#halaena

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I smiled as I ran out into the large courtyard looking back as Jacerys chased after you, smiling himself. You slowed as you heard the magnificent beasts lift their heads with a grumble. I stopped in front of Selene. Running your hand over her smooth pale scales. The almost-white glistened in the setting sun.

As beautiful as the day she hatched in my cradle when I were just a child. Bonded for life. Under the crescent moon of old Valyria. I looked back hearing Jacerys’s footsteps grow louder and softer. Eventually they came to stop at the right side of Vermax. Selene bowed her head as I carefully got onto the saddle. It never sat comfortably. 

Always felt wrong to be separated from your dragon. To feel of foreign leather instead of the familiar glistening scales. I turned to the boy he smiled and ceased to pet Vermax getting onto the saddle that sat heavy on the green-Ish dragon’s back.

He frowned watching as your eyebrows creased. “What is wrong?” The question just expressed his perplexed expression further, making you chuckle.

“It doesn’t feel natural. To ride a dragon on a saddle it feels disconnecting as if we have a right to control them. To hinder their abilities.”

I jumped off unshackling the saddle, Selene staying so still I could mistake her for a statue. The thud of boots and worried steps trampled mind, yet you never paused your quick movements the saddle finally dropping from my dragon with a great this onto the hard stones ground.

I reached out fingertips grazing over the once, hidden scales. Jacerys grabbed my wrist spinning me  to face him. I lent your neck back with uncertainty. 

“What are you doing?” he questioned so much fear in his fear it almost scared me.

“Setting her free. I mean you can’t tell me that thing looks comfortable. You can never truly control a dragon. Now remove your hand from my wrist...please?” He squeezed a tiny bit harder before finally letting go. 

I jumped atop the dragon, unbalanced. The dragon riding armour gripped yet slid over the scales. My body jolted as Selene rose to her full height. I rested your hands gently on the ribbed black horns that travelled from the large ones on her head down her neck shrinking in size.

“Are you coming or staying?” My heart sped up as I leant forward. Selene speeding up and lifting her head, I tipped back some. Fear in my eyes. She spread her wings. Dust blowing around us as we began to fly upwards. Selene’s rasped roar echoed the sky and King’s Landing.

I could hear Jacerys’s shout of my name drifting in the wind falling behind me. I kept sliding down your dragon’s back until she evened out. Her soft belly facing the ground dusted over with the cities clouded mist. Worries melting away as the sweat from my brow cooled. The flap of wings accompanied me.

 Softer than Selene’s. Clearly Vermax. The smaller therefore, faster dragon. Eventually they levelled with the two of us. I tipped my head back letting out a bellowing fit of laughter. This is what freedom feels like. The worry melted from his face. Lines no longer ageing him. Giggles of his own met the winds harsh gust. It was truly thrilling.

Leaning forward once again. Softly telling Selene to go as fast as she can in the old tongue. I fell forward with a grunt. My head hitting the bottom of her neck. The horn cutting through the leather and through my flesh. I winced. Cringing at the way it dripped down my sleeve and past my palm.

My eyes watching the way it sticks to her scales. I guided Selene to the beach my body jolting as she landed. I slid from her back. Pain shorting through my arm. Jacerys landed next to me a few seconds after. Eyes catching the blood that trickled from the thin ‘protective’ material.

“Are you alright?” I watched as he dismounted his own dragon. Marching towards me. He softly grabbed my arm. My eyebrows creasing at the shot of pain.

“I’ll be fine. The leather is sticking to me.” Slowly I began to unlace the leather garment. Not missing the way heat rose to the young boy’s face as he quickly turned around.

The heavy material fell to the floor. A sigh falling from my lips. My under shirt now the only thing protecting me from the bitter cold other than my other undergarment. My father won’t be pleased he only got this made for me recently.

I looked up, Jacerys already facing me. “Come on Y/n let’s go home the sun has already almost gone,” he spoke softly already climbing onto Vermax. I walked towards Selene. Her eyes, sorry and pleading. I softly pat her neck as I gently smiled at her. She lowered her body and I climbed on. The leather still sat on the floor in front of us.

“Dracarys,” what a waste. I mean I really quite liked that leather. The clothing was engulfed in an orange flurry of flame. “Let’s go.” I whispered as the dragon-flame-orange illuminated us.

