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Chapter Text

There were a lot of things that Lucerys Velaryon regretted in his short life. The first thing he regrets is that he was foolish enough to not realize the hatred that his uncle Aemond had for him. He regrets he left this world without even saying goodbye to his mother. He hated the fact that he knew that if he died, his mother's grief would be the spark that would lead to the war between their families. 

It was already too late, he supposes. As he sank beneath the stormy ocean waves, Lucerys Velaryon closed his eyes and prayed.

He prayed that his mother wouldn't be too sad that he was gone.

He prayed that his brother, Jacaerys and his stepfather wouldn't avenge his death.

Finally, he wished that he was a bit kinder and a bit wiser maybe, his uncle wouldn't have hated him. He wished he didn't stab his uncle's eye, then this wouldn't have happened.

'What a painful way to die.' He thought as the sea water rushed through his lungs. It was strange to him that in his last moment, all he could think about was Aemond.

'I wished I could start over and meet you once again. Then, could things possibly turn out differently?'

"Are you awake, young prince?" 

A voice shook him back into consciousness. He opened his eyes, and his old room at the red keep greeted him.

"What in the God's is happening?" He mumbled to himself. He lay on his bed, touching the sheets to see if everything was just a dream. He looked at his hands and found them smaller than what he remembered. 

"Goodness! Your lesson will start soon if you don't get up!" 

He looked towards the door and saw an unfamiliar servant moving towards his bed.

'Is this my punishment? Being tormented by incessant whining?' He thought as he closed his eyes again. He couldn't be bothered to get up.

He just died.

Hopefully, the servant would leave me alone. 

"Your highness!" She shouted again as she removed the sheets from his body. 

"HEY!" He shouted. He blinked in surprise at the voice that came out of his mouth. It was squeaky and small. 

'What happened to my voice?'

He stood up and ran towards a mirror and saw his reflection.

'I-I've turned into a child!'

Lucerys walked toward the dragon's pit in deep thought. From what he gathered from the servant earlier, he is five years old and was during the time when his birth father, Harwin Strong, was still alive and a knight. 

When he got there, he saw his brother Jacaerys and his uncle Aegon smirking and talking to Aemond about something.

'Oh no.' He thought as he remembered this scene. It was the day when they pranked their uncle about getting him a dragon. He didn't realize how cruel they had been towards Aemond until now. 

'No wonder he wanted to kill me.' 

He ran as he saw his uncle and brother laughing cruelly towards Aemond as he stared blankly at the pig. It pained him to see his uncle clench his fist as he quietly took the malicious prank his family showed him. 

"Both of you are being wicked!" He shouted as he shoved Aegon and his brother away. He slightly cringed at the childish tone of his voice, but he kept his stance firm. "You didn't need to be cruel! It's unnecessary!" 

"It was just a joke, Luke," Jacaerys replied, slightly shocked at the profanity his brother swore. "We didn't mean anything by it."

"Yeah, Aemond here should just take it," Aegon answered, wiping the tears from his eye. "It's not our fault he can't get any dragon."

He glared at them before taking Aemond's hand and walking away with him. 

"What is up with your brother?" Aegon asked awkwardly, feeling weirded out by his nephew's sudden change of heart.

"I don't know," Jace replied. "He never defended Aemond before..." 

They both shook their heads and continued to hang out, trying to forget the event.

It was just a joke, and Aemond knew they were only kidding.

Right?

"Nephew."

"Those bastards. I'll show them." Lucerys muttered as he angrily walked away from his brother and uncle. "I'll prank them back...they shouldn't have done that. Those idiots!" 

"Luke!" 

He stopped and looked behind him. He was so mad that he forgot he was still holding Aemond's hand. 

"Sorry, Uncle." He muttered as he felt his eyes sting with tears. He couldn't help it. He felt childish crying over something like this and showing weakness towards the person who may one day kill him.

He felt sorry.

"Why are you crying?" Aemond asked blankly. He didn't understand why his nephew was crying for him. Was he crying because Aemond is pathetic? He didn't need pity.

"Because they were being mean to you." Lucerys cried, his tears spilling out like a waterfall. "We were being mean to you, and I didn't realize it until now. I'm sorry, uncle." He sobbed as he held Aemond's hands together. "I'm sorry."

Aemond watched as his nephew trembled in his grief. It was his first time seeing someone apologizing to him. 

"It's fine. It's always been like that." He replied. Not knowing what to say.

"It shouldn't be!" Luke replied angrily. Aemond wanted to chuckle because Luke looked like an angry kitten. "You'll get a dragon someday, Uncle! I'm sure of it!"

"Okay, Luke," Aemond said with a soft smile. It was his first time seeing him look like that. His uncle had never looked at him like that. Luke felt something in his heart.

It was nice.

'If only they were always like this.' He thought. He shook the thought away.

 It didn't matter. What happens in the future is not set in stone.

He could still change things.

"You might not have a dragon, uncle, but you are still a great swordsman," Luke replied. "You should teach me to be like you!" He squeezed his uncle's hand in hopes of him accepting.

Aemond silently nodded and squeezed his hand back. 

"Thank you, Uncle!" He said as he hugged Aemond, not noticing the blush on the older boy's face.

At that moment, Aemond felt a stir of possession towards the warmth of Luke's hand. He gripped it tightly, not wanting to let go.

Lucerys' thought that the Gods were merciful for bringing him back to the past to change things, but he didn't realize that the Gods are also wicked.

He didn't foresee the seed of obsession planted in Aemond's head.

"For the dragon guards their deepest treasure."

Chapter Text

The next day, Luke was currently training on the grounds with his uncles and brother. He learned a lot about this world, which was different from his previous one. 

Females and males were designated into a whole set of different genders. There were alphas, betas, and omegas. 

His mother was an omega, and apparently, there were signs that he could also be one. He hadn't presented yet, but his small stature and delicate characteristics suggested he was to be an omega.

Jace and his Uncle Aegon recently presented Alpha, and he watches both of them practice ferociously with their swords.

He did hear the lords last night on how prince Aegon is the rightful heir to the throne due to him being an Alpha while his mother was just an omega. 

"She's an omega! She needs to pop off heirs and do her duty! Not rule the seven kingdoms!"  They whispered in hush tones.

Luke felt anger at those words, but he also felt worried. How would this change the future? If he were to be an omega, what would he do to preserve his family from the horror that awaits them in the future?

'No, I shouldn't think like that.' Luke thought as he shook his head and used his sword to hack the training dummy. 'All I have to focus on right now is make sure Uncle Aemond likes me enough to not kill me.' 

As he practiced his sword, he didn't notice Sir Cole watching him in disgust and annoyance. 

'Pathetic runt of an omega.'  He thought as he watched the son of that cunt feebly practice his sword.

The beta was still bitter after Rhaenyra denied his request to run away and live a life together. Choosing to whore herself out to others instead. 

"Prince Aegon, Prince Aemond! You're up next!"  He shouted, watching the arrogant prince Jacaerys bumping his shoulder into Aemond. 

"Soften your knees."  Sir Cole said as he taught Aemond how to properly use his sword.  "Feet light."  He didn't mind if he wasn't helping the bastards on how to properly wield their swords. If it were him, he wouldn't even let them use the practice field and contaminate it with their vile blood.

When he saw Aemond dropping Jacaerys' sword, he slightly smiled at the pathetic display.  "Don't stand too upright, My prince. You'll get knocked down." 

He knew that Aemond would also become an Alpha soon. Queen Alicent's blood indicates they should be the rightful heir to the throne. 

"Aegon."  He shouted chidingly, seeing the alpha prince watching the lady servants. Boys are like that at a young age, but it shouldn't stop them from practicing.

"I've won my first bout, Sir Criston,"  Aegon replied with a proud smirk.  "My opponent sues for mercy."

'Cocky. Well, let's change that then.'  He thought before offering to fight both Alicent's children. 

"Ah! Weapon's up, boys."  A voice said beside Luke and Jace. When they glanced alongside them, Luke almost cried out, for there he was, their father.

Alive and well. 

"Give your enemies no quarter."  He gave them a smile before frowning over at Criston Cole, and Lucerys suddenly remembered the events of this day.

It was the day that they lost their father. 

He was sent away to his death.

No, no, no. Luke couldn't let that happen again. He just saw him once more.

"It seems the younger boys could do better with a bit of your attention, Sir Criston." 

Luke stared in horror as events unfolded right in front of his eyes. Watching as Aegon fought viciously against Jace at the insistence of Sir Criston. 

"Don't let him get up!"  Criston shouted, egging Harwin on.  "Stay on the attack!" 

As his father was going to enter the fray, Lucerys dashed towards Aegon and tried to protect his brother with his own sword.

"You little shit!"  Aegon shouted before using his sword to attack Luke. He couldn't avoid Aegon's onslaught and felt himself being hit on the head with the sword.

He collapsed and landed squarely on the corner of the weapons table. Luke felt something dripping from his forehead as he numbly raised his hand to touch it.

It was blood. 

"Luke!" "My prince" 

He could barely hear them shouting, and everything felt blurry. 

"Wha-what's happening?" 

He felt himself being carried away by his father, and Luke closed his eyes. 

He thought he might prevent his father from hearing Sir Criston's cruel comments.

He hoped he was able to stop their father from dying for them.

"Father..."  Luke whimpered before losing consciousness.

What Luke didn't see was Sir Harwin's sorrowful expression as he closely clutched his son, who he couldn't claim. Even if they didn't call him father, he believed it was enough to see them grow up.

But it didn't mean that it wasn't painful.

"Enough!" King Vicerys yelled as he witnessed what was going on in the yard. "You are a tutor of the princes, Sir Criston. Your behavior is unbecoming."

"I apologize, your Highness." Sir Criston bowed. "The heat of the battle had caused me to say unnecessary things. It won't happen again." 

"Good." the king nodded, accepting his apology. "See to it that you do." He looked at Aegon in disappointment. "You apologize to your nephew, Aegon." 

Aegon answered, "Yes, father." He had no intention of going too far. He merely wanted Sir Criston to witness how proficient he was at fighting. He only wanted him to be pleased.

As he felt a wrack of guilt, he looked beside him when he felt a hand touch his shoulder. It was Jace. 

"It's fine, Uncle," Jacaerys answered somberly. "I know you didn't mean it." 

Aegon felt touched by Jace's words. His father didn't care about him, and his mother hated him. Only his nephews were constantly at his side and concerned about him. 

"Let's go, nephew. We should wait for Luke to wake up so I can apologize to him," he murmured as he walked away, his arm resting on Jace's shoulders.

As they walked away, Aegon couldn't help but feel a prickle of eyes staring at him dangerously. He brushed it off, more concerned about the state of Luke.

"Your brother is acting pathetic for caring for those bastards." Sir Criston muttered. "He should've let that omega cunt bled more if I had a say in it." He glanced at Aemond, and he suddenly felt his thoughts cut off. 

He was staring at him with unblinking pale dark purple eyes. Criston could see something lethal in Aemond's eyes as if he were prey about to be burned to a crisp by the dragon.

"You should watch what you say, Sir Criston," Aemond whispered. He offered him a broad, unblinking smile before entering and slicing Criston with his sword. Criston, who was taken aback, failed to defend himself adequately and fell to the ground. 

Aemond raised his sword to Criston's neck, "You don't know who might be listening." Criston nodded with a gulp, and suddenly that aura of danger melted away as Aemond raised his hands to offer him help in standing up.

Is it simply his imagination? It must be. For a brief moment, he believed Aemond to kill him simply because he mentioned the bastard. He almost laughed at the ridiculousness of the thought.

As they walked away from the yard, Criston felt a sharp pain in his hand. He looked down and saw slash marks on his hand where blood slowly dripped on the floor. He must have unintentionally injured himself while exercising with the princes and been unaware of it until now.

Criston had no idea Aemond was carrying a little knife with blood stains on the handle.

"Because even a young dragon has deadly fangs when you touch what belongs to them."

Chapter Text

"Let's play together, Uncle," Lucerys said with a bright smile. They were sitting together in the Weirwood Tree. 

"Luke," Aemond murmured. He beamed as he grasped his nephew's warm hand in his. "Of sure, everything you want, I'll give you."

"It's too bad we can't do that anymore," Luke whispered sadly. 

"What?" Aemond said, but before Luke could respond, he noticed his nephew's face change from a healthy color to a shredded and damaged form.

Aemond awoke in a cold sweat, his eyes snapping open. He gazed around the room, his heart thumping, and watched as the illusion followed him from his dreams into the waking world.

'I wish you'd just leave me alone, nephew,' Aemond sighed. The bloodied figure of his nephew Lucerys empty blank eyes gazed at him again. It had been years since Luke's death, which had sparked the long-awaited war between the greens and the blacks. Yet, he was constantly haunted by Luke's presence.

He stood up, cleaned his face with his palm, and covered his right eye with the eyepatch. He looked beside him and saw a pregnant Alys Rivers sleeping as if there was no war around them. He brushed a stray hair from her hair and put it behind her ear.

She looks so much like Lucerys. 

