

"Ser Criston, call Grand Maester Mellos! Now! Daemon, help me move Alicent to the right room!" The Hand of the King commands. The white knight quickly leaves the chambers and Daemon walks to his wife.

With a unexperienced effort, Daemon and Otto helps Alicent get up and move her to outside of the room.

Trough all of it, Daemon's completely lost in toughts about his unborn child, his screaming wife, and the poor choices of his favorite princess.

---

Daemon stand outside of the door in the same way he did four years ago, looking at it while his wife screams inside.

Otto Hightower is by his side. Ser Criston is also there, but a bit far from them.

The three men stay in complete silence, besides the painful screams of Alicent. Daemon frowns to Otto.

"What did you expect me to do about Rhaenyra?" The Rogue Prince asks. Ser Otto frowns back at him.

"I expected you to be against the idea of this child being passed as something he is not." The Hand proclaims. Daemon smirks.

"Oh please. What do you even achieve with that? My brother will not care about anything we have to say. The child is his grandchild and the fool will only care about that." The Rogue Prince proclaims, bitter. Otto sighs.

"I know. But it will change our plans. Rhaenyra has a son and heir now. The queen still don't have a child of her own. If we want our blood in the throne, we will need to move our piece carefully." The Hand of the King proclaims. Daemon smirks.

"A wedding proposal would work. Helaena to Jacaerys. The little bastard will need some more valyrian blood on his descendance for sure." The Rogue Prince proclaims with scorn. Otto snorts.

"It will not work." The Hand of the King says straight away. Daemon frowns.

"Why not?" The prince asks. Otto looks at him with a serious gaze.

"I know my daughter. Alicent will never accept a wedding proposal of her trueborn Targaryen daughter to a bastard. For her, the boy is a sin and a injustice against House Targaryen. I don't think she will look at princess Rhaenyra the same way ever again." The Hand says, bitter. Daemon snorts.

"I hate to admit it, but you are probably right. Alicent would put her ideals over our ambitions without a second tought. My brother will also never allow this wedding without the consent of Alicent. I am tired of it. I am tired of being the man that can't even have power over his own children. I am tired of being a mere servant to my brother while Rhaenyra bury her claim on shit as she chokes on Strong cock." The prince proclaims with a grunt. Otto grunts back.

"Be careful of how high you say that things, Daemon. The walls sometimes have ears. Either way, we will need to make a new plan. The Sea Snake has done nothing about it until now..." The Hand proclaims, thinking. Daemon let out a dry laugh.

"He will probably never do something about it. If Rhaenyra was not condemned by the Velaryons yet, she must have done some type of agreement with them. If i would guess, she is hiding behind her father on that one, as always." The Rogue Prince says with a bitter laugh. Otto frowns, thinking more.

"I will search for answers soon, but i think you might be right on that one, my prince." The Hand proclaims, ironic. Daemon smirks.

"I am always right, Hightower." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a arrogant tone. Otto snorts with scorn. Ser Criston grunts.

"My lords, can we please be silent once more?" The white knight asks in a cordial tone. Daemon and Otto stay in silence after that.

Suddenly, Alicent stop creaming in pain and a baby cry is heard for some time, making the three men gaze at the door.

Soon, the door opens and Grand Maester Mellos get out of it with a tired sigh.

"It is done. You two can get inside to see the baby. Except Ser Criston, i am afraid." The Grand Maester points out, looking at the white knight. Ser Criston nods and stand by the side of the door.

Daemon and Otto walks inside the room and meet a unconscious Alicent, something that triggers past memories of four years ago to Daemon.

As Otto walks foward to check his precious daughter, Daemon moves his eyes around and see the maids taking care of the baby, he walks towards them.

The maids notice him and the one holding the baby with a red blanket smiles to him with happiness.

"Congratulations, my prince. It is another healthy boy." The maid says with a joyful tone as she offers the baby to him. Daemon stops on his track.

A son. A third son. Another man with nothing giving to him. A mere third son of a second son. A drop of tint on the immense book of history of House Targaryen.

Daemon ignores his toughts and takes his newborn son into his arms. He imediatly takes a good look at the boy, who is looking at him with curiosity.

Not a big baby and quite pale, but he has what Daemon wanted. Silver-blonde hair and purple eyes. The Rogue Prince smiles a bit.

"Another son of Valyria. Four children with the looks of the Dragonlords of old. Your mother is quite competent on that regard, huh?" The Rogue Prince asks with a smirk. The boy opens his mouth to make a innocent and toothless smile. His eyes shines with the purity of a new soul.

Daemon turns his back to see Otto holding Alicent's hand with one hand and her face with the other as she shakes on her sleep. As Daemon observes them, Grand Maester Mellos walks to him with a serious expression.

"This was the worst birth she ever had. She will recover to full health in about a moon, but i drastically recommend that you stop having children. The next one could be fatal to her. Four is enough to you, Prince Daemon?" The maester asks. Daemon frowns and then sighs.

"I can't say i am not disappointed. I certainly wanted her to give birth to a whole army of children to me, like my mother promised to my father. Jokes aside, i understand. I am satisfied." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Grand Maester Mellos sighs with relief.

Otto gets up from the bed and walks towards Daemon. He takes the boy on his arms with way more care and experience than Daemon did and frowns.

"It is another good valyrian boy here. A perfect member of House Targaryen, don't you agree, my prince?" The Hand asks, ironic. Daemon snorts.

"Certainly. I did not expect that a old man like you could have a sense of humor, Otto." The Rogue Prince mocks. Otto grunts and Mellos is a bit confused, but don't question it.

"I am just a bit disappointed. A girl would offer more connections with the realm and would be more benefitial to us. As a third son of a second son, the boy is mostly condemned to pursue glory by being a knight and a dragonrider." The Hand of the King proclaims. Daemon smirks.

"Like your sons?" The Rogue Prince asks. Otto looks at him with anger, but controlls his impulses.

"I suppose. He might be a good candidate to be a kingsguard as well. Ser Criston would be perfect as a mentor to him. Maybe even a maester at Oldtown. He would be closer to his mother's family. Full of cousins around him." The Hand says with a soft tone while he looks at the baby on his arms. Daemon frowns and grunts.

"I prefer to die than seeing a son of mine on this stupid white cloak talking about duty and being a eunuch in practice. Being a maester is even worse for a Targaryen. My uncle Vaegon is bad enough as a Archmaester. The last report said that he spends more time reading books on his chambers than walking or talking combined. Yet, i would appreciate Cole training my children. You can't be skilled enough at arms." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Otto sighs, Mellos looks a bit offended and Ser Criston only frowns.

Suddenly, Alicent shakes on her bed and opens her eyes, looking at her sorroundings like a lost child. She finally sees the men on the room.

"Maester... Daemon... father... where is my child? I want to see it..." The princess says, pale and weak. She tries to sit on her bed, but fails with a grunt. Otto helps her to sit as Daemon gets closer, offering the child to her.

Alicent's eyes shine as she looks at the baby. She seens to recover some energy as she takes the baby on her arms and looks at him with a large smile.

"Oh my sweet boy... so handsome and special. A true member of House Targaryen..." the princess proclaims, showing her bitterness towards the current situation that she did not forget. Otto smiles to the scene.

"What name you have in mind to him, Alicent?" The Hand of the King asks. Alicent looks at her son, then to her husband, and then to her father.

"I was thinking about... Daeron. It is very similar to Daemon, but unic on his own away." The princess proclaims. Otto nods with his head and looks at Daemon, who snorts and crosses his arms.

"Really? You already moved a letter of my name to create Aemond and you are now changing a letter? Is that lack of originality or obsession?" The Rogue Prince asks, mocking. Alicent sighs and rolls her eyes.

"You like it or not, Daemon?" The princess asks, irritated. Daemon snorts and shrugs.

"It works for me." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Grand Maester Mellos then coughs to call the attention of everyone.

"Well, your grace, King Viserys, demanded me to inform that princess Rhaenyra will come in about two hours with Prince Laenor to introduce their son to her father. As such, the King demanded the presence of Prince Daemon, Princess Alicent, and the children once the princess recovers." The Grand Maester announces. Daemon frowns.

"I doubt that Alicent will be getting out of this bed anytime soon..." The Rogue Prince proclaims, only to see his wife trying to get out of bed and being stopped by Otto. Daemon grunts.

"What are you doing?" The Rogue Prince asks. Alicent frowns to him with pure will.

"The king demanded my presence and i will obey. I will be fine, just let the maids take me to a bath and change clothes." The princess proclaims as the maids quickly obey and helps her getting up, even if she can't stand properly yet. Daemon grunts once more.

"Your idealism is almost insane. Fine. I will take a bath too. I smell like dragon shit." The Rogue Prince says before turning towards the door, but he is stopped by two words.

"Join me."

He must have heard that wrong. Daemon looks back to Alicent with a confused frown.

"What?" The Rogue Prince asks, unsure of what he heard. Alicent grunts with her cheeks red with shame, the same with some of her maids.

"Join me in a bath. We don't have have much time and i still have to talk to you in private. No time to waste." The princess proclaims, serious. Daemon smirks, rising his hands.

"Usually i am the one asking this type of thing, but fine. If you really want it, i will not deny you the pleasure of bathing with me, my wife." The Rogue Prince mocks. Alicent grunts and then looks at two of the maids.

"Please, you two, give a bath to our children as well in about a hour. I will be there to choose their clothes." The princess proclaims. The maids nods and leaves. Otto looks at his daugher with a uncomfortable expression.

"If everything is dealt with, i will be leaving. Be safe. All of you." The Hand of the King says before leaving as well.

Daemon holds the door open and smirks as he points to the outside like a servant would. Alicent snorts and they leave the room with the help of the maids, with the chosen two of them staying with Daeron.

---

The Rogue Prince relax on his bath as he smiles to his wife, who is on ther other side of the tub, evading his gaze as she washes herself. He laughs as he is doing his own job at washing his body.

"Stop being so reserved, Alicent. I have seen every inch of your body a thousand times. Well, i have to say, you look nice with your hair tied like that." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a provokative smile. Alicent get red on her cheeks, but then she frowns.

"That is enough. I want to talk about Rhaenyra." The princess proclaims. Daemons sighs.

"Talk what about Rhaenyra?" The Rogue Prince asks, relaxing more on the hot water. Alicent grunts.

"Don't play with me! She has commited a grave offense against our house and the faith of the seven. How can you accept it like that?" The princess proclaims, angered. Daemon snorts.

"I am bothered by it, but it does not matter. My brother will defend his precious daughter until the end of time. If anyone questions the birth of her son, he probably will scream that is a absurd accusation, proclaim treason, and cut off the head of who said it." The Rogue Prince proclaims, irritated. Alicent sruggles to find words, and then she sighs, laying her hands on her face in exasperation.

"That is so unfair to me! I followed everything i was supposed to do, but then Rhaenyra can do whatever she wants with no consequences! Why?!" The princess asks confused. Daemon sighs and move to be closer to her. He lays his arm around her. And raise her chin with his free hand, looking at her tearful brown eyes.

"She is a brat. Nothing more than that. A brat with a lot of power. She will suffer the consequences for her actions." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Alicent looks at him with hope.

"Are you sure about that?" She asks, almost innocent. Daemon smirks.

"No. The world is a quite unfair piece of shit." The Rogue Prince says, laughing. Alicent frowns and slap his arm before laughing as well.

Daemon takes Alicent by her waist by surprise and kiss her. She quickly give in and the two of them share a long kiss that lasts a whole minute with their tongues fighting like they did less than two moons ago.

As they get away from the kiss to breath, their foreheads touches. Alicent then recovers her senses and get up.

"We need to get going. I am not ready to go beyond that now and you know that." The princess proclaims, getting out of the tub as she goes towards cloth to dry.

Daemon follows her with his eyes and Alicent notices, frowning to him.

"Whar are you looking at?" The princess asks, serious. Daemon smirks.

"The pregnsncy made your legs and butt a bit more fat. I like it." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a malicious laugh.

Alicent throws a brush at his face.

---

Daemon walks with his wife and children towards the throne room. Daemon and his sons are wearing their common black clothes with the Targaryen sigil while his wife is using a blood red and long dress and his daughter is using a black dress with red parts that resembles flowers. Daeron is wearing simple black clothes while still around a red blanket and being carried by his mother.

The family enter the throne room after two members of the Kingsguard opens the doors.

King Viserys and Queen Laena are there, wearing their crowns and jewels. Viserys is trying to stand as stern as he can while Laena is as gracious and beautiful as always in her greenish-blue dress that perfectly embracing her body.

Daemon leads his family and opens a simulated and short smile to his brother.

"Brother. It is a pleasure to be here to meet the new member of our growing family. Where is my niece?" The prince asks, even if he knows the answer. Viserys laughs, walking towards his brother.

"She is not here yet. She and Laenor just landed at the Dragonpit with Syrax and Seasmoke." The King says before hugging his brother. The two of them share it for a time before they separate. The king then happily smiles towards Alicent.

"Alicent! You look full of health, by the gods! And who is the little one here?" The King asks, looking directly at the baby on her arms. Alicent opens a soft smile.

"This is Prince Daeron Targaryen, your new nephew, your grace." The princess proclaims proudly. Viserys laughs with happiness as he holds the small hand of the baby, who looks at him.

"What a pretty boy. If my grandson looks even as half as pretty as my nephew here, we are for sure blessed by the gods. Alicent nods, holding her smiles in place. Laena smiles to them before looking at the baby.

"Can i hold him, princess?" The Queen asks, a bit timid. Alicent's smile gets larger before she nods. Very carefully, Laena takes the child from her arms and hold it like it will break at any moment. Her smile to the child is almost sad.

"What a beautiful lad he will be. You are truly blessed, princess." The Queen says, letting her sad tone more clear. Viserys lay an arm around her to comfort his wife. Alicent takes one of her hands with her two hands before looking at Laena's eyes.

"You will succeed in having a child of your own one day, your grace. I am sure of it." The princess consort proclaims. Laena's eyes get tearful as her smile becomes a real one.

"I am very grateful for your support, princess. It means a lot to me." The Queen says with honesty. Alicent smiles to her, taking her hand away.

And then, Alicent's leg shakes. Daemon quickly catch her by the waist before she falls. Aegon screams.

"Muna! Muna! Are you good?!" The young prince asks, fearful. Alicent hold her head with a hand and Daemon smirks to his son.

"Your mother will be fine, Aegon. She is just tired of giving you a new brother." The Rogue Prince says. Aegon looks unsure. Helaena looks at her mother with a sad expression and tearful eyes.

Aemond looks oblivious to this. He is still attached to Alicent's leg, looking at his father in silence.

Alicent grunts and finally manages to recover her ground. Laena looks at her, very worried.

"I think you should go to your bedroom to get some highly needed sleep, Alicent. You don't look in form to me." The Queen says with a soft tone. Alicent opens a short smile to her.

"I am fine. I just felt a bit out of place for a second but i am recovered now. I just hope that the princess don't take too long." The princess proclaims, extending her arms to demand her son. Laena hesitantly looks at Daemon, clearly worried about Alicent falling down. Daemon grunts and turn down the arms of his wife.

"Alicent, i think you should let Aegon hold his brother for now." The Roge Prince says, not wanting to hold the baby for long. Aegon looks at him, confused.

"Me?" The boy asks. Daemon snorts to him.

"Yes. You. Take Daeron in your arms and hold him well for your mother like a good older brother." The Rogue Prince demands. Aegon makes a pout, but turns to Laena, who smiles at him before getting on her knees.

"Here. Be careful." The Queen says, handing the baby to his brother. Aegon struggles for a bit to fit his brother on his arms, but he soons manages to do so. He looks at Daeron, who shakes a bit on his arms. The boy of seven looks at his father.

"For how long i have to hold him, Kepa?" The young prince asks. Daemon snorts.

"Until we are done." The Rogue Prince says. Aegon grunts, but do things the way he was told to.

And then, everyone hear the sound of paces coming from the entrance of the throne room. They look back and see Rhaenyra and Laenor walking in.

Rhaenyra is wearing a long black dress with the sigil of House Targaryen also in black and almost unoticeable around her whole dress, almost like the three-headed dragon is wrapping around her. She has a proud posture and a short smile while she holds a baby boy with a small amount brown hair on his head. The baby is weating blue and white clothes.

Laenor walks by her side, wearing bluish clothes with the sigil of House Velaryon in white on his chest. He has a composed expression, but he is clearly nervous.

Viserys is the first one to laugh and walk towards them.

"Rhaenyra! My sweet daughter! Words can't express how happy i am to see you and your son alive and well!" The King proclaims, hugging his daughter and kissing her forehead. Rhaenyra laughs as they separate.

"Father, this is Prince Jacaerys Velaryon. My son and heir." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims, offering the child to her father. Viserys smiles and take the boy on his arms.

Daemon looks at his side and sees Alicent frowning. Seeing the cursed child apparently made her flame burn once again.

"Oh! What a boy you have here, Rhaenyra! My first grandson, a birth to be celebrated, indeed." The King says, looking at his grandson on his arms. The others walk towards them.

Laena lands her eyes on the child and gets surprised. She clearly did not know that beforehand. She trade a gaze with Laenor before she fix her posture and looks at Rhaenyra.

"Congratulations, princess. But i have to say, your son certainly have a... unexpected appearance." The Queen says, being cautious. Rhaenyra frowns, clearly to hide her nervosism.

"There is nothing wrong with my child. If you are referring to his hair and eyes. That happens. His grandmother, Rhaenys, had black hair. My grandfather was a Arryn. That sort of thing can happen sometimes." The Princess of Dragonstone says, confident. Viserys nods.

"Exactly. The important part is that he is what he is and that he is healthy. Nwo, Rhaenyra, i want to show your new cousin to you. Meet, Prince Daeron Targaryen." The King says, pointing at the baby on the arms of Aegon. Rhaenyra smiles and looks at the baby, bowing to see him better.

"I tought that he would only be born in a week or two." The Princess of Dragonstone says. Alicent frowns.

"Change of plans. He was born today." The princess consort says. Rhaenyra gets up and looks at Alicent. The two of them gaze at each other. Alicent being in a controlled state of anger and Rhaenyra in an uncomfortable position. The younger woman smiles.

"I am happy it worked out well, then. Are you doing well, Alicent?" The heir to the throne asks. Alicent don't change her serious expression.

"I will live." She says, dry. The silence reign around them and then Viserys coughs to call the attention of everyone. He smiles while giving Jacaerys back to his mother.

"So, i had a great idea. We have two newborn babies here. Two boys of the same age that could potentialy grow together. I think they should share a wet nurse. Being milk brothers would make them a lot closer." The King offers. Rhaenyra frowns to him.

"I am sorry father, but i must return to Driftmark with Laenor soon. Lord Corlys was very strict about the rules i have to follow. Besides, i am already feeding my son by myself." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. Viserys sighs, but nods. Alicent snorts and also frowns.

"I plan to do the same. I never did that for Aegon, Helaena and Aemond, so i plan to do that for Daeron, at least." The princess says, taking Daeron back to her arms, to the relief of Aegon. Viserys nods slowly.

"I understand both of your choices and i find very noble that you two want to feed your own children. Is not something most noble mothers do." The King points out. Alicent nods and fix her posture.

"Well, with everything treated, your grace, i need to rest. We are leaving, if we are permited to." The princess says, Viserys nods and Alicent walks towards the door with her children by her side.

"Be careful on your way back, princess." Alicent says while leaving the room. Daemon then looks at Laenor with a smirk.

"Some men just don't have as much luck as i do when it comes to children. Well, have you visited Dragonstone for a egg, Laenor? It is usually the father's duty to get an egg." The Rogue Prince says, trying to contain his ironic tone. Laenor frowns, but nods.

"I got a egg for him, yes. A brown one. It is very hot. I think it will hatch soon." The heir of Driftmark says. Daemon nods, still smirking.

"Good. I will leave right now to get an egg for Daeron as well." The Rogue Prince says before looking at Rhaenyra and her son. His smile is more ironic now.

"Sometimes, you just don't get what you want, Rhaenyra. Remember that." The Rogue Prince says with a serious tone behind his smile. Rhaenyra nods, gazing at him with serious and worried eyes.

Daemon then walks away, rising his hand to his brother.

"Good night, brother. We have a long day at the small council tomorrow." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Viserys sighs.

"Don't even remember me of that! I am already feeling a headache just from thinking about it! Good night, Daemon." The King says, rising his own hand to his brother.

As Daemon leaves the room and walks towards a secret entrance that will get him into the Dragonpit, he thinks about how much things have changed today.

The future will be interesting, to say the least.

---

Chapter Text

---

VISERYS III

---

115 AC -

---

The King of Westeros walks trough the hallways of the Red Keep at a fast with two members of the Kingsguard by his sides.

During the morning, he wake up to the common vison of not having his wife by his side. It was normal, of course. Laena is active young woman that loves to ride horses around, ride Vhagar, or do any kind of physical activity in general.

Yet, she would always return to eat with him at the mid of the day. But today, she did not return.

So, after eating, the King departed in pursuit of his wife, worried about what could have happened to cause her delay.

And while walking trough the hallways of the castle, he can see more and more the complete difference between him and his second wife.

He is getting tired and sweaty. His legs burns, his face is red and he is having trouble to breath properly. He only wants to lay on his bed and take a nap. Like a old man. Somethig scary for a man that have yet to reach his fortieth nameday.

As he walks trough the halls of the castle without any clue, Viserys finally find a maid walking by with a basket of clothes that were probably just washed. Viserys sighs when he stops inf front of her and the maid quickly bow, nervous.

"Your grace, what can i help you? You need water or anything else?" She asks, worried about the sweaty king. Viserys denies with his head and finally manages to talk once more.

"I need nothing. Have you seen Queen Laena around the castle?" The King asks between his breaths. The maid's eyes shine with realisation.

"I did see her just about now! She was visiting the Grand Maester about something. I did not want to here her conversation." The maid says, embarassed. The King nods his head as he calms down.

"Good choice. Thank your for your information. Here. Take it as a symbol of my gratitude." The King says, taking a gold dragon from inside his clothes. The maid is shocked, but she quickly accepts and smiles.

"I can't be more grateful, your grace! You should probably take that to dry you off." The maid says, offering him a white cloth. Viserys hesitantly accepts and nods. The maid quickly go away and the King continue his walk, now towards the chamber of the Grand Maester.

Once he arrives there, he sees Laena just getting out of the Grand Maester, wearing her riding clothes and looking at the ground with a tought expression. As Viserys gets closer to her, she notices and opens a short smile.

"Finally! You have been missing for hours more than you usually do! Something happened to you so you had to meet the Grand Maester? Did you get injured?" The King asks, worried. Laena snorts, almost offended.

"Me? Injured from riding Vhagar? Don't make me laugh, Viserys. I am very skilled dragonrider. It would never happen. I just wanted something to deal with a headache. Nothing serious." The Queen says. Viserys is unsure, but he nods in understanding.

"Well, what about we go to the garden? I want to take rest a bit after walking around the castle searching for you and we could use some tea and a good talk. How does that sound?" The King asks, gently. Laena laughs a bit and ger closer to him.

"Fine by me. You are a very sweet man, Viserys. This is undeniable." The Queen says before kissing his right cheek and taking her arm around his arm. Viserys smiles with satisfaction and the married couple go in direction of the gardens after Viserys dismiss the two members of the Kingsguard.

---

Viserys sighs in relief as he is finally able to sit on the simple iron chair in the garden, with Laena sitting on a chair on the other side of a small round table. He smiles to her.

"My mother was very similar to you, did you know that? She loved to ride Meleys around and even took me to a flight when i was only a babe. I don't have much memories of her, but when i look at you flying trough the skies i wonder if my father looked up to my mother in the same way i do to you." The King proclaims before letting out a extensive sigh. Laena smiles with compassion.

"I have heard that Princess Alyssa was also very... lusty." the Queen points out, a bit embarassed. Viserys laughs.

"She surely was. If she lived longer and had as much children as she wanted, the Red Keep would be too small to all my siblings and nephews." The King jokes, laughing a bit more. Laena laughs too, but it becomes a sad smile very quickly.

"I am afraid, you know? I am afraid of having children. Alyssa, Aemma... i don't want to be another woman to be killed by childbirth in a young age." The Queen confesses, sad. Viserys sighs.

"We already had that conversation. My mother and Aemma are not a case for everyone. Rhaenyra is doing well. She just gave birth to her second son and both eggs of her boys hatched! The same with little Daeron. Have you seen his dragon?" The King asks, joyful like a kid. Laena smiles with that.

"A beautiful hatchling, indeed. He will be a majestic dragon one day, almost as beautiful as Sunfyre." The Queen says. Viserys laughs.

"She. It is a female dragon. Daemon tought it was strange that his son had a female dragon, but destiny wanted it to be that way." The King proclaims. Laena laughs.

"I think it is better. We already had the Red Queen and now we have the Blue Queen. Sounds amazing to me." The Queen proclaims. Viserys laughs once again and nods.

Servants gets closer to them and bring a full teapot, serving both of them before leaving. Viserys take a sip and quickly moves his mouth out, letting his tongue out.

"It is hot!" The King says, trying to cool his tongue. Laena laughs hard.

"Stop being such a child, Viserys. I doubt it is that hot." The Queen says before taking her own sip. She retreats as well, but manages to keep her mouth closed as she swallows. Viserys smirks.

"You said what before?" The King asks, ironic. Laena snorts and the two of them laughs. After that, they finally get to have a normal sip of tea before Laena looks to her husband with a serious expression.

"I have heard about the new child of Rhaenyra. What is his name again?" The Queen asks. Viserys smiles.

"Lucerys. Prince Lucerys Velaryon. He will succeed Laenor as Lord of Driftmark one day." The King proclaims, proud. Laena frowns.

"And how does he looks like?" The Queen asks. Viserys frowns back to her, looking at his tea.

"Like his brother." He says before taking another sip of his tea. Laena sighs and look at him with a serious expression.

"Rhaenyra's situation is only getting worse. What you plan to do about that?" The Queen asks. Viserys almost choke with his tea, but he manages to let it out of his lungs with a few coughs. He looks to Laena with a forced neutral expression.

"What do you mean?" The King asks. Laena sighs.

"Viserys, the excuse she made when she did it the first time was already hard to believe. With the second one, it is completely unbelivable. You will continue to support her even when she is dragging the names of our houses in the mud?" The Queen asks with a irritated tone. Viserys sighs, laying down his cup on the table before frowning to his young wife.

"I don't want to hear about vile accusations to my heir, Laena. Jace and Luke are what Rhaenyra says they are. I will never doubt the word of my daughter and that is final." The King proclaims, almost struggling with his words.

Laena stares at him. Purple staring at purple. Her irritated expression fades in sadness with a sigh.

"She will never learn if her father keep defending her mistakes, Viserys. You will not live forever. What she will do after you die?" The Queen asks, skeptic. Viserys frowns once again, toughtful. He then sighs.

"I know that she is not perfect. But she is still my precious daughter. I am sure that she will be a great queen one day, she only needs more time to mature." The King proclaims in a honest tone. Laena sighs, getting up from her chair.

"Most of the time i think you care more about Rhaenyra thant the realm itself. A King can't rule properly without sacrifices, Viserys. I never saw Rhaenyra sacrifice anything in her life. She has a disturbed vision of what ruling is. I can't stop you from protecting her and her two living mistakes, but i want you to remember that other people will not just accept that. Her position is already frail by being a woman and it is only getting worse. Princess Alicent is clearly not happy with the decisions Rhaenyra made, for example." The Queen proclaims with conviction. Viserys sighs deeply, stroking his forehead with one hand before looking back at his wife with a lost expression.

"And what do you think i could do?" The King asks. Laena snorts, still standing in front of him.

"She needs to be instructed. Prepared. My mother prepared me very well, as far as i can say. She can do the same to Rhaenyra. Discipline and how take a better care of her body. Being attractive is a very powerful weapon for a woman. I have heard that Rhaenyra have been getting more stout with each pregnancy. She will also have to deal with the possibility of war." The Queen proclaims with a serious tone. The eyes of Viserys go wide.

"War? With who? Why?" The King asks, worried. Laena sighs and shrugs.

"I don't know. I just have that feeling. Things are getting more and more tense. The ambitious crows feed on this tension to gain power. It does not matter if there will be war or not, Rhaenyra needs to be ready for that possibility." The Queen says. Viserys nods slowly, frowning.

"You want to make her learn how to use a sword?" The King asks. Laena denies with her head.

"It might be useful for her own defense, but no. Her lack of physical ability compared to a man makes any real battle a high chance of death to her. I am talking about riding a dragon to war and strategy. The most infamous women that ever walked trough this world are not remembered by her skills with weapons, but by the cleverness. Their skills to use their beauty as a form of manipulation and their sharp minds to make elaborate plans and battle strategies. Rhaenyra even has a dragon to fight for her. She needs to learn how to make the best of what she have." The Queen proclaims with confidence. Viserys frowns, absorbing all of that.

"So, you are asking me to demand Rhaenyra to learn with Rhaenys that way of thinking? Are you sure it will work out?" The King asks, skeptic.

He knows his daughter. Rhaenyra was never interested in war and did not have enough temperance to create elaborate plans.

Laena sighs.

"To some extent, yes. Rhaenyra will still be very stubborn and emotional. We can't do anything about her personality, but we can try to make a better version of what we have with her." The Queen proclaims honestly. Viserys nods before sighing once again, looking at the clouds in the sky above them, closing his eyes as he relax on the chair and take a deep breath. He then looks at Laena with tearful eyes.

"I know everything, Laena. I know. I just can't punish Rhaenyra the way i would have if i confirmed her actions. I can't do that with her. I can't do that with Aemma." The King proclaims with complete honesty. Laena looks at him with a sad expression.

"I understand you. You are a man that lost a love and can't deal with the burden that fell in your shoulders. I might hate the way you choose to do things, but i care about you, Viserys. More than you will ever care about me." The Queen says with a hurt tone of voice. A pair of tears rolls down her cheeks before she leaves towards the castle in a fast pace.

"Laena! Wait!" The King exclaims, struggling to get up. But as he gets up, she is already gone from his sight.

Viserys sighs as he looks back at the sky, reflecting about his entire life in a few seconds. All the wrong decisions he made. He remember faces. The mother he is almost forgetting and the father he loved.

As a young boy, his father made he promise that he would take care of his family to the bitter end.

"I am trying, father. But what should i do when my own family is falling apart and going against each other?" The King whisper to the nothingness of the above.

Viserys takes a deep breath and walks inside the castle with conviction. He has things to fix.

---

The fifth King of Westeros walks towards the entrance of his bedroom. The guard on the door nods to him before leaving, letting Viserys knock the door.

Silence.

"Laena, please, i want to talk. I want to resolve things with you, once and for all." The King proclaims with a soft tone.

The silence reigns for a time before he can hear steps coming towards the door and then it suddenly opens.

Laena's beautiful hair is a mess from laying down on the bed and her expression is one of pure neutrality. Almost like she is looking at a lifeless wall. Viserys sighs.

"Laena, i am sorry for all that is happening. Can we talk inside? I want to be completely honest with you about how i feel." The King proclaims. Laena thinks and then sighs, she moves and let her husband walk in.

The two of them sit on the messy bed, a bit a part from each other. Viserys takes his wife's hands, stroking and looking at them as he starts talking.

"My grandmother, Queen Alysanne, was the one responsible for my marriage with Aemma. At the start, i was against it because Aemma was much younger than me, but then, we got closer and in time, we fell in love. We were a married young couple. Imature and passionate. It ended up with Aemma giving birth to Rhaenyra at a too young age. It shattered her already delicate health. Yet, when i became Prince of Dragonstone i realised that i needed a son to be my unquestionable heir. And after fail after fail, my desires finally took my beloved Aemma from me. My love died because of my choices. I can't look at the mirror without thinking about myself as the man that killed Aemma." The King proclaims in a sad tone, trying tot take a hold of his emotions. Laena looks at him with sympathy, firmly holding his hands.

"It was not your fault to be concerned about the future, Viserys. I am sure that Aemma would never blame you for what happened." The young Queen says with confidence. Viserys smiles to her, not convinced, but he frown as he continues to talk.

"And then, after losing my wife and my son, Otto told me about what Daemon said in a brothel with his men from the City Guard. He called my son the heir for a day and celebrated his death. I was hurt and angry, and then, in a moment of pure emotion, i decided to name Rhaenyra my heir as a way to punish Daemon." The King proclaims in a downcast tone. Laena frowns.

"If you named Rhaenyra just as a punishment for Daemon, what changed after that? Why are you so defensive of her now?" The Queen asks with a curious tone. Viserys sighs one more time and looks at her eyes.

"When i accepted your hand, Rhaenyra told me she was worried that i would pass over her just because you could give me other children and possibly a son. I promised to her, Laena. I promised to her that i would never pass over her. I failed with Aemma. I can't fail with our daughter. I refuse to. I will do whatever i need to keep my promise to her, even if Rhaenyra is making bad decisions that i should not tolerate. I am sorry." The King says, looking at his wife with sad eyes before looking down to his hands, trying to understand what he really became as a man.

Laena sighs and opens a weak smile before hugginh Viserys. He rests his head on her shoulder as they hug. The Queen stroke his short golden-silver hair with tenderness.

"You are a good man, Viserys. Too pure for this world, i have to say. You understand that your feelings turned you in the personal weapon of your daughter and that she is using you as anchor to do what she wants, right?" The Queen asks in a serious but soft whisper on his ears. Viserys nods his head slowly, calmed down by the sweet smell that Laena has.

"I do, but my hands are tied here, Laena. Not only Rhaenyra's life depends of me following her wishes, but also her children. This boys are my grandchildren, independent of the circumnstances of their birth. They are not guilty of the sins of their mother. They must be protected." The King proclaims with confidence. Laena ends the hug, but keeps her arms on his chest while looking closely at his eyes.

"I agree with you. They are innocent. And... i guess we all are with our hands tied. My father is one of the most wise men i have ever met. He knows the truth. Yet, he did not expose Rhaenyra for his own benefit. He is playing her game." The Queen says honestly. Viserys frowns at her.

"He is probably waiting that you will give birth to a son so he can have another claimant to support." The King points out. Laena denies with her head.

"I don't think so. Even if i did not give birth to a child yet, my father would not tolerate it lightly. Rhaenyra must have come to a agreement with him. I just don't know what agreement." The Queen says. Viserys sighs, laying his arm around her as Laena rests her head on his chest. He slowly strokes her hair.

"I can only pray that things will work out fine. Daemon and his family are close in body and distant in soul and Rhaenyra is creating her own future problems. Gods... how can i be such a disgrace at dealing with my family?" The King asks to the nothingness, going deeper on his misery. Laena hugs his body from the side.

"There is always time to do things better, Viserys. I certainly believe that you can. You just need to give yourself another chance." The Queen says with confidence, rising her head to look at him. Viserys frowns, confused.

"What do you mean?" The King asks. Laena opens a short smile, almost timid.

"I did not feel a headache early on. I consulted Grand Maester Mellos because i have some suspicions. And he confirmed it to me." The Queen says as she takes a hand of Viserys and moves it to her own belly.

The heart of the King almost stops with the shock of what she means. He looks at Laena's face, seeing her tearful eyes.

"I am with child, Viserys." The Queen says, opening a truthful smile. Viserys smiles back and hug her tightly. He laughs between his desbelief.

"I can't believe! After such time..." The King says, still at a lost for words. He then looks at Laena in the eyes and by sheer impulse kiss her in the lips.

The kiss is full of a level of affection that they have never shown to the other. Their tongues don't fight, but dance together. And when they breal the kiss, they still look at the other with a smile. Laena laughs, drying her tears.

"That was certainly unexpected. I did not even know that you were able to use your tongue while kissing me." The Queen jokes, making Viserys laugh. He then holds her waist more firmly.

"Maybe i was neglecting my wife a little bit too much. You certainly deserve more of my affection." The King says before kissing her again. The kiss gets more intense this time, but lasts shorter. Laena breathes deeply before she opens a large and malicious smile while she moves her softs hands on his chest, biting her inferior lip.

"I could use some affection, but first, a good Queen must be able to serve the King very well." She says as she gently push him down in the bed. Viserys laughs with her action.

Laena moves to sit on him with her legs going around his body. As she slowly removes each part of her clothes and move her hips around, Viserys can only let out a grunt of antecipation.

Maybe he still can find pleasure in a world without his Aemma.

---

Chapter Text

---

RHAENYRA IV

---

116 AC -

---

Rhaenyra smiles from a chair as she looks at her eldest son, Jace, walking around like only a child that just learned how to can, bringing toys to show to his little brother, Luke, who looks at them and back to his older brother with amusement.

Looking at them is a easy excuse to not listen to what her husband is talking about while standing by her side. She looks at Laenor with a embarassed expression.

"What were you saying, Laenor? I was looking a the boys playing. They are so cute, right?" She asks with a strange smile of shame. Laenor frowns and then sighs.

"I was saying that my father just received information from some of his spies in Essos. Looks like the Triarchy started building more reinforcements lately. It might take some more years for them to strike again, but we need to be prepared." The heir of Driftmark says. Rhaenyra keep looking at her sons, with Lucerys slowly crawling towards her. Rhaenyra frowns.

"Why are you telling me this, exactly? I am not a warrior. That war, as far as i am concerned, is about your father, my uncle, and maybe you, but not me." The Princess of Dragonstone points out as she takes Luke in her arms and relax in the chair. Laenor snorts.

"As the heir to the Iron Throne you need to be aware of what is happening in the realm. You can't be ignorant about what is happening around you." The prince consort says. Rhaenyra sighs.

"You are right, sorry. I just need to adapt to this type of topics. War was never something i was interested in." The princess says back as she smiles to Luke while he extends his tiny baby hands to her. Laenor nods.

"You are more similar to your father than you think." The heir of Driftmark points out. Rhaenyra frowns.

"I don't know if that was a praise or a offense, to be honest." The Princess of Dragonstone says. Laenor smirks.

"Maybe a bit of both. The lack of interest of your father in war makes my father irritated frequently while he is at council." The consort says. Rhaenyra frowns when she thinks about the Sea Snake.

"How is your father doing? Is he preparing to war?" The princess asks. Laenor nods.

"He is, but not on a fast pace. He knows at what time he needs to things. He is busy all the time now training man and fortifying the fleets. Daemon have been scouting the Stepstones more frequently and i will probably have to do the same soon." The prince consort proclaims. Rhaenyra nods, looking at the walls of their bedroom in High Tide. The whole room is surrounded by the colors of house Velaryon and severe ornaments that resemble the sea.

At this point, she is almost sick of it.

"I want to move to Dragonstone one day. I want to be closer to what make me a Targaryen. My origins. I reign over the skies, not the sea." The princess proclaims with pride. Laenor sighs.

"I understand your point, Nyra. I really do. But you need to understand the situation here. You are married to the heir of Driftmark and your children bear the Velaryon name. Things are already very tense with my father." The prince consort points out. Rhaenyra slowly nods.

"I know. I am only saying what i think. I don't feel part of Driftmark and most probably never will. Either way, how are thing going in the capital? You have been there yesterday, after all." The princess asks, curious. Laenor nods his head and opens a short smile.

"Laena is doing well. She looked a lot tired all the time, but i can completely understand it. I was really surprised by the large size of her belly. And well, i received a interesting justification for that." The prince consort says with a playful tone. Rhaenyra frowns, but she quickly realises and her eyes widen.

"Twins?" She asks directly. Laenor laughs and nods. Rhaenyra smiles back to him.

"That is wonderful! Laena waited for so long to have such a lasting pregnancy. She deserves to have a successful one." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. But, going against her words, her hands shakes while she tries to hide them. One by holding Lucerys and the other being kept by her side.

Laenor sighs, clearly noticing her blatant nervosism. He walks towards Rhaenyra and lands a soft hand in her shoulder.

"You don't need to lie to me, Rhae. I know you better than anyone does and you know that. You are very worried to know what will happen with that pregnancy, right?" The prince consort asks. Rhaenyra sighs, relaxing a bit with his touch. She then gets up, holding Lucerys on her arms as the baby keeps looking and touching her hair in fascination. She looks at Laenor with a sad expression.

"I am nervous. Very nervous. I had almost no sleep last night. If Laena gives birth to daughters, it would be the most perfect outcome for me. If she give birth to sons, it is a disaster. Your father would have a very dangerous claim on his hands that could ended up not only taking what is mine, but also killing me and my children. How am i not supposed to be nervous about that, Laenor?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks with a insecure tone. Laenor looks at her with eyes of pity.

And then, Rhaenyra receives a tender hug from her husband, who strokes her hair as she lay her head on his shoulder. Lucerys, between them, looks at the two with confusion. Laenor moves his mouth closer to Rhaenyra's ear.

"It does not matter what will happen with Laena, Rhae. We will find a way trough things. I am not letting you and your children die. If my father proclaims anything against you, me and the King will side with you until the bitter end. The two boys here even managed to get a place in the heart of my mother. His support in the realm is not as large as he wants you to think. So, calm down." The heir of Driftmark, gently kissing her forehead. Rhaenyra smiles to him, looking at his eyes.

"Even with all the circumstances around our marriage, i don't think i could have a better husband than you. I am very grateful to have you by my side, Laenor." The princess says, being completely honest. Laenor smiles to her as their hug ends.

"I am very pleased to hear that. Well, Laena might give birth at any moment. How about we fly to Dragonstone in Seasmoke and Syrax to get two eggs for her children?" The heir of Driftmark asks. Rhaenyra smiles with that.

"A good idea. I can at least try to get closer to her. It would certainly help. And how could i refuse a chance to fly around with my husband?" The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims and the two of them laughs.

And then, three knocks comes from the door. Rhaenyra quickly identifies the pattern.

"Enter." She says. And then, Ser Harwin Strong enters, wearing armor, but not using his helmet. His smile is warm like the sun and his eyes let out pure devotion and love for her as he bows.

"My princess. My prince. I came here to see the two young princes, as i promised to Prince Jacaerys yesterday." The knight says. The referred boy runs to him with the difficult pace of a two years old boy. Jacaerys smiles to the knight.

"Hawin! Hawin!" The prince proclaims, extending his arms. The knight of the gold cloak laughs and takes the boy in his arms, lifting him in the air and making him laugh.

Rhaenyra's heart melt at the scene while Laenor frowns a bit, getting closer to her.

"You should not let Strong be that close to the boys. Might let things even more obvious. We can't have that." The prince consort whispers firmly. Rhaenyra sighs and looks at her husband with sad eyes.

"How could i deny love to my children?" The princess asks, hurt by the idea. Laenor sighs, holding her shoulders.

"There is no perfect solution here, Rhae. I already try my best to be a good figure to them, but Harwin needs to be more of a tutor than anything." The prince consort says. Rhaenyra nods once again, but then sighs.

"We will talk more about that another day." The princess says before turning to Harwin, who is still playing around with her eldest son. She smiles to the scene one last time, thinking for a moment about what could have been instead of what things really turned out to be.

---

After letting the two boys with the servants, Rhaenyra and Laenor leaved Driftmark in Syrax and Seasmoke.

Their travel to Dragonstone and then the Dragonmount was not a long one. They just landed there and searched inside the caves of the mount for a time before finding the two eggs they wanted.

Now, flying to King's Landing, Rhaenyra smiles as she feels the wind against her face and the warmth of the sunlight on her skin. Her silver-golden hair moves around. She can hear the waves, the flap of Syrax's wings and, quite often, the roars that the she-dragon let out.

The Princess of Dragonstone looks at the leather bag she brings with her and takes another look of the two eggs.

The first one was a pale shade of green while the second one is a pretty shade of pink.

Laenor advised her that the second egg was too "girly", and that if both babes were boys, it would not be a good gift.

He is probably right, but Rhaenyra deep down felt that taking this two eggs was the best choice. Maybe it is just her wishing that at least one of the twins turn out to be a girl for her own good.

She is just as hopeful as she is nervous right now.

Syrax and Seasmoke lands into the terrain of the Dragonpit and the Princess of Dragonstone quickly dismounts, taking a good look at Syrax. She smiles to the dragon and pets her snout.

"Kesan ūndegon ao tolī, ñuha riña... jaelagon nyke biarves. (I will see you later, my lady... wish me luck.)" The princess whispers and Syrax let out a low grunt.

As Syrax and Seasmoke are guided to the insides of the Dragonpit, Rhaenyra notices the sound of voices talking and metal clashing with metal. She frowns as Laenor walks towards her.

"There is someone else here?" The princess asks, looking to Laenor. Her husband frowns, getting to hear the sounds just now.

"Well, we just need to find out, right?" The heir of Driftmark says. Rhaenyra nods and then looks to a guard.

"Please, get two horses ready for me and prince Laenor. We are going to the Red Keep." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. The guard nods and Rhaenyra leaves with Laenor.

The two of walk trough the surroundings of the Dragonpit until they take a turn and see three people in the training ground.

Ser Criston Cole, wearing a more common and light leather armor, is wielding a sword of wood and defending the strikkes of another sword of wood.

That other sword is wielded by a young boy who is also using the same kind of armor, but with a dirty sigil of House Targaryen in his chest. He is panting a lot and his short golden-silver hair is very sweaty as he slowly walks in circles with Criston.

Rhaenyra is quite surprised to see how much her cousin Aegon have grown. Time is passing faster and faster, and that is something to be worried. The boy is already nine years old.

And, of course, watching by the side in his common clothing, her uncle is observing his son training with his arms crossed. By his expression, he is certainly either frustrated or bored. Probably both.

Aegon grunts and tries to attack Criston once again with his sword, only to the knight to dodge his attack, making the tired boy fall to the ground, letting out a grunt of discomfort and frustration. Daemon frowns and Criston sighs.

"Get up, my prince. If you fall to the ground in battle, you will never get the chance to get up again." Ser Criston proclaims. Aegon grunts and get up once again.

"But you are much bigger than i! I can't beat you!" The prince proclaims, frustrated as he finds his sword and grab it. Ser Criston smirks to the boy.

"This training is not about beating someone, my prince. You need to learn how to fight before thinking about beating someone. Do you get it?" The knight asks. Aegon grunts, rising his sword.

"No!" The boy says, being honest. Rhaenyra holds a laugh so they don't find her and Laenor. Ser Criston don't hold his short laugh.

"Then, you have much more practice to do. Now, dodge this!" The knight says, making a obvious attack from up to down that Aegon manages to get out of the way.

As the boy and the knight continues to fight, Rhaenyra and Laenor walks towards Daemon. The Rogue Prince looks at them, wierdly, not much surprised. He turns his eyes to Rhaenyra.

His strict gaze never fails to make a shiver go down her spine. She ignores it and smiles to her uncle.

"Uncle, looks like Aegon have finally started his training with a sword. Did his mother agree with that?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks. Daemon snorts.

"She can't deny me that. She can say whatever she wants, but in the end i have the final word and she has to accept it. Someone has to be the leader of a marriage." The Rogue Prince says with a objective tone. Rhaenyra nods, but she keeps a proud posture.

"We don't have this kind of thing in our marriage. We take decisions together. Right?" The princess asks her husband, who smiles and nods to her. Daemon smirks to them before looking back at the training of his son.

"Well, that is not what i see. Yoi ywo came here to visit Viserys, right?" The Rogue Prince asks. Rhaenyra nods.

"Yes. I brought two dragon eggs to Laena's children once i learned that she will give birth to twins. I hope to be here to see the birth of my new siblings." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. Daemon looks confused for a second before smirking. Rhaenyra frowns.

"Any problem, uncle?" The princess asks, confused. Daemon denies with his head.

"Nothing. You are just lacking information, niece. Information seems to show up too slowly on Driftmark." The Rogue Prince jokes. Rhaenyra frowns, even more confused.

"What do you mean? What happened?" The princess asks, getting worried. Daemon rises a hand to calm her down before answering.

"You will understand once you arrive into the Red Keep." The Rogue Prince says, but before Rhaenyra or Laenor could ask anything more, Aegon and Criston finishes the training and walks towards them. The boy walks to his father with a tired expression and a red face of all the effort he did.

"Kepa, why do i need to do that? I have a dragon! He can fight for me!" The prince proclaims in a loud tone of voice. Daemon frowns and grunts.

"A man that is not a warrior don't have any respect. And if you only go to war using your dragon, the enemy will fear your dragon, not you. So, stop complaining. Tomorrow, i want you training even harder. No excuses." The Rogue Prince says with a harsh tone of voice. Aegon groans. Rhaenyra is left to think for a minute as both Aegon and Ser Criston take their light armors off. She looks to her uncle.

"I have to agree to what you said here, uncle. A warrior has way more respect in our society. And fear, of course. As the heir to the throne, i think i need to be more martial in order to achieve more respect. Maybe i should learn how to properly use a sword." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims, creating her new resolution.

She has never seen her uncle as shocked as he is now. He is looking at her with a shocked frown.

"Are you sure about that? The life of a warrior is not easy, Rhaenyra. You might break a lot of nails in your way to get the skills." The Rogue Prince mocks with a laugh. Rhaenyra frowns, standing on her proud posture.

"I am serious, uncle. I am tired of people looking at me like i am just a spoiled girl with no wits." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. Daemon looks skeptic, but a bit impressed, he then smirks and looks away.

"You should talk to the Queen. She might have some things to talk to you in regards to that. But i would recommend you to lose some weight. Your children were not gentle with you, princess." The Rogue Prince says while rising a quick eyebrow to her body. Rhaenyra frowns, a bit disturbed about the topic.

"I will try my best to fix that, you can be sure of that. Well, are you three coming with us to the Red Keep?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks. Before Daemon can answer, his son does.

"No! Kepa said we would fly together after the training!" The young boy says, a smile taking the place of his tired expression. Daemon snorts and Rhaenyra laughs while looking at her uncle.

"Oh really? You might have a soft side after all, uncle." The princess proclaims. Daemon grunts at her statement.

"I had to bargain with the boy so he would shut up and just do the training. He is quite annoying, i have to say." The Rogue Prince says with a smirk. Aegon frowns to his father and Rhaenyra laughs once again, this time with Laenor. Her husband the takes his turn into the conversation.

"Any new information about the situation in the Stepstones?" The Heir of Driftmark asks. Daemon frowns.

"Not much. Things are going slow there. Too slow for me. The fat crab Lord is always demanding more money to pay for buildings there and Viserys is already getting frustrated with that. Celtigar might receive a letter from him pretty soon. Not a good one. The Triarchy is still preparing. They are trying to convince Pentos and Volantis to help them in the next war, but they are skeptic of starting a full war of Essos against Westeros. They still fear the dragons, just as much as they feared centuries ago." The Rogue Prince proclaims, getting proud at the end. Laenor smirks.

"Good. It is easy to fight and defeat a enemy that fear you. There were attacks of pirates recently?" The heir of Driftmark asks. Daemon snorts.

"Not much. Only to attack some ships that were focused in trade. But not a lot of them either. They don't want to attack the ships that travel to Pentos and Volantis and possibly angering them. They are more focused in attacking the trade ships that we use to trade between ourselves and sometimes they also sack dornish ships." The Rogue Prince points out. Rhaenyra is intrigued.

"There is a chance that we can call Dorne to ally with us agains the triarchy?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks. The silence reign for a few seconds before Daemon, Criston, and even Laenor start lauguing. Rhaenyra is confused, but her uncle answers.

"Dorne would prefer to let their whole fleet burn before fighting alongside us. And i prefer it to be that way. You can never trust the Dornishmen." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a smirk. Rhaenyra slowly nods while Laenor lands his arm around her shoulders and opens a short smile.

"We don't need Dorne. The triarchy barks more than they can bite." The heir of Driftmark says with pure confidence. Daemon smirks to him.

"Don't get too cocky, boy. One speat to the eye and even a mighty dragon can become fish food in the middle of the Stepstones. Well, it seems that your ride has come." The Rogue Prince says, looking behind them. Rhaenyra and Laenor turn around to see the guards bringing two horses to them. A white one and a black one. Rhaenyra looks at her cousin.

"Obey your father, Egg. You don't want to be on his bad side." The Princess of Dragonstone says with a smile. The boy frowns and snorts.

"Don't call me that! I am not an egg!" The young prince says, irritated. Rhaenyra laughs and then looks at her uncle, her smile getting more soft and short.

"Take care of your children, uncle. I learned with mine that there is no bigger treasure in this world than your own children." The princess says honestly. Daemon looks a bit surprised for a second, but he snorts.

"I will keep that in mind, princess. Now, i think you should leave." The Rogue Prince says, clearly not wanting her around them for much longer.

Rhaenyra avoids eye contact with Ser Criston Cole. His gaze at her is intense, but also empty. It is hard for her to guess what he may be thinking.

Without any more words, Rhaenyra and Laenor get on their horses and leave in a mild pace. As they start leaving the hill of Rhaenys, the Princess of Dragonstone reflects about her position.

She have been neglecting a lot of things, and she is already paying for it. She needs to be more careful. Otherwise, she will not last long in that nest of vipers that is the political wars in Westeros.

As she looks at the entirty of King's Landing on the horizon, she takes a deep breath and continues her journey to the Red Keep with Laenor, her loyal husband, by her side, as always.

---

The married duo walks trough the hallways of the Red Keep, their steps echoing trough the place.

When they arrive at the enormous doors of the throne room, two members of the Kingsguard open the doors to them.

As the doors are open, Rhaenyra knows what she will see inside. After all, she demanded a servant to tell the King and the Queen about their arrival.

Yet, she is surprised to meet the two of them as she and Laenor enter the throne room. Not because of them, exactly, but because of the two covered babies in the arms. One in the arms of her father and the other in the arms of Queen Laena.

When she gets closer enough, Rhaenyra can see the tired, but happy, expression of Laena. Her father, as it is common for this kind of situation, is completely taken aback by happiness. Rhaenyra herself can't hold her smile of joy as she finally gets to hold the hands of the Queen as a way to comfort her after a difficult moment. Rhaenyra looks at Laena with her large and honest smile.

"Congratulations, your grace! I tought that we would arrive here to see you before the babies were born. Well, what really matters it that everything went well." The Princess of Dragonstone says with a gentle tone. Queen Laena smiles to her in appreciation.

"I am very flattered by your visit, princess. The gods blessed me today, even if it was a hard challenge for me. Do you want to take a look at them?" The queen asks, getting closer. Rhaenyra smiles and nods, but her heart almost stops.

That is it. The moment she was waiting for. If at least one of that babies is born as a boy, things might get too bad for her later on. She can only pray for luck as Laena reveals the baby to her.

Rhaenyra stops in her place for a second... and then she relax in relief with a large smile.

A girl. A beautiful girl with the hair and eyes of the valyrians of old. The traits their her precious sons lack. Perfect.

Rhaenyra can't stop smiling as she gently touches the cheek of the sleeping girl, who shakes a bit under her touch. Rhaenyra laughs and looks back at Laena.

"What is her name?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks. Laena smiles and then looks at Viserys. Rhaenyra's father look at his first daughter with tearful eyes while holding the other baby on his arms, clearly emotional.

"Baela. Princess Baela Targaryen. Named after my father, the Spring Prince. She is the older one, and that one is the younger." The King says with a large smile as he approaches Rhaenyra and reveals the baby. The Princess of Dragonstone has almost no time to prepare as she looks at the last trial for her safety.

Rhaenyra feel a enormous amount of relief when she sees a baby identical to the other ones. Identical twins. Two girls.

Rhaenyra smiles and tear up a bit, she tries to find words, but can't. Laenor holds her by the shoulder as an attempt to comfort her. He then opens a large smile to his sister.

"I am verry happy that everything worked out, Laena. You have no idea how much that represents to our family." The prince consort says, being completely honest as Rhaenyra recovers her posture. Laena smiles. A smile that hides knowledge behind it.

"I certainly know how much the birth of my daughter mean to us, brother. May their birth be a sign of peace and prosperity to all of us." The Queen proclaims as her smile turns into a bright and honest one. Laenor nods and Rhaenyra turns to her father, looking again at the baby in his arms.

"And what is the name of my youngest sister here, father?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks with a bright smile of her own. Her father smiles like a boy that just ate a bag full of sweets.

"Rhaena. Princess Rhaena Targaryen. She is alot more calm than Baela, i have to say." The King proclaims with a laugh as he looks at the sleepy baby. Rhaenyra nods, struggling to control her satisfaction. Laenor frowns and looks at the King.

"You decided to name her after the older sister of Jaehaerys the Conciliator? Why?" The heir of Driftmark asks. Viserys opens a smile at the corner of his mouth.

"No. I named her Rhaena for the same reason that King Aenys named his daughter. I am making a homage to a Rhaenys. My cousin. The mother of my wife, the mother of the good-son, and the grandmother of my twin daughters." The King proudly proclaims. Laenor seems to be quite surprised upon hearing that. He opens a large smile.

"I am certain that my mother will be very honored when she hears that, your grace." The consort proclaims. Viserys nods and then looks at the back that Rhaenyra is carring on her side.

