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wonderbias · 10 months

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Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) - Chapter One

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x OC (Visenya Targaryen)

Warnings: MDNI, +18, language, violence, manipulation, sexism (style a la medieval), blood, angst, kinda dark?, kinslayer Aemond.

AN: The dividers are from @itbmojojoejo. Their work is awesome, and they make one of the prettiest dividers I've seen. Any questions/asks/any kind of message, feel free to contact me. Enjoy!

Dearest daughter, I've accepted the terms. You are right, as always, and this war will only lead to more losses. I cannot say that your father is of the same opinion, but I managed to convince him. We've lost too much…and I am a selfish woman, I cannot bear to lose another one of my children. I'll be seeing you in two weeks and I only pray for the time to go by faster. All my love for you, my sweet girl. Mother.

Visenya, All is fucked, sister. Mother and Daemon are devastated, she took the only thing that kept him away from his grief: the war, and he's fucking pissed. Joffrey pulled a joke on him…didn't work. Baela cut her hair short…nobody bat an eye. Rhaena, I'm so worried for her, before he was her betrothed Luc was her friend…the tear marks seem like they are permanent on her face. This war has taken their strength to live and, honestly, I don't give a shit about the Throne (like, Aegon can get impaled on a sword and I wouldn't care) when my family is suffering. I wish things were like before. All of us playing on the beach, Luke alive and you not married to the Kinslayer. I've tried…like you asked me, but he took our brother Vis…and, as much as I wish for him to be dead, I know it wouldn't be possible without hurting you in the process. So I'll be visiting the Red Keep for one last time…and you're welcome to visit me and Baela (she misses you too) in Driftmark. I need you. I need my sister. I miss you. But don't ever ask me again to make a truce with Aemond. Jace.

The Red Keep had never been livelier.

The walls had been covered with more heraldry of the Seven but also the old Targaryen and Valyrian decorations had been placed back. Servants ran quickly through the halls, carrying food or clothes; the King's Guards armor had been polished until it shined like silver under the sun.

The new Targaryen heraldry hung proudly at the entrance of the Great Hall, and inside it was filled with more. It was truly a lavish and expensive Targaryen party, a banquet and hunting celebration for the newfound peace in the Realm.

But Aemond paid attention to the details…

Like the green drapes, or the green tablecloths. The maids and servants were also in green, and the whole family had expensive clothes made in green for the occasion.

It was a Targaryen party, yes, but the Hightowers were the ones celebrating the rendition of Rhaenyra.

When he walked into the Great Council, everyone turned to look at him. An already drunk Aegon smiled -the same disgusting smile he had given Aemond before making fun of him-.

"There he is, Mother. Ask him and don't bother me," Aegon said as he raised his cup to be filled.

Her mother's tense gaze found his eye, "Is it true?"

His tongue poked his cheek while he sat down, his grandfather calculated eye didn't leave him, "Is what true?"

"That Alys Rivers has come as the Lady of House Strong," there was a plea in Alicient's eyes.

His face was devoid of any expression, "Aegon legitimized her and she's an ally. I don't see any problem." His fingers moved to touch the pad of his thumb. Once. Twice. Thrice.

Alicient's face fell, her heartbeat pounding in her ears and desperation creeping up her muscles. Her face turned to her father, but he didn't return her look, Aegon seemed preoccupied by the fact that the wine didn't last too much. Was she the only sane person here?

"Aemond, if they find out-"

"I'm taking her as a second wife. The official version will be that Visenya is barren…and that she wasn't able to give me an heir," his tone was flat and devoid of any kind of emotion.

His mother looked like the Stranger had appeared in front of her eyes.

Then Aegon laughed, a loud and unfunny sound, one that the maids knew well when he forced himself upon them, "You fucker! You're really humiliating our sister! Oh, Aemond, I never knew you were this funny!"

His mother grabbed her necklace, the points of the Star digging in her skin, "This isn't right. Rhaenyra will think that this is an insult…all of this will be for nothing…"

"If I may speak, my Queen," Lord Larys whispering voice was finally heard, "It is not a bad idea. It would weaken Princess Rhaenyra's claim even more."

"Rhaenyra and her family are coming to sign a peace treaty. We are walking on thin ice with them, and it is only by your wife's intervention that we have come to this point. If she comes to sign and finds her only daughter, unhappy and surrounded by rumors of infertility, with her husband taking a second wife…I'm afraid she'll have enough reason to put our heads on pikes," Alicient remarked, her voice trembling at the thought of everything going wrong.

There was a silence in the room, only interrupted by Aegon sipping sounds. For a King he has the manners of a drunken peasant.

"Prince Aemond will wed Alys Rivers a fortnight after the signing of the treaty. You must not be seen in public with the woman," the Hand finally spoke, calculating eyes fixed on Aemond.

Alicient's mouth went agape, "Father you surely-"

"This is for the sake of the Realm, my Queen. Besides, the Princess has no lands to her name…while Lady Alys does. Your son will be the next Lord of Harrenhall…you must think with perspective," the tone of his voice made Alicient blush and sit back on the chair.

From the corner of his eye Aemond noticed Aegon's smile…he took great joy at seeing his mother reprimanded like some little girl. Maybe that explained why he let their grandfather rule in his name.

Aemond stood, "If that's all, I shall retire. My King."

He didn't wait for Aegon's dismissal to leave.

As soon as the door opened, Aemond was greeted with the sun peeking through the curtains and the room filled with his wife's perfume.

They had been moved to bigger chambers after their marriage, ones that his mother had cautiously decorated in black and red, to try to make Visenya feel at home. The last rays of sunlight made it look more spacious and the view to the Blackwater Bay gave the sensation of being on the edge of the world…where nothing could stop you and nothing could reach you.

He walked into the room, his footsteps resounding in the emptiness of the chamber, and stopped at one of the chairs in front of the window.

"Wife," was all he said.

The woman in the chair turned, "Husband."

Visenya Targaryen was everything a woman of their house was supposed to be. Her beauty could only resemble that of the Goddesses of Old Valyria, with high cheekbones, plump lips and a soft straight nose. Her hair was the same shade of her mother's, but longer and always styled with intricate braids, while her eyes were a bright purple.

Sometimes Aemond wondered if her beauty was what made her so hard to love.

She was ethereal, a true beauty with impeccable manners, a proud daughter of Old Valyria.

He had been ecstatic when their engagement had been announced. Aemond Targaryen, the scarred prince, was to wed the most beautiful maiden House Targaryen had seen in years? A pure Valyrian bride just for him?

It was as if the Gods were compensating him for his losses, for his place in birth, for the lack of love he had.

So he had married her. Bedded her. Made her scream his name in pleasure, over and over again.

He had found a partner, the friend he had always needed, and a lover…all in the same person.

They were happy.

But shit happens.

After his father had died, his mother had ordered for her to be locked in their rooms. Visenya had asked him, day after day, to set her free, to let her write to her mother, to use her as a messenger and a bridge for peace.

Otto had dismissed her and so had Alicient, when she had asked for reason, to let her intervene. Aemond had talked with his wife, over and over again, trying to convince her to stay quiet and to obey.

But she was too much like…them.

And then, Storm's End had happened.

Water dripped from his thick coat and from his hair while he walked through the hallways to their chambers.

He knew he had a report to make, but right now he needed…he needed peace.

When the doors closed behind him, he started to undress, his clothes leaving a puddle of water on the floor.

He needed them out. It…it felt like the water was pulling him down like…

Like the tides over Luke's body…

Gods…he hadn't meant to. No, no, he didn't kill him, Vhagar attacked Arrax…yes, Vhagar had defended herself and her rider…she was old, surely everyone would understand…and she was a war dragon…she had tried to protect him…Arrax should…should have flown faster…but…maybe it was Luke's fault…who takes a dragon like that in the heavy rain? Yes, it…it was Luke's fault…

"Aemond…?" her voice sounded from the spot on their bed. "Aemond what…? What happened? You're dripping wet!"

Her footsteps resounded in their chamber and, suddenly, she was in front of him, her hair shining gold from the light of the candles. Her hands helped him take off his clothes quickly and covered him in dry clothes, her mouth moved but he couldn't understand her words.

He shook his head, trying to focus on her soft voice while her hands worked on him.

"...and you're gone. What's happening? Please, Aemond, tell me…I'm going mad and my husband leaves without telling me to Gods only know where and-"

"Storm's End," was his shaky answer. Gods, he was freezing.

Visenya furrowed her brows and moved him closer to the fire, her hands rubbing his chest to warm him, "What were you doing there?"

It was obvious she was deceiving herself, she knew what had happened the past days…there could only be one reason for his presence in Storm's End.

Still, his mouth and his mind weren't in the same rhythm, he had never been this cold, "Allies…Luke."

Her brows furrowed even more as she understood the meaning: he had been sent by his brother to seek an alliance with House Baratheon, her mother had apparently had the same idea so she sent Luke there too.

"Oh…" what more could she say? Every word she spoke about this matter left her in a more dangerous position. "I'll give you some wine to warm you up."

She moved off him and went to the little table where the pitcher and two cups were, after filling one she returned by his side and helped him drink, "Well…maybe this…this will bring a peaceful solution. I'm sure Luke will-"

"He had an accident," the wine had helped him get warmer…and to make his tongue loose.

At that, he felt her body stiffening and she moved to look him straight in the eye, "Luke…what? Is he alright?"

"He fell off his dragon…to the sea," was his only answer.

A gasp left her lips, her hands already shaking, "What? H-How?!"

When he didn't answer, her hands went to the collar of his shirt. The tears were already coating her beautiful face…she looked like the statue of The Maiden crying for losing her virtue, "What happened Aemond?! Tell me?!"

His hands gripped her wrists, his voice coming now a little more stable, "Calm down, woman. It…it just…happened."

Her cries were heartbreaking, "Why?! He…He was just a child! How…how did it happen?"

He moved to wrap his arms around her, her tears wetting his neck, "He fell off his saddle…Arrax was already dead."

They stayed like that for a few moments, hugging each other tightly. It had been a horrible accident…but Luke had should known better than to fly with-

"What do you mean that Arrax was already dead, Aemond?" her voice was only a whisper, her hands slowly falling from his shoulders while her head moved away from his neck. When her eyes found his she pulled away, eyes wide open and her lips curved into a sinister sneer, as if she couldn't control her face and emotions.

"I-I…" his mouth opened and closed, not knowing how to answer his wife. What could he tell her? "He…Arrax came too close to Vhagar…and his fire hurt Vhagar so…she chased him…"

Her nostrils flared and her eyes still shined with tears, "You fucker…tell me the truth."

Suddenly, their doors opened and Alicient came running , followed by Aegon and the Hand, the older woman's face contorted in pain and…anger.

"What did you do?! You cursed us all!" his mother's hands grabbed his face painfully.

"Mother I-" she didn't gave him time before a slap hit his scarred side.

Aegon was already laughing, delighted in the pain of others, "Oh, niece. My condolences. If you miss your younger brother search in Vhagar's mouth…some people say that his Velaryon cape is between her teeth. Keep it as a memory, your King allows it."

A toe curling scream was her only answer, her hands going to her chest…as if wanting to rip her heart out.

After that he had given her space while he distracted himself with his brother's duties. After a few weeks she had allowed him to touch her, some weeks later she had finally allowed him to bed her again. But there was something missing…

After that, fucking her had become something distant, her presence a memory of his new gained title and, slowly but surely, every little thing about her that he held dear in his heart just…turned into things he despised.

That's why when he had met Alys it had been easy to let her into his bed, and not only her some other women too. He found himself enjoying their touch upon his skin, his confidence coming back. After all…what better thing than to carry a Targaryen bastard?

Alys had been so different to Visenya, always answering his demands and searching for his company.

Alys knew the hardships of the world, knew how unfair it was and how hard one had to fight to be heard. Her drive and ambition was what had pulled him to her, the fact that she was everything that his mother would hate in a woman made it even more exciting, a witch that wasn't afraid to play with magic to get what she wanted.

Visenya wasn't like that.

She had been handed everything in a silver platter. Name it, she had it. Love, richness, luxurious clothes and people kneeling at her feet.

A mother that loved her, a grandfather who had loved her even more than he had loved his own daughter, three father figures that protected her and loved her fiercely.

A dragon. Because of course that Visenya had to claim Silverwing at seven namedays.

(His father had thrown a feast for a week after that. Everyone already calling her "the Good Princess")

Even his own mother loved Visenya, her hate always directed to the bastards, one could see it in the way Alicient's eyes shined with nostalgia and love every time the Queen looked at her.

He took a deep breath and sat beside her, "Visenya, I need you to listen-"

She held up a hand, she didn't like to be interrupted when writing.

He closed his mouth and pressed his lips tightly, for a few seconds the only sound that was heard was that of her quill against parchment. His fingers tapped rhythmically the arm of the chair, impatiens growing on him.

The door opened and two servants walked with their hands full of clothes, but they knew better than to be seen or heard. Their light footsteps were added to the sounds in the room.

Finally, her quill stopped moving, "Sorry, Aemond. I didn't mean to interrupt you, please, tell me."

His jaw clenched a few times, "Tomorrow your mother arrives and, I'm sure, she will hear of our troubles-"

"Troubles that all couples have," her lilac eyes were soft. This is weird.

"Yes. But, as I was saying, if she's displeased, the Peace Treaty is in danger and we can't afford that, can we?" his tone was condescending, as if speaking with a child.

Because you are a child, always sticking your nose where it isn't called.

To his surprise her hands moved to grasp his softly, "Aemond…I'm sorry."

"F-For what?" just what was she saying?

"I haven't been the best wife for you. I placed a blame on you because I was angry and torn with grief, and that was wrong and uncalled for. Day by day, I ask myself 'what could have been if…?' but recently I have started to ask myself 'What can I do now?'

But now I know: we have to work for our future. And my future is with you, giving you babies and loving them. And loving you…I have never stopped loving you. So, I'm asking you for another chance, to give our marriage a second chance for love."

His mouth was closed but his eye was wide open, confusion and surprise mixed in the lilac of his eye, "I…"

Be calm. Be calm. Be calm.

A sigh left her lips and her hands gave him a soft squeeze, "Think about it, please. We…can take one step at a time…so that we can remember why we fell in love with each other."

She stood up and grabbed her letter, then leaned down to kiss his forehead, her sweet and fruity perfume invading his nose.

When the door had closed behind her and the maids, he went in search of the pitcher and took a great swig of wine.

What the fuck was that?

Rhaenyra arrived the next day.

On dragon back, obviously.

He saw his mother swallow and close her eyes in a quick prayer at the roaring of the dragons, Helaena beside her with her usual disperse demeanor and Aegon sitting on the chair at the head of the table looking…well, absolutely miserable. The only one who looked truly happy was Otto: he could swore he had never seen his grandfather's smile. The rest of the Councilmen were present, the Lords barely holding their excitement at the perspective of "Maegor with teats" kneeling.

The Great Hall was covered on Aegon's and Rhaenyra's heraldry, a symbol of the union and peace between the two factions of House Targaryen, and a huge banner of the red dragon in a black background was displayed behind Aegon. Just for this occasion, they all were wearing black and red.

"You should have brought your wife, Aemond. That would make Rhaenyra feel…at ease," whispered Alicient, her hand against her chest.

He bit his tongue before answering, "She didn't want to be here, mother."

Visenya and him had spoken the night before about this and she had expressed her desire to not be present at the moment of signing the treaty, a frown and sadness in her face as she said it.

Just then, the doors opened and then his half-sister appeared, followed by his uncle and their offspring. It was evident that no one except Rhaenyra wanted this: Daemon had a expression of disgust and his hand was at the pommel of Dark Sister, ready for a fight; Jacaerys seemed like he would rather swallow shattered glass than being here, and his betrothed had the same expression, and Lord Corlys looked absolutely furious…another chance lost for the Velaryons for their "blood" to sit on the Throne.

