Chapter Text
Being the King’s niece came with benefits.
Rhaenyra got what she wanted, when she wanted it, and she always got the best of the best. She was gifted the finest silks, jewels and wines from lords and their sons vying for her hand.
None touched gifts from the King, however.
He’d gifted her rare Valyrian steel and fancy cut jewels only Valyrian jewelry makers could have produced (Westerosi jewels were so… underwhelming. Thank the gods his family brought over a lot of jewels before the Doom). He gave her spools and spools, varying in color of pure Myrish lace to be used in dresses made by the seamstress he paid.
He gave her multiple dragonbone corsets, ones that made her figure look the best at court. He imported rich oils for her hair and skin and fragrant ones that lingered in the air as she walked by.
He’d built Rhaenyra her own personal library, full of books solely in High Valyrian. She’d complained once that she hated reading books in common, the language was so bland and ugly. His Grace sent far and wide for all kinds of books in their mother tongue.
From poetry, to literature, to science, to history, to battle strategy, she read every single book, seventy-four of them by the time she was five and ten. She hadn’t wanted her kepa to think her unappreciative.
Rhaenyra’s father never liked it, the nature of their close relationship and when Aemma died and he married Otto’s whelp of a daughter, she didn’t either. She complained that it was unseemly, ungodly to lavish the girl in such treasures.
“It is as if he means to court her! This is far too much, Viserys! She must return this, this instance,” she cried looking at the large diamond and pearl ring that once belonged to Queen Rhaenys. “He does not even gift his own wife such things! Not once have I seen her with jewels she did not get from her father’s house!”
Alicent had been right of course, Laena had never received a single gift from the King, not even so much as a freshly picked flower. He’d figured Queenship was gift enough.
Plus, her father had openly bragged time and time again of his great wealth. If she wanted something, she’d better ask him.
Rhaenyra had refused to give the ring back, and out of defiance, had placed the ring on the fourth digit of her hand, the one meant to house her wedding ring.
No harm or punishment would ever come to her though, not with the King there. Or so she thought.
As it turns out, there are things even Daemon could not protect her from.
Her stunt with the ring inspired her stepmother, and she quickly began looking for a husband for the girl. Alicent consulted Otto, of course, to figure out what would be best for them, and ultimately decided on Lord Jason Lannister.
“Her dowry will pay the way for this family for years if the insolent girl can play her part correctly,” Otto had spat. “It is time she starts contributing to the family instead of complaining all the time. Perhaps with her out of the way we can advance our plan to have Aegon named as heir.”
Alicent had wholeheartedly agreed.
“No way! Father, tell her no! I am not marrying that Lannister fuck!”
“Watch your mouth, Rhaenyra! My father and I have worked hard to find you a match worthy of your station. He has a good seat and his family is very wealthy. Wealthy enough to spoil you with gifts like your dear uncle has, mind you. You will be happy there.”
Rhaenyra didn’t want to hear that, though.
“Father! Will you let her do this? She means to send me away because she’s jealous! She always has been. She and her ambitious fool of a father want to pawn me off to some lord they’re in cahoots with to be bred like some mare. I won’t have it!”
“Rhaenyra, please,” her father pleaded, his voice tired. “Alicent wants only what is best for you, my dear girl. You are just too young to see that. You are five and ten and due to be wed. Jason Lannister is a good match, and your sons will inherit a great seat. In time you will see the beauty of the match. You will love your husband and children. I’ve always thought you would be a great mother.”
That did nothing to appease his daughter.
“The King will not allow this,” Rhaenyra seethed, disgusted with her weak dunce of a father. “Jason Lannister is a pompous ass, one undeserving to lick the sole of my foot! And you’d have me marry him? Why? How much dowry did the Lannister’s offer you, huh?! How much does your father get off the top?!” She was full on screaming at her stepmother, so much so that her Kingsguard, Ser Erryk, popped his head in to assure the safety of his charge.
