Chapter Text

Warnings: Mention of Smut, Murder

When your husband mentioned a meeting with his family, you knew things would go down fast.

When you married him you knew at one point his family will have issues with you.

You weren't a Targaryen, you weren't a God. You were a simple woman who fell in love with a man who happened to be Targaryen.

Daemon and you never allowed his last name to get between you two until now.

He warned you of his family, and of the comments, you might receive. You knew they definitely have something to say.

"Just ignore their comments, they are weak and they try to compensate."

"They are not weak, they are jealous, My Love. You and I got married out of love and not duty, something they do not understand, something they might never experience in their lives." Daemon smiled and nodded, you understood so well.

You could tell by everyone's faces, your arrival was not expected. You being wed to Daemon was not expected. But besides a couple side-eyed glances, nothing was said or done.

Until dinner.

First, it was bickering between the children, but soon the adults joined in.

As everyone got more and more drinks, resulting in many men drunk, that's when it started.

A person, a man, his name you forgot but Daemon repeated before dinner, said to be married to his niece or something, you didn't really pay attention Daemon looked way too beautiful in his formal clothing. The man started insulting you.

First, it was just a couple of words about you not being noble, not being born with 'dragon blood' as he said, this, you could have forgiven him.

"I don't think a whore like her should sit with us." to this comment, your husband's hand clenched the chair, you only hoped he wouldn't do anything too irrational but then again, this man was really challenging you two on your patience.

"I'm not too sure I understand what you mean, Daenegar." the two men looked at each other intensely as everyone just stayed silent.

"This whore you married." he said pointing at you. "She obviously just wanted to get your royal name, what a disgrace."

"Be careful with your words, Cousin." Deamon warned but the man just laughed, obviously very drunk.

"Careful with my words? How about you be careful where you stick it into, she is truly disgusting. And also-" with a swift movement, Daenegar's head was now on the table, blood oozing everywhere as you lift your cup.

"Cheers." you said to the others before taking a drink and continuing with your meal. Everyone looked terrified, not even the men expected this kind of reaction yet here it was. Daenegar dead as Daemon cleaned off his sword. And you just continued to eat as if nothing happened.

"Anyone else has any words towards my wife will meet the same fate." he simply said as he sat down beside you.

Needless to say, dinner wasn't the same after. Not to say that most women went white as the wall upon seeing the head and the decapitated body of Daenegar.

You two were now back at your chambers, his fingers caressing your naked back as he looked at you with pure love.

"Did you really marry me for my name?" he asked. You were still a bit disoriented, Daemon made a point to you about how much he loves you truly, once both of you were back in your chambers. The love-making went on for a long time, it must have been very late now, but you just kept staring into his gorgeous eyes, barely feeling your legs at this point.

"Totally. I married you for your name, indeed. And your dragon."

"I always knew you liked Caraxes."

"Not that dragon." you smirked at it took him a moment to realize what you meant.

"You naughty fox." he laughed a little as he moved onto his elbow, you shifted as well, moving closer to him. "I love you so much."

"I know Daemon. You proved yourself today quite a bit. You defended my honour, and you proved your tongue was made for more than just talking."

"You really are a naughty fox, My Lady." that damn smirk on his face was possibly the sexiest thing you have seen in your entire life.

You lifted your hand to run your fingers down his cheeks and jaw to his lips. As you moved your finger he placed a kiss on it, pouting against it, making you smile.

Just how pure your for this man was, it almost hurt at times.

"Tomorrow will be hectic."

"More so than today?" you asked as you let out a yawn.

"Precisely. Word will spread that I killed Daenegar. People might come fight me."

"I doubt that. Everyone here is afraid of you, I highly doubt they will even dare to look at me the wrong way, let alone fight you."

"If that's true, then my plan worked." you hummed as you closed your eyes, ready to sleep after such an exhausting day. "I love you too."

Daemon placed his head into the crook of your neck, placing a kiss on your skin and he too decided to get some sleep.

Chapter Text

Warnings: mentions of giving birth in impossible conditions, blood and violance

Childbirth.

The birth of your baby is something you wanted to be as good as it possibly can even with all the pain.

You wanted to have your husband there, and many midwives to make sure your baby is safe coming into this world.

And yet, there you were.

Running in the woods like a rabbit running from wolves.

And your wolves were worse.

People who hated your husband and his family, swore to hurt your husband in a way they thought would be the worse, to take away the two things he loved the most.

His wife and his child.

Their plan was well thought out, but they never expected you to be able to run so well while in labour.

You heard them follow you, you could hear them stepping on branches, their swords clanking against surfaces. You had to run, at least until Aemond would realize something was off and would go find you.

You never stopped not even when the pain started to become unbearable. You knew you couldn't if they find you while you are giving birth, they would slay you and if they find you after, the cries of your little one will alarm them.

"Just a little more please, My Little Dragon." you said as you placed your hand on top of your belly, but of course, the little one living inside had other ideas, stubborn as their Father.

You had to stop, just for a moment, to take a breath and think.

Leaning against a tree, you stayed still and quiet, you didn't hear anyone. You saw in front of you that the woods nearly ended and now open land, which would allow your chasers to see you, so you really needed now Aemond to come and find you.

You were sure you lost the men behind you when the rain began. No noise came, hopefully, they left and thought the wolves would take care of you.

The rain was unforgiving, the thunder was loud, it hid your groans of pain.

"I need-" you needed a place, a house, a cave, something to prepare yourself. You ignored now for hours that your baby so desperately wanted to get out, you couldn't any longer.

You needed to take a deep breath and hoped your body would know what it needed to do.

You hoped your instincts would be able to take over and guide you through it all.

But of course, it wasn't that easy. And the rain only made things worse.

Then you spotted a small cave entrance. Just what you needed. A tiny little shelter. Just what you needed as the thunder kept rolling.

You let out many many long breaths and took deep ones in.

How were you going to do this was beyond you, but you knew you had to.

Somehow, because you really needed to push now.

"I'll be there holding your hand when you give birth. There is no need to worry Sweetheart."
"I'm terrified Aemond. I told you fear I'm not going to be a good mother." he leaned closer to you, pulling you into his arms.
"You will be the best. I know it from the way you take care of my sister's children. I promise, I will be there for you through it all." he placed a kiss to your shoulder.
You groaned out in pain, the rain never stopping as your struggles continued.

Why did you start to remember all his promises now? Promises he couldn't keep.

You took another breath and pushed.

"They are kicking." you announced as he entered your chambers.
He rushed over to you, placing his hand on your belly, waiting but nothing.
"You could try and talk to them. Maybe that will encourage the Little One." you said when you saw the sad expression on your husband's face.
Memories from your marriage filled your mind as it coped with the pain you were going through.

You never failed to push or to make sure you were going along nicely.

"You shouldn't go alone. You are ready to give birth at any moment now, My Love, you should stay home at all times."
"It is only a meeting with your sister, I will be fine."
"I shall go after you once my Uncle's meeting is over." the way he kissed you before you left, how breathless it left you could still feel on your lips.
After his important meeting, he went and found you with his sister, softly talking about children, he could hear you asked for advice from her about the babies.
"I don't want any of that. I wish to do as much as I can, no need for a maid to be there and care for my child. I am their mother, I want to care for them."
"If you want to do it all, there will be moments when it will be extremely difficult."
"I am aware. I wouldn't have want a child if I wasn't already aware of that. Aemond will be by my side to help."
"My brother will be a good father, without a doubt but men... after the third night of my twins crying without end... men can get impatient."
"Then he shouldn't have found himself between my legs if he doesn't want to deal with the consequences. Babies have two parents."
"I envy your determination and fire, Y/N." Aemond smirked, just how much did he love you, it was beyond words.
And this all leads to your final push.

Suddenly you were grateful you had so many questions towards the midwife when you and Aemond met her a couple of months ago.

You briefly knew what you needed to do. You needed to make sure the baby was breathing, and they wouldn't get cold.

So, you sacrificed some of your layers of dress to put around the little one.

As the baby cried, you were happy that they were breathing, wrapped safely in your arms in your clothes. As the rain stopped.

"Little Dragon, no need to yell. You are here, safe." you pulled them to your chest and finally let out a sigh. You were beyond exhausted, you were sure you'd faint if it wasn't for the fact that you knew you needed to protect your child.

You even forgot to check if you had a son or a daughter you were so occupied with your safety.

And as the sun began to set, you were ready for the night.

"I really wish your father could finally find us." you said as you looked down at your child, their big round blue eyes staring at you. "Hi. I'm your mother." as they put their hand out you let them grab your finger. You slightly covered their left eye, nodding. "Yup, you definitely look like Aemond." They yawned and you moved them a little closer to your chest. "We will be fine." you told more to yourself. As you moved the baby, you finally checked them over. They looked healthy.

A healthy little boy.

You knew you couldn't afford to dose off. You debated what you should do. Wait for someone to find you or slowly head back.

You really didn't feel like walking, your legs were a mess and if something or someone was to come after you, you were sure you couldn't run again.

"SWEETHEART." a yell came over the woods, you barely heard it, then the undeniable sound of a dragon.

A dragon you knew well.

Vhagar.

"MY LOVE." the voice was now a lot clearer. And louder.

"Aemond? HERE." of course, you yelling woke up your boy as you slowly stood up. Very slowly on extremely wobbly legs, you walked were the noise from a dragon could be heard. You saw Vhagar before you saw your husband.

"Aemond." you said as you fell to your knees. You heard people moving over to you.

"Y/N." you saw your husband walk to you as he too fell to his knees and took the bundle from you. You softly smiled.

"Congratulations. It's a boy." you said before fainting from exhaustion.

The next time you woke up you were in your own bed. You could see your son was placed right next to you, sleeping soundly on his belly as the candlelight illuminated him, you had a look.

He was beautiful, his silver hair already showing and you were jealous. You were jealous that this was your child you had to give birth to in the woods while also running from a group of very angry men. And he dared to look more like his father.

"My Love." you looked at the door and placed a finger on your lips, letting Aemond know to stay quiet.

"He's asleep."

"I see. I found who dared to do this... I found them all and I can confirm they have been dealt with. But you did such an amazing job. You ran, you hid and you even gave birth... My Love, you are amazing, and I'm truly thankful." he moved to sit next to your legs.

"I'm still very tired." you said as he lifted your hand and placed a kiss on your palm.

"Of course, I'll hand him to the maids and you can-"

"No!" you said so suddenly and a little too loudly, it stirred him up a little but he did settle when you placed a hand on his back. "You can't take him from me."

"Okay, he will stay." the instincts of a protective mother were like a dragon and Aemond wished not to fight with an angry dragon.

"You stay too." you grabbed his hand and he didn't move.

"I shall stay." he watched as you slowly lifted the baby and placed him on your chest, you moved to the other side of the bed slightly and waited for Aemond to join you.

When he removed his jacket you motioned for his undershirt.

"Take that off too." he gave you a look but did as he was told.

When he moved to lay on the bed you slowly moved your son to his chest. Aemond went stiff.

"You held him before right?"

"Yes, but..."

"Babes like skin to skin contact. To hear your heartbeat. He will sleep better if you hold him there." you said as you moved to the other side of his chest. Placing your head on his chest as you watched your son sleep soundly on the other side. "He's special. I can tell."

"Of course he is. He is our son after all. But you are much more special My Love, giving birth in those conditions to such a healthy and strong boy... on your own. You are much stronger than I thought you were." he said, his voice laced with just how proud he was. He had one arm around you while in the other he held his son.

“I did what every mother would, protected what’s precious. He looks like you, I went through all that and he looks like you.”

“Then he will behave like you.”

“So help the kingdoms.” this made Aemond chuckle but he placed a kiss on your forehead.

"Have you thought of a name yet?" you asked as you slowly were falling asleep.

"We will think of one when you wake. Sleep for now, My Love."

You didn't need to be told twice, knowing your baby was in secure hands, you quickly and comfortably fell asleep.

Aemond took a moment to fully look at his family.

When he arrived back only to find people dead and you gone, he was ready to burn the entire place down not only the castle. Every woman had been killed, and you were nowhere to be found, he thought of the worse. Then someone mentioned they saw you run into the woods with a group of very angry men following you. He jumped on Vhagar and headed after you, but it was hard to see due to the dense woods and the rain also didn't help. Aemond swore if anything happened to you or your child he would surely burn this place to the ground.

But then he found you, only in your underlayer while something was wrapped in your clothes, and he realized, you not only ran but you also gave birth.

As soon as you handed him the bundle, you fainted and he had to bring you back.

But now, everything had been dealt with, you were home, you were safe.

Aemond knew if anything happened to any of you, he would have gone mad.

Thankfully that never came to be.

He had you safely in his arms and his son in the other. He could finally breathe, although he knew his job as a father only began, he knew he would be able to do everything and more with you by his side.

Chapter Text

-Imagine-
Marrying Prince Aemond but it is not an arranged marriage.

Everyone thinks it is, but the truth is that you and Aemond have been in love since you were children.

Everyone in his family hated you except his mother and sister. Aegon was suspicious about you but didn't specifically hate you.

So, as you walked down the aisle in your gorgeous dress, you could see the hatred in most people's eyes.

You could see some were happy for your eternal suffering.

Fools.

All of them.

You could only smirk as you reached out for Aemond who took your hand in his.

It was rare to see him genuinely smile, but he couldn't hide his happiness.

Happiness which in the eyes of others was fake.

But you knew his heart, you knew it because he gave it to you many years ago when he promised he would make you, his.

And finally, he was able to keep that promise as he put a beautiful ring around your finger and you did the same for him.

Of course, your ring had a gorgeous sapphire in it, a true representation of who you belonged to.

And then, you were officially his wife and he, your husband.

Aemond was not one for dancing, but watching you dance with his sister and mother made him smile, no man dared to approach you but if they did, even before Aemond could get to you, you would have told the man off.

You'd have an amazing time before you moved back to your chambers with your husband.

For what the others thought will be your suffering and downfall, it was actually your love and strength.

Aemond was the one you loved, but you'd let everyone realize that your happiness was not faked.

You just couldn't wait to see their faces when they do.

Chapter Text

„We are in an arranged marriage and you want to pretend that you care! So what if I flirt with someone?”

„We are married Princess, you have duties-"

„Duties?! Oh really, so what about you then? What happened to your duties when women flirt with you?”

„That’s different.”

„Of course, because you are a man right? You can go around and cheat on me but I shouldn’t even dare look at another man.” you wanted to laugh. How dare he?

"You are a married woman. You are mine. And women don't flirt with me."

"They do, don't pretend as if you are just too oblivious to notice." you huffed as you sat down on your bed.

How dare he act this way?

"They don't flirt with me, women are afraid of me." he siad as he sat on the other side of the bed, his back to you,

"They are not afraid, if anything they want your titles and dick more than anything. Why would you think they are not flirting?"

"My missing eye scares them, I know it."

Oh, so that was this is about, his never ending doubt and insecurity regarding his eye.

"Don't be ridiculous. They see your handsome face first.” you said with a very calm voice. “I know I did."

"You did?" Aemond almost turned to look at you, but he didn't, he kept looking at the fireplace as the fire crackled. But his attention was on you.

"Of course. I remember the day we met, it was really hot, I remember mentioning it to my mother how you can be wearing dark leather and be fine. But then I saw you, you look like a real King, powerful as you stood there. I didn't even notice your eyepatch or scar. I couldn't care less, your tall frame and the way you held yourself hid all that from me."

"Are you lying?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper.

"I have no reason to. It pains me that you don't see yourself like I see you."

"Is that why you flirt with men?"

"I only flirted with one, only because that lady seemed very attracted to you. I wanted to make you jealous. And it somewhat worked." This time when Aemond turned to look at you, you were already watching him. "I do find myself very attracted to you, Aemond. But you are right, we are in an arranged marriage, and no matter how much I wish for it to be real, It isn't." you looked down at your hands as you let out a sigh.

"It could be. It could be real. Your mother married you to me because of my name, I know that but I also know that you do not care about my name or status. I see it in you Y/N, you care about me, but my insecurities pushed you away, keep pushing you away."

"We could start anew Aemond. We can, I believe in us. And if your feelings for me are half as strong as mine towards you, it will work."

"My feelings for you, My Love, are greater than any power on this Earth."

"Than it will work. I believe our marriage can be real and we don't have to live is misery."

You smiled as you moved onto the bed, closer to him as you grabbed his face and placed a kiss on his lips.

"I would like that, very much, My Queen." this made you laugh a little.

"I love you, Aemond." you said as you looked into his eye, letting him know you mean every word.

"And I love you as well, Y/N." this time, it was he who leaned over to place a kiss to your lips.

Arranged marriage or not, Targaryen or not, you loved this man with all of your heart.

And he, loved you just as much if not more.

Chapter Text

Aemond groaned at his father, how he wished for Aegon to be back so he could keep taking the blame and be the bad child.

With Aegon gone for the last year, Aemond was now on the chopping board.

After the war, Aegon flew away quicker than any of the losers. Aemond always knew his brother never wanted to rule, but this in his eye was an overreaction. No one expected Aegon to be back ever again.

Until one day.

News of Sunfyre landing spread like wild fire.

Alicent, Aemond and Helaena all rushed to see if the news were true.

They watched as the golden dragon left, leaving two people behind.

Everyone immediately noticed that the Aegon who dismounted this dragon was definitely not the one who left.

As if a changed man, Aegon stood in front of his family. His back straight, his hair kept, face smooth and on his arm, a lady.

If it wasn't for his recognizeable features and hair, his family wouldn't have recognized him.

Everyone's attention was now on the lady by his side.

She was breathtaking, her dress complimented her skin tone perfectly, her hair flew as the wind blew it and she had a smile on. Such a kind smile.

Everyone watched as she moved towards them.

"My Darling, this is my family, Mother, Sister and Brother." spoke Aegon but everyone seemed frozen into one place. They watched her bow slightly before once again standing straight. "My family, I would like for you to meet my wife, Y/N."

Silence. Complete and utter silence.

"Pleasure to meet you all. My name is Y/N Y/L/N. From the House of Y/L/N. I told Aegon that we should have sent word of our arrival." You looked at your husband, worried that no one spoke but all he did was smile at you.

You felt uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry, did you say, wife?" his mother finally asked Aegon.

"Correct, we got married... five months ago. Lady Y/N took me off my feet. Made me into an honest man."

"It has been four months since our wedding, but the rest is correct."

Disbelief. You could feel it in the air but the proof was right in front of them.

Aegon, the second of his name, was standing right in front of them, someone they never expected to see and yet, here he was. With a lady by his side and if Alicent was honest with herself, she barely recognized her own son.

"Shall we?" asked Aegon as he guided her to the palace.

---

"So, this is your room?"

"It is exactly as I left it." he smiled, trying not to think too much of the bad memories.

You turned to him, raising a brow as you pointed at one of his... toys.

"Oh, that... that is..."

"Something you can never use on me. I don't know where it has been or even if it was washed." you nearly gagged.

"My Love, you don't have to be so prude. We have done our fair share of... experiments."

"Get new ones then." you said as you moved towards the window. "Are you sure this is the right thing to do?"

"I'm not sure. But what you said is true. I cannot hide from who I am. I cannot run to the other side of the world because I never want to rule. You changed me, My Love."

"I pride myself on that. You looked like a homeless person when I first met you, never imagined you would be a prince." Aegon laughed at the memory as you joined him on his bed, sitting next to him allowing his hands to take yours.

"I looked and smelled like a homeless person and yet, your kind soul helped me. I never wanted to marry anyone, and yet there I was merely months later, getting wed to you and I couldn't be happier."

"Why are you reminiscing on the past? We should be focusing on the future. This is the perfect place to start the new life we wanted."

"Oh, how I love you Y/N." his eyes were shining, he couldn't be happier he swore. "Do you love me?"

"I do, Targaryen or not, prince or homeless, my heart belongs to you."

You were the first person to show him love.

True love.

You found him, barely alive, drowning in his own vomit and yet, you helped him, housed him, nursed him and fell in love with him. Even when your father warned you, you stayed by his side. Not only that but you married him, Aegon is still shocked that your father allowed your marriage, but he was convinced he saw the Targaryen name not Aegon himself. But he couldn't care less.

"Why would you want to go back?" you asked exactly a month ago when Aegon brought up the topic of moving back to his old home. "I know I said you cannot run from who you are but I didn't mean for you to-"

"I want to go back and prove them all wrong. Prove it to them that I can be King and I can be a good one. I was afraid before but having you now, I know I can do it."

You nodded, knowing Aegon was stubborn as a mule.

"Then I shall follow my husband wherever he goes." you smiled as did he.

Aegon had you now.

You still looked around his room as women came to clean everything, and change the bedding. You found it interesting how his old room was so much like him.

He guided you around the palace, showing you everything, pointing out the things that have changed before he stood in front of his father.

The Iron throne is something you only heard in stories before. And the man sitting on it. Barely a man anymore. He didn't have much time, it was clear to you.

"Father, this is my wife Y/N." another introduction to another member of Aegon's family.

The man in front of you, clearly responsible for the pain his son went through and you could barely pretend to be kind. But you knew you had to. You felt your husband’s hand tighten around yours as you bowed to the kind.

Aegon had you now, and soon he will take the throne.

Chapter Text

One late evening, Aegon woke with a start.

It was the kind of nightmare that you immediately forget once you are up but so disorienting, you forget for a couple of minutes where you are.

Aegon hated this feeling.

He hated waking up alone, unsure if he was in a whorehouse or in his own room.

The pillow next to him was still warm, and his brain slowly started to piece together everything.

"Y/N?" he called out but no answer came. He felt a cold shiver run down his spine as he started looking for his wife but couldn't see her anywhere in the room.

Panic slowly started to set in, but then the door opened and closed as you arrived back.

You quietly made your way into the room, in your hand a cup of water and then you saw Aegon on the bed.

"Did I wake you?" you asked quietly as you looked at him in the moonlight. "I needed some water, sorry if I woke you." As you put the cup down and joined him in bed, you finally noticed his eyes, filled with tears that never fell. "Oh, Sweetheart, you had a nightmare again?" he only nodded as he moved to hug you tightly, putting his head into your chest. You ran your fingers through his silky hair, kissing his head as he started to take deep breaths, slowly calming down.

Aegon has been through a lot, and also changed a lot during the last few years.

His marriage with you grew into love quickly and he changed with love.

But nightmares still woke him from time to time.

"I love you Aegon. I hope you know that." his hand ran up your leg, under your gown, the touch was anything but sexual. This level of intimacy shared between lovers and you knew the true meaning, he was longing for affirmation that you were real, that this wasn't just a dream from which he would wake in his awful life again. "I'm here." you would say as you slowly moved him to lie down, with him on his back, eyes staring at you you offered him a smile. "Your nightmares are not real. I am really here, I really do love you and I will not go anywhere. I promise." his palm came to rest on your cheek as you turned and kissed it before you moved to rest against him.

With your head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat, your arm over his stomach, his arms around you, Aegon turned his head to smell your hair.
Each and every night, he fell asleep knowing that even if you were just a delusion, an image in his mind, he didn't want to wake up. He would spend eternity in this dream with you.

And each morning he woke up with you still there. He was thrilled.

Moments with you were his favourite but when you just laid there, still asleep, no duty or House name present in the room, just a man and his wife, he admired you.

Oh, how he loved you.

Chapter Text

You had a bad feeling at the start, you knew you shouldn’t have come, being so close to your due date, it was a risk. But you also knew your cravings were insane as of late. So, when your husband mentioned a trip to a nearby country, one that you knew had that chocolate thing, you just had to go.

You ate so much chocolate, you nearly threw up.

Worth it.

On your way back though, everything went sideways and yours and your husband’s worry came true.

You were in labour and home was weeks away.

You knew better than to panic. You let out long breaths which Aegon noticed.

“I think we should stop for the night.” you said as you looked up at Aegon. “I think your child decided to finally come out.”

“NOW?!” he yelled.

“Yes, stop them. Let them build a tent and I’ll do it here.”

Aegon did as he was told.

Will you really give birth right here? Without a nurse or anyone? Wait, did that mean that he will have to help you?

The King hasn’t heard of anything like that before.

You groaned as Aegon just stood there. Of course, he would have no clue on what to do.

Thankfully, you asked way too many questions and the nurse was happy to answer. So, you had a general idea on what to expect and what to do.

"Ask them for hot water and cloths. Many cloths, I don't care if they have to cut up my dresses." Aegon nodded and soon you heard him bark orders at his men.

You took deep breaths as each wave of pain struck. Each one more and more powerful.

"I will need your help Aegon."

"Okay. What should I do?" he was panicking, shaking and unsure. But he knew he needed to help.

"Remind me to breathe, to push when I need to.” You nodded as he moved over, closer to you. "And please, no matter what happens, do not let go of my hand. And you will have to cut the… thing… I forgot the name but once the baby’s out there will be a… thing to their belly. You will have to tie it off and cut it, you have your knife right?” he nodded once more. ”Okay.” it was your turn to nod as you groaned once. “I’ll be fine, the baby will be fine, you will be fine.” you told him and he made a face.

“I’m supposed to calm you not the other way around.”

“It helps me calm down if I calm you down.”

“Okay.” there was a knock on the carriage as Aegon went and grabbed the water and the cloths.

Everyone just stood outside some of them getting your tent ready so you can sleep after.

