#Seven for beauty that blossoms and dies

[multifunctionalnitroglycerin]

Seven for Beauty, that Blossoms and Dies

Okay, this one has a lot of creative liberties, but I love drawing roses, sue me. Also, I rly wanted to try a few different ways to represent decay as well, but I just ended up with slightly different colored roses throughout. I know I skipped the Eighth, but I have a much more complicated skull in mind than I have time to commit, so here is the Seventh instead!

For Dulcie, Pro, Cytherea and all my Seventh babies.

Link for my Ninth House skull here (First time I am doing this, I hope it works)

#the locked tomb #tlt series #tlt #House skulls #Seventh House #Seventh house skull #art #artwork #drawings #my art #fanart #my fanart #tlt fanart #dulcinea septimus #protesilaus ebdoma #cytherea the first #cytheria #you know the drill #Seven for beauty that blossoms and dies #Is there anything more poetic than that #Nothing ever ends poetically. It ends and we turn it into poetry. All that blood was never once beautiful. It was just red #tlt brainrot #gideon the ninth #gideon nav #harrow the ninth

[icanseethefuture333]

PAC: How you will blossom in life & as an individual 🌺

"A flower that blooms in adversity, is the most rare and beautiful of all..." - Mulan

Pile 1:

Shufflemancy -

Moonlight Sunrise by Twice

Spring Is Coming With A Strawberry In The Mouth by Caroline Polachek

Fashion by Kamaiyah

Success, Patience, Acceptance, Abundance, Knight of Cups, The Hierophant, Four of Wands, & The World

Bottom of my tarot deck was the world and bottom of my oracle deck was abundance. So it seems that prosperity is right around the corner for you, pile 1! You are going to be entering a period of abundance and the universe will provide clarity and wisdom for you for this spring. I heard "The world is yours", so I feel that through life experiences, you will blossom and grow as a person. You are going to come in contact with a divine counterpart and it will feel almost too good to be true. I almost wrote "gold" so something about them shines the light in you. I also interpret this as embracing all aspects of love, such as allowing yourself to receive it (either from yourself or from others) as well as giving love. People could tell you that you're glowing more and overall your essence and appearance will become very radiant. It is possible that the person, or even people, that you will meet are going to highlight your best attributes. You will be able to be yourself around others and your true self will be greatly admired. I also see that your beauty and personal style will be very eye catching. You could learn to dress for your body type or you will try a new makeup look that enhance your features. Your individuality could be valued and admired by others, the glimmer in your eyes as you talk about your hopes, dreams, goals, or even what makes you happy would really be noticeable. For some of you, you could fall in love, while for others, you will make a friend, perhaps its both. Everything you ever waited and wanted for in life is going to happen to you. In life, you were someone who was always patient and observant of others, but the desires you seek is now time for you to have a turn to experience. You are learning to hoist your sails and steer the ship, instead of going against the water's current. You will be proud of how far you've come and will be able to celebrate your accomplishments soon! You could also be invited to parties or social events where your will get to make connections with others. Fixed energy (Leo, Aquarius, Scorpio, especially Taurus) is prominent in this pile, so it is likely you are going to attract opportunities for money as well that could provide you with a sense of confidence, mental clarity, emotional security, and financial stability. The message for you pile 1, is that "you deserve it". You are deserving love, happiness, and abundance. Be sure not to block your blessings by focusing on your insecurities, accept what you cannot change. Find the beauty in the present and what surrounds you.

Pile 2:

Shufflemancy -

LA DI DA by EVERGLOW

Mango Butter by Durand Bernarr

Link Up by Tinashe

Surrender, Friendship, Trust, Change, Seven of Cups, The High Priestess, The Emperor, & Knight of Pentacles

Forming a bond with others and allowing others to help you on your journey, pile 2, will you help blossom as an individual. You are a confident individual who knows their worth and you have a good head on your shoulders, but there is this aspect of constantly needing to be independent that is stunting your growth. Hyper-independence will not get you anywhere in life, it will only add to your stress and frustration. While you are someone who is successful in your endeavors, you do not allow yourself to trust in others. You could have possibly been raised with the mindset of "hustle culture" or could go by the saying I've been "grindin' all my life". Most people who reached to the top didn't do it all by themself. Whenever someone accepts an award, there are people that they have to thank for their contribution to their work. Whether that was a album, a film, a book, etc. It takes a team effort to get the end result. So you can be the star of the movie, you can be the main character, but watching a film that involves only one person doesn't really make sense. Unless this is the movie "Castaway", then you are going to need to have people in your life to help elevate you as a person. You have to be willing to learn the lessons necessary for your character development. Trust others could be something that is difficult for you but you know that you are smart, pile 2. If someone does not seem like a good apple, you are not obligated by any means to stay friends with them. The universe asks you to surrender and let go of the need to control everything, allow situations to unfold unnaturally. As much as we want life to be peaceful and never have to deal with negativity. It's not realistic, life is balanced, it has its ups and downs - good and bad. You need a friend who will help relieve that stress you are feeling in the moment. Learn to relax and unwind, you don't need to be strong all the time. You will blossom in life and as a person when you embrace having fun, letting your hair down, and being carefree.

Pile 3:

Shufflemancy -

Rocky by SAAY

Let Out The Beast by EXO

You Don't Understand by Gramatik

Freedom, Loneliness, Death, Failure, Five of Wands, Ace of Pentacles, Three of Cups, & Ace of Swords

Oh boy, are you in your angst era, pile 3? You could feel misunderstood and attacked by others. Growing up, it is possible that others would put you down and make you feel less about yourself. A select few of you have experienced bullying, some of you are dealing with unreasonable classmates or coworkers, while for others, your parents or family members were the first bullies you had. Whatever the case may be - you do not need to fight with these people anymore. You are free to walk away from at any given moment. I know that sounds easier said done but it is time for you stop letting people walk over you. This also may sound harsh but you have to get over this victim mindset as well. You are awesome person, pile 3, but holding onto grudges and toxic situations is not going to help you. You will blossom as a individual when you just stop giving a fuck about what these people have said or done to you. Do what you have to do to release the pent up emotions and say your piece then move on. Some of you, need to let someone have it. As in cuss them out for their mistreatment and put that asshole in their place. You don't have to let people get the best of you but you do need to set boundaries with people and know when to say "enough is enough". You are too nice to others and being cool, calm, and collected is not going to fix your problems. I see you are going to feel so relieved after you do this and a weight will be lifted off of your shoulders once you finally confront these issues. I also see that your feelings of loneliness and not being able to "fit" in or make connections with people will not concern you anymore. Your confidence is going to transform tremendously and I honestly am loving this for you, pile 3! I see that you could get the promotion you should have had a long time ago, get the grade you wanted in class, etc. Regardless of what it is, your hard work is going to be acknowledged and rewarded. I also believe you will find some sort of remedy in your relationships and people will start to really cherish you and will treat you with the respect you deserve. Some of you could go to counseling and therapy as well that will provide you with the tools necessary to resolve past trauma. Pile 3, you are going to be able to find your voice again and realize your thoughts and ideas should be heard, they no longer have to be dismissed anymore.

Pile 4:

Shufflemancy -

Godspeed by Frank Ocean

Found Love by Sofya Wang

Ribs by Lorde

Forgiveness, Indecision, Worry, Gratitude, The Star, Eight of Swords, Ten of Cups, & Five of Cups (reversed)

I feel you are missing someone or something, pile 4. There is this nostalgic and dreamy energy that you have. It feels bittersweet and for the season of spring, you could be reminiscing on your past. Perhaps you are remembering memories of someone that was dear to you. Some of you could have experienced the loss of a loved one or there is a distance between you and a place, person, etc. This is causing you to feel worried about your future and ponder about if you have made the right decisions in life. I feel that in order for you to blossom in life, you will have to experience "growing pains". This feels like a coming of age story or wishing to regain your innocence and youth. No matter how old you are, as long as you are living at this very moment, you can do anything you set your mind to. Whether you are an adolescent, someone in their 30s, or even middle aged. You have a great life ahead of you but you will not be able to see this bright future of yours if you do not put yourself out there and at least try. Our memories can be great but also painful but we look to those moments for strength for when we need to realize how far we have come. Instead of feeling remorse about your past decisions or worrying about what's going to happen, find the beauty of the unknown. Practice gratitude and appreciate everything that brought you to this very moment. If you cannot forgive others, forgive yourself my love, forgive yourself for your past mistakes. You do not need to harbor these heavy feelings anymore. There are happy times and joyous moments with loved ones going to come to you seen, as soon as you reflect upon your beliefs. Journaling and practicing affirmations will help you navigate these feelings and build self esteem. This is a period of healing, pile 4. Please hold on just a little bit longer and have faith that things will get better!

Pile 5:

Shufflemancy -

Cigar by HA:TFELT

Mizu by Sophia Black

Kerosene by Crystal Castles

Peace, Self Esteem, Service, Happiness, The Temperance, Queen of Cups, Three of Wands, & The Fool

I remember a quote by Bruce Lee where he said "To be like water, my friend" and I believe that means to just go with the flow in life. If try to force things and it does not work, just try another way. It's pointless to get upset about your way of doing things isn't working, try another way! Instead of being stubborn, you can have endless opportunities to use your creative thinking skills to make your life easier and better. I believe for spring you should do some spring cleaning, whether is cleaning your home, saging your room, or going to a river to take a dip in the water. Now would be a good time to bask in the fruits of your labor and enjoy the fruition of things unfolding. To blossom at this point in your life, you need to take things slow, and appreciate what beauty is in your surroundings. You could start noticing things you never have before. Like "Oh I never knew I had this beautiful tree in my neighborhood!" or "Wow I didn't know this great restaurant was right around the corner of my home!". Just allow yourself to explore your options and not think about what needs to be perfect. This is going to be a period of happiness, peace, and relaxation for you. I overall see that you need to rest and make time to enjoy going out or even make your home a beautiful place. You need to Marie Kondo your life, pile 5! Do what it is you need to unwind from all the stress. Be generous and practice some self care. Go to a spa, get a massage, redecorate your home, drink tea, read a book, take a bath with salts or bath bombs, etc. These activities will help put you at ease and give you the time to think about what you like to do with your life. I see that you will travel, take trips, and focus on self love this spring. You are going to be your own best friend and put yourself for once instead of always being at service to others.

Pile 6:

Shufflemancy -

Dusk by Chelsea Wolfe

Happy Without Me by Chloe x Halle ft. Joey Bada$$

You Should Be Here by Kehlani

Pride, Growth, Purpose, Adversity, Queen of Pentacles, Four of Swords, Knight of Wands, & Ten of Wands

I believe you are being prideful and refusing to make a decision regarding a situation, pile 6. You need to face the music about your actions and what is holding you back. This could be pertaining to a relationship that is not helping you elevate yourself in life. Whether this is a ex, current partner, a situationship, etc. This on and off relationship, that you refuse to accept needs to end, is going to continue to drain you of your time and energy. If you are not seeing someone, then there are codependency issues that you need to understand where it comes. You could have this vice that you are very attached to and without it - you become sick, depressed, and unstable. You do not need anyone or anything to make you feel validated and worthy. You are an amazing person but no one can make you see that but you. You cannot want to get better if you keep depending on materialistic things or the feeble words of others to boost your self esteem. No one needs to have a purpose in life to deserve to have a wonderful life. Your purpose is being here. Destiny, fate, or karma cannot define your self worth and affect what choices you decide to make. Take back your power today and stop looking for other people or the universe to be the voice of reason you need. You have a choice and you can do whatever you wish with that said choice. Life can be challenging and there are bumps in the road but pile 6, you will feel so proud of yourself when you overcome the trials and the tribulations. You will blossom as an individual once you learn to dust the dirt off your shoulder and understand that no matter what happens you will be okay because you have yourself.

Pile 7:

Shufflemancy -

Call For Help by Pearly Drops

I know I'm Funny Haha by Faye Webster

Growing by JGrrey

Perseverance, Relationships, Humor, Grief, Ten of Swords, The Magician (Reversed), Four of Cups, & The Tower

Pile 7, I feel that you are someone who is considered to be all "peaches and sunshine". You naturally have a positive disposition about life and could use humor as a way to elevate the mood. You are a bright source of light for others in this world. You are someone people can go to when they are feeling down and troubled and that is a very beautiful thing. The downside to this, pile 7, is that you are experiencing your own troubles and hardships that no one can see. I don't believe you discuss with others about the grief you have experienced despite having loved ones you have a great connection with. To blossom as an individual, pile 7, you need to embrace being open with others and understand that you are still lovable if you are not always happy. You have a gorgeous smile and when you use it to mask your pain, it becomes a concern. You don't have to handle it all by yourself. Call a friend or a family member to talk about everything you've been dealing with, you could see people will understand or care more than you may realize. Yes other people could be dealing with something in life but it is possible to check on someone as well and make sure they're okay. You are not a burden and you are loved. I also interpret this as you needing to call and check on someone close to you. Whether that's a old friend, your parents, your siblings, or someone you have grown distant from. This could be someone you've known since childhood because I smelled crayons and heard "green eggs and ham". I believe this could also mean you need to reconnect with your inner child. You may not believe in things that a child believes anymore such as magic, fairytales, and mythical creatures. It is okay to engage in fantasies every once in a while, for those sweet, innocent moments helps get away from the world during trouble times. Look at pictures of you when you were young, visit your childhood home, eat a snack you used to loved as a kid, go to a park, watch cartoons, or buy yourself some coloring pencils, markers, toys, etc. Just do an activity that allows you to spend time with your inner child and have fun! In your youth, or growing up, some of you may have struggled with acne but for the month of spring I see that your skin will really start to clear up! For some of you, Melanie Martinez and Tierra Whack's music could be significant. You may have had a phase where you were a big fan of these artists or you should get into their music for it may pertain to your situation. Their song "copy cat" is a message for some of you. Your blossoming period could be uncomfortable in some aspects, pile 7. You may end a friendship with someone or feel the need to move on from what it is not serving you. This change in your life will help you find your way back to yourself. You could have felt disconnected or confused about what is your true identity. Once you shed other's expectations and desires on who you should be, you will be able to experience to true joy. Your spring blessing is to be able to feel secure and comfortable with you really are.

Pile 8:

Shufflemancy -

Let Go by Frou Frou

Freefall by KATRANADA ft. Durand Bernarr

Doctor, My Eyes by Khamari

Judgment, Health, Imagination, Balance, The Hermit, The Empress, Five of Cups, & Death

You are being called to take a leap of faith, pile 8. Freefall into this new period in your life and allow you to see the wonders of life. Have faith and trust that the universe to always catch you. Release your need to judge and constantly criticizing your or other people's imperfections. You are the most prosperous in life when you just let go of the bullshit. You have to be able to realize there is abundance even if you do not see it yet. This is a funny example but I remembered the meme of the girl rapping "but did you die tho?". You could be someone who is considered to be "melodramatic" (real) and act as if the world is ending just because of a minor inconvenience. You are here, what are you going to do about it? Are you gonna cry over spilled milk or continue to push on and do something that makes you happy. Find a balance in expressing certain emotions before you react. You will blossom as an individual when you learn to practice emotional intelligence and know that you are always going to be okay in the end. Have the mindset of "Asked me how I'm doing? I'm blessed, yes." I wrote this at 111 so that angel number is a sign for you to pay attention to your thoughts at this time and instead focus on your manifestations babe! I feel like your guides wish to tell you to stop acting bratty like they adore you but you have your moments where you let your emotions get the best of you and you start to act really spoiled. I'm hearing the lyrics "Good karma, that's my aesthetic, keep my conscious clear that's why i'm so magnetic" and I believe that is all I can reveal to you, pile 8. You already know what desires you seek and how to bring it into fruition, just make sure you stay humble and stop reacting to things that are pointless and won't pertain to you in the next 24 hours. Make sure to get a health check up as well this spring, your eye health could need to be examined or you may need to look into getting glasses or contacts.

Pile 9:

Shufflemancy -

Changing Seasons from the Persona 5 soundtrack

Bluetooth by Piri & Tommy

Borderline by SUNMI

Doubt, Empathy, Fear, Regret, The Moon, The Hanged Man, Page of Cups, & Five of Swords

I feel that this is pile is interested in Y2K, gaming, and technology. You could be more of a hands on person and enjoy objects that allow you to touch, mold, or shape things with your hands. Some of you could be neurodivergent and enjoy using tools that allow you to stim whether that is slime, clay, ceramics, etc. You are really good with your hands and solving things with technology. You could also have a future career in fields such as STEM, video game design, gaming, music production, computer programmer, etc. You are someone who has their unique way of thinking and this is intriguing to others. Your features could be very physically cute as well. This could be weird to say but to people they think of you as a tomodachi, they just want to put you in their pocket, and carry you around. People desire to take care of you. You may think your quirks are considered unlikeable but this is not true. You may not be everyone's cup of tea but there are plenty of people who find you beautiful, pile 9. I feel that there is someone who may even have a crush on you. You could feel things more intensely than others and could deal with feelings of anxiety. You may have trouble sleeping at night due to racing thoughts, thinking of past regrets, and feeling guilty for things that you have done. Pile 9, you have to let go these thoughts and realize that it is just a thought. I am remembering the song "Here Comes A Thought" from Steven Universe. You do not have to suffer because you have troubling thoughts or a mental condition that causes you to be different than others. You may think you are doing others a favor by keeping away and staying in isolation, but it is doing you more harm than good in the end. You may also feel stuck and that you won't be able to get your current circumstances but that is just an illusion. The doubts, the thoughts, the circumstances is all an facade. You can get past this and you can fall in love, make friends, or pursue your dreams exactly the way you are. You do not need to be like anyone else but you. You will blossom, pile 9, once you embrace your remarkable qualities and also your flaws. No one is perfect and just because you have either a condition or personality that may not click with everyone else, it does not mean you cannot be happy, successful, and accepted by others. This spring, you should turn over a new leaf for yourself. Try to start with small goals and take your time. I wish you the best of luck :)!

#pac #pick a card #pick a pile #tarot #tarot readings #free readings #oracle cards #tarot cards #astrology #astro observations #astrology observations #witchcraft #wicca #hoodoo #spring #flowers #manifestation #abundance #law of assumption #loa #magick #law of attraction #divine feminine #divine masculine #spirituality

[torpublishinggroup]

“Two is for discipline, heedless of trial; Three for the gleam of a jewel or a smile; Four for fidelity, facing ahead; Five for tradition and debts to the dead; Six for the truth over solace in lies; Seven for beauty that blossoms and dies; Eight for salvation no matter the cost; Nine for the Tomb, and for all that was lost.”

8-74-13-18 13-343-25-111 8-269-16-10 15-386-33-34 9-209-9-25 14-131-22-34 7-283-11-34 13-283-27-55 9-453-6-17 14-508-25-65 7-212-10-17 14-172-21-153.

#the unwanted guest #tlt #level up #group project from hell #sixth house bat signal

[raedas]

where in the locked tomb universe are we?

or: a tentative guide to the solar system in the locked tomb and which houses go where :)

[id: a diagram of the solar system, including pluto, with additional white text overlaid over each body. the sun is labeled dominicus, mercury is labeled the sixth, venus is the seventh, earth is the first, mars is the second, jupiter is the third, saturn is the fifth, uranus is the fourth, neptune is the eight, and pluto is the ninth. /end id]

note: i'm pretty sure people have put together similar analyses before, but i wanted to try my own hand at it! and please feel free to share if you disagree with me on anything & your own evidence and thoughts <3

evidence & analysis under the cut!

THE NINTH HOUSE:

okay, this one is pretty much just a freebie. if you didn't know that the ninth house was on pluto, then, uh... sorry! i'm not going to exhaustively go through all the evidence for this one, but some things that stick out are the cold, gideon's awe at how close the first house is to the sun, and the fact that it's the "ninth" to begin with—the house that wasn't really meant to exist, perfectly in line with the planet that isn't really a planet THE FIRST HOUSE:

this one is given to us just as much, if not moreso, than the ninth. with that in mind, i'm just going to do a quick run through of the evidence that the first house is earth: it's very blue and covered in water, there are ruins of civilization, it's "the first", so on and so forth. home, sweet home :)

THE SIXTH HOUSE:

Then he said, "The sun has stabilized. Hope the Sixth House didn't get cooked in the flare." (Harrow the Ninth, 490)

this line is pretty much the entire selling point for the sixth being on mercury, the closest planet to the sun! (until they run away to the other side of the universe, that is)

THE SEVENTH HOUSE:

There were other planets that made their homelands closer to the burning star of Dominicus--the Seventh and Sixth, for instance--but to Gideon they could not imaginably be anything else than 100 percent on fire. (Gideon the Ninth, 67)

the implication here is fairly obvious: the seventh and sixth are on venus and mercury, or vice versa. thankfully, since we have the sixth squared away as mercury, it's pretty obvious that the seventh is located on venus

BONUS MYTHOLOGY FACT: venus is the roman goddess of beauty! (also known by her greek name, aphrodite). "seven for beauty that blossoms and dies", huh?

THE EIGHTH HOUSE:

"I squeal so long and so loud that they hear me from the Eighth." (Gideon the Ninth, 26)

while this line is obvious hyperbole, to me it implies one of two things: either the eighth is the farthest planet from the ninth, or it's right next to them. and since we know that mercury already has its hands full with sixth house, i think it's safe to assume that the eighth is on neptune, the ninth's next door neighbor :)

THE SECOND HOUSE:

"We went through the same shitty questions of what to do. What about the Mars installation, what about the fusion batteries?" (Nona the Ninth, 74)

john helpfully offers this tidbit to us when he's recounting everything that happened leading up to the apocalypse to harrow. i think it says a lot that there was a mars installation even before the apocalypse properly hit, and it makes sense that said installation would eventually become a proper House, with a capital H

BONUS MYTHOLOGY FACT: mars is the roman god of warfare (known in greek as ares)! looks at the second house and how closely they're associated the cohort... yeah, i think that speaks for itself

THE THIRD & FIFTH HOUSES:

"I thought we'd end up on the Third or the Fifth, or a sweet space station, or something." (Gideon the Ninth, 56)

"We are not becoming an appendix of the Third or Fifth Houses," continued the necromancer opposite." (Gideon the Ninth, 58)

okay, here's this bit where things begin to get a bit hairy. repeatedly throughout the books, we're told about how the third and fifth are the two "big" houses. harrow's scared of them and worried they'll make the ninth one of their appendixes, gideon originally thinks the entire lyctoral meeting will be on one of their planets, so on and so forth. with that in mind, it really isn't that much of a stretch to think they'd be situated on the two giants in our solar system: jupiter and saturn. we'll come back in a moment to sort out which is which!

THE FOURTH HOUSE:

aaaand uranus is the only planet left! congrats, fourth!