“Stop this at once! You will marry Jason Lannister and it will be in less than eight moons time. He has even commenced the building of a Dragonpit at Casterly Rock. Isn’t that sweet, Rhaenyra? Most men would not go to such measures for their betrothed. I think you could love him, stepdaughter, if you wanted to. With age you will learn that love is worked for and earned, not made upon first sight like some poetry book.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?! I am not some mere lady of the realm, someone like you! I am a Targaryen Princess and I have been since the moment I was born. That is what makes me different from you, from your half-blood daughter. You had to marry into power. I was born with it. I don’t care what you think, I will not marry him. The King will not let it be so. You know you will have to bring this to him? Right? Have you forgotten I am a Princess and my marriage is a matter of the crown?”
Viserys and his wife shared a dark look. Rhaenyra just cackled.
“You had forgotten, hadn’t you?” She smirked at the two idiots.
“It matters not, Rhaenyra.” She could tell even he didn’t believe that. “My brother, the King is a reasonable man and he too shall see that Lord Lannister is a fine match, the best one available.”
The Princess huffed, “We shall see.”
•
Jason Lannister tried and tried to connect with the Princess, to no avail.
She declined audiences with him and returned the gifts he sent her. Why would she want Lannister gold when she had Valyrian steel, gifted to her by the King himself? She had no need for any of his tacky shit, she would not be his wife.
So she publicly rebuffed his advances. She declined one walk in the garden, three invitations to supper and one dance at a feast her uncle had thrown in honor of his late parents wedding anniversary.
He’d seen, the King did. Rhaenyra had looked so disgusted with the Lord of Casterly Rock, and she hadn’t even voiced her dismissal, just simply waved her elegant hand and turned him away.
She’d quickly retired after that (after a sweet peck on the King’s cheek and bow to His Grace) and readied for bed. She couldn’t stand being in the same room as Alicent and Otto and their stupid glances. Fuck!
So the King summoned her, to break her fast the next morn. He’d had the kitchen prepare all of his nieces favorite foods and sat at his dining table waiting for her to arrive. It took less time than he thought it would, Rhaenyra loved to take her time. “The Valyrian Freehold wasn’t built in a day, my King,” she’d oft say.
She was announced and walked in wearing a gorgeous red silk gown, littered with rubies her uncle had provided. Her hair was flowing down her back, full and with a beautiful sheen. On her ears, neck, and fingers were all gifts the King had bestowed upon her. She looked like wealth.
“Good morrow, Your Grace. I was told you wished to speak to me? Hopefully I haven’t done anything to cause to be cross with me.”
He nods, a smile only she could pull out of him dancing on his lips. “Of course I’m not cross with you. I never need an excuse to want to see you, my love. Now sit.”
He went and grabbed her plate and began piling all of her favorites onto it. He served her fried eggs, slices of bacon, roasted potatoes, mushrooms, and scones. He had a selection of jams there for her as well. She loved her sweets, he knew.
“Thank you, kepa. You didn’t have to,” she said as she watched him make his own plate, the same things, just bigger portions.
“Nonsense, Princess. Eat,” he said before filling her chalice with sweet raspberry wine. “I haven't had much time to speak to you lately. It seems like the realm falls apart the moment I take some time for myself. I am so sorry for that. Perhaps we can start breaking our fasts together?”
She broke apart her eggs, the yokes spilling out onto her potatoes. With a mouth full of smashed bacon, she smiled. “I would love that, my King. I have missed you, greatly. Caraxes as well. How is he? Syrax always calls for him when we go on a flight.”
This is why he loved her, his sweet girl. “He is swell, Rhaenyra. I took him for a ride not two days ago. Tomorrow, mayhaps, we can go for a ride to Dragonstone and back.”
She nodded enthusiastically, her knife swiping her scone full of jam.
“How have you been?” Her King asked.
“I am alright, kepa. Father and Alicent are insufferable, as always. But other than that, I am okay.”
Daemon just frowned, “Do not pay any mind to Alicent, she is jealous of you, my girl. She is still cross I will not give those Andal shits she pushed out her worthless cunt titles or named that disgrace she birthed heir. The bitch is delusional.” He rolled his eyes. “You are my niece, the Princess and you should be more than fine. Tell me what bothers you and I will make it disappear.”
