#book!rhaenys the queen who should have been

[sarcasticsweetlara]

I can't help but have another image vibe of Alicent's book depiction.

All my respect to Olivia Cooke, but Book! Alicent is slender and graceful to Show! Alicent who seems to try to hide herself, and Book! Alicent is so witty, sassy (a trait she passed down to all her children) and unafraid to use the power she has as queen consort and then queen mother in a manner that Show! Alicent could never be.

Whether you prefer her book version or show version is up to you, but you can not deny Book! Alicent is indeed more powerful and less maleable than Show! Alicent, the show runners wanted to make her more sympathetic but they didn't have to strip her of her agency.

Book! Alicent would have never showed Larys her feet, she would have made him give her information whether he wanted or not as Book! Alicent was in more control of her power, and the thing with the Green Council is that she initiated it! Alicent wanted to protect her children, yes, but that scene should have portrayed her power and control of the Council not this meek woman who everyone kept in the dark about their plans for her son that she believed in.

Also, Book! Corlys is far more proud than his suck it up version in the show - again my respect to Steve Touissant, but I feel like they failed in portraying that Corlys was not only ambitious but highly cunning, proud and clever that Show! Rhaenyra would have to do more than offer a random proposal (that actually was made by Laena when the children were toddlers) to get him back to her side, she made him her hand in the end.

In both the show and book versions House Velaryon fought for everything they have and Book! Corlys would not let himself and his family be humiliated.

And Book! Rhaenys is brave, witty and with a no-nonsense attitude that she would never let Corlys go over her like Show! Rhaenys.

I know all of them are complex and flawed but it's like the show is refusing to really portray that.

#house targaryen #awoiaf #asoiaf #a world of ice and fire #a song of ice and fire #house hightower #fire made flesh #fire and blood #westeros #we light the way #book!alicent #alicent hightower #book!alicent hightower #hotd #house of the dragon #book!rhaenyra #book!rhaenys the queen who never was #book!rhaenys the queen who should have been #book!rhaenys targaryen (daughter of aemon and jocelyn) #house velaryon #book!corlys the sea snake #book! corlys velaryon #the old the true the brave #book!corlys #book!rhaenyra targaryen

[arabellasleopardcoat]

Pyrite - Chapter 1: Gold Crown

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Daemon Targaryen x Reader.

Chapter Summary: During your first week as the Queen's handmaid, you overhear something you shouldn't have.

Warnings: Discussions of death, grief, abortion, and scheming. None of those happen to reader.

A/N: Alysanne Targaryen, you feminist icon. Mostly context.

As you walk towards the Queen's chambers, you fight a yawn. Despite the excitement you feel, you are still tired, unused to waking up as early as this.

So far, you have led the life of a girl. Playing around the gardens with the other children, running errands for your mother. But today, your life will change. You will go from girl to woman.

Today will be one of the most important days of your existence. The only other event that could surpass it will be the day you finally meet the lady you will serve.

It's a labor of love, your mother says. To serve faithfully next to a Queen is to be strong and loyal, but most of all, loving. You will get to know all her secrets, only you will see her bared body, and all its imperfections. You will learn to love this woman as if she were your little sister, for you will be the only one to know her as she is. Past the crown and the jewels, and down to the very mortal flesh that a Targaryen Queen has.

The Red Keep is where your family has served for generations. Your grandmother is full of tales about the cruelty of King Maegor, and his various wives. Your mother has served Queen Alysanne faithfully, ever since both of them were mere girls. You come from a lineage of handmaidens, born to serve the greatest Queens Westeros has ever seen.

In your family, being born a girl is a blessing. When a boy is born, the family weeps for the opportunity lost. Your mother had been the only girl out of her siblings, and now you, an only child, get to learn her trade.

One of your earliest memories comes with being taught to read and write. A handmaiden must know all the recipes for beauty, and create her own. Never for embellishing herself, but rather her lady. Every woman in your family keeps her own book, tailored to the lady she serves. As a child, you dreamed of the day you would be handed your own journal, and today is the day it will finally happen.

You will get to meet Queen Alysanne today. She is the most loved and kind Queen your family has served. Your mother has always spoken highly of her, telling tales of her beauty and grace.

Her story is the story all little girls dream of living. She had married for love, defying her family, and ended up being the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. She had it all, once. Riches, beauty and a loving family. But as of late, you know her life has not been the fairy tale it used to be.

One of her sons, Prince Aemon, passed away a few years ago. The loss of her daughter had made the Queen even sadder and morose, and now, her other son was rumored to be running himself ragged with the responsibilities that came with being Hand. He worked so much, his health was debilitating.

The Queen walked around the Red Keep as if in a stupor. Your mother said that she had left her changed. No longer, the Queen had a thirst for life, nor did she care much about anything. The only thing that had broken her out of her sadness had been the fact that her granddaughter, Rhaenys, had been declared unfit to be heir to the Iron Throne.

“If your Grace truly believes that women lack the wit to rule, plainly you have no further need of me.” The Queen had said to the King, that time. Everyone found her words so surprising, but not you. Your mother had always said she was a champion for women, noble and commoners alike.

The succession issue was not only the royal's, but yours too. On it depended whom you would serve, which Queen you would tend to for the rest of your days.

Prince Aemon left only one heir. Princess Rhaenys, a beautiful woman who inherited her father's eyes. It should be her who should be Queen, your mother says. It's only right. But she has already been passed over already, the King declared Prince Baelor his heir. Now Prince Baelor is weakening, and the issue resurfaces again.

You think that Princess Rhaenys would make for an interesting lady. She is married already and she has a young son. She would be the first Queen in her own right in the history of Westeros and that would make you at least noteworthy to your family history.

The other option is Prince Viserys. Prince Viserys is said to be peaceful and not very gifted with the sword. That's alright, though. He has a brother to do that for him. Prince Viserys is married to a young girl, around your age. Princess Aemma. They are said to love each other very much, despite having married as children. To her, you could be an older sister, you think. She is said to be very kind and royal, despite being an Arryn by birth.

Both of them have their advantages. Prince Viserys would no doubt bring stability, but Princess Rhaenys would implement changes that would surely benefit women.

It would be exciting to be part of such changes. Your mother always remembers fondly her first days as Queen Alysanne’s handmaiden, when she had convinced her husband to abolish First Night. A terrible northern custom that hurt people like you.

It had made waves, your mother had said. The Lords had not wanted to abolish it. But Queen Alysanne had interfered and saved thousands of young girls just like you.

It's difficult to think of the weak old woman laying on her bed as that same fierce Queen. You are allowed in her rooms at sunrise, with your mother and your journal. You watch as she prepares the room to rise her lady, and you sit quietly with the Queen's jewels on your hands and neck. It's one of your new duties, to warm them for your lady.

She looks frail, sleeping between the covers. Aged. Your mother draws the curtains of the room open. In the morning light, antiques and silks shine like jewels. It's ostentatious, and it makes you sick. Only the gowns in this room could feed three or four families for a year.

“It won't be long before now.” Your mother whispers to you. She opens the door and picks up a tray. On it, sits a grapefruit cut in half, eggs, tea, and bread. Your stomach growls. It smells heavenly. Your mother places it on the vanity where you sit, warming your Queen's seat and jewels. It's the worst kind of torture. Your stomach hurts with hunger and you think of your breakfast, a cup of broth that was heavily diluted with water.

As predicted, the Queen slowly starts to stir. She moves, long silver braid whipping around. She has very thin hair, and you wonder how your mother makes up for it. Your journal is ready to note down any tricks she deems to share. You are supposed to note times and other useful things for when the time comes for you to have a lady of your own.

“Good morning, my Queen.” Your mother curtsies, and you hurry to do the same.

“You brought your daughter.” The Queen rasps, eyes still cloudy with sleep. “Come closer.”

Your mothers urges you forward. You obey, unable to believe such an esteemed lady would want to look at you.

“You are a pretty thing.” The Queen says, brushing your cheekbone with her thumb. You lower your eyes, not wanting to offend her by gawking at her. Queen Alyssane's hands are like nothing you've ever felt before, made of the softest velvet. She has never worked a day in her life and it shows. Your mother's hands and yours feel rough by comparison. “Are you married yet?”

“No, my Queen. I wish to settle into my duties first.” You answer, demurely.

“Your duties.” She smiles. “You are a good girl.” Then, to your mother. “I suppose it's not only Rhaenys’s future at stakes, isn't it?”

“It seems like it, my Queen.” Your mother exchanges a look with the Queen. You would never dare gaze upon her like that, but they share a bond after so many years together. Almost a friendship. Or the closest thing to one that a commoner can have with a noble.

“Well. Hopefully, things will speed up soon. I doubt I have many years left, and Jaehaerys…” The distress can be heard in her tone. It makes you feel sad, too. What must it be like to love someone your entire life, and then being parted from them? If you had been in love with someone since you were a child, you wouldn't know how to live without them. It was that fear what had kept the Queen abed. After losing so much, she was afraid to lose even more.

Even if you were not a noble lady, that was a motivation you could understand. Losing your family would devastate you. Fear of it happening again would paralyze you too.

“The King will live longer, your Grace. There is no need to worry.” You said, softly. You weren't too sure it was your place to say so, but your mother's encouraging nod seemed to approve.

“Isn't it? When he insists on her not being Queen. He would rather bypass her rights again instead of naming her Queen.” The Queen said, sharply. Suddenly, she was sitting up straighter on her bed, eyes blazing with fury

“I do not presume to know the King's…” You tried to appease her, but she only became angrier.

“Do you not think it's a sign? Baelor will soon be struck down. I know it. His son is not fit to be King. Rhaenys can rule as well as any man, and she has her husband's support. He rides a dragon too. She also has a strong heir. Why would be Viserys be better?”

“The Lords would…” Your mother interjected, trying to save you from her wrath.

“A cock. He has a cock, and the Lords do too. It is time I show them it doesn't mean what they all think it means.”

And suddenly, Queen Alyssane was alive once more. She got up from her bed and started barking orders to her maidens, you included.

Your mother rushed to clothe her, draping silks over her. The Queen threw them all away, reaching instead for a black dress.

“Get me a quill, girl.” She screamed. “And summon Ser Otto. We have much to talk about.”

So you did. Everyone knew Ser Otto. He was the younger brother of Lord Hightower, and one of the most trusted men in the council. Tall and haughty, he did not take kindly to being summoned in such a way. But once he had a private meeting with Queen Alysanne, his mood greatly improved.

Many more meetings began to take place in the Queen's chambers. Another man had been asked to come and see her. Corlys Velaryon. The Queen said, loudly, that it was about him retaking his position as Master of Ships, but you could tell that was not it.

There was nothing to back your suspicions, though. You were not privy to what happened inside the Queen's chambers, and you only knew so much because you had been tasked with reading outloud her pending tasks each morning.

It was only when Queen Alysanne sent you to pick up some meat pies from the tavern she enjoyed that your suspicions were confirmed.

With your basket and borrowed gold from the Queen, you had gone to the tavern most highborn enjoyed. It was not a real tavern, in your opinion. You had been to a couple of those, with other serving girls and stable boys. Lowborn like you were not allowed here, just as they weren't allowed in the expensive pleasure houses of the Street of Silks. There was no explicit prohibition, but the prices said it all.

What it was, was a good imitation, for young lords to pretend to be having the real experience, and feel adventurous. It was also a good place for seedy meetings among the highborn.

You were making the queue towards the counter to purchase the meat pies, overpriced and made with much better ingredients than any tavern grub when you heard them.

“And you have a daughter, right?”

“A newborn. Alicent.”

At first, you didn't pay much attention, letting the conversation drift over you. It contained nothing out of the ordinary. Just a new father bragging.

“Alicent is a pretty name. Queen Alicent.”

“Laenor is…”

“Barely a few years older than her.”

But then, you realized. You knew those voices! They belonged to the men who often met with the Queen. The one with silver hair was Lord Corlys Velaryon, and he was the husband of Princess Rhaenys. The other one, you could tell, was Ser Otto. There was a third man with them, that you did not recognize. He wore a hood over his head.

“It has a certain ring to it, Hightower.” Lord Corlys laughed.

“We have to move quickly. Before the news spread.” The unknown man said.

“News?” Ser Otto asked, frowning.

“Aemma is pregnant. I fear, if she manages to carry to term, some might prefer Viserys over Rhaenys. If she births a boy…” Lord Corlys grimaced.

“A line of Kings, uninterrupted.” Ser Otto grimaced too.

“She will not birth a boy.” The other man said.

“We can't be too sure about that.”

“I should leave. I have to meet with the Queen in half an hour.” Lord Corlys got up and walked out, passing near you. He spoke the truth. You had read so this morning, on the Queen's itinerary. You tried hard to look very focused on counting your gold coins, despite the Queen having handed you the exact amount.

The silence stretched. Now, you could not hear them as clearly, but you were curious. So you stepped a bit closer and asked the cashier to warm your meat pies, trying to hear more.

“Make sure she does not give birth to a boy.” Ser Otto ordered.

“Trust me. She won't even announce it. I will make sure of it.” The hooded man's voice had a dangerous edge to it.

“We can't have threats to Princess Rhaenys around.”

“And future Queen Alicent, either.” The hooded man replied, his tone turning more teasing. You wondered who this Alicent was, and how they planned to place her on the throne. You did not know any Targaryen by that name.

“That, too. You will be rewarded handsomely, of course.” Ser Otto’s reputation did not indicate him to be humorous, but there was a hint of mirth in his words that could not be faked. He was pleased by the exchange.

“I would like to be Maester of the Red Keep, I think.”

One of the men laughed. The cashier knocked the counter in front of you, annoyed. He was handing you the heated meat pies, and expecting his gold. You paid him without a word. And as you walked towards the exit, bundled pies under your arm, you heard them toast.

“Hear, hear. To Grandmaester Mellos and Otto Hightower, Lord Hand.”

“And baby Queen Alicent.”

“And baby Queen Alicent.”

Your walk back to the castle was troubled. You were smart enough to know the implications of their talk. Did the Queen know? Considering they were meeting outside the Red Keep, it was doubtful. Besides, it didn't fit with what you knew about her. She may have disagreed with the succession, but she would never hurt her granddaughter.

Corlys Velaryon had left before the discussion took place. While as ruthless as his companions, the others seemed wary of involving him. Perhaps because, if the plan was discovered, it would affect Princess Rhaenys claim.

Your mind was racing. You had to tell someone. They were talking about murdering a babe not yet born! Would the Queen believe you? You knew her enough to know that she would not hurt you for speaking, but you doubted she would heed your warning. Instead, she would go straight to Ser Otto. A lowborn girl’s word against the word of a Maester and one of her advisors? The joke told itself.

Your other option was telling the Lord Hand. But Lord Baelor scared you. He was deeply protective of his children after the death of his wife. You didn't know him enough to know he wouldn't murder the messenger.

But you could not keep the memory tucked away either. It burned at you, when you were brushing the Queen's hair. When you were bathing. When you were attempting to fall asleep.

The hooded man said that Princess Aemma would not even get to announce it. Your time was running out. You had to do something.

#daemon targaryen x reader #daemon targaryen x you #daemon targaryen x female reader #daemon targaryen x y/n #daemon targaryen x fem oc #daemon targaryen x oc #daemon x you #daemon x y/n #daemon x reader #daemon fanfic #daemon fic #daemon smut #prince daemon x reader #prince daemon x you #prince daemon targaryen #prince daemon #daemon targeryen x reader #daemon targaryen #hotd daemon #hotd fanfic #hotd x reader #asoiaf fanfic #asoif fanfic #asoiaf #daemon #cristi's bingo #pyrite series

[lunamond]

"And yet you toil still in service to men. Your father, your husband, your son. You desire not to be free, but to make a window in the wall of your prison. Have you ever imagined yourself on the Iron Throne?"

