#yitish!reader

[thebadboyfanclub]

You Little Traitor (Aegon x Reader)

Look I do not think this is some of my best word but it has so much potential to be a interesting story and if you think so as well please let me know cause I would love to write a part two for this

The Yi Ti empire could put Kings Landing to shame, one of the most ancient civilizations, maesters would kill to be able to be accepted there and learn for the YiTish healers, the land of gold was what it was known not only for the actual riches but for its excellency in any aspect.

A century had passed since the long night and now ruled the Quartz emperor, the king ruled with the best interest at heart, to keep the peace among his subjects and do the very best for them.

The selenite princess, his second-born child, (y/n) was his way to reach further than any other emperor, to unite his kingdom with the seven kingdoms and his daughter to be a princess of not only his empire but to bless her with a legacy beyond his borders.

“Thank you, Father, I hope the ancestors bless me with a fruitful marriage”

She had simply said with a ghost of a smile when the news was announced of her long travel to the red keep, to meet the Targaryen family to marry Prince Aegon, her mother responded by placing a kiss on her forehead, her mother was the most endearing amongst (y/n)s parents, still not even her mother could protect her from the fate of wedlock, she had been prepared to face her future of being born a female with a stiff lip and kind eyes.

It wasn’t just a declaration of peace that her father was sending his daughter off to marriage for, the Yi Ti empire had kept an ear close to the seven kingdoms and Rhaenyra Targaryen was the first queen of her nation that stood a breath away from her throne, Aegon was a son, the second born child, her father wanted to prevent a nation from experiencing “the long night”.

“The Selenite Naishinno of the Yi Ti Empire, second-born child of the Quartz emperor”

Naishinno was what they called “princess”, it was a nice sensation to hear that the Targaryens respected her family enough to learn their version of lineage, even if it was out of fear and dare (y/n) say, desperation.

Aegon stood by his mother's side while (y/n) entered the throne room, he had to admit she was certainly captivating, she wore an astonishing attire from her homeland in the intense colour of red, and some of her hair was pulled up in a delicate style with intricate accessories, her face was emotionless, like a knight that went to battle, though Aegon found her to be intriguing, he had never met a YiTish lady before, “at least the bedding ceremony will have some interest” he cheekily thought.

“Princess, it is an honor to welcome you into my family”

“You are very kind King Viserys, my father wanted me to inform you that he apologizes for not being here, he sends his greetings and regards”

“We understand your empire needed its emperor, I surely do hope that we will see him at the wedding feast”

“Of course, along with most of the people from our palace, it will be a big celebration, may I ask, where is Princess Rhaenyra”

“That would be me, Naishinno”

“Princess, you may approach”

(Y/n) did not mean for it to sound like a command, she was just used to having to allow people to come closer, although the sentence left a sour taste in Daemon's mouth since this was their kingdom, Aegon only smirked, no one had spoken down to his sister, even if it was with such elegance.

Rhaenyra walked towards the young girl, intrigued by the sudden interest in her, when she stood before her (y/n) appeared to be... smiling one would say although small still a bit evident.

“We have heard of you, the first queen to ever be, my father wanted me to let you know that the Yi Ti empire stands with you, I pray that the Targaryen house will not know the monstrosity that is a brother and a sister going to war”

(Y/n) curtsied before Rhaenyra who felt more pride than ever, if she had the YiTish with her then she did not need anyone else, with them alone she could stand against anybody.

Out of pure excitement, Rhaenyra reached for the girl's hand to firmly grasp it and kissed her cheeks gently, (y/n) nodded in approval of their sacred oath, no blood should be spilled after the union of two strong Kingdoms.

“Will you be so kind as to show me your brother, the prince”

“Aegon”

Rhaenyra called for him without even turning her head away from the princess, she did not care for her brother or anything regarding him she was saddened that she could not have a further conversation with (y/n).

Aegon took only one step to stand out from his other siblings and mother, (y/n)s eyes found him almost immediately and she took a step forward as well, a small curtsy also occurred by her before she smiled brightly, somehow even when the princess was being perfectly polite and respectful Aegon could not help but shift from one feet to the other, it was like she was sizing him up, he had to put all his might into not taking a step back from her since the it would seem disrespectful when the only thing she was doing was smile.

“It is an honor to meet you, if it is not too much to ask, I would like to spend some time alone with the prince”

“Of course, let us leave them to get to know each other, just call for the guards and they will escort you to your chamber”

“Thank you, queen Alicent”

(Y/n) could barely call them by their titles, she did not recognize their authority, let alone say “my” before them, she resided in them considering it as just a translation mistake from her side, thought (y/n) spoke their language since she was a toddler.

Once everyone left the room the aura suddenly changed, two strangers stood staring at one another, not knowing what to say or do on this occasion.

“I have to say-“

“I do not care what lie you have been tutored to throw at me, my trip was days long so I will make this short, I am sure you agreed on this betrothal for the same reason I did, duty. I shall marry you and play my part as a bestowing wife, I ask of you to do the same while in public, you may do as you wish in private”

“As I wish?”

“I am not an idiot, Prince Aegon, I have asked about you and your habits of scattering bastards around Kings Landing, you can continue to do so on only one condition”

“Which is?”

“Leave me be, do not search for my chamber whole drunk, do not bother me, we will communicate only when necessary, how does that sound?”

“Perfect”

The selenite princess was wed to Prince Aegon in front of the masses, a celebration that would have the maesters of the future run back to it with fascination, her golden dress was custom-made by the people of the Yi Ti, she had only stayed for a few days and yet the luxurious habits of hers had queen Alicent baffled, the princess was spoiled and she seemed to not have in mind of stopping any time soon, her chamber smelled of incense that she brought, she only accepted to be tended to by her chamber maids, she refused to wear anything else other than the dresses she had brought, it was the first time in a while that Alicent felt backed in a corner by merely a presence of someone.

The night had already spread its beautiful cloak of stars along with its magnificent full moon, (y/n) had always been in tune with the majestic presence of the night hence her name, she struggled to fall asleep every time the moon was full, it seemed she was not alone this time, a dragon kept roaring and screaming in the distance, a part of hers was shaking with curiosity, like an instinct that the dragon was summoning her.

“Take me to the dragon pit”

“Princess, it is forbidden?”

“I do not recognize that word, not because of the foreign language but because you do not have the authority to utter it to me, I want to go to the dragon pit now”

The guards were nothing but mere subjects at the board game that she had set, how could they object to the empress's daughter? The prince's wife? The selenite princess stood before them and they must obey.

The guards could swear that all reality lost its meaning when the princess stepped foot in the dragon pit, Sunfyre had slowly emerged from the darkness and roared loud enough to shake the walls, whilst everyone ducked from fear (y/n) was perfectly still, she was her ever defiant self and did not even bat an eye.

“Hello there, you have caused quite a stir dear”

“Princess, may I suggest you step back? Sunfire does not take well with strangers”

“I am fine, sunfyre won’t hurt me, will you? My little pet?”

The dragon responded by coming closer to the princess and sniffing her around, after a few deep huffs the dragon laid down by the princess's side nudging her hand so she can caress him.

(Y/n) felt completely comfortable with the creature, she was always fascinated when she saw them fly up in the sky, her culture is defined by dragons, so it wasn’t a surprise that the actual creature took a liking to her.

“He is a sweet little boy, your skin is a little dry, we need to take care of that you are not getting any younger, sweetling”

(Y/n) spend most of her time in the dragon pit after that encounter, she would have her tea with Sunfyre and throw a few raw stakes at the beast to enjoy while she blabbered about whatever was occupying her mind that day, the dragon keepers did not know what to make of it, Sunfyre had only bonded with prince Aegon, now the fearsome beast was seen almost purring like a cat while (y/n) laid on his back and let her hand pet him with endearment, she would often drift to sleep while on dragon back.

“I do not know Sunfyre, mayhaps it was a mistake, telling him to keep on with his business, if I tried a bit harder things might end up different, he is not a bad guy he is just… sad, I see sadness in him. What do you think?”

Sunfyre only made a few sounds after (y/n) spoke to him in her YiTish dialect, the dragon keepers stood on the side in awe at the scene that unfolded, usually the dragons only understood Valyrian, albeit to sunfyre YiTish seemed to cast a spell of slumber, a lullaby only for the beast to enjoy.

“Of course, you would say that he is your rider after all”

“Where is the princess? Oh Gods, get the princess down from there!”

Sunfyre lifted its head from the ground when Queen Alicent commanded the guards to take her away, the ear-splitting sound that Sunfyre pushed out was enough to bring the queen a generous amount of steps back while (y/n) only brought her arms out to hug him to reassure the dragon.

“It is alright Sunfyre, the queen meant no harm”

She placed a kiss on the dragon's skin before Sunfyre relaxed back down for the princess to slide to the ground like she had done this a thousand times, (y/n) landed perfectly on her feet and fixed her dress in preparation for a dress the queen.

“What seems to be so important that you had to interrupt my time with my companion queen Alicent?”

Queen Alicent was at a loss of words, baffled by the princess being so casual about her bonding with none other than Sunfyre, dragons never seemed to obey or even tolerate anyone other than the person that has claimed it, how did (y/n) achieve this?

-

“Where are you going?”

“Well, that is surprising, for a walk, in what do I owe the interest my dearest love?”

“Drop the act alright and the lies, a little birdie told me you have been getting… cozy with something that belongs to me”

“Does that birdie wear a crown, has long red hair, and favors the color green? I know it must come to you as a shock but yes, Sunfyre has been a better husband than you as of late”

Aegon and (y/n) had an odd dynamic, she did not despise him but she did find his way of life distasteful, to say the least.

of course (y/n) was the one that nudged him to continue as of nothing had happened, however, a side of her had longed for Aegon to pay attention to her instead of spreading his seed on ever whore house, making it harder for (y/n) to keep track of all his bastards that she secretly took great care of, making sure they were all fed and clothed, how could she turn a blind eye to a child that was created by Aegon? Maybe they would be something better than their father if they were shown some kindness.

“So it is true, you dared to approach my dragon?”

“Sunfyre was in much need of my companion as I required his, seemed to me like you have neglected the poor little thing”

“Little thing? Never mind, well then, I would like to see it, Mother said she found you hugging it”

“Are you jealous Aegon? If you crave a hug I would gladly give you one, come here sweet boy”

“Stop that and walk”

He commanded making her giggle at how uncomfortable he had gotten, Aegon wasn’t the affectionate type, well if you do not count the time he came to her chambers after a quarrel with his mother, he was shaking like a leaf and stumbling over his words, he had laid on her chest while she ran her fingers through his hair until he drifted off, tears of his hand stained her nightgown while his hand held her for dear life.

Thats the night (y/n) started to soften, to take into consideration a life of love and offspring even, Aegon had been a skilled lover, he had the moves but the emotion wasn’t there when they laid together those few times, (y/n) scattered her brain for an idea to approach him though it led nowhere, they had zero common interests.

“Good evening to you my precious love”

(Y/n) responded to Sunfyres sounds as he flapped his wings and moved its head, (y/n) left Aegons side to walk faster to approach the dragon first, Sunfyre leaned its head for (y/n) to place a kiss at the very top of his nose, Aegon halted at the sight, somewhat betrayed by Sunfyre acting like a little puppy for the princess.

“How are you today? Have you been a good boy? Of course, you have”

(Y/n) reached as far as she could scratch the side of Sunfyres's head and the dragons' response was intricate sounds that someone could mistake for a purring of a cat or any other pet, not a giant killing beast that could swallow her for dinner.

(Y/n) laughed carelessly as she had almost forgotten Aegon had escorted her here, her attention was fully on the beautiful Sunfyre that was in desperate need of petting and babying.

“You little traitor”

Aegon whispered in Valyrian as he was still lost in a trance over his wife who did not correlate dragons had made a kitten out of Sunfyre, the only thing missing was a pretty little collar over his neck with a bell to be an obedient house cat of hers.

“I do not understand why everyone is so shocked, my family did not need to ride dragons, we simply are dragons, Sunfyre recognizes that”

“Is that so? Does that mean we have to chain you up and teach you how to obey as well?”

“You can try”

Aegon loved his wife, it might sound like a lie but he did, she was kind in her way, generous in a way, and adorable in her way, everything he loved about her was because she did it her way, howbeit he did not know how to love her in any way, he grew up around a father that wanted him until he got him and a mother that did everything she was taught to do even though she did not want it, even a rose needs proper soil to grow.

Yet, at that moment that Aegon gazed upon (y/n) who was coping at his dragon and bopping its nose he started to ponder, mayhaps she can be the soul of their rose.

“Sunfyre is a dragon, he does not need a kiss on its nose that’s the size of your head nor does he need head scratches”

“He does since he favors me even though you are standing right here, perhaps instead of putting me in chains I can teach you a thing or two”

It was the first time in a while that Aegon and (y/n) laughed together, Sunfyre had probably sensed the aura switching to a bit more intimate so he chose to nudge (y/n) from the back closer to Aegon making her yelp and glare back at the dragon who only turned away from her, Aegon smiled at her as they awkwardly stood ahead of one and the other.

“How about a ride? I must be honest that I haven’t taken Sunfyre out of the dragon pit for a good chunk of time”

“A ride sounds lovely, how about it sweet pie?”

“Must I call my striking dragon sweet-pie or does he still listen to Sunfyre?”

“I believe it is a privilege you haven’t earned to call him Sweetpie, you and he are still on proper name terms”

“Ouch I must admit I am wounded”

“You will get over it, now can you still recall how to get up on my dear friend or should I go first”

“You know my mother taught me to never take advantage of a situation just so I can admire a woman’s beauty from another angle… thankfully I never listened to her so off you go”

Requests are open!

#aegon ii imagine #aegon targaryen x reader #aegon fanfic #aegon targaryen imagines #aegon ii x reader #aegon x reader #aegon the elder #aegon targaryen x you #aegon ii #aegon imagine #aegon x oc #aegon ii x oc #aegon targaryen imagine #aegon x you #aegon ii imagines #hotd aegon #prince aegon #aegon the second #aegon targaryen headcanon #aegon x y/n #aegon x fem!reader #hotd fanfic #hotd imagine #hotd #hotd fic #hotd x reader #house of the dragon #house of the dragon imagine #house of the dragon x reader #hotd season 1

[misguidedasgardian]

I need to (9)

... Remember

MASTERLIST

Summary: It turns out, you can’t outrun the past 

Pairings: Cregan Stark x Fem!Reader 

Warnings: MIGHT CONTAIN SPOILERS cursing, talks about cheating and inappropriate relationship, angst, fluff, hints of blackmail, gaslighting, this is awful, might contain some triggers regarding psychological abuse relationships, and relationship with power imbalances, toxic relationship

Wordcount: 3.998 k how cool 😂

Notes: Can’t believe we are already in the 9th chapter! what a trip! hehe Anyways, like it was said in the warnings... it gets a bit angsty

Cregan was nervous

Really nervous 

His room was a mess, his bed completely covered by clothes, his own clothes, that he had tried on and then discarded for different reasons

“This one is too formal”

“This one has a small hole in it”

“This one makes you look like a creep”

“This one makes you look like you just ended filming Aegon’s conquest history channel remake“

All commented by Jace

“Dude it is going to be fine! just a shirt and some jeans will do”, said Jace, “maybe a button up shirt with jeans, clean jeans…”

“I want to make this special”, he said, “like, enough that it looks like I care… but not enough that she thinks she is under dressed”, he continued

“Wow”

“I really like her, I want this to go well”, he looked at Jace in the eyes, making him smile

“Where are you taking her?”, he asked

“To that place with Yitish food?”

“Oh it's cool”

“Right? I mean, it is not very fancy, but is a treat, the place looks amazing, and it has a great variety of food you know, plenty to pick up from… and it's kind of intimate too, but not that fancy that we are nervous because of it…?”

“She is going to love it”, he said, confidently, “I’m happy for you guys, even though you just met, I can tell there is something going on”

Then Cregan’s phone dinged, he grabbed it and smiled when he realized it was a text from you, but then he got serious

“What?”, asked Jace

“She canceled”, he said, sadness sneaking into his eyes

“Why?”, asked Jace, “did she say?”

“She said she is very sorry, but she can’t make it, and that I please don’t hate her for it”

“Oh man”, whined Jace, “I know she likes you, maybe she got too nervous”, he tried

“Yes, maybe I jumped the gun, maybe I was too fast”, Jace twisted his lips, “well… I hope I didn’t make it awkward”

“You didn’t”

“I was really looking forward to it”, he whispered, “I wonder what happened”

“Well lucky for us… we have a man on the inside”

. . .

You hugged into the pillow tighter as you fell someone opening the door, embracing yourself for the coming storm that was your roommate

“Heeey!”, she sang, “how are the preparations going?”, whe she saw you, laying on the bed, you heard her stop in her tracks, “what happened? why aren’t you getting ready for your date?”, you sniffed, couldn’t hold it together

“I can’t go on a date with Cregan”, you whined

“Why not? you were so excited”, she asked

“He was here…”, you whined, “my ex, Aemond was here…”

48 hours before

You had your morning free, and so did Cregan, so he had accepted to pose for you for the photography class 

You met in the park that joined all the buildings together

He was waiting for you, so handsome, still in winter clothes, so were you

As soon as he saw you, he drew a big smile that made your heart jump within your chest. You smiled widely

“Ready for some pictures?”, he asked

“Oh I hope you are ready”, you teased

You grabbed him by the hand and dragged him to an evergreen tree that was in the main part of the park, it was huge, with purplish-red leaves and a white color on its branches and trunk, it was breathtaking, you knew here in the North they called it “the heart tree”

One of the branches hangs low, so it was perfect for Cregan to stand in front of it, the beautiful leaves in the background 

“Watch the ISO and the exposure”, he said as he smiled at you, entertained

“Oh no, I’m using automatic”, you mocked, his face got all serious and you snapped a picture

“Hey…”, he protested

“Am I the teacher’s pet or not?”, you teased, he laughed wholeheartedly 

“Alright”, he said posing. He had control of his “model face”, he was so handsome you were thankful you had the camera hiding your face or else he would see clearly how nervous you were.

“I’m thinking something…”, you whispered

“What?”, you pushed him into the tree, he laughed, a couple of leaves frames his face, and you snapped photos, of the beautiful leaves, and his laughing face in the background

“YES!”, you cheered, checking the pictures, they were great

“Can I see?”

“Oh no”, you teased, “you will have to wait”, he hadn't showed you the pictures, you were not going to show him yours yet

“Wanna grab a cup of coffee?”

“Yes”, you said back, you started your walk towards a small cafeteria just outside of campus

“Is the cold getting to you yet?”, he asked 

“No, its fine”, you whispered, “I like it”, you entered the small coffee shop, as the rest of the campus, it was made of old stone, had a nice, ancient but cozy sense to it, nice warm lights, wooden tables and vintage coffee machines, cozy seats with wooden cushion made of soft, old colors, it was so beautiful 

“How do you like your coffee?”, you let him invite you, as you smiled coyly at him

“An Ashford with a spoonful of chocolate, no lactose milk, two sugars”, you said with a shy smile

“You have a sweet tooth” he muttered looking at you with a smile on his face, “I like that”, poor barista felt like she was intruding while you undress each other with only your eyes 

“How do you take yours Ser?”, you teased back

“Dornish”, he finally broke the spell and talked to the woman, “semi-skimmed, a spoonful of cinnamon, one brown sugar please”

You had to take a mental note of that

You took your coffees and sat on a cozy table by the corner

“What do you think about Friday?”, he asked, “for our date?”

“I’d love to”, you answered with a big smile, it was two days from now, “where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise”, he said

“Uh, what about the dress code?”, you teased

“Mmm”, he hummed, “I’ll leave it to you”

“oh c’mon!”, you whined, “you have to give me something!”, you teased, he shook his head, he looked at your cup and smirked

“Now, I don’t want to push it and get between a girl and her caffeine, but… “ he said with a smile, “I am curious about your beverage”

“That’s funny, I am curious about yours”, you teased, “so specific and exotic”

“Let’s do it then”, you looked into his eyes as he looked into yours, you passed each other's coffees, fingers touching

The taste was strong, but comforting, much like Cregan himself, so foreign to you and yet, it felt kind of homey

He moaned softly, catching your attention

“So creamy..”, he whispered, his intense gaze on you

“Yours not so bad itself”, you whispered, completely flustered.

His gaze was on you, yours was on him, the smell of chocolate, coffee and cinnamon was in the air… the heat from the small wood heater warm your body as the sip of the coffee had, soon, Cregan was too far for your own comfort, he seemed to notice, moving on his spot to come close to you 

“I bet it tastes even better… if I do this…” Cregan leaned in, and you felt your heart in the back of your throat, a cinnamon taste in your mouth

He was going to kiss you, you closed your eyes and puckered your lips like a tennager in those cheesy romcoms, but the kiss never came

“HEY GUYS!”, Ben joined you at the table, clearly oblivious to what was going on, Cregan and you separated as the other burned your skin, trying to make him believe nothing had happened

Shit fuck

“Hey dude”, said Cregan with an embarrassed smile, “how that paper coming?”,

“Great”, he said, “you won’t believe what my economics professor did today…”, he started chitchatting, Cream arm was behind you, he didn't remove it as he got comfortable on the Long chair next to you, as he listened to his friend

You were about to kiss him

The boys started talking, you chipped in once in a while, but you had classes son after, so you apologized and left 

You were about to kiss Cregan… the taste of cinnamon still lingered on your lips, it was exhilarating, scary and exciting all at the same time

Besides photography you had six very demanding classes, and you needed to focus, your performance was way better than the one in Dragonstone, you were more invested, more dedicated and far more interested, but… the first semester was always the hardest, it was a hard contrast against highschool and…

You had a date with Cregan Stark

Oh gods

What were you going to wear? jeans? sneakers? boots? a dress with many layers so you won’t freeze to death?

Homeworks and research had you spend the rest of your day head down into the computer lab and wood workshop, trying to get ahead some work so you would have friday free

Also, you used a special program to develop the photos, the face of Cregan staring back at you his flirty eyes, his smile

He was so handsome… 

You wondered what he thought of you when he developed your photos.. no matter, you prepared the 5 photos of his portrait and were done for. Wanting to leave him for the next 48 hours until your date. 

Tomorrow you had design workshop, the most important class of them all 

You needed to get your head in the game, you were struggling, as many first years, but you needed to keep the work up, and even though you wanted it, bad, you couldn’t get distracted with Cregan.

28 hours before

But as you were preparing to get out of your room the next morning, Sara already had left, you opened the door, and gasped

Finding someone else at your doorstep, wanting to knock on the door

“Aemond”, you whispered, wide-eyed and shaking, he smiled softly, his eye twinkling

“Hey stranger”

You were cutting classes for him, as you looked at him flinching, squinting your eyes as he sipped on his black coffee from the Arbour, no sugar, no happiness, pure bitterness. He made a sour face and let the coffee sit a bit away from him

“This place is… picturesque”, he said like he was looking at a week-old roadkill

“I like it, it was character”, you said defensively

“Of course you do”, he said mockingly. You watched him expectantly, you started playing some sort of sick game, whoever speaks first, looses 

He looked back at you, and then he drew an amused smirk

“Well, I think you proved your point”, he lost

“What do you mean?”, you asked

“You punished me, ghosted me, fled from me, you proved that you can be independent, I learned my lesson, now let’s go back South”

“I didn’t come here to prove anything to you”, you said, “and much less to punish you”

“Did you get my emails?”, he continued

“No”, you lied, and he knew you did, because he smiled, “I did a week ago, what does that have to do with anything?”

“I told you I was coming…”, he said, “I told you you tricked me, that woman tried to babytrap me”

“Did she trapped you with her vagina?”, you whispered angrily leaning over the table, “what was it? a carnivorous plant? Were you an innocent fly?”

“Stop it!”, he whispered back, “you are being childish”

“And you are being borderline a psychopath”, you said back, “is over between us Aemond, you cheated on me, we are done”, he smirked

“When did fighting for your relationship stop being romantic?”, he asked

“I told you…”, you were getting angry, and he had barely moved his lips, he was fresh as a lettuce, so, you needed to calm down, “I don’t want to work things out, cheating is a deal breaker”

“And I’m telling you… I think you should reconsider”, he said simply

“Why would I?”, you asked back, “is not like we are married with two kids, Aemond…”

“Not yet darling…” he said with a smile once it would have made your legs turn to jelly, “I’m thinking it would be foolish to throw it all away, many thought we were the perfect couple, we had the looks, the money, the influence… all of it”, you rolled your eyes, “we are perfect for each other”

“No we are not”, you said, your lip trembling.

The worst part is? He could manipulate you, he could make you believe his words, right now, sitting in front of him, you felt powerless, even though now you were in your university, across the continent, with your friends, your terrain…

He still had that power over you

“See, I think we are”, he said

“You… never took me seriously”, you whispered, “you made me change colleges, you were willing to sacrifice my future…”

“I never make you do anything”, he said simply, your eyes filled with tears, “you did on your own volition, you decided to go to the best school on the country on your own”

“I didn't”, you whined

“You did it because you knew it was the right thing to do”

“Aemond I don’t want to be with you anymore”

“Why, because I looked away once?”

“You fucked my teacher Aemond, a professor of the school”, you said, “my mentor, the only one who gave a shit about me”

“Well, now we know why, don’t we?”, you froze, “she used you to get to me, she targeted you… to use you to get to me”

You believed him

“Aemond, you fucked her”

“I know”, he said, seriously, “I fell for it, but now, I’m telling you that I regret it, that it might just be the biggest mistake of my life, because I lost you”

“You are sad because you lost the founding for your father’s campaign”, you said bitterly, he smirked

“We are perfect for eachother”, he said, “we belong together”

“Aemond, this whole thing made me realize that… we are not so perfect for each other, we want different things”, you whispered, “you want… I don’t know, global domination, power, a public life, I don’t want any of those things”, he only looked at you, angrily

“Are are together since the tenth grade”

“I know”, you said, “and it was beautiful, innocent and sweet, but we are not kids anymore”

“No, you are right”, he said, “we are no longer kids, what we do, the decisions we make, matter and affect those around us…”, you frowned, not knowing what he meant, “Now I know, you shared that picture to damage me as well”, he said bitterly

“I didn’t share that picture”, you said firmly, “I just wanted out”

“You wanted revenge, you got rid of her because you wanted her gone”

“That’s not true”, you whispered, “Maris Baratheon stole the picture from my phone and spread it around, not me…”

“Either way, you took it”, he said, “You spread that photo of us”, he said with venom in his voice, “Do you want to play that game?”

“I didn't spread anything!”, you said back

“Do you know what I can get out there? from you?”

Your world stopped spinning as you looked at the man across from you

He had nude pictures of you

Things you had sent him, and he had taken screenshots of, you knew because you received the notification. WHen you confronted him, he gave you this whole speech, that he was your boyfriend and there had to be trust between you, that is “how relationships work”

“Are you threatening me?”, he chuckled darkly

“No darling, I… just… pointing out the trust we had for each other”, nothing, because you didn’t have nude pictures of him, he never send you one, and the ones he did, you didn’t take screenshots, “the things we had shared, and lived… together”

It was a threat

A single tear fell from your cheek

“Now now, why are you crying?”, he asked innocently

“Aemond let it go, you are in Dragonstone, I bet you can find someone better than me, someone that wants the same things as you”, you said softly 

“No one like you babe”, he whispered 

“Aemond, we are not getting back together”, you said firmly

“I don’t think you are thinking clearly”, he repeated, “we love each other, I came all the way up here for you!”

“I didn't ask you to!”, you fought

“Together, we have money, influence, power, together we have a future…!”, he continued

“I wonder who benefits more from all of this”, you whispered 

“...And we love each other”, he continued

“Not anymore Aemond…”, you tried to stand up, but he stopped you, grabbing your hand

“I’m here for three more days”, he said, “I advise you to think about it, or else… I might let someone steal your pictures from my phone like Maris stole yours”, you paled, releasing yourself, and exiting the cafeteria, you could still make the second part of your class after the recess

But you couldn’t focus

He wouldn’t do that, would he?

No…

He would, you knew he would, he would spread them all around Dragonstone campus, and perhaps even here, but you didn’t know they would fly here

Your face was in those pictures 

4 hours earlier 

Your nerves had been on edge since yesterday, you thought about it even, coming back to him, but you couldn't, if he was going to post those pictures fine, you could not live your life blackmailed by your ex boyfriend

You met Aemond again, this time, in the fanciest restaurant in town, way out of your budget but enough for me, you found him sitting there, sipping a cup of wine

You in jeans and a sweatshirt under your jacket, you tried to ignore his disgusted face

“I thought this palace could be ideal to celebrate”, he said softly

“Celebrate what?”, you asked shyly

“That we are recuperating what we once had, because of course you regained your senses” he served you whine

“I don’t think you are understanding what is going on”, you warned, he sighed, apparently giving up

“This place has changed you…”

“Thankfully”, you said sharply. He looked at you, he got angry, you could tell, he already knew by looking back at you that you were not going to budge, that you were not going to crawl back to him

“Not really”, he said bitterly

“Aemond, I’m not going back together with you”, you said firmly, “my life is here now”

“Your life? away from your family? and your friends?”, he mocked

“My friends are here now, and I see my family any time I want”, you defended

“in a second-rate school?’

“Is the best school on my field”

“Design”, he mocked, “do you think here, alone, by yourself, can you achieve all the things i can give you? easily?”, he was lashing out, and you were going to take all his heat

“I want to discover it”, you said simply, he frowned, you could tell 

“Do you think you can find someone who is going to love you as much as I do?”, he continued, you stopped moving, “who can give you all the things I can?”, you only looked at him, “you will never found someone like me, especially not with that guy you are shamelessly walking and talking to”, now you were scared

“How do you know?”, you asked, and then you shook your head, “Aemond, I really hope so”, you said back, “I really hope I never find anyone like you ever again”, you were to stand up

“I made you”, he bit out, “I made you the person you are today, I gave you everything, you were just an orphan when we started dating you had nothing… I gave you connections, I introduced you to my family, and my friends in Dragonstone”, you only looked at him with pity, “last chance… are you going to throw all of it away?”, he asked

“I already did”, you bit back, “Don’t ever contact me again Aemond”, you whispered, “I thought we could be civil, but if this is how you want to ends things, so be it, I don’t ever want to see you again”

“That is going to be difficult in political events”, he mocked

“I’m going liberal”, you answered blankly, “And your friends all acted like they had sticks up their asses, oh and Aemond? Apart from Helaena, your family SUCKS! your brother has hired sex workers and he is only 21, and has a drinking problem, your grandfather and father are creeps and your mother Aemond, your mother is in a religious cult!” you said before you storm out of the restaurant 

And that is how Sara found you, curled up in your bed, sobbing

When the adrenaline of the rage and the heat of the fight abandoned you, you started crying and couldn’t stop

You were sad, scared of what Aemond could do, and in hysterics, because you still believe what he says, because he had power over you

What if nobody ever loves you?

When she entered Sara saw the state you were in and went to hug you tightly

At least you did have friends, you did, good friends, with even only two months of meeting them you knew that you loved 

“What happened?”, she asked. And you told her everything

. . .

It took you all night and the rest of Saturday to regain your composure, you knew you owed Cregan an explanation.

So you went with Sara to their palace, half an hour before they had invited you to play board games with the rest of the group, and order from The Tavern Wings and Beer, you really thought Jace and Sara had made this up for you and Cregan to talk, because you knew Jace had asked Sara why you canceled your date

As soon as you entered the apartment, Jace and Sara locked themselves in the kitchen with lame excuses, leaving you and Cregan alone

“I’m sorry Cregan”, you said, he could see how sad you were, and he wanted more than anything to console you, “I really do like you, but I don't want to string you along, really I… my ex did a number on me, and he paid me an undesired visit yesterday, and I realized I’m just not ready to date yet”, you said, finally looking at him, “but I really do want you close, and hang out with you, do you think you can settle for a friendship first?”, he smiled softly

“Of course I can”, he said, “thank you for telling me”, you begged him, with your eyes, even without releasing it, and he couldn’t help it, he hugged you against his chest, and you immediately hugged him back

“I’m sorry”, you whispered against his chest

“You have nothing to be sorry for” he said, caressing your back

Jacaerys and Sara were clearly listening, when they gout out of the kitchen with big smiles on their faces

“Let’s warm up before the rest get here”, said Jace

“I think we all need to sign agreements before a notary that clearly stated that what is going to happen here, when i completely destroy at “Iron Bank property” is not going to affect our relationship with you guys”, you laughed 

“Oh I agree”, tease Sara, “But when we play ruins of old Valyria, that is when I’m burning you all”

Baela and Rhaena, Alysanne, Ben, Jon, and you four

It was so much fun

Perhaps tomorrow everyone was going to know how you looked naked, but tonight? you were going to enjoy it 

If you still had your friends by your side, you had nothing to be afraid of.

More notes: now we are done, we are not going to be seeing that fucker anymore, for the time being, I mean, he got the message, he won't try to get with reader again, but he might be mentioned or show up in the future when they run into eachtoher

I edited a sentence int he discussion about Alicent, not fair what I wrote, I edited it

taglist! ❤️

@mxtokko @princesssterek @thefandomimagines @iamavailablesstuff @misspascalpunk @sweethoneyblossom1 @ipostwhtifeel @lunamoonbby @ahristata @watercolorskyy @yazzzmints @n4tforlife @littleshadow17 @alexa4040 @speedyballoonpainter @hc-geralt-23 @rayrayredpanda @eralen @yentroucnagol @valeskafics @iloveallmyboys @schadenfreude-and-sarcasm @ttkttt @aleemendoza2425-blog @drwstarkeyy @casualfansoul @urmomsgirlfriend1 @bruher 

#misguidedneed #cregan #cregan stark #cregan x y/n #cregan x reader #cregan stark x reader #aemond targaryen #aemond x reader #house of the dragon #hbo house of the dragon

[written-in-flowers]

Fly Away: Part 1

Pairing: Young!Aemond x Young!Velaryon!Reader | Side pairing: Rhaenyra x Alicent

Genre: Fluff, Angst

Au: friends to lovers, childhood love, incest (duh), slight homophobia expressed, repressed feelings, mutual pining, teenage runaways, mentions of bullying, arrange marriages

Word Count: 8k

Summary: Young love overcomes all in a family full of broken bonds and broken hearts. When Princess Y/N Velaryon and Prince Aemond Targaryen are discovered missing from their beds, their mothers must come together to find them. The search might do more for their families than a mere marriage pact can. 

A/N: want to clarify now that we stick with young!Aemond throughout the story. Ewan’s Aemond comes in at the very end. This is mainly done starting a bit before The Princess and the Queen and a little bit after the events at Driftmark. I do pull some scenes from the show, but it remains relatively loose throughout. Want to also point out that The Dance doesn’t happen in this universe, so...happy ending expected, because we need more of those.  

Tagged: @yitish​

Next Chapter > Part 2

Part 1: A Marriage Proposal

"What?"

The word came out before you stopped yourself. You stared at your mother from across the table in disbelief. She stared back with a mixture of expectancy and slight irritation. You sensed she did not fully approve of the match either, but saw no other choice. She'd be insulting the King, your grandsire, and the Queen, her stepmother, if she declined it. 

"This match will strengthen the bond between our houses, and relieve any strife that has come between them. The King agreed with me," she continued. "He believes it will heal the bonds that have been damaged for so long."

"Oh please," you scoffed, crossing your arms and leaning back in your chair. "They have no interest in mending anything."

Your mother hesitated for a moment, not looking away from you but not seeing you either. She appeared to have drifted off. You thought for a moment she’d consider your words, run off to The Queen, and say ‘no’. The subject of betrothal had hung in the air around The Red Keep for some time. Girls younger than you are promised to young lords, and married soon afterwards. You’d always hoped you might be given a choice like your mother, even though your grandsire eventually picked for her when she became indecisive. You knew it’d come up eventually, you just hoped she might provide a list or send you off to meet suitors. 

"You are my eldest daughter," she finally came back. "You are three-and-ten, and have already begun your flowering. It is time you married, and who better than Prince Aemond?"

Yes, who better? 

"So many. Why can't you marry Jace to Helaena? Surely, that is a better match. Jace will be heir to the throne when you take the crown. Helaena will be his queen. It’s a far better proposal in the long run."

"The Queen…declined the proposal and answered with this one instead.” 

Naturally, she would. Out of all of Rhaenyra’s children, you are the only one with the silver hair of the Valryian line. Your younger brothers were born with brown curls and dark brown eyes. It brought up suspicion because your father, Ser Laenor, was dark skinned and silver haired. Queen Alicent must've not wanted to marry her only daughter to a base-born boy, even if the rumors have never been proven. You huffed. Why did it even matter? Jace is your mother's son, and she is Targaryen. Now, you'd be forced to marry Aemond. Aemond Targaryen, your uncle despite him being your age. That was what happened when your grandsire married a young woman and fathered four children on her. 

"Aemond isn't a bad boy," she tried comforting you. "He's a bit withdrawn and quiet, but would you prefer to marry Aegon? The drunken fool who likes to bed whores?" She waited for a response, and never received one. "Besides, you and Aemond won't marry for some time. When you do, you'd only ever have to see him at formal occasions and on the nights when it's time to make children."

You rolled your eyes. A loveless marriage, then. It crushed you. Whenever you pictured being married, you envisioned yourself marrying someone who loved you. Whether it be Jace or Luke or some other lord you meet by chance. You wanted a person who loved you like Ser Harwin had loved your mother; a strong, capable man who'd do anything for you. You hated it. You picked at a loose thread on your sleeve to avoid looking at her. 

“I know exactly how you feel, little dove,” she said to you, putting her hand on yours. “I reacted the same way when I was approached about marriage. I never saw being a wife and mother in my future, but here we are now. As women of the realm, we have a responsibility to uphold and continue our family lines and make alliances. Having a strong alliance with House Targaryen ensures the bonds between our houses do not break.”

“I thought I’d get a choice…”

“We all hope we get a choice,” she said, petting your hand. “Unfortunately, as women in this world, we don���t always have one. But, fortunately for you, you’re marrying a boy who is your age and is not bad looking.”

“Ugh, Mother,” you groaned. 

“It’s not as if you and Aemond are total strangers. You’ve known him your entire life.”

“I rarely speak to him.”

“Well, now you have a chance to change that. You can suggest going for a walk or meeting in the library. You both like books. You can talk about those,” she offered. She waited for you to respond, and then she patted your hand. “This might not be your decision, little dove, but you can certainly choose to make it easier. Aemond isn’t cruel or brutish. He’s gentle. I think if you took time to know him better, you might come to like him? Maybe a little? Gods forbid we strong Valyrian women actually fall in love, but liking someone can’t hurt, could it?” 

You thought about Aemond. He was a year or so older than you. Shorter than his brother, he wasn't as strong or quick as you like. He didn't say much. He mostly stared and remained quiet. You did not speak to him often, despite having grown up side-by-side. The boys usually went off on their own while you stayed with Helaena, an angel who loved insects, music and dancing. What would you say? What would you do?

“I suppose I could be doing worse,” you sighed, resting your head on the table in defeat. 

“You could be betrothed to Aegon,” your mother finished for you. 

“No, I could be betrothed to Jaceryes.”

She laughed at this and kissed your head.   