When his nephew died, he felt a part of his soul had been lost with him. It was as though a part of him that deserved forgiveness had perished at Storm's Front.

'Will you ever forgive me, Lucerys?' He silently asked the figure still standing at the corner of the room. Silent, never saying anything. 

He sighed once more before standing up and getting ready to fight another battle. Today was the day he was going to fight his uncle, Daemon.

'Would I be able to see you again if I died?' He thought to himself before bitterly grinning. He stood up and walked in front of the illusion of Lucerys. This was the punishment from the Gods. Ever since he killed him, he kept seeing him everywhere. 

'I must be going mad. Talking to you as if you were still alive.' He said, watching as the ghost of his past raised their hand to tenderly touched his face.

He couldn't feel them. 

"My love," he blinked, returning his gaze to the bed, and found Alys waking, her hand gripping her pregnant belly as she looks him with trepidation. "I'm worried." He stared away and saw the bloodied figure of Lucerys gone.

"It's going to be alright." He replied off-handedly. "I will kill Daemon and win this war." 

He stepped away from the room, leaving his distraught lover alone. 

Aemond, unlike his relatives, was not religious. But he had been praying every day since that dreadful day.

He didn't ask for strength or protection. No, he prayed for one and only one thing.

He only desired to see Lucerys Velaryon's unwaveringly beautiful gaze on him again.

"Be good to your mother, lads." Sir Harwin said softly to his unclaimed sons. "I'll visit when I can."

He brushed his gloved hands across Luke's bare flesh, and Luke felt tears prickle his eyes.

Why was his father sent away when he changed what happened? 

"That may be some time, but I will return." Sir Harwin smiled at Jace. "I promise." 

"No! Why are you leaving? You didn't do anything wrong!" Luke wailed as he closely grabbed his father. If he lets him go, he will send him to his fate.

Harwin knelt down to his level and wiped the tears away from his face. "We have responsibilities, my lad," he said, his heart tearing at the thought of abandoning his family. "However, it must be done for the welfare of all."

He rose up again, approaching Rhaenyra, and kissed the boy he wouldn't be able to watch grow up. "When we meet again, I'll be a stranger," he replied solemnly. He stared at his beloved princess, his future queen, and wished he could tell her how glad he had been to be at her side all these years. Even though he couldn't claim her sons, he was delighted to be at her side.

"Would I have been worthy of you if I were a lord?" he wondered before turning away. He was wrong to think this way about her. She was intended for better things, and he wasn't meant to be by her side anymore.

He gave them one last look of love before taking his swords and walking away from his family.

Because that's what they are. 

His family. 

Though he couldn't claim them, they were his in his heart.

As he walked to the castle's doors, he heard a high-pitched voice calling for him.

"Sir Harwin, wait!" He came to a halt, glanced around, and saw young Lucerys dash towards him.

"My lad, what are you doing? You should be with your mother." He reprimanded him, not wanting more rumors to haunt the princess and his sons.

"I have something to tell you! It's important," Lucerys said. He took a big breath and fixed his gaze on his father. "You must guarantee that you will believe me."

"What is it, my boy?" He crouched down and looked the prince straight in the eyes. "What's the matter?"

"I-I've had dreams, Sir Harwin. Terrible dreams. I'm afraid that it will turn true." He whispered. His face was pale and frightened. "I dreamt that someone plotted the death of you and your father and that you will both die from a fire in Harrenhall." 

Harwin clutched his child's hands as they trembled. "Surely, this is but a dream, young prince."

"No, I swear it will happen!" Luke cried. "Swear to me that you believe me, and you will both be careful!"

Harwin had heard about Targaryens having the gift of visions. It was said that they once dreamt of the death of Old Valyria, and that was why they were able to leave before the tragedy began.

Maybe his son was also one of the dreamers. 

"I promise that I will be careful, child." He promised before hugging his child one last time. "Now, go back to your mother."

Lucerys nodded and hugged his father firmly before departing. The only thing he could do was silently pray to the Gods for his father's safety.

Aemond has been having difficulty sleeping for the previous days. He continued experiencing nightmares he couldn't recall, but they always left him breathless and panicked. He didn't know what was causing his dreams, but he always longed to see Lucerys.

He needed to know he was protected.

As he searched for Lucerys, he noticed him standing silently by the window. He could see the tears flowing down his cheeks. He wanted to console him, but it was as if a curse had been cast upon him, and all he could do was stand and watch while his nephew wailed away from prying eyes.

Luke's tears, Aemond surmised, were caused by Sir Harwin's resignation and his return to Harrenhal.

He knew of his mother's distaste towards his nephews, often calling them bastards behind their backs. He also believes his mother wishes to restore his father, Otto Hightower, as the king's hand.

'Surely, they had something to do with this.' He thought angrily. 

Aemond didn't comprehend that Luke was grieving not just for his father leaving but also for the burden of knowing what would happen in the future.

It was a tremendous weight for him to know and yet be unable to affect the upcoming events. Having no one to share this burden, all Lucerys can do is weep his frustrations.

"My child?" A voice came out beside Luke, and Aemond hid behind a wall as he saw Laenor Velaryon walk towards Lucerys. "Are you alright?"

"Father," Luke replied, wiping his tears away, not wanting to bother his other father. "Yes. I'm alright."

"Then why are you crying?" Laenor inquired, embracing and cradling his son. Lucerys was no longer little, yet he intended to carry him for as long as possible. "Is it due to Sir Harwin's departure?" 

Luke hesitated before nodding. "I'm going to miss him." He whispered quietly.

"Oh, sweet beloved." Laenor replied, "There is a fondness in absence. When someone is gone from your life, they are not truly gone." He placed a hand on Luke's chest and said, "A part of them always remains with you, and as long as they are in your thoughts, then that is where they'll always remain."

"Would you still love me if I wasn't your child?" Luke said nervously. It was a question that nagged at him all the time. He sometimes wondered if his father tolerated them out of loyalty to their mother. 

"How could you say that?" Laenor asked. "You are my son, and no one can say so otherwise."

"There are rumors..." 

"I care not for those mindless rumors, Luke."  Laenor held his son and looked him straight in the eye. "I knew the love of a father to his sons the moment you and Jace were born, and I continue knowing that love with Joffrey. You brought me happiness in my darkest of times, and every time I am in awe of you, my children." 

At that moment, Luke realized how fortunate he was to be loved by not one but two fathers. He hid in the crook of his father's neck, overwhelmed by his father's statement.

"Now that I've answered your questions, curious one, we should go." He said, stroking Luke's hair with his hand. "Your mother has something to say to everyone." 

"Why? What happened?"

"We are to leave King's Landing." 

When they left, Aemond showed himself and stared at their backs, clenching his fists at the news of the upcoming departure of his nephew.

"Uncle, are you busy?" Lucerys asked as he knocked on the door to Aemond's room. "I'm sorry if I'm bothering you, but I came to say goodbye." 

When the door opened, Luke noticed his uncle's distressed expression.

"Uncle..."

Before he could say anything further, Luke was dragged inside the room and tightly hugged by Aemond.

"Don't leave me, nephew," Aemond implored, his heart aching, knowing that these were the final moments he'd have with Luke. "You don't have to leave with them; you may remain here with me."

"Uncle, you and I both know I can't do that," Lucerys said as he squirmed free from his uncle's clutches. He cradled his uncle's face tenderly in both of his hands. "Absence makes the heart fonder, and I'm sure I'll be to you, Uncle," he whispered, touching Aemond's face. "I hope you'll miss me as much as I miss you."

Aemond nodded. "This is not our final farewell, nephew; I shall see you again." He promised. 

"Of course, Uncle." He leaned out and kissed Aemond's forehead while standing on his tiptoes. "Aemond, stay safe," he added with a tearful yet brilliant smile.

He walked away, leaving Aemond frozen behind him. He reached out a hand to his brow and peered at the open door.

"See you soon, Lucerys." 

Someone has set fire to the castle at Harrenhal. 

After many attempts to put out the uncontrollable fires, the villagers were left staring from afar. They said that the king's hand, Lyonel Strong, died with his son and successor, Harwin Strong. Their bodies burned to a crisp that they could hardly recognize their bodies. 

They say that the curse of Harrenhal has once again laid claim to its victim. It left the Harrenhal to its new lord, Lord Larys Strong. 

If they had thoroughly examined the remains, they would have discovered that they were not the bodies of Lyonel and Harwin but of unknown individuals. 

Only those devoted to their master Lyonel would be aware of the reality. Harwin informed Lyonel what Lucerys had told him, and together they planned a way to prevent their deaths. So they stayed away, knowing that someone was a traitor in their midst, and only told those they trusted.

They knew they had to keep concealed until they uncovered the traitor. They suspected Otto Hightower was involved, so they waited. 

Allow them to enjoy their glory. 

Let them claim this victory. 

House Strong knew the day would come when they exact their revenge on House Hightower.

Aemond had made a mistake. He should have listened to Alys' warnings. 

"Blood for blood, Aemond," Daemon yelled as his dragon collided with Vhagar. The dragon's roar and shrieks could be heard a dozen miles distant. Caraxes crashed towards Vhagar, his teeth locked on Vhagar's neck.

As they plummeted from the sky, both dragons were fighting. Vhagar's fangs tore Caraxes' wing, and his claws opened Caraxes' belly as Caraxes' jaw tightened around his neck. Aemond saw the form of Lucerys once again as Daemon jumped from Caraxes into Vhagar. He didn't believe it was a ghostly illusion. No, it felt more genuine.

He watched as Lucerys offered him a gorgeous, unchanging grin that stuck in time. He held out his hand, not wanting that grin to fade from his sight.

"I'm sorry, Aemond, I died," Lucerys remarked, smiling. "Should I say our farewells?"

"No..." He whispered. 'Don't say that, Don't leave me.'  He thought. 

He felt a sudden pain and saw Daemon drive his dark sister at his empty eye socket. "This is for Lucerys," Daemon said darkly.

Both dragons clashed at God's eye lake below, and Aemond knew it was the end. All he could think about as he plunged into the murky waters was Luke's smile.

He'll never forget that lovely smile.

Chapter Text

It's a gloomy morning when a raven arrives in Dragonstone with the news of Laena Velaryon's death.

The raven arrived this morning, and Luke knew even before her mother's face sank as she read the letter's contents.

It was stated that she died like a dragon rider; through fire and blood. Luke was heartbroken that he couldn't change her grandaunt's fate. Perhaps if he had informed Daemon what he knew, he could have spared her life.

'What good is knowing the future if you can't save the people you care about?' ' Luke reflected bitterly, recalling his father's death. Despite telling Harwin everything, he's unable to change anything. 

Sir Harwin was still killed in Harrenhal by a fire.

"We have to go for Driftmark tomorrow to honor Lady Laena," Rhaenyra remarked after finishing the letter.

She's delighted to see her uncle again since she's missed him throughout their time apart. She's also terrified because things didn't go well the last time she and Daemon spoke.

Still, she had no regrets, for her life right now had given her her children, and she'll defend them with every being she had.

"Now go finish your lessons," she added as her oldest kid, Jace, nodded and left the room. "What's wrong, Luke?" she inquired, her face furrowed. Luke stood quietly in the room, his fingers twitching, and he seemed unsure of himself. His scent soured in grief and terror.

"Are you feeling unwell, my sweet boy?" she said as she approached him. Her hand gently rested on Luke's temple. "You don't seem hot...do you want me to summon the maesters?"

"No, mother. I have to talk to you about something." Luke said, staring at his mother in apprehension.

Rhaenyra caressed her child's face, trying to calm his fears. "Go on. You can tell me anything." 

"I'm having nightmares, mother," Luke stated, "I've been experiencing dreams of the Hightowers after F-Sir Harwin's death."

"What do you mean, child?" Rhaenyra queried. "Queen Alicent is our family," she said, her mouth becoming brittle and dry as she spoke those words. It had been a long time since Alicent felt like family to her. Her treatment at King's Landing showed that. 

"I just feel like they had something to do with his murder," Luke said quietly, aware that his remarks may be seen as treason, but he needed to inform his mother. He desired retribution for his father. "I'm scared we'll be the next."

Rhaenyra knelt down and looked his son in the eyes. "I realize things have been difficult recently, but we have no proof that it was Queen Alicent's command," she said quietly.

"Mother... I'm afraid for what will happen to us," Luke remarked, his voice mournful and fearful.  "The greens will rule, and the blacks will be overrun by death."

"Oh, Luke," Rhaenyra said softly, sending a soothing smell his way. Could Luke have dragon dreams as well? She heard the story of how dragon dreams helped the Targaryen family escape the fate of Old Valyria. Perhaps the gods' warned her about what was to come for her family.

"Listen to me, Lucerys," Rhaenyra said, looking at her son. "I will never let anything happen to any of you." She growled. "I will burn this King's Landing to the ground if it means I get to keep you safe."

Luke was in awe of his mother, who resembled a warrior queen. He believed that she could do it, but thousands would die for it.

He didn't want that to happen. 

He nodded and hugged his mother firmly, his anxieties temporarily dispelled. Rhaenyra smiled as she directed him to his studies with Jacerys.

