Just two sisters in love with Aeron Bracken and Davos/Benjicot Blackwood. Thank you to everyone who reads our stories. We really appreciate every like, reblog and comment :)
Benjicot Blackwood
The Blackwood Knight (Completed series)
Benjicot Blackwood x female reader
Masterlist
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 (Finale)
Love is like the rose thorn (Benji x modern female reader oneshot)
Aeron Bracken
Jump then Fall (Completed series)
Aeron Bracken x female reader
Part 1, Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 (Finale)
Star Crossed (Aeron x female OC Cinderella retelling)
Gwayne Hightower
Delicate (Gwayne Hightower x reader)
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7
Aemond Targaryen
Devil's Snare~ Aemond x handmaiden reader
Masterlist
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12
Jacaerys Velaryon
Snowdrop~Jacaerys Velaryon x Reader (Snow White inspired)
Masterlist
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13
Aegon Targaryen
Fire on Fire~ Aegon Targaryen x Reader (Rhaenyra's daughter)
Hello, I just started reading Fire and Fire and I want to know if there would be a part 4? I really enjoyed it and would love to know what happened next! Your fics are amazing btw
Helllooooo!!! Thank you so much! I loved writing Fire on Fire and really appreciate your kind message. I'm so glad you enjoyed it :) I have 3 more parts planned and partially written (it could end up being longer). I'm so sorry for the delay on all my stories. I've found it really tricky to balance writing over the last year, but I'm determined to finish Fire on Fire and all my stories :)
Deffo just fluff, a puppy love type fic. I feel maternal over him myself, but thought there'd be some people in the fandom who just need to see him happy in some capacity!
Question for everyone in the asoiaf fandom. I have a partially written Daeron the Daring fic that I am now slightly scared to post given recent online discourse. It's a fluffy, completely age appropriate one-shot about Daeron and reader who is the same age who are betrothed but he is posing as a simple squire to get to know her during the mistaken identity, fake Daeron plot? It's mostly a fic about two young people finding friendship during war, but I have seen people say they are uncomfortable with there being fics written about him at all. I don't know if I'm being insane but I wanted to check before posting and upsetting anyone? I just thought some team green folks might enjoy it.
Synopsis: Elated by his lady love's agreement to marry him, Jacaerys little expects imminent danger to befall her, and he has no intention of allowing any harm to come to his future queen. Jacaerys protective boyfriend mode activated.
Writer's note: Hi all. I'm not sure if anyone has any interest in this story after such a long hiatus, but hopefully, there are some stragglers. Here is some Prince Jacaerys content ahead of Season 3 HOTD. I'm pretending the Battle of the Gullet doesn't exist. Sorry for the ling hiatus. I've been battling chronic illness, and life has been pretty difficult recently, but I still intend to finish this story and Delicate.
Dividers by #@zaldritzosrose
Warnings: female reader, some violence.
Jacaerys's had fallen into a peaceful sleep as soon as his head had hit the pillow, that night, filled with visions of his princess in the meadow. He replayed the words of love she had spoken to him over and over as if they were a melody uttered by a siren, lulling him to sleep. It was the first time in months he'd been able to sleep so quickly, unburden by fears that his love would never reciprocate his feelings or that she or his mother would come to harm if he should fail to protect them in this bloody war. His dreams darkened as this bleak thought crept in like a serpent. Sounds of swords clashing entered the periphery of his dreams, turning the meadow into a battlefield. A crash on the door of his bedroom chamber had him waking with a start. Jacaerys' hand immediately went to his sword, which he kept close to him at all times, fearful lest his mother should be assailed again in the night, and he should not be ready to defend her. His thoughts immediately went to this, seeing Ser Lorent and a small troop of guards behind him in his chamber doorway. Before he could question their reason for being there at such an hour, Ser Lorent burst out, "My Prince, the castle is under siege. My men have dispatched most of the assailants, but there are still a number abroad in the castle."
Jacaerys's eyes widened in alarm, leaping from the bed and hastily pulling his boots on and his cloak over his white shirt. Grabbing his sword he swiftly made his way past Ser Lorent. "My mother?"
"She is well. The brigands that tried to reach her chambers did not make it far." Ser Lorent's eyes darkened, his anger seeping through his usually stoic demeanour.
"You did well, Ser Lorent. Where are the rest of these assailants?"
Ser Lorent's next words had Jacaerys's heart plummeting in his chest, as if all the wind had been knocked out of him.
"They were making their way down to the servants' quarters after we pushed them back from the Queen's quarters."
Jacaerys didn't stay to listen to anything else, he had heard all he needed to...his love was in danger and she needed him.
"With me," Jacaerys barked at Ser Lorent and his soldiers before darting in the direction of the servant's quarters. Sprinting down corridor after corridor, each one seeming longer than the other, fearful thoughts of his love being harmed before he coukd get to her sped him along faster than Ser Lorent could keep pace. He hadn't been there to protect her in the past. He wouldn't fail now.
Jacaerys skidded to a halt in the arched entrance to the kitchens. His eyes darkened dangerously, as he assessed the situation before him. Two tall brigands, swords drawn, had his lady trapped on one side of a table, as they sought to block her escape. The look of fear on his precious love's face, moving rapidly from one assailant to the other's had his blood boiling. How dared they threaten a lady, let alone his lady, his love. The assailants' heads turned in his direction at the sound of Jacaerys drawing his sword from its scabbard. At the same time, Y/Ns eyes lit up in relief at the sight of him, calling out his name. Jacaerys' eyes softened briefly at the sight of his love, but the tears pooling behind her eyes and the abrasive chuckle of one of the rogues who had threatened her had him returning his gaze to theirs with a stony glare.
"What's this? The young prince come to save a mere servant. We little thought to gain access to a member of the royal family so easily."
Jacaerys replied through gritted teeth. "Well now you have, and you shall suffer the consequences for threatening my Lady, you loathsome cockroach."
Without removing his eyes from the two men, Jacaerys raised his arm out in the direction of his lady and instructed her firmly, "to me".
Y/N wasted no time in running the short distance around the table to Jacaerys who gently, but firmly, took hold of her arm to sweep her behind him. He cupped her cheek briefly and lowered his head to hers, speaking lowly, his shoulders tensed. "Did they hurt you, my dove?"
She quickly shook her head, though the tears glistening on her cheeks were all the impetus Jacaerys needed to direct the full force of his rage against her attackers.
Jacerys' head snapped up at the sound of Ser Lorent and his retinue in the hallway, breathing a sigh of relief that they were overcoming the intruders.
Lowering his head to his love's once again, he spoke quietly so that she alone could hear.
"My knights are just outside.Go to Ser Lorent and do not leave his side. I will come for you."
Y/N shook her head frantically, grabbing his arm. "No, Jacaerys, I won't leave you." Jacaerys expression changed rapidly, his eyes darkening as he lightly pushed Y/N further towards the door behind him and raised his sword to clash against one of the intruders', the sound of metal against metal reverberating through the room. Y/N cried out in alarm, her hand over her mouth in her shock and fear for Jacaerys. There were two of the intruders and one of Jacaerys. Though she knew from watching Jacaerys train with Daemon on the shores of Dragonstone when he did not even know her name that he was a skilled swordsman, she did not like his chances against two armed men.
Jacaerys had looked up quickly at the sound of his lady's cry, fearing the other intruder had snuck past him when he was engaged in combat with his accomplice. He breathed a brief sigh of relief, seeing that she was safely ensconced in the corner of the wall closest to the door, his body still blocking the intruders' path to her. He hated to see her so distressed and mentally cursed the fiends before him for frightening his love. They would find that he was little given to mercy. His brows furrowed in anger, his eyes darkening dangerously as he pushed ferociously against one of the intruders' swords, making him stagger. Jacaerys swiftly spun his sword to meet the second intruders sword, which would have sliced through his shoulder had he been any slower. The movement so rapid, Y/N did not even have time to warn Jacaerys of the danger before he had curved his sword in an arc around his opponent's sword, sending it flying out of his hand. Jacaerys caught the sword before it could hit the ground, taking advantage of his opponent's confusion to slice him across the shoulder and torso, sending him sprawling to the floor, a spray of blood splattering Jacerys' tunic and jaw.
