Misguided Asgardian

“Lord Ormund of House Hightower, your grace”, presented William Mangold, “Lord of Oldtown, Beacon of the South and defender of the citadel", he opened the door, not before Aegon and Viserys shared concerned looks.

The man entered the room, instantly commanding it, Aegon had to admit Ormund had presence and a good standing, as the leader of the most powerful houses in the realms should. 

“Your grace”, he greeted, and bowed profusely to his brother, hands tightly secured in front of him, one would think this was a gesture of deliverance, that he had nothing to hide, yet, Aegon was not convinced. 

“You asked for an audience, My Lord Hightower”, commenced Viserys, terribly happy.

“Yes”, he began, with a grin that turned your father’s stomach to knotts, “because I wish to court the princess (y/n)”, he said, going straight to the point. 

“This news filled me with happiness”, said Viserys, sickenly happy. “Joining our great houses”

“Again”, Aegon couldn’t help but say, “joining our great houses again, you married a Hightower, why can’t that be enough?”, he didn’t care that Ormund himself was standing there, he left all his diplomacy in his chambers and brought only the concerned father with him.

“I am looking for a wife”, Ormund continued, without moving an inch

“A second wife”, bit Aegon, Ormund just chuckled lightly

“Yes, a second wife, the Gods decided to take my first wife, I wish to marry again, and, as many other lords I couldn’t help but notice your daughter, she is the fairest princess of the House of the Dragon, yet is not only her looks that take after the beautiful Cerenna Lannister that had captivated me, but her wits, her intelligence, her decisive personality, no doubt she takes after her father”

Aegon scoffed while the King seemed to be hearing the most romantic story of the century. 

“If the princess is willing, I don’t see why not…”

“You have four children”, began Aegon, “four, which means my daughter will bear a fifth, sixth and perhaps even a seventh…”, he said, “a fifth child… will inherit nothing, will hold no power…”

“The children the princess will bear me, if the gods bless us so, will be loved and cared for, they will lack nothing, they will need for nothing…”, he then turned to the King, “they might become dragon riders…”

“Of course”, muttered Aegon.

“The permission is only to court her”, said Viserys, “brother?”, he asked then, “at the end, she will have the last word…”

Aegon looked at the man who was barely a few years younger than himself. He thought of you, it was true you were clever, intelligent and cunning, like a true Lannister, yet, he was too all those things, perhaps even in greater measure. He wasn’t sure you could ‘handle’ the attentions of a man as seasoned as he. 

Ormund Hightower was a powerful man, it was true… yet he could be his daughter’s father, the thought turned his stomach. Yet if you chose him, he could not fight it, he could not fight you. 

“Fine”, the answer contended Ormund. Who give him that ‘shit eating grin’, according to him, bowed profusely and left

“He is one of the richest and most powerful men in the Kingdoms”

“My daughter’s uncle is the richest man in the kingdom”, he said, “we don’t need more gold”. Viserys only chuckled

“You are too protective”

“He could be her father”, he whispered

“Cerenna was younger than you, Alicent was younger than me”, Aegon looked at his brother with something Viserys was too naive to know it was disgust

“Cerenna was nineteen, I was twenty and one”, he whispered lowly. “He doubles her age and then some, she is too young to hold that relationship…”, he didn’t know how to explain it, it was painfully common to marry girls even younger than his daughter to older men, it was a miracle he managed to wait this long to marry his daughter and princess Helaena, “besides… if my daughter births children they will indeed inherit nothing after four son”

“They will be dragons”, said Viserys

“Underneath the power of house Hightower”, he said. Viserys sighed. “He already has your son… why must he have my daughter?”

“You have raised an independent, strong and spoiled young girl…”

“She is not spoiled”, he was quick to answer

“Not saying she was spoiled rotten, but spoiled nonetheless, perhaps a match like Ormund Hightower will be beneficial to her”, he didn’t like it, not one bit.

“The man is a fanatic, I do not trust him”, he whispered, “Targaryens, as our dragons, don’t answer to neither gods nor to men”

“Precisely”, muttered Viserys. And he didn’t like the finality with which his brother was speaking

“Luckily, he is not the only contender”, he said lightly. He signaled to the man posted at the door and he nodded and brought the next one in

“Lord Cregan of House Stark, Lord of Winterfell and guardian of the North”, presented 

“You have your champion brother, I have mine”

“Your grace”, said Cregan, the man, even though young, stood as a northerner, big and wide, a severity in his young eyes Aegon knew came from being usurped and knowing war when he was just three and ten, he had aided in the battle himself, to restore the stability in the northern kingdom, he had been left an orphan

“What bring you to the capital, my lord?”, began Viserys

“I am to find a wife”, he said shortly. “Yet I understand that she must be compatible with the northern life style”

“Do you wish to court my daughter, the princess?”, asked Aegon

“If she’ll let me”, he said, bowing his head

“Very well”, Aegon said simply, “you have my permission”, he continued. Cregan nodded his head and bowed to the King, and left.

“So you are not biased, I see”, mocked Viserys. “He is also older than your daughter”, Viserys said with a mocking grin

“He is five and twenty”, excused Aegon

“He has a son”

“Only one”, he excused again. 

“He lives in a frozen moor, where the sun never shines and dragons wither”, he said again

“I know”, he whispered, that was the only factor that worried him. 

It would break his heart to send his daughter so far away, he also knows his mother by law will probably never forgive him, but as to honor and gallantry, Cregan Stark stood above all others.

“Lord Oros Baratheon, son of Lord Borros Baratheon youngest brother”, presented. Here came a gallant looking man, with dark hair and sharp blue eyes, handsome.

“Your grace”, he bowed profusely

“My Lord”, said Viserys, “you seeked an audience with my brother, prince Aegon”, he encouraged.

“Yes, I wish to court his daughter”, he said with a gallant smile. Aegon frowned when looking at him.

“I see, tell me, Lord Oros, please, what are your interests, where do you live?”, the young man got immediately nervous

“I didn't know I was going to be asked such questions”, he said quickly, Aegon raised one of his eyebrows. 

“They have easy answers”, he said back

“Well”, he got defensive, “I live in Storm’s End, with my father, and uncle’s family, and my cousins”

“It’s a numerous family”, said Viserys, trying to contribute to the conversation. Yes it was and yet Aegon had never heard of this young man.

“In what fields do you exceed?”, he tried, “do you… take to letters? philosophy? poetry?”, he snorted

“Pfff no”, he said mockingly, as the prince just jested at his expense

“No?”, asked Aegon, crossing his arms, the young man again got nervous. 

“I-I don’t”, he said

“History, perhaps?”, he asked then “do you help your uncle in the managing of the ancestral home of House Baratheon?” 

“With ledgers and stuff? that’s maesters work”, he said dismissively. 

“No history then…”, Viserys frowned and looked at the young man

“Can you even read?”, he asked this time, deeply concerned.

“Well, no… but that doesn’t mean anything…”

“You are a member of the seven great houses of the seven Kingdoms”, chided Viserys, appalled. 

“Well… I…”, he frowned, bowed profusely, and left the same way he came in.

Both brothers looked at each other and started laughing openly. 

[The canon that Borros Baratheon doesn’t know how to read is so funny to me] 

“She would eaten him alive”, said Aegon proudly

“Perhaps we should marry her to them, she would be in complete control of the Stormlands within a fortnight", said Viserys

“Tempting”, muttered Aegon, playing with the dragon eye on his desk. 

“Lord Aenar of House Celtigar, lord of Claw Island, and his son, Steffon”, Both men entered the house

“Your grace”, said the man, he was big and strong, he was already greying, his beard was long and thick, braided, as was his long hair. He looked like a pirate, adorned with long necklaces and dressed in a long sleeve shirt and a vest, he looked like he just got out of his ship, his son by his side, seemed lean and had his hair cut short sharply, he was dressed in fine silk.

“We thank you for receiving us”, he said solemnly, “my eldest son and heir”, he introduced, but he seemed doubtful, “he shall be married before the year’s end”, the blood of old Valyria ran through house Celtigar as it did the Velaryon and Targaryen, as proof, both men presented a unique handsomeness, sharp features, deep light eyes the color of oceans, yet their hairs had faded from the Targaryen silver to a dusty sandy blonde.

Viserys was painfully reminded of his own mother, the Late Princess Alyssa

“I see”, encouraged Aegon, not yet convinced

The father nudged his son with his elbow, only then the young man bowed

“It would be my honor and pleasure, to be given the permission to court your daughter, the princess”, he said then

Aegon seemed to truly think about it. He looked at the young men longly, and then he nodded

“You have my permission”, he said shortly, “as long as it pleases her”

“Thank you, your grace”, both men were quick to withdraw from the room.

“Let the games begin”, murmured Aegon, still playing with the polished ball, thinking about the Dornish prince who has yet to make his appearance

“I don’t know why you are looking so far and wide, brother”, said Viserys, and he knew what the King was going to say, “we have many princes in the House of the Dragon…” 

“Bring whoever is next…”, he said, not wanting to indulge his brother. Yes, a match within the house would have been beneficial to all, but Aegon did not wish that upon his daughter,, he wanted to make alliances for his house, he wanted for her to stray a bit from the family, to make her own family….

Aegon, Viserys oldest son himself showed up, with a big smile on his face. 