Rhaenys Targaryen, Ep 9

There are a lot of moments in Hotd that are quite dumb. But this is probably one of my most hated quotes in the whole show.

What does Rhaenys even mean by this?

"You toil in service of men"???

Ehm, Rhaenys?? That's literally all you've been doing this whole season?!

There could definitely have been a version of Rhaenys (based on the book) who is ambitious and focused on her own power, but that is absolutely not show!Rhaenys. Throughout the show, Rhaenys continuously helps Corlys to advance his various schemes to build his legacy.

Not her or even their legacy, no, it's all about HIS legacy.

She is even willing to sacrifice her children for this purpose (marrying Laena to Viserys, and Laenor to Rhaenyra). And while she is critical of this both times, she still goes along with her husband’s demands.

Her behaviour perfectly lines up with what Alicent says:

“We do not rule, but we may guide the men that do.”

And then the most offensive parts:

"You desire not to be free, but to make a window in the wall of your prison."

Ok? What should Alicent do then? Just casually dismantle the entire system of patriarchy?

This line is just utterly baffling to me. It would be one thing if this moment revealed a deep internal bias on Rhaenys' part, but based on the way this entire scene is framed and discussed by the fandom, it seems to be meant as a badass moment in which Rhaenys really calls out Alicent.

But, if we take this prison metaphor a bit further:

If Westerosi patriarchy is the prison and Alicent crowning her son and exerting power only through her influence over him is merely a window, then what does that mean for every Targaryen dragonriding princess or queen that have come before her?

What have they done to dismantle this prison?

I'm personally confused about what exactly Rhaenys is calling Alicent out for? Is she criticising Alicent for not elevating other women? Is she criticising her for not breaking herself out and seizing power?

If it is the former, then Rhaenys is being quite hypocritical, considering that Rhaenyra, in the previous episode, just convinced her to give Driftmark to Lucerys instead of Baela.

Rhaenys herself has scarcely done anything to liberate herself, her daughter or her granddaughter.

If it is the latter, then this is quite tone deaf, considering Rhaenys is part of the ruling dynasty, almost became ruling queen, and in her big show of defiance is literally breaking through the ground massacring hundreds on a dragon.

Rhaenys calling out another woman who has none of these things for not breaking free of these constraints while she herself couldn’t even manage it is quite frankly dumb as hell.

"Have you ever imagined yourself on the Iron Throne?"

This last sentence is probably the dumbest part of this entire quote.

I'm quite honestly baffled by what Rhaenys is even supposed to mean with this. Is she asking if Alicent ever considered ruling through her husband/son? Then, yeah, that's literally what she is trying to do.

But if Rhaenys is asking if Alicent imagined herself literally sitting the throne in her own right.

Like, no? Alicent is only a consort?! Should she do a coup? Overthrow the Targaryen dynasty?

Ultimately, this scene is just really indicative of Hotd's greatest flaw. The writers are aware that the driving source of conflict in both Alicent and Rhaenyra's lifes is the misogyny they experience, but not enough to comprehend this struggle in a nuanced and complicated way.

So instead, they end up putting their female characters in anti female oppression and pro oppression categories.

Either they're rebellious punk rock and not like other girls, or they are a prudish trade wife and are part of women for trump. Either they're Team Black or Team Green.

This is just super disappointing because for one feudal patriarchy doesn't work like that, but it also takes away all sympathy from the women who don't have the ability for open defiance out.

In the end, the show is more concerned with giving the "good" women, badass girlboss moments, showing how they defy the system.

#house of the dragon #hotd season 1 #the green council #alicent hightower #hotd critical #rhaenys targaryen

[missglaskin]

if Rhaenyra and Laenor married in the Laenor’s Daughter timeline would the line of succession be messed up? cause Rhaenyra is obviously going to claim toddler!Reader as her own the moment she can, putting her above Jace and Luke in the lines of succession since she’s older, right? i feel like Viserys would be supportive if Rhaenyra were to insist the Reader be her heir but only on the condition she take a valyrian husband as to not fuck up the bloodline.

the Blues are supportive because they know Laenor will most likely struggle in producing a trueborn heir and they had claimed her one of their own years ago and are thrilled as the prospect of being queen after.

the Greens are thrown for a loop by the entire situation honestly. there isn’t a fibre in Otto’s body that is willing to overthrow the Reader so he spends the next twenty years encouraging Aegon or Aemond but preferably Aegon to pursue a relationship.

but what really fucks them up is when some dornish prince comes sauntering into the Red Keep, offering his crown in exchange for the Reader’s hand in marriage.

The line of succession will surely be messed up with the reader in the mix. Similar to Rhaenyra’s succession plan, there is an ambiguity in the air. It’s not until Jace is born does the council raise the questions of succession. With Rhaenyra being the heir, it’s no longer about being the first trueborn son but rather being the firstborn child. It will take both Rhaenyra and Laenor to announce the reader being their heir which will put the greens in a tough spot. 

Viserys obviously agrees to this decision and both Rhaenys and Corlys announce their support for the reader. In this case, Jace is the heir to Driftmark and the reader is the heir to the throne. Rhaenyra will plan to marry the reader off to Jace with Laenor reluctantly agreeing. But Alicent and Otto secretly plan to wed off the reader to either Aegon or Aemond. 

Otto doesn’t wish to take the reader’s claim away from her and at least marrying either one of his grandsons means having his blood on the throne. 

If Daemon's son; Viserion is involved. Daemon may push him to wed the reader, after all Viserion is a velaryon and who better to unite the houses than him. It’s a situation made worse when both Daemon and Rhaenyra marry, making the feud between Jace and Viserion much worse and leaves the rest of the court curious on who will come out victorious. Secretly I think Rhaenys would be on Viserion’s side, he’s obviously Velaryon and should be the heir to driftmark but at the same time, he’s Daemon’s son and that leaves one to worry. 

It could even be the reason Vaemond gets involved. He probably cares for the reader and can’t stand the thought of her marrying Jace, who he believes is a bastard. Both Alicent and Otto are fully on his side, but it’s all for their own gains. Removing Jace’s claim means Aemond and preferably Aegon a better chance for the reader. 

Speaking of Aegon, I feel Alicent and Otto will fill his head with all sorts of questionable ideas. They ensure Aegon seems like the best choice for the reader. They will try to convince Viserys to have the reader stay in king’s landing rather dragonstone or driftmark. She’s the heir after all and must be present in all matters and councils. But it’s all a ploy to get her to bond with Aegon (or perhaps Aemond). 

Having the Dorne be involved will just make matters worse. Since Aegon the Conqueror, there have been many attempts to bring Dorne into the fold. Knowing the prince (Qoren) agrees to be under Visery’s rule if he were to marry the reader puts Viserys in a very tight spot. If Viserys agrees, it will go in history books but in doing so, he will also cause the wrath of everyone. 

#yandere house of the dragon #hotd x reader #yandere hotd #yandere x reader #yandere concept #house of the dragon x reader #yandere asoiaf

[zephyrrr101]

A take on Rhaenyra's usurpation and the coming line of succession

I don't usually take sides. I do not. And I'm sorry for the long scroll you've got to do. But reading the succession line page of Fire and Blood kind of makes me very sad.

People can argue whatever they want but saying 'Aegon's ascent was disputed by his half-sister Rhaenyra' rather than 'Rhaenyra's ascent was disputed by her half-brother Aegon' is the worst thing that could happen to her.

Everyone can say whatever they want and I'll take your opinions in consideration, respecting it with grace, but Rhaenyra was the rightful heir till the end of Viserys I's reign. Whether it is the show or book, she remained being one. Despite Alicent doing it willingly or mistakenly, Rhaenyra does get usurped.

This sentence here makes it quite clear that Viserys didn't care about what the Lords of Westeros thought and to be honest, as a king he really does not need to. (And it really does not goes into the point of Maegor doing as he wanted) The king's is the final word when it comes to Monarchy. If Viserys says Rhaenyra is the heir, she is the heir. Jaehaeyrs, named Baelon his heir instead of Rhaenys, Aemon's daughter, because he wanted to, he brought the Council of 101 because he wanted to. Just as Viserys names his daughter his heir because he wanted to. For if he didn't, had Aemma not died, had he not married Alicent, Daemon would be his heir. But this was his first and foremost decision after losing his wife and child.

Many say that if Rhaenyra couldn't bear to do sacrifices then she should have given up her claim but there is one thing that we need to realise.

Rhaenyra was the first ever woman to officially named heir.

Surely, there have been many women who were names heir presumably before.

Aerea/Rhaella Targaryen was heir to both Maegor and Jaehaeyrs.

Rhaena, Aenys' daughter, could have been also considered his heir until Aegon the Uncrowned was born.

But Rhaenyra's accession as the heir is pointed out in book being lavish and how many lords did bend their knee to her. Rhaenyra's accession as the heir and future reigning Queen was a way to open a door, to pave a path for all the other woman born in House Targaryen to be able to get the heirship.

It is not a small thing. It is a duty that she has been given. A duty not just for herself but for all the girls, all the women who might have been born before their younger brothers and could be passed over by them just for the fact of them being woman.

I won't say she didn't make mistakes. She did. But even as a character we need to understand that we read about a human. She did what she had to, to salvage from whatever she was given.

She was given a shitty situation, to be honest. Married to a man who unofficially known to be gay, even the council knew of this when the matter of her marriage was called upon the discussion.

And to be honest, if I were in Rhaenyra's place, being given the ability to change the laws of succession, being able to prove that I could be better than what everyone thought if me, even I would give up my stubbornness and deal with hand that I'm dealt with.

Rhaenyra had more to lose than anyone in this situation. And she would not only bring herself down in this situation but also the other women who would come after her too.

And that's what exactly happened even after trying everything she could.

The line of succession page in the first two images is exactly what ends up happening because some people couldn't bare the thought of Rhaenyra, a woman, ascending the throne.

Because either willingly or mistakenly, Alicent Hightower wanted her blood on the throne as Viserys himself says this in the book.

When we read this highlighted line, we must understand this that Alicent either had talked to Viserys about it or showed it from her actions. And this is being talked pointedly about the book. Not the show. The book.

Rhaenyra's refusal to accept Aegon's accession is no way wrong. She is the rightful heir. It is her right. Something she is given by her father. Something her father didn't want another person, much less his own sons, to have.

And this is usurpation.

This usurpation, The Dance Of The Dragons, it leads to the future kings, Viserys II and his council to consider not putting Aegon III's daughter Daena at the throne after all her older brother were dead. He rather installs himself as the king and then his son, Aegon IV.

Of course, she and her sisters were kept away from the world, all the thanks to Baelor the idiot (I refuse to call him blessed), she could still have learned. She was loved by small folk. Some lords even supported her. But only because her grandmother had been usurped, only because men were too afraid of what would happen if she were to become a reigning queen, too plauged with past to even do the right thing, she too was passed over for her Uncle.

Well here ends my Ted talk.

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Lots of love 💕

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[in-my-feels-probably]

It's Aemond Targaryen you asked, it's Aemond Targaryen we give (and sorry because this is going to be long 😅)

Ok, ever since I read this au where Meraxes wasn't killed and lived until the Dance made me think that she'll def be bigger than Vhagar (since it's established in the books that Meraxes was bigger than Vhagar during the Conquest) this made me think, what if Meraxes, due to her size and her headstrong and tenacious personality, became like a wild dragon and stayed hidden somewhere in Dragonstone after Queen Rhaenys's death because no one is worthy to become her new rider.

Since Meraxes decided to stay hidden, most people over the years believed she really died, until she was discovered by (Y/N) months after her mother Rhaenyra and Daemon's wedding. (Y/N), believed to be Queen Rhaenys I's reincarnation for having the Targaryen looks and personality despite being Jacaerys' younger twin, became worthy to Meraxes and bonded with her to become her rider.

The Blacks knowing that Meraxes will be of great asset to their side decided to keep her a secret and still made everyone in the kingdom, especially the Greens, believe that (Y/N) still doesn't have a dragon. So IMAGINE Aemond's shock when Meraxes and (Y/N) came to Lucaerys and Arrax's aid on that night at Storm's End, saving Luce and arrived at Dragonstone alive. Imagine the shock of the Greens that the Blacks have Meraxes that's bigger than Vhagar on their side, and imagine what Aemond would feel that his precious little niece since he has been pining for her for years.

Doomsday

Hi! This is so long, I’m so sorry. I just had so much to say, I probably should have made this multiple parts. Oh well, I wanted to get it out anyway. I changed a few parts of your request, but nothing major. I hope everything I added is ok, and that you enjoy it. Let me know what you think!

(Warnings: violence, gore, mentions of death, kinda targaryen incest, swearing, let me know if i missed anything)

—

Your relationship with your family was most definitely an interesting one. 

Being the sole daughter of Rhaenyra Targaryen, you had many eyes on you. Especially because you were the only one of her children that resembled her looks. She did eventually have children with Daemon that got the Targaryen features, but for a time, you were the only one. Which was particularly odd, considering you were twins with Jacaerys, who looked nothing like you.

Many speculated that you were a child from another, that Rhaneyra took in as her own. Others suspected that you were her only true child she had with Laenor Velaryon. There were even whispers of you being a reincarnation of past rulers, including Queen Rhaenys. 

Your parents never addressed the silly claims, only ever raising you as a Targaryen and a Velaryon. You were to hold your head up high, just as your Mother did.

Growing up in King’s Landing, there wasn’t much you particularly enjoyed doing. The city wasn’t to your taste. Your brothers and your uncles regularly trained, which you occasionally looked in on to fill the time, but you hardly ever joined yourself. 

Being Rhaenyra’s daughter, and the supposed daughter of Laenor, there was a certain expectation that you train as well alongside your brothers as well. 

However, your family had lots to say about it, especially Aegon. To avoid the harassment, Ser Harwin offered to train you one on one. Ser Criston, biased towards your uncles, made training a very unpleasant experience, and Ser Harwin took it upon himself to make sure you received the same training as your brothers did. You suspected your Mother had something to do with it, but Ser Harwin never made it seem like he was acting on her request. He was always kind to you, which was one of the few perks to living in the capital. 

Occasionally, Aemond would join in on training with you. Your relationship growing up with Aemond was interesting, to say the least. One of the other few perks of living in the city. As children, you bonded over the fact that neither of you had dragons, despite both of you being given dragon eggs when you were born. They never hatched, which Aegon enjoyed taunting you both to no end about. 

Your brothers weren’t as cruel, but they joked with you as well, as young boys tend to do. Jacaerys, your twin brother, often tried to console you about it. Sometimes, he’d let you fly with him on his dragon, Vermax, who seemed to sense how close you were with his rider. As nice as Jace would try to be, he also lived to tease you, as any brother would.

“You’ll have a dragon one day,” he’d tell you. “Besides, it’s only fair, Y/N. You got the silver hair. You're the spitting image of Mother.”

You’d scoff, playfully rolling your eyes at him. “I’ll trade you for a dragon.”

“Then who would keep Aemond company while the rest of us are out flying?”

You remembered the day your brothers and uncle decided it would be funny to tell Aemond they had found him a dragon, and instead brought a pig with parchment wings glued to its back out of the dragon pit. His Mother told him to forget his incessant obsession over having a dragon, but he just couldn’t let it go.

You found him that evening, stalking around in the courtyard, pouting. When he heard you approach, he sniffled and quickly wiped under his eyes, but he knew you had caught him crying. You told him there was no shame in it, and that he did not have to hide that part of himself to you. 