Flying back was better. More stable now than before. This is what dragon riding should be. Freedom and flying under the already emerging stars. We landed back onto the full courtyard. Only to see our parents stood with little to none amusement on their faces.

My father marched up to me as I dismounted Selene. Wishing her a sweet goodbye as she was whisked of to the dragon pits along with Vermax. My father stood in front of me. A glare on his face. Usual posture both hands resting on his sword - dark sister.

“What were you thinking. I come out here looking for you only to fucking find your saddle on the floor and Selene gone” - he paused taking a breath looking down at my arm - “why are you in your undershirt,” he inspected me with a careful eye, “is that blood?”

I picked at my fingers as he grew more furious. His face grew a tiny of thread. Turning to look Jacerys straight into his eyes. An accusing looks on his face. He took a step forward towards the boy. Moron raised his head at his father as if it was a pissing contest. Rhaenyra threw a stern look at my father.

Rolling my eyes. I grabbed my father’s arms. “I caught my arm on one of Selene’s horns. I’m sorry for making you worry father.”

He sighed. Still clearly unhappy about the predicament. “Come now. We are to have dinner with my father and the others.” She grew quiet with the last part.

“Your grandmother Rhaenys has bought a dress with you that is currently in your quarters. I thought maybe you could wear it tonight and your sisters Baela and Rhaena await you,” she smiled.

The walk down the hall was long and bore some. The full stone growing somehow bleaker as time passes. The guards pulled the doors to my chambers open.

I was met with warmth, but no comfort. The dress sat on the bed. It was like Rhaenyra’s dresses off the shoulder and beautiful. Red with embroidered gold a dark trimmed lace corset fashioned to the bodice. Yet, next to it sat a wooden box. Intricate detailing on the top. Swirls and patterns.

 I flipped the latch and opened it. Inside was a ring. Small and delicate. Golden like my necklace the dark emerald sat heavy on the metal. My eyes caught the glinting inscription with in the band. ‘forever yours and forever mine.’ I smiled my eyes creasing with love filled knowing

I threaded the ring onto my finger admiring its glow in the fire’s light. I picked up the parchment that lied beside the dainty brown box. I opened the note cursive filled my eyes, familiar and intricate each detail, just like the broach. 

‘I had this made for you when I heard of your departure this morning. Each day this ring will be a reminder of our love as our necklaces warm our yearning hearts as we await the next full moon.

Forever yours, the sun to your moon

- A’

I refolded the parchment before placing it back into the box, quickly stuffing it under my bed before my father or one of the maids could find it.

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Awkward silence enveloped the room as we awaited the king. The only noise was the clattering of silverware and the noisy fumbling of gossiping servants. I stared forward scared to look to my right , I could feel Aemond’s piercing eye burn into my head.

The silence finally broke with the screeching scrape of the chair legs against the expensive floor boards, mahogany melancholy. We all stood still in a bubble of silence just accompanied by the rasps of the king and the continuous flutter of the servant girls that continued to bustle around us.

I sat back down hastily, instinctively reaching for the necklace that bravely shone on top of the red dress, shining in the yellow shimmer of candle light. This time it was my father’ s eyes that stared at me, my heart raced and I quickly dropped the necklace opting to stare at the food laid out before us.

“How good it is... to see you all tonight... together.” Viserys squeezed out from his tired lungs.

“Prayer before we begin?” Alicent smiled softly at her husband.

“Yes.” he smiled back fatigued and mellow to the point of exhaustion.

As Alicent droned on I looked to the side through my clasped hands in fake prayer. I observed the way the candle flickered across his pale milky skin and the way his eye lashes fluttered as he tried to pay attention. 

I turned back now looking to my right Luke’s eyes already looking a me, eyebrows creased in confusion. I rolled my eyes at him laughing at the way he muttered under his breath before facing back forward only this time we both were looking at Aemond, well more I was love sick gazing and Lucerys was fearfully observing.

“...and to Vaemond Velaryon may the gods give him rest,” Alicent finished as we all sat back up. I smirked at my father as he silently laughed at Alicent’s last sentence pride smeared across his face. 

“This is an occasion of celebration it seems. My grandsons will marry their cousins, Baela and Rhaena, further strengthening the bond between our houses. A toast to the young princes... and their betrothed.”

