#jacaena

As she worked, her gaze often drifted towards the training yard below, where Jace was once again engaged in a fierce sword practice. She used to sit inside, choosing to spend these hours daydreaming in solace. Moons ago, Rhaena moved her seat from aside the fireplace to the balcony to watch Jace and entertain herself while she worked. She smiled softly as he rushed back to his feet after getting knocked down by the much larger trainer. His movements had grown fluid and more graceful, his growing display of strength and skill never failed to captivate her. At her feet, little Aegon toddled around with his toy, interrupting Rhaena's quiet by giggling with glee as he tried to mimic Jace's sword swings with his tiny arm.

Rhaena couldn't help but giggle at the sight of the boy. With Daemon and his busy mother, she found this child was near her a lot. She didn't mind, being that he was sweet and didn't cry too much. Everyone else came and went as they pleased with their dragons, while Rhaena was here spending so much time at Dragonstone. Atleast baby Aegon couldn't fly away and leave her, at least not yet. The birth of Aegon had brought Jace and Rhaena closer. They had already grieved Laena and Harwin together, ate dinner together, lived together. But this was different. They shared a sibling now, and Rhaena felt they were now closer than cousins simply living on the same island. She thought about how this is such a Valyrian way of thinking. If she were in House Stark or Martell, cousins would be close enough.

The growing bond was evident even in Rhaena and Jace's interactions. Aegon's birth left both Jace and Rhaena spending time together fussing over the baby. She was always nurturing, but missing the chance to coo at her own loss brother Baelon. A new found appreciation was gained for Jace. Unlike Rhaena, this wasn't his first time being an older sibling. She assumed this is how Baela was when Rhaena was born, cooing over her younger sister. Jace's protective nature towards their young brother warmed her heart, and she found herself admiring him not just for his prowess with a sword, but for the kindness and patience he showed towards others. Especially her.

Rhaena blushed, looking down to regain focus on her needling.

Lost in her thoughts, Rhaena continued to stitch the intricate patterns of the dragon, the needle glinting in the sunlight like a tiny silver dragon's claw. She loved the image of ancient traditions, it filled her with a sense of contentment that she cherished. She had no suspicions Jace felt the same way about her, but he was careful with his intentions. He thought Rhaena seemed to be naive and oblivious to the strained relationship he held with his mother's new husband.

Busy with her stitching, Rhaena suddenly heard a familiar voice calling her name. Looking up, she saw Jace motioning to her, letting her know he was on his way inside. She had brought Aegon down to the common quarters to sit with his wet nurse and she approached Jace raising her eyebrows. His princely figure was cutting a striking silhouette against the backdrop of the ancient castle walls. His dark eyes sparkled with a warmth that always made Rhaena's heart flutter.

"Rhaena?" Jace said, his voice gentle yet commanding, "I was wondering if you would accompany me on a ride with Vermax."

Surprised yet intrigued by his request, Rhaena smiled and nodded eagerly. She couldn't help the warmth that spread across her cheeks upon accepting his offer. This was the first time he'd asked her. Rhaena rushed outside after changing her outfit, seeing Jace had also changed into riding clothes. He was glad his mother and Daemon were off to the mound, so he didn't have anyone questioning his sudden invitation to Rhaena. In truth, he had no errand to run, no excuse to take her anywhere. His busy schedule to train for future kingship had rarely given him free time to do this.

As the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the ancient walls of their castle, Rhaena approached Vermax, the majestic dragon that Jace had invited her to ride. Jace, ever the gentleman, was standing waiting for her and held out his hand to help Rhaena onto the dragon's back. Her heart raced with excitement as she settled in behind Jace, wrapping her arms around his waist for support. With a gentle nudge, Vermax spread his growing wings and ascended to the sky, the wind whipped through their hair while they soared through the air. The

The landscape unfolded beneath them, a breathtaking tapestry of rugged cliffs and crashing waves. Jace's strong presence in front of her filled Rhaena with security and warmth, and she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her heart. As they watched the sun slowly dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, Jace couldn't shake the feeling that was blossoming in his chest. He wanted to turn around and steal a glance at Rhaena, but decided it's better to watch where he was going.