THE THIRD & FIFTH HOUSES (again):

"Naturally [Isaac] is Pent's protégé. I hear the Fifth takes special pains with the Fourth... hegemonic pains, some may say." (Gideon the Ninth, 170)

from this quote, as well as the whole of jeannemary & isaac's relationship with magnus & abigail, we can surmise that the fourth house is very close to the fifth house (hegemonic though it may be). it's reasonable that that metaphorical proximity is reflecting (or caused by) something else: physical proximity. with that, i think it's fairly safe to assume that the fifth is on saturn, putting the third on jupiter

DOMINICUS:

aaand finally, the center of the solar system itself! i really, really don't think it needs sharing that dominicus is the sun, as long as you accept that the locked tomb takes place in our own solar system. however, i do think the meaning of dominicus is worth sharing. coming from latin, it translates roughly to "lordly", "belonging to god", or "of the master." very subtle, john, very subtle.

#shamsisms #tlt #the locked tomb #gideon the ninth #harrow the ninth #nona the ninth #god this post took me like 2 hours to put together. hii #i swear im going to find a typo as soon as i post this but. oh well. im not spending any more time on this post atm #also the page numbers are based on my paperback copies! i think they should be the same in hardcover but im not entirely sure

[chaoticallywriting]

A Merciful King ☼ Chapter Two

Pairing: Aegon Targaryen II x Reader

Warnings: mentions of assault, cursing, mentions of blood, mentions of violence and death.

Word Count: 3.6k

A/N:  I originally posted this series on TheGreensWhore. Unfortunately I got shadowbanned on there so I’m reposting all of amk onto here and will be posting further chapters on here instead of there.

Synopsis: The war is over, the blacks have lost, and as Rhaenrya’s daughter it is your duty to marry a green to secure your younger brothers safety. If only Aemond paid attention to you like his brother does.

Previously || Next

The next morning was a different type of nightmare. Anxiety riddled your bones as you peeled away from him, climbing out of bed at the first ray of light with a wince. Your hands were shaking as you redid the bindings of your dress and smooth down your skirts and hair before making a break for it.

At this early hour, the only ones awake were guards and very few servants. You only hoped that your diligence was enough,spending weeks after that night praying to any god that may hear you for forgiveness… and maybe a little luck.

The godswood became a place that you spent most of your time, occasionally even bringing your little brothers with you. In those days you tried to teach them of the old Valyrian gods and the ways of your ancestors, but it was obvious that the septons teaching them had already begun to plague their minds with that of the seven.

You felt like a foreigner in those moments. You had no one who cared about your ancestors, not anymore. The ways of your people were being wiped out, leaving you to wonder what Aegon the conqueror thought of it all.

You had heard that Aemond would read extensively about old Valryia, but you scarcely saw him. He had arrived a few days after Aegon’s assault, smelling of her and trying his best to ignore your presence. When you had desperately tried to bed him once more, he left the room, claiming he was tired.

It left you feeling panicked, you had even tried to ply him with wine, but he seemed to understand your motives and had yelled at you before flying back to Harrenhal a day earlier than what was intended. You had cried that day, sitting on the floor of your bedchamber, for you knew you were doomed.

You couldn’t trust anyone in the castle. They got rid of your supporters and confidants the second your grandfather had died, leaving no one to ask for moon tea. Your nerves frayed every moon that passed, your bleed refusing to come.It was a quick assumption, but you were always on time and have never missed a bleeding since your first blossom at the age of twelve. Aegon had succeeded and you were doomed. Soon the handmaidens would notice and probably let Alicent know.

You weren’t a fool to think she didn’t have spies in the castle, only an idiot wouldn’t, and she was a very smart woman. She played the game successfully and almost everything had gone her way. Most of her family still lived, unlike yours, and the kingdom would remain in her bloodline.

You had one handmaiden you did trust, Lila. She was always gentle with you in the mornings and was the only one to try to talk to you when readying you for the day. She had even tried to encourage you with Aemond whenever he’d stay in the red keep, reminding you of your beauty and position. You know it’s thanks to her that you always have the freshest honey cakes and why there was always candied lemons in your room. Lila made it all a little bearable, and you came to consider her as a friend.

It was why you had sat her down one-day while the rest readied a bath for you, your voice that of a whisper, “I need you to do something for me, but you must promise not to tell a soul.” Her eyes widened at that, you hardly asked for anything these days, and never once have you been so serious when doing so. “I need a vial of blood, it does not matter which kind or from where, but I need it by tonight, and I will need one every night for the next five days.”

You usually only bled for that long, something she must have picked up on because her eyes glanced down at your stomach. Lila was a smart woman, that much you knew. Part of that scared you, but you hoped you could trust her, she was the only one you could count on to do this.

You gently grabbed her hands, holding them in your own and desperately looking into her eyes. You could hear the other handmaidens finishing up and knew there was not much time left.

“Please.”

Lila nods, her face grim as she pulls her hands away from yours and stands. “I believe your bath is ready, your grace.”

The water is warm and smells of citrus and sage, a smell you’ve always liked. You spend far too long in the water, head leaning against the metal rim and staring off into space. You’ve felt so tired lately, and you know it must be because of the babe in your belly.

By the time your handmaidens successfully get you out of the water, you find your skin pruny and hair tangled. They made quick work of both, and you find yourself in one of the few gowns you can tolerate, a square collared forest green dress that shows off your shoulders and collarbones.

After the assault, you had dressed yourself until the bruise on your neck faded. Only wearing high collared dresses Alicent had made for you. Now with all the evidence gone, you let the girls primp you as they would every day, fixing a wrinkle here or there and dabbing a light pink cream onto your cheeks.

After your surrender, Alicent had a new wardrobe made for you, one filled with modest dresses in varying shades of green. Your favorites out of the collection were the few that reminded you of before. They showed some of your skin and made you feel like you could breathe, you only assumed Helaena had to be thanks to that, for you knew Alicent hated those dresses.

You used to love the shade of green. You often admired your Uncles and Aunt’s clothes as a child, and often found yourself dreamily looking at the deep green leaves on a tree. There was beauty in such a natural color, but not anymore. Now green plagues your nightmares, reminding you of the decimation of your family. The beheading of your mother and your imprisonment. For what was all this if not a jewel speckled prison?

It was almost funny that they had to dress you in green. It was as if they feared if you looked like a true Targaryen once more, a rebellion would rise up. How scared they were - fearing more unrest if you wore a red dress.

Up until today, you’ve avoided Aegon at all costs. It was relatively easy since you only left your chambers to go to the godswoods with your brothers. Such a holy place had no room for the debauchery that Aegon liked to commit to, so you never had to worry about him there.

But today you had to tell him of your pregnancy. Perhaps since it was only midday he would be somewhat sober, or would just be waking up. Maybe he’ll have a clear enough head to realize the predicament he’s put you in. The walk to his room was quick, he’ll just be waking up, so there won’t need to be any worry about him being elsewhere.

A guard announces your presence to Aegon before you enter and closes the door behind you, trapping you with him once more. You have little time today, no doubt Alicents spies have already spotted you entering her son's rooms.

Aegon’s room is a mess, as usual. Clothes are strewn about from the day before and there’s an empty pitcher on the floor that you kick as you walk over to his bed where he lazed. He blinks up at you when you stop by his side of the bed and smirks.

“Well, hello, come back for more?” When he reaches for your hand, you take a hasty step back, memories of that night playing in your head. All the nights that followed that fateful event have been plagued with thoughts of him. Despite your struggle, you find your dreams filled with lust as they replay that night over and over again. You don’t understand yourself anymore.

“I’m pregnant,” you deadpan. You wring your hands out as he sits up. Aegon smilies a mischievous smile as he looks you up and down, eyes stopping at your stomach. “I-I tried to get him to lay with me or at least get drunk enough to make him think we did, but… He wouldn’t let me.”

The room is silent as you begin to panic, your resolve crumbling. He doesn’t seem to get how detrimental this all is for you as he reaches for you once more, grabbing your hands and pulling you to the edge of his bed.

“He could have my head, o-or punish my brothers. Everyone will know this babe isn’t his and that I am…” you squeeze your eyes shut, beginning to shake as you feel yourself get more worked up. “I am a whore now.”

“I’m glad he didn’t touch you, I meant what I said that night.” His hands come up to cup your cheeks, pulling your face down to his, you try to pull away, but he just tightens his grip. “You are mine now, I wouldn’t want him touching what is mi-”

Alicent storms into the room, interrupting whatever he was saying. Within seconds, you finally pull yourself away, using his surprise to your advantage. Even with you several steps away from him, the scene before Alicent could still be compromising. You only hope she sees you as the victim in any assumptions she might make.

She stops as she takes you both in, you think you notice a brief flash of relief pass through her features, but it's quickly masked with annoyance. She walks over to the bed that Aegon has now sat up in and sighs.

“Aemond is back, and he’s not happy,” she starts, eyeing you before continuing. “He found out about the delays.”

Delays? You furrow your brows and try to seem interested in your hands while listening, hoping that if you remain quiet, they’ll somehow both forget you're here.

“Well, maybe he should have thought of the consequences of avoiding his duties-” He glanced at you before getting out of bed, his sheet wrapped around his waist. “I’d like to point out that not even I did that.”

Ahh, so whatever it is about you. She rubs her face before letting out a deep sigh. “Then we must sit him down and talk to him. Put on clothes and meet me in my apartments. I’ll have Sir Cole fetch him for me…” she glances at you, and then him. “Y/n, come along.”

You follow after Alicent, casting a glance to Aegon as you both leave. He began to slide his sheet off at the sight of your eyes, beginning to smirk as the door slams shut. You can tell your cheeks are flushed and find yourself shaking your head to make your hair hide your face.

Thankfully, she stays a step or two ahead of you the whole time, muttering to herself about the nonsense she must deal with. Upon entering her apartments, you find yourself hesitantly taking a seat on one of the benches, hands clenched together on your lap. Your heart is pounding so much that you fear that she can hear it as she takes a seat across from you.

“I’m surprised to have found you in my son's chambers.” You bite the inside of your cheek as you glance up at the queen mother, trying to find some type of lie that she might believe. But she’s smart, you know this, and you find it hard to come up with the right words.

“I was…” You take a shuddering breath, “I was asking the king to consider an annulment, but he seemed against it.”

Alicent’s eyes widen, but before she can say anything Aemond enters with Sir Cole trailing behind him. He looks between the two of you, taking in her shocked expression and yours of guilt. He probably thinks you’ve caused her grief, which isn’t far from the truth, but whatever this meeting is about cannot be because of you.

You remember first seeing him all grown up when you came to hear about the petitions for Driftmark. Your mind consisted of girlish thoughts regarding his handsome features and drifted into what ifs. The night of the family dinner, you even found yourself sneaking glances at him now and then. All he did was scowl in your direction anytime you two shared a glance.

“Mother?” He walks up to her bench as she stands and looks her over. “I was on my way to see grandsire, Sir Cole said you had something important to say?”

She touches his cheek, letting out a deep sigh before nodding. “Yes, why don’t you have a seat? Aegon should be here shortly, and then we can discuss the news.”

She gestures to the spot beside you, which Aemond begrudgingly takes. It’s a rather long couch and yet once he sits down the distance between you two seems to lengthen. Each of you is seated on either side, with enough space for one or two people to sit between you. A picture-perfect couple, if you say so yourself.

The uncomfortable silence that follows thankfully doesn’t last long because the king finally arrives with a goblet in hand and clothes on his body. You find a piece of yourself sad about the latter and mentally scold your dirty mind for such an indecent thought. All of you rise and get formalities out of the way, your eyes never meeting his for fear that somehow it would give away your thoughts.

Aegon looks between you and Aemond and smirks at the space between one another before sitting down on the same bench as his mother. He slowly takes a sip from his goblet and raises his glass to Aemond.

“Such a lovely couple, don’t you agree, mother?”

Alicent looks up at the tapestries behind you before sighing. “Not now Aegon.” She directs her attention to Aemond, sometimes glancing at you and occasionally picks at her fingers, she’s tense and maybe even a little scared. “We have been delaying Alys’s Ladyship and also the legitimization of her bastard.”

Aemonds jaw clenches, his hand tightly gripping the armrest while he stares at his mother. The love and care that were once in his eyes are now muddled with unbridled rage.

“Why?” His voice is low, but there is no mistaking the anger laced within such a small word. “Harrenhal is currently a mess, for she technically holds no authority. You are allowing such a thing to happen for wha-”

“Maybe because you won’t stop fucking her?” Aegon smirks as Aemond scowls at his brother and goes to stand up. You try to grab his wrist to keep him seated, but he shakes your hand off. Your cheeks flame with embarrassment, and anger flashes in Aegon’s eyes at the sight. “You can’t even let your own wife touch you, and yet you expect us to give your mistress Harrenhal?”

“I did not ask to marry this traitorous bitch! Alys was with child when you forced this fate on me, we could have easily cut her head off or fed her to Vhaga-”

“Enough!” Alicent stands, pacing around the room with a hand on her forehead. “She is your wife, and you will not talk about her in such vile-” -she turns to him sharply, finger jutting out in warning, “ways!”

There are tears in your eyes. You hadn’t noticed them till they had fallen, leading you to hastily wipe them away. Mentally cursing yourself for such weakness, you weren’t the strongest of Rhaenyra’s children, but you had been the kindest. The nicest and most optimistic, according to her.. It’s what made you too weak for war, Daemon would say.

“We will only give her Harrenhal if she marries Sir Garth Hightower. We will also legitimize her bastard. If not, we will give Harrenhal to Sir Reece Rivers who is next in line after Alys. If she accepts these terms, then you will have to stay here and no longer visit Harrenhal, and become a good husband to y/n.”

He’s speechless, hand clenching and unclenching the armrest as his mind wandered, but there was no mistaking the way his jaw clenched.

“She is the realm's delight, Aemond! All love her, and all they have heard are things that anger them. Before the war, she was paraded between regions to bring peace and… the north remembers. The letters from Cregan Stark never cease! We cannot go on like this, or they will rise against us again.”

Cregan asks about you? No one told you about his letters. Your heart soars at the thought of him trying to look after you. There was a brief moment in the war when you were betrothed and had even found a friendship with him while courting. But the war ended before the wedding came, and now you're here, married to someone who is still very clearly your enemy.

“Then give her to Cregan,” he stands and gestures to you. “She's still a maiden from my understanding. Give her to him so Alys may marry me,”

Aegon smirks into his goblet at his brother’s words, finishing it off before setting it on the table and looking between Alicent and Aemond.

“If we give her to him, he will rise up to put her on the throne, whether she wants it or not. If we kill her, all will riot, even the small folk.”

“She is not my duty, my honor does not lie with her,” he whispers to his mother, who frowns and walks up to cup his cheeks. “My duty lies with my son, you can’t keep him from me.”

You frown, hand lightly rubbing your stomach at the mention of children. You don’t know if you could take being separated from your future children. Likewise, you fear you may become one of those overbearing hens who breathes down their necks, but you’ve lost too much already.

Unbeknownst to you, Aegon catches the movement and smiles softly. He wishes he could openly tell them all of your pregnancy and how it was his, but knows he can’t. He might not mind chaos, but he knows you don’t. He’s tried with Maelor, but the poor boy is scared of him. and anyone who isn’t his nurse maid and Jaehera has hardly said a word since the assassination. Opting to stay in silence like her mother.

He tried with Helaena after everything, maybe he’ll tell you that, so you know not to feel bad. You seem like you’d be the type to feel bad about something like this.

“The world knowing he is yours will only bring him harm. He has no dragon, and he is not in the keep to watch over. Having him far away from you is for the best for you angered so many people in the war.” She places her forehead against his own, taking a deep breath in and out, which he seems to follow. “Think of Jahaerys.”

The mood shifts from tense and hostile to somber at the mention of the poor boy. You abruptly stand at his name and face the window. Feeling sick at the mere thought. You’ll never forgive Daemon for such an inconceivable act, nor will you forget him using Lucerys’s death as the reason. He seemed proud when the letter came in confirming the young prince's death, and all had fallen silent in horror as he told the war council the news.

Lucerys would have never condoned such a thing. He had a good heart, and despite not liking his uncles, did not have an inclination towards violence. That night in driftmark had mostly occurred out of self-defense from both sides.

“Fine.” His voice drips defeat as he pulls away from her, plopping back onto the couch and staring off into nothingness. You turn to look at him and sigh.

Alicent walks over and places her hand on his shoulder, offering a comforting squeeze. “You cannot go back to Harrenhal… As well as your grandsire and I believe a bedding ceremony needs to take place between you and lady y/n.”

Aegon does not hide his outrage well. He scoffs and leans against the couch, “If we do that everyone will know they have not already done so.”

Alicent glances in his direction, her features hardening. “Everyone already knows, we will have a maester oversee it.”

Aemond says nothing, not a single sound. He simply stares at his hands and nods. This must be what defeat looks like on the great kinslayer. He does not wear it well. You know his heart must be broken, but you selfishly hope that perhaps he will find comfort in you with this new-found loneliness. Perhaps he will finally see this marriage as his duty and honor it as he has done with everything else.

“I will be there for it as well, the king should be there for such important matters.” His voice is hardened and barely containing his anger, shaking a bit at the end, and you know he’s trying hard to control himself. It shocks you, him containing himself and his words. Your eyes widen in horror as you stare at Aegon, his mother simply sighs his antics but nods along. Whenever he pulls the king card, she seems to give in, most of the time.

“It will be tonight.”

Alicent nods and pulls away, most likely to make the preparations for such a thing as his words sink in.

Tonight.

#aegon x reader #aegon #aegon targaryen #aegon targaryen x reader #aegon targaryen x you #hotd smut #hotd x reader #hotd x you #aegon smut #aegon ii x you #aegon ii fanfic #aegon ii smut #aegon ii x reader #hotd fanfic

[sevendeadlyheadcanons]

The Seven Deadly Sins if they played Minecraft

I love minecraft. Imagine this is like a modern AU but they also have all their abilities and stuff still.

-They all have a realm together. Meliodas owns it.

-Ban and Meliodas can’t build for shit and have little dirt houses.

-Elaine, Elizabeth and Diane have a cute girl house that they share (they looked up the design on pinterest) and they let them sleep there in exchange for mining goods and loot

-King builds the most extravagant house ever and Diane eventually moves in with him. He has a dog named Oslow

-Merlin knows how to make all of the potions by heart

-She absolutely stole a villager’s house and sleeps there

-I like to imagine Escanor (daytime) would hype his house up so much and be like “This house is the pinnacle of our village” and it just looks like this

-Gowther builds a humble little home. It’s very beautiful but it’s not very spacious. It’s simply good for what he needs. He got a cat called Nadja.

-Gowther is also CEO of farming crops. King is CEO of farming animals (Ban breeds them and kills them for meat when he’s not looking because King finds it cruel)

-Meliodas also has a parrot named Wandle

-Escanor writes poems in books and quills and leaves them signed as “Author Unknown” and leaves them in an item frame on Merlin’s doorstep. She knows it’s him but doesn’t have the heart to tell him she knows.

-Merlin somehow has every single rare mob in the game in little glass cases.

-Gowther doesn’t need to sleep so he stays up all night mining and everyone will wake up and he’ll be like “Hey guys i’ve got 269 diamonds you want some?”

-Merlin forces Orlandi to take over the computer and strip mine for her while she does her real life work and experiments

-They invited Zeldris and he was like “Minecraft? That’s a game for little babies. Call me when you’re playing Fortnite like real men”

-Meliodas and Ban probably fought the wither while everyone else was offline and they just came onto their game to find their village blown up and a beacon in the middle of the wreckage.

-King dies all the time to the most random shit. Lightning strikes, fall damage, baby zombies. Once he tried to prank Ban back by leading a creeper into his dirt hut but in the process the creeper got struck by lightning and became charged and absolutely demolished King.

-Diane can’t build to save her life but she takes designs off Pinterest and then pretends she came up with them all on her own

-Elaine is a god at building. She decorates their whole village with lanterns and cherry blossom petals

-Elizabeth can somewhat build but often needs inspiration

-Ban has a horse he named “Young Sheldon”

-They have a discord server and King is the mod. He has constant power trips. The only one who has admin privileges is Diane.

-Escanor kills every mob he can and puts their drops in item frames on his wall as “Reminders of the ones who couldn’t pass him”

Idk why i wrote this, I hope you guys are having a lovely day 💙💙💙

#minecraft #nanatsu no taizai #the seven deadly sins #meliodas nnt #elizabeth nnt #gowther nnt #ban nnt #diane nnt #escanor nnt #headcanons #king nnt #merlin nnt #harlequin nnt #elaine nnt

[transgender-anakin-skywalker]

two is for discipline, heedless of trial

three for the gleam of a jewel or a smile

four for fidelity, facing ahead

five for tradition and debts to the dead

six for the truth over solace in lies

seven for beauty that blossoms and dies

eight for salvation no matter the cost

nine for the tomb, and for all that was lost

also they are all gifs btw (except the warning, that’s a still image)

#gore #blood #gore cw #blood cw #gideon the ninth spoilers #gideon the ninth #gideon the ninth fanart #the locked tomb #the locked tomb spoilers #the locked tomb fanart #violence tw #violence cw #gore tw #blood tw #i tagged a lot of tws to be safe #ask to tag #magnus post #magnus posts #magnus art

[fancyfeathers]

Society of Protection (Yandere Bungo Stray Dogs x reader x original characters) (normalized yandere au)

Chapter One,

Blossoming Friendships

Read prologue and oc intro here

It was a normal day for you, waking up early in the morning, showering, breakfast, and going to work. You worked at a flower shop in Yokohama, in a more quiet neighborhood, if anything was quiet these days. It was a nice shop, fairly large too, large glass windows, big double doors that lead to the front of the shop and almost patio, your boss kept those open more days so you can keep an eye on customers outside as well. As for your boss, Ms. Haruka, she was a kind old lady, in her late seventies, her and her husband had founded this shop when they were about nineteen, young but it had been successful. Her husband had died a number of years ago, you never got to meet him, but your boss talks about him like it was yesterday. They were married long before what’s now “normal”, if you can even call it that, between them it was true love. You had always dreamed about true love, but those were dreams of a child, now you just wanted to live in peace, something few people like you get these days. It was sad but it was just that and nothing more. You could close your eyes and dream, but dreaming would get you no where these days.

It was around noon and you were helping your boss water the plants out front, tropical flowers this season, like hibiscuses and gardenias, beautiful. Your boss had a little radio playing on a stool that was proving the doors open, she would normally play music that her and her husband listened Tom it was old but you didn’t mind, it was sweet in a way, but today it was the news. The reporter was talking about some North American organization called “The Guild” coming to Yokohama, this worried you, but you weren’t really at risk. So for most of the report to drowned it out with light conversation with Ms. Haruka, about her husband, your family, weather, which was surprisingly interesting, especially after taking up this career. Then a voice called out from the sidewalk, “Excuse me ma’ams, but are you open?”