The expression on Rhaenyra's face was…shocking, to say the least. She looked like the shell of the woman he had met and heard of, her lilac eyes seemed…lifeless.

He was surprised to see the twin of Ser Erryk move forward, "Queen Rhaenyra, first of her name, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men. Lady of the Seven Kingdoms. Protector of the Realm."

They all watched as she walked forward, followed by two members of her Queensguard and Daemon, until she was face to face with Aegon.

"Brother."

"Sister."

In an extremely surprising act of manners, Aegon had offered his sister his arm. If Rhaenyra was shocked by it she hid it very well, the only sign of her surprise was a slight twitch on her mouth corner, and her hand placed on top of his arm, accepting his offer.

When they finally reached the table, where two parchments and two quills waited for them, Otto couldn't hold back and finally spoke, "It is a wise decision Princess. You are preventing unnecessary bloodshed."

Daemon looked ready to go over the man and make mincemeat out of him.

"Then my baby and my son were blood that needed to be spilled?" her voice was filled with anger despite it's tone.

She turned around to look at Aemond, pure hate in her eyes. It was obvious that Otto had fucked up and the treaty hung on a thin thread.

Alicient moved forwards as a last attempt to stop violence before it began, her hands clasped on the front of her gown and already bloody, "No one is implying that, Princess. We mourn the deaths of Princess Visenya and…Prince Lucerys, we are family after all."

Daemon scoffed and muttered "fucking cunt".

Taking advantage of the distraction, Aegon's Master of Laws moved forward, "If I may interrupt, your highnesses, we should proceed with the signing."

He handed Rhaenyra her copy of the treaty and motioned to a chair. After her eyes scanned those of Aemond and Alicient, she moved and sat down on the offered chair. Her eyes moved along the parchment, her face still devoid of any emotion as she analyzed the contents. After what felt like hours she reached for the quill.

That was it. That was the moment they were all waiting…the moment where she would finally renounce any claim for her and for her line.

"Is there any reason why my daughter is not here?" she asked no one in particular.

Alicient's eyes opened wide and her mouth opened and closed a few times.

"My wife didn't want to be present," Aemond stepped forward.

Daemon raised an eyebrow, "And why is that?"

Rhaenyra placed a hand on the parchment and looked at the Dowager Queen, "I will sign…but I would like to see my daughter. Surely you can understand…"

The soft and broken lilac eyes melted Alicient and she found herself incapable of denying a mother that simple plea -after all, Rhaenyra had lost two children and her only daughter was the one that tried to mend things between the two factions-.

The Dowager Queen searched Aemond's face but it was Aegon who gave the order, "Brother, go and fetch your wife. Now."

Aemond took a deep breath and nodded, before turning on his heels and walking out of the Great Hall, the path to the chambers on Maegor's Holdfast took him some time.

The door was unguarded -he had ordered all the white cloaks and yellow cloaks to be on guard earlier that day- so he twisted the knob for himself.

The chamber was dark, someone had pulled the curtains blocking the sunlight, "Visenya? Your mother requests your presence…"

Silence.

He walked in and tried to navigate, as best as he could, in the darkness of their room.

"Visenya?" He repeats again.

Nothing.

By the corner of his eye he noticed a thin strip of light, so he walked to it and extended a hand, making contact with the thick cloth of the curtains.

With a movement of his arm, he pulls the curtains away, light invading the room and hitting every corner. Things are just like he left them this morning: a linen shirt on the back of a chair, the teapot and two cups on the table against the window, and one of his daggers on the nightstand.

But there's one thing that has changed.

His wife is nowhere in sight.

The sixth day of the seventh month - 127 AC I proposed. I have never heard of a woman who propositions a man -not a decent one, at last. But I did. I proposed to my uncle. And he said yes. His beautiful purple eye opened wide in shock when I asked him…as if he couldn’t believe it and then he grabbed me by my neck and asked if I was playing a game, that he would take one of my eyes if I kept on teasing him. I was not. I confessed my feelings. How I had always loved him -first as a sweet boy, now as a woman can love a man-, how I mourned for him when my brother took his eye, and how I wished for him to be my King Consort when my mother died. I told him I loved him. He kissed me, and was not soft, his mouth on mine was demanding, but his hands on my hips were gentle, as if I was made of the finest porcelain. He is the only one I desire. The only one I will love for the rest of my days. Even if he does not know it, my heart already belongs to him.

Taglist: @snh96

#aemond targaryen #aemond targaryen fanfic #hotd fanfic #aemond targaryen x you #aemond targaryen x original character #aemond targaryen x oc #aemond targaryen x reader #aemond targaryen x ofc #mine

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sunfyresrider · 1 year

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The God's Will

Summary: Elaena Targaryen is the youngest daughter of KIng Viserys and Alicent Hightower. She had always been frail and sickly which encouraged her to find solace in the faith, maybe a little too much solace. Growing up she had always held a special place in her weak heart for Jacaerys Velaryon, but it seemed the Gods may not be on their side.

Pairing: Jacaerys Velaryon x OC x Aemond Targaryen Warnings: Driftmark incident, bastards, family fights, alcohol w stupid decisions, OC got some adhd and depression, RELIGION, fluff and kissing (barely) Word Count: 20K Note: this takes place when they were children/young teens so no funny business. (I think this works as a one-shot idk but it’s been in my drafts for months so it needs to be posted again:)

ACT I

Elaena Targaryen was the youngest daughter of Queen Alicent Hightower and King Viserys Targaryen. Her birth itself was such a struggle it scared the Queen from trying for another. When she was born, she was silent. Every maester and nursemaid in the room panicked. They rushed to breathe life back into the babe only to discover she was breathing just fine.

"She's a shy one." The maester spoke to calm the nerves of those around him. Alicent who was half unconscious was not being paid any attention as per usual. No one celebrated the birth of her children or apologized for her hard labors. Her own husband had missed the birth entirely to celebrate his grandson's name day.

Elaena was a year younger than Jace but born on the same day. Jace was born in 114 AC whereas Daenys was born just months prior to little Lucerys Velaryon in 115 AC. It seemed she was cursed to remain in his shadow just as her mother was cursed to live in Rhaenyra's.

As a toddler she was quiet. According to stories she nearly died in her cradle several times. Most kinds of physical labor were too taxing for her small body. Her appetite nearly never existed. It was by the will of the gods she survived. She was more polite than her siblings. Always making projects and doing things for those around her. It was how she vied for the attention of others.

The septas adored her meek and gracious attitude. She was far easier to handle than her other four siblings. Aegon had always been the rambunctious sort and Helaena was nit-picky and distant. Aemond was too obsessive and possessive of the things he enjoyed or hated. Daeron was the closest to her. He was kind, charming and studious, the best out of the bunch.

As she grew her personality remained. Elaena was meek, shy, gracious, gentle and frail. Though she had a sense of humor only few noticed. Elaena was far more sensitive than most and had a great many fears. For that her family kept her hidden from the depraved nature of the world and she remained innocent.

She blossomed into a fine and delicate beauty. She was slender and short with big purple eyes. Her skin was fine, pale, nearly translucent.

She dressed more conservatively than most. Elaena tended to wear well-made but simple clothing. She seldom wore any jewelry besides a seven-pointed star necklace. Though she had beautiful golden hair, she hid it beneath a hair net or a cowl. By all accounts she would have been a septa if her grandsire permitted it.

She became a devout follower of the faith as she aged. She found solace in the gods and thanked them for not letting the stranger take her. Elaena was quite skilled at the harp, sewing and embroidery. In her spare time, she wrote poetry and painted scenery.

Elaena often read to her sickly father. Though he rarely remembered her name and oftentimes mistook her for Rhaenyra. He was always much kinder and more attentive to his girls. He always claimed she had such a lovely voice.

Unlike most of her family she did not hold any ill-will towards her half-sister. In fact, she tried harder than any to gain her affections. She enjoyed her nephews who were so close in age to her. Especially Jacaerys who shared her name day. Although sometimes he would say she was more Hightower than Targaryen.

As for her family it was another story. Her grandsire Otto also preferred the girls over the boys but tended to forget she existed. Her mother was lovely but never paid much attention to her, she was far too busy wrangling her eldest three children. Aegon was never present much. She was not made aware of his doings because they were deemed inappropriate. Heleana or 'Hel' as she liked to call her always went to septa classes with her. They never got close in childhood due to her obsessive nature over bugs and Elaena's crippling fear of them.

Daeron was her other favorite besides Aemond. Though she did not enjoy his rude nature towards their nephews or her nephew's cruel nature towards him she did not pry. He was kind and gentle with her.

But Aemond was her other half. He was obedient, charming, kind, and handsome. He cared for her like no one else did. When she was sad or could not find sleep, he read to her. When she was more sickly than usual, he stayed to take care of her. He listened to her every whim and made her laugh. No one else noticed that she loved to joke, only him.

Her dragon was a mirror image of herself timid, small and was born sickly. Urrax was her name, and she was by all accounts the least dragon of them all. She was white, nearly translucent like Elaena. She grew only large enough to saddle her or a small child. The she-dragon had tried to be friendly with the others but those around her were far too aggressive. She did not eat enough and spent most of her time behaving as a large child.

Though she did not fly her as often as she should for, she was too afraid of heights. That was Elaena's closest companion. Others had made fun of her claiming she was useless and the worst dragon of them all. But Elaena claimed it was the gods' will to make Urrax so much like her.

Elaena and Jacaerys sat on a bench surrounded by hedges much taller than they. She had taken up the task of trying to teach him High Valyrian. Though they both fell flat as she wasn't that good at either.

"Valar Morghulis" Elaena spoke. "Valar Morghulis." Jace replied. "No, that's the wrong response." Elaena counteracted. "Valar...valar.." Jace stuttered over his words trying to remember the phrase. "Valar Dohaeris. come on Jace, you tell Vermax to dohaeris all the time." Jace sighed and continued kicking his feet. "My mother asked to betrothe Helena and I." Jace spoke his eyes, never leaving the ground. His lips were pouted in a…sad manner. "That sounds lovely. What did the king say?" Elaena closed the book and turned her full attention to him.

"No." Elaena hummed in response. "It must be because of your ages. We are far closer in age anyways." Jace whipped his head around and stared at her in disbelief. "Are you saying you want to marry me?!" Elaena giggled, "No! I'm just saying it would make more sense." Jace scoffed, "Well I wouldn't marry you anyways. That's gross!" Elaena shoved his shoulder. "I'm not gross, you're gross!"

Jace mockingly stuck his tongue out at her. Elaena leaped to her feet and Jace took that as a signal to run. The children darted around the gardens bursting with laughter. The sounds of their little feet hitting the stone path echoed. Though physical activity was not her strength she quickly ran out of breath and stopped in place. "I yield!" Elaena bent over and placed her hands on her knees. One downfall of her sickly life was she could not play long with the other children. Her body gave up on her faster than her mind.

Jace slowly eased his feet and turned back to her. She was never able to run fast enough to catch him. It was a fun but short game they played. He didn't mind waiting on her or finding something else to do. She was his only friend besides his brother. The kindest out of her siblings. If he were to be king, he thought she would make a good consort.

"I win!" He announced proudly. "It's no fair! You're too fast." Elaena removed her hands from her knees and walked towards him. "Or you're too slow!" Jace retorted. A frown formed on Elaena's laugh and worry shot through his body thinking he made her cry. He reached his hands out to her. "El, I'm sorry-"

Elaena took that chance to pounce. She grappled him to the ground and began throwing punches. It felt as if his baby brother was attacking him. Her punches were soft and light at best. Jace began his own attack, tickles were her sworn enemy. She fell down to his side and he rolled on top. Her laughter filled his ears like a song. She pleaded with him to stop through tears and fits of giggles.

A shadow casted over them and he pulled back. The giggles of children ceased and sounds of them scurrying to stand took its place. Princess Rhaenyra wore a curious look as she observed the two. She approached Elaena with one hand on her pregnant belly and plucked some leaves from her hair. "It seems you two abandoned your Valyrian lessons." She spoke. "Sorry mother."

"Sorry Princess." Elaena had never referred to her as a sister. The age difference was too vast and the strife between their families too big. Rhaenyra lowered her hand and smiled at the two. "When I was your age, I didn't care much for lessons either. I preferred to ride Syrax and eat cake." Whatever trouble Jace thought he was in disappeared at his mother's admission. Elaena enjoyed watching how they interacted. She did not have the bond they had with her own mother. In fact, if Alicent saw them Elaena would be berated for not acting ladylike. That was if her mother remembered she existed. "Elaena sweetling, why don't you join us for supper?" Rhaenyra questioned and Jace poked at her arm. "I'd love to! But I have to go back to my septa before she gets mad."

Elaena was a true follower of the faith. She did not commit sins like others around her. Except one, she would tell a white lie from time to time. She could pray for forgiveness after. "I'll see you on the morrow, Jace!" Elaena lifted her skirt and did a small courtesy towards Rhaenyra before she scurried off.

"Bye!" Jace waved furiously before he turned his attention back to his mother. "You two are quite close hmm?" Rhaenyra quizzed him, raising one eyebrow. "She's my friend." Jace kept watching her disappear into the distance. "Maybe when you grow, she will be more than a friend." A small smirk climbed onto her face. "Ew! Don't say that." Jace whipped his head around and his cheeks flushed. "I am merely thinking aloud." Jace pouted his lips and turned his gaze to the ground. "Please don't think anymore."

Rhaenyra chuckled and ruffled his curly brown locks. "Run along now, you need to bathe!"

Elaena only lied when she did not wish to reveal her secrets. When Jace brought up the possibility of a betrothal a new idea sparked in her mind. She wanted to paint a Valyrian wedding. No one would notice if she did eat dinner tonight.

Her brother, Aemond had given her a new set of oil paints for her last name day. They glided across the textured canvas easier. The colors were far more vivid than the chalk she used to use. She had exactly twelve jars of paint to choose from. Today she would simply need five.

It took her three hours of continuous brush strokes to finish what she had started. Once she got an idea, she would fixate over it until it was done. That was an issue she had whenever something sparked her interest; she obsessively consumed it until she got bored.

Elaena stood back to admire her new painting. A part of her wished she could take it to someone and have them appreciate her work but that was not her life. Sometimes it ate her alive to think of how little she mattered to those around her. In those dark hours she simply reminded herself the gods would always be there to watch over her.

The sound of her door slowly creaking open caught her attention. However, she was in a trance staring at her work and didn't turn. She was observing every small detail trying to find a problem she could fix.

"You're doing it again." Aemond’s voice rang through her chambers. "Hmm?" Elaena was far too focused to pay attention. "You're forgetting to eat because you're so distracted." He stalked towards her. "I'm not hungry." Elaena could feel Aemond roll his eyes. "The Gods say it is a sin to lie...Here I brought you a plate."

He knew how to tug on her heart strings. Religious guilt was something she accidentally instilled in herself by finding too much solace in the faith. She dropped her head and sighed. He moved over to the small table in her chambers and waved her over. "I haven't seen you at all. Have you been fixating on this all day?"

Aemond regretted getting her new paints. He knew how she got when she really enjoyed something. Though some call it a strength, it was also a weakness. It worried him how often she would forget to eat or bathe because of a new story she was writing or fabric she was stitching. Painting was just a new obsession that preoccupied all of her attention. He would not directly admit it, but he did get jealous when she paid no mind to him. "No, I spent the day with Jace. Then I began working on this before the sun set."

She picked apart the food on her plate. It did not help her sickly nature that she was so particular about her food. She preferred sweet and mild flavors over those of spice and bitterness. She liked soft and easily chewed textures rather than rough meats. Most vegetables were her sworn enemy as well as salted pork.

"You shouldn't spend so much time with him." Aemond spoke. "And why not? He hasn't done anything to me." Elaena continued to stare at her plate. "They aren't good company to keep. You know how people whisper that they are-" She cut him off. "No, I don't hear any whispers. No one tells me anything."

