Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sometimes Aemond wonders what would happen if he simply left everything behind, the King, his mother, Aegon and Helaena. These thoughts come to him when he takes Vhagar out for a late night flight through the dark clouds, feeling the lightning close by.

The thought of disappearing into the Narrow sea for good, leaving nothing but Vhagar behind. Or would she join him in death? Plunge her large form into the waves with Aemond, roaring in pain, feeling her rider’s pain.

He thinks of all of this as the maids dress him in uncomfortable clothing, ‘the symbol of his status’, as Alicent said. A dark green dress that is a similar design to Alicent’s. Every piece of cloth is a shade of green, emphasizing the control that the Hightowers have in the Red Keep. It feels suffocating in a way, the elegance, the high collar, the fit of the dress.

This was not Aemond, this was all his mother, pressing her faith and everything that Grandsire has told her onto him and the rest of the children.

“No.”

The word itself makes the maids freeze, hands stopping midair. They don’t need any further explanation when they hear Aemond say that word. They’ve learned to read him without further notice. Each layer is slowly peeled away though, and suddenly Aemond doesn’t feel the need to jump from the balcony. Without words, they offer him other dresses, almost all green except for one. It was red and black, mostly black but lined with thin threads of gold.

He would be late to court but the thought didn’t make Aemond feel rushed or panicked. He let the maids do their work, the color green disappearing from his view completely.

They braid his long Targaryen hair, leaving a few strands out to make it look neat but messy. One last look at the mirror makes Aemond wonder if this would be too much for court, for his mother, for everyone. But Aemond knows what he has to do, and he’ll risk his own life to do this, it was a statement. Rising from his seat, Aemond silently thanks his maids, feeling dread and excitement in the pit of his stomach.

They walk through the great halls, passing other servants and lords along the way. Aemond can hear mild gasps, seeing people bow in his presence. The doors are closed to the throne room but he knows what the cost is to arrive so late. The Kingsguard open the large doors, welcoming Aemond to the site of his family in despair and something else. He can smell it in the air though, from both sides of the family as the king sits on his throne.

“The Prince Aemond Targaryen, your grace.”

He meets Rhaenyra’s eyes, seeing hope rise once again in them, watching as Aemond makes his way to the center of the throne room.

“Apologies, your grace for my lateness.” The curl of his lips turns up, directing it towards Alicent, it was definitely a losing battle now. There are eyes on him of course, but Aemond cannot find it in himself to care, turning away completely. Daemon looks at him but there is a smirk forming, shaking his head as Grandsire coughs to get everyone’s attention.

Vaemond Velaryon looks furious, ready to take his sword and threaten the king himself. The poor man knows he won’t be winning this round, not even with the queen’s support on his side. Aemond can feel his fingers start to tremble but he walks to the side where Rhaenyra is with her family.

Alicent steps forward, eyes wild with rage and betrayal, but Grandsire pulls her by the wrist. An example of how much control he has over her, for the past years that Aemond has lived.

The court is silent as King Viserys speaks, oblivious to how the rest of the people think. It is only Rhaenyra that the King smiles at, despite the pain and aching feel all around his body. Aemond holds his head high, standing patiently as Vaemond Velaryon is striked down with Dark Sister. Helaena whirls away, covering her ears to block out the sounds of blade meeting flesh.

Even then, Alicent’s eyes have not left Aemond.

The feast is tense, there’s tension from both sides even as the King says a speech about family, how it saddens him. Aemond is rigid the whole time, hands gripping the chair he sits on, waiting for something to happen. To others, he looks like his normal self but there is only one that is not so blind.

Lucerys has grown so much in the six years that they lived away from the Hightowers. He was no longer the small boy that took out Aemond’s eye all those years ago. He was tall and strong, hair curly with a bit of scruff on his face. His eyes never leave Aemond’s, confusion and hope shining in them as he stares. Aemond has half a mind to scold for being rude but he does not.

Rhaenyra stands, raising her cup to the queen, offering a word of peace to Alicent. Aemond watches as his mother grins but it is rigid and cold, even as his sister offers her own smile in return. The tension only continues to rise after Rhaenyra stands.

“If I may, I would like to speak to my son, Aemond, in private for a moment.”

Alicent gives Aemond a look, a look he knows far too well. He knows what she’ll say next, repeating the words that Grandsire has whispered in her ear for years. Aemond stands, brushing any dirt off, walking with grace as he meets his mother in the hallway.

The minute it’s just the two of them, he feels a palm reach his face in a violent way, feeling a mark left behind.

He moves his head back to meet Alicent, a smirk rises on his face.

“Do you even know what you’re doing! What the risk you’re putting yourself at!” She grabs onto his chin, fingers digging into his skin. Alicent stares at him, disapproval written all over her face. Months ago, something inside Aemond would’ve broken or shattered.

She slaps him again as if that will knock some sense into the prince. “The moment Rhaenyra becomes queen, you will have no chance. She will kill you to keep you and your brother from the line of the Iron throne.”

Alicent hits him another time, and Aemond can feel his cheek starting to swell. Her hands have moved to his throat, a cold glare reaching her face now. Aemond doesn’t feel like a disappointment though, only feeling braver. “You will never control me like Grandsire does you. You have been ashamed of me since the day I presented. All I have ever done is do as you said.”

“I have loved you, I have done everything I can as a mother to protect you. I’m willing to overlook tonight as long as you don’t do it again.”

“Your grace.” Alicent jumps, fingers leaving Aemond’s skin, only crescent shapes left behind. Lucerys is standing there, hands behind his back while watching them, watching her.

Alicent lets go and Lucerys walks past her, ignoring the cold look she gives him. Suddenly it’s just Lucerys and Aemond together, eyes staring at each other. Aemond can feel his chest rising quickly, his breathing escalating as Lucerys comes closer.

Lucerys raises his hand to the abused skin, a finger brushing against the red mark there. He stares at Aemond softly, tilting his head a bit further up to look at him. “The queen cannot go unpunished for what she has done to you.”

“Lucerys——”

“No, Aemond, if you are to join our family, our house, everything must change.”

Rhaenyra wanted Aemond to marry Jacaerys, thinking of cutting the betrothal between him and Baela. Aemond remembers the conversation and how he blushed at asking Rhaenyra for Lucerys instead.

He feels hands on his waist, pulling Aemond towards his nephew.

Aemond sighs softly, “she is my mother, Lucerys. Nothing will change that.” That part was true but Lucerys would not allow Alicent’s behavior to go unnoticed. The omega looks away, lips turning into a slight pout while refusing to meet Lucerys’ eyes.

It made sense in a way, how Aemond was feeling. Everyone in court knew that Aemond Targaryen was the favorite among Queen Alicent’s children. She doted on him, loved him more so than Aegon or Helaena and Daeron. Yet the pain she inflicted on her children was all equal.

Lucerys decides not to say more, instead offering his arm for Aemon to hold. The Targaryen prince takes the offer, grasping Lucerys tightly as they walk back into the dining hall.

For the rest of the night alone, Lucerys keeps an eye on Aemond at all times.

Rhaenyra doesn’t say a word, deciding to watch the pair as dinner goes on. Daemon only has a playful smirk on his face, watching Alicent eye her son with weariness. Rhaenyra knows what statement Aemond was attempting to show, wearing the Targaryen colors instead of Hightower.

King Viserys smiles at his family weakly, using his cane to support his weight as he stands once again. “I would like to make an announcement. Through confirmation from my daughter, Princess Rhaenyra, the betrothal between my son Aemond Targaryen and my grandson, Lucerys Velaryon has been made. So…. Let us raise our cups to them tonight.”

Aemond feels Lucerys squeeze his hand under the table as everyone smiles, bowing their heads to the betrothed.

When the day came that Alicent Hightower married Viserys Targaryen, it was a fate that could not be ignored, not even by the young Princess Rhaenyra.

But Rhaenyra remembers one thing, a promise she made to herself as she watched her friend marry her father. Any children that Alicent bore, Rhaenyra would love unconditionally, no matter what happened. She believed that to be the very thing that would keep the House of Targaryen secure.

She kept a relationship with the newborn sons and daughter of her father, imagining them as truly her own. Rhaenyra was there for the children when Alicent wasn’t, being patient and listening.

Rhaenyra learned that Aegon enjoyed attention, seeking comfort and adoration from those around him. Aemond was quiet but yearned for the same things in a different way from others. Helaena was beautiful and intelligent but sensitive to many things.

The Princess knew all these things since before the day she married Laenor. Even in their youth, Alicent was cold suddenly and there was a growing evil in place of her heart.

Aemond was always Alicent’s favorite son and he was the brother Rhaenyra loved the most. Especially after the day he presented as an omega when Lucerys cut his eye out.

Though Rhaenyra felt anger towards her brothers and Alicent, she still loved Aemond.

It was at night, hours after the horrid ordeal between the family. Rhaenyra found her way through the castle of Driftmark, finding Aemond’s room quickly. When she entered, a sweet smell of honey and mint, then noticed Aemond sweating and whining.

“Nyra… is that you?”

She rushed to his side, holding him for the rest of the night until dawn. She was an alpha and Rhaenyra knew what her job would be. It was her duty as Aemond’s half sister to protect him and find him a suitable mate.

Alicent and that bastard Otto Hightower would only sell the prince off to the most eager lord.

Rhaenyra promised herself and Aemond that she wouldn’t let it happen to him.

She runs a hand through her hair, attempting to keep her nerves at bay during dinner. Daemon squeezes her hand gently, as Rhaenyra tries to smile and relax.

The Princess does relax eventually, seeing Lucerys hold Aemond’s hand while talking to Jacaerys.

“My prince, a gift has been sent by Prince Lucerys Velaryon.”

Aemond looks up from brushing his hair, watching as the maid scrambles to hand him the gift. It’s wrapped in parchment in a small box, gleaming in the morning light. He unwraps it, hand trembling as it is revealed to be a small ring. It was beautiful though, a small sapphire gem in the center.

The simplicity of it took Aemond’s breath away because he knew who it was from. He slipped it on his finger, afraid it would break with just a small touch. Lucerys knew what Aemond wanted, more than wanting reassurance or safety. He wanted to be loved, to be worthy of it.