“Hear, hear!” my father’s voice trailed his brothers as we all raised our glasses. My wine sloshed as I toasted towards my sisters a wise smile on my face. I know how their hearts must leap in their chests.

“Well done Jace you’ll finally get to lie with a woman,” Aegon whispered. Heleana ducked her head in shame as I looked past her staring at Aegon the vile creature. Baela’s face contorted into one of anger that bubbled under the skin as Jace slammed his cup down onto the table.

“Let us toast as well, Prince Lucerys the future Lord of the Tides.” Viserys smiled fondly at the young boy. 

“Hear, hear!” I said. I will admit some pride swelled with in me, but I’m willing to blame it on the wine that is steadily being drained from my cup. 

The slimy man once again leant over to whisper to Jace not so subtly, or quiet, “You do know how the act is done, I assume?” I rolled my eyes disgusted, it seems Aegon has not changed his ways. “At least in principle. Where to put your cock and all that.” 

“Let it be cousin,” I bargained faking a sweet straining smile on my lips which curved with slight agitated malice.

“You can play the jester if you wish, but hold your tongue before my betrothed.” Jace spoke with a calmness I didn’t believe was achievable with such a man. I swivelled back around in my seat making sure to keep an eye on them especially as my sister turns back around uncomfortable with the situation.

My heart softens at the way the Queen gently rubbed the King’s back worriedly as he leaned on his cane as he rose. My  breath caught in my throat as my uncle peeled the mask away from his face. Fear coiling in my stomach as I watched his empty socket watch me from afar. 

“My won face...is no longer a handsome one. If indeed it ever was, but tonight I wish you to see me not just as your king, but also your father. Your brother. Your husband...and your grandsire. Who may not, it seems...walk for not much longer among you. Not us no longer hold ill feelings in out hearts. The Crown can no longer stay strong if the House of the Dragon remains divided. But set aside your grievances. If not for the sake of the Crown then for the sake of this old man. Who loves you all dearly.” he sorrowfully spoke staring out at us all.

Rhaenyra stood from her chair cup in hand. “I wish to raise my cup to Her Grace, the Queen. I love my father, but I must admit no one has stood beside his side so loyally, as his good wife has. She has tended to him with unfailing devotion, love, honour. And for that she has my gratitude and my apology.”

Alicent gazed up at her in this lost love, “Your words moves me deeply Princess, we both mothers, love our children. We have more in common than we sometimes allow.  I raise my cup to you and to my house. You will make a fine Queen,” we all raised our glasses ceremoniously taking a sip or in Aegons case half a glass.

I nodded along with Helaena as she tells ,me of her children and life as a mother. I jumped as the table shook under my hands as Jace slammed his own down onto the wood. “Jace,” my sister soothed hand on arm brushing lightly over the fitted material.

I snarled under my breath taking a sip of my wine as I watched the beast retreat from its prey a sickening smile on his lips. My eyes flitted up as Aemond stood from his chair, sizing up Jacerys.

The room grew silent again until Jace raised his own cup, “To Prince Aegon and Prince Aemond. We have  not seen each other in years, but I have fond memories of our shared youth. And as men, I hope we may yet be friends and allies. To your families good health dear uncles,” he finished before sitting back down taking a large swig of wine.

He grasped mockingly onto Aegon’s stiff shoulder before giving it a light tap with his fist, “To you as well.” Aegon said defeated as humility rang in his tone. Aemond sat down a look of disappointment as if begging for a fight, a way to get even.

“I would like to toast to Baela and Rhaena. They’ll be married soon. It isn’t so bad. Mostly he just ignores you...except sometimes when he is drunk,” Helaena stretched out with a perky smile. My father’s laugh chuckle out across the room. 

“Good,” the king smiled with pride as he looked over his reconciling family, “let us have some music.” I smiled fondly as Jace and Helaena danced with one another, my heart yearning for Aemond to hold me and dance. We all stood once again as the King was carried his wheezing gasps of pain stalking behind him.

It’s strange to grieve some one who is still with us, my ,mind wondered as we sat. Suddenly, the table slammed ferociously with Aemond’s anger. He stood from his chair quickly his glass clasped in his hand as he raised it to make a toast.

I stared at him worriedly, my eyes flicking between him and Lucerys. “I would like to make a toast. Final tribute. To the health of my nephews: Jace...Luke and Jofferey. Each of them handsome, wise...” the silence poured over us once again. “...strong.”

