J.

The bellowing horns of the Keep rang out, echoing off the stone walls, heralding the return of prince Aemond Targaryen, victorious from battle.

You brushed your trembling hands over your clothing to smooth the fabric, tucking a stray strand of hair back behind your ear. You hadn't seen your husband in over a year, you wondered if he would be the same...if he would still feel the same affection for you.

The clatter of hooves upon granite cobblestone greeted your ears as you hurried down the crowding corridors, many people jostled you as you pushed past, trying to get a view of the arrivals.

You came to the archway, stone steps leading down to the courtyard where many soldiers gathered. Your skirts swirled about you as you halted, bracing yourself on a cold pillar, your eyes scanning for familiar silver hair.

"Aemond." You whispered, clutching the fabric at your chest as your searching gaze found him.

He was handsome as ever, standing proud at the forefront of his company, clad in studded black armor with golden accents. A dragon helm adorned his head, his long hair spilling out from under the twisting metal.

His violet eye flicked to meet your gaze, as if he sensed the intensity of your stare. He held a gauntleted hand up to ward off a soldier who had stepped forward, trying to engage him in conversation, Aemond's eye never leaving your face. He stepped forward slowly, almost carefully, as though he were unsure if his war ready appearance would frighten you.

"Aemond!" You called louder, drawing the stares of those gathered around you. Not caring, you leapt down the stairs, running into Aemond's embrace as he opened his arms to welcome you, his velvety chuckle tickling your ear as he spun you around, holding you tightly.

"Y/N, balm in my orisons!" Aemond brought his lips to yours, kissing you sweetly for all to witness. "My sweet wife." He removed his helm, letting it fall to the ground before cupping your face in his hands, brushing away the tears that fell down your cheeks. He bent down to kiss away the drops of moisture his fingers had missed.

"You came back." You whispered, your voice audible only to your husband. "You came back to me."

"I'll spend a thousand lifetimes coming back to you." Aemond promised, tugging you away from the courtyard, back the way you'd come from your chambers. The crowd parted like water, many cheers and smiles followed the two of you as you departed, eager to be alone together.

"Let me help you out of this armor." You closed your bedroom door, running your fingers experimentally over the complicated clasps of Aemond's breastplate.

"I would appreciate that."

It took some fumbling and patience, but you were able to get Aemond out of the heavy garments he wore.

"How are you able to even walk in all this?" You wondered, removing his gauntlets last, until he stood before you in his dark green gambeson.

"I'm strong, Y/N."

You quirked an eyebrow at him, giving him an amused smirk. He read the mischievous twinkle in your eyes, huffing a laugh and shaking his head at you in bemusement. "You haven't changed."

"Have you?" You knew the answer as you uttered the question, Aemond's face fell slightly as he studied your features.

"I believe I have." He sighed, shuffling off the padded under armor he wore. "As is expected of any man coming back from war."

He hooked a finger under your chin, tilting your head up as your gaze fell to the floor, his thumb pressing against your lip. "I'm still the man you married, Y/N." His lips pressed to the corner of your mouth. "You're my everything, that will never change."

You smiled softly at his tender words, accepting his kiss with a low sound in your throat, your fingers twisting in the silken hair that fell down his back.

It took time for you to rediscover one another, being apart for so long made aspects of it challenging. Soon though, like muscle memory, the old ways came back to you. The two of you were quickly tangled up in each other, all tongues and teeth and wandering hands eager to refamiliarize the feel of one another's bare skin. By the end of the night, you and Aemond were left blissfully satisfied, curled up together as the fire crackled in its hearth, the warm orange glow casting cozy light around the darkened room.

You continued tracing the contours of Aemond's face, his eye closed to your touch, a small smile playing on his curved lips.

"You are the reason I am here now." He said suddenly, his eye opening to look at you.

"Hmm?" Your fingers halted in their exploration. "How is that?"

"The one thing that kept me going when all else seemed lost...was the thought of being able to hold you again. To hear your voice, taste the nectar of your lips." Aemond nuzzled into your throat, nipping at the exposed flesh as you arched against his mouth. "To be able to pleasure you like this again. That's what kept me going."

You placed a chaste kiss to your husband's cheek, just below where the vertical scar on his face ended. "You had better always come back to me."

The room was quiet, soft in the early morning before the sun rose and anyone had time to wake-up and ruin the peace. Your head was left on your husband's bare chest, snuggled in the crook of his neck while one of his calloused fingertips traced over your skin in light patterns. One of your hands laid against his breast, gently raking your fingernails around his nipple as your eyes had trouble focusing due to the burn for sleep.

Aemond sighed deeply and tightened his arm so you were pulled closer to let his lips press against your forehead. Peaking up to gaze over porcelain skin, you smiled and reached to caress his jaw, asking, "What're your plans for today, my love?"

"I've lessons all bloody morning, training this afternoon," he mused, "and perhaps, dinner with my wife this evening?"

"Are you asking me?" You cooed gently.

"I am," he chuckled. "Whatcha say? Hmm?"

"I'd love to go to dinner with you, love," you promised with a whisper, "I shall find you later in the day, yes?"

He nodded, hand tight over your hip, "And your plans? For today?"

"Oh," you smiled gently, "um, well, I was to visit Alicent for tea and breakfast, then... Well... Okay, look, just promise you won't get upset."

"Depends," he spoke honestly, "how bad is it?"

"Well, it's not bad, per se," you worried gently, unable to meet his eyes so you just nuzzled closer into his neck, "but it might make you feel something."

"'S all right, pet, just tell me," he nodded, cheek grazing your forehead.

"I'm visiting with Viserys today," you spoke softly. "Your Mother told me he had requested to see me - "

"He doesn't name names anymore," Aemond pulled back to stare down at you incredulously. "My love, you thought I'd be upset that Father has asked to see you? By name? No, no, my sweet girl," he smirked gently, reaching to caress your jaw and cheek, "that's something akin to a miracle."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, love," he nodded but dropped the smile in confusion. "What did he call upon you for?" He guided your head back to his chest, making you sigh lightly as you both relaxed once more.

"Alicent did not list specifics, only that he wanted to see me."

"Hmm."

"I'll tell you what he speaks of, but in truth, I worry he'll forget about his request by the time I arrive."

"If he does, I'm sure seeing you will still brighten his day," Aemond cradled you closer in his arms. "Surely, you brighten my days, my sweet girl."

You chuckled, feigning annoyance as you stretched against him, "I forget how clingy you are in the mornings."

"We're both going to be busy today, pet. Let me savor these last moments before we are both exhausted from the day."

You hummed, reaching to hold his cheek and nuzzle your nose up his as your chests pressed together. "Well, who could say no to that?" You breathed, leaning in to kiss his lips slowly. His arm constricted around you as the other shot up to hold your own cheek, smoothing skin under his thumb. "We should rise," you whispered.

"We've time," he promised, moving to lay you on your back to hover over you. His unbound silver locks cascaded around his shoulders, hanging to gently tickle your skin as his hands grabbed at the meat of your hips and waist, slowly dragging up. You quickly reached for him, bringing him in closer as your thighs squeezed around his hips to keep him anchored. His lips moved with yours in a searing kiss and the moment a hand seized the meat of your breast, you both moaned as his bare cock twitched to life against your moistening cunt.

"Oh," you gasped when he started to dryly hump into you, just feeling your wet heat; your body; the way you felt under his hands. "Love, I-I... Shit."

"What do you want, my love?" He purred against your lips, still just teasing you justly; hips swirling to smear the gathering wetness. "C'mon, tell your husband, pretty girl, you know I love pleasing you."

Your bottom lip was trapped between your teeth to hold in the slew of purely animalistic, wanton moans. "I just want you," you managed to whisper, trying to preserve some dignity. "All of you, Aemond," you smirked gently, reaching for him again, "and maybe if we're lucky, our efforts will not be in vain. Hmm? Maybe this time will stick."

"Surely," he mused, swooping in to press another kiss to your lips while grabbing a handful of your bottom to encourage you to move slowly with him. Sure, the pair of you had gone a few rounds the night before but in truth, you often craved sex when your cycle was soon to start - and your husband lived to please you.

He had no trouble then settling one of your legs out with a hand locked to the back of your knee, keeping the other leg close on his hip as he guided his stiff cock into your cunt. No foreplay needed, you were ashamed to admit you might've woken with a slick between your legs; and for some reason, his light touches that morning had made your spine tingle. Aemond seethed gently as he pushed further into your tightness, securing his hands over you - sure to leave bruises behind - and letting his forehead drop to yours.

His moans and groans were music to your ears, the only thing you wanted to hear the rest of your life.

You felt like you were slowly being spit in two but in a deceivingly pleasurable way. You clung to your husband with tight hands, encouraging him to drop into your neck as his hips rutted against yours. His balls were pressed against you with every painstakingly slow stroke, both of your mouths open to brush your lips together and breathe as one.

"Oh, oh, Gods, wow, okay, fuck-fuck-fuck," you whined when Aemond had to readjust to better thrust into you as his orgasm was quickly mounting, caring little for your own as you craved his seed in your womb. Though, you weren't opposed to the mounting pleasure that coiled in your stomach.

A faster tempo was met just as a knock at the door sounded - making you gasp lightly.

"Ignore them," Aemond panted above you. "I've got you, Princess, focus on me. Just on me - fucking look at me."

You nodded with another breathless whine, holding his neck as he let his lips meet yours; pushing his tongue into your mouth to sloppily slide together with yours as teeth gently knocked around from his frantic ministrations.

There was another fucking knock.

"FUCK OFF!" Aemond snapped, glaring at the door; silver locks swinging as he never faltered in his thrusting. The gushing squelching sounds filled the tense air around you, your giggle following after.

"C'mon, love," you whispered with a smirk, reaching to caress his stones and give a light (but increasingly tightening) squeeze. His head snapped back to look at you, picking up his pace mindlessly. "Please, put a baby in me, Aemond, please. I need it."

"Yes," he grunted, "it'll take this time, I know it," he panted, thrusting into you harder so your hand had to let go to let his balls slap into your moist center. "Keep makin' those pretty fucking noises, pet, c'mon, please," Aemond smirked, licking at your lips, "know they drive me fuckin' crazy, hmm? C'mon, my love, make me a Daddy." When your pupils dilated, he repeated in a hiss, "Make me a fucking Daddy."

Aemond, usually a man of little words, loved to hear your voice above all others and liked to surprise you with his surprisingly suave dirty talk. So, after a flash on insecurity, you were encouraging him harder, faster, your thumb hooked in his mouth as you reminded him only he could make you feel this way, and that if he wanted to be a Daddy, he had to fill you to the brim. He was so close and one more surprise squeeze of his stones had him cumming in your cunt with a shout.

"Oh, fuck," you panted, nodding at him as he tried to sit back but couldn't. So, with reluctance, he pulled out only to crash into your side, panting lightly against the crook of your neck. You happily snuggled closer before he was perking up to grab a set of pillows and insist you lift your hips. He had you lay down with it under you after hearing rumor it would help his seed take to your womb easier.

Gravity and shit.

It was a blissful few seconds before the knocking at the door sounded yet again, Amira shouting, "Are you both quite done, yet!? Fuck's sake! Some of us have responsibilities to attend to!"

"Oh, for the love of the Gods! We're seeing to our marital responsibilities, Mira, fuck off for a few more hours!"

