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Chapter Text

Prologue:

„He needs to rest. Some milk of the poppy should help him sleep and erase his pain.” Grand Maester Mellos stood at the side of King Viserys’ bed. Rhaenyra knelt on the other side of it and held her fathers’ hand, still dressed in her wedding gown.

Queen Alicent stood at the end of the bed, picking on her fingers and nervously chewing on her lip. “The Grand Maester is right. We should let the King rest, as the Maester said he will recover soon enough. You still have your duty to perform, Stepdaughter.” Rhaenyra couldn’t believe her. Her father just collapsed after the wedding ceremony and Alicent wanted her to consummate her marriage. “Is that your only concern, Stepmother?” Rhaenyra let go of her fathers’ hand and raised to her feet. From her mouth the word Stepmother sounded like an insult. Before Alicent could answer the High Septon spoke “The Queen is right. There is nothing we can do but pray for the Kings health. Your Marriage on the other hand must be consummated, it is the Gods will” Rhaenyra glared at him. Of course, he would be on pious Alicents side. “I don’t care about your gods and their wishes.” She spat and Alicents eyed widened. “My Gods don’t care about the consummation of a marriage. My Father is sick and the only thing you can think of is my marriage bed. Which is absolutely none of your business.” “Rhaenyra…” a weak voice called her name behind her. She turned around and looked at her father. King Viserys lifted his head as high as he could and looked at his daughter. “You must do your duty. I will be fine and I wish for a grandchild. I’m sure you and Ser Laenor will give the realm a fine prince or princess.” Rhaenyra raised her eyebrows “You just collapsed and the only thing you care about is a grandchild?” “We discussed this. Your duty as my heir leans larger than anything else.” Rhaenyra remembered the conversation she had with her father after the incident in the brothel with Daemon. Jaehaerys would have disinherited you. She knew that this weakened her position as heir as well as her fathers’ opinion of her. Regardless that she told him that she never slept with Daemon, he won’t believe her. She needed to please him. Rhaenyra looked at Laenor who stood in the open door. She walked towards him and took his hand “Come husband. We have a duty to perform.” With that they left and went to Rhaenyras chambers.

They sat next to each other on her bed. Laenors eyes still puffy from his tears. He held a ring in his hands and turned it over and over while starring at it, like it was the most precious possession he had. “Rhaenyra I can’t do this. Not tonight.” He looked at her and Rhaenyra shook her head. “I know. Me neither.” Laenor nodded and his eyes returned to the ring in his hands. Rhaenyra looked at him He will never bed me and give me children. He won’t stick to our agreement. He will always find excuses Rhaenyra knew it wasn’t fair of her. He just lost his lover in such a brutal way and she was judging him. She took one of his hands in hers “Let’s just sit here and wait a while. When enough time has passed you can leave, it just must look real.” Laenor nodded and squeezed her hand “Thank you, cousin” Rhaenyra gave him a smile and let go of his hand. She stood and walked to her mirror. There she began to loosen her hair. It took her some time to loosen all the braids and when her hair was open it felt in wavy strands down her back. She turned to Laenor. “I think you can leave now.” He stood and walked toward the door, he looked so broken and Rhaenyra pitied him “Or you could stay. We don’t have to do anything we can just sleep or talk or whatever you want to do” Laenor looked at her, gratefully “Thank you. But I’d rather be alone” Rhaenyra nodded and Laenor left.

She turned around with a sigh and began to untie the laces at the back of her dress “Well, what a wedding night” Shocked she turned around just to find Daemon leaning against the secret entrance to her chambers. Fury overcame her “What are you doing here?” Daemon entered her chambers and closed the door behind him. “I came to say goodbye. I will leave Kings Landing. For good” Rhaenyra felt her heart drop “For good?” Daemon nodded “Your Father has made it clear that should I ever return he will have my head. He obviously couldn’t do it tonight but I’m sure he will tomorrow.” Rhaenyra crossed her arms “So this is goodbye” Daemon nodded “This is goodbye” Even though she was still mad at him for leaving her in that brothel she felt a burning behind her eyes. Daemon was always on her side. Even when her father named her heir, he eventually accepted it, after his sulking on Dragonstone. Ever since she was a child, he was her only ally in Kings Landing. She concentrated on a spot on the floor to stop her tears when Daemon suddenly stood in front of her. He took her face in his hands and leaned his head down on her level. Their foreheads touched and they breathed the same air “One last goodbye” he said to Rhaenyra and she looked him in the eyes. I need an heir to protect myself from Alicent. After tonight nothing will ever be the same. Laenor won’t give me one, but Daemon can. “One last goodbye” she whispered and kissed him.

She didn’t tell him who the father was “This child is ours. That’s all you need to know.” Rhaenyra told her husband. Laenor accepted it without hesitation, probably glad he didn’t have to fulfill his husbandly duties.

Rhaenyra sat in the gardens and enjoyed the fresh summer air. It was one of the only things that brought her some relief during this horrific pregnancy. The last months of it were already overshadowed by her stepmother. The day after Rhaenyras wedding Alicent announced her that she is with child once again and four moons ago she blessed the king with another son. Aemond, he was called. But Viserys has only eyes for his daughter and first grandchild so he just visited his wife one time after she gave birth and returned his attention back on his heir. Alicent, of course, blamed Rhaenyra for his behavior and so the two former friend just drifted further apart.

Rhaenyra stroked her swollen belly. The babe moved quite a lot these last few days. Suddenly there was a movement next to her and when she looked up, she saw her mother-in-law, Rhaenys. Rhaenys mildly smiled at Rhaenyra and reached out to her belly. “May I?” Rhaenyra nodded “Of course, you’re their grandmother” Rhaenys placed her hand upon Rhaenyras belly. “To be honest I had my doubts if your union with my son will be successful” Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow “Is that so?” Rhaenys gave Rhaenyra a sharp look “Do not take me for dumb. We both know what I mean” Rhaenyra nodded “Yes. But the union was fruitful.” She starred into the sky “You don’t seem happy about becoming a mother” Rhaenys said. Rhaenyra closed her eyes because she felt the familiar burning behind them and felt a tear that threatened to escape her eye. Then the familiar feeling that had haunted her since the day she found out about her pregnancy came up in her again. Shame. She heard the stories of the undying love a mother holds for her children. But she just couldn’t bring herself to love that child with all her heart. It just reminded her of him. It was like his child mocked her with every kick she felt in her belly. Daemon who left her once again Kick Daemon who resides not here at home, but in Essos Kick Daemon who married Laena Velaryon Kick.

She knew that she couldn’t blame the child for his fathers’ actions. But it still hurt and one night, after she heard the news of Daemon wedding she lay in her bed and wished his seed had never taken root in her. Rhaenys took her hand “What is it?” Rhaenyra shook her head “I fear something is wrong with me. I don’t feel the love everyone told me I should feel. I don’t resent this child, but I don’t love it with all my heart either.” Rhaenys squeezed Rhaenyras hand “do net fret child. When I was pregnant with Laenor I was overwhelmed with fear. What if I can’t give him the love he deserves? What if I do something wrong? These are normal feelings for a young woman who becomes a mother for the first time. You are just scared. I promise you, as soon as you hold your babe all these worries will pass and you’ll fall in love.” Rhaenyra thankfully took Rhaenys’ hands and nodded “Thank you”

It turned out Rhaenys couldn’t keep her promise. After horrendous hours of labor Rhaenyra finally gave birth to a daughter. Right after the birth she asked for her child and as she was placed in her armed Rhaenyra waited and waited. But the feeling didn’t come. Instead, it was like the gods mocked her even more by giving her a daughter that resembled her father so much. She could swear her daughter had Daemons mouth. Also, the form of her eyes looked familiar. Rhaenyra felt tears in her eyes once again. The midwives must have thought they were tears of joy and so they laughed and focused on the Princess “What shall be her name, Princess?” Rhaenyra looked at her daughter. Poor child, with a stonehearted mother like her she needed to be strong. She needed a warriors name “Visenya” Rhaenyra whispered and turned to the midwives “Her name shall be Visenya”

Chapter Text

Chapter 1:

She hummed as she walked through the halls of the Red Keep, playing with a strand of her silver curls. Once again, her lessons with her Septa had bored her senseless, as if embroidery was a skill that would get her forward in her life. So, when her Septa turned away to fetch a book with complicated stiches she wanted Visenya to learn, she managed to slip away once more. Visenya could not stand that woman. She always runs to her mother and tells her how badly Visenya behaviors. Visenya didn’t even know why a Septa is responsible for her lessons, as they were servants of the Faith of the Seven and Visenya didn’t pray to them since she learned how to read and truly lost herself in books about Old Valyria and the fourteen flames.

Since then, the little girl preferred to pray to the old gods of her ancestors and not the gods of the Andals with their strange customs. She often heard the whispers in the castle how her mother could be the heir to the Iron Throne when her grandsire had three sons who always should come before a woman, as it was one of these customs that said, that a boy was apparently of more worth than a girl. Still, her grandsire remained stubborn and held to his decision. When she told her mother about the whispers she just shrugged her shoulders “There will always be people who just cannot stand the thought of a ruling queen. I shall prove them how wrong they are. Do not listen to them, they are probably afraid that a woman could to it better than a man.” And so Visenya ignored the whispers.

She just turned around a corner when she heard a voice calling out “Princess Visenya, where are you?” Visenya stilled. She would recognize the voice of her Septa everywhere. She turned around and decided to take another way. Just when she walked through the halls that lead to the training yard she heard someone once again call her name “Visenya!” She turned around and spotted her two younger brothers, Jace and Luke. Visenya looked at them and once again thought how similar they looked to each other. Both had curly brown hair, the same brown eyes and bulky nose. Compared to her brothers she always felt like an outsider with her silver hair, fair skin and purple eyes. She was too young to remember Jaces’ birth, but she could remember Lukes. When her mother presented her and Jace their little brother she remembered how she looked between him and Jace and didn’t understand why she looked to different. Her father Ser Laenor had told her that they got this traits from his Lady Mother the Princess Rhaenys, as she was half a Baratheon and therefor had dark hair in her youth. Visenya believed it for a few years. But just as she heard the whispers about her mother being unfit to rule, she also heard the whispers about how close her mother and her sworn shield were.

“Bastards, the lot of them” She once heard some Lord say. One day, when there was a great fest on the honor of the Queens nameday she also heard rumors about herself. “Way too pale that one. She was probably lucky that she got her mothers’ traits instead of her true fathers” one of the Hightower guests said. That evening she sat in her chambers and inspected her looks in the mirror. She had to admit that they were right, her skin was as pale as her mothers’ even though her father had a dark skin that should have passed down to her. Her mother told her that she just looked more like her than Laenor and that she shouldn’t pay any attention to these rumors. But when they visited their Grandparents at Driftmark one day, she got to know to her cousins Baela and Rhaena. The two of them also had a Targaryen and a Velaryon as parents, with Prince Daemon and Lady Laena. With Lady Laena as their mother, who had the same color of skin as Ser Laenors and her uncle Prince Daemon as their father they should have looked like Visenya but instead their skin had a darker shade. But except for their silver hair and purple eyes, they had nothing in common with Visenya. Visenya lay in her bed and cried herself to sleep that night. She always stood out with her looks and had no similarity with neither her brothers nor her cousins. She felt like she did not belong to anyone.

“Senya” Luke ripped her out of her thoughts. Just now she noticed Ser Harwin standing behind her brothers, giving her a gentle smile. Of course he would be with them, he always was. As if he couldn’t be any more obvious. “What is it brothers? Don’t you have lessons to attend?” “Don’t you?” Jace answered. Visenya just shrugged her shoulders “They are boring” “Great!” Luke jumped towards his sister and grabbed her hand “Then you can accompany us to the Dragonpit. We want to pick an egg for our new sibling.” In the morning Rhaenyra, once again with child, had begun her labors and since then she and her midwives were in the birthing chambers, but there were no news of the babe yet. Visenya looked at Ser Harwin I wonder if this one will also look like him she thought. Luke turned around still holding onto Visenyas hand and tugged her with him. Jace followed them “Wait!” but Luke was so excited he didn’t listen. Ser Harwin smiled and followed them to their carriage.

Inside Luke brabbled about which color the egg should have “You don’t even know which colors there are to choose from” Jace said “I’m sure we will find just the right one” Visenya answered and Luke nodded eagerly “the egg must be from Syrax’ clutch. All of our egg came from our mother’s dragon.” Visenya nodded. Even though the people may call them bastards, all of their eggs hatched in their cradles. This only strengthened their mothers claim. The queens’ children weren’t blessed with dragons in their cradles. Aegon claimed Sunfyre but he didn’t hatch from his egg, as it turned cold after his third nameday. Instead Sunfyre was born on Dragonstone and Aegon claimed him after the queen begged and begged her husband to let her son choose a hatchling, as was his right as a Targaryen Prince. Helaena bonded with Dreamfyre two years ago. But their uncle Aemond remained dragonless. Visenya knew her brothers and Aegon often teased him for it but she couldn’t care less. Many Targaryens claimed dragons when they were adults, so Visenya was sure Aemond had plenty of time to become a dragonrider. Visenyas dragon hatched the day after her birth. Just like her mother and her brothers after her, she had named her dragon for a Valyrian God. Aegarax, the creator of the first dragon. He had pitch black scales with streaks of gold. The membrane of his wings flowed from black to golden and his horns and eyes also shimmered in a golden tone. Visenya couldn’t wait to fly. Both she and Aegarax were 10 years old now and he was actually big enough to carry her, but he didn’t have a saddle yet and after two years of begging her mother finally agreed to commission the dragonkeepers to make one. Soon it will be finished and Visenya can finally fly on her own.

The carriage stopped and when its doors opened Visenya saw the huge gates of the Dragonpit. She and her brothers jumped out of the carriage and walked toward them, two Dragonkeepers already awaiting them. “Princess Visenya, Prince Jacaerys, Prince Lucerys.” The older of the two nodded. Luke looked up to Visenya, she was almost fluent in High Valyrian thanks to their father who used to read her Valyrian bedtime stories or sang her lullabies. Jace didn’t like to learn High Valyrian, as he lacks the patience for it and always mixes up the words. Luke on the other hand would like to learn it better and Visenya knew that his teacher told his mother that he was very good in his lessons, but after Jace and Aegon caught Aemond learning it they told Luke if he learned Valyrian he would become “a twat like Aemond” and Luke, always trailing behind them, of course listened to them and started to skip his lessons. Visenya looked at Luke and formed a plan to encourage him to take up his lessons again and more importantly, to stop doing everything Aegon and Jace tell him to do.

Just as Visenya wanted to take a step forward Jace placed himself in front of his siblings and mumbled something in Valyrian. The Dragonkeepers looked at him confused and Visenya giggled, which cause Jace to turn around and shoot his sister a glance “What? What is it?” Visenya couldn’t hold back her laughter “You just told them you would like to become a dragon!” Jace cheeks began to turn red with shame “Well, you do it then if you are so much better!” Visenya raised her eyebrows “Fine” she stepped forward and switches to High Valyrian “Good Morrow. We would like to pick an egg for our new sibling. Our mother already began her labors so we must make haste. We’d like to pick an egg from Syrax’s last clutch” The older Dragonkeeper nodded and took a step to the side to let the children enter the pit. Jace shoved Visenya slightly with his shoulder as he walked past her and she just rolled her eyes at his childish behavior.

Inside the older Dragonkeeper talked to the other keepers and at once six of them came back, carrying three warming pots. The set them up before the children and stepped aside. Visenya gently nudged Lukes shoulder “Go on. Jace and I picked your egg. You should pick the new one” Luke’s eyes gleamed in excitement, he grinnes and inspected the three eggs presented to them and eventually stopped at the one on the left side. It was a dark grey egg, almost black with shimmers of red and gold. Luke pointed at it “This one” Visenya smiled at him “Very well” The Dragonkeepers nodded and two of them carried the heating pot to their carriage. Before they left the pit Visenya turned around to one of the keepers “How is my Aegarax faring today?” the Dragonkeeper gave her a mild smile "Quite a temper, as always Princess. I’m sure your presence later in your lessons may lighten his mood a bit." Visenya nodded and joined her brothers in the carriage.

Back in the Red Keep Jace and Luke went with the Dragonkeepers that accompanied them and the egg straight to their mothers’ chamber to wait for her to return. Visenya instead choose to go to the library, as there was no news of the babe yet and she did not want to sit around, starring at the ceiling. Visenya closed the door behind her and walked straight to the aisle that contained the books about the Dragonlords and Old Valyria. Just as she turned the corner she almost ran into Aemond “Uncle” she smiled at him and Aemond just answers with a weak smile. “What are you reading?” Visenya pointed at the book in his hands and he handed it over to her “Tales about the Century of Blood” Visenya looked at the cover and gave him the book back. “It’s in Valyrian. Read it to me?” Aemond nodded and the two of them went to their usual corner. Visenya and Aemond often meet up in the library to practice their Valyrian. Visenya has her parents that teach it to her, but Aemond was not so lucky. His father the King has no time to teach him, or rather does not take the time for it and his mother is not of Valyrian blood. So he has to learn it from the Maester and other teachers.

Aemond had made it his goal to speak it fluently and so he and Visenya made a pact about learning it together. Ser Laenor even came by a few times and helped them. Visenya always wanted to learn Valyrian because it was one of the only things that her brothers were jealous of, even though they could still learn it if they wouldn’t let Aegon influence them so much. While they made fun of her when she had to take embroidery lessons her brothers could run around in the training yard all day, getting their clothes sullied with dirt. Visenya envied them for their lessons, so she learned Valyrian to outstand them in at least one thing. Aemond on the other hand tried to learn it to make up for the fact that he had no dragon. It angered him and saddened him at the same time, especially when the other boys made fun of him. It somehow had become something like a secret language between the two, as Aegon, Jace and Luke didn’t fully understand them when they had a conversation in High Valyrian.

“Where were you?” Aemond ripped her out of her thoughts “Huh?” Visenya asked and looks at him with a confused look “Your Septa ran all around the Keep searching for you” “Oh” Visenya shrugged her shoulders “Her lessons were exceptionally boring today so I decided to end them. Then we went to the Dragonpit to choose an egg for our new sibling” At that she noticed that Aemond slightly shrunk back “Don’t worry uncle.” Visenya took his hand “Grandsire was fifteen when he rode Balerion. Uncle Daemon also claimed Caraxes when he was already a young man, and my grandmother was ten when she mounted Meleys. You have plenty of time.” Aemond smiled at her and nodded “Perhaps you’re right.” Then he opened the book and Visenya listened to the story he was reading to her. After the finished nearly three chapters the door of the library was opened and one of Rhaenyras’ maids entered, bowing her head before the Prince and Princess. “Princess. Your mother has given birth to a son. You are expected in her chambers.” Visenya nodded “Very well” she turned to Aemond “I shall see you later in our lessons” she stood up and followed the maid to her mothers’ chambers.

Chapter Text

Disappointment. That’s the first thing Visenya felt when her eye fell upon her new brother. He looks just like Jace and Luke and him Visenya thought, her eyes wandering to Ser Harwin. Why is he even here? Shouldn’t he be guarding these chambers from outside? Sometimes Visenya wondered why her mother chose to be so obvious. Everyone is already talking about them.

With her mother's and Ser Harwin's behavior it just became more obvious who the true father of her brother was I wonder who my father is. Is it also Ser Harwin and I was just lucky to look the way I look? It always nagged at Visenya that she didn’t know who her father was. But what troubled her more was the fact that her mother never seemed to care what the people may think of Visenya and her brothers. She should’ve realized after Jace that people have eyes. With every year that Jace grows he looks more like Ser Harwin. Visenya was no fool, she heard the whispers and had eyes as well. It wasn’t that hard to count one and one together. Still her mother didn’t see it, or rather she refused to see it.
“Ser Harwin would like to be introduced to Prince Joffrey” her mother said and Visenya raised her eyebrows in confusion when her father handed the babe to Ser Harwin “Joffrey?” she asked and her father nodded “Aye. Your new brother” “That’s not a Valyrian name” “He is named after a dear friend of your father, Visenya” her mother explained.

“Why would you do this?” Visenya felt anger boiling inside her “As if his looks weren’t enough, now you curse him with a common name as well!” she turned to her mother, tears of anger filling her eyes. Another little brother that had to endure the endless slanders. Did her mother not think of her children? When she saw the look on her mother’s face she realized her mistake, as her mother gave her an angry glance “He is your brother and my son. I shall not have you talk about your brothers in that way, do you understand?” Visenya felt her cheeks burn with anger “I seem to be the only one that understands at least something here” She walked to the door and shot Ser Harwin a deadly glance “I shall go to our lessons in the Dragonpit.” With that she left the room, closing the door behind her with as much force as her little body could muster, only to hear her mother shout her name but Visenya did not care.

Visenya took a carriage to the Dragonpit. She stepped out of it and went straight to the Dragonkeepers. “Aegarax saddle. How far is it?” “It is finished Princess. We were just strapping it to him as your lessons will begin soon, so you may try it and see if everything fits.” Visenya nodded “Fine, let’s do it now” she walked past them and already felt the pull to her dragon. In the center of the great pit were four Dragonkeepers, in their middle her dragon, who mustered them with a slight hiss. Aegarax must have felt her presence, as he turned to her immediately and roared. He closed the distance between them and Visenya lay her hand on his snout. “Careful Princess…” one of the keepers warned her but Visenya interrupted him “I am the blood of the dragon. I do not need to fear him. Are you finished saddling him?” the keeper nodded “We should start slowly princess. Aegarax needs to get used to the feeling of a saddle on his back. Then we should start to get him used to the feeling of a rider.” Visenya turned around to check if the gates are still open, and luckily for her they are. It’s now or never she walked around Aegarax and stopped by his side, pretending to check the straps of the saddle. Visenya already took normal riding lessons and found it difficult enough to mount a pony or even a horse. But her dragon was nothing compared to a horse, already surpassing one in size so it would be a bit complicated for Visenya to mount him.

She thought about her father and how he managed to mount Seasmoke. She had watched him use Seasmokes wings as support to mount him so she should probably do the same with Aegarax, but she knew she had to act fast, or otherwise the keepers would try to stop her. But if her mother could do as she liked, why should she hold back from acting after her desires as well? “We shall take our first flight together, what do you think?” she whispered to her dragon and as if he could read her mind, he lowered himself on the floor and stretched out his wing to Visenya, so she could use it to get to his back. “We must be fast my darling. Otherwise, they’ll stop us” Aegarax growled quietly as of to answer her and with one swift motion Visenya stepped on his wing and grabbed the saddle. Aegarax raised his wing, shoving her onto his back and suddenly Visenya sat in her saddle “Princess, no! It’s to dangerous, you can’t fly on your own!” One of the keepers shouted but Visenya already reached for the reins “Soves Aegarax” Aegarax started to move and kept getting faster when Visenya felt the air around her shift. Her dragon stretched his wings and started to flap them as she suddenly felt her stomach drop.

When she looked down, she realized that they had indeed taken off and were flying. “Close the gates!” one of the keepers shouted but Visenya leaned forward in her saddle “Come on boy, you can do it” she closed her eyes and suddenly felt the warmth of the sun on her face. When she opened her eyes again, she could see King’s Landing from the sky. She had already seen it when her father took her on her first flight on Seasmoke, but this was something different. Now she was alone on dragonback. Visenya cheered “We did it!” she gave Aegarax a pet and he roared as if to answer her. “Higher!” she commanded, and he obeyed her. The clouds came closer and closer and suddenly the only thing she saw was a blur of white until they reach to top of them and everything around her is blue. Visenya looked down and all she sees an ocean of clouds beneath her.

Flying with her father had always been fun but flying on your own is something else. It’s as if the sky belongs to her and Aegarax alone. They turned a few rounds until she decided to fly above the city. There, she turned three more rounds over it until she leaded Aegarax back to the Dragonpit. As they landed Visenya immediately knew that she was in trouble. The Dragonkeepers along with her father were awaiting her. When Aegarax touched the ground Visenya slid down his wing and landed with both feet on the ground.

The Dragonkeepers looked to Ser Laenor and he gave them a nod, which caused them to surround Aegarax and lead him back into the pit. Visenya turned around and watched how he slowly followed her keepers, giving her one last roar to say goodbye. Behind her, she heard steps coming closer and when she turned around her father was standing in front of her. “What were you thinking?” Visenya felt tears burning behind her eyes “I’ve waited so long to fly him. And mother made me so angry, I could have become a dragonrider two years ago! But she would never let me fly even when Aegarax was big enough to carry me. She just forbade it because Jace didn’t want to feel left out. It’s always my brothers that comes first! She does as she likes and I’m supposed to obey her wishes, it’s not fair” “Your mother just wants to protect you” “Protect me? When has she ever done that? I’m not stupid father, I hear the whispers, Bastards they call us. And now instead of protecting our family, mother brings forth a new brother that endangers our reputation. A new brother that she favors over me” Laenor shook his head “She doesn’t favor any of you” “Of course she does. She always favors them over me. When she looks at me it is as if she sees a ghost. But Jace and Luke are her precious boys. When they skip their lessons, she just tells them to attend them the next time. Whenever I do so, she banishes me to my room or forbids me from entering the Dragonpit. I’m always too rebellious she says” Laenor sighed. “She doesn’t mean to be like this to you. You just remind her of-“ he stopped himself.

Visenya starred at the floor before her “Does it have something to do with who my real father is?” she whispered and Laenor looked at her shocked, taking a step back. Visenya felt tears streaming down her face “I know, father. I know you didn’t sire any of us, but you are my father. You take me flying on dragonback, you sing me songs when I can’t sleep, you taught me how to speak Valyrian. You never cared about that I was not of your blood. But mother looks at me as if I was a punishment from the gods.”

Laenor kneeled at her level and took her shoulders in his hands “My darling girl. You cannot ever speak those things in public, do you understand?” she nodded “Your mother and I didn’t choose to marry. We wanted to fulfill our duties, but we couldn’t, so we came to another agreement. You know your mother’s claim is always at risk and a woman strengthens her position with children, favorably sons. So, she did what she had to do to perform her duty. And your father, your real father, happens to be someone who was once very special to her. But he left her and you just remind her of him. When she punishes you, it is just because you remind her of him, she does not do it out of hate or something like this, she just tries to make you less like him. I know it’s wrong to punish you for it, I think she knows as well that what she does in wrong but she just can’t help it.” Visenya choked down a sob “So she hates me because of my father?” Laenor pulled her into a hug “No, no. She does not hate you. I think she sometimes just doesn’t know how to handle you. But she is still your mother and loves you the way she can” “But she does love my brothers more, because they are his’s she loves him. But not my real father” Laenor, knowing she was referring to Ser Harwin, took her face in his hands “I think you are too, a result of love. Your mother and I also have a quite difficult relationship. I can’t speak for her, but I swear to you she loves you. Ok?”

Visenya nodded. “I’m sorry I didn’t see your pain Visenya. I will speak to your mother about it.” Laenor took her hand and lead her to a carriage. They walked in silence until Laenor gently tugged at her hand “So? How was your flight?” he casually changed the subject and Visenya snorted “Amazing. As if we were to rulers of the sky” Laenor laughed. When they arrived at the carriage two Dragonkeepers exited the pit, in their middle Prince Aemond. “Aemond” Visenya let go of her fathers’ hand and ran to him, his face covered with ashes. “Please don’t tell me you did it again?” Aemond gave her a dark glance “Just ask your brothers” Visenya shook her head “What did they do?” Aemond looked to his feet “They gave me a pig. Glued wings and a tail to it and called it the pink dread, said it was a proper mount for me” Visenya took his hands “They are idiots. Don’t listen to them, one day you will mount a dragon and overshadow them all.” Aemond smiled slightly at that and looked at her. “The keepers said you took off with Aegarax without their permission” Visenya nodded “Yes. Our first flight” “How was it?” “Great! Kings Landing was so tiny! When Aegarax is big enough I’ll take you flying. Then we can go to Dragonstone and you claim a dragon there” Aemond’s eyes widened “You would do that?” “Of course!” “Visenya!” she turned to her father “We have to go, your mother is probably waiting for you. Should we take you with us, Prince Aemond?” her father asked and Aemond nodded.

When they arrived at the Red Keep a guard sent by the queen was already waiting for them to take Aemond to her. Queen Alicent would be angry that Aemond has gone down the pit once again.

But as he had this battle to fight, Visenya had hers with her mother. She wasn’t surprised to find her mother furious. “We are a family Visenya, you are the oldest of your siblings. You are supposed to protect them not give in to the rumours the Queen tends to spread. Joffrey is your brother just as Jace and Luke are, regardless of their names or looks do you understand?” Visenya just closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then she nodded. Rhaenyra, not finished with her scolding, didn’t even notice her reaction “And then, after you ran away you went to the Dragonpit to fly your dragon! You never rode on your own, you could have died!” “I’m sorry mother. I guess I lost my temper and acted reckless.” Rhaenyra just sighed and waved her off “Go to bed. I am tired, we will continue this conversation tomorrow. Until then I will also think about your punishment.” With that Visenya stood up and went to her bedchamber.
As exhausted as Rhaenyra was, she couldn’t find sleep. After Visenya left Laenor came to her and told her about the conversation he had with their daughter

“I know you don’t do it on purpose Rhaenyra, but she notices it. Years ago, you told me that the love you hold for her isn’t the same you hold for the boys and I never held it against you as I can see how it breaks your heart. But you must change the way you treat her before you damage something that you can’t repair” Rhaenyra remembers the night she told Laenor about her feelings. Alicent just gifted the King with another son, Daeron, and her father had ordered a feast in honour of the birth of his third son and first grandson, as Jace was born only two moons prior. The whole day Rhaenyra had to listen to comments about how a perfect Targaryen Prince Daeron was, with his silver hair and purple eyes and how much Jace seemed to have from Rhaenys’ Baratheon genes. She could feel Alicent sneer in her direction, so she sank into her cups. Laenor had taken her to her rooms that night and then, after almost two years of guilt and denying and fighting against that feeling it just broke out of her “The gods mock me, Laenor. They mock me with his daughter, who has his eyes and every time she looks at me all I can see is him.” The moment Visenya was born Laenor knew who her father was, he always suspected it was Daemon who was Rhaenyra’s lover, not Criston Cole as Joffrey had assumed. “She is your daughter as well. Give her some years and I’m sure she will be the spitting image of you and won’t even have a hint of Daemon in her” “Don’t say his name” Rhaenyra groaned and lay back on her bed. “I am a terrible mother.” “You’re not” Laenor sat next to her “I am. I don’t treat this poor child like a mother should. Before she was born your mother told me I will love her the moment she is placed in my arms. But when that moment came I couldn’t feel it. And now that Jace is born I feel even more horrible because when he was placed in my arms, I felt it, the unconditional love any mother should feel.” “You love Visenya.” Rhaenyra sobbed “I do, but it’s just not the same feeling like I have with Jace. I tried, I really tried so hard you have to believe me…” Laenor took her hand “Of course you do. Just give it some time, the pain about Dae-“ he stopped himself “his actions will fleet and then your bond with Visenya will grow.” She looked at him “You think so?” Laenor nodded “Yes.”

It has been almost nine years since then and Laenor, like his mother, couldn’t keep his promise. Visenya kept Daemons eyes and even worse, seemed to have inherited some of his character trades as well. Every time Rhaenyra forbids her daughter something she even seems to want it more. Like Daemon, Visenya is obsessed with dragons and the stories about their ancestors. She is just as impulsive as him and today only confirmed it again. I lost my temper and acted reckless Visenya said. Rhaenyra scoffed, that’s something Daemon would do. He never asked for permission to do anything, he just did it and hoped her father would forgive him, as he always did.

How many times was he banished because he lost his temper and did something reckless or anything else to provoke everyone around him. Laenor told her that Visenya knew that her mother treated her brother different than her, that Jace and Luke couldn’t ever do anything wrong whereas everything Visenya did seemed to be wrong. Rhaenyra slowly raised from her bed, the aftermaths of the birth still pained her, but she has done this three times before and could handle the pain. Slowly she walked to the secret door next to her bed and entered Maegors hidden tunnels, she followed them until she reached her daughters chambers.

Visenya lay in her bed, sleeping and cuddled into her blankets. Slowly Rhaenyra walked to the bed and gently sat at its edge. She watched her daughter and searched for similarities between them. With her eyes closed Visenya looked a lot like her, but Rhaenyra could swear she saw some trait of her mother Aemma as well. Visenya’s curly silver hair was tied back in a loose braid. The curly hair seemed to be something she inherited from her grandmother Alyssa, at least if you could believe Viserys. Rhaenyra herself never knew her grandmother, but her father told her that Alyssa also had that curly hair, even though it never had the typical silver colour that Targaryen’s have. Visenya looked peaceful in her sleep and Rhaenyra pitied her, how must it be to have her as a mother? Her own mother had been the kindest woman Rhaenyra knew. Rhaenyra knew she needed to try even harder, to make Visenya understand that she is just as worthy as her brothers and that it wasn’t her fault, that Rhaenyra treated her differently. In her mind Rhaenyra formed a plan, to talk to Visenya the next day and explain everything to her.

But Rhaenyra never got to fulfil her plan, as the next morning Ser Harwin attacked Ser Criston and with her sworn shield banned from court Rhaenyra lost her last line of defence, so she listened to Laenor’s advice and fled the storm to Dragonstone.

Chapter Text

Her father wasn’t the same after the raven arrived. When he heard of his sister’s death he became a shell of his former self. After the funeral Laenor had gone to the see “To feel connected to her one last time” he told Visenya, and he hadn’t returned since then.

Visenya sat on a pile of pillows on the floor next to her aunt Helaena. Her brothers wouldn’t speak to her because of Ser Harwin’s death. “You didn’t even like him” Jace had told her and Visenya couldn’t hold it against him. It was true, that she cared little for Ser Harwin, but he had always been nice to her, no matter how cold she acted towards him. He treated her brothers always well and seemed to be a good man regardless of his mistakes, Visenya would have never wished him any harm, especially not dying in such a gruesome way.

She turned to Helaena who seemed to play with a shell she found “Dearest aunt, how is court since we left?” Visenya asked “Well my mothers’ mood seemed to change. I must say I miss our afternoons, Visenya” Visenya smiled, she missed them to. Often after their lessons, when Visenya was not in the library, she and Helaena went to the gardens. There, Helaena would catch bugs and butterflies whereas Visenya enjoyed the sun and collected flowers which she braided into crowns and the sat them atop her and Helaena’s heads. Her aunt always seemed to live in her own world, but Visenya never cared about her odd characteristics.

“Mother made a match between me and Aegon” Helaena whispered “Really?” Visenya asked. Aegon was always rather nice to her, but he was mean to Aemond, so Visenya never bothered to form a friendship with Aegon. He never seemed to be interested in it either because the only thing he seemed to care about the last couple of years were wine and the maids in the keep. “Do you want this?” Visenya asked and Helaena turned around to a pile of stones and other shells “It is my duty, mother said. It’s not like I could do something about in anyway.” With that she lay her hand flat on one of the stones and let a spider crawl on it. “Hand turns loom, spool of green, spool of black, dragons of flesh weaving dragons of thread.” Visenya raised her eyebrows. Helaena told her once that sometimes she has strange dreams, after her dreams Helaena tend to mumble strange phrases to herself but Visenya could never understand the meaning of them. Visenya knew that her aunt had returned to her own world.

She stood up and went to her uncles, Aemond giving her a smile “Hello” he mumbled Visenya smiled back “Hello Aemond, Aegon.” Aegon just nodded at her and took another sip from his cup “How is Dragonstone?” Aemond asked. “Well, I like it. My brothers are not very happy, but I only find benefits there. When I want to visit Aegarax I don’t have to order a carriage to take me to the pit. I can just go to the Dragonmount or Aegarax will come to me. I think he is glad he got rid of his chains. I also have my peace. The isle is huge, and I can hide wherever I want to.” Aemond nodded “I miss you though” Visenya added and Aemond smiled shyly “I miss you too, I have no one to practice High Valyrian with.” Aegon groaned “By the gods, you two should hear yourselves” with that he emptied his cup and followed a maid carrying a tray of more wine.

“Who are you hiding from, on Dragonstone?” Aemond asked “My Mother” Visenya answered “When we first arrived at Dragonstone our relationship seemed to get better, but then we had a huge fight. Did you know that she wanted to betroth Jace and Helaena?” Aemond looked at his sister “I assumed so. One day my mother was terribly angry, shouting that her daughter would not be wed to that boy. A few days later she betrothed Aegon and Hel.” “Yes, Helaena told me. I asked mother why she wanted to betroth Jace and Helaena and she told me she tried to mend the bridges between our family by letting Jace and Helaena rule together after her death.” “Why Jace? I though her firstborn would be her heir” Visenya nodded “I did too. But she is going to name Jace her heir.” “Why?” Aemond looked at her confused and then glanced to his older half-sister. “She said it is to satisfy the men in the realm. It would make them get more used to the thought of a ruling Queen if they knew a son will follow her, that they wouldn’t be willing to accept another ruling Queen after her. I think it doesn’t make sense because she has younger brothers as well and is still the heir. But when I told her that she got angry with me. She told me it’s not just about strengthening her claim but my brothers as well. That she is grandsires chosen heir and Jace shall be hers’” Visenya began to play with one of her curls “She told me my brothers would need this more than me because…” she looked to the floor “Because at least no one can doubt you’re Targaryen” Aemond finished silently, his gaze wandering to Visenya’s brothers.

They did neither look like Velaryon nor Targaryen. Visenya on the other hand at least had valyrian features and some could claim she just inherited her mother’s fair skin. “No one doubts you’re at least a Targaryen, but your brothers look neither like your mother nor your father, so your mother wants to force everyone to accept them as Targaryen’s.” Visenya did not like that he listened to his mother’s slanders about her and her brother’s parentage. But this time, he had a point. Visenya knew the truth and Jace did as well, just sweet Luke did not yet understand. She knew their claim to the throne came from her mother’s side, that the child who would rule after her would bear the name Targaryen. But her brothers had not a hint of their mother in them.

Visenya felt a burning behind her eyes and looked to the floor, so no one would see her tears. The day her mother told her that Jace would be her heir broke her heart, she always believed that she, as her mother’s firstborn, would be the next Princess of Dragonstone. It was the only thing that belonged to her alone and her mother took it from her in favor of her brothers.

Visenya felt Aemond’s hand around hers “I think she’s selfish. It’s not fair” Visenya squeezed his hand “Thank you” “We could go and talk to my father if you want to” he suggested but Visenya shook her head “don’t. Mother is already cross with me, don’t make it worse. I told her that grandsire had always told me that in my parent’s marriage contract it was agreed that their firstborn child would be the heir and that it is my birthright. But she said I should not talk about things I wouldn’t understand. I wasn’t allowed in the Dragonmont for three days after this. Aegarax is the only freedom I have left, I don’t want to be banned from seeing him again” “I’m sorry” Aemond whispered to her.

After her grandsire went to bed her mother collected her and her brothers and send them off to bed as well. Visenya thought that it was way too early, but she didn’t want to throw a fit at her aunts’ funeral, so she obeyed.

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“Hush! You’re going to wake to whole castle” “Ouch! That was my foot” hushed voices teared Visenya out of her sleep. She rubbed her eyes and looked around. It was dark outside and only a single candle lighted the room. “We need to hurry to face the thief” she recognized Jace’s’ voice. Visenya opened her door and spotted her brothers and cousins in the hallway. “What are you doing?” they turned around “Gods, it’s you” Baela said and lay a hand on her chest, frightened they may have been caught. Rhaena came running toward her and grabbed her hand “Come with us. Someone stole Vhagar, we need to face the thief” Visenya led herself be led by her cousin “how do you steal a dragon?” she asked but followed the entourage regardless. “Everyone knows that Vhagar was supposed to be Rhaena’s dragon. She wanted to claim her in the next few days, in the memory of our mother” Baela explained but Visenya still didn’t understand.

You can’t steal a dragon, maybe a hatchling, but for sure not such a beast as Vhagar. Baela led them to a tunnel that is supposed to lead to the beach when they suddenly heard a loud rumbling. “What was that?” Luke asked “Vhagar must have landed” Jace answered and moment later, at the exit that led to the beach steps were coming closer. Visenya shoved herself in front of Luke and felt her heart beating faster. Who would the so-called thief of Vhagar be?

Suddenly Aemond stood in front of them and threw away his coat “It’s him” Rhaena said “It’s me” he answered. “Vhagar was my mothers’ dragon” “She has a new rider now” Visenya’s eyes widened “You claimed Vhagar?” Aemond nodded proudly. “Alone? Are you out of your mind? Something could have happened to you” she took a few steps towards him, searching for any sight of an injury but he seemed unharmed. “Who cares if he could have been hurt? Vhagar was mine to claim!” “That you should have claimed her! Maybe your cousins can find you a pig to ride, it would suit you” “Aemond!” Visenya exclaimed sharply “What?” he gave her a cold look and Visenya went to him until she stood close enough for him to hear her whisper “Listen, I’m happy that you got a dragon, really. But they just lost their mother, please don’t start a fight” Aemond looked at her and Visenya could see that he thought about her words when suddenly she was shoved to the side and Baela hit Aemond right on the nose.

Visenya turned around “Baela! No, leave him be” but the others were already starting to attack and suddenly it was four against one. Visenya grabbed Jace’s arm and tried to tear him from Aemond “Are you out of your minds?” But Jace turned around and shoved Visenya so hard she fell on the floor “Stop defending him!” “He is our uncle, our kin! You can’t attack him like that” she shouted “You are one of them! I saw you holding his hand today. You probably knew he was going steal Rhaena’s dragon” “You can’t steal a dragon. If Rhaena was supposed to be Vhagar’s rider, the dragon would have rejected Aemond, but she chose him.” Jace scoffed at that and turned around, attacking Aemond again. “Stop it!” Visenya shouted again when suddenly the scene before her changed.

Aemond, even though fighting against four, managed to get them all away from him, hitting and kicking them off of him. They stood against face to face when the girls once again started to launch at Aemond. Visenya stood up and tried to tear them apart. She felt something hard against her back and when she turned around, she saw Luke standing in the corner and collection stones, throwing them at them. Jace followed her eyes and went to help Luke.

The ones he threw were bigger than the ones Luke could throw properly and suddenly Jace shouted to Baela and Rhaena to duck. Visenya wanted to duck as well but was to slow and suddenly she felt a sharp pain on her head. She fell on the floor and screamed in pain, the vision on her left eye blurred by something red. “Visenya” Aemond leaned down to her and touched her head. That only caused the pain to get worse and when Visenya screamed again Aemond immediately pulled his hand back.

Visenya saw his hand and noticed that it was covered in blood “Get away from her!” Jace screamed and suddenly pulled a knife out of his sleeve. The pain in Visenya’s head only worsened and her sight became blurry again “Jace, put that away!” she said and tried to stand up, but she fell back on the floor and then her vision faded away completely and all she saw was black.

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For the second time that night Visenya was awakened by voices. But this time it was not the whispers of her brothers but the shouting of various people. Visenya blinked and slowly her sight became clearer. She looked around and noticed she sat in a big chair. Before her knelt a Maester, he mumbled something but he wasn’t talking to her. Her eyes wandered to his hands to see what he was doing when she spotted Aemond.
Her eyes widened in shock “Aemond” she whispered and leaned to him on. There he sat, his face squinted in pain as the Maester sew up his eye. When the Maester heard her, he stopped his work “Princess, take it slowly, you must rest as well” But Visenya was too shocked to react. Her eyes lay on Aemonds face, bloody and with open wounds. But the worst had to be his left eye, which was currently being sewed up by the Maester. Aemond's right hand was in his mother's, who was still screaming. Visenya took his other hand “what happened?” When she spoke, everyone turned to her “You’re awake” her grandsire spoke.

Visenya’s eye filled with tears “What happened?” she asked again, this time looking at her grandfather for answers. He came to her “Well, we are trying to find out, maybe you could tell us what happened as everyone here seems to have his own truth.” He pointed at the room, sounding annoyed and Visenya turned to Aemond again and nodded “I woke up because I heard my brothers and cousins. They told me that someone stole Vhagar, so we went to look who it was. It turned out Aemond had claimed her. They started to fight, I tried to calm them down. I told them that you can’t steal a dragon and that Vhagar had chosen Aemond as her new rider” while telling her story Visenya noticed she was rambling. Her eyes filled with tears and Visenya looked back to her grandfather “I really tried to get them to stop but they wouldn’t listen” she swore, and her grandfather gave her a gentle look “it’s not your fault, I’m sure of it. Just tell us what happened.”

Visenya then noticed her mother standing on the other side of the room, her brothers behind her. Luke hid behind her skirts, looking to the floor. She looked back to Aemond and continued “It escalated. Baela hit Aemond and a fight broke out. I tried to part them, but it didn’t work. Luke and Jace threw rocks, and when Jace threw a bigger one at Aemond it hit me in the head.” Rhaenyra inhaled sharply and turned to Jace, sharply tugging at his arm “You hit your sister with a rock?” “It was an accident! I wanted to hit Aemond, but she kept defending him. She was on his side, she said he was in the right-” “Maybe” the Queen cut him of “we should let the Princess Visenya tell her side of the story” the Queens eyes found Visenya’s and she nodded at her encouraging. The other children probably told everyone that Aemond was in the wrong and the Queen seemed to be glad that someone except for her seemed to be on her son’s side.

“Well, there isn’t much to tell anymore. After the rock hit me, it hurt so much, and I fell and screamed. I couldn’t see much because of the blood. When Aemond tried to help me, it hurt only more because he touched my wound. The last thing I saw was Jace pulling out a knife. Then I don’t remember anything at all” “There you hear it” the Queen turned to the King “These boys brought a knife to the fight. They hit their own sister and maimed my son” “You did this to him?” Visenya asked her brothers shocked.

Jace and Luke immediately began to whisper in Rhaenyra’s ears, she listened and stepped in front of them “It was my sons, that were attacked. Vile insults were spoken” “What insults?” the king asked, “The legitimacy of my sons’ birth was put to question” “He called us bastards” Jace said. Visenya turned to Aemond and whispered “why would you do that?” but he just smiled proudly. Her grandsire demanded Aemond to tell him where he heard these lies. His eye first landed upon his mother, then he looked at her and eventually he looked at his father “It was Aegon” “Me?” came a quite whisper behind them.

Visenya hadn’t even notices Aegon standing there and when she turned to him, she thought that he looked like shit. He probably had too much wine again and was ripped out of his sleep. “Where did you hear these slanders? Aegon!” Viserys demanded “We know, everyone knows. Just look at them and then look at Visenya. They couldn’t be any more different” at that all eyes turned to her brothers and her. Visenya tried to sink deeper in her chair, feeling her cheeks turning red. She felt their eyes staring at her, she was glad when the Queen and her mother began bickering again and hoped, that they would attract more attention that her.

She wanted to leave this room, her head still hurt, and the room began to spin again. She didn’t listen to the conversations around her when suddenly everyone inhaled sharply. “Ser Criston, bring me the eye of Lucerys Velaryon” Visenya raised her head surely she can’t be serious she thought. What Luke did was terrible, but she couldn’t really demand one of his eyes. Thankfully, the king thought so too and denied his wife this wish. He let everyone know what the punishment would be for questioning the legitimacy of his daughter's children.

Just when Visenya thought that the business was finished the queen attacked her mother with the kings’ dagger. Visenya watched the scene shocked but feared if she stood up her injury would cause her to fall again. “Where is duty? Where is sacrifice?” the queen asked and when Rhaenyra whispered something to her the queen cut her with the dagger. After that it was clear that the family feud had reached a point of no return. Blood had been drawn, not just between the Queen and the Princess but between kin as well. Nothing would ever be the same.
When the Maester was finished stitching up Rhaenyra’s arm and Visenya’s forehead it was already morning. While the Maester stitched up Visenya’s wound she tried her best to not fall asleep even though the stiches hurt, but the Maester had told her to stay awake until he was finished. “You may go to rest now, we will be leaving soon” her mother told her while pulling her into a hug and Visenya just nodded and went to bed, exhausted from the events of the night.

The next time she woke up she didn’t just find out that the King and his children already left, without giving her the chance to say goodbye, she also lost her father. Ser Quarl, her father's loyal friend was supposed to be the one that killed him. Visenya’s world stopped. She would never hear her fathers’ stories again, never listen to his songs and never fly with him again. His funeral was a short affair, Rhaenys and Corlys had just taken their daughter to her grave and lost their son only days later. It was too much for them so Rhaenyra took her children and left Driftmark as soon as she could. Visenya thought that her mother left in such a hurry because she as well couldn’t stand the grief that hung over Driftmark but when they arrived at Dragonstone, she found out that her mother didn’t seem to be sad at all.

Two days after they arrived Visenya had a stepfather. And when Visenya took a closer look at Daemon and how he and her mother looked at each other she finally found the answer to the question she was asking herself for years. She knew now who her father was. And in that moment, she decided that she didn’t care anymore. Laenor had been her father, he would always be her father. She knew her mother didn’t love Laenor, but she never expected her to get married just mere days after his death. Visenya saw that her mother loved Daemon. Still, she could not imagine that she would ever forgive them for this. She was grieving, Baela and Rhaena were grieving and yet, they stood there and celebrated their new union. Visenya starred at Daemon and decided then, she didn’t like him.

Chapter Text

It was late afternoon when Visenya awoke from her nap. She lay in the soft grass atop a blanket close to a cliff on Dragonstone. Aegarax curled around her and spend some warmth. Surely her mother would soon call her for supper, but before she would be busy ordering the servants to search the whole castle for her.

In the past seven years Visenya turned more restless with each day. At fourteen she woke in the early morning hours, unable to sleep again and decided then to take a ride on her dragon. She had been gone the whole day, only returning in the dead of the night.

Her mother had been furious, but the day before Visenya had a fight with her and Daemon and she just had the feeling she could not endure one more day on Dragonstone. She flew around, over to the mainland. Stopping here and there on some open fields or just flew over cities and castles. She eventually returned home when her bag with the food she packed had been emptied and she became hungry.

But since then, she often did this. Sometimes she just flew to the other end of Dragonstone. Sometimes she went further to the Crownlands or to Driftmark. She even flew to the Vale once, where her mother’s kin the Arryn’s resided. Lady Jeyne was a nice but stern woman, but she had welcomed her regardless.

After the wedding of her mother with Daemon, Rhaenyra seemed more content. She was like a dragoness building her lair on Dragonstone, even trying to build a better relationship with her daughter. But their relationship had been strained in Visenya’s childhood and seemed to be something that would never really heal.

And Laenor’s death was something Visenya couldn’t forgive. Her grandmother Rhaenys accused Rhaenyra and Daemon of killing Laenor so they might marry. Visenya thought it was grieve that drove her grandmother to accuse them of something like that. But then Visenya got to know Daemon, when he wanted something, he took it. And Visenya was sure that after his wife’s death, he wanted the bride that he always wanted but was denied by his brother before.

Visenya did not thought that her mother had it in her to conspire to kill Laenor, but she suspected that Rhaenyra knew that Daemon had a hand in it.

The worst thing was that it wasn’t just Rhaenys that believed so, but half the realm thought it to be true as well. Their rushed wedding without the King’s blessing only made the rumors worse and they never went completely silent.

But Rhaenyra and Daemon had built their perfect little world here on Dragonstone. Off from the world and King’s Landing while Visenya always dreamed of leaving. She could not endure it long in the castle. It was either a fight with her mother or Daemon or even Jace that made it impossible for her to stay there. So she fled.

Flying through the realm, dreaming of traveling the Kingdoms she once thought she would rule.

The same year that she had made it to the Vale, her grandmother Princess Rhaenyra held a feat at Driftmark, celebrating her nameday for the first time in years since her children died. Though she didn’t invite Rhaenyra nor Daemon she sent a letter to Dragonstone, telling them that her grandchildren would be welcome at the feast.

Visenya thought she probably did it for Baela and Rhaena and so Visenya begged her mother to allow her to attend, even though she forbade it her children for the slight against her.

She eventually agreed and Visenya arrived on dragonback together with Rhaena, who sat behind her on the saddle and was always excited to fly. Baela had moved to Driftmark the year before to be fostered by her grandmother and Rhaena was happy to see her sister again. Rhaena and Visenya had somehow formed a friendship since Baela left Dragonstone while Baela and Visenya always had a more difficult relationship to each other.

In the past seven years Rhaena had slowly accepted that she would probably never have a dragon on her own. She even accepted that she was not meant to be Vhagar’s rider. But Baela had always agreed with Jace, that the dragon was stolen and Visenya choose the wrong side that night. Visenya had a few fights with Jace after the events on Driftmark, but they never came to an agreement. For him, she was “being green” and she always held it against him, that she could not possibly stand on his side, for she was unconscious because of him. Since then, they never lost another word about that night.

But when Visenya and Rhaena had arrived on Driftmark Baela was surprisingly nice to her so Visenya just enjoyed it before Baela would turn to her usual self. Rhaenys also invited her kin from Storm’s End and that day Visenya got to know the four storms, as the realm called Borros Baratheon’s daughters.

Cassandra was the eldest and one and a half year Visenya’s senior. Maris was the second and about Visenya’s age. Then came Floris, being a bit more than a year younger and last was sweet Ellyn. She was two years younger that Floris. Visenya formed a friendship with all of them and began to visit Storm’s End after the festivities.

Their mother Lady Elenda Baratheon was a warm-hearted woman and welcomed Visenya every time she visited them with open arms. She once told her that she thought it a great mistake that Visenya wasn’t her mother’s heir, as Lord Borros heir was also a girl because she had yet failed to give her husband a son.