"What is taught, dear?" The King asks, curious. Rhaenyra smiles and pull the bag.

"I have the only gifts that are worthy enough to be given to Targaryen princesses." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims, taking the dragon eggs out of the bag and showing them. The King and the Queen looks at the eggs with impressed expressions.

"Very beautiful asks. I like the green one. But i have to say, the pink one is a curious choice. Why did you choose that when you did not know if i would have sons or not?" Laena asks, intrigued. Rhaenyra shrugs.

"I don't know. I felt like picking that egg. Maybe the gods had a hand at it." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims, even if she is not much of a believer in the faith of the seven.

Yet, her father, a man of way more believe than her, rises his arms up.

"The gods gave me two new healthy daughters, a living wife, a united family, and a stable realm. I can only be grateful in the face of such a blessing." The King says, tears falling from his eyes before he hugs all of them in a single hug.

Laena smiles and kiss the cheek of the King as a sign of comfort while she hugs him. Laenor is clearly uncomfortable, but he accepts the situation and hugs back.

Rhaenyra is feeling like she is a girl once again. The happiness and relief combined with the warmth and tenderness of a hug of her father and her head against his soft chest, hearing his slow heartbeat, made her go back to more simple times.

As she closes her eyes to enjoy the moment, she can hear the faint voice of her mother in her mind.

A single pair of tears rolls down her cheeks.

---

Chapter Text

---

ALICENT V

---

118 AC -

---

Alicent relax in her hot bath, enjoying a rare moment of peace and solitude as the steam covers the entire room.

After the Queen gave birth to a pair of twin daughters, life at court became more joyful. The King was smiling way more than usual and commemorations happened frequently. Alicent was very happy for them.

Yet, the Princess of Dragonstone had to commit another one of her mistakes.

Last year, Rhaenyra gave birth to a third son. Another boy of brown hair and brown eyes.

Alicent was shocked. How could Rhaenyra keep getting away with this? How could the heiress to the throne keep giving birth to bastards and keep passing them as trueborn children?

As a dutiful wife that only slept with one man her entire life, Alicent can only see that as a mockery against herself. Against her role.

In the past, she used to see Rhaenyra as a cute and innocent girl that would one day become a beautiful and noble woman.

And now, she can only see a promiscuous wench that care more about satisfying her lust than concluding her duties.

Alicent sighs. She needs to relax. She knows that. She can't be angry during such a special day.

King Viserys created a tourney and a feast today to celebrate the ten years of his marriage with Queen Laena Velaryon.

Ten years.

Alicent looks at the roof, thinking about how time passed so quickly.

Her eldest son is now eleven and a squire to the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.

Her only daughter is growing a lot, becoming such a beauty...

Her second son is still the stoic kid that often bursts when angered. He turned eighth is alreadg training with his father and Ser Criston.

Her sweet third boy is still a very young child. Too attached to his mother, but craving the attention of his father whenever they met. His smile could melt the sun, but not the heart of Daemon Targaryen.

Alicent hears the door of the room getting open and sighs when her husband walks in with his old smirk on his face and wearing simple clothes that were probably beneath his usual clothes. Alicent sighs and frowns.

"What do you want, Daemon?" The brown haired princess asks. Her husband slowly walks to her, looking up and down at her body with his malicious purple eyes.

"I have to want something different than just look at my wife taking a bath?" The Rogue Prince asks with a ironic tone. Alicent rolls her eyes and let her body rest deeper in the water, only letting her head out of it. Luckily, her hair is tied. She looks at her husband with a skeptic look.

"I beg your pardon, but i certainly doubt of your intentions. Tell me what you want already." The princess asks, getting irritated. Daemon snorts and gets closer to her.

"I just wanted to give you something." The Rogue Prince says, pulling something out of his clothes and showing to Alicent, who is taken aback.

A necklace of a gold so bright that shines even in the steamy room. And, in the middle, a large ruby cut in the shape of a crystal, red as blood. Alicent can't even look away from it.

"That is... the most beautiful necklace i have ever seen." The princess says, being completely honest. She touches the ruby with the point of her fingers some times, half expecting it to fade away from her vision like a dream. Daemon smirks.

"Good to know that you like it. It is from Castamere." The Rogue Prince says, playing with the necklace betweej his fingers. Alicent frowns.

"Why do you have it? I doubt that the Rogue Prince would bother to spend precious money to buy a jewel for his wife." The princess mocks, going back to wash her body. Daemon snorts.

"I find your lack of respect for me disheartening, dear. But, answering your question, someone i know had a long debt with me that he paid with this ruby. But, to give some credit to me, the rest of the necklace was a order from me." The Rogue Prince says with honesty. Alicent frowns, surprised.

"Daemon Targaryen can do nice things for people? Or are you just expecting me to open my legs to you more often because of that?" The princess asks with a ironic tone. Daemon smirks and laughs.

"Oh dear, i don't need to give you anything to make you split your sweet legs for me at any time and you know that. Now, show me that neck of yours." The Rogue Prince demands, losing a bit of his patience, clearly.

Alicent sighs and positions herself at the border of tub. Her husband bows and gently moves his hands around her neck to place the necklace.

A shiver go down her spine when the cold ruby touch her collarbone area and another shiver emerges when she feels the warm breath of her husband on her neck and going up to her left ear.

"You know, it is hard to see you so vulnerable here and do nothing with you. I am a man with needs, after all." The Rogue Prince says before landing a kiss on the top of her left ear, making Alicent bite her lip.

His kisses starts going down her neck and his hand slowly goes down on the water, stroking her body like a gentle snake.

Gathering will, Alicent gets up, her naked body emerging ffom the hot water as she turns to Daemon with a intense glance.

"If we are doing that, you need to get rid of your clothes, dear." She demands, hiding her own lust behind her words. Daemon smirks and quickly get rid of his clothes.

As the Rogue Prince joins the hot water, he grabs her by the waist and the two of them starts their intense kissing session that could only lead to more and more lust.

Sometimes, Alicent wonder if their marriage is pure lust. If it is, she can very well take a good hold of it.

Alicent pushes Daemon to sit on the tub before sitting on his lap and letting her hair free. She starts moving her waist around, making her husband grunt, his purple eyes taken by desire.

As their kisses starts again, Alicent let herself enjoy the pleasures of the flesh. At least, she does that with the right person. Her husband. The father of her children. The man that she promised to stand for.

---

Alicent face the mirror in contemplation as the maids help her properly wear her new dress.

The dress is a long one, but still tied well around her figure, showing her slim body that she is so proud of possesing after giving birth four times.

The color of the dress could not be other than blood red, both to match with the new necklace she is using, but it is also a color that she got very used to wear over the years. It was way more remarkable than the black while still being a Targaryen color.

As the maids are done with her dress, she looks around to see her children, all also getting ready with the help of maids.

Little Daeron is seating on his chair, patiently observing the maids and obeying their guidance. Even at age four, the boy already has a special place on the heart of his mother from his good behavior. The boy has a perfectly cut hair. Short and aligned.

On the other hand, Aemond is also obeying the guidance of the maids while they get him ready, yet, he does that without a smile, only a permanent irritated expression. Alicent sighs. Aemond does not like to be touched or even to talk much. He likes to be left on his place, and his lack of a dragon have turned him more and more bitter. Alicent can only hope that he does not follow the paths of his father. Aemond's hair hits his shoulders, similarly to his father, but letting it wave more freely.

Helaena, her sweet princess, like Aemond, is not a person of much words. She spends most of her time watching insects in the garden or simply walking around the castle. Sometimes it is difficult to keep her clean and beautiful like a princess should be. Specially her hair. Because of her behavior being considered a bit out of place when compared to other children, she is constantly called boring, specially by her older brother.

Aegon is... tough. After three years of training with his father, he failed to live up to the expectatives of his father in regards to skills with a sword. Daemon said that he was not bad, or even mediocre, but he was certainly not good enough. He lacked will, her husband said.

Her eldest son inherited the sarcastic humor of his father, looking down on people to make comments that could only be said freely by someone with a prestigious position, like him.

Aegon is slender, growing to be a pretty man in the future. Yet, his lack of motivation to do things makes Alicent question herself about what might happen to her son in the near future, specially when the boy has Daemon Targaryen as his father. Aegon has a long hair that is very similar to Aemond's.

All of the children use clothes with red as the main color, altough with different tones, all of them darker than the shade of red of Alicent's dress.

The brown haired princess takes a deep breath before walking towards Helaena, who is holding a frown as on maid keep roughly trying to make her golden-silver hair more straight with a brush.

"Please, let me do that." Alicent demands with a gentle tone. The maid nods and give the brush to her before walking away.

Alicent sits on a chair and gently pull Helaena to sit on her lap as she gently starts stroking her daughter's hair. Helaena's expression quickly change to a relaxed one. Alicent smiles.

"They don't have the same skill as me to deal with your hair, right, sweety?" The mother asks with a smile. Helaena nods and smiles back to her mother.

"Only muna don't hurt me when using the brush." The princess says with her common low tone of voice. Alicent smiles and then she hears Aegon letting out a snort.

"She is just too much of a child to deal with some minor AUH!" The prince screams shortly when one of the maids pass a brush a bit too strong in his hair. Alicent and Helaena laughs at his misery.

"You are all children, Egg. Being two years older than her will not make you a adult that quickly." The Princess proclaims whil brushing the heir of her daughter. Aegon snorts once again and remains in silence. Alicent looks to Aemond, who is just looking at a wall with a blank expression.

"What do you plan to do all the time during the feast and the tourney, Aemond?" The mother asks, curious to hear what the boy might have to say. Aemond frowns and looks at her.

"Eat the food and watch the jousts." The boy says with a direct tone. Alicent sighs and Aegon laughs.

"I know, my child. I want you to tell me what you want to see exactly." The princess explains. Aemond frowns, looking back at the wall.

"Ser Criston said that he would fight in your name in the tourney. I want to see him win." The second son says with a honest tone. Seeing that she will not get much more from him, Alicent looks to Daeron.

"And you, my boy? Are you looking after what?" The princess asks. Daeron opens one of his bright smiles to her.

"I want to see uncle Gwayne in the jousts! He said he would dedicate a victory to me!" The boy proclaims, joyfully moving his legs around. Alicent smiles.

"Your uncle is a very nice man. I am happy that you are so close to him." The princess says. Aemond moves his gaze to her.

"Father will participate in thir tourney?" The boy asks, direct. Alicent frowns.

"No. Your father don't want to fight in a tourney against the champion of his wife. There is no point in doing so, and the glories of winning tourneys are not much for him anymore." The princess explains. Aemond snorts.

"What a shame." The boy says before looking back at the nothing. Aegon smirks as the door of the room opens.

"He is probably scared of getting beaten by Ser Criston, like all this years ago." The boy says with a laugh before his smile fades away when he sees his father entering the room with a annoyed expression.

"You should hold your tongue when talking about the skills of your father, boy. I am not afraid of Cole or anyone in this world. Never think otherwise." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a serious tone. Aegon quickly nods in agreement. Daemon then looks at his wife with a neutral expression.

"Is getting late. We need to go. People are already moving to the entrance of the Dragonpit." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Alicent nods, moving Helaena to the ground and then getting up.

"Yes. We need to go now. We can't let your grace waiting. What about the princess?" Alicent asks. Daemon snorts.

"You know how dramatic she can be. I did not see her. She is probably waiting to appear on dragon back." The Rogue Prince says with a smirk. Alicent sighs and frowns before looking at her children.

"Don't go too far from me, my children. And Aegon, don't you dare get closer to the wine. I will give you some if you want, but i will not allow you to repeat what happened on the last family feast." The princess points out. The refereed prince looks away, ashamed.

Sadly, Aegon got too much of a preference for wine, and his lack of maturity led to him getting a little drunk in front of his family, a shame for a boy.

And what did his father do? Mocked him with the same smile he is doing right now.

"You should control yourself, boy. I might let you kiss the wall this time. Maybe the shame will get attached to you." The Rogue Prince mocks with a laugh. Aegon's face goes red, but he keeps himself in silence.

With a sigh, Alicent takes Helaena in one hand and Daeron in the other before leaving the room, with the rest following her soon after.

---

Arriving at the entrance of the Dragonpit, where people are gathering and getting served, Alicent firstly meets with her father.

Like a good wine, age did nothing against the sharp mind of Ser Otto Hightower. Besides the white hair on his head, the Hand was still as smart and graceful as ever. He is using his long green clothes, representing House Hightower, something Alicent abdicated in order to fully serve the house of her husband. Her father receive her with a gentle smile.

"You are looking wonderful, my child. More than fitting of a look for a princess." The Hand says, kissing the back of her hand. Alicent smiles to her father.

"I can say the same to you, father. You are as elegant as always." The princess says, being honest. Otto smiles, but it quickly fades away when he looks at Daemon.

"My prince. You look well." The Hand says with a nod. Daemon snorts.

"I know. Where is my brother?" The Rogue Prince asks, clearly not interest in talking to Otto. The Hand frowns.

"I will take you all to him. But first, i want to see my grandchildren." The Hand says before smiling to the four children. He hugs everyone of them, stopping at Aegon in the end.

"Aegon, my boy, you know how much do you represent to your family?" The Hand asks, serious. The young prince smirks.

"Me? The first son of a second son? Honestly, i don't think i am much important, grandpa." The prince mocks. Otto frowns to him.

"But you are. A lot. You are the blood of House Targaryen and Hightower. Being from the main lines or not does not matter. The blood of your namesake, Aegon the Conqueror, and Garth Gardener, runs trough your veins. Powerful. Ancient. You ride a formidable dragon. You are extremelly valuable to all of us. You need to learn this. Give more value to what you do. Do you understand?" The Hand asks, very serious, holding his shoulders. Aegon, very taken aback, nods his head. His father snorts with a frown.

"I am the one that deals with my children, Otto. They are my legacy first, not yours." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a serious tone. Ser Otto snorts and ignores him, proceeding to guide them.

After walking trough the crowd of nobles, they finally meet the people they wanted to meet.

King Viserys and Queen Laena are there seating on a pair of chairs with one of their daughters in each of their laps, laughing happily.

The scene melts Alicent's heart. She can see how happy the king is of finally getting the stable family he wanted. To finally conclude the main objective of his wife.

As they get closer, the King notices them and opens a large smile to his brother as he gets up, still holding his older twin daughter, princess Baela.

"Daemon! It is so good to see you with your whole family for once! You certainly works with your family in pieces." The King jokes with a laugh. Daemon snorts.

"You can say that, brother, but i prefer to say that i know how to use my time with them. How is your daughters going?" The Rogue Prince asks, not really curious. The King smiles.

"They are doing very well! Baela here is a troublemaker, but Rhaena is a very sweet girl. I could not be happier with how things are turning out with them." The king says with pure honesty. Alicent smiles to the King and the Queen.

"It makes me very happy to hear that, your grace. I hope that motherhood is going well to you, my queen." The princess says with a gentle tone. Laena smiles back at her, radiant.

"It has been a wonderful experience for sure. It is a enormous benefit to watch this two grow with each day." The Queen proclaims, clearly very happy. Alicent smiles and nods. Daemon frowns.

"The pink egg did not hatch yet?" The Rogue Prince asks, curious. Alicent gazes at him for being insensible. The queen sighs.

"Sadly, only the green one that was given to Baela was hatched. The pink one is warm, but not enough, i am afraid. But Rhaena here does not seem to care. She sleeps with her egg every night. Right, my child?" The Queen asks the girl in her lap, receiving an anxious nod from the girl, making the mother laugh.

And then, the attention of everyone around was taken by the roars of three dragons emerging in the sky.

Red. Gray. Yellow.

Rhaenyra has arrived.

As the three dragons lands on the opposite side of the Dragonpit, Viserys laughs.

"Looks like my daughter, her husband, and my cousin have decided to show their face here. I was starting to wonder what happened with them to take so lony!" The King proclaims with a intense laugh. Daemon smirks.

"Better later than ever. And when talking about Rhaenyra, dramatic is the only option for a entrance." The Rogue Prince mocks. The King holds his laugh, but nods in agreement.

After some time of wait, the crowd let enough space for the Princess of Dragonstone to walk towards them, with Laenor Velaryon and Rhaenys Targaryen at each side of her.

Alicent can't deny the beauty of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. The weight she gained with her first two pregnancies were long gone after she changed her diet, as Alicent heard of. Her figure is slim, but certainly not weak. And while she is not fat, she also has more meat in her bones than Alicent, creating a more curvillineous figure that attracts the eyes of many men, specially with her larger hips and breasts.

Her black dress shows some of her cleavage and makes room to show a lot of her immaculate pale skin and her bright golden-silver hair. Her eyes are filled with intensity and her smile could seduce even the most chaste of septons.

Rhaenyra was beauty in flesh, but that would never take a toll in someone like Alicent.

Not when that same beauty only serves to hide the corrupted soul of a woman that gave up all her dignity to satisfy her needs.

And that corruption walked with Rhaenyra as well. By each of her sides, she has her two older sons. Jacaerys and Lucerys.

The boys looks well mannered and respectful, but they certainly look nothing like their supposed father.

And on her arms, Rhaenyra is holding her youngest son. Joffrey Velaryon.

Not satisfied in comitting this mistake, she choose to make it thrice. After all that disrespect to her own house, Alicent simply cannot take Rhaenyra Targaryen as a decent woman.

Gods be good, because she has no idea what kind of ruler Rhaenyra will turn out to be.

"Father! You have no idea how much i missed you! People are so boring in Driftmark and Dragonstone. Nobody seem to be able to laugh like you do." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims with a bright smile before huging her father, who hugs her back and laughs.

"I am glad to hear that, dear. Here, look at your sister here. She is growing so fast!" The King proclaims while Baela looks at Rhaenyra with curious eyes. The Princess of Dragonstone smiles to her sister.

"Indeed. She is growing quite fast. Both her and Rhaena will certainly become two outstanding beauties just like their mother." Rhaenyra proclaims with a honest smile. The King laughs and then looks at the baby on his elder daughter's arms.

"So, this is the little Joffrey. He seems very robust to me. You might have another good candidate for a knight in your hands, Nyra." The King says with a large smile. Rhaenyra laughs.

"I certainly hope so, father. Actually, i want to talk to you about my children. Or rather, their future." The Princess of Dragonstone says with conviction. The King frowns and nods.

"Of course. But it will have to wait for now. We are here to celebrate my marriage, and that is what we will do. It is about time we start this tourney!" The King proclaims in the end and the crowd around cheers. Rhaenyra sighs and nods in agreement. Viserys smiles and then moves towards the Dragonpit with his wife and twin daughters.

Remaining mostly in silence, Alicent and her family enters the Dragonpit, hoping that everything will turn out well.

---

The feast was a distant one, in practice. Rhaenyra's side of the family was on one side of the King while Alicent's side was on the other one. No words were spended between the two sides, which caught the attention of the people around, some of them whispering theories about what could be happening inside the Targaryen family.

With the feast done, everyone positioned in the right place to watch the jousts inside the Dragonpit. And soon, the blood bath begun.

Alicent was never a big enjoyer of jousts. They were too violent for her taste. At least, there was some sweet moments this time, including her brother Gwayne winning a match and dedicating it to Daeron, as he promised.

Yet, in his next match Rhaenyra's lover, Harwin Strong, took that moment awag from them when he defeated her brother in combat, breaking some of his bones and sending him into recovery.

And then, for the first time, Alicent was able to enjoy some of that violence when Ser Criston got to fight Ser Harwin once again.

And the result was very similar to the last one. The white knight defeated and broke Ser Harwin with no waste of time, clearly enjoying his violent assaults with his spear and enjoying hurting the man that kept bringing dishonor to House Targaryen over the years. With a final tilt, Ser Harwin fell to the ground, utterly defeated.

The crowd cheered as Ser Harwin was bleeding on the ground. Rhaenyra was shocked and went to see her champion, with her husband following right after.

As Rhaenyra was holding her tears and calling for someone to help her lover, Ser Criston ignored her and his horse moved towards the conner of the battlefield. A servant lay the crown of flowers on the point of his lance, which the white knight offers to Alicent with a bow.

Alicent takes the crown of flowers with a smile as the crowd cheers. She then proceeds to look at the flowers.

Red roses. Such a beauty.

From her higher position, Alicent look down on Rhaenyra, who has a bitter frown. The Princess of Dragonstone gets up with a serious expression and everyone went quiet.

"That was extremely unecessary. There was nothing honorable about it. Ser Criston was clearly trying to hurt my champion, and he suceeded. Is that fair?!" The Princess asks in a high tone of voice. Before the king could say something, Alicent stands in her feet.

"All jousts are violent, princess. If your champion was so badly hurt by Ser Criston, maybe he is not good enough for you. Maybe you should try to find a champion that can satisfy you more than Ser Harwin." The princess in red proclaims, letting her secondary intentions clearly with her speech.

Rhaenyra's gaze was one if bitterness. The pair of angry purple eyes were clear: any type of kindness between the two woman were gone.

And soon, as the crowd kept talking about, the colors of their dresses was something that was often mentioned by then.

With that final straw, the two sides were divided. The Blacks and the Reds were formed, and nothing good can emerge when they meet.

---

Chapter Text

---

VISERYS IV

---

120 AC -

---

The King looks trough the window of his room, staring at the empty morning sky of King's Landing.

Too peaceful for such a hard day.

He was very happy when his wife announced last year that she was once again pregnant. Why wouldn't he be? His family was expanding. How could that be a bad thing?

It went the wrong way quite quickly.

As each moon of pregnancy passed, Laena became more and more tired and was suffering from constant pain all over her body. She also lost her appetite a lot of the time, making her lose some weight in a siatuation where a healthy woman would gain more weight.

Saying that the Queen's health was worring the King would be a understatement.

Of course, he is very familiar with that kind of situation. Aemma always had difficult pregnancies.

Yet. Here he is. In the same old situation, acting in the same old way. Scared of what the destiny may have to him now. Has he not suffered enough?

Viserys try to relax in his chair, but it would never happen in his current state. Even the most comfortable chair in the world would feel like a chair of thorns.

Suddenly, there is a loud knock on the door. The sound sends a shiver of fear trough Viserys. He feels like a arrow just crossed his heart.

The King takes a deep breath, gaining sufficient courage to go further.

"Enter." Viserys proclaims, getting up from his chair to face the door of his room. The door quickly opens and the king is quite surprised.

He was expecting a messenger bringing news about his wife, but it was not the case.

"Your grace." Ser Otto Hightower, his Hand of the King, proclaims with a respectful tone while making a bow. Viserys sighs, relieved.

"Please, tell me it is you after knocking on the door, Otto. I tought it was a servant bringing me disheartening informations about my poor Laena. Yet, i can't deny that i am a bit relieved that it is you." The King proclaims with a bitter smile while holds the tops of his chair with one hand, trying to control better his nervosism. By his expression, Ser Otto seems to be empathetic with his situation.

"It is good to hear that my presence had a good effect on such a troublesome day, your grace. Honestly, i did not receive much information about the queen. Things are not going well?" The Hand asks with a partially soft tone. Viserys sighs, slowly stroking his forehead with his free hand.

"I don't know. It has been sometime since i was informed anything. I ordered Grand Maester Mellos to send someone to inform me about anything that might be happening. As nobody came here yet, i can only assume that Laena is still in childbed. I want to see her, but... i can't find the courage to see her in such a bad state. It would open scars that never truly closed." The King says, fearful at the circumnstances and angry at himself. Ser Otto frowns and nods.

"Nobody can deny your suffering, your grace." The Hand says with a stern expression. Viserys sighs once again. He knows that Otto would never dare to point out his mistakes. He has to face them himself. The King takes a deep breath and fix his posture.

"The servants took Baela and Rhaena back to their room?" The King asks. Otto nods, also fixing his posture to a even more composed one.

"Yes. The girls were playing with a caretaker who moved them to the bedroom. The two of them started to ask for the Queen, but they were convinced to behave once sweets emerged in the bargain." The Hand of the King says with a snort, almost smiling. Viserys laughs a bit.

"My sweet girls... i often forget how much easier things were when i was a child. I am privileged to be able to see my children grow. Something my mother was not able to." The King says, bringing the sad tone to his voice once more. Before the Hand of the King could say something, the door opens without any formality.

The two men move their eyes to the door to see a panting man walking inside and falling to a knee in front of them.

"My deeepes apologies for my rude invasion, your grace and lord Hand. I came here to inform that Grand Maester Mellos wants the presence of both of you in the room where he is helping the Queen." The man proclaims in a quick succession. Viserys feels his heart going to his throat as he walks to the man and hold him by the shoulders, scaring him.

"What happened to my wife, servant?!" The King asks with a euphoric expression. The messenger swallows a bit of saliva.

"I don't know, y-your grace. The Grand Maester only told me to call for you." The servant proclaims with honesty. Viserys grunts with frustration before getting his hands away from the man. The King quickly moves out of the room, with two of his Kingsguards going after him.

Ser Otto follows right behind him with his typical serious expression. He looks to the King as they walk trough the corridors together, going towards the chamber of the Grand Maester.

"It might be nothing to be so worried, your grace. You need to calm down. A troubled mind will never happen to solve problems, only to create more." The Hand says with a firm tone. Viserys grunts.

"I am not a fool, Otto! I know how to read the underlines of the games played by the snakes around me. Mellos demanded to see me without further explanation! It can only mean bad things." The King says with a very altered tone as his pace gets faster. Otto is quite surprised by what he said, but stay in silence.

And then, they finally arrive at the door of the chamber of the Grand Maester.

They can already hear the screaming of the Queen coming from inside.

The member of the Kingsguard in front of the door quickly moves away. Viserys don't lose any time and opens the door with a loud push.

The first thing they met is a confusion of maids moving around, doing several different things. But then, the King sees what he wants to see and he almost loses his breath.

Viserys looks to the bed in the room and the first thing he sees is the fine blankets of silk covered in blood. But that is not the worst one.

His wife is there, covered in sweat, panting and screaming, fighting against a intense pain and struggling to breath. Her beautiful silver hair is a complete mess and her skin is extremely pale.

Viserys, in the verge of tears, walks towards his wife and take her right hand with both of his hands.

Cold.

Cold as a dead body.

The King looks at Grand Maester Mellos, who is washing a towel in a bow. He is also sweating and clearly very tired of the last hours of work. The King tries to hold his emotions so he can speak.

"Maester! What is happening here?!" The King demands, almost completely desperate. The Grand Maester frowns, clearly try to keep his composure.

"The Queen lost a lot of blood and is refusing to drink the teas i made for her. We are trying our best here, your grace. But there is something wrong with the child." The Maester says, hesitating at the end. Viserys notices that.

"What is wrong with our child, Maester?!" The King asks, even if he deep down on his heart, he already knows the answer.

And the answer was the mere expression of the Maester.

Pity.

Tears rolls down the face of the King as he realises.

He lost one more child that he never got to hold in his arms.

The King holds the hand of his wife more firmly as she calm down from a surge of pain and tries to get some well needed air. The Maester recomposes.

"I am sorry, your grace. It seems that... the child was gone a long time ago. There was nothing to do about it." The Maester says with a soft tone. The King slowly nods, and then look at the Maester with a desperate gaze.

"Please, Mellos.... i beg you... at least save my wife. I can't lose two loved ones on the same day... not again." The King begs, not being able to properly control himself anymore. The Maester nods.

"I will try my best once more, your grace. I just need you to convince the queen to take the medicine. We can't accept the risk of forcing her to take the tea in the state that she is." The Grand Maester points out. Viserys looks at his wife, who finally notices him after recovering some mental stability.

Her once beautiful purple eyes that reflected her ambitions, dreams, and love, are now shady. Hollow. Devoted of will. Dead inside.

Laena's lips tremble as she reunites strength to form a resolution on her eyes as she holds the hands of Viserys with her weak one.

"Viserys... they said that our child is dead... i can't believe in them Viserys... i can't. I could feel him Viserys... he can't be gone... our baby... our boy... tell me... tell me that they are lying to me... please..." The Queen demands as her resolution fades away as quick as it came, giving place to a river of tears coming down her beautiful face. Viserys holds his tears as he struggles to answer her.

"Our baby is here, Laena... he is still here... with us..." The King says with a sad tone as he gently strokes her stomach with his hand and kiss her cold hand with tenderness.

Laena looks at him with a flash of hope on her eyes, before falling into the bed once again as another scream of pain escape from her lungs as she fights to push the baby out.

"Your grace... she must drink the tea as soon as possible." The Grand Maester says with a tone filled with pressure. The King nods his head and then looks at his weakened wife, who just stopped screaming for now, with a smile of comfort.

"Laena... please... drink the tea that the Grand Maester prepared. It is for you own good. Please." The King begs, talking slowly and gently. The Queen grunts, frowning as she pants to get some more of her precious air.

"I don't want it... i know this tea, Viserys... it will make me tired and sleepy. I can't sleep right now. I want my baby... i want to see my baby... i don't want to relax..." The Queen proclaims, losing conviction the more she speaks. Viserys sighs, touched.

"I am sorry Laena, but Grand Maester Mellos is demanding for you to drink the tea. If he is so convinced about it, it can only be a good thing for you. Please, you need to drink that. For our daughters, Laena. They need you. I need you." The King proclaims with a emotional tone at the end. Laena's lips tremble once more before she nods with her head, tears still coverinh her face.

Grand Maester Mellos quickly bring the tea to her. With a certain effort, Laena is able to drink the entirety of the tea, and it seemed that she was losing some of her paleness.

Yet, it all appeared once more a minute later when Laena falls to another crisis of screaming and pain.

Viserys looks at the terrible situation of his wife, feeling powerless. Even all the power of the King of the Seven Kingdoms is worthless in this situation.

The King sighs, looking at Laena with a short smile as she recovers a bit better than before. He holds her face with both hands, looking at her with pure tenderness on his eyes.

"Laena, relax. Everything will turn out well... just focus on ending this as soon as possible." The King says, receiving a slow nod from his exausted wife. Viserys smiles and kiss her forehead before turning to Mellos.

"There is something else i can do for her, Maester?" The King asks, determined. The Grand Maester frowns.

"I think bringing familiar faces would be good for her. Lord Hand, you can provide that?" The Grand Maester asks the Hand of the King. Viserys notices the strange gaze that the two men share, before Ser Otto nods.

"I can, but Daemon is on the Dragonpit, training Aegon and Aemond with the assistance of Ser Criston. Alicent is with Helaena and Daeron in her bedroom, i think." The Hand points out. The Grand Maester nods and then look back at the King.

"Your grace, i think you should leave with Lord Hand for now. You are too nervous to be here, i am afraid. The Queen needs to concentrate in the birth and let emotions out of this." The Maester suggests. The King frowns with the idea of leaving his wife now, but he nods. He then looks at Laena with a bitter smile.

"Do your best, Laena. I will be back soon, i promise." The King says with a gentle tone before leaving a short kiss on her cold lips. Laena looks at him with her shady purple eyes and nods before grinding her teeth as another wave of pain came.

Viserys sighs and get up. He frowns to Grand Maester Mellos as he approaches the old man.

"Maester... please... promise to me that she will be well..." the King demands with a weak tone of voice. The Maester looks to him with pity once again.

"I am sorry, your grace, but i am afraid that i can't make any promises here. Her situation is a very difficult one. The Queen is very strong the resist that long. There is hope, still. It is all in the hands of the gods." The Maester proclaims, trying to be hopeful. The King takes a deep breath and nods to the Maester before leaving the chamber, taking a final look at his screaming wife before the door closes.

The walk trough the hallways is one of misery. The only thing that Viserys can hear is his troubled toughts and the echoing sound of his steps.

The King is desolated. Full of fear. Once again, a destiny of a loved one is at the hands of the gods.

His dark toughts are broken by the gentle touch of Otto's hand on his shoulder. A gest of kindness, he assumes. The Hand opens a weak smile to him.

"Don't be afraid, your grace. Someone needs to be the strong pillar for a family. And as the King, is only natural to you to be that figure." The Hand says with a soft tone on his voice. Viserys let out a ironic and bitter laugh.

"Strong is not a word that can be used to describe me, i am afraid. I always was the soft one of the bunch. My father was a excellent warrior and my brother followed his steps. And yet, i was only mediocre with a sword. A master of nothing, in general. Maybe i am paying the price of my complacency." The King says with sadness as his pace starts to become slower and slower. The Hand of the King lands a hand on his back as a imaginary way of support.

"I think you need to find some happiness in such a difficult day, my King. You should visit the bedroom of your daughters. I always noticed how happy you were while being around them. It might be good for your and for them as well." The Hand suggests. Viserys frowns, thinking, and then he nods.

"My little girls... you are right, Otto. I might be a terrible or unlucky husband, but i can at least be a remarkable father figure for them. I will go to their bedroom right now." The King proclaims, standing more firmly. The Hand nods.

"You want me to guide you to them, your grace?" The Hand asks. Viserys denies with his head.

"No. I can do that on my own. You need to call Alicent and my nephews and also ask a servant to go after Daemon and his boys. I am grateful for you to be by my side today... Otto." The King proclaims with a honest tone. The weak hint of a honest smile appears on the face of the stern Hand of the King.

"It is my duty and pleasure, your grace. I am leaving now. May the gods bless yourself today, my King." The Hand says with a bow before leaving. Viserys sighs as he keeps walking towards the chamber of his daughters on the opposite direction.

The gods... what the gods are planning to him this time? Why they are so motivated in breaking his heart and soul?

That is the price he pays for the crown? He has to pay for it with the blood of his wives ans his unborn children?

Why does it happen with all the women of his family? His grandmother, his aunts, his two wives...

...his mother.

The mere memory of his mother almost makes Viserys falls to the ground as his knees falter. He has to hold his hands at the walls of the empth hallway to recover his breath as his heart is almost ripping apart on his chest.

As the King closes his eyes for a second, old memories of a poor child returns to him.

"Muna..." Viserys whispers as he remembers his mother. Her hair, her eyes, her smile, her laugh...

He remembers the times where she would bring him to fly in Meleys, the time where she gave him his first wooden sword.

And... he remembers when she was taken away from him.

He was only 7, but he can still remember the moment very well. He wanted to see his mother, and entered in the bedroom where she was giving birth.

Terrible decision.

The vision he had became a permanent torment on his head. His mother, covered in blood after giving birth to Aegon, fighting to stay awake.

The vision was frightening for him. He never saw that much blood on a single place. He was horrified.

His father tried to move him away, but his mother demanded the Spring Prince to bring him to her. And so he did.

With his eyes closed, Viserys can still feel her gentle hand on his face. He can still see her lovely smile. He can still hear her tired voice.

"You are not a baby anymore, Viserys. Stop being so scared. You now have two little brothers to protect. Twice the work for you. Listen... i promise that i will recover soon. Just be patient. Do you understand?" Echoed the determined voice of his mother on his mind. And after his youngself nodded, she kissed his cheek.

Days passed, and his mother only got worse, and then, one day, she was gone.

Forever.

That memory was forgotten inside his head, until... it all happened again.

Aemma... his beloved Aemma... met the same fate as both his mother and her mother.

He was desolated to see it all over again. He felt like the same frightened child he was when his mother died.

Powerless, scared, and confused.

And now, things are happening a third time.

Why?

Why him?

Why he have to lose all the women he cared in his life in such a terrible way?

Why his brother Aegon was taken away from him? Why all the several children he conceived with his wives were taken away from him?

The King tries to recover himself as he supports himself using the wall of the hallway.

When he finally manages to return to reality, he hears the sound of odd steps coming towards him. And when Viserys looked in that direction, he was horrified by what he saw.

Defying logic, his wife, Queen Laena Velaryon, walks in his direction.

Her light blue dress was dirty, ripped, and covered in blood. Her skin was covered in sweat and extremely pale. Her shady purple eyes were swollen of all the crying and a trace of blood followed her, dripping from her legs. Viserys could see life fading away from her body with each difficult breath that came out of her mouth. Her lips trembled once again when she looks at his eyes.

"Viserys..." the young woman proclaims, slowly extending her arms. Viserys quickly runs towards her, holding the cold body of his wife in his arms.

"Laena! What in the seven hells are you doing here?!" The King asks, desperate. Laena continues to cry in his arms, laying her head on his chest.

"Our boy is gone... Viserys... he is gone... i never got to see him alive..." She cries, filled by sadness. Viserys can't help but let the tears fall from his face as well.

"It does not matter now, Laena. You can still live. For our daughters!" The King proclaims, trying to build a confidence that could not exist. Laena looks at him with hopeless eyes.

"I am sorry... i am so sorry... forgive me... Baela... Rhaena... i will not live for long... please... Viserys... i want a last flight before i die... take me to Vhagar... please... i beg you..." The Queen demands between her tears and difficult breathing. Viserys is conflicted.

"That is madness, Laena! You should see our daughters!" The King proclaims, struggling against his own despair. Laena trembles on his arms, denying with her head.

"No... i don't want them to... see me like this... please... take me to Vhagar... Viserys..." the Queen demands, losing more and more of her voice. She falls completely on his arms, losing all her strength. Viserys get more desperate.

"Laena! Don't you dare close your eyes now! I will do anything you want, just keep yout eyes opened! Please!" The King urges, trembling and in tears as he gently shakes his wife in his arms.

Yet, it was useless.

The purple eyes that he came to adore over time closed one last time. A last fragment of her voice escapes from Laena's mouth, together with the remaining air in her lungs.

Looking at her in his arms, Viserys wanted to deny the reality, but his worst nightmares came to haunt him again. Even worse than before.

Viserys falls to his knees and the sunlight coming from a crack on a closed window in the Hallways illuminates his face from up to down.

As the King looked at the light, he felt like it was a mockery of the gods. A judgment. A punishment.

And he had only one word to say to them.

"WHY?!" Viserys screams at the top of his voicr before falling into tears and more desperate screams while hugging the cold body of his second wife.

The King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, laid there, kneeled in the blood of his wife, wailing for everything he lost.

Begging for a answer that he would never get.

---

Chapter Text

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DAEMON VII

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120 AC -

---

The Rogue Prince was never a appraiser of silent places. He always tought that they were too uninteresting for him. He is a man of action and silence is purely the lack of action, after all.

Yet, he has one exception to accept being in this kind of places. Only one.

Funerals.

The norms of Westeros basicaly obligated him to care about that. He has to at least pretend that he cares.

Specially when said funeral is for the second wife of his brother.

When the information arrived to him, Daemon was surprised at first. He did not expect that his brother would be that much unfortune.

His brother isolated himself in his bedroom, and refused to talk with anyone, but Otto trough the door.

The King wanted to deal with the funeral was soon as possible. He wanted to try to move on as fast as possible. At least try to.

And then, in the next day, here they are, walking their way to the Dragonpit as a sign of respect to deceased Queen, as her coffin is carried by servants. A white coffin of marble with a seahorse carved at the top. Made by dozens of artisans overnight.

Alicent is by his side, looking always to the front, keeping a serious expression to hide her sadness. Her red dress this time is the darket one she have. She did not have a black dress at hand and there was no time to demand one to be made.

Daeron, their youngest child, walks holding her hand, looking up often as he restrains himself a bit because of the guards surrounding them and keeping the smallfolk away from them.

Due to the lack of time, the vast majority of lords did not came for the funeral. Most of the crows certainly did not even arrive at their destinations yet. Only a few neighboring lords appeared.

His brother was leading the noble section of walking people. Daemon was sure that he never saw Viserys in such a terrible state.

The King was walking slowly, with a permanent sad expression on his face. Holding each of his hands, were his two young daughters. Baela was in silence, but Rhaena was still shedding tears from time to time. The two girls were the only reason that Viserys could even open a false smile.

The Velaryons were the very first to be notified about Laena's death. Yet, they did not arrive. The Rogue Prince could only presume that they wanted to do a more... dramatic entrance.

Daemon snorts, remembering the entrance that Rhaenys did on her own wedding with the Sea Snake. Riding Meleys above the event.

Of course, his second was not normal as well, so he can't really judge her.

"Laena did not deserve such a horrible destiny. Viserys even less. He already passed trough it once. They deserved more than what they got." Alicent whispers towards him, altough it looks more like she is talking to herself. Daemon grunts a bit.

"My brother's bad luck is unrivaled, i am afraid. Not everyone is as luck as me to get four living children and still have a living wife. At least, Laena managed to give him the twins. She let her mark on this world, like Aemma. It would be much worse if she did not." The Rogue Prince points out in a half arrogant manner. Alicent frowns to his lack of delicacy, but she looks to agree with what he said. Close to them, Aegon looks curious as he hears the conversation.

"Uncle Viserys had another wife before Laena?" The eldest son of Daemon asks, making a realisation. The Rogue Prince frowns to the question.

"How did you not know that before, boy? Where did you think that Rhaenyra came from?" Daemon asks, irritated. Aegon coils a bit and look away before saying something.

"I never stopped to think about it. She was always the older daughter of Uncle Viserys for me. I have never even listen to her mother's name. What is it again, Emma?" The Prince asks, looking at the more friendly face of his mother. Alicent sighs.

"Aemma. Aemma Arryn. She was half Targaryen as well. Cousin of your father and the King. She met the same fate as Laena. She was a great woman." The consort Princess explains with a soft and sad tone. Aegon nods before looking away once again. Daemon sighs and shakes his head a bit.

Sometimes, his eldest son baffles him with how isolated from this world he is. He is at least satisfied that he managed to get a decent grow with his skills with a sword. Not the best, but at least not a shame. As such, not good for a son of Daemon Targaryen.

His appearance don't help much either. His long silver-golden hair is let free and careless, just like his dark clothes that are often dirty in some parts or crumpled. Aegon don't have any interest in keeping a better image. He only cares about the pleasures of life, even at the young age of 13 years old.

Daemon can relate to his interests, but there is one fundamental thing that his older son lacks.

Ambition.

He lacks the will. The hunger of a dragon. Aegon would certainly not risk his own life. Not for power. Not for glory. For anything at all.

A shame.

But there is the other side of the coin.

Day by day, it looks more and more clear that the lack of ambition that Aegon displays was compensated by his second son.

Aemond keeps his hair similar to Aegon, altough he at least take some care of it, tying it often during training, to not get on his way. His posture and manners in general are much better.

And, of course, he is much more ambitious than his older brother. He displayed interest in battles since a very young age and developed his skills much quicker than Aegon.

In the future, when their difference in age becomes less of a factor, Aemond will certainly get the permanent upper hand over his brother.

Looking at the development of Aemond was a interesting experience for the Rogue Prince. He can see a lot of himself on the boy, but not everything. And sadly, nothing that is truly useful.

Aemond was never interested in people. He always wanted to do things rather than observe, he lacked patience to deal with others, and he was very... pragmatic. He was also not interested in any kind of humor.

Daemon was a bit satisfied to see parts of him on his son, but he can't deny that he can see some of Otto Hightower in him as well.

Remembering that he and the Hand of the King share descendants makes the Rogue Prince almost sick.

And, of course, while thinking about his sons, he can't forget the little one.

Daeron is a interesting case. The boy was very prone to smiles and laughs, always full of energy, and very curious about everything imaginable. That often irritates Daemon when the boy keeps making question after question, not letting the commander in peace for even hours.

But what really catches the interest of Daemon is, similarly to Aemond, the interest that the boys has for battles. The eyes of the boy would almost glow at the vision of armor, swords, or basicaly any kind of weapon. He was more than happy when his father gave him his first wooden sword, to Alicent's displeasure.

Yet, the boy was different from Daemon on his approaches when it comes to fight. The boy likes more the idealistic gallant style of knight. Not necessarily the most skilled of fierce, but a shining knight in armor full of virtues from stories that Alicent would read to him at night before he falls asleep.

Daemon can only hope that his son don't turn out to be a kind fool that would prefer to die with "honor" instead of winning a battle trough some dirty tactic.

Daeron is still heavily affected by his mothet, who is with him most of the time. It shows in how the boy's clothes are always clean and in place and his golden-silver hair is short and well brushed.

Again, Daemon can only hope thay Daeron grows to leave the skirt of his mother. No one in this world has any respect for a man that is still dependant in the figure of his mother in any shape or form.

And then, there was a final child. One that he is not near as much close as he is to his three sons.

Helaena. His only daughter.

The girl is strange, to say the least. She often gets amused by random things that crosses her path. Observing in silence, but not like Aemond. After all, she has a kind spirit instead of a stern one, a desirable quality in a woman, Daemon supposes.

Yet, he can't deny that he is kinda dissapointed that, of all things that could be her main interests, one of them had to be insects.

Such creatures are not fit to be around a princess of house Targaryen. His daughter, above all.

And a minor aspect that bothers Daemon is that Helaena is not particulaly beautiful.

She is certainly not ugly, of course. The valyrian traits could turn even the most horrendous of hags into a fair woman.

Helaena keeps her golden-silver hair free and long, almost always a bit of a mess, even if she often adjusts it with a small brush that her mother forces her to keep in a hidden pocket in her dress all the time. Her dress is a mix of mostly red with some black in it.

Helaena is pretty, but she is not Alicent. And certainly not Rhaenyra.

He frowns when the image of his niece comes to his mind.

The Rogue Prince more than once looked around to see any sign of the arrival of the princess, but nothing yet. No sign of dragons in the sky and no sound of horns anouncing the arrival of someone.

Just the tedious slow walk of the people in King's Landing, muttering in almost silence as they try to show respect towards the sad King.

Daemon sighs.

A hour passes.

The torture seems to be coming to a end as they finally arrive at the open terrain in front of the entrance to the Dragonpit.

The crowd are guided to move away from the center, making a extense line to the nobles to pass trough.

Viserys seat on a improvised chair, struggling for some air as a servant offers him a cloth that the King quickly uses to remove the sweat from his red face.

Normally, Daemon would smirk at the scene of his fat brother almost passing out due to a long walk in a slow pace, but this is not a day for this type of thing, sadly.

As the King recovers, the members of the Kingsguard carring the marble coffin of the Queen slowly lay it down in front of the King, in the middle of the whole place.

Daemon can now see the full details. He can see the carved three-headed dragon and seahorse covering the whole coffin like snakes, both in the same greenish-blue color present in the sigil of House Velaryon.

His brother slowlt gets up from his chair, walking towards the coffin with hesitation and a expression of pure desolation that almost makes Daemon turn his eyes alway. That is not a vision that pleases him.

The inferior lip of the King trembles as he falls in his knees in front of the coffin, laying his forehead against it as he closes his eyes, holding his tears. The crowd observes the sadness of their king in silence while both Baela and Rhaena are hold by maids and blocked by guards.

Daemon feels a quick hit on his arm. He looks at Alicent, who just called his attention with her elbow, with a bit of irritation. She looks back at him with a serious expression.

"You should say something to him. You are his brother. His only brother. He needs you." The princess whispers with a tone of pity while looking at the state of the King. Daemon frowns and snorts.

"You don't know how suffering works for men, Alicent." He proclaims with a serious tone. Alicent frowns, looking a bit offended with that. But, before any words could leave her open mouth, they heard something.

Everyone did.

The roar of a dragon... no... more than one.

Daemon quickly looks up, as everyone did, and the vision makes the Rogue Prince snorts.

As he tought.

Six dragons fly around in the sky, all with different sides. A big red one, a yellow and a grey one of smaller size, and three very young dragons. The brownish-green one is just a bit bigger than the white one, but both are considerably bigger than the purple one following them.

They arrived.

With his sharpened vision, Daemon could see that not a single one of the dragons are mounted by a rider.

He then moves his vision towards the horizon. From the top of the Hill of Rhaenys, Daemon can easily see the sea of Blackwater Bay.

And so, he can easily see the Velaryon fleet approaching.

"So, they finally arrived. Better late than never, i suppose." Alicent says with a frown of irritation. Daemon snorts once again, not interested in the grudge that his wife has against his niece at the moment.

Daemon feels his clothes being slightly pushed. He looks down to see the small figure of a excited Daeron.

"Kepa, can we let the other dragons fly too?" The boy says, pointing at the dragons in the sky. Daemon sighs, but opens a short smirk to his son.

"Maybe. You will have to ask the King, but you can't do that now." The Rogue Prince says, making the boy look disappointed, but still nod in acceptance.

Half an hour passes before the small Velaryon army arrives with the Sea Snake and his family at the front.

Before anything else could happen, his cousin, Rhaenys, runs towards the coffin and fall in her knees with her arms around it, crying louder than Viserys.

Corlys Velaryon, with a sad expression behind his stern face, walks towards his wife to be by her side. He then gently lays a hand in the coffin, closing his eyes as he whispers a pray.

Walking after the old couple, there was the newer one. Laenor was trying his best to hold his tears and keep his posture.

Rhaenyra has a serious expression in her face, but her sadness and worries can be seem as well. She has one arm around her husband's arm, slightly conforting him. With the other hand, she gently strokes the hair of her youngest son who is embracing her leg, Joffrey.

Even the name of the child is not valyrian, Daemon tought. Rhaenyra is either too foolish or too confident in her life decisions. Probably both.

Standing by her side were both of her older sons. Jacaerys had a frown, bothered by the whole situation. His younger brother, Lucerys, stand behind him like a shadow, almost trying to hide from the eyes of the people.

Rhaenyra moves her young son from her leg as she quickly walks towards her father, who gets up as he sees her.

The two embrace and lay their heads on the shoulders of each other. Daemon can still hear the crying of his brother. And can also see some tear rolling from the eyes of Rhaenyra as well.

Father and daughter separate and Viserys hold her face in his hands, whispering something that can't be heard. But, it makes Rhaenyra opens a sad smile.

The King fix his posture and removes the tears from his face using his hands before saying something to a guard that leaves. Viserys then looks at his commission with a position of authority.

"Your highness." The King calls with a short reverence of respect. A man in a black cloak take a step further. The crown of crystals at the top of his head give away his identity. The High Septon.

The leader of the faith walks towards the coffin and lays a hand at it's top as Rhaenys gets up, hold her tears, and is comforted by her husband with a hand on her back.

The High Septon takes a deep breath before looking around at everyone present.

"Today, both nobles and commoners reunite, not to cry or to lament, but to celebrate the life and achievements of Queen Laena of House Velaryon. A woman of will and passion. Daughter. Wife. Mother. Sadly, her time came too early, but, we need to remember the past dearly, instead of keeping thinking about what could or should have happened. Now, i ask all of you for a minute of silent prayer as a sign of respect for the death of Queen Laena." The High Septon says in a melancholic tone before bowing his head to do a prayer, as does almost everyone in sight.

Daemon was never a man of religion, but he bows his head to play a long. It would not hurt, after all.

On the opposite side of his views on the faith, there is Alicent. He can see with the corner of his eyes that she is praying and moving her lips as she doe so. One hand holding Daeron, who looks a bit lost, and the other holding the seven-pointed star in her necklace.

Daemon resists his desire to sigh.

He uses that minute that seems to never end to look at the newcomers.

Corlys is in silence, with closed eyes, and stern. Rhaenys looks still disheartened. Laenor is a mix of both. How funny.

Once again, his eyes are moved to Rhaenyra, who is either praying with her mouth shut or just pretending.

She gained some weight after her first pregnancies, but she seems to recover her slim and more attractive body.

Her tits look quite bigger when compared to how they were before the first little bastard came out of her.

Ah, the three boys.

If there is some god of fate out there, he either hates Rhaenyra or takes a good laugh at her.

Three times. Three children with no valyrian features.

And his brother plays the fool to protect his dear daughter. Lovely.

Perhaps he should be just as bothered as Alicent is with this situation, but he can't care about it anymore.

His brother wants Rhaenyra on the throne after him? Fine. He will just leave if things get unsustainable.

Maybe sack Tyrosh, take the city and become a Lord Paramount there or a King on his on right.

Maybe start a conquest of his on.

He almost smirks at the tought.

As if.

He just hopes that he is not alive anymore to swear fealty to a bastard.

And then, the long minute finally ends as the High Septon lick his lips before speaking, rising his hands.

"May the father receive his daughter with open arms. May the mother embrace her son with all the care that such a innocent soul deserves. May the crone illuminate her family trough this daring times. May the maiden give protection to her two daughters. May the smith let good things emerge with her passing. May the warrior give strength to her family. May the stranger guide her soul to a good place." The High Septon proclaims and the crowd repeats. Phrase by phrase. The old man let his hands go down.

"Now, your grace, King Viserys, shall be given his own chance to speak if he wants to." The High Septon proclaims and the King nods as the leader of the faith steps back and he steps further.

The King takes a deep breath to speak, fixing his posture at the same time.

"Queen Laena was born a member of House Velaryon, but she married into House Targaryen. And as a Targaryen Queen, her funeral shall follow the old Targaryen way. The way of Old Valyria." The King proclaims, provoking confusion to some people in the ground.

And then, a loud sound of heavy doors moving emerges. Mirghty roars comes from the Dragonpit, shaking the ground, making most people hold their ears and also withdraw in surprise and fear.

Daemon smirks.

From exits of the Dragonpit, the dragons that were caged in take the skies.

The first dragon to emerge is very small. The size of a common dog. Her pale green scales almot shiny in the sun and she moves graciously trough the sky in high speed for her size.

Princess Baela, who was always too stern during the whole event, smiles when she sees her dragon, Moondancer.

Right behind her there is a small blue dragon that is not much bigger than a large dog. Daeron laughs with happiness as he sees his own dragon flying around in circles and screeching.

Tessarion is a majestic dragon that is growing quite fast. Daemon is satisfied that Daeron gave a proper valyrian name to the beast and that Tessarion got to be slightly bigger than Vermax, even if a bit younger.

The next one roars as his golden scales shine in the sun. Sunfyre causes the amusement of the crowd to see such a beauty from such a fearful creature.

The dragon of his first son is fierce and hard to manage to anyone that is not Aegon himself. From all dragons, Sunfyre is the one that grew the fastest. He was getting closer and closer to the size of Syrax and Seasmoke as the years passes.

The forth dragon comes out with a hissing roar that is very familiar to Daemon. A song to his ear that also makes he opens a smile upon hearing it.

Caraxes emerges to the sky and opens his wings wide as he moves around like a serpent and his red scales shine in the sun. As a dragon experienced in battle, Caraxes grow more and more with each year, even if he is still considerably smaller when compared to the dragons of the Conciliator and his sisters.

And talking about them...

The fifth dragon has a way deeper roar, even if it is a shorter one. A roar from a much older dragon.

The very large dragon of light blue scales and minor pink parts that is Dreamfyre emerges from the Dragonpit and take higher flight with powerful shakes of her wings.

One of the oldest and biggest dragons alive. Even if it is not a warrior dragon, Daemon was very proud of Helaena after he took her to the Dragonpit and she ended up claiming Dreamfyre.

But that also sealed her fate.

She will have to marry a dragonrider, one way or another. He will never allow a third house to get their hands on the most powerful weapons in the world.

The sixth and final one could not be any other dragon, but the most impressive of all.

With the ground shaking with her roar, Vhagar, a dragon that fought in Aegon's Conquest, take flight.

Her massive body projects a enormous shadow in the crowd as she slowly moves her wings to estabilize her in the air as she moves around.

"She is very huge..." Aemond points out, entranced with the old dragon. Daemon smirks, looking away.

"She certainly is, boy..." The Rogue Prince says, bringing back memories.

He still remember like yesterday when he claimed Caraxes and his father, the Spring Prince, followed him in the air with Vhagar.

And then, like a massive union, the dragons move to land at the top of various higher parts of the Dragonpit, from where they observe what is happening between the humans gathered around the coffin.

Aegon whistles.

"I did not known that dragons could be that much... organized." The prince points out, impressed. Daemon snorts.

"Never underestimate the intelligence of a dragon. They are much smarter than you imagine." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Aegon frowns and nods, still a bit confused.

Of course, with the emerge of even more dragons, the commoners in the crowd started to get nervous and worried, threatened by the presents of the mighthy beasts.

His brother makes a sign and a servant blows a horn. As the sound echoes, the crowd manages to get more silent in the next seconds. The King takes a deep breath before he continues with his speech.

"As i said, Queen Laena was born a Velaryon, but, she died a Targaryen. From blood, from legacy and from marriage. The blood of the dragon burned in her veins. That is undeniable..." Viserys says, stopping to take a hold of his emotions. Rhaenyra lays a hand on his shoulder and smiles to him, encouraging her father. The King fix his posture once more, his expression got more sad than before.

"I not only lost my dear wife, but i also lost a child. Once again i lost a son that i never got to see alive. A son that i never got to name. A son that i never got to hear crying or smiling. A son that Laena gave her life for." The King proclaims with a sad tone of voice, sniffing. Rhaenyra moves her hand trough his back as Baela and Rhaena embrace his legs. The King briefly smiles with that, and then he looks up once again. Now, looking at the clear blue sky.