"Jacaerys!" Y/N cried, the other intruder advancing rapidly towards her, sword raised. Not having been prepared for the young Prince's skill, and seeing his accomplice so easily felled, the fiend had intended to use the girl as leverage.
Jacerys whipped round at the sound of his love's call, his face contorted in rage at what he saw. He ran at her assailant, brutally pulling him away from Y/N and throwing him to the ground with the force of his attack. The intruder stumbled to his feet, grabing his sword from the floor and slicing it across Jacaerys' shoulder in the second Jacaerys had taken to check on his love. She looked so frightened. He wanted to comfort her, to hold her, to shield her from seeing such violence. Jacaerys cried out as the blade sliced through his skin before bringing his sword up in one swift arc to embed itself in the heart of the brigand. He fell to the floor in a heap beside his accomplice, his sword clattering to the ground. Jacaerys stood with his head cast downward for a moment, catching his breath, wincing at the pain in his shoulder. Tentatively touching the wound through his tunic, he was relieved to see that it was only a flesh wound.
Recovering himself, he looked up, eyes searching for his Y/N, who was cowering against the door frame, her hands covering her eyes. Jacaerys ran to her, taking hold of her elbows to gently turn her back to face him. He realised he had been too rapid in his desperation to comfort her when she cried out and tried to pull away from him, no doubt confused and fearing that he was one of her assailants. "Ssh Ssh, it's alright my love, it's just me. Your Jacaerys. You're safe now, it's over." Her eyes softened in recognition, her frantic intakes of breath slowing as she buried her face in his chest, holding onto his tunic with a white knuckled grip. Jacaerys caressed her spine comfortingly with the back of his knuckles, relieved that her breathing was becoming more even. "Don't be frightened, my dove. I would never have let them hurt you." Y/N buried her face further in his tunic and he was alarmed to hear her soft sniffles, worried he had upset her. "Don't cry dearest, there is no more danger. I am here now and will not allow anyone to harm you" Jacaerys' eyes darkened as he half muttered under his breath, "I'd like to see them try."
Y/n shook her head against her tunic before raising her head to meet his eyes, stoll not relinquishing her tight grip of his tunic. "Never mind me, I thought they might kill you." Her lip wobbled on the last part and she promptly buried her face back into his tunic to conceal her tears. Jacaerys' own heart stuttered at the thought of her being concerned for him. She was always so selfless, he sighed. Pressing his palms to cradle her face in his hands, he met her gaze, assuming a playful smirk, "does my princess really believe her Prince to be incapable of protecting her." He was pleased to see she looked suitably disarmed by this, hoping to distract her from her fears for him, though his heart was warmed by her concern for him. Lowering his head to hers he kissed her forehead and ran his fingers through her hair. "I don't know if I should be offended that my Lady has so little confidence in my skill with a sword. I assure you it would take more than two brigands such as these to take me down, my love." Jacaerys smile was quickly wiped off his face, however, as he saw more tears welling in her eyes and what he thought looked like anger. "Don't jest about that Jacaerys, they could have killed you and it would have been my fault." He felt panic rising in his own chest as her breathing became more laboured and the tears continued to spill over her cheeks. She cast her gaze away from him, no doubt trying to hide her tears from him. He was a brute for trying to make light of the situation, he chastised himself. Jacaerys gently took hold of her chin to turn her gazd back to him. "Don't be angry with me, little dove. I did not mean to suggest I did not consider the danger, only that my fear did not concern myself. I was only afraid that I wouldn't arrive in time to defend you." He internally shivered at the thought, pressing his forehead against hers and gripping onto her waist like a lifeline, assuring himself she was safe with him. Y/N pulled away from him to meet his gaze, though her hands did not relinquish their hold of his tunic. "Then you are alright? They didn't hurt you?"
Jacaerys smiled softly at her, touched by her concern for him. "Yes, my love. There is no need to worry."
Her eyes widened in alarm despite his assurances when she spotted the stain of blood seeping through his tunic, where the brigand had sliced him across the shoulder, hidden until now by the deep crimson of the material. Her hands flew to her mouth in shock. "Jacaerys you are hurt! You're bleeding!"
She tentatively brushed her fingers over the fabric where she could see red blooming through, trying to ascertain the damage. Gently taking her hands in his to pull them away from the injury to his shoulder, concerned at the panic he could hear in her voice, he tried to focus her attention on his eyes once again. "Hey, it's alright. It's just a scratch, darling. I'm not hurt. It will heal quickly. Just breath slowly with me." She looked skeptical but followed his instructions until her breath came easier.
"Good girl. All is well, you're safe now and I will never allow anyone to come so close to harming you again."
Y/N brought her hands up to cup his cheek and affectionately brush his curls back from his head.
"Thank you for defending me, Jacaerys. You were so brave. I promise I'll be safe if you promise that you won't ever put yourself in danger like that again. I love you."
With that sweet confession, she pressed her lips to his urgently, as if he would disappear in the next moment, her kiss conveying the fears she harboured for him. Jacaerys eagerly returned her kiss, losing himself in the comforting sensation of her caressing his curls. He forced himself to pull away after a few moments, gripping onto her waist and cradling her face in his hand to get her attention. Though he would have been only too happy to hold and kiss his love, drawing as much comfort from her touch as he hoped she did from his, this was a time for him to be firm. Though it was difficult with her looking up at him with her beautiful eyes, her eyebrows furrowed adorably as she waited for him to speak.
"I promise you, my love, that you won't ever be in such danger again, not when I could be with you to protect you. If you think I'm letting you out of my sight again then you are severely mistaken." Seeing her about to protest, he shook his head indulgently.
"I'm afraid this is a point I must be firm on, my darling. You have promised to marry me and become my Princess and I am no longer willing to watch you from afar." Hs pulled her flush against him by her waist, stroking her cheek adoringly.
"I must have you near me at all times. If not for your own safety then for my sanity. Will you not take pity on your prince and finally acquiesce to making our betrothal public?" Seeing her hesitate, he lowered his head to press his lips coaxingly against her jaw, speaking in a soft murmur. "It would make it a lot easier for my to protect my princess if I don't have to run through the castle to get to her and", he gripped her waist more firmly and continued to place tender kisses across her jawline, "there would be other benefits to being closer."
Y/N giggled and lightly pushed him away from her. "Here I was thinking you were terribly injured but you are just as mischevious as always...but yes, I don't want to hide anymore."
Jacaerys eyes widened hopefully, scarcely believing what he was hearing after waiting so long to hear her say these words. "Don't jest with me my love. Do you really mean it."
Y/N was thrown off by the real trace of insecurity she detected in Jacaerys' tone and the longing in his eyes. She placed her palm to his cheek and looked into his eyes earnestly. "I mean it. I'm yours Jacaerys. I have been since the first moment I saw you and every moment since and I will be for the rest of our lives. I just want to be with you."
Jacaerys let out a sigh of contentment and relief. He had waited so long for her to say those words, dreamt of her saying them over and over again even when he believed that she held no love for him at all...worse still, that she would never love him. Now that he had his love, he would never let her go.
In his excitement Jacaerys lifted her by her waist and spun her in a circle, delighted by the sound of her laughter.
"Put me down, Jacaerys. What are you playing at? You've injured your shoulder, you fool!"
Despite her chastisements, she giggled as he spun her round again before reluctantly lowering her back down to the ground, though he did not relinquish his hold of her waist. He knew only too well of her habit of sending him on a merry chase after her and had no intention of releasing her now. "You have made me the happiest man alive, my dove. Now we never need be parted. We are each other's." Interlocking his fingers with hers, he nodded towards the door. "Are you ready?"
Squeezing his hand affectionately, Y/N smiled up at him, "as long as we do it together."
Jacaerys beamed at her, wrapping her hand around his forearm as he led them both from the room into the hallway to introduce his mother to his future princess.
Update: a hospital trip derailed my plans a bit but working to get thjs live asap!
Hi! Long time no see.
Sorry from both myself (Victoria) and Elizabeth for the super long hiatus. A long term chronic illness, work commitments and writers block were responsible.