That was something that caused Visenya to bond with Cassandra, as Visenya was passed over in favour of her brother and Cassandra just dreaded the day her mother would bring forth a son that would also take away her position.

The sound of another dragon ripped Visenya out of her thoughts and when she sat up, she spotted Arrax landing before them. Luke dismounted his dragon and came to her “Mother is looking for you” “Isn’t she always?” Visenya sighed and lay back down, at which Luke gave her a smug smile “And who's fault is that?” Visenya shrugged her shoulders “Not the slightest plan.” Luke laughed and sat down next to her.

“It’s time for supper, mother ordered me to search for you on dragonback.” Visenya sat up again and looked at Luke. She noticed that something about him was off “What is it, little brother?” she nudged his shoulder with her own and Luke began to tear out the grass in front of him “News from the Stepstones. The fighting continues, Princess Rhaenys once again pleaded her husband to come home but he still refuses” “You’re worried that something might happen to him” Luke nodded “I’m not ready to become Lord of Driftmark. I don’t even want that stupid title. I get seasick before I even board a ship.”

At that Visenya laughed “It’s not funny, Senya” “It is. You are a dragonrider and are still afraid to board a ship, it’s ridiculous.” “It’s not the same” “You’re right. A ship much more dangerous than a dragon” she mocked him. “You become Lord of the Tides then, well or Lady of the Tides” he now sounded like a child.

“But grandfather chose you as his heir” “He only choose me because Jace is mother’s heir. He should have chosen you, at least grandmother likes you” Visenya rolled her eyes at that “She likes you too, and Jace and Joff. She’s just cross with our mother” “as are you.”

Visenya sighed “Luke, we already discussed this. Mother’s and my relationship won’t ever change. That has nothing to do with you nor does it change your relationship with her” “I just don’t get it” “it has always been difficult between us. Don’t waste your time trying to understand it.”

They both sat in silence when suddenly Arrax gave a quiet roar “Has he been fed today?” Visenya asked, raising her eyebrows at her brother’s dragon “In the morning the keepers brought some goats and sheep to the Dragonmont.” Visenya rolled her eyes “You should really stop this. Look at him, he grows slowly” Luke punched her arm playfully “Hey!” “It’s true!” Visenya exclaimed.

“Look at Syrax. She is so spoiled, she barely leaves the Dragonmont and has all her food brought to her. Mother hasn’t ridden her in years and Syrax has barely grown in this time. Aegarax hunts by himself, and he flies free the whole day” Luke turned around and looked at Aegarax.

It was true that due to Visenya’s many flights and the time Aegarax spends flying without being cramped in a pit or the Dragonmont he grew faster than Arrax or Vermax did. He also hunted for himself, and some days disappeared into the sky for hours. Visenya always said that dragons were not made for chains and pits. She read the few books their ancestors brought with them from Valyria and therefor let Aegarax roam free and forbade the Dragonkeepers to feed him because he was supposed to hunt on his own.

Her dragon just retreated to the Dragonmont for the night but spend his days flying around Dragonstone or sleeping somewhere on the Island. In the past seven years he had grown about the same size as Syrax, as the golden Lady of their mother had barely grown thanks to her treatment. “He is much older than Arrax or Vermax. He hatched a day after your birth, Arrax hatched when I was three and Vermax hatched when Jace was the same age” Luke tried to explain but Visenya only scoffed at that. She would bet all her money that Jace had used that as an excuse and Luke just repeated after him.

Just as Arrax began to protest again Luke’s stomach growled as well. “Well, that’s what I call a close bond between dragon and rider” Visenya joked and stood up, clapping her brother on the shoulder “come on, let’s get you both something to eat.”

She went to Aegarax, who let her mount him by sinking low on the ground and stretching out his wing to support her steps. Luke did the same and together they flew back to the Dragonmont. Thankfully, it was connected to the castle so when they dismounted their dragons, they directly went to the dining hall and joined their family.

“We already wondered when you might show up” their mother said when Visenya and Luke arrived “Well, I’m relieved that Luke didn’t starve on our way back” Luke shot her a look and Joffrey laughed at that. When Visenya passed him, she gave him a kiss on the head, and he tried to rub it off with his hand “Senya” he complained and Visenya laughed. He now was in the age where it was embarrassing to talk to girls and being pampered.

“Where have you been? I wanted to practice my Valyrian with you” Joffrey looked to his sister with big eyes while Visenya took a sip from her cup “yesterday you told me you’re big enough to learn on your own now” she scolded him playfully and he pursed his lips. “But you’re a better teacher than the Maester” he pouted. “Then I will practice with you again” she promised him and his eyes lit up “and take my flying?” he asked excited and Visenya giggled “and that too” she said and began to eat.

“But please, not so high and not so fast” her mother said to her and gave Visenya a smile. “But I want to fly fast. Visenya is the fastest” Joffrey exclaimed “not yet. But give us some more years and we will strip Meleys of her title as fastest dragon alive” Visenya said smugly, and Rhaenyra giggled “don’t let your grandmother hear this."

As they ate Daemon made plans for training with the boys and Maester Gerardys entered the hall “Forgive me for the disturbance my Princess, but two ravens arrived today for Princess Visenya.” Visenya turned around in her chair and the Maester gave her to scrolls “Thank you, Maester” “From whom are they?” Rhaenyra asked and Visenya opened them “One is from grandmother. She just wanted to let me know that she prepared everything for my visit to Driftmark. The other one is from Storm’s End, Maris will be celebration her nameday in two weeks. She invited me to attend the feast. May I go?” Rhaenyra nodded “It’s important to uphold relationships with the great houses. And the Baratheon girls are your friends, you may attend the feast and give Maris our best regards.” Visenya nodded, promising her mother she would deliver the regards.

Tomorrow she would be flying to Driftmark to visit her grandmother. After her fathers’ death she send many letters to Rhaenys, as she seemed to be the only person who had shared her grief. That brought them closer together and Rhaenys seemed to have taken Visenya into her heart. She often visited her grandmother and was glad that in Driftmark, she found another sanctuary from Dragonstone.

She loved her family dearly, especially her brothers, but just as she had her difficulties with her mother, she had them with Daemon as well. He always tried to play the father, he once even wanted to teach her how to wield a sword “You are named after a great warrior” he had told her, so in his opinion she should also wield a sword like her namesake.

But just as Visenya had no interest to form a bond with Daemon, she also didn’t want to learn to wield a sword. It just didn’t interest her, and she rather spend her days on dragonback, reading or sometimes going to the small village at the foot of the Dragonmont and listening to the stories the merchants had to tell of their travels. The only lessons Visenya took that had something to do with weapons were her archery lessons. She always liked the calmness about it and the best part of it was that Daemon wasn’t her teacher in this.

Visenya tried her best to avoid Daemon and it seemed as if he did the same with her since she told him that she had neither an interest about him being her teacher nor accepting him as a father. Laenor was and would always be her father even though she wasn’t of his blood. She would accept no one else, surely not the man she thought that took him away from her.

After dinner Visenya prepared everything for her leave the next day and went to the nursery to say goodbye. Little Aegon and Viserys were still playing, their nursemaid watching over them, but it would soon be time to put them to bed and Visenya wanted to leave early in the morning so she would say them goodbye now.

“Seny” Aegon brabbled and Visenya lifted him into her arms “How are you little Egg?” she stoked through his silver hair and held him close to her “playing dragon with Vis” he pointed to the wooden figures that lay on the carpet where he and Viserys were just playing. “Oh? Is this Stormcloud?” she grabbed the toy he held in his hand and inspected it “no, Stormi is much bigger” Aegon giggled.

Visenya gave him the toy back and sat him back on the carpet next to Viserys, where she as well sat down to ruffle Viserys’ hair. He giggled as well and stretched his hands towards his older sister. He still was a bit too young to speak whole sentences and so he just brabbled a few words.

“Dragon, Dragon” Viserys said and pointed to the wooden dragon in Aegon’s hand. Visenya smiled “Yes little one, dragon. Soon your egg will hatch as well” “Egg, Egg” he pointed at Aegon and Visenya laughed “Not that egg” Viserys looked at her with big eyes and then began to laugh as well, even though he probably didn’t understand why they laughed.

Another nursemaid entered the room and bowed “forgive me Princess, but it is time to put the princes to bed” Visenya nodded and gave both her brothers a kiss on the forehead “I will visit my grandmother for a few days, I will be back soon.” Viserys would probably not understand what she told him, but Aegon did “You’re leaving?” “Just for a week. Until you realize I’m gone I’ll already be back.”

Aegon looked sad so Visenya gave him another kiss “You must look after your little brother for me, alright? I would feel much better if I knew that you were watching over him” Aegon crawled to Viserys and hugged him “Very good” Visenya said and stood up, she ruffled their hair one last time and left the room.

When she walked to her chamber, she passed Jace in the hallway “Sister.” Visenya stopped in her tracks and closed her eyes to stop them from rolling “Brother” she said and turned around to Jace. “When will you be leaving?” he asked and came up to her “Tomorrow, very early at dusk. I shall break my fast in Driftmark” “Well, then save travels” her brother said, “Thank you” Visenya nodded and turned to leave.

Her relationship with all her brothers were great, except for Jace. She always saw in him the boy who stole her birthright. He always saw in her the girl that bested him in all things, except for sword fighting. She was fluent in High Valyrian while he still had his problems with the ancient language. She always bested him in their history lessons and sometimes, even in his lessons with Luke.

Their mother had arranged special lessons for her sons, as they would once be great rulers. But Visenya decided to attend them, telling her mother that she would one day, when she would marry, also would have to rule over her husband’s castle. At it would be terribly embarrassing if a Princess had no knowledge of these things. That convinced her mother, but Visenya was sure it was more because she had spoken about marrying. Visenya did actually not really think about getting married. She just said it so her mother would be happy and let her attend the lessons.

Visenya did not really could say why she wanted to attend them. It was probably because she wanted to prove herself and her mother and Jace, that she could be a ruler just as good as Jace. And it was funny to get a rouse out of him. Especially when she bested him at something during the lessons.

He even once ordered her to stay away and accused her that she only attended them so she might embarrass him. To be fair, sometimes she did.

When she reached her chambers and stepped through the door her mother and Daemon were already there, waiting for her. Do I not get a single moment for myself in this wretched castle? She thought and closed the door behind her “Mother, Daemon” she nodded at them.

“Will you say goodbye tomorrow?” her mother came to stand beside her “depends on whether you’re already awake” “so what if we weren’t? Would you leave without a single word?” “Mother” Visenya rolled her eyes and sat down on her bed.

“If it pleases you, I would have said goodbye. But I wouldn’t want to wake you, you need your rest” she pointed at her mother swollen belly. “And Driftmark is not that far away. If I was needed here, I would be back in a heartbeat.” Her mother sat down next to her “will you give Rhaenys our regards?” Visenya nodded “I will. But I can’t promise she wants to hear them” Daemon sighed “She can’t be mad forever” “She thinks you two killed my father, her only son” Visenya said with her eyebrows raised at her stepfather “a lie” Rhaenyra answered.

“Neither I nor you stepfather had any business in Laenor death. You know our marriage wasn’t easy, but I loved him” “I never doubted that you loved him in your own way” Visenya said. What she didn’t say was that she indeed thought that at least Daemon had a hand in her father’s murder. That was something she could never forgive, neither him nor her mother for marrying him and making her look at him every single day.

Visenya tried to change the subject and took her mothers’ hand “I already said my goodbyes to the little ones. I won’t be gone long, maybe a week. Is there anything else you wanted to discuss?” Rhaenyra took Visenya’s hand that held her own in both of her hands and squeezed it slightly “I know you hate that subject. But for years now I can’t save myself from the letters I receive in favour of your hand.” Visenya stiffed “You promised me-” “I know” Rhaenyra nodded, interrupting her daughter.

“You can’t take that away from me as well. Not that! You promised I would get to choose” Visenya pulled her hand out of her mother’s grasp and stood up. Rhaenyra shook her head “no one will be taking that choice away from you, my girl. I just wanted you to know that we should discuss your options when you return. You are seven and ten, the same age I was betrothed to your father. I just wanted you to know…” she looked around in search for the right words.

“Prepare yourself” Daemon said “you are important. These Hightower cunts are always scheming, and we must secure our and especially your mothers’ position” “well, I am lucky that my grandsires, the King and the Seasnake will be having the last word in making my match. Not you.” Daemon gave her a short smile, but his eyes held a murderous glint in them “safe travels” he said and left the room.

Rhaenyra stood up and held her daughter’s shoulders “do you always have to fight him?” she sighed. “As long as he tries to play my father and control my life, yes” Rhaenyra’s grip on Visenya’s shoulders tightened “We are family. We must be a union, despite our differences” she kissed Visenya on the forehead “Be safe my love.”

As Rhaenyra left the room Visenya’s maid entered it, bowing to Rhaenyra and then closing the door.
“Good evening, Princess” “is it truly good, Malika?” Visenya asked and began to loosen the laces on her riding boots and her maid smiled at her “well, considering your visitors I wouldn’t think you would call it that.” Visenya smiled.

Malika has been her maid since she was twelve. She met her on Driftmark, when one of her grandsire’s ships came back from Essos. Malika was hiding between the goods that the ship transported. She came from Volantis and had lost her entire family to sickness when she was thirteen. She lived on the streets for quite some time and before she would have been forced to sell her body, she decided to leave Volantis and secretly boarded some ship she found at the harbor.

She didn’t even know where the ship was headed but she didn’t care at that point. When she was brought before her grandmother after she was discovered Rhaenys gave her work in the kitchens. But Visenya was interested in the girl and especially her tales of Volantis, so she begged her grandmother to let her be in her service.

She agreed and since then Malika was Visenya’s loyal maid, always by her side and keeping her secrets. Malika helped Visenya get out of her riding leathers and into a nightgown, then Visenya sat down at the vanity and Malika began to brush her hair.

“How long will you be gone?” Visenya shrugged her shoulders “Maybe a week. It would be unnecessary for you to follow me. With ship you need a day or two. You could turn back just after your arrival” Visenya turned around and looked Malika in the eyes “or you could still accompany me. On dragonback.”

Malika laughed at that “you convinced me to ride with you two years ago. I stick to my promise, it was the first and the last time” “it wasn’t that bad!” Visenya exclaimed “I thought I would die” Malika laughed. She braided Visenya’s hair to a loose braid and lay her hands on her shoulders “have fun with your grandmother and don’t try to kill yourself because you try a new trick in the sky” Visenya nudged her and went to sit on her bed “Goodnight Malika” “Goodnight Visenya” Malika left the room and Visenya lay down on her soft pillows and drifted to sleep.

Chapter Text

Summer should be over soon. Visenya could feel it in the cold morning air when she returned from her ride. She should really order some new riding leathers that were fit for the cold.

She has been on Driftmark for three days now and was, as every morning, too late for breakfast. She run up the stairs to the dining hall, where Baela and her grandmother were probably already waiting for her.

They sat at a grand wooden table, Rhaenys brooding over letters and Baela sipping on a cup of tea. “How was your ride?” she asked as Visenya sat down “refreshing. Though the next time you fly with Moondancer you should put on some warm clothes” Visenya advised her stepsister.

In the last year Baela had more and more warmed up to her. Visenya thought it may be the time that the two girls spend with Rhaenys that had somehow gotten them closer. The had even snuck away to Spice Town two times while Rhaenys was busy with ruling Driftmark in her husband’s absence.

“Summer is almost over. We all must prepare for winter, hopefully the gods will be merciful with this one and it will be over fast” Rhaenys mumbled, still reading the letter in her hand with a concerning look.

Visenya raised an eyebrow at her “what’s troubling you?” “Vaemond comes back today. He sent a letter ahead to inform me that he wants to speak to me immediately after his return” “You think it’s bad news?” Visenya asked and was referring to Lord Corlys. Recently they got news that he has been wounded in battle on the Stepstones. “I hope not” Rhaenys sighed and put the letter away. “Uncle Vaemond probably wants to make himself important again, you know how he is” Baela tried to reassure Rhaenys who smiled at her granddaughter “you’re probably right.”

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It turned out that Baela was right. Vaemond dared to challenge Luke’s claim as Heir to Driftmark. Visenya balled her hands into fists when Vaemond stood before the Driftwood Throne and claimed himself the Heir of Driftmark. She could not believe the audacity this guy had.

“And which law would make you the heir to Driftmark?” Visenya asked him, she and Baela stood next to her grandmother who sat on the Driftwood Throne. “The succession is settled, it has been for years. Except you want to consider treason or even kinslaying?” she stepped down the steps that led to the Throne, raising her eyebrows at Vaemond.

“My brother may turn a blind eye on this, I will not” Vaemond answered. “I will ensure that Velaryon blood will continue to rule this house.”
“Careful now, good-brother. My cousin the King would take your tongue for that” Rhaenys said. Vaemond gave her a smug grin and left, announcing that he will bring his petition to King’s Landing before the Queen and the Hand, and Visenya felt rage boiling inside her.

After Vaemond left she stormed off to her chambers and packed her belongings in a big bag that she could attach to Aegarax saddle, the clothes would be enough for a few days.

She sat down at her desk and began to write a letter to her mother, telling her of Vaemond’s plan to go to King’s Landing and petition himself to be named Heir to Driftmark. She suggested her mother to sail at once, to defend Luke’s claim by herself. Meanwhile Visenya would make sure that the King will find out about pathetic petition.

“Visenya” her grandmother suddenly stood behind her. “I will leave for the Capital” Visenya said and slipped into her boots. “You are angry. What are you going to do there?” Rhaenys sat down next to her.

“You heard him. It is not a King that rules, but a Queen. Alicent Hightower would take away Luke’s inheritance in a heartbeat. Especially after what happened seven years ago. I need to persuade the King to take this matter into his own hands.” “You should first calm down, otherwise you will do something unwise” “I will calm down once I’m in the sky and see this farce gone. We cannot allow Luke’s title to be stolen.”

Rhaenys lay her hand on Visenya’s arm “I know you love your brother-” “And I know you have your differences with grandsires choice. But grandmother, father accepted Luke as his son and heir, so did grandsire. He is just a boy” Visenya took her grandmother’s hand and gave her a desperate look.

Rhaenys’s eyes cast to the floor “I know” she sighed and stood up. “Baela and I will fly to the capital as well. But first I need to prepare everything for my departure, I can’t leave Driftmark without a leader. We can leave in two, maybe three days” “Then I will see you there” Visenya took her bag.

“You would be alone there. Not a single member of your family to protect you” Rhaenys said, taking Visenya’s hands “wait for us and we will leave together.” Visenya shook her head “I’m not afraid of the Hightower’s. Besides, technically I do have family there.” “Yes, family you haven’t seen for seven years. And the last time you saw them someone lost a body part.” “Well, which family is perfect?” Visenya hugged her grandmother.

“I need to do what I can for Luke. Vaemond was probably in King's Landing before he came here or at least wrote letters to the Hand. This isn’t something that just came into his mind, he has been planning that” she said in her grandmother’s ear.

“I agree, he always reached too high.” Rhaenys pulled away lay her hands on Visenya’s shoulders “I really can’t convince you to stay here? Or at least go home to your mother, she will tell you what to do.” “As soon as she gets my letter she will also go to King’s Landing as fast as she can. She won’t let them take Luke’s inheritance. But maybe I can talk to the King before Vaemond arrives, get this thing out of the world before he can even set his foot in King’s Landing.”

Rhaenys tilted her head and gave Visenya a sad look “None of us have seen the King in years. But I heard his condition has worsened. If the Queen rules in his stead it must be bad, maybe you won’t be able to talk to him.” Rhaenys knew the King loved his granddaughter, but with him sick she had no line of defence there.

Visenya considered her options. Should she wait here? Or really go back to Dragonstone? She shook her head “No. It will take days for you and my mother to arrive King’s Landing, she probably will take a ship, I don’t know if she can fly in her condition. What if Vaemond arrives before you? Do you really think they would wait for my mother to speak on Luke’s behalf?”

“They wouldn’t dare to go this far” Rhaenys said but Visenya huffed “if what you say is true and the King’s condition is that bad, who is there to stop them?” “And you think you can stop them?” Rhaenys still tried to persuade her not to go alone.

“No, of course I couldn’t. But with my presence here they and all the court will know that my mother will come. They must make it an official petition then” Visenya took Rhaenys’s hands and squeezed them “I will go. Nothing will happen to me, I’ll be fine.”

Rhaenys sighed but eventually gave up, she knew she couldn’t convince Visenya to stay here if she didn’t want to, she was too stubborn. “Take care, my girl. They have taken over our keep and the seat of our house” Visenya rolled her eyes, how could it ever come to this? Targaryen’s not welcome in their own castle. She gave her grandmother one last smile and left the castle.

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She went to the beach, searching the sky for her dragon. She heard a familiar screech and looked up, Aegarax was circling over her. Visenya smiled, he landed next to her as if he knew she was looking for him and cooed at her. Visenya lay her hand on his giant snout and he nuzzled her with it. She rolled her eyes big enough to swallow me whole but acting like a puppy she thought and stepped around him.

“You remember King’s Landing? We must go there” she told him as she mounted him. She fastened her bag to his saddle and took the reins. “Let’s go, fly high and fast” she commanded him and he pushed himself off from the ground.

The flight from Driftmark to the Capital wasn’t long. Visenya was glad that she arrived in the late afternoon, not at night. She soon saw the towers of the Red Keep and lay her hand on Aegarax scales. “I’m afraid you have to go back to the Dragonpit during our stay here, I’m sorry" she said to him and guided him to Rhaenys’s Hill. She could not let Aegarax roam free as she did on Dragonstone, the people of the Capital may be used to dragons but that went a bit too far.

Aegarax grumbled under her when he saw the Dragonpit and bent his neck to stare at her. Visenya was sure if he could talk, he would ask her if she was being serious right now.
Sighing Visenya took the reins in her hands and commanded him to the Dragonpit, where they landed in the yard.

As soon as her dragon’s feet hit the ground three Dragonkeepers emerged from the Dragonpit. Aegarax lowered himself to the ground and Visenya loosened her bag from the saddle and climbed from his back. “Princess" one of the keepers greeted her.

Visenya recognized him, he was an older man that leaded their lessons when she was a child, she could swear his name was “Elder Talon” she spoke before she even realized that she said it out loud.

“We weren’t expecting you. No one told us you would be coming here” he mustered Aegarax “Your dragon has grown formidably" “Yes, he likes the freedom of Dragonstone. But I fear here he must remain in the Dragonpit. Please see to it that any chains stay away from him, he hates them” “But Princess, it is dangerous-” “It is only dangerous if you provoke him. By laying him in chains you would do so, so I recommend you just let him rest.”

Elder Talon nodded to the other keepers who commanded Aegarax to go in the pit. He lowered his head to Visenya, who lay her hand on his snout “Go with them and behave. I hope it won’t be for too long” he gave her a soft shove with his snout but then turned around and went to the caves that lay beneath the Dragonpit.

She stood there, unsure what to do now. Visenya felt stupid now, she hadn’t announced her arrival and now she had no clue how she should make it to the castle. ”Shall we arrange an escort for you, Princess?" one of the Keepers asked her as he saw her helpless look and she gave him a grateful smile “that would be perfect, thank you.”

The Dragonkeepers turned away from her and just wanted to go inside the pit when the sound of hooves and wheels stopped their movement.
Visenya turned around and spotted a carriage arriving, flanked by Hightower and Targaryen soldiers and a Kingsguard. When the carriage came to stop, she heard the giggling of children.

The door opened and two silver haired children emerged from it “Take it slowly, please” Visenya knew that voice, even though it had changed in the last few years and when the owner of it stepped out of the carriage a smile formed on her lips “Helaena!”

Visenya went to her aunt who had grown into a beautiful woman since she last saw her on Driftmark. Helaena first looked at Visenya with confusion but as she realised who stood before her, she smiled as well “Visenya, you’re here” she said with a gentle voice.

Visenya came to stop before her, she wanted to hug her aunt but remembered that she didn’t like to be touched when they were children. She stood there with her arms at her side, unsure what to do, until Helaena broke the awkward silence and hugged her.

Visenya sighed relieved immediately hugged her back. “I knew you would come” Helaena whispered her in the ear. Visenya released Helaena and took her hands in her own “You knew?” Helaena nodded.

“You just had to act” Helaena smiled at her and Visenya furrowed her eyebrows. It seemed Helaena still had her moments. Visenya smiled and turned to the children “These are yours?” Helaena nodded and watched her children with loving eyes “Jaehaerys and Jaehaera. Two moons ago was their fourth nameday.”

“Twins, right?” Visenya asked Helaena nodded “Their eggs just hatched two weeks ago. Now they want to visit them in the pit every day.” Just as she said that the keepers brought out two cages. They opened them and two hatchlings appeared.

One was green and had light brown horns and membranes. The other dragon was light grey and had darker accents, almost black. “Shrykos and Morghul. They got the names from some old books.” “Mother come, look at Morghul” Jaehaera called. “Would you like to meet them?” Helaena asked and before Visenya could answer Helaena already took her hand and tugged her behind her to the children.

“Children, I would like you to meet your aunt, Visenya” Jaehaerys smiled at her and waved whereas Jaehaera hid behind her mothers’ skirt. Visenya smiled lightly and looked at Helaena.

She was sure she was far from being their aunt, but she did not complain about it, as it was difficult enough for her to understand what she exactly was to the children. Probably some sort of cousin.

“Hello, little ones. I see you two will be great dragonrider’s one day.” At that Jaehaerys smiled proudly “Shyrkos and I will reign over the skies” “I’m sure you will” Visenya answered laughing.

“Do you have a dragon as well?” Jaehaera asked with a quiet voice and big eyes. “Yes. His name is Aegarax. You just missed him” “Will you show him to me?” Jaehaera seemed to get warm with Visenya and finally stopped hiding behind Helaena.

“Maybe another day. We just had a long flight and he is resting now. But your mother told me you come here every day to visit your dragons. I’m sure we can visit Aegarax tomorrow.” The twins’ eyes gleamed in excitement.

“Come now children, it is soon time for bed. And Visenya is probably tired as well. Let us return to the keep” Helaena guided her children to the carriage Jaehaera took Visenya’s hand “You are coming with us?” “Well, it’s my only way back to the keep.” Jaehaera smiled and pulled Visenya to the carriage.

Visenya turned around to the Dragonkeepers “It seems you don’t need to organize a carriage for me, Elder. But thank you, I will return tomorrow” “We will take care of Aegarax, Princess.” “Thank you” Visenya answered and stopped before she could fall over Jaehaera, who had suddenly stopped.

The girl gasped “You speak Valyrian” “Of course I do, we are Targaryen’s. It is out mother tongue after all” “Will you teach me?” the little girl’s eyes were glued to hers now.

“Don’t you have teachers?” “We do and sometimes we practice with our uncle Aemond, but we are far from being good.” At that Visenya laughed. “You know, when I was a little girl your uncle and I used to practice it together. I’ll teach you some words, ok?” Jaehaera nodded.

They entered the carriage and Jaehaerys looked at Visenya excited “I want to learn too” he exclaimed. “Of course, little princeling” Visenya smiled at him.

The door of the carriage closed behind them and the horses started to move. The soft shaking of the carriage soon caused the children to drift to sleep.

“What are you doing here, Visenya?” Helaena asked. “Vaemond Velaryon wants to be named heir of Driftmark. My grandfather the Seasnake was greatly wounded at the Stepstones and it is uncertain if he will survive. So his brother wants to cast Luke aside and name himself Lord of the Tides.” Helaena gave Visenya a sincere look “I’m sorry about your grandfather.” Visenya smiled sadly at her aunt “Thank you.” Visenya barely knew Lord Corlys as he had spent the last years fighting in the Stepstones. But when she was a child he was always kind to her and her brothers. Even kinder than Rhaenys has been before she got close with Visenya. So Helaena's words warmed her heart.

“How have you been faring at Dragonstone?” “These last few years have been difficult. At first, I thought my mother and I would finally getting closer, but it didn’t work out” Visenya told Helaena, who smiled sadly at her.

Visenya could remember how her mother was different to her after she married Daemon. She seemed happier and tried to give Visenya more attention and asked about her interests, but at that time Visenya was consumed by grieve about the loss of her father.

Later Visenya had an idea what was the reason behind her mother’s behavior. All these years she had yearned for Daemon, unhappy that she could not have him. So she pushed everything that reminded her of him away, including Visenya. But when her mother finally had Daemon again, she wanted Visenya closer as well.

Visenya had asked her mother if she only wanted to get closer to her now because she married Daemon and Rhaenyra had answered her that she wanted a fresh start with her new family.

Visenya then realised that nothing would’ve changed between them if Rhaenyra had not married Daemon. She felt like a doll which was put out to play with when her mother felt happy enough.

Rhaenyra tried but she could not make up for the last ten years and no matter how close she and Visenya seemed to get, in the end they would always end up in a fight. They just couldn’t understand each other and Visenya had the feeling that her mother didn't even tried to understand what was the reason behind their stained relationship.

It was like they ran around in circles and someday, both seemed to have given up on trying.
“But it’s alright. I’m used to it by now, I rather spend my time on dragonback, or I visit my grandmother in Driftmark” Visenya tried to cheer Helaena up.

“You could always visit me, you know?” Helaena took Visenya’s hand in hers. “I would have loved to, but I think my mother wouldn’t have agreed with that. Too much happened and I think our family seems broken beyond repair.” “I do hope that does not contain our friendship” “No, never. I never hated any of you.” Helaena smiled at that.

They drove through the gates at the keep. Visenya noticed that she started to get nervous. She began to play with her fingers felt her heartbeat rising, she hadn’t been here for seven years and Queen Alicent had probably taken over court. Visenya wouldn’t even want to imagine what she had told the court about her mother and her brothers.

“Don’t be nervous” Helaena’s soft voice ripped Visenya out of her thoughts “What?” “You’re nervous. I can see that, but there is no reason. Come, help me with the children” she stood up and took the sleeping Jaehaerys into her arms, Visenya did the same with Jaehaera.

“We should take them to the nursery. I would not want to wake them now” they walked through the halls of the Red Keep and Visenya realized that some things had indeed changed. To be honest, so many things had changed that she barely recognized the keep anymore.

The Valyrian tapestries that once decked the halls were gone and were replaced by others. Many new tapestries showed the seven-pointed star and Visenya knew whose influence that was. Alicent had always worshipped the religion of the Andal’s.

As they arrived at the nursery the nursemaids had taken over the children. “What about Maelor?” Helaena asked one of them. “Asleep, Princess” the nursemaid answered. Helaena turned to Visenya “my other son. He is only one and his egg hasn’t hatched yet, so he is too young to accompany us to the Dragonpit.”

Now that they had taken the children to bed Visenya realized that she had no plan what to do now. “I didn’t announce myself before I came. I was so angry at Vaemond that I just took to the skies and came here.” “Don’t worry, we shall have your old chamber prepared. I will tell one of the maids right away, until it is prepared you can come to my chambers, we can have supper together.” Helaena liked her arm with Visenya’s and guided her to her chamber.

There they met one of Helaena’s maids “My niece has decided to visit us for some time. Have her old rooms prepared and have supper brought to us. Princess Visenya’s belongings are in the carriage that took us to the Dragonpit.”

The maid bowed before them “Do you have any special wishes, Princess?” she asked Visenya “I would like to take a bath after supper. Could you prepare one?” the maid nodded and bowed once again before she left the room.

The two women sat down at a table that stood in the corner of the room. Servants entered and brought them dinner, they began to eat and as soon as they were alone again Visenya felt safe to speak her concerns “Helaena, I need to see the King. As soon as possible, before Vaemond arrives.” “That will be difficult. The last few years had not been kind to him, his health is in a bad condition. He doesn’t leave his bed, so my mother and my grandsire have taken over his duties.”

“That’s what I’m worried about. Neither of them holds any love for my family. I fear only the King can help us.” Helaena looked at her nice, pity lay in her eyes. “Well, the Maester brings my father milk of the poppy, every morning and evening. In the morning when the effect passes, he is in pain but sane. The medicine clouds his mind. If you want to speak to him and want him to actually understand your situation, I recommend you visit him in the morning, very early before the Maester comes and gives him medicine.”

Visenya’s eyes gleamed with gratefulness “Thank you, aunt.” The finished their dinner and Visenya decided to go to her chambers, as they should be prepared by now.

“Visenya” she just wanted to leave the room as her aunt called her back. “The servants have probably already told my mother about your arrival. She is very concerned about the King’s health.” Visenya nodded, understanding what Helaena tried to tell her. She bid her a good night and went to the halls where her family used to reside when they lived here.

She noted the servants’ eyes following her and took Helaena’s warning to heart. Her grandmother had been right, she shouldn’t have come here alone. But one of her weaknesses was that Visenya was hot headed, she always has been, ever since she was a child The blood of the dragon. Restless and chaotic her grandsire used to tell her.

When she arrived at her old chambers she spotted two guards clad in Targaryen armour in front of her door “Good evening, who might you be?” as she spoke to them, she could see they exchanged a look before one of them answered “I’m Godrick, this is Lewis. The Queen sent us to guard your door, Princess.”

They both lowered their heads before Godrick opened the doors for her. Inside three maids were already preparing the bath she had ordered earlier. Whom she didn’t expect to find was the Queen.

Queen Alicent had barely changed in the past seven years. She stood tall in the middle of the room, as always clad in a green dress.

“Princess Visenya” she greeted her “my Queen” Visenya curtsied. “Let me look at you, child. You have grown up” the Queen walked up to her and mustered her. “You’ve grown into a beautiful woman, my dear. I dare say you surpass your mothers’ beauty.” Visenya smiled “You’re too kind, your grace.”

“We were surprised about your visit. No one had sent word to us to announce your arrival.” “I’m afraid that is my fault. It was a rather haste decision, my mother herself didn’t know about it. I sent her word just moment before I took to the skies.” “Oh, you weren’t on Dragonstone?” Visenya shook her hand “No. I was with my grandmother on Driftmark” she gave the Queen one of her best faked smiles.

“Of course” Alicent muttered and sunk her head, Visenya knew that the Queen was now aware of the reason behind her visit. “I shall leave you to your bath now. It has probably been a long day for you, you should rest. Tomorrow we shall break our fast together, I shall send someone to escort you in the morning.”

Visenya knew what that meant. The Queen would do her best to have her watched and prevent her from seeing the King. Without another word the Queen left the chamber and the maids turned to Visenya “your bath is ready, Princess. Your belongings were brought here and were stowed away” one of the maids said to her.

“Thank you, you may leave.” They bowed and left the room. Visenya sighed and began to get rid of her clothes. As she sunk into the hot water, she felt her body began to relax. She closed her eyes and thought about a way to see her grandsire.

Alicent would do everything in her power to prevent her from seeing him. Visenya wasn’t even sure if she would be able to leave her chambers without being escorted by a guard or a maid the whole time.

She may be a Princess, but she was not her mother. As heir her mother held more power than Visenya and could prevent the Queens servants from attending her.

When Visenya thought about her mother she suddenly remembered something. There was a way to see her grandsire without fearing that the Queen would somehow stop her. Visenya began to scrub her skin and washed her hair. After her bath she put on a nightgown and a robe. Then she began to inspect the walls.

She remembered the days she lived here as a child. How many times had she seen her mother vanish from her room and suddenly appearing in another? Visenya could swear she remembered one night where her mother suddenly appeared out of nothing.

She recalled the books she and Aemond used to read as a children. Maegor the Cruel had secret passageways build into the keep, killing every man that had a hand in planning and building them so that no one would ever know where they were. Most people thought it a fairytale. But Visenya knew that her mother had used these tunnels, otherwise she couldn’t possibly just vanish from one room and appear in another.

She walked around the room, inspecting the walls until she stopped before a portrait. It was an old picture, showing two dragons intertwined with each other. The portrait was huge, and as Visenya inspected the frame, she thought that its size could easily pass as a door. She stepped on the toes and on top of the frame she felt it, a small handle.

She smiled and pulled at it. Suddenly the frame opened, she almost tripped into it if she hadn’t been able to catch herself. Visenya couldn’t believe it. Maegor had not only been cruel but mad as well.

She slowly stepped into the passageway but realized that it was far too dark to see anything. On the walls hang many torches, so she grabbed one of them and lighted it at her fireplace. She slipped into a pair of shoes and entered the tunnel again.

First she inspected the other side of the portrait until she found a way to open it from the inside. Then she closed it and turned to explore the tunnels. She walked down a long corridor until there was a crossing, she either had to go left or right.

Visenya tried to imagine a map of the keep in her mind, thinking about what rooms could be on which side. I hope I will find my way back and do not end up in someone else’s chamber she thought and decided to take the left passageway.

On her way some rats and mice passed her and suddenly Visenya heard a voice, or rather a humming. She got closer to the sound and stood before a wall that had a rope to its right. “Sleep again little princeling, it was only a nightmare.” Visenya did not dare to touch the rope, she heard a child sniffle and the voice began to hum again. The nursery must be behind this wall, so she went the wrong side.

She turned around until she reached the crossway again. Visenya took the other way that led to the right side. Once again, she heard voices “She knows, Father. And now Rhaenyra and Daemon know as well, they probably send her ahead to spy on us and try to sway Viserys to their side.” That was the Queens voice, Visenya smiled.

If these were the Queen’s chambers the King’s couldn’t be far away “Do net fret, daughter.” Visenya rolled her eyes, she would recognize that slimy voice out of a thousand Otto Hightower a man with far too much ambition for his standing.

Visenya lingered, they were talking about her and she wanted to know what they planned “Vaemond Velaryon will petition for himself to be named heir of Driftmark. The King will never know of this” we shall see about that one “I, as the Hand, will decide on that matter. If we are lucky the Seasnake will not survive his wounds and the Velaryon fleet under Vaemond will support our course.” Our course? What is he talking about? “There is still Rhaenys. I think Visenya is close to her. Rhaenys would maybe betray Rhaenyra but I’m not sure if she would betray Visenya. She could be a problem.”

“She is nothing but a mere woman. Once the Seasnake is dead she will have no power over House Velaryon” Visenya couldn’t believe her ears here they stand, hoping for my grandfather to die and plotting to steal my brother’s birthright.

“You must keep the Princess at bay, she cannot be allowed to see the King. We cannot risk anything” “How am I supposed to stop her from seeing her grandfather?” “You will think of something, I am sure of it. Once the Velaryon fleet is on our side there is nothing that could stand in our way.” Visenya needed to talk to her grandsire, as soon as possible. She lingered to hear more of the conversation, but the Queen excused herself, saying she wished to retire and Otto left the chamber.

Visenya continued to explore the tunnels until she reached the end of it. There was a rope again and Visenya lay her ear on the cold wall. She could not hear a single noise. She lay the torch on the ground next to her and took a deep breath hopefully this is the right one she began to pull at the rope. At first nothing moved but as she used more strength the resistance lessened and the wall in front of her moved to the side.

When the gap was big enough for her to go through the stood in the dark chamber of the King. The first thing Visenya noticed was the stench. It smelled rotten mixed with sandalwood. There were candles burning, probably an attempt to cover the smell of rotten flesh. Then she heard groans, and a quiet breath. She stepped forward and spotted her grandsires’ beloved model of old Valyria, covered in dust and spiderwebs.

“Who goes there?” a weak and quiet voice asked. Visenya turned to her grandfather and spotted him for the first time in seven years. Tears shot in her eyes. He looked terrible, thin and half his face covered in bandages. What did they do to him?

She had to cover her mouth with her hand to stop herself from sob. The King groaned in pain again and Visenya couldn’t bear it much longer. Quietly she turned around and left the chamber they way she entered it.

When she pulled at the rope and closed the secret door behind her, she leaned against the wall and sunk to the floor. Only then she allowed herself to sob and cry. She knew her grandfather’s health had always been fickle and that he probably wouldn’t live to become as old as the King Jaehaerys. But seeing him like that broke her heart.

What were the Maesters doing to him? After sitting there for some time Visenya stood up and went back to her chamber. Her plan to secretly talk to her grandfather was smashed the moment she saw him. She needed to talk to him, she knew that but tonight wouldn’t be the right time for her.

Seeing him like that had shocked her. Her hopes of talking to him were crushed in one single moment. In her chambers she calmed down and planned to visit her grandfather the next night. And then she would be prepared.

Chapter Text

Visenya groaned and clapped her hands over her face when the curtains in her chamber were pulled aside and sunlight hit her face. Two maids had entered her chamber, one of them standing at the end of her bed.

“Good morning, Princess. The Queen sent us to wake you and help you get dressed. She would like to break her fast with you.” Visenya remembered that the Queen had told her so yesterday and stood up. From the few dresses she brought with her she chose a red gown with a golden belt and neckline, the sleeves opened up past her elbows and fell to the floor.

Visenya sat down at the vanity and looked at the maid behind her trough the mirror who began to brush her hair. Usually it was Malika who styled her hair, using many braids as the women in Essos liked to wear their hair, but the maid was not as talented as Malika so Visenya told her to do a simple hairstyle.

Two braids on each side of her face, holding her hair out of it. They were secured together on the back of her head into another braid, falling down her long silver curls. Visenya put on some earrings and rings and led the maids lead her to the Queens chambers.

Ser Criston Cole was guarding Queen’s apartments at which Visenya lightly stiffened, she didn’t like that man. When she was a child, he had always been rather mean to her and her brothers.

“Ser Criston” Visenya said shortly in a cold tone and he just nodded and mumbled a silent “Princess” and then turned to announce her. The door opened and the Queen already sat at a table. Surprisingly Helaena was there as well, which lightened Visenya’s mood a bit. At least she didn’t have to eat alone with the Queen.

“Good morrow your Grace, Aunt” Visenya bowed. “Princess, come, sit child” Alicent gestured to the table and Visenya sat down. “Did you sleep well?” the Queen asked “Yes, I was terribly tired.”
They began to eat and at first there was an awkward silence between the women.

“So, how long do you plan to stay here?” It seemed the Queen chose to start the interrogation that Visenya knew would come when she came here. “I guess until my mother arrives and then she will decide when the family will return home” “The Princess Rhaenyra is indeed coming to court?” Visenya had to hold back from scoffing, as if the Queen didn’t know her mother would be on her way.

“With all due respect, your Grace. I think we both know that my mother is coming to court and why.” The Queen nodded “very well” she smiled bitterly before she spoke again “but I must say I don’t know when your mother and probably Prince Daemon with her will arrive. Do you know?” “I’m afraid not, my Queen. But I assume they will not waste any time, they should be here in a few days. I’m sure my mother will send a raven to announce her arrival.”

After that the three women sat in silence again until Helaena looked at Visenya “Visenya, after breakfast I will take the children to the gardens before their lessons start. Would you like to join us?” “Please Helaena, the Princess only arrived yesterday and already spent time with your children. I’m sure she has plans of her own as she hasn’t been in court for years now.”

“It’s alright your Grace, I’d love to spend time with you and the children, Helaena.” Somehow Visenya had the impression the Queen didn’t like her to spend time with Helaena and the children.
“You should have seen her with Jaehaera, mother. Visenya has a talent with children” Helaena beamed at Visenya, who smiled at her aunt in return. “Is that so?” Alicent turned to Visenya “you’re fond of children?”

“Who isn’t fond of children? I spend a lot of time on Dragonstone with my youngest brothers, Aegon and Viserys. They are truly sweethearts.” At that Alicent’s mouth formed a thin line. Of course, Visenya thought after mother announced her son shall be named Aegon we received news that the Queen was furious.

“May I ask, where are my uncles? I haven’t seen them for years, I would like to catch up” Visenya quickly changed the subject. “Well, Aemond is probably in the yard, training and Aegon…” the Queen scoffed first but then tried to hide it was a smile “pray tell, where could Aegon be, Helaena?” “How would I know?” Helaena shrugged her shoulders.

Visenya raised her eyebrows. Helaena and Aegon were married but it seemed they did not take a great interest in one another. “Aegon tends to be on his own” the Queen just answered shortly.
Visenya thought about the conversation she overheard last night between the Queen and Otto Hightower. “I would also like to see the King. My grandsire surely needs to be informed about the hearing about his own grandson’s succession.”

At that Alicent movements stopped. “The King is indisposed, I’m afraid.” “Really? Why?” Visenya tested her. She wanted to see how far Alicent would go and what kind of story she would think of to keep Visenya away from the King.

“You surely remember that his health…hasn’t been the best.” Visenya probed her head up her hand and looked at the Queen, feigning worry and interest. “He tasked the Hand and I to take over his duties, as the illness often forces him to stay abed.” “But surely a visit of his beloved granddaughter will soothe his soul?” Visenya asked.

The Queen hummed “I shall talk to the Grand Maester Orwyle. If he says the King is healthy enough, you may visit him with me.” Visenya resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Alicent did not want her to visit her grandsire without her, so she may stop Visenya from telling him the truth.

Visenya leaned back in her chair and emptied her goblet of water. “I would appreciate that, your Grace. Helaena, are you finished?” Helaena, who had been the first one to shove her plate away from her, stood and walked around the table “let us fetch the children.” Visenya stood and nodded to the Queen “With your leave, your Grace” Alicent just nodded, clearly unhappy about Visenya’s questions about the King.
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After Helaena and Visenya fetched the children they strolled through the garden together, Jaehaerys and Jaehaera running around and chasing butterflies. They used their walk to catch up to the last seven years and Visenya was glad that she still enjoyed Helaena’s company as she did when they were children.

Helaena had also introduced Visenya to her youngest son and now Visenya held Maelor in her arms, carrying him around and making faces to get a smile from him.

“You will be a great mother one day” Helaena’s soft voice made Visenya turn her head from the babe in her arms to her aunt, giving her a short smile “well, we shall see about that.” “Of course you’re going to be a great mother, why wouldn’t you?” Helaena’s smiled turned to a worried expression.

“I fear it depends on the father of the children. My mother granted me to choose a husband for myself. But I’m afraid Daemon wants me to get married as soon as possible, to forge a strong alliance for our house. I am worried my mother will not stay true to her word and they wed me to some old Lord.”

Helaena lay her hand on Visenya’s arm, stoking it with her thumb. “Do not worry niece, your marriage shall be bound by blood, not by promises.” Visenya furrowed her eyebrows and gave Helaena a confused look “What does that mean?” “No one can say” Helaena hummed and took in her surroundings, a dreamy look in her eyes.

Visenya had stopped in her tracks at her aunt’s strange words, but as she notices Helaena and the children going ahead, she lifted her skirts with one hand to walk faster and catch up to them.

“How is it like to be married to Aegon?” she asked. “It’s not so bad. I got to stay here at home and he isn’t that bad. Most times he is drunk anyways so I get to live my life and he gets to live his.” “But are you happy? Does he treat you well?” Visenya asked worried. Helaena had always been a gentle soul and Visenya would hate it, if she was unhappy or mistreated.

“He is not cruel if you want to know that. I don’t think he wanted this marriage any more than I did. But we both know we can’t do anything about it anyways, so I think he just adjusts to it in his own way” Helaena looked at her children “he adores the children though. I can’t hold that against him.”

Visenya sighed relieved “that is good.” Helaena and Aegon seemed not to have a strong connection to each other, but at least her aunt made the best of it. And Visenya was also glad for the children that their father seemed to care about them.

“You don’t have to worry about me. I am happy, I have the children and Aegon really isn’t that bad. I also never had to leave my home. Many women have it much worse than me” Helaena said and Visenya nodded “I hope I will also adjust so well to marriage when the time comes.”

Visenya always clawed to the last hope that her grandfathers, or at least the Seasnake as the head of House Velaryon, had the last word in her marriage. But before she left for Driftmark her mother had told her that her time to marry had come and since the Seasnake has been injured she feared for her future.

The past had taught her that her mother’s promise meant little to her and Daemon’s influence on her was big, even if her mother didn’t seem to notice. “I think we must take the children back. It is time for their lessons” Helaena interrupted Visenya’s thoughts.

“What lessons are they attending?” “Jaehaera has fewer lessons that her brother. She just has some education with her Septa, she is too young for stitching. Jaehaerys has begun to practice with a sword, so he must be brought to the training yard.”

“Mother, I don’t want to go to the Septa, she is mean” Jaehaera grabbed her mother’s hand a gave her a pleading look. “I’m afraid you must go. It is not for long” “Then you have to take me, I don’t want to go there alone.”

Visenya snorted, remembering her own lessons with the Septa and how she would run away from her. “Fine, I will take you there. But Jaehaerys need to go to the training yard.” “But I don’t want to go alone as well” Jaehaerys complained.

Helaena looked at her children and Visenya saw how she thought of a solution for this. “I can take him” Visenya offered “if that’s alright with you” she looked at Jaehaerys who nodded excited.
“You don’t have to, the maids can take him there” Helaena looked at the nursemaids that had followed them with some distance. “Nonsense, I will take him there. Then me and this little Princeling will continue our walk together, don’t we?” She held one of her fingers out to Maelor and he took it in his fist, beaming at her.

“Take him to the nursery when you’re finished. You don’t need to look after my children the whole day.” Visenya nodded and called Jaehaerys to her.

Together they wandered back to the castle and to the training yard. Visenya looked around, remembering how she sometimes used to watch her brothers and uncles train when she skipped her lessons and hid from the Septa. The Septa never searched for her there as she could never think a Princess would even think to enter a training yard.

“Do you know to whom you have to go?” She asked Jaehaerys, whose hand was in hers. Her other arm still around Maelor, who had fallen asleep and now snuggled up to her. Jaehaerys looked up to her and nodded “I have a teacher, Ser Morton” “Then we shall take you to him” they walked through the yard and Visenya could feel eyes staring at her.

She hasn’t been in court for ages and with Alicent and Otto acting as King, she could be sure what these people thought of her family on Dragonstone. She tried not to grimace. She hated attention and felt uncomfortable with all the eyes that starred at her.

“There he is” Jaehaerys exclaimed, pointing at a man on the other side of the yard. “Off you go then” Visenya gently patted his back. She was glad she could leave the yard again and escape the looks.

Before Jaehaerys left, he turned around to her “You promised Jaehaera you would show her your dragon. But you will take me with you then, do you?” Visenya smiled “Of course, after your lessons and when your mother allows it.”

Jaehaerys smiled and ran away to a knight that was glad in leather armour, holding a small wooden sword. Visenya watched Jaehaerys take the sword and swung it happily.

Just as she turned to leave, she heard a voice behind her “I heard you were here.” Visenya jumped and stopped herself from letting out a shriek. She turned around and had to look up the see the person behind her.

Aemond stood before her, or more like towered over her, his hands behind his back and his one eye looking at her. On his other eye he was covered with a patch and Visenya felt thrown back to the night on Driftmark.

The scar seemed to have healed and was hidden beneath the leather patch. Visenya wondered how his eye looked beneath it but she would never dare to ask that.

“Aemond. You startled me” she used both hands to adjust Maelor in her arms and gave him a friendly smile. But when Visenya looked him in the eye she immediately noticed that the warmth his eyes held in their childhood was gone and was replaced with a cold look.

They starred at each other in silence and Visenya shifted uncomfortably, her smile fading when she noticed he didn’t seem to be as happy to see her as she was. “How have you been?” she tried to lighten up the situation.

“Well enough. Tell me niece, why are you here?” “Well, I offered Helaena to take Jaehaerys-” “Not here in the yard. The capital” he interrupted her.

Visenya raised an eyebrow and scoffed “as if you do not know. I know we haven’t seen each other for years but I would think you’d still know me well enough to know I’m not stupid” she could swear she saw his lip twitch, suppressing a smile.

“You came without your mother and her brood of bast-” “Aemond!” she interrupted him sharply, looking around if anyone was listening to their conversation. He tilted his head and gave her a false smile “I thought you said you weren’t stupid, dearest niece.”

“I am not but obviously you are. Do you want to lose your tongue as well?” He came closer to her face “careful now” he hissed and Visenya furrowed her eyebrows at his behavior. Why was he so cold to her? She didn’t do anything to him, even defended him seven years ago.

“We have no reason to fight, Aemond” she gave him a sincere look and he tilted his head “indeed we don’t” he answered, his eye still watching her.

“Your mother’s cause will fail, she must know that” he said at which Visenya gave him a disbelieving look “only because your mother and grandfather think themselves to be the King. But the Seasnake chose Luke as his heir and Vaemond Velaryon and his pitiful petition won’t change that” “Mh, I guess we shall see about that.”

With that he turned to leave the training yard “You should remember on whose side I stood, seven years ago” Visenya called after him in High Valyrian.
He stopped in his tracks and turned to her “I am not your enemy, there is no reason to be hostile to me, uncle” Aemond mustered her one last time and left the yard. “Well, that went bad” Visenya muttered into Maelor’s hair.

____________________________

After her encounter with Aemond Visenya brought Maelor back to the nursery. After that she went back to her chambers, telling her guards not to disturb her because she started to get a headache and wanted to lay down a bit. That was a blunt lie, but Visenya felt like her chambers granted her at least some protection from the Queen’s spies.

She wondered why Aemond was acting so cold towards her. They never had a fight, she even spoke in his favour seven years ago. But it seemed that the years had turned him to a cold person and his hatred towards her brothers must have extended to her as well.

Visenya had actually been a bit excited to see him again. She even wrote a letter to him once after her father had dies but he never answered it and Visenya always wondered if he didn’t want to or if his mother didn’t give him the letter.

Visenya only wrote that one letter and after she got no reply she never wrote another. He either didn't want to answer or couldn't because he didn't know of the letter.

Now in her chambers she had made a plan to use the time to explore the tunnels a bit. That was also the reason why she told her guards not to disturb her. She slipped through the portrait again and began to look where the tunnels led her.

