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misguidedasgardian · 1 year

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The winter sun (8)

8. A way to a man’s heart

MASTERLIST

Summary: You were trying…. hard

Pairing: Cregan Stark x Fem!Targaryen Reader

Warnings: Cursing, medieval and asoif customs, AGE GAP, Cregan is 12 years OLDER than reader), a liiiitle angst, a liiiiitle fluff, might miss some warnings

+18 MINORS DNI

Wordcount: 3.6k

Notes: HAHAAAA they are just two babies trying to do right by the other. This is a pretty tamed chapter.

As you were sleeping peacefully, you were awakened by the door opening, you jumped and sat on the bed, covering your almost transparent night shift with a wolf fur. And there he was, Cregan, this time, he was only wearing a long sleeve black shirt and leather pants, and he looked so handsome

“I was an idiot!”, he claimed

“You are not an idiot my lord, why would you think that?”, you asked

“How could I ever leave you alone on our wedding night? My beautiful bride!”, he said over excitedly, walking towards the bed, he leaned in and encased your face with his big hands, and then he leaned in and kissed you tenderly, and also passionately, you couldn’t identify what passion might feel like, until you felt butterflies in your belly.

“I’m going to make you mine”, he whispered against your lips, “I’m going to give you my children, would you? Would you have my children my sweet princess?”, he asked and you nodded enthusiastically

“Yes!” You said excitedly, “I’ll give you babies!”, he chuckled against you lips, he separated from your and took his shirt off and then, he ripped the furs off the bed to uncover you, and jumped all over you, taking your lips in his with hunger, his hands traveled south in your body, arms down towards your hips and waist, you felt his hands everywhere his lips ledge your mouth and traveled down your cheek to your jaw, drawing lazy kisses, and then his wet lips arrived in your neck, to a certain point that made you see stars as you closed your eyes.

And then….

AND THEN

You woke up with a gasp, so hot you were sweating, the fire still lit up and furs covering you. You were gasping, trying to regain your breath, and you felt so uncomfortable between your legs… you couldn’t quite pinpoint it

But you got cold pretty quickly…

Cregan had rejected you, he didn’t bed you, he didn’t take you. He didn’t plant his seed, he didn’t give you his children…

And you felt that sixteen year old all over again, but now, it was your husband who didn’t want you.

You drew a shaky breath, thinking about how you were going to explain it to the people, did you have to anyways? Where was Cregan now? Should you go down to the hall to break your fast? How could you face him now?

You didn’t now what to do.

Based on the position of the sun and the noises coming from the courtyard you guessed that it was an adequate hour to rise from the bed.

You looked at the sheets, the unblemished, unblooded sheets. Here it was the North, it was different here, nobody was going to wonder if Cregan deflowered you, if they would, he would have done something…

And after a faint knock, trough the door appeared a young maid, with a smile and an apology she entered bringing a wooden tray with a breakfast, bread, cheeses, jams and some more thing

“Good morning my lady”, she greeted, it was the first time somebody called you that, a lady, you were a lady now

“Good morning”, you greeted back

“Lord Cregan has asked me to bring you breakfast, he has gone with other Lords to the Wolfs wood to hunt”

“You are too kind, thank you”, with a shy smile she left the tray at the feet of the bed and then she left you. You had your breakfast alone and in silence, it was more bitter, and the flavors were stronger than any breakfast you could have in King's Landing, always with sweet wine and fruit, but you were going to get accustomed to it, you were certain.

“How is the new lady of winterfell?”, Sara entered the room with a cheeky smile, “I hope you don’t mind, I saw Cregan galloping away I guessed you were alone”, she muttered, and you smiled inviting her in

"It's fine, I'm glad you are here", you said, happy to see her

“Sooo…. How was it?”, she asked, “are you alright?”, you debated in whether to tell her or not, but as you looked at her, you revealed yourself, “he didn’t fuck you did he?”, she said, anger taking over her features, “that craven!”, she said

“Is not his fault, it was probably me”, you whispered, playing with the long strands of the Wolf fur

“You? No possible way!”, she said, “it’s him, he is too nice, he probably didn’t dare because he didn’t want to bother you or something”

“But I want to be bothered!”, you said, looking up at her

“Perhaps you could tell him that!”, she muttered

“No way!”, you said, “how could I tell him that? I want you to bed me?”

“Yes!”

“No!”, she seemed to think about it, her dark blue eyes looking at the bedding for inspiration, she sighed

“You need to warm him up!”, she said

“Like… touch him?”, you asked

“No silly, be attentive, charm him!”, she suggested, “be a little flirty”

“That might work”, you said, hopefully, he might be your husband, but you barely knew each other , but… “but what if it is me?”, you asked her

“It’s not”, she whispered, and you looked down, not quite convinced

What if he resided after he married you how inadequate you were?

Where you?

Sara helped you dress, and then you two adventured outside your room, you found your aunt Rhaenys breaking her fast in the great hall

“Good morning my dearest”, she greeted, “how was your night?”, Sara was about to speak, but you spoke first

“Great, he was very nice and gentle”, you said with a shy smile, and it scared you how fast and simple that lie came out. You didn’t want her to know you weren’t able to bed your husband

“Good”, she said, pleased, leaving the dark ale she was drinking in the table, “now that I made sure everything is going smoothly, I need to get back to Driftmark”, she said with an apologetic smile, you just looked down and nodded, “I leave you in good hands, with Sara and Cregan”, she said gently, and Sara beamed

“Thank you for coming”, you said, “you don’t know how much it meant to me”

And between hugs and kisses and promises of visiting each other, you and Sara waved Rhaenys goodbye, as she took fly on Meleys and got lost amongst the northern clouds.

But nothing could prepare you for the news that you received when you entered back into the castle

“My lady, there is some unfortunate news”, the maester came to you, slowly but surely, you looked back at him in wonder

“What is it? Is everyone alright?”, you asked, and he chuckled

“Yes my Lady, everyone is fine, it's just… we receive a raven from Harrenhal, and apparently your things suffered an awful accident”

“My things?”, you asked, puzzled

“The caravan with the three carriages that were carrying your things, they had been completely destroyed”, he said, looking down at the floor in front of him

“What?”, you asked, perplexed

“The caravan was going through Harrenhal, when a dragon, I would not know which one, burn it down”, you didn’t know what to say, as you looked all over the room

“Was anyone hurt?”, you asked then, “the soldiers and servants?”, he smiled gently

“Everyone was alright princess”, he said, and you nodded

“Good”, you answered, “I don’t understand who would have done this”, you muttered

“It was night my lady, nobody could see very well, the carriages were placed in a shed in Harrenhal during the night and well… they only heard the roars, and saw the flames”

“I see”, you whispered, looking down, “thank you”, you said with a shy smile on your face, the maester nodded, and left the room

You felt a tickle in your nose, indicating you were about to cry, but then you felt silly, crying over material things but… not only were dresses and such, there was also objects, things you had or were gifted to you by your father, or other members of your family, you had nothing with you, and now, all your things were lost.

Who would have done something like this?

And the answer came easily at you

Aemond

He was the only one capable of doing something so awful and uncalled for

But the question was… why?

Why would he do something like that?

“I’m so sorry”, muttered Sara, caressing your arm, “is there anything I could do?”

“I don’t have anything to wear and use”, you whispered

“We can go to Winters Town”, she suggested, “we can find things there, not as nice as you can find in Kings Landing but… we can get the basics”

“It would be nice”, you whispered smiling shyly

“Let’s go then”, you needed to be cheered up and you were glad Sara saw that, Rhaenys had left and your things were a pile of coal, so you could use a day in the town that you had yet to see

You put on the boots that you used for riding your dragon under the gray dress you used the second day here, and you put on the cape that Sara had lent you, and both of you adventured outside Winterfell’s walls.

As you were entering the town, you put on the hood of your cape, it wasn’t that cold, but…

“You don’t need to hide here”, Sara giggled, and you removed the hood instantly, relieved

“Sorry, force of habit”, you laughed

“You didn’t go out of the Red Keep that much?”, she asked, amused

“I didn't actually”, you confessed, “the couple of times that I did I had to hide”, you giggled

“Did you committed some mischief?”, she asked suggestively

“No no”, you answered giggling, “I was just curious, I always left the Keep in the daylight”, you tell, and she smiled gently.

You noticed you were being watched by the people, but you looked back with a smile, and when they saw you smiling, that smiled back, greeting you

They know who you where and who you became yesterday

The dragon princess was the new Lady of Winterfell

“The small stores are this way”, she muttered, taking your hand and leading you, “I also know Winter’s town got a load of new textiles yesterday, we will be the first to see them to make some nice dresses for winter!”

“My Lady of Winterfell”, a nice old lady grabbed your hand as you were walking by, “I’m so pleased to meet you”, she greeted with a crooked smile

“Oh, thanks”, you muttered, blushed and nervous

“You are so beautiful”, she said, “you are kissed by ice”, she said pointing to your hair

“You are so kind”. you whispered

“may the gods bless you, my child”, she leaned in and kissed your hand, and then she waved you goodbye, leaving your heart warm and a smile on your face

“I thought the Northmen were weary of strangers”, you said, sounding as excited as you were

“But you are not a stranger are you?”, Sara said, “you are their lady, the Lady of Winterfell”

And it finally sank

You were the lady of winterfell

You finally arrived at a store, only identifying as such with a worn out sign

You came in after two knocks on the wooden door

It was a nice man, who opened the door and when he looked at both ladies he opened his eyes widely

“My-my ladies! I’m very sorry… your grace!”, he corrected

“I am a Lady kind Sr”, you said gently

“Welcome to my fine stablishment”, he said

“We would like to see some fabrics”, said Sara gently

“Of course, you will get the first view of them”, he muttered

They were thicker fabrics than Kings Landing, certainly, more simpler, but warmer. Muted colors, not shiny reds, not silk, or chiffon, or Tull, but wool based and cotton.

Simpler, but warmer

You bought with your purse as many as you could to make a dozen dresses for the winter, and the nice man promised to bring them in the morning to the castle as he was accustomed

You dared to buy fabrics to make some clothes for Cregan as well, as Sara suggested, she used to make clothes for his brother, as it was his preference

You continued your shopping, it was midday and as Sara said, merchants and salesmen showed their products outside, in small market place

The greetings continued and people seemed more weary of you, but you could see they knew Sara and they liked her, so as you greeted them as well, they also seemed quite relaxed.

“Ohhhh salmon!”, you admired, watching the big fishes splayed over a table in the fisherman’s post

“We eat a lot of it here”, Sara said

“In king’s Landing as well”, you muttered

“Good morrow my ladies”, the nice man greeted

“Good morning”, you said back

“We would like some salmon”, started asara

“Only the finest for the ladies of Winterfell”

“You can cook it for Cregan!”, Sara said, excited, “he really likes salmon and this last weeks we have been eating meat in excess”, and you blushed

Cook for Cregan

Seemed so nice, so he can warm up to you, you loved that idea

You bought some cakes and that was it, you returned to the castle after you bought a hair brush, and some other things. You almost whimpered when you remembered that you had also lost your jewelry, necklaces and rings from your late mother that your father had bought from her family for you, and also, jewelry he inherited from his own mother, Alyssa Targaryen that he saved for you. He never got to see you wearing her ruby earrings and matching necklace and ring.

The ladies of the north from what you could gather, didn’t use much jewelry, but it still hurt. Still, you bought a small wooden box to keep things.

Oh… your books

Then you remembered the Library of Winterfell was one of the greatest in the Kingdoms and you had yet to see it.

You came back to reality when you were entering Winterfell again.

“Now, you will have to convince the cook to let you make the salmon without her help”, said Sara cheekily, “and that won’t be easy”

“What? Why?” You asked, amused

And here you were one hour later, chasing the cook around. She was a tall and big woman, with big eyes and rough factions. As Sara told you, she used to be a wildling North of the wall

“My cooking not enough for princess?”, she asked roughly

“Is not that I don’t like it”, you explained, “is just that I want to cook for Lord Stark, myself”, you said gently, the old lady gazed at you, squinting her eyes, and finally, she smiled

“Ahh you want baby”, she said cheekily

“Uh?”, and then she put on a naughty face

“When I cook for husband, he gave me baby!”, she said with a knowing look. Sara burst with laughter, and you blushed scandalously, “cook way to man’s heart!”, she said pointing at you with the wooden spoon she had in her hand.

“Yes”, you admitted, “I want a baby”

“Good girl”, she said, and left the kitchen, letting you do your thing

“I never cooked for anyone before”, you said, amused, as you gaze at the salmon displayed in the big wooden table in the Winterfell’s kitchen

“I think is sweet”, Sara said, “Cregan will be back in a couple of hours we should start”

“Do you have these herbs? Dill? Thyme?”

“Yes!”, you giggled, excited, as Sara ran along the kitchen searching for the things you asked of her. Lemons, a little bit of pork fat to cook it… it was fun

It took too long, longer that you need it, but you had only saw the cooks prepare it, you had never did it yourself

And soon you heard the castle coming back to life, as front he kitchens you could hear the huge gates being opened, horns blowing announcing the arrival of the hunting party

“They are here! Cregan must be hungry!”, Sara cheered, and you, with a smile, finished the dish by placing a pinch of salt on top of it. “Hurry!”, she helped you serve it in the great hall, accompanied by ale, you placed two plates, so you could eat it next to him, you set the table as well, and you finished placing a fork just in time as he walked inside the hall.

You looked at him and stared in wonder, he looked even more wild than he used to, messy hair, snow flakes still over his shoulders, the snow was becoming greater each day that passed

“Welcome!”, you greeted, and he nodded at you, “look what I made” you said with a excited smile, “is not as good as the ones prepared by the cooks in Kings landing but I think is pretty good”

“You don’t have to worry about me”, he said, simply, looking at the table, “I’ll eat what we hunted, enjoy the salmon dearest, I bet you miss it”, he said he leaned in and kissed your temple, and just like that he left the great hall. And it broke your barely mended heart.

“That idiot!”, cursed Sara, coming from her hiding around the corner.

“That man a brute!” Cursed the cook, following after her, “just like late father!”

So… you didn’t just get rejected again by Cregan, but also, you somehow insulted his hunting, he now may think you didn’t want to eat whatever he hunted in the Wolf’s wood.

Great job

So Sara and you sat down to share the salmon and ate it as the cook brought you dark ale and sat with you as well, bringing a fork with her and you invited her to “dig in”. Cregan appeared again in the hall, and watched the scene, intrigued, but you believed that if you looked at him, you may cry.

“Thelma, I was wondering if you could help us with the rabbit stew”, he asked of the old woman seated by you

“No” she said simply, and you couldn’t help but giggle, “you should have eaten salmon!”, she chided

The night found you in your room, or rather… Cregan’s room, even though he didn’t want to bed you, you refused the idea of abandoning the chamber. You had, deeply rooted within you, customs and manners from court, and you truly believed that a lady living in a separate chamber from her husband was truly something awful, it meant that your husband didn’t want you, it would give the people something bad to talk about, about you.

So you had put on your night shift and sat in front of a mirror to brush your silver hair, that Sara had braided for you that day. You were interrupted by a hard knock on the door, after, the door just opened and Cregan was there, in the door frame, looking at you

“Good evening my lord”, you greeted, stopping your movements, your eyes wide open, like you just saw a ghost, an apparition right in front of you.

“Cregan, you can call me Cregan”, he said gently, and you nodded, “Sara told me you went to the town today”

“We did”

“I heard what happened to your belongings”, he said, and you looked at him expectantly, “I’m very sorry, it will take time, but I want you to know we will replace everything”

“There is no need”, you said

“We can send word to King’s Landing’s maesters, woodworkers, librarians, jewelers”, he listed, and you shook your head slightly

“Sara and I just bought fabrics to replace the dresses, the books, well, I bet I can find better ones in the library here in Winterfell, I had read them all anyways, other things I can buy, like this brush”, you said looking at the one you just bought, “it’s alright”

“The jewelry”, he said, truly concerned

“I’m afraid that can’t be replaced”, you muttered, :”but it’s fine I got my grandmother’s necklace with me, and my father’s ring”, you said painting at your finger, “and my mother’s earrings, it’s all I need”, and he smiled softly, and nodded

“Very well”, he admitted defeat. He gazed at you then, and you got nervous, “you have beautiful hair”

“Thank you my… Cregan”, you corrected yourself

“Sara and Thelma gave me a hard time today”, he started, and you looked at him in wonder, “they said you cooked for me, and I rejected you”, you looked away from him, embarrassed

“It’s nothing”, you whispered grabbing a string of your hair and playing with it, trying to conceal your nervousness

“I’m very sorry, I thought I just caught you off guard and you had made that for yourself, and you were just trying to be nice”, he explained

“And I am sorry I rejected to eat whatever you hunted”, you apologized, “I didn't think it through”

“It’s alright, whatever I hunt in those woods it’s whatever we are going to eat for all the winter to come”, he said, amused, and you giggled, “would you make it for me, another day? the Salmon I mean, Thelma said that is one of the finest things she ever ate”, and you raised your eyes to look up at him

“I’d love to”, you said, overexcited

“Very good”, he said, “I’ll leave you then”, he turned to leave, again

“Wait!”, you called, and he stopped on his tracks and returned to look at you, “y-you can stay, i-if you like”, you said, and you wanted to pinch yourself because you sounded way more hopeful than you should have, “it is your rooms after all”, you said

“You can stay here”, he said, “are you cold?”, and you shook your head, “good, good night little dragon”, he said, leaning in and kissing your temple, like he used to do since yesterday

“Goodnight”, you answered back, and you watched him leave. This time, a little more hopeful, you were on the right track.

