#Rhaenys should’ve been queen
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Someone on tiktok pointed out that Viserys was quick to being convinced that killing Aemma was the “only way” to save the baby and how it shows he’s easily manipulated and why Daemon is ultimately right about how Viserys should’ve kept him close
Initially I was on “the maester didn’t try hard to determine if the breach was truly dangerous and if Aemma was a lost cause because they hate women” and “Viserys is a coward for not giving her the option to steel herself for her own death”
But now I’m on “holy shit Otto could’ve bribed the maester to lie about the issue w/ the pregnancy knowing Viserys is both selfishly wanting a boy and lacked any suspicion of ppls motives, considering Aemma was screaming like a mother during labour but outside of that was pretty calm and coherent and happy. He did this knowing Viserys wouldn’t have a clue about childbirth. Knowing that he’s impulsive and cowardly. Knowing, perhaps, that if this child FAILS to live after birth and Aemma survives, there will be no more opportunity for snatching succession, as she made it clear (supposedly in private) that she wanted no more children. And if the child LIVES (remember the maester walked away from the bed for a moment) then the succession is sealed, as he would likely be married to another Targaryen. Otto intended for Aemma and Baelon to die (as the maesters are in the pockets of the hightowers, and for months have been making this birth stressful since Aemma couldn’t even have a BATH), so that he could shove his daughter into Viserys’ bed. THIS is why Alicent hurts herself, as she’s been preparing for this move since the day she befriended Rhaenyra.”
Only a few hours after the deaths he’s making moves. Isolating Viserys. Making him hate his brother. Yes, Daemon is violent and volatile. He’s probably a terrible choice for a king, but what does Otto have to gain from saying this. Daemon is truly only a menace to the smallfolk. If that. He’s been shown to spend most of his time away from people. His display of violence could be the norm… or a rare occasion of violence for show. He’s a Targaryen (they’re impulsive).
We see Daemon be mean and Otto be hurt. But are Otto’s reactions intentional? Are we finally getting a Littlefinger that tricks even the audience into trusting him?
#I’m excited#also I think Aemma was wrongly killed#and now feel a touch paranoid#was it an assassination?#am I giving the writers too much credit?#the writers are GRR Martin tho#fuck Viserys man#he’s truly just an entitled fucker#walks about like he’s simply not being actively threatened#Rhaenys should’ve been queen#hotd#hotd spoilers#house of the dragon
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“i’m not team black, i’m team rhaenys.”
i think it’s incredibly idiotic to argue over which woman is the rightful heir when you could be arguing about how all of the women who were passed over/usurped are the rightful heirs 🤷♀️ rhaena should’ve been queen followed by aerea, rhaenys should’ve been queen followed by laena and then followed by baela, rhaenyra should’ve been queen followed by jace as king, etc. instead of continuously pitting the women in this world against each other, why don’t we just admit that the system as a whole is sexist and hold the people (cough couch men) upholding the patriarchy and denouncing a woman’s right to rule accountable instead.
they ALL should’ve been the mf queen.
#asoiaf#hotd#rhaena the black bride#aerea targaryen#rhaenys the queen who never was#laena velaryon#baela targaryen#rhaenyra targaryen#jacaerys velaryon#argue with a wall#idgaf#i’m sick and tired of women being scapegoats#for the awful actions of the men around them#THEY ALL SHOULD’VE BEEN QUEENS#ESPECIALLY OVER THEIR MUSTY ASS MALE RELATIVES#the audacity you have to have#to argue against that#get behind me ladies#i’ll defend you all WITH MY LIFE
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I just wish hotd show runners (and her stans) would just let Alicent be a villain. It’s the wishy washy-ness that makes her so annoying.
I don’t mind them giving her a backstory that makes her more sympathetic but it’s the refusal to stand behind her actions that’s so irritating. You cannot have ur cake and eat it too!
#like girl please be so fr#telling Rhaenys she should’ve been queen as you actively usurp Rhaenyras throne#sending that bullshit piece of paper as you suggest taking Rhaes kids hostage#like just bc ur gay doesn’t mean ur not terrible sis#hotd#alicent hightower#just be evil if ur gonna do evil shit!
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Decisions
Part II of Traitors
Summary: Princess Y/N Velaryon & her grandmother, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen have now successfully fled the capital and have just landed on Dragonstone to warn her mother, Queen Rhaenyra, of the inevitable war to come. Princess Y/N is faced with the toughest of decisions.
Warnings: ANGST/switched povs (aemond’s + reader’s)/cussing/crying/swords/pregnancy/mentions of miscarriage/childbirth/talks of war/burning bodies/ALL RIGHTS TO HBO���possible part 3 👀
Word Count: 5770
*NOT MY GIF*
*Y/N’S POV*
The two of you had made it to Dragonstone safely and quickly. Luckily, the Greens were too busy readying everything for Aegon’s coronation that they hadn’t been prepared for a stunt like the one you and your grandmother pulled. You should’ve been happy as you dismounted Seasmoke, your feet landing on the soft sands of Dragonstone’s beaches.
“Are you alright?” your grandmother asked, rushing to check you over.
You pulled your hands from hers, “I’m fine.” A lie. You both knew it. You had just abandoned the love of your life and it wasn’t even your choice.
She pushed your hair behind your ear, “I’m so sorry, sweet girl. If it could be another way-”
“But it cannot,” you cut her off, “Let us go. I’m already dreading telling my mother the news.”
Your grandmother sighed, “Which do you think will upset her more? That her father’s dead or that her stepmother and siblings have betrayed her and usurped her throne?”
“Gods be good,” you muttered as the two of you began your climb up the long steps of Dragonstone. Your swollen feet would’ve given out had it not been for your grandmother lending you an arm.
It had been a while since you’d been to Dragonstone, your mother had taken all of you there to live shortly after Joffrey was born. You had returned to King’s Landing for your wedding when both you and Aemond came of age then you didn’t see your mother until just recently when she came to defend Luke’s right to Driftmark and simultaneously announced your two eldest brothers’ engagement to your younger cousins, Baela and Rhaena. It almost seemed foreign to you even if you had spent most of your early childhood here.
“Princess Y/N, Princess Rhaenys,” Ser Lorent greeted you, “We weren’t expecting you. And on dragon back no less.”
“We need an audience with Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon immediately. It is a matter of extreme urgency,” your grandmother explained.
He gave a curt nod, “Follow me.” He led the two of you through the gates as you waddled and held close to your grandmother. He stopped before a set of doors, “One moment.”
Ser Lorent slipped into the room. You waited for a few moments before he returned, “They’ll see you now.”
You followed him once more into the Great Hall of Dragonstone, “The Princess Y/N Velaryon and the Princess Rhaenys Targaryen.”
“Y/N,” your mother beamed at you. You practically ran into her arms. You laughed as your swollen bellies collided a bit, “You’re glowing. Motherhood becomes you.”
“You as well, Mother,” you smiled back before letting out a soft sigh.
“Princess Rhaenys,” she greeted your grandmother, “Might we hope for news of Lord Corlys’ recovery?”
“Viserys is dead,” she replied rather bluntly.
“Grandmother,” you snapped at her slightly.
Your mother’s welcoming grin had fallen as Daemon’s head whipped around, “I grieve this loss with you, Rhaenyra. My cousin, your father, possessed a kind heart,” your grandmother walked closer, “There is more,” your mother’s hand tightened around yours as tears built in not just her eyes but yours as well, “Aegon has been crowned as his successor.”
A soft wince left your mother as she dropped your hand to cradle her stomach slightly, “They crowned him?” her eyes nearly vacant as the tears slid down her cheeks.
“How did Viserys die?” Daemon asked as he leaned himself and Dark Sister against the Painted Table.
“I could not say,” Rhaenys sighed.
Your mother’s voice quivered, “How long ago?”
“A day past, perhaps two,” your grandmother answered, “Y/N and I were made prisoners in our quarters while the Queen made her preparations.”
“Viserys has been slain,” Daemon asserted.
“Alicent demanded you both declare for Aegon,” she looked between you and your grandmother.
“She did,” your mother’s brow raised at your grandmother’s answer.
“We refused her,” you cut in.
“And yet you are alive,” Daemon had a teary glare set on the two of you.
“The High Septon crowned Aegon in the Dragonpit,” Rhaenys explained.
“We witnessed it ourselves just before we fled on Meleys and Seasmoke,” you continued.
“They crowned him before the masses,” your mother’s voice filled with agony as her hand clutched the end of the table.