Everyone had thought the prince to be cruel and cold, dangerous and too dominant for his second gender. But Aemond had only created that as a barrier to hide his true self. Because Alicent was cruel and would never show her love.

Grandsire had no intention of making bonds with his grandchildren. Father would only ever love Rhaenyra till his last breath.

There was already a sapphire in his eye socket where Lucerys took his eye. Now though, Aemond clutches the ring on his finger, letting a lone tear slip down his ivory skin.

It had been a few weeks since the Targaryens had visited due to Vaemond’s attempted claim. The wedding of Lucerys Velaryon and Aemond Targaryen would take place in just a day or two. The very thought of it makes Aemond think that time has flown by so much in order for this to happen.

The only other person that had loved him unconditionally was Rhaenyra, out of all his siblings. Sure, Helaena was there and loved him dearly but she had a duty to fulfill. Rhaenyra was there with Aemond through all his sufferings and his mistakes. She was there as a mother to him more so than Alicent.

The rest of the day feels like a blur to the prince. As arrangements for the wedding continue. The gown that Aemond is wearing is still in need of hemming. It was a beautiful sight to behold though. The neckline was a high collar and there was lace and the softest fabric the realm could offer.

He would have to wear more feminine garments for the occasion. Something Aemond did not want but knew Lucerys would enjoy it.

Even as the day went on, Aemond could tell his mother wanted to say something. Alicent looked stiff and rigid, hands fidgeting as she watched the prince try his gown. She kept opening her mouth at different times but shut it immediately when Aemond turned.

The prince knew that Otto and Alicent had both pleaded with the King to call off the wedding. Or at the very least, give the pair a couple of months before a wedding takes place. But it was Aemond that spoke with Viserys at night, telling him or begging him to let them wed.

Many thought the king to be incoherent and weak but he understood when his children asked for something. Princess Rhaenyra may be the king’s favorite child but he still loved his other children as well. The king knew what his own children thought, thinking that he did not love them. Aemma wouldn’t have wanted it this way for the family though.

So… Here they were now, Alicent in silent agony as she watched her favorite child prepare for his wedding day.

Aemond remembers all the lectures he was given by Alicent when he presented. To be submissive and quiet—docile. But Rhaenyra has said things differently, insisting that she taught her children patience and respect. She insisted that Aemond could be the same as he was before the presentation.

For years, he had held onto that hope, fearing that the words wouldn’t be true the day of their wedding.

Helaena arrived, smiling at her brother as she sat next to their mother. She didn’t notice the tension at all between Aemond and Alicent though.

“Brother, you look so beautiful. Lucerys will fall to his knees for you.”

“My sweet, such things should not be said—“

“Mother, it is fine—thank you, sister.”

Alicent was acting as if Aemond was some blushing bride when really, he was dangerous and cold. The only person that would ever see him as anything more than those two traits would be Lucerys alone.

“Let us just finish here and then Helaena, you must check on the children.”

Whatever playful banter was in the room was now washed away by Alicent’s frigid look at Aemond. Helaena’s smile melted off her face and looked down, almost ashamed.

They stayed quiet after that for the rest of the fitting.

Aemond longed to see his husband-to-be the moment he awoke from slumber.

The maids were running around frantically, grabbing things for the prince as the celebration of the wedding started.

There was a hot tub of water waiting for him, with herbs to enhance his scent more. He slid beneath the warm water, closing eyes to relax for a brief moment. Aemond lets the maids wash his long hair. This is the most effort he has ever put into his physical being in a long time. Aemond did not like to indulge too much so he took what he could and when he could. Alicent always wanted them to be ready after Dawn, following prayer before breaking fast.

Aegon never made it on time and Helaena was always busy doing something else but was on time.

“My prince, the water has turned cool, would you like a fresh bucket?” The maid avoids his eyes, a rush of pink dusting her cheeks. She must be new to the palace, he thinks, the urge to tease fading. Aemond was not like his brother, he never would be. Aegon and Helaena had to go get married out of duty, not love, but Aemond refused to do the same. He knew what he was declaring the minute he stepped into the throne room. It was a game that required strategy, otherwise Aemond would face an early death.

Every inch of his body was covered by fabric as maids flew past him, making sure everything fit. The hemmings were complete and now, Aemond stood, dressed in white. Daemon had gifted him a Valyrian steel necklace, with a red ruby in the center. Another declaration that, so far, the greens were not winning. By losing one son, the rest of the ship would follow, it was as simple as that.

The train of the gown was long, lined with red thread to symbolize the house of the dragon. There was no inch of the color green to be seen in sight. The headdress was also lined with red and gold thread, black onyx lines the top with black opal as well, both a rare stone to find. He wore the rings of House Targaryen, gold rings carved into dragons that crawl up his index and middle fingers.

Rhaenyra finds him like this, standing in the hallway while fidgeting. She smiles warmly, pulling the tall boy into her arms. She made sure to do everything in her power to make this match happen. Alicent was against it from the start and Rhaenyra refused to give up. She did not try hard enough with Jacaerys and Helaena but this time would be different.

“Are you ready, Aemond?”

Chapter Text

The ceremony is large and loud as the Targaryens prepare to unite their houses once again with House Hightower. It would not be the first time that this union happens.

Aemond stays at the entrance of the church, his fingernails digging into his palms. Rhaenyra had long left his side to join the rest of her family at the front. To appease the Queen, Lucerys and Aemond would be married by the Sept and the traditions of Old Valyria.

He feels nervous, with no one to reassure him of what would happen next. This was not the end for Aemond, not yet. His life was just beginning, it finally was after so long. Alicent had suppressed his family roots, forcing Aemond to believe in the Seven.

“All rise for Prince Aemond, Prince of the Seven Kingdoms, son of King Viserys I, first of his name.”

The people stand, eyes watching Aemond’s every move. But the only eyes that he feels on him are Lucerys’, dark brown eyes luring Aemond in. The color of red staining Aemond’s lips makes them dry as he looks at Lucerys. Perhaps he would linger in this realm a bit longer and allow the bastard to kiss him once again.

Their vows were said but all Aemond could do was stay still, staying silent as the Sept said the final words. Lucerys takes his hands in his own, caressing the gold rings gently. Aemond catches a glimpse of his mother, her face shaped in a sour way.

“Aemond, I take you to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold. Till death do us part.” Lucerys smiles, kissing him ever so softly, like he was touching a rare jewel.

The celebration was much the same, where the families gathered together. Aemond sits by his husband at the long dining table, hands wringing nervously. He was heaving quietly, feeling as if the dance floor was a battlefield. He was good at everything but dancing, something Aegon teases him about relentlessly.

“Nephew, care for a dance?”

The Rogue prince offers his arm to the lovely bride, a playful smirk on his face. Aemond looks to Lucerys for reassurance, a silent panic spreading.

Daemon lifts him off his feet before another word can be spoken. The older prince places a hand on Aemond’s waist while the other holds his wrist.

“You seem quite frightened to move an inch, nephew. Have you come to your senses finally about everything?” The comment forces Aemond to look up, his face frowning at Daemon’s teasing words.

“I have no clue of which you speak, Uncle.”

Aemond can feel Daemon’s hand on his waist tighten further. “Do not play coy, boy. You pledging to stand by our family, your sister, has changed the game we play. You have the largest dragon in the world and you’re an omega.”

Daemon smirks, watching the boy squirm in his hold. Aemond looks at him, knowing full well that the words his uncle speaks of, are true. “A bride should never look downcast at their wedding. You look like you were in immense pain sitting at the dining table.”

“Father, might I step in?”

Lucerys smiles, his arms coming to rest around Aemond’s waist. Daemon smiles, patting his step-son on the shoulder before leaving. The pair are left alone in a crowd of people dancing around them. Lucerys was by far taller than Aemond now. He towers over the omega, inhaling his scent at the same time.

“Taoba, you should not do such things in the public eye.” Aemond tries to make his words firm but couldn’t help but lean into his husband’s touch. He could feel Lucerys’ hands wander over the fabric of his gown, feeling the ridges of the corset he was wearing. Aemond looks up, his one eye searching out something.

“Such a pretty little omega, sharp and soft at the same time.”

“I am not a maiden you need to swoon, Lucerys. I am your husband.” Lucerys lurches downward, kissing Aemond fiercely. The omega squeaks, hands clinging to his love. Suddenly, the rest of the world disappears, and the only two still present are them. Aemond feels fingers running along his pinned hair. Everything felt truly terrifying and pleasurable at the same time.

Lucerys smiles, pecking him on the lips one last time. “Careful, I can smell your slick, my love.”

Aemond smirks though, his fingers grabbing Lucerys’ chin, “yes, but there is only one that will taste what I offer.”

The Sept blesses the both of them as they lay, side by side, on their bed. Aemond cannot manage to look his mother in the eye, only look at Rhaenyra, who has a look of reassurance.

“May the Mother bless this union and proclaim it fruitful.”

The last of the prayer is said and everyone slowly disappears from the room. Aemond snuggles into Lucerys’ side, inhaling his comforting scent. “You know what we must do now, my prince.” The alpha looks down to see Aemond blushing lightly, eyes downcast.

“Daemon said that I am now part of your family, more so than my own.”

“He is not wrong, Father knows.” Lucerys holds him closer, running a hand through Aemond’s hair. The prince has no energy to question Lucerys further, feeling sleep start to come over him. He knew he shouldn’t fall asleep now, not when they need to consummate their marriage.

Lucerys slowly starts to pull down the sleeves of Aemond’s nightgown, kissing his shoulder softly. Aemond lets him do as he pleases, feeling rough hands wander down to his inner thighs. The sensation raises goosebumps on his skin, letting out a shudder. He knows Lucerys can smell his slick as he feels it leak onto the sheets below him.

It should be embarrassing but it is not when it is in the privacy of their shared bed. Aemond blushes as large fingers touch his folds, slick making a sticky sound in the silent room.

Aemond pants as Lucerys rubs his clit, feeling his legs starting to tense from the pleasure.

He can feel a finger enter him and it makes everything better, making Aemond squirm. He arches his back as Lucerys starts to move his index finger back and forth, kissing Aemond’s arching neck. “You are so beautiful, my love, my little omega, my dragon.”

