#harwin breakbones

When you opened your chambers you paused at once. Looking around and breathing softly because you swore you had heard something. It sounded almost like metal?

“I’m in no mood to be startled-that is not the return you’ve promised me!” Harwin had grumbled quite a few promises in your ear four moons ago when he left kings landing. Assurances that he would make up all that time to you. Listing exactly what he planned for you two to indulge in. If wasn’t going to be frantic sex in the stables or secret kisses in empty halls. He was going to have you in bed, properly, going to ensure you were throughly pleased, beyond satisfied!

You spun around so quickly that your skirts wrapped around your legs a bit as you turned to face the door. Heavy footsteps stopping.

“I will admit. I imagine much warmer of a welcome, but this works too I suppose.”

Harwin, stood in your doorway pratically taking up the entire frame of it, his hand holding to the handle. He’d entered just as your loud exclamations had spilled from your mouth. Tired, on edge and suspicious.

Ever bit of those feelings dropped. If he wasn’t a giant of man he’d of been leveled flat on his back in the middle of the hallway from how forcefully you pressed yourself into his chest.

“That was closer to what I anticipated.” His hand touched your back, holding you to him a bit more and he took a few steps forward, your feet dangling as he shut the door behind him.

“Don’t ever leave for that long again.” You warned him, hands gripping his shoulder to try and hoist yourself up higher. You did have to wait for him to grab your arse to bump you up to be level with his face. “I’m serious.” You kissed him. Lips soft and trying to not be urgent. Urgent kissing meant teeth clanking and panting and you wanted to enjoy him. Wanted to be reacquainted with his lips….his tongue. The low groans that rumbled from his chest when you sucked at bit at his tongue.

“I don’t doubt your seriousness, ever my love.” He promised you. If he had any say in the matter he wouldn’t be gone this long another either. Truthfully being away from you it made him think more about asking his father to take you as his wife. You’d have reason to join him then. He wanted you two to be joined, in the eyes of the court, in the eyes of the gods, anybody who needed to see. He just wanted to ensure you were his.

“Do you need to get back to your duties?” He asked large hand cupping your cheek and you looked up at him breathing heavy, lips swollen and the tip of your nose red.

“They will survive without me.” You didn't care, an excuse could be formulated later. You missed your lover and you weren’t about to leave him to run back to the princess!

Harwin grinned at that response and he quickly walked you back to your bed, depositing you down in the middle of the matress and his lips trailed down your neck. Your hands weren’t leaving his hair, playing in the long curly strands smiling as his hand rubbed down your sides, you wondered momentarily when he bypassed your chest, hips and thighs where exactly he was planning to start undressing you.

“Oh gods Harwin, stop!” You laughed and hit his back when he sat at the end of the bed and unlaced your shoes. He was taunting you.

“you’re horrible-it’s been moons since I’ve gotten to climax and your worried about my footwear?” You had wanted him to just push up your dress and take you.

Harwin shook his head flipping the boots off of you and then gently pulling your thighs down from your knees. You listed your hips to help.

“I showed you how to reach a climax my love,” he reminded. “Did you not remeber what we practiced?” His warm rough palms spread up your calf, to your thighs and you opened your knees for him.

“It wasn’t the same.” You whimper hand coming down over your stomach to sink between your thighs, bunching your skirts up more. “My fingers don’t fill me like yours.” You whinned and pushed two against your small clothes. Letting him hear that you’d already made the fabric damp.

“let me resolve that.” He smirked tugging you by your legs down to the end of the bed.

You almost didn’t hear it. The groan. Weak and strangled. But you did. It had you sitting right up and looking around. Harwin grabed the side of your face unsure what suddenly had you looking so paranoid.

“did you hear that?” You whispered looking frantically at him. “Somebody’s in here…” you breathed out pushing your dress back down. It wasn’t the first time you heard noises. You’d been hearing things and feeling watched for a long time…for most of the time that Harwin had been gone. It wasn’t unnerving.

“there’s nobody here-“ harwin shut up quickly when he heard a slight grind of metal and he was up to his feet at once. You stayed on the bed, clutching yourself and watching with dread as he searched the room.

“Seven fucks!” Harwin growled when he saw a glint of armor. Somehow he knew exactly who it was before pulling the man out from behind alcove in your chambers.

Criston, strong in his own right, was dwarfed by Harwin. Dragged out from near the wall to the center of the room and tosses down. Harwin easily taking his sword form him.

“did you not see enough the first time?” He questioned crudely. Referring to the time in the stable close to a year ago no when both you and him were pretty certain that Ser Criston had been watching you two in the stables together.

You flushed, bright as a tomato and stayed frozen in the bed. Looking down at the knight.

“He’s been in here before…” you inform Harwin lowly. “I didn't see him but…I know it was him.” Your voice shook a bit.

Harwins back tensed, his shoulders rose and he grabbed Criston under the jaw pushing the pretty knights head back against the floor.

“You’re the one who took that cloak…you’ll not frighten this lady with your incessant need to leer at her because of an oath you took!”

You being uncomfortable is what made Harwin the most upset. He wasn’t really a jealous or possessive person…you were not even truly his lady. He did not own you. But Ser Criston was clearly not an endeavor you had taken up while he was away. Harwin was about to lift the mans upper body back up and smash him back down against the floor but he paused. Hauled Criston up and shoved him into a chair.

“Harwin…” you gave him a confused look as he came around the back of the white cloaked man and grabbed his blunt hair to pull his head back so he was looking at you. So he had nothing else to look at but you.

“forgive me.” Criston breathed out. Eyes trying to look elsewhere but Harwins grip was pointed.

You swallowed hard and looked at the two men.

“Have you watched her in bed?” Harwin demanded to know. Criston nodded, shamefully.

Your legs squeezed together and your fingers gripped onto the quilt over your bed more firmly.

“Watched her try and make herself into a mess?”

Again Criston nodded you and felt a shameful ache develop in your stomach.

“How hard was it to not reveal yourself and put your fingers where hers were struggling?”

“Harwin-don’t-“ the moan you’d made while speaking gave you away though. Shamefully, you were wet from knowing he’d been watching you. Been hearing your frustrated groans and the wet sounds of your fingers trying to plunge as deep into your cunt as Harwins do.