“So that the masses would see him as their rightful king,” you clarified.
Daemon’s voice full of anger, “That whore of a Queen murdered my brother and stole his throne. And you both could have burned them all for it.”
“A war is like to be fought over this treachery, to be sure,” Daemon nodded slightly with a grunt, “But that war is not mine to begin. Nor is it Y/N’s. I only rushed this warning to you out of loyalty to my husband and to my house.”
“The Greens are coming for you, Mother,” you added, “And for my brothers and for me and my baby.”
“You should leave Dragonstone at once,” Rhaenys turned to leave.
Tears fell from her eyes before a sharp gasp left her mouth, one of her hands clutching her belly and the other on the table for support. All of you turning to her, concerned.
“Mother?” you put your hand to her back as she keeled over, “What is it?”
She quickly folded up the ends of her dress, sticking her hand up the ruffles. A soft gasp left your mouth at the sight of her bloodied fingers, “The babe is coming.”
“Maester!” you cried out, “Get the Maester! Now!” The guards in the hall rushed out, Daemon and you moved to support your mother. The Maester met you outside of her chambers.
“We’ve got her,” he reassured you.
“Mother, are you sure-”
“Get out!” she practically shrieked. You and Daemon were quick to listen and scurried off.
“Where are my brothers?” you asked him, practically running to keep up with him as he stormed through the halls.
“Your grandmother has already gone to fetch them from the beach,” Daemon’s voice curt.
“Daemon,” you stopped him, “There was nothing we could have done.”
“Don’t,” he cut you off, “Rhaenys, I understand. She’s never been the biggest adversary to your mother or to me. But you? They stole your mother’s birthright and you just let them-”
“I did not! I was made a prisoner. The Queen only kept me alive so she could use me as a political bargaining tool to get my mother to bend the knee! And yet I refused her even when she assured me that no harm would come to any of you if I bowed to Aegon.”
Daemon scoffed, “The One-Eyed Prince must really have you wrapped around his finger.”
“I beg your pardon?” you hissed, “Do not speak of my husband in-”
“Your husband is a traitor. And do you know what happens to traitors, Princess?” your jaw clenched at his words, “They die. Screaming.”
“My husband had no choice, just as I did,” you spat.
Daemon scoffed, bordering on a chuckle, “You just keep telling yourself that.”
*AEMOND’S POV*
“Aemond, please, stop pacing,” Alicent groaned, “Drink some water and-”
“Water?” Aemond scoffed, “Will water bring my pregnant wife back to me, Mother? Will water ever convince her to forgive me? Or me to forgive her? Tell me, Mother. Will it?”
Alicent sighed, “I only meant that you need to ease your mind, darling. Your grandfather has already gone to give Rhaenyra the terms of surrender. No harm will come to any of them, especially not to Y/N.”
“You don’t know that,” he shook his head, “She is going to be surrounded by people who only thirst for the throne, no matter the cost. It was my job to keep her safe and now I cannot even do that. My child will be fatherless and-”
“Your child will not be fatherless because they will have a father,” the Queen Mother cut in as she took her son’s hands in her own, “You will be there to father your child, Aemond. Rhaenyra will agree to Aegon’s terms because it is the best thing for the Realm and all will be as it was.”
Aemond’s hands fell from his mother’s, “It will never be as it was. My wife and child are lost.”
“That’s not true, Aemond,” Alicent sniffled.
“It is, Mother. I will have to learn to accept it. Live with it. I have duties to this family and I cannot allow my judgment to be clouded.”
The Queen Mother was taken aback by her younger son’s words. She had never seen Aemond happier than when he was with Y/N and she nearly wept tears of joy at his excitement to become a father. But that light in his eyes was dwindling and it broke her heart to know that she was partly to blame.
She cleared her throat, quickly wiping the tears from her eyes, “We need to send terms to the larger houses first. Stark, Tully, Baratheon. Lord Borros Baratheon seems an ideal man to-”
“I will fly to Storm’s End myself,” Aemond cut in, “Lord Borros has four unmarried daughters. We could promise Daeron to at least one of them.”
Alicent nodded in agreement, “Yes, we could. But Aemond, I only want you to go if you feel-”
“I leave on the morrow,” he answered quickly before leaving his mother’s chambers.
The One-Eyed Prince had chosen to stuff his feelings away, not only from others like his mother, but from himself as well. Aemond had forced himself to face the belief that he would never see his wife again, would never kiss her or hug her. And that his child would never meet him and he’d never get to hold them or watch them grow. His entire heart was gone.
*Y/N’S POV*
The wind carried off the dark smoke of the funeral pyre. You wept softly with your brothers as the flames cradled your late baby sister, who your mother had lovingly named Visenya, after Aegon the Conqueror’s fierce sister-wife.
“This was not supposed to happen,” you sniffled.
Your twin brother, Jacaerys sighed, “No, it wasn’t. First, they killed Grandsire and now our sister. The Greens will pay for this.”
“Jace,” Luke whispered, “Not here. Not now.”
The attention was drawn away from the funeral pyre as a member of Viserys’ former Kingsguard approached your mother. He removed his helm, revealing Ser Erryk, your saviour back in King’s Landing. You turned to your grandmother who already held a small smirk on her face.
Ser Erryk removed your grandsire’s crown from his bag and knelt before your mother, “I swear to ward the Queen with all my strength and give my blood for hers,” he began to recite the Kingsguard vows as Daemon took the crown from him, “I shall take no wife, hold no lands, father no children. I shall guard her secrets, obey her commands, ride at her side, and defend her name and honour,” Ser Erryk finished.
Daemon approached your mother before gently placing the crown onto her head and falling onto his knee, “My Queen.”
The rest of you followed suit, slowly bending the knee to your new Queen. You held Joffrey’s hand as you guided him down with you and your older brothers. Everyone was then instructed to gather in the Great Hall to await the arrival of your mother. You elected to walk alongside your brothers and cousins.
“She was born to wear that crown,” you spoke proudly.
Luke smiled slightly, “Grandsire would have been proud.”
“Not if what the Greens claim is true,” Jace scoffed, “He would have rather seen Aegon bearing it apparently.”
“Jace,” you snapped at him, “Our mother is the rightful Queen. No one here thinks otherwise. The Greens will be dealt with when the time comes.”
“And what of your husband, Y/N?” Rhaena had cut in.
You had not thought about Aemond after the events with your mother, “I am not sure, Rhaena. What happens to him will not be up to me but to our Queen.”
“And what if she wants them all dead?” Baela asked, “That seems to be the customary punishment with traitors. Aemond is a traitor, is he not?”
You swallowed hard as you fidgeted with your wedding ring, “I know you’d all prefer it that way,” you sniffled, wiping your eyes, “Aemond, good and dead. Vhagar free for Rhaena to claim, as it should have been, right?” They all stood silent, “I know you all hate him and I know you all have good reason to. But he is still my husband. The father of my child. And the man that I love. So, my apologies if talk about murdering him does not bring me as much joy as it does to you.”
“Y/N, that is not-”
“It’s alright, Luke,” you cut him off, “I do not wish to discuss it further. It is time for us to hear from our Queen.”
You turned, walking ahead of them towards the Great Hall. The rest of the lords and ladies congregated around the Painted Table as it lit up in all its glory. Rhaena had become your mother’s designated cupbearer and waited near the top of the table, Baela joining your grandmother’s side while you and your brothers walked to the far end of the table.
Your mother, accompanied by some of her Queensguard entered the room as Daemon moved to introduce her, “Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals, and the Rhoynar, and the First Men. Lady of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.” All of us bowed to her, “Your Grace.”
Rhaena approached her, “Wine, my Queen.”
Your mother kindly took the goblet, “Thank you, Rhaena. Come,” she nodded for both your cousins to join at the table. There was a slight awkwardness that filled the air as you all stood around. Your mother looked uncomfortable, “What is our standing?” she asked.
“We have thirty knights, a hundred crossbowmen, and three hundred men at arms,” Daemon answered, “Dragonstone is relatively easy to defend, but as an instrument of conquest, our army leaves a lot to be desired. We have sent word to my loyal men in the City Watch. I’ll have some support there, but I cannot speak to the numbers.”
“We already have declarations from Celtigar and Staunton, Massey, Darklyn, Bar Emmon,” the Maester explained as Jace placed the pieces onto the table.
“My lady mother was an Arryn,” your mother pointed to the Eyrie on the table, “The Vale will not turn cloak against their own kin.”
