Of Dragons and Maelstroms: Aemond POV
Themes and Warnings: slow burn, enemies to lovers, blood, violence, explicit language, sexual violence, period-typical misogyny, sexual themes, smut, tension, marriage, jealousy, pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, attempted sexual assault, breastfeeding, major character death, divergent timelines
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the House of The Dragon/Fire & Blood/Game of Thrones characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.
Chapter Six
The Gods had a plan, that much was clear. He always knew there was more to him. More than just a second son, more than a scholar or a swordsman. From his blood would come the King of Kings, who would take over the world even more so than Aegon the Conqueror. Yet he knew the Gods would not simply grant him this honour, Aemond thought. No, they sought to test him, to put him on trial to see if he was worthy. And what better way to do so than to bind him to a person he could not stand?
Aemond was a devout follower of the Seven, his mother had ensured it. Dragons may have made the Targaryen’s Kings but there was a higher power all men must answer to, be they peasants or Princes. He would trust the Gods judgement for what they had in store for him, yet he yearned for their guidance in the face of adversity. The moment he returned to Kings Landing, he first visited the Sept, looking for answers. In the dark and stoney building, where the scent of incense filled the air, Aemond kneeled before an altar and lit a few candles.
To the Father, he prayed for strength to fulfill his duty, to uphold the legacy of House Targaryen, even in the face of personal anguish and resentment. To the Mother, he asked for patience and understanding as he embarked on the path set out for him. To the Maiden, Aemond pleaded for purity of intention, to be able to cast aside past turmoil in order for the marriage to bear fruit. When beseeching his chosen god, the Warrior, he asked for courage and valor, praying for the bravery to face the challenges ahead with steadfast resolve, even in the face of his own doubts and fears.
To the Smith, he prayed to be forged with resilience and fortitude, that he may withstand the trials and tribulations of a marriage born not of love but of necessity, and that he would be able serve the Realm justly. Aemond asked for the Crone to illuminate the path before him with her wisdom, that he may discern the lessons to be learned from this unexpected turn of fate, and that he may navigate the complexities of his future with clarity and insight. And finally, to the Stranger, he begged for guidance through the shadows of doubt and uncertainty, that he may emerge on the other side with acceptance and peace.
The Prince knew finding contentment with his great future, mapped out by the Gods themselves, would be easier some days compared to others. One such day that seemed easier was when he arrived back at the Keep and saw his sister, Queen Helaena, his nephews and niece, and Maera, laughing in the gardens. The lush greenery of the gardens provided a picturesque backdrop, with vibrant flowers blooming and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze lending a tranquil atmosphere.
Maera’s animated gestures and bright smile captivated Aemond’s attention, momentarily thawing the icy disdain between them. Despite their turbulent history, seeing Maera engrossed in conversation with Jaehaerys and Jaehaera stirred a small sense of warmth within Aemond. It seemed as though Maera was regaling the children with a captivating tale, her enthusiasm infectious and drawing genuine smiles from the young prince and princess.
As Aemond leaned against the cool marble pillar, his mind was consumed with conflicting thoughts and emotions. Despite his deep-seated disdain for Maera, he couldn't deny her natural affinity with children. Growing up in a House teeming with siblings, Maera's nurturing instinct seemed innate, effortlessly drawing the royal children to her side. It was no wonder they were captivated by her presence.
In his mind's eye, Aemond envisioned a future where Maera stood as a mother to their own offspring, silver-haired children destined to leave an indelible mark on the world. Though he harbored no affection for Maera, he couldn't deny the image of her nurturing her own children with unwavering love and dedication.
As he grappled with the realization of their intertwined fate, Aemond felt a surge of conflicting emotions. Their mutual disdain for each other seemed insurmountable, yet the prophecy foretold a future where their bloodline would shape the course of history. Despite the tumultuous journey that lay ahead, Aemond resolved to endure, accepting the weight of his destiny bound to Maera.
