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geeks-universe · 2 years

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Hey, could you please do a daemon targaryen x reader fanfic where they 2 are in a arranged marraige and daemon doesn't like the reader at first and kind of just sleeps around and embrasses her. But the reader tries to get close with him and over time she succeeds and they fall in love. Thank you💕

“You know, most would consider it a privilege to be married to a prince.”

Benjamin Norac, your closest friend and confidant- and one of the only other Northerners permanently residing in King’s Landing- grinned up at you.

His humor was not lost on you, but instead of your typical amusement, you could only find it in yourself to be annoyed today.

Daemon Targaryen, the man you had been forced to marry, had proven once again that you could not, in good faith, put your trust in anyone but yourself. He had been at a brothel the entirety of the night before, and you were the one to feel the wrath of it presently.

Funny that, how a man could make a stupid, irresponsible decision, yet the fault would lie with his wife. To the people of King’s Landing, you were the reason he strayed from his marital bed.

Whyever else would a man find comfort in someone he doesn’t own?

Your fist would’ve made contact with Ben’s face had he not managed to scarcely dodge the blow, trying, and failing, to retaliate with his own blow.

Ben was a strong man, and he was a skilled fighter, but you were raised by an elite guild of assassins. Your instincts have been honed since you were a child, and your mind was as sharp as the blades hidden in your bracers.

You sidestepped his next punch, following the momentum of it to trap his leg between your own, and knock him off his feet.

He huffed a sigh, defeated once more.

“I’ve found that marriage is a trap,” you admitted, pulling Ben back to his feet and patting him once on the shoulder for good measure.

“In what way?” He inquired, rubbing at his elbow. Perhaps he’d bruised a little more than his ego in the sparring session, but he was the one who brought up Daemon.

“No matter what Daemon does, I am always at fault.” You crossed your arms over your chest, sure you looked a bit like a petulant child in the moment.

“Marrying him was the only way to ensure peace,” he reminded you thoughtfully, and you had the decency to at least look guilty.

“I wish it hadn’t been,” you murmured, saddened by the sudden change in atmosphere.

Your marriage was a tumultuous subject at best, and a volatile one at worst. You had never wanted to marry for anything besides love. It had been the Starks that convinced you otherwise. You were a distant relation to them, but Lord Cregan Stark had claimed you as a member of the Stark family due to your unyielding loyalty and service to the North.

It had been a moment of pride, that was swiftly overshadowed by rage when he announced that you were to wed Daemon to strengthen the relations between House Targaryen and House Stark.

Lord Stark wouldn’t move forward with the negotiations until you agreed. It was a small mercy, but one you were thankful for. Instead of feeling as though it was suddenly sprung on you, you were given time to come to terms with why it was important you do so.

And, he had offered you an out, should you wish to refuse.

“Lady Stark,” a voice you were all too familiar with called out.

Sir Cristin Cole was a thorn in your side, and had been since the moment you arrived in King’s Landing. There was an air of distrust around him, like he was waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike, and you couldn’t fully grasp why.

“The King requests your presence.”

You grimaced, nodding a gentle goodbye to your friend. Ben bowed dramatically, his laugh echoing down the empty alleyway outside of the Red Keep.

You spun on your heel, slowly navigating the twists and turns of the keep. When you first got to King’s Landing you had been overwhelmed by the city. There were too many entrances and openings that you knew there was no way for you to secure them all.

Your training had nearly drove you to the edge of insanity.

Slowly, however, you learned the lay of the land. It was a safety measure, as well as insurance in case you ever needed to flee the city unseen.

Maybe you were a bit of a pessimist, but with a long and bloody history, who could blame you?

Whispers followed your arrival to the Red Keep, and you did your best to ignore them. Pity followed you like a cloud, as did anger and occasionally jealousy. To some, you were an ungrateful bitch who didn’t shower Daemon in the adoration he deserved. To others, you were the poor, helpless Northern girl stuck in the south with a man who would sooner fuck a nameless whore than warm your bed.

Either way, you were inexplicably tied to Daemon in a way you had never desired to be associated with another.