"When i was a young, i would hear several times from all kinds of people that my parents, Prince Baelon and Princess Alyssa, where very misfortuned. All the accounts in books about their deaths always used the same phrase... it was never meant to be. My mother was strong of body and spirit... but it was never meant to be. My father was the heir of the Iron Throne, a wise man and a fierce warrior. A perfect prospect for a king... but it was never meant to be. And now, the story repeats once more. My dear Laena was a woman of health, will and desires with a brilliant future ahead... but it was never meant to be." The King says, letting his tears flow at the end, a hand of his moving to his face to remove the tears as the crowd observes with compassion.

Daemon close his eyes and take a deep breath, trying to calm down his trembling hand.

It has been 19 years. It is over.

When he opens his eyes, he can see that Viserys is finally getting control over himself. Alicent look at him with a short smile as she moves her head closer to his.

"It is good to see that Daemon Targaryen is not a emotionless stone. I would say that it is adorable." The princess says with a small smirk. Daemon groans in displeasure, to her delight.

Viserys finally recovers after cleaning his eyes.

"The two of them were Targaryens, down to their essence. And the words of House Targaryen are simple, but have a deeper meaning behind them. Fire and Blood. Please, guards... open the coffin." The King demands, stuggling to keep his voice tone high at the end.

The guards were quick on their duty, removing the top half of the marble coffin and putting it on the ground.

Laena's body was embraced by a very expensive fabric, covering it completely. And, above her body, was the small body of a baby. A unborn boy in the same situation as his mother.

Viserys hold his emotions once more upon seen the two covered bodies, and then, he gets closer.

"My dear Laena, my dear son, the lifes of many will be darker without you two here, but mine will never be the same again. May the gods let you two rest in peace. I love you." The King says, leaning down and kissing Laena's head before walking back, sniffing once again.

"By the Targaryen tradition, their bodies will be cremated. What came from fire, will return to it, and their ashes shall join our ancestors..." The King proclaims. Servants came and lay a lot of straw around the coffin as preparation.

Suddenly, Rhaenys take a step further, surprising some of the ground.

"Cousin." The wife of the Sea Snake says with a troubled tone of voice. "I am sorry for the interruption, but i have a wish. As Laena's mother, i want to be the one to conclude this. Like our grandfather did to both of our fathers." Rhaenys asks with a high tone of voice.

The two of them look eye to eye. Purlple to purple. King to the Queen Who Never Was. And then, Viserys nods, saying nothing else.

Rhaenys sigh in relief and then she looks to the peak where Meleys is. The dragon groans and open her wings, going back to the air.

The guards guide the crowd to make more space, moving everyone even more far from the coffin.

With a loud sound cause by her she weight, the Red Queen lands by the side of her dragonrider, barely managing to fit inside the space without hitting someone with her tail. The crowd observe the scarlet dragon with equal parts of fear and amusement.

After a few seconds of silence, Rhaenys closer her eyes, take a deep breath, and open them again.

"Dracarys."

Meleys groans and moves her neck back before letting out roar along with a torrent of red flames that lit the funeral pyre in an instant.

And the deed was done.

As the pyre behaves as a big campfire, the two bodies are slowly consumed.

A minute of silence can be heard once again, letting only the sound of the scarlet flames echoes trough the place.

Of all people, the silence is broken by Meleys taking flight once again, returning to her previous position.

Before everything could go out of hand, Viserys take the word once more.

"Now, the guards shall guide all of you back. It is a moment of contemplation for me and for my family. Thank you." The King proclaims with honesty. A lot of the commoners on the crowd offer a bow of reverence to the King before they start leaving.

And, after not much time, only guards and the royal family are around the funeral pyre. The dragons already scattering around, one by one.

The silence is reigning with a iron fist.

Daemon feels Daeron pulling his pants once again. He looks at the smiling boy.

"Kepa! Can we fly now?" The boy asks, making a pout. Daemon grunts.

"It is not a moment for that, boy. Maybe tomorrow." The Rogue Prince proclaims directly. Daeron turns sad and Alicent strokes his hair to comfort him. She smiles to their son before looking at Daemon.

"I will take them to see the dragons. You should talk to Viserys. He needs you. More than ever." The princess whispers to him. Daemon frowns, snorting.

"I will talk to him." The Rogue Prince says with a slightyl annoyed voice. Alicent smiles.

"Good. I will be back soon." She says, gently moving a hand down in one of his arms before leading her kids in one direction.

Daemon grunts and then walks toward Viserys, who is now alone. All three of his daughters are talking with the Velaryons, leaving the King staring at the red flames, barely blinking.

The Rogue Prince stops by the side if his brother, looking at the fire as well.

"It always tough to be in this situation, brother." Daemon says. Viserys nods, sighing.

"Starting difficult conversations was never something you are good at. Usually, you just evade them. Trying to create the impression that they don't bother you." The King says with a tired tone of voice. Daemon smirks, but his smile quickly fades away.

"Laena was a great woman, Viserys. Just like Aemma was. But, you are the King of the Seven Kingdoms before anything else. A weak King can only bring chaos to his kingdom, just like our great-grandfather." The Rogue Prince points out, still looking at the flames. Viserys sighs, slowly stroking his eyes.

"Daemon, i just want one day. One day to mourn. One day to clear mind. I have reigned for 17 years by now. Almost two decades of ups and downs. It is easy to talk about being strong when you are not wearing a crown." The King says with a tired tone. Daemon frowns, feeling a sour taste in his mouth after hearing his words.

"I was unfortune to be born the second son, i guess. You certainly would be happier without it, right?" The Rogue Prince jokes with a smirk. Viserys laughs briefly.

"I think so. But, if you were in my place, we would be in war every single year. I know you, Daemon. You have a hunger for glory that i never really understood. Why can't you just enjoy what you already have right there?" The King says, pointing at the distance. Daemon look up and his expression gets softer.

He can see his children embracing and stroking the scales of their dragons, laughing while the creatures observe them with different reactions. The curiosity of Dreamfyre, the impatience of Sunfyre and the energy of Tessarion.

The only one that is not happy here is Aemond, who is clearly bothered by the situation. The only thing he can do is stay close to Caraxes with his mother by his side. The Blood Wyrm observes the boy sometimes, but mostly ignores him, as long as Aemond don't try to touch him too much.

Alicent observes their children with a smile, but never letting her hold in Aemond slip, worried about how the boy could make the Blood Wyrm angry.

Daemon takes a deep breath.

"I am not a family man like you, Viserys. I am a warrior. I live for battle." The Rogue Prince says with a dry tone of voice. Viserys snorts.

"You should open your eyes, Daemon. This children are a part of you as well. If you can't pass your legacy to them, your battles are worthless. The words of our House are Fire and Blood. You are missing the true value of bloof." The King says with a serious tone. Daemon frowns, reflecting about it.

And then, the conversation between the two brothers is cut short when Baela and Rhaena come running at their father.

"Kepa! Come see Moondancer with us! Please!" Baela demands with her childish voice pulling one of her father's arms while Rhaena do the same to the other. Viserys laughs.

"Of course! Maybe she can show me more of her delightful flights!" The King proclaims with a happy tone. The twin sisters celebrate with some claps as they drag their father to where the Velaryons and Moondancer are.

Daemon observes his family once again before looking back at the fire, too immersed in toughts, questioning his priorities.

"Having children changes your perspectives in life, i learned that after getting my own children." He hears a sweet voice close to him. One that he is very used to hear.

Except that this voice that was once innocent and childish, is now mature and almost seductive.

Daemon frowns and look at his side to face the smiling face of his niece.

Her flawless skin, beautiful eyes, well maintained hair and astonishing figure combined with a bright smile was able to make even the most chaste of men hesitate.

But, knowing her nature, Daemon is more concerned about her intentions than anything.

"What do you mean, my dear niece?" The Rogue Prince asks, playing along. Her smile gets thiner, but the expression never changes. She looks at the fire as well.

"Before i had Jace, i just wanted to live life to the fullest. I wanted to be happy over everything else. And then, when i got to hold my first son in my arms, i no long had such ambitions. I discovered that my affection towards him was bigger than anything else. I want what the best for my children now, and for that, i need to make concessions that i would never make otherwise." The Princess of Dragonstone says with a honest tone of voice. Daemon takes a deep breath, looking up, observing the smoke from the fire fade away in the sky. He smirks, but says nothing.

The two of them observe the flames for a minute before Daemon breakes the silence.

"Your dear guard, Ser Harwin Strong, died with his father, the Master of Laws, in a burn inside Harrenhal. That certainly took a toll on you, right?" The Rogue Prince asks with a neutral tone. Rhaenyra frowns, bothered with the memory.

"Certainly. Ser Harwin was very important to me. A guard and a excellent company. He will be missed. But his death, as well as Laena's, serve as one more change of course to me. I can't be as reckless as i was in the past. Live is short and i can't keep making mistakes. I need to do what have to be done. Whatever it takes." The Princess of Dragonstone says with confidence. Daemon frowns.

"So, you are saying to me that you don't want do things with your personal interest in mind anymore?" The Rogue Prince asks, looking at his niece. Rhaenyra snorts, still looking at the fire.

"I am saying that i am being more careful with what i do and more attentious to what is happening around me. But, i am still a woman with principles. I don't forget things that are important to me. Never." The heir to the Iron Throne points out, looking back at Daemon.

The fire reflects on her eyes, giving a chaotic look to them and emphasizing her emotions.

In her eyes, Daemon can see sadness, motivation and... longing.

Rhaenyra take two steps further, almost touching him as she looks up.

"Kesan dōrī nārhēdegon hen skoros jaelan. Kesan dōrī nārhēdegon whar nyke dreamed. Kesan dōrī nārhēdegon aōha dōna udra. Kesan dōrī nārhēdegon ñuha ēlī jorrāelagon. Konir sagon se qrimbrōzagon ao geptot isse nyke. (I will never forget of what i want. I will never forget whar i dreamed. I will never forget your sweet words. I will never forget my first love. That is the curse you left in me.)" Rhaenyra whispers with a distant tone of voice. Her purple eyes shine with unreleased tears and the reflection of the flames.

Daemon can't move a muscle. He feels trapped by himself. Fooled by his own failed plans.

He takes a short breath, and then looks eye to eye to Rhaenyra. Her gaze is s combination of hope, desire and sadness that makes Daemon struggle to find words for a second.

"Īles dōrī nūmāzma't naejot sagon, ñuha jorrāelagon. Issa toliot. (It was never mean't to be, my dear. It is over.)" The Rogue Prince whispers with a serious tone.

Rhaenyra looks disheartened, but not surprised.

"Ao va moriot ivestretan nyke bona iā zaldrīzes ȳdra daor rȳbagon naejot ōtor. Kesan sagon dāria mēre tubis, yn nyke jorrāelagon ao ondoso ñuha paktot. Sir se mirre. (You always said to me that a dragon don't listen to sheep. I will be Queen one day, but i need you by my side. Now and ever.)" The Princess says with a broken tone of voice. Daemon feels like something is stuck on his throat, but he manages to get an answer.

"Ao ivestragī iā ōtor gūrogon iā dīnagon hen iā zaldrīzes ondoso iderennon. Ao teptan sikagon naejot ōtor. Hāre jēdi. (You let a sheep take a place of a dragon by choice. You gave birth to sheep. Three times.)" The Rogue Prince points out with a frown. Rhaenyra looks surprised now, but keeps her previous posture.

"Harwin iksin iā sȳz vala. Iā sȳz vīlībāzmio. Yn ziry could dōrī gūrogon aōha dīnagon. Nyke. sepār jeldan ñuha jehikagrī azantys. Se jorrāelagon hen ñuha ābrar. Īles dōrī nūmāzma't naejot sagon anyone yn ao, ñuha jorrāelagon. (Harwin was a good man. A good warrior. But he could never take your place. I... just wanted my bright knight. The love of my life. It was never mean't to be anyone but you, my love." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims with a voice that fades more and more as she talks, a pair of tears escaping her eyes.

Daemon takes a deep breath... and then look at her with a serious expression.

"Ao ūndan jorrāelagon skoriot ziry dōrī iksin. Kostā emagon se jorrāelagon hen aōha riñar, yn ao dōrī ēdas se jorrāelagon ao pendagon ēdā. (You saw love where it never was. You can have the love of your children, but you never had the love you think you had.)" The Rogue Prince proclaims with a dry tone.

Rhaenyra's eyes get wide in shock and she moves a hand to her mouth.

"It can't... it can't be... you..." The princess says, breaking her speak of High Valyrian. Her shock and sadness turn into a sad frown as she wipes her tears and look at Daemon, proud.

"Nyke kostagon daor pāsagon isse ao. Tolvie udir thar māzigon hen aōha relgos might sagon iā pirtir. Nyke hope iksā biare lēda skoros ao gōntan, ñuha jorrāelagon. (I can't believe in you. Every word thar comes from your mouth might be a lie. I hope you are happy with what you did, my dear.)" The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims with a bitter tone before walking away, covering her obvious broken heart.

Daemon sighs and look back at the fire, wishing that the flames would consume him as well.

The Rogue Prince get back at reality when he feels a arm around his shoulder. He looks back to see his brother, who has a smile at the corner of his mouth. A fake one, but still a smile.

"We will get back to the Red Keep soon. I think i know what we need. A night of alcohol with our fellow men. You, me, the Sea Snake, Laenor, and any other interested noble. No women allowed. What about that?" The King offers with a joyful tone. Daemon smirks back at him.

"I am not a fool to let that slide, Viserys." The Rogue Prince proclaims, proud. Viserys laughs and then frowns.

"Just observe your son. I don't want Aegon to drink as much as he did last time. The boy threw up half of his weight." The King jokes with a smirk. Daemon snorts.

"I will try, but the boy is sly." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a smirk as well. Viserys laughs loudly and the two walk away together

Both brothers are trying to deal with their problems in the only way they know: false laughs and getting drunk.

And as all of them leave, the funeral pyre continues to burn. The smoke rises to the sky, like it is carring the spirits of Laena and her son.

---

Chapter Text

---

VISERYS V

---

120 AC -

---

Emptiness.

That was not all that Viserys could feel on that cursed day, but it is the only feeling that is always there with him.

He tought that doing things fast would be the best choice for everyone, after all, he just need to move on, right?

No.

It is never that easy.

During the night, Viserys tried to sleep, but was not able to. How he could? Everytime he closes his eyes, a memory of Laena emerges in his toughts.

Her bold smiles.

Her determination.

Her kindness.

Her affection.

Her smell.

Yet, all of the good memories always pales in comparison with the bad ones.

Her screams.

Her tears.

Her desperation.

Her cold skin.

Her last words.

Her last wish.

Her final breath.

Her cold body in his hands.

How could Viserys sleep after everything happened to him... again?

Again.

Aemma. His beloved Aemma.

They were married so young. Their relationship was strange for a time, but they quickly grew attached to eachother as they also grew up in age.

He gave his heart to Aemma. He tought that he would never love another woman in his life.

He did not want to marry again, but he had a duty. His House was close to extinction and he needed to take action.

And so he did.

At first, Viserys was not comfortable with marring Laena Velaryon, to say the least. She was a decade and a half younger than him.

And he kept that feeling for years to come, but, at least, as time passes, Laena matured more as a woman, both in body and mind.

From a wild pretty girl, Laena grew up to be a woman of astonishing beauty and fierce temper. Much different from his Aemma.

Yet, as they got to get closer over the years, Viserys got to see a part of Laena that she does not show much to others.

Her heart. Her interest in helping him when she could. Her honest smiles.

A part of her that actually reminds him of Aemma.

And then, Viserys felt... something.

He was troubled by that feelings at first. He struggled to understand what exactly they were.

At first, he tought that he felt affection towards Laena because of how that part of her remembers him of Aemma.

Viserys tought that maybe he was just trying to attach himself to that side of Laena so he could, at least, recover a fragment of what once was his deared wife.

Yet what was really important for the logical part of their marriage was to produce children. They struggled with it. A lot.

The first pregnancy of Laena started with hope and happiness, but ended in sadness. The beggining of all the sadness that would come to them.

But, with all that sadness, they got closer and closer. Supporting eachother.

Of course, no mad man in this world would be able to deny that Laena was one of the most beautiful women alive, but their relationship was more than the pleasures of the flesh.

With Laena by his side, Viserys felt comfort. He felt that he had someone to count on, to move him foward and to walk by his side, until his bitter end.

A end that came for the wrong person.

Trough the years of marriage with Laena, he tried to solve only one question.

Is he able to love another woman after he lost Aemma?

And the worst part, is that he never managed to answer that question. He never got to understand if he came to love Laena or not.

But, as much as it bothers him, he can't be that pathetic excuse of a man for long. Or rather, he at least should not look like this pathetic excuse of a man he is showing. He is a King, a father and a grandfather. The man that his family and his vassals look up to. He needs to stand on his feet with a proud chest and shove his emptiness in the back of his mind.

That is easier to be said than to be done.

Viserys opened his eyes with a sigh after a much needed short nap and a really big flood of toughts during the travel back to the Red Keep in the royal carriage, which is still making it's way to the castle.

The first thing he sees is who is on his front on the carriage. His beloved older daughter and now, with a melancholic tone, the most important woman in his life, Rhaenyra.

Looking at the woman she have become never fails to make him open a smile. She looked so much like her mother. Maybe even more beautiful. But, her pose was a strict one, who was side by side wit her observative neutral face.

Viserys is not fool enough to say that his daughter is perfect, but he had a lot of hope on her trough the years and he could see her improvements in the last years. She is truly a woman now. He can only pray to the gods for her success.

And then, he can feel his other daughters by each of his sides.

Looking left, Viserys sees Baela looking at the outside trough the window, clearly bored. Sometimes, she is just too active for her own good.

Looking right, he can see Rhaena looking at her deared pink dragon egg. One that she took good care her entire life, like it was a pet. Otherwise, Rhaena was a very girly girl. Way more interested in the common feminine traits of noblehood than her twin sister.

His two daughters were basically opposites. The duo always remembers him of his grandfather, the Old King, telling him about his twin nieces, Aerea and Rhaella.

Well, the only thing he can do is hope that Baela do not meet the same end that Aerea met after claiming Balerion.

Balerion...

Another strike of sadbess comes to his heart, but a very brief one.

The worse part is how the death of his own dragon was the least impactful in his life.

And then, by Rhaenyra's left side, there is her own children.

Jace and Luke had to struggle a bit to fit together on the left side, with the older brother with a permanent angry face as his younger brother got the pleasure of being the one directly on the window. It almost made Viserys laugh.

And, of course, Rhaenyra was gently holding her youngest son, Joffrey, on her lap. The little boy was shaking his small legs around and saying random things to call attention from people, irritating his older brothers and his aunts, but making his mother and father laugh occasionaly.

Laenor is at the right side of Rhaenyra... as always. Viserys could not think of other man that is more loyal to his wife. Laenor is always by Rhaenyra's side, no matter what. Of course, it might be because of his... circumnstances, but it does not matter to Viserys. Loyalty is extremely valious.

Rhaenyra's family is certainly not perfect, but it is her family. It is his family.

He will protect his daughter and his grandchildren until his last breath. That is a mission he gave to himself.

With a large sigh, Viserys try to break the silence.

"So, my dear, what have you been doing in Driftmark lately?" The King asks with a short smile towards his eldest daughter. Rhaenyra is a bit surprised by the sudden question, but then smiles towards her father with real affection.

"I have being trying to keep my slender figure. It is quite hard sometimes, specially when i really want to eat something sweet. You know how that was always a weakness to me." The Princess of Dragonstone says with a bit of a shy smile. Viserys laughs.

"Indeed. I had to instruct the cookers to deny you any sweets more than once. It never worked out." The King says with a false sigh. Rhaena laughs with the story and Baela frowns.

"Why does Rhae get sweets as a child but we can't, kepa?" The princess asks, frustrated. The King smiles to his daughter and lay a soft arm around her shoulders.

"Oh my child, don't use your older sister as an example. She was a nightmare to deal with as a child." The King says with another laugh. Baela snorts, but smiles a bit. Viserys then looks at Rhaenyra with a playful smile.

"Do you know who also loves sweets? Helaena. It is a rare moment when i can see her excited to something instead of being so quiet all the time." The King says with a short laugh. Rhaenyra blinks, a bit surprised. She smiles.

"Helaena? I can't really imagine that Alicent supports her eating sweets as much as i did when i was younger." The princess says with a laugh. Viserys nods with a large smile.

"Certainly not. Alicent would always complain with her if she saw poor girl eating more than one or two sweets." The King says and everyone laughs a bit. Viserys then looks at Laenor.

"I did not have much time to talk to your father today, Ser Laenor. How is he doing?" The King asks, curious. Laenor sighs and frowns.

"He is doing well right now when compared to the last few years, your grace. Yet, time is finally catching up with the old Sea Snake, i am afraid. I might become the Lord of Driftmark in some years. And honestly, your grace, i prefer my father to be more years around then to be a lord in the near future." The heir of Driftmark proclaims, receiving a enigmatic look from his wife. Viserys opens a short smile.

"I don't judge you on that, Laenor. I would prefer much more to have my father as King Baelon I, alive by my side, and be just a Prince of Dragonstone. It is a real shame that my father never ascended to the throne. He would be a much better King than me, for sure." The King says with a distant tone, looking at nothing specifically. Rhaenyra sighs to call his attention and smile.

"I have to confess that i got quite used to Driftmark. Lady Rhaenys certainly helped. It is good to have a older woman that i can relate to in many matters. And it is also good that the boys here are close to their birthright." The Princess proclaims with a relaxed expression while gently stroking the hair of Joffrey, who laughs at his mother with his baby teeth. Viserys smiles.

"That is wonderful to hear, my dear. Now, tell me, how much did the death of Ser Harwin Strong affect you? He was certainly very close to you, right? Do you plan... a replacement" The King says with a serious expression. Rhaenyra's smile fades with the implications.

"I was very shocked and sad when i heard about it. Ser Harwin was a great man of astonishing loyalty. For now, in his memory, i will not search for a replacement anytime soon." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims with a definitive tone. Viserys sighs in relief.

"That is good to hear. Now, excuse me, everyone, but this old man is very tired. Do you care if i close my eyes i try to take another good nap?" The King asks, feeling his tiredness get the better of him for a second. Rhaenyra smiles with tenderness.

"Nobody here will stop you, kepa. Relax as much as you want. You certainly need it." The Princess says with a gentle tone of voice. Viserys nods in appreciation.

As the King closes his eyes, he can almost block his constant torments with the sound of wind, birds, and the moving carriage.

---

After arriving at the Red Keep, everything got very complicated... and loud.

Viserys quickly moved to his chambers to get a third chance of a nap, but he did not sleep for more than half a hour with all the sound that the servants were making to let the throne room ready for the feast.

After throwing some water at his face, Viserys finally reached the throne room with his guards by his sides.

All the nobles present here got up in respect to the King as he walked trough the carpet and got to his seat in the main table, right in front of the Iron Throne.

Before seating, Viserys take his cup from the table, already filled with fine wine, and raise it, making everyone else do the same.

"A toast... for the life and achievements of Queen Laena Velaryon. May the gods allow her to be in a better place and let her name go down in the history of the Seven Kingdoms for all eternity!" The King proclaims with a rising voice. All the nobles present exclaims in approval, before they go fully into food, wine, and conversations.

Viserys sighs and finally seats on his chair. His eyes quickly moves to all the delicious food on the large table. His empty stomach roars just at the sight of it.

As the King serves himself with a large plate, as he enjoys to do, he hears a very familiar smirk on his left side.

His brother, Daemon Targaryen, looks at him with the gaze of a wicked child.

"You don't need to place half of the turkey on your plate, Viserys. I doubt that you could even eat that much without getting sick first." The Rogue Prince says with a short smile. Viserys snorts, making a false expression of offense.

"Me? Sick of eating? Outrageous! I should have you hanged for that, Rogue Prince. There is not enough food in this table that i can't shove down my stomach with some good wine." The King proclaims, proud and fakin a serious tone.

The two brothers laugh with the interaction and toast their cups together. Alicent looks at her husband with a bit of surprise.

"Daemon Targaryen is laughing. I must be going mad, for sure." The princess jokes with a short smirk. Viserys laughs and Daemon snorts. The King looks at the wife of his brother.

"You are not much of a drinker, are you, Alicent? I think i have never seen you drunk in all this years." The King points out, curious. Alicent nods, keeping a proud posture.

"Yes, your grace. I don't drink with much frequence. I prefer to keep my mind sharp to deal with this four here." The princess proclaims, making a sign ot her children, who are all struggling a bit to serve themselves in a table made for adults. Young Daeron is still waitung for his mother to choose his food for him. Viserys smiles to it.

"I see. You are good mother, Alicent, but i have to say that you are also a boring companion in feasts." The King jokes with a large smile. Daemon holds his laugh as Alicent opens a short and proud smile.

"I prefer to say that i have my priorities in mind, your grace." The princess says with confidence. Viserys nods and raises his cup to her in respect before taking a huge sip out of it.

With a empty stomach and a troubled mind, the King had a long night of eating and drinking ahead.

---

As the feast progressed, the nobles were slowly leaving the throne room, either by tiredness, full stomachs or for being completely drunk.

And in the almost empty throne room, Viserys was in all that situations.

The King ends another cup of wine with a sigh. His vision is blurred after all the alcohol and he was very full and tired.

Yet, the good feeling that drinking brought to him was too necessary for him to stop.

After all, what is better for a disturbed soul than losing some sense of reality in a difficult moment?

And with some companions by his side, it is always better.

Viserys laughs as Daemon struggles to end his own cup, frowning as he does so.

"You are rusty, brother! You certainly got a bite your tongue with your previous comment, huh?" The King asks, struggling a bit to say the whole sentence. Daemon smirks, his head shaking a bit.

"Sadly, i have too many stupid men to guide around like dogs to be able to drink as i used to, your grace." The Rogue Prince says with a drunken voice. Viserys smirks back and then look beyond Daemon.

Aegon, his eldest nephew, is sleeping over the table after drinking too much. His messy golden-silver hair falling around his hair.

"I think you should wake up the boy before his mother find him in this state." The King says with a laugh, pointing his finger. Daemon follows the direction and sighs.

"I told you to be more moderate while drinking, boy. I don't want my son walking around drunk at such a young age... even less fainting after drinking too much. Are you listening, Aegon?" The Rogue Prince asks, hitting the back of his son's had with a slap.

The young princr grunts and rise his head, struggling a bit to keep his head up and eyes open. He looks at Viserys and then at Daemon.

"Kepa... why uncle Viserys turned into a tomato?" The prince asks, confused in his altered state. Viserys laughs hard while Daemon grunts in frustration.

"I allowed you to stay here, but i did not think you would go that far. Go to your chambers. Now. We will deal with your mother tomorrow." The Rogue Prince says, stroking his forehead with just the vague idea of discussing with his wife again.

Aegon frowns and struggles to get up, almost falling in his own legs, to the delight of his drunk uncle.

The boy then manages to walk out of the court, followed by a minor guard after a sign of Daemon.

The two sons of Baelon the Brave are the only ones in the throne room now. Not even a guard is around anymore. Viserys than look at his brother.

"Am i a tomato now?" The King asks with a idiotic smile. Daemon sighs.

"Maybe drinking too much was not a good idea for you in the end. Oh well. I don't care." The Rogue Prince says, drinking more from his cup. Viserys laughs at that.

"Don't be a moralist now, Daemon. I am having some fun here. I don't want to stop that soon. You will not let your only brother drinking him alone, right?" The king asks. Daemon smirks.

"Fine. But answering your stupid question from before, you are at least as red and as round as a tomato now." The Rogue Prince mocks, drinking more from his cup. Viserys snorts in false offense.

"And you look like a girl with that long hair of yours. You should at least get some beard." The King says with a large and malicious smile. Daemon frowns, his smirk getting more intense.

"Like that moustache of yours? I will pass. Thanks." The Rogue Prince mocks back.

The two brothers laugh as Viserys raise his cup.

"A toast... a toast for House Targaryen." The King proclaims with a proud tone, despite his state.

Daemon rises his own cup, sealing the toast as the two brothers go back to their jokes, laughs and lots of wine.

---

After throwing up on the corridor of the Red Keep, Viserys is questioning his decisions with the little sense he has left in his mind.

Walking trough the dark corridors, the King tries his best to get back to his bedroom, but a minute walking feels like a hour in his current state.

But, after a stupid amount of effort, he manages to get back to his bedroom. The place he is so used to be.

To be with Laena, in the most recent years.

Viserys falls in his bed after letting his crown on desk, catching a much needed breath.

The King looks to the ceiling as he feels the weight in his eyes.

And even in this state, his ghosts comeback to torment him one last time.

'Please... i beg you...'

That words. Her voice. Viserys can still hear her voice as his eyes are slowly closing.

"I am sorry... Laena... i am so sorry... i am so sorry..." the King mutters as his eyes close and a final pair of tears fall from his eyes as his body give in to it's tiredness.

The King did not know, but before he could move on from one of the worst days of his life... he will have to pass trough the worst night of his life.

---

Chapter Text

---

AEMOND I -

---

120 AC -

---

Aemond carefully closes the door of his chamber, looking around to see if anyone is walking trough the hallways.

Nothing. Only the silence and darkness of the night.

Perfect.

He has no time to waste.

The young prince walks trough the hallway with a objective... the Dragonpit.

He will probably never get such a chance, at least not one where all the guards are out of place with the recent events.

The young prince just needs to found a secret passage. The sort of passage that his father knows, but that he don't know where it is.

And then, when Aemond turns in a hallway, he stops on his feet, surprised by the person he meets there.

"Kepa..." The boy whispers, nervous with the idea of his plans failing that early.

Yet, his father was not normal now. He was keeping a arm at the wall, trying to keep himself up as he grunts and move around slightly.

His father is very drunk. This is something he could expect. After all, Aegon came drunk as well, getting a scold from their mother.

The Rogue Prince looks at his second son with a frown, as if he is trying to find out who is in front of him.

"Aemond...?" Daemon asks, trying to stand better on his feet. The boy nods his head, cautious.

"Yes. I was... searching for you. You did not get back in hours. I tought something happened." The prince lies.

But, lying to a liar is not smart.

Daemon laughs with a tired voice.

"Don't lie to me, boy. I know... you want something... tell me." The Rogue Prince demands in a low tone, struggling a bit to talk.

Aemond swallows the spit in his mouth and then sighs.

It is all over now.

He closes his eyes.

"I wanted... to find a way... to the Dragonpit." The boy says, with no further explanation.

Silence reigns for a long minute.

With his eyes still closed, Aemond hears the slow and erratic steps of his father as he gets closer to him.

And then, he feels a hand on the top of his head, almost stroking his hair.

Aemond opens his eyes with surprise, looking up. With the light from the moon coming from a window, he can finally see better the face of his father.

He is clearly drunk. Very drunk. His eyes are even jaded.

Yet, his traditional smirk looks more like a honest smile now than ever. It is almost out of place.

"I am... happy to see that... at least one of children has some guts. Come with me... boy." The Rogue Prince says, continuing to struggle to talk in his drunken state, but then, he goes in another direction.

Aemond is surprised, but he does what his father wanted. What else he would do now, after all?

Suddenly, Daemon stops in front of a random wall, looking at it like it was a old friend. His eyes look... sad, for a moment. He then smirks to Aemond.

"My... father... showed it to me. It is my time to show... and your time to see. Don't forget." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a tone of demand. Aemond nods, looking at the wall with expectation.

Daemon moves his hands to a pillar and start moving it to the side. It slowly starts moving, but he is clearly too drunk to do the necessary force. He looks at Aemond.

"Help... boy..." Daemon commands. Aemond nods and the two of them move the pillar out of place, revealing a entrance.

The young prince is astonished with that. This entrance could only be one thing. He looks at his father with wide eyes of shock and expectation.

"Is that the entrance to..."

"The pit? Yes... stop talking, boy. My head hurts. Just... enter it now. Be fast... be smart... be brave. Be a Targaryen." The Rogue Prince proclaims, looking at his son with a intense gaze.

Aemond is almosg unable to control his excitement as he smiles, but he looks back at his father with conviction.

"Thank you, kepa. I will make you proud." The young prince promises with confidence.

The look that his father give to him is a strange one. He looks... toughtful. Almost like he is lost in his own mind. And then, he smirks.

"I hope so... boy. Good luck. Now... go. I want some sleep..." The Rogue Prince proclaims, moving towards another direction, still keeping a arm in the wall to keep himself up.

Aemond looks at the dark passage, takes a deep breath, and walk inside.

---

The whole passage is like a tight cave that is also quite long.

After walking a lot trough the dark and ignoring the insects, Aemond finally arrives at his destiny.

The Dragonpit.

The enormous construction made by the orders of Maegor the Cruel and concluded during the reign of Jaehaerys the Conciliator.

A lair for the Targaryen dragons.

The lair for one specific dragon.

Aemond quickly moves himself trough the immense and dark paths of the Dragonpit, searching for a clue that can guide him to his final destination.

This is his only chance to achieve his objective for a single reason.

After the funeral and the feast, everything got messy in the castle. So, his bet is that the same happened with the guards of the Dragonpit, luckily.

Aemond stops for a second when he hears a strong growl from a direction. He follows it without a second tought.

His heart beats faster as he walks, getting anxious.

He stops once again, now because he hears human steps. He stops and hide behind a pillar.

A guard passes with a torch in his hand, letting out a tired snore as he walks in a direction, suspecting nothing.

Sighing in relief, Aemond runs towards the direction of the growl he heard before.

And then, the growl emerges once again, now way closer. The floor trembles a bit with the loud sound of the creature.

Her. It can only be her.

Aemond walks more and more and finally enters in the extensive carvenous chamber of the creature he so badly wanted to meet tonight.

His destiny.

The immense dragon sleeps in the chamber with loud snores in the format of growls.

Vhagar.

The biggest and oldest dragon alive.

Aemond takes a deep breath as he carefully approaches the dragon.

He can see the large structure of ropes that tie around the massive upper body of Vhagar that compose her saddle, including several marks in her scales.

His eyes lock on the net used by a rider to get on top of the dragon. His legs moves on his own way.

Aemond extends his hands towards the net, almost grabbing it.

And then, Vhagar moves on her sleep, making Aemond's heart almost jump out of his mouth.

He looks back and see the immense head of the green dragon looking at him with the intense lizard eyes. She grunts towards him, showing her masssive teeths.

Aemond takes a deep breath. He knows what he has to do. He is no coward.

"Nyke ȳdra daor zūgagon ao, vhagar! iksan hen se ānogar hen uēpa Valyria se kesā mazōregon ñuha brōzagon!" (I don't fear you, Vhagar! I am from the blood of old valyria and you will accept my call!).

Vhagar stop grunting so agressively, but her eyes are still intense.

She is observing, as Aemond can say. If she finds him unworthy, it is over.

Before Aemond could catch the net, he notices the chains connecting to Vhagar, locking her in place.

The boy look around and see the two levers of the chamber.

Aemond, as only a boy of 10, struggles to pull them, but he manages to do so with some effort.

The first one free Vhagar from her chains, which she shakes around to let it fall in the groun with a loud sound.

The second one opens the large doors on the back, letting passage free for Vhagar to leave.

The old dragon looks back at the new exit of the cave with a contemplative expression in her eyes. Aemond cautiously walks towards her.

Vhagar looks back at the boy and gets her head closer. She looks at him with a intense gaze once again.

Aemond takes a deep breath and extends his hand towards her.

And then, he touches her nose while looking at her eyes. Her breath is warm and almost comforting to him.

With that action, Vhagar visibly relax her posture. She grunts and lay her head down, throwing away her guard against him.

The smile that emerges on the face of Aemond Targaryen is the largest he ever had in his life.

With regained confidence, Aemond walks towards Vhagar, grabbing the net and starting climbing it.

He can see Vhagar observing him. Is she as anxious as he is or she is just curious? He can't say for sure.

The young prince arrives at the top of the saddle.

He has some experience seeing both his father and his older siblings getting into their dragons. He knows the process.

Aemond seats in the right place, feeling a bit odd because he is a boy using a seat commonly used by adults, but it seems to be easy to adapt for him.

He pulls the equipment that ties his legs in place so he will not fall. He then looks at the ropes and roll both of them on his hands, taking a good grasp.

He also sees and catches the whip. Altough he don't know how to use it very well. A last resource, for now.

Aemond pulld the ropes a little bit, a sign that Vhagar understands as him being ready.

Vhagar grunts and turn around to the exit of the cave, taking her heavy and slow steps towards it.

In the back, Aemond can hear the screams and loud steps of the guards coming with all the sound they created.

It has to be now.

Vhagar takes most of her body out of the cave as Aemond takes a deep breath and opens a smirk that could only come from a son of the Rogue Prince.

"Sōvegon, Vhagar! (Fly, Vhagar!)" The young prince commands with a scream.

Vhagar extends her immense wings and let out a roar capable of shaking the earth around her.

Her wings flap, causing the sound of thunders as her massivd body leaves thr ground and ascends to her real domain, the skys.

Aemond can't stop smiling as Vhagar goes higher and higher. Faster and faster.

He finally feels complete.

The emptiness he felt for so many years is gone.

He is now the dragonrider he was meant to be.

Not a lucky bastard that hatched a stupid egg and got his hands in a patethic hatchling.

He claimed the most powerful dragon in the world.

Like a intoxicating poison, the more Aemond toughts about it, the more he feels different.

He is not less than anyone.

He is more.

More than the bastards of his cousin!

More than his stupid older brother!

Aemond laughs, feeling the freedom and power he always wanted to feel.

Finally free from his shell.

Vhagar moves around King's Landing.

Sometimes too close to the city.

Sometimes as far as in the clouds.

When she is high in the air, Aemond can behold a full vision of Blackwater Bay and the entirety of King's Landing.

When Vhagar is getting down, he can see all things in the city with much more detail. All the streets, houses, and everything else.

The kind of vision that only the majestic power of being a Dragonrider can give to someone.

But, there is one thing that is missing to complete this experience.

Before he can do anything, Vhagar grunts and fly to the sky before he can command with his voice and the ropes.

Did she... get his intentions?

Aemond looks at his hands.

"How deep is the connection between a dragon and a rider?" He asks himself in a high tone.

With no more time to waste, Vhagar's closed mouth liberates heat and a green light start coming out of it as she points her head up to the clouds.

Aemond smirks.

"Dracarys!" The boy screams.

With a roar, Vhagar launches a big torrent of green flames in the clouds, making them disappear when they meet with the flames.

The green light partially iluminates the night sky above the city, making the most marvelous vision that the boy has ever seen in his decade of life.

Aemond smiles in satisfaction as Vhagar plains around and the green light quickly fades away.

Next, the old dragon flys towards the Blackwater bay and dive down in a movement that take the breath away from her rider.

Before they could clash in the water, Vhagar gets stable in the air once again, making large waves on the water that even shake the closest ships in the bay.

Aemond observes the water iluminated by the light of the moon and also the sound of Vhagar flying fast just above the water, letting her feet touch it slightly.

As much as the boy wanted to continue flying around, he is aware of his situation. He looks at Vhagar and sighs.

"Iksi gaomagon syt tubī, riña. (We are done for today, girl.)" Aemond says in high valyrian.

Despite the wind, Vhagar grunts and seems to understand as she turn over and flys back towards the Dragonpit.

Aemond knows that things could go down badly. He don't want to deal with angry guards, so, he manages to guide Vhagar towards another entrance of the Dragonpit.

Vhagar lands in front of the entrance. No, it is more accurate to say that she fell in front of the entrance with a loud sound.

Aemond sighs after the clash, at least he was not hurt when she did it.

That is a big of problem of a dragon as big as Vhagar, as his father once explained to him. She is too big to properly control her body.

And one day, all that size and weight will be her the cause of her death.

But Aemond could not resist the temptation of claiming Vhagar.

Not after this years waiting for a dragon to call his.

After all this time, only Vhagar would satisfy him.

The young prince free himself and get out of the enormous dragon, content after seeing that the guards did not notice the change, or at least did not arrive yet.

Aemond looks back at Vhagar, her eyes always contemplative. Eyes that have seen a lot in her long live.

Eyes that have seen the conquest, after all.

Aemond smiles to her.

"Nyke kivio naejot ūndegon ao hae aderī hae kostan, Vhagar. (I promise to see you as soon as i can, Vhagar.)" The prince promises with a confident tone of voice.

Vhagar snorts a warm stream of heir from her nose before looking towards the cave. She slowly enters it to search for her place once again.

Aemond walks just behind her, deviating his way from Vhagar soon after.

He runs around, starting to hear the guards coming from not too far.

Gladly, he manages to find the entrance that he came from. He moves the stone like he did to came out, and enters, closing it behind him.

Walking in the dark back to the Red Keep, Aemond could not stop the pride rising up inside him.

---

Aemond arrives in the Red Keep once again, closing the entrance behind him once again.

He slowly walks trough the hallway, turning in another one.

But, when he turns, he meets with two known faces to him. The two eldest boys of brown hair that Rhaenyra gave birth to. He smirks to the two, who looks at him with frustration.

"Look who is there... my two beloved cousins. Why are you two awaken at that time?" He asks with a ironic smile. The older one, Jacaerys, frowns with irritation.

"What did you do? What did you do to Vhagar?" The boy asks with a loud tone of voice. Aemond grunts. The boy is calling too much attention. But he can't stop his cocky smile and his sharp tongue now.

"I claimed her. As a true Targaryen is supposed to. I don't think you two would be able to understand it." The silver-haired prince says with a laugh. Jacaerys looks more and more irritated, his face turning slightly red. Lucerys is confused.

"Understand what?" The younger brother asks. Aemond smirks once again.

"Your mother never told you? Of course she never did. Who would want to assume the shameful truth behind children like you two and the other one? Have you two noticed that you look nothing like your father?" The prince asks, walking towards them with slow steps. Jacaerys grunts.

"What do you mean with that?!" The boy demands, impatient and angry. Aemond laugus once again.

"You want the direct answer? You two are not Velaryons or Targaryens. You two are not sons of Laenor Velaryon. You two and your little brother are nothing else but filthy bastards that your wench of a mother had with her knight!" The prince proclaims with direct tone, smirking more.

Jacaerys grunts and runs towards him, hitting his face with a punch and making him take a step back, holding his cheek. Lucerys runs to his brother.

"Jace!" The younger brother says, distracting the older one. Aemond grunts and slaps his cousin very hard, making him scream shortly with the hit and fall to the ground with a red mark in his face. Aemond frowns to them, furious.

"How you dare slap me, bastard?! I tell you the truth that everyone hides from you and that is how you repay me?! Ingrateful!" The prince says, kicking Jacaerys and making him fall back to the floor with a grunt. Lucerys grunts and runs towards Aemond.

"Leave him alone!" The young boy says, trying to punch Aemond in the stomach, but the much older boy hit Lucerys in the nose with his ankle, making the boy screech in pain and fall to the ground holding his slightly bleeding nose, starting to cry.

Aemond laughs, looking back at the angry Jacaerys that just got up and is looking to him with anger.

"You should not start a fight with a older boy, cousin. It will only end badly to you. You should run away to your liar of a mother, bastard." The prince mocks. Jacaerys frowns with anger and pulls something from a pocket of his.

A dagger.

Aemond feels a bit of fear upon seeing the dangerous object, but he would never allow himself to be scared of his bastard younger cousin. Not in a million years.

He laughs.

"Bringing a dagger to a fist fight with a cousin. Only a bastard could be such a coward!" The prince proclaims with another smirk. Jacaerys grind his teeth.

"I am not a coward!" The younger boy screams, running towards Aemond with his knife on his hand.

As his cousin clearly had no training in any way and probably just recently received the dagger as a gift, Aemond was able to dodge it easily.

He moves his feet to make Jacaerys fall over it and with his face on the ground. The dagger echoing a loud sound of metal as it falls a bit far in the floor as Jacaerys sniffs in the ground, holding his face in pain.

Aemond walks towards him and Jacaerys punchs his leg. The older boy grunts and fall in a knee, using the other to keep Jacaerys in the ground. He smirks.

"Let me say that again, bastard. Don't you dare hit me, get it?" Aemond asks with a false sweet tone. Jacaerys grunts while he cries, still trying to hit the older boy, but receiving another slap to the face that only makes him resist more, causing a punch that makes him embrace his stomach that was hitten and cry in silence.

As Aemond was about to get up, he hears a scream of a child going in his direction, and, in a great mistake, he looks up.

The next thing that Aemond sees in his vision is Lucerys coming towards him with the dagger.

And after that, he can only think about one thing.

His pain as Lucerys cut his eye with the dagger.

Aemond holds his bloody eye and scream in pain.

Too much pain.

He hates it.

He hates it so much.

"My eye! You filthy bastard! How could you do that to me?! You will pay for that! I will never forgive you for that, your worthless piece of..." before he could continue to scream anger against his shocked and crying cousin, the guards finally arrive with some members of the Kingsguard.

"What is happening here?!" Ser Criston says and Aemond look at him with his remaining eye. The knight look at him with shock, almost getting pale.

"Gods be good..." The white knight says, trying to help Aemond to get up while the boy holds his bleeding eye while crying and grunting in pain. The Lord Commander holds him around his arm.

"What happened with you, my prince?" The knight asks with a serious tone. Aemond grinds his teeth with the memory.

He looks back to see the other two members of the Kingsguard taking care of Jacaerys and Lucerys.

Aemond feels a lot of pain.

But the pain is nothing compares to his overwhelming hatred.

"The little bastard did that to me, Ser Criston. He needs to pay... he needs to pay!" The Prince exclaims, full of rage that he is not able to control as he almost goes after Lucerys, but the white knights pull the children away from eachother.

Ser Criston takes a deep breath, looking at Aemond with a strict face.

"First, a Maester for that eye, and then we will discuss everything." The Lord Commander proclaims. Aemond grunts, but the pain strikes back and he has to keep holding his bleeding eye.

As the knights move the children away, Aemond can only mourn about everything. Sinking on his anger.

A bastard took his eye.

He lost his eye to a filthy bastard.

As long as he lives, he will never forget it.

The bastard will pay for what he did.

No matter what.

---

Chapter Text

---

RHAENYRA V

---

120 AC -

---

After putting her sons to rest, Rhaenyra comes back to her bedroom, going to the balcony and sitting on a chair there with a long sigh. She looks to the night sky, trying to find comfort in the light of the stars above her.

Bad. Everything went bad.

Laena was a very important person for her, in all kind of meanings.

On a personal manner, Laena always tried to help her whenever possible and was very kind to her children.

On a political approach, she was very crucial to her cause. Laena was the rider of Vhagar, the biggest and oldest dragon alive. She was also a extention of the Velaryon power inside of King's Landing. She was the only powerful ally Rhaenyra had in the capital besides her father.

And then, in a cruel joke of the destiny, she was gone. Taken away from this world too soon, just like Rhaenyra's mother.

Rhaenyra sighs and stroke her face with her hands to break her line of tought. And with that, she once again remembers the rest of the day.

The memories of her talk with her uncle at the pyre of Laena.

She grunts in frustration.

Stupid.

Weak.

Why did she say that to Daemon? Why she always have to turn in the girl craving for the affection of her precious uncle whenever she is close to him.

And then, suddenly, she hears knocks on the door. Knocks in a certain pattern that she knows very well.

Rhaenyra takes a deep breath and recomposes herself.

"Enter." She says in a neutral tone.

The door opens and a man enters in the room, quickly closing the door behind him.

The attentious purple eyes of Laenor lands on Rhaenyra as he slowly walks towards her.

The years were gentle with Laenor. He managed to build a respectable figure, a determined attitude and even grow a inch or two since they married.

His golden-silver hair ends in a short braid on his back, similar to the ones made by the Dothraki, as Laenor once explained to her.

"Rhae... how are you feeling right now?" The husband asks his wife with a gentle tone of voice. Rhaenyra snorts and look back to the outside of her window.

"Why are you asking it to me? You lost a sister today, not me. You should be by the side of your mother, not me." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims with a dry tone. Laenor don't answer, he just walks to her until he is by her side. Rhaenyra looks at his serious face as her husband sighs.

"You are my wife, Rhae. It is my duty to be worried about you." The heir of Driftmark proclaims. Rhaenyra frowns and then smirks.

"It is quite a ironic thing for you to say. But, you are right. I am truly blessed to have you by my side. I just am... a bit out of place. A lot of things happened in a short period of time and i am still tried to get back in my feet. I am sorry." The princess says with a honest tone. Laenor opens a short smile.

The heir of Driftmark takes her hands in his own, slowly stroking his thumbs on the back of her hands as he looks to her in the eye.

"I know that things changed quite fast lately, but you need to persevere, Rhae. You are the heir of the Iron Throne. You must be ready for any misfortune that the world might throw on you. You understand that?" The Prince consort says with his smooth and low tone of voice. Rhaenyra sighs and nods, looking at her feet.

"That is easier said than done, Laenor. But, i promise that i will try my best, and, with you by my side, we endure everything, right?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks, opening a large smile as she looks back at him. Laenor nods to her with a smile before hugging his wife.

Laenor is very precious to Rhaenyra. Both a loyal vassal and her closest friend. She can't properly imagine her world without him anymore.

Sadly, he lacks something very important to her. Something that made her commit several mistakes for. But, nothing of that matters now.

His hug is full of tenderness and care, almost like he thinks that she would break in his arms with littld effort.

As Rhaenyra lays her head on his shoulder to enjoy the warmth of his body, she inhale the smell of the sea coming from him, making her laugh a bit.

"Why do you Velaryons always have to smell like you just took a bath in the sea?" Rhaenyra jokes as the hug ends. Laenor laughs.

"Smelling like the sea is a privilege for any sailor, my dear wife. The smell of our home." The heir of Driftmark proclaims. Rhaenyra snorts.

"Well, i don't care about it, so, for me you just stinks. Your princess command you take a bath, Ser Velaryon." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims with a jokeful tone, pointing to the door. Laenor smirks.

"My mother enjoys that smell, did you know that?" The heir of Driftmark points out with a short smile. Rhaenyra snorts.

"Your mother married a man that was literaly older than her own father. She is not a example to be used, husband." The princess proclaims, crossing her arms and looking away.

The two of them laugh together.

Laenor then walks towards Rhaenyra and holds her face up with one hand.

"I have to solve some things right now. Then i will get into that bath you so desperately want me to take. Please, don't think too much about things right now. Just rest. Can you do that for me, Rhae?" The Prince consort asks with a sweet tone. Rhaenyra sighs, but nods.

Laenor kiss her forehead and then leaves the room.

Rhaenyra sighs and sits in her bed, looking at the mirror in her room.

She gets up and admires her beautiful figure.

With the first two pregnancies she had, she was losing more and more of her shape as she gained weight.

Gladly, all the fasting and hunger she went through brought her beloved figure back.

No, her figure was even greater than before.

Motherhood made her breasts larger and her hips wider. Her legs are also more curvy than before.

She is not a pretty girl anymore. She is a astonishing woman that any man would kill for. A woman that would get bards singing about her beauty.

A true Delight of the Realm.

Rhaenyra sighs.

Her achievements with her body is one of the few things that can still bring her out of a miserable line of tought, even if it sounds very arrogant or childish.

But, sometimes it is just not enough.

Rhaenyra sighs and fix her dress in place before leaving her bedroom.

Her eyes look through the dark hallways of the Red Keep that is just barely illuminated by a few candles.

Not even the guards are around because of the feast. As such, she can just walk around the castle, to clear her mind.

Rhaenyra soon finds herself walk trough a straight hallway full of immense windows that let the weak light of the moon come inside.

The princess walk through it slowly, closing her eyes to enjoy the only sound she can hear: her own steps echoing all around.

She can see King's Landing outside. The huge city founded by her ancestors.

The vision of the city and the light of the moon fills her heart and makes a short smile emerge in her face. She feels embraced by a warmth.

And then, when she turns around, she is once again on a darker hallway.

Alone. Once again.

How many time she spended trying to solve this feeling?

She can't answer that question.

Rhaenyra sighs, walking faster. Getting down the long stairs of the Red Keep.

She arrives at a place well know by her. The entrance to the gardens.

The Princess of Dragonstone walks through it, looking at all the flowera and plants around. Everything in place. Well preserved.

A corner of real beauty and order in a place of political chaos.

Rhaenyra seats in the cold iron chair and sighs once again.

Her father feels the same when he seats in the iron throne? Does it hurt? She heard so.

She never dared to seat in the thing. If it was out of respect towards her father or fear towards such monstrosity, she can't say.

Rhaenyra never had the audacity that her...

She grunts, looking at the sky.

Always. He always find a way to get into her head.

"Too many things in your mind that won't let you sleep, i suppose?" Rhaenyra suddenly hears a female voice that she knows very well.

She looks around and see lady Rhaenys walking towards her, wearing the clothes from the funeral, but wearing a black cloak over them. Probably because of the cold night, something that Rhaenyra will not be able to ignore for much time.

Rhaenyra can easily see the tired eyes of the older Targaryen. A consequence of all the tears she shedded. Rhaenys certainly had a horrible day.

The lady of Driftmark seats on the other iron chair, looking at Rhaenyra with a distant expression.

"Yes. A lot of things. What brings you here as well, lady Rhaenys?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks, curious. Rhaenys frowns.

"Don't make a question if you already know the answer, girl." The lady with dark hair says in a dry tone.

Laena. Of course.

Rhaenyra sighs.

"I am sorry for your loss, lady Rhaenys. She was a wonderful woman." The Princess of Dragonstone says with a honest tone. Rhaenys sighs, her expression turning into a sad one.

"She was." The eldest Targaryen alive says in a single breath. Rhaenyra nods, looking at the night sky once more.

"I think me, Laenor, and the boys should return to King's Landing in definitive. I don't trust Otto and Alicent became more and more distant from me with time. They are dangerous." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. Rhaenys snorts.

"And how do you pretend to change things? Otto Hightower is the Hand of the King and a favorite of your father. Daemon might not be willing to play along with the father of his wife, but he certainly lost interest in challenging him. He does not have any opposition. Laena offered temperance, but nothing else." The older princess says with a dry tone. Rhaenyra frowns, looking at the eyes of her goodmother.

"And what am i supposed to do, lady Rhaenys? I can't just let things as it is. If i want to be Queen, i need to take control of the situation instead of rotting in the Narrow Sea." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims, bothered. Rhaenys sighs and the looks at Rhaenyra with a firm expression.

"You want to be Queen, Rhaenyra?" The older woman asks, surprising the younger Targaryen.

"What?"

"As i feared. Nobody ever asked if you wanted to be queen, right?" The lady of Driftmark asks, getting slightly softer on her tone.

Rhaenyra thinks for a minute and then sighs, looking at the stars once again.

"No. Nobody did."

"Then, you want to be a Queen or not?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because my father named me heir. He tought i was capable to become a good ruler in the future. I want to prove him right. I want to be the ruler he wanted me to be. I don't want to be the coward that renounced the throne." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. Rhaenys snorts.

"So, your reason is pride. Very well, if that is true, then you are open to do anything to succeed in that objective, right?"

"Correct."

"Good. Now, answer me, what kind of man is the most adored in any place?" The older woman asks, enigmatic. Rhaenyra frowns, confused. She thinks.

"The wise men? The ones that brings prosperity where they go?" The princess of Dragonstone asks. Rhaenys laughs a bit, as if Rhaenyra just told her a joke.

"They are adored, for sure. But only by the people he reigned over. The maesters don't like to write about the glories of past rulers. They like to write about moments of chaos, and the men that made their name in them. This men are the ones that are really adored. Do you get what i mean, princess?" The older woman asks with a serious tone. Rhaenyra frowns, getting the answer quite easily.

"Warriors. Conquerors. Men of martial prowess and ruthless nature. Men that defeats enemies and conquer lands." The princess proclaims with a neutral tone. Rhaenys smiles in satisfaction.

"Exactly. Men respect power, Rhaenyra. Or better, they respect what they see as powerful. And that is the reason to why they look down on women ruling. By the limitations that nature imposes to us, we will never be as imposing of a martial figure as a man is. Not on our own." The older woman proclaims with a strong tone of voice. Rhaenyra frowns and snorts.

"I ride a dragon, lady Rhaenys. And Syrax is very imposing." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims with a ironic expression. Rhaenys snorts back.

"Most nobles of Westeros are not idiots, Rhaenyra. They know the difference between a woman and her dragon. Inside the walls of a castle, you are just a woman." The lady of Driftmark proclaims. Rhaenyra frowns and then sighs.

"And what am i supposed to do about it?" The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. Rhaenys look at her eyes with a serious expression.

"You might think that you are at a disvantage right now, but that is not completely true. You are still full of opportunities to explore, if you are brave or foolish enough."

"Foolish?"

"Yes. Getting to be known by your power and prowess is a very difficult thing to achieve in times of peace. Meaningless wars outside of your own realm and dangerous tourneys are the only way around. The way of the desperate boys that see themselves as having no value and offer their own lifes at every battle for a chance of getting some adoration from others. Just like Daemon."