You let out a long breath before moving to a crouching position, hands groping the seat while Aegon moved with you like water.

You looked into his eyes.

“You have to promise me you won’t look. Many women told me that men are not allowed to because if they saw… they will never touch their wife again.”

“That’s silly. I love you.” he was just glad at that point that you didn’t mention the worst case scenario. As if you were reading his mind, you spoke up.

“I’m not dying in a carriage while giving birth. You can bet on that Aegon.” he smiled

You laughed a little but then, pain hit and soon, it was time.

“Okay, I’ll start pushing, it will take a while but, you will have to check for me if I’m doing okay.” he kept on nodding. “Remind me to breathe and if I break your hand, I’m sorry.” Aegon nodded once more.

You would be lying if you said you weren’t scared. Aegon knew he should have brought nurses along but now it was too late to think about that. He had to prioritize you and the baby.

“Breathe, Love.”

You moved a bit forward, forehead against Aegon’s shoulder as you pushed.

Your groans and moans of pain could be heard outside, the knights looked at one another. Hoping their Queen was okay. They loved their Queen.

“Love, you have to move a little, I can’t reach.” said Aegon as your hand came to the place between his neck and shoulder. You moved back a little letting Aegon reach down. “Feels… weird but I’m sure you are doing great.”

“How would you know?” you asked as another wave came. “Stupid fucking men, you only know the pleasures while we have to suffer.”

“Whoa, Love.”

“Shut up, please. Just this once.”

“That’s no way of talking to your King.” Aegon joked but then your eyes locked with his and he felt a shiver run down his spine. He never felt this scared before.

“My King can suck his own dick then.”

“Breathe, Love, you are doing well.” Aegon decided to ignore your words. Knowing it was only due to the pain. This was the least he can endure.

“It really hurts.”

“I know. But you are doing really well. Our daughter will be here soon.”

“What if we have a son? Would you be disappointed?”

“Of course not. You could never disappoint me, My Love.” you wanted to laugh but you needed to push once more. “I’m never doing this again. You get one child, take it or leave it Aegon, I will not do this again.” he only smiled. One would be enough for him.

“Breathe, Love.” suddenly you grabbed him by the neck of his shirt, and pulled his face close to yours.

“I know I said to remind me but Aegon, you tell me to breathe one more time and I will kill you.”

“Okay, Love, just br- focus on the baby.” your hand moved back to his shoulder before giving one last big push.

You almost fainted. All pain disappeared all at once. You let out a sigh as you couldn’t focus.

Every noise disappeared as you felt beyond tired. Your legs were shaking, no actually your whole body was shaking.

Then suddenly all noise and light came back to you as you sat down on the floor, you saw the blood but you couldn’t care because then, you saw Aegon trying his best to wash the small child as they cried.

“He is loud.” you said and Aegon looked at you.

“He?” Aegon was so focused on getting the child washed and bundled up he failed to realize he was holding his own son.

“He has great lungs.” you concluded. “He looks healthy too.” you noted as Aegon put the child into the cloths you received.

“Let us move to the tent, they will clean the carriage.” Aegon said as he stood up and opened the door.

“Congratulation, Your Highness.” said the many knights.

“My wife and I will be in our tent, clean the carriage so we can continue tomorrow.” Aegon stood out of the carriage, he failed to notice that you didn’t follow.

A knight came into his view from inside, holding you, or rather helping you.

“My Queen, slow steps.”

Once inside the tent, you were finally able to lie down.

“I want to hold him.” you said as Aegon put the child into your arms. “Thought of a name?”

“We only discussed Lady names.”

“We will not name him after your terrible father.” you said as you looked at Aegon who needed no convincing on the matter.

“What should we name him then?”

“Aegon, third of his name?” You said as a joke and Aegon made a face. “I like the name Aeden.”

“Aeden Targaryen?”

“Son of Aegon the second. I quite like that name.”

“You made that name up.”

“Isn’t all names made up?”

“You have a point, My Love. But you do need to sleep now.” you nodded as Aegon took Aeden and the baby stirred up a little from his sleep.

“Wake me if he cries. I’ll feed him.”

“Great, now I have another man to fight over for your tits. I thought those were only for me?”

“Once they were. But now I have a babe to feed.” you said as you nodded off to sleep.

Aegon watched as you slept, his son in his arms and he did not want to let go of him. Smiling down at the child as he slept.

Aegon admired you, you not only gave birth on the road, but also had the strength to calm him and survive. Aegon was scared he would lose you but you were strong.

Aegon looked down to his son, only to find him looking right up at him.

Aegon felt a tear escape his eyes as he looked down at him. He moved to kiss the baby on his forehead and he giggled, causing Aegon to smile.

“You will be loved, so so loved, I promise you Aeden. I already love you more than anything.”

And this was a promise Aegon will keep until his last breath.

Chapter Text

Somehow Vhagar knew it before you or Aemond.

Aemond did notice the behaviour of his dragon changing. Aemond was convinced she was ill. She refused to fly.

No matter how hard the prince tried, Vhagar didn't budge.

It took a while for Aemond and you to figure out what was going on.

Then one day, you were out on the field and Aemond noticed something. You sat under the sun as you liked to get your skin warm and Vhagar kept moving to block the sun from you. You only laughed at the dragon and moved but so did she.

This is when Aemond noticed that his dragon was protecting you. From what, the prince didn't know.

"Darling?" called out the prince and you looked up. "Come here." he watched as you stood up and went over to him, Aemond carefully watching his dragon as she slowly followed you. "Looks like as if she's protecting you." he said as you arrived into his arms. You turned and looked back at Vhagar.

"She has great senses then." Aemond looked at you, confused, as you just smiled at him. "I'm with child, My Prince. I think she knows."

"Child?" Aemond had so much more on his mind. So much more to say but that was the only word that he managed.

"Yes. You are going to be a father, My Prince. Are you happy?" Happiness couldn't even describe how Aemond felt in that moment.

As if the spring and the summer met, he felt excited, nervous, thrilled, scared and proud all at the same time.

You didn't need an answer, you could see it in his eye as it shined, he was very happy.

"How long have you known?" he asked as his arms around you tightened.

"The nurse told me yesterday."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner then?"

"Patience is virtue, My Love. I'm just happy your dragon is not ill." Oh, you and your gentle soul.

Aemond leaned down and pulled in for a kiss.

A child was something he didn't expect to have, but again, he never expected to have a wife either.

Chapter Text

Seeing how much your parents loved you, Aegon often found himself jealous.

Even if you were not from House Targaryen, your father had a great relationship with Aegon's father.

And so, Aegon often got to see you.

He was always jealous of how gentle and kind your mother was with you, at how she was always there for you.

Something he never experienced, love.

Pure, unconditional love.

Something the young prince himself longed for.

Then his mother told him the news, you were betrothed to Aegon.

This truly sent Aegon into a spiral.

How was he supposed to be a husband to you when you know love so well? How was he supposed to be your equal if he is miserable?

A spiral that sent Aegon right down to the bottom, drowning himself in drinks and whores as usual.

"Oh the prince!" your mother squealed as Aegon entered the room. "How you have grown!" your mother was now hugging Aegon and you couldn't do much besides watching.

Aegon was frozen in place, unsure what to do. The next was your father who treated him with the same warm welcome.

You could only smile, knowing about how Aegon was with his father, your father treated him as if he was his own, and in a way, he was.

"Aegon, my son! Hope you have been treating my daughter well!"

"Father, of course, he is treating me well." Aegon could only open and close his mouth as if he was a fish.

"Good. Hopefully soon, I'll have grandchildren running around!" your father laughed as you smiled, Aegon, still pretending to be a fish.

During dinner, it was evident, your side of the table was chatty and happy while the Targaryen side was a bit more quiet.

Your mother loved to talk and told you all about what happened during your absence. Your father would talk to Aegon, occasionally slapping him on the arm in a playful manner.

Aegon felt so welcomed in your family. Both your parents treated him so well, they really saw him as a person, not as the heir of the throne, they saw their daughter's husband.

As your conversation continued on that side of the table, everyone else just watched.

In Aegon's mind, this is what a family should be. He couldn't help but wonder how would have he turn out if he was born in a family like yours?

How he could have been an honest gentleman from the start with your parents?

But he was still extremely glad that he married you, not only for your love but for your family's love.

Aegon smiled as his side of the table only could watch with envy.

Chapter Text

Being a cook you always liked to bake and help around the kitchen, your grandma thought you everything and when she sadly passed, you were left an orphan.

Thankfully a kind woman took you into her care. She worked for the Targaryen family in the kitchen and so, even at a young age, you learned how a kitchen of this size worked.

You started to work as well soon after. The same kitchen same rules.

You helped cook for every big occasion, family meetings, simple feasts and when a member of the family had a special request, it usually involved one of your recipes.

You heard the others girl often gossip about the princes about how handsome they were, but you never fully went into that mindset.

You just did your job and create new recipes.

"The Prince really liked your pastry." said one of the girls.

"Oh, which one?"

"Prince Aemond."

"No, I meant which pastry?"

"I don't know." she shrugged her shoulders before she moved on with her work.

You worked a lot on those pastries, it was something new, something you were proud of, so to hear that the Prince himself liked them so much, the word got to the kitchen, it meant a lot to you.

You decided to make more the next day and even tried out some sweet variations.

You were a good cook, creative, caring and talented.

One day, you got word that one of the serving girls was sick and you were supposed to go instead of her.

And you did.

The family decided to have lunch outside in the gardens, everyone was there and you enjoyed seeing how much they truly like the things you have made.

You smiled happily when you noticed that everything you have made was gone.

You smiled as you gathered the plates along with the others.

Then, as you turned, you accidentally took a wrong step and fell to the floor, breaking all the ceramics and glasses.

"I'm so sorry, Your Grace." you said as you tried to gather yourself.

"Foolish girl!" you heard the king mumble before you looked at him, it was right the moment when he looked at you, making him think that you were mocking him. "How dare you!" he yelled as you tried to gather yourself and failed miserably.

You tried to get up and this is when you saw the King's hand reaching, he was about to slap or grab you. You flinched then a loud roar was heard, no doubt it was a dragon.

You meant to run back inside but somehow ended up the furthest as the dragon caused more wind. The table also flew away as everyone tried to keep on the ground. You looked up at the huge beast. You were never this close to a dragon, you only saw them while they were flying, never this close.

The absolute shock on everyone's face, including yours as Vhagar just towered above you.

You thought this was the end. You will be dead in a couple of seconds.

As the King looked up at the dragon, he soon looked at his son, expecting him to stop his own dragon.

Your eyes also met with the Prince’s possibly begging him to help you.

But Vhagar didn't move. Not an inch.

The dragon was determined.

She placed her head right next to you. You stood there, frozen, unsure of what to do. You could only look at the family in front of you. The fact that they looked just as stunned scared you, if they didn't know what to do, they, who lived with dragons, had no idea what was going on, how were you supposed to?

The dragon let out a growl when someone took a step, immediately stopping them, but you just stood there. Frozen as you saw the large dragon towering over you once more.

You looked at Prince Aemond for help once more, after all, he was the rider of the beast, supposedly tamed her so he should be able to help right?

Almost.

He stepped closer to the dragon but she still growled a little.

As he distracted the dragon, you quickly ran away after giving a bow to the family in front of you.

Trying to understand what just happened, you rushed back to your room. Your mind was running fast as you still heard the dragon outside, soon it flew away.

---

Later, that evening Aemond couldn't sleep. Thoughts of you standing next to his dragon filled his mind.

Why did Vhagar protect you?

Dragons only respected their riders. You were only a cook who ended up at the wrong place at the wrong time. And yet, as his father started to scold you on your behaviour, the dragon came out of nowhere and protected you.

What was so special about you?

Aemond couldn't sleep, and so he found himself wandering the corridors as he reached the library.

He found a section he thought he had never seen before. Books on books, he pulled out one. It was an old story, in that story as Aemond read it he found a word. A word that he had never seen before, soulmate.

What was a soulmate?

It piqued his interest greatly as he started to pull out more and more books, but none mentioned anything about it.

Aemond couldn't stop thinking about that word. He wanted to ask his mother but she seemed very busy, so he decided not to bother her.

Instead, he found himself back in the same library. Aemond looked amongst the shelves then his eyes caught something. A book leaning against the back, hidden by the other books. Aemond pulled the book, he felt as if he finally found what he was looking for.

With the book in his hand, he walked back to his room.

Aemond put his mind into reading the book. And he found so much.

His mind was racing at a very fast pace.

He paced around in his room. Grabbed the book and out the door, he went.

Heading to right where he thought you might be.

For you the last few days were awful. Everyone in the kitchen kept talking about you, you didn't have a moment of peace. They threw and poured things over you all day.

You weren't sure how long you would be able to survive this.

So, naturally, you weren't able to sleep at night, you walked around the kitchen, trying to think of something to do.

You still didn't know what happened that day.

"Lady Y/N," the voice scared you, almost making you jump out of your skin as you turned and find your prince standing there.

"Prince Aemond, how can I help you? Are you hungry perhaps? We have some bread and cheese."

"I need to speak with you, urgently, let us move to a private place."

You followed him, how could you not? He was your prince after all.

He guided you out into the gardens, you noticed the book in his hand as you sat down on the bench beside him. He looked around, and so did you, trying to see what he was searching for, but found no one.

"I know what happened. It's all in this book." he handed it to you, you opened it but.

"I cannot read my prince." how could he forget that it was a possibility you weren't taught?

"Oh, it's... It talks about dragons and their riders and... soulmates. Do you know what that is My Lady?"

The way he kept on referring to a simple woman like you as Lady...

"Soulmates? I have heard yes. People meant to be, to love and care for one another. They say no one is a full self. We are only halves and our soulmate is the other half, making us full."

He nodded.

"For us, Targaryens, it was our dragons who choose our soulmates. We cannot feel them but they can. This is the reason Vhagar protected you, why she stood next to you."

"What you mean my prince?"

"I mean, my family have been marrying one another, father told me to keep our blood pure, but by doing so, we couldn't meet our soulmates." you looked into his eye, trying to figure out if he was joking with you but he looked very serious. "I'm saying you are my other half. You were meant for me as I was meant for you. Vhagar knew."

"Is this some cruel joke my prince? I-I have been through a lot these days and... this is the worst. I can handle flour or water in my hair, I can handle people locking me into the storage but this... Soulmates are sacred and ancient. Soulmates are no joke as they do not happen anymore due to politics or... My Prince, Aemond, I find this to be extremely offensive and not funny. I have no clue who put you up for this but..." the way you said his name, had his heart skip a beat.

"I'm not joking. Vhagar knew that you are mine, so she protected you from my father. Why would you think I'm joking with you My Lady?" he surely didn't look like someone who was joking but you weren't confident. You felt doubt. But somehow you didn't doubt his words as much as you probably should have.

"I cannot possibly be-You are a prince I'm only a cook. Even if we are... your family will never approve of me, of us."

"I do not care what my family thinks."

"We both know that is not true. You will marry a princess one day and forget about me."

"How can one forget their other half?"

"I suppose we will have to learn."

"I won't let go of you, I will fight for you. You will be my wife, even if it costs me my life."

"Please don't say promises you cannot keep, My Prince."

He stood up with you, his hand on your cheek as he smiled at you.

"I always keep my promises," he said before leaning in for a kiss but you pulled back, keeping him at arm's length. You wanted to take another step back but he was quicker. He pulled you close by your waist and locked his lips with yours.

As soon as his soft lips met yours you knew you will never be able to forget him. You felt a volcano erupt inside you and the damage was extensive. You have fallen for him, and there was no way of getting up.

Aemond went through a very similar feeling.

He felt full.

As if he found something he never even knew he needed in the first place and now, he will never be able to let go.

He pulled away and placed his forehead against yours.

"I will deal with my family, but I'm not letting go of you."

And at that moment you knew, you couldn't say no, you will never be able to say no.

You both could hear Vhagar in the background yell out.

You smiled since she knew, her rider found his soulmate.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

But you sure behaved like one

You were all so grand and beautiful

And once you married Aemond, this fierceness in you only grew

One would describe you as a bitch with a nasty attitude

You didn't hold your tongue for anyone

No matter who they were

Man

Woman

King

Queen

Prince

or Princess

You took no exception when it came to your honest opinions

You were very honest and raw

It was a part of you which made Aemond fall in love

Even when you just met him, a lady-in-waiting for a Princess he was supposed to court

You behaved like a Queen

The way you held yourself

The way you walked and talked

And that shoulder of yours which was always out, glistening in the sun as you moved, drove him wild

Your tongue was sharp

Aemond liked that

So, instead of the sweet princess, he married you and made you a Princess

Funny enough you were almost the complete opposite with him

Your smirk always turned into a full smile

Your sharp tongue could say such sweet things to him

Truth be told he feared you only wanted his name

But that was the farthest from the truth

At first, you wanted him because you hated the Princess

You wanted to show her that you are just as capable

To make up for every comment she made about you

How she often belittled you without any reason

For how she spoke of you behind your back

Calling you names

Oh yes, you wanted revenge 

But then you fell in love

Aemond was so different from all the other men

He showed kindness

He showed care

He was a real strong man

He was interesting

Smart

You wanted him

Not his eye, not his title, not his name or dragon

But him, Aemond

And true love you found in him

You loved gowns, the bigger the better

Sparkly, colourful 

Something perhaps not even the Queen herself would wear

But let's be honest Alicent adores you

She was the mother you never had

And something about your sharp nature intrigued her

Watching you in your grand dresses, all different colours, she loved to dress you

Given half of your dresses came from her, you felt like she dressed you more than her own daughter

You always stood your ground

Never even blinked

Not even in the presence of Rhaenyra

Alicent liked that no matter what happened, you stood up for her family

She listened to you defend her family harshly

One time you even laughed into the face of the King himself

The King wanted your head for such treason 

But the point you made and the way you defended yourself

No one was match when it came to you defending someone you loved

Not even the King

How could you not defend them?

You finally had a family

Aegon often referred to you as the snake

Spitting venom

But you just laughed

“Brother, hold your wife on a tighter grip.” Aegon said

“Looks like the Prince is scared of a woman who has her own opinion.”

“I’m not afraid.” he said taking a sip of wine.

“Then why are you shaking?” the rise of your brow, the silence in the room, you loved it.

Aemond loved it

Aegon changed a lot with you in the family

As if your words cut deeper than his own mothers ever could

One evening, you found him passed out on the floor

“Just what are you doing?”

“Sleeping.” he replied, not even opening his eyes.

“Right, a true King you will be, sleeping in your own piss and vomit. Aemond The Great Sleeper they will call you.”

The family was strong when you arrived but they only grew stronger

Aemond didn't care for his eye any longer

Barely even wore the eyepatch

Showing off the sapphire you admired

You changed the family but you never changed yourself

You were strong as a mountain

"No matter how the wind howls, the mountain cannot bow to it."

You would often say

But once you were in your chambers with your husband

Once the gowns and jewellery were off

Once it was only you and him

You were a sweet woman

No venom, no attitude

Just you and him

Just a woman and her husband

Aemond swore he saw so many sides of you he often wondered which one was the real one

"All of me is real, My Prince. A woman is like the elements, we could be dangerous as fire, but also soothing and calm as the water."

"And you, My Love, combine all of that with the fierceness of a dragon."

"Or snake as your brother likes to refer to me as."

"He is not smart."

"Because he used to be drunk most of the time, now that he put his cup down, finally he can see behind it and not only the bottom of it."

"You are clever my love. I wonder you never had any choice words as such towards me, why would that be?"

"Oh, who am I to criticize perfection, My Love?"

You loved his smile

It was so easy for you to make him smile

No doubt, you were his firey, fierce but loving wife

Chapter Text

Seeing you on the bed, looking like a Goddess, Daemon nearly fell to his knees.

Seeing you holding his son, smiling gently at him, Daemon swore this was a dream.

But it wasn't.

He was away on business when the news came to him, the thing he feared when he left came true, you went into labour.

Caraxes never flew as quickly as he did that day.

Daemon needed to get to you, his sweet wife and child.

But he was late when he arrived a maid let him know that you have already given birth as you were now resting.

Daemon nearly tripped over five times before he could reach your sleeping chambers.

In there, he found you leaning against the many pillows all warm and comfortable as you held your child.

You looked down at them, smiling softly, Daemon nearly choked.

You looked absolutely gorgeous. He could feel his knees giving out when you looked up at him, quickly closing the door behind himself, you offered him the same smile as you did to your child moments before.

“Look, your Father’s here.” you said to the baby who raised their hand, you grabbed it, placing a kiss on his little fingers. “My Love, do you want to hold him?” you looked at Daemon who was now standing beside you, and he could only nod.

You moved a bit in the bed, allowing him to join you and he did.

“Wait.” he said before he removed his harsh jacket, leaving him in his soft shirt. Then, he pulled the baby into his arms. No doubt it was his son he was holding. The child was a spitting image of Daemon.

“He looks just like you, and behaves like you as well.” he looked at you with a question in his eyes. “When the nurse tried to take him to wash, he cried so much they had to give him back to me. Then he was meant to go to the nurse but again, he cried until he was given back to me.”

“You must be tired, if he demanded your attention so much.”

“I am, but I also wanted to wait for you. We need to think of a name. And he is just the cutest little man.” you raised your hand, catching a tear from his eye as he looked at his heir. You watched as your husband kissed the baby’s forehead and belly, making him giggle.

“Thank you.” he said with such a soft voice only you could hear it. You knew exactly what he meant.

Thank you for being so strong and gifting me a son.
The child yawned just as you did.

“Sleep now, I got him. We will name him once you are rested.” It was your turn for a forehead kiss as you cuddled into his side. Daemon smiled as both of you fell asleep in his arms.

Daemon could finally let out the breath he didn’t even realize he was holding.

Knowing both his son and wife were healthy and safe, he could finally relax.

Chapter Text

When you heard that a prince will be housed by your father, you didn't know what to think of it at first.

But then, Aegon joined your home.

---

Many months have passed, almost a year when the news arrived, House Targaryen will visit the son they sent away.

Aegon was not thrilled, to say the least.

He knew this could mean a couple of things, either his father was dead or dying.

He let out a long sigh but you placed a kiss on his skin as you hugged him, hoping it would calm him.

---

"Mother, Father, Brother and Sister, I would like to welcome you all." Aegon stood in front of his family, all four of them eyeing him up and down, Aegon looked really really good. Healthy, strong, a lot more muscular than the last time any of them saw him.

Aegon went ahead to greet his family before everyone else in the palace. He wanted them to see how well he was, laugh into their faces that he was doing so much better.

His mother came over to give him a kiss and a hug.

"I'll guide you to the King." he said as he turned to do so, but then you caught his eyes, "Actually before I do so, I would like for you all to meet my lovely wife, Y/N, daughter of King Y/L/N." he held his hand out and everyone's gaze fell on you.

You wore a beautiful gown, the colour matched your skin tone perfectly, a simple ring on your finger, matching Aegon's and you had a smile on.

"Your Grace, it is really nice to finally meet the family of my dear husband." with one last smile, you walked beside Aegon into the castle, guiding your guests to the throne room.

Everyone at the back was confused.

Aegon was married? Since when? And to a Princess? Why didn't they know about this?

But no one dared to question, the connection between the two Houses had to be strong, questioning you would definitely not sit well with your father.

All of you came to a stop before two huge doors, a knight came over to you and whispered something before returning to his position.

"Looks like my mother's taking a little while to get ready. In a couple minutes and they will let us all in." you said as you turned towards the family, again, a kind smile on your face before you turned back.

You could feel their eyes burning holes into your back.

Aegon took a slight step, putting his hand on your waist, and pulling you close as you placed one of your arms around him. You placed your head on his shoulder.

You knew, he needed you to calm him without words, and that is what you did. Just being there for him was enough.

His family could only watch in shock. They watched as your arm moved from his back and onto his shoulder as you stepped closer, you ran your fingers through his hair before you placed a kiss on his cheek. Leaving a slight pink tint behind before getting it with your fingers.

Everyone knew that the couple in front of them was in love. These touches were not planned or faked.

You then turned in your husband's arm and smiled at them.

"Hope you had a great journey." Silence. Complete silence, but your smile never faded.

"It was okay, thank you. May I ask, what kind of bugs do you have around here?" Aegon's sister spoke up.

"Oh, I don't like them too much, I do have animals, however."

"Animals?"

"A couple." this made Aegon chuckle and you hit his arm. "A lot yes, deer, rabbits, foxes, cats, dogs, wolves, birds. We are close to the big forest, they come by all the time."

"You feed them." Aegon spoke up as he shifted from one leg to another but never turning to face his family, only looking at you or the door in front of him.

"I do, but where are animals, there are insects, you should check the forest, there are many in there."

"Wolves?" she asked, shocked. "Wouldn't they eat the bunnies?"

"They would, but I forbid them. They listen because I feed them. I'll show you later in the garden if you wish, Princess."

"We are going." said Aegon as the door started to open just when Aegon's father wanted to speak.

All of you walked in, you and Aegon joined your father on his throne, you sat down in your chair beside your mother while Aegon stood beside you.

"King Vicerys and his family! My old friend, thank you for visiting us." your father greeted them.

"Old friend, it was news for me to find out that my son married your daughter." right into the middle, Aegon's father was surely not playing around.