“You wouldn’t have been able to satisfy her like I do, even if you had come out and shown her how to stretch her cunny.” He growled lowly in Criston’s ear. “You want to watch her…then fine. Watch. Don’t move.” He directed. Letting go of Criston and quickly making his way back to you.

Your hands reached up for him instantly and he pulled you against him as he sat.

“Harwin we shouldn’t.” You whispered. Nervous.

“I want to see how long it takes for the dog to start begging.” He spoke lowly in your ear, kissing right below it. Smirking when he felt the bumps rise up across you skin. “Would you like to see what it takes to break him?” Harwin asked while moving you to be sat between his thick thighs on the bed. Conveniently placed directly inline of Criston’s vision.

You did want that…which was strange because the only think you imagine wanting with Harwin once he returned was to make love. This, honestly, did not feel like love making but you couldn’t deny that you were very aroused at the idea of showing this needy pathetic man how wonderful Harwin was at pleasing you!

“mmm, yes.” You moaned against his neck kissing it before settling down letting his chest engulf your back.

“Watch Cole, no point in getting shy now.” Harwin told the knight who was so flushed it seemed he’d began to sweat from how warm he was.

It made Harwins cock stir behind you seeing how desperate the man was for a taste of you, even just a glimpse of you! That this knight longed so deeply for what he had.

“relax my lady,” Harwin spoke soothingly in your ear. Feeling your shoulder tense against him and he rubbed his large hands over the top of them. Forcing the muscle to calm and for them to ease down. “I’ve got you.” He swore. You knew he did. He wouldn’t let this go array. He’d promised you years ago that your reputation would not be sullied despite what you two did together, he’d been right so far. Your faith in him was limitless.

Love tended to do that.

You looked up at him, the back of your head pushing against his chest as you swallowed the lump in your throat before lifting your chin up more to reach for his lips. He smartly leaned over and sealed his with yours. The kiss strange and a bit clunky because of you two not facing the same direction but it was still full of passion and devotion! You’d been so lost in it, hand gripping at Harwins hair to keep the kiss going, that Criston’s low guttural groan was that thing that made you realize Harwins hands had expertly undone the front of your gown and let your pretty breasts free of the chemise.

“fuck-“ Criston grunted and you broke the kiss just in time to see his hand palm at his lap.

“did you have leave to touch yourself?” Harwin chuckled into your neck at the scolding tone you had. He was glad somebody other than himself was at the receiving end of it.

“No, m’lady, I don’t.” His neck was so tense that his voice come out strained.

“then remove your hand.” You directed the knight. Smiling when he did. “I thought knight were better at showing restraint.” You hummed while looking down at Harwins hands mapping your chest. His palms holding the weight of your tits while his fingers found each of your darkened nipples and he pinched them.

“most are.” Harwin kissed your neck, sucking a mark into it that was low enough your gown should over it easily. He was careful, despite what this scene depicted. “Though some take the cloak to try and suppress what they cannot control.” He spoke of Criston like he was a crazed animal. A feral thing that could not show any restraint.

Criston’s eyes were locked on your chest. Mesmerized. He’d watched you change in this very room a dozen times. Squinting to see how hard your nipples got in the cold hair. He’d wondered for moons how your smooth flesh would look as it pooled between fingers. He could at least imagine what it would feel like as he saw it now right infront of him.

Had Harwin not known how sensitive you were, how pliant and wanton you got he would have thought you were putting on a performance for the dornish man. He knew better though, knew that with enough time, enough attention and coaxing that you could reach your peak from almost any form of stimulation. Including your breasts.

You were sweating, squirming in his lap and reaching back to palm at Harwins hard cock before you begged. Part of you was embarrassed to let Cole hear you like that but clearly Harwin was not going to move on with more stimulation until you turned into a mess.

“Touch me-“ you begged

“I am, my love.”

Both you and Criston groaned at the larger man’s chuckles out response.

“No,” you whine and reach to pull his hand from your overstimulated nipple down to your stomach trying to urge his large fingers between your legs. “Here. Please Harwin.” You groaned and pushed your hips up to drive home your request.

“I don’t want your dress to get all wet.” He whispered in your ear. “Stand up.” You wobbled to your feet within the next second and started to pull your gown down. Groaning when it got stuck at your hips.

“easy.” He smirked at your eagerness. “Cole will help you.”

You shot him a look.

“Just the gown, he’ll mind his hands.” He assured you though it was targeted to Criston, a warning of what was being permitted in this moment. Harwin would be more than happy to slam the knight into the floor again should he take it too far.

“Yes…yes, just the gown.” Criston nodded, breathing fast as he stood and his hands went for the ties that were still done up. Easily working the knots apart even with his shaking hands. Need had taken him over completly. He knelt to pull it over your hips and groaned when your dampened small clothes followed. His eyes taking in the sight of you. He’s dreamed of being this close. Of being able to see how your folds glistened…of viewing how the air between your legs laid…knowing what you smelt like.

His eyes were dark as he stumbled back to his feet’s knowing if he had another minute of your delicious aroma that he would start panting and drooling.

“Smart man…some sense is still hidden in there somewhere.” Harwin grinned from the bed. He’d gotten his own clothes all off while Cole had undressed you. You hadn’t noticed until you were sat back in his lap and could feel the sticky wetness that developed on his tip poke into your back.

You sunk down against him a bit, your shoulders and head pushed against his stomach and your legs cast over his knees. It opened you up a great deal. It also meant you could easily look up at Harwin and out at Criston. You wanted to be able to see them both.

For now you smiled up at Harwins a dizzy, needy expression that made his heart clinch. You were his, both of you knew that, but he wanted…no needed it to be legitimate. Needed everybody to see how fully his you were. Cole was a start, a vulgar start but he was determined now that you’d be his wife within the year.

“Gods above, you’re soaked.” Criston blinked eyes sealed on your parted folds. He can a good view of your sopping core and the pretty pearl at the top of your slit that was glistening from your own arousal.

“she’s always wet,” Harwin smirked and kissed your lips to hide your groan of discontent that he knew was coming. You always hated when he remarked on how soaked you became when aroused. It did not matter how many times he told you it was wonderful, complimentary actually, you always got red in the face and fussy about it, flustered.