"I know you're not talking to me like that, boy! I don't care you're a Prince, you can still - "

"Hey, okay, come in, Amira! Cut it out!" You called back with a chuckle, pulling the sheets closer to you both to save her from seeing more than she wanted (or needed) to. When she stepped in with a glare, you laughed, "Are you quite done, yet?"

"Tell him to behave," she slitted her eyes.

"Behave," you mused to Aemond, knocking your hand back to his chest - making him scoff in humor.

She sighed, "Well, do I come back or what? Are you ready to get your day started, or not, Princess?"

"Sun's not even up, Mira," you whined, head crashing to the arm Aemond had under you.

"Viserys wakes early and naps early," she shrugged. "You're also to take tea with the Queen, so, uh, get up."

"Surely you can give us an hour to rest," Aemond refuted.

"Or getting up now would mean riding your sleepless-high only to go to bed early tonight," she shot back.

You groaned, "She has a point."

Aemond sighed, leaning in to let you peck his lips before watching you climb from bed - bare as the day you entered this world. He watched you get ready from the safety of the bedsheets, bidding you a good day when you meant to leave his side. With a small pout, you whispered you loved him and would find him for dinner, hearing him hum in agreement before you kissed him in parting.

After you met with Alicent that morning to break your fast together, you let her escort you to her husband's chambers. She warned you, as she always did, that Viserys' mind and body was deteriorating; watching you nod in understanding before opening the doors.

When you slowly entered, Viserys was very much awake, but only offered a cautious, confused look. "Alicent?" He asked nervously.

"Good morning, Lord husband," she greeted softly, laying a hand to your back. "You know your granddaughter, Y/N, don't you?"

"I have a granddaughter?" He whispered through a haggard breath.

You frowned, "Yes, Grandfather, my name is Y/N... My mother is Rhaenyra?"

"Oh, my child," he smiled, eye only half-open. "My daughter."

"Yes, I am Rhaenyra's daughter," you softly explained. "I'm your granddaughter."

"Oh," he breathed, "that is good."

"Yes," you whispered, slowly stepping towards his bedside. When you sat beside him and took his withering hand in your own, you couldn't help but whisper, "Don't you know me?"

But he didn't answer.

"Why don't you read to him, sweet girl?" Alicent offered, seeing the tears brimming in your eyes.

You nodded and fought down your emotion. She handed you an old, leather-bound book; waiting until you started reading the passage to vacate the room. It was where you remained for a time, and when the Maester's came in, Viserys visibly tensed.

"No, no," he refused Milk of the Poppy, "I don't want to sleep, I want to listen. Th-This sweet girl is reading to me."

You frowned slightly before nodding to the Maesters, "Leave it, I will make sure he has a dose if the pain exceeds his comfort."

"Of course, Princess."

You continued reading, and to your surprise, Viserys even asked a question or two. When tea was brought in, he let you help him sit up in bed and ask, "Do you want to sit in your chair, Grandfather?"

"Oh," he panted, "n-no."

"Okay," you agreed. "Do you want your tea?"

"Please... An-And would you read to me again?"

"Of course," you nodded, holding the back of his head to help him take a sip of the tepid drink. "Do you want the same story? Or a new one?"

"Same one," he nodded, eye slowly drooping. You frowned, gulping down your emotion at the sight of his depleting energy.

You took your position again, and read from the same book. You would watch him on occasion, slowly realizing his energy was depleting. "Grandfather," you stood to your feet, "it's time for your medicine."

"Is it?"

"Yes," you nodded, glancing out the window, "it's almost sundown, do you want to eat something first?"

"Oh... Perhaps?"

"Okay," you smiled, knowing he didn't eat all day from lack of appetite. "Okay, good, do you want anything special, Grandfather?"

His head shook and you nodded, leaning in to kiss his wrinkled forehead, promising to be back in a minute. You easily located a handmaiden and told her to fetch the King his supper - watching her head off before returning to Viserys' side.

"Do I know you?" He asked, being the one to take your hand. "Your face is a familiar one."

"Yes," you nodded, thinking he knew you, "yes, yes, Granddad, it's me. It-It's me - it's Y/N."

"Y/N? No, I-I don't think so. Y/N is on Dragonstone. Where she belongs."

"No, Granddaddy, it is me," you whispered, squeezing his hand, "I've been here, in the Red Keep - and I'm here with you, now. It's your Y/N, it's me, Granddaddy, please..." Your voice broke with desperation.

He was quiet for a few beats, making you think he might've dozed off, but then he asked, "Y/N? You know my Y/N?"

"I am your Y/N. Granddaddy... Please."

"No, I don't think you are."

You sighed, "Okay, all right. Are you hungry?"

"Hmm," he considered, "yes, I think so. Are you the new nurse?"

"Sure," you agreed, knowing sometimes, it was easier to agree with what his mind told him instead of trying to change it. "I'm here to help you."

He nodded, "Thank you. Not everyone is so gentle."

You frowned, "They are rough with you?"

"Maybe not as nice as I'd like," he admitted. Your heart cracked down the middle.

When his dinner was brought in, you made sure to lay a cloth napkin across his chest before spooning bits of stewed vegetables into his mouth. A bit of ground of chicken with rice, too; side of smashed apples with it; all of which he accepted with little fight.

As the sun slowly sank, you handed off the plates and platters to the handmaiden before pouring Viserys' medicine in a small chalice. Again, you held the back of his neck to then tip the drink over his tongue, and when you laid him back, his eye was already closed.

"Would you come back...? Tomorrow?" Viserys wheezed, voice dialed to a meek whisper.

"Of course," you promised. "Goodnight, Grandfather. I love you."

He did not respond because he did not know you - but you didn't mind. You were used to this by now, his flighty memory. At least he could remember your mother, his daughter, Rhaenyra, and his wife, Alicent; though, his other children were lost to his mind.

When you moved through the castle, you felt your emotions bubbling like hot stew in your stomach. Forgetting your promise to seek your husband, you ventured to your rooms instead; slamming the door shut and letting the sobs overtake you as you only truly meant to only take 20 minutes to regroup and get your shit together. You just wanted to be alone, digest all that had happened; all you felt.

It's where Aemond found you about an hour later, your form already changed for bed; nestled under a blanket on the floor before the fire you had stoked to life by yourself. His brow furrowed, slowly approaching you as if a skittish deer; asking gently, "Love?"

You sniffled, glancing up at him, "Oh, uh," your eyes cast back to the fire, "did I miss our engagement?"

"Well, yes, but that's all right," he took a seat beside you. "Something happen today, my sweet? Why the tears?"

You nodded sadly, admitting in a whisper, "He does not know me... Not anymore. I don't think he'll know me for quite sometime... If ever again. My name is familiar to him, maybe my face in fleeting moments, but I saw today that... That he does not know me anymore."

Aemond sighed and let his hand drag up to hold the back of your neck, letting your head fall into the crook of his neck as your emotion was overwhelming for a moment.

"I've got you," he promised.

"What if that becomes us?" You asked in a whisper. "What if we get to that point, Aemond? Where you don't even know me? What if I don't know you, anymore? I-I don not think I could bear if I ever forgot you!"

"That won't happen. Ever, not in this lifetime."

"How do you know?"

"Because I would always recognize my heart," he replied fiercely - no changing his mind. "You are not so easily forgettable, my love."

"We cannot stop time," you almost growled, pulling away. "He did not plan for this - to waste away into nothing as his brain melted into soup! T-To forget the family he built - the country he's protected and lead through peace. He did not ask for this, there was no stopping it, either. What if that happens to us?"

He sighed, leaning his head to your own, whispering, "Our children will never let us forget our love. We will teach them the meaning of family and we will never have to worry about when we are aged and forgetful."

"We've no children, Aemond."

"Well, yes, not yet, but I've faith," he smirked. "I do not mean to downplay what is happening, but I've watched him whither into this state for years. I understand it can be jarring, I do not mean to take away from your fears or worries or pain... But there is nothing we can do now, love, but ease his passing."

You sighed, nodding, "It's just..."

"It's sad," he agreed, cradling you to his chest. "Are you hungry?"

"Think I've lost my appetite," you admitted, "though, if it makes up for tonight, maybe we can have breakfast tomorrow before I go back?"

"You're going back?"

You nodded. "Maybe you'd like to stop for a visit?"

"Perhaps, we shall see," he sighed, pecking your forehead. "Bed, my love?"

"Please," you whispered, letting him help you stand and make for the bed. You settle in comfort as he changed under your heavy gaze, leaving his chest bare with only a thin pair of trousers on for sleep; literally hopping into bed beside you. "Oh, Aemond! Gods!" You groaned through your laughter when he jostled you both around the mattress.

"Hi, love," he sighed, conforming around you to press his body to yours.

"Hi."

"I'm sorry for today..."

"Don't be," you reached back to caress his cheek, "it is not your fault. I want to be there, he deserves kindness at his end."

"He does," he agreed, "and who better than my sweet girl?"

You chuckled, "Hush, it's been a long day. I want to sleep."

"Hmm," he considered, sighing, "all right, fine, I'll fuck you in the morning, then."

"You're insatiable."

"Good thing you love me like this," his grin was felt against the shell of your ear.

For months, you would dedicate three-to-four days a week to visit Viserys which slowly morphed into you fully-caring for him on those days. He was calmer with you, and though he didn't know you in full, he still felt at ease under your gentle hands.

"Good morning, Granddaddy," you greeted softly.

"Is it morning already?"

"It is," you nodded, "do you want to sit up?"

"Yes, please," he wheezed, wincing when you had to practically heave his body up - his strength not up to par anymore. "Is there tea?"

"Yes, of course," you rushed to get him a cup, returning and nursing it to his mouth. As the morning went, you felt Viserys' eyes on you from time to time and tried not to let it unnerve you as you had opted to read one of your textbooks to him - doubling your time to study.

"Do I know you?"

You looked up, sighing, "Yes, Grandfather. I'm Y/N, your granddaughter."

"No, Y/N's with her mother," he chuckled some, "but you do look like her. Do you know her?"

"I do, actually," you chose a new tactic. "She sends her love and regards, my King."

"Oh, she's always been a very sweet girl," he half-smiled. "I miss my family. Are you my new maid? My new nurse?"

"Yes, Your Grace," you whispered, reaching for his hand. "Is there anything I can get you?"

But like a timer-reset, Viserys' eyes turned confused. "Do I know you? Who are you? How did you get in here?"

"Your Grace, it's Y/N," you tried once more, reaching for his hand and squeezing it. "Please, Grandfather, it's me. It's your sweet girl - it's Y/N."

"How can that be?"

"I married Aemond, I married your youngest son," you explained softly. "I live in the Red Keep with you, with your family."

"No," he wheezed, "no, no, my family is not here - Dragonstone. They're on Dragonstone!"

"No, Granddaddy, y-you have family here, too," you rushed. "You have a wife - "

"Aemma."

Bowing your head, your forehead rested on the back of his hand as you had to hold your breath to restrain your emotions. Sniffling, you looked up to see his eyes closed and a soft smile on his lips. "Yes, Granddaddy, Aemma... Your wife."

"My love."

"You had a child, didn't you? Do you remember?"

"Oh," he sighed, "my daughter. M-My daughter..."

"Rhaenyra."