“Aemond,” his mother warned.

“Come let us drain our cups to these three...Strong boys.” I stared up at him in disbelief.

“I dare you to say that again.” Jace raised his head in pride ready to defend both himself and his brothers also his mother’s honour.

“Why? ‘Twas only a compliment. Do you not think yourself strong?” Aemond pushed further as both men walked towards each other in large strides. I sat cup at my lips as I gulped down my wine, chocking on the liquid as Jace threw a punch.

I jumped up from the table as Aegon slammed Luke down. Cup still in hand as I watched the chaos ensue. I squeezed my eyes shut in disappointment as Aemond pushed Jace to the ground both him and Luke being dragged away by guards.

I drank from my cup once more as my eyes scanned over the room. Jacerys and Lucerys struggled against the guards grip as Alicent scolded her son. “Mm, though it seems my nephews aren’t quite as proud as theirs.” I walked towards my lover as Jace escaped the guards grip, but my father intervened walking between the two boys.

“Go to your quarters. All of you go now.”Rahenyra commanded. I watched beside my father as they all left before my farther stared at me.

“You as well Y/n.” He spoke eyeing me as I stood still hesitant to leave. I chewed the inside of my cheek nervously as I stared at him back.

“Yes Y/n leave or are you going to go with Aemond?” Aegon spoke from behind us. All heads turned to him. My eyes widened with fear.

“What?” Rhaenyra and Alicent said in unified confusion. I gulped thickly at the lump that has lodged itself in my thropat no longer able to breathe as fear choked me close to death.

“Oh you didn’t know? Y/n and Aemond are in love,” he stopped spinning to look around the room happy with everyone’s bewildered faces. My father was seething his eyes wide with rage as they bore inot my own  “I mean I didn’t know until I saw Aemond return late this morning a moon pendant around his neck, similar to the sun that rests on Y/n’s chest, Dorne’s finest I do believe.”

“Is this true? Aemond?” Alicent questioned quietly behind her son. I walked forward intertwining our hands. Aemond turned his head towards me a small smile on his face.

“We didn’t tell you because we knew you would never approve, we were scared,” I looked around the room at everyone until my eyes melt my father’s one’s now filled with betrayal, “we were scared of how you would react we knew you would separate us.” I rasped out in desperation. My chest fluttering with fear as Aemond squeezed my hand comfortingly.

“Get out...” my  father whispered dangerously as he lowered his head in humiliation as he took slow steps towards me.

“Farther,” I whispered back pleadingly, begging for forgiveness and understanding, but it fell onto deaf ears. Familiar pain shot through my veins carried by the bleak ache of adrenaline as I dug my nails into the palm of my -free- hand.

“I forbid you from seeing each other as of tomorrow morning, enjoy your time together,” he managed to squeeze out not looking at either of us.

“Daemon,” Rhaenyra tried to reason pressing a hand to his back. Jumping away as his head snapped up.

“Now...get out. Leave!” he screamed at me. His heat radiated over me in a tidal wave of rage. I leaned back eyes welling up with tears as he nose was inched away from hitting my face. He pointed towards the door red face of anger.

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“I’m sorry my love,” Aemond whispered into my hair as his hand played with the (y/h/c) locks at the back of my head. I sighed through my nose. Tucking further into his chest trying to forget my problems.

I squeezed my eyes shut as I tried to forget my father’s face, instead trying to focus on the dull ache in the bottom of my spine as I sank further into his mattress. I fiddled with the duvet cover skimming my fingers over the plush bedding mirroring the way Aemond’s hand skimmed over my waist to the top of my thigh in a slow and steady rhythm.

“I love you,” he said gingerly into my ear. I sat up onto my elbows, his hand leaving my hair to cup my face. I gave a small smile, closing my eyes as he leaned in. Our lips pressing together in a mourning kiss of sweet symphony and sickening sympathy.

Tears began to slip from the corner of my eyes; dripping onto his auburn sheets. He pulled away pressing our foreheads together, thumb wiping away my tears. “I am forever yours just as you are forever mine.” He softly grabbed my wrist pressing my scarred palm to his chest. The ticking of his thumping heart beat under my skin, I looked up into his eye with a grateful and gentle smile.