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[lovelyewrites]

"Because she's now gone and hired some old man to protect me. As if I need any protection. The only thing I need protecting from is her, more so than some faceless threat." He mutters that last part.

"That is quite a lot to process, your highness." Sirius meets Remus' eye again. He somehow looks even more amused than before. "How do you know this bodyguard is an old man?"

"Well it would not surprise me if he was."

Remus grins. "What else?"

Sirius frowns. "What else?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From I Would Take a Bullet For You (Darling, so Would I), where Sirius meets his new bodyguard for the first time 🫶 I didn't want to spoil the whole scene but it's one of my faves

[bronzefuryfic]

Ch. 14 - Aemond 'One-Eye'

Bronze Fury Highlights:

Aegon talks to Rhae about her betrothal to Aemond.

"What's that?" "A letter from Jon," she said, throwing it at him. He caught it deftly, his head never moving. As he read the page, Sunfyre attempted to lure Rhae closer with a warble... but she resisted his call, watching restlessly as Aegon's face twisted into a scowl. "You've left an idiot in your stead." Rhae exhaled—how long had she been holding her breath? He wasn't angry with her. At least, not presently. She knew she should defend her regent. "Caution is not incompetence," she said, even though it pleased her to hear him say so. "Shitty judgement is." He crumbled the parchment. "As is disobedience. What right has he to question you?" "They don't know Aemond like I do. They don't trust him." "Reads to me like they don't trust you." Rhae frowned. "Why should they?" Aegon rolled his eyes, dissatisfied. This conversation was tired—they'd had it nearly a hundred times. Maybe, in another world, he'd be willing to discuss it a hundred times more: the same shame, same problems, same insecurities. He'd hold her hand and stroke her hair as all her secrets came spilling out of her. When she was finished, he would soothe her with his words, his mouth, his tongue...

But Rhae had held hers too long. That life had passed. She continued quietly, almost to herself: "Why should anyone?" It wasn't an apology, but an admission. Not anyone. You. Their eyes met for a painful moment. When Aegon spoke, his voice had grown thick. "How long have you known?" "Long enough," Rhae swallowed, trying to clear the dull ache in her throat. But she could see that her answer was not enough for him and continued: "The night before the Queen announced your betrothal to Helaena." Aegon grimaced—It was longer than he thought. "Mother spoke to you first then?" What is the point of this? Rhae wondered. Why must you make me twist the blade deeper? Already she was growing wary of his interrogation. She did not appreciate the insinuation that there was some... collusion, on her part. As if she had a choice. "Naturally." Rhae's raised her chin defiantly, as though she were proud of it. "I'm head of my house." "And you accepted?" Not at first. I wanted you. I asked for you. I did. But Rhae held her tongue, thinking back to the last time they truly spoke, at Driftmark, when Aegon insisted that she wouldn't be there for him. Even after she agreed to his foolish plan to end his engagement— their engagements, though he hadn't known it at the time. She'd given him everything and risked even more. Why couldn't he see that? After all they had and all they'd shared, he still doubted her. Fine. Rhae thought angrily. Let us leave no room for doubt now. "Why wouldn't I?" Her tongue tasted of poison. "Aemond will make an excellent husband." Disillusion drew Aegon's mouth into a deep frown, his eyes growing wet. He threw the letter back at her. "You'd best tell them that."

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Ch. 14: Aemond 'One-Eye'

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[bronzefuryfic]

Ch. 13 - The Sacrifice

Bronze Fury Highlights:

Rhae visits Aemond while he recovers from his injury.

"I don't regret doing it." "Why should you? You've claimed Vhagar." Rhae only said it to make him feel better. She felt proud, and horrified—she always knew he was capable of claiming a dragon, and he'd never made it secret how he felt about his sister's bastards... But the consequences of his actions were steep, and she could not help but press him: "I just... wish you'd said something more. I could've been there." "You were preoccupied," Aemond reminded her. "And beside... you would've tried to stop me." In all her guilt for not being there, Rhae hadn't considered this. What if she had? Could she have stood by and watched Aemond risk his life, when she knew all too well what would happen if he failed? "Maybe so," She admitted, her throat growing sore. "You're far braver than I." The unbandaged side of Aemond's face grew pink. "I fear it won't matter," he mumbled. "Vhagar deserves a rider that can match her in strength. I thought I could be a warrior worthy of her, but now..."

