#nettles x baela | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

princesssszzzz · 1 year

Text

Agony & Amor Chapter 5

Rhaemond Harry Potter AU

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4

“Merbun.” Garmund said the Valyrian word slowly and sounded it out for her. They had been going over common phrases for 20 minutes.

Rhaena paused to look at her notes before answering.

“Ok Merbun means....I’m hungry?”

“Correct.” the professor nodded his head before crossing out their last word for the day.

Thinking of endless possibilities to show off her new knowledge once she got back home, Rhaena was beaming.

“So, we’ll pick back up after our holiday break with locations.” Garmund smiled proudly before standing up.

Every now and then, Rhaena reminded herself to flutter her lashes at him. She had the man wrapped around her finger and it did wonders for her exam scores. Minor mistakes in her papers were ignored. The best part about it, he promised to send a letter to her father expressing how great of a student she was. But Rhaena’s glee was short lived when Garmund glanced behind her.

“Cousin!” Garmund exclaimed and looked cheerful while Rhaena turned to see Aemond with an irritated appearance.

“I was just finishing up with Rhaena. Did you need something?”

Aemond’s face didn’t budge and he stared at the both of them, looking angrier than usual.

“Hmm.”

Garmund excused himself to go into his office and finish up grading assignments. Rhaena sighed, understanding Aemond at this point and how he would conduct himself. She didn’t want to embarrass him, so she said nothing and waited. They stared at each other for what felt like hours, and Aemond’s expression almost gave away his disturbance that she didn’t shy away.

She cleared her throat and raised her head higher, trying to match the much taller man when he finally spoke.

“I’m sure you enjoyed the little show you were given.” Aemond squinted his eyes. He was watching her closely, trying to see if she would reveal any pleasure she might have thinking back to his mutilation being exposed.

She couldn’t help but feel bad for him.

“Aemond.” Rhaena paused before responding, thinking of what she should say. She could humiliate him, bring up what she saw and tell him how revolting it was to look at. That would be a lie on her part, but she wasn’t opposed to telling a tall tale if she had to. She could be the old her, fall to her knees and tell him how bad she felt. Rhaena could give Aemond all her pity and cry for him. But she decided to do neither.

“Did you need something?” She raised one eyebrow and cocked her head, anticipating his retort.

“This is what you do now? Debasing yourself because you couldn’t do it on your own volition?”

Rhaena smiled softly, not interested in hearing another one of his tirades or a morality lecture. “My dear beloved cousin, you couldn’t possibly be upset that my marks in this class could rival yours one day.” She made sure to finish with a heavy dose of lash fluttering. Not being too obvious when asking, she’d steered a conversation with Garmund towards him telling her the highest grade in the class. She knew it was Aemond’s.

His remaining eye opened wide, shocked that she dared to compare herself to him.

“Rivaling me? I could laugh at your audacity. You're whoring yourself around my cousin and gods knows what other professors. I know what you're up to.” He looked her up and down, not wanting her to miss his disgust and disapproval.

“Wait until I tell my mother about this and I can’t wait to notify your father. You know what you're doing Rhaena, and I’m sure my uncle will appreciate me informing him of his daughter’s doings. Your sister might think the best of you now but- ”

His voiced raised the more he spoke, and Rhaena moved to cut him off. She stepped closer, her head only reaching his shoulder.

“So, what happened to your eye?” She stood on her tippy toes to get a clear look at his disfigured scar. Rhaena’s nose almost touched his and Aemond staggered back. His irritated expression returned as he gathered himself.

“What are you doing with Garmund?”

She crossed her arms. “Why do you care? My class score is getting better. Shouldn’t you be happy I'm doing my part to uphold our family's reputation?” She looked down, feigning a somber face. “You wouldn’t want me to fail, would you?”

Aemond shook his head, annoyed with her theatrics. “I’m telling uncle Daemon Rhaena. You know he’ll be disappointed you couldn’t do it on your own. First you go to Hufflepuff and now you do this.”

“Ok, well go ahead and tell him.”

He gave her a curious look, wondering why she was testing him. Rhaena smiled, knowing Aemond, he would take the bait.

“When you tell my father about what I’m up to, then I’ll tell your mother that you lied about how you lost your eye.”

His brow furrowed and Aemond looked astonished, but surprisingly to Rhaena, he just laughed.

“What are you talking about?” He lowered his voice and Rhaena could only smile at his poor attempt at faux confusion. “That’s just bollocks.”

“I know you Aemond. You’ve gone around lying about losing your eye in some kind of quidditch duel.” She lifted her finger to trace the mark as she spoke. “I know you like the back of my hand. This clearly didn’t come from a quidditch incident and I'm sure a perfectionist like you couldn’t have been maimed like this.” Aemond grabbed her wrist, pulling her hand away from his face and they both ignored the sound of students piling into the halls. Any minute, Garmund’s 2nd year class would be entering.

Rhaena wanted to see who would break eye contact first and to her surprise, it was Aemond. He looked livid. “I don’t know what you're talking about.” He took a deep breath and let go of her hand, turning and leaving before she could say anything else. She couldn't help but think all he’d done was confirm her suspicions. Before Rhaena only had a theory, now his reaction let her know for sure that he lied to their family.

She decided to herself that for now, she would keep this to herself.

Daeron’s hand slammed down and Baela almost spit out her pumpkin juice laughing.

“You cheated!” Jace rolled his eyes, waving off his uncle. Every arm-wrestling contest he lost, it was always attributed to unfair play.

“Maybe stick to wandering around on your broom.” Daeron snorted before turning his attention to Corwyn sitting next to him.

Rhaena entered the dining hall, approached Jace and he rolled down his sleeve smirking at her.

“What’s that face about?” He raised one eyebrow, studying her.

“What face?” A mix of curiosity and the alarm of getting caught ran up her spine. While she enjoyed her recent activities, her siblings finding out was the last thing she wanted. No amount of explanations and tears would get her out of trouble if Jace told her father anything. Even if she had dirt on Jace the way she had on Aemond, she would never threaten him with it.

If he found out about Garmund, the worst would be the embarrassment. They were all under the impression that Rhaena was a goody two shoes and she needed it to stay that way.

She gave a shy smile when Baela scooted over, giving her room to sit. “Not making any face, I’m just thinking.”

They both stared at her, looking even more inquisitive and Rhaena yielded. Eventually, she or Aemond would have to explain their behavior towards each other. She might as well get ahead of it and keep them from sniffing her trail.

“Just a little spat with Aemond is all, not a big deal. You know how he gets in those moods sometimes.” They would know if she lied, so it was better to tell a half truth. She reached for the fruit on the table, pretending to be calm and distracting.

Jace gave up analyzing her, realizing she wasn’t going to continue with her explanation.

“Well, if he’s being a twat he needs to stop and be nice.” His words dripped with his familiar temperamental tone and Rhaena knew she would have to do more later to keep them tranquil.

“Exactly, he’s off his rocker if he wants to be cheeky with you, I'll just have to kick his ass”

Baela flipped her curls and stood, kissing her sister on the forehead. “I would hate to have to break his legs, that’s a real inconvenience for me.” Her laugh faded as she walked away from them, heading off to class.

Jace watched Baela leave, waiting until she was out of sight before turning back to Rhaena. The best of luck for her, he seemed to have quickly forgotten their discussion from seconds ago. He lifted himself up from sitting before tapping Daeron and leaning towards Rhaena.

“Listen.” They both looked ready to laugh at his dramatics when he whispered to them. “You see that girl over there?”

Rhaena turned to see a wave of students, and looked at Daeron who looked equally confused.

Jace shot them both a look before pointing a finger, “Look the tall girl over there.”

They turned again to find a slim girl with brown curls falling into her face. She was standing in the midst of Ravenclaw students chatting.

Daeron looked for a second before turning back to Jace. “What about her?”

With a mischievous smile, Jace leaned in closer before looking to the end of the table at Cregan.

His next whisper was even quieter, trying not to be overheard. “I’m gonna set them up.”

Daeron let out a snort alongside Rhaena’s giggle. “Who is she and why would you do that?”

Jace let out an exasperated sigh, frustrated at their lack of understanding.

“I’m going to practice later. That girl, Netty, I told her that Cregan fancies her and I’ll tell Cregan that she fancies him.” He glanced back towards Cregan, “You know how he is with girls, he wouldn’t miss a chance with a Prefect like her. He’ll ask her to the ball.”

Rhaena continued her giggling when she bit into an apple. She knew why Jace was so invested despite not being interested in the dance. To her, it was entertaining.

“Why do you even care who he goes with?” She decided to feign ignorance to keep the entertainment going.

Jace sat back down and leaned back with a serious expression. “I need him to stay away from Baela.”

After an eruption of laughter from Daeron, Jace got up grabbing his bag and parchments. “You can laugh and be the jester is you wish, but I’m completely determined.”

Rhaena and Daeron shared Jace’s master plan with Corwyn while they ate. The most amusing part was thinkng of all the ways they were sure Cregan would get rejected. Even with him being a Quidditch Captain and worshipped among Gryffindors, the other houses simply saw him as a jockish athlete.

They got up walk to class and Rhaena’s curiosity peaked when Corwyn spoke.

“Daeron, will you really not go to the ball?”

Daeron stared ahead while they were walking, but Rhaena could see a flush creeping up his face. He smiled softly and shook his head, wanting his wavy bangs to fall into his face.

“I told you already I’m not going.” He swiveled his head, looking around the halls and his eyes searching. Rhaena was always intrigued by Daeron’s mystifying ways. He was such a simple boy, but still she never knew what he was thinking.

“Come on cousin, don’t be a bugger. Don’t you want to have fun and listen to the crud band?”

“Nope.” He patted her arm, quickly walking away from them and down the hall. “Gotta go, I’m late to class!”

All she could do was shrug and move on. Rhaena and Corwyn headed back to their Ancient Valyria class, not wanting to investigate what’s going on with Daeron.

“What about you Rhaena?”

“What about me?” She knew he was asking about the upcoming ball, but she’d hoped he wouldn’t ask her. Corwyn was a comfort, a sweet guy but as much as she liked spending time with him, she wasn’t interested. Her thoughts drifted back to Aemond when they neared the class door, and stopped in the doorway when Corwyn turned to her.

“I haven’t heard that anyone asked you yet. Well, I was hopi-”

Almost as if Rhaena had accidently manifested or casted a spell on Corywn, he was cut off. His body was flung into the large door, head smacking loudly into the edge. Rhaena gasped, while she could hear the other students laughing at Corwyn’s mishap.

He grabbed the door to keep himself from falling and heaved a breath at being suddenly propelled. Taken aback, Rhaena moved to grab Corwyn’s arm and help him get his balance.

“Are you ok?”