“Absolutely not”, Aegon the older said, making Viserys laugh. 

. . .

“You rely too much in your dragon”, muttered Tyland, rubbing his chin

“You in your siege weapons”, you answered, “that are made of wood”, you mocked, tumbling his trebuchet. He hissed.

“I’m told your father is holding audiences, with Lords from over the kingdoms…” you only hummed as you admired the field of the game, “to see who gets your hand…”

“Are you distracting me, uncle?”

“Is it working?”, he mocked, sipping on his goblet of wine

“Almost”, you whispered, moving your cavalry to go in support of your dragon. “You certainly present more of a challenge than uncle Jason”, Tyland laughed. 

“Are you concerned?”, he asked, moving his own pieces without much thought, or rather, he had a big plan on his mind and now was merely executing it.

“I trust my lord father”, you said calmly, “he said I had the last word, he said I could make a choice”, you said simply.

The day was simply magnificent, the sun shining over the gardens where you and your uncle were playing a game of Cyvasse, there was a sweet smell of all the beautiful flowers, and a soft breeze caressing your hairs. 

“I’ve missed you uncle”, you beamed at him, and he smiled at you back.

“And I missed you”, he said happily, “I’m happy you are finally being wed, yet, you must choose…”

“A first son, from a wealthy house”, you said, as your grandmother said before you

“Nah, I was thinking you better choose a second, so you could take him with you to live in Casterly Rock”, you giggled, finally executing your play, moving your elephant who by now was standing by the King

“That would be grand”, you whispered with a soft smile. “Although, I believe the capital does agree with me”, you teased. 

“Yes it does”, he said, his next play did put in jeopardy your strategy, breaking your defense lines that you carefully crafted. You frowned, deeply concerned. You still had a few movements to play, but you did not like what turns the game was taking. 

“Speaking of which…”, he continued. “Due to your father's new appointment as Hand of the King… there are many celebrations happening in his name”, he said mindlessly. 

“I see”, you muttered, admiring the field of play, you were screwed. 

“There is a royal hunt… that lasts a week, yet in the meantime, a great joust is supposed to take place amongst other activities here at court”

“A hunt, uh?”, you were possibly trapped between his elephants and the heavy cavalry, “interesting”

“That could certainly be your element, yet you are free to decide…”, he moved his last piece, sentencing you to loose. “To go on the hunt, or stay here to enjoy the comforts of court…”

He made his final move, completely destroying you.

“Damn it”, you cursed, making him laugh

What are you going to do?

If you wish to go to the hunt, go to chapter “The Hunt (soon)”

If you prefer to stay at King’s Landing go to chapter “The court (soon)”

“Prince Aegon of House Targaryen, Hand of the King, and his daughter, the princess (y/n), of House Targaryen and Lannister”, again with the Lannister remark, that made you smile. 

The Queen’s Ballroom was exquisite, just as you’ve been told.

Three delicately carved tables stood in the center of the room, arranged to form an inverted U. the walls were made of rich paneling of mirrors with silver frames, making the room seemed as it gleamed when they reflected the light of the numerous candles of the chandeliers hanging in the ceilings. It could house a hundred people in there, but now, only the main table was set, and there, sat your family

At the center of the main table was the King himself; he had decided to wear his golden crown, the one of Jaehaerys. HIs face though, you had to hold a gasp, it had decayed like he was a living corpse. He was missing half his face. 

You knew he was sick, yet your father failed to mention this.

“Your grace”, you bowed profusely, “thank you for inviting me to your court”

“Niece”, he wheezed, you felt your father's hand on your arm, reassuring you, “it is a pleasure to finally meet you, I see your father's and uncle’s praise did not fall short”

“You are too kind”, you answered, you then turned to the Queen and bowed again

“My Queen”, you said, she looked severe, her auburn hair arranged tightly up in her head, her big eyes did not miss anything that happened in this hall, and they were now on you. 

“Princess”, she said cordially

To the other side of the King, sat his heir, Princess Rhaenyra.

She was breathtakingly beautiful, the Valyrian traits gave her an ethereal look, her silver hair and her sharp lilac eyes

“Your grace”, you bowed yet again, she was the crown princess and the heir

“Cousin, it is a pleasure to finally welcome you at court”

“You are too kind”, you said, couldn’t hide a big smile on your face, “and as beautiful as the singers praise”, because it was true, singers even from Casterly Rock sang about her beauty, and since you had a memory you heard stories about ‘the Queen’s delight’. 

And the introductions were just begging, and you felt terribly anxious for it, there were still many members of your family to be introduced to.

Jacaerys Strong followed, Rhaenyra’s oldest son and heir, he was terribly handsome, the lack of valyrian features did nothing to prevent him commanding the room with his pose and presence. And from what you have heard, not only did he look it, but he was heavily involved in the small council and was proven to be the perfect heir. 

He was courteous in his acknowledgement 

You smiled at him. 

On his side were his two little brothers Lucerys and Joffrey. 

Now there was a clear difference between Rhaenyra’s side of the family and Queen Alicent’s, his sons and daughter Helaena, all three of them belonging to Valyrian ancestry, with ethereal beauties of silver hair and lilac eyes. 

“Princes”, greeted prince Aemond with poise, as your father had said he too seemed like the perfect prince, contrary to his elder brother Aegon, who just giggled, looking at you in such a way that made you uncomfortable. Princess Helaena however, seemed like she was somewhere else, but when she noticed you, she nodded enthusiastically. 

“Cousin”, she greeted cheerfully

“Cousin”, you greeted back. She was a couple of years older than you, yet she struck you as even younger, her innocence was palpable, and her kind nature noticeable since the moment you met her. 

Your father took his seat next to the Queen herself, and you by his side. Leaving prince Aegon to your left. 

Once you were seated, noble lords close to the family entered the Ballroom, starting by the Queen’s own family, the Hightower

“Lord Ormund Hightower, Lord of the HIgh Tower, and guardian of the citadel”, he was accompanied by two of what you guessed were his sons. 

“You grace”, he bowed profusely to your uncle the King, and then to his cousin the Queen, and then his eyes found your father and then were quick to find yours. “Thank you for welcoming me”, he said nobly.

He took his place near the Royal table, on the side of the Queen 

Then, other introductions were made, members of the great families, like the Baratheons, Tullys, and your uncle Tyland.

“Lord Cregan of House Stark, Lord of Winterfell, and guardian of the North”

He was dressed in dark grey velvet vest and leather pants, contrary from you had seen or think about the Lord of the wildest of Kingdoms, he looked like a Lord of the capital, you guessed that furs and leathers were not so agreeable to the weather here in the south. Yet his hair was still wild. He was a handsome man, his height and standing alone was enough for you to follow him with your eyes, and even squirm a little in your seat when his icy eyes met yours.

“I want to thank your graces, for inviting me to this private dinner”, he said courtly

He seemed like he never missed a thing, and he showed interest in you.

“He is looking for a wife”, your father whispered in your ear. You only nodded politely, as other lords were introduced 

Your father engaged in talks with the King and Queen and when everyone was seated the food was brought up for everyone to enjoy.

“I hear you are looking for a husband”, Aegon said by your side, you looked at your cousin

“I am”, you said

“I think that to choose a proper one, you have first to try them”, he said, suspiciously serious

“Try them?”, you asked, taking the bait

“Well, I expect you, as a Princess and Lady of such grand standard you have no experience in such matters, so I humbly offer my services”, he said. Of course he was mocking you, in such a lewd fashion.

Yet you haven’t felt the touch of a man, but you were not innocent.

You took a good look at him, his hair was long and not cared for, in fact, he looked like he hadn't had a bath in many moons. He smelled like sweat, dirty clothes yet he wore a strong cologne to try and hide the fact.

He was wretched

Yet you smiled sweetly at him. And leaned onto him

He seemed positively pleased to this fact, so he smiled encouragingly

“Ah well, cousin, if I ever indeed seek to gain… experience…”, you started, voice low and teasing

“Yes… go on”, he encouraged 

“I would look to anyone, but you”, you said, the smile wiped out of his face pretty quickly. He cleared his throat and grabbed his freshly filled goblet of wine and down it in one go. . 

Only Aemond, his brother at his side smiled

“I see you know how to play, cousin”, he said over Aegon’s head.

“You don’t believe my father would send me here unarmed”, you whispered back, making your cousin smile

Then, the king himself commanded the silence of the room

“I wish to celebrate”, he said, “my brother, and his permanent return to court, as my hand”, he said, “to guide my daughter, my heir”, he said proudly.

The sentiment brought tears to your eyes

“To my family”, he said, then, “my children, my niece, and my grandchildren, may they find love and everlasting alliances through marriage”, he said, and took a wheezing breath, “to my faithful Lords and ladies”, he said then, smiling weakly, “for a period of long lasting peace”, he declared, raising his gold goblet when the arm he had left

“For long lasting peace”, chanted the room.

And they all seem contented.

You raised your goblet along everyone in the room, and only then you took the first sip of sweet Arbor wine.

After the King’s announcement, you felt several pairs of eyes on you. you being sat next to your father the new hand of the King did nothing to prevent it, since those who looked at him found you right next to him

You felt the eyes of Lord Ormund Hightower, the eyes of Lord Cregan Stark, and many other lords.

This was going to be interesting indeed. 