Looking up you saw a young man with blond hair, overalls, and a grayish hat. He looked foreign to you but you didn’t pay much mind, this was a big city after all. You smiled at him, giving him your usual kind attitude you did with customers. “Yes we are, feel free to look around inside. If there is anything I can do to help you please let me know.”

He smiled back and tilted his hat in your direction. “Thank you m’lady, I’m only buying a few seeds, I’m no big bother.”

You watched as he made his way inside the shop proper and browsed the shelves. You looked back at Ms. Haruka who had a lovely little smile on her face. You raised an eyebrow as if in silent conversation to ask why and she laughed to herself and responded in a quiet tone as to not let the blond man in the shop hear. “Such a gentleman, reminds me of my husband when we were young.”

You merely laughed and nodded. She said that about every man who acted kindly to her staff, which now days was just you. Your last coworker went missing a few months ago, no one cared, it was just one more missing. It was just how things were these days. You did not like it, a lot of people you knew did not like it, but not like you had a say after all you were just a-

“Darlin’, I’m ready to check out.” The man’s voice snapped you out of your thoughts. The man was now standing by the cash register, a couple small bags of seed in hand. You nodded and set your watering can aside and made your way behind the counter and scanned his items.

“Alright your total will be four dollars and seven cents, please.” You said as you placed the bags of seed into another bag, this time a paper one, plastic bags had no place in a flower shop after all, well that’s what Ms. Haruka believes. The man dug into his wallet and counted out the dollars and cents to the tee to there wouldn’t be any change in return. You handed him the bag and he handed you the money.

“Thank you…” You watched as his eyes read over your name tag that quickly went up to you with a smile. “(Name)”

“It’s no problem, just doing my job.” You nodded and smiled back as he turned to leave but just as he was a step out of the shop proper, he looked back to you, still wearing the same smile. “I’m John by the way, something tells me I’ll be a regular here for awhile.”

You watched him as he walked off down the sidewalk, disappearing in the crowd of people. You tilted your head in thought. John… what an odd name around here.

—————————

You were closing up tonight, you brought the plants in and locked the doors up tight before making you way back home. Tonight was a quiet night, you didn’t like that, it meant no one could hear you scream if something happened. You walked, your eyes looking around quickly, making sure no one was hiding in the shadows or following behind you. Your hands were jammed in your pockets, one securely around the pocket knife you carried with you just in case anything did happen. Turning a corner you suddenly collided with another person, a man, not too tall, skinny, glasses, brown hair, and a scar going up his cheek. The collision didn’t knock either of you over just startled the both of you. 

“Oh goodness, I didn’t hurt you right?” The worry in the man’s voice was clear but you only shook your head which he gave a response to a sigh of relief. “ oh good, my first day in town and I would hate to have to take someone to the emergency room.”

You laughed in response, he had a strange accent, French perhaps? “You’re quite alright sir, but it’s kinda obvious you’re not from around here.” Your observation turned the man into a stuttering mess, trying to figure out the right words to say.

“No, no, I’m not. I just moved here, I’m from Paris, I came to… study Japanese music, I’m a composer you see.” He finally sound the words and put himself together, extending a hand out to you. “I’m Gaston Leroux, pleasure.”

“(Name), pleasure to meet you- Oh!” You had begun to introduce yourself and placed your hand in his and he had suddenly bent down and kissed it. He had sent you into a flustered mess with just a gesture. He stood up and looked up at you and saw your embarrassed face and his face turned red as well in embarrassment.

“I am so sorry, I’m just so used to my customs back home in France.” He took a step back with the embarrassed expression plastered to his face. There is a long awkward silence before he clears his throat and takes a breath to compose himself. “May I walk you home? Just as an apology, I could get you breakfast in the morning as well.”

If you could blush even more you would, he was being a true gentleman. You nodded to his offer. “Sure, I could use the company anyway. But I don’t know about breakfast, you don’t know the city well do you?”

He shakes his head. “No, I’m afraid I don’t.”

“Well then how about I take you out.” You offered and a shocked expression comes across his face. “You don’t know the city well, and I do, we could go out, I could show you some places. Sorta like a date.”

“Are you asking me out?”

“Um… yes?”

He thought about it for a second before questioning, “you’re not one of them right?”

A panicked expression comes across your face. “No, no, god no, I can’t believe that sort of shit is legal, I’m like you.”

Gaston sighs in relief and smiles. “Thank goodness, well then I will gladly go on a date with you, (Name).” He extends his arm for you to take. You smile and interlock your arm with his. “I think this a beginning of a beautiful friendship, darling.”

#yandere bungo stray dogs x reader #yandere bungou stray dogs #yandere bsd #original character x reader #bungou stray dogs oc #bungou stray dogs #bungou stray dogs x reader #yandere dazai #yandere chuuya #yandere mark twain #yandere mori ougai #yandere Fukuzawa #Yandere Edgar Allan Poe #Yandere John Steinbeck

[paradoxcase]

@wellhappybirthdaytomeiguess:

Pash interacting with folks from the House is some of my favorite stuff in this book. I still love Corona's rejoinder of 'Boobs, and hair, AND a hell of a sword hand' to her. :-) As to the Fourth House skull, might it be because what amounts to child soldiers play a somewhat important role in the chapter, and the Fourth was known for child soldiers?

@forgetfulfish:

I feel like the skulls in Nona tie back to the poem at the start of the book. So four is for Fidelity.

All the ones that don't match a character make sense when matched to the poem but maybe I'm reaching

Ok, so:

Chapter 4: Seventh skull (Seven for beauty that blossoms and dies)

This was the chapter where Hot Sauce noticed someone watching the school and the Angel looked hung over. Hot Sauce also asked Nona to look out for people when she walked Noodle, but this wasn't the chapter where she pretends to radio Corona. Honesty also talked about getting his job to steal air conditioners. I'm not seeing it unless it's a reference to the Angel looking tired? Or maybe it's because Nona and the kids had a conversation about whether or not she was beautiful

Chapter 11: Fifth skull (Five for tradition and debts to the dead)

Nona acted out her pool dream with Camilla, Pyrrha told Nona she'd gone to the park (and killed the people in the cages, but Nona doesn't find this out until later) and seen Hot Sauce there, and BOE interrupted breakfast and took them to see We Suffer (which actually happens in the next chapter). Maybe the people who died at the park count as debts to the dead?

Chapter 15: Seventh skull again

The first appearance of the car with the grille, and Hot Sauce told everyone that the broadcast was happening. This was the day that Camilla failed to come get Nona, so she stayed and fell asleep and Hot Sauce told her about her past and Nona told Hot Sauce (presumably) that she was dying. I guess Nona herself is blossoming and dying here

Chapter 18: Eighth skull (Eight for salvation no matter the cost)

This was the chapter where Nona got shot in the head twice and Hot Sauce declared her out of the gang, and Pash killed a bunch of people and all that jazz. Nothing particularly religious seems to be going on here, and I'm not actually sure what "salvation" means in the context of John's necromancy religion, since it doesn't have a concept of someone dying for other people's sins and John doesn't believe there's anything on the other side of the River, so it can't mean getting there. I guess in the more practical sense of "salvation" of the lives of the characters who can still die, they had to take some risks to do that here?

Chapter 26: Fourth skull (Four for fidelity, facing ahead)

When Hot Sauce let Nona back into the gang again, so yeah, fidelity works here. Or child soldiers, although if I were picking a chapter to reference child soldiers, I would probably pick the one where Hot Sauce told Nona her backstory of being a child soldier (which had a Seventh skull)

Just looking at the chapter images and not reading ahead, it looks like all the other skulls are associated with characters who are actually in this book

#the locked tomb #nona the ninth #wellhappybirthdaytomeiguess #forgetfulfish

[xulvuroth]

Denial.

GF!Ethan Landry x fem!reader

Contents — it had been about a week after the incident as to where Ethan , Quinn, and Detective Bailey were revealed as the three murderers. You weren’t coping well with this at all ever since. Everyone moved past the fact of who all were the murderers. You loved Ethan with every ounce you had in you. A betrayal like that took a large number on you.

More contents— story takes place after the events of scream 6, Ethan is supposed to be dead, reader is grieving, rude! Reader , depression, angst, hurt , no comfort just pure sadness sorry pookies enjoy this little one shot tho

a bloomed , beautiful brand new rose blossomed in the sunny and warm days of spring , now nothing but frail, shriveled and motionless on a winters day. That’s how you felt. You weren’t even keeping track of the days at this point. You were skipping class almost every other day, and you never talked to anyone anymore. Every shower you took was spent crying into nothingness for more than 30 minutes at a time. Being Sam and Tara’s new roommate after the entire incident , they were even more concerned for your health. However it was worse for you , considering you knew how much it pained and upset them to know you still loved Ethan.

Even after the events that occurred last week— you still couldn’t fathom the fact Ethan was actually gone. It still hadn’t processed in your brain, and every time it registered inside your head you broke down in tears. Tara tried to explain to you that she killed him because they needed to, but you never listened. Yes, you very well did understand why she needed to kill him, you just didn’t want to hear it.

On the 6th day after the incident, Sam knocked on your door. “Y/n, we need to talk.” She announced through the door , which awoke you from your slumber. Getting up, you heaved a sigh from your lips. “Yeah?” You called out, your eyes were all sticky from crying previously before you fell asleep. You opened the door, to reveal a concerned Sam. “What is it.” You answered , feeling your heart drop a little and pick up its rate. Knowing exactly what this would be about.

“Look, Y/n, I know you’re grieving. But you cannot keep doing this to yourself, trust me, I know very well what you’re going thro-“ “No, you don’t.” You cut her off. Samantha sighed heavily , and closed her eyes. “y/n , When I found out Richie was one of the woodsboro murderers last year it broke me more than anything. I .. shielded myself from the world and I wasn’t even talking to my own sister after the whole.. thing.” Samantha explained to you, but you thought it was all just plain bullshit.

“Sam, it’s been a fucking year since Richie died. You’re well done and over him , it’s been merely six days. Six. Fucking . Days. Sam.” “I know, I just don’t want you to cope the way I di—“ “Sam, just stop. I’ll talk to you about this when I’m ready.” And with that, you shut the door in Samantha’s face. Tears crept the corners of your eyes , threatening to fall once more. It burned — your eyes burned. But you didn’t care and couldn’t help it.

Day seven.

Things had only gotten worse from that conversation with Sam. You did not leave your room at all. Popped pills. Didn’t eat for the rest of the night. That was until you finally walked out the room to grab something that belonged to you— off the kitchen counter. That was until you could hear the news from the TV discussing the mass murder that happened exactly one week ago.

The news reporter was speaking. “According to recent information now gone public , according to the Carpenter sisters, Samantha and Tara carpenter , there was said to be three suspects that were behind the mass murder in New York City. Only two bodies were discovered.”

Your stomach sunk.

Part 2?

#ethan landry #scream #ghostface #ethan kirsch #ethan bailey #scream 6 #x reader #scream vi #scream angst

[kendrene]

Seven for beauty that blossoms and dies.

#tlt #the locked tomb #tlt inspired tattoo #tattoos

[sunsetcurveauto]

Heal what has been hurt / Change the Fates' design / Save what has been lost / Bring back what once was mine

Seven for beauty that blossoms and dies

Tangled x The Locked Tomb: Rapunzel – Duchess of Rhodes, Heir to the Seventh House, Flesh Adept

#im a fucking hippopotamus. i live in a fucking lake of mud. im fucking crazy #rapunzel #rapunzel tangled #tangled #rapunzles tangled adventure #tangled the series #disney #the locked tomb #tlt #seventh house #tina talks #what can i say #my mbs #tangled mb

[demi-enj-art]

“Two is for discipline, heedless of trial

Three for the gleam of a jewel or a smile

Four for fidelity, looking ahead

Five for tradition and debts to the dead

Six for the truth over solace in lies

Seven for beauty that blossoms and dies

Eight for salvation, no matter the cost

Nine for the Tomb and all that was lost”

…so I just finished reading Gideon and Harrow and I desperately had to draw these characters. Enjoy!

#demienjart #my art #this series really gave me the most intense brainrot #I had to get these down on the page as they devoured my mind #and now that this is done I need to reread the books lmao #actually I need to finish up the first house #fan art #Gideon the ninth #Harrow the ninth #the locked tomb #tlt #art #there’s gonna be so many characters tagged I’m so sorry but here we go in order of appearance #Judith deuteros #Marta dyas #ianthe tridentarius #coronabeth tridentarius #naberius tern #jeannemary chatur #isaac tettares #Magnus Quinn #abigail pent #camilla hect #palamedes sextus #dulcinea septimus #protesilaus ebdoma #silas octakiseron #colum asht #gideon nav #harrowhark nonagesimus

[darklydeliciousdesires]

Lost & Found - Chapter Nine.

So then, my beautiful, wonderful audience. Those who are not new around these parts know that sometimes, treats are given in the form of a double update day with my stories, and guess what? Today is one of those days! I know you've all been waiting patiently for the sexual side of Emma and Guero's blossoming relationship to finally flower, so I thought I'd share it today in the next chapter! Has that made you smile? I hope it has! :)

Previous chapters - One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight

Words - 3,434

Warnings - 18+ content throughout, Minors DNI. Recounts of kidnap, child trafficking, physical/verbal/sexual abuse.

The more she revealed, it seemed, the more comfortable she became with sharing memories of her nineteen years held prisoner. Guero lay there and let her recount it all, being exactly what she needed, somebody to simply listen.  

“Marie taught me how to shoot.” He had wondered at how well she seemed to handle the Beretta she’d pointed at his head, her handling of the firearm steely and confident. “There were guns kept all over the house, so there’d always be one within easy reach, just in case. With whom Rocco was, he was a target, or rather his family were. He routinely pissed off other mob families, so of course anyone he cared for became a target, a weak point.  

“She wanted me to be able to protect myself from such a threat, but mostly, if Rocco himself ever became so unhinged that I felt my life was in danger. “Shoot him dead, and we’ll figure it out somehow afterward”, is what she used to tell me. How we would have figured that out beyond running for our lives, I don’t know. His guys would have hunted us down.” 

She paused for a moment, tears beginning to swim within her eyes. “I hate myself, for leaving her. Joey, Alessia and Mikey, too. I loved them so much, they were like my siblings for Christ’s sake! It’s a guilt that’ll never leave me, that I ran and they’re all still stuck there! She became my mother, and I abandoned her!” 

“Hey, no,” he began, touching his fingers under her chin, gently lifting her head. “You don’t have to feel guilty about a thing. I get that you miss her, she made the hell he put you through bearable where she could, but Marie chose that life, Emma. Nobody forced her. 

“She knew who she was marrying, and I’m not saying that in the end she had an easy choice to get away from him, ‘cuz I can see from what you told me he’d have killed her for it, but you found a way out. You took your chance, and you got free. If she loves you as much as it seems she does, then she’ll be fucking happy as hell the girl she counted as one of her own got free of him.” 

She absorbed his words, realising that no matter how unpleasant it felt, what he’d said was the plain, simple truth. If she didn’t assume her to be dead via Rocco’s hand, Marie would be quietly rejoicing her escape. “Is it wrong that I feel more of a maternal bond with her than I do my actual mom? I feel guilty for that, too. When I hear the word mom, I think of Marie, not Cassie.”  

He shifted slightly beneath her, Emma moving a little as he turned onto his side, resting his head on his arm. “It might sound cold, but it’s fact. Marie was in your life longer than your birth mom. I kinda guess it’s only natural you’d think that. Doesn’t mean you love Cassie any less, or that you can’t reconnect with her now you’re free.”  

“But, but,” she began, her throat swelling on a rising lump, “that’s the thing, there is no Cassie. When I was twenty-five, we sat and looked on the internet, I begged her to look up my family. I just wanted to know if they were okay. Mom died back in two thousand and thirteen from breast cancer. My dad, he passed away six years ago, motorbike accident. All I have left is Dylan, who is still in Spokane. My grandparents, too, unless anything happened in the interim. 

“I’ll never see my mom and dad again, and I loathe him, I detest him completely that he robbed me of those years with them, that they both died not knowing what had happened to me! As if me being taken wasn’t bad enough. It left Dylan all alone, no immediate family, and it’s all because of him!” 

She fell apart at that point, naturally so, sobbing against his chest as Guero held her. Again, he had no idea what to say to that, knowing it would take a man greater with words than he was to offer verbal comfort. Instead, he was just there, not knowing that truly that was all she needed from him, just someone to be there. It wasn’t about words. Listening was enough, as he continued to do, Emma sharing more with him about her life within the gilded cage prison that was the Lombardi mansion.  

“He used to virtually pimp me out to his friends too at parties.” Once again, Guero felt his anger flare like a firecracker, grinding his teeth as his jaw tightened. “I always wanted to enjoy sex, but none of them ever made it feel good for me, all too consumed by their own pleasure to give a damn about mine. As long as they got to lie between the legs of a pretty, young blonde, that was good enough. 

“There was only one of them who was different. His underboss, Vincent Calabrese never laid a hand on me. I was offered to him, and for appearances in front of Rocco and the others he always accepted, but once we got into the bedroom, he just sat down beside me on the bed and we talked. He said he wasn’t in the habit of defiling little girls, but even when I was over the age of consent, he still wouldn’t.  

“He staunchly disagreed with what was being done, the child trafficking. ‘It’s an affront to god, snatching children from their families’ is what he always used to say. He always opposed it, and Rocco knew that, but ultimately went along with what was being done for the sake of a quiet life, and I guess not ending up with a bullet between his eyes either. This leads me to something that you guys should all know, EZ especially. 

“You’re running heroin for him now, but all that will change if Rocco has his way, and believe me, he will. You guys are in his pocket now, which means in his mind, he owns you. You’re all to do with as he pleases, and what he pleases is to start bringing children across the border. Undocumented migrants are much easier to move, and get away with moving, too. I overheard him talking about it, it was always a two birds with one stone deal for him. He’d get you used to the money first, and then tell you that your consignment would begin to include kids as well.” 

Guero pushed himself up, his eyes rounding as he looked down at her. “For real, that motherfucker wants us in on trafficking kids?” 

His horror at the very suggestion was telling over the person he was. Although still a criminal, he was a man with the kind of morals that had been few and far between in the world she had escaped from. “Eventually, yeah.” 

“And if we refuse?” He didn’t need to ask, really. He could guess. 

She made a gun motion against the side of her head, couple with a soft exclamation of ‘pow’. “He’d wipe you all out and move onto the next nearest charter, using your eradication as an example of what happens when people push back against him.” 

The weight of the mafia. That was a war they definitely wouldn’t win, and he knew that for sure. Rocco Lombardi could crush them all, very easily, too. “I have to take that to EZ. Not now, of course, but at some point over the weekend, call a templo. Will you be okay to come and tell us what you know?” 

She smiled, reaching to stroke his hair. “Of course, I will.” 

They remained quiet for a time after, Emma needing the silence. Her legs remained in tangle with his as she reached for the tequila bottle, taking a long glug, the alcohol burning her throat. She felt a little drunk and numb, which was what she had needed in order to sit there and offload it all to another person. “There’s more I could tell you about my life, but right now, I feel drained. Like I need air, too. Can you give me a minute?” 

“Yeah, take as long as you need.” He reached to stroke her face, Emma turning her head and kissing his palm, getting up and letting herself out of the front of the house. The cool air hit her, soothing to her frayed nerves, the residual effects of her revelation hanging onto her, though.  

“Hey, boo.” Of course, Tyrone would notice her out there, always keeping the watch. She walked over to his window, her shoulders heavy, watching him emerge from behind the swathe of curtain fabric. “Damn, you look all sad and shit. Fuckboy bin’ actin’ up?” 

She shook her head. “No, no he’s great. Listen, I know you deal, so I figure I’m in the right place. Can you sell me a joint? That’s all I want, just one.” 

He looked entertained at the naivety of her question, that it was the norm for dealers to exchange such a small amount. Tyrone, for all of this mouth and uncouthness was kind, though. “I ain’t selling you shit, white girl. This is on me, hold on.”  

She smiled. “Thank you, you’re great.” 

He beamed, reaching to grab his rolling tray, locating one of his pre-rolled joints. “Ain’t I, though? I know fuckboy rarely smokes it, so just remember I gotchu if you ever need a lil’ hit.” The truth was, neither did she. She’d occasionally partook of it back in her old life, secretly taking from Rocco’s personal stash which he smoked to ease his chronic migraines. It helped her feel more relaxed in the utter brutal chaos of her life. It smelled and tasted awful, but she enjoyed the calming buzz.  

Tyrone passed a joint and a lighter through the window. “Enjoy, boo.” She smiled, leaning in and kissing his cheek. “Aw, lawdy! I gotta kiss from a pretty girl, hell yeah!”  

She laughed softly, shaking her head and lighting up, moving to sit on the front step of Guero’s side of the house, taking a long drag. God, that was some nice weed. She coughed a few times, the usual, barky rasp associated with smoking weed, her throat tickling.  

“Yo!” She turned to see a large arm thrust through the window, a can of soda proffered forth. “If you don’t like mango then I can’t help you. Oh, hold up. I might have a Fanta somewhere.”  

Walking back over, she took the can. “Thanks, Tyrone. You keep your Fanta, mango and I are good.” She moved back to the step, opening the soda and sipping it, the tickle clearing nicely before she took another little puff, looking out across the street into the darkness. The only sounds audible were that of the game Tyrone was playing, and the chirp of cicadas. It was somewhat relaxing in ambience.  

The weed had an instant calming effect upon her, all of the brutality that would endlessly echo through her memories placated and pushed back again, back behind the fortress walls in her mind. She’d had to keep it there for years to have even had a chance of remaining sane through her ordeal. God, she couldn’t believe that she’d actually escaped it, found somebody who she could trust, someone who for all intents and purposes was slowly becoming all hers, too.  

“As if you’re out here getting high on my front step. Not even I do that.” Turning, she saw Guero emerge from the house, moving to sit behind her, his legs flanking her body as he stretched.  

“Well, that’s because you don’t smoke weed,” she chirped, watching him frown before plucking the joint from her.  

He took a few puffs, handing it back, holding in a cough until the tickle passed. “I do, but not often. It has too much of an effect on me, and I can never get the balance right.” 

“The balance between what?” 

“Between a nice buzz and ragingly horny.”  

“Ahh.” She nodded, looking entertained, the stoned giggled welling up within her. “I somehow don’t think you need any extra boosting in that department.” 

He moved her hair, kissing the side of her neck. “A hundred percent correct, mamacita. And since I guess you’re probably drunker now than you were earlier, I’m not risking that balance any further, so you finish it. Kinda figure you need the sedation after everything you told me.”  