You had sat down, patting the spot on the ground next to you. He relented, taking his place beside you. You sat in comfortable silence, something you often did together. Aemond was never a man of many words, but he was especially quiet in times like this. 

“We will have dragons one day, Aemond. I know it. It does no good to dwell on it now. Don’t give them the satisfaction of seeing your tears. Tell me you know that.”

He turned to you, offering a small smile. “I know.”

He didn’t really believe it himself, but somehow, he knew you were right. You were never able to lie to him, and so he knew you were only ever speaking the truth. And if you believed, he believed it too. Your faith was good enough for him.

Aemond was always good at comforting you, too. 

When you heard news of Ser Harwins death, you were near inconsolable. While you understood the rumors around your family, and you knew in your heart that there was great potential for the man to be your Father, you publicly grieved anyway. 

Aemond threatened to take the tongue of any man who teased you about it. 

—

As you got older, you saw less and less of Aemond. The night Lucerys took Aemond’s eye, defending his brother and Daemon’s daughters, you didn’t exactly take his side. If there was one thing you were, it was loyal to your family. As much as you loved Aemond, you wouldn’t take his side if you knew in your heart that he was wrong. You had told him how you thought him claiming Vhagar was unfair, and that it wasn’t his right to do so. Still, that made it no easier to see him hurt, and permanently scarred. You knew it would leave him vulnerable to torment. 

That night, Alicent attacked your own Mother.

An eye for an eye.

You weren’t having it. Just as fierce and brave as your mother, you stood in front of Luke and Jace, trying your best to protect them. Rhaenyra took a knife for it, and it was the final blow that wedged its way into the middle of your family, dividing the two sides. 

The Greens and the Blacks. 

Alicent wouldn’t allow her sons to be around your brothers for longer than absolutely necessary. By association, this included you too. In your later years, you came to understand why Alicent did all that she did. She just wanted her family safe, and she did what she could with the cards she was dealt. But that didn’t mean that you were happy about it, and you spent what little time you had left in the city trying to make amends with Aemond.

Surprisingly, he wasn’t that upset. The night he was hurt, you had snuck to see him. You profusely apologized, swearing that you never meant for any of this to happen. He had stopped you, sounding much wiser than his age.

“I understand, Y/N. They’re your family. I would never ask you to give up your loyalty for me.”

If only he knew just how much you cared about him, and how you often worried that one day, you would be asked to give it up for him. You could never stomach the idea of truly letting him go. 

At the time, you didn’t know what to say. He was being suspiciously kind, especially after all you said to his mother in your brother's defense. 

“It is a trade that I can bear, Y/N. An eye seems a small price for the largest dragon in the world. You were right in the end.” 

“I really am sorry. I never meant for this to happen. I’m grateful you understand,” you muttered, gently taking his hand in yours. You slightly grinned. “And of course I was right, I always am. I’m happy for you. Truly. Maybe a bit jealous, but truly.”

—

In the following years, you spent most of your time with your family on Dragonstone. 

Sometimes, Aemond would write letters to you. It warmed your heart to know he still thought of you. He had matured immensely since you left. You heard tales of him, of the mysterious young Prince, rider of Vhagar, distinguished swordsman. It amused you to think of him in that light, when you could still remember beating him in duels as children and watching him complain to Ser Criston.

When your grandsire, King Viserys, was said to be very ill, your Mother decided it was finally time to return to King's Landing. 

It was good timing, since Rhaenyra would have the opportunity to introduce her youngest children to her Father, as well as inform him of the marriage pact between your brothers and Daemon’s daughters. It was also an opportunity to challenge Vaemond for Driftmark, which your Mother believed to be rightfully Lucerys’s. Rhaenys had a soft spot for you, and a respect for Rhaenyra, and your family knew she would eventually back you all and vouch for you to the King.

Upon arrival, Alicent greeted you. Daemon, able to see through her antics, had little patience for her speeches. Unlike him, you could see that she was trying her best to mend the family, if not for herself, then for her husband, who greatly desired it. 

She directed you to where Aemond was, so that her and your Mother could catch up. You found him in the courtyard, silently watching the ships in the harbor. Vhagar could be seen across the water, soaring through the sky.

You had grown into yourself since the last time in the city, but it was nothing, compared to Aemond. 

He was tall now, much taller than you. His hair was long, a shining silver, tied back out of his face. He carried himself like a warrior, with his head high. He was always a rather quiet person, but now his silence only added to his reverence. He wore an eye patch, covering the eye he lost. Even from a distance, you could see the slightly raised scar, which healed with a silver hue.

You had almost forgotten how handsome he was. He really was beautiful.

You couldn’t help yourself from smiling. You cleared your throat, alerting him of your presence. 

“Are you going to stand there all day, or am I expected to just hug myself?”

He smiled, a genuine rare smile. His voice was soft. “Y/N.”

Aemond, just as he wasn’t a man of many words, wasn’t a man accustomed to touch. He rarely ever sought out your touch, or anyone’s touch for that matter…it was only when he was really upset, and it was all that could pull him back from the brink. But this time, he opened his arms, hoping that you’d be just as excited to see him as he was to see you. 

You laughed, a bright sound that warmed his heart. You rushed over to him, securing your arms tight around his waist. You pressed your cheek to his chest, relishing in his hold. He was warm, and familiar.

“Look at you,” you murmured into his chest.

“Look at you,” he replied, leaning back to get a better look at you. “How have you managed to get even more beautiful since the last time I saw you?”

“Oh, hush. You’re one to talk.” You grinned.

“I’m glad to have you back. Finally, someone worth talking to. No one around here is capable of holding a halfway decent conversation.”

You shook your head, teasing. “Don’t exaggerate. You don’t like talking, anyway. I bet you were glad to see me go. ‘Finally, some peace and quiet.’ It’s a wonder I’ve put up with you for as long as I have.”

“Alright, alright. Truce. Come, Helaena will be happy to see you.”

You smiled, following him, but then groaned, realizing. “Please tell me Aegon isn’t around. I’d rather not spoil my day within minutes of my arrival. I cannot be held responsible for my actions if he bothers me. Surely, your mother would understand. You are the favorite, after all.”

Aemond hummed, chuckling. “Don’t push your luck.”

—

The day had turned out to be quite the series of events. You, amongst many other things, bore witness to Daemon beheading Vaemond Velaryon, in defense of your Mother. Vaemond had called you bastards, and Rhaenyra a whore. 

If Daemon hadn't done something about it, you would have. You didn’t take kindly to insults towards your family. While it was true that your brothers bore no resemblance to their father, you didn’t let that get in the way of defending them. 

To tell the truth, you harbored no great affection for your Father, Ser Laenor. He was a kind man, even kinder for fathering children that were not his, if there was to be any truth to the rumors. He loved you, as any father would, but he never made any attempts to strengthen yours and his relationship. 

Your Mother told you it was because you resembled the Targaryens. Your spirit reminded him of his sister, who he greatly missed. 

When he “passed,” and Daemon married your Mother, you were happier for it. You always enjoyed Daemon’s company, and of your siblings, he seemed to prefer you. He had no shame in hiding it. He was infinitely better at fathering girls.

You were happy to have Rhaena and Baela at your side during your time at Dragonstone, as well as Princess Rhaenys and Lord Corlys, who often visited. 

You had a great love for the Blacks. You were extremely loyal to them, and when they were threatened in court, you stood by Daemon's side without so much as flinching. 

Helaena gasped and turned away, shielded by her mother, even Aegon taking a step back. Aemond just watched, slightly bewildered, but intrigued. 

He met your eyes across the room, and your face was stoic. Brave. He had always liked that about you.

That night, the King ordered that the family dine together, united as one. It went about as well as could be expected with all the estranged family members in one room. 

You had grown quite fond of Daemon since he had married your Mother, and you shared an amused glance across the table as Alicent said a prayer before the meal.

You looked over towards Aemond, to see if you could catch his gaze, but he had his eyes dutifully closed. Whether he was actually praying, or just attempting to appease his own mother, you did not know. Still, you’d have to tease him for it later. 

Your Mother announced the betrothal of Jacaerys and Lucerys to Rhaena and Baela. The news was taken surprisingly well across the table, and you smiled fondly at each pair, truly grateful to see them all happy. Even more so grateful that you were finally getting true sisters. 

Aegon, being the bastard he is, had to spoil everyone's fun. You supposed he couldn’t help himself, it was in his nature to be a perpetual nuisance. Still, that fact didn’t make him any less insufferable.

You only heard the tail end of his words to Jace, not only embarrassing you brother in his attempt, but your soon to be sister in law. 

“Hold your tongue, Aegon. It would be a shame to see you lose it.”

Aegon grinned, narrowing his eyes at you. “Always a pleasure, aren’t you?”

You were sidetracked by the King congratulating Luke on his inheritance of Driftmark. The toast was short, once again interrupted by Aegon antagonizing Jace.

Jace clenched his jaw. “I believe my sister told you to hold your tongue. Are two warnings necessary, or are you just that daft? You can play the jester if you wish, but you will hold your tongue before my betrothed.” 

The King stood, expressing his sorrow to see his family so estranged. He removed his mask, giving you a view of his decaying face. You fought to keep your face steady, not wanting to offend him. You watched with respect as he did his best to stay upright, and instill the importance of message to you all. 

“Set aside your grievances. If not for the Crown, then for the man who loves you all. So dearly.”

You looked around the room as Alicent helped him sit, watching everyone’s faces. No one could seem to make eye contact, staring at their plates. Suddenly your Mother stood up, raising her cup. The King’s words seem to inspire a round of toasts, all of which struck you. Knowing the history of your Mother and Alicent, you felt a twinge in your heart at their words, smiling as you watched them commend each other.

Of course, the peace only lasted so long. The revered toasts game to jokes, blows to blows. Aegon angered your brother, who stood to look Aegon in the eye. At the intensity of the stares, Aemond stood as well, staring them both down.

Rolling your eyes, you cleared your throat, ever so slightly. Aemond caught your glare, and decided to sit, rather than endure your wrath. Jace and Aegon took it as their cue to follow, sitting and half heartedly making up, at least as cordially as they could without hitting each other.

Helaena stood, and as much as you loved her, you rolled your eyes, thinking that you couldn’t bear another awkward toast. To your surprise, although you don’t think she intended, she took a dig at Aegon, wounding his pride.

To your amusement even more so, when the harpist began to play, Jace asked Helaena to dance, who gladly accepted. The peace was once again overlooming, if only for a moment. Seeing your family smile brought a smile to your own face. You laughed as you watched Jace and Helaena dance, if you could even call it dancing. Your Mother’s laugh was bright, warming your heart. There was nothing more in the world you enjoyed more than seeing her happy. 

When the King groaned in pain, and was carried off by his guards, you knew it was the end of the peace. He was holding you all together, and without him, it was bound to crumble.

The final straw was the roasted pig, placed in front of Aemond on the table. You covered your mouth with your hand in realization, silently willing him not to react. You weren’t so lucky, because Luke snickered, and Aemond, never the one to let his pride be wounded, stood up for the final toast of the night. 

“To the health of my nephews. Jace, Luke, and Joffrey. Each of them handsome, wise…strong. Come, let us drain our cups to these three Strong boys.”

You finally stood, giving him a look of warning. “Aemond.”

Jace squared his shoulders. “I dare you to say that again.”

“Why? ‘Twas only a compliment. Do you not think yourself Strong?”

“Aemond!” You said louder, but you weren’t quick enough.

Jace quickly walked over, swinging and punching Aemond in the jaw. You gasped, although you did nothing to stand in the way. Aemond pushed Jace to the ground, guards suddenly filing in. You only stepped in when Aegon grabbed Luke, who was trying to come to his brother's defense, and pressed him to the table, holding him still.

“Unhand him or lose that hand,” you said, picking a knife up from a stray plate. 

Reluctantly, Aegon let go, and you pulled Luke into you, pushing him towards your Mother. You whipped around the table, moving next to stop your twin, but Daemon had beaten you to it. He held him back as you came to step beside him, and you overheard Aemond’s words to his mother. 

“I was merely expressing how proud I am of this family, Mother. Though it seems my nephews aren’t quite as proud of theirs.”

Your Mother ordered her children to go to their quarters, but you remained by Daemon’s side as you watched Aemond stand opposite of you. 

Aemond looked at Daemon, not necessarily willing to challenge him, but then he looked at you. He saw your face, riddled with anger and disappointment, and finally chose to step down, turning and walking out of the room. He didn’t look at you as he left. He walked straight past you, so close that all you had to do was reach out and touch him, but you didn’t.

You let him go.

As people began filing out of the room, Daemon turned to you. “You should have hit one of them. Gods know the bastards deserved it. I would have approved.”

You nodded, still seething. “There’s still time for it, I assure you. They’ll wish for it when I’ve finished with them.”

“I’m proud to call you my own.” He smirked at you, patting your shoulder before walking out of the room. “Make it hurt, darling.”

Your Mother and Alicent were all who were left, except a few guards and servants. You suddenly felt the urge to cry, and you rushed over to your Mother, nudging into her side. She ran a comforting hand through your hair, pressing a kiss to your forehead. 

“I think it’s best we go back to Dragonstone, my love.”

Alicent shook her head, taking your Mother’s hand. She placed her other hand on your arm. “Please, don’t go. You’ve only just arrived.”

Rhaenyra nodded, sighing. “Let me see the children home. I’ll come back on dragonback.”

Your eyes widened, and you turned to her. “Mother, you can’t come alone, not in your condition. I can see everyone home, or I can come back with you.”

She shook her head, cupping your cheek in her palm. “No, love, I need you with your brothers. You’re the only level headed one out of them all, including Daemon. I want to know that you’re safe, that you’re all together. Say your goodbyes.”

You wanted to argue, but you just nodded in defeat. You looked to Alicent, who gave your hand a comforting squeeze.

“Helaena will want to say her goodbyes. She’s been dying for you to meet the children. And Aemond…I know he acted tonight without cause, and I will not defend it. But please, let him see you off, too. He sulked for a month the last time you left. He’s too prideful to come to you himself, and he knows he’s angered you. I won’t blame you if you don’t say goodbye, but I’m urging you to. You know where he’ll be.”

You nodded. “Of course, Your Grace. He may have made a fool of himself, but I know I can persuade him to apologize. I’ll say goodbye to both of them, I promise. Thank you for the opportunity.”

Alicent smiled at you with a genuine fondness. She turned to your Mother. “You’ve raised a fine daughter, Rhaenyra. She’s just like you.”

Your Mother smiled. “Yes, I’m very proud. I don’t know where she gets it all from. Go ahead, say your goodbyes, my girl.”

You nodded at them both, turning to leave the room. You knew where Aemond would be, it was where he always went to sulk. 

Sure enough, you found him up on the hill just outside the dragonpit. Vhagar was too large to stay in the pit, so she slept outside when she stayed close to the castle. Aemond always went to the pit, standing on a perch that overlooked the hill so he could watch Vhagar. 

You supposed it was because, while Aemond was a very independent person, he didn’t truly enjoy being alone. With Vhagar nearby, he could still feel like someone he connected to was closeby, without ever having to go to another person and face the risk of embarrassment. 

When you still lived in the city, half the time, he’d choose to come to you. The other half, this is where he’d be.

You clenched your jaw, willing yourself not to shout at him. It wouldn’t accomplish anything, and it would only cause him to sulk further. You could see his shoulders square, and his body tense. You hadn’t made your presence known, but he had picked up on it anyway. 

“If you expect me to show you pity, you have the wrong idea. Do you want to tell me what that little performance was?”