He straightened, giving her a sheepish smile.

“I’m fine.”

She walked him to their seats and sat down, Corwyn still shaken. The lump already growing on his forehead was a dark red. Even worse was the redness already on his face from their classmates who stared at him, still giggling.

“You should go to the Matron and get that checked out, it could be serious.” She tried to reach for the wound but he waved her off.

“No, it’s fine really I’m just clumsy.” Rubbing his head, he opened his book to prepare for class when Rhaena reached over to shut it.

“Corwyn your hurt, go make sure your head is ok,” She gave him a warm smile when he nodded. Rhaena also secretly wanted him to leave the room, knowing that he was embarrassed from the students gawking at him.

He grabbed his belongings before going to the front of the class to inform Garmund that he was leaving. Rhaena could see the professor with a worried expression and nodding his head as Corwyn showed his head. Garmund wrote out a pass and handed it to Corwyn and he turned to leave class, passing Aemond as he scurried out.

Stalking inside the classroom, Aemond walked in wearing a self-satisfied grin. He twisted his head at Rhaena before smiling wider and looking back to where Corwyn had exited. She gaped at him, watching intently as he sat in his chair, greeting the other Slytherin students before glancing back at her. She wanted to pierce him with her eyes, but all should could do in stare at him in shock.

Rhaena never even had the chance to throw a biting comment to him. Instead, she sat, opened her book and waited for the lecture to start. Taking deep breaths to calm herself, she started wondering what spells she could use in retaliation.

19 notes · View notes

emilykaldwen · 2 months

Text

Fic Recs!

I decided to grab a few fics that I was recently introduced to as well as fics I haven't seen get a lot of traction in the space. This is just a personal list that I wanted to share!

@corporalicent's Rhaenicent Fics at AO3 - Cata is a beast when it comes to writing this ship (as well as other fandoms!) and has some really creative AUs out there: I mean come on: Nun!Rhaenyra and Novice!Alicent? We're here for that!

@lullaebies GenderSwapped!Green Kids AU Protector of the Realm on AO3 - So Helaena is now the only *son* of Viserys and Alicent, and Aegon/Aemond/Daeron were born girls. How intriguing is that! They are on a break for right now but go give that fic a look! Not to mention they write Aegon III/Jaehaera content that I just think is chef's kiss.

@dragonsoftheeast Firebender!Targaryen/No Dragons Dance AU Fire Made Flesh on AO3 - Um Hi, Helaena being the one to lose the eye? Actual good political matches. Unparralelled usage of High Valyrian and Valyrian Culture world building???? Sign me the fuck up! Dote is an amazing crafter of such a unique and fantastic canon divergence and I am constantly surprised more people aren't squealing about this amazing story that packs in so many twists and turns and is truly so thoughtful.

@theothermaidoftarth writing some Baela/Daeron and is currently working on Nettles/Cregan check out Song for Evermore on AO3 - Rare Pairs are a precious thing in any fandom and my girl is killing it with some fascinating ideas and utterly fantastic characterizations. We love IC AUs!

@gwenllian-in-the-abbey is leading the Baela/Aegon ship with her solo fic All Kings Are Beautiful on AO3, an 'Aegon was named heir' AU, as well as her other co-written work - Gwen's work reads like a historical fiction novel and that's really my favorite kind of thing. I haven't been able to read everything she's done but man, the nuance! The stakes! the ideas! She brings what I love to call an Old School A Song of Ice and Fire fic vibe to HotD space and I mean this with the highest of praise.

@selfproclaimedunicorn is writing Sins of the Father on AO3 because what if Rhea and Daemon actually had some kids but things still went sideways? - HELLO! MISA? Misa's talent for burying her fingers into every character we see and pulling out all the bits and bobs that make them tick? Is just.. I want to write this well when I grow up. The way she has seamlessly altered canon to the point where I'll see gifsets of scenes and go 'Where are Yorick and Ella?'. Also she has an Alicent x OC fic, and I would lay my life down for Aldreda Farwynd, my tall seal mommy.

@mimikoflamemaker is writing Daemon centric OC fic the False Dragon on AO3 - I haven't been able to dive into this yet but have talked fic and plotting with Justine. Their passion for the source is palpable and her creative ideas deserve to reach more people! Vaerra and Elyas are fascinating OCs with intriguing connections that you do not want to miss!

@jotterjots / @bronzefuryfic is also writing a 'What if Daemon and Rhea had a daughter' AU, Bronze Fury both on tumblr and AO3 - JJ is a real one and I always enjoy her insights. I actually had NO IDEA! that she was writing fic but from what I've read, it looks fantastic!

@acrossthesestars is writing Haunt Me, an Aemond War Bride AU that has me by the throat on AO3 - It's not a list without mentioning this amazing fic that's almost to the finish line. Alex's command of conflict and characterization where characters are allowed to be imperfect is something more of us need to dive into! We love a byronic lead in Aemond where all his edges and issues are fully acknowledged, a wily and fantastic female lead in Wylla Karstark, and just an overall amazing AU where these characters are clawing for their happy ending.

@branwendaughterofllyr is writing a 'What if Vizzy and Daemon's youngest brother lives and has a daughter' AU, A poison Tree on AO3 - I haven't been able to dig into this yet but it's just such a fascinating and original concept to make this Dance make a little more sense, and bring more high stakes. She's a long time ASOIAF writer who is passionate about the source material and here to show you what this world can be. Do go check her work out!

#house of the dragon #hotd fanfic #hotd fic #fic rec #wanted to spread the love around and put my actions to my words here

83 notes · View notes

ride-thedragon · 8 months

Text

Though I don't like ship policing, I'm going to put this out here and leave it alone. Before anyone starts conceptualizing Jace x Nettles Fanfics, if it starts to sound like Jace could be Daniel in once on this island, cut it out.

I need us to be a bit more original than Some Girls.

We already have a Nettles infantalization thing going on. Let's be original and think of new dynamics.

Maybe she doesn't talk to anyone but the servants and that entices him to talk to her.

Maybe she's annoyed by his constant correction when training.

Maybe she brings him into the fold with the other seeds by teaching him things they would've learned growing up

Her and Baela can be really close and that causes tension in a budding romantic relationship between them.

Anything but a Forever Yours x Some Girls x When we are Wed dynamic.

Make them a throuple before resorting to that please.

Also, Nettles is older than both of them. She's only younger than Ulf and Hugh, basically and all the Green boys but Daeron. She's grown.

#hotd #house of the dragon #nettles #nettles asoiaf #netty #jacaerys velaryon #baela targaryen #jace x nettles #nettles x jacaerys #nettles x baela #nettles crackships.#and now we wait #y'all don't leave much room for hope #nettles crackships

6 notes · View notes

bohemian-nights · 15 days

Note

ok a personal head canon that I have is that Baela and Nettles actually get pretty close during the dance, and Baela (who is missing her sister and her family is barely around) opens up to Nettles especially after she asks Nettles about her past (and her scar) and she tells Nettles about the last years she had with her mother, specifically how her mother was treated by Daemon towards the end of her life [this is geared more towards the shows version of Daemon and Laena's relationship] Nettles feels sorry for how Laena was treated and how she felt as though she was just a place holder for Rhaenyra.

Later when Daemon takes more interest in Nettles when they're in Maidenpool Nettles recalls how Laena was treated by Daemon just because he couldn't have Rhaenyra and she gets the idea that Daemon is just using her because he's away from Rhaenyra and Rhaenyra is too engaged in the war to... give him attention. So now Daemon has to prove that Nettles isn't just a temporary replacement for Rhaenyra (and get a chance to prove that he did value and love Laena instead of just having her as a place holder) which is why he starts giving her specific that show how much he pays attention to her.

This is beautiful and what the show-runners should do(Ryan Condal take notes)👏🏽

#like you guys can seriously write a more coherent plot than the ones in charge of the shit show #bnasks #bnask #nettles #daemon targaryen #daemon targaryen x nettles #baela targaryen #laena velaryon

14 notes · View notes

sunfyresrider · 1 year

Text

OBSESSION

Synopsis: You were sent to the Vale when the war started and once it ended you were stuck. A proposal was quickly made between you and Lord Arryn as payment for your stay. The new king wouldn't allow this... By any means necessary you would be his.

pairing: Aegon II Targaryen x Reader warnings: Dark!Aegon ish, obsessive tendencies, murder, smut, all that fun stuff! word count: 8k note: I'm so sorry it took me so long to finish but your request is here @slayhousehightower <3 Also many many thanks to @annikin-im-panicin for helping me write this dialogue. She is an insanely talented writer, and you should check out her fics!

In the year 131 AC King Aegon II Targaryen successfully burnt his half-sister, the pretender queen, alive in the courtyard of Dragonstone. The war was won but not without great costs to house Targaryen. All of the dragons were dead, except Silverwing who disappeared into Maiden pool, Sheep stealer who flew off with Nettles on his back, and Princess Rhaena’s newly hatched pink dragon. Not only were mostly all the dragons gone but their riders as well.

Only one child remained of Rhaenyra Targaryen, the little prince Aegon. Baela and Rhaena remained but Corlys had been executed along with Larys Strong for an attempt on the king’s life. Aegon himself remained, half of the man he once was. He was burnt, broken but luckily his legs and cock still worked.

King Aegon had sacrificed his entire family for the throne. Both his brothers had died for him, his wife took her own life after her two young sons died. His little princess Jaehaera and mother were all that remained. You were another thing he did not sacrifice, he shipped you off to the Vale to be away from the war.

His kingdom did much better than expected after some tragedy. The young king matured into an almost decent one with the help of his council. Smallfolk and lords alike were quickly rebuilding and repopulating their small kingdoms. In honor of this, a grand ball was to be held. to help him find a match for little Aegon, to find if Jaehaera fancied anyone other than her dolls, and to perhaps see you once again.

He did try to summon you back home almost immediately, but it wasn’t safe enough yet for his little bird. You were tucked away safely in the mountains far away from harm's way… Aegon wanted his children to go with you, but the gods had other plans.

Your relationship wasn’t anything out of the ordinary to outsiders. You were the child of King Viserys’s sister, who tragically died trying to birth your brother. After her death, you were adopted into his home. Mainly out of guilt he forced her to marry and move far away from her family. He blamed himself as he did with Aemma.

You were raised alongside Aegon and though to onlookers you never seemed close, he thought otherwise. Perhaps, it was a bit obsessive how he felt, a little wrong to anyone on the outside. He had a wife and yet he only ever yearned for you. Aegon craved you like he did wine, an addiction that he couldn’t be satisfied without.

He never did get you. It wasn’t because he didn’t want to, it was because you were too dear for him to sully. Instead, he sullied whores who resembled you. It worked until his wife died and he needed another heir. You were unmarried, only because the war started right as you turned of age to be wed and bedded.