Aemond releases his first moan as Lucerys hits that sensitive spot inside him. Slick starts to ooze out more, permeating the air. But Lucerys loves it, pulling the omega into his lap after pulling his fingers out. They both watch with bated breath as Aemond directs the alpha’s cock to his entrance, sinking down slowly. Lucerys captures Aemond’s lips in a passionate kiss, hands gripping the omega’s hips.

Aemond starts to move up and down, searching for a rhythm that was good for both of them.

He chants Lucerys’ name like music, not caring if others can hear it from afar. Aemond’s fingernails dig into tan skin, moaning and panting. He never thought intimacy could feel this good, having remembered going to a whore house in the Streets of Silk with Aegon. Aegon too was an omega, but it was before his marriage to Helaena.

“Come on, Alpha, bite me.”

Lucerys licks the spot where Aemond’s bonding gland is, sharp fangs teasing the sensitive spot. It makes him whine impatiently, wanting teeth on his skin already.

Aemond feels the base of Lucerys’ cock start to swell and he knows that a knot is starting to form. He rolls his hips more, encouraging Lucerys to come inside him. The tip of the cock inside him reaches that sensitive spot, making Aemond cry out. Lucerys smirks, gripping the omega’s hips tightly while planting his feet on the bed firmly.

This time, the actions make Aemond wail loudly, a sheen of sweat on his skin, making him glow in the candlelight. Lucerys feels his knot swell inside of Aemond, taking that as a cue to finally bite his love. There was a moment of excruciating pain before Aemond whined in relief, sighing in satisfaction. Everything felt perfect suddenly, making Aemond feel safe, lying beside Lucerys.

“Tomorrow, we will go to Dragonstone, my love. I will take you away from this vile place, away from the clutches of your mother.”

“She is still my mother, Lucerys, despite everything that has happened.”

Aemond knows how Lucerys and Rhaenyra feel---the whole family feels in general about Alicent. Though she is a noble queen, the same could not be said about her as a mother. Viserys never marked her as his, and never paid close attention to his children from his second wife. Which is why Alicent was only tougher on her children.

Despite all the pain she conflicts on them, Aemond still loves her, because she was his mother. Alicent was there when Aemond lost his eye that tragic night, but only for a mere moment. She was still the queen and she still had duties to fulfill.

“I know that, Aemond, but she has caused enough pain for you and your siblings. You have not seen Daeron since he was just a babe. Helaena and Aegon do not even love each other enough to save their marriage. This all could have been avoided if your mother allowed Aegon to marry Jacaerys instead.”

Aemond sighs, tucking himself under the cotton sheets as Lucerys moves to blow the candles out. What his husband said was true, but it still hurt all the same. So many good things were wasted when Alicent denied her first born son’s happiness. Aegon was happiest with Jacaerys, not Helaena. Helaena had fallen in love with Baela, forcing both of them to hide who they truly loved. To be able to marry the man he actually loves was a miracle from the Gods.

They snuggle into themselves, both praying that happy days would come soon enough.

The seas are rocky and they are not kind to Aemond. As the ship rocks back and forth, he only feels more nauseous and sickly. How can he be a lady of the seas when he cannot even handle a voyage yet?

Despite their return to Dragonstone, the family was reluctant to leave King’s Landing as the king’s health declined further. Rhaenyra had spies all over the palace, watching the Greens carefully. There was a war on the horizon and it would happen the minute Viserys drew his last breath.

Aemond clutches the railing of the ship, looking at the skies as it starts to rain. Lucerys and the others were inside at the moment. But for him, he wanted to see the sea as they traveled.

The dress that Aemond wore were the colors of House Velaryon, with a headdress with sapphires sewn in. He looks regal in the eyes of others, head held high. Aemond remembers the words his mother said before he left, whispering them to him as she hugged him one last time.

Promise me, you will return when the time comes.

It was a command, one that Alicent clearly hoped her second son would follow. The words make him feel unsettled though, fidgeting with his wedding ring. Aemond looks at how his mother had been over the years, paranoid and anxious in his youth. She could never be a leader, only a holding place for the real leader. Grandsire was always the one behind every scheme, whispering words into Alicent’s ear.

Aemond hated how weak his mother was, weaker than even Helaena and Aegon. Lips bitten raw and fingernails bleeding dry. He has heard the stories from Rhaenyra, what really happened in their shared youth. That Otto sent his daughter to seduce the king in his weakest moments after the death of Queen Aemma. Aemond knows that his mother never wanted to be queen but that she was forced to do this, to sacrifice her body and mind.

Alicent was never meant to be queen, she was weak and broken already.

“My love, you will get cold out here.” Lucerys’ voice rings out, hands wrapping around the omega’s waist, his body heat seeping through Aemond’s clothes. Aemond smiles softly, a hand coming to rest on the larger hand.

Lucerys nuzzles into his neck, pulling his mate closer to him. “What are you thinking, my love? You are particularly quiet today.”

“My mother once more. She said something to me before we left.” Aemond turns around, staring at Lucerys now with worry in his eyes. He swallows nervously, feeling the waves move the ship beneath him.

“You do not have to share with me if you do not wish to, Aemond---”

“No, she told me that when the time comes, that I would come back to her.” Aemond stares at Lucerys as his mate understands exactly what the queen meant when she said that. The rain starts to come down harder, soaking Aemond and Lucerys’ hair and clothes. The water mixes with the tears that start to run down Aemond’s face. Lucerys pulls them along, taking him to their shared rooms on the ship.

Lucerys sits Aemond down, kneeling in front of the omega as he cries quietly. “Why are you crying, my love?”

Aemond sniffles, letting out a shaky breath as he attempts to calm himself. Lucerys was right, why was he crying at all? In the back of his head though, Aemond knew why. “I am only afraid that something terrible will happen. There are so many lords that wish my brother, Aegon, to be king instead of Rhaenyra, including my mother and Grandsire. My mother expects me to come back to defend Aegon’s rule and I cannot do it, not when I am married now. My duty to my family has been fulfilled and I have a new duty, to produce an heir for you as Lord of Driftmark.”

Lucerys sighs, his forehead pressing into Aemond’s knees as they stay in silence. They each knew what the other was thinking though. If there was a war, Aemond would have to choose between the family he knew and the mate he loves.

“If you choose your family over me, I would not be angry. Family will always come first.” He hopes the words reassure Aemond in some way, because Lucerys understood what he was worried about.

“The terrible thing is, I know what my choice would be, Lucerys,” Aemond cups his husband’s face in his hands, looking down at the alpha with a blank face. There was love in his violet eyes, meeting brown ones. “I would choose you and Rhaenyra, the rightful heir to the Iron throne. Rhaenyra has always been there for me more than my mother ever has. She has seen me at my darkest hour.”

Aemond pulls Lucerys in for a kiss, pulling the young man from his knees to lay on top of him. Their kisses become more intimate, more fierce. Lucerys pants, untying his breeches as quickly as he could while Aemond pulls his gown up past his knees. There was no time for them as Lucerys entered Aemond swiftly, causing the omega to moan aloud. Each thrust was quick, knocking the breath out of Aemond as well.

Aemond pulls on the alpha’s brunette locks, panting heavily as Lucerys thrusts harder. He can already feel Lucerys’ knot start to form, slamming into Aemond’s cunt until it seats fully. The pleasure makes him arch his back again, as Lucerys presses kisses on his neck, nipping at the soft skin.

“Perhaps I shall fill you with my seed instead, do it enough that you cannot remember anything else.”

The omega laughed, sighing in content as his mate held him. Aemond knew what his choice would be though, he would stand by Rhaenyra’s claim. He knew Aegon would take Helaena and run to Dragonstone the minute that Viserys drew his last breath. The Hightowers had no chance if their legacy would leave King’s Landing immediately.

“I love you enough that I would not leave you, Lucerys. My strong alpha.”

“Thank you, my love.”

When Aemond looks at all the clothing he brought with him, they were the colors of green, of Hightower. The influence of his mother was present in all of the clothing, more conservative and private. The symbols of the faith of the Seven were also present, practically glaring at Aemond, shining in the light. It made him want to reel back in disgust.

Before marriage, Aemond would’ve not cared too much, but now, he was married and he enjoyed his life with Lucerys. If he was choosing Rhaenyra and his claim, he would prove everyday until his last breath.

“Amelia!” He calls for his maid, seeing her scurry in with a nervous look on her face. Her gown was slightly but otherwise seemed clean enough. She curtsies quickly, wringing her hands out as she faces the prince. “Yes, my prince?”

“I want these clothes taken away, and I would like a seamstress to come for new measurements immediately.”

Aemond stays quiet as she leaves, looking through his other clothes to see if there was something else to wear. Narrowing his eyes, he sees black fabric peeking out from under the layers of green clothes. He pulls it out, inspecting it for any stains or wrinkles. It was a dress that was gifted to him from Rhaenyra as a wedding present.

It was a black off-the-shoulder gown, one similar to the gown Rhaenyra wore at court. This gown had a deep cut in the back, revealing just the shoulder blades. It was flowy and revealed more skin than any of his other gowns. It was the first gown that Aemond would ever wear that wasn’t something his mother ordered for her.

His maid helps him put the gown, cinching Aemond in tightly. He still keeps the headdress, wearing a red one with rubies sewn in the center and pearls on the sides. There is a veil sewn into the headdress, a light red coloring to match. It was elegant with a touch of sensuality for him.

Aemond walks down to the dining hall, seeing the family all sitting and eating together. There was an empty seat next to Lucerys though. He quickly makes his way around to Lucerys, sitting down quietly. Sitting across from him was little Visery, playing with his food. Aemond sighs, reaching over to gently dab at the mess that the little pup has made for himself.

“Aemond, how was your night?”

“’Twas alright, the sound of the seas helped me calm down a bit after our arrival.”

Rhaenyra smiles, bouncing Aegon in her lap gently. Daemon was enjoying a conversation with Jacaerys and Joffrey. Lucerys was talking to Baela and Rhaena about going to the dragon pit. Everyone seemed to be full of life versus what happened with Aemond’s side of the family. Usually Aegon had a hangover from drinking too much. Helaena would mumble her words while playing with a spider on her plate.

Alicent was too tired or irritated to speak with her children at such an early hour of the morning. Grandsire would not join them, preferring a walk in the gardens instead.