He said nothing, but you could see him flex his hand, balling his fingers into a fist. 

“I suggest you speak now because I will be gone by morning.” This got his attention, and he turned his head just enough that he could see you. “What?”

“Mother has ordered we go back to Dragonstone,” you informed. “I tried to get her to let me stay, but she wouldn’t hear it. I don’t know when I’ll be back.”

Aemond hummed, his eyes cast to his feet. He just nodded, turning back to face Vhagar.

You scoffed. “Really? You have nothing to say to me? If you let me leave now without an explanation, don’t bother sending a raven because I won’t receive it. So, what will it be?”

He turned around to fully face you, taking a step forward. “I…I’m sorry.”

You raised a brow. “Sorry? You’re sorry? It was one dinner, Aemond. Surely you could have made it through without adding any more fuel to the fire. I understand your resentment towards my brothers, and I know Aegon was no help, but for fucks sake. You had no right.”

“Jacaerys insulted my family!” Aemond said, taking yet another step towards you.

You took a step forward, shortening the gap between you both. Your eyes were full of anger, your voice bitter.

“No, Aemond, no he didn’t. Your brother made snide remarks, not only to Jace, but to my soon to be sister, and Jace stood up for her. If Aegon is who you are offended on behalf of, you have misunderstood who your true family is. You, however, insulted my family. Belittling my brothers is one thing, even I do it when they’re being uncivil. But they did no such thing.”

Aemond wouldn’t meet your eyes, looking down at the ground.

“To question their legitimacy in front of the entire family, and in front of the King no less, is to question mine. Or have you forgotten I’m a so-called Strong, too? I may not have the looks, but I am every bit of his child as my brothers are, if you truly believe it to be so. I will not have you think any less of me because of it.”

He met your eyes at the accusation, his face softening. “Y/N, you know I would never question that about you–”

“Do I, Aemond? Do I know that? Because you seemed pretty content to do so tonight. Hear me when I say this, I can’t be more clear about it. I don’t give a shit who my real father is. I would be just as proud to call Ser Harwin my father as I was to call Ser Laenor my father. Just as I regard Daemon as my father. The truth of it matters not to me, and it shouldn’t to you either. Do you think of me less because of my parentage?”

“No–”

“Then why question it? Why, in an effort to humiliate my brothers, would you drag me into it? What purpose does it serve you?”

Aemond nodded ever so slightly, his shoulders slumping. Reluctantly, he reached for one of your hands, and you begrudgingly accepted.

“I know. I acted on impulse, and I didn’t think–”

“Exactly, Aemond,” you said, although you didn’t let go of his hand. “You didn’t think.”

“I’m sorry.” You felt him squeeze your hand ever so slightly. You squeezed back.

You brought your other hand up to cup his chin and turn his head to face yours. You held him still, so he had to meet your gaze. Your voice was soft.

“Answer me this, then. I know you have no great love for your own father, and that is understandable. If you discovered that he wasn’t your true father, tell me in truth, would it really matter? Because if it doesn’t, why should mine? Does my parentage really matter that much to you? Or any of my family’s, for that matter?”

He shook his head. “No. It doesn’t matter. It is no one’s fault what family they’re born into.”

“Exactly. Blood isn’t what defines a family. Your family is who you choose it to be, and the rest doesn’t matter. I don’t give a shit about blood. My Mother is my family, Daemon is my family, my brothers and their betrothed are my family.”

You intertwined your fingers with his, pressing a kiss to the back of his hand. “You’re my family, you insufferable idiot. You, and Helaena, even your mother. And that is enough. That is who I pick. Are you hearing me?”

He nodded, face softening, his shoulders relaxing. His voice was quiet. “You’re mine, too.”

“Good,” you nodded, pulling him along with you. “You’re going to come with me to apologize to your mother, Gods only know what she must think of me and my brothers now.”

“She likes you. She smiles when I mention you.”

You grinned to yourself, tugging him along. “Fine, we can do that later. But we are going to say goodbye to Helaena, I have yet to meet her children, and I won’t leave here without doing so. I feel so bad for her, cooped up everyday with no one to talk to. Promise me you’ll be with her more. I know she’s lonely. Promise me.”

“I promise, Y/N. But why am I coming with you to say goodbye, I am not the one leaving.”

“Because…I don’t want to leave you alone just yet. I’ve only just arrived, and now I will be without you again. I’m taking all the time I can get…and, in the event that we run into your brother, you will be here to stop me from doing anything rash, like maiming him, or possibly killing him, I haven’t decided yet.”

You could hear him chuckle, knowing from the sound of his voice that he was smiling. 

“That’s my girl.”

—

You left the next day, as did your family. It had been difficult to leave some of them behind. You knew in your heart that you wouldn’t see the King again, his health declining as rapidly as it was. You heart ached to see your Mother leave, just after it seemed like her relationship with Alicent was beginning to mend.

It hurt your heart even more so to leave behind Helaena. She cried when you told her, upset to see you go after you had only just arrived, and you comforted her as best you could, visiting with her and her children. You left her room nearly in tears, begging Aemond to pay more attention to her, to make sure she and her children were happy, and away from Aegon’s influence. 

A promise is a promise.

He agreed, holding you close. He didn’t say much, just keeping you by his side for as long as he could. In the end, he saw you off with your family, promising to write. You asked him to visit, if he was able. After all, he had a dragon now, he could go wherever he wanted. He said he would try, and you said nothing else about it.

He didn’t actually say the word ‘goodbye.’ You supposed it may have been too difficult for him. You most certainly were having a hard time with it, so you didn’t say it either. You just promised that you would see him soon.

If only you had known how soon it would be.

In less than a month, your life had changed drastically. 

Within a fortnight, once you had settled back home, Daemon heard rumors of a rogue dragon, hidden away off the coast of Dragonstone. Her description matched that of Meraxes, a dragon thought to be dead. The last to claim her was Queen Rhaenys, sister and wife of Aegon the Conqueror. 

Meraxes was said to be even bigger than Vhagar, only second to Balerion, who had died years before. If it was true, and Meraxes really was alive, the Blacks had a chance to claim the biggest dragon in the world. 

With all of your brothers having already claimed a dragon, and you still without one, Daemon decided she would be yours to claim, if she chose you. 

You were shocked when he told you, but you went with him willingly to the cave she supposedly dwelled in. You rode on the back of Caraxes, fighting the pit in your stomach as your feet left the ground. You had been on dragonback before, but to know the next time you mount a dragon it may be your own, it had you frazzled.

“I believe it’s time you had a dragon of your own, don’t you?”

“What if she doesn’t choose me? What if she isn’t even real?”

He shook his head, grinning at you. “She’s real. And she’ll be yours. I can feel it.”

When you made it to the cave, Daemon walked with you as far as he could go. He stopped at the entrance, handing you a torch. 

“It’s up to you now. Do me a favor, come out of there unharmed. I couldn’t handle your Mother’s wrath if I went and got her only daughter killed.”

“I’ll be alright. You don’t sound too worried, Kepa.”

Father.

He smiled, a genuine smile. “Go on.”

Once in the cave, it took you a few minutes to get your bearings. You grew a little anxious, but you swallowed your nerves, continuing on. You were going to do this for your family. You were going to do this for yourself. You let out a low hum, signaling anything inside of your presence. You walked for a little while longer, before you heard a low rumble, humming back to you. 

You turned the corner, and sure enough, there she was. Glowing gold eyes and silver scales. She was beautiful.

She sniffed the air, opening her mouth, a shrill roar coming from her throat. Heat filled the room as she widened her jaws, and you could see the ball of fire at the back of her throat.

You held your hand out, calling out to her. “Kesan gaomagon ao daor ōdrikagon.”

I will do you no harm.

“Nyke iderēbagon ao, Merakses. Gaomagon ao iderēbagon nyke?”

I choose you, Meraxes. Do you choose me?

Meraxes hummed, inching closer to you. You held your breath and her snout came inches from your face, her teeth bared. You looked up into her eyes as she narrowed hers at you, staying still. 

You took a breath, closing your eyes. You held a hand out straight in front of you. 

“Iksi mēre isse keskydoso. Lentor.”

We are one in the same. Family.

You opened your eyes as you felt her nudge her snout into your hand, her breath hot on your hand. You smiled, excitement bubbling in your chest.

“Good girl, Meraxes.”

“Ivestragī īlva jikagon ūndegon ñuha kepa, Merakses. Rȳbagon naejot nyke.”

Let us go see my Father, Meraxes. Listen to me.

You climbed up her back, settling with your legs wrapped at the base of her neck. You leaned forward, gripping the spikes along her spine. 

“We’ll have to fit you for a saddle and reigns, my girl. Obey, now. Jikagon.”

Go.

She stood, racing for the entrance of the cave. You grinned wide as you felt the wind through your hair, laughing as she breached the entrance. Meraxes soared into the sky, looping around the tops of the trees. 

You saw Daemon on the ground, cheering. 

“Get Caraxes, Daemon! I’ll fly the rest of the way on my own,” you shouted down. 

You soared off towards Dragonstone, knowing Daemon wasn’t far behind. You couldn’t hide your smile as you flew up through the clouds, holding tight to Meraxes. When you finally reached Dragonstone, you landed atop the hill. You climbed down, walking around to face Meraxes.

“Jikagon, ñuha riña. Sōvegon. Ao gīmigon skori naejot māzigon arlī naejot nyke.”

Go, my girl. Fly. You know when to come back to me.

You ran a hand along her cheek before stepping back, and Meraxes took off into the clouds. You waited for Daemon to return at the edge of the castle, and grinned as you saw him and Caraxes break through the clouds. He quickly dismounted, letting Caraxes go, before rushing over to you.

“My girl,” he said, pulling you into a hug. “I knew she’d choose you.”

You smiled, hugging him back. “She’s incredible. I can’t believe it. Thank you for taking me.”

“No child of mine will be without a dragon. Come, let's show your Mother I brought you back in one piece.”

You nodded, following him into the castle. On your way to your Mother’s chambers, you passed Jacaerys. He ran up excitedly.

“Is it true? Is she real?”

“She’s real. And she’s mine.”

Jace laughed, throwing an arm around your shoulder. “I told you that you’d have a dragon one day! Vermax always liked you. Even Vhagar liked you. Of course Meraxes would.”

“There’s time for celebration later, children. Come, Y/N.”

You nodded, waving to Jace, before following Daemon to greet your Mother. He held open the door for you, and you stepped in to see Rhaenyra sat at her table, holding baby Viserys. She turned as you entered and smiled, handing Viserys over to Daemon.

“You did it, didn’t you?”

You nodded, unable to contain your excitement, and your Mother laughed, that warm laugh that would comfort you in the darkest of times. She pulled you into her and you settled into her arms, resting your face in the crook of her neck. She cradled your head with her hand, holding you tightly. 

“My sweet girl,” she pressed a kiss to your head, smiling fondly. “I couldn’t be more proud of you.”

“You’d think she was Queen Rhaenys herself, with how she rides,” Daemon said, grinning at his girls. 

“We must celebrate. Luke has been asking for you. I think he was more excited than any of us.”

“He just wants to brag,” you laughed. “No doubt to the Greens. I don’t think I want to tell anyone else about Meraxes, not just yet at least. I’d like it to be a surprise.”

Daemon laughed, patting your shoulder. “And what a surprise it will be.”

—

The next morning, you were awoken by your Mother’s screams.

You rushed down the hall to see your brothers. 

“What is going on?”

Jace stopped you from entering Rhaenyra’s chambers. “Mother has begun her labors.”

“What? She isn’t far enough along!”

“I know! But you must calm down. I was asked to collect you and Luke, we are to report to Mother, she has asked for us. Daemon is in the throne room, all of the Lords have gathered. I am to report to him afterwards. Something has happened, but we must remain calm, for her and the babe’s sake, alright?”

You took a breath, nodding. You grabbed Luke’s hand, who was wide eyed and scared. You let Jace lead you in. 

Your Mother was in nothing but her blood covered shift, hair wild as she clutched to the beam on her balcony. She was groaning in pain, bent over as she tried to steady herself.

“Mother?” Jace asked wearily. 

You clutched Luke to you, grasping the back of Jace’s elbow with your free hand. 

Your Mother turned to you. “Your grandsire, King Viserys, has passed. The Greens have repudiated the succession and claimed the Iron Throne. Aegon has been crowned King.”

Your eyes widened in shock, and you let go of Jace to bring a hand up to your mouth. How could this happen? In such a short time, how did it all crumble? Did anyone do anything to stop it? Did Aemond? Your stomach turned at the thought.

“What is to be done about it?” Jace asked.

“Nothing, yet. Jacaerys, whatever claim remains to me, you are now its heir. Naught is to be done but by my command.”

Jace nodded, and Luke and him left the room. Your Mother groaned in pain, doubling over.

“Mother, I will be right back, I promise.”

“No, Y/N–” “I will not hear of it! I will be by your side! I will return in a moment.”

You willed yourself not to cry, stepping out of the room. You followed Jacaerys’s steps, marching into the throne room. You spotted Daemon, stepping past Jace.

“What has happened? Why has Mother begun her labors, it is far too early. And who let that fucking bastard sit upon the Iron Throne?”

Daemon sighed, walking over to you. “Calm down–”

“I will not! Mother is alone in there while you’re out here plotting a war. I understand the importance, but by all accounts, she is now the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Should we not wait for her word?”

Jacaerys nodded. “My Mother has decreed no action be taken while she is abed.”

“It’s good you’re here, young Prince. You’re needed to patrol the skies on Vermax. Y/N, Meraxes would be–”

“Did you hear what we said?” Jace asked, standing by your side.

Your Mother screamed, and you shook your head, turning to go.

“Tell no one outside of this room about Meraxes, I won't have the Greens know of her until she becomes of some use to us. Settle this amongst yourselves, I won’t leave Mother alone for another minute. And for fucks sake, please swallow your pride and do as she asks. No, as she commands. She’s your Queen, now. Act like it. Jace, I trust you can handle this.”

He nodded, and you turned to the other Lords, then to Daemon. 

“I am asking that you give me the afternoon, so we can see to it that the Queen is safe. Trust me, I will stand by you as soon as this is over. You will have me and Meraxes. Heads will roll.”

You walked out of the room, rushing to your Mother’s chambers. You pushed open the door, brushing past the handmaidens gathered in the corner. 

“Princess, let us help you,” one of them begged, holding back tears.

You went over to your Mother who was squatted by her bed, holding onto the post. “Mother, you’re going to let me help you.”

She shook her head, tears rolling down her cheeks. She groaned, clawing at her thighs. She moved to rest on her knees, and you held her forearms, steadying her. The handmaidens were pleading with her to let them help. 

“Mother, if you won’t accept theirs, you will accept mine. I was here for Aegon and Viserys, I will be here for this babe, too. What do you need?”

She leaned her forehead to rest against your shoulder, gripping your forearms as you held her up.

“Make it stop!”

You felt tears well in your eyes as you ran a hand through her hair, pressing your other to her stomach. 

“Rest on your knees, and push. You’re doing so well.”

She cried out, and a gush of blood fell to the floor below, pooling around her thighs. 

“Please, help hold me up.” You nodded and moved your hands to her waist, moving her weight to lean against you. You grimaced and turned your head as she groaned into your ear, reaching down to try and pull the baby out herself. With a final push, she slumped against you, and you scrambled to catch the baby as it slipped out. 

Your Mother fell back to sit, and you steadied her as you moved to her side, now facing the handmaidens as well. You looked down to see a pool of blood, with your baby sister resting in it. The baby looked closer to a dragon than she did a human, her body scaly and her features morphed. You looked away, squeezed your eyes tight and took a breath, settling behind Rhaenyra so she could relax against you. 