Visenya found passageways to the Throne Room, the chamber of the small council and the library, which she intended to memorize. Eventually she found herself in the room that held the skull of Balerion the Black Dread.

When she was a child her grandfather would come here with her, telling her stories about how magnificent his old mount had been. But now the candles that used to light the whole room were cold and covered in dust. Of course, with Queen Alicent holding the power in the Red Keep no one would care to look after it.

She walked around the giant skull and shook her head disapprovingly. She could not believe the disrespect towards her ancestors.

She inspected the walls, if one tunnel led her in here there must surely be another that led to another room. In the corner of the room, she found a small passageway. It was so tight that she had to go sideways and Visenya was now thankful for her small size, as a man could probably not fit through it.

At the end she found a spiral staircase that led her down to an iron gate. She inspected it and saw that a rusty old chain was the only thing that kept it closed.

Visenya furrowed her eyebrows. She could hear voices. Not just from one or two people but many. She unwrapped the chain around the bars and opened the door.

She followed the sound of the voices to a wall that was made of wooden planks. She could see daylight through the gaps between them. Visenya smiled and could not believe it. She had reached the castle walls.

Visenya wondered if the planks could be moved and shook them at which they moved slightly. With a bit more force she would surely be able to get them out of the way.

She widened her eyes at the realization that could just go to the city, and no one would even realize. Visenya smiled, that was a passageway worth to remember. She thought about opening the way now, but she had already spent enough time exploring the tunnels.

She should probably return to her chambers if she did not wish her guards or maids to find them empty. It would be impossible for her to explain how she managed to leave it, when the guards that were posted outside her chambers did not see her leave.

She fought her way back through the tight walls to Balerion’s skull. From there she could easily remember the way back to her chamber. Before she entered it, she leaned her ear against the wall to listen if anyone were in her chambers.

Her feeling had been right because not long after she came back a maid knocked at her door. When Visenya bid her to enter she recognized a small girl that she had seen in Helaena’s chamber before. Visenya remembered that Helaena called her Dyana.

“Princess” she bowed “Princess Helaena asked me to fetch you, she said she and her children would like to go to the Dragonpit.” Visenya nodded “Of course, just a moment. I need to change into my riding leathers.” Dyana bowed “do you need help, Princess?” “No, it's alright. Please tell Princess Helaena I shall meet her at the gates.”

Visenya had already begun to loosen the laces of her dress and quickly changed into black leather pants and a leather tunic that reached to her knees. It was black with red ornaments that looked like dragon scales. She pulled her hair back into a thick braid and slipped into flat leather boots.

As she went to the yard she saw a girl there, staring at her when she walked down the stairs. The girl, a maid, approached her “Princess, forgive me. But I was sent to deliver this to you” she handed her a tiny scroll and when Visenya took it she saw her mother seal.

Visenya wondered if the maid belonged to the Queen or if her mother still had some servants in the castle that were loyal to her.

The maid bowed again and left her. Visenya turned the scroll around in her hands and wondered if Otto Hightower had read the message her mother had send her.

The sound of laughing children caused Visenya to look up. She saw Helaena with her children, waiting for her. Visenya decided that her mother could wait, the content of the letter was probably a scolding either way, so she tucked the message into one of her boots and went to see her aunt.

Just as she stepped around the carriage, she realized the Helaena wasn’t alone with her children. “Uncle” Visenya spoke and Aegon, who had just talked to Jaehaerys turned to look at her. “My, my, how you have grown niece” he grinned at her.

“I heard you were here. I must say I am a bit disappointed that it did not occur to you that you should have greeted your uncle” “I was not aware you would much care about my visit” Visenya answered and Aegon laughed. “I care about every visit. Court is dreadfully boring, I must admit.”

“Yes, it seemed brighter in my memory. But that was when the King was healthy enough to attend it” Visenya admitted. “Yeah, maybe for you. I was lucky when he even remembered to speak to me” Aegon said and Visenya felt a pang of guilt in her.

It was true, in her childhood her grandsire always had time for her or her brothers but somehow, she never saw him with his sons.

The only other child besides Rhaenyra that sometimes was by his side was Helaena. Even when one of his sons lost an eye he stood on his firstborn’s side.

After her years on Dragonstone Visenya could understand how it was to be neglected by a parent. As a child she never bothered to understand Aegon’s behavior, but now she could understand him.

Visenya opened her mouth to speak but Aegon just waved his hand “don’t bother. I got used to it.”

Visenya nervously played with the laces that tightened the sleeves at her wrist and looked to Helaena, who seemed to find the situation just as uncomfortably as Visenya. “We shall head to the Dragonpit. The children would like to see their dragons.” “And Visenya’s’” Jaehaera exclaimed. “Have fun” Aegon patted his children’s heads and headed to the castle.

The ride to the Dragonpit was silent. Visenya decided to open one of the windows the carriage had and watched the streets of Kings Landing. The streets were filled with people watching them as they rode through the streets.

As Visenya took a closer look she could not only see the people that worked and sold their goods but also those that lingered at the corners, thin and clothed in nothing but rags. The most shocking thing were three children, thin as if the hadn’t eaten in weeks.

Visenya watched as they sneaked up to a woman that sold bread and how they managed to steal a loaf from her. The woman yelled after them, but the children had already run off.
Shocked Visenya closed the small window again,

When she was a child and they went to the Dragonpit she always liked to watch the common people, but during her grandfather’s reign they never seemed to be in such bad condition.
He always spoke about his grandmother, the Good Queen Alysanne and how she cared about the people. Viserys always told her how important it was, that a ruler should care about all his people, not just the Lords sworn to them.

But what shocked Visenya the most was the condition of the children. She looked at the twins and thought of her little brothers. She couldn’t endure the thought of something like this happening to them.

The rest ride was silent, except for the children's excited chattering about their dragons and when they arrived the children jumped out to meet them.

Helaena and Visenya followed them, in the yard one of the Elder came to Visenya “Princess. Aegarax has been restless since he arrived” “He is used to freedom. On Dragonstone he can roam free, here he is locked up in the Pit. Give him some time to adjust, maybe just let him fly for a few hours.”
The Elders’ eyes widened “But Princess, we cannot allow a dragon to roam over the city” “Why not? It’s not like the people aren’t used to dragons. Besides, Aegarax knows how to behave, he does not attack people without reason” as she spoke, she could already hear her boy screeching from inside the pit.

Since she left him in the Dragonpit she felt guilty because she knew he wouldn’t adjust there.

She heard her dragon approach at which Helaena looked at her children “children, come here” she called the twins and took them by their hands. Aegarax stepped into the daylight and went straight to Visenya.

He lowered his head to her and blowed hot air and ashes into her face. Visenya laughed “I see you are not happy with me.” Her dragon’s golden eyes watched her and he cooed at her as he stretched out his wings. Visenya looked to Helaena and waved her hand at her, signing her to come over her to her.

“You may approach. He won’t do anything, I swear” Visenya lay her hand on Aegarax snout and gave him a stern look “These children would like to meet you. Behave.”

Helaena came to stand beside Visenya, her children hiding behind her. “He has grown so much. How did you do that?” she asked amazed and looked up to the dragon. “Well, he isn’t locked up in a Dragonpit. He flies the whole day and hunts for his food instead of getting it brought to him. The Dragonkeepers and I think that and riding him daily causes him to grow faster.”

Visenya’s gaze wandered to the twins, stretching out her hand to them “Come here, I swear no harm will come to you.” Slowly Jaehaerys came closer and Jaehaera followed her brother. When they stood beside her Visenya crouched down to their height and took their hands in hers.

She stretched them out and Aegarax slowly lowered his snout to them. Jaehaera giggled “He’s so warm” Visenya smiled “he is.” “Do you fly him often?” Jaehaerys asked with beaming eyes. “Every day” “are you flying now?” Jaehaera asked excited. “Yes. He needs some freedom” Visenya sighed, looking at her dragon.

“I wonder when we will be able to ride our dragons” Jaehaerys mumbled and Visenya laughed at that “don’t worry sweet boy. You will soar the skies soon enough.” Visenya ruffled his hair and went to Aegarax side.

“You better take a few steps back” she said over her shoulder as she climbed atop of him. “I shall take my time. You do not need to wait for me, Helaena.”
Helaena, holding her children by their hands again nodded “Have fun, niece. I shall arrange someone to pick you up” with that Visenya leaned forward in her saddle “Soves” she commanded and Aegarax stretched his wings and pushed himself off the ground.

Chapter Text

The sun had almost disappeared behind the hills when Visenya returned to the Dragonpit. Just as Helaena promised a carriage was waiting for her to take her back to the Keep. She smiled excusing at the guards that had to wait for and stepped into the carriage.

Back in the castle she had dinner in her chambers and sunk into the hot water of the bath she had ordered. She leaned back and then rolled her mother’s letter in her hands, opening in with a sigh.

Visenya,

We will depart for the capital in two days’ time. You should have come to Dragonstone as soon as Vaemond brought forth his petition before your grandmother, so we could have travelled together as a family. It is important that we stand united against this farce. I ask of you to stay put and not to do anything that may endanger your brothers position as rightful heir to Driftmark. Beware of your words, you are in a nest of vipers. Do not say or do anything rash, our position as family must be undoubtable.
Your Mother

Rhaenyra Targaryen Princess of Dragonstone

Visenya scoffed. As if she would ever do something that could endanger Luke’s position. That her mother would even expect such a thing just showed Visenya how little she knew of her.

After her bath she slipped into a nightgown and waited until the maids finished their cleaning and left. She decided that it was worth another try to speak to her grandfather.

Visenya put over a robe and slipped into shoes and entered the secret passageways, walking down the dark halls to the King’s chambers.

When she entered it a rotten smell once again rose to her nose. She tightened her robe around her and straightened her back. Slowly she went to her grandfather’s bed, first standing at the end of it and watched him.

He seemed to be asleep, but Visenya would not call it a peaceful sleep. He seemed to suffer even in his sleep as his face showed signs of pain and his breath was shallow.

She felt sad at his condition again but she knew she could not shrink back this time. She came here to talk to him and she could not face Luke when he came here and she didn't even try to defend his birthright.

Visenya stepped to the side of the bed and watched him when he opened his eye “who goes there?” his voice was weak and he rubbed with his hand over his face. “It’s me, Visenya. Your granddaughter my King” she gently sat down at his side and took his hand.

“Visenya…Visenya, my girl” he wheezed and groaned in pain. He looked at her again and blinked a few times “Rhaenyra, my child” he smiled lightly and Visenya shook her head, her brows furrowed in confusion.

“No. It’s me, Visenya. Don’t you recognize me, grandfather?” Viserys looked at her face and his smile grew “Visenya, look at you child. You have grown” his mind seemed to clear up a bit. “What are you doing here?” he asked confused and Visenya thought how she could approach the topic.

“There was an incident. The Seasnake was wounded in the Stepstones” she started. “His brother Vaemond wants to be named his heir. He plans to take away Luke’s birthright.” There was no point in beating around the bush. Visenya needed to use every second she could get with him.

“Luke?” Viserys looked at her confused before he shook his head “no…this is not right.” Visenya nodded in agreement “it’s not. Luke is father’s second son. Lord Corlys named him his heir.”

At that Viserys looked even more confused “no, your brother Jacaerys in Laenor’s heir. He is the second born.” At that Visenya stiffened. She cleared her throat and shook her head “Jace is mother’s heir, he can’t be Lord of Driftmark” she explained him.

“No” Viserys groaned and coughed “you are her firstborn. Corlys and I agreed that the firstborn is the heir.” Visenya shook her head “mother chose Jace as her heir seven years ago. But we must defend Luke’s birthright” she tried to change the subject back to Driftmark.

Viserys’s other hand lay over Visenya’s and he squeezed them “no, it must be you. Your mother and then you, the prince…he must come from your blood.” Visenya looked at him in confusion. What was he talking about?

“The prince?” she asked and his hand tightened around hers “yes, the prince that was promised. Aegon’s dream.” His voice was weak and he coughed between his sentences.

“Aegon? Your son?” Visenya’s brows furrowed in confusion. “The Conqueror. His dream to save the world. Ask your mother about it” “No” Visenya’s grip around his hands tightened.
“She won’t tell me anything, she wants Jace as heir. But Luke-“ “tell her I told you” he interrupted her and coughed again.

“I don’t even know what you’re telling me” Visenya felt despair grow in her. He didn’t want to listen about Luke and now he told her this strange thing. She was scared his mind will soon slip away again.

“Aegon dreamed, like…like Daenys” he said. “A dragondream?” Visenya read about Daenys a lot of time, every Targaryen knew the story how their ancestors escaped the doom. “Yes. He conquered because of his dream. A Targaryen must protect the realm, the prince that was promised is the one.”

Visenya listened to her grandfather and tilted her head. Aegon the Conqueror was a dragondreamer? She didn’t think there was another besides Daenys, except maybe Helaena.

Visenya already suspected it when she was a child and when Helaena told her she knew she would come to King’s Landing it only confirmed her suspicion. But Helaena often did not seem to know what she dreamed about.

But Aegon? None of the books or scrolls on Dragonstone contained any information about this and Visenya read a lot of those in the past years.

“Why are you telling me?” she asked him and he looked at her again. “Every heir knows. It’s passed down, your mother knows as well. Ask her about the Song of Ice and Fire.”
“The Song of Ice and Fire? What is that?” He closed his eye again and groaned in pain “Aegon’s dream…” he only said weakly.

Visenya could see how his mind slipped away. She looked around the chamber in confusion. What was she to do with this information? Should she tell her mother? Did he even know what he was telling her?

She remembered the reason why she came here “But what about Driftmark? It can’t pass to Vaemond” “His dream…” Viserys only stuttered.

Visenya sighed disappointed, the sickness and the medicine had clouded his mind again. She stoked his hand with her thumb until she was certain he fell asleep again. Maybe she could try again tomorrow. She rose from the bed and slipped back into Maegor’s tunnels.

________________________________

She wondered if there were any books on Dragonstone that she hadn’t read that could help her. Aegon the Conqueror a dreamer? She stopped before the portrait that led to her room but didn’t enter it. Maybe she could find some information elsewhere.

She followed the hallway. In her head she tried to memorize a map of the keep until she thought she could be at the right spot. She searched the wall for an exit and found a wall that could be shoved to the side. She pulled her strength together and shoved it to the side.

Something soft was in her way and she realised she stood behind a tapestry. As she stepped around it, she found herself in a hallway. Visenya sighed frustrated. She must have taken a wrong turn somewhere in the tunnels.

She had wanted to go to the library but now she found herself alone in a dark hallway. Luckily, she hadn’t been that wrong and the library was not that far away. She snuck to the grand wooden door that led to it and entered it.

In the moonlight she searched the shelves for a book about the Conqueror until she turned a corner and spotted a table that was lid with a single candle. Visenya looked around. No one sat on the table, and she hadn’t seen anyone when she entered the library. Had someone been here the entire time?

She felt uncomfortable at the thought that someone was here with her and she didn’t notice it. She tried to listen if she could hear someone but all that she got was silence.

She inspected the open book that lay on the table, it was a history book about Old Valyria. Her fingers traced the page and Visenya read the words about the old Dragonlords. The stories of her ancestors always caught her interest “are you done snooping around?”

Visenya jumped and when she turned around, she knocked the candle off the table and the light died when it hit the ground. The moonlight was the only source of light now and Visenya had to blink a few times to get her eyes used to the darkness again.

When her sight had adjusted to the darkness, she recognized Aemond in front of her. Frightened she clutched her hand to her chest “do you always have to sneak up on me?” she was angry that he had managed it first in the training yard and now here to come near her without making a single noise.

“It seems I’m not the only one who is sneaking around. Shouldn’t you be abed?” “Shouldn’t you know how to properly address someone, instead of scaring them to death?” He stepped closer, smirking “do net tell me my dearest niece is scared of her uncle.”

“Well, I wouldn’t be if you wouldn’t move like a fucking ghost” she felt her heartbeat slow down and leaned back against the table, crossing her arms in front of her. “Is that the language you get taught at Dragonstone? That is unbecoming for a princess.” She scoffed and rolled her eyes “as if you would care. What are you doing here anyways?”

His right arm sneaked past her and closed the book on the table “reading. As you should’ve already found out. And what are you doing here at this ungodly hour?” he asked and Visenya tensed, what was she supposed to tell him?

She couldn’t tell him that she searched for a book that could tell her if Aegon the Conqueror was a dreamer. He would surely laugh at her but not before he would ask how she got the idea and then she would have to tell him about the tunnels.

“I had trouble finding sleep. I thought a book may help” she answered and hoped he wouldn’t catch the lie. He tilted his head, and her hopes were destroyed. He knows I’m lying Visenya thought but raised her chin and looked him in the eye regardless.

“What kept you from sleeping?” he asked and Visenya furrowed her brows “do you ask because you care or because you’re trying to be polite?”

“What does it matter? You can also leave, or we could go to the Maesters and get you something that will help you sleep. Or you could just tell me.” At that she narrowed her eyes at him.

Was he trying to blackmail her? She couldn’t go to the Maesters because she then she would have to explain how she was able to leave her chambers without passing her guards. So she chose the other option, and thought of something she could tell him that haunted her thoughts.

She didn’t have to think long to find an excuse that he should believe, it was not a complete lie after all.

“Maybe it is the prospect of my little brother being robbed of his inheritance. I can imagine my mother must be furious” she gave him a false smile which she was not sure if he could really see it in the dark room.

“Ah, I see. My half-sister does not like the thought that something does not go the way she likes it. Why did you come on your own and not with her?” Aemond sat down on the chair and lifted his legs to the table. Visenya watched him in awe, she had to be careful about what she told him.

“I wasn’t home on Dragonstone. I was at Driftmark, visiting my grandmother when Vaemond brought forth his ridiculous petition.” “Which is pretty valid, I must admit” Aemond leaned back and clasped his hands in front of him.

“Corlys Velaryon chose Luke as his heir. Vaemond can go fuck himself” Visenya watched Aemond as he sat there, his head in his neck, watching the ceiling as if the conversation bored him. “And yet, he is the rightful heir. Everyone knows why” he hummed and Visenya shook her head “is it always coming back to this?”

Aemond’s eye wandered to her “when we were children you already knew the truth. Has playing happy family on Dragonstone turned you into a fool? Or do you choose to be just as blind as my father?” Visenya felt anger rose on her. How dare he? As if he knew anything about her life on Dragonstone.

Abruptly she pushed herself away from the table and began pacing “playing happy family? As if you knew anything about my life on Dragonstone. It is far from being a happy family as you say it, always fighting with my mother and Jace and then living under the same roof with the man who had a hand in my father's-“ she stopped herself, but he already knew what she wanted to say.

She looked at Aemond and he smirked “so you believe it as well.” She could smack herself for her rambling.

He rose from the chair “my mother tried to persuade my father to disinherit your mother because it was obvious what happened to Laenor Velaryon. And then that rushed marriage with Daemon, truly a scandal.”

Visenya felt a burning behind her eyes at the thought of her father’s death. She walked to the window and looked over the lights of the city, trying not to think about her father. She refused to let him see her tears.

“It doesn’t matter what I think. My father is dead and he was the only one left on my side. The last seven years were a constant fight, far from a happy family.” “And yet you defend them to the blood.”

Visenya turned around “I am defending Luke. He is just a boy and innocent in all this. He doesn’t deserve any of this.” “Just a boy? Innocent?” Aemond snapped. He strode to Visenya and when she tried to step away, he grabbed her arm and held her against the window. He teared down his eyepatch and revealed the scar that lay underneath.

Visenya inhaled sharply at the sight of it. It wasn’t just a scar that was hidden behind the patch. Where his lilac eye had once been a sapphire had been placed into the empty socket of his eye. “Look at me and see what your innocent boy of a brother did” Visenya felt guilt in her.

She would never forget that horrible night. Her gaze wandered to the floor, but Aemond grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him again. “Do not dare to look away.” Visenya’s lip trembled “I am sorry. You must know that Aemond. I know you had been wronged that night. Claiming a dragon was your birthright, even when you could have done it a better time-” Aemond opened his mouth to interrupt her, but Visenya was faster “It was a bad timing. Even you must admit that. Luke did something that can never be repaid, but he is my little brother. Regardless of what he did I will always love and defend him.”

His grip on her chin tightened “right. It can never be repaid, nor was he ever punished for it. I will never stand to see him get away with your mother’s sins just as he got away with taking my eye.”

Visenya nodded, as far as his grip allowed her to, and raised her hand to grab the wrist of his hand that held her chin. “Would you unhand me?” he let her go but did not step away, so she was still trapped between him and the window. Visenya then realised how close they stood, too close. She had trapped herself in a dangerous position.

She was alone with her uncle in the library in the middle of the night, wearing nothing but a nightgown and a robe. She crossed her arms in front of her, tightening the robe around her.

“This…” she searched for the right words “…is highly inappropriate. I should head back to my chambers.” “You are free to go, if it pleases you” Aemond answered. Visenya wanted to leave but couldn’t tear her eyes of the sapphire she first refused to look at.

She took a deep breath and finally managed to pull herself together. She stepped to the side and took two steps away from him but stopped “my family will arrive here in a few days. I will tell my brothers, especially Luke, to stay away from you. I would be glad if you would do the same.”

She heard him behind her and felt his hand on her arm again. She felt him standing right behind her and he leaned down to her ear, his lips almost touching it “you and I never had any differences. This does not count for your Strong brothers, do not think my restraint towards you will include them” he let go of her arm and she left the library.

________________________________

A knock on her door woke her up. Visenya turned around sighed. After she sneaked back to her chambers through the tunnels she starred at her ceiling for hours before sleep finally took over her. She was exhausted even though she had just woken up.

“Enter” she said and one of the maids entered her chamber. They prepared her for the morning and brought a tray with breakfast for her.

After eating it Visenya slipped into a dark purple gown with a golden belt. The sleeves were cut open from her shoulder to her wrists, where they were held together again by golden cuffs.

As she sat in front of the vanity, she mustered herself in the mirror. The memory of Aemond’s stolen eye haunted her and her eyes flew to her forehead, where a thin scar disappeared in her hairline. The rock Jace threw at her had left its mark, just as Luke’s dagger did on Aemond and the King’s dagger did on her mother that night.

As Visenya walked through the halls of Maegor’s Holdfast she heard the heavy steps of someone who was wearing armour. She turned to corner and spotted Ser Harrold Westerling.
She remembered the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard from her childhood and knew he always had a soft spot for her mother, including her children.

Visenya saw her chance to act upon an idea that came to her when she went to the Dragonpit yesterday. “Ser Harrold” he stopped in his tracks at the sound of her voice.

When he saw his lips turned into a smile and he bowed his head “Princess. I heard you were here. Last time I saw you, you were just a little girl, always hiding from her Septa.”

Visenya smiled “Yes, I never enjoyed her company, luckily she doesn't teach me anymore. I was wondering if you, as Lord Commander could do me a favor?” she walked up to him and clasped her hands. “Well, if it’s in my power I would be glad to help you.” “I would like to go to the city.”

He raised his eyebrows “to the city? May I ask why, Princess?” Visenya looked around, checking of someone was around that could be listening to the conversation. When she saw no one, she explained her plan to Ser Harrold “yesterday when I went to the Dragonpit with Princess Helaena I watched the people in the city. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. I saw people and children, so thin you could think they were close to starving. I remember when I was a child and the King was in the condition to rule, he always took care of the smallfolk.”

Ser Harrold lowered his head and pressed his lips to a thin line “The Lord Hand takes other matters more seriously than the problems of the Smallfolk. He sometimes let them have leftovers, but only when one of the princes is celebrating his nameday.” Visenya scoffed “of course, so that the people will see them as noble Princes that care about them.”

Ser Harrold didn’t answer, clearly uncomfortable talking about that topic. Visenya understood him, he was the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, he could not say anything about the royal family. “Be it as it may. I would like to visit the people, maybe an orphanage. The Smallfolk should know that some of the royal family actually care about them, and not just on namedays.”

“I cannot say that I am thrilled to let you go to the city, my Princess” he looked uncomfortable with the idea. “I won’t get in any danger, Ser. As I said, I just want to visit an orphanage. I will listen to my guards and leave immediately when they tell me so. It’s not like I want to wander in the depths of Flea Bottom.”

Ser Harrold hesitated and thought about Visenya’s proposition until he eventually nodded “very well. I will arrange an escort. The Queen-” “No.” she interrupted him and gave him a smile “the Queen does not need to know. As far as I remember you are sworn to the King and his family. I can make my own choices, the Queen is surely busy with more important matters. I want a small escort, nothing too big. Just two or three knights, as fast as you can arrange them.”

Ser Harrold smiled “I was just on my way to the white sword tower. I will have an escort waiting for you in the courtyard in an hour Princess.” Visenya smiled “Thank you, Lord Commander.” Visenya walked back to her chambers, smiling.

She hoped that in the time she had to wait the Queen wouldn’t find out about her plan. She surely would forbid her to go to the city, seeing a plan behind her visit. When the Hightower’s didn’t care about the people of the city, they would probably not be very popular among them.

Visenya wanted to find out as much as possible about what happened in the last years in the capital. Malika always told her to never underestimate the smallfolk and even in Dragonstone she heard tales about the White Worm and her network of spies.

She wouldn’t find out any information in an orphanage, but she had to start somewhere and nothing warmed the hearts of people more than feeding poor children.
And it was not like Visenya only wanted to do this because of her own interests. She did indeed feel pity for the people and always had a soft spot for children so that would kill two birds with one stone.

Maybe she could not only get some information but change something for them as well.

Chapter Text

Visenya left her chambers after putting over a dark cloak and packing a small bag. In it she put some money she held in her own vault. Some of the money was still from her childhood, when her father had showered her with gifts from Driftmark.

She never spent it as she never needed to and over the past years, she had gotten more nameday gifts and now she held a certain amount of money in her own vault.

As a child she loved to collect money. She always dreamed about leaving Dragonstone and travel the world with her dragon and for that she needed the money. As she grew older, she realized that this was nothing but a child’s fantasy and that her dreams were ridiculous.
She left her chambers and quickly went down to the courtyard.

A carriage was already waiting for her, as well as two guards in Targaryen armour and one Kingsguard. As Visenya approached them the Kingsguard bowed his head “Princess, we are your escort.”

Visenya knew the man, she had heard about the twin brothers that had joined the Kingsguard, and she had seen this man together with his twin in the last days here. She just couldn’t say which one he was “forgive me, are you Ser Erryk or Ser Arryk?” He smiled at that.

“I’m Erryk, your Highness” “Very well, should we go then?” Visenya stepped into the carriage, hoping to leave the keep as fast as possible. She nervously played with her fingers and did not calm down until they passed the gates of the Red Keep and entered the city, and she was safe to say that the Queen did not know of her little trip.

She would surely stop her and Visenya could not imagine what she would accuse her off. She would have to face the Queen sooner or later about this anyway because it wouldn’t stay a secret. Nothing stayed secret in the Red Keep and Visenya knew that the Queen would wait for her when she returns from the city.

Ser Erryk told her that Ser Harrold had strictly forbidden him to take Visenya to Flea Bottom so they decided that Visenya would go to an orphanage that was close to Flea Bottom. That’s where Visenya thought her money would help the most.

She did what Ser Erryk had told her for he seemed very nice and Visenya didn’t want to get him in trouble.

The carriage stopped and the door opened “we are here, Princess” one of her guards said and Visenya stepped out into the daylight and looked around.

The people were watching her with awe and whispered. Visenya straitened her back and smiled “Good day” she nodded at them and went to the orphanage. Her guards turned to follow her, but Visenya raised her hand “this is an orphanage. I’m sure you can guard out here.”

They looked not very convinced and she gave them a stern look “it’s an order from your Princess” with that she continued to walk towards the building. Above its gates hang a seven-pointed star and Visenya resisted the urge to grimace. She never understood that religion.

When she entered the building she stood in a small yard, filled with children. As the saw her they turned silent and looked at her. A Septa approached her and bowed “Forgive me. We weren’t expecting a visitor.” “Do not worry, it was me that did not announce myself.”

The Septa eyed her “Is there anything I can do to help you-” she mustered Visenya and then Visenya realized that the Septa did not know who she was talking to. Of course, how should she know how she or maybe Helaena looked like?

“I’m Princess Visenya Velaryon. And I think it is I who can help you.” The Septa looked at her helpless before she bowed “Princess, forgive me. It is an honour to receive you.” Visenya’s eye flew to the children.

Their condition was bad, there were thin and dirty, some barely clothed in proper clothes. Visenya felt a pang in her heart. When she looked at these children she imagined her little brothers, alone and hungry, forgotten by the world.

“Tell me, is it like that in the whole city?” Visenya asked and the Septa followed her gaze “I’m afraid so. Some of the orphanages that are located closer to the Red Keep are luckier than us. But here and in Flea Bottom there is little hope for these children.”

Visenya approached the children, at first they shrank away from her, until a little girl tucked at her cloak “Are you a Princess?” she asked with big eyes.

The Septa widened her eyes and attempted to pull the girl away “do not touch the Princess-” “It’s alright” Visenya interrupted her and smiled at the girl. “I am. My name is Visenya. Who are you?” “Tilly. Are you named like the Queen Visenya?” “Yes, she was my namesake.” Visenya sat down at a small wall that surrounded the yard.

“Do you fly a dragon?” a boy asked with big eyes. “Yes” Visenya laughed “I just flew over the city yesterday. Maybe you saw us? He is black and golden” “I saw a black dragon!” a girl exclaimed.

The ice between them seemed to be broken as the children flocked around her and asked her questions, about dragons and flying where she had flown.

Visenya talked to them for almost two hours, asking them questions about their families and what they knew of the other citizens of the capital. In exchange they wanted to hear stories of where she had travelled with her dragon.

She found out from the children that most of the people did not care about the royals in the keep. Some scoffed upon them for their lifestyle while the people in the city were forgotten since the King’s sickness.

But what was most important to the people was that they lived in peace. They were happy that there was no war they could lose their families to.
Visenya just told a story about the Vale when another Septa entered the yard “it is time for your meals, children” she called them. At first, they did not want to leave Visenya and her stories about dragons, but she send them to their Septa.

When all the children were inside Visenya approached the Septa that welcomed her. “What is your name?” she asked “I’m Septa Berella” “These children, they need clothes and food and maybe some toys. Anything else you can think of?” Visenya asked.

“Well, we would be in need of a few new beds. Some children have to share their beds with two or three others. But I’m afraid we cannot afford it.” Visenya fished after the little leather bag that contained some of her money and gave it to Septa Berella.

“This should be enough for the start. Would you be so kind and share it with other orphanages? I’m afraid my guards do not wish to see me in Flea Bottom, but I know they could also use the help.”

The Septa looked into the bag and inhaled “Princess, we cannot accept that” “You can, and you will. Buy everything you need for these children. And as I said, share it” she gave the Septa a sharp look.

“Of course I will, this is more than enough to support a few other orphanages” the Septa looked at the money with big eyes “may the seven shine above you, Princess” she said and Visenya smiled stiffly and nodded. The woman does not need to know that Visenya did not really like the thought of that.

“I will find a way to stay in contact with you. If you or anyone else should be in need of something, be it money or clothes or food, tell me.” The Septa nodded, still starring at the money in disbelief.

“When you share the money tell that to the others. I should hope to fulfil my great grandmother Queen Alysanne’s wishes, that the people of the city are cared for.” “Thank you, Princess” the Septa bowed deeply again and Visenya bid her goodbye.

Outside her guard were still waiting for her “are we returning to the castle now, Princess?” Ser Erryk asked nervously. His eyes flew to the people that had stopped around the carriage to look at the unusual visitor and his hand rested on the hilt of his sword the entire time.

Visenya smiled lightly at his behaviour and decided to free him of this situation. “I think that will be enough for today” she stepped into the carriage and sunk into the cushioned bench. After the door closed behind her Visenya took a deep breath and felt anger rising in her.

When her grandsire had ruled, he always at least tried to tend to the people of the city. But the Hightower’s ignored them and their needs, just giving them leftovers from namedays they celebrated once a year.

When Visenya saw the castle gates she quickly blinked away her tears of anger and tried to calm down again. She would surely soon talk to the Queen about this and then she had to restrain herself.

It was the late afternoon when she returned and Visenya had spent almost the whole day in the city, and she thought of Aegarax with pity. She hadn’t seen him today and Helaena had surely already visited the Dragonpit with the children.

Visenya decided to ask the guards to wait here with the carriage while she will quickly change and then visit her beloved dragon.

But when the carriage door opened was greeted by Ser Criston Cole. As soon as her feet touched the ground he stepped forward “Princess Visenya, the Queen awaits you” “Of course she does” Visenya muttered and shook her head slightly as entered the keep, Ser Criston hot on her heels.

Visenya rolled her eyes. She did not forget the cruelty Ser Criston had shown her and her brothers in their youth. Just as the Queen, when no one was listening, he liked to remind her brothers of their true parentage, always sure that the Queen would protect him. She loathed that man with every fibre of her body.

“I do know my way through the castle Ser, I don’t need you to follow me like a lost puppy. I’m sure the Queen gave you other orders which you can happily follow” she saw how his jaw clenched and could imagine that he was probably grinding his teeth.

“My order is to take you to the Queen” he told her and attempted to take her arm, but Visenya stepped back and escaped his grip. “You would do well to remember that you are still am member of the Kingsguard, even though you’re sworn to the Queen, your first duty is to the King and his royal family. Ever attempt to touch me again and I shall have your white cloak removed and have it replaced by a black one. Do you understand?” Visenya felt rage inside her, who did he think he is?

“The Queen wouldn’t allow that” “The Queen is a Hightower. I am of royal blood, do not think that I shall cower before a servant that got his position because he once made pretty eyes for my mother.” His face turned red, and he took another step toward her “You insolent child-” “Don’t you dare-” “Cole” they were both interrupted by Aemond who just turned to corner.

Immediately, Ser Criston renewed his position and stepped back, straitening his back and held his head high at which Visenya laughed. “My Prince” Cole said.

Aemond stepped next to Visenya, who was still laughing “go on Ser Criston. Do not let my uncle stop you from come at me. Or are you not so brave when you’re not alone with a woman?”

Visenya knew she was provoking him and that she would surely regret this later, but she just couldn’t help it. He is so pathetic she thought.

Aemond looked confused at the two of them before he put himself between them to keep the two at some distance “is there a problem?” he asked Cole, who still pretended to be the good soldier.

But Visenya knew better. After her father’s death she had difficulties to find sleep for some months. She often wandered around the keep on Dragonstone at night and one night she overheard her mother talk to Daemon.

After they got married the often sat together and drank wine, catching up on the ten years they lost. Daemon had once asked her mother what happened to Cole, for the last time he saw him he was devoted to Rhaenyra and now he seemed to despise her.

That night Rhaenyra had told Daemon how Criston Cole had sullied his white cloak and had asked her to run away with him. Visenya could still hear Daemon’s laugh in her ears as he made fun about Cole and his proposal.

Before they moved to Dragonstone Visenya had always been a bit scared of Cole because he had this cold look in his eyes. But now couldn’t take the man serious. He hated her mother because she, a Princess of the Blood, chose her birthright over him.

“The Queen asked me to bring the Princess Visenya to her as soon as she returned.” “Returned from where?” Aemond asked, turning to Visenya. Visenya shrugged “I went to the city. I visited an orphanage, since the Hand and the Queen seem to be so busy with ruling, they seem to have forgotten their subjects in the city.”

“You went to the city? Alone?” Aemond asked and Visenya smiled wide at him “t warms my heart to see you concern for me, Uncle” she lay her hand mockingly on her chest, but Aemond gave her a sharp look and Visenya knew he, unlike Ser Criston, was not up for her games.

She stopped her mocking and gave him a serious look “of course I had guards with me. It’s not like I wandered alone through Flea Bottom, I just went to an orphanage filled with children, perfectly safe” she held her hands up, as if to show him that she was unharmed.

“Mh” he inspected her with a sharp look. Visenya slightly shifted under his gaze and thought about last night when they were alone in the library. She just hoped her cheeks wouldn’t turn red, especially in front of Ser Criston.

“What was keeping you?” Aemond asked Ser Criston, but his eye didn’t leave her. Ser Criston looked down to the floor, clearing his throat “well…the Princess wanted to go alone. But knowing the nature of her family I was sure she would ignore the Queens command. I only wanted to ensure that the Princess would follow her Grace’s command.“

“The nature of my family? Beware how you speak” Visenya hissed and wanted to get at him, but Aemond stretched his arm out and stopped her with an annoying look. She gave him an angry glance “Ser Criston obviously thinks himself above the royal family, attempting to drag a Princess through the halls like a common thief.”

Aemond only looked at Cole and tilted his head. Cole, looking a bit uncomfortable at her revelation, held his head high again “as I said, I only wanted to ensure the Princess followed the Queens command.” Visenya scoffed. As if anyone would believe that horseshit.

“Your loyalty to my mother is appreciated, but what would it say about us if we treated our guests like that?” Visenya raised her eyebrows at Aemond’s comment our guests? I grew up here just as he did and this is the seat of my mother’s house, she thought about arguing with him but decided against it.

Ser Criston looked at Aemond and sank his head “yes, my Prince” he muttered. “You are free to go. I will escort the Princess to my mother.” Ser Criston looked between them but nodded and left.

“Come” Aemond gestured with his hand for her to follow him and Visenya did, or at least she tried to. His legs were longer than hers and she had to walk fast to not fall behind.

“It is not wise to provoke him like this” Aemond spoke “It’s not like I did it on purpose. It just happened. I hate him and surely did not want to wander the whole keep in his company. I guess it somehow escalated.” When he realized she was barely catching up to him Aemond slowed down, so she could walk next to him.

“Going to the city is also not wise, especially not for someone like you” “someone like me?” Visenya narrowed her eyes at him “what’s that supposed to mean?” “you’re young” he stopped and looked around to check the halls for any people, but they were empty.

He leaned down and his face was now directly in front of hers, she tried to take a step back, but her body would not move “and many men would not be satisfied by just looking at a pretty face” he continued.

They stared at each other for a moment before he leaned back and continue walking as if the last minute didn’t happen. Visenya still stood there, a confused look on her face while she could feel her heart beat faster.

“Come on” Aemond said, already waiting at the next corner and Visenya cached up to him, her cheeks still burning. “Why did you help me, with Ser Criston I mean?” she asked him.

“Cole has his life dedicated to my mother. He told me she saved his life once, but sometimes he takes it a bit too far.” “But it’s no secret that our families do net get along. You didn’t need to step in” Visenya argued.

“As I told you yesterday, I hold no grudge against you. Maybe if you were a threat, but that is unlikely.” Visenya huffed offended, “not very fearsome, am I?” “You are a dragonrider. You could become a threat if you were loyal enough to your mother. But I have a feeling that this is a sore topic for you.”

Visenya stopped abruptly. Aemond turned to look at her and she shook her head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about” she scoffed and Aemond tilted his head. “Loyalty blinds everyone. Were you devoted to your mother you could be blinded by loyalty to her as well.”

She looked at him confused “What is that supposed to mean?” “At some point she will have to act and then there are decision that have to be made. The question is, will you follow her blindly?” She still didn’t understand what he meant.

What decision will her mother have to make? “I still don’t know what you mean, what decisions?” Could he not just say what he meant instead of speaking in riddles?

“The King is sick and there are still people who are wondering about the succession, as the King has three sons.” He spoke about it so casually like about the weather.

Visenya widened her eyes and stepped closer to Aemond. “What you say is treason” she clenched through her teeth. She looked around of there were any people on the corridors. He must be mad to say something like that in the open.

Daemon always spoke about how the Hightower’s would not give up Aegon’s claim easily, but Visenya always thought it to be paranoia, as Daemon never held any love for them.

Rhaenyra also truster her father’s words and the Lords vows and never thought about the possibility of a conflict about the succession.

“It’s the truth. And when they call for Aegon your mother will have to act to cut off any challenges to her succession.” “That is ridiculous” Visenya burst into laughter. But then she looked at his face and saw that it was not a joke “you cannot seriously believe that” she shook her head.

“We may have our differences but you’re still her brothers. She would never do that.” “And what was seven years ago? I called her sons what they are, and she wanted to have me tortured because I only said the truth. She never cared about us and if she wants to have one of her brothers tortured because he only said what was obvious for everyone, what do you think she would do if she sees her throne in danger?”

Visenya shook her head “Kinslaying curses you, she would never dare.” Aemond rolled his eye at that and turned to leave again when she grabbed his arm “please tell me you do not seriously believe that she would do something to you and your brothers.” Had Alicent and Otto really poisoned their minds so far?

“Please, her son took my eye and she didn’t even hesitate to blame me for it.” Visenya’s grip on his arm tightened and she lightly shook it “It was an accident!” she said loud and looked around if anyone heard her.

“It was an accident” she repeated whispering. “The past can’t be changed. But I know that you would be safe under my mothers’ rule. No harm would come to you as long as you swear fealty to her.”

Aemond watched her intrigued “are you trying to convince me? Or yourself? Only last night you admitted that you think your mother had a hand in killing your beloved father.”

“I spoke about Daemon” Visenya argued but he tilted his head at her and raised his eyebrow “so you think she is innocent in this and knows nothing about it?”

In all those years Visenya was never sure what to think of her mother’s role in this. All she knew is that Laenor Velaryon was certainly not killed by Ser Qarl. Visenya had seen them together many times and she was sure that Ser Qarl would have rather killed himself before he killed her father.

She often wondered if her mother had ordered the death of her husband. She at least knew about the plan, she wasn’t that stupid. But murdering her brothers? She wouldn’t go that far, as long as they bend their knees to her.

“Your mouth speaks your mothers lies, but your eyes tell a different story” Aemond must have seen the doubt on her face and Visenya tried to conceal it. “Your wrong. We may have not the closest relationship, but I know her well enough” Visenya could see that Aemond did not believe her.

“If you think so” Aemond replied at last and slowly took her hand that was still clasping his arm. He freed himself from her grip and tugged her behind him, letting her hand go only after a few steps. “My mother is waiting. Come now.”

Visenya walked beside him. She could not believe that he actually thought her mother would kill her brothers when she becomes Queen. "Why did you tell me that? I could talk to my mother about it and tell her that some people still want Aegon to be King" she broke the silence and could hear him sigh.

"You could. But to what ends? And I never said that Aegon should be King, I only said what will happen if people ask about the possibility" he looked at her and smiled smugly "or maybe I just wanted to know what you truly think of your mother."

What kind of game was he playing? Was this all a test and he only told her lies? She gave him an angry glance "ah I see. Did my answers satisfy you?" "We will see" he hummed and they spend the rest of the way in silence.

Ser Criston luckily did not yet return to his post and another guard was at the Queen's doors. When he announced them the Queen frowned when they entered. “Aemond. Why are you here?” “I’m afraid Cole was not fitted to escort the Princess, mother. I met him and the Princess on my way back from Vhagar. It seemed that it was better if I escorted her.”

The Queen raised an eyebrow “very well. We shall talk about this later.” She turned to Visenya “my dear, come. Dine with me” Visenya looked at her flabbergasted “you want me to dine with you?”

“Of course, except there is a problem?” The Queen gave her an innocent look and Visenya was confused, she expected her to be angry. But now she was inviting her for dinner?

“No, of course not.” When Visenya passed Aemond she could see that he also was slightly confused.

“Aemond, my dear. Would you mind leaving us? I would like to talk to Visenya in private.” “Of course,” he gave Visenya one last glance and left.

Visenya sat down and lay her hands in her lap. Alicent sat in the chair at the end of the table to Visenya’s left and gave her an inviting smile.
She pointed toward the food “Take what you want, my dear” Visenya eyed Alicent and started to put some food on her plate.

Alicent did the same and smiled at her “shall we pray before we begin?” “Forgive me your grace, but what is it you want?” Visenya answered, watching Alicent’s polite smile turn to a look of disappointment.

“No to the prayer then. Alright straight to the point. I want to know about your activities today. You went to the city.” Visenya nodded “I visited an orphanage.” “Why?” “What why?” Visenya tried to look innocent, like she did when her mother accused her of bullying Jace again.

“I have known you since birth. We may be estranged but I know you are not that dim-witted. What is your goal? What could you think you can gain?” Visenya laughed “You think I have some kind of ulterior motive? A secret plan that involves giving money to poor children?”

Alicent looked shocked at her. She probably didn’t expect Visenya to laugh at her. “I can assure you, your grace. My motive was simply giving some money to those less fortunate. I must admit I was shocked when I saw the condition of the children in the city when I arrived here.”

“The crown takes care of its subjects. And the mother above looks out for all children.” The Queen shook her head, scoffing as if she thought it ridiculous that Visenya even dared to criticise her. “Well, the mother seems to be sleeping as half the children in the city are starving.”

“You dare to insult the faith?” Alicent’s face turned red. “I do nothing of that sort. Your faith of the seven is not my faith and I couldn’t care less for it. What I want to say is that I saw starving children. I went to them and gave them money so they would be able to buy some food. That is all, is it so hard to believe that I just did that out of kindness?” Alicent stared at her with her mouth open, not knowing how to respond.

Visenya picked on the piece of bread in her hand “I know you and my mother do not get along. I also know you two do not think the best of each other. But I am not her. I just saw those children and felt bad, I am a Princess, I have enough money for a lifetime, why not share some with them?”

Alicent folded her hands in front of her sighing “I do not doubt your surely…gracious intentions.” Visenya raised an eyebrow. Was that supposed to sound convincing?

“It’s just that I, as Queen, feel responsible for you during your stay. That includes your safety and how am I supposed to guarantee that if you go behind my back?” “It was surely not my intention to go behind your back, your Grace” It was exactly that Visenya thought.

“If that behaviour continues, I’m afraid I need you to be accompanied by guards all the time.” Visenya felt her heart drop.

So this was the Queens intention. She wanted to keep an eye on her all the time, so she knew every step Visenya took through the keep. Visenya needed to stop this right now. “That won’t be necessary. You already posted two guard outside my chambers. I admit, I should have asked you before I left” because you would have surely forbidden that Visenya added in her thoughts “but I assure you, it won’t happen again. Also, my mother will be arriving in a few days, she will bring her own guards that will keep an eye on me.”

Alicent shook her head “I just don’t seem to be able to trust you child.” Visenya sighed “your Grace, I ask for one last chance. I won’t leave the keep again, except of course for the Dragonpit or you specifically allow me to.”

Alicent gave her a stern look “alright. But you mustn’t sneak around the castle. I don’t want to do this anymore than you seem to want this, but I will not have my guest put in danger.”

Guests put in danger? More like not having them sneaking around without her permission. Visenya decided to stay in Alicent’s good side, at least until her mother would arrive.

“Thank you, your Grace”. They finished their meal in silence and Visenya left for her chambers. As soon as she entered them, she leaned against the wooden door and took a deep breath. That was a close call.

Chapter Text

The past two days were quite silent. Visenya spend time in the library, still searching for something about Aegon the Conqueror and dragon dreams. Unfortunately, she only found some books about the conquest or Daenys the Dreamer, but never something about Aegon the Conqueror being a dreamer.

She remembered that her grandfather used to read some old stories to her when she was a child. The books he had were old and were written by Targaryen Lords. He told her they were heirlooms and got passed down from King to King.

If she were to find some of the information she was seeking, it would surely be in these books. But she didn’t know where the King had put them, she only knew they weren’t in the library.

Visenya even approached Grand Maester Orwyle, asking him about her grandfather’s books. But he couldn’t help her either. He said he didn’t know where the King had put his books, and he would not dare to search them in the King’s chamber without his permission.

Visenya could also not look for herself as the Queen still told her the King felt too unwell to receive any visitors. She had tried to search them herself one night, but she could not find them in the darkness and Visenya did not dare to light the room too much, as she was scared someone could see the light under the door.

Her grandfather also couldn’t help her as the last two nights he wasn’t responsive to her. She even stayed for almost an hour one night, but he only slept and Visenya could not wait for him to wake up, as she didn’t know when the Maesters are coming to tend to him.

The Queen would not be able to play her game forever. She could maybe stop Visenya from seeing the King, but once Rhaenyra arrived, the heir could not be stopped from doing so. So Visenya hoped she could maybe find the books with her mother’s help.

She spent her days with Helaena and the children and visited Aegarax in the Dragonpit to fly him so he could at least spend some hours of the day in freedom.

The Queen informed her that her mother has officially announced her arrival and wrote that she, her royals consort Prince Daemon and her sons will be arriving soon. They would arrive the next day and Visenya still felt like she let Luke down.

She came here to persuade the King to stop Vaemond’s farce, but she had achieved nothing. Her grandfather probably forgot about the petition again, maybe he even thought is was only a dream.

As Visenya already suspected her family will come to King’s Landing with a ship, as Luke is a proper Velaryon and heir to Driftmark. At that thought Visenya pitied her younger brother, imagining him leaning over the railing and trying not to throw up.

Rhaenys had also sent a letter, telling Visenya that she and Baela would also arrive the next day. The hearing will be one day later, so that everyone has a change to settle down.

“What is it like to fly upon a dragon?” Jaehaera asked Visenya, holding her hand and walking next to her. “Have you never flown before with your mother or father?” Visenya asked but Jaehaera shook her head.

“Mother likes to fly but always said that we were too young to ride.” “I have already been on dragonback when I was your age. My father took me.” Visenya told the little girl, whose eyes now gleamed with excitement.

“Really?” Visenya nodded “I also took my younger brothers.” She saw how the girl opened her mouth excited, but she put a stop to it before Jaehaera could even ask. “But I won’t take you without your mother’s permission, you need to ask her first.” Jaehaera pouted at that and Visenya smiled at her.

When she was a little girl, she also looked forward to her flights with her father so she could understand Jaehaera’s excitement. But she would not take Helaena’s first flight with her children away from her, so the little girl had to wait what her mother had to say about this.

Helaena’s twins reminded her of Aegon and Viserys and so she loved to spend time with them, for she missed her brothers dearly.

Helaena decided to stay in her chambers a little while longer today, she told Visenya she was plagued by dreams and barely slept the last night. That resulted in a headache and Visenya then promised Helaena to occupy the children for a while so their mother might rest.

Right now, they were on their way to the training yard to pick up Jaehaerys from his sword lessons.

When they arrived Jaehaera pouted, because her brother was still busy with his lessons and Jaehaera wanted to go to the gardens. Now they had to wait. “Let’s wait a bit, Jaehaerys won’t need that long. We can watch the others.”

Visenya sat down on an empty waggon and lifted Jaehaera up and placed her in her lap. Other knights and guards were in the yard, training with their swords and some with bows. Across the yard Visenya spotted silver hair and suddenly the girl in her lap clapped excited. “Look Visenya, there’s uncle Aemond.”

Visenya watched as Aemond picked a sword and shield and turned around to face his opponent. It was Ser Criston, already swinging his Morningstar. Visenya widened her eyes. She heard tales about Ser Criston being one of the best fighters in the seven Kingdoms, he even bested Daemon in a tournament once. Surely Aemond didn’t mean to fight against him?

But he did. Just as Visenya finished her thought he swung his sword at the Kingsguard, who blocked the attack with the chain of his Morningstar. The two danced around each other and even though Visenya always declined Daemons offer to teach her to fight with a sword she sometimes watched her brother train.

Jace was far better than Luke but as Visenya watched Aemond she knew her brother wouldn’t stand a chance against him. Cole swung his Morningstar at Aemond, but he dodged the attack and swung his sword around the chain, throwing the weapon out of Coles hand.

Visenya raised her eyebrows impressed and surprised while Jaehaera clapped excited. Cole said something to Aemond which Visenya couldn’t hear, but he nodded and put his sword away. Jaehaera was still clapping and giggling, catching Aemond’s attention.

He turned to them and stepped closer “Niece. You want to try your luck?” he asked mockingly. Visenya knew he wouldn’t mock Jaehaera so he must mean her. Still, she played dumb. “Oh, would you Jaehaera?” she arranged the girl in her lap to look at her. “I bet you could best uncle Aemond.” The girl just laughed but Aemond gaze remained unamazed.

“Do not give her any ideas” “Why? Because a woman can’t handle a sword?” Visenya gave him a challenging look. “Can you?” he asked. “No. Even though Daemon always insisted on teaching me, as I should live up to my namesake.”

He raised his eyebrow “Daemon wanted to teach you sword fighting?” Visenya nodded. “Yes. But I was never interested in it. I took some lessons in archery but always stayed away from the sword.” “Why did he wanted to teach you?” Visenya rolled her eyes at the thought of it.

“After he married my mother, he tried to replace my father. He told me that Laenor was gone and that I had him now, but I had no interest, neither in sword fighting nor in seeing him as a father.”

“You don’t like him.” He wasn’t asking and Visenya assumed no one would, considering her tone when she spoke about Daemon. Visenya remembered her mother’s letter again, how she wrote to her to stand united as a family.

Should she tell Aemond the truth? The thought left her head as quickly as it came. He would see right through her, there was no reason to lie. She shook her head “No.”

Aemond looked down at Jaehaera and then his eye wandered the yard “you spent awfully much time with my niece and nephew, have you turned into a nursemaid?” he asked and Visenya narrowed her eyes at him.

“As far as I know Helaena is with the children all day when they are not attending their lessons. And when I’m on Dragonstone I spent a lot of time with my younger brothers as well. A few days ago, I met Aegon, he told me court is dreadfully boring and I must admit he was right” she sighed as she spoke.