"Oh, yes. Married them myself, my only daughter, I was happy she found such a boy for herself. When you sent Aegon over to my Kingdom, we never expected such happiness to grace us! Truly thrilled to have him here." then the conversation moved to more basic topics. Aegon moved to kneel next to you as he asked you about your dress or something, you couldn't quite understand.

"Sorry, what?" you asked as he came to eye level with you.

"I said, you looked breathtaking in this dress."

"Well, thank you. I doubt my dress is as breathtaking as the news of our marriage to your family."

"Like I care. I bet they expected to find me either in a ditch drunk or in a whorehouse... Not like I know where it is!" his eyes widened as he looked at you.

"Sure..." you pouted before moving a little in your seat. You knew about his past, of course you did, you were first to know why the prince was there and your mother really had no filter.

But soon, everyone grew to love Aegon, especially you.

"Anyway, do you know for how long they are here?" he asked.

"Mother said about a week. She said they probably wanted to take you back to Red Keep."

"But this is my home, and if I go, you would have to come with me. I am not going to bring you into a life of misery because of my family."

"They can't be that bad." you said and Aegon just looked at you. "Okay, maybe, but I love you and if they want you back in King's Landing, I'll go with you." Aegon made a face before he looked at his family, noticing how his brother was staring at the two of you. He then looked back at you.

"My happiness is with you, you know that but King's Landing is very different from here, you won't like it there. No forests. No animals."

"I'd choose you over every animal or forest."

Aegon then stood up once again, this conversation might not be over but for now, it was.

Lunch went rather well, your mother was talking with the Queen all along, your mother was a very wise woman, you only wished to be half as great as she was. She knew that the moment she let's the Queen out of her sight, she might go to Aegon.

You and Aegon ate in silence, occasionally exchanging looks or smiles.

As you promised to Helaena, you showed her the gardens, Aemond also followed as the four of you walked around.

"So, you feed all of them yourself?"

"I try to check daily as my duties allow me."

"Or she sends me." Aegon spoke up, for the first time looking at his sister.

"Because you can lift the water bucket. We used to have traps when I was young, but when I was young I saw a deer caught, I cried so much my mother made my father take all the traps away. And so, we feed them now." you smiled at her and Aemond.

"Did you name them?" asked the Princess.

"Some, yes."

"She named a deer after me. When I arrived, she said the deer reminded her of me as it was just as thin." Aegon smiled at the memory.

"Yes, but now, both of them are healthy." you said as you looked at the rose bush, noting a small red bug on it, it was one you actually liked. "Here." you let the bug crawl onto your hand before you turned to Helaena. "We call it Ladybug. It is said the dots on its back tells you how old they are." you watched her for a second before you turned your attention to Aemond. "I assume Prince Aemond is not so fond of flowers or animals, we do have training grounds, although I'm afraid I'm not the expert to show you around, it would be my husband." Aemond bowed his head a little as a small form of thank you as he did not finding any words.

Aemond was clearly taken aback, Aegon noticed but said nothing, smiling at his brother before looking back at you.

Aemond for sure thought Aegon would be a mess, much like how he was before his entire life, but instead, they found him, married, happy and strong.

Aemond was jealous.

So jealous.

Aegon had an amazing wife, a caring soul who was not only beautiful but smart and caring. And Aemond wanted the same.

Your tour soon came to an end as you all decided to rest up a bit before dinner.

"Your brother is jealous." you said as Aegon took his jacket off.

"I noticed. He looked at you like a lost duckling."

"But your sister's nice."

"Wait until she places a spider onto your shoulder." a shiver ran down your spine.

"Do you really think they want to bring you back?"

He nodded. Well, you weren't blind, his father was not in the best health.

"I never really thought this was a question of IF Aegon. Rather a WHEN. You are the heir right? Not your half-sister but you, so, they would want you back, especially now that you not only survived here but thrived. I have been getting ready for it since the moment we kissed for the first time." you both smiled at the memory.

"My parents didn't like that we are married. I could tell."

"Like I care. We are married, and I'm not leaving you." Although both of you knew there would be ways for his family to try and separate you, you two also knew that no matter what, you two will find your way back to one another.

Chapter Text

He knew you deserved something special as this will be your first name day since you were wed to him.

Aemond wanted to prove himself to you, that he could be a caring and loving husband.

Even if your marriage was due to political reasons, both of you learned to respect and love the other.

And what better way to prove his love than a nice and meaningful gift?

Aemond thought of everything, even asked his mother and his sister for ideas. His mother said a gown, a gown to represent her House and possibly jewellery. But it was not good enough for Aemond.

And he probably shouldn't have asked his sister since her reply was something about spiders, and you hated spiders.

So, Aemond was clueless.

While a gown and jewellery was for sure not a bad idea, it was too generic, he wanted something more personal.

And so, he came up with an idea.

First, he excused himself from you for a couple days, saying he will be travelling for a political matter leaving you for a couple days.

Secretly, he went to your birthplace.

He thought a pretty flower which you can grow in your own garden would be a perfect idea. It was meaningful and nostalgic as you had to leave your home when you were wed to him.

Prince Aemond looked everywhere for a nice flower but found none.

Why was it this hard?

All he wanted to prove that he could be a capable and loving husband. He let out a sigh as he walked back to Vhagar, going through town, he passed the market when he saw a lady. Something about her intrigued the Prince as he walked over.

He noticed she had a kitten in her basket.

"Sir, would you be interested? My cat had a litter and I cannot afford to care for them, I am giving them away for free, she is the last one, 16 week old healthy little girl, Sir." The cat looked really nice, gorgeous white fur, blue eyes. "She is a Birman cat, Sir. Perhaps your wife would like her?" the old lady asked as Aemond looked at her. She took this as a sign. "They are good companions, lap cats as I call them, they are calm and good with children. Protective for their size, they do not wander and follow their owner everywhere, kind companions." the lady explained as Aemond looked back at the cat. The blue eyes of it captured him once more.

"How much?" is all Aemond asked.

"Oh, Sir, for free, all I wish is for her to have a good loving home." she smiled at the Prince.

"I'll take her, but not without payment."

Aemond even got the basket from the lady, she nearly cried when Aemond insisted on giving her payment. And he paid a good amount, well, good amount for her, barely anything for him.

And with the perfect gift, Aemond was heading home.

By the time he got back it was your name day. He found his home decorated in flowers of your choice as the castle was getting ready for the occasion.

He found you in your shared chambers alone.

"My Love." you turned to him with a smile, making a face at the basket he was holding.

"What-"

"I wish you a very happy name day, My Love. This is my gift for you but first I must give you a kiss, I have missed you." you smiled as he leaned down to kiss you.

"Can I look?" you asked, like a child asking for permission. Aemond put the basket down and opened it, you watched as a small creature emerged. "Aemond, where..." as you trailed off Aemond worried. Did you not like cats? You usually loved animals. Did he get the wrong gift? "She is gorgeous." you said as you picked her up, smiling at the kitten as it made small noises. "Where did you get her?"

"A lady was giving them away, she said hers had a litter. Apparently she is a Birman cat, she said they are good lap cats, whatever that might be. Do you like her?"

"Like? Oh, My Prince this is such a gorgeous gift, she is beautiful." you placed the cat down, letting her explore her new home. "I do not know what to name her."

"I’m sure you will think of something, My Love." he smiled as you went to hug him.

"How will I ever compete with this gift when your name day comes?" you asked as you watched your kitten explore.

"I already have you, what more can I ask for?"

"Cazimir." you suddenly said and Aemond looked at you with surprise. "I will name her Cazimir, Cazi for short."

"I like that, sounds royal, fits her."

"It means Destroyer of Peace as I believe she will cause some problems for us but it all will be worth it. And as for your gift, I'll be sure to find something other than myself." you laughed as he leaned in to kiss you once more.

You smiled but you already had a good idea.

Your husband had a dark ball for his eye, and you just knew a nice sapphire would be more fitting for a prince like him.

Now, you just needed to find someone to make it.

As for your name day. Everything was perfect as it was expected.

Dinner was simple yet royal, you didn't ask for anything grand and so it was to your liking.

You even had cake.

And when you retrieved back to your room, Cazi was sleeping in her little basket, the tiny little kitten looked too comfortable to care that Aemond's lips found your neck and shoulders as you both moved to the bed.

Best name day ever.

Chapter Text

You used to live with the Targaryen family when you were young. You were one of Helaena helpers growing up.

Aegon and you found comfort in one another.

He was a broken boy who needed love, and you were a young girl filled with love.

Stolen moments were not uncommon.

But he never touched you like that. He said he wanted you to marry him, be his and then he would take you.

However, his mother and father saw this as a threat.

A bastard like yourself with their son? Not going to happen, and so, they sent you away.

And who were you to fight the Queen and the King?

They sent you to a place you never heard before.

Aegon's heart broke as did yours.

His hatred towards his parents only deepened. Aegon lost his light, he was told you were dead, and the thought started to rot him from the inside out as he got worse and worse.

Years passed, many years.

He was supposed to wed his sister but that also never happened. Aegon had one love, and he was not going to marry another.

As he became king, he was told visitors would come to congratulate him. And one King, had a gift, you.

You were bound by chains, dragged along like a dog. The King said "She is my best maid, she cooks, and washes and a young King such as yourself might find other pleasures. She is pure, I can assure you."

First, Aegon was shocked, the woman he thought was dead stood right in front of him. Then Aegon felt his blood boil, seeing the bruises on your arms as the King handed him the chain.

"You will hear from me, Lord. You just brought My Queen in chains." Aegon's eyes were spitting fire. The man felt the air tense up, hearing a dragon's yell, the man ran.

And you ran into his arms. Aegon's family could only watch as he held you.

"I thought you were dead." he said as he guided you to his chambers, never once letting go. He only left after the servants arrived.

You were washed and dressed.

"My Love." Aegon rushed into the room, seeing you sitting on his bed.

"I heard a lot about you Aegon, second of his name, protector of-." but he cut you off.

"Nothing good, I assume." he knelt down in front of you, holding his hands on your knees, as he reached for your hands.

"I do understand why you fell off, My Prince. I wasn't in the best of mindset after they made me leave."

"What happened? I want to know everything."

"Not today, today I just want to be held by you, like many times before. I'll tell you one day." he nodded as he kissed your hands.

"I'm no Prince, My Love, I'm the King now."

"So I've heard." you smiled as you placed your hand on his cheek. "I love you, Aegon."

Those words, sending shivers down his spine. He finally heard them again after so long.

He thought you were dead, murdered for loving him, but here you were, laying in his arms.

He swore nothing and no one will separate you from him ever again.

Chapter Text

---

You: Know why I called you in here?

Aegon: Because I accidentally sent you a dick pic.

You: *Stops pouring two glasses of wine.* Accidentally?

---

Aemond: My future wife must be brave, strong, intelligent, successful and organized.

You: *steps on a butterfly and proceeds to drop to their knees and sob while apologizing profusely*

Aemond: That one. I want that one.

---

You: So, do you like cats?

Aemond: Yeah.

You: *tries to impress them by slowly pushing a glass off the table* *winks*

---

Aegon: Can I have your number?

You, visibly texting: I don't have a phone.

---

Aemond: I’m going to take you out.

You: Great, it’s a date!

Aemond: I meant that as a threat.

You: See you at six!

---

Aemond: Y/N and I have the kind of easy chemistry where we finish each other's-

You: Sentences.

Aemond: Don't interrupt me.

---

You: Go to Hell

Daemon, tearing up: I wish I could

---

You: Must be hard not being able to laugh

Aemond: I do have a sense of humor you know

You: I’ve never heard you laugh before

Aemond: I’ve never heard you say anything funny

---

You: Where are you going?

Daemon: To get ice cream or commit a felony, I’ll decide on the way there

---

You: Jail is no fun. I’ll tell you that much.

Daemon: Oh, you’ve been?

You: Once. In Monopoly. It was awful.

---
You: How petty can you get?

Aemond: I once edited a Wikipedia article to win an argument I was wrong about.

---

You: Whaddya call a fish with no eye?

Aemond, not looking up: Myxine Circifrons

You:

You: fsh

---

Aegon: I turned out perfectly fine!

You: Aegon, this morning you thought a ghost made your toast

Aegon: I DIDN’T PUT THE BREAD IN! YOU DIDN’T PUT THE BREAD IN!

---

Aemond: Violence isn't the answer.

You: You’re right.

Aemond: Violence is the question.

You: What?

Aemond, bolting away: And the answer is yes.

You, running after them: NO-

---

You: Ok, maybe playing ‘whose family is most dysfunctional’ wasn’t the best idea we’ve had. Aegon's been crying in the bathroom for an hour. We can’t get them out...

---

You: You saved me. I owe you my life.

Aemond: No thanks. I’ve seen it and I’m not very impressed.

---

Chapter Text

For you, I would go to the highest mountain and jump.

For you, I would go to the deepest ocean and drown.

For you, I would go to any city and claim the throne.

For you, I would go to find any beast or man to fight them.

For you, I would go and burn any city, town or village.

For you, I would give up my title.

For you, I would burn down the seven kingdoms.

For you, I would fight any God.

For you, My Love, I'd die.

For your kiss, I would take my own life.

For your smile, I would cut my other eye out.

For your touch, I would give up my future.

For you, My Love, I'd give anything.

"Would you live for me, Aemond?" your voice came, gentle as a butterfly.

For you, My Y/N, I would live thousands of lives, and in each, I would prove my undying love and devotion for you. Over and over again.

For you, I'd live happily, and stay by your side every day. I would wake up every morning, seeing you next to me, I would be the happiest man alive. I would fall asleep knowing I can protect you.

For you, My Lady, I would die, I would live, and I would give anything.

I love you deeply. I am just a pathetic man in your presence, but I will grow into someone you can be proud of. Someone you will be proud to call your husband.

I hope you believe me when I say these things, Love. I hope you know I mean all of it.

And I hope you will agree and become my wife, as it would make me the happiest to call you mine and for you to call me yours.

Would you consider my offer, My Lady? I do not need an answer right away. I just wished for you to know.

"Why not ask my father?" you asked again.

Your father is not you. You shall be the only one to agree and give yourself to someone else. You and you alone shall make the decision.

I came to ask you, to prove my words are true and my feelings are real.

"I wish to marry you, Aemond."

Truly? Will you really?

"Yes." your smile was wide. Seeing a smile creep onto his face. As he stepped closer, pulling to into him, with your hands on his chest, he softly spoke.

I promise you happiness, love and joy. My Princess shall be happy until the end of time. And then, in our next lives, I will be able to find you and fall in love with you all over again.

"Let's focus on this life now." you suggested as you felt his heartbeat under his clothes. His heartbeat was just as hard and determined as his words were. Filled with hope and love.

I shall agree.

- And with that, he placed a long kiss to your lips, knowing your father will agree to your marriage, he had nothing to fear, he had you now. And now, he can prove that his promises are true, he can start a new life with you.

Chapter Text

You looked at the Prince you were supposed to marry in a couple days. Sitting on a bench, the two of you were given a moment without anyone present.

Your eye soon caught his wandering ones as he smirked, getting ready to say something before you cut him off.

"You are just as broken as I am." Aegon was shocked. You read him as if he was an open book. The smirk fell from his face immediately.

Chapter Text

When you heard that a prince will be housed by your father, you didn't know what to think of it at first.

But then, Aegon joined your home.

---

You first met the Prince a day after his arrival, you were in your usual spot in the garden, watching the birds and feeding them from a bench in the shadows, hidden from the sun.

You noticed your mother and who you assumed to be the young Prince whom you heard so much about.

Both made their way towards you as you soon stood up and stopped feeding the birds.

"This is my lovely daughter, Y/N. Y/N, meet Prince Aegon Targaryen, he is the one we mentioned, he will live with us from now on."

"Lovely to meet you, My Prince." of course you heard about his reputation before his arrival, even your mother warned you about him, so you kept your distance.

Didn't help that he was handsome and the smirk on his face didn't help one bit.

But you saw his eyes. The same eyes a wolf would have who got caught in a trap, scared, confused and hurt, yet still ready to fight for its life.

Your interaction with the Prince was limited. This was thanks to your mother and the fact that he didn't seem to like to leave his chambers.

You did see him from time to time during dinners, but your first real interaction with him, came when you were alone a couple days after.

You were in the gardens as per usual, you asked your maids to bring more food for the animals as you were arranging the buckets and the place. You grabbed a bucket and headed for the well to grab water.

As you were carrying it back is when you noticed Aegon standing there, looking around as if he has never seen anything like this before.

You walked back and poured the water into the tub you had out for the animals. The Prince looked beyond confused.

"We feed the animals of the forest."

"You do?"

"Yes, I quite like them, they are great company."

"And you carry the water? Not your knights?" he finally looked at you.

"Of course I do. They are too busy doing other things. I can handle small buckets, you could help me, Prince Aegon, unless you are too weak." you teased and he caught onto the bait.

He wasn't weak and you knew that. But you needed help with the water. Servants soon arrived back with plates full of vegetables and fruits.

"Don't move." you said to Aegon who listened. You knelt down and put down some carrots as bunnies started to appear from behind him. "They get easily frightened but they are brave creatures." you said as then a deer appeared to his right, making him jump a little as it pushed him a little. You laughed a little.

"You do feed them..." he said the obivous as you gave an apple to the deer.

"Feed them, help them if they are hurt. Oh, Aegon's here!" the Prince looked at your excited face before you pointed behind him. "I named him Aegon, after you." Aegon turned and saw a deer, antlers missing, one of his legs bandaged. "He hurt his leg and he is thin, he is very much like you, so I named him after you." Aegon watched as the deer slowly walked closer to you, you mirrored the animal as you held out your hand.

"You named it after me?" Prince Aegon sounded offended, but you didn't pay him any attention.

---

After this encounter, Aegon started to leave his room more and more often. Seeing you often in the gardens, he watched from afar.

"She always enjoyed the outside." the voice of your mother scared Aegon to no end.

"My Queen, you sneaked up on me, gave quite the fright." your mother smiled.

"I wanted to keep her locked up from you, knowing your reputation, I feared it might rub off on my daughter. But I judged too quickly. She told me that she doesn't wish to be locked away from you, no matter how good or bad you are. She said she had fed wolves from her hands, they didn't scare them so why would you? She is smart, she is my only child, but I do see the adoration in your eyes as you watch her. During dinner for example, you left a piece of pie for her. She didn't notice but I did and so did my husband. If you wish, and if she agrees, you may marry her."

"My father would not have me marry her." Aegon said.

"No one said anything about your father." your mother had the same eyes as you, he noticed, daring, challenging him almost. She smirked without smirking, much like you. "Your father is not king here, my husband has a great relationship with him, if King Vicerys would have his head taken out of his own ass, he might see beyond his throne. He might question, he might disagree, but he will accept it. But only if she agrees. I shall not force my daughter into a marriage she doesn't wish. But I have a feeling Prince Aegon, she likes you. You just have to prove your true feelings for her."

Your mother spoke as if it was so easy.

Prove his feelings? How was he supposed to do that?! It was the first time he felt something so nice. He was usually filled with hate, fear and regret.

Not...this.

Was this what they called love?

It was wonderful, new and beautiful.

Yet scary. Scarier than the weight of the crown.

As Aegon watched you feed some foxes, he couldn't help but smile.

Your mother was closely watching him, understanding how he felt.

"I understand you more than you might think Prince Aemond. I also carried the weight of a crown, the thought of living for others instead of myself scared me beyond anything. But then I met my husband, they say love fixes everything. I would say love fixes many things. Not all, but to have someone by your side, someone you know will always be there, you have the feeling you can do anything." Aegon and your mother looked at one another for a couple minutes before she had to leave.

---

Aegon could only watch you for the remainder of the day.

"She's in the library." said the King to Aegon who looked at the man, confused. "My daughter, she usually reads when its raining, bring her this, she likes berries." your father said as he gave the young prince a bowl. Aegon could only nod before the King left. This is when he realized he forgot to ask where the library was.

You sat in the library, it was a rather cold evening with thunder and rain, you loved to read during those nights and the nice novel in your hand keeping your mind occupied.

This is when the door opened, you looked up to see Aegon walk in.

"Oh, the Prince, can I help you?"

He placed the bowl in his hands on the table in front of you.

"I got you this." you looked at him and then at the bowl of berries.

"My father got that for me, why did he give it to you?"

"H-He asked me to bring it to you, he wanted me to talk with you."

"You talked with my mother today." he nodded. "Do they approve?"

His eyes met yours. He couldn't find words, he opened and closed his mouth as if he was a fish.

"Approve of what, My Lady?"

"You courting me. Do they approve of did they tell you to leave me be?"

Aegon looked around the room for a moment.

"Your mother said, if you wish, we can wed." he whispered, he wasn't sure why. Maybe he was scared of the rejection? No, he was terrified of that.

You looked out the window before taking the bowl and eating a couple fruit.

"Why would you be a good husband?" Aegon was shocked at your question, which you noticed. "If I accept your... offer. I would like to know what awaits me. Sure, your family is bad, sure being the heir to the throne is a big weight, but what I'm asking is what kind of a husband you, Aegon, plan on being."

The seriousness in your eyes, the hope, the longing, it was hard not to see.

"When I arrived you said I was like your hurt deer. And I still feel as if I'm bleeding out. Slowly dying on the inside, but your smile helped me. I watched you in the gardens, feed all the animals, you walked to them, you were so kind and gentle. I wish someone would have treated me as such in my life. Maybe I wouldn't be so broken. My mother sent me here because she couldn't handle her failure, which she blamed on me. But I intend to get strong. A worthy husband for you. Someone to stand by your side and be proud. I want you to be proud." you almost finished your bowl by the time he finished.

"I intend to be a loving and caring wife. Not a Princess, not a Queen but a wife to you. I want us to be strong together, grow old together and have a happy life. I wish for children. As many as I can have. I can promise you joy and love even in the darkest of times. Even if your family won't agree with me, I want us to fight against them for our love." he nodded.

"I want that too."

"If a thought crosses your mind, thinking this was a plan all along for me to wed the heir, I wish to deny all doubts in you. My mother was heavily against your stay given your history with women, she feared for her daughter to fall in the hands of a monster. But if she spoke with you, then she sees you for who you are."

"My plan wasn't to fall for the Princess either, I never thought love for me was possible." his eyes were shining as were yours. Your hand met his as he squeezed yours.

---

A week later, you stood in front of your father with Aegon by your side. His face was full of life as your father held the ceremony.

Aegon arrived a broken boy, and yet here he was, standing tall and proud. Your husband has surely changed. You smiled as you two were declared husband and wife.

Then, the entire Kingdom celebrated. They celebrated the union of two houses, you celebrated your union with the one you love most.

As your finger traced his skin, his eyes shining with love as he looked at you, the small smile on his face, he swirled you around.

Your wedding was something else.

Endless celebrating, dancing.

You wanted to hand a glass of wine to Aegon but he refused.

“I’m already drunk from your love, My Princess.” he smiled as you laughed.

Your feet hurt, your body ached, begging for sleep, but the time for rest came much later.

After the dance, the drinks, Aegon took you to your now shared chambers.

Later, you held the sheets up to your chest, your back exposed as you sat on the bed, leaning on your other arm as you looked out your window, Aegon sleeping behind you on the bed.

Your window looked directly at the garden of course, seeing the place you fed the animals at. You watched as the hurt and broken deer that arrived into your care the same time Aegon did was eating. He too was now a healthy and strong deer. Antlers tall and proud as you watched him move, soon a smaller female arrived by his side.

Much like how your Aegon found you, deer Aegon found his own partner.

Chapter Text

 

 

How he found himself in a room that smelled worse than any building in the street of silk? How did he sit so calmly by a table filled with strange stones? 

Was he really this desperate?

Yes, yes he was.

Chapter Text

Aemond shouldn't be out so late, he knew that, the forest knew that.

He wasn't lost, he knew this place by heart since he visited a lot as a child, and so, when he was ready to return to the castle, this is when he heard singing.

A voice so gentle and beautiful, it made him turn around immediately.

The Prince knew, he needed to follow the voice and he did. Slowly walking back in the direction he came from, he followed the song.

He knew the area the voice was coming from, he knew there was a small pond.

Hiding behind the trees Aemond walked closer and closer, trying not to alarm whoever was singing.

When Aemond arrived at the pond, he saw a figure, it was clearly a woman.

He could hear her softly humming along to a song as she moved about.

Aemond couldn't make out what she was doing, hiding behind the tree, with his hood up, he debated leaving.

He decided to leave the woman alone but not without one last glance.

She was breathtaking, washing in the pond, her naked back towards him as she stood in the waist-deep water.

She turned slightly and Aemond caught her profile she was as gorgeous as the song she was singing.

Something in him awoke, something inside him yelled at the man, telling him to get her, that she was his.

It had no basis, he didn't even know the woman, and yet, he wanted her. Aemond had to have her.

---

After that, the Prince found himself visiting the forest more and more frequently. Hoping, wishing to see the woman again.

One afternoon, he heard cries.

Cries of an animal. He followed the cries and found a small grey bunny. Aemond could tell the bunny's leg was hurt, but he was frozen in place when a voice came from beside him.

"What have done?" Aemond slowly turned and noticed, it was her. The woman he has been seeking.

"I didn't do anything." he watched as she kneeled beside the injured animal and lifted it.

"Why did you hurt her?"