You kept your head down, only assessing scenes you could consider a threat as you sped your walk up, pushing your way into the throne room before long.

Viserys was sat on the throne, leaning forward excitedly as he explained something or another. There was little that comforted you here, but Viserys was one.

The King reminded you a bit of home, in a strange sort of way. He was, at heart, a lover. He loved his family, his kingdom, his people.

You bowed lowly, smiling despite yourself.

You and Viserys had a special bond, and you like to think that even though Daemon did not treat you as a wife, the King most certainly treated you as a beloved sister. He held affection in his heart for you, as you did him.

“Your grace,” you stood up straight, “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“(Y/N),” he returned your smile with a grim one of his own.

He casted a glance at the few knights and diplomats who remained in the room following your entrance.

“Leave us.”

You waited patiently as the room cleared, the air of formality leaving with them. Viserys stood up, descending the throne to stand closer to you.

“I’ve received some disturbing news,” he breathed out a long, tired sigh, “And while I’m not sure if they hold much merit, you are the best candidate for this task.”

You raised a brow, crossing your arms over your chest. If you had to wager a guess, you’d say that it most decidedly had something to do with Daemon.

“My brother’s life may be in danger.”

Your back stiffened, muscles tense as you held a white-knuckled fist on the bottom of your corset, where a dagger is hidden.

“Where is he?”

Viserys tilted his head, curious at the sudden fierceness in your eyes. He knew of your background, and certainly knew you could fight. He also knew you were discreet, and assassination attempts in King’s Landing needed to be handled with such secrecy, lest the public begin to realize that House Targaryen is not as infallible as they once believed.

“The Streets of Silk,” he muttered, his expression apologetic, “Some pleasure house near the Dragon Gate.”

You nodded, turning with haste to go find your wayward husband.

“Be safe,” Viserys called after your retreating form.

You kept safety in mind, but focused on haste. Despite your loveless marriage, you certainly did not want Daemon to die. As soon as you set foot outside the Red Keep, you took off in a sprint.

The streets could only get you there so fast. You vaulted over a cart, and scaled up a wall, landing heavily on the roof of one of King’s Landing’s sturdier buildings.

Racing across the rooftops was harsher terrain, yet you found yourself moving with ease. This was an environment you knew well, and you moved like a shadow in the dwindling light.

By the time you spotted a flash of silver hair, the sun had slipped well below the horizon. He was stumbling, viscous threats on his tongue as he lashed out like a wounded dog, trying to fight off the assailants. Had he been sober, you were sure he would’ve had no issue handling them. Alas, he had clearly been nearing the bottom of the bottle by the time they attacked, and while he could fend them off sloppily, he could not quite go on the offensive.

You recognized his attackers by the insignia on their cloak. It was a trident with a snake wrapped around it, it’s fangs barred in warning.

The Wanderers.

They claimed to be harbingers of peace, to protect the world from chaos created freedom. Their faction had been at war with the assassin’s guild you belonged to for a very long time. Targeting Daemon was not coincidental.

Luckily, there were only three of them. With fortune on your side, you could take down two of the three before they even knew you were there.

You whispered an apology to the earth, for the blood you were about to shed, and pushed yourself off of the hard tiles of the roof.

The wind kissed your cheeks for only a moment before you made impact with your target. Your wrist flexed, sending the blade deep into the man’s throat. You used the momentum to propel you towards the other assailant beside him, shoving your blade up the underside of his chin.

His eyes widened as he grasped your hand weakly, flailing for little more than a second before he became unresponsive. You pushed his limp body away, meeting the hardened gaze of the last remaining attacker.

He moved quickly, his actions trained and his body steady, as he poised for attack.

You were fast in blocking him, bringing your dagger up to hold back the icy point of his sword.

If you had more time to prepare, you would’ve brought your own.

You grunted at the impact of his foot to your abdomen, a clear ploy to get you to drop your defenses from his steel. You didn’t relent, pushing with your legs to garner enough momentum to move him away.

He stumbled only a step or two, but it was the opening you needed. You were much faster than him, moving in and bringing your blade into his stomach.

