#Queen City's Favorite Son

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

rabbit costume + luxe couture miss raven

Because I love the Alice in Wonderland aesthetic and White Rabbit Fest is running in EN right now… 😭 I decided to make a Rabbit Costume for my OC! Figured I’d also do the same for the event running in JP at the same time, Tapis Rouge in the Shaftlands.

Special thanks goes to @peripheralsanity for the super adorable bonus drawing of Miss Raven in her Rabbit Costume 😭 I wanna cram that bunny into my mouth like an Easter marshmallow…

My own doodles are below the cut, along with various design notes 📝

First up, the Rabbit Costume!

It takes a lot of inspiration from Alice herself: the bow in her hair, the dress, the apron. Miss Raven’s Heartslabyul dorm uniform design also pulls inspiration from Alice, so I tried very hard to make this look unique from that!

There’s a lot more bows, frills, and huge, goofy-looking accessories—like the rabbit ears + tail plus the shoes. The outfit also features a lot of pastel checkerboard pattern and shimmery makeup, like what is featured in Deuce’s Rabbit Costume. Upon closer inspection, there’s even more intricacies! Raven’s apron has heart-shaped pockets, the apron’s top has card motifs stitched into it, and the corset belt has a rabbit slowly dressing and then taking up a bugle to play. The transition demonstrates her own adaption to living among non-animals 😅

The rabbit on her skirt, chain, prize ribbon, and earring aren’t the White Rabbit but a cobbled together rabbit that’s missing an eye. The XO Rabbit poses as and stillinvokes the image of the White Rabbit, especially when it’s right next to a pocket watch. It fits Raven, who is someone not “organically” in the world of TWST (since she’s an OC).

I think my favorite part of this design is the super wacky and big hair. You may recognize it from the Hatsune Miku x Cinnamoroll campaign that was popular a while back. The shape reminded me of bunny ears, so I thought it would be nice to incorporate into Raven’s Rabbit Costume.

There’s so many strange things in clock town to observe! Miss Raven would have a fun time hopping around and seeing the sights… documenting them with Ortho, picking out clocks and other souvenirs with Silver, chomping through the local specialties with Epel. Ah, and as for Deuce 🤔 “Your son is trying very hard in his studies, ma’am,” she’d tell Dylla very seriously. “I commend him for his efforts.” (She very tactfully focuses on his improvements and personal growth over the actual numbers he produces.) Students of 1-A gotta look out for each other, right? Deuce fist bumps her behind her back or something to signal his thanks.

Miss Raven isn’t the athletic type, so I don’t think she would run in the relay race with them. (It would be hard to run in that dress anyway.) She can stick on the sidelines and cheer for them…!

Next is the Luxe Couture!

I actually made two variants. One is more inspired by the Fairest Queen’s raven and the other is similar to the SR and R boys’ huntsman-inspired designs.

The first has more of an old-fashioned movie star feel to it… which isn’t really what Vil invited the other students for so it falls outside of canon 😂 I just thought it would be cool to have a more personalized, glamorous fit for Raven.

She has much darker and more excessive eye makeup in this version. A bold, more confident look outside of her usual wheelhouse. Her hair is also curled into her face to resemble feathers, and her bun also has strands spiked up to look like feathers too. The dress itself is also very feathery, forming a train behind her wherever she stomps in her heels. The top of the dress also acts as a feather boa, making her appear larger and more intimidating than she actually is.

If you’re wondering why tiny skull earrings, it’s because the Evil Queen’s raven falls into a skull at one point in the movie 💀 since it’s so taken aback by what it is witnessing… That “wow!” but also somewhat scared feeling is very similar to how Raven feels entering Fairest City, so I wanted to include a skull in some way. If I made the motif too big or too obvious, then it might clash with the whole ensemble so I chose to go with an understated accessory instead.

This look is definitely the most “different” of the group, but I tried to keep some elements in common with the others. For example, Raven still has the lace curtain which appears from where her dress is slit. She also has sheer gloves that have been studded with little white rhinestones. The jewels aren’t as big or colorful as Vil’s, but that’s the point: to not outshine the star. Miss Raven is nothing more than the shadow that clings to its queen 😌

The more group-cohesive outfit is last!

It’s a similar double-breasted beige coat as Jamil’s, but it fans out into a dress + slacks at the bottom and has different sleeves. The puffiness of the sleeves at the shoulder and wrists make her seem large and in-charge! The buttons on her coat are large pearls.

I tried to maintain the huntsman’s color scheme throughout the outfit. Because of this, Raven’s belt is red and the lace in her dress is green. Her boots are similar to hiking boots (just picture them fancier in your head OTL I’m not great at drawing footwear).

We get her forehead in this design!! Her hair is pulled back into a “fancier than usual” ponytail, with her hair bunched into one loop before resuming as a normal ponytail. The clasp she uses is similar to the one Vil wears in his school uniform. Originally, I thought of just shoving an arrow through instead but decided against it since it makes the huntsman theme too obvious. The same reasoning came up when I considered giving Raven a small cocktail hat that looks similar to what the huntsman wore. Her head just looks so naked without something there 😂 but in the end I managed to refrain, and I think that helped the outfit look more clean and elegant.

Raven would be excited to visit Fairest City—it’s the capital of the entertainment industry! Though her main medium is quite different than that of films, she’s always wanted to visit for educational purposes. (Maybe she can learn from the scriptwriters there!) “At least one of you cares to learn,” Vil would tut. The trip’s a little stressful, trapped between Jamil and Azul’s petty remarks at one another and Ace teasing her for being the “odd one out” of the group—but hey, it’s all worth it for the experiences made there! I’d imagine that Raven loves all the pampering they get and all the important people they meet, it makes her feel like a real princess. Everywhere she looks, the streets and stores are shining too! Her raven blood is soaring. “I didn’t realize you had such excitable juniors, Vil,” Eric would chuckle. (“Waaaah, so cool! Like a prince!!” Raven would gush, earning eye rolls from her classmates and a groan from Ace.)

Walking on the red carpet wouldn’t interest her that much; she doesn’t like the attention so she tries hard to just fade behind the others and play support as best she can. Carrying Vil’s things or helping him with his makeup is no problem, just don’t thrust her under the spotlight and all the flashing cameras!

#twisted wonderland #twst #twst oc #twisted wonderland oc #Raven Crowley #my art #notes from the writing raven #disney twisted wonderland #disney twst #white rabbit fest spoilers #twst en #twisted wonderland en #tapis rouge in the shaftlands spoilers #gifts for the writing raven #fan art #Hatsune Miku #Cinnamoroll #Epel Felmier #Dylla Spade #Deuce Spade #Silver #Ortho Shroud #Ace Trappola #Jamil Viper #Azul Ashangeotto #Vil Schoenheit #Eric Venue

[apollosgiftofprophecy]

Statistics of Apollo's Lovers

I was wondering just how unfortunate of a love-life our boy Apollo had, so - as one does - I did the research, math, and writing of said love-life.

such is the life of an adhd teen :)

In total, there are 59 people on this list. I have them separated into eight groups; Immortal, Immortal & Rejected, Lived, Died, Rejected & Died, Rejected & Cursed, Rejected & Lived, and who were Rejected by Apollo

Disclaimer: I am not a historian nor an expert in Greek Mythology, I am just a very invested nerd in Mythology, and in Apollo's mythology in general, and got curious about what his rap sheet actually looks like.

Sidenote: There will be some "lovers" not on this list. Reasons being;

No actual literary sources behind them

Said literary sources are dubious at best

Not enough information is given about the nature of their relationship to make an accurate take

So if somebody isn't on this list, it's because of one of those three reasons. Although there is still a chance I missed somebody! :)

Also, no RRverse lovers include in this list. Sorry my fellow ToA fans.

(Edited 04/29/24 - Currently adding in sources/references/expanding on the myths themselves. bare with me lol)

Let's begin! :D

Immortal Lovers

Calliope: muse of epic poetry. Mother of Hymenaios and Ialemus by Apollo.

Clio: muse of history

Erato: muse of love poetry

Euterpe: muse of music

Polyhymnia: muse of hymns/sacred poetry

Melpomene: muse of tragedy

Thalia: muse of comedy. Mother of the Corybantes by Apollo.

Terpsichore: muse of dance

Urania: muse of astronomy

Boreas: the North Wind. yes Apollo dated the North Wind. Who knew? It's mentioned in the Argonautica by the Boreads - they call Apollo "beloved of our sire" so...hmm. wonder what happened there because that's all we get.

10 lovers total here.

9 Female, 1 Male

Immortal & Rejected

Hestia: goddess of the Hearth

1 Interest. Female.

Lovers Who Lived:

Branchus: mortal shepherd, gifted prophecy

Rhoeo: mortal princess, eventually married an apprentice of Apollo

Ourea: demigod daughter of Poseidon, dated Apollo during his punishment with Laomedon; had a son named after the city of Troy

Evadne: nymph daughter of Poseidon, Apollo sent Eileithyia & (in some texts) the Fates to aid in their son's birth

Thero: great-granddaughter of Heracles, described as "beautiful as moonbeams"

Cyrene: mortal princess-turned-nymph queen, kick-ass lion wrangler, and mother of two of Apollo's sons - Aristaeus (a god) and Idmon (powerful seer)

Admetus: mortal king, took great care of Apollo during his second punishment, Apollo wingmanned him for Alcestis's hand - basically Apollo doted on him <3

Hecuba: queen of Troy, together they had Troilus.

It was foretold that if Troilus lived to adulthood, Troy wouldn't fall - unfortunately, Achilles murdered Troilus in Apollo's temple. When the Achaeans burned Troy down, Apollo rescued Hecuba and brought her to safety in Lycia.

Hyrie/Thyrie: mortal. mothered a son by Apollo. Their son, Cycnus, attempted to kill himself after some shenanigans and his mother attempted the same. Apollo turned them into swans to save their lives.

Dryope: mortal. had a son named Amphissus with Apollo, who was a snake at the time. Later turned into a lotus flower, but it had nothing to do with Apollo so she's still on this list. (noncon; written by Ovid in Metamorphoses)

Creusa: mortal queen. had a son named Ion with Apollo. Please check out @my-name-is-apollo's post for more details because they make some good points about what's considered "rape" in Ancient Greece.

Melia: Oceanid nymph. Had a son w/h Apollo named Tenerus. will expand on her in a bit

Iapis: a favorite lover. Apollo wanted to teach him prophecy, the lyre, ect. but Iapis just wanted to heal :) so Apollo taught him healing :)

Aethusa: daughter of Poseidon & the Pleiad Alcyone. Mother of Linus and Eleuther. She is the great-great grandmother of Orpheus.

Acacallis: daughter of King Minos. there's a lot of variation on whether or not she had kids with Hermes or Apollo. Some say she had a kid with each.

Chrysothemis: nymph queen who won the oldest contest of the Pythian Games - the singing of a hymn to Apollo. She had three daughters, and one of them is said to be Apollo's.

Corycia: naiad. had a son with Apollo. the Corycian Cave north of Delphi is named after her

Leuconoe (also Choine or Philonis): daughter of Eosphorus, god of the planet Venus, and mother of the bard Philammon.

Melaena (also Thyia or Kelaino): mother of Delphos, member of prophetic Thriae of Delphi. Priestess of Dionysus.

Othreis: mothered Phager by Apollo, and later Meliteus by Zeus.

Stilbe: mother of Lapithus and Aineus by Apollo.

Syllis (possible same as Hyllis, granddaughter of Heracles): mothered Zeuxippus by Apollo. 

Amphissa: Apollo seduced her in the form of a shepherd. They had a son named Agreus.

Aria (or Deione): had a son named Miletus. Hid him in some smilax. Her father found him and named him.

Arsinoe: she and Apollo had a daughter named Eriopis.

Queen of Orkhomenos (no name is given): Mother of Trophonius (my fellow ToA fans will recognize that name haha).

Hypermnestra: Either Apollo or her husband fathered her son Amphiaraus. (sidenote: @literallyjusttoa suggested that Apollo was dating both Hypermnestra and Oikles, and I, personally, accept that headcannon)

Manto: Daughter of Tiresias. Apollo made her a priestess of Delphi. They had a son named Mopsus. When Apollo sent her to found an oracle elsewhere, he told her to marry the first man she saw outside of Delphi. That man turned out to be Rhacius, who brought her to Claros, where she founded the oracle of Apollo Clarios. Later, another man named Lampus attempted to assult her, but was killed by Apollo. She is also said to be a priestess who warned Niobe not to insult Leto, and to ask for forgiveness. Niobe did not.

Parthenope: granddaughter of a river god. Mothered Lycomedes by Apollo

Phthia: prophetess. called "beloved of Apollo". Mother three kings by him; Dorus, Laodocus, & Polypoetes

Procleia: Mother of Tenes, son of Apollo, who was killed by Achilles before the Trojan War. Daughter of King Laomedon, king of Troy.

Helenus: prince of Troy. Received from Apollo an ivory bow which he used to wound Achilles in the hand.

Hippolytus of Sicyon: called "beloved of Apollo" in Plutarch Life of Numa. I don't think this guy is the same as the Hippolytus, son of Zeuxippus (son of Apollo), king of Sicyon Pausanias talks about in his Description of Greece. That would be a little weird taking the whole family tree into account - though it's never stopped Zeus before, I guess.

Psamathe: nereid, said to be the personification of the sand of the sea-shore. There are two versions of her myths, both very different, but I'll only explain the one that explicitly states her and Apollo's relationship, which is by Conon's Narrationes. She and Apollo were lovers, but never had any kids. When another man assaulted her, she had a son and abandoned him. (He was found by some shepherds dw - wait, he was then torn apart by dogs. Nevermind.). Back to her, her father ordered for her to be executed and Apollo avenged her death by sending a plague onto Argos and refused to stop it until Psamathe and Linus (her son) were properly given honors.

(I really like how even though Linus isn't Apollo's kid, and that Psamathe wanted nothing to do with the kid, Apollo still considered him worth avenging too <3 )

(also would like to say that I found her on another's wiki page and that page said she was raped by Apollo - this just proves that you shouldn't take the wiki at face value because as shown above, that is not what happened.)

Alright. 34 lovers here.

5 Male. 29 Female.

33 are 100% consensual. Creusa is questionable, depending on who's translating.

The last one is Melia, who I will expand upon here.

Melia was said to be kidnapped, and her brother found her with Apollo. He set fire to Apollo's temple in an effort to get her back, but was killed. Melia and Apollo had two kids - but here's the interesting part. Melia was highly worshiped in Thebes, where her brother found her. She was an incredibly important figure in Thebes, especially when connected with Apollo. She and Apollo were essentially the parents of Thebes.

As I read over their story, it sounded like (to me, at least. it's okay if you think otherwise!) that Melia just absconded/eloped with Apollo.

Was kidnapping an equivalent to assault back then? Perhaps. But it's still debated on whenever or not that's true. However, one thing I've noticed reading up on these myths is that when Apollo does do something unsavory, the text says so.

It never says anything about Apollo doing anything to Melia. Her father and brother believe she was kidnapped, but, like mentioned previously, it seems far much more likely that she just ran off with her boyfriend or something.

But that's just my interpretation.

Moving on! :)

Lovers Who Died:

Hyacinthus*: mortal prince. we all know this one, right? Right? one and only true love turned into flower

Cyparissus: mortal. his DEER DIED and he asked Apollo to let him MOURN FOREVER so he was turned into a cypress tree

Coronis: mortal princess. cheated on Apollo w/h another guy. mother of Asclepius. killed by Artemis.

Adonis: yes, THAT Adonis. he's in this category because. well. he died. rip

Phorbas: at first I was going to keep him off, till I went "hOLD UP!". Listen, this guy's story is contradictory in Hyginus's De Astronomica - he's a rival of Apollo, then all of a sudden his (dead) lover. My first reaction was the above, then it was "OH MY GODS CANON ENEMIES TO LOVERS??? WITH DEATH???"

There's also a second account of Phorbas - he ended a plague on an island and became Apollo's lover that way, and when he died, Zeus turned him into a constellation - Ophiuchus.

(*In some texts, Hyacinthus was resurrected.)

6 lovers.

5 Male. 1 Female. All consensual.

Sidenote: QUIT BURYING THE GAYS GREECE!!!!

Love-Interests Who Rejected & Died:

Daphne: do i nEED to say anything? Nymph. turned into tree to escape.

Castalia*: Nymph. turned into spring to escape.

2 Interests. 1 debatable.

2 Female.

(*Castalia's myth was written in 400 AD, VERY late in the myth cycle, and was strictly ROMAN. In every other case, the Castalian spring was already at Delphi before Apollo was born.)

Love-Interests Who Rejected & Cursed

Cassandra: mortal princess. Promised to date Apollo if she was given gift of prophecy. when he did, she rejected him and he cursed her to never be believed for her visions.

1 Interests.

1 Female.

Lover-Interests Who Rejected & Lived

Sinope: mortal. got Apollo to promise her anything; requested to remain a virgin. he obliged.

Marpessa: mortal princess, granddaughter of Ares. Idas, son of Poseidon, kidnapped her and Apollo caught up to them. Zeus had Marpessa chose between them, and she chose Idas, reasoning that she would eventually grow old and Apollo would tire of her.