"Yes," he smiled. "Yes, Rhaenyra. Where is she?" His eye opened and turned to you, allowing you to, once more, stare straight into the decaying flesh of his face. His eye darkened in confusion, "Who are you? Where's my daughter? Where's Rhaenyra?" You could see he was getting upset, heart breaking as he yanked his hand away, "What have you done!? What have you DONE!? Where is my daughter!? Where is Aemma and Rhaenyra!? Where is my family!?"

"Grandfather, it's me, it's Y/N, please, please, it's Y/N, I'm family, I'm kin, I'm your blood," you tried to reach for him, but he thrashed in panic - and you backed off because the quickened movements would surely cause searing pain and torn skin.

"NO! I don't know you! I don't know you! HELP! GUARDS! GUARDS!"

"No," you whimpered, backing off as the doors burst open.

"Oh, Princess," Ser Erryk sighed, reaching for you.

"Please, just help him - call the Maesters," you nodded, watching as a pair of guards rushed in to restrain the King.

"NO! THAT GIRL!" He pointed at you, "She's done something! Where is my family!? What did you do to them!?"

"She is family, Your Grace," one guard grunted as the Maesters arrived on the scene with the only thing that would help now: Milk of the Poppy. Viserys needed sedated as his mind lapsed into melted confusion, causing distressing panic that his body and mind was no longer equipped to handle.

"What have you done!?" He wailed, "Who is she!? I do not know her - why is she here!?"

Your hands pressed to your stomach as you were forced to supervise the Maesters sedate Viserys - and within ten minutes, you were ushering everyone out of the room to leave him in peace.

"Lady - "

"It's all right, Ser Erryk," you assured with a hand held up, not wanting pity in that moment. "These things happen. I will give him time to recover, and shall return next week..."

He nodded, "Of course."

"Goodnight," you bid, turning on your heel, and darting down a separate hall. Not knowing where you wanted to go first, your brain only registered you wanted your husband and tried to wrack in your mind where he might be.

Your feet picked up pace as the library was found empty, and the stable, and the bloody Dragon Pit. Luckily, as you jogged into one of the Keep's courtyards, the sounds of ringing metal greeted you and all but screamed the answer to your question: Where was Aemond?

"Good!" Cole barked, the two worked down to their tunics as the summer heat beat on them in the last, lingering hours of light. "Move your feet - quicker, my Prince! Quicker! You'll lose a leg like that! There you go - good!"

You came to a pause, realizing how deep into their lesson they were and suddenly felt incredibly selfish for feeling the need to interrupt. Instead, you located a spare weapons table and moved towards it, clearing daggers to the side to slide your body onto the top of it and watch. As if to keep your mind occupied, you idly twirled a dagger between your fingers - something Aemond had taught you once upon a time.

You winced as Cole was taking damaging, almost fatal strikes against Aemond, but your husband was much quicker to dodge around and parry the Knight's blows. You thought it a bit unfair their weapon choices, but figured in times of battle and war, not all weapons were equal and it was best to know how to defend yourself against any foe.

So, you watched. Drew your knees into your chest. Chin on top, and heart weeping without ever giving away anything on your face.

When their session came to a panting-end, you perked up some as Cole caught sight of you first and smirked. He nodded over Aemond's shoulder, who turned to look, and smiled in greeting when he caught sight of you - before frowning when he really looked at you.

Sheathing his sword, Aemond nodded at Cole before jogging over to you. "Hey, pretty girl," he greeted. "What're you doing here? Thought you were with Father all day?"

"I would've been..."

"Ah, shit. What happened?"

Glancing around, you lowered your voice, "Perhaps this is a conversation best made in private."

"Are you all right?"

"In truth, I do not know," you admitted. "But I understand why you do not want to visit him anymore..."

Aemond stiffened and nodded slowly, "Did he yell?"

"He did... Accused me of," you shrugged, "doing something to his family. T-To Aemma and Rhaenyra."

"Oh, love," he sighed, letting his hands smooth around your thighs to draw them down and open you to him. "C'mon, let's go to bed."

"No," you sighed, straightening your spine, "I think I owe my husband a nice dinner together."

"You owe me nothing," he whispered with a frown. "You're upset, my sweet girl."

"It's all right, I think I honestly need time to simply digest what happened today," you reached for his waist, pulling him closer to rest your head against his stomach. "Can we go to dinner and pretend today was normal?"

"All right," he agreed, giving you a squeeze. "C'mon, my love: a normal, boring dinner between normal, boring spouses it is."

"I didn't say boring," you whined lightly with a small laugh, letting him step back and fluidly pull you from your perch.

Aemond chuckled and let his arm wrap around your waist, leading you to your rooms so he could clean up from the day; change from his training clothes, then lead you to a private dining room.

However, it didn't remain private for long. Helaena stumbled upon you and you couldn't resist inviting her to join you. And not 15 minutes later, Alicent and Otto, on their way to their own meal, found the three of you and agreed to join.

Sure, the table originally set for two became crowded with the five of you, but the close quarters provided ample room to joke around and exchange pleasantries.

You managed the whole meal without talking about your day, but Alicent was then asking, "How was Viserys today, sweet girl?"

You nodded, "Oh, yeah, um, he... He just... Yeah."

She frowned when you adverted your eyes, trying not to let reality sink in. "He had a bad day," Aemond covered, hand moving to your thigh to hold tightly in support. "Y/N did what she could but he needed to be left alone."

"I see," she nodded, offering a saddened look.

When back in your rooms, Aemond watched you change for bed silently with a frown before welcoming you into his arms. You all but dropped into his embrace, melting into his warmth. It was easy enough to word-vomit over him, telling him in detail what happened with his father; tears slowly choking you as you had to admit, there wasn't much time left with him.

Aemond held you tightly, lips to your forehead and a hand flat to your cheek to keep you caressed into his chest. You felt fucking useless, laying there in tears, but you needed the relief from the stress of your day. And what better way than in your loving husband's embrace?

He took the following day off to spend with you, doing what he could to offer distraction from the family turmoil. He took you riding on horseback, bathed with you in candlelight, even locked the library doors for privacy to read you old stories from old books.

You didn't return to Viserys' bedside out of nervousness, stomach churning with every thought of upsetting him again.

It took you about a full week before Aemond convinced you to return, promising to stop by for tea - but insisting you weren't to remain for dinner. He liked boundaries and seemingly ending your day earlier was his compromise.

Imagine your surprise when you arrived that morning to find Viserys sitting up already. "Good morning, sweet girl!" He chirped, watching as you froze mid-step; eyes wide and shock coloring your face. "What? What's wrong?"

"You know me?"

"Of course," he smiled, "my sweet granddaughter. I called for you yesterday."

You wanted to tell him that was nearly a full year ago but only smiled, shut the door, and moved for his side. "Yes, yes," you sniffled, taking his hand, "I am here now - how are you feeling?"

"I am well," he nodded with a small smile. "You look well. How are you? Are you with child, yet?"

You sighed gently, "Not yet."

"Oh, well, surely, the Gods will bless you soon," he spoke with such assurance, you nearly had whiplash. "How fairs married life? Your wedding was beautiful."

"You remember?"

"I do."

You nodded back, smiling through your tears, "Life is well with Aemond. He is a sweet and kind husband, Your Grace, you should be very proud of your youngest son."

"I am," he assured, "just as I am proud of you."

"You are?"

"I am," he smiled, taking you hand. "Why do you look so shocked?"

You gulped, offering softly, "I am just happy to see you in high spirits. Maybe you'd like to sit in your chair today?"

"I think, perhaps, the balcony?"

"Really?" You beamed, nodding swiftly, "Yes, yes, that's a great idea. I will help you, we can have tea on the balcony together."

"Maybe some eggs? I feel a bit famished."

"That's good, yes, I'll get you some eggs, too," you nodded, aiding him in standing. You didn't mind helping him into a dressing robe, one hand holding his cane as the other held your arm tightly in his weakening grip as he hobbled. When you both shuffled onto the balcony, you were quick to sit him in a large, plush chair before darting out to find a maid.

Placing an order for breakfast to be delivered with fresh tea, you returned with a new book in hand. Viserys smiled at you, looking more alive than he had in months, offering, "It's a beautiful morning."

"Yes," you agreed, sitting beside him. "Are you feeling all right?"

"I am, love," he chuckled, "you worry too much."

"Or perhaps, not enough?"

He considered for a moment before slowly turning to you, "You feel guilt... For all that's happened."

"In a way," you nodded. "Though, it's in the past."

"Then why do you still bear these burdens?" When you adverted your eyes in shame, he sighed, "I know you worry for me, but what has come to pass is not your doing - nor responsibility."

"You deserve a helping hand in this," you argued gently.

"Perhaps, but it is not your burden to bear," he reminded. "And what happened to Aemond was not your fault, either."

You shifted in discomfort, "I wasn't quick enough to prevent the damage inflicted."

"And that is not worth allowing to weigh on your soul," he nodded slowly. "You saved his life that night."

"I honestly find that hard to believe."

"The boy could've hemorrhaged, bled out," he reminded you, "and did not because you were quick to hold pressure."

You sighed, "Surely, I cannot be the only one who holds weight."

"Surely, you're not," he chuckled.

"What weighs on your soul, Granddaddy?" You asked softly, leaning in to gently wrap your arms around one of his and let your chin rest on his bony shoulder.

"Much," he mused, staring off the balcony. "Mostly, these days, I wonder how I will be remembered."

"Hmm?"

He paused, the silence echoing around you for a moment as two blue birds landed on the stone bannister. They tweeted and chirped to one another, hopping around, almost mimicking the way Viserys' mind whirled.

"I wonder... If I will be remembered as a good King to my people, the courts... My family," he admitted. "And here, looking over the city, I wonder if I did all I could for the people I was sworn to protect."

"Do you know what they call you?"

"What?"

"Viserys, the Peaceful," you told him softly. "No qualms in the realms, no wars, no conflict... You have guided this country from King Jaehareys' reign into your own, where your people have only known you to be peaceful and protective. There is reason they call your daughter the Realm's Delight."

He chuckled, nodding, "Yes, I suppose you make a point."

"If your people did not approve, they would not bestow such a title to your offspring." You paused, squeezing his arm, "But for what it is worth, I will oversee the histories that I can - and make sure, your name is never without title of Peaceful."

He sighed, leaning his head to the top of yours, "You were always too good for this world, Y/N."

You let a few tears fall - hearing him say your name so confidently enough to squeeze your heart. When tea and breakfast was served, you and Viserys dined together before he leaned back and smiled at you, requesting a story, and listening intently. He was much more attentive today and asked you about your studies, picking up on you reading from a textbook - one he had favored in his youthful education. So, it made for good conversation, and for a few hours, it was like you had your Granddaddy back. The real him.

The man you'd remember him as.

No matter how the end turned out; no matter how melted his brain seemed and how aggressive he might've turned, he was your soft, loving Granddaddy... And you were trying to savor and cherish these fleetingly lucid moments with him.

So, when the day passed on the balcony, Viserys asked to go back inside to rest for a bit before he felt dinner was a good idea. When you settled him back in bed, you asked, "Would it be all right if I come back? To dine with you?"

He smiled, "I'd like that. Would you bring Aemond, too?"

"Of course," you nodded with a bright grin. Unable to resist, you leaned down and pressed your lips to his forehead, "I love you."