A curse was on his tongue, and you responded in kind, bringing your dagger up to finish the job. Before you could, however, Daemon spoke.

“My darling wife,” he muttered, sarcasm evident.

His words were enough of a distraction to give the man enough time to bring his own dagger up. You caught the glint of it in the moonlight just before it made contact, allowing you to dodge as best you could.

It was enough to ensure you didn’t die, but he still managed to drive it into your upper thigh.

You groaned, biting your lip to stop a further whimper at the sudden explosion of pain. It felt hot, searing your skin to the touch. Frustratedly, you pushed your dagger into his neck until you felt bone, and then dragged it across with your diminishing strength.

Tears were falling down your cheeks, and if you weren’t so concerned for Daemon, you might have acknowledged them. Instead, you holstered your weapon, and limped towards him, nearly crying out with each step.

“Daemon, we need to get you back to the keep.”

He watched you with clouded eyes, still heavily intoxicated.

“I didn’t actually believe you knew how to fight.”

You ignored his words, stooping down low to steal the cloaks off of the fallen men. Your thigh protested the movement, a dull throbbing beginning to set in on the spot. The rest of your leg felt numb, suspiciously so.

“Here,” you fluttered the cloak around his back, and secured it around his neck, before pulling the hood over his hair.

You did so to your own as well before he spoke again.

“You could have let them kill me.”

You pressed your hand to the small of Daemon’s back, guiding his lazy, uneven steps back towards the Red Keep. You walked with a similar gait, although from a much different circumstance.

“It would have been easy,” He continued at your silence, fascinated at the idea you didn’t let him get murdered. “And then you could’ve gone back to the North, a free widow.”

“I’m not going to let you die, Daemon,” You argued, blood rushing in your ears. With each step, the pain had gone from a throbbing, to a constant ache.

“Why not?” He asked. “I’ve been a terrible husband.”

You inhaled deeply, looking up to the Red Keep in the distance. There was still a fair bit of ground to cover.

“You have,” you agree cautiously, noting the curious look on his features. “But, I suppose I haven’t ever expected you to be a good one.”

He furrowed his brows, gesturing for you to continue.

“I am a stranger to you, as you are one to me. This is a marriage by circumstance, not choice. I don’t want you to be a good, loving husband, Daemon. I want you to have a mutual respect and understanding for how your indiscretions affect my life.”

“You want me to stop fucking whores.”

The near constant spark of annoyance that would usually be a raging fire by now, has finally peeked its head in your mind. Daemon had a way of getting under your skin like nobody else ever has.

“Just be more discreet,” you countered, words sharp.

Daemon drew himself a little taller at your tone, clearly affronted with the idea that you might actually have the audacity to be annoyed with him.

“I will do what I like, when I like, and no,” he pursed his lips, struggling with the word, “wife of mine will tell me otherwise, no matter how pretty she is.”

Pretty.

Why the fuck did he always have to give the most backhanded compliments in the whole of Westeros. You huffed, choosing to ignore him in lieu of focusing on your breathing.

He didn’t bother speaking anymore either, following in a tense silence all the way through the empty halls and to the quarters the two of you were supposed to share.

It appeared that neither of you had been staying there, as the room looked as untouched as it had been on your wedding night. You shut the door behind you softly, taking a moment to rest on the door.

When you turned back around, Daemon had begun shedding his clothes, not bothering to remain decent in your presence. You were going to say something, complain perhaps, but you decided against it when you knew he would only retaliate.

Instead, you took a seat on the chaise, and began lifting the skirts of your dress. You lifted it just high enough to inspect the wound on your upper left thigh. It was a nasty, jagged gash that was sure to leave a scar. It was deep enough to cause some concern, but it was a problem for another time.

For now, you would watch over Daemon.

You tore off a strip of cloth from your dress, and tied it around your thigh as a rudimentary bandage, before looking up at your husband.

Daemon was now covered by a blanket, laying in the bed with his eyes closed. If it weren’t for the tension in his brow, you would’ve been sure he was asleep.

He looked over to you, his eyes bleary, as he inquired softly:

“Why do you vex me so?”