Now House of the Dragon S3 is upon us, I really want to get back into writing as I love our little community so much on here. I'm not sure if anyone will still want to read it, but the final part of Devil's Snare will be going live this weekend. Thnak you to everyone who has ever read it or left a kind message about it. It made me so happy that you guys enjoyed it! Also would you believe I have actually spontaneously met Ewan Mitchell a few times now.
hey 👋👋👋. So I was reading the blackwood knight series; wonderfully written by the way, compliments to the writer; but I can't seem to open the part 3 od the series. Could u maybe send a link or something pls??? Thnx again ♥️♥️♥️
Hi! So glad you enjoy the story so far. Here's the link to part 3. You can find links to more parts in my masterlist. Thanks and happy reading!
I just wanted to say that Devil’s Snare is like my all time fav comfort fic!! Love to read it when i’m feeling down or in a bad mood, it’s the perfect combo of fluff and angst and I’ve returned to reread it many many times.
I hope you don’t read this in a “hurry up with the last chapter” way! Obvi would love any more you add to it, but It could remain unfinished and it would still be one of my favorite Aemond fics, just love it and love your writing! 💚
Oh you absolute sweetheart! You made my entire week. I've always wanted my fics to be that for someone as I find such comfort in fanfic. I'm so so sorry for the delays with Devil's Snare. I've just been swamped as I started a new job that's 5 days in office with a crazy commute. The final part is partially written and I promise I will publish it! I'm so happy you enjoyed the series and you've really given me the motivation to get cracking and finish it. Thank you!!! Xxxxx
Synopsis: Y/N presents Jacaerys with a token of her affection, and he, in turn, presents her with a gift. A dragon flight to a meadow of snowdrops leads to a potential acceptance of Jacaerys' proposal of marriage.
Writer's Note: Hi guys, long time no see. I popped on here a while back to update 'Delicate' but have had this in the drafts for a long time. Have been struggling with chronic illnesses that have been slowing me down, but I hope there are still readers interested in this story.
Dividers by #@zaldritzosrose
Warnings: female reader, some sexually suggestive content.
Y/N smiled slyly from her hiding place behind a stone pillar in the hallway that led to the main council room. She had concealed herself in readiness to catch Jacaerys unawares on his way to the Council Room that morning. Since she had revealed her fears around initiating physical contact with him and Jacerys had reassured her that he would always welcome it, Y/N had grown in confidence in seeking out his affection. Jacaerys was only too pleased with this new dynamic, his face lighting up with joy when they were alone and his love would run up to him in her happiness to see him. Opening his arms out to catch her as she lept into his embrace, he delighted to hear her laugh as he spun her around in his arms. Now that they both new the other's touch was only too welcome, the young couple had made a game of trying to steal kisses from each other in passing throughout the day. So far, Jacaerys was leading the contest, scarcely caring who observed them.
Only the evening before, Y/N had nearly cried out in alarm when, upon making her way back to the servants' hall from the council room, she felt an arm encircle her waist. She was spun into the chest of Jacaerys, who had concealed himself in an alcove. The sneak, Y/N, laughed as she placed both palms on his chest and met his smile with her own. Prodding him in the chest with her forefinger, she attempted to assume a stern tone, though this was made difficult by Jacaerys pulling her flush against him and stroking a finger teasingly up and down her waist.
"You scared me Jacaerys, you're getting far too sneaky for your own good." Jacaerys chuckled, "is that so, my love? Perhaps you would like to announce our engagement then, so I might not offend you so with what you call my 'sneakiness', though I resent that appelation." Rolling her eyes indulgently at him, she reached up to kiss his cheek, earning her one of his dazzling smiles. "Shouldn't you be planning a war effort, my Prince?" Jacaery's hold on her waist became firmer as he lowered his head to hers, mouth hovering over hers. "How can I plan a war when you were stood there looking like that?"
Jacaerys had seemed distracted in the Council Room, when Y/N had entered the room to clear some goblets and replace the wine, stopping in the middle of what he was saying before his shook his head and tried to regain his composure. It was hard to focus when his beautiful dove was only metres away from him. Y/N laughed at this. "Like what, my prince? I'm hardly a wonder to look at in my maid's garb." Jacaerys' eyebrows furrowed together in displeasure. He so disliked when she spoke badly of herself. Well, he would have to prove how hard it was for him to keep his mind or hands anywhere else when she was near. "You have no idea what affect your beauty has on me, whatever you are dressed in. It is you who distracts me so, not your gown." Y/N tried to rebuke him further, but soon lost her train of thought when he spun her around so that her back was pressed lightly against the wall, one arm encircled around her waist and the other placed beside her head to keep her within his arms.
Jacaerys smiled confidently at the pretty blush on Y/N's cheeks as her hands curled into the fabric of his tunic, pulling him closer towards her. He needed no further invitation as he captured her lips with his, kissing her with a fervour that attested to the intensity of his love for her.
After a few moments, Jacaerys pulled away to begin leaving a trail of lingering kisses across her jaw to allow her to catch her breath. Looking around frantically to check the hallway for any onlookers, Y/N attempted to rebuke Jacaerys. "Someone might see, Jacaerys! We shouldn't..." but she quickly trailed off as his grip on her waist tightened, pressing her more firmly against his torso, and he began pressing his lips down the length of her neck. "Jacaerys," she attempted to say in a stern tone, but it came out instead as more of a sigh, as she became more focused on the feeling of his hand sliding down her bodice to caress her thigh. Jacaerys smirked against her collar bone, hearing her gasp and feeling her hands grip the fabric on either side of his torso. "You were saying, my dove?" He teased, brushing his knuckle against her thigh and up to her waist. Sighing in mock frustration, Y/N entangled her hand in his ebony locks, "Oh, never mind. Stop teasing Jacaerys, and kiss me." Lifting his head up from her collar bone, he grazed his lips against her ear, whispering, "as my princess commands. " With that, he crashed his lips onto hers once again, both lovers heedless of anything else besides the other.
Y/N was determined to be the one to surprise Jacaerys this time, else his ego get any bigger, she laughed behind her hand, as she saw him striking down the hallway. When he was just before her hiding place, she reached out with both arms to pull him by his arm towards her, making him stumble. Swiftly righting himself, Jacaerys's shocked expression transformed into a radiant smile when he realised who his assailant was. Reaching up on tiptoes to his his jaw, Y/N giggled, "got you!" Jacaerys chucked her chin affectionately. "So you have, my dove. But I'm afraid to tell you that you missed?"
Y/N tilted her head in puzzlement, "missed? What do you..." her question was abruptly interrupted by Jacaerys taking hold of her waist and wrapping his other arm around her shoulders to sweep her into an embrace as he kissed her. Y/N was too startled to grab onto him immediately, though he held her securely in his arms, but wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back with equal fervour when she came to her senses. She supposed she would have to concede this round to Jacaerys once again, though she found that she did not mind doing so.
Light from the torches cast shadows over the sequestered spot in the library Y/N had concealed herself in, a piece of smooth leather in her hands. Y/N smiled dreamily while she worked on some stitching she intended as a surprise for Jacaerys, reliving the memory of being in Jacaerys' arms the previous evening. She had never felt so comfortable, so entirely safe and loved as she had with Jacaerys, after so long believing love would never find her.
Over the course of the last week, Y/N had become more and more sure in herself that she no longer wanted to wait to dispense with the veil of secrecy around their relationship. She wanted to marry him, to never be parted from him. And yet, her previous experience with men had left her with a deep seated fear that the man she loved might suddenly change in his manner to her. That he might profess his love for her one day only to cast her aside for another on a whim. Her initial reticence to reveal any of her worries to Jacaerys on this point and to even avoid him if she were unwell or upset was, in part, an attempt to avoid what she believed to be inevitable. That through time or her own actions he might tire of her.
The opposite had proven to be the case. Not only had he taken seriously and tried to alleviate any worries she had brought to him, but he had made it his mission to address even those she tried to conceal from him. She laughed at the mental image of the Prince of the realm falling through a maid servant's chamber door out of worry for. His concern for her was so disproportionate to her actual illness, being only a cold, that she could not suppress a laugh, though his assidious care for her also filled her with warmth.