You were finally, in the eyes of the kingdom, ready to be his. He had waited for this moment since you were teens. Aegon watched you carefully growing up, kept his distance as best he could. The restraint it took him not to succumb to his desires and ravish you was impossibly difficult.

Every time you approached him his mind raced with wondrous fantasies. Your sweet voice carried like a song, which is why he called you little bird. Your long hair flowed perfectly to your waist and smelled divine. Not sweet like vanilla, sweet like a bouquet of flowers. Sometimes he would purposely stand close behind just so he could be surrounded by your scent.

Your face was truly a sight to behold, so beautiful yet so unaware of it. You were almost of perfect northern beauty, except for the pale blue eyes of your mother that bore into the soul of everyone who caught your gaze. Aegon never quite got the chance to truly see your body, without a doubt you were shorter than him and so very small. He feared if he touched you, you might break into pieces.

The feel of your delicate hands touching him was seared into his mind forever. You rarely touched but one day he had the opportunity to escort you to dinner and the feel of your soft hands on his arm nearly made him crazy.

You didn’t have the traditional Targaryen looks, you resembled more of your father’s family. He loved that about you, the way you were opposite to him in everything. Where he was wanton and wicked you were kind and pure. Not too pure, occasionally he would peek in through the cracks of your doors and see you attempting to ease the ache between your legs. You obviously didn’t understand it because you never succeeded, he vowed to help you with that one day.

Your chest was not as small and delicate as the rest of you, though it was not huge like the whores on the street. Occasionally, when the weather got hot and you wore lighter clothing, he could see your breast barely peek out of the top of your corset.

Another thing to drive him mad, if he could see it so could any other vile man. You didn’t realize how perfect you were, you didn’t realize you caught the gaze of every person with a cock. He could kill them now though, so it didn’t matter as much but back then. Oh, he would be practically fuming inside his chambers. The mere thought of another man hearing your laugh, smelling your scent, seeing your gaze, feeling your touch, or worst of all fucking you made him want to burn the entire kingdom down.

This was all in the past though, now that he was king no man would come near you or so he thought.

Your time in the Vale was comforting even though there was a literal war happening around you. Of course, you cried for the dead and the destruction that was caused to the realm, but it had been a few years. Things had started to look up for the kingdom with the new king.

That was something you wished to brag about but didn’t. Your friend was king, and he wasn’t as terrible a ruler as everyone thought! It was nice to hear that Aegon, the once wastrel, had grown into a good man. You desperately missed your family that you would never see again… You may not ever see Aegon again and though you weren’t close you considered him a friend. In your mind, the war wasn’t truly worth it and choosing sides is why everything fell apart so quickly.

It wasn’t time to dwell on the past. There were better things happening in your life that took your full attention. The Vale had almost fully become your home and everyone around you was so nice. Especially the heir, Ser Joffrey Arryn who recently succeeded Jeyne after her death. It didn’t come as a surprise you were betrothed shortly after his accession.

He had spent the most amount of time with you and fawned over you like no other. At first, you thought you would hate the prospect of marriage and your husband, but you came to enjoy him. He wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, no defining traits to make him special but he was kind and gentle. Joffrey was also a good warrior so you would always be protected.

Today wasn’t any different from most days. You were in your own world as you strolled around the Eyrie. It got quite chilly up in the mountains, but it didn’t bother you as much. To be honest, it reminded you of your old home when you were a child, and your mother was still alive.

Before you could dwell on the past for too long a hand touched your shoulder catching your attention. “Lord Joffrey,” you breathed out in shock. He grinned, “apologies for startling princess. I have word from King’s landing I thought you’d like to hear.” Your smile grew bright at the idea Aegon had summoned you home. “Yes please, if it wouldn’t bother you.” He chuckled slightly, “no need to be so polite we’re betrothed now.”

Ah yes, it slipped your mind for a moment. “Of course, my apologies.” Joffrey took your hand in his, “The King sends a royal invitation to the Maiden’s Day ball. The young prince Aegon, the king and princess Jaehaera are all looking for potential suitors.” It wasn’t a direct summon nor was it really a summon at all. Maybe you weren’t friends as it seemed, they did leave you in the Vale for three years. “Will we be attending?”

“Only if you wish it, princess.” The title of princess didn’t suit you very well. You were merely a daughter of a dead king’s sister. “Don’t call me that, you know my name.” He patted your hand, “Ok y/n, do you wish to attend?” You hadn’t been back to King’s Landing in such a long time. Not only that but all those you once called family or friends were gone. Except Aegon but you doubted he really remembered you at all. Being back might bring forth some unwanted memories… unwanted feelings.

“Do you think there will be lemon cakes?” Joffrey laughed at your simple yet undeniably love for cakes. There weren’t any lemon cakes in the Vale, so the chance to taste them again was the driving factor in returning. “Absolutely, those are most ladies' favorites.” You nodded, mostly to yourself, “We should attend then!”

“Do we know who all will be attending?” The king spoke to his new small council. It was made up of both blacks and greens, though he never quite was able to fully trust the ones who pledged against him in the war he allowed them to live. A merciful act to make him look better than he actually was. “Many great houses will be attending… Baratheon, Bolton, Redwyne, Royce, and even the daughters of Pentos, Lys, Myr….” He completely zoned out as the names were being listed and none of them sounded like the Vale. “What of the Eyrie? Will they be presenting any maidens?”

The council members glanced at each other and thought to themselves. “I believe the new Lord Arryn will be coming with his betrothed, but we hadn’t heard word otherwise.” So, you weren’t coming after all, he would just have to send you a personal invitation then. Never in his life had he met a woman so hard to get a hold of. “Your cousin, your Grace.” His attention peaked again, “what of her?” The master of coin raised a brow at him, “If you meant to ask about your cousin. Y/N is Lord Arryn’s betrothed so she will be attending.”

He felt his stomach clench, his nerves run through with an all-consuming dread. No dread wasn’t enough, it was more than that. He felt numb, his body tingling with the feeling. Not rage, no envy, no fury. Just this feeling of overwhelming helplessness. The sounds around him were all muffled, all he could hear was ringing. The sounds of wedding bells, the most disgusting sound he ever heard.

The wicked king, that’s what the whispers said about him and oh he could show them how wicked he truly was. “Who allowed this to happen?!” The room went dead silent as the members stared in disbelief. “Uh…your grace, it was a decision made by the lady Jeyne during the war. We had no part in it.” That fucking cunt. “As king, I should be the one making the decision on who my kin wed.”

That wasn’t necessarily true at all. In fact, it would be considered a payment for letting her stay there for so long. It simply wouldn’t fucking do. “I believe that is something we should discuss with the lord himself, your grace.”

“That we shall.”

The Maiden’s Day ball was truly an event for all ages it seemed. Thousands piled into the streets and keep of King’s Landing. All of whom were vying for the love of the king or young prince. Many women may not even be here by choice, their greedy fathers simply wished to use them as a pawn for power.

It was too crowded, far too crowded for your liking. The dress you wore wasn’t even that heavy and yet it felt like it was on fire. You were one of the lucky ones who arrived a week early, after a personal invitation from the king who demanded you visit prior to the affair.

Your nerves were completely shot to say the least. You never did enjoy large crowds or grandiose affairs. It was a struggle when your carriage pulled into the courtyard and instantly was swarmed by a welcome party of guards, a very “warm” welcome indeed. They opened the carriage door in a hurry and rushed you out. One grabbed you by the arm and the other snatched up Lord Arryn. There was a bit of resistance, but it failed as the guard said it was simply to protect you both from the large crowds.

It felt like whiplash how quickly you were pulled out and into the keep and thrown into a room. Not literally thrown but the rush made it feel as such. “What the hell was that?” Joffrey asked while trying to calm himself down. “Mayhaps the king did it so we wouldn’t be suffocated by the people.” You took a deep breath and sat down on the settee. It was much calmer inside than it was out. “I hadn’t realized this many people would be here already. I can’t imagine how crowded it’ll be the day of.”

“The king and prince are looking for wives, it makes sense so many would come.” A sting in your gut caught your attention. Not this, not after all these years, you thought to yourself. There was a time as a young girl you fancied Aegon but that was long ago when he was merely an unmarried prince. He was now a widowed king with far too many suitors, all of which were less plain featured than you.

You had Joffrey and he was good. That was all you truly needed, not a childhood crush that never was confessed. “Are you alright, love? You look sickly.” You fell back on the bed and let out an exasperated sigh, “it’s too hot in the south.”

Aegon raced to your chambers after the announcement of your arrival. Although it didn’t need to be announced because he was watching intently from his window. Whilst on his way to your chambers he was interrupted at every corner. Another thing he hated about being king, there was no such thing as peace.

One thing he had chosen to do today was to bring Jaehaera along with him. Aegon loved his little princess dearly and there was no way you couldn’t. You hadn’t seen each other since she was six and now, she is nearly nine. If you wouldn’t spend time with him, he knew you would surely spend time with her. Was this a manipulative thing to do? Mayhaps. But would it get him closer to wedding you? Absolutely. Besides, Jaehaera needed a motherly figure desperately after the loss of her own.

“Do you remember her, little love?” he quizzed the girl before knocking on your door. She didn’t speak much anymore, only to himself and his mother. A quick nod confirmed she did in fact remember you. Aegon was drunk most of her early childhood, but he had faint memories of you playing dolls with her to give Helaena a break after Maelor was born. Maelor, a hole reappeared in his chest at the thought.

Both of his sons were gone in the most horrific ways imaginable. His innocent sons who were barely old enough to talk properly. He should have been there; he should have been a better father. The bile in his gut began to rise to his throat and his eyes burned with tears threatening to fall.

“Are you going to knock?” The little voice snapped him back into the present. He cleared his throat and knocked. You sat up in bed and groaned. “What is it now?” Joffrey stopped unpacking his things and walked to the door, “we’ll see.”

The door opened and Aegon’s smile fell flat. The single sparkle in his eye died out. “Your grace, how may I help you?” Gods, he was the most plain-featured man he had ever laid eyes upon. Even his voice was dull in sound, nothing like the way you spoke. He wanted, no needed to kill him as soon as possible.

“Aegon?” You sprang out of bed and pushed the door wider to reveal yourself. He looked so different from how you remembered. His hair was slicked back, and the edge of face was scarred from burns, he was still handsome, just not in the same way.

“Hi,” a voice from below caught your attention. “Princess Jaehaera?! My look how you’ve grown!” You purposefully ignored the stare down happening between your soon to be husband and Aegon. Out of sight, out of mind, you reminded yourself.