"I didn't. I heard cries and followed, this is how I found it." You looked up at the man in front of you, noticing his sword by his side, his hood was up, hiding his hair as he had an eyepatch. You could see the scars, then you looked down at the rabbit once more. You checked her leg once more before you began to heal it.

Aemond watched dumbfounded. One moment the rabbit was crying for help, in the next it was running back into the forest.

"I apologize, a fox attacked her, you didn't." you gave a quick nod before turning to leave.

"Wait! My Lady! Who are you?"

"My name is Y/N. I live in the forest."

"Are you a witch?"

"Some call me that, others call me a ghost or a fairy. I'd say I'm a woman of magic."

"You healed the rabbit."

"I sure did, she was hurt. Why are you here? Do you seek my help to fix your eye?" Aemond took a step back, could you fix his eye? "Many people come here for healing, I assumed you were the same."

"You can fix my eye?"

"I'm not going to."

"Why not?"

"Because there is nothing to fix. Your eye is just fine, scars are beautiful in their own way, and they tell stories. Stories of strength. The only healing you need is within." You turned around and started to walk away, he followed you closely. "You don't live here. Where are you from?"

"King's Landing." his honesty made you stop as you turned to look at him. A sudden change in the wind blew his hood off, revealing his long hair.

You looked at him closely before you shook your head.

"I'm afraid I do not know who you are."

"I am Prince Aemond Targaryen."

"Never heard that name before. But then again, I live in the forest away from others. Are you special?"

"You don't know House Targaryen?" you shook your head, no. "We have the blood of the dragon in our veins, we ride dragons. My father's the King."

You took a step closer to him, putting your hand on the middle of his chest.

"No dragon blood, I'm afraid." Aemond was so confused, it was rare when he didn't know what to say, this was one of those moments. "But your family... are you aware that it is bad for the blood to marry within your own?" Aemond made a face as he slapped your hand away.

"How dare you?! My family is pure, the Targaryen name is-"

"Children die during their early ages, or they succumb to illness early. To you it might be common, but I'm telling you, Prince, it is not natural." you slowly turned back and walked away. He was speaking behind you, something about taking your head for this but you didn't listen. "Why are you following me?"

"I will take you to the palace, you will answer for the things you just said." he was meant to grab your hand but you moved away.

"Why are you really here? You were looking for me. I saw you before. You watched me bathe one evening." Aemond was taken aback, he didn't know you noticed him.

"I-I wanted to see you again."

"You are not the first. Last year a man tried to trap me so he could take me as his wife. King's Landing you say? Prince Aemond Targaryen... what would a prince want from me? I'm sure you have Princesses lining up and down the halls of your castle."

"My mother said I can marry whom I wish. I wish to marry you."

"You don't know me. Go back and never come looking for me."

Aemond stood in one place as you walked away from him, he watched you as you left, knowing fully that he will be back the next day.

---

And he was. The next afternoon he came back, sitting on a log by the pond.

You noticed him the moment he entered the forest.

Then the next day, he was back. Sitting on the same log. And the day after.

A stubborn creature he was.

The day after it was raining, pouring down but he just sat there.

"Do you wish to catch a cold?" your voice startled him a little.

"My Lady. It is nice to see you again."

"I have seen you every day, sitting there, waiting."

"I will return to King's Landing tomorrow, I wished to see you one last time. I wanted to ask for your hand in marriage, an official proposal."

You looked into his eye, there was only the sounds of the forest for a couple moments, no talking.

"You know my answer, I cannot marry you. You do not know me, and I don't know you. For all I know you could be a woman beating, cheater who takes a new wife every week."

"Is that who you think I am?"

"I don't know you."

"Then get to know me, come with me to Red Keep, get to know me. I could become a great husband." he took a step and got your hand into his.

"You must let go of Lucerys, you mustn't follow him on that day. You will lose control." Aemond looked at you, confused. "Your family is... fragile. If you follow him, if Vhagar kills Luke, you will start something you shouldn't have. It will end in fire and death." you pulled your hand away from his before your eyes met his.

"You see the future?"

"I see something which can be changed. You must choose the path."

"I seek revenge for my eye."

"But if you take it too far... your eye won't be the only thing you lose." he believed you, he could see it in your eyes, you looked scared and concerned. It gave him an idea.

"And if you marry me, would that change my fate?"

"I didn't see that." you saw too much, it scared you so much you failed to realize he was manipulating you.

"Then marry me, bring me down the right path. Leave this forest, this Kingdom. You will be my Princess."

Why was he so devilishly handsome? Why did he have such a hold on you?

Was there really a choice? You could reject him and watch the world burn or agree and hope you can help him.

"Come back tomorrow, before you leave, I will give my answer then." you turned around, ready to leave when he grabbed your hand and turned you around, one hand holding your hand to his chest, the other on your waist as he pulled you close, placing a kiss onto your lips.

"You must know I want you, not for your powers."

"You don't know me or my powers." you clenched your fist around his chest, gathering the fabric of his jacket in your hand.

"I know that I want you, you beautiful Goddess, I heard you sing, did you sing so I could find you?"

Busted.

How could you not? You weren't ready for the handsome stranger to leave that day.

"I might not know much about you, but I can learn through the years as your husband." he leaned down for another kiss but you quickly pushed him away.

"Tomorrow," you said as you quickly walked away.

---

That night, Aemond couldn't sleep.

His thoughts were filled with you. He knew you watched him, but you stayed away.

He thought the fact that he was a Prince would scare you, and he assumed he was correct.

He needed you, your beauty was beyond anything he had seen before. A one-eyed man like him cannot touch such beauty, as he was told many times before, but you had to be his.

Aemond smiled as he thought about you, seeing his future, you would be perfect as a wife and he can use your abilities to have a fulfilling life.

Suddenly he heard a noise. His given room had a balcony, with his dagger in hand he stepped outside, only to see you. You looked at him then at the dagger in his hand.

"You wish to kill me?"

"I did not know it was you. Why are you here?"

"I was here every night, My Prince."

"You watched me sleep?"

"Your dragon didn't let me sleep. She keeps talking to me."

"Vhagar?"

"She does say nice things about you, but when I wish to sleep, it can get a bit too much."

"You decided to come with me? To be my wife?"

"I will say this, Prince Aemond. I have powers, and while I will protect you, I do not wish to always interfere. You will have to choose your path."

"I believe my path is with you by my side, My Goddess." you looked into his eye as you moved your hand up to remove his eyepatch, seeing the sapphire in his socket you ran your finger down his scar.

"Must have hurt."

"Not as much as the thought of living without you." you wanted to laugh, but something in you told you he was serious.

"I like to read romantic novels or even books about the human body, how it works. I like winter evenings, sitting by the fire and reading. I love the rain, watching it run down the windows. I love to eat and cook. I prefer nice warm bread with some meat next to it. I love my freedom in the forest but I seek new things. A better life. Love and care. And I-I wish to be your wife, if you will have me."

There were so many things which Aemond didn’t know about you. You wanted to tell him that you knew him from your touches but didn’t. You decided he will need to open up to you as you will to him.

Aemond smiled a little before leaning down and capturing your lips.

The kiss was a promise, a promise to be loyal, a promise to care for and protect you.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Every day, he had to sit in that room, by that table talking to these men about the most absurd things.

Every day, he was reminded how selfish all of them were.

Every day, his leg bounced up and down to a point where Aemond had to tell him to just stop already.

Every day, he sat there, not listening the slightest as he was worried.

So terribly worried for you.

You had been his wife for the past couple of years, the love of his life as he claimed, and never once had you fallen this ill.

Sure, he saw you sick before but this was something different, something bigger.

And today, you were finally getting looked at by nurses.

Aegon was even more impatient than on any other day. Aegon couldn't anticipate the end of this meeting so he could finally go back to you.

As soon as a lord stood up and finished the meetings for the day, Aegon bolted out the door.

He rushed back to your shared chambers where he saw you sitting by the fireplace.

As he entered you offered him a kind smile. "You are back early." you said as you put the cup of tea onto the small table beside you.

"What did the healers say?"

"Sit down please." you gestured to the other chair next to you.

"Please, My Wife do not play with my feelings. I spent all day worried sick for you and I feel like I could collapse I'm so nervous."

"I am not sick. Technically I am but it is expected of a woman in my condition."

"Condition?" he asked fearfully.

"I'm with child, Aegon." the smile on your face was blinding. You stood up and headed over to him. "You are going to be a father." you said as you placed his hand onto your stomach. "Although now you cannot see, but our little baby is in here. Are you happy?" you looked up at him, meeting his eyes. Oh, you could see just how happy he was.

He couldn't even hide it.

And he didn't need to. He reached for you, hugging you close.

"I was worried you would be sick with an illness no one can heal and yet... you give me such great news. I am incredibly happy, Y/N."

You tightened your grip around him as he pulled back, leaning down for a soft kiss.

"The nurse wanted to go to you and tell you but I asked them to let me bring you the news. I felt it would only be fair for you to hear it from me. I know we never truly tried for a child but I'm happy as well to be blessed by one."

"You will be an amazing mother. I just know it."

"And you will be an exceptional father. I am aware that we will have our worries on the way. That we will be unsure, but I'm positive we can do this together. I love you so much Aegon."

"I love you just as much if not more, My Love." Aegon smiled at you as he pulled you close. "You will look so gorgeous with our child under your heart." his eye filled with adoration and love.

Chapter Text

Aemond always knew he was more fit to be King.

Aemond wasn't even sure why he went out to find his brother.

And to his surprise, they never found Aegon.

They looked everywhere in Kings Landing, Red Keep, but the heir to the throne was gone.

And so, Aemond was crowned.

Although he never knew what happened to his brother, he didn't need to know.

Aemond and everyone thought he was probably hiding in a pub or drunk in a ditch. Not like they cared anyway.

Aemond sat on the iron throne while his sister was married off to a lord for political reasons.

A couple of years passed.

Aemond started to forget about his brother. He was out on business when a rather big storm hit. He couldn't call for Vhagar, so the King had to find shelter.

Silly that he went alone without a carriage but he needed some peace, away from his men.

He found a lonely house in the middle of the woods, he walked up to the door and knocked. his hood was up, and an eyepatch covering his eye. He hoped these simple people will not find out who he is.

"Who is it?" a voice called from inside.

"A traveller, looking for shelter for the night."

"Aeiden! Don't open the door to anyone!" called the voice as the door creaked open slightly and Aemond saw a child. Bright blue eyes and silver hair, looking up at him.

Soon, the child's father arrived, lifting the child up as Aemond locked eyes with the man.

He couldn't believe who he saw.

"Aemond?"

"Aegon."

"Fuck." Aegon was meant to kick the door closed but Aemond stopped it with his foot. As Aegon walked into the house, Aemond took a step in. "Get the child and run!" Aegon yelled.

"I'm not here for you." Aemond said. "I was out on business, I'm alone."

Aegon looked at the door and then at his brother.

"Why are you here then?" Aegon’s grip on the toddler in his arms was evident. The little boy squirmed even, in discomfort of the tight hold.

"I merely stumbled upon this house. I hoped for shelter from the rain. I never knew you were here. We looked everywhere for you."

"You said run? RUN? Aegon, I can barely...stand." you walked out of the room when you saw Aegon's brother. Aemond's eye ran up and down your figure. You were heavily pregnant.

"I would never ask anything from you Aemond. King Aemond should I say, but please forget this place. Forget me and my family. I never wanted to rule."

"I'm not here for you or your family. I didn't even know you had one."

"Y/N used to be Mother's servant. We ran away as you know." Aemond nodded. "This is my son, Aeiden, two years old and..." he pointed at your belly as you sat down in a chair. "Brother, please I-we can't move, everything we have is here, we built a life. I cannot go back to Kings Landing." Aegon moved his son into his lap as he sat down at the table, motioning for Aemond to do the same.

"Once again, I am not here for you. I found this house by chance. I was looking for shelter." the tension in the air was thick.

"You can't take them away from me." Aegon said as he tightened his grip on his son once more, making the toddler a bit unhappy with the tight hold.

"For fucks sake Aegon! I am NOT here for you!"

"Please don't swear in front of my son." you spoke up as Aemond took his cape off. "Let me dry that for you." you got it from him and walked over to the fireplace.

"I apologize for my language, but you weren't listening to me. I am here for shelter, I never imagined this is where you would be. I will not take you or your child or your..."

"Wife."

"Wife from you, Brother." Aegon nodded. You arrived back with a plate of stew and bread.

"Eat some," you said as you smiled at Aemond. "I make fresh bread daily. My son loves it warm."

"Thank you."

You looked at Aegon who still had a hard time believing his brother. But the fact that no knights barged in did ease his mind a little.

"You can sleep here, but we don't have much room. We just made one for the baby so... you either sleep on our uncomfortable chair or with Aeiden." Aegon said as he watched his brother eat.

You soon joined the two by the table.

"Aeiden is two years old, he really likes horses. Aegon made him one out of wood, he often sleeps with that. I hope this one is a girl." you smiled at Aemond. "Are you married?" he shook his head, no. "I can see you have a kind soul but you are really sad."

"Y/N." Aegon spoke up but Aemond stopped him.

"It's alright, she is right. Mother died a couple months ago. She fell ill and no one could heal her. No one else lives in the castle so I'm... alone." said Aemond as he looked at you.

"I'm sorry to hear about your mother. You could visit us anytime. As long as you are alone. Aeiden likes to play and I won't be able to help much around the house. So, please Aemond, come visit us as you please." Aegon groaned at your proposition.

"How do you know he won't tell that I'm here?"

"Who would he tell? He is the King, unless he wants to lose his crown, he won't speak about this to the council."

Aegon smirked, you were always a smart woman.

"Alright, Brother, if you choose to, come visit us. You could meet my daughter as soon as she is born."

"I shall keep your secret. And I will take you on your offer Lady Y/N, I shall visit hopefully weekly, or as my schedule allows me."

---

Aemond visited a week later, and then the next week.

Bonding with his nephew, it was quite something to watch. Aemond had a beautiful horse, which interested the toddler very much. Aegon was able to look after the house while his brother played with his son.

Then for two weeks, Aemond couldn't visit.

And when he finally did, you opened the door. You looked extremely tired with a bundle of blankets in your arms.

"This is Alicia." you said as you handed your newborn to Aemond.

"She is beautiful." the little girl had your eyes but she had silver hair. "My little niece."

---

"Your brother really seems to like Alicia." you said as you pointed at Aemond standing under a tree, talking to your daughter.

"No wonder, she is a gift from the Gods, much like our son. Talking of which, where is he?"

"Currently chasing a chicken around." you turned around in your husband's arms.

"I would do anything for you. You and the children mean everything to me." you remember the way Aegon looked at you on the day he ran off. He knocked on your door, a broken boy begging for help to escape. He didn't have a plan and he was slightly drunk. But your heart broke at the sight of him.

And now, here he was. A strong man, husband and father. Nothing like that boy who ran away.

"I love you too Aegon. It is nice to have your brother here as well. He does care for the children very much." Aegon looked up at his brother, still talking to the babe in his arms.

"Yeah, fuck, yeah he is." you laughed a little but hugged your husband. As he leaned down to kiss you, he saw his son in the yard, running after that damn chicken he liked to chase so much.

So, while his brother ruled. Aegon remained the prince who was never found.

Aemond would never tell anyone where Prince Aegon ran off to. He would never talk about his niece Alicia or his nephew Aeiden.

But Aemond was extremely proud of his brother. He achieved so much more as a simple man than he would have as a King.

Chapter Text

You knew your father has always longed for Alicent. It is what drove your mother to an early grave.

He always made sure to let you know that your mother could never compare to Alicent Hightower. He always made sure to tell you that you should have been her daughter.

You loved your mother.

She was a stunning woman. Clever, kind and patient.

Much like you.

But now, she was gone.

And not long after her death, your father's insanity reached its peak.

His obsession with the wife of Vicerys drove him to war. A war he couldn't win.

Upon hearing about Vicerys' health, your father thought it would be the best time to attack.

But your father was as blind as he was stupid.

After all who can win a war with men against dragons?

You heard how your father was slaughtered and eaten by a mighty beast.

And now, your future wasn't sure.

You stayed in the castle even after everyone fled. Leaving you behind, a princess without a family, and an empty castle.

You accepted your fate.

And soon, your fate walked in.

Aemond Targaryen.

Riding the biggest dragon. Of course, his father would send him.

You debated begging for your life. You debated jumping out the windows you debated running, but as your eyes met his, you froze.

You felt like a bunny caught in the sight of a wolf.

There was no escape. And you knew it.

"I came to claim my prize. As the war ended, your Kingdom has lost." you nodded. "I came to claim my prize, and my prize shall be you." you looked up into his eye.

What did he mean by that?

Before you could ask, he took a couple steps towards you, looking you up and down.

"I won the war, I killed your father and now I will take you as my wife. You will be the proof for everyone of just how capable I am as a warrior." you nodded once more. Marry him or die. You rather marry him, even if he would turn out to be a cruel husband, you weren't ready for death. "Are you mute?"

"My father got what he deserved. You won. Do as you please." you ended up saying and you were a little surprised you didn't cry.

Aemond stayed in your empty castle.

He was mainly watching you whatever you did. He was convinced you might try and kill him.

Every day, he remembered what happened.

+++++++

"King Y/L/N started this war to get your mother. His jealousy had clouded his judgement as he sent his first army and now, we need to put an end to this. Aemond, you have the biggest dragon, you shall go and come back victorious from this war. If you win, my son, you can take whatever riches lie in that castle."

Aemond couldn't care for riches, but the castle intrigued him enough to fly over there.

He found an empty city and an empty castle.

Cowards. Running from their homes upon the news of a dragon approaching.

However, he didn't expect to find a young woman in the castle.

The princess. The only one remaining.

'She shall be my prize.' Aemond thought to himself.

+++++

And what a prize you were.

You were beautiful and gentle. Aemond watched you move around, he was suspicious of you and with his sword always ready, he watched you closely.

But you never did anything.

He often found you in the kitchen. Cooking what was left when the servants fled.

You even made a bowl for Aemond. He thought it would be possible for you to poison him. But it wouldn't make sense.

You had time to run with the other people, yet you are here.

You didn't wish to die.

And the food was not poisoned. He switched your plates when you stood to grab the wine.

You were confused why didn't he just chain you to a carriage and brought you back to his home.

Aemond was confusing to you.

Every night, you retired in your chambers, locking the door. Yet he did nothing.

Never even touched you.

Could he be toying with you? Perhaps.

You never met a dragon before, but to you it would make sense that they would play with their prey before devouring them.

And that is exactly what you were, a prey. And him, the dragon.

"Why don't you just kill me?" you asked one morning as Aemond was sitting by the table across form you. "My father tried to take your mother because of his obsession. I must mean nothing to you, why not kill me then? Or just make me leave so you can have my father's throne and castle."

"Your father's throne is not the one I long for. You are the proof of my victory, I plan on going home with you by my side and show everyone that even with one eye, I am capable. More capable than my brother will ever be."

His words were honest. He didn't even blink.

You really were a trophy, nothing more.

"Then why marry me? You said you want me to wed you."

"I rather marry you than a brat. My mother has been looking for a wife lately, little did she know I knew about it all along. You are mine, I won you, you will make a good wife."

"I wish not to marry a man I do not love."

"Love? Are you blinded by stories of love and affection?"

"I am not blind, if anything I see beyond titles and war. Love is beautiful."

"You don't know love, neither do I. One does not need love to survive."

"Of course we do. We know love, you love your mother right? As much as I did mine. Sure it is a different love than a man and woman, but it is love."

"You read too many stories of love."

"I might have," you looked at your hands before looking back up at him. "I wish to love my husband. If that is after marriage then so be it. I will not live a life like my mother did. Filled with misery and pain."

"You don't have to live a life like that. One day, I'll be king and you can be my queen."

"I do not care for titles. You could be a farmer for all I care." he wanted to laugh, but instead he just smiled.

"Let us return to King's Landing today. I will show you the castle and tell my mother the news of our marriage."

"Today? But the ride is usually a week."

"We fly, My Princess." your eyes widened as he smirked.

---

Flying on Vhagar was scarier than death.

The beast was huge and Aemond had to talk to her so she would agree for you to sit on her.

Or at least that is what you assumed.

However, you didn't miss the way the prince stood in front of you, almost in a protective manner as the dragon saw you and became agitated.

But soon she listened.

Flying was... something else. You felt so free even in your situation. You barely dared to move as Aemond sat behind you.

But you tried an enjoy every second of this freedom.

---

Arriving to Red Keep was exactly as you imagined.

Aemond quickly walked you to his chambers and locked you inside.

Little did he know he didn't need to lock the doors.

He mumbled something about needing to speak with his parents.

And off he went.

You just stood there for a couple minutes before you started to look around.

Then the door suddenly opened, making you jump as Aemond walked in.

"I shall claim you as my wife the day after tomorrow. Your room is being prepared as we speak. Come, meet my family."

A trophy is how you were treated.

You could see everyone's expression.

It was clear, they thought you didn't belong.

His brother and sister didn't even acknowledge you.

Just what kind of a life will you be living here?

---

You had been wed to Aemond for the past year.

During which you learned a lot about his family and him. His brother, Aegon, liked to drink. And while drinking, he liked to talk.

He had told you many stories about his brother, about what happened with his eye and nephews. Aegon knew Aemond never got over the loss and that he was incredibly jealous.

The two brothers wished for the other's life.

Aemond wished for the throne and to rule, while Aegon wished for the freedom and love Aemond is given. Aegon also wished to have you as a wife instead of his sister.

Aegon loved to talk with you, because you listened and you remembered.

Your marriage with Aemond was purely for show, you two didn't even stay in the same chambers after your wedding night. You were only a prize to him, and he preferred to ignore you.

But you were a faithful wife. Never once letting another man touch you. You believed in the sacred unity of marriage.

But you were slowly going crazy.

Everyone was ignoring you, even the servants. No one even looked at you.

One day you found yourself wandering around the castle, without a destination in mind, you ended up sitting under a tree, enjoying the light breeze and weather.

You never wished to end up like your mother. While your father yelled at her and often hit her, you were ignored and never spoken to. The best you could get was a nod from the servants when you asked for something.

You felt miserable.

You took a deep breath. You didn't even hear someone approaching.

"I never knew how to be a husband." his voice startled you as you opened your eyes and looked at Aemond. "I never had a good role model to follow regarding marriage. I had my grandfather and ancestors to look at when thinking about becoming a warrior but never about becoming a husband. Forgive me to make you suffer for the last year. Forgive me for forcing you into a sad marriage." he just stood there not far from you, with no one around he spoke so freely.

"What can I do for you, My Prince?"

"I wish for you to join my chambers tonight."

You scoffed then laughed.

"I assumed you talking to me had something to do with either your mother or father. They wish for you to have an heir, am I correct?"

"My parents' wishes are the same as mine. I wish for a child."

"Oh, okay, so now I'm some sort of a breeding horse as well? I will not give birth to a child who would live their life without love and care. I know what would happen Aemond. I would give you a babe and then you would take them from me."

"You think this lowly of me?"

"You never gave me a reason to think otherwise. The only person who speaks to me is your brother when he is drunk. No one else."

"It was my request for them not to."

"Of course it was. I will not join your chambers, I will not give you an heir and if you kill me for it, so be it. My life is not really mine, so what is the point."

"You are free to do as you please." his voice, so emotionless.

"I am. But what is it worth if I have no one?"

"You could have a child."

"A child who will grow into this family, you and your mother would put so much pressure on them, the kid would go insane by the time they start walking. Why do you think Aegon is the way he is? You think too highly of your mother."

"Do not talk about my mother like that." he raised his voice a little.

"You don't let me die, you won't let me live. But I can tell you, unless you bound me to your bed I will not lay with you."

"It is not my desire to force you."

"I see the Prince every day. During breakfast, lunch and dinner. I see the Prince whenever we have guests, but I never see Aemond. I never see you, I do not know who you are."

Aemond looked at you shocked.

"You put this wall around you, and never let anyone close. Do you think you would be able to love your own child if I gave you one?"

"You are talking nonsense. You spend your time reading about love which doesn't exist."

"I read the books because at least then I do not feel as miserable as I am during the rest of the day." Aemond watched as you slowly got up. "I know I would have been able to love you. I know you would have been able to do the same, but you don't see beyond titles. You only see what you want to have not what you already have." you slowly started to walk away from him.

After a couple of steps, you felt his hand grab your wrist, not too tight, just enough to stop you.

"Father wishes for me to have a child. He said you have to get pregnant. And if you are not by the next moon... he will find me a new wife. I do not wish for another wife."

"Then treat me as your wife. That would be a start. Talk to me, and not just about what your father wishes, but also what you wish for. I shall do the same." you saw it in his eye, something was there, something you couldn't quite point out.

It was fear and longing, but you didn't know.

Aemond watched as you walked back into the castle.

Oh, how he wished to be a good husband. How he wished he wouldn't be such a failure and have you for real. But he was scared and insecure.

The loss of his eye haunted him every day.

Why would a beautiful Goddess such as yourself want a one-eyed monster like him?

When his father told him that he needs to have a child, deep down he was delighted. He finally had a reason to be close to you and a child would make everything perfect.

How he longed for a daughter with you.

But the emotions inside him confused him more than they should have. He felt something towards you, but he couldn't even talk to his mother about these feelings.

After dinner, he found Aegon babbling on about his dragon Sunfyre to you as you just sat there listening. Aegon was clearly tipsy as he spoke, but you kept your distance from him as you listened.