Aemond sighed. No one told her what a bastard was. There were many times they were scolded for potentially saying unsavory things in front of her. Their mother had kept her as innocent as possible, perhaps to prevent her from turning out like Aegon or Rhaenyra. Or maybe so she could easily manipulate her into doing what she wanted because she knew nothing else. Maybe she just didn't care enough to teach her. Aemond did not know which it was, but he knew she loved her. The Queen was just too busy to handle all the children she had. "I just mean if people see you with a boy who isn't your brother, they may think bad things." Elaena dropped her fork. "What bad things?"

Aemond quickly realized this conversation was going nowhere. Sometimes he wondered if she acted oblivious on purpose, or she really was that dense. His eyes wandered over to her new artwork. For her age she was quite skilled at the craft. He could tell it was a scene from one of the history books he read to her.

"Are you planning on marrying someone? Why did you paint a wedding?" He inquired. "I got the idea because Jace said he might marry Helaena! Wouldn't that be exciting to go to a real wedding ceremony?!" She exclaimed. "Mother would never allow us to marry one of them." Elaena rolled her eyes. "I know, he told me."

Aemond was getting annoyed that the conversation kept going back to Jacaerys. He would need to find her a new friend or start hovering over her more frequently. They would taint her with their ways just as his mother said they would.

"I thought you only liked the seven-pointed star. Why have you painted a Valyrian wedding?" Elaena cleared her throat, "Just because I do not wish to follow it does not mean I cannot see the beauty in it. There is beauty in everything, good or bad, such is the Gods' will."

Sometimes the way she said things surprised him. Aemond was genuinely fascinated by the way her mind worked and how she carried herself. How could someone so closely related to them be so different. Times like this he understood why she was sheltered from the outside world. "Spoken like a true saint. The High Septon would be proud."

Elaena finally began eating her food. She picked the carrots and cabbage out and put them to the side, then she crushed the meat pie enough it would be easy to chew. It was only a few bites of food but she was in a hurry to please Aemond so he would give her the berry cake she smelled in his lap. He always brought her sweets as a reward.

"All done!" She dropped her hands on the table and stared into him. "That's nowhere near enough." He spoke. "But-" Aemond quickly cut her off. "Eat half."

Elaena growled at him, earning her an amused look from him. She shoved the mushier half of the pie in her mouth. While her cheeks were still full, she spoke, "Now give it to me." Aemond laughed at her. "You look like a squirrel preparing for winter!"

He pulled out what he knew she desired and slid it over. In one quick gulp she swallowed her food and began ravishing the cake. She had the most manners out of them all, but it was lost once she was alone, and sweets were on the line. He couldn't help but giggle at her passion for eating desserts and the mess she created.

"You desperately need a bath!" He chuckled at her. Aemond pointed at the red stains from berries on her face and the leftover paint on her skin. "I'll bathe when the maids remember I exist."

Her maids had forgotten to come and check on her. Aemond would have his mother scold them later. That was the power he had being the perfect son. If he saw something that was not good, usually she would listen and do something about it.

Aemond took the empty plates from her and began the march to the Queen's chambers.

ACT II

She had taken Jace down to the dragonpit with her this morrow. Urrax was more of a glorified dog than a dragon. She rarely held the fury other dragons possessed and was more useless than them all. She was a lot more obedient and trustworthy of other people but did not care to listen to them. She enjoyed sunbathing and neck scratches most of all. Urrax was not big enough to be ridden and her rider was too scared of heights anyway. She didn’t mind that because Urrax was lazy above all else.

“You see, having a dragon is not all that fun. Urrax doesn’t even move.” Elaena pointed at her dragon and frowned. “That is because she’s too much like you.” Jace spoke in a matter-of-fact manner. “Well, she also rarely flies.” She rolled her eyes and placed a hand on her hip. “That is because her rider is scared of heights.” Jacaerys spoke with a cheeky smirk plastered on his face.

“Uh...Urrax come! See, she doesn’t even listen.” She tossed her hands up in the air. The she-dragon stayed sitting staring at what they could only presume to be a mouse.

“That is because she is distracted by that mouse like you get distracted by your crafts.” Jace patted her on the head and ruffled her hair. Elaena dropped her shoulders in defeat. “A dragon who is born in a cradle tends to be a mirror of their rider's personality.”

Jacaerys spoke confidently. It always intrigued Elaena how smart he could be when he tried. Usually he fell short in academics, not because he was dumb but because he was lazy. Every once in a while, though he would shock her with random facts he had picked up.

“Come” Elaena took his hand and dragged him over to Urrax. She plopped down on the ground and dragged Jace with her. She enjoyed petting Urrax and speaking with her. Though she doubted she could understand what she was saying. Urrax looked to get a rush of excitement and laid herself down next to them. She knew what time it was. “She enjoys being pet…like a hound.”

Jacaerys scoffed at that. Elaena narrowed her eyes at him and began stroking the scales on Urrax’s neck. The dragon purred and closed its eyes. She was a quiet attention whore just like Elaena.

Jace's eyes seemed to light up when he touched her. Vermax was never the kind of dragon to allow people to pet him. He was extremely ill tempered as most green dragons are. Jacaerys and him got along well enough but he was nothing compared to Urrax.

“Is she…purring?” His eyes widened as he leaned closer to listen in. “She is! That must mean she likes you.” Elaena cheerfully proclaimed. “It is said that dragons and riders share feelings.” He spoke quietly. Elaena was oblivious to most things around her, including the feelings other people had for her. It was not because she was dumb it was simply because she lacked the ability to read people. It was much easier for her if people just told her flat out how they felt.

“Ah, I like you, so it makes sense. Does that mean she will eat my grandsire?” His cheeks flushed red before his face was taken over with curiosity. “You don’t like your grandfather?” Elaena stopped petting Urrax for a moment to think. It was not a holy thing to judge other people, only the gods could do that. Internally she started to become conflicted on if she should start her rant or pretend, she said nothing. “I misspoke, my apologies.” She had decided to say another white lie. That would be the only sin she allowed herself to commit.

Jacaerys nearly barfed in his mouth when she admitted that. He hated that so much of her life was focused around the seven. It completely prevented her from living. All of the Hightower children were weird in their own way. Aegon was a drunk, but he was still cool sometimes, especially when they picked on Aemond together. Helaena was weirdly obsessed with bugs and spoke in riddles. He didn’t dislike her at all, just had little in common with her. Elaena, though she was so sweet to him and an amazing friend, was held back by imaginary Gods. Daeron, he never got to know well enough. He did not like Jace that much he knew. Aemond loathed him to his very core. Every time he was with Elaena his eyes beat red with jealousy. He normally held his tongue, but Jace knew what he wanted to say.

Elaena was the only one he could genuinely consider a friend. His mother liked her more than the others too. One thing that separated her from the rest was she never called him a bastard. She never even brought up the whispers or his relationship with Ser Harwin. Either she was completely oblivious or did not care and he enjoyed that she was like that.

“I don’t like your grandsire either.” He meant it to be comforting to tell her she wasn’t alone. It seemed she didn’t feel the same because he watched as she stood up and brushed the dust off herself. “I wish to go to the sept and pray. Will you join me?” Jacaerys never went to the sept, nor did he wish to. However, for a reason unbeknownst to him he could never say no. “Yeah always.” He took her hand into his own and let her guide him. Elaena always had the softest hands though she was always cold. He sometimes thought he could warm her if she just stayed close to him.

They were escorted by guards the entire way to the grand sept. Children would obviously not be allowed to venture the streets alone, but he wished for alone time. That was not a request he was going to receive today though. The sept was dark and lit by hundreds of candles on the mantle in the center of the room. Statues of each of the gods lined it and stared down at him. The windows were colored and had the seven-pointed star decorating them. It was not a place that brought him comfort, it brought quite the opposite actually.

“Do you know how to pray?” He felt guilty when he had to shake his head no. “No matter, we all must start somewhere. Here follow me.” Elaena led Jace to the front of the mantle and handed him a candle. She lit her own and passed the stick to light his. “What are these statues?” He asked with genuine curiosity.

“The bearded man is The Father. He is said to protect his children. You pray to him for the strength and wisdom to seek justice yourself or for him to take justice on your behalf.” She pointed at the statue with a stern face. It did resemble Ser Harwin a bit. “That is The Mother. She is said to be loving and protective of her children. You pray to her for mercy, and to keep loved ones safe….The man with a sword is The Warrior, you pray to him for courage, a favorable condition during battle, to watch over soldiers, give them strength, keep them safe, and help warriors to victory.” She took a deep breath to prepare for the next explanation.

“The man with a hammer is The Smith, he is the mender of broken things who puts the world of men to right…The innocent looking woman is The Maid. People pray to the Maiden to keep young women safe. A mother may pray to the Maiden to lend courage to her daughters and guard them in their innocence, while a bride might light candles in thanks if a suitable marriage offer is made. Women may also ask for forgiveness for their sins.” She took notice of Jacaerys slowly becoming bored and zoning out. She let out a deep sigh before continuing, “The Crone is the woman with the lamp. You pray to her for wisdom and guidance. Lastly there is the stranger. He leads the newly deceased to the other world. However, he is also meant for the outcast and wanderers of the world. People who fit in that category tend to light candles for him.”

Jacaerys wasn’t sure who he was meant to pray to. His own mother never taught him much about religion, it wasn’t something that was common in their household. “Who do I pray to?” Elaena let out a huff of annoyance, presumably at how uneducated he was. “To whomever you need to speak to.” That was not very helpful. He watched her close her eyes and clasp her hands together. The candies illuminating her porcelain skin looked beautiful. He wished he looked more like her and not like…Jacaerys wouldn’t think about that right now. He chose to awkwardly ask the warrior for strength and the father for wisdom. One day he would be king and perhaps the gods who help him become a good one. It was a short pray and his knees hurt from kneeling. Elaena was taking her sweet time talking to the gods.

Elaena first prayed to the father to bless her and her family with wisdom. She then moved to the mother and asked for protection for her family. She prayed the warrior gave her brothers strength. The smith mends the bonds of her family that had been broken. She asked the maid for forgiveness for her sins and help in maintaining her innocence. She prayed the crone guided her down the right path with her lamp. Finally, she asked the stranger to lead all the ones that were lost to their salvation. An unusual prayer came to mind today. Her brother Aemond had always been an outcast. Perhaps the stranger would lead him to a path of salvation too.

“I’m done.” When she was finally satisfied with her conversations, she turned to Jacaerys. She noticed at one point he was fiddling with the hot wax and trying to find a distraction. “We should probably head home then..before our mothers worry themselves sick.” Her mother never worried sick about her. She was far too busy with her own duties to keep track of the youngest daughter. Only Aemond cared about where she went. “You’re right, I’m late for septa lessons too..hurry!” She ripped Jace off the ground at the sudden realization and took off. She was never late to lessons, the scolding she was about to receive would ruin her entire week.

Not only was she late to her lessons but it was the first time her entire family had shown up to one. Elaena couldn’t fathom why they were all crowded in one room. She felt her heart plummet into her stomach and the sweat started to pool on her palms. She should have prayed to the mother for mercy today.

“Elaena, where have you been?! You’ve never been late before.” Spoke her septa, Margaret. Alicent was watching Helaena sew before she turned her attention to Elaena with a questioning gaze. “I-I went to the sept to pray, and I lost track of time..I’m really sorry.” Her eyes were nearly about to spill out tears. She never got in trouble, she always stayed in the shadows. Now it was her first time that the attention was all on her. “It is good that you pray, my dear child. Who escorted you all the way to the grand sept?” She turned her eyes to Aegon who looked excited that someone besides him was getting in trouble. Aemond looked at her quizzingly. There was no one there to save her.

“Jacaerys took me.” She spoke excitedly thinking that having an escort would get her out of trouble. Elaena couldn’t have been more wrong. “The Velaryon boy?! It is inappropriate enough that you are frolicking around with a boy who is not your family.” Alicent scolded her for the first time. Her lips began to quiver, and her shoulders trembled. Elaena didn’t understand what was so wrong with him. “The Maiden would not be pleased to see her child with a random boy…especially one of them.” Her mother lowered her voice and spoke in her usual soft tone.

She didn’t know what she meant by one of them but assumed she meant boys that weren’t her siblings. She prepared herself for another berating before a soft voice chimed in. “It is my fault, mother. Elaena asked me to accompany her, but I was far too busy reading. She only went with him because he obviously had nothing else to do. You have my apologies.” Aemond’s face had an apologetic look. Alicent let out a deep sigh and shook her head agreeing with him. He had lied to save her. She would thank him greatly later.

“I’m sorry, Your Grace.” Elaena curtsied and lowered her head. Alicent ushered her over to sit next to her. She began brushing Helaena’s hair and started an announcement. “Aegon and Helaena will be married soon. I wish for us all to congratulate them.” Elaena silently clapped for them. She may be a fool but not big enough a fool to believe anyone would want to marry her brother. He was the living embodiment of sin. Daeron patted his brother on his back and clapped silently for Hel. Aemond and Aegon both looked as if they were going to vomit in their places. Helaena simply ignored everything her mother said and twirled a string in her fingers.

“I will pray Aegon improves before your wedding.” She whispered to Helaena. The air in the room grew tense as Alicent began bickering with Aegon. “I have more news…Daeron is being sent to Oldtown to squire.” Elaena clapped cheerfully now. Her smile was of genuine excitement. Though she could not shake the sorrowful feeling in her heart to see another family member leave. Daeron seemed proud of his new station, at least in Oldtown he would be given proper attention. Elaena wished she could go as well but her mother would never let one of her daughters out of her sight for too long. The meeting came to a close with a few hushed good lucks and soft hugs. Aemond was the one to follow her out.

“Why does she hate the Velaryon’s so much?” Elaena asked in her supremely innocent voice. “They are not like us. It is something you’ll understand when you’re older.” Aemond crawled into bed next to her and opened a book about the history of Oldtown. “I’m old enough now to understand most things.” She sighed as she watched him flick through the pages. “The Maiden protects your innocence as does our mother. That is all she’s trying to do by keeping them away.” He spoke softly. Even Aemond got annoyed at her hyper fixation on the Gods. However, it was one of the few things she listened to and took to heart. He felt guilty each time he had to use it against her or to explain away something but, it was a simple option.

He paused on a page with a painted picture of Oldtown. The grand Hightower stood in the midst of the citadel. It was surrounded by mountains and the ocean. “It looks so beautiful on paper; I wonder what it looks like in person?” He sighed, “Daeron will know soon enough.” She sunk deeper into his chest and inhaled the scent of leather and dust. He always smelled dusty from the library.

“I prayed for you today.” She spoke softly. “Why me? Aren’t there more important things?” He glanced at her quizzingly. “None more important than family…I prayed to the stranger.” Aemond sat up from his position and his eyes gleamed with shock. “You pray for my death?!” She covered her mouth as her giggles sang throughout the room. The twisted expression he wore was humorous to her. “No fool, the stranger helps outcasts too! I prayed he would give you a dragon and guide you like the other wanderers of the world.”

Aemond settled back in his previous position. His heart was conflicted on if he should be thanking her or scolding her for thinking of him as an outcast. “Thanks…” His voice was as unsure as his mind. Damn those little bastards for making him look bad. “When you do get a dragon, I’ll pray he’s not as useless as Urrax.” Even that made her brother laugh. She was cursed with a dragon more like a dog and he had none at all. Fate was such a fickle thing.

Aemond hadn’t come to visit her until late the other night. He was covered in ash. He ranted and raved over being given a pig. He made her swear to the gods to never speak to those bas- she couldn’t say the word. He made her swear to never speak to them again. It felt as though her soul was being torn in half. Jacaerys was always so kind to her, how could he do something so cruel? If she was there, she might have prevented it.