Aegon took a deep breath and broke first. “Y/N, how good it is to see you again.” He let go of Jaehaera’s hand and immediately went to embrace you. You stuttered for a moment before allowing him to pull you close. Your hair still smelled of sweet flowers and your skin remained as smooth as silk. “I’ve missed you; it has been too long.” His eyes bore into your betrothed and a small curve formed in his lips. You hear that cunt? She had missed me, he thought.

“Do you want to come to the gardens with us?” Jaehaera stared into your soul, you didn’t remember her eyes being so intense. “If the king wouldn’t mind,” you smiled. Aegon pulled back and offered his arm to you, “please we have much to catch up on.” His eyes rarely left the dull man behind you. “Please return safely, my love.” Lord Arryn stared daggers back at the king.

The minds of men continued to be confusing and impossible to comprehend.

The gardens were not as beautiful as you remembered. An unseen darkness loomed over what you used to consider your sanctuary. The side effects of war and death, you presumed. Jaehaera did not seem to notice as she ran in front of you both. A darkness loomed over them too, but it seemed over time they had grown accustomed to the feeling.

One thing in particular that had changed was the little girl's adoration for you. In the past she clung to her brother or Helaena and paid you no mind unless you were alone. Now she was trying to get your attention as she pointed to various flowers and insects that caught her eye. She was her mother’s daughter in every way.

You weren’t paying much attention to Aegon as you were too nervous to make eye contact. Every time turned to glance at him, he was already looking which sent a subtle flush to your cheeks. You told yourself it wasn’t because he was more handsome with his scars and instead because he was now king. Anyone would be nervous around someone with the highest status in the realm…

It didn’t help that his arm intertwined with yours burned into your skin. You hadn’t felt that since you danced with him when you were much younger. He had this special ability to make every girl feel flustered. You weren’t special, just another one fallen prey to his charm. Aegon wasn’t that charming once you got to know him though so the fact you still were melting under his gaze made little sense.

You had a lovely husband to be waiting for you. These thoughts were simply because of his new status and the years spent apart. Yes, that was the only reason you felt a shiver down your spine when he touched your lower back to move you along faster.

Gods, you were even more beautiful in the light of day. Aegon hadn’t realized how much you would grow in such a short time apart. You were still much shorter than he was, but you had really come into yourself. Though you retained your innocent youthful look perfectly. Your lips were plumper than he remembered as well as other things. It felt like he was staring at a meal ready to be devoured.

His daughter enjoyed your presence more than he anticipated. A familiar woman’s face drew out the child she once was. This plan was working far better than he imagined it would. “She's quite taken with you. Imagine one of our own clinging to your skirts as she does. How beautiful they would be, like their mother.”

“I hadn’t given that much thought,” you smiled. Your own children clinging to your skirts. There was a time where you used to cling to your mothers before your brother ripped her open. The birthing bed was the cause of death for many women in the realm. It never excited you thinking about having your own. In fact, you would have preferred marrying someone who already had heirs. You wouldn’t mind being a second wife and stepmother as long as it meant you didn’t have to risk your life making your own.

“Does having Lord Arryn’s children not suit your fancy?” His question caught you off guard and brought the heat to your cheeks. "Oh…um … I haven’t really thought about that either.” You laughed nervously, unsure of what else to say.

He squeezed your hand tighter. "You’re not married yet," he reminded you softly, knowing the answer was obvious. You didn’t want to have his children but were lying to yourself. You still could not lie to save your own life. “If you don’t want to marry him you only need to give me the word,” he said nonchalantly.

"There aren’t many other options… and lord Arryn is kind enough.” You tried to sound confident, but inside you wanted to scream. He just gave you an escape, but you knew it too good to be true. If you didn’t marry this nice man, you would be shipped off to a crueler one. “He’s dull and plain featured,” Aegon snorted.

“I’m plain featured too,” you lightly slapped his arm. "Not like that, he’s a plain piece of bread. You’re one of the fancy kinds with different fruits atop it." You chuckled to yourself, he just compared you to bread, “You’re so full of it!” You giggled.

His laughter joined with yours as his eyes sparkled. "Maybe I prefer plain girls," he admitted. For a moment your heart seemed to pause in its place and all the blood pumping through your veins stopped with it. A subtle flush rose into your cheeks as your stomach swarmed with butterflies. He couldn’t mean you, you were delusional to even think that for a second. “I’m sure there will be plenty to choose from on maiden’s day.”

“They aren’t the same as the woman I desire.” You glanced up at him as he smiled. Maybe you weren’t as delusional as you thought.

He had to handle Lord Arryn as quickly as possible. Aegon thought of several ways to dispose of this nuisance that invaded what little personal joy he had left. He could feed him to Sunfyre but that would become too public of a spectacle. Mayhaps he could push him onto the spikes under Maegor’s Holdfast and claim it was an ‘accident’… It would be too obvious.

He went to visit Joffrey himself, leaving you with Jaehaera. Aegon brought a simple bottle of wine to congratulate him on his success. The light from the window shone brightly against the cobbled floor, it was such a grand day Aegon couldn’t hide his own smile.

When Joffrey opened the doors and saw the king standing outside he nearly stumbled back. It was a surprise to say the least since you had not returned, “Your Grace, how may I help you?” Aegon smiled brightly and took a step inside, “May I sit?” Lord Arryn nodded and let the king inside his chambers, the fool.

Aegon sat across from him and pulled out the bottle he had so delicately made for him. “I’ve brought a gift! To celebrate your upcoming wedding.” Aegon held the bottle aloft in front of him, waiting for a response. “You’re too kind, your grace.”

“Please, drop the formalities. We’re going to be family soon.” Joffrey smiled and accepted the bottle of wine. He poured himself a cup and downed it in one go, the fool. He looked over the rim and asked, "Are you going to drink, your grace? I’ve heard you enjoy your reds.” Aegon smiled, “No, mayhaps if you asked me a few years ago I would have.”

"I appreciate your gift and your kindness towards my betrothed. She was very happy to be home,” he coughed. “This is where she belongs. Of course, she would be happier here.” Joffrey brows furrowed before he coughed once more. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

Aegon grinned, “I only mean that she belongs here with me. Not in some shit castle in the north.” Lord Arryn’s coughs grew louder before he took another sip of the wine to ease his throat. “Do you really think insulting my kingdom and threatening to steal my wife will get you anywhere? All it will bring is war to your doorstep.”

Aegon hummed to himself, “I’m ready for another.” Joffrey stood up out of his chair and coughed into his sleeve. “You won’t win, you know that? Are you really going to die for some cunt.” The crazed look Aegon wore when he burnt Rhaenyra came back. His eyes widened, pupils dilated, and a smirk that resembled the devil himself graced his face. “Someone is.”

A small stream of blood fell from Joffrey’s nose, he lifted his hand to touch it and his eyes blew up in fear. Aegon stood and his ears quickly filled with the sound of Lord Arryn coughing on his own bile. Joffrey fell on the ground, gasping for air that wouldn’t come. Aegon strode over to go hover above him and watch. It gave him a sick satisfaction that nothing else could.

Joffrey raised his hand to try and grasp at Aegon, he failed. His coughs turned into wheezes as life slowly drained from his eyes. “It was good to meet you, Lord Arryn. I do hope the seven hells treat you well.”

Aegon shouldn’t have been so cheerful when a shriek loud enough the deaf could hear echoed throughout the keep. The guards were the first to find you and quickly pulled you away from the scene. He rushed to go and ‘comfort’ you and find out what had exactly happened.

You were gagging nearly to the point of throwing up when he came back. Your sobs were louder than the king’s guards scurrying about to hide the incident. It wasn’t a cry of grief; he had seen that too many times to know otherwise. It was disgust and horror at the corpse which he would admit looked ghastly.

It wasn’t his intention to traumatize you. It didn’t matter now because you were right where he wanted you. A grief-stricken woman in need of comfort. “What happened! Your king demands an answer!” You briefly stopped crying and glanced over. Your feet moved before you could form another thought. You rushed into his arms and laid your head on his chest.

It was a welcome surprise to say the least. Aegon wrapped his arms around you and placed a hand on your hair, gently combing it with his fingers. “Y-your grace, we found him dead just moments ago.” A king’s guard nervously bowed in front of him. “You swore to protect my blood and yet my cousin's husband lay dead! How useless are you?” Another king’s guard came out, “Your Grace, we’ve begun investing but I believe a maester is needed… it looks like poison.”

“Deal with this… quickly!” Aegon’s shouts turned into soft coos as he walked away with you. It was hard to hide the smirk creeping onto his face. He blissfully ignored the stares he was getting in the corridors and led you right into his room. He wasn’t going to take advantage of… just comfort you.

“Little bird, it’ll be alright. I’m here now.” You glanced up and spoke through sniffles, “I-I’ve never se-seen a dead man before.” He rubbed the tears off your face gently with his thumb. “Shh, you’re okay.” Your eyes fell to the ground unable to look at him. Letting him see you sob was too embarrassing. “Oh Aegon… it was so awful.”

He pulled you back in and petted your hair some more. Aegon rested his chin atop your head and let your panic fade. He was so gentle, so loving, it was unexpected. “Do you know what helped me, little bird?” You pulled back again and wiped the remaining tears from your face. A small chuckle escaped your lips, “wine?”

“I was going to say company but wine too.” His lips curled into a rare genuine smile. “My apologies, your grace.” Aegon looked pained at the use of his formal title. You were his friend, his future queen, there wasn’t any need to act as if he was your superior. “Stop that, please. It’s Aegon, just Aegon.”

“Ok, Aegon. What do you propose I do to feel better.” He hummed to himself before walking off into the direction of the other side of the room. You stood there awkwardly, occasionally glancing over to him wondering what he was doing. He came back with two goblets of what you assumed to be wine… “Tonight, little bird, we drink!”

It took only an hour for Aegon to learn you absolutely could not handle your liquor. One moment you were crying and the next you were sprawled out on his bed laughing hysterically over a spilt glass of wine. It was the freest spirited you had ever acted.

He climbed onto the bed next to you and rested his head on his hand. In your drunken stupor you leaned over and gazed up at him with your big eyes. He loved your eyes, though cold most of the time when you were alone, they sparkled like diamonds. “You know, me five years ago would not believe myself if I said I was in bed with a king.”

Aegon raised a brow, “In bed? What unholy things are you talking about?” You giggled, “stop teasing! Five years ago, I would not have imagined my childhood crush sitting on the iron throne.” His eyes widened, “Crush? On me?” You seemed to stop listening and your gaze shifted to the ceiling. “I don’t want to marry a lord…” He opened his mouth to speak but you cut him off. “But now my fiancé is dead, so I’ll have to marry some nobody.”

Aegon started speaking quickly so you couldn’t interrupt. “No, no no, you won’t be doing that. What do you say about having a crush?” Your eyes began to feel heavy, and his voice began lulling you to sleep. You sighed, “I would have married you, Aegon. If I was able to back, then.”

