Description: The years in between the children and Harwin's inevitable death.
Rating: 16+ [suggestive themes, death by fire]
Author's Note: If you love this fic, feel free to visit the main fic.
coaxed you into paradise v2.
Rhaenyra loves everything about him. His deep voice, his velvety tone - everything about him seemed to be made exactly to her liking, with Harwin, everything was pure and true - nothing like the carnal desire she had over her uncle. Her days thinking about him - weren't spent with her fingers down her cunt, unlike those with Daemon.
"How is the babe?" he asked, reaching down to press his palms on her swollen belly. A smile paints her lips - believing that fatherhood suited him well. "The babe is well," she replied - placing both of her hands down her tummy.
The mere thought of his seed inside her belly made her swell with joy. The thought that they were made for each other - it settled wonderfully with her system. "- and his mother?" he inquired - eyes meeting those of his lover. "She is well, now that you are here." she smiled, pressing a soft kiss on his lips.
His hands reach for hers - entwining their fingers together.
"How are the gold cloaks?" she asked, leading them both into the warmth of the bed. Harwin's face dropped to the floor. "As usual - they still speak of your uncle," he huffed - a little disappointed with the lack of respect that his men held for him.
Rhaenyra's face softened, staring at his dejected face.
"They will soften in time, I know that you'll do a better job than my uncle." she encouraged while pouring herself a glass of water. "I feel as if I share everything with your uncle," he complained, staring deep into her lavender hues.
There were nights that they spent together talking about love - before they were together. The first name that spilled out of Rhaenyra's tongue was those of Daemon. That she fancied him as a child, but he never reciprocated those feelings. Her hands snake towards his chest - wrapping her arms around his waist.
"I am yours, Harwin." she breathed in his scent of sandalwood and oranges. She belonged to the man inside the commander.
She would never forget Alicent's sour face once she saw Joffrey. "He looks just like Princess Rhaenys," she mumbled bitterly, eyes darting back and forth between Rhaenyra and her sworn sword.
"He has Laenor's nose," Viserys commented, holding his grandson close to his chest. The child in front of them was void of any Targaryen features - but she knew that her Lucerys was a dragon.
"The birth was swift, and he came without a fuss." Rhaenyra smiled, peeking through her father's shoulder to gaze upon the visage of her second-born. The child was filled with sweetness, round cheeks and a bright smile - like her sister. "I am glad," Viserys smiled.
Rhaenyra's smile deepened, pulling Laenor closer to her body.
With both of the men beside her, there was nothing she couldn't do. She could move mountains, and drain entire rivers.
All because of them.
Her boys. The very reason for her existence.
When the news of Harwin's death came to her - the entire facade broke down. The love of her life was murdered and swallowed by fire. "Mother," Jacaerys finds his place beside her, grabbing her forearm as she collapses on the floor. "It cannot be," she cried, feeling the air run out of her lungs.
Harwin was her joy - the sun of her life.
"He was burned, my lady." her handmaiden announced, keeping her eyes on the floor - in respect of her lady's grief. "Burned by whom?" she interrogated - feeling all of the anger in the world crash down on her. She would kill for him - die for him.
But right now, she needed to live for him.
"There are rumors, my princess - but none of them have been proven true." the handmaiden replied, lips pursed into a thin line.
The tears kept flowing out of Rhaenyra's eyes.
There was a time before him, a time during him - but she couldn't believe that there would be anything after him.
"I don't understand." she mumbled, knees sunken on the floor.
How could she take on the world without her sun?
Without the only man that made everything possible?
author's note: i apologize because all of the blurbs are sad asf, also yes - rhaenyra did like daemon (confirmed) but he didn't notice her.
hihi <3 i saw your requests are open; please can i ask for a small drabble of harwin taking care of wife!reader as she’s recovering from being ill? thx in advance, i love your writing 😍
hi!! sorry for keeping you waiting for so long for this, but here it is!! hope u like it🤍
The silence ruled in the room. The only source of sound was the metallic spoon hitting the base of the plate as Harwin collected some of the food in order to take it towards your mouth. You had a serious look on your face, hazing upon his visage with a disapproval stare. Your husband would ignore it, of course, knowing the reason why you were eyeing him that way; he did not mind at all. "Open up," he muttered as he positioned the spoon in front of your lips. You refused to listen and obey his command, pressing your lips and keeping them shut. Harwin sighed, "you need to eat. How are you expecting to recover if you do not eat properly?"
"You shouldn't be here," you muttered, looking at his deep, brown eyes as if you were begging him. The soreness that was left in your throat made your voice sound raspier and lower than usual. "I can get you sick, you need to leave now, Harwin."