Elaena was not there for the fight in the yard either. She didn’t have the stomach for violence nor the patience to watch boys swing wooden sticks for hours. It was just another tear in her family she failed to prevent. It was not her place to feel so much guilt, but she did. Instead of crying she began a new project.

Morning, noon, and night for the past week she tirelessly sewed a gown for Helaena. It was white with glistening jewels and lace sewn onto it. The headpiece itself was a monster of its own. The dress was meant for the wedding if her mother permitted it. She would, of course, no one was a better seamstress than her. Oftentimes she found herself pricking her own fingers and ignoring the small drops of blood that pooled on her tips. Once she was ‘in the mood’ as Aemond liked to say nothing could distract her. A dragon could burn down King's Landing and Elaena wouldn’t even notice.

Creeeeeeeeak

The door slowly moved open, and a bush of brown locks popped in. A pair of brown eyes followed and wandered around the room. A small tan hand pushed the door the rest of the way open.

“Psst” Elaena was too focused. “Psst, Elaena!” The whisper grew louder. “Elaena!”

Jacaerys shouted in a whisper. How could she be so deaf? She furrowed her eyebrows and backed away from the dress. She could have sworn she heard something- A pair of small hands covered her mouth before she could scream. His big brown eyes stared into hers. “Shhh I’m not supposed to be here! You have to keep quiet.” She mumbled in the palm of his hand. Elaena’s eyes searched around the room. “Do you promise not to shout?”

Jace’s face was one of worry. She shook her head, and he slowly pulled his hand away from her. Elaena’s face was now covered in his hand sweat, gross. “Jace!” She shouted, before he could reply she jumped and wrapped her arms around him. Yes, she was still mad over the pig joke but without him she was so lonely. He could be forgiven just like all of The Mother’s children. Aemond would probably forgive him too once they learned how to be friends.

“I missed you too.” He nuzzled his head into her hair. Besides smelling like floral oils that were used in her bath, she smelled like the fabrics or paints she surrounded herself with. It was a comforting smell that encased his senses. He used his hands to rub her back just as his own mother did to him. “I want to take you somewhere.” He pulled away and placed his hands on her shoulders. He was not asking her permission, simply telling her what they were doing. “It’s really late…I don’t want to get in troub-“ He interrupted, “You won’t! Just please follow me.” It was impossible to say no to him. Especially when his big brown eyes stared into your soul. It was like looking at a begging dog. “Ok…. but where are we going?” She examined his face for any clue. He simply grabbed her hand and pulled her with vigor. “You’ll see!”

After ducking and dodging several nighttime guards they stumbled upon the gods wood tree they spent so much time under. It was dimly lit from the torches within the castle. “Why are we here?” She spoke in a hushed whisper. He pulled her to the ground under the tree and cupped her hands. His expression was laced with seriousness. “I needed to tell you something but only in private, in our place.” Her heart sank, imagining what words could be uttered from his mouth. “Wha- what is it?” He sighed and his fingers tightened. “We’re moving to Dragonstone. I’m not sure when I’ll be back or if we will ever see each other-“

“No!” Elaena was a sensitive girl with too many feelings. Her tear ducts acted on their own accord and released a flurry of tears. Jacaerys acted quickly and embraced her harshly. The sounds of her whimpers were muffled in his night clothes. “I wanted to do something with you…swear something to each other.” Elaena pulled herself away from him and wiped her tears. Her response was intertwined with sniffles. “Swear what?”

Jacaerys took this as a good sign and unsheathed his dagger. Ser Harwin gave it to him before he left, now he vowed to take it everywhere with him. Elaena’s eyes widened like he had never seen them before. She muttered short ‘whats’ as she began pulling away. “I’m not going to harm you! It’s just to carve something into our tree.” She stared at him in confusion. “Carve what?” His lips curved into a mischievous smirk. “A promise that we'll be together no matter how far away we are.” That sounded like something Aemond read in story books. Lovers torn apart making a promise to each other.

“I’ll start.” He took his time sloppily carving something into the tree. His hands shook as the bark fell apart. It was completely unintelligible. “There, now your name is carved into here for the rest of time.” That made her giggle with joy. He moved the dagger, so the end was facing her. “It’s your turn to carve mine.” She nervously took the blade from him. Elaena had never wielded a weapon before, nor did she intend to. She gave him an awkward smile as she tried her best to write his name. It was even worse looking than what he did. She pulled back and her face crinkled at the poor craftsmanship. He let out a laugh then took her hands.

“It is time for the promise itself…are you ready?” She shook her head once more. For a boy of ten he looked very grown up at this moment. “With this kiss I pledge my love. I shall be loyal to you always, and hold no secrets from you, now and forever. I share your joy, from this day to my last day. And, with this flower, I pledge my passion.” He handed her a little dandelion he picked up. It was a weed not a flower but no matter. What was that about a kiss? Before she could mull it over, he pecked her lips with his own. Her entire body felt as if it was lit aflame. Her cheeks were a shade of blistering red. “It’s your turn, El!”

Her throat betrayed her and spoke before she could think. “With this kiss I pledge my love. I shall be loyal to you always, and hold no secrets from you, now and forever. I share your joy, from this day to my last day. And..um..” She didn’t have a flower on her. The air around them became awkward quickly as she searched herself for anything. Ah, the seven-pointed star necklace she always wore.”And, with this necklace I pledge my passion.” She dropped it into his lap and stared. Elaena was not bold enough to do what he did. Her fingers began to fiddle with the seams on her dress. Her cheeks burnt hot to the touch. She quickly asked the warrior for courage and leaned in.

“Ow!” She had failed miserably and flashed her forehead into his. Elaena rubbed the knot that would most likely form after tonight. Jacaerys laughed at her under his breath and grabbed her face. “Muuuuuah!” He didn’t peck her this time it was the worst open mouth kiss a child could do. He slobbered on her like a dog, and she couldn’t help but crinkle her nose. Jace saw his mother and Ser Harwin do it once…he realized it looked better than actually doing it. They didn’t notice the pair of violet eyes staring at them or the small brown ones following suit.

Thus, two little kids made a promise neither could fully comprehend. A pledge that they may never end up keeping. Everything was so much simpler in the story books they read. The goodbye was sweet and simple, but she couldn’t hold back her tears. Luckily for Elaena she would be seeing Jacaerys very soon.

ACT III

The wind of Driftmark was chilly and the air smelt only of salt from the sea. It had only been a few days since they departed to Dragonstone before Elaena saw him again. Her mother summoned another rare group meeting to announce the Lady Laena had passed and you all were to attend her funeral. It was an odd thing going to a funeral of someone you didn’t know but that was the duty of a princess, Elaena thought.

She was completely dazed throughout the entire ordeal. Only exchanging glances with Jacaerys who looked more solemn than usual.

“Why does he seem so sad? I didn’t think he knew her all that well.” Aegon snickered at her obliviousness and Aemond rolled his eyes. “His father died and his grandsire too.” She confusingly looked around the funeral.

“Aemond, they’re right here.” He lowered his voice to nothing above a whisper. Aemond was acting as if he was sharing top secret information. “No…their true father, Ser Harwin Strong died in a fire. Lyonel died with him which is why grandsire is the hand again.” Elaena’s eyes widened as she took in the new information. Jacaerys did always look a bit like a Strong…and he was rather fond of the Lord Commander too. “If he was their father, why didn’t he claim them?” Aegon bit his lip trying not to laugh. He placed a hand on her shoulder and leaned in. “Because they are bastards born out of wedlock. To claim a bastard is to forever shame yourself in the eyes of the Gods you worship, silly girl.”

It was that word again. The word Aemond threw around in her room the night after the pig incident. If it were true, that they were ba- born out of wedlock that would mean their entire life was a lie. Their claim to anything was also a falsity. Oh my, her best friend and half-sister had been living in sin her whole life and she never noticed. She might be considered a sinner too for…liking him.

She stared at him with wide eyes for the entire speech. Elaena would go and pray for him soon. Overall, she wasn’t that worried about him, more about how the gods were going to punish her for associating with him. Would they damn her to the Seven Hells for what she had done? Would they take the life of someone she loved too? What cruel punishment would they give to her for kissing a bas- born out of wedlock child?

“Don’t tell them that you know. You’ll get in far more trouble than you deserve.” Aemond looked at her with a serious expression. “How do we know for certain?” She quizzed him, secretly she hoped it to be a lie. Maybe Aegon told him as a jest, and he took it too seriously. One of the jealous ladies spread the rumor, surely. “Mother.”

It was the truth after all. The guilt started eating her alive almost immediately. If his very birth was against the gods, wasn’t he supposed to be..cruel? Jacaerys had always been kind to her. He didn’t seem to be someone who was a sin, not yet at least. Her mind began racing, endlessly searching for a path to forgiveness. Elaena could just go and offer him saving...bring him to the light and turn him holy. Yes, that’s what she could do right now. The gods were merciful after all, and he had proved himself too not be evil. They both may not have to face persecution.

Aemond watched her face wash over in anxiety. Her eyes focused entirely on the direction of their nephew. He had finally said something that struck a chord with her. Now, he could finally stop worrying about them interacting. He turned to Aegon who had already begun bickering about his marriage again. It disgusted him how little he cared for duty or the law. How he managed to dishonor himself every day with another serving girl or liquor. It was a blessing she never had to witness his doings…Aemond froze for a moment and realized she wasn’t clinging onto him anymore. He whipped his head in several different directions before he spotted them. It always had to be them.

Elaena had been following Jace’s movements around the funeral awaiting an opportunity. Oddly enough, Rhaenyra was doing the same to her uncle. They pretended not to notice each other wandering aimlessly, a secret understanding of sorts was made. She stalked through the crowd of people and lost sight of him. Of course, her sister would distract her fro-

“What are you doing?” Her entire body whipped around, and Elaena’s face burnt red from the sheer embarrassment. “I-I wha- are you stalking me?” She spoke, shifting the blame onto the other person that was definitely a sin of some sort. He furrowed his eyebrows, “Why would I be stalking you? I was trying to find my cousins and you’re in the way.” He scoffed; his words came out far more venomous than he had intended. Jacaerys was simply upset about everything around him. He was confused and angry that his parentage was kept hidden away for so long. And he was overwhelmingly sad that Harwin had died before he got the chance to form that sort of bond with him. It was a lot for a boy of ten to handle on his own.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Elaena shuffled to the side so he could get past. Anyone else in her family would probably bark back at him. Scold him for being rude towards them. Not her, she simply accepted defeat.

“It’s fine…” Jacaerys mumbled under his breath. Internally he was rather pleased to see her again. Though he had an amazing family, he yearned for the comforts of someone less…biased. Someone who he considered more of an equal rather than his little brother or mother. The faintest of smiles crept onto her face as she reached forward. The necklace she gave him was still hung around his neck. “As long as you wear this the gods will keep watching over you…My apologies for the loss of Lady Laena…And Ser Harwin, I know you all had a strong bond.” He grabbed her hand with strength she did not know he possessed. She stumbled back, ignorant of the implication she made. Elaena had chosen the worst word to describe them without realizing.

“What did you just say?” His cheeks were red but not in their usual flush, they were an angry shade of crimson. His eyes shot daggers through her, and his grip tightened when she wouldn’t answer.

“I-I..” She couldn’t figure out what she had just said wrong. What could she have possibly said to trigger this sort of reaction? “You’re just like the rest of them, aren’t you?!”

Her eyes began watering on their own. Tears forming a pool threatening to spill over on the edge of her lids. Elaena did not do well getting in trouble. Especially, when she had no idea what she did. “Let's go.” The voice from behind her spoke firmly. Elaena turned her head,

“Aemond!” Jacaerys and Aemond had a short-lived stare down. His eyes were cold, dull even and seemed to pierce right through Jace. He let go of Elaena and stepped back, he raised his chin to Aemond, “Do you always meddle in your sister’s life?”

Aemond laughed, “I never noticed how strong of a grip you had, perhaps a trait from your father.” Jacaerys took a step forward and looked as if he was going to strangle Aemond to death. But, not before Aegon decided to join in the fun. “Fighting at a funeral? Isn’t that unbefitting of a future king, Jace?”

Jacaerys didn’t let go of eye contact with the youngest brother. Though for a moment it seemed his lip twitched. Aegon normally wouldn’t waste his energy on childish fights but after the pig joke, he owed Aemond. Plus, only he was allowed to make fun of his sisters.

Jace was the first to break, he was outnumbered and wouldn’t cause a scene on such a sad day. Unlike Aemond he wasn’t that desperate to fight another person. He let out a childish huff and moved over to his cousins.

“Why were you talking to him?!” Aemond scolded her. “I just wanted to say sorry.” Elaena muttered. “Did you see what happened?! That’s why I tell you not to talk to them!” Aegon chimed in,“Look, she's crying now, idiot!” Aemond furrowed his brows. “Yeah! look at what he did to her!” He pointed to the tiny red spot on her wrist. Jacaerys didn’t grab hard enough to leave a bad mark, he wouldn’t do that. “Stop yelling, she’s crying more!” Aegon pointed at her face. “How is that my fault?! It’s the bastard's fault.” Aemond retorted. “Of course, it’s his fault but you’re making it worse!”

Elaena felt the sting of hot tears forming in her eyes as Aemond and Aegon both started to yell at her. She felt her throat tighten and her vision blurring as the tears started to slide down her cheeks. Embarrassed, she tried to look away, but the boys’ yells kept ringing in her ears and she couldn't bear it any longer. She suddenly remembered her room and the shelter it could provide from the scolding. Without another thought, Elaena ran inside and into her room, her face wet with tears and her heart filled with sadness. She sank into her cotton bed, pulling the covers over herself and let the tears flow freely. She tried to muffle her sobs, but the boys’ voices still echoed in her head and overwhelmed her. She cried until a deep, exhausted sleep came over her.

“Wake up!” Two hands shook her vigorously.

“Elaenaaaaaaaaa….wake upppp!” They pulled the blankets off her. Elaena groaned and rolled over. Her eyes stitched shut by dry tears and her throat sore from sobbing. The smell of wine filled her nose and forced her fully awake.

“Aegon, you’re drunk.” She spoke in between yawns. “We need to go!” He yanked her by the arm. She barely had time to pull a nightgown cover off her chair before she was rushed down the stairs and into the great hall. Aegon hadn’t told her anything as he raced her and Helaena to the scene. The room was packed to the brim with onlookers.

“What’s going on?” Helaena spoke in a loud whisper. Aegon shuffled them to the side of the room where their mother stood. Elaena immediately took notice of Aemond’s absence. She gazed around the room and spotted the Velaryon boys covered in blood. Her first instinct was to gag at the sight then the next was to try to go over to Jacaerys. Aegon pulled her back and leaned down.

“Look! Elaena look what they did!” She moved her gaze over to the chair, her mother sat in front of it with tears in her eyes. The maester worked vigorously on someone. She cranked her head to the side and saw him. Her eyes widened and she stumbled back. His eye was gone, it was completely gone. The bile in her stomach itched at her throat. Aemond had gotten his eye cut out.

The king, her father, started demanding answers. The noise of his shouting and everyone else’s was blurred in her head. She had tunnel vision; all she could stare at was him.

Aemond had been right all along, they lived in sin. Jacaerys and his siblings were all bastards, their lives were against the gods themselves. Sweat began pooling on her forehead and her eyes flickered between the children. The gods punished her by taking his eye, just as they punished Rhaenyra by killing Ser Harwin. This was all her fault for associating with him, for kissing him. She was a sinner now too.