It brings joy to Aemond, feeling content to just listen to the conversations instead.

That is until a servant comes in, disrupting the happy chatting going on. Rhaenyra smiles gently, taking the scroll from the small metal tray. She unrolls it, leaving everyone in suspense as she silently reads. Aemond, without thought, grabs onto Lucerys’ forearm, grasping it tightly.

“Princess Rhaenys was invited to the Red Keep, the Queen requested she visit. The reason is still unknown, even as we speak.”

Daemon hums, taking the scroll from Rhaenyra’s hand to read it himself. “That cunt probably thinks she can get Rhaenys to join their side to support Aegon’s claim to the throne.”

“My mother believes that many houses will join the cause as they prefer Aegon to you, sister.”

Aemond stares at his sister, a grim look on her face as he speaks to her. “Forgive me sister, but the lords that once pledged their loyalty to you in your youth have changed. Many of them have died or have been spoken to by Otto to support Aegon. Your presence away from court only made it stronger.”

“Thank you for your honesty, brother.” She didn’t like hearing it but Aemond could tell she appreciated it.

“Father’s health has declined rapidly and he could draw his last breath at any moment, Rhaenyra. The moment he does, Aegon will be declared the true ruler of the Seven kingdoms, not you.”

“Come, we must discuss this elsewhere, there are eyes and ears everywhere.” Daemon coaxes his wife along, looking to the others to follow. Jacaerys hands Joffrey off to his nursemaids, along with Aegon and Viserys. Lucerys’ hand lands on the small of Aemond’s back, gently caressing the skin available to him. They enter the room where the painted table was, the map of all the land in the realm.

Rhaenyra paces nervously, a hand resting on her growing belly.

“We must do something then, if my brother’s death is imminent. If the greens already have a plan in place, we must do the same.”

Daemon sighs, massaging his forehead in thought. Rhaenyra sighs, glaring at the floor instead. Everyone knew the truth though, this was a game that had to be won fairly.

“Then we must do exactly that, while we still have time. My father could die tomorrow or in the next moon. A ruler needs allegiances, we need to be sure we have support.”

Aemond hums as Rhaenyra requests her small council to come in immediately. Daemon tells them they can go for now, until something comes up. Jacaerys follows Rhaena and Baela to the courtyard to practice with their blades.

Lucerys pulls Aemond along, back to their rooms for some peace. “What you said back there, was that all true?”

“Yes, and I know your mother did not like what I said. But my mother has despised Rhaenyra for years, forcing that hatred on us, her children, for years. She will do anything to keep your mother off the throne.”

“I only hope that you will be a better mother than her then. You’re the perfect mate already.” Lucerys kisses Aemond on the cheek, falling onto their shared bed with a thump. Aemond joins his love, resting against Lucerys’ chest, hearing his heart thumping.

“Pray tell, I am not sure if the Seven have blessed me with a child yet.”

“You smell sweeter though, and our activities in the marriage bed have been frequent as of late.” Lucerys runs a hand through the omega’s hair, watching him with curiosity.

“If I am, I will check with the maesters then. My heat cycle would have started soon.”

They both fall into a soft slumber, sleeping away, knowing they would not have time like this soon enough.

Chapter Text

It was confirmed only a few days later that Aemond was with child, making Lucerys beam proudly. It was a joyous occasion that could not be spent longer unfortunately. Word had spread that the Hightowers had gathered armies from different lands to fight for the throne.

Rhaenyra meets with her council every day, creating plans to meet with the lords that had already pledged to the Hightowers. Their hope was that they could persuade the lords to change sides. If it really came to it, Rhaenyra would offer something in return for their loyalty to her.

They would send Jacaerys and Lucerys out soon but they had to make sure they got to these lords in time.

With all this going on, it only makes Aemond more nervous, unrest settling within him.

He watches from a balcony as Jacaerys and Lucerys work on their sword skills, grunting loudly. Alphas, he thought, a hand resting on the four and a half moon belly he was showing. Aemond sighs, feeling a slight flutter, a sign his pup was active. His gowns were a bit looser now, the colors of Targaryen present now. Sometimes, Aemond would wear blue as well.

“Aemond! Please come teach your husband how to keep his balance in combat!” Aemond looks up, seeing his mate on the ground, glaring at his brother. He chuckles, stepping away from the balcony to meet them. The wind of the seas meets Aemond as he finds Lucerys and Jacaerys. By the time he gets there, he feels a bit out of breath by then.

“My love, you did not need to come all the way down here. You should be resting instead.”

The alpha glares at his brother again, resting a hand on Aemond’s belly. Jacaerys huffs, picking up the swords from the ground, he knew his brother was a lost cause now.

“How is my little girl?” Lucerys continues to paw over the swell of Aemond’s belly, feeling a foot press against his palm. It makes him smile even as Aemond winces a bit, joining his hand to soothe the ache.

“I fear she will be very active like her father. If only she would stop kicking me for five minutes.”

“She will be out in a few moons time, my love. Then you can rest as much as you like.”

Aemond rolls his eyes, pulling Lucerys closer to him to look him in the eye. “What makes you think one babe will suffice? The Lord of Driftmark needs more than one heir. An heir and a spare.”

“Are you implying you will want my seed once again after the birth of our first pup?”

Lucerys picks Aemond up, causing the omega to squeak in surprise. A sound that was the complete opposite of the frightening prince.

In the distance, Daemon and Rhaenyra watch them, a look of sorrow on their faces. Rhaenyra knew what would happen soon enough and she hated the fact that she would have to separate her son from his mate. Both of them deserved happiness but the war was coming. Whether it would happen or not was something left in the air. But Rhaenyra wanted to be careful, she had a family to care for. Her first grandchild was on the way and Jacaerys was to be married soon.

“Do not think so hard at this moment, Rhaenyra. You will be Queen, the rightful heir that my brother made. This family will not be kept apart for long.”

“It saddens me greatly that Alicent would not do the same for her family. I know for a fact that my half-brother, Aegon, does not want to be king. He is in love with my son and waits to bear his children. Helaena wants to be with your daughter, Baela. Surely Alicent would realize why there were no children born yet.”

Rhaenyra sighs, thinking of the proposals that could have been, had Alicent not been so stubborn. As Queen, she could annul the marriage between Aegon and Helaena. Aegon had long ago stopped going to the whore houses and stopped drinking. She knew this because he had told her one night, after finding out Alicent rejected the betrothal. Aegon wanted to be healthy and ready to produce an heir for Jacaerys.

It broke her heart, seeing the family split apart more and more.

Aemond watches wistfully as Lucerys and Jacaerys say goodbye to their mother. He clutches his belly with anxiety, praying to the gods that Lucerys would return.

Baela approaches him, giving him a comforting smile to calm his nerves. He takes her hands in his own, holding them tightly as they both watch the two brothers. The princes mount their dragons and soar into the sky, taking flight. “I pray that they will return, Baela, more than anything in this world.”

“I agree, but only time will tell. We must be patient.”

Aemond hums in agreement, hoping she was right. He wishes that Lucerys didn’t have to leave so soon but it was all for a good cause.

The days become long after that, becoming a blur for Aemond altogether. It is not the same when his mate is not around. Everything was alright though, there was no word that either Jacaerys or Lucerys was harmed yet.

It only as a moon passes by that Otto Hightower comes, a grave look on his face. But Rhaenyra has already heard the news from Rhaenys. Rhaenys had visited the palace on the day Viserys drew his last breath. Alicent had claimed the king wanted Aegon as the next ruler. They were expected to have a ceremony soon.

The words that come out of Otto’s mouth are not expected by any of them. “Queen Alicent is requesting the presence of her son. She is willing to negotiate with you, Princess Rhaenyra, after. But the Queen would like her son to be home for Aegon’s coronation.”

Aemond freezes, terrified of what could happen next.

“No.”

Daemon looks at his wife, making sure he heard her right. Aemond looks between her and Otto, terrified of what could happen now because of that answer. Grandsire never took no for an answer unless it was the king or prince Daemon. “What do you mean ‘no’? The queen insists her second-born son be present for the coronation of his grace, King Aegon.”

“The queen had requested that Aemond stay on Driftmark, she never specified when he should or would leave. He is under my charge until my son, Lord of Driftmark, comes back.”

The Hand watches Rhaenyra quietly for a moment, trying to figure out what she could possibly mean by that. “Then where is your son, Princess?”

“On a voyage with Lord Corlys, he is to learn the ways of the Narrow sea. Which means Aemond is in my charge since he is an omega. Removing him so close to the birth of his first child would cause immense stress, Lord Hightower.”

It is clear that Rhaenyra has got Otto in her trap as he takes in her words. Grandsire has always seen omegas as a weakness, used to only breed and stand as a pretty object. The queen’s words make sense in a way, and Aemond prays that Grandsire does not change his mind.

“I agree with your words, Princess, but I’m afraid I must follow my orders.”

Guards seize the Princess, causing Daemon to start attacking the others. Aemond grabs a dagger hidden beneath the folds of his skirt. But it is too late for him as a Kingsguard pulls cloth over his mouth, muffling his protests. There was a blur of blood and silver in Aemond’s vision. He could see the Princess reaching for him as other knights held her back. He hears his name being called but it is too late for any of them.

Aemond is kept in a room in the ship as they travel back to King’s Landing. He decides to stay quiet, not speaking a word to anyone on the ship. When they do return, he keeps his head down the entire time.

Aegon and Aemond’s eyes meet and there is pain and fear within them. There was also regret in Aegon’s eyes as he saw his brother chained up like some criminal. It made him angry, angry that their mother forced them all down this path. That she was so weak that she could not stand up to their grandfather, or that she had people that wanted to help her, including Rhaenyra. So yes, everything that Aegon sees before him makes him frustrated and angry. Even though father never showed them enough love, Aegon knew that this is not what he wanted.

Alicent had never heard of the Song of Ice and Fire, a dream that Aegon the Conqueror had. It was all a misunderstanding and she was stupid enough to believe his dying father’s words.

“Oh my darling boy!” Alicent walks swiftly to Aemond, pulling him into her arms. She cradles him to her chest, sighing in relief to see her son in one piece.

“You are home now, my son, away from that whore and her brood of bastards. You will never have to see your husband again. Once you deliver his child, you alone will take care of it, away from that bastard Lucerys.”

