Aemond Targaryen X Fem!OC Fic || chapter IV
“Tegon kesīr vermithor,” Princess Laenora, now a woman grown, instructed her dragon.
Vermithor obeyed his rider, his landing shaking the ground for miles. Vermax and Arrax landed on either side of him. Their was a carriage waiting for Laenora and her brothers.
“My Princes, Princess,” The driver greeted them with a respectful bow, “Welcome home. Your family’s ship has just docked, I expect their carriage will be arriving at the Red Keep shortly. Shall we?”
The siblings got into the carriage and settled into the plush seats as they began their bumpy journey towards the castle of Kings Landing, a place which they had not been in years.
Upon news of Corlys Velaryon’s illness Vaemond Velaryon had requested an audience in the capital to petition the succession of Driftmark. He claimed it should be him to fill the position should his brother succumb to his blood fever. The news of it had infuriated Laenora to no end. How dare he try to take what belonged to her brother.
Princess Rhaenyra, Prince Daemond, and all of their children had left for Kings Landing immediately. The King’s daughter would not allow Vaemond to petition for himself without being able to defend her son’s claim for herself.
“You don’t look very worried for a man who’s birthright is being questioned. I suppose you are just excited to see Daena again. How long has it been now, a month?” Laenora teased Jacaerys, knowing that he and their aunt had been meeting in secret frequently over the past few years. Jace’s cheeks turned pink in embarrassment. Luke laughed at the reaction.
“And what about you, Sister? Is there anyone you are looking forward to seeing?” Lucerys asked.
“Well I suppose I will be happy to see Daena again as well. And Helaena and our grandsire.” There was someone else she was curious to see as well but she wouldn’t say it out loud, especially not to her brothers.
But of course Jace and Luke knew. Laenora was too good of friends with a certain uncle of theirs for her to not be at all interested in seeing him, despite the way things ended the last time.
“I have made a decision,” Jace told his siblings, changing the subject.
“And what would that be?” Laenora asked.
“I am going to ask the King for Daena’s hand. I would like to make her my wife.”
“Oh Jace, that’s wonderful! I’m sure the king will be thrilled.” She responded.
Just then the carriage came to a stop. Laenora looked out the window to see that they had arrived and just minutes after her mother and stepfather had.
“The Princess Laenora Velaryon,” Steffon Darklyn announced, “Along with the Prince Jacaerys Velaryon and the Prince Lucerys Velaryon.”
Laenora opened the door and stepped out, followed by her brothers. To her confusion there was hardly anyone there to greet them. Not even the king or queen. Daena was the only one of Viserys and Alicent’s children in attendance.
“Laenora!” The silver-haired princess rushed over to take her neice’s wrists in both of her hands, “It is so wonderful to see you again, you have grown beautifully.”
“Thank you, Princess Daena,” Laenora answered politely, smiling gracefully at her aunt, “You are beautiful as well.”
“Prince Lucerys, Prince Jacaerys,” Daena greeted her nephews, a small blush appearing on her face as she met Jace’s gaze.
“My brothers have grown as well, haven’t they, Princess? Prince Jacaerys spoke the whole way of how eager he was to see you. Hasn’t he grown handsomely?” Laenora asked in a teasing manner.
“Y-yes, of course. You’ve grown to be quite handsome, Prince Jacaerys.” Daena stuttered out. It was now turn for Jace to blush. They’d been meeting for all these years and still got flustered around each other.
The great doors opened and out rushed Lord Caswell. He walked down the steps to greet a confused Rhaenyra, bowing and grabbing her hands in his, “Welcome back, Princess.”
“Lord Caswell,” She greeted in a formal manner though her confusion was shown in her tone.
“I apologize for the lack of greeting, Princess. These days the king is too weak to leave his chambers, much less walk all the way out here, and the queen has been busy looking after the kingdom in his stead. His Grace does wish to see you in his chambers. I can escort you.”
“Thank you for your offer, Lord Caswell, but there is no need, I will see myself to the King’s chambers.”
Rhaenyra looked back at her children for a brief moment before her and Daemon started towards the King’s rooms.
“Come,” Daena, grabbed Laenora’s hand, “Take a walk with me.”
So the two of them left Jace and Luke and began a walk through the Red Keep
“Everything looks so different from when I was here last.” Laenora murmured as she took in the vast differences that had been made over the years.
“Indeed. My mother has made many changes I am afraid.” Daena responded.
“Yes, I can see that.” The two of them walked towards the courtyard, where the clanging of weapons could be heard loudly.