But Rhaenyra just shook her head. “Alicent and my father have arranged a match for me. They plan to sell me off to Jason Lannister for fifty golden dragons! Is that all I’m worth?”
”You know you aren’t.”
“They mean to ask for an audience with you in a few days to speak about it.”
“And this match doesn’t please you?”
Rhaenyra almost wanted to scream. “No! He is creepy and unfit for a woman of my station. Father and his wife keep telling me he is the best match I will get. If that is true, send me to the Silent Sisters, I beg you.”
“Hush now, no need for all of that. Why haven’t you come to me?”
“Father forbade me to speak on it!”
“You can always speak to me, no matter the topic. I will take care of this problem for you. Don’t worry.”
This time her eyes watered, “That is the problem. Eventually I will have to marry and I will be sent away, sent from you! The childbed is an unavoidable fate and some fat Andal lord will send me there, I will be made to squeeze out heirs, with no regard for my health. It is the burden of being a woman.”
The King shook his head.
“You are no mere woman, Rhaenyra. You are a Targaryen. Remember that.”
•
Three days later Viserys and Alicent came to him.
“Brother, thank you for receiving Alicent and I. We come with good news, Your Grace. As you well know, Rhaenyra has been old enough to wed for quite some time.”
The elder quirks a brow, “Has she been? She is but five and ten. Some would say she is still too young.”
“She flowered at one and ten. She has ripened for four years! That is time enough. It’s time she does her duty to this house. Alicent was kind enough to arrange a match with Jason Lannister, with a dowry of fifty thousand gold dragons. Quite a match, huh?”
“Quite the match indeed. And how does Rhaenyra feel about the match?”
The look the two swapped would have told him all he needed to know, if he hadn't already.
“She is resistant, but so is the exuberance of youth. I’m sure in time she would love her husband and children,” Alicent spoke for the first time. “The marriage would provide her wealth, security and a seat for her son to inherit. It is a fine match, Your Grace.”
Gods, he thought. Her voice is fucking annoying.
“Wealth, security, and a great seat. What of love? Or my niece’s happiness? Has no thought of that? Viserys?”
“Us women are—,” she tried.
“Do not think to compare yourself to my niece, Alicent. You two are in no way the same. She doesn’t have to marry some man for wealth, she has that. Abundantly. She doesn’t need to marry for security, she is the most cherished maid in all of the known world, she is secure. And a seat? As you know, I have no children of my own. Her son could very well be my heir,” His Grace growled. “So again, why has no one thought of her happiness? I demand an answer.”
“Daemon. You know as well as I do, Princesses are not oft granted matches for love. It is usually a political match. She has not shown interest in looking for a husband so it has to be done for her. She will be well taken care of by Lord Lannister.”
“She is not just any Princess,” he told his younger brother.
After that, he’d dismissed the two and told him he’d inform them of his decision when he came to one.
•
King Daemon I Targaryen, in truth, was a simple man. He liked good, well aged Dornish strongwine and wouldn’t say no to a hot, wet mouth on his cock, either.
He was a good king, fair and just, exactly as Baelon the Brave and his mother, Alyssa, had raised him.
He was a conqueror, the first to add to their new empire since the original three-headed dragon, after winning the Stepstones in the first decade after his ascension. It took him six years (and 40,000 men) but he’d done it, and been named King of the Narrow Sea.
Almost immediately he’d broken ground on Bloodstone, to build Bloodstone. A gorgeous keep to pass down to his future son. He’d hoped.
Men thought him alike to Aegon, but he felt more like Visenya, and not just because he wielded her sword. Daemon was the elder and could also could be described as harsh, unforgiving or austere. There was nothing wrong with that. That is how you stay alive.
There was a reason Visenya outlived her siblings.
Daemon was comfortable in luxury, or in the trenches of war. He knew Visenya was too. If only her bloodline had survived, he thought. I’d be unstoppable.
And so, he felt like he related to her.
Visenya, like Aegon, married once for duty and once for love. Why couldn’t Daemon? Was he not King of the Seven Kingdoms as much as they were? He did not answer to the likes of men, he was a Targaryen, for gods sake.
