#maekar x berena

[dreaminonao3]

Fanfic Advent Calendar 2023

open the door for December 20th

#fanfic advent calendar 2023 #asoiaf #pre asoiaf #brynden rivers #alysanne stark #brynden x alysanne #maekar i targaryen #berena stark #maekar x berena #modern au #wip

[onthesandsofdreams]

Sunday Six, Maekar x Berena - Sharing a dessert

Maekar had to admit that Berena's selection when it came to the dessert was exquisit.

They currently were both enjoying a shared chamomile tiramisu. "This is delicious," he admits.

Berena gives him a knowing look, "I know, I love eating things with flowers and this is one of the best examples of floral flavors that I've tasted outside of my kitchen."

"And I hope you know that now I'm eager to taste your own creations, Berena," He says and he's not lying, he'd never given a thought at cooking or baking with flowers.

Berena dips her spoon in the tiramisu, cuts a piece and offers it to him, "And you shall, dear, you shall."

#berena x maekar #maekar x berena #berena stark #maekar targaryen #pre asoiaf fic #pre asoiaf #rareasoiaf #asoiafrare #established relationship #au: modern westeros #six sentence sunday

[strangelock221b]

knife against the throat - Berena/Maekar, knife against an assassin's throat

Fighting For What's Hers (AO3)

A castle the size of Winterfell truly was an enclosed city – countless people always coming and going, and it was impossible to know all of them by name or even just their face, though Berena Stark did make a point to try.

And a visiting prince means even more strangers, she thought as she discreetly followed one such stranger down the corridor leading to her family’s bedchambers. In accordance with time-honored tradition, her parents had given Prince Maekar their bedchamber while they took her oldest brother Donnor’s bedchamber and he had moved to the Guest House. Berena slipped into a hidden corridor meant for servants’ use then went to her parents’ bedchamber and hid herself behind the carved wooden screen. She only had to wait a moment before the door opened just enough for the catspaw to sneak into the room. He was young, no more than twenty, and nervous. An unsheathed dagger tucked into his belt caught the light.

You’d think he’d know better than to keep a naked blade by his manhood. Berena waited until he hid in the shadows along the far wall before she took a deep breath then she slipped out from behind the screen. The catspaw’s eyes widened when he saw her but she had to respect him for holding his ground.

“You’re from the south, are you not? As well as your employer?” she asked calmly as she approached him. “No man of the North would be so craven as to attack a man in his bedchamber, especially a protected guest. Here, we still hold hospitality sacred.”

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m a Northerner, I serve the Starks...”

“Obviously not or you would recognize Lord Stark’s elder daughter.” The man reached for the dagger but Berena grabbed it first then she pushed him against the wall and held the blade to his neck, pressing just enough to be felt. “My lord father believes a woman should be able to defend herself. He taught my sister and I personally how to fend off any man who might attack us.”

“I’ve done nothing-” he protested, his eyes wide.

Her calmness slipped as the thought of what she could have lost hit her hard. “You came here to assassinate my betrothed, my one chance at marrying a prince. Did you think that I would just let you? No, nothing will stand in the way of my happiness.” She pressed the blade further into his neck until a bead of blood began to form. She was so focused on the catspaw that she didn’t realize they weren’t alone until a man’s hand reached out from behind her to gently wrap around her hand holding the dagger and pull it away from the catspaw’s neck.

The catspaw pushed her away then tried to escape but he ran into two guards who grabbed him and dragged him out of the room. Berena’s heart was racing and she took a deep breath before turning around. Just as she thought, Prince Maekar Targaryen, her betrothed, was standing before her. What she didn’t expect was that his eyes were dancing.

“Going by my first impression,” he said, amused, “I was worried we would bore each other to death but I see now you’re as fierce as your House’s sigil would suggest. I think we’ll get along well, Lady Berena.”

She raised an eyebrow but couldn’t help smiling back. “Northern ladies are as genteel as any southron lady and twice as fierce.”

“I’m willing to bet you are even fiercer and more genteel than most and I am eager to know you better.”