Go to chapter “The Interviews"

“I’m too tired, my hair is a mess and I reek of dragon, i think I would love a bath”

“Very well, follow me, my girl”, he said, you coiled your arms in your father’s as he led you through the corridors, he seemed proud to have you by his arms. He smiled as such, as he greeted lords and ladies who passed you by, they all greeted him back by taking off their hats or with small bows. 

The hallway that led to your rooms though was deserted, he walked until he saw two doors he released you to open. 

“These are your rooms”, he said, “I will collect you here before the dinner, I need to speak to the King, I’ll see you later”, he whispered, and kissed the side of your head and left you alone. 

The room was ample and richly decorated, it stood in Maegor’s holdfast itself, where the royal family slept. The main colors were of course red and gold, depicted in tapestries hanging from the walls.

The bed was huge, with four bedposts decorated with wooden vines. 

You noticed with glee the coffers and chests that you had sent ahead of you had already arrived and had been accommodated inside the room. 

Through some other double doors on the left side of the room, appeared two ladies, making you jump at their rudeness

“Good afternoon, your grace”, they both greeted, bowing

“Good afternoon”, you said quickly

“Shall we prepare you a bath?”, asked the oldest one

“Please”, you said, one nodded and dutifully went to fulfill the request, the other was quick to aid you out of your riding robes, she undid the braids in your hair and combed it so they could wash it more easily, and when you were ready and covered in a silk robe, so was the bath, ready for you. 

They helped you diligently, they washed your hair and put delicious smelling oils in the bathtub. 

Soon the smell of dragon faded between jasmine, lavender and verbena, and you were being dried with silk, and powdered with rose chalk.

You were nervous, to say the least.

You were going to meet your family, the royal family, the Queen, King, princes and princesses 

What were you going to wear?

Something regal

You had to embrace the part of you that was a royal, you had been living as a Lady (a very rich lady). But now you had to begin to live like a princess of the blood of the dragon.

You chose a red dress, made of a fine satin-finish viscose fabric, that shone dark under the candlelight. It had a squared and low neckline decorated by precious stones, and the sleeves were long flared sleeves, the skirt was rigid yet beautifully shaped.

The maids decorated your neck with a golden necklace that was your mother’s, a Lannister family heirloom. In your ears matching earrings with rubies on them

Your silver hair was braided yet again, but just to pull it out of your face, then they ended and let your valyrian silver hair loose down your back.

They realized you did not need makeup, nor did you wish for it.

Your father, though, made you wait several minutes before he knocked on the door and was announced by a guard posted at your door.

He seemed surprised when he saw you, he had bathed and changed himself, dressed richly in black leather and velvet, decorated with rich crimson thread.

He stood there and just looked at you

“Is there something wrong?”, you asked, “is it too much? or perhaps too little?”, you asked nervously.

“It’s nothing, it's perfect”, he said, “it just occurred to me that you became a woman when I was not looking”, he said with a sad smile.

Only then you noticed the singular broach adorning his chest

“A hand?”, you asked, and then you gasped.

“The King has made me his hand”, he said with a soft smile, you smiled widely

“Congratulations father”

“We will celebrate in the banquet, now come with me” 

He gestured for you to come with him, offering you his arm which you took. 

“There's still time for the dinner”, he said gently, "let's have a talk, I’ll show you the tower of the hand”, you beamed at him.

But as you returned to the main hall of the holdfast, and turned a corner, you were met face to face with a wall of a man.

You gasped as you collided with his broad chest, feeling in your cheek the tingle of furs and rough fabric

“I’m very sorry”, someone said, and when you came to your senses and looked up, you could only saw you were flabbergasted

The man stood tall and broad, the first thing you noticed was his sharp icy blue eyes, almost hidden by his long dark wild locks of his hair, that had released themselves from his half pony tail.

“My Lord Stark!”, greeted your father, “we didn’t expect you until next fortnight”, he said, pleased

Far from apologising and bowing to you or your father, the man drove his attention to him instead of you.

“My household and I decided to take a ship from White Harbour”, he said

His face revealed that he was until coming out of his teenage years, yet, his voice said that he was unmistakably a man.

“This is my daughter, the princess”, he presented, only then the man turned to you again.

“Princess”, he greeted.

So he was a Stark, Lord of Winterfell and guardian of the North.

The North, that frozen and wild kingdom, bigger than the other six combined. And he was the man that led it. You could only imagine the kind of man he had to be.

You of course knew that the Stark family were kings before even the creation of the Stronghold of oLd Valyria, the very first man's blood ran through his veins. 

You were flabbergasted indeed.

But surprise and shock quickly wear off as he didn’t even look at you. 

“I’m glad to have you at court, especially in the social scene”, they talked as if they were old friends and you felt like you were some furniture, there to be ignored, so not even pretty furniture. More like those chairs that were placed in corners nobody ever sat on. 

“I need to discuss important matters with Lord Stark”, your father said then, kissing your cheek, please wait for me in the gardens”, Sir William followed you like a shadow towards the appointed place.

It was a beautiful day and more precious place, the smells of it made you forget your first impressions of the city,

It was the season.

So you sat on a stone bench, admiring the roses. 

Soon, you heard voices, a man’s and a woman’s, you turned your eyes to meet a couple, followed closely by a HIghtower guard, you recognized the hightower on the man’s chest and green colours of his uniform.

But the couple is what caught your attention..

He was tall and lean, his long silver hair made him unmistakably a Targaryen, he was tall and lean, dressed in all black. He was walking beside a lady, who did not seem comfortable at all.

“If your grace would excuse me, I must meet my father for supper”, she said, and as much as she ran away from him. 

The prince stood there, taking a long sigh, until he noticed you there, sitting gingerly. A chair sitting on a chair.

You looked at each other, not truly knowing what to do or say

“Prince Aemond”, greeted Sir William, throwing you a hand

“Sir William”, his eyes turned to you, “This is the princess (y/n)”, he introduced, and you thanked him for it, “daughter of Prince Aegon”, he smiled then, approaching you, he offered his hand and when he did you offered yours, he took your knuckles to his mouth and deposited a sweet kiss.

“Dear cousin”, he greeted politely. 

“Cousin”, you smiled at him

“It i a pleasure to finally meet you, your father the prince and our master of coins will not stop talking about you”

“Do they really?”, you giggled gingerly. And you could not possibly fathom how it must be, to not be loved and love your family, or at least, the ones you know

“With nothing but praise”, he assured you. 

“I’ve been told that you come here to find a husband”, he said, and you became nervous quickly, “I have spent my all my life here at court, so if you need counsel you only have to ask”

“You are too kind, cousin”, you smiled softly, he smiled, “are you betrothed? or married?”

“I am too seeking for a match, although, it has not yet pleased my father the King to find one for me”

“Well, I’m a lady”, you said, “when I meet my peers, I shall aid you in kind”, he only smiled softly. 

“I see you two have met”, your father appeared in the gardens with a pleased smile. “One less introduction to make”

“I’m glad you finally brought my cousin to court uncle”, said Aemond. “for it seems that now is brighter by her mere presence”

“Shall we make our appearance in the Queen’s Ballroom?”, he asked then

“I must leave you now, although I’m invited to the feast, there is something I must do first, I’lls ee you both soon”, he said, bowed shortly and left.

His movements were swift and elegant and he disappeared quickly through the open hallway that led to the holdfast. 

“Aemond is a good prince”, your father said proudly, “studious, quick with the sword, and a fellow scholar”

“I’m glad you found a kindred spirit in the next generation father”, you said simply. He nodded, contended.

“I’m sorry for abandoning you, it took me lot of negotiation to bring Lord Stark to the capital”

“He seemed possibly retched, to be here at all”, you said mockingly, your father looked at you, like trying to read your thoughts, trying to figure out why you pointed that out.

“Lord Stark is a rough man”, he said, “orphaned young and then usurped by his own uncle, he had to become something rougher”, he said, almost chiding you, “the court of the North is different than the ones of the southerners”, said then, as he was excusing him, “they value things that here we take for granted, they have other.. priorities”

“I see”, you said, not liking to be chided. He shook his head gently, like wanting to expel the thought that were going through his head, “let’s make our way to the Queen’s Ballroom, I think you’ll like it”

Go to chapter “The dinner”

“Even though I am quite tired, I just cannot wait to see the castle”, you said sheepishly, your father just smiled at you.

“Good, it will help you get acquainted with Ser William Mangold”, he said, signaling to your assigned guard, “I do wish to rest and bathe, and the King wishes to see me, so, I will see you at supper, I will personally collect you in your rooms beforehand

“Yes father”, he left you there in the company of your guard. The silence became immediately uncomfortable, so you decided you had to be the one to break it. 

“Ser, I’m honored to be escorted by a white cloak”, you began, “which are considered the most legendary knights of the generation”, the humility seemed to surprise the knight, and he didn’t hide it. You liked him, you decided, with that gold hair combed back, and that rigid posture yet readable face, he was quite handsome as well.

“The pleasure is mine to protect and guard a princess of the blood”, he said quickly, "now, if you follow me…”, you nodded and followed diligently. 