Court was indeed boring. Everyone here seemed so strict and Visenya was bored to no ends. There was nothing to do here, except waiting for her mother to come. She had loved Helaena when they were children and now their friendship seemed to have come back alive, so she was thankful for their time together.

But on Dragonstone she could do as she liked. Flying around the whole day, hiding in the library or even leave the island to visit someone. But here she spent her whole day in the castle, except for her visits to the Dragonpit.

“Surely there are more domestic pursuits you can find?” Visenya laughed at his question. “More domestic than spending time with children? Do you want me to sew a dress?” she asked and Jaehaera pouted. “I like to spend time with Visenya” she complained to her uncle.

“Where is Helaena?” he asked, not giving her comment any more attention. “She had a headache, she is in her chambers” Visenya answered. She remembered that the Queen was not happy about the fact, that Visenya spent so much time with Helaena and the children.

It seemed Aemond thought the same. “What is this, an interrogation? The Queen also did not like seeing me spent time with the children. Do you think I’m going to abduct them?” she raised her eyebrows at him.

Aemond just starred at her and stepped closer. Visenya tried to move back but couldn’t with Jaehaera still in her lap. Suddenly the girl was lifted from it and was put on the ground. “Go to your brother. He should be finished with his lessons.” Aemond pointed at the other side of the yard, where Jaehaerys was busy putting away his wooden sword.

Jaehaera obeyed her uncles command and rushed to her twin brother. “What are you-” Visenya started but Aemond interrupted her by taking her arm and forcing her back on her legs.

“Come niece, I shall show you the swords if you are so interested.” Aemond spoke loud enough that half the people in the training yard should hear them, but they were barely paying attention to them. “What?” Visenya whispered as Aemond dragged her through an open door into a room where the weapons were stashed.

Visenya looked at the training swords, the shields and the bows all nicely put in their place. “I told you I do not care about swords” she said to Aemond, still confused what he wanted but suddenly he let go of her and closed the door.

Visenya looked at him confused. “What are you doing?” she went to the door, but he stood in her way. “Let me out, what kind of game are you playing?” she asked and tried to get past him again, but he did not move an inch.

“I’m not playing any games, but I have enough of yours. What is your plan?” he leaned against the door, crossing his arms. “My plan? What is yours? I’m not the one keeping you against your will.” She tried to go for the door again at which he rolled his eye and took her arm again, turning them around so her back was now to the door, and she was trapped between it and him.

“Enough” he shot her a poisonous glance and towered over her. “You are sneaking around the castle. You sneak away to the city. Every night you are searching for something in the library, you even asked the Grand Maester about some books. You are looking for something. Why are you really here?”

Has she been acting that obvious? “I’m here because of Luke’s-” he grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. “Do not even dare to say you are here because you want to protect your brother’s pathetic claim. I told you I do not hold a grudge against you, but if your viper of a mother gave you some kind of task, I would recommend you to stop whatever you’re doing. Or disinheriting your Strong-Brother will be the least of your worries.”

Visenya couldn’t move. He thought her mother sent her here to spy on them. Did he think she uses Helaena or her children to get some kind of information from them? Was that the reason the Queen wanted to convince Helaena to keep them away from her? Did they think her mother sent her to do something to them?

“Aemond. I swear to you I did not speak to my mother for days before I came here. I don’t have a secret plan, I am just looking for some old books. Grandfather used to read them to me when I was a child. They’re heirlooms and all I wanted with them was to read them, that what I asked the Grand Maester about” that bastard really reported me to the Queen or to Aemond just because I asked for some old books, she cursed herself for asking him.

She closed her hand about his wrist. “Please let go, that hurts” she pleaded. His grip had become firmer with every word he spoke, and he when he realized it, he loosened his grip but did not let her go completely.

“And even if I had some kind of task as you say it, I would never use Helaena for that. I just enjoy spending time with her, I swear it.” He didn’t look convinced. “You want me to believe that all you want to do is read some old books?”

Visenya nodded, he always seemed to see right through her when she lied. He could always tell when they were children and even though they hadn’t seen each other the last seven years, that didn’t seem to have changed. Technically she wasn’t lying, she was really looking for these books. Only her reasons were different.

“Why? What is so important about them?” “Nothing” Visenya answered a bit too fast. “I was just interested. Grandfather used to read them to me when I was little, and they were written by our ancestors. I just remembered about them and thought I could read them while I was here in Kings Landing.”

“You actually want me to believe that” his face showed his disbelieve in her story and Visenya gave him a pleading look.

“Please Aemond” she switched to High Valyrian. When they were children, she and Aemond were the only ones of their siblings that spoke it fluent, so they always used it as some sort of secret language between them when they didn’t want Jace or Aegon to understand them.

She hoped it may remind him of their childhood and made him realise that she was certainly not his enemy. “You may believe me or not, I don’t care. Just know this: I would never do something to harm anyone here. What would I gain by that?” “It’s not about what you would gain. It’s about your mother” he responded in their ancestral language.

“As long as we’re alive her claim is at risk. With Jaehaerys Aegon has a son and heir. It only strengthens his claim, so she has to do something about that.”

Visenya stilled. He really thought her mother sent her here with a secret plot against them. Was this what this is about? Only days ago, he asked her about her loyalty to her mother and now he suspected her of working for her to spy on them or do something to his family.

“I am not having this conversation with you again. Your mother and your grandfather poisoned you and your brother’s minds. My mother is heir to the throne, and she will ascend it without any bloodshed.” She spat the last three words into his face.

“You want something. You can either tell me or-“ “or what?” she narrowed her eyes at him. “You can run around at court here and scare everyone away from you, best Cole in duels and show them how deadly you are but I’m not afraid of you. Are you going to torture me? We both know that’s not going to happen.”

He tilted his head “I think you overestimate yourself” “I am not the only one at that” she gave him a smug smile.

“Look, I tell you the truth. And I told you before, I don’t want to fight with you. My mother will arrive tomorrow and then I will have enough challenges, I don’t need to run around the castle, fearing you watch my every step.”

“Why lie then?” he asked and Visenya sighed. “Can’t you just accept that I have no plan to hurt your family? You know when I lie, you always did. You must see I’m telling the truth on this one.” She felt how the grip around her arm loosened completely now and he let go of her.

“You may not plan something, but I don’t trust the rest of your family one bit” he gritted through his teeth, changing back to the common tongue. “You don’t have to, it’s not like I trust your family.” She crossed her arms in front of her.

“I guess we will see who is right soon enough.” Visenya felt sadness at his words. He knew the King wouldn’t live much longer. “Yes, it would surprise me if he survived the year” she muttered and looked away.

She saw how Aemond narrowed his eye on her but before he could speak someone called her name. “Visenya!” That was Jaehaera’s voice. Visenya took that as a chance to escape the interrogation and turned around to open the door.

She took a step back when she pulled at the handle and felt Aemond now behind her, who hadn’t moved. She stilled for a moment when she bumped into him but then collected her thoughts and left the room. “Thank you for showing me the swords, uncle. It was really interesting” she said loud enough for people to hear and walked to Jaehaera, who was already waiting for her.

Her twin brother also came running to Visenya and she smiled at the children. “Let’s see of your mother is feeling better.” She walked with them to the stairs that led back to the keep when Aemond called her again.

“What do you know of the King’s condition?” he asked, switching to Valyrian again so the people around them wouldn’t understand. Visenya stopped and felt her heart drop. All colour drained from her face, and she felt like someone threw a bucket of cold water over her head.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Your mother only told me he is sick” she answered and turned to face him again. “The King does not receive visitors, yet just a moment ago you seemed to be quite informed about his condition, how do you know?” Visenya could feel how the people started to stare at them and so she decided to give Aemond a friendly smile, attempting to cover up her panic. They might not understand them but her face said enough.

How could she be so stupid? She might as well tell him about the secret tunnels now, because now he knew that she somehow saw the King. “I only know that he is sick, no more” she answered him smiling and both of them knew that it was a pitiful attempt at lying.

She took the children by the hand’s and walked up the stairs with them, hoping to escape the conversation somehow. “This isn’t over” he called after her and she turned her head to him one last time. “Remember my words from before, I am not your enemy” she said before she rounded the corner with the children by her side.

She brought them to Helaena who now felt better after she rested for a few hours. Jaehaera wasted no time to ask if she was allowed to fly with Visenya. “Have you done this before, flying with children I mean?” Helaena asked Visenya, who nodded.

“I have taken Joffrey and Aegon a few times. Aegon is around their age, and he loves it.” Visenya smiled at the thought of her little brothers. “I will think about it then” Helaena said and Visenya excused herself.

She thought of going to the Dragonpit, but she already went there in the morning and the sun would soon go down, so Visenya decided against it. She felt quite save here the last few days and she could live with the Queen’s little games. But now she was nervous.

She knew the Queen had her watched by her maids and the guards but as Visenya knew that she just ignored them and told them nothing. But now Aemond had caught her lying, and not a small little lie but a big fat lie.

This isn’t over he had said and Visenya knew if he had his mind set on something, he wouldn’t let go. It was the same with learning Valyrian when they were children or claiming a dragon.

He would not let go of it, of that Visenya was sure. She went to her chambers to call it an early night, hoping she would come up with an excuse she could tell him as soon as she saw him again.

__________________________

When he watched her walk up the stairs with the children, he knew he had gotten to her. She was hiding something and now she was nervous because she knew he had caught her.

He wasn’t sure what her true intensions were. As children they had been close, and she seemed to be the only one on his side. But she had spent the last seven years with her mother and her brothers. And then there was also Daemon. He was the deadliest of them and Aemond knew his uncle was unpredictable.

He didn’t know her anymore, nor could he tell if she was close to her mother or not. As children he watched how Rhaenyra showered her sons with love, whilst she seemed almost scared of Visenya.

Had their relationship changed? Visenya spoke about it, the night they met in the library. There it seemed that nothing had changed in the last seven years. They even seemed to have drifted further apart then before.

Visenya could be lying about it but when he spoke to her about her mother, he saw it in her eyes. He didn’t know if it was him that planted a seed of distrust in her, but it was there. There was doubt in her eyes.

He was angry. Angry at her, that he wasn’t able to find out her true intentions. Whenever he spoke to her, she always held an innocence in her eyes that let him doubt that she had any bad intentions. But he was also angry at himself.

His half-sister’s family had taken so much from him and yet, he could not get himself to hate Visenya. It was easier with her brothers, but she still seemed to own a part from him from their childhood.

He hated how she held a small control over him. He stepped in when he saw how Cole treated her, even though he didn’t have to. When he asked before her about her true intentions, he saw how she was shocked about how he treated her and in that moment, he hated himself that he frightened her.

He couldn’t put his finger on it, but she seemed to do something to him that brought forth feelings in him he buried a long time ago.
Angrily he turned around and spotted Cole, who sorted weapons on a waggon. “Cole” he stepped to the Kingsguard.

“Up for another round?” Aemond picked up his sword and got into position. He just needed to get a clear head again. In a few days, when the hearing about Driftmark is over she will leave again.

When she is gone, he won’t have to think about her anymore, nor about how she influenced him. It will fleet as soon as he won’t have to see her anymore.

Chapter Text

Visenya paced in her chamber, fidgeting the rings on her fingers. The comment about the King’s condition just slipped, she didn’t think about it at all before Aemond mentioned it.

Looking back at the last few days she realised she said a lot of things she shouldn’t have said. Her mother wrote to her to not say anything that may picture them as torn apart and yet Visenya made no secret of it that she hadn’t a good relationship with her mother, nor about her disdain for Daemon.

She told Aemond these things so easily without even realising that she may have said more than was good for her family.

He had changed so much in the last years. When Visenya thought about him she always pictured him like he was when they were children. But now she didn’t know what to think of him.

Sometimes he seemed so cold but then he had helped her with Ser Criston. When she saw Aemond again for the first time in seven years in the training yard, he seemed to almost hate her, but when he heard she was in the city she could swear he sounded almost worried.

What was it now? Did he hate her or not? He confused her and at the same time he made her nervous whenever he talked to her. And when he came close to her, she felt like she was flying loops on Aegarax.

She felt it first in the library, then in the hallway when he leaned down to her and now today. At first, she had been shocked about his accusations. She couldn’t believe that he thought her to be some sort of spy.

She would never use Helaena like that. But even though he had been mean to her she knew he was no danger to her. She couldn’t tell why but she knew he only tried to intimidate her but he would never actually do something to her.

Whenever they were in the same room her eyes always searched for him on their own and even though she knew she shouldn’t, she always had the urge to talk to him.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at her door. “Enter” she said and ended her pacing.

A servant boy came in, he shyly looked at the floor. “The Queen and the Hand asked me to tell you that they want to meet you in the Queen’s chambers” he said with a quiet voice.

Visenya scoffed. If the Hand alone would have summoned her, she wouldn’t have come. But he used his daughter as an insurance, knowing that Visenya could not ignore the summon of the Queen.

The boy looked at her expectingly and she nodded. “Fine, I will go.” She walked the halls of Maegor’s holdfast and tried to figure out what they could want. The only time she had seen Otto Hightower since her arrival was in the halls, when they crossed paths. And even then, he only greeted her.

Visenya could only imagine that it had something to do with her mother’s arrival tomorrow. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes when she arrived at the Queen’s chamber and Ser Criston stood at her door.

When he saw Visenya he turned to the door without a word to her and announced her arrival to the Queen. Visenya stepped into the chamber and was greeted by the Queen and the Hand.
“Princess, please come in.” The Queen gave Visenya a friendly smile. Visenya knew that it wasn’t sincere. “My Queen, Lord Hand. You wanted to speak to me?”

Otto Hightower stepped forward and held his head high. “Yes Princess. You are aware that Vaemond Velaryon’s petition will be heard the day after tomorrow?” Visenya nodded “I’m aware.”
Otto sighed and walked up to Visenya. “Have you heard news from the Princess Rhaenys? We only wish for the best in regard of Lord Corlys’s health, but if he were to die before the petition the Princess will no longer be regent of Driftmark and therefore should not be speak for her dead husband.” Visenya raised her eyebrows at the audacity this man had.

“You and Vaemond seemed so close, Lord Hand. Why did you not ask him?” The smug smile Otto had on his face died and he pressed his lips together. “Ser Vaemond only brought forth his petition for the crown. I don’t know where you got that kind of idea.”

The Queen watched their exchange before she stepped next to her father and smiled at Visenya. “What the Hand and I actually wanted to discuss with you is the future of this family.” Visenya furrowed her brows and looked at the Queen.

“What do you mean?” Alicent walked up to Visenya “I have noticed you and Helaena seemed to have formed a friendship.” Visenya inhaled deeply. She thought back to Aemond’s interrogation today. Not this again, she thought.

“We always had a friendship. Unfortunately, it was cooled down because my mother decided to move to her seat on Dragonstone.” “Of course.” Alicent still smiled friendly at Visenya.

“It gladdens me that you two got closer again. And that’s why we asked you to come here.” “I still don’t understand, your Grace.” Visenya hated that the Queen and her father had the same annoying habit that they never seemed to say straight what they wanted.

“The petition will attract the attention of many Lords and Ladies here at court. We wouldn’t want it to get ugly, so we thought that maybe, for the sake of your newfound friendship, you could talk to your mother. It would be a shame if another unnecessary fight in this family will destroy your newfound friendship again.” Alicent spoke with a voice as sweet as honey and Visenya now knew why she was asked to come here.

They wanted her to persuade her mother to let Luke’s claim go. Did they really think Visenya so stupid that she would just believe that this would magically mend their broken family?

“And what do you want me to say to my mother?” Visenya tilted her head and Alicent looked at her father. “It would be easier for the sake of the peace in the family and the realm if your mother would just accept Ser Vaemond’s terms. It would only cause many troubles for the realm and maybe endanger its stability if the Velaryon’s saw a slight in your mother’s actions.”

“My mother’s actions? You may be the Hand of the King, but I would recommend you to beware your words. My mother is still the heir to the Iron Throne.” Visenya could not believe he really dared to talk about the heir that way. The years of being Hand must have gotten to his head and made him even more arrogant than he was when Visenya was a child.

Otto raised his hands defensively “I meant no insult to your mother. We want the same thing, Princess.” “I doubt that my Lord.” “Yes, we do. We want what is best for the realm. House Velaryon has always been a loyal servant to the crown, and I remember that Lord Corlys was very offended when his Grace the King decided against a marriage with Lady Laena.”

At that Alicent’s mouth formed a thin line and Visenya notices how she picked at her fingers. “Ser Vaemond has already proven himself in the Stepstones many years ago. Your brother Lucerys is young and grew up on Dragonstone. It would be better for the realm, your mother’s inheritance, if Driftmark and its fleet were to pass peacefully to an experienced leader.”

The Queen spoke to Visenya as if she were explaining something to a child and Visenya hated that tone. She would no longer listen to this farce. She looked at Otto and smiled righteously.
“The realm has been at peace since King Jaehaerys’s reign. The only thing that now disturbs that, is a second born son that can’t live with the prospect of never inheriting something. He isn’t the first of his kind, nor will he be the last. But I will not take the burden from you, of explaining to the realm how you strip a son from his title in favour of an uncle.”

Visenya folded her hands in front of her and stepped closer to Otto. “In fact, you as the Hand should ensure the peace in the realm. By letting Vaemond bring this petition to court, I would go as far as to say you are endangering the peace, not my mother.” She saw how Otto clenched his teeth and glared at her.

“I must disappoint you, your Grace.” Visenya now turned to Alicent. “But I’m afraid you and the Hand will have to discuss this with my mother and of course my grandmother, the current ruler of Driftmark in my grandfather’s absence, who is still alive and hopefully will make a recovery soon.”

While Otto seemed angry that she didn’t fall for this folly, Alicent’s eyes cast to the floor. “A shame, that you don’t want to help us Princess” she sighed and Visenya pressed her lips together.

Before anyone could say more a knock on the door made them turn and Ser Criston announced Grand Maester Orwyle. “My Queen, Lord Hand.” He bowed and then looked at Visenya. “Princess, I was told you were here. This arrived for you today.” He held out his hand and gave her a tiny scroll.

Visenya took it and saw her mother’s seal and handwriting. “Word from your mother?” The Queen curiously looked at the letter and Visenya smiled. “It’s my mother’s handwriting. I will read it in my chambers, except you wanted something else your Grace?” Alicent shook her head, a disappointing look on her face.

Visenya left the chamber and rolled the letter in her hands. What could her mother want now? Shouldn’t they be on their way to King’s Landing already? “Visenya!”

Visenya had not taken ten steps away from the Queen’s chamber when Helaena called her name. “Helaena.” Visenya smiled at her and waited until Helaena caught up to her. “Were you in my mother’s chamber?” Helaena looked confused at the door Visenya just left.

“She just wanted to discuss something with me about my mother’s arrival.” Visenya did not want Helaena to worry, not did she want her aunt to know that her mother and grandfather tried to use their friendship against Visenya.

“Ah, she called me to her for the same reason. She also called Aegon and Aemond, she wants to talk about the same thing with us.” At the prospect of Aemond coming here Visenya felt unsure. She didn’t want to talk to him right now, especially not after how he behaved today. But at the same time the mention of his name made her stomach flutter again.

“You should go to your mother then. She is probably already waiting.” Helaena gently smiled at Visenya and looked to the door to the Queen’s chamber. “You’re right. Good night, Visenya.” “Good night.” With that Visenya turned around and walked the halls back to her chambers.

She still played with her mother’s letter and inspected the seal. She still didn’t know if the Hightower’s read her letters or not, but the seal seemed to be intact. When she turned around a corner, she heard steps and when Visenya looked up she saw Aemond coming towards her.

Visenya sighed and thought about turning around and take another way back to her chambers. She knew that would be childish, but right now she was rather childish then being forced to another interrogation.

She just wanted to turn around when she heard his amused voice. “Too late, I’m afraid. I already saw you.” Visenya rolled her eyes. She knew he saw her, but she hoped he would ignore her.

“I’m not up for another interrogation, Aemond.” Now that she answered him it was too late to just walk away from him, so she stayed still and crossed her arm. She wanted to escape this situation as fast as possible but when she saw how he looked at the letter in her hands her urge to flee turned to annoyance.

“Or we could just skip the interrogation. My mother wrote to me, you could read it. Maybe just take the letter with you and show it to your family. It would spare us some time.” He was still walking towards her while she spoke and stopped next to her.

He still didn’t say anything and Visenya sighed. If he didn’t want to speak with her, she wouldn’t make him. She started to walk away when his voice stopped her. “Wait.”

Visenya turned around and looked at him. She raised her hand with the letter and held it up “changed your mind?” He crossed his arms behind his back and walked up to her.

“About today” he looked at the floor and then at the walls. Visenya had the feeling he wanted to look at everything except her. “I may have taken it a bit too far.” Visenya raised her eyebrows in disbelieve. He had taken it too far?

“Is that all you have to say?” He straightened his back and quietly sighed. “I didn’t mean to…startle you. Nor did I mean to be rough.” His eye flew to her arm where he had grabbed her earlier and Visenya thought back how she told him he hurt her.

It hadn’t actually hurt that much, of course his grip had been firm, but she mostly said it because he surprised her with his rough behaviour towards her and she hoped it may make him let her go if she said he hurt her, which worked after all.

She crossed her arm again and cleared her throat. “So have you finally accepted that I don’t plot against your family?” “I don’t trust your family. But I already told you I hold no grudge against you. The distrust towards your family made me overreact.” Visenya looked how he struggled with his words.

“Is that your way to apologize? If so, you’re bad at it.” She starred at him in disbelieve. Was this way of apologising? When Visenya saw how uncomfortable he seemed with it, she doubted he had every apologised to someone.

“I regret my behaviour. I shouldn’t have talked to you like this.” Now she was sure he had never apologised to someone in his life.

She sighed and decided to let it go now. She doubted his apology would get any better. “Helaena and I are friends. I would never use her to do something for my mother, I hope you know that.” He finally looked at her face for the first time since they spoke, and he nodded.

Visenya nervously chewed her lip and played with her rings. They stood in silence but neither wanted to move. He was the first to move and took a step away from her when she stopped him. “You know…”

He turned to her again and she felt the fluttering in her stomach again. Her thought had been stupid. Why did she stop him? Now she had to say something to him.

“We were friends too, at least once.” She knew he had nothing in common with the boy who had been her friend once. But she wasn’t the same girl who had been his friend.

“That was a long time ago” he answered and Visenya nodded. “Yes.” She looked up to him and damned her stomach for jumping up and down. “I know that many things happened, and we will never return to that. But I thought that we could at least be…kind to each other.”

His eye left her face again and he pressed his lips together. Visenya wanted to slap herself for that stupid thought and wanted to take her offer back when he answered. “I think that would make things easier.”

The corner of her lips turned to a slight smile, and she nodded. “I met Helaena on the way. She told me your mother wanted to speak with you and your siblings, you should go now.”

They starred at each other for a moment and then he turned to leave, at which Visenya also walked back to her chambers, grinning like an idiot.

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On his way to his mother’s chambers Aemond almost ran into Helaena. She had waited for him and smiled when she saw him.

“Have you spoken to her?” Aemond sighed and resisted to roll his eye. “Yes.” Helaena did not seem happy about the short answer.

“She was so confused today. And when Jaehaera told me you spoke to her I already wondered what you must have said to her.” “We already had this conversation this afternoon, Helaena.” She gave him a stern look and crossed her arms.

“I still can’t believe you accused her of working with her mother.” “I didn’t know that they still don’t get along.” “She doesn’t have it easy on Dragonstone. She is unhappy, you don’t need to pick on her as well.”

Aemond walked to their mother’s chamber and Helaena followed him. “I wasn’t picking on her, I just wanted to know what her true intentions are.” “She doesn’t have any intentions. I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable here. I missed her dearly in the last few years.” Her eyes got the dreamy look again they often held when Helaena mumbled her strange words.

After his training Aemond had met Helaena when she returned from the gardens with her children. He has never seen Helaena angry but somehow, he had managed to get her close to it.
She demanded to know what he said to Visenya and after he told her after he realized that she would not let him go before he told her.

She was shocked at his behaviour and gave him a lecture about how unhappy Visenya seemed to be on Dragonstone. That made him see that he might have been wrong about her, and she really never mended her broken relationship with her mother.

Once again, Visenya managed to make him feel something he thought he had buried a long time ago. Remorse. Helaena demanded that he apologised to Visenya.

At first, he didn’t want to. He wanted to push her away from him. He didn’t like what she made him feel.

But when he saw her in the hallway, he had the urge to say at least something to her. He could have just let her turn around and avoid him, but he addressed her before he even realised the words left his mouth.

Earlier he had hoped he would get her out of his head if she would just vanish from court after the petition, but now she had asked him to return to a kind relationship. Why did he agree?

No matter how much he wanted, he couldn’t get away from her. He shook his head and entered his mother’s chamber with Helaena. Let’s see what she wanted from them.

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As soon as the doors to her chamber closed behind her, Visenya broke the seal of the letter her mother had sent.

My dearest Visenya,
When you get this message, we are already on our way to Kings Landing. We have urgent matters we need to discuss. We will take on the opportunity to talk to the King when we are in the Capital to speak not only Luke’s future, but also yours. As Lord Corlys’s health remains unclear, we must strengthen our house and the King, my father, should have a word in it, as the head of the family. I shall talk to you about it when we see each other in person again.
Your mother
Rhaenyra Targaryen, Princess of Dragonstone.

Visenya saw her hands shake while reading the letter. She did the only thing she could think of and teared it apart. How dare she? Discuss her future?

Visenya knew exactly what her mother meant. She wanted Visenya to get married. Visenya could not believe her, she had just discussed this topic with her mother before she left for Driftmark, and her mother had promised her to keep her promise.

And now that seemed to be forgotten. Visenya had hoped her mother would stick to her promise, she had done now for years. But now that she saw Luke’s future in danger, she probably was afraid for her other children. It made her that desperate to seek an alliance through Visenya.

She felt the rage rising in her like a fire. What else was there that she would take from her?

Visenya grabbed a plate next to her and smashed it against the wall. Next was a cup and then another tiny plate, just as she grabbed the jug with water a knock at her door interrupted her. “Princess? Is everything alright?” one of her guards asked through the door.

“Yes, I just dropped something, stay at your post.” Visenya knew that it certainly hadn’t sound like she just dropped something but hoped her guard would just ignore it.

At first it seemed like they did, but a few moments later another knock was at her door and Visenya had to hold herself back to not throw something else again. This was worse than Dragonstone, did she not have a moment for herself in her own chambers?

“What is it?” she yelled, and a maid entered her chamber with a bucket in her hand. She curtsied. “The guards said you dropped something, Princess.” Visenya took a deep breath. Did her guards thought her a toddler?

“Tell my guards” she raised her voice that they could also hear her “that when I tell them everything is alright, they are supposed to listen and accept it.” The maid shrunk together and Visenya just waved with her hand “fine, put it away.” The maid nodded and collected the tableware from the floor.

Visenya stood in front of the fireplace and starred at the fire. She couldn’t even drop a plate without being spied on. Wherever she went, she was controlled, by her mother, by Alicent. As if her live didn’t belong to herself. But she would not be controlled into a marriage. No, she would never allow that to happen.

She had to act, it was now or never. If her mother wanted to discuss her potential marriage with the King, Visenya just had to be faster.

She went to the portrait which led to Maegor’s tunnels but before she entered them, she turned around again and opened her the door to her chamber.

Her guards turned to look at her. “I have a terrible headache and will retire now. Make sure no one is to disturb be” the guards nodded “of course, your Highness.” Visenya gave them one of her coyest smiles. “Good night” she closed the door and waited some time, making sure that her guards followed her order.

She waited a while until she thought it was late enough that the King’s servants retired for today and opened the portrait. She stepped into the dark tunnels, a lit candle in her hand.

When she opened the secret door to the kings chamber the foul smell of rotting flesh hit her nose again and Visenya tried to focus on the light smell of the candles that tried to conceal the smell of the king.

She slowly approached the bed and tried to find out if her grandsire was awake or not. She gently sat down at his side and slightly shook him awake. “Grandsire, it’s me, Visenya” he coughed and wheezed. He shook his head and groaned. “Please” Visenya whispered and took his hand.

He opened the eye that wasn’t covered in bandages. “Aemma” he whispered with a light smile on his lips and Visenya shook her head. “No grandsire, it’s me. Visenya” his other hand came up to his face and he rubbed it before he looked at her again “Visenya. My dear child. It is you.” “Yes” Visenya nodded, happy that he recognized her.

“Do you remember my last visit a few nights ago? Because of Driftmark?” “I thought it was a dream” Viserys responded, his voice weak. “No, my mother will arrive tomorrow. Then the petition about Luke’s inheritance will he held.”

Viserys shook his head “no, Jacaerys is second born. It is his claim.” Visenya froze. She had thought about her grandfather’s words the last days. Had he really meant what he said and wanted Visenya to be heir? She wasn’t sure if he said it because he meant it or because of his illness.

“I told you, my mother wants Jace to be her heir.” Viserys groaned “have you talked to her? About Aegon’s dream?” Visenya shook her head. She just told him that Rhaenyra will arrive tomorrow. He didn’t seem to be fully with her.

“No. I won’t see her until tomorrow. Grandsire what is this dream about? You need to tell me, I searched the whole library but couldn’t find anything” “your mother-” “No.” Visenya said firmly, squeezing his hand tighter.

She came here to prevent her mother from selling her off to the highest bidder, but this thing about a Song of Ice and Fire intrigued her. Rhaenyra would not tell her, even if she asked her about it “you need to tell my, now. You said that Aegon the Conqueror had a dream like Daenys did, what did he dream about?”

“He saw the end of the world of men. That’s why he left Dragonstone. He saw a winter from the North, that will destroy the living world. Every heir knows this secret. Jaehaerys told me and I told your mother. A Targaryen must unite the kingdom, it is our blood.”

Visenya felt a shiver run down her spine. A winter that will bring death and destruction? All this secrecy because of a dream? Visenya always believed in the story of Daenys the Dreamer because it fascinated her. But could this really be true?

“When will this winter come?” Visenya asked but Viserys shook his head “No one knows. But a Prince will stop this winter. He will come from our bloodline, and he will be Prince that was Promised. You know now, tell your mother.”

“You can tell her yourself tomorrow. You must talk to her, I fear she may marry me off. You have to talk to her that she is not the one to decide who I marry.” Viserys wheezed again “you must find a suitable consort that will defend you.”

Visenya nodded “yes. You need to tell her that and that she and Daemon do not have a say in this.” “Daemon” Viserys groaned and closed his eye. “Daemon, you defiled my daughter. I should have taken your head for that” “What?” Visenya whispered.

She knew her grandfather had been against her Daemon and Rhaenyra marriage but surely, he couldn’t hate his brother that much? Viserys looked at her again “Rhaenyra, Rhaenyra my girl. Why must you cause me so much pain?” Visenya let go of his hand and raised from the bed.

“I am Visenya, not my mother” she told him but knew that there wasn’t any sense in telling him so. He slipped away again. Viserys pointed at the cup at his bedside “do you want something to drink?” Visenya asked him and gently raised the cup to his lips.

Just a few moments later Viserys fell into a deep slumber and Visenya sniffed at the cup, confused. “Ough” she wrinkled her nose. She recognized the smell of milk of the poppy. She had drunk it as a child after Jace threw the rock at her head.

She watched him with tears in her eyes. She had achieved nothing, neither for Luke nor for herself. He was her last hope and now she still had nothing. How could she now escape her mother’s plans?

With her grandfather asleep she had no more business in his chambers. She left trough the secret entrance and leaned against the door as it closed behind her. What now? What was she supposed to do with this information? What could this danger from the north be?

She slowly walked through the tunnels and thought about it. As children she and Aemond had read a book once about the north and old legends from there.

She barely remembered the legends but maybe she could find something in a book about the north. She had read every other book about Aegon or dragondreams but they didn’t help her, so maybe she could try with this one.

Visenya passed the door to her chambers and went straight to the library. By now she knew the way that led to it and when she arrived, she leaned against the wall to hear if anyone was in the library.

But it was dead silent, so Visenya pressed her whole weight against the wooden wall in front of her and a bookshelf swung open. Visenya entered the library and shook her head. King Maegor was indeed mad, building a secret door into a bookshelf.

She quietly strode through the room, her candle spending her little a light, searching for old stories from the North. She couldn’t remember how the book was called nor where it stood so she inspected as many as she could.

Suddenly she heard the door to the library open and quickly she blew out the candle. After her eyes had adjusted to the dark, she slowly tapped through the shelves. She could hear someone walk through the room and she tried to stay as far away from the footsteps as possible.

Maybe her guards had looked after her and found out she wasn’t in her room, so they sent someone looking for her. How was she going to explain that? If this was a guard sent by the Queen, she was truly fucked.

First, she needed to get out of the room without being seen. If she could make it to the hallway, she could slip into the entrance behind the tapestry she had discovered nights before and sneak back to her chamber.

She sneaked to the grand door and stopped between the shelfs to listen for any noise the intruder may make. She could hear footstep on the other side of the room and felt a shimmer of hope in her.

She could already see the door and snuck up to it and just as she extended her hand to grab the handle she froze. She couldn’t hear the footsteps anymore. Did the person stop? Where was it?
She suddenly felt a warm presence behind her. She did not dare to move and tightened her grip around the candle holder in her hand. Maybe she could knock the person out and deny that she ever left her room? No one would expect an attack from a small girl like her so maybe she could use the surprise.

With one swift motion she turned around and tried to hit her target with all her strength, when her wrist was suddenly grabbed by a hand that was far bigger than hers, the hand pressed down on her wrist, and she let go of the candle holder with a squeak.

So much for her plan on knocking the intruder out. She tried to fight against the man that held her, but he surpassed her not only in height but in strength as well. She was pulled against his body.

“That was quite pathetic, don’t you think?” a voice asked in her ear with a mocking tone and Visenya let out a sight. Her body relaxed a bit, and she stopped struggling. “Is this what you did the last few years? Startling innocent women?” she asked and tried to turn around, without any success.

“I would hardly call you an innocent woman. Sneaking around at night, attacking family members” “Well, to be fair, I didn’t know it was a family member I attacked until now, Aemond.” He let out a breath, as he was trying to suppress a laugh.

“Well, attacking innocent men in the dark also isn’t very nice.” Visenya still tried to get out of his grip, but her attempts only seemed to amuse him. “I would hardly call you an innocent man, treating your nice like this.” “My niece seems to need that kind of treatment, as she always seems to sneak around where she doesn’t belong.”

Visenya sighed again and gave up fighting him, it was useless anyway. “Could you let me go? And what do you mean where I don’t belong. As far as I remember this is a library, not your private chambers.”

Aemond loosened his grip on her and let her go. He smirked at her “my private chambers? Wouldn’t you like to be there?”

Visenya felt heat rising into her cheeks. She quietly thanked the gods that it was dark, and he probably couldn’t see. “I just meant that I have every right to be here.” She gave him an angry glance even though it was dark.

“It’s the middle of the night, where you should be is in your chambers right now. But it seems you’re still looking for something.”

Visenya just shook her head and smiled. “Didn’t we agree that this matter was finished? Or did you already forget our conversation from before?”
Aemond tilted his head. “No. But I have a last question.” Visenya narrowed her eyes at him. “Fine, one last question.”

“What do you know of the Kings condition?” Visenya hoped he would have forgotten about this. She can’t tell him about the passageways. “Only the whispers of servants. There’re not as subtle as they often think they are, you should tell your mother, I’m sure she will be disappointed at their lack of secrecy.”

She gave him one of her most innocent smiles. They often worked with her mother, maybe they would also work with him. “I thought we agreed to be kind to each other again. Does that include lying?” Visenya inhaled deeply, “why do you even care?” “I was just intrigued.”

She scoffed at his answer. “Who’s the liar now?” “Alright. I will tell the servants to be more discreet then.” Visenya nodded at his words and looked up to him. “That would be good, for the King’s sake.”

They both stood there in silence and Visenya realised she should take a step back. It wasn’t good for her when he was so close to her. “So, what is your excuse this time for sneaking through the castle at night? Let me guess, you couldn’t sleep.” He was mocking her and Visenya rolled her eyes.

“I haven’t tried to sleep yet. But I don’t think I could right now.” “Ah yes, my mother called us to her this evening to inform us about your mother’s arrival tomorrow, one of her maids told her you threw quite the fit.”

Visenya groaned at that. “Of course your mother knows about this. And what did she say to you and your siblings? Perhaps I should be the one worrying about secret plots against my family.”

“Mostly she told Aegon to behave and maybe switch his wine with water for a few days.” Visenya let out an amused breath at that.

“Why did you lose your temper?” Aemond asked and Visenya stilled. “Oh? I thought your mother’s spies had found that out as well.” “I must disappoint you, they are not that good.”
Visenya pressed her lips together. “What did the maid say?”

He shrugged “just something about broken tableware and a pretty angry Princess.” She scoffed at that. He didn’t even deny that his mother had her spied upon.

“So, what was it?” he asked, and she raised her eyebrows at him. “You expect me to tell you? So you can run to your mother and tell her?” “Believe it or not, I don’t care about my mother’s games with her spies. I just thought that now, since we decided to be nice to each other, you would confide in your uncle.”

“We made that agreement only a few hours ago, now you want to know all my secrets?” “You could also tell me what you’re looking for, maybe I could help you.” She could hear the smugness in his voice and crossed her arms.

“My mother wrote to me, that is all.” She said shortly and hoped he would just leave it. “No happy news then? Did she finally accept that she has no chance to win this petition?”
“It was not about that” she sighed and walked to a wall, leaning against it. “Just another disappointed which I should’ve seen coming. But I guess she still manages to surprise me.” She smiled sadly, angry at her own dumbness to trust her mother would stick to her word.

He leaned against a bookshelf opposite to her and crossed his arms as well. “Is that why you ask to see the King every day?” he asked and Visenya was surprised at his tone. It had nothing mockingly in it and the question sounded genuine.

“Do you remember when my mother made Jace her heir? It was my aunt’s funeral, and you asked me if I wanted you to go to the King with me to tell him.” “That was ages ago.” She could her his tone changed now. Back again to his cold voice as if he wanted to forget that he offered her help.

“Yes” she smiled lightly at the memory. “But you were the only one who wanted to help me with that. I couldn’t even rely on my father because he was grieving.” “Why tell me this old story?” He really didn’t seem to like talking about it.

“Maybe, now that we’re nice to each other, I want my uncle to give me a bit of advice?” she asked and could feel how his eye landed on her when she used his words against him now. He didn’t answer and after some time, when Visenya thought, he wouldn’t talk to her anymore he spoke again. “On what?”

“My mother always promised me one thing. A free choice when it comes to marriage.” He was quiet again for a while. “So what, do you want me to find a suitor for you?” Now he was mocking her again, she could hear it in his tone.

“Of course not” she sighed. “But I’m afraid she already found one that suits hers and Daemon’s wishes.” “You don’t want to get married.” He didn’t ask.

“It’s not like I never want to. I just thought that she would stay true to her word this one time.” She raised her head angrily when she heard him giggle. “If you’re only going to mock me, I should rather get back to my chambers” she angrily turned around to go to the door.

“Wait” he stopped her. “Fine. You can’t be mad at me that I’m not surprised your mother does not keep her promises. You said you wanted advice, what am I supposed to tell you now?”
She shrugged her shoulders “I don’t know. Maybe how I can get her to change her mind or escape from a betrothal.” “Is there even a betrothal? What did she write to you?” “She didn’t write in that directly. But I understood the message.” Visenya thought of the letter, now nothing but ashes in her fireplace.

“You’re a dragonrider. If you don’t want to marry just fly away.” She starred at him in disbelieve. That was his advice? Run away? “Has anyone ever told you that you’re not very good at giving advice?” she asked him.

“You asked, I gave you an answer. A dragonrider is valuable, tell her if she marries you off you will fly away and never return.” “Could you do that, fly away from your family and never return?” she asked in response. She often had fled Dragonstone in the last few years, but she always returned. The thought of leaving her brothers behind made her heart ache.

“It’s not my wish, but if getting married off against my wishes is the other option, why not?” Visenya scoffed at that. “You’re a man. You’re not trapped in an unwanted marriage, you can just continue your life. But for me, it is lifelong prison if I don’t like the man.”

“You should know that Princesses don’t marry for love.” “I know” she sighed. “I saw it with my parents. Both trapped in a marriage neither of them wanted, I saw how unhappy they got with each passing year. I can’t image that for myself.” When she was a child, her parents seemed happy.

But with each year she grew older she noticed how their happiness faded. Her mother always seemed to be disappointed in her father whilst he felt trapped in his duties as husband and father. He never let the children feel how he really felt but Visenya still could see it.

“Then don’t marry. There are other Targaryen Princesses who managed to avoid it.” It sounded so easy when he spoke about it. Not like he was telling about a decision that would define her whole life but rather talking about what to wear to dinner.

She knew the stories of the children of Alysanne and Jaehaerys, especially about their daughters. None of them had a happy ending. “King Jaehaerys’s daughters died” she leaned back against the wall and watched the corner of his lips turned to a light smile.

“Not all of them. Didn’t one become a Septa?” Visenya laughed at that. “Yes, Maegelle. Can you image me being a Septa?” “No, that would be a rather waste.” Visenya felt heat rising in her cheeks when she realised how he mustered her.

“And of course there is Saera…” She still laughed and rolled her eyes. “You’re right Aemond, I will immediately go to the Street of Silk and find a brothel, surely there will be enough men that will help me to ruin me for every suitor.”

At that he was quiet at first before he pushed himself off the wall and walked to her until he stood right in front of her.

Visenya felt her stomach flutter again “what…what are you doing?” She barely recognized her own voice, it was quiet, and her nervousness made it sound so strange. He leaned down to her ear “would you go that far? Let some filthy man defile you?”

She shuddered at his questions and smiled nervously “you know that I wasn’t seriously considering that.” He leaned back to look at her, “Good” he said, and she was barely able to move with him standing that close to her.

He was confusing her again. Even if she would do it, he didn’t need to care about it. It would rather benefit his family if Rhaenyra’s daughter ruined herself. “Good? What’s it to you anyways? I am free to do whatever I want.” At that he lay his finger under her chin and tilted her head back with it.

“Yes, but that would be the same as sending you off to the faith: a waste.” Her heart beat so fast now, she feared it might burst from her chest. “A waste?” she whispered.

“That is beneath you. Having some stranger lay his hands on you.” Visenya inhaled deeply. Away. She needed to get away from him, she couldn’t think straight with him so close to her.

Move she thought, but her legs didn’t listen. They starred at each other and Visenya didn’t know who moved first. But the next thing she felt were his lips on hers.

Visenya closed her eyes and didn’t move at first, only pressing her lips back against his. She couldn’t say who initiated the kiss, nor did she care at that moment. She responded it shyly at first but then his hand lay on her waist and pulled her closer.

Visenya had never kissed anyone before, but she knew she liked it more that she imagined how it would be. She raised her arms and lay her hands on his cheeks before they wandered around his neck to keep him close.

When he noticed she didn’t move away but rather kissed him back he put his other hand on her waist as well and pulled her even closer than before. She tilted her head to deepen the kiss, and his hands now wandered her body, from her waist to her back up to her cheeks and back down her body again.

The places where his hands touched her felt like they were on fire and Visenya pressed her body against him, wanting even more of that feeling. Aemond slowly slipped his tongue into her mouth, what made her enjoy the kiss even more than before.

He took a step towards her and pressed her against the wall behind her and she could feel how the belt of her robe loosened, but right now modesty was the least of her worries. She felt a burning in her lungs and pulled away a bit, realizing that she must have forgotten to breath.

Aemond did the same and took a deep breath, while their lips still slightly toughed one another. As soon as Visenya felt she had enough air back in her lungs she stepped on her toes and pressed her lips against his again.

Aemond’s hand wandered to the back of her neck, where he grabbed her hair and tilted her head back which granted him access to her neck. His lips now left hers and they wandered down her neck and one of Visenya’s hands grabbed his shoulder.

She was afraid her knees might not support her any longer, so she held on to him, whilst he covered her neck with kisses and wandered down to her chest. She could not hold back a moan at the new sensation and one of his hands wandered up her waist, slightly touching the underside of her breast.

Visenya felt a strange feeling. It was like a pull that started in her stomach and wandered down her body to her core. She breathed heavily and wanted more. More of him, more of his kisses and especially more of his touches.

Her hand fisted some hair at the back of his neck, and she whispered his name when suddenly they were interrupted by a loud noise outside the door. “Fuck!” someone yelled and the two of them parted immediately.

Both were still breathing heavily and Visenya looked at Aemond in panic, whilst he lay a finger on his lips, signing her to stay silent. He slowly walked to the door and opened it just enough for him to look out to the hallway.

Visenya could hear someone struggle and suddenly she jumped when she heard a loud voice. “Aemond!” Visenya stilled. That was Aegon’s voice, and even though he only said his brother’s name Visenya could hear that he was drunk.

“Brother” Aemond sighed and stepped into the open door. He could see that Aegon fell over a candle holder he was now trying to set up again. One of Aemond’s arms was still hidden behind the door and he raised it to signal Visenya to stay put. “You’re drunk. Again.” Aemond sounded almost annoyed and Visenya could hear Aegon laugh.

“And you are…” Aegon slurred and made a short break “not.” He finished his sentence with a laugh and Aemond gave him a disapproving look. “Very nicely observed, Aegon.” His brother just laughed at that.

“You should definitely drink more, instead of wasting your time in the library. What are you even doing in there, fucking some bookworms?” Aegon was hard to understand as he slurred and sometimes paused between the words.

Visenya pressed herself further against the wall behind her. Should she trust Aemond to handle the situation or should she run behind a bookshelf to hide? What if Aegon saw her shadow? Then she would be really ruined.

Aemond sighed at his brother’s words. “I am reading, Aegon. Maybe you should try.” “Come on, you can tell your brother. You can’t expect me to believe that, what is your dirty little secret?” Visenya could hear how Aegon came closer and he put her hand over her mouth, afraid that she might make a sound.

Thankfully Aemond still blocked the door. “I think I remember how our mother asked you to take it slowly for the next few days. I suggest you go to bed before anyone sees you and tells her how fast you managed to break your promise to her.” “Oh come on, it’s never fun with you” Aegon complained and Aemond sighed.

“Live a little Aemond. I just went to the city, we could go back. I’m sure we will find a nice establishment” he grinned at his brother and Aemond stepped to Aegon to lay his hand on his shoulder. “How about we go to your chamber and have a drink there. I doubt you would even make it to the city.”

Aegon sighed at his brother’s suggestion. “Ough, fine.” He knew that was the only thing he would get from Aemond, so he took it. Visenya could hear Aegon’s heavy steps and Aemond turned around to close the door.

Before he closed it, he shared a last look with Visenya, who nodded at him, telling him to go with Aegon. “Come on Aemond, you can return to your fucking books tomorrow!” Aegon complained again and the door closed.

The light from the hallway was gone and Visenya was left alone in the darkness of the library. She leaned her head back against the wall and let out a sigh. Only then she realized what had happened before.

She had kissed Aemond. She thought he confused her before, but now she was utterly lost. What had that meant? Did it mean anything at all? Her body still felt like it was on fire, and she touched her still swollen lips.

Even though she did not know what do to now her lips formed to a smile. She had enjoyed the kiss, truthfully, she enjoyed it very much and could slap Aegon right now for interrupting them.
She knew that sleep would be difficult to find tonight. She sighed and pushed herself from the wall, returning to her chambers.

Chapter Text

Visenya took a deep breath of the chilly air. She had barely slept last night, the memory of what happened in the library haunted her. All she could think about were Aemond’s lips on hers and on her neck. How his hands wandered her body…She let out a frustrated scream.

Here in the sky, there was no one that could hear her and she felt how her hopes of distracting herself were crushed. She just couldn’t get him out of her head. She had maybe slept for a few hours before she woke again before sunrise.

She had tossed and turned and tried to sleep again but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t. So, she had stood up, braided her hair and put on some of her riding clothes. She had requested a carriage to the Dragonpit, which the servants prepared for her but not without commenting the early hour.

She spent her the entire morning in the sky and now she circled over the ocean. She knew she would soon have to return to the Dragonpit. Her family would arrive today, and she needed to take a bath and change before she greeted them.

Sighing she pulled at the reins and turned Aegarax back to the city when she heard a familiar cry behind her. In the distance she spotted Meleys and Moondancer flying towards her. A smile formed on Visenya’s lips, and she directed Aegarax towards the two dragons.

She could see Baela smile at her as she circled around Moondancer and the three of them flew to the Dragonpit.

When they arrived Visenya glided down Aegarax’s wing and walked to her grandmother and Baela. Rhaenys came to her as soon as her feet hit the ground and took Visenya’s hands. “You seem fine, I am glad.” Rhaenys inspected her from head to toe and Visenya gave her a smile.

“I told you that nothing would happen to me.” She was touched by her grandmother’s worry, even though she thought she worried a bit too much. It was almost as if Rhaenys expected her to be imprisoned here.

Baela joined them and gently nudged Visenya’s shoulder with her own. Visenya gave her a smile and Rhaenys looked at them. “Is your mother already here?” Visenya shook her head. “They will arrive later. The hearing will be tomorrow.”

Rhaenys nodded and Visenya led them to the carriage that brought her here. “How is court? I’ve never been before” Baela asked, walking next to Visenya. “It’s not so bad. The Queen exchanged false courtesies, I try to ignore that. But I must admit court is quite boring.” Baela giggled at that, whilst Rhaenys raised her eyebrows.

“Ignore the Queen? Is that even possible?” Visenya shrugged her shoulder at the question. “I don’t think she likes me very much, so that was rather easy. I tried to stay on her good side though, at least until my mother arrives.”

The carriage started to move and Visenya leaned back in the cushions. “And the hand?” Rhaenys asked in a disapproving tone. “He and the Queen asked to see me last night. They tried to persuade me to convince mother to give up Luke’s claim. He said something about how naming Vaemond heir would be the best for the realm.”

Baela rolled her eyes at that. “He can’t seriously think that he can just change a succession that has been settled years ago” she argued but Rhaenys shook her head. “It won’t be so sure of that, Baela. Tomorrow the Hightower’s will strike, and I can promise you, it won’t be pretty. Especially with your father around.”

On their way to the castle Rhaenys asked Visenya if she had any success with the King. Visenya told her that the Queen had forbade her from seeing him. “I still managed to visit him in secret, but I’m afraid that was pointless. His health is worse than we thought, he sometimes barely recognised me.”

Visenya was scared that Luke’s claim might indeed be lost without the support of the King. She just hoped her mother thought of something that might help them, because otherwise they might not succeed. It would also not be easy for Rhaenyra to get Rhaenys on her side, she still thought her and Daemon responsible for Laenor's death.

When they arrived at the castle they were greeted by servants. They told Rhaenys that they had prepared her old chambers and also some for Baela. Visenya promised them to go to them after she had taken a bath and changed. She hadn’t eaten anything yet and Rhaenys had promised her to have something prepared when she came to them.

With a sigh Visenya sank into the hot water. She was not prepared for this day. Facing her mother and Daemon will probably end in endless discussions again. Her mother would still be mad that Visenya came here on her own instead of coming to Dragonstone after hearing about Vaemond’s plan.

Then there was also the matter of a potential betrothal. At that Visenya sank deeper into the water. The thought of a betrothal let her thoughts wander back to last night. Visenya didn’t know how she could face Aemond after last night. She still couldn’t say what it meant.

Did it mean something at all? Or was he just playing with her? If she thought about it now, she felt a bit weak. Just on kiss from him had let her forget everything and she had so easily given in to her desires.

Last night she was mad at Aegon for interrupting them but now she was a bit glad. She didn’t want the moment to end last, but she didn’t know where it might have ended. Visenya may be a maiden, but she was no innocent Princess that didn’t know what happened between a man and a woman.

When she was a child the halls of the Red Keep were plastered with tapestries that showed some very explicit images. Their ancestors weren’t exactly shy about their sexuality and some books in the library on Dragonstone made Visenya blush while reading them and made her feel a strange tingle.

She knew if anyone would find out about last night, she will be ruined. No matter that they were just kissing, even if it was rather passionate, for the rest of the realm she would be damaged goods.

She could really end up like Saera did. But somehow that didn’t stop her from wanting more. She knew if Aemond were here right now, she would want him to kiss her again. It had been her first kiss, but now that she had a taste of it, she wanted even more.

She sunk completely under water now, enjoying the silence around her. She wanted to stay forever like this, ignoring all her problems and just be. But she couldn’t. Not only her lungs protested but also her conscience.

She stepped out of the tub and her maids helped her get dressed. Visenya chose a black gown with golden dragons on them and a small golden belt around her waist. Even though her hair was still damp her maids styled it with some braids, and she went to her grandmother’s chambers.

As promised, she had the maids prepare breakfast for them. “Mother should be arriving at midday,” Visenya sat down at the table and put some of the food on her plate. “I can imagine she wants to speak with you. You are the current ruler of Driftmark after all.”

Rhaenys scoffed at that. “I already thought so. I wonder what she will offer me to persuade me to stand on her side.” Visenya gave her grandmother a worrying glance. She always knew Rhaenys was not very fond of Rhaenyra’s sons.

For her they were always “Rhaenyra’s children.” Never her grandchildren, she only called Visenya that. Even though Rhaenys knew that Visenya was as much less a Velaryon as her brothers were. She told Visenya once she saw a lot of Laenor in her and maybe that was what made Rhaenys like her.