As Jaehaerys and Jaehaera rushed to greet him, their youthful enthusiasm brought a fleeting smile to Aemond’s lips. Their innocent energy provided a brief respite from the tension that lingered between him and Maera. Yet, as the Lady approached, her gaze locked onto his single violet eye, and Aemond couldn’t help but feel a sense of uneasy truce settle between them for the moment, if only for the sake of the children.
After the initial greetings, Jaehaera turned to Aemond with a serious expression. "Are female warriors as fierce as men, Kepus?”
Maera interjected before the one-eyed Prince could reply to his niece. "Absolutely, they are,” she declared firmly.
Aemond couldn’t help but smirk when he questioned her, watching the way Maera’s face scrunched up in annoyance, yet her eyebrows raised in intrigue, almost as if she was trying to hide the fact she too enjoyed the thrill of a challenge.
"Join me for training tomorrow in the courtyard, just like old times. I will fight for the young Prince and you can fight for Princess Jaehaera,” he requested as Maera folded her arms across her chest and furrowed her brow. Aemond would hate to admit it, but he was hoping with all his being that she would say yes.
Eventually she dropped arms and with a sigh, a small smile graced her face. “How could I refuse?” Maera replied, looking at the smiles beaming on the twins faces.
Aemond’s interest was piqued, and he couldn’t deny the allure of facing off against her in combat. The Gods may have bound them together, but Aemond refused to accept a weak partner. If Maera claimed to practice often, her skill with the sword must be honed and formidable.
And how delighted Aemond was to be right. A day later, as the Prince was practising with the Lord Commander, a sharp dagger flying through the air and hitting one of the straw dummies caught the crowd’s attention. Clad in a blue tunic and brown leather vest and trousers, she cut a striking figure, her brown and silver locks braided away from her face to accentuate her piercing forest green eyes.
Despite the intensity of his own practice, Aemond couldn’t help but steal glances in Maera’s direction. From the corner of his eye, he observed her swift movements as she engaged with the three squires the Lord Commander had assigned to her. With each clash of blades, Maera displayed a fierce determination that Aemond couldn’t help but begrudgingly admire. Amidst the clang of steel and the grunts of exertion, Aemond recognised Maera’s tenacity and skill on the training grounds as she beat all three men.
When the time finally came for the one-eyed Prince to spar with the Lady, their movements seemed to flow seamlessly, like dancers gliding across a ballroom floor. Their swords clashed with precision and grace, each strike and parry executed with fluidity and finesse. Their footwork was agile and precise, reminiscent of a choreographed dance, as they circled each other with a grace that belied the intensity of their duel. Their swords sang through the air as they hit each other, creating a mesmerizing rhythm that echoed throughout the courtyard. It almost came across as romantic.
As they continued their spar, Aemond felt a surge of exhilaration coursing through him. It was as if a piece of his old self, the youthful and carefree young boy of years past, was resurfacing amidst the intensity of their duel. Despite the weight of his responsibilities and the burdens of his past, in this moment, he felt alive, relishing the thrill of the fight. However, despite the Lady’s prowess, he sensed a momentary lapse in her focus. It was a familiar trait from their childhood days, one that he knew how to exploit.
With a calculated strike, Aemond breached Maera’s defense, his sword finding its mark and leaving a gash across her chest. He observed her wince, a fleeting moment of vulnerability that fueled his determination. seizing the opportunity, he delivered a swift kick, sending Maera crashing to the ground.With Maera lying beneath him, Aemond swiftly straddled her hips, his weight pressing down as he pinned her to the ground. His sword hovered dangerously close to her throat, a silent threat that demanded her submission.
Holding her in place, Aemond took in the sight before him. Maera's face flushed with exertion, beads of sweat glistening on her brow as she breathed deeply. Strands of her brown and silver hair had escaped their braid, framing her face in a wild halo. Her blue tunic bore the marks of their spar, torn and stained with blood from where his blade had struck her, revealing glimpses of her heaving chest beneath.