“Riverrun was always a close friend to your father, Your Grace,” the Maester noted, “With Prince Daemon’s acquiescence, I’ve already sent ravens to Lord Grover.”
“Lord Grover is fickle and easily swayed,” your mother huffed, “He will need to be convinced of the strength of our position and that we will support him should it come to war.”
“I’m going to treat with him myself,” Daemon answered.
“What of Storm’s End and Winterfell?” Lord Steffon Darklyn asked.
“There has never lived a Stark who forgot an oath. And with House Stark, the North will follow,” Lord Bartimos Celtigar answered him.
“Lord Borros Baratheon will need to be reminded of his father’s promises,” your mother declared before turning to your grandmother, “What news from Driftmark?”
“Lord Corlys sails for Dragonstone,” Rhaenys answered.
“To declare for his Queen,” Daemon interrupted.
“The Velaryon fleet is in my husband’s yoke. He decides where they sail,” she rebutted.
“We shall pray for both you and your husband’s support,” your mother stepped in, “Just as we prayed nightly for the Sea Snake’s return to good health. There’s no port on the Narrow Sea that would dare to make an enemy of the Velaryon fleet,” she turned back to the table, “And our enemies?”
“We have no friends among the Lannisters,” Daemon explained, “Tyland has served the Hand too long to turn against him. And Otto Hightower needs the Lannister fleet.”
“Without the Lannisters we are not like to find any allies west of the Golden Tooth,” your mother concluded.
“No,” Daemon was quick to disagree, “The Riverlands are essential, Your Grace.”
“Pray forgive my bluntness, Your Grace, but talk of men is moot,” one of the lords spoke up, “Your cause owns a power that has not been seen in this world since the days of Old Valyria. Dragons.”
Your mother was a bit stunned at first, “The Greens have dragons as well.”
“They have three adults, by my count,” Daemon was again one of the first to speak up, “We have Syrax, Caraxes, and Meleys,” your grandmother scoffed under her breath at the mention of her dragon, “Your sons have Vermax, Arrax, and Tyraxes. Your daughter has Seasmoke. Baela has Moondancer.”
“Daemon, none of our dragons have been to war,” your mother argued.
“There are also unclaimed dragons,” Daemon ignored her as he continued, “Vermithor and Silverwing dwell on the Dragonmont, still riderless. Then there are the three wild dragons, all of whom nest here.”
“And who is to ride them?” your mother asked. Oddly one of her messengers rushed up the stairs, Ser Erryk going to meet him.
“Dragonstone has thirteen to their four. I also have a score of eggs incubating in the Dragonmont,” Daemon continued, “Now, we need a place to gather, a toehold large enough to house a sizable host,” he placed a piece down, “Here, at Harrenhal. We cut off the west, surround King’s Landing with the dragons. And we could have every Green head mounted on spikes before the fucking moon turns.”
Your mother’s jaw tensed at Daemon’s attitude before Ser Erryk interrupted, “Your Grace, a ship has been sighted offshore: a lone galleon, flying a banner of a three-headed green dragon.”
Daemon was quick to move, “Alert the watchtowers. Sight the skies,” he snatched Dark Sister from the table. The guards, your mother, and Daemon went to go meet with whomever washed up onshore. You knew Aemond had not accompanied them, he would’ve rode in proudly on Vhagar.
You were sitting in your chambers, reading an Old Valyrian story and humming softly to your bump, “Ahem,” you looked up to see Jace and Luke standing in the doorway, “May we come in?”
You nodded, “Yes,” placing down your book and standing from your seat, “What is it?”
“We just wanted to apologize for earlier,” Luke answered, “We should not-”
“Not we,” Jace stopped him, “Me. I know what you did couldn’t have been easy, Sister. And I apologize for my lack of empathy. I should have been more understanding of your situation.”
You sighed, “It’s alright. I know your past with Aemond is not a pleasant one,” Luke shifted uncomfortably, “But it is the past. We have grown. We’re not the same people, we’re not children anymore. And whatever is about to happen to all of us is larger than some childhood quarrel. I just want you to both understand that.”
“We do,” Luke nodded, “I’ve wanted nothing more than to put all that ugliness on Driftmark behind me. I’ll never forgive myself for what I did and I know Aemond won’t either. But, that does not mean we should dwell on it. He is my brother-by-law and the father of my future niece or nephew.”
“You’re a good man, Luke,” you smiled at him, reaching over and giving his hand a squeeze.
“Man?” Jace chuckled, “He’s still a boy.” You both rolled your eyes at his lame teasing, “But, he is right. We care about you and the baby far more than some fight from years ago.”
You reached over and gave his hand a squeeze as well, “Thank you, brothers. This talk meant a lot to me.”
“You’re our sister, Y/N. We love you,” Luke smiled softly.
“I love you both,” you hugged them, “I just wonder what the next step is.”
“As do we,” Jace agreed, “The Greens are wise enough to know that they are outnumbered when it comes to dragons. Ships are another thing. Without Grandsire’s fleet, we’re left to whatever men we have on land.”
“Grandsire is a loyal man. House Velaryon is not fickle,” you explained.
There was word that your mother and Daemon had returned from their meeting with the Greens. Otto Hightower, himself, had presented Aegon’s terms of surrender to your mother. All the lords who backed your mother continued to argue back and forth on what should be done next, Daemon and your mother especially bumping heads on the matter. Your paternal Grandsire, Lord Corlys, had finally landed on Dragonstone but he was still weak and needed his rest. You opted to walk the halls of the castle in an attempt to ease your own worries.
“Y/N,” you turned to see your mother walking towards you.
“Mother,” you greeted as she joined your side, “How are you? Is Daemon-”
“Fine,” you could always tell when she lied but you decided not to push the matter further, “And Princess Rhaenys is with Lord Corlys as we speak,” she stopped the both of you, taking your hands, “How’re you, my sweet girl? I feel that with everything that has been happening, I have neglected to check in on you and your condition.”
You caressed your belly, “I’m alright. Just a lot on my mind, I suppose.”
“That is understandable. You have been through quite a lot in the past few days. But,” she moved to pull something from her pocket, “Perhaps this will help put your mind at ease.” she extended a letter to you, the Targaryen wax seal still unbroken around it, “Otto Hightower brought it with him. He told me that it was for you, from Prince Aemond.”
Your breath caught in your throat, “Aemond?” you practically choked out as you stared at the letter in her hands, “Did he say anything else? What it might be about or-”
She shook her head, “Only that it be delivered to you directly and urgently.”
You fidgeted with your wedding ring, wondering whether or not you should take it, “I..” you could barely find your words.
“Y/N,” she took the ringed hand you had been fidgeting with, “Take it.”
“But, what if he wants me to come back? Or worse, what if he never wants to see me again? I-I wouldn’t know what-”
“You won’t know what to do until you read the letter,” she cut you off, “So,” she placed it into your hands, “Go to your chambers. Read it. Then decide.”
You nodded, “Yes, Moth- sorry. Yes, Your Grace.”
She caressed your cheek, “I am still your mother. Doesn’t matter if I wear a crown or not,” she kissed your head, “Now go.”
You let out a deep breath before heading towards your chambers. Shutting the door behind you as you finally broke the wax seal and unrolled the parchment. Immediately recognizing the neat cursive that he had always worked so hard to perfect because “how will I ever be taken seriously if I write like a seven-year-old?”
My Dearest, Y/N,
I know you little thought to hear from me. I little thought to even be writing this letter in the first place. However, I knew I needed to because there is so much I need to say.
I miss you, my wife. My true family. And I know you could probably never bring yourself to forgive me and I cannot say I blame you. I know my decision broke your heart just as yours did mine. I should not have made you choose. And I know we are both in an impossible situation. But I believe I may have found a solution to these problems.
Tonight, at the hour of the wolf. Meet me on the far side of Dragonstone, away from the guards and the castle. Come alone and tell no one.
All My Love,
Your Husband, Aemond
You continued to re-read it as hundreds of questions flooded your mind. What did he mean by solution? What if this was some sort of trap set by the Greens? What if this wasn’t from Aemond at all? And none of them could be answered if you didn’t listen to the instructions.
Even if you told your typically understanding family, war was afoot. Even if your mother trusted it, Daemon would never. He’d go to meet Aemond himself, Dark Sister in hand. Telling anyone was not an option. Once again, you had no choice.
The darkest time of night came faster than you would have hoped for. You paced your chambers for quite a while, spinning your betrothal ring over and over as you did. You nearly jumped whenever you heard guards or servants pass by your door. And before you could think twice, you had thrown on your cloak and boots before walking out of your chambers.