He nodded when his mother told him the news, accepting the proposal and telling her he’d perform his duty. But, deep inside, Aemond grinned. He’d be marrying Y/N Velaryon, the prettiest girl in the entire realm. Well, at least, to him you were. She suggested he take you for a stroll in the palace gardens. If you two talked alone without Aegon or the other boys disrupting things, you might learn more about one another. He put on his best clothes, took a deep breath and walked out into the garden. He guessed you’d be standing by the railing overlooking the ocean. Aemond knew you liked to stop by that particular spot because it gave you the best view of the vast ocean beyond. That was exactly where he found you when he finally reached the area. 

You looked beautiful. You wore a dress of pale blue, the golden threading and silk fabric bringing out the color in your skin, causing you to have a unique glow about you. He’d never felt so lucky in his life. Aegon and the others often bullied and teased him, but they couldn’t after today. Not when he had you as his betrothed. If he could not have a dragon, he can at least have a beautiful wife. Even as a girl of thirteen, you outshone every person in the room. Aemond doesn’t know exactly when he first noticed your beauty; it sort of became a fact. It became something he simply knew and appreciated. 

“Princess,” he called out to you. His heart jumped into his throat when you looked at him, and he suddenly forgot what words were. 

“Hello, Aemond.” 

He gulped down the blockage in his throat, and glanced at the scenery behind you. The sunshine made the waves glimmer, and gave light to passing ships. “Watching the ships again?” he asked, approaching you with his hands behind his back. 

“Yes,” you turned back to them. “I like to play a game when I watch them pass by,” you said carefully, as if finding words to say and worried he might laugh. 

“What game?” he asked, standing beside you. He caught a whiff of jasmine in the passing winds. Was that you or the flowers? He hoped it was you. 

“I look at the sails on each of the ships, and then try to guess what it could be bringing,” you answered when you saw he wasn’t teasing you. “Like that one,” you pointed to a galley ship with orange sails. “That’s one of the ships coming from the Free Cities. I like to think it’s a Pentoshi merchant bringing exotic spices and wine to sell in the market.”

“I don’t think it’d bring wine,” he said. “Aegon says Pentoshi wine is watery and weak compared to strongwine.”

“Is it really?”

“I wouldn’t know,” he shrugged. “I don’t really drink as much wine as him.”

“Nobody drinks as much wine as Aegon,” you giggled. 

He couldn’t help joining you. Right as your laughter died, he heard a slight rustle from behind him. Aemond looked around to see the garden walls enclosing the semi-circular space. He briefly thought Aegon or Jace might be hiding, waiting to scare them, but then you spoke again. 

“Oh, there’s another ship from Pentos!” you pointed to a ship coming into port with aquamarine sails and a seahorse sigil on them. 

“Not every foreign ship is from Pentos, Y/N,” he laughed softly at your naivety. He found it sweet where others might see it as dumb. “It could easily be from Braavos, Myr, Lys…Anywhere.” 

“Anywhere but here…”

He heard your tone of voice change, and saw the light in your eyes fade. Aemond hated that. He hated seeing you upset. He didn’t know exactly why, but it upset him all the same. He stood closer and said, “What’s wrong?”

“Have you ever wondered what it’d be like if we weren’t born into our families?” 

The question took him aback for a second, but he immediately understood your meaning. “Sometimes,” he admitted, “Especially when Aegon’s your older brother.”

“Not only because of that…” you picked at a piece of thread on your sleeve, “Because…then we’d have more freedom.”

“Freedom?”

“Yes. People outside the keep are able to live how they want, do what they want and marry who they want. They don’t have to worry about traditions or duties or live up to anyone’s expectations,” you continued. “I’m a Velaryon princess and my mother says it’s my duty to marry and carry on the Valyrian blood lines and mend bonds. How can I be expected to do that when our parents hate each other?”

“They don’t hate each other.” 

He knew this to be a lie already. Aemond couldn’t count all the times he overheard his mother talking to Ser Criston about his sister, Princess Rhaenyra. How his father tended to favor her over his other children, her children; how he always came around the corner to her aide, but did not do the same for her children. The biggest one was the obvious fact that Jaceryes and Luceryes are clearly not full-blooded Velaryons. She said they bore a ‘strong’ resemblance to Harwin Strong, former Commander of the City Watch. He knew the reason she’d chosen you to marry into her family is because you’re the only one who cannot be contested. You have your father’s skin and your mother’s hair. 

“Yes, they do. They think we’re too young and stupid to realize it, but I see how your mother looks at my mother, and how she looks in return.” Something hung on the tip of your tongue. He sensed a suspicion you’d never speak out loud. “I don’t know what happened, but I don’t believe our marriage is going to fix anything. It’ll only make things more complicated.” You turned back to the ocean, “That’s why I wished I lived in a different world, a different place.”

He hesitated to ask, but he couldn’t help himself, “Would you still want to marry me in this different world?”

You didn’t answer right away. “I…I don’t know. Possibly. Maybe. If you were nice in that different world.”

He nearly argued that he is nice. He’s nice to you. It isn’t easy for him to get along with too many people. This is the longest he’s spoken to you before, and he’s known you for ages. Despite living in the same castle, your lives never fully intersected as yours did with Helaena. Helaena told him you were so kind and thoughtful with her. You’d go bug-hunting and examine them together. You listened to her talk about them without appearing bored, and engaged in conversation with her. He saw how you always stayed at her side at formal occasions. You’re both girls, even if Helaena is older than you, and you have the same Septa. Aemond often envisioned himself striding up to you, confident and charming, and somehow magically wooing you. 

But, you’re not the swooning type. 

He heard the garden wall rustle again, and this time he fully stared at the spot. Aegon. It must be. It’d be like him to make time out of his day to torment him; he’d like it twice as much with you as his audience. Aemond refused to be humiliated in front of you. He then said, “Do you like strawberries?”

“Yes, everybody does,” you snorted at the obvious question. 

“I found this part of the garden where they’ve been growing. Do you want to see if they’re still there with me?”

“Sounds delightful.” 

He prepared himself for a scare or Aegon to suddenly appear. However, when you both reached the enclosure’s entrance, he saw nobody. He continued staring around the garden path as if he’d see his brother any second. 

“Is something wrong?” you asked him, walking slowly beside him. 

“I think Aegon’s watching us.”

“Ugh,” you grunted, “It’d be like him to be watching us. He’s probably waiting around the corner with a bucket or something awful to splash on us or scare us with.” You crossed your arms, “He’s so vile.”

“I put a snake in his bed once,” he told you. When you looked his way, he nodded, “Aegon’s deathly afraid of snakes. He has been ever since he found a little one swimming around in his wineskin during a hunt and nearly swallowed it. One day, he’d humiliated me in front of a group of people like he always does, and I found this little garden snake when I went to see Helaena. I took it, put it in my pocket, and snuck into Aegon’s room while he was sleeping.” He laughed, recalling his brother’s high-pitched screams when he lifted his sheets to see the seven-inch long snake in his sheets, sliding up his leg. “I’d never seen anyone run so fast. He bursted out of his room, crying and squirming all around like this,” he wriggled his arms and legs around until you laughed, then said, “It doesn’t help that Aegon sleeps naked too.”

“And there were people around, weren’t there?”

“Loads!”

This is what he wanted. He wanted to be interesting and clever and charismatic like Ser Criston. He wanted to make you laugh and smile. It felt good hearing you laugh at his stories and he liked listening to yours in return. Aemond enjoyed his time with you. He liked it even more when you both found the strawberry patch. 

****

Alicent couldn’t help herself. She’d meant to go to the small council meeting this morning, but when she spotted Aemond headed for the gardens, she changed course. They can do without her for one meeting. She kept herself a few paces back so her son didn’t catch on; Aemond isn’t like Aegon, who is oblivious to everything around him. He’s sharper and more observant. He’d pick up on her presence before she even realized he noticed her. So, quietly, she moved through the garden paths until Aemond reached the enclosure overlooking the ocean. He must’ve known you’d be there considering his confident steps and direction. The romantic thought that he might’ve asked to meet there dawned on her. 

Because Aemond, despite what he says otherwise, is a romantic. She’s found the poetry he hides in his chambers, and the books he reads in his freetime. He does read the philosophies and histories of people and places before him, but between them, he read fairy tales and poetry written by unrelenting romantics. She noticed his favorites were King Jaeheryes and Queen Alysanne, since he tended to mention them in his poems or journals. Alicent tried giving her son his privacy; she hated it when her own mother had done it, and refused to pry on her own children, but it touched her deeply. She’d once been that way. She’d read the same stories and poems he read, and imagined a life different from the one she led now. 

A life with someone whom she’d once loved, and who’d once loved her. 

Standing right at the edge of the garden wall, Alicent pulled apart two vines and looked through to the other side. She spotted Aemond standing near Rhaenyra’s daughter, Y/N. You are truly a lovely girl; you had Laenor’s tanned skin and Rhaenyra’s shade of silver in your thick hair. You’d done it in a plait today, letting it go down your back. Her son tried hiding his excitement, but a mother knows these things. You and Aemond were similar, whether you liked admitting it or not. Alicent saw it in the way you expressed interest in Viserys’s Old Valyria model and read stories to him from the age. Aemond studied the same books. She watched her son watching you, admiring you as if you were a flower blooming before his eyes. He looked at you as if nothing else in the world mattered…and he’s only fourteen.

Footsteps approached, and Alicent looked over to see someone coming. 

“Rhaenyra?” 

“Alicent?” 

The princess looked stunned to see her. She walked closer, and said, “Should you not be at the small council?”

“Shouldn’t you?” 

Rhaenyra paused, but then nodded. She took up a spot right next to her, and pushed her own vines apart. For a brief moment, Alicent went back in time. She and Rhaenyra once did this to hide from their septa. They’d wanted to go for a walk and seek out the strawberry bushes that grow every year. The pair of them liked sitting in the gardens on the good days, eating berries, drinking sweetmilk and reading to one another. Alicent did most of the reading and Rhaenyra did most of the picking. But, their Septa often kept a leash on them in those days. Alicent knew why she watched them so closely. Her father. It all led back to her father. A seed of resentment grew inside her, but she quickly squashed it out. 

“What’s happening?” Rhaenyra asked her. “Have they talked yet?”

“Not yet. He’s…He’s been staring at her. I don’t think he’s realized he hasn’t said anything.”

She smirked, “She scares him.”

“Of course she does.” When Rhaenyra looked her way, she said, “I meant that your daughter is a very beautiful girl, and Aemond is a shy boy. She probably intimidates him.”

Rhaenyra softened hearing this. “Yes, she’s really started growing into her looks, Laenor says.” She paused, “It reminds me of Hobert Tarly. Remember him?”

Alicent laughed softly and shook her head, “Oh gods, do I. The boy followed me around like a lost puppy. I did so much to avoid him, but it was like he knew where I’d be at all times.”

“Then when you did acknowledge him,” she snorted, “He nearly vomited.” 

Alicent laughed, and quickly realized her son stopped speaking. She and Rhaenyra stood still as Aemond considered their hiding spot for a moment, then turned back to you. She couldn’t hear anything you two said, but it didn’t matter. You appeared to be getting along. Alicent sighed in relief. At least one of the betrothals might end contently, if not happily. She turned back to Rhaenyra, who continued watching the children, and she couldn’t help looking. She saw the slight curve in the woman’s nose; the way she’d worn her hair today, loose strands falling past her shoulders. Alicent noticed the swollen belly underneath the gown. Another child that is most likely not Laenor Velaryon’s. How could she do this? How could she flaunt her obvious treason in front of everyone, expecting them to bow down and believe her? Alicent tried accepting the truth when Ser Criston told her what she’d done; her heart still yearned for Rhaenyra and her company. Then, she presented Jaceryes to the court. She’d told Viserys one child is a mistake, but two is an insult. Alicent couldn’t believe the woman she loved would do something so dishonorable. Then again, is she guilt free? 

When Alicent became queen, Rhaenyra distanced herself from her new stepmother and father. Alicent hoped with time, her childhood companion would grow to accept the situation and accept her. Rhaenyra must’ve known it was not Alicent’s idea. What young girl wants to marry a man old enough to be her father? She thought all hope of reconciliation was lost until the eve before Rhaenyra’s wedding.

Alicent recalled waking up in her bed to someone shaking her. She’d blinked back the blurriness of sleep to see Rhaenyra, silver haired and beautiful, sitting beside her. She noticed the princess wearing her riding clothes: gloves, trench coat and boots. Alicent found the attire strange at first, but seeing the determined look in Rhaenyra’s eyes explained everything. 

‘I’m leaving, and I want you to come with me.’

‘What? Now?”

‘Yes, now. We have a few hours before daylight. We can go now and be gone before they realize we’ve left.’

‘Rhaenyra…Leave? Just like that?”

‘Just like that.’

She remembered her hesitancy. Alicent saw herself, young and scared, afraid to make that jump into happiness. She made up thousands of excuses in her head: her son and daughter, her husband, her father, her family, and her life in Westeros. She couldn’t give into the obvious chance at freedom put before her. All her life she’d believed how she felt for Rhaenyra was wrong. Her father said so with his cryptic words of caution; her Septa repeatedly told her how marriage and love is between men and women only. She’d pushed her love so far down, she almost stopped feeling…until she’s right next to Rhaenyra. 

‘We can’t. We have to stay. You have to take The Iron Throne. If you leave, the realm will be thrown into uncertainty once again.’

‘I don’t care about that anymore. I love you, Alicent. It is you that I want; not the Throne or the Crown or the Seven Kingdoms. It is you I wish to be with like I said: fly away across the sea, seeing the wonders of the world and eating cake.’ 

‘You cannot leave your father.’

‘He will manage.’

‘He needs you.’

‘No, he doesn’t.’

‘He does. He will be shattered if you disappeared.’

‘Do you not wish to come with me?’

She had. All the Gods, old and new, knew that Alicent Hightower would have run away with her right then…if her own fears hadn’t stopped her. 

“They’re coming,” Rhaenyra hissed. 

She took Alicent’s arm and pulled her into a hedge along the wall. The two women stood in silence as Aemond and you came out of the enclosure. They didn’t hold hands, but she heard them laugh in the distance. Rarely did she see her son socialize so much; he never talked often. They waited until the couple moved further down to leave their spot. She realized he was taking you to the strawberry patch. She imagined the pair of you sitting by the fountain, a pile of strawberries and cream between you, and giggling over a funny story. She saw her son’s eyes glistening at the sight of you, full of admiration and possibly slight fear of rejection. He’d take your hand, say something comforting, and you’d smile and touch him in return. 

“They make a handsome couple,” Rhaenyra broke the silence. 

“They do.”

They’re alone. Alicent realized this when she noticed nobody was around them. No servants, no footmen, no guards and lords or ladies. She painfully recalled how they relished in this solitude together. She swallowed the lump in her throat and turned to Rhaenyra. 

“They’re going to the strawberry patch,” she said, hands clasped in front of her. “I told Aemond about it so he might take her there.”

Rhaenyra smiled, “I’ve been suggesting to Y/N that she should wear blue dresses. It brings out the color in her eyes.” 

Right there. She could’ve said everything she felt in her chest right then and there and nobody else will hear it. She could say ‘I miss you’ or ‘I hope their marriage brings our families together’ or ‘I wish we’d left that night and I regret every time I’m awake at night alone’. Every time Alicent is sure her feelings are dead, moments like these revive them. 

“We should,” Rhaenyra began, “Go to the small council meeting. The King will notice our absence.” 

“Or,” Alicent said carefully, “We can follow the children to the strawberry bushes? Just to make sure they get there alright and don’t misbehave? I’m sure His Grace will understand that a mother's concern for her children highly outranks the problems of a kingdom.”

Rhaenyra looked her over for signs of dishonesty, unsure of how to respond, but then sneered, “Yes, I think that matter is much more important. They are betrothed after all, and should have chaperones with them to make sure nothing inappropriate happens. Who knows? We might come upon some strawberries ourselves.”

“We just might.” 

It felt like the old days again. 

****

You continued seeing Aemond around the keep. Your mother often asked you how you felt about him, but you never gave a straight answer. You found Aemond to be surprisingly good company. He might be a bit timid at first, but once he is comfortable, he talks a lot. He talks about dragons, books, and poems he’d recently read. He tells you stories he heard from Aegon about things going on outside the castle. Nobody truly gave you attention like Aemond did. He listened to you when you started rambling about your family or a problem that worried you. He comforted you if he ever saw you become upset, and immediately did his best to keep you happy. The only people who did that for you were your parents. 

Aemond sometimes joined you and Helaena in sewing circles when he grew tired of Aegon’s company. You liked having him there. His presence seemed to relax Helaena more, and help her open up. You both listened to her talk about her interests, and her worries. Your shared love for Helaena made you closer. 

“Do you love my brother?” Helaena asked you in the godswood. You both went there to study when the weather was nice. She walked around the space looking for centipedes or caterpillars, which were currently her insect favorites. She knew you detested spiders, so she refrained from showing them to you. 

“What?” The question caught you off guard, causing you to look up from the book you’d been reading. It was a collection of historical accounts about the Yiti empire that Aemond gave you. 

“Do you love my brother?” she asked again, putting her hand into the dirt. 

“Um, uh, well…I don’t know, honestly.” You went back to your book, but did not read the page. “I enjoy his company and he is nice to me. But, I think that is the bare minimum in loving someone.”

“He loves you,” she said. 

“Is that what he told you?”

“No, I saw it in a dream.”

You paused. Helaena often had strange dreams. She told you about them in riddles, ones she didn’t understand herself but felt compelled to speak about them. She returned holding a centipede in her hand, letting it crawl over her fingers as she sat beside you. 

“In my dreams, I saw crashing waves.”

“Waves? The ocean?”

“I saw a dragon circling a meadow, unable to land but desperately wishing to,” she answered, examining her newest pet. “I felt its pain. I felt its longing for the meadow, for the peace and safety it brings.”

“What do you think it means? How is that related to Aemond?” 

“My brother has desired you for a long time. Lots of boys do, but he is the one you’re marrying one day. He wants you, but feels he can never truly have you.”

“That’s…perceptive.”

She gave a soft smile. “So, do you love my brother?”

“As I said, I do not know yet.”

She nodded comprehensively. “Perhaps my dreams are wrong. Perhaps they are only dreams. I never really know. They come to me, and tell me things, but…I can’t understand them. I can only feel them.” She looked up at you, “I hope you learn to love my brother. He deserves to be loved that way.” 

“I believe everyone does.”

“But him the most. He will need it.” 

You smiled, assuming it was a sister’s love wishing the best for her younger brother. The two of you continued sitting under the tree. You read her passages, and she told you things she knew about centipedes. 

“I heard Aunt Laena and Uncle Daemon might be coming back to Westeros once she has her baby,” you said to her walking back inside. “I hope they do. I wish to see Baela and Rhaena again. I only see them when my family visits Driftmark, and we haven’t gone in so long.” You smirked as you looked over at her, “Or did you see the outcome in your dreams as well?”

“It doesn’t work that way,” she replied. 

You wondered how it did work then. 

****

Rhaenyra sat in her apartment, still sweaty and aching between her thighs, and thought. Only an hour ago, she’d given birth to Joffrey, and Alicent asked to see the child. Rhaenyra knew why. She wanted to see if the child had Laenor’s coloring. Of course, he did not. Joffrey, even as a babe, had the thick brown hair and brown eyes of Harwin. Nothing ever cut as deeply. Whenever she felt her wounds closing, Alicent found a way to make them bleed again. Had she not done enough? Had she not shattered her heart enough times already? Rhaenyra thought after that night, her feelings for the Queen might have finally died out. She thought she might heal the broken pieces of her heart by marrying Laenor, having children, and finally finding love with Harwin. 

Instead, it only remained broken. 

She stayed seated, the exhaustion of her labors slowly dawning on her again, and looked to see Harwin holding Joffrey. He cradled the sleeping babe in the red and gold blanket. Harwin stood tall in his black armor and golden cloak; his thick beard was coarse and well trimmed. She hoped Jace might look the same one day. He, unfortunately, looked the most like Harwin with his curly hair and nose. It’d been Jaceryes who gave them away. 

“Hm, falling asleep in front of a lord commander,” he jested, “Shows such a lack of respect.”

She smiled weakly, “Insolence runs in the family, I’m afraid.”

It’d been Harwin she bedded once she married Laenor. However, her heart ached for another. Hours before her wedding day, she’d been laying in bed thinking of Alicent. Out of all the people in the world, Alicent Hightower truly owned her heart. She realized it when she agreed to marry Laenor, who was so certain of his desires. Alicent is who she’d felt most comfortable with. Alicent, who’d been forced to marry the King and keep their meetings a secret. She’d been wrong to distance herself from the person she loved so dearly. Rhaenyra decided she’d leave, and take Alicent with her. But, Alicent refused. She had her sons, and Rhaenyra had the throne. Them leaving would have caused instability and chaos in the castle. Remembering Alicent’s refusal doused any light left inside her. 

“She asked to see him, I suspect?” Harwin asked, breaking her from the memory. 

“She did.”

He huffed, “What a cruel woman. Right after your labors, as well.”

“She only wanted to see him.” 

“Yes, to see if he was a Strong.” 

Rhaenyra knew part of Alicent’s bitterness came from what she’d done with Harwin. She let the people around them suspect and whisper, but it’d been Alicent’s suspicions that hurt the most. Only Rhaenyra knew that her distaste did not come from upholding laws or families. It started on that night. Rhaenyra admitted she’d pushed away first, but she knew should Alicent extend her hand, she’d grab ahold of it right away. 

“I must sleep,” she said. “I feel I may collapse if I stay up much longer.”

“Of course.” 

Harwin rested Joffrey in his bassinet, and guided her towards her bed. Stripped of her bloody dress and washed clean of sweat and blood, she let Harwin dress and lay her on the sheets. Briefly, she noticed the brown in Harwin’s eyes and thought of Alicent. If they lived in a perfect world, it’d be Alicent helping her into bed. It’d be Alicent comforting her to sleep. Sadly, a perfect world never existed. Harwin eventually left the room so she may rest. Rest did not stay with her for long, as another person walked in. Hearing the soft humming, she knew it was you, her daughter. 

“Hello, baby brother,” she heard you coo. “I’m Y/N, your big sister.” 

She smiled softly to herself. She put her sheets to her chest, and looked over to where Joffrey’s cradle stayed. You noticed her watching you. 

“I’m sorry,” you said, “Did I wake you, Mother?”

“No, little dove,” she responded. “You’ll find it’s difficult to find rest when you’ve given birth. Everyone from all over will come to see the babe, wanting to hold them and touch them. He is a prince, after all.”

“He’s going to be a great knight,” you smiled, sitting in a chair and holding him. “Strong and mighty like…Like a dragon,” you added the last part quickly. “Joffrey has the blood of the dragon in him.” You rocked him gently, “He’ll be a strong dragonrider like you, Mother. Did you see the dragon egg Luke picked out for him? I heard it was from a new clutch of eggs. Maybe that means they’ll bond.”

“Perhaps,” she said, leaning against her pillows. “Why are you not in the dragon pit? I thought you’d be with Aemond.”

You froze at his name as you did every time. Rhaenyra thought after a few months of seeing one another, you might have developed feelings for the young prince. He is certainly smitten with you, but so are many other boys. 

“He didn’t want me to go,” you finally responded, stroking Joffrey’s head. “He told me he didn’t want me to watch him fail to bond with a dragon again. It means so much to him, Mother. He thinks he’s not a true Targaryen because he’s the only one without a dragon.”

“They’re a symbol of our power,” Rhaenyra reasoned. “His brother has one; his nephews and you all have one. It’s natural to want to belong and want things others have.”

“I told him it doesn’t matter to me whether he has a dragon or not.” 

Rhaenyra couldn’t help but smile. She will admit she hoped her daughter married a Targaryen with a rider. She imagined them flying together, like she’d once wished to with Alicent. But, she pushed that image deep into the back of her mind. 

“Will you see him after then?”

“Maybe. I don’t know.” You paused, thinking as you looked at Joffrey. “My brain becomes fuzzy whenever I think about him.”

“In a good way or a bad one?”

“I…I think in a good way,” you said, uncertainly. “I like Aemond as a friend. I enjoy talking to him and spending time with him and Helaena, but…what if I don’t fall in love with him?”

“Betrothal doesn’t mean you need to be in love with the person. You can be good friends. Not all betrothals need to be full of love or loveless. Your father and I were betrothed, and we’re happy.” 

“But, that isn’t what I wanted.” 

She knew what you wanted, because she’d wanted it too. You wanted a love to rival the ages. You wanted a love so strong and meaningful, it would live on forever in history. Mummurs, singers, and poets would dedicate works to your love. People would tell stories to their children as they’d done with Jaeheryes and Alysanne. Rhaenyra once hoped to have that same love. She had that love. She had it and it slipped through her fingers right as she reached for it. 

“Don’t worry, Joffrey,” you whispered, “You’ll get to pick who you marry. I’ll make sure of it.” 

Rhaenyra watched you holding him. You had all the looks a true Velaryon child should have. She thought, when she held you, that you’d become the strong, independent girl she’d been once. You had, but in a softer way. You enjoyed all the feminine arts your septa taught you, and liked music and dancing. You spoke your mind and opinions often, even if others did not like to hear them. Laenor said you reminded him of a dove, pure and peaceful, and the name stuck. You longed for freedom. She hated herself for being the one keeping her little dove caged, but it is for your own good. Aemond will make a good husband for you, she can tell. He truly admired you. She saw it the first day you’d spent together. She knew because she’d once looked at someone that way.

“He needs rest, dove,” she finally said. 

“Yes, Mother.” You put Joffrey in his cradle and came over to her bedside. You kissed her cheek and hugged her, “Get rest, Mother. Please.” 

“I’ll do my best,” she smiled. 

“I’ll make sure nobody disturbs you.”

Such a thoughtful girl. Aemond truly is lucky. She watched you walk out the door with the poise and grace of a princess. Rhaenyra shut her eyes tightly to push back the flooding memory. It always came to her in times of solitude and silence. They crept into her mind, filling her bones with regret, suffering and longing. She knew things will never be the same between them, so she must put those feelings aside. 

She needed to get away from them before they consumed her for good. Dragonstone. They will go to Dragonstone. Alicent and her brown eyes cannot reach her there. The rumors cannot reach her there. 

****

“Must you leave?” 

Aemond’s voice, heavy with sorrow, reached you from the doorway. Hearing his voice broke your heart more. You reached for your cloak to put on your shoulders. 

A few days ago, your mother told you all that you’ll be leaving for Dragonstone. You initially thought it’ll be a small visit, then you’d return, but she said you’d stay there for good. A whole new whirlwind of emotions mixed into the troubles you already faced. Helaena already came to say her goodbyes, but Aemond came to walk you to the castle gates. You wished he didn’t. You wished he’d leave and never talk to you again. Then that way you won’t feel so bad. 

“My mother says we must,” you replied, fumbling with the clasp of your cloak. You regretted adding a fur trim to it. It made closing it difficult. “She says it’ll be better for our family if we lived away from court.”

Aemond watched you grow frustrated with your cloak, then walked forward to help you. For a moment, his fingers brushed against yours. He stopped and looked at you. You normally maintained distance from Aemond since you preferred not to, but right now, you liked the closeness. You saw the slight freckles on the bridge of his nose, much like Helaena’s. Sad eyes looked back into yours, already full of longing. Seeing them made you feel worse. Aemond’s fingers stayed on yours, and you wished to never let go. Is this what your mother felt whenever Harwin looked at her? Aemond fixed the clasp easily, locking the two pieces together. He then straightened it on your shoulders so you were fully covered. 

“I don’t want you to go,” he said, looking at the golden clasp in his hands. “The castle won’t be the same without you here.” 

“I don’t want to leave either,” you said.

He gazed up at you, and you swore you spotted water in them. Aemond was crying. You’d seen him cry only once. It’d been after your brothers and Aegon teased him about not having a dragon. They’d given him a pig with wings attached called ‘The Pink Dread’. You’d scolded Jace and Luke when you heard. They told you it’d been Aegon’s idea, but you didn’t care. Aemond would be their brother-in-law someday. 

“I…I, um…” he swallowed thickly, taking a breath, “I’ve become very fond of you, Y/N. I greatly enjoy the time we spend together with or without my sister around.” He looked at you, “Are you…are you fond of me as well?”

Everyone asked you this, and months later, you had no answers. You simply said you did not know. But, they’d been people outside of you and Aemond. He’d never asked you this until this moment. 

“Aemond,” you began, “I don’t-”

“-Y/N?”

You and Aemond jumped apart at your father’s voice. He stood in the doorway, taking a second for his mind to pick up on the situation. You immediately tried finding an answer to any questions he’d have, but he asked nothing. 

“It’s time for us to go, sweetling,” your father said. 

You nodded, and Aemond walked with you out of the room. Silence fell between the both of you with your father a step ahead. It gave time for Aemond’s question to implant itself in your mind. You thought about the last time you and Aemond spent time together. It’d been in the library. He’d found an old scroll hidden in the shelves, and he wanted to show it to you. It was a map of Old Valyria. Very worn from age, you two barely made out the outlines of the paper. Aemond had been so mesmerized by it. He said there aren’t many maps left. His eyes had been full of wonder upon seeing the page. He pointed out certain points of places he thought he recognized. You both talked about what it’d be like to live there if it’d never burnt to the ground. He said you’d both be married in a High Valyrian ceremony, conducted in front of the tall altars and officiated by priests in red and gold robes. So the histories said anyways. You liked the idea of that; of marrying Aemond in fire and blood like your ancestors. 

You only saw Aemond. Nobody else. Not even a faceless knight with long hair and shiny armor. Aemond always stood on the groom’s side, holding your hands in his. 

“Say your goodbyes, children,” your mother urged when both families stood outside the doors. 

You hugged Halaena tightly. You promised her you’d write about any insects you found on Dragonstone. You kissed your grandfather’s cheek, him patting your head and telling you to be well. The Queen bowed to you, then kissed your forehead. She told you that you’d be back soon enough; that a few years will go by quicker than expected. Aegon stood indifferently to her side, and muttered a ‘goodbye’ which you only nodded to. Then finally, you ended with Aemond. You still had not answered his question. Your chest felt tight, and your throat closed up. Cheeks filling with warmth, shoulders starting to tense, you curtsied to him. You worried touching him again might bring on tears. 

“Safe travels, Princess,” he said, bowing his head. 

“Thank you, Aemond.” 

Slowly, on numb feet, you turned to walk into your wheelhouse. Your mother already sat with Joffrey in her arms. Your father comforted your tearful brother, and Jace stared out the window. You took your seat next to your mother, and the door finally closed. A final nail in the coffin. You looked through one of the detailed holes in the window to see Aemond watching the wheelhouse begin moving. Your insides knotted, and you tried finding feeling in your legs and feet. You continued staring at Aemond as the wheelhouse went further and further away. Visions of being alone on Dragonstone came to you in a flood. There’d be no garden excursions. There’d be no more strawberries or cream or books and laughs. You’d have nobody to listen to your thoughts and feelings. You’d be alone, and that thought made you feel cold and hot simultaneously. Hot tears filled your eyes, falling whenever you blinked. You wouldn’t have Aemond, who made you laugh with silly stories and comforted you when you cried. A boy who felt as alone as you. 

“Y/N, what are you doing?” 

You opened the door before anyone in the carriage realized what was happening. The carriage picked up some speed now that the streets opened up, but you weren’t too far away yet. Jumping out, you landed hard on your feet and started running. Your mothers calls fell behind you as you rushed to the tall castle gates slowly starting to close. Between them, you spotted Aemond beginning to turn away, head hanging low. No. You never answered his question. You never knew the answer until the worst possible time. 

“Aemond!” you called out to him. 

“Y/N!” your father yelled behind you, no doubt following you. 

“Aemond, wait!” 

Aemond stopped at the bottom of the stairs, and turned to look at you. 

“Aemond!” you called again, panting. “Aemond, wait!” More tears fell down your cheeks, your sobs starting to dry out your throat. “I am fond of you!” you said, coming within feet of you, “I am fond of you! I really am!” You flung your arms around the bewildered boy, your face buried into his shoulder. “I am fond of you. I’m very fond. Please, don’t hate me. I don’t want to leave. They’re making me leave.” 

You felt his hands on your waist, keeping you steady when you let go. “You are?” you heard him say. 

“I am.” You pulled away, weeping, “Forgive me for not saying it sooner. Everyone has questioned me, and I never knew what to say. Now, I know what to say. Please, forgive me.”

Aemond pushed a stray curl from your face, and wiped your cheek with the corner of his cloak. You hugged him again, safe to cry in his embrace. Is this how your mother felt, you wondered again, whenever Ser Harwin held her? Before you said anything more, your father touched your shoulder. The Queen put her hands on Aemond’s shoulders. The both of you slowly broke apart, and warmth escaped you. You did not want to leave. King’s Landing had been your home. It was where your family lived; where Aemond lived. 

“Little dove,” your father said softly, “We must go. The wheelhouse is waiting to take us to the dragon pit.” When you did not move, he gently guided you away. 

“Y/N,” Aemond called your name, “May I write to you?” 

You smiled, sniffing back tears, “Yes. I’d like that very much.” 

Being forced to turn away, you kept looking over your shoulder at Aemond. The Queen eventually came down the stairs, putting her hands on his shoulders, and guiding him back into the castle. 

“You’ll see him again,” he said, holding your hand as he escorted you back to the carriage. “You’re his betrothed.”

“But, he’ll be so far away, and he doesn’t have a dragon, so he can’t fly to Dragonstone,” you said, “May I fly here to see him? It’s not a long flight, and Starshine’s very fast so it’s even shorter.”

“I think your mother will prefer that you did that when you were older. It’s inappropriate for a betrothed couple to not be chaperoned.”

“We weren’t chaperoned when we walked around the castle.”

“That’s what you thought.” 

“What?” 

“Ah look, there’s your mother,” he ignored your question, “She nearly had a heart attack when you jumped out of the carriage. It’s best to say your apologies for giving her a fright.”

You reached the carriage door, expecting a scolding from your mother, but you only saw tears in her eyes. “You’ll see him again,” your mother echoed your father’s words when you climbed into the wheelhouse. “You do have to marry him one day.” The carriage started forward again, and she waited until your brothers and father were occupied to ask. “What did you say to him?”

You didn’t look at her. You looked out the window, fresh tears falling. “I-I-I to-told him that I was-was fond of him.” 

You felt her stroke your hair, pull you close to her side and kiss the top of your head. You rested against her for the rest of the journey, trying to keep your sobs quiet to not bring attention to yourself. Finally, you reached the dragon pit where the dragon keepers greeted you, Jace and Luke. Jace and Luke could not fly their dragons because they’re too small, so they’ll order them to follow your dragon and fly there. Starshine was larger and able to carry you long distances. You left the company of your brothers for the caverns underneath the pit. 

In the dark tunnels, you freely let your tears flow. You knew you’d see Aemond again. The goodbye was not forever, yet your heart still aches from yearning. You followed the tunnel paths until you reached a familiar undervault. Behind a door, you heard the low rumbling of a sleeping dragon. When a Dragon Keeper opened the iron vault door, you walked inside a large cave carved into the hill. Slowly, you stepped inside, keeping your cloak tight about you as you stared around. On a mound in the center of the room, you saw an enormous beast coiled asleep. Starshine, a she-dragon the size of a twelve-horse carriage, had golden scales that twinkled white in the sunlight. The orange tinge of her wing membranes and the ends of her long tail gave the appearance of a shooting star when in flight. It reminded you of how much Aemond dreamed of his own dragon. Perhaps once he found one, you could fly together. You’d like that. 

Starshine lifted her head upon your approach, orange and hazel eyes finding you in the half light. 

“Morning, Starshine,” you said in High Valyrian, the language of your ancestors. “Ready to go off on another adventure?” She tilted her head. You approached her, stroking her fine scales and listening to her purr like a cat. “We are going to Dragonstone. Mother says we will live there now.” When Starshine shook her head and neck, you said, “Calm, Starshine. Calm…I do not wish to go either. It will be nice there. You will be able to have your own cave, and eat all the animals you want. I will go flying with you every day.” 

One of the Dragon Keepers saddled her for you already, so all you did was climb onto her. Securing yourself firmly inside the saddle, you fixed your riding coat over your cloaked body and adjusted your gloves. The iron doors that faced the other side of the hill slowly opened, allowing a long stream of light to fill the room. Starshine took a few charging steps, reaching the edge, and flying into the sky. Wind whipped your hair back from your face, flowing through your coat and cloak easily. You felt the warm sun kissing your face and skin as Starshine went higher into the sky. All worry and thought of leaving Aemond went away. You could do as you pleased up high in the sky. You idly thought of the freedom you spoke of to Aemond that first time. It only took a slight change in course to land somewhere else. You might be able to have that different life you told him about. 

But, that’d mean leaving your family behind, and you’d never do that. So, you steered Starshine around King’s Landing one last time before taking off for Dragonstone hundreds of miles away. 

Far away from Aemond Targaryen.

****

A/N: there it is lol hope you enjoyed! If you have questions or feedback or anything like that, feel free to reply or send me an ask! <3 there’s more cuteness to come in part 2! 

#aemond targaryen #aemond one eye #aemond x reader #aemond x you #aemond x yn #aemond the kinslayer #house of the dragon #hotd #hotd drabbles #hotd fanfiction #hotd fanfic #hotd imagines #ewan mitchell #yeah yn is a woc in my mind #but I still leave it kinda open

[stargirlstudio]

Citrine and Sapphire [Part 1]

☆ Aemond Targaryen x Princess of Leng!Reader

☆ Physical attributes canon to Lengii people (golden eyes, black hair, skin tone is implied to be darker than pale - but non specified)

☆ 1st/3rd POV, she/her pronoun usage, no y/n

☆ WC: 3k

☆ Summary: A princess from the Isle of Leng sets off on a journey to Westeros in search of adventure and knowledge, but other players are out for their own agenda. Aemond Targaryen, the shy boy who eventually becomes her friend and greatest ally, is more similar to her than she thinks.

☆ Guide:

[ ] - Lengii language

{ } - YiTish language

Part 2 ⇨

If the princess had known the journey to Westeros would be this long and arduous, she would have planted myself in the sands of the docks and never left. Traversing through the rich provinces of YiTi was fun, familiar even.

The sea journey provided a temporary solace from the bustle of the people on land but soon gave me the worst temperament. She woke up and went to sleep with a pit in her stomach — She was not a mariner. There can only be so much gruel and dried shrimp she can eat. A servant in the back of the ship expelled what seemed to be this morning’s meal — rice porridge and salted egg. Rice porridge, while a commoner’s dish, used to be her favorite meal to wake up to. Leng’s thousand suns, as they say, sweltering outside while they get to eat the soft meal with leaves fanning their back. Roasted and dried YiTish salmon and fermented vegetables on the side. She despised the smell bile produces, mixed with the saltiness of the dark sea. The water would mist into her mouth, and sometimes if she closed my eyes, she could taste the salty radish.

Many times she prayed to the Old Ones when large waves drowned the deck. The YiTish sailor screamed what she assumed to be a word a princess should not repeat at his fellow sea folk. Leng servants rushed underground, wet with their fabrics clinging to their skin. Today is the day of her birth, but no one knew that except her handmaidens. If she were home, she would eat all the sweets she wanted. Roast pig and quail would be on the table. Though, not too fond of quail, but she would do anything to take a bite.