You hoped.

more notes: trust me when I say I can't believe i'm writing some sort of "slow burn", I usually jump right in, just be patient I promise it will be worth it

taglist! @severewobblerlightdragon @missusnora @stargaryenx @poppyreader @chainsawsangel @court-jester-stuff @batprincess1013 @eddiepicker @lyannesworld @arujee @kamisunshine

#misguidedwinter #cregan #cregan x reader #cregan stark #hbo house of the dragon #house of the dragon #house targaryen #house stark #aemond targaryen #targaryen!oc #targaryen!reader #hotd #hotd fanfic

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bamdelune · 1 year

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Open Up (To Me) ♡ Alhaitham x GN!Reader

🎧 Song : Open Up - Meg Ruiz

A year following your death, Alhaitham finds a certain someone wandering the grounds of the House of Daena, fingers gracing the spines of each book without a care in the world.

Angst, angst to fluff, major character death, reader dies, gender neutral reader, no pronouns used, memory loss, mentions of samsara, nahida our favorite wing-auntie.

ALHAITHAM was sure everything happened. He knew. He knew he held your lifeless figure in his arms, cradling it as your head lolled around lifelessly. Dried blood stained your clothes a crimson brown and your skin ice cold, the beds of your nails turning a deep purple. He knew it happened.

You were one of the few courageous warriors that had helped out in Liyue when it was under Osial's attack, having been assigned there by the Akademiya for some extended research. You were meant to come back after a week. You were meant to come back to the safety and comfort of his arms. You were never meant to overuse your Cryo vision, the glass encasing it never meant to shatter and lose its icy glow.

Celestia had other plans.

Millelith soldiers from the Land of Commerce had come knocking on his door. Alhaitham excitedly expected it to be you, standing at the entrance of his home, the all-too-familiar grin of yours with the sun shining onto your skin, making you look all the more ethereal. That excitement subsided when he saw the soldiers, handing him an enevelope that seemed to come from the Tianquan of the Qixing. They waited for him to finish reading its contents.

He scanned over the words. Over, and over, and over, and over again. Was this some kind of sick joke? He expected you to come out with an apologetic smile but he was only greeted by the silence of Avidya Forest and the soldiers.

The soldiers led him to where your cold body laid, peacefully resting for eternity. They left him to provide some space out of respect.

Archons. Even when you were engulfed by the pale of death, he still found you beautiful, like he told you each morning you woke up by his side.

Alhaitham wanted to tear his heart out of his chest. He wanted to scratch his neck to rid him of his throat. He wanted to scream, he cursed at whatever deity was listening. An ugly sob followed by a sniffle escaped his lips, salty tears streamed down his face as he buried his head into your cold neck, cradling the shell of whatever was left of you.

He remembered it, all. too. well.

So would the archons care to explain to him how you were there now, eyes scanning the books on the shelves with pieces of literature secured in one of your arms. Perhaps sleep had wanted to have its way with him for the first time in a while? It has not been long since the incident with the Doctor and Lord Kusanali and he knew his sleep schedule hasn't been the best as of late.

But no matter how many times he blinked, no matter how many times he rubbed his eyes as he pinched himself. You were still there, now on your way to sit at one of the vacant desks and chairs.

It was really you. You, whom he had lost not so long ago. You, whose deathly cold body he held so closely that one morning to evening in the city with the uncomfortably heavy solitude and the realization of your death.

The moment you saw him in your peripheral vision, you looked up at the Acting Grand Sage.

"Hello. To what do I owe the pleasure?" You politely said at the stranger.

Time had stopped for the former scribe. 364 days, 7 hours and 15 minutes. Tomorrow was supposed to be the 1st anniversary of your death. How coincedental.

It was your voice that rang through his ears. The same voice that had wished him good luck. The voice that whispered sweet nothings into his ears during intimate moments.

Alhaitham managed to choke out a few words, sounding strained as to not startle you.

"Greetings." He said, stoic as ever as how you met him for the first time one faithful day in this very library. "I do not recall seeing you around, care to tell me your name?"

You chuckled lightly. Little birdies from around the Akademiya had spoke of a certain grey haired man, the Acting Grand Sage. Some spoke of him highly, whilst the contrasting spoke of him with deep disdain.

"My, the Acting Grand Sage asks for my name? Have I ran into trouble?" You replied, gently closing the open book you were previously reading and leaning over, head resting on your shoulder with a polite grin.

"Quite the opposite, if I may. I find you quite intriguing, not many scholars like to have a physics book open."

"Ah, this?"

You gestured him to lean his head forward to your lips before whispering,

"Truth be told, I wasn't really paying attention to the words. It's my first day here, I wished to pass off as a competent one." You softly giggled into his ear.

Exactly what you had done on your first day, except Alhaitham had an icy aura that surrounded him as if he was traced by it. Now he was the one who had approached you.

The Acting Grand Sage was never the one to believe in hypothetical things like fate but it was as if that very same thing had line this up for him.

Out of his peripheral vision, he saw a pair of small feet and strands of white hair running and flowing freely once he turned his focus to the source. He inwardly smiled.

Oh, he had fallen for you once again.

Worry not for the amount of hypothetical days the Samsara keeps him in a loop. Alhaitham worries not for your loss of memory. He'd willingly get stuck in the chains of it for you, for as long as he finds his way back to you and you the same.

You have embedded and carved a place reserved only for you in his soul only the Primordial One could eradicate and erase.

#bamdelune's bookstore #bamdelune #genshin impact #alhaitham #alhaitham x reader #alhaitham x you #alhaitham x gn reader #sumeru

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areyoudreaminof · 5 months

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ACOTAR GIFT EXCHANGE

Beyond: a Helion x LoA fic for @spell-cleavers

For the @acotargiftexchange I was thrilled to write this fic for @spell-cleavers who just so happens to be one of my very favorite people. Getting to know her over the course of this year has been such a joy, so I wanted to writer her something special. And by special, I mean I wrote my first ever smut scene. Can you believe?? Special thanks to @iambutmortal and @rosanna-writer for the beta help, and @separatist-apologist for allowing me to have a fun little cameo.

The Lady of Autumn has agreed to come live at the Autumn Court, though seems hesitant. Can Helion convince her that she belongs at his side?

And here's a little playlist!

She shines me up like gold on my arm I wanna take it slow but it's so hard I love to see her face in daylight It's more than just our bodies at night

Do you think I'm being foolish if I don't rush in?

Beyond-Leon Bridges

MORNING:

Helion Spell-Cleaver was feeling a bit unhinged. It wasn’t a surprise, since he had been looking forward to this for centuries. But still, he was teetering on the edge of his sanity.

It couldn’t have been a more perfect day, though. The sun rose over the Day Court, cloudless skies stretching from the far valleys and hills in the east to the rocky coast and the city of Naxopolis. Groves of orange and fig trees surrounded the sandstone palace, brushing up against its white pillars and walls. The smells of citrus and trees were deepened by the warmth from the sun and a cool breeze from the turquoise sea. From the balcony, Helion watched the early morning sunlight reflect off the waves like small golden flecks. The room was peacefully quiet and open. Helion was certain when he had chosen the large and spacious suite, she would love it.

Now, he wasn’t so sure.

She had never seen the sea, she had told him once, many, many years ago, when they had only met under cover of darkness in the far corners of the Autumn lands. He chose the large wing of rooms as soon as she had agreed to move to the Day Court. Helion wanted a fresh start for them both.

They had each other again. They had their son, Lucien, who had agreed to stay too. Though, Helion would admit only to himself that he wasn’t letting his son and his mate out of his sight again. Never again would Thérèse be stuck in Autumn, never again would she be under anyone’s control. The members of his court were thrilled when he had found Lucien, and they were equally as thrilled when Helion announced his mate would finally come home.

But as he heard the soft cries of morning gulls, and the city coming to life below him, Helion’s doubts slithered back into his mind.

Will she even like it here? Will she ask Eris to take her back? She left once.

Yes, but that was to save us, and to save our son. Helion reminded himself as he took steadying breaths to calm his speeding heart. And I am not that monster. I will never force her. I am at her service.

A soft knock at the door brought him back to the morning. Costis, his butler, entered with a soft robe of linen in his arms. The satyr’s hooves clicked sharply on the tile, as he draped the ivory fabric chiton across a chair.

“Good Morning, my Lord. We’ve received word from Velaris, and the Lady Thérèse will be arriving with your son and his mate promptly at eleven o’clock.” Costis announced, crossing the room to bow. “Her personal items will be sent here.

Helion nodded once, quickly attempting to clear his mind. “Is everything else in order?”

“Yes, your Grace. The food is being prepared as well as the smaller dining balcony in the northwest wing. Nothing much is happening in the city, and The Magus has predicted fine weather for today. Perfect to show Lady Thérèse her new home,” the satyr said as he removed the sleeping robe from Helion’s shoulders. “I can send up for breakfast, unless you prefer to wait.”

“I’ll wait, thank you,” Helion said. He hardly had an appetite anyway.

Costis began to dress Helion, expertly wrapping the toga around him. The soft mix of linen and cotton promised a warmer day, the fabric hitting just above his knees. Enough to tempt, but not enough to scandalize. As Costis fetched his sandals, Helion removed the silk wrap from his head, satisfied that his hair still looked perfect. He had removed the ornaments from his locs for the occasion, instead opting for a small golden thread woven throughout his hair, tying it back with a leather strap. Helion placed a golden sun band on each bicep, cuffs on his wrists, and the small bronze ring Thérèse had given him five centuries ago. Striding to the mirror, Helion took in his reflection. He wore no crown, his toga was simple, and he was unadorned. He looked like the same male that went to the Equinox ball all those centuries ago.

The sharp clang of steel and bronze bells from the Magus’s tower rang, indicating it was half past ten. Helion straightened and took a deep breath. He had been planning this day for weeks, no, centuries. He was ready. “Costis, remind me of the possible itinerary I had drawn up.”

READ THE REST ON AO3

#acotargiftexchange #helion x loa #jenn i love you #eris is a redheaded step-child #my first smut ever??

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harunayuuka2060 · 2 years

Text

Diavolo: *looking at the pictures and a thought comes to him*

Diavolo: Barbatos? Cameras weren't invented at that time, right?

Barbatos: Yes, young master.

Diavolo: Then how was I able to get some baby pictures?

Barbatos: ...

Barbatos: *smiles* MC had... forced me to acquire one.

Diavolo: ...

Diavolo: She knew about your ability?

Barbatos: Yes. *chuckles* Are you interested to hear how she bossed me around?

MC: Everyone refuses to paint a portrait of our young prince.

Barbatos: That's to be expected. The demon king hates him.

MC: ...

MC: But I want to make a record of his childhood. So he will have something he can look back to.

Baby Diavolo: *sleeping peacefully in her arms*

Barbatos: How are you going to do that? Do you even know how to paint?

MC: *looks at him*

MC: You can travel in different time.

Barbatos: Yes.

Barbatos: ...

Barbatos: What are you trying to say?

MC: Make yourself useful and find me something that I can use to record the young lord's daily activities.

Barbatos: *blinks at her in disbelief*

MC: *stood up* I'm expecting that you will have it before dinner. *then walks away with Dia*

Barbatos: ...

Diavolo: Oh! *laughs* No wonder I have a lot of baby pictures!

Barbatos: Yes. She was even disappointed when I came back just before midnight.

Diavolo: *chuckles*

Diavolo: *then his expression softens* But where is she now, Barbatos?

Barbatos: ...

Barbatos: I don't know, young master. Before your 3rd birthday, she disappeared. I was thinking that maybe— *trails off*

Barbatos: ...

Diavolo: What?

Barbatos: *forced a smile* It's nothing, young master.

MC: *after learning herself how to use the camera*

Baby Diavolo: *looking curiously at her*

MC: *smiles*

Baby Diavolo: *seems to smile back*

MC: That's perfect, my prince. *takes a picture of him*

Baby Diavolo: *his eyes blink because of the flash* *then looks shocked*

MC: You look amazing.

Baby Diavolo: *pouts then cries*

MC: *sets the camera down and picks him up* It's okay, my prince. That's just a light. *cradling him*

MC: It is far less dangerous than you sparking fire with your fingertips.

Baby Diavolo: *giggles*

#obey me #obey me mc #obey me diavolo #obey me barbatos #the demon prince's nanny

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izfrogzy · 2 months

Text

AN/: First Chapter may touch up later but here it is no big warnings or age restrictions besides the mentions of births and such. Hope everyone likes the first chapter ❤️

——Chapter one——The Daughter of the Sea

The echo of a raspy rumbling from the enraged sea came towards the dark sands of High Tide, the waves were striking upon the shores of Driftmark as the storms were rolling in. They pounded into the cliff of the sheltered cove, then paused and pounced with malice onto its ankle, slamming into the cliff sides of High Tide. Upon the shore sat a Dragon it lifted its crowned head as lightning sparkled the sky revealing her red scales. She lets out a screech as she looked to HighTides castle, even as the storm raged on it didn’t hide the labored cries of her rider.

Suddenly, rip-tide rolls heaved as the sea foamed, crashed, pounded and bashed the cliff-foot before sloshing back.

Within the Castle walls, inside the maternity wing, was Rhaenys Velaryon, formally a Targaryen, she sat upright as midwives fussed over the Queen who never was, she gave labored breaths and was instructed to take good breaths to remain calm, Rhaenys was disheveled but still looked strong and confident, as another wave of contractions began and her cries are heard throughout the castle.

Corlys sat at a Hearth, port in hand with his Brother Vaemond, who gave him an encouraging smirk handing him more port to drink, “Let us hope it’s a boy.” Vaemond would say and Corlys gulps down the port quickly, “Rhaenys tells me not to get my hopes up like that.” He told Vaemond “And I am already grateful for the son I do have.” Corlys said and Vaemond smirked “It’s always good to have a spare you know that brother.” He said Corlys slightly glared at Vaemond and drank more of his Port as he heard his wife from the other side of the castle.

Vaemond and Corlys waited, until the Maester came down and he looked a bit wrecked from the long hours The Lady of Driftmark had been in labor, Corlys approached nervously “Well? How fares my wife? The child?” He asked and the Maester sighed and placed a hand on the lord’s shoulder “Your wife is well Lord, and your ... .Daughter.” He said and Corlys smiled and Vaemond kept a cold expression gulping down his wine, Corlys chuckled “I must see her.” He said and hurried out of the room and Vaemond scoffed and went back to the Flames of the Hearth.

The storm is heard outside the castle as Corlys makes his way up the stairs of the tower which held the Birthing Chambers, the doors would swing open as he entered eagerly and he sees his Wife though a bit tired and disoriented and disheveled, she’s her holding the new addition to his family and legacy and he approached his strong Princess proudly.

Rhaenys looked up and gave him a smile, “Your daughter, husband.” She said and he nodded and sat down beside her and gave the newborn a look over,

She bore the features of the Velaryon complexion and had the iconic patch of white baby hair proving her Valyrian Heritage.

Little round face sleeping peacefully wrapped in the blue silk blanket, as the storm raged outside and Rhaenys sighed tiredly and Corlys speaks, “May I hold her wife?” He asked

Rhaenys smiles tiredly and nods and he takes his baby daughter in his arms, “She’s like Laena.” He said and cradled the baby girl “Laena wasn’t so stubborn to come out.” Rhaenys joked and Corlys chuckled “Nor was she born during a sea storm.” She added and Corlys smirked “Sounds to me this little one will be full of storm and fire.” He joked glancing at Rhaenys then down at his new daughter he held, “Our Maela.” He spoke and Rhaenys smirked, “Tis a good name husband.” She said laying back against the pillows which propped her up in the bed “Maela our little Sea Storm.” Corlys said proudly looking upon his daughter in his arms.

A few days after her birth, a celebration was held, Rhaenys held Maela in her arms as those who attended would come and congratulate Princess Rhaenys and Lord Corlys on the birth of another daughter of the sea.

Even the King came, Rhaenys Cousin, Viserys Targaryen, along with His Wife and the Queen Aemma and Young Princess Rhaenyra and the Kings Brother and Prince, Daemon Targaryen.

Viserys approached his cousin and her husband and Rhaenys presented the king with her daughter and he smiled, “What a beautiful child, you both been blessed.” He said and Rhaenys nods “Thank you cousin.” And Viserys smiled “Would you like to hold her your grace?” Asked Corlys and Viserys smiled and nodded “If that is alright with my Cousin.” He said to Rhaenys who smirked and nodded “It would be an honor Cousin.” She said and she hands off Maela to Viserys gently and he held the little baby girl “I do believe she has the Targaryen nose.” He teased and looked at the little baby, and Aemma looked as well adoring the little baby, Rhaenyra looked a bit grossed out, as Viserys told her to look at her cousin, to be fair the Little Princess was only Ten and two, Queen Aemma sighed “She shall become just as beautiful as her mother I am sure.” Aemma said to Rhaenys who smiled and King Viserys handed the Baby Velaryon back to her mother, and he smiled “We have a present for you and your child.” He said he gestured the servants to come forward and they did and carried a trunk, and it gets opened revealing a egg inside, and Corlys smiled “You bless our daughter with a Dragon egg?” He asks and Viserys nods “I do….it is high time another dragon is hatched and Though this child is Velaryon the blood of the dragon runs through her veins.” He said and Corlys smiled “Like Laenor…and Laena.” Viserys said and Corlys nodded and gave the king a bow “We thank you Majesty.” He said and looked at Rhaenys who smiled “We accept such a gift My king and cousin.” She said smiling and looked down at Maela who slept soundly in her mothers cradling arms.

Rhaenys sat in the bedchambers rocking Maela gently in her arms looking at her daughter full of love, Laena comes over only 5 years and she giggled, “Momma….is Maela sleeping?” She asked and Rhaenys smiled “Yes be quiet.” She whispered and Laena nodded and comes sits beside her and her little sister in her mothers arms and she looked seeing the egg over the fire in a holder as it is being warmed up, “Do you think her egg will hatch mother?” She asked and Rhaenys smiled “I dont know.” She said looking at Laena and Laena sighs “I hope it does. I may not have a dragon but I want Maela to have one.” She said laying her head on her mothers shoulder as she watched the baby sleep in her mothers arm, “She’s so cute.” Laena cooed looking at her little sister “I love her momma.” She said and Rhaenys giggled and gave her eldest daughter a kiss on the head “I must put her to bed ... .how about after we go find your brother and then find our way to the kitchens.” Rhaenys said playfully to Laena who giggled nodding liking that idea and Rhaenys settled Maela down in her cradle and Rhaenys kissed the baby’s forehead and she helped Laena do the same who wanted to kiss her sister goodnight before they both leave the room hand in hand.