You swallowed, smiling sadly as you gazed upon the Rogue Prince. In the dark of night, he wasn’t so bad. He seemed so very human and vulnerable. Slowly, ever slowly, he relaxed and drifted off into a fitful sleep.

And, for the remainder of the night and well into the morning, you stood watch over him, ensuring nobody else would attempt to harm him. You didn’t sleep, didn’t relax, just waited, a wolf poised in the shadows for an attack that never came.

When Daemon awoke to the sun high in the sky, he didn’t expect to see you in the room, focused on the door. Despite not making a sound as he woke, he was sure you knew already.

You, however, didn’t move an inch as he stretched the sleep from his muscles and redressed himself into something appropriate. Silence permeated the air around you both, and he was grateful for it.

He’d had far too much to drink and was not reaping the repercussions for his actions.

He was a bit curious though, wondering why he was in your shared quarters. He hadn’t stepped foot in here since the wedding night, and even then he had only stayed a few minutes.

The night prior was nothing more than a black void, memories lost to the bottom of a bottle.

He casted one more curious look at your silhouette- beautiful in the morning sun, yet poisoned with subjugation- trying to piece together the night’s events. When it became obvious he would not, he left in search of his brother.

Viserys was not difficult to find, as he had been lurking in the corridor outside of your shared quarters. He was, quite obviously, looking for information.

“Daemon,” he greeted, his shoulders visibly sagging with relief.

“Brother,” he replied, tilting his head towards the door. “What happened last night?”

“Someone tried to kill you.”

His voice was grim. The joviality on Daemon’s face did not dim, despite the more serious turn of events.

“Happens more often than you’d think,” he muttered, crossing his arms over his chest. “Where are the bastards?”

“(Y/N) killed them,” he stated cautiously, watching Daemon for a reaction. “She brought you back here and watched over you for the rest of the night.”

“Such a doting wife,” he said sarcastically, hiding his surprise.

He’d heard rumors that you could fight and had great skills as a warrior, but he never put much stock into them. He’d seen you at court one too many times, was intimately familiar with the way you smiled and charmed and perfected the role of a lady.

“Daemon,” Viserys admonished his brother. “She saved your life. Even refused to be treated until you were awake.”

“Treated?” He inquired, his muscles tensing at the thought.

“Her leg was injured in the fight.”

“Stubborn girl,” Daemon chided, turning his back to his brother to return to the room.

“I didn’t choose her as a punishment, you know.”

Curiosity piqued, Daemon turned slowly towards his brother, gesturing for him to continue.

“Yes, we needed the alliance, but I chose her specifically for you. Because I knew you’d get along with her. Maybe even...”

Viserys let his sentence fade off, shifting uncomfortably on his feet. He hadn’t ever told anyone about this except for Rhaenyra.

“Maybe even what, brother?”

“Love her, Daemon,” Viserys shot back fiercely, frustrated with how little his brother saw when it was right in front of him. “If you even tried to speak with her, you might see that.”

The king stormed off then, annoyed at his brother. He had been since he’d gotten married.

Daemon sighed, flinging the door open and shutting it harshly behind him. You didn’t startle, clearly expecting it.

“My brother is a weak, vi-”

“Careful,” you warned, meeting him with a heavy stare.

Exhaustion was so clearly present in your expression, that he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt.

“Your brother is strong in the heart, and that may be something all of us can learn from.”

Daemon released a breath, and with it, some of his tension. He had been harboring this feeling of resentment since the day he found out he was to marry you. He longed freedom, to be able to do as he pleased, and you were a constant reminder that it wasn’t always true.

But, perhaps that wasn’t what you were at all.

Perhaps you longed for the freedom he wanted too.

“What did we speak of yesterday?” He asked after a pregnant pause.

“You asked why I vex you so,” you reminded him gently, the same sad smile he could see in his mind present now.

“And why is that?”

Daemon approached you slowly, dropping to a knee beside the chaise you were sat at. Cautiously, he lifted a hand to rest where your makeshift bandage was, eying it curiously.

“I think,” you began, lipping your lips as you gazed on him softly. “We view each other as jailors.”

“And this isn’t so?”