The Prince’s mind wandered as his breathing fell into a rhythm with hers. There was a strange and unsettling beauty in seeing her in such a vulnerable position, beneath him, her power stripped away. It was an intoxicating sensation, one that made his heart race and sent shivers down his spine. It was like a drug, addicting and irresistible.
When Maera finally yielded, Aemond smirked in victory, relishing in her admission of defeat. He knew how stubborn she could be, and forcing her to submit must have been a bitter pill for her to swallow. But oh, how he reveled in making her feel that pain.
That evening he could not help but stroke his cock to the sheer image of her defeated body beneath him, grunting softly as he slid his hand up and down repeatedly. His face twisted in pleasure as his mouth fell open, picturing her heaving breasts, her reddened face, her intense green-eyed stare before releasing into his hand. The image of her swollen with his child, the continuation of his bloodline foretold by the Gods, was enough to make him hard once more. And it made him angry, reminding him of the night of Aegon and Helaena’s wedding, when he desperately sought relief by his own hand because of Maera.
The Prince vowed not lose himself to depravity. He wanted to maintain some form of control, and whilst he knew Maera was a key part of his future, he would not allow himself to become ensnared by her. Not her beauty, not her wit, not her skill with the sword. He needed to remain sharp of mind, so he occupied himself with his duties, just as he always had. The dutiful son of House Targaryen.
For weeks he patrolled the Reach, Riverlands, and Westerlands tirelessly, his presence a looming shadow over the lands he traversed. He made it a point to liaise with the High Lords of each region, maintaining alliances and ensuring their unwavering loyalty to his brother, Aegon. Aemond’s commanding presence and diplomatic skills proved invaluable as he navigated the complex web of politics and power dynamics that governed each territory.
In addition to his diplomatic efforts, Aemond diligently sent ravens bearing news and requests back to the Capital, keeping his brother informed and up to date on the latest developments across the realm. His dedication to his duties served as both a distraction from his inner turmoil and a testament to his loyalty to the crown.
Yet he could not get returning to Kings Landing out of his mind. To face off against Maera once more brought him a strange excitement. The last time he saw her was the night the blue and black dragon landed on the beach—a moment that felt like an omen from the Gods, occurring as Aemond and Maera stood together, gazing up into the night sky.
During that encounter, Aemond took a perverse pleasure in verbally tormenting her. She stood before him in a thin cotton nightgown and robe, her curves accentuated beneath the white fabric, squirming uncomfortably under his scrutiny. Bandages adorned her chest, evidence of the wound Aemond had inflicted upon her during their sparring match.
And how he so looked forward to their fights continuing once he returned. In their battles of wit, the Prince found a peculiar joy—a satisfaction derived from the sharpening of his intellect and the thrill of outmaneuvering his opponent. With every exchange, he revelled in his victories, savoring each triumphant moment while carefully analyzing his missteps, always striving to improve his skills.
Beneath the surface of his desire for intellectual supremacy lay a deeper, more primal urge. He yearned for dominance over Maera in every facet of their interactions. He longed to exert control over her, to make her feel small and insignificant in his presence—a fitting retribution for what he perceived as her betrayal and the bewildering effect she had on his emotions. For Aemond, the prospect of facing Maera once again was not just an opportunity for verbal sparring; it was a chance to assert his power and assert his dominance over the woman who had unsettled him like no other.
One stormy day upon his return to the Red Keep, he intended to find his mother and sister. His usually sleek and straight white hair now clung to his face and neck, dampened by the relentless downpour outside, its ends curling slightly from the moisture.
Upon arriving at his mother's chambers, Aemond found them empty, devoid of the usual warmth and presence that he associated with her. Instead, he was directed by the guards stationed at the door to his sister Helaena's rooms. With a nod of acknowledgment, he made his way through the dimly lit corridors, his footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors.
As Aemond entered his sister Helaena's chambers, he found his mother, the dowager-queen Alicent, seated by the window, her expression fraught with concern as she watched the maids help her daughter out of the bath. The tension in her shoulders seemed to dissolve as Alicent’s gaze fell upon her second son, relief washing over her features.