"I will not," he refused, and the spoon that his hand was holding got close to your lips once again. You opened them reluctantly, receiving the food and cleaning your mouth with a napkin in a harsh movement that Hsrwin thought to be the cutest gesture. "What kind of husband would I be if I don't take care of my wife?"
"A smart one," you answered.
"A fool one," he quickly corrected you. You rolled your eyes, trying not to fall into his charms and keeping the worried, mad facade that you have been wearing since he first entered the room defying your refusal. Your husband took your hand, caressing the back of it with his thumb at the same time he shifted his position in order to get closer to you. As a response, you immediately leaned back, gaining a stern look from the man in front of you. "I haven't been this close to you for weeks, do you know how agonizing it is to be apart from you? How terrifying the nights felt with an empty spot by my side? You've been here, by yourself, locked in these four walls while I was dying out there because they did not allow me to see you."
"You can get sick," you said, "the Maester said this was contagious-"
"Was," he repeated. A slight smile appeared on his face, and it was almost able to make you imitate the action. "Now you're fine, and I can spend some much needed time with my beautiful wife."
"I do not wish for you to feel the way I did, it was terrible," you confessed, almost in a whisper. "Please, my love, let me save you from the torment this bloody illness will bring you."
"No," he shook his head. The plate in his other hand was left on top of the nightstand as he now focused all of his attention on you. "When we got married, I promised to the Gods to protect you from any harm, no matter the consequences of it. I don't care about getting sick, at least in that way I'll know I did everything I could to make you feel better." You tilted your head, looking at him. Your haze softened and the stern and hard semblance on your face vanished as soon as you saw his bright brown eyes staring into yours, screaming without words his devotion towards you. "Now, stop being such a stubborn woman and allow me to take care of you."
You grabbed his cheek, feeling the stubble growing there pinching against your fingertips. Your heart almost aching with longing after you realized you had not felt it against your cheeks in a very long time. Soon you found yourself, involuntarily, leaning closer to him. Your lips found their way to his, and you both moaned with relief at the touch, as if your bodies were finally getting the much needed dose of the most exquisite and addictive drug. The feeling of his plump lips against yours was all you needed to give in to his insistence; his passionate, but soft, kiss working as a spell over you.
"Let me take care of you," he whispered with a breathy, lower voice, murmuring as he constantly pecked your lips, not being able to keep himself away from them. "Please..."
A soft nod was all he needed to continue leaving kisses on your face, keeping your heart filled with genuine devotion towards the handsome man to whom you were lucky enough to call your husband.
BOLD MEANS I COULDN’T TAG YOU.
GENERAL TAG LIST — @borikenlove @aemondsversion @jvpit3rs @watercolorskyy @kravitzwhore @valeskafics @clairacassidy @aemondx @randomdragonfires @theminesofmoria @gothtargaryen @melsunshine @urmomsgirlfriend1
Tags: nsfw, smut, affair, quickie, desperation, marks, creampie, Reader is engaged but doesn't love her future husband
A/N: I would always pick Harwin over a loveless marriage, Harwin would treat me right.
You both knew very well that all you could ever give each other were quick fuck sessions in secret followed by slow kisses and soft words
You'd been meeting like this even before your engagement was announced
It didn't seem like that big of a deal at the time because you thought that Harwin was gonna be the one you would marry, only to have those dreams shattered
Now you only have limited time left together
Whenever you meet in secret its never slow, its always sloppy kisses, dressed being hiked up or pulled out of the way, his pants barely down his legs before his cock meets your mouth
Harwin is very careful with how he handles you during these sessions
He always was but now even more so, even denying both of you the pleasure of leaving marks on each other
One thing that he won't deny himself if tasting you, worshiping you with his mouth, fingers and cock like you deserve
Can't find it in himself to pull out, its a small victory for him, knowing that you'd allow him this, filling you up before your future husband does
Hell even after, he'd still risk seeing you if you'd be up for it
Definitely the one who would end up getting you pregnant
Kisses your hand while thrusting into you, offering you that gentle comfort
Okay with you biting on his neck to muffle your moans or using his pillow if you're on all fours
The only marks he leaves on you are the small ones on your thigh when he turns his head after he's done eating you out and cleaning you up
Summary: Follow Jensen on his first pirating voyage aboard Eden’s Fury, one of the most feared and highly-regarded pirate ships on the seas.
A/N: ik ik its The pirate au !! im so excited to finally have this posted. let me tell you, ive had to do a lot more thinking now that im posting this, but i just have to hope that its worth it. i never really planned for this to leave the dark cavern that is my wips folder, but here it is, in the light of day! how exciting :’) anyway please give this as much love as you have, it means more to me than words can describe, and the amount of time ive put into this by now is honestly ungodly (also woo my first fic header!!)