“Oh, you’re not wrong there,” she spoke, eyes widening a little as she leaned back against him. “Even if I was sober, sharing all of that has kinda dampened my desire.”  

He snorted softly, arms tightening around her. “Understandable. S’okay, I can wait.” 

“Can you?” she giggled, the sound joining the noise of the cicadas. 

“Mm.” he hummed, kissing her neck again. “Just.”  

Just then, the curtains next door began moving, Tyrone’s boom sounding. “Goddamnit, will you two go back in that house and bust some furniture already? Shit!” They both snort laughed, Guero resting his forehead to her shoulder, Tyrone continuing. “You better sort yo’ damned mess, fuckboy! Because I am one pretty smile away from makin’ that fine assed lil’ honey mine, you hear?”  

“Yeah, I hear,” he called through his laughter, “and I see, too. Plying her with weed and soda.” 

“I know what the ladies like! If she’s still out here in a half hour, she gets the first slice of my pizza, too!” 

“Exactly, you gotta give me a head start against your half ton of raw charm, dog,” he chuckled, Tyrone emerging further from the curtains.  

“Hey, I might be a big fella, but I’m no fuckin’ half ton! I’m thick and juicy, drives the chicks wild!” 

“Tyrone, you ain’t thick, my man. Your ass is so fat, if I swerved my bike to miss you, I’d run outta gas.” There was a pause, a squawking laugh emanating from the window, Emma thinking it hilarious a man with such a low, rumbling voice had a laugh so high in pitch. All banter with their hilarious neighbour aside, they remained outside until she had finished the joint, heading back in and returning to bed.  

“Do you feel better for telling me everything?” 

Resting her head against his chest, she nodded, her nails tracing the outline of one of the spiderweb tattoos that spread out across each of his shoulders. “I do, you know. Whether the nightmares will stop because of it, I don’t know. I think I might need further help to recover from it all. Kinda scared about registering with a doctor, though, putting my name back out there. He’ll be looking for me, and if he finds any record of a twenty-nine-year-old woman named Emma Louise Taylor anywhere, he’ll come for me.” 

Her muscles stiffened at just the thought, Guero turning to wrap both arms around her, feeling her relax into his embrace after a few moments. “We’ll work something out.” She fell asleep in his arms, those early morning hours passing dreamlessly, neither waking until 10am the following morning.  

Rising from her place curled against him, Emma rubbed her eyes, looking down at the chiselled tattoo canvas that had been her pillow. Her safe person, the kind of man she’d dreamed would one day save her from her fate, and there he was... snoring like a brontosaurus. She couldn’t help but giggle softly, thinking that was a part perhaps not strictly included in the romanticism of her fantasies.  

He cracked an eye open, his grin widening. “What are you laughing at?” 

“Isn’t it obvious? The noise! You snore like something hell spat up for being too loud.” 

“I wasn’t snoring,” he began stretching, the other eye opening eventually. “I was doing mindful breathing.” 

Immediately, she cracked up, leaning to place a kiss against his stubbly jaw. “There’s nothing mindful about those sawn logs.” 

She had a point, he guessed, Guero turning onto his side and wrapping his arms around her. “Yeah, but I’m cute. I get away with it, don’t I?” 

“Yeah,” she agreed, turning her head back to kiss him, “you do have that going for you.” 

“And a whole lot more.”  

Biting the corner of her lip, she shifted against him, a little wiggle that stirred him exactly where she intended him to be stirred. “Feel like showing me?”  

“Mm.” His arms tightened around her, kisses scattered against the side of her neck. “I need coffee and a shower, then trust me, I’ll spend all morning showing you.” 

Now that was a statement definitely on a par with her fantasies. He left the bed first, taking a shower, calling to her that he’d left in on for her as he made his way through to the kitchen. It was while she was under the warm water looking down at herself that a stab of panic prickled against her guts.  

He’d see her naked. All of her. 

While she had body confidence in her shape, the littering of scars that marked her sides and lower back made her feel ugly. Some had faded to white, but there were still a few dark pink markings that remained. All were raised scar tissue, triangular shapes of knife points pressed into her skin, the burning brand of a hot blade searing Rocco’s displeasure branded onto her skin forever.  

As she dried off, her eyes found them again, wondering if they’d really be all too noticeable if the blinds remained drawn in the bedroom.  

“Of course, they will," she muttered, beginning to sniff. All she wanted was to move on from it all, enjoy the basic human right of a consensual sexual relationship with another adult, someone of her actual choosing, yet the literal scars of the past held her back.  

A soft tap sounded upon the partly open door. “Em, you want a coffee?” 

Em. No one had ever called her that before. She liked it. “No, thank you.” 

“You alright.” 

“Yeah.”  

Her pinched voice alluded to the contrary. “No, you’re not. Can I come in?”  

“Yeah.” Tightening the large, white bath towel around herself again, she wiped her eyes on the back of her hand, trying to compose her upset.  

“So, people who are alright stand here crying, huh?” Him and his smart mouth. He was right in his light sarcasm, though. “What’s wrong, baby?” 

Baby. He'd called her that back when he’d first found her. How different the intent behind the word was now. “The scars I have,” she began, gulping, hoping she could swallow down the lump she had painfully swelling in her throat. “You’ll see them, and they’re hideous. They make me ugly. You’ll think they look ugly.” 

He frowned, lifting her chin with a gentle touch of his fingers as he began shaking his head. “I’ve never liked people making my mind up for me. That includes you, mamas.” His hands pressed softly on her shoulders, resting his forehead against hers. “I’ve got no problem with whatever scars you have, and I’m not gonna think you’re ugly because of ‘em. Only thing that is, is that low opinion you have of yourself. If you want, leave a t shirt on. I don’t mind. I’d prefer you naked, but whatever makes you comfortable, I’m good with.” 

She could fetch a t shirt, or she could just be brave and let him see her. All of her. She’d bared her soul to him already, after all. Indecision made her heart quicken, the soft stroke of his fingertips at her upper arms soothing as she reached for the towel and untucked it, letting it fall. Fighting the urge to cover herself with her arms, she looked anywhere but him as he took in her nudity, her body tensing when he moved his hands to stroke the scars she detested so much with careful attention.  

Leaning close, he kissed the side of her head, his lips soft against her ear. “They aren’t who you are, and you’re not any less beautiful. They’re only the map of the journey that finally led you to me.”  

Her throat tightened with emotion, his words so beautiful, she wanted to cry. The desire in his eyes as she finally looked at him dictated it might be poorly timed, though. This was not a time for lament and sadness. No. This was the time to plant her lips upon his and let him carry her to the bedroom.  

#guero mayans mc #guero mayans mc fanfiction #guero fanfiction #mayans mc fanfiction #mayans mc #guero x ofc #guerl smut #mayans mc smut #mayans mc season 5 #mayans mc imagine #mayans mc fanfic #mayans mc fic

[sunfyresrider]

The God's Will

Summary: Elaena Targaryen is the youngest daughter of KIng Viserys and Alicent Hightower. She had always been frail and sickly which encouraged her to find solace in the faith, maybe a little too much solace. Growing up she had always held a special place in her weak heart for Jacaerys Velaryon, but it seemed the Gods may not be on their side. 

Pairing: Jacaerys Velaryon x OC x Aemond Targaryen Warnings: Driftmark incident, bastards, family fights, alcohol w stupid decisions, OC got some adhd and depression, RELIGION, fluff and kissing (barely) Word Count: 20K Note: this takes place when they were children/young teens so no funny business. (I think this works as a one-shot idk but it’s been in my drafts for months so it needs to be posted again:)

ACT I

Elaena Targaryen was the youngest daughter of Queen Alicent Hightower and King Viserys Targaryen. Her birth itself was such a struggle it scared the Queen from trying for another. When she was born, she was silent. Every maester and nursemaid in the room panicked. They rushed to breathe life back into the babe only to discover she was breathing just fine. 

"She's a shy one." The maester spoke to calm the nerves of those around him. Alicent who was half unconscious was not being paid any attention as per usual. No one celebrated the birth of her children or apologized for her hard labors. Her own husband had missed the birth entirely to celebrate his grandson's name day. 

Elaena was a year younger than Jace but born on the same day. Jace was born in 114 AC whereas Daenys was born just months prior to little Lucerys Velaryon in 115 AC. It seemed she was cursed to remain in his shadow just as her mother was cursed to live in Rhaenyra's. 

-

As a toddler she was quiet. According to stories she nearly died in her cradle several times. Most kinds of physical labor were too taxing for her small body. Her appetite nearly never existed. It was by the will of the gods she survived.  She was more polite than her siblings. Always making projects and doing things for those around her. It was how she vied for the attention of others. 

The septas adored her meek and gracious attitude. She was far easier to handle than her other four siblings. Aegon had always been the rambunctious sort and Helaena was nit-picky and distant. Aemond was too obsessive and possessive of the things he enjoyed or hated. Daeron was the closest to her. He was kind, charming and studious, the best out of the bunch. 

As she grew her personality remained. Elaena was meek, shy, gracious, gentle and frail. Though she had a sense of humor only few noticed. Elaena was far more sensitive than most and had a great many fears. For that her family kept her hidden from the depraved nature of the world and she remained innocent. 

She blossomed into a fine and delicate beauty. She was slender and short with big purple eyes. Her skin was fine, pale, nearly translucent. 

She dressed more conservatively than most. Elaena tended to wear well-made but simple clothing. She seldom wore any jewelry besides a seven-pointed star necklace. Though she had beautiful golden hair, she hid it beneath a hair net or a cowl. By all accounts she would have been a septa if her grandsire permitted it.

She became a devout follower of the faith as she aged. She found solace in the gods and thanked them for not letting the stranger take her. Elaena was quite skilled at the harp, sewing and embroidery. In her spare time, she wrote poetry and painted scenery. 

-

Elaena often read to her sickly father. Though he rarely remembered her name and oftentimes mistook her for Rhaenyra. He was always much kinder and more attentive to his girls. He always claimed she had such a lovely voice. 

Unlike most of her family she did not hold any ill-will towards her half-sister. In fact, she tried harder than any to gain her affections. She enjoyed her nephews who were so close in age to her. Especially Jacaerys who shared her name day. Although sometimes he would say she was more Hightower than Targaryen. 

As for her family it was another story. Her grandsire Otto also preferred the girls over the boys but tended to forget she existed. Her mother was lovely but never paid much attention to her, she was far too busy wrangling her eldest three children. Aegon was never present much. She was not made aware of his doings because they were deemed inappropriate. Heleana or 'Hel' as she liked to call her always went to septa classes with her. They never got close in childhood due to her obsessive nature over bugs and Elaena's crippling fear of them. 

Daeron was her other favorite besides Aemond. Though she did not enjoy his rude nature towards their nephews or her nephew's cruel nature towards him she did not pry. He was kind and gentle with her. 

But Aemond  was her other half. He was obedient, charming, kind, and handsome. He cared for her like no one else did. When she was sad or could not find sleep, he read to her. When she was more sickly than usual, he stayed to take care of her. He listened to her every whim and made her laugh. No one else noticed that she loved to joke, only him. 

Her dragon was a mirror image of herself timid, small and was born sickly. Urrax was her name, and she was by all accounts the least dragon of them all. She was white, nearly translucent like Elaena. She grew only large enough to saddle her or a small child. The she-dragon had tried to be friendly with the others but those around her were far too aggressive. She did not eat enough and spent most of her time behaving as a large child. 

Though she did not fly her as often as she should for, she was too afraid of heights. That was Elaena's closest companion. Others had made fun of her claiming she was useless and the worst dragon of them all. But Elaena claimed it was the gods' will to make Urrax so much like her.

-

Elaena and Jacaerys sat on a bench surrounded by hedges much taller than they. She had taken up the task of trying to teach him High Valyrian. Though they both fell flat as she wasn't that good at either. 

"Valar Morghulis" Elaena spoke. "Valar Morghulis." Jace replied. "No, that's the wrong response." Elaena counteracted. "Valar...valar.." Jace stuttered over his words trying to remember the phrase. "Valar Dohaeris. come on Jace, you tell Vermax to dohaeris all the time." Jace sighed and continued kicking his feet.  "My mother asked to betrothe Helena and I." Jace spoke his eyes, never leaving the ground. His lips were pouted in a…sad manner. "That sounds lovely. What did the king say?" Elaena closed the book and turned her full attention to him.

"No." Elaena hummed in response.  "It must be because of your ages. We are far closer in age anyways." Jace whipped his head around and stared at her in disbelief. "Are you saying you want to marry me?!" Elaena giggled, "No! I'm just saying it would make more sense." Jace scoffed, "Well I wouldn't marry you anyways. That's gross!" Elaena shoved his shoulder. "I'm not gross, you're gross!"  

Jace mockingly stuck his tongue out at her. Elaena leaped to her feet and Jace took that as a signal to run. The children darted around the gardens bursting with laughter. The sounds of their little feet hitting the stone path echoed. Though physical activity was not her strength she quickly ran out of breath and stopped in place. "I yield!" Elaena bent over and placed her hands on her knees. One downfall of her sickly life was she could not play long with the other children. Her body gave up on her faster than her mind. 

Jace slowly eased his feet and turned back to her. She was never able to run fast enough to catch him. It was a fun but short game they played. He didn't mind waiting on her or finding something else to do. She was his only friend besides his brother. The kindest out of her siblings. If he were to be king, he thought she would make a good consort. 

"I win!" He announced proudly. "It's no fair! You're too fast." Elaena removed her hands from her knees and walked towards him. "Or you're too slow!"  Jace retorted. A frown formed on Elaena's laugh and worry shot through his body thinking he made her cry. He reached his hands out to her. "El, I'm sorry-"

Elaena took that chance to pounce. She grappled him to the ground and began throwing punches. It felt as if his baby brother was attacking him. Her punches were soft and light at best. Jace began his own attack, tickles were her sworn enemy. She fell down to his side and he rolled on top. Her laughter filled his ears like a song. She pleaded with him to stop through tears and fits of giggles. 

A shadow casted over them and he pulled back. The giggles of children ceased and sounds of them scurrying to stand took its place. Princess Rhaenyra wore a curious look as she observed the two. She approached Elaena with one hand on her pregnant belly and plucked some leaves from her hair. "It seems you two abandoned your Valyrian lessons." She spoke. "Sorry mother." 

"Sorry Princess." Elaena had never referred to her as a sister. The age difference was too vast and the strife between their families too big. Rhaenyra lowered her hand and smiled at the two. "When I was your age, I didn't care much for lessons either. I preferred to ride Syrax and eat cake." Whatever trouble Jace thought he was in disappeared at his mother's admission. Elaena enjoyed watching how they interacted. She did not have the bond they had with her own mother. In fact, if Alicent saw them Elaena would be berated for not acting ladylike. That was if her mother remembered she existed. "Elaena sweetling, why don't you join us for supper?" Rhaenyra questioned and Jace poked at her arm. "I'd love to! But I have to go back to my septa before she gets mad." 

Elaena was a true follower of the faith. She did not commit sins like others around her. Except one, she would tell a white lie from time to time. She could pray for forgiveness after. "I'll see you on the morrow, Jace!" Elaena lifted her skirt and did a small courtesy towards Rhaenyra before she scurried off. 

"Bye!" Jace waved furiously before he turned his attention back to his mother. "You two are quite close hmm?" Rhaenyra quizzed him, raising one eyebrow. "She's my friend." Jace kept watching her disappear into the distance. "Maybe when you grow, she will be more than a friend." A small smirk climbed onto her face. "Ew! Don't say that." Jace whipped his head around and his cheeks flushed. "I am merely thinking aloud." Jace pouted his lips and turned his gaze to the ground. "Please don't think anymore." 

Rhaenyra chuckled and ruffled his curly brown locks. "Run along now, you need to bathe!"

-

 Elaena only lied when she did not wish to reveal her secrets. When Jace brought up the possibility of a betrothal a new idea sparked in her mind. She wanted to paint a Valyrian wedding. No one would notice if she did eat dinner tonight.

Her brother, Aemond had given her a new set of oil paints for her last name day. They glided across the textured canvas easier. The colors were far more vivid than the chalk she used to use. She had exactly twelve jars of paint to choose from. Today she would simply need five. 

It took her three hours of continuous brush strokes to finish what she had started. Once she got an idea, she would fixate over it until it was done. That was an issue she had whenever something sparked her interest; she obsessively consumed it until she got bored. 

Elaena stood back to admire her new painting. A part of her wished she could take it to someone and have them appreciate her work but that was not her life. Sometimes it ate her alive to think of how little she mattered to those around her. In those dark hours she simply reminded herself the gods would always be there to watch over her. 

The sound of her door slowly creaking open caught her attention. However, she was in a trance staring at her work and didn't turn. She was observing every small detail trying to find a problem she could fix. 

"You're doing it again." Aemond’s voice rang through her chambers. "Hmm?" Elaena was far too focused to pay attention. "You're forgetting to eat because you're so distracted." He stalked towards her. "I'm not hungry." Elaena could feel Aemond roll his eyes.  "The Gods say it is a sin to lie...Here I brought you a plate." 

He knew how to tug on her heart strings. Religious guilt was something she accidentally instilled in herself by finding too much solace in the faith. She dropped her head and sighed. He moved over to the small table in her chambers and waved her over. "I haven't seen you at all. Have you been fixating on this all day?" 

Aemond regretted getting her new paints. He knew how she got when she really enjoyed something. Though some call it a strength, it was also a weakness. It worried him how often she would forget to eat or bathe because of a new story she was writing or fabric she was stitching. Painting was just a new obsession that preoccupied all of her attention. He would not directly admit it, but he did get jealous when she paid no mind to him. "No, I spent the day with Jace. Then I began working on this before the sun set."  

She picked apart the food on her plate. It did not help her sickly nature that she was so particular about her food. She preferred sweet and mild flavors over those of spice and bitterness. She liked soft and easily chewed textures rather than rough meats. Most vegetables were her sworn enemy as well as salted pork. 

"You shouldn't spend so much time with him."  Aemond spoke. "And why not? He hasn't done anything to me." Elaena continued to stare at her plate. "They aren't good company to keep. You know how people whisper that they are-" She cut him off. "No, I don't hear any whispers. No one tells me anything." 

Aemond sighed. No one told her what a bastard was. There were many times they were scolded for potentially saying unsavory things in front of her. Their mother had kept her as innocent as possible, perhaps to prevent her from turning out like Aegon or Rhaenyra. Or maybe so she could easily manipulate her into doing what she wanted because she knew nothing else. Maybe she just didn't care enough to teach her. Aemond did not know which it was, but he knew she loved her. The Queen was just too busy to handle all the children she had. "I just mean if people see you with a boy who isn't your brother, they may think bad things." Elaena dropped her fork. "What bad things?" 

Aemond quickly realized this conversation was going nowhere. Sometimes he wondered if she acted oblivious on purpose, or she really was that dense. His eyes wandered over to her new artwork. For her age she was quite skilled at the craft. He could tell it was a scene from one of the history books he read to her. 

"Are you planning on marrying someone? Why did you paint a wedding?" He inquired. "I got the idea because Jace said he might marry Helaena! Wouldn't that be exciting to go to a real wedding ceremony?!" She exclaimed.  "Mother would never allow us to marry one of them." Elaena rolled her eyes. "I know, he told me."

Aemond was getting annoyed that the conversation kept going back to Jacaerys. He would need to find her a new friend or start hovering over her more frequently. They would taint her with their ways just as his mother said they would. 

"I thought you only liked the seven-pointed star. Why have you painted a Valyrian wedding?" Elaena cleared her throat, "Just because I do not wish to follow it does not mean I cannot see the beauty in it. There is beauty in everything, good or bad, such is the Gods' will." 

Sometimes the way she said things surprised him. Aemond was genuinely fascinated by the way her mind worked and how she carried herself. How could someone so closely related to them be so different. Times like this he understood why she was sheltered from the outside world. "Spoken like a true saint. The High Septon would be proud." 

Elaena finally began eating her food. She picked the carrots and cabbage out and put them to the side, then she crushed the meat pie enough it would be easy to chew. It was only a few bites of food but she was in a hurry to please Aemond so he would give her the berry cake she smelled in his lap. He always brought her sweets as a reward. 

"All done!" She dropped her hands on the table and stared into him. "That's nowhere near enough." He spoke. "But-" Aemond quickly cut her off. "Eat half." 

Elaena growled at him, earning her an amused look from him. She shoved the mushier half of the pie in her mouth. While her cheeks were still full, she spoke, "Now give it to me." Aemond laughed at her. "You look like a squirrel preparing for winter!" 

He pulled out what he knew she desired and slid it over. In one quick gulp she swallowed her food and began ravishing the cake. She had the most manners out of them all, but it was lost once she was alone, and sweets were on the line. He couldn't help but giggle at her passion for eating desserts and the mess she created. 

"You desperately need a bath!" He chuckled at her. Aemond pointed at the red stains from berries on her face and the leftover paint on her skin. "I'll bathe when the maids remember I exist." 

Her maids had forgotten to come and check on her. Aemond would have his mother scold them later. That was the power he had being the perfect son. If he saw something that was not good, usually she would listen and do something about it. 

Aemond took the empty plates from her and began the march to the Queen's chambers.

ACT II

She had taken Jace down to the dragonpit with her this morrow. Urrax was more of a glorified dog than a dragon. She rarely held the fury other dragons possessed and was more useless than them all. She was a lot more obedient and trustworthy of other people but did not care to listen to them.  She enjoyed sunbathing and neck scratches most of all. Urrax was not big enough to be ridden and her rider was too scared of heights anyway. She didn’t mind that because Urrax was lazy above all else. 

“You see, having a dragon is not all that fun. Urrax doesn’t even move.”  Elaena pointed at her dragon and frowned. “That is because she’s too much like you.” Jace spoke in a matter-of-fact manner. “Well, she also rarely flies.” She rolled her eyes and placed a hand on her hip. “That is because her rider is scared of heights.” Jacaerys spoke with a cheeky smirk plastered on his face. 

“Uh...Urrax come! See, she doesn’t even listen.” She tossed her hands up in the air. The she-dragon stayed sitting staring at what they could only presume to be a mouse. 

“That is because she is distracted by that mouse like you get distracted by your crafts.” Jace patted her on the head and ruffled her hair. Elaena dropped her shoulders in defeat. “A dragon who is born in a cradle tends to be a mirror of their rider's personality.”  

Jacaerys spoke confidently. It always intrigued Elaena how smart he could be when he tried. Usually he fell short in academics, not because he was dumb but because he was lazy. Every once in a while, though he would shock her with random facts he had picked up. 

