#velayron

[sanrixian]

Sketch of goodest family dragon #seasmoke #houseofthedragon #dragon #Velayron #targaryen #hotd #laenorvelaryon https://www.instagram.com/p/CiJQwL_LTn8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#seasmoke #houseofthedragon #dragon #velayron #targaryen #hotd #laenorvelaryon

[ride-thedragon]

I still wish to this day that they had killed Laenor because not only is Seasmoke bonded to Addam somehow (the writers since season one have had this strange idea that dragons bond to many riders at once and that riders bond to more than one dragon) but he left Joffery and Luke.

He left his weeks old son named after his dead lover.

After he lost his sister and her child, who he publicly grieved for.

After he stated he would do his duty and prepare his children for the throne.

After finally being near his nieces, his dead sister's children, who he'd never really been able to be close with.

After knowing they had lost Ser Harwin.

I hate everyone who contributed to this decision.

Laenor au must commence. We can't live like this.

#hotd #house of the dragon #hotd critical #ser laenor velaryon #laenor velaryon #laenor im sorry i wasnt your writer #carry the pretty boys of house Velayron that look Valyrian on his back too #i genuinely think this is why i hate Daemon in the show #the way he treats Velaryons like thats not the only reason im watching still

[evebestt]

LISTEN just look at them matching I can’t

#their outfits #their stances I just can’t #they’re too good together oh im so excited #also not excited though like how dare they make me love these characters so much even though I KNOW #eve best #rhaenys targaryen #corlys velayron #steve toussaint #hotd #house of the dragon

[meanlikeachild]

“Alicent was poisoning viserys!!” Yea idk if it’d take two decades for her to poison and murder him. Also, did you not watch the scenes of her bathing (ew) and giving viserys milk of the poppy and tucking him in bed (also ew), the milk of the poppy certainly made him weaker but he always was, so. She literally took care of him whilst his daughter ran off to dragonstone and married her murderous uncle, who viserys literally disinherited and named rhaenyra as heir to keep daemon away from the throne bc it doesn’t take einstein’s iq to know that daemon would be a shit ass ruler. And while we’re on the topic, “The maesters were poisoning the targaryen’s and their dragons!!!” rumor, don’t make me laugh. Again, I don’t think it would’ve took them three hundred years to kill the targaryens off, especially during viserys reign, it would’ve been very easy to, since viserys eliminated Aemma himself, simply trick daemon into a brothel by putting an “underage girls in here” sign on top, rhaenyra would probably be following him so it’d be killing two birds with one stone, with rhaenys she’d obv go back to the capital on corlys’s advice and simply outnumber the velayrons. Personally i don’t think it’d be difficult considering that entire family is full of alcoholics. And poisoning the dragons? Now how the hell would have that had happened if the dragons were guarded by the dragon keepers who main purpose were to look after them 24/7 🤦‍♀️ even if the maesters got some how physically close enough to the dragons, how would they poison them? inserting poison to the hard ass dragon eggs with their non existence syringes? or with their elaborate secret mission impossible spy plan of sneaking into the dragon pit and feeding the dragons poisoned food? and that is if the dragons didn’t notice them and burn them alive.

#pro alicent hightower #anti team black #anti daemon targaryen #maesters #the citadel #hotd #house of the dragon #leave my grey rats aloneeeee #and leave my fucking red head alone too she took care of viserys’s walking corpse for like two decades #i would’ve smuggled his ass two months into our marriage #probably sooner if he tried his i had a black mare philosophy bullshit #asoiaf meta #asoiaf #no hate to the velayrons i like them actually #it’d just be too easy to #kill them idk

[faytalepsy]

Kiss

Preview of my still unfinished Rhaenys/Corlys artwork inspired by the painting "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt.

#rhaenys targaryen #house of the dragon #princess rhaenys targaryen #the queen who never was #rhaenys velaryon #corlys velayron #corlys x rhaenys #princess rhaenys #rhaenys the queen who never was #rhaenys x corlys #hotd #fanart

[aemondsbeloved]

requests: closed (my request guidelines)

this blog is a side blog for my writing, my main one that I reply from is aemondtragaryen 

last updated: 4/22/23

Falling For Someone The Polar Opposite Of Them

— Aemond Targaryen x reader, Aegon II Targaryen x reader

I Knew You’d Linger Like A Tattoo Kiss 

— Aegon II Targaryen x reader

Being In An Arranged Marriage 

— Aemond Targaryen x reader, Aegon II Targaryen x reader

Aegon and Aemond Falling For Their Childhood Friend

— Aemond Targaryen x reader, Aegon II Targaryen x reader

Of Silver and Emerald

— Aemond Targaryen x reader

The Cost of Duty [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]

— Aegon II Targaryen x reader

From My Hand To Yours

— Aemond Targaryen x reader

A Sign Of Things To Come

— Jacaerys Velaryon x Targaryen!reader, Aemond Targaryen x Targaryen!reader

Reacting To Their Wife Flirting With Their Brother

— Aemond Targaryen x reader, Aegon II Targaryen x reader

You’re Not Like The Regulars [Part 2]

— Aegon II Targaryen x reader

Snow On The Beach

— Aemond Targaryen x Velaryon!Targaryen!reader

From The Tides [Ongoing Series]

— (platonic) Lucerys Velaryon x reader, (eventual) Aemond Targaryen x reader

I Would Die For You In Secret [Part 2] [Prologue]

— Aemond Targaryen x Velaryon!Targaryen!reader

An Ego Thing

— Aemond Targaryen x Targaryen!reader

Touch Starved Aemond

— Aemond Targaryen x reader

Anti-Hero

— Aegon II Targaryen x reader

A Lady Wife Who Loves To Hunt

— Aemond Targaryen x reader, Aegon II Targaryen x reader

Battle of Wits

— Aemond Targaryen x reader

Eye Of The Beholder [Ongoing Series]

— Aegon II Targaryen x blind!reader

Poppies and Aster

— Aemond Targaryen x reader

Consequences 

— Aegon II Targaryen x reader

Like The Fairytales

— Aemond Targaryen x reader

Aemond realizing he is in love with his betrothed

— Aemond Targaryen x reader

I Knew You’d Haunt All Of My What-Ifs [Part 2 of I Knew You’d Linger Like A Tattoo Kiss]

— Aegon II Targaryen x reader

Turn Back Time

— Aemond Targaryen x reader

Words Unsaid

— Aemond Targaryen x nonverbal!reader

Vices

— Aegon II Targaryen x reader

The Lady Strong

— Aemond Targaryen x strong!reader

Like Recognizes Like

— Aemond Targaryen x disabled!reader

#masterlist #aemond x reader #aemond targaryen x reader #aegon x reader #aegon ii x reader #aegon targaryen x reader #jacaerys velayron x reader #jacaerys x reader #hotd x reader #hotd fanfiction #aemond imagine #aegon imagine #jacaerys imagine #aemond headcanons #aegon headcanons #jacaerys headcanon