You tried to conceal your face with your hood as you hurried through the empty halls of Dragonstone. The sound of your heels against the cobblestone echoed throughout them. You continued a quick pace, well as quick as you could go at nearly eight months pregnant.
“Y/N?” a voice called from behind you.
You turned to see your mother, “Mother,” you gave her a nod, “Good evening.”
She raised a brow at you, “Where are you off to? It is quite late.”
You stuttered a bit before finding your words, “I was just going on a walk. It has been quite hard to find sleep in these last few months of pregnancy.”
She smiled softly, “It was the same for me when I was pregnant with you and Jace. I suppose it must be first-time mother worries and such. Would you like me to ring for a servant? Perhaps they could give you something to help you sleep.”
You shook your head at her offer, “It’s alright. I’ve found that evening air has been the best remedy thus far.”
“Alright,” she nodded, “Be careful. Be sure to find sleep at some point. There is another small council meeting tomorrow and your attendance is needed.”
“Your Grace,” you smirked as you curtsied.
“Good night, sweet girl,” she smiled before turning to her own chambers. You waved her goodbye before continuing on your mission. You had elected not to take Seasmoke, worrying that you might wake someone. The air was crisp and cool as you trekked to the other end of the island. When you had finally made it to your meeting place, the breeze from the ocean was salty as it hit your face and tousled your hair, your fingers twirling your ring round and round.
“You never could break that nervous habit,” his familiar tone practically rang in your ear.
You whipped around to face him, “I-I was not sure what to expect. Part of me believed this to be some sort of trap. I’d be a fool not to be nervous.”
He let out a low chuckle as he finally stepped into the moonlight, “You know me well, my love. But I assure you, I am not here to trick you.” Aemond stalked closer to you, one of his hands slowly taking yours while the other rested on the curve of your bump.
“Then why are you here, Aemond? Surely, it is not to back my mother’s claim or convince me of your brother’s.”
“I am to take a new wife.” At first, his words seemed to be in some foreign language. That was the only possible explanation your mind could muster before they finally sank in.
“W-What?” your voice shook, a combination of anger and sadness. You tore away from his touch.
“My brother’s council speaks of annulling our marriage and betrothing me to one of Lord Borros Baratheon’s daughters, so that we may ensure the loyalty of Storm’s End. I am to fly there on the morrow to present the terms to Lord Borros in person.”
The tears welled in your eyes, “And you are telling me this, why?” You did not give him the time to answer, “Did you truly need to hurt me even more? Why not just drive a blade through my heart and be done with it, Aemond? I would rather be dead than live just to see you be given to someone else!” you sobbed, “I-”
Your voice faded off as a sharp pain hit your abdomen. A tightening cramp-like feeling making you gasp and nearly keel over.
“Y/N? What is it?”
“The babe...” you grunted between words, trying to catch your breath, “The babe is coming. Now!”
Aemond did not hesitate to scoop you into his arms, the pain of your contractions distracting you from just how fast he was running.
“Stop there!” Ser Erryk tried to step in front of Aemond.
“Princess Y/N is in labour,” he huffed, “You must let me pass.”
“Prince Aemond, you helped in the usurping of the throne. I cannot allow you-”
“Seven Hells, just let him in! We can deal with all this political horse shit afterward!” you cried.
Ser Erryk seemed taken aback, “Y-Yes, Princess.” The guards finally stepped aside as Aemond carried you through the halls, finally arriving at your bedchamber.
“Get the midwives and the Maester now!” he barked his instructions at one of your handmaidens.
“AHHHH!” your screams practically shook the walls of the castle. Nearly all of the staff questioned Aemond’s surprising presence in the room but were too focused on your labours to pay attention for long.
“Y/N?!” your mother’s voice trembled with worry as she entered your room.
“Mother,” you called out for her, shakily raising one of your hands to her.
“I’m here, sweet girl,” she quickly took your hand, sitting at your side, “I’m right here.” She had been too consumed with you to even note Aemond’s presence on the other side of the bed, “What in Seven Hells is he doing here? Guards!”
“No!” you stopped her, “I-I want him here. He...Seven Hells...He needs to be here. Please, M-Mother.”
She nodded hesitantly as she stroked back your hair, “Alright, Y/N.”
“Push, Princess,” one of the midwives encouraged, “Push!”
“AAAGHHHH! FUCK! AHHHHH!” you screamed, pushing with all your might.
Hours and hours seemed to pass and still, your baby was not here. Sweat dripped from your skin as you tiredly clung to Aemond and your mother.
“I-I can’t,” you whimpered, “I’m...exhausted.”
“The child is close, Princess,” the Maester reassured you, “Just a few more-”
“I cannot!” you exclaimed, panting as your head lolled over to Aemond, “I’m sorry.”
He shook his head fervently, “You have nothing to be sorry for.”
“But I do, A-Aemond. I could not be the wife you needed. I can’t even birth our child. I-It’s no wonder you will be taking a new bride.”
“You are doing what?” your mother glared at him, “Do you truly think you could just make a fool of my daughter? Of your child? Of our family? I could have your head-”
“Your Grace,” he stopped her, “I have no intention of annulling my marriage to your daughter or make a fool of anyone of you especially not Y/N or my child.”
“B-But you told me that...”
“I told you that my brother’s council desires this. I do not desire being married to anyone but you, my love.” he corrected, “Iksā ñuhon hae iksan aōhon.” You are mine as I am yours.
Aemond pressed his forehead to your damp one, “Avy jorrāelan.” I love you.
“Avy jorrāelan,” I love you. “Now, push. Our child is nearly with us.”
You nodded as you took in a deep breath before resuming your labours. Your nails dug into both your mother and Aemond as you pushed. A sudden relief overcame you as the soft cries of your newborn filled the air.
“A girl,” one of the midwives announced, “As healthy as can be. Praise the Mother!”
Smiles filled the room as they handed the infant to you, “Y-You’re so beautiful,” you cried. But before you could truly enjoy the moment, there was some sort of pressure from between your legs. You assumed it was the afterbirth as you pushed again.
“There is another babe,” the Maester frantically answered as he resumed his work.
“Another b- AHHHHH!” a final scream before those soft whimpers filled the room once again.
“This one’s a boy, Princess,” the midwife smiled, “Just as healthy.”
They handed Aemond the squalling baby boy, “Seven Hells.”
Your mother kissed your forehead, “Well done, sweet girl. They’re beautiful.”
You sighed contently, “Mother, I have something to ask you.”
“Anything,” she smiled.
“I think I want to name her Visenya.”
Tears fell from her eyes, “It is wonderful. Just wonderful,” she sniffled, “And for the boy?”
“Viserys,” you answered, “After Grandsire.”
“My dearest girl,” she sniffled, wiping her tears as she stood from the bed.
“What do you think?” Aemond had hardly pulled his gaze from your children.
He let out a content sigh, “They are more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. Absolutely perfect.”
And that’s what that entire moment should have been. Absolutely perfect.
Your mother had rejoined your side, Daemon accompanying her this time, “I’m sorry but I must insist that Prince Aemond is removed from these chambers and brought to the cells to await proper questioning.”
“Mother, please,” you begged as the midwife took your son from Aemond while Daemon went to seize him, “Daemon, no!”
“I warned you, Y/N,” Daemon spoke, “This is how it has to be.”
“No, it is not,” Aemond finally cut in.
“You betrayed your Queen,” Daemon scoffed, “You committed treason. And now you must pay-”
Aemond fell to one knee, pulling his sword and raising it towards your mother, “I pledge my sword and my allegiance to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals, and the Rhoynar, and the First Men. Lady of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.” He stood again, sheathing his sword, “I love your daughter, Your Grace. And if bending the knee is all it takes to prove my loyalty to her, then I will do it. And whatever else I must to ensure that I never risk losing her again.”