Harwin, to smooth over the remark reached his hand down, laid his palm over your mound and slowly dipped his fingers between your folds dragging the tip of his middle fingers up and down against you. His cock pulsed when he felt your heat clench and try and suck his finger in when he passed your core.

“You missed this?” He asked, gently, the smile never leaving his face.

“yes! Ngh-ahhh mmmm y-yes.” You squeaked when he let two of his fingers circle your clit. Pushing that sensitive bud all around in a delicious way. Your legs instinctively opened up more. Welcoming the sensation that you had missed so severely!

“Fucking hell-“criston whimpered, his pants straining significantly. To the point where he was worried his armor might legitimately bend out of shape. He could see you core clenching around nothing and he so badly wished to be the one to provide you with something to squeeze against. Something to gush out around.

“Harwin….Harwin fuck!” You were gripping to his arm, that laid down against your body, while he spread two fingers forward and plunged them into your dripping hole. You almost came just from the sudden stretch. It felt so good. You’d needed that for moons now.

“so…gods they are so big.” You whine out lifting your hips against his hand to make his knuckles drive into you. His thumb was still pressed to your clit and he could feel your pulse there now.

“Cunny so perfectly…I wanna be in it.”Criston purred out, mostly to himself. He’d thought he said it in his head and didn't realize he’d uttered the words outloud until your eyes were on his.

“fuck me.” You squeezed Harwins leg. Forcing yourself to sit up, your bum resting on his lower stomach. “Now, fuck me now.” You begged, but your voice was frantic. You wanted Cole to see you take a cock….a cock that pointedly was not his.

Criston’s eyes closed as he rutted up against nothing. His cock able to grind only into the cold hard metal. He wished it was your warm wet folds.

Harwins length had smacked up against your slit when you’d positioned yourself so it was before you. One hand reaching up to wrap around the back of his neck and the other held to his side. It kept you up enough that he could align his cockhead with your entrance and just the first few inches of him were enveloped in the velvety muscle between your legs.

Low, garbled moans tumbled out of your mouth and Harwins grunts vibrated against you back. He was so large so big, really you should have let him get a third finger into you before taking him in this manner but you’d gotten way too worked up to wait. You’d done enough waiting.

Coles eyes widened as he watched your body change to take Harwins length. He wondered if you’d stretch to fit him, if you’d have such a knit in your brow if it was his cock you were sat upon instead of breakbones!

Your eyes rolled back a bit and your knuckles went white as Harwin rutted up into you more, one of his arms wrapping around your midsection and pulling you down so he was settled basically completely into you.

He muffled the adjusting gasps with his lips on yours. Fingers rubbing still at your clit to keep you distracted from the ache.

“She’s-fuck you’re so pretty.” Criston slurred. Sounding drunk of the view and the intensity of the moment.

Slowly your eyes opened and you leaned your head back against Harwins shoulder while he stroked his hips up toward you, lap jumping into your arse every time.

“He’s gonna cum in his pants.” You whimper, mostly to Harwin but it wasn’t low enough to seem like you were trying to keep it from Criston’s ears.

“should he?” Harwin kissed your brow raised when he pulled back. His efforts were focused less on cucking Cole at the moment and more on making your climax be fulfilling but he could feel how you clenched against him whenever Criston let a sound escape his lips.

“yes…yes.” Your eyes flutter as the feeling in your belly grows more tight. “Yes…fuck-Cole are you going to cum watching me? Huh-mmhm” you were so close to your own climax that it was hard for your words to stay focused.

“Cum against cloth imagining it was my c-cunt? Fuck Harwin!” You gasped mouth open as your panted.

“yes…yes.” She shamefully got out. The vein in his neck engored and pulsing. Eyes never leaving where you and Harwin joined. “Please m’lady!” He begged.

“I can feel you,” Harwin breathes, finally his own rhythm more frantic. “You’re going to cum against me while he watches? Go on…fuxk there you go. Go ahead my love.” He bit at your shoulder a bit and pressed his hand against your stomach where his strokes were chasing a bulge in your body.

You didn’t exactly swear when the climax crashed against you. It was more of a squeal, of a mix of gasp and trembles and it as intense enough that your hands likely had pulled out a bit of Harwins lovely hair as it washed over you.

Criston as crying as he came in his trouser. The feeling a relief physically but torment emotionally. How pathetic had he become? How depraved had his desires gotten that this was what he needed to spill his seed.

Harwin, with more control than either of you, thrusted a few more times and then pulled himself out. Holding his cock to your slit and spilled his seed there rather than within you. Kissed behind your ear as he painted your inner thighs and mound.

“gods, how I’ve missed you.” He whispered while you still trembled. He gently shifted you so that you were laid on the bed and he pushed your hair back tucking it behind your ear. Smiling slightly at how disheveled you were. He liked seeing the impact he had. “Do you wish to be cleaned up by the dog?” He asked, hand gently keeping your knees open so Cole could still see the the mess.

You blinked. Thinking-or trying to. But the only concept that filled your mind right now was that of a warm tongue dragging all over you and quickly you were nodding up at him.

“please.” It was soft and gently and almost a bit shy.

Criston was not of those things when Harwin directed him to one over. Your lover leaned over to kiss you, to stroke the hair at your temple and rub your stomach as Criston instantly started to lap at you. He had little self control and started right on your clit. Licking and sucking and then the moment your body clenched he was diving his tongue deep into your core.

“uhh!” You gasped. A hand finding the Knights hair and your other squeezing Harwins elbow.

“fuck-“ he groaned against you. A mix of both you and Harwin release coating his beard as he licked your thighs clean. His nose still rubbing gloriously at your slit and when he seemed to have gotten most of the cum off of you your grip tighten on his locks pulling him right back to your cunt and shifting until your clit felt his lips brush against it.

Cole, to his credit needed no further direction. He ducked hard at you, face hurried deep into your pussy and he devoured every single thing you gave him a a jolt of your hips. You clit throbbing. Some more pearly arousal seeping from your hole. He took everything and gave you a toe curling orgasm in return. One that has you jumping and pushing his head away because it was so intense.

