𝓡. 𝑻𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒚𝒆𝒏

Long Before the Babe Starter for @creganstarkrp

A small smirk of amusement made its way across the usual stoic face of the Lord of Winterfell. "Hmm, did I?" He hummed; leaning into her touch as the familiar scent of her washed over him. His hold on Rhaenya tightened for a mere moment.

"I thought I may find you here," Cregan gently brushed his thumb against her cheek. His soft, nearly grey eyes moved over the room as his hand easily found hers.

His hand slowly moved to rest on her swollen stomach as a peaceful moment passed over the both of them.

Cregan rested his head against Rhaenya before pressing a soft kiss to her temple. "I have something.." His hand finally left hers as he stepped back towards the heavy, wooden door to reach out into the corridor.

If they were in Winterfell, Cregan would have used the cot he had made for his firstborn. Alas, they were in the capitol and he was able to keep his mind sane in the heat and politicking of this place by distracting himself.

"I hope it is to your liking." Cregan was now feeling unsure of himself as he brought the medium sized cot into view. The wood is hand carved with wolves and dragons. He even included the first letters of his own name, Rhaenya and Rickon.

"I am glad you like it," he whispered, a near shyness in his tone as Cregan ducked his head. Those locks of his falling into his face for a moment as his larger hands reached for hers; their fingers entangled just as their hearts were.

His fingers brushed through those locks of hers as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Cregan's hold on her only tightening in a loving manner.

They stayed in each other's arms for a quiet moment longer; his head resting on hers. The familiar scent of his Princess and the feel of her safe against him was enough for the Lord to finally be calm. If only for that moment.

Gifts for the princess

Starter for @thelittleprincesstargaryen

“How’s the North? I bet the winter here in King’s Landing is nothing compared to what you and Lord Cregan have up North,” Visenya reasoned curiously. Visenya was not a fan of the cold or the snow, as it kept her inside for prolonged periods of time. She couldn’t ride her horse due to the ice cobbles and her dragon, Morning, blatantly refused to take flight in the snow. Even her songbirds were more quiet than usual, longing for the warm rays of sun they were accustomed to.

Visenya took a quick look around, making notes of the fragrant flowers, the steam coming from the tea pot and the presents. Presents! Visenya loved presents, especially surprise ones she was not expecting. “Are..” She stopped herself, the presents might not be for her, they might be presents given to her aunt. No, she wouldn’t ask about them. “What kind of tea have you asked for?”

Rhaenya led her to sit down, “The North is cold as usual, but much colder here than here. I am glad to be back at home.” She smiled at the young girl, “How are you fairing? Everything well at home?”

The princess could see the excitement in Visenya’s eyes as she was going to tell her aunt everything and anything she could. Rhaenya held her hand her hand as she looked at niece.

“Before anything, I wanted to give you some gifts.” she brought a big box over. “This a traditional winter dress that we were in the North. I thought it might fit you well!”

She handed the princess the box before she looked at princess open it. Rhaenya was a gift giver and didn’t hesitate to spoil anyone and anything.

As she watched the princess admire the gift, she answered the question. “It’s just some light herbal tea, nothing too strong or too sweet!” she answered.

Long Before the Babe Starter for @creganstarkrp

A small smirk of amusement made its way across the usual stoic face of the Lord of Winterfell. "Hmm, did I?" He hummed; leaning into her touch as the familiar scent of her washed over him. His hold on Rhaenya tightened for a mere moment.

"I thought I may find you here," Cregan gently brushed his thumb against her cheek. His soft, nearly grey eyes moved over the room as his hand easily found hers.

His hand slowly moved to rest on her swollen stomach as a peaceful moment passed over the both of them.

Cregan rested his head against Rhaenya before pressing a soft kiss to her temple. "I have something.." His hand finally left hers as he stepped back towards the heavy, wooden door to reach out into the corridor.