Snip. "Just yesterday we had arrived to this island on a boat," Rhae said. "When we leave, you'll be flying. It'll take time... but you'll get better. And I'll help, in whatever way I can, okay?" Aemond's fist unfurled on the mattress, and Rhae gently turned his wrist so she may lay his palm on his, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "We'll do it together." Aemond nodded, stifling a yawn. "Together," he agreed drowsily. Rhae looked to his bedside table and saw an empty cup—with her free hand, she picked it up and gave it a sniff, instantly recognizing the earthy fumes of poppy. The Maester must've given him more, just before she'd arrived. "I should let you rest," Rhae said, rising from her chair. "You can stay," Aemond muttered, his remaining eyelid already beginning to droop. "If you wanted..." Rhae considered him closely—the boy... the man that may be her husband. She sat back in her seat beside his bed, his features looking especially soft as he was pulled back into slumber. "Okay," She whispered. She rested her arm on the mattress and lay down her head, placing her hand back in his. "Okay." 

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Ch. 13: The Sacrifice

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[bronzefuryfic]

Ch. 12 - Driftmark

Bronze Fury Highlights:

Rhae finally meets her father.

"Mittys riñītsos," Daemon grumbled.  Even as anxiety made her ears ring, Rhae could understand the insult. Riñītsos, little girl—it was one of her earliest lessons, when she had learned the most basic nouns. And the other, mittys... Aegon had taught her that one, amongst a host of other insults. Foolish little girl.  Rhae thought to find a sufficient Valyrian curse, but her anger demanded an immediate response and the words of the Targaryens would not come.  She took her mother's tongue. "Fuck you." A glint of amusement passed her fathers face. Somehow, this seemed to have been the right answer. "You've grown," he crooned. The way he looked at her made Rhae's skin crawl, the way he measured her in his mind. It made her feel small and fragile. "It's been thirteen years," she replied stiffly. "That'll happen." "Hm", Daemon shrugged, suddenly looking bored. "Who's counting?"

Rhae hadn't even realized she's lashed her hand out until she's been caught by the wrist. Daemon's grip was like iron—had her hit landed, she would have struck him in the chest. He twisted her arm and raised it higher so he could see the burns on her fingers.  "Let go of me!" Rhae tried to wrestle from his grasp, but her attempts were futile. At the very least, some had turned to watch her struggle, but Daemon didn't seem to mind the attention. He jerked her forward, and said in the same hushed, idle tone: "I already had, and yet here you are."  "You abandoned me!" Rhae hissed.  "Is that what you think?" Daemon scoffed and released her.  "I know it. All know it!" Daemon shook his head, and it was all Rhae could do to not try and hit him again. For all the ways she feared meeting her father would go, this was somehow worse. Tears stung at her eyes. "Don't you dare tell me no."  His jaw set as he looked at her for a long, hard moment. There was the slightest hint of regret in his violet eyes. But where does it stem from? Remorse? Pity?  "You don't understand." "Then explain it." "Not here." "Then pick a place." Rhae folded her arms over her chest, tapping her foot expectantly. Let's go somewhere else. Let's settle this.  "If you insist." Daemon strode off without a second glance back, leaving Rhae to hurry after him. He led her to the edge of the party, to the top of the balcony's stairs, before making his way down them.  Shit. Rhae looked back towards Ser Criston, only to find him lost in conversation with Ser Otto and Queen Alicent. She spied Aemond and Aegon next, still at the tent. She was too far to read their faces, but Aegon throws his hands up in exasperation, as though to ask, 'Where the hell are you going?' Rhae's hair stood on end. Where were they going? And what in the Seven Hells was she thinking, asking to be taken away from the safety of onlookers? She looked down the staircase—Daemon has already reached the first landing. He raised his thin, pale eyebrows.  Aren't you coming?  Rhae tore herself from safety and took off after him. 

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Ch. 12: Driftmark

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[bronzefuryfic]

Ch. 11 - The Funeral

Bronze Fury Highlights:

Aegon shares his plan to end his betrothal and wed Rhae instead.