Her fathers would be playing with her, and her mother would be dancing. The princess’s brothers would be chasing her sister around. [“I want to go home!”] She cried. The older handmaidens wiped her tears and told her to sleep. A man with dark hair and a prominent brow ridge ran past the window. [“The window is going to break!”] She panicked and cried. Snot ran down her nose and chin. Her chest hurt from the wailing. She should be brave, but the young girl not stop herself. The screaming from below and above only made it worse. The maidens, wide-eyed and frightened, take a step back. The only one who does not is the oldest maiden - with her graying, straight hair. Deep wrinkles in the fat of her face and eye bags protruding further than her own eyes.

[“Whoever let the princess course on waters should be fed to the hogs,”] One of the newer handmaidens spoke.

The older handmaiden spoke softly, {“Would you like the sleep milk?”} The princess continued to sob, not paying attention to her question. She sighed and walked over to the chest. A blood-curdling scream came from outside, and she battled to drown out the others. The older handmaiden sat next to her and tapped on her lips. She opened her mouth before the cool white liquid droplets melted on her tongue.

Sleep milk was the only thing that could calm her down. After her fall…She used it to temper her dreams. The medicinal women have told her that when she fell off the cliff years ago, it must have caused terrible dreams. The milk helps her fall into a deep sleep when she panics. She doesn’t know how long she can be like this, but her mind sullies those thoughts as she falls asleep.

Three weeks later, flies buzzed beneath the deck - a rotten stench coming in waves as the latch opened and closed. I stare at the open latch, nothing to be seen but darkness. Two men carried a servant, her skin was gray, and her body was stiff. The whites of her eyes yellowed, and a green liquid fell from them, staining her face. A trail of the same color liquid trailed from her ears, sticking her hair to her face.

“Do not look at them, Princess,” Xhoha said as he turned my seat around. “You do not need to see that,” Xhoha was my advisor. My mother insisted I needed someone fluent in Westerosi and familiar with their culture. Xhoha was from the Free Cities but traveled around. He will not tell me what he did before he came to Leng.

[“Will we have Westerosi lessons again?”] I asked.

Xhoha sighed, “Remember, it is called Common Tongue. We will have more lessons than usual to prepare. Food poisoning swept through the ship. We are docking at Qarth. We were lucky to even make it this far from Leng,”

[“Did you say you were from Qarth?”] I asked. He chuckled, plastering a grin.

“If this is another attempt at you trying to get details of my life, I guess I’ll give you some satisfaction. No, I’m from Pentos. The closest Free City to Westeros,” He mused. [“Let us start speaking in Common Tongue,”]

I nodded. Common Tongue has made no sense to me. I struggle with every word; Xhoha remarked that I sound Dornish when I speak Common Tongue. He is highly insistent that I should try my best to adopt the dialect spoken in King’s Landing. He pulled out a Westeros map and tried his hardest to teach me about each city and its notable people, but every detail mixed with another. I have only held onto the reliance of Westerosi people from the texts given to me by monks.

The most extensive text is on Corlys Velaryon, who is still alive. I traced the indented lettering on the book, The Snake of the Seas, by Monk Hattenu. A young man with hair of alabaster set his feet upon the Leng sands. With a YiTish translator by his side, he negotiated agreements. For resources, he would offer a favor — of any kind so long as it was reasonable. In the personal texts saved by the monks, in my aunt’s diary, it seemed that she was…smitten with him.

The priestess aboard the boat had come to interrupt my lessons, “Pardon me, your majesty, it is time for you to pray,” She said. I nodded and hopped off my chair.

“We will continue after you are done,” He said. I followed her to the back of the boat, weaving my way around the men carrying bodies. The stench was foul. The priestess and I sat on our knees, facing eastward to home. I followed her movements as I picked up the reserved sand creating an arch around me.

“Princess, who shall we pray to today?” The Priestess asked. “I suggest Ah’Vannika for the health of those on board. Or Ah’Jan for safe travels,” She suggested. The Old Ones are the gods I pray to in Leng. It is believed they live beneath us. There is no gender assignment to the gods we revere, as they come in many forms. Ah’Vannika - the god of health, may come to someone as a hummingbird. A woman cloaked in white or an old man with a gray eye. In a coastal Lengii city, the people wear white and silver to honor Ah’Vannika. I have my doubts about the Old Ones. Some have claimed to see the form of a god, but who’s to say their form isn’t just some regular person? Or maybe someone is lying?

“I think Ah’Jan has heard enough prayers for our safe travels,” I said meekly. “Let us pray to Ah’Kasaya, for good weather?” The Priestess nodded. “And Ah’Vannika for good health,”

That night, I tossed and turned in my bed. I was watching the sea mist rain against the window. I closed my eyes, covering my ears to drown out the crashing waves. My mind blanks, and suddenly, I’m falling to my death, the cold and dark waters engulfing me. A hand grabs my ankle and pulls me deeper until I wake up screaming again.

Aemond’s POV

Aemond stood with his family on the day of the Princess’s arrival. The young prince felt nervous, he knew of the delays but now that the guest us finally here he did not know what to do.

“More than half of her servants, unfortunately, passed away from this illness,” Viserys continued. “The Maesters suspect that perhaps they are not used to the known world, succumbing easily to such illnesses,” The room had fallen silent. Aemond’s mother, Alicent, silently moved the food around. “Horrible really, the letter spoke of yellowed eyes and fluids coming out of every orifice. Awful…,”

“The princess may not come at all if she also falls ill,” Aegon jokes.

“The God-Empress of the Isle of Leng has been kind enough to extend her hand. The isolationist Leng has made a pact with House Velaryon for Corlys Velaryon’s kindness during his Nine Voyages,” The stout man says. A cheer erupts amongst the crowd - much to the man’s annoyance. He continues, “God-Empress Citra welcomes you to a ceremonial performance and for you all to welcome her daughter, second to the throne, the princess,”

Performers with white face paint and bold makeup came fluttering in. Their flowing gowns and tilting hands excited the guests. The music, a solemn fanfare, transitioned to string-dominated and hopeful melodies. Gasps came from all sides of the room. Aemond glanced at his older brother, his smile curving upwards. One of the performers supplanted themselves before the family. A cloth held up by their fingers blocked their faces. The performer, with their red dipped fingertips, danced the fabric in front of them before dropping and making a funny face. They watched as the performers circled the other people, interacting with them and causing them to laugh until they disappeared into the entrance.

Numerous performers, YiTish and Lengii, came back into the hall and out. Some animals that had survived the journey were also shown off to King Viserys. A striped stallion and a baby spotted back ape, like the ones in the books the Maester had him read, were also shown. The ape had started causing some trouble, but it was quickly forgotten amongst the existing performances. Halaena, who usually had her head turned away, was entranced by the spider performer, which seemed to be two women holding a rattan-crafted spider body. She giggled at their slow movements and their jolts.

The dancers all began to leave in two lines which tall guards quickly replaced. They formed into two lines blocking the guests - creating a direct pathway to the family. The music slowed, and the musicians bowed their heads slightly. Aemond squinted to see four girls walk in. He focused on the one in the front, who could not be older than him. The three other girls mimicked the same head bow as the musicians and the guards, while the youngest girl held her head high—her crown, with peaks no longer than her face, accompanied by weaved flowers in her dark hair. Her golden eyes match the crown on her head. Deep red fabric draped around her.

“I’m surprised. I think we all thought she would be old,” He paused, lowering his head closer to Aemond’s ear. “The seafarers get younger and younger,” Aemond ignored his brother, watching the princess and the rest of her subjects follow suit with gifts in hand. He heard his mother gasp. Some performers held silks; others held more jewels and what seemed to be spices. Items to be most prized.

Lord Corlys had acquired his great wealth during his Nine Voyages. One of the places he had sailed was to the Isle of Leng. At a meeting with the small council, he announced the letter from the Empress of Leng.

“To Lord Corlys Velaryon, The Revered Mariner, Friend of the Crown,” He repeated once at a dinner. “When you came to visit our lands, you made a promise to my mother, the late God-Empress Kanitara of Leng, that you would extend a favor and your support in exchange for our resources,” He paused. “My daughter, a fourth born, second in line, wishes to explore beyond Leng. She heard many stories of your adventures and wished to visit Driftmark and the rest of Westeros. There is no crown for her here, as she is not my eldest daughter. I fear that she may find more success beyond these gates. I wish to send her to you, where she will be in your care and teaching. If you accept, I will be sure to give you our treasured valuables,”

The princess bowed, taking two hands to touch her forehead and bringing them toward the family—a greeting reserved for other royals. A translator came right beside her. “Princess of the Isle of Leng, second daughter to God-Empress Citra and Lengii Emperor Consort Kiet, commander of the armies,” Aemond noticed some guests wincing at the idea of an emperor consort. “Offers her extended gratitude for inviting her to your kingdom. She offers great gifts and valuables to House Targaryen and House Velaryon,”

The translator droned on, but Aemond looked at the young princess. Her hands scratched at her thighs with her head bowed.

The celebration of the Princess’ arrival at King’s Landing was filled with more festivities. It was a week-long celebration. Performers, both Lengii and YiTish, put on their theatrical shows. Dancers in face paint and shadow theater performers entertained the nobility of Westeros. Aemond stood by, watching the Ladies secretly ogle at the Leng men. Their arms were bare and muscular, their hands hovering over their eyes to shield themselves from the sun. Aemond and his siblings sat next to their mother, while the princess and her advisor sat next to his father.

“The Princess wanted to apologize for her delay. It was a dangerous journey to Westeros,” The advisor said. He was not from Leng, at least by appearance. The man had pale skin, with freckles marking almost every inch of his skin, with shoulder-length brown hair. His long mustache wiggled with every movement of his mouth. He sounded like the traders from Pentos.

King Viserys laughed, “You need not worry. You have brought our family gifts, and most importantly you are intact,” He gestured to his family. “We welcome you,” The Princess smiled.

“Thank you, your grace,” She spoke in Common Tongue. “You have such beautiful children,” She said, lingering her gaze on Aemond, who looked away abruptly, shying his eyepatch.

“Thank you, dear Princess,” Alicent said. She gestured for the princess to come over, reaching out to hold her hand. “I did not get to see your face earlier. Such a beautiful girl,” His mother admired, the jingling of her bracelets filling the silence from the children. Aemond finally turned his head, having avoided eye contact with the princess. She stood still, a smile plastered on her face. Soft pink fabrics draped around her body, creating a loose fitting silhouette. The extra fabric draped over her shoulders, lined with small beaded floral embroidery. Local flowers had been weft into her hair along with gold pins. The princess had a strong, pleasant scent. All of the people of Leng do. The perfumes and oils saturated their skin, adding a glow.

“And you are a beautiful Queen,” She said back; Alicent had squeezed her hand. The King had announced the tourney would be taking place soon, with the family being dismissed first. Alicent held Helaena and the Princess's hand as Aegon and Aemond trailed behind. The Princess turned her head to look at Aemond, who looked away again. She turned her head forward and moved her fingers anxiously.

For the next few days, Aemond sat near the Princess. First, watching her wince at the tourney, sitting next to her at feasts, walking near her around the grounds with Helaena. The Princess does not have a name.

“The Princess has a name, but in her culture, it is forbidden to use the name with strangers,” Her advisor explained. “A shortened name is often used with their people,”

“Then how shall we address her?” A Lady asked Xhoha.

Another Lady interjected, “Lady Leng seems proper!”

There had been times when the princess had tried to speak with Aemond.

“What are you holding?” “How are you?” What are you doing?” but she was met with a hmm or a few words. Eventually, she didn’t talk to him at all. Aemond didn’t mean to ignore her, but he felt…anxious around her. Perhaps it was because she was a stranger. Everyone was focused on her; the Princess’s arrival was important enough to garner a week-long celebration. He dug his fingers into his palm, watching her from a distance as she was invited to dance with a young lord.

“Lady Leng,” The cropped haired boy asked. “May I show you how to dance?” The Princess accepted his offer. She giggled, accidentally stepping on his toes. Aemond walked away, only hearing fragments of apologies.

—

☆ A/N: A long overdue part 1 for my Leng princess fic! If you want to see more and would liked to be tagged, please comment! Also I would love comments about what you enjoyed or any potential plot ideas!

#fanfic #fanfiction #fic: citrine and sapphire #aemond targaryen x reader #aemond targaryen #Aemond targaryen fanfic #aemond targaryen x leng!reader #se asian!reader #asian!reader #hotd fanfic #hotd fanfiction #fem reader #house of the dragon fanfiction #aemond targaryen reader insert #leng #isle of leng #island of leng #fics

[faexoxoxoxo]

Hello. I wonder if you are taking requests for Hotd and Got?

Hi luv <3

Yup, I do take requests for ASOIAF characters, but it'll take a while to write them, especially for GOT since I have less brain brainrot for it atm.

Feel free to send me your requests tho I'll let you know if I can't do it after knowing what it is !

Three things I already have in drafts for asoiaf :

Dark!Maegor Targaryen × Twin sister! Reader ( this might change but I'll see how I feel when writing it more )

Dark! Daemon Targaryen x YiTish Empress! Reader

Dark!Aemond Targaryen x Lannister! Reader

#answered #faebox 💌

[sebeth]

The World Of Ice And Fire: Old Ghis

Warning, Spoilers Ahead…

   The next section of “The World of Fire and Ice” takes the readers across the sea to Essos. Essos is the planet’s “cradle of civilization”. Yandel dismisses the “dubious claims of Qarth”, the “YiTish legends of the Great Empire of the Dawn”, and the “difficulties of finding any truth in the tales of legendary Asshai” and states Old Ghis as the first great civilization.

We know the First Men exodus traveled from Essos across the not-yet broken arm of Dorne to Westeros.  A glance at the map shows Yi Ti and Asshai to be at the Eastern edge of the known world. Wouldn’t it make more sense for the origin of civilization to begin in these locations and spread westward than for it to form in Old Ghis and then have mass exoduses in both directions?

I’ve always felt that Asshai and possibly YI Ti were remnants of the Great Empire of the Dawn, possible post Azor Ahai moon cracking. Asshai clearly took the brunt of destruction in the aftermath of Azor’s creation of Lightbringer as it has a post-apocalypse feel to the land.

Back to Old Ghis, one of a seemingly endless slave cultures/cities in Essos: it was founded by Grazdan the Great. He also created the lockstep legions, the first to “fight as disciplined bodies”.  Old Ghis proceeded to “colonize its surroundings” and “subjugate its neighbors”.  The Old Ghis empire “reigned for centuries”.  

GRRM had to have been influenced by the Roman Empire when he created Old Ghis: the legendary founder, the legions, the wide-spread conquests, the centuries-long rule, etc.

Up next, Old Ghis’ greatest rival: Valyria

#asoiaf #game of thrones #old ghis #Azor Ahai #Asshai #great empire of the dawn #the world of ice and fire #twoiaf #a song of ice and fire

[written-in-flowers]

Fly Away: Part 2

Pairing: Young!Aemond x Young!Velaryon!Reader | Side pairing: Rhaenyra x Alicent

Genre: Fluff, AngstAu: friends to lovers, childhood love, incest (duh), slight homophobia expressed, repressed feelings, mutual pining, teenage runaways, mentions of bullying, arrange marriages

Word Count: 4k

Summary: Young love overcomes all in a family full of broken bonds and broken hearts. When Princess Y/N Velaryon and Prince Aemond Targaryen are discovered missing from their beds, their mothers must come together to find them. The search might do more for their families than a mere marriage pact can.

A/N: want to clarify now that we stick with young!Aemond throughout the story. Ewan’s Aemond comes in at the very end. This is mainly done starting a bit before The Princess and the Queen and a little bit after the events at Driftmark. I do pull some scenes from the show, but it remains relatively loose throughout. Want to also point out that The Dance doesn’t happen in this universe, so…happy ending expected, because we need more of those.  

Tagged:  @yitish, @imjustboredso @dangerousbluebirdpoetry @discowizard88 @mddieeunson​ @nitimurinvetitumsposts

Previous Chapter < Part 1 | Next Chapter > Part 3

A few months later…

You felt bad for Baela and Rhaena. Your cousins who’d lost their mother after her childbirth complications. They not only lost a mother, but a sibling. You hoped to never understand or feel that pain. You stood on the rocky side of Driftmark with the rest of the funeral guests as they lowered her body into the ocean. You stared out into the waves as your Uncle Vaemond gave an emotional eulogy. You’d only met Lady Laena a handful of times because she lived so far away, but your father spoke highly of her. Baela and Rhaena looked a lot like her with thick silver locs and darkened skin. They had true Velaryon blood, some people said, unlike your brothers. You felt guilty for wanting the ceremony to end quickly, since you are laying someone to rest, but you couldn’t help glancing at the person a few feet away.

Aemond hadn’t changed much in the months since you left King’s Landing. Not that you expected him to. You had not been away very long. Yet, it felt nice seeing him again. You’d both exchanged letters since you left. Every letter read of good tidings, good news, and anecdotes from each other’s lives. He’d told you all about Helaena’s betrothal to Aegon; you told him about the time Joffrey threw up on Jace. You tried not asking him if he had a dragon, though he willingly lamented about it from time to time in his letters. After months of Aemond on paper, it felt relieving to see him in person.

As Laena’s coffin sank into the water, you turned to where Aemond stood with his family. You both grinned at one another softly; two happy people in a group of mourners. You wished to go to him right then. You thought of hugging him like you’d done the last time you saw him, but what if he didn’t like that?

The ceremony ended and everyone went to a patio nearby overlooking the oceans. You liked coming to Driftmark. You enjoyed the chilly breezes that went through the stone halls, the smell of the sea lingering in every gust. The waves that crashed on the rocks left their mark on the black rocks in salt and seafoam. You noticed the lack of ships on the horizon. The last time you’d been there, you’d seen loads of them off in the distance. Following your mother to the party, you found dozens of people already there. You noticed them all stare at your mother as she appeared. Their staring is the whole reason you left King’s Landing. You thought they’d have the decency to be discrete.

Your mother and you found Jace standing by himself in a corner near the railing. “Have you seen your father?” she asked him.

“No,” he shook his head, “Last I saw him, he was going onto the beach.”

You noticed the sad look in your brother’s eyes. The news had come to you by raven a few weeks ago: Ser Harwin Strong died in a fire at Harrenhal along with his father, Lionel. Your mother cried for days in her room, refusing to eat anything unless you came and fed it to her. Luke did not fully understand what was wrong, and you thought it best to lie to him and say Mother grieved over her close friend. Jace, however, did understand. He didn’t play as many pranks on you. He didn’t laugh as much or join you and Luke in your lessons or games. You touched his shoulder. He might annoy you some days, but he was your brother. Half-brother, but your brother nevertheless.

“Your little cousins have just lost their mother,” your mother said to you both, “They can use some kind words of sympathy.”

“I have an equal claim to sympathy,” Jace replied harshly. “We should be at Harrenhal mourning Ser Harwin and Lord Lionel.”

Your mother tried shushing him before anyone overheard him. She told him it wouldn’t be appropriate to do so. “Now, go give your condolences to your cousins,” she said, kissing both your heads and walking away.

Once out of earshot, you spoke to him, “I’m sorry about it.”

“What?”

“I’m sorry about it,” you repeated. “Ser Harwin was a good man who cared a lot about you and Luke.”

“I miss him.”

“I know.”

You hugged him, hearing him sniffle softly against your shoulder. There was not much to say in front of people, but seeing Jace upset brought you softness in you. “Don’t let this deviate from the fact that I still think you’re a brat,” you teased, hoping it’d bring out a laugh in him.

He released you, and gave you the response you wanted. “And I still think you’re a big baby.”

You punched his shoulder lightly, laughing, and then guided him through the party. You saw no sign of Aemond, which saddened you. Perhaps he hadn’t arrived yet, even though you spotted The Queen and Ser Criston together. You reached Baela and Rhaena, twin girls whose heads lifted when you approached. Tears streaked down their cheeks, the pain of loss on their faces in full view. You and Jace stood in front of them. Every possible word felt wrong to say. It did not feel like enough, but you wished to comfort them.

“We…My brother and I are…”

Baela reached for your hand, and Rhaena grabbed Jace’s hand. The simple touch brought warmth and comfort at such a sad occasion. You did not know how you’d feel if you ever lost your mother or brothers.

“We’re sorry for your loss,” you said, and Jace agreed.

“Thank you,” Baela sniffed. “It is good to see you, Cousin, after so much time. We’ve missed you.”

“And I you,” you gave a small smile. “Maybe sometime soon your father may visit my mother on Dragonstone. We live there now. I think it’s…it’s best if you’re with family.”

“I agree.”

Your grandmother appeared. Princess Rhaenys was your father’s mother, a confident woman with brown eyes and silver hair. Jace turned away to a brazier nearby for warmth, but she looked at you.

“Gods, how you’ve grown,” she smiled, sadness still on her face. She touched your jawline, “You’re looking more and more like your father every day. Not a smidge of your mother there.”

“Thank you, Grandmother.”

She bent down to look at Baela and Rhaena, and you took it as your cue to leave. Giving Baela’s hand one more soft squeeze, you walked away back into the party. A passing serving girl offered you a cup of wine, which you took politely. You didn’t drink wine very often. Your parents let you have one on special occasions, but never freely. Tentatively, you gave the fruity wine a sip, gagged at the sharpness of it, then put it down on a table. How people became addicted to it, you did not know. You searched for Aemond. He might be with Aegon or Helaena, so you kept your eyes open for them.

"Well, well, look at you." It was Aegon, holding a wine cup and grinning at you. "How you've grown into such a," he leaned into you, wine thick on his breath, "Lovely maiden."

"Hello, Uncle," you said, sipping your own wine. "I hope you've been well."

"Very well now that I'm talking to the most gorgeous woman in this room," he slid over to you on the railing, smiling still. His blond silver hair was a long tangled mess, and he stood tall and lanky. Nothing like Aemond, short and skinny. "You know…if my brother is ever unable to perform his marital duties," he chuckled, "I wouldn't mind doing the honors."

“I wonder how long you can go without saying a crude remark, Uncle,” you replied. “It must not be long.” You gazed around the room again, “Have you seen Aemond?”

“Probably sulking somewhere. I swear, I don’t know how you can stand his company. He’s so boring,” he then smirked, “You should come with me. I’ll show you a good time.”

You scoffed and made an excuse to leave, but that didn't mean he wasn't watching. More people (specifically men) made comments about your sudden emergence into puberty and beauty, charmed by your looks and envying Aemond for being your betrothed. Finally, you found him by the staircase leading onto the beach. He stood up straight when you approached him, and you smiled brightly at him.

“I’ve been looking for you,” you said, “I was worried you’d gone to bed.”

“I saw you with your cousins,” he replied, “And I did not wish to interrupt you.” He gave you a look over, seeing you in your black gown and cloak. "I missed you," he said. "Watching the ships hasn't been the same since you left. I thought we might do it here, but…" he looked to the empty ocean, "I hope you've been well."

"I have. I got your last letter," you smiled shyly, "I really liked your poem."

"Thank you."

"Do I really remind you of flowers?"

"Um, yes, they do."

"Isn't my brother an absolute romantic?" Aegon approached, throwing his arm around Aemond’s shoulders. "He's always been a big, sappy boy."

"Go away, Aegon," Aemond glared.

"What? I only wanted to spend time with my brother and his very pretty friend," Aegon smirked.

"Come on, Y/N," Aemond took your hand. "We'll take the stairs. Aegon can't go down after a few cups."

"I can walk down stairs," Aegon retorted.

Aemond proved this false right away. Leading you down the stone steps, you both giggled watching Aegon clutch the railing while navigating the stairs. By the time you'd reached the bottom, he'd slumped down the middle landing and finished his newest cup. It made you pity him.

On the sandy beach, you noticed the sky starting to grow darker. The setting sun turned the sky shades of dark blue fading into orange. Winds blowing in from the sea became colder, and you hugged your cloak around you. Suddenly, you realized you both stood alone outside the party. You knew you shouldn't be alone; it was improper. Surely, your mother or septa will come looking for you soon, and you didn't want them interrupting.

"It's cold today," he then said.

"Yes, it is."

He nodded. You continued looking at him. You both got along so well back in King’s Landing. You thought seeing him again might be like no time passed at all, but the awkwardness set in. Your eyes stared at the sea ahead of you. It stretched far and wide, undisturbed by ships or people rowing through it. You wondered what it’d be like to sail across it to the lands far beyond like your grandfather before you. You thought about seeing the ruins of Valyria, or the bronze horses of Vaes Dothrak. The edges of the maps are even more mysterious. You had Starshine. You could ride her there. But, whenever you pictured this scenario, you’d usually imagine yourself alone in a foreign land. Seeing Aemond beside you, you liked the idea of him coming along.

“I hope you’ve been well,” you heard him say.

“I have. And you?”

“Better, now that you’re here.” He gave a soft smile, then said, "I truly enjoyed your drawing. I wasn’t aware you drew.”

“Not all the time. I started doing it a few months ago, but I wanted to wait until I was good enough to show you.”

You’d recently picked up drawing after reading about the famous painter, Sandal Dayne, a lord who’d created the most beautiful murals all over Dorne. Inspired by his landscapes and portraits of his family members, you gathered up pieces of charcoal, ink, and watered down paints to use. Your skills are not as wonderful or detailed as Sandal Dayne’s, but you hoped to be one day. The last picture you drew was Starshine sitting on a rock in Dragonstone. The tutor your mother hired said it was ‘a start’. You certainly enjoyed the new hobby; it made you think of Aemond sometimes.

“I went into the dragonpit the other day. I saw Dreamfyre."

You frowned, forgetting the drawing, "Why do you do that, Aemond? You could die going down there."

"I…" he paused.

“Did you think you’d come across an unclaimed dragon and be able to tame it on your own?” you asked. “Why would you do something so dangerous?”

“I want one,” he snapped at you. “Everyone else in our family has a dragon except me. Even your brothers have dragons. I want…” he sighed deeply, digging his toe into the sand, “I want to be strong.”

“You are strong,” you said, putting your hand on his shoulder, “And brave and intelligent and funny and kind and all those good things. You don’t need a dragon to prove that to anyone.”

“I’m not a real Targaryen without one.”

“Oh, don’t be silly, Aemond. Of course you’re a Targaryen.”

“Not a real one.”

“Yes, you are a real one.”

“I want you to be proud to be marrying me,” he said, facing you.

“I am proud to be marrying you one day.” You stepped closer to him, "You'll have one soon," you said. "You have Valyrian blood in you. Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to control a dragon."

He gazed up at you when you said that. You hoped he understood your true meaning. Jaceryes and Lucerys could not have dragons if they were bastards. The logic made sense. Your mother expected you to swallow the excuse that she preferred Dragonstone over The Red Keep. You knew the truth: she wanted to escape the whispers. The entire court often murmured about your brothers and their true births. You only wanted to stay because of Aemond and Helaena, but your mother and brothers meant as much too.

"Maybe when we're married and I have a dragon, we can go riding together," he said, diffusing the tension. "Like King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne."

You shyly smiled at the comparison. The tale of the Old King and his queen was one of your favorites in history. You always dreamed of a love like theirs: strong even at moments where it nearly broke. Even their dragons, Vermithor and Silverwing, were soulmates. “Maybe…” you said. “I would like that very much.”

You both smiled at each other, and continued watching the ocean again.

* * * 

‘They look sweet together,’ she thought. ‘He adores her.’

Rhaenyra stood at the edge of the balcony overlooking the ocean. She’d gone here to find some shred of peace amongst the funeral party. Her husband having disappeared off to the beach, she found herself standing alone in a room full of people. She’d caught sight of her younger brother and daughter standing together on the beach underneath the balcony. You enjoyed watching the ships that came and went from Dragonstone, playing your far-away fairytale game of guessing which ships went where. Rhaenyra knew how you felt. There’d been a time where she too imagined living another life with someone she loved. She wondered if you imagined Aemond going with you. Maester Gerardys said you often received ravens from King’s Landing, though he had no clue from who. Rhaenyra did.

Someone came to her side and she saw Alicent. She’d dressed herself in a dark green gown that looked black in certain lights. Her brown hair remained held back by another golden band, glimmering against her curls. Loose. Everything about Alicent remained loose and flowing as if like an angel on clouds. There’d once been a time where Rhaenyra took several seconds to admire the floating angel. But, those days passed many years ago. She took a spot beside Rhaenyra and looked down at the couple below.

“They’ve been writing to one another,” she said to Rhaenyra. “Maester Orwyle told me Aemond visits the rookery often to send his letters himself.” She looked over at her with a small smirk, “He thinks we don’t know.”

“It is the same with my Y/N,” she nodded. “She’s very fond of your son.”

“As she said when you left King’s Landing,” she smiled softly. “It was a touching moment. You should’ve seen it,” she said, “Your poor girl. She wept and wept and wept, telling Aemond how fond she was of him.”

Rhaenyra recognized that dreamy gaze. It often came about when Alicent spoke of the romantic stories and poems she recited. She turned away from the children, and looked to the room. She spotted her father sitting underneath an awning, tired and sickly.

“How has he been?” she asked Alicent.

“More or less the same,” she sighed, still watching the couple below. “The maesters said the infection in his finger spread to his arm, so they amputated it.”

“Was there no other way to save it?”

She shook her head, “No. They said if it kept spreading, the infection would eventually reach his heart and he’d…”

Die. Her father would die. Rhaenyra’s heart sank seeing her father, who’d once stood proudly, limping around on a walking stick. Now missing an appendage, his life became even more difficult. She wished she could do more than sit back and see him deteriorate. The inevitable day will come that the crown he wore will pass down to her, and she'd be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Her sons will rule after her and so on for ages. There'd once been a time where she wanted it, and then a time where she did not. Feeling Alicent standing so close, she imagined them ruling together for the briefest of moments.

If only she'd been born a man, then she could’ve had her and the throne.

"Remember the first time we came here?" Alicent asked.

The question stung. "Yes, I do."

A blissful moment in a series of bad ones. They'd gone to Driftmark for Laenor’s grandfather’s funeral. Before the throne and the marriages, it'd been the two of them on this beach. Right where their children stood together, looking over the ocean and the world feeling so limited despite the expanse before them. A crisp nightly walk alone, the beach breeze in their hair and on their clothes, Alicent and Rhaenyra walked a world entirely their own that night. They’d walked hand-in-hand, talking about court gossip or about their lives. She’d never felt more comfortable around someone outside of her mother; Alicent filled a special place in her heart that night. When they’d finally rested on one of the dunes, their bodies out of sight of anyone else who might walk past, and how she talked about her possible betrothal to a Tyrell boy. She expressed deep dislike over the possibility. She didn’t know the boy; the boy didn’t know her. Rhaenyra said they could both run away on Syrax; they can escape this suffocating world and be just them. Alicent had blushed and laughed, thinking she’d jested, but she hadn’t.

They’d kissed. It’d been her first real kiss. Rhaenyra gulped thickly recalling Alicent’s sweet lips and the blushing giggles they’d shared. Their souls became one in that moment. Their hearts blended into one piece that would never break.

Then, she remembered what drifted them apart in the first place. She remembered how one word permanently wedged a rift between them.

‘No.’

“Do you ever regret it?”

Rhaenyra begged to ask what she meant exactly. She turned to see Alicent not looking at her, but their children. “No,” she said, “I do not. I only regret-”

“-Alicent.”

Lord Hightower appeared, his eyes flitting between her and his daughter. A small fire of anger flared inside her. Lord Otto Hightower and his firm religious beliefs; his strict moral code that forbid Alicent to have any sort of agency of her own. Rhaenyra knew now that it’d been him who influenced her father to marry her childhood friend. He’d wanted his daughter to be a queen, and his grandchildren to be heirs. It was why he pushed so steadfastly to have Aegon be named heir over the years; her father denied him every time. Alicent soon began feeling the same through his influence.

“Have you found him?” Alicent asked her father, straightening and putting her guard up again.

“Not yet,” he said, coming closer. “I’m sure he has not gone far. Aegon had too much to drink.”

“He always has had too much to drink,” Rhaenyra couldn’t help herself. “I can’t imagine the boy being able to make his own decisions when drinking his weight in alcohol.”

He read between the lines. “He can be if given strict discipline.”

“Keep looking for him, Father,” Alicent said before either can continue, “Have Ser Criston help you.”

The next name sparked another flame inside her, but she doused it out. She took one more look at you and Aemond, seeing you both sink into the sand together. Visions of her daughter’s first kiss flipped through her mind. She imagined her daughter having the same romantic night that she’d shared with Alicent. Any reasonable mother might stay to watch over them, but Rhaenyra knew how important privacy is for a budding romance. She kept Alicen’t gaze away from them, and said:

“Excuse me, Your Grace,” she said, “But I must give my uncle my condolences.”

“Of course.”

Rhaenyra gave Lord Hightower one last glance before walking away. She hoped Alicent doesn’t see the couple and force them apart. Why should she not? Her father did it, and she is her father’s daughter.

* * *

But she had. Alicent saw them from the corner of her eye while her father talked to her about Aegon. It reminded her far too much of her own moment with Rhaenyra on the beach. Their children are much younger than they’d been, but she saw that care there. She saw the twinkle in Aemond’s light eyes whenever he saw you. Aemond is far more romantic than he lets on; he keeps his feelings far too close to his chest, never really revealing them to anyone besides his mother and sister. He knew you were a person he could confide in, and that made him happy. Alicent prayed the marriage is successful; that their love will be far greater and better than the one she’d dreamed for.

“What did she say to you?” her father asked her.

“We talked about Aemond and Y/N,” she answered. She turned to see his unconvinced stare, then said, “That is all.”

With all that occurred between them, Alicent suspected her father’s suspicions never fully disappeared. She noticed how he’d stare when she grew too close to any one woman in court. She recalled how he’d so eagerly urged her to meet with the king after his wife died; how the king then told her to keep their meetings a secret. He worried Alicent’s love for Rhaenyra might put a rock in his plans. She knew this now. She’d never forget the sharp words he’d said when she expressed displeasure at being dishonest with Rhaenyra.

“Do not let your feelings for her ruin your future.”

What future, Father? The one you’d so meticulously crafted?

“She thinks they will make a good match,” Alicent filled in the space. “I was only agreeing with her.”

“Hmmm.”

He continued searching for a lie. She hated it when he did that.

“Your Grace,” Ser Criston Cole approached her, “We’ve had no sign of the prince anywhere.”

“He’ll turn up soon.”

Her eldest son often piled himself with cups during formal events. Alicent knew her son enjoyed the raucous debauchery of King’s Landing inns and taverns over the posh noble gatherings. She had no idea where she’d gone wrong with him. She’d noticed his absence sometime into the event, so she’d asked her father to find him. If anyone sets Aegon straight, it is her father. Unfortunately, he’d eluded his family somehow. Alicent hoped nothing terrible had happened.

Her eyes went around the room to find Rhaenyra again. Their moment by the railing moments ago is a rarity these days. Every time she might see tenderness, it immediately escaped her. Whenever Rhaenyra came to mind, she thought of that night and the missed opportunities. Then she recalled Rhaenyra’s blatant lie about what happened between her and Daemon in the brothel. She’d sworn on her mother’s grave that she never let Daemon touch her; that they’d kissed, and it meant nothing. She promised she hadn’t done it to hurt her. She knew the marriage to the King was not Alicent’s idea. The only person Alicent trusted completely shattered any piece of that trust when Ser Criston told her about what they’d done that night. How he’d taken her maidenhead, and then refused to leave Westeros with him like a pair of fairytale lovers.

Later on, Alicent realized if Rhaenyra wished to leave her life behind, she’d only do it with her.

What hurt most was Harwin Strong. Rhaenyra made herself clear by falling for Harwin, who then fathered her boys. Those boys will be heirs to the Iron Throne when Viserys finally dies and Rhaenyra ascends. The boys with dark hair and dark eyes are clearly not blood of the dragon unlike her daughter, Y/N, who is a perfect blend of Laenor and Rhaenyra. The treachery is obvious. The dishonor and lack of duty to her station were loud and clear for the court, but Viserys chose to ignore them. She knew his favor rested heavily on Rhaenyra, the child of his first wife, Aemma. If Rhaenyra takes the throne, her father says, war will break out. She must prepare Aegon for the throne, but seeing his behavior, she doubted he’d ever be fit for it.

Aemond, though. Aemond would make a great ruler. He studies. He listens. He does not shrink from duty or responsibilities like his brother. She heard he’d given both Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys his condolences without being told. He had a soft heart, even if he hid it behind sullenness. She hoped you took care of her boy and his heart.

“Shall I watch over them for you, Your Grace?” Ser Criston asked her. “The hour is growing later.”

“No,” she shook her head, “Let them be alone. They’ll come in eventually.”

“Alone? Your Grace, I highly doubt that is appropriate.”

“Aemond is not his brother.”

He will be a perfect gentleman.

* * * 

Neither of you is sure how long you actually sat there together. You cared too much about the moment to keep track of time. Sitting on the sand, you’d slipped off your shoes to let your toes dig into the cool dirt. The ocean waves continued rolling up to the shore before sliding away back into the sea, a motion you watched closely.

“Do you think they’ll get along?” you asked him.

“Who?”

“Our families,” you looked at him, knees drawn up to your chest, “Do you really think us being married will fix things?”

Aemond hesitated. He often did this when he felt reluctant to speak his mind. He looked over at your face, then said, “No. I don’t think so.”

“Why?”

“My mother hates your mother.”

“I don’t think so.”

“She does. The contempt she has for your mother’s behavior is clear. They’ve never liked each other.”

“That’s not true,” you said. “Grandfather told me that they’d been great friends once, but then something happened, and they started hating each other.”

“That is difficult to believe,” he disagreed. “Maybe a terrible thing happened that made them stop being friends.” He dug a stick into the sand, making swirling patterns in the dirt, and said, “But, I don’t think us being married will make them like each other again. They hate each other too much, I think. I didn’t think my mother would ever agree to a marriage proposal,” he then added, smiling softly, “But I’m glad she did.”

You watched him make patterns in the sand, and smiled, “Me too.” You shifted closer to his side, and said, “You promise never to hate me?”

“Why would I hate you, Y/N?”

“I don’t know. Do you promise?”

He stopped making his sand drawings, and shared a glance with you. “Never.”

Your heart fluttered hearing his answer. After months of writing to one another, your feelings for Aemond developed into more than fondness for your betrothed. You looked forward to every letter, every kind word, and every lovely poem. You’d never say a part of your newfound hobby came from Aemond’s sweet poems. You’d wanted to give him a gift to keep even when you didn’t write; a gift to remember you.

“I never will either,” you answered.

You spotted pink filling the tops of his cheeks. “Good,” he gulped.

You reached for the drawing hand so he dropped the stick. The gesture meant to reassure him of your feelings. The words caught in your throat, and you willed yourself to try saying them. But, Aemond seemed to understand, since he overturned his hand to hold yours. Supple fingertips brushed your palm and the top of your hand. Your eyes met him in the gentle breeze, the world growing ever darker around you but you couldn’t stop the warmth filling your body. You gasped, noticing Aemond leaning closer to you timidly. Was it happening? Is this how Harwin kissed your mother the first time? You stayed still as Aemond came within inches of you.

“Y/N?”

Aemond and you jumped apart as Luke appeared a few feet away from you. He stared at you innocently, swishing his cloak around his knees while he looked at you.

“What is it, Luke?” you asked, trying to keep the annoyance out of your tone.

“Mother says we’re to go to bed now,” he said.

You almost threw a clump of sand at him. Right when you thought Aemond might kiss you, he shows up. You turned back to Aemond, sulky once more, and gave an apologetic smile. “It is getting late,” you said, “I suppose we should go.”