“We can marry now!” His heart felt as though it sprang from his chest. Aegon rose up from his place and leaned over so he was directly above you. “Hey, hey, y/n, did you mean that?” He gently grabbed your shoulders and shook you. “Little bird? How did you-”

He let out a sigh as he stared at your sleeping form. Your breathing sounded like angels singing in his ears. Your sleeping form looked like the maiden herself sprawled out on his bed. Gods, he felt pathetic thinking about how in love he was with you. He leaned in close and whisper, “tomorrow is a big day little bird... Sweet dreams, syz rina.” Aegon placed a single quick, too soft to feel, kiss on your lips.

You awoke late this morrow, it felt like your chambers were on fire and the light shone too brightly. Last night was a hellish event, a dead fiancé on your chambers floor and little explanation. You remember vividly going to Aegon’s room, drinking with him, sharing small talk, then everyone turned fuzzy and now you’re back in your chambers.

It was worrisome to say the least. You weren’t afraid he had hurt you, there was no signs of that. But what could you have said? How did you end up back in your room? And why in the seven hells did your head hurt so badly?

Three knocks sounded the servants coming in to get you ready. Why are they…? Oh! It was the day of the ball. You tried to roll out of bed and quickly realized this was not going to be an easy day.

Aegon had sent too many servants to help you get dressed and bathe. Too many choices of dresses and all were far too fancy for a lady with no family or house. You should be wearing black to mourn Lord Arryn, but it seemed the king had other plans.

He had remembered your favorite colors after all this time. The dress was a beautiful pale pink and blue, made of a fine silk you hadn’t seen before. The corset was lined with golden embroidery and the skirt had at least ten layers. The shoulders were puffed out and the sleeves were lined with white lace. You looked like royalty instead of the cousin of one.

The maids left quickly after they painfully fixed your hair and attempted to make your face look appealing. You stood in the mirror chanting to yourself words of encouragement. It didn’t make sense why you were so nervous for this, but you were. When you built up enough courage to leave your chambers and push your way into the throne room you were immediately stopped. Gods be good, the last thing you needed was any type of socializing.

“Lady Y/N, my deepest condolences for your late fiancé.” The voice that rang in your ear was none other than Floris Baratheon. You turned and forced a polite smile, “News travels fast around here, I appreciate your sympathies.” She gave you no time to continue before she looped her arm into yours. “Will you walk with me? I fear I’ve lost all my sisters in the noise.”

“Of course.” She smiled brightly and began guiding you through the crowd. “I would have thought you would be wearing black.” You would have been if it wasn’t for him. “It was only a betrothal. I don’t recall you wearing black after Prince Aemond’s death.” Her false smile faltered slightly, “You're right. How foolish of me to forget…”

“One failed potential marriage will not be the end of us, Floris.” You patted her hand and avoided looking at her directly. “You’re absolutely right, women like us should stick together… In fact, if all goes well, we may be cousins soon.” She was trying to get close with you so she could be the next queen. You froze in place, your body overflowing with anger. For what, you weren’t quite sure, but her words triggered something within you.

Floris’ posture was ramrod straight as you narrowed her eyes at her, “Oh my sweet, you have no idea what he will do to you,” you began, circling her and gripping her arm - too tight to be friendly. “Do you remember what happened to his sister?” You asked, voice sickly sweet; Floris nodded meekly. “He captured her at Dragonstone and had her dragged to the courtyard. Aegon burned her alive and forced her own son to watch. Then he let Sunfyre devour her, leaving only a leg. His own flesh and blood brutally murdered.” You asked pointedly, letting go of the painful grip on Floris’ arm as you brushed past her down the hall.

Before Floris could turn to scamper away, you turned back to her to deliver the final blow, “You ever refer to me as cousin again I’ll burn you alive.” You watched her scurry off with a foul taste in your mouth. The day you were used as a way to get close to the king was the day the dead rose from the grave.

The throne room was packed to the brim with maidens from across the seven kingdoms. It was beyond suffocatingly hot, nothing at all like a real ball. A few had already fainted, and one poor soul died from an unknown cause. You stood off to the side simply observing what was going on.

Your mind was too preoccupied with thoughts of your late-fiance’s apparent suicide. The stench of his corpse and the position in which he laid branded your mind and left no room for any other thoughts to come to fruition. Except for thoughts of the king.

There was an uneasy feeling in your gut, you couldn’t explain what it was, but it felt like the color green. Not green like illness, green like envy. You weren’t sure why you felt this. Unwin Peake tapped his cane on the floor three times announcing the king’s present. The whispers that filled the room quickly dissipated. Trumpets sounded as the crowd cleared and Aegon walked to the throne. Followed by two little bushes of silver hair, obviously the children.

“For the good of his people, His Grace must take another wife, though no woman will ever replace our beloved Helaena in his heart. Many have been put forward for this honor, the fairest flowers of the realm. Whichever girl King Aegon weds shall be the Alysanne to his Jaehaerys, the Jonquil to his Florian. She will sleep by his side, birth his children, share his labors, soothe his brow when he is sick, grow old with him. Let the maidens from every corner of the Seven Kingdoms present themselves before the king, so His Grace may choose the one best suited to share his life and love.”

The announcement echoed throughout the hall and the musicians began playing. A thousand men and their daughters were packed into the throne room presenting themselves one by one.

The first group were the daughters from the sister cities, Myr, Pentos, and Tyrosh. The girls looked to be what you assumed Aegon’s type was though he looked completely unamused. The next were the Baratheon girls, unsurprisingly Floris did not show her face.

“You look unamused, lady Y/N.” The voice from behind made you roll your eyes. You truly did not want to be bothered any longer. “This is more of a cattle show than a ball, Mushroom.” He moved up so he was standing right next to you. Mushroom, the court jester and dwarf were a notorious gossip spreader and pain in the ass. “I’d have to agree. Although each lady looks quite beautiful… It would be hard to picture anything more beautiful, unless perhaps all of them had arrived naked.”

You rolled your eyes and let out a sigh. “Already women have been scandalized, injured, fainted, and one just died. It doesn’t seem worth all the bother.” He peered up at you with a knowing look and let out a soft chuckle. “Of course, it would seem that way to you. You’ve already won the king’s favor.”

You scoffed, “you are truly a jester.” The sounds of hushed whispers surrounded you. A new princess was being displayed and apparently, she was truly the definition of beauty. You tried to peak over the crowd to see who it was but failed. “Mushroom! Who is that?” When there was no response, you looked down at your feet and noticed he was gone… damned fool.

You pushed your way through the crowd but as you got to the front the people erupted once more. “Aegon has found his little queen!” The words made your lip quiver and your heart sink deep within your chest. You sank back into the crowd and felt the urge to vomit. “That’s Daenaera Velaryon, she just turned six years of age.” The voice beside you whispered to their father and your illness stopped.

She’s six! Aegon was marrying a child! There was no way in the seven hells that could be true. With a newfound anger you shoved the people in front of you out of your way. Their celebrations slowly came to a halt. Until Floris the cunt, pushed you from behind so hard you stumbled into the clearing and in front of the throne.

Embarrassment heated up your cheeks as you peered around at the people staring. You quickly jumped to your feet and went to scurry off in shame, “Wait!” The king’s voice rang like a siren in your ears. You slowly turned and bowed, trying to hide the redness on your face.

“My nephew has chosen his bride and I will choose mine!” He stood from the throne and walked down to the bottom step. The crowd went silent in anticipation, he stared directly at you with a mischievous smile plastered on his face. Wait? His nephew chose a bride. “I, King Aegon, second of his name, present to the court the lady y/n, my bride and your future queen!”

Aegon had plotted claiming you in front of the masses so no one else would dare try to win you over. Nor would they keep pestering him to marry one of the hags presented before him. His smile was bright, and his eyes sparkled with genuine joy for the first time in ages.

You stood there with your mouth agape, and body frozen in place. What? Who? Bride? Queen? The music began to roar, and the mob burst into celebration once more. You felt the hands of people patting your back and heard the sounds of them wishing you well. What? Who? Bride? Queen?

You were not one to use profanities often but what the fuck just happened?

Aegon watched you scurry off before he could approach you. Each time he tried to leave he was pulled back by another lord or his own mother. You didn’t seem to upset, mayhaps a little shocked. The sounds around him were muffled as he waited for the opportunity to chase after you. Hours, it took hours before he could finally seek sanctuary in your arms.

He didn’t bother knocking, Aegon barged in without thinking. His excitement completely clouded any manners he was raised with. You weren’t there, he paused where he stood and glanced around. Your dress was discarded on the floor and the bed was a mess. His mind went to the worst-case scenario.

Your bathing chambers, he slammed the door open, and you dropped to the floor. “Seven hells! Aegon what the fuck!” You quickly pulled your robe over your body to save whatever modesty you had left. His heart stopped racing and he let out a deep breath. You weren’t fucking someone; you were just bathing… Naked.

“You left so quickly; I worried you got sick.” He strode over to you and offered you, his hand. You pushed it away and stood up, “I’m so- Aegon- what were you thinking?! Announcing our marriage and failing to inform me?!” His smile faltered, “I thought you wanted to marry me.”

Oh gods, there were those sad puppy eyes he used to get his way. “No! I mean yes, but no! Aeg-” He grabbed your arm, yanking you close and pressing his lips roughly onto yours. He surprised you again, this time you weren’t the one to pull back first. “Do you love me?” You spoke breathlessly, “I-” He squeezed your arms tighter, his voice laced with desperation. “Y/N, don’t you love me?”

The feeling of his breath on your neck sent chills down your spine. A warm feeling bubbled in your gut as he stared at you, lips parted slightly. You were going to be husband and wife soon…

It was you who jumped and pressed your mouth into his. You kissed him fiercely, wrapping your arms around his shoulders. He didn’t return the affection at first, surprised by your sudden interest. However, when you tried to back away, he pulled you back in. You moaned into his mouth as his tongue slipped into yours. It was a different sensation but not unwelcome.

His hands moved from your waist to cup your ass. You shuddered in his hold as he ground himself against your thigh. You broke the kiss first, panting heavily. You gazed up to see him gazing up at you hungrily. Aegon acted quicker than you could think. He picked you up off the ground, eliciting a yelp from you and immediately moved you to the bed.

He placed you down on the bed as gently as he could, pressing his lips against yours so you couldn’t protest. Your legs wrapped around his waist; all of his fantasies were being fulfilled. His lips slid down to your jaw, gently kissing it before he moved to your neck. He nipped on your neck, and you squirmed under him.