The bright morning sun shot glittering rays over the water. He waited on the dock with a few others, fiddling with the sword on his hip and revolver on his thigh. The summer heat filled the air and the shade from the overhanging trees did little to relieve it.
In the distance anchored the very boat he’d soon be boarding. The crew of Eden’s Fury had been in town for a number of days now, interviewing and rounding up a few new members as they often did every few years. For a pirate crew, they were surprisingly meticulous and organized, which was one of Jensen’s primary interests in joining.
King Liam Appreciation Week Day 1: Character Appreciation/Throwbacks
Liam Rys, my first Choices love 🥰 Incredible man, friend, husband and father... For day 1 of @kingliamappreciationweek, I thought I would share some fics that I have written that I believe highlight Liam's character. Fiercely loyal, loving, supportive, protective and self-less, it's no wonder this handsome pixel has charmed so many of our hearts!
Happy KLAW Everyone!
Special thanks to our hosts @lizzybeth1986 and @sazanes! Thank y'all for putting this together for us! 😘
More Than Flashing Lights & Sound
“I--I promised you a better life, Ri. Better than this.” Tears begin to stream down his face. “I--I couldn’t save you. I--” he sighs, “I can’t save you--”
Boughs & Mockingbirds
“I don’t know what the right answer is anymore; all I know is I am terrified, and I wish you would respect that. Just for once.” Liam drags his fingers through his hair, walking in an aimless circle, his anger burning. He turns his attention back to Riley. “You know? That’s not just your baby; this is not just your life. You’re my wife! That’s my child!”
Pour Two Glasses
"To my queen, my love, my very best friend... I know you worry about doing your best, and often times wonder if you are adequate enough for the calling as my queen... You are anything, but just adequate. You, my queen, are abundantly able, completely sufficient, surpassing every need and desire perfectly with unbelievable beauty and exquisite grace. The crown should be honored that a woman like you humbled herself, and chose to wear it. To my wife and eternal peacekeeper: thank you for making tonight possible. I love you."
A Ballroom Blitz
“... please welcome Drake, thirty days sober.”
... Drake bites his lip, fidgeting with the trinket in his palm. As he finally looks out into the crowd, a sudden crooked smile grows across his face.
There in the back of the room was a familiar, tall blond beaming with pride. Liam. With a gentle nod of acknowledgement to his lifelong friend, Drake blows away his nervous jitters
Trend Magazine
"Suddenly I knew what it meant to live for something. To die for something. Suddenly I knew what it meant to be incomplete because only with her am I whole."
---
If we have learned anything from our humble king, it's that he is a man of great wisdom. His greatest takeaway from fatherhood thus far in his life would be this: go ahead and hold your children. Hug them. Remind them you're there. You will not harm your child by loving them too much.
Pairing: Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley (F!OC)
Book: Open Heart
Word Count: ~400
Rating/Warning: General (all the fluff and kisses)
Prompts: @choicesficwriterscreations : Midnight Kiss ; @choicesdecember2022 kiss | middle of the night
Synopsis: Bryce and Olivia share a midnight kiss.
He tapped his phone. 11:58. So close. The light of the screen illuminated the dark bedroom. The blue glow highlighted her features. His lips pulled up as he brushed a strand of hair away from her face. The screen timed out, darkness once more descending around them.
Bryce inched closer. The warmth of her quiet slumber caressed his face. He tapped the screen again. 11:59. Almost!
A slight glimmer showed in the corner of her lips. He ran his thumb tenderly, gathering the drop of drool. She had always been embarrassed and self-conscious by it, but he found it endearing, as he did most everything about her.
Bryce watched as the digits on his phone flipped to 12:00. Finally!
He pressed his lips to her forehead, then her nose, and her lips, kissing her softly and slowly, giving her time to wake.
Her mouth responded, following his lead, her movements messy as he pulled her from sleep.
"Hi," he whispered as her eyes fluttered open, meeting his despite the darkness.
Her face scrunched in confusion at the darkness around them. "What time is it?"
"Midnight."
"Wha—" She rubbed her sleepy eyes. "What are you doing?"
"Kissing you!" He smirked, his lips returning to hers.
"Yes," she smiled, pulling away from his kiss. "I gathered that."
"Then, we're on the same page; we can go back to kissing now."
Olivia chuckled quietly, holding her finger out to keep his lips from hers. "I guess the better question then is why?"
"It's midnight."
"Yes...Midnight on December 3rd, unless I slept for a solid month."
"Why should January 1st get all the fun?" Bryce kissed her again, enjoying the feel of her growing smile against his. "We can consider it practice. I know how you like to be prepared for things."