In the yard a small crowd had been gathered around two men who were engaged in what seemed to be a heated fight but must’ve only been an intense training session. Laenora picked out Criston Cole fairly quickly, swining his weapon at someone with long silver hair.
The Princess figured it must be one of her uncles but she couldn’t tell which one until the pair had turned so he was facing her direction and she saw the black leather eyepatch covering his left eye.
Aemond had quickly won, holding his sword to Ser Criston’s throat. The knight dropped his weapon and stepped back.
“Well done, My Prince. You’ll be winning tourney’s in no time.” He praised.
“I don’t give a shit about tourneys. Nephews,” Aemond addressed Jace and Luke, who’d also been standing by watching, “Have you come to train?”
Before either of them could respond the gates were opened and Vaemond Velaryon marched in, flanked by guards and banner men carrying the Velaryon flag. He marched right past the group, glaring at Jace, Luke, and Laenora.
Laenora looked away, catching Aemond staring as he’d just noticed her standing there with his sister. His gaze was intense and she had to look away, feeling slightly anxious. She knew by the look of him alone that he was no longer the kind, sweet boy that she’d dreamed about marrying when they were children. He looked handsome but dangerous and it made her feel uneasy.
Laenora leaned in towards Daena, “I’m feeling unwell from my journey, I would like to retreat to my chambers.”
“Of course,” Daena responded quickly, “I hope you feel better soon Princess.”
The dark haired princess nodded and walked hurriedly toward the steps. Aemond took in his niece’s appearance as she passed by him. She had grown wonderfully, the picture of beauty and grace. He wanted her immediately.
The next morning Laenora stood in the throne room with her mother and brothers as Vaemond Velaryon petitioned to the queen and the hand, who sat upon the iron throne as he listened. Laenora found it incredibly disrespectful for the man to be sitting on her grandsire’s throne.
“I have spent my entire life on Driftmark, defending my brother’s seat. I am Lord Corlys’s closest kin, his own blood. The true, unimpeachable blood of House Velaryon runs through my veins.” Vaemond spoke.
“As it does in my children, the offspring of Laenor Velaryon,” Rhaenyra started, “If you cared so much about your house’s blood, Ser Vaemond, you would not be so bold as to supplant it’s rightful heir. No, you only speak for yourself and for your own ambition.”
“You will have chance to make your own petition, Princess Rhaenyra. Do Ser Vaemond the courtesy of allowing his to be heard.” The Queen interrupted.
Vaemond turned towards Rhaenyra and her children, “What do you know of Velaryon blood, Princess? I could cut my veins and show it to you and you still would not recognize it. This is about the future and survival of my house, not yours.”
“Do it then,” Laenora told the man, “Cut open your arm and show us all your Velaryon blood. I guarantee it will look no different from that of my brothers or myself.”
Vaemond glared at her but did not respond, turning to face the iron throne once more, “My queen, my hand. This is a matter of blood, not ambition. I place the continuation of the survival of my house and my line above all. I humbly put myself before you as my brother’s successor. The lord of Driftmark and the Lord of the Tides.” Laenora scoffed at his words.
“Thank you, Ser Vaemond. Princess Rhaenyra, you may now speak for your son, Jacaerys Velaryon.” Otto Hightower announced.
Rhaenyra stepped into the place Vaemond had been standing, “If I am to grace this farce with some answer, I will start by reminding the court that nearly 20 years ago, in this very-“
The doors opened, cutting her off as everyone turned to see who has interrupted.
“King Viserys of House Targaryen, the First of his Name, King of the Andals, and the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingoms and Protector of the Realm.” A guard announced as the King shuffled into the room on his cane, hardly able to stay upright.
Otto Hightower slowly rose out of the Iron Throne in shock. Laenora smirked, knowing that the king would defend Jacaerys and her mother. Vaemond Velaryon shared a wary look with the Queen and the Hand, clearly the three of them had no expected the King to intervene in their plot that would surely favor Vaemond in the end.
“I will sit the throne today,” Viserys told Otto breathlessly as he finally reached the steps to the throne.
“Your Grace,” Otto nodded, though he didn’t look happy in the slightest.
With great struggle the King tried to climb the steps to the throne, waving off a guard who tried to help. He stumbled, his crown falling off his head and clattering to the floor. Daemon pushed in between Laenora and her mother, going to his brother to collect the crown off the ground and assist him into his seat.
