✷ ── When Daemon Targaryen commands you to fly with him to force your husband to submit, you have no other choice but to follow.
characters — ormund hightower x targ!reader
warnings — spoilers for hotd season 3 ep 3!! canon violence, lovers to enemies to lovers?, betrayal
notes — i hope you enjoy! as much as i dislike the common cannibal fics, i just chose him so i wouldn’t have to write “your dragon” over and over lol. this is not proofread
Kings Landing was not your home. Sure, you had spent the first years of your life within the walls of the Red Keep. Running up and down the halls, playing in the gardens, and praying in the Godswood. But it was not your home, and it had not been for a long time. Now, it was simply a mere reminder of all of the horror and misfortune that had fallen upon your family. A reminder that because your sister was a woman, House Targaryen would never be the same.
Your chambers remained the same. The Hightower green had been stripped away, with your red colors taking its place. Even though the green had faded, you could still feel it. Like a bad feeling you get when someone lingers behind you too closely. Like there was something still there. Trust did not come easily, no matter times Rhaenyra had consoled you.
“You need not worry, sister.” Rhaenyra assured as she stroked your face lovingly. “No harm shall come to you while I am Queen.”
The wind from your open window was cool, an escape from the heat that arose throughout the day. Your handmaidens had dressed you in a light red gown to ease your discomfort with hands so gentle you almost forgot they had once supported the very people who ran you away in the first place. You could not hold them for it, you supposed. They were only doing what would keep them breathing.
Your chamber door swung open abruptly, crashing against the wall with a resounding thud. Instinctively, you turned around, your entire body tensing as you prepared yourself for the intruder. To your surprise, you found your uncle standing in the doorway, dressed in his riding attire, his hand resting on the hilt of Darkfyre. You could not possibly understand what Rhaenyra had saw in him all those years ago. He was brash and brazen, and the title of Rogue Prince was not given to him on a whim.
“Niece.” Daemons expression was unreadable, as if it was carved from stone, though there was a hint of purpose. “We ride within the hour. Ready yourself.”
“May I know the reason, uncle?” You asked innocently, remaining seated on the cushions of your windowsill.
“We fly to your traitor husband. Ormund has flown his banners for the usurper for far too long. It is time we change his mind.”
At the mention of your lord Husband, you faltered. You had not seen him in many moons, with your last interaction having left a sour taste in your mouth. He swore fealty to Aegon. You swore fealty to Rhaenyra. What was meant to be a marriage of security, ended as a marriage of enemies. You did not hold his allegiance against him. You could not. No matter how long you spent trying to loathe him for his choices, Ormund had done what was in the best interest of his family, as did you. You had not been married long enough to come to love the man, yet the feelings you harbored for him could not simply be put out.
Daemon moved closer, his steps careful and calculated. You lifted your head to meet your uncle.
“Your husband has made himself the enemy.” Daemons gaze softened by the barest degree.
“I trust you understand that.” You lowered your eyes, swallowing harshly. Daemon took another step closer.
“He is still my husband.”
“He was,” Daemon corrected without missing a beat. “Now he is a traitor.” Your jaw tightened.
“What the two of you shared ceased to matter the moment he chose the crown over his oath.”
You looked to the side, your hands curling into fists. Daemon noticed, but it earned nothing from him.
“I did not come here to discuss the manners of your marriage,” His voice remained calm and low — dangerously so.
“I came to tell you what happens next.” His gaze was unwavering. A brief pause.
“I intend to give Lord Hightower one final chance to bend the knee.” There was no harshness in his words — only certainty. “If he has any sense left, he will make the right decision and this ends with words.” His violet eyes searched yours.
“If he refuses?” He did not speak. He did not have to, for you knew the cold truth. Dragonfire spoke plainly enough.
“Your loyalty mustn’t waver.” You angrily snapped your head up, offended by his statement.
“My loyalty has never been in question.”
“No,” Daemon stated firmly. “I didn’t believe it was.” He turned toward the door, his head turning over his shoulder to look at you.
“His ward comes with us.” You frowned.
“Yes.” Daemons tone was clear, a firm indicated that the matter had already been decided.
“You will kill him.” Your voice held no doubt. You had never met the boy. Yet, he was still a boy, thrust into a war he had no part in. Daemon remained silent, and you understood his silence even without words. Without another glance, he opened the door and disappeared in the corridor, leaving only the echo of his footsteps and the command for your handmaidens to dress you in your riding leathers. As they replaced your red gown with your black riding attire, braided your hair so tightly that your scalp ached, you could only hope that your husband would make the right choice.