"Should I expect more nights of practice ahead?" She whispered into his lips as she kissed him again. "To make sure we're properly prepared."
"We want to get it right, don't we?"
"I don't see any way around it." Olivia nodded her agreement after a moment of consideration. "We'll have to keep practicing, but you know what they say: practice makes perfect."
"I think we're pretty perfect, but I'm willing to keep practicing to make sure."
"I think I could be persuaded to the cause as well."
"Oh, could you now?" He cradled her face in his hands, his thumb brushing over her pouty lips before drawing her in for a long, lingering kiss.
I didn't proof read this at all, sorry! I will but I realized it was Saturday at almost midnight and I wanted to write something since I haven't written a thing in over a month and then I had this random idea so I kinda wrote it in 15 minutes. Looks like I'll have one minute to spare! ahh! Thank you so so much for reading and putting up with my random craziness!
᯽ Please note that this is an overall part 11 of the series “Growing Strong”. The masterlist, and part 1, can be found HERE. ᯽
Pairing: Ser Harwin Strong x Tyrell! Female Reader
Warnings: Character death, fire, mentions of burns (descriptive), death of unnamed background characters, mentions of someone unaliving themselves, GOT typical sexism, canon divergence, references to past character death, very suggestive themes, and a back-stabbing brother… heck, let’s throw kinslaying on there too while we’re at it.
Summary: Was there strength in honor? … Or could honor come from strength?
A/N: this chapter starts with a bit of spicy🔥 (nothing too wild or anything, but still pretty obvious what’s going on), and then ends up with actual 🔥🔥🔥, so… reader beware.
i don’t think I want to say anything else right now except thank you guys for the all of the support. i’ll put more of a blurb at the end of this.🖤🖤🖤
Deft hands untied the laces of your dress later in the evening.
You sighed from the immediate relief and leaned backwards calmly. As your head came to rest on Harwin’s broad chest, you closed your eyes and smiled in contentment.
Harwin chuckled amusedly at your antics. “Perhaps we should have retired sooner, My Love.”
Summary: The heir to the Driftwood throne and the one-eye prince perspective on things
Pairings: main Harwin Strong x Fem!Targaryen reader
Warnings: cursing, medieval and A song of ice and Fire AU customs, someone getting unceremoniously beheaded, use of the word bastard, Aemond’s thoughts on things, talks about underage marriage and customs, insults, canon level violence. AEMOND BEING JEALOUS AND A LITTLE PETTY (A warning on itself, and a little OOC) MIght miss some.
+18, MINORS DNI
Wordcount: 4.1k
Notes: After the last chapter where we saw the new dynamic between the two families, now we crash it with Rhaenyra’s, more Targaryens more drama I’d believe
You and a great part of the court waited for your sister and her family in the courtyard. You had made sure to make it grand, she was the heir to the throne. Banners were being lifted, and with your own father’s blessing, a tourney was being organized. Your father is so happy to have Rhaenyra back.
He had regained his spirits, he had risen from his bed, ready to receive her.
So when her carriage arrived, you, and Aemma were ready to receive them alongside other members of the court. And beyond that, you were to escort them to see the King in his private chambers
“It’s been a while”, you mock, as she walk up the stairs
“It has”, and you took the liberty to hug her against your chest.
“Welcome cousins”, Aemma greeted Jacaerys and Lucerys, “it’s been a long time since we have seen each other”
“Since you visited Dragonstone and took a dragon”, said Jacaerys and Aemma couldn’t figure out if he was bitter about that or that is just what he looked like regularly.
“You have grown!”, said Lucerys, who was just one year older
“And you as well cousin”, she giggled. And then she looked upon Bhaela and Raena, and greeted them as well
“Uncle!”, you hugged Daemon too
“Dear niece”, he greeted, and as you greeted your cousins and nephews, “it’s good to be home”
“Is good to have you, I hope this is a lengthy visit”, you whispered back.
You let all of your children disperse into the Red Keep, as you led Daemon and Rhaenyra towards your fathers chambers.
“I must warn you, father is not the same he has been six years ago”, you whispered, “he is very sick, he does not even attend small council meetings”, the sickness has taken half of his face
“I see”, Rhaenyra nodded at you as the guards announced you and you entered the King’s privy chambers
“My daughter!”, your father was seated by the fire, he couldn’t stand up but Rhaenyra hastily trotted to his side, “it's so good to see you and have you here, my daughter!”, he repeated
“Father”, she answered with a shy smile.
My daughter, that kind of burned inside of you, as you shared strange looks with Daemon
“It's so good to have you here, my heir, I've missed you”. It was RHaenyra who had expelled herself from court and left in your father’s hour of greatest need, but as soon as she is here all is forgotten.