If they were in Winterfell, Cregan would have used the cot he had made for his firstborn. Alas, they were in the capitol and he was able to keep his mind sane in the heat and politicking of this place by distracting himself.

"I hope it is to your liking." Cregan was now feeling unsure of himself as he brought the medium sized cot into view. The wood is hand carved with wolves and dragons. He even included the first letters of his own name, Rhaenya and Rickon.

a part of @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood

To my dearest sister Rhaenya,

I know that we have sent each other letters upon letters that tell each other how much we miss one another, but I cannot help myself but send another saying the same. Dragonstone is different without your sweet voice through the halls, and Winterfell is lucky to have you as their Lady!

I’d like to know all about your duties at the current moment, as mine remain the same as always, just with the new anxieties of winter approaching. It must be different in the North, colder I would assume. The children are growing older, as Jaehaera and Jaehaerys’ birthday is coming up very soon. I get sentimental when thinking about how small they once were, and how soon it feels that they’ll be even older. How is your dear Rickon?

I of course would like to hear about you and Cregan’s adventures as a married couple. The first year as a married couple is always the most interesting, at least, it was that way for Aegon and I. I hope you both fare well, and once again I believe Winterfell to be the luckiest place in Westeros with you two as the Lord and Lady.

Any anxieties you have, or fears, or anything you just want to tell me, please do. Even when we are so far apart, I’ll always be your elder sister, here for when you need me. I look forward to seeing your next letter arrive!

With so much love,

Rhaenya, who she’d watched grow up. Who lived so far away from her now, who she loved no matter how far away she was. Rhaenya going to be an amazing mother. Helaena felt like crying.

She wanted to pull her sister into a hug, to stroke her hair and tell her it’s going to be okay, and that she’s going to be the best mother her child could ever have. But she could not, no matter how badly she wanted to. Helaena would fly Dreamfyre to Winterfell now if that’s what her sister wanted, but she restrained herself and brought out a piece of parchment.

Immediately, she took her quill and began to write a response letter. She would send it right away, wasting no time to reassure and comfort her younger sister.

To my dearest younger sister,

You seem to be doing very well in Winterfell, and I smile to hear about all of the work you do and love you give. You have the biggest heart, and you always have!

The twins miss you, of course, and so does Maelor. They’ll be thrilled to receive anything from you, and I’ll make sure they send you thank you letters! But I won’t have to remind them, as they love you and will do it without a second thought.

I’m happy to hear about Rickon, you’re good to him, and he loves you dearly. Him and his lemon cakes make me laugh! He reminds me of when Maelor was younger, always getting into things!

But now, I want to write about the second half of your letter. You are with child! Perhaps you do not know for sure yet, but I somehow just have the feeling. The feeling that my dearest sister will be a mother soon enough.

If you need me to fly to Winterfell, I will. I will be there as soon as I can to support you. I know it is scary, I have been through two pregnancies and it is no easy thing. But you will get through this, you will be okay. You are strong, and you will be an amazing mother. You already are to Rickon.

I know it is scary, and I wish I could be holding your hand through this. Once again, if you need me to come, I will! Go see your maester, and bring Lyarra and your other ladies with you, bring Cregan even if it makes you less nervous. Your husband and your friends will let no maester do any harm to you, I promise. Everything will be alright, sweetest Rhaenya.

I will always come for you. If you want me at your side while you birth your child, then I will be there. You will never be without your sister’s love.

I remember when I was first pregnant with the twins, and having them was the scariest thing ever. But, I had you and our siblings by my side. Aegon stayed with me through the whole process, and mother was there was well. It was the support that kept me going, and when the twins finally arrived, it was the most joyous thing.

You will have all the support, and you will have a beautiful baby soon. It will all be well.

I miss you so much, my sweet Rhaenya. I look at the falling snow and think of you. I look at your empty room and miss your presence. But I am overjoyed to know that you thrive in your position as lady of Winterfell, and that you have a most honorable husband and amazing friends to be with you. I will see you soon, I know it.