“You can,” he replied in disappointment. “Will I see you tomorrow morning before we leave?”

“You may, if you wish.”

“Y/N,” Luke called you again, “Mother says to come inside.”

“I heard you,” you snapped at him.

Hoping it’ll make him feel better, you kissed Aemond’s cheek. It was soft and warm on your lips. You probably should not have done it with Luke nearby, watching and waiting, but you wanted Aemond to know. Perhaps another time when you’re both truly alone. Pulling away, you saw his cheeks grow redder. You giggled, elation in your stomach, and walked away from him with a sheepish smile. Taking Luke’s hand, you couldn’t stop yourself from turning back over at Aemond, who remained seated in the sand.

Right as you reached the balcony again, you heard a loud roar in the distance. You looked up into the skies, hoping to see a large winged shadow amongst them, but the dragon flew too high. It reminded you of Aemond, who did not possess a dragon yet. He would one day, and then you two can go on flights together and have many adventures.

You’d like that very much.

#aemond targaryen #aemond x reader #aemond x you #aemond x yn #house of the dragon #hotd #hotd drabble #hotd fanfiction #ewan mitchell #aemond one eye #aemond the kinslayer

[written-in-flowers]

Fly Away: Pt. 9

Pairing: Young!Aemond x Young!Velaryon!Reader | Side pairing: Rhaenyra x Alicent, Aegon x Helaena

Genre: Fluff, Angst

Au: friends to lovers, childhood love, incest (duh), slight homophobia expressed, repressed feelings, mutual pining, teenage runaways, mentions of bullying, arrange marriages

Word Count: 8k

Summary: Young love overcomes all in a family full of broken bonds and broken hearts. When Princess Y/N Velaryon and Prince Aemond Targaryen are discovered missing from their beds, their mothers must come together to find them. The search might do more for their families than a mere marriage pact can. 

A/N: want to clarify now that we stick with young!Aemond throughout the story. Ewan’s Aemond comes in at the very end. This is mainly done starting a bit before The Princess and the Queen and a little bit after the events at Driftmark. I do pull some scenes from the show, but it remains relatively loose throughout. Want to also point out that The Dance doesn’t happen in this universe, so...happy ending expected, because we need more of those.  

 @yitish,  @imjustboredso, @dangerousbluebirdpoetry, @discowizard88, @mddieunson , @caramelcandescence, @bookwhoresthings, @astrumark, @minteaspoon @eddiemunsonsgroupie @miraclealignertlsp369 @aemond-targaryenx​

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******

“Woah! Are you mad? You could’ve killed me!” 

Aegon Targaryen walked out from the line of bushes and trees, an expression of irritation on his face as he pulled the arrow out of the tree next to him. Aemond’s posture loosened, and he stared at his older brother in surprise. You almost did not comprehend it at first. Dozens of questions came to mind, but you did not want them answered. To acknowledge Aegon and his appearance brought on the inescapable truth:

They’d found you. 

“Aegon?” you heard Aemond say in a breath. 

“Is this where you’ve been the whole time?” he asked, ignoring his brother’s shocked expression. “Mother’s devastated. You’re already half-blind, and then you decide to run away. We’ve got everyone looking for you.” 

“Aegon?” he said again in disbelief.

“If you planned on running, you could’ve at least told me where you were going.”

“Aegon?”

“-Oh, Aemond! Oh, thank the gods!”

Another figure burst out of the bushes, with three more running behind her. Helaena, in a dress of cream and gold, hurried forward and embraced her younger brother. She held onto him tightly, nearly crying from joy and relief. 

“Are you alright?” she released him, checking him up and down, “You are not hurt, are you? Where’s your eye patch?”

“Helaena?”

“We’ve all been so concerned,” she hugged him again. 

Stiff legs finally gained mobility when you saw those who’d followed her. Luke spotted you in the window, his disquiet finally giving way to relief when his eyes met yours. 

“Y/N!” he shouted, running past the silver-haired siblings to the cabin door. “Jace, Baela, she’s in here!”

You saw Jace and Baela next, hurrying forward right behind Luke and reaching the door. Jace stood in the doorway for a few minutes, taking in the sight of you damp and wearing nothing but a thin nightgown. Your violet eyes met his brown ones, the reality becoming truer the longer you stared at him. Luke, however, pushed past Jace and Baela to nearly tackle you. Curly head coming up to your chest, your arms encompassing him out of habit and bewilderment. 

“We thought you’d died!” Luke cried, burying his face into your dress. “We thought something terrible happened to you. We’ve been searching everywhere!”

“You scared us, Cousin,” Baela added, hugging you from the side and wrapped Luke in her arms. “Grandmother sent Grandfather and I to come searching for you. She’s very worried about you.” 

“So is Mother.” 

“Luke? Jace? Baela? How’d you all get here?” you asked them. 

“We came on our dragons,” Jace answered, not coming forward immediately. “We knew you’d come here from your letters to Aemond.” 

You wanted to hide. They’d read Aemond’s letters. If they had, then that means your mother did as well. Luke and Baela released you, and you felt the heat of their gazes on you. Jace stood a foot away from you, awkwardly digging his shoe into the floor in front of him. 

“Mother is here too, I take it?” you asked him. 

“She is. We flew ahead of her, but she’s with Grandfather and Father looking for you,” he answered. He then said, “Y/N, I’m sorry.”

“About what?”

“About what I said to you on Driftmark. I….I didn’t mean it.”

“Jacaerys,” you walked to him, “That was so long ago.”

“I’m still sorry,” he replied. “I was angry and hurt.” 

You gave a soft smile, then hugged him gently. “You shouldn’t have come here,” you told them, “Aemond and I are fine.”

“But you took off and didn’t tell anyone where you’d gone,” Jace said. 

“Because Mother would’ve stopped me.”

“Of course she would’ve stopped you,” he said. “This place might’ve been dangerous. There could’ve been people living here, and they could’ve taken you hostage or killed you.”

“Nobody knows this island exists anymore,” you rolled your eyes. 

“Which makes it worse. Y/N, you must come home with us now. If Mother sees you came with us, she might not be as angry that you ran away.”

“No,” you shook your head. “As much as I love Mother and Father, and as much as I love you all, I’m not coming home.”

“Why not?” Luke asked you tearfully, “Do you hate us now?”

“No, I don’t hate you, Luke,” you said, bringing him back into your arms. “But, Aemond and I have started making our own home here; we’re both happy together. If we went back, Mother and The Queen would split us up again. I don’t want that,” you saw Luke’s big teary eyes, and Baela’s sullen face, and said, “But you all can still visit us. I can talk to Aemond about it, and we can make-”

“-You are not staying here with Aemond,” Jace glowered. “You are coming home with us.”

“No,” you spat. 

“Y/N, you can’t live with Aemond alone,” Baela said. “He’s…Look what he did after he took Vhagar. He would’ve killed Jace if Luke hadn’t stopped him.”

“He wouldn’t have killed Jace,” you reasoned. You did not want to discuss Driftmark. It brought on more complicated feelings you wished to avoid. “Aemond is my husband now, so I go wherever he goes.”

“Wait,” Jace stared reluctantly, “Your husband?”

“Aemond and I are married,” you smiled. 

“By who’s blessing?” 

“Mine and his. We don’t need anyone’s blessing.”

“Yes, you do,” he remarked. “You at least needed mine. I am your brother.”

“Me too!” added Luke. 

“I don’t need your blessing for anything,” you scoffed at them. 

“It’s not even a real marriage because there was no septon there,” Jace said. “So, you’re not really married, and you’re coming home.”

He reached for you, but you stepped away. “I’m not going anywhere,” you finalized, “I am staying here with my husband.”

“You really want to stay…here?” Baela looked around the cabin, “It’s a bit…”

“It isn’t Dragonstone, but it is ours,” you told her, “And I am staying.” 

Out the window, you saw Aegon and Aemond talking, but you could not hear them. From Aemond’s tight hold on his bow, and his eyes hard on Aegon, you can tell they’re arguing. It only made your stomach grow sicker. You watched Aegon and Aemond exchange words, with Helaena occasionally speaking. Aegon seemed to be pleading with Aemond to come home; most likely he pointed out how they cannot live on the island forever. Helaena, when she spoke, voiced her own opinions to which Aegon then added on. Aemond disagreed at every word. 

“Mother is going to come,” said Jace, “And she will make you come home.”

“She can try.”

Jace’s face hardened, but at Baela’s touch to his shoulder, he looked away from you. Luke came forward, sniffling as he said, “I brought you food in case you were hungry.” He dug into his pocket and retrieved a leather pouch you recognized. “Gingerbread,” he said, holding it open for you. “I ate some, but I-I put more before I left.” 

You took the pouch to see the gingerbread biscuits inside, the sweet smell of cinnamon reaching your nose. “Thank you, Luke,” you smiled, petting his head and taking a piece. Biting into it was like biting into a piece of home. “Are you hungry? I can cook some of the fish Aemond caught today.”

“You can cook?” Jace asked skeptically. 

“Somewhat,” you answered. “Aemond usually cooks the meat and I add the vegetables and herbs to it afterwards. All we have to drink is water, so that’s what I can really offer.” You looked at the food shelves for the empty jars, trying to avoid any more conversation. “Please, sit anywhere. You must be tired from walking and flying for so long.” 

You’d started placing empty jars to use as cups when Aemond appeared in the doorway. He caught sight of Baela and Luke at the table and Jace standing beside them. The tension suddenly thickened, and you saw a small smirk cross Aemond’s face. You noisily started filling the jars with water, humming a melody to yourself. Aegon and Helaena came in behind him, and you immediately hugged Helaena. 

“My brother seems to be under the impression that you two will continue living here like a pair of wildlings,” Aegon said, uncorking a wineskin and taking a long drink. “And that you’re married.”

“We are,” you said, passing water jars to everyone. Luke nearly gulped his, Baela politely drank, but Jace did not touch his glass. “We married in our own way,” you explained, “And the only beings that mattered heard our vows.”

“Who? The squirrels?” he jested. 

“No, the Old Gods,” you replied, counting the amount of plates you’d collected from the village. You were missing one. You and Aemond could share a plate. 

He chortled, “The Old Gods? You don’t seriously believe the nonsense they say about those trees.”

“It was good enough for us,” Aemond argued. Aemond took the cup you offered him, and he downed it right away. “It should be good enough for you.”

“You wait until Mother comes,” Aegon told him. “I’m sure she will disagree with you entirely.”

“Whether she agrees or not doesn’t matter to me,” said Aemond, “Because we’re not leaving.” 

“Ha, try telling Mother that when she arrives.”

To avoid speaking, you grabbed the last few apples and started slicing them. You had not expected visitors, so you tried thinking of what to offer in terms of food. The fish is still good, and you knew Jace loved salmon dishes. Perhaps putting a dish everyone enjoyed on the table may ease the tensions. Baela and Helaena made idle conversation after Aegon’s comment, clearly attempting a peaceful conversation. 

“It’s too crowded in here,” Aemond said stiffly. “I’ll be outside, Y/N. The fish will not salt itself.”

Hearing the contempt in his voice, you nodded and let him leave. A bit of time outside may do him some good. As you put the apples into a small bowl, Baela came to your side. She put a cloth bundle on the table, and you saw it was a loaf of bread, a package of grapes and nuts, cheese and strawberry preserve. 

“I…I’d brought food from home,” she said. “Grandmother and I put it together. She worried you might be hungry.” 

You smiled softly, “Thank you. We can have half for now and half for dessert with the jam.”

You felt her stare at you for a time. “Y/N,” she said softly, “This is foolish, and you know it is.”

“No, it is not,” you replied. “Aemond and I are doing fine here. There is nowhere I’d rather be.”

“Did you forget what he did to your brothers? To Rhaena and I? He stole my mother’s dragon from Rhaena. He injured both your brothers. He almost killed Jace if Luke had not stopped him. Y/N, how can you love a person who does such things? Especially after what he called your brothers.” 

“I know he was in the wrong, but so was everyone else,” you finished the apples and offered her the plate. She took a slice and bit into it. “If The King had sense and courage, he would’ve made sure everyone understood the wrongs they’d committed, and told my mother that…that whatever resentment she and The Queen carried towards each other exploded into violence between their children. Aemond should not have sought out Vhagar before your sister had a chance to try claiming her, but dragons do not work like that. You cannot ‘steal’ a dragon, especially not one like Vhagar.” You added the grapes and nuts to the bowl. “I understand your anger towards him, and I do not expect any of you to forgive him so easily, but I love him, Baela. I have learned to see past his mistakes and wrongdoings and love the person underneath. I forgave him for what he did.” 

You brought the plate for everyone to share, hoping the food might bring them closer. From how Baela and your brothers still spoke with Aegon and Helaena, it became clear who they truly resented. Looking out the window, you saw Aemond by the larder, slicing into a fresh fish. You grabbed a bowl, some of the different foods, a slice of bread, and went outside. The chatter from inside died away, and the cooling afternoon breeze blew through your gown. 

“Aemond?” you approached cautiously, seeing him working meticulously. “I brought you food and water.”

“Thank you.” 

His voice sounded distant, and it made you frown. You put the food down and looked at him. The small exchange with Jace clearly struck a chord inside your husband, since he chopped the fish’s head with more force than necessary. Your common sense told you to leave him be, but your heart often disagreed with sense. Digging into your pocket, you found the eyepatch you’d finished sewing. It is not perfect. He’d need to make a tight knot to keep it on, but you noticed the cloth slipping from his hair ever so slowly. 

“I finished your eyepatch,” you told him. “Would you like to try it on?”

“No.”

“Aemond, you said you would.”

“I changed my mind,” he said, not looking at you. 

“I know you did not. This is because of my brothers, isn’t it?”

“I wouldn’t need one in the first place were it not for them,” he grumbled. 

You could not argue with that fact. As you watched him start to pull out the fish’s innards, you saw his cloth patch suddenly slip off when he bent his head forward. “Damnit,” he cursed in a hiss, picking up the cloth with dirty hands and examining it. “The knot’s loose.”

“Then use mine.” You approached him, and he stepped away. “Aemond, please,” you said quietly, not wanting to alarm anyone inside. “Let me help.” When he did not respond, you gently took the soiled cloth from him. “I understand it must be difficult for you to see them after what happened,” you told him, “Especially since so much has changed. But, they are my brothers.” He scoffed at this, and you narrowed your eyes, “Half or full-blooded, they are my blood and they are also yours.” He still did not look at you as you placed the new leather patch over his empty socket. You walked around him to start tying the thin threads together. “What they did was terrible, and I’m still regretful for not saying anything that night. I know The King favors my mother, and stubbornly remains blind to the obvious. But, if he ever acknowledged it…” you stopped tying the thread, unable to face the truth as it came to you. “My mother, my brothers…You know what will happen to them; what will happen to me.” 

“Nothing would happen to you. You’re Ser Laenor’s true born daughter.”

“But I am still her daughter. They might think I’m illegitimate too and-”

“-I’d kill them before they touched you,” he said fiercely. “Their existence alone threatens my own. The King should have named Aegon the heir right when he was born, and then I would be second in line. But, because he covets and favors your mother so much, and would rather lose his arm than upset her, he never did. He…” he stopped speaking, but the words hung between you. King Viserys did not show much interest in his sons like he did Rhaenyra. You knew this to be false. He’d arranged a marriage, had he not? He’d tried putting both families together and failed. “He said nothing. He did nothing. He stood there and questioned me, rather than speaking a word of sympathy to me. Then he had the gall to say we are family.” 

“We are.”

“In only name alone.” 

You finished tying the patch strings, then said, “What about us?”

“You’re my wife. Of course, you’re my family.” 

“But my brothers are not? My mother is not? My family is part of me, so if you love me, you love them too.”

“Look at what they did to me,” he turned around and you realized you’d tied the patch too loosely. He tore it from his face so you saw the empty socket plain as day, “How can you expect me to forgive them after this?”

“I don’t…I…” you lost the words before they came. You knew the apologies mean nothing coming from you. They’d have to come from those responsible. “I…” you noticed his patch lower on his face, “...Need to fix your patch.” You took the patch from him, starting to untie the knot. The guilt sinking into your stomach made you feel ill.

“Y/N,” he put his hand over yours, stopping you from fixing the patch again, “I love you.”

“I love you,” you said, “But it saddens me greatly that you will not give it a chance. I may speak with my brothers, and see if-”

“-Y/N?”

Luke paused a few steps from the back door, seeing you and Aemond standing together. His eyes flew open seeing Aemond’s uncovered eye. Aemond immediately turned his back on him, breathing heavily and his face hardening. You put your hand on his shoulder to soothe him while looking at Luke. 

“What is it, Luke?” you asked him. He continued looking at Aemond, shocked by his appearance, “Luke, what is it?”

“We’re…We’re going to play a game, if you wish to join us.” 

“A game sounds lovely,” you said without truly thinking, “You all start without us.”

“Alright.” 

He continued staring at Aemond’s back. He glanced over to you, seeing the leather eyepatch hanging from your hand. You sensed Aemond’s tense shoulders growing, and said, “Go on, Luke. Go play with the others.” He finally nodded and scurried off. Once you saw him through the window inside, you turned to Aemond. You started refitting the patch, “I love you, Aemond, so I will not tell you how to handle your anger or your resentment. But…my mother will come and she’ll take me away from you. I’d like my last few hours with you to be happy ones."

"We will not have 'last hours' because we are not going anywhere," he said firmly, turning to face you when you fixed on the patch. "We are staying here."

You wanted to agree. Yet, the image of your mother furiously storming up to the cabin crept back into your mind. As much as you'd struggle and fight her off, she'd get you home. Then, she'd marry you off to a lord far away and you'd never see Aemond again. The eyepatch was properly placed on his face, he pecked your cheek and you took his hand. You walked around the side of the house to see everyone gathered out front.

 Hearing the feet shuffle across leaves and twigs, seeing them kick up dirt as they moved, you saw everyone fighting to gain control of a leather ball. Jace currently had it, kicking it between his legs as he ran towards a pair of trees. But, right as he moved to kick it, Aegon stole it from under him and went in the opposite direction. On the opposite side, you saw they'd placed the wheelbarrow and basket a few feet from one another. You watched Aegon run towards it, dodging Baela and Luke, pass it to Helaena, who then kicked it between the two objects. They cheered while Jace, Luke and Baela frowned. 

"Ah, Aemond, you're here," Aegon panted as Helaena retrieved the ball. "Now we have an even number. Helaena said she'd sit out to track the scores."

"Sounds fun," Aemond answered, a slight edge to his voice as he smirked. 

You joined Baela and Luke on one side, while Aemond joined Jace and Aegon. Helaena brought the ball back, holding it in the middle of both teams. Everyone prepared themselves for the ball to drop, and the moment it did, both sides clashed together. You pushed against Baela, the both of you giggling as you struggled for the ball. However, this was short lived as Aemond slipped a leg between you. Kicking it down to the wheelbarrow, he'd gotten a few feet to it before Luke came on his left side to try getting it. You noticed it before anyone else, or perhaps you simply knew it'd happen, but with a hard shove Aemond kept control of the ball and kicked it through. Luke dusted himself off, and you heard Aemond’s soft chuckle. 

"He's smaller than you," you told Aemond, jogging beside him to the center. "Please be gentle."

"I was being gentle," he said, still sneering. 

You pursed your lips, but said nothing else as everyone returned. You pointedly stood closer to Luke. Helaena tossed the ball again, and both teams went for it. Jace and Aemond struggled for the ball, pushing against one another before Aemond hooked Jace’s leg. You gasped watching Jace fall forward, but Aemond completely ignored him. You knew suddenly why Aegon wanted Aemond on his team. He was good. 

It went on like this for a bit; Aemond roughly acquiring the ball from your brothers whenever possible, specifically Luke. You attempted to interfere whenever possible, whether it be shoving in between or pushing them aside to get it. One point, Aemond accidentally tripped you instead of Jace, his intended target, and instinct pulled you down with him. Your bodies crashing hard together, you groaned at the weight on top of you. Aemond, however, did not move right away. 

"You need to be more careful," he said to you, gentleness in his voice. "You can get hurt."

"You don't seem to mind it when it's my brothers," you pointed out. 

"Because they're not important to me," he remarked. "You are."

"But they're important to me and that should be enough for you to try.”

He hummed soft enough that you almost did not hear it, but you did. Aemond briefly kissed you, then finally stood up. “How about another game?” you suggested to the others, looking to Helaena and Baela for help. “We have a deck of cards Aemond brought from home. I also found this checker board and some pieces in the village; there’s a chess board too.”

“Ooh, checkers!” Baela beamed, taking your hand. “We can play that. The boys can play with the cards.” 

Helaena, too busy with a beetle she’d found while sitting on the ground, didn’t notice anyone moved until they walked past her. “Yes,” she said, going back to the bug crawling over her fingers, “Yes, that’s lovely.” 

You and Baela went back into the house, the boys soon following, and you poured more water for everyone. You noticed Aemond still eyeing both your brothers, which only knotted your stomach tightly. 

***

You honestly expected Aemond to break bread with them. How could he? How could he when your brother took out his eye? Aemond thought you might be understanding as always, but you only reminded him that they are your family. They're also his nephews through his sister, who is your mother. Did you truthfully believe blood washed away what happened? Aemond did not. He sat beside Aegon, watching his brother expertly shuffle the cards while sitting across from them. Luke's frequent glances irked him. He remembered the boy's face when he caught Aemond outside without the patch. He saw the gaping hole he left in Aemond’s face; the empty socket which pained him still from time to time. Thankfully, he'd managed to not have any stabs of pain since the other night, but what if it happened in front of them? 

Aegon passed out the cards to each boy, and Aemond kept his cards close to his chest. He had half a mind to find Vhagar and soar over the others on her. Their dragons are mice compared to Vhagar. He'd bonded with the fiercest and largest of the dragons, standing up to her and finding a common ground somehow. He showed no fear. Aemond was a dragonrider now; the world should fear him. They couldn't bully or tease him for not having a dragon; if they tried, he'd feed them to her. 

Aemond recalled that rush of adrenaline when he came down from the saddle, the cold night air pinching his cheeks and his heart pounding fast. Triumph coursed through his veins, feeding into the thrill inside him. He'd known you'd love him for sure once you saw him on Vhagar; you'd have more reasons to be proud of him. Then, they attacked him. 

Aegon drew first, then Jace, then Luke and finally him. Having the best hand, Aegon cackled and declared victory already. Aemond did not much care for cards; he preferred chess or checkers, which you'd both played only once since discovering the items. He looked over to the bed where you, Helaena and Baela sat. You and Baela played right now, while Helaena continued playing with a bug she'd found. Aemond thought of whisking you away again. Even with all his talk of remaining on the island, he knew they'd be forced to go home. You'd be taken from him, and he'd never see you again. Watching you place a red checker on the board, he imagined himself taking you away on Vhagar. Nobody would dare follow his dragon; he'd roast them alive if they did. 

But, that might upset you, and he'd never do that to you. 

"So, what happened after your wedding?" Aegon asked in a whisper, eyeing you with Aemond. 

"Nothing," he blushed. You'd both kissed, deep and long. He still felt your body against his, supple and warm. "We came back home and ate."

"But, she's your wife and if your marriage is official," he noted, "You must've done it, right? At least touch?"

Aemond looked over at Jace and Luke. Jace glared at him, while Luke concentrated on his card deck. "We didn't do anything," Aemond said, despite wanting to say otherwise. He knew lying would bring shame on you. Another thing he'd never do, if he could help it. "She isn't ready and neither am I. There are no rules here but ours, and that's one of them."

"Oh, come off it," Aegon scoffed. "You had to have done something together."

"We didn't."

Aegon glanced at the two boys with them, then said, "Alright. I would've thought you'd know how to after I took you to that brothel."

"You've been to a brothel, Aemond?" Luke asked, wide eyed and surprised. 

"I have," he smirked, happy to have something over them. 

"He got it wet," Aegon snickered, laying down a card. He hissed and Jace laughed, taking his card. "My brother Aemond is a true man now," he clapped his shoulder. "Madame Rosette said he performed wonderfully."

Aemond’s cheeks burned, and he turned back to his cards. He had to tilt his head slightly to see the whole card deck in front of him. A downside of having one eye. He felt his neck ache from doing the motion so many times. Normally, he’d ask Aegon to move the stack to one side so he can see, but with the two Velaryon boys nearby, he refused. He stretched his neck to the opposite side when the muscle started twinging, then he spotted a small hand push the cards in the middle further to his right. He turned to see Luke looking suddenly apprehensive, as if he’d been caught doing something wrong. 

“So you could see them better,” Luke excused his action. 

This gesture caught him off guard, and he did not know what to say. The four boys kept playing, all the while an awkward feeling settled amongst them. At least, between Aemond, Luke and Jace. Aegon acted as if it were a normal day, talking amiably with the others. They continued drawing cards in his eyeline, which he appreciated to an extent. He did not know whether to be appreciative or offended. One hand, it felt nice not having to turn his head or shift his body, but on the other, he knew they pitied him. They rightfully should. It’d been their fault. 

“You, um, shoot very well,” he heard Jace say to him after some time. Aemond and Aegon locked eyes, unsure of how to respond. 

“Thank you,” Aemond said cautiously. 

“You should see him at home,” Aegon told him. “He can get the bullseye right in the center every time. I guess there are benefits to having one eye after all.”

“Shut up,” Aemond hissed at him. 

“I thought it’d make it harder,” said Jace, “Because…you can’t see what’s…what’s on your left side.” Aemond heard the hesitancy in his voice. “Did you shoot those rabbits on the rack?”

“I made traps.”

“You know how to make traps?” Luke asked, intrigued. “Our father taught us, but ours only catches fish.”

“Ser Criston taught me,” he said. His body tensed up between the two boys. 

Why were they being nice? He didn’t like it. He looked at Aegon again. The last time they’d done this, they’d brought the pig out. “I put them up so I don’t need to hunt every day. I should be here with Y/N, protecting and helping her here in the house.” 

“And you speared the fish. You…You managed to do that considering your…” Jace’s voice trailed off, aware of the realm he tiptoed into. “It’s impressive, is what I mean.” 

“What are you doing?” Aemond asked outright, tired of dancing around it. 

“Playing cards.”

“No, why are you being nice?” 

Jace only stared. He seemed reluctant to truthfully answer. Yet, it was Luke who answered, “Because our sister loves you.” When Aemond glanced at him, he said, “She made you an eyepatch. Y/N only makes gifts for people she loves. She made our mother riding gloves for her nameday, and she made me this pouch,” he showed Aemond the leather pouch hanging from his belt. “That means she must love you lots.”

“And you’ve…” Jace did not speak right away, “You’ve taken care of her while she’s been here. You could’ve fed her to your dragon or hurt her somehow-”

“-I’d never do that,” he heard himself say suddenly, with more anger than he intended. He heard the snap in his tone, then said, “I’d never harm your sister. She’s my wife now, and she…” ‘Means more to me than my own life’. 

He looked over to where you sat between Helaena and Baela, who were playing the next round of checkers. His eyes met yours, and you grinned softly at him. The expression relieved any worry inside him. For those few seconds, it became you both again. He saw the light shining behind you, giving this bright angelic glow, and it reminded him of your wedding ceremony. You’d looked so beautiful underneath the shade of red leaves, the sunlight poking through to bring that glow. He wanted to kiss you then, and he wanted to kiss you now. 

“Aw, how sweet,” Aegon said in mock admiration, “Our Aemond is in love!” Putting his hands over his heart, “He’s truly been struck by The Maiden’s kiss!” he pretended to be shot in the chest, and he fell back to the snickering of Jace and Luke. Aemond noticed the empty wineskin nearby, and sighed with contempt. “How will the two star-crossed lovers find happiness in a world that wishes to pull them apart?! Oh, the agony is so bittersweet!”

“Shut up, Aegon,” Aemond glared. “You merely jest because the only person who’s loved you is that crossed eyed whore you bedded on my nameday.”

“Crossed eyed?” Luke laughed, and looked at Aegon, who’d sat up. “Really?”

“She looked like a pig,” Aemond continued, “But then again, pigs are prettier than she was.”

“Hey, Jaeline was a lovely girl,” Aegon remarked, pointing a finger at him. Then snickered, “And looked lovelier after a few cups of wine.”

“What’s it like?” Jace asked him. “Being….Being with a woman,” he asked this in a whisper, hoping the girls nearby did not hear. 

“I can’t really remember. Ask Aemond,” he sneered at his brother. “The women there love Aemond. Madame Rosette keeps asking when I’m bringing him back.”

Luke and Jace looked over at him. He squirmed under their stares. He would’ve preferred to keep his session with the older woman private, but seeing them staring at him, he knew they expected an answer. Aemond thought to argue, though he knew that only resulted in upsetting you, which he wanted to avoid. Besides, you are too far to hear if he whispers the story. He glanced back towards you, seeing you and the girls giggling. Then, he turned to the boys in front of him. 

“I will admit…she did do most of the work…”

***

She decided to search on foot. Rhaenyra noted that going up into the skies might alert you to their presence, and you may run again. That is, if the other children had not already done that. Lord Corlys said he’d leave men to patrol the skies from the ship, in case Starshine is seen flying around. Alicent felt as if she were hunting a wild animal, making careful steps as she walked through the foliage. One wrong step, one loud sound, and she’d scare it away. 

“They could be anywhere,” Alicent said from beside her. “Do you truly believe we’ll find them today?”

“There are not many places they can stay,” she answered. “I am certain Aegon and Jace must’ve found them by now, if they left earlier than us.” 

Neither woman mentioned the conversation from last night. It gave their words time to marinate and stew inside them. Alicent meant every word she’d spoken. Every tear she shed carried the pain and loneliness weighing inside her. She thought back to every time she caught Rhaenyra sharing a glance with Ser Harwin. Her eyes often looked on him with fondness; the same fondness she’d once shown Alicent. It is nobody’s fault but her own. She’d pushed Rhaenyra away with her accusations, jealousy and self-loathing. Alicent wanted to say more, but they had more important things to worry about. 

Like their children. 

The sun sat high in the sky now, but the layer of trees and branches kept them from the worst of it. A garrison of men remained spread out around them, walking carefully between trees and scanning the terrain. Alicent assumed the pair pitched camp somewhere in the shade or perhaps found an old shack to live in. She comforted herself with the knowledge that Aemond knows the woods. Even with his disability, he is a survivor. He survived his injury; he’d survive in the wilderness. Walking alongside Rhaenyra, she stared around the empty forest for any sign of them. 

“Remember my father’s nameday hunt?” Rhaenyra suddenly asked, trying to fill the silence. “Back when my mother still lived?”

“How could I forget?” she chuckled. “That was the first time I’d ever gone into the woods, and feared we’d become hopelessly lost.” She then blushed, “Until we found the lake.”

“Ah yes, the lake…”

Viserys insisted on a hunting trip for his nameday, causing everyone to pack up their belongings and travel into The Kingswood outside King’s Landing. Alicent recalled her and Rhaenyra sneaking off while everyone settled into the campsite, holding hands and planning on doing some exploring. Some guardsmen talked about a beautiful lake somewhere in the woods, and both girls wanted to go swimming. She should’ve known her beloved’s true intentions when they arrived at the lake and stripped to their small clothes. Alicent never touched anyone before, not even herself, but Rhaenyra knew what to do. She’d shuddered at the memory of her lover’s warm breath on her naked skin; her lips and tongue in places they’d never gone before. Alicent never felt anything like it. 

“Where did you learn it?” she dared to ask. Their search party spread far enough to stay out of earshot. 

“Learn what?”

“What we did,” she asked carefully. It was like stepping into cold water. Once a foot goes in, so must the rest. “I didn’t know women could do those things with one another.”

She chuckled, “I only did to you what I’d done to myself.” 

Alicent recalled it being the only time she felt true pleasure. No time with Viserys ever felt comfortable or pleasurable. It always hurt, and she felt disgusted with herself afterwards. Even if she’d enjoyed it, those moments were nothing compared to Rhaenyra. She remembered the soft kisses and the tenderness behind their uncertainty. Neither girl knew what to do, yet wanted something. They wanted to be truly bonded together at that moment. She pondered on how many more moments they could’ve shared had the world not split them apart. 

Then it occurred to her. 

“You don’t think that Aemond and Y/N…” she began, the words dying on the tongue. “What if they did?”  

Rhaenyra came to the same realization right then. “No,” she shook her head, convincing herself more than Alicent, “No, Y/N is not that type of girl. She’d never. I’m positive your Aemond is the same.”

“We said the same about ourselves.”

If Aemond took your maidenhead, there’d have to be a marriage. It is a good way to ensure that they’re never parted. Alicent raised Aemond to be a chivalrous young man; he’d never force himself upon you that way. Yet, you two are alone, absent chaperones and watchful eyes. You might be sharing a bed for warmth, and that creature called adolescent curiosity stirred and resulted in sex. 

“They’re so young,” Rhaenyra said, “Younger than we were. They wouldn’t know what to do if the thought occurred in the first place.”

“You are forgetting that Aegon is Aemond’s brother,” she said. “They think I don’t know where he took Aemond on his nameday.”

“He took him to a brothel?” she asked, shocked.

“Yes. Ser Arryck confessed it to me when he came back in the early morning,” she added. “I have no doubt my son has some idea of what to do, but…he isn’t his brother. He’d never make Y/N do anything like that.”

“Oh, Alicent, do not give my daughter an angel’s halo,” Rhaenyra gave a small smirk. “I gave her the talk when she had her first flowering. She is a young girl in love; she might think it’d be romantic to give her virginity to a boy she loves and trusts.” She took a deep breath, “But, I like to think our children have more purity than either of us did.” 

“So do I.” 

The two mothers stopped when they reached a thin threshold of trees. Beyond them, they spotted a glimmering lake. It stretched around in a rough circle before streamlining into the river flowing southwards. Alicent thought she might’ve seen other people gathered around it, gathering water or regrouping to arrange new search patterns. However, she found the lake deserted. Well, aside from the large dragon gulping water from the opposite side. 

“Starshine…” Rhaenyra breathed out loud. Alicent saw hope filling her violet eyes at the sight of the blue and gold dragon. The beast did not acknowledge either of their presence, busy drinking and resting by the water. “She likes the water. She’s like Y/N in that way.” She gazed around the lake, “If she is here, then Y/N and Aemond might be nearby.” 

“Lord Corlys also mentioned they may be near water. That little village cannot be much farther from here.” 

A renewed sense of purpose drove both women to walk along the lakeside in hopes of finding a trail or sign of their children. They may have left something behind in the sand and dirt around the water’s edge. Alicent kept her eyes peeled for a doused campfire or clothes, while Rhaenyra walked around to approach Starshine. She worried the dragon may rebuff Rhaenyra, since she is not her rider, but she’d been wrong. When Rhaenyra came within a few feet of the resting creature, she saw her lips moving and reaching out to Starshine’s neck carefully. No doubt she spoke High Valyrian, since most dragons only responded to that. Starshine shook her head and neck in defiance for a moment, and growled loudly enough for Alicent to hear from across the lake. Rhaenyra spoke again in a gentler tone, waited for her to stop snarling, and then delicately put a hand to her dark scales. Alicent could tell she continued talking to Starshine, and unable to understand, she went back to searching the ground. She found mostly wet leaves, pebbles and rocks. Then, she spotted something standing out against the sand on the water’s edge. Walking closer, she knew what it was once she saw the leather straps with their black buckle. 

“Aemond!” she gasped, rushing forward to pick up the eyepatch. Yes, this was his. She recognized the stitching as her own. She’d made it for him shortly after the socket healed. “Oh gods, no,” she groaned. If he doesn’t have this, he must be walking around without it. He knows how dangerous that can be. “Rhaenyra!” she called out to the woman and the dragon, “I found Aemond’s patch! They were here!”

Rhaenyra hurried back over to her, and examined it herself. “Are you sure this is his?”

“Positive. I made it myself. He must’ve gone into the water and lost it,” she said. Getting the patch back felt like having a piece of her boy with her. “Gods…Rhaenyra, he needs this patch. Without it, debris and other things can get into the socket and damage the nerves.” 

“I’m sure Aemond brought replacements with him,” she said comfortingly. “Starshine being here means we’re close. Dragons stick close to their riders. With this and Starshine, they must be nearby.” 

“Yes, yes, they must be.”

The two women looked around before Alicent noticed a circle of rocks between two trees right on the line. “What is that?” she asked curiously, heading over to the stones. Large stones, both smooth and rough, encompassed a small pile of burnt wood. Someone arranged them to resemble a cooking fire. 

“Yes, they were definitely here,” Rhaenyra confirmed, picking up a broken stick. She gave a smile, “Having dinner near the water. How romantic.”

“Very,” she agreed, smiling at the thought of Aemond suggesting it to you. “I imagine they swam afterwards,” she looked at the cool water. “This place must be their paradise. They have no chaperones, no brothers or sisters, no parents to pester them. No rules or cares.” It painfully reminded her of her own daydreams. “Only each other.” 

Rhaenyra grasped her hand. She understood, and squeezed her hand gently. She knew the feeling all too well. Every time she’d found solace with Rhaenyra, she soaked it all in. Those few minutes or hours became their safe haven; a place where only they existed, and nobody else mattered. Alicent realized once again how similar she and Aemond were. The only difference is that his love is openly accepted, while hers is not. Her heart ached knowing she’d put a stop to it due to her own pain. 

“It is beautiful here,” Rhaenyra said in agreement. “It’s exactly the kind of place they’d choose.”

“Did you ever wonder how we would’ve managed?” Alicent asked her.

She hesitated. “From time to time,” she said, looking down at the rock circle, “I think we would’ve found a way to make it work.” She nudged a stone with her foot, “You have to admit they have courage. They had no idea what they’d find when they arrived, and they appear to have made it well so far.” 

“They have.” 

They looked back into the forest from the fire pit to see the ground disturbed. In the dirt, they saw the signs of a trail regularly traveled. Small footprints made their impressions on the soft ground, and leaves and sticks were kicked out of the way. Alicent followed the path with her eyes and saw it went further into the forest. Her and Rhaenyra kept their hands together as they walked down the path. She hoped more than anything to find Aemond at the end of this trail. It’d been so long since she held her son; the patch in her hand brought on comfort but a trickle of worry as well. He could’ve drowned or made a dash to safety and lost it. He might’ve damaged his eye further, and be in agony right now. He’d succumbed to phantom pains lately; a side-effect of such severe damage to the body, that the mind sometimes believes they’re in pain. They traveled further down until they reached the opposite side of the forest. 

Through the thickets of bushes and low branches, Alicent spotted a house about ten yards from the trees. Stone weathered and stained by years of neglect and harsh weather, a thatched roof made of brittle straw, she saw weeds poking out from underneath the stone and vines creeping up the corners. She noticed another cooking spit right outside a back door, as well as a food larder and a rack made for leaving animal skins. Two rabbit skins hung there now, stripped and cleaned and ready for sewing. The white linen shirt and black breeches hung from a line, and Alicent noticed the washboard and tub just underneath it. 

“Yes,” Rhaenyra nodded, “Our children fared much better than we ever could have. They have a washboard?” she added the last bit in disbelief. “She’s never used one before. Where would they even find oils to clean them?”

“And there’s a food larder,” Alicent pointed out. “How could they preserve food out here with nothing to prepare it with?”

“I see that salt barrel…is that…Is that a dead fish? Right there on the tree stump?”