You shook your head
You couldn’t think like that, she is your sister, all of this you are doing is for her
Well, exactly, you are doing it, you are the one doing the work
You excuse yourself from the reunion and leave your father’s chambers. They need to catch up, the three of them, together.
When you found your children, they were gathering in the courtyard. You entered by the terrace, from where your father used to watch the boys practice
Rhaegar was training with Steffon, Aemond with Arryk, and then… your eyes drifted to the corner of the courtyard, where Jacaerys and Lucerys stood, watching with wide mouths at the two young men’s skill.
Harwin, who was supposed to be in shift with the City Watch walked inside the courtyard, dismissing Rhaegar, who had begged him to watch him in his latest training since he had managed to best Ser Steffon, and yet he had never showed up. Harwin kept walking until he greeted Jacaerys, hugging him tightly.
Rhaegar got distracted and Steffon managed to scratch his arm, making him whine. But not even then Harwin looked at him, instead keeping his undivided attention in his first son.
Rhaegar was fine, but after he was distracted, he lost his temple and strength, so bad Steffon made him stop.
Meanwhile Harwin had encouraged Jacaerys and Lucerys to grab their own blades to spar, their abilities truly lacking, while Aemond and Rhaegar were managing to fight alongside members of the Kingsguard.
You shook your head again, not wanting to compare. Trying to make the dark thoughts flee your head.
But Jacaerys was the heir to the throne
You saw from the gallery how Aemond grabbed Rhaegar’s shoulder, and walked with him to a corner, they seemed to talk, the older Prince seemed to speak words of comfort as Rhaegar only nodded. agreeing on whatever he was seeing. And then, they both walked with purpose back to their teachers, ready to spar again. And what you saw in your son’s eye was determination. And then both boys started some sort of deadly dance. Rhaegar was moving with a fluency that amazed you. Like a dancer, moving the swords in each of his hands with a skill you had never seen before. Steffon was trying hard to keep up, wielding the same two blades as his young opponent.
With a loud sound he managed to disarm one of Steffon’s blades, the sound making everyone look at them, even Harwin, and then, Rhaegar kept going at him, making him lose ground, making him fall back, until he blocked a desperate blow with one sword and threatened Steffon’s neck with the other, making him yield and declare him a victor.
A huge emotion flooded you, making you clap your hands desperately, wanting to communicate how proud you were of him. And then you saw it, Rhaegar heard you, looking up at you and smiling
“You saw that mama?”, he asked, making everyone laugh, including you. He was still a child in a deadly young man’s body.
The hearing was held after noon. The air became tense when Vaemond entered the courtyard surrounded by Velaryon’s soldiers and banners. Interrupting your son’s practice, they decided to get immediately to the hearing.
He was a petulant little man. Blinded by greed
And you were all made to stand there as he laid claim to a seat he had no chance of getting. It was bitter, it was true, but Lord Corlys has his wife, Princess Rhaenys, still alive, and grandsons and granddaughters.
Your father listened intently, more bored than everything else.
Your father had risen from his dying bed to be here today for Rhaenyra, the Greens plans were stumped as they barely hatched.
“I don’t understand Lord Vaemond, the only person in this room that could say, openly, what are the true desires of Lord Corlys regarding his succession, is Princess Rhaenys”. The Queen who never was, stood forward. You had always had deep admiration from her, sadly your own lives would keep you apart.
“He had express deeply that Lucerys, his oldest grandson, is to be the heir to the driftwood throne, and it pleases me to announce, that Rhaenyra has express her desire to wed Lucerys to my granddaughter Rhaena, and Jacaerys to Baela, and I agree”
“Is settled, then”, your father sentenced, “once again”
But Vaemond wouldn’t take it, and as the most incapable person you ever met to read a room, he stood in front of the entire court and royal family dn questioned your father
“That is not true Velaryon!”, he screamed, pointing at the pale skin of Lucerys, “her children are bastards!”, you opened your eyes widely, and wondered if this was all a plot with the greens. And you guessed it truly was. “And she is a whore!” he sentenced, and you saw it happened, Daemon looked at Rhaenyra and she nodded slightly, and then he sneaked in behind Vaemond and…
“I’ll have your tongue for this!”
His head rolled
“He can keep his tongue”
It was so fast you guessed he barely felt it, one second he was screaming profanities and the next his body was in one palace and the upper part of his head was in another.
You stared at the body in the ground… a pond of blood growing around it.
As Otto Hightower demanded your uncle to be surrounded and disarmed and the court fell into chaos… You just stared at that body. And when you looked up you found Rhaenys staring back at you, and you didn’t know why.