Your eyes could barely open by the time his face way out from between your thighs. You were half delirious from the pleasure, the only thing your mind could really process was Harwins heartbeat and his hands on your sides as he put you under the covers, held you to his chest and told Cole to leave if he wanted to keep that white cloak.

There were certain truths everyone at Dragonstone knew but no one spoke aloud.

Prince Jacaerys had Ser Harwin Strong’s eyes.

Prince Lucerys had his smile.

Little Joffrey had inherited the same determined frown Harwin wore whenever someone challenged him.

The boys were Velaryons by name.

Princes by birth.

Rhaenyra’s sons.

But the resemblance remained.

It followed Harwin through every hall and courtyard like a shadow.

You knew the whispers before you ever knew him.

Everyone did.

You knew he had loved Princess Rhaenyra once.

You knew he had fathered her sons.

You knew that love had ended not because it had disappeared, but because the world had never allowed it to exist honestly.

And none of that frightened you.

What frightened you was the first time Harwin Strong smiled at you and made you wonder whether you might be foolish enough to love him anyway.

You met him in the training yard.

It was not romantic.

At least, not at first.

You had been carrying a basket of linen to the lower chambers when a wooden practice sword flew through the air and landed directly at your feet.

You stopped.

Slowly looked down.

Then looked up.

Prince Lucerys stood across the yard with both hands clasped over his mouth.

Jacaerys stared at him in horror.

Joffrey, much younger and far less concerned, burst into laughter.

Harwin Strong stood between them.

For one moment, no one moved.

Then Harwin closed his eyes.

“Luke.”

“I did not mean to.”

“That does not make it less dangerous.”

“I was aiming for Jace.”

“That does not improve matters.”

You bent and lifted the wooden sword.

Luke hurried toward you.

“I am sorry, my lady.”

He looked genuinely miserable.

You handed him the sword hilt first.

“No harm done.”

Harwin approached behind him.

He was larger than you expected.

Broader.

Stronger.

The sort of man who seemed built to fill doorways and battlefields.

Yet when he looked at Luke, his expression was not harsh.

Only patient.

“Again,” Harwin said.

Luke’s face fell.

“Again?”

“The apology.”

The boy turned back to you.

“I am sorry I threw a sword near your head.”

“Better,” Harwin said.

You tilted your head.

“Though perhaps next time, aim lower.”

Luke brightened.

Harwin stared at you.

Jace tried not to laugh.

Joffrey failed entirely.

You smiled.

“I am only teasing.”

Harwin’s mouth twitched.

“So I hoped.”

He bowed.

“My apologies, my lady.”

“You did not throw it.”

“No, but I am responsible for the one who did.”

Luke looked offended.

“I said I was sorry.”

Harwin placed a large hand on the boy’s shoulder.

“And now you will spend the next hour learning not to release your grip.”

Luke groaned.

You continued on your way.

But before you reached the archway, you glanced back.

Harwin was watching you.

The moment your eyes met, he looked away.

You smiled to yourself.

The next time you saw him, Rhaenyra was with him.

That should have made the moment uncomfortable.

It did not.

Rhaenyra sat beneath a stone arch overlooking the sea while Jace read from a history text beside her.

Luke had fallen asleep with his head in her lap.

Joffrey was nowhere to be seen, which usually meant trouble.

Harwin leaned against the wall nearby.

Not too close.

Never too close.

There was a carefulness between them.

Something warm.

Something wounded.

Something that had learned how to survive by changing shape.

You approached with a book Rhaenyra had lent you.

“Your Grace.”

Rhaenyra looked up and smiled.

“You finished it already?”

“I fear I neglected several duties.”

“A worthy sacrifice.”

Jace lowered his own book.

“That one is boring.”

Rhaenyra looked offended.

“It is not.”

“It has twelve pages about grain taxes.”

“Grain taxes are important.”

“They are still boring.”

You laughed softly.

Harwin glanced toward you.

Recognition crossed his face.

“The lady from the sword incident.”

You looked at him.

“The knight with reckless students.”

Jace made a small choking sound.

Rhaenyra’s smile widened.

Harwin folded his arms.

“I see my reputation has been ruined.”

“It was already rather dramatic.”

Rhaenyra looked between the two of you.

Interest sparked in her eyes.

Harwin noticed.

“Do not.”

“I said nothing.”

“You were about to.”

“I was thinking.”

“That is often worse.”

You hid your smile behind the book.

Rhaenyra turned to you.

“Ser Harwin is an old friend.”

The word carried more weight than it should have.

Harwin’s expression shifted almost imperceptibly.

You understood.

Rhaenyra knew you understood.

For a moment, a strange silence passed between the three of you.

Then Joffrey burst from behind a column wearing someone’s helmet backward.

The moment shattered.

Harwin caught him before he ran into the wall.

Rhaenyra sighed.

“Where did you get that?”

Joffrey pointed toward the courtyard.

“Daemon.”

As if summoned by accusation alone, Daemon appeared through the archway.

He looked at the helmet.

Then at Joffrey.

Then at Harwin.

“I was wondering where that went.”

Rhaenyra stared at him.

“You gave him a helmet?”

“I left it nearby.”

“He is six.”

“He has a head.”

“That is not the same as needing armor.”

Daemon shrugged.

Harwin removed the helmet from Joffrey and handed it back.

“You encourage them.”

Daemon smiled.

“They are princes. Encouragement is useful.”

“Toward running into stone walls?”

“That teaches consequences.”

Rhaenyra pressed two fingers to her temple.

You should have excused yourself.

Instead, you stayed.

And somehow, from that day forward, you found reasons to keep staying.

Rhaenyra was the first to realize Harwin liked you.

Not admired.

Not found pleasant.

Liked.

He began appearing in the library when you were there.

He offered to carry things you were perfectly capable of carrying.

He found reasons to ask your opinion on matters he had never previously cared about.

Whether the western garden needed new roses.

Which wine was best at supper.

Whether boys learned better by praise or discipline.

You answered each question seriously.

Even when you knew he was only asking to hear you speak.

One afternoon, Rhaenyra sat beside you while you embroidered near the fire.

Harwin was across the room helping Luke repair a broken wooden horse.

Rhaenyra watched him for a moment.

Then she leaned closer.