"If the court... discovered our secret," Aegon began, Rhae's eyes already widening in fear. He pressed onwards desperately. "It would cause a scandal. Mother would have to make new arrangements to counter. We'd be wed instead!" Rhae shook her head. "Please. Please don't do that. She'd have to, Rhae. For our reputations—" " Your reputation!" Rhae interjected. Her hold on him loosened, but she did not let go. "You're the son of the King, and I'm merely a daughter of the Vale. It's just as likely I'm removed from my station and sent to the Silent Sisters!" "Mother wouldn't let that happen. She couldn't. You're too important." "For the dragon I don't have?" "For the dragon you will have!" Aegon flared, his voice rising. "I thought you also wanted this! I thought... I thought —" "I do," Rhae hushed. "I do." EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAARTCH! They stood in despondent silence, Caraxes' call echoing over the sea.

"... I'm scared, Aegon." "We can't stop what's coming," He said quietly. "I've feared the throne for as long as mother has sworn it to me. But I..." He gulped. "I love you. I need you. And I think if you were to be there by my side..." He didn't finish. He didn't have to. Things might be a little less frightening. Time seemed to hold still. It seemed to Rhae that the only sign it passed at all was the heavy thump of her heart in her chest. Her whole head seemed to hum, savoring his words, their clarity... Helaena was right. "When?" she breathed, her cheeks burning. It was so foolish, so crass . Gods, what would Ser Gerold say? What will Alicent? And yet... there was a surge of exhilaration. Had they not risked this very outcome every time they snuck from the prying eyes of the Red Keep? Had they not danced around the possibility for weeks? Months? He blinked in surprise, taking a moment to process her agreement. But as the realization hit him, his grip tightened, pulling at her hips. "I'd have you now," Aegon muttered fervently. His head snaked to the side, pressing a kiss to the corner of her jaw, just below the ear. "Why wait?" Rhae put her right hand firmly to his chest, pushing away his advances. Not all her senses had left her. Aegon's brow furrowed in confusion. "What?" Rhae let out an involuntary jolt of laughter. "We're at a funeral!" "All the better," he insisted. "Less opportunity for them to do anything to stop us." "You're mad. This is mad." "So be it."

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Ch. 11: The Funeral

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[bronzefuryfic]

Ch. 10 - Changing Tides

Bronze Fury Highlights:

Rhae confides in Aemond about her fear of Daemon.

"—We don't have to talk about it." Aemond hastened. "If you don't want to, it's just, I thought maybe—" "Yes," Rhae blurted, her cheeks flushing. It wasn't the full truth, but it was most of it. Aemond nodded and did not speak, waiting patiently for her to continue. Rhae sighed, choosing her words with care, speaking quietly. "You know how your father worships him, as though he's done nothing wrong. " Aemond nodded again, attentive as ever. "A long history of pain and exile has no real meaning to the King. Rather than fearing for his kingdom, his people... Viserys worries only for his brother. He'd invite him back with open arms, consequences be damned. And why shouldn't he? It's not as though he's got anything to fear. Daemon would never hurt him. Not in the way he hurt his wives, and not..." Not in the way he's hurt me. She let the thought die at her lips. It all went without saying, really. Not worth so much as the breath required to bring it forward.

"It's stupid," she finished lamely, as Aemond shook his head in defiance. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me." "He won't hurt you," Aemond clenched his hands in his lap. "I won't let him." The thought was equal parts sweet and absurd, and Rhae let loose an involuntary giggle. Aemond puffed his chest, affronted. "You think I won't?" "I believe you would," Rhae smiled, now bumping her leg against his. "But you'll at least let me help, won't you? My father is a man grown." "That won't matter," he insisted, ears turning pink. His leg bounced restlessly against hers—he seemed to grow agitated, as though something inside him was trying to escape. Rhae's eyes narrowed, a new concern beginning to mount. Surely he wasn't serious? Then again, Rhae wasn't sure she'd even known Aemond to be anything but. The thought made her shudder. A boy with a blade... but what was a dagger to a dragon? "You honor me," she said. "But I will not see you hurt on my account. Promise me." He mulled her words. "Aemond..." "Alright," he said at last. He looked up at her, a fierce determination in his eyes. "I promise."

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Ch. 10: Changing Tides

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[bronzefuryfic]

Ch. 9 - Death of the Dreamers

Bronze Fury Highlights:

Alicent shares her intent to betroth Aegon to Helaena, and Rhae to Aemond.