You looked at your own family, Rhaegar had hugged Aemma to hide her face in his chest, Maekar was solemnly standing, looking away. And when you looked at the other side of the hall was Aemond, in a clear defensive position, Alicent was guarding Helaena, and Aegon even seemed amused by the scene unfolding in front of him.
Harwin, by your side, chuckled darkly
“That is what you get to mess with the true line of succession”, he whispered. And you found his words truly surprising. He seemed pleased.
Your eyes found Vaemond’s Velaryons body again .
This is what happens when you fuck with the true line of succession.
Your father didn’t even seemed fazed, looking at the scene unfold in front of him
He didn’t understand
He didn’t understand why he had to break bread with his half-sister’s family. With Rhaenyra’s family.
He was conflicted about what he was feeling at the moment. His eye trailed all the members of his family that were attending the feast. There was Helaena, Aegon, Maekar, Rhaegar, Aemma, Jacaerys, Baela, Rhaena, Lucerys at his other end, Harwin Strong, his uncle Daemon and then his half sisters, and then the King, Queen, his grandfather. and then him again. And bitter as sweet thoughts roamed his mind depending on who he was looking at. He felt good, he felt appreciated, and he even felt loved when he looked at the Strongs, but when he looked at the false Velaryons he felt bitter, he felt angry. He didn’t want them there.
He was accustomed to living with the family of the Princess, he enjoyed it too. They had become his family, they had a dynamic, a routine, they fit perfectly in it. They helped him grow, he believed he himself had helped them grow in turn.
When she arrived six years ago she insisted they ate together every night.
Before this, his mother would feed them in their own chambers, only in the company of his siblings and then each went their separate ways. But when you arrived you made sure you dined together at least four times a week. Rhaenyra had left the Keep, so it was only your family and his… And it was better because of it, no tension, no angry looks or resentment. And he would rather be caught dead than to admit how much he enjoyed those nights.
Rhaegar, of course, was always the center of attention, because he was such a good narrator, he would talk about his day in such detail and gravitas that caught everyone's attention, and even though if he had been there himself, he would always enjoy the tales of the youngest twin. And he would include him in his tales as well, always with great praise especially in their training sessions
Viserys seemed to enjoy those tales, even his grandfather Otto seemed to chuckle and toast to the young man. He even made his mother giggle.
Maekar was a little more quiet, but seeing both twins interact with each other was even more entertaining. He was more the reader, like he, they would often entertain each other with questions and discussions about philosophy and history, their favorite subjects.
Ser Harwin always had a nice remark to make about his sons, and even about Aemond, praises about their training.
His beautiful Aemma would giggle, always at his sister's side. Oh, his sister, she seemed so happy with her niece, even if Helaena was six years older than her, they were always seen together, talking, or even not talking at all but keeping each other's company. In their dinners they would always sit together and chat and giggle between them. Helaena would often reject any touching from a person, even her mother, but Aemma would often hug her and lay her head in her shoulder or vice versa and she would be content
Aegon was drunk most of those dinners, he had stopped attending training lessons on pathetic excuses and he was neglecting his studies. You tried to keep him close, he tried, Maekar tried, but nothing ever worked. He was harming Helaena, the two children they had, and himself. At least he had the decency to appear to the dinners, even if shortly after he disappeared from the Keep and let himself get lost in the streets of King’s Landing.
He enjoys their training with Rhaegar, he enjoyed learning with Maekar, he enjoyed having Aemma by his side and hear her sweet voice and teach her High Valyrian and discuss history and geography with her. He enjoyed reading tales in High Valyrian out loud while his sister and betrothed sewed in the same room, and Vaegor, Jaehaerys and Jahaera played, all of them enjoying the sound of his voice, and asking him how to pronounce certain words. He enjoyed meeting with his half-sister to talk about politics, play chess while you both discussed matters of war and supposed sceneries
Yes, Aemond enjoyed his life with his extended family.
His mother, Alicent, absolutely loaded Ser Harwin Strong years ago, and when he was young, he understood why, he had fathered Jacaerys and then he married the other princess and gave her sons too. He had horrible morals and he was compensated, endangering Rhaenyra, and her sons. He mocked Jacaerys and also Lucerys because of this, they were bastards and everyone should know, even though the youngest didn’t look like the strongest knight in the seven Kingdoms.
But six years ago, when Harwin and the Princess’ family came to live here, he started seeing things differently. He saw the man almost every day, Harwin started training him, and of course alongside his sons, and he was a good person, a decent man, and an even more amazing Knight, and above all, he was a great father and husband.
He watched with envy the interactions between him and his sons, and he wished he had a similar bond with his own father.
But Viserys was old and sickly
So he started to take what he could. He started to relate more to his nephews, to the husband of his half-sister, and even, Ser Steffon, his mentor and trainer.