“I think so, yes. Aemond’s quite good at fishing. Ser Criston taught him.” She chuckled, “Looks like our darlings have been playing house this whole time.”

She heard laughter from inside, and recognized Aemond’s right away. Right as the pair slipped from between the bushes, the sounds of chatter and footsteps came from the back door. The boys appeared outside, where Aemond showed them the rabbit pelts hanging on the rack. Jace and Luke appeared impressed, aweing at the skin in her son’s hands. Alicent saw nothing but her son. 

“Aemond!” she cried out, startling the four boys as she rushed over. 

“Mother?”

“Oh, thank the Seven, Aemond!” she breathed and immediately embraced him. She felt tears begin stinging her eyes, “Oh, Aemond! Oh, my sweetling! Thank the Seven you’re alright! I’ve been searching for you for days! I thought I’d go mad if I did not find you!” She smothered him in kisses, despite his humming protests, and clutched onto him as if he’d fly away any second. Alicent breathed him in, even if she smelled nothing but sweat and grease. Utter relief filled her bones, and she thought she’d never let him go. 

“Y/N?!” Rhaenyra marched to the house, “Y/N!”

“Mother!”

You came out the door wearing a stained nightgown and no stockings or shoes. Rhaenyra cried out in shock, opening her arms wide as she hugged her daughter. “Oh, my little dove!” she cried, kissing the top of your head. “My sweet girl, how we’ve been searching and searching and searching…I’m so relieved!” 

“Mother, please!”

“How could you take off like that?” Rhaenyra asked, keeping a tight hold on you. “You had your father and I worried sick about you! You could’ve been injured or sick or dead, and nobody would’ve known! Oh, Y/N!” she kissed you more, nuzzling her face into your hair. “Little dove…What were you thinking? Taking off like that? And look at you! You’re wearing almost nothing!” she snatched the clothes from the nearby line, and grabbed your arm, “Come! We’re putting clothes on you and we’re leaving.”

“But, Mother-”

“-Hush, and get in the house!” 

Alicent watched Rhaenyra drag you into the house and slam the door shut. More arguing could be heard through the window. Alicent looked down to Aemond, and saw the leather eye patch he wore. Feeble and made of thin leather, it’d clearly done its job in a pinch. She touched the edge of it, feeling the rough cut. 

“You terrified me,” she said, looking into his eyes. “Aemond, what were you two thinking coming out here like this? You two had no idea what you may find here, and you’d be completely alone.”

“Which is what we wanted,” he replied. “You were going to marry me off to some dumb Baratheon girl, and I’d never see Y/N ever again.”

“It’s what was best for everyone at the time! Look what her brothers did to you! How could you expect me to allow you to marry her?!”

“What’s best for me?” he repeated scornfully. “Or do you mean what is best for you? What is best for the family? The Faith? The kingdom? This was never about me. This was never about what I wanted; it was about what The King wanted, and what you wanted. I agreed to marry Y/N because I love her, and-and-and then you take her away from me!”

“Aemond,” his words cut her deeply, she thought she might cry again, “I had my reasons to feel as I did at the time. We need to go home and get you somewhere safe-”

“-I am safe here. I’m happy here,” he argued. “I’m not going home. I’m not, and you cannot make me!”

He shoved her back, but she immediately grabbed his wrist. “You are,” she seethed, pushing her tears back, “You must. You cannot stay here.”

“I’m not going back there. I don’t have people staring at me as if I’m some sort of monster. I don’t have dim-witted, pitiful servants and lords whispering about me or dumb knights and squires making jests at my expense,” he snapped. “Here, it is only me and Y/N, and we’re happy and we want to stay!”

“And do what? Live like savages?”

“Be together!”

“Oh, Aemond, don’t be ridiculous. Come now,” she said, “Let us get off this island and go home. We can speak about your future there-”

“-No, we won’t. I’m staying here. Y/N is who I love, and I will never marry anyone else.”

“Aemond!” a voice shouted from the other side of the house. “Aemond!”

Your distressed voice put Aemond into action. He yanked himself from his mother’s grasp, grabbed his sword from the back door, and ran with it through the tiny shack. Alicent called after him, immediately running to catch up with him. Rushing through the shack’s front door, she saw a large group of soldiers a few yards from the house. She recognized Ser Laenor, who yelled his daughter’s name and ran towards her. Ser Criston appeared not too far from her on the right, his own men following behind obediently. Clearly, they’d all thought to find the little village. Aemond, running with his sword, shouted your name. Alicent heard the heart break in his voice. She heard it crack and come out in a sob. 

“Y/N! Y/N! Let her go! Y/N!” 

“Aemond! Aemond, help me!”

“Y/N!”

Aemond did not catch up to Rhaenyra’s brisk walk. Ser Criston rushed at him, and cleanly swept him up from the ground. Aemond kicked and screamed, pounding his fists on Ser Criston’s armored arms. He’d dropped his sword, the weapon falling to the wayside in the struggle. 

“My Prince,” Ser Criston said over his cries, “My Prince, please!”

“Aemond!” 

“Y/N!”

Alicent reached him finally, heat filling her cheeks and going through the fabric of her gown. She tried her best to calm her son down, grabbing at his arms to keep him from hurting himself further. She turned to see Ser Laenor doing the same with you. He’d put you over his shoulder, so your weak attempts to escape were futile. You continued fighting him, screaming her son’s name and begging for him to help you. Alicent soon did not hear your shouts or her son’s cries. She heard her own. She heard her pleas to her father; she’d begged him for understanding, sympathy, and acceptance. All she’d wanted was Rhaenyra, and he’d decided she’d never have her. 

‘But, Father, I love her.’ 

*****

A/N: TWO MORE CHAPTERS TO GO!! will the lovers be brought back together??? dun, dun, dunnnnnn

#aemond targaryen #aemond one eye #aemond the kinslayer #aemond x reader #aemond x you #aemond x yn #house of the dragon #hotd #hotd drabbles #hotd imagines #hotd fanfiction #hotd fanfict

[written-in-flowers]

Fly Away: Pt. 5

Pairing: Young!Aemond x Young!Velaryon!Reader | Side pairing: Rhaenyra x Alicent, Aegon x Helaena

Genre: Fluff, Angst

Au: friends to lovers, childhood love, incest (duh), slight homophobia expressed, repressed feelings, mutual pining, teenage runaways, mentions of bullying, arrange marriages

Word Count: 7k

Summary: Young love overcomes all in a family full of broken bonds and broken hearts. When Princess Y/N Velaryon and Prince Aemond Targaryen are discovered missing from their beds, their mothers must come together to find them. The search might do more for their families than a mere marriage pact can. 

A/N: want to clarify now that we stick with young!Aemond throughout the story. Ewan’s Aemond comes in at the very end. This is mainly done starting a bit before The Princess and the Queen and a little bit after the events at Driftmark. I do pull some scenes from the show, but it remains relatively loose throughout. Want to also point out that The Dance doesn’t happen in this universe, so...happy ending expected, because we need more of those.  

Previous Chapter < | > Next Chapter 

Taglist:  @yitish,  @imjustboredso, @discowizard88, @mddieeunson, @caramelcandescence, @bookwhoresthings, @astrumark, @ophelialaufey​

****

She’d finished writing to Lady Jeyne Arryn when your lady-in-waiting entered her chambers. She’d hoped to persuade a betrothal between you and Eldric, one of Lady Jeyne’s younger brothers. The boy is a bit younger than you, but he was an Arryn of the Vale. An alliance between House Velaryon and House Arryn will be beneficial to both sides. The fair-haired girl waited for her to sign and seal her letter before speaking. 

“Forgive me for the interruption, Your Grace,” the girl bowed, “But Princess Y/N was not in her bed this morning.”

Rhaenyra smiled softly. This was not the first time a maid informed her that your bed was empty. “I’m sure it’s nothing,” Rhaenyra said, grabbing another slip of paper, “She must’ve gone for an early morning flight, Helen. She loves riding Starshine in the morning.”

“Yes, Your Grace, but she missed her morning meal as well.”

“She can eat when she comes back.” 

You always came back. Rhaenyra dismissed Helen, then returned to writing the second marriage proposal: to Lord Rickon Stark. He had a son, Cregan, who was roughly your age. House Stark are a noble house and Wardens of the North; you will do well there. She hoped. Rhaenyra knew you had not fully forgiven her or Alicent for breaking the betrothal. She noticed the bouts of sadness you’d have during meals, particularly if they served a dish that reminded you of Aemond. She’d taken a look at your drawings when you didn’t see, and saw that a fair few were of Aemond and Vhagar. Rhaenyra knew what heartache looked like, and she certainly knew how it sounded. She’d forever feel guilty breaking her own daughter’s heart, but the pain would pass with time. You’ll come to see that, in the long run, retracting the pact benefited everyone involved. 

Perhaps you’ll like Rickon’s son, and forget all about Aemond. 

Rhaenyra wrote to Lord Stark, as well as Lords Tully and Manderly. All had sons who would make fine suitors for her only daughter. When she finished, about half past one, she left her chambers for the training yard. She spotted Luke and Jace being trained by the master-at-arms, heeding his instructions and executing them as told. Rhaenyra could never shake the very slight pang in her chest each time she looked at them. They reminded her too much of their father, of Harwin. Especially Jace, who already had his mane of brown curls and nose. Watching them swing swords at straw dummies, she stood on the balcony overhead and looked on quietly. The rumors of their births cannot reach her in these high walls; the whispers and murmurs could not touch them here. Yet, they’d come all the same that night at Drift Mark. Seeing them now, she thought of the insult that resulted in so much bad blood. She regretted now what she’d said about Aemond; suggesting he be questioned rather than cared for. She’d been concerned for her own sons, who’d been attacked, and the dangerous rumors that floated in the room. But, then Rhaenyra imagined how Alicent must’ve been feeling seeing her son maimed. 

Rhaenyra knew her temper. She would’ve picked up that knife too, were she in Alicent’s position.

She’d ordered a bowl of grapes, cheese and wine while she watched over them. Sipping from her wine cup, she’d been clapping for Luke’s strong sword swing when Septa Sarisa appeared. An older woman with a narrow nose, thin lips, and dark eyes, she wore the gray robes of the female clergy. 

“Septa Sarisa,” she said, “How can I help you?”

“I’m afraid it is your daughter, Your Grace,” she replied. “She did not show up for her lessons after breakfast this morning. I spoke to Helen, and the girl says she has not seen her.”

“That’s odd,” Rhaenyra’s brow furrowed, “Y/N isn’t known to skip lessons.” 

“Could she possibly still be flying, Your Grace?”

“Hm, possibly.” 

She looked over the balcony railing and called to her sons, “Boys, have either of you seen your sister?” When they both shook their heads, she turned back to Septa Sarisa, “Perhaps she is flying still. I am sure she’ll turn up, Septa, and when she does I’ll send her to you.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.” 

Rhaenyra planned on having a serious talk with you when you finally returned.  

****

“I have already spoken with Lords Tyrell and Baratheon. They’ve all accepted a possible betrothal for the young prince.” 

Alicent sat on her husband’s left as she told the council her plans for Aemond. Ever since she broke the betrothal between Targaryen and Velaryon, she’d reached out to other noble houses. It saddened her every time she came to see her son, see the eyepatch covering his wound, and know he’ll never be the same. She’d seen him struggle at the dinner table, trying his best not to knock anything over and the neck pains he’d have from twisting his head so much. Maester Orwyle told her he’d eventually learn to cope with his disability, but her heart broke regardless. Aemond. Her sensitive, shy boy who’d only wanted to have a dragon like a “true” Targaryen. What hurt most that night was the realization. 

The realization that her husband, father of her children, will never care for them. His son became permanently damaged, and he did nothing. He cared more about what people said of Rhaenyra’s bastards than what they’d done to her son. Aemond only protected himself against children who’d attacked him first. Her husband did not give a single word of comfort or concern. He’d questioned Aemond, who’d lied to protect her. The only version of the story he’d accepted was the one that Rhaenyra’s sons told him. 

How could she let him marry the sister of such boys? 

“A marriage with House Tyrell can ensure resources are plentiful,” her father said to her. “The Tyrell’s supply a majority of their crops to Westeros; each year. We can use this match to make sure citizens of King’s Landing do not go hungry. Lord Tyrell’s daughter is a lovely maiden.”

“Lord Baratheon,” Lord Beesebury, Master of Coin, spoke up with a quavering voice, “Has four daughters. Two of them are Prince Aemond’s age, but the others are a bit older and have flowered. An alliance with House Baratheon will ensure we have their support should we ever see a time of war.”

“Let us hope it never comes to that,” Viserys said from his seat at the head of the table. 

Alicent did not know how to tell him that the day might come. Rhaenyra will become queen one day, and her stomach churned knowing what that could mean. The men of this world would rather tear it down than have a woman ascend the Iron Throne. She did not doubt Rhaenyra’s abilities; she never would even now. But, with her uncle Daemon at her side and her possible Hand one day, things may become difficult. He will no doubt influence her to murder Alicent’s children, since their claims challenge Rhaenyra’s. Alicent could not let that happen. 

“My lords, Your Grace,” Lord Tyland, Master of Ships, called for their attention, “House Lannister controls all the gold coins in Westeros. Our gold mines are endless and bountiful. May I propose a union between House Lannister and House Targaryen? My brother, Jason, has a daughter close to Prince Aemond’s age.”

Simply speaking about Aemond’s betrothals gave her a headache. Aemond’s recent injury resulted in his sudden spike in temper. He glared at her whenever she mentioned him marrying another girl. She knew he’d grown to love Princess Y/N, and that he’d possibly never love anyone else. Alicent sometimes scoffed when he proclaimed this out loud. He is a boy. He knows nothing of love or romance. She knew, with time, Aemond will eventually forget about you and do his duty to his family. How could he love the girl who’s family permanently damaged him? True, you had not swung the blade, but your brother had. Things would be more complicated if the marriage went forward as planned. This decision is easier for everyone involved. 

“A fine suggestion,” her husband said with a smile. “I heard your niece is something to be envied in Casterly Rock.”

Lord Tyland smiled proudly, “She most certainly is.”

Beauty was one thing, but what about her personality? Was she kind? Generous? Creative or imaginative like Aemond? She’d no doubt be terrified by Vhagar, whom Aemond adored and visited daily. Would Lady Lannister be a good companion for her lonely boy? She hoped so. 

The council meeting ended with Alicent telling Lord Tyland she’d consider his offer. She truly would consider it. Aemond is approaching manhood soon, and will need to marry eventually. She left the council chambers, and decided to go look for him. However, she’d gotten a few steps before Maester Hunt came towards her. 

“Your Grace,” the old maester said to her, “Forgive me but I’m afraid I have urgent news.”

“What’s happened? Is it Aemond?” 

“Partially. I’d gone to Prince Aemond’s quarters to examine his eye, but the boy was not there. I spoke with the maids, and they said his bed was empty this morning.”

“Hm,” she hummed, taking a moment to think, “Aemond wouldn’t miss a treatment. He told me just last night his eye hurt him deeply.” She recalled how the boy nearly cried from the pain in his eye. She’d given him tea to calm him, then kissed him goodnight. “I’ll see where he has gotten off to. He is most likely in the library with his tutor. I will tell him to see you when he is finished.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Alicent changed course and walked towards the library. Aemond might’ve gone to return books he’d borrowed and pick up new ones. When she arrived, she fully expected to find her children sitting with Maester Crowlin and learning about the histories and cultures of Westeros. Instead, she only found Helaena and Aegon. Aegon, who sat with his head in his hand and eyes half open, no doubt nursed a hangover. Helaena paid attention, however, scribbling down notes and listening intently. The seat between them, Aemond’s seat, remained empty. 

“Ah, Your Grace,” Maester Crowlin, a middle-aged man with thinning brown hair, greeted her with a smile. “I was just teaching the Prince and Princess about the houses of The Reach.”

“That’s wonderful, Maester,” she replied politely. She looked to Helaena and Aegon, who snapped awake at the sound of her voice. “Where is your brother?”

“I don’t know,” Helaena replied. 

“How should I know?” Aegon replied, irritably. 

“You should know because you’re the one who was meant to watch him,” she said sharply. “You know things have not been easy since his injury. He needs to be watched.”

“He can do things himself now,” Aegon dismissed. “If he needs so much observation, why not leave him with a guard?”

“Did something happen to Aemond, Mother?” Helaena asked, ignoring Aegon. 

“I hope not. Maester Hunt said he wasn’t in his room, and he needs to have his eye examined.”

“What’s there to examine? He’s already lost it.”

“Aegon!” she snapped, “He is your younger brother. Show a bit of concern.”

“Mother,” Aegon sat up in his seat and faced her. Out of all her children, Aegon resembled her the most. They shared the same nose and face shape. Her father said had he been born with brown hair, he’d be a spitting image of her brother, Gwayne. “Aemond probably snuck out of the palace early this morning and went to the Dragonpit to see Vhagar. Yes, yes, yes, I know he’s supposed to go with me or Helaena, but you know he likes to do things by himself. He’s been especially annoying about it since his accident. I’m sure wherever Aemond is, he’s fine.” When she appeared dissatisfied, he closed his book and groaned, “I’ll go to the Dragonpit and see if he’s there.” 

“I’ll go with you,” Helaena said, closing her own book and standing with him. 

“You don’t have to,” Aegon replied. “I can go by myself.”

“Aemond is my brother as well,” she said. “I want to see if he is alright.”

“Ugh, you women,” Aegon rolled his eyes, “Aemond’s fine. You’ll see.”

Alicent allowed her children to leave. Aegon might be a little reluctant at times, but she’d noticed a very slight change in his behavior towards Aemond. Perhaps he felt guilty for not protecting his brother. Perhaps he realized his constant bullying and teasing caused his younger brother to seek out the largest dragon and claim it as his own, resulting in the fight at Driftmark. She reassured herself that they’d find him. They had to. Where else could he have gone?

***

This was stupid. Aegon sat beside Helaena in the wheelhouse taking them through the city. He’d prefer to have gone alone, since then he can sneak into a tavern for a drink before continuing to the Dragonpit on the hill. Helaena is too soft for the city. She’s too gentle and delicate. Aegon knew the streets of King’s Landing like the back of his hand; if Aemond snuck off somewhere outside the Dragonpit, Aegon could venture alone to find him. Of course, he said none of this to his mother. She already disapproved of his lifestyle; he’d give her no more reasons to scold him. 

“Do you really think he is alright?” Helaena asked him. 

“Yes. He’s probably with Vhagar right now, talking to her or stroking her.”

Aemond loved dragons. He knew everything about them, and wanted one for as long as Aegon could remember. When he claimed Vhagar, Aegon admitted he’d been impressed. He never expected that from him. Vhagar is old, battle-worn, and too large for the world. Only the bravest of riders could’ve claimed her, since it is the dragon who chooses really. It made him realize that Aemond might not be as big of a twat as he’d once thought. Unfortunately, due to his injury, Aemond could not fly Vhagar right away. The Dragon Keepers heavily advised against it, since he needs to adjust to his new vision before doing so. Aegon managed to feel a drop of pity. He knew when he bonded with Sunfyre, he’d wanted to ride the dragon immediately. 

“Things have not been easy for him,” she continued, “Since he lost his sight.”

“He is not blind. He has one eye left.”

“But he still has difficulty regardless. What if he flew Vhagar?”

“He’s not supposed to.”

“When has that stopped Aemond from doing anything?”

He nodded. He supposed his sister was right. He looked over at her, seeing the worry on her face. They’d been married a few months now, and he still had not taken her maidenhead. He couldn’t find it in himself to do it. He didn’t particularly like Helaena in that manner. They share nothing in common. She’d be better suited to Aemond, but his mother insisted on the betrothal. Targaryens have wed brother-to-sister for centuries; it only made sense for the eldest boy to marry his younger sister for blood purity. Aegon honestly tried, but he’d drunk too much at the wedding feast and could not perform his duty. It’d upset his mother considerably. He scanned briefly over her soft features, her dreamy violet eyes and long mane of silver hair. She is not ugly; in fact, quite the opposite. He realized this is one of the few times she spoke to him normally. Usually, she’s spitting out riddles and nonsense he couldn’t decipher. But, that wasn’t important. 

“The Dragon Keepers will have stopped him. They know he cannot fly.”

The wheelhouse went throughout the city until they reached the large doors of The Dragonpit. A tall and wide fortress, Aegon knew down below were tunnels and caves where the dragons lived. The high domed ceiling brought in rays of light inside the dimly lit space. Helaena walked behind him as he approached the doors. Any minute now, they’ll see Aemond with Vhagar, bring him back to the castle, and his mother will be relieved. One of the older Dragon Keepers approached him when he walked into the center of the room. 

“My Prince, welcome. Have you come to see Sunfyre?” he asked in High Valyrian. 

“No. We have come to look for Aemond. He was not in his bed this morning, and our mother is concerned. Is he here?”

“No,” he shook his head. “Prince Aemond has not been here at all today.” 

“Are you certain?” Helaena interrupted. “Our mother deeply worries for him.”

“I am certain, Princess. If Prince Aemond had arrived, we would have known.”

A sense of dread filled the bottom of Aegon’s stomach. “Is Vhagar here?” 

“Vhagar is too big for the caves,” he said. “She often becomes hostile and irritated when left in the caves for too long, so a keeper must have let her out for a flight. But, I assure you, Prince Aemond is not here.” 

“Let us check the caves,” Aegon told him. “He might have broken in when nobody noticed him.”

“I believe that is impossible. We have Keepers patrolling day and night.”

“Aemond is intelligent. He would know how to avoid detection.”

Unable to argue further, the aged Keeper went to round up others for a search party. Aegon could not go back without him. If he did, his mother would assume he hadn’t truly bothered or did not care enough to try. He’d tell her that she was wrong, but she’d never believe him. His mother often thought the worst of him. He did whatever she asked; he defended her whenever anyone spoke ill of her, and stood at her side. Still, she continued to scold and berate him. Nothing he did mattered. So, he must come back with Aemond. He needed to prove that he could do something worthwhile. 

Helaena followed him into the tunnels, each sibling carrying a torch as they walked through. The thick smell of dragons hung in the air, being blown through by gusts of air. Aegon passed each iron door, taking care to mind his steps, and hoped he’d find Aemond somewhere. 

“How do you speak High Valyrian so fluently?” Helaena asked him. 

“What?” he looked at her, surprised by the sudden question. 

“Valyrian. You speak it well. How? You hardly pay attention in lessons, but you speak it just as well as Aemond.”

Pink filled Aegon’s cheeks, but he hid them by facing forward. “I…” his stomach churned thinking about it, “I guess I picked it up quickly.”

Not completely truthful. Aegon studied High Valyrian, the language of his ancestors, in hopes of impressing his father. He knew about his father’s fascination with Old Valyria, and thought if he learned it quick enough, he might receive some sort of praise. Instead, his father simply acknowledged it. It’d been the only time Aegon showed any interests in his studies, and his father did not care. Aegon always thought he’d been the only one Viserys disliked. Aemond and Helaena stuck more to Targaryen traditions than he did. They did not disappoint anyone like he did. But, when Aemond lost his eye and his father’s true favoritism showed, he realized it was not only him. His father did not care about any of them. He did not like them. They are not offspring from his first wife, the beloved Queen Aemma, so they aren’t important. 

Aegon learned that night that his mother, sister and brother were all he had left. 

“You speak it very well,” she said, getting closer behind him. 

“Thank you.”

Aegon noticed, as they walked, they were alone. Usually, they are surrounded by people, and Aegon has an excuse to avoid her. But right now, in the empty tunnels and caves, it was only them. He gulped, smelling a hint of her perfume in the air. 

“I don’t think Aemond is here,” she told him. “We would have found him by now.”

He conceded. She was right. “Wonderful,” he sighed, “What am I supposed to tell Mother? That I failed to do the one thing she expected of me….again?”

“This isn’t a failure,” Helaena reasoned. 

“We came here to find Aemond. We didn’t find Aemond. I’d consider that a failure, wouldn’t you?”

“Well,” she hesitated, following him as he started his way back, “Perhaps he’s somewhere else in the city. He could’ve tried to come here on his own and gotten lost. We can go into the city to find him.”

He snorted, “You going into King’s Landing?”

“Why not?”

“Because you’re too…”

“‘Too’ what?”

He heard the firmness in her soft tone. “There are places in the city that noblewomen like you shouldn’t go to,” he said. “It’s better if I go on my own. Maybe send the City Watch to look for him. But you, Sister, must go back to the keep. You can tell Mother that I went to find him.”

Maybe then she’ll be happy with him for once. 

****

Alicent spent most of her afternoon waiting for Aegon and Helaena to return. She hoped with Helaena by his side, Aegon may actually stay on task and not be distracted. It is usually a gamble sending Aegon to do anything, since he normally came back without having done it. Sitting in her apartment, she found it difficult to eat or focus on anything else. She tried busying herself with her daily tasks: figuring out more marriage proposals, joining prayer at the palace sept, and tending to her household. She hoped if she kept her mind occupied, time would pass quickly and she’d have Aemond home soon. Yet, as the hours went on, she’d yet to receive word from Aegon or Helaena. She immediately felt guilty for asking them to go. She should have sent Ser Criston with them, but she’d tasked him with having the Kingsguard search the castle. Aemond could have easily gone down into the dungeons or be holed up somewhere else. She prayed they found him soon. 

She’d been staring off into her fireplace, twirling her necklace between her fingers absentmindedly, when the door opened. She spotted Helaena first, her breath catching in her throat. 

“Helaena,” she moved over to her, clasping both her daughter’s hands, “Have you found him?”

“I’m afraid not, Mother,” she said sadly. “The Dragon Keepers say they did not see him, and he was not in any of the dragon dens. Aegon went with the City Watch to look for him.”

“Aegon? Aegon is still searching?” she asked in disbelief. 

“Yes,” she nodded. “He said Aemond might have gotten lost in the city, and he knows it better than me. He ordered the commander to have his men look for him, while he went on ahead to Flea Bottom.”

Alicent groaned. King’s Landing is a hub of distractions for her son. She knew he’d eventually stop looking, find a brothel or tavern, and drink the night away. He’d come stumbling back, drunk and absent his brother still. She plopped down onto her couch, poured herself a glass of wine, and drank. If Aemond is in the city, she hated to think of what might befall him. He might be mugged or assaulted. He might be murdered. She pictured a group of men hauling her son away, and trembled. Tears started to well in her eyes, while Helaena looked uncertain of what to do. Helaena. So sweet and kind, yet so unsure of certain social customs. She might have been a good match for Aemond, but Alicent wanted so badly to avoid her marrying Jace, she gave her to Aegon. She gazed outside to see the sun still in the sky. It is not too late. Aemond might come back on his own. 

He was always the clever one. 

“Your Grace,” Ser Criston appeared next, giving her a bow when addressing her. 

“Ser Criston,” she breathed, putting her cup down to walk over to him, “Have you found him?”

“I’m afraid not, My Queen,” he replied apologetically. “We searched the entire keep and found no sign of Prince Aemond.” 

She groaned in despair. “Where could he have gone?” she asked him, her composure starting to slip. “Aemond is not one to stray away from home. He never leaves the Keep except for the Dragonpit. Why would he leave and not tell me?” 

She paced. Her nerves refused to let her sit any longer. Briefly, she thought of Rhaenyra, who’d tell her to breathe deeply and bring back her focus. She’d felt it slipping so often these days. Losing Aemond had only worsened the anxiety in her bones. She suddenly started picking at her nail beds, but immediately stopped herself. 

“The Prince will be found, Your Grace,” Ser Criston said gently. “Prince Aemond is a smart and capable young man. I’m sure wherever he is, he is safe.”

“We do not know that,” she cried. “We do not know because he is not here. He…” she breathed deeply again, “He must be so frightened.”

“He is fine,” Ser Criston reached for her, and brought her over to sit. “Hopefully, Prince Aegon will return with good news.”

“Or drunk.”

“Aegon would not drink now,” he insisted. “Not when his brother is missing.”

“You do not know Aegon.”

“I know that he cares for his little brother,” he said, “And you and Helaena. You are all he has. I trust Prince Aegon is doing his best to find Aemond right now. We must practice patience and wait for news.”

She’d done her waiting. Far too much of it. She would not be satisfied until her son came home. 

****

Rhaenyra stood on her balcony overlooking the ocean. Her eyes stared right at the darkening clouds ahead of her. Rays of yellow and orange broke through the thinner clouds, while night time began overcoming them. Nobody saw you all day. Septa Sarisa said you never showed up for any of your lessons. Maester Gerardys said you hadn’t visited him today. Jace and Luke said they had not seen you either. She’d sent the household guard to search throughout the castle, but no sign of you was found. Rhaenyra could not help imagining the worst. 

You’d run away. 

“Rhaenyra?” she heard Laenor call gently behind her. 

“The sun is almost going down,” she told him, sniffing back worried tears. “She always comes home before sundown. She doesn’t like flying at night. She says it’s harder to see.” 

“I’m sure she’ll be home soon,” he comforted, putting his hands on her shoulders. “You know our little dove. She gets carried away when she rides.”

“She does love her adventures.”

It was true. It wasn’t uncommon of you to take long trips, and come back with treasures or stories for your brothers. Lords and ladies often spoke of seeing Starshine soaring through the skies above them or the young princess showing up at their doorsteps with her dragon. They commented that you were a courteous guest, who never overstayed her welcome. You liked being free in a world where you’re given so little of it. Rhaenyra never scolded you. Westeros may one day become yours; you should know its people. But, you always came home. That was the one thread of hope she clung on to. 

Laenor saw the concern, and said, “If she is not home in an hour, I will send men into the village to look for her. She might have lost track of the time in a pub or a pot shop there.”

You didn’t drink. You are far too young for ale or wine. But, you did enjoy the songs, the people, and the stories. She knew you talked to certain people in the small village below. It was another freedom Rhaenyra let you explore at your leisure. Her father let her have those small bits, so she let you have them as well. Rhaenyra consented to this, and decided she’d dress for dinner. Her lady-in-waiting helping her, she imagined where you might be right now. She smiled thinking of you sitting on a bartop in your riding leathers, listening to a bard play a raunchy song you’re too young to understand. You’ll be talking with the barmaids or the barman, asking curious questions about commoners’ lives. You might find a group of sailors who recognized you, who’d tell you stories from across The Narrow Sea. If anything, with the Gods’ favor, you might’ve run into a man from Driftmark, who will bring you to Dragonstone safely. 

Rhaenyra arrived for dinner, and saw Jace and Luke sitting with Laenor. She’d fed Joffrey already, and left him to sleep in his cradle. Her eyes swept over the table over and over as if she might’ve missed you somewhere. 

“Y/N-” she began to say but Laenor stopped her. 

“I sent men into the village,” he said. “They’ll come back with her, I’m sure of it.” 

“Mother,” Luke spoke when she sat down, “Did Y/N run away?”

“Of course not,” she assured him. “Why would your sister run away? Her home and her family are here.”

“She cried a lot when you told her she wouldn’t marry Aemond,” he replied, sticking his fork into a thick slice of beef. He tried cutting it on his own, but Laenor came to his aid. “What if she ran away to King’s Landing?”

“Your sister wouldn’t do that. She’s most likely in the village, like your father said.”

“What if she’s not?”

This question came from Jace. She saw the sullenness in his face, and frowned. “She is. Don’t worry about your sister,” she said to them, “She’s a strong girl. She can handle herself.”

Rhaenyra forced herself to swallow her own words. You might be a girl, but you are strong. You ride the fastest dragon of the clan; the Dragon Keepers told her a rider needs a specific kind of strength for that. You stand up and face things, rather than sit down and take them. If you are lost somewhere, you will make your way back home. Rhaenyra told herself if you did not appear by morning, she’ll take Syrax and look for you herself. She distracted herself with her husband and sons, anxiously awaiting news from one of the guards in the village. It wasn’t like you to be so late. 

***

They didn’t find him. Aegon returned to her as the night grew darker, sweaty with his hair tied from his face, stinking of the city, and without Aemond. Her stomach dropped. She thought she might be sick. Alicent plopped back onto her couch, no longer interested in the food on the table nearby. One plate was picked at, while the other untouched. She had the cook make Aemond’s favorite dinner, as if the Gods might bring him back to her if she did this. Her father stood nearby, silent and concerned as she wept. 

“I will have the men keep looking,” he told her, putting an arm around her shoulders. “Aemond cannot have gone far. Even if he did, he’d come home soon. He’s a good boy.”

Yes, a good boy. Her good boy. Her son. Images of Aemond in various disastrous scenarios filled her head, and she stopped herself from sobbing. Aemond’s disability only made things worse. The world did not build itself for a boy missing an eye, and it will not adjust either. 

“He must be in so much pain, Father,” she wept, tears watering her eyes, “His eye…It pains him so…How is he going to manage without his medicine? He must be suffering so much.” 

“Aemond is fine,” he assured her again. “Alicent,” he turned her to face him, “Aemond is a strong, smart, capable boy. He will come home.”

“Aemond’s not dim-witted,” Aegon chimed in. When they looked at him, he continued, “I mean to say that he will not go into situations blindly. He’s cautious.”

“I will send word to lords nearby,” her father told her, standing up, “And tell them to keep an eye out for the prince.”

“Psh, tell them to search the skies, if they must,” Aegon scoffed. “Aemond wouldn’t go anywhere without Vhagar.” 

“The Dragon Keepers told you nothing of the beast?” Her father asked him. 

“Only that she doesn’t fit in the dragonpit, so they release her from time to time. They say she most likely was let out by a keeper…” 

Her father studied her son, “And you believe differently?”

“I think Aemond snuck out of the keep sometime during the night when the rest of us slept,” he began, “And made his way to the dragonpit. King’s Landing at midnight is the perfect time for a prince to go walking about without being noticed, and Aemond is short. He can easily be overlooked. He cannot get into the dragonpit without alerting anyone, so he must’ve waited until they released Vhagar. Then it is a matter of waiting for her to land. Aemond calls her when he needs her, and she obeys.”

Alicent looked upon him in surprise. Aegon is often fully in his cups by night time, so he isn’t much use to anyone. She’d fully expected to hear he’d lost himself in a pleasure house or a tavern, but he’d come to give his report himself, fully sober. It comforted her that even if he pretended otherwise, Aegon did care in his own way. She loved that about him. 

“Are you saying he’s run away?” her father asked him. 

“It is a possibility. Otherwise, where is he and why has he not come home? Aemond would have at least left a note or given worse of his whereabouts to not upset Mother,” he answered. He watched both of them for a moment and said, “I’ll take Sunfyre and go searching in the morning.”

“Aegon, that is not my wish,” she stood up and walked to him. “If something ill has befallen your brother, I do not wish for it to happen to you.”

“I will be fine, Mother. I know the city and the lands around it,” he then gave a reassuring smile, “I pay attention in lessons occasionally.”

She gave him a soft smile, caressing his cheek. Moments like this were rare and few in between, but she cherished each one. Her eldest. Her wildest, most reckless child. The boy who is prone to distractions, libations, and indulgences. She kissed his cheek, then released him. 

“I will go with him,” said Helaena, who’d stopped sewing to speak. 

“You do not-” Aegon began but was quickly cut off by Helaena.

“-I will,” she said firmly, staring at Aegon. “Aemond needs all of us, not just you.” 

Yes, he needed them all. 

***

She’s majestic. Aemond could not think of any other word; it fit her perfectly. Laying in the grass outside the little shack, a blanket of darkness went over the sky so it was dotted with stars. Aemond rarely saw the stars in King’s Landing; the city lights and tall towers blotted them out. Yet, here in this quiet island devoid of people, he saw every single one. He enjoyed connecting them together to make his own constellations and shapes. Then, he realized he’ll only ever see half the sky again. 

“Do you think anyone is worried about us?” you asked him. 

“I’m sure my mother is,” he answered. “She has been very…suffocating lately. She made Helaena and Aegon watch over me all the time; she never lets me out of her sight and is always fussing over me.”

“She only cares about you.”

“But it becomes bothersome,” he replied. “Your mother must be worried about you too.”

“She will be, I suspect.” You both sat in silence for a while, then you asked, “Aemond?”

“Hm?”

“Do you think they’ll ever find us?”

Aemond would rather imagine anything else. Their little island is not too far from Driftmark, he knew. It’s possible a passing ship might see Vhagar or Starshine flying around and tell Lord Corlys, your grandfather. He knew both your families will find you soon. It was honestly only a matter of time. His hand grasped yours absentmindedly. 

“It’s possible,” he said, not wanting to lie to you. Aemond wished he could; he wanted you to be in the here and now with him, not in the miserable future. “I hope they never do. My mother wants to betroth me to someone else.” If he never went back, then he couldn’t marry another girl. “She told me she’s found girls she thinks will suit me well.” He turned to see your stony face, eyes flared slightly with jealousy. “But, I don’t like any of them. Truthfully. I’ve never met any of them before.”

“What if she marries you to Floris Baratheon?”

“Who’s that?”

“One of Lord Borros’s daughters. She’s said to be very pretty.”

“My mother could marry me to the prettiest girl in the world, and I still wouldn’t like her as much.”

This made you smile softly, turning your head to look at his. He loved how your eyes glimmered when you looked at him. It made such a difference from those he received at home. 

At home, people turned their heads whenever he walked past. Even if he wore his eyepatch, they knew what laid underneath it and it disgusted them. His mother told him wearing the patch will protect his socket from any further damage, but he knew the real reason. Such a hideous scar churned the stomachs of most proper ladies. They saw his injury and looked away, pretending not to notice the wound starting above his brow and down to his cheek. What girl would want to marry him when he was missing parts? An important part, he might add. It made living so much harder. All the skills he’d learned from Ser Criston with both eyes, he must relearn with only one. Ser Criston, thankfully, is an understanding teacher, who has taught him new maneuvers and techniques to use against well-visioned opponents. 

He’d begun to ask if you wanted a cinnamon bread he’d brought with him before a stabbing pain came to his eye. Aemond bolted upright, cupping the pain surging in his socket. It throbbed. It ached. He gritted his teeth. He ripped off his eyepatch and put his palm to the wound. They’d taken the stitches off already, removing the eyelid since he no longer needed it, so the socket remained empty. He growled through his pain, hardly hearing anything you said. His normal eye started to tear up. No. No, you can’t see him cry. You can’t see him like this. Quickly, he ran away towards the trees. He heard you calling after him, but he continued running. The forest was darker at night, so he couldn't see with his regular eye. 

“Aemond, wait!” he heard your voice echo through the forest. “Please, wait! Aemond, it’s not safe-”

He hadn’t seen the tree. Aemond charged right into the trunk on his left side, the force knocking him onto his back and making his shoulder burn. He had not dislodged it, but the pain still burned. Aemond curled into a ball on the ground, clutching his eye and weeping. He heard your footsteps disturbing the twigs and leaves on the ground until you knelt beside him. 

“Aemond,” you said softly, persuading him to sit up. He heard you uncork a bottle, “Drink this, please. It’ll help you feel better.”

Milk of the poppy. He’d stolen it from the maester’s stores before he left, but he hoped not to need it. Aemond sat up shakily, gingerly taking the bottle and sipping it. The herbal milk thickly coated his tongue, yet he still drank it. In a few minutes, his pain would subside, but the throbbing pain of his socket continued to plague him. 

“I’m…I’m sorry,” he said to you, drawing his knees to his chin and not looking at you. “It…It still hurts sometimes.”

“I’m so sorry, Aemond,” he felt your delicate fingers brush through his hair. “I’m sorry this happened to you.” 