When Luke left that room, her face fell into a grim frown.

She needed help.

She needs her uncle.

Lucerys watched as the soldiers tied the ropes in the casket of their grandaunt, preparing it to be thrown at sea.

"Salt courses through Velaryon blood.

Ours runs thick.

Ours run true.

And ours must never thin."

Luke didn't understand what Vaemond was saying at the time, but as he stared at them in contempt, he realized what he was saying. 

He didn't care.

Vaemond Velaryon could call him a bastard all he wanted. What matters most is that he can console his father once more.

He extended his hand to touch his father's and watched as Laenor Velaryon was overcome with anguish over his sister's death.

Besides them, he saw Aegon sighing in boredom, and he couldn't help but be saddened at the boy he once knew.

His uncle Egg. 

The one who had greeted him enthusiastically and cheered him on during his stay in King's Landing was gone. In its stead is a sullen teenager who wants to drink and fuck whores.

He looked away from his uncle as the casket was thrown and fell into the ocean floor.

"Farewell, Lady Laena," He thought. "May you rest in peace."

Aegon grimaced in disgust as he and Aemond watched their sister repeat incomprehensible words once more as her hands toyed with a spider.

"We have nothing in common! Why would mother betroth her to me?" 

"Mother wishes to keep the blood pure," Aemond said as he saw Luke silently playing with his toy. He wanted to approach him but knew his mother was watching. As a result, he had no option but to listen to Aegon's wailing.

Aegon scoffed. His mother is a hypocrite, frequently condemning Valyrian customs while pressing her children to marry.

"She's an idiot." 

Aemond looked at him darkly. "She's your future queen." Their sister might have odd quirks, but she deserves their respect.

"We actually do have one thing in common." The alpha grinned. "We both fancy creatures with very long legs." He took another cup of wine before leaving Aemond alone.

Aemond sighed before going back to look at Lucerys. He should go and comfort him as soon as there were no more people.

During the reception, Lucerys was listening to his grandfather Corlys explaining to him about being the heir to driftmark.

He hated it. He didn't want to be heir to driftmark.

He put down his toy horse and looked his grandfather in the eyes.

Even though he was not Laenor's biological son, Corlys regarded him as a grandchild and heir. Unlike their grandmother Rhaenys who often treated them with disdain, Corlys loved them.

"Sorry, grandfather," Luke said, repeating himself from the past. "I do not want it." He looked down, not wanting to disappoint his grandfather.

Corlys kneeled down and gently touched his arms. "It's your birthright, lad."

Luke shook his head. He felt feverish, and his heartbeat was going fast. He looked towards the sea, hoping the sea air would help him cool down.

"Everyone is dead if I'm Lord of Driftmark." He answered. He took his toy and walked away from his father.

Everything is too much. 

After calming down, Luke was headed back to the reception when he noticed his Uncle Aegon sitting on the stairs, drinking.

"Uncle?" He asked politely.

"Well, if that isn't tiny Luke," grinned Aegon. "How's Dragonstone treating you, nephew? I've heard it's a hellhole."

"It's been fine," he said, sitting next to his Aegon. "I heard you were recently betrothed to Halaena, and I'd want to extend my congratulations."

Aegon sneered and sipped more wine. "It's what the queen desired; it doesn't matter what I want." He sipped his wine, and his face expressionless. "It never was."

"I'm sorry, Uncle," Lucerys replied back. "Are you okay?"

Aegon looked at Luke and smirked. "I always am, nephew."

"You don't look okay." 

"Oh, How so?"

"You look hurt. Not physically. Just...hurt." Lucerys cursed himself for saying something stupid. 

"Aw, you care for me, Little Luke?" Aegon mocked. He didn't know what to feel. He had never been comforted by anyone, not even his own mother.

"Always, Uncle Egg," Luke replied sincerely. "I did miss you a lot when I was in dragonstone."

The comments of his nephew moved Aegon. He recalls the last time they were together. He'd apologized for his misdeeds during training, and Luke insisted on a lemon cake as payment. He could remember the three of them. Jace, Luke, and he were all enjoying the lemon cakes.

He, too, misses those days. If only he could stay in that time forever.

"I miss you, too," Aegon said, and he felt relieved. Luke's bright smile was definitely worth the effort. He was taken aback when Lucerys suddenly hugged him tightly.

"People don't perceive your power, Aegon," Luke said as he held his uncle. He didn't want him to turn to the Aegon he knew. "You will only shine if you give yourself permission."

Luke took his arms off and touched Aegon on the face. "Don't be too harsh on yourself, Uncle; all I want is for you to be happy because you deserve it."

"When did you become Halaena?" Aegon replied, looking away with a tint of pink on his face. It must be the wine. 

Before he could say anything, they could hear commotion from the reception. "Come on, nephew; your mother is surely waiting for you." Luke nodded and stood up. "You're not coming?" He asked.

"No, I'll stay here for a bit." 

Luke nodded, and as he was leaving, Aegon spoke once more.

"Do you believe that I could be a better man?" 

"Of course, you're my uncle egg!" Luke grinned. "The one who could do anything!" 

"Go, Luke," Aegon replied back. Not knowing what to say.

"See you later, Uncle Aegon!" 

As he left, Aegon could swear a scent of lavender and rain wafted through his nephew. 

He closed his eyes and fantasized about that delicious fragrance.

When Aemond looked for Lucerys, he instead found his brother sleeping on the steps, drunk. He watched as his grandfather Otto dragged waking him up, shouting at Aegon for his stupidity. As he ordered Aegon to go to bed, Aemond heard a roar in the skies, and he looked up to see the dragon Vhagar flying the skies.

He looked around before he got down the stairs.

He had a dragon to tame.

When Baela and Rhaena awakened Jace and Luke, Luke knew what was to happen. He knew he couldn't stop Aemond from claiming Vhagar because she had chosen him to be his rider. But, he hoped he could prevent the inevitable conflict.

Before they left to find Aemond, Lucerys knocked on the room he knew to be Aegon's. 

'I just hope he's not too drunk to help us.' Lucerys thought. He opened the door to find his uncle sleeping.

"Luke! What are you doing?" Jacerys hissed. 

"We'd need Uncle Egg!" Luke said. He approached Aegon's bed and attempted to awaken him. "Uncle, please wake up," 

As he shook Aegon, Luke pleaded. "I need you," he whimpered.

The aroma of lavender and rain aroused Aegon's instincts. He blinked and turned to see his nephew whimpering and clutching his arm.

"What are you doing in my room, Luke?"

"Please, we need your help. Aemond has taken Vhagar as his dragon."

"She was my mother's dragon, and he snatched her!" said Rhaena. "We don't have time for this! Come on!" she said, forcing Jace and Baela to follow.

Aegon wiped his face before rising, Luke's fingers still securely grasping his arm. Luke felt lethargic as they headed down to join the others; he didn't comprehend what's he feeling because it hadn't happened before.

"Are you okay?" Aegon asked. 

"I'm fine." Lucerys smiled weakly. 

He could hear the shouting from Rhaena, and when they got there, he saw Aemond punching Baela.

"Come at me again, and I'll feed you to my dragon!" Aemond shouted.

"Stop it!" Aegon shouted as Jacerys ran to Aemond and slammed himself against him. 

While fighting both Targaryen princes, Baela and Rhaena joined in. As he slowly tried to go towards Aemond, Lucerys grew increasingly incoherent, for he swore he saw Aemond's eyes turning crimson. 

"You will die screaming in flames just like your father!" Aemond shouted at Jace. He raised the stone in his hand, ready to strike Jacerys.

"Aemond, please," Luke said quietly, his knees weakening as he felt slick pour downhill from his legs.

Aemond shifted his gaze to Luke and began to growl menacingly. A blade swung toward him, wounding his right eye before he could take a stride toward Luke.

Blood spurted from his eye as he gazed in disbelief at the perpetrator.

It was Aegon, his own brother.

When the knights arrived to stop the brawl, Aegon dropped the knife in terror. How could he have assaulted his own brother?

As he gripped his bleeding eye, Aemond growled and snarled. As rage and fury poured through his veins, he felt like he was on fire.

'Don't take my omega,' he said as he saw Aegon drag Luke away.

He vowed himself, 'You'll pay for this, Aegon.'

"How could you let such a thing happen? I will have answers!" King Viserys shouted. 

As his mother worried about him, Aemond was being treated by the maester. His remaining eye frantically searched for Lucerys, but he was nowhere to be seen.

"Your grace, the little prince was assaulted by his brother."

As the king shouted at the knights, Rhaenyra came inside and saw his son's bleeding face. "Jace? Who did this? tell me!" Her protective instincts were at full force.

"They attacked me!" Aemond growled.

"He attacked Baela!" Jace rebutted.

"He broke Jace's nose!" Baela shouted.

As the children shouted over each other, Viserys grew weary of the fighting.

"SILENCE!" He shouted. 

"Aegon, I will have the truth of what happened." Viserys slowly walked towards his oldest son. "Now."

"What else is there to hear?" Queen Alicent answered. "He attacked his own brother without a thought! Only to protect those..." She stopped herself before saying anything else.

"I need to hear it from Aegon, my Queen," Viserys said, dismissing Alicent. "Tell me what happened, boy!"

"Luke woke me up and told me that Aemond had captured Vhagar as his dragon and required my assistance," Aegon said cautiously. "They were already fighting when we arrived, your highness, and I swear I attempted to stop them!"

"Continue your story."

"Yes, because... when we got there, Luke was feverish. It must have been triggered because when Aemond saw Luke..." Aemond shook his head. "I know an alpha rut when I see one, and Luke presented as an omega, so I had to defend him." 

He was suddenly hit in the face by his mother. 

"How could you do this to your brother? For that omega!" His mother cried hysterically, and he felt a burst of anger at her. 

"He did the right thing, my Queen. He stopped an alpha from attacking an omega. I say that is an honorable deed." Viserys declared, feeling proud of Aegon for protecting Lucerys.

"It was her boys' fault!" Alicent said. "If they hadn't attacked my son, none of this would have occurred!"

"They were obliged to defend themselves against a presenting Alpha!" Rhaenyra said. 

"Cease this incessant fighting at once!" Viserys shouted. He was tired of this. "We are a family! Now make your apologies and show goodwill to one another." 

"But your grace!" Alicent started before being stopped by Viserys.

"Alicent, this issue is finished; do you understand?" Alicent glared at the king, her face contorted in rage, before pulling the sword from Viserys' sheath and charging toward Rhaenyra.

"Where is Luke? Where is your brother?" Rhaenyra asked Jace, but before Jace could answer, he looked in horror. Rhaenyra turned around just in time to stop Alicent from attacking her.

"Alicent! You've gone too far!" Rhaenyra said, stopping Alicent from slicing her. 

"I? What have I done, but what is expected of me? Forever upholding the kingdom, the family, and the law. While you flaunt all to do as you please!" Alicent shouted in anger. Why was Rhaenyra allowed to be happy? To have people who loved her while she was the one who sacrificed everything and still is unloved by the king. 

"Alicent, let her go!" 

Of course, he would care about his daughter and not his Queen.

"Where is duty? Where is sacrifice? It's trampled under your pretty foot again!" 

"It's exhausting, isn't it?" Rhaenyra said, her gaze fixed on the person she used to call a friend. "Hiding under the shroud of your self-righteousness, but now they see you for who you are." A tear came from her eyes as she reflected on their years together.

Alicent shoved Rhaenyra away, raising her hand and slicing her arms. As Alicent dropped the knife, Aemond stood up and looked at his mother.

"Do not weep for me, mother; it was a fair trade," Aemond remarked calmly. "While I lost one eye, I acquired a dragon."

As the fight was over and everyone started to leave, Aemond couldn't help but look back at Rhaenyra.

After all, it was only natural for him to protect his future mother-in-law. Even if it comes from his mother.

He was in a dream.

He knew it was a dream since he'd never been to this location. The streets and walls look to be composed of black stone that appears to absorb light, making the environment darker and dismal.

As he proceeded to go down the route, he noticed hundreds of dragons soaring above the sky. It was beckoning him to find them. 

He knelt and touched the earth, an all-encompassing light shimmered about him, and he remembered nothing more.

When he opened his eyes, it was to his mother's face.

"Mother..." He whispered. His voice was scratchy, and he felt weak.

"Luke! I'm so glad you're awake!" Rhaenyra cried before peppering his son with kisses.

"What happened?" He asked as his mother gave him a glass of water to drink.

"You've presented as an omega, my child," Rhaenyra answered.

"But what happened to the others, Uncle Aemond?" he exclaimed before being interrupted by his mother.

"Aegon has kept you safe from your uncle," Rhaenyra said. "Aemond lost his eye as a result," she lamented.

"But why? I'm sure he didn't plan to assault me!" Lucerys knew Aemond had no intention of hurting him.

"I know that love, but he got that way because your presentation sparked it."

"Oh- I didn't mean for any of this to happen," he said, looking down. "I should apologize to them soon." 

"They already left," Rhaenyra answered. "But maybe you could send them a raven when you feel better."