"Can I have a word with my wife?"

"You already have enough of her, brother, let me talk to her." Aegon argued as he took a sip. "Oh wait, you don't even stay in the same sleeping chambers. Never mind then, maybe she would like to join mine?" Aegon turned to you with a smirk and you had enough.

"I'll be in my room." you said before walking away. Knowing very well the two brother's temper.

Aemond followed you, you opened the door, knowing he would follow you in. He closed the door behind you two.

"What do you want Aemond?"

"I just wish to talk with you."

"You or your father wishes for us to have a conversation?"

"Me. As I have said, I never had a good role model on how to be a husband. How to care for a wife. While my mother loves me and cares for me deeply, after the loss of my eye, I just fell apart. Seeing you there, I knew I had to have you. You are so broken, yet you pretend to be alright. Much like me. Even if our reason for the pain is different, we feel the same sorrow."

"You want our marriage to be held together by pain?"

"No. I want it to work and build on healing from our pain. I foolishly thought a child could be the start of our life. But I do agree with you, bringing a child into this mess wouldn't be my desire. I would not let anyone take a babe from you. Ever. Not even my mother. I do see my brother's pain, and I wish not for my own child to go through the same."

"You would let me feed them, bathe them and wake up to help them in the middle of the night?"

"We have servants who would do those tasks."

"That wasn't my question. I-I was raised by my mother alone. Father denied any help from her. While she was in pain from it, I believe it helped me as I grew older. I would be a good mother, I believe you would be a good father but Aemond... I don't think that Prince Aemond would be a good father. I deeply feared after our wedding night, I would be with child. Thankfully I wasn't but all I could see is I would either turn into a miserable woman with a child who is ignored by their father or I wouldn't see my own babe as they would be taken from me. I am nothing but a prize, a trophy of your win."

"You are a Princess."

"Again, with the titles."

"You are my wife."

"That's a bit better but Aemond, I would love to love you. Not the Prince that you are, not the Dragon rider, but you. I sometimes hear you, in your room, groaning in pain. I always wish to go inside and help ease your pain but I never could. I would assume it is your eye that is bothering you."

"I hear you as well. Crying yourself to sleep." Aemond confessed as you let out a sigh. "Crying due to the pain I caused. I know about your father, about his cruelty and obsession. How he destroyed his wife and his own child due to his jealousy towards my father. Back then I didn't know why but now I know. Hearing stories of the hurt princess I wanted to help. And then when we met, I was surprised that it is not a princess I saw but rather a woman. Broken but proud. I wished for that woman to be my wife. I wish for you to prove me wrong." you looked at him, confused. "I said you dream of a love that doesn't exist. I wish for you to prove me wrong. I'll do what you say, I won't question you. I don't want our marriage to be remembered as a cold one. I wish for you to prove my entire family wrong. I wish for us to prove every king and queen, every council wrong. I want us to show them that love can exist between us."

"Do you truly want that?" he closed in, cupping your cheeks as he looked into your eyes, not moving any closer as he whispered.

"With everything I have." you moved your hand up a little placing it on his hand which was holding your cheek. "I want you to love me the way I love you. I want you to be there when the loss of my eye is causing me pain. I want you to be there when I arrive back. I want you to speak and laugh with me as you do with my brother. I want you to never cry again, not from pain, pain that I have caused. Princess, Wife, My Love, Y/N you are my everything."

"Aemond, I believe it can work if we are honest with each other. If we open up as man and woman. As wife and husband. Not as Prince Targaryen and Princess. I know we can. I see the passion in you, I feel the same but I need to know, Aemond. Is this because of your father?"

Aemond closed his eyes as he bit his lips.

"You do not believe me?"

"I need to know if I am being fooled."

"No. You aren't." he looked into your eyes as he said that and you saw truth in them, honesty, longing and hope.

"Then I shall be a good wife to my husband. But I won't force the Gods to give us a child, not for now. I do not feel ready now." you felt a bit confused, this was all so sudden, you needed time.

"I will wait as long as you need me to. I shall thank you for the opportunity. You will not be disappointed. I will prove it to you." placed his forehead on yours. You closed your eyes as you took a deep breath. "We will take this slow. You and I."

"We can do it."

Neither of you knew what a good marriage was like, but for now, you both knew it was enough to start off slowly. To grow and learn together.

The winner really did take it all.

Chapter Text

"I can feel the anger in your veins. I can feel your desire for revenge in all of your movements. You, Prince Aemond, what brought you here?"

"The rain." he replied honestly, still looking for the person with the voice but finding no one.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

You were married to Aemond not long before the war began. His mother and yours were great friends at one time, and so, your marriage to one of her sons was unavoidable.

You were there through all the pain. You have seen so many deaths. So much misery that you wanted to run.

You wanted to leave and never come back. But at the same time, you never wanted to leave.

You loved Aemond. He was a great husband.

You were there when Aegon got hurt. Your heart broke for him.

"Where's the King?" you asked a servant.

"In his room, resting."

"Alone?" she nodded at you, confirming your suspicion. While your husband was ruling, Aegon was all alone in his room, suffering.

You headed over to his room, entering without question or warning. There you found him, shaking in pain, sweating as his eyes found yours. You could see he was trying to hide his pain but he couldn't.

You walked over placing your palm on his forehead.

"You have a fever." you said as you quickly moved to the other side of his bed where the nurses stored every medicine. You looked around at the labels. Finally, you found two vials. "This one will help with the pain, the other will help with your fever." you said as you tried to give him the medicine but he refused to take it, slightly moving his head away from you. "Come on now, I'm only trying to help Aegon, please." you said as he looked into your eyes. As if searching for lies.

He didn't say a word, only took the medicine from you.

Soon, his breathing evened as you sat by his side on the bed, your hand holding his, checking his pulse as he just looked at your face. You sat there for a good couple minutes, trying to make sure his fever was going down.

"It's okay, go to sleep." you smiled as he slowly closed his eyes.

You really shouldn't have such feelings for another man. Especially when you were married to his brother but you couldn't help it.

Aemond, while you still loved him, was a cold man. He didn't care for you, and while he didn't hurt you in any way, his revenge and family values were more important to him than anything. Even if that meant leaving you behind.

On the other side, you only heard bad things about Aegon, what he used to do, what he did to the servant girl and all of his antics. You heard nothing but bad.

So, you expected him to be much like his actions. But his eyes said otherwise. He looked more like a broken old man who had been through way too much.

You watched while the Queen hugged and cherished her other children, she clearly didn't care as much for Aegon.

The only time you saw her smile was when he was crowned. But even then, you saw she wasn't happy for her son, but rather for herself, being the mother of the King.

Aemond wasn't a terrible husband by any means. While he liked to ignore you, he had his kind and gentle moments.

But he was filled with anger and rage.

And that ended up being his end.

Aemond died in the war, fighting against his uncle. A true tragedy and you truly mourned his loss. The loss of your husband.

Thankfully, the war ended soon after.

Leaving only you and Aegon behind.

Your parents reached out many times even during that time, but you refused to leave. And after, the news of you being a widow made your mother ask you to move back, after all, what do you have left?

Nothing.

You had nothing.

You were a widow, childless and you had no one.

But neither did Aegon.

You remember after the fact, when everything calmed down, you were walking down the quiet hallway when you came face to face with him.

You wearing your black dress while he had his crown on his head.

It was only you two left. And you had a feeling, he too, realized that right then and there.

Things became a lot quieter.

While you have won, you didn't feel like a winner.

"I will have a statue erected for my brother. In his memory." he told you one morning almost a year after his death.

"I think that would be lovely."

"I do have to ask Y/N, why are you still here? Almost everyone left, even the servants..."

"I have no one. Where would I go?"

"To your parents."

"My parents... they will have me marry an old lord or sell me off. And if I leave, you would be alone as well."

"I'm used to being alone."

"I don't want you to be."

"Used to it or alone?"

"I don't want to be alone and I don't want you to be alone either. The way I see it, you are all I have left. Aemond let his revenge consume him and it lead him to a grave. While I did love my husband... it wasn't the kind of love I was hoping for."

"What kind of love were you hoping for?"

"You will laugh at me." you said as both of your plates were taken.

"I promise, I will not."

"Remember when you were hurt and I went to your room? You might not because you were really sick, but... I helped you and while I know how bad it is... I felt in that moment that while I was married to Aemond, I wished to be your wife."

Everything went still.

The silence in the room was so thick it nearly suffocated you. You felt a cold feeling run down your spine as you avoided his eyes.

"My King, the council is here." interrupted a knight as he arrived at the diner. It made you quickly stand and leave.

You were so stupid! Such an idiot! Why did you have to open your mouth?

You could have left it at that! There was no need to confess your deepest inner feelings!

Why did you dump it all on him? Why were you so stupid? How will you ever look into his eyes again?

Thankfully, you barely had to see him that day, he spent so much time in meetings.

But then dinner came.

And you were terrified, knowing there would only be the two of you.

You hoped Aegon will choose to ignore the topic as will you.

But as soon as he made all the servants leave, you knew you were in for a long night or embarrassment.

"Did you mean what you said this morning? Or were you just saying it so I don't send you back to your parents?" he was avoiding your eyes, and you were avoiding his, you took a deep breath.

"I meant it, Aegon." this time, he took in a deep breath before releasing a long sigh. As if the weight was lifted from his shoulders.

"When mother said she found a wife for Aemond... when she said Aemond was to marry a young woman, one of her friend's daughter... I nearly drowned in jealousy. I was forced to marry my sister and Aemond could marry a beautiful woman... I was furious."

"Your sister was a very beautiful and kind woman."

"But I didn't want her. And then you arrived. You are so beautiful, I would have given my own eye just to be married to you. Aemond often said you are a good wife. He often taunted me by saying kind things about you, but I knew the truth and so did he. He knew you didn't love him and he knew I wanted you. He was smart, and I felt a little guilty for longing for his wife. And then, it was you who came to my aid when I was hurt. Not my mother or brother, not even the nurses or the healer, but you. I remember you sitting there by my side, holding my hand and helping me with my pain. You looked like an Angel."

"I felt very bad for feeling like this. All I heard were people telling me how awful you were. One time, your mother drank too much and she just... kept going on and on about you. All I wanted was to slap her."

"I'm open to try. I can get us married by the morning or tomorrow. That way your parents will stop asking you to go home and you can stay here with me. If that is truly what you want."

"I think it is all I ever wanted." a smile finally found its way to your lips. "You have changed a lot." he made a face at that.

"Yeah well, sorry to already burst your bubble, but your new fiancé has his own... issues." you knew what he meant. You heard him yelling at the nurses the day he realized he could no longer use his cock. You heard him throwing and breaking things.

"I know. I heard you that day." he looked away from your face. "You must think lowly of me if you think I would only care about that."

"I do not. I just wanted to give you a warning before the wedding so you can run away." he placed his hand on the table, turning his palm to you, asking for your hand, which you gave to him without thinking.

"I'm not going to run away, Aegon. As long as you don't."

"I won't." he suddenly looked back at you.

And it was all done, as you two smiled at each other, he did not lie. By the morning you two have been wed.

Once you let know your parents that you were once again married, they got off of your back, and no more letters. This is how much they truly cared about you.

But you were happy with Aegon.

Your life was rather simple and comfortable considering you were King and Queen.

It was you two and the servants.

They called you Queen which didn't affect you, but when Aegon called you his Queen, now that did the trick. Always making a blush creep to your face and you smiling at him.

He really did change a lot after and during the war.

And now, he stood before you, a real man.

"Congratulations my Queen." as soon as the nurse said that, you didn't need to hear any more.

You stood up and ran into the throne room where the lords just left from, they all bowed to you.

"Leave us." you told everyone and waited for the room the be cleared. "I have great news!" you turned to Aegon who was now standing in front of you. "I came from the healers. Looks like you are not completely useless as you tend to claim." you smirked and he looked at you confused.

---

Your wedding night was anything but usual. It was more of him and you talking about your insecurities. He opened up about his scars. He showed you his arm and legs. He told you that no matter what, he couldn't get hard after the fire.

He told you how he hates fire now.

It didn't stop you from trying though.

You tried for many moons.

"It's not working! Nothing is working."

"Aegon, it is okay." you tried to calm him as he got out of bed, agitated as he started to pace around.

"No, it's not! I use those fucking things to please you because I can't! I hate this! I can't fuck my own fucking wife!"

"Hey, don't say that! You do more than enough with your fingers and mouth and I don't mind your toys. I don't need your cock, I just want to be close. I don't care that-"

"I care. I care about this and about you. I finally have the perfect woman as my wife and my fucking body is..."

"You had a terrible accident. You had broken bones and you were burnt badly. I care more about the fact that at least you are still alive. I care not for your..."

"Say it, Y/N. Impotence."

"I don't care for your impotence Aegon. I care about you." he took a deep breath as he sat on the edge of the bed, you moved so you could lean against his back, running your hand up and down his skin. "I love you." you whispered and you felt and saw him shiver.

"I love you too."

"I know, and I know that's why you are so agitated but I'm telling you there is no reason for you to be, I'm happy as long as you hold me every night and kiss me every morning."

You felt him shake with a laugh.

For the next moons, you two just stopped thinking and let everything happen.

You were happy.

You still missed Aemond, but the statue that was erected in his honour did look exceptionally good. You saw it as the true end of your chapter with him.

As you placed a single blue flower against the bottom of the statue.

"Goodbye, My Love." you said as you walked away.

Aegon and you were really comfortable around one another. You picked up his bad habits while he picked up your good ones.

All lords were surprised to see the King was always on time as they were more surprised to see their Queen reaching for extra wine during dinner.

But they did see the love you two shared.

You giggled as Aegon put you to bed.

"Your laugh is so sweet."

"I have something else which is sweet." you said with such a tone, Aegon almost laughed but you were serious. Drunk, serious and horny. "Would it be too much to ask my husband to use his beautiful lips and fingers on me tonight?"

It wasn't. And it also wasn't the only thing that Aegon used that night.

---

"You remember about... three weeks ago? When you were able to get hard?"

"Yes, I wasn't able to since."

"And I was feeling sick after?"

"Yes, you have been running to the buckets since, but what does this have to do with anything?"

"It looks like the Gods have been extremely generous with us. They not only let you use your cock but... I'm with child."

Aegon nearly doubled over.

"You...how is that possible?"

"You might not be able to get hard, but it seems like that one time was more than enough. The healer confirmed just now. I'm pregnant. Are you not happy?" you asked, suddenly worry filling you.

"I am! I am! I just don't believe it!"

"You know I'm loyal to you right? I haven't been with another man."

"That's not what I mean! I know you wouldn't, Y/N. I'm just so confused. Are you really pregnant?" you nodded.

"Yes." you confirmed with words and Aegon immediately hugged you.

You were so happy. So extremely happy to see his eyes swell with happy tears as he leaned down to kiss you on the lips.

"Thank you. I love you so much."

"I love you too, Aegon."

Perhaps it all would have been different if you married Aegon instead of Aemond from the beginning. It wasn't possible you knew that, but the what ifs still played in your mind daily.

But now, now you had a reason to focus on the present. A little gift from the Gods.

A new start for both of you.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Aemond was absolutely furious.

His mother would let him marry a princess who isn't even a Targaryen.

Unheard of!

She must have gone insane!

"It is for the best. Her family has a great reputation and it will ensure a good future for you and for our family." Alicent argued.

But Aemond didn't want to hear any of it. He was furious.

Every breakable object in his room was now completely destroyed.

No one dared to enter his room.

He picked up another vase and threw it against the wall. The water in it and the flowers flying everywhere.

"A pureblood prince like me, marrying some Princess from a land... disgusting! How can Mother think this is a good idea?!" there was a knock on his door. "Who is it?!" he yelled, but as his mother came into his room, Aemond sank back into his chair.

"Aemond, throwing a tantrum will not change my or your father's mind. As I have explained, this marriage is important to the family. And it is final."

said Alicent before she left the room. Two servers arrived to clean the room while the Prince headed outside for some fresh air.

---

Aemond knew you were in the castle.

His bride arrived and he refused to go meet her.

Like a stubborn child he sat in his room. His mother had to make up an excuse about him wanting it to be a surprise to meet with his bride.

Aemond was still fuming. He couldn't be reasoned with. He knew his duties and he knew he should have expected this to happen, yet he was still extremely against this arranged marriage.

Knowing that tomorrow he would be married to this stranger, to this woman he didn't even want to see... it disgusted him.

You on the other hand were excited.

You heard many great things about House Targaryen, and you were thrilled to be handed to such a prince.

You were sad that upon your arrival, Prince Aemond wasn't present, but his brother was, and he was handsome enough.

Of course, initially, when your mother informed you of this marriage, you weren't so happy, but you also knew your duties.

And tomorrow, you will be married to Prince Aemond.

---

The next day started off rather hectic. You were washed and dressed for what seemed like hours.

But the servants talked.

They always talked.

And you heard many things about Prince Aegon, and Prince Aemond. Their description of the family wasn't even close to how people saw the family outside the castle.

According to them, Aegon was nothing but a drunk who enjoyed women way too much. To the point where a young servant had to leave the castle. And Aemond was a cold person with only one eye. Aparently both princes were jealous of the other. Aegon wished for his mother's love as much as Aemond wished for the crown.

As you heard the girls talk, you smirked, because of course they weren't as perfect as they made it out to be! Of course, Queen Alicient played her part.

You weren't sure what a family with Dragons would want from yours though.

The only thing your Kingdom had were great soldiers, but surely dragons were better.

Your thought was cut short when your dress was finally on. You looked at yourself as one girl put the veil over your face.

"You look lovely Princess!" all of them said and you smiled and thanked them.

---

Aemond stood proud as he awaited his bride.

His anger was still not gone, but he managed to calm himself a little bit.

After his mother introduced him to the King and Queen, Aemond was ready to get this day over with.

Soon, his Princess was standing next to him as you both made your vows.

Aemond now moved to remove your veil and as he lifted it, his eye locked with yours. You had a smile on your face.

The first thought that ran through his head was how absolutely beautiful you were. Your bright smile seems to have filled the room.

He leaned down and placed a quick kiss on the corner of your lips before you were officially pronounced wife and husband.

Aemond's mind was filled with you. Your face, hair, dress, how soft your skin was, how amazing your lips felt against his, as he ran his finger over his lips, he could swear he still felt it.

And just how beautiful your eyes were, he nearly got lost in them for too long.

---

The entire Kingdom celebrated.

Aemond rolled his eyes at his brother who was already drunk.

Aemond looked around the people, his mother speaking with yours but speaking of who.

Where were you?

Did you already run away with another man?

No, you weren't the kind.

Aemond decided to get some fresh air and he headed to the gardens where he knew it would be quiet.

And to his surprise, after turning a corner, he found you.

Sitting on a bench in your nice dress.

Aemond had to be honest, you were absolutely stunning.

But then, as you looked up, you noticed him.

"Oh, My Prince. I apologise for disappearing. I am, unfortunately, not a big fan of crowds and loud noises." you stood up as he watched you bow your head.

"I, myself, also came to get some peace and quiet." he admitted as he walked closer to you. "Please, sit down if you wish." and you did, while offering a small smile to him.

"I'm rather nervous, My Prince."

"Why?" Aemond sat down next to you on the stone bench.

"Oh, it's... I found you very charming and handsome." Aemond could see the slight embarrassment on your face.

"I also found you quite beautiful." Aemond surprised himself with his confession. But he didn't regret it.

Because as soon as he saw your eyes light up due to his compliment, a certain warmth filled him.

You smiled and looked away from him, slightly turning in your embarrassment.

"You are too kind, Prince Aemond." the way you said his name, sent a shiver down his back. It made him feel so powerful yet so weak. He felt like he could fight a thousand battles and win. But he also felt like if you asked him so sweetly to do something, he would do it without hesitation. "I can only imagine how disappointing it is for a Prince of your status to marry someone like me."

"Why would you say that?" he asked rather confused but you still refused to look at him, he could see you playing with your fingers.

"All my family has is... a great coast and good soldiers. I'm no special like a Targaryen Princess. So, I would apologise for the disappointment."

The words you spoke were the same he thought before he saw you.

Before his eye met yours.

"I assumed, yesterday you didn't come to meet me and my family was due to your eyepatch, I thought you must have felt like I would be scared. I promise I'm not scared. I have seen worse injuries. But then I realized when the servants were talking that you might feel angry for having to marry me." Aemond stayed quiet but only for a moment as he didn't want to raise your insecurities further.

"I am not one to lie. I was rather angry when my mother told me the news. But then I saw you today, and now believe that I don't deserve an angel like you. You look so pure and kind, while I'm... the exact opposite."

"I don't know you enough to say no to that, I'm afraid. But my mother raised me to become a good wife for someone one day. And now that I'm your wife, I wish to show you love and care. I don't desire a cold marriage." you whispered the last part and it made Aemond grab your shoulder softly and turn you towards him.

Aemond was admittedly lost for words. All he could do was look into your eyes and with a simple kiss to your lips he promised to try his best to become the husband you deserve.

Chapter Text

Your presence was something no one expected.

Aemond and his mother often shared looks whenever you were present.

It was as if you were glued to Aegon's side. Little did they know, you technically were.

While you two shared a vow, you also made sure Aegon was more than healthy.

Even the rest of the kingdom started to notice the changes in the young king. He looked thinner, but not sickly, more muscular and sharp.

"People are starting to riot. They will want to kill your dragons." you whispered to Aegon one late night. His eyes met yours as you sat by the feet of his bed, he was already laying down, ready to sleep, but he couldn't.

"Can you stop them?" he asked and you nodded.

"If you want me to."

"At least make sure mine wouldn't die." he made himself comfortable before closing his eyes. You kept staring at him, watching his jawline and his hair.

You didn't tell him about the fire that will come to him. The burning of his flesh. You were honestly still debating if you should stop it, or cure him after the fact.

You stood up and rounded his bed, looking out the window.

You looked down at him once more before leaving his room, you pressed your palm against the closed door a symbol appeared then disappeared.

You went back to your room to sleep.

You went to sleep and as usual, you were back in Aegon's dream. He was currently re-living the day he was crowned. You saw this one many times, the dragon would soon fly in.

You appeared next to him instead of his mother, finding yourself in front of him as his hand grabbed yours.

The dream ended when he turned to look at you, you assumed he woke up.

You were in complete darkness.

Then his voice echoed around you. As if someone was speaking in a well.

"I hoped you would be an angel, saving me from my pain. A gentle woman who would help me. Someone who would finally love me. But I was wrong about you." you looked around, trying to find him but you couldn't. "I hoped you would love me, I hoped that's why you chose to hide in my dreams." you still weren't sure if he was really talking to you but then he stepped out of the dark. "Are you a dream or are you really here?" you wondered how he did this. How did he end his dream without waking up?

"I'm always here Aegon. I was always here. I was here every night. Even when you were too drunk to dream."

"Why?"

"I wanted to see you."

"Why?"

"My mother was hopeless. She fell in love with a man from far lands, she got pregnant. She returned to my grandma, gave birth to me and left me only to run off with another man who would be her demise. She told him our secret, about the witches and he turned against her. My grandma ran away with me. You and I are similar. You long for the love of your mother while I used to be the same, I'm not anymore."

"You were hiding in my dreams to escape your nightmares?" you nodded.

"I am around you all day. It will only take some time for people to realize what I truly am. They will hate me for it. They will say I bewitched you to get what I want but I must tell you, Aegon, as much as I like to play with people, as much as I enjoy toying with feelings. I have never put a spell on you as such. Everything you feel is real. I never put any of that into you."

"Then why do I feel stronger? Why do I look... this healthy?"

"Because you took a vow, it connected your life with mine. You feel like a person of your status and age should. Your features sharpened and your muscles grew, because of that."

"My mother and lords started to ask questions about you. I told them you were a lady I met a long time ago but their questions won't stop. What should I do?"

"Do as you please. You are the King after all, why do you answer their questions?"

Aegon looked into the distance. You couldn't read him in that moment.

"You will marry me. Then their questions and nagging will stop."

"Very romantic. At least imagine a nicer place than a black void to ask for my hand in marriage." you smirked the scenery around you two changed. "Oh, this is just... worse." you said as you realized you were right in front of a whore house. "I much preferred the void." you said as you looked at the building then you looked back at Aegon. "Why do I have the feeling that you love me Aegon?"

"You are the first person who saw me for who I am, not the Prince or the King. You saw me at my worst yet, you didn't leave. You gave me a second chance. And once my sister is dead, I will have my peace. And in my peaceful future, I see you."

"Big words from someone who wanted to burn me."

"You said it yourself, you have been burnt already."

"Twice, they tried to drown me once." you nodded as did he, remembering when you told him. "So, if I marry you... they will stop calling me your whore?"

"They call you that?"

"Of course, they think I'm deaf, I swear it. They don't even know my name, they call me Aegon's whore or the King's whore. It is rather hard for me not to kill them when I hear those words."

"Even if you marry me, you cannot kill them."

"Oh, I know. But I can scare them into thinking that you would." you paused for a second, taking all of him in before letting out a sigh. "I'll go back to your room, I have a ring my grandmother gave me, you shall propose me with that."

"So, you accept?"

"Ask me first."

You woke up and got out of bed, rushing to Aegon's room, you nearly ran into a knight who was walking his rounds.