#asoiaf #pre asoiaf #berena stark #maekar i targaryen #maekar x berena

[dreaminonao3]

Fanfic Advent Calendar 2023

open the door for December 10th

#fanfic advent calendar #asoiaf #pre asoiaf #brynden rivers #alysanne stark #brynden x alysanne #maekar i targaryen #berena stark #maekar x berena #part two

[dreaminonao3]

Fanfic Advent Calendar 2023

open the door for December 7th

#fanfic advent calendar 2023 #asoiaf #pre asoiaf #brynden rivers #alysanne stark #brynden x alysanne #maekar i targaryen #berena stark #maekar x berena

[dreaminonao3]

"I may be love's bitch but at least I'm man enough to admit it." (Spike from BtVS) - Maekar/Berena, with a dash of unrequited Brynden/Allysane

Time To Bite The Bullet (AO3)

Brynden was just walking out of a dinner meeting with the PM when his mobile chirped. One glance at the sender told him his long day was just beginning. Lorra Stark. It must be important or Her Grace wouldn’t have bothered.

Brynden, are you available?

Not wanting to keep the duchess waiting, he typed a response immediately. You know I’m always at your beck and call, Lorra.

Good. I need you to find Maekar. He & Berena had a bad fight an hour ago and he walked out. He won’t answer any calls/texts. His kids haven’t seen him all day.

He rolled his eye. I’m a bit overqualified to hunt down wayward boyfriends.

Yes but think of how this will make you look good in Aly’s eyes.

Brynden had been trying to romance Lorra’s younger daughter for weeks but the stubborn woman would not let her irritation with how he was helping Aerys run the country go. Just like Lorra to go for the jugular in the sweetest way possible. Fine. I think I know where he is.

I knew I could count on you.

*

The pub was out of the way and decidedly working-class. Just as he knew he would, Brynden found Maekar nursing a beer at a booth in the back.

“Congratulations, nephew,” he drawled as he slid into the other side of the booth with his whiskey. “You have two families worried sick about you.”

Maekar rolled his eyes. “I called my kids earlier, they weren’t exactly beside themselves.”

“They’re used to you working long hours. Mind telling me why the mother of the woman I have been trying to impress for weeks asked me to hunt you down?”

“Probably because she’s also the mother of my girlfriend.”

Brynden rolled his eye. “Yes, the girlfriend you apparently had a row with.”

“It wasn’t physical. It was barely even a fight.” He sighed heavily then took another sip of his beer. “Berena thinks she’s in competition with Dyanna’s ghost.”

“Is she?”

“No,” he said firmly. “I’ll always miss Dyanna but I love Berena, she knows that. Or at least, she knows it when she’s not being overemotional.”

Brynden smirked. “Perhaps if you had the balls to propose, she wouldn’t let her doubts get the better of her. You love her, your children love her, even Aerys loves her and we both know your brother hardly likes anyone. Bite the damn bullet and ask her.”

Maekar raised an eyebrow. “This is rich coming from the man in love with her sister but too afraid to tell her.”

“Alysanne knows how I feel about her, she simply doesn’t care. I may be love’s bitch but at least I’m man enough to admit it. Since nothing else seems to work, I’ll put this in terms you can understand. If you don’t advance, General, it will mean a permanent retreat.”

Maekar sighed heavily. “I can’t lose her but I don’t know if I’m ready for marriage again.”

“No one is truly ready to take the plunge, no matter how many times it’s been. If you can’t imagine spending the rest of your life without her, it’s time.”

He nodded then downed the rest of his beer then stood. “Alright. Is she still at her flat?”

Brynden nodded. “Knowing Berena, she’s probably still cursing your name.” He grinned. “Have fun.”

He laid down enough money for both of their drinks then left Brynden to ponder his own love life. Perhaps helping her sister is exactly what I need to get into Alysanne Stark’s good graces. Only time will tell.

#pre asoiaf #asoiaf #maekar i targaryen #brynden rivers #maekar x berena #brynden x alysanne

[strangelock221b]

Lady Berena Stark on her wedding day.

#asoiaf #pre asoiaf #berena stark #maekar targaryen #maekar x berena

[onthesandsofdreams]

The Dragon & The Winter Rose [2/?]

Pairing: Berena Stark/Maekar Targaryen Rating: T Summary: I know this is very sudden, but I do know a great place. If you’re busy, no hard feelings. Words: 1263 Notes: Modern Westeros

Read @ AO3

Maekar is not quite glaring at the paperwork, but it is a near thing.