Bolina: mortal. Apollo approached her and she flung herself off a cliff. He turned her into a nymph to save her life. Nothing happened between them, although some texts may say that she eventually dated him.

Ocroe/Okyrrhoe: nymph and daughter of a river god. asked a boatman to take her home after Apollo approached her. Apollo ended up turning the boat to stone and the seafarer into a fish.

Sibyl of Cumean: mortal seer. promised to date Apollo if she was given longevity as long as the amount of sand in her hand. he did, but she refused him.

5 Interests. All female.

Okyrrhoe's story is the only one with any iffy stuff, although, like stated in previous sections, when something iffy does occur, the text usually says so outright.

Rejected by Apollo:

Clytie*: Oceanid nymph. turned into a heliotrope to gaze at the sun forever after the rejection.

1 Advance. Female.

(*Clytie's story was originally about her affection for Helios. When Apollo got conflated with him, her story also changed.)

In Conclusion...

59 people total (includes Castalia & Clytie)

48 Women (81%). 11 Men (19%).

19% were Immortal (Including Lovers & Rejected)

66% Lived (Including Lovers & Rejected)

14% Died (Including Lovers & Rejected)

1% were Cursed

2% were Rejected by him

57 people total (Not including Castalia & Clytie)

46 Women (82%). 11 Men (18%).

18% were Immortal

68% Lived (Lovers & Rejected)

12% Died (Lovers & Rejected)

in that 12%, one was apotheosized - Hyacinthus.

Meaning 10% died permanently, while 2% were resurrected.

2% were Cursed

0% were Rejected by him

Additionally, I left off three male lovers and two female lovers - Atymnius, Leucates, Cinyras, Hecate, & Acantha.

Atymnius has no references to being Apollo's lover, only to Zeus's son Sarpedon.

Leucates is another male "lover" left off the rack - apparently he jumped off a cliff to avoid Apollo, but I couldn't find any mythological text to account for it. There is a cliff named similarly to him where Aphrodite went (by Apollo's advice) to rid herself of her longing for Adonis after his death. Also Zeus uses it to rid himself of his love for Hera before he cheats on her again.

Cinyras was a priest of Aphrodite on the island of Cyprus. He was also the island's king. Pindar calls him "beloved of Apollo" in his Pythian Ode. However, looking further into Cinyras's life throws a bit of a wrench into it. He's also cited to be a challenger to Apollo's skill, and either Apollo or Mars (Ares) kills him for his hubris.

(honestly, I kinda like the idea that Mars went into Big Brother Mode)

I did consider leaving him on the list, since technically you could argue it was a romance-gone-bad, but among every other source Cinyras is mentioned in, Pindar's the only one who puts a romantic label on him and Apollo.

Hecate, the goddess of magic and crossroads, is said to be the mother of Scylla (like, the sea-monster) by Apollo, but Scylla's parentage is one of those "no specific parents" ones, so I left her off the list.

Acantha has absolutely no classical references. There's a plant like her name, but she's made-up, so she doesn't count.

(Of course, I could be wrong about any of these. Again, I'm not an expert.)

With all this in mind, this means Apollo's love life actually isn't as tragic as media portrays it, and he isn't as bad as Zeus or Poseidon in the nonconsensual area.

Does he still have those kinds of myths? Yes, with Dryope & Creusa, though Creusa we could discount because;

1) Depends on who's translating it; and

2) Euripides (the guy who wrote the play Ion) contradicts himself on Ion's parentage in another play, and honestly Apollo's characterization in Ion just doesn't quite match up with the rest of his appearances in the wider myths (in my opinion, at least - feel free to ask why)

So that leaves us with just Dryope, who comes from Ovid. Now I'm not saying we should throw her out because of Ovid's whole "wrote the gods even more terribly to criticize Augustus" thing, but it is something to keep in mind.

So overall, I'd say Apollo has a rather clean relationship past. It is far better than Zeus or Poseidon's for one, and he is miles ahead of Hermes and Dionysus.

He's doing pretty damn good.

#ramblings of an oracle #greek mythology analysis #apollo #greek myths #greek gods #greek myth #ancient greece #still gonna tag this as toa #just because #;) #the trials of apollo #toa #trials of apollo

[tessa-liam]

Turning the Page  

A Step Back in Time, chapter 11

Choices, The Royal Romance, AU 

Series Premise: As Riley Brooks journeys through life as a single parent in New York City, an epiphany strikes as she contemplates the future for herself and her two-year-old son. 

Turning the Page Series Masterlist 

Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC Riley Brooks 

All characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, except William Brooks (Rys) and Matteo Magro, who belongs to this series. 

Category: On-going series, contains angst/fluff/depression. Cross-over fic with Choices, Perfect Match. 

Rating: M🔞 - Warnings - Series will contain crude language, weapons, NSFW material – not Beta’d - please excuse all errors. 

Words: 3268

A Step Back in Time, Chapter 11

Chapter Summary: Liam, Riley and William arrive for a weeklong retreat in Lythikos. Olivia takes Riley ‘under her wing’ to mentor and to offer advice for her return to court. Olivia was determined to get her friend into the right frame of mind and to ultimately get the sparkle back in her eyes. 

Music Inspiration: What Was I Made for? Billie Eilish ; Lose Control, Teddy Swims 

A/N1: In this alternate universe, after King Constantine orchestrates two individual scandals to humiliate and entrap Riley Brooks and Olivia Nevrakis in shame, Madeleine Amaranth secures her position as the Queen of Cordonia. Riley, as the King’s mistress and Olivia, in self-imposed exile. Tariq is never found.  

A/N2: Damien Nazario has been assigned as William’s personal bodyguard. (Series cross-over with ‘Perfect Match’) 

‘Cause I, ‘cause I 

I don’t know how to feel 

But I wanna try 

I don’t know how to feel 

But someday I might 

Someday I might 

Think I forgot how to be happy 

Something I’m not, but something I can be 

Something I wait for 

Something I’m made for 

Something I’m made for’ 

Cordonian Royal Palace, Capital 

If you told Riley Brooks that she would be living in Cordonia, in the Royal palace, with the King of Cordonia just last summer ... she would not believe you. She would tell you that ‘once upon a time’, she fell in love with that King and competed for his hand in marriage in his social season. By reason of the cruelty of fate, and the callousness of the Royal court, that dream would be ripped away from her by a world that was foreign to her. Where outsiders, or commoners, were frowned upon and/or deemed lesser than the noble class. She would be relegated to be the other woman, the mistress to that immensely powerful man whose duty to his country dictated that he must marry a ‘chosen’ woman, even though he did not love her. 

...and she had to watch that man she loved, marry another. 

...because she loved him, she remained. Confiding to him, ‘I’ve made my decision ... I want to be with you. I don’t care what it looks like.’ 

...and it broke her. 

In the Royal east wing, inside William’s bedroom, Riley meticulously packed his clothing into a large suitcase. Carefully selecting each item with love and care for their winter vacation in the Alps of Lythikos, she folded his small woolen sweaters with matching pants and jeans. Soft mittens and a woolen cap were nestled next to his favorite plushie, Scooby; ready to go with him on his snowy adventures. 

"Li Li, sweetheart, come here please," Riley called out, her voice echoing through the spacious room. William bounded towards her; his eyes wide as he watched his mother pack his belongings. 

"We go away, Mama?" William asked, his voice filled with wonder. 

"Yes, my sweet boy," Riley replied with a smile, scooping him up into her arms and placing him down on his bed. "We're going to the mountains with your father to visit a good friend of ours. It's going to be so much fun." 

William's eyes sparkled with delight at the mention of his father. In the five short months since he met his father for the first time, the bond between father and son had grown stronger exponentially. William adored Liam, who always had time for his son's playful antics in New York and now, here in Cordonia, as well. Despite his Royal duties, Liam made the point to spend as much time with William as possible. Riley was not surprised. Liam often spoke about what kind of father he wanted himself to be. The exact opposite of his own father. She could tell that Liam was trying his best to make up for all the time they had lost. And she could not be happier. 

Riley continued to pack, tucking away William's favorite books and toys to keep him entertained during their trip in Lythikos. She had already arranged for snacks with the kitchens, ensuring they would have everything they needed for the long drive to the northern chateau.  

Riley looked up, catching Liam's gaze.  

Liam stood and silently watched, leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded. A gentle smile played on his lips as he watched Riley packing their son's belongings for their trip, while William happily tried to help his mother. 

"Come, my King," Riley softly spoke and smiled with a playful glint in her eyes. "Help me double-check if we have everything for our little adventurer." 

Liam pushed himself away from the doorframe and strolled over to Riley; he crouched down beside William, who was wide-eyed with anticipation. 

“Daddy, look.” William pointed to the large suitcase, smiling happily at his father. 

"Hello, my little prince," Liam greeted, ruffling William's hair. "Are you ready for an adventure?" 

William giggled and nodded his head vigorously, his eyes reflecting the admiration and adoration he held for his father. Liam chuckled, “I see you have lots of toys packed.” 

William climbed over to the suitcase and plucked his favorite plush to show his father. 

“Ah, I see you packed your little dog. Is he your special friend?”  

“Yes, Daddy. I love puppies.” William grinned, squeezing his toy. 

“You do? That is good to know,” Liam winked at Riley as William returned his toy to be packed. 

“I will meet you two in an hour. All right, love?” Liam asked Riley. 

“Okay, Daddy,” William answered as Liam and Riley chuckled together at his response. 

As Liam left to go to his study, Damien entered, bowing to Liam, “Your Majesty”. 

Liam smiled and nodded 'hello' in response as he walked towards his assistant waiting in the hall followed by his security detail. 

Nevrakis Chateau, Lythikos, Cordonia 

Driving through the majestic mountains, Riley stared at the vista overlooking the Nevrakis chateau. Memories flooded her mind as they passed the frozen lake below. The lake where she, along with the other suitors skated on, with Liam during his social season years ago.  

Riley shivered. Was it from seeing the beautiful winter landscape or from those memories of past competitions for the man she loved? Riley’s thoughts were interrupted by the happy sound of her son’s voice. 

William giggled; totally enthralled by Liam’s storytelling of his past adventures in the snow. The sight of father and son was precious to Riley, as she softly smiled at the two of them. William was sitting on Liam’s lap as he pointed to the large chateau coming into view ahead. 

The escalade stopped at the grand entrance of the Nevrakis chateau as members of the royal guard went into formation and opened the vehicle doors. 

As they made their way toward the entrance, a flurry of snowflakes fell from the sky, adding a layer of white powder to the ground. 

"Wow, this is beautiful.” Riley raised her arms to the sky. “I remember my first visit here during your social season.”  

"It is. If I remember correctly, it was just as cold." Liam quipped adjusting William’s scarf. 

Members of Olivia’s waitstaff greeted the party as they entered the lavish and grand estate. Standing at the base of the grand staircase, Olivia grinned as William squealed at the pair of Alaskan malamutes sitting inside the foyer. 

“King Liam, Lady Riley and Prince William ... welcome to my quaint northern lodge. I am delighted to host the three of you.”  

Liam approached Olivia and kissed her cheek, then gestured to Riley and William to join them. 

"Olivia, it's been far too long since I last visited. The grounds are magnificent.” 

"Indeed, thank you, Liam.” Olivia beamed with pride. 

"Thank you for hosting us. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated.” Riley added. 

"Anything for my dear friends." 

Olivia's attention was drawn to William, who was petting the dogs and giggling. 

"Well, hello again, prince William." Olivia walked over and knelt beside and offered treats to her two canine companions. 

William looked up at her and smiled. 

"Hewwo." 

"He's even cuter than I remember," Olivia grinned. “This one,” she motioned to the brown tipped dog, is ‘Mischa’. And this big guy is ‘Zeus’, "she cooed. 

"Now, Riley." Olivia stood and walked forward slowly, looping her arm through Riley's arm and leading her inside. "We have lots to catch up on. Liam, make yourself at home. Your Royal suite is ready for you. Gustav will be your personal attendant for your stay." 

"Thank you, Liv. That is much appreciated." 

"You are quite welcome. Now, Riley, let us get started on our girl time.” Liam winked at Riley, his shoulders shaking as he chuckled at Riley’s faux scared expression. 

"Okay, sounds good." Riley shook her head grinning as she walked by Liam. 

Olivia and Riley climbed the grand staircase and disappeared around a corner while William sat on the floor playing with the dogs. 

"William, let's get you changed and settled." Liam extended his hand down for his son to take. 

"Okay, Daddy." 

“Bye bye puppies.” William exuberantly spoke to the large dogs. 

***

 Riley and Olivia sat on a plush sofa in front of a large window overlooking the mountains. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the snowy landscape. 

"It's so beautiful here." Riley marveled at the picturesque view. 

"I'm glad you like it.” Olivia proudly acknowledged as she handed a large glass filled with chardonnay to Riley. 

Olivia sat back and watched Riley; her expression turning serious. 

"Riley, I know that things have been difficult for you since you've come back, but you have to remember, you're a force of nature. You are stronger than you think.” Olivia was continuing the conversation of their last visit at the palace.

Riley looked down at her hands, which held onto the wine glass with a death grip. She knew the invitation to spend the week in Olivia's duchy was not just a holiday for her, Liam and William. Her once adversarial friend, and now, her good friend, wanted to assist her with reuniting with Liam.

"I can see the pain and sadness in your eyes." Olivia continued. 

"Oh... "  

"How is it really going? Riley, how is everything between you and Liam?" 

Riley sighed and set her wine glass on the table. 

"I'm...I'm not sure." 

"Do you still love him?" 

"Yes, of course. I have never stopped loving him.” 

"Do you think he loves you?" 

"Yes.” There was a small smile followed by biting her top lip. 

"Then what's the problem?" 

"I'm not sure."

Olivia shook her head and sighed. 

"You have to trust him, Riley. He loves you. And I can see how happy William makes him.” 

"I know that.” 

"But there's something else, isn't there?" Olivia eyed her friend for clues.

"It's just that... we've spent so much time apart. And now that we are back together, things feel different.” 

"I think I understand. That is quite normal, all things considered." 

"And I'm worried that he'll eventually resent me for leaving him while I was pregnant with William." 

"He could never resent you, Riley. You are the mother of his child. It'# not in his DNA.” 

“I keep thinking that that there will be another scandal around the corner. That something or someone will tear us apart.” 

"What happened to that confident and free spirited American girl? The one who turned the court on its' head. Where did she go?"

"I know what you are asking. I feel scared; waiting for the other shoe to drop.” 

"Scared of what? And why?" 

"That he won't forgive me." 

"Riley, listen to me. That is your guilt talking.” 

Olivia reached over and grabbed Riley's hands, looking her in the eye. 

"Liam loves you. He will always love you. You and William are his world. And I know that he wants nothing more than to make you happy.” 

"But..." 

"But, nothing. There is no 'but'.” 

"Okay." Riley was not convinced. "But, Madeleine ..."

"Is out of the picture; where Liam is concerned. You have the power of position now, make Madeleine feel it." 

Riley looked at her friend and took a staggered breath.

"Most importantly, you hold the King’s heart...show the world, show Cordonia, show Madeleine what that means...you will bring her to her knees." Olivia sneered. 

"This is why I wanted you to come for a visit. To remind you of who you are and what you are capable of.” 

“Olivia ...” Riley sighed, shaking her head, ‘no’. 

"Now. Come with me." 

Olivia stood and motioned for Riley to follow. 

Olivia took her down to an armory in the bowels of the chateau. 

"Here we are." Olivia turned and motioned to a wall of weapons. 

"What are we doing down here?" Riley asked, eyeing the collection of weapons displayed on the wall.

"We're going to do some training.” 

"Training? For what?" Riley questioned, perplexed. 

"For the press." 

"Why do I need training for the press? With weapons?" 

"Because they're vultures. They will try to get a rise out of you. They will ask rude and invasive questions. They will try to trip you up.” 

"But why do you think I need training? I know you haven’t forgotten that I was subjected to them during Liam’s social season." 

"Because they're relentless idiots.” Olivia sneered. 

"Okay, but ...” 

“Now that you are back in Cordonia, the mother of the crown prince, no less ...they want to find out your intentions with their king.” 

Riley took a deep breath, closing her eyes. 

"Don't worry. I'm going to teach you how to handle them.” Olivia confidently proclaimed with a smirk. 

"Thank you, Olivia.” Riley sighed as she eyed the collection of pointy weaponry again. 

"Of course. Now, let us get started.” 

Riley was grateful for Olivia's help and advice. She knew that she was right about the press, having dealt with them through the engagement tour, after the scandal was brought to light. 

Riley didn't have to know that. At least, not yet. 

And she knew that she needed to be prepared. Riley understood the extent to which the press would dig and manipulate information to get a juicy soundbite. But she was not aware that Madeleine would have her own agenda to discredit and sabotage her at every chance she got, all the way from Morocco. However, Olivia was well aware of Madeleine’s spite and her bitterness over losing the crown. 

"First off. I want you to choose a weapon." Olivia pointed to her collection of weaponry mounted on the wall. 

"A weapon?" Riley’s eyes were wide looking at the selection before her.

"Yes. You cannot fight the press with words alone.” 

"Um...okay." Riley answered sceptically. 