From your older sister who loves you with all of her heart,

Rhaenya saw the raven fly in as she got up from her bed as she looked at the letter. She quickly got it off the raven and she sat back down on her bed. She missed her sister, her eyes slightly filling with tears.

The letter soaked with her tears, wanting a hug for Helaena. As she started her letter.

Dearest Sister Helaena,

I miss you so much, I feel as if I am starting to homesick. I wish to be back with the family… though I have my own here. It has been hard to be constantly in the snow. If you do wish to come down, I would enjoy your company. I would like your company on the travel up... flying with you back home... like we use to. But that is only wish for you to come down. I do not want to put a burden on your back... having you come all the way to the snow. But to have some support on the way, it would be extremely comforting. Though I, I am scared, there is nothing more than having my own family here. Benjen continues to make me laugh, and cheer me on. Trying to always cheer me up... and trying to find me the best food there can be. It has been confirmed... that I am with child... and I am afraid. A lot more afraid than I admit. Though I do have to keep my act up as the Lady of Winterfell, I feel like a child. I am missing you and mother more than anything. I never felt more alone than anything. I cannot wish to come home and be in the comfort of those we all need. I hope to see you soon, my dearest elder sister. (I apologize for your smeared notes, the tear marks...)

From the Lady of Winterfell,

Princess Rhaenya Targaryen.

(Starter part of @asongofgoldenfireandblackblood)

For @thedaringprince, @thefallenprincesss and @benjen-mormont

Daeron Targaryen had promised her that his trip north would only take a fortnight. Three weeks at the most. He had kissed her goodbye so sweetly, promised he would give Rhaenya her love and that he would be home to her as soon as he could.

That had been more than a month ago.

Ellyn knew it was driving her mad. Her chief lady's maid Kaya had been snapped at more than once. Maris and Floris had both hear Ellyn bite at anyone who'd asked her where Daeron was, or when he'd return. She missed him. She wanted her husband home. She'd heard rumors, of some plot involving Lord Tully and her sister Maris, and some sort of confusion between which sister was betrothed to which Lord....

and Benjen Bleeding Mormont.

Ellyn was trying to keep her temper, to keep herself calm and as ladylike as the court expected a Prince's bride to be. But after another sleepless night, a night was looking mournfully over at the latest gift Daeron had given her, that beautiful yellow gown, and she could no longer take it. By morning, she had paid for passage North to White Harbor, had her mare Aella loaded, and two of her father's guards joined her.

She was going the Winterfell...

To get Daeron herself.

"Winterfell, my lady." Said one of her Guardsmen, Brus, points to the great keep. They had just come over a hill, and Ellyn's breath caught as she finally got to see the Great Keep. This was her dearest friend's home now, and it was beautiful. Sprawling and grey, the top of the weirwood tree peeking over the walls, Winterfell was truly a sight to behold.

"Let us go then." Ellyn pulls her hood away from her face, the chill of dusk kissing her face and flushing her skin pink. She could feel her lips begin to tremble. Seven bleeding Hells, it really was cold here, even at this time of the year. She had not worn warm enough clothes for this mess.

As the sun sank lower, the wind grew colder and Ellyn and her guards ride closer to Winterfell, she was growing more annoyed. Daeron had better have a VERY good reason for lingering here for so long.

A stable boy rushed to meet them, and she asked him to tend to her dear lady Aella, as the mare was not used to the cold, nor were her guards' horses either. Before her escort was even able to accompany her, Ellyn was taking off. She walks past the guards and servants of Winterfell, most of them startled to see the Storm Pearl charging toward Winterfell's great hall, where their Lord, Lady and guests were dining. Ellyn didn't even stop to consider the mud at the hem of her dress and cloak, or her windswept black curls coming loose from her braids.