He keeps his mouth shut, something that Alicent taught him well at least. Aemond’s teeth grind quietly, feeling his jaw tense and his hands curl into fists. But he keeps himself calm, praying that this would be over soon.

The coronation would be in two hours and the royal household of Hightower would be ready to go.

When Aemond and Alicent are in his old chambers, he does not speak. Alicent does say anything about it, looking through his wardrobe of old gowns. “Aemond, where is the gown I gave you before you left King’s Landing?”

“I am afraid, Mother, I did not have time to fetch it as Grandsire took me without warning.”

Alicent sighs loudly, dropping the delicate garments onto the floor as she turns to her son. “It was for your own good. Rhaenyra would’ve killed you the first chance she had. If she becomes ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, she will kill anyone that could take her throne.”

The queen calls for maids to come in, ordering them to fill a tub of hot water for the prince. All the while, Aemond can barely get a word in. His mother was always good at that, keeping her mouth shut and doing other things to distract herself. Aemond knew she could not face the truth.

“I understand you and Grandsire wanted Aegon on the throne but you did not need to bring me back. I was content where I was!” Any more of these little tricks and he would lop her head off, presenting it to Aegon as a gift.

Alicent turns around, looking at him again as if he just acted like a spoiled child rather than a mother-to-be. She still saw them all as children and it frustrated Aemond to no end. She would never understand her children, only seeing their flaws and trying to perfect them. “You are merely a young man still, this you will understand when you are older. We are only one step closer to keeping our family on the throne, my darling.”

“If we were family, Rhaenyra would be crowned queen of the Seven kingdoms, not Aegon. We would be united as two houses in one family, not separated. You did this, you never let Aegon and I play with Rhaenyra’s children. Or let Helaena play with Daemon’s daughters. Your fears latched onto us but only made us stronger.”

Aemond watches as there is fear in the queen’s eyes for a moment---just a moment---before it disappears. “You no understanding of what is happening, it is only the hormones that take control of you, my son.”

Alicent brushes out his hair until there are no knots as the maids clean him down until his skin is raw. The whole time, Aemond only wishes Lucerys was here, brushing his hair and whispering sweet nothings into his ear. What would Lucerys think when he came back? Would he think that Aemond did not love him anymore? That would break Aemond’s heart more than it would for Lucerys.

The ribbons of the corset he is wearing dig into him, but it is wider to accommodate his swollen belly. All of it only makes Aemond feel more caged in, like he is locked away now. He says nothing as a maid does his hair, creating a hairdo similar to princess Rhaenys’. The prince feels regal but this was for all the wrong reasons.

“One day you will thank me, I promise, my son. This is for your own good. You will not have to live in a life of misery like I did. Your brother will be king and you will live peacefully in King’s Landing with us, as a family. The birth of your babe---”

“Stop! Mother, do you hear yourself at this very moment?” Aemond looks at her, anger showing completely this time. He never thought he would be angry with his own mother but it was happening now. Walking forward, Aemond backs Alicent into the wall behind her, knocking over a table. Alicent would never admit it but Aemond would always scare her the most. He was the tallest out of her children and could easily intimidate with his one eye.

“You were never a mother to me. To any of us. You were never there for me---for Aegon---or Helaena. If anything, Rhaenyra was more of a mother figure than you ever were—”

A slap echoes through the air as mother and son stare at each in shock. Alicent trembles under her son’s gaze as a red mark blossoms on his cheek. The Queen looks at her son pleadingly, regret in her eyes. Her actions cannot save their relationship though. Aemond turns his back on her, swallowing silently. “Tell the maids they need to come back in. Thank you, your grace.”

“Aemond—”

“Thank you, your grace.”

So here he stood now, standing in front of a mirror as maids dressed him in all green. A dress with a high collar and a dark forest green color. He wears a black veil with it, hiding the misery that Aemond feels. This time he cannot say no, but he could show his defiance silently. The maids put jewelry on him, almost taking his engagement ring away.

He wears a Valyrian steel necklace that Lucerys got him, blue sapphires linked within the chain. Aemond rests a hand on his belly, feeling exhausted by the minute. He wishes Lucerys was here, telling him everything would be okay. But it was Alicent that took Aemond away from his husband.

It was only a matter of time.

Chapter Text

The coronation is loud and unsettling for Aemond. He feels out of place here, a place where it was once his home. But with Father dead and Aegon being forced to rule, things could change. After the altercation in his room with Alicent, he has not spoken to her since. What he said to her should have made him feel guilty but it did not. Aemond felt he could say the truth now, even if he got punished for it. This only revealed who Aemond’s real family was.

Grandsire and the queen were with Aegon, looking proud to see the first-born son of King Viserys I take his place. Helaena and Aemond stood side by side, quietly waiting for the show to start. His sister looks at him, a blank look on her face as she watches Aemond. Aemond clutches her hand tightly, praying they would be able to leave once this was all over. He feels the kick of the babe beneath his skin, agreeing with him.

If only Lucerys was here. Aemond closes his eyes, pretending for a moment that Lucerys was behind him, telling him it would be okay. That they would go to Driftmark and rule over it with dignity and regality. That Rhaenys would tell him all the stories of Corlys and her raising Baela and Rhaena. Giving him the right advice to raise his child well.

Putting the conqueror’s crown on Aegon felt wrong, deceitful to the people of King’s Landing. He watches as the Sept presses oil on Aegon’s forehead, murmuring a prayer quietly.

He himself was praying that this would end quickly so he could leave sooner. But Aemond knows that he would not be allowed to leave now. He was a prisoner and nothing more, a second-born prince that was expecting a child.

The veil he wears makes his head ache from it, the weight and symbolism of it all. Alicent stands by, proud as ever that her son could be the ruler of the Seven kingdoms despite what he has done in the past. Helaena looks down at the floor as they wait for the Hand to pronounce the new ruler.

“All hail the new king of the Andals, and the Rhoynar, and the First Men. The new Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and protector of the realm.”

The crowd cheers because how else is one supposed to respond to this? A false claim made by House Hightower to have one of their own on the throne. Aemond feels nausea stirring in his belly as he waits, feeling more like a criminal than anything. The people shout Aegon’s name, calling him the next conqueror of the Seven Kingdoms. But that wasn’t true at all, Aegon was no conqueror, he was an omega, soft at heart, with no love given to him. There was only shame and embarrassment when Aegon was involved.

“Beware the beast beneath the boards,” Helaena murmurs the words to herself, staring at her feet. Aemond doesn’t say anything, only slightly terrified at what his sister could possibly mean.

The floors break and suddenly the Red Queen is in front of the family, her rider wearing her armor proudly. Princess Rhaenys Targaryen looked regal as she kept control of Meleys, watching the new king with distaste in her eyes. She looks to Alicent, an unreadable look in her eyes as Alicent trembles, moving to stand in front of Aegon. That was something she had never done before until today. Show that Alicent actually cared for her children in some manner despite how she raised them.

Meleys only screeches though, loudly, at Aegon and Alicent, her screeches echoing in the church, causing some pieces of statues to crumble to the ground. Aemond can feel the floor vibrating under his feet while he clutches Helaena’s hand tightly. Rhaenys would report back to Rhaenyra, that was for sure, and a war would start for certain now. Aegon, Helaena, and him were all trapped in their mother’s hold as she was trapped in her father’s. In seconds, Rhaenys flies aways with her dragon into the sky, large wings flapping gracefully. Aemond’s heart sinks a little but he has hope; Rhaenyra would come and take back her throne, he was sure of it.

It has been a moon now, and Aemond sits in his room, quiet and tired at the same time. He feels the babe kick, a small foot pressing against his skin again.

He was locked up in a tower now in the Keep, since Aemond has now tried to escape many times. Grandsire thought that locking him would make him lose hope, lose faith that Rhaenyra or Lucerys would never go back. He wouldn’t give up until his death, fighting until the end.

“Do not worry little one, we will get out, I promise.” He whispers the words quietly, praying that no one would hear him. Swallowing instinctively, he looks out the window, looking longingly at the skies. They took Vhagar away from Aemond, stripping him of everything because an omega did not need a dragon. They were only meant to be mothers, the bearer of children until death.

Everyday, he dressed as if there was a funeral, veils covering his face, keeping out sunlight as another punishment. He never knew for sure who’s funeral it was but Aemond prayed it was never his husband’s. Although, it would be more of a celebration than anything, celebrating the fact another Targaryen has been killed. He hasn’t even seen his brother yet, as Aegon was now king. Helaena was by his side though, keeping mostly to herself from what Alicent had said. Alicent visits him constantly but to no avail, he does not speak to her, not since she struck him.

Grandsire has proposed that he persuade Aegon to annul the marriage between Aemond and Lucerys. That Aemond would be able to raise his child in Old Town until the child was of age for marriage. Aemond could marry some rich lord or lady in court and live happily.

The door bursts open, and Aemond stands, heart pounding as he sees the intruder. It was Aegon, tears streaming down his pale face with eyes so puffy, it was concerning. He shuts the door quickly, locking it before rushing over to Aemond’s side. “You need to leave, today.”

“What? Why?”

“Grandsire wants a lord to meet you but it is more than that.” Aegon starts running around, frantically packing whatever he could fit and shoves the bag to Aemond’s chest quickly.

“I-I don’t understand, brother. What is happening?”

Aegon sighs, turning his brother to him by force, looking him directly in the eye. “Grandsire wants to marry you to one of the houses that supports the Greens. If you leave now, you’ll be at Dragonstone in a few hours.”

Aemond shakes his head, feeling tears start to prickle at the corner of his eye. He grabs Aegon’s hand, desperation starting to wash over. “No, please, come with me! We can go together, Aegon.”

The false king only smiles sadly, wiping away his baby brother’s tears. Aegon has already made sure to have Daeron secured, away from Old Town. But it was hard for him to have to say goodbye to another sibling. In order to not make it suspicious, Helaena would still live in the Red Keep while the others left.

“Go, trust me Aemond, it is better than the fate that Grandsire has planned for you.”

Aegon is gone as quickly as he came, leaving Aemond alone, clutching what little he can bring. He pulls his skirts up a little to make sure he can walk. He opens the door to see no guards posted yet, quietly closing the door as quietly as possible.