They sat in a long, despondent silence. Rhae watched the candles flicker and burn, wax pooling in the drip pan of the candelabra. She wished for the release of wet, hot tears, but they would no longer come. Instead, her eyes throbbed and her throat grew sore. Her only relief was the feather-light stroke of Alicent's thumb tracing circles against the back of her hand. Aemond... It was hard to deny her disappointment, and for that, Rhae felt incredibly guilty. She would need to take care that her friend never learned of her dismay. If they were to be wed... Gods... She'd never imagined the possibility. He was so young still. A new fear struck Rhae. How soon would they be wed? And how long after that would they be expected to produce a new heir? The idea left Rhae feeling nauseated—motherhood may be topmost on the growing list of things she felt unprepared for. Somewhere in the company of "meeting her father" and "trying to claim a dragon". She might laugh if it were not so frightening. And what would she say to Aegon? Hells, what was there to say? Rhae allowed herself a moment to imagine that they might run away together, and find a home in some far off-land where duty would never find them. Sunfyre would be large enough to carry them both soon. Just a few more months...

But could they leave the others? Aegon may begrudge his duties, but he would never abandon his family, Rhae was certain. And, mulling the matter over, neither could she. Just as Ser Gerold once kept her tied to Runestone, her attachment to Helaena and Aemond demanded she stay at the Red Keep. Rhae could not afford to lose another... to death or to distance. She would stay in Westeros. But if she were to reject Aemond... Argh! Just the thought filled Rhae with shame. And it was all for naught. Accept the proposal or deny it, Aegon would still to be wed...to Helaena , no less. Rhae realized every option, every mere consideration, would be a betrayal to those closest to her. She wondered bitterly if this was by design. "I know what you must think of me," Alicent muttered, as though reading her thoughts. "Understanding my reasoning is not a requirement, but if you cannot understand... I hope you come to forgive me someday." Forgive? Rhae looked at Alicent as though she were seeing her for the first time. She'd caught glimpses of the woman behind the crown before, but for a moment, the veil dropped, and Rhae could see the young girl crumbling beneath. It dawned on her—Alicent wouldn't have been much older than Rhae when she was wed to the King. The Queen once said it was a lonely experience, and Rhae wondered... did she at least have someone there to hold her hand?

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Ch. 9: Death of the Dreamers

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[bronzefuryfic]

Ch. 8 - Bastards and Betrothals

Bronze Fury Highlights:

Rhae and Aegon argue over his bullying towards Aemond.

"I've already been admonished once for this," he said, crossing his arms defensively. "You're not my mother. I don't need you harping on about it, too." "I think you do," Rhae went to put her bow and quiver away, slamming the chest shut. It was all she could do not to yell, all her anxieties and frustrations bubbling fresh in her chest. "I let the matter be in the name of brotherly banter, but Aemond was devastated! You took it too far this time!" "He hasn't said anything." "He won't!" Rhae threw a hand in Aegon's direction, exasperated. Even all the way across the room, he flinched. Rhae felt a pang of guilt and took a deep breath before she continued, calm but stern. "You know he won't."  "Maybe it's because he doesn't need to," Aegon grumbled. "If anything happens to him, the whole family leaps to his defense." "You sound jealous." "Maybe I am."

They held each other's gaze for a long moment, their standoff resumed. Frustration and pity tore at Rhae's stomach,  and now it was she who yielded. "Aemond isn't the one you're angry with." Aegon clenched his jaw, looking away. "Father can't even spare me a glance, nevermind the whole kingdom," he grumbled. "And Mother still insists that I will have it, less Rhaenyra put us to the sword. All everyone ever cares about is that damned throne." Rhae wished for some cure to the festering wound that infected their family, but there was little to offer. How could they heal when so many seemed intent on flaying the skin further? She drew closer to Aegon, taking hold of one of his hands.  "Not everyone." His prickly demeanor dispelled as the prince clasped her fingers.  "I know."  But a look of relief betrayed Aegon's assertion. He laid his forehead against Rhae's, eyes searching her face. "I wish as you do that the conflict over the crown never comes to pass," Rhae continued. "But if it does, Aemond is on your side as much as I am. Probably even more. He's not earned your taunts... defend him as devoutly as he does you." Aegon considered her words. "Okay. I'll let up. I promise."

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Ch. 8: Bastards and Betrothals

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