Elaena was consumed with an intense guilt as she realized Jacaerys took Aemond's eye with the dagger they exchanged their vows with. She felt sorrow and outrage, mixed with the grief and indignation of betrayal, as she was reminded of the warning Aemond had given her about Jacaerys being a sin. This moment made it all too real, making it impossible for Elaena to deny that she had failed her faith and her brother, dabbling with something her religion denounced. Her throat was thick with tears that she was unable to shed, and her mind was beset with conflicting thoughts as she wrestled with her own belief system, realizing that she had been wrong to ignore Aemond's warnings. She wanted to stop the pain that Aemond was enduring but could do nothing but watch helplessly as her brother's eye was taken in such a cruel and calculated manner. The Velaryons were all monsters, and she was now one too.

The sounds of fighting erupting were drowned out by her own mind. Accusations being sent across the room like hell fire. The arrival of her half-sister and the Velaryons did not ease the tension.

“You will make good will to one another! Elaena and Jacaerys are henceforth betrothed. Their union may just make this interminable infighting cease!” Viserys spoke. “Thank you, father.” Rhaenyra replied.

Elaena was ripped out of the daze she was in. When she heard she was to marry Jacaerys, Elaena felt a wave of deep despair flooding her heart. The news caught her completely off guard and her natural reaction was to recoil away from him in fear. She knew without a doubt that his previous actions were nothing less than sinful and to be married to him would make her complicit with it. She couldn’t help but feel that she was losing her way in the eyes of her religion and her faith in her own goodness was diminishing.

She casted her view to Jacaerys who lowered his eyes, Rhaenyra offered her a soft smile, Aegon was too bewildered to speak, Helaena wasn’t even present in her mind to react. Her final turn was to her mother and brother. In her mind she was begging them to make it stop. Don’t let this happen, don’t let them drag her farther into sin and away from her faith.

“No!” Aemond shouted. "Goodwill and betrothals will not make my son whole again!” Alicent spoke in a plea that would go unheard. She felt her chest tighten and her heart start to sink as she tried to wrap her mind around the reality of the situation. She couldn’t shake the feeling of being doomed – like she had already lost and was heading further away from redemption and the light. The thought of it was unbearable.

She watched in horror as Alicent lunged at Rhaenyra. Her own father had forsaken them. He allowed them to take his eye with no punishment and then threaten to punish him for an insult. It wasn’t until now she realized the way of things. On this night she realized her ‘father’ did not think of them as family, only backups. He did not love them, he only had love for his other family. Her mother had been right to warn them this entire time. He would take out their tongues for speaking the truth and force them into unwanted marriages for his own gain. Rhaenyra and her brood were sinners and the king stood idly by and let them do as they pleased whilst the rest suffered.

The night swiftly came to an end when Alicent released the blade and Aemond said it was a fair trade. It was not a fair trade in her mind, nor would it ever be. She stared at Jacaerys with tears welling in her violet irises, he did not return her gaze. Elaena was mentally pleading with him to say sorry, to offer them anything. He did no such thing. Instead, he walked away from the scene with his own family. Rhaenyra and her kin were always good at fleeing when things became unsavory. It left a bitter taste in her mouth and a stain in her heart.

Elaena spent that night with Aemond and many other nights after.

Her disdain for her other family had simmered down. She still did not think of them as her true family and still believed them to be sinners in need of saving, but she did not loathe them. She prayed for them instead and for her future husband. Lucerys was truly the only person she had quarrels with. He took her brother's eye after all; she prayed the warrior would serve him justice one day. However, her disdain for the king did not relent. The Gods would be angry she could not be rid of the grudge that held onto her heart but there was nothing she could do. He had caused the divide even if he did not mean it.

It was easier to forget her betrothal and inevitable doom whilst at home. Her mother fought tooth and nail to have her stay at home with them. For the first time her mother took notice of her, real notice. She was interested in her art and crafts and her love for the seven. The Queen permitted her to wear more conservative clothing you might see a septa wear…she even considered letting Elaena become a septa like she wished. The King would never allow the last bit but at least her mother now tried.

She had taken to becoming Aemond’s caregiver as a way to appease her sins. Elaena followed his every move like a dog. Though he was not an easy patient, he wished to do everything on his own. The worst part of it thus far had been the removal of the stitches. The maester said that he may have chronic pain for the rest of his life to match with the massive scar. His eyeball was completely gone and for now it was just a hole he covered with a patch. Elaena wouldn’t admit out loud it was a hard sight to behold.

He also had been in higher spirits because of Vhagar. She had doted on him like a mother whose babe had just gotten injured. Aemond flew on her every single day, sometimes he wouldn’t return for hours. Elaena remained content waiting for him on the ground. It wasn’t like Urrax could magically grow large and take off. His entire aura had changed after that night. He was no longer the shy and polite boy she knew. Instead, he was self-assured, audacious, diligent, and independent. He was more mature and prince-like now than he ever was.

He wanted to go and escape on Vhagar today but all of the king’s children were forced to watch the tournament for his first-born son’s wedding. He had invited every lord and lady from all across the realm to enjoy the festivities. Though, it wasn’t a very festive week for the couple or for the younger children who were reminded they would forever be in the background of the eldest.

“I hate tourneys.” Aemond mumbled under his breath. They sat in the royal box looking down at the “excitement” below. Aegon and Helaena sat opposite to them. One was already drowning in his cups and the other was lost in her own head. “I think they can be nice.” Elaena smiled at him. She was purposely staring any other way besides the violence below. “Real men don’t need to prove their honor in tourneys with sticks. They prove it in real war with real swords.”

She hummed at his words. “It can be kind of romantic…A man winning with the favor of a girl and crowning her in front of the masses…Not everything has to be about proving your honor, it can be about defending someone else’s.” Aemond tapped his fingers on the wooden chair she sat in. “Do you wish for your future husband to do that?” She peered up from the ground. Her future husband, Jacaerys Velaryon. A subtle frown creeped onto her face at the mention. “No, I don’t think my future husband will do anything of the sort for me.” Aemond's lip twitched into a smirk. “Mayhaps I will consider it.” He leaned back down into his chair and watched her closely waiting for a reaction. He was sorely disappointed when she did not falter and got lost in another daydream.

Elaena did not understand why he would consider it. She failed to understand the reasoning for most things around her. For example, why Aegon did not participate in the tourney to crown Helaena queen of love and beauty. He was completely drowned in his cups the entire tournament. Neither of them wanted to be married but at least it was Helaena and not a bas- Velaryon. She still did not let the vile word seep onto her tongue or into her mind freely.

Her uncle won the tournament for Helaena. Gwayne was her mother’s brother, and he was quite the knight. Though, she barely knew him since the king kept them all locked away in King’s Landing. Daeron was permitted to come back to see the wedding too…but only the wedding. The king cared the least for his youngest son who he forgot existed the majority of the time. Elaena had requested to be sent to Oldtown too but was refused instantaneously. After the incident at Driftmark he had completely casted aside her four siblings. The only reason the marriage was being celebrated was because Aegon is the first-born son.

“She looks pretty with a crown, don’t you think?” Aemond leaned back into Elaena. “Hmm, I suppose.” She lightly slapped her brother’s shoulder. “You’re supposed to agree.” He rolled his eyes and turned back to her. “Maybe I think it would look better on someone else.” A weird feeling formed in the pits of her stomach. Why would it bother me if he thought it would look on someone else, she thought. “W-who?” Aemond’s stoic face melted, and a light tint of rose painted his cheeks. “Erm…Aegon” The weird pit in her stomach disappeared as it tended with laughter. “He does look like a pretty princess! Look at his luscious blonde locs!” She giggled hysterically. Aemond left out a breath of relief for whatever reason.

“Who’d dress, would you rather wear mine or hers.” Elaena spoke with narrowed eyes and venom laced on her tongue. A tailor had come in to fit Helaena for the god-awful dress they had concocted. It was plain and an ugly cream shade with no detailing whatsoever. It wasn’t befitting a princess by any means. “Insolent child.” The plain-featured woman growled. Elaena’s face twisted in dismay. She had spent hours tediously sewing and stitching fine details onto this dress. Her little hands had subtle scars from the needle pricking her skin. It was by all account perfect, and this hag wouldn’t waste it.

“I think they’re both beautiful.” Helaena spoke softly whilst she gazed upon them with her doe eyes. She was far too sweet for her own good. “I’ll ask your mother.” She sneered and walked towards the exit. “No, I’ll ask my mother!” Elaena rushed towards the door and grabbed the handle. They began pushing and shoving each other to get hold of the doorknob. Neither were about to willingly let their hard work go to waste.

Sadly, Elaena was weak and sickly. She was easily overpowered and knocked to the floor. Tears began welling into her eyes and the room became distant. The embarrassment of being so quickly overpowered and undermined by this woman was draining her resolve. “Don’t bite off more than you can chew, kid.” The woman spoke with a subtle smirk, she turned to open the door but was beaten to it by the Queen. She stood in the doorway and observed the scene before her.

“Elaena, my sweet, why are you on the floor?” She moved over so she was standing above her. The tailor began muttering incoherent sentences out of fear. “Sh- she pushed me an- and she called me insolent.” Her sobs echoed throughout the room. “All because she didn’t like the dress I made!” Elaena pointed a finger at the woman. It was a sin to lie, but sometimes a simple sin is necessary. You would always be able to pray for forgiveness later. Alicent’s face dropped, and her eyes turned cold as she turned to the woman. “Ser Criston, escort the lady out.” Cole, the sworn guard and occasional father to the Hightower siblings, took her arm rather roughly and pulled her out. Apologies were being thrown around like snowballs in the North.

“Elaena made me a dress, it’s quite pretty.” Helaena spoke whimsically. “Aw my beautiful girl.” Alicent walked over and tried to cup Helaena’s face, but she flinched away. She never liked to be touched. She let out a sigh before turning to trace her fingers across Elaena’s dress. Her eyebrows raised slightly, and a glimmer of interest showed on her face. “You made this?” Elaena wiped the real and fake tears off her face. She used her hands to pat down her dress and rid it of the wrinkles. “Yes, I spent the last two moons on it.” Her mother stood back and clasped her hands together, she appeared deep in thought. “It’s lovely…A dress worthy of a future queen.” Elaena chose to willingly ignore the last comment. Any type of praise overshadowed the possible treason. “I’d like to wear hers instead. If that’s ok mother.”

Helaena got her way; Elaena guessed it was because her mother felt bad for forcing her to marry Aegon. She waited impatiently on the seetee as the servants dressed her sister. She had never looked so beautiful before. Her hair was in high braids on top of her head and the dress fit her curves perfectly. The lace and jewels simply accentuated her features. When the ladies were finished her mother waved them off and allowed the sisters just a moment of alone time.

“Are you scared…for marriage that is.” Elaena nervously asked, she was beginning to think of her own. “I suppose, I heard husbands leave you alone once you bear children. I’m looking forward to that.” That did not do well to ease her own nerves. She didn’t like the thought of bearing children let alone to someone who took her brother’s eye. Then again, she didn’t even know how you made children. “You look too beautiful for him not to fawn over you. I’m sure it’ll be much happier once you’re officially together and the Gods bless your union.” Helaena turned around and stared at her sister. She pondered for a moment before crossing her arms and giving a soft smile. “Elaena…you know nothing.” It wasn’t spoken in a harsh manner, nor was it intended to be an insult. She still felt a subtle ache in her chest at the thought she knew nothing. Before she could ask any more questions, another knock was heard.

“It’s time to go, Princess.” Her father was there to escort her into the grand hall. Elaena quickly popped up out of her position “Good Luck!” She waved as she opened the door and rushed past the king. He stared at the child whose name he forgot rushed past him in haste.

“Why was she in here?” He asked. Helaena smiled brightly at the attention her father was about to give her. “Elaena made my dress. She is quite talented.” Ah, Elaena, his youngest girl. She was an odd one, much more Hightower than Targaryen. She would make a good future wife of Jacaerys, very docile and obedient. And Rhaenyra voiced how much she liked her and how they had bonded. I should start paying more attention to her, the king thought, “What a lovely dress!” He limped his way over to Helaena and placed his hands on her shoulders. “You look beautiful, my girl.” She bowed her head slightly. “Thank you, Your Grace.” Unlike their half-sister it was rare the five siblings called him father. He was more of a man they occasionally interacted with than a dad. Though he did take special interest in Rhaenyra and Helaena, he obviously preferred girls.

The wedding venue was in the throne room. The great hall was decorated with white floral arrangements and Targaryen banners. The smell of wine and expensive food filled everyone’s noses. It was backed to the brim with Lords and Ladies from across the realm. Elaena shuffled nervously next to Aemond, noticing all the eyes on them. “You look fine.” He whispered in her ear. They weren’t staring at her; they were looking at the boy with an eyepatch. “We all look better than them.” Daeron spoke and the three children turned. In the midst of their wedding vows Aegon began to cry, Helaena followed suit.

The king learned from Rhaenyra’s wedding that the feast should be held after the vows are made. Since he decided this, Aegon was unable to drown in his cups…yet. The Grand Septon announced that their vows were finalized, and they leaned in. “…that is the worst kiss I have ever seen.” Daeron said with subtle disgust plastered on his face. “When have you seen married people kissing?” Their parents never once placed their lips together. In the entire time she was there was not a single moment of romance between the two.

“They weren’t married.” He giggled to himself. “Shut up, Daeron.” Aemond whispered in a stern voice. “They aren’t going to consummate.” He spoke. “What’s that?” Elaena asked with genuine curiosity. “Daeron! Shut up!” Aemond yelled in a whisper. “You talk about it all the time!” Daeron pointed at his chest. “Talk about what?!” Elaena pleaded. “Not in front of her!” He was no longer whispering and spoke loudly. All eyes were on the youngest as the eldest siblings turned to them. They had all been caught red-handed gossiping.

Elaena smiled brightly trying to avoid the disapproving stares. Her face burned bright red as she slowly backed away behind her brothers. Daeron and Aemond shared tight lipped smiles as they turned and ushered Elaena to the table. “Are we going to get in trouble?” She asked softly. “Hopefully Aegon will do something worse.” Daeron said. “We can depend on our dear elder brother to mess up more than we have.” Aemond sneered. He hadn’t forgotten the pig joke and had yet to fully forgive him.

The feast was spread out far and wide. The table that was placed before the throne was long. To the left of the king were Otto, Aemond, Elaena and Daeron. To his right were Queen Alicent, Aegon, Helaena. Aemond had scooted far away from the king. The scent of his rotting flesh ruined the meal. His presence in general ruined the meal for many. Viserys slowly stood up and went to make a toast to the new couple when he paused. It seemed he realized his favorite family was not here and would not be attending.

“Today we are gathered to celebrate the union of my first-born son, Aegon and his wife, Helaena…The crown wishes you to take part in the plentiful feast and celebrate all the great houses who bless us with their presence…” He paused to cough on his own spit. Alicent immediately began rubbing his hand and begging him to sit. Gods, she was a saint for dealing with this man. The door to the throne room slowly began to open.

“Lord Corlys Velaryon, Lord of the tides, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Ser Vaemond Velaryon, and Lady Baela and Rhaena Targaryen.”

Elaena dropped her fork into her plate and Aemond’s entire body tensed. “What are they doing here?” She reached over and grabbed his hand. There was nothing she could do to ease the tension filling the room. The King looked up and smiled “Please, begin the festivities!” Elaena watched carefully as they approached the table. Rhaenys was the only one to gaze upon Aemond’s scar before she turned her attention to the king. “Congratulations to the newlywed couple. May this union bring you happiness.” Lord Corlys spoke with the fakest smile plastered on his face. “Congratulations cousin.” Rhaenys bowed her head slightly.

Elaena squeezed Aemond’s hand tighter as the Velaryons bowed one last time and walked to their seats. She could feel every muscle in his body tense as they approached and not once did, he take his eyes off the two girls. “They’re gone now. It’s just us three again.” She whispered in his ear. Aemond unclenched his jaw and leaned back. He maintained the grip on her hand.