He follows a secret corridor, stopping many times to any strange sounds. Aemond was too terrified to take any chances of being careless. This was the first time he was able to sneak out without anyone being alerted yet. Aemond had already made the misfortune of trusting a royal servant to assist him, only to report to the Hand before he could run.

Aemond sees an opening to the dragon pit, where he sees a glimpse of the dragons being taken care of. Vhagar was not near since she was too big to stay in the pit but she was not far. If he was able to get past any dragon keepers without notice, he would be successful. But it was hard to navigate when Aemond was already a few moons pregnant and because of who he was.

He keeps to the walls, keeping a low profile under his hood as he makes it past dragon keepers. Aemond can already sense Vhagar nearby, as he leaves the dragon pit without conflict.

Aemond can feel the babe kick in excitement as he finally sees Vhagar, her eyes open as she lay on the green grass. She sees her rider though, her large head raising in anticipation. Aemond reaches her just in time as he can hear horses moving and men shouting in alarm. It seems as though Grandsire finally caught on that his grandson was missing from his prison.

Aemond prays to the Old gods and new as he sees guards reaching them, their swords drawn to kill. If he didn’t get to Dragonstone, all would be lost. Climbing up the long net to Vhagar’s saddle, he tells her to fly. The old dragon raises her wings, preparing to fly when she instead screeches in pain. “Vhagar!”

“Prince Aemond, we’ve been ordered to take you back to the palace.”

It was Ser Crispin, who had the audacity to use his sword and stab Aemond’s old girl. It wasn’t fatal, thankfully but it was still painful. Aemond growls in irritation, pulling out a hidden dagger from within his skirts. He slides down from his saddle to the ground. He may be an omega and expecting, but he would still fight.

“By who’s command?”

“The Hand, my prince.”

It was strange how the tables turned, Ser Cole was once Aemond’s mentor, teaching him how to be the best warrior he could be. But now, he was the one to keep him from escaping.

Aemond knows the knight is holding back because of his current condition but it doesn’t stop him. They fight with the intent for one of them to die and Aemond makes sure it wasn’t him. He would escape this place no matter the cost.

The knight’s sword slices through skin, as Aemond manages to cut open a wound on the knight’s leg. They both cry out in pain, blood spurting from their own wounds. Aemond clutches his face, terrified that he lost another eye. By the gods alone, he still has his eye but it’s blurry to see and he can feel blood dripping down from his brow to his lips.

He quickly climbs back up onto Vhagar’s saddle, telling her to fly despite the pain. Both rider and dragon roar in protest as the dragon soars into the sky with determination. Aemond holds onto the reins, praying that there would not be any more conflicts. The clouds part as they fly evenly now, as if the Gods know there will be bloodshed soon enough. Aemond can only look back on what he once called home and pray that Aegon will make the right choice to end this war sooner.

It has been weeks and weeks on end for Lucerys since he found out Aemond was taken. His mother tries to explain the situation and what occurred but still. The dragon’s blood raged beneath his skin, feeling betrayed by his mother and step-father. Only Rhaena is able to finally reason with her brother, telling Lucerys he must see Rhaenyra’s point of view in all of this. It seems as though the Hand practically held his sword to her neck to get Aemond back.

There have been rumors that Otto locked Aemond up in a tower because he had attempted to escape many times. That only gave Lucerys hope that his love would come back to him soon, fully intact.

Lucerys still remembers how heartbroken he was though, feeling as if everything would come crashing down. When he came back from Storm’s End, excited and filled with relief to see his husband again. That isn’t what happened though, instead Daemon had pulled him aside and explained what happened. That they had no options when Otto’s men started attacking, not taking ‘no’ for an answer. Rhaenyra and Daemon had fought until the end when they realized Aemond was gone, snatched from their hands.

Today was another day of planning, with Rhaenyra already sending out troops to conquer another house that was under the Greens’ control. After Aemond was taken, she had been on a wild chase to find those who turned on her father so long ago. Daemon was happy to participate, bringing the Gold cloaks with him in her name.

Jacaerys was to stay in the North until further notice, keeping the Starks company.
Aegon has not made any moves since Aemond was attacked, only listening to the orders from Grandsire so far. Rhaenyra knows her brother is prepared to surrender but neither Alicent nor Otto know that yet. She was prepared to storm King’s Landing and take who she considered her family back for good. Which is what they were talking about at the moment at the dinner table. Little Aegon and Viserys had been taken for their naps, leaving Lucerys, Rhaena, and Baela. Daemon was listing off what the next part of the plan was, which was discussing a pact with House Lannister for their support.

“House Lannister is one of the last houses to surrender to us. If we gain their support, King’s Landing will be ours, Rhaenyra.”

Rhaenyra sighs, resting her hands on the large bump of her belly, where her babe was resting peacefully. There was so little she could do in this state, but once her babe was born, she could participate more. For now, she trusted Daemon with doing what was important, which included making sure that they won this war against the Greens with House Targaryen still intact. Rhaenyra would destroy House Hightower had it not been for her advisors saying otherwise.

Lucerys stays quiet, listening to his step-father with little interest. But he makes sure to pay attention just in case Daemon decides to be a spiteful man later.

All is well until the doors burst open, alarming the family as the Queen’s guardsmen come in. One of the knights bows before rushing to the queen’s side immediately, whispering something in her ear. Rhaenyra practically jumps out of her seat, eyes wide. She leaves in a hurry, only causing Daemon and Lucerys to become even more curious now. They try to keep up with her as she runs down the halls to outside where the roars of a dragon echo in the distance.

Lucerys follows his mother, confused until he sees what dragon was making noises. His heart stops, because Vhagar was here, but where was Aemond? The old girl was making noises, expressing her pain somehow. Lucerys ran to her, hoping maybe that Aemond was near.

“Where is he? Where is he, mother!”

Rhaenyra holds her son in her arms, hoping to soothe him. “He is with the Maesters, my sweet boy, do not worry. He is home safe.”

She makes him stay to finish their discussion even though Lucerys wanted to see his husband as soon as possible. Daemon sighs, interrupting his wife from time to time to let her son go. But Rhaenyra was determined to finish their discussion of the war plans, ignoring the pleas from her son and husband. When they finally finish, Lucerys is gone in an instant before Rhaenyra can even say another word. Daemon is only left chuckling to himself.

Lucerys reaches the room where Aemond is located, terrified of what state his husband could be in. When he arrives, his heart stops for a moment as a needle pierces Aemond’s pale skin. The Maesters are murmuring something to each other as they finish stitching the marks on the prince’s skin. The silver prince does not even see his husband, a hand resting firmly on his large belly for comfort. He hisses in pain, internally swearing to the gods.

“Aemond?”

The prince tenses for a mere moment before turning, eyes softening when he sees his husband standing there. Lucerys looks hesitant to approach him in this state, unsure of what he should do. Aemond stands, a hand resting against Lucerys’ face, tears starting to form. “I never thought I’d see your face again,” he whispers, voice low and raspy.

“I thought you would die before I could find you.”

“Aegon helped me escape from another marriage proposal that Grandsire arranged. It was the only reason I was able to get here.”

Lucerys finally takes in Aemond’s appearance, more pale like he has not seen the sun in weeks. How sunken in his eyes were, bones pressing against flesh while his large belly stood proud. The distinct change was the large cut that was on Aemond’ face, over his eyelid where his real eye was.

“What have they done to you.”

It wasn’t a question, it was a statement. Aemond was taken away from Lucerys, back to the home where his childhood was. But seeing him now, Lucerys only saw abandonment and betrayal in Aemond’s eyes mixed in with the pain. The Greens were unkind, leaving the only one helping Aemond escape to be Aegon.

“We will fight them all, Lucerys, every last one of them.

Aemond presses his forehead to Lucerys’, as they both stare down at the protruding bump between them. Yes, Lucerys thinks, rejoicing in his love finally home, in his arms again, where he belonged.

Chapter Text

It rains heavily on Dragonstone, thunder following the pellets of rain from the sky. It is the middle of the night as Aemond cries out in pain, surrounded by midwives and Maester Gerardys. His hair sticks to his skin uncomfortably as Gerardys checks if the babe has come yet. The past few hours have been filled with contractions and excruciating pain. Rhaenyra holds his hand tightly, wiping a cold cloth against his forehead.

“The babe has not moved at all, I fear they may breached, your grace.”

Rhaenyra looks between her brother and the maester, her heart pounding in her chest with fear. “We must hold off on any decisions. My brother should be allowed that at the very least despite his current state.”

Aemond feels nauseous and hot, with half of his nightgown pushed mid thigh. He wants Luccerys here, to tell him everything will be alright. Or better yet, Mother, with her prayers and soothing words. The threat of war looms over their heads with every waking hour. Daemon has already been sent to Harrenhal to rally the Riverlands to battle. Jacaerys was still in Winterfell and had already sent letters to Rhaenyra about support from the Vale.

To say he felt useless was an understatement, but Aemond was already weak from being locked in a room for so long. War is coming though, and he could sense the lurking danger coming closer and closer to Dragonstone. The island was a short flight away from King’s Landing, where the king and his dragon were located. Sunfyre was not enough to stand against Rhaenyra and her brood of children. Of course, Otto would try to pull the wool over Aegon’s eyes and try to send someone to kill the princess.

“If nothing does not change within the next hour, send word to me immediately, your grace.”

Maester Gerardys and the midwives leave for the time being, leaving Rhaenyra and Aemond alone. She gently wipes the cold rag against his skin, swallowing quietly.

“I wish my mother was here to do what you are doing right now, sister. You should be with your council, making the next move.”

“Nonsense, I would do the same for all my children, pregnant or not. You are more than a brother to me, Aemond… you know this.”

Rhaenyra squeezes his hand in repercussion, smiling at him with softness in her eyes. Aemond knows exactly what she means, she was more of a mother to him than Alicent ever could be. She was there from the very beginning when Aemond could remember. Even when he had lost an eye and gone into heat that very same night.

“In our shared youth, your mother was not so cold. She had a warm heart and an angelic smile with a beautiful laugh to match. The demands of duty and your grandisre, the Hand of the king, pushed your mother into her womanhood early.”