 “Come” Elaena took his hand and dragged him over to Urrax. She plopped down on the ground and dragged Jace with her. She enjoyed petting Urrax and speaking with her. Though she doubted she could understand what she was saying. Urrax looked to get a rush of excitement and laid herself down next to them. She knew what time it was. “She enjoys being pet…like a hound.” 

Jacaerys scoffed at that. Elaena narrowed her eyes at him and began stroking the scales on Urrax’s neck. The dragon purred and closed its eyes. She was a quiet attention whore just like Elaena. 

Jace's eyes seemed to light up when he touched her. Vermax was never the kind of dragon to allow people to pet him. He was extremely ill tempered as most green dragons are. Jacaerys and him got along well enough but he was nothing compared to Urrax.

“Is she…purring?” His eyes widened as he leaned closer to listen in. “She is! That must mean she likes you.” Elaena cheerfully proclaimed. “It is said that dragons and riders share feelings.” He spoke quietly. Elaena was oblivious to most things around her, including the feelings other people had for her. It was not because she was dumb it was simply because she lacked the ability to read people. It was much easier for her if people just told her flat out how they felt. 

“Ah, I like you, so it makes sense. Does that mean she will eat my grandsire?” His cheeks flushed red before his face was taken over with curiosity. “You don’t like your grandfather?” Elaena stopped petting Urrax for a moment to think. It was not a holy thing to judge other people, only the gods could do that. Internally she started to become conflicted on if she should start her rant or pretend, she said nothing. “I misspoke, my apologies.” She had decided to say another white lie. That would be the only sin she allowed herself to commit. 

Jacaerys nearly barfed in his mouth when she admitted that. He hated that so much of her life was focused around the seven. It completely prevented her from living. All of the Hightower children were weird in their own way. Aegon was a drunk, but he was still cool sometimes, especially when they picked on Aemond together. Helaena was weirdly obsessed with bugs and spoke in riddles. He didn’t dislike her at all, just had little in common with her. Elaena, though she was so sweet to him and an amazing friend, was held back by imaginary Gods. Daeron, he never got to know well enough. He did not like Jace that much he knew. Aemond loathed him to his very core. Every time he was with Elaena his eyes beat red with jealousy. He normally held his tongue, but Jace knew what he wanted to say. 

Elaena was the only one he could genuinely consider a friend. His mother liked her more than the others too. One thing that separated her from the rest was she never called him a bastard. She never even brought up the whispers or his relationship with Ser Harwin. Either she was completely oblivious or did not care and he enjoyed that she was like that. 

“I don’t like your grandsire either.” He meant it to be comforting to tell her she wasn’t alone. It seemed she didn’t feel the same because he watched as she stood up and brushed the dust off herself. “I wish to go to the sept and pray. Will you join me?” Jacaerys never went to the sept, nor did he wish to. However, for a reason unbeknownst to him he could never say no. “Yeah always.” He took her hand into his own and let her guide him. Elaena always had the softest hands though she was always cold. He sometimes thought he could warm her if she just stayed close to him. 

-

They were escorted by guards the entire way to the grand sept. Children would obviously not be allowed to venture the streets alone, but he wished for alone time. That was not a request he was going to receive today though. The sept was dark and lit by hundreds of candles on the mantle in the center of the room. Statues of each of the gods lined it and stared down at him. The windows were colored and had the seven-pointed star decorating them. It was not a place that brought him comfort, it brought quite the opposite actually.

“Do you know how to pray?” He felt guilty when he had to shake his head no. “No matter, we all must start somewhere. Here follow me.” Elaena led Jace to the front of the mantle and handed him a candle. She lit her own and passed the stick to light his. “What are these statues?” He asked with genuine curiosity. 

“The bearded man is The Father. He is said to protect his children. You pray to him for the strength and wisdom to seek justice yourself or for him to take justice on your behalf.” She pointed at the statue with a stern face. It did resemble Ser Harwin a bit. “That is The Mother. She is said to be loving and protective of her children. You pray to her for mercy, and to keep loved ones safe….The man with a sword is The Warrior, you pray to him for courage, a favorable condition during battle, to watch over soldiers, give them strength, keep them safe, and help warriors to victory.” She took a deep breath to prepare for the next explanation.

“The man with a hammer is The Smith, he is the mender of broken things who puts the world of men to right…The innocent looking woman is The Maid. People pray to the Maiden to keep young women safe. A mother may pray to the Maiden to lend courage to her daughters and guard them in their innocence, while a bride might light candles in thanks if a suitable marriage offer is made. Women may also ask for forgiveness for their sins.” She took notice of Jacaerys slowly becoming bored and zoning out. She let out a deep sigh before continuing, “The Crone is the woman with the lamp. You pray to her for wisdom and guidance. Lastly there is the stranger. He leads the newly deceased to the other world. However, he is also meant for the outcast and wanderers of the world. People who fit in that category tend to light candles for him.” 

Jacaerys wasn’t sure who he was meant to pray to. His own mother never taught him much about religion, it wasn’t something that was common in their household. “Who do I pray to?” Elaena let out a huff of annoyance, presumably at how uneducated he was. “To whomever you need to speak to.” That was not very helpful. He watched her close her eyes and clasp her hands together. The candies illuminating her porcelain skin looked beautiful. He wished he looked more like her and not like…Jacaerys wouldn’t think about that right now. He chose to awkwardly ask the warrior for strength and the father for wisdom. One day he would be king and perhaps the gods who help him become a good one. It was a short pray and his knees hurt from kneeling. Elaena was taking her sweet time talking to the gods.

Elaena first prayed to the father to bless her and her family with wisdom. She then moved to the mother and asked for protection for her family. She prayed the warrior gave her brothers strength. The smith mends the bonds of her family that had been broken. She asked the maid for forgiveness for her sins and help in maintaining her innocence. She prayed the crone guided her down the right path with her lamp. Finally, she asked the stranger to lead all the ones that were lost to their salvation. An unusual prayer came to mind today. Her brother Aemond had always been an outcast. Perhaps the stranger would lead him to a path of salvation too. 

“I’m done.” When she was finally satisfied with her conversations, she turned to Jacaerys. She noticed at one point he was fiddling with the hot wax and trying to find a distraction. “We should probably head home then..before our mothers worry themselves sick.” Her mother never worried sick about her. She was far too busy with her own duties to keep track of the youngest daughter. Only Aemond cared about where she went. “You’re right, I’m late for septa lessons too..hurry!” She ripped Jace off the ground at the sudden realization and took off. She was never late to lessons, the scolding she was about to receive would ruin her entire week. 

-

Not only was she late to her lessons but it was the first time her entire family had shown up to one. Elaena couldn’t fathom why they were all crowded in one room. She felt her heart plummet into her stomach and the sweat started to pool on her palms. She should have prayed to the mother for mercy today. 

“Elaena, where have you been?! You’ve never been late before.” Spoke her septa, Margaret. Alicent was watching Helaena sew before she turned her attention to Elaena with a questioning gaze. “I-I went to the sept to pray, and I lost track of time..I’m really sorry.” Her eyes were nearly about to spill out tears. She never got in trouble, she always stayed in the shadows. Now it was her first time that the attention was all on her. “It is good that you pray, my dear child. Who escorted you all the way to the grand sept?” She turned her eyes to Aegon who looked excited that someone besides him was getting in trouble. Aemond looked at her quizzingly. There was no one there to save her. 

“Jacaerys took me.” She spoke excitedly thinking that having an escort would get her out of trouble. Elaena couldn’t have been more wrong. “The Velaryon boy?! It is inappropriate enough that you are frolicking around with a boy who is not your family.” Alicent scolded her for the first time. Her lips began to quiver, and her shoulders trembled. Elaena didn’t understand what was so wrong with him. “The Maiden would not be pleased to see her child with a random boy…especially one of them.” Her mother lowered her voice and spoke in her usual soft tone.

She didn’t know what she meant by one of them but assumed she meant boys that weren’t her siblings. She prepared herself for another berating before a soft voice chimed in. “It is my fault, mother. Elaena asked me to accompany her, but I was far too busy reading. She only went with him because he obviously had nothing else to do. You have my apologies.” Aemond’s face had an apologetic look. Alicent let out a deep sigh and shook her head agreeing with him. He had lied to save her. She would thank him greatly later.  

“I’m sorry, Your Grace.” Elaena curtsied and lowered her head. Alicent ushered her over to sit next to her. She began brushing Helaena’s hair and started an announcement. “Aegon and Helaena will be married soon. I wish for us all to congratulate them.” Elaena silently clapped for them. She may be a fool but not big enough a fool to believe anyone would want to marry her brother. He was the living embodiment of sin. Daeron patted his brother on his back and clapped silently for Hel. Aemond and Aegon both looked as if they were going to vomit in their places. Helaena simply ignored everything her mother said and twirled a string in her fingers. 

“I will pray Aegon improves before your wedding.” She whispered to Helaena. The air in the room grew tense as Alicent began bickering with Aegon. “I have more news…Daeron is being sent to Oldtown to squire.” Elaena clapped cheerfully now. Her smile was of genuine excitement. Though she could not shake the sorrowful feeling in her heart to see another family member leave. Daeron seemed proud of his new station, at least in Oldtown he would be given proper attention. Elaena wished she could go as well but her mother would never let one of her daughters out of her sight for too long. The meeting came to a close with a few hushed good lucks and soft hugs. Aemond was the one to follow her out. 

-

“Why does she hate the Velaryon’s so much?” Elaena asked in her supremely innocent voice. “They are not like us. It is something you’ll understand when you’re older.” Aemond crawled into bed next to her and opened a book about the history of Oldtown. “I’m old enough now to understand most things.” She sighed as she watched him flick through the pages. “The Maiden protects your innocence as does our mother. That is all she’s trying to do by keeping them away.” He spoke softly. Even Aemond got annoyed at her hyper fixation on the Gods. However, it was one of the few things she listened to and took to heart. He felt guilty each time he had to use it against her or to explain away something but, it was a simple option. 

He paused on a page with a painted picture of Oldtown. The grand Hightower stood in the midst of the citadel. It was surrounded by mountains and the ocean. “It looks so beautiful on paper; I wonder what it looks like in person?” He sighed, “Daeron will know soon enough.” She sunk deeper into his chest and inhaled the scent of leather and dust. He always smelled dusty from the library.

 “I prayed for you today.” She spoke softly. “Why me? Aren’t there more important things?” He glanced at her quizzingly. “None more important than family…I prayed to the stranger.” Aemond sat up from his position and his eyes gleamed with shock. “You pray for my death?!” She covered her mouth as her giggles sang throughout the room. The twisted expression he wore was humorous to her. “No fool, the stranger helps outcasts too! I prayed he would give you a dragon and guide you like the other wanderers of the world.” 

Aemond settled back in his previous position. His heart was conflicted on if he should be thanking her or scolding her for thinking of him as an outcast. “Thanks…” His voice was as unsure as his mind. Damn those little bastards for making him look bad. “When you do get a dragon, I’ll pray he’s not as useless as Urrax.” Even that made her brother laugh. She was cursed with a dragon more like a dog and he had none at all. Fate was such a fickle thing. 

-

Aemond hadn’t come to visit her until late the other night. He was covered in ash. He ranted and raved over being given a pig. He made her swear to the gods to never speak to those bas- she couldn’t say the word. He made her swear to never speak to them again. It felt as though her soul was being torn in half. Jacaerys was always so kind to her, how could he do something so cruel? If she was there, she might have prevented it. 

Elaena was not there for the fight in the yard either. She didn’t have the stomach for violence nor the patience to watch boys swing wooden sticks for hours. It was just another tear in her family she failed to prevent. It was not her place to feel so much guilt, but she did. Instead of crying she began a new project. 

Morning, noon, and night for the past week she tirelessly sewed a gown for Helaena. It was white with glistening jewels and lace sewn onto it. The headpiece itself was a monster of its own. The dress was meant for the wedding if her mother permitted it. She would, of course, no one was a better seamstress than her. Oftentimes she found herself pricking her own fingers and ignoring the small drops of blood that pooled on her tips. Once she was ‘in the mood’ as Aemond liked to say nothing could distract her. A dragon could burn down King's Landing and Elaena wouldn’t even notice. 

Creeeeeeeeak

The door slowly moved open, and a bush of brown locks popped in. A pair of brown eyes followed and wandered around the room. A small tan hand pushed the door the rest of the way open. 

“Psst” Elaena was too focused. “Psst, Elaena!” The whisper grew louder. “Elaena!”

Jacaerys shouted in a whisper. How could she be so deaf? She furrowed her eyebrows and backed away from the dress. She could have sworn she heard something- A pair of small hands covered her mouth before she could scream. His big brown eyes stared into hers. “Shhh I’m not supposed to be here! You have to keep quiet.” She mumbled in the palm of his hand. Elaena’s eyes searched around the room. “Do you promise not to shout?”

Jace’s face was one of worry. She shook her head, and he slowly pulled his hand away from her. Elaena’s face was now covered in his hand sweat, gross. “Jace!” She shouted, before he could reply she jumped and wrapped her arms around him. Yes, she was still mad over the pig joke but without him she was so lonely. He could be forgiven just like all of The Mother’s children. Aemond would probably forgive him too once they learned how to be friends. 

“I missed you too.” He nuzzled his head into her hair. Besides smelling like floral oils that were used in her bath, she smelled like the fabrics or paints she surrounded herself with. It was a comforting smell that encased his senses. He used his hands to rub her back just as his own mother did to him. “I want to take you somewhere.” He pulled away and placed his hands on her shoulders. He was not asking her permission, simply telling her what they were doing. “It’s really late…I don’t want to get in troub-“ He interrupted, “You won’t! Just please follow me.” It was impossible to say no to him. Especially when his big brown eyes stared into your soul. It was like looking at a begging dog. “Ok…. but where are we going?” She examined his face for any clue. He simply grabbed her hand and pulled her with vigor. “You’ll see!”

-

After ducking and dodging several nighttime guards they stumbled upon the gods wood tree they spent so much time under. It was dimly lit from the torches within the castle. “Why are we here?” She spoke in a hushed whisper. He pulled her to the ground under the tree and cupped her hands. His expression was laced with seriousness. “I needed to tell you something but only in private, in our place.” Her heart sank, imagining what words could be uttered from his mouth. “Wha- what is it?” He sighed and his fingers tightened. “We’re moving to Dragonstone. I’m not sure when I’ll be back or if we will ever see each other-“ 

“No!” Elaena was a sensitive girl with too many feelings. Her tear ducts acted on their own accord and released a flurry of tears. Jacaerys acted quickly and embraced her harshly. The sounds of her whimpers were muffled in his night clothes. “I wanted to do something with you…swear something to each other.” Elaena pulled herself away from him and wiped her tears. Her response was intertwined with sniffles. “Swear what?” 

Jacaerys took this as a good sign and unsheathed his dagger. Ser Harwin gave it to him before he left, now he vowed to take it everywhere with him. Elaena’s eyes widened like he had never seen them before. She muttered short ‘whats’ as she began pulling away. “I’m not going to harm you! It’s just to carve something into our tree.” She stared at him in confusion. “Carve what?” His lips curved into a mischievous smirk. “A promise that we'll be together no matter how far away we are.” That sounded like something Aemond read in story books. Lovers torn apart making a promise to each other. 

“I’ll start.” He took his time sloppily carving something into the tree. His hands shook as the bark fell apart. It was completely unintelligible. “There, now your name is carved into here for the rest of time.” That made her giggle with joy. He moved the dagger, so the end was facing her. “It’s your turn to carve mine.” She nervously took the blade from him. Elaena had never wielded a weapon before, nor did she intend to. She gave him an awkward smile as she tried her best to write his name. It was even worse looking than what he did. She pulled back and her face crinkled at the poor craftsmanship. He let out a laugh then took her hands.

“It is time for the promise itself…are you ready?” She shook her head once more. For a boy of ten he looked very grown up at this moment. “With this kiss I pledge my love. I shall be loyal to you always, and hold no secrets from you, now and forever. I share your joy, from this day to my last day. And, with this flower, I pledge my passion.” He handed her a little dandelion he picked up. It was a weed not a flower but no matter. What was that about a kiss? Before she could mull it over, he pecked her lips with his own. Her entire body felt as if it was lit aflame. Her cheeks were a shade of blistering red. “It’s your turn, El!” 

Her throat betrayed her and spoke before she could think.  “With this kiss I pledge my love. I shall be loyal to you always, and hold no secrets from you, now and forever. I share your joy, from this day to my last day. And..um..” She didn’t have a flower on her. The air around them became awkward quickly as she searched herself for anything. Ah, the seven-pointed star necklace she always wore.”And, with this necklace I pledge my passion.” She dropped it into his lap and stared. Elaena was not bold enough to do what he did. Her fingers began to fiddle with the seams on her dress. Her cheeks burnt hot to the touch. She quickly asked the warrior for courage and leaned in. 

“Ow!” She had failed miserably and flashed her forehead into his. Elaena rubbed the knot that would most likely form after tonight. Jacaerys laughed at her under his breath and grabbed her face. “Muuuuuah!” He didn’t peck her this time it was the worst open mouth kiss a child could do. He slobbered on her like a dog, and she couldn’t help but crinkle her nose. Jace saw his mother and Ser Harwin do it once…he realized it looked better than actually doing it. They didn’t notice the pair of violet eyes staring at them or the small brown ones following suit. 

Thus, two little kids made a promise neither could fully comprehend. A pledge that they may never end up keeping. Everything was so much simpler in the story books they read. The goodbye was sweet and simple, but she couldn’t hold back her tears. Luckily for Elaena she would be seeing Jacaerys very soon. 

ACT III

The wind of Driftmark was chilly and the air smelt only of salt from the sea. It had only been a few days since they departed to Dragonstone before Elaena saw him again. Her mother summoned another rare group meeting to announce the Lady Laena had passed and you all were to attend her funeral. It was an odd thing going to a funeral of someone you didn’t know but that was the duty of a princess, Elaena thought. 

She was completely dazed throughout the entire ordeal. Only exchanging glances with Jacaerys who looked more solemn than usual.  

“Why does he seem so sad? I didn’t think he knew her all that well.”  Aegon snickered at her obliviousness and Aemond rolled his eyes. “His father died and his grandsire too.” She confusingly looked around the funeral. 

“Aemond, they’re right here.” He lowered his voice to nothing above a whisper. Aemond was acting as if he was sharing top secret information. “No…their true father, Ser Harwin Strong died in a fire. Lyonel died with him which is why grandsire is the hand again.” Elaena’s eyes widened as she took in the new information. Jacaerys did always look a bit like a Strong…and he was rather fond of the Lord Commander too. “If he was their father, why didn’t he claim them?”  Aegon bit his lip trying not to laugh. He placed a hand on her shoulder and leaned in. “Because they are bastards born out of wedlock. To claim a bastard is to forever shame yourself in the eyes of the Gods you worship, silly girl.” 

It was that word again. The word Aemond threw around in her room the night after the pig incident. If it were true, that they were ba- born out of wedlock that would mean their entire life was a lie. Their claim to anything was also a falsity. Oh my, her best friend and half-sister had been living in sin her whole life and she never noticed. She might be considered a sinner too for…liking him. 

She stared at him with wide eyes for the entire speech. Elaena would go and pray for him soon. Overall, she wasn’t that worried about him, more about how the gods were going to punish her for associating with him. Would they damn her to the Seven Hells for what she had done? Would they take the life of someone she loved too? What cruel punishment would they give to her for kissing a bas- born out of wedlock child? 

“Don’t tell them that you know. You’ll get in far more trouble than you deserve.” Aemond looked at her with a serious expression. “How do we know for certain?” She quizzed him, secretly she hoped it to be a lie. Maybe Aegon told him as a jest, and he took it too seriously. One of the jealous ladies spread the rumor, surely. “Mother.”

It was the truth after all. The guilt started eating her alive almost immediately. If his very birth was against the gods, wasn’t he supposed to be..cruel? Jacaerys had always been kind to her. He didn’t seem to be someone who was a sin, not yet at least. Her mind began racing, endlessly searching for a path to forgiveness. Elaena could just go and offer him saving...bring him to the light and turn him holy. Yes, that’s what she could do right now. The gods were merciful after all, and he had proved himself too not be evil. They both may not have to face persecution.

Aemond watched her face wash over in anxiety. Her eyes focused entirely on the direction of their nephew. He had finally said something that struck a chord with her. Now, he could finally stop worrying about them interacting. He turned to Aegon who had already begun bickering about his marriage again. It disgusted him how little he cared for duty or the law. How he managed to dishonor himself every day with another serving girl or liquor. It was a blessing she never had to witness his doings…Aemond froze for a moment and realized she wasn’t clinging onto him anymore. He whipped his head in several different directions before he spotted them. It always had to be them.

Elaena had been following Jace’s movements around the funeral awaiting an opportunity. Oddly enough, Rhaenyra was doing the same to her uncle. They pretended not to notice each other wandering aimlessly, a secret understanding of sorts was made. She stalked through the crowd of people and lost sight of him. Of course, her sister would distract her fro-

“What are you doing?” Her entire body whipped around, and Elaena’s face burnt red from the sheer embarrassment. “I-I wha- are you stalking me?” She spoke, shifting the blame onto the other person that was definitely a sin of some sort. He furrowed his eyebrows, “Why would I be stalking you? I was trying to find my cousins and you’re in the way.” He scoffed; his words came out far more venomous than he had intended. Jacaerys was simply upset about everything around him. He was confused and angry that his parentage was kept hidden away for so long. And he was overwhelmingly sad that Harwin had died before he got the chance to form that sort of bond with him. It was a lot for a boy of ten to handle on his own. 

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Elaena shuffled to the side so he could get past. Anyone else in her family would probably bark back at him. Scold him for being rude towards them. Not her, she simply accepted defeat. 

“It’s fine…” Jacaerys mumbled under his breath. Internally he was rather pleased to see her again. Though he had an amazing family, he yearned for the comforts of someone less…biased. Someone who he considered more of an equal rather than his little brother or mother. The faintest of smiles crept onto her face as she reached forward. The necklace she gave him was still hung around his neck. “As long as you wear this the gods will keep watching over you…My apologies for the loss of Lady Laena…And Ser Harwin, I know you all had a strong bond.” He grabbed her hand with strength she did not know he possessed. She stumbled back, ignorant of the implication she made. Elaena had chosen the worst word to describe them without realizing. 

“What did you just say?” His cheeks were red but not in their usual flush, they were an angry shade of crimson. His eyes shot daggers through her, and his grip tightened when she wouldn’t answer.

“I-I..” She couldn’t figure out what she had just said wrong. What could she have possibly said to trigger this sort of reaction? “You’re just like the rest of them, aren’t you?!”