Aegon was up, sitting in his bed, his blanket pooling around his waist. You went over and sat on the bed close to him, handing him the golden ring with a black stone on the top of it.

"This ring holds a promise. A promise of marriage and I must warn you, if you break your promise of loyalty, it will harm you."

"Is every item your grandmother had a curse?! The necklace now the ring! What will happen? I bed another woman and a snake would come and bite my cock off?"

When you only smiled, Aegon got rather nervous. He had no idea what he just said would be the truth.

"My grandmother was a great witch. Powerful and smart. This is a ring my grandfather gave her, he wanted her to curse it. So, he wouldn't even think of cheating on her love." you put your hand on his face, cupping his cheek. "And considering your reputation with women, I think it is rather fitting." he rolled his eyes while you let out a small laugh. You moved slightly closer to him, only a couple of inches between your faces.

"You are a cunning woman. You would ask me for my crown and I would give it to you just for one night of love. Do you love me?" you saw the tears in his eyes, he looked so vulnerable.

“I think there was never a time when I didn't love you Aegon. Long before you even saw me in your dreams." you put your hand out to him. "I would love to be your wife. Not just to hush the rumours, not just to stop the people from talking but because I truly believe I could be the wife you need as you would be the husband I desire. Can you promise me?"

"How many vows must I take for you to stay with me forever?" his eyes never left yours, his voice low.

"Maybe a couple more.” you smiled. “But even if you don't I will never leave your side."

He placed the ring onto your finger, watching it, knowing what it meant. He only now noticed the symbol inside the ring. A triable with a circle and a single line in the middle. He looked at it, facinated.

"Can you also promise me something? Can you... include it in the ring?" he spoke and you nodded once. "Can you also promise what you asked of me? Loyalty."

"Of course, I shall promise, if I break your trust in our marriage, the curse shall come after me." Aegon nodded as he felt your hand move to the back of his neck, he leaned slightly right before his lips met yours.

Neither of you saw the small light the ring let out.

It was another promise neither of you could break.

And as he pulled you into his bed, slowly removing your night gown, you were certain, you would never want to break your vow.

Chapter Text

Another long and tiring day.

Jace let out an annoyed sigh.

He could still faintly hear his brother's footsteps as he was also making his way to his chambers after a long day.

Jace entered his room, letting the door close behind him with a thud.

He immediately regretted that. Seeing you sleeping in your shared bed.

But it didn't seem like the loud noise woke you as you continued your slumber.

Living with the family for so long, you got used to loud noises rather quickly. So, it didn't exactly surprise Jace that you didn't wake up.

He was quick to get all of his clothes off and join you in bed.

It was his movement that woke you as he tried to move you closer to him.

Eyes dazy, you woke up and moved on your own, your body finding his as you soon fell right back to sleep.

"Good night, My Love." he whispered as you mumbled something back in response.

Jace smiled to himself at your cuteness. He failed to notice just how cold your shared chambers were.

You often told him that the blood of the dragon made him into a furnace.

Your furnace.

You would often use him for your personal warmth. And of course, your husband had no objection to that.

Much like now, your colder hands found his chest which was ridiculously hot.

You would often worry that you wouldn't be able to tell if he has a fever. But Jace rarely got sick, unlike you.

You were always cold, which made him worry. You were his sweet little wife. You didn't deserve to freeze.

But you could never, not while he is holding you, not while you are on his chest, surrounded by his warmth.

Oh, how you loved him.

Your handsome husband.

Often at night, you would lay there, thinking what your children would look like.

You already know you would give your soul to a little boy who looks like your beloved husband. There would be nothing you wouldn't give to him.

Or a little girl. A beautiful daughter who would take him off of his feet from the moment she would be born.

You smiled to yourself as you fell right back to sleep.

Images of a future flash before your eyes.

Chapter Text

When Aemond kicked the door open, everyone inside jumped, including you.

The healer just finished putting a bandage onto your finger.

"Leave us!" Aemond barked as everyone quickly left.

He was quiet, the room felt extremely cold, but it could be just his stare.

You knew he was waiting for an explanation.

"I went to the market. I had guards with me, they wanted to take my jewelry when the guards were distracted. When the guards realized what was happening, they panicked. They snatched my ring, but by doing so they broke my finger." you showed Aemond your wrapped up pinky.

"You shouldn't have been there in the first place."

"I told you I wished to go and see the merchants. I told you I would go even if you disagree."

"And you got hurt as a result."

"It is only a finger."

"You should have disguised yourself better. Or you should have listened and didn't go in the first place."

"I heard the market holds a special event. People from all over the world would come to sell. I wished to see it. But I got robbed even before I could get to the first one." you pouted as you looked at your hands.

"I hope you learned from it." Aemond said before he turned and left the room.

---

The next day, once again, you were getting ready.

"And where are you going?" Aemond's voice startled you.

"To the market."

"Did you learn nothing?!"

"Two thieves are not going to derail me from my goal. I wish to purchase goods! I wish to see what they have to offer. I heard they have special silks and treats."

"You cannot go."

"I will go Aemond, you could either come with me or stay here. But I am going."

You said as you quickly put your bag around you. You looked at him, not moving.

"I know you are worried. Come with me then, it would be a good time." you offered a small smile to him, hoping it would help him.

And it did.

"I shall go with you then."

---

Walking around with Aemond wasn't exactly how you imagined it when yesterday you suggested the idea to him.

You hoped it would be a romantic day, but it turned into Aemond looming over you like a guard dog, scaring people with his hood up and eyepatch.

You tried to ignore him and walked in between the merchants.

Something caught your eye.

A lovely pair of earrings.

"My Lady! Your taste is amazing, those are made out of real sapphire." you held the earrings in your hands, you really did like them.

"How much for them?"

"They are only two golds, My Lady." you dug into your pocket and fished out two golds and handed them to the merchant who smiled at you.

You put the earrings away before moving to a new shop.

You noticed glass jars with what looked like candles in them.

"My Lady, good day. Would you be interested? These are candles."

"Never seen something like this."

"They are scented."

"Oh? How so?"

"My lovely wife's idea. You light it and it gives the room a lovely smell. Here, try it, this one smells of lavender." Aemond observing everyone around you.

"I am not too fond of lavenders I'm afraid."

"No problem, how about a more fruity scent? Perhaps strawberry?" you nodded and the merchant handed you a jar.

"This smells really lovely. So sweet. Your wife is wonderful."

"Thank you, My Lady." the man now looked at Aemond. "Would your husband like to smell?" he tried to hand Aemond a jar but Aemond only turned.

"I'm afraid as long as you don't sell weapon-scented ones, he wouldn't be so interested." you giggled it made the merchant laugh as Aemond just rolled his eyes. "I would like to buy one of the strawberry, the vanilla and what is this?"

"It is mint."

"One of that as well please."

"Of course, just do not put them next to curtains, please blow them out if you head to bed. Wouldn't want your house to be burnt down."

"Of course." you handed him the money before taking the items. "I should have bought a basket." you smiled at Aemond before heading towards the food items.

"Do you plan on buying everything?" his voice came out harsher than he intended.

"Possibly. It is your money after all." you looked serious. Perhaps way too serious for Aemond to say if you were joking or not. But of course you were. "No need to be so harsh Aemond." you smiled at him as he watched you walk to yet another merchant.

Aemond would be lying to himself if he said he wasn't happy to spend the day with you.

He loved it very much, that whenever you found something, let that be a dress or fabric or jewellery, your eyes started to shine so beautifully.

But he knew he had to be vigilant. He would not let anything like yesterday happen again. Every time he caught a glimpse of the wrap on your finger, he was reminded of that.

But he also noticed just how kind and sweet you were when you talked with the people.

A lady just sold you some chocolate-covered nuts.

"Try one." you said offering one to Aemond, he thought you would hand it to him, but no, you raised your fingers to his lips and he would take it like that. Aemond wasn't one for sweets, but this, he truly did enjoy. Maybe it was because they came from you. He wasn't sure. "Do you like it?" you asked so sweetly.

"Hm." his reply was simple, but you were used to it. You grabbed his hand, feeling bolder as you pulled him with you.

---

After dinner, you were back in your chamber, getting ready for bed, you brushed your hair.

You smiled as you softly hummed a tune.

What an amazing day you had.

Even if you and Aemond didn't marry out of love, you two still found companionship within each other.

You smiled as Aemond entered the room.

The soft scent of vanilla hit his nose as he noticed the candle lit by your side.

You soon finished with your hair as you blew out the candle and headed to bed.

Aemond was already in bed by the time you joined him.

You laid on your side, extending your hand and placed it on his chest.

"I had fun today." you whispered to him. "Wish we could do it more often. I really enjoyed my time with you, Husband."

Aemond's fingers soon found your wraps as he let out a sigh as he felt you flinch a little when he touched your hurt pinky.

"I should have been there. This wouldn't have happened."

"I'm just said I lost the ring. I quite liked that one you know."

"I will have hundreds more made."

"No need. At least the necklace you gave me is not gone. I like that one much more." you closed your eyes, ready to sleep when you heard him speak up.

"I enjoyed today quite as well, Wife." you hummed as he pulled your hand to his lips. He turned to face you, watching you as you drifted off to sleep.

"I can't sleep if you stare at me." you whispered, giggling a little before opening your eyes and meeting his. You moved close to him, placing your head under his chin, and wrapping your arms around him.

You let out one last sigh before falling off to sleep.

Aemond soon followed.

Chapter Text

Aegon was held up by the council. His leg bounced as he grew more and more annoyed by the second.

All he wanted was to go back to bed, where you were, cuddle to your baby bump and forget about all this King nonsense.

Little did he know, that just as he was dreaming about your baby bump, you were on your bed, screaming in pain.

One of the servants went to fetch the King, but a knight stood in her way, not allowing the king to be disturbed.

Aegon was now extremely irritated, he felt like for the entire day, he had been held in that damn room.

And he was.

As soon as he exited, the servant girl rushed over to him.

"My King! I have been waiting for you!"

"Not now! I wish to rest!" he tried to dismiss the girl.

"But My King! The Queen is in labor." that stopped Aegon. He slowly turned and looked at the girl.

"What did you just say?"

"She started her pains this morning, it is possible she has already given birth." said the girl.

"Why didn't you come and tell me sooner?!" Aegon was now yelling.

"The guards stopped me." she replied, Aegon looked at his guards, shooting extremely disappointed looks at them. But he can deal with them later.

Aegon then quickly turned and headed back to where your shared chambers was.

He opened the door, and there you were, your eyes met him and you smiled. Holding a little bundle in your arms.

Every servant left the room, leaving the King and Queen alone.

"I didn't know. They didn't tell me." he said, trying his best to explain himself but you just smiled. He moved closer to you.

"Doesn't matter anymore. Come, meet your son." you were quick to hand him the bundle as he sat down next to you. "He looks like you."

Aegon looked down at his son, his eyes and hair were the exact as his father's.

"I was hoping you would name him." you confessed and he gave a nod. He was too focused on the little baby.

"He is beautiful." Aegon whispered as the child yawned. "You gave me an angel." you smiled, closely watching the two.

"I'm also extremely tired. If I may sleep for a bit."

"I will give him to the nurse."

"No, no Aegon." you were quick as he stood up, you reached towards your son. "I wish to have him here, please."

Aegon looked at you confused. "Why? You need to rest."

"Yes, of course. But I also need to bond with him. If I don't have him here... I do not wish to be like your mother was to you." you finally confessed. Your deepest worry since became aware of the little human inside you.

"You would never be like her." Aegon moved back onto the bed, sitting down once more. "You will be an amazing mother. You will show every woman what it is to be a mother. A mother who loves their child. I know you will, you grew to love me." you smiled.

"Leave him in his crib." you pointed at the little bed next to your side of the bed. "When he falls asleep, put him on his back into the bed and the small blanket over him. If he wakes and I don't, wake me, I'll feed him. Do not call a nurse. Promise me Aegon that you will not call a nurse." he could hear the desperation in your voice and as much as he knew you needed to rest, he also didn’t wish to fight your decision.

"I promise you, My Love. I will do as you asked." you nodded before moving to lay down, watching the two as you fell asleep.

Aegon looked at his son, slowly standing up as he walked to the windows, letting the late afternoon sun hit the child's beautiful round cheeks.

Aegon placed a kiss onto the child's forehead.

Aegon was still rather furious that the guards didn't warn him about what was happening in his own castle, he will make sure that they will learn their lesson.

But just for now, he was okay with only holding his son as he watched you sleep.

A warm feeling completely filled his chest.

Chapter Text

When you saved Aegon from the fire, you felt your whole world change.

It was only a small burn.

Not even close to what he would have received, you knew it was worth it. Saving his life in return for a small burn to your hand.

It seemed like you underestimated the fire of a dragon.

Aegon was furious. He held your bandaged hand, shaking with anger.

"How fucking dare they?! Hurting my wife!"

"It is okay, I saved your life so it was worth it."

"And you got hurt as a result!"

"It would have been much worse if you took the hit instead of me."

"I will feed her to my dragon! No one touches my wife!" you put your other hand on his cheek, lifting it to meet your eyes with his.

"Thank you, it is a small prize for our future."

"Your smallest finger is... almost gone. I really liked that one. It is very cute."

"Now it shall be a cute burnt little one. It doesn't even hurt as much as it did before, Aegon. I promise I'm fine. I shouldn't have underestimated dragon fire. I hope it is still your favourite."

"All of you is my favourite."

You offered him a kind smile.

"Can you tell me... what would have happened to me?"

"Broken bones, half of you burnt, your left arm... my favourite... would have been the worst. It would have caused you pain so great, so terrible, I would have not been able to watch."

"You would have killed me?"

"Oh, no. Healed you. But it is forbidden. My grandmother often told me about spells which should never be cast. Demons, beings, which should never be talked to."

"You know such beings?"

"I have seen one. Well... it's eyes at least. It is often hiding in the dark, following me."

"What does it want?"

"I'm not sure. It has red eyes and it is tall. If you ever see it, please, never talk to it! Promise me Aegon! No matter what is says, no matter what promises it makes!" you looked genuinely terrified. Aegon was quick to nod.

"I promise. I shall never talk to a being like that."

"Have you been to the... basement recently?"

"No. Why?"

"I have a circle down there. A circle of salt. Salt keeps the spirits inside. If you ever see a circle, never break it."

"What if it's already broken?"

"Tell me, run and tell me."

"What about the crying?"

"You hear crying?" he nodded.

"Late at night, you are always asleep when I hear a woman cry."

"I'm afraid, My Love, that my very being is attracting them. It is why I often moved from village to village. They are dangerous. They cry so people would go to them and they would..."

"Kill them?"

"Murder is the easy way out. There is one, a very very tall man-like being, has a wicked smile, it cries so people would approach it. Then he eats them, inside out, while they are alive."

"Can you stop these things?"

"If I'm awake, yes. It is why they come when I'm sleeping."

"What about the hunters? Who hunted you for being a witch? From who you hid in my dreams?"

"It is the only good thing that comes out of ghosts and demons following you. If hunters follow you, they are the first to fall."

"And what do the beings want from you?"

"My powers, but they wouldn't kill me, they want me to give them souls."

"It is rather confusing. But I understood that I do not break salt circles, I know that if candles suddenly go out and there is a cold shiver, I must run. I must not follow crying. Any more rules?"

"For now, I just have one." Aegon rolled his eye as he awaited your final rule for the day. "You must make love to me every single night." you smirked and soon, so did he.

"I believe, that can be arranged." he pulled you close and kissed your lips.

---

After you saved Aegon, your identity was basically revealed to his family.

But only Aemond was brave enough to talk with you after.

"I can save your life as well, Aemond." you told him.

"For my soul?"

"For your daughter to be named after me." you smiled.

"Daughter?"

"I believe my name would sound strange for a son. But your daughter can have it."

"What are you talking about?"

"Alys."

"How do you know about her?" his voice dropped low.

"I know everything Aemond. As I said, just name her after me. Your brother already asked me to save you anyway."

"Aegon did? What kind of a spell you have on him?"

"I would ask what spell he has on me. I love him so much. I truly do." your smile was so gentle and genuine, Aemond understood. "You must know how I feel for you are also in love." Aemond nodded once.

"What about my sister? Why didn't you save her?"

"Your brother took a vow with me. I'm sorry about her, but she died so none of you have to after."

"And her children?"

"I didn't kill her or her children. You uncle and sister did that." you reminded him and he knew you were right.

"You play with people, you let monsters into this castle. I have seen the woman, the one that cries every night, yet she has no eyes. You let them in here. You are dangerous."

"You will drown. Tied to your dragon at the bottom of a lake." his eyes fell. "Tell me please, why is it that every time I tell someone their fate, they never question if I'm lying or not? Why is it that you all get so scared?"

"Because I can see it in your eyes that you are not lying. Because when you say it, you tell as if you have seen it."

"I did see it."

"And I can see in your eyes that you did. It's the truth, I'll die and...Alys..."

"You can live, with her, with your children. Rhaenyra is now scared of me. Daemon is now scared of me. They will soon make their move. And I can promise you they will not survive it. But you have to listen to me."

"It is the best proposition I have."

---

The Dance of the Dragons ended, and Green stayed victorious, songs were written of the witch who helped the Greens. The witch who became Queen.

Some said she bewitched Aegon II. Others said they were in love.

And the latter would be right.

Your love for Aegon was true and pure.

Your first proof was your firstborn daughter, Aliece. Said to be as beautiful as her mother, named lovingly after her grandmother, your beautiful grandmother.

Then your son was born, Aeden. A true warrior, he became the true successor of Aegon II. The first wizard to sit on a throne. The first King who had magic and a fierce dragon by his side.

When Aeden was three you gave birth to twins, two little boys. Aemond II and Barion. Two energetic and sweet boys, both grew up to be great warriors and dragon riders.

Then, another son was born, Aemis, another true wizard, following in his mother's steps, Aemis grew into a truly powerful man and a great right had to his brother.

All five of your children grew up in a loving household. You always made sure they had everything they could ever want and need. You loved them deeply and it showed. They all grew up close and loved one another.

Aegon often stood under the shades of a tree in the gardens, just watching his children running around, laughing as you followed them.

You showed him a side of life he never thought existed, true love.

Pure and unconditional love.

You would also make sure that he was more involved with your children than a husband would be. Aegon promised the moment his daughter was born that he shall never be like his father was.

"Aegon!" your voice snapped him out of his dream, he sat up in bed, noticing the morning sun beginning to rise. "You saw it too? The children?" you asked and he quickly nodded.

"It was a dream?"

"It was no dream, more like a prophecy... Aegon, I believe I am with child." you whispered the last part and Aegon grabbed your hand, placing a kiss on your pinky which had the scar on it.

"I love you so much." he said and just as the sun began to rise, your smile almost blinded him, in your eyes he saw his past, present and future. As the beautiful glow of the sun shined in them, Aegon also smiled.

"I love you too, Aegon." you leaned over to give him a kiss.

He felt like his life has only just begun.

And to think it all started with an unbreakable vow.

Chapter Text

Aemond was beyond confused.

Just that morning, you told him how you never wished to be his wife.

And now, there you stood, crying your heart out as you kept going on about Alys.

Aemond would be a liar if he said he didn't love Alys, he sure did. His relationship with her however had to end when his mother announced his marriage to the Princess of the East.

Aemond broke off his interest with Alys the moment he was told he would marry someone.

He didn't wish to bring suffering to a woman. While he did love Alys, he knew his duty as a prince.

Then you arrived.

And what a lovely Princess you were. Much like him, you were reserved and he often found you with your nose in a book.

Your beauty took his breath away.

You were much like him, yet so different.

Aemond learned that you were the fourth child in your family, meaning no one really took care of you.

All your siblings were boys.

But nothing broke Aemond's heart more than seeing you cry so much.

"I know you wouldn't even look my way if it wasn't for our marriage. I know I will be never her." you whispered the last part.

It made Aemond move.

He was now standing in front of you, he grabbed your hand as your other hand grabbed his wrist, afraid he would hurt you.

"I do not want you to be her. I want you to be you. Princess of the East. My Wife. As you are. I do not want you to suffer."

But it was clear, you didn't believe him.

And he was not blaming you for it.

Everyone often reminded you just how beautiful Alys is, how much Aemond loves her.

"I will not lie to you, I do have feelings for her, but I also have feelings for you. You are my wife, the woman I will live with for the rest of my life. I wish to have a great relationship with you. So we could try and be happy."

Aemond let go of your hand but you didn't let go of his. Holding his wrist, he felt you pulling him closer.

Your other hand came up to his shoulder and started to push him away.

Pulling him and pushing him at the same time.

It was confusing.

He was confused.

You could see it in his eyes.

"I want nothing more than for us to be happy. But I refuse to live in the shadows of another woman. Refuse to be a second choice because I know you would go running back to her the moment you would be allowed to. Your duty keeps you here, your mother keeps you here. If I cannot be the only one you love, I don't wish false promises of happiness from you." Aemond looked straight into your eyes, his free hand moved to remove his eyepatch.

He honestly thought you might get scared or disgusted but no, you didn't even blink as you looked into his eye and the sapphire which replaced his lost eye.

"I want to have you as you are. You are my wife. You are my only love. I do not wish to have anyone else. She is the past, you are the present and future." he tried to take a step but your hand on his chest pushed him, while your other on his wrist pulled him.

It was clear to him, you were conflicted.

You wanted to be held by him but you were also scared of empty promises.

He understood, bringing your hand to his lips he kissed the back of it.

"I swear on my dragon's and my own life. I am not lying when I say these words to you, Y/N." suddenly your hand on his shoulder stopped pushing. Instead, you grabbed his shirt and pulled him close with both of your hands, arms moving around him, Aemond hugged you back.

You really hoped you didn't make a mistake by trusting him.

You really hoped he was not lying.

You weren't sure what you would do if you found out that he did.

But somehow, as his breath tickled your neck and he pulled you close, smelling your hair, you had a feeling he really wasn't lying.

He will have you as you are, his perfect wife. And you will have him as he is, a great husband who promised you the sky and the stars as he pulled you in for a kiss.

Chapter Text

You have been watching him for a long time now. Watching, wanting and longing for him.

Longing for him in ways you never thought you would be able to long for anyone else.

He was handsome and kind. And you knew with guidance, he would be an incredible man.

When you learned about his betrothal to another, it broke your heart.

And when a nymph's heart broke, nature truly felt it. People suffered the consequences.

Your crying brought along thunder and storm. Your pain brought such rain no one has ever seen before.

And then, your sadness was masked by anger and jealousy.

Fire and destruction.

The world has never seen such destruction.

People in Dragonstone all looked at the rising water. They could only watch as their ships were taken under by huge waves.

No one understood what was happening, no one understood why this was happening.

Until one day, Luce was on his way to see his mother when he looked out and he swore he saw someone on the rocks.

He swore to everyone that he definitely saw a woman standing on top of the huge rocks.

Rhaenyra also had difficulties believing his son but when later that night, she looked at the rock Luce talked about earlier, she saw the woman as well.

Rhaenyra felt a shiver run down her spine as she locked eyes with the woman. She looked away for just a second and by the time Rhaenyra looked back, she was gone.

"You took him from me." the voice behind her made her jump in fear. "You will marry him to someone else, she doesn't deserve him, you know that, I know that." Rhaenyra locked eyes with you once more. You were drenched from the rain. "All I ever wanted was Jace, I gave you everything, protection on my island, let you live in this castle and fended off any harm. Ships, even dragons. And this is how you repay me?" Rhaenyra was confused, but now she could recall the sunken ships, the drowned dragons that came for her and her family.

"What are you?"

You could sense the fear in her voice, she was obviously waiting for her men to arrive but you weren't stupid.

"I have lived a long long life. Tied to this place since the day of my death, I watched them build this castle, ruin it, rebuild and more. I watched you. I know everything. And I love your son. So much."

"What do you want?"

"I want to be loved. I want someone to love me. And I fell in love with your son."

"I don't know who you are or what you are talking about but you need to leave. My knights will escort you."

"My name is Y/N." Rhaenyra looked at you first the first time not behind you, you looked sad.

"How do you know my son is betrothed?"

"She won't love him like I do. I know everything. I hear everything."

"You are clearly not in the right state of mind. I don't know how you got here, but my knights will guide you to the-"

"If anyone, you are the intruder here. I watched everything from the rocks. I know everything, Rhaenyra." you heard people approaching behind you. Turning the corner was her two sons.

"Stay there. She is crazy, get the guards." she instructed her children but they were clearly too stunned to move, you took a couple of steps towards the window, opening it.

"I thought you would understand. Since you are not with the one you love either." you simply said before jumping out the window.

"Mother!" Luce ran to her but Jace ran to the window, due to the rain he couldn't see much if anything so he closed it.

"Who was she?" asked Luce.

"A crazy woman." Rhaenyra explained what happened before they all retrieved into their rooms.

Jace couldn't stop thinking, if she truly was only a crazy woman, why did she look so familiar to him?

---

You felt like you were going insane. Watching the now calmer waves hit the rocks under you, you let out a long sigh.

You hoped Rhaenyra would understand how you felt. You, of course, didn't expect her to give her son to you on a silver platter, all you wanted is just some understanding. Someone to say some reassuring words to you.

You moved and now sat on top of the tower, watching the sunset.

You had to realize that jealousy and anger couldn't be the way to deal with these feelings.