“I wish I had met her instead of this… woman who pretends to be my mother. She never held any love for us, even if I was her favorite. Whatever love she did have is long gone.”

Rhaenyra can only hum weakly in response, deciding not to speak any further of the matter. She could only pray that perhaps, Alicent would come to her senses soon enough. The Iron throne was not enough to lose her children in the process, not realizing they would not stand for an usurption. Not when Rhaenyra took it upon herself to be the mother Alicent could not.

Aemond winces slightly as another contraction comes, his eyes squeezing shut in discomfort and pain. He hates how much time this taking, the discomfort and edging silence of a newborn coming into the world. He did not even care if it was a boy or a girl, he just wanted them healthy. Lucerys is not even here to comfort Aemond, being pulled into joining Lord Corlys and his naval fleet at the barricade. Corlys insisted that having a dragon near the fleet would challenge their enemies even more. Aemond saw it as completely unfair and cruel personally.

The door bursts open once more, interrupting the silence between Rhaenyra and Aemond. The queen’s lady in waiting comes in with a pensive look on her face.

“The Prince Jacaerys has returned from the North, your grace. He is with the council now with the king consort.”

Aemond can sense that the queen wants to see her son and encourages her, squeeziing her hand reassuringly before letting go.

“Are you sure, brother? Jacaerys can wait.” Rhaenyra stands but looks uncertain, looking down at her brother in his current state.

“I will be fine, your grace. I am sure the Maester or servants will alert you if something changes.” With those words, Rhaenyra takes her leave, the door shutting loudly behind her. Suddenly, he is alone once more, but it is a comfortable silence as he rests his head against the mountain of pillows. Despite the sweat and pain, Aemond is relieved that he is not alone in this. He was content not to be in a tower, locked away and sold off to some lord for an alliance.

He runs his hand down his belly, the pitter patter of the rain soothing his thoughts. Aemond sighs, closing his eyes as another painful contraction passes, hands clenching the sheets in agony. He bites his lip from releasing a scream, only a weak whimper escaping.

In King’s Landing, the Red Keep was in an outrage at the moment. Otto Hightower and the Queen mother were desperate to bring back Prince Aemond. Their grasps on power were slowly slipping bit by bit, even the council could see that this war may not have a good outcome. With Princess Rhaenys and now Prince Aemond both escaping, mostly unharmed, the keep has been locked until ordered otherwise.

Aegon sips from his goblet of wine, sitting on the Iron throne as people from the Free cities spoke of their personal issues. He tries to avoid the sharp tips of the throne, knowing that his father, the king, died because of the Iron throne. One or two cuts from the melted swords could change one’s health drastically over night.

Grandsire had tried to question Aegon, even attempting to lock him in his own chambers in order to get answers. But Mother insisted that it would be treasonous to do such things to a king. But Aegon knows that he must act quickly soon, otherwise the Hand will take matters into his own hands. The only possible way to get away with what he did would be to be rid of Grandsire immediately. None of the members of council were fit enough to be Hand though. He needs someone to be his pawn in this, in order to leave the keep and escape the city. Aegon had a plan, he is not as stupid as his mother and Grandsire believe him to be.

Aegon is determined to leave and to take his sister with him, there were no children so it made the situation easier. He would take them on Sunfyre and fly to Dragonstone and bend the knee to Rhaenyra. End this ridiculous war before more lives were taken. He knows that Grandsire would be ambitious enough to do something terrible soon enough.

Which is why an idea pops into Aegon’s head as he watches people come and go. He narrows his eyes as they lay upon his lord commander---Ser Criston Cole. A hotheaded man that is impulsive deep down, and held onto his faith just as Mother did.

Aegon also knew that his mother was and has been having an intimate relationship with the knight since before Father had even passed. He knew where the Queen mother was on the night his brother lost an eye, a true hypocrite.

When the activities of the day are finally finished, Aemond sits in his chambers, quietly pondering his next move. He needed a reason to get rid of Otto entirely and replace him as Hand without suspicion.

Helaena enters his chambers, a large book in her hands as her ladies-in-waiting leave. Mother always encouraged them to spend time together, especially before they married. Recently though, with tensions running high, Aegon had requested the new queen to be moved to his chambers, an odd thing for the court to hear of. He would drink his wine and she would read about the natures of the world.

“What do you think of having a new Hand, sister?” Aegon waits for her reaction, sipping his wine quietly as Helaena sits near him. She pauses, hearing the question and thinking it over for a moment. Helaena was never one for politics, always too deep in her thoughts, but Aegon had the sense she understood enough to have an opinion.

“Why? Do you not like Grandsire as your Hand?” An innocent question that Aegon knew had more meaning to it.

“It was Grandsire and Mother that wanted me to be crowned the very next day after Father passed. It was a usurpation and an insult to our sister, who was always meant to be the queen.”

“Yes… a true princess of House Targaryen and a grown dragon to watch over her brood.”

The affectionate words make Aegon smile, humming in agreement. If Helaena was more coherent, she would truly make a good queen to the realm if the Gods had granted it. On the day of the coronation, as he was crowned king, Aegon had sworn to the Gods he would make this right. Rhaenyra would and will sit the Iron throne just as Viserys wanted. In the long run, it did not matter whether the realm would be satisfied with a woman on the throne or not--it was her birthright.

“If you have a plan, brother… I would act on it soon.”

The remark itself gives Aegon the answer he needs, placing his cup on a nearby table.

Loud wails echo in the hallways of Dragonstone as the small council discusses their next move. Word has reached the island that Otto Hightower has been replaced by Ser Criston Cole. An embarrassing move for Lord Hightower, being removed by his own grandson from the council entirely. With news spreading quickly, Aegon’s council has started a campaign across the realm, prepared to have armies march on the morrow..

It has been almost two days now since Aemond went into labor, and he is exhausted. After Rhaenyra left, nothing had changed and he was too afraid to let anyone in except the maesters and midwives. He was terrified that this would be the cause of his death. He couldn’t let Lucerys or anyone else see him like this, on the edge with the Stranger.

Maester Gerardys made it clear that, because of the unfortunate circumstances, this babe would not make it. Aemond does not have enough time to mourn properly, not when the babe won’t even leave his body yet.

“My prince… we must act now!” The head midwife, Jeyne, a middle-aged woman, says frantically, looking at the prince. Aemond cannot muster a response, sinking into the large pillows with defeat. His gown was soaked through and sweaty, clinging to his body in an uncomfortable manner. A maid wipes his brow gently as the maester approaches.

“If we do not act now, we must leave to the Gods then, my prince.”

Jeyne pauses and whispers in the Maester’s ear quietly, perhaps suggesting one last method to help the babe move along quicker. Aemond raises his head a little, weakly reaching out for someone, he is not sure who though.

“Prince Aemond, the midwife suggests that perhaps you move to the birthing chair instead of laying down. The others protested as it was a position not fit for a prince of the realm.”

He remembers that ridiculous chair, had hated seeing it the first time when he arrived on Dragonstone. Rhaenyra had even said she never used it when she had her children. Aemond does not protest though, relying on the midwives for support as they move him to the chair. He exahles slowly through his mouth, whimpering from the pain.

There were noises coming from outside the doors but Aemond can only focus on this babe. He is tired and sore, it does not matter what happens.

“Get out!” Aemond screams through gritted teeth, pushing down on his body. The midwives hold his legs apart, encouraging him to keep pushing.

In the distance, Vhagar roars with all her might, scaring away the birds and making the earth rumble. She feels her rider’s pain through their bond. It causes the other dragons to stir, flying with her in circles around Dragonstone.

“I see the babe’s feet, my prince! Almost done.”

The door bursts open with Lucerys pushing past the guards. He runs to Aemond’s side by the chair, holding his hand tightly. Aemond screams one last time and suddenly a splash of blood stains the ground below him, a silence filling the room. The prince slumps backward, chest heaving weakly as the maester takes the babe away… there were no cries from the babe though.

“T-the babe?” Lucerys looks at Maester Gerardys in confusion, waiting for a response. Aemond weakly places a hand on the prince’s wrist, stopping him from speaking further.

A maid wipes a damp clothe across Aemond’s face as the maester brings the babe to them both. Lucerys stays quiet as Aemond cradles the pup to his chest, no tears escaping him though. They both take in the features of their dead child together, noticing the small tuft of white hair and the pug nose instantly. The babe---a boy---sleeps peacefully… forever, Aemond thinks, touching the soft baby hairs on his head.

“Let the queen know at once, Maester Gerardys.” Despite his condition, Aemonds speak in a commanding voice, holding strong. Lucerys does not say anything, waiting for everyone to leave instead. Once everyone left, it was just the three of them in the moment, staying silent.

“I will kill them… all of them, for what they have done.” Lucerys rests his head on Aemond’s shoulder, murmuring the words into his still damp skin. Aemond shows no emotion, he just pulls his child closer to him, eyes staring at the wall opposite them.

“No, my love… you will not.”

“But---” His husband looks up at him in confusion, meeting Aemond’s eyes with grief swirling. The prince gives him a gentle look, a smile playing at his lips for a moment. This war has just begun, and Aemond had been away too long now.

“Leave it to me, husband. It is high time I contribute in the effort.”

“I cannot ask that of you, Aemond, you just gave birth. My mother will understand the circumstances.”

Aemond sighs, standing weakly while ignoring his husband’s protests. Lucerys is right in a way but this was too much. He needs to be the battlefield now, or do something. He has been sitting around in a tower for months and then gave birth. On top of that, this babe did not make it, and Aemond knows he needs to be released. He is a Targaryen, with blood of the dragon running through his veins. Aemond places his son in his cradle, ignoring the egg already sitting in the crib, waiting. He swallows the lump in his throat, and blinks away the tears furiously.

“You cannot force me to stay, Lucerys. I need to fight.”

Lucerys looks at him and can instantly tell that there was no chance of changing his husband’s mind. Whatever grief and sadness he felt would be hidden away until things settled again. So all that Lucerys can do is pull Aemond into a tight embrace, running his hand gently through silver hair. He kisses Aemond on the cheek gently, sighing quietly.

The Greens had no chance of winning this war now. Only grief and resentmnet follows Aemond now as he stares at the cradle where his babe laid.

“Nyke jāhor zirȳdaor ry zālaza.”