You bit back tears as you rocked your children. All eyes fell to your mother for the final decision, “Very well. Prince Aemond Targaryen, you are hereby the sworn protector of Princess Y/N Velaryon as well as her children Princess Visenya Targaryen and Prince Viserys Targaryen, and any future heirs she may bear. By order of your Queen.”
taglist: @hydrationqueensworld, @lelerzzz, @warmness0ul , @narwhal-swimmingintheocean, @ivy-targaryen , @bubblebuttwade , @multitargaryen, @lothiriel9, @andmyannabellee , @imaslutforsstuff , @msmarvelknight , @paprikaquinn , @stargazingwatercolouredbeing , @oh-thats-cute , @minttea07 , @iiamthehybrid
#aemond targaryen#aemond one eye#prince aemond#aemond targaryen x reader#pregnancy#pregnant reader#pregnant y/n#house targaryen#house velaryon#house strong#house of the dragon#house of the dragon fanfiction#aemond hotd#aemond x reader#house of the dragon aemond#aemond angst#aemond fluff#aemond fic#rhaenyra targaryen#queen rhaenyra#daemon targaryen#princess rhaenys targaryen#jacaerys velaryon#lucerys velaryon#rhaena targaryen#baela targaryen#childbirth#fanfiction#angst#fluff
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Princess Rhaenys, I loved my husband, but I will speak the truth we both know. You should’ve been queen.
#userjoelle#ughmerlin#userbecca#userneve#userzoya#hotdedit#hotdcentral#houseofthedragonedit#rhaenystargaryenedit#fireandbloodsoure#targaryensource#gameofthronesdaily#house of the dragon#hotd#rhaenys targaryen#**gifs#I LOVE HER SO MUCH
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I also wanna point out that Rhaenyra’s council of advisors on Dragonstone are all men. She’s had 6 years to build a model of change on Dragonstone which should have reflected the change Team Black thinks she would have brought to Westeros but she just didn’t?
When the War starts and Rhaenys, Baela and Rhaena join her around the table, it’s not because Rhaenyra values women or sees their potential as advisors and politicians. it’s because she needs them, their dragons, the Velaryon fleet, resources they can gather her and their men and swords. And the twins only join to stand wordlessly next to Rhaenyra’s sons, to smile at them and make them feel important.
Rhaenyra isn’t a feminist and she wasn’t trying to change any woman’s lot in life. Rhaenyra just wanted that ultimate power for herself and there’s nothing wrong with that. There is nothing wrong with Rhaenyra OR Alicent as women craving power in the society they live within but I wish the writers and team black supporters would stop demonizing Alicent for it while praising Rhaenyra for the same thing. Framing Rhaenyra as some kind of a maverick and hero of the ages when she wasn’t that. Like Alicent or not, she was a better politician than Rhaenyra and she always was. Even as a teenager. Could be because they have different fathers, both are deeply flawed men and both doomed their daughters to the narrative respectively but Otto raised Alicent to know that she couldn’t navigate the world on privilege alone, so Alicent has had to use her brain and her words to work within the oppressive system she was born in. While Viserys always bailed his daughter out and coddled Rhaenyra to the point where it screw her and she makes these massive stupid decisions with the expectation that father and her family name will always be enough to turn the tide in her favor.
At the end of the day, Rhaenyra was a mediocre ruler. She was almost as lazy as Aegon. Can we all admit as team black or as team green and that color in the middle that fleeing to Dragonstone for 6 years and not making her presence a constant thing at court was S T U P I D. It was lazy. It was shortsighted. She expected things to just be presented to her while doing none of the work needed and in the end she fucked around and found out in a big way. On Dragonstone she had the opportunity to build a Kingdom for herself that could’ve reflected a change she wished to bring to all of Westeros. She should’ve been politicking her ass off and built a reputation in the 6 years that she ruled over Dragonstone but she sat on that Island comfortably and complacent. She did not show in any reasons why she should be Queen over Aegon’s King. If it was a question asked of her could she herself even answer with anything besides it’s her birthright and her father said she was to be Queen and he never wavered?
Even with all of Daenerys’s flaws and her failures, Rhaenyra is no Daenerys. She had no desire to liberate women. She saw no importance in the smallfolk.
Anon ,im so sorry i didnt answer earlier but i genuinely dont know what to add other than yes.
Honestly you do you and i respect that but i you have publish it on an account of yours i will reblog it to DEATH.
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Really?
I’m really tired of team black stans sending me anon messages about why I support team green and why I dislike Daemon, Rhaenyra, Rhaenys, Jacaerys, Lucerys and Cregan Stark. Especially Alysanne Blackwood.
The truth is I don’t like Daemon because he is a child groomer, Rhaenyra is an entitled spoilt brat, Jacaerys, and Lucerys are bullies who think they can get away with everything. Rhaenys is honestly tiresome along with Corlys.
Alysanne Blackwood committed war crimes, she attacked septs which by the laws King Jaehaerys enacted are protected by the crown. Therefore, Alysanne committed a serious crime but got away with it. Small wonder, a lot of the north houses weren’t fond of her.
In all honesty it would’ve been better for everyone, if Aegon II won and Rhaenyra accepted his terms in the first place. Rhaenyra should’ve known that she wouldn’t be accepted as queen and that she would eventually face consequences.
In the end, her bloodline led to the downfall of the Targaryens.
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one year ago since we were given rhaenys and meleys bursting through the ground instead of what should’ve been aegon AND helaena’s coronation, where alicent would’ve crowned her and called her “my queen” then aegon and helaena would’ve flown on sunfyre and dreamfyre.. i was so robbed.
#hotd#helaena targaryen#alicent hightower#aegon ii targaryen#i know we got alicent standing in front of a dragon for aegon but im still upset#we’re definitely getting aegon and sunfyre in s2 but idek if they’ll show helaena with dreamfyre at all#i need more helaena scenes before they take her away from me :(
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it is the seventh day of the seventh moon of the year —— happy nameday to princess rhaenys targaryen, our queen who should’ve been! ✧
#rhaenys targaryen#princess rhaenys targaryen#princess rhaenys#rhaenys targaryen the queen who never was#rhaenys tqwnw
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I consider Gael’s death one of the most suspicious ass shit for the crown to ever pull. Like AFTER Jaehaerys and Alysanne’s death was this all revealed? Did no one wonder where potential heir to the throne, direct daughter of the current king went? Did no one think “hey isn’t that too many suspicious deaths in a really short span of time” like many of us fans did??
And like, I get that spring sickness happened but somehow i suspect that that at this point the Targaryen Doctrine of Exceptionalism is well and truly settled enough that no one should’ve EVER believed that.
I definitely see how the Jaehaerys Did Something Theory is very plausible, but I’ll admit that I also consider that Alysanne’s support of Rhaenys leading her to likely going to Dragonstone which is why we don’t see any significant opposition to Aemma’s marriage in 93 AC may have set up a trend in Alysanne coming and going from Dragonstone whenever things got too tough for her to handle which meant leaving Gael behind without the level of care and caution she’s used to from those around her, a slightly more compelling story. Because this is what happens when you take a girl who is very used to be doted and taken care of by her mother and her mother alone only to be completely isolated in an environment hostile to her gender with only maybe Aemma to check up on her who is also 11.
Yeah especially with the “she died of a sickness” thing when Jaehaerys has been trumpeting his family being Above All That for years, for everyone to just swallow it is weird and weirder still that the truth eventually leaked out. like WHO LEAKED IT. WHY. there’s no way there weren’t a million conspiracy theories about it either!!!
and i definitely get your point about gael being left alone unsupervised, i just think that was more viserra & saera than gael - from how often she’s described as Alysanne’s pale shadow, her constant companion, sleeping in her bed, it’s very reminiscent of queen charlotte’s little “nunnery” of daughters - and their suitors were chased away specifically because of this environment. makes me feel like gael was the only real companion of Alysanne’s as she got older, and was being dragged from place to place - not “doting” so much as smothering, as with charlotte’s daughters. especially as alysanne aged and started forgetting people’s names and faces - she needs someone to look after her and it would be difficult to find a new person, so it might as well be her daughter.
for me, Jaehaerys Doing Something is interesting in part because of what it does to alysanne and her rationalizing away being groomed by her own brother, but also, it makes sense that she’d take this approach to her last child - after ignoring saera & viserra so much they start begging for negative attention until it leads to saera leaving & viserra dying, it makes sense to me that alysanne would overcorrect by smothering gael, and that just as her sisters chafe under the negative attention from their mother, gael chafes under the positive and constant attention from her mother, but no one would dare get close enough to offer her a marriage to escape. we already have a few stories where a girl in an environment that hates girls finds herself withiut her mother’s protection with the middle girls; for the youngest i think it makes sense that george would go for the idea that the monster alysanne’s girls ultimately needed the most protection from wasn’t an outsider, but the one in her home, sleeping in her bed.
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"I think that exchange when Alicent says to Rhaenys, looks her in the eye and says to her the truth about you should've been Queen, it should have been you and everybody knows it.