A wetness formed in between your legs as he sucked on your skin. It was a new ache that caused you to whimper under him, pressing yourself against him harder to relieve the tension. He let his fingers run up the curves of your body until he reached the sleeves of your down. Gently, he slipped one off your shoulder and placed soft kisses on your bare skin.

Shivers shot up your spine as he slowly pulled it off. The wait was agonizing, the throbbing between your legs getting worse by every movement he made. When he finally freed your breast from the fabric you sighed softly, closing your eyes for a moment. Your nipples hardened at the feeling of the cool air on your heated skin.

He slid his lips down your chest until he reached your breast. He circled each nipple with his tongue, flicking them lightly before sucking them into his mouth. You gasped and arched your back, soft whimpers filling his ear. Aegon’s hand traveled down your robe and to your core.

You gasped as he touched you, the need burning inside you, growing more intense by the second. He began teasing your folds with his finger, swirling it around your entrance until he hit something sensitive. A small moan escaped his lips, and he pressed his finger against your clit. You buckled and he laughed against your breast, biting on your nipple.

With every touch his cock grew harder and longer, pushing into your leg as if begging for attention. He was a caring man so he would handle that later. Aegon lifted his head from your breast and kissed you one final time, biting your lip.

He pushed himself off the bed and yanked you to the edge. A small gasp escaped your lips as he spread your legs and wrapped them around his shoulder. Aegon sucked on your inner thighs, surely leaving marks. He then slid his tongue upwards; his mouth reached your bud and pressed a quick kiss to it. You whimpered, begging for him to touch you more.

He slid one finger inside you and rubbed circles around your sweet spot. You cried out, arching your hips towards him. “You’re so wet… so you do love me.” He whispered into your center. Finally, he pressed his lips against you and began lapping his tongue around your clit.

Your entire body felt like it was on fire, every nerve in your body tingling. He pressed another finger inside and moved his tongue around your bud faster, adding pressure to your entrance. You dug your nails into his shoulder, unable to stop your cries from escaping.

Your insides began to clench around his fingers and an unknown sensation began taking over your senses. His movements slowed, “Do you love me?” You whimpered at the loss of his tongue trying to pull him back. “Do you, y/n?” He pushed his fingers into you harshly, “Yes! I love you!”

You could feel him smile as he began sucking on your bud. The pleasure quickly became too much, and a moan escaped you. Your back arched and your toes curled as waves of pleasure washed over you, consuming you in its wake.

He pulled out his finger but didn’t stop suckling at your sensitive bud until your legs were twitching around him. Aegon pulled himself away from you and crawled onto the bed. His cock was aching, already it started to leak out precut, surely staining his pants. As he gently pressed his lips against yours, he began unbuttoning his trousers. Quickly freeing his cock from the tightness.

Aegon grabbed you once again and pulled you close, pressing his hardening length against your center. You looked up at him with wide eyes, watching as he moved closer until the tip of his cock brushed against your opening. “I’ll be gentle, little bird. I promise.” You whimpered as he pushed against you again, this time slipping in just the tip.

“Seven hells…” He moaned against your lips. He slid into you slowly, his cock stretching out your insides until he filled you completely. Your grip on him tightened and you bit into his shoulder. He let out a soft moan as he slowly began thrusting inside you.

His pace was slow at first, allowing your body to adjust to his size. But it was quickly growing more intense by the second. His large hands gripped your waist tightly and Aegon’s face was twisted with ecstasy. He buried himself within you and began pounding inside you.

"You're so tight... such a good girl for me.” He picked up the pace, slamming into you and making sure you felt every inch of his cock. Your breath quickened and you began moaning loudly. Anyone within a mile of you could hear the lewd sounds coming from your bedroom. A symphony of your moans, his groans and the sound of your wet skin slapping against each other.

Your arms pulled him closer, you kissed him, and he responded in kind, pushing himself deep inside you and grinding against your clit. The feeling from before was coming but much more intense. Your mind got lost in a haze of pleasure each time his cock hit your clit it sent waves through you, leaving you breathless.

Your cunt began clenching around him, a growl escaped his lips as he continued his movements. Every stroke left you trembling on the edge of your orgasm, ready to release all your new built-up tension. His thrusts became sloppy, and his groans turned into high pitched moans.

Your climax hit you in waves causing you to cry out. The sensation overwhelmed your mind, leaving you dizzy and weak. You couldn't even speak right as your walls spasmed around his cock, gripping him tightly. Aegon’s final thrust was hard, a warm feeling enveloped your insides. He spilt his seed as deep as he could into your womb.

He laid down next to you pulling you closer to him. Aegon brushed the hair out of your face and kissed you softly. He pulled back and grinned, “wife...” You smiled back weakly, “husband…” He stared at you adoringly, a light chuckle escaping his throat.

“What are we going to do about the bedding ceremony?”

#aegon targaryen #aegon ii targaryen #aegon ii #aegon x you #aegon x reader #aegon x y/n #aegon fluff #aegon smut #aegon fic #aegon ii x you #aegon ii x y/n #aegon ii x reader #aegon ii fluff #aegon ii fic #aegon ii smut #hotd fic #house of the dragon

693 notes · View notes

pessimisticpigeonsworld · 2 months

Note

If Nettles was white, she would be as popular as Lyanna, Brienne or Arya, and y’all know it.

She grew up a homeless orphan (which is why it’s so insulting when people try to act like she’s a freaking idiot who doesn’t know how to bathe herself yet she can tame a dragon🤦🏽‍♀️ Put most of the highborn women in her position and they wouldn’t survive a day in her shoes).

She’s the only known non-Valyrian dragonrider who claims a wild dragon. A prince who believes in Valyrian supremacy falls in love with her to the point where he’s willing to sacrifice his life for her. Nettles singlehandedly disproves the whole idea of Targaryen exceptionalism and their blood purity. She slowly earns a dragon’s trust by bringing him sheep, and gradually he lets her closer, and then forms the dragonrider bond and lets her fly. up until this point, nobody had tried a strategy like that before.

Nettles is self-made. She’s self-taught. She’s loved for herself. She survives a freaking war and becomes a fire goddess/witch. Who wouldn’t want her ? Who wouldn’t want to be her ? Unlike Rhaenyra and Alicent, she’s the final girl of F&B.

Once again, I don't understand where you got that I'm anti Nettles? I'm anti Nettles x Daemon, but other than that theory, I very much am a fan of Nettles as a character. I won't say that there isn't racism and unfairness that happen regarding Nettles' character (though I haven't seen it personally), because people can be really shitty. But me personally, again, I'm not anti Nettles, I just dislike certain groups of her stans.

Again, I don't deny that Nettles was a strong woman. She endured many things most characters in F&B don't and most likely survived the Dance. However, I do disagree with some of the ideas you're stating as fact.

For starters, we don't know if Nettles is non-Valyrian; that's one of the many theories surrounding her, but it's not confirmed, so stating it as fact is misleading. Just because she lacks traditional Valyrian features doesn't means she isn't a dragonseed.

Jace and his brothers don't look Valyrian but they very obviously are of Valyrian descent. Rhaenys, the queen who never was, had black hair; Duncan the son of Aegon V looked like his mother, Betha Blackwood; Aegor Rivers also had black hair; Baelor Breakspear had dark hair; Daeron son of Maekar had sandy brown hair; Rhaenys the daughter of Rhaegar had her mother, Elia Martell's features.

Moving on, Daemon's relationship with Nettles is ambiguous. We don't know if they were in a romantic relationship or if his attack on Aemond was purely to save her (though I'm sure that was part of his decision). Again, you are stating a theory you believe as fact, even though it's unconfirmed.

I'm not going to touch the whole thing of Targaryen exceptionalism, because, as I said earlier, Nettles' parentage is unconfirmed. But the whole blood purity thing still hasn't been disproven at any point of GRRM's works; they intermarried to preserve their magic blood, the magic blood still exists in ASOIAF due to the incest.

Nettles is an important character in the story of the Dance, but she isn't the "final girl" you claim she is, let alone of the whole book. There are several dragon riders who survived the Dance and thrived. Rhaena is the ancestor of the Tyrells in the main series. Aegon III is the ancestor of Daenerys, the Baratheons, any remaining Blackfyres, and possibly Jon Snow and Young Griff. Baela and Alyn are the ancestors of Aurane Waters and the Velaryons.

The book of F&B is so much more than the Dance of the Dragons. Saying that Nettles is the "final girl" of the book doesn't make any sense when she only appears in a few sections. That's like saying Alys Rivers is actually the main character of the book. Nettles disappears after the Dance and doesn't appear in any other event. She does nothing else after her disappearance and has relatively little impact on the history of Westeros post Dance.

I have absolutely no idea where you're getting the whole "fire goddess/witch" thing. However, you have already been throwing out theories and your personal biases as fact, so I don't think it matters. I'm not trying to control who your fav is, I totally understand wanting to be a certain book character. But that doesn't mean you can act like everyone else is wrong for not having the same fav as you.

It's that kind of entitlement, thinking you're better than everyone else that makes people not like Nettles stans. It's almost on par with stansas and Alicent stans. People like you project so hard onto your favs, you take any perceived insult, critique, or argument as a personal attack. It's exhausting interacting with people like you.

#rhaenyra targaryen #anti nettles stans #anti nettles x daemon #asoiaf #team black #anti rhaenyra antis

56 notes · View notes

aemondslefteyeball · 10 months

Text

Sic Transit Gloria Mundi (3)

Part 1 Part 2

[Modern!Aemond x Fem!reader]

[Warnings: Memorial service, death, human remains, child remains, substance use, reference to death by suicide]

[Summary: Garden party around the graveyard y'all]

(Hey guys! So I'm still figuring out a good pace to release this fanfiction. I'll probably stick to 2 chapters a week for now, but that could definitely change because I start a summer chem class soon yayyyyyy)

Word Count: 5.5K

Chapter 3

The sun shone through the dappled canopy, and the breeze was sweet as a kiss. It seemed an insult, you thought, that the world would look so beautiful on a day grim as this one. Sabitha pushed the sheet of metal into the soil with a sniffle, before standing and rejoining the circle gathered around.

“Before we took off I heard Tanselle say that she was going to see Kim Petrys at the Oldstones next month,” You reached out to grip Baela’s hand, squeezing it as Sabitha spoke, her voice steady. “She was really excited. But she’s never gonna hear ‘Unholy’ again.”

“Let’s join hands. We’ll pray for them.” Barba spoke up suddenly, her voice firmer than its usual timbre. The entire camp was somber, and you… well, you woke up feeling like you survived a plane crash. You were almost out of the woods, the rescue team would no doubt be here later in the day and the group would figure out exactly where to go from there.