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seidenbros · 2 years

Note

Im sorry if this is too intense of a request, but I’ve been going through something lately and could use the comfort. Could you do a Eddie/fem!reader where they’re in a relationship and Eddie finds out your previous boyfriend was abusive?

Hello love! I'm really sorry to hear that, and if you ever want to talk, my inbox is always open, just so you know. If you just want to get something off your chest or want a shoulder to lean on: I'm here! That being said, I pushed this up on my to-do-list and just finished it (it's not beta'd though) So that you can hopefully get some comfort out of this and I didn't go too dark in some parts.

Requests are open | prompt lists for inspiration | Stranger Things Masterlist

Pairing: Eddie Munson x fem!Reader Word count: 2598 something Warning/Tags: angst, hurt/comfort, domestic abuse, child abuse (mentioned), scars, violence, fluff in the end, Wayne Munson being our hero again (let me know if I missed something) Read on AO3

Two months. For two months, you’d officially been Eddie’s girlfriend now, but you’d met even before that, had gotten to know each other better, before he’d made a move and asked you out on a real date. At first, you’d been a little reserved, the memories of your ex-boyfriend still very vivid in your head, and they even haunted you at night, but Eddie had been so sweet, and hadn’t given up, so you’d agreed. After all, you’d already spent your afternoons together studying.

That was how it all had started, because you’d been paired up for a project. You’d started talking about a whole lot more than just the project. While you’d gotten some mix tapes from Eddie to give a listen to, he’d gotten a book from you that he had to give a chance. Sure, you knew that nothing would live up to The Lord of the Rings, but it was still one of your favourites. In the end, you’d told him that you’d go on a date with him if he read the book. The next day, he’d stood in front of you, book in hand and had started a whole conversation about it.

“Pick you up at seven tomorrow night,” he’d said when he’d left and ever since then, you’d spent pretty much every day together, still getting to know each other better, and falling deeper in love with each other. Still, there was a lot you hadn’t told him, but Eddie was patient.

While you loved feeling his hands on your skin, you hadn’t gone any further. You always tensed up when you felt his hands closer to the clasp of your bra. Not because you didn’t want this, but because of the memories that haunted you. Eddie always picked up on it, always told you, that you didn’t need to rush anything, but you couldn’t blame him for trying.

You’d slept over at his trailer a couple of times, had slept in his arms, or had at least tried to do so, but you were always scared that you’d wake up from the nightmares. So instead you’d stayed awake most of the night, had watched him sleep peacefully. Deep down you knew that Eddie would never hurt you, but that little nagging voice in your had told you that you’d thought the same about Luke. Until he’d raised his hand for the first time, until he’d done it again and again, had treated you like you were one of his belongings, not a human being. At one point, you’d gotten out, but only because he’d found some other girl that he’d liked more. You only hoped that he wouldn’t treat her the same way he’d treated you.

Luke was your past, not your present anymore, and it was a good thing that he’d left the school last year so that you didn’t have to see him anymore. Too bad, he hadn’t taken the memories with him. The scar close to your left temple would always remind you of him anyway.

Today, you’d spent all day outside, and were absolutely exhausted when you eventually lay in bed with Eddie, his arms wrapped around your middle, holding you close to him.

“You need your sleep, sweetheart. You can hardly keep your eyes open.” Eddie smoothed a hand over your hair before he pressed his lips to your forehead.

“I’m alright,” you whispered against his chest, stifling a yawn. You knew that you needed your sleep, but you were also afraid that you’d wake up drenched in your own sweat, yelling, because that had happened before. Your Mum had been by your side in no time, but even she didn’t know what had happened with Luke. You’d told her some sorry excuse that you’d tried to skateboard, because it had looked like so much fun, but you’d fallen off. You’d had to tell her something when the hospital had called her to pick you up.

“Sure you are.” You could hear the smirk in his voice, heard some rustling, before you looked up. “Just relax and I’ll read you something, ‘kay?”

How were you supposed to say no when he was holding your favourite book, the one you’d given him, that had led up to your first real date? He wasn’t even finished with the first page when you fell asleep with your head nestled on his chest.

It didn’t take long until you heard Eddie’s soothing voice, but it still held a hint of panick.

“It’s okay, it’s me, Y/N! It’s me, it’s Eddie!”

“No, no, no, no, no!” You mumbled still half asleep when your eyes suddenly opened, because you couldn’t move your hands anymore, hands wrapped firmly around your wrists. “LUKE, NO! Let me go!” You pushed yourself away, ripped your hands free and pressed your back against the wall behind you, chest heaving because you were breathing so hard. Your eyes needed a moment to adjust to the darkness in the room. Deep down, you knew where you were, but your nightmare was still so vivid, that it was hard to really comprehend what was going on.

“It’s not Luke, it’s Eddie,” he spoke to you again, keeping his hands up so that you could see them. His voice was still steady, but he was careful not to move too quickly. “It’s okay, you’re safe here!” While he didn’t yet know what had happened to you, he had a pretty good idea what might have caused your reaction.

“Ed… Eddie?” you whispered with a trembling voice, a sob ready to break out of you any moment now, and when he really came into focus, when you realised where you were that you were really safe, the tears started flowing. Eddie didn’t know what was the right thing to do now, whether you needed him to stay away or wrap his arms around you, so he just opened his arms for you, but stayed where he was to give you some space.

“I’m right here, sweetheart. Tell me what you need!” He wanted to help you, but he didn’t know how, but he was more than relieved when you threw yourself into his arms, curled up on his lap and buried your head in the crook of his neck. Eddie gently wrapped his arms around your body, placed both of his hands on your back and rubbed them slowly up and down. He could feel your tears against his skin, and he just held you in his arms, letting you cry your heart out, because it seemed like it was just what you needed.

You had no idea how long you’d been sitting there until you were finally able to raise your head again and look at him.

“I’m so sorry…” Your voice was hoarse from sobbing, which led up to a few hiccups. Your hands came up to rub at your eyes, brush the remaining tears away, because you were slowly calming down, feeling utterly safe in Eddie’s embrace.

“You don’t have to apologise, princess.” Eddie brushed his knuckles across your cheek, let his hand drop to take ahold of yours then. “You scared me there, but I’m more worried about you than anything else.”

Your eyes landed on his chest, where you saw the damage you’d done. There were scratch marks from your fingernails that hadn’t been there when you’d gone to sleep.

“I hurt you.”

“That’s nothing, really,” he reassured you, raising your hand to kiss each knuckle, hopefully calming you down a little more. “You were whispering in your sleep and then you started yelling and flailing your arms around. I was just worried about you.”

“Still… I’m sorry about this.” You touched your fingertips to the scratches as if to soothe them. You never wanted to hurt him, but now you had, even if you hadn’t really been in control of your own body.

“No more apologies, okay?” Eddie leaned forward to brush a kiss over your nose, not really sure whether it was okay to properly kiss you right now or not. He didn’t want to overstep any boundaries and make you feel safe here with him. A nod from you made him smile again. “Do you want to talk about it?” He felt you tense up a little bit again, which made him add: “You don’t have to. Just know that I’m here to listen, alright?”

No, you didn’t want to talk about it, but you felt the need to say it out loud. You wouldn’t heal if you kept this to yourself and pulled away from Eddie. You’d realised that you loved him, but hadn’t been able to tell him that yet. You hadn’t found the courage to speak the words.

“It’s just…” you started, but needed to take a deep breath, before you kept on talking. Honestly, you didn’t even really know where to start. “My ex…”

“Luke,” Eddie provided, because he wanted you to use his name, because it was one person who’d done this to you. He didn’t yet know what exactly, but he was prepared to find out.

“Yes…” You wet your lips with your tongue, eyes firmly on his chest, because you couldn’t look him in the eyes. Your hands still in his, the one thing you were holding onto, that was grounding you somehow. “I don’t even really remember when it started, but when he didn’t like what I had to say… he raised his hand.” Another deep breath, trying to push away the memories. “And then it happened more frequently… One time he hit me again and again and I ended up in hospital. That’s how I got this scar.”

You disentangled your hand from his, pushed the hair away from your temple and showed him the fine scar. Your eyes closed, when his fingertips touched the delicate skin. In the next moment, you felt his lips there, just a soft brush, but it still managed to make your lips curl up into a smile for a moment.

“And you didn’t tell them.” It wasn’t a question, and there was no judgement in his words, it was just what happened most of the time, and he knew what he was talking about.

“I told my Mum that I tried to skateboard and fell.” Your mother had believed you, or had at least not asked any more questions, so you’d never talked about what had really happened up until now.

“Yeah, we tend to do that,” Eddie said softly, which got your attention.

“We?”

Now, it was Eddie’s turn to sigh. He took your right hand and guided it through his hair to the back of his head, where you could feel a small scar, your fingers gently stroking over the skin.

“There were multiple reasons why I ended up living with my uncle. That’s one of them.” It hadn’t been the first time it had happened, but the last, because as soon as Wayne had found out, he’d taken the steps to get Eddie to live with him.

“Oh Eddie…” Cradling his face in your hands, you captured his lips in a soft kiss. Thinking about little Eddie going through this… it broke your heart, but it made you appreciate everything Wayne did and had done even more. He was a saint, really.

“It’s been years, but I’ve had nightmares as well.”

“How… did you deal with it?” you asked quietly, leaning your forehead against his, closing your eyes. Your hands dropped to his chest, feeling his heart beat beneath them, reassuring you that he was here, that this was real and everything else had really just been a nightmare.

“I talked about it.” Eddie put his hands on your waist to pull you close again. “I know how that sounds, and I didn’t open up at first as well, but Wayne was always there, listening, and once I talked about it with him, the nightmares ceased.” His thumbs brushed over your waist, before he pushed them to your back, rubbing soothing circles all over it. “They come back occasionally, but they are not as terrible anymore.” “What’s changed?”

“I’ve got people in my life that love me… and that I love.” Eddie brushed your nose with his making you look into his eyes. “People I trust.” His lips ghosted over yours before he pulled back slightly to look at you.

“I do trust you.” Your voice was soft, quiet, but he heard every word, and it filled him with pride. “And I… And I love you.” There, the words you’d been too afraid to speak were out now, but after tonight, after you’d finally been able to talk about what had happened, you felt so relieved that you had to tell him.

“If that wasn’t clear before, I love you, too. You belong to these people that make my life a whole lot better.” Eddie leaned down and kissed you. A proper kiss this time that lingered, that touched your soul and made you crave even more.

“I should have told you sooner.”

“No.” Eddie quickly shook his head and sat up a little more. “You needed your time, and that’s perfectly fine. Just know that I’ll always be right here to listen, sweetheart. Whenever you need me, I’ll be there.”

“Stop, or you’ll make my cry again!”

“As long as you’re not crying in pain or fear… it’s a good sign, right?”

“Yeah, probably,” you had to admit as you wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him close again, connecting your lips with his in a sweet kiss. For a moment, you stayed just like this.

“I just have one question,” Eddie broke the silence, framing your face with his hands again so that he could look in your eyes. “That no good bastard… where is he?”

“Not in Hawkins anymore. He graduated last year and left the town as quickly as possible.”

“Good.” “Why you asking?”

“Just thought I’d give him a piece of mind, defend your honour and shit.” Eddie grinned at you, gave your waist a gentle squeeze.

“You’re an idiot,” you said with a laugh, shaking your head. It was the sweetest and at the same time the dumbest thing he’d ever told you, because you really didn’t want him anywhere near Luke, because he’d only get into trouble. But that he wanted to defend your honour was something right out of a book or a movie, and so sweet, you simply had to kiss him.

“Yeah, your idiot, don’t forget that!” he whispered against your lips, before he sealed them with his again.

No, no that was something you definitely wouldn’t forget. He was yours and you were his in the best way possible.

“How about you get some sleep now? You must be exhausted.”

“Yeah… I am.” The nightmare had been draining enough, talking about it had done the rest, but at least, you were feeling a lot more relaxed now, relieved even. “What about you?”

“Oh, I’ll just watch over you for a bit until I’m sure that you’re sound asleep and no nightmares will haunt you for the rest of the night.”

You had no idea how he wanted to achieve that, because he couldn’t control what you were dreaming, but it worked. No more nightmares woke you that night, and ever since opening up to Eddie, the nightmares were becoming less and less. You’d always carry the scars on your body and soul, but now you had someone who understood you, someone you trusted, and someone who’d do anything to protect you.

Tag-list: @violetpenguinkris @tellhound @ghosttownwherenoonegoes @spideyanakin-interacts @bellamy-barnes @beepisbeep @snapefiction @hardysbitch

Let me know if you want to be tagged for this series, or Eddie stuff in general 💚

#eddie munson x reader #eddie x reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson imagine #eddie munson fanfiction #stranger things x reader #stranger things #stranger things season 4 #stranger things imagine #eddie munson angst #eddie munson hurt/comfort #staffi writes #anon request

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sokkastyles · 4 months

Text

The ballroom is alight with red and gold. Dragons adorn the high ceiling as if sailing across the sky, brightened by firebending so that they appear alive, glaring down at the nobles and councilmen and intoxicated revelers with fierce expressions. They remind Katara of another Fire Nation festival, long ago, and another false dragon. They don't scare her as they did, then, and these are only stone, for all their fierceness. There is a kind of gentleness in their countenance, too, she thinks, a kind of beauty in their form. Zuko had told her many times of meeting the real dragons, Ren and Shaw. Katara thought of his words now as she gazed upon the glittering stone, how he had described being afraid, so afraid, but then feeling a kind of warmth envelope him, as if all the knowledge and goodness in the world were contained in their fire.

Katara could almost feel it now, as she gazed up into the flame-lit eyes and the gaping jaws. It was like watching the stars move across the sky. It was times like these that she truly did understand what Iroh said about the nations being one, though different.

We are guided by the same spark, and light our fires with the same flame.

Most of the conversation at the party this night had been about the Fire Lord, though, and which noble lady would have the honor of adorning his arm come midnight. But no one had seen Zuko in several hours, and the cuckoo-frog clock had just sung three times, and some of the guests were beginning to look around anxiously. Occasionally an eye would dart in her direction, but not linger long enough to indicate that anyone suspected anything.

She had approximately fifteen minutes.

Eventually she found a quiet antechamber tucked away adjacent from the party, dark and dim, with books and scrolls stacked everywhere in haphazard fashion and a single chaise in a corner, on which were sprawled rather unceremoniously a slew of silken pillows and one slightly rumpled, yet peacefully snoring fire lord.

Zuko's gold hairpiece was askew in his topknot and his hair, still short for a Fire Nation royal, was falling in loose strands across his face. He was curled in an odd position to accommodate the heavy shoulder piece that was part of the fire lord's regalia, and it had to be uncomfortable. Gently, Katara nudged him and Zuko's arm abruptly flung out, landed on the sharp point of his lordly shoulder, then his eyes opened and he sat up with a shout.

"Ow...uh, who's there?" Still sitting amongst the scattered pillows and wide-eyed with sleep, Zuko began to form a firebending stance.

"Oh, Katara, sorry." He looked at her questioningly. "Did I miss the passing of the new year?"

"Relax, it's just me." Katara reached out in the dark and brushed the falling strands of black hair from his face, and straightened the hairpiece with her other. Zuko sighed and let her fix his hair.

His tone implied that he was not the least bit concerned and maybe a little hopeful.

"No, we have about ten minutes. They'll be looking for you."

"And they'll be disappointed." Zuko reached to put his arms around her, pulling her down on the chaise. "Stay with me here."

"They'll be looking for me, too," she said, pushing his arms away and trying to straighten the blasted shoulder piece that now hung askew. "Don't muss your hair again after I've fixed it."

"You look perfect," he said, and for a moment Katara let his palm graze her cheek, his fingers playing at the glistening diamonds in her hair. His hands were warm as they brushed her skin. She wanted to let him unwind her braids and kiss each lock, but not now, not here.

"You know, the Fire Nation used to revere a moon goddess on the new year. In the old tradition, the sun took her for his wife and imbued her with his fire."

Katara turned her face away from his heated touch. "The story ends sadly, doesn't it?"

"All the stories end sadly," Zuko replied, and in the darkness his eyes glittered, but she could see the dark circles of exhaustion that shadowed their fire.

"A new story, then," she said after a long moment. "For a new year."

She leaned forward, her hands resting on silken pillows, and her lips briefly touched his before pulling away, his heat melting her for just a moment. She grabbed his arm as the cuckoo-frog began to croak out its midnight song, and Zuko made a small noise of indignant protest as he followed her.

They arrived at the party on the hour through seperate entrances. It might have made a bit of a scandal, Zuko standing alone at his own party. A scandal still, even though it had been the same last year, and the year before that. The bigger news was that Master Katara and Avatar Aang did not appear together at the party, although the gossipers and scandal-mongers had gotten their fill of that already, as well. No, the most astute of observers at the party, and the most inclined to untoward rumors, may have noticed the slight flush on Master Katara's glittering cheeks, or the way the fire lord's eyes occasionally darted across the room during conversation, to the single dark curl that fell across her forehead, freed from its tightly woven braid by fingers in the dark.

#zutara #zuko #katara #zutara fic #my fic

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wellthebardsdead · 7 months

Text

For @trickstarbrave an Au where Neht & Voryn left for akavir a day late-

———

Nerevar: *skin still ashen grey and eyes red but undeniably him, quietly packing his belongings along side Voryn* Are you sure you want to come? The journey to Akavir is dangerous.

Voryn: *skin grey and bearing the third eye of the sharmat with pride for what he survived* for nearly 4000 I was separated from you in that mountain. I don’t want to be apart from you again my moon and star. I finally have my body back from the corruption of the heart of lorkhan, don’t leave me behind again. *gently takes his hand in his*

Nerevar: *smiles and squeezes his hand* I won’t. We’ll be together now, alway-

*distant cries of a newborn baby*

Nerevar: what the?