Riley looked at each weapon closely. There were swords, halberds, axes and daggers, among others. 

She picked up a sword. 

"Hmm...a sword? Interesting choice." 

"It's light and I can move fast.” 

"Good. Particularly good.” Olivia nodded approvingly. “That would be a weapon that Liam would choose.” 

“Really?” Riley admonished. 

"Now, we'll practice some moves.” 

"Moves?" 

"Yes. Maneuvers. Stances. Blocking and parrying.” 

"Wow. This is serious.” 

"Indeed. I'll start slow, but don't let your guard down.” 

"I won't.” Riley responded warily. 

"Good. Now, attack me." 

"What?" Riley looked aghast.

"Attack me." 

"Oh, um ... okay." 

Riley raised the sword and ran at Olivia, who easily dodged the blow. 

"Is that the best you've got?" 

"No.” 

Riley lunged at her again, and again, Olivia sidestepped each attack. 

"You're leaving yourself open.” Olivia challenged.

"I am?" 

"Yes. If this was a real fight, I would have cut you down by now." Olivia chirped. 

"Oh.” Riley let out a large breath, wondering to herself how this lesson was going to end. 

"Here. Let me show you." 

Olivia demonstrated a series of moves, her sword flashing and swooshing in the air. 

"Now, you try.” 

Riley imitated the movements, her sword swishing through the air. 

"Better.” Olivia critiqued. 

"Thanks." Riley answered questionably. 

"Again.” Olivia commanded with Riley going on the defensive. 

They continued to spar, their swords clashing together. Riley was impressed with Olivia's skills and ability to read her opponent and react accordingly. 

As they continued to fight, Riley became more comfortable with the sword, her moves becoming more fluid and graceful. Liam slipped into the back of the room, quietly watching the sparring.

"Excellent.” Olivia praised.

"Thanks.” Riley smiled at the compliment, picking up a bottle of water.

"Now we need a target." Olivia led her to a stuffed, practice dummy.  

Riley chuckled as she watched her friend attach a large face photo of Madeleine onto the head with a dagger.  

"Here, let me help you." Olivia handed her an assortment of knives, before she expertly threw her dagger.

Riley's first few throws landed wide, but she quickly found her mark, sinking several blades into the center of the picture. 

"Nicely done.” 

"Thanks." 

"Feel better?" Olivia snickered as Riley laughed. 

“Yes! Yes, actually I do. But I don't understand. How is this going to help me?” 

 "When the press asks you questions, you need to stay calm and confident. If they try to rattle you, throw them off balance. Focus on your target.” Olivia pointed to the picture. 

"Let's practice."

"All right."

"Imagine I'm a member of the press. And I ask you, 'Lady Riley, where have you been all these years?'"

Riley cleared her throat and straightened her posture. 

"I've been raising my son in New York. It's where he was born and raised.” 

"Why did you leave Cordonia?"

"I left to protect my child. And because I knew that King Liam had an obligation to the Queen.” 

"What are your intentions now that you've returned?” 

"I'm here to support my son and to be a part of his life.” 

"Do you still love the King?” 

"Yes, of course." 

“No! STOP!!!” 

Olivia moved assertively towards Riley. "This is where you say, 'that's all the questions for today’ and then you walk away from the microphones. Show confidence. Show determination. Show stoicism. Control the narrative.” 

Riley raised her eyebrow. "How did you get so good at this, Olivia?" 

Olivia shrugged, her shoulders rising slightly. "I'm the duchess of Lythikos. People talk. And sometimes they don't realize I'm listening." 

Riley nodded, a new respect for Olivia blossoming in her heart with a renewed sense of determination in her step. 

Feeling his arms, Riley giggled and leaned back against him with a content smile. 

Liam sauntered up to Riley from behind, wrapping his arms around Riley’s waist. 

Riley turned around to look at Liam, her eyes filled with love. 

“The Royal guard will then lead you away from the gathering,” Liam interjected. “You will never be left without protection.” 

"Thank you, Liam.” Riley tearfully smiled.

"I want you to know that while I am alive, you will always have a home in Cordonia. And I will never let anyone threaten that ... or you ... ever again.” 

Riley felt a warm feeling in her chest and a sense of calm.

Maybe everything was going to be all right, after all. As long as she had Liam and William, she knew she could face anything.

"Liam, I love you."

"I love you, too, Riley."

Liam pressed his lips to hers, and Riley melted into his embrace. They kissed for a long moment, savoring the feel of each other's bodies.

"Come, let's go get some sleep. We have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow."

"I'm ready.*

"Pleasant dreams you two. Good night."

"Olivia, thank you for your expertise. It is much appreciated.

"Your welcome, Liam. It's my pleasure."

Good night." Riley called out.

Riley followed Liam out of the room, her hand firmly grasped in his.

And for the first time since she had come back to Cordonia, she truly felt like she was home.

"Thank you, Olivia," she whispered as she lay in Liam's arms, his steady heartbeat lulling her to sleep.

Thanks for reading; please let me know if you would like to be added or removed from this series.

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[ophelieverse]

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰Dragonhearts.

Aemond Targaryen x fem!reader.

Your and Aemond kids are just like him,they absolutely love their dragons.

This is my first fic,so be kind to me.Also english is not my first language,so i’m sorry if there is any errors.

•••••••

It was a quiet sunny day in King’s Landing,the long summer was at it end but the golden rays of the sun still shined through the clouds above the city.

Y/n was sitting on a blanket on the green grass of one of the hills out of the Red Keep,besides her was her sister in law Helaena and Queen Alicent,all three of them enjoying the warm sun and the beautiful weather away from any political issues just for one day.

«He looks so much like Aemond did at his age.»the Queen voice was sweet and tender,her brown eyes sparkling while she looked at one of her grandchildren playing in the green field with his cousin.

Aedion was Y/n and Aemond second child and just like his grandmother said,he was the perfect copy of his father.From his pale blonde hair,his lavander curious eyes and his way to prove himself in everything he did,he reassemble Y/n dear husband in everything.

Y/n smiled,looking softly at her son who was just eight years old«He also acts like Aemond.That creature is the only thing he talks about.»the young princess said,pointing with her free hand towards where the children where playing.

Aedion and Jaehaerys,Aegon and Helaena first son,we’re holding a little wooden stick and using it as a fake sword,similar to the ones they used during their training with Ser Criston in the yard.Besides them two dragons,no bigger than a horse,were watching them like guard dogs in case something happened.

Y/n had met Aemond when she was just a young Lady and she immediately fell for the charming prince.It was no secret that her husband was very enthusiastic whenever the topic of their conversation shifted to dragons,she remember during their courting time that she had listened to him talking for hours about the little adventures that he lived with Vhagar.She also remembered the first time he introduced them to each other,his old favorite girl to his new favorite girl like he once said,and the first time he took her on a fly with him.The way she held him close,the wind between her hair and the euphoric feeling that washed over her.

That day Y/n nderstood why her husband was so passionate about dragons and it was clear that the trait passed down to their children.

«Oh no»Helaena said with a little smile«my brother was so much worse.He was just like little Visenya.»said the princess now turning her head to look at her son and nephew.

Y/n smiled sadly,a hand caressing her growing belly where her fourth child was and thinking about her daughter.Visenya,only five years old,the girl Aemond prayed so much for and that he named after Vhagar first rider was dragonless.

Unfortunately,at her birth there was no left dragon eggs at Dragonpit.Both Rhaenyra and Helaena promised the young princess that if one of her dragons laid eggs again one would have been for her.It’s been four years and her little crying face made both Y/n and Aemond’s hearth clench.

Alicent gave Y/n a firm squeeze on the shoulder and a reassuring smile«I know how powerless you must feel,but it’s not your fault.»she told her,with the loving voice that only a mother could have.

«I know»Y/n nodded«Aemond feels terrible every time that he have to console her.I just wish i could do something,anything to help her.»seeing her daughter that way always made her asking herself if this was the same way her husband felt when he was a kid.

«Visenya will a dragon one day»Alicent told her and it sounded more like an affirmation,like something she knew would been destined to happen«Just like Aemond did.»

«But then she’ll have nine fingers.»Helaena murmured quietly under her breath.

The girl besides her did register her words,because she was too focused on hearing what was coming from her son mouth.

Aedion and Jaehaerys where playing in front of them,pretending to be soldiers on a battlefield,laughing and attacking each other when Jaehaerys accidentally hit Aedion across his face.

«Children,careful!»Alicent called them out.

Y/n was getting up with Helaena help,holding her stomach and making her way towards her son to see if he was hurt or injured.When Aedion took his hand off his face,a blank stare was all he gave to his cousin before commanding his dragon who seemed hurt just like the young prince was.

«Hyperion»Aedion called his dragon close to him,the creature walked slowly besides him waiting«Drac-»

«Aedion!»Y/n shouted immediately before he could finished.

Helaena ran towards her son that,crying,throwed himself into his mother safe embrace.Alicent stood beside them,soothing her oldest grandson with sweet phrases,while Y/n walked fast to her own son.

«What where you thinking?»she asked her son,her heart pumping furiously in her chest fearing what could have happened if she didn’t stopped him in time.

Aedion had a little red sign on his face,right below his left eye where Jaehaerys hit him with his fake sword«I was taking revenge on my enemy.»he stated,trying to escape his mother accusing gaze.

«Thats not your enemy!Thats your cousin,we are a family and we don’t hurt each other like this!»Y/n was trying to not yell at her son to not scare him even more,but she was absolutely mortified about what happened and furious.

Aedion lower lip trembled just like Aemond did when he was about to cry«But he-»

His mother didn’t let him finish«I’m sure that Jaehaerys didn’t wanted to hurt you on purpose.But what you were about to do to him would have hurt him permanently.»she explained to him.

Aedion looked over at his dragon«Father says that i have to use my dragon because i have one.»

Y/n sighed,he was just like Aemond«Dragons are not objects,but since you and your father think this way you will be the one telling him why i forbid you to go at Dragonpit for the next two weeks.»she warned him with stern voice,she knew that she couldn’t keep her son away from that place for long but he had to lear his lesson and so will have his father.

The young prince cried in his mother arms,sobbing his eyes out while she caressed his hair«I’m sorry»he whispered.

Y/n shook her head,looking at Helaena and Alicent with the same tired smile that the two women gave her«You should apologize to your cousin,and then your aunt and grandmother.»she told him freeing him from her loving embrace and guiding him towards them.

«You did the right thing.»Alicent told her with a gentle smile,while Aedion continued to cry in her hug.

It was late evening when Aemond returned from his morning fly with his oldest son,Rhaegal,the young boy was now thirteen and his dragon was big enough to let him ride him.Aemond was more excited that his own son to teach him how to fly for the first time.

He didn’t have his father for that,actually he didn’t had anyone,all that he learned about a dragon he did on his very own and he didn’t want any of his children to have the same.

Y/n was sitting in their shared chambers a hand on her belly,stroking it with love,while she was sitting on a duvet waiting for her husband and son to come home.

«Mother!»the joyful sound of Rhaegal voice echoed through the walls.

The woman smiled,her oldest son white hair were a mess all over his head,his purple eyes were sparkling and his pale skin was sweaty.

Carefully Y/n stood up«Welcome back,sweetheart.How did your fly went?»she asked kissing him on the forehead.

«It was amazing!Darksmoke is even faster than Vhagar.»he stated proudly,his smile brighter that the sun.

Aemond came him a second later,his eyes immediately falling on his wife pregnant belly,before putting his hands on his son shoulders«What i told you was that “Darksmoke might become faster than Vhagar once she will not be able to fly anymore.”»he said playfully with a teasing smile on his beautiful face.

Rhaegal laughed a little«We went to Dragon Stone and there i beat father at a race.I even made Darksmoke turn upside down!»the young boy reminded Aemond of himself the first time he had Vhagar.

All his excitement to finally being able to fly with his siblings,all the little things he discovered with the time passing by,the feeling of being bonded some one other than himself.Some one he shared a mind and a piece of himself.

Y/n watched the two of them bicker with each other for a little,Aemond could sense the discomfort coming from his wife while she pretended to smile and being happy for the oldest son.

«Your mother and your little sister need to rest,»Aemond said his son«Go and take a bath,you smell like dragon.»he watched his son nodding his head,giving his mother a quick kiss and then leaving closing the door behind him.

«I promise that we were careful.»Aemond came closer to her,taking Y/n in a loving hug and pressing his cold lips to hers for a tender kiss.

Y/n smiled a little«I don’t know if i should believe that.»she teased her husband a little«But its not him that i’m worried for.»she added with a worrying voice.

Aemond brows furrowed in confusion,a slight spark of panic lighted in him,his hands immediately going to his wife belly«Did the Maester told you something about her?»he asked her.

«You still think it’s a girl?»Y/n asked her husband covering his hands with hers.

Aemond smiled«Helaena said it’s was another girl.»he told her sweetly.

Y/n heart seemed to be exploding in her chest,she knew about Helaena foresight and whenever she was expecting her sister in law was right about the gender every time.

«Another girl»Y/n breathed out,her eyes were glassy at the news and all those emotions started to overwhelmed her.

She was happy to have another baby girl after two sons and Visenya,but right now she had to discuss other important matters with her husband.

«Well,i thought you would’ve been more happy to hear it.»Aemond said going to take a cup and filling it with wine.

«I’am,but right now we have to talk about your son.»she stated firmly.

Aemond looked over her,confusion on his face«What happened?»

Y/n took a deep breath,she already knew what this was going to«He won’t go to Dragonpit for the next two weeks and he won’t see his dragon for that time.»she explained slowly.

Aemond froze,his hand resting the cup on the table,looking at his wife«What did you said?»he asked hoping he heard wrong.

But his wife stood firm before him«You heard him.No dragon for Aedion.»

«Not if i have a say on the matter.»Aemond said«He needs to stay with his dragon if he want to have a bond with him!»his voice was now raising.

«I think he bonded with that thing enough!A little time apart won’t hurt them!»now it was her time to raise her voice at her husband.

«You say that because you don’t-»

«Don’t what Aemond?Because I don’t have a dragon?Your son shouldn’t have one at his age,he’s eight!He doesn’t know what his doing!»her face was red,her breath short and being six months pregnant didn’t helped her at all in this moment.

Aemond walked to her again«All his cousins have dragons,in this family we put dragons eggs in the cribs once the babe is born and you know it.Aedion know what he’s doing and you won’t take away his birth right.»this topic always had a solid grip on her husband and Y/n could seen it in his eye,in the way the pure fire burned through it.

Y/n rolled her eyes«Your son almost killed his cousin this morning.I’m surprised that Aegon is not here to beat your ass for it!»she informed him.

In a second Aemond seemed to calm down,his shoulder relaxed and he started to breath through his nose again«What?Hows Jaehaerys?»he asked sitting down on the duvet.

Y/n took place next to him,holding his hands in hers«It was a mistake,i know he did not said in on purpose.»she started with soft voice.

«Y/n»Aemond urged her«What did he said?»

The woman breather in and out«They were playing when Jaehaerys accidentally hit him and Aedion…»

«Did the dragon followed his order?»Aemond voice was unsure,laced with concern and fear of what would have happened to his nephew.

His wife shook her head,that made him release the breath he was holding and closing his eye«Luckily i stepped in before he could finished his sentence.But still-»

Aemond nodded«But still he did the wrong thing.I can’t even imagine what would be doing now if you weren’t there.I will talk to him tonight,after i apologize to my sister and brother.»he said,pressing his forehead to hers.

«You don’t have to worry now,my love.We are fine and Aedion already feels horrible after what happened.»Y/n stated caressing her husband cheek before kissing it.

Aemond smiled,a genuine a loving smile that he reserved only for the woman that he loved with all his heart and that gave him the most precious things in this world,not dragons but his children.

«I know»he told her kissing her nose lovingly«thank you for being here,no matter what.»

#house of the dragon #hotd #aemond targaryen x reader #aemond x reader #aemond targaryen imagine #aemondimagine #house of the dragon x reader #hotd x reader #hotd imagine #house of the dragon imagine #game of thrones x reader #game of thrones imagine #x reader #hotd season 1 #hotd spoilers #hotd s1 #house of the dragon season 1 #house of the dragon spoilers #alicent targaryen #alicent hightower #helaena targaryen #imagine #x yn #dragonhearts

[jomiddlemarch]

they two play out the game 

“Be honest—”

“What do you want me to say, Hermione? That I fell in love with you at school, when you loathed me, when you loathed me because I made you feel that way because I couldn’t bear your pity or worse, being beneath your notice, a shrug of your shoulders, an eyeroll? That the Amortentia I brewed in Potions smelled like ink and rose geranium soap and the bloody catnip you must have grown for your Kneazle in the greenhouses because you never would have nicked it from Sprout? That I envied Weasley for his family loving him and welcoming you, when my father wanted you dead and my mother refused to remember your name?”

Draco paused, lifted a hand from where he’d been gripping the railing and loosened his tie. It was dark blue, because they were no longer children, defined by Houses. He wore his robes open, like an Oxford don, and she could see the suit he wore was Savile Row, not Wizard-tailored. His brogues were polished to a shine short of a House-elf’s efforts.