“Rohanne, you just started working in the labs a few months ago,” Barba said, as you squeezed Baela’s hand. It suddenly dawned on you how little you knew about some of these people. Upon finding out the plane seated twenty you had scrambled to fill the remaining fourteen seats. Inviting guests to bring a guest of their own, you figured that it would be a good opportunity for you to make new friends. Suddenly you were pulled out of your thoughts, “So we didn’t really know you.” Barba said, her voice wavering.

“But in the lab, you never confused your Staphylococcus aureus and your Staphylococcus epidermidis.” You could tell your thoughts were reflected by others, the collective regret. “You seemed really smart.” Barba finished.

“Anybody else?” It didn’t register as your own voice for a second, sounding detached. Foreign almost.

“I saw her carry a flute case once.” Sabitha sputtered out, tears following immediately after. Shooting a sympathetic glance her way, some relief rising as Luke whispered something that calmed her. You dropped Baela’s hand for a brief moment, shooting her a look that said don’t worry before you placed a hand gently on Jace’s shoulder, removing it quickly after he flinched.

“Old Gods and the new… and... Red God.” You didn’t miss Barba’s remark but didn’t worry about it. The worship of R’hllor was nigh unheard of in Westeros, and you knew it wasn’t from a place of malice. Besides, you were balls deep into the STEM field by now and had drifted from your religion. “Please accept Rohanne Westerling and Tanselle Yronwood into your arms. So that they may fill your kingdom with music” A fuse blew within you, and you gripped Baela’s hand harder. Unable to stop the tears that now flowed freely, you shook “Please accept Ser Laenor, and flight attendant Janys, pilot Robert, pilot Fred.” As the words flowed out. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,” As soon as she started speaking, something came over Aly. Stepping back as if she had been electrocuted by Nettles’ and Myrielle’s hands. “I do not fear. The Gods are my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Gods are my strength.” Before Barba could finish, Aly swallowed hard.

“I’m going for a walk.” Stated sharply, her usual staccato returned to Alysanne for a brief moment. You thought about going after her, but knew she wanted solitude whenever she was like this.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sound of a chair pulling out had Aemond snapping his good eye to the source. Emerson sat on the chair, looking like a zombie. The expression on her face told Aemond her mood was much worse than her appearance could ever show. She regarded him with an emotion he couldn’t quite identify, with a fury burning beneath it.

“You don’t seem very concerned about her disappearance.” Aemond visibly bristled at her words. She wasn’t the one who had spent all night speaking to rescuers and all this morning checking his phone every other minute to see if anything, anybody had answers for him. Even Twitter.

“I am.” He replied curtly, pouring his cup of coffee before he stood and watched the machine for a second. The kitchen felt strangely empty, and he realized it was missing the smell of your stupid coffee add-ons. “I spoke with rescuers well into the night.” As much ice as he could muster before fully awake was present, and he turned to watch that unidentified emotion shape into form.

“Did you plan this?” She asked, Aemond noting that her phone was turned to face down. A departure from her usual behavior. She’s recording this, he thought suddenly. He knew he was cold to Y/N, but this? He felt genuine shock at it, the notion that he could harm a hair on her sweet, annoying head appalling.

“No!” He yelled, perhaps the first time he had ever truly shown his full temper. An anger– sense of betrayal– arose within him as furiously as the weeks after he had lost his eye. “How could you say that?” He hoped she could feel the sincerity in his voice. Recording or not, there were some lines he would not cross. Not with innocent people, that was.

“I think you’re a fucking liar.” She spat, eyes alight with a rage that radiated off her in waves. “You could get rid of the green card wife you resented,” The venom was so thick Aemond could practically cut it “And the nephews you hated.” She finished. “You’re a fucking wife killer.” She said with a shake of her head and a tremor in her voice. Finishing what she clearly came to start, She grabbed her coat and slammed the door on her way out. Wife killer, he thought. The grip on his mug tightened until the handle shattered.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nettles sat back on the log, holding Laenor’s foldable knife in her hand. You wanted to forget about looting the bodies of the dead. Happy to bury it with the memories of emergency water rafts uninflated and tossed over the corpses they couldn’t get out of the plane. They deserve better. A beautiful gravestone with a long life engraved into it. Instead it would say 2001-2023. Or 2002. You didn’t even know the birthdays of people that died because of your stupid vacation to the Eyrie. It’s my fault. You realized with a swallow, and palms that were suddenly sweaty. You all went around the campfire, had a little kumbaya moment, and talked about how you all crashed the plane. But these people… their parents would only ever have a body returned to them. Myrielle seemed to notice your change in expression, and reached a hand out to gently nudge you. “You okay?” She questioned, her hand squeezing your arm gently before rubbing it up and down. You met her gaze and nodded. Everybody here only had each other to rely on. We all need each other, I can’t waste time wallowing in self pity. You knew they would hate you when you were all rescued though, and that was okay. Because you would too.

“This is all we have?” Nettles asked, a worried look on her face. A scanty pile of Swiss Rolls and other empty calories laid in front of the girls.

“Yeah, we got to ration.” You answered. All the suitcases that could be salvaged had been stripped bare of anything useful.

“Okay.” Floris nodded, turning to Nettles. “Cut them.” She commanded, opening a package and handing it to Nettles before preparing another.

“Split this water.” Your voice sounded more sure now, and you were glad for it. They need you to at least pretend to keep your shit together. By tomorrow.

“Careful.” Nettles said, “Don’t spill any.” You nodded and angled the bottle so it poured slower. Jacaerys approached suddenly, perpetually walking like an ornery bull. He leaned down and grabbed two packages of Swiss rolls off the top before walking away.

“Dude!” Sabitha exclaimed. “Jace, what are you doing?” She asked, throwing her arms up in exasperation.

“Uh, maybe you didn’t notice, but we’re kinda in a situation here Strong.” you quipped, rolling your eyes immediately after. You understood his pain– the loss of a parent– more than he knew, and you wondered if you were this awful to others after your father died. Surely I couldn’t have been, but you weren’t sure if you were asking or reassuring yourself.

Your best friend turned to you suddenly, a protective look on her face. “Don’t,” Baela warned, her expression grave.

“I guess it’s fine if we go hungry as long as Jace’s feelings are okay.” You shot back before you could think. You felt for him, you really did. But you would all have time to grieve in a day when the rescue team got there.

“We’re not gonna starve to death,” Sara interjected, and with a sudden burst of annoyance, you hadn’t gotten from her before. “When the rescue team gets he-”

“If it gets here.” Sabitha quipped, her tone flat. Distant.

Sara’s expression changed, concern falling over her face. “Don’t say that.” Her tone was calm, reassuring. You loved that about Sara, no matter how shitty you felt about your classes or workload she was there, perpetually optimistic.

“Sara’s right,” Baela spoke, diffusing the staredown occurring between Sabitha and Sara. “There were way too many white people on that plane for them to not immediately notice.” She joked. Laughs rang out around the group, Nettles slapping Myrielle’s arm as she giggled.

“Mr. President.” Nettles put on a serious facade, pantomiming and pressing an earpiece as she sat rigidly. “A plane carrying a bunch of rich white people crashed. Send the entire army right now!” She yelled out, voice raising to desolate treetops.

“Where do you think we are?” Rhaena piped up suddenly. “Like, Winterfell maybe?” She explained, gesticulating as she did it. “Maybe that’s why it’s taking them a few days to find us.” Continued her voice, as you nodded in agreement.

“There’s only pines as far as I can see.” You once again lamented the loss of Tanselle. She was a full-blown plant mom and would talk your head off about Monsteras at any opportunity given. You knew that if she was here she would be prattling off about how some of them were other types of trees you wouldn’t remember the names of thirty minutes later. “The soil is rocky. We’re in taiga, it has to be north of Winterfell.” Suddenly aware you were rambling the way Tanselle would, you got to the point. “I think we’re in the Northern Mountains.” You said finally. Multiple pairs of eyes looked out at the rolling forests. The wind sang through the valleys.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wife Killer.

Wife killer.

Emerson’s words rang through Aemond’s head as he sat down. His Mother had hovered around him, offering the mango juice he liked as a child. He appreciated her concern, but the only thing he felt was anxiety as she flitted about him. Apparently, she hadn’t yet heard that Emerson made multiple tweets suggesting he had something to do with your disappearance. Not plainly enough that it could be labeled as libel though. He had told Helaena from the beginning that the marriage wasn’t real. As old as they got, his older sister had always been his closest confidante. And given her nature, she wouldn’t turn and run her mouth to the vipers in the family. Viserys knew as well, having orchestrated the match for an old friend’s kid. As far as his Mom knew, he was still in shock from the terrible disappearance of his dear wife. Aemond knew he shouldn’t have been shocked at his Viserys’ apparent disinterest in finding you, yet was shocked when it brought forth a rage so extreme he had to excuse himself to the restroom. There he stood now, in front of the mirror. Wife killer echoed through his thoughts on a Sisyphean loop. He wasn’t sure he entirely felt the accusation yet. He was still in dumbfounded shock that you were most likely gone. His fists squeezed until his knuckles turned white, and he braced himself on the counter. Turning the faucet on and briefly splashing his face, he stared into the mirror before wiping his face and leaving the bathroom.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Guys!” Aly yelled as loud as she could. “Guys. There’s a lake.” She said, panting. “There’s a lake.” You perked up, “I saw it from that hill.” Alysanne pointed back in the direction she came from before turning back to the group. “It looks about four or five miles away.” She concluded.

“Do you think we can hike it?” Floris spoke up, you nodding in agreement with her question and looking to Aly hopefully.

“It’s pretty rocky, but yeah.” Aly responded, placing her hands on her hips and looking to Sabitha for reassurance she quickly granted.

Sara stood up suddenly, a nervous smile pulled across her features. “Uh, we can’t.. We can’t just leave.” She asserted, while pulling her shoulders back with the confidence of a rooster.

“We’ve got two days of water, tops.” Came the rebuttal, Aly’s reply condescending. “And then what?” She asked, spreading her arms. “Just sit around and die?”

“What if the rescue team comes?” Sara asked, her tone letting more panic slip through.

“Do you think they’re taking their time on purpose?” Aly clipped, her tone conveying a sense of hopelessness that had begun to ooze through the camp. “It’s been three days.” She said with a pointed stare at Baela. “If they knew where we were they would be here already.” Silence dawned after Aly finished, and you looked down at the thin soil ahead of you, digging the toe of your combat boot into it.

Sara let it continue for another second, before raising her eyebrows. “You don’t know that,” Her voice almost came out as a coo. But the anxiety had already started to twist in your gut. Aly was right, and you all despaired knowing it.

“What do you think, Ser Criston?” Aly asked pointedly, her eyes fixed on Sara.

“I don’t,” Criston moved to grab the stump of his leg. “I don’t know.” He finally admitted. “Uh, I mean you’d have to leave me behind, I guess, but whatever.” He finished, a gloom cast over his handsome features.