“Though Mangold doesn’t resound with me, where were you born, Sir, if you don’t mind me asking?”, this man was to be your escort as you were courted by lords, you must get him on your side, as your father said, he might be your best ally on this battlefield

“I was born here in King’s Landing”, he said as he walked on your right side through the corridors, “my family does not possess any lands, in fact, it was your father who chose me, amongst knights of greater houses”

“It pleases me so”, you said lightly, “as my father does possess great judgement”, he chuckled

“I do so think so, your grace”, he said with a contented smile.

He led you through the labyrinthine corridors pointing at important rooms. And you tried to remember it all, but it was difficult.

“That hallway leads to the tower of the hand”, he said, that was easy to remember, said hallway stood beautifully marked by pillars, and carved vines painted in green and golden. “Said tower holds the rooms of the Hand of the King, his study and a dining room”, he said shortly, he seemed to take to one side in specific, but he preferred to keep walking through the main hallway that opened up to reveal a magnificent garden.

You surrounded the tower of the hand, and in the big space that occupied the gardens, you could see what was unmistakably a sept, and another big building next to it.

“That is the royal sept, and what it can be appreciated is the library”, he narrated faithfully, hands clasped behind his back as you walked alongside him. 

You noticed a couple of people walking the gardens, the deep green colour of the lady’s dress almost blinded you.

“And that is the Queen”, he whispered, you looked back at the knight with alarm

“What?”, you asked, alarmed.

You kept walking towards the couple, who were walking in the same direction as you. 

When you were close enough you could see the beauty in the woman’s face, but the characteristic that called most for your attention was her thick, auburn hair, she was beautiful, yet her gesture was severe, her lips tightened in a straight line. 

Only when you were in the presence of the Queen did you realize you were still wearing your riding gear, and your hair must have been a mess after that long ride from Casterly Rock and sleeping on the fields. 

“The Queen Alicent from House Hightower”, said your guard, “this is the Princess (y/n), of House Targaryen and Lannister”, presented your guard diligently, and you were surprised he decided to point out your second house, but after thinking about it, it must have been a petition made by your uncles themselves or even your grandmother. 

They never let you or others forget who was the house who truly stood beside you. 

“Your grace”, you were quick to bow to her, with as much solemnity as you could muster. 

“Princess, you are as beautiful as your father described you”, she said, you noticed her smile was trained, and it didn’t quite reach her big eyes, but you tried to not pay mind to that. 

“You are too kind”, you could have answered with a compliment in kind, but you hadn't truly heard anything said about her, good or bad. You turned to the man beside her, the first thing you noticed was that his sharp eyes were on you, and made you uncomfortable.

“This is my dear cousin, Lord Ormund Hightower, Lord of thee Hightower, and guardian of the citadel”, she said, she looked at her cousin and only then she smiled solemnly, although it died quite quickly when she realized the look he was giving you

“My lord”, you smiled at him

“Princess”, he bowed profusely to you, he took the hand you were quick to offer, and kissed your knuckles slowly.

You did not comprehend why your spine tingled the way it did, or why you felt like even under your thick robe the skin of your arms turned to goosebumps. 

His eyes didn’t stray from yours for not even one second, he seemed to have taken all of you in, so you did the same. 

He was a handsome man, he had thick reddish hair just like the Queen’s, and the lines of his age present in his face did nothing but to accentuate his handsomeness. He was broad and thick, there was no doubt his body had been polished from years and years of military training. 

“Even in Oldtown, singers and poets praise your beauty, they say that your face has been carved by the maiden herself, and I see they were not lying”, you didn’t know what to say, you were sure he must be jesting.

Why would singers sing about you? you haven’t met many of them, maybe a couple in Casterly Rock’s court, maybe you had been exposed to merchants and Lord of the Reach, yet… you couldn’t quite believe it.

It was true, you’ll come to find later.

“You are too kind, My Lord”, you said, and picked your own memory hard searching for any praise for the Lord, “of all the Lords of the Reach, my grandmother esteems you as the most honorable, and worthy”, you said then

Because it was true.

She had been invited to the late Lord HIghtower’s funeral, and when she returned from Old Town she had used the same words you just did. She expressed her relief in the Hightower heir, and that finally that family had a proper and strong guidance.

“Not just beautiful, but smart as well”, he praised you again, this time looking at his cousin the Queen, she smiled but her face did seem twisted as if she was in agony. 

“We must continue cousin”, she said, she then turned to you, “Princess, I look forward to meeting you again tonight”, and without further conversation she kept walking, followed by her cousin and another white cloak who had not been introduced to you. 

You shared looks with Sir William, and kept walking.

“Where is it?”, you asked him then

“Where is what?”, he asked back. You only smiled brightly at him, raising your eyebrows…

. 

“It is not what I imagined…”, you whispered, looking at the… truthfully… ugly looking chair

It was made of melted swords, as described, but it wasn’t as tall as they made it seem, although, the way to it was treacherous, pointed swords seemed like they flourished from the ground led to it, a simple slip and one could easily get impaled by the sharp points. 

But the entire room commanded the respect of the entire continent. Big statues of all Targaryen kings before your uncle Viserys were looking down at you, acting as pillars of the great room, made of three story tall marble. 

And you were certain that if you spoke now, it could be heard in all corners of the great room.

You both stood in silence, just in front of the throne, admiring the grandeur of the throne room, when voices interrupted the silence, two of them, came from a hallway that began at the left side, nearly hidden by the throne

“That leads to the small council chambers”, Sir William whispered, and through them came two men.

One you recognized immediately as your uncle Tyland, twin of your other uncle Jason, and the other young man, just by looking at him, knew exactly who he was

“Look at you!”, your uncle immediately smiled as he recognized you, taking quick steps to meet you and hugged you tightly. “My sweet niece”, he said loudly.

“I’m pleased to see you uncle”, you whispered, hugging him back. “I’ve missed you”

“And I you, little lion”, he said cheerfully, calling you by your childhood nickname, he put you back down again to take you in, “you haven’t even bathed”, he chided. “You reek of dragon”, you laughed.

“I wanted to see the castle”, you explained.

He gently touched one of the flaps of your robe, where a golden lion was stitched next to a dragon, and he smiled proudly.

“Your grace”, he turned quickly to the young man, and as you had said….

He was dressed in rich black velvet, and wore a magnificent red cloak, his dark locks and his sharp features… you had heard of him, of his handsomeness and gallantry

Daughter of the princess Rhaenyra, and second in line to the Iron Throne

It could be none other that Jacaerys of House Strong

“Your grace”, you were quick to bow to him

“Princess, please", he insisted, he came near you and touched your shoulder to make you rise, “rise, call me Jacaerys, you are after all, daughter to my dear great uncle Aegon”, he said politely

“Does that make me your aunt?”, you teased. This is the first time you ever saw him, yet, you felt a familiarity that soothed your nerves. He smiled at you, a bright and sincere smile as you looked at each other's eyes.

“I think it does, aunty”, he teased, you laughed

“Nephew”, you teased back, Tyland was looking at the interaction with a nervous smile.

“Does that make me the great uncle of the prince as well?”, he mocked

“Indeed”, you laughed. 

“How was the flight from Casterly Rock?”, he asked then, “you must be exhausted”

“Well, I’m used to long journeys, and Onixa is a swift flyer, I hardly notice when I’m at her back, she is too gentle, she seems to… glide through the air”, you said, and just by thinking about your dragon made you had this dreamy smile.

He seemed to notice

“Wish I could say the same about Arrax, yet, he is tempestuous and strong…”, he laughed, you smiled at him

“Was he hatched in your cradle?”, you asked

“He was…”, he said proudly

“Do you enjoy a close bond?”, you asked then

“I do”, he said again, “do you…?”

“I feel Onixa as she was myself, sometimes, I fear she can feel what I can too”

“It’s a beautiful bond between rider and dragon”, he said solemnly.

“Niece”, called Tyland, as he had felt he had become a sort of furniture. “Were is the Prince, your father?”

“The King wanted to see him as soon as he arrived”, you said simply with a soft smile, you only then noticed you had been talking to the Prince as the other two companions didn't exist

“I’ll walk you to your rooms, I know you have a dinner tonight”, he said.

“It was a pleasure to meet you, your grace”, you said quickly

“We’ll see each other tonight”, he said with a soft smile, he stayed in the throne room while Ser William and your uncle Tyland escorted you back to Maegor’s Holdfast.

“I know you must look for a husband, but the prince is betrothed to the King’s only daughter Helaena”, muttered Tyland, far from being scandalized, he seemed entertained

“I wasn’t… interested”, you defended yourself, although you didn’t even know if you were being truly honest.

“I trust your father told you how things work here at court”, he said, this time his tone was sharper as you walked hastily through the hallways of the Red Keep.

“That I must not trust many, as apparently I have enemies seeking my downfall even though I never set foot in this place, yet seek alliances for my benefit”, you said quickly

“Something of the sort”, he said back, “we have many unwed Princelings and many lords and ladies who are lurking as gators in a lake”

“And we, the princelings, are gazelles or something?”, you teased

“You need to prove yourself a lion”, he said, smiling, “and I'm here to secure your advantageous match, and your happiness”, he said

“With you, my father and Sir William on my side, I am the gator”, you said smiling with confidence. 

“Let the games begin”, said Tyland, opening the double doors of your rooms.

Go to chapter "The Dinner"

Onixa greeted you with her loving noises, feeling your excitement as if it was her own.