[alicenttully]

daemon: makes his daughter feel overlooked

alicent: spends time with her daughter, asks her questions about her hobby even though it's clearly not her thing

fandom: omg alicent is such a bad mother!!! anyway daemon is the best even though he murdered his first wife in cold blood, made his second wife feel like she wasn't good enough (fuck that) and makes his daughter feel less than because she doesn't have a dragon

#alicent hightower #laena velayron #anti daemon targaryen #rhaena targaryen #rhea royce

[fastlikealambo]

a bride for an eye. || aemond targaryen x velayron! reader

summary: an exchange for the remains of lucerys goes wrong and you, the eldest daughter of laena velayron and daemon targaryen, find yourself in the middle of the beginning of a war that will change your world forever.

trigger warnings: violence, kidnapping, eventual smut, dragon dreamer! reader,  and the big one being that reader is a velayron and a targaryen marrying a targaryen and fuck it imma just have to go with it, please don’t yell at me

if you’re under 18+, please stop here, this is not for you.

i don’t know if this is good or not, or if it even makes sense but fuck it.

chapter one can be found right here.

chapter two sneak peek

“ You will have a handmaiden in the morning. For now, turn around.” The prince, now fully dry,  said, moving from his spot in the doorway to your new chambers.

“I’ve been dressing myself since my third nameday, I can dress for bed just the same.” You said, no hint of malice in your voice, exhaustion had eaten fear down to the marrow and all there was left in your body was irritation. 

“I don’t doubt your capability but given the simple fact that you are shivering, turn around.” Aemond said, leaving very little room for disagreement.  Warmth was just out of reach and for that reason only, you turned around.

Aemond walked slowly behind you, as if to savor every last glimpse of you in your soaking wet gown and you bit your tongue to  forbid any reaction when his hands finally made contact with your body, sweeping your silver curls to the side.

“I didn’t take you for a compliant bride.” He said, unlacing your dress slower than necessary.

“ I am the daughter of dragon riders, the granddaughter of the queen who never was and the sea snake. If you mistake weariness for obedience then I have sorely misjudged your intellect my prince, a mistake I do not intend to make again.” 

He chuckled, lingering on the final bit of lace before the dress fell at your ankles, leaving you in just your shift.

“ You wish not to leave me bare before you?  Has your regard for my honor made an appearance now that you have taken me for yourself?” You asked, wrapping your arms around yourself.

“It was a fair trade.” Aemond said, stepping forward with a blanket, intricately wrapping it around you. 

“Was it? You could have any bride from here to beyond the narrow sea, I have no claim to the throne, no dragon for you to take, no leverage to aid in your brother’s desire to keep his hideous crown.”

“I want heirs.”

“Any future heirs that you’d have ripped from my body would not gain you a single step closer to greatness so if you mean to kill me, kill me now and spare your brother the cost of a wedding feast.” 

 Before you could protest, the prince led you in front of the fire, arms around your waist in a tight embrace, his warmth and the blanket working as one.

“ Make no mistake my lady, when I wish to see all of you it will be because you want me to.  I want you and I will have you, alive and untouched. “

“Why?”

“Because salt does not burn.”

#aemond targaryen x black reader #aemond x reader #aemond targaryen x reader #aemond targaryen x velayron!reader #aemond targaryen x targaryen!reader

[julie-streep]

Eve and Steve at Los Angeles event last night for House of the Dragon season 1

❤️

#rhaenys x corlys #steve toussaint #eve best #eve and steve #house velayron #house of the dragon

[horizon-verizon]

[HotD] Laena Velayron

They got three different actors for the same character for three successive episodes (except the child, but she only appears in two. The show doesn’t keep the teen and adult Laena actors for more than one episode each.)

We do not get a scene of Laena claiming Vhagar (at the age of 12!) nor any scenes of her riding her alone. Aside from her riding with Daemon in performances for Pentoshi leaders, who is Laena-the-dragonrider? Really, with how much she talks about being a dragonrider, you’d think we’d get her at her dragonriding pinnacle. See her in her element apart from Daemon! How much of a dragonrider is she if we don’t highlight these things and spend more time on her character! These should have been Laena’s times to shine, but instead we get her immolating herself in theme with motherhood. Even the shots of her flying on Vhagar in the 6th episode are shot mainly in Daemon’s perspective! We do not see things through her perspective once, without it having to do with her kids. She thematically gets tied back to motherhood and more as a superficial prop for Targ characters instead of showing her as her own person. How she, Daemon, and Rhaenyra’s each made each others’ lives better. How much of a loss Laena was apart from her parents.

We don’t get her canon close friendship with Rhaenyra (that was likely romantic) or a picture of her, Daemon, and Rhaenyra’s life–them all together while Laena was alive. How present Rhaenyra was for her during her last pregnancy. (Plus, in the book Daemon brought her to Driftmark not long after she gives birth to Baela and Rhaena, no debate. So another missed opportunity and a twisting of not just her, but Daemon as well.)

We do not get to see how she interacts with her parents or her brother, so we do not have a strong impression of her family ties and a look at their dynamic. We know thay they loved her but we don’t see that love in action until way later, and even then it has problems (read the end). Why? To focus only on their purpose for the Targs. But with what happens later on in the story of the Dance, (if you know, you know), wouldn’t it serve the writers better to show the Velaryons as a family more apart from the Targaryens, to see the breath of Corlys’, Rhaenys, Laena and Laenor’s personalities, values, etc? Even how the all regarded Vaemond and other Velaryons? Corlys barely ruminates on Laena’s passing other then that it was an accident or her unlucky fate. His words in the 7th episode, Rhaenys’ advising Corlys to name Baela as his heir in Laena’s memory, and Laenor’s grief–they all are the only real indications of their relationship with Laena. It is as if it is only her death matters, to get us to the Targ fight. But Laena is intrinsic!

#laena velaryon #the velayrons #hotd critical #hotd comment #hotd characterization #dragonriding #dragonkeeping #laena's death #ASoIaF #A Song of Ice and Fire #hotd #house of the dragon #laena velaryon's characterization

[notyour-valentine]

PSA: This account is an involuntary Aemond Targaryen Stan account

Do I oppose everything this man stands for? Yes, absolutely

Will I go absolutely feral for this little war criminal? Even more so

#i have waited years for this #I cant wait to hate love hate love this mad bastard #Jace is the high school sweetheart who is practically family #who will go to prom with you and will bring you flowers #Luke is your sister's boyfriend who you love like a brother and would do anything for #and Aemond is that one guy you know you should stay as far away from as possible but you just cant #and he knows it too #house of the dragon #hotd #aemond targaryen #aemond one eye #aemond kinslayer #house targaryen #the blacks and the greens #vhagar #jace velayron #jacaerys velaryon #luke velaryon #lucerys velaryon #rhaenya targaryen #daemon targaryen #alicent hightower #the man the myth the menace

[ride-thedragon]

FINAL GIRLS OF THE DANCE.