Rhaenyra is surprised by the last affirmation.

"Daemon? What do you mean?"

Rhaenys laughs.

"Your father never told you? It is not surprising. He would never mock his little brother that way." The older woman proclaims, being quite vague. Rhaenyra frowns.

"Can you elaborate to me?" The princess asks. Rhaenys smirks.

"Your beloved uncle was once a boy, you know? A boy that lost his mother very early in his life and had a father that was always either busy or grieving the death of his beloved sister-wife. Little Daemon grew feeling alone and forgotten in his position of second son of a second son." The older woman proclaims in a distant tone of voice. Rhaenyra is surprised and confused.

"He didn't have any guidance? He certainly had at least a female servant around to act as a mother figure for him, right?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks. Rhaenys frowns to her.

"You think that a servant could ever take the place of Aemma as your mother?"

"Never."

"Daemon tought the same."

"But he still had servants to take care of him, right?"

"He did. He hated all of them."

The two women laugh together.

"Now, that is more like him." Rhaenyra says with a short smirk. Rhaenys snorts.

"The closer that he got to a mother figure was grandma Alysanne. She took him under her wing and raised him alongside Gael."

"Gael? The Winter child?"

"Exactly. They were very close in age."

"Did Queen Alysanne try to arrange a marriage between them, then? It looks like a pretty good match to me."

Rhaenys confirms with her head.

"Grandma had it in mind, but thinks did not work out as planned. Have you ever heard of the story of your grandmother Daella and Archmaester Vaegon?"

"They were certain to marry eachother, but they were too different."

"Exactly. The same thing happened with Daemon and Gael. He was very active and prone to anger. She was a shy and innocent girl that were too pure to this world. It was never meant to be."

"So, his marriage to Rhea Royce was a second plan since marring him with Gael would not work out?"

"Yes."

"Daemon was raised by his grandmother. It could have been worse."

Rhaenys sighs.

"The problem was raising him alongside Gael. He often scared my poor aunt, leading her to be always going after her mother saying that Daemon did something to her or was being mean." The older woman explains. Rhaenyra frowns, understanding what comes next.

"And Alysanne prefered to focus more of her attention in her youngest daughter than her grandson, i assume."

"Yes. A child is a child and a granchild is a granchild, after all. She tried her best, for sure, but in the end Daemon tought that even his grandma abandoned him overtime. That was the emerge of the Daemon we know today."

Rhaenyra remains in silence, deciding to just listen to Rhaenys.

"His aggressive nature, his hunger for glory, and the support of his father quickly led him into martial training. It became his obsession and he went to use it as a way to liberate his frustrations." The Lady of Driftmark claims. Rhaenyra frowns.

"How do you know that? Did he ever talk about it with you?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks. Rhaenys snorts.

"Daemon would cut his leg off with a dull knife before telling me any of this. It is a mere observation. Duels and jousts made him a more... stable person, in general. Most of his violent behavior went to them and he slowly came out of his shell to become the Rogue Prince. But, i guess people never really change that much." The older woman says in a vague tone. Rhaenyra is curious about it.

"What do you mean with that?" She asks. Rhaenys sighs.

"Sometimes, i can still see the lonely boy in his eyes. A boy that can't properly remember his mother. A boy that miss his father. A boy desperate to not be forgotten by history." The Lady of Driftmark proclaims. Rhaenyra relax on her chair, trying to swallow all the information. And then, she frowns.

"Why are you telling me all of that, Rhaenys? What is your point here?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks with a risp tone of voice.

The serious gaze of the older woman makes shivers come down Rhaenyra's spine.

"I want you to understand that you need to get the respect of the realm by showing your skills as a leader. Show to them that you are a woman worthy of being followed." The older woman proclaims. Rhaenyra slowly nods, still doubtful. She sighs.

"I have my limitation, lady Rhaenys. I am not a warrior by any means. What am i supposed to do?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks. Rhaenys grunts.

"The Triarchy is working more and more actively recently. They will comeback for a second confrontation against the Iron Throne for the control of the Stepstones. This is your opportunity, Rhaenyra. Put yourself in a armor and fly with Syrax to this cursed islands. Make a difference in the war, and you will gain respect." The older woman says with a lot of believe in her words. Rhaenyra frowns.

"How i would evade to be in Daemon's shadow? That is already his war." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. Rhaenys snorts.

"Daemon has his limitations too. He is a very skilled warrior and commander, but he is also unstable, impatient, and hates to be challenged. You need to show virtue where he show flaws. You are a gorgeous woman, Rhaenyra. Use your beauty and charm in your favor. But, how exactly you will do that, is something only you will be able to find out." The lady of Driftmark says, getting up from her seat. Rhaenyra does the same. The younger Targaryen opens a educated smile.

"I am very grateful to have someone as capable as you by my side, lady Rhaenys. Your experience is more valuable to me than you can possibly imagine. Thank you." The Princess of Dragonstone says with a slight bow of respect.

She is taken by surprise when Rhaenys gently pulls her up to a straight position, looking down to her with her penetrating purple eyes and her higher stature. Her expression is neutral. Devoid of much emotion.

"A ruler don't bow to his vassals. Remember that. Have a good night, princess." The older woman says, turning around to leave.

"Wait..." Rhaenyra whispers, making the lady of Driftmark stop and look around with a questioning gaze.

Rhaenyra is clearly uncomfortable with something, making Rhaenys confused.

"What is it? If you want anything, i will help." The older woman says with pure honesty. Rhaenyra is unsure if should say or not, but she manages to gather courage.

"How did you deal with your... urges?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks. Rhaenys frowns, confused.

"Excuse me?" The older woman asks. Rhaenyra snorts, her face getting warmer with her embarassment, altough Rhaenys would not be able to notice her redish face in the dark.

"Your... urges. When you were younger, how did you deal with them when your husband was away. I am... struggling a bit with it." The Princess of Dragonstone says in a low tone of voice. Rhaenys look at her in the eyes for some time before sighing.

"I understand your circumnstances, Rhaenyra, but everyone has different amounts of desires. I hated, with a passion, giving birth. I stopped my childbearing years after Laenor because i had done my duty with Corlys by giving him a proper and stable male heir. I was also more chaste than average by nature. Did you not find a new guard to take the place of Ser Harwin Strong yet?" The lady of Driftmark asks with a dry tone. Rhaenyra sighs, getting closer to the mother of her husband.

"Not yet. It is not a easy choice. It is a very risky relationship to have around, after all. If i am able to, i would choose to learn to control myself more." The Princess of Dragonstone whispers. Rhaenys snors.

"It is your nature, Rhaenyra. It is not something you can change that easily. My suggestion to you is moon tea and secrecy. That, or you should find relief withing yourself. It is not elegant or traditional, but it is better than whoring yourself around. Have you ever tried that?" The older woman suggests with a almost motherly tone of voice. Rhaenyra nods slowly

"I have, but it is not the same. Lust is not everything either. I need more than that. Intimacy. Affection. After Harwin went to Harrenhal, i have felt lonely. Abandoned. Unloved. I have the need to love and be loved, lady Rhaenys." The Princess of Dragonstone says with a almost sad tone of voice. The gaze of Rhaenys seems to get softer before she sighs.

"Now, i can understand you more. Listen, Rhaenyra. I had the luck to marry the man i fell in love with. Most women, specially noble ones, never get that chance. What you need to do is forget yourself as woman and see you as a mother. End your romantic needs and rise your motherly duties." The older woman says with a more gentle tone than usual. Rhaenyra look at the sky, pessimistic.

"That is much easier said than done, lady Rhaenys." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. Rhaenys nods.

"It certainly is, but you need to take the reins of your life back in your own hands. Besides, i know that Laenor will never be the ideal man for you, but i am certain that he cares for you a lot. Maybe you can find on him some immaculate love." The older Targaryen says with a smooth tone. Rhaenyra smiles.

"Laenor is a lovely man for sure. Besides of our main problem, i am very lucky to have him by my side. I will think a lot about your advices, lady Rhaenys. It is a honor for me to have a more experienced woman that i can talk. I am very grateful." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims, being totally sincere. Rhaenys nods and almost smiles, but her gaze is still intense in Rhaenyra.

"I just want you to try your best, Rhaenyra. Nothing else. Have a good night." The older woman says before turning around and leaving.

As Rhaenyra watches the older woman leaves, she sighs in relief and smiles.

That was a conversation that she desperately needed to have with someone. She feels much lighter now.

But, it still don't solve her problems alone.

The Princess of Dragonstone walks back into the castle. Her steps echoes trough the Red Keep as she walks further into the hallways.

Ah, the hallways.

The same old hallways that she have known her entire life.

Her vague memories of running from her grandfather, Prince Baelon the Brave.

Her memories of walking around with her father and mother.

So many happy memories.

And then, as always, he crawls back in her mind.

Rhaenyra stops in the middle of the stairs, looking down at them.

She can remember very well of when she was very young and had a big fear of walking in the stairs, falling, and rolling all the way down.

Uncle Daemon would laugh at her sillyness and carry her in his shoulders. She would grab his hair and act like he was a dragon that she was riding.

Her heart hurts with the memory. A sharp pain, like a very thin needle crossing her heart.

Walking up, Rhaenyra finds herself in more hallways and more memories.

How much of her youth she spended around her uncle?

Not a lot, in reality. He was always moving around.

But, he was always so... remarkable. At any moment he showed up in front of her, he would always give her gifts and compliments. Her uncle always had a talent to turn even the worst days into a bright one.

As she grew older, she started craving more and more of his attention. And, with age, she would not be a innocent girl for long.

She still remembers when things changed. When how she viewed him changed.

Daemon was training in the area of the Dragonpit when she came around to see Syrax.

He was sweaty and wearing only white and simple clothes. His vest was partially open to relief him from the heat, showing some of his toniefied chest in the protest.

It was the first time she ever went red upon seeing a man.

And when he smiled to her right after, it was the first time her heart started beaten faster for a man.

And everything changed.

From craving for his attention, she started craving for his contact.

She wanted him to hold her hand.

She wanted him to dance with her.

She wanted him to fly with her.

She wanted him to stroke her hair

She wanted him to whisper in her ear.

She wanted him to touch her skin.

She wanted him to embrace her in his arms.

She wanted him to fullfil the promises that he made.

She wanted him.

She really wanted him.

She never got him.

She tried to substitute him.

She failed.

Rhaenyra takes a deep breath to recompose herself.

It is over. It has been for years.

All the promises that Daemon made to her became just words in the wind.

Expectations of a girl that dreamed of true love. Expectations too big to be forgotten.

But, the broken heart of the girl still hurts the woman.

Rhaenyra sighs and makes her way to her bedroom, but, in the middle of her walking, she hears a scream and loud steps going around.

Something happened.

She quickly runs in the direction of the sounds and now the voices, nervous about what actually happened.

The Princess of Dragonstone arrives at a hallway where several guards and even Kingsguards are gather around something.

"What is happening here?" The princess asks in a severe tone. The guards move for her to see.

Rhaenyra's eyes go wide as she moves her hand to her face.

The first one of the children that she looks is Aemond. The boy has a redish face full of tears while he holds his bleeding right eye.

Or rather, what remains of it.

The cut made by a sharp knife totally teared apart the eye of the boy, letting only a horrifing blood mess.

Rhaenyra is quickly pulled out of her mind when her sons run to her and embrace her legs, trembling in fear. Luke looks up, crying a lot.

"Muna... i did not want to do that! I swear! I am scared!" The boy proclaims before crying.

Rhaenyra quickly falls to her knees and hug her son tightly, kissing his cheek to comfort him.

"Relax, Luke. I don't know what happened, but i believe you. Jace, can you tell me?" The Princess of Dragonstone looks at her older son for a answer. However, before he could give it to her, Aemond gets in with a grunt of anger and pain.

"This little bastard you are hugging stabbed my eye with that thing!" The older boy proclaims in a histeric voice as he points to the dagger in the ground.

Rhaenyra goes pale as she identifies the dagger that Laenor gave to Jace recently.

Her son stabbed Aemond. He stabbed the son of her uncle.

"Oh gods no..." the Princess of Dragonstone proclaims in a low tone of voice, still holding Luke in her arms.

Jace grunts in anger as he takes a few steps further.

"What did you call my brother?!" The older son of hers asks in a rage. Aemond manages to form a smirk, even in his state.

"Yes. And what you will do about it? Stab my other eye?!" The older prince asks, getting more angry. The guards quickly hold the two boys as Criston grunts.

"Enough! We will resolve things in the throne room. Prince Aemond needs treatment imediatly. I want some of you to call the rest of the royal family and the Grand Maeater. We will let the King decide what will happen from now on." The Lord Commander proclaims as the guards nods in agreement.

And so, everyone starts moving in a quick pace to the throne room as some guards leave to search for people.

As Rhaenyra walks with Luke still very attached to her in his scared state, her heart can't relax.

That is probably the end of all peace. The final break between her family and the family of her uncle.

"Muna... what will happen with me? I will be punished?" Luke asks her in a low tone, very scared for his safety. Rhaenyra's heart hurts just from looking at his expression.

"My love, nothing will happen to you. I will never let someone hurt you because of a accident like that. You have my word." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims with a sweet tone.

Lucerys sniffs and nods, clearly a bit more relaxed.

When they arrive in the throne room, a guard quickly gets a chair for Aemond to sit as Grand Maester Mellos arrives to start the treatment.

Rhaenyra looks at the Maester doing his work with some nervosism.

"There is hope for his eye, Maester?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks, even if she can guess the answer. Mellos snorts.

"None." The Grand Maester proclaims in a dry tone. Aemond grunts in disappointment and bite a piece of clith to resist the pain of the treatment.

Rhaenyra sighs in the misfortune of her family.

And then, her heart sinks when others arrives with some guards.

Alicent and her children.

The princess in the red dress has a desperate expression in her face, while Aegon, Helaena and Daeron look confused with the situation.

When Alicent mets her eyes with Aemond, Rhaenyra can see Alicent lose her breath and quickly run to her son and hug him desperately, starting to cry in a very horrified expression.

"Aemond! What happened to you? Who did this to you?!" The mother asks, falling into a endless amount of tears and despair.

Rhaenyra feels very sad with the scene. And even more sad as she is not able to do anything about it.

Aemond, who looks conflicted with the attention of his mother, sends a gaze at Lucerys.

Rhaenyra have never seem that much anger in all her life. Her reaction is to hold her children more tightly against her legs.

"They did this to me, mother. They stabbed me." The second son proclaims, keeping his anger in line as he points to the two brothers of brown hair. Alicent looks to them.

Her expression of sadness and despair quickly gets mixed with anger as she gets up. Her eyes are red and her face is not much different.

"Why? Why did you do this to my son?!" The princess in red asks in a desperate scream, scaring Rhaenyra's sons as they go behind her.

And yet, Alicent is not really looking at them.

She is looking at Rhaenyra.

The Princess of Dragonstone takes a deep breath before speaking.

"Alicent, it was accident, they did not want to do this to him." Rhaenyra proclaims in a humble tone. Alicent grunts.

"Yet, they stabbed my son and destroyed his eye. You excuses will not bring his eye back!" The older princess proclaims. Rhaenyra sighs, looking at the wife of her uncle eye to eye.

"As their mother, i will take any responsability, but i will not let this burden fall into two little boys. I am sorry." The Princess lf Dragonstone proclaims with pure honesty.

Alicent frowns to Rhaenyra with a conflicted expression before walking back to be by the side of her son, giving Rhaenyra a final look of resentment.

The Princess of Dragonstone sighs as she turns to Ser Criston.

Her first lover.

She can still see in his eyes a bit of what they had in the past, but only below a lot of bitterness.

"Ser Criston, can you tell us what really happened?" The Princess of Dragonstone demands in a serious tone. Criston frowns and nods.

"Prince Aemond sneaked in the Dragonpit by a unknown method and managed to claim Vhagar, upon his returning to the Red Keep, he met with your sons, they argued, they fought, and Aemond ended up getting stabbed in the eye. We arrived soon after." The Lord Commander explains in a direct manner. Rhaenyra goes pale once again.

Her son not only stabbed the eye of his cousin.

Her son not only stabbed the eye of her uncle's son.

Her son stabbed the eye of the rider of the most powerful dragon in the world.

Gods have mercy, because things are only getting worse and worse by each second.

"He called us bastards and hit us as well!" Jacaerys exclaimd in addition. Rhaenyra frowns and sighs, trying to caln down.

The Princess of Dragonstone looks to Alicent, who never moved her eyes away from Aemond.

"Did you hear what was said, Alicent? It was all accident. Please, i beg you not to demand more spilled blood of innocent children in our house." Rhaenyra says with a smooth voice full of sadness.

Alicent still don't look towards her.

"I heard it. It does not matter to me if it was a accident or not. My son lost a eye. He lost a eye for mere words and act of bravery. You propose me to forget about it. To let the children that stabbed the eye of my son go unpunished. I can't, Rhaenyra. I will can't accept such a injustice. What was done tonight, will have severe consequences, if not by the hand of your father, it will be by the will of the gods." The older princess proclaims, finally looking back at Rhaenyra with a gaze of anger and conviction.

Rhaenyra looks at her with surprise, but she soons builds her own conviction.

She understands now. She can see what is truly happening here.

Division.

And there is no going back from here.

Rhaenyra frowns to Alicent, full of new determination to fight for her family.

"So be it. I will not allow my son to be mutilated as long as i breath." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. The two woman gaze at each other.

And then, a large amount of people walks to the inside of the throne room. King Viserys is at the front, looking very troubled.

"What in the seven hells is happening here?!" The King asks, too out of his mind to be able to control his voice properly.

His voice echoes through the entirety of the throne room.

There will be no sleep tonight.

---

Chapter Text

---

DAEMON VIII

---

120 AC -

---

Daemon opens his eyes upon hearing the sound of someone almost taking the door down with their knocks.

The Rogue Prince grunts, his head spinning around because of all the alcohol he consumed during the feast.

"Wait a minute!" The prince manages to scream in his poor state, stopping his door from falling apart because of the knocks.

Daemon sits in his bed and holds his head for a second, trying to come back to his senses.

He struggles to get back in his feet and almost fall to the ground, having to hold himself in the wall.

After a bit of effort, he manages to walk to the door and open it.

In front of him, is a member of the Kingsguard with a anxious expression on his face.

"My prince. The king have summoned his entire family to the throne room. It is urgent." The guard says in a firm manner. Daemon frowns.

"What happened?" The prince asks, confused. The guard shakes his head.

"No time to explain, my prince. Please, follow me." The white knight demands. Daemon grunts.

After taking the rest of his clothes and Dark Sister, Daemon follows the guard in a quick pace towards the throne room.

His memory is failing him a bit, but it certainly has some to do with a certain son of his and a certain dragon.

---

When Daemon arrives in the throne room, he is meets a concentration of a lot of people. His whole family, several servants, and basicaly all the guards in the Red Keep.

He frowns. Something really big happened.

As he walks towards the concentration of people around something, he is noticed by them and someone comes from it and walks in his way.

Alicent walks quickly in a nervous pace. Her eyes are red from crying and her expression is a combination of anger and lack of hope. She frowns to Daemon as she takes several small breaths in succession.

"Where were you?!" The princess asks in a high tone of voice that echoes through the whole throne room, creating a tense silence in the place. Daemon sighs.

"What happened here?" The Rogue Prince asks, completely in the dark. Alicent grunts and grab his arm, her nails carving in it as she pulls him towards the concentration of people.

"See by yourself!" The histeric woman proclaims, pointing to the center with a trembling finger.

When the Grand Maester moves from his position in the center, what Daemon sees let him speechless.

Aemond is sitting on a large chair. He is a mess, with dirth clothes and tears still fresh near his eye

His only eye.

On the right side of his face, there is a bloody wound that comes from his right eyebrow to his right cheek. A wound that was just closed by the maester.

Daemon walks towards Aemond in a steady pace. He holds the face of his second son and looks at the injury more closely.

The Rogue Prince is a experienced warrior. He have seen all kind of wounds, including several in the eyes. Arrows, swords...

...daggers.

Someone stabbed his son in the eye.

Someone had the audacity to maim his son.

Looking at the remaining eye of Aemond is like looking to the child he once was.

He is not crying because of pain or sadness for losing a eye.

He is frustrated.

He wants justice for what happened to win.

Daemon lets his face go and looks at his brother with a frown. Focused and stern.

Viserys looks at him with a troubled expression. He is clearly very lost about what should be the best approach to the situation.

Daemon has a approach. The only one that is valid for him.

The Rogue Prince gets up in a serious positio, taking a step towards his brother. Their eyes met.

"Who? Who did this to my son?" The Rogue Prince asks with a sharp tone of voice, like a snake slowly moving around. Viserys takes a deep breath.

"Daemon..."

Daemon grunts, too angry to deal with the weaknesses of his brother.

"Answer me! Who stabbed the eye of my son? I am not seeing any heads in the floor, so the one that stabbed my son still breathes. Where is he?" Daemon demands once again, taking another step towards his brother as anger starts to emerge in his expression. Viserys is still troubled and holds his tongue.

Some of the Kingsguard move to be between the brothers, protecting their King.

Daemon grunts and turn to Aemond, who is now being hold by his disturbed mother in a permanent embrace.

"Who did this to you?" The Rogue Prince demands with a penetrating gaze.

Aemond looks at him for a moment, relaxing a bit on his chair. He then points his finger at one direction.

Daemon looks at the direction he is pointing out.

Rhaenyra's second son, Lucerys "Velaryon".

The young boy is hiding behind the dress of his mother, crying out of fear and holding the silk like it is his last hope of living.

Daemon grunts, walking towards the boy with short steps. The young boy sniffs and hides totally behinds his mother. His older brother, Jacaerys, is also standing almost behind their mother.

The Rogue Prince looks up to meet his eyes with Rhaenyra. The niece he spoiled and adored for so long. Her expression is a tense one as she tries to keep a stern expression against his furious gaze. Daemon frowns to her.

"Offer me the child without resistance and i will make it quick, Rhaenyra." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a dry tone. The people around gasp in shock at what he might be hinting at. Rhaenyra stands firmly, holding Lucerys behind her with more vigor.

"Offer my son for what, uncle? What you plan to do with him?" The princess asks with a frown, trying to make him say it out loud.

Daemon is not interested in playing with words now. His anger is rising really fast.

"He took the eye of my son, i want his eye as well. He should be grateful that i don't want his head in a spike." The Rogue Prince proclaims. The people around start talking at the same time and some even scream as a confusion starts.

"ENOUGH!" King Viserys screams, shuting down the confusion. Daemon looks to his brother, who is clearly angry now as he walks towards him.

"You have no rights to demand anything here, Daemon. Much less the eye of my grandson!" The King proclaims with a serious tone between his teeth. Daemon frowns to him, not backing down as his anger bursts.

"I don't have rights? Your grandson takes the eye of my son and i should just allow him to not be punished for that?! What kind of King are you that can't offer justice to your own family?!" The Rogue Prince screams at the face of his brother.

The members of the Kingsguard pull their swords and points them to him in a act to defend the King. Daemon don't move a inch.

Viserys rise a hand and they retreat. The King then looks at his brother with a tired gaze in his serious eyes.

"I am trying to keep my family together, Daemon. This event was purely a tragedy. A accident. I am sure that Lucerys did not want to stab his eye." The King proclaims. Daemon smirks in irony.

"And where did he get a dagger in the first place? Who is the fool that gave a violent kid a dagger?" The Rogue Prince asks with a high tone of voice, looking around. Viserys frowns.

"How do you even know that it was made by a dagger?" The King asks, skeptic. Daemon grunts, irritated.

"I know a stab of a dagger when i see one. Now, who gave a dagger to the boy?" the Rogue Prince asks again. Everyone remains in silence.

Laenor takes a step further with a determined expression in his face. Rhaenyra tries to hold his arm, but he nods to her and approaches Daemon.

"I gave it as a nameday gift to Jacaerys. It is for self defence." The heir of Driftmark proclaims with a stern and formal tone. Daemon smirks once again in despise.

"It looks like it only served to hin to mutilate his own cousin. Aemond did not have any weapon with him. None of my children have." The Rogue Prince proclaims, getting more and more frustrated as his head still hurts from before.

Laenor frowns to him as he starts walking around the circle of persons that formed around them. Daemon smirks.

He knows how it works. Walking around someone so they will feel like prey. It will not work with him.

Daemon starts moving in circles with Laenor, not breaking eye contact.

"Do you even know the whole story, Daemon?" The prince consort asks. Daemon snorts.

"The only thing that matters to me is that my son lost an eye and my own brother refuses to bring me justice." The Rogue Prince proclaims with irritation. Laenor sighs.

"Your son invaded the Dragonpit by unknown methods and claimed Vhagar without any authorization, in the middle of the night." The heir of Driftmark starts.

Daemon feels a short smile emerging in his face as he looks to his second son, who smirks with arrogance for a second. The Rogue Prince then looks at Laenor with his stern expression back.

"He is a brave boy and a true Targaryen. What is wrong with that?" The Rogue Prince provokes. Laenor snorts.

"He came back to the Red Keep and met my sons. They argued and Aemond said a grave thing to them." The heir of Driftmark says slowly. Daemon cross his arms and wait. Laenor sighs.

"Aemond Targaryen, your son, accused my sons, the heirs of the Iron Throne and Driftmark, of being bastards. A absurd accusation that caused the fight and the tragedy. Your son played with fire and got burned, nothing else." The prince consort proclaims, finishing.

Daemon frowns with irritation. He looks to Laenor, and then his brother, who is observing his reaction cautiously. Rhaenyra watches nervously while holding back her sons.

The Rogue Prince frowns at Laenor as his anger reaches a new peak.

"You think that justify anything, boy? You are seriously trying to convince me that my son losing his eye for that is just?!" The Rogue Prince screams in his wrath.

He quickly draws Dark Sister, making the infamous sound of the Valyrian Steel echoes.

The Kingsguard rise the swords once again and some of the maids scream in shock. Criston Cole takes a step further, frowning at Daemon.

"There is no need for violence here, my prince. Please, put your sword away." The Lord Commander proclaims with a formal but serious tone. Daemon frowns back at him.

"No need for violence? Tell it to my son and his ruined eye! I only want justice to be served and my family to be respected! Is that too much to ask for?!" The Rogue Prince questions in anger, his loud voice echoing through the throne room. Everyone stays in silence. Daemon grunts and look back at his brother, sword still at hand.

"Brother! How can you care so little for your own nephew?! You used to say to me that family was the most valuable thing a person can have! What changed?!" The Rogue Prince exclaims, his anger mixing with a tone of sadness. Viserys takes as deep breath and frowns, his eyes mostly full of sadness instead of anger.

"Nothing changed! I am taking care of my family! I will not allow more bloodshed in my family! Lucerys is just a child of 5! I am sorry for what happened to your son, but i will not let you blind the eye of another family member of mine as retribution!" The King proclaims, tears rolling from his eyes as his hands trembles.

Daemon closes his eyes, grunts in frustration, and takes a deep breath as he places Dark Sister back in the sheath. He then look back at his brother with a controled expression of anger.

"I don't trust in your emotional judgement brother. You are too idealistic to bring justice. I demand a trial! Let the lords decide what is just or not!" The Rogue Prince proclaims in a high tone of voice. Viserys sighs, still trembling and struggling to let a single word let his mouth.

"Denied."

Daemon is stunned. Did he hear it right?

Alicent reacts before him, stepping up from embracing Aemond to be on front of Viserys.

"Your grace, it can't go unpunished. My son just lost an eye! What will be of your grandchildren if they grow without ever facing the consequences?! What if something even worse happens in the future?! I can't stand it!" The princess exclaims, out of her good sense as she is consumed by her emotions.

Criston moves in and holds her arm so she don't make any action in the heat of the moment.

Daemon takes a deep breath and look at his brother with a empty gaze. Devoid of any respect, care or even rage. Just pure disdain.

But above all... sadness.

"I was very young, but i remember. I remember you making a promise to our father. You said you would look after me until the day you died. And now, you are spitting on that same promise." The Rogue Prince says with a dry tone. Viserys grunts, his serious expression still drowned in sadness.

"I am not spitting on my promise, Daemon! Listen to what you are saying! You want a child to be violently punished! I will never allow that to happen to a grandson, nephew or even cousin. This is not how a family should deal with things! Again, i am very sorry about what happened to your son, but i will not allow the mutilation of my grandson. My word is final!" The King proclaims in a voice full of authority, even if his expression is totally sad.

Daemon frowns, disappointed to the very core. He feels betrayed by his own brother. By his own blood. He grunts.

"I just found out how little you care for me or my family. Your position on this situation is ludicrous. I feel angry, frustrated, sad, but above everything, i feel betrayed by my only brother. A brother that demand me to just live alongside the one that took the eye of a son of mine. I hope that you don't come to regret your decisions, Viserys, but i can't stand this discussion anymrore." The Rogue Prince proclaims before turning his back and looking at his family, who are all around Aemond.

Daemon sighs in a irritated humor when he once again sees the disfigured face of his son that, making his blood boil. He then looks back at his brother.

"I see that you will not bring me justice, brother. As such, i ask you to allow my family to stay in Dragonstone for some time to reflect about everything. A week or two. I will return to my position in the council afterwards." The Rogue Prince demands in a controlled tone. Viserys look at him with a silent and intense gaze while he thinks before nodding.

"That is a good idea. Everyone here needs some type apart to calm down and think better about things. You can stay in Dragonstone with your wife and children, but i need you back at least in a moon. The Triarchy will emerge soon and i need you here to make the plans. We have a deal?" The King asks in a more soft tone. Daemon nods. Viserys sighs in relief and then look at Rhaenyra.

"My dear, you and your children will have to stay in Driftmark during that period. You can visit King's Landing, but you can't come close to Dragonstone during that period." The King proclaims in a smooth tone that is typical of his when talking to Rhaenyra.

The princess looks a bit concerned for a seconf, but she nods with a short smile.

"Of course father. I think all of us need some time to think and i hope that we can overcome our differences in the name of keeping this family as one." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims with a smile that seems honest to Daemon. But Viserys certainly have a honest smile on his face.

"That is all i wish for! I hope that everything will be forgotten with time and we can once again feast together as it was always meant to be." The King proclaims in a almost dreaming tone of voice. He then sighs and looks at his brother.

"When you plan to leave?" Viserys asks. Daemon snorts.

"In the afternoon. My head still hurts and i need more time to sleep. All of us need." The Rogue Prince says, looking at Aemond, who is looking at the ground while the Maester makes the final touches in his eye. The boy has a empty look of someone that is too tired to think anything at the moment.

Viserys nods to his brother and then looks at everyone around as he raises his voice.

"With everything settled, i command everyone to go back to your chambers! The night was long. Way too long..." The King proclaims, ending in a more distant tone. Whispers fly around as the guards guide the court back to the hallways.

Daemon turns around and walks to the hallways with Alicent and their children, staying in absolute silence.

---

The married couple walk together to their bedroom chamber after leaving the children in their own chamber.

Daemon sits on the bed, fighting his urge to fall in it and get some hours of sleep. He can't. Not when Alicent is standing in front of him with a angry frown.

"Why did you let Aemond invade the Dragonpit just after a funeral? Have you lost your mind?!" The princess asks, frustrated. Daemon sighs, tired. His had still hurts a lot and it is only getting worse. He looks at his wife with a calm gaze.

"I was drunk, Alicent. And besides that, everything worked out like expected. Aemond came in, claimed Vhagar, and safely came back. How should i know that Rhaenyra's bastards would appear and take a eye from my son?" The Rogue Prince asks, his blood boiling a bit once again. He takes a good breath, stroking his head like it will help with his headache.

Alicent opens her mouth to argue, but she ends up closing it again and grunting in frustration as more tears come down her eyes.

"Why does it have to happen with our family?! What we did to deserve that?!" The princess asks, sitting in the opposite side of the bed as she holds her face and try to control her tears.

Daemon stays here, looking at the wall as he hears his crying wife. He is not used to that situation.

Letting out another sigh, Daemon moves to be by the side of Alicent. He lays a arm behind her back, making a gentle stroke there in a attempt to comfort the princess in tears.

Alicent slowly stops crying and then she looks at Daemon with her redish eyes, she opens a bitter smile.

"I find your attempt on comforting someone very curious, husband. It is not something that i would expect from you. But, you clearly need to learn what to say next." The princess says with a sarcastic, but soft tone. Daemon smirks.

"I don't need words to comfort my wife when i can just do that." The Rogue Prince says before holding her hips with one arm and claiming her lips with his own.

Their kisses usually are filled with lust, a feeling that managed to connect them during all this years.

But this time, it felt different.

This kiss was not filled with a insatiable hunger that turned them in wild animals tearing a part the clothes of the other in search of pleasure.

This kiss was slow, their two tongues moving around like one as it gets deeper and deeper.

Daemon can feel Alicent relax under his grasp, getting closer to him by instinct.

The Rogue prince moves his other arm to her back and pulls her even closer to him.

Alicent holds the back of his head as their bodies press together in a gentle embrace. One of smooth hands slowly strokes his golden-silver hair, making him feel a chill going down his spine.

When the air starts to end, they breal the kiss and get very valuable breaths, their foreheads connected as they looks at the eyes of the other. Alicent laughs a bit with a bunch of different emotions dancing in her expression.

"I did not know that Daemon Targaryen could kiss like that. I tought that you just always saw me as your prey and nothing else. I am glad." The princess says with a honest tone. Daemon smirks.

"Don'f fool yourself, my dear. You will never cease to be my prey." The Rogue Prince proclaims, claiming her lips once again, but now in a chaste kiss.

And then, he gently bites her underlip, taking Alicent by surprise as she breaks the kiss and looks at him, making a false expression of anger.

"How many times have i said to you? Don't. Bite. My. Lips." The princess proclaims, shoving a finger on his chest with each word in her final phrase.

Daemon laughs, moving his hand to hold her chin, gently stroking her lips with his thumb.

"I just can't hold myself sometimes. Your lips get so red with such a small effort that i can't resist to take a bite of this sweet cherry." The Rogue Prince says in a hoarse voice, making Alicent blush. She opens a short smile once again.

"Well, let me return the favor." The princess proclaims, diving into another kiss. It is a short but intense one, ending with Alicent gently biting Daemon's lip. He laughs.

"You need to do with more will, Alicent. The pleasure of the flesh comes of how much passion you give in. Like that." The Rogue Prince says before going for another kiss.

With him in the lead, Alicent relax in his arms and let he dominates her mouth, letting out a moan on the process. The kiss ends with a snap and Daemon smirks.

"I will say to you once again. You are my prey. You belong to me, like that ring on your finger shows." The Rogue Prince proclaims, kissin her once again, getting more and more intense.

"You are mine..."

He bites her lip.

"All mine..."

He kisses her neck.

"Only mine..."

He kisses her collarbone. One of his hands move down to take a good hold on her butt, making Alicent let out a silent gasp before Daemon claims her lips once again.

The Rogue Prince starts to move his free hand to the back of her dress...

...until there is knock on the door.

Daemon breaks the whole intimate moment with his wife with a irritated grunt. He looks at Alicent, who is a bit frustrated in her own.

"Your father is the bane of my existance." The Rogue Prince whispers in a bitter tone. Alicent holds a laugh as they fix their posture, holding down their arousal as they get up.

"Enter." The princess proclaims in a neutral tone. The door opens.

Ser Otto Hightower walks in, closing the door behind him as he does so. He looks at the couple with a frown.

Daemon really hates this man, but he can't deny his perceptive skills. But, this time, they are working against the Hand of the King.

It takes everything from Daemon to stop him from opening a arrogant smile as he sees Otto noticing that his old enemy was about to fuck his daughter.

Otto stays in his authoritarian posture as he looks to them.

"We need to talk about the events of this night." The Hand of the King proclaims with a serious tone. Daemon snorts, crossing his arms.

"There is nothing to discuss. The King already settled everything in stone. His precious bastard grandson took the eye of my trueborn son and got away with it. What there is to talk about it?" The Rogue Prince says with sarcasm, covering his bitterness. Otto frowns and then opens a short smile.

"You can see things that way, my prince. I prefer to be optmistic about what we achieved today. Or rather, what Aemond achieved. The boy claimed Vhagar. It certainly something that brings satisfactio to you, right?" The Hand points out. Daemon takes a deep breath and smirks.

With all the things happening, he did not give enough credit to the feat of his son in his own mind.

It was massive feat. His son claimed the biggest dragon in the world at the age of 10. The dragon that his father used to ride.

Daemon looks at Otto with a more confident expression.

"I am more than satisfied. I am impressed. The boy showed bravery beyond of what i could expect from him. But, cut all of that right now, for you to mention that at the start of this conversation, you have something in mind related to it. Say it. Now." The Rogue Prince demands, frowning with impatience. Otto snorts. His body posture never changing from being calm and confident.

"Vhagar is a great weapon to have a control over. Specially with a war approaching." The Hand of the King says with a serene tone. Alicent frowns to her father as she takes a step further.

"If you are thinking about sending my son that just lost an eye into the middle of the conflict in the Stepstones, you are out of your mind, father. He needs more time to mature and heal, both in the inside and outside. Warfare at such a young age will not be good for him. Riding Vhagar or not." The princess proclaims with a firm tone of voice while looking at her father.

Yet, he stays in silence. And then she notices that he is not looking at her.

When she looks behind, she finally sees that Daemon and Otto never broke eye contact. She is very confused by it.

"Daemon?" She asks her husband, expecting him to explain. Daemon frowns to Otto before looking at Alicent and then back at Otto.

"He is not talking about the Stepstones, Alicent." The Rogue Prince says in a dry tone of voice. He can easily see that Alicent is even more confused as she frowns.

"What? What war is he talking about?" The princess asks, looking back at her father.

Ser Otto Hightower takes a few steps further, his eyes still locked with Daemon's eyes while he moves his hands to his back. Daemon grunts

"He is talking about the Iron Throne." The Rogue Prince says in a whisper between his teeth. The eyes of Alicent get wide and her mouth is opened by her shock.

"You... you can't be serious. Father... what are you thinking?!" The princess asks, rising her tone of voice with her nervosism. Daemon quickly moves his hand to cover her mouth.

Alicent makes eye contact with him and slowly comes down, nodding to him to take his hand out. Daemon then looks at Otto once again.

"Tell me one reason to not tell this to my brother and have you executed, traitor." The Rogue Prince says, slowly moving his hand closer to Darksister in his belt.

Once again Alicent is shocked and can't move in her confusion with all the quick events.

In opposition, Otto is as firm as a milenar stone. Unchanged. He opens a short smirk.

"Because i have a very tempting offer to you, my prince. One that you can't deny." The Hand of the King says with a very natural confidence. Daemon frowns as his hand gets even closer to Dark Sister.

He knows what he is about to say. But he can't believe in it. He needs to hear it by his stupid mouth.

"What offer, rat?" The Rogue Prince asks with a grunt of irritation with the typical sly attitude of Otto. The Hand of the King smiles as he takes a deep breath to say what will certainly hurt his pride more than anything.

"I offer you the Iron Throne." The Hand of the King says with a direct tone of voice.

Daemon freezes upon hearing it, even if he knew what was coming. Alicent once again loses her breath, covering her mouth with her hands. Daemon frowns to Otto.

"The throne is not yours to offer." The Rogue Prince says, his hand already touching the handle of Dark Sister. Otto is not intimidated by it.

"But it is yours to take, but only if i am around." The Hand of the King proclaims. Daemon frowns.

"Explain yourself. Now." The Rogue Prince says. Alicent looks away to a wall, trying to think about what she is hearing, as Daemon could imagine.

"Once the King sadly dies on his own, you can assume the throne, but only with enough support. I have been the Hand of the King for decades. I have more connections that you could possibly imagine. I can make powerful allies without major risk. I can call the aid of House Hightower. I am the safest connection between you and the throne." The Hand of the King proclaims proudly. Daemon frowns while he remains in silence, absorbing all.

And then, he laughs.

For almost a minute.

And once he is done, he looks at Otto with a sarcastic smirk.

"So, Otto Hightower, the man that hates me with all of his soul, wants to put me on the throne? I tought that you would be the first one to convince Rhaenyra to get rid of me once she ascended. What changed?" Th Rogue Prince proclaims. Otto sighs once again, frowning.

"Have you ever stop to think why we hate each other, Daemon? Why do you hate me?" The Hand of the King asks. Daemon snorts.

"I hate you because you are a arrogant bastard that came into the court and manipulates my foolish brother as you please and thinks that i, a prince, should be below you in regards to power." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a frown, being totally honest. Otto smirks back at him.

"Quite interesting. My turn. I hate you because you are a unconsequential fool that was giving too much power. You kept walking out of the line of what is acceptable and kept causing problems for me and the realm." Otto says with his own honesty clearly apparent. Daemon rises a eyebrow.

"What is your point with all of that, Hightower? Be direct or i will open your guts right here." The Rogue Prince proclaims, showing more impatience as he hands gently strokes the handle of his sword. Otto is still unchanged.

"We have different reasons to hate the other, but it all have only one origin. Ambition for power. We are enemies because both of us want all the power for ourselves. We fight over our dominance. Can you see that?" The Hand proclaims.

Daemon stays in silence as he frowns, thinking and letting Otto continue.

"We have a absurd amount of similarities. We are both ambitious second sons that have to climb our own way to glory instead of using the easy route of our elder brothers. We are equals, Daemon. And as such, i propose the end of our stupid rivalry and the start of a alliance to achieve what both of us wants. Power." The Hand of the King proclaims with a very confident tone, staring at the eyes of Daemon to see his reaction. Alicent moves her eyes back to her husband as well, anxious to known his own reaction.

Daemon stays in his frown, but, slowly, his hand slips from his grasp of Dark Sister.

This simples gest makes Otto even more confident and makes Alicent even more nervous.

"Daemon... you can't be serious about it... that is treason!" The princess says, trying to hold her voice down. Daemon frowns to her.

"Shut up, woman. I am trying to concentrate here." The Rogue Prince says, looking back at Otto.

"Why? Why are you making this offer? You are a very proud man. I can't see why you would choose to ally with me of all people when you could plot to get me killed as you already have your Targaryen granchildren to try to marry into the main line of the throne. What stops me from getting rid of you once i become King? Why are you taking that much risk?" The Rogue Prince asks, truly curious about the answers to that questions, letting go of the aggressive tone that he usually uses with Otto. The older man snorts.

"I don't take risks without reasoning behind them. I know what i am doing. The door of marriage closed with the actions of Rhaenyra and i can't get rid of you either. I need the power that you bring as a commander and as a dragonrider." The Hand says. Daemon smirks once again.

"Are you willing to crown a man that you used to hate so your grandson can sit on the throne after me?" The Rogue Prince proclaims. Otto don't hesitate.

"Yes." The Hand says in a direct tone. Daemon keeps a proud and serious expression on his face.

Their interaction is suddenly stopped by a disturbed Alicent who gets between them and looks at Daemon.

"You can't be seriously considering that, Daemon. This is madness. You really want to put everything at risk for the throne? Have you lost your mind?" The princess asks in desbelief. Daemon frowns to her.

"I am tired Alicent. I am tired of the humilliation that my brother brings to me and our family. I am tired of being forced to watch as he protects Rhaenyra and her children above all things. I will not sit around and be the loyal dog to Rhaenyra that my brother wants me to be. I deserve more. We deserve more. If war is the only way to get what i deserve, so be it." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a bitter grunt. Alicent takes a step back, moving a hand to her forehead and thinking about his words. Daemon frowns and look back at Otto.

"What are your terms, Hightower?" The Rogue Prince asks. Otto opens a short smile.

"Only the bare minimum for things to work. Rhaenyra will comeback to Driftmark or Dragonstone later on and we will have King's Landing on our hands. Once the King naturally dies, we will proclaim the bastardy of Rhaenyra's children and the Velaryon conspiracy behind it, deeming both her and her sisters unfit to rule. And then, with your rising popularity as a commander in the war against the Triarchy, we will rightfully crown you as King. Alicent will be your Queen consort and my grandson will sit on the Iron Throne after you. A victory to both of us." The Hand of the King proclaims with a honest and rare smile. Daemon smirks.

"You forgot to mention the part where Rhaenyra and the Velaryon declare me as a usurper and start a war." The Rogue Prince points out. Otto let out a ironic laugh.

"Of course. Hopefully, it will not be a very tough war to us. I already have made connections with House Lannister and we will certainly have a lot of support from the Reach. It is just a matter of convicing the nobles about the truth behind Rhaenyra. Her treacherous decisions, her lack of decency, her lack of skill as a ruler, and how her and the Velaryons are mocking the faith and the whole Seven Kingdoms. Once our words are heard and the dragons come to battle, things will certainly be in our favor." The Hand of the King says with confidence. Alicent looks at her father with a new determination.

"You want my children to fight a civil war for the throne? Why you two care so little about their lifes? Is the throne that much more important than our family being happy and whole?" The princess asks, tears starting to roll down her cheeks.

The silence reigns over the chamber. The only thing that can be heard is the cry of Alicent.

Daemon walks to Alicent, laying a arm around her shoulders and bringing her to a sudden hug, letting she cry on his chest. He looks down into her tearful brown eyes.

"Listen, Alicent. What you wish will never happen without war and sacrifice. Not after what happened tonight. You want our son to bend the knee to the bastards responsible to take his eye? You want them to act like a happy family? That is foolish dream. Our family will never be happy without justice for what he had to endure. We will never be happy as pawns under pathetic leaders." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a soft tone that is still bitter. Alicent sniffs as she holds her tears, slowly relaxing on his arms. Her expression is a conflicted one.

"Rhaenyra and her children are also our family, bastard or not. I don't want my children to become kinslayers, Daemon. And above all, i don't want to bury one of our children." The princess says, crying once again.

Daemon gently holds her face to make her look up to his eyes. He wipes her tears with his thumbs, comforting her in the process. His expression is a calm one.

"My brother died to me today. In my heart, i have nothing to do with his descendants. They have to pay and the will pay for everything. I know you, Alicent. You have a strong sense of justice. You have a strong faith on the gods. You never accepted the bastardy of Rhaenyra's children. You never accepted the way we are treated when she is around. You will never accept what happened to Aemond. Free yourself, Alicent. Accept your feelings and let's do this for our family. For our happiness. For our freedom." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a firm tone.

Alicent closes her eyes and lay her head on his chest. She stays there for some seconds before looking up with a serious look in her eyes.

"Even if i denied all of that, it would not matter. The decision is yours. If you want to go to war over power or for justice does not matter to me. You are my husband. The father of my children. I made a vow when we married. You are mine and i am yours, from that day to the end of my days. I will stand by your side until the bitter end." Alicent proclaims with a determinated look in her eyes.

Daemon feels a warm sensation inside him. He feels embraced by the words of his wife. Words that make him smile to her.

"I will remember that words the next time you get pissed at me." The Rogue Prince says with a smirk. Alicent almost laughs, hitting his arm in a playful way before they end their embrace.

Daemon looks at Otto, who looks back at him with the same confident resolve that he always had since he entered the bedroom.

"Our terms are settled. You know what you must do now." The Rogue Prince proclaims in a serious tone. Ser Otto nods.

The Hand falls in a knee, bowing his head to Daemon.

"I, Ser Otto of House Hightower, swear to defend and serve the rightful heir of the Seven Kingdoms, the current Prince Daemon of House Targargen." The Hand of the King proclaims. Daemon smirks.

"How does it feel?" The Rogue Prince asks. Otto looks up to him and gives a smirk back.

"It feels like i am stabbing my own heart." The Hand says with a honest tone, getting up. He then looks at the couple with a neutral expression.

"If you excuse me, i have lot of things to do. Specially get some very needed sleep. You two should do the same." The Hand of the King says with a bow to each of them. He walks to the door, but stops right in front of it.

"Have a good night... your grace." The Hand proclaims, leaving the room. Daemon smirks and even laugh a bit.

"I never tought that i would live to see Otto Hightower calling me your grace." The Rogue Prince says, looking at his wife. Alicent snorts.

"As my father said, we need to get the most sleep that we still can." The princess says. Daemon snorts.

The Rogue Prince walks towards his wife and pulls her towards him, getting his face very close to her as she is surprised.

"We are not sleeping until i get enough of you, my dear wife. I am afraid to you will not sleep even a minute." The Rogue Prince says in a hoarse voice.

Alicent opens a rare smile to her. A seductive one.

"We will have to see about that." The princess says before receiving a intense kiss from Daemon, who quickly grabs her and moves to their bed.

---

Daemon yawns as he sees the dragons getting out of the Dragonpit through the exit of their lairs.

Aegon and Helaena quickly moves towards their dragons with bright smiles, making Daemon snorts at their childish actions.

Daeron quickly guides his mother by the hand to get to Tessarion.

Well, he is very young after all.

And then, Daemon looks at Aemond, who is observing Vhagar with a confident and almost arrogant smile. Daemon stops by the side of his second son.

"Sometimes, it amuses me how similar we are. I remember when i claimed Caraxes. I became extremely arrogant and almost insufferable to everyone." Ths Rogue Prince says with a short smile. Aemond snorts.

"And when did it end?" The young prince asks. Daemon smirks.

"Who said that it ended?" The Rogue Prince says, causing his son to laugh a bit. Daemon loses his smile.

"Look at me, Aemond." The father demands and the son frowns, but does as he was told.

Daemon can fully see the bandages around the right eye of his sons, covering the crime of the bastard.

The Rogue Prince sighs and falls to a knee in front of his son, holding his shoulder with his hands.

"I want you to know that i am proud of you. You proved your worth as a Targaryen by claiming Vhagar and that is beyond i could expect for a child of mine. I am proud to call you my son." The Rogue Prince says with a honest tone.

The only eye of Aemond gets wide for a second before a smile with trembling lips forms in his face.

"Thank you, father. It means a lot to me." The boy says with a soft tone.

Daemon is surprised by it. Aemond never acted that way. He must be really affected by his words. Maybe too much, but that is not the right time to talk about it.

The Rogue Prince frowns, getting serious once again.

"I promise you, Aemond. They will not get away with it. You will get justice." The father whispers with conviction. Aemond opens a short smirk and nods with confidence.

Daemon smirks to end the serious tone.

"Now get, on your ride, my son. I will help you with the ropes." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Aemond nods and quickly makes his way to Vhagar, giving Daemon a chance to admire the dragon

The old green dragon became even bigger with the years, but it was not always a good thing.

He remember well when his father used to ride Vhagar. She was smaller, but she was much more active and fast.

Daemon knows the tough truth that he son will have to confront one day.

Vhagar is slowly dying.

The Rogue Prince can only hope that he son don't come to regret his choice on a dragon.

But, at the very least, Vhagar will still be here for what is to come.

The toughts of Daemon are stopped by his brother getting closer to him with two members of the Kingsguard. He has a sad expression on his face.

"I want to wish you a good rest, brother. I hope you find peace inside of you." the King says with a gentle tone. Daemon opens a false smile that even Viserys can see through.

"I am finding it already, Viserys." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a distant tone. Viserys frowns at the use of his name instead of "brother".

And then, Alicent walks back to Daemon with Daeron hold her hand as he holds his tears.

"But i want to fly too, muna! That is not fair!" The young prince says, sniffing. Alicent gently smiles to her son.

"One day, little one. Just not today." The princess says. Daeron is about to cry once again when his father lay a hand on top of his head and snorts.

"Sop crying like a baby. You will fly in Caraxes with us." The Rogue Prince says. Daeron loses his sadness in a mere second as he smiles with the idea.

Daemon looks back at his brother, nodding in silence before walking with his wife and youngest son to his dragon.

The Rogue Prince smiles to Caraxes laying a hand on top of his nose to feel their warm connection. The Blood Wyrm let out a low growl.

"Vīlībāzma iksis māzis naejot īlva aderī, ñuha uēpa raqiros. Sepār umbagon. (War is coming to us soon, my old friend. Just wait.)" The rider says to his dragon in High Valyrian. Caraxes let out a snort of hot air and Daemon smirks.

The Rogue Prince gets his wife first on top of the dragon, them himself and his son.

Alicent hugs him from behind while Daemon holds Daeron in front of him. He looks back at his wife.

"Ready to the future, Alicent?" The Rogue Prince asks in a distant way. Alicent looks at him with determination.

"Always." She says, hugging him more tightly. Daemon smirks and looks to the sky.

"Sōvegon." The Rogue Prince commands in a firm tone.

Caraxes grunts as he gets ready, stretching his wings and long neck before flapping his wings and getting to the sky with a hissing roar.

The other four dragons quickly follows them, with Tessarion following her elders by instinct, feeling that her rider is with them.

Daemon takes a deep breath as he observes the sun emerging in the orange sky in Blackwater Bay.

He can feel the wind, the arms of his wife around him, the innocent laughs of his youngest son and the roars of dragons combining in a melody to his hears.

They fly together to the hard future that it is to come.

---

Chapter Text

---

LAENOR II -

---

120 AC -

---

After observing the parture of Daemon and his family, Laenor sees the King turning to he and Rhaenyra, but more to his daughter.

King Viserys has a tired and sad expression of his face. He looks like he is gonna fall to the ground at any moment and refuse to get up. Yet, he manages to open a short smile in the corner of his mouth as he holds Rhaenyra's hands in his own hands.

"Troubled times are coming, my dear. I hope you have matured well, because you will certainly have much to deal with it after i die." The King says with a distant tone of voice. Rhaenyra smiles to her father, compassionate.

"I promise to you that will do anything to make our family persevere against all obstacles, father. I am not a innocent and spoiled girl anymore." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims in a formal and serious tone. Viserys sighs and nods before coming with another distant smile on his face as he looks to Rhaenyra, stroking his thumbs on the back of her hands.

"You might not be spoiled anymore, but you will always be my innocent girl in my heart." The King says, kissing both hands of his daughter with tenderness.

Laenor can see a pair of tears roll down the face of Rhaenyra as she opens a true smile to her father. A smile filled with happiness. Laenor can't even remember when was the last time that Rhaenyra smiled in that way.

"I will always be your girl, father. Always." The Princess of Dragonstone says, hugging her father. The two stay in that gentle embrace for a minute, leaving it still smiling.

And then, the King looks at Laenor with the posture of a man in his position instead of a caring father.

"I hope that you will stay always by Rhaenyra's side, Laenor. I have seen how close you two got over the years. You are more important to her than you could possibly imagine." The King proclaims standing his hand to him.

Laenor looks at Rhaenyra, who smiles to him with a gentle affection. The heir of Driftmark smiles to his goodfather as he shake his hand.

"I am well aware of it, your grace. You have my word. I will be by her side until the very end, no matter the circumnstance." The heir of Driftmark proclaims with a determined expression. Viserys smiles to him, satisfied.

As they break their handshake, Laenor can see someone walking to them from the corner of his eye.

He looks in that direction to see his parents walking side by side towards him, with his nieces walking right behind them.

Time is finally catching up to the old Sea Snake. Laenor can almost see his father rotting as each day passes. Recently, he has even been using a cane sometimes when he is feeling that his left leg is not firm enough. The wrinkles in his aged face and his distant gaze tells Laenor that the legendary sailor is getting closer to his sad final destination.

One that strikes fear into his descendence, after all, nobody can live up to the Sea Snake, not even a dragonrider.

In constrast, Laenor can still his mother as the beautiful woman that she always was. After all, she did not even reach fifth namedays yet. Her deep black hair with a single streak of silver in it and her bright purple eyes were still there to work as a complement to her very respectable body figure.

Yet, his mother also have a distant and sad expression, but not by the slow arrival of death, but by the broken heart caused by losing a beloved child.

Laenor's toughts are ended by his nieces running to their father, embracing both sides of his body.

"Kepa! Can we fly with grandma? Pleaaaase?" Baela asks in a begging voice. Viserys laughs, stroking the heads of the two girls.

"How could i deny that from you, my flowers? Of course, you can. As long as your grandma can handle you two." The King says in a playful manner. Rhaenys snorts.

"Are you saying that i may not handel two little girls, cousin?" The princess asks, rising a eyebrow. Baela and Rhaena giggles with the situation and Viserys smirks.

"Of course not, Rhae. I just think you are understimating how chaotic this two can be." The King proclaims in a sincere tone. Rhaenys frowns.

Laenor sighs. He knows that face. She feels challenged. There is no going back now.

"We will se about that, cousin. Come on, girls. We have a dragon to fly on." The wife of the Sea Snake proclaims, moving towards the entrances of the Dragonpit. The twins scream in joy as they follow their grandma.

Laenor sighs once again as he looks at the King.

"Your grace, you might have just caused more problems to deal with." The heir of Driftmark says in a jokeful way. Viserys laughs.

"Maybe, but it is always fun to play around with your mother. There is somethings that never change." The King says with a distant laugh as he probably is remembering something.

The moment is broken by the sound of the cane of the Sea Snake as he gets closer to the King with a relaxed expression on his face.