The steward let her in, and escorted her right to the high table. Ellyn curtsied to Lord Cregan, trying to at least be respectful to him. It likely wasn't his fault. She'd often heard of Cregan's honor. He'd have at least made Daeron write to her.

Rhaenya was sitting around in her chambers, when one of her guards came along to send her a message. The princess was resting her hand on her stomach, gently caressing it. She was escorted to the hall... where she once met Cregan, as she entered she saw Ellyn. Her eyes widened, she was not expecting seeing her best friend, especially her childhood best friend.

Ellyn looks at Rhaenya fondly, gratefully, heartened that her friend still knew her so well. She squeezes Rhaenya's hand back. "I'm glad to see you're so well, and happy, I hope?" She asks, tilting her head at her.

When she began trying to decide how to explain what all had happened, the thin thread holding Ellyn's fears back snapped. She didn't cry and rage, but the fear in her eyes had to be obvious. "Daeron... is he..? Tessarion..? What's happened, Rhaenya?" She asks, going willingly with the Lady of Winterfell. "I've heard some rumors, about Benjen Mormont and Lord Tully and my sister.. I thought it was all harebrained foolishness, but Daeron's been gone so long..."

She didn't mean to unload at Rhaenya, but once those fears got loosed, they all spilled out. She actually had to stop and collect herself for a moment, standing there in that empty corridor.

Benjen was light.

Light as a feather. No, lighter than a feather. Light as a particularly optimistic leaf drifting down a river of ale.

He leaned heavily against Daeron’s shoulder, laughing so hard his ribs ached. His head swam pleasantly, and the room tilted in that friendly, reassuring way that told him he was absolutely, completely, and entirely not drunk.

“So you’re telling me,” Benjen slurred, pointing a dangerously wobbly finger at Daeron’s face, “that all this time… all these fights, all this running around, all these godsdamned hunting accidents… it wasn’t even Maris you were betrothed to?” He sucked in a breath, barely managing to keep his laughter in check. “It was Ellyn?”

Daeron, cheeks flushed and eyes glassy, nodded solemnly before promptly dissolving into giggles. Grown men weren’t supposed to giggle. Lords of noble houses certainly weren’t supposed to giggle. But Daeron giggled anyway, and Benjen decided he liked him all the more for it.

“By the gods,” Benjen groaned, tipping his head back against the wall. His throat burned from laughing, or maybe from the ale. It didn’t matter. “I nearly died keeping you stuck up here. Kermit owes me another castle for this. A proper one. With tapestries.” He squinted at Daeron, thinking very hard. Thinking was difficult right now. “Do you have tapestries? You look like a man who owns tapestries.”

They erupted into laughter once more, half-falling over each other, a mess of tangled limbs and sloshing tankards. Daeron wasn’t uptight at all, really. He was downright fun. Benjen liked him. He liked him a lot. He was even going to tell him about the misunderstanding—and, to his credit, he managed a half-coherent explanation between hiccups and wheezes.

Daeron laughed so hard he nearly slid off his chair. Granted, Benjen was reasonably sure Daeron was too drunk to properly process the explanation, but that wasn’t the point. It was a good night. A rare, good night. He’d make sure Daeron got home in one piece, maybe send him back to his rooms with a bucket and some bread so he didn’t die in his sleep, and then—

Then she walked in.

Beautiful. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

Benjen wasn’t the type to whistle or catcall, that was dreadful. He appreciated women in a respectful, dignified way, like a man who could both admire a sunset and acknowledge that the sun could set him on fire.

But this woman…

The world seemed to slow down, just for a moment. Her hair was dark and soft, her eyes like moonlight on fresh snow, her gown… gods, he wasn’t even sure what color it was, but it shimmered when she moved, and wasn’t that something? A proper lady, no doubt. A stunning, proper lady.

Benjen felt himself smile, warm and lopsided.