You had to let him go and watch him be happy in front of you.

---

Jace was looking for his mother, trying to find her he walked past a window, and looking out he noticed the trees were almost ready to bloom once again. Even as a young child, he found those trees incredible. No one knew how it was possible for them to be growing out of rocks.

Jace always found those beautiful trees and he swore each time he saw them, it was as if there was more.

Jace found his mother surrounded by books.

Rhaenyra has been rather strange since last night.

Guards went around but saw no one.

"Mother?"

"She said, she has been tied to this land since the moment she died. But she was still alive, somehow."

"So, you are searching for what exactly?"

"Anything. A story a song, something about her. Something about a ghost that lives here."

"Mother, I believe I have seen her before when I was young." Rhaenyra looked at his son as Jace took a seat beside her. "One evening, I couldn't get any sleep so I was roaming the castle when I came across a woman. She was crying, she said she missed her mother but she knew she was dead. I told her that I would help her find comfort. She-She was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She smiled at me and her smile was so kind. But I don't remember what happened after. It is a memory I only remembered today."

"She said she loves you."

"I believe she has saved my life on many occasions and we didn't even know it. I believe Luce survived Aemond's wraith because of her. Now it makes sense, Mother."

Rhaenyra leaned back in her chair, putting the pieces together.

"Having her by our side would mean a win for the Blacks. I would get what is rightfully mine."

"So, what? You want me to seduce her?"

"No, no. She already loves you, we just, have to marry her to you. Think about it Jace, it could be beneficial for us." Jace also leaned back in his chair, this might not be such a bad idea. If she married him, Blacks would have a Goddess by their side and he would marry a woman who he actually finds interesting.

"I refuse to take part in your useless war." both jumped as you emerged from the dark. "I only saved your son because he is too young to die, but his actions towards his uncle are unforgivable. He took his eye, Aemond has the right to claim his."

"You said you love my son. If you marry him, you would be on our side, you have a duty to protect your family."

"I have no such duty. Even if I love him, I will not take part in a useless war of the ego! You cannot possibly believe that you would be Queen!"

Rhaenyra punched the table as she stood up, knocking the chair back.

"How dare you! It is my birthright!"

You tilted your head as you looked at her.

"Then why didn't your father name you as his heir?" the question hangs in the quiet room. "At least your brother's do not run when faced with their own actions."

"How dare-"

"Lucerys ran like a coward! Saying he was only there as a messenger but he had the audacity to laugh into Aemond's face during dinner! Rhaenyra, I have told you, I know everything! I just feel sorry for your sons, for not seeing what you are doing to them. Much like Alicient, putting your own ideas onto them! They could have been strong, the four of them, but no, you clouded their minds."

"Do not talk to my mother like that."

"I only tell the truth. And the truth tends to hurt. Even if you would give me the love I crave. I will not take part in an unnecessary massacre."

"Then you shall stay on this island as you are." Rhaenyra said as he slammed the book in front of her shut.

"You will all die you know. All of you, why head into a war you cannot win?"

"We can win and we will."

"You won't." you turned to Jace, hoping you can reason with him but the moment your eyes met his, you knew you won't be able to. "You will die on your dragon as your mother will burn. You underestimate them."

"Leave us! You demon!" Rhaenyra yelled as she tried to throw a book at you but you caught it.

"Then Prince Aemond shall have your son. You can start your useless war."

"What did you say?"

"Lucerys should be dead. I saved him from Vhagar. It was a mistake, I'll correct my mistake."

"You threaten my son's life?!"

"Wait!" Jace stood up as he walked over to you. "Take me instead."

"All you needed to do was to listen and reach out but you all live in your heads. You could have sat down with your uncles and made things right, both you and Luce but I was wrong about you. You are not the man I thought you were as much as seeing you dead will hurt, please know I will visit your grave."

With that you disappeared into thin air.

"Mother?" Jace turned to Rhaenyra who was now back in her seat looking at the book in front of her, the book now open again, on its page a simple drawing, death.

---

Many moons later, you sat on top of the tower once again, you let out a long sigh as Dragonstone was now a lot more quiet.

You tried to warn them, but they were all too blind.

And there you were, listening to the waves hitting the rocks below.

On one of the rocks, a cherry blossom tree growing. A tree you planted in memory of your lost love, right next to it a couple more all growing out of the rocks.

Their petals fell into the water, colouring its surface slightly pink.

You were doomed for loneliness, but losing him did hurt.

It hurt every single time.

So, you closed your eyes, slept and forgot.

Perhaps the next cycle would be different.

Chapter Text

Everyone was shocked by the maiden at Aemond's side.

The Prince walked around the castle with the unknown woman with such confidence.

The Prince was very confident all his life, but now, now he looked like a new man, a new dangerous man.

Even his mother found it strange and required an explanation from her son.

"She will be my wife within a week. And when the Blacks will come for us, we will fight."

Wife?

Everyone thought it would be impossible to celebrate a wedding during such times.

Everyone found it shocking that all the flowers in King's Landing bloomed like never before.

The celebration and the exchange of vows happened just as Aemond told his mother.

And now, you were his wife.

---

"A child for a child." you said as Aemond entered your chambers that night. "They will come and take one."

"Tonight?"

"Yes."

"Can you stop them?"

"You know our agreement my Prince, sorry, Husband."

"I married you so no one would ask questions, they are already doubting our relations at it is! I held up my end of the vow, now you have to do your part."

You stood up from your chair, completely expressionless as you walked over to him.

"You do not tell me what I have to do, Dear Aemond."

"I am your husband."

"So? You believe the title holds any significance for me? You truly believe that I would care about that? I told you, Aemond, people will die, I will only save you."

"Then do not tempt me! Telling me about the attack and the death of a child! At least do not say it!" you smirked a little. "Please, don't taunt me with such things, things I cannot do anything against."

There was so much you wanted to say but decided against.

"I'm sorry." you simply said, it made Aemond turn quickly, he never heard you apologise before, given he didn't know you for long but still.

You walked over to him and took off his eyepatch, it made him shiver with shame, you did notice.

You stepped closer as his arms moved around you, with one flick of your finger his hair fell around his shoulder and face.

You slowly guided him to your bed on your way you removed both of your clothes and laid him down on the soft bed.

"I wish to gain your forgiveness, Husband. I shall ride you all night into pleasures you never felt before."

"I believe I have experience in that. You are... truly a sorceress, you enchanted me and made me weak but you also made me so much stronger." he let out a moan as you sank down onto his hard rock cock.

Your nails ran down his chest, marking his milky-white skin as your hips began their movement. When you made a particular movement, Aemond's hands flew to your hips, holding you, helping you go faster.

But he soon grew tired and grabbed your legs. He stood from the bed and walked to the wall, holding you against it at he continued to fuck into you.

Your moans were loud making all of King's Landing hear you.

The sounds of sex filled the room and you felt and heard yourself getting more and more wet.

You let out a loud whine when his lips attached to your neck. He insisted on sucking that spot so sweetly as his hips never stopped their movements.

While he didn't speak a word, his thoughts ran wild. You heard him curse as he kept on going faster and faster, his movements getting sloppy as he began to reach his end.

But you weren't ready for him to stop, you ran your hand down his spine, giving him the stamina he needed to go on longer. Just as you did that, he suddenly changed, he pulled out and put you on the floor, forcing you softly to lay down on the bed as he moved behind you.

His hips had the perfect rhythm as his hand pushed your torso into the bed.

He dominated you like no one else before, simply because you never let them. Aemond was different, very different.

You neared your end and so did he. You knew he wanted to pull out, you felt it in his movements, he was ready to pull out any second.

"Don't pull out, Aemond." you said as if your strongest spell was nothing compared to what you just told him, he felt like he was under a spell.

He kept on going deeper and faster. You could feel the tip of his cock reaching new depths.

You loved it.

When you came your legs shook a little, he came with a loud groan as he pushed you harder into the bed.

In the beautiful afterglow, you always realize just how well you chose when you decided to take him.

---

The screams of agony.

Oh, how delightful you found it to be. It was something you always throughout enjoyed.

But as Aemond ruled, Aegon kept whining, ever so quietly but to your trained ears, he was loud and clear. Every movement, he screamed. And his thoughts, filled with anger, sadness and pain.

He was even more broken than Aemond.

You stood by the foot of his bed as a nurse helped him, he kept hissing.

"You are doing it wrong." as you spoke up the little woman screamed a little and backed against a wall. Aegon was just as surprised to hear you talk. "You are hurting him even more, which causes him to scream and he is keeping me from sleeping, you dumb woman." you watched as she picked up the cloth and just stood there like the idiot she was. "Leave us, for fuck's sake." she quickly left the room, your eyes followed her as Aegon kept staring at you.

"What do you want?" he asked, voice filled with rage.

"I can feel your anger. The King who never wanted to be. Where is your loving mother now? Oh, right, with your brother."

"I asked, what do you want?"

You watched his body, you knew he would survive, but you also knew he will not live for long. Should you help him? No, he was not who you desired.

"I want you to finally sleep so I can as well. I'm sure you heard, your brother kept me up all night. I wish to sleep now and you keep on screaming."

"I never made a noise, leave now, you witch!"

You let out a long sigh.

"I can make your pain go away. So you can sleep and so can I."

You walked over to his head, he did try and move but he couldn't. You lifted your hand and placed it on his forehead.

"You should stop seeking your mother's love." you told him right before he fell asleep, you moved back to your room and headed to bed.

---

The day soon arrived.

Aemond will now face his uncle and he would come back victorious.

You did cast a spell on him to protect him and Vhagar.

You were not ready to lose the old girl just yet.

You watched the sky as Vhagar was ready. It will rain soon.

"My Love, I shall return soon." said Aemond as he walked over to you, placing a kick kiss onto your lips before mounting his dragon.

"I will wait for you." you told him as he flew off.

You closed your eyes and reached out to the darkness to make sure he was safe.

Aemond never fully knew about your powers. He knew you were extremely powerful, he knew that you liked to carve things into his door, he has seen you surrounded by darkness and he has seen the dark shadows, but he also didn't want to know.

The darkness never scared him until he met you. When he met you and brought you to his home, he started to see shapes in the dark, but even if he lit all the candles in his room, there was always a dark spot that seemed to be watching him.

He never asked you about it either, too afraid of the answer.

So, when he saw Daemon getting swallowed by the dark, he knew it was your promise. He knew it was your magic keeping him safe.

Right before he fell, Daemon threw his knife at Aemond as a last attempt to kill him, but the knife was taken by a dark creature.

Aemond couldn't wait to go back to you, he wanted to see you so badly.

As his uncle fell, Aemond thought, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment.

At that moment he thought, it was the first time that he was fully since you two met.

He felt so unsafe. How could he live without you for so long? He felt so vulnerable as if he could die at any given moment because you weren't there.

He wanted to see you, His Wife.

As soon as he landed he ran to you as you ran into his arms.

"My Prince is back. I knew you couldn't die but still, I was worried."

His hug tightened as he took a deep breath, smelling you, making sure you were really there.

"My Love." he said.

When did he fall in love? He wasn't too sure. Could it be the moment when he saw you smiling at Vhagar? Could it be the moment when he watched your eyes light up as you watched him walk closer to you?

Aemond wasn't sure when it happened, but it happened and now he didn't have anything that could separate the two of you.

He felt so free, free of the burden of the Blacks, now it was only you two.

Him, your prince and you, his wife.

Chapter Text

You swore your heart stopped and then quickened up the moment you saw him.

Aemond Targaryen.

You heard the rumours about his eye, yet all failed to mention the handsome face, the tall figure and the built muscles.

Your father wished for you to marry Prince Aemond to strengthen the bond between your and his family.

It was purely political and yet you couldn't stop staring at him. His handsome face, his beautiful hair, his tall frame and his long fingers, which you were sure could be used for other things than holding a sword.

You didn't say anything during dinner. You mainly observed his family and fantasised about your future husband.

You could faintly hear your father talking to the Queen about the details of your wedding, but your senses were mainly focused on the man sitting across from you.

After dinner, you were ready to head to bed. Sleep off your sinful thoughts, but as you rounded the corner, the same man stood in your doorway, waiting for you.

"My Prince, how may I help you?" you asked as you walked up to him, not looking into his eye.

"Am I truly that repulsive that you refuse to look at me?" his voice was filled with venom and anger.

You should have known that he was cautious about his lost eye.

"Quite the opposite, My Prince." you answered honestly and hoped no one else was there to hear.

"You dare lie to me?!" he almost yelled, but he did raise his voice, which was not appreciated by you. Your eyes met his.

"I will have to ask you to not raise your voice at me. I am to be your wife, not your slave, it is not my fault you don't believe my words. And now, I would like to go and sleep, excuse me." you said as you rounded him.

He just stood there, too stunned to speak. By the time he gathered himself, you already locked yourself into your chambers.

He could only stare at the closed door before he turned to leave.

---

The next morning you woke up, you recalled the events before you got into your bed and you felt both relieved and bad.

You were glad you stood up to Aemond and didn't let him yell at you. But you also feared he might want to call the wedding off.

You felt like you should apologise, but at the same time, you didn't want to.

You didn't want for him to know that it was okay to yell at you. You were not about to have a relationship where you would go insane much like your aunt did.

You entered the hall for breakfast.

"Daughter! Sit next to the Prince." your father said and you obliged.

Sitting down next to Aemond and to your other side was his sister.

After breakfast Aemond's mother asked you to walk you through the castle with you.

Now, you have spoken with the Queen before so you didn't feel as nervous.

You had a feeling that she liked you. Or she really wouldn't let you marry her son. You assumed.

Later that day, you were resting in your room when there was a knock.

"Come in." you looked up from your book and your eyes met with the Prince. "Prince Aemond, how may I help?"

"I came to apologise for my behaviour. Yesterday, I wasn't myself, please forgive me."

"I forgive you, but I will not believe that it wasn't you, My Prince." Aemond looked at you, confused, so you continued. "I believe everything you said you meant, I believe you are holding back always. I can see in your posture. You have some deep regrets and anger inside you. A huge fire is burning inside you, My Prince."

"And you will be the wife of such a man. You might end up getting burnt."

"I sure hope so. If it means the fire is who you really are, Aemond, I wish to see it. All of it."

"How can you say that? Most women run from me, scream even just by the thought of me."

"I suppose you can say, I am not most women." you stood up from your chair, your book on the floor, long forgotten. "I always admired fire, I heard of you, when my father told me, I am to marry you, I felt joy. If what you are saying is true, if women are truly scared of you, then excuse me for admitting this, but at least I can be selfish and keep you all to myself."

"You want me?" he genuinely sounded surprised.

"With everything I have. Anything you are willing to give me, and I will give you myself." for a moment his eyes went over your figure. "I believe that everyone is born to find their pair. I trust my instincts that you, Aemond, are my other half."

"You are speaking nonsense." you smiled softly as you watched the light hit his perfect face. Oh, how you wished to run your fingers through his beautiful white locks.

"It is okay if you won't believe me now, I am sure you will soon realize I do not lie."

"Did your father put you up for this? Forced you to speak such things?" he was getting angry, you took a step closer and placed your hand on his chest.

"My father would marry me to a goat. I am speaking the truth." his eye searched yours.

But you were no liar.

You meant every word.

You deserved him as much as he deserved you.

You wanted him as much as he wanted you.

And soon, he would realize that he was destined to be yours as much as you were destined to be his.

His lips hang open as he thought.

He looked ever more handsome when he was thinking.

Soon, he moved his head, letting his lips rest on yours.

He wasn't skilled, but neither were you. It was okay.

More than okay.

It was perfect.

Your heart skipped a beat.

Padam padam.

Yes, you were ready to get burnt.

Chapter Text

Warnings: childbirth (no detailed description)

It was hard to keep you close. You were much like Aemond, a true fighter. You had a fire in you which couldn't be questioned. A fire towards him, pure love. And now, fire towards your son.

Aeren was only born a week ago, yet you protected him fiercely like a dragon.

And you refused to let the small child out of your hands.

When Aemond was allowed in the room, he saw the blood, he heard your screams and many times, he wanted to barge in but he knew he couldn't.

So, once he was allowed in, someone informed him that it was a boy and that you were in bad shape.

Aemond could see it, you looked beyond tired, yet you smiled.

But your smile didn't last long.

Aemond refused to hold his son.

"Give him to me." he heard your voice as he looked from the woman holding his son to you. You looked angry. Way too angry.

It was too late when Aemond realised what he had just done.

He refused to hold his own child.

And since then, you didn't speak a word to him.

You slept in a different room with your baby, sometimes, late at night, he heard the cries. He wanted to get up and go to you but he couldn't, his guilt was overbearing.

"You should put a leash on her, brother. If I had a wife like that, she wouldn't be sleeping in another room." Aegon taunted his brother daily.

One day, you were in the gardens, walking with your son in your arms when Aegon spoke up.

Aemond never heard his brother speak with such longing.

"I truly wish she was mine."

Aemond looked at his brother who was watching you.

"But she's mine." was his simple and firm reply.

But you truly weren't.

You used to be, now, you just sat next to him during dinners.

One night, you excused yourself, and he followed you.

In an empty corridor, he spoke up.

"Why are you avoiding me?" he knew why. He very well knew why.

"I'm sorry, My Prince." you turned and looked at him. "I believe you are mistaken. I'm not avoiding you, I just hate to see the disappointment on your face." this surprised Aemond. "I gave birth to a child you refused to even look at. I loved you, Prince Aemond, I truly did. But I love my child more. And if you cannot look at him, you won't get to look at me. Fill your bed with whores for all I care. Goodnight."

"You are mistaken." he said, not letting you leave, but you did grab the handle. "You-You were in that bed, crying, screaming and bleeding for hours. I couldn't do anything. And when they let me in, the blood... so much... they told me you were weak, you survived but you needed a lot of rest. How-How could I hold my child when the love of my life almost died? How could I look at him when I was worried to even look at you? I feared you would die giving birth. I was shaking. I feared losing you and my child. That is why I didn't hold him. I was scared." you stood there, your hand on the door, you looked away from his eyes.

"Then you could have just fucking say so, Aemond! For fucks sake!"

"That is not very lady-like."

"FUCK lady-like, you made me believe you hate me and our son! I believed I disappointed you since you wanted a daughter."

"I said I would be happy either way. My emphasis was on a girl because I feared if you had a daughter, you would see that as disappointing my bloodline."

"You are fucking terrible at communicating." you opened the door and walked into the huge room in which you stayed the last couple of weeks.

Aemond followed you, and watched as you walked over to the small bed and picked up your son. "Next time, you should just tell me. Letting me assume things clearly don't work out."

"Of course." a small smile found its way onto his lips, next time, it was the promise of a future, a promise of more, something he could work towards. He walked over to you after closing the door. "I wish to hold him." you handed him the small child who didn't even stir in his sleep. "Aeren you named him I recall." Aemond's attention was now fully on his son as you decided to leave the two alone after watching them for a couple of minutes.

You got changed and when you arrived back, Aemond was sitting on the bed, his son on his chest.

"Some nights I heard his cries. It broke my heart but I broke yours far more. I apologise for not being clear and for causing you pain. I am truly sorry."

"I'm sorry as well. I should have asked." you said as you sat down next to him. "I will have to feed him soon."

"I will stay here with you."

You smiled as the moon shined through the window, illuminating the room a little more, helping the fire so you could see your husband's face.

"I love you so much Aemond."

"I love you too, My Queen." you giggled, moving closer to him as he leaned down to kiss you.

You two kissed in the moonlight until your son made it clear that he was hungry.

It all made you look towards a better future.

Chapter Text

"My previous experience with women is... not so great." said Aemond as he stared at you.

You stared at him wearing a sheer gown. His eyes were glued to your body.

This would be the first night you spend with Aemond, the night to consummate your long-awaited marriage to the Prince.

You smiled at Aemond, such a gentle smile.

"What happened?" even if you were only a couple steps away from him, you didn't move, you stayed between him and his bed.

"It was my 13th name day. My brother brought me to the streets of silk... He wanted me to have as much experience as he had." It was clear he had a hard time remembering that day. So, you put him out of his misery.

"You fear I would be the same?"

"You are so much more than that whore." his eyes finally met yours and you knew he meant every word.

"Aemond I told you this long before our marriage has been announced. I do not wish to force you to do anything. I want you to want me. I do not want to force myself onto you and start our marriage with a night full of regret."

"I know you don't."

"But I will say this to you, My Prince. I wish to give myself to you fully. My body and my soul as I have given you my hand in marriage. I don't want you to see this as a duty you have to fulfil. I want both of us to enjoy our time together, our life together."

"What did I do to deserve an angel like you?" he smiled as he took a step forward, you welcomed him with a hug and a short kiss.

"I do believe, My Prince has done many many terrible things. But I must also admit, when I first saw you riding your dragon, I knew I would do anything just to be called yours." you whispered against his mouth as he groaned. "If you want, I can use my hands and mouth on you tonight, and later... when you are ready, you can do as you please."

"And what will you tell my brother?"

"The truth."

"Which is?"

"That in a way, I, myself, am also riding the largest beast in all of Westeros."

"I didn't know you had such a dirty mouth." he admitted as his thumb ran along your lips.

"Only if you wish. Some men say they prefer a clueless, damsel in distress. Others prefer some kind of hunt. I wonder what you prefer, My Husband."

"I prefer you." you smiled as he said that without any hesitation.

"I truly wish to take the bad memories away, Aemond. I want a happy life with you, now that the War is over."

"I want the same... just maybe... not tonight." you nodded and kissed his lips.

"As my husband wishes."

Maybe, just for now, sucking his cock while watching his face twitch was enough. Maybe kissing him while your hands worked on his length was enough. Maybe allowing him to kiss and suck your tits as your hands pumped his leaking cock was enough.

They were small steps, but you should have known better than to assume that a Targaryen Prince wouldn't have a list full of trauma.

But you will be there for him when he is ready to start his healing.

And maybe, but just maybe marrying him was the beginning of the process.

Chapter Text

What did it meant to be obsessed? To like something or someone so much to the point of no return. To always want to be consumed by the object of your obsession.

Daemon Targaryen was a complicated man.

Nothing was easy with him.

Not marriage.

Not love.

Not ruling.

And yet, like a dragon drawn to gold, his eyes fixated on you.

And who were you? No one.

And yet, in the eye of the Prince, you were everything.

Everything and more.

A simple woman at the market, selling your strawberries.

He wanted to give you everything and anything.

He felt enchanted.

Obsessed.

Every moment he was thinking of you.

He didn’t even know your name, and yet he wanted you.

Was it unreasonable? He didn’t think so.

All he knew. All he could think about was you.

It wasn’t even a longing anymore. No. It was a need.

Similarly to air, water and food.

He wanted you.

And he will get you. One way or another.

He will have his princess, since he couldn’t have the throne.

But he would much rather have you.

Chapter Text

When your betrothal was announced, it came as a surprise to you.

Cregan Stark is a feared warrior and for a reason.

He was brutal and killed men without a flinch. His sword drowned in the blood of men.

And yet, it was you he chose as his wife.

You have only met him once, when you were very young, both of you were actually. At the time, he called you a scared little bunny.

You didn't pay much attention to him, you only stayed in his father's Kingdom for a couple of days.

Sure, your house might not be as strong as his, but you held a great name. With a proud father and mother, you were a true Lady.

A Lady who was now declared to become the wife of Cregan.

"But Father, why me?" you asked your father who looked so proud.

"The word came from him, he chose you as his future wife."

"But... why?" you asked rather quietly as you looked at your mother.

"It doesn't matter why. He chose you, it is all that matters." your mother replied.

And soon, you were in a carriage, being delivered to him, wearing your finest dress.

You looked out of the small window of the carriage, letting out a long sigh.

"Why me?" was the question in the back of your head at all times.

As the carriage moved down the road, in between the trees, heading further and further North.

You knew he would be waiting for you.

He would be standing there.

You wondered how he looked, how he had been since you had last seen him.

From the tales, you knew he was fierce and strong. You couldn’t imagine what he looked like. As a young son, he was often told how he would be handsome.

You couldn’t see it. But you were only a child, now you were a woman.

Things might have changed.

You at least hoped they did.

You let out a sigh as you got closer and closer. The nervousness grew deeper and deeper in your heart as you got closer.

Soon, you arrived and the door to your carriage opened. The cold immediately hit you.

It wasn’t the kind of cold when you could see your breath, but you knew what was coming.

Winter.

Not so different from your home.

Home.

This was your home now.

This will be your home now.

You grabbed the servant's hand as you got out and soon, you saw him.

His hair was shaved on the sides. He was handsome.

Damn him.

Even from afar, you could tell, he looked handsome.

He wore fur over his clothes, keeping him warm as he stood tall and proud.

He rolled his shoulders back as he saw you. You could see how he let out a sigh.

“Lord Stark, I am here to announce you, Lady Y/L/N from the House of Y/L/N. As you wished, your bride is presented to you.”

You bowed your head as you were introduced to him. You didn't look up or anywhere, but soon, you did look up.

Your eyes locked with him for the first time in a long while.

How cold and dark his were.

“How could I forget this Little Bunny.” He said with a smirk for a smile.

You just kept your eyes on him.

“My Lord.” You said as you waited for him to lead you into his home.

Lord of Winterfell had a home which looked incredible.

Snow has melted in some places, yet it is still present.

You liked it.