Voryn: a child? The temple wasn’t expecting a blessing rite today were they?

Nerevar: no I don’t believe s- *pauses as the door opens to a guard holding a new born baby, born without an eye and an arm*

Guard: Forgive the interruption my lords. We found this little one at the steps to the temple, surrounded by dwemer parts. Their cord is still in tact, what do you want us to do-

Nerevar: *plucks the baby from their arms pulling them in close like a broody hen as they take in the strange child’s features* It’s- do you think it could be?

Voryn: *grimacing and holding his chest as he stares at the child* it’s- sotha sil? I think? It feels… like him.

Guard: *holds up the book they’d found with the baby* We found this along side them.

Voryn: *takes it and opens it up, recognising the magic of the clockwork god* it’s him… *looks to nerevar* what do you wish to do?

Nerevar: …

*a few days later*

Nerevar: *standing on board the ship to Akavir with the little baby in a sling, held snug to his chest like a little lump of love* What should we name him?

Voryn: hm… He reminds me of a dragon somehow… I can’t place it…

Nerevar: Wyvern perhaps? Drake?

Voryn: no that makes me think too much of a goose… Wyvern though… Maybe Wyrm?

Nerevar: *chuckles* Oh a goose is too far but a worm is fine?

Voryn: *pouts* well we can’t call him seht or sotha sil so do you have any better ideas?

Nerevar: *snickers and leans in kissing his cheek* I’m teasing my love… Wyrm sounds lovely. *looks down at the tiny baby sleeping peacefully against him* …Little Wyrm… *gently rubs his back making him yawn*

Voryn: our little wyrm.

#wyrm dragonborn #feast my child #voryn dagoth #nerevar

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arlemangel7 · 2 months

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Alphonse x fem!reader x seth

Nightmare comfort

Alphonse waking from nightmares happens quite often and when that happens I feel like he's the type to self sooth so I feel like he'd wake up next to you two sleeping peacefully and feel hot and breathing heavy, he'd attempt to go back to sleep but gives in to awake state not wanting to wake both up he would quietly get out of bed for a glass of water and stay in the kitchen before migrating to the living room there he would remain until you got up to get him.

Lord knows your the one to notice his absence cause seth sleeps that a sunken bolder( but I feel like he'd eventually notice if the weight of two bodies left the bed for more then a few minutes but I digress) being the middle most nights you notice when one of them get out of bed tonight was no different you realize he's been up for a while when you roll back to his side and feel cool sheets where he would or you peel your eyes open to see the clock '4:00am'.

Feeling an uneasy Feeling set in you crawl out of bed into some slippers and slide your way down the hall to the living room, he hears you coming "boo.. what are you doin up? I hope I didn't cause it" he says reaching an arm our welcoming you into his lap "uh-uh I felt you weren't there anymore, you ok?" You say snuggling into his neck as he slides back into the couch. He assures you he's alright just had some trouble sleeping but he feels better having you back in his arms. Giggling you ask him if he wants to head back to bed but before he can answer you both hear a groggy yawn getting louder with each of the foot steps and in an instant "why are yall out here? Is everything ok?" Ssth says in a sleepy southern voice that would normal send shivers up yalls spines if it wasn't 4:30 in the morning alphonse responds to him with a reassuring "yea I just had some trouble sleepin again but we can all go back and cuddle now ok, big tex?" Seth just shruggs and slides back bed as al carries you back with him.

The short walk back to bed is the last bit of comfort he needed to put those demons to bed for the night, seeing his lovers so concerned and noticing him gone made most if not all the difference In reminding him were he was not just in location but in life he was back in a home that loved cherished and valued his comfort. Before fading to black he says "thank you guys I love you" in a hushed tone that was almost inaudible you two did hear it tho and yall whispered back "we love you too, anytime honey" and "yea love you too, pinky" with some final yawns exchanged yall when back to sleep for the remainder of the night.

As always thoughts are mind characters are not

Signing off for now💋

#yuurivoice boys #yuurivoice #black coded reader #character x fem! reader #female reader #poly couple

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nightcourtseer · 1 year

Text

Oh shoot, I accidentally wrote another angsty chapter 😫 But hopefully Elain’s monologue makes up for it. I really tried to capture her desperation, her need to be heard, and the exhaustion that being angry caused when you’re a gentle soul (I feel this wholheartedly).

Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked

Part 3

Elain knew it would only be a matter of time before someone came looking for them.

In the meantime, she soaked in every moment with him that she had, uninterrupted in the dead of night. Even Azriel’s shadows giving them time.

The clock struck two.

Azriel was still deep asleep, his chest rising and falling steadily beneath Elain. She could have slept herself, but didn’t want to waste a second of him. Didn’t want to throw away this moment when she finally, finally was able to see him at peace.

She tried to imagine a world where this would be their nights. Where they would have their own bed, their own home. Candles burnt low as Azriel waltzed her around the living room, or read next to her, or stroked her hair on the couch until she fell asleep, humming a soft lullaby.

A world that may never be.

The line between his brows disappeared while he was sleeping. His face softened, the clench in his jaw let go, lips parted slightly.

She realized that she had never seen him sleep before.

Rhys and Cassian, yes, dozens of times. After long family dinners full of too much red wine, inevitably one or both of them would sprawl across an empty couch, or on top of Nesta, or Feyre, and doze off, while the rest of them continued laughing and dancing and singing late into the night. Sleeping peacefully in the comfort of their family.

But never Azriel.

She barely dared to breath, in fear that she would wake him.

His hands still clutched at her, almost desperately, the only part of him not softened in sleep.

A plume of darkness and stars gathering in the doorway broke the spell.

Elain looked up at the visitor, fighting every instinct not to sink into Azriel beneath her, to shield him from the newcomer as he slept.

Rhysand stood in the entry, his face impassive as his gaze met Elain. His eyes flickered to Azriel’s sleeping form beneath her, and then back to her again.

Elain felt her eyes narrow, her face contort into something like a scowl. The movement felt unfamiliar to her, to she who was so open, so benevolent. But in that moment, she did not feel so.

She felt the rage bubble up inside her, climbing the walls of her mind like a spider. Rage that she had felt only once before, as the King of Hybern had stood over her sister and Cassian, both of them prepared to die.

Rhysand said nothing, did, nothing. Inky darkness lingered behind him, like his own personal shadows. Biding their time, waiting for a command from the High Lord.

The only sounds in the room were Azriel’s even breaths, and the ticking of clock on the mantle.

Elain moved first. She gestured to the stairs with her chin, and began to untangle herself from Azriel, carefully peeling back his fingers from her arms and resting them gently in his lap.

Rhysand stepped back into the darkness.

Taking careful steps, treading lightly in her stockinged feet, Elain made her way to the stairs.

She only looked back once. Wishing that she could see the present as easily as she saw visions of the future. So that she could replay this image of Azriel, finally at peace, over and over again in her mind for centuries to come.

She took her time climbing the stairs, making her way to Rhys’ old office on the second floor.

He was standing in front of it. Elain was not used to seeing him like this, as the High Lord. No longer her brother, no longer a father, her sister’s endearing, doting husband.

Steeling herself, she stepped inside.

He spoke first, folding his hands behind his back as he leveled his gaze at Elain.

“This is quite a mess, even for our crew.”

Elain held his stare, unable to keep the rage from spilling over.

“As if you haven’t made plenty of messes on your own, Rhysand,” she threw back in a low voice.

She thought she saw a flicker of surprise, and maybe even something that hinted that he was pleased at her retort, flash in his violet eyes.

“Lucien holds many cards, Elain. We could stand to lose the whole game if we misstep with him.”

Rhys leaned on the wooden desk behind him, drumming his fingers thoughtfully on the surface.

“If he’s truly a good male, as you all keep telling me, then we will be able to work something out,” Elain argued.

She took a step closer to where he leaned. This was her chance. This might be her only chance to say her peace, lady to High Lord. Elain had been taught from an early age how to play this game. The game of courts.

“I will make a bargain with you,” she lifted her chin as she spoke.

Rhys lifted an eyebrow, his fingers halting their fidgeting.

“I’m afraid I’m almost out of blank skin, and besides, I promised your darling sister that I would slow down on the bargains for a while.”

Feyre, bleeding out on the bed. Rhysand screaming as if his very soul was being pulled from his chest. A still, gray babe in Mor’s arms.

Elain took another step forward. Silence like a dead weight between them. She felt as if she was looking at, talking to, a stranger.

The rage she felt began to dissipate, no matter how tight she tried to hold it.

“You’re killing him,” she whispered, exhaustion seeping in where the spitting anger had left an emptiness in her chest.

Rhys’ face dropped, any hint of the coy, scheming High Lord disappeared.

“He’s your brother, and you’re killing him, Rhys.” She choked on the words.

Her hands began to shake, and she let them.

“You have to help him. Please. Even if you forbid me from ever laying eyes on him again, please, please help him.”

She was begging now, and her knees buckled under her of her own volition. Until she was on her knees, pleading in front of the High Lord standing over her.

“He barely thinks himself worthy of breathing, after all that you’ve had him do. All that your father made him do. And you think that everything is fine, and we’re all moving on and you have your mate and your son, and Cassian has Nesta, but you’re letting him go.”

Elain choked on a sob, but continued on.

“And he’s fading away right in front of you, but no one is doing anything, no one seems to being willing to do anything. And I know you’ve all made sacrifices, gods, you’ve given your life, Rhys! But so has he. In a different way, but so has he.”

Tears began to slip down her cheeks, the salt burning her vision so that Rhys was only an outline in front of her.

“And I can’t stand it anymore, to see him suffer. So even if it can’t be me that loves him, let him love himself, Rhys. Give him a break. Please, please, I’m begging you, give him a break. I will do anything, I will marry Lucien, I will spy for you, I will kill for you. But please, give him a break.”

She folded in on herself then, her chest caving in with the effort it had taken to lay her heart at his feet.

Waiting for the blade to plunge into it, beating and bleeding on the office floor.

Elain felt, rather than saw, Rhys sink down to the floor.

“I’ll do what I must to protect this court, to protect our family, Elain.”

She bit her lip to keep from crying out, hope fluttering away like a bird on the breeze.

“But something needs to change. And I will do what I can to make things right, between me and Azriel. And maybe one day between you two as well.”

Tremors wracked her body as she let the tension of the evening shake her very bones. Silent even with her sobs to keep from waking the male downstairs.

Rhysand folded her in his arms, holding her until her breath had evened, her cries quieted. And when she was finally still, breathing in and out into his warm neck, her brother returned, he folded them into the darkness and winnowed them downstairs, back to the living room.

Rhys cradled Elain in his arms, striding to the chair where Azriel still slept. Gently setting her down back in his brother’s arms. Azriel didn’t even stir as Elain returned to his chest, sleep having become almost a state of total unconsciousness after having been staved off for some many weeks.

“Rest now, Elain. And… don’t let him go. No matter how long it may take.”

Rhys looked at her, sadness stilling the brightness in his eyes.

“I’m sorry.”

With that, the High Lord became darkness once more, a fading constellation of stars the only sign that he had been there at all.

Azriel shifted in his sleep, and Elain allowed him to pull her back closer, relishing the warmth of his arms around her.

And then she too, let sleep claim her.

#elriel #pro elain

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avecra · 2 years

Text

A Change In Duty - 2

series summary: In the Northern Lands is where you meet Natasha’s fiance, King Steven and right hand man Captain James Barnes, who takes an affinity to you quickly, though you are hesitant to trust him. But when a familiar darkness begins to loom over the kingdom, you won’t hesitate to uphold the duty to your royals to protect them. And Captain Barnes will do anything to ensure the safety of the Queen’s Lady.

pairing: knight!bucky x lady!reader

word count: 4.7k

chapter warnings: fluff, minor self deprecating thoughts, minor angst, mentions of war, a small peak into our lady's past

series masterlist // next chapter

The intricate designs of the bed frame kept you from falling asleep, though you were glad. With Natasha sleeping soundly next to you, it gave you a moment to yourself, relishing in the new environment around you.

It appeared the king was fully prepared for the arrival of not only his dearest, but also you as well, having a room built and decorated just as you would. You had an inkling feeling that Natasha had spilled to him about what you liked and disliked.

Her room was built to her liking, red silk bed sheets, a bedpost lined and designed with her family’s emblem with little patterns of things that matched her personality. A closet filled with all the dresses, skirts, blouses and shoes she could ever think about.

Drawers lined with the most beautiful jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, earrings, anything that Natasha pleased was already there for her. It made you smile, knowing that your good friend had a life full of love ahead of her.

A few minutes of peace passed before a sudden knocking resounded against the wooden door. Sitting up quickly, you glanced over to Natasha to see she was still peacefully sleeping, her nose scrunched up with her hands solved under the pillows.

Making your way over to the door, you opened it and saw a young woman, brown hair braided out of her face. In her hands she held a welcoming vase of blooming roses. “Good evening, my lady. His Majesty is ready for dinner whenever Her Highness is ready.”

“Thank you. I will start getting her ready then, I suppose.” You nodded and glanced back and noticed how Natasha had begun to stir, stretching her arms above the headboard. “She will be down shortly…” your voice trailed out.

“Wanda, my lady. Should you need anything at all, I am here.” You frowned slightly, but Wanda didn’t seem to notice. She simply bowed her head with a smile and skipped off down the hall, disappearing from your view.

You weren’t even aware you were allowed a helper to you. It had been you and only you from the beginning. But perhaps it was just the hospitality of the king’s staff, really the whole palace that had been nothing but kind to you the entire day.

“Oh my lords, lady,” Natasha’s sleepful voice reached your ears and you turned and made your way back to her. “This bed is too comfortable, wouldn’t you say?”

A small smile graced over your features and you nodded. “It would make me want to stay in bed forever. Your fiancé is awaiting your arrival. Perhaps I should start getting you ready?”

She sat up quickly, almost headbutting you in the process, and looked at you with a giddy smile. “As long as I get to pick out a dress for you.”

“For me?” you frowned.

Natasha rolled her eyes. “Oh, please! The way Captain Barnes was looking at you says it all, lady. The way he kissed your hand was sweet, you have to admit it.”

Heat spread across your cheeks like a wildfire, you were at a loss for words. You didn’t think anything of it, the captain had more important duties than longing after you, just like you had your duty to Natasha.

It didn’t matter how your stomach fluttered when he looked at you or the skip in your heartbeat as he delicately kissed over the skin of your hand. None of that mattered.You had a strict duty to uphold and you couldn’t risk a new found love getting in the way.

“I am certain he does that with every noblewoman he comes across. Afterall, he is the captain of the knight guard. I would think he would have to do that with every woman he meets.” you said, leading her to the chair that sat in front of a grand vanity mirror. You started off with her hair, brushing through the knots and tangles until it was smooth enough to braid down her back.

“But you have to admit,” Sneaking a navy blue evening dress from one of the open cases, you undid her dress and helped her slip into the azure gown. You were fluffing her hair when she met your eyes in the mirror. “He is rather handsome, don’t you agree?”

A huff passed through your lips and you shook your head. “If you are truly that curious, then yes, I think he is very handsome. But I’m positive he gets comments like that all the time. Besides, there are far better maidens than me.”

The last part was said under your breath, but she heard it clearly. Natasha frowned while you buttoned up the back of her dress and once you were finished, she turned around and looked at you, emerald eyes raking over the wrinkled dress that you wore.

“Will you be joining us for dinner, Y/n/n?” Natasha asked, hope glinting in her eyes. She so desperately wanted you to join her, you could see that on her face.

From the age of sixteen when you started assisting, you had been raised on the notion to separate your personal life from your duties. You had survived on that single notion for years, and you forgot what it was like to just be at ease for a night. A part of you feared you would be stuck in that mentality forever.

“It would make me really happy if you joined us,” She tried again and a sigh passed through your lips.

You supposed one night wouldn’t harm anyone. Afterall, this was a new scenery to you. “If you insist.”

Natasha grasped your hand and smiled. “I do, my dearest. Here, just a simple dress, only for tonight.”

She pulled out a neutral colored dress from one of the cases and held it up to your body, giving you an encouraging smile. As you changed with her help, which she insisted on, she couldn’t help but notice your body language.

Though your posture was perfect, back straight and shoulders relaxed, Natasha noticed the missing gleam in your eyes. She brushed hair away from your eyes and slipped a necklace around your neck, letting the silver pendant rest on your chest.

“Natasha-”

“It looks better on you anyways,” she said insistently, glancing down at the insignia of the Northern Lands. “This is our new home, Y/n. I don’t wish for you to be fearful or anxious anymore. I don’t know what you’ve been through, but I can assure you it will never be like that again.”

Her hands gently held your shoulders and she caught your eye in the reflection of the mirror. Even after the months of working alongside her, you were still blown away by her gracious acts.

“I want you to be… you.”

Tears burned the back of your eyes, but you kept your chin raised. You swallowed past the lump in your throat, past the memories that began to burn into your mind. There was still a duty to undertake, and you couldn’t let your personal feelings get in the way of that.

She was royalty, yet here she stood, buttoning up your dress and adjusting your hair. “You have freedom here, Y/n. I want you to explore, go around and see everything this beautiful land has to offer, perhaps meet someone. Don’t be afraid.”

An airy chuckle passed through your lips and you nodded, catching her green gaze in the mirror. “Okay,” you breathed out. Natasha squeezed your arms gently before she looped her arm around yours, leading you out of the room.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m starving,” Natasha drawled out ratherly dramatically and you let out a small laugh, leaning more into her side as the both of you made your way further down the hall. She glanced over at you with a smile, hearing distant voices in the dining room, before the guard that stood at the entrance opened the door,

---

Bucky nodded to Pietro, the young blonde haired man gave his captain a nod before opening the door to the dining room, where Steve stood standing by the window that overlooked the gardens.

“Is that your idea of ‘wear something nice’?” Steve asked, taking a single glance over at his best friend. Brown leathered armor covered Bucky’s arms and chest, sword sheathed on his hip. A few feet beside him stood Peter.