“You’re a vision,” he said with something that might have passed for charm, if he weren’t so utterly, blissfully drunk. “The gods must’ve taken their time on you.”

She stared at him.

He blinked.

She was still beautiful, yet utterly terrifying.

Because that wasn’t a random beautiful woman. That was Ellyn.

Ellyn.

Daeron’s Ellyn.

Betrothed Ellyn.

Benjen’s brain, wading through an ocean of alcohol, tried desperately to swim back to shore. It drowned halfway there.

“Oh,” he said slowly. His voice dropped into something that might’ve been panic, or resignation, or both. “Oh, no.”

Benjen did not pray often. He prayed now. The old gods did not answer.

Ellyn didn’t speak. She didn’t need to. Her eyes said everything. They burned. If Benjen looked hard enough, he was pretty sure he could see his own funeral pyre reflected in them.

“Daeron,” he whispered, voice tight and high, “Daeron, I think I’m about to die.”

Daeron, who had been watching the whole thing with the blank, slack-jawed amusement of a man whose brain had left his body several drinks ago, blinked like a frog.

Benjen didn’t take his eyes off Ellyn. He didn’t dare. He considered running. Running was good. Running had worked before.

He tried to stand. His knees had other plans. He sat back down immediately.

Slowly, he lowered his cup to the table. He kept his head down, like a man who had just remembered how bears react to sudden movements. He kept his head down, as if avoiding eye contact would somehow save him.

The sound of her boots crossing the floor was like an executioner’s drumbeat.

She just stared at him. She had seen Maris's cat stare at a mouse like this once, tail curling slowly as she prepared to pounce upon her snack. Benjen Bleeding Mormont was a drunk mess, giggling one moment, then staring back at her terrified. How had this man managed to convince Daeron to stay away so long?

“if she kills me, tell Kermit I died a hero.”

Ellyn snorts. "There's no honor in killing a man too drunk to hold a sword." She says bluntly, watching Benjen. She wouldn't actually kill him, she didn't want to make a mess for Rhaenya, and by the looks of him, he was bigger than her by quite a bit.

She didn't want to have to carry him out of the cellar to hide his body. When Daeron sank to his knees, his arms around her legs though... Ellyn softened. He was so darling, smiling stupidly, his cheeks flushed from drink. She couldn't stay too angry with him. She took his face in her hands, brushing silver hair from his forehead gently. "My love, I was so worried about you. I feared something had happened to you, to Tessarion.. I heard nothing from you.."

Was she scolding him? Just a little. Was it for a good reason?

Yes, she thought so.

She hugs Daeron gently, leaning down to put her cheek against the top of his head. It was uncomfortable, but Gods, she didn't care. She could feel his arms around her, his drunk giggles against her neck as she hugged him. She was just glad her foolish Prince was alive and mostly well.

He was going to be so hungover in the morning.

Benjen should have walked back drunk to the Bear Islands.

At least then, the pounding in his skull would be from the sea and not the consequences of his own stupidity.

He knew Winterfell like the back of his hand. Better, probably, since he'd broken the back of his hand twice and still sometimes forgot which knuckle ached in the cold. Growing up here alongside Cregan, he had learned every hidden corridor, every blind spot in the guards’ patrols, every creaking floorboard that could give him away. He knew how to disappear when he wanted to.

And right now, standing in the cold morning light, hungover and miserable, he very much wanted to.

Getting out unseen would be a challenge, but not an impossible one. If he moved quickly, he could slip out through the eastern gate before anyone—particularly a certain pair of women—could stop him.

It was a good plan. A solid one.

It lasted all of five minutes.

Beth caught him first, just as he was slipping past the kitchens. All bright red hair and warm hands, hands that had twisted his ear more than once when he was a boy.

"Where do you think you're going, Ben?" Hands on her hips, already looking like she'd seen straight through him. "You've not had breakfast yet."

"I'm not hungry."

Beth gave him a look. "Since when? You always eat enough to shame a bear."