“Should I tell you I’ve dreamt of you for years, in that periwinkle petal dress and on my ballroom floor, screaming for mercy, and in bookshops, in teashops, in the pub, laughing, smiling at Potter and Longbottom, making a face when you take a sip of your bitter? In the Wizengamot, at my trial, like a Fury. At all the other trials, demolishing their smug assurance, making them cower, making them see? Do you want me to explain how I told Astoria we would marry but I’d never be able to love her and she told me she already knew it, that she understood everything and that if I didn’t mind too much, she supposed we’d do well enough together? You want to hear how when my son was born, I wanted to Owl you, before anyone else, even though you’d have been baffled to receive any message from me, would have probably thought it was a prank from George Weasley, an overture to return to the Weasley bosom after you and Ron ended it ostensibly amicably, except that you’d left England and hadn’t been back in six years for more than a fortnight?”

He took a step nearer and Hermione resisted the urge to fold her arms across her chest or draw her robes closer in some nonverbal attempt at protection. He’d grown taller after the War ended and she hadn’t, not a whit, probably stunted by the stress and starvation of the Horcrux hunt, but he was still a few steps below her on the stairs, so he continued to look up at her, a supplicant. He was still giving her that power, that dominance over him which she hadn’t believed when he’d offered it earlier in words alone.

“Shall I tell you how I followed your career, the papers you wrote, the conferences you attended, collecting clippings like a lovesick groupie with his favorite Quidditch team? How I heard your voice when I taught Scorpius his first spells? How I told him the brightest witch I’d ever known was Sorted into Gryffindor and he was confused because his mother had been a Ravenclaw? How my wife fell in love with my best friend and I didn’t care, or rather, I was happy for her because Theo loved her back and it was nothing for me to look away and let them have the time they could? How I thought if you knew, you’d perhaps admire me for once, for not being selfish, for making some sacrifice, except that you’d be wrong, it wasn’t a sacrifice at all, not when I cared about them both in one way and not at all in another? You want to hear how I thought I’d seen you—at the train station and in the City, in the Prophet, your hair braided, that streak of white like a halo, like a queen’s ivory filet, your eyes, sweet Nimue, your eyes, Hermione—”

“I’m not a saint,” she put in.

He climbed another stair and now he looked directly at her. She could rest her hands on his shoulders if she wanted. She could raise a hand and stroke his cheek, graze the steel temple of his spectacles, the silver hair at above his ears. 

“I know. And I know why you don’t wear a glamour or charm your hair the color it was when we were young. You want me to tell you how my wife died and I wanted you to comfort me? To come to her funeral and hold my hand, to wear the veil for her and to let me fold it back over your head to face the truth? How I wanted you in my bed, fresh from your bath, in a nightdress you’d let me ruck up to your waist, naked beneath me, your skin like silk, arching up into my hands, gasping, laughing when I accidentally tickled your waist. Crying out when you felt my mouth on your breasts, suckling, when you felt my cock hard between your thighs, when I begged you? When I told you to spread your legs, love, when I praised you for being so good, my beautiful, darling, delicious witch I wanted to fuck all night, that there was no one else, there never had been, there never would be, only you, my darling with your dark eyes and your brilliant mind and your magic, your heart, your cunt—You want me to say that I love you, that I’ve loved you to the best of my ability for the best part of my life and that I don’t want you to go, not now, not ever, but I know that’s not up to me?”

There was a slight flush in his cheeks, a gleam in his grey eyes that might be tears, but his voice was steady, restrained, and there was space between them yet that she knew he would not breach. She used the effort required to cast tandem wandless in a duel to the death, more than she’d used when she was eighteen and expected to save the world.

“If it’s the truth—” she said.

“It’s the truth,” he answered. “There’s more, I suppose, but it’s much the same.”

“Then it’s what I asked for,” she said. She closed her eyes for a moment, part of her sure he would not be there when she looked again, a dream, a vision she’d conjured, Nimue and Merlin both, trapped within her desires while the world lived and grew around her. She opened her eyes and there he was, waiting. There was a shadow in his gaze, the expectation of rejection, abandonment. He was not a man accustomed to hope. She’d asked, though, and he’d answered.

“I’ve learned, as I’ve grown older, that I can’t hope for the best. Settle for what I’m given. I must take what I want, with both hands,” she said and reached over, up a little, to cup his face with her palms, her fingers touching the ends of his hair at the nape of his neck. He was very still, almost rigid, and she felt a frisson of fear, of being deceived, denied. 

“With both hands,” she repeated a little hesitantly. “Unless, you don’t, after all—Scorpius will not, and you have to put him first, of course—”

“I do,” Draco, beginning to smile. “And I was told not to come home without you, though Scorpius is willing to take my word for your arrival. He’s not waiting there for us.”

“No?” Hermione said, feeling terribly warm, terribly, wonderfully desired. Needed. Accepted.

“No, I shall have you all to myself,” he said. He finally put his arms around her, very carefully as they were still on a staircase and perhaps he was a little unsteady now. “D’you suppose, before we go, I might kiss you?”

“Here? Where anyone might see?” Hermione asked, though the hallway had been deserted for the past hour and the charm on the wall sconces needed to be recast. Though she had let herself look at his mouth, the curve of his lips. Let herself admit her own appetite had gone beyond any curious hunger, to craving, the sweet she had been forbidden for so long.

“Yes. Be honest, would that bother you?” he said.

“Do you think I will say it would? Do you expect me to tell you no when I’ve just said you’re what I want? All that I want?” she said, echoing him. Making him grin, a hint of the smirk she first remembered seeing on his face as a young boy, now subsumed into such tenderness she felt nearly overwhelmed.

“Is it the truth?” he said.

“Yes,” she said and then she didn’t say anything else because they were beyond needing any other word than “Home—” the Side-along as easy as a breath, as waking from a dream into the day.

They named their first daughter Verity, explaining it was a family name.

#dramione #post-hogwarts #Hermione x Draco #hermione POV #romance #scorpius malfoy #the beauty of fanfic #just justing to the big climatic scene #the burn of a slow burn #prior draco/astoria #astoria/theo #prior ron/hermione #draco really monologues for all he's worth #gets a little blue

[nanshe-of-nina]

Favorite History Books || Sybil, Queen of Jerusalem, 1186–1190 by Helen J. Nicholson ★★★★☆

As a child, Sybil’s future prospects appeared excellent: as the eldest child of King Amaury of Jerusalem and as a member of the dynasty that claimed descent from Godfrey de Bouillon and the other heroes of the First Crusade, we might expect that she would have been an attractive marriage prospect. Yet European noblemen did not queue up to seek her hand. One reason for this might have been that commanding the defence of the kingdom of Jerusalem in the face of aggressive Muslim expansionism was a daunting prospect for any warrior, no matter how ambitious. Moreover, as her brother Baldwin’s illness became generally known in Europe, Sybil’s potential husbands may have wondered whether she and her children would be similarly afflicted. In addition, as her brother Baldwin and his council made clear to Philip of Alsace in autumn 1177, outside aid was unwelcome in the kingdom except on the terms they dictated. Robert VI of Béthune, Philip of Alsace’s candidate for Sybil’s hand, might have made a more effective count of Jaffa and Ascalon, regent of the kingdom and king consort than Guy de Lusignan, but Baldwin – aged only sixteen at the time of Count Philip’s crusade – preferred to marry his sister to a man he knew. If King Baldwin IV had supported his elder sister as the heir who – given that Baldwin V was very young and in uncertain health – would almost certainly inherit the kingdom, it might have been possible for Sybil to unite the nobles of the kingdom behind her as her brother had done. But his contradictory and changing policies left her rights of inheritance unclear and the nobles of the kingdom divided. He married her to one of his household knights, then attempted to divorce them; he appointed her husband as procurator, then shortly afterwards deposed him and appointed her son as his co- ruler, and then appointed another procurator, then finally appointed two regents, one to care for the young king Baldwin V and the other to govern. If he made further arrangements for the succession after Baldwin V they were unworkable. By marrying his younger half-sister to a leading noble of the kingdom but forcing the bridegroom to surrender his inherited estates in return, King Baldwin IV ensured that both his sisters and their husbands and supporters had grievances against him. While his measures reduced any threat that he would be overthrown during his lifetime, they boded badly for the kingdom after the death of his immediate heir. Given the rivalries between the leading nobles of the kingdom and Saladin’s need to win a decisive victory over the Franks, no one could have prevented Saladin from taking Jerusalem and conquering most of Sybil’s kingdom; Sybil was doomed to failure as queen. Not only did she lose Jerusalem, but she also failed in the most fundamental function of a noblewoman: she failed to provide an heir for herself, as both her son Baldwin and her daughters died in childhood. On the other hand, in the face of disaster she did not abandon her kingdom and flee to Europe, nor did she retire to a religious house. Instead, she stayed in the crusader states and did all she could to oppose the invader. She tried to defend Ascalon, she remained in Jerusalem until it was surrendered to Saladin, she obtained her husband’s release from Saladin’s prison, and by accompanying him in the months that followed she gave him the authority to continue as king of Jerusalem. As husband of the eldest daughter of King Amaury of Jerusalem and as a crowned king, Guy had a stronger claim to royal authority than Conrad of Montferrat: crusaders from Europe rallied to him and the representatives of the Italian maritime cities supported him so that he could begin the fightback against Saladin which was continued by the Third Crusade and enabled the kingdom of Jerusalem to continue to exist until 1291. When Sybil died, Guy’s authority died with her; but she had ensured that her kingdom would not die, at least for another century.

#historyedit #litedit #sibylla of jerusalem #french history #medieval #asian history #european history #women's history #history #house of anjou #history books

[asongoficeandfiresource]

The Year of the Three Brides in The Rise of the Dragon  

The 49th year after Aegon’s Conquest gave the people of Westeros a welcome respite from the chaos and conflict that had gone before. It would be a year of peace, plenty, and marriage, remembered in the annals of the Seven Kingdoms as the Year of the Three Brides.

Rhaena Targaryen and Androw Farman The new year was but a fortnight old when news of the first of the three weddings came out of the west, from Fair Isle by the Sunset Sea. There, in a small swift ceremony under the sky, Rhaena Targaryen wed Androw Farman, the second son of the Lord of Fair Isle. It was the groom’s first marriage, the bride’s third. Though twice widowed, Rhaena was but twenty-six. Her new husband, just ten-and-seven, was notably younger, a comely and amiable youth said to be utterly besotted with his new wife. Their wedding was presided over by the groom’s father, Marq Farman, Lord of Fair Isle, and conducted by his own septon. Lyman Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, and his wife, Jocasta, were the only great lords in attendance. Two of Rhaena’s former favorites, Samantha Stokeworth and Alayne Royce, made their way to Fair Isle in some haste to stand with the widowed queen, together with the groom’s high-spirited sister, the Lady Elissa. The remainder of the guests were bannermen and household knights sworn to either House Farman or House Lannister. King and court remained entirely ignorant of the marriage until a raven from the Rock brought word, days after the wedding feast and the bedding that sealed the match.

Alyssa Velaryon and Rogar Baratheon When the day of the wedding finally arrived, more than forty thousand smallfolk ascended the Hill of Rhaenys to the Dragonpit to bear witness to the union of the Queen Regent and the Hand. (Some observers put the count even higher.) Thousands more cheered Lord Rogar and Queen Alyssa in the streets as their procession made its way across the city, attended by hundreds of knights on caparisoned palfreys, and columns of septas ringing bells. “Never has there been such a glory in all the annals of Westeros,” wrote Grand Maester Benifer. Lord Rogar was clad head to heel in cloth-of-gold beneath an antlered halfhelm, whilst his bride wore a greatcloak sparkling with gemstones, with the three-headed dragon of House Targaryen and the silver seahorse of the Velaryons facing one another on a divided field. Yet for all the splendor of the bride and groom, it was the arrival of Alyssa’s children that set King’s Landing to talking for years to come. King Jaehaerys and Princess Alysanne were the last to appear, descending from a bright sky on their dragons, Vermithor and Silverwing (the Dragonpit still lacked the great dome that would be its crowning glory, it must be recalled), their great leathern wings stirring up clouds of sand as they came down side by side, to the awe and terror of the gathered multitudes. (The oft-told tale that the arrival of the dragons caused the aged High Septon to soil his robes is likely only a calumny.)

Alysanne and Jaehaerys Targaryen The following morning, as the sun rose, Jaehaerys Targaryen, the First of His Name, took to wife his sister Alysanne in the great yard at Dragonstone, before the eyes of gods and men and dragons. Septon Oswyck performed the marriage rites; though the old man’s voice was thin and tremulous, no part of the ceremony was neglected. The seven knights of the Kingsguard stood witness to the union, their white cloaks snapping in the wind. The castle’s garrison and servants looked on as well, together with a good part of the smallfolk of the fishing village that huddled below Dragonstone’s mighty curtain walls. A modest feast followed the ceremony, and many toasts were drunk to the health of the boy king and his new queen. Afterward Jaehaerys and Alysanne retired to the bedchamber where Aegon the Conqueror had once slept beside his sister Rhaenys, but in view of the bride’s youth there was no bedding ceremony, and the marriage was not consummated.

#rhaena targaryen (daughter of aenys) #androw farman #alyssa velaryon #rogar baratheon #Alysanne Targaryen #jaehaerys i targaryen #asoiaf #asoiafedit #the rise of the dragon #official art #asoiaf art #targnation

[crypticjackal13]

My mom: *sees me hard at work crafting and not talking to anyone just spacing out with my headphones in* wow I wonder what's got him so quiet?

Me: *thinking about tired MK. MK who has had enough of everything. MK who ever since the spider Queen has felt like a weapon, like if he stops training or doing ANYTHING then everything will fall apart. MK who has tried everything under the sun to feel better and cope but no one understands--not truly. Not enough that the burden of being the hero gets any lighter. Even working alongside Mei, his best friend in the whole world, he feels the need to be the leader, because as great as she is she doesn't have his powers. MK who, ever since the Lady Bone Demon, has a bittersweet relationship with the Monkey King, to the point where he can't look him in the eyes anymore because when he does it just hurts. MK who, as soon as he gets the perfect chance, goes to see macaque to see if MAYBE he has some advice, though deep down he's just worried he'll be tricked again.

Macaque is intrigued at the kid's sudden lack of energy and how everything about his energy just seems darker. Still, Macaque tells his true opinion to the kid when MK asks about the Monkey King. He's just Wukong, just a lazy immortal who only ever disregards others. And when the kid leaves with an odd sag in his shoulders he can't help but feel worried for him, even if he tries to deny actually caring about him.

MK who goes off on his own without telling anyone. MK who stops by Redson's house to ask if he knows any good demonic runes or something to make it so people can't find him. MK who disappears for a fairly long period of time and no one can get a hold of him because even though Redson thought it was a strange thing to ask for, he still complied because it was worse having to look at MK's oddly sad face.

MK who gets used to being alone. MK who never settles down, is always on the move in between different cities and towns, and he has no idea why but there's always some sort of half assed care package waiting for him by his bag in the morning, and along with it a poorly drawn doodle of him. On his birthday, there's a full note, signed by all his friends, even Macaque, not asking him why he left, but just asking him to come home safely.

MK, who, after a full year away from home, makes the trip back. He's happy to see that the city hasn't fallen apart without him, happy that he won't have to clean up a mess.

MK, who walks into Pigsy's and feels a lump in his throat when he smells his favorite recipe being cooked. Pigsy, who just about jumps over the counter to embrace his son, Tang joining in, and as if she could sense it, Mei appears too and causes the three of them to collapse onto the ground as she throws herself into them.

MK, breaking down into sobs without any words as he allows himself to be loved. The Monkey King, who goes to MK instead of the other way around, very patiently waiting his turn to speak to him because he knows this is a lot for anyone who missed the kid. Macaque showing up as well alongside Redson and both will still deny how much they care for him but they don't even try to mask their relief at seeing him safe and in one piece as he sits down to eat a proper meal.

MK, who goes to sleep that night in his childhood bedroom at Pigsy's place instead of his apartment because they both need the reassurance that the other is there.

MK, who feels refreshed after finally getting a break from everything.

#lego monkie kid #lmk headcanon #lmk #lego monkie kid headcanons #lmk mk #monkie kid mk #mk lego monkie kid #i want to give him a hug #hes been through enough #my hope is that he yells at Azure and Co. about everything #because as stubborn as they seem #i think they would find it jarring that someone as young as MK has seen so much #even for immortal standards

[catcas22]

Possible Breakthrough?

I was talking ER lore with @thatboreddrake, and he pointed something out to me. The game's opening narration is as follows:

The fallen leaves tell a story. The great Elden Ring was shattered. In our home, across the fog, the Lands Between. Now, Queen Marika the Eternal is nowhere to be found, and in the Night of the Black Knives, Godwyn the Golden was the first to perish.

Soon, Marika's offspring, demigods all, claimed the shards of the Elden Ring. The mad taint of their newfound strength triggered the Shattering. A war from which no lord arose.

Which gives us this sequence of events: The Elden Ring is shattered, Marika disappears (imprisoned within the Erdtree), the Night of the Black Knives (in which Godwyn is the first among many to die), the looting of the Great Runes, and finally the wars of the Shattering.

Did you catch that?