Her eyes began watering on their own. Tears forming a pool threatening to spill over on the edge of her lids. Elaena did not do well getting in trouble. Especially, when she had no idea what she did. “Let's go.” The voice from behind her spoke firmly. Elaena turned her head, 

“Aemond!” Jacaerys and Aemond had a short-lived stare down. His eyes were cold, dull even and seemed to pierce right through Jace. He let go of Elaena and stepped back, he raised his chin to Aemond, “Do you always meddle in your sister’s life?” 

Aemond laughed, “I never noticed how strong of a grip you had, perhaps a trait from your father.” Jacaerys took a step forward and looked as if he was going to strangle Aemond to death. But, not before Aegon decided to join in the fun. “Fighting at a funeral? Isn’t that unbefitting of a future king, Jace?”

Jacaerys didn’t let go of eye contact with the youngest brother. Though for a moment it seemed his lip twitched. Aegon normally wouldn’t waste his energy on childish fights but after the pig joke, he owed Aemond. Plus, only he was allowed to make fun of his sisters. 

Jace was the first to break, he was outnumbered and wouldn’t cause a scene on such a sad day. Unlike Aemond he wasn’t that desperate to fight another person. He let out a childish huff and moved over to his cousins. 

“Why were you talking to him?!” Aemond scolded her. “I just wanted to say sorry.” Elaena muttered. “Did you see what happened?! That’s why I tell you not to talk to them!” Aegon chimed in,“Look, she's crying now, idiot!” Aemond furrowed his brows. “Yeah! look at what he did to her!” He pointed to the tiny red spot on her wrist. Jacaerys didn’t grab hard enough to leave a bad mark, he wouldn’t do that. “Stop yelling, she’s crying more!” Aegon pointed at her face. “How is that my fault?! It’s the bastard's fault.” Aemond retorted. “Of course, it’s his fault but you’re making it worse!” 

Elaena felt the sting of hot tears forming in her eyes as Aemond and Aegon both started to yell at her. She felt her throat tighten and her vision blurring as the tears started to slide down her cheeks. Embarrassed, she tried to look away, but the boys’ yells kept ringing in her ears and she couldn't bear it any longer. She suddenly remembered her room and the shelter it could provide from the scolding. Without another thought, Elaena ran inside and into her room, her face wet with tears and her heart filled with sadness. She sank into her cotton bed, pulling the covers over herself and let the tears flow freely. She tried to muffle her sobs, but the boys’ voices still echoed in her head and overwhelmed her. She cried until a deep, exhausted sleep came over her. 

-

“Wake up!” Two hands shook her vigorously.

“Elaenaaaaaaaaa….wake upppp!” They pulled the blankets off her. Elaena groaned and rolled over. Her eyes stitched shut by dry tears and her throat sore from sobbing. The smell of wine filled her nose and forced her fully awake. 

“Aegon, you’re drunk.” She spoke in between yawns. “We need to go!” He yanked her by the arm. She barely had time to pull a nightgown cover off her chair before she was rushed down the stairs and into the great hall. Aegon hadn’t told her anything as he raced her and Helaena to the scene. The room was packed to the brim with onlookers. 

“What’s going on?” Helaena spoke in a loud whisper. Aegon shuffled them to the side of the room where their mother stood. Elaena immediately took notice of Aemond’s absence. She gazed around the room and spotted the Velaryon boys covered in blood. Her first instinct was to gag at the sight then the next was to try to go over to Jacaerys. Aegon pulled her back and leaned down.

“Look! Elaena look what they did!” She moved her gaze over to the chair, her mother sat in front of it with tears in her eyes. The maester worked vigorously on someone. She cranked her head to the side and saw him. Her eyes widened and she stumbled back. His eye was gone, it was completely gone. The bile in her stomach itched at her throat. Aemond had gotten his eye cut out. 

The king, her father, started demanding answers. The noise of his shouting and everyone else’s was blurred in her head. She had tunnel vision; all she could stare at was him. 

Aemond had been right all along, they lived in sin. Jacaerys and his siblings were all bastards, their lives were against the gods themselves. Sweat began pooling on her forehead and her eyes flickered between the children. The gods punished her by taking his eye, just as they punished Rhaenyra by killing Ser Harwin. This was all her fault for associating with him, for kissing him. She was a sinner now too. 

Elaena was consumed with an intense guilt as she realized Jacaerys took Aemond's eye with the dagger they exchanged their vows with. She felt sorrow and outrage, mixed with the grief and indignation of betrayal, as she was reminded of the warning Aemond had given her about Jacaerys being a sin. This moment made it all too real, making it impossible for Elaena to deny that she had failed her faith and her brother, dabbling with something her religion denounced. Her throat was thick with tears that she was unable to shed, and her mind was beset with conflicting thoughts as she wrestled with her own belief system, realizing that she had been wrong to ignore Aemond's warnings. She wanted to stop the pain that Aemond was enduring but could do nothing but watch helplessly as her brother's eye was taken in such a cruel and calculated manner. The Velaryons were all monsters, and she was now one too. 

The sounds of fighting erupting were drowned out by her own mind. Accusations being sent across the room like hell fire. The arrival of her half-sister and the Velaryons did not ease the tension. 

“You will make good will to one another! Elaena and Jacaerys are henceforth betrothed. Their union may just make this interminable infighting cease!” Viserys spoke. “Thank you, father.” Rhaenyra replied.

 Elaena was ripped out of the daze she was in. When she heard she was to marry Jacaerys, Elaena felt a wave of deep despair flooding her heart. The news caught her completely off guard and her natural reaction was to recoil away from him in fear. She knew without a doubt that his previous actions were nothing less than sinful and to be married to him would make her complicit with it. She couldn’t help but feel that she was losing her way in the eyes of her religion and her faith in her own goodness was diminishing. 

She casted her view to Jacaerys who lowered his eyes, Rhaenyra offered her a soft smile, Aegon was too bewildered to speak, Helaena wasn’t even present in her mind to react. Her final turn was to her mother and brother. In her mind she was begging them to make it stop. Don’t let this happen, don’t let them drag her farther into sin and away from her faith.

“No!” Aemond shouted. "Goodwill and betrothals will not make my son whole again!” Alicent spoke in a plea that would go unheard. She felt her chest tighten and her heart start to sink as she tried to wrap her mind around the reality of the situation. She couldn’t shake the feeling of being doomed – like she had already lost and was heading further away from redemption and the light. The thought of it was unbearable. 

She watched in horror as Alicent lunged at Rhaenyra. Her own father had forsaken them. He allowed them to take his eye with no punishment and then threaten to punish him for an insult. It wasn’t until now she realized the way of things. On this night she realized her ‘father’ did not think of them as family, only backups. He did not love them, he only had love for his other family. Her mother had been right to warn them this entire time. He would take out their tongues for speaking the truth and force them into unwanted marriages for his own gain.  Rhaenyra and her brood were sinners and the king stood idly by and let them do as they pleased whilst the rest suffered. 

The night swiftly came to an end when Alicent released the blade and Aemond said it was a fair trade. It was not a fair trade in her mind, nor would it ever be. She stared at Jacaerys with tears welling in her violet irises, he did not return her gaze. Elaena was mentally pleading with him to say sorry, to offer them anything. He did no such thing. Instead, he walked away from the scene with his own family. Rhaenyra and her kin were always good at fleeing when things became unsavory. It left a bitter taste in her mouth and a stain in her heart. 

Elaena spent that night with Aemond and many other nights after. 

-

Her disdain for her other family had simmered down. She still did not think of them as her true family and still believed them to be sinners in need of saving, but she did not loathe them. She prayed for them instead and for her future husband. Lucerys was truly the only person she had quarrels with. He took her brother's eye after all; she prayed the warrior would serve him justice one day. However, her disdain for the king did not relent. The Gods would be angry she could not be rid of the grudge that held onto her heart but there was nothing she could do. He had caused the divide even if he did not mean it. 

It was easier to forget her betrothal and inevitable doom whilst at home. Her mother fought tooth and nail to have her stay at home with them. For the first time her mother took notice of her, real notice. She was interested in her art and crafts and her love for the seven. The Queen permitted her to wear more conservative clothing you might see a septa wear…she even considered letting Elaena become a septa like she wished. The King would never allow the last bit but at least her mother now tried. 

She had taken to becoming Aemond’s caregiver as a way to appease her sins. Elaena followed his every move like a dog. Though he was not an easy patient, he wished to do everything on his own. The worst part of it thus far had been the removal of the stitches. The maester said that he may have chronic pain for the rest of his life to match with the massive scar. His eyeball was completely gone and for now it was just a hole he covered with a patch. Elaena wouldn’t admit out loud it was a hard sight to behold. 

He also had been in higher spirits because of Vhagar. She had doted on him like a mother whose babe had just gotten injured. Aemond flew on her every single day, sometimes he wouldn’t return for hours. Elaena remained content waiting for him on the ground. It wasn’t like Urrax could magically grow large and take off. His entire aura had changed after that night. He was no longer the shy and polite boy she knew. Instead, he was self-assured, audacious, diligent, and independent. He was more mature and prince-like now than he ever was. 

-

He wanted to go and escape on Vhagar today but all of the king’s children were forced to watch the tournament for his first-born son’s wedding. He had invited every lord and lady from all across the realm to enjoy the festivities. Though, it wasn’t a very festive week for the couple or for the younger children who were reminded they would forever be in the background of the eldest. 

“I hate tourneys.” Aemond mumbled under his breath. They sat in the royal box looking down at the “excitement” below. Aegon and Helaena sat opposite to them. One was already drowning in his cups and the other was lost in her own head.  “I think they can be nice.” Elaena smiled at him. She was purposely staring any other way besides the violence below. “Real men don’t need to prove their honor in tourneys with sticks. They prove it in real war with real swords.” 

She hummed at his words. “It can be kind of romantic…A man winning with the favor of a girl and crowning her in front of the masses…Not everything has to be about proving your honor, it can be about defending someone else’s.” Aemond tapped his fingers on the wooden chair she sat in.  “Do you wish for your future husband to do that?” She peered up from the ground. Her future husband, Jacaerys Velaryon. A subtle frown creeped onto her face at the mention. “No, I don’t think my future husband will do anything of the sort for me.” Aemond's lip twitched into a smirk. “Mayhaps I will consider it.” He leaned back down into his chair and watched her closely waiting for a reaction. He was sorely disappointed when she did not falter and got lost in another daydream. 

Elaena did not understand why he would consider it. She failed to understand the reasoning for most things around her. For example, why Aegon did not participate in the tourney to crown Helaena queen of love and beauty. He was completely drowned in his cups the entire tournament. Neither of them wanted to be married but at least it was Helaena and not a bas- Velaryon. She still did not let the vile word seep onto her tongue or into her mind freely. 

Her uncle won the tournament for Helaena. Gwayne was her mother’s brother, and he was quite the knight. Though, she barely knew him since the king kept them all locked away in King’s Landing. Daeron was permitted to come back to see the wedding too…but only the wedding. The king cared the least for his youngest son who he forgot existed the majority of the time. Elaena had requested to be sent to Oldtown too but was refused instantaneously. After the incident at Driftmark he had completely casted aside her four siblings. The only reason the marriage was being celebrated was because Aegon is the first-born son.  

“She looks pretty with a crown, don’t you think?” Aemond leaned back into Elaena. “Hmm, I suppose.” She lightly slapped her brother’s shoulder. “You’re supposed to agree.” He rolled his eyes and turned back to her. “Maybe I think it would look better on someone else.” A weird feeling formed in the pits of her stomach. Why would it bother me if he thought it would look on someone else, she thought. “W-who?” Aemond’s stoic face melted, and a light tint of rose painted his cheeks. “Erm…Aegon” The weird pit in her stomach disappeared as it tended with laughter. “He does look like a pretty princess! Look at his luscious blonde locs!” She giggled hysterically. Aemond left out a breath of relief for whatever reason. 

-

“Who’d dress, would you rather wear mine or hers.” Elaena spoke with narrowed eyes and venom laced on her tongue. A tailor had come in to fit Helaena for the god-awful dress they had concocted. It was plain and an ugly cream shade with no detailing whatsoever. It wasn’t befitting a princess by any means. “Insolent child.” The plain-featured woman growled. Elaena’s face twisted in dismay. She had spent hours tediously sewing and stitching fine details onto this dress. Her little hands had subtle scars from the needle pricking her skin. It was by all account perfect, and this hag wouldn’t waste it. 

“I think they’re both beautiful.” Helaena spoke softly whilst she gazed upon them with her doe eyes. She was far too sweet for her own good. “I’ll ask your mother.” She sneered and walked towards the exit. “No, I’ll ask my mother!” Elaena rushed towards the door and grabbed the handle. They began pushing and shoving each other to get hold of the doorknob. Neither were about to willingly let their hard work go to waste. 

Sadly, Elaena was weak and sickly. She was easily overpowered and knocked to the floor. Tears began welling into her eyes and the room became distant. The embarrassment of being so quickly overpowered and undermined by this woman was draining her resolve. “Don’t bite off more than you can chew, kid.” The woman spoke with a subtle smirk, she turned to open the door but was beaten to it by the Queen. She stood in the doorway and observed the scene before her.

“Elaena, my sweet, why are you on the floor?” She moved over so she was standing above her. The tailor began muttering incoherent sentences out of fear. “Sh- she pushed me an- and she called me insolent.” Her sobs echoed throughout the room. “All because she didn’t like the dress I made!” Elaena pointed a finger at the woman. It was a sin to lie, but sometimes a simple sin is necessary. You would always be able to pray for forgiveness later. Alicent’s face dropped, and her eyes turned cold as she turned to the woman. “Ser Criston, escort the lady out.” Cole, the sworn guard and occasional father to the Hightower siblings, took her arm rather roughly and pulled her out. Apologies were being thrown around like snowballs in the North. 

“Elaena made me a dress, it’s quite pretty.” Helaena spoke whimsically. “Aw my beautiful girl.” Alicent walked over and tried to cup Helaena’s face, but she flinched away. She never liked to be touched. She let out a sigh before turning to trace her fingers across Elaena’s dress. Her eyebrows raised slightly, and a glimmer of interest showed on her face. “You made this?” Elaena wiped the real and fake tears off her face. She used her hands to pat down her dress and rid it of the wrinkles. “Yes, I spent the last two moons on it.” Her mother stood back and clasped her hands together, she appeared deep in thought. “It’s lovely…A dress worthy of a future queen.” Elaena chose to willingly ignore the last comment. Any type of praise overshadowed the possible treason. “I’d like to wear hers instead. If that’s ok mother.” 

Helaena got her way; Elaena guessed it was because her mother felt bad for forcing her to marry Aegon. She waited impatiently on the seetee as the servants dressed her sister. She had never looked so beautiful before. Her hair was in high braids on top of her head and the dress fit her curves perfectly. The lace and jewels simply accentuated her features. When the ladies were finished her mother waved them off and allowed the sisters just a moment of alone time. 

“Are you scared…for marriage that is.” Elaena nervously asked, she was beginning to think of her own. “I suppose, I heard husbands leave you alone once you bear children. I’m looking forward to that.” That did not do well to ease her own nerves. She didn’t like the thought of bearing children let alone to someone who took her brother’s eye. Then again, she didn’t even know how you made children. “You look too beautiful for him not to fawn over you. I’m sure it’ll be much happier once you’re officially together and the Gods bless your union.” Helaena turned around and stared at her sister. She pondered for a moment before crossing her arms and giving a soft smile. “Elaena…you know nothing.” It wasn’t spoken in a harsh manner, nor was it intended to be an insult. She still felt a subtle ache in her chest at the thought she knew nothing. Before she could ask any more questions, another knock was heard.

“It’s time to go, Princess.” Her father was there to escort her into the grand hall. Elaena quickly popped up out of her position “Good Luck!” She waved as she opened the door and rushed past the king. He stared at the child whose name he forgot rushed past him in haste. 

“Why was she in here?” He asked. Helaena smiled brightly at the attention her father was about to give her. “Elaena made my dress. She is quite talented.” Ah, Elaena, his youngest girl. She was an odd one, much more Hightower than Targaryen. She would make a good future wife of Jacaerys, very docile and obedient. And Rhaenyra voiced how much she liked her and how they had bonded. I should start paying more attention to her, the king thought, “What a lovely dress!” He limped his way over to Helaena and placed his hands on her shoulders. “You look beautiful, my girl.” She bowed her head slightly. “Thank you, Your Grace.” Unlike their half-sister it was rare the five siblings called him father. He was more of a man they occasionally interacted with than a dad. Though he did take special interest in Rhaenyra and Helaena, he obviously preferred girls.

-

The wedding venue was in the throne room. The great hall was decorated with white floral arrangements and Targaryen banners. The smell of wine and expensive food filled everyone’s noses. It was backed to the brim with Lords and Ladies from across the realm. Elaena shuffled nervously next to Aemond, noticing all the eyes on them. “You look fine.” He whispered in her ear. They weren’t staring at her; they were looking at the boy with an eyepatch. “We all look better than them.” Daeron spoke and the three children turned. In the midst of their wedding vows Aegon began to cry, Helaena followed suit.

The king learned from Rhaenyra’s wedding that the feast should be held after the vows are made. Since he decided this, Aegon was unable to drown in his cups…yet. The Grand Septon announced that their vows were finalized, and they leaned in. “…that is the worst kiss I have ever seen.” Daeron said with subtle disgust plastered on his face. “When have you seen married people kissing?” Their parents never once placed their lips together. In the entire time she was there was not a single moment of romance between the two. 

“They weren’t married.” He giggled to himself. “Shut up, Daeron.” Aemond whispered in a stern voice. “They aren’t going to consummate.” He spoke. “What’s that?” Elaena asked with genuine curiosity. “Daeron! Shut up!” Aemond yelled in a whisper. “You talk about it all the time!” Daeron pointed at his chest. “Talk about what?!” Elaena pleaded. “Not in front of her!” He was no longer whispering and spoke loudly. All eyes were on the youngest as the eldest siblings turned to them. They had all been caught red-handed gossiping. 

Elaena smiled brightly trying to avoid the disapproving stares. Her face burned bright red as she slowly backed away behind her brothers. Daeron and Aemond shared tight lipped smiles as they turned and ushered Elaena to the table. “Are we going to get in trouble?” She asked softly. “Hopefully Aegon will do something worse.” Daeron said. “We can depend on our dear elder brother to mess up more than we have.” Aemond sneered. He hadn’t forgotten the pig joke and had yet to fully forgive him. 

The feast was spread out far and wide. The table that was placed before the throne was long. To the left of the king were Otto, Aemond, Elaena and Daeron. To his right were Queen Alicent, Aegon, Helaena. Aemond had scooted far away from the king. The scent of his rotting flesh ruined the meal. His presence in general ruined the meal for many. Viserys slowly stood up and went to make a toast to the new couple when he paused. It seemed he realized his favorite family was not here and would not be attending. 

“Today we are gathered to celebrate the union of my first-born son, Aegon and his wife, Helaena…The crown wishes you to take part in the plentiful feast and celebrate all the great houses who bless us with their presence…” He paused to cough on his own spit. Alicent immediately began rubbing his hand and begging him to sit. Gods, she was a saint for dealing with this man. The door to the throne room slowly began to open.

“Lord Corlys Velaryon, Lord of the tides, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Ser Vaemond Velaryon, and Lady Baela and Rhaena Targaryen.” 

Elaena dropped her fork into her plate and Aemond’s entire body tensed. “What are they doing here?” She reached over and grabbed his hand. There was nothing she could do to ease the tension filling the room. The King looked up and smiled “Please, begin the festivities!” Elaena watched carefully as they approached the table. Rhaenys was the only one to gaze upon Aemond’s scar before she turned her attention to the king. “Congratulations to the newlywed couple. May this union bring you happiness.” Lord Corlys spoke with the fakest smile plastered on his face. “Congratulations cousin.” Rhaenys bowed her head slightly. 

Elaena squeezed Aemond’s hand tighter as the Velaryons bowed one last time and walked to their seats. She could feel every muscle in his body tense as they approached and not once did, he take his eyes off the two girls. “They’re gone now. It’s just us three again.” She whispered in his ear. Aemond unclenched his jaw and leaned back. He maintained the grip on her hand.

The music started playing and the sound of silverware hitting plates echoed throughout the room. Elaena peered over to look at her siblings and it was as expected. “Aegon is drowning in cups already.” Aemond scoffed, “When is he not?” Daeron peered over the table. “I expect this of him…I did not expect Lord Baratheon to be drinking so heavily.” Elaena bit her lip and contemplated her next words…were they sinful?

 “Lord Borros resembles a hog more than a stag.” Daeron choked on his drink and Aemond let out a quiet laugh. “Look closely, you can see Tyland is already drooling over his brother's wife.” Elaena shook Daeron’s shoulder. “Lady Redwyne has already descended upon the cakes!” Their giggles were quickly becoming uncontrollable. “Lord Caswell’s balding has spread to his nape. He’s practically a dragon egg!” The children burst out in laughter and Aemond simply smirked next to them. 

“You’re both so immature…Eat your food before Lord Borros gets it.” Elaena’s face turned bright red as Aemond finally made a jest of his own. It was so comforting for all of them to be together again. However, the comfort ended when Helaena and Aegon stood up to dance. He was already stumbling slightly, and Helaena had completely disassociated from the situation. Daeron shifted in his seat, “It’s like watching two headless chickens.” Elaena stared at the mediocre dance performance below. “I thought marriage was a gift. This looks more like a punishment from the gods.” The children quietly ate their food and avoided eye contact with their siblings. They all felt bad of course but what could they do about it? The king and queen wished for it, so it was.

The music shifted and so did the room. Other guests descended upon the dance floor. Elaena watched as Aegon approached their side of the table. “Aemond, I’m begging you just dance with her for a few more songs, please!” Aemond sat there more annoyed than when the Velaryons arrived. “No! She’s your wife.” Aegon scoffed, “That doesn’t mean I want to dance.” Elaena and Daeron side-eyed each other as they watched their eldest siblings. “Ask Daeron!” He whipped his head around. “Don’t drag me into this, I promised our cousin from Oldtown.” Elaena sighed, “You’re all horrible. It’s our sister's wedding and not one of you will dance?” Aemond’s face washed over in guilt, and he stood up. “A real man does what his lady wishes.” He stared Aegon down and walked over to Helaena. For the first time in the entire night, she smiled brightly. 

“Your cup is still full, sister.” Aegon slurred his words. She watched him take the seat next to her. She went to turn to Daeron, but he had gotten up out of guilt too. “I don’t drink, it’s improper for a lady.” His eyes rolled so far back in his head he probably saw his brain. “You’re a princess not a lady. Look, even mother drinks.” She looked across the table and noticed her mother drinking far more than usual. Mayhaps this wedding was dreadful for all the participants. “Here, drink this cup and if you hate it, I will never bring it up again, I promise.” He was bored and trying to drag someone else down to his level. His other siblings weren’t as gullible as Elaena. Sometimes her personality reminded him of a dog, submissive and obedient. If someone said fetch, she would probably do it. “Fine.” 