“He is trying very hard.”

You did not look up.

“To fix the horse?”

“To impress you.”

Your needle slipped.

Rhaenyra smiled.

“I thought so.”

“You are imagining things.”

“I have known Harwin a very long time.”

“That is precisely why you should not encourage him.”

“Why?”

You finally looked at her.

The question was genuine.

Not jealous.

Not guarded.

Just curious.

You lowered your voice.

“Because of what came before.”

Rhaenyra’s smile softened.

“What came before does not belong to you.”

“No.”

“But it may hurt him.”

“It already has.”

Her gaze drifted toward the boys.

Jace was now leaning over Harwin’s shoulder.

Luke had abandoned the wooden horse and was attempting to braid a loose piece of Harwin’s hair.

Harwin pretended not to notice.

Rhaenyra looked back at you.

“He loved me.”

The honesty of it settled gently between you.

“I know.”

“I loved him too.”

“I know.”

“You do not resent me?”

You were surprised.

“For being loved?”

“For having his sons.”

You looked toward the boys.

Then back at her.

“No.”

Rhaenyra searched your face as though expecting hesitation.

There was none.

“They existed before I knew him,” you said. “And even had they not, I would never resent children for being loved into the world.”

Something in Rhaenyra’s expression loosened.

Relief, perhaps.

Or gratitude.

“You are kinder than most.”

“I do not think kindness should be rare.”

“No,” she said softly. “It should not.”

Across the room, Luke succeeded in tying a tiny braid into Harwin’s hair.

Jace burst into laughter.

Harwin sighed but left it there.

You watched him.

Rhaenyra watched you watching.

Then she smiled to herself.

Harwin tried to tell you about Rhaenyra weeks later.

The two of you had gone walking along the cliffs.

It was a clear day, the sea bright beneath the afternoon sun.

He had been unusually quiet.

You waited.

Eventually, he stopped beside a low stone wall.

“There is something I must say.”

“You sound as though you are confessing treason.”

“I may prefer that.”

You turned toward him.

Harwin looked toward the sea.

Not at you.

That alone told you how much it cost him.

“The princess and I…”

“I know.”

He went still.

You continued gently.

“I know about the boys.”

His jaw tightened.

“Everyone knows.”

“Yes.”

“But most do not say it so plainly.”

“I thought plainness might be kinder.”

Harwin finally looked at you.

There was no anger in his face.

Only uncertainty.

“You do not mind?”

“Should I?”

“They are mine.”

“I know.”

“And Rhaenyra…”

“Loved you.”

He swallowed.

“Yes.”

You stepped closer.

“I am not offended by the fact that you had a life before me.”

“It was not merely a life.”

“No.”

You glanced toward Dragonstone.

Through the archways, you could hear the distant shouts of the boys.

“It was a family.”

Harwin’s expression broke a little.

“They still are.”

“Of course they are.”

He stared.

You almost laughed from the sheer disbelief on his face.

“You expected me to ask you to turn away from them?”

“I did not know what you would ask.”

“I would never ask that.”

His voice was rough.

“You say that now.”

“I will say it tomorrow too.”

“And when they run to me?”

“I will be glad they have someone to run to.”

“And when people whisper?”

“They already whisper about everything.”

A reluctant smile pulled at his mouth.

“You make it sound simple.”

“It is not simple.”

You reached for his hand.

He looked down at your fingers around his.

“It is simply not something I fear.”

Harwin’s eyes lifted to yours.

“What do you fear?”

The question caught you off guard.

You smiled faintly.

“That you still love her.”

He was silent.

Not because the answer was yes.

Because the truth required care.

“I will always love her,” he said at last.

You appreciated the honesty, even as it stung.

“She gave me my sons.”

“I know.”

“She knew me before…”

“Before what?”

“Before I became a man people only spoke of in whispers.”

You squeezed his hand.

“And now?”

Harwin looked toward the castle.

Toward Rhaenyra.

Toward the life they had survived together.

“She has Daemon.”

There was no bitterness in his voice.

Only acceptance.

“And you?”

He looked at you.

This time, without looking away.

“I think I may have you.”

Your heart stumbled.

“You think?”

“I hope.”

The smile that escaped you made him laugh.

Quietly.

Almost shyly.

You had not known Harwin Strong could be shy.

It made you like him even more.

Daemon was not subtle about his suspicions.

He watched you and Harwin with the sharp amusement of a cat watching two birds attempt not to notice each other.

One evening at supper, Harwin reached for the wine at the same moment you did.

Your hands brushed.

Neither of you moved for half a breath.

Daemon noticed.

Of course he did.

“How touching,” he said.

Rhaenyra kicked him beneath the table.

Daemon looked at her.

“You kicked me.”

“You deserved it.”

“I merely observed.”

“You never merely observe.”

Harwin cleared his throat.

Jace stared fixedly at his plate.

Luke looked delighted.

Joffrey asked loudly, “Are you going to marry Ser Harwin?”

You nearly dropped your cup.

Harwin coughed.

Rhaenyra covered her mouth.

Daemon looked openly entertained.

“An excellent question.”

Harwin gave him a murderous look.

Joffrey turned to you.

“Well?”

You looked at Harwin.

He looked at you.

His ears had gone red.

You smiled.

“I believe Ser Harwin would have to ask first.”

Every eye at the table moved to him.

Harwin closed his eyes briefly.

When he opened them, he was smiling.

“Perhaps I shall.”

Luke cheered.

Jace groaned.

Rhaenyra laughed.

Daemon lifted his cup in salute.

And Joffrey looked entirely too pleased with himself.

Harwin did not ask that night.

Nor the next.

He courted you properly instead.

Or as properly as Harwin Strong knew how.

He brought flowers but crushed half the stems by holding them too tightly.

He offered you books Rhaenyra had chosen because he had no idea what you liked to read.

He tried to write you a poem and burned it before you could see.

Rhaenyra told you anyway.

“It rhymed ‘eyes’ with ‘skies’ three times.”

You laughed until you cried.

Harwin discovered she had betrayed him and refused to speak to her for the rest of the afternoon.

That lasted until Joffrey climbed a tree and neither of them could reach him alone.

You watched them together.

Rhaenyra below, ordering.