You could hear the handmaidens cry as your Mother picked up the baby, cradling it in her arms. A sob passed her lips, and you finally opened your eyes, leaning your forehead against her shoulder.

“She’s beautiful, Mother. You did so well. Visenya was the name you picked if it was a girl, wasn’t it? I think that suits her.”

Your Mother let out a wail, pressing her face into your neck. You wrapped your arms around her shoulders, gently swaying her back and forth. You could see Daemon enter the room, and you looked up at him in despair. 

“I’m so sorry,” you murmured, clutching your Mother tight. Daemon bowed his head, hiding his tears. He quickly left the room, leaving you with Rhaenyra.

She wouldn’t let you in the room with her and the Silent Sisters. You begged her to let you stay, but she wouldn’t relent. She could barely speak without crying.

“I cannot allow it, my love. You’ve done more than enough for me. But I have to do this on my own.”

You nodded, respecting her wishes. You found Daemon later that day, on the beach. He had fallen to his knees on the shoreline, his head bowed low. He had silent tears, running down his cheeks. You approached him, crouching down next to him. You had blood staining the bottom of your dress, it clouding the water where you sat.

You gently laid your hand on his. “I’m so sorry. I wish I could have done something.”

He wrapped an arm around your shoulder. “...Was it a girl?”

“It was,” you smiled sadly. “Mother said you would’ve called her Visenya.”

Daemon nodded, resting his head on yours. You could feel tears land in your hair. “I am lucky enough to have one remarkable daughter. You’ve done more for your Mother today than any father should ever have to ask of his child. I’m glad you were with her, when I couldn’t be.”

That evening, you held a service for your baby sister. A funeral pyre was lit for her. Within hours, Lords had come to your Mother’s support, and she was formally crowned Queen in front of the masses. You and all your family, the Blacks, as well as the Lords and knights under your command, bent the knee and swore fealty to her. 

That night, you stayed by your Mother’s side for as long as she would allow you to. She held you close, cupping your face in her hands.

“I am so proud of you, sweet girl. Thank you for today. I don’t think I would have made it through without you.”

After you left her chambers to head to your own, your brothers stopped you, and made sure you were alright. Luke hugged you tight as Jace laid a hand on your shoulder.

“We heard what you did for Mother today. I can’t imagine it,” Luke said into your shoulder.

You shook your head. “You both were very brave today, too. You took charge, spoke for Mother when she couldn’t herself. I know it was scary, but you handled it well. You’re going to make fine rulers some day.”

—

The following days were spent planning for imminent war. Princess Rhaenys and Lord Corlys assisted, offering their fleet and dragons as help. Lords around the realm either staked their claim of support, or backed the Greens.

Otto Hightower came to give Aegon’s terms. Among making your brothers shields and cupbearers, he proposed that you live out your days as a servant as well, and one of his choosing. It took all you had left in you to not call Meraxes and burn Otto to the ground, and tell Aegon to take his terms and cram them down his throat.

Your Mother told him that she would have a response for him the following day, much to Daemon’s displeasure. As much as you would have enjoyed watching Daemon take Otto’s head, you were completely loyal to your Mother, and would stand by her in every decision she made. 

When making battle plans, your Mother knew she had to get word to the pivotal Lords of the realm, before the Greens sunk their claws in themselves. 

Any love you had for the Greens had died along with your baby sister. While you were sure Helaena and her children were innocent in the matter, the rest of them were to blame. Yuu found it hard to believe some of them could have stooped so low. Aegon and Otto made sense, but the rest of them you didn’t understand. You didn’t know how Aemond was involved in all of it, but you knew he did nothing to stop the betrayal. 

As far as you were concerned, they could all burn. Princess Rhaenys would have done the realm a favor if she had just burned that little bastard to ash in the dragonpit when she had the chance. 

As a way of moving the plans along faster, your brother made a proposal. 

“We should bear those messages. Dragons can fly faster than ravens, and they’re more convincing. Send us,” Jace said, standing next to Luke. 

You looked across the table to your Mother, watching her contemplate. 

“The Prince is right, Your Grace,” Lord Corlys added.

Heads turned to look at your brothers, who stood next to their betrothed. Your Mother finally relented, nodding.

“Very well. Prince Jacaerys will fly north. First to the Eerie to see my mother’s cousin, the Lady Jeyne Arryn, and then to Winterfell to treat with Lord Cregan Stark for the support of the north. Prince Lucerys will fly south to Storm’s End and treat with Lord Borros Baratheon. We must remind these Lords of the oaths they swore, and the cost of breaking them.”

Your Mother looked at you, offering you a smile. “Princess Y/N will remain here for the time being, and will assist if necessary. I expect Meraxes will be needed in the near future, and she will serve us much better as a surprise for the Greens. The Princess will stay to help decide when the best time for that is.”

Everyone nodded, knowing their positions, and dispersed to do their duties. 

Hours later, your brothers, as well as Princess Rhaenys, were ready to leave for the skies. You stood by your Mother as your brothers approached, each being handed a scroll with a message from the Queen. 

“If you take this errand, you go as messengers, not as warriors. You must take no part in any fighting…Cregan Stark is closer to your age than mine. I would hope that as men, you can find some common interest.”

Jace nodded, taking the scroll from her. “Yes, Your Grace.”

She turned to Luke, handing him his scroll. She offered him a smile when she saw his uneasy face. “Storm's End is a short flight from here. You have Baratheon blood from your grandmother, Rhaenys. And, Lord Borros is an eternally proud man..he will be honored to host a prince of the realm, and his dragon. I expect you will receive a very warm welcome.”

“Yes Mothe–Your Grace,” Luke said, taking his scroll. 

You smiled at him, bringing him into a quick hug. You turned to Jace, who opened his arms for you. You hugged him tight, before stepping back to your Mother’s side.

“If either of you do something stupid and make me come save you, I will wring your neck. Not that I wouldn’t enjoy taking Meraxes, but I would hope my first time flying with you wasn’t to save your ass. Both of you do me that favor, please.”

Your Mother laughed, your brothers smiling. “I wouldn’t have put it in those words, but yes, you’re right. Listen to your sister, my boys. Go to it, then.”

Within the hour, your brothers and grandmother had taken to the skies, soaring over the water until they were specks on the horizon. 

It was the first evening of peace in a while. You sat with your mother, and baby Aegon and Viserys, who were babbling to each other in broken Valyrian. You would have your Mother all to yourself for the next few weeks, content to be by her side whenever she needed you. 

Something had been bothering you for weeks now, ever since you left King’s Landing. You had yet to find the right time to bring it up, but now seemed as good a time as any.

“Mother?” You asked, getting her attention. “I have something to ask.”

She nodded at you, waiting for you to continue.

“I am aware the timing couldn’t be any worse, but…I’ve been thinking. I know you don’t truly want a war. And I think, the path that would have the least resistance, is a marriage pact.”

She raised a brow, setting her hand on yours. “A marriage pact? Between who, my love? You?”

You nodded. “I am of age, and Luke and Jace are betrothed. I think it would be easier and less divisive to the family, if we were to offer my hand.”

“To whom?” She asked, and you fought the heat creeping to your cheeks. She gave you a small and knowing smile, squeezing your hand.

“I see. Don’t worry yourself with the matter, love. It is a conversation for later. I won’t ask anything of you unless it is entirely necessary. Just rest, for now.” 

You nodded, settling into your seat.

Of course the peace had to be disturbed, as it inevitably always is. You supposed you knew it wouldn’t have lasted. You had had a pit in your stomach from the minute your brothers left on dragonback, and it finally was catching up to you.

Daemon rushed in, searching for you. “Meraxes is on the hilltop.”

Your Mother quirked a brow. “So? Doesn’t she spend half her time up there?”

“Not like this,” Daemon said, looking at you. “She’s restless, irritable. She seems like she’s looking for you, Y/N. You know that dragons are connected to their rider, and they can feel when you’re in distress, just like you can feel when they’re in distress. So tell me the truth, do you feel something right now?”

You felt your stomach drop at his words, and warily nodded. Your Mother sat up straight. 

Daemon took your hand, getting your attention. “Tell me now. What are you feeling?”

“I don’t know,” you shook your head. “I’ve had a pit in my stomach since the boys left. I thought I just missed them, I couldn’t pin the feeling down as worry.”

“But not for your grandmother? Just for the boys?” He asked.

“No, not her. It was after seeing Luke, he seemed nervous. But he ought to be, it’s his first time without guidance, he’s doing this alone.”

“Y/N, listen very carefully. I need you to focus hard. What does Meraxes know that you don’t? What has she seen that you haven't?”

“I don’t understand–”

“Focus, my love, please” your Mother said, taking your other hand. “Are the boys in danger?”

Your heart ached for your Mother, knowing she couldn’t bear to lose another child. You closed your eyes, thinking hard. You let your thoughts wander, feeling your connection to Meraxes. Suddenly, you opened your eyes, gasping. 

“She saw Vhagar. She must have flown near Storm’s End. Aemond will be there by the time Luke arrives, he may already be there.”

Your Mother put a hand to her stomach, like she was going to be sick. “Oh, Gods.”

Daemon squeezed your hand. “You know him better than anyone. Would he truly hurt the boy?”

“Are we willing to risk it? I want to say I don’t think Aemond is capable of doing it, but I didn’t think he was capable of standing by while his brother usurped the throne. I’m going.”

You turned to leave the room, but your Mother stopped you. 

“Wait! You don’t know what you’re walking into. I will not risk two more of my children.”

“Mother, please trust me. I will be fine. Meraxes won’t let any harm come to me. She is the biggest dragon in the world, even Vhagar doesn’t stand a chance against her. If Vhagar is truly what has Meraxes so unsettled, then I’m going. I won’t risk Luke not acting on a feeling.”

“Y/N–”

“I hope to the Gods that I am wrong, that Aemond has not fallen so far. But if he has, I am all that would stop him. Luke and Arrax need me. You said that I am to remain here until Meraxes is necessary, and now she is. I would rather expose Meraxes to the Greens than regret hiding in the shadows. I will be back soon, Mother, I promise. And I’ll have Luke with me.”

Your Mother sighed, gripping your hands in hers. “Y/N–”

“Please,” you interrupted, squeezing her hands. “I can do this.”

She choked back a cry, pulling you into a hug. “Alright, fine. But be quick about it. You turn back at the first sign of danger. Get in and get out, don’t antagonize Aemond. Promise me.”

“I promise,” you nodded.

“Do you want me to come with you?” Daemon asked, a look of worry set on his face.

You shook your head. “We can’t risk anyone else, and the Queen is the most important thing now. I’d rather have you by Mother’s side than with me. I’m praying that this is just a feeling, and that I’m wrong, but if it’s not, I won’t risk you, too. I’ll be careful, I promise. I’ll be back soon.”

You pulled the both of them into a tight hug, before marching out of the room. You ran to the hilltop, approaching Meraxes. She had yet to be saddled, but you had no time to change that. 

“It’s time to go, my girl,” you called out as you climbed up her wing and onto her back. “Sōvegon!”

Fly!

Meraxes took to the skies, soaring into the clouds. You gripped her tight as you clung to her, willing her to fly as fast as she could. With her size, it would not take long to reach Storm’s End. Hopefully, you’d arrive soon after Luke. 

You tried not to think about all the horrible possibilities as you brought a hand up to shield yourself from the rain. You could hardly see, but you shook your head, blinking back tears. You were going to make it in time, and Lucerys was going to be fine. 

By the time you reached Storm’s End, Luke and Arrax, as well as Aemond and Vhagar, were nowhere to be found. You looked around in confusion as you circled the castle, before directing Maraxes to fly upwards. Maybe there’d be a better look from above the rain clouds. 

As you reached the top of the clouds, you scanned the skies for any sign of movement. Suddenly, a dark figure passed below you. 

Vhagar flew through the air, Aemond mounted on her back. “Daor, Vhagar! Rȳbagon naejot nyke!”

No, Vhagar! Listen to me!”

You heard a dark rumble below, followed by a cry, and you finally spotted your brother just ahead of Vhagar, scrambling to get away.

You panicked, swooping down. You had hoped to manage somehow catching up to Luke before he arrived, turning him back so Aemond never saw Meraxes. But seeing Vhagar fly recklessly, her jaws open, and Aemond doing nothing to stop her, you knew you had to step in. 

“Dracarys!” You screamed, pointing Meraxes towards Vhagar. You knew it wouldn’t stop her, but it would at the very least distract her. Meraxes breathed fire, cutting Aemond off from Lucerys. 

“Keligon! Dohaeragon aōha āeksio!”

Stop! Serve your master!

Aemond looked to you in shock as you flew between Vhagar and Arrax, blocking Luke and Arrax from view. Vhagar tried to go around you as Aemond desperately pulled on her reigns. 

“Keligon! dohaeragon aōha āeksio! Submit, Vhagar!”

You are not her equal.

Meraxes roared, spreading her wings to their full span. Her eyes were blazing, her teeth bared. She was showing her dominance, and Vhagar seemed to recognize her ancestor. They had flown together in the time of Aegon’s conquest, siblings being their riders. 

Now, they were at odds, just as their riders were. 

You turned to Luke, who had just narrowly escaped death. 

“Go home, Luke! I will not ask again.”

He shook his head. “I won’t abandon you.”

“Lucerys, please! I’m begging you. Go home, now! There’s no time for this. I love you. Arrax, henujagon! Jikagon arlī naejot Zaldrīzesdōron. Obey!"

Leave! Go back to Dragonstone.

Meraxes roared, a sound so loud it seemed to vibrate the very air itself. Arrax submitted, turning and flying in the opposite direction, taking your brother with them. With Meraxes blocking them from Vhagar’s view, they escaped. 

You kept your brother guarded, Meraxes reclaiming dominance over Vhagar. She finally submitted, going still. Aemond relaxed his hold on her reins, his eyes wide as he watched you command his dragon.  

You felt nothing but rage as you hovered in the air, glaring daggers at Aemond.

“Have you lost your fucking mind? He’s my brother! My baby brother, and you were just going to murder him in cold blood? Take on the title of kinslayer? How far you have fallen, Aemond. Never thought I’d see the day.”

Aemond shook his head, still bewildered, staring at Meraxes. “H-how–”

“Meraxes was still alive, in a cave off of Dragonstone. I claimed her. She’s mine now. Tell your brother he should be scared,” you said, turning to follow your brother. 

“Wait!” Aemond called, and you reluctantly listened. “I wasn’t trying to hurt him. Vhagar, she wouldn’t listen to me. I couldn’t stop her.”

“But you chose to chase Luke, did you not? Taunt him? Was it worth risking his life? You’re so lucky I arrived in time. I would never have forgiven you if you got him killed. I can hardly stand looking at you as it is. Tell me, was the King’s body even cold before your little plot to crown Aegon was put into motion?”

Aemond looked desperate, shaking his head. “I had nothing to do with that, you know I wouldn’t wish it. I despise my brother more than anyone.”

“And yet you did nothing to stop it. Are you going to look me in the eye and tell me you did your best to prevent it? Because if you did, it would be my Mother sitting on the Iron Throne, not that usurper bastard.”

He was silent, knuckles white as he gripped the reins. 

You almost laughed, scoffing. “Nothing to say? Your actions today could have single handedly started an all out war. My Mother may be considering civility, but if she lost yet another child because of your selfishness, your betrayal, it would have been the spark that ended in cities drowning in blood. And it would have been all your fault.”