Aerys’ and Bloodraven’s plans have him near his wits end. He’s not entirely sure if he ought to smash their heads together, because he can’t quit. Stepping down would only cause more trouble, all of his children were underage and he was bloody sure he would not be having Bloodraven as regent. Over his dead body.

And so, he carries on. Every dutiful, ever faithful.

He can feel a headache coming in, and to be frank, he’s quite hungry. He leans back into his chair, closes his eyes and breathes deeply, exhaling slowly to try and calm down. But his stomach grumbles and he’s about to scowl, when his phone pings with a new text. He opens his eyes and looks, Lady Berena Stark.

He had given her his number after Aerys’ party, she had been funny in her own way and she did not seemed offended by his slight standoffish nature.

It was an invitation for lunch. I know this is very sudden, but I do know a great place. If you’re busy, no hard feelings.

He weighted his options and decided that, what harm could there be? So he replies that he is free now.

Lady Berena’s text comes quick, The Silver Shield Tavern, meet me there.

He texts a quick, on my way, takes his jacket and makes his way there. He’s surprised that she can walk in to The Silver Shield, that place is always booked and full, and you cannot have a table there unless someone cancels or doesn’t show up. Such a curious thing. He makes his way quickly, his stomach rumbling and he is eager to eat, he has – apparently – a ravenous hunger.

He finds Lady Berena standing near the door, she’s dressed stylishly in black slacks and a gray blouse. Sunglasses on and a purse under her arm. She smiles when she spots him. “I’m glad you accepted, Maekar.”

He takes her offered hand, “I will admit I am curious about this place. And the company is a welcomed one.”

Her smile grows, “And who says Maekar Targaryen doesn’t know how to flatter a lady? Come, you will love this place.” Lady Berena says and walks in, she looks at the doorman and says, “Stark. Table for two please.”

The doorman nods, “Please follow me,” and takes them to a corner. “A server will be with you in a moment.”

He looks around curiously. The tavern is old, a lot older than what he had thought. The decorations consist of simple blue walls and portraits of the tavern at different stages, also of patrons past and present. But what really calls his attention is this, the emblems of several families hang from above the bar area and he does not spot the Targaryen one. “This is different.”

Lady Berena, who it seems can read his mind, answers with, “The tables are passed down from generation to generation. This tavern was built by several houses, and they always give priority to those. A bit unfair, I will admit, but it is a nice and cozy place to eat when you really don’t want to be bothered.”

“Now, that is unfair.” He agrees.

Lady Berena gives him a look, “I will see what I can do for you to have a table. Not even King Aerys would enter here if he came without a reservation, much less Lord Brynden.”

That sounds great to him. He’s about to speak when the waiter comes with two glasses of water and the menu. Promises to come back in a few moments.

Lady Berena gives the menu a once over and sets it aside. He inspects it carefully, “What would you recommend?” He asks her.

“Get the steak and ale pie,” Lady Berena says without hesitation. “That is absolutely divine. Secret recipe and one I have not been able to harangue out of the chef.”

“Very well, you do know the menu better than I do.”

The waiter comes, takes their order (Lady Berena goes for the chicken pot pie) and leaves them alone. Only to return with their drinks. A dark beer for him, a glass of wine for her.

“Tell me about this place?” He asks. He is genuinely curious about the tavern. Oh, he has heard about it. But it is mostly shrouded in secrecy. He had planned on making a reservation when he had heard Bloodraven complaining of being unable to eat there without a reservation and he had rolled his eyes. He was sure that now Bloodraven thought the place sympathetic to the Blackfyre cause.

“Oh, well. It started about one hundred and fifty years ago. The owner was a second son of Lord Cerwyn who wanted a quiet place to eat. One that was exclusive to people of discretion. But he had no founds, and when he asked several Lords and those who gave money, got a table for six open for them at all time. And the reason he asked several Lords is,” Lady Berena leaned forward to whisper, “that there is a secret floor above this one. So, when you really don’t want to be seen.”

His brows shot upward just as the food comes. And his mouth water and his stomach rumbles loudly. A flush makes it to his face, but Lady Berena waves her hand, “It does smell delicious,” he says of the pie. “And the secret room sounds…”

“Like it would worry Bloodraven?” Lady Berena gives him a knowing grin, then takes a bite of her pie. She washes it down with her wine.