Benjen didn’t argue. He grabbed a piece of bread, took a bite, and made a show of chewing. Satisfied, if only barely, Beth let him go.

Kyra was next. The Mormonts’ old seamstress had always been motherly, always looking after everyone, and today was no different. She had been friends with his mother for years, and her concern had always been the same.

“When are we going to talk about your wedding?” she asked, leveling him with a pointed look.

“What wedding?” Benjen muttered, attempting to sidestep her.

“The one you should be having,” Kyra scolded. “You’re not getting any younger, and it wouldn’t hurt to have someone keeping you in line.”

He could have argued. Could have forced his way past. But Kyra was a force of nature, and fighting her would be about as useful as fighting the wind. So he muttered a “soon”, pressed on, and tried to slip through the side corridors.

It didn’t work.

Cley intercepted him before he reached the gates.

“Are you trying to die, Mormont?” the old man barked, his axe already in hand.

Benjen exhaled through his nose. "Not today."

"You go out there without a cloak, you'll freeze before you hit the gates."

"I won’t be out there for long."

"You say that now. You southerners never think before doing something foolish."

Benjen scowled. "I am a Northerner."

"And yet you act like you don’t know how the cold works."

"For fuck’s sake, Cley—"

"Guest chambers," Cley said flatly.And that was that.

With a strength that defied his age, Cley nudged him back down the hall. Benjen could have fought it. He should have fought it. But after the morning he’d had, he just let it happen. He’d try again later.

Which was how he walked straight into the gods' cruelest joke of the day.

Rhaenya and Ellyn.

Sitting in his chambers. Waiting.

Benjen stopped in the doorway, staring at them like they were executioners come to pass judgment. He considered slamming the door shut and running, but that wouldn't get him far.

Seven hells. And everything the fuckers created.

He sighed heavily, stepping into the room with the grace of a man heading toward his own funeral.

"If you’re here to lecture me, I’d like to remind you that this is my chamber." He leaned against the nearest wall. "What if I were naked? Is there no privacy in Winterfell?"

No response. Just expectant stares.

Of course not.

Benjen rubbed a hand down his face. "Fine. I'll say it." He looked to Rhaenya first. "Thank you for dragging me to my chambers and not letting me die last night. You’re a good friend. I don’t deserve you."

Then he turned to Ellyn.

"And I apologize." The words tasted like ash. "I didn't mean to… kidnap Daeron. It wasn’t really kidnapping, it was more of a—" he waved a hand vaguely, searching for something that sounded less like treason and more like a good idea. "A reason for you two to have a vacation."

Benjen crossed his arms. "You should be thanking me, Lady Ellyn, honestly. Time apart fortifies love."

He could already feel their judgment weighing on him. Benjen exhaled slowly, staring at the ceiling as if the gods themselves could save him.

Or maybe Cregan, who was on the floor above.

She chuckles, watching as one of the Winterfell maids brings in a tray with a pot of tea and bread, a bell of butter and a rasher of bacon, a couple soft boiled eggs. It was a light breakfast and it would give Benjen and Ellyn a chance to really talk. .

"His kidnapping is not what I'd like to have explained. Rather, what you not kidnapping Daeron has to do with my sister and Kermit Tully." She explains.

She pours three cups of tea, one for herself, one for Rhaenya, and one to offer as a peace offering. She adds sugar and cream to her own and to Rhaenya's as she likes it, before she looks at Benjen.

starter for: @aemond-of-house-targaryen "You're my brother until the end of time,"

There was a silence, as she sat in the room... she was waiting for her brother. She hated everyone being late, because Aemond use to get upset when she was late. Now it was him being late... she read her book as she waited for her brother's arrival... there was something that they had to talk about... Well she didn't know what exactly... There was something about missing Aemond, and she was quite intrigued by what they were going to talk about. She looked at the door and then back at her book as she continued to read... As the door opened, she didn't get up... until she was sure it was her brother. Then he walked in... his tall figure walked in as she looked up at Aemond and Rhaenya gave him a small curtsy. The room was already tense as Aemond sat across her and she sat back down in her seat as she looked at him. She tucked her book back into her side... and she tried her best to make it awkward. "Brother... it is nice to see you once again," She gave a smile... she could see him looking into her eyes... and there was a slight hesitant. The princess bit her lip... as she saw his stern reaction... well it wasn't a pleasent sight at the most.