“It’s not your fault.”

“But, it’s my family’s fault you’re suffering this way now.”

Aemond thought about that night. He’d felt so confident; he’d finally claimed his dragon, and you’d be in love with him for sure. Aemond remembered thinking he might kiss you the next time he saw you. Then, your brothers and cousins ruined it. They’d attacked him when all he’d done was claim a dragon. The other riders taunted him for not having one. He thought it only made sense to have that same behavior. Why was it alright for them to bully him, but not for him to bully others? They’d maimed him, and never said they were sorry. His own father did not care. 

“Here,” you handed him his eyepatch, “You dropped this.”

“Thank you.”

He turned his head and placed it back on his head. He didn’t want you to see it. If you saw it, you’d be disgusted with him and leave. Aemond already hated seeing the wound itself in mirrors; he hated imagining your face when you did. 

Slowly, you and Aemond walked back to the house. You let him rest on the bed rolls that replaced the bug-infested straw mattress, while you made a fire in the hearth. Soon, warm light spilled from the fireplace and filled a part of the house. Aemond wondered how people lived in such small houses. You suspected a family once lived here, since you’d found broken toys behind a divider with a rotting bassinet. The back door led to a small campfire with a spit hanging over it, a rack for hanging animal skins implied that they must’ve hunted for their food. It must’ve been a simple living. People in King’s Landing navigated dangerous back alleys and streets, while people on this island lived quiet lives. Seeing you standing by the firelight, he realized he might like living this way. No servants whispering and spying on him. No fretful mother or indifferent father. He could live this way with you for as long as he could. 

“Is it better?” you asked carefully, coming towards the bed. 

“A bit,” he said. 

You’d gone behind the wooden divider to change into your nightgown, a long dress that ended at your ankles. A cool breeze blew in through the open windows, combatting the warmth of the fire. Aemond’s cheeks grew hot when you slipped underneath the blankets faintly smelled of dragon; he remained on top to avoid your bodies touching. You still snuggled close to him, the closest your body has ever been to his. 

“Isn’t it uncomfortable?” you asked. “Wearing the patch to sleep?”

“No,” he fibbed. He normally didn’t wear it to bed, but his stomach tightened taking it off in front of you. 

“You don’t have to hide it from me.” The words broke the silence that’d grown between you. He caught you gazing at the patch. “I won’t think any less of you for it.” 

When he did not respond, you gingerly reached forward. His entire body stiffened as you gently removed the patch. He sensed the gasp you withheld. An empty hole remained where his eye once was; the dark, scarred tissue around the socket made for an unpleasant sight. It disgusted him sometimes. The heat of tears rushed up his neck to his face, causing him to bury it in the pillow. He wished you’d never removed it. 

“I’m a monster,” he sniffled, not looking at you. “You wish to marry a monster.”

“You’re not a monster, Aemond. You’re strong and brave and smart. Very smart and very brave.” 

“Please, do not lie to me.”

“I never have,” you insisted, scooting towards him. The warmth of your body under the thin sheet spread over his own. “Aemond,” you slipped your hand under his cheek so he looked at you, “You’re the only one out of all of us who approached Vhagar…Vhagar, the oldest and mightest dragon of them all. You bonded with her because…because she sensed your courage and strength. Vhagar is too big for the dragonpit, so I think she’s sort of gotten used to being alone. When you approached her, she might have seen that you were lonely too, and wanted you as her rider.” Your thumb wiped the tear going down his temple, “I do not care if you’re whole or not, I still am…fond of you.”

‘Fond’. You’re ‘fond’ of him. You’d never love him; not now that he’d lost his eye. It’ll keep you from loving him completely. Every dream he had of you suddenly vanished, and he cried again. The thoughts he once envisioned of you two being like Jaeheryes and Alysanne would forever remain daydreams. How could you possibly love him when he looked like this? He blamed your brothers. They’d attacked him, and were never punished. They didn’t want him to marry you, so they took his eye. Now, the words ‘I love you, Aemond’ will never fall from your lips. 

You put your arms around him as he laid on his back, the sheet still separating you, and you let him cry. He forced himself to keep them quiet, but his shaking body gave him away. Neither of you said anything, yet your gentle squeeze of assurance soon quieted him. Finally, the medicine started working its magic, and he soon fell to sleep beside you. 

****

A/N: Awww, poor Aemond! Poor everybody really. These kids really have everyone worried, but they only want to be together <3 I really enjoyed writing this chapter, so I hope you guys liked it! Thanks for reading, as always.

#aemond targaryen #aemond one eye #aemond the kinslayer #aemond x reader #aemond x you #aemond x yn #house of the dragon #hotd drabbles #hotd fanfiction #hotd fanfic #ewan mitchell #leo ashton

[written-in-flowers]

Fly Away: Pt. 7

Pairing: Young!Aemond x Young!Velaryon!Reader | Side pairing: Rhaenyra x Alicent, Aegon x Helaena

Genre: Fluff, Angst

Au: friends to lovers, childhood love, incest (duh), slight homophobia expressed, repressed feelings, mutual pining, teenage runaways, mentions of bullying, arrange marriages

Word Count: 8k

Summary: Young love overcomes all in a family full of broken bonds and broken hearts. When Princess Y/N Velaryon and Prince Aemond Targaryen are discovered missing from their beds, their mothers must come together to find them. The search might do more for their families than a mere marriage pact can. 

A/N: want to clarify now that we stick with young!Aemond throughout the story. Ewan’s Aemond comes in at the very end. This is mainly done starting a bit before The Princess and the Queen and a little bit after the events at Driftmark. I do pull some scenes from the show, but it remains relatively loose throughout. Want to also point out that The Dance doesn’t happen in this universe, so...happy ending expected, because we need more of those.  

Taglist:  @yitish,  @imjustboredso, @dangerousbluebirdpoetry, @discowizard88, @mddieeunson , @caramelcandescence, @bookwhoresthings, @astrumark, @minteaspoon

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***

Helaena stood in the main hall of Dragonstone, her cream-colored coat contrasting with the green and gold dress she’d worn. The light coming in from the high windows shined around her, giving her a candlelight glow. It was the first thing he noticed about her as he returned with his mother. He’d waited for her and Cole in the dragon pit, recalling how her dragon soared smoothly through the skies before landing gracefully. Helaena insisted on joining him in finding Aemond rather than stay home with their grandsire. She loved Aemond as much as the rest of them, if not more. The two outcasts of his family often flew together, building a bond that Aegon remained separate from. 

“Helaena,” his mother breathed in relief, hugging Helaena even if the other did not respond. “Thank the Gods you arrived safely. Ser Criston,” she nodded at the knight who’d come with her. 

“My Queen,” the dark-haired knight bowed his head to her, “Have you had any luck?”

“None,” she replied. “The maps have no useful information.”

“Prince Aemond is a clever boy, Your Grace,” Ser Criston said. “He will not make it so easy for us to find him.”

“A fact that I agree with,” Aegon told him.

His mother might covet Aemond over the rest of them, even if she claims otherwise, but she did not know him very well. She didn’t know about all the times Aemond evaded capture from guards searching for him. She wasn’t aware about his midnight visits to the rookery to send messages to his beloved. Aegon only knew because he caught him walking in the hallway shadows with the scroll in his hand after a night of drinking. 

‘Aegon, give that back!’

‘Hm, I wonder who this is for…Aemond…Mother told you not to write to Y/N anymore.’

‘I don’t care. Now, give me my letter.’

He truly loved you. Aegon glanced at Helaena, who intently listened to Criston’s reports from King’s Landing. He wondered what it felt like having someone who loved him that way. Someone who’d risk being punished just to have a part of him on paper; someone who’d leave behind their entire life to be at his side. Aemond wrote poem after poem praising your beauty and grace, as well as the warmth you brought him. He’d risk his mother’s favor to have pieces of you, little shreds of the girl who’d stolen his heart. Aegon imagined his brother walking through dragonfire simply to reach you. Aegon could never fathom someone doing the same for him. Why would they? He’d do nothing but disappoint them as he’s done his entire life. 

The realization came to him slowly, growing clearer and clearer to him as he watched Ser Criston and his mother talk over the painted table. If Aemond tucked away letters in his room somewhere, then surely you did as well. He had a rough idea where to find your quarters, and it is not as if anyone would care or stop him. Carefully, Aegon walked backwards away from the group towards the staircase leading out of the hall. His soft footsteps went unnoticed by everyone except Helaena, who turned her head at the slight sound. He put his finger to his lips to signal her silence, then reached the stairs. He went up them silently, and found the hallway going further into the keep. He kept his hands behind his back, casually walking as he glanced into each room on his way. 

Aegon noticed her before she noticed him. A maid dressed in a red gown with a white apron busied herself with changing sheets in one of the bedrooms. His eyes scanned down her slim frame, imaging what beauty must be underneath. She had a pretty face, and a bosom that caught his attention instantly. He pictured himself pushing that lovely body onto the bed and taking her as he should, as she’d absolutely love. 

No. He needed to stay focused. Aemond was missing, and your room might have answers he needed. 

He forced himself to keep on walking until he found a closed door. Aegon stared down both sides of the corridor before slowly turning the knob and opening the door. Inside, he did find an empty bed chamber. He knew it was yours by the drawings left on the writing desk and hung on the walls. Plush furniture sat in one corner of the room with a small table for placing treats and tea. Jewelry on a vanity table convinced him that he’d found the right room. 

Aegon walked right over to the desk, scanning over the scattered papers to find more unfinished drawings. Picking up the topmost one, he saw you’d taken a stab at drawing buildings. You’d drawn the palace gardens back home, particularly the enclosed space overlooking the ocean. He saw you’d added small passing ships on the horizon, and drew flowers around the edges. You could use more practice, but he could at least make out figures in them. He found another of the strawberry bushes. A far away landscape featured two women standing with their backs to the viewer; they stood side-by-side close and possibly holding hands as they watched ships and dragons in the skies. He wondered who they were until he saw one woman’s long curls down her back. Their mothers? He nodded his comprehension. 

He found another of your brothers in what resembled a training yard, clashing swords with smiles on their faces. A study of drawing smaller bodies as opposed to adults, he supposed. Aegon could not help feeling a small ball of resentment in his stomach. Aemond had a difficult time adjusting after he lost his eye. Aegon might snort or snicker when Aemond knocked something over or bumped into a wall, but that did not dampen his guilt. A proper brother would’ve made sure Aemond went to bed, or at least went with him to find Vhagar. He recalled The Pink Dread, a pig he’d dressed as a dragon for Aemond, and felt worse. It’d been a joke, a jest as brothers do. It displeased his mother, who claimed he must maintain an image of family unity in the world. 

And that same boy is now in the world with the girl he loved. It was a tale fit for singers. 

“What are you doing in my sister’s room?” 

Jace’s voice broke through his thoughts. He turned to see him and Luke standing by the door. Jace glared while Luke stared in curiosity. How could his father truly believe they are not what they are? Rhaenyra’s treason was as clear as day, but he remained willfully blind. Truthfully, Aegon did not care as much as his mother before. He hoped never to have the throne; he had no wish for it nor felt suited for the job. He preferred freedom over the shackles of the crown. Rhaenyra could keep it, as long as she left his family alone. Daeron is safe in Oldtown, but he, Helaena and Aemond are not. She’d do it so her bastard sons can take the throne after her. The two boys who’d blinded his brother. 

“Looking for clues,” he replied, returning to the pages and deciding your letters wouldn’t be here. “Aemond had a whole box of letters at home. Your sister might have one too.”

“Y/N is not supposed to be writing to Aemond,” Jace walked further into the room carefully. Aegon imagined he expected a fight. He wondered if he’d slice his eye open just for being here. 

“So? Since when does your sister care what your mother says?” he asked, crouching to a drawer and finding more art supplies and writing tablets. “She clearly didn’t if she ran away in the middle of the night.”

Jace couldn’t ignore this logic. He walked up to Aegon as the taller boy stood, then said, “She wouldn’t keep it here. This is the first place Mother will look.” 

“I know where she hides things!” Luke suddenly said excitedly, glad to have a reason to be included. “It’s the same place where she hides her sweets.” 

“What sweets?” 

Jace and Aegon watched little Luke hurry forward to a bookcase near the balcony. Grabbing the desk chair, he dragged it right up to the case and stood on it. Luke felt around on the very top shelf, dangerously standing on tiptoes to do so before he let a huff between his teeth. When returned with a wooden box in his hands. 

“She showed it to me when I came to her room the other night,” Luke informed them, opening the box. “She keeps sweets in here sometimes…yes!”

Aegon took the box as Luke retrieved a brown pouch and left for the bed. Jace and Aegon examined the box’s contents together. You kept several dried or crushed flowers on one side, a seashell, a necklace made of different colored stones, and papers. Lots of papers. Aegon recognized his brother’s handwriting on one, and pulled it out. 

“I watch ships pass in the morning,

And think of your violet eyes.

Violet eyes, which hold the world,

But dream of flying from it as well.”

Aegon did not bother with the rest. Jace picked another one, reading it and then laughing. 

"'Your hair reminds me of starlight'," he snorted. "Your brother is so strange."

Aegon agreed, but he glared and nudged Jace. "He's not strange. He's sensitive," a word his mother used often when describing Aemond. "What else does it say?"

"Nothing important. And yours?"

“Nothing.”

Aegon rifled through the box to find another letter. This appeared to be the newest of them, since it was less worn. A gasp escaped his lips when he read about his brother’s plan to meet you on a small island outside of Driftmark and between Dragonstone and King’s Landing. He told you he needed to prepare things first, which he assumed was rations and equipment. Aegon tried recalling any islands in that region, but only Driftmark came to mind. He closed the box, tucked it under his arm, and stormed out of the room with Luke and Jace behind him. 

“What did you read?” Jace asked Aegon, trying to keep up with his long strides. “What is it?”

“They ran away,” he said, his suspicions finally being confirmed. 

“Yes, we all knew that, but what else is there?”

He arrived back in the main hall where the families still stood on opposite sides of the table. “They’ve been writing to each other,” he told them when they spotted him and the boys. He walked right up to his mother, putting the wooden box on the table, “They planned it together. Look.”

His mother read Aemond’s letter, then peeked through the rest in the box. Her eyes met Rhaenyra’s, and in some secret way, they understood each other. “Does it say where?” Rhaenyra approached, taking the letter to read it herself. She then frantically searched through the maps in front of them to find no such island in the area. “Maester Gerardys,” she called to the old man, “Why is this island not charted on any of these maps?”

The maester read the letter next, then his jaw dropped. “Ah, because this island was considered abandoned several years ago.” He then lowered his head, “Forgive me, Your Grace. I thought the princess was merely interested in historical geography. It never occurred to me that she may be planning an escape.”

“Your meaning, Maester?”

“Princess Y/N came to my solar some weeks ago asking about historical landmarks. As a Maester of The Citadel, I always encourage the journey into knowledge,” he said, putting the letter down. “She asked for any books or maps containing uncharted or since abandoned lands. She told me you knew about her interest.” Aegon spotted his regret hanging on his narrow shoulders, “Forgive me, Princess. I should have suspected Princess Y/N was up to something when she kept her research secretive.”

“What can you tell us about this island?” Ser Laenor asked him next.

“The most we know is it used to be a trading post in the days of Aegon the Conqueror,” he shrugged. “It was taken off the map after the trading routes between Westeros and Essos changed due to pirate ships in the area. The last anyone knew was that pirates raided the village, slaughtered most of its people, and those who survived moved to neighboring lands. It has been abandoned since then. I have the books she might’ve looked into in the library.” 

“We will see them,” his mother urged, letting the maester lead her, Ser Criston, Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor away towards the staircase. 

Aegon, Helaena, Jace and Luke watched the adults walk away with the maester. An uneasy feeling settled into Aegon’s bones. A sudden impatience and suspicion surged inside him. They knew where Aemond was. Why were they stalling? 

 “Aemond and Y/N are missing,” he said to the group at his side, “And here they are going up to look at some old books.”

“The books might tell us more about where they are,” Helaena suggested. “We don’t know anything about this place. It’s old, like the Maester said.”

“Our sister wouldn’t go anywhere dangerous,” Jace spoke before Aegon. “She’d research more before leaving.”

“Aemond is the same,” Aegon said. “They are not fools. Wherever this place is, they’d make sure they could live there first.” 

“Y/N is missing,” Luke added. “We should be looking for her. She might be hurt.”

“She’ll be fine. So is Aemond,” Aegon replied, looking down at him. “He is a skilled huntsman and has good wilderness skills. He…He pays much more attention to things than any of us. Even if he is half-blind.” 

He let the last words sting. He saw both boys shift uncomfortably as he said it. He was glad it upset them. His own stomach churned imagining Aemond struggling right now. Aemond needed to do everything on the right side, since he cannot see it if it’s on the left. His neck must be aching from turning his head so much. The Maester said his body will adjust soon; it’s been less than a year, and he’s managing fairly well. But, he still occasionally ran into tables or chairs. Not due to clumsiness, but his disability. The two boys, dark-haired and dark-eyed, permanently blinded his baby brother, and never apologized for it. They believe he deserved it. 

Over an insult. . 

“We should go,” Jace said, breaking Aegon from his thoughts. 

“What?”

“We all have dragons,” he reasoned. “We can go now to where this island is, and find them ourselves.” 

“We do not know where this island really is,” said Helaena. “We should wait for Mother and Rhaenyra.”

Aegon turned back to the painted table, still glowing and warm, and noticed a pitcher of wine nearby. It’d been hours since he touched a cup of wine. He’d gotten in one or two during his search in the city, but he forced himself to focus on his search. His fingers itched to reach for the pitcher and cup. But, he kept his eyes back on the table. His mother appeared pleased with him so far; he did not want to ruin that. 

“We’re wasting time,” Jace continued. “Anything could be happening to them right now, and here we are, talking.”

“What do you suggest we do?” Helaena asked him, a tone of annoyance in her voice. “Do you suggest we go flying ourselves to find them?”

“Yes,” Aegon answered, standing straight to look at her. “Yes, I agree with Jace. If our families want to play ‘put-the-pin-on-the-map’ then they can do so. We have our own dragons. Why not go ahead and find Aemond and Y/N?”

“Because it can be dangerous.”

“How dangerous?”

“We do not know. That is why it is dangerous.”

“I doubt my sister would go anywhere deemed dangerous,” Luke spoke. “She’s very smart and clever.”

“So is Aemond,” Aegon added. “We’ll put it to a vote. All in favor of going to find the star-crossed lovers?” 

He, Jace and Luke raised their hands. 

“All opposed?”

Helaena raised hers. “Mother will be furious if you run off, Aegon,” Helaena said, putting her hand down. “We are all meant to be here where we can work on a plan together.”

“We are working on a plan,” Aegon shrugged. “The plan is to go to this island of theirs, find them, and then return home.”

“We should bring food!” Luke piped up at his side, “They might be hungry.”

“And wine,” Aegon smirked. When he caught his sister’s eye, he said, “To celebrate their safe return, of course.” 

She rolled her eyes and it briefly reminded him of their mother. Helaena is wrong. Their mother will be so overjoyed by Aemond’s reappearance, she’ll forget that Aegon took his nephews to go find her. Without any more discussion, the group began preparing to fly again. Jace and Luke gathered rations from the kitchens below, while Helaena followed Aegon to the dragonpit. He’ll find Aemond, bring him home, and his mother will be delighted. 

“Aegon, we should not do this,” Helaena said, briskly following him outside. “We should wait.”

“I’m done waiting.”

“Are you truly, or are you so eager to prove yourself to Mother that you’ll behave recklessly?”

He looked over his shoulder at her, “What are you talking about?”

“Mother is always berating you. She expects disappointment from you every time,” she retorted. “Not that you have not given her cause to feel such a way. You’re always off somewhere in the city, drinking or gambling or bedding women. You are rarely home, and when you are, you ignore all your responsibilities as a prince. You’ve never shown interest in your duties. You don’t even show interest in your own family unless it is serving a purpose for you.”

“Shut up,” he rounded on her at the last line. Her words stung hard. “I do have an interest in my family. I am concerned about Aemond, aren’t I?”

“Yes, right now, but we both know once Aemond is home, you’ll go right back to ignoring us.” 

“I don’t ignore you.”

“Yes, you do. You only spend time with Aemond during lessons or sword training.” She hesitated, “You never take notice of me, surely.” When he stared back at her, she continued, “I did not ask to marry you, but I at least understand there are obligations that come with marriage. If you want Mother’s approval so badly, you can start by giving her grandchildren, at least. I thought the idea of having a woman you don’t need to pay for might be enough for you, but clearly it is not.” She kept her fists clenched at her sides, eyes squeezing tight as if she forced herself to say these words. “You don’t even care what people say about me.”

“What do people say about you?”

“That I must be so daft that I don’t know how it works,” she said, not looking at him still. “That perhaps I do not tempt you or am not pretty enough.”

“You are pretty,” he rolled his eyes, “And I’d teach you how.” 

“Then why don’t you?”

“Because…”

“Because why?”

“Because you’re…We have nothing in common, Helaena. You like your insects and have those silly dreams. I don’t believe we’ve had a normal conversation until yesterday.”

“Oh, as if you need to have common interests to bed a person. I am not asking for your love or affection. I know you are not capable of it-”

“-I am capable of it,” he challenged, getting closer to her. 

He saw the contempt in her eyes. He rarely saw such raw emotions in his younger sister; she often kept to herself at home, and never approached him. Aegon looked over her face, taking in her features and her lips. They looked soft. He shuffled forward, pressing her into a wall just inside the doorway leading outside. The small gasp she released sounded soft and sweet. Cupping her jaw, Aegon looked at her a bit longer. Helaena is beautiful, there is no doubt there. She is delicate and timid most of the time, unless provoked to stronger feelings. Perhaps he’d been wrong about her the whole time. 

“Aegon…” his name came out in another sigh. 

Her nose looked like their mother’s, round and button-like. His thumb traced her lower lip before resting on her chin. He did not hate Helaena; she is his sister. He despised the institution that chose her for him, instead of letting them choose themselves. Aegon did not ask for this. He did not ask for any of it, but the gods forced it upon him. Looking in her eyes, he knew he’d never intended to hurt her. His interest in women lied in others, not in his delicate sister. 

“Aegon, if you intend to leave, we must go before-”

Aegon leaned down and kissed her. Most of the women Aegon kissed tasted like wine or ale. Helaena tasted like neither. She didn’t have much of one, but the tongue that slid into his mouth brought out a faint moan. Aegon kept Helaena pressed to the wall as he deepened their kiss. One hand going up into her silver waves, the other wrapped around her waist. That familiar warmth rushed over his body as he continued kissing her. She soon kissed back, getting into the rhythm, and making him hard. 

“You should not listen to what others think,” he said breathily, pulling away from her. “You are a Targaryen. You are blood of the dragon, and they are little sheep. A dragon eats sheep. She does not listen to them." He kept her close to him. She smelled like dragon from her previous flight, but it did not bother him. He should care more, he realized. Just like he should have cared about Aemond more. He cleared his throat and stepped away from her, "Let us go find our brother and bring him home, hm?" 

He still felt the warmth of her lips on his as they walked to the pit. 

***

The sea breeze never reached the threshold of the forest. You felt it breeze through the canopy above, occasionally brush on your skin, but nothing like being near the house. You tugged at the collar of your shirt, wishing you could remove it, though with Aemond so close by, you decided against it. The kiss in the lake was plenty of touching for you. 

"Aemond, where are we going?" You asked him, stepping over a fallen tree as you walked on. "Do you know where we are?"

"We're on the southside of the island," he said. "We're going in the direction of the river. Animals are more likely to be near water sources. But, I'm going to set traps Ser Criston showed me."

"Will they work?"

"I hope so. I do not wish to wander too far into the island. We don't know what lives here, if anything at all. Besides," he turned to look over at you, "I have you to worry for as well."

"What does that mean? I can take care of myself."

"Not if it's a wolf or a large predator," he said. He then said, "I do not mean to say you are weak, Y/N, but you are no fighter either. If something attacks you, there won't be much I can do for you if you are hurt."

"I feel the same as you," you walked a few steps closer to him, taking his hand. "Let us set these traps and be done with them. I can look around for herbs or fruits we can eat as well."

He smiled softly. He still wore the makeshift patch you'd given him, and his shirt and breeches  but no other layers. You’d done the same with your own clothes, opting to wear a shirt and your riding trousers. You walked together further down the stream, occasionally stopping so Aemond may set up his snares. You stripped a nearby berry bush of its fruits, and even found an apple tree. When Aemond finished a snare, you'd dug up a few mushrooms and herbs you recognized from Maester Gerardys's book of medicinal herbs and flowers. You assumed if they're safe to consume in medicine, they're safe for food. Overall, you'd gathered a good haul. 

Walking a bit further inland from the riverside, you watched Aemond constructing his last animal trap before something caught your eye. A large ray of light through the trees revealed a clearing not too far from where you both stood. You could not see much other than the rim of tall grass surrounding a single tree, and knew you should stick to Aemond. However, curiosity got the better of you. Carefully, you moved from where Aemond sat crouched on the ground, towards the clearing. You gasped softly when you saw what stood in the center. 

Tall and stark white with crimson five-pointed leaves on its long branches, a heart tree stood planted in a meadow of grass and flowers. In the thickness of its trunk, a face had been etched into the bark. The red sap that often came from cracks in the mesmerizing trees resembled tears as it slipped from the eyes. The weirwood trees of the Old Gods could be found in various places around Westeros. Almost every noble castle had a heart tree, since they'd once grown everywhere until the First Men arrived and cut them down. The only ones you have ever seen were in the Red Keep and on Dragonstone. They had their tranquil, quiet place where those of the Old Gods may pray to their deities. Your family followed The Faith of the Seven, so you had no real use for a heart tree, yet you still enjoyed the seclusion of the keep's godswood. 

"Y/N! Y/N, where are you?" You heard Aemond call from afar. 

"Over here!"

In a few minutes, Aemond broke through the treeline to see you near the heart tree. His eyes widened at the tree, surprised to find it in the middle of a southern island. He walked up beside you and stared up at the tree with you. The carved face stared back at the both of you, two strangers taking in the shade of its leaves. 

“The Northerners say that the old gods can see people through the eyes,” you said, recalling the histories and cultures you’d read. “It’s why Northern people have important ceremonies in front of heart trees.”

“Ah, nonsense,” Aemond dismissed. “It’s only a tree.” 

“I don’t think so.” 

You continued staring at the white tree. You’ve never met anyone from The North because it is too far away, and not many of them come south. Yet, even at home, whenever you walked into the godswood, you felt them there. The Old Gods weren’t stone statues or stained glass windows or rainbow crystals like The Seven. You didn’t see Northerners putting their beliefs into material things, especially since many are descendants of the First Men. The Old Gods lived in the streams and the winds blowing through the trees. Even now, a soft gust blew through the small meadow of grass and flowers. It cooled your warm skin, and relieved you of the heat in your cheeks. It felt as if the gods said ‘Come here, child. Come into the shade and rest your tired feet.’ Something about the ominous tree brought a feeling of serenity and calmness. You liked it. 

“How long do you think its been here?” you asked. 

“Centuries. This island did once have people on it, so maybe some of them believed in the Old Gods.”

“Or it was here even before them, and they left it alone,” you suggested. “I like it.”

“You do?” 

“Yes. Why? Don’t you?”

Aemond thought about this. Then he said, “There is a certain magic to them, I suppose." He went silent again, "It’s…It is kind of like our dragons.”

“What?”

“I think Northern people have a special connection to these trees,” he explained. “Like we do with our dragons. I’m not a believer of the Old Gods, so I feel nothing for this tree, but I’ve met Northern people who say being in the presence of these trees is being in the presence of their gods. It’s why they pray in front of them; their prayers are not like prayers to the Seven either. It is simply speaking from their heart.” He glanced over at you, “They also have marriage ceremonies by the trees.”

“I’ve heard. I’ve never seen one though,” you continued looking at the tree, “Can you imagine what they look like up north?”

“There's surely snow, I imagine,” he smirked slyly. 

You nudged him, “You know what I meant, silly.” 

You giggled together, and then settled down at the base of the tree. You took out two apples, and handed Aemond one of them. Munching into his, Aemond said, “Would you want to do that?”

“Do what?”

“Marry like the Northerners do?”

The question stunned you for a moment, but then said, “I don’t think so,” you took a bite out of your apple, letting the juices fill your mouth and swallowed. “I find their heart trees lovely, but I do not believe in them enough to marry in front of them.” You hesitated, “I suppose I’d marry under The Seven like my mother and father. I’m sure your mother would’ve wanted the same, since her family are patrons of The Faith.��

“Aegon and Helaena were, so I guess as much.”

“Would you, if you had the choice?”

“Maybe.” He bit into his apple, chewing it before saying, “I find Valyrian wedding ceremonies intriguing.”

“You’ve seen one?”

“Obviously not,” he said, “But I read about them in a book of Old Valyria. Aegon the Conqueror and his sister-wives married in such a ceremony.”

“How is it done?”

“Well, both man and wife make cuts on their lips and put the blood on each other’s foreheads, and then cut their palms to put into a cup to drink it.”

“How disgusting.”

“Is not.”

“Is too. I wouldn’t want to drink your blood.”

“Why not?"

"Because it's blood, Aemond," you replied incredulously, ending with a soft laugh. "Why? Do you wish to drink mine?"

"Well…no, but it'd be for the ceremony. It'd be meaningful." He ate more of his apple, "So in a sept then? I don't believe they have any here."

"Oh, they must. All little villages have at least one somewhere." You bit into your apple, staring out into the meadow around the tree. 

"Y/N," he said after a while. 

"Hm?"

"Would you still want to marry me? Even after…my eye…and all that?"

You looked over at him in disbelief. "Of course, I would." He did not answer, but the soft hum he gave away his thoughts. "Aemond, your…you missing an eye does not bother me. It never has. You are still you, and that is-"

"-Who you are fond of," he finished for you. 

You hated how he'd phrased it. "I…" the butterflies in your stomach fluttered harder than ever and your throat turned dry. "I…" 

Why can you not simply say it? You felt it. You loved Aemond, but in a way so much more different than others. You loved him the way Jonquil loved Florian or Queen Alysanne and her Jaehaerys. You’d flown far from home to simply be with him; you would've gone across the world for him. You could never escape him even if you'd tried. Aemond Targaryen was in everything you did. He'd somehow wedged himself into the nooks and crannies of your life and there he stayed. When you'd heard the betrothal was off, you thought you might die. Being with Aemond is the only certainty you've ever felt. 

So, why is it so hard to say? 

"Aemond, I…"

"You do not need to say it if you do not-"

"-Aemond Targaryen, if you truly believe that I do not love you, then you clearly lost more than your eye," you snapped, facing him. Your shift in tone alarmed him. You continued, "Aemond, you could've lost both your eyes, your arms, and legs, and I'd still love as much now as I did before. You could sprout wings and a tail, and I'd adore you. Aemond," you grabbed his hand, catching a grip on your nerves, "I love you. How could I not when my heart always yearns for yours?" 

The three words left him silent. He surveyed your face as if trying to catch a lie, but you kept your eyes on him. “Seeing your eye may take getting used to,” you admitted, “But that does not make me love you any less. I need you to believe that. Please, believe me, Aemond.” 

“You…” he hesitated, “You love me?”

“Of course, you fool,” you laughed softly. “Would I have come here if I did not?” 

You looked at the tree behind you. No, you are not a follower of the Old Gods, but you’ve heard non-believers still swear upon them. “I swear it,” you said, almost a whisper as you gazed at the crying eyes near you, “By the Old Gods and the New, Aemond.” 

A whim took you by the hand, and you grabbed Aemond’s. An officiate should be here, but what customs and traditions matter? This island belongs to you both. You can create your own traditions. You brought him to the base of the tree, standing a few feet from the trunk of the heart tree, and took both of hands. Aemond looked puzzled for a moment, but then smiled softly. His smile always lit up his face; the missing eye never distracted from that, not to you. 

“I,” you started in a shaky breath, “Y/N of House Velaryon take you Aemond of House Targaryen to be my husband in this life and the next.” It sounded good so far. “Here in the presence of gods, I ask that my life walk alongside his. Where my husband goes, I will follow.” You struggled to find more pretty words, then said, “For there is no me without him.” Pecking his lips, you waited for him to say something. 

“I,” he finally said, “Aemond of House Targaryen take you Y/N of House Velaryon to be my wife in this life and the next.” He catches on so quickly. One thing you loved about him. “I ask that my life be forever bonded with hers, and our souls become one. I shall comfort her in times of sadness, and guide her in times of darkness. I shall follow her wherever she may go, and whatever the gods may put in our path.” He gave your hands a gentle squeeze, “Because I love her. There is no me without her.” 

The world stood still. No wind, no birds, no animals sounded in the meadow. The gods, you imagined, stopped the world to listen to your vows. They sensed the truth in your words, and accepted your prayers. It did not matter if no living person witnessed your ceremony. The Old Gods had witnessed your marriage, and gave their blessing in silence. 

Aemond smiled softly, then kissed you without a warning. Unlike the lake, this one remained chaste and soft. When he pulled away, you saw a pinkish blush on his cheeks and kissed him again. Somewhere out there, you knew your mother would chastise you for this, but she was not here. Nobody was. The only observer to Aemond laying you down in the grass and continuing kissing you was the carved face of the heart tree. 

***

“It cannot truly be that far from here,” Rhaenyra said, annoyance rising in her voice. “If Lord Corlys’s man saw Starshine and Vhagar flying nearby, then obviously this means their little hideout is there.” 

She did not contain her impatience this time. They knew where the children were, they should be setting off to find them. Standing in the maester’s solar, she looked back at the group staring at her. Alicent stood at the forefront, stern and determined, wringing her hands. Rhaenyra did not notice any picked skin around her nail beds, but she knew the queen resisted the urge. She wanted to embrace her, convince her to go with her to find their children. But, she stood a few feet away where the large, withered old book sat on a table. It detailed old trading routes during Aegon the Conqueror’s day. One of the dotted red lines crossed right onto a small island right outside the mouth of The Gullet,  miles and miles away from any other land mass. It’d been at Maester Gerardys said: when Aegon took The Crownlands, he changed routes to navigate right towards King’s Landing after many reports of pirates in the area. Aemond and you showed equal interest in this particular part of history. It is obvious they are there. 

“Princess, we’re not entirely sure that is where they are. There could be dangers that we do not-” Maester Gerardys began, but she cut across him. 

“I have a dragon,” she seethed, “Whatever danger lurks on the island will face Syrax’s dragonfire. I am not stalling any longer.” She grabbed her riding gloves from off a table, and slipped them on. “I am going to get my daughter. Your Grace,” she turned to Alicent, “Will you come?”

Alicent hesitated. She’d always refused to join Rhaenyra on flights. She told Rhaenyra she preferred to remain on the ground. But, The Queen visibly gulped back her nerves and raised her chin, “I will.” 

“Good.”

She led Alicent out of the room and down the hall. Syrax will be saddled still, and she can hold two people now. Rhaenyra remembered the last time she’d mentioned this to Alicent, who’d declined. She’d sat up in her bed, wearing her nightgown, and persuading Rhaenyra that running away was foolish. Rhaenyra first thought it was because she’d have to fly, but as the hours dwindled, she realized Syrax didn’t scare Alicent. It was Otto Hightower, who’d instilled his firm beliefs into his daughter; the man who’d convinced her that without him she is lost and alone. 

“I hope they are alright,” Alicent’s anxious words broke through her thoughts. “Aemond…His eye still pains him, and he needs to take his treatments.”

The mentioning of Aemond’s injury brought guilt into her stomach again. It’d been an unfortunate thing, a casualty in a fight amongst children. Luke only meant to defend his brother, whom Aemond assaulted; he’d never meant to take the whole eye. Rhaenyra thought back to how she’d reacted, and knew she’d behave the same way over again…But, she should have shown more sympathy. She thought back to what you’d told her after everything settled. Rhaenyra casted a glance over at Alicent. 

“How is he adjusting to it?” she asked cautiously as they walked towards the dragon pit on Dragonstone. 

Alicent did not answer immediately, but eventually said, “It is a slow process, but he is progressing. He still knocks into things on his blind side, and his depth perception is not as it was. I have not even let him fly Vhagar. I’m always worried something worse will happen to him on that beast.”

“What could possibly happen to him on Vhagar?” she asked, bemused. “Dragons have eyes as well, Your Grace.”

“I know,” Alicent admittedly defeatedly, “It’s that…After he lost his eye, I fear some other horrible act will harm him more. I constantly fear for him. I fear for him, Aegon and Helaena. I worry if I take my eyes off him for a moment, something terrible will happen and it’ll be because I was not watching. I was not there.”

Rhaenyra almost asked why Alicent feared for her children’s lives, but then remembered what else transpired that night. She recalled how Alicent pleaded with the King for justice. She’d stood, distraught and frustrated, as her husband told her the matter was done. For years, King Viserys has upheld Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne despite having a trueborn son. Should Rhaenyra wish to remain unchallenged, she’d need to make sure her siblings did not usurp her. Rhaenyra never truly thought of what she might do. She knew Alicent would never plot a coup to have her deposed, and instill her son as king. Alicent is not the kind of person to break promises. Rhaenyra would’ve let them continue living in the Red Keep. They would all be safe with her as their queen. 

Did Alicent…

Did Alicent believe she’d kill them? That she’d kill her? Rhaenyra stopped by the gates leading into the pit, and stared at Alicent. Brown met violet in this stare. 

“Nothing will happen to them,” she assured her, stepping closer.  

She then realized how long it’d been since they’d stood this close. So many years of keeping their distance at tables and in rooms, she forgot the aura of Alicent. She’d forgotten the little things she’d loved about Alicent. The faint smell of flowers that came from her hair, mostly from ages of running lavender oil through it every morning. She vividly recalled days where she used to purposefully hug Alicent simply to smell those curls, feel them brush her face and encompass her fully. She wished she could relive it again, even if for a moment, for a minute. 

“Our children are safe.” 

Alicent paused, sad eyes widening slightly with recognition. She’d moved to take Rhaenyra’s wrist before someone approached them. Then, the universe put that distance right back between them. 

“Princess,” the bald Dragon Keeper walked over to her, “Syrax is saddled and waiting for you. The princes and princess have already taken flight.”

“They have done what?” 

Rhaenyra’s shocked expression alerted Alicent. “What is it?” she asked Rhaenyra, “What did he say?”

“He says the princes and princess have…taken flight?” Rhaenyra tried making sense of the words herself, “They have gone?”

“Yes. Prince Aegon said he and his cousins would be flying ahead of you to find Prince Aemond and Princess Y/N.”

“They’ve gone?” Alicent guessed from Rhaenyra’s expression. 

“They have.” Rhaenyra growled, and clenched her fists. “I told them to stay here!” she said, guiding Alicent into the dragonpit, “I told them to stay home and we’d go find Y/N and Aemond. Why didn’t they listen? Why do children never listen?”

“Because, unfortunately, Rhaenyra,” Alicent said breathlessly, “Aegon is much cleverer when his head isn’t swimming in wine.” 

Yes, it would’ve been Aegon’s idea. He appeared quite desperate to prove himself to his mother. Perhaps they’d all underestimated him. Syrax stood on the other side of the wide pit, being held back by armed Dragon Keepers. Large and formidable, the yellow dragon immediately settled once Rhaenyra came within reach of her. She did not appear bothered by Alicent’s presence, but then again that might be from years of her smelling Alicent on Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra climbed onto Syrax first, then pulled Alicent up behind her. She saw the nervousness in Alicent’s face, how she held on tightly to the back of the saddle, giving a soft yelp when Syrax moved. 