"Alright, mother," Lucerys nodded. It wasn't his favorite form of communication, but it will have to do.

A knock came on the door, and Rhaenyra opened it. Standing outside was his father, Laenor.

"Can I speak to Luke?" He asked.

Rhaenyra paused before nodding. "Of course, you can have all the time you need." She said before leaving the two alone.

"What's wrong, Father?" Lucerys asked. "Are you okay?"

Laenor sat beside Luke and held his hand. "I know your mother doesn't want you to know, but I would have to leave soon."

"Leave? Where are you going?"  

"I can't protect our family any longer, Luke," Laenor said, regretting that he had been an absent father to Luke, Jace, and Joffrey. But that the previous few months had brought them closer. "You need someone willing to stand up to the Hightower, and for now, that couldn't be me."

"Are you ever coming back?" Luke cried. In his past life, two of his father died in a fire. Now, he's losing another one to the sea.

"Someday, my sweet boy," Laenor replied, kissing Luke's forehead. "Your mother has the plan to fake my death, and someday maybe I can come back to see you again."

Luke wondered if, in the past, his mother also faked his father's death to marry Daemon. 

That seemed likely.

"You have to promise me. You have to promise to come back." Luke insisted. He didn't want to lose any more precious loved ones.

Laenor took both of his hands in hers and kissed them. "I vow I'll return eventually, and when I do, I'll defend our family."

Luke nodded before fiercely hugging his father. "Goodbye, Father. No- I'll see you soon," he answered brightly, not wanting to say goodbye to his father in misery.

"See you soon, my sweet boy," he said before departing towards the sea, where his lover awaited.

He'll return someday.

He did make a promise to his son.

The Hightowers will live to regret the day they attempted to harm his family.

When they were about to leave, a raven arrived with a note.

A messenger was claimed to have arrived in Asshai with presents for the freshly presented omega, Lucerys' Velaryon.

A big dragon egg was hidden within the chest.

For the dragon patiently stalks its prey before it strikes.

Chapter Text

His dreams are starting to become more vivid.

He watched as his brother died from a crossbow before falling into the sea. 

He watched as his mother was burned by a dragon at King's Landing while a white-haired young boy watched in terror.

He stared in horror as the tapestry with the Dragon containing three heads began to crumble before collapsing into the abyss.

Is this the future that will curse upon his family?

Luke jolted awake. He looked around and saw his mother, Jace and Rhaena sitting quietly in the carriage. He wiped his eyes and tried to shake his thoughts away from the nightmare. They had just returned from Driftmark, where they had to stay a week due to his heat. 

It was strange, to say the least. Luke hadn't experienced heat before, and he longed for it. His body felt like it was being seared by Dragonfire when he was in heat. The fact that he has to experience it every moon cycle is not something look is looking forward to.

Another difference he noticed was the scent. Everyone has distinct fragrances that he might identify with comfort or misery, and his mother was his favorite. It smelled like roses and Citrus, and it reminded him of times when they would lay a picnic in the gardens in King's landing while eating lemon cakes.

Jacerys, on the other hand, had a peppermint and cinnamon fragrance that reminded him of winter and sitting in front of an open fire as their mother told them stories from the past.

His grandfather smelt like the sea, like a genuine Velaryon, while his grandma Rhaenys smelled like flowers.

"Are you alright, Luke?" He looked at his side and saw his mother looking at him in concern. "Did the sea make you feel sick? Your grandsire was the same." 

"I'm fine, mother," Lucerys replied. His thoughts go back to his family back in King's Landing. He wondered what their fragrance might be like. Jace informed him of what had occurred. He also hoped that Queen Alicent did not punish Aegon too severely. He will have to write them a letter soon. 

"If you become sick, you can always put your head on my lap," Jace adds, and Lucerys is touched by his brother's kindness. He remembered the last time he and Jacaerys had been together.

His brother's fury at him for being weak.

He knew Jace wanted to prove himself worthy of being his mother's heir, but it made him angrier and more serious.

Jacaerys had not yet been tainted by this world's sorrows, and he would give anything for this to stay the same.

Because he missed this type of Jace. The one who was a loving brother and a dutiful son.

As they disembarked from the carriage, it appeared as if there's a commotion in Dragonstone.

"What is going on?" Rhaenyra demanded as she got down. 

"My liege, visitors have arrived to welcome the newly anointed omega prince," one of the knights bowed to her.

"Is Daemon already here?" Rhaenyra asked as they walked towards the castle. Baela had to stay in Driftmark at Rhaenys' insistence. Rhaenys felt like she needed a piece of one of her children at her side after the supposed death of his father, Laenor. Rhaena, on the other hand, was able to come with them to Dragonstone while his father rode in his Dragon.

Lucerys wondered why his mother hadn't told them about their plan, but he imagined she didn't want too many people finding out.

"Yes, your grace, he's currently waiting for you and the children in the hall." The knight answered.

Lucerys had to take a step back when they got inside. Several men and women in the hall glanced at Luke, their faces filled with wonder and awe.

It seems a messenger was not the only one who came to Dragonstone.

Rhaenyra grabbed his hand and led him to the front. Daemon's eyes twinkled with joy and adoration as he glanced at her.

"What is happening? I thought a messenger only came to give Luke a gift, but this is a lot of people." Rhaenyra said as she looked in front of the crowded people. 

"I can answer that, your grace," One of the hooded figures answered. He removed his cloak and revealed a person wearing a dark wooden mask. "My name is Marul, and we came a long way to pay tribute to the newly presented omega, Lucerys Velaryon." He bowed to Lucerys, who nodded sheepishly in acknowledgment.

"It's a long journey from Asshai to go for an omega. Tell me your true motive for coming here!" Rhaenyra demanded. She was worried about her son. She was aware that Asshai and its people had an ominous reputation. The fact that word of Lucery's presentation had spread so far scared her.

"Our people are well-versed in witchcraft," Marul explained. "As such, we also have an affinity for magic. It had been scarce in recent ages, especially here in Westeros. But there is a shift in fates." He locked his gaze on Lucerys, and Rhaenyra took a position in front of her son. Not liking the way this stranger was looking at him. 

He gazed at his son like someone who just saw salvation. 

"Your son has a great connection for old magic, your grace. It appears the Gods are favoring him so greatly that the entire Dragonstone is presently bursting with it."

"And what proof do you have that it's my son's doing?" Rhaenyra asked, clutching his child's hand tighter. All around her, the Targaryens and Velaryons were looking in apprehension. If this was true, then Luke could be in danger.

Marul grinned and motioned to one of the cloaked people. They walked in front, carrying a large chest.

When they opened it, Luke peered and saw a sapphire-colored dragon egg. 

"Is this for me?" He asked curiously. His eyes were entranced by the scales of the egg. Marul nodded and raised his hand, "Go on, My prince. You can touch the egg."

After looking at his mother for consent and seeing her nod, Luke cautiously moved toward the chest and kneeled down. When his finger lightly traced the scales, he had to take it back in shock when it suddenly started to crack.

"The egg is hatching!" said Rhaena. Lucerys watched in astonishment as a little creature began to escape from its shell and leave its habitat. A silver-colored dragon emerged from the egg, its sapphire eyes staring at Lucerys with such intensity that it reminded him of Aemond.

"It hatched without fire or blood," Daemon observed as the young Dragon crawled up to Lucerys' shoulder. Its crooning voice could be heard as it sought to touch its head on Lucery's face.

"Yes, it may hatch without it if the power is strong enough," Marul acknowledged. "The Gods have blessed these regions once again!" he said, bowing as the others followed. "My Liege, please allow us to remain in Dragonstone and assist your family in reaching their full potential, bringing glory back to ancient Valyria!"

Rhaenyra looked around, relieved that the only individuals she took with her to King's Landing were people devoted to her. If what they say is true, her son will be the one to help restore their families' true potential.

'The song of Ice and Fire.'  Could this be the sign from the Gods that her Lucerys' would be the one to help them fulfill Aegon's prophecy?

She didn't know what to do; All Rhaenyra wanted was to keep her children safe from the Hightowers. She only wants them to be happy.

"You must swear allegiance to my family and me," Rhaenyra said. "Swear to me your devotion, and I will let you reside here in Dragonstone in exchange."

"Of course, your grace," Marul said with a nod. "In exchange for your goodwill, we offer you gifts to express our gratitude," he said as he lifted his hand, and containers were put in front of them. Scrolls and swords forged of Valyrian steel were carefully put within when it was opened.

It was from old Valyria.

"This is...dragonlore!" Daemon said, stunned. He opened one of the scrolls. Inside were scriptures written in High Valyrian on how their forefathers used to tame their dragons. "How did you obtain this?" he ordered.

"My liege, we searched it and kept it hidden," Marul explained. "We waited for the day when Valyria's true descendants would come and reclaim what is rightfully theirs, and now we present it to your family as a gesture of goodwill."

Marul gestured to his side, and people walked and stood in front and bowed.

"They are great blacksmiths from Qohor, famed for creating Valyrian steel." he continued, motioning to one of the individuals. "They came to serve your grace." 

"Your grace, we promised to serve you and your family," they said in High Valyrian as they bowed toward Rhaenyra and his sons.

Rhaenyra nodded as she stared at Daemon. She wasn't sure if she was making the proper decision. She's heard stories about Asshaians who utilize blood magic and sacrifices to gain what they desire.

However, Valyrian magic is based on fire and blood. How can she deny the Valyrian Gods' will when it is standing in front of her? Westeros may have had belief in the Seven, but they were Targaryens. As the North continued to worship their ancient Gods, she continued to worship her ancestor's Gods.

Rhaenyra nodded. "It would be my pleasure to grant you residency here in Dragonstone," Rhaenyra said, and Marul bowed his appreciation. Rhaenyra then directed her attendants to assist them with their dwelling.

She had never wanted to be the heir to the throne. However, if it meant protecting her family from her adversaries, she would go to any extent to show them what a dragon's rage truly is.

"What are you going to call it?" Rhaena wondered. She envied her cousin's ability to successfully hatch two dragons when she couldn't even hatch one.

They were having supper at the time. The Dragon will not leave Lucerys' side and is currently resting on his shoulder.

"Urrax," Lucerys remarked, calling it after the Dragon from the time of the first men. "Don't worry, Rhaena, you'll have your dragon eventually," he said. He recalled a dream he had about Rhaena flying over the sky. He knew that one-day Rhaena would be a formidable dragon rider someday, just like her mother.

"I'm just pleased we have powerful allies against the greens now," Jace stated as he chewed into a chunk of steak. "I can hardly wait for them to start teaching us!" 

He'd always felt ashamed about his status as a bastard. Perhaps these people will teach him the traditions of ancient Valyria, and he may one day be worthy of the Iron throne and the Targaryen name.

"Jace, they are still family," Luke said, not enjoying how the conflict between their families began to show. "Our uncles and aunt continue to look after us."

"Tch, maybe Halaena and Aegon," Jace said, "He was the only one who saved you from Aemond." He growled, recalling the day he nearly wounded Luke.

"He didn't mean it!" Luke growled back. "He also presented!" 

"You shouldn't trust them, Luke," Jace said, shaking his head. "To the queen and the hand, we are nothing more than bastards challenging their authority for the kingdom, and I'm sure her offspring will think the same someday."

Luke didn't respond, knowing that what his brother stated was correct. He didn't know if his uncles' hearts had been changed for them. Yet, when he recalls Aegon's optimistic gaze and Aemond's pledge to always be there for him, he can't help but believe his brother's words are wrong.

"Children," Daemon stated, stopping the conversation they had. "We have some news to give to you." He looked at Rhaenyra, who nodded back.

"We have chosen to marry and unite our families," Rhaenyra declared. "What Jacerys states are accurate. I can't confront the greens by myself." She wistfully smiled at her sons. Pained that they were suffering these difficulties because of her. But she wouldn't trade it for the world. What she and Harwin had was something others must have wished for in their lives, and she was delighted to share her sons with him.

"Just like Aegon the conqueror did with his sisters, Daemon and I would bind our blood in the marriage of Old Valyria." She looked at Daemon and once again remembered her youth. The love that she secretly had for him was finally being fulfilled. "With him as my husband and prince consort, my claim to the throne will not be easily challenged."

Rhaena stared at his father, a little saddened that he was getting married soon after her mother died. But when she watched his father's eyes shine at the princess, she realized that his heart had always belonged to her.

"Remember that we are created of fire," Daemon continued to the youngsters, echoing Rhaenyra's remarks. "You may be of Velaryon blood, but we are also dragons," the alpha said, and Lucerys could almost see a flame in his eyes. "We are created of fire, born to burn together."

The following day, the Rogue Prince, Daemon Targaryen, and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen secretly married at Dragonstone. It was said that they hurried to conceal it from the King, but the fact was straightforward.

The time they didn't spend together seemed squandered. It's painful to love someone from a distance, only to watch them from the outside. The once-familiar aspects of their lives were reduced to passing references in talks and correspondence. Existing as nothing more than live proof that something may still damage you even when there is no interaction.

Despite their absence, their love grew stronger, devouring their every waking thought and word.