So he sat in the corner of the table, brooding, when he had to share the table and break bed with the Velaryon bastards and their horrid mother. Who came for the first time in six years and thought they owned the place
They had taken his eye, they had mistreated him, mocked him, all of his youth for not having a dragon, and Aegon helped too. He looked at Aemma at the other side of the table. They would have mocked her too if it weren’t for her being raised in Harrenhal and then because of her brothers that always defended her so fiercely.
His eye trailed her face to find that white line in the top of her upper lip. Her lips had recovered beautifully, but the white line was still there, taunting him. She found him staring and gave him a warm smile like she used to
She never resented him for hurting her, it was an accident, and either way, she had made a full recovery, unlike him. His eye were never coming back.
And it was because of Jacaerys
And now he was there, laughing and chatting with Rhaegar. Well he did believe that the Strong could even strike a conversation with one of the silent sisters if given the chance
His nephew, his friend, someone that he considered and held more dear to him than his own brother.
Perhaps what he was feeling that night was jealousy
Especially since Jacaerys was leaning over his Aemma to talk to Rhaegar, making the girl blush by his closeness. He growled, unpleased, capturing the attention of his brother Aegon, who following his angry gaze found exactly the source of his brother’s bitterness and chuckled darkly
“Seems Jacaerys won’t ever tire of taking things from you brother”, he mocked
“He will never have Aemma”, he said back
“Yes I might train with two swords but Aemond is the real star”, he heard the dark haired young man said, and both looked in his direction, “he could totally beat my ass”, he chuckled
“I would like to spar with you, uncle” muttered Jace, with both of you
“Oh we don’t fight each other”, said Rhaegar, “is Ser Steffon’s rule, he never pins us against each other, we are always together against him, Ser Arryk or Cole or anyone else”
Oh but he wouldn’t mind spar against Jacaerys and teach him a thing or two, after all, he wasn’t his training partner, he was nothing to him… Perhaps maybe he could truly injure him and pretend it was an accident, those do happen, after all.
“But we can make an exception with you nephew”, he said darkly
His mother said his life could be forfeit when Rhaenyra took the throne. So he looked at his half-sister and he imagined bending the knee to her instead of Rhaenyra. She was somebody he could trust. She would never hurt him or Helaena. She was Strong enough to stake her claim with other contenders for the throne. Nobody would blink an eye, nobody would even look at Aegon with her on the throne.
He would marry his sweet Aemma and live a life here at his family’s side, perhaps Aegon could fuck off to the other side of the Narrow sea, but Helaena would stay here, he would make sure of it, and the children. Aegon didn’t deserve them.
A life in the Keep at Aemma and Helaena’s side seemed heavenly, something out of his best dreams. Perhaps one day, the princess now queen would name him hand of the Queen, since they both enjoyed their chats about politics all to much
But his fleeting hopes were drowned out by the toasts of Rhaenyra, in honor of his mother, and the toast of his own mother, regarding Rhaenyra. His mother was bowing her head towards the Black Princess. And he found himself growing more angry. Aegon was not fit to be King, but Rhaenyra wasn’t either.
Yes she was firm, and joust, but… he looked right in front where her bastards were dining and drinking. Pathetic.
“To Prince Aegon and Prince Aemond, we have not seen each other in years but I have fond memories of our shared youth, so as men, I hope we may yet be friends and allies, to you and your families’ good health, uncles!”, greeted Jacaerys
“The only fond memories I have of our shared youth are the ones where my dear Aemma is in”, he said, hiding his mouth in his cup of wine
“You too”, answered Aegon to Jacaerys.
You sat there, in the middle of Harwin and Rhaenyra, who were talking over you like you weren't there. He had praised Jacaerys’ swordsmanship, he had complimented Lucerys in his new position to inherit the Driftwood throne, and he had praised her and how beautiful she had become in the last years. And how eloquently she had defended Lucerys today in the hearing
Even your father had talk highly of his eldest daughter and heir
And you wondered
Why? For what? What have you been doing the last six years?
Putting your life on hold to keep the place warm for your sister. Sacrificing yours and your children's safety in her service. Who had attended all the small council meetings and lost sleep thinking of ways to passively fight those who would oppose your sister’s reign? Who had abandoned the peacefulness and safety of her home to lock herself in the Red Keep?
Not even a word of praise
Not even a fucking thank you
Second place is all you were going to get.
You wanted to cry.
You wanted to tell Harwin to shut up
You didn’t do it for the praise, you did it because you wanted to, to keep your family together and not in the hands of the High Towers. But you were tired, you weren’t cut for it, or perhaps, you were cut too perfectly for a job that was never going to be truly yours.