Harwin climbing.

Daemon offering deeply unhelpful advice.

The boys shouting encouragement.

And something inside you settled.

This was not a neat family.

Not a conventional one.

But it was real.

And perhaps real mattered more.

Harwin proposed in the training yard.

The same place you had met.

Luke had clearly helped plan it, which explained why a wooden sword lay at your feet when you arrived.

You looked down.

Then up.

Harwin stood in the center of the yard.

Jace, Luke, and Joffrey were hiding badly behind a pillar.

Rhaenyra and Daemon stood farther back.

Rhaenyra looked emotional.

Daemon looked like he had been threatened into attending.

Harwin crossed the yard toward you.

“You arranged this?”

“I had assistance.”

Luke whispered loudly, “It was my idea.”

Jace shushed him.

Harwin ignored them.

Mostly.

He stopped in front of you.

For a man who faced armed opponents without hesitation, he looked terrified.

“I have thought of a hundred things to say.”

“That many?”

“Most were poor.”

“Did they rhyme with skies?”

Behind him, Rhaenyra laughed.

Harwin looked over his shoulder.

“You told her?”

“You would have eventually.”

He sighed.

Then turned back to you.

“I loved once in a way the world would not allow me to speak of.”

The yard quieted.

“I have sons I cannot name as mine before the realm.”

Jace lowered his eyes.

Harwin noticed.

His voice softened.

“But they know.”

Jace looked up again.

Harwin continued.

“I thought perhaps that was the only sort of love I would ever have. Hidden. Borrowed. Existing only in moments I could not keep.”

Your eyes filled.

“Then I met you.”

He took your hands.

“And you looked at everything I believed made me difficult to love and did not turn away.”

You squeezed his fingers.

Harwin drew a breath.

“I cannot offer you a simple life.”

“I do not want one.”

“I have a past that will always walk beside us.”

“I know.”

“My sons will always come first when they need me.”

“They should.”

His expression crumpled with relief.

Behind him, Rhaenyra began to cry.

Daemon handed her a cloth without looking at her.

Harwin dropped to one knee.

You covered your mouth.

“I love you,” he said. “Not as a replacement for what I lost. Not as a comfort after grief. I love you because you are you, and because when I am with you, I do not feel like a secret.”

Tears blurred your vision.

“Will you marry me?”

Luke could no longer contain himself.

“Say yes.”

Jace elbowed him.

Joffrey shouted, “She is going to.”

You laughed through your tears.

Then looked down at Harwin.

“Yes.”

The boys erupted.

Rhaenyra embraced Daemon, who tolerated it with the solemn expression of a man enduring battle.

Harwin stood and lifted you into his arms.

You laughed as he spun you once.

Then twice.

When he set you down, he pressed his forehead to yours.

“You are certain?”

“Yes.”

“Even with all of it?”

You looked past him.

At Rhaenyra.

At Daemon.

At the three brown-haired boys watching with bright eyes.

At the complicated history that would never disappear.

Then back at him.

“Especially with all of it.”

Harwin kissed you.

Not like a man hiding.

Not like a man borrowing a moment.

Like a man finally coming home.

Rhaenyra came to your chambers that evening.

Alone.

She carried a small wooden box.

“I wanted to give you something.”

You opened it.

Inside lay a silver pendant shaped like a tiny dragon curled around a red stone.

“It was mine when I was young,” Rhaenyra said. “Before everything became so complicated.”

“It is beautiful.”

“I thought you should have it.”

You looked up.

“Why?”

Rhaenyra sat beside you.

“Because you love them.”

You knew she meant all of them.

Harwin.

Jace.

Luke.

Joffrey.

Her.

Perhaps even Daemon, in a reluctant and cautious way.

“I do.”

“I was afraid at first.”

Your brows lifted.

“That I would resent you?”

“No.”

Rhaenyra smiled sadly.

“That I would resent you.”

The admission surprised you.

She looked down at her hands.

“You get to stand beside him openly.”

Your heart softened.

“Rhaenyra…”

“I do not wish to be with him now. I love Daemon.”

“I know.”

“But grief is strange.”

“Yes.”

“It can mourn a door even when you no longer wish to walk through it.”

You reached for her hand.

Rhaenyra let you take it.

“I would never ask you to forget what Harwin was to you.”

Her eyes filled.

“And I will never ask him to forget what you are to him.”

The two of you sat in silence.

Then Rhaenyra squeezed your hand.

“The boys already adore you.”

“I adore them.”

“They will need you.”

“I will be there.”

Her face broke into a tearful smile.

“So will I.”

You embraced her.

Not as rivals.

Not as women divided by the same man.

As two women who loved the same children and had learned that love did not always have to become war.

Your wedding was held on Dragonstone beneath a clear sky.

Rhaenyra stood beside you.

Daemon stood beside Harwin, looking as though he had agreed only under threat.

Jace carried the rings.

Luke carried flowers.

Joffrey carried nothing because no one trusted him with anything important.

He still managed to interrupt the ceremony twice.

The first time to ask whether Harwin was crying.

The second time to announce that you looked prettier than everyone else.

Harwin was crying.

You were too.

When the vows were spoken, he held your hands carefully.

Reverently.

As though he knew exactly what it meant to be chosen in daylight.

When the septon declared you husband and wife, Harwin kissed you to the sound of cheers, laughter, and one very loud dragon roar from the cliffs below.

That night, while the feast continued in the hall, you found Jace waiting outside your chambers.

He looked nervous.

“May I speak with you?”

“Of course.”

He shifted from one foot to the other.

“You are Harwin’s wife now.”

“Yes.”

“And he will live with you.”

“Yes.”

Jace lowered his gaze.

You understood before he said it.

“You are worried he will have less room for you.”

His eyes snapped up.

“I am not worried.”

“You are.”

He swallowed.

“Perhaps a little.”

You knelt so you could look at him properly.

“Jace, loving me does not make him love you less.”

“What if you have children?”

The question struck deeper than he could know.

You had thought of children.

Often.

A home filled with them.

Harwin holding a baby with your eyes.

A little girl with his smile.

But you had never imagined your hopes could frighten these boys.

You took Jace’s hand.

“Then those children will be very fortunate.”

“Why?”