He follows her example with the pie and… Lady Berena is right. It is absolutely divine. The meat melts in his mouth and the stew is thick and rich and oh-so decadent! “Good Gods, this is the best steak and ale pie that I have ever eaten.” He says and drinks his beer, “And yes on the Bloodraven count.”

“Then, you have nothing to worry about,” Lady Berena replies. “This place is for rest, not to plot overthrowing the crown. Rest easy.”

“It is not me who you need to convince.”

“Oh I know, Lord Bloodraven seems quite paranoid of the Blackfyres.” Then Lady Berena’s face twisted. “Enough to forget other things.”

He takes a large gulp of his beer, he knows what she means. “He has a personal vendetta. Not that I agree with him, in fact I…”

“Did your best to help us. We know.” Lady Berena reassures him. “My father’s anger is reserved for your brother and Lord Bloodraven, we know you did what you could.”

“Thank you, Lady Berena.”

“Just being truthful.”

They continue to eat and exchange stories. And he discovers that Lady Berena has a sharp wit to her that he finds charming. She is kind and understanding, but with a mind for the practical and for improvements of her people’s lives. To the point that he is now thinking on giving her a spot in his cabinet.

They finish their meals and they make plans to meet again in a week (the earliest possible for him) in the same spot. And before they part ways, Lady Berena smiles at him and says, “Maekar, please call me Berena.”

A corner of his mouth twitches upwards, “Very well, Berena.”

La – Berena smiles at him and walks away.

He watches her go for a bit, then makes his own way back to the palace with a quiet sense of peace he had not felt in a long time.

#berena x maekar #maekar x berena #berena stark #maekar targaryen #pre asoiaf #pre asoiaf fic #au: modern westeros #multipart: the dragon and the winter rose

[onthesandsofdreams]

(This Romance Is) From Afar Calling Me Silently [2/?]

Pairing: Berena Stark x Maekar Targaryen Rating: T Summary: Whatever news had come from the South had thrown her parents and brother into a frenzy. Willam had taken to stare at her and smirk, causing her to almost loose her usual calm and either slap him, or hit him upside down his head. Whatever it was, she had the certainty that it involved her. Words: 1032 Notes: Sorry for the late update, the former outline was giving me trouble, so I decided to start from scratch. So wish me luck with that! I have also decided to add Berena's POV here and there, but it will mostly focus on Maekar.

Read @ AO3

Berena made her way to her father’s solar.

Whatever news had come from the South had thrown her parents and brother into a frenzy. Willam had taken to stare at her and smirk, causing her to almost loose her usual calm and either slap him, or hit him upside down his head. Whatever it was, she had the certainty that it involved her.

Once she arrived at her father’s solar, she knocked and only opened the door once she heard her father’s deep voice calling, “Enter!”

“You wanted to see me, father?” She says, closing the door behind her. Her mother is there, she is giving her a reassuring smile that fails to calm her down. Willam sits at their father’s side, swirling a goblet of wine, he looks solemn. She sits at her father’s wave of hand, dread pooling in her stomach.

“Aye, Berena.” Her father stops for a moment. And it is a strange thing to see her father momentarily lost for words. But he shakes his head and recovers. “As you know, messages have come and gone. Well, those messages are from King Aerys. The Iron Throne is trying do heal the rift between our houses caused by their inaction when it came to the Greyjoys,” here, her father near snarls, “actions.”

Oh. A heal of wound. Oh, by the Gods. She know what this is, she is to marry someone. She does not need her father to speak those words for her to know. “That is good, no?” She does her best to make sure her voice does not tremble. “That they have seen their error and are trying to fix it.”

Her father gives her an approving nod. “Aye, there is that. Well, I will not butter it up for you, Berena. They ask for your hand in marriage.”

She gulps. “And who am I to marry?”

“The Prince of Dragonstone, Maekar.” Her father says. “One of his daughters has been promised to House Lannister, but you, my daughter will marry him. That means, if things go well, you will be Queen.”

Yes, she would be, wouldn’t she? That is, if she did not died on childbirth like the late Lady Dyanna had. And while her child might not sit on the Iron Throne after her father, it was still a good marriage and she supposed, she was an old maid. She nods. “I see. A good match, I have no objections father.”