A shadow lingered in his thoughts, the knowledge that Rhaena's father, Daemon, might not approve of their growing closeness. Jace pushed the worry aside, determined to savor this precious moment with Rhaena pressed close to him, flying into the evening sky and their hearts soaring as one. As they flew through the sky, the wind whispering in their ears, Jace still couldn't shake the nagging thought of Daemon's potential disapproval. That the man's icy demeanor was like a looming shadow over their blossoming relationship, and Jace was sure to notice how Daemon treated the young Aegon much more fatherly. Despite the exhilaration of flying on Vermax's back with Rhaena's arms wrapped around him, a sense of foreboding lingered in his mind.

He felt Rhaena sigh, nestling closer against his chest and with her breath warm on his neck, Jace felt a rush of emotions. Her presence recently was growing intoxicating, and the closeness between them ignited a fire within him. The way her soft curves molded against his body, the hint of her floral fragrance mixing with the familiar scent of Vermax—it was all too much for Jace to handle.

As they rode through the darkening sky, the heat of the moment and the adrenaline of their flight stirred something deeper within Jace. His thoughts strayed to places he knew they shouldn't, his mind painting vivid images of what could be if they dared to explore the desires that simmered beneath the surface. Jace's heart raced with a heady mix of longing and guilt, his grip on Vermax's scales tightening involuntarily. The relaxation of the flight, their clandestine closeness, and the nature of their growing attraction created a potent cocktail of emotions that Jace struggled to contain.

Lost in the whirlwind of sensations, he found himself using one hand to cover Rhaena's hand. Clinging to her as if she were his lifeline, his every nerve on edge with desire and apprehension. They descended through the now starlit sky, with only the beating of dragon wings and the rush of wind as witness, Jace and Rhaena danced on the edge of something beautiful.

The sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air. Inside the grand dining hall, the long table was adorned with flickering candles, gleaming silverware, and plates of steaming food. Rhaena sat at the table with a maroon dress, her eyes sparkling, Joffrey and Aegon on either side of her. Across from her, Jace, with his princely demeanor, sat looking regal, his eyes occasionally meeting Rhaena's with a slight smile. Lucerys and Joffrey were busy teasing each other, their laughter ringing through the hall.

Daemon, the stern and imposing figure of the family, sat at the head of the table, spoke to his wife and their usual dinner guest. It was usually a Lord or Lady from another house, and Jace was always the first to make their guest feel taken care of. As plates of roasted meats, savory stews, and freshly baked bread were passed around, the family engaged in lively conversation. Stories of the day's events and occasional jokes filled the air. Rhaena wished Baela and her grandmother could've been there. Amidst the clinking of silverware and the occasional outburst of laughter, she stole glances at Jace, her heart fluttering at the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled. The tension that lingered between them from their recent flight on Vermax was palpable, adding an undercurrent of feeling to the evening.

As the meal came to a close, and the last crumbs were cleared away, Rhaena felt a sense of contentment finally wash over her. She would never complain to her father about this but she had felt so alone without her mother, and feeling torn apart when she realized Baela would not be living with her. Rhaena wasn't close to her father, aware he wasn't the type of parent to give the warmth and love she'd heard from her handmaidens stories of their own fathers. She had come to Dragonstone shocked at the difference from Pentos. Pentos was lively, a big city with plenty of kids running around that she could make friends with. Now she was living among all boys, seeing as Rhaenyra had no daughters and the only girls close to her age being the occasional ladies who came to visit and the few girls her age that lived here. She didn't realize until then just how isolated she was and her growing introversion. But with Jace's reassuring presence, she was feeling different now. In that moment, as the candles flickered and the warmth of the hearth enveloped them, Rhaena couldn't help but feel grateful for the love and connection that bound them together.

The soft sounds of Rhaena's laughter echoed under the tree they sat at as she patiently corrected Jace's pronunciation of a High Valyrian word. Warm light danced in her eyes, reflecting the joy she felt in these moments spent with him. Jace couldn't help but chuckle at his own mistakes, encouraged by Rhaena's gentle teasing. These unofficial lessons of his were the only time he didn't feel pressured, earlier he'd get frustrated feeling the need to overcompensate. Rhaena's softness had a way to calm him down and reassure the young Prince. He watched as she moved her long shining hair back and his eyes crinkled at the corners as he tried once more, determined to get it right this time. Wrong again. The bond between them grew stronger with every shared giggle and every mispronounced word.