Marika shattered the Elden Ring and was imprisoned in the Erdtree (along with Radagon) before the Night of the Black Knives.

Most interpretations I've seen, mine included, assumed that Marika shattered the Ring in a moment of nihilistic grief following the death of her favorite son, Godwyn. But the sequence of events here seems to rule that out.

At first I thought that this revelation completely shattered (heh) my current understanding of the lore. But it would actually answer two questions that I've been stuck on for awhile.

At the end of her reign, was Marika genuinely remorseful for her past tyranny and trying to atone? Or was she trying to get out of paying the piper, leaving her children to deal with the consequences of her actions?

If Ranni needed to kill a god/demigod in order to be free of her fate, why choose Godwyn? Why not Marika, the tyrant who broke up her parents? Why not any of the unnamed demigods killed in NBK? Why not Godrick or Godefroy?

From the Black Knife Set:

The assassins that carried out the deeds of the Night of the Black Knives were all women, and rumored to be Numen who had close ties with Marika herself.

I'll probably do another post outline the potential Marika/Eternal Cities connection. But briefly, she has close ties with the Black Knife Assassins, the bloated ants feasting on the corpses deep underground in the vicinity of the Eternal Cities drop Numen Runes, and Marika's Scarseal is found in the Worshipper's Woods, downstream from Nokron.

It also appears evident that while they worked with her in the past, the Black Knife Assassins are not loyal to Ranni. Their leader, Alecto, is locked up on Ranni's land, and the BKAs kill Iji and try to kill Blaidd near the end of her questline.

So here's my proposal:

Marika is plotting to rebel against the Greater Will. She brings Ranni into her confidence, both because she believes that their goals align and because she needs a mage of Ranni's caliber to enchant the assassins' knives. But at this point, killing Godwyn is only a contingency plan. All things being equal, Marika would rather not kill her son.

Marika's Plan A is to face the Elden Beast herself. There are a couple different ways this could have played out. Maybe she planned to kill Radagon and use the Sacred Relic sword to kill the beast, but he fought back and shattering the Ring was the best she could manage. Maybe she planned to shatter it all along, hoping that it would sever the Greater Will's connection to her, or to the Lands in general.

Regardless, the plan goes sideways, and ends with a partially shattered ring and Marika fused to Radagon and crucified within the Erdtree.

So now Marika needs to get out of that body, ASAP. She needs to slay her Empyrean flesh. The contingency plan kicks in. Ranni is meant to enchant the knives, and Alecto (who works for Marika) is meant to kill Godwyn and Marika, thus freeing her from the control of the Greater Will.

But Marika fundamentally did not understand Ranni. She thought that Ranni would gladly be the god of the new age while Marika walked away scot-free, because that's what a younger Marika would have done. She could not grasp the fact that Ranni hated the thought of godhood and saw the position as a curse, not a blessing.

Ranni had been planning all along to steal a Black Knife for herself and steal the half of the Cursemark meant for Marika. Marika saw Ranni as a protege who wouldn't be able to see past the promise of power (despite how badly godhood worked out for Marika herself). But to Ranni, this was a golden opportunity to both escape her fate and to screw over the people who hurt her mother.

By the time Alecto discovers the ruse, Ranni has already completed the ritual. The other BKAs scatter throughout the Lands, possibly also killing Ranni's half-sisters/cousins/aunts in retaliation (thanks @katyahina!). Alecto, furious at the betrayal and maddened by grief at the death of Tiche, attempt to go after Ranni herself. After a closely matched and surely impressive duel with Blaidd, she ends up defeated and locked in an evergaol.

I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts. The exact sequence of events of NBK and the Shattering never quite felt right to me, and this seems to fit the pieces together a bit more smoothly.

#elden ring #lore theory #marika the eternal #lunar princess ranni #ringleader alecto #godwyn the golden

[istumpysk]

to bad lady stoneheart will crown arya in robb’s crown leading her to be queen of the north at least sansa can enjoy her life with her two timing husband in the vale 😌

Top 10 Funniest Ship Girl Foreshadowing

10. Gendry's very important question.

He looked dubious. "Did you ever sail a boat?" "You put up the sail," she said, "and the wind pushes it." "What if the wind is blowing the wrong way?" "Then there's oars to row." - Arya II, ASOS

9. Excellent names!

I mean to use your second son as well. He will take Lady Marya across the narrow sea, to Braavos and the other Free Cities, to deliver other letters to the men who rule there. - Davos I, ACOK

x

"Just so. Your father was oarmaster on a galley. When your mother died, he took you off to sea with him. Then he died as well, and his captain had no use for you, so he put you off the ship in Braavos. And what was the name of the ship?" "Nymeria," she said at once. - Arya II, AFFC

8. Hey, what's with this Stark they keep telling us about.

That's a Brandon, the tall one with the dreamy face, he was Brandon the Shipwright, because he loved the sea. His tomb is empty. He tried to sail west across the Sunset Sea and was never seen again. - Bran VII, AGOT

x

It was Bran's turn to tell a story, so he told them about another Brandon Stark, the one called Brandon the Shipwright, who had sailed off beyond the Sunset Sea. - Bran III, ASOS

7. Arya spells it out.

Only Braavosi were permitted use of the Purple Harbor, from the Drowned Town and the Sealord's Palace; ships from her sister cities and the rest of the wide world had to use the Ragman's Harbor, a poorer, rougher, dirtier port than the Purple. It was noisier as well, as sailors and traders from half a hundred lands crowded its wharves and alleys, mingling with those who served and preyed on them. Cat liked it best of any place in Braavos. She liked the noise and the strange smells, and seeing what ships had come in on the evening tide and what ships had departed. She liked the sailors too; the boisterous Tyroshi with their booming voices and dyed whiskers; the fair-haired Lyseni, always trying to niggle down her prices; the squat, hairy sailors from the Port of Ibben, growling curses in low, raspy voices. Her favorites were the Summer Islanders, with their skins as smooth and dark as teak. They wore feathered cloaks of red and green and yellow, and the tall masts and white sails of their swan ships were magnificent. - Cat of the Canals, AFFC

6. Arya spells it out again.

Arya bit her lip. She had crossed the narrow sea to get here, but if the captain had asked she would have told him she wanted to stay aboard the Titan’s Daughter. Salty was too small to man an oar, she knew that now, but she could learn to splice ropes and reef the sails and steer a course across the great salt seas. Denyo had taken her up to the crow’s nest once, and she hadn’t been afraid at all, though the deck had seemed a tiny thing below her. I can do sums too, and keep a cabin neat. - Arya I, AFFC

5. Arya spells it out one more time. (Plus one more, because she's so generous!)

It made her think of the sea. Maybe that was the way out. Old Nan used to tell stories of boys who stowed away on trading galleys and sailed off into all kinds of adventures. Maybe Arya could do that too. - Arya V, AGOT

x

"It won’t be so bad, Sansa," Arya said. "We're going to sail on a galley. It will be an adventure - Sansa III, AGOT

4. Ned Stark makes a bizarre prediction about the future of one of his children.

"No," Ned said. He saw no use in lying to her. "Yet someday he may be the lord of a great holdfast and sit on the king's council. He might raise castles like Brandon the Builder, or sail a ship across the Sunset Sea, or enter your mother’s Faith and become the High Septon." - Eddard II, AGOT

3. An entire fandom forgets what made Nymeria famous.

He sang of Jonquil and Florian, of Prince Aemon the Dragonknight and his love for his brother's queen, of Nymeria's ten thousand ships. - Sansa VI, ACOK

x

He had not noticed that before, no more than he had noticed the picture on the tapestry, a scene of Nymeria and her ten thousand ships. - The Soiled Knight, AFFC

x

That is Nymeria's star, burning bright, and that milky band behind her, those are ten thousand ships. - The Queenmaker, AFFC

2. They could be like Nymeria, and sail beyond the Sunset Sea.

Lord Gylbert began to speak. He told of a wondrous land beyond the Sunset Sea, a land without winter or want, where death had no dominion. "Make me your king, and I shall lead you there," he cried. "We will build ten thousand ships as Nymeria once did and take sail with all our people to the land beyond the sunset. There every man shall be a king and every wife a queen." - The Drowned Man, AFFC

A marriage is arranged between Arya and Elmar. El mar. The sea.

"Also, if your sister Arya is returned to us safely, it is agreed that she will marry Lord Walder's youngest son, Elmar, when the two of them come of age." - Catelyn IX, AGOT

#stumpy ask #fan

[feralforfruit]

What it is like to date The Wolf // HC

A/N: This is my first headcanon so I hope you guys enjoy! Bad Bunny / Benito / Daddy Wolf stans better see this!

Warnings: Mentions of guns/being shot at, harsh language

Pairing: The Wolf x fem!reader

Wolf naturally will always have Spanish pet names for you

“Buenos días, cariña.” (Good morning, darling) he says in a low voice as he pecks your shoulder.

Your favorite accessory is a golden wolf necklace he got custom made just for you.

He is extremely possessive and protective. Wolf always loves to see you wear the necklace on nights out in the city to let everybody know that you’re his and you’re not to be fucked with.

Every time a man comes too close to you while you are out on the dance floor with your friends, Wolf will always stop whatever sketchy meeting he is having with his associates just to shove the man into the ground and kiss you passionately.

He gives you absolutely everything you want. He’d always say, “Te daré el mundo entero,” (I’d give you the whole world) when you ask him to simply buy you a drink.

He loves being very theatrical with his affections. After the first day you guys hooked up, you woke up to petals everywhere, a whole breakfast tray with a flower vase on it, and a note.

“At a meeting pero disfruta, mi bebesita. Wolf x” (but enjoy, my babygirl)

You can’t help but be completely smitten by this man with how he treats you like a queen despite being a cartel legend. Wolf feels that the way you treat him is heaven on earth and he would give his life to never see you get into harms way.

One night while you were leaving a romantic dinner at a five star restaurant, as you guys were getting into the car, a bullet grazed Wolf’s arm right as you got in. “HEAD DOWN NOW!” he screams to you as he rushes into the vehicle. The driver driving away quickly before any tires could get blown out.

You immediately start freaking out so you frantically rip off the whole lower part of your best dress to wrap it around Wolf’s wounded arm. He winces at the pain but he looks more nervous, shifting his head back and forth, looking at the surrounding cars. He doesn’t notice anyone following so he looks at you and strokes your head in relief, knowing that you are safe.

“Aye, mi vida, going to have to buy you a new dress. I’m also going to find out que hijueputa did this. Could’ve hit you.” He sulks while holding onto you tightly throughout the rest of the night.

While you get settled to sleep in his bed, you lay on his chest and trace his abs with your index finger, admiring them. His heart flutters and falls asleep with a smile on his face every time.

Sometimes, in the middle of the night, Wolf would grab you by waist and pull you closer to him just to whisper from behind, into your ear, “Quiero besarte por todas partes” (I want to kiss you all over). You can’t help but give yourself completely to him even in these unholy hours of the night.

some translation in case you needed it

*hijueputa - son of a bitch

*mi vida - my world

—

i hope you guys enjoyed it! it was so much fun to write this, so send more requests of anything you’d like from your fav characters.

#bullet train #the wolf bullet train #the wolf x reader #bad bunny #bad bunny x reader #the wolf imagine #bad bunny imagine #benito #the wolf x fem!reader #bullet train headcanons #bullet train imagine #bullet train fic #my writing

[whenthesnowfelloverwinterfell]

Vatic - Chapter XI "One and Ten"

Series Description : The youngest daughter of King Viserys and Queen Alicent grows up split between the two sides of her family. With dreams plaguing her sleep of people she does not know, and a war looming ahead of her. She will be forced to choose between the two sides of her family, between the love for her brother, and the loyalty for her sister. 

Chapter Description : As time is beginning to pass, Y/n is forced into the reality of womanhood and is forced to begin thinking of her future even if she does wish it.

Warnings : Mentions of periods, very young girls in marriages, I think that's it if not let me know :)

Pairing : Eventual Aemond Targaryen x Targaryen!Reader ( cannon typical targcest idk what to tell you )

Word Count : 4.1 K

Otto Hightower had insisted that her skirts be dropped in length when she had turned one and ten, and Y/n had been sour over it since. She did not like that her grandsire was privy to everything that occurred in the Red Keep. And she certainly did not like that he had been privy to the information that her blood had started. She did not like that he told the seamstresses to lengthen the skirts of her dresses, and begin to structure her dresses in such a way that whenever she looked in the mirror she was reminded of her mother. 

Y/n had found herself forming many opinions as of late, other than her distaste for her grandsire. She found herself beginning to form a distaste for Aegon the more she grew observant of his actions. She found herself becoming more partial to Helaena and even indulging her and her bugs. She found Aemond’s determination inspiring, how he insisted on beginning to train with his sword again, his restless hours in the keep’s library with books piled around him in a well lit corner. Y/n found that each day her small dislike for her father had become a swelling rage against his very presence in any room in which they shared. 

Every time the young maiden looked at the king, she was reminded of his inaction when his own son had been irreparably damaged. And every day since, she’d grown aware of his apathy towards all except for Rhaenyra. 

The very man responsible for her existence was the same man she prayed would choke on his food at the dinner table. 

And yet, while she felt as though she should hold something against Rhaenyra for being their father’s clear favorite child, she felt none. She felt only the adoration a young girl had for her eldest sister. She received Rhaenyra’s letters privately, and read them in the peace of her own chambers. She wrote her own letters and had them sent privately as well. 

Rhaenyra wrote to her about a sighting of a rather large and yet unknown wild dragon over Dragonstone. Said to be as white as snow, many of the commoners in the city below Dragonstone all calling the dragon a number of different things, and all Rhaenyra would call the dragon was the ghost. Hardly any ever saw it, and none had ever heard it. 

Rhaenyra wrote to her about how Jacerys and Lucerys and Joffrey were from time to time. How Joffrey’s egg had hatched, and that Daemon and Jace got along perfectly well you’d think Daemon was his father if not for Jace’s hair. And although, Y/n held no ill will against her sister, she found herself bristling at every mention of Lucerys and how he was growing to be a kind and sweet boy. Yes, that had been the boy Y/n had known growing up, but it was not the boy she remembered him as now. 

Y/n would write to Rhaenyra about a plethora of things. From her training with Theobrand, to the trials of growing into a young woman. She did not care for her length skirts or structured gowns, and she certainly did not care for how she was now being treated by those in court. And Rhaenyra had offered her counsel and empathy. 

She would occasionally tell Rhaenyra in her letters that she missed her presence, and wished to see her once more. But even as she wrote those letters, she knew Rhaenyra would not return to King’s Landing unless it were necessary. And Y/n knew her mother would never allow her to travel across the Blackwater to visit. 

Y/n knew the chances of seeing her sister any time soon were so slim that even wishing it would disappoint her. 

Y/n was sat with a book in her lap, her eyes were scanning the pages, but she was not comprehending the words in front of her as her mother continued to ask the seamstress to make more modifications. Maris was standing beside the seamstress, holding a few different fabric samples in her hands. 

Maris Tarly had been given the status of Helaena’s maid-in-waiting. She had grown more into herself in the past year. Her hair had grown nearly twice of what it had once been, and her face had begun to grow slimmer like that of a young woman. 

Looking up from her book, she turned her attention to Helaena. The poor girl looked so out of place, and their mother looked uncomfortable with the ordeal. 

The ivory fabric looked lovely on Helaena, her hair brought it together in Y/n’s opinion. But Helaena had never liked being poked by pins and she had never enjoyed standing on a stool so someone could ensure her gowns were well fitted, and she never particularly enjoyed being touched. It was why so many of her gowns were simple in comparison to their mothers, or even to Y/n’s. 

Y/n would sit still and bite her tongue to make their mother happy, and as she did that even more in the last year, Alicent would have more intricate dresses made for her. She should have been more like Helaena, making her displeasure known. Maybe she wouldn’t have to stand on the stool for hours on end. 

But their mother was not relenting this time with Helaena. She needed to look perfect after all. She was thirteen, and she was to be married in the eyes of the seven in the royal sept in front of every lord and lady who would attend. But Y/n knew that the real reason Alicent put so much of her attention on Helaena’s gown, was so she didn’t have to face her own guilt over it. And did not have to think of how Aegon would mistreat and dishonor Helaena. 

It was all Y/n could think of now. Ever since she’d grown more aware of Aegon’s actions, the only thing on her mind was Helaena’s wellbeing. “Mother, it looks perfectly lovely.” Y/n spoke up, making eye contact with Helaena in the mirror. “She looks lovely. Radiant even.” Y/n then looked to Maris who was looking the elder princess up and down. “Maris, what do you think of the gown?”

“It’s gorgeous, Princess. Fit for a royal wedding. We should not allow the men to lay a finger on the dress so we may preserve its beauty.” Was Maris’ response. 

The mere mention of what could and likely would happen on the wedding night had both Y/n, Helaena, and Alicent cringing. Y/n did not wish to witness the women of the court drag Aegon to the bed chambers, and she most certainly did not wish to see the grown men of the court drag Helaena, all the while, both parties undressing them. Y/n had been lucky enough to have never witnessed it. 

But Y/n could see a look of thanks being sent her way through the mirror from Helaena. A quiet one, but she knew it well enough. 