It shouldn't be understated that these are the girls and women who survived the dance. Dragon Rider, Dragon Claimer, and Dragon Hatcher.

I wanna show them some love as individuals and as a trio because they are thee it girls of Westeros.

I hope yall join and engage because they are excellent characters that deserve to be celebrated.

#hotd #house of the dragon #nettles #nettles asoiaf #netty #a song of ice and fire #baela targaryen #hotd baela #baela and rhaena #rhaena the dragon twin #baela the dragon twin #baela the brave #rhaena of pentos #rhaena targaryen #hotd rhaena #rhaena and morning #nettles and sheepstealer #baela and moondancer #character week #house Velayron #house Targaryen #it girls of Westeros #final girls of the dance

[annamarielabeau]

Team Black 🖤 - Hotd

#house of the dragon #house velaryon #house targaryen #rhaenyra targaryen #daemon targaryen #rhaenys targaryen #the sea snake #corlys valeryon #rhaenys x corlys #baela targaryen #rhaena targaryen #mysaria #jacaerys velaryon #jacaerys x baela #i said it once and i'll say it again #the Velayrons are the most attractive house!

[qhorinhalfhand]

HOTD TARGARYEN RELATIONSHIPS MASTERLIST

the family tree may be low qual but i promise it is fully zoomable! below the cut is a masterlist of every single targaryen and velaryon involved in the dance and how they’re all related to each other.

Rhaenys Targaryen

Married: Corlys Velaryon

Children: Laena V, Laenor V

Grandchildren: Baela V, Rhaena V, Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V

Cousins: Viserys I, Daemon T

First cousin once removed: Rhaenyra T, Aegon II (Viserys’ son), Helaena T, Aemond T, Daeron T (unsure if he is in this show, but I’ll be referencing him here), Aegon T (Rhaenyra’s son), Viserys T (Rhaenyra’s son)

First cousin twice removed: Aegon T, Viserys T, Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T

Corlys Velaryon

Married: Rhaenys Targaryen

Children: Laena V, Laenor V

Grandchildren: Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Baela T, Laena T

Siblings: Vaemond V

Viserys I Targaryen (deceased)

Married: Aemma Arryn (died in childbirth), Alicent Hightower

Children: Rhaenyra T, Aegon II, Helaena T, Aemond T, Daeron T

Grandchildren: Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Aegon T, Viserys T, Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T

Siblings: Daemon T

Cousins: Rhaenys T

Nieces: Baela T, Rhaena T

1st cousin once removed: Laena V, Laenor V

1st cousin twice removed: Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Baela T, Rhaena T

Daemon Targaryen

Married: Rhea Royce (murdered by Daemon), Laena Targaryen (died in childbirth), Rhaenyra Targaryen

Children: Baela T, Rhaena T, Aegon T, Viserys T

Stepchildren: Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V

Siblings: Viserys I

Cousins: Rhaenys T

Nieces/nephews: Rhaenyra T, Aegon II, Helaena T, Aemond T, Daeron T

1st cousin once removed: Laena V, Laenor V

1st cousin twice removed: Baela T, Rhaena T, Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V

Grandnieces/nephews: Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T

Rhaenyra Targaryen

Married: Laenor Velaryon (ran away, presumed dead), Daemon Targaryen

Parents: Viserys I, Aemma A

Children: Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Aegon T, Viserys T

Stepchildren: Baela T, Rhaena T

Siblings: Aegon II, Helaena T, Aemond T, Daeron T (half-siblings)

Cousins: Baela T, Rhaena T, Aegon T, Viserys T

Uncle: Daemon T

Nieces/Nephews: Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T

1st cousin once removed: Rhaenys T

Second cousin: Laena V, Laenor V

Second cousin once removed: Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Baela T, Rhaena T

Laena Velaryon (deceased)

Married: Daemon Targaryen

Parents: Corlys V, Rhaenys T

Children: Baela T, Rhaena T

Siblings: Laenor V

Uncle: Vaemond V

1st cousins once removed: Viserys I, Daemon T

Second cousin: Rhaenyra T, Aegon II, Helaena T, Aemond T

Second cousin once removed: Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Aegon T, Viserys T, Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T

Laenor Velaryon

Married: Rhaenyra Targaryen

Parents: Corlys V, Rhaenys T

Children: Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V (bastards he claimed)

Siblings: Laena V

Uncle: Vaemond V

1st cousins once removed: Viserys I, Daemon T

Second cousin: Rhaenyra T, Aegon II, Helaena T, Aemond T

Second cousin once removed: Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T

Aegon II Targaryen

Married: Helaena Targaryen

Parents: Viserys I, Alicent H

Children: Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T (unsure of how many have been born as of this season)

Siblings: Helaena T, Aemond T, Daeron T, Rhaenyra T (half-sister)

Uncle: Daemon T

Cousins: Baela T, Rhaena T

Nieces/nephews: Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Aegon T, Viserys T, Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T

Second cousins: Laena V, Laenor V

Second cousins once removed: Baela T, Rhaena T, Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V

Helaena Targaryen

Married: Aegon II Targaryen

Parents: Viserys I, Alicent H

Children: Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T 

Siblings: Aegon II, Aemond T, Daeron T, Rhaenyra T (half-sister)

Uncle: Daemon T

Cousins: Baela T, Rhaena T

Nieces/nephews: Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Aegon T, Viserys T, Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T

Second cousins: Laena V, Laenor V

Second cousins once removed: Baela T, Rhaena T, Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V

Aemond Targaryen

Parents: Viserys I, Alicent H

Siblings: Aegon II, Helaena T, Daeron T, Rhaenyra T (half-sister)

Uncle: Daemon T

Cousins: Baela T, Rhaena T

Nieces/nephews: Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Aegon T, Viserys T, Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T

Second cousins: Laena V, Laenor V

Second cousins once removed: Baela T, Rhaena T, Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V

Baela Targaryen

Betrothed: Jacaerys Velaryon

Parents: Laena V, Daemon T

Siblings: Rhaena T, Aegon T, Viserys T (half-brothers), Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V (step siblings)

Cousins: Rhaenyra T, Aegon II, Helaena T, Aemond T, Daeron T, Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V

First cousins once removed: Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Aegon T, Viserys T, Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T

First cousin twice removed: Viserys I, Daemon T

Second cousin once removed: Rhaenyra T, Aegon II, Helaena T, Aemond T, Daeron T, Rhaena T, Aegon T, Viserys T

Third cousin: Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Aegon T, Viserys T, Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T