But Visenya was not sure if Rhaenys would support Luke. She just couldn’t figure out what her grandmother planned to do tomorrow.
“What other choice do you have? You don’t want Vaemond on the Driftwood Throne.” She could not consider speaking against Luke. Visenya knew Rhaenys liked Vaemond even less then her brothers.

“No, Vaemond will not get his way, at least not with my help. But without the King on her side, your mother won’t be successful. I can imagine she already has a plan, so I will hear what she will have to say and decide then.” Rhaenys’s eyes wandered to Baela and at that moment Visenya realised that Rhaenys might have her own goals.

Visenya knew that Rhaenys always wanted Baela to inherit Driftmark through Laena. Visenya had nothing against Baela, but she would defend Luke’s claim with all her strength.

Visenya often wondered what her father would have said about all this. If he let all of this happen, not only in regard of Luke but of her as well. Visenya remembered that her parents had a fight before Laena died, because Rhaenyra announced that Jace should be her heir.

But with Laena’s death her father had no more time to fight for Visenya’s claim. She never held that against him, she could not imagine losing a sibling. With the years Visenya learned that there was no way of fighting her mother in this, so she accepted it long ago.

After their breakfast Visenya decided to clear her head before her family would arrive, so she wandered the halls of the keep, not really knowing where she was even going. She could not wait until the petition was over.

After the hearing she would need to leave for Storm’s End. Before last night she looked forward to it, but now she didn’t know what to do. She knew she needed to talk to Aemond.

Visenya passed a balcony that faced the ocean and when she looked out it she spotted a ship, a Targaryen Sigil on the sails. She sighed, there was her mother. She walked out to the railing and watched the ship coming closer.

“Ah, look what the cat dragged in.” An amused voice caused her to turn her head, “Aegon.” He stepped next to Visenya, plumbing his arms down at the railing.

He held a cup in his hand and a jug in the other. “Drinking again?” Visenya asked with her eyebrow raised. “What do you mean again? I’m not that often drunk.” Visenya snorted at that “if you say so.”

Aegon pointed towards the ship “shouldn’t you run off to greet your mother?” “I guess any good daughter would do that” Visenya answered but made no effort to move. She heard him giggle “not a good daughter then.”

He took a sip from his cup and smiled at her. “That’s fine. I’m not a good son either, so I would say we make a fine pair standing here.” That caused Visenya to laugh and she shook her head in amusement.

“Is it us or maybe our mothers?” She asked him and he laughed as well. “I would consider myself rather flawless, so it must be our mothers” he answered and Visenya rolled her eyes. “Of course, how could I even think that it is our fault?”

They continued to watch the ship coming closer to the city and Visenya leaned down at the railing as well. “Shouldn’t there be an entourage greeting my mother? She is the Princess of Dragonstone after all.” Aegon laughed into his cup, “can you imagine my grandfather bowing down to her and Daemon?”

He refilled his cup and Visenya tried to imagine Otto Hightower kissing Daemon’s feet. She knew the two hated each other but still she couldn’t believe that the Hightower’s would sink so low to not even greet the Heir properly.

“They are still of royal blood” she answered. But she knew that that meant little to Otto Hightower. He would rather fling himself out of the Tower of the Hand then doing anything for Daemon.

“You don’t want to greet them yourself. And yet you expect us to do it?” He raised his eyebrows at her and Visenya let out an amused breath. “I guess you’re right” she mumbled.

“Why does everything have to be a battle in this family?” She did not really expect an answer from him. He grinned and raised his cup “you could do the same as me.” “And that is?” “Drink. Enjoy the show.” They both laughed at that.

The ship had already reached the port and Visenya sighed. “I guess you can’t escape forever, dear niece.” Visenya knew he was right. She turned to leave him but then decided against it. “Give me that” she took the cup from Aegon and toasted to him. “Off to battle then” she said and drowned the cup in one go.

Aegon cheered at her and when she gave him the empty cup back, she already felt the warmth of the alcohol in her belly. She tried not to make a face, Aegon seemed to prefer rather strong wine, and she wondered how he managed to drink it the whole day.

“Brother, there you are.” They both turned to the entrance of the balcony where Aemond stood and watched them. Visenya felt her stomach flutter at his sight and felt heat rising in her cheeks.

She hoped that Aegon would not notice it, but he was still busy cheering about her. “Brother!” he smiled at Aemond. “I think the next time I will ask our niece to drink with me instead of you.”

He refilled the cup and offered it to Visenya “never knew you had in it you. We wasted the last few days I’m afraid.” Visenya feared if she drank another cup in one go her head might start to spin, especially from Aegon’s wine. Before she could decline Aemond stepped to them and took the cup.

“I think that is enough, for both of you.” He looked at Aegon who pouted like a child. “Not you again, come on Aemond. Let us have some fun.” Aemond sighed at that “could you not just do as your told for at least one day.” Aegon took the cup from Aemond “fine.”

Visenya raised her eyebrow when Aegon drank from the cup regardless and left them. “I will make sure mother won’t see me” he called over his shoulder. Visenya felt even now nervous when she realised, that she was now alone with Aemond.

“Is it that bad that you need to drown your worries in alcohol?” he turned to her and she smiled lightly “it was one cup.” She looked up to him but quickly looked away again. She was too nervous to look him even in the eye.

He stepped even closer to her now and she inhaled shocked. “Aemond” she hissed and looked around. They were still standing on a balcony, everyone could see them. “Are you shy now?” he asked smugly, and she took his arm to lead him away from the railing and closer back to the hallway inside the castle.

“We could be seen” she whispered. He still starred at her, and she shifted under his gaze “would you stop that?” “What?” “Staring at me like that.” He tilted his head, still smiling “like what?”

She narrowed her eyes at him, did he have to act like this now? “Like-“ she stopped herself. She couldn’t explain how he starred at her, just that it made it almost impossible for her to even breathe properly.

He stood now right in front of her and gently took her arms. She checked the hallway for any people and then also stepped closer to him. “About last night” she started and swallowed nervously. “Why did you do it?”

The question swirled around her head since last night and she needed to know if he was playing games with her. “You seemed to enjoy it” he shrugged and Visenya felt her cheeks burn. “That doesn’t answer my question.”

“I wanted to. Why? Already having regrets?” She looked him in the eye and shook her head “no, it’s not that. It’s just-“ she looked around again. “Just what?” He leaned his head down to hers and whispered in her ear “do not try to tell me you didn’t like it. I can still hear your little whimpers.”

“Aemond!” she said shocked. She could see that it amused him that she was so shocked. But how could she not? She could not believe that he would flirt with her so shamelessly where everyone could see them.

She felt a shiver run down her spine when he whispered in her ear and she knew that she needed to get away from him, right now. Otherwise she would do something unwise again and she could not possibly do that here in the hallway.

Sighting, she took a small step back and was proud of herself that she managed to do it. “We shouldn’t do this here. We could be seen” she checked the halls again. “And I need to go and greet my family now.” She could see that he was not happy about it but let her arms go regardless.

“Alright. But I will see you later” he turned around and walked down the hallways. “Wait, when? And where?” she said to him confused. “I will find you” he just said and Visenya shook her head in disbelieve.

She smoothed her skirts with her hands and walked down to the courtyard. She lay her hands on her cheeks to check if they were still as hot as they felt and hoped she wouldn’t look too flustered.

When she walked through the door her family just stepped out of the carriage. Lord Caswell was the only one to greet them.

“Mother” Visenya said, stepping down the stairs. Rhaenyra came up to her and inspected her, before she shortly hugged her. “You shouldn’t have come here alone.” “I am fine, Mother. Not a single hair out of place.” Rhaenyra lay her hand on Visenya’s cheek and stroked it with her thumb, smiling at her.

“Senya.” Joffrey ran to her and flung his arms around her waist. Visenya giggled and hugged him back, “Joff, how have you been?” She asked him and he gave her a sheepish grin. “I am fine, but you should see Luke.”

Joffrey pulled at Visenya’s sleeve, and she leaned down to him. “His face had such a strange colour on the ship” he whispered to her, and they laughed. Visenya looked to Luke who was as pale as a sheet, and the rest of the family stepped to her and her mother.

Visenya lay her hand on Luke’s shoulder and squeezed it gently. “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.” “If you say so” Luke mumbled and looked up the castle, he sounded not very convinced.

Visenya looked at Rhaena and smiled at her “Baela and Grandmother arrived this morning. Last I spoke to them they were in grandmother’s chambers.” A smile formed in Rhaena’s lips, she hadn’t seen her grandmother in months and it had been a few weeks since Baela came to visit them on her dragon.

“I shall go to her right now.” Rhaenyra nodded and called her maid, Elinda, to her. “Elinda, Rhaena has never been here before. Do you remember where Princess Rhaenys’s chambers were?” Elinda nodded and looked to Rhaena “I will show you, my Lady.”

The servants started to bring the belongings to the castle and Rhaenyra entered the castle as well, gently pulling at Visenya’s arm. Visenya watched her mother’s reaction when she noticed the changes in the Red Keep and Rhaenyra wrinkled her nose in disgust.

“What happened here?” Her eyes wandered to the seven-pointed star that hung above the stairs and Daemon sighed, also looking slightly disgusted. “This has the Hightower-Bitch’s handwriting, no doubt.” Visenya turned to him “she has spies everywhere in the keep. Watch your words.”

“As if she scares me” Daemon mumbled. Jace and Luke had decided to explore the castle, and already left them. “Have you spoken to the King?” Rhaenyra asked and Visenya nodded. “Not officially though” she leaned to her mother “I found the passageways, I remembered how you used them.” She switched to Valyrian so no one could understand her.

Rhaenyra furrowed her brows “why did you needed them?” “The Queen always found another excuse. Mostly she said the King was too sick to receive visitors. But you’re the heir, you can’t be denied.” Visenya nervously played with the rings on her finger.

“I couldn’t achieve anything when I spoke to him. He barely recognized me and once called me by your name. It is bad, mother. I was shocked when I saw him, be prepared.” Visenya didn’t want her mother to be as shocked as she was, it was better to tell her about the King’s condition now.

“We will go and see him now.” Rhaenyra nodded at Daemon who followed her and Visenya was left alone in the hall. She watched the servants carry their belonging into the castle until she spotted light auburn hair. “Malika” Visenya smiled at her maid.

Malika made an attempt to bow but Visenya quickly took her arm, linking it with hers. “None of that. I wondered if you could do me a favour?” Malika laughed at that “I’m have not even properly arrived, and you already want my help. What did you do the last few days without me?” “I managed” Visenya answered with a shrug and led Malika to her chambers.

There she searched her trunk for her cloak. “You told me you lived amongst the smallfolk in Volantis. Would you mind going to the city for me?” Malika shook her head confused “not at all. Why?” Visenya gave her the cloak and Malika put it over her shoulders.

“I went to an orphanage a few days ago. I promised them I would send someone to ask if they needed anything else. I don’t think my mother will allow me to go today and the guards won’t let me without permission from her or the Queen.” Malika raised her eyebrows at that “you need the Queen’s permission to leave the castle?”

Visenya giggled sheepishly. “When I went to the city it was without her knowledge. She didn’t like that.” “Not making any friends, are you?” “I don’t want to be friends with her, I just decided to stay on her good side until my mother arrived.”

Visenya was just not sure if she would also stay on her mother’s good side for long. She never did and she still didn’t know if her mother had been mad that she went to King’s Landing without her permission.

And then there was the letter from yesterday. As soon as they would talk about marriage they would fight again, of that, Visenya was sure. “But how do I get to the city?” Malika asked and Visenya smiled at her. She walked over to the portrait and opened it. “What in all hells” Malika looked amazed at the entrance and inspected it.

“When Maegor the Cruel finished the Red Keep he supposedly let the constructors build secret tunnels all over the castle. Everyone thinks them to be a rumour, but I remembered how my mother used them when I was a child.” Visenya stepped into them, pulling at Malika’s arm.

“And this one leads to the city?” Malika’s eyes wandered the dark walls whilst she followed Visenya. “This one leads to many chambers. But I also found a way to the city.” They walked down the path that Visenya discovered a few days ago.

When they arrived at the wooden planks Visenya started to shove them to the side. Malika helped her and together they managed to plug two out of the wall. “I didn’t know what is behind them. I only went this far before.”

Malika stepped through the whole and called Visenya. She followed her and they stood in an old shack. Hay and wood lied on the floor and the shack had a small hole in its roof. Old saddles were thrown into a corner and buckets were stacked together.

It seemed like it was once used to take care of horses but now it seemed that it hadn’t been used in years. “We must be somewhere at the castle walls” Visenya mumbled and let her fingers glide over a dusty table.

Malika pulled at the door and after a few tries it opened. She stuck her head outside and pulled it back, closing the door again. “We are really outside the walls. Where do I need to go?” “Is it really alright for you?” Visenya asked, unsure if it was safe for Malika. “It’s the middle of the day, nothing is going to happen. I hope you know the way good enough, I have never been here.”

Visenya described Malika the way. It was easy enough, all she had to do was walk towards Rhaenys’s hill. Visenya told Malika about the buildings that were around the orphanage and luckily there had been a small square at it, so it should hopefully be easy to find.

“Remember the way, if you do not return till dusk, I will send guards to find you.” Visenya took Malika’s hands and gave her a worrying look.
“Don’t worry. I’m good at remembering ways. I will be back as soon as possible.” Malika squeezed Visenya’s hands and walked out of the door.

Visenya went back into the castle walls. She placed the planks back in place and returned to her chambers, hoping Malika would find her way back. She decided that she would go to her mother’s chamber, seeing if she returned from her visit to the King.

Not only her mother and Daemon were there, but Jace and Luke as well. “There you are. I sent Elinda to fetch you, but she said you weren’t in your chambers” Rhaenyra paced through the room and Visenya sat down next to Luke, who starred at his hands in his lap.

She clapped him on the shoulder “what’s with the face?” Luke looked like he saw a ghost and looked helplessly to Jace. Visenya followed his eyes and raised her eyebrow at Jace. “We went to the training yard” he clenched through his teeth. “And?” She looked expectingly at Jace.

“Vaemond arrived when we were there, looking at us with his smug grin like he already won.” Visenya sighed and turned to Luke again “you’re my little brother and I love you, but you can’t piss yourself every time someone mentions Vaemond or Driftmark. You’re giving them exactly what they want.” “Visenya” Rhaenyra chided at the choice of her daughter’s words.

“You should have seen him, mother. How he exchanged looks with Cole and Aemond, they have surely planned this.” Jace turned around to look at his mother, who stroked her swollen belly. “You saw Aemond?” Visenya asked, hoping they did not start a fight. The thought of them meeting made her uncomfortable, she knew there was no love lost between them.

“Yes, he was training with Cole, he even bested him.” Now Visenya realized what cause Jace to be so angry. She thought it was Vaemond who angered him but now she knew it seeing that Aemond bested Cole. She knew when her brothers were children they trained with Cole because he was one of the most talented fighters.

Jace and Luke always dreamed of besting him once, but they wouldn’t manage that even today. Daemon also seemed to notice Jace’s anger and stepped behind him. “Do not anger yourself because the boy had a lucky day. We need to focus on tomorrow.”

Visenya scoffed at that. “A lucky day? Didn’t Cole best you once?” She could feel her mother’s angry look on her and ignored it as good as she could. Jace scoffed at his sister “as if you know anything about sword fighting, can you even tell if someone is good at it?” Visenya pressed her lips to a thin line. Alright, if he wanted a fight, she would give him one.

Visenya grinned at him. “He won against Cole when I was in the yard with Jaehaera yesterday, so today wasn’t the first time. You should catch up with your training.”

Jace narrowed his eyes at her and opened his mouth to say something, but Rhaenyra was faster. “That is enough you two.” She shook her head at her children’s behaviour and sat down.

“He wore an eyepatch.” Luke had been silent until now, but his mumbled words caused Visenya to feel a pang in her heart for her brother. That’s why he was so shocked. Not because of Driftmark but because of what happened there seven years ago. She felt bad that she had mocked him about Vaemond before.

“Nothing is going to happen to you” Visenya took Luke’s hand and gave him a gentle smile. “Tomorrow this will be over, and you can return home.” She wanted to reassure him but also hoped that this would be over soon. She didn't want her family and the Hightower's to live under the same roof any longer than it was necessary.

Visenya looked at her mother. “Did you see the King?” She tried to change the subject, and Rhaenyra gave her a sad smile. “Yes.” She looked up to Daemon who also seemed to be shocked by his brother’s condition.

“I wish I could say he will help us, but he barely listened to us. He knew about the petition, but we couldn’t start a real conversation with him. I first wanted to introduce your youngest brothers to him, but I fear I wasted the time I had with him.”

Her eyes now wandered to Jace and Luke before she sighed. “I fear Rhaenys is our last hope.” “Did you talk to her?” Visenya wondered what Rhaenys had said to Rhaenyra. “Yes. That’s why I wanted to talk to you all. I made Rhaenys an offer. Her support in exchange for betrothals. Jace and Luke, I offered her to marry you two with Baela and Rhaena. To unite our blood again.”

Jace and Luke looked at their mother in surprise and Visenya noticed how Luke’s cheeks turned red. “Are you fine with this?” Rhaenyra asked her boys and the two exchanged a look before they nodded. “We already know each other and get along well, I think it will be good.” Jace said and Visenya noticed that he too seemed to be happy about the match.

She nodded in agreement. “I had a feeling that Rhaenys wished to petition for Baela. But with Luke marrying Rhaena she will have Laena’s blood to continue the line, it should satisfy her.” Rhaenyra nodded at that.

“Then only Rhaenys and the girls must agree. I will inform her that we are open for the betrothal. Now go back to your chambers, I need to talk to your sister alone.” She sent her sons away and Visenya felt her stomach drop.

If her mother betrothed her sons to Baela and Rhaena, she surely already had someone in mind for her daughter. She nervously watched how Jace and Luke left them and tried to get her now trembling hands under control. Breathe she thought and remembered her words to Luke from before.

She could not let them see that she was scared. She had to face it with a stiff lip and defend the promise her mother had made. Visenya was promised a free choice, and she would not give that up without a fight, no matter what her mother had decided in the last few days.

Chapter Text

Visenya waited not a second for the door to close behind her brothers before she looked at her mother. “So, who is it?” Rhaenyra gave her a confused look and shook her head “no one.” She stood up and walked around the small table in the middle of the settees.

She sat down next to Visenya and attempted to take her hand. Visenya remained stiff, still waiting for the big “but” that stood between them. Rhaenyra sighed and pulled her hand back, “I promised you a choice, my dear. I wouldn’t have betrothed your brothers to the girls if they had said no.”

Of course she wouldn’t marry them off against their wishes. Visenya held back the comment, not wanting to make the situation even worse. “But” Visenya supressed an ironic smile when her mother started to speak. There it was. “We looked at our options and settled for a few suitors.”

Visenya looked to Daemon who watched them with his arms crossed. We, her mother said. “So, you give me not a free choice but a choice of what? Three, four suitors you two chose? Some old Lord to take care of for the rest of my days?”

Rhaenyra gently lay her arm on Visenya’s arm “we chose no old Lords for you. I made sure that they are not only suitable in regard of their standing, but also of age for you. I do not wish to see you waste away.” Visenya shook her head “you know that’s not what this is about. This is about the fact that this is not what I was promised.”

“You don’t even know them” Rhaenyra argued. “Visenya, I know it’s not exactly what I promised you. But today only proofed that we need to prepare ourselves. My father…” she trailed off, tears glistening in her eyes.

“My father won’t live much longer. And now the Hightower’s are trying to steal your brother’s inheritance. If our cause shall fail, we need as much allies as possible.”

Visenya knew her mother dreaded the day the King would die. Rhaenyra was always so sure of her role as heir, and Visenya betted she still was. But her last line of defence had always been the King and now his health was failing him. It seemed she wanted to bring as many Lords to her side as possible.

Rhaenyra knew once she would ascend the Throne, she will be faced with many difficulties. The first ruling Queen of Westeros. There were many who still thought it was a mistake, and Rhaenyra wanted her reign to go as smoothly as possible. And now she wanted to use Visenya as a pawn to ensure that.

“Why do I have to be the sacrificial lamb? Marry Luke and Rhaena for Driftmark and offer some girl from a great house to Jace. He is your heir, he should be responsible to ensure the peace.” Rhaenyra shook her head at that.

“I need Rhaena to marry Luke for Rhaenys. But that won’t be enough for Corlys, he wants his blood on the Throne, not in Driftmark.” Visenya felt tears burning in her eyes. She tried to blink them away, not wanting her mother to see.

“Look, my darling. We have good options for you. There are many great houses in the Riverlands that have sons in your age. Having allies in the Reach would also benefit us, and there is also the north, it’s the largest Kingdom and Cregan Stark is also in your age-“ “so you want to send me away to some wasteland.”

“What I want from you” Rhaenyra now raised her voice “is that you consider these options. When I was your age my father sent me on a royal tour to find a husband. I want you to do the same, visit the houses we have selected and get to know them.” Visenya stood, pulling her arm away from Rhaenyra.

“Well, I can assure you that I won’t be going north. Aegarax would hate it there.” Rhaenyra sighed and looked helpless at Daemon. He just raised his hands, showing no interest in supporting her.

“You can’t choose you future husband based on your dragon’s habits. This is my last word in this. You will go on a tour and get to know these men. Maybe you will like one of them.” Visenya was done arguing about this. She went to the door and turned around before she opened it.

“As you command, your Highness” she bowed down and spat the words in her mother’s direction. “Visenya!” Rhaenyra called her, but Visenya had already slammed the door behind her.

__________

Back in her chamber Visenya felt the same feeling she always felt on Dragonstone. She could not stand being here one more single moment. Angrily she pulled at the laces of her dress, wanting to take it off as fast as possible.

She slipped into pants and a tunic. Her mother had not been here a whole day and Visenya already felt the urge to flee again. She strode out of her chambers, towards the courtyard when a voice caused her to stop.

“And where do you think you’re going?” Visenya stopped and rolled her eyes. “That’s none of your business, Daemon.” She turned around to face him and he caught up to her. “Your mother has enough on her plate, do you have to cause another problem?”

She looked at him outraged, crossing her arms “I am causing a problem? When I left Dragonstone, I was promised a free choice, and now you come here and tell me I don’t. And if that was not enough you want to force me into some unwanted marriage. Who is causing a problem now?” Daemon sighed annoyed.

“We are not forcing you into a marriage. You are seven and ten, old enough to marry. We want you to look at the choices we made.” “My mother was forced to marry my father. You yourself were forced into a marriage with Rhea Royce, you described it as the worst years of your life. Now you want the same fate for me?”

“That is not the same. We didn’t have people to choose from, we never had an option. You have one, so go and find one that you find pleasant enough.” Pleasant enough? Is that all her mother wanted for her? To manage to survive in a marriage with someone she only married because he was pleasant enough did not sound like the life Visenya had imagined for herself.

“Pleasant enough? Is that what you want for me? Your own blood?” She saw how his jaw tightened, and he shook his head. “I am only your stepfather, you made that clear. Try not to convince me with something like that, it’s too late to get me on your side.”

Visenya knew it was a poor attempt. She didn’t expect it to work, but she had to try it. The first time Daemon approached her after her mother had married him, he sounded genuine when he told her she had him as a father now.

But she didn’t want him as a father then and that hadn’t changed. She thought that maybe he still took an interest in being her parent and she could us that, but it seemed he didn’t.

Visenya knew she may sound spoiled. But the thing that hurt her was not that her mother wanted her to marry one of these men. It was that she broke her promise. Visenya had endured many disappointments during the last years. But this was the worst.

If her mother didn’t stick to her word now, would she in the future? “And what if I go on this tour and none of them is to my liking, what will you do then?” Daemon stepped closer to her, an angry look on his face but Visenya did not back down. She would not show him any signs of weakness.

“We are offering you more than any other girl would get. King Jaehaerys shipped his daughters off as he liked. You have a choice, so use it. Either you chose, or we will.” Visenya thought back to last night when she talked to Aemond about an unwanted betrothal.

Flying away would not be an option for her, but he was right in one thing: She was a dragonrider. “Let’s face the truth” she smiled at Daemon. “You can deny it all you want, but we both know that mother is desperate. She can’t rely on the King, and no one knows what Rhaenys will do tomorrow. If she does not side with mother we will lose Driftmark, and neither your fighting skills nor mother’s position as heir can do something about it.”

He narrowed his eyes at her. He knew she was right, he could not do anything to help Rhaenyra. He may be a dragonrider and a skilled fighter, but that would not help him tomorrow. What they needed were allies, and in that case, they needed Rhaenys as an ally.

“You need allies and want me to marry someone for that. But I am a dragonrider. Rhaenys is not on your side and mother hasn’t ridden Syrax in years. Aegarax is as big as her. Vermax, Arrax and Moondancer are still young and small. After you, I am the most valuable dragonrider in our family. Do you really want to risk losing that?”

Daemon starred at her before he looked down at the floor. Visenya expected him to explode now, no one threatened him without any consequences. But then she heard him laugh quietly and he looked at her again, a smile on his lips. “Very good” he pointed with his finger at her, his words almost sounded like a praise.

Visenya, thinking the conversation is finished, turned around and attempted to continue her way to the courtyard but Daemon stopped her again by grabbing her arm. “Let me go” she tried to free herself from his grip, but it was like iron around her arm.

“You will not go flying and be gone for the rest of the day like you always do” Daemon clenched through his teeth, while he dragged her back towards the direction to the royal chambers.
Visenya raised her foot and stomped to his with her heel, putting all her weight behind it and he inhaled sharply, letting go of her arm. She immediately took a few steps back, away from him, and held her arm.

“We will stand untied as a family” Daemon took a step towards her again and Visenya raised her hand to stop him. “Unless you want to drag me through the whole castle, I would advise you to leave me be. Or I will cause a very loud scene, no one will believe we are a united family then.” She still rubbed her hurting arm, and he stopped, giving her a dark look.

They starred at each other until they were interrupted by footsteps coming closer. “Niece.” Visenya had never been more thankful for something. She thanked all the gods that Aemond showed up. His eye wandered between her and Daemon and eventually stopped at the spot where she held her arm.

“Helaena is looking for you. She said you promised her to spend the afternoon with her.” She felt even more thankful now. She never promised Helaena such a thing, he was lying for her. “Of course. I must have forgotten with my mother’s arrival.” She looked at Daemon one last time before she left him standing in the hallway.

She turned two corners before she leaned against the wall and waited. She knew Aemond would follow her and wasn’t surprised when he appeared next to her. “What was that about?” She shook her head “not here.”

Her hands were still shaking a bit. Daemon had never been violent towards her but now it seemed she had finally outdone herself and got him to snap. Visenya knew he was feeling the same thing as Rhaenyra: desperation. And she did not make it better by provoking him.

When Aemond noticed her shaking hands, he took one of them and led her to an alcove. “Has he done something?” Visenya shook her head again.

“He only wanted to drag me back to my chambers, but he never has acted like this before.” When they spoke before Aemond’s presence made her nervous, but now it seemed to calm her. She could feel how she got back control over her hands and the shaking stopped.

“I cannot believe how he acted” she shook her head in disbelieve. “Has he done something like this before?” Visenya shook her head at his question. “No, never. I guess he is really desperate.”
He took her arm “does it hurt?” “It did, but now it’s getting better.” He let go of her arm and leaned out of the alcove, checking if the halls were empty.

“Meet me later.” Visenya gave him a surprised look, and he leaned down to her “the library, tonight.” She could feel her stomach flutter again at his suggestion and the corner of her lips twitched to a smile.

“That’s quite inappropriate, don’t you think?” her voice held a mocking tone in it, and he let out an amused breath. “So is sneaking around the castle at night, unchaperoned and dressed in a nightgown.” “Ah, I see. I little meeting won’t hurt then, I guess.”

“Is that a yes?” She knew she shouldn’t do it, with her family here now and the petition tomorrow. But she wanted to. And she also had to. She needed to know what all of this meant. She nodded shyly.

It was best if she returned to her chamber now. The hallway wouldn’t stay empty for long and she didn’t want to give the servants something to gossip about, especially now with her family here. She wanted to step out of the alcove, but her legs didn’t listen.

Instead, she stayed where she was and looked at him. He had his face still leaned down to her and Visenya’s eyes flew to his lips. She knew she shouldn’t, she really shouldn’t.

But he was so close to her, and she really wanted to do it. She stepped on her toes and pressed her lips on his. At first, she was not sure what he would do, she didn’t know what he wanted from her.

But then she felt how he kissed her back and she relaxed a bit. This was not like the kiss from last night. This was more shyly, but Visenya knew it was more than enough for now. If they would kiss like they did last night she would get lost in her desires again.

Kissing him here in broad daylight was already dangerous enough and just when she felt his hands on her waist pulling her closer, she pulled her head back. She took a step back out of his reach and took a deep breath. This was more than reckless, and it was better to stop now.

“I will see you later” she slipped away under him and left him standing in the alcove. With red cheeks she walked back to her chamber, completely giving up the idea to go flying. She didn’t want to risk meeting Daemon again.

She briefly touched her lips. What had she been thinking? She didn’t even know if he wanted to kiss her again. Maybe he wanted to meet in the library to tell her that all of this was just some kind of sick joke.

But when he had his face leaned down to her, he looked like he wanted it. He didn’t push her away when she kissed him, she felt how his lips pressed back against hers. She didn’t plan to kiss him, the urge suddenly came over her and now she even craved for more.

She knew she was playing a dangerous game. But right now, she didn't care.

__________

Back at her chambers she notices that they were unguarded. Rhaenys had told her this morning she would take care of the guards after Visenya told her that the Queen had them posted outside her chambers.

It seemed Rhaenys made them disappear and Visenya would really like to know how her grandmother managed to do that.

Visenya knew Rhaenys was still one of the most respected women in the realm, but she knew she could also be stern and frightening if you didn’t know her. That was probably how she managed to get rid of the guards.

Her grandmother had told Visenya this morning to ask her mother for new guards from their own household, but Visenya had forgotten about it until now.

Visenya didn’t need someone to guard her chambers the whole time. She was at Maegor’s Holdfast, no one would do her any harm here and she never had a guard with her on Dragonstone.
Her mother had once tried to appoint a sworn shield for her daughter, but Visenya never wanted one. She tended to be on her own anyways and a guard would only disturb her peace.

But now she jumped when she opened her doors and saw someone lying on one of the settees. “Malika, you almost scared me to death” she exhaled and walked toward the settees, sitting down on the one opposite to Malika.

“Other maids would die from shame if they were caught lying around by a Princess.” “Other maids wouldn’t sneak through the city for you” Malika replied bored, knowing that Visenya was only jesting.

“Have you found the orphanage?” Visenya as glad that Malika was back so she had something to distract her from thinking about either her mother or Aemond. “It took me a while but yes” Malika turned around and laughed.

“You should’ve heard them. I think they see you as a saint, I bet the bards will soon sing songs about you.” Visenya rolled her eyes playfully at that “seriously, what did they say?”

Malika stopped laughing and sat up. “Fine. I told the Septa you sent me, and she almost fell to her knees. She told me the money was more than enough, they shared it and even had something left, so the children should have enough for the next weeks.”

“That is good.” It made Visenya happier than she thought when she heard the children were better now. “May I ask, why are you doing this?” Visenya looked at Malika who furrowed her eyebrows at her.

“At first it was because I wanted to know what happened in the city and the keep in the past seven years. You told me to never underestimate the smallfolk.” Malika nodded, still listening to Visenya. “I though the best start was to give money to poor children, that warms everyone’s hearts.”

Malika let out an amused breath. “The poor people, their saint isn’t that holy at all” she grinned at Visenya. “Maybe. But my grandfather taught me that we have a responsibility, not only to the Lords that swore fealty to us but to all our subject. And when I saw these children…” Visenya trailed off and sighed.

“You always had a soft spot for them” Malika smiled gently and leaned back again. “I just thought, I have more money that I can spend. And I felt bad, what are my problems compared to theirs? Does this make sense?” “I guess is does” Malika nodded.

“Were you going somewhere?” Malika asked after a few moments of silence. “What?” Visenya looked at her confused and Malika nodded towards her. Visenya looked down and realised what Malika meant. She was still wearing her riding clothes.

“I wanted to go flying, I spoke to my mother” Visenya pressed her lips to a thin line. “Ah, that bad?” Malika stood and walked over to Visenya, sitting down next to her. “She asked my brothers if they would marry Baela and Rhaena.”

Malika raised her eyebrows surprised but then nodded “I think they would make nice pairs.” “Yes. But I am next” Visenya pressed her teeth together, feeling anger in her again. “But you can choose.” When Malika saw how Visenya’s face fell she understood and gently lay her hand on Visenya’s arm.

They sat in silence and Visenya felt how tears burned in her eyes again. “And who is it?” Malika gave Visenya a pitied look. “She didn’t choose one in particular. She chose a few that she thinks suitable. I am to choose one of them.” “It’s better than no option at all.” Visenya heard at Malika’s tone that she wanted to cheer her up.

“It’s not just about that. She promised me. No matter how many times we fought, in the end I was always loyal und dutiful to her. And now she sees her strength in danger and sacrifices me.” Malika lay her arm around Visenya’s shoulder and pulled her to her.

“She may not have broken her word completely, but she still bent her promise to her benefit. And what will she do when I chose none of them? She didn’t keep her word now, why should she in the future?” The prospect of meeting these men dreaded Visenya enough, but the prospect of being forced into a marriage even though she was promised something else made her feeling sick.

“No matter whom she chooses I will come with you, I won’t leave you alone in this. And that is a promise I will keep.” Visenya smiled at the words. “Thank you” she mumbled.

“And when are you going to meet them?” “She wants me to do a tour when I return to Dragonstone. I don’t know who they are, but she said something about the Riverlands-“ “Ough.” Maika interrupted Visenya with an annoyed sound.

“Too wet.” “The North” Visenya continued, and Malika wrinkled her nose in disgust “too cold.” Visenya snorted at that “you’re worse than me.” “I take that as a compliment.” Now Malika managed to make Visenya laugh again.

Malika furrowed her eyebrows. “If you wanted to go flying, why are you here now?” “Daemon.” Visenya rolled her eyes “Ah” Malika grinned. “The evil stepfather locked the Princess in the tower.”
“I think this time I outdid myself. He was really angry.” Visenya lifted her head from Malika’s shoulder and looked at her. “Will you come with me? On the tour?” “Of course.” Malika gave her an evil grin and her eyes gleamed with excitement. “And take your beloved dragon as well.”

At that Visenya was surprised. Since Visenya took Malika flying once she tried to stay as far away from the dragons as possible. “Why?” “Well, when one of them isn’t suited they still can get the great honour of becoming supper for him.”

Visenya opened her mouth in shock and laughed. “You are the worst.”

__________

Visenya skipped supper with her family and went to dine with her grandmother instead. But that did not stop Rhaenyra from coming to her daughter’s chambers.

Visenya already readied herself for bed. She did not forget that she wanted to meet Aemond later, but it had to look like she wanted to go to bed so no one would ask any questions.

“I will get an answer from Rhaenys tomorrow. Hopefully she will stand on our side” Rhaenyra stoked her swollen belly and Visenya leaned against a table, her arms crossed.

“I am sorry I have to put this burden on you, but we need to keep the peace.” Rhaenyra wanted to get this out of the world before tomorrow and she thought it was a good idea to talk to Visenya again in private, without Daemon who only made her angry.

“In my childhood I saw how unhappy you and father got with every passing year. You may have loved him, but you weren’t in love with him. Is that the future you wish for me?” Rhaenyra sighed and stepped to Visenya.

“When I was a young girl, my mother told me that this discomfort” she pointed towards her belly “is how we serve the realm. Becoming Queen is not only my right, it is also my duty. I ask you to do your duty now.” She took Visenya’s hands and smiled at her.

“But marriage is not the end. It may be your duty, but you can find happiness elsewhere, as did I. Your father also found happiness in our marriage, but not with me. It is not the end of live.” Visenya raised her eyebrows in disbelieve.

She knew exactly what her mother meant. So I am to marry and then take a lover to my bed, cursing my children with the same slanders me and my brothers endured our whole life.

Visenya shook her head. She would never give birth to a bastard. She could not live with the responsibility for this poor child. “If you insist on this stupid tour I will do it. But I will not marry one of them if I don’t like them.” “We will see when the times comes” Rhaenyra smiled but the smile died when Visenya shook her head.

“The tour is all you can ask of me. I don’t marry against my will, no matter what you do. Going to this tour is already more than enough, it goes against everything you promised me. But you can’t force me to do anything else than that.”

Visenya could see that her mother was not happy with this, but eventually she gave up. “Fine. We will discuss everything once we’re home again.” “Don’t forget the nameday of Maris. I will leave for Storm’s End the day after tomorrow.”

Rhaenyra nodded. “Of course, I almost forgot. I don’t think we will stay here longer than necessary. In a few days we will all be home again.” Rhaenyra wished Visenya a good night and turned to the door when Visenya nervously chewed her lip.

There was something she had wanted to ask her mother, but she had pushed the thought aside because of the potential betrothal. But now her mother seemed to have calmed down and she came here to make peace with Visenya after all.

Maybe now was the right time to ask her mother. She couldn’t wait until the petition was over, the next time she sees her mother on Dragonstone she will be busy planning this stupid tour and Visenya knew that they would fight enough then.

“Mother” she stopped Rhaenyra. “I need to ask you something.” Visenya sat down on a chair and Rhaenyra stepped back to her. “You know I visited grandfather. I remembered how you used the tunnels when I was a child and found them.”

Rhaenyra nodded and also sat down “yes, you told me when we arrived.” Visenya nervously played with her fingers. “Did you speak to him? Has he said something to you?” Rhaenyra asked hopefully. She hoped that Visenya managed to achieve something.

It’s now or never Visenya thought and looked at her mother. “When I spoke to grandfather, we spoke about Driftmark. But it was difficult. He mistook me for you once and also called me Aemma one night. But he also told me something else.” Visenya took a deep breath and prepared herself.

“He spoke about Aegon the Conqueror and a dream he had. He saw a danger from the north and that our line will bring some prince that was promised.” Rhaenyra’s face fell. She blinked a few times and shuffled in her chair uncomfortably.

“He…he spoke to you about the Song of Ice and Fire?” Visenya nodded “he said I should ask you about it, that you would tell me what that meant.” “Why did he tell you?” Visenya furrowed her eyebrows and Rhaenyra leaned over the table, taking Visenya’s hands.

“Tell me, why did he tell you?” “When I told him about Driftmark he was confused, because I was your firstborn. He said I should know.” Rhaenyra sighed and slightly shook her head. She let go of Visenya’s hands.

They never spoke about the succession again after Rhaenyra told Visenya than Jace should follow her in the throne. She thought that the topic was finished but now the King seemed to want Visenya as heir.

Visenya waited for a reaction and looked expectingly at her mother. Rhaenyra starred at her before she smiled lightly and shook her head again. “He must have mistaken you. You just said yourself he mistook you for me or my mother. He didn’t know what he was talking about.”

Visenya’s mouth dropped open. She couldn’t be serious right now. “He said my name, Mother. He said I was your firstborn and therefore should know.” “That’s enough” Rhaenyra stood abruptly.

“My succession and that of Driftmark is long settled. It has been for years now. Just forget what he told you, it was a mistake.” “Mother” Visenya tried to reason with her, but Rhaenyra already left for the door.

“I expect you to stand on your brother’s side tomorrow. Go to bed now.” Visenya could see that her mother was deeply disturbed by what she just told her. No matter what she did, even when Viserys himself saw her better suited as heir, for her mother it would always be Jace.

Visenya would like to say she was disappointed, but in truth she wasn’t. She was not even sad or angry about her mother’s reaction. After all, it was just as she would have thought she would react, and Visenya did not even try to be surprised.

She walked around her chamber, waiting for the hours to pass. She stood in front of a mirror and looked at herself. The last times she met Aemond in the library she also wore a nightgown.

She thought about changing but decided against and just put a robe on that was modest enough. It almost looked like a simple dress and not a robe so it would manage.

When she thought that enough time had passed, she decided to go to the library now. She nervously opened the portrait and walked down the dark halls, not knowing what would await her.

Chapter Text

Visenya silently closed the secret door in the library behind her. She walked through the shelves and let her fingers glide over the backs of the books. The library was dark and the moonlight that shone through the windows was the only source of light.

“How did you get in here?” This time Aemond did not manage to startle her. “Through the door” she was still inspecting the books, not turning around to him. “Always with the secrets.” She heard him sigh behind her and when she turned around, he already stood right in front of her.

“It almost sounds like a crime if you say it like this” she said. “How’s your arm?” He gently touched the spot where Daemon had grabbed her before, and she shook her head. “It’s nothing.” She looked up to him.

“You asked me to come here. What is it you want?” He stepped closer and she leaned back against the bookshelf. “You came. What is it you want?” A smile tugged at her lips, she was not sure what exactly she wanted.

She knew she wanted to know what this was. Why he kissed her. And she wanted to know if he felt the same as she did. She felt drawn to him ever since they were children and even though they were parted for seven years, the pull to him was even stronger now.

Was this how her mother felt for Daemon? She saw the two of them at Laena’s funeral, dancing around each other like two moths drawn to the light. She may not spent much time on Dragonstone with them, but she could see they loved each other.

Was this what she felt? Was she in love with Aemond? She has never been in love. Sure, she loved her brothers, even Jace and her mother. But what she felt when she thought of Aemond was different. It was nothing compared to the love she felt for her family.

And she needed to know if he felt the same. She knew she played with fire, if someone would find out about this she would be ruined, while he as a man could just continue with his life.

“What are we doing?” she pointed between the two of them and he tilted his head. “What do you mean?” Visenya sighed and stepped to the side. She could not concentrate with him standing that close to her. She needed some distance or otherwise she would give in to her desires.

She stepped to a table and leaned against it, crossing her arms. “I need to know why…that happened.” She could feel heat in her cheeks rising. “Why did you kiss me? And do not say because you wanted to, I need a real answer.”

“You kissed me again, today. Why are you so keen on an answer? Why did you do it?” he asked her, and she started to chew on her lower lip. “I…” she trailed off and supressed a smile. “Well, I wanted to” she quietly admitted and now understood how stupid that sounded.

“So I need a reason, but you don’t?” She could practically hear how he raised his eyebrow, and she sighed. “I guess I just want to know if this is serious to you. Because last night, before we kissed, we talked about avoiding marriage and then…” she trailed off.

“What are you trying to say?” He leaned with his shoulder against the bookshelf and crossed his arms.

There was a thought that had crossed her mind, and she was almost too afraid to ask him. The thought of all this being some joke to him had crossed her mind and she would feel utterly stupid if it really were nothing but a game for him.

“You did not only kiss me to ruin my reputation, did you?” Her voice was quiet, and she looked at the floor. When she looked up again, she saw how a flash of anger flew over his face. “Why do you think that?” She gave him a pleading look, feeling bad that she asked the question.

“What am I to think? Since I arrived everything you do is confusing me. You act so cold towards me, but then you tell me you don’t hold a grudge against me. You help me with Cole and then accuse me of having some secret plan. But then you kiss me, and I don’t know what to think.”

She felt despair grow in her. “Please Aemond. I don’t want to accuse you or something, but you need to understand. If anyone would find out what we were doing last night or even right now, I would be ruined. You are a man, you can do as you like. Wander through Flea Bottom, fuck a dozen whores, father some bastards. But one wrong move from me, and I am ruined.”

Visenya really did not want to accuse him of playing with her. Ever since the thought came to her, she feared his answer, knowing that if he played with her and told the false person she would never hear the end of it. But deep inside her she hoped he didn’t. That he maybe felt the same thing she did.

He strode towards her and stopped right before her, cupping her cheeks with his hands. He looked her in the eyes “this is not a game.” She relaxed and lay her hand on his. “I didn’t plan anything, if you think that” he reassured her again and Visenya nodded.

“I just had to be sure.” He leaned forward and put his forehead against hers “I know.” Visenya was relieved that he wasn’t angry with her. “And now?” She meant what would happen now. How they would continue.

“I don’t know. But yesterday when you spoke about marriage and then about going to a brothel-“ “I told you, I was jesting. I would never do that.” She raised her eyebrows, did he really think she would do that?

“I know. But only the thought of you doing something like that and other men touching you drove me mad.” “So you decided to kiss me?” she looked up to him and waited for an answer. Instead, he leaned down and kissed her and Visenya eagerly responded.

She was glad. He seemed just as confused as she was about this and didn’t seem to know what to think about all of this. But he didn’t play with her and Visenya also was not sure what all of this meant, so this enough for her right now.

Visenya pulled back again and looked at his face, seeing nothing but sincerity in it. She believed him, so she leaned forward again and lay her lips on his again.

He let go of her face and his hands wandered her body. Visenya did the same and it felt like a burst of dragonfire exploded in her belly. She leaned closer to Aemond and the feeling from last night crept back to her body.

She wanted more of him and pressed herself against him when he suddenly he leaned down and grabbed her thighs, lifting her on the table.

Visenya squeaked surprised and held onto his shoulders. She smiled and started to kiss him again, while he pulled her closer to the edge of the table, now standing between her thighs where Visenya felt an aching.

His hands wandered from her waist down her legs, and he pulled at the hem of her dress. When she felt his hands touching her knees she moaned into the kiss. “Aemond” she whispered breathless.

She tried to rub her thighs together to somehow soothe the aching between her legs, but he stood in the way. When he felt it, he smiled and broke the kiss. “Impatient, are we?” “Shut up” Visenya said, kissing him again.

“Aemond, I need…” Visenya didn’t know what to say, even though she knew what she needed. She needed him to touch her right now and Aemond’s hands stroked her thighs, wandering up and stopping right before her core. “I know” he whispered in her ear and finally finally touched her clit.

Visenya moaned and flung her arms around his neck, holding on to him. He circled her clit with his finger, coating it with her wetness and Visenya moved her hips against him, wanting him closer. One of his fingers moved to her entrance and he slowly put it inside.

“Aemond” Visenya moaned, and he kissed her neck. At first the feeling of his finger inside her felt strange, but she quickly adjusted to it and when he started to slowly move it, she felt overwhelmed, never experiencing something like this.

Her breath began to fasten, and she could feel something building inside her. He slowly added another finger while his thumb continued to rub her clit. Visenya buried her face in his neck and her arms around him tightened.

The feeling of his fingers was a bit uncomfortable at first, but pleasure soon clouded her head and took over her body.

He buried his hand in her hair and tugged her head back, so he could kiss her neck. She closed her eyes and clawed at his shoulders, moaning his name.

His mouth wandered from her neck down to her chest. His hand glided from her hair to her breast, and he tugged at her nightgown. The neckline of it now almost exposed her breasts and Aemond’s lips covered them with kisses.

When he could feel her legs slowly start to tremble his hand wandered down her body and snaked around her waist pulling her closer to him again.

He crooked one of the fingers inside her and she inhaled sharply. Her toes curled and she stiffened her moans by pressing her face against his neck.

She moved her hips against his hand again, impatient because she was getting close, and he smirked. “Just like that. That’s my girl” he whispered in Valyrian into her ear and that drove her over the edge, gasping she moaned into his neck, her arms trembling around his shoulders.

They stayed like that for a while and Visenya felt her body relax in his arms. Her face was still in his neck, arms slung around it. His hand slowly rubbed her back and he withdrew his fingers. He said nothing and gave her time to get down from her high.

She slowly loosened her grip around his neck and leaned back, putting her hands on his shoulders. She leaned forward to kiss him again. This time not passionate like before, but deeply.

When she pulled back and looked at him, she rolled her eyes playfully and giggled. “Don’t look so smug” “I don’t think you’re in the position to complain.” She hated to admit it, but he was right. This had been amazing.

“You’re pretty convinced of yourself, aren’t you?” “You just confirmed it.” She shook her head amused. “How am I supposed to leave you now?” She spoke her thoughts out loud and he shrugged his shoulders “you don’t need to leave.”

Visenya huffed amused “and what am I to say why I want to stay here? Besides, my mother wouldn’t allow that.” Aemond let go of her and Visenya felt disappointment at it. But he did not move back but leaned forward, placing his hands on the table on each side of her thighs.

Visenya was now caged between his arms, her nightgown still ruffled up at her hips. “Just tell her that it would mend the differences between our families. I’m sure she would be delighted by that” “I don’t think I’m in any position to ask something of her now. She is mad at me.” He tilted his head at her.

“Why? Not following her wishes?” Visenya sighed at that. A potential marriage was not something she wanted to discuss with him, especially not after what just happened. “She still wants me to get married” she rolled her eye while speaking and could feel him stiffen at her words.

She took his face in her hands. “But at least she didn’t choose someone in particular. I am supposed to go on a tour and meet the ones she sees fit.” “And if you don’t choose?” Visenya shrugged her shoulders, “I asked the same. She didn’t answer but I think if I won’t choose, she will.”

“What will you do now?” She leaned her head back at his words and considered her options. “First, I will go to Storm’s End the day after the hearing. I am invited to a nameday feast. Then I am supposed to return to Dragonstone, where she plans her tour for me. Why?” She could hear how he tapped with his finger against the table.

“Don’t go back to Dragonstone right away when you’re finished in the Stormlands. Meet me first.” Visenya smiled at his suggestion. “You want me to meet you?” The corners of his mouth twitched to a smile “yes. How long will you stay in Storm’s End?” “Three days.”

“Then tell your mother it will be four. And leave earlier to meet me.” She nervously played with the hem of her nightgown “and then what?” “We can continue this as it is. When you go on your tour we can meet, and you said you often leave Dragonstone, so we can continue to meet when you’re finished with the tour. And then we will see what happens.”

She thought about it and liked the idea. He offered her a choice with no obligations and something she had to look forward to on her tour. She was sure that none of the suitors her mother choose would interest her, as he captivated all her thoughts.

“We need to be careful.” The most important thing was that no one would find out. Maybe she would need to tell Malika. She would accompany her on her tour and Visenya knew that she could trust her.

And if they would continue this Visenya knew it would sooner or later end in more than kissing. Then she would need to make sure that they were no consequences out if it.

“We have dragons. We can go wherever we want to, to the greatest wastelands where no one will discover us.” His tone was calming and reassured her. She laughed quietly, “these poor men. They hope for a marriage with me when all I do is use them as coverage.” His hands grabbed her waist, and he pulled her closer to him again.

“None of them is worthy enough to even look at you.” She leaned closer and her lips ghosted over his “jealous, are we?” She kissed him quickly “don’t worry. I already know that meeting you will be the only thing that interests me on this tour.”

“Then meet me in five days. Fly south from Sharp Point to the east over the sea. There is an island, just wasteland. I used to fly there when I was younger.” “Alright.” They stayed like this for a while until Visenya felt how tiredness took over her.

She and Aemond kissed one last time before she returned to her chambers. She went to the normal door but then decided against it. She walked back to where she came from and Aemond gave her a confused look.

“What are you doing?” She grinned at him “good night.” She walked to the bookshelf that also was a door to the tunnels and slipped through it, while he starred at the secret door.

_______________

The next morning Malika gave her a questioning look through the mirror. Visenya sat at her vanity and yawned for the third time now since Malika started to braid her hair. “I thought you went to bed rather early yesterday. Did you not sleep well?”

Visenya hated lying to Malika but right now would not be the right time to tell her about her nightly activities. “Not much. I just couldn’t sleep.” She immediately felt bad. She had always told Malika everything and lying to her left a bitter taste behind.

Malika had braided two strands from each side of Visenya’s face to the back of her head, where she put them around her head like a crown. The rest of her hair fell down her back in curls, where Malika had braided little strands into it. Her mother brought a rich blue dress for Visenya from Dragonstone, shining in the colours of House Velaryon.

The sleeves were cut open below the elbow and flooded to the floor and the skirts had stiches of golden dragons on them. Malika helped Visenya to put on some jewellery and after they were finished someone knocked at her door.

“Enter” Visenya said, twisting the rings on her fingers in the right direction. Luke came in and plumped down on her bed. “Good morning to you too, brother” Visenya said and turned to him. Malika giggled and put away Visenya’s nightgown.

“Can’t we just let Vaemond have Driftmark?” Luke groaned and looked at his sister. Visenya stood up and shook her head. “Sorry to disappoint, but no. We cannot allow this slight against our family” she sat down next to him and shook his shoulder.

He turned on his back and starred at her. “I wanted to speak with you last night. You weren’t here, where were you?” he asked and Visenya could feel all colour draining from her face. “The library” she answered. “I could not sleep so I looked for a book” she added, at least that’s not a completely lie she thought. Just as she hated lying to Malika, she hated lying to Luke.

To Jace or Daemon or even her mother she felt no remorse, but Luke was a different story. “What did you want?” she asked him “I guess I needed someone that won’t tell me everything going to be alright. Mother and Daemon keep saying that everything will be alright, that they won’t take my birthright. But I know Mother is scared because she does not have the King on her side this time. But still, she pretends as if everything will be alright. You never shrunk back from telling me the truth, even if it was a hard one, so I guess I just wanted someone to tell me what will happen now.”

Visenya smiled down at him. “Mother just wants to protect you and doesn’t want you to worry. And I can’t tell you what will happen. We can only hope for a wonder because Otto and Alicent Hightower will strike, and they will probably succeed. Then we must cling to the hope that Lord Corlys will recover and put order in his house.”

“But I don’t want to be treated like a toddler. I know that our chances are bad, why won’t she just tell me so?” “She does not want you to worry, she only means well.” Luke was not happy with that and sighed again. Visenya was amused, this had to be the first time Luke seemed to be annoyed by their mother.

The doors to her chamber opened again and her mother strode in, followed by Jace. “There you are, Luke” she said and went to the edge of Visenya’s bed. “I was looking for you, are you two ready to go?” Visenya nodded while Luke only grumbled.