Aemond’s brows furrowed. “Another child? You cannot mean–”

“Yes,” you said, your voice dripping with venom. “Your mother’s betrayal nearly killed my Mother. She lost the baby…a daughter. Visenya.”

His face softened, and you willed yourself not to cry. Despite your anger, you still cared for Aemond, so deeply. It hurt, seeing him look at you with such gentleness. It hurt to still love him. Your chest was tight, your heart in your throat, and an immovable pit in your stomach. What you would have given to turn off your feelings for him at that moment.

“Y/N, I’m so sorry. Truly, I am. I never wished for this.”

You furiously wiped a stray tear, shaking your head. “I don’t want to hear it, Aemond, I really don’t. I can’t even stand the sight of you. Gods, to think…to think that I…”

“That you what? What, Y/N?”

Your face was cold. “To think that I was going to ask my Mother for a marriage pact, to offer to the Greens. As much as I hate you all for what you did, I couldn’t bear witnessing your deaths, all over a fucking throne. I was going to ask, so I didn’t have to see any more of our family caught in the crossfire.”

“A marriage pact? Surely you cannot mean you’d practically sell yourself into a loveless marriage just to appease my brother. To whom? To whom would you ask?”

You nearly rolled your eyes at his obliviousness. “To you, you fucking idiot. Would I ever choose anyone else?”

His eyes widened at your words, shock evident upon his face. “Me? Why in Seven Hells would you ever pick me?”

“Do I have to spell it out for you?” You asked. “Isn’t it obvious?”

Now he was getting angry, too. “I should say not? But do enlighten me. Why me, not anyone else?”

You nearly screamed, you were so frustrated. “Because I fucking love you, you complete and utter fool! You, and no one else, despite my best interest.”

You brought the heels of your hands to your eyes, covering them. Your voice was much softer now.

“It’s always been you. Don’t you know that?”

Aemond was in shock now, his jaw slack. He felt his heart pound at your words, watching the girl he had loved for so many years, practically offering herself up to him on a silver platter. He felt sick to his stomach.

“No,” he shook his head. “Not like that. I will not have you like that, only in it to protect your family from further harm. I will not allow you to bind yourself to me.”

You felt a sharp twinge in your chest at his words, not meeting his eyes. “I am not enough for you, then? You couldn’t find it in yourself to settle, if not for me, then for the sake of our family?”

“Settle?” He asked, exasperated. “How could you think that? Have I not made my affection for you abundantly clear over the years? You, Y/N…are more than I will ever deserve. There is not a man in this world worthy of you.”

He nearly laughed now, shaking his head. “Do you really question that? Of course I love you, too. Which is why I won’t let you do this to yourself.”

“It is not your choice, Aemond! It’s mine. And I choose you. I always have. Do not mistake the loyalty I have for my family as contempt for you. This was no one’s decision but my own. And yes, you’re right, if it is what prevents our families from further conflict, I would do it in a heartbeat. But I would have asked one day anyways, regardless of if this happened or not. You’re my family, too.”

“Then let’s ask,” he said, his voice soft, causing you to meet his gaze.

“What?”

“Let’s ask our mothers. Surely it is the best course of action. I love you, and you say you love me. If it is really true, what other choice do we have? I can think of no better proposal to return to my mother with. Our family cannot truly be at war, if we bind it further with a betrothal. What’s the worst that can happen?”

You shook your head. “You’re serious?”

“Of course I am! I’ve been waiting to hear you say those exact words for years. This is not how I imagined it to be, but I imagined it, no less.”

You were quiet for a moment, staring at him. You narrowed your eyes. 

“I’m still furious with you. This changes nothing. You still betrayed me.”

“And I will spend a lifetime trying to make up for it, if our mothers allow. I know I hurt you, and there aren’t enough words I could say to tell you how sorry I am. But, please, let me try. Let me do this for us.”

Your brain was screaming, trying to tell you how irrational you were being. But your heart was aching along with it, and you couldn’t take your eyes off of the man you loved. You sighed, your voice thick with emotion.

“Fine. Ask your mother, and I’ll ask mine. But this is your one chance, you won’t get another. Aemond, if you so much as think of pulling something like this again, that’s it. I’ll never forgive you for it.”

“I wouldn’t blame you. I love you, Y/N. And I promise, I will spend every day trying to show you that.”

A tear slipped down your cheek, your heart aching at his words. “I love you, too. So much. Don’t make me regret this.”

“I won’t. I promise. Go, tend to your brother. Tell your mother, and I'll tell mine. We can do this.”

You nodded, brushing the tears off your cheeks. Aemond gave you a small smile, filled with awe and adoration. You couldn’t help but smile back.

“I’ll properly introduce you to Meraxes when this is over,” you said, smoothing your hand down her spine. “I think you’ll like her.”

“If she’s anything like her rider, I’m sure that’s true. Go now, Y/N. I’ll see you soon.”

You nodded, tugging Meraxes to turn around. She roared, acknowledging Vhagar, before turning to fly back in the direction of Dragonstone. Vhagar turned as well, now facing the way to King’s Landing. 

You both flew in opposite directions, silently begging the Gods to show mercy on you both. You didn’t think you could handle another heartbreak if this went wrong. All you could do now was cling to Meraxes, and hope that your love for Aemond was going to be enough.

If your luck was half as good as you and Aemond’s love for each other, it would be.

—

A/N - Hi! I’m so sorry this took so long, and I’m sorry about how long it is, I got carried away. Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it. Let me know what you think.

#house targaryen #house of the dragon imagine #house of the dragon x reader #house of the dragon #hotd #aemond targaryen imagine #aemond targaryen #aemond targaryen x reader #game of thrones x reader #games of thrones #game of thrones imagine

[mejcinta]

If You Could Rewrite Episode 9 (The Green Council), How Would You Do It?

1. To start off I would have Alicent deny Viserys a chance to speak on his death bed. I would have Alicent interrupt him, unleashing all the things she wanted to say that went ignored.

She should look Viserys in the face and tell him no matter what it's their son that will sit the throne. It's what she must do to survive. I'd slash the prophecy utterance. Viserys dies knowing of the failure he's been to her and his children.

2. Alicent leads the Green Council just like in the book determined to protect her family from Daemon by sitting Aegon on the throne.

She might feel just a little regret for sending off Viserys so harshly, but I will have the people around her, Criston or Aemond especially, remind her that she owed Viserys nothing.

3. Ser Criston 'The Kingmaker' Cole happens just like in the books but including Aemond in the search as well. Aegon is told his family will be wiped out if he doesn't accept the crown.

4. Before the coronation, we see Helaena huddling with her children, sensing impending doom. She's uneasy, but also at conflict with herself, knowing she needs to be Queen so that her children can stand a chance at surviving.

Meanwhile, Aegon goes to Viserys' chambers, angry at everything. At Visery's neglect and these huge shoes he's left him to fill, upset at Rhaenyra and Daemon and the risk they pose to his family. I need Aegon to break down Viserys' LEGO set/Valyrian model in a burst of rage and confusion and anxiety.

Afterwards he goes to Helaena who is still with their children. They stare at each other knowing time has come. Their lives, their arranged marriage, their children...it has always been leading up to to this. They are doomed but they have no choice.

5. At the coronation, Alicent places her crown on Helaena's head just like in the books.

6. I would keep the Rhaenys scene just to show off Sunfyre and Dreamfyre's matching fierceness. They send Meleys away in an instant and the Greens use her blunder to make themselves heroes in the smallfolk's eyes.

7. Aegon and Sunfyre fly over King's Landing as a signal to the people that Rhaenys crimes have not been forgotten. That they will be avenged. It's a way of establishing Aegon as a capable leader. They are now officially at war.*

* As for Daeron, I would have Otto send a raven to Oldtown to inform him of the potential war in the horizon*

#what's your Headcanon? #hotd headcanon #house of the dragon #hotd #house of the dragon season 2 #the green council #alicent hightower #aegon ii targaryen #helaena targaryen #aemond targaryen #criston cole #otto hightower #daeron targaryen

[daemonsdivorcerock]

THE RED QUEEN || d.targaryen

IN WHICH: six years after the driftmark incident, (name) and daemon targaryen receive word that lucerys velaryon’s claim to the driftmark throne is being challenge so they return to king’s landing to vouch for baela’s claim to the throne. to make things worse, viserys is dying and his last words are misinterpreted.

REQUESTED: yes/no

PAIRING: daemon targaryen x fem!targaryen reader

AUTHOR’S NOTES: part three in the shrew of king’s landing series!! reader is described as having silver hair. rhaenyra is kind of a bitch in this, love her tho.

WARNINGS: death, incest, targaryen!incest, angst, shenanigans, dysfunctional family, mentions of cousin marriage, otto hightower, usage of the word bastard, pregnancy, reader is pregnant again.

•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•

THE SIX YEARS BETWEEN THE DRIFTMARK INCIDENT AND THE RETURN TO KING’S LANDING HAD PASSED BY RELATIVELY SLOWLY, that’s how it’d felt. Slow. The years had drolled on by, six of them in total.

The styled “Heir Who Never Was” found herself going through a series of recollection and deja vu as she took in the sight of her chambers. It was like she had never left. Her bed was made. The fireplace was roaring.

Everything was exactly where it had been the day he left. With the exception of rummaged clothes, shoes and books. It pained her to gaze upon her tragically empty bookshelf, which was her pride and joy before she claimed Meraxes from the Dragonpit.

Her household and supporters all adorned the deep shade of rouge, declaring their support to (Name)’s claim to the Iron Throne. She had gained some supporters in the Red Keep, including Otto Hightower, Alicent Hightower, Aegon Targaryen, Helaena Targaryen, Aemond Targaryen and Daeron Targaryen.

Rhaenyra had seldom supporters in the Red Keep. Dressed in a well-fitting crimson dress, (Name) rested her hands on her swollen stomach, round with her ninth child. Six years following the death of Laena Velaryon, a myriad of events had taken place.

Harwin and Lionel Strong had died when Harrenhal caught fire. Corlys Velaryon had an accident at sea and was presumed missing. Rhaenys Velaryon was raising Baela and Rhaena to lead Driftmark. Laenor Velaryon had died. Escaped, some said. (Name) did not blame him.

Daenerys had wed Aegon, bearing him two children, Jaehaerys and Jaehaera. Aemond had wed Rhaenys and the two had a daughter, Alysanne. Helaena was happily married to the son of minor Lord.

There was talks that Aemma and Daeron would be betrothed. Then again, there was also talks that Aemma would be betrothed to Lucerys Velaryon. The Reds had been summoned to Court to deal with the matter of the Driftmark Succession.

It was elementary. Baela should inherit the Driftwood Throne. She was Corlys’ eldest legitimate grandchild. It made sense. Lucerys Velaryon, despite bearing the Velaryon name, had no right to the throne. Anyone with a brain could see that. Anyone except her father.

She glanced over at Daenerys, Rhaenys and Helaena sitting talking, Jaehaerys, Jaehaera and Alysanne playing on the floor with (Name)’s youngest children, Aegon the Younger and Viserys.

Daemon sat on an armchair by the fire, with Rhaella on his lap. Rumours were flying that Rhaella would be betrothed to Joffrey Velaryon. Over my dead body, is what crossed (Name)’s body.

•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•

The Reds and Blacks were assembled in the throne room, like characters on the chessboard. Each side shot glances at each other. Vaemond Velaryon was arguing how he should be considered as heir to the Driftwood Throne.

“I shall say it if nobody else will,” Vaemond spoke, glaring daggers at Rhaenyra, “Her children are…BASTARDS! And she is a whore,”.

The room was stunned with silence, briefs whispers darting to and fro. In his weakened state, Viserys unsheathed the same Valyrian Steel Dagger that had scarred (Name)’s face all those years ago. She felt an odd chill running down her spine.

“I’ll have your tongue for that!” Viserys had growled, before a slow clapping at filled the room. All eyes darted to the figure of (Name), who slowly clapped with a mischievous smile on her face.

She laughed briefly. “Thank you, Vaemond,” (Name) uttered, walking forwards, “What? Oh, Father, do not look at me like that. Somebody had to say it. If you cannot accept the truth, then I shall have to convey it to you. Rhaenyra’s children are illegitimate. I am sorry. Everybody knows. The whole fucking Seven Kingdoms knows. Laenor Velaryon did not father those children, Harwin Strong did. Your blatant favouritism towards Rhaenyra has gone on for long enough. Seven Hells, I have had enough!”.

“If Mother was alive to hear you saying such slanders-“ Rhaenyra began.

“If Mother was alive, Rhaenyra,” (Name) icily spoke, glaring at her sister, “Then she would agree with me! Those boys are barely Targaryens, half at most. And you have no fucking right to sully her name like that. Where were you when she passed? I shall tell you where I was. I was by her side, holding her hand as the Maester cut her open. I heard her screams. When our father decided that two daughters wasn’t enough, and that a child that barely lived a day was worth that more than the woman he loved! You have played this charade from long enough, the boys know the truth. We all do. It is time to stop lying,”.

The court room was immersed in whispers. “What will you do now, father?” (Name) whispered harshly, glaring at him, “Banish me? Exile me from Westeros? Execute me? Do your worst. As long as my bloodline endures, you will never be rid of the Shrew of King’s Landing,”.

•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•

The family supper was tense. Aemond had called Jace, Luke and Joffrey “strong boys”, making (Name) snort with laughter. Vaemond Velaryon had been executed. After the Driftmark issue was settled, in which Baela was named heir, (Name) had decided to leave King’s Landing with Daemon and her family, to live in Volantis, with her great aunt, Saera.

She decided to visit her father that evening, a final goodbye. He had been rushed out of the supper, due to his illness. She and Rhaenyra had played civil for their father. She entered his chambers shortly after the Hour of the Owl.

“Father?” She whispered, looking through the billowing white drapes on her father’s bed. He looked terrible. The room smelled pungent, the scent of rotting flesh invaded her nostrils, almost making her vomit.

Viserys’ breathing was raspy and laboured. He would not make it through the night. She knew this. Rhaenyra and her sons has returned to Dragonstone during the evening, shortly after dinner.

“The Song of Ice and Fire…” Viserys murmured, tiredly, “The Princess that was Promised…I was wrong. I should have named you my heir…(Name)…I am so sorry for how I wronged you, my daughter…Aegon’s prophecy. I am coming now, Aemma…”.

With a final breath, Viserys’ body stilled and breathing stopped. (Name) felt tears spilling for her father. She had witnessed her mother’s death in childbirth and now her father’s passing in the night. It stunned her momentarily. She was in shock.

The King was dead.

#house of the dragon #hotd #asoiaf #fanfic #daemon x y/n #daemon x reader #daemon targaryen x reader #a song of ice and fire #matt smith #daemon targaryen x y/n #the shrew of king’s landing

[mhsdatgo]

What fire and blood version do you read? https://pin.it/5zmnMIik4 this? Alicent and otto start claiming that viserys should name Aegon heir the moment he was born, that's why otto was litterally sent away. And alicent instead of creating a good relationship with rhaenyra cause yk she was an adult and rhaenyra a child, she make every effort to be sure to create dislike between the family. She start spreading gossip about rhaenyra’s sexuality, her first three sons claiming that their eggs would have not hatch and sequentially that viserys egg was a sign of bad omen (like girl none of your children eggs hatch shut your mouth), impressing her sons about them being the rightful heir over rhaenyra's sons, infact the book point out how aegon aemond and daeron were bullying rhaenyra's sons. If there was a damage alicent increased of 1000%. You would like to have a relationship with a woman that spread venom on all your family all the time? Alicent create all of this, rhaenyra had welcomed her when she marry Viserys. She made sure to create animosity only to end up like "rhaenyra will hurt my children!!!! " maybe if she didn't torment her she wouldn't have doubted? And that is really funny you to claim that alicent fight for her children as if rhaenyra wouldn't spare all of them only to aemond killing luke and aegon celebrate it. Please listen to yourself and re read the book, the only one who were in danger were rhaenyra and her children at the hands of alicent and her. The green were litterally write to be the villain stop pretending alicent was acting due to her good heart nor the care for her children. And stop pretending she was a victim of viserys's since she was marry to a men only 10 years older that adore her and cover her with gifs, litterally the only thing he denied her was taking a five years old eye and name Aegon heir, how could she lived with such abuse??