The Cannibals roars split the evening sky. Thousands of Hightower soldiers looked upwards as the immense black dragon emerged from the clouds, his scarred wings nearly blotting out the sun. Beside you flew Caraxes, lean and blood-red, his long body twisting through the air like a serpent before both dragons folded their wings.
Caraxes struck the ground first, his talons gouging deep trenches into the grass as he skidded himself to a halt. A heartbeat later, Cannibal crashed down beside him with enough force to send a wave of dust and dirt rolling forth. His jaws opened in a low, guttural growl, smoke curling between rows of dagger-like teeth.
Panic rippled through the Hightower ranks.
The army stretched across the field in disciplined formation, shields locked edge to edge until they resembled a wall of steel. Spears pointed skyward in endless rows, banners bearing the green tower snapping violently in the wind. Knights waited astride restless destriers behind the infantry, while archers stood with arrows already nocked, bows half-drawn. Tessarion shook her head, her chirps sounding more cute than frightening.
You remained seated atop Cannibal for an extended moment, your gloved fingers tightening around the saddle horn. Your heart pounded rapidly as you attempted to muster the courage to dismount.
Daemon landed on the ground, dropping from Caraxes. He paid no mind to the army staring at them, nor to the weapons that were aimed in their direction. His eyes swept over the Hightower host with open contempt.
“They’ve more courage than sense,” He muttered. You finally climbed down from the saddle, your boots sinking into the disrupted soil. Your gaze lingered on the banners. Daemon noticed.
“Leave your feelings on that dragon.” You said nothing. There was nothing worth saying. Daemon adjusted the gloves around his wrists.
“I didn’t bring you here to reminisce.”
The Cannibal released another thunderous growl, lowering his head until his eyes fixed itself upon the Hightower lines.
A few took involuntary steps backward.
Daemon smiled—a thin, humorless thing.
“Come,” He started forward without another glance at her. “Let’s see whether Lord Hightower has more of a brain than his uncle.”
You drew a long breath before falling into step beside him, every pace carrying you closer to the man you had once called husband. In between the armies, your Lord Husband rode upon his horse. He sat with his head held high, adorned in his green armor that fit him perfectly. He looked the same as the day the two of you had parted ways, save for a few extra gray hairs that had sprung due to the toll of war. The easy warmth that had once softened his features had hardened into something sharper, wearier. There were shadows beneath his eyes you did not remember, and a thin scar traced the edge of his jaw. Daemons left hand came to rest on Darkfyre as Ormund grew closer. Behind you, Caraxes and Cannibal growled lowly, ready to protect their riders.
Ormund slowly descended from his steed, his face blank as he marched closer and closer. Instinctively, you raised your chin. He did not look at you, instead focusing on Daemon. A part of you wanted to be hurt by this, but given the circumstances, you could expect nothing less.
“Glad news Lord Ormund!” Daemon cheered. “The war has ended, your allies scattered, and your nephews fled. There is a new Queen and she sits her father’s throne.”
“We heard rumor of this. Though on the road, rumors spread like flies.” Ormund was steadfast, holding his ground as he looked around him. Daemon rubbed his forehead before gesturing to the Hightower army.
“Well…the queen, in her wisdom, offered you clemency and your army with you. Only bend the knee and swear your allegiance, and you may return to Oldtown and live your lives in…peace.” You shifted your weight beside your uncle, occasionally glancing back at Cannibal as if he could provide support.
“Have you any proof of your claim? Or am I to trust in the reliability and rectitude of the Rogue Prince?”
“Trust me or don’t. You may even ask your lady wife here,” Daemon nodded your way. “You will encounter the truth soon enough.”
It was only then did Ormund look your way. His blue eyes met your violet ones and you froze. His brows furrowed, his nostrils flaring as he inhaled deeply through them. You met his gaze steadily, not faltering or looking away. You could see the conflict within him as he took you in. You could see the care he still had for you. Yet he said nothing. Daemon took slow steps forward.
“Your uncle Otto encountered it very recently. And the Hightower guard soon after him.” Ormund adjusted his stance, his features twisting into anger.
“And if I am inclined to fight?”