She had pondered over and over again what she could possibly offer a Prince to show her affection for him, bring only a servant. She knew Jacaerys had little care for the difference in status between them both, beyond his perennial frustration at her not allowing him to make her his princess and, in so doing, promptly shower her in riches. He didn't seem to fully understand that his love was the greatest treasure to her..though she would he lying to say that she didn't covet the diadems he had made for her. He had pointed this weakness of hers with no small degree of smugness, after catching her trying the diadem on, gazing in wonder at her reflection in the glass of the window. She could not fathom the discordance between the glittering jewels crowning her head and her maid's garb. Y/N had not realised Jacaerys was watching her from his reclined position, leaning against a pillar with his arms crossed over his chest and a self-satisfied smirk on his face.
"It looks well on you, princess. Perhaps you should like to wear it from now on as 'my' princess.' Jacaerys had crooned, placing emphasis on the word 'princess'. Y/N had blushed furiously and proceeded to mock hit him in the arm, only to be met with his laughter as he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her towards him and silencing her with a kiss. She couldn't offer Jacaerys a gift even half as lavish as those he had bestowed upon her, but an idea had struck her a few days past, after Jacaerys had praised her skill in stitching.
Sitting beside her in the library one evening, a lovestruck expression on his face, which he held in the palm of his hand, he watched as her needle went through the fabric she was embroidering for Queen Rhaenyra. "That's beautiful, how ever did you become so skilled? You're stitching rivals the most experienced seamstresses of the Red Keep."
Y/N blushed with pride. She had always been proud of her stitching, having learnt it from her mother. She felt it was like having a gift her mother had bestowed upon her. But she had never been complimented on her stitching by a Prince.
"My mother taught me, she was a very talented seamstress, though I'm sure you only exaggerate because you care for me." She smiled modestly at Jacaerys before returning to her work.
"Nonsense, your stitching is the finest I have seen and please don't say such a thing again."
Y/N looked up at Jacaerys once again, confusion on her face.
"Say what?"
Jacaerys sighed and leaned closer, taking her hand gently in his, pressing a referential kiss to her palm, before pressing it to his cheek. "That I only 'care for you'. Such cold words. As if I didn't love you more than my own life. More than anything."
Y/N's expression softened in understanding. "Alright, that you love me."
Jacaerys perked up at that, transforming at once from a dejected suitor, his smile dazzling Y/N as it always did. "Much better." He kissed her palm once again before Y/N retracted it abruptly, his own expression falling onto confusion.
"Enough of that Ser, I must continue my stitching, and I cannot do that with you holding my hand." Jacaerys looked sullen at that but seemed placated when she kissed his cheek before continuing her work, not glancing at him again, though she could feel his smug gaze upon her even without looking.
Jacaerys' reaction to her sewing sparked an idea in Y/N's mind of a token of affection she could give Jacaerys and she was now finishing the final touches on her gift: a smooth piece of black leather adorned with three small snowdrops, sewed into it. It was a simple token, but one she hoped Jacaerys would appreciate as an earnest symbol of her love for him. She thought it would look well stitched onto the saddle of Vermax. Holding the token up to the light of a nearby lantern, she admired her handiwork. It might not be anything as fine as Jacaerys was accustomed to, but she fancied that the love she bore for him was interwoven in every stitch. She hoped he would not think it silly, but she had always read of fine ladies gifting their knights with favours as tokens of their affection and had thought he might like it.
Nevertheless, she waited in nervous anticipation for Jacaerys to arrive for her to give it to him, holding the token on her lap under the table. She did not have to wait long for the very prince she had been thinking of peered around the pillar concealing her hiding place. Y/N didn't wonder that he had found her so quickly. He always did, no matter how far she ensconced herself in the expansive library, full of shadowy nooks and corners.
It had almost become a game of hide-and-seek between them to see how quickly he could find her. She thought he might have just grown accustomed to her elusive ways after she has evading him so many times when he first began courting her. Smiling radiantly at her as she rose to meet him, he immediately wrapped her in a warm, protective embrace. Pressing a kiss to her head, he mumbled into her hair "I missed you, my dove."
Y/N laughed at this. "Jacaerys, you saw me only a few hours ago."
This much was true, for they had met each other in passing down a hallway, where Jacaerys had made sure to brush his finger tips against hers as she went by. The rogue was heedless to the whispering tongues and watching eyes of the castle.
Jacaerys only held her tighter at her rebuke, kissing her cheek. "That is long enough for me."
Drawing back from him, she swatted his chest in jest. "Perhaps this will make amends for my absence. I have something for you."
Jacaerys eyes perked up with curiosity, his head tilting to the side.
"Hold out your hand"
Jacaerys held out his palm obediently as Y/N carefully dropped her token into his hand. She suddenly grew anxious to see his response, briefly worried that he would think her gift silly after all.
She averted her gaze to her hands, which she played with restlessly. "I don't have any riches to get you a proper gift, but i wanted to give you a token of mt affection. You have given me so many lovely things. I know it is not very fine and no doubt you are used to stitching far more elegant than mine, but I thought you might like for me to stich it onto Vermax's saddle..that it would remind you of me when I'm not with you." She blushed furiously at this, realising how silly she must sound. Jacaerys' silence rebounded painfully through the echoing library, only the flickering flames from the lamps acting as a background to her anxiety as she anticipated his response. Assuming that his silence must mean he did not care for the gift, she made to take it back from his hand, which was closed around it. "Never mind, it was a silly idea. You dont need to take it," she flushed in embarrassment.
What she had thought was indifference or even a silent rejection of her token was quite the opposite. Jacaerys' silence could be attributed only to his wonder and overwhelming gratitude as he gazed upon his lady's lovely handiwork. He lovingly traced his index finger over the snowdrops stitched into the material, thinking of the first time he had seen his dove look at a real snowdrop; the way she had looked at the flower, as if it were the greatest marvel of this world was exactly how he looked at her.
The real flower had no such beauty for him compared to the ones her lovely hands had stitched into this token for him. He had not realised how long he had been silenced until Y/N made to take the gift from his hand, and he had noted with anxiety the dejected tone of her words. Seven hells, he was a brute. Catching her hand with his other hand, he arrested it in place above the token, preventing her from taking it from him. "No, no, please don't misunderstand. I am only taken aback by your gift. Of course I want it, I will treasure it. It is beautiful, my little dove. Perfect. I could not have asked for a better gift or sign of your affection. Would you stitch it onto Vermax's saddle for me?"
Y/N's eyes lit up as they met his gaze.
"Of course!"
Jacaerys pecked her lips in gratitude, smiling lovingly down at her.
"Perhaps you would like to see the flowers you like so much, my love. Would you accompany me to see the meadow I have spoken of.....that is, if it would be agreeable to you. I know you have turned down my previous invitations."
It was Jacaerys' turn to anxiously anticipated her reaction now. He had asked her to allow him to show her the meadow of snowdrops he had discovered while searching for the flowers for her, and been refused on both occasions. But then had been when she had been under the mistaken assumption that he was not serious in his attentions towards her...he sincerely hoped he had done enough to convince her that nothing could be further than the truth.
To his surprise and delight, Y/N wrapped her arms around his neck, and he caught her as she leant up to embrace him.
"I would love to, Jacaerys" she laughed, kissing his cheek. "I would like to see Vermax again too."
Jacaerys smiled softly down at the girl he held in his arms, scarcely believing his luck in having won her heart. "Vermax will be only to pleased to see you again. He has been an unreasonable fellow since you would not return my love, so perhaps you can act as an envoy between us both."
Y/N laughed at that. "I shall plead your cause."
Jacaerys spun with her in his arms in a circle, her musical laughter washing over him.
Jacaerys had made sure to speak to the cook to secure Y/N soem time off the bext day, having quickly revealed their secret love to her after the third time she had caught him 'skulking around her kitchen', in his ill fated attempts to make Y/N a hot chocolate. Despite her harshness, the old woman had proven to me a useful ally and confidant for them both and he secretly believed she had a soft spot for him; she had almost smiled once when he had kissed her cheek in gratitude for her help in seeing Y/N when she was unwell.