"Your grace, i have a offer to make to you. One that might displease you, but one that i have to make for the sake of my wife." The Sea Snake proclaims in a serious tone. Viserys frowns.

"And what offer is that, Lord Corlys?" The King asks, as curious as he is cautious. The Sea Snake takes a deep breath.

"I want you to send Baela and Rhaena to Driftmark often." The Sea Snake says. Viserys frowns with slight irritation.

"No. I just lost my second wife, Corlys. I need my two infant daughters close to me. You want me to grief to death or what?" The King asks, frustrated. The Sea Snake raises a hand.

"I am not making little case of your grief, your grace. I am just worried about my wife. I can imagine how bad it is to lose a wife, but i also thinks that losing a daughter is worst. How would you feel if the one you lost was Rhae..."

Corlys in interrupted bya grunt of the King. His expression is one of desperation.

"Don't you dare end this sentence, Sea Snake." The King says in a low tone of voice. He takes a deep breath in a act that Laenor can say that he is trying to hold his emotions down.

Laenor frowns to his father. The Sea Snake gets the meaning of his gaze and sighs.

"I am sorry for that, your grace, but i had to make you understand her point of view. I am not asking for the girls to go live in Driftmark. I just want them to visit us more frequently. That is all that i ask, for the sake of my Rhaenys." The Sea Snake says with a honest tone of voice. Viserys seems to relax a bit as he thinks and then he sighs.

"Fine, Lord Corlys. I understand it. I will let the girls visit Driftmark more often, but not all the time. I still want them close to me. You two might be their grandparents, but i am their father. Remember that." The King proclaims. The Sea Snake nods in acceptance, before looking to his son and heir.

"I think you and Rhaenyra should get some sleep. I can see how tired you two are, specially her. It was a really tough night that nobody had proper time to recover yet. Resting is much needed before we can find a way through such adversities." The Sea Snake proclaims. Laenor nods and the King smiles.

"Wise words, Lord Corlys. You two should go to your bedchamber and try to rest more. Maybe the boys here could even stay a bit longer with me, right?" The King asks in a jokeful way as he looks to the sons of Rhaenyra who are behind her.

Jace looks to his brother and then to his mother. Rhaenyra smiles and nods to them, giving a hug and a kiss in the forehead to each one of them.

As fast as a lightining, the three boys move to be by the side of their royal grandfather.

Rhaenyra looks at her father with a gentle smile that hides her tension. Something that Laenor is also very used too.

"Thank you for looking after them, father. A lot happened and we really need some time to come to terms with everything." The Princess of Dragonstone says in a low tone of voice. Viserys nods and sighs.

"It is sad how destiny can be so cruel to our family. I can only pray for the future of ou family now." The King proclaims in a low tone of voice. Rhaenyra nods, fixing her posture.

"With everything said, father, Laenor and i will take our leave." The Princess of Dragonstone says, making a slight bow to her father. Laenor does the same. Viserys nods and then smiles to his grandsons.

"Who wants to take a walk around the Dragonpit?" The King asks in a joyful way. The boys scream in happiness, rising their hands as their grandfather laughs.

Laenor smiles to the scene with Rhaenyra before the two walk together towards their horse to get back to the Red Keep.

The heir of Driftmark can now totally see the troubled expression in Rhaenyra's face as she looks to the ground.

He gently moves his arm around her, catching his wife in a sideways embrace, comforting her.

"The important thing now is to stay together and in good health, Rhae. If we fall apart out of fear, we will get vanished into obscurity." The heir of Driftmark whispers in the ear of his wife. Rhaenyra sighs, laying her head on his shoulder as they walk together.

"I know, but i can't stop thinking about it. I am scared, Laenor. Very scared about what will happen in the near future. I am scared of what may happen with my sons." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims in a low tone of voice. Laenor sighs, looking at her in the eyes.

"We will talk about it when we get to our chambers. Until then, you should try to take a breath and calm your heart down." The heir of Driftmark says with a soft tone of voice. Rhaenyra sighs and nods. Laenor smikes and gently kiss her forehead.

When they get to the horse, Laenor helps Rhaenyra to get in it before doing the same to himself. She holds him in a hug from behind as the horse leaves, going towards the Red Keep.

---

Laenor sighs as he sests in his bed, watching Rhaenyra move around in their bedchamber in her stressed state.

"Rhae... you should calm down. I told you a hundred times already." The heir of Driftmark says with a frustrated tone of voice. Rhaenyra looks at him with a irritated expression.

"And i told you a hundred times that i can't! How should i be able to relax after everything that happened?!" The Princess of Dragonstone asks, almost desperate. Laenor remains in silence and Rhaenyra grunts, looking away.

"You have any idea of how bad of a situation we are now?! My son accidently stabbed the eye of his distant cousin! A cousin that happens to ride the most powerful dragon in the world! He just turned the most powerful dragonrider in existence into his mortal enemy! How should i not be worried about it?!" The Princess asks, full of boiling emotiond. Laenor frowns to her.

"I never said that you should not worry about it. I said that you should calm down before you take a bad action out of desperation." The heir of Driftmark proclaims. Rhaenyra grunts once again, getting closer to him. Laenor can clearly see the tears in her eyes almsot falling down.

"How could i calm down when my little son has a target on his back, Laenor?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks before falling to her knees and starting to cry without limitations.

Laenor quickly fall to his knees as well as he embraces Rhaenyra in the floor, letting her cry in his chest as he stromes her golden-silver hair.

"Breath, Rhae... nothing is lost yet... a lot of things can change... we just need to prepare for the future." The heir of Driftmark says in a smooth tone. Rhaenyra sniffs and end the hug, looking at him with her tearful eyes.

"Are you sure about that? We can really clean this mess?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks, hopeful. Laenor sighs.

"I will be honest with you, Rhae. I don't think we can evade the conflict that is coming at this point. What we can do is prepare for what is to come. You get it? Are you ready for it?" The consort asks in a gentle tone. Rhaenyra takes a deep breath, cleaning her tears with her hands before looking at Laenor with a new found determination.

"I am. I have to. My family depends on me being as ready as i can be. I will do my best." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. Laenor smiles.

"That is the spirit. Now, tell me, what do you think will happen from now on?" The heir of Driftmark asks, testing his wife.

Laenor has a good idea of what may happen in the future, but he really wants to see how good Rhaenyra is in understanding what is happening in front of her.

Rhaenyra frowns, thinking about everything and trying to imagine a answer, as far as Laenor can guess.

"They are staying in Dragonstone for now, probably absorbing everything that happened. I don't think the situation is much better for them either, even if they are in the offensive side." The Princess of Dragonstone says, reflecting. Laenor nods in agreement.

"For sure. Aemond lost an eye. That is not a easy to swallow. How do you feel about Aemond? How do you feel about your little cousin that got his eye stabbed by your son?" The heir of Driftmark asks, trying to bring everything out of his wife. Rhaenyra frowns, conflicted.

"Honestly? I feel very guilty about what happened to him. As mischievous as he might have been to claim Vhagar in the middle of the night, he did not deserve what happened to him." The Princess says, being completely honest. Laenor nods.

"Good. You think that Lucerys deserve punishment?" The heir of Driftmark asks. Rhaenyra frowns, frustrated.

"I think that Daemon and Alicent were not thinking right about it. I could agree with a punishment, but Lucerys is only five. He did what he did by mistake. How could someone wish for a child of five to lose a eye as repayment? That is very unfair." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims, being very firm on her view. Laenor nods once again.

"I agree with you, but you have to understand their point of view as well. How would have you reacted if Aemond was the one that took the eye of Lucerys?" The prince asks. Rhaenyra frowns in irritation.

"I would demand punishment for Aemond, because he is already ten. He should understand his actions by now." The Princess of Dragonstone says. Laenor smirks.

"You see? Nobody would accept a child stabbing your child and walking away with it. Specially Daemon and Alicent, all things considered. You understand what i mean with that?" The heir of Driftmark asks. Rhaenyra sighs and nods.

"The nature of the children. How different is the origin of Aemond and Lucerys. I know how much offended Alicent always was about my children. But, in the end, they are still my children, is that worth nothing to them?" The Princess asks in a sad tone. Laenor sighs back.

"That is not how things work, Rhaenyra. It does not matter if they are yours when they are not mine." The consort says in a gentle tone. Rhaenyra sighs.

"I know. I have made a mistake. I was a girl craving for love and affection and was not able to properly deal with things. I am sorry, Laenor." The Princess of Dragonstone says, letting some tears fall.

Laenor clears her tears with his thumbs and opens a compassionate smile.

"We made a mistake. I was also wrong by going through with this plan. Specially after Jace was born." The heir of Driftmark proclaims. Rhaenyra sighs.

"Well, we can't keep crying about the mistakes we made. We must learn from them and try to improve." The Princess of Dragonstone says, gathering a new confidence. Laenor smiles with that, but then, he smiles fades as he takes a more serious expression.

"What you honestly think that will happen in the near future, Nyra?" The heir of Driftmark asks, curious to see what is her answer. Rhaenyra frowns, thinking.

"We will face a lot of conflicts. From inside my house and from outside of it. It all depends on how long our frail peace will last." The princess proclaims in a focused tone of voice. Laenor nods, but he is not over with the questions yet.

"And what have to change to end that peace, in your vision?" The heir of Driftmark asks, making a curious expression. Rhaenyra frowns.

"That is a question with a very simple answer, my dear husband. What is keeping House Targaryen in place is the presence of my father. Once he is gone, everything will suddenly change and our life will become pure chaos." The Princess of Dragonstone says with pure conviction. Laenor nods, trying to absorb everything that he heard.

"So, you think that Daemon will come for the Iron Throne once your father dies? Why?" The heir of Driftmark says, once again curious for the answer of his wife. Rhaenyra sighs, frowning at the end.

"I know my uncle. He is as prideful as he is ambitious. He might not be mad enough to try to take the throne now, but he certainly would claim it after my father dies. Why would he respect my claim at this point? I am not his dear niece anymore. I am just the mother of the child that stabbed the eye of his son and that protected him. I could see in his eyes when he looked at me. The anger and the humilliation. He will never forgive anyone for that." The Princess of Dragonstone says with a bitter tone of voice. Laenor nods and sighs.

"So, you know the truth. Good. I tought that you would be delusional about Daemon, like you always was." The consort says. Rhaenyra frowns to him.

"I was delusional? What do you mean with that, husband?" The princess asks, daring him to answer. Laenor smirks, not intimidated.

"You always had a false image of Daemon in your head. You saw him as a glorious warrior and dragonrider that would do anything to conquer your favor. You made this fairy tale in your head and that made you distant from thw truth. The truth that Daemon Targaryen is a ruthless man that would do anything for power, even manipulate the heart of his young niece to turn her into a very useful and pretty pawn that brings him a nice claim to the throne in a silver plate." The heir of Driftmark explains in a direct manner. Rhaenyra frowns, her expression gaining more and more sadness before she sighs.

"A part of me always knew that, but i just did not want to believe in it. I wanted to believe that Daemon adored and even loved me. I tought that we were destined to be one and he fed my foolish expectations with his sweet words." Rhaenyra says, bitter. Laenor frowns.

"Sweet words? He made promises to you?" The consort asks. He never heard about any of that. Rhaenyra sighs, looking at the ceiling with a distant gaze.

"It feels so unreal now that they are just sour memories, but yes. He did. Daemon said to me several times that that we shared a deep connection and that we were destined to be one, and we would be after my father eventualy declared null his failed marriage with Rhea Royce. But, after he was forced to marry Alicent, everything changed." The Princess of Dragonstone says. Laenor gets interested by the last part.

"You think that Alicent found a way through the heart of the Rogue Prince?" The heir of Driftmark asks. Rhaenyra frowns, thinking.

"I know that i am not the ideal person to say that, but i don't think that is true. Not entirely, at least. I often gets the impression that she is more like a tool. A tool that is very appreciated by him, but still a too. If he does have strong feelings towards her, he keeps it hidden from everyone. Including Alicent herself." The heir to the throne proclaims, a bit distant. Laenor nods once again and then opens a short smile to Rhaenyra, holding her hand.

"Talking about feelings, i never talk about Harwin Strong since he died. You miss him, at all?" The consort asks in a gentle tone. Rhaenyra sighs with a slightly sad tone.

"I do, but not as much as i tought i would. As cruel as it may sound, Harwin was a loyal servant and a dedicated lover, but not a love of mine. He managed to conquer my body, but never truly conquered my heart. I feel a bit bad about it, to be honest. I could see the devotion and love he had for me, but i was never in the same page as him. It was all about lust for me, and that makes me sad that i was not able to feel the same for him. He deserved it." The Princess of Dragonstone says in a sad tone. Laenor nods and then frowns.

"Criston Cole was the same?" The heir of Driftmark asks in a neutral tone.

The silence reigns in the bedroom as his wife sends a intense gaze in his direction.

"Yes." She says, not elaborating further. Laenor nods.

"What is your biggest regret, Nyra?" The consort asks, curious once again.

Rhaenyra's laugh echoes through the bedroom. A laugh full of sadness and bitterness. She stops and looks at her husband, keeping a sad smirk in her face.

"It is tough to say. I have too many regrets, Laenor. But, i think that my biggest regret was moving my life based on my whims and lust. Now, we are all paying for it. I am sorry." She says with a honest tone in her sad voice. Laenor gently smiles to her, moving to seat on the floor by her side, hugging her by the side.

"It is never too late to gets things right, Nyra. Maybe you should start with recovering some pride and stop asking for my pardon. We are both guilty here, dear. And if we are gonna suffer the consequences, we are going to do it together." The heir of Driftmark proclaims with a confident smile, holding the hand of his wife very tight. Rhaenyra look at him with hopeful and tearful purple eyes as she smiles. She hugs him in a tight embrace, as if he would disappear if she loose her grasp go.

"Despite everything, i am very grateful to have you by my side, Laenor. You are the man that keeps my world in place and you will always have a place in my heart." The Princess of Dragonstone whispers in his ear, kissing his cheek with pure affection. Laenor laughs as he hugs her back, but he sighs as he looks to the ceiling.

"I just wished that i could be the only man on your life, Nyra. If i was, none of that would have happened. If the boys were mine, there would be no need to marry Jace and Baela, and he could be wed to Helaena instead, uniting everyone as one once and for all. In the end, it is all my fault." The heir of Driftmark says in a sad tone of voice.

Rhaenyra, still holding him, looks to his face with a determined gaze.

"Nobody can choose what their heart feels, Laenor. It is what it is. It is who you are. And as you said, we are tied in this together, until the end. Right?" The princess asks with a kind smile. Laenor smiles back, recovering his humor.

"Right." He says as their foreheads touch and they close their eyes to enjoy their embrace.

And then, they disconnect and Rhaenyra looks at him with a toughtful expression. She looks hesitant.

"You said that it is never too late to change, right? Maybe we can make something about our situation, in the end." The Princess of Dragonstone says in a low tone of voice. Laenor sighs.

"Nyra... i can't. We tried once, remember? It just will not work out." The consort says in a low tone of voice. Rhaenyra denies with her head.

"I am not talking about that. I am talking about the other idea that you had." The princess says, trying to make him remember something.

Laenor frowns, trying to remember it, but failing to do so.

Until, he remembers. His eyes go wide with the realisation as he looks to Rhaenyra, hesitant and surprised.

"Are you sure about that? You were extremely against it last time. You said that would be a humiliation." The heir of Driftmark points out. Rhaenyra grunts.

"Fuck my pride. Fuck my lust. Fuck all of it. I only brought humiliation to my name with my past decisions. No more. I want to make the right decision from now on. No excuses. Are we in the same page or not?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks with a very focused stare.

Laenor is quite impressed by her sudden motivation. That brings a smile to his face.

"I am fine with it, but you don't think that the child might cause problems to the others?" The heir of Driftmark asks. Rhaenyra frowns.

"Your father is as stuck in this situation as i am. Neither of us can go back. As such, a trueborn child is only a benefit for us. And we should start trying as soon as possible." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims in her confident and assertive tone. Laenor nods, feeling a bit uncomfortable with the situation, but believing in his wife above all.

"I understand. I will talk to Qarl soon. He is essencial for it to work." The prince consort says. Rhaenyra nods and sighs, resting her head on his shoulder.

"I am so tired... what a long and terrible day..." The princess says, letting out a yawn. Laenor smiles to her.

"It certainly was. Here, let me take you to the bed..." The heir of Driftmark says, taking Rhaenyra on his arms and getting up from the ground. She giggles, holding her arms around his neck.

Laenor places Rhaenyra on the bed and she quickly relax in it, sighing. She looks to Laenor with a affectionate smile.

"Thanks again, my dear. For everything." The Princess of Dragonstone says. Laenor smiles once again, a very honest one.

"I am here for it, my princess. Now, rest." The Prince Consort says, kissing her forehead and then blowing out the candle near the bed.

Laenor slowly walks to the door and give a final look to Rhaenyra before blowing out the last candle and leaving the room.

As the door closes behind him, the son of the Sea Snake sighs, walking through the hallways of the Red Keep in a calm pace.

It seems to him that things are already taking their final form. The ink that wrote this conflict years ago finally got dry.

There is no way back now.

---

Chapter Text

---

ALICENT VI

---

120 AC -

---

People often talk about how "time flies", but, the last moons have been the opposite for Alicent.

After the whole tragedy committed against her son, her family passed several days in Dragonstone.

After a day of silence, recovery, and a lot of thinking, Alicent tought that they would finally be able to connect better as a family now that they basically only have each other.

She was wrong.

Daemon was even more reclusive than before, spending long times either flying around the island with Caraxes or walking through caves or the sands of the coast. And, a lot of times, he denied any kind of company.

The only one of their children that was able to spend some considerable amount of time with their father was Aemond, and it was still not much more than the time that he already spended with Aegon and Daemon in training.

When their time in Dragonstone came to a close, they returned to the capital and Daemon returned to the small council, as usual.

But, it was not the same as before.

Daemon would always evade talking to his brother after the councils and would often search for a knight to train with him to get rid of some frustration.

And by training, she means brutal beating. The lack of militar action in his life made Daemon more and more violent not only in combat, but in all other aspects. Even in their... intimacy.

So, now, when Daemon walks towards her in the royal garden with Aegon and Aemond and their oldest son has a darkened eye, Alicent is not very surprised about it.

But it does not make her less furious.

Alicent runs to Aegon to see his eye better. Her son grunts when she touches it. She frowns in anger, looking to her husband.

"What did you do with him, Daemon?" She asks in a irritated tone. The Rogue Prince snorts.

"Not much. He failed to see my attack coming and got this as a consequence. The battlefield will never be this kind to him." Daemon says in a dry tone of voice. Aemond looks at his father with a confused expression. Alicent grunts, slapping one of the arms of her husband.

"I don't care about how cruel the battlefield is! He is our son and i expect you to not turn his training in a mindless beating. Got that?" The princess asks, looking at him straight in the eyes. Daemon gazes at her for some seconds before snapping his tongue and moving away.

"If you don't want it, convince the boy to care more about his training." The Rogue Prince proclaims, walking to the inside of the Red Keep.

Alicent frowns in frustration before turning to Aegon with compassion in her eyes. She gently holds his face as she observes his injured eye.

"Your father can be such a senseless beast... you should search for Grand Maester Mellos, he might have something to help you with that." The mother says in a gentle tone. Aegon nods and snorts. A sly smirk opens on his mouth.

"At least i did not lose my eye. I would hate to use that thing as well." The boy of 13 says, pointing out to the black eyepatch of his brother, who gives him a irritated stare.

Alicent pinch his cheek. Hard. Aegon holds his cheek with a frown of pain while his mothet gives him a furious gaze.

"Don't make jokes about the condition of your brother. I will not accept conflicts between you two. Am i clear, Aegon?" The princess asks in a authoritarian tone. Aegon nods and look away.

"I will search for the old maester." The prince says, leaving in a quick pace. Alicent sighs, moving her eyes to Aemond.

It hurts her heart when she has to look at his face. Look to the eye that her son lost to a violent bastard of Rhaenyra.

The eyepatch might hide the real damage caused to Aemond, but it will never erase what is beneath it. The thing also look out of place in the face of a child.

Alicent walks to her son and lands a gentle hand on his shoulder, opening a smooth smile.

"How has your training been going?" The princess asks. Aemond snorts.

"Good, i guess. I have been keeping up with Aegon more and more lately. I will beat him to the ground in no time." The prince says with a mischievous and short smile. Alicent frowns slightly.

"Don't be so rude to your brother, Aemond. The objective of you two training together is to grow closer, not apart." The princess proclaims in a direct tone. Aemond frowns.

"You should say that for that imbecile, then." The prince says with a grunt. Alicent frowns, confused for a moment. And then, she sighs.

"What did he do to you?" The princess asks. Aemond snorts, a angry expression emerging on his face.

"During our practice, he started provoking me about my eye. I got angry and punched his stupid face, making that black eye of his." The boy says with a grunt and short smile of satsifaction. Alicent frowns.

"But your father said that he was the onr that did it..." The princess says, trying to solve things in her mind. Aemond denies with his head.

"No. He did not. I did. Aegon tried to beat me after the punch and father separated us and ended the training. That was it." The prince says in a hinest tone. Alicent frowns once again.

"Why did your father lie to me?" She asks, confused and frustrated. Aemond waves his shoulders.

"I don't know. You should ask him. Well, i will go to my bedroom. I want to take that dirt from me. Until later, mother." The boy says in a excessive formal manner for a boy with such a dirty mouth. Alicent sighs as she watches her second son leaving.

When she tought that things were getting more clear in this family, she has to be confused once again.

Marvelous.

The princess walks towards her bedchamber in a steady pace, too curious about the actions of her husband to think about anything else.

---

Arriving at her chambers, Alicent opens the door without a second tought. Upon doing so, she notices her husband seated on the bed, slowly removing his dirty clothes.

She closes the door and walks to him with firm steps, standing in front of him with her hands on her hips.

However, Daemon keeps doing his thing and don't even look at her. Alicent grunts.

"Why did you take the blame for Aemond?" The princess asks in a straight tone. Daemon snorts and look at her with a slightly irritated glance.

"I know how he works. If i let him take the blame, you would scold him for that and he will feel like this is unfair, because Aegon started everything in his head. This is how the foolish mind of boys work. Specially a younger son." The Rogue Prince explains and grunts. Alicent frowns, absorbing what he said.

"I can't just let him slide after punching the eye of his brother, Daemon. He must know limits. If he is acting with violence towards his own brother, imagine what he can do to the ones below him in hierarchy!" The princess proclaims, worried. Daemon frowns to her.

"He will learn the limits once he bites what he can't swallow. That is how children learn about limits." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Alicent sighs in frustration before frowning to him once again.

"In the world that we live in, a single impulsive act is often enough to get you killed. I don't want my son to die, Daemon. Not before me, at the very least. He needs to learn as soon as possible before he commits grave mistakes." She proclaims in a convict tone. Daemon stare at her for a few seconds before letting out a sigh. He gets up, finally done with his excessivily dirty clothes, using just the thiner ones that were below the letter armor.

"Fine. I will be more assertive with him in regards to his acts, but you are the one that have to deal with his bad humor. I don't have the patience to deal with it." The Rogue Prince says with a grunt, starting to open his white inner tunic. Alicent crosses her arms below her chest and opens a smirk in her face.

"So that is what this is all about. How precious. Well, i think it is clear where it came from." The princess provokes with a laugh at the end. Daemon smirks back at her.

"So what? I might not be able to deal with it in Aemond, but i would never change it in myself. That is part of who i am..." The Rogue Prince says, taking his shirt off and getting closer to his wife, his chest now free from any clothing. He gets his mouth close to her ear.

"...and if you are not Daemon Targaryen, you are not perfect." The Rogue prince whispers with a smirk. Alicent snorts and gets a step back, looking at him with another smirk.

"Your arrogance is almost hilarious, husband. It is a shame that i can't believe that you are this egocentric." The princess provokes once again. Daemon snorts.

"Believe what you want. I know what i am. But as i said, i will deal with him in training. The rest is the rest. Right now i am more concerned with other things." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Alicent rises a eye brown.

"The Triarchy?" The princess asks. Daemon snorts.

"Mainly, but i am also talking about the other problematic son that we have." The Rogue Prince says in a playful tone of voice. Alicent frowns, a bit nervous about what he means.

"What are you planning to do with Aegon? You said some time ago that his sword skills are decent." The princess asks in a dry tone. Daemon frowns to her.

"His skills with a sword are decent enough. I am more concerned about his lack of interest and discipline. There is a very clear difference between him and his young brother. Aemond trains to improve, to be more than what he already is. Aegon is accommodated. Everything comes easy to him. He was a dragonrider since the fucking craddle! He needs to learn the value of hard work as soon as possible." The Rogue Prince proclaims in a serious tone. Alicent sighs and frowns to him.

"People are different, Daemon. Aegon is not and never will be Aemond. It is just like you and Viserys." The princess says in a low tone of voice. Daemon quickly gets closer to her and grunts.

"Never compare my sons to Viserys again. I will never let any of them be such a stain in the name of my family. Never." The Rogue Prince says in a angry and low tone of voice, turning around and geting some distance from her. Alicent gets her eyes wider out of surprise and takes a step back. She quickly recovers.

"He is your brother, Daemon. And he loves you, wrong or not." The princess say. Daemon snorts and look at her with a troubled expression.

"Does he? Really? I can only see how little he cares for me and my children. We don't matter to him, Alicent. He only cares about Rhaenyra. Always her. Always." The Rogue Pricne says with a bitter tone of voice.

Alicent's expression gets softer out of compassion to her husband and his frustration. She sighs.

"Fine. What are you planning to do with Aegon?" The princess asks, still worried. Daemon takes a deep breath.

"The Triarchy will come soon. Very soon. I am preparing things, but i am struggling to find confidence in what i can gather for the war. I can't trust in the Velaryons as much as i did in the past. Anything that lands on their hands only make Rhaenyra stronger. I need dragons, Alicent. I need more than just Caraxes by my side." The Rogue Prince says in a slow tone of voice, trying to make her understand what he means.

And she understands.

Alicent feels her heart sink in her chest as nervosism boils through her. She shakes her head in denial.

"No... no no no NO!" The princess exclaims in a furious scream. Daemon retreats for a second before taking some cautios steps fowards with a serious expression on his face.

"Alicent..." He says in a smooth tone. He comes to hold her, but Alicent pushes him back and grunts in anger.

"You are NOT bringing my son to your stupid war for a bunch of stones in the middle of nowhere! I will not let you take Aegon to fight in the Stepstones!" The princess proclaims, her face getting red as she screams in anger. Daemon grunts.

"Calm down, woman! You are getting too histerical for nothing!" The Rogue Prince proclaims, irritated.

Alicent takes a deep breath, recovering herself so she can stare at her husband with anger once again.

"You are not dragging our son to a war, Daemon. Not now." The princess proclaims, definitive. Daemon smirks.

"By your reaction, your 'now' is actually forever. He needs to grow, Alicent. He needs to be a man. And there is no better forge of men than war. He even have the privilege of being a dragonrider, something that several boys that go to war in his age can only dream of!" The Rogue Prince proclaims. Alicent calm down, still unsure.

"He is not ready to face the horros of war, Daemon. He is yet a boy. Nobody in his age should get into it. Nobody in his age should get blood into their hands!" The princess proclaims, almost passionate with her believes.

Daemon laughs.

"Oh, please. Did you forget who your son is?" The Rogue Prince says, getting closer to her.

Alicent stands in place to face him as Daemon gets very close. She can feel his warm breath on her skin.

"He is a Targaryen. A Dragonrider since the craddle. Anyone should fear the power that he has at hands. He bears the name and blood of the Conqueror, and now he needs to prove that he is worthy of it." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Alicent closes her eyes and breath. And then, she sighs. A sad expression emerge in her face as she looks to her hus and.

"There is nothing that i can do to change your opinion, right?" The princess asks, despite knowing the answer. Daemon nods.

"I do that for our family, Alicent. I do that so we can reach our future." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Alicent frowns to him.

"I am not stupid, Daemon. I know that you only care about the throne. I honestly doubt that you even care about the lives of our children." The princess almost whispers, tears rolling down her cheeks. Daemon snorts, but raises his hands to hold her face up and clean her tears with his thumbs.

His stare was a confusing one for Alicent. She could see so many feelings behind his eyes, but, at the same time, there is nothing in them.

"I promise to you, Alicent. I will do what i can to get the better result that i can. The least losses that i can. That is the most realistic promise that i can made to you." The Rogue Prince says in complete honesty. Alicent let out a sad laugh.

"You make promises as a general that cares about his resources, not as a father that cares for his children. It brokes my heart that the father of my children is not able to share the same love that i have for them." The princess proclaims in a sad tone, looking down at her feet in her contemplation.

The silence that reigns there is unexpected.

Alicent looks up after a few seconds, meeting the very toughtful and troubled expression of her husband.

"What is love, Alicent?" The Rogue Prince asks in a dry tone. She blinks.

"What?" The princess asks, very confused. Daemon grunts.

"What does love mean to you?" The Rogue Prince asks, refusing to elaborate further.

Alicent stops to think for a minute and then look back at him.

"Love is the most intense feeling you can have for a person. You would make absurd things for the sake of a loved one. And if you lose them, you will never be the same again." The princess proclaims, confident. Daemon stares at her, probably thinking about what she said.

They keep staring at the eyes of each other, until Daemon breaks the moment with his typical smirk.

"I can see me angry and trying to avenge your death. Does that count as love for you?" The Rogue Prince asks, jokeful. Alicent laughs a bit with it, but then sighs.

"I don't think so. But, i am flattered that the Rogue Prince holds me in such high regards." The princess says with a sarcastic smile. Daemon laughs with it.

But then, his smiles dies out as he gets serious once again.

"Do you love me, Alicent?" The Rogue Prince asks, clearly curious, but Alicent can't tell anything else.

She is surprised by the question, but the answer comes out of her mouth in a mere instant.

"I think i care for you more than you derseve. Does that count as love for you?" The princess says with a smirk. Daemon smirks back.

"You sly bitch." The Rogur Prince jokes, receiving a slap on his arm for that. Alicent has a strong expression on her face.

"Use that word to describe me again and you are not sharing my bed for a whole moon." The princess says, serious. Daemon smirks.

"No problem. I can fuck you in the bath... against the wall... in the floor..." The Rogue Prince provokes. Alicent's face gets as red as tomato.

"Stop saying that!" The princess proclaims, embarassed. Daemon laughs.

"Oh, my dear wife... you are so funny to mess with." The Rogue Prince says in a honest tone behind his smile. Alicent looks at his eyes and smirks.

"And you are too stupid to take seriously, husband." The princess points out. Daemon is still smirking to heir.

"Your words don't make difference to me, Alicent. There is something way more effective that you can do with your mouth, however..." The Rogue Prince says, holding her by the hips and getting down to kiss her lips.

But, Alicent stops him in his tracks by pointing her finger to the middle of his chest with a smirk on her face.

"Not yet, my dear. You stink. Take a bath. I will not share my bed with a dirty husband. I have my principles." The princess proclaims. Daemon smirks.

"Fine. I will see you later." The Rogue Prince says, leaving the room with a smirk.

Alicent sighs in relief to be alone once again.

Alone with her mind for once.

She looks at the ceiling and pray to the gods to give her family some mercy.

---

As the end of the day approaches, Alicent finds herself enjoying a much needed peaceful time with her only daughter, Helaena.

The mother slowly brushes the golden-silver hair of her daughter as the girl stays in front of her in a chair, looking at some ants passing under them in the middle of the garden. Alicent sighs.

"I swear that i don't understand you, dear. What makes you so interested about this... things?" The older princess asks, troubled by the interests of her daughter. Helaena smiles a bit.

"They are just fascinating. I love how they are so special in comparison to other creatures. They exist in all kind of colors and forms and are able to find a home anywhere. There is something not interesting about them, Muna?" The young princess asks in a innocent tone. Alicent gently smiles to her daughter.

"I find your interest in them lovely, sweetie, but most people don't share the same opinion as your me." The mother says to the child with a smooth tone. Helaena nods, losing most of her smile.

"I know. It is a shame that they can't see it. Aegon always said to me that my interest in insects is gross, but i don't get it. They are not dirty or anything. They are just little creatures living their lives." The young princess says in a contemplative tone. Alicent sighs.

Always Aegon. Her eldest son apparently likes to be rude to the people around him more than anything.

Alicent stops brushing the hair of Helaena and seats in the chair by her side. The mother holds her daughter's hand and look at her eye to eye.

"I think you are well aware that you are different from the others, Helaena. It is who you are and there is no problem with it. What you need to understand is how the others think and how to act according to it. You don't want to be treated as strange, right?" The mother asks with a soft tone in her voice. Helaena frowns.

"So... i have to pretend?" She asks in a unsure tone. Alicent sighs.

"Almost that. I want you to know bow to behave. You are princess and need to act as one. You can do whatever you want in private, but, im front of others, i want you to open a big smile and show to them the elegant and kind princess that i know that you are." The mother says with a confident smile, holding both of Helaena's hands with tenderness. The Targaryen princess smile back.

"I promise to do my best, Muna." The princess says with a honest tone. Alicent hugs her, stroking Helaena's back.

"You always do, my love." The older princess says, kissing her daughter's forehead.

And then, Alicent notices a figure getting closer. A servant. She ends the hug and turn her head to the man, that bows in front of them.

"I am sorry for interrupting, my princesses, but the Lord Hand convoked his daughter, Princess Alicent, to his work chambers." The servant says in a formal tone. Alicent frowns.

"For what reason?" The princess asks, curious. The messanger denies with his head.

"I was not informed that, my princess." The man says in a honest tone. Alicent is more concerned now. She gets up, looking at her daughter.

"I will meet your grandfather. It might be important. You can go to your chambers. I will meet you there afterwards." The mother says, receiving a nod from her daughter.

Without any more words, the servant lead the way towards the chamber of her father.

She can feel that something is coming. If it is bad or not, she can't tell.

---

Alicent arrives at the door of the Hand's chambers. She gently knocks on it, in the way that she always do.

"Enter." She hears the formal voice of her father. She opens the door.

Getting in and closing the door, Alicent quickly look at her father, who is sitting behind his table, reading through letters.

"Take a seat. We have to wait a bit more." The Hand of the King proclaims in a soft tone, not looking away from his letters. Alicent frowns, but sit on a chair in front of his table.

"What it is all about? Why the secrecy and who are we waiting for?" The princess asks in a demanding tone. Otto sighs and look to his daughter with a tired gaze.

"I think you can find that answers for yourself. You just did not take the time to find them yet." The Hand says in a mysterious way. Alicent frowns.

With a bit of thinking, she finally understand what he means. She relax on her chair, but before she can say anything more, the door opens.

Daemon enters the room, wearing a more formal set of dark red and black clothes. He closes the door in a single movement and looks at Otto with a slightly irritated expression on his face. Her father grunts.

"You have to knock before entering a room with people in it, did you know that?" The Hand of the King asks, frustrated. Daemon smirks to him, crossing his arms.

"I am not losing my time with stupid formalities, Otto. Now, say what you want to say already." The Rogue Prince says, impatient. Otto sighs.

"Rhaenyra sent a letter to the King today. A open letter that i ended up receiving first." The Hand of the King says. Alicent rises a eyebrow of curiosity.

Daemon laughs.

"Oh, how down you went, Otto. Are you turning into a old hag that gossip around, now?" The Rogue Prince mocks, smirking. Otto frowns to him.

"I think that the matter of the letter is very important to us. Gossip or not. We have to talk about it." The Hand of the King proclaims, ignoring Daemon's mockery. The prince snorts and Alicent gets up, getting a bit more anxious.

"I had enough of you two arguing like kids. What did Rhaenyra say, father?" The princess asks. Otto takes sighs and rises a letter, reading a part of it.

"It is with great pleasure, that i, Princess Rhaenyra of House Targaryen, Princess of Dragonstone, and heir to the Iron Throne, announces that i am waiting for my forth child with my beloved husband, Ser Laenor of House Velaryon." The Hand of the King says, folding the letter.

Alicent opens her mouth slightly with that. She did not see that coming. Not that soon.

"What? That fast? I did know that Rhaenyra was a woman of little morals and too much lust, but that is absurd even for her!" The princess proclaims, indignant. She turns to her husband and sees him frowning to Otto.

"So what? She is giving birth to one more bastard. What is new here?" The Rogue Prince says with a slight grunt. Otto gets up from his chair, still looking at the closed letter. And then he looks at both Alicent and Daemon.

"I knew about that development for at least a moon. I have some 'observers' around Driftmark and Dragonstone. Not much can escape my eye, in the end. One of them said quite interesting things to me." The Hand of the King says in a calm tone. Alicent frowns to her father.

"I have to take a page from Daemon now, father. Can you be less dramatic and say what you have to say already?" The princess asks, getting impatient too. Daemon smirks to his wife. Otto frowns to them.

"Eloquence can move armies. You two should understand that. But well, i will be brief. He said that Rhaenyra did not met with any other man 'in private' since Harwin Strong leaved her side." The Hand of the King explains. Alicent frowns, confused.

Daemon laughs once again.

"I think we just found your ideal job, Otto. You are the greatest jester that i have ever seen! Mushroom is gonna be pissed that you are stealing his place, however." The Rogue Prince mocks, causing more confusion to his wife and more irritation to the Hand.

"I am being very serious here, Daemon. The observer said that Rhaenyra was quite close to Laenor. I have all the reasons to believe that it happened." The Hand of the King proclaims, determined. Daemon loses his smile and Alicent gets surprised when she finally understands.

"She did it?! Why? Why now?!" The princess asks, very confused. Otto sighs seating once again in his chair.

"My theory is that she is craving for a chance to get the most support that she can, by any means possible." The Hand of the King says. Daemon smirks.

"I doubt that Laenor would be capable of it. He loves the sword more than any warrior that you can possibly imagine." The Rogue Prince mocks, crossing his arms again. Otto snorts.

"Again, no other man entered alone with Rhaenyra on her bedroom and the nature of her pregnancy makes it clear that it was planned. It is move to create a excuse to protect the legitimacy of her eldest children." The Hand of the King proclaims. Daemon snorts back.

"If it is a boy, she is creating a target in the back of her bastards. Their deaths would be a victory for Corlys in the bloodline sense." The Rogue Prince says.

Otto looks at Alicent. His gaze is clear. One that she was very used on her youth learning things with him. He wants her to give the answer in his place.

She frowns for a second, and thencshe get it. She turns to her husband, who raises a eyebrown to her.

"It is not good for him right now. Conflict is coming and he can't just lose three loyal dragonriders on his side. Besides, they are still promised to his grandaughters." The princess points out, receiving a satisfied gaze from her father. Daemon snorts once again.

"Might be true. Or not. Corlys is not a simple man, Alicent. If Rhaenyra is not stupid, she knows that she can't trust fully on Corlys. Nobody can." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Otto smirks to him.

"In that much, we agree." The Hand of the King says, fixing his posture. Alicent looks at her husband with a curious gaze.

"What about Lady Rhaenys? She trusts her husband fully?" The princess asks. Daemon laughs.

"Rhaenys is too smart for that. Corlys is a man guided by his will. By his guts. Don't expect him to be someone very attached to something he declared in the past if the circumnstances changed, not even his wedding vows." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a malicious tone. Alicent frowns.

"So, he is not faithful to his wife? I can't say that i am surprised by that." The princess says. Daemon snorts.

"Believe me, there is a considerable amount of women that know the snake of the Sea Snake. Specially if they know how to handle a boat." The Rogue Prince mocks with a smirk. Alicent frowns to him once again.

"I hope that you don't do the same, Daemon." The princess says. He snorts and frowns.

"Honestly? I don't. Not because of stupid words or anything. I just don't need or have any excuse to sleep around anymore. Stepstones is devoid of any whores and i am not stupid enough to fly to Lys while in war agianst the Triarchy. And while i am in King's Landing... well, i have to say that you are a very dutiful wife." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a malicious smile. Alicent can feel her face getting warmer with his words. Her father grunts.

"Stop talking about my daughter like that in front of me, Daemon. You two can leave. Our conversation is done." The Hand of the King says, irritated.

Daemon smirks and Alicent sighs upon seeing that.

He is about to say a stupidity.

"Good. The less time i waste talking to you, the more time i can use to fuck your daughter until she can't walk tomorrow." The Rogue Prince mocks with a dirty laugh.

Otto gets up, grinding his teeth in anger. He points to the door.

"Out! Now!" The Hand exclaims, barely controlling himself. Daemon rises his hands in a jokeful sign of peace.

Alicent sighs as she tries to calm down her embarassment while she leaves the room with her husband.

Before she can do anything else, Daemon moves a arm around her waist and moves his mouth closer to her ear.

"I was not lying to him, you know?" The Rogue Prince says in a hoarse voice. Alicent feels a shiver go down her whole body, but she pushes him away and frowns.

"Can't you think about anything else besides battles and sex?" The princess asks, frowning to him. Daemon sighs, clearly disappointed.

"Well, i can think about food. What about we get ready to dinner, my lady wife?" The Rogue Prince asks, extending his hand to her in a jokeful way. Alicent smirks at him, taking his hand.

"Fine. But only if you don' drink much tonight. You are unbearable when drunk." The princess says in a provokative tone. Daemon smirks, pulling her close to him.

"Deal." He whisper while looking at her in the eyes. Alicent opens a short smile.

They walk together through the Hallways. And while they do so, Alicent is going deep in her toughts.

Daemon Targaryen is a enigma to her, and probably always will be.

But, at least, she is her enigma.

She can let her be deluded by him.

Just a little bit.

That is what she says to herself, at least.

---

Chapter Text

---

RHAENYRA VI

---

120 AC -

---

Rhaenyra sighs as she seats on a chair in her chambers, struggling for a bit with her enlarged belly. After sitting, she wipes the sweat from her forehead.

This pregnancy has been the hardest one that she had. She feel tired fast, she can't control her urges in food properly, and can't temper her emotions as well.

Resting her head on the back of the chair, Rhaenyra observes Joffrey playing with some wood toys.

Lady Rhaenys was kind enough to her to take Jace and Luke to play outside, giving their mother some rest.

The mother observes as her third son smiles while placing a block of wood at the top of another. Rhaenyra laughs, wondering if Joff might develop in a able builder in the future.

She hears knocks on tbe door. The pattern makes her smile a bit.

"Enter." The Princess of Dragonstone says. Slowly, the door opens and Laenor enters the room with a smile on his face.

"It took a while for me to find it, but i managed to find the reddest apple in Driftmark. It might help you in your eternal battle against sweets and weight." The heir of Driftmark says, extending his arm to offer the said apple to Rhaenyra. She laughs a bit.

"Even the sweetest of apples fail to appeal to me in this daring times, but i am starving." The Princess of Dragonstone says, taking the apple and giving it a bite. Laenor walks closer to her, standing by her side while she eats the fruit. His gaze is full of tenderness, making Rhaenyra relax under it.

"Have you been feeling any pain lately? A few kicks, maybe?" The consort asks, almost hopeful. Rhaenyra sighs after ending the apple.

"No, Laenor. Nothing changed." She says in a serious tone. Her husband sighs in disappointment.

"The year is about to end and the supposed deliver date is getting closer and close, and yet, not even a single kick from the child. Are you not worried?" He asks, a bit nervous. Rhaenyra nods, stroking her forehead with a hand while resting her back on her chair.

"Of course i am worried. I still remember very well how much my mother suffered with each child she lost. But, at the same time, i am confident. The baby might not be kicking and moving inside me, but something tells that it is everything fine. I can feel it." The Princess of Dragonstone says, gently stroking her round belly. Laenor nods and then sighs, staring at her stomach.

"It is not just the life of the child that i am worried about. I am worried about you, Rhae. Your mother and both of your grandmothers died in childbirth. With that ancestry of yours, i can't believe in all that confidence of yours." The heir of Driftmark says in a gentle tone. Rhaenyra snorts, looking at her belly, slowly moving her hand around it.

"My mother used to say that nothing can compare to the love of a mother. At the time, i tought she was making a exageration. Something pretty to be said to her daughter. But, she was right. My children changed my life forever, Laenor. They are my life now. Including the one in my womb right now. If i have to die for my child to live, so be it." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims, looking at her husband with a intense stare of conviction. Laenor sighs.

"I see. Well, i think that everything i can do for the two of you is give my total support, right?" The prince consort asks with a smile. Taking one of her hands in his. Rhaenyra smiles to him, emotional.

"And i can't be more grateful for it." The princess says. Laenor gets on his knees in front of her, staring and slowly touching her belly with his hands. A smile emerges on his face.

"I can't put in words how i feel when i look at you in that state. It is different from everything that i ever felt." The heir of Driftmark says in a distant tone of voice. Rhaenyra smiles.

"It is a special one for us, right?" She says in a more mysterious way. Laenor nods, touching her belly with his forehead, closing his eyes.

"I will have to talk to my father after the child is born. We have a lot to talk about children and succession." The prince consort says in a serious tone. Rhaenyra feels a shiver of fear go down her spine.

"You think that he might use the nature of our child against the other three?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks, worried. Laenor snorts, looking at her.

"He is not stupid, Rhae. He knows the consequences of such actions. But, settling the matter in definitive terms would be much appreciated." The prince says in a honest tone. Rhaenyra nods, relaxing in her chair once again until she frowns to her husband.

"I swear, if your father ever tries something against my boys, i will hang him with his own guts." The Princess of Dragonstone says. The two of them laugh. Laenor smirks to her.

"In that case, i will not complain about a destiny that he made for himself. Well, sadly, i have to go. Ser Vaemond is coming back from his patrol in the Stepstones i need to listen to his report. I will see you two later." The heir of Driftmark says, kissing the belly of his wife in a affectionate manner before getting up.

He bows and gently hugs Rhaenyra. She can hear him laughin a bit close to her ear.

"Rhae... you might not have my cock, but you have my heart. Remember that. Until the end." The prince consort says with a devoted tone. Rhaenyra laughs, hitting his arm for the first statement. And then she touches his head with hers.

"We are one, my dear. Until the end." The Princess of Dragonstone says, kissing his cheek and receiving one from him as well.

When Laenor gets up, Rhaenyra observes Joffrey walking to him with a smile on hid cute face, pulling his clothes.

"Kepa! Look at my castle!" The third son says with the pure happiness that only a small child have. Rhaenyra and Laenor look into the direction that he is pointing out and see a pile of wooden blocks stacked in a way that vaguely remembers a castle. Laenor smiles to him.

"What a marvelous keep you have here, Joff! Came here!" The prince consort says in a soft tone, taking the boy in his arms. Joffrey makes a pout.

"It is not a keep! It is a castle!" The prince says, irritated. Laenor laughs, moving him around, making the boy more joyful once again.

"My bad, little one. Do you want me to take you to play with your brothers and the dragons?" The prince consort asks. The eyes of the boy shine as he opens a large smile.

"Yes!" Joffrey exclaims, clapping his little hands together and making his mother laugh. Laenor walks towards Rhaenyra.

"Good. But first, give your mother a goodbye kiss." The heir of Driftmark says, moving the boy towards his mother.

"Bye, Muna!" The prince says in his joyful attitude, kissing her cheek.

Rhaenyra smiles as she holds the face of her third son and kisses his cheek, making him giggle.

"Until later, my love. Behave." The Princess of Dragonstone says in a gentle tone. Joffrey eargely nods and Laenor retreats with a smile.

"I will let the three of them with at least a maid and a guard before i leave to meet Vaemond. Don't worry. I will see you later, dear." The prince says in a gentle tone before leaving.

Rhaenyra sighs, relaxing on her chair once again. She closes her eyes and let everything slide from her head, letting her rest from all the worries in her mind.

She ends up sleeping for about an hour before she hears a knock on the door. It is a curious one.

"Enter!" The princess exclaims, letting out a snore as she fixes her posture.

The door opens and Lady Rhaenys enters the room, slowly closing the door behind her.

The wife of the Sea Snake is using a long dark dress that fits perfectly in her slim middle aged body. Her face shows little hints of aging that are disfarced by her stunning purple eyes. Her long black hair is partialy tied in braids, her streak of silver hair very evident.

She walks in Rhaenyra's direction with a soft expression on her face, despite still standing in a prideful way.

"What bring you to my chambers, Lady Rhaenys?" The Princess of Dragonstone aks in a formal way. Rhaenys relax a bit.

"I am here to see if you are doing well. You and my grandchild." The older Targaryen says in a honest tone. Rhaenyra snorts, resting her hands on her belly.

"Of course. What a attentious grandmother. So, why were you evading me since i announced my pregnancy, then?" The younger Targaryen asks, curious, making the other one frown.

The two women trade glances until Rhaenys sighs, sitting on the bed, which is quite close to Rhaenyra's chair.

"I was very confused. After Strong died, i have never seen you close to any other man. And for me, the idea of that child being what it should be was almost laughable." The Lady of Driftmark says in a honest tone. Rhaenyra frowns to her.

"Was it that hard to believe?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks, slightly irritated. Rhaenys snorts.

"Yes. It was. You are a very proud woman and i known the nature of my son. The only way that it could have worked is based in a humiliating act. Was that the case?" The Queen Who Never Was asks, curious. Rhaenyra sighs.

"Yes. It was a terrible experience, but it worked in the end. My only regret was not making it from the beggining." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. Rhaenys nods, understanding. And then, she frowns.

"Why? Why did you choose to have that child, Rhaenyra? What you achieve with that?" The oldest Targaryen alive asks in a serious tone. Rhaenyra sighs, organizing the toughts in her head before speaking.

"I wanted a proof." The princess says in a simple manner. Rhaenys frowns, confused.

"Proof of what?" She asks. Rhaenyra takes a deep breath.

"Proof of my words, convictions and will. I wanted to have a child in the right way. A child that will never have their origin challenged by anyone. A child that will protect the legitimacy of their older siblings. A child that is proof that i am willing to walk in thorns to reach where i need to be." The princess proclaims, full of conviction. Rhaenys stares at her for some time before speaking.

"Don't you think that the child will only make the three older boys even more in danger than they already were?" The older woman questions in a dry tone. Rhaenyra snorts.

"No. I don't think it will. My narrative was already based in sheer misfortune. It would just be the end of it. Before, i had three out of three children that did not look like my husband. Now, i will have only three out of four." The princess says with confidence. Rhaenys frowns, thinking about it for a time before sighing.

"Well, it might work. In the worst case, it will just change nothing. But, i think you did not think much about Corlys, and you should. How do you think he will react to this?" The Lady of Driftmark asks in a neutral tone. Rhaenyra is quick to answer.

"I tought about your husband a lot more than you may think, lady Rhaenys. I did it even before this pregnancy started. I don't think he will be a issue. Specially if i am waiting a daughter. In this case, we will just marry her to Joffrey. Problem solved." The princess of Dragonstone explains. Rhaenys nods, her expression is of almost... entertainment.

"A perfect scenario, i would say. Too perfect to be believed blindly. Did you think about what you would do if it was another son?" The Queen Who Never Was asks in a curious tone. Rhaenyra snorts.

"Of course i did. And so did Laenor. If it is a boy, Corlys would still do nothing about it. His hands are too tied for that." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims in a confident tone. Rhaenys is a bit surprised.

"What makes you so sure of that, princess? You might know how obessed for power my husband can be." The older Targaryen proclaims in a ironic tone. Rhaenyra smirks.

"Oh, i know very well. I still remember that promise i made to him. Luckily, the gods were good enough to no let things go to that direction." The princess says, frowning with the memory. Rhaenys frowns back, nodding.

"It was a shocking proposal that you made that day. Why did you even come up with that?" The older woman asks, confused with the memory. Rhaenyra snorts.

"I had to show Corlys that i was willing to go through any line possible to get what i need. And it worked very well." The princess says with a short smile. Rhaenys raises a eyebrow.

"It worked, but you can't rely on luck forever, princess. Now, what do you really expect of my husband?" The older woman asks, bringing the topic back. Rhaenyra smirks.

"You will have to wait to hear it with him when and i and Lae- AAH!"

Rhaenyra is interrupted by a sharp pain that makes her shake in her seat.

When the painful eyes of Rhaenyra and the surprised eyes of Rhaenys meet for a mere second, they both know.

It is time.

Rhaenys quickly runs from the bedroom to call for help while Rhaenyra try her best to resist the pain.

In the middle of her grunts and screams, Rhaenyra does something that she does almost never.

She prays.

She prays to the mother to have mercy for her child.

---

After some hours of pain, Rhaenyra's vision went dark when she fell asleep and rested.

And now, she slowly opens her eyes, still feeling some pain when she tries to seat in the bed. A maid comes to help her.

"Don't force much, princess. You are still recovering." The maid says in a soft tone. Rhaenyra nods as she seats, her vision returning fully and making her able to observe the room.

She is in the bedroom that was organized for the delivery of the child. A comfortable room with a large window that let the sunlight enter with some air from the sea.

And then, Rhaenyra sees her most trusted Maester, Gerardys, taking care of something on a desk.

By his side, stands Laenor, observing the work of the maester.

When Gerardys is done, he gently passes to Aegon a blanket with something inside.

Rhaenyra's heart shake a bit when she sees Laenor walking to her with a smile on his face as he embraces the child on his arms.

"A silver prince to a silver queen. It was about time, right, Rhae?" The prince asks in a soft tone, extending his arms to Rhaenyra.

Rhaenyra almost desperately take the child on her arms, taking care to not awake him.

A boy. Not ideal for her plans, but she don't care. She is happy to have her healthy child in her arms.

She observes the sleeping babe and his traits. His pale skin, the small amount of silver hair that is almost white, and his little chest slowly moving with each breath. She smiles, shedding a tear.

"You are all that your muna could wish for, little one. Welcome to the world." The Princess of Dragonstone says, kissing her son from head to feet.

The baby frowns and moves as a reaction, finally opening his eyes. Lilac eyes. Almost pink. Rhaenyra smiles once again and Maester Gerardys walks towards her.

"I was worried when he came out and was only able to cry in silence, but he is very healthy. You might have a shy boy in your arms, my princess." The maester says with a gentle smile. Rhaenyra nods and smiles back.

"Thank you for your work, Gerardys. The presence of a man with your skills near me is a enormous privilege." The princess says in a honest tone. The maester laughs a bit.

"I am only doing my work, my princess. Now, if you excuse me, i will let you enjoy some time of rest with your family. I wish you a good recovery, princess." The maester says, making a bow and then leaving the room.

Laenor seats bg Rhaenyra's side on the bed, observing the baby. They appreciate the moment together until there is a knock on the door.

Without waiting for a answer first, the door opens. Lord Corlys Velaryon and his wife enter the room. The old Lord is using his cane to move around and smiles upons seeing the baby in Rhaenyra's arms.

"Let me see my new grandson! Let me see if the whispers of maids around the castle are true." The old lord says, walking towards Rhaenyra, extending his arms.

Rhaenyra hesitates for a second but gives the boy to the Sea Snake. The man opens a large smile on his face.

"His looks are almost frightening. It is like a memory from the past. Rhae, does the babe remember you of someone?" The Lord asks his wife with joyful tone, showing her the baby.

Rhaenyra is let surprised after hearing the nickname that Laenor uses with her being used by Corlys with his wife. She never heard him using it before.

Her second surprise happens when she sees Lady Rhaenys shedding a tear upon seeing the boy, holding him in her arms with all the care in the world.

"He looks exactly like my father. Same hair, same eyes, same tone of skin. Gods, i think he has the same nose! I can't..." the princess says, before losing her words in the sadness of her memories, apparently. She hugs the child with tenderness while Corlys hugs her in a act of comfort.

Rhaenyra observes the family moment with a soft smile on her face. But, as the emotions settle down and the parents of her husband calm down, she looks at Lord Corlys.

"My lord, i think that we need to have a conversation." The princess proclaims, fixing her posture to a more serious one, even in her state.

Corlys look at her with surprise, but then he laughs a bit.

"Anxious to get into the serious part of things, aren't we? I can respect that, girl. Maids, leave." The Lord of Driftmark commands and the remaining maids quickly leaves the room.

The silence reigns in the room, except by the sound of the cane of the Lord while he walks to a nearby chair. He seats in it, Rhaenys standing by his side, too focused on the baby in her arms to care about anything else. The Sea Snake looks at Rhaenyra.

"I am hearing, princess." The old sailor says. Rhaenyra takes a deep breath to gather more composure.

"I want to discuss your commitment to my cause." The princess says in a straight voice. Corlys smirks.

"Is this discussion about the nature of the boy? We have nothing to discuss about it, princess." The Lord of Driftmark says in a neutral tone. Rhaenyra frowns to him.

"The mere fact that you knew what i was talking about says otherwise." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. Corlys laughs, relaxing a bit on his chair.

"I can see that the years sharpened your mind. That is good. We will need that when the time comes." The Lord says, vaguely. Rhaenyra grunts.