“I am not here to join your dinner, I am simply teaching my squire proper etiquette inside the castle,” Bucky grumbled, deadpanning towards Steve.

Peter looked up at the sound of his title and he casted a look of confusion towards the king, though the blonde shook his head. “Are we here tonight so you can see the new pretty lady, Captain?”

Steve barked out a laugh and Bucky’s face turned redder than the tomatoes that grew in the garden. Peter, unaware of the conversation between the two men prior, joined in on the laughing, and the corners of Bucky’s lips lifted slightly.

“See, you’re smiling!” Steve pointed out. “Just admit it, Buck; you think she is pretty and you like her. Just admit it.”

Bucky scoffed, “I had one interaction with her, you’re acting like I’ve known her for ages.”

He would be lying to himself if he didn’t think you were pretty; he was intrigued with you from the moment you first stepped onto the pavement of the castle grounds. Bucky wanted to know you, but he knew Steve would be breathing down his neck about it.

“She is very pretty, Captain,” Peter said, brown eyes wide and innocently unaware of the bickering conversation between the two.

“Even your squire agrees,” Steve said with an all-knowing look.

“Hush, Peter,” the knight murmured and the young boy pressed his lips together. Bucky felt his neck grow hot. He cleared his throat and looked towards his squire, a soft smile on his lips. He gently grasped his squire by his shoulder and guided him towards the entry doors. “When the ladies arrive, you will guide them to the table and offer seats. Once they are seated and dinner begins, you return to your post in front of the door. “Understand?”

“Yes, Captain,” Peter nodded in acknowledgement.

Bucky turned back to Steve with a glare and said in a low voice, “Why are you so intrigued about your beloved’s lady? I welcomed her just as I have welcomed every other noble person who comes through these gates.”

Steve hummed and scratched mindlessly at the chairs, running the pad of his fingertip across the smooth wood, he looked back up at Bucky. “Yet I have never seen you take a lady’s hand and kiss the back of her palm. You have never done it.” The knight huffed, moving his eyeline to the other side of the dining room. Steve spoke again, “Look, whether you truly like her or not, I don’t mind. If a friendship progresses into something more, all that matters to me is that you are happy, Buck. It is what you deserve, friend.”

Before Bucky could reply, the doors suddenly opened and Peter bounced over to Natasha and yourself as the two of you strolled in, arms linked together. Steve stood up taller, a smile creeping along his face as he laid eyes on his betrothed. And just as he predicted, Bucky’s eyes flickered between his squire and you.

Steve chuckled under his breath and clapped Bucky’s back once before he made his way over to Natasha. And once again, in just the span of a couple hours, Bucky’s eyes were on you. He watched as you nodded and bowed, your gaze moving from the paintings on the walls to his.

He couldn’t help but send you a small smile, testing the waters to see if you would reciprocate. A wave of glee passed through him as the corners of your lips lifted up slightly. He couldn’t help the curious gaze as he raked your form, though you pretended not to notice.

The dress you had on molded to your figure, sleeves going all the way down to your wrists, covering the skin of your arms. The pendant sat on your chest, the silver chain hanging around your neck, and your hair fell in its natural form down your back.

Simple clothes, yet he thought you looked beautiful. You shyly turned your gaze back to Natasha.

“I hope you are fully rested,” Steve murmured, Natasha nodded and nudged you, a gleaming look in her eyes.

“Just as my lady was saying, my bed is so comfortable, it makes me want to stay forever,” Natasha said.

“Let us not wait a minute more,” Steve said and gestured for Peter to step forward.

The young squire placed your hand on his forearm and led you to the grand table, mimicking Steve as he did the same with his beloved. Bucky watched from his place along the wall.

A chair was pulled out for you and you hesitantly sat, glancing over to Natasha. She gave you an encouraging look, sending you a smile and a look in her eyes that read, It is okay.

Dinner went on as smoothly as you hoped it would be, with the kitchen staff bringing out a beef stew that had been in the royal family for generations. It was quite tasty, you thought to yourself.

You spaced out, continuing to sip the beef broth while Natasha and Steve engaged in a more private conversation about their upcoming wedding. As you mindlessly sipped your stew, your eyes flickered over to the knight and his squire that stood over by the window.

You noticed how the captain spoke to his apprentice in a low, encouraging tone, he was so busy with his squire that he didn’t notice your curious stare as you raked over his features.

A light stubble covered his chin, a sharp jawline, his chestnut hair was pulled back as you had seen hours prior. His posture was relaxed, leaning against the wall and gazing out of the window His eyes lit up as he spoke to his younger mentee, speaking low and the young boy’s eyes lit up.

Blue eyes suddenly met yours, yet you did not look away. Only when the king said your name did you avert your attention to him.

“My dearest tells me that you enjoy reading novels and such,” Steve said, a gentle tone to his voice and you felt your cheeks heaten up. You glanced at your friend. You couldn’t find your voice, so you nodded. “What do you read, if you don’t mind my prying.”

“I have not had the chance to read that much,” you started. You saw Bucky turn his head in your peripheral vision as the sound of your voice. “but I do enjoy romance and adventurous novels.”

“I suggest taking a peek into the library. I feel as though you would enjoy it.” You murmured back in appreciation, going back to your food.

Bucky glanced at you, the corners of his lips lifting up slightly. Your shy demeanor intrigued him; how someone so full of light, that radiated a sense of calm, could be so quiet and tense around everyone.

Before you knew it, dinner was finished, along with dessert and cups of wine that had been drained. You had never been so full in your entire life.

Steve glanced between his second in command and future queen with an all knowing smirk. “I would like to give Natasha a tour of the gardens before bed. Captain Barnes will be escorting you to your quarters, lady.”

You nodded, though you felt a worry bubble in your stomach. For what, you were unsure of. You didn’t know if it was the new environment, being without Natasha, or just your shyness taking control of your body and mind.

“You will be okay, won’t you?” Natasha asked in a low voice so that only you could hear.

A forced nod and smile, you looked at her, “I will be okay. You do not need to worry about me.” She leaned her forehead against yours and grasped your hand. “Have fun with your fiancé.”

Peter walked over to you and offered his forearm once again, but the captain interrupted the young boy’s actions. An armored arm reached out to you and you grabbed his hand, allowing him to help you out of your seat. His hand was rough and calloused, but his hold was gentle and soft.

Bucky offered you a smile when you fully rose, helping to adjust your hand to rest in the crook of his elbow. “I shall see you tomorrow morning, lady.”

You nodded and bowed your head before the knight led you out of the grand dining room. You exhaled a tense breath, Bucky noticed.

The walk to your quarters was calming and you could not help the curious stare as you gazed along the portraits and the cream colored walls that held shields and swords. The captain had taken you through the hall that showed the victories previous knights and soldiers had victoriously won.

“This is our victor hall, where we pay tribute to those who have fought for the independence of the Northern territories,” His deep voice tore you out of your reverie. You looked up to find his gaze settled on yours. “They inspired me to be who I am.”

Further down the hall, you came across a portrait of the captain and the king, both donned in battle armor with bruised and cut skin, showing the raw result of war.

“You have had brave role models, Captain,” you said, keeping his gaze on yours, albeit quiet though he heard you loud and clear. “You should be proud.”

He smiled and continued to glance at you while you turned your attention forward. “You are the Queen’s assistant, correct?” You hummed in acknowledgement.

Bucky was curious about you. About where you were from, what your interests were besides indulging in novels and fictional worlds. He wanted to know you better, wanted to know why you were so reserved and quiet. He was determined to truly know you.

The doors to your quarters soon came into view and it wasn’t until then did a wave of fatigue hit you, though you kept your posture straight. “Thank you for walking me, Captain Barnes.”

“You are welcome,” he murmured, his neck twitching slightly. “I just wanted to say welcome to the Northern Lands. And please, milady,” You pushed the door open and turned to him as he leaned against the wall, a smug smoke on his face, “call me Bucky won’t you?” You gaped, lips parted in shock at his gentle request. There was so much you had to adjust to if you were to be fully comfortable and at ease in your new home. Addressing the captain of the knight guard by what you presumed to be his nickname would have been inappropriate under his ruling.

But you weren’t there anymore. Afterall, Natasha did say to be yourself, even if you were beginning to figure out who you were.

“Thank you, James.” you said quietly. The knight softly smiled at you and nodded his head, and you looked back at him with a smile before softly closing the door. You ignored the fluttering feeling in your stomach, faintly hearing the retreating sounds of the knight’s footsteps.

After a few moments to yourself, you began to look around your new room before smiling softly to yourself. A bookshelf with a few novels from the few packed bags you had brought, a bed that was just enough space for two people that was covered in the softest covers you had ever felt. The view from the window overlooked the gardens filled with the tallest trees and rosy bushes. A wooden nightstand stood next to the bed that had a pitcher of water and a mug, along with a small vase with a single rose.

Digging around your cases, you changed into a nightgown and began to slither into the sheets when an exhale slipped past your lips, the soft mattress eased against your sore muscles and it wasn’t long until you eased into sleep.

---

Just as the sun began to rise over the mountains, you were wide awake.

Quickly drinking the last remnants of your water, you tied your hair back and stepped into a dress that was simple and modest; that was the dress code that you had followed for years prior.

A dress that covered the marks on your arms, that showed only the skin of your sternum. Neutral in color, you never wore any bright colored clothing, not wanting to take the attention away from Natasha or Steve.

That was the way you were taught, and you weren’t sure you could ever break that habit.

Making your way out of your room and down the hall, you knocked once on Natasha’s door before opening, seeing a mess of red hair peek up from the pillows. You gave her a minute to wake up while you busied yourself with finding her a dress and shoes. A dramatic groan reached your ears.

“Why must you be up so early?” Natasha groaned as you walked out of her closet with a dress and a pair of shoes. She sat up in bed, rubbing vigorously at her eyes to get rid of the sleep that was evident in her features.

“You have a busy day ahead of you, may I remind you,” you spoke, opening up the curtains to let the smallest bit of light in. “Don’t you wish to spend the day with your soon to be husband?”

A sigh passed through her lips as she watched you pull out the chair that sat in front of her vanity, grabbing the hairbrush that sat on the top. She noticed your movements and lept from the bed into the chair.

You began to brush through the tangles, weaving her smooth hair into a single braid that fell down her back. A dark forest green dress sat on her bed and you leaned over to grasp the soft material, gesturing for her to stand up.

“What are your plans today, my friend?” Natasha’s voice broke through the silence. You met her gaze in the mirror.

“I.. am not sure,” you replied quietly, lacing up the back of her dress.

“Perhaps you should explore the castle grounds,” Natasha suggested. “Maybe you will bump into a certain knight.”

Heat spread across your cheeks and you cleared your throat, ignoring her comment. There was nothing between the two of you, you swore. You had known the man for less than a day. Just because butterflies erupted in your stomach when he touched you or kissed the back of your palm didn’t mean anything, you swore to yourself.

It was nothing, right?

“Shall I escort you to the king or will you be okay?” you asked.

But she shook her head and turned around, capturing your hands in her own. “No, I will be alright. But please, wander around, meet some new people. For me.”

She looked at you, hopefulness swimming in the greens of her eyes. You suppressed the sigh that threatened to pass through your lips and nodded. “Eat something so you’ll have your strength. I will see you later.”

You walked her out of her room and watched as she sauntered down the hall, to where one of the knights stood, offering his arm to her before disappearing from your view. And then you were alone, just paintings and knight armor surrounding you.

You took the opportunity to explore the halls, glancing up at portraits of past royals, past captains and lieutenants, past servants that were practically family to past kings and queens, princes and princesses.

It made you smile, though there was a slight ache in your heart. Family was something you so longed for, and though you had Natasha, she was to be wed in just a few short months. Then, you would be alone, only tending to her when she needed it.

You were so wrapped up in your own thoughts, you failed to hear the footsteps coming closer to you.

“Good morning, my lady,” You turned at the sudden voice, eyes wide as you came face to face with James.

“Good morning,” you replied quietly, watching him as he made his way over to you. You swallowed thickly and intertwined your hands behind your back, glancing up at the knight nervously.

“How did you sleep?” he asked with a smile.

You gaped, eyes flickering to his striking blue ones as he stopped about a foot away from you. “Good, thank you.”

You were unsure if you were allowed to converse in a conversation with him this long, but Natasha did tell you to meet and talk to new people. Perhaps you could befriend the knight, nothing more.

But the way he looked at you, blue eyes softening, scratching at his stubble that you guessed covered a few short scars. One thing you had in common.

“Just roaming the halls today?” he asked, curiosity clear in his voice. Your shoulders slackened, tension following off your body as you nodded. “Perhaps I could give you a tour? Just so you don’t get lost.”

James offered his arm to you, hopeful that you would take it and allow him to guide you through the new land. A small smile lifted onto your face and you nodded, gently placing your hand on his arm.

He led you down the halls, quietly explaining where everything was; the gardens, the library, the kitchen, as well as the stables and training grounds. He spoke softly to you, despite the ruggedness of his appearance, through the rough tone of his voice. You could listen to him talk for hours.

James led you down where the gardens were, where towering trees stood as tall as the sky, green leaves falling down. Autumn was so close, that you were excited about. The cool, crisp breeze that would flow right through you.

“Where are you from, my lady?” James suddenly asked, and you nearly choked on his words.

It wasn’t a topic that you necessarily enjoyed talking about. In fact, you rarely talked about it, keeping all of the emotions bottled up. Granted, it wasn’t quite the right reaction, but it didn’t matter. The past is the past, you always told yourself, no matter how bad you wanted to change it.

Your silence concerned the knight as he looked at you with furrowed brows, but you cleared your throat and glanced up at him with a smile.

“Eastern Lands, until I moved to Natasha in the southwest. Though I do not condone that as my home.”

James looked at you. “Where would you consider your home?”

You gazed up at him, the close proximity between the two of you was enough to make your heart beat rapidly against your ribcage. This close, you could see the faint freckles that painted over his cheekbones and the wisps of hair that fell out of the leather string that held his hair together. To you, he was the most handsome man you had ever met.

“Hopefully the North will be my new home.”

He smiled at your answer. “Hopefully.”

“Captain,” a voice called from down the hall and instinctively, you flinched, moving back a few steps, but James’ hand steadied you and kept you close to him. He looked down the hall to one of his knights. “Ms. Maximoff is requesting your presence, something about inquiring the guest wedding list.”

You heard the sigh that passed through James’ lips and you reluctantly pulled away from his warmth, though you missed it instantly. You tried to push the thought deep down, but you felt cold without him next to you.

“I’ll be okay, James.” you said. He looked at you with remorse, grasped your hand and kissed your hand. That sent butterflies into your stomach.

“I promise I will finish our tour later,” he said in a low voice and sent a wink to you before following his knight down the hall.

You did not miss how he turned to look at you before he disappeared down the hall completely.

And still, the butterflies in your stomach fluttered as you gazed down at the back of your palm.

So much for nothing more.

---

tags - @emmabarnes @impala1967666 @yourlocalwriterangie @raging-panda

#bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky x reader #bucky x female reader #royal au #knight!bucky

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aebi12 · 11 months

Text

"Sinful Desires" - Chapter 26

Sleep eludes her that night.

As Aegon—and apparently Aemond as well—sleep peacefully, Alyssa can't stop thinking about her idea of leaving the kingdom and flying to Pentos.

Had it been madness to propose such thing to the prince? Had it been terribly selfish on her part? Probably yes, but that's not what takes away her sleep. Alicent and Aegon had forged their destiny, whatever it might be.

The children, however, were going to grow up away from everything that their family had built for generations, from everything that was theirs by right, from their family history, their native country. Alyssa couldn't help but wonder what her mother would think of her idea of taking her youngest son away from Westeros.

"You cannot sleep?"

Aemond's voice is barely a whisper. Alyssa looks down at him and shakes her head. The prince sighs, throws back the covers and sits against the headboard of the bed.

“I am sorry, I did not mean to wake you,” she says as he clasps their hands together.

“I've been up a long time,” he admits, stroking his thumb over her hand, “What are you so anxious about?”

The thought of leaving it all behind, she says in her mind.

“I was only thinking about what awaits us in the future”

“Mmm,” he watches her closely, “Are you second-guessing your idea of us living in Pentos?”

“No,” she replies instantly, though her voice doesn't sound convinced, “Are you?”

Aemond takes a few seconds to reply, “I think we have to be careful about how we proceed. Pentos welcomed a Targaryen prince with open arms almost twenty years ago, but the situation in the free cities is often volatile, we must be smart and not cut our ties here in case we need to return."

"You plan to tell your brother and mother about our intention to live in Pentos"

“We can't just ride my dragon and run away,” he sighs, “Aegon may have no intention of naming his daughter as his heir, but I do not think he'll take kindly to us taking her away without telling him.”

“And if he opposes the idea?” question, distressed

"I do not think so," he assures her as he kisses her hand, "I am sure we will face opposition from my mother’s side though," at the mention of Alicent, Alyssa feels the familiar wave of anger and pain run through her body, but he doesn't seem to notice, "In a couple of days there will be a council meeting, I will use the occasion to inform them of our decision"

A couple of days. That is more than Alyssa would like to stay in the Keep, but she knows Aemond is right. Nothing assures them that they will be welcome on Pentos, and they cannot simply drift away, unable to offer an established home for the little ones.

“I was thinking tonight,” Aemond says suddenly, and Alyssa looks at him, “your proposal reminded me of the time I considered riding Vhagar and taking you across the sea with me.”

"When was that?"

“Before my father died,” he replies with a smirk, “When you had barely returned to Dragonstone after our first night together. Helplessness and frustration were consuming me, it hadn't been easy to get away from you that morning, to abandon you while you were still sleeping... and I wasn't going to simply accept that you would eventually marry some other lord, so a possible escape together to one of the free cities crossed my mind, although I quickly gave up on the idea”

"Why?" she asks, surprised at his words

“Because the idea of condemning you to a life on the run was repulsive to me. It would have been unworthy of you, of both of us. You deserved more," he replies, moving closer to her body and bringing his free hand to her cheek.