The music started playing and the sound of silverware hitting plates echoed throughout the room. Elaena peered over to look at her siblings and it was as expected. “Aegon is drowning in cups already.” Aemond scoffed, “When is he not?” Daeron peered over the table. “I expect this of him…I did not expect Lord Baratheon to be drinking so heavily.” Elaena bit her lip and contemplated her next words…were they sinful?

“Lord Borros resembles a hog more than a stag.” Daeron choked on his drink and Aemond let out a quiet laugh. “Look closely, you can see Tyland is already drooling over his brother's wife.” Elaena shook Daeron’s shoulder. “Lady Redwyne has already descended upon the cakes!” Their giggles were quickly becoming uncontrollable. “Lord Caswell’s balding has spread to his nape. He’s practically a dragon egg!” The children burst out in laughter and Aemond simply smirked next to them.

“You’re both so immature…Eat your food before Lord Borros gets it.” Elaena’s face turned bright red as Aemond finally made a jest of his own. It was so comforting for all of them to be together again. However, the comfort ended when Helaena and Aegon stood up to dance. He was already stumbling slightly, and Helaena had completely disassociated from the situation. Daeron shifted in his seat, “It’s like watching two headless chickens.” Elaena stared at the mediocre dance performance below. “I thought marriage was a gift. This looks more like a punishment from the gods.” The children quietly ate their food and avoided eye contact with their siblings. They all felt bad of course but what could they do about it? The king and queen wished for it, so it was.

The music shifted and so did the room. Other guests descended upon the dance floor. Elaena watched as Aegon approached their side of the table. “Aemond, I’m begging you just dance with her for a few more songs, please!” Aemond sat there more annoyed than when the Velaryons arrived. “No! She’s your wife.” Aegon scoffed, “That doesn’t mean I want to dance.” Elaena and Daeron side-eyed each other as they watched their eldest siblings. “Ask Daeron!” He whipped his head around. “Don’t drag me into this, I promised our cousin from Oldtown.” Elaena sighed, “You’re all horrible. It’s our sister's wedding and not one of you will dance?” Aemond’s face washed over in guilt, and he stood up. “A real man does what his lady wishes.” He stared Aegon down and walked over to Helaena. For the first time in the entire night, she smiled brightly.

“Your cup is still full, sister.” Aegon slurred his words. She watched him take the seat next to her. She went to turn to Daeron, but he had gotten up out of guilt too. “I don’t drink, it’s improper for a lady.” His eyes rolled so far back in his head he probably saw his brain. “You’re a princess not a lady. Look, even mother drinks.” She looked across the table and noticed her mother drinking far more than usual. Mayhaps this wedding was dreadful for all the participants. “Here, drink this cup and if you hate it, I will never bring it up again, I promise.” He was bored and trying to drag someone else down to his level. His other siblings weren’t as gullible as Elaena. Sometimes her personality reminded him of a dog, submissive and obedient. If someone said fetch, she would probably do it. “Fine.”

She eyes the red liquid inside her cup and swirled it around. This wasn’t a sin, the seven allowed girls and boys to drink. She just simply did not wish to partake in something that may get her in trouble. She sniffed the cup and her face curled in disgust. Elaena shut her eyes tight and said a quick prayer before she dumped the entire contents of the goblet into the back of her throat. “Seven Hells!” He laughed as he scooted back. Elaena choked and snorted some out of her nose and onto the table. Majority of it went down her throat and already she could feel her insides warming. “My septa is less bitter than this.” Aegon chuckled, “Elaena I did not know you knew how to jest!” She tried to narrow her eyes at him, but it quickly became a smile. “I am the best jester in the seven kingdoms. If you simply paid attention.” Aegon nodded his head and called over a servant.

“Dornish sweet wine.” The maid quickly bowed her head and scurried away to grab another. “This is far sweeter though it’s darker in color.” The nice lady refilled Elaena’s glass and she took it instantly. “Elaena! Let’s have a drinking contest. Whoever reaches the bottom first wins.” Elaena turned her head to her brother. She raised one eyebrow, “What is the prize for winning?” Aegon sat back in his chair and swirled the wine in his cup. “I’ll let you ride Sunfyre if you win. If I win, I’ll need you to pretend I’m with you when I sneak out.” Elaena huffed, “One ride for an eternity of me aiding in your antics? That’s not even remotely fair.” Aegon pouted, “Fine just this week then.” Elaena rolled her eyes.

“On three…One…Two…three!” She threw the cup back like she did the first time, but her throat didn’t listen. Half of it went back in the cup whilst the other seeped into her stomach. She tried to quickly try again but Aegon had already depleted his goblet of wine. “You drink like a braavosi sailor!” She shouted! “I drink just the right amount, little sister. You should drink more!” That was a grand mistake, but she did it anyway. He refilled her glass twice more and twice more did she lose to him. “Lady Jeyne has already begun harassing the servants.” Aegon pointed to the woman. Elaena didn’t know what he meant but nodded anyway. “Lord Stark looks like a melted snowman.” He hummed in agreement.

“If I win this one you have to answer me three questions.” She spoke. Aegon was drunk enough to no longer be able to say no. “Absolutely! “ The goblet was refilled a fourth time and for the first time she had won. She mastered the art of draining the contents in one go. Aegon let out a vile burp afterwards that made her face twist in disgust.

“you’re such a wastrel.” He scoffed, “oh and you’re such a saint. Saintly little Elaena who kissed Jacaerys under a tree.” Her entire body froze, and sobriety hit her like a sword. Except, the moment of clarity was only a moment long. “If you tell anyone I will cut off your manhood!” He looked at her as if she was crazy. “Do you even know what manhood is?!” No, that she did not know. She was severely uneducated in many aspects. “Fine! Since I won, tell me a few of your secrets since you know mine.” He sunk down into his chair. He looked to be deep in thought. “I relieved myself out of the window a few times.” She didn’t know what that meant. She took it as he pissed outside of his window a few times. Which wasn’t disgusting but he could do worse. “Not good enough:”

He scoffed, then his mood turned solemn. “I feel terribly that I can’t be a good husband to Helaena, nor will I ever be…my heart belongs to someone outside these walls.” Elaena suddenly felt her heart ache at the mention. It was awful for both parties involved but that didn’t excuse his actions. Though, she was going to be in his position soon. Once she was forced to wed Jacaerys that is. She sighed deeply, “A toast for our future failed marriages.” Aegon furrowed his eyebrows. “Our?You don’t like him?” She rolled her eyes. “Absolutely not, did you not see what happened at Driftmark?” He nodded his head and picked up his glass. “A toast to our inevitably unhappy futures!” They clinked glasses and gulped down their contents.

Hiccup

“Aegonnnnn”

Hiccup

She shook his shoulders. “I wish to danceeee”

Hiccup

“I just escaped the dance floor, now you want to drag me back?” Elaena nodded quickly. “Aegonnnn, pretty pleaseeee.”

Hiccup

“I never ask you for anythinggg.” He pushed her face out of his own. He stood up and reached out his hand. “Payment for drinking with me, I guess!” They were both absolutely sloshed. Firstly, Elaena’s entire body felt as if it was hot air, and it vibrated every time she moved. Secondly, the world was spinning in a fun way, and she could barely stand without holding onto Aegon. Thirdly, their faces were bright red, and wine stained their clothes. As he tried to lead her down the stairs he tripped, and they both went rolling. The world moved in slow motion as they toppled down the stairs to the bottom. Every single eye in the room was directed towards them.

Elaena couldn’t feel a thing, nor did she really know what happened. “I saw the gods!” Elaena jested. “I don’t think they want me.” Aegon replied. They burst into laughter that forced tears to trickle down their faces. Neither realized the adults rushing to them to berate them to no end.

“Aegon! What were you thinking!” She spoke in a whisper shout as she attempted to drag him off the ground. “And you?!” Elaena felt the sudden urge to vomit. Her head started to spin, and her surroundings quickly disappeared. “I got her, mother. Take care of him.” Her savior pulled her up by the arm and dragged her out of the hall. She couldn’t see what was going on nor could she process it.

“Air! I can’t breathe! Air!” Elaena shouted at her savior. He quickly changed their course and dragged her out into the courtyard. The chilly air cooled her burning skin, the wind dried her sweat and tears. It wasn’t enough…the second she was outside she dropped to her knees and emptied her stomach contents.

“Did Aegon do this?” She waved her hand behind her back as she continued to leave a pool of wine below her. “Everytime I leave you alone you get into trouble…how is that possible?!” She wiped her face off on her sleeve and sat up. She could see clearly again, and her head was no longer ringing. “I-I” She started to tear for whatever reason. Her breathing became heavy, and her heart raced against itself. “I’m sorry.” The tears that flooded her eyes spilt out into her hands. Why was she crying? What had just boiled up to the surface?

Aemond knelt down on the ground and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m not mad at you” She let out a loud cry, “No! I’m sorry I’m nothing like you! I’m sorry my dragon is useless! I’m sorry I don’t know the things you do! I’m sorry I can’t fight or stand up for anyone! I’m sorry I’m not a real Targaryen an- and I’m sorry I’m so much like a bastard!” She pushed him away and sobbed into her hands. He reached out to touch her head. ”You are nothing like those bastards!”

She slapped his hand away. “No! No, you don’t get it! You ride the largest dragon in the world! Aegon is the first-born son! Helaena is the dreamer married to the first born! Daeron is the charming squire of Oldtown! I’m just Elaena! The forgotten daughter, the forgotten child, the forgotten princess. Even the gods have forgotten about me! Im nobody to everyone!” Her breath hitched in her throat, and she started to gasp for air. Her tears ached as they streamed down her face. He had no words to comfort her. No actions he could take to fix her problems. They were born unlucky and for now nothing would change. Aemond didn’t know what to do exactly but he did know what always made him happy.

“Get up!” She turned to face him. “Why?” He yanked her arm up. “We’re going!” All of her protests were met with no response or a quickening of his pace. He dragged her out the back of the keep and into one of the small beds of sand near Blackwater Bay. It was only a short walk from where they were, but it looked like an entirely new landscape. She was completely out of breath from the running. Her tears had officially ceased though and she was able to gain a bit of herself again.

“Why are we here?” Aemond’s face lit up with a smirk and he pointed up. He whistled loud enough her ears rang. “I’m taking you where I go everytime I’m upset.” She gazed at him and the excitement on his face. He was rather…cute in the moonlight. “H- How?” Her thought was interrupted by the sound of giant wings descending to the ground and a splash of water cascading towards the beach. She stumbled back and her eyes widened as she looked upon the massive beast.

Vhagar

“You’re going to fly a dragon today. No more sulking while the rest of us are in the skies!” He grabbed her hand and tried to pull her, but she stumbled back. Her eyes were the widest they had ever been and her face flushed red. She looks beautiful in the moonlight, he thought. Aemond took her hand and dragged her towards his dragon. The she-beast would be gentle with anyone he enjoyed. He pulled her shaking hand up to her scales. “See, she’s gentle.” Vhagar let out a huff of smoke causing Elaena to giggle. He liked the sounds of her laughs.

Getting her to climb up the saddle was harder than he imagined. Her little arms were too weak to pull herself up. He had to maneuver himself below her and push her butt up. It made a little more sense why she never willingly tried to ride a dragon. He sat behind her and pulled the reins to him. “I'm scared.” She spoke in her sweet soft voice that sounded like a prayer. “It’s okay, I’ll keep you safe.” He pulled the reins back and shouted,

“SOVES!”

Vhagar took off into the night sky. The stars and moon reflected onto the water perfectly. In some ways Elaena was his moon and stars. She is what lit up the dark world around him. Elaena’s eyes were closed shut and she was holding onto the saddle for dear life. “Open your eyes, El!” She shook her head. “I got you, just open your eyes!” He snaked one arm around her waist for extra support. She opened her violet eyes slowly and peered into the vast sky. The sky was littered with white stars that reflected along the water. The waves created by Vhagar’s wings made it all the more majestic. She would paint this, she thought.

She leaned back into Aemond and watched the clouds pass by. The cool air beating against her skin made the sickness of earlier fade. The thoughts that had plagued her melted away in the sky. It felt as though she were…free. Elaena savored every moment knowing it would probably be her last. Urrax the little beastling was too sick and frail like her. “El, you see that black mass. That’s where we’re going!” She leaned up in the saddle and gazed across the water. An island? This close to home?

Vhagar’s descent onto the land was met with a huge cloud of sand flying into the air. She was simply too massive for this world. Aemond climbed down first and held his hands out. “Jump!” She peered down at the sheer distance and decided she couldn’t. “I can’t!” She cried out. “I’ve never let you fall before, have I?” She rolled her back and sighed. No, he hasn’t let me fall before, she thought. “If I die don’t let them burn me!” Elaena took a deep breath and jumped. He caught her but she also was suffocating him with her dress. Aemond thrashed at the cotton until he could see the light again. He helped her down on the ground and noticed her legs were wobbly. His legs were too the first time he rode Vhagar.

Elaena wrapped her arm around Aemond. “Where are we going?” A smirk creeped onto Aemond’s face. “It’s my secret place.” He walked her to the edge of the island where a cave that ran deep appeared. On the inside there were remnants of his previous visits. There were books, blankets, a wooden sword, and a firepit. He pulled her deeper in and on the other side of the cave was an entrance into the clear blue water. It was nothing like the disgusting sewage water of king’s landing. “We can swim, if you’d like.” Elaena hadn’t ever swum before but if her first time was to be with anything it should be Aemond. “Ok! How do I do it?” He shuffled next to her. “First you have to take off your dress, so it doesn’t get wet, then I’ll go first, and I’ll catch you.” Take off her dress? As in be naked? She momentarily felt her cheeks redden but it quickly disappeared. Was it a sin for family to see each other naked? Is this against the seven? What would her punishment be for this? The thoughts that plagued her mind quickly washed away when she heard his voice. “Do you want to?”

She had no reason to be nervous; it was only Aemond! “Ok..turn around though!” Elaena tried to undo her dress quickly but the sound of him jumping in the water happened faster. She fought with her dress as she ripped it off her head and threw her undergarments to the ground.

The excitement that was building was too much for her to handle. Before Aemond could turn she leaped into the water. The feeling terrified her at first, but after a second it was calm. She stared at the stars from beneath the water in awe. Aemond heard her jump in and didn’t see her come up and quickly became panicked. He dove underneath the water to look for her, but it was too dark. He stared down for a moment and called her name…nothing. Just before his heart could burst into flame, he felt a small finger tap his back. He turned and a splash of water was spewed into face. “You little rat! Come here!” The sounds of children’s laughter and water splashing echoed within the cave for hours. It was a truly pure sight to behold.

Aemond pulled Elaena back up to the shore and sparked the fire once they were done. He delicately wrapped her in the blankets he previously bought and sat down next to her. She leaned her head onto his shoulder. “Thank you.” The words sounded like honey dripping from her mouth. He was feeling rather prideful at this moment…bet the bastard couldn’t offer this. “This place is our secret spot now…You can bring your paints or whichever project you’re doing, and we can escape here.” Elaena nuzzled closer into him. “I’d like that a lot.” A soft smile formed on his face. “I know you think you’re a nobody but to me you’re everything…and I think you’re destined for great things.” Elaena popped her head up and stared at him. For a moment he worried he did something wrong. Instead, she placed a quick kiss on his kiss. “I think you’re destined for great things too.” Her lips curved upwards, and the shadow of the fire danced around the features of her face. Aemond pulled Elaena back into his embrace and laid there.

They accidentally spent the night there and rushed home in the wee hours of the morning. It became a habit they couldn’t break even as adults.

Three years later....

Elaena hadn’t grown at all over the years. Her chest slightly enlarged, and her body began to grow hair but that was all. She was recently told about her blood moon and when she got it, she would have to marry like Helaena. That haunted her nearly every day. Mainly because her sister's marriage was so horrible and not once did, they seem happy. Aegon spent one night with her, and she had twins later on. Then according to rumors, he himself made bastards. She no longer liked her eldest very much and they weren’t close by any means.