“That seems obvious enough. No need to sully the pleasantness of this meeting.” Caraxes whistled, his head shaking. Daemon smiled. “And besides, she would surely get in the way.” Your fingers clasped together in front of you.
Ormund licked his lips before continuing. “I am left no choice. For myself, I would resist. But I have many other lives to consider. And so in the interest of peace, and for my wife, I will submit.” When he made mention of your title, he was not angry. There was no hint of distain.
Ormund made one more glance to you, before slowly withdrawing his sword, holding it in front of him as he bent the knee. His sword hit the ground with a metal clang.
“I, Ormund Hightower, promise to be faithful to Rhaenyra Targaryen, the queen. I pledge my fealty to her.”
“You have chosen wisely. If reluctantly, Lord Ormund.” Ormund retrieved his sword, sliding it back into the holster before turning to face his men.
“Our campaign has ended. We take the roseroad homeward-” Daemon interrupted, lifting his pointer finger.
“Ah!” He clapped, bending over as he laughed. “I almost forgot. Your ward…Daeron Targaryen. He’ll be coming with me.” Ormund nodded towards the ground.
“You would take him hostage?”
“It would be rather an oversight to allow one of prince Aegons heirs to go prancing about the reach with his dragon, no less. We will treat him kindly. As we would any son of Viserys.”
A brief pause between the men.
“As long as you behave yourself.”
Ormund, with a scoff and a shake of his head, turned to nod at the man behind him. Slowly, the young princeling was brought forth. Ormund placed his hands gently on Daerons shoulders and got close to his face.
“Be brave, young prince.” Daeron gave one last glance at Ormund before cautiously approaching you and Daemon. Daemon tilted the boys’ chin upwards.
“Well met, nephew.” Before he left, Daemon gripped tightly onto your bicep.
“Return with haste.” Daemons’ face was firm and sharp. Initially you were confuse and couldn’t comprehend his meaning, until his eyes flickered back towards your husband. Daemon left with Daeron in hand, leaving only you and Cannibal behind. A brave choice, you thought. You stared at your husband, your eyes firm on the ground in front of him. Ormund was the first to speak.
“You look well.” The words sounded almost foolish the second they left his mouth. You gave the smallest smile — a sad thing that did not reach your eyes.
“So do you.” It was a lie. He knew it. You knew it. A small silence stretched between you.
“I believe congratulations are to be had.” His gaze drifted briefly toward the Cannibal, who watched from behind you with an unsettling stillness.
“You always said you wanted a big one.” You followed his gaze.
“I can see that.” His lips twitched, almost becoming a smile before duty snatched it away.
“I suppose I should’ve expected nothing less.” You folded your hands.
“I never thought we would meet like this.”
“No,” His voice was quiet. “Neither did I.”
The wind carried the distant clatter of armor. Neither of you moved.
“I wrote to you.” Your eyes locked back on him. “You never answered.” Ormunds jaw tightened as he shifted his weight.
“I wrote back.” Confusion flickered across your face.
“I never received anything.”
“They never meant for you to.” For the first time, anger surfaced — not towards you, but to war itself.
“There are men on both sides who profit from silence.” You looked away, biting your lips.
“I thought you’d simply, forgotten me.” Ormund laughed once, yet there was no humor.
“I’ve tried.” His confession hung between you. Your eyes closed.
“I chose my house,” His answer came quickly, though it sounded as though he’d repeated it to himself a hundred times before. “My father. My brothers. The realm.”
Your voice was bitter. “And I chose mine.”
“I know.” Your eyes met again and you saw it. Not hatred, not anymore. But something far more dangerous. Regret.
“I never wanted you to become my enemy.” Ormund said quietly as you swallowed.
“I don’t think either of us had much say in that.”
He looked at you as though committing every detail of your face to memory. He took in every small detail, like the way your silver hair came loose in some places, and the way the skin on your lips had been torn raw from your teeth. The same hair he had twisting his fingers in, and the same lips he had kissed many times before. Regardless of sides, you were still you. Even if every part of him was screaming at him to leave now, to not look back, he simply couldn’t.
“Will you visit me? In Oldtown?” A sad smile came across your face.
As Ormund watched you fly away on Cannibal, his heart twisted. Knowing that his treachery, his plotting, could potentially further ruin whatever remained between the two of you. But for now, he would simply enjoy the memory of your face as you faded away into the clouds.