Once Viserys was sat on the Iron Throne Daemon placed the crown back on his head and returned to his place.
“I must admit my confusion,” Viserys heaved, “I do not understand why petitions are being heard over a settled succession. The only one present who might offer keener insight into Lord Corlys’s wishes is the Princess Rhaenys.”
All head turned toward Corlys’s wife who spoke respectfully to her cousin, “Indeed, Your Grace. It was ever my husband’s will that Driftmark pass through Ser Laenor to his true-born son, Jacaerys Velaryon. His mind never changed. Nor did my support of him.”
“Well, then the matter is settled. Again. I hereby reaffirm Prince Jacaerys of House Velaryon as heir to Driftmark, the Driftwood Throne, and the next Lord of the Tides.” Viserys announced.
“You break law and centuries of tradition to install your daughter as heir.” Vaemond started, approaching the Iron Throne once again, “Yet you dare tell me who deserves to inherit the name Velaryon. No. I will not allow it.”
“Allow it? Do not forget yourself, Vaemond.” The King warned.
Vaemond turned and pointed at Jace in anger, shouting, “That is no true Velaryon! None of them are. And they are certainly no neice and nephews of mine.”
“I would hold your tongue when you speak of mine and my brothers’ heritage Ser Vaemond,” Laenora glared at him.
“Go to your chambers,” Rhaenyra instructed her children, “You have said enough.” She told Vaemond.
“Jacaerys is my true-born grandson. And you are no more than the second son of Driftmark.” The King said.
“You may run your house as you see fit. But you will not decide the future of mine. My house survived the Doom and a thousand tribulations besides. And gods be damned I will not see it ended on the account of this b-“ Vaemond seethed, the word hovering on his lips.
“Say it,” Daemon challenged. The room was deathly silent.
“Her children are bastards!” The man shouted finally. Jace was shaking in anger from beside his sister, who glared at Vaemond with as much malice as she could possibly muster. Luke was breathing heavily and looking around between the King, his mother, and the man speaking.
“And she is a whore,” Vaemond spoke directly to the King. Everyone in the room gasped at his words and Laenora had to hold back Jace from lunging at him, knowing it would do no good.
Viserys rose from his seat, breathing heavily and angrily as he ripped out his blade, “I will have your tongue for that.”
Daemon had pushed past Laenora and her brothers and had taken Vaemond’s head right off his body before anyone had the chance to react.
His body dropped to the ground, blood pooling all over the floor as everyone reacted. Laenora grabbed onto Jace’s arm to steady herself as she felt nauseous at the sight. Vaemond’s tongue was still connected to his body, hanging limply in the spot where his mouth had been.
“He can keep his tongue,” Rhaenyra’s husband announced casually, backing off while cleaning his sword. Laenora caught sight of Aemond, who looked impressed with what Daemon had done. She wondered if he could carelessly kill someone like that and how easily it would be to push him into doing so.
The King collapsed back into his chair weakly, groaning in pain.
“Call the maesters!” Alicent yelled as she ran to her husband.
“Father?” Rhaenyra questioned worriedly.
“Please, my love. You must take something for the pain.” Alicent pleaded with Viserys as she pulled him up.
“I will not cloud my mind. I must put things right.” With that the king was escorted out of the room, groaning as he went.
A few hours later, when she had heard that Viserys was feeling a bit better, Rhaenyra had requested a meeting with the King and Queen in the King’s chambers.
“What do you wish to discuss with us, Princess?” Queen Alicent asked her stepdaughter as she stood next to her husband’s bed.
“Well, as you know, there has been turmoil within our family for quite some time now,” Rhaenyra started, “Years ago we had discussed a betrothal between my daughter, Laenora, and your son, Aemond. I would like to propose that we consider that again. Laenora is my heir and will be queen after myself, if her and Aemond are married he will be her consort.”
“Yes, that is true,” Alicent mused. She didn’t necessarily want any of her children marrying Rhaenyra’s but she’d been rather fond of Laenora when she was a child and if it meant that her son would one day rule she could accept it. He would only be Laenora’s consort of course but it would be better than nothing.
“I think that is a marvelous idea, my child. Their marriage will unite our family, which has been divided for much too long.” Viserys replied.
Rhaenyra smiled, “There is something else, Your Grace. My son, Jacaerys, has made it known to me that he would like to request your daughter, Daena’s, hand in marriage as well.”