Gold dust shone over her oily black skin, she had found her nest in the gold mine, rubbing herself against the precious metal, tainting her skin with golden dust. Her amber eyes followed your every move as you walked towards her, to caress her snout. She was lean, large and beautiful, her scales were black and oily, as were her wings, though, under the sun, they looked pink in the thinnest parts of them. She had big gently amber eyes, and was of sweet nature, never threatening anyone around you. 

Karnax stood beside her, white as a ghost, twice her size, the creature was unmovable, waiting for your father and only him.

Your grandmother had come with you, to the top of the Rock from where you planned to start your flight. 

“Remember to choose a first son, an heir”, said your grandmother sharply, playing with her ringed fingers, trying to hide the fact that she was sad as you were

“Yes grandmother”. Onixa cooed at her with affection, even though your grandmother didn’t hold much love for your life companion, she spared a glance at the dragon, and then she eased her sharp green eyes

“Take care of her”, she demanded, "I know you can understand me”, she said then, you know she believed it to be silly to be talking to an ‘animal’ and the fact that she had done it truly amazed you.

Onixa roared happily to the skies, shaking her body 

“And remember…”

“To always come back to visit you?”, you asked her, only then she smiled sadly and hugged you against her chest. She kissed the top of your head 

“Yes, exactly”, she murmured, “but also… choose who makes you happy”, she then put something in your hand, when you looked down, you found her favorite ring, the ring your grandfather had given her, it was a gold bank beautifully worked, with a big emerald in the center. 

She released you, her composure returning to her, she then turned to your father, while you were quick to place the ring on your finger. 

“Thank you”. You weren’t sure why she was thanking him, but your father did know.

Thank you for not taking you away, for giving her eighteen years with you, and him as well. 

He kissed her cheeks with reverence and then you both turned to your dragons. 

“It’s a long journey”, he warned, “we’ll follow the Gold Road”, he said, “we’ll stop at Deep Den to spend the night”

“Yes father”, you said, he assessed the way you looked, your riding gear, made in the Lannister colours, deep red and intricate and exquisite design with golden thread, he then took a look at your comfortable leather pants and boots, and nodded.

“You are fine, did you put the food and change of clothes in the saddle?”, you looked at your mount again, shining gold on top of Onixa, and you nodded, “let’s go”, you climbed on top of your dragon, you let your father take flight first, and you followed closely following his lead. 

You liked flying, you felt excitement in your belly. and you enjoyed the wind on your face. But you had never flown this long before. When you unsaddled at night in Deep Den you could barely use your legs for walking. 

You spend the night in a cozy little inn by the road, the inn keeper seemed to have seen your father many times before, and that made you happy, since he seemed truly honored to be visited by the both of you. 

The next day, after a generous small feast to break your fast, you started your journey again. Your father had not yet spoken to any places to spend that night, which is why he amazed you when he commanded his dragon to fly low in a prairie in the middle of nowhere. 

But you followed him without question.

Once you unsaddled, he was standing near a pile of what was once a small campfire.

“I spend the night here sometimes”, he clarified

“In the middle of nowhere?”, you asked

“We are in the middle of a long summer”, he explained, “the nights are warm, and the sky is clear”, from his mount he took two thick blankets made of wool, while he smiled. “I’ll set the fire”, he said.

You had never done this, perhaps a couple of times, while on a hunt, but your uncles had made sure to carry great pavilions and tents with them, you had never slept underneath the stars.

The night fell over the both of you, as the campfire brought that warm light you liked so much. Your dragons coiled around you, protecting you. You didn’t even concern yourself with your own security, who would be mad enough to try to rob or harm two dragons?

You both sit my the fire as your father cooked two pieces of meat on a stick

“How are you feeling about tomorrow?”, he asked, looking at you over the flames

“I’m excited, I cannot lie”, you said softly, “although… nervous”, you were meeting your other family, your entire family in one go

“If I haven’t brought you to court until now it was because I wanted you to grow to become your own person, not just as a princess, I was also concerned that once I brought you to King’s Landing I wouldn’t be able to take you out”, he said more lightly

“I understand”, you said solemnly, “and I thank you father, I’m aware of my privileges, to be raised in Casterly Rock, and being granted free will to do as I please, to be spoiled by my grandmother, and my uncles”, he hummed

“You make me so proud”, he said with a choked voice, “and you have barely become a woman of your own”

“It is all your own merits”, you said proudly.

“Now let me enjoy one last night with my little girl”, he said smiling widely.

You ate, and then you laid on top of the blankets, looking at the beautiful stars over your heads.Your father pointed at every star and named constellations, drawings you will never forget. 

And the very next day, around midday… you finally saw it…

King’s Landing

You had flown over Casterly Rock, Lannisport, Castamere and one you tried to fly over Old Town before the bells resounded so loud Onixa complained in growls making you retreat before you fell from on top of her. 

But not even the Hightower -though as breathtaking as it was-, could be compared to the sighting of the Red Keep, and another huge building you could only recognize as the Dragonpit. 

Perhaps Old Town was more striking, but King’s landing was the seat of your dynasty and your chest burnt with a recognition that became from blood and not personal experience

Your father led Karnax to the Dragonpit, and you followed suit, you could tell that Onixa was nervous, her soft grunts a clear indication. 

You landed in the big esplanade before the entrance to the building, men dressed in ancient looking robes and sticks, dragon masters, were quick to appear through the gates which were as big as the ones of the entrance to the Rock

“Prince Aegon”, greeted the oldest man. “Welcome to King’s Landing”, the man spoke a perfect Valyrian. You descended from Onixa who let out a guttural sound of mistrust, she kept close to you as you stood near your father

“This is my daughter, the princess”, he introduced, “and this is Onixa”, he said signaling to your dragon, “she a dragon born to my daughter’s crib, and she has not interacted with other dragons other than Karnax, be soft to her”, the man nodded

“Onixa”, he called, in a voice so commanding you yourself wanted to follow him.

Your dragon shook her head in denial, let out a low grunt as in protests, and looked at you with her big amber eyes. You nodded and took one step aside, she understood immediately, and with one last howl, she followed the men with her head down and into the building

“She will be alright”, your father murmured, but he was right, she has never interacted with other dragons before, Karnax barely looked at her, you had seen her trying to communicate with him many times but he seemed not to notice her at all. 

They seemed to be expecting you, they being the royal family, as there was a carriage waiting for you and your father, and a soldier ready to accompany you. 

The first thing you noticed as you rode through the streets was the smell and the general poverty of certain areas, your aunt had been right.

You didn't understand it, it was the capital city, in Casterly rock, or even in Lannisport where they were mainly merchants and fishermen you didn't see the types of things you saw in that short ride.

Your father didn’t spoke, he was just looking at the window with a nervousness that started to rub off on you as well. 

Soon, before your mind started playing tricks on you, you were in the courtyard of the Red Keep, you looked, marvelled, at the tall red towers, they looked like they were made from clay, yet not less impressive because of it.

A small committee was there to receive you, your father’s house, you gather, his servants, maids and guards loyal to him alone, and a single knight who stood out amongst the rest for wearing a magnificent white armor and an impeccable white cloak.

“Welcome to King’s Landing, your grace”, he said with the impassivity of a soldier, and after quick introductions, you both were led inside. 

“The King requests an audience immediately”, he started filling your father in on important events that had taken place recently, as he led you with quick steps through the castle, you tried to pay attention, but it was so fast you knew you were going to get lost in here. 

It was an odd feeling, to say the least, this was your father’s family home, the Red Keep, where he had been born, where the half of his life was. It was a magnificent castle, yet felt dark, as he had described it.

You crossed a magnificent hall, and you knew you were entering what it was known as Maegor Holdfast. Only then your father stopped and looked back at you. 

“You are to be courted by many Lords of the seven Kingdoms”, it did amaze you, you truly didn’t quite believed it, he stopped, and looked at you in the middle of the room, “and because I want you to have the liberty to choose, I want you to conduct yourself with discretion and propriety, which I know you posses”, you nodded, “I want you to have a chaperone at all times when you are about in the castle”, he signaled to the white cloak, you looked back at the blonde, tall man, and he nodded at you.

“Your grace”, he greeted, you could clearly see that this was not of his choosing, he was a white cloak, one of the finest knights of the seven kingdoms and now he was placed as a glorified babysitter 

“Your uncle, Tyland, is in the Keep, he has agreed to accompany you, when neither I nor Sir William can”, he finished, and then looked you in the eyes.

“I understand father”, you said

“Please do not go around unaccompanied”, he whispered with a soft smile, “A single rumour can do as much damage to your reputation as a true act, and again, I want you to have the liberty to choose who you marry, without sharp tongues and whispers behind your back, do you understand why is so important?”

“Yes father”, you said diligently. 

“Now, the family is eager to meet you, yet, we are all meeting for supper”, he said slowly, “you can rather go to your new rooms, rest, get a nice warm bath after the long flight we had, or William here can show you the most important parts of the castle…”

What would you like to do?

If you want to go to your room first to freshen up go to “The Rooms ”

You drew a breath as you saw the figure of your father’s dragon disappear to the East. You turned to see your grandmother standing there

“You have been to King’s Landing”, it was an affirmation

“Horrid city”, she said, sorrounding your shoulders with her arm, “the smell alone will turn your stomach and your eyes to tears”, she kissed the top of your head, “I’m so glad you decided to stay here with me, my lioness”, you just smiled as she led you through the main tower and back into the castle. 