She eyes the red liquid inside her cup and swirled it around. This wasn’t a sin, the seven allowed girls and boys to drink. She just simply did not wish to partake in something that may get her in trouble. She sniffed the cup and her face curled in disgust. Elaena shut her eyes tight and said a quick prayer before she dumped the entire contents of the goblet into the back of her throat. “Seven Hells!” He laughed as he scooted back. Elaena choked and snorted some out of her nose and onto the table. Majority of it went down her throat and already she could feel her insides warming. “My septa is less bitter than this.” Aegon chuckled, “Elaena I did not know you knew how to jest!” She tried to narrow her eyes at him, but it quickly became a smile. “I am the best jester in the seven kingdoms. If you simply paid attention.” Aegon nodded his head and called over a servant.

 “Dornish sweet wine.” The maid quickly bowed her head and scurried away to grab another. “This is far sweeter though it’s darker in color.” The nice lady refilled Elaena’s glass and she took it instantly. “Elaena! Let’s have a drinking contest. Whoever reaches the bottom first wins.” Elaena turned her head to her brother. She raised one eyebrow, “What is the prize for winning?” Aegon sat back in his chair and swirled the wine in his cup. “I’ll let you ride Sunfyre if you win. If I win, I’ll need you to pretend I’m with you when I sneak out.” Elaena huffed, “One ride for an eternity of me aiding in your antics? That’s not even remotely fair.” Aegon pouted, “Fine just this week then.” Elaena rolled her eyes. 

“On three…One…Two…three!” She threw the cup back like she did the first time, but her throat didn’t listen. Half of it went back in the cup whilst the other seeped into her stomach. She tried to quickly try again but Aegon had already depleted his goblet of wine. “You drink like a braavosi sailor!” She shouted! “I drink just the right amount, little sister. You should drink more!” That was a grand mistake, but she did it anyway. He refilled her glass twice more and twice more did she lose to him. “Lady Jeyne has already begun harassing the servants.” Aegon pointed to the woman. Elaena didn’t know what he meant but nodded anyway. “Lord Stark looks like a melted snowman.” He hummed in agreement. 

“If I win this one you have to answer me three questions.” She spoke. Aegon was drunk enough to no longer be able to say no. “Absolutely! “ The goblet was refilled a fourth time and for the first time she had won. She mastered the art of draining the contents in one go. Aegon let out a vile burp afterwards that made her face twist in disgust.

 “you’re such a wastrel.” He scoffed, “oh and you’re such a saint. Saintly little Elaena who kissed Jacaerys under a tree.” Her entire body froze, and sobriety hit her like a sword. Except, the moment of clarity was only a moment long. “If you tell anyone I will cut off your manhood!” He looked at her as if she was crazy. “Do you even know what manhood is?!” No, that she did not know. She was severely uneducated in many aspects. “Fine! Since I won, tell me a few of your secrets since you know mine.” He sunk down into his chair. He looked to be deep in thought. “I relieved myself out of the window a few times.” She didn’t know what that meant. She took it as he pissed outside of his window a few times. Which wasn’t disgusting but he could do worse. “Not good enough:” 

He scoffed, then his mood turned solemn.  “I feel terribly that I can’t be a good husband to Helaena, nor will I ever be…my heart belongs to someone outside these walls.” Elaena suddenly felt her heart ache at the mention. It was awful for both parties involved but that didn’t excuse his actions. Though, she was going to be in his position soon. Once she was forced to wed Jacaerys that is.  She sighed deeply, “A toast for our future failed marriages.” Aegon furrowed his eyebrows. “Our?You don’t like him?” She rolled her eyes. “Absolutely not, did you not see what happened at Driftmark?” He nodded his head and picked up his glass. “A toast to our inevitably unhappy futures!” They clinked glasses and gulped down their contents. 

Hiccup

“Aegonnnnn” 

Hiccup

She shook his shoulders. “I wish to danceeee” 

Hiccup 

“I just escaped the dance floor, now you want to drag me back?” Elaena nodded quickly. “Aegonnnn, pretty pleaseeee.”

Hiccup

“I never ask you for anythinggg.” He pushed her face out of his own. He stood up and reached out his hand. “Payment for drinking with me, I guess!” They were both absolutely sloshed. Firstly, Elaena’s entire body felt as if it was hot air, and it vibrated every time she moved. Secondly, the world was spinning in a fun way, and she could barely stand without holding onto Aegon. Thirdly, their faces were bright red, and wine stained their clothes. As he tried to lead her down the stairs he tripped, and they both went rolling. The world moved in slow motion as they toppled down the stairs to the bottom. Every single eye in the room was directed towards them. 

Elaena couldn’t feel a thing, nor did she really know what happened. “I saw the gods!” Elaena jested. “I don’t think they want me.” Aegon replied. They burst into laughter that forced tears to trickle down their faces. Neither realized the adults rushing to them to berate them to no end. 

“Aegon! What were you thinking!” She spoke in a whisper shout as she attempted to drag him off the ground. “And you?!” Elaena felt the sudden urge to vomit. Her head started to spin, and her surroundings quickly disappeared. “I got her, mother. Take care of him.” Her savior pulled her up by the arm and dragged her out of the hall. She couldn’t see what was going on nor could she process it. 

-

“Air! I can’t breathe! Air!” Elaena shouted at her savior. He quickly changed their course and dragged her out into the courtyard. The chilly air cooled her burning skin, the wind dried her sweat and tears. It wasn’t enough…the second she was outside she dropped to her knees and emptied her stomach contents. 

“Did Aegon do this?” She waved her hand behind her back as she continued to leave a pool of wine below her. “Everytime I leave you alone you get into trouble…how is that possible?!” She wiped her face off on her sleeve and sat up. She could see clearly again, and her head was no longer ringing. “I-I” She started to tear for whatever reason. Her breathing became heavy, and her heart raced against itself. “I’m sorry.” The tears that flooded her eyes spilt out into her hands. Why was she crying? What had just boiled up to the surface?

Aemond knelt down on the ground and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m not mad at you” She let out a loud cry, “No! I’m sorry I’m nothing like you! I’m sorry my dragon is useless! I’m sorry I don’t know the things you do! I’m sorry I can’t fight or stand up for anyone! I’m sorry I’m not a real Targaryen an- and I’m sorry I’m so much like a bastard!” She pushed him away and sobbed into her hands. He reached out to touch her head. ”You are nothing like those bastards!”

 She slapped his hand away. “No! No, you don’t get it! You ride the largest dragon in the world! Aegon is the first-born son! Helaena is the dreamer married to the first born! Daeron is the charming squire of Oldtown! I’m just Elaena! The forgotten daughter, the forgotten child, the forgotten princess. Even the gods have forgotten about me! Im nobody to everyone!” Her breath hitched in her throat, and she started to gasp for air. Her tears ached as they streamed down her face. He had no words to comfort her. No actions he could take to fix her problems. They were born unlucky and for now nothing would change. Aemond didn’t know what to do exactly but he did know what always made him happy. 

“Get up!” She turned to face him. “Why?” He yanked her arm up. “We’re going!” All of her protests were met with no response or a quickening of his pace. He dragged her out the back of the keep and into one of the small beds of sand near Blackwater Bay. It was only a short walk from where they were, but it looked like an entirely new landscape. She was completely out of breath from the running. Her tears had officially ceased though and she was able to gain a bit of herself again. 

“Why are we here?” Aemond’s face lit up with a smirk and he pointed up. He whistled loud enough her ears rang. “I’m taking you where I go everytime I’m upset.” She gazed at him and the excitement on his face. He was rather…cute in the moonlight. “H- How?” Her thought was interrupted by the sound of giant wings descending to the ground and a splash of water cascading towards the beach. She stumbled back and her eyes widened as she looked upon the massive beast. 

Vhagar

“You’re going to fly a dragon today. No more sulking while the rest of us are in the skies!” He grabbed her hand and tried to pull her, but she stumbled back. Her eyes were the widest they had ever been and her face flushed red. She looks beautiful in the moonlight, he thought. Aemond took her hand and dragged her towards his dragon. The she-beast would be gentle with anyone he enjoyed. He pulled her shaking hand up to her scales. “See, she’s gentle.” Vhagar let out a huff of smoke causing Elaena to giggle. He liked the sounds of her laughs.

Getting her to climb up the saddle was harder than he imagined. Her little arms were too weak to pull herself up. He had to maneuver himself below her and push her butt up. It made a little more sense why she never willingly tried to ride a dragon. He sat behind her and pulled the reins to him. “I'm scared.” She spoke in her sweet soft voice that sounded like a prayer. “It’s okay, I’ll keep you safe.” He pulled the reins back and shouted,

“SOVES!” 

Vhagar took off into the night sky. The stars and moon reflected onto the water perfectly. In some ways Elaena was his moon and stars. She is what lit up the dark world around him. Elaena’s eyes were closed shut and she was holding onto the saddle for dear life. “Open your eyes, El!” She shook her head. “I got you, just open your eyes!” He snaked one arm around her waist for extra support. She opened her violet eyes slowly and peered into the vast sky. The sky was littered with white stars that reflected along the water. The waves created by Vhagar’s wings made it all the more majestic. She would paint this, she thought. 

She leaned back into Aemond and watched the clouds pass by. The cool air beating against her skin made the sickness of earlier fade. The thoughts that had plagued her melted away in the sky. It felt as though she were…free. Elaena savored every moment knowing it would probably be her last. Urrax the little beastling was too sick and frail like her. “El, you see that black mass. That’s where we’re going!” She leaned up in the saddle and gazed across the water. An island? This close to home? 

Vhagar’s descent onto the land was met with a huge cloud of sand flying into the air. She was simply too massive for this world. Aemond climbed down first and held his hands out. “Jump!” She peered down at the sheer distance and decided she couldn’t. “I can’t!” She cried out. “I’ve never let you fall before, have I?” She rolled her back and sighed. No, he hasn’t let me fall before, she thought. “If I die don’t let them burn me!” Elaena took a deep breath and jumped. He caught her but she also was suffocating him with her dress. Aemond thrashed at the cotton until he could see the light again. He helped her down on the ground and noticed her legs were wobbly. His legs were too the first time he rode Vhagar. 

Elaena wrapped her arm around Aemond. “Where are we going?” A smirk creeped onto Aemond’s face. “It’s my secret place.” He walked her to the edge of the island where a cave that ran deep appeared. On the inside there were remnants of his previous visits. There were books, blankets, a wooden sword, and a firepit. He pulled her deeper in and on the other side of the cave was an entrance into the clear blue water. It was nothing like the disgusting sewage water of king’s landing. “We can swim, if you’d like.” Elaena hadn’t ever swum before but if her first time was to be with anything it should be Aemond. “Ok! How do I do it?” He shuffled next to her. “First you have to take off your dress, so it doesn’t get wet, then I’ll go first, and I’ll catch you.” Take off her dress? As in be naked? She momentarily felt her cheeks redden but it quickly disappeared. Was it a sin for family to see each other naked? Is this against the seven? What would her punishment be for this? The thoughts that plagued her mind quickly washed away when she heard his voice. “Do you want to?” 

She had no reason to be nervous; it was only Aemond! “Ok..turn around though!” Elaena tried to undo her dress quickly but the sound of him jumping in the water happened faster. She fought with her dress as she ripped it off her head and threw her undergarments to the ground.

The excitement that was building was too much for her to handle. Before Aemond could turn she leaped into the water. The feeling terrified her at first, but after a second it was calm. She stared at the stars from beneath the water in awe. Aemond heard her jump in and didn’t see her come up and quickly became panicked. He dove underneath the water to look for her, but it was too dark. He stared down for a moment and called her name…nothing. Just before his heart could burst into flame, he felt a small finger tap his back. He turned and a splash of water was spewed into face. “You little rat! Come here!” The sounds of children’s laughter and water splashing echoed within the cave for hours. It was a truly pure sight to behold. 

Aemond pulled Elaena back up to the shore and sparked the fire once they were done. He delicately wrapped her in the blankets he previously bought and sat down next to her. She leaned her head onto his shoulder. “Thank you.” The words sounded like honey dripping from her mouth. He was feeling rather prideful at this moment…bet the bastard couldn’t offer this. “This place is our secret spot now…You can bring your paints or whichever project you’re doing, and we can escape here.” Elaena nuzzled closer into him. “I’d like that a lot.” A soft smile formed on his face. “I know you think you’re a nobody but to me you’re everything…and I think you’re destined for great things.” Elaena popped her head up and stared at him. For a moment he worried he did something wrong. Instead, she placed a quick kiss on his kiss. “I think you’re destined for great things too.” Her lips curved upwards, and the shadow of the fire danced around the features of her face. Aemond pulled Elaena back into his embrace and laid there. 

They accidentally spent the night there and rushed home in the wee hours of the morning. It became a habit they couldn’t break even as adults.

Three years later....

Elaena hadn’t grown at all over the years. Her chest slightly enlarged, and her body began to grow hair but that was all. She was recently told about her blood moon and when she got it, she would have to marry like Helaena. That haunted her nearly every day. Mainly because her sister's marriage was so horrible and not once did, they seem happy. Aegon spent one night with her, and she had twins later on. Then according to rumors, he himself made bastards. She no longer liked her eldest very much and they weren’t close by any means.

She asked, “When are they coming?” Aemond clenched his jaw at the reminder. “On the morrow.” Elaena felt a nervous pit welling in the depths of her stomach. “Maybe we can just run away whilst they’re here. I doubt anyone would care.” He let out an amused breath. “They might not care for my absence, but they will be reeling over yours.”

Aemond hated the bastards and his half-sister more than he would admit to her. They were greedy and took whatever they wanted without any thought. They had no discipline or sense of duty, only fueled by their own desires. He recently had started to understand his feelings for Elaena more. As a child it was a crush now it was more of a lov- liking. He liked her very much and would have no issue cutting down Jacaerys if he touched her. Aemond refused to let them take anything else from him.

He took his life far more seriously after he was maimed. He had to relearn everything from scratch due to his vision. He studied far harder than the rest, he trained in combat more vigorously and he practiced flying with Vhagar. He was the catalyst in making him feel less alone and their bond was special. It boosted his ego riding the largest dragon, but it did not make him forget his supposed place. He not only lived in the shadow of brother but the bastards as well. None of them deserved what was so freely given.

Aemond was insecure about his eye, but Elaena soothed the feeling. It was a talent of hers to always keep him grounded. He only wore an eyepatch to not scare the ladies at court. The sapphire he placed in his socket was for multiple reasons. At first it was to simply fill the void. Then it was because Elaena became obsessive over the color. Lastly it was because it was his own personal sigil. The sapphire gem symbolized Prince Aemond Targaryen.

“We’re going to be late to dinner.” Elaena spoke as she finished picking up the ripped paper. Aemond held his arm out and waited for her to take it. It was common for him to escort her everywhere.

-

The large table was set with a white linen tablecloth to cover the table. Dark wood chairs with soft cushioned seating surrounded the table. Glassware and cutlery of fine silver and crystal was set on the table, arranged in an elegant display.

The meal consisted of pigeon pie, an assortment of shellfish that was recently shipped in, an array of steamed vegetables and a broth to wash down the pie. Dessert hadn’t yet been served but Elaena knew it would be a combination of custard and candied plums. She made sure to check ahead of time to see if her favorites would be there.

Everyone at the table drank wine except for her. She couldn’t drink the water in King's landing. You were more likely to get a disease than be hydrated. So, she turned to water with just a tad bit of “beer” in it to kill the nasty things in the water. Some may say she was mildly traumatized after the first time she drank.

The king sat in the middle of the table. His skin was decaying less, and his spirits were high. Her mother was on his left and grandsire on his right. On the opposite side of the table sat Daeron, Elaena, Aemond, Helaena, and Aegon in that order. Daeron came a few days ago for the celebration of the king’s health. Rarely did they get together for supper like this, so it must have been a really important occasion.

“Eat your food.” Aemond whispered into her ear. “I thought we got exotics shipped in?” She asked in a hushed tone. “It’s for the week that they are here, not for us.” Elaena pouted at the reminder they were never going to be the ones to receive the good tasting things from Essos. “Don’t worry, I’m sure there will be lemon pies tomorrow.” Daeron chimed in.

Viserys coughed to gain the four children’s attention. Elaena avoided eye contact with her father, or well the king. “I’m sorry I have gathered you all here tonight on short notice…As you all know my health has been improving and I have invited many Lords and Ladies to celebrate it. My daughter- Princess Rhaenyra and my grandsons will be coming as well. I beseech you to put aside your grievances and welcome them with open arms.” The room was silent as the king smiled at them.

Their mother nodded her head in their direction to encourage them to speak. “Of course, your grace.” Daeron spoke. The rest hummed and nodded in agreement. They would not be putting aside their grievances any time soon. Viserys cleared his throat and turned to Elaena. “This will be a great opportunity to get to know your future husband, Elaena. I’m sure you both have much to catch up on.” The meal was ruined in an instant. “Yes, your grace.” She spoke softly to him but under the table she was digging her nails into her thighs.

The king sat back down and requested the bards to play music to rid the room of its silence. Aemond slipped his hand under the table and placed it on top of hers. “Do not fret, you won’t be catching up with him anytime soon.” She let out a deep breath and stared at her food. “He’s a fool to think a marriage will end the strife between us.” Daeron spoke in a hushed voice. Aemond’s lip curved into a smirk. “Be wary, his ears have yet to deteriorate.”

Elaena’s mind raced with all the worst images. Firstly, how terrible her marriage would be compared to all the ones around her. Rhaenyra cheated on her first husband then he and her lover died. Her own mother was a child when she married her father and has been miserable ever since. Helaena doesn’t even speak to Aegon except for the two times he spent the night in her room since they were wed. The entire prospect was terrifying and sounded dreadful.

It was not only that, would they even get along after three years? She did not like him, but he could change that… maybe. If he was as holy as her and proved he had changed. After all, it was Lucerys who took Aemond’s eye. If she married him, she would have to live with that creature.

Jacaerys was named the heir to the throne and such. That would mean she would have to learn how to be a consort. It was an entirely new stress on its own. Then she would be forced to push out as many heirs as possible. Would she die in childbirth like so many before her? The maesters said she was probably too sickly to ever carry. How did you even get pregnant? How do you give birth?

Elaena’s attention was turned to Helaena’s swelling belly. She already has twins of her own now but a third was on its way. She contemplated asking for half of the dinner. When the dessert was brought out, she blurted it out like an idiot. “Helaena, where did your babies come from?” Aegon choked on his drink and Daeron slapped his mouth close to prevent from laughing. Alicent and Aemond’s entire body tensed at the question. Viserys and Otto turned to Alicent, questioning her. Elaena beat bright red and stuttered, “I- I know you can only have them if you’re married but how? Where do they come from? How do you bring them into this world?”

Helaena looked as if she was about to answer honestly, she was just as unaware as Elaena but was quickly cut off by the sounds of Aegon and Daeron laughing hysterically. “Aemond do- “Alicent quickly chimed in “Do not answer that!” Aegon spoke, “I’m assuming you don’t frequent the street of silk.” Aemond seemed rather angry when he said that and pushed his chair out. “Shut up!” Aegon stood up out of his chair with a cocky grin. “Why? Are you planning to show her yourself?” Aemond punched Aegon in the jaw and he stumbled back. Aegon lunged at him and grabbed him by the waist. “Cease this at once!” Shouted Viserys.

“Let’s go.” Daeron pulled her by the arm and took her out of the room before it escalated. Elaena had tears in her eyes, violence wasn’t her forte. “I- I didn’t mean to.” Her brother patted her back, “Of course, they’ll use any excuse to duel.” She began fiddling with the sleeves of her dress. “Will you tell me?” Daeron let out a sigh, “That’s a conversation you have with Helaena in private. Maybe even mother if you must.” Elaena simply hummed in response.

-

She sat at her table writing a rather dull poem. Nothing she wrote was ever good enough to her standards, but she was trying. It was her newest obsession that took over her life.

Dear Husband

Teach me how to live

Without crying

For what is past

Teach me how to live

Without fearing

For what is coming

Teach me how to live

Without yearning

For what I haven’t

Teach me that living

Is more than surviving

But it is thriving

She stared at the page and repeated the words in her head until they grew worn out. Nothing she did was ever truly good enough for her. No matter what she could always do better and be better. This was a trick her own mind played on her. Elaena could create the most perfect piece of artistry known to man, but she would not think it. Just like how her family did not think she was enough, just like how she knew she would never be enough for them.

She dreamed of escaping and living a different life. Her daydreams were filled with fantasies of her being the perfect daughter with the perfect life. If not that then the perfect septa with the perfect faith. She would be the most perfect poet, painter, seamstress, jeweler, musician, dancer, dragon-rider, teacher, storyteller, midwife, and baker. Elaena had many dreams that would amount to nothing.

“Elaena.” Aemond spoke from the chair he sat in. He was here the entire time but was too busy brooding over dinner. “Yes.” She spoke, clearly not paying him full attention. “Don’t listen to Aegon... and don’t follow him anywhere.” She let out a sigh and got up from her desk. He was traumatized at the ripe age of thirteen by Aegon, but she did not know why. Aemond wouldn’t tell her what happened either.

She placed herself on his lap and curled into his chest. Elaena twisted a strand of his long hair between her fingers. “I have no intention of ever doing either.” Aemond placed his head atop her own. “Good.” Elaena sunk further into his lap and raised her head to meet his gaze. “Will you tell me where babes come from?” He bit the inside of his cheek to hold back a laugh. Aemond took a deep breath, “I’ll show you one day.” He placed a quick kiss on her forehead.

Aemond was her savior in many ways.

-

Elaena was the only person forced to stand outside and greet her other family with the king. She wore a veil to hide her hair and a dress of pale pink and purple silk, with jewelry made of pearls. It wasn’t too lavish but far more than what she wanted to wear. She didn’t mind the color though she preferred off-whites. It was just a bit much; she normally seldom wore any jewelry.

The sun shone brightly on the courtyard. It hurt her eyes and made her dress uncomfortably hot. Elaena wasn’t completely alone, Aemond and Daeron were pretending not to be staring out the window and monitoring her every move. It was rather creepy, but they did not trust the Velaryons.

“Are you excited to see them again, your grace.” The king smiled down at her. “Yes, very much so. Are you happy to see Jacaerys again?” Elaena forced a fake smile. “I am truly ecstatic for his arrival.” The conversation ended just as quickly as it started. They never talked… unless it was about him.