Rhaena Targaryen

Betrothed: Lucerys Velaryon

Parents: Laena V, Daemon T

Siblings: Baela T, Aegon T, Viserys T (half-brothers), Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V (step siblings)

Cousins: Rhaenyra T, Aegon II, Helaena T, Aemond T, Daeron T, Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V

First cousins once removed: Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Aegon T, Viserys T, Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T

First cousin twice removed: Viserys I, Daemon T

Second cousin once removed: Rhaenyra T, Aegon II, Helaena T, Aemond T, Daeron T, Baela T, Aegon T, Viserys T

Third cousin: Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Aegon T, Viserys T, Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T

Jacaerys Velaryon

Betrothed: Baela Targaryen

Parents: Rhaenyra T, Laenor V, Harwin Strong (biological father), Daemon T (stepfather)

Siblings: Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Aegon T, Viserys T (half-brothers), Baela T, Rhaena T (stepsisters) 

Aunts/uncles: Aegon II, Helaena T, Aemond T, Daeron T

Great uncle: Daemon T

Cousins: Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T

First cousin once removed: Baela T, Rhaena T, Aegon T, Viserys T

First cousin twice removed: Rhaenys T

Second cousin once removed: Laena V, Laenor V

Third cousin: Baela T, Rhaena T, Lucerys V, Joffrey V

Lucerys Velaryon

Betrothed: Rhaena T

Parents: Rhaenyra T, Laenor V, Harwin Strong (biological father), Daemon T (stepfather)

Siblings: Jacaerys V, Joffrey V, Aegon T, Viserys T (half-brothers), Baela T, Rhaena T (stepsisters) 

Aunts/uncles: Aegon II, Helaena T, Aemond T, Daeron T

Great uncle: Daemon T

Cousins: Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T

First cousin once removed: Baela T, Rhaena T, Aegon T, Viserys T

First cousin twice removed: Rhaenys T

Second cousin once removed: Laena V, Laenor V

Third cousin: Baela T, Rhaena T, Jacaerys V, Joffrey V

Joffrey Velaryon

Parents: Rhaenyra T, Laenor V, Harwin Strong (biological father), Daemon T (stepfather)

Siblings: Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Aegon T, Viserys T (half-brothers), Baela T, Rhaena T (stepsisters)

Aunts/uncles: Aegon II, Helaena T, Aemond T, Daeron T

Great uncle: Daemon T

Cousins: Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T

First cousin once removed: Baela T, Rhaena T, Aegon T, Viserys T

First cousin twice removed: Rhaenys T

Second cousin once removed: Laena V, Laenor V

Third cousin: Baela T, Rhaena T, Jacaerys V, Lucerys V

Aegon Targaryen

Parents: Rhaenyra T, Daemon T

Siblings: Viserys T, Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Baela T, Rhaena T (half-siblings)

Aunts/uncles: Viserys I, Aegon II, Helaena T, Aemond T, Daeron T

Great uncle: Daemon T

Cousins: Rhaenyra T, Aegon II, Helaena T, Aemond T, Daeron T, Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T

First cousin once removed: Rhaenys T, Baela T, Rhaena T, Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T, Viserys T

Second cousin: Laena V, Laenor V

Second cousin once removed: Baela T, Rhaena T, Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V

First cousin twice removed: Rhaenys T

Second cousin once removed: Laena V, Laenor V

Third cousin: Baela T, Rhaena T, Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V

Viserys Targaryen

Parents: Rhaenyra T, Daemon T

Siblings: Aegon T, Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Baela T, Rhaena T (half-siblings)

Aunts/uncles: Viserys I, Aegon II, Helaena T, Aemond T, Daeron T

Great uncle: Daemon T

Cousins: Rhaenyra T, Aegon II, Helaena T, Aemond T, Daeron T, Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T

First cousin once removed: Rhaenys T, Baela T, Rhaena T, Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Maelor T, Aegon T

Second cousin: Laena V, Laenor V

Second cousin once removed: Baela T, Rhaena T, Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V

First cousin twice removed: Rhaenys T

Second cousin once removed: Laena V, Laenor V

Third cousin: Baela T, Rhaena T, Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V

Jaehaerys Targaryen

Parents: Aegon II, Helaena Targaryen

Siblings: Jaehaera T, Maelor T

Aunts/uncles: Rhaenyra T, Aegon II, Helaena T, Aemond T, Daeron T

Great uncle: Daemon T

Cousins: Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Jaehaera T, Maelor T, Aegon T, Viserys T

First cousin once removed: Baela T, Rhaena T, Aegon T, Viserys T

First cousin twice removed: Rhaenys T

Second cousin once removed: Laena V, Laenor V

Third cousin: Baela V, Rhaena V, Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V

Jaehaera Targaryen

Parents: Aegon II, Helaena Targaryen

Siblings: Jaehaerys T, Maelor T

Aunts/uncles: Rhaenyra T, Aegon II, Helaena T, Aemond T, Daeron T

Great uncle: Daemon T

Cousins: Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Jaehaerys T, Maelor T, Aegon T, Viserys T

First cousin once removed: Baela T, Rhaena T, Aegon T, Viserys T

First cousin twice removed: Rhaenys T

Second cousin once removed: Laena V, Laenor V

Third cousin: Baela V, Rhaena V, Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V

Maelor Targaryen

Parents: Aegon II, Helaena Targaryen

Siblings: Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T

Aunts/uncles: Rhaenyra T, Aegon II, Helaena T, Aemond T, Daeron T

Great uncle: Daemon T

Cousins: Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V, Jaehaerys T, Jaehaera T, Aegon T, Viserys T

First cousin once removed: Baela T, Rhaena T, Aegon T, Viserys T

First cousin twice removed: Rhaenys T

Second cousin once removed: Laena V, Laenor V

Third cousin: Baela V, Rhaena V, Jacaerys V, Lucerys V, Joffrey V

#house targaryen #house velayron #house of the dragon #hotd #rhaenyra targaryen #be warned this post is very fucking long #making this legitimately gave me a headache #this family is a fucking nightmare #if any of this is wrong please inform me and i will fix it #by the time i got to jaehaerys i was so fucking tired i could hardly remember the lineage

[bogusavathepit]

General House of Dragon Thought #5

I've decided, as a book reader, to just look at House of the Dragon show as a personal project to reimagine what both the reliable and unreliable parts of Fire and Blood told us about the private affairs of the individuals before the civil war. 

Instead of something that is trying to "tell the truth" and explain "what really happened" in the Dance of the Dragons event.

Image Credit: userparamore @ tumblr  I  art by doug wheatley

Some of the book's sources’ tellings of the events are unreliable or just plain unlikely because the source had a specific interest in relating the event as they did or they exaggerrated/underplayed because they wanted to make themselves seem a certain way.

But some other phenomena the book tells us can't be doubted as reliable, like:

Rhaenyra and Alicent were never friends.