She was in a better situation that most of the ladies of Westeros, rhaenyra was married at 16, same rhaenys with a man of 37, haelena at 13. Also, ask Robert Baratheon or most of the men in Westeros what would they have done if their wife had disrespected them all the time like alicent did with viserys, and you will understand how privileged alicent's situation was.

"And Alicent instead of creating a good relationship with her because yk she was an adult and Rhaenyra a child, she make every effort to be sure to create dislike between the family."

Girl.

GIRLIE.

FAIR MAIDEN.

WHAAAAAAAT a horrible stepmother. LOOK at her, trying in every possible way to break the family she was made to wed inside, look at her disobeying to her KING!!! What a bitch move!

Instead, look at the way our beautiful perfect QWEEN Rhaenyra proved herself to be loving and compassionate towards her brothers, TOTALLY not showing just how much of a threat she was to their lives ❤️:

Note: sharply questioned means TORTURED. I'm tired of people saying it's not.

Breaking news: people have eyes. People had been whispering about these children's legitimacy since Jace was born. Alicent simply believed it as well, probably out of scorn not gonna lie, wasn't afraid to say it out loud and just happened to be someone with a lot of influence. Moreover I don't think it's ever been mentioned if Alicent's children ever HAD eggs put inside their cradles, it wouldn't be the first time. Neither Daemon nor Viserys had their dragons as hatched eggs in the cradle.

Seriously, we have the court, the whole Queen's party, the kids looking awfully similar to Harwin Strong (and leave Rhaenys out of this, she has black hair and purple eyes and the boys have brown hair and brown eyes) and you still believe all the speculations over Rhaenyra is to blame entirely on... Alicent?

Yes, all six of the children ended up hating each other, and yes, we have a quote entirely about the way their mothers' hate for each other was passed on to them, the key word is that it was both.

Again, blaming ONLY Alicent for what kids and preteens probably repeat from the elder people they hear it from. If saying that "Jace, Luke and Joff stole Aegon and Aemond and Daeron's birthright" and pushing a three year old down sounds like bullying to you then you don't know what bullying is. And honestly, (not saying they are necessarily right) who could blame them for thinking this way? They were the first trueborn sons in the history of that dynasty that were passed on in favour of a woman that basically had the word "treasonous" painted on her forehead, all because of favouritism.

No, Rhaenyra wouldn't spare them. She wouldn't have a choice, no matter if she wanted to or not. To a lot of lords, Rhaenyra's claim had been rid of any kind of ground the moment Aegon and his brothers were born. Viserys of course did nothing but make it worse, by never reaffirming Rhaenyra as the heir during a ceremony like the one we see in S1 or anything public, and never even changing the laws of succession.

If your reference for this is the statement she made after becoming a Queen, namely:

Then sorry, but after the way she treated them, spoke of them, threatened to do to them, then sorry but I don't believe she wouldn't do anything when most of the lords who had sworn loyalty to her were dead and their sons weren't bound by that oath like Jason Lannister. They were threats, serious threats, and needed to be put down.

And even if Rhae actually cared for them, y'know what? It would change nothing.

"The Greens were written as the villains" you're just proving my point. You didn't understand the whole point of the Dance of the Dragons. There isn't good or bad, there's a family that destroys itself over their own safety and a fucking throne.

Oh yes, I guess Viserys hoping to shut Alicent up (when she was making valid complains that excuse of a man did nothing but ignore) by giving her gifts surely means he adored her, wow. Best marriage ever. But hey, at least she wasn't beaten up, handed over as a child or groomed! How lucky Alicent is! And she still complains?

Greedy Alicent! No way to behave! Should've been slapped across the face like any other man would've rightfully done!

Seriously, calling Alicent "privileged" because her husband reportedly "only" ignored her all the time and saying Viserys adored her because he gave her gifts is... Wow. If you want to see a man who ACTUALLY adored his wife, go see Aegon V and Betha Blackwood.

#hotd #f&b #pro alicent hightower #anti rhaenyra targaryen #pro team green #anti team black #anon #anon ask #anti viserys i targaryen

[drakaripykiros130ac]

I keep seeing ppl say Rhaenyra is foolish for taking a brown haired man (non‐Valyrian) as her baby daddy. But for one, Rhaenyra deserved to be with someone she desired after being forced to be with Laenor.

And as for genetics, how was she suppose to know the Valyrian hair wouldn't show up in her children when all of Alicent's and Visery's children, and the majority of brown haired/Targ silver hair matches had kids born with silver hair (except Rhaenys and Jon Snow). Like it's obvious that her kids having brown hair is a plot device to emphasize they're not from Laenor, but even then in canon it's far more ambiguous as the Velaryons weren't black. Laenor has Baratheon and Rhaenyra had Arryn blood, which doesn't even matter because her kids being dark haired is a plot device. 🤷‍♀️

Sorry for the rant lol. But ppl be getting on my nerves for being worked up at Rhaenyra being with someone she desired/loved and having children from that. Jace, Luke, and Joffrey come from her, they're Targaryens. Which is all that matters at the end of the day.

Exactly! I’ve seen people (green stans) complain left and right how Rhaenyra was supposed to choose someone with Valyrian features. Hold up. It’s not that simple. What Rhaenyra was doing required a lot of discretion. She needed someone she could trust. She needed someone who wouldn’t betray her in the future and decide to claim her children for himself. Someone like that is not easy to find. And personally, I don’t even think that this was her responsibility. Viserys, Corlys and Rhaenys put her in this impossible situation. They should have been the ones to fix it.

As for genetics, the universe screwed her over. How was she to know that all three of her children would be born with brown hair, when Alicent’s own children were born with Valyrian features? That is indeed a little too convenient, and a plot device. It was more ambiguous in the book, but since they decided to make the Velaryons black in the show, I don’t think the writers realized at the time that they would be confirming the parentage of Rhaenyra’s first three sons with this move as well.

I have seen green stans call fans of Team Black suprematists, and yet they are the ones who keep saying that Jace, Luke and Joff “don’t look Targaryen enough”. If Rhaenyra had married Harwin, these are exactly the kids they would have had, with brown hair, and they would have undisputedly been the heirs.

If only Daemon had remained at Court, he would have 100% been the father of all of Rhaenyra’s children. All of her kids would have Valyrian features and there wouldn’t have been anything the greens could use against her.

But yeah, Rhaenyra’s children are Targaryen, just as much Targaryen as Alicent’s kids. All three of them had dragons born to them, their mother is the ruling Queen and the ruling House is Targaryen. It hardly matters who fathered them. And clearly the 53 Houses who supported Rhaenyra in the war didn’t care either. The only ones who seem to have a problem with it are the Hightowers, of course, and the few Council members Otto has in his pocket.

#house of the dragon #team black #pro team black #rhaenyra targaryen #anti team green #anti alicent hightower #queen rhaenyra #anti greens #hotd #anti alicent stans #the blacks #the black queen #jacaerys velaryon #lucerys velaryon #joffrey velaryon #daemon targaryen #asoiaf #asoiaf meta #pro rhaenyra #anti green stans #hotd rhaenyra #anti otto hightower #anti house hightower #daemyra

[thevelaryons]

CORLYS + RHAENYRA - Power Dynamics

There is a constant power fluctuation that happens between these two, both before the Dance and for its duration. They each have an advantage over each other: Rhaenyra is the Crown Princess/Queen and Corlys is the richest man in Westeros. It's because of these factors they can exert influence over each other. Though it's worth mentioning that they only act when the other is in a vulnerable state.

The first instance is in deciding the names of Rhaenyra's sons with Laenor. Jacaerys & Lucerys are given Velaryon names because Corlys decides it and Joffrey is only given a non-Velaryon name because Corlys relents to Laenor's wishes. Rhaenyra has no say in this matter and it is Corlys' will that rules here:

Laenor’s wish to name the child Joffrey was overruled by his father, Lord Corlys. Instead the child was given a traditional Velaryon name: Jacaerys (friends and brothers would call him Jace). [...] Meanwhile, back in Westeros, Princess Rhaenyra had given birth to a second son late in the year 115 AC. The child was named Lucerys (Luke for short). [...] In 117 AC, on Dragonstone, Princess Rhaenyra bore yet another son. Ser Laenor was at last permitted to name a child after his fallen friend, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth.

I say this because the book specifically emphasizes when Rhaenyra finally does have a say in deciding the name for her child:

As the year waned, she brought forth a small but robust son, a pale princeling with dark purple eyes and pale silvery hair. She named him Aegon.

Rhaenyra's first three sons are bastards and she would be well aware that she needs to appease Corlys in order to have him accept her sons as Velaryons, so the choice of the boys' names is left to him.

There's a lot more political tension underlying their dynamic when it comes to the Driftmark sucession.

When Lucerys was around 11 years old, Corlys fell ill from a fever. Up until this point, Corlys had not named any of Laenor's sons by Rhaenyra as heir to Driftmark. As I've mentioned before, Corlys is the type who views being a Velaryon as separate from the position of family heir. Although his grandchildren have already been betrothed to each other by this point, it's not a firm solution to the problem of the family succession in Corlys' eyes. This is evidenced by the fact that Rhaenyra has to go out of her way to request Corlys to name her son as heir:

That same year, across Blackwater Bay, the Sea Snake was stricken by a sudden fever. As he took to his bed, surrounded by maesters, the issue arose as to who should succeed him as Lord of the Tides and Master of Driftmark should the sickness claim him. With both his trueborn children dead, by law his lands and titles should pass to his eldest grandson, Jacaerys…but since Jace would presumably ascend the Iron Throne after his mother, Princess Rhaenyra urged her good-father to name instead her second son, Lucerys. Lord Corlys also had half a dozen nephews, however, and the eldest of them, Ser Vaemond Velaryon, protested that the inheritance by rights should pass to him…on the grounds that Rhaenyra’s sons were bastards sired by Harwin Strong. The princess was not slow in answering this charge. She dispatched Prince Daemon to seize Ser Vaemond, had his head removed, and fed his carcass to her dragon, Syrax.

Rhaenyra is able to exert her will here, through threat of force, and does seem to have succeeded in getting Corlys' to agree with her wishes. Once again, I'll emphasize that Rhaenyra and Corlys are able to act upon their wishes when the other is in a state of vulnerability.

After Rhaenys' death, Corlys is quite furious with Rhaenyra. It is Jacaerys who works to appease him this time (acting in place of his mother). Corlys is named to the position of Hand and when the Red Sowing occurs shortly afterwards, he brings Addam/Alyn forth to claim dragons. Just going off the timeline of events, it's clear that "Laenor's bastards" was part of the conditions promised to Corlys to retain his loyalty. No doubt, it is also the reason why Jacaerys is so willing to speak up for Addam as the new heir to Driftmark, knowing full well that the next in line would have been his own brother, Joffrey. I've already talked about the politics at play in deciding the succession between Addam vs Joffrey, so I'm not going to get too into that. Though it's worth mentioning that Rhaenyra only agreed to the succession change after Jacaerys urged her to do so. Meaning she must have been reluctant at first:

Not long after Addam of Hull had proved himself by flying Seasmoke, Lord Corlys went so far as to petition Queen Rhaenyra to remove the taint of bastardy from him and his brother. When Prince Jacaerys added his voice to the request, the queen complied. Addam of Hull, dragonseed and bastard, became Addam Velaryon, heir to Driftmark.

Speaking of Rhaenyra's reluctance, it makes sense why she would feel that way. It does not matter that Laenor was gay and neither he nor Rhaenyra had an interest in each other. What matters is the public perception of events. Rhaenyra was Laenor's legal wife. Marilda is claimed to be his mistress. It is Marilda's bastard son that is being placed ahead of Rhaenyra's son who is called trueborn. For any noblewoman, this would be an unthinkable turn of events. In Rhaenyra's case, she's not just any noblewoman, but a Queen. Nevertheless, she must swallow her pride and agree with what Corlys wants. Despite taking action to ensure the succession in favor of Lucerys, Rhaenyra does not do the same for Joffrey. Corlys is the one who holds the power now and Rhaenyra must bend to his will.

It is explicitly mentioned that everyone in Rhaenyra's court plays along with the story that Addam/Alyn are Laenor's bastards. Why? To appease Corlys of course:

Many and more at Queen Rhaenyra’s court must surely have suspected the same. If so, they held their tongues.

Throughout most of the war, it is Corlys that is able to exert power over Rhaenyra, even in matters concerning the succession of other houses. And so it is Corlys' authority that Rhaenyra has to obey, because she cannot risk losing his support, or that of other such lords:

Their deaths left her with a nettlesome problem of succession, however. As it happened, each of the “faithless friends” left a daughter; Rosby’s was a maid of twelve, Stokeworth’s a girl of six. Prince Daemon proposed that the former be wed to Hard Hugh the blacksmith’s son (who had taken to calling himself Hugh Hammer), the latter to Ulf the Sot (now simply Ulf White), keeping their lands black whilst suitably rewarding the seeds for their valor in battle. But the Queen’s Hand argued against this, for both girls had younger brothers. Rhaenyra’s own claim to the Iron Throne was a special case, the Sea Snake insisted; her father had named her as his heir. Lords Rosby and Stokeworth had done no such thing. Disinheriting their sons in favor of their daughters would overturn centuries of law and precedent, and call into question the rights of scores of other lords throughout Westeros whose own claims might be seen as inferior to those of elder sisters. It was fear of losing the support of such lords, Munkun asserts in True Telling, that led the queen to decide in favor of Lord Corlys rather than Prince Daemon.

That's not to say, Rhaenyra is entirely powerless. As the Queen, she does have the final say in matters. Especially in discussions concerning the Greens, it is Rhaenyra's decision ultimately to decide what is to be done. Of course, she does hear Corlys out first before making her decisions:

The Lannisters and Baratheons should be destroyed as well, so their lands and castles might be given to men who had proved more loyal. Grant Storm’s End to Ulf White and Casterly Rock to Hard Hugh Hammer, the prince proposed…to the horror of the Sea Snake. “Half the lords of Westeros will turn against us if we are so cruel as to destroy two such ancient and noble houses,” Lord Corlys said. It fell to the queen herself to choose between her consort and her Hand. Rhaenyra decided to steer a middle course.

One of the descriptions that GRRM himself gave for Rhaenyra is that she never forgets a slight. So I do think part of the reason she was quick to believe the worst of Addam is because the circumstances in which he became heir to Driftmark were already a huge insult to her. The book doesn't mention whether it was Rhaenyra or Corlys that had Addam residing at the Dragonpit but the fact that he was kept out of her sight is an interesting detail. When Addam is suspected of treason, it does give Rhaenyra an opportunity to let out her own grievances.

Corlys and Rhaenyra can't really be described as being particularly fond of each other. However, they do share grandchildren/children in common, and it's obvious they care about them. So it would make sense to say Corlys and Rhaenyra tolerate each other and keep their personal grievances mostly to themselves. Corlys' outburst after Rhaenys death in which he was very quick to wish death upon Rhaenyra certainly says a lot about his own opinions though. But most of their actions are them trying to play nice with each other.