Now is their chance to make up for that lost time. They cut each other's lips with dragon glass and mark each other's temples with fresh blood. Both of them stare at one another, their souls finally feeling whole.

Daemon slices his hand so that their blood can combine. He then rubs a mark on each of their brows to symbolize the continuity of the lineage.

In the eyes of their children, the Old Valyrian Gods, and the Septon, with their union, no one will be able to hurt them any longer.

'In fire and blood, we burn together. One flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever.'

Aemond worked harder than he had ever worked before, finding it difficult to adjust with one eye. He felt embarrassed, but it was the cost he had to pay.

He snarled as he failed to see the sword slicing into his arm. He didn't feel anything when a trickle of blood ran down his arm. Nothing hurt more than the fact that he was missing Lucerys. Nothing ever did, he reasoned. Not only did he seem to lose his eye that day, but also his nephew.

He looked to his side and watched as his brother Aegon trained with him. Aegon was currently sporting a bruise on his eye. 

Alicent was so enraged at his older son that she ordered Sir Criston to punch his brother in the eye, telling him to let him feel what he did to Aemond. 

He expected his brother to crawl pathetically away to his room and drink his mind away. Instead, he stoically accepted his mother's abuse and remained silent.

He had no clue what had happened at Driftmark, but his brother was different. He didn't go to the Flea Bottom prostitutes, and he wasn't the intoxicated Alpha prince the Red Keep staff knew. He grew gentler and more earnest in his studies.

Viserys, their father, even congratulated Aegon for becoming a better man. His mother didn't think Aegon had changed, often criticizing him when he came close. She didn't even choose to marry him to Halaena since she didn't want Aegon to harm her favorite child.

He didn't think his brother could change. He could still remember Aegon slicing his eye, and he knew whatever his brother was up to would not last long.

"Aegon! Aemond! Both of you fight with each other!" Sir Criston shouted. 

Aemond smirked before readying his stance and charging his sword at his brother. The sound of swords clashing together could be heard in the yard as both brothers fought in equal power.

Aemond's rage smoldered as they fought, hotter than any Dragonfire. He'd been planning, watching Aegon's every action. Aemond cut at Aegon as the two men closed. Aegon parried the cut, but Aemond twisted it into a push. He slashed and stabbed Aegon mercilessly, pushing him about the ring and never allowing him to regain equilibrium.

Aegon furiously parried and attempted to counter, but Aemond pressed without surrendering, never relinquishing the initiative.

When Aemond's tip got past Aegon's guard, he yanked his head back, narrowly converting a head-cleaving hew into a gash across his face. He fell out of the arena in shock and pain, losing the fight.

"Do you yield, brother?" He asked, raising his sword towards the fallen Aegon.

Aegon nodded, and Aemond removed his sword from his brother's face. 

'He'll never lose against his brother again,' Aemond promised. He will no longer allow himself to be abused by the cruelty of others. He was a dragon, and no one will ever steal anything from him again.

"Your grace! You have a message sent to you by the ravens!" A servant said as he rushed towards both Aegon and Aemond. 

Aegon stood up and took the message, and he nodded in thanks. He was about to walk away when he was stopped by Aemond.

"Who's that from?" he inquired of his brother. Aegon gripped the letter securely in his fingers, a softness crossing his features before skillfully hiding it.

"Maybe it's one of my whores, dear brother." With a smirk and a wink, Aegon left the yard leaving Aemond to look at him in disgust. He took his letter from the servant before turning away to read it.

As he opened the letter, a fragrance of lavender and rain floated through the air, and he knew it was from his nephew.

He closed his eyes as his lips touched the rough surface of the paper. A wave of calmness washed through him as he closed his eyes. He could picture Lucerys smiling beside him. He felt himself forever more drowning within the depths of him.

Chapter Text

Once there was a girl who loved like the waves in the sea.

It was more powerful than the infinite and powerful than the earth, sky, and everything in between.

Growing up as a bastard, she didn't expect to be desired like a jewel.

All she wanted was his love.

There was nothing more she could give.

The one who gave her everything and received nothing in return.

So she committed to herself not to love anyone and to seize whatever power she could and use it against others.

This was why she fell in love with her prince.

Like her, he was broken.

Her one-eyed prince did not attach to others. He was the type of person who didn't desire or love anyone.

However, Aemond was unaware that he had a particular someone that he considered special.

Lucerys Velaryon.

The boy who made Aemond the Kinslayer. Aemond had no idea how much he meant to him on the inside.

'The Gods are indeed evil,' Alys said as she sat on her throne at Harrenhal.

She had no regrets about adoring her young prince. Though she was aware that when he looked at her, he was seeing the eyes of another.

Alys hoped Aemond had realized his true heart's longing in the stranger's deathly embrace.

Otto Hightower was a calculating individual. He observes how others learn and applies what he knows to his advantage. He wasn't skilled with a blade, but his intellect was strong enough to carry his blood to the Iron Throne.

"Daemon and Rhaenyra would burn down King's Landing for what happened to their son!" Tyland Lannister shouted, slamming his fist against the table. "What the prince caused irreparable damages for others joining our cause! We all know the Starks won't join the side of a Kinslayer!"

"Be careful with what you say to our prince, Lord Lannister." Ser Criston replied calmly, reaching for his sword as a threat. 

"He's correct; it doesn't matter if the young prince died; it only accelerated the battle," Otto responded.

Although his grandson has been called a Kinslayer, Aemond remains a terrifying figure with Vhagar at his side.

He is still valuable. He realized that his grandson desired the favor of people, simply wanting to prove that he was worth something.

Otto didn't care whether Aemond murdered a bastard; what mattered to him was what he was willing to do for their family.

His legacy is what matters.

Halaena stared out the window, longingly recalling the last time she and her nephew spoke. It was the dreaded day when she and Aegon wed. 

She recalled sobbing, knowing how much misery Aegon would inflict on her. She despised the fact that she couldn't stop it. Her mother told her it was her royal duty, but she felt she was moving from one cage to another.

"Aunt Halaena?" a voice shouted, and as she glanced up, she found Lucerys in front of her, holding out a wedding cake.

"I went looking for you since Mother mentioned you were hiding, so I got you some cake to cheer you up!"

"Thank you, nephew," she said as she brushed her tears away, not wanting to be chastised by her mother for her appearance.

"Are you okay? I heard you crying. Is there something wrong? Are you hurt?" Lucerys asked, looking over his aunt to see if anything was physically wrong. 

"I-I'm fine. I was just a bit overwhelmed from the wedding." Halaena answered. 

Her nephew nodded in understanding, knowing that his aunt hated crowds and being the center of attention. 

"You were truly gorgeous, though! Like something out of one of those fairytales mother used to tell us!" remarked Lucerys. "It was a lovely wedding!"

"Did you enjoy yourself, nephew?" Halaena inquired. I'm glad at least one person was pleased with her wedding.

"Yes!" Lucerys said before glancing down and twiddling his fingers. "To be honest, we didn't believe we'd be welcomed after what I did to your brother."

"It was an accident." 

"Yes, but being here and still a part of our family...I'm happy." Lucerys smiled brightly. "I'm glad everyone was getting along for once."

"Is that what you wish for, nephew?" She asked. "For everyone to get along?"

"I hate it when everyone fights. Grandfather says we're a family, but sometimes I don't feel like we are, so seeing you at the wedding and being a part of it makes me feel like we are."

When Lucerys smiled at her that day, she hoped she could grant his request.

It didn't matter anymore. The dragons' dance arrived, and their family's fate started.

"I'm sorry you didn't receive your wish, nephew," she said quietly.

Cregan Stark observed the young prince Jacaerys staring blankly out at sea. They traveled to Stormlands in stealth to look for Prince Lucery's corpse.

Sadly, all they found was the head of the younger prince's dragon, Arrax. 

Mutilated beyond recognition. 

Jacaerys went half-mad searching for his brother's body, and Cregan couldn't help but be saddened at the sudden change of the boy he once knew.

"My prince, it's time to leave." He said as he walked towards the grieving prince. He placed a hand on Jace's shoulder, hoping to comfort the boy who reminded him of his younger brother. "It's best we leave before we are discovered."

"It's strange," Jace whispered, continuing to look at the sea. "The people who used to call us bastards, sons of the whore, and people who disgrace our names now lead to take praise in our name and condemn Aemond for killing his kin."

"Lucerys would have laughed at that," Jace said, bitterly smiling. "He didn't care what other people thought; all he wanted was to be with his family."

He kneeled down and touched the water where his brother's body probably lay deep in the ocean bed.

"My beloved brother, please keep closing your eyes," Jacaerys whispered. "Don't look at us from above." 

He stood up and looked Cregan in the eye. "If I were to burn down those who oppose us, forget my sadness and grief, will I be able to return to a life without pain? Will it bring my brother back to me?"

"No, your grace," Cregan answered. "The pain stays with us."

"Perhaps you're right, Cregan," Jacaerys said, his voice broken with anguish. "I've always wanted to be a man of honor. Someone who fights for justice and what is right." He shook his head as if physically removing himself from that dream.

In a dream shattered by reality, there are no sentiments left.

He will do whatever it takes to bring his brother justice.

Even if it meant forsaking his own life.

It's the only thing he can do to dedicate to Lucerys.

Cregan Stark looked back at the dark waters as Jacaerys Velaryon walked away from the place of his brother's death.

"I apologize, Lucerys Velaryon," Cregan said softly in the breeze. "It appears that all the people you've loved your whole life will be hit by grief."

Chapter Text

"Bold Italicized Text" - High Valyrian

Ever since coming back from the past, Lucerys had this same occurring dream. In his vision, he is somewhere where the sky and the earth are both stained crimson. The sea flow with blood instead of water, and agonizing screams echo around him. On the opposite side of the shore stands a boy with dark hair, someone who didn't belong there. 

Lucerys couldn't identify his features, but he knew the boy was mournful as he stared endlessly at sea. At some point, he realized that the boy was looking at someone. The dark-haired boy gets down on one knee and pleads; 

"Please! Spare him!" He begged. "Allow me to share his punishment! I'll take on half his guilt, so I beg you to pardon his sins!" He cried as he bowed his head to the floor.

Day after day, Lucerys dreamt of the man pleading, begging someone to grant him his wish. 

But this dream was different because he heard another voice before waking up. One that was distinct from the other.

"Would you please allow me to see him again?"

"Luke! Wake up! We've almost arrived!" 

Lucerys blinked open his eyes, squinting at the ray of sunlight that darted across his face. When he turned around, he saw his brother Jace shaking him awake. His senses were filled with the scents of peppermint and cinnamon.

He yawned and took a look around. They were currently in one of the ship's rooms, on their way to King's Landing. Before standing up, he stretched his arms and legs. He heard a growl beside him and saw his dragon Urrax fly from his bed, landing on his shoulder and nuzzling his cheek. He caressed his dragon's white scales before looking at his brother.

"Where's mother and father?" He asked, wiping the sleep away from his eyes. 

"They're on the main deck discussing their plans to defend your title from grandfather's brother." 

"Oh-"

Lucerys' frown deepened as he thought about his grandfather. It's been six years since he last saw Corlys Velaryon due to the rising resurgence of the Triarchy at the Stepstones. His grandfather was ambushed and had his neck slashed by a corsair's dagger during the fighting. 

With a severe wound and so much lost blood, everyone thought their grandfather would die soon. 

"They didn't even await his death before they came scurrying like rats for your inheritance," Jace growled. The alpha in him was in a rage at the disrespect shown to his brother.

Lucerys softly smiled, clutching at his brother's hand in thanks. He didn't want his inheritance, both in this life and in the past. All he ever wanted was a simple life with his family in peace. But duty will always be above all else. 

A part of him wished Vaemond wouldn't attempt to dispute his inheritance, especially since he knew how it would end. He wasn't the best granduncle, but Luke didn't want him to die.

"I wish grandfather will be well soon so we can keep this behind us," Lucerys answered. Noticing the shift in his rider's mood, the dragon growled again and rubbed its face on Lucerys' cheek. 

"Alright, Alright." Jace grinned, not liking the sad scent that washed through his brother. "Come on, let's go up and ask the servants if they have something to feed your dragon."

"Vipers are attacking us left and right," Daemon observed the waves with Rhaenyra.

"They're becoming more daring," Rhaenyra responded. "However, we have been preparing for this for so long."

The people of Asshai were beneficial in achieving their goal of protecting her family. They converted the people of Dragonstone to her cause by assisting them in their daily lives. In exchange, they have begun to worship the Valyrian Old Gods.

It also appeared that Marul was correct about old magic reappearing. They cultivated more crops in their lands with magical practitioners from Asshai.

Not wanting the Greens and their allies to know, Rhaenyra ordered her people to remain silent about the phenomenon. They decided to trade with the people from Essos instead, limiting selling their goods to Westeros and only allowing outsiders to reach the outskirts of their land. 

In the years that followed, Dragonstone thrived in Rhaenyra's rule. Ordering men and women to know how to properly fight and teach livelihood to those who couldn't.