“Yes. . . She does look gorgeous.” Alicent nodded in agreement, nervously playing with her sleeves as she stared at Helaena. “I suppose we do not need any more beading. We will only have it fitted.” 

Y/n smiled to herself, her eyes flickering over to Maris, making eye contact with her friend, both of them sharing a smile for a moment before Y/n looked back down at her book. But her moment of peace was soon interrupted. 

“Lady Maris, your mother told me that a marriage has been arranged for you with Lord Grover Tully’s great-grandson, Kermit? He is a few years your junior is he not?” Y/n looked up at her mother and friend once more as the seamstress continued on working with Helaena’s dress. 

Maris nodded. “Yes, Your Grace. But not so much that it should matter. Once he has reached his majority we will be married at Riverrun. I will still be here for quite a few years to come, Your Grace. We had all agreed his majority would not be till I myself am nine and ten years of age.” 

Alicent hummed and nodded as well. “It is a good match.” Alicent then turned her attention to Y/n after a second. “Your grandsire wishes for you to be married soon as well. At least betrothed.” 

The Princess’s blood ran cold as she stared at her mother. “My grandsire wishes for many things.” She could swear she felt her face growing hot. She brought both hands to her lap on top of the open book absentmindedly fiddling with her fingers, occasionally picking at the cuticles. 

“Yes. . . He does.” Her mother agreed, looking back to Helaena before back to Y/n. “What are you doing?” Alicent inquired, her gaze fixed upon Y/n’s lap. 

“Reading.” was Y/n’s quick response with a small smile before she looked back down at her book, going back to her previous activity of scanning the pages but not truly taking in what any of the words said.  

She did not understand Otto’s actions nor his wants. She was only one and ten. She’d have plenty of time to be married off sure enough. Rhaenyra had married Laenor when she was nine and ten years of age. She did not think it necessary for her to marry as soon as she believed her grandsire to wish for her. 

Y/n and Aemond had been prohibited by their mother from sharing a bed with one another. The Princess did not understand it, and it was clear that she also did not respect it. She was sat on an ottoman, in her robe, her hair let loose around her face and shoulders, waiting for Aemond to find her chambers. They could not use the corridors that everyone knew of, the guards would see them and report it back to their mother that they were not abed at this hour of the night. So she sat patiently, waiting for Aemond to come through her wall. She did not know the passageways like he did. She had never liked dark and small spaces, so when he and Helaena had gone exploring in them as young children, she had opted to stay by the entrance with a lantern waiting on their return. She still remembered the cobwebs that littered both her brother and sister’s hair and clothing that day. 

Y/n looked up as the stone wall was pushed open and Aemond’s came through the passageway, a lantern in hand. 

“Ready?” Aemond asked.

Neither of them wanted to get in trouble with their mother, so they had decided they would go exploring around the castle. Most people were already in bed themselves, and if they made sure to stay mostly in the dark, then surely they would not be caught by one of the guards. 

Y/n nodded eagerly, slipping her shoes on quickly and getting up to approach him. Aemond reached a hand out for her, and as soon as she was close enough, they intertwined their fingers, and he gently pulled her into the dark passageway as he pulled the portion of the wall closed behind him, the only thing keeping the dark from swallowing them whole was the lantern he carried. 

The flame inside remained steady, sending sharp shadows across the stone passage as the elder of the two began to lead them down the uneven stairs. The passage was so slim that they could not walk side by side, but rather Aemond’s arm was reached behind him to lead her as she followed behind, one hand tightly holding onto his and the other gripping his shoulder to keep her balance on the uneven steps. She was never the most graceful of the two. Perhaps it was good that she did not practice with the sword but with the bow. She now found herself realizing that had she been given a sword, not only would her mother have thrown a fit over it even worse than she did over the bow, but Y/n likely would have sliced her own arm off. 

“Where are we going?” She questioned him. 

“I don’t know yet,” Aemond admitted. 

She chuckled and shook her head at his response. She trusted him, she knew that as long as she was with Aemond, she’d be alright. He would not let a thing harm her. She wished she could have always said the same for herself. 

Y/n wished she could have been there to defend him when Luke had taken a blade against him. But that moment had come and gone, and she had not been able to defend him. 

They continued down until they reached a level flooring where the passage was forked. Aemond led her to the right passage, which was only slightly wider, allowing her to be closer to him, their pace had sped up, with the floor beneath them now being easy to navigate, they did not need to be so overly cautious as they once were. 

But Aemond came to a sudden stop, causing her to slam into his back unexpectedly, and as she opened her mouth to protest his sudden halt, he quickly turned his head to face her, holding a finger up to his lips, signaling for her to keep quiet. So she held whatever words wanted to slip out trapped in her throat. 

Aemond stepped closer to the stone wall on their left, pressing his ear against it. And although the light was dim, she could see his visible brow furrowed in concentration as he leaned against the wall. His other eye and brow were covered by a cloth he had wrapped and tied around his head, having mentioned to her it was to keep the dust and dirt of the passages from getting into his socket. Something about it irritating the exposed flesh of his eye socket. 

Y/n followed his lead, leaning her head against the wall, and although the stone was thick, she could hear the faint voice of their grandsire speaking through cracks in the grout and stone. 

“Y/n has bled, she’s old enough to be married. We will need plenty of allies in the coming years.” 

She could hear her mother scoff now. “She’s a child. You know as well enough as I do what will happen if you sell her off like a broodmare.”  Their mother’s voice had a bass in it that only came when she was angry and did not wish to show it. 

Y/n looked to Aemond, who was already looking back at her, his lips in a thin line as they listened to the words being spoken. Y/n had done her best to not allow anyone to know about her blood. The only ones who had known where the maids she had cried to the morning it had happened, their mother, Maris, Rhaenyra, and Otto. But she supposed now even Aemond knew. She was embarrassed of it. 

The next few sentences were muffled, but after a second she could hear Otto once more. “Rhaenyra’s mother was Y/n’s age when she and King Viserys married.”

“Yes! She was!” Alicent yelled. “And at age two and ten  she was with child and lost the child! She was four and ten when she gave birth to her first son, and five and ten when he died in the cradle!” 

“Child loss is a fact of life, Alicent. You can not allow that to cripple your family’s strength.” 

She heard her mother’s bitter chuckle through the wall. 

“You gave me no choice with Helaena. You forced my hand on that matter. I will not have it forced with Y/n. We all know that Queen Aemma’s bad luck with children was due in part to how young she was when she fell pregnant the first time. I will not allow your ambition to kill my daughter in a birthing bed. I will not allow a man’s lust and greed for a son and heir kill her!”

Y/n could feel Aemond grow stiff beside her in the dim lighting, in truth all she saw was his silhouette become rigid and unmoving, he was not even moving with any breath he took. And she had grown stiff as well. 

“Alicent-”

“No! My children’s fates have all been planned for them the moment they were sired upon me! I’ve never been allowed a say in their lives! You said it yourself, do you not remember? Aegon in truth was not for me, but for the throne, you even persuaded Viserys to name him after the conqueror! I knew the moment Helaena was born that she was for Aegon! Aemond was always to be one of Aegon’s men! But Y/n? She had no fate laid out for her as the second born daughter to me! She is my daughter!”

Y/n and Aemond both looked to each other again, but now, in the ill-lit passageway, she could see the look upon his face. He was disturbed by the conversation. Uncomfortable with it. Deep frown lines forming by the second. But neither initiated the actions to leave and continue down the passage. 

“Truly you do not only hold love for her?” Otto inquired. 

Alicent fell silent for a moment, but she soon found her voice. “Of course not. But it is hard to find any love for Aegon or Helaena that is not ridden with guilt. You have forced me to put so much on their shoulders. Aemond is the one who holds them all together. He is only a child himself as well, and he has all of the responsibility. Even he knew your ambitions. He knew the value of having a dragon. How it would overshadow the loss of his eye. He learned that from you in the very little time you had come into his life. Your goals are to force one son of mine onto the throne, my oldest daughter to marry her brother and give him children to strengthen his claim, and to have my other son be his brother’s soldier. . . Y/n is innocent to the world. I will not have her innocence ruined because you wished for more allies.”

“The maesters tell me the King, although not the image of health, is not near death yet. . . If you feel so strongly about this matter then so be it. But she must be married before the King’s health declines to the point where he cannot effectively rule.” 

Y/n heard her mother hum in a way she knew to be a ‘no.’ 

“When she is twelve she will begin courting-”

“So you agree-”

“No. You will not choose the men she courts. Nor will I, and nor will Viserys. She will choose her husband herself.” 

The argument continued on, but Aemond grabbed her hand and pulled her away before she could continue to listen on. “Let us  go to the waters.” He mumbled to her. 

Y/n nodded quietly, following him down the passage. When they reached certain parts of the passage that were hard to navigate, such as steep inclines, or even drops, Aemond would go down first, and then help her down after. But he was quiet the entire way down into the belly of the Red Keep. 

She could smell the salt water from the arch that led out to the shore. It was not easily accessible, so the guards were scarcely positioned there. 

She and Aemond found themselves sitting outside on the cold sand, staring out at the ocean. Y/n could feel his discomfort from beside her. He was brewing in his own thoughts. She knew the feeling in the air too well. It was the same as when Aegon jested about him needing to start attending court more often. It was the same as when Aegon, the maids, or stewards could not seem to take their gaze away from Aemond’s face since he had fully healed enough to go without the wrappings. 

Though, Y/n was feeling the same as him. She was equally as uncomfortable as him in this moment. She was reminded of what Rhaenyra had told her.  “It will happen to you sooner than you may think, little sister,” 

The very idea of choosing a husband herself was an uncomfortable one. She did not wish to be forced to leave King’s Landing and be away from her family. She knew if she left, she’d likely never see some of the people she loved so dearly. Like Aemond. 

“I do not wish to see you married.” Aemond suddenly professed. “I am the elder. If anyone should be pushed to marriage first, it should be me.” 

It made the princess giggle a bit. “You? Married?” 

Aemond nodded and turned his head to look at her, the moonlight and the lantern now offering a perfect lighting she had not gotten inside the passages. She could see every freckle and could perfectly see his scar now, and every face he made. “Yes.” 

“And who would you marry? Lady Kathlyne of house Rykker?” She teased with a grin, leaning over to bump his  shoulder with her own. The young lady of the court was pretty. With dark brown hair that shined, and bright blue eyes that were by far the most striking she’d ever seen. 

“You,” Aemond spoke suddenly, a very serious inflection in his voice, his brows furrowed as a breeze washed over them. 

It made Y/n go quiet as she looked at him. She did not know quite what to say. She had once thought it as well. It had been a brief thought, fleeting even. She had not even voiced it to her mother when she had it. When it had been announced that Helaena and Aegon were to be wed, she had briefly thought that she and Aemond should be too. It was Targaryen custom, but she had let it flee her mind at the time because she knew her mother would never approve of it, and she did not wish to upset her mother. 

“What?” Her voice was quiet, barely a whisper as she looked at him, any form of amusement had left her.

Aemond looked away suddenly, now facing back towards the sea that gently crashed onto the shore. She had no words to say to him, so she only stared at him in confusion and shock. 

His hair was over his shoulder, the one farthest from her. He had grown it long enough so it could all rest on one shoulder, and her own was still spread around her shoulder and back. But she had an unobstructed view of his face. How the bridge of his nose was scrunched up in thought. 

“Aegon isn’t a good person. . . He will not honor Helaena. He will harm her more than anything. . . But that isn’t abnormal for the lords of Westeros. Father does not so much as care for Mother. . . I would not want someone to harm you just because you are their wife, and I do not wish to see you leave.” 

Y/n looked down at the sand where one of her hands was laid, her fingers digging into the granules, burying them beneath. With her other, she scraped her thumb over the cuticles of her other finger, picking at the flesh around her nails. 

“I would marry you because it is Targaryen tradition. If I were your husband, I could always ensure you were never harmed, I’d never harm you, I’d never dishonor you. I would never force you to have children if it was not what you wanted. . . But mother would never allow it.”

Y/n stopped picking at her flesh. “How do you know?” She inquired. 

“I asked her. On the ship to Driftmark.”

“That was over a year ago. . .” She realized, but he remained silent and unmoving. Defeated. 

They remained that way. Sitting in silence, the waves being the only thing being heard other than the wind against their ears. Had they both had the same thought? Had he allowed it to fester as she allowed it to dissipate? The thoughts of what might be if they married were swimming around in her mind. 

Hearing their grandsire and mother’s argument through the wall had made her afraid of the prospect of marriage, but she did not find herself afraid at the thought of wedding Aemond. She had known him her entire life. Y/n knew he’d never harm her. He’d be kind and gentle, and gallant. But much like him, she knew Alicent would never allow it. She was forced to marry her two eldests to one another against her faith. She would not allow it a second time. 

“nyke'd dīnagon ao hae sȳrī.” She spoke softly, reaching out to grab his hand. 

I’d marry you as well.

Add yourself to the taglist !!

@disneyprincessbuffyannesummers @winxschester @blissfulbluenights @ghostlypineappl @dreaming-of-the-reality @strangersunghoon @shesjustanothergeek

#aemond targaryen x reader #aemond targaryen x you #aemond x you #aemond targaryen #game of thrones fic #aemond targaryen fic #house of the dragon fic #aemond imagine

[tessa-liam]

Turning the Page  

Home is Where the Heart Is -8-

Choices, The Royal Romance, AU 

Series Premise: As Riley Brooks journeys through life as a single parent in New York City, an epiphany strikes as she contemplates the future for herself and her two-year-old son. 

Turning the Page Series Masterlist 

Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC Riley Brooks 

All characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, except William Brooks (Rys) and Matteo Magro, who belongs to this series. 

Category: On-going series, contains angst/fluff/depression. Cross-over fic with Choices, Perfect Match. 

Rating: M🔞Warnings - Series will contain crude language, NSFW material – not Beta’d - please excuse all errors. 

Words: 2501 

Home is Where the Heart Is – 8 

Chapter Summary: Madeleine reveals her threat to the Royal council, while Liam makes initial preparations to bring Riley and William home to Cordonia. William, with Riley’s help, decorates a gingerbread house for his father. Liam arrives in New York on Christmas Eve. 

Music Inspiration:

Bless the Broken Road, Selah, Melodie Crittenden 

All I Want for Christmas is You, Mariah Carey 

A/N1: In this alternate universe, after King Constantine orchestrates two individual scandals to humiliate and entrap Riley Brooks and Olivia Nevrakis in shame, Madeleine Amaranth secures her position as the Queen of Cordonia. Riley, as the King’s mistress and Olivia, in self-imposed exile. Tariq is never found.  

A/N2: My submission for @choicesflashfics, Week#64, prompt #2 - “I’m not in the mood for a lecture.” 

A/N3: My submission for @choicesflashfics, Holiday Prompt #82 - “The only thing I want for Christmas is you.” 

A/N4: My submission for @choicesdecember2023, prompt, Food and Feasts - ‘Gingerbread House.’ #choices monthly challenge 

A/N5: My submission for @choicesholidays, Winter Holidays 2023 prompt event, Week5 – This is the best Christmas ever! @angelascribbles  

Brooklyn Heights, New York City 

As Riley carefully placed the gumdrops on the roof of the gingerbread house, William stood nearby, watching her intently. “Mama, put red one there,” pointing to the chimney top. William was serious about the details of the house. For him, everything had to be ‘just right’. 

Riley softly smiled. William wanted everything perfect for his Christmas gift to his father. 

"Mama, can I help?" 

"Of course, honey." Riley handed him the bag of candy, and William began to place them on the house, giggling as he did so. 

"You're doing a great job, LiLi. Your Daddy will be so proud of you.”  

"Look, Mama! It's finished." 

"Yes, it is ... almost. We just need a few more pieces of candy and we should put more ‘snow’ on the roof." 

William squealed with delight as Riley handed him the piping tube of frosting to hold, as they began to finish the roof together. 

Just as they were finishing up, Riley heard the front door open, and she turned to see Matteo coming into the brownstone, a large bag of Chinese take-out food in his arms. 

"Surprise! We thought we'd bring dinner." Daniel announced while Matteo nodded his head to the royal guard standing next to the entrance. Daniel followed, stomping the snow from his boots. 

"Thanks, guys. You're the best." Riley carefully moved the house to the counter to set, to make room for dinner.

"Unca Dan Dan! Unca Matty! Look what Mama and I made." William tugged at Daniel’s coat. 

"Wow, that looks so cool, LiLi." Daniel squatted down for a mini fist bump. 

William beamed, "It's a gingerbread house for Daddy. He's going to be surprised." 

"He will. I'm sure he'll love it." Matteo placed the bag of food on the table and pulled out his phone. "We should take a picture." 

Riley nodded, "Good idea. Come on, everyone." 

They all gathered around the gingerbread house, smiling as Matteo snapped a few photos. 

"Perfect. Thanks, guys.” 

"We got your favorites, Ri. Orange chicken, vegetable lo mein, and fried rice." 

"You know me so well." Riley smiled appreciatively. 

“Ummmm ... Ri?” 

Riley looked at Daniel, noticing he was moving his head toward the Royal guard. “Do we need to feed ‘Lurch’ over there?” he whispered. 