You resumed your life at the court of Casterly Rock.

Each day of the week you had a different lesson, which where strategy, music, philosophy, sewing and dress confection, archery, and history, and the last day, you were free to do as you pleased. The lessons happened in the morning and in the afternoon you always tried to sneak a fly with Onixa. You knew she enjoyed eating fish more than cattle, so in the most heated days, you flew over Lannisport to where the fishermen where.

They knew and loved your dragon and you, and you payed them hefty sums for the catch of the day for Onixa.

Some others days, when you were free all day, you went to your favorite spot: a series of lagoons, that when the tide was high, they filled up with sea water, and plenty of fishes. Onixa loved to play there like she was nothing but a stray pup playing on a puddle. 

She mostly didn’t catch any fishes but you could tell she enjoyed herself too much. 

Those days where your favorites until you had to return to the castle, not only smelling of dragon but of fishes, your grandmmother herself would supervise your bath, and spend a big quantity of fancy smelling oils, leaving your skin shiny and slippery as if you were a fish yourself. 

Suppers where always the same, in the company of your grandmother and your uncle and his family, they were cordial and nice, of course you were fed as you were royalty, every day a different but exquisite meal.

You were the favorite of everyone in the castle so they always make sure that in the apetizers, dinner or dessert were always one of your favorites plates. 

You were truly lucky, and you considered yourself as much. 

“I have invited the Reynes”, began Jason one night, your grandmother stopped drinking her wine and looked at her son.

“Why?”, she asked

“We have matters to discuss…”, he said simply, “Aparently, Lord Reyne has send his youngest son to Essos and he has brought back new knowledge about mining…”

“Mining”, she was not convinced. The rivalry between the Lannisters nd Reynes was a bit laughable to you -thoughts you would never share with your grandmother or uncle-,  if you were being honest, for once the Red Lion was a vassal house of the Gold Lion, there was no need for such rivalry. Your grandmother would argue that if they decided to expand their mining business, and therefore their wealth, and if they were smart enough, they could become more powerful than you, but you had seen the maps and the ledgers, they had a long way to walk to even reach the wealth and might of House Lannister.

“Are we still going hunting tomorrow uncle?”, you asked inocently, clearly wanting to move out of the uncomfortable conversation. 

“Of course”, he said happily, continuing enjoying his venison thinking he outbested your grandmother. 

He was a fool but he was your uncle and sort of harmless, so you just enjoyed messing with him just a little bit. 

“Besides I need a new footman, or rather… footgirl… the last one was rather slow… and dim witted”, you mocked a furious glance at your uncle.

“The last time you made me serve as your footgirl you struck an arrow near my head!”, you argued

“I thought I saw a deer”, he mocked

“JASON!”, screeched your grandmother. 

. . .

The very next morning, your uncle was preparing to leave for the hunt, where he was to meet the Reynes on the way. 

Yet your grandmother, when she found out that family was to join you, she asked you to remain in the Rock

What is it going to be?

Going with your uncle to meet the Reynes? Go to “the Reynes of Castamere”

Year 106 A.C

The night had fallen over King’s Landing, and it found three Targaryens sitting in the small council’s chambers, the King, Viserys, and his two brothers, Daemon and Aegon Targaryen. 

“I made my decision”, he said shortly, “I know who I am to marry”, both younger brothers shared concerned looks at his Brother’s words, this was not to be taken lightly.

“Well?”, mocked Daemon

“The Lady Alicent Hightower”, he said slowly. They both tried to remain calm, but failed, miserably. 

“I think marrying Alicent Hightower is a mistake brother”, the youngest said, exasperated 

“And why would that be?”, asked Viserys, mockingly

“BECAUSE OTTO IS A CUNT!”, grunted both brothers as the same time, Viserys looked at his brothers alternatively, and then sighed loudly as he slumped on his chair of the small council chambers, “and she is your daughter’s best friend”, continued Aegon 

“So?”, he asked

“YOUR DAUGHTER’S FRIEND!”, he repeated 

“Is it because you want to marry her, don’t you?”, he mocked, and Aegon shutted his mouth, it was, one of the main reasons…

He hadn't courted her, but he was thinking about it, Otto was an intelligent man, a powerful one, he had served as hand and very well, but now that his brother was a widower, it was dangerous, he was going to put his daughter under his eyes, if he hadn't already, there must be a reason why Viserys wanted to marry the girl. Alicent was a sweet girl, he could see her, cute too… the idea didn’t dislike him, and if he got betrothed to her, he could wait a couple more years until she was ready. 

There was an uncomfortable silence

Daemon was looking at his younger brother, and Aegon refused to look back, he didn’t want to make Viserys feel like they were somewhat plotting against him, that there was something between them that he wasn’t in on.

“I think is better for both of you to do your duties to the realm”, the King said finally, and Aegon snapped 

“You are going to send me away?”, he asked enraged, “only because I gave my opinion?”

“No…”

“I took you for many things brother, a tyrant isn’t one of them”

“You will marry lady Cerenna Lannister as discussed”, he continued

“But she is a Lannister!”, he complained 

“The eldest sister of Jason and Tyland”, he continued, Aegon sighed 

“I’ve never even seen her”, he grunted, Daemon chuckled, and Aegon slide him with an angry look 

“And you, return to your wife in the Vale”, and then Aegon barked out a laugh.

“Brother, if you really meant on having Rhaenyra as heir, you can’t marry anyone else, you can’t have more children”, he said then

“What I do, is my business alone, you both, if you like your posts in the privy council and in court, will do as I say”, he said, pleased with himself, “it is clear to me now that Otto is right, you are both marryless, childless, you had not performed your duty to this House, to this family”, now both brothers shared concerned looks, “I’m trusting you to strengthen the House of the Dragon”.

The relation between Aegon and Viserys was complicated, the latter trusted and confided in his baby brother, so much so, Aegon now felt the liberty to contradict him, the King, he needed to put him back in his place.

“Yes your grace”, muttered Aegon, Daemon only watched the interaction, amused, “tomorrow at first light, I shall go to Casterly Rock to initiate courtship of the Lady Lannister”

Viserys nodded, pleased, Daemon couldn’t stop looking at him.

The King stood up from his seat and left his two brothers in the small council chamber, they shared concerned looks

Aegon stood up and directed himself to the table on one side, pouring himself a cup of wine for himself and one for his brother 

“Arbour?”, asked Daemon as he received the cup, looking up at his baby brother 

“Yeah”, he took his seat at the other side of the table, and drank in silence. 

“You are going to let a Hightower marry our brother, the King?”, asked Daemon

“Well, is not that I can command him Daemon…”, they were interrupted, even though it was the higher hours of the night already, “I have clearly failed to see the closeness between them, he acted faster than I thought”

As he had been summoned, Otto Hightower himself entered the chamber. 

“I was not notified of a council meeting”, he said, with a shit-eating grin on his face

“This wasn’t a council meeting, Otto”, Aegon was a skilled diplomat, only him could make a name sound as the most vile of insults

“This is a private meeting”, grumbled Daemon, Aegon just chuckled softly. The smile got wiped out of the Hand’s face.

“If it's something of importance to the Kingdom I should have been made aware”, he said slowly, like he was speaking to children.

“Exactly, it's our brother’s duty to whistle up his dog, not ours”, Daemon said simply, both brothers stood up and walked away from the privy council meeting room, leaving The Hand alone. 

Small pleasures the brothers could still give themselves. 

“What you lack in politics, brother, I lack in swordfight experience”, chuckled Aegon, making his sibling laugh too. 

They decided to leave the Keep, after all, it was a known fact that walls had ears, and the brothers were not interested in being spied on tonight. They walked until the street of silk, where the most “respectable” establishments were, once they selected one, or rather Dameon did, they were quick to take a seat and order Ale

“Never thought he had it in him”, muttered Aegon, as he sipped his beer

“Have what?”, he asked

“Be a cunt”, he growled, Daemon only chuckled 

“Yeah, tell me about it”, he murmured, “She is a Hightower brat, and yet, you wanted to be the one to marry her, you don’t fool me”

“Otto has had his eye on me for years”, he muttered, “but now, after our sweet Queen’s passing, he realised he can have the King of the seven kingdoms”, he whispered, “I can control Otto, our brother? not so much”, Daemon hummed, approving of his brother’s words

“Are you really going to Casterly Rock tomorrow?”, he asked, Aegon barely nodded

“I will do my duty, we cannot fall from our brother’s grace, not right now Daemon”, his brother nodded again

“I will go back to my bronze bitch then”, he giggled, sipping on his cup

“Yeah, sure”, the other mocked. Daemon offered his cup in a gesture to toast

“To the women we love and marry”, he said openly, Aegon met him half way, ”may they never met”, dropping ale everywhere making them laugh. The brothers stayed at the bar sharing stories and drinks, but soon it wasn't enough for Daemon

“Let me invite you to a treat”, Daemon said as he stood from the table, and walked towards the double doors at the end of the tavern

“No thanks brother, I wouldn’t like for my cock to fall off before my wedding night”, he mocked, standing from the table too, if he wanted to go when the day broke, he had to sleep well tonight

The last thing Aegon heard was Daemon’s laugh before the double doors closed after his brother.

. . .

He rose with the sun, even though he had only a couple of hours of sleep. 