Alicent was actually more the comfort-companion of the dying Jaehaerys I instead of Viserys I. She may have helped Viserys around, but officially she helped Jaehaerys by bringing meals, reading to him, helped out his servants to bathe him, etc. (With Viserys, that’s more up in the air, but since the writer deigned to tell us about her with Jaeherys over anything that could clue us in to her with Viserys, I believe that she was not at Viserys’ side as much as she was at Jaehaerys’, and thus wasn’t like a caretaker to Viserys.)

Alicent was 15 when she was comforting Jaehaerys and 18 when she married Viserys. Rhaenyra was 9 in Alicent’s wedding to Viserys.

Both women ardently wanted the throne for their own ambition, or for their kids’ personal aggrandizement.

Rhaenyra was named the "Realm's Delight" since she was 7 because both peasants and aristocrats favored her, whether through propaganda or through semidirect interactions (this is mentioned several times in Fire and Blood). So Rhaenyra was definitely likely to be more entitled and popular than we might think, and less "punk princess" as Ryan Condal wanted. Of course she was rebellious (when she reportedly refused to marry Laenor at first), but not as pushed aside from courtiers nor peasants as we’re led to believe in the show because she acts more “masculine” as they, feudal people, would perceive her. (Being more outspoken, more assertive, and willing to kill a boar with her hands and a knife. I don’t make the rules.)

Viserys never died from or had his flesh rot away because of poor wound care to the extent that he lost an eye and part of his skull, or an arm (Book Alicent made it seem like Rhaenyra caused medical malpractice by ordering her own maester to cut off Viserys’ rotting two fingers--to save him after he cut them on the throne. But no, he died from chest stuff and gout...things more like complications from being overweight PLUS constant stress. Possibly a quiet heart attack.)

Rhaenys had black hair (Obviously this detail is pretty inconsequential, but it's still a change. Probably to save money? But then wouldn’t it cost more to get a wig that’s not a natural hair color over one that is? IDK)

There were two different events where Rhaenys and Laenor were passed over for ascending to heir status before Jaehaerys died. When Rhaenyra was pregnant with Laena, Jaehaerys chose Baelon, Viserys and Daemon's dad. Baelon was also Rhaenyra's uncle, brother to her dad Aemon. She herself was considered, but then it became a question about her unborn child rather than her and since they didn't know the gender of the kid (plus that kid was a kid while Baelon was an adult), they went with Baelon. There was no grand council of different noblemen for that decision--Jaehaerys chose this all on his own with his personal king's council. This is Event One. Event Two was the Great Council where every noble who could get there voted. Rhaenys wasn't even considered a candidate over her son Laenor, who had been a child then. But even then he wasn't considered because he had claim to the throne through a woman instead of a man. And he was a child. Whereas Viserys claimed royal blood through man, Baelon, and was himself a man, and was an adult. So these noblemen near unanimously chose Viserys in the blatant desire to create the precedent of male person through a male line being the prime candidate for inheritance. In the show, we're only shown Rhaenys standard ng up there in the Great Council as is she were very seriously considered to be the Queen.

Daemon never gets Lady Rhea's lands and other rights as her widower. (Not really a drastic change since they never show Daemon actually getting these lands, only threatening to do so. The writers focused more on Daemon's threat to Rhea's relative in episode 5 without showing what happened afterwards to emphasize his daring and excite fans of him, Rhaenyra, or their ship and let us assume that he did get those lands. It's a twisting of character and creates a specific expectation of his supposed grandeur, though.)

Daemon was nowhere near Runestone or the Eyrie when Lady Rhea Rhoyce dies, so it is very unlikely he was responsible for her death in any way. He was in the Stepstones and was informed, flying out to try to get those lands but was kicked out. (It's possible he sent an assassin but it is also arguable that Rhea just died of a convenient accident because of that distance. Daemon was busy with his battles in the Stepstones at this time, still trying to keep his and Corlys' control on it since they still had trouble after defeating the Crab Prince.)

Daemon spent a lot more time with Rhaenyra, doing several different things like reading poetry with her, gave her more gifts, etc., than TV viewers might have thought when they saw their first onscreen interaction. There's a more detailed section about him spending a lot of time with her you can interpret as uncle-niece time that continues from their usual uncle-niece time, or more to get her to favor him and be ever closer to getting to that crown. (The book provides a fuller, darker-implied picture of their early relationship...it was grooming, people.)

Daemon and Laena actually did finally go to Driftmark before she went into labor and stayed for the sake of both Daemon and her own safety (Daemon, from Viserys' anger and her, the approaching labor).

Laena never manages to get to Vhagar before she dies. She tries but collapses and Daemon carries her back to bed, where she dies after a few more hours.

Daemon killed Laena's first betrothed (not married), a son of the Braavosi leader, who Corlys disliked. (Never shown, but it's inconsequential.)

Rhaenyra had sailed by herself to Driftmark to be betrothed to Laenor. Viserys never discussed the terms of their betrothal directly to Corlys before they were betrothed officially.

Laenor's lover, Joffrey Lonmouth, died in the wedding tourney for Laenor and Rhaenyra by Criston & his morningstar weapon (think a chained, swinging ball with spikes). This is also where Alicent enlists Criston as her new protector (assumingly in public for anyone to see). This is a nobler and more glamorous death for Laenor; nobler because he died in an institutionalized event where young men show off their prowess, even if they lose. (This is a feudal, hierarchical society that places the highest value on being able to show military prowess in use for the sovereign/lord and a specific code of “honor”.)

Laenor was killed by Qarl in one of the towns close to Driftmark, where there were many different witnesses who saw them argue. Qarl escaped and was never found.

That engagement party in episode 5 didn't include an impromptu wedding after the changed death of Joffrey. That was scheduled and happened after 7 days of tourneys and other stuff. (Yes, it was an engagement party in the show, not a wedding party nor a wedding.)

Criston beats up Harwin pretty bad in Rhaenyra’s wedding tourney, so much so Mushroom gives him the moniker “Breakbones”.

It was actually at Laenor’s funeral, not Laena, where Aemond claimed Vhagar.

Baela and Rhaenyra were never there to confront Aemond after he gets Vhagar. Instead it was the 3-year olf Joffrey who Aemond saw first and who had confronted him.

Aemond was 10, Jacaerys was 6 and Lucerys was 5 when Aemond claimed Vhagar and beat all three boys up. So Aemond beat up kids half his age and lower before Lucerys cut his face and eye out.

Alicent never attacked Rhaenyra after the Aemond/Vhagar incident.

The reason for Harwin and Lyonel leaving King’s Landing wasn't catalyzed by Harwin hitting Criston in the training yard, since that also didn't happen. They just traveled to Harrenhall to visit and then died in the fire. Lyonel and Harwin lived into Aemond getting Vhagar.