You were left in the hands of a servant who showed you the castle, The Great Keep.

And finally, your room.

"Lord Stark was very adamant about your sleeping arrangements," she said before she opened the door to his chambers. It was his. There were no questions about it in your mind.

The room felt and smelled like a man. It made you very nervous.

You were about to be a wife, his wife. It was up to you to make the Stark name strong and give him children. And that petrified you to no end.

“Why me?” you still asked yourself.

Even when you were left alone to catch a breath, your mind was running.

Soon, you were asked to join him during dinner.

You sat in the chair right next to him, to his right as he sat at the head of the table.

It was a feast, so many different food was placed in front of you, fruits you have never seen.

"I had them make everything as I do not know what you like, as of yet." his voice sounded strangely soft.

It almost didn't fit him.

And yet it did.

His eyes didn't meet yours, he only focused on the food in front of him.

"Thank you." you suddenly said, surprising both of you as you began to eat.

"Wine?" he asked and you nodded as a servant poured you a glass. "It is one which your father sent. Hopefully, it will make you feel more at home."

"Thank you," you said once more as you continued to eat. What felt like the first time in forever, you ate as much as you wished.

"You sure can eat." he suddenly said and you became aware of everything all at once.

"I'm sorry," you said as you pushed your plate and looked at him. "It is just... delicious."

"I'm happy you like it, I didn't mean to make you stop or anything," he said as he pushed the plate back in front of you.

"Oh, okay," you said as you continued to eat. Occasionally you looked at him, only to see that he was avoiding your eyes.

You wondered why he was doing it. You wanted to ask, ask how he ended up choosing you from all the women he could have chosen, he chose you.

Out of all the princesses and ladies, he wanted you. But why?

You will have to find out one way or another.

But for now, you were taken to get washed even if you insisted that you were more than capable of doing it yourself.

You were quick to learn that Cregan Stark didn’t like the answer no.

And so, as you were bathing you asked one of the servants, “What kind of a man is Lord Stark?”

The servants looked at you with a smile.

“He is a wonderful ruler.” One of them said.

“I wish to know the real answer, not a political one, please.”

“He is a good man. A true warrior, he is always practising his sword, and he is a great leader. He always keeps his word. He will be a good husband.”

She did look as if she was telling the truth. At least that helped you to some degree.

But even if it wasn’t true, you feared that she would have not told you. After all, who would?

You knew the two of you would share a room, maybe you could get to know him more intimately.

At least you hoped to, but as soon as you got into bed, the soft furs embraced you and you almost immediately began to fall asleep.

You woke up the next morning.

His side of the bed was cold, which made you wonder if he even slept.

You were dressed in warm and beautiful fur as you headed out to the garden.

Although winter was almost here, and every tree and flower lost their colour, you still enjoyed the garden very much.

The lady who showed you around kept telling you stories about the garden and soon, you entered the training grounds.

"My Lady, we probably shouldn't be here," she said but you just dismissed her and continued on.

You didn't want these men to think that you were only a decoration, a pretty little thing too afraid of some blood and sweat.

But what you found rather interesting was Cregan. He was in the middle of practising his sword and all you could focus on was his muscles as he moved.

"Princess," he said when he saw you.

You were not a princess, you told him before, but he didn't care.

"What brings you here?" he asked.

"I'm having a walk. L-"

"Let me show you around," he said as he left to quickly put his sword down. You looked at the servant who had been walking with you, she simply bowed and left without another word.

You stood there as the men kept staring at you. You tried to softly smile at them as they kept murmuring between one another.

You knew those looks too well.

It made you so uncomfortable.

Finally, Cregan arrived back and you two quickly left the training grounds as he guided you back to his home.

"Do you believe in soulmates, Princess?" he suddenly asked and you looked at him in shock.

"Soulmates?"

"When I was a young pup, my mother told me a story. She said that every person is born as a half and it is up to them to find their other half. You see, she said in the beginning, men and women were one, but we angered the Gods and they separated the whole into two. It is said all of us a doomed to find our other half. And many of us don't while others do."

"I do remember my mother told me the same story."

"Then you must understand my feelings. When I first saw you. We were young and I didn't know back then what my feelings meant. However, now I do. We were meant to be. We are soulmates."

"You must be joking, Sir Stark. How can you believe that?"

"I believe it because I feel it. Do you not?"

"I-" You didn't want to say no, because truth be told, you never actually thought about it. But if you were honest with yourself, you did feel a certain pull towards him. "I'm not sure. Is this why you chose me as your bride?"

"Who else could I choose but you?" weirdly, you understood him, you should have thought he was crazy.

And yet you didn’t.

In your heart, this all felt so right.

“I used to watch you, Princess. Even as a young boy, I knew, there was something special between us. I asked for your hand in marriage because of this connection which I believe in. Do you also feel it?" he looked so hopeful.

His eyes shone as he took a step closer and held both of your hands in his.

"I asked your father for your hand but now, I ask you, Princess. Will you marry me?" you took a deep breath.

"You say such sweet things. Talking about destiny and love, Lord Stark, but how do I know you are truthful? How do I know your words are more than a deception to get closer to my family?"

"I had a feeling you would fear as such. It is why I tried to best my home with the things you like, to properly welcome you. Since I cannot share my feelings with you. I had a new library put in, since a garden in this weather would not hold."

"I will be your wife, Lord." you suddenly said. "Not because of your library or garden, but I do feel the same you claim to. And I'm tired of pretending that I don't. Ever since we were children, I never forgot about you. Even if it was so long ago." you looked into his eyes and they shined with happiness.

"My Love, I promise you will not regret being open about this. I plan on keeping you safe and happy. And tomorrow, after our wedding, I will give you an eternity filled with joy and love."

You believed him, you really did, after all he sounded extremely sincere.

You placed your hands on his chest as he pulled you in for a hug.

You knew this was the beginning of your forever with him.

---

The wedding went well. Suspiciously well.

You expected some kind of disaster.

But nothing.

You two were wed, and celebrated along with the guests.

Your parents were proud of you, you could see it in their eyes, but they also told you multiple times.

You danced, drank and had an amazing time at your wedding.

It was the very first time your husband kissed you and it felt as if everything just fell into place.

As if all of your hidden feelings came to the surface.

Then, years passed.

You heard of a war coming and you feared the worst.

You were with your first child when the news about the Dance of the Dragons came to Winterfell.

Prince Jacaerys Velaryon came to ask your husband for his help during the war.

Of course, Cregan promised the Prince his men and sword.

"What bothers you, My Love?" he asked the same night, in the dark of your chambers as he sat on the bed while you stared at the fire.

"I fear my child will grow up without a father."

"I know how much you hate war, My Queen, but-"

"No buts Cregan, I understand why war is coming and I understand why you choose to partake."

"Then you must understand, I am doing it for our child and their future." he stood up and knelt on the floor in front of you. "I promise you, I will be back before our son is born."

"Or daughter." he laughed a little.

"Or little princess. You are right."

You put your hand on his cheek, running your thumb along his cheekbone.

"I love you, My Wolf."

"And I love you, My Wife." he moved his head and kissed your palm before he picked you up and carried you to your bed.

It might have been a simple story. A simple love story.

But it was yours and you knew it was special.

With a strong and dedicated husband, who would go to war for the future of your child and you.

Who trained a dozen wolves to protect you, who always made sure to not only tell you that he loved you but prove it to you in any and all ways that he could.

Chapter Text

You knew it.

As soon as you heard Helaena's cries, you knew.

A son for a son.

But not your son.

You hid away with your young child in the depths of Red Keep.

Even if Aemond called it unnecessary, you weren't going to risk it.

Your son was far too precious for you to lose him.

Soon after the cries began, Aemond barged into your hidden chambers and he let out a long sigh, a sigh of relief.

He rushed to your side as you sat on the bed.

"You are both alive." he said, as if needing to calm himself, he looked at you and then at your child in your arms.

"We are. My heart hurts for Helaena." you said as a tear ran down your cheek.

"My sister made a choice, Aegon will handle it. I'm glad you two are fine." he said as you handed him your sleeping son.

"That was meant for us. You killed her boy, so they came for yours."

"I know, but I will not let it happen. I am glad you came here. I should have listened to you." you watched him as he held his son to his chest.

"I had this feeling, as if someone was watching me, yet no one was here. I guess they were looking for me, for him rather." Aemond nodded as he placed a kiss on his son's head.

You knew that Aegon would have his revenge for his son.

And Aemond will have his for sending men for his. 

Chapter Text

To be the bride of a Blackwood, you got to have something wrong with you.

To be willingly married to a man so crazy, so devoted and obsessed.

It was madness.

But anytime someone asked you for your reasons, man or woman, you always said the same thing.

"Imagine that devotion and craze when he loves. When he truly loves. He gives. And he gives much. You say he is insane. But I see a man willing to do anything for me. I see a man on his knees just to be in the same room as me. You say he will murder me and bleed me out, but the truth is he would never touch me anyway I do not want him to. You ask me how can I love someone so mad, and to that I say, he loves me. His love is deep, it's loyal and fierce. I know he would burn entire villages, and turn against any House or man just to have me. You say it is insanity, I say it is exactly what I want."

But the comments never stopped.

No matter what you have done. People didn't see him as a Lord, people saw him as a crazy child.

Any lady you have ever met always asks the same stupid question.

"How can you be happy about having him as your husband?" the faces the ladies make never helped your anger.

"You say he is crazy and yet you hide in your homes whenever he is near. You say he could never love, but he does, he loves me and he has me, fully. He has my heart, my mind and my body. In reality, it is you who are jealous of me. I have a husband who kills for me, without any hesitation. You truly never felt lust until you saw him behead another man simply because of the way he looked at me. And then, as the man's blood is still dripping from his lips, he kisses me."

To be the bride of a Blackwood, you got to have something wrong with you.

And you did.

You loved him.

Chapter Text

You gave the guards a dark look.

“Leave us.”

“But the Queen ins-“

“I am your Queen. Leave!” you never even raised your voice. But your words held power, power they could not deny.

Soon, they both left.

You let out a long sigh as you looked at your husband in your bed. He was bandaged up. Half of his body burnt.

You clicked your jaw, Aemond would pay even if it meant pulling out his chair before he could sit down for a Council meeting.

He will pay for this.

You knew this would happen. Your powers showed this to you long before.

A future, with him injured and in need of help.

You already helped his dragon, now it was his turn.

You walked up to him. Seeing him like this broke your heart.

He looked so broken as he slept.

You placed your hand over his face. Concentrating, you let out a long breath and focus all of your energy and power on him.

You focused but when you heard him let out a groan, you stopped.

He then slowly opened his eyes.

You did manage to heal his face a little, but you were nowhere near done.

You gave him a small smile.

"It must hurt, I wish to take away some of the pain, but I can't Aegon. I'm sorry." his eyes softened.

You moved to your side of the bed and laid down. He watched you as you placed your hand into his.

"I will heal you, but first you must become stronger. I cannot heal you like this, you will die." he opened his mouth to speak but only a rumble of noise came out and a groan.

"It's okay, Aegon, you do not have to talk. I will stay by your side." he moved his head a little in a small nod.

You smiled at him once more before letting him continue his sleep.

You knew you needed to wait.

You knew you needed to keep your cool.

You knew the future, you knew what you needed to do.

The Blacks think that Aegon is weak, but they don't know you will be able to heal him.

You knew you would win.

But for now, all you need to do is to look after your husband and help him get back on his feet.

You did burn a candle and sent more madness towards Rhaenyra's husband, much like how you felt with Aegon sleeping in your bed in agony, you wished the same upon Daemon.

You will have your revenge.

Chapter Text

As he dismounted Vhagar, Aemond felt victorious.

With a smirk on his face he watched as you rushed over to him and hugged him.

"I heard of Aegon. I was scared the same happened to you."

"I'm alright my love." Aemond reassured you as you let out a long sigh, happy to have him back safe.

He then walked with you to have something to eat, while eating he told you the story of the battle.

"So, she is dead." you looked at the food in front of you as you started to laugh. "And you-" you covered your lips as you chuckled.

You looked at Aemond who was giving you a look.

"Our King is in grave danger, and you are laughing?"

You continued to laugh in silence while you shook your head.

"You are so funny Aemond. I mean you... want the throne, so you do this?" you whispered the last part, Aemond wasn't amused by your words. But when you continued to laugh, his frown did ease.

"I bet you, as you did it, you had that face!"

"Care to explain what face, my Lovely Wife?"

"Oh, that." as you tried your best to imitate his usual look, lips in a small pout as you looked into the distance. "When everything is going to your plan. The face I refuse to take seriously."

"I do not look like that." was your husband's simple reply.

"Oh, but you do, you pose as if you are sitting for a painting." you said as you lifted your hand and posed.

When a small smile crept onto his lips, you knew you won.

"Careful what you say, that face might be the face of your King."

"Oh? Already crowning yourself?" you smiled and so did he. "I would love to see the faces you make on the throne." he let out a sigh.

"I promised to make you Queen." he whispered.

"You made me Your Queen, to me that is more than enough."

"Not to me." he said with such a serious expression you almost stopped smiling. He kept staring into your eyes as you spoke.

"Just... be careful. You burnt Aegon, we can only hope he will not see it as an attack but rather as an accident. You plot your war, My Lovely Husband, I will forever follow you."

He nodded once with a small smile.

"Even in death?"

"Especially in death. I will have to find you again, the thrill makes it more fun. Our reunion will be magnificent."

"Your fascination with death often concerns me, Wife."

"I am both fascinated with life and death. The great mysteries, much like you, Dear Husband. A mystery of your own right."

"Good to know you didn't marry me for my dragon."

"Oh, I did, do not make a mistake it is just that it's not the dragon you think of." you smirked and laughed as you saw it in his eyes, he completely understood your words.

"Where's Aegon?"

"In his bed, probably with the Queen."

"Of course, the Witch would be with him." you sighed. You did like Aegon's wife, the great Witch Queen. She knew things many people did not, she toyed with forces many didn't dare to even utter. But she was dangerous, so you avoided her instead.

"She is his wife, after all, you would be my side, would you not?"

"Naturally. I would help you back to health."

"Does she scare you?"

"Her pets do. Ghosts that follow her. Darkness. She scares me." you admitted. But you knew her agreement with Aegon.

You knew her agreement with House Targaryen.

She told you she will save Aemond when the time comes. That is all you can hope for.

You really didn't like having to place your husband's life in her hands but it could be worse you suppose.

Later that day, you were out in the garden when you noticed Aemond coming your way.

You offered him a smile.

"I will be King, at least until Aegon heals. His Witch told me so." he sounded so happy.

"You look happier than at our wedding."

"I can assure you, it is not the same happiness." you laughed slightly as he hugged you.

"Everything will be alright." he said with a promise in his voice. "I love you, My Queen."

"And I love you, My King." you whispered the last part, making sure no one would hear it before you kissed your husband.

You knew everything would fall into place. And you will be victorious.

Chapter Text

Whenever someone is invited to your home, your husband always makes it into an entire deal.

A feast and celebration.

So, when Lord Stark decided to visit House Blackwood, you knew you needed to be ready.

A proper Lady.

"Please behave this time." you looked at Davos as the doors opened and your guests arrived.

"I always do." he smiled at you, such a wicked one, but you loved it.

Perhaps the last Lord would disagree with him.

You still couldn't believe that Davos killed a man simply because he didn't like the way he looked at you.

However as Lord Cregan Stark entered your home and sat down to have dinner with you, you must admit that he was quite the handsome man.

Your heart belonged to Blackwood, but you still had eyes.

Davos had great conversations with Cregan.

The Starks and Blackwoods seem to get off to a great beginning.

You knew your husband had noticed the way you looked at Cregan. He always did.

"Your eyes wander," he said during dinner, you gave him a smile.

"But my heart never wavers," you said with a promise as he lifted your hand to his lips and placed a kiss on it.

His jealousy was obvious and he had killed men for less, but there was just something about Lord Stark.

Something that stopped Davos from uttering a single word about you.

Maybe it was because Cregan didn't even dare to look your way.

He respected you not like the other lords who visited your home.

Later that evening, you excused yourself, you never liked drinking, it always made your head hurt, not like the careless sensation some men claimed to have.

Your head started to pound by the time you arrived in your room.

You were never really one for wine and such. It always made your head hurt, much like now.

You excused yourself from your guests and headed to your chambers.

You wished to wash your face and lay down a little.

Just as you managed to sit down on your bed, wearing your sleeping gown, the door behind you opened and your husband came in.

"Darling? They told me you weren't feeling well."

"It's the wine, you know how it gets me."

"I do know. Lay down, let me change and we can sleep."

"I do not wish to keep you from our guests."

"Nevermind them, Lord Stark saw the bottom of his cup enough." Davos soon joined you in bed as you laid down in his arms.

"I believe Lord Stark is a great addition to our circle."

"Are you saying that because he is handsome?"

"Yes." you had no hesitation. You felt his chest rise and lower as he let out a long sigh.

"I hate to admit, but Cregan is a good man. Unlike the others, he is trustworthy."

"And handsome, you forgot that part." you let out a yawn, your head already feeling better.

"Oh, yes. At least you will have something to look at when he visits."

You let out a chuckle.

"You do know I do not want him or any other Lord, right? I married you because I love you."

"I know. But I do hate when they look at you."

"You cannot kill every man who looks at me."

"I can try." he said with a laugh and you did join him. "I love you too, My Darling." he said and placed a kiss on your head.

He reached for your hand and squeezed it.

You knew very well that he loved you. It was the only reason he killed or tried to kill men before.

And you might just be just as crazy as he is when it comes to jealousy.

But he doesn't need to know about those incidents.

Chapter Text

The cold halls of the Red Keep swallowed you whole.

Each step you took echoed against the stone floors, the weight of your fate pressing against your chest, almost suffocating you.

Your brother had been accused of treason. And instead of execution, your family had been given a choice: surrender you to Aemond Targaryen as proof of loyalty or suffer the consequences.

You had expected chains. A prison cell. A fate worse than death.

Instead, you stood before him now, inside his chambers, watching as the Prince of the Realm, rider of Vhagar, the man they called the Kinslayer, studied you with that single violet eye, sharp as Valyrian steel.

“You tremble,” he observed, his voice low, smooth.

You straightened your spine, swallowing down the fear clawing at your throat. “I do not.”

A ghost of a smirk flashed at the corner of his lips.

He stepped closer, his presence filling the space between you with something heavy, something suffocating.

“I expected resistance,” he mused, tilting his head slightly. “Anger. You think me a monster, do you not?”

You said nothing.

Because you had.

You had imagined cruelty, imagined a man who would take pleasure in your suffering, a captor who would treat you as nothing more than a means to an end.

But Aemond Targaryen only watched you silently. As if you were a puzzle he could not yet solve.

At last, he exhaled sharply. “You will be under my protection. No harm will come to you while you are in my care.”

You blinked. That was not what you had expected.

Still, you lifted your chin defiantly. “And what does your ‘protection’ entail?”

His gaze darkened. “It means that if anyone so much as lays a hand on you, they will burn.”

Days passed. Then weeks.

You had braced yourself for cruelty. Instead, you found something else.

Aemond did not treat you as a prisoner.

You had been given your own chambers, close to his, but never locked. Servants tended to you, ensuring your every comfort.

Aemond watched you.

Every evening, when supper was served in his private quarters, his eye lingered on you as you ate. When you spoke, he listened intently, absorbing every word as though they were precious.

And when you walk through the gardens in the mornings, he is never far, his presence like a shadow cast in silver and black.

It was unnerving.

And yet…

One night, as you stood on the balcony overlooking the city, a strong gust of wind made you shiver. Almost immediately, something warm and heavy settled over your shoulders.

You turned in surprise.

Aemond’s cloak.

His fingers brushed yours as he adjusted it over you. “You should not stand in the cold,” he murmured.

You looked up at him, at the sharp cut of his jaw, the way the moonlight softened his usually harsh features.

“Why do you care?” you whispered.

He hesitated. Then, quietly, “Because you are mine to protect.”

Something shifted in his gaze then, something deeper, something that sent warmth low in your stomach.

It was not long after that the rumours began.

That Aemond Targaryen had grown possessive of the woman given to him. That he kept her close, and allowed no one else near her. That the woman, in turn, had stopped flinching at his presence. She had started looking at him differently.

That she had begun to care for him.

Perhaps it was true.

Because one evening, when Aemond returned from a meeting with the King’s Council, his shoulders tight with tension, you found yourself moving without thought.

You stepped into his space, fingers hesitating before resting gently on his arm. “Aemond?”

He stiffened.

No one touched him. No one dared.

But you did.

He turned his head, his gaze meeting yours, and in that moment, you saw something raw, something unspoken.

Slowly, cautiously, you lifted a hand to his face. You brushed your fingertips along the ridge of his scar, traced the edge of his eyepatch.

Aemond inhaled sharply. “What are you doing?”

You swallowed. “You carry this burden alone.” Your thumb ghosted over his cheekbone. “You do not have to.”

A shudder ran through him. And then, before you could second-guess yourself, you pressed a soft kiss to his scar.

Aemond’s hands clenched at his sides.

“You,” he murmured, voice barely above a whisper, “are going to ruin me.”

You smiled softly. “Then let me.”

And when he kissed you, it was not the kiss of a captor claiming his prize.

It was the kiss of a man who had found something worth keeping.

Something worth protecting.

Something worth loving.

Chapter Text

The name has been there since birth.

Dark against your skin, letters looping elegantly across the curve of your wrist.

You had traced them with your fingers as a child, whispering the name over and over again, wondering who it belonged to.

Jacaerys Velaryon.

A prince. A dragonrider. Heir to the Iron Throne.

Never in your wildest dreams had you believed your soulmate would be someone like him.

It had always been a whisper of fate in the back of your mind, something distant and unreachable. You had long since accepted that you would never be important enough to stand beside a man like him.

And yet, when your family was summoned to Dragonstone, when you stood before him for the first time, your heart nearly stopped.

Because Jacaerys Velaryon was looking at you like he already knew.

His gaze had lingered before he greeted you with practiced politeness. You bowed, keeping your hands carefully hidden, forcing yourself to breathe through the overwhelming weight of realization.

It wasn’t possible.

It couldn’t be.

And so, you decided right then and there, he could never know.

Fate might have chosen him for you, but Jacaerys Velaryon was a prince. His life was not his own. His duty was to his family, to the realm. And you? You were no one.

So you hid your mark.

Every day.

Every moment.

Long sleeves, gloves when necessary, and you careful positioned your arms when in his presence. You made sure that not even the smallest part of the inked name could be seen.

And Jacaerys, ever the gentleman, never once questioned it.

But there was something in his eyes, almost as if he knew.

It wasn’t until weeks later, when a storm raged outside Dragonstone’s walls, that everything cracked.

You had been caught in the downpour, the skies splitting open as you ran toward the castle, drenched to the bone. The halls were quiet, candlelight flickering against the stone walls as you hurried toward your chambers until you turned a corner and crashed straight into him.

"Oh-!"

Strong hands caught you before you could stumble back, warm despite the chill of the storm outside. You blinked up, breath catching as you met his eyes.

Jacaerys Velaryon.

His dark curls were damp from the rain, his brow furrowed in concern, his grip firm yet gentle as he steadied you.

"You should not be out in this storm," he murmured, voice softer than you had ever heard it.

"I was just-" You tried to pull away, but his hands lingered.

And then his eyes dropped to your wrist.

Your bare wrist.

The rain had soaked through your sleeves, dragging them down just enough for your secret to be exposed. For the first time, Jacaerys saw the name inked into your skin.

His name.

Silence stretched between you, thick and heavy. His grip on you tightened, his chest rising and falling with uneven breaths.

"Why have you been hiding this from me?"

Your heart shattered at the hurt in his voice.

"Jace, I-" You hesitated. "You are a prince. You are meant for so much more than me."

Pain flickered across his face. Then, something darker.

"Is that what you truly believe?" he asked, voice quiet. "That you are not worthy of me?"

Tears burned in your eyes.

Yes. That was exactly what you believed.

But then, Jacaerys did something you never expected.

Slowly, he reached up and unfastened the cuff of his tunic, rolling his sleeve back until the inside of his forearm was exposed.

And there, carved into his skin, was your name.

Your breath caught.

"I have known my whole life," he whispered, tilting his head, watching you. "And I have waited for you just as long."

Your hands shook. He had known. All this time.

And yet, he had never pushed, never confronted you, never demanded an answer.

"Why did you not tell me?" you whispered.

A soft, breathless laugh escaped him, as if he could hardly believe the question. As if the answer should have been obvious.

"Because I wanted you to choose me."

You shattered.

Because you had chosen him. From the moment you saw his name on your wrist, you had chosen him.

And so, without another thought, you moved forward your hands gripping at his tunic, pulling him down as his lips met yours in a kiss that stole the air from your lungs.

Jacaerys responded instantly, arms wrapping around you, holding you close as if he never wanted to let go. His lips were warm, soft yet powerful, as if he had been waiting forever to taste you.

And perhaps he had.

Perhaps fate had written this story long before either of you was born.

When you finally pulled away, your forehead rested against his, both of you breathing heavily, smiling.

"No more hiding," he murmured, brushing his thumb over the mark on your wrist. "You are mine, and I am yours. Always."

And with his arms around you, his lips against your skin, you knew he was right.

You were meant to be his as much as he was meant to be yours.