Smirking, Riley shook her head ‘no’ and asked, "What's the special occasion?" 

"Just a quiet night in. It's been a long week of travelling." Matteo sighed. “I am beat.” 

"Well, we have three days here before we leave for Greece," Daniel shimmied over to kiss Matt on the lips as William climbed into his toddler seat. 

"What's happening in Greece?" Riley asked, puzzled. 

"Matty’s corporate New Year's Eve party is being held at a private estate this year in Athens," Daniel answered. 

"Wow. Sounds fancy." Riley grinned, setting plates on the table. 

"It will be.” Matteo winked at Daniel. 

“Speaking of fancy ... and what about you, Riley?  What has Liam planned for you and William this Christmas?” 

Riley glanced at the royal guards standing near the entrance. She knew Liam would be returning in a few days, knowing that the guards received the King’s itinerary this morning. "Actually, I'm not entirely sure, yet." 

"Maybe a romantic dinner up in the Hampton’s," Daniel suggested, waggling his brows at Matteo. "The man owns a private jet, Dan. The sky’s the limit." Matteo added. 

Riley giggled, "Who knows? I am just thrilled he will be here with us," mussing William’s hair as he returned her smile. 

"So, how are things with you two?" Riley asked, changing the subject. 

"Good. Great, actually" Daniel replied with twinkling eyes. 

"Couldn't be better, Daniel is right. The change of scenery has been fantastic," Matteo agreed, giving Riley a wink. 

"Uh, ha," Riley chuckled, suspiciously. "Okay ... what is it?” Riley laughed, knowing her best friend all too well. 

"We might have some news." 

"Daniel ..." Matteo shook his head, "Not until after we formally announce it." 

"Spill. You can't just say something like that and not give details." Riley demanded., chuckling.

"Okay, okay. I cannot keep it a secret any longer. We're getting married!" 

Riley gasped, "Oh my god, Daniel! Oh! You guys! Congratulations!” 

"Thank you, Ri.” Riley stood up and gave Daniel a huge hug. Matteo smirked, knowing all too well that Daniel could not wait to tell his best friend the good news. 

"I can't believe you're getting married. That is amazing.” Riley gushed hugging Matteo.

"We're really, really happy, Ri. And we could not have done this without you. If you hadn't encouraged us to take a chance, we would have never realized how perfect we are together." Matteo gazed lovingly at Daniel. 

"It was all you two,” Riley countered. “You both just needed a push in the right direction.” 

"We're so glad you were the one to push us. This is the best Christmas ever!”, Matteo grinned. 

"So, when's the big day?" 

"We haven't decided yet. But we're thinking sometime in the spring," Daniel squeezed Matt's hand.

"That sounds lovely. I can't wait." Riley paused ... “Oh, I mean ...” 

"Neither can we. Riley, would you do me the honor of being my maid of Honor?” 

"Oh, yes! I'm really, really happy for you guys. You deserve all the happiness in the world. Yes! I would be honored.” 

"Thanks, Ri. That means so much to me." 

As they sat down and began to eat, Riley could not help but feel a tinge of sadness. She knew that the wedding would be beautiful in Greece, and she was happy for her friends, but ... she could not help but wish that she and Liam were engaged, too, and planning a future. 

"Mama, can I have some chicken?" William asked, snapping her out of her thoughts. 

"Of course, honey." Riley placed a piece of chicken on his plate, cutting the piece into bite size portions. William dug in, grinning. 

Standing up from the table, Riley's eyes were filling with unshed tears as she excused herself from the table, turning towards her bedroom. Needing a chance to breathe and have some space, she walked into her room and clicked the door closed behind her. Riley bowed her head, wiping the tears now flowing freely down her cheeks, and slid down to the floor. 

It was hard not to think about all the ‘what-ifs’.

What would have happened if they could have found Tariq in time to stop the wedding?

What if Liam had chosen her the night of his coronation instead of Madeleine?

What if Liam had chosen her, scandal be damned? As she sat on the floor, more memories surfaced.  

A memory of her and Liam together in the blue grotto in Italy, when Liam mentioned abdicating the throne as a way of moving forward. 

'There's this thought I can't shake off ... what our life could look like together. You and I. Without the court and the Crown.' 

'What does it look like?' 

'The parts I know? We elope and get married in a small, private ceremony...' 

Riley wiped her tears. knowing that this was in the future for Daniel and Matteo, but not for her. 

‘But you can't abdicate, Liam. You wouldn't be happy if you gave up the throne and... you wouldnt be you. In your heart, you know that.’ 

’If I do marry Madeleine, can you go on like this? Stealing moments, meeting in secret?’ 

"Mama?" William’s little voice sounded outside her door, interrupting her thoughts. 

"Yes, LiLi?" Riley softly spoke, standing up and wiping her tears away. She opened her door to see William looking up at her. 

"Are you sad, mama?" William pointed to her eyes. 

"No, honey. I'm just happy for Uncle Dan and Uncle Matty." 

"They marry?"  

"Yes, they are. Isn't that exciting?" 

"Mama, are you and Daddy marry, too?" 

Riley took a deep breath and put her arm around William, "someday, maybe." 

“We can be a real family." 

"We're already a real family, William. No matter what happens, you and I will always be together." 

"Promise?" 

"...and Daddy too?" 

Riley closed her eyes, her hands trembling as she tried not to break down. She was unable to speak and was trying to catch her breath. 

"Mama? Why crying?" 

"I-I'm sorry, William. I'm just feeling a little sad. It has been a long day.” 

Overhearing William, Daniel pushed open the bedroom door.  

"Hey buddy, go see Uncle Matt and finish your dinner." 

“Okay, Dan Dan.” As William went back into the kitchen, Daniel sat down beside Riley and hugged her tightly. 

“Riley?" Daniel questioned his friend. 

"Y-Yes. Everything's fine." 

"Doesn't look like it." 

"I'm just...it's hard, you know? To watch my best friend, get married when..." 

"I know, Riley. It is difficult. But remember, you and Liam are in a good place, now. And who knows? Maybe someday, you will be the ones getting married." 

Riley’s breath shuddered as she looked at Daniel, searching his eyes, staying silent. 

"I understand this is hard, but you can't let the past hold you back. You and Liam have come so far. You just have to take things one step at a time." 

Riley's cell pinged with a message. Picking up her phone, ‘Liam’ appeared on the screen.  

Cordonian Royal Palace 

Olivia, standing in for Liam, and standing for the Royal council, sat at the King's desk. Rashad and his father, the Crown’s personal legal counsel, sat on the sofa next to Liam’s large ornate desk. Madeleine's heels could be heard clicking down the hallway, stopping outside of the study door. Madeleine cleared her throat before Bastien opened the door and allowed her to enter. 

Entering the King’s study, her face was impassive. 

"Where is Liam?" 

"The King is occupied with important matters. He's asked me to represent him in this meeting." Olivia coldly, but politely answered the ex-queen of Cordonia. 

Madeleine’s glare turned nasty as she looked at Olivia in disdain. 

"Keep it up Madeleine. As the King’s representative, you will deal with me and answer all the questions I am looking for. Is that understood, Madeleine? I am not your subject.” Olivia sat back confidently. 

"I am not in the mood for a lecture," Madeleine scoffed.

"Very well. I am here to discuss the matter of the succession of the Crown. I trust the council has brought you up to speed?" 

"Indeed, they have." Olivia responded. 

"Good. Then there is no need to waste time. Let's get down to business." Madeleine said with a smirk. "As you know, the King has yet to select a queen, and secure an heir to his throne. Given his indecisiveness, I propose that the council appoint an heir, should Liam not produce an heir by his thirtieth birthday." 

"We're well aware of the succession laws, and I assure you, the council will make the necessary decisions, should the time come." Olivia rebutted. 

"The King's appointment must meet the established criteria. Should the King choose an heir that does not meet the qualifications, the council is authorized to remove the heir from the line of succession." 

"Your point being, Madeleine? I am sure that you understand that you no longer have any sovereignty in Cordonia." Olivia confidently countered. 

"My point is, is that if he fails to produce an heir, then the council has the authority to choose an alternate. I propose that the council select my unborn child to be named as the heir, since the child was conceived while our marriage was valid. My child meets the requirements, and should the King fail to produce an heir, the council would have no choice but to appoint my child." 

Rashad's eyes narrowed. "I'm afraid you're mistaken, Madeleine. The law is quite clear. A child cannot be appointed as an heir, unless said child is adopted by the monarch first." 

"...and Liam could adopt my child,” Madeleine seethed. 

Rashad continued, “that would require the child to live under the guardianship of the monarch, which is not possible, given the circumstances. Your residence is in Morocco, not Cordonia. as per the marriage dissolution filed legally." 

Olivia nodded, "The council will consider your proposal. In the meantime, Liam's position is still unchanged. He is free to choose his own heir, should the need arise.” 

Madeleine stood up from her armchair and turned toward the bay window overlooking the gardens, contemplating her retort her arms crossed.

"Madeleine, you cannot expect the King to simply appoint your child, when he has another option." Olivia rebutted, knowing that Madeleine was aware of William. 

Rashad added, “again the law is quite clear. A child who is conceived by the monarch while married or not, has the right to a place in the line of succession, even if the parents are not together." 

"Even if the child is a bastard? He was conceived outside our marriage.” Madeleine spat, frothed with resentment. 

"Yes. As was your child," Rashad reminded her. 

"This is absurd. We are done here....guards!” Olivia summoned, as Madeleine was escorted out of the study by the Royal guard. 

*** 

Liam, Leo, Drake and Bastien watched the entire exchange virtually from Liam’s personal quarters. 

"Do you think she's capable of harming Riley?” Drake wondered aloud. 

"Yes, I am sure of that. If not herself ... her father. Liam sat back in his chair, his hands steepled in front of his mouth, annoyance etched on his face.

"I think that she is desperate and will do whatever she can to get what she wants.” Leo added supporting his brother. 

“Bastien, begin the surveillance protocol on the countess and her father, Liam commanded. 

“Consider it done, your Majesty.” Bastien confirmed, standing to leave the room. 

"Do you think it’s wise to bring Riley and your son back to Cordonia?” Drake questioned. 

"It's the only way, Drake.” 

"What if Riley doesn't want to come back to Cordonia?" 

"Then I will support her decision, but I have to at least try.” 

Liam stood, walking to his private chambers, with phone in hand.

‘Hello Riley!’ 

‘Liam, hi! How are you?'

‘I'm well. How are you and William keeping?’ 

‘We're doing great. We miss you, though.’ 

‘I miss you both, too.’ 

‘I have a proposition for you...’ 

‘Oh?’ 

‘How would you and William like to come to Cordonia and stay with me at the palace after Christmas?’ 

Riley blinked, not sure how to respond.

‘When I go home after spending Christmas week with you...come back to Cordonia with me.'

'Liam, you can't be serious.'

'I'm quite serious, love.'

'You want me and William to come to Cordonia and stay with you in the palace?'

'Yes, I want you both here with me.'

'Li, I don't know. That seems like a big step.'

'I understand your hesitation. But please, just consider it.'

'I will see you in a couple of days, love. We can talk more then.'

'OK, I am looking forward to seeing you, Li. William made something special just for you.'

Liam smiled, 'I look forward to seeing it, but love, the only thing I want for Christmas is you.'

Thanks for reading!

📌All fics & edits: @ao719 @txemrn @queenmiarys @sfb123 @twinkleallnight @alj4890 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @harleybeaumont @busywoman @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @imjusthereforliam @lovingchoices14 @kyra75 @tinkie1973 @emkay512 @malblk21 @kristinamae093 @charlotteg234

📌Liam x Riley, MC/ OTP: @jared2612 @irisk12 @thesvnsins @walkerdrakewalker

📌Liam x Riley, OC: @emersyn-in-cordonia @mainstreetreader @belencha77 @walkerdrakewalker @iluaaa @mysticalfangirl @queenwalton @bascmve01 @umccall71 @choicesfrog @amandablink

📌Liam x Sophie: @charlotteg234

📌Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @choicesflashfics @choicesdecember2023 @choicesholidays

#tessa liam writes #liam rys #the royal romance #riley brooks #trr #king liam #trr fanfic #king liam rys #king liam and oc #choices the royal romance #choices fandom #choices fic writers creations #choices flashfics #choicesholidays #choicesholidaysprompts #choicesdecember2023 #choices monthly challenge #choiceswinterholidays2023prompt

[exitpursuedbyavulcan]

The Silver Dragon (15/?)

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x Original Female Character

Word Count: 2887

Story Summary: Lady Arianwyn Targaryen, the Lady of Runestone, was seeded by her father, the Rogue Prince Daemon Targaryen, in an act of unbridled hatred, and borne of her mother, the late Lady Rhea Royce, as a desperate grasp at revenge.

Ignored by her father, and alone following the death of her mother, she is raised in King’s Landing alongside her cousin, Prince Aemond Targaryen. As they grow, the two find themselves indelibly bonded. But their lives are far from the fairy tales they read, and as tensions in the family rise, they find their paths may diverge.

Will they be pulled apart when the dragons dance?

Chapter Summary: At long last, Arianwyn returns to King’s Landing.

Warnings: None.

Series Masterlist

Taglist: @thelittleswanao3 @trap-house-homiecide @50svibes @literishdegree99 @dc-marvel-girl96

A Holy Sight

The next morning, Arianwyn climbed down the steps to the castle courtyard well before dawn. She wore her riding leathers, but had a satchel containing one of her favorite gowns, a pair of matching slippers, and appropriate jewels slung over her shoulder. She would most certainly not make her grand return to the capital wearing dirty, worn leather. Queen Alicent had taught her better than that.

By the time the rest of the family emerged, Arianwyn was already comfortably mounted on Emrys, her satchel tied firmly to his saddle. As Jacaerys and Lucerys mounted their own dragons, Rhaenyra, with a sleeping young Viserys on her hip, called to each dragonrider.

“You will stay with the ship until King’s Landing comes into view,” she commanded. “Only then will you fly ahead and land only at the Dragonpit. The keepers expect you and will care for your dragons while we are in the capital. After you are all landed, a carriage will take you to the docks. Once we disembarked, we will ride as one to the Red Keep. Understood?”

Jace and Luke both responded to their mother, but Arianwyn did not. She did not even meet the Princess’ gaze, instead focusing on offering soothing words to Emrys. Finally, after a moment of trying and failing to catch her stepdaughter’s eye, Rhaenyra sighed and made her way toward the dock. She and Daemon would not fly to King’s Landing, not while she was so heavily pregnant. Instead, they were to sail on the ship with their two sons – Aegon and Viserys – and all the servants and cargo.

Arianwyn was grateful for it. The last time she had flown across the Blackwater, Caraxes had nearly driven Emrys to madness for how close he followed. Today, for the first time in a long time, they would fly free.

The sight of the shining red roofs of King’s Landing brought more comfort to Arianwyn than she had anticipated. How could simple tiles bring forth such a feeling of home?

While Vermax and Arrax flew straight for the Dragonpit, Arianwyn led Emrys in a wide circle around the city before she landed, wanting to soak in as much of the city as possible before she was stuffed in a carriage with her stepbrothers. The sun felt so much warmer here, and while there was still the smell of salt coming off the sea, it was a far more inviting than the fishy, wet brine of Dragonstone.

The moment they landed, Emrys let out a joyful roar, overcome with excitement to finally be home. The Dragonkeepers hardly had to lead him at all, for as soon as Arianwyn dismounted, he scampered into the mouth of the Dragonpit, seeking the companions he had missed for so long.

One of the young female Dragonkeepers allowed Arianwyn to use her quarters to change into her gown, and even stayed to help adjust the folds of the silk, straighten the braided silver and bronze chains of her necklace, and release the wind-blown tangles from her silver curls. But when she finally climbed into the carriage, her stepbrothers were not impressed by her appearance.

“We’re going to be late because of you,” Jace complained, pounding the ceiling to signal their departure.

Arianwyn ran her eyes over his attire – a padded red and black gambeson that made him look more like a squire than a Prince. Luke wore the same, though the colors were on opposite sides for him. “At least I will look presentable when we reach the castle.”

He scoffed, “What do clothes matter? I am the future King, no matter what I wear.”

“What you wear can send a message,” Arianwyn replied, perhaps more curtly than was necessary. “For those of us who cannot speak so freely as a ‘future King,’ we must rely on more subtle methods to convey our opinions.”

“And what message does this dress send?” Jace asked, now thoroughly annoyed by her – precisely the way she liked him. Luke pressed his forehead into the carriage window, desperate to be anywhere but between the arguing pair, again.

Was Jace really so thick that he could not figure it out for himself?

The elaborate, flowing gown was made entirely of the finest black and bronze silk brocade, with hundreds of tiny round beads made of blackened steel stitched into the bodice and sleeves, evoking the appearance of a set of pauldrons. Her jewels were entirely set in bronze, save for the single silver chain woven into her necklace – the same necklace Aemond had chosen for her on her thirteenth name day.

The ensemble practically screamed her message: I am not one of them.

But she could not say that. Not to Jace, who would immediately report what she said to Daemon. So she pursed her lips and gave a pretty lie, “It sends the message that I am a beautiful and civilized young woman. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Unable to refute her yet unwilling to compliment her, Jace scoffed and turned away from her, watching the pale stone of the city rush past them. For the rest of the ride to the docks, Arianwyn wore a pleased smile, though she fiddled nervously with one of the stones on her necklace: a single, tear-shaped sapphire.