“It’s time. We need to go to the throne room now.” Rhaenyra gave her son an excusing look. “Everything will be alright. We will end this farce before it even starts and then we will return home.”
Jace approached them and clapped on Luke’s knee. “Come on brother. Mother will ensure your position, so stop worrying. The whole realm knows this is a pitiful attempt from Vaemond to grasp for power.”

Visenya sometimes envied her brothers for the trust they had in their mother. She only had that kind of trust in her when she was a child, but it was long gone now. But now they tried to strike against Rhaenyra’s sons so Visenya did not doubt that her mother would not give up without a fight.

Rhaenyra turned to leave the chambers. “Come children” she called them, and Luke stood up, giving his sister a look that screamed See? I told you so. Visenya giggled and rolled her eyes, taking Luke by the shoulders and softly pushing him to walk. “Off you go then, Lord of the Tides” she said and followed him.

Chapter Text

On their way to the throne room Visenya trailed behind her siblings and mother. Her thoughts still circled around last night, as they already had the entire night.

When she went to the library, she knew it was unlikely that she would leave without a kiss. But when he kissed her again, she knew she wanted more. She needed more.

And she knew he could give her the release she was looking for. She buried her nails in her hand when she remembered how he touched her and how she had buried her face in his neck, overwhelmed by pleasure and just him.

After their first kiss Visenya knew that she had entangled herself in a dangerous situation. Also, because she felt like one kiss wasn’t enough. But now it was more than kisses she craved for.
She sucked in her bottom lip and chewed at it, trying to focus on something else.

Aemond would also be present at the hearing, and she could not stand in the throne room like a trembling maiden, yearning for his touches. She needed to get it together and cursed herself for her weakness when it came to her desires.

She only realised that they arrived at the throne room when she bumped into Jace. “Hey, are you dreaming?” he asked her and lightly shook her shoulder. Visenya looked up to him and smiled nervously.

“I guess I’m a bit nervous. I’m curious how they will pull this off” she tried to overplay her inappropriate thoughts and Jace sighed. “Yes. It will be a farce till the end, but hopefully Rhaenys agrees to the betrothals, and this will be over soon.”

“There you are.” Daemon’s voice made the siblings turn to the grand door where Daemon was already waiting for them.

Visenya raised her eyebrows when she saw Dark Sister attached to his hip. “Do you really think you need your sword for this?” She nodded towards it and Jace and Luke also looked confused at it.

“Just to be sure” Daemon grinned murderously. He thirsted for blood and Visenya looked at Luke, who looked just as disturbed at her. “Just to be sure?” Visenya’s eyes flew to Jace, who also looked disturbed at Daemon’s words.

“Can’t this family not have a single normal gathering?” Visenya mumbled and Jace nodded in agreement. It happened rarely that the two siblings agreed in something, and Rhaenyra impatiently hushed her children inside the throne room.

Inside they looked at the empty throne. Otto Hightower stood in front of it, waiting for everyone to arrive. The Queen and her children were already there and stood on the left side of the room. Rhaenyra guided her children to the other side.

Visenya’s eyes flew to Aemond, and they exchanged a short look before Visenya forced herself to look away again. She was proud of herself. She had thought seeing him again for the first time after last night would make her only more nervous and maybe blush.

But she felt no heat rising to her cheeks and she smiled lightly at the triumph. But she decided it would still be better to avoid his look, so she stood next to Luke and gave her brother an encouraging nod.

Rhaenys then entered the room with Baela and Rhaena behind her. Vaemond was the last to join them. Otto Hightower walked to the Iron Throne and sat down on it, opening the petition now.

He granted Vaemond to start and listed to his speech. The more he spoke the more Visenya turned bored. All he did was complaining and retelling almost the whole history of House Velaryon.

Gods, does this man ever shut up? Her eyes flew over the room, looking if she found anything more interesting than this. Only when her mother spoke Visenya realised that Vaemond was finished with his speech.

Her mother just started to speak when the grand doors of the throne room opened and Kingsguards stepped inside. They stood next to the door and announced the arrival of the King.

Visenya’s eyes widened in shock. The last few days he was barely able to speak to her and now he stood up. He dragged himself to the throne, leaning on a cane and Visenya could see the pain on his face.

When he passed them, he stopped and looked at Rhaenyra. Visenya turned to her mother who seemed to be just as shocked as she was. All it took for him to stand up was her Visenya thought and shook her head in disbelieve.

Otto Hightower stood and made space on the throne while the King fought his way up the stairs. He stumbled and lost his crown, but Daemon picked it up and helped him sat down on the throne.

When he settled down on it, he looked at the people gathered in the room. “I am confused, why a matter is discussed, over a long-settled succession” he began. Visenya looked at the Queen and saw how she pressed her lips together to a thin line.

She knew with Viserys’s arrival she had lost. Rhaenyra on the other hand looked smug, grabbing Lukes hands with an encouraging nod. “Even before my daughter married Ser Laenor, Lord Corlys and I decided that Driftmark will pass through Ser Laenor to one of his children. Isn’t that right, Princess Rhaenys?” The King addressed his cousin, who nodded.

“Indeed, your Grace” she answered, smiling at the King. “Then you all surely understand that I do not understand what there is to discuss. It’s has been long settled that my grandson Jacaerys will inherit the title of Lord of Driftmark.” Visenya furrowed her brows and looked to the King. The crowd began to mumble, as it was Luke’s claim that was being questioned, not Jace’s.

“My King, Lucerys is my late husband’s second son. Surely you must confuse him with his older brother” Rhaenyra spoke, and Viserys held up his hand. Visenya felt nauseous. A thought crept into her head and she had the feeling that her grandfather did not mistake Jace for Luke.

“I am old, my child. But I do know my own grandchildren. My question is, why a petition over Lucerys should be heard, when it was agreed that your firstborn will follow you on the throne, and the second born shall inherit Driftmark?” Visenya felt panic rise inside her. He wouldn’t, would he? She shortly looked to her mother, who's face now turned pale.

“The only way for Lucerys to inherit Driftmark is if you were to set aside Jacaerys. Is that your wish daughter?” Rhaenyra shook her head and Visenya felt how Jace’s and Luke’s eyes flew to her. She now looked at the floor, avoiding looking at her mother at all cost.

“Lord Corlys wished for Luke to be his heir, and Jace will be Prince of Dragonstone when I ascend the throne” Rhaenyra tried to explain but Viserys would have none of it.

“It was agreed long ago that your firstborn child, regardless of its gender, would inherit the throne after you. That child is Visenya, and she is the heir to the Iron Throne. Unless she would like to renounce her claim. Visenya?” her grandfather spoke to her directly.

Visenya could feel how all eyes in the room flew to her and she straightened her back and held her head up high. She knew that her mother would now expect of her. Renounce her claim and give it to Jace.

Visenya didn’t know what to do. As a child she wanted the throne, but more because it was something that belonged to her alone and not to her brothers. Now, she wasn’t even sure if she ever wanted to be Queen.

No one had asked her the question before, and her grandfather was now the first to do so. How could he surprise her like this? She wished she had more time to think. Should she renounce her claim now?

Or should she accept a claim to a throne she doesn’t even know she wants? Her eyes flew from her mother to her grandfather and then back to her siblings. She needed to decide now, but what should she choose?

“Visenya is aware of that agreement” her mother spoke but the King kept looking at Visenya. “Speak, granddaughter.”

Visenya cleared her throat and stepped forward. “My mother decided seven years ago that my brother Jacaerys would be her heir, which would make Luke the heir to Driftmark” she started, impressed by her firm voice.

Rhaenyra and Jace now looked at her and nodded for her to continue. Visenya played with a ring on her finger. She knew it would save her a lot of trouble to confirm her mother’s point.

But all these years she knew that something had been stolen from her, something that was supposed to be hers from the beginning, as the King had said.

Maybe she was not sure if she wanted to throne, but she was sure in one thing: the King should at least know what his daughter is doing behind his back. She had enough of her mother’s game.

Maybe with this she will gain the King’s support for choosing her own future. With him on her side, her mother could never marry her off.

Visenya pressed her lips together, call it pettiness or what else, but now she had the chance to finally tell someone that she never had a choice in that matter.

Her mother tried to take away her free choice of a husband, so would it not be fair to take away Rhaenyra’s choice of who is to be her heir?

Visenya thought about it. She knew if she would tell the truth now, she would only do it out of spite, not because she really wanted the Iron Throne with all her heart.

“But I was never asked in that matter. I never renounced my claim, my mother decided in that matter.” Now she feared she might throw up. The words had left her mouth before she even thought about it, and at first she didn’t even recognize her own voice.

She could not believe she had actually just said that.

She looked at her mother for a second and saw how Jace looked at her like he would murder her right now and Rhaenyra gave her a look of pure disbelief. She hated that moment. All eyes looked at her and Visenya despised attention.

“And what did drive Lord Corlys to the decision that Luke, as third born should be the heir to Driftmark?” Viserys looked at his cousin again and Rhaenys stepped forward to stand next to Visenya, linking their arms together. Visenya was glad for the support, and Rhaenys slowly stoked Visenya’s arm to calm her down.

“The Princess Rhaenyra had informed my husband of her decision. He did indeed question it, but for him it didn’t matter in the end if it was Jace or Luke, as his only wish was for Driftmark to pass through Ser Laenor to his sons.” “So Lord Corlys would also accept Jacaerys as his heir?” Viserys asked.

“He would. In truth, the Princess Rhaenyra had informed me that she plans to marry her sons to my granddaughters, Baela and Rhaena. I and surely also Lord Corlys would love to see Laenor’s and Laena’s children rule Driftmark together. It is a proposal to which I agree.”

Visenya looked at Rhaenys of course. She wanted Driftmark to pass through Laena to Baela, with that she can make Baela Lady of Driftmark. Viserys knocked on the floor with his cane.

“Then the matter is settled, once again. Upon my death, my daughter Rhaenyra will follow me on the Throne, and her firstborn Visenya will then bear the name Targaryen as Princess of Dragonstone. And Jacaerys Velaryon will be the heir of Driftmark.”

“Father...” Rhaenyra started but Viserys interrupted her. “This is a settled succession, Rhaenyra. Unless you want to put aside your daughter in favour of your son?” he asked and Visenya saw how her mother looked briefly at Aegon for a second.

The King didn’t just mean her mother’s succession, but his own as well. He never named Aegon his heir, despite him being the firstborn son. Rhaenyra stepped back, fixing her daughter with a look of fury and Visenya let Rhaenys guide her back to stand next to Baela and Rhaena.

Visenya still felt sick and Rhaenys gave her a worrying glance. “It’s alright” she whispered in Visenya’s ear, but Visenya knew that nothing was alright now. She had just been declared the heir to a throne, she didn’t even know she wanted.

She clung to Rhaenys’s arm and shortly looked around the room. She could see how Helaena threw her a worrying glance and imagined she probably looked as pale as a ghost right now.

Aemond also looked at her and when he saw that she looked at him he formed a word with his lips breathe. Visenya was not sure if she imagined it, but she was thankful for it regardless.

Visenya thought it would be best to keep some distance to her mother and Jace, so she stayed at Rhaenys’s side. She planned to escape the room as soon as the King would dismiss them but then Vaemond stepped forward again.

“I will not see my house ended on the account of this…” Vaemond stopped and Visenya saw Daemon giving him a provoking nod “say it.” Vaemond gave him a smug grin “her children are Bastards!” he yelled through the entire room “and she is a whore.”

He looked at Rhaenyra and Visenya shook her heads. “Gods…” she mumbled, this would not end well for Vaemond now. Just as Viserys announced to take Vaemond’s tongue, Daemon sneaked up behind him and cut his head in half.

The crowd was shocked and Visenya only shook her head in disbelieve. Was it necessary to cut off his head here and now? Could Daemon not wait until Vaemond would be punished by the King? Viserys groaned in pain and collapsed.

His guards and the Grand Maester carried out of the room. Visenya took the opportunity while everyone was still distracted from Vaemond’s death and sneaked out of the grand doors.

Outside she walked away from the throne room and supported herself with a hand of the wall. She really felt sick now, but not because of Vaemond. What had she just done? She just gave away all sympathy her mother had left for her, of that she was sure now.

A hand lay on her shoulder and Visenya jumped. “I did not mean to startle you” a gentle voice said and Visenya relaxed again. “Helaena” she said, glad that it was her aunt that found her. “You do not seem well, Visenya” Helaena said and Visenya shook her head.

Helaena took her hands and Visenya thankfully looked at her. “My mother will never forgive me. What am I supposed to do now?” Helaena gave her an encouraging nod, “I’m sure it’s not that bad.” Visenya envied her for her innocence.

“Helaena” the Queen strode towards them. “Come now. We need to get away from this scene, I do not want you any closer to that…person” she said and Visenya knew she referred to Daemon.

Alicent stopped and shortly looked at Visenya “you should also go back to your chambers. You seem pale, Princess.” Visenya did not know if Alicent was really worried about her of if this was meant as a slight. She did not care right now and nodded, only mumbling a short “my Queen.”

Alicent already dragged Helaena away from her and Helaena threw an excusing look over her shoulder at Visenya.

Visenya now stood alone again until she saw Aegon and Aemond exit the Throne Room as well. While Aegon disappeared quickly in the crowd of the nobles, Aemond came to her.

“Are you alright?” he asked and Visenya saw how the nobles that just left the room stare at her, passing her and Aemond in the hallway.

“I do not want them to listen” Visenya said in Valyrian as she started to pace, putting her hand on her forehead.

“Why has he done that? Why did I say that?” she asked Aemond. “What else were you supposed to say? Your mother wanders the keep and feels entitled to her right as heir because she is firstborn and still coddles her second born” he answered and Visenya shook her head.

She took a deep breath, hoping it would somehow soothe the sick feeling in her stomach. “You sure you’re alright? Was it the chopped off head?” Aemond asked again and Visenya shook her head “I do not care about that. It’s because of what I said, just a bit panic.”

“Why are you so scared? She can’t do anything about it anyways now” “You think I will have a say in my life now? When I fly off to Driftmark or the Vale without asking her she is angry but calms down after a day. When I tell her I do not wish to get married she also let go of the matter for a few weeks. But this” Visenya pointed to the throne room “this is unforgiveable. I just striped Jace of his title.”

Aemond attempted to reach for her arm, but Visenya stepped away, shaking her head. “No, we can’t. Too much eyes” she said, even though she wished for nothing more than he comforting her. But the nobles were still starring at her.

“You need to calm down, do not show them your panic. What’s done is done” he told her and Visenya nodded, slowly controlling her breath until it became normal again. She looked at Aemond and opened her mouth to thank him but was interrupted.

“Visenya” her mother stepped towards them. Visenya looked at Aemond threw a cold look at Rhaenyra. Visenya inhaled deeply and then did what he told her to do. She straightened her back and held her head high.

Rhaenyra stopped before them, her glance wandering between them before her eyes settled on Visenya. “My chambers, now” she said and gave Aemond a last look.

“Aemond” she said “Rhaenyra” he answered just as short and cold as she did and Visenya followed her mother, throwing one last look at Aemond over her shoulder.

“What did he want?” Rhaenyra asked, her voice hard and cold. “Nothing in particular, we just shared memories of our childhood these last few days” Visenya answered.

Rhaenyra stopped and lay her hand on Visenya’s arm. “I want you to stay away from him as far as possible” she said firmly. A bit too late for that Visenya thought and followed her mother.

_______________

When they arrived at Rhaenyra’s chamber her brothers and Daemon were already waiting for them. Jace still looked at her with murderous anger while Luke was calm, and his face showed not even a hint of anger. Visenya decided that it would be best to sit next to him.

Nobody said anything and Visenya couldn’t take the silence, so she sighed and looked at her mother. “Go on then” she said, and Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow.

“That is all you have to say now?” Visenya sighed and shook her head “what do you want me to say? That I’m sorry? Because I’m not.”

“You just waited for that moment, admit it” Jace spat and Visenya laughed. “Waited for it? If you mean I wanted to expose you, you’re wrong. But I’m certainly not sorry for standing up for myself. All these years I had to step down, I had to wait to mount my dragon, so you won’t feel left out. I have been stripped from my birthright, because of you. It was always ever about you, and when that one moment came, where someone wanted to hear my side of the story, I stepped up for myself and told the truth. So no, I am not sorry!” Visenya yelled at her brother.

Her mother looked at her, shocked about Visenya’s outburst. “Well, if anyone would like to hear my opinion about this, I am not that sad that Jace will inherit Driftmark now” Luke said quietly and Visenya gave him a loving look.

“Oh Luke, I never meant to take something away from you” she grabbed his hand, and he shook his head. “I always complained to you about it, I really don’t mind” he answered. “But you should” Rhaenyra now interfered and looked at Visenya.

“How did this happen? Has this been you plan the entire time? You said you visited my father, what did you say to him? Did you tell him do to that?” she asked and Visenya looked at her in disbelieve.

“I never had any plan. When I came here my intention was to defend Luke’s claim. When I told the King about Vaemond’s petition he was the one who said that I, as your firstborn, should be your heir. I never whispered something in his ear, nor did I ask him to declare me as heir. He did this on his own.”

“They you should have said no” Jace interrupted them. “And lie to the King? I just said the truth, that I was never asked in that matter” Visenya said and turned to her mother.

“When I told you I would stand by Luke’s side and defend him I was telling the truth. But today was the first time someone asked me what I had to say about being set aside in favour of my younger brother. Something you feared that might happen to you your entire life. You build your whole claim on the fact that you are your father’s firstborn child, and yet you deny me, your firstborn, my birthright.”

Rhaenyra shook her head “that is different, you know that. It’s not just about me being the firstborn, my father chose me. There has never been a woman in my position before, the men of the realm only wait for me to make a mistake to declare me unfit to rule. With Jace as my successor they have the safety of a man on the throne after me.”

Visenya looked away, always the same arguments, always the same excuses. Since her mother named Jace her heir she knew the real reason behind it. I am a Targaryen, through and through, while Jace does not have a single trait of Targaryen on his face Visenya looked at Daemon, who stayed quite the entire time.

“Ever since Aegon was born I was faced with the question why I am still the heir. The realm is not ready for me becoming Queen, nor is it ready for two Queens, they will always prefer a man over a woman. But with Jace I will have the peace that I need. It is my duty to reign after my father and keep the peace.”

Visenya barely listened to her mother’s excuses, instead she still starred at Daemon. He took Rhaenyra’s sons in, treated them like his own but now, he decided to stay silent.

Visenya scoffed. She knew she would find no support here, except maybe from Luke who seemed to like the idea of getting rid of his title. “I will talk to my father again. Convince him that this is a mistake, that Jace was prepared for this the whole of his life” Rhaenyra said and then, suddenly, Daemond giggled.

“You think you can get him to change his mind? The Hightower-Bitch now tried for twenty years to get her useless son on the throne, and yet Viserys did not once waver in his decision. And now you think you can talk to him once and convince him to change his mind? Give it up, my brother may not be strong, but when it comes to his decision and stubbornness he won’t be convinced otherwise. She has outsmarted you.” Daemon pointed at Visenya.

He then stood up. “We have Driftmark, we won. I will tell the maids to prepare the children for our departure” he announced and when he passed Visenya he leaned down and whispered to her “well played.” With that left the room.

Rhaenyra then sat down, realisation showing on her face. She knew Daemon spoke the truth, and that Viserys would not change his mind. “The King wants his family to have supper tonight, all together. I expect you to attend and behave, now go to your chambers. I need some rest” she said to her children and stroked her swollen belly.

Visenya, only waiting to be excused, was the first to leave the room.

She hurried out of the door, but Jace followed her quickly and caught up to her in the hallway. “I want you to set this right!” he yelled at her. “There is nothing to set right” Visenya answered and fastened her pace.

“You know there is. For years now mother has prepared me for the throne. You can’t sneak your way into the castle and convince the King to declare you heir.” Visenya stopped and turned around.

She then gave Jace a cruel smile and stepped towards him. “Maybe you should go to the King. Convince him of your worthiness. Just do something on your own for once in your life Jace and stop relying on mother to fix your problems.”

Jace looked at her, taken aback and Visenya turned around and went to her chambers, sure that he would not follow her this time.

_______________

Rhaenyra has already sent her children away to change for dinner when Daemon came back. “Are the little ones asleep?” she asked and Daemon nodded. “I told the maids to prepare everything, we will leave soon” he sat down next to her.

“Should we really? He will die soon Daemon, should we not stay here to ensure the succession?” “Yours or Jace’s?” he raised his eyebrows.

“Not you too” she sighed and stood, wandering the room with a hand on her belly. “I can’t believe this happened. How could he just name her heir like that?”

“She should’ve always been your heir. She is the firstborn, you cannot insist on your birthright when you name your second born as heir. I told you that seven years ago, it’s not wise to proceed like that.”

Rhaenyra snorted “you never seemed to care about her. Now you want me to name her heir.” “I tried to care about her. But she wouldn’t let me-“ “because she thinks you killed Laenor” Rhaenyra turned to him.

“She loved him. As a child she worshipped the ground he walked on and when he suddenly left, she didn’t want anything. Just to be left alone” Rhaenyra sighed. “I thought about telling her so many times, just to get that sad look off of her face” she said.

“We can’t. We can’t tell anyone. She may not run around the realm and spill the secret, but she would tell Rhaenys. She wouldn’t stay silent and when people find out that Laenor is alive our sons will be declared illegitimate, do you want that?” Daemon took Rhaenyra’s hands and slightly shook them.

“Viserys made a decision. Whether you like it or not, he wants her as heir. Why do you insist on Jace?” he asked her and Rhaenyra pulled her hands from his. She wandered back to the settees and sat down slowly.

“When I named Jace my heir I was still married to Laenor. He was so angry about it but then Laena died, and it seemed forgotten” she sighed, stroking her swollen belly. “It took my father years after he named me heir to take me serious and invite me to his council. I decided then that I would do better with my own heir, give him or her a seat in my council from the start.”

While she spoke, Daemon leaned against the back of the opposite settee, starring at her. Rhaenyra nervously played with her rings “I knew that Visenya was my firstborn but…” she trailed off.
“What?” Daemon asked and Rhaenyra smiled sadly at him “she has your eyes, you know?” Tears build in her eyes, and she fought against them.

“Even before she was born, she was a constant reminder of you. And at that time, I hated you for leaving me and marrying Laena. It felt like you mocked me with your child that you left behind.”

“It was never my intention. I told you I asked for you hand” he stated, and Rhaenyra gave him a sharp look. “It doesn’t matter anymore what happened. She was born and looked at me with your eyes and it suddenly it felt like not only she was mocking me, but the gods were as well.”

Tears fell down her cheeks and she giggled desperately. “It sounds stupid, I know. But then she grew and with every year she reminded me more of you. And I grew more frustrated. I heard from Laenor and Rhaenys how happy Laena was with you, and I turned more desperate with each passing year. Laenor forgot about our deal and had his fun with every man he wanted to take to his bed, and I was always the Princess that had given birth to bastards.”

“So what, you neglected her because she was mine?” Daemon asked and Rhaenyra shrugged. “I know it’s gruesome to punish her for it. But she was here, and you weren’t. I thought I had lost you forever so I couldn’t stand the thought of raising her as my heir, spending every day with her in my council, teaching her how to rule. I couldn’t stand the thought of looking into your eyes every day for the rest of my life.”

“But we are married now. You said you couldn’t stand the thought of looking at her, but we have been married for seven years now. You had plenty of time to change your mind.”

Rhaenyra nodded at his words, but her eyes cast to the floor. “I know. But it wasn’t just that. I can’t look at her without feeling shame” she cried into her hands.

“Shame? It was you who invited me to your bed” he said in disbelieve and Rhaenyra shook her head. “No. I felt ashamed because when I carried her there was a time when-“ she stopped herself with a sob. “I wished I would’ve never got pregnant. I wished your seed hadn’t taken root and she wouldn’t exist.”

“You wanted to erase all trace of me? Just like that?” his voice carried anger in it and Rhaenyra shook her head. “It was only for a short time and when she was born, I was glad that I had her and she was healthy, but I felt so ashamed about these thoughts, and I hated myself for even thinking about it. I was shocked that I would even think something like that about an innocent child. And a small part in me blamed her and you for even thinking such a thing.”

“You can’t blame me or her for this. You knew when you took me into your bed that it could result in a child. You even told me that night you needed an heir to protect yourself from Alicent. I only gave you what you wanted” Daemon had now raised his voice.

“I know I can’t blame her. But I did, no matter how hard I tried, it was always impossible for me to look at her without feeling the shame. I just don’t know how to handle her, every time I tried to get closer to her, I heard a small voice in my head, calling me a hypocrite. Building a relationship with a child I wished that wouldn’t exist.”

She now sobbed as she felt shame creep up in her again. “Laenor had warned me, that I would break something forever, but I think at that time it was already too late. I just thought Jace was the easier solution.”

“The easy solution would have been to pay attention to your daughter” Daemon said, laying his head in his hand. “I wanted to. I felt like a terrible person after Jace was born, because it was so different with him. I knew he would always have my love, so I thought if I couldn’t give her love maybe I can grant her something else.” “And what is that?” Daemon now raised his eyebrows.

“My whole life I had to fight against prejudices. A woman as heir even thought I have brothers. As a child I thought I wanted it all, but now with the years I have learned that duty is a burden and not a price. I burdened her enough. I didn’t want her to wear this burden as well. So I chose Jace to grant her at least that freedom.”

Rhaenyra had calmed down again but her eyes were still down, looking at the floor in shame. “I don’t think she sees it as a freedom. More of another punishment for whatever sin she thinks she has committed. And now you insist on a betrothal, that is not freedom. With that you only push her further away, she even threatened to leave” Daemon walked around the settees and sat on the small table before Rhaenyra.

“You don’t want to name her heir, fine. But then call off this idea of a betrothal. Laenor was right, you will lose her. Without Viserys we would have lost today. Keep her close to you, you still need her.”

“But I also need allies.” “Then talk to her. Maybe explain her how important it is to gain allies and get her to like the idea of a betrothal. Tell her what you told me-“ “How can I tell her I once wished she didn’t live?” she interrupted him, but he raised one of his hands and lay the other on top of hers. “Just talk to her.”

“After she told you she didn’t want to have you as father you never took another interest in her, why now?” Rhaenyra asked him, taking his hand in hers.

“I love my brother. But I understand her. I know how it is to be constantly pushed aside for others. Before the council of 101, it was I that raised an army in his name. I would’ve sat him on that throne, I fought in his name. And still, I was pushed aside. To the Vale, the City Watch and exiled a couple of times. I know what it feels like to be never enough.”

Rhaenyra squeezed his hand and slowly nodded. “We need to ready ourselves, dinner is soon” Daemon said and stood.

Rhaenyra stayed for a while, thinking about her daughter. Viserys had told her about the Song of Ice and Fire. He wanted his granddaughter to succeed her.

She had to face the truth. She couldn’t stand against her father’s choice, no matter how hard she would fight it. For years men around him tried to convince him to name Aegon heir and still he upheld Rhaenyra’s claim. She couldn’t change his mind, she had to live with it now.

And with her daughter as heir, no matter how hard she wished it was Jace instead.

_______________

Visenya walked to the dining room. She had spent the afternoon picking out the dresses she wanted to take to Storm’s End and gave Malika the ones she wanted her to take back to Dragonstone.

She then even lay down for an hour because somehow, she suddenly got very tired. Visenya blamed the cold weather in the morning.

This morning, she felt how her throat had been a bit sore and Visenya feared she might have caught a small cold. Luckily Malika had also brought some warmer riding clothes for Visenya and the flight to Storm’s End was short.

The mornings on Driftmark had already been cold and yesterday she spent almost two hours in the cold air, trying to get the kiss out of her head. Maybe she should have settled for another distraction.

Visenya wanted to leave very early the next morning, but she decided that after she arrived there, she would not fly in the early morning hours anymore but wait until midday. Hopefully she could prevent getting really sick and it would stay at a sore throat.

She had changed into a red gown, with long bell sleeves that were golden on the inside. She wore golden earrings with a matching necklace with rubies, that also matched the belt that was around her slim waist and Malika had braided her hair.

When she arrived at the dining hall her side of the family hadn’t arrived yet. She sighed relieved and entered the room. “Visenya!” Aegon greeted her with a grin and waved her to him.

“Uncles” Visenya greeted him and Aemond. Aegon purred her a cup of wine and pressed it into her hand. “Yesterday I was quite surprised, but I must admit you drowned that cup better than my brother here would do” he pointed at Aemond and Visenya raised her brows at him.

“To your victory over my sister today” Aegon said and clinked their cups together. “You know I am not here to become your drinking buddy” Visenya said, but took a sip nonetheless.

“Ah, come on. Don’t be such a bore. I will ensure the maids bring us the finest wines today” he said and went to a maid that carried a tray with jugs, telling her to bring more wine, they wanted to celebrate. Visenya wrinkled her nose when she thought about the wine she drank from Aegon yesterday and hoped he would not tell the maid to go get that one.

“I would advise you to not start a drinking contest with my brother. You will lose” Aemond said to her in High Valyrian and Visenya snorted “and here I was, thinking it would be a great idea to loosen the tension in the room” Visenya answered him.

“How bad was it?” Aemond asked and Visenya shook her head “she is furious, accusing me of having this planned. I will leave in the morning for Storm’s End and stay there for a few days. Hopefully she will cool down a bit and then I will attempt to talk to her again.”

Aemond looked around and lowered his head to hers “our plan?” he asked and Visenya smiled, feeling excitement rise in her.

With everything that happened in the throne room she was so distracted that she barely thought about what happened last night. She took a shaky breath “I will be there” she answered, hoping his effect on her would not be that obvious. But she could feel her cheeks burn at the thought that he would touch her again.

Luke and Jace then entered the room, whilst Jace was still brooding, Lukes eyes searched for her. When he spotted her so close next to Aemond he gave her a confused look. Visenya then quickly took a step away. “None of this anymore” she said and sat down at the place that was reserved for her.

All other family members joined them and when the King was carried into the room, they all stood until he was places opposite of Visenya. She sat between Aegon and Jace and cursed the one, who decided that this was a good idea.

“This is a happy occasion” Viserys started. “My grandsons Jace and Luke will marry their cousins Baela and Rhaena. Jace and Baela will one day rule Driftmark together, whilst my granddaughter Visenya will one day make a fine Queen. I am sure of it” he nodded to her encouraging and Visenya gave him a loving smile. “Thank you, Grandfather” she said.

Rhaenyra looked bitterly at her father and then at Jace, but kept her mouth closed. Viserys then stood to make a speech to his family. Telling them to set aside their constant fighting and start to act like a family.

Visenya had to pull herself together when he took off his golden mask. She had seen him with the bandages around his face, but now there was nothing to hide the missing eye and the rotten cheek.

Visenya’s eyes flew to Aegon, Helaena and Aemond, to watch their reactions. All of them looked at the table but did not seem to surprise by their father’s state. But when she looked to her mother Visenya could tell she was just as shocked as she was.

As Viserys ended his speech Rhaenyra raised and toasted to the Queen. Visenya raised her brow and emptied her cup, on which she has sipped since Alicent decided to start this farce with a prayer for Vaemond’s peace.

She did so mostly because of her nervousness but also because she could not believe these false courtesies. In the morning the Queen and her father had plotted to strip Luke of his birthright and now they sat here in harmony.

Aegon stood to whisper something to Baela and Visenya listened with one ear, how Aegon offered Baela a real man, if she should ever need to urge to be satisfied. Jace then stood and slammed his fist on the table.

Visenya leaned back in her chair and looked unimpressed up to him. Aegon sat back down and Jace then seemed to control his anger and raised his cup “to my uncles, Prince Aegon and Prince Aemond, whom I share great memories from our childhood with” he said.

When Rhaenyra looked at him proudly Visenya rolled her eyes and held her empty cup to Aegon, who filled it again with a grin. She could feel how Aemond watched her, but she just shrugged her shoulders. Aegon was right, the alcohol really made this more bearable.

Helaena then stood, raising her cup. “I would like to toast to Baela and Rhaena, they’ll be married soon. It’s not that bad, mostly he ignores you” she thought about her words “except sometimes when he’s drunk” she added and then looked at Visenya. “And to my dear niece Visenya, who will make a fine Queen one day” she said and Visenya smiled at her.

“Thank you, aunt” she took another sip and glared at Aegon, who seemed to be embarrassed by Helaena’s comment.

Suddenly Jace stood and offered Helaena a dance, probably feeling bad for her after her toast. Aegon looked at them shocked and Visenya softly kicked him under the table.

“It wouldn’t hurt to give her more attention. You’re not the only one in this marriage” she said to him, and he looked at her stunned and the nodded “I’ll try” he mumbled and took another sip from his wine.

They sat together and started to eat, Rhaenyra and Daemon whispering and laughing and Luke also seemed to have a good time with Rhaena. Visenya gave him a smug smile and he looked away embarrassed.

Visenya thought she should have probably not drunk so fast because she could already feel the wine rising to her head. But she didn’t mind because right now, sober she would have already lost her patience and said something unwise.

Suddenly the King groaned in pain and had to be carried out, while Alicent asked them all to stay and continue the evening. The servants brought more food, and a roasted pig was placed in front of Aemond.

Visenya could hear a snicker and turned to Luke, who looked at the pig and Aemond and laughed, she furrowed her brows until she suddenly remembered

“Just ask your brothers” Visenya shook her head “What did they do?” Aemond looked to his feet. “They gave me a pig. Glued wings and a tail to it and called it the pink dread, said it was a proper mount for me”

Visenya took a deep breath and threw a deadly glance at Luke who abruptly stopped his snickering upon seeing her face. She turned to Aemond, but the damage was done. “Don’t” she whispered in Valyrian, but he slammed his cup on the table.

“One last tribute, to the health of my nephews, Jace, Luke and Joffrey, each of them handsome, wise…and strong.” “Aemond” his mother said and Visenya leaned back in her chair again. This would escalate, she knew it.

“I dare you to say that again” Jace said, his head high. “Why? It was only a compliment, do you not think yourself strong?” Aemond asked and walked up to him. Visenya turned around in her chair and saw Jace raise his arm and punching Aemond in the face.

He didn’t even flinch, Visenya could swear he didn’t even spill a drop is his wine while he grinned and pushed Jace on the ground. Jace stood up again and Visenya took another sip of her wine, she never understood why men always had the urge to solve their problems with fists or swords.

Let them fight, let them hurt each other. Jace would get out of this with a bruised ego and the family will only drift further apart. Visenya’s hand clenched around her cup. Why did Luke have to provoke Aemond? And why did Aemond need to call them Strongs?

She decided it was best not to interfere in this. She also didn't want to, Aemond's words still rang in her ears.

But when Luke stood up as well and tried to attack Aemond, Aegon interfered and slammed Luke’s head on the table. That caused Visenya to stand up and throw her wine into Aegon’s face. “Hands off” she said to him and tried to get Luke behind her.

Jace just took another step forward when Daemon stopped him. He just glared at Aemond, not saying a word while Rhaenyra sent her children off to bed. Daemon escorted Jace and Luke to their chambers while Visenya followed them, behind her Aegon and Aemond.

In the hallway she turned around to them, Aegon inspected his wet clothes and Aemond just looked at her. She shook her head and gave him an icy glance. She told him before to leave her brothers alone, and yet, he never failed to mention the rumors of their parentage.

Would he ever let go of this? Always insulting her brothers but never her, when she was exactly the same as them, only with a different father. A bastard. Without a word she turned and went to her chambers.

Chapter Text

Visenya tossed and turned in her bed, unable to sleep. She let out a frustrated sigh, she had planned to leave early in the morning. She had instructed some maids to wake her before sunrise, because she had wrote to the Baratheon girls to break her fast with them upon her arrival.

Before she went back to her chambers, she made a detour to Helaena’s room, saying her goodbyes and promising her to write and even visit her and the children soon. This time she would not let their friendship turn cold.

Her mother had told her that she and the rest of her family would leave right away and that they would see each other again when Visenya returned from the Stormlands, so she said her goodbyes to them as well.

But she did not say goodbye to Aemond. She felt foolish, just hours ago she felt excitement about their plan, and now she was angry with him.

He never left out an opportunity to embarrass her brothers because of their parentage, but still he never mentioned hers when he spoke to her. If he insulted her brothers because of their parentage, what did he think of her?

Why did he say that? She finally thought that she had at least figured out a bit what to think about him. But now she was frustrated, because now she was confused again. Sighing she threw away her blanket and sat up.

She starred at the portrait that led to the hidden passageways and thought about going to him. Nervously she tapped with her finger against the soft mattress and then decided against it.

She had done nothing wrong, she certainly would not crawl back to him. She grabbed her blanked and threw it over her again, turning to the side. She closed her eyes and tried to sleep when she heard a soft click behind her.

She sat up again and watched the portrait at the end of her bed swing open. She leaned to the side to get a better view and spotted Aemond stepping through it.

His eye searched to room and when he found her, he closed the portrait behind him and walked to her bed. He stopped at the edge of it and leaned with his hands against the frame, looking at her. “I see you discovered the tunnels.” Her tone was icy, but he did not react to it. “Only after you used them last night” he answered shortly.

“What do you want?” Visenya asked and crossed her arms. “I wanted to see you before you leave” he answered. “Well then, you have seen me now” she said and lay down again, signing him to leave.

He didn’t and Visenya still felt how he starred at her. “You’re angry” he said and Visenya huffed, “what makes you think that?” She still starred at the wall instead of him and angrily clenched her teeth together.

“I insulted your brothers, I get it. He provoked me and I…lost my temper a bit” Aemond said and Visenya sat up again. “You…you lost your temper?” she asked unbelieving.

“What you did, what you said, Vaemond has lost his head for it mere hours ago, and you decided then was the best time to lose your temper?” she asked. “It’s not that I said anything untrue” Aemond shrugged and Visenya felt her patience drop completely now.

Insulting her brothers was one thing, but he didn’t seem to understand that he insulted her with that as well. She was also not Laenor’s child, the only difference was that her father wasn’t Harwin Strong.

She suddenly stood up and strode towards him and as he turned to look at her, she raised her hand and slapped him in the face. She could see anger glisten in his eye. “Careful now” he hissed.

“Or what?” she asked, not even backing away an inch. He did not scare her, no matter how intimidating he tried to be.

“Will you strike me back? Insult me further?” “I did not insult you” he stared but Visenya shook her head. “Don’t play dumb. You stood there and called them bastards, even though we both know that I have as much Velaryon blood in me as my brothers do.”

He may be right that he had only insulted her brothers, she wasn’t a “Strong” after all, but that didn’t change the fact that he taunted them because they were not fathered by Laenor Velaryon. Just as she wasn’t.

“Why did you even start this between us, if the thought of a bastard disgusts you so?” she asked, and he suddenly took her arms and walked her back to the wall. “Don’t put words into my mouth. You do not disgust me” he hissed.

“Then why can’t you just let go of it?” she asked, slightly knocking against his chest with her fist. “Why does it bother you that much who their father is?” she said, controlling her voice so the guards patrolling the hallways outside wouldn’t hear anything when they were passing her chamber.

“You know it’s not just about that. The fact that they parade around like everything belongs to them just comes on top. They’re lucky that their mother is a Princess” he explained calmly. “And what about me?” Visenya asked and he scoffed “Please, as if that counts for you. I never meant any insult against you” he lowered his head to her.

“You are different to your brothers. You know that as well, your mother just told you otherwise your whole life and now you believe it yourself.” Visenya’s anger raised, but this time more towards herself than Aemond because she knew he had a point.

Her mother had treated her brothers better her entire life and Visenya knew in Rhaenyra’s eyes, they couldn’t compare.

“And what makes me any different? Why am I better than them?” she shook his hands from her arms and crossed hers in front of her. “I told you, it’s not just about that. You think I care so much who their father is? It’s not the reason why I don’t like them. Don’t think I insulted you just because it’s easy to get a rouse out of them.”

Visenya sighed at his words. “I know they were gruesome to you as children. But you can’t walk around the castle and call them Strongs or bastards, Aemond, that is high treason.” “No matter how many times you call it treason, it remains the truth. Just as it remains the truth that your mother commits treason as well.”

He leaned his forehead against hers. “But I meant no insult to you, you know that.” “I am the same as them. You may not speak about me the same way you do about them but that doesn’t change anything. What am I to think about that?”

“It changes everything. You do not act as entitled as them. You at least honour what you’ve been given. But they don’t even understand how lucky they are.”

“Everything they’d been given comes from my mother. It doesn’t matter who their father is, or mine. Our claim comes from the Targaryen side of our mother.” He raised his eyebrow at that “oh, and Driftmark?”

Visenya sighed and rolled her eyes “Jace will marry Baela. Velaryon blood will continue the line. But you don’t care about that, do you?” He looked at her and shook his head.

“You’re right, I don’t care about Driftmark. But it doesn’t hurt your brothers if someone tells them from time to time that, under other circumstances, they would not be worthy enough to even walk the halls of the castle.”

He looked at her and Visenya saw how he realised what he just said. “I only speak of your brothers” he said quickly but she raised her eyebrows at him. “Unworthy?” she asked and tilted her head.

“You must know that it’s not their parentage what makes me hate them. It’s only something that comes on top of that, but it’s different with you. I never hated you.” Visenya knew he was trying to excuse himself with that but his words from before still rang in her ears.

She knew he hated her brothers. And that hatred turned him so blind that he didn’t even see that he insulted her with them. Visenya didn’t even know if he really cared about the fact that they were bastards.

She had to admit, it was the easiest way to get a rouse out of them, and he enjoyed insulting them. But he still didn’t seem to understand what made her so angry.

It didn’t matter if he thought them worthy, it was about the fact that she was not a trueborn child as well. Her parents might be married now, but that didn’t change the fact that she was born out of wedlock.

And still he wanted to meet her. He kissed her and touched her. And Visenya didn’t know what to think of it.

She closed her eyes for a moment and just stood there, thinking about how she could make him see her point. He looked at her confused when she smiled innocently at him and batted her eyelashes.

“You seem to think bastards are beneath you. You talk about their unworthiness and yet” she shortly pressed her lips on his “you kiss a bastard” she whispered.

She took his hand and guided it to her waist “you touch a bastard” she continued, and he looked at her. “Stop that” he said but she smiled lightly and stepped on her toes, their lips now almost touching again.

“Bastards are beneath you, but I bet you’d even sully yourself by fucking a bastard if I would let you” she whispered against his lips, and he grabbed her face. “Stop tempting me” he whispered.
She pulled away from him and leaned against the wall behind her, her arms crossed behind her back.

Visenya gave him an innocent look “tempt you? How would the offer of a bastard ever be tempting?” she asked. “I should be glad that I am a Targaryen bastard, for I would certainly make good coin on the street of silk. Because that is the place where bastards belong, is it not?”

He took a hold of her chin. “Alright you made your point” he gritted through his teeth, the thought of other men touching her drove him mad.

“I hope I did, for the next time you insult my brothers as bastards you should remember that you insult me with that as well, regardless of your intentions” she said and pulled his hand away from her chin.

“I’m sure I can manage to insult them without mentioning it in the future” Aemond said and Visenya scoffed annoyed. “If that is all that matters to you, I will leave early in the morning, you know where the door is” she turned to go to her bed again, but he took her arm and pulled her back to him.

She could see the conflict in his eye and raised her eyebrows. “Is there something else you wanted?” He gritted his teeth and sighed, “don’t go like this.” She gave him a confused look “what do you mean?”

“You’re still angry.” “Does that surprise you?” Visenya crossed her arms and tilted her head. “You think just because you come here and tell me my brothers are different than me everything is alright again?” He sighed frustrated. He knew she actually wanted to make him say it.

“Fine.” His eye flew around the room before he looked back at her. “I’m sorry.” Visenya leaned her head back and had to admit she was impressed by herself. She didn’t know if Aemond had ever apologized to someone.

She pressed her lips together when she saw how uncomfortable the apology made him and held back a comment about it. She wondered how far she could take it. If she made him apologize, what else could she achieve?

She had to admit the thought of it tempted her, but she decided to let it go for now. Making him apologize had been what she wanted from him, that and that he would not call her brothers bastards anymore.

She could only hope that he would stick to it.

“Just promise me to finally let it go. You don’t need to like them or be nice to them, but at least stop insulting them for something they can’t control.”

“I’ll try not to mention it anymore. You know the insult was never directed to you.” Visenya sighed. She knew that the apology was more than any other would get.

“I’m impressed. I got you to apologize.” She couldn’t hold back the comment any longer and he rolled his eye. “Don’t get used to it” he mumbled, and she bit her lip to hold back a laugh.

“I really need to go to bed now. I want to leave before first light, I will see you soon.” She knew he came because he wasn’t sure anymore if she would still meet him in a few days, after the icy look she gave him.

And she also knew if she wouldn’t send him away now, she could do something unwise. She wanted to leave his arms again, but he kissed her before she moved.

Visenya stood still at first but then kissed him back and wanted to leave it at that but then remembered she would not see him for the next days and tilted her head to deepen the kiss.
Another small taste of him wouldn’t hurt. He pulled her closer and she wrapped her arms around his neck, quietly moaning into his mouth.

She pulled back when she thought she heard a noise at her door and Aemond followed her look to the door. “What is it?” Visenya shook her head, “I thought I heard something.”
But her door was shut, and it was silent. Maybe she just imagined it, or it had been a mouse. She gave him another quick kiss “good night.”

With than she loosened herself from him and went back to bed. He looked at the door one last time, then at her and slipped through the portrait, leaving her alone.

____________________

Visenya yawned and was glad that she had attached the chains that tied her to Aegarax saddle today. She hadn’t slept much and left the Keep before anyone was up. The only people she saw were servants and she only saw the ones who woke her and took her to the Dragonpit.

Her mother had decided to leave the evening before after the disastrous dinner and so she and her siblings had left the keep in the middle of the night, fleeing like common thieves.

Visenya did not understand why her mother could not wait until morning, but Rhaenyra apparently wanted to get her children out of the city as fast as possible to avoid another fight among the family.

The flight to Storm’s End was short from King’s Landing, so she let Aegarax take a few turns to stretch his wings after being cramped down in the Dragonpit for so long.

Her throat had been sore this morning again and she felt how the cold air crept down to her bones, but she wanted to grant Aegarax that small mercy.

When the Stormlands made up to their name and a storm brew together Visenya decided it was time to descend upon Storm’s End. But the rain had been faster than her and so her clothes were drained when she arrived at the gates.

When she entered the great hall, she was immediately greeted by Cassandra and her mother, Lady Elenda. “Princess” they both bowed to keep the formalities, but Lady Elenda then immediately called her servants.

“I am so sorry that you got caught up in the storm, princess” she said and Visenya just shook her head. “That’s my own fault. I should have just come here when I arrived in the Stormlands, but I stayed too long in the sky.” She couldn’t hide her shaky voice from the cold that had taken over her whole body.

She followed Lady Elenda to a prepared chamber where a tub stood. Maids poured hot water into it and Lady Elenda gave her a gentle smile. “I ordered it as soon as the guards spotted your dragon.” “Thank you” Visenya smiled at her.

“We shall leave you to your bath.” Lady Elenda and Cassandra left the chamber and Visenya began to strip out of her wet clothes. She pinned her hair up and sunk into the hot water.

The bath had warmed her up a bit, but Visenya still felt cold. So when she was finished with it, she had placed a chair in front of the fireplace and wrapped a fur around her shoulders.

Cassandra came back and sat down at the bed. Visenya remembered how shy Cassandra and her sisters first acted around her, but with her frequent visits in the last few years they had warmed up and gave up their strict behaviour around Visenya, seeing her more as a friend than a princess.

“How have you been?” Visenya asked and Cassandra lay down on her back, starring at the ceiling.

“Fine.” “And your sisters?” Cassandra smiled “also fine. Maris just woke up, she decided to stay in bed as long as she wants today. It’s her nameday after all” she giggled at the thought of her sister. “And how have you really been?” Visenya asked with her eyebrows raised.

Cassandra sighed. “Is it that obvious?” “No, I just suspected that something was up, but now you confirmed it.” Visenya smiled and Cassandra turned her head to look at her. “Mother is with child again.”

Ah, that was it. “You fear it might be a boy.” Visenya knew how Cassandra felt. “My father talks about nothing else, except his heir that will arrive soon.” Visenya knew for years that her brother had replaced her as heir, but she thought Cassandra’s situation worse.

With every pregnancy her mother had, she had to wait until the babe was born to find out if she would be replaced or not. Until now only girls arrived but now the waiting began again and Cassandra hat to sit out another of her mother’s pregnancies.

“Maybe it will be another girl” Visenya said, and Cassandra starred back at the ceiling. “Maybe” she said.

“How was the capital?” Cassandra asked, changing the topic. This time, it was Visenya who leaned back and starred at the ceiling.

“Vaemond Velaryon wanted to take Driftmark away from my brother, he lost his head for it. And my grandfather the King” she stopped and sighed at the thought of the petition. “He named me my mother’s heir, as firstborn child.”

At that Cassandra suddenly sat up and gasped, looking at Visenya. “That is great” she said excited, but her smile fell when she saw Visenya’s face. “Or is it not?” she asked unsure.

“I don’t know” Visenya said quietly. “I don’t even know if I want to be Queen. I have never considered it, at least not after my mother named Jace her heir. I just wished I would have had more time to decide if I wanted the throne. But he asked to acknowledge my right as heir or renounce my claim in front of the whole court. I didn’t have time to think, and I accepted it in that moment more of spite than of desire for the crown.”

“Give it some time and get used to the feeling as heir. Maybe you will grow to like it. But with that the King has done so much for the realm. Everyone thought that your mother was only an exception, not the rule. But now he named another firstborn daughter heir.” Visenya furrowed her brows at Cassandra’s words.

She knew Cassandra always had the hope that someday, she would be enough for her father and that he would finally accept that he has keep her as his heir. But to most houses, a man will always come a woman and so Visenya doubted that it would change anything at all.

“I don’t think I will like it. You should have seen my mother when he named me heir, she was furious.” “But maybe this will finally bring you closer” Cassandra answered.

Visenya pressed her lips to a thin line. “I don’t think anything can bring us closer” she mumbled.

A knock on the door interrupted them and Cassandra’s sisters joined them, behind them maids with trays of food for their breakfast.

“We were hoping we could eat in here, if that doesn’t bother you Visenya. It would be more private” Floris smiled and Visenya nodded. “Yes, bring it in” she said to the maids.
The girls talked and ate. Visenya gave Maris a small box that contained her nameday gift.

It was a bracelet she found amongst the treasures on Driftmark that Lord Corlys had brought from one of his many travels and Visenya had asked Rhaenys if she could have it.

“It has been in this box for over ten years, no one would miss it” Rhaenys had said and Visenya then put it in a small box to gift it to Maris. It was made of silver and small stones hung down from all sides.

Visenya could not tell which kind of stones they were, but they were almost black, with streaks of grey in them and they reminded Visenya of a storm, so she thought it a fitting present for one of the four storms.

Maris loved it and immediately wrapped it around her wrist where Floris had closed the clasp. They spent the whole day to catch up and in the late afternoon all left to their chambers to ready themselves for the feast.

When Visenya looked through her dresses she silently thanked Malika that she had packed her a warm dress, made of a thick fabric and wide sleeves that had fur in the inside.

The weather in King’s Landing had been pleasant, but you could feel that summer was now almost over, and it was always a bit colder in the Stormlands thanks to the weather.

She braided her hair in a simple style that Malika had taught her to do it by herself. It would soon be time to go down to the festivities and Visenya stood from her chair.

She looked to the door when someone softly knocked at it. “Come in” Visenya said and Floris came in. “I am going down to the hall, would you like to join me?” she asked and Visenya nodded.

They walked through the hallway and Floris told her about the guests. “We haven’t invited that much. Just a few Lords from the Stormlands, I think Father wants us to look for a husband. But Maris has already declared most of them unfit” Floris told Visenya.

“Why is that?” Visenya asked and Floris grinned. “Well, Maris has a maid that shares her love for gossip, and she told her that some of the maids of these men need to tie their dresses more loosen. Maris also spoke of one or two that would rather enjoy each other’s company” Floris grinned and Visenya shook her head, laughing. Maris always had a sharp tongue and did not shy away from gossip or even confronting people with it.

The feast was nice. There were bards playing songs and many guests danced, and everyone seemed to have fun. Visenya also participated in a group dance and enjoyed Maris’s gossip.

The first few hours were fun but now Visenya sat at the high table and felt a pressure in her head. Afte the dance she had felt dizzy and first blamed it on the wine combined with the dance, but the feeling did not go away.

It seemed to get worse with every song the bards played and even though she knew it was warm in the hall, she could not get rid of the damned coldness. “Are you alright Princess?” Lady Elenda sat down next to her and touched her arm.

“I think I might have caught a cold” Visenya smiled a bit embarrassed, and Lady Elenda extended her hand. “If I may?” she asked and Visenya nodded, feeling Lady Elenda’s hand on her forehead.

“Oh dear, I think you might have caught a fever” she exclaimed. “I think I shall retire for the night” Visenya said, standing up und fighting against the dizziness again. She stepped to Maris, who tried to persuade her youngest sister Ellyn to drink more wine.

“Maris. I’m afraid I caught a cold while flying through the rain. I shall return to my chambers” Visenya said and Maris set down her cup, giving Visenya a worrying glance.

“Oh gods, I shall take you upstairs” she said but Visenya held up her hand to stop her. “It’s you nameday. Celebrate, enjoy the feast. Maybe dance with a man or two” she nodded towards the dance floor.