He got dressed slowly, making sure he was wearing his best riding attire, he was going on dragon back, but again, he was going to court a lady. He wondered if he needed to go with an escort, with his house, servants and soldiers.

The girl was a Lannister, of course she was going to expect fanfare, opulence and regality. But his dragon would have to suffice. 

He grabbed his sword and was ready to depart. The Keep had risen already, servants and guards all doing their rounds. They greeted him as they saw him walk by. 

But it wasn’t until he left Maegor’s Holdfast that he felt two skinny arms surrounding him. 

“Don’t leave me uncle!”, said Rhaenyra, hugging his midsection tightly, “please”, Aegon smiled softly, caressing the top of her head, and her back softly

“You are going to be fine, little one”

“Please”, she begged, separating herself from him to look up at his face. Aegon thought she didn’t even know yet the betrayal looming over her, about her best friend and her father. 

“Is what my King asks of me”, he said softly, they separated, and Aegon grabbed her shoulders softly to be able to gaze into her eyes, “I’m only a dragon ride away”, he whispered as he winked. 

Rhaenyra felt like she was losing her ally, her protector, and an uncle and friend. 

“I will be soon back, to marry here in the capital, under the King’s watchful eyes”, he said gently, she nodded, “I’ll expect you there, of course”, that seemed to please the princess, who nodded enthusiastically 

With a nod of his head, and accompanied by guards, he left the Red Keep on horseback, followed by guards, in the direction of the dragonpit, where his mount awaited him. 

The city was barely awakening, and yet the people who crossed his path nodded in his direction and greeted him

A thousand thoughts ran through his head, he had never courted anyone before, he did have his paramours, he had playfully flirted with ladies at court, yet he had never dared to make anything official. 

And now he was on his way to court his future wife. 

He waited patiently as the dragon masters brought him his dragon Karnax, born to him on his crib, the great white beast roared in excitement as he came up the ramp and saw his rider waiting for him.

He took a long breath, to focus on the fly ahead. He enjoyed flying on his dragon, it cleared his head, it made him feel free and powerful.

The flight to Casterley Rock was long, he had to stop along the way. But two days later he saw the biggest structure in the entire continent. Casterly Rock. 

He made Karnax land near the stone bridge that led to the entrance of the huge fortress. 

He was not surprised to realize the Lannisters were waiting for him at the gates. 

The prince had never been to the huge castle, and to his amazement he realized that the castle was built into the rock itself, no only sitting at the top as many had described it, it was massive, greater than The Wall in the North, and the young prince could begin to understand why the Lannisters had gained the right to be as prideful as the Lion in their sigil.

He was met by the acting Lady of Casterly Rock Ceira Lanniser, flanked by his twin sons Jason and Tyland. 

“I’m Prince Aegon, of House Targaryen”, he said loudly, bowing his head to the welcoming house, “son of Baelon and Alyssa Targaryen, and brother to King Viserys, and I’m here to court the Lady Cerenna”, he said

“It took you long enough”, said the older woman sharply, making him flinch, “we have been waiting a year, my eldest daughter had been waiting”, it was a true biting at the Prince’s heel, but it was too late now to correct that, he was here now and had to be enough. 

“I’m truly sorry”, he finally said, “I'm here now”, she only hummed, clearly not pleased but he could see she was not going to refuse him, with just one gesture of her hand, guards moved around the group. 

They led him through the gates inbeded in the rock, and he was inmediatly faced with a huge hall, that it was as big as ostentacious as he could only dream off. the tall walls dressed in tapestries telling the tale of the House from even before the conquest, and exquisite furniture bathed in gold leafs. 

“The Lady Cerenna of house Lannister” a soldier presented, he looked up, and from a balcony on the second floor, there she appeared, like the figure of the maiden in human form. Golden curls fell down from her beautiful head, deep green eyes looked down at him, she was dressed in Lannister Red with golden jewelry adorning her neck. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. 

He released the breath he had been holding, as he seemed to forget how to breathe at all

When he saw her for the first time, he truly believed this is how those who had claimed adult dragons must have felt. He felt incredibly nervous, but excited in equal measure

“My Lady”, he greeted, bowing again, “I’m here, humbly to ask for your hand in marriage”, he only looked at him, he was sweaty, his hair messy from the flight here, he was wearing his riding gear, and he smelled like dragon, he looked back at her, at her face who seem to be made of marble.

Then she gave him a smile that branded his heart with fire.

“Yes, this one will do”, she said simply.

. . . 

Only one week was neccesary for the courtship, before they decided to marry in King’s Landing. 

Due to Aegon’s political responsabilities and the Lannister’s own political ambitions, the couple decided to stay in the capital after the extravagant wedding, where Aegon could still participate in the small council’s meetings and the life at court. 

Year 115 A.C

Aegon watched the sun hiding in the sunset sea, and then he looked down at his arms where his daughter was sleeping in his arms, the baby was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. She seemed to have a golden halo around her tiny head, big rosy round cheeks, she was as beautiful as her mother. 

“Look, the sun shines for you”, he murmured, kissing her forehead. “my golden princess”, he said with an adoring voice. He turned to look at his wife, still in the bed. She was looking at the scene with a tired smile, she was so pale…

“Try not to spoil her so much”, she whispered. It had taken them nine years to finally gave birth to their child, a little girl. When Cerenna finally got pregnant, they moved back to Casterly Rock, far from schemes from court, from sharp tongues that had treated Cerenna poorly. 

“Impossible”, he said, “she has already wrapped me around her little finger”, she chuckled, but also a pained whine followed her amusement. “Just like her beautiful mother”, she smiled at the love she knew her husband held for her, she loved him back as fiercely and in equal measure. 

“Aegon”, she called, “take care of her”

“With my life”, he said, so happy, he was missing what was truly happening, his gaze was lost on his daughter, but when he looked back at the bed, Cerenna had closed her eyes.

“Cerenna?”, he called

But he got no answer. 

. . .

Daemon descended from his mount Caraxes, on top of the Rock, to find his brother Aegon waiting for him. dressed head to toe in black, and a disturbed look on his face. 

“Brother”, it was like a cry for help. Daemon was quick to encounter his brother and engulfed him on a tight hug. “I lost her”, he whined on his brother’s ear, “she died”

“I’m sorry”, he said, when they finally parted

“But she gave me a beautiful daughter”, he said with a sad smile

“I know…”, he said, “and I brought you something”, only then he noticed he was carrying a bag, and from within, came a black dragon egg. Daemon offered it to him with reverence, and he took it with the admiration such a gift deserved. 

“My daughter is a Lannister”, he said carefully, knowing fully well his brother’s sentiment for the golden lion house. 

“Your daughter is a Targaryen”, he said back

“Thank you”, he whispered. 

Daemon, despite his best instincts, stayed at Casterly Rock to support his baby brother. 

“9 years we waited to be blessed by the gods with a child”, he said sadly, “and when they did, I lost my wife”, he whispered, his voice choking with tears, “I should have stopped trying… I should have…”

“There is nothing you could have done, and there was no way of you knowing”, Daemon whispered.

“I did the same thing Viserys did”, he lamented, only in the comfort and privacy of his study, “forced my wife to bare children until it killed her”

He knew it wasn’t true, Cerenna wanted a child as much as he did. And there have no traumatic miscarriages or stillbirths, she just never got pregnant until his daughter. 

“It is done,” said Daemon, “you have a daughter now and that is all that matters”, he said.

When Aegon woke the next morning, the first thing he did was check onto his baby daughter, and chuckled in relief when he saw a small dragon in her crib, the small creature was black as coal, his skin looked like it had been bathed in lamp oil, he was coiled around his daughter, his tiny head cuddling her cheek, both sleeping like they were born together. 

After the appropriate period of mourning, Casterly Rock decided to celebrate the birth of their little lady, and the birth of a dragon in the crib of a Lannister

Since prince Aegon married Cerenna Lannister, and not only that, but that he had decided to take residence on Casterly Rock, the Lannisters could not hold their boast, their ego was soaring, not only they had a little princess, they had Aegon Targaryen. 

Ceira Lannister found Aegon in his study, his gaze lost in the flames

“Are you going to go back to King’s Landing?”, she asked him, her hands clasped in front of her

“I do not know”, he whispered without looking at her

“Don’t take her”, she whispered, then Aegon looked back at her, his mother by law had never asked him for nothing, demanded maybe. “I lost my daughter”, she said, her voice almost cracked… almost, “I don’t want to loose my grandaughter”

“I will not leave my child”, he said with a sharp voice

“Stay here then”, she said, “you know we cannot pass Casterly Rock to her before Jason or Tyland, but…”

“I’ll be called back to King’s Landing”, he whispered sadly, “my brother needs me”

“You need your brother now, and where is he?”, she said bitterly, “you had stayed there at court, concerted marriages, you are the arquitect of your family and it has thrived under your design and yet… they left you alone when you needed them the most”, Aegon looked at her, “she will be better here, under our care, under our family”

She know she was right, Lannister might be seen as prideful, egotistical and entitled, but to their own they were incredibly fierce and loyal. 

“You know that we wanted to pass Casterly Rock to your male heir, and we know that is not possible now… yet…Don’t take her”, she begged, “you can stay here if you wish”, Aegon barely nodded. She might be right. 