He sighed softly, smiling up at you and holding your hand in a tight, long-finger-nailed grip, "I love you, too. I don't know if I've ever done it before, but thank you for what you've done for me. Your presences is comforting."

You smiled, "I am glad you think so. I will return this evening."

"Good," he nodded with a smile - one you missed dearly.

You drew his curtains to block the sun and took your leave, unable to stop yourself from rushing to the courtyard first. You caught yourself on the stone bannister over the courtyard, surveying around it before locating the fan of silver locks. "Aemond!" You called, unable to fight off your grin when he turned swiftly in alarm.

You rushed down the stairs and he met you at the bottom, lilac orb blown wide in panic as he reached for you, "What's wrong? What's happened? Are you hurt?"

"No, no, no, it's good - it's good news," you promised, holding onto his shoulders as he kept you two steps up. "I-I am sorry for interrupting, I just - I got a bit excited and - "

"Breathe," he chuckled, watching your face scrunch in distaste before huffing a breath. "Good... Now, tell me what's happened."

"Um, well, now, I might be a bit embarrassed," you glanced over his head to the courtyard, who were mostly staring at you both in confusion. "I did not realize how many people were here."

"Ignore them, tell me your news, pretty girl," he caught your attention once more. "Your husband wants to know - do not deprive me of information now."

With a breath, you told him your news - grin bright and joyous as you filled him in on the day you had with your Granddaddy. The term of endearment always made him smile and chuckle in amusement but he was far too distracted with how overjoyed you were.

And when you told him Viserys requested he, Aemond, join you both for dinner that evening, he only stared at you in shock.

With nervousness, you asked, "Is that all right? I know you said tea, but he's resting and requested we dine with him."

Blinking a few times, he nodded, "Course... Yes, of course... He does not name names, so, I would be foolish to refuse."

"Aemond, if you're not comfortable, we do not have to," you tried, making him nod.

"No, it's okay," he assured, "we'll go."

You smiled, "Thank you."

"Mhm, but first, we'll clean up," he nodded, leaving you on the stairs to return his weaponry to the racks - bid Cole a good day - and collect your hand again to lead you up the stairs once more. Once in your rooms, he seemed distracted and a little confused by your information; wondering, too, if Viserys would even remember his request by this evening.

You bathed quietly together, relishing in the moments alone as he would continuously sigh in contemplation. Your fingers would rake through his hair in soothing motions, being the big spoon in the tub to let him rest back on your breasts. When the time came, you both dried off and dressed for the evening; sending Amira to the kitchens with supper orders before heading for Viserys' chambers.

You both paused before the door to take nervous breaths in, glancing at one another. "You ready?" You whispered.

"As I'll ever be," he answered, sparing you a softened look before knocking and opening the door.

When you arrived, Viserys was being assisted to a table by a set of nurses and only looked up when he was seated. "Ah!" He panted, nodding and waving you forward, "Good, yes. You're here."

"Good evening, Granddaddy," you smiled, pausing to kiss his cheek. "How was your rest?"

"Very nice, thank you," he smiled, letting you take the seat beside him as Aemond stoically approached. "Oh, Aemond," Viserys nodded, "it is good to see you, son."

"Father," he greeted, offering only a hand on his shoulder before swiftly moving to take the seat on your other side - being furtherest from his father.

You were pleasantly shocked when Viserys asked Aemond about his education and training. He listened as intently as he was able to, a tremor starting in his neck and hands that made you reach over to cut up his meal for him.

"Thank you," he whispered, obviously slowing down in energy.

"Of course," you answered, sitting back to reach for your goblet.

"I hear Y/N's been reading to you," Aemond mentioned, Viserys focused on forking a bit of potatoes into his mouth.

He considered for a moment before looking up to Aemond, and in that moment, you saw the distant look return to his eyes. "Who is Y/N?" He asked, and it was the final nail in the coffin for you.

Aemond glanced at you in worry, looking back at Viserys, "Father, it's us - it's Y/N and Aemond. We've been dining all evening together."

"Have we?" He asked. "I don't think I know a Y/N."

You sighed sadly, "I'm Rhaenyra's daughter."

"No, my daughter's not married," he refused, glaring at you. "You mean to say my daughter has been defiled? How dare you lie to me! Insult my family! How dare you!"

"Okay," Aemond whispered, dropping his cutlery and wiping his mouth.

"Granddaddy, please," you reached for his hand, but he flinched back.

"Who are you!?" He demanded, glaring between you and your husband. "How did you get in here!? These are private chambers! Private, royal chambers! You cannot be here! Guards!"

"Father - "

"I have no son!" Viserys roared, standing in panic that sent his chair toppling over; holding the edge of the table for balance. "I have my daughter! My only child! And this bitch insults her! Calls herself my daughter's seed! My daughter is unmarried!"

Aemond moved swiftly, yanking you from your chair just as you stood in shock when Viserys picked up his plate and hurled it at your body. Aemond used his body to protect yours as Viserys hollered in fright and panic - claiming neither of you as his family because, in his warped mind, Rhaenyra was still fifteen.

"Your Grace!" The Maesters finally arrived and had to work with the guards to fully restrain the King - who had discovered a channel of untapped strength.

"Please!" You whimpered when another dish shattered against the wall behind you, Aemond's hand around the back of your head to keep you pressed protectively into his chest.

"Help him!" Aemond raged, keeping you turned from the sight. When he was assured the guards and Maester's had a hold on Viserys, Aemond was turning at a break-neck pace to lead you from the room and did not release his hold until in the hall.

"Wait for me here, I just want to make sure they get him down," he breathed, hand on your wrist tight.

"I can - "

"No, you've done more than enough, my love, let me do this," he nodded. "Just stay here."

You agreed softly and waited, listening through the opened door as Viserys still cried and wailed and panicked - getting worse when Aemond arrived back on the scene.

"YOU'RE NOT MY SON!"

"My King!"

"WHO IS THAT!?"

"H-he is - He is Daemon's son," one of the Maester's rushed, and it slowly settled. The lie that Aemond, Viserys' own seed, was his brother's offspring cut deep and you waited impatiently for them to get His Grace back in bed.

The guards exited first, then the Maesters, and after a full minute, Aemond exited last and made sure to shut the doors with three guards on post. "C'mere," he whispered, reaching for you. You both made for your rooms, and the moment you were there, the door slammed and Aemond whispered, "We're not going back."

"Aemond - "

"No," he refused, "you've done more than you ever should and tonight proved... No matter if kin or not, he does not understand, and it's time to let the nurses and Maesters step in full-time."

"They already do - "

"You cannot possibly endure this for longer," he shook his head, reaching for your cheeks, "do you understand? You mean more to me than life and I saw tonight that it does not matter how soft and gentle and loving your helping hands are - he's already gone. You hear me? I'm so sorry, but he's gone. It's only going to hurt you more to endure this, so, please, do not go back. For me, do not return."

You were silent as tears sprung to his eye.

"Please," he repeated, readjusting and tightening his hands on your cheeks.

You nodded, "All right, love... I won't return."

"I know it is unfair and it is not right of me to ask - "

"You are only looking out for me, and I have tried to ignore what you can see so clearly. He's... He's not there anymore." Your words were the nail in Aemond's coffin, who leaned forward to trap you in a suffocating embrace as his emotion overwhelmed him. "Oh, oh, my love. My sweet love," you whispered, caressing the back of his head.

"Father's gone," he whispered. "Does not have a son... Let alone two."

"Don't," you pulled back, catching his eye, "that is not fair to you, nor him. His... His brain is a puddle of memory, love. He does not realize what's even happening, it's not his fault. Nor is it fair you had to hear that, and I am so sorry you did. If I would've left you alone, respected your wishes to keep your distance - "

"it matters not," he assured, "it happened and we endured together."

"We did," you agreed softly, smiling sadly.

That night, you laid in one another's arms; facing one another in the nude as fingertips traced muted patterns over each other's skin. It was quiet, and for a moment, you forgot the turmoil your family endured as your mind replayed the significant events over the past year; the three times Viserys didn't know you, and the one time he did. Your heart didn't want to accept it, but you would come to agree that keeping distance was best for everyone invovled.

The next and final time Viserys was lucid was when your mother, his beloved daughter, Rhaenyra, returned from Dragonstone with the intent of defending her youngest son's birthright to Driftmark. And in the end, you were grateful for these moments; whether he knew you or not, you would cherish any time spent with your grandfather because before you would know it, there'd no longer be opportunity for time together again.

•

Expectations mean entertaining would-be suitors with pleasant conversation and clumsy dances during feasts instead of gossiping with Princess Helaena and her brother, Aemond. “We’re not children anymore,” you remind him. He is a prince. You are a lady. Neither you nor he can escape the responsibilities that come with each role.

“No,” he agrees. The days of childhood and innocence are long gone —he likes to think his childhood ended when Lucerys Velaryon took his eye. But even if childhood has come and gone, it feels like few things have changed between you and him. And maybe that’s what causes people to talk when they see the prince absconding from your chambers early in the morning or when you both return at indecent hours having stolen away on horse or dragon back.

Aemond sits next to you on the vanity bench and plucks one of the silver combs from your hair. Having him so close after the feast and your father's words gnaws at your heart in a new and strange way. You do not wish to be parted from the prince, but you cannot give yourself false hope either. “How much longer can we carry on like this?” You ask, voice wavering, and for maybe the first time, Aemond realizes the toll of his affections —of the life you both lead in private. “Sneaking around whilst my father and your mother try to make suitable matches for us.”

“I’ll tell mother there’s only one match she need make then,” he tells you. He called you his princess as a boy, but when Vhagar accepted you, he knew —it should have been enough to make your father and Alicent realize too. Aemond wraps a lock of your hair around his finger and tugs on it gently. “You’ll be a Princess of the Realm. What father would not wish that honor upon his daughter?” Then he leans closer and whispers in your ear. “Our sons could be kings.”

“Planning to depose your brother already?” That earns you a quiet laugh. He’s made it no secret that he is better suited for the throne than his lecherous brother. “It matters not, though.” You unwind the last of the braids and glance down at the brush in hand. Aemond’s pursed lips fall, his brow furrowing. “In the end, I am but the daughter of a minor house,” you remind him, “unfit for such a prestigious match.” Queen Alicent Hightower will pursue a union between her second son and a daughter from one of the Great Houses of Westeros —not the daughter of a lesser house from the Stormlands. House Wylde has nothing to offer the Crown save for love and loyalty. 

“I don’t give a shit about prestige,” Aemond bites, his tone sharp and expression harsh. He’ll not tolerate hearing you patronize yourself, nor the thought that anyone other than him would get to decide who is worthy of his love. The harsh line of his lips softens, as does the furrow between his brows. He shifts, taking hold of your hands —thumbs running across your knuckles. “Nyke jaelagon ao.”

Freeing one of your hands, you reach around him, undoing the clasp of his eyepatch. He catches the leather piece and places it next to one of your hair combs on the vanity. The blue of his stone-eye glimmers in the firelight —you’ve never loved that shade of deep blue as much as you do now. Aemond closes his eye when your fingertips meet the start of his scar, tracing downward, over where his eye should be, and across his cheek. He conceals his sapphire eye while at court so as not to frighten the ladies. But you had been among the first to see him after his return from Driftmark —the wound fresh and stitches swollen. Aemond hadn’t wanted you to look upon him, not after hearing whispers from others, but true friends did not abandon one another so readily.