"Do you think that's what we are doing now?" she asks quietly, “Run away?”

“I think we've earned our peace,” he says as he hugs her and joins their foreheads, "And if your tranquility is far from this palace, on the other side of the sea, then you will have that"

Alyssa smiles and presses their lips together. The kiss is soft, her thin lips take his delicately and his hands go to her waist, placing her astride him. Alyssa moves against him and Aemond sighs against her lips, but when she starts kissing his neck, he stops her.

"Aegon can wake up at any moment," he whispers, directing his gaze to the small bed at the other end of the room.

"You are right, I am sorry," she nods.

“Come here,” he smirks and lays her down on the bed once more, hugging her body and playing with her hair, “We should try to sleep, there are still a couple of hours until dawn”

“Uhum,” she buries her face into his chest and closes her eyes, finally feeling the sleep come to her.

***

"Can we fly today?" Aegon glances at his cousin for an instant before turning to Jaehaera, “Would you like to fly with us? It is fun"

The four are having breakfast in one of the rooms of Maegor's holdfast. Alyssa watches her niece, who still seems to be getting used to Aegon's presence, expectantly.

"Can we, uncle Aemond?" she asks with a shy smile directed at the prince

Alyssa knows that even if Aemond had wanted to refuse, he couldn't say no to Jaehaera's longing expression.

"Fine, but just for a short while"

The children smile at his response, and Alyssa pats Aemond's hand.

“Do you want to come fly with us?”

"No, thanks"

“I thought you didn't want to get them out of your sight,” he replies mockingly.

“I think they'll be safe with you,” she rolls her eyes and finishes her apple. It will be good for her to have some alone time. She has a lot to think about, decisions to make, and unfinished business to take care of.

"I forgot to mention to you yesterday that I will have to go to Dragonstone before our trip."

"Why?" Alyssa looks up at him.

“My brother wants a dragon egg. Apparently Syrax left a clutch before leaving the island."

His response angers her, and the idea of Aegon having one of the dragon's eggs tied to her mother dislikes her.

"Does the idea bother you?" wants to know Aemond

"Yeah," she admits with a nod, "it's not…I don't want him to have anything from my mother."

“There is no guarantee that the egg will hatch,” the prince replies, “My brother is an adult and there has been no record of a rider bonding with two dragons. He hopes it works, of course, but the egg will most likely end up just being a decorative item in the palace."

Alyssa tilts her face and sighs, “It could happen. My cousin Rhaena's dragon hatched in the Vale and we could hardly call her a little girl."

Aemond sighs as well, "I was hoping I could find a couple of eggs for Aegon and Jaehaera as well"

The princess doesn't know what to think about the idea. She knows it's natural for them to have a dragon, but right now she associated dragons as a big part of her family's downfall. The creatures had caused too much destruction and instead of uniting them, they had only served as weapons of war to destroy each other. She didn't want for that to eventually happen to the children.

“It's part of who we are,” Aemond says, sensing her doubts, “Every Targaryen has the right to have a dragon egg. Your brother and my niece should not be the exception”

"I know, but…" she doesn't quite know what to say. In the end, she thinks, it doesn't matter. As Aemond had said the eggs could never hatch. Theirs hadn't, "Go, go to the island and get what your brother wants."

Aemond nods, then leads the excited children to the usual meeting point with Vhagar.

***

Alyssa clings to her cloak as she strolls through the godswood. It hasn't snowed yet in the capital and the morning isn't so cold, but even so the wind blows mercenary causing the sparse weirwood leaves that are still on the ground to move in a small whirlwind.

“I always marvel at how resilient malvaelis are”

Alyssa jumps when she suddenly hears a voice, and turns immediately to find the figure of Lord Larys.

"I am sorry, princess, I didn't mean to scare you," says the man with the beginning of a nasty smile on his lips.

"Lord Larys," she greets, nodding and involuntarily taking a couple of steps back as she remembers everything Talya has told her about the man, "Don't worry, I was just surprised to find you here."

“It seemed like an appropriate morning for a walk around the castle”

Alyssa nods again, but she doesn't say anything.

“I heard that you spent time in Harrenhal while Prince Aemond recovered from his injuries,” he continues, “I imagine you felt at home living there.”

The hints of his comment annoy her, but she refrains from responding and instead says only, "Harrenhal provided us with the shelter we needed, yes."

"Yes, yes, of course," Larys smiles again and Alyssa decides that she has had enough of his presence so she is about to leave, but the man speaks again, "They are from Braavos, did you know?"

"What?"

“Malvaelis,” Larys points to a red-flowered bush that stands tall despite the inauspicious weather, “They come from Braavos.”

"I didn't know"

"Have you ever been to the free cities, princess?"

“Never,” she replies, frowning, wondering where the man is getting at with his nonsense comments.

“No, of course not,” Larys smiles again, “I hear the winters aren't half as bad as they are here. What a blessing it must be to be able to live in such a pleasant climate”

“You hear a lot of things,” Alyssa replies with a sigh.

"That's right, princess, it could be said that it is my job"

A roar then echoes over the fortress and Vhagar's silhouette looms over it. Alyssa looks up and smiles at thinking how much fun Aemond and the kids must be having right now.

"Magnificent creatures the dragons," Larys also gazed at the sky for a moment before turning his gaze to Alyssa, "A shame what happened in the dragon pit."

“A tragedy in every sense, yes,” Alyssa agrees.

“But also, an opportunity for reflection, don't you think? It gives us the occasion to think about the damage that a badly influenced and angry crowd can cause”

"I guess so," Alyssa suddenly feels anxious without knowing why and she clasps her hands behind her back so the man doesn't notice how shaky they are, "I should…"

"You managed to escape during the riots, princess"

"I did"

"Perhaps the idea of doing it again seems appealing to you"

"Doing what again exactly?"

“To… how did you say? Ah yes, seek shelter once more, maybe across the sea… Braavos or Pentos perhaps?” Alyssa pales. The princess opens her mouth once to reply, but she doesn't know what to say. Larys doesn't seem to be waiting for an answer, as he continues talking, “Your mother was also a fan of simply running away from her problems. But I think that, just like she did, you will discover that the consequences of our actions and decisions can easily follow us even beyond the sea”

"Lord Larys I don't know..."

Once again, she is speechless. The man is clearly referring to her idea of leaving the castle, but how had he found out? She was sure Aemond hadn't told anyone about their decision yet, how come Lord Larys already knew? And more importantly, was he threatening her by saying that she would have to deal with the consequences if she moved across the sea?

Larys Strong fixes his sly gaze on the princess and trudges over to where she is. For a brief moment Alyssa thinks she's going to be attacked, but then the man takes something from the pocket of his cloak and places it in her hand.

A peach.

He must notice her strange look because he says, " “I heard peaches are your little brother's favorite”

And without adding more he leaves a stunned Alyssa standing under the weirwood.

***

Alyssa heads toward the dungeons walking purposefully.

Surely Talya was behind this. Surely, she had spoken with Larys Strong, surely she had told him that the princess is now aware of his crimes and that was why the man was threatening her. There could be no other explanation.

"Do you work for him now?" she asks when the jailer shows her the maid's cell

"Princess?"

Talya's silhouette appears before her and Alyssa turns her face to the side at noticing how badly injured and sick she appears.

"Larys Strong, do you work for him now?"

“No, of course not, why…”

"He's threatening me. And he knows things…things that only the prince and I knew about. It was you, right? You told him that now I know about his transgressions and that I am a problem for him."

Talya shakes her head, “You know he has spies everywhere,” she says in a tired, drawled voice.

“This is different,” Alyssa looks back at Talya, “He's never been openly hostile and now…”

“Lord Larys probably seeks to torment and poison your mind,” Alyssa shudders at her words. “He is an ally of the queen. Whatever game he is playing, the Queen Mother must also know about it, I assure you."

Game. For them it might be a game, but for her it was turning into a nightmare. Alyssa looks away from Talya and walks away from her as well. She shouldn't have gone looking for her. The woman was no longer someone she could trust.

The problem is that she doesn't have anyone else in the Fortress. No one to talk to, no one to guide her. And she can't trust Aemond with this because she would have to tell him the truth about his mother and…

Alyssa leaves the dungeon as quickly as she arrived. She has to remain calm. She has to put the damned words of Larys Strong aside, and think about what she would do next. In a couple of days, she would be gone from this place and then…then everything would be fine. No matter what the man said, they were going to be fine on Pentos. They couldn't hurt her or her brother from so far away, could they?

Daemon had been thousands of miles away from the Red Keep, and managed to assassinate your nephew, says that voice in her head, what assures you that the same thing won't happen to you or your brother?

The children's giggles reach her as she stands near the playroom. Alyssa feels the relief wash over her body and a smile spreads on her lips when she sees them sitting at a small table, having lunch happily.

“Alyssa,” Jaehaera smiles at her as she sees her walk in.

The young woman approaches them and sits on a cushion between the two children, "Did you enjoy your fly?"

“Very much,” the girl nods.

“It was amazing,” Aegon begins to speak in his usual animated tone of voice, “My cousin flew Vhagar until…”

Alyssa is disengaged from her brother's story when she notices one of the fruit bowls.

"Where did you get this from?" she asks interrupting the boy and looking at the maid

“Princess, what do you…?”

“Who brought these peaches here? Where did you get them from?” Alyssa stands up quickly and glares at the maid, "Speak!"

"From... from the kitchen, they brought them from the kitchen"

"Who sent this? Has the prince eaten the peaches?”

Alyssa turns to Aegon, who looks at her in wide-eyed astonishment, not quite understanding the situation. Did he seem sick? Was he pale or was it just her idea? Did the peaches have any poison? “Aegon, did you eat the peaches? Have you tried them?" Her eyes flick to the plate that doesn't seem to have been touched, but… “Answer me Aegon!”

The boy pouts and appears to be about to cry.

“No, princess, the prince hasn't eaten the peaches yet,” Daysi chimes in.

There is a brief moment of relief in Alyssa's body, so she looks at the young maid for confirmation, “Are you sure? Are you absolutely sure?"

“I am, my lady, he…”

“Someone gave you the peaches? Did someone else bring them?”

“No, I myself went to the kitchen to look for them. The cook said they had arrived this morning and it was almost a miracle to get them in this weather, so I thought…”

Alyssa doesn't need to listen anymore. Her hands fly to the plate still on the table and she tosses it across the room, the contents scattering everywhere and the clang of metal echoing and making Jaehaera jump.

"No more. No more peaches in here."

"I wanted to eat them!" Aegon protests tearfully.

"NO! No more peaches until…”

"I want my peaches," Aegon continues crying harder and standing up, "They were mine!"

"Aegon, enough, you don't understand, but... it's for your own good and..."

Alyssa shuts up. It doesn't make sense to continue. Aegon isn't listening to her and her words only make him cry harder.

“My brother is forbidden to eat peaches,” she turns to Daysi. The young woman nods quickly and does not dispute her words, "He must not... he must not eat anything strange or anything different"

Alyssa is aware that her words sound ridiculous, but she doesn't care. She has to keep him safe. She has to protect him.

Aegon's cries intensify and she sighs. "Aegon, please, I don't want…" the princess tries to hug her brother, but he pulls away from her. Alyssa feels her eyes water and turns her back on them, leaving Daysi to take care of the crying boy.

***

Alyssa doesn't get to sleep that night either.

Every time she closes her eyes, the slightest noise makes her suspect that at any moment they will receive an attack.

When Aemond shifts uneasily next to her, she decides to get out of bed. She doesn't want to disturb the prince's sleep and wake him up, so she goes to the other side of the room and pulls up a chair next to Aegon's bed.

It had taken a lot to calm the little one down after his lunch tantrum. The rest of the afternoon he had spent it playing with Jaehaera and without speaking to his sister, he had not even given her the customary goodnight kiss. Alyssa knew that perhaps she had overreacted, but after her talk with Larys Strong, it was better to be careful. Nothing assured her that a plan to get rid of her brother was not in motion.

Alyssa gently strokes Aegon's silver hair and watches the sleeping boy cradling the dragon egg Aemond had brought back that night. The prince had obtained three eggs and had given one to his brother and left the other two with his nephews. Aegon had been so excited at the prospect of having his own dragon that he hadn't talked about anything else over dinner.

“Forgive me, Aegon,” she whispers, her voice choked with tears fighting to leave her eyes, “I didn't mean to yell at you, I was just afraid. So, so afraid"

The little one moves in his dreams and sighs. Alyssa withdraws her hand and continues to watch him until the sun begins to rise on the horizon, which is when she decides to return to bed as she does not want Aemond to find her awake and question her about her restiveness.

When the young woman snuggles up next to the prince under the covers, she closes her eyes and lets herself be carried away by the extreme tiredness she feels.

***

His brother is carried on a litter to the council chamber and two men help him settle at the head of the table.

Despite the regal robes he wears and the ruby crown, Aegon's state remains pitiful. Aemond lowers his head as his hands shake when he tries to lift a glass of wine to his lips.

“Let's begin,” Alicent says after a few seconds of awkward silence, “Lord Larys, what is the situation in the city? Are the fights still happening?”

Aemond listens intently to the news of various riots that still occur from time to time among sections of Flea Bottom’s population who remain discontent by the lack of provisions as a result of the winter. Nothing to worry about, according to the master of whispers, just isolated situations that don’t mean real danger. When the news turns to the subject of war, they say nothing new, only that the northerners are getting closer to King's Landing and that Borros Baratheon is raising his army to meet them somewhere on the kingsroad.

“Once Baratheon finishes them off, I will marry one of his daughters,” Aegon announces.

There is a general murmur of approval among the members and Aemond refrains from rolling his eye, though he clears his throat and gets everyone's attention.

“Before we discuss such… auspicious news,” he says looking at his brother, “I think the two of us have something to share with the council”

Aegon smirks and drinks from his cup, "Oh yes, of course, we must solve the problem that my nephew's presence supposes."

“I proposed to the king,” Aemond continues, “that he should name Aegon the young as his heir and betroth him to Princess Jaehaera.”

The council members look at Aemond in open skepticism, and the prince is aware of how upset his mother looks next to him.

“An absurd idea,” the woman mutters.

"The king might still have heirs of his own," says Lord Corlys.

"I think it's a good idea"

To Aemond's astonishment, the comment comes from Tyland Lannister. The man, once handsome and proud, is now a shell of what he once was, still looking very thin and showing the aftermath of the torture he was subjected to by his half-sister.

"Lord Lannister?" Alicent looks at him in disbelief.

“Both children are the future of house Targaryen. Each one represents the warring factions. Uniting them would be a gesture of peace, a sign that we can move towards the future”

“That child is a threat,” Alicent replies, and Maester Runciter nods vehemently besides her, “There will be no peace until the traitors have been eliminated.”

Aemond slaps his hand on the table and his mother says no more, just fidgets with her seven-pointed star necklace.

“My brother Aemond,” says the king, “takes my nephew's safety very personally. I proposed making him a eunuch and allowing him to live at court,” Neither of the men say anything, but they cast uneasy glances at the king, “The alternative of sending him to the Wall was also proposed. You are my council. Talk”

“It's a… a rather touchy subject,” Larys Strong is the first to speak, “I personally think the idea of naming him your successor should be ruled out, my king. You have the right to have only your blood sitting on the iron throne."

A couple of lords agree with Larys, and though Corlys Velaryon proposes sending the boy under his guardianship to Driftmark, no one really considers his offer. After several minutes it becomes clear to Aemond that he will not find a solution with them and, above all, that most council members see little Aegon as the last inconvenience to be eliminated.

"Out everyone. I'll talk with my brother and mother alone,” he finally says when he tires of the men's incessant chatter.

Once the three are alone, Aemond turns to them.

“I was hoping we could come to a solution, but you leave me no choice,” he begins by saying. Alicent fixes her big brown eyes on him, “Alyssa and I will leave Westeros and settle in Pentos. And we will take the children with us."

His mother gasps and Aegon just laughs.

"You can't be serious," says the queen, "That's nonsense, how can you pretend to abandon your family?"

"I would hardly call that abandoning my family considering it is with my family that I intend to make the trip, mother"

Aegon laughs again and Alicent looks at him, exasperated, “Do something! Stop your brother from leaving the Fortress, make him desist from such a ridiculous idea” Aegon drinks from his cup again, ignoring his mother, “Are you aware that he wants to keep Jaehaera, your daughter, away from you?”

At the mention of the girl, Aegon looks to his mother, “I think it would be for the best. Nothing good awaits her in this place”

Alicent looks at her son in disbelief, then back at Aemond, “I told you,” she says reproachfully, her eyes watering, “I told you that girl was going to take you away from your family. And she has achieved it. You are going to leave us right now, on the brink of war when we need you the most."

Aemond looks at her coldly, “I fought a war for Aegon's right to be king. Now he is king, it is up to him to keep his throne”

"I can't believe it..." Alicent looks at him with pain in her eyes and approaches Aemond, placing her hands in his arms, "We need you, Aemond, there are still fights to fight and..."

"You may leave if you wish," Aegon cuts her off, "but you will after Helaena and Maelor's funeral."

Alicent stops caressing Aemond and the prince looks for his brother's gaze, "She hasn't been...?”

“We've been a bit short on dragons around here in case you forgot,” he replies bitterly, “Our sister needs you one last time. After that, leave if you want."

***

There is a note from Aemond on the bedside table explaining that he has gone to a council meeting and the children are with the nanny.

Alyssa hastily changes her clothes, ignoring the food the maids have left on the table so she can go find the children. Leaving the room, she realizes that it is much later than she imagined because the sun, although weak, is already shining high in the sky.

The young woman goes to the playroom, but she does not find the children there. Nor are they in the garden, training yards or kitchens. Alyssa's nails dig into her hands as time passes and she can’t find the little ones. Where could they have gone? And where is Aemond? Alyssa had looked for him in the council room, but it was already empty.

With her heart pounding and the feeling that something bad is about to happen, Alyssa returns to the playroom.

"Have the children returned?" she asks a maid who is cleaning the room

"Yes, princess, they are with Daisy in the gardens."