I think the fact that she sees Rhaenys, not only takes Rhaenys' breath completely away, but also I think it's the first time almost in her life really that she feels truly vulnerable and taken aback.
Because it's like Alicent has just spoken directly to her heart, in that moment it feels like the roles are completely reversed and Rhaenys is suddenly for a moment like a young child and it's really like Alicent is the only one who's seen her." - Eve Best for EW’s West Of Westeros
#my second favourite scene in this ep#my girl rhaenys is still holding in a good cry#someone give her a hug#princess rhaenys#rhaenys targaryen#rhaenys velaryon#rhaenys x corlys#alicent hightower#eve best#olivia cooke#house of the dragon#hotd#gif
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The Did That Award Goes to...
Rhaenys Targaryen, The Queen That Never Was (But should’ve always been).
#rhaenys targaryen#the queen that never was#integrity at its finest#shoutout to the non-oath breakers#house of the dragon#may the greens get what's coming to them
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Idk why but something about Corlys men and Rhaenys going to seal off the gullet tickles me. Rhaenys was so quick to be like “I’ll protect our men, on my joint mission with the hubby” 😭😭😂😂
In all honesty she should’ve probably gone to speak to the Baratheons as that is her family. It might have gone over better.
I love that the Velaryons go into that meeting and immediately take it over. There is no loss of power for them in that scene and once they're declared for Rhaenyra, they take charge. They hold the audience and the resources. It's basically Corlys's plan. And I love that Rhaenys is acting for herself and asks no permission. She's going. Does she ask the Queen for permission? No. Does she ask her husband for permission? Nope. In fact, from the look she gives him prior to looking over to Rhaenyra, I think it's not a prior discussion that they've had. It feels a lot more off-the-cuff, given that the plan is a result of Corlys's observations of the Painted Table, as much as his own knowledge of his Fleet's movements.
As for probably going to see the Baratheons? I actually disagree. I think she's far more suited to the task she gave herself. And I'll tell you why I think this:
There's nothing to indicate that she has any sort of relationship with Borros. She had a relationship with his dad but there's no reason to believe she had any sort of closeness to Borros or could demand anything of him that Luke couldn't. Borros doesn't reject Luke because he's a bastard, so I'm not sure how much actually sharing blood would sway him.
It's far less impressive for Rhaenyra to send Borros a "distant" relation of his to ask for his support, over the honour of a Prince of the Realm who is in line for the Iron Throne. It's also pretty obvious manipulation to send Rhaenys.
Rhaenys could not have done anything that Lucerys could not have done. She cannot make marriage pacts, she cannot do anything without the permission of the Queen. All she can do, as Lucerys does, is deliver the message, get an answer, and leave.
Meleys is far more useful deployed into the Gullet. She's a larger dragon, she can hold her own if (and it's a big if because there's only a small chance of this at this point) there are any hostiles in the area and she's the fastest dragon, which means she can gather intel and come back quickly. There are no other clear options to undertake this mission. Rhaenys also knows the Fleet well and as Lady Velaryon, can, to some extent, command respect and authority with the soldiers and sailors who make it up. Plus, she knows the waters and air.
Would Luke have lived? Sure, because he wouldn't have been there. But would Rhaenys have been any more successful in persuading the Baratheons to join? No. I don't think so. The reasons Borros accepted the Greens were political and prideful. Rhaenys could not offer a marriage pact and her presence might have been more galling to a man such as Borros. Not only would Rhaenyra have been assuming and demanding his allegiance, but she would have employed an "old woman", with no high standing in terms of the Iron Throne, simply because they had relations in common.
I think the right choice was made, even if it was a choice. After all, Rhaenys had her mission before Jacaerys even suggested sending dragons as envoys, and even before Lucerys was chosen to treat with Borros. What happened to Lucerys was not on Rhaenys.
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Even Dragons Grow Lonely (Aemond Targaryen x Cousin!Targaryen) Part 2
Summary: The capital mourns. Secrets lurk. Blood and fire join as one.
Warnings: Brief mention of bodies.
Word count: 3,870
Part 1 | Part 2
Even Dragons Grow Lonely Part 2
ALYSSA I
The bell toll for many things in King’s Landing. The rejoicing of a birth. The blessing of a wedding. A city under siege. Yet, I knew at this fateful hour of the night that something was wrong.
The city was rarely lively at this time: people from the capital roamed the streets with music and plays to be told of old Kings and their Queens, their dragons and their tales. A different scene to that of the day.
However, amidst the calmness on the streets, inside the Keep, turmoil reigned.
I had been awoken to it, mistaking it for a siege just outside my window, the sounds of cries and shouts, rushed footsteps moving all at once just outside my room, never ceasing.
I rushed out of my bed, running to the door. With a harsh tug on the heavy lead doors, they did not budge, solid and unmoved.
“What is going on out there?” My voice was oddly calm for the sounds of murmured voices and fleeting movement, moving at once just inches from outside my room. “Let me out this instance!”
My mind went to my grandmother; where had she been in this, escorted from her chambers? Whisked away before she could realise what was happening.
Curse the Gods, I should’ve taken the trip back to Dragonstone. To be away from this mess. Why did I accept staying in this city, wishing my sisters goodbye instead of going with them? I tried at the doors again. Once, twice, thrice. Nothing. The movement from outside never stilled, and voices ranged with confusion and panic rising. I did not need to know what had happened, incredibly so late into the night.
My shouts and cries were not answered, my thoughts racing as I imagined what would’ve been accepted of me. Rhaenyra would not be declared Queen, nor would she have been told of the news of her father’s passing. This was a ploy, acted by the Hightowers to win their petty game and seat Aegon as ruler.
Seafoam. Where are you? I wished I had been on her back, flying back to tell of the traitor’s schemes. They all were aware. I fumed. Otto, Alicent, Aegon, Aemond… did he care at all? Even after the kiss we shared?
I remembered his words: the way he caressed me, held me close to him as if it was only me there and nothing else in the world. “I swore it back then, and I swear it to you now. My Alys.”
“Liar.” I seethed. “You fucking liar.” I banged at the doors, screaming louder as my anger flourished, raw and flaming like dragon’s breath. I did not stop until my voice croaked and my fists ached. Liar. Liar. Liar. I had let my feelings loose, allowing them to be used against me like a foolish child.
My rage burnt until it ached in my chest, and I imagined how it would’ve felt to be atop Seafoam, burning the greens in their walls to the ground. How fitting: the Conqueror did it once. I could imagine it now: King’s Landing a smoking ruin, my stepmother atop the seat of the iron throne with the crown on her head.
If I did not burn King’s Landing, certainly Rhaenyra and father.
There were no bells to be rung, no mourners, no cries out. It would all be quietly decided until Aegon had the crown on his head. How would Rhaenyra react? Taking her dragon to the Keep to burn all inside? Her half-siblings, myself and Rhaenys included?
No, she would mourn, but she would not be so cold. A killer was one thing, but a Kinslayer was a fate worse than the Stranger’s touch. I have seen the Stranger more times than I can imagine. No more, not whilst the King is still fresh as a corpse.
All I could do was wait. Wait, and gave a quiet prayer to the Mother, praying for my family and those who would be lost for good.
AEMOND I
“Your father is dead. Aegon is now King.”
He was in the courtyard of the early hour when the news came for him to see his mother, hurried tones that grew muted in the air. Everything was so secretive that it had given no time for the one-eyed Prince to react.
Father is dead. How should he have felt? The man who had given him little to no attention since the time in the cradle, only doting on his eldest daughter from a previous marriage. He and his siblings were discarded for nothing, forgotten and only given the blessings and privileges that were normal for any Prince or Princess of the crown- honour and titles, wealth and riches beyond all of Westeros and Essos.
But not a father’s love.
He had found his mother, who had been more distraught than him; dressed in subdued green and her long hair dishevelled. She had not gotten much sleep, he noted, watching her movements silently. She had been muttering incessantly; how would Helaena know? How would the rivals react? He had been her rock this whole time, the steady calm when she needed to be away from Aegon and his vulgar acts that she and her father hid so very well. He did what he did best: hugging her how any child would, devotedly and silently, before he quietly drew the words he had been thinking since the news came from a dreaded tongue.
“What will we do with Rhaenys? And of Alyssa?”
“They have been kept to their chambers. It would be too risky to allow them out. Not until Aegon’s coronation in the morning.” His mother’s words were quick, hurried and jumbled, “We must, we must anoint him before news reaches Rhaenyra.”
Aegon didn’t deserve to be King, nor did Rhaenyra as Queen.