It is her mother who speaks, “We thought you would.”

“Why? Because my child would not follow his father?” She shakes his head. “Regardless of that, a marriage to the Iron Throne is a good one, whatever children that I have, they still be siblings of the King, and they would have good matches.”

Her father gives her an approving nod again, “Well, I am glad that you saw the same as I did. Prince Maekar will come and marry you here on our Godswood, and there will another ceremony in the Sept at King’s Landing.”

“It sounds fair to me,” she says. And to be honest, it is. A Godswood wedding to appease their sensibilities and a reaffirmation in front of the Sept to appease the New Gods. “I shall start my wedding gowns and cloak as soon as possible.”

“Tell me what you need, daughter. I will spare no expense in your gown and cloak. I have already commissioned some jewelry pieces for you, I will not have it said that I do not treat my children well.”

She gives her father a small smile, her father had always been a good father. Who else would have allowed her to remain an old maid for so long? She and her sister both, to be frank. And they were well loved by their father. “Thank you father, I shall. Give me a couple of days so I can have a design in mind.”

“Very well, Berena.”

Her mother finally lets her solemnness fall, she stands and embraces her with joy. “My daughter, Queen-to-be!”

She returns her mother’s embrace, hiding her nose in her mother’s hair. “That would take a while, mother.”

“Oh, shush, do not take away the excitement from me.”

“I would never!” She laughs. “I am simply concerned that if someone overhears, they would think that you would speed our King’s demise, and I would not have that.”

Her mother laughs, holds her at arms length and rolls her eyes. “I fail to see who would repeat my words. Your brother knows better than to cross me, and your father has a reputation to upkeep.”

“Here sister,” Her brother approached her, offering a goblet of arbor gold. She had not even noticed him move. Once she let go of their mother, she took the goblet with a smile. “A toast,” her brother says. “To my little sister, Berena, Queen-to-be!”

She toast her glass to her brother, her father and her mother rise their own. She takes a large sip, the wine is a fine vintage. “And when may we expect my betrothed?”

“Prince Maekar should be here in four moon, gives you enough time to make your dresses and your cloak. Gives enough time for your mother to plan the feast and gives me enough time to come with terms that you will leave the den.”

Her eyes blur with unshed tears, but she blinks them away. “Will he come alone, or with a small entourage?”

“A small entourage. The last letter we received said that Brynden Rivers will be coming, and I do not doubt that someone else and Lord River’s Raven’s Teeth.”

She nods again. “Very well, I will be ready.”

“Your betrothal and wedding will be announced tonight, do you object to that?”

“I see no reason why I should,” she shakes her head. “It is as good time as any. I only have one small request.”

“Yes?” It is her mother who asks.

Her lips curl upwards and she winks at her mother, “I request some honey cakes for me to finish my meal with!”

Her parents blink, and when they realize what she meant, the four of them laugh. “Of course, dear heart!” Her mother chuckles.

#berena x maekar #maekar x berena #berena stark #maekar targaryen #pre asoiaf #pre asoiaf fic #beron stark #larra royce #willam stark #asoiafrare #au: canon divergence #multipart: from afar calling me silently

[strangelock221b]

My pre-ASOIAF fics set in the modern era. (Canon era fics here)

The Winter Romance Series (Brynden Rivers/Alysanne Stark and Maekar Targaryen/Berena Stark)

A Christmas Surprise Lorra Stark invites Brynden Rivers, alone at Christmas, to have dinner with her family. Her daughter Alysanne is less than thrilled.

Just For One Night A one-night stand on New Year's Eve doesn't end how Maekar Targaryen or Berena Stark expect.

The Politics & Pleasure Series (Brynden Rivers/Alysanne Stark)

Temptation or Salvation? A Modern AU version of the Second Blackfyre Rebellion with Number 10 Downing Street taking the place of the Iron Throne.

Prioritizing Brynden must decide what is the most important thing in his life -- politics or Alysanne?

You're All I Ever Needed Brynden is finally proposing marriage to the right woman.

Nothing Wasted Brynden hopes his unborn child is nothing like him.

#asoiaf #pre asoiaf #masterlist #brynden rivers #alysanne stark #brynden x alysanne #maekar i targaryen #berena stark #maekar x berena

[onthesandsofdreams]

The Dragon & The Winter Rose [1/?]