“Mother…” Aemond began, concern etched into his expression. Before Aemond could utter another word, Alicent enveloped him in a tight embrace. Despite his usual reserve, he returned the gesture, his arms encircling her form.
When Alicent finally pulled away, she brushed a tear from her brown eye, managing a smile. “It’s fine, Aemond, we’re fine.”
Aemond’s gaze drifted to Helaena, now clad in her nightgown holding a millipede in her palm, her wet hair being gently combed by the maids. She seemed content in her own little world. “What happened?” Aemond inquired, his voice tinged with concern.
Alicent’s gaze turned towards her daughter, sadness clouding her features. “She’d been unsettled all afternoon,” Alicent began, her voice soft, laden with worry. “She asked to go outside for some air, and then we couldn’t coax her back in during the storm. She was hysterical.”
Aemond, standing by the door, felt a weight settle in his chest. Guilt tugged at him for not being there for his mother and sister in their time of need. Aegon, his elder brother, had once again proved of little assistance, and Aemond regretted being away from the Keep to attend to his duties, knowing his closer bond with Helaena could have offered solace.
His one-eyed gaze lingered on Helaena as she delicately lifted a millipede to her face, her expression serene yet distant. Their violet eyes met briefly, and she uttered cryptic words, her voice soft and ethereal. “It is not blind but it does not see.”
His brow furrowed in confusion at her enigmatic remark, but before he could inquire further, Alicent gently guided their attention back to her.
“Then Maera came,” Alicent continued, her tone tinged with a sense of relief. “And, well… they have always shared an unspoken bond.”
Aemond couldn’t help but feel a mixture of gratitude and frustration towards his foe. While he harbored resentment towards her, he couldn’t deny the relief he felt knowing that Helaena had been spared the anguish of being restrained or further distress, a testament to the calming influence that Maera seemed to possess. No one could reach Helaena like she could.
Lord Commander Criston Cole had taught the a prince that sometimes a truce was better than losing when facing an enemy. Despite their mutual disdain, they were bound by the will of the Gods, a fact that Aemond couldn’t ignore. With a hum, he acknowledged that perhaps it was time to bridge the gap between them, if only to make his own life easier.
Determined to confront Lady Maera and initiate this uneasy truce, Aemond stormed to her chambers, his steps echoing with purpose down the corridor. Upon arrival, he was met by her maid, who informed him that she was currently bathing. Despite the maid’s attempts to dissuade him, Aemond insisted on having an audience with Maera, his resolve unyielding.
There was a twisted pleasure in knowing that, as a Prince of the blood, he could demand to see her whenever he pleased, a small victory that gave him a sense of power over her. He enjoyed the idea of disrupting her routine, knowing full well that it would annoy her, yet finding joy in the knowledge that he held the upper hand in this encounter.
As Aemond entered the room, his gaze immediately fell upon the wooden screen that shielded Maera as she bathed. Despite the barrier between them, he wasted no time in inquiring about his sister's well-being, his concern evident in his voice. When Maera revealed the events of the storm and her role in bringing Helaena to safety, Aemond couldn't help but begrudgingly thank her, acknowledging her efforts in preventing further distress to his sister.
Seated near the hearth in Maera's room, Aemond suppressed a chuckle at the sight of her feeble attempt to maintain her modesty behind the screen. It struck him as ridiculous, given that any semblance of reputation Maera once held had long been tarnished, and therefore there was no need to hide from him. At least that was what he told himself.
The Prince remembered Helaena’s words from her wedding day, many years ago when he walked her down the aisle. Dragon fire melts the steel to bridge the gap between sky and sea. And what better way to bond with her than sword fighting like when they were children? It took some convincing but when she finally agreed, Aemond saw it as a step towards bridging the gap between them and potentially fulfilling the prophecy foretold by the witch of Harrenhall.