“Because they will have three older brothers who already know how to be brave.”

Jace’s eyes widened.

“You would let us be their brothers?”

“You already are.”

His face crumpled.

He threw his arms around your neck.

You held him tightly.

Over his shoulder, you saw Harwin standing farther down the corridor.

He had heard.

His eyes were wet.

You smiled at him.

He smiled back.

And for one perfect moment, neither of you knew how difficult the road ahead would become.

Neither of you knew how many empty cradles you would imagine.

How many disappointed moons you would endure.

How often hope would hurt.

That grief waited later.

For now, there was only a wedding.

Three boys.

A princess who had become your friend.

A husband who loved you without secrecy.

And a future that still felt endless.

“Lady!” You heard the grating voice of Jason Lannister call as he ran over to you. “Lord Lannister.” You replied through gritted teeth. “I believe you will be elated to hear of the plans to build a dragon pit in Lannisport, that way our children may have dragons of their own.” He announced, clearly overjoyed. “That, my lord, entirely depends on my acceptance of your proposal.” You shot back. “You mean your father, the king’s, acceptance of my proposal.” Jason Lannister continued, clearly not getting the hint to remain silent. “Good day my lord.” You hissed, storming off in the opposite direction, wholly unaware of a pair of brown eyes tracking your movements.

You walked for quite a while, eventually finding yourself in a woodland clearing where you sat against one of the larger trees. It was then that tears found you. “Princess?” You heard a voice ask after a few minutes of peaceful solitude. “Ser.” You replied, not bothering to look up. “Would you like an escort back to the hunt, I am sure your father is concerned with your whereabouts.” The voice continued, causing you to look up at the man speaking. “Ser Harwin, I am very content remaining here. If you wish to join me, do so, if not farewell.” You replied, recognising the knight. “Very well princess.” He returned, removing the sword from around his waist as he sat down beside you. 

“Have you ever been betrothed?” You asked after a few moments of silence. “My father is not fond of betrothed marriages, he feels it takes away the joys of having a wife.” Harwin answered. “I envy you.” You sighed, leaning against the cold bark. “Is that why you’re out here princess?” He asked, genuine concern evident in the way he spoke. “My father intends to feed me Rhaenyra’s scraps, I am, if she does not, to wed Jason Lannister.” You muttered. There was a moment of silence before Harwin’s laughter echoed through the Godswood. You shot him a glare before he opened his mouth to speak, “You would eat him alive princess, I would pay to see a man that proud be finally humbled by someone far superior to him.” He chuckled as you too smiled at his words. “That man's pride has pride.” You agreed, leaning your head on Harwin's shoulder causing him to briefly tense before relaxing once more. “Ser Harwin, do you feel like camping?” You grinned.

“My princess, I must request we return to camp.” Harwin urged as you stoked the fire. “Why ser Harwin, do you believe yourself unfit to protect me from the pigs?” You teased, “Do not fear my lord I shall fight for us both.” You finished, turning to face the man who was currently skinning rabbits. “You are a very good huntsman, Ser Harwin.” You commented, staring probably too long at the way his arms moved. “Thank you princess, I have had many years of practice.” He smiled. 

When morning came, you and Harwin quickly made your way back to the camp so as to not miss the hunt, not that you would complain if you did. “It may not be white but she’s a big one.” An unfamiliar voice called as you silently walked behind your father towards the doe. As the king raised the spear you instinctively looked away as your face paled. The sounds that followed brought tears to your eyes as the doe began to screech in pain. “Father, I am returning to camp.” You murmured, turning around and walking quickly over to your horse before mounting and riding away, a hand over your mouth. 

“Why is it princess, I always seem to find you running away?” A familiar voice grinned. “Well, my lord Strong, why is it you always follow me?” You returned, a grin spreading across your face. “Maybe I just cannot bring myself to be without such a view princess.” He grinned back, chuckling slightly as blood rushed to your cheeks. “You are not such a bad view yourself ser Harwin.” You replied, a genuine smile coming to your lips. You paused for a moment before speaking once again, “I do not think I would mind a betrothal if you were the other half my lord Strong.

“My lord, I was wondering if I may borrow some of your time?” You asked Lyonel Strong as he walked down the corridor. “Of course princess.” He immediately replied, a pleasant smile sitting on his face as usual. “I was wondering if your son, Ser Harwin, may wish to accompany my sister and I on her tour?” You asked before realising what you were saying, “Only as my sister has Ser Cole as her sworn protector, not that I am asking Ser Harwin to-...” You took in a deep inhale before continuing, “I am requesting he be available, my lord.” You muttered before turning the other direction and walking away, wringing your hands together, a habit you hadn’t realised you’d picked up. 

“Ser harwin pār mandia?” (Ser Harwin then sister?) Rhaenyra grinned, coming to stand beside you at the ship’s edge. “Gaoman daor gīmigon hen skoros ao nūmāzma rhaenyra.” (I do not know of what you mean Rhaenyra.) You retorted with a slight roll of your eyes. “He is very handsome sister, you could do worse.” She smiled before excusing herself as Ser Harwin Breakbones made an appearance. “The princess seemed in a hurry, is all well?” He asked as he reached where you were lent against the gunwale. “All is fine my lord, my sister meant only to tease.” You smiled in reply, allowing a comfortable silence to fall over the two of you. 

“Sister…” You whispered, a smile spreading across your lips as Rhaenyra cleared her throat. “Tell me my lord, was my great grandmother as beautiful as they say?” She asked, a grin spreading across her lips as you both watched the old man squirm awkwardly. “That was half a century ago, princess.” He slurred before your sister spoke once more, “I know.” Was all she said- causing snickers to spread across the room. 

You tuned out the rest of the conversations and instead found yourself looking at the all too familiar knight standing guard at the bottom of the stairs, that was until the sound of drawing swords immediately drew your attention. “Princess.” Came Ser Harwin’s voice as his hand came to take yours as the man led you gently out of the hall. 