You tilt your chin up and lean closer to him, heart racing. There’ll be no going back after tonight, one way or another. “Then make good on your promise and take me,” you breathe. It’s a promise made a lifetime ago and one you nor he has ever forgotten. 

Aemond inhales before he seizes your face within his hands and lurches forward, lips seeking yours —hungry and zealous and loving. You sigh into his mouth, fingers twisting into his silver-white hair. He tastes of smoke and wine and everything you could ever dream of in this life.

THE SPACE NEXT to you in bed is empty and cold when your lady’s maid, Lyra, comes to wake and prepare you for the day. She says nothing about the state of your undress —only offers a meek smile when she realizes you wear Prince Aemond’s tunic. People in the Red Keep like to speculate about your and the prince’s relationship, but only Lyra knows the truth, having stumbled upon you and Aemond in bed, wrapped up in one another. It had been innocent enough then, but now without the high neck of your linen shift beneath a blue-green dress, the world would be able to see the scattering of dark lovebites on your neck —and speculation would turn to scandal.

A posted guard announces your arrival, and Helaena looks up from her embroidery and offers a faint and fleeting smile. “Good morrow, Lady Wylde,” the princess greets. You arrive later than usual, and Helaena’s already broken her fast with her brothers, sorely missing the pleasant conversation which often quells Aemond and Aegon’s tempers.

“Good morrow to you, princess,” you reply, dipping down into a quick curtsey before taking a seat across from her. Your unfinished embroidery is left on the low table, a poor attempt to create the sigil of House Wylde —a blue-green maelstrom on a golden field. The curves and lines are not straight, and instead of neat swirls, it looks more like a patchwork of yellow and blue thread. “We’ve apple tarts still from breakfast,” Helaena notes to break the looming quiet. “Made sure my brothers did not eat them all.”

You thank Helaena for her thoughtfulness, then turn your attention to little Jaehaerys and Jaehaera, swaddled in pale linens and still fast asleep in their bassinet. Helaena often reprimands you for spoiling them, just as she does their uncle. It’s astounding such pure little beings had come from Aegon’s loins. “Aemond was looking for you,” she says, suddenly —knowing something was off with him this morning. “He’s gone to train now.”

“Did he say why?” But Helaena does not answer, only offering another quick smile. 

Ser Criston Cole glimpses you as you descend the stairs to join the others watching the prince’s training session. “You have an audience,” the kingsguard knight says, pushing away from a stalemate. Aemond always garners an audience when he trains —it makes for a bout of good entertainment on droll days, especially when his opponent is Ser Criston. But now the one person Prince Aemond always looks for arrives —and it’s the only audience that matters to the young prince. He spins the hilt of his training sword, then drives the blunted sword into the ground and turns on heel.

You step to Aemond, hands clasped behind your back and head tilted to the side —appraising his disheveled appearance and the sheen of sweat on his pale brow. “Helaena said you wished to see me, my prince?”

Mindlessly, he reaches for a lock of your hair, twisting it around his finger. “I always wish to see you,” Aemond replies, softly and hushed.

“Flattery will get you everywhere and nowhere, Aemond.” You grip his wrist lest he forgets himself and the others watching with eagle eyes and loose lips.

“Mm” —his lips quirk upward, and his gaze dips downward, tracing the line of your jaw and neck— “let’s hope for the former then, my lady,” he breathes, a heady lilt to the words. You like to think yourself immune to his tricks and sweet words, but the flush of warmth painting your cheeks says otherwise. Aemond smiles in earnest and glimpses his waiting opponent over his shoulder. “May I ask your favor whilst I best this old knight?” He asks, just lough enough for those closest to hear.

“I’ve no favor to give,” you tell him, amused —you have no crown of flowers, ribbon, or handkerchief to present the prince this day, only yourself.

But that’s more than enough. “A kiss then,” Aemond muses, already leaning closer and expecting you to acquiesce his request, “from my fairest lady.”

You press a hand to his chest, fingers toying with one of the buckles of his gambeson. “Only if you win.” A kiss is a precious thing, and you dare not give one away so freely before your titled peers. Aemond steps back and recovers his training sword, then turns to face Ser Criston.

Three more rounds come to pass. One ends in a draw, the other with Aemond knocking the kingsguard knight’s sword from hand, but in the final contest, Criston claims victory.

The gathered lords and ladies clap and cheer, slowly filtering from the training yard now that the spectacle is over. You lean against a training dummy, watching as the two combatants and their page boys come to rerack the training weapons. “It’s good of you to knock him on his arse from time to time, Ser Criston,” you remark, making your way toward the knight and prince. 

Aemond glares across the training yard, but you only smile sweetly for him. In truth, it soothes your heart and mind to know the prince is trained by one of the finest knights in the Seven Kingdoms —and one of the few battle-hardened warriors who resided in the city at that. “Even princes must be humbled, my lady,” Ser Criston replies. “A duty I take no pleasure in.”

You reach for Aemond’s arm. “Walk with me,” you say, smiling up at him. He obliges, knowing your company will be the sweetest balm for his wounded pride. You mean to steal him away to the godswood of the Keep but passing members of the court all seek to stop you and the prince for polite conversation —a question about King Viserys’s health, an offhand remark about the unusually warm weather. 

Many in the court believe you to be a good match for the prince regardless of birth status, though they’d never dare speak such improper opinions aloud. And all the while, Aemond presses his hand against the small of your back, his thumb rubbing circles, mindlessly, through the linen and silk of your summer dress —always touching you somehow, as he is wont to do, and uncaring of whoever may see.

It takes time to converse with everyone so as not to be seen as impolite, but the halls of the Red Keep give way to the godswood. Aemond stops beneath the weirwood tree and peers up at the red leaves, suddenly lost in thought and memory. “If you could go anywhere” —his gaze flits down to you— “where would you go?” He isn’t sure what he wants to hear you say. 

“Se hūra,” you answer, needing little time to ponder an answer. You’ve everything you want here in King’s Landing —family, friends, the love of a prince— you needn't go anywhere else save the impossible. 

“You’d have to fly to the moon,” he muses.  

You step in front of Aemond and reach for his hands —twining your fingers with his. “But you have a dragon.” You could take me. If any dragon could reach the moon and stars, it would be Vhagar, and Aemond would take you without question or hesitation. He does not say anything, but there’s a glimmer in his eye, and then he frees one of his hands, the backs of his fingers skimming across your cheek. Aemond exhales softly, leaning in as you tilt your chin up, standing a little taller. It’s a small kiss, just at the corner of your mouth, nothing more, nothing less —for propriety’s sake. But before he can part, you turn your head, noses brushing together just before your lips do. 

It’s a risky decision to display your feelings for one another so openly, but the prince is long past caring, and you’re nigh to that point too. A cool tingle crawls up your arms when his hand cradles the back of your head —fingers lacing into your hair. Aemond nudges your nose with his own, and on instinct, you both tilt your heads, finding a better angle for him to kiss you slowly, lazily. And then he grabs your waist with his free hand and pulls you closer to him, breathing in your little gasp. “Ñuha sīmontan,” he whispers upon parting. Then he releases you from his gentle hold and steps back.

You cannot keep him to yourself this day, he’s promised to tend to his mother before continuing his studies with the maester, and you must return to Helaena’s company as her favored lady-in-waiting.

AEMOND KNEELS BEDSIDE and wakes you with the cool brush of his fingertips against your cheek. “Come to bed, jorrāelagon,” you murmur, catching his mismatched gaze of lilac and sapphire in the dim firelight of the dwindling sconces. But he makes no move to join you; instead, he offers his hand —and his heart. 

Rousing, you don a dressing gown and cloak and follow your rogue prince through the hidden passageways of the Red Keep and into a courtyard below, where Ser Criston waits with a saddled black destrier. The kingsguard knight passes the reins to Aemond with a curt nod before taking his leave to return to his post at the Queen’s door. Aemond helps you up into the saddle, then mounts behind you and takes the reins, turning westward. It’s common for the two of you to steal away for the night, but seldom do such trysts occur without prior thought. You glance over your shoulder. “Where are we going at this hour?”

His arm wraps around your waist, pulling you back flush against his chest. “Se hūra,” Aemond replies, a gentle whisper in your ear. 

King’s Landing fades on the horizon as you ride to the south and towards the Kingswood. He slows the horse to a halt at the edge of a clearing surrounding one of the largest oak trees in the swath of forest. Burning lanterns hang from the lowest branches, and an altar bearing miniature stone likenesses of the Seven stands before the great trunk.

Aemond eases you from the saddle, then dismounts himself and offers the crook of his arm. You glance around and to the stars and moon above —the clouds from earlier have parted to a clear night sky— before looking up at the prince. A flutter starts in your belly, and your heart begins beating faster. It isn’t, you tell yourself. He wouldn’t break tradition so easily. “Is this where you disappeared to earlier?” You query, wondering how many days and nights he’s spent planning this moment, but he does not offer an answer.

When you reach the altar, he steps before you and takes your hands. “I like to think I am a man of my word,” Aemond starts, and you can see the nervous twinkle in his eye. “I would make you mine tonight,” he tells you. “Now and forever.” He promised when you were only children that you’d be his princess one day, and again when you were both of age and realized simple friendship could not account for the way you loved one another. The tears pricking at your eyes are ones of joy, and you smile for Aemond before embracing him, face tucked into the crook of his neck.

From the shadows, Septon Eustace emerges, a marriage cape draped over his arm and a lantern held aloft in the other. Part of you refuses to believe this is happing —you’ve scarcely dreamt of something so sweet as this moment. Eustace bows his head. There is no need for ceremony or rambling to appease the masses. Tonight it is only two young lovers, desperate and eager to speak the sacred vows before it is too late.

“We are here to join these two as man and wife in the sight of the Seven,” he begins, looking between you and the prince and the carved figurines of the Seven on the altar. You grip Aemond’s hand, fingertips pressing into his wrist. “One flesh, one heart” —his heart is racing, just as yours is, almost in sync— “one soul, now and forever.” And forever shall come too soon.

“Cloak the bride, my prince.” The septon extends his arm, offering the black cape emblazoned with the sigil of House Targaryen, embroidered with silver thread and shining ruby eyes. “Bring her under your protection.” Aemond takes the cloak and steps behind you —his uneven breaths fan across the nape of your neck— draping the heavy fabric over your shoulders. The new weight makes you stand taller, as a princess of the realm should.

Septon Eustace lowers his head as Aemond returns to your side and reaches for your shaking hand, but his touch nigh instantly soothes your nerves and heart. “In the name of the Seven, I seal these two souls” —the septon wraps a red silk ribbon around your joined hands— “binding them as one for eternity,” he states, taking a step back. “Now look upon one another and say the words.”

You glimpse Aemond, gaze following the sharp line of his jaw, before shifting to face him. “Father. Smith. Warrior. Mother. Maiden. Crone. Stranger,” you and Aemond say in unison, gazes locked and unfaltering —his cold gaze softens, reflecting the lanterns and stars. You take a slow breath before reciting the vows you’ve only ever dreamt of speaking. “I am his, and he is mine, from this day, until the end of my days,” you proclaim. I am hers, and she is mine, from this day, until the end of my days, Aemond echoes. 