She asked, “When are they coming?” Aemond clenched his jaw at the reminder. “On the morrow.” Elaena felt a nervous pit welling in the depths of her stomach. “Maybe we can just run away whilst they’re here. I doubt anyone would care.” He let out an amused breath. “They might not care for my absence, but they will be reeling over yours.”

Aemond hated the bastards and his half-sister more than he would admit to her. They were greedy and took whatever they wanted without any thought. They had no discipline or sense of duty, only fueled by their own desires. He recently had started to understand his feelings for Elaena more. As a child it was a crush now it was more of a lov- liking. He liked her very much and would have no issue cutting down Jacaerys if he touched her. Aemond refused to let them take anything else from him.

He took his life far more seriously after he was maimed. He had to relearn everything from scratch due to his vision. He studied far harder than the rest, he trained in combat more vigorously and he practiced flying with Vhagar. He was the catalyst in making him feel less alone and their bond was special. It boosted his ego riding the largest dragon, but it did not make him forget his supposed place. He not only lived in the shadow of brother but the bastards as well. None of them deserved what was so freely given.

Aemond was insecure about his eye, but Elaena soothed the feeling. It was a talent of hers to always keep him grounded. He only wore an eyepatch to not scare the ladies at court. The sapphire he placed in his socket was for multiple reasons. At first it was to simply fill the void. Then it was because Elaena became obsessive over the color. Lastly it was because it was his own personal sigil. The sapphire gem symbolized Prince Aemond Targaryen.

“We’re going to be late to dinner.” Elaena spoke as she finished picking up the ripped paper. Aemond held his arm out and waited for her to take it. It was common for him to escort her everywhere.

The large table was set with a white linen tablecloth to cover the table. Dark wood chairs with soft cushioned seating surrounded the table. Glassware and cutlery of fine silver and crystal was set on the table, arranged in an elegant display.

The meal consisted of pigeon pie, an assortment of shellfish that was recently shipped in, an array of steamed vegetables and a broth to wash down the pie. Dessert hadn’t yet been served but Elaena knew it would be a combination of custard and candied plums. She made sure to check ahead of time to see if her favorites would be there.

Everyone at the table drank wine except for her. She couldn’t drink the water in King's landing. You were more likely to get a disease than be hydrated. So, she turned to water with just a tad bit of “beer” in it to kill the nasty things in the water. Some may say she was mildly traumatized after the first time she drank.

The king sat in the middle of the table. His skin was decaying less, and his spirits were high. Her mother was on his left and grandsire on his right. On the opposite side of the table sat Daeron, Elaena, Aemond, Helaena, and Aegon in that order. Daeron came a few days ago for the celebration of the king’s health. Rarely did they get together for supper like this, so it must have been a really important occasion.

“Eat your food.” Aemond whispered into her ear. “I thought we got exotics shipped in?” She asked in a hushed tone. “It’s for the week that they are here, not for us.” Elaena pouted at the reminder they were never going to be the ones to receive the good tasting things from Essos. “Don’t worry, I’m sure there will be lemon pies tomorrow.” Daeron chimed in.

Viserys coughed to gain the four children’s attention. Elaena avoided eye contact with her father, or well the king. “I’m sorry I have gathered you all here tonight on short notice…As you all know my health has been improving and I have invited many Lords and Ladies to celebrate it. My daughter- Princess Rhaenyra and my grandsons will be coming as well. I beseech you to put aside your grievances and welcome them with open arms.” The room was silent as the king smiled at them.

Their mother nodded her head in their direction to encourage them to speak. “Of course, your grace.” Daeron spoke. The rest hummed and nodded in agreement. They would not be putting aside their grievances any time soon. Viserys cleared his throat and turned to Elaena. “This will be a great opportunity to get to know your future husband, Elaena. I’m sure you both have much to catch up on.” The meal was ruined in an instant. “Yes, your grace.” She spoke softly to him but under the table she was digging her nails into her thighs.

The king sat back down and requested the bards to play music to rid the room of its silence. Aemond slipped his hand under the table and placed it on top of hers. “Do not fret, you won’t be catching up with him anytime soon.” She let out a deep breath and stared at her food. “He’s a fool to think a marriage will end the strife between us.” Daeron spoke in a hushed voice. Aemond’s lip curved into a smirk. “Be wary, his ears have yet to deteriorate.”

Elaena’s mind raced with all the worst images. Firstly, how terrible her marriage would be compared to all the ones around her. Rhaenyra cheated on her first husband then he and her lover died. Her own mother was a child when she married her father and has been miserable ever since. Helaena doesn’t even speak to Aegon except for the two times he spent the night in her room since they were wed. The entire prospect was terrifying and sounded dreadful.

It was not only that, would they even get along after three years? She did not like him, but he could change that… maybe. If he was as holy as her and proved he had changed. After all, it was Lucerys who took Aemond’s eye. If she married him, she would have to live with that creature.

Jacaerys was named the heir to the throne and such. That would mean she would have to learn how to be a consort. It was an entirely new stress on its own. Then she would be forced to push out as many heirs as possible. Would she die in childbirth like so many before her? The maesters said she was probably too sickly to ever carry. How did you even get pregnant? How do you give birth?

Elaena’s attention was turned to Helaena’s swelling belly. She already has twins of her own now but a third was on its way. She contemplated asking for half of the dinner. When the dessert was brought out, she blurted it out like an idiot. “Helaena, where did your babies come from?” Aegon choked on his drink and Daeron slapped his mouth close to prevent from laughing. Alicent and Aemond’s entire body tensed at the question. Viserys and Otto turned to Alicent, questioning her. Elaena beat bright red and stuttered, “I- I know you can only have them if you’re married but how? Where do they come from? How do you bring them into this world?”

Helaena looked as if she was about to answer honestly, she was just as unaware as Elaena but was quickly cut off by the sounds of Aegon and Daeron laughing hysterically. “Aemond do- “Alicent quickly chimed in “Do not answer that!” Aegon spoke, “I’m assuming you don’t frequent the street of silk.” Aemond seemed rather angry when he said that and pushed his chair out. “Shut up!” Aegon stood up out of his chair with a cocky grin. “Why? Are you planning to show her yourself?” Aemond punched Aegon in the jaw and he stumbled back. Aegon lunged at him and grabbed him by the waist. “Cease this at once!” Shouted Viserys.

“Let’s go.” Daeron pulled her by the arm and took her out of the room before it escalated. Elaena had tears in her eyes, violence wasn’t her forte. “I- I didn’t mean to.” Her brother patted her back, “Of course, they’ll use any excuse to duel.” She began fiddling with the sleeves of her dress. “Will you tell me?” Daeron let out a sigh, “That’s a conversation you have with Helaena in private. Maybe even mother if you must.” Elaena simply hummed in response.

She sat at her table writing a rather dull poem. Nothing she wrote was ever good enough to her standards, but she was trying. It was her newest obsession that took over her life.

Dear Husband

Teach me how to live

Without crying

For what is past

Teach me how to live

Without fearing

For what is coming

Teach me how to live

Without yearning

For what I haven’t

Teach me that living

Is more than surviving

But it is thriving

She stared at the page and repeated the words in her head until they grew worn out. Nothing she did was ever truly good enough for her. No matter what she could always do better and be better. This was a trick her own mind played on her. Elaena could create the most perfect piece of artistry known to man, but she would not think it. Just like how her family did not think she was enough, just like how she knew she would never be enough for them.

She dreamed of escaping and living a different life. Her daydreams were filled with fantasies of her being the perfect daughter with the perfect life. If not that then the perfect septa with the perfect faith. She would be the most perfect poet, painter, seamstress, jeweler, musician, dancer, dragon-rider, teacher, storyteller, midwife, and baker. Elaena had many dreams that would amount to nothing.

“Elaena.” Aemond spoke from the chair he sat in. He was here the entire time but was too busy brooding over dinner. “Yes.” She spoke, clearly not paying him full attention. “Don’t listen to Aegon... and don’t follow him anywhere.” She let out a sigh and got up from her desk. He was traumatized at the ripe age of thirteen by Aegon, but she did not know why. Aemond wouldn’t tell her what happened either.

She placed herself on his lap and curled into his chest. Elaena twisted a strand of his long hair between her fingers. “I have no intention of ever doing either.” Aemond placed his head atop her own. “Good.” Elaena sunk further into his lap and raised her head to meet his gaze. “Will you tell me where babes come from?” He bit the inside of his cheek to hold back a laugh. Aemond took a deep breath, “I’ll show you one day.” He placed a quick kiss on her forehead.

Aemond was her savior in many ways.

Elaena was the only person forced to stand outside and greet her other family with the king. She wore a veil to hide her hair and a dress of pale pink and purple silk, with jewelry made of pearls. It wasn’t too lavish but far more than what she wanted to wear. She didn’t mind the color though she preferred off-whites. It was just a bit much; she normally seldom wore any jewelry.

The sun shone brightly on the courtyard. It hurt her eyes and made her dress uncomfortably hot. Elaena wasn’t completely alone, Aemond and Daeron were pretending not to be staring out the window and monitoring her every move. It was rather creepy, but they did not trust the Velaryons.

“Are you excited to see them again, your grace.” The king smiled down at her. “Yes, very much so. Are you happy to see Jacaerys again?” Elaena forced a fake smile. “I am truly ecstatic for his arrival.” The conversation ended just as quickly as it started. They never talked… unless it was about him.

The carriages pulled up and a trumpet was sounded. A few king’s guards went to escort them. Her heart began to race and the grip on her dress became overpowering. He had changed a lot since she last saw him. He was taller and had long curly hair like Ser Harwin. Jacaerys was handsome in some senses. The closer they approached the deeper her nails dug into her side.

“Rhaenyra!” The king exclaimed and embraced his only daughter. Daemon simply nodded at his brother. Rhaenyra moved in front of Elaena, and she swore she felt her heart plummet. “You haven’t changed much at all.” The woman smiled sweetly. “You still look beautiful sister, though I see your belly has swollen. Do I have another nephew or niece coming?” She trained hard for today with her mother. Every single sentence she spoke must be friendly but not too friendly. “Hopefully a girl this time.” She nodded her head in agreement and her eyes moved to Daemon.

He was a scary man whose age was beginning to show. He did not speak nor smile, only stared at her like she was a piece of rubbish. It sent shivers down her spine. “Elaena.” A sword was plunged into her gut. “Jacaerys.” She ignored the pain and kept up the act. “It’s so good to see you again!” He embraced her in a crushing hug. It was the last thing she expected, and she truly did not know what to do. “Jace… you’re much stronger than I remember.” Elaena patted his back a few times and he pulled back. “I have grown a lot. You haven’t changed much, you’re still as tiny as ever.” It was like staring at a puppy dog. His big brown eyes beat into hers with genuine excitement, totally oblivious to his surroundings. She scoffed, “I am average sized for my years!”

Aemond’s grip on his sword tightened. “What could they possibly be talking about?” Daeron said whilst leaning on the edge of the window. Aegon scoffed, “Probably about how big his cock has grown.” Aemond clenched his jaw, “The bastards are being too friendly.” In unison the other two agreed. They didn’t all share the same feeling for Elaena as Aemond but they all shared a hatred for the bastards. They were not allowed around their sisters. Daeron jested, “Go down there before he takes your woman.” Aegon laughed, “It would be easier to take his other eye.” Aemond realized he was surrounded by fools.

“Elaena, will you please escort your nephews to their rooms,” Viserys asked. “Of course, your grace.” She bowed her head and motioned for the two eldest Velaryons to follow her. Lucerys hid behind Jace like a child, that was smart of course no one had forgotten what he did to Aemond’s eye. “I thought Baela and Rhaena lived with you now. Why did they travel separately?” Jace perked up at the mention of Baela. “Oh, they wanted to travel here with their grandparents instead.” Elaena nodded her head.

“Do you always call your father your grace? I’ve only heard my mother do it a few times.” The sword in her gut twisted deeper. “Yes, it is just what I’m used to.”

Jacaerys knew he shouldn’t have asked but he did it anyway. His brain could never just simply think before it muttered words out. He had been anticipating seeing her again for the longest time. He sent her letter after letter and received no reply. Except for one on his birthday that sounded like it was forged. In the past three years he worried she had grown to despise him and his family, but it seemed she remained the exact same.

Jace took his betrothal very seriously. It didn’t matter if they didn’t always get along, they were to be married. It was important they found common ground and made amends, or both would be miserable. He had tried to apologize more times than he could count but once again, he received no letters back. His mother claimed it was Alicent preventing her from seeing them, but he wanted to check for himself.

When they were young, he had this mad childish crush on her. He was rather excited when the king announced their future marriage but over the years, he started to get nervous. Especially since Baela arrived and they got on rather well. She took Elaena’s place in many ways. Well, he never kissed her or swore a vow under a sacred tree, but she was there for him like Elaena used to be. Jace started to think they would betroth them instead but luckily the king was adamant on the former.

“We made sure your rooms were right next to each other. I heard you two are quite close.” Elaena clapped her hands together and prepared to leave. “Will you be joining us later?” Lucerys asked from behind. Dear gods, please grant me the strength to handle this child. “Yes Luke! I will be hoping to see you both there… I do have to run and finish my own duties though. It was nice to see you again.” She waved and took off down the corridor before they could say otherwise. Elaena was not going anywhere without Aemond.

Elaena sat in the carriage with Aemond and Daeron peacefully waiting to go to the woods for a hunting party. The trio was dreading having to go out and endure the festivitie with their extended family. Not to mention the Lords and Ladies who would surely be following their every move trying to grasp for power. A worse fate was bestowed upon them though when the doors to the carriage opened.

“My Princes, Princess, the other carriages were full so the king requested Prince Jacaerys and the ladies Baela and Rhaena ride with you.” The knife in her gut dug its way a little further inside. “Joy.” Daeron said as he shoved himself besides Elaena and Aemond. “You’re squishing me, Brother.” He rolled his eyes, “It’s not my choice, dear sister.” Aemond closed his eye and leaned his head back. He was praying for strength to not strangle Jace the second he walked in.

The other trio climbed inside and sat snuggly opposite to the Hightowers. “Cousins.” Baela smiled politely at them. “It’s good to see you again. It’s been far too long.” The words dripped off her tongue like sour wine. The tension was growing too strong for anyone's enjoyment. “I don’t think you’ve met Daeron! He’s just come back from Oldtown to visit.” Elaena shook his thigh motioning for him to speak. He was always charming when he wanted to be. surely he could find something to say. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you cousins. I hope you have been treated well during your stay.” He outstretched his hand motioning for them to shake it. Both girls softly shook it and turned to each other, they were speaking with their eyes.

The carriage took off and Elaena’s head hit the back wall. Aemond opened his eye and placed a hand on hers. Jacaerys did not enjoy what he was watching nor was he going to allow it. “Elaena, why weren’t you at dinner last night?” She pulled her hand away and clasped it with her own. “Do you remember how entranced I would get in things I enjoyed? Well I recently started writing and I lost track of time.” A smirk creeped onto Aemond’s face at her lie. She was with him all yesterday avoiding any interactions.

“Ah! I remember you forgetting to eat or bathe for days because you were wrapped up in painting… Do you still paint?” Jacaerys didn't mean any harm but by the sudden twitch of her brow and Baela biting her lip he said something wrong. “Yes… I still do paint sometimes but I no longer forget to bathe.” Jacaerys shook his head, so that was what he said that was wrong. He didn’t mean to be so awkward and occasionally dull he just didn’t think before he spoke. He tried to quickly change the conversation to something.

“Does Urrax still behave like a hound?” Elaena sat up straight and forced a smile.