Dragonstone used to be a place to hide from her enemies. But, it is now also a defensive fortress, just like what her forefathers did during the Doom of Valyria. Using arcane and Dragonfire, they fortified the walls surrounding its island, and the place once called gloomy and dark, became a beacon of the strength of the Targaryen family.

Rhaenyra knew her claim to the throne would be questioned, but now she could fight for it. 

"We'll be ready when they strike, my love." Rhaenyra smiled sweetly at her husband. 

Daemon couldn't help but snicker at the sly look on his wife's face. 

'That's my dragon.' He thought. Before they could continue their conversation, they saw their two sons walking toward them.

Once Rhaenyra saw her children, she greeted them both with a kiss on the forehead. 

"Good morning, My Son; how was your sleep?"  she inquired in High Valyrian. Though many Asshai spoke the common tongue, they preferred their language or High Valyrian. So, at Marul's suggestion, Rhaenyra and Daemon decided to teach their children High Valyrian like their forefathers.

"It was good, mother,"   Lucerys answered back. He barely studied the language in the past, remembering that only Jace insisted on learning it. Though with the help of others, all his brothers became fluent enough in High Valyrian. 

"The children are still napping with their Wet Nurse, Mother,"   Jace added. Rhaenyra nodded, brushing the hair out of his oldest son's face.

"I'll wake them when we've arrived." 

Lucerys watched as Urrax stretched its wings before flying around the boat. 

"We shouldn't have brought it with us,"   Daemon said, watching as the sapphire-eyed dragon.  "We will be questioned about it." 

"You know that Luke's bond with Urrax is stronger than anything. We'll be lucky if we could even separate them in bed."   Rhaenyra stated fondly.

"Don't worry, father, I'll make sure to hide Urrax when we're in King's Landing. I promise!"  Luke added, also not wanting to separate from his dragon. Unfortunately, Arrax couldn't go with him since Daemon insisted that he didn't want their Dragons to be seen in King's Landing.

Daemon groaned. When the face staring back at him reminded him of his beloved wife, he knew it was a lost cause.

"Alright, lad. See that you do,"  he said, ruffling his son's dark hair, which he had grown to adore.

Rhaenyra's children were easy to love. All of them were brash and headstrong, and though they may not have the traditional Targaryen looks, their spirit was one. Though he wasn't their real father, they were Rhaenyra's beautiful children.

The omega was his only one, His genuine desire. If Rhaenyra demanded it, Daemon would burn all of Westeros. He would go to any length for her. He wasn't sure if it was something in their blood, but the moment he saw her, his world came to a halt.

He initially thought he only wanted her for her throne; of course, that was a feature, but the truth is that he would love her regardless of the throne until their dying days. 

He was blessed to have Rhaenyra and her children in his life, so he was thankful when they had not one but two children together. 

'and now a third,' he thought, rubbing his hand on Rhaenyra's stomach. She looked at him but didn't question his actions. They all watched as King's Landing appeared on the horizon.

'Let the dance begin.' Daemon thought.

"All Hail Rhaenyra of House Targaryen, Princess of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne and her royal consort, Prince Daemon Targaryen." 

Rhaenyra frowned as she went down the carriage. There was no one there to greet them at all. 

'Such disrespect.' She thought, feeling the hostility of King's Landing. She looked toward her husband, and knowing what she was already thinking, he nodded in agreement.

"Mother, can we go to Flea Bottom? " Lucerys asked. Even though they had lessened the trade of their harvest in Westeros, Rhaenyra and her family began providing food, shelter, and medicine to the people in the slums.

Even though she was not yet Queen, she wanted to ensure that her people were safe. She knew from childhood that the people of Flea Bottom had suffered for years under their family's rule.

She didn't want to be the same.

Some of them had even begun to ask for residency in Dragonstone, which Rhaenyra accepted.

"Of course,"  Rhaenyra answered.  "Jace, make sure you and your brother will be safe."  She reminded the alpha.

"Stay hidden!"  Daemon added.  "We'll see you here in an hour."

Both boys nodded their agreement to their parents. To disguise themselves, they only need to remove their cloak and change into a plainer and simpler cape. Not wanting to leave her boys without protection, Rhaenyra also asked one of her sworn knights to follow them while wearing a disguise as they left the Red Keep.

She frowned deeply and touched her swelling stomach in comfort. A few more moments passed before the door opened, and a man walked towards her. He bowed deeply and held her hand.

"Welcome back, princess."

"Lord Caswell," Rhaenyra answered back. The look of relief on his face was concerning to her. 

'What in the world did the Greens do to her home?' She thought.

"When our mother becomes Queen, we should tell her to improve this place," Jace said to his brother as they walked to Flea's shady underbelly. During King Jahaery's long reign, he was able to redesign the road network and establish a system of pipes and drains to bring fresh water in and waste out. It ceased after his death, and Flea Bottom was left in disarray.

Lucerys nodded in agreement. King's Landing was vastly different from Dragonstone. Not only were they able to help improve the lives of their people, but they were also able to improve the city. 

"She should remove those corrupt officials who are taking money from the reserve for these people," Lucerys responded. Their father had mentioned that the knights in King's Landing were not only disorganized but could also be easily bribed by the upper nobles. They had been able to continue their nefarious work. As a result, the lower-class citizens remained impoverished, and the upper class became more prosperous.

They stopped at a location disguised as a low-class inn, but it was a refuge for those in need. They went inside, walked toward the front desk, and asked for the innkeeper.

"Hello there, young lads. What can I help you with?" The lady asked. They removed their cloaks, and the lady bowed her head in respect. She raised her hand to a door beside her and offered them to go inside.

When they got inside, they asked the knight to bring the items they had brought with them on their trip to the empty table.

Once they were alone, the lady at the front desk exclaimed, "Prince Jacaerys, Prince Lucerys! It's truly an honor for you to come here!" She was once an Essos slave saved from starvation by Princess Rhaenyra. The princess asked her to build this place to help her fellow citizens and improve their lives. For years, they had used this location to distribute free food to children and provide shelter and medicine to those in need.

"What is your name?" Jace asked. 

"It is Jayne, your grace." She bowed. 

"Nice to meet you, Jayne," Jacerys said with a smile. "We're just here to deliver the goods for this week."

"We also wanted to see Flea Bottom in person to see if there had been any improvements," Lucerys explained, smiling. "My mother wanted to know if there was anything else our people needed help with."

"Thank you for your kindness!" She answered, seeing the bountiful items that the princes had brought. She wished the princess and her sons would inherit the Iron Throne. She knew that many nobles didn't like that their ruler would be a woman, but the people of Flea Bottom had seen the work the princess did for them.

They would do anything for their future Queen.

"There are a few problems here and there, your highnesses," Jayne said softly. Despite her assistance, the princess could not abolish the establishments funded by nobles who enslaved Flea Bottom's children. They were frequently forced into fight rings or forced into prostitution. When they attempted to seek assistance from the hand, they were mostly ignored and shunned.

She had explained what had happened to the princes, and she could see the anguish on their faces.

"We'll make sure to inform our mother about this," Jacaerys stated vehemently. His inner alpha was disgusted by the idea of alpha children being forced to fight and omega children being forced into prostitution.

What if they were in one of those locations?

A growl rose to his throat at the thought of some disgusting person putting a hand on his younger brother.

The alpha in him wanted to destroy them all.

'It's what they deserved.'

When his arm was touched, he turned to see his brother trying to calm him down with his scent. Jacaerys took a deep breath and thanked his brother.

"We promise to do everything we can to assist you," Lucerys promised Jayne. "We'll ensure that no one ever hurts those children again."

"Thank you, your highnesses!" Jayne said gratefully, clutching Jacaerys' hands.

"Your highness, we must depart; your mother and father are waiting," said the knight. Both princes nodded and bid the young innkeeper farewell.

As they left, another figure appeared before Jayne. It was none other than the White Worm, Mysaria. 

Mysaria didn't expect any help from the princess, especially with how Daemon treated her. Yet, she felt thankful for what their family did for Flea Bottom all these years.

"The greens are going to take their action against the princess soon," Mysaria whispered, watching the figures of the departing princes. "If this land were to prosper, we need to help them with their claim to the throne."

"Indeed," Jayne replied.

They must succeed for the future Queen Rhaenyra and her sons.

After unpacking, Daemon and Rhaenyra walked toward the King's chambers. 

Gone were the tapestries of their family's history. Instead, they were replaced by tapestries and monuments for the Faith of the Seven. 

"I would say it's nice to be home, but I scarcely recognize it," Rhaenyra said as Daemon looked at the palace in disgust. 

Rhaenyra frowned as they entered her father's room and saw the state of it. Not only was the room in disarray, but his father's miniature city of King's Landing was full of cobwebs and no longer maintained.

"Father?" 

She walked towards her father's bed, with Daemon staying behind. She knew that her father and her uncle had a complicated relationship, but she knew that Daemon loved his brother. Unfortunately, their bond was broken by the words of outsiders that tainted her uncle's reputation in his father's eye.

Daemon only wanted to be acknowledged by his brother, but her father had listened to the vipers around him.

She hopes to change things before it's too late. A part of her broke when she saw the state of her father.

The stranger appears to have had a firm grip on her father. The strong man she remembered had vanished. Her father was a broken man, and seeing him like this broke her heart.

"Who goes there?"He demanded, his breathing labored and weak.

"It's me, my King." Rhaenyra softly answered back. "Rhaenyra."

"Oh," Her father said in relief.

Daemon entered the room, unwilling to see his brother's condition. Daemon, like her, didn't want to see his King in this state.

"I'm with Daemon," she said, gently clutching her father's frail hand.

"Daemon? Daemon?" Viserys whispered as his younger brother came to view; Rhaenyra nodded.

"Help me up." He ordered, wanting to see the people he missed the most in clarity. The years had been grim for him. When Rhaenyra left for Dragonstone along with his brother, it felt as if the last light that his wife Aemma gave him had also disappeared. 

His delight was gone when she left.

"It's been so long." He cried out. Both Rhaenyra and Daemon felt tears well up in their eyes seeing Viserys. They didn't regret leaving King's Landing since it was for the better, but they did regret not mending their relationship with him.

They shouldn't have left him at the hands of the Greens.

Daemon swallowed, the alpha not wanting to appear weak to his brother. He explained that the sea snake had been grievously wounded in Stepstones, and their son's inheritance was being questioned. 

Rhaenyra looked at her husband, eyeing him in irritation. Daemon looked back, feeling chastised by his wife. She took his arm, warning him to take it easy.

But Daemon needed to ensure their son would be safe. He cannot let the Green take away his protection.

"No, brother, listen to me. You are to affirm your position for Lucerys' to be Corlys Velaryon's successor." He insisted.

The door opened behind them, and Rhaenyra smiled and looked at his father. 

"Father, there is someone we wish to introduce you to." 

Talks of politics can happen later. Rhaenyra wanted to show her father the family and the life she and Daemon had while they were away.

She didn't want her father to miss out anymore on the beautiful life that she had.

"It's smaller than I remember," Lucerys said as they walked to the Red Keep's training grounds. To be honest, he didn't like this place. It reminded him too much of his father, whom he had lost as a result of this location.

"It appears to be the same," Jacerys replied. He was excited to see where he had trained when he was younger. As he watched the knights fight, the alpha was filled with glee. "Oh, Luke, hurry down!" he exclaimed as Lucerys followed him hesitantly.

He looked down, trying not to flinch at the glances coming. This was precisely what he remembered. Nobles look down on them because they lack the Targaryen feature.

"Look, it's the princess' bastard sons," one of the nobles whispered rather loudly, and Lucerys turned away, her gaze fixed on the weapons on the table.

"See! I told you it would still be here!" exclaimed Jacaerys, pointing to the wall that Lucerys had accidentally broken as a child. "And you thought you could swing Criston's morningstar," he smirked as he approached his brother, seeing Lucerys' bright flush. He teased, brushing his brother's hair, "you almost took your head off!"

The omega flushed in embarrassment before looking back at the chattering nobles who were looking at them in disgust. Lucerys frowned and looked away.

He didn't want to be here anymore.

"What's your problem?" The alpha asked, smelling the fear in his brother's scent.

"Everyone's staring at us." He whispered. 

"You should shut your mouth, Lady Johanna," a condescending voice suggested. When Lucerys and Jacerys looked up, they saw their Uncle Aegon glaring at Lady Lannister, who was discussing his nephews. "Perhaps you should concentrate on the bastard children your dear husband is currently churning instead of making treasonous claims."

"I-I apologize, your grace." She bowed, but Aegon saw the anger in her eyes. She would report this to his mother, but he didn't care.

Lucerys is here.

He shooed them away before going over to his nephews.

"Hello, Dear nephews." He smirked at them. 

"Uncle!" Jacaerys grinned. He was glad that his uncle defended them from the nobles. He had always been his favorite.

"Hello, Uncle." Lucerys smiled brightly. "It's good to see you again." 

Aegon drastically changed from the last time Luke had seen him. No longer was he the drunkard that he often remembered him. In his place was a man worthy of being called a prince.

His scent reminded him of Citrus and Vanilla.