Jacaerys now stood upon the same ramparts of the castle where he had first introduced Y/N to Vermax and taken her on dragon back. He had been surprised and impressed by her lack of fear of the Dragon and hoped to take her for many more Dragon flights now that she had seemed to take to Vermax so much. The disloyal beast had equally taken to her and really has been in a foul humour with Jacaerys when she had not reappeared after their first introduction, seeming to assume Jacaerys was to be blamed.
He turned when he heard her light tread up the winding stairs to the rampart. His face broke out into a smile when he saw her , nd he immediately reached for her hand to draw her over to Vermax. She needed no further invitation to start stroking the dragon's snout as the beast leaned into her touch. Jacaerys snorted. "Are you happy now, Vermax? Will you now consider obeying your rider." Vermax only gave him a stern glare before playfully nudging Y/Ns shoulder with his snout, making her fall back a step, though she continued to stroke the Dragon. Jacaerys pressed a hand to Vermax and assumed a commanding tone. "Easy Vermax, be careful with her. She is precious to me." As if his Dragon did not already know that.
"He's alright, Jacaerys. He's very sweet."
Jacaerys snorted again incredulously. "Sweet is not a word I would use to describe Vermax, but I am pleased you should find him so. Now, are you ready to see your flowers, my love?"
Y/N nodded enthusiastically but looked at the saddle in trepidation. Jacaerys smirked, finding her expression adorable, as she tried to work out how to mount the dragon. "Come here" he said softly, holding his arms out to her. She obliged, pausing in front of Jacaerys. "I think it is a little high for you to attempt whatever dangerous leap you were just plotting. Let me assist you, my princess." Jacaerys carefully lifted her by her waist onto Vermax, before stepping on to the stirrup and settling himself behind her. He wove his arms around her to take hold of the reins, smiling against her cheek, as he noticed her light blush. Dragon flight was a perfect opportunity for him to be as close as possible to her and hopefully impress her, as he had the first time.
"Soves, Vermax"
At his command, his dragon rose through the air, up through the cloud cover so that they were quickly flying through purple and pink stained clouds. Jacaerys soon discovered that Y/N enjoyed the swooping turns Vermax could perform, enjoying the sound of her excited laughter as he directed Vermax to perform a sweep through the swirling clouds, though he held onto her tightly the whole time. He would not chance anything more daring with her in his arms.
They touched down upon the outskirts of a forest beside a glittering stream. The water catching the morning light like glimmering jewels. A thin mist coated the blades of grass, giving it a bluish, lavender hue. Lifting Y/N from the saddle and setting her gently down on the ground, he smiled at her wonderous expression, anticipating the sights he still had yet to show her, if she was already impressed. "Come with me." Taking her hand, he led her gently through the forest until they made their way to an a clearing. Stepping through a copse of low hanging trees, they emerged into a meadow covered with snowdrops, bedecking the grass like crystals under the cool light of the winter morning sun. He heard Y/N audibly gasp at his side, and he watched in fascination as as marvelled at seeing so many of the flowers she had so coveted. "It's beautiful, Jacaerys, I can scarcely believe it." She gazed in awe at the natural wonder before her, but he gazed directly at her when he said, "Yes, beautiful."
Hours later, the couple lay side by side, hands intertwined, under a copse at the border of the meadow, spots of snow-white flowers dotting the grass around them. Bouquets of snowdrops were tied tigether with string Jacaerys had bought with him for the purposes of taking as many of the flowers back with her as is love wanted. He would fill whole fooms with them if it would please her. Turning to face him, she placed her palm on his cheek, which he quickly held in place with his own hand. "Are you happy, Jacaerys?" She asked tentatively. "Of course I am, darling. I am always happy when i am with you." He kissed her palm before leaning his cheek into it once agaib. Smiling playfully at Jacaerys, Y/N turned over and leant over him, her hands pressed to his chest. "And you love me?"
Jacaerys grinned up at her, wrapping an arm around her waist to pull her completely across him. Jacaerys' breath hitched as Y/N lowered herself over him so that she was pressed flush against him, straddling his waist. Instinctively gripping her hips to hold her in place against him, Jacaerys half sighed out "yes". A mischevious glint made Y/N's eyes sparkle, seeing the dreamy look on Jacaerys's face as he gazed up at her. Shuffling lower so that her face was hovering closer to his, feeling his grip on her hips tighten in response, she teasingly whispered against his jaw, "this much?"
"Yes," Jacaerys responded, raising himself slightly to meet her lips. He pouted when she leaned away from him, just out of reach. "You love me and only me?" She asked in a teasing tone. Jacaerys smiled devilishly up at her, "No."
Jacaerys was amused by his love's adorable pout at his unexpected response, but quickly pulled her against him once again when she made to pull away from him.
"I also love Vermax, but I assure you my dove, that you come first in my affections."
Y/N broke out into laughter at this, lightly slapping his shoulder in admonishment. Y/N's expression fell slightly, however and the tone of her next question had a tone of insecurity that bothered Jacaerys. "Are you happy...with me? You don't think you will regret your choice...."
Jacaerys frowned at her question, saddened to hear that she still had any doubts as to the strength of his feelings for her. Raising his hand to gently tuck a loose lock of hair behind her ear, Jacaerys held her gaze steadily. "You have made me the happiest of men. You are my happiness, my love. No one could ever compare to you. Please never doubt it again." He was pleased to see her grant him another of her sweet smiles and immediately wrapped his arms around her when she leant down to press the side of her face against his chest, running her index finger down the patterns of silver foiling embroidered on his tunic. Jacaerys closed his eyes in contentment, stroking her hair affectionately. "Jacaerys?"
"Yes, my love," Jacaerys murmured, his eyes still closed.
"I want to marry you."
Jacaerys' eyes flew open at that, but he couldn't be sure he hadn't just imagined the words, having done so so many times before, since his love had spoken them so quietly against his tunic.
Jacaerys raised himself up, pulling Y/N up with him so that she was in his lap, his arms wrapped around her waist.
"What did you say, my love?"
Y/N wrapped her arms around his shoulders and leant her head towards his so that their lips were nearly touching. "I said that I want to marry you, you fool"
Jacaerys pulled her closer to him, as if afraid she would run away the next minute. "Do you really mean it, my love?"
Y/N giggled, rubbing her nose affectionately against his.
"Yes, Jacaerys. I really mean it"
Jacaerys heart soared, his face alight with a contented smile at hearing the words he had longed to hear and dreamt of for so long. Pressing his hand to her face, he tilted it up towards his to press a gentle kiss to her lips. He cupped her face, pressing his forehead against hers as he sighed out, "Thank the gods."
3.6k - fluff
Aemond had always understood what it meant to be a prince and the duties that came with it. Duty became such a big part of his life that he had come to terms with it, and even began to look forward to some parts of it. But then when his eye is taken from him, all of Aemond's musings are for naught and all his dreams are taken away–including his hope of being loved by his future wife, and loving her in return. Or, at least that's true, until you come into his life.
Series
Devil’s Snare Series - part 1 / of many by @thebenjiblackwoodexpress
multiple works - fluff - Handmaiden!reader
You are apprehensive when assigned the post of Aemond Targaryen's handmaiden. You expect him to be cold and cruel, and are surprised when he actually shows you kindness and gentleness. All the while Aemond finds himself falling for his shy and skittish handmaiden.
how are you? We haven't heard from you in a while, so is all good?? Hope everything is okay and life is treating you well!!
Hi lovely,
Thank you for your kidn message. Apologies for the unexpected hiatus on this blog. We've had a tricky start to the year with a lot of changes and illness but really want to get back into the swing of things. I love writing Devil's Snare and it's so close to being complete, so I need to just really kick myself into gear and get it done for you guys who've been so supportive the whole time.
Elizabeth is cracking one with Snowdrop and Delicate, so we promise we haven't abandoned this blog!
omg LOVED the new chapter of Delicate!! I loved the first 6 chapters and wow what a delightful surprise to see the 7th pop up on my timeline i went :O!!! It made me so anxy (in the best way), like eeeek I just want gwayne to steal alicent and the reader away and go back to oldtown!