“Yes, but she is still too sickly to ride.” Baela raised her eyebrows. “It must be hard being a Targaryen and not being able to ride a dragon.” Rhaena seemed to melt into her seat. It wasn’t a jab at her sister but rather the Hightowers. The knife was deep enough in Elaena’s gut she could no longer breathe. “She rides Vhagar all the time. Rhaena is the only one who hasn’t flown.” Aemond finally spoke and his eyes shot daggers into the girl. Everyone turned to look at the prince. The air turned cold and the world stilled.

“The dragon keepers said Urrax is growing at the same pace as Elaena. It’s a sign their connection is very strong.” Daeron chimed in with a smirk. Before the fight that was brewing could break out Elaena decided to speak. “Rhaena you might be able to take an egg from Dreamfyres next clutch! If not, when Urrax grows you can ride with me.” She smiled at the girl. Elaena understood what she was going through and seeing the embarrassment and sadness in her eyes was too much. She decided to reach out to the girl in the best way she knew how. “Thank you, Elaena.”

It was the first time she ever referred to her by her name. She smiled, “The gods will provide for you, just like they do with all their children.” That bit didn’t seem to hit it off like her original statement. It seemed no one else here was faithful. She sunk back into her seat and painfully waited for the journey to end.

Aemond was seething internally and resisting the urge to lunge towards the plain featured boy. Not to mention the little wench seated next to him. He never held a big grudge against the two girls, they were easily forgettable. The eldest sister though had a stench that reeked of jealousy. Elaena was oblivious to it as she was too pure and too kind but he saw it. She wanted the bastard boy all to herself and he would gladly encourage it. Elaena was not to be touched by sin and Jacaerys was the embodiment of it.

Jacaerys hated Aemond Targaryen with his entire being. He threw slanders at him all throughout childhood. He took his cousin's dragon before she ever got a chance to claim it. And he was far too close to his sister. The words that came out of his mouth were laced with envy. He had feelings for his future wife. It was unacceptable by all means, even Baela had taken notice of it. Aemond was the personification of cruelty and Elaena was not to be defiled by such a thing.

Daeron wanted to throw himself out of the window. The awkwardness was unbearable and he kept accidentally brushing his feet against Rhaena’s. It was obvious there were two in this cart who loathed the wedding and it was not the future couple. His sister wouldn’t marry a bastard, she deserved better. But he wasn’t about to start a brawl in a carriage like the other two “men”.

Rhaena hated uncomfortable situations. She hated how she always had to be reminded she had no dragon. Aemond stole her dragon from her, though he paid a great price for it. The loss of his eye is why she forgot about Vhagar and tried to think of other ways. Elaena was just as kind as Jacaerys said she was, though she seemed a little air-headed. Maybe they could be friends and bond over their lack of flying… or maybe not because the tension was too much.

Baela was annoyed most of all. Jacaerys forgot how she never wrote to him, visited, or bothered to remember that they were to wed. She was the same as all the other Hightowers but he refused to accept it. She wished Elaena could just disappear or marry her damn brother already. Jace deserved a better wife than what she could be.

The cart came to a halt and Elaena began to thank the gods. She sprung out of her seat and was the first to rush out the door. Once again, she could finally breathe.

There was a grand procession of nobles and knights, accompanied by musicians and elaborately decorated carriages. The attendees were dressed in brightly-colored clothing, carrying weapons and shields emblazoned with their house banners. The tents were all decorated in the appropriate house colors and tables lined the yard for people to feast.

During royal hunts like these an exciting animal hunt would take place, often involving beasts like stags, boars, and hens. A grand bonfire would be held late at night. If the favored animal was caught someone would bless it and it would be made a main course. The furs or interesting bones would be made into decor… though Elaena didn’t like that.

As for the small festivities for children to partake in there were few. Rock throwing contests and a game of tug o war at best. Mostly, you were forced to listen to gossip from the noble houses and pretend to care.

Elaena walked off in the direction of the royal tent. She did not care about leaving anyone behind, she needed to escape quickly. “Princess, it’s good to meet you.” She stumbled into the young Blackwood boy. He was around her age and had curly black hair and big brown eyes. He was skinny in stature but looked to be fit. “Hi, Benjicot?” He nodded at her. “Yes! but most people just call me Benji.” She smiled, “it’s good to meet you Benji. Have you come all this way by yourself?” He shook his head no, “My father is in the tent waiting for the king’s arrival. Did you come by yourself?”

Elaena looked around and realized her family was either still in the cart choking each other or escaped to nearby areas. “No… I came with my brothers but I think they’ve run off already.” Benji shuffled in his place for a moment. “… if you’d like you can come with me! I was about to go fishing at the river nearby.” She peered around and noticed the Lords had already whisked away her brother. “I’m not sure where my mother is… If I go we have to tell your father in case I get lost.” Benjicot excitedly nodded and took her hand to drag her over to his father… This may be the first friend Elaena had ever made.

Elaena was struggling to keep up her pace with the Blackwood boy. She was rather frail and struggled to do any type of long distance walking, labor, chores… anything physical. The river was quite large and the water was flowing fast. Benji said fast moving water meant bad fishing conditions but it didn’t hurt to try.

“How do we fish?” Elaena asked innocently. “Well I’m gonna tie this line to this hook to this stick then I’m gonna put a worm on it then we toss it in the water and wait.” He had a really thick accent that she struggled to understand sometimes. “I can help.. I sew at home so I can tie things well.” Benji excitedly handed her the stick and string and she began tying.

It was as thin as the ones she used to sew and her little fingers were able to loop it perfectly. The hook was harder to attach since you had to avoid being poked. Benji patted her back on her good work and pulled out a bag of worms. In unison the children went, “gross.” They both giggled at their reactions.

“Now that we’ve done this you just toss it in and wait.” Elaena held the stick up and the line swung near Benjicot’s head. He ducked and backed away. “Sorry!” She spoke in a hurry. “It’s your first time, I stuck my dad in the foot once!” Her laughs filled the quiet forest and she aimed once more. It landed in the water but the stream threatened to carry it away.

Aemond was forced to entertain the Baratheon girls who disgusted him. Elaena had wandered off with a Blackwood boy and had yet to return. He was practically jumping out of his skin waiting to go and find her. It only got worse when he noticed Jacaerys disappear from the tent. Was he going after her? Aemond stood to go and follow but his mother pulled him back. “It’s not your business.” The words beat into his head like a drum. It was completely and utterly his business.

Aegon was having a lovely time drinking and ignoring everything around him. He hadn’t yet realized his sister disappeared or that his sister-wife was casually conversing with Daemon. His eyes flung open when he realized what was happening. He may not love Helaena as a wife but gods be damned if Daemon Targaryen touched her.

Daeron was casually talking to many Lords and Ladies. He was taught that it was not only polite but very good to make connections. He noticed Elaena hadn’t returned in a while but doubted she would ever get into any trouble. Every once in a while he turned to observe Aemond practically bouncing out of his seat waiting for a chance to escape. It was honestly a little pathetic.

Lucerys felt trapped inside the tent with everyone. He knew half of these people thought he was a bastard and hated him. The other half liked him but also knew he was a bastard. It was a terrible situation all around. Jacaerys had just left to go and find Elaena who ran off hours ago. He didn’t dislike her at all but would prefer if Jace just married Baela instead. She was nice to him and there was no strife between their families. He sighed and sunk down into his chair trying to ignore all the stares and weird looks he was receiving.

Baela and Rhaena were both bored out of their minds. As women they were forced to listen to the other ladies gossip their heads off. It was an endless symphony of nonsense that did not matter in the long run. The pair had learned to communicate with their eyes and both were annoyed. The bonfire should be starting soon was all they kept repeating to themselves to get them through the afternoon.

The sun was lower in the sky now and no sign of any fish. However, they had taken up trying to skip rocks. The sounds of crunching leaves from behind caused them both to jump. “Calm down, it’s only me.” Jacaerys stumbled over the rocks and leaves and joined the children.

“Who’s this?” Jace asked whilst staring at Benji. “Benjicot Blackwood, My Prince.” He smiled and shook the boy's hand. “You can call me Jacaerys!” Elaena felt a wave of nerves rush over her. He approached and she nearly ran off again. “Fishing? I never thought you liked outdoors stuff.” His voice was kind and soft. It did well to quell her nerves. “I’m trying it out but we’re not catching anything.”

Jacaerys looked at the water and sighed. “It’s because the current is too strong.” Benji glanced around, “It was the only river near us.” Elaena had been here every year for birthdays or other celebrations. She knew one other stream that could work though they would have to cross the river. “I know of one other. If we walk a little farther ahead there should be a broken tree we can climb across.”

Benjicot perked up and pulled his pole out of the water. “Let’s go then!” Elaena was glad someone was finally listening to her ideas. Jace wasn’t following their movements though. “Aren’t you coming?” She asked.

That was all the initiative Jacaerys needed and he took off after the other two.

The walk to the fallen tree was very peaceful. The trio seemed to get along rather well and even Elaena wasn’t having a hard time talking to Jace. All thoughts of him being a bastard and Aemond’s incident melted away. The trees grew thicker and the grass as little denser as they walked through less charted territory. “Do you think we’ll get in trouble for being out so far?” Elaena turned on her heels and faced the boys. “When my brothers and I come out here no one seems to notice.”

“How do you always manage to go unnoticed? If I leave for a second my mother sends a search party.” That was a very interesting question. The real reason was because no one cared about Elaena or what she was doing. “I never cause trouble so they never get concerned.” She smiled brightly at Jacaerys implying he was a troublemaker. He rolled his eyes and walked closer to her. “I don’t cause trouble either!” Elaena chuckled, “I bet you don’t.”

“Do you guys not have royal guards follow you or is this a rare occasion?” They both turned and thought to themselves. “Well… I don’t have an assigned one so no.” Jace chimed in, “It depends on if I’m with people my mother trusts or not.” That caught her attention extremely quickly. Rhaenyra… trusted her? Is that why he was allowed to come out here? It was probably the most shocking revelation of her life.

“There it is!” Jacaerys shouted and pulled Elaena towards the broken tree faster. She was completely out of breath once they were at the foot of it. She took a look around and noticed the current had picked up here and the log was slightly deteriorated. “How do we get across?” Benjicot asked whilst staring at the old trunk.

“I just walk across… or you can crawl.” Jacaerys got excited and proclaimed, “I’ll go first!” Elaena pulled his arm back. “No! You need to watch me so you know how to do it.” Benjicot nodded his head in agreement. He was examining the wood and it didn’t look as sturdy as she originally claimed. Since she’s done it before maybe she just knew how to walk across it without breaking it.

“What if you fall? You can’t swim.” Jacaerys said with furrowed brows. She groaned, “If I fall the gods want me dead.” He shook his head in shock at what she just said. Elaena smiled and patted his chest. “Just follow after me okay?” The boys nodded in unison.

She climbed onto the tree and struggled to find her footing at first. Her legs were unusually shaky today because of the exercise. Her illness hadn’t completely gone away. She stood up and nodded her head in reassurance. Elaena was slowly inching her way across the trunk. It was hard to keep her balance and it was even harder when the log wouldn’t stop shaking.

Creaaaak

Fear shot up her spine and she froze. It had never made that noise before nor had it felt so loose beneath her.

Creaaaak

“Jaceeee!” Her voice was laced with fear. The log began to move underneath her. “Elaena!” He moved forward towards the log. “Don’t move!” She took a deep breath in and felt tears welling in her eyes. She should have stayed home. She should have never left.

Creaaak

“Jace!” She screamed. “Elaena!”

Snap

Elaena didn’t have a moment to catch her breath before she was engulfed in the freezing water. Her dress was too thick to swim in and she wasn’t strong enough either. The current took her away and sucked the air out of her body. Water began filling her lungs faster than she could push it out.

“Go get my mother!” Jacaerys shouted and before Benji could say anything he dived in. The water was freezing but it wasn’t different from Dragonstone. He pushed his way to the surface and thrashed around looking for her. “Elaena!” The current was taking him towards wherever she was. “Elaena!” He went under for a second time, the water was stronger than he imagined. “Elaena!” Jacaerys frantically shouted looking for any sign of his future wife.

Benjicot Blackwood had never ran faster in his entire life. He had just witnessed two of the nobility fall into a river. To make it worse he thought he was actually making friends for the first time. His little legs began to ache as he neared the camp. Sweat and tears poured down his face and soaked his shirt. He avoided his fathers tent and ran directly towards the royals.

“Help!”

He shouted running into the tent and two guards grabbed him. “Please! It’s the princess! I need to speak to the king!” He spoke through pants.

“Let him through.” Rhaenyra stood out of her seat and waited for whatever the boy was about to say. The tent was filled with The king, the Queen, the hand, the council members, Rhaenyra, Daemon, Lucerys, Baela, Rhaena, Joffrey, Rhaenys, Corlys, Aegon, Aemond, Helaena, and Daeron. The king stood up and motioned the boy over.

Benjicot was speaking through tears. “Elaena! She fell into the river! And I- and I-“ Alicent jumped out of her seat and ran to the boy. “My daughter? What happened to my daughter?!” Benji took a deep breath before letting it all out. “We were at the river and she fell in and the current took her away! Jacaerys jumped in after her and told me to tell his mother!”

Aemond jumped out of his seat and ran off before anything could be said. “Shit!” Daeron stood up and took off after them. Aegon drunkenly got up out of his chair and tried his best to run towards a horse. Everyone knew she couldn’t swim and everyone knew he wasn’t strong enough to out swim a current.

Elaena woke up coughing hysterically. Everything felt cold and her entire body ached. Her eyes fluttered open and closed. She felt a pair of lips on hers and a gust of air enter her lungs. Elaena pushed them off her and rolled onto her side. She continued to cough up mud, blood, water she could not tell.

“Elaena?!” Two large hands cradled her waist and pulled her back to them. It was dark outside and her ears rang with water. A hand gently caressed her face and pulled it towards them. “Elaena!” She forced her eyes fully open and took in her surroundings. Jacaerys was holding her and it was dark outside. “J-Jace,” Her lungs hurt so bad she could barely speak. “Aemond!” She lunged forward and wrapped her arms around him. The sounds of her sobs echoed throughout the forest. Her mind was flooded with the memory of falling. The water whisking her away and her inability to free herself. The feeling of water filling her lungs and sunken rocks and twigs cutting her limbs. She was a scared girl in general, but nothing compared to this.

He combed the back of her hair as she clung to him. Jace swore when he heard she had fallen, his heart left his body. It shattered into a million pieces and his adrenaline took over. The entire way he feared she was dead. He had no time to pray or think, only race down the stream. It was by the grace of gods she was already washed up on the bank.

When he was blowing his breath into her lungs and pressing on her chest he prayed the gods took him instead. It was foolish and impossible but he was desperate. His Elaena was freezing cold to the touch and was littered with little cuts and bruises. It was the worst sight he had ever laid eyes upon.

It was only when she opened her eyes and coughed up water was he able to finally relax. His heart mended itself and his mind almost cooled down. Now she was shaking in his grip and he worried she was going to have a fever.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to- “ He pushed her back and stared into her teary eyes. It would never be her fault. “Don’t be. You can’t control the river.” He cupped her cheek and stared into her watery eyes. “You haven’t done anything wrong.” A different feeling rose in Elaena’s chest. One that she hadn’t felt before. It embraced her heart and its warmth radiated throughout her body. Is this what love feels like? She could not say for sure. She cupped his face with her hands and examined his features closely. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Elaena raised her chin and gently touched his lips with her own. The world around her melted and so did her fears. It was a comfort she didn’t realize she had.

Jace’s soul left his body. His eyes stayed open and stared at her. Was this real? Was this really happening? He noticed her smile falter and her eyes start to open and he regretted taking so long. He pushed her head into his and connected their lips once more. Her lips were soft and molded around his perfectly. He felt his entire body warm in her embrace. Every problem in his life melted away at that moment. His thoughts consisted of two simple sentences….

‘Fuck Aemond Targaryen…’

‘I win’

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