Viserys “punishes” Rhaenyra and her family for the Aemond’s eye incident by ordering them all to stay in Dragonstone, while he also tells Alicent and her kids to go back to King’s Landing. (I personally assume that the real purpose was to separate them so no more conflict can happen and so that the news of what happened stays contained. For a bit longer. I personally assume.)

Rhaenys and Meleys weren't in King's Landing when Aegon II was crowned.

Rhaenyra grew thiccer after her sons' births and never lost that weight (inconsequential to be in the show, but in the books adds another layer to Rhaenyra's grown dislike towards Alicent, who had stayed slender even after having four kids.)

Aemond had also been motivated to chase Lucerys down after one of Borros' daughters (the conventionally unattractive one Aemond didn't favor) had mocked Aemond for not confronting Lucerys immediately. (Maybe inconsequential? I don’t think so.) Emphasis on challenged masculinity here.

Daemon did not decide to kill Vaemond (who was one of Corlys' nephews) on his own. Rhaenyra told him to do it. Also, Rhaenyra was the one to bring up Lucerys as the next Lord of Driftmark to Corlys. Corlys also was still conscious while sick. Since, again, Viserys never got that stuff on lock in any betrothal negotiations. Vaemond’s wife and kids fled to King’s Landing to plead for Viserys' help, but Viserys ordered their tongues be cut out for mentioning Rhaenyra's kids' legitimacy being questioned again. Also, Daemon, Rhaenyra and Corlys were not in King's Landing during the conflict of the Driftmark claim.

It was the Bracken guy who won that impromptu duel against the Blackwood when a husband for Rhaenyra was being considered.

People actually saw Rhaenyra be a little more than be a cupbearer to Viserys' council. He allowed her to actively sit and listen since childhood, which means that everyone saw Viserys actively try to prepare her for her ascension and she sat like a leader (or close enough) since childhood. In the show, we’re left with the impression she started being more involved later in her teens.

It is a lot clearer that Daemon was never the official heir in Fire and Blood. He just started considering himself one and so I doubt that Viserys would have ever said “Not anymore” to Daemon’s “But I’m your heir.” to his announcement of Rhaenyra’s new status. But that’s just me.

Otto wasn't the one to deliver the news of Aegon's terms to Rhaenyra. That was the Grand Maester Orwyle and someone else I'm forgetting. (Slightly inconsequential, there is a conversation between R and Or that is different from the one that happens between R and Otto)

And So What?

The conflict between the greens and the blacks developed from the first one between these girls (aside from Otto vs. Daemon vs. Viserys). Because the writers aged Rhaenyra up to match Alicent, they were able to compare the girls' privileges, social positions, relationships to their fathers, and their perceived duties to those men as noblewomen. We are able to see these women as having a real, perceived betrayal between them so that we may also observe how vulnerable they are, which I liked, but it also made them seem less assertive and active. More helpless and indecisive in context to the whims of their fathers, even to adulthood, than they were in the book. We don't really get to see them make decisions based on a desire to fulfill personal desires in a big way compared to the men around them either.

All the changes and social dynamics we see in the show and all the choices that these people make stem from one of the bigger changes (not an interpretation, a change) of the lore: Rhaenyra and Alicent being of close age and them having been close friends before Alicent married Viserys. This change instead becomes the core of the show...aside from the pressures of the prophecy and societal expectations.

It is because Alicent and Rhaenyra are changed into peers/best friends, the show changes the emotional charge and meaning of the narrative of the Dance of the Dragons.

In Fire and Blood, the reason for the rivalry between them is simpler; each wanted to be the alpha female, so to speak. Alicent was only friendly towards Rhaenyra at first because she didn't yet have a son of her own and it wouldn't serve her to summon that energy up without a stronger motive. Rhaenyra simply wasn't a threat to her at the time. (It also doesn't spell well for a second wife to be mean to their new royal stepdaughter without a real prompt if she wants a harmonious marriage with the king and to still have a reputation amongst the other nobles.) And at the time of the new marriage, Rhaenyra was literally under 10.

And the impression we're left with in Fire and Blood was that the children they have developed a sort of hatred that couldn't be made neutral by any means of reconciliation by their parents because their parents didn't care about doing anything for Viserys' condition of any kind to even try to "reconcile" on their own.

That dinner Viserys holds in episode 8 is very unlikely to ever have been as relaxed and enjoyable as it was depicted, with Rhaenyra laughing, Otto clapping, and Alicent more relaxed than she had ever been showed to be (for most of the people there, can't discount Aemond and Aegon, who never genuinely enjoyed themselves that entire party).

And Alicent has been telling her kids that Aegon would be the one who both should and will inherit the throne, calling Rhaenyra's sons bastards for all of their life. That because those boys are bastards, they deserve no respect nor any sort of inheritance entitled to a "trueborns" Targaryen/Velaryon like themselves. 

Even without the change in Rhaenyra and Alicent becoming friends and still feeling emotionally indebted to each other, in no world would this happen. How do the writers expect us to believe that:

that the kids would “respect” the “peace” the adults were trying to for, as Ryan Condal said in the post episode interview of episode 8; it’s not JUST the kids who have reason and have acted against “peace”

the people on the women’s sides (Otto, Criston, Daemon, Larys etc.) all act on their own or totally ignore their supposed female superiors’ wishes....Otto shows that he was proud of her “determination” to see through what he sees as his plans to get Aegon on the throne for godsakes and Criston is still burning up from Rhaenyra’s rejection

Otto and Aemond--as prone to the right sort of manipulation, rebellious and resentful as the latter is--at the very least will accept Rhaenyra and step aside peacefully

that Rhaenyra would actually apologize and remarks on how diligent Alicent has been

that Alicent would accept such a thing without having a clearer, detailed explanation between the two of them, alone, of what happened all those years ago

The writers would have us believe that even if ALicent hadn’t mistaken Viserys’ last words to her/Rhaenyra, that Rhaenyra would comfortable ascend and everyone wouldn’t violently protest or do whatever they could to stop her. That just with Visery’s final demand at that Last Supper where he reveals his rotting face, that they’s all actually stop?!  Let’s be real here.

Image Credit: wikiofthrones.com

Examples:

So really, the tone, intensity, implications, and behavior of the characters present in each and every episode of the first season is markedly changed from how they are in the book. Many events are not just "interpretations" or "reinterpretations" in light of the things I pointed out as the reliably told phenomena listed above. Things we can 100% to be what really happened or were true.

And sometimes the show's writers give us actions that make no psychological sense or at every unlikely things to occur. Sometimes just glaring inconsistencies logical holes.