Rhaenyra's exercise of power is almost limited (part of that does have to do with her position as a woman trapped in a war because her authority was questioned on account of her womanhood). Corlys is a man and a wealthy noble too, so he can use that to his advantage many times. Rhaenyra as a woman does have to appease him for this reason. But since she is a Queen too, she can exert her own will if she chooses to do so, even if doing so means risking losing Corlys' support.

#valyrianscrolls #asoiaf #corlys velaryon #rhaenyra targaryen #corlys & rhaenyra #meta #reposting my old twitter meta here #I decided to expand on more points

[pessimisticpigeonsworld]

Look at this....☠️ https://www.tumblr.com/bohemian-nights/737003196544958464/fuck-rhaenyra-fuck-the-writers-with-this-sapphic?source=share

Fucking hell.

First off: I find it interesting the anon doesn't acknowledge that Laena x Daemon is also incest. Sure, she's not his niece, but she is still related to him. They love projecting their insecurities about their ship onto daemyra.

Second: yeah, HoTD choosing to make the Velaryons black then sidelining them massively is shitty and, sure, could be interpreted as racist. However, how is that Rhaenyra's fault? She didn't make Daemon marry Laena when he couldn't have her neither did she kill Laena. Condal and Hess chose to write out Laena's relevance (which already wasn't much outside of being Daemon's wife and Baela and Rhaena's mother) in order to give Alicent more screen time. But again, that's neith Rhaenyra's nor Emma D'Arcy's fault, stop blaming them (also Emma is good at playing Rhaenyra as she is written, the only issues are the writing, which aren't their fault). Op also chose to ignore the fact that Daemon actually is confirmed by GRRM himself to have loved Rhaenyra the most.

Moving on, once again the Rhaenyra antis are bringing up how Rhaenyra isn't "feminist". Literally no one in F&B is feminist by our modern definition. Visenya and Rhaenys are probably the closest, and even then, they aren't writing feminist manifestos (which apparently Rhaenyra is expected to for some reason). Alysanne, the most proactive queen regent, still enforced arranged marriages on her daughters and granddaughters. Rhaenys didn't advocate for Laena's right of succession in the book and in the show refused to support Rhaenyra long before Laenor's "death". Her antis hold Rhaenyra to unfair and unrealistic standards while making excuses for or ignoring other characters who don't meet them.

In that same vein, I still can't get over how Rhaenyra antis will say that TG aren't the conservative group. They say Rhaenyra isn't a feminist and that TG, the ones who are obsessed with male primogeniture and believe being gay, a sexually liberated woman, a child born out of wedlock, or not adhering to the equivalent of the Catholic Church make someone subhuman are the "progressive" group. It's delusion at its finest. Alicent and the greens are misogynistic and, because of them, women's rights in Westeros ended up more repressed than ever.

The fact that the op says that Visenya and Queen Rhaena are acceptable shows they have no understanding for TG or F&B. First off, TG would never support either woman. Visenya was hated by the Faith and most of the Lord's of Westeros, she was a warrior accused of witchcraft and dared to interfere with the misogynistic customs alongside Rhaenys. Rhaena was gay, something she wasn't allowed to live fully because the Targaryens chose to conform to Westerosi ideals. She was also robbed of her inheritance, even Jaehaerys acknowledged that Rhaena was the rightful heir, just as Aegon acknowledged Rhaenyra was.

As for the racist allegations, those come exclusively from Mushroom, someone who is far from a reliable source. Mushroom invented an entire woman to try to add "spice" to Jacaerys' story: Sara Snow. A woman of whom there is no record of, even though she was raised in Winterfell and supposedly married Jace. If Mushroom is willing to make up a whole ass woman to make the story more dramatic, why should we trust anything he says?

Yes, Rhaenyra ordered Nettles' execution, but that was because of her rumored relationship with Daemon and Rhaenyra's paranoia which had grown massively since Hugh Hammer and Ulf White's betrayal. Was it just? No. Was it racially motivated? According to Mushroom, maybe, but looking at Rhaenyra's character, it doesn't make sense.

Moving on, what exactly does op mean by "she's done too many things to claim she's been wrongly framed by the narrative"? By the time Nettles comes along, Rhaenyra hasn't done much that could be considered reprehensible. Op seems to have an issue with Vaemond's death, which Rhaenyra did order in the book. They seem to think that Vaemond "rightfully called her out" and was wrongfully killed.

She ordered Vaemond's execution after he declared her sons bastards in order to challenge Corlys' decision regarding succession. Keep in mind, Vaemond in the book is Corlys' nephew, not his brother, which moves him even farther down the line of succession. Vaemond not only was putting Rhaenyra and her sons in danger but was also trying to usurp all of Corlys' line, including Baela and Rhaena, who op seems to like a lot.

Yeah Rhaenyra is much harsher in F&B, but that hardly makes her evil and irredeemable. Queens Visenya and Rhaena were both harsh and even cruel sometimes, yet op doesn't think they're irredeemable monsters.

I do agree with op's anger over the sidelining of the Velaryons, as I said earlier, but taking it out on Rhaenyra is completely uncalled for. Rhaenyra wasn't a monster, anyone who believes that has frighteningly little reading comprehension. Rhaenyra's reign would have greatly helped women's standings in Westeros and pushed along gender equality. Ignoring that fact and blatantly saying the greens aren't supporting the repressive patriarchy is delusional and idiotic. The greens' actions were damaging in every way. Vaemond was far from an innocent victim, he was power hungry and misogynistic in both the show and the book. Keep your angry focused on the right people, don't take it out on a woman who had her whole life destroyed by the patriarchy.

#rhaenyra targaryen #team black #anti team green #house of the dragon #asoiaf #anti rhaenyra antis #anti ryan condal #laena velaryon #daemon targaryen #nettles #hotd critical #anti laena stans

[a0random0gal]

If you had the chance to change something about the dance of the dragons (TV show or book), what would it be? For example, how a character dies, which team a house is on,or an entire character personally. How would you change it to make the story better, in your opinion?♥️🖤💙💚

Ohh anon i've got a list.

When it comes to the tv show there are a few choices the writers made that just don't sit right with me.

Laenor

I do like the characterization they went for, he's a pretty cool dude who really loves his weird, dysfunctional family. What I really don't like is how they handled his death.

See I truly can't stand it when a character is sugar coated just because they're the protagonist and thus must be righteous and always objectively correct.

So to witness the writers white wash his murder, having him flee to essos instead of being killed by Rhaenyra pisses me off. I get that after showing them being good friends it would be very odd to have her kill him.

But that's the thing, they should have opted for a more ruthless Rhaenyra in the first place!

Laenor's death in the books (at least for me) was the first instance of Rhae Rhae making morally wrong choices in order to pursue her ultimate goal. It was compelling! Here she just takes the easy way out, without having to make a tough choice.

Also his survival really fucks her up when you really think about it. Now all her sons are bastards since her marriage to Daemon isn't valid, and for the upcoming season 2, how are they going to handle Addam and Seasmoke? Laenor is still alive, his dragon won't accept a new rider. This doesn't make any sense and just causes plotholes what the actual fu-

Sidenote: After Laenor's very moving speech on how he was done goofing off and was now willing to really step up for Rhaenyra and their family it's super strange to imagine him ditching them all immediately afterwards Lol.

Rhaenys

My gosh, where do I even begin with this woman?

She too is pretty cool at the start, but then episode 9 rolls around and I roll my eyes.

She's so hypocritical. She tries to shit on Alicent for "toiling in the service of men." When that's all she does in the goddamn story!

She wants Baela to get Driftmark, tells Corlys about it, he shuts off the whole plan cause he wants a kid who he's not even related to on the driftwood throne, and when she complains about it he dismisses her.

So what does feminist Rhaenys do about it?

She... submits to her husband, something she conveniently forgets about when talking to Alicent. My god. Just remove this entire exchange, it hurts to watch.

And the coronation scene, Jesus Christ! It was so cool in the books, why did they have to ruin it? Had they replaced it with something better I wouldn't have complained, but this is just, the worst.

Rhaenys shows how badass she is by.... Brutally crushing hundreds of small folks to death and almost slaughtering the greens.

Cool, cool, absolutely necessary. Thanks Sara.

And you know what's even more infuriating? When she flees to Dragonstone to inform Rhaenyra of all that happened. She says she didn't kill the greens cause she didn't wish to start a war. I'm sorry what?

That would have ended the war at the start! As glad as I am that Rhaenys didn't barbecue them it makes absolutely no sense!

If she had killed them there would have been no dance in the first place!

I hate these dumb show only moments. They needlessly complicated an already complicated story and just mess everything up.

There's probably other stuff I could rant on, like how Aegon was made a rapist sorely to make the audience think:

Oh look! The greens are so baad, they believe a rapist alcoholic douche should be in charge instead of our empowered dragon queen, they sure do suck!

Or how house Velaryon was disrespected and mistreated by D*emyra but still somehow decided to support Nyra's claim.

They didn't really have a motive to be greens though, so I think they should have stayed neutral. Their fervent black support makes no sense.

The writers really should have given them more reasons to back up the blacks or had their beloved queen treat them better so that their loyalty made more sense ( I mean holy hell I wonder how they will handle the two betrayers and Corlys's arrest lmao).

But other greens have already shat on these awful decisions and I won't beat a dead horse.

Book

When it comes to fire and blood I surprisingly have very little complaints, except of course, the Jaehaera situation.

My poor baby deserved better, I've made a post about it in the past

(where I ranted and said stuff I kind of regret now, don't post while very angry guys I don't recommend it)

tackling how the little queen was unnecessarily killed off and how her death genuinely adds nothing so why was it added? God I get upset just thinking about it lol.

Some people say George did it cause he needed Aegon's kids to be born after Viserys's, and apparently he couldn't fathom a married teen not having kids until her 20s, which is veery weird.

The more plausible theory is that he got rid of her cause he wanted more Velaryon queens to showcase how close they used to be to the Targs.

Which is something I had understood already thanks to Alyssa, the sea Snake and all the Velaryons who were masters of ships but whatever.

#hotd #house of the dragon #hotd critical #anti team black #pro team green #rhaenyra targaryen #asoiaf #aegon ii targaryen #corlys velaryon #laenor valeryon #rhaenys targaryen #rhaenys velaryon #jaehaera targaryen #fire&blood #hotd season 2 #thanks for the ask! it was lots of fun to answer lmao

[closed-third-eye]

Again and again vague opinions about the parentage of lucerys jacaerys and jofferys and how it would "risk their lives because "daemon is a big baddie and would have wanted his own sons on the throne"or "they were so obviously illegitemate" when, know even that wasn't the issue of people who rejected rhaenyra, is was always about her being a woman

And actions speak louder than words and here are actions of some people when it comes to velaryon boys:

1. His daughter would have been the QUEEN, something decided in their childhood in books and later in show

2. DAEMON not only take poetic revenge on the greens for lucerys's murder but he also personally wanted to kill aemond for a long time and then delivered poetic justice by taking the same eye aemond wanted from lucerys and killed him for it

3. When dameon goes for his suicide mission he knows joffery is in line to the throne, and only one of his son remain, he did not go and kill joffery If nything he is the reason joffery lived as long as he did and would have lived longer had it not been for the dragon pits

4. They are not "obviously" illegitimate if that were the case every house on the realm should have been against them but half of them swore fealty to Jace!

The next in line to the throne if nyra dies, they swore fealty to the man they expected to be the king later, his negotiations won alliances

And manderly threw his daughter at joffery when he had nothing to offer simply because he was queen's son

And borros was very seriously asking if lucerys would marry his daughter, when he said no he allowed aemond to go and kill lucerys in the book and hid till the war was easier to win under green banners, he absolutely expected the consequences but check if he had a chance with the future lord of the tides

Only people to ever use their colouring were the greens, absolutely no one cared in books because rhaenys had black hair and she was in support of nyra, and in show her reluctance amounts to nothing but stupid grievance that end with her in the same place as book where she wants the same things

And even then their bid for the illegitimacy didn't work only ones to agree were already in on the plan and in rest of the kingdom they recieved less alliance compare to what jace alone brought.

The scenario is about had they lived longer....why would daemon even wait for them to grow older and better to kill them and make it suspicious as to how healthy boys just dropped dead when he could have done it long ago,

Only one who wants to usurp his brother was aemond, and this all feels like projection

#lucerys velaryon #hotd #house of the dragon #luke #luke velaryon #rhaenyra targaryen #lucerys targaryen #jace velaryon #jacaerys velaryon #jacaerys targaryen #jace targaryen #rhaenyra targeryan #daemon targeryan #the rouge prince #joffery velaryon #team black #team green #house velaryon #house targaryen #aegon iii targaryen #viserys ii targaryen #aegon targaryen #viserys targaryen

[blackcat419]

One thing I find interesting in the Cersei comparison to Rhaenyra or Alicent is how Cersei is split between the two. This is specifically for the show just to make the clear.

Alicent suffers a lot of what Cersei suffers, sexually assaulted by a man who calls her by his previous infatuation’s name, a father pushing her towards queens hip to advance his own power, a dead mother who she constantly thinks of, and people threatening the lives of her children. But despite suffering in a very similar way to Cersei, Alicent does not become like Cersei. She uses her power to help those who are victims of the system, she supports women’s rights to the throne and to rule (telling Rhaenys she should have been queen), she’s merciful, and doesn’t want people dead.

Rhaenyra on the other hand is a lot like Cersei. The only trauma that she suffered that is similar to Cersei is a mother dying in child birth but she doesn’t even have to deal with a brother coming along. She is at war with her body wishing she could be a knight instead of having kids, she doesn’t think other women can rule (we’ll see if they stick to the book on this), she has sex with a member of the kingsguard, she has bastard children that she passes off as legitimate, she also has sex with a member of the gold cloaks, calls for people’s heads when they call her out, and is in an incestuous relationship.

Alicent and Rhaenyra are both like Cersei, alicent suffers similarly to Cersei but does not take similar actions too her while Rhaenyra does not suffer as much like Cersei and does take similar actions to Cersei.

#hotd #house of the dragon #hotd discussion #alicent hightower #Rhaenyra Targaryen #Cersei Lannister #comparing the three

[viiisenyas]

Episode 9 of HOTD is so bizarre.

Namely Alicent’s shocked pikachu moment when the council members were like “Oh great, Vizzy T gave his blessing to do what we’ve been plotting all these years.”

um… I’m just going to leave these here:

Episode 6: “If Rhaenyra comes into power, your very life could be forfeit. Aemond’s as well. She could move to cut off any challenge to her succession. You are the challenge, Aegon! Simply by living and breathing!”

Episode 7: Aemond said that Helaena was going to be Aegon’s Queen. Gee I wonder who he heard that one from…

Episode 8: The entire purpose of Vaemond’s petition for the succession of Driftmark, thus leading to the potential event of Rhaenyra being legally disinherited.

Then there was Otto saying nobody leaves the small council chamber until their business is finished after Beesbury croaks, only to let Westerling leave scot free five minutes later??

But what especially weirded me out was the whole fetch quest for Aegon - that should not have taken up the majority of the episode. (I am still salty about them taking Mushroom’s account as gospel)

And I really don’t have to talk about Rhaenys murdering a bunch of commoners with Meleys in place of Aegon mounting Sunfyre and riding around King’s Landing… like if they wanted spectacle, they could have just stuck to the book events… but whatever, I guess.

#I am tired of pretending it was a good episode it was weird #I would have been fine with Alicent going forward with the original plot because that still shows that she is trying to protect her children #bad writing #hbo house of the dragon #hotd critical