“Princess, surely the betrothal between my son and your daughter will be adequate in uniting the family. Wouldn’t you rather find a strategic match for your son? Lord Borros Baratheon has daughters, you could strengthen an alliance for yourself. Or create another with another respectable house.” Alicent suggested
She could deal with Aemond and Laenora being married but she wanted nothing less in the world than for her daughter to marry Jacaerys Velaryon.
“I only want the best for my children, Your Grace. A sentiment which I’m sure you can understand, as you have children of your own. No alliance could mean more to me than my children’s happiness. If I remember correctly Jace and Daena were quite fond of each other as children.” Rhaenyra responded.
“Yes but it has been years since they’ve seen each other and they are no longer children. How does your son know that my daughter will still be the same girl she once was? How is he to know that their marriage will be happy based off of how they were when they were little, running around the castle with no responsibilities?”
“I am sure that they will get along as they always have. I have raised my son to be a respectful man and I have no doubt that he would be a good husband to your daughter.”
“So be it then,” The King said, “My grandson, Jacaerys, will be granted his wish. He will marry his aunt Daena here at the red keep a week from today.”
“My love,” Alicent addressed her husband warily, “We were discussing marrying Daena and Daeron just his morning.”
Viserys waved her off, “We can find someone else for Daeron to marry. Perhaps one of Daemon’s daughters. Daena and Jacaerys will be wed, as will Laenora and Aemond. We shall make the announcement at tonight’s feast.”
“Thank you, Your Grace. If I may be excused, I would like to tell my children the good news.” Rhaenyra asked.
“Of course,” Viserys told his daughter, “Go, tell them! Tonight we will all celebrate together as a family!”
Laenora had been out for another walk with Daena when the two were approached by a young servant girl, “Princess Laenora, your mother has requested your presence in the Godswood.”
“Then I shall go there at once, thank you,” She told the girl who gave a small curtsy before she scurried off.
“If you’ll excuse me, Princess Daena,” Laenora told her aunt before she took her leave. When she made it to the Godswood she found her mother and Jace waiting there for her by the Weirwood tree.
“You summoned me, Mother?” She asked politely.
“Yes. I wanted to let the both of you know I’ve just been to see your grandsire. We have decided on a few things. Laenora, you will marry Prince Aemond. This will appease the Hightowers. None of Otto Hightower’s grandsons will ever sit upon the iron throne but with this marriage Aemond will be the future king consort and that will have to be good enough.”
Laenora didn’t know how to feel about her mother’s revelation. She knew she would have to marry soon, especially as her mother would ascend the throne any day now and she would need to marry and birth her own heirs to secure her claim as Rhaenyra’s heir. However she had not expected it to be Aemond that her mother would have her betrothed to, especially with the tense history between him and her brothers.
“As for you, Jace,” Rhaenyra continued, “The King has agreed to a betrothal between you and Princess Daena. The two of you will be wed a week from now.”
“Thank you, Mother. I look forward to it.” Jace responded contently.
Rhaenyra smiled at her son and took her daughter’s hand in hers, “I regret not asking your opinion on this betrothal beforehand, Laenora. I hope you are not dissatisfied.”
“Not at all mother. I would marry anyone if it pleases you and the King. And who will be a better match for me than Prince Aemond? My firstborn child will sit upon the iron throne one day. This union will strengthen his or her Targaryen blood, as well as the rest of my children.” Rhaenyra smiled, pleased with her daughter’s answer.
“Well go on then and get ready for the feast. That is when we will announce your betrothals to the rest of the family.” The Prince and Princess nodded and left the Godswood.
When they were out of earshot of their mother Jace turned to his sister, “How do you truly feel about your betrothal, Laenora?”
“I do not know,” She answered honestly, “Aemond and I were good friends as children but we had not seen each other in years and I still have not talked to him since we’ve been here. I don’t know what he is like now.”
Jace hummed in acknowledgment, he could understand his sister’s feelings. He had not talked to Aemond either since their arrival and yet he had seen him in the courtyard yesterday and that had been enough to convince him that their uncle had changed from when they had known him before. And now Laenora was expected to marry a man that she no longer knew. It was enough to make anyone wary.
“How about you, Jace? I imagine you are thrilled about your own betrothal. Maybe a bit nervous and rightfully so.”
“Indeed. I can only hope that I will be the husband that Daena deserves.” He responded.
“I have every confidence that you will be, Jace. I am very happy to know that your marriage will be a happy one.”
“Thank you, I hope yours will be as well.”
“We shall see,” Laenora murmured.
Tegon kesīr vermithor - Land here Vermithor
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