The mood in the carriage lightened significantly once Rhaena joined them. She had not been permitted to bring Morning with her, as the long journey would have been difficult for the still-young hatchling. So, she talked ceaselessly about how much she missed the pink creature, worrying that she would somehow miss all of his youth in the few days they would be gone. The others sympathized with her, and all tried to cheer her with stories of their own dragons’ adolescence.

But silence fell once more when they rode into the courtyard of the Red Keep to find it all but empty. The King was not there to greet them, nor the Queen, their children, or even any of the Small Council. Only Ser Steffon Darklyn was there to receive them.

“All hail Rhaenyra of House Targaryen,” he announced to no one but the assembled guards and a handful of scattered servants, “Princess of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne, and her Royal Consort, Prince Daemon Targaryen.”

As she exited the carriage behind her siblings, Arianwyn watched the confused anger of Rhaenyra and Daemon’s faces melt into anger. Obviously, the Princess had been expecting something far more grand. Perhaps she expected it still, as she ordered the children into formation with a tilt of her chin.

Being his eldest daughter, Arianwyn should have been positioned just behind Daemon, with her younger half-sisters behind her. But from the countless formal occasions she had endured on Dragonstone, she knew her true place. So she stood in the back, both Baela and Rhaena ahead of her.

But it did not bother her. Soon, she would be with her true family once more.

After long, awkward minutes of waiting in the chilly courtyard, the doors to the Red Keep finally opened. Only one man emerged, a Lord that Arianwyn did not recognize. He approached Rhaenyra and gave a swift bow before taking her hands.

“Welcome back, Princess,” he said.

Rhaenyra stared back at him in disbelief. “Lord Caswell. Has something happened?”

They all glanced around the pitiful courtyard before Caswell answered. “I am afraid not, Princess. Please, come with me.” He stood aside with a hand gesturing back toward the door. With a hefty sigh, Rhaenyra followed him into the Red Keep.

Arianwyn’s heart soared as she entered the familiar halls. Some things had changed, yes. New paintings and tapestries hung on the walls, and the Seven-Pointed Star had been carved above many thresholds. But still, it was home.

Lord Caswell brought them to a halt at the foot of the Grand Staircase. “Your petition shall be heard tomorrow, I am told,” he said. He leaned closer to Daemon and Rhaenyra, whispering something Arianwyn could not hear.

When he leaned back, Rhaenyra turned to her children. “Your father and I are to go see the King. We will meet you in our chambers later in the evening. But, for now, you have leave of the castle.”

Daemon stared directly at Arianwyn as he added, “I expect you will all behave yourselves and stay out of trouble.” She did not reply but held his gaze until he turned and went up the steps with Rhaenyra.

Rhaena immediately ran off to find her sister. For a moment, Arianwyn did not know where to go. Her old rooms? The library? But her choice was made as soon as she overheard Jace.

“Let’s go to the training yard,” he suggested to Luke. “I want to see if that hole in the wall is still there!”

Of course, the training yard. Arianwyn’s heart skipped a beat as she mentally scolded herself for considering anywhere else, for she knew that the training yard was where she would find Aemond.

It was difficult for her not to sprint down the hallways for her eagerness, but she kept her pace slow and herself behind her stepbrothers. A lightness began to spread through her body, and her fingers tingled until she clasped her hands together and squeezed.

Though it had been nigh on six years since she had seen him, she had still heard from Aemond every day. He kept her appraised of everything that happened in the Red Keep, so thoroughly that she sometimes felt as though she had never left. So why did she now find herself so nervous to see him?

She brushed off the question as she emerged into the light. Jace and Luke turned right and began down the stairs to the training yard proper while she continued straight on the rampart to the viewing platform.

Her eyes were drawn downward when she heard the clanging of steel on steel, but she was left disappointed when she only found the Cargyll brothers sparring. The yard was more crowded than she had ever seen, with dozens of Lords and Ladies gathering to watch the men practicing. Curious, she had never seen Ladies below the ramparts before.

Before Arianwyn could consider it further, a flash of white caught her eyes. Her breath caught when she, at last, saw him.

Aemond.

He was turned away from her, leaning over a display of weapons, no doubt pondering which to choose for the day. In his letters, he had told Arianwyn that while he could hold his own with each weapon he used, the simple longsword remained his favorite. Indeed, he set aside all the maces, hammers, and axes on the table before him and drew his sword from his belt.

Picking up a wooden shield, he stalked across the yard to meet Ser Criston, a crowd immediately gathering around them. Not wanting to lose sight of him, Arianwyn ran across the wall to get a better view.

Gods, he was truly a man now.

He stood several inches taller than Ser Criston, and though he was quite lean, an undeniable width to his shoulders revealed a great strength. But what most drew Arianwyn’s admiration was his face.

Beautiful was the only word Arianwyn could think of to describe him. The line of his jaw was severe, running parallel to the sharpness of his cheekbones. His nose was long and stately, and his lips seemed to hold a permanent mischievous grin. There was an intensity in his one eye, which was only amplified by the harshness of the red scar that still ran across the left side of his face and the black leather patch covering where his eye had once been.

Arianwyn wondered if her sapphire was there now.

Aemond jumped up and down, shaking his arms to banish the stiffness in his muscles before crouching in an offensive position. Ser Criston mirrored the motion, and the fight began.

Cole moved first, swinging his morningstar directly at Aemond’s head. Arianwyn’s heart jumped as it came down, but Aemond had already moved, and the weapon crashed against his shield.

She hardly breathed watching them fight, at once terrified to see Aemond hurt and yet thrilled by the warrior he had become. He moved with the remarkable swiftness of a Dornish adder and the deadly grace of a Qohorik tiger.

Arianwyn fought the urge to shout when Ser Criston once more brought his morningstar down on Aemond’s shield, shattering one side and forcing him down on one knee. But Aemond was not defeated. Instead, he tossed his shield out of the ring and rose, swinging his blade around the Kinsguard’s head twice.

When he feinted another swing, Cole fell for the bait, swinging wildly and throwing himself off balance just as Aemond spun out of the way and behind him. Cole was angry now, frustrated that he could not match his opponent’s speed. Aemond spun his sword in a taunting flourish as the knight stalked around him, assessing his next move.

Cole struck left, and Aemond dodged. Cole followed the momentum of his heavy weapon and came back around to his right, but Aemond dodged again. Cole swung again and again, but each time Aemond dodged him with ease.

When Cole began to shout as he raised his weapon to bring another wild swing down on the Prince, Aemond brought up his sword to meet it. The morningstar pulled Cole to the right, exposing his chest and neck. Aemond spun around him, keeping his good eye on his opponent, and brought the tip of his blade against Ser Criston’s neck.

Arianwyn shivered as an unfamiliar feeling swept through her. It was nearly like the rush she felt whenever Emrys took a steep dive, but somehow even more thrilling. After taking a moment to collect herself, she joined in on the applause.

Ser Criston dropped his morningstar and began to clap too, murmuring something that Arianwyn could not hear from atop the wall. Nor could she hear Aemond’s response as he spun his sword back to his side and faced his nephews.

A shout came to open the gates, drawing the attention of all in the yard – except Aemond and Arianwyn.

Neither noticed as Vaemond Velaryon strode in, surrounded by bannermen, giving a withering look to Lucerys as he passed. Aemond did not even notice a servant approaching to offer him a new shield, for he had turned to look up at the wall, and there he found her.

As Aemond gazed upon Arianwyn for the first time in nearly six years, he thought that, surely, no other man had ever felt such joy. When she looked down on him from the rampart and blessed him with her glorious smile, he was certain of it.

He was a drowning man at last breaching the surface and taking a life-giving gulp of air. He was a man dying of thirst at last feeling the sweet taste of water upon his lips. He was a man whose heart had been bleeding for years without ceasing, healed in an instant simply by the holy sight of the woman he loved.

When he had first heard that Rhaenyra and the rest were coming to King’s Landing, he had not allowed himself to hope that Arianwyn would be with them. For if he had, and she were left alone on Dragonstone, he would not have been able to stop himself from flying to her rescue.

But thank the gods, he did not have to. She was here. She was safe. And she was perfect.

Her beauty far surpassed anything Aemond had been able to imagine. Her curling white hair fell in a wild, wonderful cascade down her back. Her slender cheeks and full lips were the deep, enticing pink of the finest Tyrell roses. And her eyes were as bright as polished silver, sparkling with their characteristic gleam.

Aemond brushed aside the servant and ignored Cole’s attempts to begin another round of sparring entirely. Sliding his sword back into its sheath, he pushed through the gathered crowds toward the stairs. Seeing him approach, Arianwyn ran across the ramparts to meet him.

Even as he came to a halt a step below her, Aemond stood at least a head taller. He did not say anything as he faced her, breath heavy from both his fight and his rush up the steps. Then, lowering his eyes to her neck and the jeweled chain that lay there, he reached out a hand as if to grab it, but stopped mere inches from her skin.

“Aemond…” she whispered, for only him to hear. Gods, he wanted to kiss her. To take her in his arms and carry her to the Great Sept and wed her without hesitation. But he could not do that. He could not even move for the intensity of the elation racing through his veins.

But he did not have to. Swifter than he could realize, Arianwyn threw herself into his arms, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck as she pressed her cheeks to his. Slowly, as his body remembered how, he brought his arms around her, at last running his fingers through her silver curls. It took all his strength to remain standing.

“Aemond,” she whispered again, her breath warming his ear. “Aemond, I’m finally home.”

Next Chapter

#aemond #aemond targaryen #aemond one eye #prince aemond #prince aemond targaryen #aemond the kinslayer #aemond fanfic #aemond targaryen imagine #aemond targaryen fanfic #aemond imagine #house of the dragon #house of the dragon aemond #house of the dragon fanfic #hotd #hotd aemond #hotd fanfic #ewan mitchell

[batmanisagatewaydrug]

reading roundup: February 2024

I literally completely forgot I needed to do this oopsie poopsie

WHAT DID I READ IN FEBRUARY!!! LET'S TALK ABOUT IT!!!!

Rouge (Mona Awad, 2023) - listen. there are some very cool ideas in this book, and it's definitely big creepy in places. some of the childhood flashbacks, in particular, had me shrieking with pure dread. but ultimately my issue with this book is the same as my issue with Awad's most well-known novel, Bunny: I would just... kind of like to understand what's going on? like even a little bit? at literally any time? you don't need to explain everything, but man, give me something. vibes alone do not make a meal, and I left this book not really feeling fed.

Our Share of Night (Mariana Enríquez, trans. Megan McDowell 2023) - god, this book makes you WORK FOR IT, but I'm glad I stuck it out. Enríquez has written a fucking doorstopper of intergenerational drama, about an Argentinian family deeply embroiled in a cult that worships something otherworldly and... hungry. perpetually sickly Juan is the Order's prized prophet, but after his wife's death is orchestrated by her own mother he becomes determined to get their young son, Gaspar, away from the Order's control by any means necessary. a wrenching read that swings through every kind of horror, swinging from the supernatural to Argentina's military dictatorship in the 70s to the AIDS epidemic in the 80s and 90s to an absolutely brutal ending.

Red String Theory (Lauren Kung Jessen, 2024) - some of you may recall that Lauren Kung Jessen wrote Lunar Love, one of my favorite romance novels of last year thanks to a zodiac-obsessed protagonist who's (unintentionally) giving major Rebecca Bunch pre-diagnosis in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend vibes. Red String Theory also has a female lead obsessed with mythological matchmaking, so I was really hoping for another unhinged queen, but please don't make my mistake: everyone in this book is devastatingly hinged, and the only real conflict is two characters who like each other from the jump repeatedly coming up with unsatisfying excuses for why they can't date each other. my least favorite was "we'll only in the same city for A YEAR," which is absolutely hogshit wild. "only a year." get out of here. I hate you guys.

Drinking from Graveyard Wells (Yvette Lisa Ndlovu, 2023) - a tiny short story debut by Ndlovu, a Zimbabwean sarungano. one of my very favorite genre of short story collections is "women having a bad time taken up to 11," and god does this deliver. Ndlovu writes about the many indignities heaped upon Zimbabwean women at home and abroad, weaving together tight stories about misogyny, war, poverty, and immigration with restless spirits, bored gods, ignored wise women, and unsatisfactory afterlives. there's a story about a near future in which diamond miners are purposefully set up and sacrificed to an angry underground god to create more diamonds that was so fucking clever, and the final story - the titular Drinking from Graveyard Wells - was just... an absolutely perfect short story. suspenseful and eerie and just enough of a hint of explanation to really chill you. chef's kiss.

It Happened One Summer (Tessa Bailey, 2021) - shout out to all of my patreon supporters who voted to make me read another Tessa Bailey book; you truly wish darkness and despair upon me. here's the insane thing about this book: if you just completely ignore the actual central romance, it's just a sweet book about an infinitely likeable young woman unplugging from her shallow socialite life and finding a new niche reviving her deceased father's bar in a tiny fishing town in Washington. it's like, you know, the plot of a pretty okay disney channel original movie? it's no Minute Men or High School Musical, but it's cute. it's a solid Dairy Girls or Princess Protection Program. but then there's the love interest, who's just a fucking tool all the way down. reader, I kept wishing he would get swept over the rigging of his own crab boat and die ingloriously at sea. this guy sucks so bad. also the sex scenes were identical to the ones in Unfortunately Yours and they did not taste any better reheated. fascinating treatise on cishetero gender norms, rancid romance. I wrote a whole thing about it on my patreon if you're into that kind of nastiness.

#bookblr #reading updates

[birbthebird]

Yandere! Red Son x Reader—

HeadCanons

[@unknownwolf1996, ask and you shall receive :)]

♛ Red son is most definitely familiar with romantic and intimate relationships but doesn’t see the big deal about it, y’know?

♛ On the outside, he pretends he sees marriage and relationships as a contract. A deal between two people who are together for mutual benefit.

♛ But on the inside, this boy is a hopeless romantic.

♛ He’s seen the strong love held between his parents and would want that as well, but he doesn’t want just any relationship.

♛ He would want a partner who is strong enough to go against him but is also able to handle his short temper and still give him affection at the end of the day.

♛ But he never thought such a person would exist so he instead drowned himself in work to forget about his growing desire.

♛ So you can imagine his reaction when he first saw you: his starry wide eyes, mouth agape, butterflies formed from the depth of his stomach, a blush crept up to his cheeks.

The one person he wished he could have in relationship was right in front of him, fighting his bull clones with quick and hard movements. Your beautiful bare body barely being covered by your swimwear garments made him feel excited,

you were everything he ever wanted!

♛ But just before he could send his bull clones to capture you, Noodle Boy and his damn posse showed up. Giving you a chance to escape while he was distracted, away from him.

♛ After his defeat and return to his home, Red Son immediately began his investigation to find you. Once he learned your home address and your location, Red Son then began to do research about you.

♛ Your favorite food, color, movies, your birthday, your family members, your friends, he wants to know everything about his beloved before he reunites with them again.

And I mean everything.

♛ Red Son shuts himself away in his lab trying to write out the perfect plan to meet with you again. So much so, his parents start to notice and with great concern towards their sons health, they send him out on missions to distract him or least get some sense of fresh air.

♛ Once they learn of his obsession for you, they’re on board with helping their son capture you, even if they don’t want to.

♛ But when Spider Queen attacked and captured his father behind his mothers back, Red sons plan to reunite with you was ruined. The worst part was learning you were under spider queens control, ultimately being the main reason why he teamed up with Noodle Boy and his team.

♛ He had to make sure he’d save you at all cost, oh yeah, and his dad too.

♛ When the antidote was doused onto the people of the city and Spider Queen was defeated, you ultimately became paranoid.

♛ Even when you had the strength to fight, you were still put under that damn spiders control and had no control of your movements, only your thoughts.

♛ What was supposed to be your normal day soon became a nightmare in just second, what if another powerful being showed up again? Only stronger and this time, what if no one will be able to save you again?

♛ The desperation to get stronger for protection grew everyday, you’d train everyday, you’d train until you couldn’t move anymore and even when you rested— you’d learn battle and fighting strategies before training again.

♛ Red son would see your distress and use it to his advantage. He’d appear to you with his army of bull clones, overwhelming you with their large number, after Red Son introduces himself to you— he’d offer to protect you from anything that threatens your safety, all he asks is your hand in marriage. You’d be stumped, you remembered his immense strength back at the weather station and you did value your life, a lot actually.

♛ Having an ally like Red son would guarantee your safety from beings you aren’t able to defeat, but marrying him? That’s a little too fast for you.

“Alright… but let’s just date for now, I don’t want to go too far y’kno—“

“PERFECT! FOR NOW ON, YOU’RE UNDER MY PROTECTION AND MY PARTNER!!”

♛ Red Son expected you agree but even though he get didn’t your hand in marriage, that’s still a win!

The dudes desperate, he’ll take what he can get.

#red son #Lmk #lego monkie kid #yandere x reader #Reader Insert #Red Son x Reader #x reader #idk what to tag lol #idk what I’m doing