His mind was running with thoughts, not for his brother or his family, but for his Alys. What would they do with her if she didn’t do what the King and his grandfather asked? Aemond knew it would’ve been peace and allegiance to his brother, yet he knew it wouldn’t be so easy.
Not with Alyssa, his sweet Alyssa, fierce and stubborn and wilful. He would’ve laughed at the sight, imagining her now: more beast than human in chains. My Alys. Locked and bound like a little bird. It would not suit her well.
“Allow me to visit our guests, mother. I’m sure my cousin would need to know of the death of her uncle.” Aemond suggested, yet Alicent had twisted her head so sharply it looked as if it nearly snapped off. “Lady Alyssa is as wild as her father. No, leave the girl to me. I know of her reputation.”
There is no doubt she would already know. Aemond thought, though, his heart twisted at the mention of the words he spoke against her. The ones he only wanted in hopes of getting the approval from his mother to marry her. In hopes of getting her betrothed to call everything off. Now, it only seeped drama, its ugly head reared and moving from shadow to shadow with rumours for all to whisper.
“No, you must find your sister, and be kind and gentle to her with the news.”
“Of course, mother.”
-
ALYSSA II
My room was lit with light and deadly silent compared to the streets when the Dowager Queen slipped in.
Queen Alicent had looked more like a shell of her past self. The once righteous and confident woman now looked decrepit, exhausted and on the verge of madness. The green of her gown wanned her skin, and she looked sickly in the sight.
“My grandmother, where is she?” My words came as I approached hastily as if outweighing to shove past her and flee. No doubt her guards would be there, and her loyal dog, Criston Cole too. I had heard stories of the wedding to Rhaenyra and my uncle, Laenor; how he slayed his favourite knight and companion, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth like he was a butcher. The thought shuddered through me, imagining what he could do with little to no order from his owner.
“She is safe and fine, worried of you I have heard,” Alicent answered in a slow tone, though I could tell it hid the tiredness in her words. “It is not her who also asks for you, Lady Alyssa.”
I ignored her words, shaken and sure she was talking about a certain second son of hers. “I am fine, though I have not been informed of my uncle’s passing. Tell me, would it be easy to spread the word to the Queen who awaits her birthright?”
Alicent’s face paled visibly. “The King has been anointed in the Dragonpit in front of all those to see. It was your uncle, the King’s wish.”
I laughed too quickly. “Is that what he told you? Whilst you held the poison to his lips?”
Alicent surged towards you, anger flashing in her eyes. “You dare speak of the lies in your stepmother’s court? I do not know what your father whispers on Dragonstone, but I assure you, the King died in peace with those words on his tongue.”
My hands clenched into fists. “It couldn’t have been—Rhaenyra was his heir for the last twenty years.”
“He was adamant in his wishes.”
My head was pounding, my heart stammering in pain in my chest. This couldn’t have been. “What will you have of me then? Strung on the high walls for all to see?”
“That was what my father wished for, for all your family and the Princess,” my heart clenched. “But I have spoken with his Grace and have requested him to listen to my words and heed on the deaths of your family.”
“Requested? More like begged.”
The Queen’s lips flattened. “Until Princess Rhaenyra has sworn allegiance to her half-brother, the true King, you and the Princess Rhaenys will remain here in the Red Keep, protected and watched over, and so too your dragons.”
Protected is a pretty word for held hostage. I mocked. “And if she doesn’t?”
“What do you mean?”
“And when the Princess does not bow down to the King—and we both know she will not— what will you do when she arrives on dragon back, answer me that? Will you apologise with kisses and proclaim her the new ruler?”
Alicent laughed dryly. “It wouldn’t come to that.”
My mouth was dry when I continued to listen to her denial. “War has loomed for the last twenty years, your Grace. Plotting from yourself and your father to have Aegon as King, and the moment when everything falls perfectly in place, that is when the snakes lurch from the tall grass.”
Alicent’s chin jutted as before she spoke carefully. “War will not come to the realm, my lady. The realm has seen peace since the Conciliator. And Viserys made good work of keeping that until his final days. His son will continue what was set in stone.”
“Is that what you tell yourself? When not once had this happened before, to my grandmother when she was discarded for her sex. So too will Rhaenyra.”
Something flashed within her burning eyes, and in that moment, I knew she would say something outlandish. “It is the oddest thing, is it not? Had the Old King accepted the votes for your grandmother to be his next heir and allowed daughters to be as worthy as sons, so too would Laena have joined her as Princess of Dragonstone. And so too you.”
Had it been the warmth of power that surged in my chest? The prospect of being heir and Queen? In another lifetime, had the victors been so grateful? “Jaehaerys did not allow it then, and the men of the realm wouldn’t have either.” I laughed to ease the tension. “My uncle Laenor had always seen a better candidate than my mother.”
“How deemed fit would’ve you been as heir? As dutiful as the Old King? As wise as he or kind as his sister-wife? No doubt, if you had been his daughter and word came of this sin, your right as heir would have been broken, set aside for a younger brother.”
Heat rose so did my anger. “You are accusing me of such a crime? A crime that was so innocent of any child?”
“My son was a child too. I have no doubt it was easy to lure him.” She spoke of it matter-of-factly.
I scoffed. The pious and righteous Alicent. How you have fallen. “Aemond said it to mock my betrothed. We… I forgave him for his japes.”
She did not seem to accept my words. “Had it been fate, had I been as relaxed at accepting Jacaerys and Helaena in matrimony, the same could’ve been with you and Aemond, niece.” She stepped forth until I could feel the heat from her breath. “You have tainted yourself before I could call you my good-daughter.”
My hand twitched with the thought of unfurling a smack to her face, but I refrained when remembering the Kingsguard outside the doors. My fingers shook with wroth.
“Careful, Alicent. I may not be your niece through blood, but I am certainly my uncle’s kin, and certainly my father’s daughter. I do not wish to become an enemy of yours.”
“The court whispers of your acts, Alyssa. Word carries quickest, quicker than a raven.” She warned as if the hatred for me had been replaced with a motherly warning. “The mouths of court hold too many secrets to ruin one’s self. What would happen if the word spread past the capital? Beyond the lands of the realm and even across the Blackwater, towards the island, your betrothed awaits for your hand?”
I didn’t allow her to speak any further, pointing to the door. “Go, I’m sure you must attend to His Grace. He must need his mother in a moment of vulnerability and mourning.”
Alicent opened her mouth to speak but did not answer as she nodded solemnly. “The King will need an answer from you after his coronation. So too from your grandmother.”
“I’m sure he will. But I will not answer to no King. I await our true Queen.”
-
AEMOND II
“That foolish, foolish girl! She speaks more mindlessly than Aegon. How I wish I could—she is all her father, none of the lovely Laena remains in her compared to her sisters.”
Aemond had done what he did best, and in the years of being there as emotional support to his mother, he had grown good at staying silent and listening. And listening he did well.
He would’ve laughed at his cousin’s antics: even from young she had been the same, wild and untamed like the dragons on Dragonstone. He remembered her at her mother’s funeral: braver than her sisters regardless of the salt that she blinked from her eyes.
She had been anywhere but beside her sisters after the burial at sea, and it took most of the day to find her, only for her to be snuck grabbing the reigns of her then-young she-dragon, tears flowing from her eyes in an attempt to leave.
That day, even when her white curls had grown unruly from the wind and smoke, Aemond had thought she had looked beautiful.
No matter how hard she tried, Aemond knew that the girl was persistent to a cause, a fire and little to no salt of the sea in her blood. It had taken some futile attempts for her to release Seafoam, and they spent some rest of their time, beneath the bowels of Driftmark, speaking to one another as if long-lost friends reunited.
‘Maybe, if I fly back to Pentos, she will be there waiting for me.’
He had come to realise how much of his cousin was nothing like his older brother or nephews, nor did she mock him for being dragonless. ‘My mother did not get a dragon until she turned ten-and-five,’ She replied, wide-eyed and hopeful, ‘Vhagar became her mount. A dragon does not claim your worth.’
Aemond remembered the innocent kiss they shared, ignoring their families above them as they shared the peace of their family and house and spilt. In the end, it was a moment Aemond had missed from his troubled youth, not one of teasing and bullying, but of hope and childish purity.
Had his mother not been so blinded by bitterness, he could’ve married in, in their house they suited fit, and flee across the Narrow Sea to be rid of their family’s drama.
No, Aemond would have to make his own fate.