Alyssa nods and hurries to the gardens, where she discovers Daysi in the place that used to be a favorite of Helaena and her children.

"Finally!" she says half exasperated and half relieved, "I've looked all over the castle for them, where were you?"

"I'm sorry princess. The children got tired of playing in their room and Prince Aemond told us that it would be a good idea to take them to the beach”

"To the beach? You were outside the palace?" she asks, her heart pounding as she watches Jaehaera and Aegon run through the bushes, "I told you to keep them in the room."

“Princess, I thought…”

"The children are not to go anywhere without Aemond or I present, understand?" she says with a hard voice and frowning in the direction of the young woman

"As you order," Daisy curtsies.

Alyssa sighs and is about to apologize to Daisy for taking her frustration out on her when Jaehaera starts calling for Aegon.

"What's going on?" she asks, approaching the girl, "Where is Aegon?"

"I don't know," she shrugs, "we're playing hide-and-seek."

“He was here a second ago, I saw him…” Alyssa starts to approach the bushes, “Aegon! Aegon come here immediately!"

Her words get no response, so she turns back to the girl, “Was there anyone else? Did you see a man or was there anyone else here?” Jaehaera shakes her head and Alyssa stifles a groan as she walks into the garden calling for her brother.

“Aegon this is not funny,” she says in a choked voice, “Aegon!”

Daysi and Jaehaera are also calling him and Alyssa, desperate, is about to go find the guards when her brother's giggles are heard behind her.

"I won!" says the boy excitedly, causing Jaehaera to also giggle.

But his joy has the opposite effect on Alyssa.

"Where were you?" she asks angrily as she approaches her brother and kneels before him, holding him for just an instant before placing her hands on his small shoulders, "Why didn't you answer my calls?"

"We are playing," he replies without faltering his smile.

"I know you were playing, but... something could have happened to you, don't you realize?" she says, shaking him by the shoulders, “Why didn't you answer me? I didn't stop calling you, you should have answered me"

"I don't…"

“Don't ever do something like that again, got it? Never again!" says shaking him again

Aegon goes perfectly still, and when Alyssa watches his expression, she sees the bewilderment and fear in his eyes. The girl immediately stands up and turns away from her brother, still feeling terribly scared and disgusted at herself for taking it out on her brother.

“I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I just wanted…” Alyssa turns to look at Daysi and Jaehaera, who are watching the scene in amazement, “To the play room. Game is over for today."

None of the children protest and Alyssa walks after them trying to contain the images that her mind had created in the brief seconds of her brother's absence and that continue to play in her head.

"Aemond!"

Aegon runs to his cousin, who is waiting for them in the room, and watches in obvious confusion as the boy throws himself into his arms and begins to cry. The prince meets Alyssa's gaze, but she refuses to look at him, suddenly embarrassed by her behavior earlier.

"She is mean to me," Aegon says, his voice choked with sobs.

"Aegon, please..." Alyssa starts, but the boy doesn't want to listen.

"No! You're bad and you hit me and…

"I didn't hit you!" she immediately cuts him off, “I admit I overstepped, but you worried me by not responding and…”

"What exactly happened?" Aemond intervenes

“Alyssa won't let me eat and she won't let me play,” the boy explains, “she is mean.”

"Stop saying I'm mean, I just want you to be safe!" she replies, exasperated and fed up with her brother's sobs.

Alyssa turns her back on them and tears roll down her face, although she doesn't know if it's because the situation overwhelms her or because a sudden headache explodes inside her.

She walks to the other side of the room and stops by the window. Aemond finds her with her eyes closed and still shedding silent tears several minutes later, when Aegon has calmed down. She widens her eyes as she feels the prince's thumbs cleaning her cheeks.

“I did not hit my little brother,” she says quietly.

“It never crossed my mind that you could have done it”

“But I did let my temper to guide me and I was very hard on him,” she admits feeling her blush stain her cheeks.

"What happened?"

Alyssa recounts the situation and, hearing her words, realizes how extreme her reaction had been. There had been nothing to fear and yet she had let fear guide her actions.

"And what did he mean when he said you don't let him eat?"

“That was…” she doubts if she should go ahead and let Aemond in on her conversation with Larys.

"What, Alyssa, what happened?" presses the prince, “There is something you are not telling me. I can tell there's something going on in your head and you won't tell me what it is,” she can hear the frustration and anger in his voice, “I've given you space because I know you need it, I know I can't make you trust me, but I thought there would be no more secrets between us"

“It's not that I don't trust you,” she rushes to say, trying to calm him down, “It's just…I'm tired, Aemond. I'm tired of what this place is doing to my mind. Since we arrived, I have been thinking that at any moment an assassin will appear to end Aegon's life. And that terrifies me. The idea of not being able to defend him paralyzes me and... and I'm just afraid. I see threats in every corner of this place.

“I can understand that you feel that way, but I don't think it's all. Even while we were in Harrenhal, I know something else was bothering you. You said you wanted to confirm some things. What are you not telling me?"

Aemond seems almost desperate and Alyssa knows that she has to tell him, that she will eventually have to tell him everything she knows about his mother and Larys Strong. But she doesn't feel ready yet for all that the revelation can bring with it. Her insecurities and fears are stronger than her resolve.

“I don't want to break your heart,” she answers almost in a whisper, her hand caressing the prince's cheek.

Aemond swallows and sighs, "Do you have any idea what that makes me think?"

Alyssa shakes her head and brings her lips closer to Aemond's, uniting them in a kiss that lasts only an instant, but is full of intensity. The girl hugs his body, and he seems to understand that she doesn’t want to keep talking about it, because she hears him sigh once more.

“We'll be leaving very soon,” he tells her, “My brother is already aware of our resolution. I only ask you to hold on a little longer, just a couple more days."

"Why? Haven't you already done everything Aegon wanted? Why can't we just leave?"

“Because of Helaena,” he answers with an exhalation. Alyssa pulls away from his embrace and looks at him blankly, "I have to be present for Helaena's funeral, Vhagar has to…" he shakes his head helplessly.

Alyssa's heart twists inside her. Helaena, her beloved Helaena. She hadn't considered that her body was still in the crypt, waiting to be fired like so many Targaryen before her.

Her eyes drift instinctively to Jaehaera, who is sitting next to Aegon, her small hand running up and down her little brother's arm, in a gesture that is meant to be reassuring and seems to be having an effect as the boy smiles affectionately at her.

“The funeral will be held in just a couple of days. Just a couple more days, my love, and we can start again."

***

Alyssa is already in bed when a soft knock on the door announces the presence of Daysi and Jaehaera.

"I'm sorry to bother you, my lady, but Princess Jaehaera insisted on talking to you."

“It’s okay, Daysi” she gives the nanny a brief smile and then stretches out her arms to call out to the girl, “Come, come here darling.”

Her niece walks over to the bed and climbs smoothly onto Alyssa's knees.

"What is it, you couldn't sleep?" she asks noticing that the girl is already wearing her nightgown

She shakes her head and hugs her body. Alyssa smiles against her hair and kisses the top of her head, relieved that Jaehaera is seeking her contact. For a moment she had been afraid to scare her with her outburst of last few days.

“Uncle Aemond said you're sick,” she says, breaking the hug.

“Yeah, I, uh…I'm not feeling too well,” she replies as she tucks a lock of silver hair that has escaped from the braid behind her ear.

The girl looks at her with her fathomless blue eyes and then places her hands on either side of her face.

“Mother was sick too.” Alyssa opens her mouth to reply, but she doesn't know what to say. "She left," the girl continues, and this time the princess is able to see the sorrow in the blue of her gaze, "Will you also leave?"

"No, of course not, why do you think that?" wants to know Alyssa, anxious for the girl's words

She shrugs and caresses her face, "You said you'd stay with me."

"And I will," she assures her, "I promise you, my little princess, I'll stay with you."

A few long seconds pass until she nods and whispers an I believe you that manages to melt her heart.

And as Jaehaera hugs her body again, seeking safety and comfort in her warmth, Alyssa realizes that this situation has to come to an end.

That she has to overcome her fears as she has done so many times, that she has to put aside her doubts and face the reality of the situation, a truth that she has known for a long time but that in her hopes of starting a new life in Pentos, she has eluded. Danger is everywhere. Larys Strong had told her so, and the events of the war had confirmed it over and over again.

Whether she flew to the ends of the earth with Aemond, to the North, or to any other part of the realm, nothing was going to change the fact that her life and that of her brother would continue to be a thorn in the side of their enemies' plans. And it is they who she must take care of.

Besides why would she have to run away? She hadn't done anything wrong. This was her home and she had the right to live in it without feeling threatened. The prospect of a better future for the children of her family was what had kept her from losing her sanity during the darkest and most pain-filled moments.

And she was very close to securing a better life for Aegon and Jaehaera.

And Alicent Hightower wasn't going to stop her. The woman had already taken enough from her, she wasn't going to take this too.