“It is done then,” the septon says, bowing his head as he unbinds the silk ribbon. “I wish you both happiness and good health.” Eustace looks to Aemond. “My prince” —then his gaze flits over to you— “princess.” A flutter of wings stirs in your belly hearing your new title, another promise Aemond had made good on. And then Septon Eustace takes his leave.

Alone, you reach for him and rise on your toes to bestow a kiss just below his sapphire eye, along the scar cutting across his cheek. “Husband,” you call him, giddy with the thought and what it means for the future. 

Aemond rests his forehead against yours, lips curved into a smile. “Say it again,” he breathes, the words a soft caress against your lips and cheek. He doesn’t think he’ll ever tire of hearing his name and titles in your soft, lilted voice. 

“Valzȳrys,” you whisper, remembering the Valyrian word for ‘husband’ —you came across it while reading a book about the traditions of Old Valyria with him in the library. 

“Ābrazȳrys,” he calls you. Another title added to an ever-growing list of endearments: Wife. Princess. My love. Rose. Aemond cups your face in his hands and brings your lips together. The kiss is sweet and soft, not lesser, or more than any other you’d shared in secret, only now, he is more than your dear prince.  

IT’S NOT DIFFICULT to keep your marriage to Aemond a secret. You both carry on as you always have in the eyes of the court, but your husband takes to the secret passageways of the Red Keep to spend the evening and night hours with his new wife —always gone by morning, though. No one, save for Lyra and perhaps Helaena, suspects a thing.

And so your father continues his search for a suitable man to marry his daughter. He calls upon you to take lunch in the gardens with him and hear the good news. “You’re to meet Humfrey Swyft in a week's time,” Lord Wylde announces. House Swyft is a knightly house of the Westerlands, sworn to House Lannister. A good name. A good house. A good match. But as your father speaks, your heart begins to race —pounding in your ears like the war drums of the Giants. “He has asked to seek your hand in courtship.” And marriage. 

“I cannot accept this match, father,” you tell him, eyes downcast and gaze focused on your hands —folded in your lap. Lord Wylde’s brows settle into a deep furrow. He raised you as a proper lady of the court, talented in womanly affairs and always dutiful. Despite your newfound happiness, it is still painful to be a disappointment to your father and house.

“I am wed to another.” Your voice trembles as you speak the truth, and your father’s face turns red with anger. But you go on. Lord Wylde is a devout follower of the Seven, and perhaps it will ease his heart and curb his temper to know you had not done something so reckless on a whim. “Septon Eustace and the Seven will attest to my vows.”

“To whom are you married, daughter?” He knows the answer already, deep down —and knows the whispers which entertain the servants and other members of the court about his daughter and the prince are true. You look up from your glass of sweet wine, seeing Aemond approach through the hedges —a prince come to rescue his lady wife— and give a quiet sigh of relief.

“Me,” Aemond says before you can speak his name. “And we did so with the Queen’s blessing.” You look to your husband, just as surprised as your father upon hearing it. Though, at least it soothes your heart to know Good Queen Alicent looked upon your union with her son favorably.

“You need not worry for her happiness or prosperity, my Lord Wylde.” Aemond rounds the table and reaches for your hand to kiss your knuckles, his lips pulling into a smile against your flesh. “I will honor her as all good husbands honor their wives.” His cool gaze flits from your father to and back to you, a new, unspoken promise shining in his eye. Now, always, and forever. 

High Valyrian Translation: Iā Zaldrīzes's Prūmia - A Dragon’s Heart Sīmontan. - Rose. Nyke jaelagon ao. - I want you. Se hūra. - The moon. Ñuha sīmontan. - My rose. Jorrāelagon. - Love. Valzȳrys. - Husband. Ābrazȳrys. - Wife.

You smiled up through your eyelashes at the noble lord who’d grabbed your attention, insisting on engaging you in flirtatious banter.  All around the two of you, couples danced with lively abandon to the swelling music.  He was handsome enough, you thought tiredly, casting your eyes about the crowded room for your lover.  Aemond was nowhere to be seen and with an imperceptible sigh you nodded and smiled at the overeager lordling.

“Excuse me, a moment, will you?”  You had spotted your prince, his silver hair contrasting in the swirling color of dancing people.  Touching the elbow of the rather crestfallen man, you departed, weaving your way over to Aemond.

He looked at you, rather aloof, as you approached.  His violet eye displeased upon your face, the other eye covered by his preferred black leather patch.

“Having fun, Lady Y/N?”  Aemond’s voice, though low, was cutting. “That Lannister cub seemed entranced by you.”

“Oh please, Aemond.”  You pried his rigid fingers open from the fist he’d made, interlacing them with your own.  “You know I am wholly yours, heart and body.”

“Hmm.” Came the terse reply.

“Do you want to dance with me?”

He didn’t answer, instead Aemond continued to stare across at the unsuspecting man who you’d been speaking to.

You rolled your eyes, releasing his hand abruptly. “Fine, be sour. I plan on enjoying my evening.”

With a toss of your heavy hair over a shoulder, you stomped away rather ungracefully, almost immediately running into another eager lord.

“May I have this dance?”  The young man asked, silver eyes twinkling.

You glanced back at Aemond, his eye practically sparking fire with the heat of his gaze.

“Yes, I’d love to!”  You graced the nobleman with a winning smile as he led you onto the dancefloor.

He was an excellent dancer, his hands firm upon your waist, his steps light and quick.  Tommin Greyjoy, from the Iron Islands he introduced himself.  Tommin quite enjoyed talking about only himself and before long you instinctively began to tune him out, beaming and nodding up at him each time he paused for breath.

You were quick to duck away once the song ended, making up a hurried excuse about needing water and scurried over to the drink table, grabbing a goblet from a passing servant.  Glancing around, you saw Aemond almost immediately.  He was chatting with a short curvy young woman, with red hair that tumbled in ringlets down her back.  Her amble bosom was straining against the pale blue corset she wore, and the way she looked at the Targaryen prince as she spoke made your teeth grind.

Your brow furrowed, eyes narrowing as you watched Aemond lean closer to her, far too close for your liking.  To your chagrin, another flower of a girl joined them, her delicate fingers coming to clasp Aemond about his wrist as she laughed at something he’d said.  He made no move to remove her hand.

Your heart dropped.  It became hard to swallow.

Aemond turned his head, feeling your attention upon him.  His eye met yours, but you quickly averted your gaze to the ground.  Your lips tugged down into a frown, the infuriating feeling of tears beginning to make your eyes burn.

Setting your goblet carefully back onto the table, you walked to the edge of the room where you stood observing the suddenly lurid scene of revelers. You hugged yourself, maintaining a neutral expression as yet another young man approached you asking for a dance.

“No, I’m afraid I feel rather unwell.”  You declined, shaking your head.

“May I retrieve something for you?”  He asked politely, looking mildly concerned at your wan face.

“That’s not necessary.”

He left you alone.  You sent up a silent prayer of gratitude to the gods.

You spied Aemond once again with those same two women, he was paying them attention but kept glancing over at you in the corner.  His expression had morphed from one of vindictive pleasure to barely concealed worry.  You watched him excuse himself from the ladies, peeling one of their hands off his arm before striding purposefully toward you.

Aemond came up to you just as another lordling attempted to ask you for a dance. “No.”  The prince growled, answering for you.  “She is not interested.”

The man looked around for the intruder, opening his mouth to argue but blanched as he saw who it was and made haste to put distance between himself and the Targaryen.

“Thank you.”  You said reluctantly, hugging yourself tighter.

“You are crying.”  Aemond stated, peering into your face.

“I am not.”

“What is wrong, Y/N.”

“What do you think?”  You cut your eyes over to where the women he’d been engaged with had their heads together, whispering.  “They seemed rather enamored by you.”

Aemond sighed, tilting your chin up with his finger. “This conversation is seeming rather familiar.”

“It’s not at all the same, Aemond.”

“How is it not?”

You refused to look at him, though his grip on your jaw tightened. “I will always only be interested in you! You have my adoration in its entirety.”

“You think I feel differently.”  It was not a question.  Aemond tapped your cheek with his index finger, his thumb stroking your quivering lower lip.  “Y/N, look at me.”

You raised your eyes to meet his.  Aemond’s expression was soft, tender even, as he gave you a small smile.

“I thought you were clever, Y/N.”

Your protestations were silence with a muffled “I ammfph!” as Aemond brought his mouth down hard upon your own.  His lips were hot against yours, you instinctively pressed flush against him as Aemond’s hands gripped low at your waist, his leg parting your thighs.  You tangled your fingers in his thick hair, pulling him further into you.  You felt a low wanting groan rumble in his chest, his breath filling your lungs as your tongues tangled together.

He broke away slightly placing a little peck to the tip of your nose.  Your head was spinning, but you noticed many eyes upon the two of you and the whispering of voices buzzing around the grand room.

“Perhaps that will alleviate those doubts from that pretty head of yours.”  Aemond ran the back of his finger down your cheek.  He leant in to place another, more chaste, kiss to your parted lips.

“What doubts were those again?”  You followed his movements with wide eyes as the prince took your hand in his, leading you back onto the dance floor.

He chuckled, leading you into the beginnings of a slow waltz. “Exactly.”

You glanced over his shoulder to the two women he’d been speaking to.  Their cheeks were flushed; they watched the movements of your and Aemond’s dance with expressions of shocked anger mixed with envy.  You hid your satisfied smirk in the crook of Aemond’s neck, breathing in his smell of smoke and leather.

“Something amuse you, my dear?” Aemond’s breath tickled your cheek.  He grazed his lips against the shell of your ear before kissing your temple.

“I think we’ve upset a couple women over there.”

“As if they could hold a candle to you in any way, perzītsos.”

The earth awakes slowly,everything around is quiet,the melodious chirping of the birds out of the window glass and the sweet crashing of the waves on the shore were the most beautiful lullaby.

The sun was rising above the horizon,shining with his golden rays all over Dragon Stone who was still enjoying its peaceful slumber.It would be a beautiful day,no clouds in sight,sky bluer as ever and a comforting warmth touching every living creature on the small island.

A beautiful start for an awaited long summer,the one Y/n wished for.After several months of winter it was time for the cold and dark weather to retire and giving its place to the season of eternal sunshine and development.

Delicate golden light glowed on her skin,immaculate and soft,where he was tracing lines with his fingers,almost to pure to be corrupted.Y/n was still asleep,her cheek pressed on the white pillow and a peaceful expression on her beautiful face.

Her husband laid besides her like every morning,the gods have mercy on whoever will try to have his place and stealing away from the thing he begged on his knees for.Daemon remembered the day,when he and Y/n came back together,hand in hand,after winning the war in the Stepstones,and how after,the same night,he went to his brother chambers.

«You said i could have anything i wanted when i gave you my crown.»he told to the King«I want Y/n,wed her to me.»then his knees touched the cold stone floor,a pure gaze of love and devotion in his eyes was powerful enough to have his wish come true.

Purple orbs scrutinized her angelic face,memorizing and mapping every inch of her skin just like they always did.From the way her soft rosy lips were slightly parted,her silky silver hair,strands of moonlight spread on her pillow,and her closed eyelids the closed the world outside.

Such a beautiful and mesmerizing sight should be forbidden for a man like him,but here she was,laying on her side trying to gather some energy back.She need that,more than anyone at the moment.Daemon hands traveled down her arm,savoring the soft texture of her skin,and landing on the growing belly hidden under her nightgown.