Pairing: Berena x Maekar Rating: Undecided Summary:  It is not that love is blind. It is that love sees with a painter's eye, finding the essence that renders all else background. ~Robert Brault Words: 750 Notes:  A series of connected short stories, starting from being strangers to being lovers, in a modern westeros setting. For @strangelock221b, hope you like it friend!

Read @ AO3

Maekar is not quite glaring at the sea.

Behind him, the party rages on. Aerys had insisted that he come, a ‘united front’, he’d called it. He understood why. His brother was trying to smooth the tensions between the Throne and Houses Stark and Lannister. He sighed and regretted that he had stepped onto the balcony without wine.

He had warned Aerys and Brynden. He had told them, over and over, that just because they had to keep the Blackfyres in check, it didn’t mean that they should simply ignore the rest of the Kingdom. His words had proven almost prophetic, House Greyjoy rose in revolt and began attacking Lannisport and the Western Coast of the North. Needless to say, both Houses Stark and Lannister were furious.

And they became near mutinous themselves when his brother and uncle ignored them. Even when he volunteered to take part of their navy.

Now, here they were. 

Both Aerys and Brynden knew they were on thin ice with these two houses and needed to make as good amends as they could. They could not afford to push them away.

He could feel as if the weight of the world were on his shoulders. That’s not even mentioning the near daily headaches that he had been dealing with. As his brother’s heir, it was his duty to do as best he could. Now, he could only hope that both Aerys and Brynden would listen to him.

He did not hear the clicking of heels approaching. So, he nearly jumped when someone placed a glass of wine next to him, he was startled to find no other than Lady Berena Stark.

“You looked like you needed a drink, my Prince.” Lady Berena said, giving him a knowing look. “I’ll be right back.”

He watched as Lady Berena rushed back in, only to return with a small plate of hors d'oeuvres, she placed it next to his glass of wine, toasted him and took a sip of her own.

Regaining his wits, he took the glass, “Thank you, my Lady.”

Lady Berena nodded, “You escaped right on time, one lady there was trying to find you. With very obvious amorous intentions.”

He resisted the urge to roll his eyes, it would not do to lower his guard with Lady Berena. Her eyes had the glint that he recognized in predators, “They don’t want me, they want the title.”

“Oh yes, I see that appeal. But I do this Lady fancies herself in love with you.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, she speaks of you as if you hung the moon.”

This time, he could not help the snort that escaped him. “Has she met me?”

“Yes, I believe she has.”

“Then, that baffles me. I’m told I can be a lot of things, but ‘Prince Charming’ is not one of those.”

“If it’s any consolation, I find that you are being quite charming right now.”

“You flatter me, Lady Stark.”

Lady Berena shook her head, “Berena, please. Lady Stark is my mother.”

He inclined his head, “As you wish. I must insist you call me Maekar, then.” He picked a fig that had been filled with something and wrapped with bacon and bit into it. It was good. 

“Only in private, it would give the wrong idea should I address you so casually in public.”

“Very well.” He took a sip of his wine. “And what brings you outside, Berena?”

“Also escaping some attempt at matchmaking.” Lady Berena picked a small tartlet and bit into it, then washed it down with wine. “If I’m going to marry, I’ll find my own husband, thank you very much.”

“I understand,” He said. “I miss Dyanna, and there will always be women who like me for what I am, rather than the who.”

“Indeed.” Lady Berena took another sip of her wine, then, her lips twitched upwards. “How about we talk about our worst attempts at being wooed?”

His brows nearly touched his hairline, but he still felt a corner of his mouth twitch. “Well, there was this one lady who…”

They spent the rest of the evening chatting comfortably, only separating when Lady Berena’s phone vibrated with a text from her mother that they would be retiring, Lady Berena choose to leave then, not before giving him her number and telling they should get together for a coffee and more talk about misadventures.

For once, since Dyanna’s death, he found that he didn’t mind the attentions of a woman.