“It takes some getting used to,” Rhaenyra explained, getting onto the saddle in front of Alicent. “Hang on to me.”

Warm arms tightly wrung around her waist, and clasped together at her midsection. Rhaenyra nodded at a Dragon Keeper, who then moved out of the dragon’s way. 

“Ready?” she asked Alicent. 

“Ready.”

And for the moment, time became their friend. When Syrax took off into the sky, Rhaenyra and Alicent weren’t Princess and Queen. They’d become the girls who’d kissed in the seclusion of the godswood, and shared every waking moment together. 

Feeling the wind blow through her hair and coat, seeing the thick white clouds above and the vast blue ocean below, they became those girls again. They might’ve just left the Red Keep in the dead of night, escaping on Syrax and flying off into a new life. They’d be together always; they could live and love as they pleased with no laws or families keeping them apart. Rhaenyra imagined it as she guided Syrax through the air. Had the fates allowed it, they’d be in a small house right now somewhere beautiful, dressed modestly and living in a house of light and love. She’d have freedom. She’d have Alicent. Tears started brimming her eyes, blurring her vision and heating her cheeks. This was all she wanted since the night she kissed her in the sand dunes. 

Her daughter. Her little dove who loved romantic songs and stories; who’d seen running from home as an escape to real happiness. She sympathized with you. She’d wanted the same. In truth, she knew you'd be safe. Not only because you are her daughter, but because you had Aemond, who loved you. His love for you burned like dragon flame, breaking down walls and bridges to be with you. She knew he’d never let anything happen to you. 

But, he is just a boy. Much like she and Alicent had been girls with silly dreams. 

Rhaenyra allowed herself to live that dream for now, in the skies where it’ll stay.

****

A/N: heeeyyy we got some kind of marriage ceremony going on lol and Kid Squad and Super Moms are on the way! Feel free to leave any feedback, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter <3 

#aemond targaryen #aemond x reader #aemond x you #aemond x yn #aemond one eye #house of the dragon #hotd drabbles #hotd imagines #hotd fanfic #hotd fanfiction #ewan mitchell #leo ashton

[written-in-flowers]

Fly Away: Pt. 8

Pairing: Young!Aemond x Young!Velaryon!Reader | Side pairing: Rhaenyra x Alicent, Aegon x Helaena

Genre: Fluff, Angst

Au: friends to lovers, childhood love, incest (duh), slight homophobia expressed, repressed feelings, mutual pining, teenage runaways, mentions of bullying, arrange marriages

Word Count: 9k

Summary: Young love overcomes all in a family full of broken bonds and broken hearts. When Princess Y/N Velaryon and Prince Aemond Targaryen are discovered missing from their beds, their mothers must come together to find them. The search might do more for their families than a mere marriage pact can. 

A/N: want to clarify now that we stick with young!Aemond throughout the story. Ewan’s Aemond comes in at the very end. This is mainly done starting a bit before The Princess and the Queen and a little bit after the events at Driftmark. I do pull some scenes from the show, but it remains relatively loose throughout. Want to also point out that The Dance doesn’t happen in this universe, so...happy ending expected, because we need more of those.  

Taglist:  @yitish,  @imjustboredso, @dangerousbluebirdpoetry, @discowizard88, @mddieeunson , @caramelcandescence, @bookwhoresthings , @astrumark, @minteaspoon @eddiemunsonsgroupie @miraclealignertlsp369 @aemond-targaryenx​​ @afro-hispwriter​

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***

Aemond checked the few snares he’d placed along the way back to the cabin, and managed to get another rabbit from one. He told you about a larder he’d found outside the house, where the family must’ve stored their meats. Once they've cooked the meat, it’ll be safe to store there for a time. Aemond remembered Ser Criston having a similar technique, and thought it was safe to use here. It’d be helpful to not be hunting every day; it was precious time he could be spending by your side instead. 

The smile never fully left his face, making his cheeks hurt and strain from it. The darkening skies caused him to finally stop kissing you. He did not go any further, however. The only thing he kept thinking about were your words; the way you’d said them with such certainty. He’d thought his eye may keep you from him forever, but today you proved the opposite. You stood before a heart tree and spoke your vows to him in front of gods. Neither of you followed said gods, but did that really matter? You both kept your promises to one another in your hearts; your spirits binded themselves together underneath the shade of the blood-red leaves. 

Returning to the cabin as the skies grew darker, he mentally took account of everything you’d gathered. Besides the onions and potatoes from home, you had found patches of vegetation that grew wild over the decades: blueberries, clovers, dandelions, mint leaves, and rosemary. Pine cones were scattered on the ground, so they’d been collected as well. You had no idea what to do with them, but they’d been in your book. They wouldn’t use everything tonight, since you’d plucked plenty for other dinners, but you’d eat well tonight. You are not the best of cooks, but you said that you liked making food for Aemond. It makes you feel like a “real wife” despite knowing that is not a woman’s only role. He enjoyed getting the food for you, and helping you prepare it by skinning and gutting the animal. 

“We were gone longer than I’d thought,” Aemond said, reaching the threshold of the cabin’s proximity. “The sun’s about to go down. We should get the fire going.”

“Right.” 

The island looked small in the sky, but you’d both learned it is quite vast. Beyond the little village and ship docks, there is nothing but an endless forest. He’s certain you’d hardly scratched the surface of the remote place. As he sat down outside the back door, the designated skinning and gutting area, you unloaded your satchel inside. Aemond watched you pick up dusty jars and bottles from a shelf near the fireplace. They’d been one of the few things that seemed salvageable in the cabin. While he patched up holes in the cabin with leaves and wood, you’d cleaned them out for proper use. As he made a slit in his kill, you saw you fill the jars with your findings. The remaining vegetables went into a crate near the fireplace, and the last of your bread sat in a basket. He knew the last piece resembled a rock by now, since you had no way of keeping it fresh.  

“Aemond?” you called to him. 

“Yes?” 

“Do you want to go into the village again?”

Aemond stopped cutting into the rabbit’s fur, “What for?”

“I want to see if we can find food there.”

“Y/N, the village is old. I doubt anything we find will be useful or edible. Neither of us can afford to become ill.” He started peeling the rabbit’s skin from its body, the familiar squelching noise breaking the silence. You pointedly looked away, and he snorted amusedly. “There is nothing in the village. Everything we need is in the forest behind us.” 

You accepted his answer, then began working on starting a fire in the hearth. Aemond thought back to the tablet and charcoal pieces he kept hidden in his bag. A perfect wedding gift for his beautiful bride, he decided. He finished stripping and hollowing out the carcass, and skewered it through a metal stick to hang over the fire. Ser Criston used to sit next to it, occasionally pouring the fat drippings to keep it juicy. He did the same, enjoying the warmth and your company in the meantime. It felt like a dream. You are his wife. You loved him. He couldn’t stop himself from looking at you at the nearby table. You’d decided to chop the onion and one potato to put in a pot for rabbit soup. Whether it’d taste good was yet to be seen, but he didn’t mind so much. Knowing you’d made it meant a lot to him. 

“I think I might make a fishing rod,” he said when you came to him with a pot of water and your vegetables. “That way we aren’t always eating rabbit.”

“I can find a way to grow food here by the cabin,” you replied. “A woman from the village used to grow her own food near her home.”

“Would that work?”

“I don’t know. I can still try.” You looked into your pot, “We will need more water. We only have one skin left and half a bucket. We should have gotten water by the river.”

“I will go in the morning.” He held your hand for a while, putting more fat over the rabbit and listening to it sizzle. It smelled wonderful. “Do you want to read tonight or should I?”

“I like it when you read,” you smiled at him. 

“Then I shall.”

Oh, what he wouldn’t do to keep you happy. Aemond planted a kiss on your lips, letting it linger before breaking away. You smiled and put your head on his shoulder. The dread did not touch him right now. That crippling sensation that they’d eventually be found, broken apart to never see one another again did not breach his thoughts. He knew once his mother found him, she’d make sure he never escaped again. She’d betroth and marry him to some noblewoman far away, forever barring him from being with you. Your mother will undoubtedly marry you off once you return home; possibly to a Stark or a lord far from the south. But, right now, that mattered very little. Sitting beside his wife by the fire, feeling her fingers lightly trace patterns on his forearm and occasionally being kissed by her, the outside world faded. The couple entered a place completely their own, and he’d live in it as long as possible. 

After you put the soup to boil, the rabbit pieces floating inside, Aemond walked over to his satchel by the edge of the bed. “I have something for you,” he said, finding the tablet and charcoal inside. “It’s customary for a groom to give his bride a present, and I waited for the right time.”

“A present? Aemond, you did not have to,” you smiled. 

“I did,” he said. “Close your eyes.” He returned to your side once you closed your eyes. He placed the wooden tablet, parchment, and sack in front of you. “Open them.”

When you looked down, your smile warmed his heart. “Oh Aemond,” you sighed, picking up the slate, “Where did you find this?”

“In the market with Aegon.” He refused to bring up that it’d been after their night in the brothel. “There was a vendor selling all kinds of different things, and I saw this,” he gestured to the tablet, “And thought you might enjoy using it. I brought more paper too for when you run out.”

“Thank you,” you beamed, holding the slate to your chest, “I love it.” You then frowned, “But, I did not get you a gift.”

“You becoming my wife is already enough for me,” he replied in a smile. “I wanted to give you something you’d use, and I thought this would be perfect.”

“It is.” 

You bent forward and kissed him. Out of habit, he brought you closer to deepen it. The urge to kiss you like he’d done in the godswood crossed his mind, but he forced himself to stop. 

“We should go into the village tomorrow, like you suggested,” he said, breaking the kiss. “Not for food, but to look around and see if there is anything useful there. It’d be good for us to get out of here and do something fun. Maybe then find our dragons, and we can fly together for a while.”

“That sounds nice,” you nodded, kissing him again. 

He’d never felt happier. 

***

Alicent’s muscles remained so tense throughout the flight that they burned. The terrifying thought of somehow slipping from Rhaenyra, off the saddle and into the open air crossed her mind several times. She’d felt fearful when riding with Aegon, who’d kept Sunfyre straight and steady to keep her at ease, and the fear came back now. Yet, her fingers digging into Rhaenyra’s leather coat, feeling her torso pressed against her’s, and her silver hair brushing into her cheek, it lessened over time. She closed her eyes, and the daydreams from long ago returned. 

‘I don’t care about that anymore. I love you, Alicent. It is you that I want; not the Throne or the Crown or the Seven Kingdoms. It is you I wish to be with like I said: fly away across the sea, seeing the wonders of the world and eating cake.’ 

The memory returned once again, stinging as badly as they’d done every other time. It’d come to her vividly. She’d been sitting up in her bed, her curls a mess and wearing her thin nightgown, looking at Rhaenyra in the near darkness. Rhaenyra’s hair shone in the moonlight; her eyes sparkled with hope and determination as she spoke. Alicent knew them to be true; she’d admitted them to herself. Flying through the orange and blue skies, she imagined what it’d look like if she’d gone. If she’d forgotten her father’s warnings and threats…if she hadn’t cared about what others believed…if she’d let go of every fear and doubt in her mind and given into her desires for once. Alicent blinked back tears. She’d once told Rhaenyra she’d go wherever her beloved went, whispering them between kisses in the sand. But she had not. She’d let fear stop her. 

‘But, Father, I love her!’

She’d declared it so loudly then, sobbing and pleading with her father to understand. It left a swelling in her throat. He’d told her that her ‘infatuation’ will eventually pass; she’d come to see he was right in the end. Deep down, Alicent knew he’d rather burn the world than let people believe a Hightower committed a sin. She’d held her tongue, swallowed her feelings, and continued living behind a mask. She married the king, gave him children and did her duty to her house. All the while, her beloved slipped through her fingers like silk. 

Alicent opened her eyes to see the sun setting on the horizon. How long had they been flying? Syrax will surely need to settle somewhere soon. She took in the fading gradients of the sky, the orange and yellow giving way to the black and blue of night. Alicent worried they may not find any of their children tonight, and be forced to turn back or go off course. She dared to gaze below, and finally saw it. A single ship stood out in the expanse of dark ocean below. Squinting to see through the clouds, she saw it sailed unaccompanied by other ships. It appeared to be heading in the same direction as them, rather than moving out of the bay. 

“Who is that?” she said in Rhaenyra’s ear, pointing a shaking finger at the ship. 

Rhaenyra took her eyes off the path to look. She guided Syrax out of the clouds, and halfway to the water. Both women then recognized the silver seahorse against aquamarine sails of House Velaryon. Lord Corlys must be setting out to find you and Aemond as well. You are his granddaughter after all. To add more suspicion, they heard a faint screech in the distance. Small and slender, another dragon flew on the other side of the ship. Baela and her dragon, Moondancer. 

It truly is all hands on deck in this search. 

“I’ll go lower, then he’ll see us!” Rhaenyra called over her shoulder, “Hold on!” 

Alicent let out a small scream as Syrax suddenly moved further down, her body being several feet from the water. They came up beside the ship, where they spotted several hanging lanterns lighting the deck. Alicent leaned a bit farther to see the imposing figure of Lord Corlys standing on the top of the deck, steering the helm himself towards the island. He turned his head at the approach of Syrax, and noticed Rhaenyra and Alicent riding her. Too far to exchange words, all the lord did was point ahead and nodded. They are going in the right direction. 

“Aegon?!” Alicent called out to him, hoping she was close enough for him to hear. 

He pointed upwards, and then forward again. Good, he’d seen them then. Another screech above told them Moondancer had flown ahead. Rhaenyra lifted the reins and Syrax turned back up into the skies. She prayed to The Mother silently. 

‘Please, Mother, protect our children and keep them safe. My children are all I truly have. Please, let them be well.’ 

“There!” Rhaenyra gasped after a long while. “It’s there!”

Alicent peeked over her shoulder to see a dark mass not too far away. It was larger than she’d imagined, with a long and wide stretch of forest around most of it. She could not see much else through the night time sky. The island was devoid of any light or life. A sense of dread came back to her. What if they’d gotten to the wrong place? What if the children aren’t here? Alicent clung tightly to Rhaenyra, who placed a hand on the one on her stomach. She almost melted from the comfort. In the night, she spotted several dragons of varying sizes flying away from the southern corner of the island. They dropped down on the sandy beach, their bodies making shapes in the white sand. Rhaenyra circled the area for a place to land, finally finding one towards the shore in the shallows. Alicent felt the soreness in her limbs again, not wanting to move from the position on the saddle. 

But, the sight of a silver-blond figure broke her from her seat. 

“Aegon Targaryen!” she bellowed, sliding off the dragon saddle and into the water. It splashed against her ankles, and soaked her slippers. She did not care. Her fury boiled up to her cheeks as she stomped through the waves, “Aegon Targaryen, what in the Seven Hells do you think you are doing here?!”

“I have come to look for Aemond, Mother!” he remarked, neither stepping back nor meeting her. 

“On your own?! Without any aid?!” she came right up to him, the fading sun giving her enough light to see him. “Do you realize how reckless this was? You had no idea the precise coordinates of this place. You might’ve been flying in the wrong direction, or gotten lost. You should have waited until we’d come up with a plan.”

“You were taking too long.” Aegon rarely spoke back to her in these moments, yet Alicent could not help admiring him. He stood straight with his shoulders back, staring hard back at her. “Aemond could be injured or sickly, and you and Rhaenyra were standing around a bunch of old maps. Forgive me, Mother,” he softened, “I knew you’d be worried but the longer we waited, the more likely something could happen to him.”

His softness simmered her anger. She knew his true reason for wanting to find Aemond first, and understood it. She nodded, “I only worried for you.” She hugged him tightly, taking in the scent of him like she’d done in his infancy. “You and your siblings are all I have,” she admitted in a whisper. “I…I cannot lose you.”

“I know, Mother.” 

He hugged her back, then released her. Helaena stood nearby, and embraced her as well. At least they were safe. She thanked The Mother. 

“Jacaerys! Lucerys!” She heard Rhaenyra’s anger match her own. “I told you both to stay in the castle! This place can be dangerous!”

“We wanted to find Y/N,” Jace replied. “We could not wait any longer.”

“This was entirely foolish of you,” she looked at the others near her, “Foolish of all of you. If you’d waited, we could have built a strategy and flown here together.” 

She ran her hand through Jace’s hair, then brought him to her side. She did the same with Luke. Alicent heard muffled words from both boys, who no doubt apologized for upsetting her.  Alicent then turned to Aegon, “It appears my son is the leader of this little rescue group. What was your plan exactly?”

Aegon paused. He did not have one. “I thought of us splitting up in pairs to find them.”

“In a place as large as this one?”

“We’d use our dragons.”

“In the darkness?”

He hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. “Well…”

“We need to burn torches if we are to start searching,” Rhaenyra came up to them with her boys. “Lord Corlys is on his way with Baela. I’m certain he has brought more men with him. Knowing Laenor,” she looked at Alicent, “He would have followed us with Ser Criston; that’ll add more people to the party.”

“So, you suggest more patience, a thing we’ve had so little of these days?” Alicent responded. 

“There is not much we can do safely. I’d rather we stay together until Lord Corlys arrives. He is not too far, so I suspect he’ll be here by morning.”

“We’ve brought food and water,” Luke said from Rhaenyra’s side. 

“Yes, and bed rolls to sleep on in case we did not find them by daybreak,” added Jace. 

“Wine, Mother?” Aegon offered her his wineskin. Alicent looked at the skin, then her son. An olive branch, she assumed. She took it, uncorked the stopper and gulped some. A drink might calm her nerves, which buzzed enough to shake her bones. “Jace, Luke and I will set up a fire,” he told her, putting the cork back on for her. “You can divide up the provisions and Helaena and Rhaenyra can send off the dragons. They can patrol the skies for right now.” 

Alicent did not disagree. Dividing food and supplies gave her mind something to do while she impatiently waited for Lord Corlys. Everyone went their separate ways to their various tasks. They’ve managed to end up where Aemond is. If the Seven favored her, he might end up wandering into the camp and she can take him home. 

And then what? Lock him in the highest tower forever? He’d resent her for the rest of their lives if she did that. As she unloaded the sacks the children brought with them, she pictured herself in Aemond’s shoes. Well, she’d once been in them. Her son mustered the courage she never had. He’d left everything and everyone he knew to begin a new life in an unfamiliar place with his beloved. Yes, you are his beloved. He’d said so in all the letters he’d written you. Aemond wrote poem and poem declaring his love; he’d written at length about how being without you tortured him. She’s certain you’d responded the same way. How could she ruin that? She’d be no better than her father. 

“You should take off your shoes.” Rhaenyra appeared beside her, spreading a blanket to place the food on. “They’re soaked from the water.”

Alicent wiggled her toes in her wet shoes and stockings. She should’ve been more careful where she dismounted. Alicent kicked them off, along with her stockings. They’d dry on their own soon enough. Quietly busying herself with the provisions, she thought back to what Rhaenyra told her. Her children will be safe. She’d be safe. She caught sight of Aegon lighting a fire. He is the challenge. Many people said Viserys should have named him heir at birth, but he never did. He feared losing his daughter. If Rhaenyra wanted to remain uncontested, she’d need to remove any other claimants.

Rhaenyra wouldn’t. 

She’d never hurt her children. The moment in Driftmark made them both lose sense and sight. If they’d talked alone without interference from her father and husband, they might have found common ground. But, she’d let years of resentment and loss and longing start an inferno in her heart. She told herself over and over that Rhaenyra’s blatant treason was what upset her. That she’d committed adultery, mothering bastards with Harwin Strong, and subsequently putting her life at risk. But, turning to look at Rhaenyra, feeling her close and working together, she accepted the truth at last. It had not been the treason that could cost Rhaenyra her life if revealed. It had not been Viserys’s blindness or his unconditional love and favor for his daughter. 

It’d been because Rhaenyra chose Harwin. 

She’d shut Alicent out once she became her stepmother, and walked into the strong arms of Harwin. Even if undercover, she’d given her heart and soul to Harwin. She’d taken it from Alicent that night and given it to him. 

“Did you love him?” she heard herself ask before she could stop. 

“What?” Rhaenyra heard her. She had to be in their close proximity, but it was a ruse. It was a chance to retract the question. 

“Did you love him? Rhaenyra, did you love him?”

She did not answer immediately. Alicent watched her carefully place a bundle of apples in one corner, arranging them without thinking. She saw the wheels turning. Rhaenyra bit the inside of her cheek, a thing she often did when in thought. Alicent saw the answer in her hands. Yes, she had. 

“I did,” she finally said, the words staying between them and not floating away. “He came into my life during a very vulnerable time. He sensed my loneliness, my sadness, and lifted me from it. I felt trapped, and he comforted me. I did not feel lost with Harwin. I felt safe and secure in my position at home; I felt I could go onwards with him by my side.”

Alicent turned away. A hollow feeling buried itself into her chest. She’d been that person once, and she’d betrayed her. She’d set aside a sack of berries when Rhaenyra’s hand stopped her. When she looked up, she saw tears in the princess’s eyes. 

“I went to him because I’d lost you,” she whispered. “I’d lost you to my father…to the kingdom…to your father,” her voice hissed at the last word. “When you married my father, I resented you because you lied to me. You never told me about your meetings, or that you’d seduced my father into loving you-”

“-I did not ‘seduce’ your father. It was the ambition of my father who’d pushed me into your father. He…” she paused, taking a breath, “He wanted so badly to have a grandchild on the throne, he sacrificed me. In turn, I sacrificed the things I’d held so dear to me; I casted them aside for a ‘greater purpose’.” She thought back to her father telling her to comfort the king after his wife’s death. She knew his plan then, but young Alicent only obeyed her father’s orders. “I’d hoped your father would not favor me. I hoped he’d still see me as his daughter’s childhood companion, a girl not much older than her. I prayed, even, that he chose Laena Velaryon over me. He’d gain more from her than from me. But, my father’s plan worked. Your father chose me for his wife, and…And I lost you.”

“Why did you not tell me?”

“I wanted to tell you. I wanted to tell you every time we went to the strawberry patch in the gardens; I wanted so badly to reveal it to you, but I feared the outcome.” She rested her hands in her lap, starting to pick at the skin on her nail beds. She carved into it with her nail, pushing the skin away from the nail. It hurt a bit, but it did not bother her. “I feared what might happen if we’d been discovered by the wrong person. My father told me what they’d done to Ser Hoster when they found him abed with his squire. I’ve heard the things people say about your husband, and what’ll occur if it ever came to light. I was scared, Rhaenyra,” she could not look at her. Tears stung her eyes, adding to the self-mutilation on her fingers. “I was scared just as I am now.”

“I did not know then,” Rhaenyra said. “I thought you’d done it on purpose, to hurt me for some reason unknown to me. Perhaps, deep down in my silly dreams, I’d hoped we could still be together somehow, some way. But, knowing you’d married my father and he’d bedded you…I do not know, it…It sickened me.” She took Alicent’s hand to stop her picking. “Then, after Daemon returned from the Stepstones, I saw your unhappiness and knew I’d caused a portion of it. When you told me people only saw you as The Queen,” she caressed Alicent’s hand, fingers underneath her wrist, “I hoped we could mend what splintered.”

“Then you came to me in my bed, and once again…” she sniffled, “My fear kept me from going with you.”

“And my love for you kept me there.” 

Alicent looked at her with teary eyes. She clutched Rhaenyra’s wrist, turning slightly to face her. “We’re both mothers,” she began, “And we love our children. We’d do anything for them.” She rubbed her wrist, wanting to touch and feel her like before. She worried if she stopped, Rhaenyra would disappear. “Forgive me, Rhaenyra. Forgive me for all of it? For every disparaging remark or thinly veiled insult? For demanding your son’s eye in return for Aemond’s? For destroying…” she took a deep breath, “For destroying us. Do you forgive me for destroying us?” 

“You did not destroy us. I did.” She touched her back, and it melted everything inside her. “I did the night your boy lost his eye.” She sniffled, “Y/N implored me to speak with you after it happened. She said it could be mended if we’d both spoken in private; if we’d truly aired our feelings and discussed them. But, I’d been too stubborn and hurt to approach you. After what you’d said to me, after the knife slipped, I did not know if it was possible.” Their eyes met again, “Years of jealousy, betrayal, and bitterness have built up this wall between us that made you feel so unreachable. That wall was put there by both of us, and the world in which we live in. So much…So much ripped us apart, I did not know if it could ever be restored.” 

“I’d been too wrapped in my grief and worry for my son that the thought did not occur to me. What I said that night…Forgive me for it. Please.”

“You did not lie. I know my father’s favor is what keeps my sons and myself alive. I abused it that night. I needed to protect my sons; protect them from the whispers being spread about them. I should never have asked Aemond to be questioned, but you must understand, my sons…Their lives would be in danger if the truth ever came out.”

“Why, Rhaenyra?” she asked. “You knew your indiscretion with Harwin could put your life at risk; your sons’ lives at risk. Why?”

She shook her head, “I cannot honestly say. I loved Harwin. I did not wish for it to happen, but it did, and I have no regrets. Harwin gave me three beautiful sons, whom I love more than my own life.” She then asked, “Did you fear for your childrens’ lives, Alicent? Is that why you advocated for Aegon to be heir for so long? You know your son is not fit for the throne. This little stunt of his does not prove he could be-”

“-Of course I fear for them. I fear for them every day,” she cut her off. “Aegon and Aemond are true born sons of the King. They have their own claims to the throne, which someone might decide is a threat and kill them.” 

“You believe I’d do such a thing, Alicent?”

“Your sons took my son’s eye. What would stop them or any of your supporters from killing him?”

“I would stop them,” she said firmly, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I would stop them before they even thought of raising their swords. Alicent,” she implored, “What happened to Aemond is terrible. I cannot fathom the pain it’d brought you to see him in so much pain. My sons did not intend to hurt him; they only defended themselves. As did your Aemond,” she added before Alicent could interrupt. “But, I would never put a sword to your sons or daughter. They are my blood. They are…” she paused, “They are a part of you. Killing them would be the equivalent of killing you. That is something I truly could not bear.” 

Tears fell freely down their faces. Alicent’s heart laid bare on the floor for Rhaenyra to pick up and take with her. The hole in her chest ached to be filled once more by her love. She’d missed her in The Red Keep. She’d missed their talks in the godswood, their walks in the palace gardens, and being at each other’s side always. The Keep feels colder and lonelier than ever before. She wanted to say this. The words tittered on the tip of her tongue, but Alicent could only weep. 

“Rhaenyra, I-”

“-Mother! Mother, look!”

The two women turned from each other to see a pale green dragon land on the other side of the dunes, her pale horns pearly white. On her saddle sat Baela Targaryen, who grinned at them both from her seat. Rhaenyra and Alicent wiped their cheeks, and went with their children to greet Baela. She forced herself to push the conversation from her mind, yet it lingered as she walked. As she finished hugging her cousins, Baela looked at Rhaenyra. 

“Have you found Y/N yet?” she asked hopefully. 

“Not yet,” Rhaenyra answered. “We are waiting for your grandfather to arrive.”

“He set out as soon as the guards told him about Starshine,” Baela told her. “I saw her flying when I first set out, and tried following her, but she’s too fast for Moondancer.”

“It is good you did not follow. Y/N might’ve told her not to land near here,” Rhaenyra told her. “Come, get warm near the fire and eat something.” 

Their conversation put to rest for now, Alicent and Rhaenyra joined their children by the fire and eagerly waited for Lord Corlys. 

***

As husband and wife now, you permitted Aemond to sleep inside the bed roll, rather than on top. You welcomed his warmth underneath the thin blankets; clinging to him shielded you from the cool winds that came in through the window. Finding a comfortable position proved difficult in the beginning, since neither of you wanted to inconvenience the other, but soon you found a position you liked. His arm around your waist, he laid on his back while you snuggled to his side. It was another step into being married. If you’re married, you’re allowed to share a bed. 

In the twilight between sleep and awake, you thought you heard a faint screech from outside. The winds briefly flurried and whacked branches into the window sill before going completely still again. You heard the sound again, but closer. 

“Aemond…” you mumbled and wiped your nose, “Aemond, I think there’s…a dragon…out-outside.”

“It’s nothing, my love,” Aemond replied, not opening his eyes and pulling you close. “Go…back to sle-e-ep.” 

“Hmm, alright.” 

The noises outside did not bother you any further. 

***

Lord Corlys’s ship appeared on the horizon around dawn. Rays of orange and yellow broke through the black sky, banishing night and giving way to morning. Rhaenyra found sleep difficult at the beginning. She kept picturing you somewhere deep in the forest, wandering aimlessly with Aemond beside you. Rhaenyra only found comfort when she reassured herself that you are fearless. Cautious, yes, but fearless. You would've adapted to your situation, and found ways to get water and food. You also had Aemond, who’d no doubt have some form of wilderness skills. Suddenly, she'd fallen asleep and seconds later was woken up again. 

"Mother, Grandfather is here," said Luke, his face inches from hers. 

"Oh, gods, Luke, please."

She gently moved him away and sat up. Across from her, through the dimness of morning, she spotted Alicent already standing. Their conversation the previous night returned like a dream. It'd been as you suggested: both women finally airing some of their grievances with each other. Their hearts finally spilled out onto the floor, and neither one held back. A weight, she felt, slightly lifted itself from her shoulders. Alicent did not hate her. She had in fact resented her for the freedoms she enjoyed, and believed she'd been replaced by Harwin. She thought Rhaenyra truly stopped loving her. How she wished to prove differently. 

She saw Alicent in Harwin’s dark curls, and her smirk in his sly smiles. 

She thought of her every time she ate a candied lemon off a cake and when a maid poured her sweet cream for her fruits. 

Every time Alicent Hightower crossed her mind, her heart shed another piece away. 

"Lord Corlys," Alicent greeted the sea lord as he approached. "I am glad to see you arrived safely."

"As am I, Your Grace," he bowed, long locs swinging from his shoulders. "The seas around this island can be rough if one does not know how to navigate them. It makes me glad Prince Aemond and Y/N took their dragons."

She shuddered briefly, picturing it, and pushed it away at once. "Has there been any sign of them?" he asked them. 

"Not since we arrived," Rhaenyra answered, walking up to him. "It was too dark to search with the few we have. I take it you've brought more men."

"I have," he nodded over to the shoreline where she spotted more rowboats coming to the shore. "Once everyone is here, we can divide up the parties. Dragonriders may take to the skies, while we go on foot."

"Can you tell us anything you know about this place, Lord Corlys?" Alicent asked, a plea laced in her voice. 

"There was once a village here, that I know," he answered. "But, it’s been abandoned for decades and therefore inhabitable. The children will be foolish to try staying in those buildings. I imagine they must've set up camp by a water source, if we're lucky." He looked at the sky above, "It is strange. I have not yet seen or heard Starshine or Vhagar."

"I find that strange as well," Rhaenyra agreed. "Dragons typically stay near their riders, and Starshine isn't one to leave Y/N alone."

"And we would've seen Vhagar," Baela came to her grandfather's side and hugged him. "She's big."

"I assume the children ordered them to stay away to avoid being caught." He kept Baela close as he said, "What were they thinking?" He sighed, "Coming here of all places. How could they expect to survive?"

"It must’ve been Aemond’s idea," said Alicent. "Ser Criston often takes him and Aegon on hunting trips. My son learned a lot from him. I am confident he's kept them both fed and watered at least."

She sounded as if she tried convincing herself more than anyone else. Rhaenyra put a hand on her back to comfort her, and she felt the queen's shoulders loosen. 

"They'll be fine. We only need to find them."

"If they wish to be found."

Rhaenyra knows you'll put up a fight. You will not leave so easily; if you caught a whiff of them, you'll run off again. It's what she would do if she was you. Lord Corlys, Aegon and the other boys circled a map Corlys brought along with him. Faded and withered, the copy was legible, so easier to organize search parties in various areas. Rhaenyra only cared about finding you. You mattered above everything else. An hour later, she spotted Seasmoke, a gray and silver dragon, flying through the sky towards them. She greeted Laenor and Ser Criston when they arrived. 

"Our girl?" Laenor asked her. When she shook her head, he said, "Well, I spotted Starshine in the skies to the east, so we must be in the right place.” 

“I hope so,” she frowned. “Your father is organizing groups to search the forest.”

“I will ride Seasmoke,” he told her, “And scan the island for a sign of them.” 

“No,” Rhaenyra said suddenly. When he gave her a puzzled look, she continued, “If they see dragons in the sky, they’ll be compelled to run off again.” He appeared unconvinced, so she said, “You know she’ll run if she thinks we’ve found them.”

“Rhaenyra, we need to use whatever resources we have to find them. The dragons are the best way to do that,” he told her, taking her hand to squeeze it gently. “They cannot run if they don’t have their dragons to ride.”

“They’ll find a new place to hide on the island then. Laenor, Y/N is stubborn and willful. You know she is, and she won’t give up Aemond so easily.”

“She wouldn’t have to give him up if you and the queen hadn’t…” he stopped himself from finishing. “Let us focus on finding Y/N and bringing her home.”

She knew what he meant to say. If her and Alicent made amends after Driftmark, then there’d be no broken betrothal. Did he believe she did not know that? That she felt no guilt or responsibility for causing this? If she’d tried speaking to Alicent and convincing her to reinstate the betrothal for their childrens’ sake, then you’d be home right now. She followed Laenor to the main group, noticing Ser Cole with Alicent. Seeing their heads close together, she guessed Ser Criston is giving his queen a report. Rhaenyra recalled their conversation once again, and forced herself to look away from her. 

That was when she spotted the empty bed rolls near the campfire. Aegon and Jace gave their rolls to their mothers, but Luke, Helaena, and Baela slept on their own. Her eyes swept the area for her sons, hoping that she must’ve missed them in the group of people settled on the beach. She even turned to the skies to see none of the dragons in the clouds. She walked around the occupied space, her breath growing heavier as her heart pounded. Seven Hells, they’d done it again. How? When? She’d woken up to Luke’s sweet smile inches from hers. How could they have snuck off so quickly? 

“Where are the children?” she asked Alicent, touching her forearm. 

“The children?” She then glanced around the beach, looking off into the distance beyond before realizing it herself. “They wandered off.”

“Or went to look for Aemond and Y/N.” 

“Ugh, Aegon!” she grunted, stomping her foot in the sand. “Ser Criston!” she walked over to the knight, “Aegon and the other children aren’t here.”

“Prince Aegon told us they’d be going on ahead together,” he said innocently. “Why do you ask…” he then mentally kicked himself, “That rascal.”

“Everyone is aware of my son’s proclivity for lying,” she hissed. “Why do people continuously believe him?” Rhaenyra recognized the anger starting to rise in her tone, and took her forearm again, gently rubbing the space under her arm. “Rhaenyra, I swear it,” she said, “He does it on purpose.”

“Or perhaps he believes he needs to prove himself?”

Alicent hesitated, taking a breath. “Let us go and look for them. They cannot have gone that far.”

“Unless they went on their dragons.”

“Oh Gods,” she growled, “Those damnable beasts…Lord Corlys is arranging groups to go into the forest for Y/N and Aemond. Now, we have to find the others on top of them as well.” 

“We’ll go together,” she comforted Alicent. “They cannot have gone far.” 

Alicent took a deep breath, and Rhaenyra noticed the raw skin around her nails. She put one hand over them, growing slightly. She must’ve done it throughout the night as she tossed and turned. They shared a glance, before Alicent looked away guiltily. 

“Come, Your Grace.”

****

Aemond and you set out for the village after a small breakfast. Since you’d been more concerned with shelter at the time, you’re sure the both of you overlooked useful items. Aemond brought his bow, while you carried a small knife on your belt. You insisted upon having your own weapon on the chance you are separated. 

The village remained as deserted as the day you’d first arrived. The storefronts, dusty and grimy, had broken glass or charred sills. The natural world reclaimed the area humanity took by growing through the cracks in the floor, and growing vines up the sides of buildings. Birds made their nests high on the rooftops and chimneys of some shacks; you suspected thousands of insects and arachnids made their homes inside the walls and dark places in the buildings. You walked carefully through the market square, where you imagined dozens of people bustling around in its prime. Merchants must’ve had stalls for their various wares; bakers put pies and baskets of bread to sell from their windows, and an apothecary likely handed out remedies and healing concoctions to customers. It was a shell of the village back on Dragonstone. You spotted a tavern, where you pictured fishermen and farmers going after a long day in the sun. Childishly, you saw yourself and Aemond among them. He’d have come home from fishing or hunting or farming, while you laundered and mended clothes or tidied the house or made dinner for you both.  It sounded lovely compared to court life, a vicious pit of vipers and flatterers. 

You longed for it more when you added your family into the picture. 

“We’ll start in here,” he nodded to one of the buildings. “I think it was an apothecary,” he nudged a broken sign on the front with his foot. 

You agreed, and followed him inside. Dusty bottles and jars remained cracked or broken on the shelves, the glass crunching underneath your boots when you walked. You remained near Aemond while inspecting the shelves, which didn’t have much to offer but the occasional insect or dried up plants. The ages hadn’t been kind to the village, it seemed. But, you did find a selection of books underneath the bar. 

“Look,” you picked out one gingerly, feeling the thick soot on its leather spine. “I found a book.” 

“What book?”

The cover bore no title, but once you opened it, you noticed it was a ledger. Faded letters read the names, amounts and items each person bought; no doubt the shopkeeper kept a record of his inventory and coin. Aemond retrieved a second, smaller book. 

“This one must’ve been their guide,” Aemond said, flipping through the pages carefully. “For the different herbs and plants that can be used.” He read a bit into one part, “It tells you how to use their seeds and make oils too. We could use this.” He put it in his bag, then said, “Do you think they grew them here?”

“It’s possible. I can’t see where they’d get them otherwise.”

You abandoned the books for the door behind the counter. It was a workshop; the workbench and equipment  proved as much. Aemond delicately picked up a mortar and pestle left on the table, the stone smooth on his fingertips. 

“Maybe we can use this?” he asked, “For food?” 

“Hm,” you examined it next, then said, “We could.” 

You tucked both objects into your satchel, and continued looking around. After finding a few bowls, you decided the shop carried nothing else, and moved on through the back door. In bushes underneath the window, you saw overgrown plants with red fruit hanging from the vines. Tomatoes. How have tomatoes managed to grow out here? Rain? You took the ripe ones, then followed Aemond to the next shop, the bakery. 

“A wheelbarrow,” he said, finding a disused wheelbarrow beside a large, rusty furnace. “We can hold stuff in here whenever we go out.”

“Good find,” you nodded your approval. 

You each put your belongings inside it, then went into the bakery. Of course, no bread or baked goods were found, but you placed a wicker basket, wooden spoons, a tray, and a semi-rusted pan you found near the brick oven. A good cleaning will make them all usable, you decided. The best find turned out to be a small barrel of salt that had withstood the years. Aemond proclaimed not only could it be used for cooking, but also preserving foods, so hunting doesn’t need to be daily. The bakery being stripped, the tavern and several other shops came after. Whatever glasses hadn’t been smashed ended up in your wheelbarrow, as well as blankets or bags for storage. You had also found a large basin and a washer board for clothing. You have no oils to give them a smell, but hot water will get them cleaner. 