Chapter Text

“I have heard word that Ser Cole is on the march to Rook’s rest, your grace. With men from House Hightower in his stead. With every town or castle he challenges, more men have joined the cause.”

Rhaenyra frowns in confusion, sitting at the head of the table with thin patience. Daemon had gone back to Harrenhal, and Jacaerys is antsy to join the war efforts. Lucerys is still doing his part by flying around the gullet, making sure nothing was wrong. Rhaenys and Lucerys, with their dragons, were occupied already.

Aemond listens to the members of the small council quietly, sitting restlessly in his chair. Rhaena had been sent to the Vale with young Aegon and Viserys already. It felt strange though, sitting in this council, having an actual position and power.

“Thank you, Maester Gerardys,” the queen says in a tight voice, still unsatisfied. She feared her support would dwindle and needed to show that she had the strength to defend her claim. Patience could be seen as a blessing and curse, depending on who saw it.

“You are all excused for now.” Rhaenyra stands and brushes off the invisible dust from her skirts. Everyone leaves except for Aemond himself, still sitting silently at the Painted table. The queen looks at her brother, understanding that he is struggling with his grief and the duty he must fulfill.

She walks around the long table and takes a seat beside him, both watching the fire momentarily. Rhaenyra finally looks at Aemond, a hand resting on his forearm gently. “Your mother has sent ravens by the hour, secretly requesting a meeting with me. I suspect it is her way of attempting to get you back onto the Greens’ side." Aemond scoffs, trying to keep from rolling his eyes--of course his mother still thought she had a chance. But it’s a risky move to even be sending such letters to the enemy during these times. Again though, everyone had their own secrets to keep.

“Are you asking me for permission, sister? Or are you asking me for advice on this matter?”

Rhaenyra sighs, shrugging her shoulders a little as she fiddles with the rings on her fingers. She looks hesitant to speak about it but knows she has to. “Your mother and I were friends once… and I suppose a part of me--still wonders if there is a chance.”

“My mother is cruel but as you said during my labors, she was kind once. It was Grandsire that made her cruel and paranoid--telling her she must prepare Aegon for the throne. Even though Aegon had already presented as an omega and Helaena a beta. If she is sending you letters in secret, perhaps there is still hope.”

The queen nods and thinks---Aemond can sense her thinking over his words carefully. It is a high risk to be on speaking terms with the enemy but if his mother was starting to change her mind…

“She wants me to come to the Great Sept of Baelor and speak there. She had taken me there once before, a day after my mother had passed. We had both kneeled before an altar, lighting candles for the ones who had passed on already.”

“Mother always tried to get us to pray more but the Faith never stuck with us. It felt more like a punishment for the sins she had comitted.”

Aemond can still remember the Septons and Septas that Mother sent, teaching him and Aegon to do needle and thread work. She had encouraged it because it was a skill that a proper omega needed for marriage and so forth. Aegon always stabbed his fingers until they bled, soaking the fabric more with his blood than with the colorful thread.

“If you go, sister, the council will wonder what has happened. But rest assured that Jacaerys, Rhaenys, and myself shall keep them occupied.”

The queen looks at him then, and all Aemond can see is her sympathy and respect. They have come a long way since being at court. Rhaenyra has placed her full trust in him and her eldest son to keep the Black council at bay while she is gone. She could very well be killed in she goes to see Alicent in secret, whether by the alleged new king or someone else. It is a risk she is willing to take though.

So the queen goes, saying goodbye at the entrance of Dragonstone as a kingsguard goes with her. Aemond watches, holding Aegon the younger in his arms as she leaves. It is only him that watches her go, no one else--it would be too risky. Jacaerys would be angry and not understand why his mother would give the Hightower queen a second glance. Aemond himself does not know if this will go well or not but he can only pray to the gods for Rhaenyra’s safety.

In the coming days though, Cole’s army takes the armies of Rosby and Stokeworth. Aemond grows anxious, starting to do needle and thread work constantly, at the council meetings and in his room. Without Lucerys to guide him, comfort him, he is lost, like a crate in the narrow sea, floating endlessly.

The council grows restless, with Lord Massey and the other men becoming more and more reckless in their offers of action. Jacaerys and Baela try to hold off as long as they while Rhaenys keeps quiet in her seat, only listening. Aemond watches from the steps, watching the members of the council push and prod at Jace’s words and his reassurances.

“So Cole’s army goes northwest? What are we to do with that now?” Ser Alfred huffs, slouching in his seat with a cup of wine.

Aemond slaps his cup loudly on the table, silencing the members of their complaints. Rhaenys, Baela, and Jacaerys look at him with alarm. Lucerys is usually the one to calm him in moments like this. He pulls out his dagger from a pocket in his gown, grabbing Ser Alfred by his chair and forcing him to meet the prince head on.

“If you are so inclined to speak and act, then go, Ser Alfed. But I would like to see what you and your ‘dragon,’ can do stop Cole’s army from marching. Otherwise, I would suggest you stay quiet unless you have something most riveting to say.” Aemond spits the words out carefully, his small blade caressing the older man’s cheek by a hair.

Rhaenys clears her throat in an effort to steer away an accident from happening. “Perhaps Ser Alfred, you should refrain from speaking for now. A walk among the castle would be most agreeable for this council.”

Aemond says nothing, watching the man go, tail between his legs. The prince sits back down, going back to his needle and thread work.

“Let us break for now and readjourn later, my lords.” The princess presses firmly on the matter, leaving no room for objection as the council grumble and leave. Rhaenys directs her attention to Aemond, sitting next to him. Baela and Jacaerys leave quietly, both keeping their mouths shut.

“You must not let those men--those alphas rile you up. I know my grandson is not here to calm you right now but you must keep your emotions settled.”

Aemond crosses his arms, trying not to pout at her words. He knows that the princess is correct.

“You know where Rhaenyra is, don’t you?”

“If I did, it’s not my place to say. It was her decision to keep this quiet.”

Rhaenys says nothing in response, mulling over his words instead. Aemond would not be poked and prodded with questions at the moment. He had already said too much for Rhaenyra’s liking. But he places his threaded canvas on the table and turns to her.

“I have the beginnings of plan, princess, and I need your help. It is a risky one--but one I am willing to try.”

In the corner of the princess’s eye, the threaded work is a golden dragon. Rhaenys meets Aemond’s eyes and straightens. She raises a brow at Aemond to continue his words.

Rhaenyra comes back in time to the council telling her that Cole has marched already on Duskendale and taken House Darklyn for his army. He was now leading his men to Rook’s Rest, where one of the members of the Black council is. It is a bold chance, and Cole’s pride must be high if he is taking a risk in such open grounds. While she had almost every house now under her command, in secret at least, Cole was still an obstacle. With no real actions except for ravens being sent and agreements being made on paper, it is time to set forth an attack

She can tell that Jacaerys is angry and wants to demand why she left him like this. But it is Aemond that gives Rhaenyra a look of reassurance, affirming what she believed. The council saw her as weak for not making a move earlier but she needed to know.

“We must send a dragon, your grace.” Ser Alfred says, impatiently, looking at the queen, and Aemond can see that the man still has some thoughts and complaints, especially after the last council meeting. To be fair, he never liked the man from the start or the creation of this council. Every man that stood behind Rhaenyra still has his own opinions and eagerness to lead the queen on different paths. Typical of alphas, especially older ones who want to be the champion of the council in their own right.

Rhaenyra looks at all the men and women around her table, coming to a full conclusion now. There were no other options left but to send the dragons to war. Alicent had crushed whatever hope she had left and abandoned her in the Sept. Now, it is up to her to save House Targaryen and its glory, alongside her family. Viserys inherited years of peace from King Jahaerys himself, and now, she will do the same.

“Ser Cole will take Rook’s Rest, we need to send a dragon,” Lord Massey further enuniciates Ser Alfred’s words, pleading with the queen to listen.

“Then I will go---”

“My queen--”

“You cannot, Mother! Send me! I will burn them all and retreat before they even know.” Jacaerys grips the hilt of his sword tightly as he looks at his mother with a sort of desperation in his eyes. Aemond can see Jace wants to prove his mother and the council he is a capable heir, a worthy one despite his parentage.

“You must send me, your grace. Meleys is battle-weathered already.” Rhaenys stands, confident in her words as Rhaenyra looks at her with hesitancy.

Aemond stands as well, dropping his needle work onto the table. “I shall join Princess Rhaenys, Vhagar has known battles already from her previous rider. Allow me to join her in this cause, your grace.”

Whatever argument that could have started--stops immediately at Aemond’s words. The council members look at Aemond, shocked to see he had spoken--and not out of protest or anger for once. Rhaenyra narrows her eyes suspiciously at her half-brother, wondering what he had in mind. She could not deny though that she had two well-experienced dragons on her side for this. Sending them both is risky enough but they had volunteered, it would be wrong to say no now.

“It is settled then,” Princess Rhaenys bows and leaves, squeezing her husband’s hand once before going. Aemond bows as well, and follows the princess out. Rhaenyra sighs and lets her hands fall to her side as the council looks satisfied now. Her son is furious though, stuttering and looking between the seats of his grandmother and uncle and Rhaenyra.

Lucerys is still at the gullet and Aemond is hesitant to send word to him about this. But he has a plan and no one can know of it, not even Rhaenyra or Lucerys. He leaves a letter for his husband instead, placing it on the desk in their shared rooms. The prince will be returning in a few hours, according to Maester Gerardys.

He puts on his riding clothes, along with armour made for omegas. Aemond tries to hold still as his squires pull the straps and buckles on tightly. He has his hair styled in a war braid like Queen Visenya did, a silver coronet with the emblem of House Targaryen on it. Aemond walks to Vhagar on the beach, sinking in the sand as he meets his old girl.

“Īlon jikagon naejot vīlībagon, Vhagar, syt īlva dāria.”

He sees the princess in the distance, soaring down from the opening of the dragon pit below the castle. The princess, from her saddle, waves, and passed over Aemond’s head. Vhagar rumbles lowly, looking to follow Meleys.

Aemond swallows, feeling the weight of it is about to come. He could either die or live, leaving behind no children and a widowed husband. Lucerys would be angry and hate how things were left. But it did not matter, he had a plan.

A plan to save Aegon and the whole of the realm from itself.