#berena x maekar #maekar x berena #maekar targaryen #berena stark #pre asoiaf #pre asoiaf fic #au: modern westeros #au: canon divergence #rareasoiaf #asoiafrare

[onthesandsofdreams]

(This Romance Is) From Afar Calling Me Silently

Pairing: Berena Stark x Maekar I Targaryen Rating: T (May Change) Summary: In the aftermath of the Greyjoy rebellion, two people come together slowly. One is granted a second chance at love, the other, falls in love with someone she'd never had picked on her own. Words: 1035 Notes: Since reading @strangelock221b‘s stories about this couple, I have been inspired, so thank you friend!

Read @ AO3

The water was nearly scalding hot, and even so, it failed to relax him.

Usually, the hot water helped him. Not this time. Maekar knew very well what awaited him. His uncle and his brother had tried to be – not gentle, but subtle, but his eyes were not clouded by deception. He was far too old to miss the context and the clues.

Maekar knew well what fate was waiting for him in the Council chamber.

But he could not disobey his brother. Maekar knew that he was his brother’s last chance for an heir and that eventually, his sons would sit on the Iron Throne. And with that, came responsibilities and duties he could not ignore. At least, he would not be like his brother and uncle.

Maekar scowled, and raised himself out of the water. He reached for a towel as he stepped into the slippers the maid had left for him. What a mess his brother and uncle had made. Yes, he knew they could not ignore the Blackfyre threat. He himself would never do and he would lead armies himself if told. But. 

But Maekar knew that they could not ignore the Greyjoys either. And that is what his brother and uncle had done to the extent that now they had two houses who were less than pleased with the Crown.

And that is where he came in. 

Maekar knew that he would be married off. Even if he did not want to, even if he would have been happy to spend his day missing his Dyanna. And he likely knew that one of his daughters would be married off too. It bothered him beyond what he could express, but he would not say no. He had always been mindful of his duty, and he would not balk at it.

He dried himself well, wrapping the towel around his waist and made his way to his chamber. In the bed lay some prepared garments. All in solid black. For once, the solid black reminded him of grief rather than the colors of his house. But still, he dressed himself and, before he made his way to the Council chamber, he threw on a red cloak with dragon head clasp. Maekar reminded himself that he was a dragon and he would not be cowed. He would face his fate with dignity and his head held high.

Maekar chose not to eat any of the food that had been left for him, his stomach would revolt if he did. And he’d rather not make a spectacle of himself.

Once he was ready, Maekar looked at himself in the mirror. Much to his surprise, he found that he looked tired and worn down. He shook his head and after some calming breaths, he squared his shoulders and raised his chin. He would have to make the best of an unpleasant situation. He would only hope that whomever he was married off to, it was a good woman and he hoped the same for his children.

And with that thought, Maekar opened the door and went in search of brother and uncle.

Maekar paid no mind to those who he encountered on his way to the Council chamber, ignoring the whispers behind his back. But he supposed he was a sight, he was not often seen in the Red Keep. Last time he had come, had been during his induction as Prince of Dragonstone, where he now spent most of his time with the occasional visit to Summerhall.

Some people actually part before him, and Maekar knows that he likely looks like a man heading for the gallows. 

When he stands in front of the Council chamber door, Maekar stops and allows a moment of weakness. He closes his eyes and prays to Dyanna for the necessary strength to do what he needs to do. Once more, he squares his shoulders and reminds himself that Dyanna would understand.

Maekar knocks and waits for his brother to call, ‘Enter’.

He walks in, and notices that the Council chamber is mostly empty. Only his brother and uncle are there, already sitting side by side. The table bears books, scrolls and wine goblets and carafe. Maekar bows before Aerys, “My King,” he says.

Aerys stands, walks towards him and envelops him in a quick hug, “None of that, brother. There is only family here.”

“As you wish, brother.” Maekar will not argue. “Tell me, what is that you wished to tell me.”

He knows that they perhaps wanted to butter him up, but Maekar would rather deal with the blow as quickly as possible.

Aerys and Brynden share a look.

Aerys sighs and pulls him towards the waiting chair, “As you know,” he begins as he pushes Maekar to sit. “Houses Lannister and Stark are wroth with us.”

“That is no news to me, Brother. I warned you they would be.”

“Ah yes,” Brynden speaks for the first time. “That you did, but did you forget that we had a –” 

“Rebellion to deal with, uncle?” Maekar breaks in, “No, I have not forgotten. Or have you forgotten that I asked your leave to provide martial aid to Houses Stark and Lannister to deal with the Greyjoys?” His words are greeted with silence. But Maekar knows that they will try to soften the blow, so he cuts them at the knee. “Nevertheless, what is done is done. Whom am I to marry?”