Picking whatever flowers the book deemed edible or at least useful filling your new basket, the both of you set back home. Each of you holding a side of the wheelbarrow, you felt good about what you’d found. Little by little, you were building your own home, and you loved it. 

“I am glad we came here,” you told Aemond halfway down the path out of town. “I think we would’ve liked it here if there’d been people.”

“Me too,” he nodded. “But I like that there isn’t anyone here.”

“Why is that?”

He put down his side of the wheelbarrow, so you put down yours. “Because then I can kiss you as much as I want,” he smirked before doing just that. You’d become addicted to Aemond’s kisses, your cheeks heating up every time you did it. It made you feel more “married”. When he broke away, he said, “And there is nobody to stop me.”

“Except me.”

“Except you,” he nodded. 

You stared at one another for a moment. Having him this close to you still made your heart race. He was right. No meddling mothers, no fussy septas, no annoying brothers were around. It is only you and him. Pecking his lips one more time, you smiled and took up your half of the wheelbarrow again. 

“We should refill our waterskins and the bucket,” you said, smiling at his dreamy eyes. “We’re running low on water.”

“We’ll go once we’ve put everything back at the house.” He lifted his side, then said, “I can fish in the lake too, if Vhagar and Starshine don’t come down for another drink.” 

You vaguely recalled the noise you’d heard last night. “Do you think they’d been flying around here last night?” 

“I suppose. I was sleeping.”

Knots filled your stomach thinking of another possibility. You knew as well as Aemond that your families will eventually appear. They’d rip you both apart, and you’d never see him again. Walking in silence, you decided you won’t let that happen. You’d fight for him. You’ll run away again; you’ll both go farther away where you cannot be found. Looking at him walking beside you, spending all this time with him, how could she expect you to want another? How can they expect you to simply walk away from him into the arms of some nameless, faceless lordling? You’d meant every word under that heart tree. You’ll never leave him. 

Coming back home, you both unloaded the wheelbarrow, and Aemond placed it near the front door. You started putting your newest floral finds in jars on the shelves. The apothecary guide book stayed on another shelf where you’d stocked the rest of your books, papers, and slate. Aemond sat at the table to try cleaning off the arrowheads he’d found in the blacksmith shop, while you knocked your basket against the edge to shake out bugs or reptiles nested inside. 

“What do you think of these as curtains?” you held up the thin sheets you’d found in- what you assumed- was a seamstress’s shop. “They’re a bit mothy and smelly, but I think if I wash them well, and we use the nails to hang them, we can close them at night.” 

“Hm, that’ll be nice. They can keep out the wind at night at the very least.” He touched the tip of one arrowhead, “These aren’t as sharp as I thought. Good thing I found the whetstone too.” 

“I’m sure they will still get the job done.” You picked through the other fabrics and sewing supplies you found, keeping it in a basket, “I found this old leather. I can try fashioning you a new patch? That cloth doesn’t hold well and I can tell it bothers you.”

“It doesn’t bother me,” he grumbled, using a whetstone now. 

“It does.” You put aside the strip of leather, thread and needle before walking over to him. “We should go to the lake now. Maybe we can perhaps have lunch there too?”

“Sounds lovely.”

He stood up, kissed you, and gathered his bow and arrow sheath again. You dumped the waterskins, pail and the tub into the wheelbarrow and walked through the thicket of trees and shrubbery to the lake. You’d been discussing the newest book you’d found in the shop when darkness fell over you both through the forest canopy. Standing still, you tried seeing the dragon’s underbelly through the leaves above, but the thick layers of branches and trees made it discernible. 

“Must be Starshine,” Aemond concluded, beginning to walk again. 

“Starshine is faster than that.”

“She might be slowing down for Vhagar to catch up. She’s not as fast since she carries so much weight.”

“Not to mention she’s a hundred-and-thirty years old.”

“And still as fierce as her younger days.” 

You found his constant need to defend his elderly dragon sweet. “She and Starshine seem to get on well,” you noted, careful not to trip over anything. “I once feared Vhagar might try to eat her.”

“I worried the same. Vhagar isn’t one to spend too much time around other dragons. She’s often alone, but since she met your dragon,” he looked up into the sky, “They seem to be together a lot.”

“Like us,” you grinned. 

“Like us,” he nodded with a smile. 

You expected to find the pair at the lake, but they weren’t there. They must’ve flown to the ocean for bigger prey. It didn’t matter. It made you happy to see Starshine having an older dragon friend. 

“I’ll collect sticks for a fire,” you said to him, “And you’ll fill the skins?”

“And fish,” he lifted a spear he’d made. 

You both nodded, then began your tasks. Walking back to the treeline by the lake, you grabbed whatever sticks and twigs you could use for a fire. Having a meal by the water sounded so tranquil. It made you wonder why you hadn’t done it before. You’d thought of making a fire pit with stones when a noise caught your attention. Looking up from the floor, you stared around the area around you. You held your breath, your body going still as you tried catching more sounds. When you heard a faint crack from farther away, you picked up one last stick and slowly walked backwards. Shadows and figures started forming in your mind, and put them between trees and bushes in the distance. You’re being ridiculous. There is nobody on this island but you and Aemond. Still, you stayed alert on your way back to the lake. 

Quietly, you started building the fire in the shade of the trees, while occasionally glimpsing Aemond in the water. Spear held up, violet eyes remained focused on the water. You tried your best not to pay too much attention to the woods behind you. If you kept your mind focused on other things, then the less likely anything would happen. As a fire finally kindled in your small pit, Aemond returned with a fish on the end of his spear. 

“I finally caught one,” he beamed, his breeches and shirt wet from standing in the water. “There are plenty more in the lake, so I can try later. Once they’re cooked, we can salt them in the larder for a while.” 

“That’s wonderful,” you replied, trying to keep the worry out of your tone. “Do you wish for me to prepare it?”

“I can gut it,” he said, taking a seat by the crackling fire, “I’ll cook it this time.” 

“Fair.” 

You took a seat beside him, and pulled out the small sewing kit you’d tucked into your bag. The leather strip in your lap, you used a knife to cut out a pattern. It wouldn't be the prettiest patch, but Aemond preferred function over fashion. Aemond quietly removed the bones and guts from the fish, which you tried not noticing as you started sewing pieces closed. 

“I don’t need a new patch,” Aemond insisted stubbornly, putting the fish onto the tarnished pan. 

“Don’t be ridiculous, of course you do,” you replied, making another stitch to close off one strap. “That cloth doesn’t fit you properly.”

“It does too.”

“It falls off whenever your head is down too long. Also, it’s dirty and I don’t wish for it to affect your eye.”

“How could it do that?” he snorted, “It’s already healed.”

“I don’t know,” you said, head up slightly, “But you need something more permanent.”

“It’s fine, Y/N.”

“Ooh, can a wife not do something nice for her husband?” your annoyance flared slightly at his teasing smile. 

“Alright, fine,” he said, pulling out innards from the dead fish. “If you insist, dear wife.” 

“Good.” 

You managed to make one strap by the time he started cooking the fish. Then, you paired the fish with water and berries you’d picked yesterday. You both lounged near the lake for a time, the hours slowly creeping along to give you more sunshine. You took a break from your sewing to dip into the water. You took off your boots, shirt and breeches until you only wore your linen small clothes. The shyness from the first time disappeared, and you felt Aemond’s eyes on you as you dove into the water.  He continued spearing more fish to take back home, but you knew he watched you. You floated on your back near him, shutting your eyes and letting the water drift you around. A natural luxury you’d never find at home. When your body accidentally brushed into Aemond, you giggled. 

“It isn’t my fault,” he suddenly said when you laughed harder. “You’re…You…” 

“I’m not naked.”

“You might as well be.” 

You opened your eyes to see his back towards you. Much like the last time you swam in the lake, you stood up from the water and looked at him. He stood awkwardly with his hands in front of him, and you stifled a giggle. 

“I think I will go back to the house,” you said, cheeks heating despite the cool water on them. “I might start on the curtains now, so then we can have them at night.”

“Yes, you, um…should.”

“Be careful, Aemond,” you told him as you started walking away, “I think there might be an animal somewhere in the forest. I heard it when I was collecting wood.”

“I will.”

You left Aemond in the water, gathered up your sewing kit and the unfinished patch, and went back towards the house. You’ll admit knowing you had that effect on Aemond inflated your pride. Water streamed down your legs, and plastered your clothes to your skin by the time you returned to the cabin. A slight chill made you shiver, so you stripped off the soaked clothes to dry in the sun, while you wandered around the cabin in your nightgown instead. You’d started measuring the thin curtain fabric at the windows when you heard Aemond return. 

“Do you think we should make them long?” you asked without looking at him, standing by the windows. You heard him putting down belongings on the side table near the door. Weapons and boots are always by the door. “Long curtains might keep out insects and more wind, but then I lose fabric I could use for something else.” 

“Whatever you wish is fine, my love.”

“I would still like your opinion on them,” you stretched out the fabric once you nailed it to the window’s corner. It reached well past the window sill by several inches. You felt you’d be wasting fabric by leaving them long. “This is your house as well.” 

“It does not mean much to me either way, Y/N,” he said. Footsteps moved around behind you, and you heard the scraping of the salt barrel. “I need to cut and salt these before they spoil.”

“Do it outside,” you told him. “It’ll stink of fish in here otherwise.” 

Aemond chortled, “As you wish, dear wife.” 

You heard the continued dragging of the small barrel on the floor before it suddenly stopped. Deciding on shorter curtains, you took up your knife and attempted to cut a straight line. 

“Now,” you said, turning to face him, “What do you thi-Aemond? What’s wrong?”

For Aemond stared at the window, completely still and focused on something outside. “Aemond?” you called to him again before walking over. When you stepped within a foot of him, he stopped you with his hand. “Aemond, you’re scaring me. What is it?”

Slowly, Aemond reached for his sheath of arrows and bow. “Stay in the house,” he whispered over his shoulder. He flinched a moment, then became fully stiff. “Bar the door. Don’t come outside, no matter what happens.”

“Aemond,” you squeaked. You looked out the window to see nothing but the greenery a few yards from your cabin. It reminded you of the sounds you’d heard in the forest by the lake, and the hairs on your neck stood up. 

“Just stay here.” 

You reached out for him when he began to move away, “No, Aemond. Stay here with me, please.”

“Keep quiet,” he hushed you, “And keep yourself hidden.”

You bit your lower lip, and stuck yourself to the side of the window facing the forest. Following Aemond with your eyes, your nails dug into the wooden frame and you chewed your lip. Your senses and nerves braced themselves for an attack; your toes curled inward, and a slew of scenarios crossed your mind. Pirates, bandits, feral people, or a wild predator might come flying out of those bushes and kill Aemond. Then, they’d come after you in the cabin, and you whimpered to yourself. Aemond withdrew an arrow from his sheath, notching it on his bow, and stretching it far back to his cheek. His one good eye stayed trained on the space between the bushes. The faint sounds of footsteps cracking the dried leaves and twigs on the ground came through; voices followed it. Voices meant people. You quickly reached for the nearest object, Aemond’s sword, and held it tightly in your hand. 

You wished he’d stayed inside with you. 

Right as the bushes parted, Aemond let his arrow fly. 

****

A/N: A cliffhanger leaving the question of not ‘what’ has found them, but ‘who’? As always, thank you so much for reading this. I always appreciate any feedback you guys have for me <3 

#aemond targaryen #aemond targaryen fanfic #aemond x reader #aemond x you #aemond x yn #house of the dragon #hotd #hotd fanfiction #hotd drabbles #hotd imagines #leo ashton #ewan mitchell

[written-in-flowers]

Fly Away: Pt. 3

Pairing: Young!Aemond x Young!Velaryon!Reader | Side pairing: Rhaenyra x Alicent, Aegon x Helaena

Genre: Fluff, Angst

Au: friends to lovers, childhood love, 

Tags: incest (duh), slight homophobia expressed, repressed feelings, mutual pining, teenage runaways, mentions of bullying, arrange marriages

Word Count: 5k

Summary: Young love overcomes all in a family full of broken bonds and broken hearts. When Princess Y/N Velaryon and Prince Aemond Targaryen are discovered missing from their beds, their mothers must come together to find them. The search might do more for their families than a mere marriage pact can. 

A/N: want to clarify now that we stick with young!Aemond throughout the story. Ewan’s Aemond comes in at the very end. This is mainly done starting a bit before The Princess and the Queen and a little bit after the events at Driftmark. I do pull some scenes from the show, but it remains relatively loose throughout. Want to also point out that The Dance doesn’t happen in this universe, so...happy ending expected, because we need more of those.  

Taglist: @yitish @imjustboredso  @dangerousbluebirdpoetry @discowizard88

@mddieeunson​

Previous Chapter < Part 2 | Next Chapter > Part 4

****

"Princess! Princess Y/N!" 

Your lady-in-waiting shoved you awake, and you stared around groggily. Outside, the sky turned completely dark, the moon giving rays of light to the blackness outside. How long have you slept? You weren’t sure. 

"Wha-What is it, Helen?" 

"It's your brothers," she whispered, "Something awful has happened."

Her words lifted you from sleep. You pulled on your bed robes and followed her into the main hall of High Tide. Everyone stood around near the fire, its blazing hearth bringing an orange glow to the gray room. Your eyes searched the room for Jace and Luke, who stood with your mother. Luke, the smallest, turned his head to see you rushing over to him. You bent down to see the blood streaming from his nose, and the gash on the bridge of his nose. You moved his hand to let you take a better look; it made your stomach turn. You saw blood caked on the side of Jace’s face, and you examined him as well.  

"What happened?" You asked, fretfully. "What happened, Jace?" 

"They attacked me!" 

It was Aemond who spoke. You turned around to see him sitting with the maester. Something was wrong. Very wrong. You saw blood on his face and nose; his blond hair messy, damp and blown back from his face. Queen Alicent sat at her son's side, tearful and face full of dread and concern. Tears streamed down her face as she sat beside him. Then, you noticed it: the long, bloody stitch going from his forehead to his cheekbone. It slashed right through his left eye. 

"He attacked Baela!" Jace yelled back, and the shouting started up again. 

They'd taken his eye. Who'd done it? Jace? Luke? No, they're not capable of such cruelty. You couldn't imagine your brothers purposefully bringing a knife to a fight. As each child screamed out pieces of the story, you learned what happened: Aemond claimed Vhagar, the oldest and largest of dragons, and that had upset Rhaena, whose mother rode Vhagar. You understood her anger, but couldn't help thinking that dragons aren't inherited. Vhagar chose Aemond because she sensed something inside him. At least, you thought so. Who truly understood the ways of dragons? You personally thought he was brave for approaching her. Despite being a dragon rider yourself, you would've run at the sight of the monstrous beast. Your eyes met Aemond’s from across the room, and the boy immediately turned away. You frowned.

He must be in so much pain.

"He called us 'bastards'," Jace said quietly to your mother. 

The word snapped you out of your thoughts. You weren't surprised. The rumors that spread for years eventually boiled over into this terrible incident. For a brief moment, you resented Aemond for the insult, since he’d thrown it at your brothers. But then, his one eye looked back at you again, saw you staring, and turned around. Your grandfather appeared, using his walking stick to balance himself as he approached Aemond. He demanded the whole story. Aemond said nothing. He sat there, staring up at his father with what you considered hatred. You understood why immediately. The King did not give a single sympathetic word to Aemond. He did not comfort his son, who’d lost his eye, or demand punishment be served on either side. He sounded as if blamed Aemond for what happened, and the pity returned. 

“Vile insults were levied against them,” your mother’s voice broke you from your thoughts. 

“What insults?” 

“The legitimacy of my sons’ birth was put loudly to question,” she answered, holding Luke’s hand still. “My sons stand in line to inherit the Iron Throne. This is the highest of treasons.”

‘No, what you did is the highest of treasons, Mother,’ you couldn’t help thinking. Slowly, you shut your eyes and pushed the thought away. That isn’t fair. 

“Prince Aemond must be sharply questioned so we may learn where he heard these rumors.” 

You turned to your mother. Your mother showed no concern for the boy, her half-brother, who’d been maimed. It sounded so unlike her. Your eyes fell on Queen Alicent. If Aemond heard them from anyone, it’d be his mother. Those rumors are the reason she chose you for Aemond, instead of Helaena for Jace. As expected, Aemond protected his mother and named Aegon as the culprit. You didn’t doubt it, but you didn’t fully believe it either. What stunned you the most was the disregard your grandsire had for his own son. His son was disfigured. You knew you’d proclaim some sort of justice for your child’s eye if the roles were reversed. You’d tell both parties to apologize to one another; you’d comfort Aemond during this traumatic moment. The insult is vile and cruel. It brings into question everything about your mother and brothers. 

But Aemond, your betrothed, lost his eye. 

“We know, Father,” Aegon said. “Everyone knows. Just look at them.”

You preferred not to. You looked at Aemond again. He did not turn around this time. A flurry of mixed emotions whirled around in your chest. Your brothers are injured. Accusations about their legitimacy were said out loud. Aemond attacked your brothers in, what sounded like, self-defense. He broke Luke’s nose and nearly killed Jace with a rock. But, he’d lost his eye, a thing he’ll live with forever. You wanted to reach out to embrace him, yet wanted to embrace your brothers as well.  

You stood by as your grandsire claimed he’d remove the tongue of anyone who slandered the princes’ births ever again. Not a single word said for the son who’d been wounded or any solution or discipline for the person who caused it. You loved Luke and Jace, but they’d acted in violence. Aemond might be injured, yet he’d been violent as well. It’d been four, including Rhaena and Baela, against one. Aemond only did what Targaryens had done for centuries: claimed a dragon. If your grandsire truly wished to end the infighting, he’d reprimand both sides and make them apologize to one another. He did no such thing. As expected, he favored your mother over any of his other children. 

You pitied them. 

Queen Alicent, in her rage, took the king’s blade and turned on your mother. A ripple of shock went through the room before your mother stopped her hand. You couldn’t hear the words exchanged, but you then saw the silver blade be slashed down into her wrist. You went forward towards her, and saw the bleeding gash underneath her sleeve. 

“Do not mourn me, Mother,” Aemond said to his mother, who stood in shock at what she’d done, “It was a fair exchange.” His eyes looked back at you, “I may have lost an eye, but I gained a dragon.”

The room fell silent at his words. Soon, people around you cleared the room, but you stayed put. You watched Aemond hug his mother, putting his head on her chest as she embraced him. His eye met yours, and you froze. How did you convey pity without words? You should have spoken out; you should have said something to comfort him, but couldn’t find the words. Looking down at your feet, you saw the small puddle of blood where your mother bled. How much more blood needs to be shed? Your mother left with Daemon, and you walked your brothers back to her chambers. You all sat by while the maester began cleaning and stitching her wound. The temptation to speak the truth came to you, but you washed it down. You knew how it’d look if you spoke your thoughts out loud. 

Unfortunately, your mother knew the look well. 

She cleared the room of the maester and your brothers before looking over at you. “What do you wish to say?” 

“Mother?”

“You’re pensive. You haven’t said a word since the incident.”

“I have nothing to say.”

“Y/N, I am in no mood to be lied to.” 

You stared at her. You fiddled with a corner of your bed robe, staring into your lap. “The King did nothing.”

“What?”

“His son is brutally injured,” you said carefully, “And he did nothing. He didn’t appear to even care. He only spoke to Aemond to scold him.”

“Because he made false allegations against your brothers. It is considered treason to even question it. The King needed to question him to learn where he heard the rumors.”

“His son loses an eye and nobody is punished in any way.”

“So, you agree with The Queen? That we should’ve let her remove your little brother’s eye?”

“Of course not,” you looked up at her, “But you cannot say that they are guiltless. Both sides acted out of violence due to this family rivalry; both sides should have been spoken to on what they did so they can understand the wrongness. They should have been made to apologize to one another, truthfully apologize. The King should have spoken to you and The Queen alone; not in a place so crowded where everyone could listen.”

“Speak to us? Why?”

“You are their parents,” you said. “This insistent infighting started with the both of you. Mother, I do not know what event caused you and Queen Alicent to become so distant from each other, but it’s influenced your sons. Grandfather told me you and Queen Alicent were once good friends. Best friends.” You could tell you’d wounded her further with your opinions, but they are yours. She looked at the injury on her arm, still fresh and bleeding. You rounded the table to the maester’s seat, picked up the gauze cloths on the table, and began wrapping it gently. “My marriage to Aemond is meant to bridge the schism between our families. How can that happen if both sides continue to fight regardless?” 

“You blame me then?”

“And the Queen,” you admitted. Your hand shook slightly as you wrapped the wound. Your stomach lurched at your own words. Inwardly, you cursed yourself for speaking the truth. “I think if you and The Queen found a common ground, genuinely talked to one another…I think that example will encourage your children to make amends as well. The rivalry only grew from the wounds made long ago.” You saw the hard stare on her face. “I love you, Mother. I love you more than anything; I will do anything you ask of me. I’m even marrying Aemond, who was not my choice of husband. You asked for my thoughts, and I am telling you how I feel.” The shame filled your chest, and tightened there. 

She stared at you for a moment longer, then put her hand over yours. The stony expression softened. You could tell she looked for the right words to say. Then she said: “I do not think a bridge could be made, little dove,” she told you, “Especially after tonight. She wanted to cut out my son’s eye; she would have were I not there. That is something I cannot forgive easily.”  She gazed at you, “You are a child, Y/N. You do not understand the history. It is not something I can mend on my own, and The Queen has made her feelings clear. Do you truly believe it was Aegon he heard those rumors from? We both know who really said them.”

“Are they truly rumors, Mother?”

“Y/N,” she snapped. 

“I am not a fool, Mother, and neither is anyone else.”

“How could you…I would never have believed…” she took a deep breath, letting go of your hand, “Your brothers have Valyrian blood in their veins, just like you do.” 

“Yes, because they are your sons,” you told her. “But everyone knows they’re not-”

“-That’s enough,” she cut you off. “You’ve spoken fairly out of line, and I will not be scolded by my own daughter.”

“Mother, I was not-”

“-The fact you even think this is astounding to me. It’s hurtful-”

“-Mother, I’m sorry that I spoke out of line. I was only speaking my mind-”

“-And clearly you think poorly of your own family-”

“-I do not think poorly of you at all,” you pleaded. You stood up suddenly, your hands sliding from between hers. “It only scares me that this petty rivalry between our houses has cultivated in violence. We should be trying to apologize and forgive each other for past transgressions instead of continuing this fighting-”

“-You are a child. What do you know about transgressions?” she took a deep breath and looked away from you, “Go to your quarters. Now. You need to pack for the journey.”

“Mother, I-”

“-Go to your chambers. That is an order.”

You faltered, “Yes, Mother. I’ll call the maester back in to-”

“-Don’t bother. Just leave.”

You turned away from your mother and walked back to your room with your head up high. Tears blurred your vision; guilt and shame filled your bones, but you continued walking. You’d only done what she asked. It was no fault of yours that she didn’t like the response. Yes, you’d overstepped bringing up Jace and Luke’s birth, yet it hurt that your mother expected you to remain blind to the truth. It was not as if you’d said in full view of everyone. You’d spoken your mind to her, and only her. You regretted saying a word. Your mother suffered so much through the night, and you bringing up the past deepened the wound. She hates you now. So will Jace and Luke, if they ever hear what you said. 

Once you reached your bedchamber, you found your maids already packing your things. You saw the bed nearby, and wished to climb into it and cry. 

“Get out. All of you,” you said, the lump in your throat thickening your voice. “I don’t wish to be disturbed.” 

They bowed and left, shutting the door behind them. The moment the door closed, your tears finally broke free. You felt ashamed to have ever accused your mother that way. It’d be better to remain ignorant from now on. If your grandsire can do it, surely you can as well. Does it truly matter in the end? They are your brothers regardless. Standing by the fire to warm your numbing body, you cried harder. You’d never meant to hurt your mother. You love her. She must know that. You’d only offer a solution to the entire situation, even if it is a hard one.

A gentle knock came to the door, and one of the maids opened the door. “What do you want? I said I did not wish to be disturbed,” you sniffled, not looking at her. 

“But…It is the prince.”

“Tell Aegon he can properly fuck off,” you hissed, the words unbefitting a princess. 

“It’s not Aegon.” 

Aemond’s voice came softly through the room. You couldn’t face him. You didn’t want him to see you crying like a baby. The door closed again, and you knew Aemond stood nearby watching you. You needed to say something. The boy lost his eye because of your brothers and saw no justice for it. 

If you showed some good will and intentions, they might take a cue from you to do the same. 

“My prince,” you sniffled again, turning slowly to face him. The maester wrapped Aemond’s wound, the cloth barely contrasting against his fair skin and blond hair. “What brings you here? You should be resting before the journey home.”

“You’re crying,” he ignored your statement and came over to you. “Why are you crying?”

“I wasn’t crying,” you lied. 

Aemond reached up to your cheek, and used his thumb to wipe your tears. “When you’re my wife,” he said, “Anyone who makes you cry will have to answer to me.” He then added, “If you still wish to be, that is.”

“What makes you say that?”

He hesitated. His hand felt soft against your cheek, a gesture that made your cheeks warm. Briefly, you remembered the beach and how he’d looked at you. “Look at me,” he told you, letting go of you, “What girl would want to marry me when I…I’d understand if you didn’t wish to marry me anymore.” 

“I don’t believe I have that choice.” Especially not after what you’d said to your mother. “My mother’s been quite insistent that we marry.”

“So has mine…until now. She said she’d break the betrothal if my father didn’t demand it.” 

“How would you feel if she did that?”

“Do you wish for the truth?”

“Always.” 

“I’d feel everything I did last night would be for nothing.”

His words gave you pause. “For nothing? Aemond, you’ve wanted a dragon since you knew what they were. Everyone in our family has one except for you. You’ve nearly gotten killed approaching them in the dragon pit. How could claiming Vhagar be for nothing?”

“I only went to her because I thought that, perhaps, if I had a dragon you’d like me more.” The notion made you laugh softly, but he continued, “I ride Vhagar now. She’s the largest dragon in the world. She’s the last of the dragons to witness Aegon’s Conquest. The greatest of dragonriders have ridden her throughout history. I thought if I claimed her, you’d want me to be your husband.” The glimmer of hope dimmed when he said, “Then your brother took my eye.”

“It wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t attacked them-”

“-They attacked me first; all four of them attacked me at once. I was defending myself.”

“Because you’d hit Baela.”

“I didn’t hit her. I pushed her. She hit me first, all because I took her mother’s dragon. I was only doing what the other riders do.” 

“I’m a dragonrider, and I’d never do that to someone else. You were wrong to take Vhagar like that.” 

“It’s not my fault that her sister didn’t claim her mother’s dragon,” he said, anger rising in him. “Dragons aren’t heirlooms. You cannot steal a dragon from someone.”

“But you knew they’d at least let Rhaena try first. She doesn’t have a dragon either,” you then said, “How would you feel if someone took your chance at having a dragon from you?”

“She’ll get her dragon someday.”

“Answer my question, Aemond. How would you feel?” He didn’t respond immediately. The fire inside him died out at your question. “You’d be upset, wouldn’t you?” you asked. 

“What does that matter? I ride Vhagar now.”

“It matters because as a prince you must show compassion and empathy for others,” you said. “If you should ever rule one day, you need to show your subjects that you are capable of understanding and sympathy.”

“I’m never going to rule because your mother is heir to the throne, and your brothers will inherit afterwards-”

“-And one day I might be queen and you’d be my king consort and I don’t think I’d want to rule with someone who can’t show an ounce of sensitivity.”

“You’ll never be queen,” he sneered. 

“And why not?”

“Because of your brother. He’s the next male heir. It’s the male heir who gets the crown.”

“If that was true, why didn’t Grandfather name Aegon heir when he was born?”

“Aegon’s a fool. He’ll never be a good king. Anybody with eyes could see that.”

“Then who should have been named an heir when he didn’t know he’d be having more children?”

“He could’ve named me,” he said. “He could’ve named me his heir, then I’d be king. I ride the largest dragon. I’m the one who pays attention at lessons, and trains with a sword. I’m the one  who is betrothed to the prettiest girl at court, and you’ll be my queen-”

“-As if I’d want to be your queen after what you said about my brothers-”

“-I didn’t lie. Everyone knows it-”

“-Y/N?”

You both turned to see Jace and Luke at the door. Jace’s eyes immediately narrowed at the sight of Aemond standing so close to you. “What are you doing here?” he asked, “Why are you in my sister’s room?”

“I came to speak to my betrothed without interruption,” he replied sharply. “I’m allowed to do that.”

“There is no way I’m letting you marry my sister,” he said. “My mother is going to make sure it doesn’t happen.”

“Your mother can’t overturn my father’s commands. He is the King.”

“And I’ll be king one day,” Jace said, “And when I’m king, I’m going to annul your marriage so my sister doesn’t have to spend a single moment in your company.”

“Oh please, Jace,” you scoffed, stepping between them. “Have you two not fought enough today?” you asked them both. “Hasn’t enough blood been spilled already? Prince Aemond has already been maimed, and our brother has a broken nose.” 

“A wound he caused!”

“A wound you repaid with a dagger,” you turned on him. “Why did you have it in the first place?”

“In case I needed it,” he defended. “He tried to kill us. He tried to kill Baela and Rhaena.”

“I doubt he was really going to do it, Jace.”

“He called us ‘bastards’! Why are you defending him?”

“I am not defending him, but you cannot say you took no part in what happened last night. Everyone,” you turned back to Aemond, “In this situation is wrong. We are all family. We should be united, not divided. Aemond was wrong for taking Vhagar. Baela was wrong for hitting him; and he was wrong for hitting her in turn. You and Luke were both wrong to beat him. He was wrong to call you bastards and to threaten to kill you. Luke was certainly wrong for slashing his face. Nobody here truly meant the things they did or said. All of these wrongs were done in an explosion of violence and resentment.”

“Resentment?”

“Yes, Jace, ‘resentment’. A resentment our parents' started a long time ago.” You didn’t know how else to make them see it. You felt helpless. You are screaming into an empty void; hitting a wall that refuses to be knocked down. “We should be standing together, not apart. I’m marrying Aemond to help our families build an alliance again. We are family. We are the crown. If we’re…if we’re always fighting and hurting one another, what sort of image does that show the rest of the realm?” You saw Luke’s and Jace’s faces harden, “Now, say your apologies. All three of you.”

“I’m not apologizing. I was defending myself,” Aemond snarled. 

“We’re not apologizing either. We were defending ourselves.”

“We were.” 

Fresh tears started filling your eyes again. It might be as hopeless as you thought. “Get out of my room. All of you.” 

“Y/N…” Aemond reached out to you, but you stepped away from him. You saw him glare back at your brothers before storming out. Jace and Luke stayed where they were. 

“I said ‘leave’.”

“How could you defend him?” Jace asked, appalled by your words. “He called us names and hit us. He was going to bash my head with a rock, and he broke Luke’s nose.”

“I’m not defending him, Jace-”

“-We’re your brothers. You’re supposed to side with us.”

“I never said I was not on your side-”

“-It looks that way.”

“And then you hurt Mother’s feelings,” Luke chimed in. “She was crying when we went to see her and you were the last person there.”

“You hate us. You think we’re bastards too, and you hate us,” Jace concluded. “That’s why you’re so keen to marry Aemond.”

“I don’t hate you,” you sobbed. “You’re my brothers. I could never hate you. I only wish for my family to get along.”

“You might as well go to King’s Landing with your precious betrothed and leave our family alone!” 

“Jace, you don’t mean that.” 

“What’s going on in here?” 

Your father finally made his appearance. He looked between your brothers and you, and stepped into the room. “Y/N,” he came over to you, cupping your cheeks and wiping your tears, “What is happening?”

“She keeps defending Aemond!” Jace answered. “She probably thinks we deserved what we got.”

“No, no, no, Father, that’s not true,” you wept, shaking your head. You wrapped your arms around his middle, and sobbed into his chest. “I want my family to love each other like other families. I don’t want my marriage to Aemond to be for nothing. I love my family. I love you, and Mother, and Jace, and Luke, and Joffrey, and the King and the Queen and Aemond and Haelaena, and-”

“-That’s quite enough, little dove,” he comforted you, rubbing your back and holding you tightly. “Boys,” he looked to your brothers, “Go get ready to leave.”

Your eyes met Jace’s, seeing them full of bitterness, and he turned to leave with Luke behind him. Your father looked down at you, frowning at your fresh fall of tears, “I understand you only have the best intentions, Y/N. What happened last night must have disturbed and hurt you as well as your mother. But, the things that have happened between our families cannot easily be mended.” 

“They can be if both sides are sincere.”

He wiped your cheeks again, then said, “You truly are the best of us, Y/N.” He kissed the top of your head, then said, “We’re leaving soon. Try resting for a bit before we go.” 

He pecked your forehead one more time, then left you. Then, your maids returned to finish packing your things while you rested on your bed. When the time came to leave Driftmark, you said your farewells to Princess Rhaenys and Lord Corlys, and hugged your cousins Baela and Rhaena. You walked outside, the sea-salt winds blowing through your coat and hair, to see your dragon, Starshine, being saddled by Dragonkeepers. Dark blue with flecks of gold on her scales, the she-dragon turned her head when you approached her. Finally, someone who didn’t hate you. You walked up to her, petting her long neck as she purred. 

“Good morning, Star,” you said softly in High Valyrian, so only she heard you. “Ready to leave?” 

She ruffled her neck, and you took that to mean ‘yes, please’. You couldn’t agree more. You’d been about to mount when a voice called out to you. When you looked, it was your mother; your brothers stood a few feet behind her, watching you from afar. Jace must’ve told her what happened. You nearly considered jumping onto Starshine and flying away before she could say anything. 

“Y/N?” she said once she reached you, “I wanted to speak to you before we went home.”

“Yes, Mother?”

“I…” she sighed deeply, “I’m sorry for how I reacted to your opinions. I asked you for them, and became angry when you answered honestly. I do not wish for you to be scared to tell the truth or think you can never confide in me again.” She took both your hands, “Your heart is in the right place. It’s in a far better place than most people’s. But, there are some wounds that cannot be mended with apologies and good faith.”

“They can be if both sides are sincere.”

She smiled at your attempt at persuasion. She kissed your cheek and hugged you. A small relief that at least your mother didn’t hate you filled you. “Fly safe,” she said, “I will see you at home.”

“I will.”

Your mother watched you mount Starshine, then kick off into the skies. Once above the world, alone with nothing but air and clouds, you thought clearly. You could keep going. Starshine out flew all the other dragons due to her narrow body and wings. She could take you all the way across The Narrow Sea to the Free Cities of Essos. If you flew away, you won’t have to worry about family quarrels, meaningless marriage proposals, or Aemond Targaryen and the mixed feelings you had for him now. But, if you flew away, you can never make it up to your brothers. You’d never see your mother or father again. You’d never see Aemond either. So, rather than give into temptations, you flew towards Dragonstone. You saw your brothers’ dragons far ahead of you. You directed Starshine closer to them in minutes, then guided her into the empty space between them. Through the clouds, you saw Jace sitting upon Vermax and Luke riding Arrax. Jace turned his head to see you and your dragon. Not much needed to be said. With a cheeky smile, you encouraged Starshine to fly a bit faster. You didn’t know whether they’d take the challenge or not, but you tried. 

Your answer came when Vermax soared overhead, and you heard a faint, “You’re on!” in the distance. 

You let Vermax win.

****

“…I do not know what event caused you and Queen Alicent to become so distant from each other, but it spilled onto your children. ”

Oh, you sweet girl. Rhaenyra stood on the balcony watching the King’s ship sail away back towards King’s Landing. She watched the blue and gold Starshine quickly fade into the clouds alongside Vermax and Arrax. She had no desire to leave just yet. Her eyes followed Starshine into the clouds, then surveyed the ships below. Her father and Alicent will be on one of those heading back home. She absentmindedly touched her wrist, and remembered the events of last night. 

“Where is duty? Where is sacrifice? It’s trampled under your pretty foot once again.”

Alicent’s words haunted her. Duty? She’d done her duty by marrying and having children. They may not be Laenor’s children, but they are still hers. Sacrifice? She’d sacrificed so much. She’d almost listed the things she’d given up to live up to her responsibilities. She’d given up freedom, agency, and the person she’d freely given her heart to: Alicent herself. Rhaenyra knew deep down Alicent’s resentment comes from her father’s neglect of her children. She isn’t blind. She knows her father favors her over her other siblings; it’s this love that’s saved her from the executioner’s blade. Rhaenyra did not ask for that; she never asked him to dismiss his other children, her siblings. Alicent must know that. She must. 

You’d been right, of course, though she’d never admit it out loud. The bad blood that’d filled the distance between her and Alicent made a new river towards their children. Rhaenyra never intended that either. 

“...You take my son’s eye, and to even that you feel entitled…”

It had been a regrettable accident. Luke and Jace defended themselves, that was all. It was not as if they’d held Aemond down and removed the eye on purpose. He’d repeated his mother’s vile accusations, and attacked her children. They’d done nothing that no other person wouldn’t have done. Jace brought the blade in case he needed to defend himself, which he did. Luke only protected his brother from a brutal attack. Her shock flared into anger at the demand that Lucerys’s eye be removed as payment for Aemond’s. Alicent, always hiding behind her righteousness and piety, now showed her true colors to everyone. Everyone will think she’s gone mad. 

But you. You had seen the situation for what it is: the climax of a long-standing rivalry. Laenor told her what you’d said to him; how you’d tearfully told him you loved your family and that things could be mended. Rhaenyra admired your hope. You truly had the best intentions, but there are times when that is not enough. After last night, Rhaenyra doubted she’d speak to Alicent ever again. Any possibility of the two families coming together is broken now. It pained her to think about it. She’d no doubt call for your betrothal to Aemond be rescinded. Rhaenyra could not agree more. Rhaenyra refused to marry her only daughter to a boy who’d insulted and attacked her sons. She thought of writing to her father once she returned home. But, she knew what he’d say:

‘Their marriage will strengthen the bond between our houses.’

And, deep down, she knew you’d be devastated. But, how could you still want to marry the boy after what he’d done? If you truly loved your brothers, you’d ask for it yourself. 

No, that’s not fair. She knew you loved your brothers, but you’d grown to love Aemond as well. She imagined the conflict you must be suffering, and wished she could resolve it for you. This incident will undoubtedly solidify any bad feelings between the families. She did not know if this would be mended so easily. 

“…Grandfather told me you and Queen Alicent were once good friends. Best friends.”

They’d been more than that, she remembered. Their soft kisses in the sand led to a closer relationship. Once she’d tasted Alicent’s lips, she’d wanted more. The urge to fly away with her became stronger with every minute in her company. Nobody made her feel so weak and vulnerable. Not Ser Criston. Not her uncle, Daemon. Not even Harwin, whom she’d loved and birthed children for. Alicent took part of her heart and ran with it, and Rhaenyra let her keep it, for she’d given Rhaenyra a piece in return. She thought they’d be together forever. But, right as their love blossomed into a vibrant flower, the weeds of life strangled and pulled it down from the sky. 

The ambitions of Lord Otto Hightower forced the wedge that kept them apart for so long.

****

A/N: Oooh, this really brings things into a more complicated place! I hope you guys enjoyed this part, don’t be shy to let me know what you think <3 

#aemond targaryen #aemond x reader #aemond x you #aemond x yn #house of the dragon #hotd #hotd fanfiction #hotd drabble #hotd fanfic #aemond one eye #aemond the kinslayer