He was married to Cerenne to stablish a tight relationship fromt he Lannisters to the House of the Dragon, if he left now and took his child, the alliance could crumble.

“She will be raised here”, he sentenced, looking back at the flames 

There was an understanding to change the line of succession of Casterly Rock to Cerenna, if and when she gave birth to a son.

But she was a girl. 

. . .

Year 120 A.C

Five years later, the Prince, counseled by his brother Daemon, decided to take a trip to King’s Landing, where he had an audience with his brother King Viserys. 

He was kept in the loop of what was happening in the capital; his brother, this same year as his daughter, had received the gift of a second son, who he named Aemond, and third child with the Queen. And then she gave birth to a fourth child, another boy. 

Aegon though the last five years had been travelling back and forth, yet never returning to court, and he did not leave his daughter longer than a few weeks, having a dragon let him travel easily between both countries. 

“It’s been a long time”, is the first thing Viserys said when he got him alone

“I did my duty to you, brother”, he said simply, “Doing my duties as Warden of the West, keeping the alliance with the Lannisters strong…”

“Yes you have,”, he said pleased, “And yet, you didn’t bring the princess with you?”, he asked

“I did not”, he said, “and I wish to return to her, as soon as possible”, the King smiled sadly at his younger brother’s words. 

“I wish to have you by my side”, he said, “it’s been five years now since the passing of Cerenna”

“Yet I’m a father now”, he fought, he nodded. “I’m needed there”

“Daemon has married the Lady Laena Velaryon”, he said softly, “and Rhaenyra Harwin Strong, as you had insisted upon, and has her children, it’s been five years, maybe its time for you to take another wife”, Aegon looked at his brother like he just insulted him

“You seek me to sell me again? to whom? maybe the Starks this time? Tullys?”, King Viserys felt shame, and looked down at the table. 

“It is not how I meant it”, he said softly, “I wish for you to find happiness again, to have heirs”

“I have my heir”, he said simply.

“A boy, that can carry the name…”

“We have three of those”, he said mindlesly, “many dragons are as adangerous as few”, a akward silence grew in the King’s private chambers.

“I’ve been told that your daughter has hatched a dradon herself”, he said then

“It’s a stange creture”, Aegon answered, a smile breaking on his face, “lean and black, as a dragon glass spear”, he whispered, “she makes strange noises, like the ones of a bird”, the she dragon was a strange mixture between Caraxes and Sunfyre, lean, oily black sin, delicate looking, yet the creature was as fierce as the bloodwyrm 

“I need you back at court, brother”, Viserys said then. He understood his words, his brother was feeling lonely, he needed his siblings.

“I do not wish to come to court permanently, but, you have me and my allegiance, you always had”

“Rhaenyra is going to be Queen one day, and even though I made all Lords and Ladies from the greater houses bow to her, I fear it will not be enough…”

“If you had the balls to marry your daughter’s best friend and have not only one but two male heirs, brother, have the balls to name Aegon Heir!”, he said with greeted teeth. Ceira was right, yes his brother was King, yet he was seeking to use him, not caring for what he truly wished, he understood it though, “groom him to succeed you, let Rhaenyra live her life in peace”

“Rhaenyra is my heir”, he said shaking his head

“Look me in the eyes and say it again”, he said, and Viserys raised his head and looked at his baby brother in the eyes

“Rhaenyra is my heir”, he said, “it’s Aemma’s blood, my blood, your blood”, Aegon then nodded

“Very well”, he said decisively, “I will support you, and her, and I will do anything in my power to protect you and her inheritance, I will put all my efforts in making your will stand even after you are gone”, Viserys face lit up, to have his brother by his side, and the knowledge that he was going to be there to protect his daughter, was everything to him, meant the world. Because Viserys believed that Aegon could make his will stand 

King Viserys hid his hand, who was already lacking two fingers, under the table. 

“How is your daughter?”

“She is well”, he said simply, with a soft smile.

“You should bring her to court”, he said, but he did not like the smile on his brother’s face

“She is too young still”, he said, “too innocent for the schemes and lies”, he said dismissively, “in Casterly Rock she can play, and breathe fresh air and fly around as she pleases”, he said simply. “she is the Lady of the castle”, he chuckled, “despite Jason’s complains”

“Is she now?”, he asked lightly.

“Ceira absolutly adores her, and she still is with good health despite her age, she won’t let the girl out of her sight”, Viserys hummed, pleased, “there was a hunt some moons ago, Tyland and Jason had cornered a Lioness, and brought her two cubs”

“Lion cubs”

“They sleep in her bed, she cuddles them and had made golden collars for them”, Viserys chuckles. “She convinced Jason to train them as companions for battles”

“Battles”, the King whispered, looking at the table. 

“Of course, Onixa, her dragon, wasn’t pleased”

“Onixa”, Viserys paladated the name

“It was that name… or Coalflake”, he hummed, Viserys laughed, “Onixa lived in my daughters chambers until they had to carve a bigger doorframe because she didn’t fit anymore”, he said lightly with a silly smile on his face. 

“A spoiled little dragon”, Aegon wasn’t sure if his brother meant Onixa or his daughter, but both deserved said tittle.

“One day when she is older, I will bring her to court, but… not yet”, he said, and it was a promise. 

When Aegon came back from that trip, he had to face said dragon… the cubs had grown big and they were training their teeth… with her daughter dresses, bedding and furniture and had to be taken to the woods. 

. . .

Year 133 A.C

Your father entered your rooms after being anounced by your guard, and found you sitting in front of your mirror in your vanity, you had just dismissed your ladies who had helped you getting ready for the day ahead, your were braiding your hair, as you insisted on doing yourself, and you wanted to take a short flight in Onixa before supper. 

“Father”, you murmured, finishing the braid. 

“How did you do on your lessons?”, he asked, he looked, concerned, but not with you, so you guessed he had received news from the capital… which wasn’t odd these days. 

“I won, again”, you said simply, the lessons in which he spoke off, consisted in you sitting with your uncle and grandfather, and play games of strategy and war. “Jason’s pridefullness is not fun anymore, it starts to become dangerous”, you said lightly, smiling at your father through the mirror. 

“You inherited your mother’s wits”, he said with a smile, “she beat him too in numerous ocassions”, a pride of your own made you smile, feeling your cheeks heated. 

“Did you need to tell me something father?”, you asked. He sat on the edge of the bed, close to you. 

“My brother, King Viserys, has summoned us to court”, he said, and it wasn’t the first time. What was different now though, was the sense of finality. 

“Us?”, you asked, that truly peeked your interest, turning on your chair to look at your father.

“He is gravely sick, and with Rhaenyra still being appointed as his heir, they need me there permanently, to make sure his wishes come true”, he explained, you hummed your understanding. 

“It also occurred to me that I must find you a husband”, he said shortly, waiting for your reaction, and he saw what you felt, excitement, and yet, a bit of fear, “you are eight and ten now”

“I know”, you whispered, gripping the back of the chair, expecting 

“I have received offers for your hand, and I was considering, with Jason’s permission to have lords come here to court you, yet, as we have been summoned to King’s Landing, we might just killed two birds with one stone”, he said, you always adored how your father would make you part of the process, about his thinking, about his decision making, and yet you didn’t know what to say. He saw your hesitation, “King’s Landing can be dangerous”, he continued

“It’s the royal court, one would think its the safest place”, you tried to lighten the mood, and you succeeded

“The dangers I speak of are of treasons, schemes and betrayals”, he said, “you’ll come to find that court is a battlefield of its own”, he said, you hummed, “you’ll need to find allies, and identify really quickly who might desire your downfall”

“I’m just a girl”, you said with a chuckle

“You are the niece of a King, a Lannister, heir on your own right to fortunes that could buy armies of a hundred thousand soldiers, and my child a Targaryen princess”, he finished, “you are a beautiful young girl who is seeking for a husband, every single lord will seek your hand”, he said, and chuckled when he looked at you and your horrified face, “I will not leave you, I will be by your side at every step of the way”, he whispered. “You will be able to make your choice of husband”, he completed. “Including, meeting your family, Rhaenyra is returning as well, with her eldest son Jacaerys”, he said then, “and there is also your cousins, Aegon and Aemond…”

“Daeron is in Old Town”, you completed, your father nodded, even though you never met them, you knew where they were. 

“I also summoned the heir to Winterfell”, your father himself had to interve a couple of years ago, they had tried to usurp the Capital of the North, the own uncle of the true heir. “Dorne is showing up… the other great families…”

It was a lot to internalize in a short amount of time. An invitation, that sounded more like a challenge to war, and yet as such you were excited, the prospect of seeing who were your friends and who were your foes, and to finally meet your family. 

“I see”, you answered

“You don’t have to come with me if you don’t want to”, he said then

“But it was a royal command”, you said with a laugh

“There is perks to being the brother of the king”, he said lightly, you hummed truly considering the possibilities. 

“If you don’t want to come with me, and prefer to stay here, I will go answer the King’s call, I will hold audiences for the Lords who want to court you, and send some here”, he said, “I need to get you married before you turn nine and ten”

“I understand father”, you said with a soft smile

Even though the thought of going to the capital, to the royal court, excited you with no measure, there was also a feeling of unease in your chest. 

Would you go to King’s Landing with your father?

If you want to go with your father, go to chapter “King’s Landing”