Before they could discuss more, there was a sudden commotion behind them. They went towards it and saw Aemond fighting with Sir Cole.

Luke felt his heart skip a beat as he watched his uncle viciously fight the knight. 

He looked like a real dragon. 

A part of him was afraid that if he looked at Luke, would it be the same look he gave him in the past?

In previous years, Luke tried to stay connected by sending them letters. Still, unlike his uncle Egg, Aemond rarely replied.

The crowd clapped when Aemond won the fight, and the omega couldn't help but smile at his uncle. He felt proud of Aemond's achievements.

"Well done, my Prince," Criston said, panting. "You'll be winning tourneys in no time." 

Jacaerys frowned and looked at his uncle, not liking that Aemond grew strong as the years passed. Aegon, on the other hand, stared blankly at his brother. 

"I don't give a damn about tournaments," Aemond snarled. "Nephews," he said, looking Lucerys in the eyes. The omega couldn't help but shiver at how his uncle regarded him.

It wasn't the same as before, but something was different in his eyes.

"It's good to see you," he said softly, his gaze fixed on Lucerys.

Luke felt a hand on his waist and looked up to see Aegon looking at his brother with a dark expression.

A strong scent of Cedar and Mint wafted through the air, and before Lucerys could respond, a voice began to shout as the yard gates opened.

The Velaryons have made their appearance.

Chapter Text

"He appears to be a different person," Rhaenyra commented as she paced around the room. Her tone is soft and full of grief. "Maybe the maesters back in Dragonstone could help us. Let's talk to Maester Gerardys and Marul. Then they could suggest a different-" She was interrupted when Queen Alicent went inside the room without knocking.

"Princess Rhaenyra," Queen Alicent said as she stepped in front of them, her face solemn and regal. "Prince Daemon."

"Hm," Daemon said casually, not bothering to stand up in front of the Queen.

"It's been so long since we've been granted the joy of your presence."

When Rhaenyra saw her looking at the scar she gave, Rhaenyra couldn't help but hide it.

She didn't want Alicent to see her being weak. She smiled dryly, "Indeed, your grace."

"Though not long enough to merit a greeting upon our arrival." Daemon replied snarkily, the Alpha trying to calm himself by rubbing his oncoming headache.

He smirked at Alicent, who visibly flinched at the Alpha's dark look.

"I'm sure the Queen had pressing business, my love," Rhaenyra answered. "What can neither of us know of ruling a kingdom?"

"I do not rule, as you well know." Alicent stared back at the person she once called a friend.

Once upon a time, she had the greatest love. It didn't matter anymore; time had changed them, and the wall of distrust and anger was too high and strong to be broken down.

"My father and I are mere stewards of the King's will and wisdom."

"And how exactly is that wisdom expressed? Hm?" Daemon answered with a growl. If his Queen permits, he would strike down this fake Queen with his sword, dark sister. "In blinks and wheezes? I'd be surprised if he can even remember his name or if he could -"

"King Viserys' conditioned had worsened since you saw him last." Alicent interrupted, not wanting to hear any more from this reckless and disrespectful Alpha. She hated Daemon with every breath, and the thought that Rhaenyra chose her uncle over her - no, over her duties as an heir- was a disgrace to the Seven itself.

She's an unworthy ruler of the Seven Kingdoms.

"Ha!"

Alicent frowned deeply but continued. "It subjects him to considerable pain. On the advice of the maesters-"

"Ah! The Maesters." Rhaenyra ironically smiled, walking to Alicent, and a part of the Queen wanted to step away from the princess.

She wanted Rhaenyra to understand that she was trying her best.

"Of course, it was they who kept him..." She paused, her smile gone and replaced by a wave of silent anger that she kept at bay. "addled on the milk of the poppy while the Hightowers warms his throne."

"Rhaenyra, if you see him without it, almost blind with suffering." She tried to explain, still wanting to appease her old friend.

Daemon groaned behind them, his eyes rolling at the Queen's pathetic excuse. "Alicent, I have no doubt it was an act of the purest mercy, but tell me, for the King's suffering," Daemon stood up and walked over to his wife and Alicent.

"Did the maesters also prescribe the removal of Targaryen heraldry and the installation in its stead of various statues and stars?"

Alicent looked over the heretic that was Daemon Targaryen, her face stoic in front of the raging Alpha.

"The emblems of the Seven serve only to guide us on an uncertain path." She looked at Rhaenyra, her face unmistakable of judgment. "To remind us of a higher authority."

"And on the morrow, which authority will judge my son's claim on his inheritance?"

"That would be mine... and the Hand's." Alicent looked at both of them.

These heretics dared to accuse her, The Queen.

"But be assured, the father is and commands me to forget the accusations you have hurled in this room today." She gave them a smile before leaving.

Judgment will come to those who think of themselves as more powerful than the Gods, and soon she will show Rhaenyra the error of her ways.

Rhaenyra looked over at her husband as the Queen left. "She and her father will do whatever it takes to depose Lucerys as Driftmark's heir," her worried face evidenced as she massaged her stomach.

Daemon led his worried wife back to the chair, not wanting to stress his wife more than necessary.

"We should talk to Princess Rhaenys. Maybe we can convince her to help us back Luke's claim." Rhaenyra said as she sat down carefully.

"Should we offer Luke and Jace's hand in marriage? Since Luke presented as an omega, and with Baela as an Alpha, she could claim Luke." Daemon replied. "Since Jace is an Alpha too, he would be suitable with Rhaena."

Rhaenyra shook her head; choosing who her children should marry wasn't what she had in mind. "Not being able to choose who we want to marry is what got us here first." She reminded him. She often thought about Daemon being her only husband if her father allowed them. It was too late for regrets, and she wouldn't trade her children with Harwin for the world.

"We might not have been fortunate to choose who we desire to marry, but our children might." She touched her husband's roughened hand and placed it on her cheek. "I don't want to make the same mistakes my father did with my own children."

Daemon sighed and nodded, caressing his wife's cheek gently. He understood what she wanted, but he also didn't want to bargain his children's lives so easily. He wanted to be a better parent for them.

"Alright, my love." He replied as he crouched and kissed Rhaenyra's forehead. "If things get worse, Luke can be the heir to Dragonstone while Jacerys will be at King's Landing with you as an heir to the Iron Throne."

Rhaenyra smiled softly, and as they warmed themselves by the fireplace, she knew that she had made the correct choice.

But that didn't mean she wouldn't fight for his son's inheritance.

Lucerys' heart was racing as he looked into his uncle's eye. Beneath that eyepatch, he remembered seeing the sapphire gem embedded in his uncle's eye socket. 

He wanted to see it again.

He heard his brother shout as he was about to raise his hand to touch his uncle's cheeks.

"Luke!" exclaimed Jacaerys as he reached out to free his younger brother from the grasp of their uncle Aegon. He locked his gaze on both of them. As the three Alpha princes stared at each other, the nobles around them felt a heavy and suffocating atmosphere.

"That's enough, your highnesses!" Sir Criston shouted. "I think it would be best if the omega prince would stop bothering the young princes in their training." 

Luke felt flush in embarrassment and looked away. He looked around them and saw that the people were talking about him. 

"It must've been his pheromones that made the princes like that!" 

"How could an omega be the heir to Driftmark if he can't control himself?"

Lucerys gripped his brother tightly before walking away from the courtyard, not wanting to hear anymore. Jacaerys looked at Aemond one last time before following his brother.

After ordering Aegon and Aemond to continue practicing, Sir Criston stared at one of the windows. He saw Queen Alicent watching the scene unfold before walking away to meet with her father and Lord Vaemond. 

He was sure that the Queen was livid.

Lucerys is currently feeling conflicted. He wanted to look for Aemond and talk to him, but some feared what he might say. The years that they didn't speak clearly made a dent in their relationship, and he couldn't help but feel that it might mean he couldn't change what was about to come.

"It'll be fine, Luke. Just talk to him." Luke loudly said to himself. He was about to go and walk toward Aemond's room when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Who are you going to talk to?" 

Lucerys turned around to see his Uncle Aegon smirking as he leaned against the wall.

"Talking to yourself, nephew? If you don't watch out, you'll end up like Helaena."

"Uncle! What are you doing here?" Luke asked as he walked towards him.

"I wanted to talk to you, seeing as you didn't appear during dinner." Aegon pointed out. 

Luke winced and said, "I just didn't feel hungry, that's all." The stress between his title and his worry about Aemond had made him lose his appetite. 

"Well, I brought this in case you were hungry." Aegon looked away before giving it to Lucerys. 

Luke looked down and opened the item wrapped in cloth, only to find bread and cheese. He smiled softly, touched at his uncle's simple gesture.

Before he can show appreciation, Aegon slams him behind a dark corner.

"what -"

"Mother," Aegon said, quickly removing his hand from Luke. " What is it? What are you doing here."

Luke hid by closing his mouth and remaining silent. Fortunately, the Queen appeared too preoccupied with Aegon to notice him earlier.

"What is it? That's all you have to say for yourself?" She shouted, striding toward his son at a furious pace. Luke covered his mouth as he watched the Queen berate his oldest son. "How dare you embarrass me today of all days!" 

Aegon gripped his knuckles tightly and looked at his mother. "And pray to tell what I did now to receive your ire?"

"You are trying to get on Rhaenyra's son!" Alicent shouted. "I saw what you did in the yard! Think of the shame it has on me!" She cried out.

Aegon chuckled and leaned towards his mother. "Like mother, like son, right?" He whispered to his mother's ear. He knew about his mother's true feelings towards Princess Rhaenyra.

Luke had to hold back a gasp as he saw Aegon get slapped by his mother. She looked at Aegon, her lips curling tight and scowling.

"You are no son of mine."

As she walked away, Aegon looked at his mother, and Luke couldn't help but feel bad at the sadness that clouded his features.

"I'll never be enough for you, am I?" He said softly as Alicent stopped. "I did everything you asked me to, but I'll never be enough for you or your father." 

He expected his mother to return his gaze, but she did not. Alicent didn't turn around and kept walking. Overwhelming emotions caused tears to fall from his eyes as he kneeled.

'You'll never be enough for anyone.'

When Luke knew she was gone, he rushed towards his uncle.

"Uncle!" He kneeled down, and as he tried to reach toward Aegon, he saw him flinch away.

"I'm sorry, Uncle," Luke whispered, not knowing what to say.

"Don't." He answered back. Aegon slowly stood up and looked at Luke seriously. "Forget what you have heard and seen. I do not want to talk about this anymore." 

Before Luke could reply, Aegon walked away, leaving Lucerys clutching the gift his uncle gave him in sorrowful silence.

Luke kneeled for a moment, not knowing what to do, when he heard a small cry and turned to see his dragon Urrax rubbing his face against his leg.

"Where were you hiding? Did you follow me?" He smiled softly as he traced his finger over its head. "You know that you can't be seen." 

He looked around, and when he didn't notice anyone around them, he picked up his dragon and placed him on his shoulders. 

"Shall we go ahead and sneak some food for you?" He grinned. 

He stood up, and as they walked towards the kitchens, he didn't see his dragon's amethyst eyes staring dangerously from where they were. 

 "Though it is the great hope of this court that Lord Corlys Velaryon survive his wounds, we gather here with the grim task of dealing with the succession of Driftmark." Otto Hightower's voice boomed loudly over the throne room. "As the hand, I speak of the King's voice and all other matters."

"The crown will no hear the petitions. Sir Vaemond of House Velaryon." 

Luke looked at his granduncle Vaemond, smirking at him. 

Granduncle, your death is sealed.' Luke thought as he watched Vaemond curse at his mother and them.

He turned his gaze to the greens and observed Aemond's intense stare. He couldn't help but look away at being scrutinized by his uncle, feeling his breath quicken as his face flushed red. 

Luke stared straight ahead as his mother started to defend his honor as the heir to Driftmark. Before she could continue her speech, the hall doors opened, and the King's arrival was announced.

King Viserys slowly walked towards the Iron Throne, and Luke couldn't help but feel elated at their Grandfather's love for them. Till the end of his days, he had always defended their family against the words of everyone around them.

He wasn't perfect, but he had been there for them.

Otto Hightower's face pinched in annoyance before he kept his expression and bowed his head to the King.

He observed his stepfather assisting the King with his crown and couldn't help but smile at the brotherly display. Despite their many differences, Luke knew Viserys and Daemon were the same regarding their family.

They would do anything to protect it.

It was genuinely regretful that his Grandfather believed the words of Otto and didn't make Daemon the Hand instead. He knew it hurt Daemon to know his brother didn't believe in him.

It hurt Luke when Jacerys didn't believe in him.

King Viserys looked once more before looking over the crowd. He looked fatigued, and his golden mask couldn't hide the stench of his rotting body.

"I must admit my confusion," He said, panting. "I do not understand why petitions are being heard over a settled succession."  

He then called for Princess Rhaenys for her husband's wishes. She looked over at Luke, and he wondered what she was about to say. Did his mother once again betroth him to Rhaena? But that wouldn't be possible since she's also an omega. 