The carriages pulled up and a trumpet was sounded. A few king’s guards went to escort them. Her heart began to race and the grip on her dress became overpowering. He had changed a lot since she last saw him. He was taller and had long curly hair like Ser Harwin. Jacaerys was handsome in some senses. The closer they approached the deeper her nails dug into her side.

“Rhaenyra!” The king exclaimed and embraced his only daughter. Daemon simply nodded at his brother. Rhaenyra moved in front of Elaena, and she swore she felt her heart plummet. “You haven’t changed much at all.” The woman smiled sweetly. “You still look beautiful sister, though I see your belly has swollen. Do I have another nephew or niece coming?” She trained hard for today with her mother. Every single sentence she spoke must be friendly but not too friendly. “Hopefully a girl this time.” She nodded her head in agreement and her eyes moved to Daemon.

He was a scary man whose age was beginning to show. He did not speak nor smile, only stared at her like she was a piece of rubbish. It sent shivers down her spine. “Elaena.” A sword was plunged into her gut. “Jacaerys.” She ignored the pain and kept up the act. “It’s so good to see you again!” He embraced her in a crushing hug. It was the last thing she expected, and she truly did not know what to do. “Jace… you’re much stronger than I remember.” Elaena patted his back a few times and he pulled back. “I have grown a lot. You haven’t changed much, you’re still as tiny as ever.” It was like staring at a puppy dog. His big brown eyes beat into hers with genuine excitement, totally oblivious to his surroundings. She scoffed, “I am average sized for my years!”

Aemond’s grip on his sword tightened. “What could they possibly be talking about?” Daeron said whilst leaning on the edge of the window. Aegon scoffed, “Probably about how big his cock has grown.” Aemond clenched his jaw, “The bastards are being too friendly.” In unison the other two agreed. They didn’t all share the same feeling for Elaena as Aemond but they all shared a hatred for the bastards. They were not allowed around their sisters. Daeron jested, “Go down there before he takes your woman.” Aegon laughed, “It would be easier to take his other eye.” Aemond realized he was surrounded by fools.

“Elaena, will you please escort your nephews to their rooms,” Viserys asked. “Of course, your grace.” She bowed her head and motioned for the two eldest Velaryons to follow her. Lucerys hid behind Jace like a child, that was smart of course no one had forgotten what he did to Aemond’s eye. “I thought Baela and Rhaena lived with you now. Why did they travel separately?” Jace perked up at the mention of Baela. “Oh, they wanted to travel here with their grandparents instead.” Elaena nodded her head.

“Do you always call your father your grace? I’ve only heard my mother do it a few times.” The sword in her gut twisted deeper. “Yes, it is just what I’m used to.”

Jacaerys knew he shouldn’t have asked but he did it anyway. His brain could never just simply think before it muttered words out. He had been anticipating seeing her again for the longest time. He sent her letter after letter and received no reply. Except for one on his birthday that sounded like it was forged. In the past three years he worried she had grown to despise him and his family, but it seemed she remained the exact same.

Jace took his betrothal very seriously. It didn’t matter if they didn’t always get along, they were to be married. It was important they found common ground and made amends, or both would be miserable. He had tried to apologize more times than he could count but once again, he received no letters back. His mother claimed it was Alicent preventing her from seeing them, but he wanted to check for himself.

When they were young, he had this mad childish crush on her. He was rather excited when the king announced their future marriage but over the years, he started to get nervous. Especially since Baela arrived and they got on rather well. She took Elaena’s place in many ways. Well, he never kissed her or swore a vow under a sacred tree, but she was there for him like Elaena used to be. Jace started to think they would betroth them instead but luckily the king was adamant on the former.

“We made sure your rooms were right next to each other. I heard you two are quite close.” Elaena clapped her hands together and prepared to leave. “Will you be joining us later?” Lucerys asked from behind. Dear gods, please grant me the strength to handle this child. “Yes Luke! I will be hoping to see you both there… I do have to run and finish my own duties though. It was nice to see you again.” She waved and took off down the corridor before they could say otherwise. Elaena was not going anywhere without Aemond.

-

Elaena sat in the carriage with Aemond and Daeron peacefully waiting to go to the woods for a hunting party. The trio was dreading having to go out and endure the festivitie with their extended family. Not to mention the Lords and Ladies who would surely be following their every move trying to grasp for power. A worse fate was bestowed upon them though when the doors to the carriage opened.

“My Princes, Princess, the other carriages were full so the king requested Prince Jacaerys and the ladies Baela and Rhaena ride with you.” The knife in her gut dug its way a little further inside. “Joy.” Daeron said as he shoved himself besides Elaena and Aemond. “You’re squishing me, Brother.” He rolled his eyes, “It’s not my choice, dear sister.” Aemond closed his eye and leaned his head back. He was praying for strength to not strangle Jace the second he walked in.

The other trio climbed inside and sat snuggly opposite to the Hightowers. “Cousins.” Baela smiled politely at them. “It’s good to see you again. It’s been far too long.” The words dripped off her tongue like sour wine. The tension was growing too strong for anyone's enjoyment. “I don’t think you’ve met Daeron! He’s just come back from Oldtown to visit.” Elaena shook his thigh motioning for him to speak. He was always charming when he wanted to be. surely he could find something to say. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you cousins. I hope you have been treated well during your stay.” He outstretched his hand motioning for them to shake it. Both girls softly shook it and turned to each other, they were speaking with their eyes.

The carriage took off and Elaena’s head hit the back wall. Aemond opened his eye and placed a hand on hers. Jacaerys did not enjoy what he was watching nor was he going to allow it. “Elaena, why weren’t you at dinner last night?” She pulled her hand away and clasped it with her own. “Do you remember how entranced I would get in things I enjoyed? Well I recently started writing and I lost track of time.” A smirk creeped onto Aemond’s face at her lie. She was with him all yesterday avoiding any interactions.

“Ah! I remember you forgetting to eat or bathe for days because you were wrapped up in painting… Do you still paint?” Jacaerys didn't mean any harm but by the sudden twitch of her brow and Baela biting her lip he said something wrong. “Yes… I still do paint sometimes but I no longer forget to bathe.” Jacaerys shook his head, so that was what he said that was wrong. He didn’t mean to be so awkward and occasionally dull he just didn’t think before he spoke. He tried to quickly change the conversation to something.

“Does Urrax still behave like a hound?” Elaena sat up straight and forced a smile.

“Yes, but she is still too sickly to ride.” Baela raised her eyebrows. “It must be hard being a Targaryen and not being able to ride a dragon.” Rhaena seemed to melt into her seat. It wasn’t a jab at her sister but rather the Hightowers. The knife was deep enough in Elaena’s gut she could no longer breathe. “She rides Vhagar all the time. Rhaena is the only one who hasn’t flown.” Aemond finally spoke and his eyes shot daggers into the girl. Everyone turned to look at the prince. The air turned cold and the world stilled.

“The dragon keepers said Urrax is growing at the same pace as Elaena. It’s a sign their connection is very strong.” Daeron chimed in with a smirk. Before the fight that was brewing could break out Elaena decided to speak. “Rhaena you might be able to take an egg from Dreamfyres next clutch! If not, when Urrax grows you can ride with me.” She smiled at the girl. Elaena understood what she was going through and seeing the embarrassment and sadness in her eyes was too much. She decided to reach out to the girl in the best way she knew how. “Thank you, Elaena.”

It was the first time she ever referred to her by her name. She smiled, “The gods will provide for you, just like they do with all their children.” That bit didn’t seem to hit it off like her original statement. It seemed no one else here was faithful. She sunk back into her seat and painfully waited for the journey to end.

Aemond was seething internally and resisting the urge to lunge towards the plain featured boy. Not to mention the little wench seated next to him. He never held a big grudge against the two girls, they were easily forgettable. The eldest sister though had a stench that reeked of jealousy. Elaena was oblivious to it as she was too pure and too kind but he saw it. She wanted the bastard boy all to herself and he would gladly encourage it. Elaena was not to be touched by sin and Jacaerys was the embodiment of it.

Jacaerys hated Aemond Targaryen with his entire being. He threw slanders at him all throughout childhood. He took his cousin's dragon before she ever got a chance to claim it. And he was far too close to his sister. The words that came out of his mouth were laced with envy. He had feelings for his future wife. It was unacceptable by all means, even Baela had taken notice of it. Aemond was the personification of cruelty and Elaena was not to be defiled by such a thing.

Daeron wanted to throw himself out of the window. The awkwardness was unbearable and he kept accidentally brushing his feet against Rhaena’s. It was obvious there were two in this cart who loathed the wedding and it was not the future couple. His sister wouldn’t marry a bastard, she deserved better. But he wasn’t about to start a brawl in a carriage like the other two “men”.

Rhaena hated uncomfortable situations. She hated how she always had to be reminded she had no dragon. Aemond stole her dragon from her, though he paid a great price for it. The loss of his eye is why she forgot about Vhagar and tried to think of other ways. Elaena was just as kind as Jacaerys said she was, though she seemed a little air-headed. Maybe they could be friends and bond over their lack of flying… or maybe not because the tension was too much.

Baela was annoyed most of all. Jacaerys forgot how she never wrote to him, visited, or bothered to remember that they were to wed. She was the same as all the other Hightowers but he refused to accept it. She wished Elaena could just disappear or marry her damn brother already. Jace deserved a better wife than what she could be.

The cart came to a halt and Elaena began to thank the gods. She sprung out of her seat and was the first to rush out the door. Once again, she could finally breathe.

-

There was a grand procession of nobles and knights, accompanied by musicians and elaborately decorated carriages. The attendees were dressed in brightly-colored clothing, carrying weapons and shields emblazoned with their house banners. The tents were all decorated in the appropriate house colors and tables lined the yard for people to feast.

During royal hunts like these an exciting animal hunt would take place, often involving beasts like stags, boars, and hens. A grand bonfire would be held late at night. If the favored animal was caught someone would bless it and it would be made a main course. The furs or interesting bones would be made into decor… though Elaena didn’t like that.

As for the small festivities for children to partake in there were few. Rock throwing contests and a game of tug o war at best. Mostly, you were forced to listen to gossip from the noble houses and pretend to care.

Elaena walked off in the direction of the royal tent. She did not care about leaving anyone behind, she needed to escape quickly. “Princess, it’s good to meet you.” She stumbled into the young Blackwood boy. He was around her age and had curly black hair and big brown eyes. He was skinny in stature but looked to be fit. “Hi, Benjicot?” He nodded at her. “Yes! but most people just call me Benji.” She smiled, “it’s good to meet you Benji. Have you come all this way by yourself?” He shook his head no, “My father is in the tent waiting for the king’s arrival. Did you come by yourself?”

Elaena looked around and realized her family was either still in the cart choking each other or escaped to nearby areas. “No… I came with my brothers but I think they’ve run off already.” Benji shuffled in his place for a moment. “… if you’d like you can come with me! I was about to go fishing at the river nearby.” She peered around and noticed the Lords had already whisked away her brother. “I’m not sure where my mother is… If I go we have to tell your father in case I get lost.” Benjicot excitedly nodded and took her hand to drag her over to his father… This may be the first friend Elaena had ever made.

-

Elaena was struggling to keep up her pace with the Blackwood boy. She was rather frail and struggled to do any type of long distance walking, labor, chores… anything physical. The river was quite large and the water was flowing fast. Benji said fast moving water meant bad fishing conditions but it didn’t hurt to try.

“How do we fish?” Elaena asked innocently. “Well I’m gonna tie this line to this hook to this stick then I’m gonna put a worm on it then we toss it in the water and wait.” He had a really thick accent that she struggled to understand sometimes. “I can help.. I sew at home so I can tie things well.” Benji excitedly handed her the stick and string and she began tying.

It was as thin as the ones she used to sew and her little fingers were able to loop it perfectly. The hook was harder to attach since you had to avoid being poked. Benji patted her back on her good work and pulled out a bag of worms. In unison the children went, “gross.” They both giggled at their reactions.

“Now that we’ve done this you just toss it in and wait.” Elaena held the stick up and the line swung near Benjicot’s head. He ducked and backed away. “Sorry!” She spoke in a hurry. “It’s your first time, I stuck my dad in the foot once!” Her laughs filled the quiet forest and she aimed once more. It landed in the water but the stream threatened to carry it away.

-

Aemond was forced to entertain the Baratheon girls who disgusted him. Elaena had wandered off with a Blackwood boy and had yet to return. He was practically jumping out of his skin waiting to go and find her. It only got worse when he noticed Jacaerys disappear from the tent. Was he going after her? Aemond stood to go and follow but his mother pulled him back. “It’s not your business.” The words beat into his head like a drum. It was completely and utterly his business.

Aegon was having a lovely time drinking and ignoring everything around him. He hadn’t yet realized his sister disappeared or that his sister-wife was casually conversing with Daemon. His eyes flung open when he realized what was happening. He may not love Helaena as a wife but gods be damned if Daemon Targaryen touched her.

Daeron was casually talking to many Lords and Ladies. He was taught that it was not only polite but very good to make connections. He noticed Elaena hadn’t returned in a while but doubted she would ever get into any trouble. Every once in a while he turned to observe Aemond practically bouncing out of his seat waiting for a chance to escape. It was honestly a little pathetic.

Lucerys felt trapped inside the tent with everyone. He knew half of these people thought he was a bastard and hated him. The other half liked him but also knew he was a bastard. It was a terrible situation all around. Jacaerys had just left to go and find Elaena who ran off hours ago. He didn’t dislike her at all but would prefer if Jace just married Baela instead. She was nice to him and there was no strife between their families. He sighed and sunk down into his chair trying to ignore all the stares and weird looks he was receiving.

Baela and Rhaena were both bored out of their minds. As women they were forced to listen to the other ladies gossip their heads off. It was an endless symphony of nonsense that did not matter in the long run. The pair had learned to communicate with their eyes and both were annoyed. The bonfire should be starting soon was all they kept repeating to themselves to get them through the afternoon.

-

The sun was lower in the sky now and no sign of any fish. However, they had taken up trying to skip rocks. The sounds of crunching leaves from behind caused them both to jump. “Calm down, it’s only me.” Jacaerys stumbled over the rocks and leaves and joined the children.

“Who’s this?” Jace asked whilst staring at Benji. “Benjicot Blackwood, My Prince.” He smiled and shook the boy's hand. “You can call me Jacaerys!” Elaena felt a wave of nerves rush over her. He approached and she nearly ran off again. “Fishing? I never thought you liked outdoors stuff.” His voice was kind and soft. It did well to quell her nerves. “I’m trying it out but we’re not catching anything.”

Jacaerys looked at the water and sighed. “It’s because the current is too strong.” Benji glanced around, “It was the only river near us.” Elaena had been here every year for birthdays or other celebrations. She knew one other stream that could work though they would have to cross the river. “I know of one other. If we walk a little farther ahead there should be a broken tree we can climb across.”

Benjicot perked up and pulled his pole out of the water. “Let’s go then!” Elaena was glad someone was finally listening to her ideas. Jace wasn’t following their movements though. “Aren’t you coming?” She asked.

That was all the initiative Jacaerys needed and he took off after the other two.

The walk to the fallen tree was very peaceful. The trio seemed to get along rather well and even Elaena wasn’t having a hard time talking to Jace. All thoughts of him being a bastard and Aemond’s incident melted away. The trees grew thicker and the grass as little denser as they walked through less charted territory. “Do you think we’ll get in trouble for being out so far?” Elaena turned on her heels and faced the boys. “When my brothers and I come out here no one seems to notice.”

“How do you always manage to go unnoticed? If I leave for a second my mother sends a search party.” That was a very interesting question. The real reason was because no one cared about Elaena or what she was doing. “I never cause trouble so they never get concerned.” She smiled brightly at Jacaerys implying he was a troublemaker. He rolled his eyes and walked closer to her. “I don’t cause trouble either!” Elaena chuckled, “I bet you don’t.”

“Do you guys not have royal guards follow you or is this a rare occasion?” They both turned and thought to themselves. “Well… I don’t have an assigned one so no.” Jace chimed in, “It depends on if I’m with people my mother trusts or not.” That caught her attention extremely quickly. Rhaenyra… trusted her? Is that why he was allowed to come out here? It was probably the most shocking revelation of her life.

“There it is!” Jacaerys shouted and pulled Elaena towards the broken tree faster. She was completely out of breath once they were at the foot of it. She took a look around and noticed the current had picked up here and the log was slightly deteriorated. “How do we get across?” Benjicot asked whilst staring at the old trunk.

“I just walk across… or you can crawl.” Jacaerys got excited and proclaimed, “I’ll go first!” Elaena pulled his arm back. “No! You need to watch me so you know how to do it.” Benjicot nodded his head in agreement. He was examining the wood and it didn’t look as sturdy as she originally claimed. Since she’s done it before maybe she just knew how to walk across it without breaking it.

“What if you fall? You can’t swim.” Jacaerys said with furrowed brows. She groaned, “If I fall the gods want me dead.” He shook his head in shock at what she just said. Elaena smiled and patted his chest. “Just follow after me okay?” The boys nodded in unison.

She climbed onto the tree and struggled to find her footing at first. Her legs were unusually shaky today because of the exercise. Her illness hadn’t completely gone away. She stood up and nodded her head in reassurance. Elaena was slowly inching her way across the trunk. It was hard to keep her balance and it was even harder when the log wouldn’t stop shaking.

Creaaaak

Fear shot up her spine and she froze. It had never made that noise before nor had it felt so loose beneath her.

Creaaaak

“Jaceeee!” Her voice was laced with fear. The log began to move underneath her. “Elaena!” He moved forward towards the log. “Don’t move!” She took a deep breath in and felt tears welling in her eyes. She should have stayed home. She should have never left.

Creaaak

“Jace!” She screamed. “Elaena!”

Snap

Elaena didn’t have a moment to catch her breath before she was engulfed in the freezing water. Her dress was too thick to swim in and she wasn’t strong enough either. The current took her away and sucked the air out of her body. Water began filling her lungs faster than she could push it out.

“Go get my mother!” Jacaerys shouted and before Benji could say anything he dived in. The water was freezing but it wasn’t different from Dragonstone. He pushed his way to the surface and thrashed around looking for her. “Elaena!” The current was taking him towards wherever she was. “Elaena!” He went under for a second time, the water was stronger than he imagined. “Elaena!” Jacaerys frantically shouted looking for any sign of his future wife.

-

Benjicot Blackwood had never ran faster in his entire life. He had just witnessed two of the nobility fall into a river. To make it worse he thought he was actually making friends for the first time. His little legs began to ache as he neared the camp. Sweat and tears poured down his face and soaked his shirt. He avoided his fathers tent and ran directly towards the royals.

“Help!”

“Help!”

He shouted running into the tent and two guards grabbed him. “Please! It’s the princess! I need to speak to the king!” He spoke through pants.

“Let him through.” Rhaenyra stood out of her seat and waited for whatever the boy was about to say. The tent was filled with The king, the Queen, the hand, the council members, Rhaenyra, Daemon, Lucerys, Baela, Rhaena, Joffrey, Rhaenys, Corlys, Aegon, Aemond, Helaena, and Daeron. The king stood up and motioned the boy over.

Benjicot was speaking through tears. “Elaena! She fell into the river! And I- and I-“ Alicent jumped out of her seat and ran to the boy. “My daughter? What happened to my daughter?!” Benji took a deep breath before letting it all out. “We were at the river and she fell in and the current took her away! Jacaerys jumped in after her and told me to tell his mother!”

Aemond jumped out of his seat and ran off before anything could be said. “Shit!” Daeron stood up and took off after them. Aegon drunkenly got up out of his chair and tried his best to run towards a horse. Everyone knew she couldn’t swim and everyone knew he wasn’t strong enough to out swim a current.

-

Elaena woke up coughing hysterically. Everything felt cold and her entire body ached. Her eyes fluttered open and closed. She felt a pair of lips on hers and a gust of air enter her lungs. Elaena pushed them off her and rolled onto her side. She continued to cough up mud, blood, water she could not tell.

“Elaena?!” Two large hands cradled her waist and pulled her back to them. It was dark outside and her ears rang with water. A hand gently caressed her face and pulled it towards them. “Elaena!” She forced her eyes fully open and took in her surroundings. Jacaerys was holding her and it was dark outside. “J-Jace,” Her lungs hurt so bad she could barely speak. “Aemond!” She lunged forward and wrapped her arms around him. The sounds of her sobs echoed throughout the forest. Her mind was flooded with the memory of falling. The water whisking her away and her inability to free herself. The feeling of water filling her lungs and sunken rocks and twigs cutting her limbs. She was a scared girl in general, but nothing compared to this.

He combed the back of her hair as she clung to him. Jace swore when he heard she had fallen, his heart left his body. It shattered into a million pieces and his adrenaline took over. The entire way he feared she was dead. He had no time to pray or think, only race down the stream. It was by the grace of gods she was already washed up on the bank.

When he was blowing his breath into her lungs and pressing on her chest he prayed the gods took him instead. It was foolish and impossible but he was desperate. His Elaena was freezing cold to the touch and was littered with little cuts and bruises. It was the worst sight he had ever laid eyes upon.

It was only when she opened her eyes and coughed up water was he able to finally relax. His heart mended itself and his mind almost cooled down. Now she was shaking in his grip and he worried she was going to have a fever.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to- “ He pushed her back and stared into her teary eyes. It would never be her fault. “Don’t be. You can’t control the river.” He cupped her cheek and stared into her watery eyes. “You haven’t done anything wrong.” A different feeling rose in Elaena’s chest. One that she hadn’t felt before. It embraced her heart and its warmth radiated throughout her body. Is this what love feels like? She could not say for sure. She cupped his face with her hands and examined his features closely. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Elaena raised her chin and gently touched his lips with her own. The world around her melted and so did her fears. It was a comfort she didn’t realize she had.

Jace’s soul left his body. His eyes stayed open and stared at her. Was this real? Was this really happening? He noticed her smile falter and her eyes start to open and he regretted taking so long. He pushed her head into his and connected their lips once more. Her lips were soft and molded around his perfectly. He felt his entire body warm in her embrace. Every problem in his life melted away at that moment. His thoughts consisted of two simple sentences….

‘Fuck Aemond Targaryen…’

‘I win’

#jacaerys velaryon #jacaerys targaryen #jacaerys fic #jacaerys x oc #jacaerys fluff #aemond targaryen #aemond fluff #aemond x oc #aemond fic #hotd fic

[palimpsestheory]

Cytherea the First Loveday

"Seven for beauty that blossoms and dies"

#09/2023 #this started off as a brief doodle and ended up as a roughish illustration #i wanted her to be so unnerving and yet pretty #abyssal arts #art #illustration #drawing #painting #tlt #the locked tomb #gideon the ninth #cytherea the first #cytherea loveday #digital illustration #fanart #digital art #art on tumblr #artist on tumblr #my stuff #2023