Thank you so much for taking the time to say that. It means the world! I've been really unwell for the last year and was only able to write this in stages, but I'm trying to get back into writing regularly now, and Part 8 will follow soon. Whilst the story might take a sadder note for now, I can give you a sneaky hint that a happy ending is in sight. It will be a long series, though. The trio will find a way to be together.
Description: After Gwayne intervened to defend her against the unwanted attentions of Ser Tyland, Y/N comes to realise just how much he means to her. At the same time, Gwayne struggle to propose to the lady he loves, fearful of rejection. Otto Hightower's plotting threatens to divide Gwayne from both his sister and his lady love.
Writer's Note: Hello readers. I'm not sure if anyone is still interested in this story after such a long hiatus, but here is the next part of the story. I'm so sorry for the delay, I've been suffering from chronic illness, and it's really slowed down my ability to write. I have written most of the next part, so there won't be as long a wait. I'm also close to posting the next part of Snow Drop for those still interested. As always, thank you to everyone who continues to read, enjoy, and comment on my stories. It means a lot.
Warnings: Female reader, misogny, suggestions of familial abuse.
Dividers by @zaldritzosrose
An eery silence fell over King's Landing, as if the very bricks and mortar of the structure held silent vigil over the bodies of the late queen and her son. Not even a breath of wind moved through the trees of the Godswood, the whole of the Red Keep seemingly holding its breath in anticipation of the calamity that was soon to reverberate throughout its walls.
As the candles burnt low in the sconces on the walls, Gwayne could be found sitting sentry in the corridor outside his sister's bedchamber, guarding both Alicent and his lady. He knew that both ladies would feel safer knowing that he was nearby, and he had quickly given up on the possibility of sleep when he was so angered by the events at the banquet. His thoughts were frantic as he fought to find a way of removing Alicent and his lady from the insidious enclosure of the Red Keep and the cruelty of their own fathers.
Gwayne had petitioned his father over and over to allow him to take Alicent back to Old Town with him, knowing how she despised King's Landing and wished only for them not to be separated, but to no avail. If he could only find a way to convince his father that it would be for the benefit of the family or, rather, his benefit... that was the only consideration he ever truly took into account. Y/N was an even more difficult consideration in his plans.
There was nothing for it. He would have to risk rejection as a lover and potentially even as a friend by proposing to his lady. He could think of no other way of removing her from her father's clutches and offering her the protection he so wished to give her and yet...he would wish for more time to further endear himself to her heart.
He did not wish for Y/N to misconstrue his earnest proposal of love and marriage as yet another attempt by a man in her life to control her. He already knew that she had long considered marriage to be just another prison, an exchange of her father's control for her husband's. He could only hope to convince her that he would never seek to control her and that their marriage would be one between equals, founded upon love and respect. He knew, also, that he would have to make clear that he had no expectations that their marriage would have to have a physical element beyond what she was comfortable with.
In truth, he would fall from the graces of the Seven just to touch her face or her hand. He hoped that she knew that, but if she was still unclear on that point, he would reassure her.
His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sound of heavy footsteps making their way down the corridor. Looking up quickly, Gwayne's heart plummeted as he saw his father approaching him, his face contorted in rage. Gwayne steeled himself for another tense exchange with his father. Sighing as he rose to meet his father, he positioned himself in front of Alicent's door. He could only hope that his father would not wake either his sister or his lady. Believing that his father's ire was meant for him, Gwayne was alarmed when his father attempted to manoeuvre around him to open Alicent's door. Angered by his father's rude attempt to enter his sister's apartments without her permission and wake her at such a late hour, he had no hesitation in pushing his father back a pace. Taking advantage of Otto Hightower's brief look of surprise at being challenged by his usually pliable son, Gwayne positioned himself more fully in front of the door.
"Insolent pup, what do you mean by challenging your father. Move aside."
Gwayne pushed his father again when he tried to forcefully move Gwayne aside, though his hand shook as he prepared to challenge his father.
"I will not move aside if you mean to wake my sister. There is nothing you can have to say to her that cannot wait until morning."
Otto Hightower's eyes narrowed menacingly at his son, his voice assuming a steely coldness.
"Do you not know what has happened? The Queen is dead. Soon, the whole castle will know of it."
Gwayne's brow furrowed in confusion. Whilst he was sorry to hear of the Queen's passing, having believed her to be a gentle and kind ruler, he could not understand how this could possible provide justification for his father waking his sister at such an hour. He grew suspicious of his father's intentions, fearing that he was planning on involving his sweet sister in one of his sinister schemes in his bid for power.
"And how does this news concern Alicent? What purpose do you have waking her at such an hour to deliver it? I will not allow you to bring her into any of your scheming."
The bitterness in Gwayne's tone surprised even him, but his protectiveness towards his sister won out over his fear of crossing his father.
"Never you mind. I have questions of my own for you, boy. Why are you standing guard like a dog outside Alicent's chambers?"
"It is a good thing I was, or else you may have rudely woken her and entrapped her in some dark scheme I cannot fathom."
Taking a step closer towards Otto so that they were chest to chest, Gwayne spoke in a low, dangerous voice.
"I will repeat myself once more, Ser. I will not allow you to enter Alicent's chambers at such an hour, nor will I watch idly whilst you draw Alicent into your webs of deceit in your relentless pursuit of power. You may not care about her, but Alicent is my sister, and I will defend her with my last breath, even from her own father, who should protect her."
Gwayne was out of breath when he had finished his tirade, his heart pounding. He had never before taken a stand against his father, but his father's strange behaviour had sparked his fierce protectiveness towards his sister. He could not shake the feeling that Otto had some ill intentioned scheme he sought to ensnared Alicent. He would not allow it.
If he had to steal Alicent away with him in the night back to Oldtown or some far away place outside of Westeros to protect her, then that is what he would have to do. He could only hope that Lady Y/N would consent to accompany them. Perhaps then he could protect them both. If his love would not consent to be his wife, then he could present her as a relative. If he could never have her love, he could at least have her friendship and the honour of protecting her and his sister, far from the vipers nest of King's Landing. He was glad Otto was not aware of his lady being in his sister's apartments, fearing that Otto's ire may also extend to her.
Otto stood dumbstruck by his son's rebellion, never having expected his quiet, pliant son to stand up to him. He had not accounted for him in his scheme to endear Alicent to the grieving king. He resolved that he would have to remove Gwayne from the board if he was to win this game. He would have to send him back to Oldtown if he was to make a success of it. For now, he would let the insolent pup think he had won this round. It would give him a false sense of security, which would make it all the easier to send him away later. Placing a hand on his son's shoulder, who flinched at his touch, he sighed.
"Very well, it can wait until the morning. Get some sleep, son."
Gwayne's shock at his father's almost affectionate gesture and use of the term 'son', when he had never called him so before allowed Otto to retreat to his own chambers before Gwayne could question him any further about what he had intended to say to Alicent. Nevertheless, Gwayne was not so easily fooled as Otto imagined him to be, and so remained outside his sister's chamber doors until she emerged to break her fast, fearing that Otto would seek her out again if he sought sleep himself.
Y/N had had but a restless sleep, turning over in her mind the events of the previous evening. Whilst she was shaken by her father and Ser Tyland's behaviour towards her, lying next to Alicent, aware that Gwayne was just outside their door, she had never felt safer. Following his passionate defence of her against even her father, Y/N could be in no doubt that she could rely on his protection.
Besides Alicent, Y/N had never sought the embrace of another person, withdrawing into herself when upset. In her distress the previous evening, she surprised even herself by how natural it felt to seek the comfort and safety of Gwayne's arms. His touch was gentle and tentative, as if afraid to distress her further by touching her. Unlike the other men at Court, Gwayne had always been so understanding about her aversion to touch; but this no longer extended to him... not now that she knew she loved him.
Feeling his arms hover around her tentatively, she had only tightened her hold on him, willing him to return her embrace. When he had finally enclosed her in his arms, it had felt to Y/N like coming home. She felt that there was nowhere she would rather be than within the safety of his arms.