“I'll do whatever it takes to protect us,” she whispers against her niece's little body, “we'll be together and we'll be fine, I promise.”

~~~

The funeral of Helaena Targaryen and her son Maelor takes place at sunset.

The journey from the sept to the outskirts of the city where the cremation pyres are located is not long. The carriage once again has blue roses decorating it and Alyssa and the children—she had refused to let them alone in the Keep despite Alicent's complaints—are seated in a wooden carriage and flanked by Aemond, who rides forward.

The entire town gathers again to accompany their deceased queen. Their somber expressions and tears let Alyssa know that neither of them has forgotten the tragedy of their deaths.

This time, however, they are not silent. Men and women signal their support for Alicent, who stands ahead of them. Some also dedicate words of encouragement to Alyssa and Jaehaera, although they are not too many. For Aemond, however, there are only looks of suspicion and fear. And there is curiosity and whispers, many whispers when realizing the presence of the little Aegon.

Vhagar comes down the hill as the bodies are placed on the pyre and Aemond entwines his fingers with Alyssa's, clearly looking for the support he needs so he can command the dragoness.

The last few days sadness has haunted the prince. Aemond had spent most of the time in the castle, reading or simply training, and Alyssa had been able to see how much the idea of a funeral for his sister affected him.

The girl gives him a half smile, and he nods. Vhagar roars, opening his jaws and bathing Helaena and Maelor's bodies in dragonfire. Beside her, Jaehaera seems to whisper something to Aegon, though she can't make out the words. The children are holding hands today and her little brother has remained very solemn throughout. Alyssa can't help but wonder if he might be thinking of Rhaenyra. Aegon mentions her less and less often, as if he's gotten used to the idea that her mother won't be coming back.

They hadn't even had a funeral for her mother, she thinks bitterly as her gaze drifts to the fully enclosed carriage where she knows the king is traveling.

“Come on, it's time to go,” Aemond whispers in her ear as the crowd begins to thin.

Alyssa helps the children back to the wooden cart. Jaehaera keeps her gaze on the funeral pyre until they go far enough that she can no longer see it, then hugs her aunt. Aegon, who now rides along with Aemond, looks around curiously.

"Maybe you should get some rest," she proposes to the prince, noticing how grim his expression still looks.

"Hmm I don't think it's necessary"

“I can stay with the children,” she insists, “Go and relax a bit.”

Aemond ends up nodding and walks off in the direction of his room. Alyssa and the maids return to the playroom, where she spends the next hour reading to the kids and eating lemon cakes.

"Princess Alyssa." The girl stops her words immediately upon hearing Alicent's voice, "I'd like to talk to you for a moment."

Alyssa is tempted to decline her offer, but eventually closes the book, hands it to Daysi, and follows Alicent into the small sitting area across the room.

“I'm listening,” she says as her hands dig into her palms, this time from the suppressed rage she experiences at seeing the woman.

“I heard that you had ordered to punish and imprison Talya, what was the reason for doing that to one of the oldest servants in this family?”

Alyssa can't help but giggle in disbelief. Of all the possible topics of conversation that she had imagined Alicent would want to discuss with her, that had not crossed her mind.

“I had my reasons,” she replies

Alicent winces when it becomes clear that Alyssa isn't going to elaborate further, “You had no right to make such a decision. You are just a guest here, you have no authority to punish the servants as if…”

“And yet I did,” she interrupts her, “Why? It bothers you? Surely there are many other maids in the fortress who can fulfill her duties."

“Talya was one of my trusted servants”

“I don't doubt it,” she retorts, her voice thick with contempt, “considering you regularly sent her out to do your dirty work.”

Her words leave her mouth before she can stop them, but as she watches Alicent's face pale and her arrogance falter, she feels for an instant triumphant.

"Dirty work?"

"I think we both know very well what I'm talking about"

Alicent starts fidgeting with her necklace nervously and avoids the girl's gaze, "Princess, this has been a very hard day for everyone, we should probably…"

“No,” Alyssa hisses as she takes a couple of steps toward her, “Don't act like you don't understand what I mean. I am no longer ignorant of the damage you have caused me; do you have any idea how much you have hurt me?"

Alicent meets her gaze and Alyssa can notice the nervousness, fear and indifference at the same time, "You speak as if I were a monster"

“In my eyes you are,” she replies, “and also in the eyes of the gods you love to pray to so much.”

"Princess…"

“You have caused the death of two lives growing within me,” she continues, “Two. Two lives that were also part of Aemond, of your son."

There is a moment of silence in which both women look at each other and Alyssa has to contain her urge to react violently when she hears her next words, “They were bastards. Blood of bastards spilled during the war"

“Your own grandchildren, your own blood,” she says in disbelief.

“My son's misjudgment,” she shrugs and looks away momentarily, “It wasn't right, the two of you being together…it doesn't make sense. My son is a Targaryen prince, he deserves a decorous lady, not a girl who shares his bed regardless of the consequences and has no sense of decency," Alyssa wants to retort, but the woman continues, "You are aware of that as much as I. Why else would no one know about the losses you suffered? Why did you insist that it remain a secret? Because it was sinful and a shame! A shame for you, for him and for good customs. How long have you lain with my son without really being legally or spiritually bonded to him? How long have you been nothing more than a harlot to him?"

Alyssa reacts almost instinctively and slaps her across the face. Alicent is about to lose her balance, but she grabs onto one of the sofas and her breath hitches as she glares at Alyssa.

"I will not allow you to insult me again," the young woman replies, "I will not continue to remain silent in the face of your insults, your crimes, in front of the permanent damage you have caused me"

"Damage?" she laughs, “Blessing, more like. You see me as a monster, as a criminal, but I have not done more than take care of my son and even help you "

“How, according to you, has it helped me?” she asks amazed

"I made sure you're not a threat anymore, don't you see?" Alicent says, “Now that you're barren and unable to produce heirs, your blood and life are no problem. Your mother's supporters will not be able to use you as a piece in their machinations because you will have nothing to offer. Take this chance, this little mercy and run away. Go far, I can help you if you wish, I can get you a favorable marriage with a man who doesn't need more children. Save what little decency you have left and accept my offer."

"And do you think Aemond will accept something like this?" she questions feeling disgusted

"You overestimate my son's feelings towards you"

“And I think you do just the opposite,” she answers confidently, “You never accepted that Aemond and I love each other, that we've loved each other practically forever. Do you think our story began when I returned to the fortress? Our history was written since we were children”

"That is not true"

“You don’t even know your son,” Alyssa sighs, “You don’t know anything about him, you weren’t really there for him. You may have defended him when he lost his eye, but after? You placed on him the bitterness, resentment, and paranoia you felt. Aemond has always been more of an ally than a son to you, always taking care of you and your needs instead being the other way around"

"Nonsense"

"Is it?" Alyssa is suddenly invaded by a wave of sadness that joins the anger that still runs through her body, "You do not deserve the love that he feels for you or the loyalty that he has shown you"

“I love my son,” she says, shaking her head.

"If you loved him, you would not have taken away his possibility of being a father"

Alicent's brown eyes flash with fury and a smirk spreads across her face, “That's your burden, not his. My son will be a father one day. No man would bear not being able to leave a legacy, the time will come when he will get fed up with you and abandon you to go in search of what you will never be able to give him”

Alyssa is about to raise her arm once more when Aemond calls out to her. The princess clenches her hands into fists, her nails causing wounds that partly appease the fury she feels inside her.

Both women turn to look at the prince, who approaches them with a curious look in his good eye, one that is half wonder and half caution.

"I didn't know you were here, mother"

“I wanted to speak to the princess, we had unfinished business to discuss,” Alicent says.

Aemond watches Alyssa's expression and is surprised to see the hate in the girl's eyes and features. What had happened between the two of them? Had her mother been rude to her again? Before he can ask, Alyssa speaks.

"Indeed, your mother and I just had a most... enlightening talk."

There are a few seconds of silence in which Alicent looks at Alyssa warily, but when it's clear she won't say more, she turns to her son, “I'd like to have dinner with you and Jaehaera tonight. Bid a proper farewell to both of you."

Alyssa opens her mouth to strongly object to the idea, but the girl—who seems to have heard her name in the conversation—runs over to them and takes Alicent's hand.

“Grandma,” she says with a gentle smile.

Aemond meets Alyssa's gaze, who sighs and nods, “I'll stay with Aegon here,” she says, not daring to deny the little princess something she clearly wants.

***

Despite the fact that having dinner together was Alicent's idea, his mother seems terribly distracted as they eat a delicious pheasant in the queen's chambers.

"Are you okay, mother?"

“Yes, of course I am,” she offers him a brief smile and her gaze then drifts to Jaehaera, “My dearest love,” he hears her say in the way she called Helaena so many times, “do you like the food or would you rather eat something else?"

Ser Willis Fell enters the room and catches their attention.

"What is it, Ser Willis?" the queen wants to know

"I'm sorry, my queen, but the king requests the presence of Prince Aemond."

Mother and son exchange a brief glance before the young man leaves the room in the direction of the king's chambers, inwardly wondering what Aegon would want with him.

In the end it turns out that his brother, who still refuses to drink milk of the poppy and drowns his pain in wine, is only looking for his brother's company.

“You should listen to reasons, you could use a good night's sleep,” Aemond says, though he knows his words will have no effect. Aegon doesn't seem to really hear him, but instead he just fidgets and says words without any coherence, although once or twice the prince seems to hear the name of Helaena, his children and Sunfire's.

After long minutes, Aegon falls asleep and Aemond instructs a maid to help him and watch over his sleep while he returns to his mother's rooms.

Is when he’s already outside the chambers that he hears the sobs of his niece. Heart pounding, Aemond pushes open the door, but stops at the sound of his mother's voice.

"You have to do it!"

“No, I don't want to,” the girl immediately replies, crying again.

"You have to cut his throat while he sleeps, it is the only solution, kill the boy Aegon"

"He is my friend! I won't do it!"

There is a bit of a scuffling and a metal object falls to the ground. Aemond, who had been frozen at his mother's suggestion, wakes up from his trance and goes to Jaehaera, whose face is bathed in tears as she refuses to take the knife that Alicent wants to place in her hand.

"Mother!"

Aemond's voice echoes through the room and Jaehaera breaks free of her grandmother's grasp and runs towards her uncle. The prince takes her in his arms and strokes her hair, though her eye is focused on his mother, who doesn't seem embarrassed at being found out by her son.

“Ser Willis,” Aemond calls. The knight enters the room immediately, "Took my niece to Princess Alyssa."

The man bows and Jaehaera offers him her hand to leave the room. Once they are alone, Aemond walks over to his mother.

“Tell me that I didn't just hear you instruct Jaehaera to become a murderer,” he says hoarsely with the rage he feels at that moment, “Tell me that I misheard and that you didn't mean for your granddaughter to murder her own cousin.”

Alicent winces and her hands fidget, her nails hurting her fingers once more. Aemond notices this, as he has so many times, but for the first time he doesn't empathize with his mother's pain.

"That child must be eliminated"

“And you wanted my niece to take care of it?” he hisses taking her arm, “Have you lost your mind?”

"My son, I don't..."

"You have gone too far, mother." He shakes his head, “I'll admit I had my doubts about leaving King’s Landing, but after listening to you, I know I have no choice. I won't let you poison Jaehaera's mind like you did ours when we were kids."

"Aemond! How can you say such a thing?"

"Isn't that what you did?" He lets go of her arm and takes a few steps back, "You instilled in us contempt for our nephews as children, you made us grow up in fear that something would happen to us if Rhaenyra became queen."

"And it happened, I never told lies"

“We also had our share of blame in that regard,” the prince ruefully admits.

“Aemond, please, you have to…”

“No, mother, your paranoia seems to know no limits. I will not let Jaehaera inherit the unfounded fears you have for a child,” he retorts harshly, “do you think Helaena would have wanted that for her daughter?”

“And do you think that she would want for her only daughter to be taken to the other side of the sea? Away from her family? And for what? So that girl you insist on having as your mistress can play at being a mother since she will never be able to give you a child of her own?”

“That doesn't have…” Aemond stops short as he registers his mother's final words, “How do you know?”

"What?"

"How do you know that Alyssa won't be able to give me children?" His mother's face pales, and she averts his gaze for a moment. "Mother, how do you know that Alyssa won't be able to have children?" repeat Aemond

"I didn't... surely you told me"

"No. I haven't told anyone,” he replies, suspicion growing inside him, “Have you been spying on my conversations with Alyssa?”

"Don't talk nonsense, why would she do something like that?"

Yeah, why would his mother do something like that? He wonders. And he answers himself: because his mother had never accepted his relationship with the princess, because she was firmly opposed to their getting married, because his mother was very capable -as he had discovered a moment ago- of ensuring that a union between the two of them did not prosper.

His mind then recalls the queen's words when Aegon had suggested that he and Alyssa could give him an heir. I'd like to see how she pulls it off, Alicent had said, sneering. And he had dismissed her words.

Suddenly everything fits in his head. The look of deep hatred that Alyssa, who had always tried to get along with the queen, had given her mother a while ago. The fear that she felt that something bad would happen and that he had attributed to simple paranoia, but that now seemed to take on another meaning.

And, above all, it explained her words from a few days ago.

I don’t want to break your heart.

Because she knew how much Aemond loved her mother.

Or he had loved her, until this moment.

"What did you do to Alyssa?" he asks, cutting the distance between them

"I did what I had to do to protect you"

“You're a…” he whispers, but he keeps his words to him. Though he can't keep his hands from closing briefly on her throat, "You are despicable."

Alicent writhes under the pressure of his hands and he releases her.

"Aemond, please..."

He doesn't let it get close to him.

"Guards!" he calls and a couple of men enter the room, "Arrest the queen"

__________________________________________________

Read on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/42996300/chapters/108031281

#aemond targaryen #aemond one eye #aemond x oc #ao3fic #prince aemond #sinfuldesires #aemond kinslayer #aemond fic #ao3 writer #sinful desires

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fromfeyresperspective · 6 months

Text

A Court of Gray and Glimmer

This story starts in Velaris, just after the Winter Solstice that takes place in A Court of Frost and Starlight, but before the events of A Court of Silver Flames. Rhys plans to take the Inner Circle, plus Feyre’s sisters, on a surprise trip after Winter Solstice. This story will feature mostly Feysand content, and will include scenes of jealousy from Feyre.

Chapter One: Surprise

Slowly, I began to stir, too warm and comfortable in our large bed to fully awaken right away. I knew it was early morning, right at dawn, perhaps, because of the periwinkle light filtering in through the two large, velvet curtained windows in the bedroom of our townhouse. Rhys was still asleep, judging by his soft and even breaths. I opened my eyes fully and rolled onto my right side. The sight of his muscular back greeted me, and now fully awake, I felt a sharp drop in my stomach. I watched him breathing, sleeping so peacefully, and I remembered what we had done just hours before, in this same enormous bed. I smiled at his back, and reached out to touch it. Gently, I dragged my fingernail down the length of it. He stirred and I heard a sharp intake of breath as I continued to trail my finger down, down, down, and then around, right towards his center and between his legs. Next thing I knew, I was on my back, pinned down, looking up into his violet sleepy eyes.

“Not so fast, Feyre,” he breathed, his night black hair tousled from sleep. I stared sweetly up at him, and with that, he flipped me over in one motion so that my hands were on the headboard of our giant four-poster bed, and spread my legs apart with his knee.

A long, rough few minutes later, we both laid back against the pillows, smiling and energized from our morning fuck session. It was one of my favorite things about waking up next to my mate, who was always insatiable in the morning, and always oh-so-beautiful.

“Well, High Lord, after that, I think I need to bathe”, I whispered, looking at Rhys from under my eyelashes.

“Of course, Feyre, darling,” he replied softly. “But please, allow me to join you.”

Next thing I knew, Rhys had swept us into the bathing room, the large marble clawfoot tub in the middle of the room currently filling itself with steamy water and periwinkle and silver bubbles to match the winter morning glow outside. The bubbles smelled of fresh mint and pine, and I sighed contentedly as I stepped into the tub, now fully undressed. Rhys climbed in after me and settled me between his legs, the back of my head resting against his chest.

It had been only a few days since the Winter Solstice festivities, and now we had the long, cold, sometimes rather bleak winter to look forward to (or rather, not look forward to). Although it could have its moments (especially here in Velaris, where the snow sparkled in the starlight and the sidewalks had a heated magic warming them), Winter was still my least favorite time of the year. The long, frigid nights; the lack of sunshine; the chill that settled deep into my immortal bones… It very much reminded me of the human lands and my life before I had found myself in Prythian, now wrapped in the arms of my mate, who just so happened to be the High Lord of the Night Court. I smiled to myself as the thoughts crossed my mind. This would be my first winter as High Lady, and even more importantly, a winter where I was not struggling to find and hunt any kind of beast that I could turn into food, in a vast array of dark woods, just to keep my family and myself alive.

I closed my eyes and fully leaned into Rhys, and he settled his chin on my head.

“So, I was thinking,” he began, “that I’m going to take you somewhere for the week, if you don’t object to it.”

“Somewhere…like where?” I asked. “Don’t we have too much to do around here? The Solstice season’s over now.”

We had taken quite a long break from our usual work for the Solstice celebrations with our family, friends, and the city. We had hosted parties, gone to dances and banquets, and even had thrown a ball for the citizens of Velaris. It took place at the Palace of Thread and Jewels just south of the Sidra river, with decorations featuring emerald and ruby jewels and gems twinkling in the moonlight, a gorgeous spread of dinner and desserts, and sparkling blueberry faerie wine.

“I know, Feyre, darling,” Rhys purred into my ear, “and although I know you so yearn to get back to work, will you allow me to whisk you away, just for a few days? I don’t object to the notion that we have much to accomplish around here, but before that, I have a surprise…let’s call it an outing, for you and our family.”

Our family, of course, was referring to our Inner Circle: Mor, Amren, Cassian, and Azriel, although I was unsure of whether or not Rhys intended to include my sisters, Nesta and Elain, in this surprise “outing” to… wherever we were headed.

“A surprise?” I asked, bemused. “What kind of surprise?” I was not necessarily one for surprises.

Rhys laughed. “You do know the definition of the word, right, Feyre?” he asked, with a small bite on the top of my ear. He stroked the side of my breast, gently, which sent an electric pulse thrumming between my legs. “A surprise involves me not telling you exactly where we’re going.”

I rolled my eyes. “Fine. Then when are we leaving for this so-called surprise?”

Rhys simply said, “We leave at noon,” and then laughed.

“You don’t need to pack a bag, Feyre, darling. Clothes will be provided, although, of course, I’d much prefer it if you wore none.”

Three hours later, at noon, I stood in the foyer of our townhouse, wearing one of Rhys’s thick, heather gray sweaters that fell to my mid-thigh, and a pair of knit leggings and boots. Next to me were two large, tan, beautiful males. Rhys’s brothers, Azriel and Cassian, looked like some chiseled gods from another dimension. They were loudly arguing about the outcome of a game of cards that they had played with Rhys the night before.

“I don’t care if that’s what you think the rules are,” Cassian spoke loudly. His hair was pulled back, and his passion was barely contained as he playfully raged at Azriel. “Those aren’t the rules and never have been, and Rhys and I are well aware that you make up rules to fit your hand when you deem necessary, Az. We’re not falling for it this time.” “We’re not?” Rhys asked as he sauntered down the stairs, wearing his soft black pants and a black sweater, the color of the darkest night, fit perfectly to his broad shoulders, his hair still slightly wet from our bath. “Speak for yourself, brother. I didn’t fall for anything, as per usual, but you, as per usual, most certainly did.”

Rhys and Azriel shared a smirking glance, making Cassian’s eyebrows draw together and his full lips part.

“So what, you’re fucking with me right now? I don’t get it,” he said.

I snorted, and Az rolled his eyes.

“Cassian, you cannot seriously believe, after five hundred years, that the same card game we play nearly every week just has a new set of rules out of nowhere? Come on, brother.”

“So I won, then!” Cassian said. “If there are no “new rules” then I definitely ended up winning last night, and you two can’t deny it,” he added, looking at Rhys.

“We weren’t going to deny it. But you were so drunk that we were sure you would believe it, and you did… kind of,” Rhys said with a chuckle, and then looked at me. “Did I mention we got blackout drunk last night? Well, I should say, Cassian did. He ended up finishing the game completely naked. He thought the so-called “new rules” involved removing all of his clothing.”

Azriel laughed, and I raised my eyebrows at Cassian. He didn’t look embarrassed at all, but he did look pleased.

“What can I say, Feyre? Even my own brothers can’t stop themselves from wanting to see me in the nude,” he said.

“I highly doubt that,” said a sharp voice from the sitting room. Amren had moved from the plush chair by the fireplace and was standing in the sitting room doorway. She donned her usual gray outfit, and her shiny short black hair was pulled back from her face. “And what time will Mor be arriving? I thought we were supposed to be leaving at noon.” “Patience, Little One,” Cassian crooned. “It’s just barely noon. Can we even give her a chance to be late?”

A sharp knock knock knock on the door answered Cassian’s question, which briefly puzzled me; Mor knew better than to knock. But when Cassian pulled the door open, I immediately understood why she had; next to Mor, with their heavy sweaters and coats on, were both of my sisters.

Elain, I was not at all surprised to see. She usually stayed down here at the townhouse with Rhys and me, or stayed at the House of Wind with Nuala and Cerridwen. Nesta, however…I couldn’t believe she stood on the doorstep voluntarily.

Mor strode in quickly, her long blonde hair trailing behind her, and went straight to the sitting room to warm herself by the fire.

“It’s fucking freezing out there,” she called over her shoulder. “Rhys, please tell me you are taking us somewhere warm for this so-called surprise. Feyre, please tell me he told you we’re going somewhere warm.”

Rhys didn’t answer her because he was too busy evaluating my face, making sure I wasn’t upset at the sight of my sisters (one of them in particular) standing there, presumably coming with us on this trip, or surprise, or whatever it was.

Elain, dressed in a thick, bright white overcoat, worn over a simple but elegant dark emerald gown, walked in straight to me and folded me in her arms. I hugged her warmly back. Although Elain was always stunningly beautiful, she somehow looked even more radiant when she was happy. Azriel, it seemed, was trying to avoid staring at her, but even so, I noticed that he shot a glance her way every few seconds.

“Okay, Feyre, where are we going? And why was I told to prepare myself to freeze my buns off?” Elain asked with a giggle.

Rhys and Cassian laughed, and Azriel blushed.

“Well, sweet sister, at this point you know more than I do,” I said. “Rhys hasn’t told me where we’re going, and in fact, I didn’t even know we were going anywhere until this morning. I certainly didn’t know we were going somewhere to freeze our buns off.” I threw Rhys a dirty look.

“Trust me, I would never want to freeze those buns off of you, mate,” he replied with a truly wicked wink. “And I only didn’t mention it because I hadn’t made up my mind about just where we were going, or at least not until I received confirmation from my first choice of destinations yesterday. I only just informed Azriel last night.”

Az, I assumed, had told the others, who were all now gathered here with me in the foyer.

“Can we go already, then?” Amren spouted. “Enough chit chat.” She clapped her hands raptly twice. Amren was not known for her patience.

I looked at Rhys, who was looking towards the front door. Nesta was standing with a blank expression on her face. I took a tentative step towards her, and held out a hand.

“Nesta,” I said gently, with a small smile. “Will you be joining us on this adventure?”

Her blank expression immediately turned into one of vitriol.

“Why else would I be here?” she said angrily. “If your mate hadn’t demanded that we come, trust me, I wouldn’t have.” Nesta looked straight at Rhys. “I know you think you can tell us what to do, but I assure you, Rhysand, you do not rule me, or Elain. I don’t give a damn that my other sister became your whore.”

At these words, the room was so still I thought for a moment that time had frozen. Everyone looked from Nesta’s face to Rhys, who was still standing just at the bottom of the stairs. His fury was palpable, and I could almost physically taste it. It was as if complete and total darkness was a pool bubbling just beneath our feet, and we were all about to be submerged by it completely. Cassian took a step forward, towards Nesta.

“Say something like that about our High Lady again, and you will come to find out exactly why this Court terrifies the rest of the world.”

Nesta met his eyes, and despite his anger, despite his fury at what she had said about me, his eyes were soft, longing. I withdrew my eyes from Cassian’s expression and turned to Rhys, who still looked like he would like to rip Nesta limb from limb, and spoke mind to mind with him. “Rhys, it’s okay." I said. “She didn't get to me. She knows what she’s doing. She just wants to get under your skin,”. I gave him a small, reassuring smile. He gazed back at me, and finally blinked.

“And I would love to get deep inside your skin, Feyre, darling,” he said in my mind with a small snort, his anger slowly dissipating, though it still bubbled warningly beneath the surface. I turned to Nesta, who looked like she would love nothing more than to physically attack Rhys. Or maybe me.

“Nesta,” I said gently. “If you didn’t want to come, then why are you here?”

“Do you really think I would let Elain go alone to the gods know where?” she asked with a furious look. “And besides, your so-called mate demanded that I come under threat of punishment. Is that what this is now, Feyre? Do you want to punish me? For not obeying you and your High Lord?”

“How dare you, girl,” Amren spat, but I held up my hand. I looked at Rhys, my expression a bit puzzled. I didn’t think he would demand that Nesta come; in fact, I’d have thought that he would prefer it if she didn’t. And we certainly would never punish Nesta for not coming on a trip with us.

“I sent Az to get them this morning,” Rhys said in my thoughts. “Elain was with Nuala and Cerridwen at the House of Wind, and Az asked her if she would like to come, to which she, of course, happily said yes. Nesta, on the other hand… she was at the tavern, the one in the alley around the corner from her apartment, and I may have told Az to… heavily imply that she must come, at least to the house, where we could give her the choice on whether or not to come with us. Feyre, I do want her to come. I want you to be able to have both of your sisters on this trip. I want you to be able to be with all of your family.”

I blinked. On one hand, I was irritated that Rhys would even attempt to get Nesta to come with us, especially if she was insisting on not. She would be sure to do her best to make the outing miserable, and she herself would be miserable as well. On the other hand… I understood his intentions. I turned back to Nesta.

“Nesta, I’ll only say this once. You can come with us, or don’t. It is truly your choice,” I said to her. “And Elain won’t be alone, she’ll be with us, completely safe and protected. But, if you do come, you will not make this affair unpleasant for everyone else.”

Nesta stared at me, and then narrowed her eyes. “I’m coming,” she said.

I nodded, and gave her a kind smile.

“Shall we go, then?” I asked, looking at Rhys. “I know Rhysand is bursting at the seams to get us all to…wherever we’re going.”

Mor walked in from beside the fireplace, looking relieved the tension that had previously been heavy in the room had somewhat evaporated.

“Then let’s get out of here!” she said happily, squeezing by Cassian and wrapping her arm around me. “Rhys, where are we going? You have to tell us now so I can help winnow everyone.”

Rhys smiled, excitement in his eyes. He stepped forward and took my hand.

“For the first leg of our journey, we’re going to the Winter Court…to the Palace of Ice.”

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