Outside, the gardens of Dragonstone bloomed with the colors of spring, a perfect backdrop for these late meetings. Ever since their first flight together, Jace would often steal moments away from his princely duties to walk with Rhaena among the flowers, their voices hushed in conversation. In those stolen moments, he would slip small gifts into her hands, tokens of his affection. Whenever he got the chance, he would taker Rhaena into the skies with him. He knew she wanted a dragon, and was wanting her pale pink egg to hatch but he was secretly glad it didn't. He wanted her with him, and felt pride knowing he could give her that. Rhaena, in turn, would eagerly help Jace navigate the intricacies of High Valyrian, her lilac eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as she explained the nuances of the ancient language. It was very difficult so she was grateful for the lessons Laena had given her, and for the first time, she was in a position of teaching and having more knowledge than him. A stark contrast to him explaining the many different commands he gave Vermax.

"Egros. This is an easy one." Jace repeated the word she pointed to on his book, pronouncing it correctly. Rhaena beamed with pride at his progress while her eyes traveled down to the weapon attached to his belt. Her expression quickly shifted when Jace asked her what the word meant. Without missing a beat, Rhaena quietly replied, "Knife."

Her gaze stayed on the knife that Jace had tucked in, a blade that held a significant memory for both of them. It was the very same knife he had when they first met, during the intense confrontation with Aemond. The memory of that tumultuous event hung heavy in the air, the fear and tension of that moment still straining. Rhaena's eyes filled with sorrow as she recalled the adrenaline-fueled clash, the unnecessary danger they had faced together.

Jace noticed the shift in her mood and gently took her hand in his, offering a reassuring squeeze. "It's ok, Rhaena. We stood together then, and we always will," he murmured, his voice filled affection. As Jace's fingers grabbed at the knife, instinctively wanting to remove it from it's hilt and show her. However, Rhaena couldn't help but feel a pang of disapproval tugging at her heart as she watched him. This blade had once been a source of danger and caused so much chaos.

"Jace, I... I don't like seeing that knife out," Rhaena began, her gaze pleading with him to understand her unease. "I know it's important to you, but it reminds me of a time I wish we could forget."

Jace's brow furrowed, before returning it to it's place. He had to remind himself that she wasn't Baela, the older girl loved play fight with him and marvel at weapons when he flies to visit her and his grandparents.

Rhaena's eyes flickered as she shook her head, the gold in her locs clinking together. Her voice tinged with sadness and frustration. "I don't understand, Jace. I don't understand what's between you and Aemond, why we have to avoid King's Landing and can't patch things up with the rest of our family. She thought to her uncle who was so nice to her, he'd send books and even invited her to visit his grand library. She was unsuprised and sad when Daemon found the letter and threw it away, declaring that they wouldn't be taking her to King's Landing for a visit.

She continued. I don't know why there's so much resentment. Why Aemond was so mean to me."

Jace's features hardened as he remembered Aemond taking out his frustration on Rhaena, "I'm sorry, Rhaena. I didn't realize... I'll put the knife away," he vowed.

A wave of guilt washed over him. He realized the weight of the chaos that Rhaena and Baela were entangled in immediately upon their return to Westeros. With a heavy heart, he leaned in.

"I'm so sorry, Rhaena," Jace began apologizing again, his voice tinged with remorse. "I should've kept my emotions under control, made sure you and Baela were shielded from all this mess with my uncle." He sighed, thinking back to Harwin Strong and hearing about his brutal death.

"I promise to stand by you, especially in the troubling times to come. I'll always protect you, dear sister."

The heartfelt declaration was sealed with his gentle kiss, symbolizing their unbreakable bond and the unwavering support they promised each other in the face of any adversity. Feeling a surge of protectiveness and affection towards Rhaena, Jace had reached out, gently cupping her face in his hands. Their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them. In that moment of shared vulnerability and unspoken emotions, Jace leaned in, pressing tenderly into Rhaena's lips.

The world around them seemed to fade away. Jace pulled back, his expression reflecting the deep emotion that surged through him.

"You mean everything to me, sweet Rhaena."

He marveled at Rhaena while kissing her again. She was more fragile than him, but could hold such strength in her gentle presence. As Jace used his tongue to graze her's, he appreciated replacing the usual aggression he felt he had to muster when speaking to Daemon or engaging in training sessions with a tender and protective aura whenever he touched Rhaena.