She gazed lovingly at Alicent, who slept facing her, softly breathing in and out. Y/N reached out her hand, lightly stroking her friend's cheek with a feather light touch. She felt she could be truly happy if she and her two best friends could exist in a world entirely their own. Alicent blinked slowly awake, immediately smiling at Y/N. "Did you sleep well, my love? Are you feeling better?"
Alicent's motherly tone had Y/N's eyes brimming with tears, knowing that she would soon have to leave the safety of Alicent's chambers to return to her own chambers and the prison of her father's jurisdiction.
"Oh my sweet, don't cry, all is well." Alicent reached out and gently brought Y/N's head to rest against her chest, rubbing small circles against her back. "I do not wish to leave you," Y/N sniffled against Alicent's neck. Alicent tutted affectionately, stroking Y/N's hair. "Gwayne shall be very put out if he finds you so distressed. Let us try to be cheerful for him. You dont have to leave just yet and we can spend the whole day together, just like we always do."
As Y/N curled her fingers around Alicent's nightgown like a lifeline, Alicent whispered in a comforting tone, "Gwayne and I will not let anyone harm you and....perhaps there will soon come a time when you can leave this place and we shall all never be parted. Would you want that?" Y/N looked up at Alicent's face with a wonderous expression, as if she were one of the Seven come down to gift her a prophecy of future happiness. "More than anything," she responded earnestly, causing Alicent to break into a sly smile. "I am sure that Gwayne feels much the same as both you and I about the matter. Have no fear, my pet, Gwayne will resolve all. He shall care for us both."
Y/N raised her head slightly from Alicent's chest to gaze credulously up at her. She scarcely dared to hope that Alicent's words promised a future she had only dreamed of could be possible. Could she really mean that she such a dream had a possibility of becoming a reality; that she could hope to live with Alicent and Gwayne in Old Town; that Gwayne may even wish her to be his wife? A gentle knock at the door startled them both, followed by the soft cadence of Gwayne's voice on the other side of it. "Sister, Y/N, it is time to wake. The breakfast is prepared in the morning room."
Alicent broke into a smile, "speak if the rascal." Jumping up from the bed, she tripped lightly over to her dressing screen, grabbing her robe and pulling it in before going to the door. When she opened the door, Y/N instinctively pulled the covers up higher, surprised by Alicent's sudden movements. She needn't have worried for Gwayne, perfect gentleman that he was, was stood on the threshold of the doorway with his back towards the door. She smiled at his chivalrous nature, clearly having anticipated that Alicent might open the door without first having warned her friend.
Still with his back turned, though Y/N could see the curve of his smile from his side profile, Gwayne chuckled. "Indeed, sister, I do not think Lady Y/N wants me storming in when she has just awoken. Not all ladies are heathens," he teased.
Y/N laughed when she saw Alicent pout and her cheeks warm. So comfortable were the two siblings with each other she clearly hadn't considered that.
"Oh very well, Gwayne, you are an imp. Wait outside then, and we will be with you on a moment."
Gwayne's smile deepened so that Y/N could see his cheek dimple, and his voice had a satirical lilt as he spoke his next words. "I shall be awaiting your fair presence, my ladies, with bated breath. Do not take too long, or I may run out of it."
Alicent playfully swatted Gwayne's back and pushed him lightly out the door, only eliciting a hearty laugh from him.
Y/N laughed delightedly at the domestic scene. All mornings should begin like this, with the mellow light of the sun streaming through the window and the sound of laughter. Eager to see Gwayne and speak with him, she dressed hurriedly in one of Alicent's dresses. Another green number was more precious because it was Alicent's she considered, as she brushed the velvet fabric.
Stepping out before Alicent, who required more time to brush her elegant curls into place, Y/N found herself almost nervous to be alone with Gwayne after how emotional she had been before him the night previously. Whilst she knew Gwayne would never judge for being so, she still found herself emerging from Alicent's room, feeling not a little bashful.
"Good morning, Gwayne," she spoke quietly, but Gwayne was already turning to face her, having heard the soft tread of her slipper.
Gwayne's expression lit up at the sight of her, as he quickly stepped forward and took her hand in his, interlacing their fingers. Y/N looked down at their joined hands in surprise. He had never done that before. Seeing that she continued to stare at their hands, Gwayne grew concerned that he had overstepped and began to reluctantly withdraw his hand from her dantier one when she suddenly gripped onto it, preventing him from doing so. It was now his turn to meet her eyes with a look of surprise. She wanted to hold his hand....could that mean? But no, he wouldn't allow himself to be carried away with such a delightful thought too soon. She could not possibly love him as he loved her, but he would content himself if she would only consider him as a suitor.
So stunned by her sweet gesture, Gwayne forgot what he was about to say and only continued to stare in wonder, making Y/N laugh in the musical way that only she did.
"Is there something on my face, Ser, that you should stare so?"
Recollecting himself, Gwayne smiled at her, responding softly, "Only the most beautiful features the sun ever did grace with its light."
This stunned her, though it pleased him to see a slight pink hue on her cheeks. Nevertheless, he didn't flatter himself that it was due to any charm he might hold for her; she was probably just flustered by such a comment. Why couldn't he just keep his mouth shut. Just as he opened his mouth to apologise for his forward comment, if it caused her discomfort, she surprised him further by raising her hand towards his face and lightly grazing her fingertips across his cheekbone. Barely the ghost of a touch, and yet he continued to feel it in his soul for hours afterwards.
She met his gaze seriously whilst he was still trying to recollect himself. "I wanted to thank you for defending me last night and looking after me, Gwayne. I cannot tell you how much it means to me...how much you mean to me."
Gwayne's heart stuttered at her admission. Could she mean? Could his dream of her accepting his love and his hand in marriage not be such a distant fantasy after all?
As he continued to stare at her open-mouthed, she blushed further and stuttered out, "How much both you and Alicent mean to me. Where is Alicent anyway. She's taking a mong time." She looked around anxiously. It was now for Gwayne to reassure his lady that there was no need for her to be embarrassed. Taking her hand once again, and recalling her attention back to him, he reverently raised it to his lips and kissed her palm, casting an adoring look at her before he placed her hand over the crook of his arm. "No one means more to me than you and Alicent, Y/N." A look of understanding past between each other, as of their hearts were communicating the love they both harboured for the other.
Just as they were both opening their mouths to give speech to this love, the door of Alicent's chambers clicked open and she emerged, smiling at them both. "I am ready now, Gwayne. You cannot fault me for tardiness today, I don't believe I ever got ready so quickly." Smiling softly at Y/N, trying to communicate to her with his eyes what he could not say just yet, he squeezed her hand affectionately and turned to his sister with a wry curve to his lips. "Dear sister, I salute you on your readiness. You are merciful for not making your poor brother wait for the usual two hours whilst you ready yourself for a day of teasing him."
Alicent laughed and playfully swatted his shoulder before taking his other arm, as was their custom. "You are bad, Gwayne."
Gwayne laughed musically, "You would not have it any other way."
"Oh, do show me, Y/N. I promise I'll behave."
The trio were seated underneath the Weirwood tree, the golden pink hues of the sun dipping behind the horizon casting a glow over them. Gwayne was leaning, arm outstretched in an attempt to pull Y/N's sketchbook towards him as she smiled playfully at him and swatted his hands away. "No Gwayne, they aren't any good."
"I highly doubt that, my Lady. I do so want to see the handiwork of your beautiful hands."
Alicent rolled her eyes at Gwayne's ill concealed lover for her friend. She wished the two would just get to the point so that they could all be happy together in Oldtown.
"It does not matter what you say Gwayne, I shan't give in."
Gwayne pouted as she stood and brushed her skirts down.
Kneeling down dramatically before her, he took hold of both of her hands and spoke in a placating tone. "What if I beg?"
Once again Alicent rolled her eyes at her friend's flustered expression. They were such fools in love and yet, to any observers perspective, they appeared exactly as they were: two lovers, completely enraptured by one another, the Knight kneeling before his lady in adoring supplication.
Y/N's mouth curves into a smile at Gwayne's antics, holding back a smile. "Oh you menace, you cannot be refused."