“Mother, allow me to speak with her. She is mourning just as we do,” he knew it had been a lie when only one of them was. “She is trapped here, away from her family and worries for her grandmother. Would it ease your qualms if I saw her?”
His mother dismissed it all the same with incessant worry. “No, the court hears too much, if they heard more—”
“Mother,” he quietly took her by the shoulders, squeezing them kindly. “She is my cousin, my own blood. We haven’t spoken since that day. It was I after all who apologised for offending her and her betrothed.”
Alicent didn’t seem to believe his words from the scepticism written on her face, but she sighed, hugging him to her. “My son, my lovely son. What carnage awaits us?”
“None if we keep the crown away from Rhaenyra.” He spoke adamantly. “Aegon will remain safe here.” And so too, my Alys. “No matter what I shall do to keep the city safe.”
-
He slipped in the cover of night, when the streets of King’s Landing were filled with mostly joy for the new King. The common people never knew of drama, nor the way it kept those trapped and had harboured chaos, yet Aemond could feel it all inside the Keep.
The bodies hung high for all to see: of minor lords and ladies who were foolish to not swear allegiance to Aegon and to stand in defiance for his half-sister instead. How foolish of them. He thought, if they were smart enough, they could’ve kept their lives. And their heads.
He had remembered where to find Alyssa’s room through the long halls, avoiding knights and guards patrolling as he slipped through the cracks of shadows, waiting before continuing his pursuit. He knew it was wrong what he had to do, but all he could think of was Alys. Would she think him a craven for breaking promises? He could not know, but he could only try, for her sake.
Her chambers he found with ease, slipping past through the doors before a guard could notice as they did their routine swaps throughout the night, quietly finding the room alit with light and little to no darkness.
That was when he heard movement, the shifting of clothing and rustling as someone shifted behind him, charging with speed. Even with one good eye, he managed to swing around to capture the person from moving, and apart from the candles in the room ceased to move.
He had forgotten all about the mourning, the deceit and trickery, not when he could feel how his heart felt ruptured and poured liquid fire inside him from the sight in front of him. “Alys.”
“Aemond.”
It was uncertain who had moved first, but in a heartbeat, he had been kissing her with a force that it nearly knocked her off her feet in a fleeting heartbeat. He cradled her, his fingers running through her white curls, tenderly cradling the sides of her face in an embrace he feared would make her break in his grasp.
It was only when he pulled away did he realise she had been trembling, tears biting at the corners of her eyes.
He held her close to keep her steady, and all feelings poured from his heart to hers. “Aemond… I-” She began but he silenced her fondly.
“I know,” he spoke when their lips parted. “But we have no time, we must leave.”
“What?”
“The city is not safe for either of us, and I do not think a war would be good for either of us,” Aemond spoke matter-of-factly, gathering a clock for her to put on, his own cloak guarding his face.
“But what about my grandmother, and Seafoam?”
“Wherever you go, they will follow,” he dragged her to a set of secret stairs from the back of her bedroom wall, ones he was told by Ser Erryk would lead him down to the outskirts of the city, albeit underground. “We must not waste time.”
“You mean to row us to Dragonstone?”
“No, Vhagar awaits by the shores. And we’re not going to Dragonstone yet. I promised you one thing, not before my mother could find out.”
“How—” Alyssa’s words jolted from her mouth, her eyes widening in the realisation of what he meant. “You mean it? Truly?”
“I will wed you, I promised you then. Not before some Velaryon brood of Vaemond’s can get their hands on you.” He pressed a chaste kiss to her lips once more. “We must make haste to Evenfall Hall.”
“Doesn’t House Tarth support your brother?”
“My grandfather believes the Evenstar of Tarth will support your stepmother.” Said Aemond. “He has not heard an answer from them as of yet.”
They didn’t speak for several minutes as they descended into the depths of the underground, dark and damp walls echoed their hurried footsteps as they rushed with certain worry, constantly looking back at themselves in fear of being followed or chased.
Once the caves opened and the banks of the Blackwater rush opened for them, Aemond took Alyssa over to Vhagar, sleeping soundlessly whilst the gulls and water swayed and crashed around her. “Hurry.” He motioned and Alyssa clambered up the rigging that got them up her back into the saddle, the One-eyed Prince hurrying.
Aemond climbed in front, grabbing the reigns as Vhagar began to groan back to life.
“Sōvētēs, Vhagar.” Aemond gave the command loudly, and the large she-dragon moaned as she rose from the sand covering her. Alyssa clutched to Aemond from behind, not used to the size compared to Seafoam not even half Vhagar’s size.
With a loud cry into the sky, Vhagar set off down the bank, slowly and clambering off the ground as she slowly and awkwardly soared into the skies. The wind whipped up in Alyssa’s face, higher and stronger than any dragon she had been on before, Vhagar could still fly with no issues despite her age and speed.
“What will Rhaenyra think when she hears of us married?” Alyssa muttered once the steadiness of the air had settled.
“It will not be up to her or my mother what they think,” Aemond spoke. “They can keep at their war. I am done playing to everyone’s weaknesses.”
“Husband does have a good ring to it,” Alyssa settled in cuddling into Aemond’s back, wrapping her arms around his slim waist. Aemond gave a chuckle. “Anything for you, wife. Anything to keep you safe.”
-
A/N:
I imagine the end would be Aemond and Alyssa marrying in secrecy and fleeing to somewhere in Essos, like Pentos or Lys-- maybe even for shits and giggles to find Alyssa's great aunt Saera. I wasn't planning on making any more chapters, but I wanted to make a second part of the first chapter. I hope you liked it as much as I did.
#aemond targaryen#aemond one eye#Aemond the Kinslayer#aemond x fem!reader#hotd aemond#targaryen!reader#targaryen!oc#female oc#aemond targaryen x oc#house of the dragon fic#house of the dragon
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I'm curious what do you think about Rhaenys as a character and moreover her relationship with Rhaenyra? I have my own thoughts on it but I just wanted to know your.
I like Rhaenys. In fact she’d be my favorite Targaryen woman, however, she’s too passive. Her going along with her grandfather and supporting Viserys and then Rhaenyra was utterly stupid.
Yes she voiced her anger with being passed over for uncle, but she really should’ve fought for her claim. After King I only support men Jaehaerys I named Baelon heir she should have gone back to Driftmark and started making strategic alliances with different houses. She already had House Velaryon(the richest house) and House Baratheon on her side plus a dragon.
I believe that if she had done this she could’ve been gathered enough support to sway the vote in her direction during the Great Council. The Dance could have possibly been avoided.
I mean she was the only one real dragonrider during that time and she had two kids she could’ve offered up to get some other major houses to support her (it’s not like she had a lot of qualms offering up her twelve year old daughter a fully grown man 🤷🏽♀️).
She obviously didn’t do the above so her siding with Rhaenyra and getting herself killed in the process(she should’ve never gone to Rooks Rest with zero backup especially after seeing what happened to Luke) is no surprise.
These complaints are moreso directed at book!Rhaenys so let me take the time to say that show!Rhaenys is somehow even more an clown than book!Rhaenys.
If I suspect my daughter in law of killing my son(after my daughter just died so I’m already grieving) there is no way in hell I’m going to let my granddaughters marry her bastards and go along with her ruling what should have been my throne.
Rhaenys should’ve hoped on Meleys and burned both Rhaenyra and Daemon(😭), told Corlys (lovingly of course) to get his act together and name Rhaena his heir, then gone to Kings Landing and burned King Crusty(it’s not like his a** can run that far🤣), and declared herself queen and Baela her heir(Team Green can be thrown a bone and one of the boys could be her prince consort).
This obviously isn’t realistic(and it could never have happened because the show is based off of the events from the book), but her supporting Rhaenyra when she suspects her of killing Laenor makes zero sense whatsoever.
Anyway, I do love Rhaenys, but she’s a bird who like Rhaenyra doesn’t learn and ends up getting herself killed (and to add insult to injury one of her husbands bastards inherit what should’ve been her granddaughter’s seat and said bastard treats her terribly🫠)🕊️
#she took a lot of L’s and won nothing in the end#rhaenys the queen who never was#bnask#rhaenys targaryen#bnhotdcommentary#bnasks
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Alicent: you should’ve been queen instead as you’re the rightful heir and viserys wasn’t, it was all so misogynistic fr
Rhaenys: …
Alicent: so can you support me putting my son up for the throne despite his older sister being the rightful heir or nah
#hotd#house of the dragon#hotd alicent#alicent hightower#hotd rhaenys#princess rhaenys#rhaenys velaryon
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