In those moments, his hands, which were accustomed to wielding swords and fighting in the yard now moved with a gentle grace as they traced the contours of her delicate features. His touch, once fueled by intensity and determination, now exuded a soothing delicacy.

With each caress, Jace's actions spoke louder than words, conveying his unwavering support and love for the precious girl who had captured his heart.

Jace's words were accompanied by a tender caress of her cheek, the gentle gesture conveying his unending devotion and affection. Rhaena melted into his arms, cherishing the moment of comfort and intimacy with her beloved Jace. The shared vulnerability of their confessions and the intensity of their bond only fueled the growing attraction between them, igniting a powerful desire that burned brightly within both of them. Rhaena's eyes flickered with desire, the heat of her blush reflecting her inner turmoil.

As the night enveloped the garden, casting a soothing glow over the flowers and herbs, Rhaena and Jace refused to leave their tender embrace. A promise of love and the stars twinkled above them, offering a celestial witness to the moment of pure emotion that passed between them.

Moons had passed since their first kiss, and the bond between Rhaena and Jace had only intensified. Jace found himself seeking any excuse to steal moments alone with Rhaena, cherishing each stolen kiss and secret embrace. On a quiet evening, as the castle lay hushed in slumber, Jace found himself in Rhaena's chambers. The room was bathed in the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the windows, casting a silver sheen over everything it touched. Rhaena had just given him the embroidery she made portraying Vermax's mix of colors. Jace favored it. His heart raced with a mixture of excitement and nervousness as he lay beside her on the bed, his hand reaching out to gently brush a stray loc of hair from her face.

With only the sound of their hushed breaths filling the room, Jace leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a sweet and tender kiss. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them caught in a moment suspended in time. As their lips lingered a gentle rustle of fabric caused Jace to pull back slightly, his heart skipping a beat. He knew his mother and Daemon was off the island, having flown off somewhere, he didn't bother to care where but them leaving the castle afforded him rare moment of solitude with her. Jace wouldn't dare be here if Daemon was lurking about.

With a shared glance of silent understanding, Jace and Rhaena let their inhibitions fall away, allowing themselves to revel in the stolen intimacy of the night. In the quiet sanctuary of her chamber, their love bloomed like a delicate flower under the moon's watchful gaze, each stolen kiss a testament to the depth of their affection. Rhaena seemed to him more enchanting than usual, her eyes seemed to glow with a mixture of innocence and desire. The air between them crackled with an undeniable tension, a silent understanding passing between them.

Without a word, Jace's touch more urgent more primal than before. His hands and lips moved with a newfound intensity, tracing the curve of her jaw, the line of her neck, igniting a fire that burned hot and bright within them both. Rhaena's breath hitched at the sudden change in his demeanor, a thrill of excitement coursing through her veins.

Feeling his rougher touch, Rhaena let out a soft gasp, a shiver of anticipation running down her spine. "Jace, I can't wait for you to be my King," she whispered in confession, the word King slipping from her lips like a forbidden promise, a term of endearment and acceptance that fueled the flames of the young Prince. Jace's eyes darkened with a hunger, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he slid on top of her and drank in the sight of her beneath him. The title he didn't yet possess but she bestowed upon him sent a jolt of electricity through his body.

She seemed to realize the effect her words had on him when she placed her hand on his chest, running her fingers through his curled hair.

"I want you, Jace," Rhaena whispered in his ear. His breath caught in his throat as her words filled him with a surge of confidence and purpose. The young prince had never felt more alive, more certain of his destiny and the future he would share with his precious Rhaena. The world around them seemed to fade away when he slipped his cock inside her, leaving only the two of them and the unbreakable bond that connected them. Their heavy kissing seeming to have already prepared her body for him, allowing him to move with fervor. He wished he could stay in her wetness forever as he grunted on top of her.

"Rhaena, my sweet Rhaena," Jace murmured, his voice a soft caress. "You light my days."

Rhaena looked up at him, her eyes shining with affection. She didn't say anything in response, but just smiled.

They remain intertwined with the sounds of their passion, creating a symphony of love that enveloped them in its embrace. In that moment, there was only them, two souls bound together in a love that knew no boundaries.