Gwayne smiled, squeezing her hands before leaping back onto the heels of his boots. "So you will show me?"
Sighing in playful exasperation, Y/N lightly pushed her sketchbook into Gwayne's chest, "if it pleases you."
Gwayne took the sketchbook with alacrity. "Nothing pleases me more."
Gwayne was soon absorbed in turning the leaves of his lady's sketchbook, whilst her and his sister's musical laughs formed the perfect background to his perusal. He delighted in seeing the evidence of her skill in her drawings and in the sights, which seemed to inspire her. She most commonly rendered his sister, Alicent, but she had also perfectly delineated the lines of the Weireood tree they now convened under and the severe structure of the Red Keep. Gwayne's forefinger got stuck on two pieces of parchment, which appeared to have been folded in such a way to conceal the drawing beneath. Curious, Gwayne carefully unsealed the pages, and his eyes widened at what he saw on the page.
It was him. Y/N had drawn him sitting under their tree, as he now was, smiling softly as he spoke to his sister. His heart warmed to think that she had thought him a worthy subject for her skill. He dared to hope that her hiding the drawing might mean it was special to her. Perhaps even that it spoke to feelings she might harbour for him. Looking over the sketchbook, he could see that she was still completely engrossed in conversing with his sister, so he carefully curved the pages over one another, careful to make sure they appeared as before. He did not want to embarrass her by revealing he had seen the drawing if she did not want him to see it. Instead, he rose from his seat and held the sketchbook out to Y/N. "You are most skilled, my Lady." Gwayne's hand lingered on her own, brushing her fingers affectionately as she took the sketchbook from him. Gwayne resolved that he would find the courage in himself to speak to her of the feelings he had so long held within his heart for her like a secret. If there was any chance that she would accept him as her husband, he would take it.
Gwayne sighed in frustration, running his hand across his face before turning sharply to face his father. "I do not see the urgency for me to depart for Oldtown. Cannot Ormond send you the papers you wish to see? I am sure he has all in hand."
"Do not equivocate with me, boy!" Otto Hightower snapped. "Your father commands you to return to Oldtown and attend to urgent matters on his behalf. This is not a request."
Gwayne's brows furrowed in consternation.
Before he could respond to his father with an angry word, Otto Hightower silenced him with his usual threat. Otto sneered. "The King has grown interested in Alicent's company of late, I wager he favours her. Do not you think." Gwayne's eyes widened in alarm, his heart plummeting. He felt unwell hearing his father's words. He had often used his beloved sister as a bargaining chip to force his sob to obey his whims, but something about the manner in which he spoke made him fear that this was no empty threat.
"Do not threaten me, father. I will do as you ask, but only on the understanding that you do not force Alicent into an arrangement with a man more than twice her age. You promised me you would not do so." His face fell, a look of desperation alighting on it. "I beg you to hold to your promise. Leave Alicent be or let her return to Oldtown with me, and I will do as you ask."
Otto grabbed the lapel of Gwayne's tunic and spoke in a dangerous tone. "You would do well to do as I say and return to Oldtown.'
Closing his eyes and dropping his head, gwayne nodded dejectedly. Of course he would do what his father willed. He always did. He would do anything to protect his sister from him and from any other man.
"Understood, Ser. I will depart forthwith."
Grabbing his son's shoulder in a manner that might appear affectionate to an observer, he dug his nails painfully into it. "That is what I thought."
"I don't understand why you have to go, Gwayne! You cannot abandon me now." Alicent held gripped onto Gwayne's tunic, her knuckles turning white and tears trickling down her cheeks. Gwayne swallowed thickly, holding back his own emotions at parting his his sister. He hated to see her so distressed, but he reminded himself that he was leaving for her.
His departure would prevent his father from embroiling her in any of his machinations for power, he assured himself. It pained him, nonetheless, to know that his actions hurt his sister and that she felt he was abandoning her to the cold court of Kings Landing. He gently took hold of her hands, concerned to see that she had taken to biting the skin around her nails again, a nervous habit she had developed as a young girl. He recalled taking hold of her hand when they were both children when he would see her doing it.
In later years, when she was forced to join their father in Kings Landing and he was left in Oldtown, he had gifted her a silk handkerchief, embroidered with the Hightower sigil, so that she could wring it in her hands when she felt such distress and prevent her from hurting herself. It didn't seem to be working now. His brows furrowed in concern as he raised his sister's hands to kiss her knuckles. "Please don't be distressed, sister. I cannot disobey a direct order from our father, and he tells me that I must go. I will return as soon as I can, I can promise you that."
Alicent only seemed to grow more panicked, a look of desperation on her face that left Gwayne with an ill, foreboding feeling.
"But I need you now, Gwayne. Y/N and I both do."
Cupping her cheeks in his hands, Gwayne searched her eyes.
"What are you hiding, Alicent. I can't help you if I do not know what fears you are harbouring."
A look of dejection passed over Alicent's face which was more disturbing to him than even her panic, suggestive as it was of resignation to something he could not understand.
Retracting her hands listlessly from Gwayne's tunic, she quickly turned from him and made to leave the room. Pausing with her back to him, she murmured quietly,
"You cannot help me, Gwayne...Go if you must, but return quickly. Y/N will be devastated to see you go so suddenly."
Gwayne felt a sense of desperation threatening to overwhelm him as his sister spoke. There was something foreboding in her words, the source of which he could not ascertain. He felt as if a chasm were opening up between them, over which he could not reach her and he step forward as if to stop her from leaving the room.
"Alicent wait, come back."
But Alicent hurried from the room without glancing back in his direction, the lock clicking into place as she closed the door. Gwayne felt an uneasiness he could not place as he replayed his sister's words in his mind. What was she so afraid of that she could not tell him? What was she hiding? He could only hope that his absence would prevent his scheming father from disturbing his sweet sister's peace by involving her in his struggles for power.
His thoughts turned to Y/N, who he was just as loathe to leave as his sister, anxious to protect them both from the vipers at Court. Just when he was building up the courage to propose to the lady he loved, he was being forcefully torn away from her. Would she really care if he left? His heart answered that she would, but as a friend or a lover? Either way, he would have to tell her. With a dejected sigh, he collapsed in a nearby chair, resting his head in his hands on the desk. He would have to be strong if he was to protect his sister. No matter how much it hurt him to part from her and his love, he would do anything his father asked of him if he could protect Alicent; even if it meant leaving them both.
#Gwayne Hightower #hotd #hotd imagine #Gwayne Hightower x reader #house of the dragon #house of the dragon imagine #house of the dragon x reader #ser gwayne #hightower #alicent hightower
help me please find a fiction about Jacaerys valeryon x reader please please 😭🙈. It was fiction where I think that reader was a handmaid and one day they all were ať dragonstone disscussing about strategies And reader was serving them and she accidentally droped a tray with food or something And Ulf the White shouted at her and jacaerys Stod up for her And helped her and said that the tray was heavy and it is no wonder that she dropped it and rest i can't remember please help me. If you know the name or writter of the fiction or you can just tag it or or whatewer I will be sooooo happy 🙈 thank you! 🥰
This sounds a lot like my Jacaerys Velaryon X Handmaiden reader fiction called Snowdrop. Apologies if I'm mistaken. The storyline is exactly the same but it's Lord Broome instead of Ulf who shouts at her.
Probably not the update you were expecting. So so sorry Devil's Snare is delayed again. Have been in the trenches with my personal life and just haven't had the mental capacity to finish it yet. The final part is getting there and hopefully I can get it up soon, but huge apologies for the delay. Elizabeth has an update to Delicate almost ready to go and she's writing a new part for Snowdrop that's going be up soon.
is Devils Snare nearly over or actually over now? I swear I saw that you had like, 1 more part, but I also couldn't remember if that was wishful thinking on my part because it's so amazing!!
#devilsnarestanclub I'm very much part of this lol
Thank you so much for your question. I'm so glad you enjoyed Devil's Snare lovely! I have still got one more part in the works. It's just super long and has taken me ages, but I'll deffo try to get it up next week.
Haha I love the #devilssnarestanclub. You guys are the best xx