Once more, Aerys and Brynden share a look, in the end, Aerys sighs and pushes a wine goblet at him. “Lady Berena Stark, firstborn daughter of Lord Beron.”

Maekar swallows a mouthful of wine, the arbor gold somehow manages to taste bitter. “As my King commands. I will do my duty.” 

“Brother…”

He shakes his head, “It is a duty for me, brother.” Maekar states firmly. He is not lying, there is a part of him that roars like the dragon in his sigil, a part that wants to say no and rebel. But he knows full well that he can’t. He can’t be the reason why House Stark is slighted yet again. “You have decreed that I am to marry Lady Berena Stark, so be it.”

#asoiafrare #maekar x berena #berena x maekar #berena stark #maekar targaryen #pre asoiaf #pre asoiaf fic #au: canon divergence #multipart: from afar calling me silently

[onthesandsofdreams]

6SS: Maekar x Berena: Betrothal

Maekar walks towards the Council chamber like a man heading towards the gallows.

He knows that his brother is likely to order another marriage, and the whole idea is a bitter one, he will always love Dyanna.

But, he is a Targaryen and he is bound to his King’s orders.

He stares at Aerys and Brynden as they sit side by side, thankfully, it is only the two of them, he sighs, “Whom am I to wed?”

“Berena Stark,” Brynden says, “Firstborn daughter of Beron Stark, we need them on our side, and, as of recent, House Stark has been unhappy with House Targaryen.”

A part of him wants to argue, to say no, but he knows it is true, Brynden had his eyes on the Blackfyres and neglected the Greyjoys, and so, he resigns himself to his fate, “So be it.”

#maekar x berena #maekar targaryen #berena stark #brynden rivers #aerys targaryen i #pre asoiaf fic #pre asoiaf #au: canon divergence #six sentence sunday #rareasoiaf #asoiafrare

[onthesandsofdreams]

6SS: Berena x Maekar: Ghosts

“Do you believe in ghosts, Maekar?”

Maekar was silent for a moment, he knew what Berena meant, but he could not help but to answer, “To me, ghosts are memories that never really leave.”

Berena looked at him, then nodded, “I agree,” she said softly, “we are the bodies our memories haunt.”

“Indeed. I know that is not what you meant, however, and to that answer, I say, I believe there is something we cannot fully explain, nor understand.”

“I think the same, the world is too full of strangeness to simply be a single ‘no’, thank you for indulging me, Maekar.”

#berena x maekar #maekar x berena #berena stark #maekar targaryen #pre asoiaf #pre asoiaf fic #asoiafrare #au: modern westeros #six sentence sunday

[onthesandsofdreams]

6SS: Berena x Maekar: Lucky

Maekar woke to find Berena looking at him, he blinked, “Morning.”

Berena smiled at him, “Morning, being sleepy looks good on you.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” Berena agreed, “You are completely worry free, save for sleeping, I have never seen you so relaxed, and I think myself lucky to be able to see this side of yours.”

Maekar gave Berena a small smile, lifted a hand and cupped her cheek, “I am a lucky man to have you, I thank the Gods for entwining our paths.”

“I am thankful too,” Berena said, turning to kiss his palm, “you are my home.”

#maekar x berena #maekar targaryen #berena stark #pre asoiaf #pre asoiaf fic #au: canon divergence #established relationship #six sentence sunday #asoiafrare

[onthesandsofdreams]

6SS: Maekar x Berena: Eyes

“You know, I really like your eyes,” Berena says as she and Maekar sway on the dance floor.

Maekar arches a brow, “Is that so?”

“Yes,” She says, “they’re very open and honest, I always know where I stand with you.”

“I see,” Maekar nods, “I will take that as a compliment.”

“You should,” She says firmly, “it is nice to be with someone who does not lie, even when a lie could benefit him, I really appreciate honesty and trust, and you, Maekar Targaryen are a pillar of it.”

“Then, I will strive to always be worthy of your trust.”

#maekar x berena #maekar targaryen #berena stark #pre asoiaf #pre asoiaf fic #established relationship #au: modern westeros #six sentence sunday #asoiafrare