“I’m sorry, I really would have like to celebrate longer with you” Visenya took Maris’s hand and gave it a squeeze.

The stairs to her chamber never seemed to end and when she arrived in her chamber, she felt completely drained.

She got out of her dress and managed to change into a nightgown, before she fell to bed, feeling exhausted and closed her eyes.

____________________

When Visenya she opened her eyes again, Ellyn was sitting next to her bed in a chair, reading a book. “Ellyn” she said and was confused at her raspy voice. “Oh, you’re awake” Ellyn said and stood up. “Just a moment” she said to Visenya and left the room for a short moment.

Visenya turned to her window and saw the sun…setting? “How long have I been asleep?” she asked Ellyn, who came back and filled a cup with water, giving it to Visenya.

“You slept almost the whole day. We took turns waiting for you to wake up, I just called for the Maester.” “The whole day?” Visenya asked shocked.

How could she have missed almost a day? “Yes. We were so worried” Ellyn said and Visenya gave her a weak smile. She was such a sweet girl. Four and ten and nice to everyone. Visenya remembered when she was a child how she always wished for a sister each time her mother’s belly grew big.

She had envied the Baratheons for their sisterhood. When the Maester entered the chamber, he examined her and gave her a tea that would lower her fever.

“The fever went down but it’s not completely gone, I would advise you to stay abed for a day more. The sleep seemed to help, with more the fever will vanish” he said to Visenya, who nodded. A day would work, but she needed to leave the day after, because she still planned to meet Aemond.

Lady Elenda entered the chamber, behind her a maid carrying a tray with a bowl of soup on it. Visenya was not that hungry but still ate a bit of it and lay back into the soft pillows when she was finished with it.

She slept for a whole day but was still exhausted, so she closed her eyes again and drifted back to sleep.

____________________

The next time Visenya opened her eyes it was already night. A storm was raging outside and lightning filled the room.

Cassandra stood next to her and gently shook her shoulder to wake her up. “I’m sorry to wake you but I think you need to come to the great hall” she said to Visenya, who sat up and starred at Cassandra confused.

“What it is?” she asked and Cassandra sat down on the bed. “Prince Aemond arrived on his dragon” she started and Visenya got even more confused.

Had she heard right? Aemond was here? Visenya wondered if she had overslept another day and missed their planned meeting. But he would surely not be so reckless to come here, would he?

“Aemond is here? How long have I been asleep this time?” Her brows furrowed in confusion and Cassandra took Visenya’s hand. “It was only a few hours. I’m so sorry Visenya. He says the King is dead.” Visenya felt her stomach drop. “What? When?” she asked and stood up, too fast she thought when her head began to spin.

“I don’t know when exactly. But Prince Aegon has been crowned, they say he is now King and Prince Aemond wants father to pledge his loyalty to Aegon.” Visenya froze.

They could not possibly have done that. Just days ago, Queen Alicent had toasted to her mother, saying she would make a fine Queen and now she had put Aegon on the throne?

When the King dies there are people who will call for Aegon to be King she remembered Aemond’s words. Daemon had always warned her mother that the Hightower’s couldn’t be trusted but Rhaenyra never paid any attention to it.

She always believed that the vows the Lords made to her and her father would ensure her claim. Her mother never doubted her position once, and yet Aegon sat the Iron Throne, whilst her mother was probably still on Dragonstone.

Had they planned this? This reeked of Otto Hightower and Visenya knew he would not hesitate to put his blood on the throne. Aemond was here. She needed to talk to him, maybe she could convince him to put an end to this madness.

This was no simple quarrel amongst family, this would mean war. Her mother would not forgive them. Visenya felt an aching in her chest at the thought that Aemond may be put to the sword for treason.

Was Alicent really that stupid? That would not only put her own life in danger, but her children’s as well. Surely Rhaenyra would do nothing to Helaena, but Aegon and Aemond were men and now with Aegon as King they were a danger to Rhaenyra’s reign.

Even if they would bend the knee, the damage was already done and as sons of a king, they would always have a stronger claim than her mother.

Maybe Visenya could persuade her mother that they only acted in panic and grieve, and once she sat on her throne and her siblings swore featly to her, she could be convinced to show mercy and they could leave this behind them. The only one who would need to lose his head would be Otto Hightower.

“And your father? What will he do?” Visenya asked and Cassandra sighed. “You know how he thinks. He thinks a boy more worthy than a girl and prince Aemond came with an offer of marriage.”

“Marriage?!” The word burst out of Visenya’s mouth before she even thought about it. Cassandra nodded, “yes. He says one of us it to marry his younger brother Prince Daeron if father joins their side.” “Daeron?” Visenya was confused, but also relieved.

The thought that Aegon sent Aemond here to marry one of the Baratheon girls made her feel something she knew from her childhood. She had only felt it towards her brothers, but she learned to lock the feeling away with the years. Jealousy.

“Quick, help me dress” Visenya said, and Cassandra took one of Visenya’s dresses and helped her put it over her nightgown. Because of the coldness Visenya also threw over a cloak and when she slipped into her shoes she tried to ignore the dizziness in her head and suppressed a cough.

She also tried to suppress the tears that formed in her eyes at the thought that her grandfather had died. When she saw his condition, she knew he would not live much longer but knowing that it happened to quickly still took her by surprise.

She pressed her lips together and blinked, hoping the tears would stop. She still felt how a single one escaped her eye and she angrily shut them. She would have enough time to grieve.

But right now, she needed to make Aemond see reason. Aegon would not be a good King, Aemond must see that as well. War was brewing but it could be stopped before it escalated to a point of no return.

Cassandra saw that Visenya was struggling with her dizziness and grieve and took a hold of her arm to support her. “Alright?” She asked and Visenya shook her head “No. But we need to go down.” The two of them walked down the stairs to the hall.

Chapter Text

Lucerys looked at the castle of Storm’s End. He had landed Arrax in the courtyard and took out his mother’s message from his pocket. He stopped for a moment when he turned around and saw Vhagar outside the castle walls.

The Greens had been faster. Luke felt an uneasy feeling grow inside him. How long had Aemond been here? Visenya was also here, and Luke didn’t like the thought of her being here with Aemond.

Especially not after what happened in King’s Landing.

He entered the great hall and looked at Lord Borros, sitting on his throne. “I have come to deliver a message from my mother, the Queen” he announced, and his eyes flew to Aemond who gave him a smug smile.

“And to take my sister home” he added and held out the hand with the letter in it. A guard took it from him and stepped forward, giving it to Lord Borros. When the Lord called for a Maester to read the message to him Luke raised his eyebrows in disbelieve.

Did Lord Borros really need a Maester to read the message? While the Maester read the message to his Lord, Lady Baratheon stepped forward. “Your sister, the Princess Visenya has caught a fever” she said to Luke, who gave her a worried glance. Luke’s eyes flew to Aemond for a second and he saw how his smug smile disappeared at Lady Elenda’s words.

“The Maester was already with her today and her fever is almost gone. But he advised her to stay abed for another day. I’m not sure if it’s safe for her to go home now.” Lady Elenda turned to the Maester to give him a questioning look. Luke stiffened at her words, he would not leave without Visenya.

He also looked to the Maester who was finished with reading and now stepped forward. “Lady Baratheon is right. The Princess condition has gotten better today, but I would advise her to stay at least a day longer. Especially because of the weather, should she fly in the cold rain her fever might return.”

“Enough of this” Lord Borros interrupted. “What do you have to offer, pup?” he asked Lucerys, who starred at him confused. “Prince Aemond here at least came with a marriage pact. One of my daughters for his younger brother. Which one of my daughters are you going to marry?” Borros spat and Luke straightened his back. “None. I am afraid I am already promised, my Lord” he answered, and Borros laughed.

“So you have nothing. Go home, then. Tell you mother that I am not a dog that she can whistle at to come. Remind me of my father’s oath? Pah! Prince Aemond, you are welcome to stay and choose one of my daughters for your brother.”

“That will not happen” Maris Baratheon stepped forward. She looked at her father “we are loyal to Visenya. If you want any of us to marry a brother of the false King, you will have to drag us to the Sept by our hair and tie us down for our wedding night by yourself” she said.

Her sisters stood by her side and nodded. Lord Borros gave her a surprised look before he nodded annoyed and laughed silently. “I will find one of you that will be willing and if not, I will make her. One of you will surely not miss the opportunity to marry a prince. Tell King Aegon he has my support” he said to Aemond.

The loyalty the sisters showed to Visenya impressed Luke, but he threw a panic look at Aemond. He would not leave his sister here with him. “I will not leave without my sister. Especially not with him, who says he would not abduct her?” Luke said.

Aemond let out a silent laugh at that, “don’t worry. As the good uncle I am, I would treat my niece with nothing but the respect that she deserves” he said, and Luke felt anger rise in him.

“You will leave her alone” he said to him, facing him despite his fear. He knew Aemond would best him in everything, he was older, taller and a better fighter. And on top of that, Luke promised his mother he would not fight.

But Luke could not let him take Visenya. Why was he offering them a marriage with Daeron? He thought back to the last night in King’s Landing and an uneasy feeling crept up in him when he remembered what he saw.

“Despite my husband choosing King Aegon’s side, the Princess has always been a welcomed guest here. She will stay safe until she recovers and is healthy enough to make it back to Dragonstone. But given the circumstances I cannot allow you to stay here” Lady Elenda said to Luke, she gave him a warm smile which calmed him a bit.

Visenya had always spoke fondly of Lady Elenda and Luke knew he could trust her with his sister. He could tell her words were sincere and her daughters had already proven their loyalty to Visenya.

“Tell Princess Rhaenyra, from one mother to another, that I personally will vouch for Princess Visenya’s safe return.” Luke decided that he could trust her. But that was not the problem here.

His eyes flew to Aemond. It was him who he could not trust. “Why Daeron?” he asked Aemond, who tilted his head at the question. “Why not you? You are not married. Or has Aegon already sold you off to another house?” Luke asked.

“As if I would tell you that” Aemond answered. Luke already suspected why Aemond did not offer himself to marry one of the girls, but he needed to be careful now. There were people listening.

He thought back to the afternoons he spent in the library with Visenya. After his lessons with Maester Gerardys he continued his studies in High Valyrian and learned to speak it almost fluent with Visenya’s help.

He knew she hated it that he had abandoned his lessons when they lived in King’s Landing, but when they moved to Dragonstone, she encouraged him to take them up again.

Luke concentrated on what Visenya taught him and straightened his back, looking Aemond in the eye.

“Not her” Luke said, switching to High Valyrian so the Baratheon’s wouldn’t understand him. “Oh, you surprise me. What do you mean?” Aemond answered and Luke scoffed.

“I will not let you take her. I saw you.” At that, the amused look on Aemond’s face fell and his eye filled with a coldness when he looked at Luke. “What did you see?” he asked, and Luke balled his hand, which shook because of the nervousness, to a fist

“The night we left after the dinner. I wanted to say goodbye to Visenya, but you were in her chamber.” Aemond stilled. He remembered how Visenya pulled away from the kiss because she thought she heard something at her door.

Could it be that there had indeed been someone who saw them? If so, they were lucky that it was Luke and not some servant, otherwise the whole keep would have known before the night was even over.

He smirked at Luke and tried to conceal his anger. “You did not interfere. What makes you think I did not force myself upon her?” Luke looked on the floor, embarrassed. He did not want to speak to Aemond about his sister, and especially not about her kissing him. Luke thought of that night.

His mother had already pushed him to hurry, as the carriage was waiting for them to take them to the harbour. “I just want to say goodbye to Visenya” Luke said. “Then hurry” Rhaenyra answered, and Luke went down the hallway to his sister’s chamber.

He wanted to see if she was really alright with everything that had happen today and he wanted to tell her again that he was not mad about Driftmark. As he often did at home, he opened her door without knocking. Jace would probably get a vase thrown at his head if he entered Visenya’s chambers without knocking, but Luke was always permitted to enter her chamber.

He only opened the door a bit and struck his head inside to see if Visenya was already asleep but found her bed empty. He opened his mouth to call her name, but the words were stuck in his throat when he found her. She stood at the end of her bed, Aemond with her. She had her arms around his neck, and they were kissing.

Luke had seen his mother kiss Daemon before, but in front of the children it was always a short, almost chaste kiss. But this was different. Luke first thought of storming the room and stop this but then Visenya pulled herself closer to Aemond and tilted her head to the side and the kiss seemed to get closer now.

When Visenya sighed against Aemond’s mouth Luke quickly closed the door, feeling his cheeks burn with embarrassment. What was she doing? Why was she kissing him after everything he said to them tonight?

His thoughts of interfering were now gone completely. Whatever she was doing there, she did it on her own. He did not force her and confronting them now would only end in a disaster.

Aemond hated him and Luke didn’t want to embarrass his sister by making a scene and let everyone know what he just witnessed. He would let it go for now, Visenya didn’t seem to be in danger.

Luke quickly ran down the hallway to join his family in the carriage, all waiting for him. “Did you say goodbye?” Rhaenyra asked, stoking his curls from his face. “She was already asleep” Luke just answered shortly, avoiding looking at his mother.

He had planned to confront Visenya after her return, but now he feared that if he would leave her here, she would never return home. “She did not seem to need help” Luke just said and Aemond actually laughed at that. “No, she certainly did not” he just said.

Lord Borros looked between them, confused. “Enough of this” he said, not liking the feeling of them talking about something in a language he couldn’t understand.

“I demand you to stay away from my sister. She is a Princess, and daughter of the Queen” Luke said, now angry how amused Aemond seemed by his embarrassment.
His hand wandered to the hilt of his sword, and he took a step towards Aemond, stopping himself when he remembered his promise to his mother.

“I don’t know why she did what she did. But surely you must have lured her into your arms with false promises, she would never sink so low” Luke changed to High Valyrian again.

But he quickly realised his mistake when rage took over Aemond’s face. “You demand something of me? You? You speak of things you don’t understand. Do not forget your place, little bast-” he barked but stopped himself before finishing the sentence.

He clenched his teeth together, remembering the promise he made to Visenya. “You may be in the position to demand something, when you pay your overdue dept.”

Aemond was furious. How could Luke think he could demand anything from him? First he took his eye without any consequences and now he thought he could command him? And from all the things he thought he could say, he wanted to command him to stay away from Visenya.

Luke looked at him confused “my dept?” he asked. Aemond grabbed his eyepatch and took it off, revealing the sapphire in the socket of the eye that Luke had cut out all these years ago.

“I speak of your eye. My mother called for it seven years ago, your dept is due now. It would make a fine present for her” he said, drawing his dagger and throwing it to him.
“You can do it yourself. I’m afraid your sister will be angry if I do it” the smugness had returned to his voice and Luke felt colour drain from his face.

“No. I came as a messenger. I will not fight you.” Aemond raised his eyebrow “as if that would be a challenge” he said and Luke turned to Lord and Lady Baratheon, feeling that if he stayed any longer, it might escalate, and he promised his mother to only deliver the message and return with Visenya.

He could not fulfil the whole promise because Visenya could not go with him now, but he would at least stick to the part of being only a messenger. “I will take your answer to my mother, the Queen. And I trust you to keep your word, Lady Baratheon” he said. “Not just a traitor, but a craven as well” Aemond said.

“You will not have my eye. Goodbye” Luke turned to leave, when Aemond suddenly strode towards him, picking up his dagger. “I gave you a chance to do it yourself. Either you give it to me, or I shall take it” he said not stopping in his way to Luke until suddenly someone strode towards them and a hand grabbed Aemond’s arm, stopping him.

Visenya had run down the stairs when she saw the two of them arguing, knowing that nothing good would come out of that, and shoved herself in front of Aemond, clinging to his arm. His dagger only stopped inches before her face.

When she saw how close the tip of it loomed over her face, she looked up to him in shock. “Are you out of your mind?” she screamed at him.

Aemond looked at her “are you?” he immediately put his dagger away. “Do not ever do such a thing again, I could have hurt you” he said to her and Visenya scoffed. “And what about him?” she switched back to the common tongue, her voice still raspy.

She was breathing heavy, because the short run down the stairs had exhausted her sick lungs and she coughed a bit. She let go of his arm and turned to Luke. “Go home, Luke. I will return tomorrow when I’m feeling better” she said to him.

“No, not without you” he answered but Visenya shook her head, “you heard Lady Elenda, I will be safe here and come back tomorrow, go now.” Luke looked between her and Aemond, but then gave up and nodded, leaving Storm’s End.

Visenya was glad that he listened. She knew she could leave with him now, but it was better to let Luke return home now whilst she stayed here and ensured that Aemond would not do anything stupid.

“This is not finished” she whispered to Aemond and turned to Lord Borros. “King Viserys chose my mother as his heir, your father swore an oath on that. The King confirmed her claim just days ago and now you declare for Aegon?” she asked him.

“He is a man, your mother is a woman. The succession was changed the day the King had a son” Lord Borros said, looking at his wife “just as mine will when my son is born.”

Visenya looked at Cassandra, who had joined her sisters and now looked to the floor. “You are still welcome here until you are healthy enough to leave. I would not throw you out, as my wife and daughters would not stop whine about it, if I did” Borros said and Visenya raised her eyebrows “how generous.”

“Visenya” Floris said and Visenya looked at her. “What is it?” “He left” Flors just answered and nodded towards her direction and when Visenya turned around, Aemond was no longer standing behind her.

How had she not heard that he left? Her eyes scanned the room, but he wasn’t here anymore. “Aemond” Visenya breathed and ran to the doors.

“Princess, you must rest” she could hear someone shouting behind her, but she already ran through the doors. Visenya looked around in the courtyard, they seemed to be in the middle of a storm.

She could hear a dragon screech in the sky, but when she looked up she saw nothing but dark clouds above her. Still, she could swear it was Arrax’s cry.

A flash lightened the sky and Visenya spotted Vhagar, still outside the castle walls. Aemond was not in the sky yet. Visenya took her skirts into her hand and sprinted towards the castle walls to the giant dragoness.

Her lungs were burning and her heart felt like it would burst from her chest, but she had to stop Aemond. She ran through the gates, her dress completely drenched by now and stopped before Vhagar.

“Aemond!” she shouted but could not see him. The old dragon turned her head towards Visenya and let out a growl. “Spare it, old hag” she snarled to her and Vhagar opened her mouth.

“No, Vhagar” a voice said and Visenya felt how Aemond shoved her behind him. “What are you doing? Do you have a deathwish today?” Aemond asked, holding her at her arms and Visenya coughed. Vhagar looked at her rider and closed her mouth again.

Visenya lay her hand on her chest, trying to calm her breathing. Aemond led her closer to his dragon and she felt Vhagar’s warm body against her back. The body of the giant dragon also spent some shelter from the rain.

“I cannot believe you” Visenya said angrily, after her breath had finally gotten slower a bit. She attempted to slap him but this time he caught her hand.

“I told you not to do that again” he just said. “What was your plan, to kill him?” Visenya asked, feeling tears burning in her eyes. Was he really this cold?

“Of course not, I’m not stupid. I just wanted to scare him a bit” “scare him?” Visenya asked horrified, her voice giving up in the middle of the word.

She clawed her hand in the fabric of his coat. “Vhagar is more than five times the size of Arrax, Luke is four and ten. Do you want them to crash against the cliffs? They are not that experienced. What were you thinking?”

“You always speak of him like he is a defenceless child. Yet he stood in front of me and tried to act all grown up. Thinking he could command me or even fight me.” Visenya furrowed her brows at his words, “what has he said to you that made you so mad?”

“He demanded I stay away from you.” “Why would he say that?” “He saw us.” At that Visenya felt her heart drop. “He…what?” What did Luke see? And when?

“The night before you left. You heard something at your door, remember?” Of course Visenya remembered. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she felt someone’s eyes at her, but she didn’t see anyone.

Visenya shook her head in disbelieve. “But that is no reason to hunt him. Have you forgotten what we spoke about two nights ago? He could have died.” She could feel her eyes burning now.

“I did not mean to kill him, I swear this to you.” Visenya knew he spoke the truth. He was not stupid. He knew what would happen if he would kill Rhaenyra’s son, the biggest sin someone could commit was killing your own kin.

“But think of what could have happen. Did you really mean to cut out his eye?” Aemond looked to the side.

Visenya’s tears mixed with the raindrops on her face. He knew she loved her brother and still he would maim him. She knew he had turned cold in the last seven years, but she thought that she at least meant something to him.

“Your anger drives you blind. Think of the damage you could have done to him, or me.” “I would never harm you.” “But you almost did tonight.” He looked down at her and realised she was crying. “Do you know what you ask of me? What it means for me to just let it go?” There was a hint of desperation in his voice.

“He was a child of seven” she said desperately, and his eye filled with anger. “I was a child as well. And he got away with it” Aemond yelled.

“Do you know what consequences that had? I did not just loose an eye. I had to learn everything new. I could not even hit a dummy with a sword because I always missed it. I bumped into walls or doors, because I could not see them from the corner of my eye anymore. I was in pain for months, and he did not even once apologize to it. My father blamed me for it, your mother wanted to have me tortured. I had to cover the wound because no one even looked at me, and if they do I either see pity or fear. He never had to face any consequences, while I still pay for it every day.”

Visenya stood there, looking at him. She realised that she had never considered what it meant for him. Sure, she was aware that he had lost an eye, but Visenya never thought of the consequences. All the anger that he carried around for the last seven years.

“He is my little brother-“ “I know what he means to you. But this has nothing to do with you.” “Don’t you care about me?” She knew she had just given him the power to crush her heart. He could just say no, and Visenya would feel like the biggest fool who ever lived. “You can’t use that against me, not you.”

Visenya knew he was right, and it was not fair to use whatever feelings he might have for her against him, but right now she was desperate. She pressed herself closer to Vhagar’s warmth. “Taking his eye will not let your pain vanish. I can understand your anger, but this will bring you neither justice nor peace.”

She grabbed the collar his coat, “let go of this madness, please.” “You don’t know what you’re asking of me.” Visenya nodded “yes. Yes I do and I still ask you to do it.” He refused to look into her eyes, because he knew he would give in.

“Do you think it will make you feel better? I can assure you, it won’t. Your eye won’t grow back from it, it will change nothing. It will only start a new cycle of bloodshed.” He still did not look at her and she looked at him desperately.

She needed to find a solution. Her hand snaked down from the collar of his coat to his belts where she drew his dagger. Her hand was shaking and she clenched her teeth together, “if it’s an eye you want-”

His hand shot around hers and stopped her movements. He put the dagger back in its sheath, taking her chin in his hand. “Do not ever attempt to do something like that again. You don’t know what you speak of” his hand wandered to her forehead. “Is your fever that high that you turned mad?”

“What else is there that I can give you to make you stop? Me? You can take me with you but let him go.” “I don’t want you to whore yourself out for your brother” he answered her in an angry tone.

“It wouldn’t be whoring out if it was you. I know you want me as much as I want you.” He looked at her and Visenya could swear he considered it for a moment, but he shook his head.
“Not like this. Not like some spoil of war. I told you, this is between your brother and me, you have nothing to do with it.” Now Visenya had nothing else to offer him. She could only plead.

“Please let it go. There is nothing you will gain from that, it will only escalate further. Do it for me, just this one thing.” He looked at her and Visenya saw how he clenched his teeth together.

He didn’t answer her. Visenya gave him a pleading and desperate look, hoping he would let it go for her. The silence between them slowly crashed her hoped, but then he opened his mouth to answer her at last.

“Fine.” Visenya sobbed thankfully but he shook his head. “I promise to let him go today, I will not hunt him. But tell him to never step into my sight again. The next time I see him, I won’t be so nice. It’s a mercy I will grant him for your sake, a mercy I wasn’t granted.” Visenya nodded eagerly at it.

Making sure that Luke never saw Aemond again was something she could manage to do. And maybe she could someday get him to change his mind. “Thank you” she stepped on her toes and wrapped her arms around him. He didn’t hug her back, but Visenya did not care right now.

She knew Aemond had a bad temper. Targaryen’s were known for it after all, and she had never considered what he had endured after the loss of his eye. As much as she loved Luke, she could understand that the fact that he got away with it angered Aemond.

Rhaenyra hadn’t even scolded Luke for it. Nor did Jace or Baela and Rhaena. Luke knew he did something terrible, but no one in her family ever told him so. Not even the king.

Visenya still had her arms around his neck. Luke was safe, but she knew that safety wouldn’t last long, for neither of them. The King is dead, and now there is a new King and a Queen. Two rulers for only one Kingdom. War would follow.

“How did he die?” she asked into his ear and at that she felt his hands on her back, and he pressed her to him for a moment before he loosened the embrace to look at her.

“In his sleep, it was the night after the dinner. You were lucky that you left so early, if you had stayed another hour, you would have become a prisoner. Your grandmother was not so lucky, but she escaped.” “He died two days ago?” Visenya asked shocked. “Yes.”

They starred at each other and Visenya shook her head in disbelief. “What were you thinking? You know this will mean war.” “Your mother will be granted generous terms.” “She won’t accept them, Viserys chose her as his heir. He confirmed that two days ago, you know this is treason” she said.

She lay her hands on his cheeks, “come with me to Dragonstone and swear fealty to my mother, I’m sure she will forgive you.” Aemond scoffed at that.

“No. My mother was with the King before he died. She swears upon her faith that he changed his mind.” At that Visenya laughed “just like that, after twenty years you expect the Kingdom to believe he changed his mind, with Aegon’s mother as the only witness?” “That’s what she said” he answered.

“Then she’s a liar. And you know it.” “It doesn’t matter if she made it up or not. My father was foolish to name Rhaenyra heir. He himself won against Rhaenys, he knew a man would always have a stronger claim and that the realm doesn't accept a woman.”

Visenya gave him a disturbed look. Had this been their plan the entire time? Did he know that they would crown Aegon as soon as they could? But then her claim would mean nothing to him as well.

“You’re not only taking away my mother’s throne but diminish my claim as well. Are you aware of that?” Aemond laughed at that. “Then look at me and tell me now, that you have no doubt that your mother will really name you her heir and not Jace. My father is gone, who will stop her now?”

Visenya widened her eyes in surprise. Her mother’s claim had always been defended by Viserys. But now he was dead, and the people already declared for Aegon. Without her grandfather, Visenya knew that no one would defend her own claim.

The only one would be Rhaenys, but she was just another woman in a world ruled from men. “I’m waiting” Aemond looked at her expectingly and Visenya’s eyes cast to the floor.

He was right. She couldn’t trust her mother with her claim. “I cannot” she answered quietly and coughed again. He lay his hand on her forehead and sighed, “you’re still sick, you need to return to the castle, before it gets worse.”

“Wait. What about us?” Visenya asked. She knew this war would tear them apart. “You could come with me. Stay by my side” he suggested but Visenya shook her head. “You know I can’t.”

“I’m afraid we will stand on opposite sides then” Aemond sighed and Visenya nodded sadly. “Even though I wished we weren’t.” He pulled her to him and lay his hand on her cheek. “We will see each other again.” Visenya thought it sounded like a promise, and she nodded in agreement, “yes.”

“Come” he took her hand and tugged her behind him back to the castle. Before they were too close to the walls Visenya stopped. When he turned to look at her, she looked around, before she strode towards him and stepped on her toes, laying her lips on his.

She felt how his arms wrapped around her body and how his lips, cold from the rain, pressed back against hers. This was goodbye. Visenya didn’t want it to be, but he won’t come with her, and she couldn’t go with him.

No matter how strained her relationship with her mother was, Viserys wanted her to succeed him. And Visenya could not just throw that away, no matter how much she wanted to stay with Aemond.

She would cling to his promise. They would see each other again.

She pulled back and didn’t know what to say to him now. He stayed silent as well and walked to the castle again. It seemed none of them knew what to say.

When they reached it there where guards, already looking for her. “Bring the Princess back to the castle, she needs to rest. Tell Lord Borros I returned to King’s Landing to report to the King, we shall stay in contact because of the marriage of my brother.” The guards nodded and led Visenya back to the castle, but she turned around one last time.

“Aemond.” He turned around and looked at her. “You promised me, right?” “If he’s smart, he already left the Stormlands. But yes, he is safe today.”

She nodded and gave him one last longing look before she retreated to the castle. Before she entered it she heard a roar and saw Vhagar flying away, vanishing in the dark clouds.

____________________

The next day her fever had luckily not returned but had vanished completely, despite her walking around in the rain. Visenya was glad that she was at least granted that mercy.

They were on the brink of war. Visenya didn’t know what her mother would do now and she also didn’t know when and if she would see Aemond again. The last thing she needed now is to be sick.

She still felt some signs of her cold, but they were weak, and she hoped she would soon be completely healthy again.

Visenya had slept longer than usually did and the Maester insisted on examine her before she left, so it was already past midday when she was finally ready to leave Storm’s End.
She said goodbye to the Baratheon sisters, thanking them for their loyalty to her after Ellyn had told her what Maris had said.

Before she mounted her dragon Lady Elenda came to her. “Princess, there is something you need to know. Your mother has sent a raven in the early morning hours, asking for you and Prince Lucerys to return. She wrote she expected him back last night.” Visenya furrowed her eyebrows. “But Luke left yesterday” she said, and Lady Elenda nodded.

“We thought so too, but apparently, he never arrived on Dragonstone. Neither last night nor this morning, he was supposed to deliver her message and return to her immediately” she sighed. “My husband ordered the Maester to write her back, telling her that you would come home today, but that your brother has already left.”

She looked down on the floor. “There is something else” Visenya guessed, and Lady Elenda nodded. “I told him not to do it, but he did it anyways. He told the Maester to write to your mother that Prince Aemond left not long after your brother, that they had a fight and if she wanted to know about his whereabouts, she must ask him.”

Visenya felt her stomach drop. “But Luke was long gone when Aemond mounted his dragon” she said. “I would say the same. But my husband wrote of the fight they had. He also informed his bannermen about the upcoming war and couldn’t keep his mouth shut about yesterday’s events in his letters, so news should soon spread through the realm thanks to him.”

Visenya felt sorrow rise in her. Luke was missing and now Aemond was supposed to be responsible for it? But he had promised her he would not go after Luke. And Luke should have been at least halfway to Dragonstone when Aemond left Storm’s End.

Vhagar was huge but old and had gotten slower with the years, while Arrax was young and swift, is it possible that Vhagar might have caught up to Arrax? No, he promised it. He wouldn’t break his word.

The only thing that would have made it possible for Aemond to catch up to Luke was the storm. Luke had never flown in a storm before, but she refused to believe that Aemond would lie to her so easily. “Thank you, Lady Elenda, for everything” Visenya said and mounted Aegarax.

She needed to return to Dragonstone, if her mother thought Aemond did something to Luke then war was inevitable. She needed to tell her that he had nothing to do with it.

Visenya wished Lady Elenda had told her earlier about Lord Borros’s letter. Visenya waisted almost a whole day now and a raven didn't take long to fly to Dragonstone.

She took the reins in her hands and took to the skies, watching the clouds beneath her. Luke where are you?

Chapter Text

Visenya slid off Aegarax’s saddle. She walked through the tunnels that connected the Dragonmont to the castle and entered the library. Some guards and servants saw her pass them but no one spoke to her.

They rather shot sad looks in her direction and every time Visenya felt a sad look on her she resisted the urge to ask what their problem was. When she arrived in the hallway that led to the Chamber of the Painted Table a guard spotted her. “Princess, you’re back.”

“Yes, where is my mother?” The guard looked at her and then starred at his feet. “The Queen is indisposed, but Prince Daemon is leading the council meeting” he answered with a quiet voice. “Of course he is” Visenya muttered.

She continued her way and the guard followed her, announcing her as she walked up the steps. “Princess Visenya Velaryon” he said loud. If her mother was Queen now, Visenya would actually be a Targaryen as heir. But she held back the comment.

Daemon stood at the end of the table, giving her a surprised look. “Where have you been? Why do you return now and not before?” It was the first thing he said to her, instead of greeting her.

Visenya stopped at the other end of the table and her mother’s council men bowed their heads to her. “It’s nice to see you too, Daemon. I am fine, thank you for your concern” she said and Rhaenys, who stood next to Daemon, tried to hide a smirk.

Daemon however, seemed not to be in the mood for her games. “This is no time for jesting. What happened at Storm’s End? Where is the Kinslayer?” “Kinslayer?” Visenya asked suprised, looking at the men around the table.

“Yes. Aemond One-Eye” Daemon gritted trough his teeth and Visenya scoffed. “Is that what you call him now? Kinslayer? If this is about Luke, I can tell you he left after him. I doubt he caught up to him in that storm.”

Daemon leaned forward against the table. “Your brother was killed, and you defend his murderer?” Visenya gave him a shocked look. “Killed? Nobody told me Luke was dead, just that he had disappeared” she said.

What was Daemon talking about? Luke was dead? What happened to him? Just before she left Storm’s End Lady Elenda told her Luke was missing, not dead.

“He never arrived here. The Baratheon traitor wrote that he and Aemond had a fight, and that the Kinslayer took off after him. They heard dragons in the sky, what do you think happened? Luke was loyal and promised to return right away with you, he would never disappear like that. Aemond hated that boy since he took his eye, do you think he would’ve missed an opportunity to take his revenge?”

Daemon got louder with every word, the heads of the councilmen turning to Visenya. A few of them gave her uncomfortable looks. “So he is not dead?” she asked and Rhaenys shook her head. “We don’t know. He never returned home, but Lord Borros wrote that he and Aemond had a fight and that both disappeared on their dragons.”

Visenya narrowed her eyes at Daemon. “Then how can you say something like this? You don’t know if Luke is dead, don’t say something like that.” Her voice held a sharp tone in it. How could he say something like this without knowing if it was true?

“Where is he then? Why has he not come home?” Daemon asked her angrily and Visenya sighed frustrated. “I don’t know. But we should tread carefully about what we tell the realm and how we plan to act. Luke left Storm’s End alive and Aemond stayed longer. I doubt that Vhagar caught up to Arrax in that time.”

She shook her head, a desperate look on her face. She needed someone to keep Daemon at bay. Her eyes searched the room. “Where is the Queen?” she asked.

Rhaenys stepped forward. “The Queen broke down after the news about Luke. She flew away this morning after Lord Borros’s letter arrived, we don’t know where.” Visenya looked at them in disbelief.

“And none of you thought about following her?” Daemon slapped on the table with his hand. “And who do you think is supposed to lead this council? Your mother grieves but we are still at war. We need to make a plan, but we cannot do so until she or at least Jace returns.” “’Return from where?” Visenya asked.

“He flew to the Vale and then the North, asking for their support” Rhaenys answered her. “We already sent a raven to inform him about Luke and that he is to return as fast as possible, but that will take a few days” she added.

Rhaenys stepped around the table to Visenya. “You need to tell us what exactly happened at Strom’s End. What was this fight about?”

Visenya nodded. “I don’t know how it started. I had a fever and was abed when Cassandra woke me to tell me Aemond was there and that the King is dead. When I came down in the hall they were already discussing and Aemond wanted Luke to take out an eye, as payment for his.”

Maester Gerardys cleared his throat, “do you feel better now, Princess? Is there anything you need?” Visenya shook her head “the Maester at Storm’s End attended to me, the fever is gone now.”

“Wonderful” Daemon said in a sarcastic tone. “I am able to fly, where do you want me?” Visenya said to him, ignoring his comment.

“Right now? Here. We must wait for Jace to return and report to us. When we know who our allies are we will plan further. And then we will see how we will get the usurpers head.” Visenya looked at him speechless.

“That is your plan? Take back my mother’s throne by cutting down everyone in your way? The people will call her reign cursed if she kills her own kin” she said shocked, and Daemon scoffed.

“The Greens already spilled blood of their kin. I don’t give a shit about that old women’s tale.” Visenya sighed and looked at Daemon. She somehow needed to calm him down, at least until her mother would return.

Daemon would only act rash and thoughtless. Visenya looked at Rhaenys, without Rhaenyra she was the only one who could help her keep him at bay. She sighed and looked at Daemon and the men around the table, addressing all of them.

“We need to stay put before we act too forward. Luke could still come home, maybe he flew off to find other allies or there is another excuse for his disappearance.”

“Always waiting and act cautiously, you speak just like your mother. Luke and Jace swore an oath to your mother to deliver the messages and not to participate in any fighting. Luke also promised to collect you and return right away. We expected you two back yesterday. Luke would never break his word to her, if he is not here, it’s because he can’t be. Why do you insist on denying the truth?”

Visenya leaned with her hands against the table. She knew Daemon. He only waited for an excuse to start this war as fast as possible, and Luke’s disappearance only gave him something to act upon. Rhaenys, sensing the rising tension in the room, took Visenya by the arm.

“I soon need to return to the Gullet. We are building a blockade to cut off the capital from any trading and I need to guard it with Meleys. Until then, I expect this council to consider the Princess’s words and await the Queen’s return for further instruction.” She looked at the men around the table and they nodded lightly.

“Come, I will fill you in before I leave” she said to Visenya and led her to her rooms. On the way Rhaenys told her how she escaped King’s Landing and came to Dragonstone and everything that happened after her arrival.

Visenya sat on her bed, tears in her eyes. “She lost the child?” she asked and Rhaenys nodded. “The news of Viserys’s death and Alicent’s betrayal caused her to much pain. It was a girl, she named her Aemma” Rhaenys said and Visenya couldn’t believe she overslept all of this.

She was in Storm’s End for only two days and in that time her grandfather had died, her mother’s throne was stolen, and her sister was born dead.

“Every time mother got pregnant I wished for a sister: I know my mother also wished for another girl and now that she finally got one…” Visenya trailed off. It was gruesome of the gods, to take so many from her mother in one day. And now Luke was also lost.

“Grandmother. I refuse to think that Luke is dead” Rhaenys sighed at Visenya’s words.

“It is difficult to fly through a storm, even for experienced dragonriders. Vhagar might be old, but Laena always used to tell me that she was still a skilled fighter. And I’d wager that for a dragon her age, it is no problem for her to navigate through a storm. I am sure Luke would’ve returned by now if he was still alive.” Visenya sat still, starring at her hands in her lap.

“Aemond didn’t kill him.” Rhaenys raised her brows at that “what makes you so sure?” Visenya looked at her grandmother, because he promised me. But she couldn’t tell her that.

“I just know it. He is alive” she answered instead and Rhaenys smiled at her, stroking her hair. “You were sick and there is nothing to do now. Get some rest” Rhaenys said and left the chamber.

You promised me Visenya thought, you promised me you would not go after Luke. She refused to believe he broke his promise. He told her himself that he knows how much she loves Luke.

At the thought of Luke’s death she felt an ache in her chest, as if someone was stabbing her heart again and again. It even made it difficult to breath.

Everyone here thinks Aemond a kinslayer. But Visenya could not allow herself to think so. She wanted to trust him and believe, that he would stay true to his word. But where was Luke?

She needed to know the truth, but she could not think of any way to find out. She lay back in her bed.

Luke would return, she was sure of it. There was no body, neither from him nor from Arrax. A boy might vanish, but a dragon? No, he was alive. Visenya refused to believe otherwise.

____________________

Rhaenys was gone for two whole days. Visenya almost turned mad in that time. There was nothing to do, except for sitting around, listening to Daemon’s complains and waiting.

For either Mother or Jace to return. Visenya knew that Jace would need some time for the way back, but her mother had also been gone for two days. Visenya was worried about her, as Rhaenyra was on her own. At least she had Syrax with her.

Visenya spent most of her time in the library. She tried to use the spare time she had to look for anything about the story her grandfather told her, about the Song of Ice and Fire. But there were so many scrolls in the library on Dragonstone and Visenya didn’t find anything yet.

But right now, she was kneeling at the skull of Meraxes. Candles lit the room and Visenya did something she hadn’t done in years. She prayed. She prayed to the fourteen flames for her brother’s safe return.

As a child she had often prayed, kneeling at the skull of Balerion in the Red Keep. But after her father’s death she had no more interest to talk to the gods. And as the years passed Visenya realised that the gods, should they even exist, were either not listening or interested. So she lost any interest in the faith.

But now she was stuck here on Dragonstone. There was nothing she could do. Luke was missing and the council listened to Rhaenys’s advise and waited for their Queen to return, even though Daemon and Ser Alfred Broome did their best to convince the men otherwise.

Praying was the only thing she could do right now, so she decided to give it another try. She prayed to the old valyrian gods that a war could somehow be avoided. She prayed that her mother and Luke would return home safely. And she prayed that Aemond had stayed true to his word.

When she heard the familiar cry of Meleys she stood up and ran down to the Dragonmont. Rhaenys just slid out of the saddle, walking a bit stiff. Visenya could not blame her, flying around the open sea for days took its toll.

She just wanted to greet her when Daemons voice cut her off. “Take your mount again, we’re flying to King’s Landing.” Rhaenys sighed and Visenya rolled her eyes.

Daemon thirsted for blood, all he spoke about was either avenging Luke’s death or Harrenhall, where he probably wanted to kill as many as possible.

“To what end?” Rhaenys asked but did not look at him, she rather greeted Visenya by putting her hand on her shoulder. “We’re going to kill Vhagar and her rider, I cannot face that old bitch alone.”

“And then what?” Visenya asked and turned around to him. “It will not bring back Luke” she added, and Daemon starred at her.

“Vhagar is guarding the city, we can’t take it with her there. It will not bring Luke back, but once we have taken the city, we can bring your mother justice and ease her pain.” “And you think you will achieve that by killing the Greens?” Visenya raised a brow at him.

“The realm will be at peace again when she has her justice. Make it a son for a son” he said, grabbing the hilt of his sword.

“Well, unfortunate for you, Aemond does not have a son” Visenya said, and Daemons lips turned into a murderous smile. “But the usurper has.”

Visenya laughed. “Yes, of course.” She took Daemon’s words for a jest, but when she looked at Rhaenys and then back at Daemon she saw that he was not smiling. Did he really mean what he said?

“Jaehaerys is a boy of four, he has nothing to do with that. How can you even think such a thing?” Visenya yelled, horrified that Daemon would even consider something like that. He shrugged with his shoulders.

“I can also wait until Aemond decides to marry and get some girl pregnant, but that would be a rather waste of time” he said casually. Visenya shook her head. “I cannot believe you” she said and strode away. Let Rhaenys deal with him, she could not do it any longer.

How could he even think such a thing? Aegon was almost the same age as Jaehaerys, how could Daemon talk so casually about the murder of a child?

_____________________

Thankfully her mother returned in the night. Visenya heard that she attended the small council for not even a minute before returning to her chambers. The only thing she said was that she wanted Aemond’s head.

Visenya now stood in front of her mother’s door, nervously playing with the rings on her fingers. Ser Lorent looked at her and opened the door at her nod, letting Visenya enter.

“We will draw a bath for you, and maybe you would like to eat something, your Grace?” Elinda knelt at Rhaenyra’s side, who sat on a cushioned seat, looking at her lap. She nodded weakly. “Yes, thank you Elinda” she said, and Elinda stood and left the room.

“Mother” Visenya addressed her, and Rhaenyra turned around to her. “Visenya” she said with a quiet voice and Visenya rushed to her, sitting down on the arm of the chair. “I am so sorry, mother” she said, and Rhaenyra shook her head, “at least you returned.” She took her daughter’s hand.

“Where have you been? I was worried” Visenya asked and Rhaenyra looked at her with empty eyes. “The Stormlands. I was looking…” her voice broke, and she looked at her lap. Visenya followed her mother’s eyes and spotted something crumbled together in her lap.

It was fabric, covered with dirt and sand, but Visenya recognized the red and black coat anyways. “Is that?” she almost did not dare to ask. “Your brother wore it when he left for Storm’s End.” Visenya felt her heartbeat begin to fasten.

“And did you…did you find something else?” Visenya asked but Rhaenyra shook her head. “No. Some fishers had it, they said they found it in the sea.” Visenya felt tears burning in her eyes. So, there was still no body. The door opened again, and Elinda returned with a tray of food.

“Your bath is almost ready, your Grace” she said and Visenya squeezed her mother’s hands. “Eat something and then try to sleep a bit. You’ve been gone for days, you must be exhausted.”

Rhaenyra weakly nodded and Visenya left for her chambers. There, she let herself fall on the bed, starring at the ceiling. Her mother had searched for Luke but found nothing but a coat.
What did that mean? Was he still out there? Or was the coat washed away from his body?

The past few days Visenya tried to hold it together, always telling herself that Luke would return soon but he still was not here. Anytime the thought of his death crept up in her she pushed it aside, distracting herself with her younger brothers or reading.

But now she couldn’t take it any longer, not knowing what happened to Luke. She sat up and pulled her knees to her chest, sobbing.

She took a pillow and pressed it against her face to scream in it. She cried and sobbed until her head hurt and she had the feeling they were no tears left. She shrunk back when she felt a hand on her shoulder, Malika stood next to her bed.

“I’m sorry, I knocked but you didn’t answer” she said quietly. “Do you think he is dead?” Visenya just asked and Malika sat down next to her. “Oh no, you said yourself we cannot allow ourselves to think that.”

Malika pulled Visenya to her, holding her against her. “But he would have returned by now, Luke would not disappear just like that” Visenya argued and felt how Malika shook her head. “Wherever he is, he has his dragon with him. Maybe he wants to come home but can’t. Don’t give up hope.”

They continued to sit like this until Malika could feel Visenya’s breath calm down. She had fallen asleep with her head on Malikas shoulder and Malika gently lay her down on the bed, covering her with a blanket and let the girl rest.

____________________

The next day Jace finally returned. He first went to his mother to report and later she called in a council meeting. On her way to it Visenya met Jace in the hallway, who’s eyes were still a bit red from crying.

“I know it’s hard, but we need to get ourselves together before the meeting. We need to stay strong for mother” Visenya said and stopped next to her brother.

“I know. It’s just…” he trailed off and Visenya nodded. “I still think he will return” she whispered and Jace smiled lightly at it. “Mother thinks him dead, but I hope you’re right. I wasn’t very nice to him in the days after our return.”

Visenya furrowed her brows in confusion, Jace and Luke never fought. “What happened?” “We were training with our swords, and I went too hard on him. I yelled at him and was rough.” “I’m sure it wasn’t that bad” Visenya nodded encouraging, but Jace shook his head.

“Even Ser Steffon interfered. I was just scared for him, after I saw how good Aemond had gotten with the sword. I wanted him prepared in case of…” his voice broke and Visenya gave him a sad look. “I’m sure he knew you only meant well.”

Visenya was surprised that she and Jace managed to have a civil conversation, especially after what happened in King’s Landing.

The last time the siblings spoke to each other Jace was mad at her, but this seemed to be the longest conversation they had in years without starting a fight.

Jace looked at her. “Visenya, there is something I need to tell you.” “What is it?” she crossed her arms, and he opened his mouth, but before he could speak their mother walked around the corner.

“There you are. Come, the meeting is about to begin.” Jace pressed his lips together and mumbled a quiet “I’m sorry” before he followed Rhaenyra.

Visenya furrowed her brows, wondering why he was apologising to her. She also followed her mother, and they sat down around the painted table.

Visenya looked at mother and was glad that she seemed to be better today. It seemed that she managed to find some sleep, she looked not so tired anymore. Visenya noticed that Daemon’s place remained empty, but she didn’t say anything about it.

She was glad she didn’t have to endure him during this meeting, his words from yesterday still haunted her thoughts. “Prince Jacaerys managed to gain the support of the Vale and the North” Rhaenyra started and looked at Jace, nodding to him to continue

“Lady Jayne has pledged her full support, in exchange for a dragon to guard the vale” Jace started, but the councilmen were not that satisfied. “Your Grace, the dragons are our greatest force. We cannot allow them to sit still in the Vale” Lord Celtigar said but Rhaenyra raised her hand.

“I will think of a solution. The Vale is only a raven away and a dragon is fast.” She looked at Jace to continue. “Lord Stark was more reserved. He said he supports our claim” Jace said, which seemed to calm down the councilmen a bit “but he said he holds the responsibility for the north as well. He needs his men if the Night’s Watch should fail their duties, he said he can spare 2.000 men.”

“2.000? Is that all he can spare? We know the Hightower’s are supported by the Lannisters. 2.000 men is barely enough for an army” Ser Broome grumbled.

Jace starred at him and nodded. “He said he would send some of his best and most experienced soldiers. I…” he looked at Rhaenyra “I took the freedom to extend our offer to him.”
Rhaenyra gave him a surprised look. “What? What did you offer him?” she asked and Jace grabbed the hilt of his sword, looking at the floor.

“I wanted to tell you earlier, but you already called for the meeting. Lord Cregan said his responsibility is the north and his family’s traditions. So I asked him if he would send more men if this war would also be a family matter to him.” The men and Rhaenyra looked at him confused. “What does that mean?” Rhaenyra asked and Jace looked at Visenya.

All heads turned to her and she suddenly felt the realisation hitting her. That’s what he wanted to tell her before. That’s why he apologised to her.

“No” she said with a cold voice. “I got to know him, he is young and a good man” Jace stated but Visenya slapped on the table. “Who do you think you are? What makes you think you are in a position to offer my hand to anyone?” she yelled at him.

“You offered your sister’s hand to him?” Rhaenyra asked and Jace looked at his mother, desperately trying to explain his actions. “You yourself wanted her to get married. He has one of the biggest armies in the real when he calls his banners.”

Rhaenyra looked between Jace and Visenya, a desperate look on her face. “You cannot seriously consider that, mother” Visenya said. “He is the Lord of Winterfell. I am your heir, you cannot allow me to waste away in the snow” Visenya continued, and Rhaenyra’s eyes stopped at her.

Rhaenyra shook her head. “You shouldn’t have made promises in my name, Jace. I know you meant well but what am I to do now?” Visenya furrowed her brows at her. “I can tell you what to do, write to Lord Stark that the betrothal won’t happen.”

Maester Gerardys cleared his throat, “your Grace. If you were indeed to name Princess Visenya your heir, it would be wiser to not make a haste engagement for her. We should consider more options. The Stark’s already declared for us, maybe other Houses are still uncertain, and a marriage proposal may convince them.”

Visenya threw an angry glance at him. Until now, she had really liked the Maester. But now he sat there and had the audacity to talk about her hand in marriage.

“No one will offer my hand to anyone without my consent, the next to suggest something like that will get to know my dragon.” All eyes turned to Visenya, and the room was silent until Lord Celtigar quietly cleared his throat.

“Who even is to be your heir now, your Grace? It has been Prince Jacaerys until recently. Is it the Princess now?” he asked and both Visenya and Jace looked at her mother.

“I haven’t decided in that matter yet” she answered. “That matter? King Viserys named me your heir the day before he died. Your whole claim stands on his decision to make you his heir. And now Jace sells me off, just because he cannot stand it that Viserys choose me over him?” Visenya said and Jace turned red.

Visenya threw a furious look at him before he even thought about saying something. “I don’t even have a throne that I could pass down to someone right now!” Rhaenyra angrily slapped her hand on the table.

“We are at war and the usurper sits my throne. I will name my heir in an official ceremony when this war is over, just as my father named me. But until I have my throne, there is no need to make a rushed decision. I do not lack for heirs, there is no need to rush. Until this war is over both you and Jace will have a seat at my council.”

Visenya opened her mouth again, but Rhaenyra cut her off by raising her hand. “Enough. I want to speak with my children alone” she addressed her council, and the men left them alone.

“You cannot accept that betrothal, mother. Jace had no right to sell me off like a broodmare. I already agreed to your stupid tour, but you still promised me a choice” Visenya said as soon as they were alone.

“I did what was necessary to secure mother’s throne. We need as much men as we can gather. The Greens have Vhagar on their side, we need to surpass them at least with soldiers.”

Jace looked at his mother for support, but Rhaenyra’s face held doubt. “It’s not that easy. Jace made a promise in my name, how can I expect support from the Lords when I break my word so easily?” Rhaenyra sighed. “Jace, you should have just delivered my message. How does that make me look in front of my council?”

Visenya looked at Jace and balled her hands to fists, her nails burying in her palms. She would not let him win, not in this. She turned to her mother.

“Aegarax is the third largest dragon you have, he is as big as Syrax. Arrax is gone and Moondancer and Vermax are small. Sell me off to the north and you shall lose a dragon on your side” Visenya said in a cold voice.

Rhaenyra looked at her flabbergasted. “You don’t mean that” she said but Visenya shook her head. “I do. I don’t want to turn my back on you, you are my mother and the rightful heir. But when you turn your back on me, you can’t be surprised if I do the same.” Visenya would not give up on this.

“Everyone of us has to make a sacrifice. You are my sister, we may have our differences, but I wouldn’t have made the offer if I thought him unsuited. He is nice, trust me” Jace said to his sister and Visenya shoot him an icy glance. As if she cared that he was nice.

“And what sacrifice have you made? Stop talking like you ever had to work for something. Another word from you and we shall go to the Dragonmont, I think Aegarax haven’t had breakfast today” she said in a provoking tone and Jace head turned even redder.

Rhaenyra slapped her hand on the table, “enough, both of you. There is enough war in this realm, I don’t need another amongst my children. Jace, please give us a moment.” Jace looked at his sister one last time, leaving them alone.

“So Jace gets everything, while I will be send away to the end of the world” Visenya said. Rhaenyra sighed, “I said I won’t name an heir now. Give me some time Visenya. Jace has been my heir for seven years now, my father’s decision took me by surprise. I will decide on that matter when the war is over.”

Visenya felt rage boil inside her. She knew her mother only tried to buy herself some time, but in the end, she would name Jace her heir. Visenya just knew it.