As weeks went by, Aemond couldn’t deny the exhilaration he felt. Despite their differences, they each possessed unique strengths with the sword that complemented one another. Through their training, they not only honed their swordsmanship but also coached each other to improve, fostering a sense of camaraderie between them. With each passing week, Aemond sensed a small part of his childhood self resurfacing, softening the cold and hardened edges he had acquired over the years.
Yet after each session, the Prince found himself grappling with newfound confusion and inner turmoil, leaving him unsettled and frustrated. He had always prided himself on his unwavering certainty and control over his surroundings, but the shifting dynamics with Maera left him feeling adrift and uncertain. When he was with her, Aemond experienced a sense of excitement and renewal, a departure from the stoicism that had defined him for so long. He couldn’t comprehend these conflicting emotions, and they gnawed at him like a relentless fire, consuming him from within. Despite his efforts to maintain control, he found himself burning alive. Burning for her.
“She has declared herself a virgin?” The witch’s tone was cool, her eyes glinting with an unsettling knowingness as she sat at her table.
Aemond sat in the dimly lit room of Harrenhall, visiting once again to attend to his duties, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames of the hearth. At Alys’s question, he turned his head and furrowed his brow, his voice laced with confusion and frustration. “She did not outright declare it, but it was something she said…”
His mind took him back to a day in the Godswood, having just returned from a trip to the Westerlands. The Prince immediately spotted Maera seated beneath the towering Weirwood tree, engrossed in the pages of the Seven-Pointed Star. Her brow was furrowed in concentration, her lips moving silently as she muttered the words to herself. Aemond couldn’t help but find the sight endearing, a stark contrast to her usual confident demeanor.
Her dark brown curls, adorned with the distinctive silver streak, cascaded around her shoulders, framing her face as she looked up from her book to meet his gaze. However, instead of the usual warmth, Aemond detected a troubled expression in her emerald eyes.
“Nyke se mandia,” I'm the eldest she said, the words heavy with emotion. "Nyke yenka emagon issare idīntan ēlī . sytiotāpagon zirȳ va skorkydoso naejot sagon sȳz ābrazȳrys se muña. Y…” I should have been married first. So I could guide them, advise them on being good wives, good mothers, on how to navigate the wedding night. But instead I…
“Why would she not defend herself? Why keep silent?” Aemond muttered, more to himself than to Alys, his thoughts swirling with unanswered questions.
Alys’s grin widened, her gaze piercing. “It’s like wine on a cotton shift; a stain not easily removed once spilled,” she remarked cryptically before shrugging. “If she refuted the claims, it would not have mattered anyway.”
Aemond shook his head, trying to make sense of it all. “If she is proved a maiden in the eyes of the court, she will be free to wed, and therefore seen as a more suitable wife for myself,” he mused, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips at the thought of Maera as his wife, as well as the great life they would lead, if what the witch predicted was true. Quickly refocusing, he continued, “The King of Kings must come from our blood. Though coming from a minor House, her chances are still slim.”
“The scales can still be tipped in your favor, my Prince,” Alys stated calmly, rising from her chair with purpose evident in her movements. “If you'll allow me?” Aemond tilted his head, studying her with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. After a moment's hesitation, he nodded in reluctant agreement, though his expression remained guarded.
Alys proceeded to gather ingredients from various shelves, her movements fluid and deliberate. With practiced precision, she arranged them on the table before retrieving a knife from a nearby chest.
“Your blood, my Prince,” she requested, extending her hand toward him as if it were a perfectly ordinary request.
Aemond's frown deepened, his stance rigid with discomfort. “Blood magic is blasphemous,” he protested, the weight of his upbringing and values evident in his words.
Alys met his gaze steadily, her own unwavering. “And yet the Gods demand it,” she countered, her tone firm and unwavering. Seeing his reluctance, she added, “Blood mages have ancient roots, tracing back to the days of Old Valyria. Your ancestors had no qualms practicing it.”
Aemond averted his gaze, conflicted by the truth in her words. The history of his lineage was filled with tales of ancient magic and power. Could he dismiss it so easily now, when faced with a solution to his current predicament?