Fortunately this pregnancy had been much easier than the last one,the one that gave them two beautiful daughters,twins, Aemma,named after Y/n mother,and Alyssa,named after Daemon’s one.This time Y/n had enough strength to still be able to ride her dragon and to not spend all of her time laying in bed.

Softly Daemon face disappeared in his wife warm neck,lips ghostly kissing the tender skin in attempt to wake her up.A quiet whine,similar to a light breath,left the back of her throat,a little smile was now present on her face as she titled her head to give him more access to continue.

«Good morning,my little storm.»he greeted her,lips still hovering the sensitive flesh on her neck,his arms wrapped around her waist bringing her closer to him as his hands made their way to her stomach again.

«Morning my love.»Y/n voice was still sleepy,her eyes were adjusting to the light in the room,trying to take in as much as she could of her husband handsome features.

Daemon pale blonde hair tickled her cheek and his warm breath on her skin gave her goosebumps all over.The nickname, “Little storm”,the way he used to call when she was little due to her impetuous behavior,made her giggle while she started to play with his hair.

When Daemon palm met the swollen belly a smile stretched on his lips«How did you two slept?»he asked,callous finger brushing and caressing where his child was growing.

«He didn’t move at all,he must have been very tired.»she informed him,humming sweetly and placing a hand over his.

Daemon chest warmed at her words«He’s already listening to his father.»he chuckled a bit.

Both of them wished and hoped for a boy,it was no secret for anyone at this point.Y/n wanted nothing more than a little boy,a little version of his father with beautiful lavander eyes,to love and protect for the rest of her life.

A few seconds later,just like a magical effect,a little kick was felt against Daemon palm melting his heart«That’s my boy.»he whispered with a stupid grin on his face.

Carefully Y/n brought herself closer to her husband,nuzzling the tip of her nose in his hair,airways filled in his sweet scents«I want our son to be born at the Red Keep.»she stated.

Daemon hand faltered,tiling his head up,concerning eyes meeting his wife hopefully ones«You are to give birth at any moment,it would be too dangerous.»he explained to her.

Y/n smiled a little,a sad and distressing expression as she almost choked on her next words«And my father would most likely to be dead by the time i will be able to travel again.»

A sour taste on her tongue and tears forming in the corner of her eyes,the ache in her heart beating furiously in her chest heavy like a stone as she thought of it.Her father had always been nothing but doting and sweet to her,as his second daughter of his beloved first wife,he didn’t care about anything else but to make sure that she was happy and well satisfied with her life.

With the hours spent working on their little Valyria model together,laughing while he narrated to her the tales of their ancestors.All the times she stood right next to him in the small council or in the throne room,because one day she would have been the hand of the Queen and needed to learn about political issues and how to help her sister ruling the realm.

Daemon closed his eyes for a moment,just yesterday he received a crow from the Queen who informed him about his brother worrying declining health.He understood her,Y/n wanted nothing more for her father to witness the birth of his grandson,and how desperately she wished for her child to be a boy to see the gleaming smile that her father had when he met Rhaenyra children.

She wanted to make him proud,his sweet little daughter,one last time with the desire that her father wished to make come true with her mother.

«To King’s Landing then.»they stood there,fingers intertwined over her belly,enjoying each other presence silently celebrating the future birth of they third child.Their first boy.

The travel to King’s Landing happened the next day,Y/n stood on the boat,her eyes up in the clear warm sky as she watched her two daughters flying above her head on their dragons,a hand caressing her big stomach as her husband brushed the hair off her face.

Daemon insisted to be on her side,with Caraxes and Blackfyre,Y/n dragon,flying along side Aemma and Alyssa.From the horizon,the immense sight of the Red Keep started to make its view as the Targaryen boat plowed the calm sea.

Her father was in his chambers,laying in his bed,as Y/n made her way to visit him as soon as she entered the castle.The room was silent,warm and the smell of milk of the poppy lingered all over the place.

She stepped quietly,her long maroon dress brushing against the cold floor,her hands trembling as she pulled away the white tent of her father bed.The king was there,a pale and ill face,a bald head with just some tufts of hair falling on his shoulders,black teeth and ad a white cloth covering the right side of his old and deterioreted face.

«Aemma?»her father voice came out with a choked breath as he opened his eye and looked at blurred figure.

Y/n heart ached in her chest,the memory of her late mother,the whole she had left behind,was still present after all this years«Father»she addressed him with a sweet voice«It’s me,Y/n.»her warm and young hands took his cold and shivering ones,caressing the skin with her thumbs.

«Oh,my Y/n.»her father eyes watered just like hers,his voice broken with emotions«My beautiful daughter.»he called her close to place a wet kiss on her forehead.

«Where are your girls?»he asked then trying to look around the room in search for his granddaughters.

Y/n wiped the tears in her eyes,smiling«They are with me and they will come to visit you soon with someone new.»she told him.

With her father confused expression,of someone who forgot,Y/n brought his hands to her stomach«Your grandson.»

«A boy?»her father cried out.

She nodded«It will be this time,i promise you.»

Her father let go of her hand,shaking his head with a painful whine coming from his lips«Do not make my same mistakes.All of my life i chased a foul dream when everything that i needed was right there before my eyes.»he told her.

Y/n never realized how persistent had become her wish for a son,her wish to give his father what he didn’t have for years,a boy he would have cared about and loved just like he was his.It felt like she owned him a son,being born with a dead twin brother,Y/n,a daughter,came to the world instead of the heir her father longed for.And right now it felt like it was her duty to give tho world a beautiful Targaryen boy for the one that she stole.

«This boy will not be a mistake,father.He will be our blessing.»

The water in the bathtub was warm,almost boiling,but that was the temperature that a dragon needed.

Y/n was sitting there,her back pressed against her husband naked chest,while his hands were caressing her belly with a wet cloth.Hours after she had visited her father,Daemon ha spoke to the Grand Maester asking him of a way to ease Y/n before her time came.A warm bath seemed like the best option,so the rough prince didn’t waste anytime to prepare one.

She hummed quietly,closing her eyes and tasting the relived sensation«Thank you for letting me having time alone with him.»she whispered.

Daemon kissed the back of her head,where her hair were tied up,the smell of roses and cinnamon and the little babbles tickled his skin«How was he?»he asked with a calm voice.

Different,she wanted to answer him.An empty shell of a man was what there was left behind of her father and it pained her.

«He was happy to see me.»she said,the lump in her throat felt thick as she nuzzled her head in her husband neck to seek comfort.

Daemon forced a smile on his lips,planting them on Y/n warms one«He will be happy to meet his grandson too.»he murmured against them.

Y/n didn’t said anything,at this point she didn’t knew anymore.From the moment she was pregnant again in her bones and in her heart she was sure it was gonna to be a boy,but right now,maybe,it was just her blind desire to speak to her just like it did to her father.

«Viserys.»she has said then all of the sudden,in her mind the vivid imagine of her father.

She felt Daemon confused expression behind her as he was holding her close to him«I want our son to be named Viserys.»

It happened during the first light in the morning,the sun was rising behind the hills of King’s Landing when the Red Keep was awakened by the cries of a new life coming to this earth.

The first day of summer,when the air smelled like sea salt,the weather was warm and the city started to live again,little prince Viserys Targaryen was placed in his mother loving embrace.

Daemon was sitting behind Y/n,holding her back up during the entire labor and caressing her sweaty skin whispering in her ears comforting words«It’s him,it’s our Viserys.»he said,his eyes were sparkling with hot tears.

Y/n heart was hammering into her chest,her vision blurred with tears as she looked down at the small bud in her arms.He was absolutely perfect,from his little nose,white tufts of hair on his head and innocent lilac eyes,her son was everything she dreamed for.But then,just like a horrible memory,she remembered the only time she had the chance to hold her younger brother,Baelon,before his soul would have left this life the next day.

«Is he healthy?»Y/n asked holding her son closer to her.

The midwife nodded«The healthiest boy i’ve ever seen,princess.»she reassured her.

«I’m so proud of you.»her husband whispered to her,kissing the side of her face.

She smiled,handing her son to the midwife that confused took him in her arms.The baby started to cry again,pitching screams filled the room,missing his mother soft touch.

«What are you doing?»Daemon asked,concerns all over his face.

«Help me to get up.»Y/n urged him searching hurriedly for his hands.

Her legs felt like they were about to melt under her,the pain between her legs and her desire to just close her eyes and sleep for the entire day to gain back some strength disappeared completely.Tossed side to her aim,letting her father meet his grandson.

Daemon was on his feet immediately,helping Y/n on hers,holding her tired and trembling form to prevent her to hurt herself«You need to rest.»he told her.

«I have all my life for that.»she said with a strained and hoarse voice«My father doesn’t and i promised him that he would had met his grandson.»two servants girl were called in,one of them drying Y/n sweaty face and the other helping her to dress.

Her husband sighed with sad eyes as he walked slowly besides her,step by step till the King room.

«Y/n?»Alicent surprised voice was the first thing they heard once they entered the room«What are you doing here?You should be resting.»she sounded worried as he hurried in her way,holding her other arm for support.

«That’s what i told her.»Daemon muttered under his breath.

The princess shook her head,holding her son up to her chest as her step mother and husband accompanied her to where her father was.

The King was still laying in his bed,his eyes half closed«Y/n?»he asked confused when he saw his daughter coming closer.

She hissed in pain«Father»she called him«There is someone we wish to introduce to you.»her sweet voice sounded full of happiness.

Her father eyes darted to his daughter husband for a second,relived to see him for the last time«Daemon.»he greeted him.

He did the same,hiding his pained expression to see his brother in that state«Brother,this is your grandson,Viserys.»he announced.

And for him there was nothing more beautiful that the result of an undying love,nothing more perfect that his grandson little face as he looked up at him,nothing warmed his heart more than being able to witness what his daughter promised to him.

"I will accept your offer if you agree to accompany me to the Dragonpit for a brief visit. Caraxes has been giving the dragonkeepers a hard time,I must take care of it myself." Daemon said. With a brief gesture of his hand the maids were dismissed, leaving the room. He stood up from the bed,the sheets uncovering his toned body as he walked your way to the mirror.

His form stood behind you as his hands fell on your waist, pressing you to his back. You could feel him get hard through the fabrics of your gown,but right now there was no time for such things.

You chuckled before speaking once again. "As much I love this, I have duties today. We must leave soon, I promised to visit one of the orphanages in Flea Bottom, I don't want to be the cause for the kids sorrow." You said as your hands pulled his away from you, turning around to look at his beautiful violet eyes.

"You are such a wonderful woman." Daemon replied before laying a soft kiss on your lips. "The way you are with these kids every time you go on a visit,they love you. All I could think about while I watch you around them is our own children one day. You will be an amazing mother to them." He added while cupping your face in his hands.

A sad smile nestled on your face. Children were a sore topic for you, five years had passed since you wedded your husband and you were yet to bless him with a child. The Old King's days were coming to an end,and his male heirs were pushed every day to father children so that when the time comes it is easier to make a choice who would inherit the Iron Throne. Daemon's brother and his wife Aemma were already expecting their first babe after being married for only two years. The sight of pregnant Aemma every day made your heart skip a beat every time. You could only pray and hope to be gifted with a child one day.

"But let's not talk of this now, wait for me to get dressed,after breakfast we will head out for our day. How does that sound?" Daemon asked, kissing your forehead sending a sense of comfort through your being.