Was he truly destined to be stuck in a dull marriage to Laena for the rest of his days? That couldn’t be so. Flames have mercy, he wouldn’t let it be so.
He deserved to spread his seed, to watch his sons grow in their mother. It was his birthright, but of course he was burdened with a barren wife.
Whispers followed him, “He is Maegor come again, even unable to get his seed to quicken. The gods speak, the gods know.”
It was bullshit.
It was definitely Laena’s fault, two dead (pregnant) whores can attest to that.
He was sick of bedding her. She was dull and meek, nothing like a true dragon. She had no fire, only still water.
After nine and ten years of marriage, and no heirs, he was done. Done with the ridicule and whispers of the lickspittles that populated his court. He had two seats to pass down, and no one to pass them to! He refused to give them to Viserys' sons, Aegon and Aemond. Absolutely no way.
He would marry for love too. He had made up his mind about that when Rhaenyra was ten. He knew if he made the right investments, the return would be astronomical. So he waited, and patiently watered his precious flower until she was ready to be plucked.
He lavished her with gifts, of all kinds. Anything to get her to smile.
She was the picture of Valyrian beauty, the youngest dragonlord of their family history, she was destined to be his. He was patient.
When her mother died, and Viserys was too caught up in grief, he, the King himself, cared for his dear niece. That brought the two together even more.
When Viserys decided to knock up her serving girl and asked to marry her, Daemon was overjoyed. He couldn’t agree fast enough.
Not even the existence of a Targaryen bastard in that whores belly couldn’t dampen the elation he felt. Viserys would push her straight into his arms with his haphazard treatment of the girl.
It worked too. She’d downright hated Alicent. It had been amusing to watch Viserys try and hold his household together. Rhaenyra was not going along with the happy family narrative Viserys tried to create.
It got even worse after their first child, Aegon, was born. Viserys didn’t see Rhaenyra for moons at a time, at that point. She much preferred to spend time Daemon, and he welcomed her with open arms. Viserys moved back to the Red Keep just to see his daughter, even though Alicent and Rhaenyra objected.
Dragonstone was damp and dull, but Daemon wasn’t there, and that was something to Alicent.
Alicent spit out two more children, Helaena and Aemond in quick succession after that. Daemon truly appreciated their efforts to push Rhaenyra into his arms.
He wasn’t stupid, the King. He knew that Alicent would start offering his sweet girl up to the lords of the realm at one point, but he didn’t think it would be so soon. Don’t get him wrong, his niece was beautiful and got his cock harder faster than anyone, ever had. Her figure was slim, but Daemon would spread her out in time. She had what looked like perfect handfuls for breasts and he just couldn’t wait.
But he’d been prepared to wait, for at least one more turn of the sun. Six and ten was not too young to be full of life, not when some girls were wed at one and ten.
Honestly, the anticipation was killing him. He would still have to wait, after the announcement. A wedding would need to be planned and had before he could bed his wife, and get her fat with his babe. He bristled at the thought. She was his already, he didn’t want to wait.
But he cared for her reputation, and would give no one reason to belittle her so she’d remain a maiden until the bedding.
As he came upon the small council room, he tried to shake the thoughts of lust from his brain. He needed a clear mind.
In the room Rhaenyra, Laena, Viserys, Alicent, Otto and Jason were all sitting at the table waiting for him. They all rose and gave gracious bows.
His wife was first to speak, “Good afternoon, husband.” He afforded her nothing but a nod.
“Princess, you look breathtaking. Come with me.” He held his hand out for hers and led her to the head of the table, where Otto had taken the seat to his left. “Switch seats with Otto, my pet. Thank you.”
After the switch was begrudgingly, on one side, made Daemon continued.
“I called you all here to speak of Rhaenyra’s impending betrothal. I understand that Alicent and Otto have come to an agreement, as well as a dowry price for my niece's hand. Fifty thousand gold dragons is no small dowry.” Jason looked quite pleased with himself.
“There are things my niece must be afforded, in any match that is made for her. She will have final say on the man she marries and bears children for,” that effectively wiped the smirk of Jason’s pretentious face. “Her happiness is of the utmost importance to me, and it will be considered.”