"Don't try to change the topic, Sea Snake. I want to hear that you are still commited to our previous agreement, because the birth of my forth son changes anything." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. Corlys frowns.

"how it doesn't change anything? You just had a child that i waited for 7 years. You expect me to keep giving the same privileges that i gave to the other 3 before?" The Lord of Driftmark asks, mildly irritated. Rhaenyra keeps her posture, don't moving her eyes from his.

"Yes. You will keep everything the way that it was and you won't do anything to anyone in my family. And it is not a demand, i am merely saying a fact. That will happen." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims, filled with confidence. Corlys snorts in a mocking manner.

"You will need to elaborate more, princess. I fail to see how that will happen." The Sea Snake says with a soft tone full of irony. Rhaenyra smirks.

"Let make it simple for you then. You know that there is a storm approaching. We will need all the support that we can have. And you know what is a extremely valuable weapon? Dragons. And a loyal dragonrider is even more rare and important than a dragon itself. My sons are exactly that. Loyal dragonriders. They will be properly trained to be knights and commanders and they will fight for our side. For our glory. You really want to make that effort just to make your own side weaker? To plot against the children that are already settled to marry your grandaughters?" The Princess of Dragonston proclaims, full of conviction.

Corlys stares at her eyes, never changing his toughtful expression. He looks at Rhaenys, who rises a eyebrown to her husband.

The Sea Snake laughs. A honest laugh.

Rhaenyra and Laenor are left confused while Corlys recovers with a smirk.

"I am satisfied. I wanted to see how much eloquence and guts you had, girl. It would be terrible to follow a incompetent ruler, but i think you are good enough in the current circumnstances." The Lord of Driftmark says in a formal manner. Rhaenyra looks at him, shocked.

"So, it was all a bluff? You never planned to do anything against my children?" The princess asks, very skeptic. Corlys snorts.

"I mean, the tought crossed my mid, but in the end, i reached the same conclusion as you. The shortcut is not worth the risk. Any sailor knows that sometimes patience is fundamental to get into a desired place." The Sea Snake says, laying both of his hands on the top of his cane. Rhaenyra sighs.

"That is good to hear. But don't be mistaken, Lord Corlys. I will keep a eye on you, and, in the slight sign of treason, you will pay a very high price. Got it?" The princess demands with a stern expression. Corlys smirks.

"Good. You can't trust fully in people. That is a good trait for a ruler, but you will need balance on that. Too much, and you will become a paranoid tyrant that will be betrayed all around. Be careful." The Lord of Driftmark says in a calm tone. Rhaenyra nods, understanding. Corlys gets up from his chair.

"Well, i think our conversation is done. I just have one thing to demand to you about your children, princess." The old sailor says in a neutral tone. Rhaenyra frowns, suspicious.

"What is it?"

"If the storm ende up taking down some of your children, i want you to be open to negotiate the inheritance of Driftmark. I want to have a strong word in that case so everything can be done in a proper way." The Lord of Drfitmark demands in a serious tone. Rhaenyra frowns to him once again. After a intense stare, she has a answer.

"I accept your term, as long as the life of my children are kept safe. I don't really care about Driftmark, but i want my children to be as powerful as possible. I want to see you fighting for their claims just as much as you fight for my claims. Do we have a agreement?" The princess proclaims. Lord Corlys smirks, but nods.

"I agree with all of your terms, my princess. I promise to you that i will not cause harm to your children in any way, shape or form." The Lord of Driftmark says, making a bow. Rhaenyra nods in agreement. The moment is interrupted by Lady Rhaenys.

"What is the name that you want to give to the boy, Rhaenyra?" The Lady of Driftmark asks, curious. Rhaenyra smiles to her.

"Aegon. His name is Aegon Velaryon." The Princess of Dragonstone announces in a slow tone of voice. The Velaryons are surprised with that choice.

"Aegon? Daemon and Alicent already have a son named Aegon. Are you sure about that?" Laenor asks, curious. Rhaenyra nods.

"I am sure. Aegon the Conqueror was one of the greatest Targaryens that ever lived. My son is more worthy of that name than the son of my conspiring uncle. It belongs to the true line of the throne." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims. Corlys laughs.

"That were some strong words to say, princess. I like that. Forgetting any kind of affection to Daemon's family is fundamental to our side. We must be ruthless when dealing with a enemy, just like they will be when dealing with us." The Sea Snake says. Rhaenyra nods.

"Yes. If my uncle want to claim what is mine, he will need to kill me first. None of us would live freely knowing that the other still breaths. It is settled in stone. We are destined to fight until the end. And i hope to have all of you fighting with me. For our family." The princess proclaims holding the hand of her husband with a tender smile. Laenor smiles back to her and then look to his parents.

"Our family can't be divided in this daring times. We need to fight together. And for that, i will need all four of my sons. No less." The prince consort proclaims with a serious expression. Rhaenys smiles to him.

"I have made my decision years ago, Laenor. Your sons are part of my family as well. Blood or not. They have conquered a permanent space in my heart." The Queen Who Never Was says with a smooth tone. She looks to her husband with a severe gaze, just like Laenor and Rhaenyra.

Corlys Velaryon laughs, breaking the tension as he takes the free hand of his wife, looking at her eyes with care.

"One of these boys will carry my name to the Iron Throne one day and one of our grandaughters will seat by their side, carring my blood. I already had what i wanted. No shortcut is worthy of that risk. Your family is my family, my love. Nothing will change that." The Sea Snake says, kissing the hand of his wife with tenderness. Rhaenys smiles back to him with affection as all the tension in the room fades away.

Rhaenys walks to Rhaenyra and give Aegon back to her. The mother look at her curious baby with a smile.

"I promise, little one. Nobody will hurt you, because i will be there to be your shield." The princess whispers to her son. And for the first time, Aegon smiles to her.

Rhaenyra shed a tear and kiss the forehead of her son, hugging his small and fragile body.

She closes her eyes and relax under the giggles of her son and the laughs and words of the people around her.

Her family.

It has been a long time since she felt the embrace of a family.

It is all that matters for her now.

And she will fight to keep it.

---

Chapter Text

---

AEGON I

---

121 AC -

---

Aegon grunts as he swings his sword in the direction of Ser Criston Cole, only for the white knight to defend himself with his own sword, making the young prince almost lose his balance and fall.

"Don't make blind advances, my Prince. A mistake can take your life." The Lord Commander says in a calm tone. Aegon grunts once again, recovering his position after wiping the sweat from his forehead.

Before he could attack again, Aegon sees Aemond swinging his sword against Ser Criston. The stormlander dodges the attack and kicks the back of Aemond's leg, making him fall to the ground with a irritated face. Ser Criston smirks.

"That was a good attempt, but you two still need practice to make less predictable swings. Experience is a key factor." The Lord Commander says while he offers a hand to Aemond. The one-eyed prince frowns to his hand and get up on his own. The white knight snorts.

"Why don't you two try to attack me together once again? Most battles are not duels, after all." The Lord Commander says in a almost prideful tone.

Aegon and Aemond meet eyes, both frowning to the other. The brothers start walking around Criston, surrounding him. The white knight observes without any concerns.

The older Targaryen advances first, swinging his sword against Criston, who blocks it. Aegon holds his weapon with both hands, keeping the contact for more brief seconds.

Aemond uses that time to rush to the white knight, swinging his sword to his side.

Ser Criston smirks and redirect Aegon's sword towards the attack of Aemond. The younger brother ends up moving his sword out of the way when his brother falls close to him. Aegon grunts to Aemond.

"What are you doing?!" The older prince asks as he gets up, furious. Aemond frowns to him.

"Attacking him while he was distracted with you." The younger brother says in a natural tone. That only makes Aegon angrier.

"And what would you do if you hit me, idiot?" The older brother asks, irritated. Aemond snorts.

"In a battle, your health is the least of my concerns." The younger brother says. Aegon grunts and walks towards Aemond.

"You should care about yours!" The older Targaryen says, rising his sword while Aemond does the same.

But, Ser Criston gets between them, ending a possible fight before it could start. He frowns to the boys.

"Enough. When things start to get personal, it is where training ends. I will not allow you two to start a real battle here." The Lord Commander says with a reprimanding tone. Aegon grunts and Aemond snorts as the two brothers sheathe their swords.

"This was horrible display of immaturity. You two are too old for that. How many time it will take to get it?" A very familiar voice asks in another direction.

Aegon snorts as he looks at his father getting closer with his arms crossed and his frowned face. He was watching their practice from the start.

"I am not at fault here. The idiot here was the reckless one." Aegon says, pointing to Aemond. The younger brother grunts in disagreement. Daemon snaps his tongue.

"Pointing fingers at the others is also a childish act." The Rogur Prince proclaims in a dry tone. Aegon smirks.

"Whatever you say." The prince says in a ironic tone. Daemon frowns to him. His gaze is intense.

"Cole, take Aemond back to the Red Keep. I will have a personal session with Aegon." The Rogue Prince demands. Aemond frowns to his father.

"Father, if you are not giving me more practice too, can you at least let me see Vhagar?" The prince asks. Daemon grunts.

"Not today."

"But-"

"No."

Aemond grunts and walks away. Ser Criston sighs and looks at Daemon.

"I will take him back, my Prince. I just ask you to not be exaggerated with Prince Aegon." The Lord Commander says in a formal tone. Daemon frowns and grunts.

"You don't give me orders, Cole. I will do what i must with my son. That is not your problem." The Rogue Prince says in a severe tone. Ser Criston snorts.

"As you wish, my Prince." The Lord Commander says, a bit bitter. He walks to the same direction that Aemond went.

Aegon swallows some of spit as he looks to his father, his gaze making him anxious. Daemon grunts.

"Pull your sword, boy." Thr Rogue Prince says with his arms crossed. Aegon frowns, but do as he was told to.

His sword is a bit shorter than the average sword, but still was a well forged one, worthy of a prince.

But, nothing could compare to the sword that his father unsheathes.

Dark Sister.

The mere sound that the weapon makes when it leaves the sheathe reveals her special nature.

And his father moving the sword with grace, show how light it really is.

Nothing made in Westeros can compare.

Aegon grunts, hesistant.

"It is not fair! My sword is a mere piece of steel when compared to that... thing." The prince says, nervous. Daemon smirks.

"The world is not fair. You need to know how to fight under a disadvantage. Overcoming the odds is when a boy becomes a man. Now, stop being a cunt and come to me, boy." The Rogue Prince says with a frown. Aegon frowns.

"I am not a cunt!" The young prince exclaims, angry. Daemon smirks even more.

"Then, show me." The father says in a calm tone. Aegon rises his sword and advances against his father.

Terrifing.

That is how the prince can define fighting against his father.

The Rogue Prince makes every attack that he does looks like a futile action, dodging and defending quite easily.

And his attacks, would certainly be fatal. Aegon lost the count of how many times he felt the cold blade of Dark Sister touching his neck or hoe many times he felt the tip of the sword touching his chest, near his heart.

If it was not a practice, he would have died in the very first seconds.

It might have been a more kind destiny. That is what often crossed his mind as the training continued.

In a hour of training, Aegon was covered in sweat, his arms were almost too tired to rise his sword and he was struggling to catch a breath.

And after all that, he never managed to even connect his blade with his father.

Daemon id smirking like he did during the entire session. Looking at his face is enough to make the blood of Aegon boil with irritation and wounded pride.

"Tired already, boy? Very well, i will give you a final test. I will attack you and you must either defend or block it. If you pass, this training is over. If you don't, prepare to spend at least another hour here. What do you choose?" The Rogue Prince asks. Aegon grunts.

"You never gave me another choice." The boy says, frustrated. Daemon smirks.

"Exactly." The Rogue Prince says in a joyful tone. Aegon grunts once again, his arm shaking a bit as he rises his sword once again.

Father and son start moving in circles, keeping their eyes firmly on the other.

And then, Daemon advances against his son, moving his sword in a descending strike, faster than a tired Aegon could ever react.

At least if he did not have a initial plan.

After suffering that much against someone, you can pick a few hints in what to do.

The young prince rises holds the middle of his sword with his gloved free hand and raise it in a horizontal position.

Dark Sister connects in a powerful strike that echoes on his ear and shakes his body, but he manages to stay on his feet.

Taken by the only moment of glory in this hellish training, Aegon's frustration consumes him.

With a angry scream, Aegon holds his sword by the blade with both hands and strike the face of his father with the guard.

Daemon Targaryen grunts in pain as he moves his free hand to the side of his face that was hit, looking down.

Drops of blood fall to the ground.

Aegon retreats with wide eyes, letting his sword fall to the ground.

He is shocked. In desbelief to what he managed to do and terrified of how his father might react.

Still looking down... Daemon laughs.

Aegon is confused when his father look up and meet him with a smirk. The side of his face is a bit red and a bit of blood is still there near his nose.

"I did not expect that you would have the balls or the intelligence to do it, boy." The Rogue Prince says in a entertained tone. Aegon smirks back.

"Your high expecations flatters me, father." The young prince mocks, a bit bitter on the inside. Daemon snorts.

"My expectations were founded in reality, boy. Until now, i tought that you lacked some of the will of a warrior in you. But, maybe you have some of me in you in the end. You might be ready." The Rogue Prince says with contemplative expression in the end. Aegon frowns.

"Ready for what?" The young prince asks, confused. Daemon smirks, waving his hand after he sheathes Dark Sister and walks towards his son.

"You will know soon. For now, we should get back soon for the dinner and i think you made enough effort for a treat. What do you want?" The Rogue Prince asks, using a mocking tone to elevate his "generous act". Aegon smirks.

"Arbor Red. A lot of it. I don't get enough of it in ages." The young prince says, excited with the idea of drinking a nice wine. Daemon snorts.

"You got a whole bottle last moon. Your drinking habits are terrible." The Rogue Prince says with a severe tone. Aegon snaps his tongue.

"You are saying that like you are some type of a illuminated person. I have seen you drunk sometimes." The young prince points out. Daemon smirks.

"Sometimes. However, i am not a boy making a fool out of himself. Enough talk. We are going back now. I will give you some of your precious wine, but certainly not as much as you probably want." The Rogue Prince says with a more bitter tone at the end.

Aegon follows his father to their horses, losing himself in his toughts to deal better with how tired he feels.

---

Even in the darkest of days, the sweet taste of wine can make the day of Prince Aegon Targaryen.

The prince relax on his seat as his family feast together, talking, laughing or evading the other.

The King and his father are evading the other since the eye incident. Most of the time, his uncle only talks with his mother, and even them, it is rare. He gets very lonely when Baela and Rhaena are in Driftmark, like today.

His father expends most of the time either trading whispers with his mother or talking about Stepstones with Aemond.

His mother was concerned about the injury on the face of her father. Aegon can still see her looking at it from time to time.

The only one on the table that is almost as silent as him is Helaena.

His sister is a odd person. She is obsessed with dirth insects and often what she has to say makes little sense to him. In general, he prefers just to evade her.

Daeron is the bright candle for his mother. Aegon absolutely believes that he is the favorite child of his mother.

And how could he not be?

The youngest son that is kind and educated. A boy with a bright future ahead of him. His total opposite.

Aegon snorts and takes another big sip of his wine, numbing his mind a bit.

After his goblet is empty, he extends his arm to reach for the bottle in the table, seeing that his mother is correcting Daeron about his manners while eating, making the boy red of shame for using a fork wrong.

Yet, Alicent notices Aegon trying to get more wine and give him a severe look.

"You had enough wine for today, Aegon. Keep your eyes on the food instead." The princess says with a authoritarian tone. Aegon grunts.

"I don't want more food. I just want a bit more of wine." The young prince says, but as his fingers touch the bottle, Alicent takes it from him and move it away. Her gaze is a intense and frustrated one.

"That is what you said before! If you don't want food, then you are done with your dinner. I will not allow you to dig your own grave like that!" Alicent exclaims, determined.

The family get silent with her last phrase. Aegon get up, irritated.

"Fine! If i can't enjoy a feast the way i want, i don't want to be here at all!" The young prince proclaims, leaving the room. His mothet get up, concerned

"Aegon! Wai-" She is about to say, but Daemon holds her arm, looking at her. She closes her mouth and seats back on her chair with a conflicted expression on her face.

Aegon walks out of the throne room and walk through the silent hallways, chewing more and more frustration.

The young prince finally reach his chambers, ignoring a nearby servant offering his services.

The young prince throws himself at the bed, looking at the ceiling as he closes his eyes and breathes with more calm.

And then, a mere minute later, he can hear a knock on the door. He grunts.

"Leave me alone!" The young prince exclaims, irritated.

And then, he hears a feminine laugh from the other side.

"I don't think i will, my prince." The sweet and slightly provocative voice says in a low tone.

Aegon quickly gets up to open the door, a smile emerging on his face.

He opens the door and his eyes meet a very... interesting person.

She is a beautiful girl with long blonde hair and blue eyes. Her body is curvy and she is wearing a grey dress that has a good cleavage to show her privileged bust. She is a bit shorter than him, despite being a year older. Her smile is seductive and Aegon smiles back in a similar way.

"What brings you to my chambers, Esselyn?" The prince asks, being playfuly formal with her. She smirks and rise a eyebrown.

"I need a excuse to visit my favorite prince? Something happened?" She asks, curious. Aegon snorts.

"Not much. Just my mother keeping me away from my dear wine once again." The prince says in a ironic tone. Esselyn laughs.

"How sad. Maybe i can get in to comfort you a little bit?" She asks with a slight mocking tone. Aegon smirks.

"Be my guest, Essie." The prince says, letting her walk in. He can't move his eyes from her hipnotic hips as she does so.

Esselyn gracefully seats on his bed, laying a leg over the other, showing some of the pale skin of her legs. She smiles to him.

"Now, that is better. Don't you dare call me Esselyn again, dear. For you, it is Essie. Got it?" She says with a sweet tone. Aegon smirks, sitting by her side.

"I will keep that in mind, Essie. Now, what really brings you here?" He asks, not convinced yet. Essie makes a cute pout.

"It makes me sad how much you look down on me, my dear prince. I just want a bit of your attention, that is all." The girl says, moving herself to hug his arm and laugh. Aegon smirks.

"Sounds too pure for a woman that came from Lys to be a prostitute around here." The prince provokes. Essie snorts and playfuly hits his chest.

"I am a woman with attitude, but i have feeling too, you know? I did not get to talk to you for a whole week. Is your father torturing you or something?" The girl says, moving her hand to his golden-silver hair, untangling some strings. Aegon grunts.

"Kinda. He keeps making me train to my last breath and mother keeps me away from any relief. It is frustrating." The young prince says with a frown. Essie nods and sighs.

"Your mother is such a simple minded woman, Aegon. Even thinking about her makes me yawn." The girl says, dramaticaly laying herself on him. Aegon smirks.

"That simple minded woman saved you from wenching on the street of silk, remember that." The prince proclaims, defending his mother for once. Essie laughs, getting more comfortable on his lap.

"I never asked to be saved, Aegon. I was a girl from Lys that had no future in mind. I learned that King's Landing had a severe problem of ugly women on service and i saw it as a opportunity to get some good amount of gold. And i was almost there, until i met a certain silver prince on the docks. And here we are." The girl says, stroking his face with tenderness. Aegon sighs.

"You have no idea how difficult it was to convince my mother to make you a maid here. She was concerned that you were going to corrupt me." The prince says with a smirk in the end. Essie laughs, sitting on his lap, her face very close to his face as she smiles.

"She was right." She says, pulling him by his clothes into a kiss.

Her lips are sweet and thick. Her tongue moves on his mouth in a special way, dancing with his own tongue in the right way. Her breasts against his chest almost disturbs his senses.

When she breaks the kiss, Essie smiles to him, biting her under lip.

"Why did she even agree with it in the first place?" She asks, curious once again. Aegon smirks.

"I promised her that you were just a girl trying to find a way to live and that being a made was better than being a whore. She eventualy accepted it." The prince explains. Essie laughs.

"That is hilarious. It is unbelievable the faith that she has on the good of people." The girl says, moving her hands around Aegon's neck, who smirks.

"What i can't believe is how you can pretend to be a pure maid with that inner wench of yours." The prince says, playfuly grabbing her butt. Essie laughs seductively.

"Oh, my prince. I am a woman with a lot of skills." The girl says, before letting a chaste kiss on his lips, retreating with a laugh before Aegon can get deeper in it. He grunts.

"You are not showing me enough of that skills of yours. Are you that ungrateful?" The prince asks with a smirk. Essie laughs once again, not offended even a little.

"Everything has a time, my dear. You still have much to learn. I don't want yo eat you raw, after all." She says with a laugh, pulling him to a more intense kiss.

Aegon is frustrated, but he will wait to claim his prize. And when he does, she will see what the dragon has for her.

For now, explores her covered body with his hands and her mouth with his own.

---

Aegon grunts while he looks to the outside of the carriage that is taking him and his parents to the Dragonpit.

He could not believe in what he heard from his father this morning. Or rather, he did not want to believe it.

His father demanded him to go to Stepstones. To fight against the Triarchy.

The mere idea of going to war makes him extremely concerned. He only has a vague idea of what war looks like and how dangerous it is. And that vague idea is bad enough.

And it looks like his mother is even more scared than he is.

Alicent is holding her som's hand bery tight, as if he was going to disappear if she didn't. Her gaze to him is a sad one.

"You promise to take care of yourself there, Aegon? Will you avoid getting drunk while there?" The princess asks her son, concerned. Aegon smirks.

"What is a war without a night of drinking after our victory? You are talking the good part from it, mom." The prince proclaims in a jokeful way. His father snorts, holding a short laugh. Alicent frowns to Daemon and he stops. She then sighs.

"Can you at least promise to me that you will be more moderate?" The princess asks, hopeful. Aegon sighs.

"I promise..."

"I can't hear you."

"I promise."

Alicent smiles and then mother and son interaction is stopped by the father, who snorts.

"You two are too dramatic. He has nothing to be much worried. He has a dragon on his command, after all. All he need to do is not act like a cunt. Are you a cunt, boy?" The Rogue Prince asks with a smirk. Aegon frowns.

"I am not a cunt. I will show you that." The young prince proclaims, prideful. Daemon smirks once again as the carriage stops.

"Good words to hear. It seems that we arrived. We have no time waste." The Rogue Prince proclaims, getting out of the carriage. Aegon does the same, with his mother still holding his arm, making him slightly irritated.

Daemon leads them to the internal, but still open, part of the Dragonpit. There, they meet a man that seems familiar to Aegon, but he can't remember exactly why. The fact that he has short golden-silver, the Valyrian coloring, might be a indicative of his heritage and his light armor probably a sign of his knighthood. Daemon snorts.

"Are you Ser Crispian Celtigar?" The Rogue Prince asks with a neutral tone. The man nods his head.

"Yes, my prince. I am the nephew of Lord Jon Celtigar. I am here to give you more information about the current state of the Stepstones." The knight says in a formal tone. Daemon snorts once again.

"Go on. Tell me how much the idiots there ruined by conquests." The Rogue Prince proclaims, bitter. Crispian looks concerned for a moment, but nods.

"My uncle is struggling with the recent attacks. The pirates and the Triarchy are attacking in random places at random times. It is extremely difficult to us to properly defend the islands from constant attacks when resources from the crown might take moons to come." The knight explains. Daemon frowns.

"Isn't Baratheon sending more resources and reinforcements?" The Rogue Prince asks. The knight nods, but sighs.

"He is, but things are getting harder very quickly. Lord Borros is leading his own navy around the islands, but he will not lost for much long. Not when the Dornish are slowly coming against us as well." The knight says, frowning in irritation. Daemon grunts in anger.

"That dornish bastards. If they want to burn that much, so be it. I will not be merciful. Did any of the new buildings get destroyed?" The Rogue Prince asks. The knight frowns, thinking.

"Not much. Some towers have been attacked, but the damages is pretty minor. Our greatest fear is that this is just the beggining. They will attack much harder soon." The knight proclaims. Daemon nods and looks at his son with a serious gaze.

"Are you ready to take matters on your hands, boy?" The Rogue Prince asks his son. Aegon takes a deep breath, trying to build confidence, but, his answer is anything but confident.

"I don't have a choice here, have i?" The young prince asks in a jokeful and bitter tone. Daemon frowns to him.

"Enough talk. We need to go." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Alicent looks to her son with sad eyes. She holds both of his hands.

"Take care of yourself, my child." The princess says in a low tone of voice. Aegon smirks a bit to break the ice.

"I will, mother. Will you pray for me during the night?" The prince asks in a distant tone of voice.

Alicent holds his face in her hands and smiles to him, her eyes filled with tears.

"You always was in my prayers, my love. Always was and always will be." She says, kissin his cheek and hugging him very tightly.

Aegon feels a warm inside him. A feeling that he is not used to mixed with a hug that he don't receive much. It is even strange for him to hug his mother back.

He is not complaining.

A grunt of his father end his moment with his mother. Alicent wipes her tears and laughs, walking to Daemon with a smirk on her face.

"Are you jealous of the attention i give to our son, dear?" The princess provokes. Daemon frowns and grunts.

"No. I am just tired of losing my time watching you two being so dramatic. It makes me irritated." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Alicent laughs, getting closer to him.

"So, you don't want a goodbye kiss?" She asks in a low tone of voice. Daemon smirks.

"Stop being a tease, woman." The Rogue Prince proclaims, taking his wife by her hips and going for a full kiss.

Aegon grunts in disgust, looking away from the scene.

After the kiss ends, Daemon turns away without a word and walks towards one of the carvenous entrances of the Dragonpit. Alicent sighs and opens a sad smile to Aegon.

"Until later, dear." The princess proclaims with a hopeful tone. Aegon nods, not finding words to say.

The young prince walks towards the entrance that he is very familiar with. The lair of his beloved dragon.

Getting in front of it, Aegon can see two guards struggling with their lances to guide the dragon to outside with their poor high valyrian.

Sunfyre always was one of the most aggressive dragons around. A beast made of anger, fire and thirst for blood.

Much like Aegon himself, a creature controled by his whims.

Sunfyre grunts to the keepers in front of him with irritation as he comes out of his lair.

The golden scales of the dragon shines when the light of the sun hits it, making the creature even more divine that it already is.

Aegon laughs on that idea of Sunfyre being divine.

His dragon is certainly more of a beast from the seven hells than a deity.

Sunfyre grows much faster than the average dragon. After less than two decades, his dragon is already getting closer and closer to the size of much older dragons like Seasmoke and Syrax.

Yet, all that size and fearful traits vanish when Sunfyre lays his eyes on him.

The most valuable thing in life for Aegon is Sunfyre and their connection.

When they are together, they are whole.

When they are together, nothing else matters.

Sunfyre the Golden grows as he touches the chest of his rider with his nose, snorting a warm breath. Aegon laughs.

"Issa sȳz naejot ūndegon ao, Vēzzy... (It is good to see you, Sunny..." the young prince says in high valyrian, hugging the head of the dragon and closing his eyes, hearing his low grunt of acceptance.

He still uses that childish nickname that he invented as a toddler, but only in private with his draconic friend.

Aegon looks at the curious eyes of Sunfyre. Two orbs of molten gold.

"Emi iā vīlībāzma naejot vīlībagon, Vēzzy. Kesā jiōragon se ānogar bona jaelā. (We have a war to fight, Sunny. You will get the blood that you want.)" The young prince says in a low tone of voice.

He could almost see the eyes of Sunfyre glowing as he grunts more loudly. Aegon smirks.

"Ao nādrēsy... (You bastard...)" The young prince says in a jokeful way, slightly slapping the golden head of Sunfyre.

The dragon moves his head away, grunting when hr pulls the chains as he moves.

Aegon quickly moves to the dragon's body, getting over him through a net.

The young prince sits on the saddle and lock his legs in place.

A keeper offers him a dragon whip, but Aegon frowns and refuses.

He trust his bond with his dragon above anything else.

Aegon grabs the hopes in front of him and nods to the keepers, making them pull the lever.

The chains locking Sunfyre fall to the ground.

The golden dragon gets his body fully out of his lair and extend his golden wings and his pinkish membranes.

The roar that he lets out shakes the earth.

And the movement of his wings could take trees from the ground with the wind alone.

Sunfyre gets up in the air, moving at high speeds as he gets to the clouds.

Aegon feels the joy coming to him. The childish joy that only Sunfyre can give to him.

And then, the young prince sees the larger red dragon with a long neck that is Caraxes flying near them.

The Bloodwyrm let out a hissing roar to them before going towards Blackwater Bay.

Aegon takes a deep breath before Sunfyre also roars and follow Caraxes, catching up with the dragon with his lighter size that gives him more speed.

And as such, the two dragons vanish in fly towards a war in the sea.

---

Sunfyre and Caraxes land on Sunstone after a long trip, announcing their arrival with roars.

But, it was unecessary, because a Westerosi army was already there to receive them. Several men cheer and celebrate the arrival of the dragons.

Aegon struggles a bit to get off from Sunfyre, and he does, he can see his father already walking towards Lord Corlys, who seems nervous as he walks with his cane.

"You are late, Daemon." The Sea Snake proclaims with a serious tone. Aegon's father frowns.

"Late for what? I can't see a battle happening right now." The Rogue Prince proclaims back. Corlys Velaryon snorts.

"Not here, but a lot of damage were already done in other islands. Some of the minor ones were even taken by pirates. Lord Borros is leading a fleet to battle right now on the south, you should try to get there as soon as possible." The Lord of Driftmark proclaims with a quick tone of voice. Daemon grunts and Aegon is surprised.

"Already? We can't even rest a bit? Can i at least drink something?" The young prince asks. Corlys frowns.

"I guess that you can drink something, boy. But, water is not safe here. Are you satisfied by some wine?" The Sea Snake asks, slightly irritated.

Aegon opens a large smile and his father smirks.

"It will do, Lord Corlys." The young prince says. The Sea Snake snorts, knowing how the son of Daemon works.

With a snap of the Sea Snake's finger, a knight brings a bottle of wine to Aegon, already open.

The boy quickly takes it and bring the liquid to his mouth.

The taste bring joy to his soul, feeling relieved from the stress of several hours of flight.

After drinking enough, he offers the bottle to his father. Daemon grunts and take it, drinking less than he did. He then looks at the Sea Snake once again.

"Where is Celtigar?" The Rogue Prince asks. Corlys sighs.

"He is resting after feeling sick recently. It is nothing dangerous, but he is not fit to administrate things right now. His son, Bartimos, is in Claw Isle at the moment. He will join us in about a week." The Sea Snake explains. Daemon grunts.

"How amusing. Things are going from bad to worse and this greedy ball of meat starts getting sick. Enough of that. We will depart to battle now. Prepare the fleet!" The Rogue Prince commands and Corlys nods. The men starts moving around to prepare things. Daemon walks towards Caraxes as Aegon looks at him.

"Father! What am i supposed to do all of a sudden? You did not teach me how this works!" The young prince asks, nervous. Daemon turns to him with a angry frown.

"There is nothing to teach you, boy. You get on your dragon, you follow me, and if you find a ship with a banner that you don't know, you burn it to ashes. Simple!" The impatience Rogue Prince proclaims, going to his dragon.

Aegon grunts in frustration and gets back into Sunfyre, following Caraxes as he departs first.

---

Aegon observes the redish sky as the sun is about to give me place to the night.

All he can see looking down is water and more water.

And then, he sees the dark smoke raising to the sky, and he finally sees the battle. Sunfyre flys in circle son he can observe.

He can see bolts and flaming arrows being throw by boats to other boats, and he can see the different banners.

When he sees a Baratheon banner, he can clearly sees who is the enemy and who is the ally.

Aegon hears the hissing roar of Caraxes and he sees the red dragon diving into the air towards the enemy fleet.

Red flames easily burn the wood boats and Aegon can hear the scream of the men inside them behind the flames and the smoke.

Several boats start sinking because of the scarlet flames and burning men start jumping from them.

Ruthless, Caraxes roars and strikes his body against a boat, making it fall to the side over the living men in the water, creating a rise of water.

Sunfyre grunts and Aegon can feel his hunger for blood.

The prince swallows his spit and Sunfyre dives into a potent roar.

Aegon sees the first boat and the rught word came easily to his tongue.

"Dracarys!" The prince exclaims.

Sunfyre opens his mouth and set trhe boat in front of him in flames.

Aegon is astonished.

Not by the screams.

Not by the smell of burning flesh.

Not by all the smoke.

But by the light.

The golden fire of Sunfyre shines like the sun, turning the burning both in a golden spectacle.

Majestic is the only word that can describe it.

A smile slowly makes the way on Aegon's face.

Sunfyre roars once again and goes towards other boats, burning them in his golden flames, destroying everything in his way.

With a strike of his wing, Sunfyre breaks the sail of a ship.

With a strike of his claws, Sunfyre smashes men and sink their ships.

Aegon laughs with how powerful he feels. How untouchable he is.

Sunfyre takes arrows like nothing and turn whole ships into a pile of burning wood sinking on the ocean.

In minutes, Aegon and Sunfyre probably killed hundreds of men, but the prince did not care.

He was winning, and that is all that matters.

After the last ship burns in golden flames, Sunfyre rises up on the sky, letting his rider take a breath from all the movement.

Aegon breathes a bit heavily until he let out a laugh of satisfaction.

And then, he feels a sharp pain on his arm and screams.

Sunfyre roars in anger, feeling what he does through their bond.

Aegon move a hand to his arm and grab the arrow that pierced his arm.

It seems that it is not deep.

He decides to not pull it yet. Might be a better choice than a bleeding arm.

But, his pain brings anger to him.

And even more to Sunfyre.

The dragon flys in a direction and Aegon can see the responsibles for his injury.

Archers on the nearby island. One of them managed to hit him.

Aegon grunts in anger as they keep shooting arrows at them. He smirks.

Sunfyre don't need the word.

With a mighty roar, the golden dragon descends into the army in the island and bath them in his golden flames.

First, Sunfyre burns the archers on the towers, avenging his rider.

And then, Aegon is terrified to see scorpion bolts in some of the towers.

Gladly, Sunfyre is quick to act and burn the weapons before the men there can properly aim and shoot on the dragon.

And then, the people scatters on the ground, some attacking and some trying to hide.

Sunfyre roars and land on the sand of the coast, smashing several warriors as he does so.

Sunfyre moves around, bathing everything that moves with his golden flames and striking down things with his strong tail.

Even the building suffer under the flames of the golden beast.

Aegon can only watch as his dragon viciously pursuit down all of his enemies until there is not a living soul around.

After minutes of ruthless destruction, the smoke clears a bit and things settle down.

Sunfyre grunts and finally lays on the sand, resting.

With shaky hands and a injured arm, Aegon still manages to get himself out of his dragon. He looks at Sunfyre with a still astonished expression.

"Bona iksin mirros... (That was something...)" The young prince says, holding his injured arm. Sunfyre snorts.

Aegon hears a roar and he looks up to see Caraxes landing close to them.

Sunfyre and Caraxes trade grunts while Daemon get out of his dragon. He walks to Aegon with a frown on his face.

"Good work, boy. How is you arm?" The Rogue Prince asks, looking at the arrown on his arm. Aegon grunts.

"Well, it hurts a lot." The prince says the obvious. Daemon snorts and look to the ocean.

Aegon looks at the same direction and see a small boat with a few men coming in their direction.

Sunfyre starts to move and growl, but Aegon rises his hand to stop him when he notices something.

The helmet of the talles man has antlers in it.

And then, he can see the flag of a black stag on a yellow field in his chest. In his hand, a warhammer.

The men get on land and the horned warrior walks to them, removing his helmet to show a man with long black hair, blue eyes and a full beard. He opens a smirk.

"Words can't describe how satisfied i am to see that oversized flying lizards of yours, my princes." The man says in a strong voice. Daemon snorts.

"We can't let you die that easily, Lord Baratheon. How is the situation?" The Rogue Prince asks. Borros Baratheon snorts.

"Bad. My fleet is reduced to half of what it was before. I am asking for the support of the Estermonts, but no answers yet. We also captured some of this pirate bastards. One of them said that the Triarchy is preparing for a big attack when our guard is down. A attack like no other. He was not able to tell what it was, even after losing some fingers." The Lord of Storm's End says and smirks. Aegon feels a shiver down his spine with the destiny of the man. His father grunts.

"They can attack as much as they want. We will keep killing all of them until they cease to exist. Or, we might just invade Tyrosh after all." The Rogue Prince mocks, a bit angry. Borros Baratheon opens a malicious smile.

"It is a interesting idea to me, my prince." The head of House Baratheon says, laughing. Daemon looks at Aegon.

"My son here needs some attention to his arm. Where he can find it?" The Rogue Prince asks with a severe voice. Lord Baratheon frowns.

"Arrow to the arm, huh? There is a maester on a base in a island more to the north. You can get there quite quickly." The Lord says. Daemon nods, looking at Aegon.

"Get back in Sunfyre and fly there. I will stay here to deal with things." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Aegon nods, walking towards his dragon.

But then, he sees something. Something dark laying on the ground. His curiosity take over him and he walks towards it.

And what he sees makes him disgusted.

A carbonized body.

A carbonized body of a child. Probably several years younger than him. He can't even tell the gender.

Aegon grunts and look at his father.

"Why there was children there of all places?" He asks, noticing that his father is also looking to the body now. Daemon snorts.

"Looks to be too young to work or fight, so it is probably a sex slave." The Rogue Prince says in a dry tone. Aegon is surprised by it.

"Really?" He asks, looking to the body again. The Rogue Prince nods and Lord Baratheon grunts.

"This worms of the sea are not worthy of being called men. Disgusting." The lord says with a angry tone.

Aegon looks at the body of the child with some guilty.

He was responsible for their death. Because of their savage way of destruction.

The prince can hear the snort of his father.

"There is no time to mourn for dead children, Aegon. You need to deal with your arm before anything else happens." The Rogue Prince says, impatient.

Aegon nods, giving a final look to the body before getting back on Sunfyre.

As the golden dragon takes flight once more, Aegon can only think about what just happened.

Looking at his hands, he feels a mix of very different emotions.

He feels the excitement of using his power to humble and destroy his enemies.

And he also feels the horror that he causes to others with thar same power.

But, he has a question bigger than any of this feelings. One that he can't answer.

Why he don't care about any of the things he did after the brief bliss?

Aegon sighs as he looks to the orange sky as light of the sun slowly fades awag on the horizon. He closes his eyes and feel the wind against his face, waving his hair around.

Why everything lasts so little?

Why he has to keep searching for more and more pleasures in life to keep going?

Why does he feel so... empty?

---

Chapter Text

---

DAEMON IX

---

121 AC -

---

4 moons.

That is how much of his life that was wasted on the Stepstones, fighting smaller armies of the Triarchy, playing cat and rat with them.

It was very stressful to the Rogue Prince. Resourced were getting shorter and shorter and the Triarchy did not slow down on the slightest.

After burning three ships of pirates that were holding a small island near the center of the Stepstones, Caraxes landed with his rider on the a island on the heart of the Stepstones.

The name of the island is Wreckstone. The smallest of the relevant islands in the Stepstones, but, a island that the crown managed to keep control over, even if it has little resources, beings mostly only a island of rocks.

The Bloodwyrm let out his iconic hissing roar as he lands in the coast of Wreckstone, anouncing their arrival.

Daemon grunts as he gets out of the dragon, tired. Taking a good amount of air on his lungs, he slowly strokes the long neck of Caraxes as he walks to the head.

"Issi ao hae ēdrugī hen mirre bona doru-borto arghugon hae olvie hae iksan, ñuha raqiros? (Are you as tired of all that stupid hunt as much as i am, my friend?)" The Rogue Prince asks in high valyrian. Caraxes grunts, indifferent. Daemon smirks and the he sees a small army coming to meet him, led by a curious person. Daemon opens a sarcastic smile to him.

"Ser Vaemond Velaryon. It has been a long time since i last saw your face. In 4 moons, i did not see you around this damned war even once. What made you finally show your face?" The prince asks, provocative. Vaemond grunts in irritation.

"I was taking care of the Velaryon fleet. Doing the hard work that you are not capable enough to do." The nephew of the Sea Snake says in return, confident. Daemon snorts.

"I have better things to do than sail, Velaryon. What are you doing here? Where is the Sea Snake?" The Rogue Prince asks, impatient. Vaemond snorts.

"He is inside the keep. I was told to get you there once you landed. He wants you and your son to feast with him." The knight explains, slightly irritated. Daemon frowns.

Before he could say anything, Daemon hears a roar coming from above and a shadow emerge above them.

With his scales shining under the light of the sun, Sunfyre lands on the coast of rocks of Wreckstone. Daemon snorts.

"Took you long enough, boy." The Rogue Prince proclaims loud enough to be heard. Aegon gets out of his dragon and frowns to his father.

"I found a rogue ship around and got distracted. I guess that it was just another coward trying to flee. He failed." The young prince says, shaking his shoulders. Daemon smirks.

"Good. We have a meeting with the Sea Snake now. He wants to talk about something and is using a feast as a excuse." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Aegon frowns.

"What he wants to talk about?" The young prince asks, confused. Daemon grunts.

"If i knew, i would have told you, boy. I just need you to hear the conversation. You don't need to say anything. I will deal with the words. Do you understand?" The Rogue Prince asks firmly. Aegon looks irritated, but he nods.

Father son follow the Velaryon army towards the small keep stabilished not many time ago in Wreckstone.

It is hidden behind tall formations of rocks and is frequently observed by some men, making it quite a safe place considering the chaotic location of the island.

The keep itself is mostly build of wood from the Stormlands and rocks. The structure is simple, but was well made enough to endure the hardships of the weather and any minor attack coming from long distances.

Daemon and Aegon walk alone through the short hallways, quickly arriving in the main hall.

A large table is set in the middle of the large chamber. The Sea Snake is sitting at the end of the table, eating a soup. He opens a educated smile to them.

"Please, take a seat, gentlemen. The servants will bring more food very soon." The Lord of Driftmark says in a smooth tone, pointing to the chairs directly in each side of his. The only chairs around. Daemon snorts as he in Aegon take a seat.

"I could use some food. I have not take my time to eat in piece in days because of the frequent attacks and the search for the scattered information." The Rogue Prince proclaims his frustrations. Corlys sighs.

"The search for information is the worst part, believe me. When you get news about the southern islands, something is already happening in the northern islands." The Lord of the Tides says, tired. Daemon nods and then frowns to the old lord.

"What do you really want with us, Corlys?" The Rogue Prince asks, going straight to the point. Corlys snorts.

"I just wanted to talk about the recent events in the islands and the progress of the war. Is that a crime?" The Sea Snake asks, using a calm tone of voice. Daemon frowns.

"The Triarchy is still moving like the bunch of cunts that they are. Not w single really threatening attack. They want us to run out of resources and attack before we can get more of it." The Rogue Prince points out. Corlys nods in agreement.

"Yes. But all plans are about to change. A storm is approaching. A really big one." The Lord of Driftmark proclaims. Daemon frowns, suddenly concerned.

That makes things really tough to them.

Looking at his son, Daemon can see his confusion. Ignoring his previous orders, Aegon looks at the Sea Snake.

"What does that change, Lord Corlys? A storm is as bad to us as it is to them, right?" The young prince asks. Corlys snorts, opening a short smile.

"Not exactly, my prince. The storm will cause most of the same problems to both sides, but it will also take a toll on our biggest weapon. Dragons." The Lord of the Tides explains. Aegon frowns.

"Is it difficult to use dragons during a storm?" The young prince asks, curious. Daemon grunts.

"Absolutely. Specially when it is a very strong one, as Corlys suggest that it is. Strong winds, dark weather, intense rain, lightnings, and other factors make maneuvering and commanding a dragon extremely difficult. We must evade that scenario at all costs." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a frown. Aegon nods slowly and Corlys snorts.

"We fear thar the Triarchy will make the risky move of going for their strongest advance yet during the peak of the storm. A lot of ships. A lot of men shooting scorpions. It will be a attack worthy of nightmares." The Sea Snake proclaims with a serious gaze on his eyes. Daemon smirks.

"If they think that they will not suffer just as much as us, they are insane. There is no way that they can possibly believe that they can land scorpions on our dragons in the middle of a intense storm." The Rogue Prince proclaims, skeptic. Corlys denies with his head.

"My informants told me that the Triarchy spend most of the time since the end of the last war building the most solid ships in all of Essos. They are not gonna be near as easy to defeat as the others that you burned recently. They are hiding their most powerful weapons while we have nothing on our sleeves, Daemon." The Lord of Driftmark explains with a serious tone. Aegon shows his concerns quite quickly.

"Will They be waiting for us to appear? Are they that much confident on their chances against us?" The young prince asks in disbelief. Corlys nods. Daemond grunts and gets up.

"I don't care about what they are planning for. They will achieve anything. There is no storm that is gonna save them from burning. This discussion is finished. I will not eat." The Rogue Prince says, turning around and leaving. He hears the sigh of Corlys from behind and he saying something to Aegon, who quickly follows the Rogue Prince as he gets out of the chamber.

"What are we doing now?" The young prince asks, confused. Daemon grunts, irritated.

"We prepare and we fight. What else we should do, boy?" The Rogue Prince asks with a frown. Aegon snorts, choosing to be in silence.

Daemon walks outside, rain already falling as the grey cluds form, blocking the light of the sun.

The Rogue Prince walks towards the camp of the Velaryon army on the island, arriving to the table where Ser Vaemond Velaryon is discussing with some other commanders that Daemon never cared enough to learn their names.

Upon seeing him, Vaemond moves his hand and the knights around him leave. His eyes met the eyes of the Rogue Prince.

"Any problem, my prince?" The nephew of the Sea Snake asks in a dry tone. Daemon snorts.

"We must prepare the army for the fight. Corlys is losing too much time thinking to take proper action. I know you, Velaryon. You are cautious. You wanted to run like a coward in the past, but that is no longer a option. You want to take action before the Triarchy do, right?" The Rogue Prince asks, serious. Vaemond crosses his arms and smirks.

"You are right about that, Rogue Prince. Fine. I will prepare the army. My uncle agreed with you taking charge?" The knight asks in a neutral tone. Daemon frowns.

"The Sea Snake is not in a position of denying my authority over the armies. Do we have any idea of when the Triarchy will attack?" The Rogue Prince asks. Vaemond frowns, thinking.

"Probably in like a week. We will know exactly when they will attack at least one day or two prior to it." The knight of House Velaryon says. Daemon nods, still frowning.

"We have no time to waste. Make the preparations, Velaryon. We will sink the ashes of our enemies in the sea." The Rogue Prince proclaims, determined. Vaemond smirks.

"Sounds good to me. What are you going to do?" The knight asks, curious. Daemon frowns.

"Aegon and i will fly through the islands under our control, making the plans in a quicker way. As i said, we have no time to waste." The Rogue Prince proclaims and then turns around and leaves towards where he previously landed. Aegon follows him, unsure

"So... are we going to fight in the middle of a storm? That sounds like madness to me, father." The young prince proclaims, concerned. Daemon frowns to him, irritated.

"Are you scared of the storm, boy?" The Rogue Prince asks. Aegon swallows his saliva, looking at his father with a troubled expression.

"I..."

"How can a dragonrider be scared of the storm?"

"I am not scared..."

"I can't hear you, boy!"

"I am not scared of the fucking storm!" The young prince proclaims, taken by his frustration. Daemon snorts.

"That is better. A predator scared of the pray is the most stupid thing imaginable, boy. Remember that." The Rogue Prince proclaims to his son. Aegon looks awag, toughtful.

Daemon grunts and walks to Caraxes as Aegon walks to Sunfyre. The two dragons notice them and get up from the sand and rocks of the coast, getting into position.

The Rogue Prince get on top of his dragon and lock himself.

"Sōvegon! (Fly!)" The Rogue Prince proclaims. Caraxes let out a hissing roar as he extends his large wings.

With powerful swings of his wings, the Bloodwyrm gets on the sky, flying closer and closer to the clouds.

Daemon hears another roar as Sunfyre follows Caraxes easily with his superior speed caused by his smaller size.

Taking a deep breath to calm his mind, Daemon ignores the rain hitting his face and try to just enjoy the wind that he came to love after so many years of flying on Caraxes.

Looking at Sunfyre from the corner of his eye, Daemon questions himself if his eldest son has what the future demands from him.

The boy has no idea of what is to come in the near future.

---

The storm emerged stronger than he could possibly imagine.

Even from inside the keep of Bloodstone, the largest of the keeps that were build by the crown, the wind can still be heard clashing against the windows.

The sea is more violent than ever, the sky is dark even during the day, and the powerful thunders shake the very foundations of everyhing made by the hands of men.

Daemon Targaryen walks in his full armor, holding his helmet on his left arm.

By his side, Aegon is using a similar armor, altough a bit more simple. His expression is full of different emotions and he stays in silence.

Walking behind, a group of guards follow them towards the exit of the castle.

Imediatly upon lefting the protected keep, Daemon feels the intense wind that tries to bring him to the ground and the rain that try to wash his will.

It would never work against him.

Daemon ignores the rain and the wind shaking his cloak as he walks towards The other two armies waiting for him, not that much distant.

In one side, stand the Velaryon army led by Ser Vaemond Velaryon. Mostly men tied to the sea, wearing the colors of House Velaryon. Most of them are men of low birth.

On the other side, stand the Baratheon army led by Lord Borros Baratheon. His army is larger of the three armies. After all, it is not only composed by men sworn to House Baratheon, but also men swort to several Houses that are vassals of the Baratheons. Daemon can see several different banners on that army. The men also look more intimidating. Proper warriors.

Daemon walks towards the leaders of the two armies with Aegon on his side. The boy cover his head with his cloak, trying to protect himself a bit from the wind and the rain. A act that makes Daemon snorts in displeasure. He looks to the Velaryon leader.

"Why are you leading the Velaryon army and not Laenor? Where is he?" The Rogue Prince asks. Vaemond frowns, clearly bitter by the mention of hid cousin.

"He is dealing with some things in Dirftmark. My uncle did not elaborate further." The knight says, being direct and honest. Daemon grunts.

Less one dragon to their side. Marvelous.

He looks at Borros Baratheon.

"Lord Baratheon, is your army and fleet ready? Do you remember the plan?" The Rogue Prince asks, being skeptic about the lord. Borros smirks.

"We are more than ready, my prince. I remember the plan. Divide and conquer. I get it. We will crush the essosi scum under our might, right, my men?!" The Lord proclaims, rising his warhammer. His men rise their weapons and scream in agreement. Daemon snorts placing his helmet on his head.

"Good. Now, it is time to get in the ships. We have a war to fight! For the Iron Throne!" The Rogue Prince proclaims, unsheating and rising Dark Sister. All men do the same and scream with motivation.

In quick sucession, the men move to their respective ships, getting on their right places.

After all of the men are on the ships and they started to prepare to sail, Daemon takes his time to walk towards the dragons.

The coast of rocks and wet sand is a bit difficult to walk through during the rain, but father and son finally arrive to meet Caraxes and Sunfyre.

Daemon gently strokes the scales of Caraxes before looking to Aegon, who is hugging the head of Sunfyre.

"Be careful, boy. Your mother would never overcome your death here. We must win. Got it?" The Rogue Prince asks, being fully serious. Aegon takes a deep breath and nods to his father, accepting his destiny altough Daemon can see his hands shaking.

Without a second tought, the Rogue Prince gets on Caraxes, who let out a hissing roar as he enters the skies in strong swings, throwing water all around.

Sunfyre roars and follows Caraxes from quite close. Daemon smirks when he remembers how much of a thirsty warrior the golden dragon really is.

It might be the salvation of his eldest son.

---

After about a hour of the ships scattering around to cover vital points of the islands nearby, Daemon finally sees what he wanted to see.

A fleet from the Triarchy.

And he can finally contemplate with his own eyes the elaboration of their ships. Their abnormaly large size and the iron parts holding everything together.

They are almost monsters that can rip through the intense waves of the Narrow Sea.

But, these little ships can't compare with a real monster.

Caraxes let out a hissing roar as he dives towards the ships, burning them with his crimson flames.

Daemon has to give them credit. The ships are certainly more resistant.

But that is still not enough against a dragon.

However, as some ships are burning, the others are shooting with all their mighty.

The Rogue Prince had never seen that much projectiles being launched against his dragon.

The distance matters too little as the arrows start landing.

Some arrows pierce Caraxes, irritating the Bloodwyrm. Daemon grunts.

From distance, Caraxes extends his large neck down and breathes a torrent of red flames on the ships.

The loud waves and thunders erase the screams of the enemies being burned alive below.

When all the ships are reduced to piles of ash floating in the sea, Caraxes let out a victorious roar while Daemon smirks, satisfied

Suddenly, something hit Caraxes.

Hard.

Caraxes roars in pain and struggles to recover himself in the air as something hit the side of his body.

The nervosism of Daemons rises when he sees the scorpion that pierced the side of the chest of Caraxes. Hot blood falls from the injury.

Grunting in anger, Daemon pulls his rails and Caraxes follow by instinct.

Now he sees, another ships coming fron different directions. Dozens of them that emerged from blind points.

Caraxes roars and burns more and more ships, but it does not seem to be fast enough.

More scorpions are launched, and as they keep trying, they get closer and closer to hit Caraxes.

The Bloodwyrm rises higher on the sky, stopping his attack to get a safer distance.

And then, Daemon sees a the golden flames of Sunfyre emerging in the middle of the enemy fleet, burning the ships and calling attention, reliefing Daemon and Caraxes.

With a breath of fresh air, Daemon commands Caraxes to descend from the sky once again to burn more ships.

But again, the attacks are too constant to keep attacking and Caraxes is forced to go back to the height of the clouds to recover some stamina.

Sunfyre has a easier time dodging with his smaller size and higher mobility, but there is clearly a lack of fire power that forces him to retreat to the clouds as well.

That strategy won't last for long. Dragons or not, they still have limits.

As much as it hurts his pride, retreating to recover might be the est course of action.

And then, Daemon sees a torrent of flames hitting a ship.

But it is not the golden flames of Sunfyre.

And then, flames of other two colors emerge in different directions, burning more ships.

Grey, red and yellow flames.

Daemon frowns and grunts in anger with the sudden arrival of his "family".

He can deal with that later

Descending from the sky, Caraxes and Sunfyre burns more ships as Daemon can have a clear vision of the newcomers.

Meleys, the Red Queen, dives in high speed and burns three ships with a single stream of fire before the sailers could even think about attacking the female red dragon. And, as quick as she dived, she also came back to a save position high on the sky.

Seasmoke focus his flames on a single ship, burning it from a large distance until there is nothing left but burned wood and red hot iron.

Most surprisingly, Syrax moves around, hitting everything with her yellow flames, trying to burn the most ships she can while flying fast to evade the scorpions.

Ignoring his aggressive emotions, Daemon focus on ending what he started.

And that objective prove to be quite easy to realise.

The Triarchy planned to fight two dragons, but they were crushed by five.

---

After that part of the Stepstones was reduced to nothing more than smoking parts of ships, things settled down.

The storm was getting more mild. Now, it is only a weak rain that is quickly fading away.

Caraxes lands with a grunt of pain in the shores of Bloodstone, actively evading contact of the ground because of his wound.

Daemon get out of his dragon an remove his helmet, shaking his wet golden-silver hair.

The Rogue Prince walks to the chest of his old friend to see the injury. He quickly frowns with what he sees.

The large scorpion is pierced on the side of his chest, but not by much. It might not even left a scar on the dragon on the long term, but it still bother him to see the Bloodwyrm in that condition.

Daemon hears the march of a troop and finaly see the old face of Corlys Velaryon with a few men as his personal guard.

And then, the Rogue Prince looks up when he hears other roar, seeing the other four dragons arriving and starting to land quite close from him.

He moves his gaze down, frowning to Corlys as he walks in his direction.

"Why didn't you tell me about the three of them coming to the battle, Sea Snake?!" The Rogue Prince asks, angry. Corlys frowns to him, standing firmly on his cane.

"I know you, Daemon. If i told that they were coming, you would deny the help because of that incident from the last year. I knew that Triarchy had plans to deal with Caraxes and Sunfyre after observing them for so long, but i aslo knew that they would fail when more dragons appears. Victory is much more important to me than your pride." The Lord of Driftmark explains in a dry tone. Daemon grunts, still irritated.

"I don't want you making pland behind my back, Velaryon. If others are coming to our war, i want to be the firt to know. Do you understand it?" The Rogue Prince proclaims, frustrated.

Before Corlys could answer, the other dragonriders walks towards them after landing their dragons.

Aegon quickly moves to be by the side of his father, trembling a bit under the chill of the rain on his wet body.

And then there was the three surprises.

Rhaenys and Laenor fought with him during the last war, so he is quite used to see them in this kind of situation.

But, a very big surprise to him is the fact that Rhaenyra of all people took a part on it.

His eldest niece did make some effort in the last years to keep her figure slim, and it clearly did not change after she gave birth to her forth son.