Aemond had not always been kind to Rhaenya.

In fact, as a child and even as a young man, he'd been downright cruel to his youngest sister. Cold when he didn't feel like bothering with her, and ugly when he needed someone to lash out at. She'd been so sensitive as a child and it was easy to make her cry. Perhaps that was why Aemond had been like that; Rhaenya would cry at anything and he was never allowed to.

He had not meant to arrive late to her solar, in fact he had attempted to get there early. Frustrated that it seemed like everyone wanted to stop him for a word, for a favor, he almost slips up. He bites back a sharp reprimand when he saw her teeth dig into her lip.

It was unladylike, why can't she be more like Mother... He would have snapped, but he stops himself, hesitates.

Rhaenya was not just his weepy little sister anymore. She was a woman grown, Lady of Winterfell, a wife.... and soon to be a mother. He noticed when she stood, when she curtsied. She seemed to glow in a way so similar to Helaena when she was newly married and carrying the twins..

Aemond nods, softening slightly. "It's good to see you too. I hope your journey was easy." He says politely. He glances over at the little dog, watching as Rhaenya lifts her into her arms.

Aemond looked up at her and smiles slightly. "Did you like him?" He asks, genuinely hopeful. He had seen a shepherd guiding sheep to the market with a mother dog at his side one afternoon. She had been a medium size dog, and the litter of puppies that playfully trailed behind her had been full of energy and fluffy as any dog Aemond had ever seen before.

They had immediately reminded him of the little white dog Rhaenya had had when they were children. It had been a white fluffy ball of energy too, without an ounce of sense. The stupid creature had wandered into the Dragonpit and been descended upon by some of the younger dragons. Rhaenya, angry and hurt, had immediately accused Aemond of feeding the dog to Vhagar. He'd tried to point out that Vhagar had been too big to nest in the Dragon pit long before he was her rider, but Rhaenya's wrath knew no logic and he already knew she hated him anyway..

What harm was there in letting her hate him a little more?

Aemond swallows and looks at her. "I had hoped he would make amends for the little dog Vhagar ate when we were young. I was not as kind to you as I should have been when it died. I'm sorry for it."

Aemond notices her correction from son to step-son when she speaks of Rickon and he immediately wonders who had made her uncomfortable about it? Was it him? He didn't like that she felt like she couldn't claim the child as her own around him.

"Has my nephew given the puppy a name?" He asks, sitting back more comfortably in the chair he was in. He was trying to be better for all his siblings, not just the ones who lived close, who'd he'd been close to as a child. "A dog is a good companion for a child. Less dangerous than a dragon I suppose." He glances at her when she mentions that she found out Vhagar hadn't eaten her dog. He almost smirks and says I told you, but thinks better of it. It wasn't about being right, this meeting was about making amends. He simply nods, moving past the subject now. Let it rest there, he thinks, lets move past it like we should have years ago.

At mention of Rhaena, Aemond looks down at his hands, folded on his knee. He smiles widely, in a way Aegon would likely have teased him for. "Rhaena is well. She's enjoying life here in the capital, keeps herself busy with projects, lights up every room she walks into.." He jokes. "Hopefully soon we will begin planning the wedding."