You wanted to take your children and go back to White Hall, with your tree and your tower and the growing library, dragon rides and Valyrian lessons. No septas and schemes, and vile tongues and plots, no political neusenses. Where your children could be free, and your dragons could be free.
“Another tribute”, Aemond demanded, as he rose from his seat catching everyone’s attention., raising his cup, “To my dear half sister…”, and just when you thought he was looking at Rhaenyra, he turned to you, “sitting by my mother’s side, helping to rule this kingdom, the true unifier of our family”, he continued, “You give our family an stellar training partner, a insatiable scholar, and most importantly, you gave us sweet Aemma… to you and your family’s health, good sister”. And to your surprise, many shared the sentiment. And you smiled warmly.
“To our family, together and united”, you chanted, and again they all followed, “thank you for your kind words dear brother”. You looked at Aemma that was smiling warmly at Aemond, but Jacaerys whispered something near her ear that made her turn to him, looking at him surprised
“I’m perfectly happy with this arrangement”, you heard her whispered, so close to Jacaerys that was almost improper
“They make a handsome couple”, Viserys whispered to you, and you looked with emergency when you realized he was referring to Jacaerys and Aemma
“They are both already betrothed father”, you whispered back over Rhaenyra
“But they are still so young, and nothing is set in stone, look at them”. In some dark corner of his fragile mind, he wanted Aemma ruling alongside Rhaenyra’s successor. That would be the ultimate match. Rhaenyra’s blood and his sweet Aemma incarnated
“Jacaerys can marry Aemma, and Bhaela can marry Aemond, that is what will truly unite our houses”, he sentenced
“But father”, you argued, the table silent in one second. Harwin grabbed your hand and squeezed. And you looked at him with urgency. Your father stood up, with Alicent’s help, and guards led him out of the table and the chamber. He had beginning coughing and needed to rest, and let the family in an unsavory discussion
“It should have been done from the beginning”, he said, “Our daughter and Jacaerys in the Iron Throne”, and you couldn’t believe his words. His two children in the Iron Throne more like it.
Was he also blinded by greed like Vaemond? Was this his plan all along? You looked into your husband’s eyes and decided that no, he hadn't planned this from the beginning, he wasn’t like that. But the chance was right there, perhaps something had made him think Jacaerys was more suited to marry Aemma than the one-eyed Prince. But you didn't think so.
“We gave our word”, you whispered back
“Is what the King wants”, he said
“Is not what I want”, you fought
“You are refusing the heir to the Iron Throne?”, your sister asked out loud. Your eyes found your daughter’s and she looked at you worried, and then she looked at Aemond.
“Daemon say something”, you demanded, “I’m sure you feel offended, Baela should marry Jacaerys as agreed upon”
“Yes, I’m with you”, he said, drowning his worry in the cup of wine in his hand.
Aemond, who had clearly heard the conversation, stood up violently, catching the attention of everyone at the table. What you missed is that Lucerys had been giggling at his expense too. He stormed out of the room
You followed discreetly, when all the conversations resumed. You found him in the Godswood, looking at the heart tree. You got close to him, letting your presence be known, but slowly like he was a wild animal.
“Did the news of the new betrothal upset you?”, you asked
“You are a second son, just like me…”, he continued, “you should know what it feels like to have things taken away from you to be given to those born naturally before you, even if they don’t deserve it”, you kept quiet
“It’s a difficult place, the one we occupy”, you agreed, “why are you so intent on marrying Aemma?”, you asked then. And he seemed to ponder, but didn’t say anything, “You better have a good reason. Because I’m not marrying Aemma to Jacaerys”, you told him, he looked over at you with his eye, sharply, “and that is the hill I’m willing to die on”
More notes: just second sons…. the princess, Aemond, Daemon, Veamond. I decided to give the family a couple more years for their dramas before everything goes to crap again 😂
You have no idea how I deleted and wrote again some parts... we still have some family events ahead of us before the dance starts... and next chapter, we have a special guest joining the game... because I'm a pleaser and it also makes sense... we have a tournament with a very special northener guest 😂😂
A/N: I dedicate this fic to my friend @dcbbw in celebration of her birthday. Robin, I have attempted a very different writing style (one that I hope is right up your alley), because I know that playing with prose is as important to you as playing with pixels. The subject matter has also been chosen with your tastes in mind. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Word count: 2000 approx
Thank you to @fullbeaumonty for pre-reading.
The Best Days
In the last day of his reign, King Liam of Cordonia stood before the mirror, contemplating the tasks he must complete before the sun would set, as had been his ritual for the past thirty-five years.
At sixty, he was a handsome man, his hair so black it shone blue underneath the soft lights of the Royal Chambers, save for the streak of grey that had emerged when he was just forty and persevered without expansion in the two decades that had followed.