The Princess of Dragonstone has a very curvy body and her clothes and light armor are almost tight on her, elevating her figure.

Rhaenyra's golden-silver hair is braided, like Queen Visenya used to do in her youth, as described in books that he used to read to her. Her clothes are also clearly made to more martial women instead of a dress.

When their eyes met, Daemon can see the experience that only age can bring to a person.

His young niece was gone. Now, she is just his soon-to-be enemy. That is something that he has to remember quite often.

Rhaenyra frowns to him.

"Don't let your pride blind you from reason, uncle. We are on the same side here. Lord Corlys wanted a surprise attack to avoid it being discovered by the enemy. Simple as that." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims in a formal tone. Daemon frowns to her.

"I am not fool that would deny valuable support. What angers me is how all of you planned it all behind my back and how you three appear out of nowhere when it is convenient while i spend moons dealing with the Triarchy. What were you doing in the last moons, princess?" The Rogue Prince asks with a bitter tone. Rhaenyra keeps her eyes on his and don't change her serious expression.

"We all have our own duties, uncle. I gave birth to a child less than a year ago. My son needed me and i was there for him. To raise him. Maybe if you were more present in the life of your children, you would understand it." The heiress says with a dry tone of voice. Daemon grunts.

"Don't you dare talk about my skills as a father, girl.I am raising my children, but in my way. I don't want my sons to be a bunch of cunts hiding behind the skirts of their mother, you know? That would be shameful." The Rogue Prince provokes in a angry tone. Rhaenyra frowns with irritation, but before she could answer, Corlys Velaryon hits his cane three times on the ground to call their attention to him. He sighs in frustration.

"Stop fighting like children! We are all in the same side here, as Rhaenyra said. We work together to defeat the Triarchy. We are stronger together and as such we can end this war faster. Can we please make a truce from our personal conflicts to deal with this bastards?!" The Sea Snake asks, irritated. The others stay in silence, observing the otherside.

And finally, Daemon grunts, turning to Corlys with a frown on his face.

"If you are so interested in having them around, then you can. But, i want to go back to King's Landing for a tired. I am sick of that stupid islands. I need to see how things are doing after this moons. I will return in a week or two." The Rogue Prince proclaims before turning his back and walking towards the castle. Laenor snorts.

"Are you running from the war, Rogue Prince? Or are you just that much childish?" The heir of Driftmark asks, serious. Daemon turns his head to him and smirks.

"I will return to finish what i started, but after the events of today, i will let you all deal with the dirty work in my place for a time. After all, i have my own duties, right?" The Rogue Prince asks in a mocking way, provoking Rhaenyra, who frowns at him.

Daemon let's everyone behind in silence as he enters the castle. Aegon follows him with a confused expression.

"What are you planning, father?" The young prince asks, concerned. Daemon snorts in irritation.

"We are leaving a few days after i send a letter to the King. But today, we rest." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Aegon nods and then smirks.

"Can i ask the maids to make a hot bath for me?" The young prince asks with a malicious tone. Daemon frowns to him, still walking.

"As long as they are not a part of that bath." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Aegon sighs in disappointment.

"Why are you always ruining my fun, father? Am i so wicked to want pretty women washing my body? I remember uncle Viserye saying while drunk that you were already going hidden to brothels in my age!" The prince proclaims, frustrated. Daemon stops walking and look at his son with a serious gaze.

"I don't care about how you have your fun, boy. I care about how much it takes a toll on you. You have no limits in regards to what you like. You will eat something you like until you can't anymore. You will drink until you fall on your on puke. And if i allowed you to fuck, you would do it until your dick fell of. I will not let you drag my name in the mudd, boy. You will take your bath alone and go to sleep. Nothing else. Do you understand?" The Rogue Prince asks in a strong tone after his explanation. Aegon looks hurt by his words, but he nods his head in agreement.

After his son walks into a different hallway, Daemon goes to his chamber in search of a much needed peace of mind.

---

Caraxes let out his hissing roar while he descends from the blue sky, crossing the clouds.

Looking down, Daemon can see the full vision of King's Landing under him. It is almost refreshing to see a true city after spending several moons on the Stepstones.

Flying above the Dragonpit, Daemon can see a few familiar faces waiting for them to land. He snorts and guides his dragon towards it.

Caraxes and Sunfyre land together in the are of the Dragonpit, being quickly surrounded by the keepers.

Upon leaving their Dragons to be guided to the insides of the Dragonpit by the keepers, Daemon observes Alicent running towards Aegon, hugging him tightly.

"Oh my child... the gods are good to bring you back to me as a whole! My prayers of every night were heard!" The princess says in a relieved tone, kissing Aegon's forehead and making him look away with a grunt. Yet, he hugs her in the same intense way.

Daemon snorts and walks towards them, looking first at his his three younger children.

"How are you three doing?" He asks in a almost formal way. Aemond snorts.

"Well enough." The one-eyed boy says, uninterested. Daemons snorts and looks at his daughter. Helaena smiles.

"I am doing well. I have been practicing my writing with grandpa. I think i am improving!" The princess says with a gentle smile. Daemon nods.

Sometimes, he wonders if Healena inherited something more from him than just the color or his hair and eyes. She is curious, to say the least.

And then, he looks at Daeron, who giggles at him as he gets closer and waves his wooden sword at him.

"Ser Criston gave me this sword! He told me that i would get a real one when i grow up. How much time it will take?" The boy asks with innocent curiosity. Daemon smirks.

"Time is fast, boy. You will get the real deal in no time." The Rogue Prince proclaims, stroking his head for a second.

Alicent finally left Aegon and walked towards him, her smile becoming a bit more formal.

"I am pleased to see you intact too, my prince." She says in a neutral tone, hiding her short smile. Daemon grunts.

"Your husband returns after several moons and that is all you have to say? Pathetic. Come here." The Rogue Pr8nce says and bow down, holding his wife by the waist with a hand and landing a chaste kiss on her lips, surprising her. Alicent blushes, ashamed and irritated in equal proportions.

"There is a right place and time for everything, husband. Behave." The princess says in a low tone of voice. Daemon smirks and let her go.

And then, Daemon notices the final person there. A curious one.

"Cole. What brought you here?" The Rogue Prince asks. The white knight frowns.

"I sworn my sword to Princess Alicent, so it is only natural for me to go where she goes in public. But, besides that, i also have to tell you that the King really wants to meet with you in private. He wants you to meet him in the throne room as soon as possible." The Lord Commander proclaims. Daemon frowns, but nods in agreement. He looks at his family.

"It is time to go. I really want to take this armor off." The Rogue Prince proclaims and leads his family towards their carriage.

Walking close together, Helaena suddenly sniffs the air and covers her nose with her hand, frowning to Aegon.

"You smell like fish, Egg." The princess says in a honest way. Aegon gets red with shame while the others hold their laugh.

"Don't call me that! I told you dozens of times. I am no Egg!" The young prince proclaims, looking away in frustration. Daemon smirks.

"I told him to not fly so close to the water. A big wave came and he almost swallowed a fish. He deserved that." The Rogue Prince proclaims and the others let out their laughs as Aegon look away, hiding his redish face and his almost smile.

---

Daemon sighs in preparation as he walks inside the throne room.

Viserys is there, not on the throne, but in the middle of the dark chamber, surrounded by candles. He is wearing more simple clothes and his crown is not there. His gaze is a melancholic one.

The Rogue Prince walks towards his brother and bend his knee in front of him, bowing his head. Viserys sighs.

"You are not here as my vassal, Daemon. You are here as my brother, as it should be." The King proclaims in a smooth tone. Daemon frowns and get up, curious.

Viserys takes a deep breath and moves towards some of the candles, moving his hand close to the fire as he looks to the Iron Throne, his back turned towards Daemon.

"Do you remember what were the things that our grandfather used to say?" The older brother asks in a gentle tone and the younger brother frowns.

"Not that much. I was not near as close to him as i was to grandma Alysanne. I remember how much he admired my skills as a sword and how cunning he was. It is a shame what happened to his mind and body in his dying days." The Rogue Prince proclaims, remembering the Old King. Viserys sighs and denies with his head, his eyes still locked at the candles.

"What they say about him is not true. He remained a very wise man and a extremely capable ruler until the day he died." The King proclaims. Daemon frowns.

"He spended most of his last two years of life on his bed. If he was in a healthy condition, what happened?" The Rogue Prince asks, confused. His brother turns to him, sadness on his eyes.

"He lost his will to rule. He lost his will to live. Life was meaningless to him after grandma died. He just wanted things to finally end so he could join her side once again." The King proclaims with a sigh, looking to the candles once again.

Silence reigns for a minutes before Daemon frowns to his brother.

"Why are you telling me this, Viserys?" The Rogue Prince asks, still confused with all of this. Viserys opens a sad smile.

"I am trying to show to you that life is more than gold and power. Family is the most important thing in our lifes. Without them, everything is meaningless." The King proclaims, being direct. Daemon frowns, but says nothing as his brother gets closer and gently lays his hands on Daemon's shoulders.

"I want you to open you heart to our family once again, brother. I know that you are capable of it. Just like you once was..." The King says in a distant tone as he takes something from inside his tunic.

Daemon feels like his soul just left his body upon seeing the object.

It should not happen.

A mere wooden knight should not be able to take such a effect on him.

Viserys smiles as he looks to the toy.

"This toy was carved by Aegon the Conqueror himself, right? He made it to his son Aenys and it passed down our family. Kepa gave it to you. I was so jealous of you at the time because you were so cocky about it." The King says with a sad laugh. Daemon never moves his eyes from the toy.

"I tought i lost it. I searched for it and never was able to find it..." The Rogue Prince proclaims in a low tone of voice. Viserys sighs.

"It was me. I hid it so we would be in the same ground. You were so broken by it. It was your favorite toy for some reason. A reason that i did not know until i found it once again on my old chambers. It was your favorite because it was the only toy that Kepa gave to you, right?" The King asks in a gentle tone.

The silence of the Rogue Prince says a thousand words. Viserys smiles.

"I know how much you loved Kepa. I saw a part of you die with him. I want that part of my brother back, so, in exchange, i am giving you back what belonged to you. I hope that you can find in it a bit of what you lost, brother." The King proclaims, offering the toy to Daemon.

With his hand trembling, thr Rogue Prince slowly takes the toy from his brother.

The mere texture of it reminds him of his childhood.

Reminds him of a time where things were brighter.

"Thank you..." The Rogue Prince says with a distante gaze as he looks to the toy. Viserys smiles, a pair of tears rolling from his eye.

"You are welcome, brother..." The King says, hugging his brother with all of his care.

Daemon still looks at the toy behind the back of his brother, lost in toughts and memories.

---

The Rogue Prince enters his bedchambers, still looking at the toy as he closes the door.

"It took you long enough. I hope that you were not drinking again." He hears his wife saying from their bed. But, he barely reacts to it as he walks to a shelf.

Daemon gently puts the toy on it and stares at it once again, still locked on the past.

"Daemon? What is happening to you?" Alicent asks, worried. Daemon takes a deep breath as he gets out of the trance. He strokes his face.

"Nothing. I was just a bit... lost." The Rogue Prince proclaims, looking to his hands. Alicent snorts, getting up from the bed.

"Well, maybe i can light your way." The princess proclaims in a soft tone, pulling him by the arm.

Daemon looks to his wife and notices a odd thing.

Her clothes.

She is wearing a red silk robe that embrace her figure and gives lots of space to show the skin of her elegant legs and even a bit of a cleavage. A pair of candles is also the only thing iluminating the room.

Daemon smirks a bit.

"Why are you wearing this? I didn't even know that you had that sort of thing." The Rogue Prince asks, curious and provocativd. Alicent smirks back at him.

"I said to you earlier that everything has a time and place. I think that this is the right time and the right place to show to you that i am still taking my marital duties very seriously. Now... enough talk." The princess says, giving her husband a intense kiss.

Daemon can feel his blood boling with her actions. He takes her tongue in a dance with his own tongues and moves his hands through her body, forcing Alicent to resist a moan.

With a sudden movement, Daemon presses her against the wall and ends the kiss for air, still holding her waist firmly with a hand while the other is on her leg. They exchange a aroused gaze as they fight for air.

But, Daemon suddenly creates a frown.

"There is something wrong here. You are never that motivated. What is happening here?" The Rogue Prince asks, serious.

Alicent sighs, her face becoming a sad one.

"I am... scared, Daemon. Of the time. Of how fast it moves. Daeron is getting closer and closer to start his sword training. I am losting my last baby. I feel like i am being less and less meaningful to them. I want..."

"No. I will not give it to you..." Daemon stops her, predicting what she was about to say. He can see the sadness emerging on her eyes.

"But..."

"No excuses. The maester said that any more births could mean your death. You are still meaningful to us. You are still their mother and will always be meaningful to them, even after you die." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a slightly troubled tone by the end. Alicent sighs, looking at her husband on the eyes.

"You say that to me, but you are still taking my children from me to fight your wars. You took Aegon to war and i know that you will soon take Aemond and Daeron too. Every night that i slept alone on this bed, i wondered if i would be a widow with a dead son in the by the time i woke up. How could i not feel that way with the future you choose for our family?" The princess asks, tears rolling from her eyes. Daemon sighs.

"Alicent..."

"Don't deny me from the destiny that i was made for, Daemon... please..." The Princess asks in a gentle tone, stroking his face with her soft hand. He sighs.

"Don't die on me, Alicent..." The Rogue Prince says in a low tone of voice. Alicent opens a melancholic smile as she moves her arms around his neck.

"Iksan daor jāre naejot morghūljagon, jorrāelagon... (I am not going to die, dear...)" The princess says in High Valyrian, kissing his lips with a hunger very different from anything that Daemon ever felt.

The Rogue Prince grabs his wife and falls in their bed with a grunt, kissing her neck as he almost tear apart her robe and she moves her hand beneath his clothes, exploring his chest with her hands.

That night would be different from any other night they ever had together.

---

Chapter Text

---

AEGON II

---

122 AC -

---

Aegon takes a deep breath as he sits on a nearby log, the wind coming from the sea moving his long golden-silver hair around. His eyes are fixed into something.

The Prince observes Sunfyre as the golden dragon eargely feasts on the burnt corpse of a ox.

Holding it down with a claw, Sunfyre tears the flesh with his sharp teeth and break the bones with his powerful jaws.

This vision would make some people ill, but not Aegon.

The prince is always impressed by it.

To the point that he barely notices Lord Celtigar walking towards him, with a pair of guards not very behind.

Lord Celtigar is a man that walks slowly because of his high weight and he is always sweaty and red because of the harsh sun of the Stepstones.

The only feature of the man that makes Aegon remember of his importancy is his purple eyes, showing his valyrian heritage.

The Lord looks at the eatint Sunfyre with some disgust before looking at Aegon.

"Honestly, my prince, i can't understand what makes you so invested in watching... that." The Lord of Claw Isle points to the dragon. Sunfyre grunts and continues to feast. Aegon snorts.

"What i can't understand is how you are not as invested in it as i am, Lord Celtigar. Is there something more interesting than observing a dragon tear a ox like it is nothing? Is there something more interesting than observing the might of the dragon that i raised?" The prince asks in a ironic tone. Lord Celtigar sighs.

"I guess i will never understand your house, my prince. I will never understand how you can treat the deadliest creature in the world like a dog." The Lord proclaims, slightly frustrated. Aegon smirks.

"You would only get it if you were on my place, Lord Celtigar. Are you recovered yet?" The prince asks as he lays his head on his hand, bored. The lord frowns.

"No. Not completely. Breathing is still difficult for me sometimes and my legs hurt constantly. At least, i have regained health enough to talk and walk properly." The lord explains in a neutral tone. Aegon smirks, malicious.

"Maybe you should eat less, my lord. I would be struggling too if i had to carry all that weight around." The yong prince says with a mocking tone. The face of Lord Celtigar gets more red as he gets angry.

"And maybe you should hold your tongue, my prince." The Lord says with a grunt. Aegon laughs.

And then, a messanger walks towards them, making a bow.

"My prince. Lord Celtigar. Lord Corlys Velaryon demanded the presence of both of you in the main hall of the castle. The other lords are reuniting there as well." The man says with a educated tone. And then, Sunfyre grunts, scaring the man.

Aegon look to his dragon and see that there is nothing left of the ox. Only a bunch of ashes and blood on the ground. The prince looks at Lord Celtigar with a smirk.

"He wants more food, my Lord. Maybe you two have something in common, after all." The prince mocks. Lord Celtigar grunts.

"Someone feed the beast!" The Lord of Claw Isle boasts and some servants all around start moving. The large lord walks towards the castle with his guards, irritated.

Aegon smirks once again and looks at the scared messanger, who can't move his eyes alway from the still hungry dragon.

"You should run." The prince says with a malicious intent. The man makes a bow and quickly leaves. Aegon laughs and then walks towards his dragon, giving him a pat on the nose.

"Ipradagon sȳrī, Vēzzy. (Eat well, Sunny.)" The young prince whispers in High Valyrian. Sunfyre growls and his rider leaves towards the castle.

---

Aegon passes through the guards on the door and enters the main hall. Around the large table at the center, he can see several important figures in the war campaign sitted in their respective chairs.

He sees Lord Celtigar, Lord Baratheon, and some minor lords from the Stormlands and even some from the Crownlands.

And, of course, they are here too.

His cousin, Rhaenyra, has a formal expression on her face and is wearing martial clothes to show her intentions. Lady Rhaenys and Prince Laenor sits on each side of the Princess of Dragonstone.

Aegon walks towards to their opposite side, sitting next to his father, who frowns to him, but say nothing.

The young prince looks at the mug in front of him on the table and quickly takes a sip of it. A short smile opens on his face when he tastes the wine. It takes a lot of determination to not drink more of it.

Lord Corlys, who is at the end of the table, gets up using his cane and changes his posture.

"Now that everyone is here, the doors shall be closed for our council to happen." The Lord of Driftmark proclaims with a serious expression. The guards leaves the chamber, closing the large doors behind them.

Lord Corlys takes a deep breath before he starts.

"As all of you know, the Triarchy have the control over the eastern islands that are closer to Tyrosh. They took the keeps we build on them as refuges for their armies and to keep advancing with new troops and ships coming from Tyrosh, Lys, and Myr." The Sea Snake proclaims. Daemon snorts.

"Be more direct, old man. There is no point on saying what we already know. What changed?" The Rogue Prince asks, impatient. Corlys sighs, frowning as he looks to the map of the Stepstones that is in the table.

"As it was told to me by my informant, they decided that uniting their forces in one enormous army was too problematic. Not only we could gather the dragons to burn their fleet, but they also faced problems of leadership. As such, it looks like they will split their approach." The Lord of Driftmark proclaims. Aegon frowns.

"They are splitting? Is that the end of the Triarchy?" The young prince asks, confused. Corlys snorts.

"Not on the slightest, boy. They are only splitting their work. They plan to attack in different directions. We will be attacked from different directions by different fleets." The Lord of the Tides explains. Laenor gets closer to the table, looking at the large map.

"In that scenario, it is easy to assume that we will deal with a Tyroshi fleet, a Myrish fleet, and a Lysene fleet, right?" The prince consort asks, moving black pieces of wood to each of the three Free Cities. Corlys nods.

"That is the most logical. It is also to be expected that the rift in the command severed their planning. As such, each fleet probably have different objectives to achieve." The Lord of Driftmark says, reflecting. Rhaenyra frowns as she reaches the map.

"By common sense, we could expect that the fleets would attack parts of the Stepstones that are closer to their original position, right? So, thr Myrish fleet would attack the north of the Stepstones, the Tyroshi fleet would advance from east to west and the Lysene fleet would attack from the south." The Princess of Dragonstone reflects, moving the three pieces around. Corlys nods in approval, but Daemon smirks as he takes the pieces.

"That is a very basic assumption, princess. They can't attack in any other way without combining their fleets once again. The real question here is their exact objectives with the attack." The Rogue Prince proclaims, moving the pieces on his hand as he looks to the map. Rhaenyra frowns to him.

"The Triarchy wants to get control over the Stepstones. That is what this war is all about. And judging by their common approach of attacking from time to time but never using their full strength in one attack, i think they want to choke us in Bloodstone. Attack by attack, they want to take more and more land until we are basicaly under a siege. And, with luck, they expect to kill a dragon or two." The Princess of Dragonstone says with a confident tone. Daemon frowns and then snorts.

"That is a more decent analysis, but you forgot to explain what this specific attack is about. You only said that they want to choke our options, but never said how they would do it. After all, you can kick a wall as much as you want, but you will only get your fingers broken. Let me show you what i expect from them." The Rogue Prince proclaims, placing one piece in Myr.

"First, the Myrish fleet. They will certainly come from the north. Besides Bloodstone, the biggest island in the Stepstones is Sunstone, which is dangerously close to us and is part of the northern region. As such, their main plan of attack might be to take Sunstone while they still have their whole army and use it to invade other minor islands. They probably expect us to waste time taking back Sunstone, making the taken of the minor islands at the east of Sunstone much easier." Daemon explains, moving the piece towards Sunstone. He places the second piece on Lys.

"Second, the Lysene fleet. They will probably try to build a stronger hold on the islands that Triarchy already controls on the southeast. From the three, they might be the easiest one to deal in regards to power, but the southern islands need to be invaded in order to search for troops, as extensive caves are more common in islands from that region." The Rogue Prince proclaims, moving the piece towards the middle of the southern islands. And then, he lands the final piece in Tyrosh.

"And finally, the Tyroshi. i am more concerned with them than the others. They are the closest to the Stepstones and some islands are too close from Tyrosh to be taken by us for now. They will advance from the east probably to take the center, like Torturer's Deep. There is not much else to do other than destroy their fleet and invade the islands to search and kill them in caves and keeps." Daemon points out, moving the piece towards the eastern islands near the coast of Tyrosh.

Corlys nods once again in appreciation, scratching his beard as he thinks.

"I think that it was a good analysis, but there is one more piece to place in that map." The Lord of Driftmark proclaims, taking a extra piece.

He places it in the eastern coast of Dorne, near the island of Ghaston Grey. Lord Celtigar frowns, concerned.

"We were not informed about any hostile offensives from the dornish, Lord Corlys. They are standing with their neutrality." The Lord proclaims. Rhaenys snorts.

"Don't be attached to their declarations, Lord Celtigar. The dornish are cunning and our greatest rivals. When they see a opportunity to weak or rule, they will make a move against us. It is just a matter of time. We can't turn our back towards them." The Queen Who Never Was proclaims, frowning towards the map. Daemon grunts.

"We don't have time or resources to call for a fight with the dornish. We have no other choice than be cautios with them. For now, we must concentrate into our war with the Triarchy. What are the divisions that you want, Corlys?" The Rogue Prince asks the Sea Snake, who frowns.

"We need three fleets. One to the north, one to the south and one to the east. A bigger fleet to the east and a smaller one to the south, with a mid term to the north." The Lord of Driftmark proclaims. Laenor frowns.

"There is a problem here. We have only five dragons. It would be ideal to at least have two dragons with each fleet. Only one might be risky. What about your second son, Rogue Prince? We could use the help of Vhagar." The prince consort asks, curious. Daemon frowns and snorts, crossing his arms.

"His mother is not willing to send a second son to battle while she is still pregnant. It would make her even more annoying than before. By our agreement, once she gives birth to a healthy child, i will call Aemond to the war." The Rogue Prince explains. Rhaenyra looks at him with a softer expression on her face.

"I heard that her pregnancy is not going very well. I know very well how hard it can be. I can't imagine how destroyed if something happened to one of my boys. I don't wish that to anyone. She is in my prayers." The Princess of Dragonstone says, honest, altough Aegon find it strange. Daemon frowns, ignoring her. Lord Corlys coughs to call the attention of everyone.

"Now, it is time for the division. Anyone has a preference?" The Lord of Driftmark asks. His own wife is the first to break the following silence.

"Someone will need to fight alone. Meleys is fast, but also old and resistant. I can take the Lysene fleet on my own. I think that the Velaryon and Celtigar fleet would be big enough to deal with them." Lady Rhaenys proclaims. Corlys looks to her, worried, but her determined stare makes he nods in agreement, even if reluctant. Rhaenyra fix her posture to speak.

"Me and Laenor will take the norther fleet. Syrax and Seasmoke are not as big as Meleys, but they are just as fast if not more. I could probably protect Sunstone from invasion while Laenor attacks the part of the fleet that goes in another direction. We could use a combination of the minor fleets. Laenor and i are capable enough to command them." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims and her husband nods with a confident smile. And then, Aegon look to his side to see his father with a serious and toughtful expression on his face.

"Aegon and i will take the Tyroshi fleet. We are very used with dealing with the eastern islands and our dragons can certainly deal with their ships and their landed armies attacking from distance. Lord Baratheon, do you want to fight by my side?" The Rogue Prince proclaims, looking at the dark haired lord. The large man, already in armor, smirks.

"You have a very special talent to get into the most chaotic battles imaginable, Rogue Prince. And i love a good bloodshed. I am in." The Lord says, letting out a low laugh as he takes a long sip of his mug.

Lord Corlys nods and smiles, rising his mug and making the others do the same.

"In a few days, we will show them what we are made of! For victory! For the Iron Throne!" The Lord of Driftmark proclaims and all the people around the table cheer out loud.

Without a second tought, Aegon lets his senses be shaken once more by his beloved wine.

He needs some relief before the stress of war hits him one more time.

---

Aegon nervously adjusts his armor as his walks moves towards the docks with a small scout army following right behind him.

They say that enough practice makes you more comfortable with things, but it never worked to him in regards to war.

How could he be relaxed while in war when a single lucky bolt from the Triarchy could mean his end, just like Queen Rhaenys?

He prefers just to swallow this feeling.

The young prince sees all the large ships on the docks of the island and all the men moving around to prepare to war. Food, weapons, and other resources are all getting moved to the insides of the ships.

And, of all the ships around, there is ond that calls his attention the most. A very large ship using a yellow sail with a black stag standing on his hinds legs.

The main Baratheon ship.

And when he gets closer, Aegon can see Lord Baratheon seated on a log, using a cloth to clean his warhammer.

Aegon gets out of his horse and walks towards the Lord of Storm's End with a formal expression.

"Lord Borros. In this daring days, i am relieved to have a man of will like you on our side." The young prince proclaims with a short bow. Lord Borros look at him and smirks.

"No reason to bow to me, prince. I am not your liege." The Lord points out, letting his hammer by his side. Aegon smirks back.

"And i am not your liege either. I am not a ruler and have nothing to inherit. I think that we are on the same ground here. So, call me as you want." The prince proclaims. Borros laughs a bit with a ironic smile in his face.

"As you wish, boy. Are you prepared to kill some bastards from the east?" The Lord asks, quite too excited with the idea. Aegon frowns.

"Why do you like war? I honestly can't see the appeal of putting my life on the line here, only the need to do so." The prince proclaims, honestly. Borros snorts, slightly irritated.

"Boys are born from the cunt of their mothers, but men are born from battle. You will never understand the feeling of slaying a enemy with your might and skill if you only fight on top of your flying lizard, boy." The Lord proclaims with a frown. Aegon smirks, crossing his arms.

"Maybe i should. One day. And when that day comes, will you fight by my side, Lord Borros?" The young prince asks, using a formal tone as a joke. Lord Borros snorts and smirks.

"If you don't run away like a pussy, yes." The Lord proclaims, getting up. Aegon frowns and smirks back.

"You can even call me a drunkard, Baratheon, but i am not a pussy. Or i will have to shove that hammer of yours up your ass to prove it?" The young prince proclaims, moved by his emotions.

Lord Borros frowns to him with a serious expression as he walks in his direction.

Aegon ignores his shaky hands and stand in a proud position, looking at the man in the eyes. Borros grunts.

"Repeat it, boy." The Lord commands with his powerful voice.

With little wisdow, Aegon smirks once again.

"Did is stutter?" The prince asks, building a confidence over his nervosism.

When Lord Baratheon rises his right hand, Aegon is ready to receive a slap on the face that would make him discover the taste of the ground.

And then, he is surprised when Lord Borros land a strong hand on his shoulder and laughs.

"You have some balls, boy! You are certainly one of mine. I like it. Don't disappoint me, little prince." The Lord proclaims with a smirk. Aegon snorts, getting proud.

"Same to you, Lord Borros. Don't die on me." The young prince provokes. Borros laughs once again, rising his hammer.

"A true man can't make that promise boy. There is no better death on this cursed world than dying fighting for something." The Lord of Storm's End says in a honest tone, different from anything prior. Aegon frowns, curious.

"And what do you fight for?" The prince asks. Borros smirks once again.

"I believe in my guts, boy. They never failed me. Right now, my guts tell me to slay this idiots from the east that keep tormenting my fleet. If i can get some fun out of it, better." The Lord proclaims, confident. Aegon nods.

The two of them look up when they hear a roar from the sky. Sunfyre the Golden move in circles in the air, like a vulture. Borros smirks to Aegon.

"Your lizard is waiting for you, boy. The men are almost done with the preparation. It is time to see where things go." The Lord of Storm's End proclaims, holding his hammer firmly. Aegon nods once again.

"I think so. Good luck on the sea, Lord Borros. Try to not to get in the way of my flames." The prince provoked as he leaves the man behind, hearing only his laugh.

Aegon walks towards the are where Sunfyre usually lands, a little more motivated than before.

Sunfyre lands and Aegon smiles to his dragon, stroking his nose with one hand.

"Issa jēda, Vēzzy... (It's time, Sunny...)" The Prince proclaims in the language of his ancestors. Sunfyre snorts and bow his body so Aegon can get up.

After getting in place, Aegon don't even have time to give a command when Sunfyre already gets some steps to start flying, anxious.

As the golden dragon rises in the sky, Aegon can see the other dragons taking flight and also the three separated fleets.

Meleys, the Red Queen, has a stringer tone of red in her scales when compared to Caraxes and is a slightly smaller. She departures to the south with the Velaryon and Celtigar fleet, as planned.

And then, the prince sees Seasmoke and Syrax moving in the air, almost dancing together. They are both bigger than Sunfyre, but not by a large margin. They roar to each other and fly to the north with a fleet of mixed banners.

And finally Caraxes flies closer to Sunfyre, letting out his hissing roar while moving his neck like a snake.

Caraxes flies towards the east without cerimony, and the fleet starts moving in the same direction, led by the large Baratheon ship.

Aegon sighs and Sunfyre roars as they follow the Bloodwyrm.

Aegon feels something falling in his face.

Water.

He noticed before how dark the sky was getting, but the war could not wait for the rain to go away.

Another night of rain, thunders and darkness await for them.

---

Aegon holds his reins firmly as Sunfyre dives in a roar and launches his golden flames in a enemy ship, stopping to move away from the attack of another enemy.

There is much more enemies than any battle that Aegon fought prior. Sunfyre can't even attack constantly because they need to keep dodging the bolts.

It is hard for Aegon to concentrate with the constant movement, the rain falling, the night that came, and all the different screams and other sounds.

Sunfyre is flying near the coast of Torturer's Deep, which the Tyroshi took hold a few hours prior and desperately needs liberation.

But nothing is easy here. The Rogue Prince is flying more to the east, dealing with even more enemies than he is.

And Aegon can't even imagine that.

As more and more ships burn under the flames of Sunfyre, things starts getting less chaotic.

And then, Aegon commits a mistake.

With the island on his vision, he is oblivious to ships hiding near it.

And when a rogue ship appears on his back, he is not ready to deal with the scorpion coming in his direction.

Yet, it seems that the gods were in his favor for once.

Sunfyre notices the attack in the last second and move, only getting hitted on his left leg by a scratch.

A strong scratch that made the golden dragon roars in his wrath and viciously burns the enemy ship.

Aegon grind his teet as he can feel the lack of stability from Sunfyre in his anger.

"Gūrogon iā ōregon hen aōla, Sunfyre! (Take a hold of yourself, Sunfyre!)" The prince screams and Sunfyres manages to calm down a bit after the enemy ship was dealt with.

But, in their distraction, another bolt comes against them.

This one, however, misses on his own.

It crosses the air mere inches above the head of Aegon.

His heart sinks on his chest with the shock.

He almost died. All of a sudden.

From sinked in his chest, his heart starts beating more and more fast.

With trembling hands, Aegon pull the reins and Sunfyre rises to the sky, hidden from the enemy inside the clouds.

Almost desperate, Aegon reaches for a flask that he was caring with him. He struggles for a second, but he manages to open it and take to his mouth.

The taste of the wine makes Aegon gets calmer, numbing his senses for a short period of time.

It takes a lot of will to not drink it all, but he does, closing it and putting it away.

Trying to concentrate in the taste of his vices instead of his fear, Aegon commands Sunfyre to dive back in the battle, hoping that his flask can last until the end.

---

After the destruction of the ships, Sunfyre roars as he burns the armies on the coast and burns the towers of stone where archers and scorpions were being used to attack him.

With a roar of victory, the ships of the Baratheon fleet understands and docks on the island. Hundreds of men get out with shouts of war, calling for the enemy.

More men comes deep from the caves of the island, but it don't last long against the superior numbers of the Westerosi.

Yet, Aegon is confused when the Baratheon army stops at the entrance of a cave where the majority of enemies came from. The prince can see Lord Borros arguing with some of his minor commanders.

Sunfyre roars to announce his arrival as he lands nearby, with the army moving to give some space to the dragon.

Aegon gets out of his dragon and moves towards the cave, the army making a path to him.

When he meets Lord Borros Baratheon, he stops talking to his men and looks at him. Aegon frowns.

"What is happening here? Why are you not advancing, Lord Borros?" The prince asks, confused. Borros grunts as he looks to the entrance of the cave.

"It is a trap. They are waiting for us to enter it so we can be ambushed. We need another plan." The Lord of Storm's End proclaims. Aegon snorts.

"What about we don't welcome them with some warmth?" The prince asks, pointing to his dragon. Sunfyre looks to them, curious. Lord Borros smirks.

"It is worth a try, i guess. Do your job, my prince." The Lord proclaims, moving away from the cave and his army doing the same.

Sunfyre grunts and moves towards the cave, moving his head inside it. Aegon opens a malicious smile.

"Dracarys!" The prince proclaims. After a long breath, Sunfyre launches his powerful fire to the insides of the cave, burning everything in his way.

Aegon can hear several scream from the inside as it goes.

After some minutes, of burning and other minutes to wait it cool down, Aegon turns to Lord Borros.

"I think the work is done. Will you enter it now?" The prince asks, a bit impatient to dealt with it already. Lord Borros snorts.

"Yes. We are already. And you will with us, right, my prince?" The Lord asks with a serious tone. Aegon frowns and is about to refuse when he meets the eyes of the Lord of Storm's End.

It is challenge. He can't refuse.

Aegon sighs.

"I will, my lord. I am not a pussy to run from danger." The prince proclaims, building some false confidence. The men celebrates and Lord Borros smirks.

"Very well. We have no time to lose here." The Lord of Storm's End proclaims, turning to his army to make the preparations.

Aegon and the head of House Baratheon enter together with a fraction of the army walking right behind them.

The cave is still very hot because of the previous fire and some smoke still exists around the place.

Aegon observes the burned corpses and objects all over the place. He has to avoid use his nose to not feel the ungodly smell.

And then, they arrive at a dead end.

A chamber of stone with no exit blocks their way, only iluminated by some torches. They are almost squashed in the small place.

Lord Borros grind his teeth and turns his back, rising his hammer.

"BEHIND!" The Lord exclaims and the men look behind to meet a screaming Tyroshi army coming from entrances that they did not see before because of the angle.

Aegon pulls his sword and swallows his fears once again, holding the weapon with both hands as he is pushed closer

The armies clash and the sound of screams, curses and clashing metal is the only thing that can be heard.

The Tyroshi men are using spears and trying to attack from a safer distance while the Baratheon army press they back with their shields.

Soon, men from both sides start dying, creating more and more chaos because of the lack of space, creating more and more chances to the smaller Tyroshi army.

And then, Aegon feels shivers on the back of his head when he hears scream from other sides.

There is hidden entrances all over the place.

A battle for the exit quickly became a bloodbath for survival.

Aegon hears a scream an a man rushes against him with a axe. He clearly lacks ability as Aegon moves and slashes the armoless chest of the mam with his sword.

The prince ignores the painful scream, the blood that stains his clothes and the guts of the man falling on the ground.

His heart beats faster and faster as the battle continues.

One. Two. Three. Aegon loses the count of how many men he neede to kill on his way to survival.

After a while, he stopped to care. The death of one more man became meaningless to him.

Only surviving was important.

And then, he got used to it. A new feeling came with his fastly beating heart.

But it was not the excitement that the screaming Lord Borros has as he crushed the skull of one more man with his hammer.

He feels anger.

Anger towards the enemy that only cares about killing them.

Anger caused by all the curses and threats of rape and torture that the enemies keeps spitting out in High Valyrian as if he would not be able to understand.

He had absolute no remorse when he crossed his sword through the mouth of one that talked too much.

He just wants they all dead.

As the battles starts to end, Aegon struggles to fight without falling into weapons or dead bodies.

And when Lord Borros crushs the chest of a fallen Tyroshi with his hammer, things finally end.

With a scream, Lord Borros rise his bloody hammer, making the rest of his army cheer as well.

Literal rest of his army

The close to two hundred man that entered the cave were quickly reduced to a few douzen by a much smaller number of Tyroshi.

Seeing how badly things could have ended, Aegon can only look to the dead bodies in contemplation as he takes a tough breath in this sutffy cave.

And then, in his contemplation, he sees a body moving.

A Tyroshi man grabs his spear and look at the close and distracted Lord Borros Baratheon. A man wanting a final laugh.

With his heart beating fast once again, Aegon moves his sword against the man, desperate to do something.

The sword hits the neck of the man in a vertical cut, perfuring his torax and finishing his life in a couple of seconds. His spear fall to the ground before it could do anything.

Lord Borros could only catch a glimpse of the man before seeing Aegon kill the man that was about to attack him.

The remaining Baratheon men cheers the feat of the prince, who is still struggling to get his mind in place.

Lord Borros walks to him, landing arm around his shoulders and letting out a laugh. He then looks at his men.

"The prince here is not a boy anymore! He is a man! Our brother!" The Lord proclaims and the men cheer one more time. Aegon is still shocked to react with anything. Lord Borros smile to him.

"Still lost with everything, huh? We will get you out of here, don't worry." The Lord of Storm's End proclaims and guides Aegon towards the path that they came.

The prince never felt more relieved to see the moon in his life. Or the rain.

Any place would be better than that hellish cave, right now.

Walking towards the beach to heal the wounded survivals and share what happened, Aegon is able to seat on a random log on the sand to recover while Sunfyre looks at him. The prince smirks to his dragon.

"Iksan sȳz. Nyke kivigon. (I am good. I swear.)" The young prince says. The dragon snorts and looks away.

A familiar hissing roar echoes through the sky and everyone looks up to see Caraxes landing on the coast as well. Aegon walks towards him.

Daemon Targaryen get out of his dragon and meets his son with a serious stare.

"What happened here?" The Rogue Prince asks, looking at the state of his son. Covered in dust and sweat, and bleeding a bit in some areas. Aegon snorts.

"Cave. Ambush. We won." The prince says, too tired to explain. Daemon frowns, but Borros walks to him before he can question his son further.

"I think you are too late for the fun, prince Daemon." The Lord of Storm's End proclaim, ironic. Daemon snorts.

"Explain. I heard that you got attacked in a cave." The Rogue Prince demands with a commanding tone. Borros smirks.

"Oh, i will tell you. We invaded a damn cave to hunt down the Tyroshi cowards, we got ambushed and we survived. But that is not the most important thing." The Lord says, walking towards Aegon and landing a arm around his shoulders one more time.

"This young man right here fought like a warrior and even saved my life. We have much to celebrate! Victory is ours!" The Lord of Storm's End proclaims, rising his warhammer. The men rise their weapons again and cheers.

Daemon looks at Aegon with a frown, clearly a bit surprised, but mostly toughtful, something that Aegon is not able to understand well. So, he decides to make a question of his own after Lord Borros leave to talk with some of his men.

"The battle is over? Really?" The young prince asks, hopeful. Daemon grunts.

"Our part is done, but there is a lot to be done with the islands and Essosi to hunt down. We can't take the risk of having enemies hiding in our domains." The Rogue Prince explains. Aegon sighs, seeing that there is more work to be done. His father looks to Sunfyre.

"Sunfyre looks well, besides his shallow leg injury. You should be able to fly in it. Return to Bloodstone. Have some rest." The Rogue Prince proclaims in a neutral tone. Aegon nods, a bit surprised by the suggestion of rest, but he will never question that.

The young prince turn around and walk towards his dragon.

"Aegon." He hear his father calling in a almost distant tone.

The young Targaryen looks back, seeing his father with a unic expression his face. Serious, but with something on his gaze that he can't quite understand.

"Yes?" The young prince asks, curious. Daemon keeps the eye contact, his long golden-silver hair moving with the wind.

"Good job." The Rogue Prince says in a neutral tone, devoted of emotion. Aegon frowns.

He can't remember the last time his father congratulated him for something, and he don't know how to answer such a emotionless statement.

So, he decides to act like he always act in regards to his father.

He smirks, turning around.

"Whatever..." The young prince proclaims, walking towards his dragon.

As Sunfyre takes flight, however, Aegon is still trying to come to terms with all that happened during this day.

He really needs a drink.

---

Lord Borros were not kidding when he talked about "celebration".

Dozens of noble men involved with the war are reunited in the main hall of the castle in Bloodstone, feasting, laughing and talking about their victory.

A rare moment of happiness for the men that has to fight for that bunch of rocks in the Narrow Sea.

Aegon walks towards the main table and, upon seeing him, Lord Borros gets up from his seat and rises his cup.

With a loud whistle from the large man, everyone go silent to hear what he has to say.

"Today was a special day for our cause, but also a special day for me. Most men here are fathers. All of you have seen the birth of a child. Damn, i have four daughters, i know that very well." The Lord says with a smirk and the men around laugh before going silent onxe again.

"But, today i had the chance to see a boy become a man. A man that saved my life today. Cheers for Prince Aegon of House Targaryen!" The Lord proclaims and the men rises the cup as they scream in celebration.

Aegon don't know how to react. He did not expect that sort of thing.

And then, Lord Borros continues after letting his mug on the table.

"There is only one thing left for that celebration. I had to get a sword for that, but whatever." The Lord of Storm's End says, and Aegon finally notices the sword he has on his sheath. The one that he draws out right now.

Aegon looks at his father, who has a composed expression. He only looks down. To the ground

The young prince gets it.

But he can't believe it.

Even then, he falls to a knee, too surprised to say or think much more.

Lord Borros places the blade of his sword on his right shoulder and takes a deep breath.

"In the name of the Warrior, i charge you to be brave. In the name of the Father, i charge you to be just. In the name of the Mother, i charge you to defend the young and innocent. In the name of the Maid, i charge you to protect all women. In the name of the Crone, i charge you to be wise. In the name of the Smith, i charge you to be resilient. In the name of the Stranger, i charge you to be respectful to death. Under the seven, i, Ser Borros Baratheon, bestow the title of a knight to you. Rise, Ser Aegon of House Targaryen." The Lord of Storm's End proclaims and Aegon gets up, still feeling out place. The crowd cheers loudly in celebration once gain. Lord Borros laughs and sheathes his sword before grabbing his mug.

"Now, we drink until tomorrow!" The Lord proclaims with a large smile. Aegon opens a shorter one.

"S-Sounds great. But i need some air first, Lord Borros." The prince says, almost struggling with his words. Lord Baratheon snorts.

"Don't take long boy, or i there will be no wine to you!" The Lord says, laughing as he takes the closes bottle to serve himself.

Aegon quickly moves to a more distant balcony, getting some fresh air and space to think.

Him? A knight? The mere tought sounds laughable to him.

How could a worthless deviant receive something like that?

It just don't fit at all. He is not a knight. He has no chilvary or even the skill to be one.

And yet, he is a knight now.

The prince sighs, slowly calming himself from the upcoming headache. That can come later, for other reasons.

"You had a very exhausting day, didn't you?" A sweet feminine voice ask from behind him. Aegon turns around to see the last person that he imagined that would talk to him.

Wearing a long black dress, Rhaenyra walks towards him with a soft expression on her face. She moves gracefully to be by his side, looking to the stars above with a gentle smile. Aegon swallos his spit.

"What brings you here, cousin?" The prince asks, concerned with her presence. Rhaenyra sighs.

"I just wanted to see how you are after everything that happened. I heard about it. I can't imagine how confused you probably feel." The princess declares with her tender voice. Aegon is now even more concerned.

"What makes you think that i am confused?" The prince asks in a dry tone. Rhaenyra smiles to him. A sad smile.

"I know you since your birth, Aegon. You always had the same expression when you were confused in a place. I saw that once again just now and i had to talk to you." The princess says, looking very honest to him. Even then, Aegon hesitates.

"You should keep yourself distant from me, cousin. Our families don't have the best of relations." The prince says in a ironic tone. Rhaenyra sighs, sad.

She moves her hand to hold Aegon's hane with a gentle care that only a mother have.

"I am well aware. I just want to remind you that there is people that care about you. People that you can trust with how you feel." The princess says in her gentle tone. Aegon smirks.

"Like you?" The prince asks, ironic. Rhaenyra sighs and denies with his head.

"No. I mean your mother. I know how much she cares about you. I saw that on her eyes on the day you were born." The princess proclaims, stroking his hand with her thumb. Aegon frowns.

"But the competition came and it will get worse soon." The prince says with a bitter tone. Rhaenyra sighs once again, looking at him with compassionate eyes.

"You are wrong, Aegon. The love a mother for a child never changes. She still loves you the same way that she ever did. And that is never going to change. Remember that." The princess of Dragonstone proclaims. Aegon snorts, skeptic.

Rhaenyra moves her hands to his face, taking him by surprise once again. She holds his face with tenderness. Her hands are very soft. She smiles to him.

"You should open your heart to your family, Aegon. They are everything that matters, in the end." The princess proclaims in a soft tone, close to him.

Aegon has to resist the urge to look at her generous cleavage by looking away.

Rhaenyra laughs a bit.

Aegon feels his face get warmer with shame.

"Well, i think you should control your urges better. They will make you commit mistakes that you might regret on the future. You get it?" The princess asks in a whisper. Aegon nods, hesitating to look back at her. She smiles to him.

"Congratulations in becoming a knight, Aegon. Tell Alicent that i send my prayers to her and her child from a mother to another." The princess says in a kind tone. Aegon can only nod.

And then, Rhaenyra smiles once again and takes her hands off.

"Have a good night, cousin." She says in a more formal tone, leaving the balcony.

Aegon sighs and look to the moon in the sky for a second before walking towards the main hall once again.

He don't want to think tonight.

He don't want to feel anything more tonight

He really wants a whole bottle of good wine to make him forget everything.

A hour of happiness for his troubled mind.

---

Chapter Text

---

ALICENT VII

---

122 AC -

---

Poking the corner of her nails until it bleeds is a common action for Alicent when she is nervous about something.

And today is not a exception.

Her husband and her son have been in the Stepstones for several moons, with little to no interaction.

And she knew by the reports that her father received that the conflict was getting more and more intense.

Each rare letter that she received from them almost made her heart jump out of her mouth as the fear of reading that something terrible happened crawled insinde her mind.

Each time that the letters mentiones a injury, she lost a night of sleep. How was she not supposed to? She knows very well how a injury could easily kill someone if not healed properly.

Did not help that all of the letters were written by her husband, a man that is as proud as a man can be. He would never assume that something serious happened under his watch. Not to himself. And not to his own son.

And that caused all the stress that Alicent feels right now.

She stops poking the corner of her nails when Helaena lays her hand on her hands, holding them gently.

Alicent looks to her daughter with a kind smile.

"Thanks, sweetheart. I am very worried right now and i could use a helping hand." The princess says with a short laugh, firmly holding the hand of her daughter. Helaena smiles to her, but says nothing.

In front of Alicent, King Viserys laughs a bit, relaxing on his sest on the carriage.

"There is no need to be worried about them, Alicent. I already told you that. They are strong, dragonriders, and are winning the war. There is nothing to worry about." The King says in a gentle tone. Alicent sighs and opens a sad smile.

"I know, your grace, but i am not worried for their lives. I am worried about what might have changed in them." The princess points out. On a corner of the carriage, Aemond frowns to her.

"You fear that Aegon might end up like me?" The prince asks, bitter.

The silence that follows is uncomfortable.

Alicent sighs, looking at her second son with a sad gaze. She extends her arm to touch his hand in a act of comfort.

"It hurts me to see my children suffering. I don't want this kind of situation repeating ever again. But, if it happens, my heart won't change. It does not matter what changes, i will always love all of you, and i know you know that, Aemond." The princess says with a gentles smile. Aemond snorts, looking away towards the window. Helaena looks at her mother with a curious gaze.

"Then, what are you worried about?" The young princess asks, confused. Alicent looks at her with a sad frown.

"I am worried about how war might have changed Aegon. I have heard several stories about how war changes a man. The violence, death and poor conditions can change the perception that someone have of the world. I am worried that it might be negative for Aegon." The brown haired princess explains in a almost distant tone. Helaena nods, looking down as she keeps thinking. Viserys opens a sad smile to Alicent.

"Well, i don't have experience with war. I was never a dedicated knight, a skillful commander, and my dear Balerion was on the end of his life when i claimed him. But i could see how it changed Daemon..." The King says, losing himself in memories. Alicent looks at him, intrigued.

"What happened to him, your grace?" The princess asks. Viserys sighs, and look at her with a frown.

"Pride. He gained much more pride. And with the pride, came the confidence. He became the blunt man than we know now today. Or at least i tought that he changed, but, in reality, he never truly changed. Behind his arrogance, i could still see my lost younger brother searching for a purpose in life, hiding his fears under a wall." The King says in a distant tone. Alicent nods, absorbing the information and building questions.

"Lost? What do you mean with lost, your grace?" The princess asks, curious once again. Viserys sighs.

"I don't think i can explain it to you, Alicent. That is something that only Daemon can properly explain. I just want to point out here that it does not matter how much war takes a toll on someone, it will never take away the essence of a person. At the end of the day, Daemon went to war as Daemon and came back still Daemon. So, don't worry that much about your son, Alicent. Even on the worst of the scenarios, on his heart he will still be the same son that you always had." The King proclaims with a comforting smile. Alicent smiles to him in appreciation.

"I am very grateful for your words, your grace. They mean a lot to me. Thank you." The princess says in a honest and soft tone. Viserys smiles before letting out a sigh and resting better on his place. He looks through the window with a sad expression. Alicent knows him well enough to understand what he is thinking.

"Do you miss Baela and Rhaena, your grace?" The princess asks in a gentle tone.

The twin daughters of the king left days ago to travel to Driftmark, to stay with their mother's family for a time. And it is quite visible how much it takes a toll on him.

The king sighs once again and nods.

"Every minute of every hour. My three daughters are everything that i have from the two queens that i lost. Two women that i came to love. And when they are away from me, i have nothing. I am alone with my duties and with the silence that makes me reflex on everything that i lost." The king says in a sad and deep tone. Alicent looks at him with compassion.

"I am sorry if i touched in a sensitive topic, your grace." The princess says, being fully honest. Viserys opens a short smile towards her.

"Don't be sorry for that, Alicent. While it is sensitive, it is still very important to me. My daughters are my reason to live. I do everything for them. I think that is what being a father means." The king proclaims, passionate. Alicent lays her back on the carriage and smiles to the King.

"I make your words mine, your grace." She says in a determined tone. Viserys smiles, satisfied.

Alicent relax for a bit and she feels her insides moving for a second. A tender smile emerges in her face as she gently moves her hand over her enlarged belly.

The connection that she always felt with her children while they were in her womb is the most special feeling she ever had.

Sometimes, she wonders if her children can still feel even a bit of that deep connection.

Viserys smiles upon seeing her stroke her belly.

"It is almost time, right? Have you and Daemon decided a name for the child yet?" The King asks, curious. Alicent smiles, satisfied to talk about something that makes her happy.

"Not yet, your grace. I want my husband to name our last child. I hope that he can stay long enough to do so..." The princess declares, still looking at her belly. Viserys nods, keeping a tender smile.

"I ordered him to come back to do so, after all. That is what you wanted me to do for you, right?" The King asks. Alicent sighs.

"Yes, your grace. But i am not a fool. I understand the circumstances. If the war emerges once again before the child is born, he is certainly leaving before our child is born." The princess says in a bitter tone. Viserys looks at her with a confident expression.

"That is extremely unlikely to happen. I can assure you of that." The King proclaims, serious. Alicent sighs once again.

"I fear that destiny is not on your hands, your grace. And the unlikely is certainly not the impossible." The princess says in a distant sad tone. The silence reigns once again as she looks through the window, her mind sinking in toughts.

And then, they hear roars coming from above.

Alicent looks through the window and sees the two dragons circulating the Dragonpit in the air like vultures.

Caraxes and Sunfyre.

They arrived.

For the first time in several days, Alicent feels her heart getting warm once again.

"They are here..." She says more to herself than anything else. Viserys laughs.

"I never had any doubts about it." The King proclaims with satisfaction.

The dragons dive to land in the open part of the Dragonpit.

The last part of the travel was almost a torture to the anxious heart of Alicent Hightower.

But, it ended. And when the carriage was open, Alicent was quick to get out of it, walking in a quick pace towards the area where dragons usually lands.

And there they were.

Alicent can't control her smile or her tearful eyes when she sees her son and her husband dismounting from the dragons.

Without a second tought, Alicent basicaly runs to her eldest son, taking him by surprise with a tight hug.

"Oh my son... you have no idea how much i prayed for you... i am so relieved..." The princess whispers, letting her tears flow as she hugs her son.

She feels Aegon slowly moves a hand to her back. His slow reaction to understand affection always broke her heart.

"I am doing well, mother..." The young prince says in a neutral soft tone. Alicent sniffs and move to hold his face in front of her. She tries to see if he had any remarkable damage, but she was relieved once again when she find no relevant damage. She smiles to him as she looks in his eyes.

"The gods are too good for your mother, my son." The Princess says, kissing the forehead of her son. Aegon grunts in displeasure and Alicent laughs.

And then, she moves towards her husband.

Daemon Targaryen has a serious expression on his face until he looks at her. She feels relaxed when his mouth opens and his iconic smirk emerges.

"Looks like someone missed me a lot too, huh?" The Rogue Prince provokes. Alicent snorts.

"On your dreams, Targaryen." The princess says with a small smirk of her own before hugging him, taking her husband by surprise.

"I am glad to see you again..." The princess whispers with her head still on his chest. Daemon snorts, patting her back.

"And i am glad to be alive." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a arrogant smile. Alicent hit his side with a slap and laughs a bit.

When she ends the hug and take a step back, Daemon moves his eyes to her belly. By instinct, she moves her hands to it.

Daemon slowly moves his hand to her belly, keeping it in the same place. Feeling it.

"How is our child?" The Rogue Prince asks, still looking at her belly. Alicent smiles slightly, also looking at it.

"Going well. Kicks and moves often enough, but is kind enough to let muna sleep during the night." The princess says with a joyful laugh. Daemon snorts and take his hand away.

Alicent looks back at Aegon to see him walking towards Aemond with a cocky smile.

"Can you guess what i achieved in the war, shorty?" The eldest son asks. The boy with the eyepatch frownz with the nickname and grunts.

"Did you stop being the dishonor of our family?" The second son asks in a irritated tone.

Aegon seemly did not care about what he said, keeping his arrogant smile on the same way as he walks closer to Aemond.

"I was knighted by Lord Borros Baratheon!" The prince proclaims, confident. Viserys laughs, landing a arm around the shoulders of Aegon.

"Great job, boy! Even for a prince is hard to get recognition of a Lord to make you a knight!" The King proclaims, patting his back and making Aegon even more arrogant as he looks to his younger brother. Aemond grunts.

"I don't care. Being a knight don't make you more skilled than me. Now, get out of my way, i want to see Vhagar." The second says, walking pass Aegon, going towards the Dragonpit.

Alicent sighs with the actions of Aemond before going towards Aegon with a smile.

"Congratulations, dear. You must feel very accomplished with that title." The princess says in a kind tone. Aegon smirks, still observing Aemond moving away from them and going towards the caves.

"Kinda..." The prince proclaims before looking towards Helaena who approaches them with a gentle smile on her face.

"Congratulations, Egg." The princess says in a kind tone. Aegon grunts.

"Don't call me that, bug lady." The eldest son says with a frown, moving towards the carriages. Helaena looks down with a sad expression.

Alicent smiles with compassion towards her daughter, laying a arm around Helaena's back to comfort her.

"Don't care about him, sweetie. He is just angry to be compared to a egg. Why do you keep calling him that?" The older princess asks. Helaena frowns, thinking.