“If you’re going to disinherit me again, have at least the decency to say it right now, instead of avoiding the truth.” “What am I to do, Visenya?” Rhaenyra now raised from her chair and walked around the painted table.

“Look at our standing. Aegon has been crowned before the masses. Most of the houses that support him do so, because he is a man. It’s difficult enough for me as a woman to find allies. All I can do is to hope that the men will stay true to their words they gave me twenty years ago. You want the truth? The truth is that I cannot afford it to name heir now. I don’t lack for heirs, but allies. That is what we need right now. I can still name you heir when I have my position secured, but right now it’s better to let that open.”

Visenya crossed her arms “and you think you would gain allies by selling me off?” Rhaenyra sighed and walked to the end of the table, inspecting the spot where Winterfell was engraved.

“You know, I wanted to talk to you about the tour again. I know you only accepted it so I would be silent about it. I talked to Daemon and reconsidered, I really wanted to give you a choice.” Rhaenyra’s purple eyes flew to Visenya.

“But now, our choices are limited. I’m so sorry Visenya, I really am. But I beg of you to consider this betrothal. I promise you I will not let the wedding happen before the war is over. Until then you can get to know him, maybe you will like him.”

Visenya starred at the candles at the table, trying to control the tears that threatened to leave her eyes. Her mother’s promises meant nothing to her anymore.

“Is this your command then?” she asked her mother and Rhaenyra shook her head. “It’s not my wish to command you. But my choices are limited are we need the northern houses on our side” she answered and Visenya scoffed at that.

Without another word she turned to leave when her mother called her name. “Visenya, we need to discuss this. Please stay and talk to me.”

“What more is there to talk about, your Grace?” she did not dare to look at her mother. Rhaenyra sighed and came to stand to her daughter’s side. “I know this is not what you wanted. But we have a duty, I have a duty to my father-“ “a duty that he had not only inflicted on you, but on me as well! A duty which you refuse to explain to me" Visenya interrupted her.

“You stand here and speak of duty and protecting the realm. But Viserys wanted me to carry this burden after you and still, you take it from me and give it to Jace. And now you sell me off, to exile on the north. Don’t speak of honour and duty, because this has nothing to do with it” Visenya felt tears escaping her eyes.

“You must know that you will have to fight with prejudices your entire life, if you are named heir. I admit, if it weren’t for a greater cause I myself would have reconsidered to let my claim go, only to escape this burden. It’s not easy for a woman to be heir” Rhaenyra took Visenya’s hands in hers.

“I bore this burden long enough, and I will carry it for more years. But we are at war now. We have no time to discuss this. What I need from you, is that you bear the burden of sacrifice for our family. Your brother is dead-“ “you don’t know that” Visenya interrupted her and pulled her hands out of her mother’s.

Rhaenyra gave her a pained look. “I searched for him everywhere. He is not there and how would have his cloak ended up in the ocean if he was not…” Rhaenyra stopped herself. “The Greens have spilled blood, our blood and now there is nothing more to say.”

“You cannot know that” Visenya tried to persuade her mother. “Everyone keeps talking about war and how it is inevitable now, but I still don’t think that Aemond killed Luke.”

In the past few days Visenya had again and again tried to convince herself that Aemond had stick to his promise. He left long after Luke, he couldn’t have done this to him. Or to her.

Rhaenyra shook her head, “even after your brother’s death you still defend that boy” she sighed.

Visenya furrowed her brows. “I don’t defend anyone, I just think we should be certain before we-“ “What else do you need? My son is dead, he is responsible, and you defend him like you always did. That boy is dangerous and now he has proven it.” “Mother, please” Visenya tried to reach out for her, but Rhaenyra took a step back.

“I know you always had your difficulties with Jace, but I always assumed you loved Luke-“ “I did. I still do, and that is why I refuse to believe he is dead until I am proven otherwise. Mother please, the war still might be avoidable, Aemond promised me-” “Promised you? Oh, you foolish girl, is that what this is about?”

Rhaenyra shook her head and let out an amused breath, “don’t think I have forgotten what I saw in King’s Landing, you two whispering in the hallway. Was it him who told you to let Viserys name you heir?”

“What are you even talking about? He didn’t tell me anything. All I’m saying is that Luke was long gone and he said he wouldn’t go after him.” Visenya stepped back, shocked at her mother’s words.

“Don’t you see that is only using you? He probably wanted to get closer to the throne through you, what did you do before we came to King’s Landing? Tell me, did you give yourself to him? Did he fuck you? Did you know what he would do to Luke?” “Mother!” Visenya exclaimed, but Rhaenyra had talked herself in rage, an iron grip closing around Visenya’s arm.

“I think you forget yourself in your grief, your Grace” Visenya said loudly, and Rhaenyra looked at her, shocked at her own words.

It was as if Rhaenyra snapped out of a trance and she lay her hand over her mouth. “Visenya, I’m so sorry, I-“ Rhaenyra shook her head. “You are right, my grief got the best of me. I don’t know why I said that. I’m sorry.” She only now realized what she just said to her daughter.

“Obviously” Visenya pulled her arm out of her mother’s grip and left not only the room, but the castle without another word.

How could her mother say that she plotted with Aemond to kill Luke? She loved her brother and her mother knew it. She would never exchange the life of her brother for a crown.

Visenya had her differences with her mother, but she knew that Rhaenyra wasn’t that gruesome. That it was only grief that spoke out of her. But still, that she would go so far and say these things shocked Visenya.

No matter how many times they fought, her mother had never said something like this to Visenya.

She wandered around the Dragonmont until the late afternoon, and sneaked back through the Dragonmont into the castle, avoiding the main entrance and the guards who would probably take her to her mother.

She did not want to see her right now, not after what she said to her. She returned to her chamber and starred at the bag that still lied in the corner of her room from her journey to Storm’s End.
Her mother had done it, she sold her off. Something she had feared for her entire life.

Visenya felt despair rise in her when she thought about living in the north. She couldn’t take Aegarax with her. She read in Queen Alysanne’s journal how Silverwing and Vermithor had despised the cold when she had visited Winterfell with King Jaehaerys.

The thought of not only be married off to some cold wasteland but also to be separated from her beloved dragon drove her mad. She could not stand it.

Visenya stood at the window, starring at the sea. She thought about her father. Shortly before they moved to Dragonstone, he wanted to set sails again, to the Stepstones.

He always told her that sailing was almost as freeing to him as riding a dragon. That the sea offered him escapes he couldn’t even find on dragonback.

Visenya made a decision. Her whole life she had made sacrifices, but this was more than she was willing to give. Now it was her that needed an escape.

Fuck this war. Fuck her claim. If the crown turned her to a person like her mother, she didn’t want it.

Aemond had been right. And after today, Visenya knew it as well. She would never wear the crown. Even if her mother succeeds, the men will still call for Jace to be heir, if not as a compromise to accept the rule of a woman.

She took her bag and began to put some of her riding clothes in it.

Then a few dresses and a lot of jewels. They would provide a good living, if her own money should fail her. Suddenly the door opened and Visenya stilled. “What are you doing?” the person asked and Visenya relaxed. “Thank the gods it’s you. Close the door Malika, fast.”

Malika did as she was told. “Jace offered my hand to Cregan Stark. Mother agreed” Visenya said, and Malika gave her a disappointed look. “What? But I thought she gave you a promise.”

Visenya rolled her eyes. “She did, but it doesn’t matter to her. So, I will leave.” Malika widened her eyes in surprise, “you will what?” “Leave” Visenya shrugged her shoulders.

“My mother did not only sell me off for an army, but she also wants to wait until the war is over to name an heir. But I know it will be Jace. I told her that she will lose my support if she goes through with it. I cannot make empty promises now, can I?”

Malika looked at her and then nodded, “alright, where are we going?” Visenya turned around, surprised.

“We?” Malika nodded. “Yes. You do not think I would let you go alone, do you? Besides, when you are gone, I have no one to attend to” she grinned. “Poor you” Visenya said. “So, where are we going?” Malika asked again.

Truth was, Visenya didn’t know where to go. Normally she would go to Driftmark or maybe the Stormlands, but now she couldn’t. Visenya had nowhere to go. The whole realm was at war, there was no place for her there.

“I don’t know” she sighed. “Essos maybe?” Visenya thought her tone not very convincing, but Malika gave her a smile and nodded. “We can still figure it out. But first, we need to leave without being seen.”

Visenya gave her a thankful look. “Go pack your things quickly. And maybe bring me another bag, not a trunk. We will leave with Aegarax. I have to do one last thing.” “Alright” Malika said and left.

Visenya stood over the small beds of Aegon and Viserys. Both were already asleep and Visenya was sad she couldn’t say goodbye to them, but she was sure she would see her brothers again. Maybe Aegon would be a dragonrider till then, she thought and looked at Stormcloud, who had himself curled up in front of the fireplace.

Softy Visenya pressed a kiss on both her brother’s heads and left the chamber. In the hallway she could her footsteps and hid to avoid the person. The steps didn’t leave, instead it sounded like someone was pacing around.

When Visenya looked around the corner she saw Ser Erryk, pacing before the halls that lead to the royal chambers. Visenya furrowed her brows, what was he doing? It didn’t look like he was patrolling, more like he thought about something.

She knew she should just ignore him and already turned to leave when she heard a voice. “Who goes there? Show yourself.” Visenya knew it was foolish to think she could escape a Kingsguard.

“Ser Erryk” she said and stepped out of the shadows “you startled me.” “I’m sorry your Highness, I didn’t mean to” he said. “What are you doing?” Visenya asked him and Ser Erryk looked at the hallways to the royal chambers again.

“Prince Daemon left a few hours ago. He said he had something to take care of, but he was talking to the prisoner before and now…I don’t have a good feeling about this. As Kingsguard I am sworn to protect the royal family, but I’m afraid the prince plans something unwise.”

Visenya furrowed her brows, “and now you don’t know what to do?” He nodded, “I know I am in no position to question the prince’s actions. But before the Queen returned, he already planned a war without her consent, and I don’t know if I should tell her Grace that I think something is off or not. It my duty to protect your family, not to interfere into its business.”

Visenya stepped closer to him and gave him an understanding look. He wanted to serve Rhaenyra, but now he didn’t know if he would go too far by tell on Daemon.

“Do you think he is planning something that may endanger her position?” Ser Erryk nervously played with the hilt of his sword and looked to the floor. “Tell me, Ser Erryk. Maybe I can help you” Visenya was really intrigued. Daemon has been brooding for days, what was he planning now?

“Have you heard of the White Worm, Princess? The Lady Mysaria?” Visenya tilted her head in confusion. “My handmaiden told me she was found on a ship and is now a prisoner here. I know she had a network of spies in the capital. Why?”

“The prince has visited her today. He knows her. One of the guards told me he asked for a way to the capital.” “The capital? What would he want there?” Visenya asked.

“I only know what the guard outside the cell heard. He wanted to sneak into the capital and hire someone. That’s all I know.” Visenya thought. What would Daemon want there? Why would he need to hire someone and for what?

Suddenly she remembered the last time he wanted to go to the capital. It was only yesterday when he spoke to Rhaenys about it.

We will go to King’s Landing, make it a son for a son Daemon’s voice rang in her head. He wouldn’t, would he? “Bring me to her, now” Visenya ordered, and Ser Erryk obeyed.

When she entered the cell a woman with long black hair sat in the corner, dressed in a dirty white dress. When she saw Visenya she immediately stood up. “Daemon, what did he want from you?” Mysaria starred at her confused. “Well?” Visenya asked.

“He wanted a way to the capital. He said that he had business in the Red Keep and asked me for men he could hire” she answered with a thick accent. “What men? What did you say to him?” Visenya could feel fear rising in her.

“I gave him two names. A Gold Cloak and a ratcatcher.” “Why did he want names? What does he want from them?” Mysaria crossed her arms and shrugged.

“I cannot say. He asked me for someone who could slip into the Red Keep without being noticed. And for someone who would do everything for money, preferably someone who hates the Hightowers.”

Visenya nervously began to play with a ring on her finger. “And you gave him what he asked for?” Mysaria nodded, “a ratcatcher that sometimes sold me secrets, he knows his ways through the hidden tunnels in the Red Keep. And a Gold Cloak who hates the Hightowers. For the right price, they would do whatever Daemon asked of them.”

Visenya could hear her heartbeat ringing in her ears. “Did he tell you what business he has in the keep?” Mysaria shook her head. “I gave him two names. That is all. And a way to the city. I recommended him to take a fisher boat, the River Gate is always open because of the fishers.”

Visenya nodded at her and turned around to leave the cell. “He did really not say anything else?” “He promised me freedom, if I could help him bring the Queen justice.”

Bring the Queen justice? Visenya knew what that meant. Justice for the Queen’s dead son. Visenya remembered what Daemon said to her, Aemond might not have a son, but the usurped does. Daemon really wanted to have Aegon’s son killed.

How could he? Jaehaerys is a boy of four, an innocent in all of this. Daemon has a son around the same age, what would he do if anyone would do something like that to Aegon?

And not only to Jaehaerys but to Helaena as well. Her poor aunt. Visenya was sure that Helaena had nothing to do with Aegon’s coronation. She was just another pawn in this, and now Daemon wanted her son dead because of a rumour.

Without another word Visenya left the cell and returned to her chambers, not caring that she left the confused Ser Erryk behind. He needed to decide himself if he wanted to tell Rhaenyra.

Daemon left hours ago, there was nothing Rhaenyra could do now to prevent this. But Visenya knew a way. If the ratcatcher truly knew Maegor’s tunnels no guard could keep him from entering the nursery. The royal chambers were guarded from the outside, not the inside.

When she arrived at her chambers Malika was already waiting for her.

“Finally, it’s almost dark now, so no one should see us leaving. I packed some other things for you. We need to hurry, a storm is brewing.” Visenya sighed at that, great another storm. “We have to make a detour” Visenya said. “A detour? Where?” Malika asked, swinging a bag over her shoulder.

“King’s Landing”

Chapter Text

The two girls had sneaked their way to the Dragonmont, where they now stood in front of Aegarax’s sleeping form. Malika looked at the dragon, a doubtful look on her face. “Do I really have to?” She turned her head to Visenya.

“If you want to leave with me, yes” Visenya answered and recalled the last and only time she convinced Malika to fly with her. It was once, about two years ago when Malika told her that she never understood Visenya’s wish to spend the whole day on dragonback.

So Visenya convinced her to fly with her. Malika hated it, even though Visenya only took two turns over the island before Malika begged her to end this madness.

“I won’t leave him behind, and he is our only chance to catch up to Daemon. He left hours ago. Who knows how far he came, we need to hurry.” “Fine.” Visenya could hear at Malika’s tone that she wasn’t as fine with it as she said, but it seemed she decided to endure the flight.

“Come now. The storm benefits us. The night is dark and with all the clouds Aegarax should not be seen.” Luckily the dragon’s scales were black, so it was easy to hide in the darkness.

Since Visenya decided to go to King’s Landing she thought about a place where she could hide Aegarax. She knew she couldn’t get too close to the city. Aegarax could easily hide in the sky, but he would quickly be spotted if she landed him too close to the city.

The only place she could think of where a dragon could hide was the Kingswood. But then they had the problem that they would need to cross the Blackwater. They needed a boat the cross is, it was way too dangerous to swim through it.

Mysaria said that she advised Daemon to take a fisher boat because the River Gate is always open because of the harbour. And Visenya recalled how her mother’s council reported that the blockade was already working, and that there were already shortcuts of food in the capital.

Right now, the people relied on the fish, so the fishers were now working day and night to provide the people with food.

Visenya hoped they may find a fisher who would take them to the other side of the river. She had enough gold with her, so payment shouldn’t be a problem.

She knew that the city had other gates they could use, but Aegarax would be exposed then and even in the night a dragon would not stay unnoticed for long. The Kingswood was their best chance to enter the city unnoticed and if they were lucky they would leave before sunrise, so no one would even know they were near the city.

Also, Visenya had no time to think of a better plan. Daemon was now gone for hours and Visenya didn’t know if he already arrived the city or not. It took some hours with a ship to reach the capital, and a fisher boat would surely need more time, but still they had no clue where Daemon was right now.

With her dragon they should easily catch up to Daemon, but she could not waste any more time to think of a better plan and search for a hiding sport for Aegarax. And the harbour was always filled with people, so Visenya thought that the River Gate was their best chance to slip into the city.

Aegarax was not happy about his disturbed sleep and growled quietly, but he let the girls mount him anyways.

Visenya could feel Malika shake behind her. “Would you stop that?” she asked her, and Malika only tightened her grip on her. “The last time you almost killed us, so no” she said and Visenya sighed.

“You exaggerate. My little brothers are not as afraid as you are.” “That is because your family take some weird pleasure in soaring the skies, while we normal people like to stay where we belong.” Visenya rolled her eyes at Malika’s comment.

She knew the girl didn’t mean any insult, she was just scared and nervous. Visenya gave Aegarax the command to fly and her dragon pushed himself off the ground. “We have to be quiet. Do not make a sound” Visenya said to her dragon.

Visenya did not fly directly to the capital, but lead her dragon south, so they would not even fly over the city. The flight was short and they soon descended upon the Kingswood.

The dark clouds helped them to stay hidden and the thunder that announced the coming storm also helped to hide the sound of Aegarax’s wings.

The landing was far from smooth. It was dark and Aegarax had to navigate through the trees, but the dragon managed to find a spot where he lay flat on the ground at his riders command.

Visenya slid off her dragon and Malika followed her, her legs still shaking. Before they left Visenya had borrowed one of Malika’s dresses so she wouldn’t stand out and had her hair tied together in a thick braid over her shoulder, hidden by a cloak she threw over her head.

“Stay here and stay hidden. Do not attack anyone. It won’t be long” Visenya said to her dragon and Malika shook her head. “He’s a dragon, not a puppy” she said and Visenya let out an amused breath.

Due to the fact that Malika came from Volantis she understood Valyrian, and she often told Visenya that a stranger might think she speaks of a puppy instead of a dragon, whenever Visenya spoke about her dragon.

Visenya did not answer Malika’s comment and took her hand, tugging her behind her. “We’re almost at the edge of the wood but we still have to walk a bit, I couldn’t land him any closer” she explained. “Alright” Malika said and drew a dagger from her boot.

Before they left Malika hid one in her boot and then another in Visenya’s. The city might not be dangerous at daytime, but at nighttime it was different. And two young girls who wandered the city unaccompanied might be an easy target. So Malika insisted they would take something with them to defend themselves, if they would need to.

“What are you doing?” Visenya asked and shot a confused look at Malika, still walking towards the lights of the city. “We are wandering through the woods at night, I would rather have it in my hand” Malika answered, and they both walked up to the city.

They followed the Kingsroad and walked towards the lights until they reached the Blackwater. Visenya was relieved when she saw the fisher boats, even now in the night they were still working.

“Great. A river, how are we supposed to cross that?” Malika asked and Visenya nodded towards the boats. “Everything has its price, and luckily I have more than enough money with me.”

Visenya walked up and down the shore, searching for a boat that was close enough and may take them to the other side. “Isn’t there another gate we could use?” Malika trailed behind Visenya, who shook her head. “This is the only place where I can hide Aegarax. And there are always people at the harbour, so we wouldn’t stand out if we enter the city through this gate.”

“Do you really think it wise to get on the boat of a stranger? I still think this whole plan-“ “Are you lost, girls?” A voice caused Malika to jump, and she pulled her dagger closer to her chest whilst Visenya, also slightly scared from the voice, grabbed the hood of her cloak and pulled in further into her face, hoping no one would see her hair.

A man starred at them. He was sitting in a boat and held a net in his hands. A small fish was caught in it, and he pulled it out of the net and threw in into a bucket.

Visenya couldn’t properly see him in the dark, but she thought him old. At least his voice sounded like that of an old man. “A storm is brewing, you shouldn’t be out here” he pointed towards the sky.

“Yes. That’s why we would like to cross” Visenya said and slightly slapped Malika on the arm. “Put that thing away” she whispered to her and Malika hid the dagger beneath her cloak but did not let go of it.

“I have money, would you be so kind and take us to the other side?” The man took a paddle in his hand and lead the boat to the shore. “How much are we talking about, lass?” Visenya threw two gold dragons in the boat.

The man widened his eyes and collected them. “I will give you two more, when we are on the other side” Visenya said and the man looked up to her. “Hah!” he laughed loud. “For two more I would carry you over the river myself. Come on in” he excitedly waved them to him with his hand and the girls exchanged a look before they stepped into the boat.

They sat opposite to the man, pressed against each other and he paddled the boat towards the city. “You’re not from here, are you?” he asked them and Visenya exchanged a short look with Malika.

“No. We are travellers” Malika answered shortly. The man still starred at them and Visenya shifted uncomfortably. “We got lost from our…companions. They are probably waiting in the city” she added and hoped that would satisfy the man’s curiosity.

“You should see that you leave the city as fast as you can then” he answered with a slight angry tone. “The city isn’t what it used to be. Fucking Targaryens and their war, cutting us off from all food. You can hardly afford the good stuff anymore, if there is even any left.”

Visenya pressed her lips together, feeling bad when she heard his words. Her eyes flew to the bucket in which he threw the fish he caught earlier. There were only two other fish in it, and all of them were small.

Visenya doubted they would make a good meal, and the man laughed when he saw her starring at them.

“It seems everyone in the city is a fisher now. I think the Blackwater will be empty soon, with all the fishers here. There are more fish in the bay, but my boat is too small for that.” “I’m sorry” Visenya said, and she meant it.

She knew her mother cut off the capital because of Aegon, but with it she punished all the people in the city.

“Aye, it’s not your fault, lass. It’s the fucking dragons that cause us misery.” Visenya pulled at the hem of her hood, even though it wouldn’t go deeper into her face.

When they arrived at the other side of the shore Visenya stretched out her hand and gave the man the promised money. “Thank you” she said and the man smiled at her. “I have to thank you. With that me and my wife can get out of this cursed city.”

“Good luck then” Visenya said and looked around, always checking if her hair was still hidden underneath the cloak.

The fisher didn’t seem to be quite fond of her family and Visenya could imagine he wasn’t the only one. If the people were cut off from food they would someday riot, and she didn’t want to be here when that happened.

Visenya sunk her head and linked her arm with Malika’s. They passed the gate along with some fishers and the Gold Cloaks did not pay them any attention. “What now?” Malika asked and Visenya looked up to the Red Keep.

“It’s foolish to think that I could find Daemon and stop him, or the men he will hire. But Mysaria said that one of them knows his way through the passages in the keep. They would be able to kill Jaehaerys before any guards would see them. But if I can warn Helaena they could bar the tunnels and post guards inside the nursery, so the boy might be saved.”

“But what if she calls her guards and they take you prisoner?” Malika gave her a worried glance and Visenya shook her head. “Helaena wouldn’t do that. I need to do this, Malika. For Helaena and the boy. I held him in my arms only days ago, how can I sit still and let them murder him?”

“And what will you do? I can understand why you want to do that, but I still think this plan in too dangerous.” Visenya sighed and looked back to Malika. “I know it’s dangerous. But they are innocent in this. And they don’t know about the secret tunnels, they are defenceless without their guards.”

“It’s idiotic” Malika sighed and looked at the keep. “They surely guard the doors. Do you just want us to sneak inside and warn her?” Visenya nodded.

“It’s not like I had time to think of something better. Daemon will hire them tonight, they will likely do it right away. And the guards outside can’t protect her when they don’t know the intruders are already inside the chambers. We need to hurry.”

When they reached the castle walls they looked for the shed which Malika used the last time to sneak out to the city. “Where was this shed?” Visenya looked around. “It was this way, come on” Malika led Visenya to the shed and they entered it.

Inside they took everything they would find and barred it from the inside so no one could enter it. When they slid the wooden planks to the side Visenya turned around. “I want you to wait here.” Malika gasped. “What? No!” she hissed. “Yes.” Visenya pressed a small leather bundle in Malikas hand.

“If I should not return, I want you to take the money and go to safety. But you need to wait here, you said it yourself, it is dangerous. I won’t allow us both to be killed or taken prisoner. You are my insurance, ok?”

Malika shook her head. “I don’t like that, I’m coming with you” she said and Visenya hugged her. “I will be careful, I promise. But if I should fail and become a prisoner, I need you here on the outside. Besides, they may take me as a prisoner because I am still a family member, but you are not important to them. I don’t want you to get killed.”

Visenya loosened the embrace and looked at Malika, who shook her head. “I will hurry and be back before the night ends” Visenya promised but Malika still looked not convinced.

“I will wait till dawn. Then I will go inside and search for you. That’s the only condition for me. Otherwise, I will follow you right now.” Visenya sighed but then nodded.

“Then stay here for the night. Take care of yourself.” “You too.” Visenya pressed Malika’s hands once again and disappeared.

_________________________

Helaena stood over her twin’s beds and hummed a lullaby. She didn’t want to leave them, because each night the rats came closer.

Helaena hadn’t been able to outrun them in her dreams, but she kept hearing Visenya call her name, even though she never saw her. But her niece’s voice sounded far away, almost like an echo.
At the thought of Visenya Helaena had to smile. They soon would be reunited, and Helaena couldn’t wait to welcome her into her family.

Her eyes fell on Jaehaerys, her poor boy, eaten by the rats in her dreams. She hardly endured the sight in her dreams, she didn’t want to know what it would look like in real life.

But in the last few nights the dreams had changed. She still saw the rats and the blood, and how they chased her and Jaehaerys. But the rats didn’t eat Jaehaerys anymore. A dragon chased them away.

Helaena remembered Visenya’s voice in her dreams and thought, that maybe Visenya could safe them. She continued her lullaby, watching her children drift off to sleep.

_________________________

He still starred at the map before him. After his grandfather left Aemond thought about the plan he made with Cole earlier. If he would have a say in it, he would send Cole off to raid the castles right away.

But his grandfather insisted on sending his raves through the realm. He could not just sit around here and wait, this war had begun with the disappearance of Luke.

He wondered what happened to little Lord Strong. Thanks to Lord Borris half of the realm already called him a Kinslayer.

He could even see doubt in his mother’s face when he told her he had nothing to do with the boy’s disappearance.

She sat there and scolded him about restraint, when it was her who took the crown for Aegon the moment his father died. Aemond leaned back. He was restless since Storm’s End, longing for Visenya.

In the past few days, he caught himself that he began to regret that he denied her offer. She had begged him to let Luke go and even offered herself to him.

He knew if he would have taken her with him everyone would see it as another gruesome act of war. Taking her prisoner as some spoil of war, like a thing stolen from her mother.

And he knew she would also hate it here under these circumstances. His grandfather would convince Aegon to lock her inside her chambers, if not a dungeon. And Aemond wasn’t sure if he could have convinced Aegon to put her under his protection, so he denied her offer.

But there was still a small selfish part in him that still wished he would have accepted. His eye flew to his empty bed. She could be lying in it now, but instead she was on that cold island, out of his reach.

He asked her to come with him when they were in Storm’s End. He even changed the offer to the Baratheons and sacrificed his brother Daeron, so he wouldn’t have to marry one of these girls. But Visenya, in her stubbornness, was still loyal to her mother.

But Aemond had his hopes on his half-sister’s incompetence as a mother. Sooner or later, she would disappoint Visenya again. She already threatened to run away when they forced her to go on this tour to find a husband. Maybe she would really do it if Rhaenyra takes it too far.

Aemond nervously tapped his finger against the arm of his chair. He could not endure this whole war without seeing her again. Aegon was drinking with his newfound friends again and suggested Aemond to join them or go to the city with them.

He could not believe his brother. Even now, as King, he still continued his foolish behaviour, with no dignity or shame. Aemond only hoped that he hadn’t gone to the city since his coronation.

As prince Aegon could go to as many brothels as he liked, but now as King in wartime it would be foolish do continue this behaviour.

But when he suggested going to the city Aemond knew that his brother still had no sense of duty or for the power he had been given. And he knew if he went with him to the city, they would end up in a brothel, so declined the offer.

For a small second a voice in his head told him that it would surely help him to blow off some stress. But he knew she wouldn’t like it and besides, he wouldn’t find real release there anyways.

None of the whores could give him what he really wanted.

He sighed and stood up, throwing over a cloak. Maybe a ride on Vhagar would clear his head.

_________________________

She needed a few minutes to get used to the dark. When she passed Balerion’s skull she slowly started to see clear in the darkness and she made her way up to the tunnels that lead to the royal chambers.

Visenya dared not to breathe, always listening if she could hear anyone. This was different than the times she sneaked through the tunnels before. Now their families were at war and being caught could mean imprisonment.

Now that Helaena was Queen she must have moved to the Queen’s apartments. So Visenya would find her either there or in the nursery. She remembered how she got lost in the tunnels after she discovered them and ended up at the nursery, so she could find them when she returned to her chambers.

She sneaked through the tunnels and stopped suddenly when she heard voices. Visenya stilled and listened, not daring to move. When she realised, they came from a chamber and not from someone in the tunnels she slowly followed the noises and listened.

She furrowed her brows in confusion when she came to stop before an entrance that she was pretty sure lead to her mother’s chambers. Or at least they had been her mother’s chambers before the war.

Visenya wondered who lived there now and quietly leaned her ear against the door.

She knew the voices that came from the inside. One of them belonged to Alicent and when she heard the other voice she wrinkled her nose. She would recognise that arrogant voice from ten miles. Criston Cole.

Visenya listened, they were not really talking to each other but whispering and…Visenya pulled her head back, widening her eyes. Moaning. They were moaning. Visenya’s lips curled in disgust.

Alicent Hightower who overflooded the Red Keep with insignias of the seven-pointed star took her sworn shield into her bed. Something she had shamed her mother for since Visenya could remember.

She stepped away from the door as fast as she could. She had no time for this, nor had she the desire to listen to this any longer. She shook her head, disturbed at what she just heard.

She heard both of them calling her mother a whore behind her back her entire childhood and now they were in her mother’s old chambers and fucked.

Visenya shook her head again, trying to get that out of her head. She took a few stairs and stopped before the door that led to her chamber. She thought about which chamber to go first, but then decided to try her luck in the nursery first.

Maybe Helaena was with her children, and if not she could still go to the Queen’s apartments.

She reached the door that she found in her first night here and searched the wall with her hand until she found handle. She pulled at it and a wooden door swung open, revealing the nursery.

Visenya carefully looked into the room and her breath stopped for a moment when she spotted Helaena, standing next to her children’s beds. If it weren’t for the sad reason she was here, Visenya would’ve smiled.

She slowly stepped out of the tunnel but let the door open. If she should need a quick escape it would be smarter to let the door open.

“Helaena” Visenya whispered and Helaena looked at her surprised. “Visenya” she said softly with a gentle smile on her lips.

Visenya held up her hands to show her aunt she meant no harm. “I knew I would see you again, I am so glad” Helaena smiled and walked up to Visenya. Visenya took one of her hands.
“I am too, but we don’t have much time. Have you heard about Luke?” she asked and Helaena nodded, her smile turning to a sad look.

“Everybody says Aemond went after him and killed him” Helaena whispered and Visenya swallowed. She was here to warn Helaena, but she could get her answer right now. Visenya wished she could ask Aemond herself, but if she had to hear it from someone else she couldn’t imagine anyone else telling her except for Helaena.

“And did he?” she asked, afraid of the answer. “He denies it” Helaena answered and Visenya felt like a burden was lifted from her. She felt a tug at the corners of her mouth, he kept his promise.

“I knew it” Visenya whispered and looked at Helaena. “I told them Aemond couldn’t have done it. But Daemon won’t believe me. He wants revenge for Luke, a son for a son. Aemond doesn’t have a son, but Aegon does” her eyes drifted to the twins.

“Where is Maelor?” Visenya looked around, searching the babe. “Not here, he does not sleep well and wakes up the twins” Helaena looked at her irritated.

“Are your guards close?” Visenya looked towards the door and Helaena shook her head. “Some of them are walking around the keep and a few are with Aegon, but here are none” she explained and Visenya stilled.

If they call Aegon King then she is his Queen, and yet she has no guards? Visenya shook her head. Ser Erryk told them that Criston Cole is now the Commander of the King’s Guard, but he doesn’t seem to make a good job.

Visenya bit her lip. She wanted to warn Helaena as gentle as possible, but if there weren’t any guards at her door she didn’t have time for that.

“Look, Daemon hired cutthroats for your son, as revenge for Luke. They know their way through the secret tunnels here in the keep, so you need to take your children and leave.”
Visenya wished she wouldn’t have to tell Helaena the truth so harshly, but they had no time.

Helaena gave her a tearful look. “What? My son…” she whispered and Visenya lay her hands on Helaena’s shoulder with a firm grip. Helaena needed to listen to her now.

“They will come tonight. Go and get some guards, I will wait here with children until you return. They use secret passageways, ask Aemond about them. Make sure that they are closed after tonight, so they can’t come back to try it again.”

Helaena shook her head. “No, I can’t leave them” she said desperately and looked at her children. “I will watch them Helaena, please I don’t know when they will come. Go and get some guards.”

“But I can’t leave them” Helaena’s hands shook as she leaned down to take Jaehaera into her arms. The girl stirred a bit but then snuggled up to her mother. “Please, help me Visenya.”

Helaena’s face showed nothing but desperation and Visenya sighed and looked back to the entrance to the tunnels.

She felt torn. This door was her path to freedom, even if Visenya didn’t know what that meant. She didn’t even know where she should go.

But if she helped Helaena now and left this room with her it would be impossible to not be seen by some guards and then Visenya didn’t know if she would get a chance to escape.

It was either freedom or Jaehaerys’s life and Visenya knew the choice wasn’t that hard to make. She could never life with herself if something happens to the boy and she didn’t help him because of her selfishness.

Visenya looked at Helaena again and knew her aunt couldn’t be convinced to leave her children here now. She was in panic and Visenya felt a pang in her heart when she saw her aunt with tears in her eyes, clinging to her daughter in her arm.

“I will be taken prisoner if they see me” Visenya said and Helaena shook her head. “I am Queen. I won’t allow it.” Visenya knew that it wouldn’t help her much if she only had Helaena on her side.

She couldn’t stand against the King and the Hand, who surely had Aegon wrapped around his finger. Otto Hightower wouldn’t hesitate to take her as a prisoner.

But still, Visenya’s conscience nagged at her. She came here to warn Helaena and save the boy. She couldn’t possibly leave now and let Helaena deal with this on her own.

“Alright” she said and took Jaehaerys into her arms. Helaena threw a thankful look at her. “I knew you would come. You can save him from the rats.” Visenya furrowed her brows. What? Save him from the rats?

Visenya held the stirring boy in her arms, he was heavy and almost too big to be carried but Visenya had younger brothers, so she could manage.

Visenya turned around to look at the secret entrance one last time. She even thought about using it with Helaena and took a step towards it but stopped when she tumbled.

She looked down at her feet. Malika was a few inches taller than Visenya and the long skirts of her dress didn’t make it easy to walk with the boy in her arms. Visenya took the skirt into her hand to lift it a bit. That should make it easier to walk.

“Visenya” she heard Helaena say behind her and when she turned around her heart dropped. Two men stood by her aunt’s side, one of them held a knife to her throat while the other one closed the door.

“Who are you?” the one who closed the door barked at Visenya. “How did you get in here?” Visenya asked, acting like she didn’t knew. The man who threatened Helaena with a knife was small, just a few inches taller than Helaena, while the other one was a big man with wide shoulders.

The big one, the Gold Cloak Visenya assumed, pointed with his dagger between her and Helaena. “Which one of you is the mother?” Visenya looked at Helaena, who pressed Jaehaera’s face to her neck.

“She is” the smaller men snickered, pressing his knife further against Helaena’s throat which caused a few drops of blood to flow down her neck.

“I saw her sometimes when I was working here, she is the Queen” he grinned. The Gold Cloak the strode towards Visenya, pointing his knife at her. “And who are you?” Visenya looked him in the eyes, pressing Jaehaerys closer to her, hiding his face in her neck.

“I am Princess Visenya.” The smaller man, probably the ratcatcher, looked at her. “She is Rhaenyra’s daughter. And the stepdaughter of your commander” he snickered. The Gold Cloak looked at her. “The Commander sent us. We just want the boy.”

Visenya gave him a confused look, did he really think she was on their side because Daemon sent them? “You will do no such thing. Leave, and you may get away with your life” she told them. “We don’t have time for that. A son for a son he said, which one is it?” the ratcatcher hissed.

Visenya and Helaena looked at each other, not saying a word when the ratcatcher tightened his grip on Helaena. “Tell us. Or we’ll kill all of you, but hurry because my new friend here may get bored and you wouldn’t want to become his playthings, wouldn’t you?”

Visenya took a step back and Helaena looked at Jaehaerys, the Gold Cloak followed her eyes. “She has him” he nodded towards Visenya. Helaena chocked back a sob “no” she said quietly.

“He is the King’s heir. She wouldn’t tell us so easily.” They looked between the two women. Each of them pressed the face of the child they were holding in their arms to their necks to hide the faces.

Luckily Jaehaerys had long hair, so he and his sister looked familiar from behind. The only difference between them was that Jaehaerys was taller than Jaehaera, but that was impossible to see when the children were not standing next to each other.

“Tell us now, or we’ll just kill both children” the Gold Cloak said and Visenya’s arms stiffened around Jaehaerys.

Her eyes flew to the secret door which was still a crack wide open. She had taken a few steps back every time the men didn’t look. She was close enough to the door to make it to it before they would catch her, but Helaena was still here and she wouldn’t leave without her.

“Okay” she nodded. “I have the son. But let the mother and the daughter go. Daemon surely did not pay you to make her watch.” The men looked at each other.

“She will tell her guards” the ratcatcher stated but Visenya shook her head. “No, she will not. She will just leave and hide, then I’ll give you the boy, right Helaena? You won’t alert the guards.” Helaena looked at her, her eyes filled with shock and Visenya gave her a pleading look.

She lightly shook her head, hoping that Helaena would understand that Visenya would never give them Jaehaerys. Helaena looked at the men with tears in her eyes.

“Please. I won’t tell anyone. Just let my daughter go” she said. “Fine” the ratcatcher said, at which the Gold Cloak turned around. Visenya took the chance to step closer to the door behind her.

“We cannot allow her to call the guards, you dumb fucker. We need to escape with the boy’s head” the Gold Cloak said but the ratcatcher shook his head.

“Then your commander should have brought more gold. We were paid to kill a son, but not the fucking Queen” he grinned at Helaena.

“You won’t tell anyone, do you Highness? My new friend here gets quickly bored, and you wouldn’t want the Princess to get defiled, do you?” He looked at Visenya, who felt their eyes staring at her body.

“No.” Helaena shook her head, and the ratcatcher shoved her away. “Run, little Queen. And remember, when you scream your son is dead and the Princess here will be treated like any common whore” he laughed.

“She will call for help as soon as she is outside these doors” the Gold Cloak argued again. “You can kill her if you want” the ratcatcher said, “but I was promised money for a son. She doesn’t interest me. And I would say we have given her enough motivation to stay silent, didn’t we?”

He looked at Helaena again, but she only had eyes for Visenya.

“Visenya” she said helpless. Visenya knew what Helaena thought. She didn’t want to leave her with these men. Visenya nodded at her. When she knew Helaena was in safety she would try to escape through the tunnels.

“Go, now. Maelor needs you.” Visenya gave Helaena an encouraging nod. “And alert the guards” she added in Valyrian. Visenya didn’t know how fluent Helaena was in the language, but she knew that her aunt had lessons as a child, as they all had.

Visenya knew they were after Jaehaerys because he was the first-born son, but Maelor was also Aegon’s son, so Helaena needed to get him to safety as well.

Helaena pressed her lips together, still not moving. “Go now, or your daughter will be the next” the Gold Cloak barked at her and Helaena pressed Jaehaera closer to her, if that was even possible.
“Go now Helaena” Visenya said, this time her voice held a demanding tone in it. “I will be fine, I promise you. You will see your boy again.”

Helaena looked at her one last time before she finally slipped out of the door. “Remember, not a word” the Gold Cloak said to her and Helaena was gone.

Visenya nervously bit her lip. Just three or four steps and she would reach the door. The men walked towards her and Visenya took another step back. She stilled when she felt her foot bump against a high candle holder. Heat spread from the candles on the top of it on Visenya’s face.

The men were now only a few steps away from her, their weapons in their hand. “Alright, give us the boy and we’ll be gentle to you” the ratcatcher grinned and showed his rotten teeth.

He took a step towards Visenya and she grabbed the candle holder, throwing it in his direction. The candles fell over his face and Visenya heard a dull sound, probably from the iron hitting the man’s face.

“You dumb cunt!” he yelled and held his face, screaming in pain. Visenya didn’t even know if she hit him properly. She did not care.

Visenya sprinted to the door, the Gold Cloak looking confused before he ran after her. Visenya stepped into the tunnels and pulled at the handle of the door to close it when she felt a large hand around her wrist.

Visenya struggled and tried to free herself from his grip, but he was much stronger than her. She felt how he tried to open the door. He must stand right in front of it Visenya thought and threw her whole body against the door.

She could feel how the door hit something, and she suspected it was the Gold Cloak’s face.

“Get her” the other one screamed and Visenya tried to close the door again. An arm sneaked itself into the tunnel, with a dagger in the hand. Visenya pulled at the handle with all her strength and the arm, now trapped between the door and the wall, wildly moved back and forth.

Suddenly it was like the time stood still for a moment. Visenya’s mouth opened but the scream died in her throat. She let go of the handle when she felt a sharp burning in her arm and the arm of her attacker was also pulled back.

Visenya’s arm shook, and the sharp burning soon turned into immense pain. She wanted to scream but not a single tone made it out of her throat.

It was also quiet on the other side of the door. It was only a crack open and Visenya leaned against the wall. She almost let Jaehaerys fall because of the pain, and she bit her lip so hard until she tasted blood.

“What is it? Did you get her?” She could her the ratcatcher ask. “I got something” she could hear the other one mumble. “Well, look” the ratcatcher hissed at the Gold Cloak.

“But what if I killed her? You said she is the commander’s stepdaughter. He will be furious.” Visenya listened to them. She wasn’t aware that she meant that much to Daemon.
“He doesn’t need to know, if she’s dead we can take the boy’s head, look now.” “Look yourself. The commander will kill me if I killed his stepdaughter.”

“She wants to save the boy. Their family is at war, so she betrayed the prince anyways. We probably do him a favour if we kill her. Or we just blame the King.”

Visenya felt tears stream down her cheeks. They were distracted, she needed to use that. She tried to ignore the pain in her arm and pulled at the handle again, this time finally closing the door.

She knew that there was probably a handle inside the nursery to open the door but she hoped they would need some time to find it. Visenya turned around and ran through the tunnels as fast as the child in her arms and the skirts around her feet allowed her to run.

She could hear them bang their fists against the wall and heard the curse. Visenya also felt something warm flooding down her elbow. She knew it was blood.

She tightened her grip around Jaehaerys who started to cry, and the blood now flooded down her elbow, dropped down to her waist and down the side of her leg. She could feel how the fabric of the dress became sticky and warm.

Jaehaerys cried into her neck and Visenya struggled to keep him in her arms. Her left arm wasn’t of much use now with the wound and her right arm began to tire.

“Sh, sh” she whispered into Jaehaerys’s hair. She just needed to find an exit. Surely Helaena had already alerted the guards by now, so that was all she needed to find. Just some guards.

Visenya didn’t care anymore that they would take her to Aegon and probably to imprisonment. Rather a prisoner here, than a headless Jaehaerys and…

She swallowed. She knew what these men would do to her if they found her. She would rather spend the rest of the war in the black cells than being raped by them.

“Go, find her!” someone yelled and Visenya knew they managed to open the door. She could hear them running through the tunnels.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck” Visenya mumbled again and again, running away from the footsteps. By now she lost all sense of orientation. She had no clue where she was.

She turned another corner and noticed an exit. She sighed relieved and sprinted towards it. Her hand searched the wall until she found a rope and she pulled at it. She did not care in which room she would come out, she couldn’t carry Jaehaerys any longer.

She stepped into a dark room and recognized it. It was the dining hall. Visenya shoved her body against the door to close it and she hurried to the table, where she sat Jaehaerys down.
Her breath was heavy and with shaking arms she slowly inspected her wound.

The Gold Cloak had cut her left forearm on the outside, from elbow almost down to her wrist. The blood now dropped on the floor. Visenya looked at it and suddenly she felt sick from fear.

She lost so much blood. She turned around and her eyes followed the thin trail of blood she left behind.

“Oh no” she said, grabbing Jaehaerys again. They could easily find her. She needed to find a guard, now.

“Mummy, I want Mummy” Jaehaerys mumbled and Visenya stroked his hair. “I know” she said and just as she walked towards the door that lead to the hallway, someone grabbed her from behind. Visenya shrieked and got forcefully turned around.

“Got you, Princess” the bulky man spat in her ear and Visenya tried to get out of his grip. He roughly grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. He grinned when he looked at her face and his thumb roughly stroked over her lips.

“My new friend was right, fuck what that commander thinks. Look at that pretty face, I think the boy will survive another few minutes.” He roughly grabbed Jaehaerys and threw the boy on the floor.

The boy cried as his small body roughly hit the hard floor and before Visenya could even react the Gold Cloak pulled her closer to him.

“Such a pretty young thing.” He was so close to her now that Visenya could smell sweat and alcohol in his breath. She felt a cold shiver run down her spine when his hands slid up her waist and tears filled her eyes. He pulled her closer to her and buried his head in her hair, smelling at it.

Visenya felt sick. “Let go of me, you pig” she screamed and struggled to get out of his grip. He laughed at her pitiful attempts, and he pulled his head back.

His hand hit her cheek and the force behind his slap caused Visenya to fall on the floor. More tears shot in her eyes at the pain. “I think I will start with that pretty mouth. Get on your knees, Princess” he said and laughed dirty.

He took a fistful of her hair into his hand and pulled her in front of him. “Open up and be a good girl, maybe I let you even enjoy it afterwards. And remember, one wrong move and the child is dead, so be careful with the teeth” His hands wandered to his breeches, and he fumbled at the ties of it.

Visenya still held her cheek and then noticed something hard against her ankle and remembered the dagger Malika had put in her boot. “You never know” she had said with a grin and Visenya’s eyes flew to Jaehaerys.

She would not succumb to that man and let him kill them both when he was done with her. She grabbed the dagger and swung it at man’s thigh. Her arm was weak from carrying Jaehaerys but still she felt how she hit him, even though it probably wasn’t a deep wound.

He screamed and Visenya used to moment and crawled over to Jaehaerys, gathering him in her arms and running away, out of the room.

By now the whole castle should be awake and Visenya let out a relieved breath when she heard screaming and voices. Visenya ran towards them, not caring that anyone would see her now.

She needed to get away from that man, right now. She walked towards the voices and before she reached them, she ran around a corner against an armoured body.

She screamed but calmed down when she saw a white cloak. “Ser Criston” she said shocked. He looked at her like he saw a ghost, suddenly the Gold Cloak appeared behind her, limping but still able to walk.

“You dumb bitch!” he yelled but stilled when he saw the Kingsguard and Visenya thanked the gods. She didn’t think she would ever be glad to see Ser Criston.

The three looked at each other. “He is one of the assassins, he wants to kill the prince” Visenya stated, and Cole grabbed the hilt of his sword.

The Gold Cloak held up his hands, knowing he would not stand a chance against an armoured knight.

He looked around, helpless searching for an escape. “Wait, she is your enemy, isn’t she? We…we could make a deal” he stammered and Visenya was sure she must have misheard him.

“I came for the boy. But I will let him go. You can take the King’s son, return him unharmed and live in never ending glory. The saviour of the Crown Prince” he said grinningly to Cole.

“And I will take the girl” his eyes glid down Visenya’s body. “She is your enemy’s daughter, isn’t she? So who cares what happens to her, and I like her fire. Never had a royal cunt before, I bet she likes it rough.” Visenya felt sick. Ser Criston looked at the Gold Cloak and then at Visenya.

When she looked at Cole’s face, she felt a cold shiver run down her spine at his cold look. He couldn’t mean to consider this. “Ser Criston” she said, shocked. “I…I know you and my mother are enemies, but you can’t mean to consider this. I am still a Princess” she stammered.

Cole looked at her and Visenya felt her heart drop when he let go of the hilt of his sword. Visenya knew he hated her mother, but would he really let this man rape her?

“I must ask you to unhand the prince” Cole said to her in a cold voice. Visenya pressed Jaehaerys closer to her, shaking her head “No” she said.

The whole time Jaehaerys had clung to her like his life depended on it, and now Visenya felt that the little boy was the only thing keeping her alive right now.
Cole took a step to her and Visenya stepped back, until she heard more footsteps.

“Guards!” she screamed from the top of her lungs and the footsteps got faster. Four guards in Targaryen armour came running to them and Visenya pointed at the Gold Cloak, who tried to limp away after she called the guards.

“He is the man who tried to murder Prince Jaehaerys, arrest him” she yelled and even though the guards gave her a confused look, they followed her order.

They were probably confused why she was here, barking orders at them but Visenya did not care. She needed to get as far away from this man and Cole as she could.
Two guards secured him and then they all looked at Cole like lost puppies.

Visenya knew he couldn’t accept the Gold Cloak’s offer now. There were too many witnesses and he would never show them what an unhonourable cockroach he was. “Take him to the cells. I will ensure the safety of the prince” he said and took Visenya’s arm.

“Don’t touch me” she hissed and ripped her arm out of his grip. “Where is Helaena? I want to bring her son to her.” Visenya started walking in the direction of the royal chambers.

Her head spun. Visenya blamed it on the events that just occurred. She was in pain, she was scared. Honestly, she just wanted to crawl into her bed and cry. It was all too much for her right now.

But the thought of Helaena was the only clear thing now. She promised her aunt that she would bring her son back to her.

Helaena, Helaena, Helaena. It was all Visenya could concentrate in right now.

“The Queen is with the King in the council room, they are discussing the abduction of their son” Cole gritted through his teeth, following her.

“Abduction? Does this look like a fucking abduction to you?” Visenya yelled, getting louder with every word. She adjusted Jaehaerys in her arms, hissing at the pain in her wounded arm and walked in the direction of the council room.

She could feel how her legs tired and she knew she couldn’t hold the boy much longer in her arms.

I just need to get him to Helaena she thought. Under different circumstances she would probably scream at herself. To run away, get herself to safety.

Cole was here now, he could take Jaehaerys to his mother and Visenya should see that she escaped the castle, back to Malika and then back to her dragon and freedom.

Visenya even knew it was the logical thing to do. But still her feet carried her to Helaena. It was as if the panic had taken over her body and Visenya felt that she had no control over her body.

She swallowed down the lump in her throat and blinked the tears away that blurred her sight. If it weren’t for Ser Criston behind her, she would probably sob just as Jaehaerys did right now.

The Kingsguard strode behind her, trying again to grab her shoulder and but Visenya stepped out of his reach. She may not be fast with the dress and the child in her arms, but the armour made him slower as well.

She felt sick at the thought that he would touch her. Just a moment ago he wanted to sell her to this man just to safe his own reputation. “I said don’t touch me” she screeched, she knew she must sound like a mad woman, but she did not care. She didn’t want him any closer to her.

“I will not let you near the King. You intruded the castle. Who says you are not here at your traitorous mother’s command to kill the King?” Cole was still hot on her heels and Visenya still felt tears in her eyes. She wanted to get away from that man. Could he not leave her alone?

“Yes. That is the great plot, sent a girl of ten and seven to kill the King. I should feel honoured you consider me such a threat.” “Perhaps your mother showed you a few tricks and then sent you off to offer yourself to the King and kill him in his bed.” No matter how fast Visenya tried to walk, he was always right behind her, so when she abruptly stopped turned around, he almost bumped into her.

He just wanted to let this man rape her and now he accused her of being a whore? How dared he? He, of all people, who was probably busy fucking Alicent while assassins tried to murder their Crown Prince.

She knew she shouldn’t. But she did it anyways. “Maybe I should ask Queen Alicent about a few tricks. I’m sure they are good, at least they worked on you, didn’t they?” Visenya enjoyed the view of Coles face slowly falling.

The arrogant look he had on his face the whole time disappeared and was replaced with anger and Visenya would swear she even saw a hint of fear.

Thinking she had finally shut him up Visenya turned around again and continued her way to the council room when she suddenly heard his armour clatter as he strode towards her.

He grabbed Jaehaerys and ripped him out of her arms, the boy screamed as Cole placed him ungently on the ground.

Before Visenya even had time to react he lunged at her, his hand closing around her throat. “You dare insult her Grace the Queen.” Visenya grabbed his hand, trying to get it away from her throat. Her mouth was open, grasping for even the smallest amount of air.

Aemond had warned her once not to provoke Cole, and now, against her better judgment, she had outdone herself.

Her nails clawed at his hand whilst Jaehaerys was still crying on the floor and just as Visenya’s vision started to fade Cole was ripped away from her.
Visenya sunk to the ground, her back against a wall.

She inhaled and touched her neck, still having the feeling of his hand around it, as if to check that it was gone, while she gasped.

Panickily, she breathed and pulled her knees to her. He had almost killed her. She felt how the air left her body and how she wasn’t able to inhale new one.

She saw Cole being held back by two guards, while someone sunk down to her level, touching her shoulder.

Visenya shrunk back at the touch, she did not want another hand on her tonight. She had endured more touches for a lifetime in one night.

She turned to the side to tell the person next to her to fuck off but stopped, when she saw one single purple eye stare at her.

Even though almost every Targaryen had purple eyes, she recognized this one in a heartbeat.

Aemond.