The girl in question was beaming at him, her indigo eyes bright and wide. Thank you, they scream.
You’re welcome, my love, he answers.
“We tried that Your Grace, but she has shown no interest in finding a husband. She skirts her duties! So unfortunately, a husband must be found for her,” his brother countered.
“I would treat the Princess well, my King, if you were to grant me her hand. She and any children she would give me would be well taken care of. I swear it. I have even started construction of a dragon pit. I would treat her with the respect she deserves.”
“Ha!” The Princess exclaimed. “Is that why you are going around court telling people that ‘my defiance won’t last long?’ Have you been saying that? Surely no man that respects me would tell anyone that I would soften promptly after the bedding. Right?”
The Lord of Casterly Rock paled, “Princess, I do not know what you have misheard but-,” he tried to wiggle his way out.
“No need for your feeble excuses, Jason. Rhaenyra will not be marrying you.” Rhaenyra reached out and grabbed his hand. The King took a deep breath and turned fully to her.
“Sweetling, I pray to the Fourteen daily for your good health and happiness. There is nothing I want more in life. I hope you find it in your husband.”
She smiled at him, wide and full of teeth. “Thank you, my King. There aren’t words to describe how much I appreciate you.”
“Like I said, you have final say, even in what I am about to propose to you. Understand?” She nodded. “Good.”
He straightened his back and looked to the rest of the room. Laena’s narrowed eyes didn’t escape him, she hated when he spoke in High Valyrian because she had never taken the time to try and learn it.
“If the Princess Rhaenyra will have me, I intend to take her as my wife, as soon as she turns six and ten.” He turned to look at the young girl. “You would be my Queen, Rhaenyra.”
The room erupted, with Laena and Alicent crying out the loudest.
“How dare you? I will not be set aside for the likes of a child. Nearly two decades of marriage and this is how you repay me?!”
“This is ungodly! You have a lawful wife already! This is an abomination!”
Viserys had yet to say anything, he was too stuck on the look gracing his daughter's face. She looked happy, ecstatic even. She launches herself out of her seat and at the King. Thankfully, the King was a warrior and could easily handle her mass. Her shriek cut through all the noise.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you! Of course I will have you, Your Grace!” She threw her arms around his broad shoulders. “It would be an honor to become your wife, kepa. Thank you so much.” She looked at Daemon with such love, such adoration.
“This is wrong! You have a wife already, you cannot set her aside!”
His eyes snapped to Alicent, “I know damn well what I have. You needn’t remind me, good-sister.” He turned to Laena. “I will not be setting you aside, relax. I will be taking Rhaenyra as a second wife. You are right, Laena, two decades and countless trips to your rooms and for what?! Not a single pregnancy. I’ve given you space and respect but I do not have endless patience! I need heirs. I needed them eight and ten years ago.” He reached for Rhaenyra’s hand and pressed a lingering kiss into it. “My niece is young, ripe and fertile. She will give me many sons and daughters, won’t you, my dear?”
She nodded so enthusiastically he thought she might knock a braid loose.
“As many as you want, kepa, I swear it. I won’t disappoint you.”
The King smiled. None in the room knew the long road he’d traveled to get here, to this level of undying loyalty. It didn’t happen without hard work, and it didn’t happen overnight. But anything worth something, would take a little time. And she was definitely worth it.
She would be so good for him, the King knew. He doubted it would even take her long to conceive. She did everything she put her mind to well, and Daemon knew this would be no different.
“Of course you won’t, my love.”
Laena had enough. It was bad enough she’d to get reports of his whore mongering down at Flea Bottom, to hear his exploits screams as she laid in her chambers beside his. Now this?! A second wife? Is he serious? She allowed him so much freedom to do what he wanted and this is what he does? Humiliate her in front of the Seven Kingdoms?
My love? Daemon had never addressed her as anything more than a cold Laena. She was sick already. And she knew he needed heirs, but that’s why she allowed him to fuck whores, she assumed one would get pregnant, maybe they could even pass the babe off as hers if they controlled the narrative well enough. But no. No, Daemon had to continuously disrespect her in front of the masses. What a dutiful husband he was.