Alys's voice sliced through the tense air, snapping Aemond out of his contemplations. “If you wish to conduct your investigation without my help, so be it,” she declared firmly, her cat-like eyes boring into his with unwavering determination. “But time is not on your side.”
Aemond's jaw clenched as he wrestled with his inner turmoil. He knew the urgency of the situation, the pressing need to resolve the matter swiftly. The vision of the King of Kings seemed to slip further away with each passing day, and he couldn't afford to let that happen. Maera's fate hung in the balance, and he refused to let her slip through his fingers.
With a frustrated growl, he extended his hand toward the witch, a silent acknowledgment of his reluctant acceptance. “Just see it done,” he grumbled, his voice laced with impatience and resolve.
Alys wasted no time, and with a deft slice, she pierced through the Prince's palm, eliciting a sharp intake of breath from him. She then positioned the mortar beneath his hand, allowing the crimson droplets to pool within its depths. Retreating slightly, Alys placed the mortar on the table before deftly adding the tea leaves. With a measured hand, she began to grind the leaves and blood together, the sound of the mortar echoing softly in the room.
Once satisfied with the mixture, the witch retrieved a pot of boiling water, her movements deliberate and precise. Pouring the steaming liquid into a cup, she added the concoction from the mortar, stirring it methodically until the contents melded into a dark, swirling brew. After a muttering of some words, Alys raised the cup to her lips and drank the potion in a single gulp.
Aemond watched the ritual unfold before him, a mix of bewilderment and revulsion churning within him. The sight of his own blood mingling with the tea leaves filled him with a sense of unease, a stark departure from the teachings of the Faith of the Seven that he had been raised with. Yet, in the face of necessity, he found himself willing to set aside his reservations, driven by a relentless determination to seek out answers and secure Maera to his side.
Once Alys finished consuming the dark concoction, she hummed softly to herself, her gaze shifting from the cup to the Prince with a focused intensity. "I see a man hanging above a maelstrom you do not know. Upon the orders of two white feathers."
Aemond's brow furrowed in frustration at the cryptic words. "Riddles will not help me," he growled, his tone laced with impatience and anger.
Undeterred, Alys pressed on, her expression unwavering. "But this might. The ship known as the Bird of Thousand Colours," she declared, her voice carrying an air of certainty. "Find records of its departure from Blackwater Bay and any passengers on board. That will lead you to finding discrepancies in the rumours and clearing the Lady’s name."
Aemond's frustration boiled over, his anger evident in the sharpness of his retort. "You are sending me off to look for ship records? How will this prove she is a maiden to the court?!" he demanded, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"I can only tell you what I see, my Prince," Alys replied calmly, her demeanor serene despite the Prince's growing agitation.
With a huff of exasperation, Aemond stormed out of the room, his rage simmering beneath the surface. He was more frustrated than ever, his mind grappling with the seemingly futile task ahead. As he left Harrenhall behind, the weight of uncertainty hung heavy on his shoulders, his thoughts consumed with the looming challenge ahead.
The prospect of embarking on what he perceived as a wild goose chase only served to stoke the flames of his anger, and he vowed that if Alys’s words proved to be false, she would pay dearly for leading him astray.
Notes: Hey! I’m sorry I’ve been MIA, my health has been really shit. So doctor now thinks it’s ME (CFS) rather than PVFS because it’s been going on for almost five months. I’ve started new meds for headaches and nausea so I’ve been a bit all over the place. Uploads might be slower than usual but I’m writing when I can. And I see your asks and messages I’ll get to them soon but thought I’d upload a chapter while I get my shit together 🖤
Tags: @0eessirk8 @magicseahorse @blue-serendipity @abecerra611 @saltedcaramelpretzel @marvelescvpe @watercolorskyy @shesjustanothergeek @thelastemzy
Thank you so much for reading! Comments, feedback, likes, and reblogs are greatly appreciated 🖤
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