His fingers lightly traced the skin around the bandage, marveling at the other scars along your legs. He had been wrong in his initial assessment.

You weren’t a perfect lady, you were a perfect player in this long game of life, falling into line with expectations so that you might do whatever you like in the shadows.

“No,” you breathed, stopping his exploration by laying your warm hand on his. “We both want to be free, not necessarily of each other, but of everyone else.”

The smile he gave you was genuine and happy. It seared itself into your mind, causing your heart to beat faster.

“We are going to have someone take a look at your wound,” he proclaimed, intertwining his fingers with yours. “And then, we will start over.”

You nodded slowly, cautiously.

For the first time since you arrived in King’s Landing, you felt hopeful. Hopeful that this man could be someone you might come to love, and that the freedom you longed for your entire life didn’t mean you had to be alone.

You could find happiness with another.

#daemon targaryen x reader #daemon targaryen x you #daemon targaryen x y/n #daemon targaryen imagine #got imagine #got x reader #hotd x reader #hotd imagine #this took forever and i dont want to proof read so if i fucked up someones name i am sorry

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wanderinginksplot · 10 months

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What to watch during the ongoing WGA strike

As the WGA strike keeps going, put the pressure where it belongs: on big companies, not the writers working for better conditions.

While we wait for new content (after an equitable agreement), here are some lesser-known movies, along with the (US) streaming services where they can be found. Feel free to add on with a title, short description, and where it can be found!

(Television show version here!)

Films listed under the cut!

Netflix:

The Gray Man (2022) - Rated R. A CIA spook known only as Sierra Six (Ryan Gosling) is assigned to kill a former Sierra member... only to find himself at the center of a conspiracy. At the same time, he becomes the target of a sadistic ex-CIA mercenary (Chris Evans).

Genre: Action/thriller. There are likely to be more Gray Man films coming in the near future, along with a television show based on Chris Evans's chillingly villainous Lloyd Hansen.

Rocky (1976) - Rated PG. Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) is a washed-up boxer who works as a Mafia enforcer. He gets an unexpected chance at glory when boxer Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) wants to fight an unknown.

Genre: Drama/sports. If you don't know the story behind Rocky, it's almost as good as the movie itself!

The Imitation Game (2014) - Rated PG-13. The story of Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), particularly his work in World War II to decode Enigma transmissions intercepted from the Axis powers.

Genre: Biographical drama. The Imitation Game is the story of Alan Turing's life, both triumphs and tragedies. It contains themes of hidden homosexuality, cruel and unusual punishment, and suicide.

Max:

Triple Frontier (2019) - Rated R. An ex-Delta Force soldier (Oscar Isaac) asks his prior teammates to come on one final mission, with the promise of an incredible payout.

Genre: Action/adventure. Triple Frontier is a typical action/adventure movie with some interesting effects and a cast (Isaac, Ben Affleck, Pedro Pascal, Charlie Hunnam, and Garrett Hedlund) that elevates it a little further.

Parasite (2019) - Rated R. The Kim family struggles to make ends meet until Ki-woo is referred to tutor a rich teenager. Through manipulation and daring, the entire Kim family ends up employed by the unknowing Park family.

Genre: Black comedy/thriller. Full of fascinating dynamics and an interesting look at divisions of wealth in South Korea, it's clear to see why Parasite gained such acclaim.

Casablanca (1942) - Rated PG. Casablanca, Morocco is a popular departure point for people fleeing the Nazis. Jaded nightclub owner Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) must decide whether to risk his life to help his ex (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband escape.

Genre: Romance/drama. Casablanca is considered by many to be the greatest movie ever made. If you haven't seen it, try it. Keep an eye out for dry humor and the way the director uses shadows to keep the black and white film interesting!

Ex Machina (2014) - Rated R. Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson) wins an office lottery to help the company's CEO (Oscar Isaac) test his new AI (Alicia Vikander).

Genre: Sci-fi/psychological thriller. With incredible effects, a labyrinthine plot, and uncomfortable questions about what makes us human, it's easy to see why Ex Machina is considered one of the best sci-fi films of the last decade.