Though Rickon was her son now, people would claim she had no right to claim her as her own... as she is only just replacing his real mother... Rhaenya kept herself calm... as she wasn't sure how she was going to truly handle it. And she hoped that no one would claim that her future children were going to replace him. She smiled at Aemond, "I think he would like meet you one day... he loves to train already, young but mighty," Rhaenya stated with a proud smile on her face. "the Future heir of Winterfell, is he not?" Rhaenya gave him a small smirk, before she looked back at her brother, and she saw his posture change when he started to talk about Rhaena. He was truly in love... and he was a changed man.... only a smile could continue appearing on her face. "She is the brightness of everyone's day, as she is the pearl is not?" Rhaenya smiles, she loved to mention her friend, she loved Rhaena. "A wedding is a big deal... but I would suggest keeping everything to be dealt with Rhaena... she has a great mind of creativity,"

Rhaena always did, since she was a child, nothing more than pure creativity came out of her friend, and quite Rhaenya was slightly jealous.

starter for: @aemond-of-house-targaryen "You're my brother until the end of time,"

There was a silence, as she sat in the room... she was waiting for her brother. She hated everyone being late, because Aemond use to get upset when she was late. Now it was him being late... she read her book as she waited for her brother's arrival... there was something that they had to talk about... Well she didn't know what exactly... There was something about missing Aemond, and she was quite intrigued by what they were going to talk about. She looked at the door and then back at her book as she continued to read... As the door opened, she didn't get up... until she was sure it was her brother. Then he walked in... his tall figure walked in as she looked up at Aemond and Rhaenya gave him a small curtsy. The room was already tense as Aemond sat across her and she sat back down in her seat as she looked at him. She tucked her book back into her side... and she tried her best to make it awkward. "Brother... it is nice to see you once again," She gave a smile... she could see him looking into her eyes... and there was a slight hesitant. The princess bit her lip... as she saw his stern reaction... well it wasn't a pleasent sight at the most.

Aemond had not always been kind to Rhaenya.

In fact, as a child and even as a young man, he'd been downright cruel to his youngest sister. Cold when he didn't feel like bothering with her, and ugly when he needed someone to lash out at. She'd been so sensitive as a child and it was easy to make her cry. Perhaps that was why Aemond had been like that; Rhaenya would cry at anything and he was never allowed to.

He had not meant to arrive late to her solar, in fact he had attempted to get there early. Frustrated that it seemed like everyone wanted to stop him for a word, for a favor, he almost slips up. He bites back a sharp reprimand when he saw her teeth dig into her lip.

It was unladylike, why can't she be more like Mother... He would have snapped, but he stops himself, hesitates.

Rhaenya was not just his weepy little sister anymore. She was a woman grown, Lady of Winterfell, a wife.... and soon to be a mother. He noticed when she stood, when she curtsied. She seemed to glow in a way so similar to Helaena when she was newly married and carrying the twins..

Aemond nods, softening slightly. "It's good to see you too. I hope your journey was easy." He says politely. He glances over at the little dog, watching as Rhaenya lifts her into her arms.

Aemond looked up at her and smiles slightly. "Did you like him?" He asks, genuinely hopeful. He had seen a shepherd guiding sheep to the market with a mother dog at his side one afternoon. She had been a medium size dog, and the litter of puppies that playfully trailed behind her had been full of energy and fluffy as any dog Aemond had ever seen before.

They had immediately reminded him of the little white dog Rhaenya had had when they were children. It had been a white fluffy ball of energy too, without an ounce of sense. The stupid creature had wandered into the Dragonpit and been descended upon by some of the younger dragons. Rhaenya, angry and hurt, had immediately accused Aemond of feeding the dog to Vhagar. He'd tried to point out that Vhagar had been too big to nest in the Dragon pit long before he was her rider, but Rhaenya's wrath knew no logic and he already knew she hated him anyway..

What harm was there in letting her hate him a little more?

Aemond swallows and looks at her. "I had hoped he would make amends for the little dog Vhagar ate when we were young. I was not as kind to you as I should have been when it died. I'm sorry for it."