Rhaenys not killing all the greens when she had the chance in episode 8. These people are a threat to her grandkids, whom she has been acting for all this time and said "Fuck Rhaenyra." One conversation with someone she barely knows or cares about is not going to stop that very personal agenda of keeping those of her blood alive, especially with her own children already dead. Even if she suspected Rhaenyra for killing Laenor before she gets to Dragonstone, Rhaenys has shown us in episode 8 that she is willing to put aside that for the safety and promotion of Rhaena and Baela. So...?

Joffrey Lonmouth deciding to talk to Criston about very sensitive information around the very people who could mess things up for the both of them in episode 5...while talking about how they should keep things on the down-low for their respective partners. In those partners' very public and jam-packed engagement party.

The show has Rhaenys talk to Alicent about how she’s constantly getting into the service of men, while both women are not really taking things in their own hands, doing what it takes to ensure their kids/grandkids are treated as fairly as possible, are safe, and get the resources they feel they are entitled to. The show writes this to have Rhaenys sort of test Alicent out by mocking her to see how she reacts, but going by how many people think Rhaenys is genuinely just trying to call Alicent out makes me think that the show wasn’t as clear as it should have been here.

In the show, Alicent & Otto have been telling her kids that Aegon both should and will inherit the throne. Calling Rhaenyra's sons bastards for all of their life (even if that was inspired by her fear for their lives, instigated by Otto. The effect is the same.) That because those boys are bastards, they deserve no respect nor any sort of inheritance entitled to "trueborns" Targaryen/Velaryon like themselves. At the same time, Viserys has not been giving the attention and support he gives to Rhaenyra to his younger kids. The 7th episode has bad parenting and bad/irresponsible ajudication between children written all over it on Viserys’ part, and the Aemond's resentment from that and the imagined favoritism especially has got to have built up into the last episode where he causes Lucerys’ death. How do the writers expect us to believe that Otto and Aemond will accept Rhaenyra, her claim and her kids, and step aside? Aemond is a prime target for Otto’s sort of manipulation because of his own feelings of isolation and resentment. Ironically, Otto can induce Aemond to think even worse of Rhaenyra due to the privilege of grace Viserys always seems to give to her as well as Aemond wishing the throne for himself (however strong that desire is). And Otto, despite Alicent's position, has a lot of power, as we saw in episode 9 when Alicent just learns that Otto had already made plans with the other council members to seat Aegon as soon as Viserys died? I mean...huh? We can’t be expected to believe that if Viserys hadn’t deliriously said “Aegon” to Alicent, thinking she was Rhaenyra, that the infighting would stop?!

Image Credit: bt.com

Image Credit: Chandreyee Chatterjee @ telegraphindia.com

However, the story that the writers create for the show:

has nough absurd moments to clutch your pearls over

has some plausible explanations for some events that were unreliably told, like the how Lucerys died and how that who-fucked-Rhaenyra of episode 4 went down

has other moments, like Rhaenyra killing a boar and Viserys failing to kill the right deer in episode 3, are additions to the narrative that are never mentioned in the book but were presented well enough to believe could have happened with the characterizations they have created

has actors that are very good at acting

has enough of sorrow and reason to mourn the amount of unfairness over the two women’s lost friendship at the hands of patriarchal socioeconomic pressures

seems to still get people to think about the development of different character’s mindsets...even if it tends to go very binary for a lot of us in the fandom. It’s a start.

So it's still entertaining to watch and possible to have a good time with it.

#house of dragon #house of the dragon #fire and blood #a song of ice and fire #asoiaf #rhaenyra targaryen #alicent hightower #daemon targaryen #viserys targaryen #Aemond Targaryen #corlys velaryon #rhaenys targaryen #lucerys velayron #jacaerys velaryon #otto hightower #sir harwin #ser harwin #harwin #lyonel strong #HotD #rhaenyra x alicent #bap HotD

[aemondsbeloved]

A Sign Of Things To Come

pairing: Jacaerys Velayron x reader, Aemond Targaryen x reader

summary: When violence occurred during dinner with your estranged family, you thought there was no harm in secretly meeting with Jacaerys once everyone had retired for the night not understanding how wrong you were.

warnings/notes: Targaryen!reader, incest (she is Aemond’s sister and Jace’s aunt), based after the dinner scene in ep 8, Aemond isn't likable in this tbh, this is in a way a love triangle but not really, this will be a series in due time :)

word count: 2.1k

taglist: @greinch​ @itsghostgirlyo​

The corridors of the castle were dark, the only light was the candles and moonlight that reflected off of the stone walls and floors. One step and another, your hand in his as he was ahead of you, running through the corridors. His fingertips intertwined with your own, the warmth of his hand setting off the chill in the autumn breeze. The only sound in the quiet night was both your footsteps, the swishing of the skirt of your dress.

A giggle brought on by the cold air, the idea that you did not know where you were going, or that you might be caught escaped you. “Jace,” You whispered urgently, “Where are we going?”

One step and another, you turned a corner. He laughed this time, but it was no girlish giggle. His laughed echoed more than your light giggle that had traveled through the castle you imagined. You would pray that if a Knight of the King’s Guard heard it would not be Ser Criston Cole. You imagined Jace’s smile as he laughed. Surely it was as broad and boyish as you had last seen it, bringing a smile to your own face.

“It’s a surprise,” He told you, still running through the castle. “Somewhere your brothers won’t happen upon us.”

You snorted at that. It was a horribly undignified and unladylike thing to do, not at all the behavior of a princess. But then again, running around the castle at night with Jacaerys was even less undignified. “Aegon won’t happen upon anyone tonight. He will be passed out in his chambers by now. I could be halfway the Essos and my brother would not know this nor care.”

Another corner and Jace led you around it, stopped at an alcove with an opening that overlooked some of the gardens. He turned around, facing you for the first time since he met you outside your chambers for your adventure as he had called it. Let’s go somewhere no one could find us and talk without the hawkeye of your brothers, he had told you, and you had not hesitated to take his hand. Even now his hand still held yours, neither of you quite ready to let go yet. “It’s not Aegon I’m worried about,” He said, that smile on his face just as you had imagined it, broad and brillant. “Your brother cares for nothing but wine and—”

He cut himself off, not wanting to say whores, but you raised your eyebrows in challenge. Did he really think that you would deny your eldest brother’s tendencies? When you were children, before he left for Dragonstone, you had always been the one to stand up to your brothers, though it was mainly Aegon. Aemond was not cold then, when you were children, and there was nothing to defend against.

“Well, he is not exactly attentive to his duties. I only worry for Aemond. It seems he keeps a watchful eye on you these days.”

You pursed your lips, moving to the side of the alcove and sitting on the stone bench. “Your family being here has set my brother on edge,” You admitted, voice quieter and less jovial. Your eyes flickered to him as he sat next to you, those brown eyes looking at you so deeply you could swear no one looked at you like he did. “I’m sorry for Aemond. His taunts were cruel.”