'Maybe Baela?' He thought before shivering. It's not that he and Baela weren't on good terms, but he knew he wasn't Baela's type. She was a free-spirited person who wanted adventure. He also didn't want to be betrothed without his approval.

"My husband wished for Laenor's true-born son Lucerys to inherit the throne of Driftmark. His wishes never changed." Rhaenys answered the King, and Luke couldn't help but feel sad about his father, Laenor. 

He had missed him very much. He truly hoped that his father was somewhere he could be happy and free. 

He closed his eyes and waited for the dreaded news of his betrothal, but he was surprised when none came.

King Viserys nodded and said. "If that is what Lord Corlys desires, then that is what I shall respect. I hereby reaffirm Prince Lucerys of House Velaryon as heir to Driftmark, the Driftwood Throne, and the next Lord of the Tides."

Luke opened his eyes as his mother gripped his hand in reassurance. Her smile was apparent at the results. He looked over at the greens and saw all of them frowning deeply. 

'Aegon and Aemond too?' He thought curiously. He expected them to be at least somewhat happy for him. 

Luke was about to thank his Grandfather when Vaemond abruptly cut him off. As his voice echoed throughout the room, Vaemond's eyes were filled with rage.

"You break the law and centuries of tradition to install your daughter as your heir, yet you dare tell me who deserves to inherit Velaryon."

He stood in front of the King and looked at him with disgust. "No. I will not allow it!" 

Luke saw Daemon smile, and he gulped at the implications of it.

"Allow it? Do not forget yourself, Vaemond." King Viserys warned.

That seemed to trigger his granduncle. He pointed at Luke, who flinched at the sudden movement.

"THAT IS NO TRUE VELARYON!"

Luke locked his gaze on him, not wanting to appear weak in the face of his adversaries.

Vaemond scowled at him before returning his gaze to the King. "And that is not my nephew."

"Go to your chambers," Rhaenyra ordered before looking at Vaemond. "You have said enough!" Luke didn't budge. He might not be his father's blood son, but he nonetheless loved him like a son.

If Grandfather and his father say they are Velaryon, that is what he truly is. 

"Lucerys' is my true-born grandson." King Viserys said, looking down on Vaemond. "and you are nothing more than the second son of Driftmark."

Vaemond's face contorted with rage. "You may run your house as you see fit, but you will not decide the future of mine," Vaemond said with a clenched jaw. "My house survived the Doom and a thousand tribulations, and Gods be damned!" 

He looked once more at Luke. His nostrils flared, and his teeth bared. "I will not see it ended on the account of this- "

"Say it," Daemon warned, still smiling. 

In the corner of Daemon's eyes, he saw the young Aemond Targaryen slink toward them, and he readied himself for a fight.

Vaemond smiled at Daemon, oblivious to the tension. "HER CHILDREN ARE BASTARDS!" he yelled as the audience gasped at the accusation.

Jace growled, ready to strike him and Luke gave a panicked look towards his mother and Jace.

"She is a whore." Vaemond said, creating another gasp from the people.

Luke felt a prickle of tears in his eyes, not in sorrow but anguish. How dare this man tarnish his family and his mother's name. He felt his blood boil in anger as the court heard what Vaemond said.

He heard the words twice, but it didn't lessen the pain he felt in his heart.

The King stood in anger and removed his knife from its sheath. "I will have your tongue for that."

Before he could defend his mother's honor, the court heard a sword drawn, and a slash that echoed throughout, and Luke couldn't help but gasp.

Daemon severed Vaemond's head as Aemond managed to cut Vaemond's tongue and throat. Instead of his tongue remaining intact in his mouth, it was removed from his body and neck. At the same time, the rest of his head was splattered on the ground.

"I would say he can keep his tongue, but it seems my nephew has other ideas," Daemon said with a shrug as he looked over at Aemond, wiping his sword with his cloth.

"He didn't deserve his tongue," Aemond replied as Otto shouted for them to be disarmed.

"No need," Daemon said as he stood back, still watching his nephew with a renewed interest.

Aemond walked back towards his mother and siblings, but his eye was still staring ahead at Lucerys.

"What have you done?" His mother whispered in shock. Not realizing how her son could do such a thing. 

"They've insulted the throne, mother," Aemond answered, still not taking his eyes off Lucerys. "It is only right that they suffer for it." 

Luke watched his uncle as everyone around him was panicking. He couldn't help but look at Aemond with awe, and even as the blood of Vaemond Velaryon splattered on his mouth, he couldn't help but lick it away, all the while still watching Aemond.

It tasted intoxicating.

Chapter Text

After the quite interesting affair about who will rule Driftmark, the King wants to mend the completely severed ties of his family. He thus invites everyone to what Daemon would consider the most awkward and tense dinner affair he had ever attended.

He amusedly watches as his wife and the so-called Queen spare a glance at each other. He knew that Alicent had feelings for Rhaenyra. She has that same intense look whenever Rhaenyra looks her way. Unfortunately for her, Daemon had won Rhaenyra's heart, body, and soul. If only she wasn't as devoted to her faith and not such a puritan who raised her nose in their ways, then maybe Daemon would have allowed her a taste of his Rhaenyra.

Maybe then she'll realize what she's been missing out on. 

As the King entered the room, he stood up, his heart aching at the frailty of his once-strong brother. The only sound was the clanking of the soldiers as they brought their King to the table.

Alicent started with a prayer, adding the soul of Vaemond's soul to be at peace, and Daemon couldn't help but smirk at her ridiculousness.

'for fuck's sake.' he whispered, rolling his eyes. He felt his wife nudge him.

He looked up at the ceiling as he tried to follow his wife and ignore Alicent.

"This is a time to rejoice," the King said after the prayer. "Now that Driftmark's inheritance is final, I'd like to congratulate my grandson Lucerys on his inheritance. This is a show not only of our strengthening bond as a family but show that Omega's has the right to land and property." 

Lucerys smiled softly at his grandfather as they raised a toast for his honor.

"Hear! Hear!" Daemon grinned with a wink to his omega son. Lucerys may not be born out of his seed, but he is his nonetheless. 

He glanced at Otto and saw the despondency on his face. 

"To Lord Lucerys, future Lord of the Tides!" 

A nervous smile appeared on his son's face as Rhaena assured him. He knew that Luke didn't want the title of Driftmark, but Daemon would do anything to give everything for his children. 

"Hopefully, the next time we gather, we are celebrating the betrothal of your children, Rhaenyra. Of course, yours as well, Daemon." The King said, hoping to live longer to see his great-grandchildren. "I'm sure we can find suitable marriage proposals from the Lords and Ladies of Westeros." 

Maybe it was the dragon's blood within him, but the thought of his children parting from him brings him great displeasure.

If only Rhaenyra betrothed his and her children with each other instead of other strangers, then they wouldn't be parted from him. 

He would have to convince her soon.

"It is too soon to think about betrothals, brother." Daemon answered, "The idea of giving away my children like cattle is not something I want for them." 

Alicent visibly flinched and looked down as Otto sneered at him. 

Well, it's not like he didn't speak the truth.

Viserys nodded and stood up. He started to talk about the division in his family and how fractured it was, and Daemon couldn't help but feel bitter.

If his brother had been wise enough and trusted him and Rhaenyra, there wouldn't be a division in their house. Yet all Viserys ever did was believed in Otto's false words and scheming.

A part of him hated his brother for throwing him away and leaving him behind.

He looked away as his wife stood up and praised Alicent for her devotion towards Viserys. 

Rhaenyra had always been soft towards her father, even after all the mistakes that Viserys made toward her. She had always been willing to forgive.

If Rhaenyra would always be the one to forgive, then Daemon could be the one who was resentful for both of them.

Daemon instead focused his attention on his children. He watched in rapt attention as Lucerys looked at Aemond intensely and saw how Aemond stared back with the same gaze. 

It bothered him to realize that it seemed Luke had the same taste as his mother. 

This was the Gods' way of punishing him.

He was about to drink his wine and continued observing when Jace slammed his fists on the table. He looked at his oldest Alpha son, glaring at Aegon before his eyes settled on Aemond, who stood up. 

"Jace." Baela softly warned, and Daemon could see the anger she tried to keep to herself. He wondered what Aegon had said to anger both of his children.

He watched as Jace and Aemond looked at each other. Daemon worried that feral young Alphas would suddenly throw the room into chaos. At the corner of his eyes, he saw Lucerys bite his lips in worry. 

The room was silent, waiting for the inevitable to happen, and Daemon readied his weapon. Waiting for the moment to strike.

Instead, Jacerys forced a smile as he softly punched Aegon on the arm. He looked at his little brother before raising his drink.

"To Prince Aegon and Aemond, We have not seen each other in years, but I have fond memories of our shared youth." He said diplomatically. "As we remember that youth, Baela and I, as the Alpha children of the family, make sure that our little siblings don't have undeserving people of their love to be with them," he said with emphasis. "We hope you'll help us find better matches for them someday."

Baela smirked, staring at both Aegon and Aemond. "To you and your family's good health, dear Uncle." She added as Jace sat down.

Aemond quietly stared at Jacerys and Baela before sitting down as well.

Daemon chuckled loudly at the brashness of his children. He may not know what happened, but he did have a clue. 

As the music started to play, he watched as Baela stood up and asked Helaena for a dance. The shy and awkward princess nodded softly as she stood up and danced with the Alpha.

He watched as Helaena giggled as she danced with Baela, and Daemon was sure that it was one of the rare times the princess smiled in this dreadful keep. 

In a bold move, Aegon stood up and asked Lucerys for a dance. Daemon saw Luke's eyes flickering towards his brother and Aemond before nodding at Aegon to accept his offer. 

Daemon nodded at Jacerys to watch his brother as he dutifully focused his attention on his wife. 

As the music continued, the tension lessened as Daemon prioritized making his wife smile and laugh. It wouldn't do good for their baby if the day's stress impacted his wife. 

After the King retired to his room, Daemon knew something had shifted back. A roasted pig was suddenly placed in front of Aemond, and Daemon watched as Aegon chuckled loudly while Jace softly grinned. Luke looked at Aemond worryingly while Aegon had his arms around him.

Once again, the table was hit, and Daemon couldn't help but roll his eyes at the dramatics of Alpha youth.

"Final tribute," Aemond said as he stared intensely at Lucerys. "My brother, Always wanting what he cannot have. may our family be proud of you someday. I do hope the day will come." He said as Alicent silently begged him to stop. Daemon grinned as the veins on Aegon's jaw became more prominent. "To my nephews. Jace, Lucerys, and Joffrey." His eye looked at Jace. "Each of them, wise, handsome... "  Aemond's eye glanced back at Lucerys. "beautiful..." he softly whispered, as if that word was for Lucerys alone. "Strong." 

"Let us drain our cups to these three strong boys," Aemond said, finally looking away when he saw the Lucerys look at him angrily, and dare he say it, heartbreak?

Interesting.

"I dare you to say that again." Jace glared at Aemond as Baela stood up. 

"Why? T'was only a compliment." Aemond asked as he walked towards Jacerys. "I thought you think yourself strong to protect your siblings?" Jacerys raises a punch at Aemond as Baela runs toward Aegon to remove Lucerys away from him. 

Aegon saw what Baela was about to do, grabbed the Alpha, and slammed her against the table. 

"Jace!"

"Let Baela go, Aegon!" Lucerys shouted as chaos filled the entire room.

Aegon looked at Luke, and Baela growled and used it as an advantage. Se used her elbow to shove Aegon's face away as it connected to his eye. Surprised and disoriented, Aegon fell back as Baela stood up, took Lucery's hand, and hid him behind her. 

"That is enough!" 

Aemond looked towards Lucerys and grinned before shoving Jace away. 

He walked away before being cornered by his mother. With a glance from Rhaenyra, Daemon walked towards the fight, knowing it would turn bloody if he didn't stop it.

He saw Alicent whispering angrily at Aemond and the young Alpha replying before returning to Jace. He shoved his arm away from his mother and walked towards Jacerys.

"Though it seems my nephew isn't entirely proud of theirs. Saying he could protect his sibling when he isn't strong enough." He sneered at Jace.

As Jace was about to fight with Aemond again, Daemon stopped him. He warned the young Alpha as Jace backed away.

He needs to teach Jacerys and Baela to protect their siblings better. If this was a real battle, Alphas would've been slaughtered, and their omega siblings would most likely be taken away. 

That he would not allow.

After Rhaenyra ordered their children to go to their rooms, Daemon glanced back at Aemond and sighed. He knew that young Alpha was jealous and angered at the display earlier.

He was intrigued at the emotions his young omega son could invoke towards other Alphas. 

As much as he loved today's event's drama and antics, he was tired and didn't want his child anything to do with the Hightowers. 

He smiled at Aemond, challenging him to a fight.

'If you want my child, come and take him from me.' He thought as his blood sang at the potential bloodbath that could take place. 

Aemond paused before walking away and backing out. Daemon grinned at Rhaenyra, wanting her to compliment him for diffusing the situation. 

Maybe he'll get the reward later.

While things had been interesting, he couldn't wait to be back on dragon stone tomorrow and forget King's Landing for a bit. 

He hoped that things would die down for a while.