“Thank you.” You murmured breathlessly once you were a safe distance from the fighting. “Always.” Came his reply before his hand cupped your cheek and carefully brushed a strand of hair from your face. “I do not think I shall find a betrothed on this trip.” You whispered, maintaining eye contact with the much taller man. “Why ever not princess?” He murmured, eyes flitting between your own. “Maybe I wish to be betrothed to another, one I already know.” You continued, taking a daring step forward. “And who might that be?” Harwin asked, inhaling a quick breath. “Only the most handsome knight in all the kingdom.” You smiled, wrapping your arms around his shoulders. You watched as he nervously scanned down the corridors for any onlookers and, upon finding none, he turned you both around meaning you were caged between him and the wall. “When you next see this knight what will you do princess?” He breathed, his voice a low growl as he drew even nearer. “Something like this.” You whispered, pressing your lips against his own in a feverish kiss. 

You definitely shouldn't be doing this, but Rhaenyra gets to have her fun, so why can't you?

The streets of King's Landing are crowded and bustling, even this late into the night. There's music and merriment on every street and corner. It's a whole other world compared to the suffocating walls of the Red Keep. You can see why Rhaenyra likes sneaking out so much.

A Princess' place isn't among the common folk, yet here you are mingling among them without anyone's knowledge. Your father would send you to join the Silent Sisters if he knew that you were currently roaming the streets without Ser Harrold Westerling trailing behind your like and iron-clad puppy. 

Here, no one gives you so much as a glance. Here, you're no Princess, just one of many figures among the crowd. With your hair tucked into a cap, your form dressed in loose-fitting rags, and your violet eyes cast low, not a soul around knows that royalty is in their midst. This is what freedom tastes like, not even soaring above the clouds on dragonback gives you this feeling.

Unfortunately, all the comes crashing down the moment you catch a glimpse of something that makes your stomach drop. Gold cloaks. You'd all but forgotten about the City Watch patrolling the streets — something that seems oh so terribly obvious now that you think about it. You hate to cut your night out short, but you'd rather not get caught and hauled back to the keep to face your father's ire.

Light and quick on your feet, you weave your way through the crowded streets. The sheer volume of people and the winding labyrinthine alleys make it easy for you to get lost and that's when panic really starts to set in. What if you can't find your way back to the keep? What if you don't make it back before sunrise?

Your spiraling is interrupted by a rough hand grasping your shoulder. The contact nearly makes you jump out of your skin, and when you spin around to push the owner of said hand away, you're met with the absolute last person you want to see right now: Ser Harwin Strong. It's just your luck that you'd get caught by the Captain of the City Watch. Even worse is the fact that you've grown to fancy him quite a bit — which makes this situation all the more dreadful.

"Princess?" You can just barely hear Harwin in the hustle and bustle around you, but his rough, raspy voice reaches your ears and gives you a simultaneous feeling of relief and anxiety.

"S-ser Strong. My, what a coincidence it is to meet you here!" You can't bring yourself to meet his gaze, but you can feel it burning into him as you try to look at anywhere but him. Gods, this is awkward.

Harwin lets out a dejected sigh in response before roughly tugging you away from the populated streets. You let him pull you along, not even bothering to argue with him. Of course, you'd go and get caught. Gods, you can already imagine Rhaenyra's teasing when you tell her all about tonight's disaster. 

"What in the name of the Seven are you doing out this late at night all on your own?!" There's a blatant frustration in Harwin's tone that makes you bow your head in shame.

"I-I just wanted to get out and be free for one night. There are all sorts of hidden passages in the keep and I found one that leads out into the city and I wanted to see what it was like." Your excuse sounds flimsy even to you. There's really no good reason for you to have put yourself in harms way just for a little taste of freedom.

"I understand that, but it's dangerous for you to be alone and unguarded — especially in these parts. There are all sorts of unsavory folk in these streets that would have no problem snatching you up and doing Gods know what to you." There's something dangerously close to worry in Harwin's voice.

Hesitantly, you lift your head, finally meeting Harwin's gaze. Much to your surprise and relief, he doesn't seem terribly upset with you. If anything, he's only mildly irritated, but his concern for your wellbeing outweighs his frustration. Perhaps running into Harwin wasn't the worst thing to happen after all.

"Come, I'll escort you back to wherever it is you came from. Do you know how to get back?”

"Yes."

"Lead the way, then."

You lead the way in silence, cutting through the back alleys and side streets with Harwin's sturdy grip on your arm. You admittedly feel much more content with him by your side, and you figure that this is how Rhaenyra must feel with Ser Cole. You'd thought to ask your father to make Harwin your sworn protector, but then your affections for him would be far too obvious, and you'd rather die than let it be known that you fancy him.

"Here, just up these stairs is the passage I used to leave the keep." A wave of relief washes over you as the familiar scenery comes into view. For a brief time there, you deluded yourself into thinking you'd never see it again, but for once you're glad to be proven wrong.

"You have my thanks, Ser Strong. I shudder to think what misfortunes could have fallen upon me if not for your aid." Harwin simply shakes his head in response, letting out another deep sigh in response to your praise.

"Think nothing of it, Princess. I was merely doing my duty as a knight. I'm glad I could be of service to you, but I must ask that you refrain from making yet another late night trip into the city on your own."

"I give you my word, kind Ser."

"Good, now off you go. I must return to my patrol, but I implore you to be safe getting back the rest of the way, Princess." Harwin moves to leave, but before you can even think, you reach out to stop him. There's a look of shock and confusion as he looks between your hand resting on his forearm and your face.

A surge of boldness courses through you and, before you even realize it, you're leaning forward to press your lips against Harwin's. The metal of his helm is cold against your skin, but his lips are warm enough to combat the chill. Harwin is stiff beneath you; lips unmoving and posture perfectly rigid. It's not what you hoped a kiss with him would be like, but beggars can't be choosers.

"Good night, Ser Strong. I trust that tonight's events shall remain between us, yes?" Your question is whispered between panting breaths while your eyes search Harwin's for any sort of reaction.

"Of course, Princess. My lips are sealed." The glint in his eyes is barely seen in the darkness, but you see it right away, and it tells you all you need to know.

You nod and smile in return before leaning forward to press one final kiss against Harwin's lips and this time, he returns it. It's chaste and brief, but it's all you could have ever hoped for. You're all smiles and giggles when you pull away. You could stay here all night doing this, but you both have places to be. So, with one final muttered goodbye, you take your leave.