Hulu:

The Last Action Hero (1993) - Rated PG-13. Film fan Danny (Austin O'Brien) goes to see the latest in his favorite franchise, he finds himself pulled into the movie, working alongside his hero Jack Slater (Arnold Schwarzeneggar).

Genre: Fantasy/action/satire. Think of every action trope you associate with Arnold Schwarzeneggar, mix it with a vibe like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and add some self-aware humor, and you have The Last Action Hero. This is not a popular film among internet aggregators, but I enjoyed it!

Palm Springs (2020) - Rated R. Reluctant maid of honor Sarah (Cristin Milioti) is fascinated by a wedding guest (Andy Samberg) who seems to know more than he should. When she follows him from the wedding, she finds herself stuck with him in a time loop.

Genre: Sci-fi/rom-com. Though Palm Springs has some real COVID-19 quarantine vibes, the plot keeps it from feeling like a time capsule.

Whiplash (2014) - Rated R. Talented drummer Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is identified for an elite jazz band by sadistic and manipulative conductor Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons).

Genre: Drama. Though Whiplash is not a horror movie, it is partially produced by Blumhouse Productions. That darkness really shines through in Fletcher's abusive behavior.

Role Models (2008) - Rated R. After a disastrous, drunken day at work, Danny (Paul Rudd) is assigned community service in a big brother program. He is assigned to awkward teenager Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) and accompanies him during his favorite activity: LARPing.

Genre: Humor. Though Role Models can get a little close to cringe comedy, it's got enough genuine humor and heart to get away with it... and even be a little sweet.

Amazon Prime:

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) - Rated R. An author tells the story of Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), the owner of a once-grand hotel in the former country of Zubrowka, using several frame stories.

Genre: Drama. Wes Anderson's films have a very characteristic style. The Grand Budapest Hotel features stunning sets, a ton of cameos, and enough quirky humor to keep you entertained!

Hot Fuzz (2007) - Rated R. London police officer Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) is reassigned to the small town of Sandford. He's frustrated by the small town at first, but a string of murders make him suspect something more is going on...

Genre: Action/comedy. Hot Fuzz is the second installment of the Cornetto Trilogy. It is a satirical look at the cop film genre - and thus has a lot of overdramatic violence - but it manages to stand on its own at the same time.

Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989) - Rated PG. Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves) are two teens more interested in their band than their studies. But if they don't pass their history final, Ted will be sent to military school. A mysterious stranger gives them a time machine, sending them off to write the best essay of all time!

Genre: Comedy/sci-fi. If you're used to Keanu Reeves as a broody hero, you're in for a shock and a treat to see him at his surfer/stoner/slacker best!

The Iron Giant (1999) - Rated PG. In 1957, 9-year-old Hogarth Hughes finds a 50-foot tall robot in the woods. He befriends the giant and the two work to evade the government, who suspect it is an attack on the United States.

Genre: Family/adventure. The Iron Giant is one of the most recognizable and emotional animated films of the 1990s - extra impressive considering it's a Warner Bros film that came out in the middle of the Disney Renaissance!

Disney+

The Boondock Saints (1999) - Rated R. Irish Catholic brothers Connor (Sean Patrick Flanery) and Murphy (Norman Reedus) living in 1990s Boston are sick of the crime on the streets. They decide to take matters into their own hands.

Genre: Crime/drama. The Boondock Saints has low scores on almost every film aggregator site, but is widely considered a cult classic. (Edit: warnings for insensitive portrayal of homosexuality and transgenderism.)

Feel free to reblog this and add your own lesser-known film suggestions! Support the WGA strike!

The Reluctant Dragon (1941) - Rated G. Robert Benchley wants to sell a movie idea to Walt Disney. As he searches for Walt, he wanders through the studio and sees how many of the magical movie effects are done.

Genre: Family/fantasy. I'll admit, this film was included on purpose. Not because it's amazing (it's interesting at best), but because of the story behind it. The Reluctant Dragon was released three weeks after the majority of the animators went on strike. (And most of the "workers" in the film are actually actors, another sore spot.) Disney fired all of the strikers before eventually agreeing to let them unionize and rehiring those who wished to return. (You can read more about the strike here.)

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