"I don't know... it is just natural to me, i guess. I always called him that. Calling him something else is wierd." The princess says with honesty. Alicent laughs a bit with it.

"I guess it makes sense. You started calling him Egg since you were a babe learning how to talk. And Aegon was always angry at it." The mother says and laughs with her daughter.

Alicent looks in anothet direction and see Daemon walking towards the carriages, where Viserys is next to it. The two brothers meet eyes in a serious and intene gaze.

"Your grace." Daemon says in a neutral tone, making a short bow. Viserys sighs.

"You don't need to bow to me, brother. I suppose that everything went well with you in the Stepstones, right?" The King asks, less formal. Daemon nods.

"Mostly. More difficulties than i first imagined, but i dealt with them." The Rogue Prince proclaims in a dry tone. Viserys slowly nods as Daemon walks towards the entrance of the carriages.

"I am proud of you, brother." The King proclaims, looking at his back. Alicent see Daemon stop on his way and then nod to the King before entering the carriage.

Alicent sighs as she takes Helaena by the hand and enter the carriage. She sits with her near Daemon and Aegon. Her husband looks at her.

"Where is Daeron?" He asks, curious. Alicent sighs, stroking her forehead.

"He refused to stop playing with his wooden sword in the garden and was about to start crying. So, i let him stay in the Red Keep under the care of maids." The princess explains. Daemon smirks.

"You are too soft with our children, wife." The Rogue Prince mocks. Alicent snorts.

"Sadly, i have to agree with you." The princess proclaims as Aemond returns from his quick meeting with his dragon.

In a minute, the carriage started the way back to the Red Keep.

---

Alicent grunts as she struggles to seat in a chair on her chambers, sighing in relief when she finally manages to do it and slowly stroking her belly as act to comfort herself and her baby.

She looks away, seeing her husband returning from a bath. His long golden-silver hair is still wet and he is using a loose white tunic with a opening in the chest. Daemon smirks to her as he walks to their wardrobe, searching for some clothes.

"If that is worth anything to you, just remember that this is the last one." The Rogue mocks as he wears his typical dark red clothes. Alicent sighs.

"I don't know if that is good. Pregnancy might be horrible in several ways, but every single second was worth it if i can hold a health child in my arms." The princess says, resting her back on the chair as she opens a short smile, looking at her belly with the eternal warmth that she feels in her heart upon looking at it.

Daemon snorts as he finish getting dressed. He walks towards Alicent in a slow pace. She follows each step that he makes with her eyes, slightly curious. Her husband smirks, looking at her belly.

"Indeed. Aemma used to say that childbirth was the war of a woman. Maybe there is some truth to it..." The Rogue Prince says, slowly descending on his knees, touching Alicent's belly, to her surprise. He slowly moves his hands around her enlarged stomach, toughtful. And then, he looks up to her with a smirk.

"Then, maybe i am lucky to have such a victorious woman at my service." Daemon says in a hoarse voice. Alicent sends a shiver moves through her entire body, but she ignores it to close her eyes and smile.

"That is a blessing, Daemon. The mother blessed me with the gift of motherhood." The princess proclaims, confident in her words. Daemon snorts, getting up.

"As i was saying before, you should find relief that your birthing years are coming to a end. Your womb will start to dry before this one grows up." The Rogue Prince proclaims, nodding at her belly. Alicent hugs it in a defensive way for a second before sighing.

"I guess that i will have to be satisfied with the idea of becoming a grandmother in some years..." The Princess wonders, relaxing on her chair once more. Daemon frowns, fixing his posture as he looks to his wife. His serious gaze worries Alicent.

"That remembers me that we need to talk." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Alicent frowns.

"Talk about what, exactly?"

"Marriage. Marriages for our children."

Alicent's eyes went wide with that. She frowns, uncomfortable under the gaze of her husband.

"For Aegon? He is still only 15. We should wait a bit more." The Princess proclaims, defensive. Daemon snorts.

"Plans for marriages need to be done way before it happens. You see him as just 15. I see him as already 15." The Rogue Prince explains in a dry tone.

Alicent wants to say something, but the words are stuck on her throat. In the end, she sighs.

"And what kind of marriages you have in mind to him? I heard that Lord Borros have four daughters and he seems to have taken a like for Aegon." The princess points out, trying to keep a serious expression as she thinks in possibilities. Daemon snorts.

"Unecessary." The Rogue Prince says in a breath. Alicent raises a eyebrow to him.

"What do you mean with that?" The princess asks, confused. Daemon frowns to her.

"Aegon did not just win the favor of the man, he saved his life in battle. I know the kind of man that Borros Baratheon is. He is a warrior that lives for the code of a warrior. I could see it in his face. A mere knighthood means nothing than a immediate gift of gratitude. A favor in battle can only be paid with a favor in battle. He will support us. Marriage or not." The Rogue Prince proclaims, certain. Alicent frowns, toughtful.

"Borros has no sons. His eldest daughter is his current heir. If we married Aemond to her, he could become her consort and their children would inherit the titles. It might satisfy his ambitious nature." The princess proclaims. Daemon smirks, seating on the bed.

"That is a terrible idea. A second son riding the biggest dragon in the world and a whole kingdom on his hand. A second son that is thirsty for power. Thirsty for glory." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Alicent frowns to him, slightly irritated.

"That is unfair. Aemond might be problematic on his own way, but he is very dutiful. Bad relationship or not, i can't imagine him stabbing the back of his own brother." The princess proclaims with confidence. Daemon snorts, his expression changing to a distant one for a second before he smirks, opening his arms.

"What am i, Alicent? What are we planning here? What makes Aemond any different from me?" The Rogue Prince asks in a ironic but dry tone. Alicent closes her mouth, losing her words.

Daemon seemly takes the silence as acceptance. He snorts.

"Let's say that he stay dutiful until the end. What about his children? Their father was a powerful dragonrider, why woul they not be dragonriders as well. Velaryons riding dragons are bad enough. I don't want to share our biggest assets anymore. That is why i will not marry Aemond to a heiress. If i marry him to a daughter of Borros, it would be either the third or forth one. Aemond can have his glories in battle. And that is it." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Alicent sighs as she lays her back on her chair, stressed. Daemon continues.

"And, on the same note, i will not commit the same mistake that my grandfather did. Not marring Rhaenys to Viserys was a terrible mistake. When he accepted the request of Rhaenys to marry Corlys, he gave dragons to House Velaryon. But, i will fix it. Once everything is over, there will be only Targaryen dragons in the sky. As it should be. And i will be sure to not make the same mistake as he did." The Rogue Prince proclaims, determined as he meets eyes with his wife.

Alicent feels a chill under his intense gaze.

And then, she understands what he means and look at him in shock before frowning.

"You want to marry Helaena inside our family, right?" The princess asks, once again skeptic. Daemon snorts.

"That is the only real option here, Alicent. She rides a dragon. I can't let she be another Rhaenys. As a royal princess and a dragonrider, she is the best mate for a future queen that Aegon could possibly have." The Rogue Prince proclaims in a serious tone. Alicent swallows her saliva and looks away.

"They are not compatible, Daemon. Aegon is a boy of desires and sharp tongue, to say the least. Helaena is a shy and kind girl. It is like the sun and the moon. I don't think that it can work." The princess says, showing her worries. Daemon sighs, his expression getting more mild.

"Otto talked about it with you before, right?" The Rogue Prince asks in a neutral tone.

Alicent nods.

Daemon snorts, getting up from the bed.

"Let's make a deal here. I will end this war as soon as possible and then i will elaborate a plan to make Aegon and Helaena spend the most time together as possible. They will have that period of time to deal with each other and accept the situation. Is that good enough for you?" The Rogue Prince asks. Alicent frowns to him.

"Where is the catch?"

"Catch?"

"I know you, Daemon. That proposal is too mild to be a proposal of yours. What do you want?"

Daemon smirks.

"You are right on that one, i guess. To end this war quicker, i need more power." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Alicent quickly understands the meaning behind his words and frowns with anger.

"Our babe is still inside my womb and you already want to take another son from me, Daemon?! Aemond is just a boy of 12!" The princess proclaims in her wrath. Daemon grunts, getting irritated with her as well.

"He is a boy that rides fucking Vhagar, Alicent! He is not a ordinary boy. If Vhagar can't make hin safe, nothing will! Not a castle and certainly not you!" The Rogue Prince proclaims, furious.

Alicent moves a hand to her mouth as she holds her tears and fails. Daemon loses most of his anger, observing her in almost neutrality.

After a minute of sobbing in the silence, Alicent wipe her tears and looks at her husband with almost desperate eyes.

"Please... promise to me that Aemond will not fight in the field like Aegon did. Please..." The Princess demands, sad and just a bit hopeful. Daemon slowly nods.

"I promise." The Rogue Prince proclaims. That two words seems enough to make Alicent relax for a bit, letting her recover herself. And then, she looks at him with more composure.

"When will you depart to war again?"

Daemon smirks.

"Sometime after you give birth. I will give you that benefit."

Alicent snorts with his typical arrogance.

"When do you want to marry Aegon and Helaena?"

Daemon frowns.

"When she turns 16 in 3 years. I want to evade the Aemma situation. She needs to mature more."

Alicent nods.

"I agree. What about Daeron?"

"What about him?"

"He is turning 8 this year. Do you have any plans for him?"

Daemon frowns once again.

"No, to be honest. What about you?"

Alicent sighs, a bit sad.

"He is close to my brother Gwayne and really wants to visit Oldtown. I think i could let him be a squire for Gwayne or even my cousin on Oldtown. It might make our connection with the Reach a bit stronger and he will be safe."

Daemon nods in agreement, but frowns.

"You don't look much sad with the departure of our youngest son."

Alicent sighs, frowning in her sadness.

"At least he is not going to war. I will be able to sleep well knowing that he is safe under my family." The princess says before she grunts as she gets up, holding her belly. Daemon frowns to her, curious.

"Where are you going?" The Rogue Prince asks. Alicent snorts, firming her feet on the floor.

"I will go for a walk on the royal garden. I need some time to relax from the stress of this conversation." The princess says, walking towards the door.

Daemon don't observe her leaving their chambers.

He is looking at the window and going deep on his own head.

He says and does nothing as she leaves.

And as the door closes behind her Alicent can't deny her disappointment with that.

---

Alicent takes a much needed of fresh air as she walks through the garden of the Red Keep.

The sounds of birds and the beautiful flowers all around can make herself almost light. Free of the daily stress of court life.

And then, when she takes a turn, she sees someone seated on a bench, looking at something in her hands.

Helaena is too distracted to even notice her mother getting closer to her. Alicent looks at her daughter with a curious expression.

"What are you looking at, dear?" The mother asks with a gentle tone. Helaena looks up and opens a short smile.

"I was observing this butterfly here. It is so colorful!" The young princess proclaims, extending her hand to her mother.

Alicent looks at the insect on the finger of her daughter for a second before it flys away. Helaena follows it with her eyes and her mother sighs.

She moves to seat by the side of her daughter and Helaena helps her mother to do so. Alicent looks at her with a smile.

"Thanks, dear. It is hard to move with that little one here." The older princess says, stroking her enlarged stomach. Helaena looks at it with a curious expression.

"It hurts?" The young princess asks with a soft voice. Alicent sighs.

"Sometimes. It depends if the babe wants to kick and move around or not." The mother explains. Helaena nods.

The young princess say nothing as she extends her hand to touch the belly of her mother, slowly stroking it as she keeps a toughtful gaze on her eyes.

"Why did you have five, then? I can't understand why would you want to go through it five times." The princess asks in a straight tone, being honest. Alicent opens a short smile to her daughter.

"What is the pain of a pregnancy compared to the joy of holding a child that you love in your arms?" The older princess asks, rhetorically. Helaena frowns, confused.

"Are you not scared of dying in childbed? I heard several stories about it through the handmaids. It seems that you are playing with your luck here." The young princess point out, concerned. Alicent sighs.

"I am not scared of dying in childbed because i am a woman of faith, dear. The Mother never abandoned me in this daring times, and i believe with all my heart tha she is not abandoning me in this one either." The brown haired princess proclaims with confidence. Helaena seems unsure.

"I... i can't see myself in your position, muna. To be honest, it scares me. A lot." The young princess says in a low tone of voice, movin her hand away from her mother's belly. Alicent holds her daughters hand with her own and opens a short smile.

"You don't need to be scared, my love. I was on the same situation before i had Aegon. And then, i had him and everything vanished. All the fear turns into dust when compared with the love that a mother feels for a child. Motherhood is a blessing that the gods bestowed on us. If you let your heart open to it, i assure you that you are not going to regret it. It is just a matter of finding the right time. Do you understand it?" The mother asks with a gentle tone. Helaena slowly nods, deep on her toughts.

"I think so..." The princess says in a distant tone. Alicent smiles to her and move her hand to her daughter's face, gently stroking it.

"You will be a great mother one day, dear. I am sure of it." The mother says with honesty. The daughter smiles, relaxing under her touch.

And then, Alicent retreats her hand and frowns as she feels something.

She feels pain.

Alicent holds her belly and keeps a scream of pain stuck on her throat.

In her suffering, she can barely register the desperate screams for help of Helaena.

In that moment, Alicent can only resist and pray for the Mother in almost silent whispers.

"Not today... not today..."

---

Everything afterwards was a blur.

Alicent remembers being moved to the insides of the Red Keep, but no faces come to mind.

Soon, she was on a bed, her nails carving on the mattress as she screams in pain to push.

She can barely register the person using a cloth to clean her sweaty and tearful face.

Helaena and her kind soul. Despite being very scared, she never left her side. She never stopped holding her hand, and she never stopped taking care of her.

Alicent would say something to her, if she could.

But right now, her world is pain.

"One more time, princess!" The Grand Maester calls, elevating his voice to be heard between her screams.

Alicent grinds her teeth as she pushes, achieving almost nothing once again.

And then, the door opens and several people come in. She can only recognize one face right now. A man that walks to her with a serious expression on her face.

"Hear me, Alicent. It is not your day and you know that. Now, less screaming and more pushing!" The Rogue Prince, her husband, proclaims in a determined voice.

Alicent takes a deep breath and pushes.

"Once more!" The Grand Maester demands.

Alicent cries, losing more and more of her strength.

And then, she feels Helaena grabbing her hand more tightly.

In the corner of her eyes, Alicent sees the expression of her daughter.

Worried. Scared. Desperate.

The tearful purple eyes of her daughter change something on Alicent. And then, a phrase shakes her soul.

"Don't leave us, muna..." Helaena says in a sad whisper, tears rolling in her redish face as she kisses the hand of her mother.

Alicent grinds her teeth once more.

She can't leave her children behind.

Not now.

And not tomorrow.

Alicent screams and push with the rest of her strength.

And as her scream vanishes in her breath, the loud scream of a newborn fills the room.

Alicent lays on the bed, looking at the ceiling with her blurred visions. She cries and try not to faint.

"Close your eyes now, and you might never open them. Close them, and you might never look at our child." She hears Daemon saying in a serious tone.

Alicent feels Helaena hugging her very tightly, crying with her.

"Gods be good... gods be good..." Alicent whispers to herself between her tears. She kisses the forehead of her daughter and hugs her more tightly than she ever did.

And then, she sees Grand Maester Mellos walking towards her with a crying babe on his arms, wrapped in cloths after he was clean.

"Congratulations, my princess. It is a healthy boy." The old man says, extending the child to the mother.

Alicent desperately take her son on her arms. She looks at his pinky skin of a newborn, the few golden-silver hairs on his head and, when he opens his eyes for a second she can see the purple of his father's family. Alicent smiles, hugging him.

"Oh my love... i was waiting for you for a long time... thank you for coming..." The princess whispers kissing her son from head to toe. Helaena observes with a curious gaze.

"Muna... can i?" The young princess asks in a shy tone. Alicent smiles to her daughter and carefully gives the babe to her.

Helaena struggles a bit to hold him properly, but she eventualy does. And when she looks at him, she smiles.

"He is so small... so cute..." the sister says as she holds her little brother closer to her. She laughs when the tiny hand of the babe touch her nose. Alicent feels her heart getting warmer as she looks at the scene.

And then, she looks at her husband, who is seemly satisfied.

"One more child of clear valyrian blood for House Targaryen, huh?" The Rogue Prince says with a smirk. Alicent makes a weak laugh, frowning a bit to seat, still in some pain. She smiles to Daemon.

"Did i complete my duties well, husband?" She asks in mocking tone. Daemon smirks.

"You did. Your certainly did." The Rogue Prince says in a honest tone. Alicent relax as she recovers, looking around.

"I tought that your grace would be here like he was in the previous ones. What happened?" The princess asks, curious. Grand Maester Mellos looks at her.

"Your grace, King Viserys, was not feeling well today. He was struggling for air, but he is recovering well. He is sleeping right now." The old man explains. Alicent nods, quite worried.

Alicent smiles as Helaena gives the babe back to his mother. She gently holds him in her arms. His tiny hand wrapping around one of her fingers by instinct. And then, she looks at her husband.

"Well, what should we name this light of our lives?" The princess asks him.

And then, she is surprided by his wides getting wide and his expression becoming one of shock.

"What is the problem, Daemon?" The princess asks worried. Helaena also looks worried towards her father.

The Rogue Prince calms down, swallowing his saliva before sighing.

"Light of our lives... i don't hear that expression since..." He starts to say, but he loses the words. Alicent is even more curious now.

"Since...?" The Princess asks. Daemon takes a deep breath and then knees in front of the bed, surprising a bit his wife and daughter. He looks at the his newborn son with a distant gaze.

"...since my mother died. She used to call Viserys that when she was talking to my father..." The Rogue Prince says, struggling with his words. Alicent can almost see him fighting with his own memories. She looks at him with tenderness and smiles.

"I see. She was a great woman, wasn't she?" The Princess asks in a gentle tone. Daemon slowly nods.

"The greatest of all. After all, she was my mother." He says with a smirk and Alicent holds a laugh. And then, she looks at the babe once again.

"So, what will be his name?" The princess asks once again. Daemon does not respond, instead, he does something surprising.

He takes the babe on his arms and get up, looking at him with a intense gaze.

"I am not man of faith, but maybe there is something like destiny. And if it appears in front me, why would i deny it?" The Rogue Prince says in a distant tone. Alicent looks at him, curious to see his point. He looks at her with a serious expression.

"You said that words. Words that were only used towards one person. A person with a specific name." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Alicent looks at him, understanding his point and smiling. Her husband smirks, before looking at the babe once again.

"Welcome, Viserys Targaryen. I am certain that you will bring justice to that name." The Rogue Prince proclaims in a whisper.

Alicent relax on her bed as she watches the scene. Her heart filled with a happiness that she does not feel in years.

She looks at the light of the sun coming from the window and close her eyes, praying to the Mother in gratitude.

---

Chapter Text

---

AEMOND II

---

123 AC -

---

Invencible.

That is how Aemond feels when he is crossing the sky on top of Vhagar.

Everything is small when compared to the ancient dragon.

Her powerful hoarse roar shakes every single bone on Aemond's body.

The one-eyed prince opens a short smile on the corner of his mouth, filled with pride.

With a pull of ropes, Vhagar dives below the clouds, letting her rider see what is under them.

Aemond can see some ships on the sea, specially the ones that are travelling with them.

Thinling about the others, he looks at the ones that he has to share the sky with.

The red dragon and the gold dragon fly ahead of him, as always. And that is frustration for Aemond.

The second son knows that you can't have everything in this world and that there is disadvantages in having Vhagar as his dragon.

Vhagar is old and enormous, but that also makes her much slower than other dragons. Her heavy body is just much more difficult to move than a smaller one.

That is the nature of dragons, but it will never make Aemond not feel the sour taste on his mouth whenever he flies with another dragonriders.

He is always behind.

He hates being left behind.

Not long after, he sees islands emerging on the horizon and he hears the hissing roar of Caraxes, who takes the lead from the energetic Sunfyre.

The Bloodwyrm lead them to a large island, flying around it to find a place to land.

Aemond can guess that they finally arrived in Bloodstone, the capital of the Stepstones that was defined by the lords of Westeros.

Caraxes and Sunfyre lands in the coast of Bloodstone with their roars, almost without effort.

Aemond grunts.

He don't have that privilege.

As Vhagar let out a hoarse roar, she prepares to land.

Or rather, fall.

The ancient dragon controls her landing with her wings until her enormous feet touch the sand coast.

When they do, she just falls on her chest with a loud sound that could easily come from a tower falling down.

Vhagar grunts and struggles a bit to get herself in a proper position. Aemond sighs as he unties himself.

The most powerful dragon in the world can't deal properly with her own weight when she lands.

For Aemond, there is nothing more sad to watch than the decline of such a marvelous creature.

The one-eyed prince get his feet on the stony sand of the Bloodstone coast and walks to the front, reaching the large head of Vhagar.

The prince looks at the eyes of his dragon.

Eyes that have seen more than anyone.

Eyes that have seen more battles than anyone.

The last eyes in this world that have seen Aegon's Conquest.

Eyes that have seen better days in the past.

Aemond sighs and strokes the nose of his dragons. Vhagar slowly grunts, looking at him. The rider looks at the dragon with a serious expression on his face.

"Kesi urnēptre pōntoma qilōni iēdrosa iksis se dāria hen jēdar. (We will show all of them who still is the queen of the sky.)" The one-eyed prince swears in a whisper, filled with confidence.

Simpletons might not understand how a dragon can hear their rider even when whispering or in the middle of a battle. It makes little sense to them.

The fools just can't understand what a bond of a dragon and a rider really is.

Vhagar looks at him with her intense gaze, and snorts hot air from her nose before laying down to rest.

Aemond snorts back at her and then walks out of the coast.

"How does that old hag of yours not break herself in half when she falls like that?"

Aemond hears a familiar voice moving towards him that brings a frown to his face. The one-eyed prince looks to the side to see his elder brother walks towards him with his traditional ironic smirk on his face.

Gods, sometimes he just wants to punch that smug out of his face. For now, he contents himself with a grunt.

"It would take much more than that to break Vhagar. Her bones are tougher than the walls of a castle." The second son proclaims in a proud tone. Aegon rolls his eyes.

"Whatever you say, pirate boy. But, i think that the walls of that old castle are rotting. Remember Balerion?" The first son asks in a sharp tone. Aemond grunts, irritated.

How could he not tought about Balerion when he looks at Vhagar?

"Vhagar is not Balerion, idiot. The Black Dread spended decades locked in the Dragonpit. That brought his end in the way it was. Vhagar flies a lot. She is much better shape than Balerion was. Now, will you stop talking shit about my dragon or what?" The one-eyed prince asks with a bitter tone. Aegon grunts, looking away.

With the corner of his eye, Aemond sees their father walking passing by them with a serious expression on his face.

"We have no time to waste with the childish of you two. Move." The Rogue Prince demands with a dry tone as he walks towards some knights that came to meet them.

Aemond snorts and moves in the same direction with Aegon.

As the three Targaryens are guided to the inside of the keep, Aemond tries to imagine what might happen next.

---

Aemond and his brother are lead by their father towards the large and heavy metal door that would take them to the mainhall

The one-eyed prince can hear people arguing very loudly from the otherside, but he could not understand what was being said behind it because of all the different voices saying different things.

As the three approach the doors, the guards open them. And their arrival on the chamber makes the men there go silent for a moment as they look.

Aemond can see several different people all around. Lords and knights with all kinds of banners, sitting on the large table or standing around it.

His father walks in front of his sons, looking to the Sea Snake, who is sitting at the end of the table. The Lord nods to him before Daemon looks around at everyone with a frown.

"What's all the fuss about? A Kraken emerged from the sea and destroyed our whole fleet or what?" The Rogue Prince asks in a provocative tone. Lord Corlys sighs, firmly holding his cane as the men all around start complainig and arguing once again.

The Sea Snake aggressively hits his cane on the floor, frowning with irritation.

"Silence! I will not allow this reunion to be filled with non sense any further!" The Lord of Driftmark proclaims, and it seems to work. He sighs and relax on his seat before looking at his nephew, Vaemond, who stands behind him.

"Explain to the Prince the recent events, Vaemond." The Lord commands. His nephew snorts and approaches the table. He moves his hands to touch a large map of the Stepstones that is in the table.

Aemond did not notice it before, but now it has his full attention.

By his studies with maps, he can tell this one was well made. Very well made. That one is certainly not the first version. The level of details there can only be achieved by continuous improvement of the work with new information.

Aemond blinks and move his eye to observe Vaemond as the man takes a breath to speak.

"As you might know, after a surprisingly short period of recovery, the Triarchy is moving once again. But, we were more surprised to have seen new kind of ships coming from the southeast and the northeast." The knight of house Velaryon says, pointing at the directions. Daemon frowns.

"So, are you saying that the Triarchy is receiving support from Pentos and Volantis?" The Rogue Prince asks, intrigued. Vaemond nods.

"Yes. That is clearly the explanation here. The new ships have patterns of construction similar to Volantene and Pentoshi ships. It seems that our biggest fear is becoming real and the Triarchy formed a alliance with Pentos and Volantis against us. And that changes everything." The man says with a serious expression. Daemon is toughtful.

From his seat, Borros Baratheon grunts and hits his mug on the table before frowning to the Velaryon knight.

"I have seem how the eastern scum treat each other. It is already surprising for Tyrosh, Myr, and Lys to have united as one. Pentos and Volantis getting into that mess? Don't make me laugh." The Lord of Storm's End proclaims, drinking from his mug. Vaemond frowns to him, crossing his arms.

"And what kind of explanation you have for that movement, Lord Borros?" The knight asks in a slightly aggressive tone under his formality. The Head of House Baratheon snorts.

"Is that not obvious enough? This is a false threat. They want us to think that they have gained new allies and prepare to deal with them, but they will never come." The Lord explains with his hoarse voice. Vaemond does not seem convinced. Daemon frowns.

"I will have to agree with Baratheon. Essos is anything but with united. The free cities are mere broken pieces of the former Valyrian Freehold. Without it, they are just animals competing for territory. Pentos and Volantis are more interested in the destruction of the Triarchy than anything." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Vaemond snorts.

"Regardless, they are still coming back too fast. The other theory that we came up here is that everything was planned from the beggining. Including their losses. We were skeptical about all this years that they were inactive, but it seems like their preparation was much bigger than we predicted." The knight says in a serious tone. Daemon frowns, looking at Corlys.

"Where is the other three?" The Rogue Prince asks. The Sea Snake sighs, trying to relax on his chair.

"Laenor is doing some flights for recognition around the Stepstones. Rhaenyra and Rhaenys are back in Driftmark for a time to stay with our family and also manage men and supplies there. Similar to what you did." The Lord of Driftmark explains in a neutral tone. Daemon grunts, slightly frustrated. And then, he looks at the map in the table.

"Our only option here is to change our approach to this war. We need to stop our tactic of always being on the defensive. It is time for us to attack their main lands." The Rogue Prince says, looking around to everyone with a intense stare. Vaemond frowns.

"That is what they want. It might be the excuse they need to convince Pentos and Volantis to aid them. After all, there is always the fear that we might look for glory on the east." The knight points out. Daemon smirks with irony while Aemond frowns, toughtful.

His expression is noticed by the Sea Snake.

"Do you have anything to say, boy?" The Lord of Driftmark asks, looking at him. The men around also look at Aemond, who is not bothered by it at all. He snorts.

"We have dragons and we have men. Let them unite if they want. It does not matter in the end when all their forces are reduced to a pile of Ash. We need to show to everyone in Essos that being our enemy only brings death to yourself." The one-eyed prince proclaims, determined.

All the men in the chamber stay in silence for a minute before Lord Corlys smirks with a entertained expression.

"I can see the Daemon in you, little prince. But, what you lack from him is the experience. You have no idea of how difficult it really is to invade Essos. Sieges. Armies. Holdings. Battles in several different points. You need to remember that dragons are not the only factor that matter. If it was the case, this war would have ended a long time ago." The Lord of Driftmark explains with a serious tone on his voice. Aemond frowns, but nods in understanding. His father looks to him for a second before looking at Corlys.

"The boy at least got the spirit. We need to attack. Not their whole lands, but their coasts. We need to burn their docks down, destroying their fleets before they can even be used. Find and destroy their storage of weapons and supplies is also a very important thing to do." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Vaemond Velaryon frowns once more.

"We need a base of operations on the east. The islands that are closer to Tyrosh are under their power, remember that." The knight points out, skeptic. Daemon grunts.

"Then, we take them. First, we start a invasion of the eastern islands and then we use them to start a invasion of the coast of Tyrosh. We do the most damage we can in a short period of time and we retreat." The Rogue Prince explains. Lord Celtigar frowns to him, thinking.

"Hit and run? It will be difficult and might take a long time to conclude. The eastern islands are not very large and as such lack resources. We would need to use several ships just for the sake of moving supplies." The Lord points out. Daemon snorts.

"Or, we can sack the holdings on the coast of Tyrosh and take their resources." The Rogue Prince suggests. Lord Borros smirks.

"Don't be so confident about it, my prince. The Essosi are a bunch of cunning snakes. If they find out your intentions of taking their food, they might just poison it first. And then, they would be laughing at our corpses." The Lord of Storm's End says with a irritated frown at the last tought. Daemon snorts.

"We just need a specialist in poisons to identify them. Or, we might just need some hostages to taste the food for us first. It would be a nice last meal for them" The Rogue Prince proclaims with a malicious smile, receiving some laughs from men around the table. The Sea Snake hits his cane on the ground once more and the men stop laughing to hear him.

"I assume that you want to lead the invasions the coast of Tyrosh, right?" The Lord of Driftmark asks, looking at Daemon's eyes, who nods.

"Of course. And i have the two dragonriders that will follow me right here." The Rogue Prince says, laying a hand on a shoulder of each of his sons.

Aegon looks surprised at their father, but Aemond is more interested on tue way he touched his shoulder.

A heavy hand making pressure on him. He understands the meaning of it. Daemon wants his sons to keep posture and not show weakness in front of the others.

And as usual, Aegon is oblivious to it when he speaks.

"Are you sure about that, father? I think they have way more weapos to attack our dragons in Tyrosh. It might be a suicidal idea." The eldest son says, doubtful. Daemon frowns to him, irritated.

"Are you scared, boy?"

The question made by the Rogue Prince is full of the sweet and slow poison of a snake. He wants a reaction to it, and Aemond looks to his brother to see it as well.

Aegon looks at their father in the eye and frowns, looking away with a serious posture.

"No, sir." The older son says in a dry tone. Daemon snorts and look away from him. Aemond grunts.

Not bad. But not good either.

A average answer for a disappointment, as Aemond thinks to himself.

Lord Corlys hits his cane once more, calling their attention. He frowns.

"If we are doing this invasion, it must be done until the next week as the Triarchy is still making preparations. Rhaenyra and Rhaenys will be returning here in a few days. The two and Laenor will be leading the take of the eastern islands and will be dealing with outside resistances. You three will be dealing with all the attack to the coast. Boys, are you up to this task?" The Sea Snake explains before asking the two young princes with a serious expression on his face. Aemond don't think twice to answer.

"I have been ready for years, my lord." The one-eyed prince proclaims, confident to his core. Corlys almost smirks with it before looking at Aegon, who snorts, crossing his arms.

"I will not let my doubts make me hesitate. I will do what i must do." The older brother says with a serious tone under his vagues statement. Corlys snorts and then finally gets up, with the men all around him doing the same.

"With everything planned, i declare the end of this reunion. Rest and prepare, brothere. We have more battels in front of us. For the Iron Throne!" The Lord of Driftmark shouts, rising his mug. The men do the same, shouting in their confidence.

As the men start to leave the chambers, Aemond looks at his brother with a frown, whos is drinking the rest of wine from a mug.

"You are disgusting. I hope you don't make a shame of our house in battle." The second son proclaims with a irritated tone. Aegon finishes his mug with a sigh and then smirks to his younger brother.

"At least i am not the one making a fool of myself by bragging about burning your enemies. What is your age? Four?" The older brother asks in a mockery. Aemond grunts in frustration, but before anything could happen, their father walks between them and push their backs towards the door.

"No fighting here, idiots. We are dealing with that pointless feud of you two after the night feast." The Rogue Prince proclaims with a furious tone and expression.

Aemond grunts and looks away, thinking about the battle they are planning for.

He can't wait to stop thinking about family drama and finally get a taste of war.

---

And then, the feast came. And with it, came the combination of music, loud voices and people moving around.

Staying here would turn him mad and deaf in no time. As such, Aemond left the chamber after half an hour.

He arrives at a extern part of the castle that was supposed to be a garden, but have almost no grass.

Aemond grunts as he seats on a large stone, letting his head rest for a few moments.

Just a few minutes passes, when he hears steps coming towards him.

He is a bit surprised to see his father, with Aegon walking right behind him. Daemon frowns to his sons.

"It is time for a conversation. You two need to stop this stupid rivalry of yours. Now. A internal conflict is the last thing we need here." The Rogue Prince proclaims in a dry tone. Aemond snorts, getting up.

"It is hard to tolerate a person as infuriating as him, father. He is lazy, talks way too much, and i am surprised that he is not drunk right now. I was expecting him to be drowning in wine by now." The one-eyed prince proclaims in a bitter tone. Aegon grunts, crossing his arms.

"And that just proves how little you know about me. Or, maybe Lucerys stuck the knife so deep in your eye that it damaged your brain." The elder son say with a sarcastic smirk.

With his blood boiling, Aemond walks towards his brother and pushes him, but Aegon resists and they start pushing eachother.

And then Aemond grunts with pain when their father separates them by pulling their hair. Hard. Daemon Targaryen is clearly furious.

"Did you two even hear what i said? Enough is enough. Now, you two will start behaving or i will need a more drastic punishment?" The Rogue Prince asks in a angry tone between his teeth.

Grunting more, the two boys nods their heads. Daemon leaves their hair and Aegon quickly goes to massage his head. Daemon snorts.

"Look at each other. Now." The Rogue Prince demands in a authoritarian voice.

With some hesitation, Aemond and Aegon look eye to eye. Their father snorts, looking at both of them.

"You two are brothers. Same father. Same mother. You two have the same interests. The same people to fight for. The same people to fight against. Forget your differences, because they are meaningless. Remember that the face that you see in front of you has the same origin as yours. Our blood. Our battles. Our victories. Our losses. Our vengeance. Was i clear?" The Rogue Prince proclaims in a distant tone. Aemond and Aegon slowly nods, looking at each other once again.

The one-eyed prince, for a moment, can see behind the sarcastic mask of his brother.

He can see a extremely unsure person. Something that Aemond despises.

But yet, he can also see the physical traits of their father. Of their mother.

And he can see some of himself on him.

Aemond sighs, looking at Aegon with a more composed stare.

"Just hold your stupid tongue and i might be able to tolerate you. Deal?" The one-eyed prince asks, extending his hand. Aegon smirks.

"I will try to be more mild with you, if that is what you want." The older brother says, shaking his hand. Aemond grunts in disapproval and Aegon laughs. Daemon frowns to them.

"I hope that i don't have to do this again. Now, let's return to the feast, Aegon. Let your brother in peace." The Rogue Prince proclaims, leaving. Aegon follows, smirking.

"Finally! I am thirsty."

"Drink water."

"Water is not tasty at all!"

Aemond snorts at the discussion of his father and brother before sitting down on the rock once again.

He looks at the ground as he takes the eyepatch off. The wind passing by moves inside the hole of his eye, making him feel a disturbing sensation.

With a grunt of anger, Aemond covers his destroyed eye with his hand and look down at his feet while holding his eyepatch with his free hand.

"Our vegeance, huh?" The prince whispers to himself in a bitter tone, letting his head dive in memories.

---

The day came in the following week after a hasty preparation.

They had to do everything quickly before the enemy learns about their attack in details.

And for Aemond, there is only one thing left to do.

The one-eyed prince walks through a part of the coast that is entirely made of rocks.

Walking through it is hard enough, but the waves coming from the sea only makes things harder.

And when, he arrived at the right place, he finally sees who he was after.

Vhagar is coiled on top of the rocks, breaking them under her weight as she looks at Aemond.

If it was any other beast, laying on that bed of rocks would be unbearable, but Vhagar and her thick scales are different from everything.

"Tubī iksis se tubis, Vhagar. Sīmonagon! (Today is the day, Vhagar. Rise!" The one-eyed prince proclaims in high valyrian.

The ancient dragon let out a hoarse grunt as she gets up from the rocks, slightly shaking her body to let the rocks fall from her lower body.

Aemond smirks as he goes for the huge neck of the dragon, climbing the ropes and then locking himself in place.

"Sōvegon! (Fly!)" The prince commands. With a long roar, Vhagar opens her enormous wings and start moving with large steps.

And then, she claps her wings, breaking the waves beneath her and rising herself into the air.

Aemond takes a deep breath and close his eye, enjoying the wind on his face as Vhagar gets higher and higher.

And then, his enjoyment ends when he hears the sound of a horn echoing from nearby.

With a grunt and a pull of ropes, Aemond commands Vhagar to that direction.

There, he sees the ships starting to depart towards the east.

Towards war.

Aemond hears a loud roar and moves his head to the side to see Sunfyre flying towards the east after passing through him. His gleaming scales can be seen from a mile away.

With a frown of displeasure, Aemond commands Vhagar to follow the smaller dragon.

---

The first taste of battle that Aemond had came from the invasion of the island named Darkden.

If you can call that a battle.

As soon as the Westerosi fleet announced their arrival on the region, Vhagar and Sunfyre descended from the sky with fire.

Aemond's heart started beating faster as Vhagar burned down keeps and small armies with her green flames.

But the joy lasted for too short of a time, because there was no real resistance.

After more time spend checking if the work was done rather than actually doing the work, the two dragons landed on the island to claim the territory.

By this time, the Velaryon army already arrived on the place and was taking control of things.

Soon, a bunch of knights appeared, being commanded by Ser Vaemond Velaryon, who looks at the two brothers with a serious expression.

"You two have done a good job here. But, your work is done. The Baratheon fleet is already moving towards Tyrosh to take them by surprise. You are needed there." The knight proclaims in a formal tone. Aemond nods while Aegon sighs.

"Just when i tought that i would be able to stretch my limbs a bit more..." The older brother says, stretching a bit. Aemond grunts and says nothing to him, walking towards Vhagar.

"Try to be faster, Aemond. Sunfyre gets quite angry don't like to fly slower so Vhagar can catch up." The older brother says. Aemond only grunts to him, climbing on Vhagar.

Vhagar might be slow, but she can compensate it in other ways.

And the loud clap of wings and the thunderous roar that she creates shows exactly how she compensates her speed.

---

And then, after travelling above more sea, Aemond can finally see the coast of Tyrosh.

It is certainly much more land than a small island on the Stepstones, to say the least.

And, of course, the towers, walls and docks are much better made then the ones in the Stepstones.

However, the two dragons barely arrived and a massive bolt is already launched against Sunfyre, who dodges it and roar.

The attack came from one of the dozens of ships in the docks.

They had some preparation, even if the Westerosi moved quickly.

It does not matter to Aemond.

Sunfyre rushes to burn the ship that attacked him.

Vhagar flys towards the docks in her own pace.

But, the difference is quite big.

The golden flames of Sunfyre burn a ship by spreadiny through the wood.

But the green flames of Vhagar can almost engulf a mid sized ship in a single breath, turning it into a enormous torch.

And the green flames engulfing the entirety of the docks in Tyrosh brig a malicious smile to Aemond.

That is what he wanted.

Attacks never stopped, buy they were all meaningless to them.

Vhagar can't dodge? Does not matter. She can resist any bolts with her aged and thick scales and her massive body.

The screams and the shouts in bastard Valyrian makes him laugh in enjoyment.

Laugh.

When was the last time he had a laugh?

He can't remember and he does not care.

Right now, he is feeling more alive than ever and that is all that matters.

He wants more.

Vhagar roars as she dives in the docks to another vicious attack.

Her flames burn wood to ashes.

Her claws break and sink ships with little effort.

Her wings shakes the sea and creates waves that can turn smaller ships.

For all the enemies bellow, Vhagar is a unstopable force.

And then, a bolt landed on a weaker spot between her body and her left wing.

Vhagar roars, more in fury than in pain.

For a second, Aemond feels like he is losing control of the ancient dragon. He quickly grabs the ropes and grind his teeth.

"Gaomagon gīda se arghugon, Vhagar! (Keep calm and hunt, Vhagar!)" The one-eyed prince commands as the dragons shakes in the air.

It seems to work when Vhagar becomes more stable in the air, and then she dives towards the nearby towers and walls, where the bolt probably came from.

Vhagar baths them in green flames until there is not a single spot not covered.

Screams of pain and desperation are only a part of the green hell imposed by Vhagar.

The dragon roars as she violently lands her feet on the wall, breaking it down with a loud sound, elevating dust from the ground and smashing some archers.

Vhagar continues her burning for a time, until there is only smoke and death on her vision.

Only smoke.

That is all that Aemond can see.

And then, he hears more shouts and more arrows and bolts being throwed at them.

The pain that they can cause to Vhagar is small, but the anger is huge.

Aemond can feel her anger.

He can share her anger.

And he can feel her thirst for destruction.

And who is he to deny her that.

"Dracary!" The prince proclaims in a scream.

With a roar, Vhagar walks and burns eberything on her way.

Aemond hear several screams. Mostly men, but he could have heard some different screams.

Children? Woman?

He don't care for it right now. His heart is beating too fast for him to stop now.

Vhagar's hell ended with the screams and the targets.

There was nothing beyond heat and smoke.

Aemond wipes his forehead while Vhagar roars and get back on the sky.

On the process, her wings blew the smoke away.

And Aemond finally got to see what really was on their path of destruction.

A small city.

Burned to the ground.

He can see several houses destroyed. Burned bodies laying on the ground. Everything is burning and the smoke covers the light.

And it suddenly weighs on his head. Even Vhagar calms down from her rampage.

And then, another bolt penetrates the side of the dragon, and this time, she roars in pain.

Aemond feels his heart beating once more.

And it all starts again.

After powerful steps, Vhagar launches herself on the air and roars in wrath.

Aemond can only think about keeping himself and Vhagar safe. At all costs. As fast as possible.

When he sees a last remaining tower on the coast that was out of his vision before, there is no hesitation.

Vhagar fly above the tower and breathes her green fire on it.

More and more.

People screams in agony and some even jump from the tower, choosing the sweet death from the fall instead.

And then, pages of books become reality in front of Aemond's eyes.

Stone glowing as it melts slightly.

But before it can go much further, Vhagar stops, tired from the attack as smoke comes out of her mouth.

However, her rage was not over.

Vhagar roars and moves her tail to hit the weakened tower, throwing it over the wall at it's side and making it fall in a thunderous sound.

And then, the dragon flys higher in the sky, letting Aemond catch a breath.

His heart slowly starts calming down and he is able to think clearly.

What happened here?

The connection he had with Vhagar was always special to him, as it should be, but it became unstable very quickly under pressure.

Is he failing to command Vhagar? Is he getting carried away by the bond.

He can't understand it.

But, when Aemond looks at his own trembling hands, he can only do one thing.

Laugh.

As confused as he might be, he never felt so alive on all of his life.

This is what he was made for. He was born to war and that is where he belongs.

And, judging by what he is feeling right now, Vhagar is the same as him.

A match made in the seven hells.

Looking down on the destruction he caused, Aemond is not able to care as much as he did at first.

The feeling of accomplishment on his heart is too strong for him to care.

Suddenly, he hears a very familiar hissing roar.

Caraxes appear in the horizon, coming from his own battle. He looks at Vhagar and moves in a specific way.

Aemond know what to do and pulls his ropes. Vhagar grunts and is quick to move around and follow Caraxes towards the east. Towards Darkden, it seems.

Aemond frowns, anticipating the complains that he will probably hear.

---

Upon landing on Darkden, Aemond refused to leave Vhagar alone until the two bolts were removed and she was treated.

Gladly, the wounds were not lethal or anything, so, she just needs some time to recover.

And some time for a old dragon is quite a larger amount of time.

That alone made Aemond lose a lot of motivation as he walks towards the militar camp with some men.

The sun is about to set as the sky is already turning into a orange color and soon will be red.

When Aemond arrive at the camp, he arrives in the middle of a minor discussion around a improvised and large round table.

The whispers end when everyone lay his eyes on him.

Aemond can see several different reactions. From adimiration all the way down to dispise.

Lord Corlys, however, makes a cordial bow to him.

"Prince Aemond. You achieved a very... impressive result on Stepstones. You have my personal congratulations." The Sea Snake proclaims, rising his mug of wine. Aemond frowns with his choice of words, but nods. Yet, he sees Ser Laenor frowning.

"Impressive is not the word i would use, father. I think the right one is excessive." The consort proclaims with a dry tone. Corlys sighs.

"That is a sad consequence of war, my son. Prince Aemond certainly must have felt threatened there and did what he needed to do to survive." The Sea Snake proclaims in a neutral tone. Rhaenyra is the one to frown this time.

His cousin is a rather curious figure here. Aemond would not expect that a woman of her style would be that tied to a war.

But he knows why she is doing it. He is not a fool. Rhaenyra is making her own preparation for the future.

"Killing over a hundred of innocent people is a consequence of war, Lord Corlys? What is a hideous act for you, then?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks, losing composure on her indignation.

Over a hundred?

Aemond had no idea that he did that much.

Lord Corlys rises his hand to Rhaenyra, trying to calm her down.

"Don't be too dramatic Rhaenyra. That was the first battle of the boy. He is still getting used to it." The Lord of Driftmark proclaims. Rhaenyra frowns to him once again.

"You clearly did not saw what i saw by flying over it, my lord. It was horrible. It was not just a mistake. There is something more behind it." The princess proclaims, very skeptical. Daemon frowns to her, slightly irritated.

"Are you accusing my son of doing this by his own will, princess?" The Rogue Prince asks, using a dangerous tone of voice. Rhaenyra don't blink or change her posture. She keeps her eyes in contact with Daemon.

"Don't be so malicious with my intentions, uncle. I can understand that Aemond comitted a mistake because of his inexperience in age. What i really want to question here is how this is your fault." The princess pointing her finger to Daemon, who frowns furious.

"How is that my fault?" The Rogue Prince asks in a loud tone of voice. Rhaenyra crosses her arms.

"You not only brought a boy of 12 to a war, but you also let the boy attack the coast of a enemy city on his own. Where were you during the battle?" The princess asks in a serious tone. Aemond can see his father getting more and more angry.

"I was doing my part of the fighting in another point. I can't keep him by my side all the time. Maybe you would know that if you at least went to the front of the conflict instead of keeping your ass seated on that pile of rocks!" The Rogue Prince proclaims in his anger. Rhaenyra is surprised and then angry at him.

But, before she can say anything, Lord Corlys whistles, calling the attention of the two and of everyone that was whispering around. He grunts

"Enough! Prince Aemond did a mistake and he will have plenty of opportunities to prove himself. The war is not over yet. We need to stay together as one. Am i clear?" The Lord of Driftmark asks in hoarse voice.

The silence is a positive sign. He nods.

"Now, Prince Aemond, you have anything to say?" The Lord asks, looking at the boy, as everyone does as well. Aemond frowns.

"I will not try to justify my actions, Lord Corlys." The second son says in a simple and dry tone. Lord Corlys nods and then looks at everyone.

"Now, we have a victory to celebrate. Bring the barrels!" The Lord of Driftmark proclaims and most men cheers. People quickly separates.

Aemond snorts as he walks away towards the coast to see Vhagar.

Yet, he is interrupted by a arm moving around his shoulders. He frowns to his brother, who smirks at him.

"Looks like someone really like to burn things, huh? I knew that you were kinda cruel, but i did not expect you to be that much cruel, to be honest here." Aegon mocks in his ironic voice. Aemond grunts and moves his arm away from him, irritated.

"It was a accident, idiot. It is not gonna happen again." The younger prince says in a dry tone, turning around to leave.

"The bond is quite strong, right? It changes you."

Aemond stops on his track, but don't turn around. He can hear the short laugh of his brother.

"I know that you are too proud to admit things, but i can see that in your eyes. You are ashamed of being overwhelmed by this feeling right?" The older prince asks in his usual ironic tone.

And then, Aemond looks at his brother with a distant gaze on his eyes, taking him by surprise.

"I am not ashamed of anything. That is the problem here." The younger prince says in a dry tone, making his brother more surprised.

Aegon was about to say something, but he saw something in the corner of his eye. So, he opens a smirk instead.

"Well, i don't really care. I will get some much needed wine on my veins. That is way more interesting. Until later, brother." The older prince proclaims before leaving with a steady pace. Aemond frowns and look around.

He sees his father walking towards him with a frown on his face.

"Any problem, father?" The one-eyed prince asks, formal. Daemon denies with his head.

"No. I want to congratulate you for your victory in the battle, excessive or not." The Rogue Prince proclaims. Aemond nods, frowning. But then, Daemon continues.

"But, it don't erase what you did. You killed innocent commoners for no real reason and you will suffer the consequences of that action. Intentional or not." The father proclaims. Aemond frowns once again, curious this time.

"What consequences?" The son asks, skeptical. Daemon keeps his eyes on him. His gaze is intense.

"You will learn on your own skin. For now, have a rest. You need it." The Rogue Prince proclaims in a dry tone, leaving after landing a hand on the shoulder of his son for a second.

Aemond looks at his leaving father for a second before letting out a snort.

As he observes the redish sky and walks towards the coast to meet Vhagar, Aemond can only think one thing:

He hates mysteries.

---

Chapter Text

---

RHAENYRA VII

---

123 AC -

---

Rhaenyra was never attached to the concept of warfare, to say the least.

After all, she was never educated to be a warrior or even a commander. She was expected to succeed her father adn rule from inside the Red Keep, just as he did during his whole reign.

But, she couldn't closer her eyes to what is happening around her. She needes to take action, and so she did.

After some convincing from Lord Corlys and Laenor, she decided to be a part of the war against the Stepstones.

Despite being inexperienced with battles, Rhaenyra expected to be in a quite a safe position in her dragonrider role.

Safe is a broad statement.

She spended several moons in the war and took part of many battles, but she would not dare to call any of them as safe.

Rhaenyra lost count of how many times scorpion bolts came close to hit her in the air, and even more bolts that managed to land in Syrax but failed to cause major injuries.

Altough riding a dragon is a more safe position than being in open battle on land or a ship battle in the middle of the sea, it is still not a comfortable position to be in.

A mistake in direction could be fatal, and, as such, the tension is always there in the head of a dragonrider.

Rhaenyra strokes her neck and moves it around to relief some stress as Syrax travel through the sky.

The Princess of Dragonstone looks down, observing the results of her side.

Through the hot smoke that fills the air, she can see all the destruction caused in the city of Little Tyrosh.

Little Tyrosh is a smaller island by the west of the island of Tyrosh. A very important part of the lands under the control of Tyrosh and, before Valyria took control of Dragonstone, Little Tyrosh was the most western part of the Valyrian Freehold.

Syrax roars as she flies around the city after succefully destroying more of the attacking posts of the city, as it was planned prior to that invasion.

Looking around she can see that all of the six dragons tied to the war are there for the taking of the island, flying around the city like vultures preparing to attack a prey.

The citizens of Little Tyrosh started evacuating the city as soon as they saw dragons in the sky, but the leaders of the city closed the gates of the walls around the city.

Cowards. Using their own people as hostages so they either don't attack the city in a direct way, or they commit a horrible act.

With that approach and the enemies on the walls already defeated, they have no choice but to do a long siege, camping around the city for moons while waiting their surrender.

Rhaenyra sighs in frustration. She was hoping to get this done as fast as possible so she could return home. It seems that she was wrong.

She was about to leave the city towards the camp of her allies when she hears the roar of Vhagar.

Rhaenyra looks up and see the ancient dragon diving in the air towards the city.

Her heart stop for a second.

What is Aemond doing?

Vhagar extends her huge legs and manages to land her feet on the large building at the center of the city that works as some kind of palace where the Tyroshi nobles rule the island from.

As she land on top of the building, it starts to crack all around under het weight.

People scream and run from the inside of the building, turning everything into a complete chaos.

Vhagar looks down at the people and roars in all her might, making everything even more chaotic.

Rhaenyra is shocked by the vision. She can't believe in how close her young cousin is of crossing the line.

Following her toughts through their bond, Syrax flies closer to Vhagar and roars to call her attention. The other dragons around do the same thing. A choral telling Aemond and Vhagar to take a step back.

Vhagar roars back at them, clearly getting more angry with the effort.

And then, in her anger, Vhagar shakes her tail around, hitting a tower.

The damage that Vhagar caused to the tower was enough to break it's balance.

The tower fell over several houses and people with a thunderous sound.

Rhaenyra observes with a sinking heart, getting more and more worried with the situation.

Thankfully, Vhagar roars once again before rising to the sky, letting the cloud of dust rise and the chaos develop alone.

But then, Vhagar opens her mouth and launches her green flames.

The ancient dragon flies in circles, using her fire around the central building, isolating it with fire before rising to the sky with a triumphant roar.

But, it does not matter to Rhaenyra right now. She can only look at the death and destruction that was caused.

The screams of desperation, the tears of children, the burning floor around the main building, the smoke that enters the lungs of everyonr, and the burned corpses on the ground.

It is a nightmare. It can't be anything else.

Stroking her head to recover her senses, Rhaenyra commands Syrax to fly towards the main entrance of the city.

And there, she can see Caraxes using his crimson flames to burn down the woodden gates, letting their army enter the city with screams of war.

Rhaenyra sighs with the violent invasion, accepting it's nature rathen than agreeing with it.

Looking around, she finds a open place on the city where Syrax can land. And so she does.

As soon as she finds it and land, the other riders starts landing in the same area.

Rhaenyra sighs as she is finally able to stretch her legs after the long flight.

Looking around, the Princess of Dragonstone can see the destruction in more detail.

The smoke and the heat is all over the city, rotting the image of a city that was certainly beautiful to see prior to that day.

Rhaenyra sighs once again and walks foward, meeting the head of Syrax. Her dragon growls while looking at her, looking concerned. Rhaenyra smiles.

"Konīr iksos daor jorrāelagon naejot jurnegon issa raqagon bona, issa riñnykeā. Nyke sepār mirrī ēdrugī. Bona iksos ry. (There is no need to be worried about me, my lady. I am just a bit tired. That is all.)" The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims, scratching the nose of her dragon. Syrax looks at her for a moment before they both turn her head when they hear a familiar roar.

Out of all the dragons that landed in the area, Vhagar seems to feel the need to be the loudest. As if her size was not enough. Rhaenyra snorts before looking at her dragon once again.

"Ilagon ilagon syt sir. Ao gōntan sȳrī. (Lay down for now. You did well.)" The Princess proclaims. Syrax grunts and rolls herself in the ground to rest.

Rhaenyra takes out her helmet and let her hair fall down her shoulders, feeling more free as a consequence.

And then, she walks towards the concentration of westerosi men, seeing Vaemond Velaryon and Borros Baratheon arriving to the scene as their men take the main parts of the city and prepare to invade the main building.

She can see her husband leaving to follow the men to inside the building. She can talk with him when he come back.

Borros and Vaemond are still in place, giving orders to some of their men. She arrives with a proud posture.

"Lord Borros. Ser Vaemond. I hope that there was no problems during your entrance on the city. Everything went well?" She asks in a composed tone. Lord Borros snorts.

"Well enough. The Blood Wyrm burned down the entrance, but we still had to deal with the burning pieces of all around. It was a mess." The Lord of Storm's End proclaims, slightly irritated. Ser Vaemond grunts, crossing his arms.

"We are also having some problems with the civilians. Right now, we are spending much effort in moving them to a specific part of the city, where they can be kept captive." The knight of House Velaryon explains. Rhaenyra frowns to him.

"They are being treated as people and not animals, right?" The Princess of Dragonstone asks, concerned. Vaemond snorts.

"We are not monsters. We are treating them the best we can in that situation. But, resistance is still being repressed when it appears. Why have you been such a moralist lately, princess?" The knight asks, irritated. Rhaenyra looks at him with a intense gaze.

"I am not a moralist, ser. Even war have rules that everyone follows in order to evade monstrosities. I care about not turning my side into the bad side of history." The princess proclaims. Vaemond smirks.

"Stories are told by the victorious, princess. It does not matter what we do, along as we win. That is how things work." The nephew of the Sea Snake proclaims in a mockery tone. Rhaenyra snorts.

"Delusional. Even if you win a war, there will be people on the other side that will live to see the next day. And they might achieve power one day. That is why playing by the rules is important." The princess proclaims with confidence. Vaemond frowns to her, but says nothing.

"Just kill all of your enemies, then."

Rhaenyra turns around to see Aemond walking towards them with a proud expression both in his face and his posture. Rhaenyra frowns to him.

"Once again, delusional. It is impossible to kill every single enemy that you have without being a cruel tyrant." The Princess of Dragonstone proclaims, serious. Aemond snorts.