“Visenya and Aegon married twice, once for duty and once for love. I shall too.” He grabbed both of Rhaenyra’s hands and stroked the soft skin on the top of it. “I would treat you well, Princess, with adoration and devotion. I swear it on the Flames. You and your children would be loved and taken care of. I will fill your days with laughter, your belly with children and your nights with love. I promise.”
Viserys had since snapped out of his trance.
“She is a child herself! You can’t Daemon. You are twenty years her senior! It isn’t right, and you know it.” He looked at Jason Lannister who still looked dumbfounded. When he looked over to Alicent and Otto, they were fuming. “Jason is the best match she could possibly hope to get! Don’t ruin that with your possessiveness, my King, please,” he pleaded.
It was Rhaenyra who responded to him, though.
“Better than His Grace? No, no. He isn’t. And I wasn’t a child when you were planning to send me off to some fucking rock with a man you haven’t spoken more than three words to!”
“Alicent vetted him! She wouldn’t arrange a bad match for you, Rhaenyra! She is your friend.”
“She’s a whore! One who used me to marry well, and now you’re mad I refuse to be handed off to some lion? Is it so crazy to think I might have ambitions too? Your head is far up Alicent’s ass you can't tell that all she feeds you is shit! You’re pathetic. I can’t wait to be rid of you and your halfbreed family. I don’t want you living here after the wedding. Go back to the Hightower, the lot of you.”
“You ungrateful brat! How dare you speak of me, of your siblings like that? I have only ever tried to guide you, but you resist me! You would rather be in a concubine than the lawful wife of Lord Lannister! How much more foolish could you be?!”
But Rhaenyra had always been self-assured and if anything, Alicent’s disapproval told her this was what was best for her. She was convinced the wench was hell bent on ruining her life.
“You would do well to remember I am your future Queen, and you will not be speaking to me in such a manner anymore. Do you understand me, stepmother?”
Alicent sneered, “And what of the dowry?”
“I will waive it, Alicent, as a gesture of goodwill. No need for you to pay me for my hand. The crown is not lacking for money.” When her eyes popped out of her head he smiled. “Surely you didn’t think I would be paying you?”
“Those fifty thousand gold dragons were going to support our family! How are we to survive with no income if we are to leave here?” She turned to her husband for help. He was none.
Daemon just shrugged. It wasn’t his fucking problem. The only person he cared about was Viserys, but he had chosen the Hightowers. The King had long accepted that truth. He’d tried to show him reason, but you can only lead a horse to water. You can’t make the fool drink.
“You are the daughter of a second son, you must come from hardworking people. Maybe go home and start working hard? Perhaps your uncle might have some work for you. You’re quite good at dressing people,” Rhaenyra chuckled. It delighted her to no end to see the flush of red that swept over Alicent. “Honestly, you should have thought about that before calling your future Queen an ungrateful brat. Now all of you, out. I want a moment alone with my betrothed.”
When Laena lingered Daemon barked out at her, “Did you not hear her command? You’ve been dismissed.” She subsequently left, albeit not without a huff of air and the stomping of her feet. Daemon even dismissed his Kingsguard outside the door.
“Tell me the truth, Rhaenyra. Are you truly happy with my proposal? A sennight ago you were so against marriage and having children. Even if you wish to never marry, you won’t have to,” he faked a grimace.
He knew she was happy and excited to wed him, it was written all over her gorgeous face.
“Of course I am. There is no man more deserving of my hand than you. I know I will find happiness and love with you, that my worth extends beyond the silver hair on my head or the hue of my eyes. So no, I don’t mind being married or having babes if it’s with you, kepa. I just didn’t want to be sent away, to be parted from you. Alicent had power over me, over my future and she knew it. She was trying to separate us! It wasn’t fair, you’re my best friend. My only friend. We can’t be parted, I wouldn’t be able to bear it, my King,” she’d frowned, her eyes welling with tears.
Relief flooded his body. He worked so hard, for so long for this. It was surreal that it was finally time.
The King took her face into his palms, felt her tears slip past his fingers and pressed his lips to hers in a deep, passionate kiss. “No one shall ever part us, sweet girl.”