"It sounds wonderful." You whispered, sending a smile his way.

The heavy smell of the Dragonpit reached your nose while still halfway through your journey there. You admired every dragon there,but nothing could beat the awful smell that was in the air.

Daemon's hands were around your sides as he held the reigns of his horse. Here and there he would whisper something in your ears only to hear your sweet laughter,followed by a few kisses along your neck. The people of King's Landing were surprised to see their"cruel prince" show such amount of affection towards his wife.

The gates of the building were finally in front of your eyes as they opened to welcome the Prince and his Lady wife.

"My Prince, Lady Y/N, thank Gods you are here!" One of the men who waited for your arrival at the gates said while walking towards Caraxes' lair. "For the past week or so he's been impossible to get close to. We lost two men while feeding him. His rider is our only hope left to calm him down. There is no reason for him to be as he is."

"You stay here,my love. I don't want you to get hurt." Daemon said as he saw you follow behind him. His words only made you scoff.

"I have the right to go in there as much as you do, Daemon. I want to be there, he knows my presence." You said, taking one of his hands in yours. "Nothing would happen to me, my love." You whispered,your free hand going to his face while your husband closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath. His other hand fell on yours that was on his face, pulling it lower to his mouth to place a kiss on it before giving in.

"You will be the death of me,woman." He said making you smile.

The two of you then made your way towards the dragon's lair. Caraxes stood on guard,ready to attack everyone who dares step any closer than he allowed. The moment he sensed another presence in the air be sneered loudly.

"Easy boy." Daemon said as he took his steps slowly. With one hand he pulled you to stand behind him,in case something happens.

Caraxes looked at him for a moment before smoke started coming out of his nostrils. Not even Daemon could make him stop acting the way he did. He stood in front of one of the many corners of the space,as if guarding a treasure. A slight glint in the darkness caught your eye. The blood wyrm was, indeed, guarding something..

"Daemon." You whispered, pulling the back of his shirt to make him stand still. "He's protecting something. Look there." You said close to his ear. Slowly you pointed with a finger at the direction where you had caught something with your eye. Your husband's eyes slowly followed before he saw it too.

Caraxes followed the movements of your heads ,his sight falling on his so called treause he guarded with his body.

"What do you have there,big boy?" You asked as you stepped in front of Daemon,one of his hands held your ready to pull you away if the dragon reacted somehow. "Let go." You whisper-yelled, tugging your hand away from his. A quiet groan was heard from Daemon as you stepped away from him.

"I can't protect you if something happens,Y/N." He said.

"Just trust me." You answered without turning to look at him while you stepped carefully towards Caraxes.

The blood wyrm watched you get close to him with an outstretched hand, wanting to caress his scales. Surprisingly, he complied, lowering his head to the level of your hand, letting it touch his hot armor. Your husband stood at a distance, watching the interaction.

"What in the world.." Daemon whispered under his nose. Not even he knew what was happening.

What happened next surprised you even more. Caraxes' nose nuzzled against your body as he sniffed around you. His eyes lingered on you for a second longer before the huge create stepped away from the place he had stood at for the last week, devouring everyone who got close.

A gasp escaped from your mouth as you saw what he was protecting. Leaning against one another were two dragon eggs. They still had gooey substance over them from when they were laid. One of the eggs had a golden shell,that was what glistened in the distance,while the other egg was milky white with red vein-like streaks covering its shell.

You kneeled in front of the two eggs, placing your hand on them,they were warm.

"Daemon..." You called out for your husband." It's eggs he has been protecting." You said. "Two beautiful recently laid dragon eggs." You added,your voice laced with love.

"Whose eggs are those,my boy? Certainly not yours." You said, talking as if to a small child. Caraxes only tilting his head to the side before nudging his nose against you once again. The gesture made you lose your balance and fall on your backside. The dragon's head found its way over your body, like a pillow ,as he also laid down his huge body. His nose slowly started sniffing once again,this time over your stomach. Daemon watched whoemhis body filled with fear and confusion. Meanwhile a crowd had fathered in front of Caraxes' lair,all the dragonkeepers present watched a rare sight in front of them. One of the many men dared to step forward and address his Prince.

"Prince Daemon, is there...is there a possibility for your wife to be with child?" He asked.

His words reached your ears, making you freeze beneath the Red scaled creature, Daemon stiffened at the question, slowly turning around to look at the dragonkeeper.

"What are you implying,boy?" He asked with gritted teeth.

"There is this...there is this chapter in one of the many books we read through our apprenticeship, it states that a dragon may sense a shift in their rider's or their partner's body. It has only happened once, however,my Prince. The dragon Balerion was able to sense the Conqueror's firstborn child,my Prince." The man said, he then looked at his supervisor, asking for confirmation as the older man nodded in agreement.

Daemon once again turned around,his eyes falling on you as you now stood up on your feet with a teary expression. Your hands slowly moved to your stomach in a protective manner.

"Is this why you kept those eggs?" You paid no attention to your husband, your eyes once again on the dragon in front of you. Caraxes seemed way calmer now, allowing Daemon to come by your side, pulling you in his arms. You sobbed in his embrace as your hands moved to grip his leathers.

"I love you so much." You were crying with voice by now,tears falling down your face.

"My beautiful wife." Daemon whispered in your hair. His head moved to look at you better,a smile evident on his face. "I love you so much more."

You laughed through your tears at his words. Your husband's hands fell to yours that once again laid on your stomach that was yet to swell with your children.

"There are two eggs, Daemon." You were still sobbing. "Two babes."

"I know, my love, I know. However,we still need to take you to the Maester so that he could confirm this. I don't want you to suffer if it is not true." Daemon said, making you look him in the eyes. You only nodded in response but deep down you knew there was something,it just waited for the right moment to come to make an appearance.

"We'll go,today, after our visit to the orphanage." You said. "I don't want to let the children down. I promised I would visit."

"Your wish is my command,my dear wife." Daemon said before turning his head towards the dragonkeepers. "Make a fire and when it burns out lay the eggs over the embers,they need fire and warmth."

The second his words were said the men went away to prepare everything.

After the waterfall of emotion that overtook you both in the Dragonpit,you and your husband made your way to the largest orphanage in Flea Bottom. The kids there needed as much help as possible with everything you could think of. Your participation in activities like this to help the ones in need made people believe there was still hope for the future of the crown. That there was someone willing to take after their people. You grew up watching as kids your agree died of different deceases and couldn't help them. That changed after you married Daemon, one of the first things you did with your newly acquired title was to start sending any type of help towards different places where children and older people in need lived. People started to spread the word of their new princess and her big heart, coming up with the name The Mother of the Nation. King Jaehaerys was content seeing the approval from the people.

After your pregnancy was confirmed, Daemon felt even more obligated to keep you safe and your future children safe. He even started joining you more and more often to your weekly trips to the city. People spoke of the addition by the young Princess' side. Your husband was known to be a ruthless and cruel man,only knowing how to wield his sword and ride Craraxes,but deep down Daemon was a human being just as everybody else. He had feelings he only showed to his closest ones. The way he Express his emotions was different from what others would do. As time passed the people of King's Landing started looking more positively at their Prince. The children you visited loved him,they were absolutely captivated by him and his stories of his adventures and battles, sometimes they were more delighted to see him than you. It made your heart melt seeing Daemon with children, the image of him with your own that were to come appearing in your mind. As your belly grew other questions arose as well. Like the one who was going to inherit the throne after the Old King dies. Was it going to be his older brother Viserys with his babe daughter or the younger Prince whose children were yet to be born.

The eggs Caraxes protected so heavily now resided in your chambers so that when the moment comes they would be ready. Everyone was aware by now of you carrying twins. Your stomach was twice the size of Aemma's when she was pregnant with your niece- Rhaenyra. The only thing left was for them to be born.

The night two new lifes were brought to the world was also the night before another life ended. Your labors started on a cold,stormy night and continued for hours before the cries of your first child echoed around the rooms and hallways of the Red Keep. A beautiful boy wailed in his father's arms while his mother brought his sibling to the world, another silver haired beauty. The two babes cried as they were cleaned up while their parents exchanged kisses and a few tears from the thought of their new family.

Daemon was tearing up like never before while you brushed tears away from yours and his cheeks. It was hours later when Daemon's grandfather himself came to see his youngest grandson who were still nameless. Jaehaerys never thought he would see his most troublesome grandson to marry,let alone have children of his own. A few hours after his visit,the news of the King's death were announced. Before his death, the Old King left a letter containing his last words for his family. In this letter of his, Jaehaerys also named the man who was to success him. The name of Daemon Targaryen was written with letters bigger than the rest, the King's personal wax seal confirmed the authenticity of letter.

Meanwhile,you and your husband still had no idea of what was happening outside the doors of your chambers, the only thing you knew was that at this moment the throne had no King.

"Look at him, he's already so strong, gripping my finger like a wild animal." Daemon admired the strength of his younger boy while he held them in his arms. "Your name should suit your strength, my son." He added before he kissed the soft skin of his forehead.

"What about Aurion?" You asked. Daemon raised his brows at the name of the emperor of Old Valyria. "Or is it too much?" You added.

"I think it's perfect." Your husband answered,his sight now moving to the oldest of his sons who laid in your arms. "And what about his older brother?" He asked.

"I think Aegon,second of his name, suits him perfectly. Two strong boys Ned after two noble men ." You stated. Daemon cod only agree as he admired his wonderful wife and their two children.

A knock sounded from the other side of the room.

"Come in." Daemon said. The doors of your chambers opened revealing one of the members of the Small Council. Grand Maester Benifer,the one who helped bring your sons to the world just a few hours ago,stood at the entrance of your chambers.

"Grand Maester?" Daemon asked, rising from his seat next to you on the bed.

"I am carrying important news..." The old man started. "If I am allowed to speak."

"Of course,speak whatever it is." Your husband said, sending a nod in his direction.

"Mere moment before his death...the late king named his heir, in the letter he las left us it is written the name of Daemon Targaryen, Prince of Dragonstone." Maester Benifer said as he bowed to his new king.

Daemon stood near the bed you shared, his son sleeping in his arms. The news struck him like a lightning, making him sit down in need of a moment for the words to sink in. He was named King. The babe who slept in his wife's arms was another future king,and so was the one in his.

"My love." Your voice snapped him out of his speechless state. "Are you well?"

He only nodded before he stood up once again, heading towards the two cradles placed in one of the corners of your chambers. Daemon laid his son down, pressing a soft kiss to one of his soft cheeks before making his way towards the stand where the two eggs resided for the past few months. The golden one he picked in his hands and placed in Aurion's cradle. Your older son soon followed his younger brother, laying in his crib with a dragon egg by his side.

"For you,my sons, the future of the realm." Daemon said, hovering above their cribs.

You had made your way out of bed and now stood by your husband's side. Shouts from the outside could be heard in the early hours of the day. The people of King's Landing were already aware of their new King and were now gathering outside the palace to chant his name in his honor.

"I am here for you, every second of the day and night, I love you." You said, kissing his cheek softly.

"You have given me two strong and healthy sons, you have been by my side when no one else was,not even my brother. I will make you the happiest woman in all of Westeros, my Queen." Daemon said as his hands cupped your face, followed by a passionate kiss that could speak a thousand words. That day the reign of Daemon, the first of his name, began, follow by heirs for many years forward.

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