“I should not have given in to them,” He said, sitting up a bit taller. “I am only glad grandfather had left by then.”

You looked down in your lap, frowning. “He is just jealous,” You sighed. “Or at least he was once when we were children. Our father just prefers your mother and he is bothered the most by it. Aegon drinks and Helaena is unaware. I have moved beyond it, the past cannot be changed. I just wish Aemond could see it as I do.”

“Us taking his eye must not have helped,” He said, in a way admitting that it was wrong, which had never been done. You finally looked up at him again, wanting to know what he was going to say now. “That night at Driftmark,” He trailed off, becoming silent for a moment. “I wish I could go back. Let him have Vhagar, what does it matter now with our family in ruins now.”

“We were children,” You conceded. “Lucerys even more so. It was a terrible night for our family. I would not wish to relive it.”

“Your brother was young too. I shouldn’t have said he called us bastards, not when Lucerys took his eye. Especially not when I knew my mother would defend us.”

You looked at him, seeing how he was punishing himself for a night that happened a decade ago. You wondered if your brothers could see him now if they might have reconciled. It was a childish thought you could not let go.

“I wish my family saw you as I do,” You admitted. “You are going to make a good king one day, Jace. I know it.”

In the moonlight you could swear you saw a tinge of pink on his cheeks, but you did not comment.

“You don’t want your brother to rule?”

“You know I don’t,” You insisted.

“I only thought, after all the years we had not seen each other,” He explained, hesitating before continuing, “Our sentiments can change over the years. Your brother—”

“Is a drunken fool with no responsibility, not even to his family,” You amended. “He is my brother and I cannot hate him, but I have no love for him. I may be the only one in my family that can admit he would not be a good ruler for the realm.”

He didn’t say anything and you took the time to speak what had been on your mind. “Do you think it strange we could have been married? If my mother had accepted your mother’s proposal all those years ago?”

“It would not have been so strange,” He said, voice sounding softer than it had all night. “I would have liked to make you happy.”

It was a simple thing to say, so why did it cut through your heart like a knife? “Seeing you tonight has made me happy,” Your voice was just as soft as his. “Your Lady Baela will be a good match, I know it. Even that brings joy to me, Jace.”

“What are the chances of you finding a good match?”

You knew he meant of happiness, not good in the sense of the traditional political success of matchmaking, but you could not dwell on the later. “I do not see a love match in my future, if that’s what you mean. A Lord that has been loyal to the Hand is surely in my future, I have little doubt. Mother knows the value of a powerful match for our family, but I cannot say if she would consider my personal happiness when arranging it. She might yet wed me to Aemond, but I should be glad my poor sister is married to Aegon, so I will not have to carry that burden.”

“I’m sorry, Princess,” He said, sounding understanding and like a boy again when he would always address you by your title. “You deserve more than this.”

No one had ever told you that before. Your entire life was being reminded of a princess’s duty and you had always accepted this. But hearing those words from Jace of all people felt like relief of some kind. It was as though even if all you would have is this secret meeting in the quietest part of the castle at night, it was still enough. Even if it would just be this once.

“Your company is more than enough,” You said sweetly.

Jace’s eyes cast over your shoulder made your eyebrows furrow but you were not able to look behind you before you heard, “I would have thought you would be in your chambers by now, sister.”

You flashed your eyes to Jace, begging him to not say anything to your brother after this night. You could handle Aemond, but if Jace said anything to him you feared for his reaction.

“I wanted to speak to Jacaerys,” You said, voice cautious as you turned, twisting your body to face Aemond. “We did not have enough time to talk amongst ourselves before dinner. We were only talking brother.”

He hummed, seeming unconvinced. Knowing Aemond, he knew you spoke the truth and he had disdain for your association with the person he loathed.

“You do know how upset mother would be if she heard you were sneaking around the castle to meet in secret with Lord Strong.”

Aemond’s voice was as cool as the night’s air and Jacaery’s had shot up. The smirk on your brother's face made anxiety rise through you as you shot up from your seat, facing Jace. “Please go to your chambers,” You pleaded. Daemon was not here now and if Jace threw a punch at Aemond calling him a bastard now there was no telling if Aemond would stop at one punch in retaliation. Stopping Aemond would not be possible, even if you begged him to. You smiled at him, shaky and nervous. “Go, Jace. My brother will escort me to my chambers.”

He looked at Aemond, then to you. It seemed he would gladly fight your brother for another remark calling him a bastard, but he listened to you. “Goodnight, Princess,” He said, not daring to grab your hands at all as a final goodbye, knowing Aemond’s reaction to that could be dire. “I hope to see you when my family returns to King’s Landing after a fortnight.”

You watched him walk away, thankful the further away he got away from you, and by association your brother. “Will you tell mother?”

You still were not looking at Aemond as you looked down the hall that Jace had already disappeared from. Turning around, now facing him you saw him already looking at you. “Will you find yourself meeting our sister’s bastards in the night again?”

There was only one answer. “No, brother. I will not.”

“Good,” He hummed. “It is beneath you.”

What was? Sneaking around, seeing Jacaerys? You did not know but it held the same meaning. Your quench to defend Jacaerys, to say he was not a bastard even if he was technically had a Strong father, but you resisted the urge, swallowing it.

“He would not protect you,” He told you as if he was enlightening you. The unsaid but I would heard in the silence. “If his mother told him to cut our family down, you included, he would not hesitate. He would not kill for you, you know it.”

“I do not wish for anyone to kill for me,” You insisted, chin wobbly and words thick.

He hummed and you swore by the glint in his eyes he would kill for you, gladly and perhaps even against your wishes.

“Not now when he offers you false promises in secret, but you may yet see the day you want justice,” His words were cryptic, holding double meaning that you did not fully comprehend. “I would think before dancing with them in front of our family again.”

It was not a threat, but it was no suggestion either. When he offered his arm, a command dressed as a gesture, you took it, all but letting him lead back to your chambers. “Do not sympathize with our nephew,” He warned, stopping in front of your chambers and removing his arm from yours. “He is feeble. You would do well to remember what mother told us, we must look after our own.”

“Jace is our own,” You rebutted. “His mother is our half sister, Aemond. That makes him our family.”

“I would not be so sure,” He said. “You would do well to remember where your loyalties lie.”

And he was leaving, walking away from you as went to his own chambers. You could only see the moonlight reflecting his hair as he retreated and pondered his words. Aemond spoke of your own family as though there would be war and your duty was as he saw it, not to your entire family. You opened your door quietly with hesitance, not quite wanted to go into your chambers but knowing there was nowhere else you could go.

By the time morning came you could only hope that Aemond would not tell your mother of your meeting with Jacaerys. In the morning you were sure nothing drastic would change anyways.

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