“We could make you a stretcher.” You interjected. You weren’t handy, but Alysanne was starting her MS in Aerospace Engineering in the fall. Sabitha would return to her job as an environmental engineer after rescue. There was no doubt in your mind that the two were up to much more complex tasks than this.

Sara let out a laugh at your idea, and you couldn’t help but feel a pang of resentment. She hasn’t done anything to help rationing and now she’s going to act like the queen? You fiddled with the plastic friendship bracelet that sat on your left wrist.

“Seriously.” You argued. “If we take turns carrying it..”

You didn’t even get to finish before Sara cut you off, shaking her head “No!” She half-yelled. Where have I heard this before? “This.” She gestured to Aly, earning a heated glare from Sabitha. “This is bullshit. I say no. Okay?” she crossed her arms. “No way.”

“Let’s put it to a vote,” Aly stated, her eyes passing over the group while blatantly ignoring Sara. Her gaze landed on Sabitha for a brief second before a twitch of a smile came across her face. It’s good they have each other. A twinge of jealousy still ran through you, despite your overwhelming relief that Emerson’s asshole boss denied her PTO. He actually did her a really big favor. “All in favor of waiting here?” Sara immediately raised her hand, looking to Myrielle who hesitantly raised hers as well after the blonde’s gaze landed on her. Barba followed. No more hands raised. “All in favor of the lake?” Her hand was raised as she asked that, and Sabitha’s hand rose as soon as she finished the question. Jacaerys brought his hand up next, a tight expression pulled across his face. You raised your hand next, as did Baela’s. Rhaena, seeing her twin’s decision, voted in favor of the lake as well. Nettles and Luke followed her. You looked to Floris, who with a guilty expression, slowly raised her hand as well. You didn’t miss the look of betrayal on Sara’s face, astounded that her best friend would dare to have an opinion of her own. “Then it’s settled. Grab your shit.”

You helped Sabitha yank the compass out of the cockpit. Angling the ax so that it pointed away, the two of you wrenched on the metal before it came free with a grating sound that made your skin crawl. Floris’ tall frame finished the last letter of the message as you returned with the ax slung over your shoulder. You backed up a few feet and looked at it. ‘SOS GONE TO LAKE’, it read. You hoped the lipstick would hold up to the elements. Sabitha and Aly led the way, and the rest of you followed, seemingly swatting mosquitoes off yourself every five fucking seconds. I’m not gonna miss this, you thought with another slap that resulted in a blood-laden mosquito popping over your forearm.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

“You know most people don’t believe it, right?” Helaena’s voice was as soft and dreamy as it always was. An almost ethereal edge to her every word. Aemond held his face in a grimace and said nothing in response. Helaena wouldn’t reach out to touch him, and he was glad for it. Every word, every gesture felt thousands of miles away from him. “Only conspiracy nuts think that you planned a plane crash that would include twenty people.” Insistence in her tone as she unsuccessfully attempted to make eye contact with him. “Or killed Y/N.” The weight of Aemond’s exhaustion weighed heavily on him. Especially since it yielded nothing. They hadn’t found you yet.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

“What’s that smell?” You immediately pinched your nostrils shut, trying to not reflexively gag from the stench of decomposition. “Holy shit.” The carcass of a bear lay there, trampled ferns underneath it. The skin was peeling back, and two vultures sat atop the oozing flesh, tearing off pieces with sharp beaks. Sharper eyes watched them as flies buzzed around the ruin. Various remarks came from the group, each one disgusted.

“What could have done that?” Floris piped up from behind you, her voice curious.

“A wolf, probably.” Ser Criston stated, dangling his arms over the side of the stretcher as if on a pool float.

“They can kill a fucking bear?” Baela turned around suddenly to face Cole, you following in tandem.

“Yeah.” Criston responded grimly. “Wolves can kill anything if the pack’s big enough.” You froze for a second, a sense of dread churning in your gut. Just like it had before the crash. You fiddled with your hands.

“Let’s keep moving.” Baela urged, growing tired of everybody rubbernecking the bear’s festering body.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aemond had always regarded food with something akin to annoyance. He had no issues with it in and of itself, he simply resented that he had to take the time out of his day to eat. It didn’t help that Helaena wasn’t a very good cook, but he supposed that was the result of growing up with staff to handle all that. Today was no different in regard to his feelings about food, but he made sure to take bites whenever his sister glanced at him. He thought she had gotten way too good at that, a silent command with just a look. Motherhood had done a number on his socially impaired sister. She looked as if she wanted to say something for a few minutes before she lifted her wine glass to her lips. Setting it down, she broke the silence.

“It’s okay if you’re upset that she’s missing.” His older sister offered him a reassuring smile. “I know you have Alys,” She continued, “But Y/N is still a part of your life.” She finished.

“Mmm.” Came his only response, sitting rigidly as the words bounced off him. “I’m fine.” He insisted coolly.

Helaena, whether emboldened by the wine or the circumstances, shook her head. “You’re not fine, Aemond.” The words came as gentle as a lamb. “I’ve known you since birth. I can see how not-fine you are.” His seat scraped across the floor as he stood up, quickly moving to exit the room. “She’s alive.” His sister blurted out, her tone sure. Aemond whipped around, furious. Now was not the time for his sister’s woo shit. “I’ve seen it.” She insisted, her face calm. Aemond let out a wry laugh and left the room.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

“This shit’s way longer than four miles,” Baela whined, gripping the handles of her rucksack. “What if we missed it?” She asked with a smirk.

“From the angle of the sun, it looked just left of due north.” Aly insisted, her tone revealing tiredness. Sara let out a wry chuckle in response to that.

“Oh, great!” She mocked, pantomiming confetti. “Left. That’s a precise way of doing it.” You felt annoyance stir in your gut. Sara could be pissy all she wanted but the group made a decision, and didn’t have time for her fits.

“I’m not a fucking cartographer.” Aly retorted, and you could hear the roll in her eyes.

“Or maybe you saw a mirage.” Sara insisted snidely. Seconds after Sara shot back, Sabitha gasped.

“Oh, shit.” She said, moving to gently hit Aly’s arm in excitement. “Oh shit!” She exclaimed. “Oh hell yeah, bitches!” A wide grin split her face, and she started to run toward whatever she had seen. As you followed in her footsteps, you breathed out a sigh of relief. The steely lake rocked gently at the shore, your salvation. You ran across the clearing as fast as your bruised and abused legs would carry you, stripping off your shirt in the process. Upon reaching the shore you removed your boots and shorts in quick succession, tossing them carelessly down at the lakefront before running in. “Guys come in!” Sabitha splashed around in the water, “It feels fucking great!” she insisted. The cold water lapped at your legs but you found it to be a welcome relief for your aching muscles.

“Well, at least we have a beach..” You remarked, ducking beneath the water before surfacing again. Exhaling the breath you held in, you leaned back, allowing yourself to float. The hot sun shone on all of you as you splashed each other. Games of chicken occurred, with you hopping on Floris’ shoulders and knocking Barba off Sabitha. You looked back to the shore, Jacaerys was undressing. Your gaze shifted to Aly, who stood with her hands on her hips and couldn’t look less disinterested in the man stripping before her. Her gaze landed across the water, and you followed it to Sabitha who she looked at with a beaming grin across her face. Baela and Jace splashed each other when he entered the water. You dove beneath the water and felt the closest thing to peace since the night before your trip. When you resurfaced, you flinched for a moment. A glare had obstructed your vision in the most uncomfortable way. Metal? Maybe a ranger station.

“Guys!” You yelled out, pointing in the direction of the glare. “Look!” You insisted, moving towards the shore to get out.

“What is that?” Sara asked, putting a hand up to shield her eyes from the glare.

“It looks like a reflection.” You kept moving towards the shore with a hurried pace.

“Guys there’s something on the hill,” Sabitha’s voice boomed out. “Come on, let’s go!” She yelled. Tracking the source of the light proved to be harder until the dilapidated cabin came into view. As soon as it came into sight you reflexively crossed your arms over your chest, hairs prickling at the back of your neck. The inherent wrongness of the place shook you to the core, as did the eerie surroundings. You turned to survey the area around it and swallowed at the sight of that fucking symbol showing up again, carved into a tree. You hung back, uncrossing your arms to fiddle with the strap of your backpack. The rest of the group banged at the windows and doors, with combined shouts asking if anybody was there. When only silence answered, Sara and Floris pushed to open the door. A sense of foreboding entered you as you saw them enter the shack, shoving down your nerves before entering after them.

“-It reeks in here” Came Sara’s voice, with you wondering if she was going to do anything but complain since the group voted against her decision.

“Guys. Let’s check the pantry and see if there’s any food.” You spoke, turning to seek it out, Sara one step ahead of you. “Could somebody go around the cabin and get stuff we can use? Flashlights, first aid... You know.” You walked into the small space to see Sara grabbing a can and peeling back the tab.

“What the fuck Sara, that’s not your personal buffet.” You snapped, recoiling at the smell of the spoiled…whatever that was in the can.

Sara threw it down as if burned, cursed, and let out a huff in frustration. “See this is why we should’ve stayed in the plane!” She lashed out, and you steeled yourself in place as growing anger flared within you.

“Well, the group voted not to!” You hadn’t raised your voice in years but found a sudden catharsis in it. “So you need to find a way to fucking live with that.” You threw a hand up in exasperation, before waving it dismissively. “I wouldn’t want to interrupt your tantrum with silly little concerns like our immediate survival.” A venom you didn’t recognize was laced into your tone, but it felt good to stand up to her. “And this is helping how, exactly?”

“This is a fucking nightmare.” Sara ran outside, sounding near tears over a can of spoiled milk. You shook your head in disbelief before walking to the living room.

“Well heelllooooo,” Sabitha exclaimed, slamming a pile on the creaky table. You grimaced at the dust it shook up before turning your gaze back to Sab. “Don’t worry guys. We might be stuck in the middle of nowhere. But, hey, at least there’s porn.” She said, smugly lifting a magazine with a busty brunette on the cover. You snickered under your breath as Sabitha opened the magazine and flipped through it. Choruses of anything from “sick” to “whoa” echoed out.

“Hey this guy kind of looks like you, Strong,” Myrielle spoke up, tilting the magazine so Jace could see it with a smirk on her face.

“If only any of you looked like her.” He retorted, his expression moody. You briefly wondered if you were sentenced to be surrounded by emotionally incompetent men as a lifelong purgatory.

“Okay, very funny,” Sabitha said defensively, with a roll of her eyes. “Do guys, like, actually jerk off to this stuff?” She said, waving it around like a wad of dirty paper towels.

“Nah, we hate that shit.” He answered with a sarcastic tone. “You know, you can’t even tell what her favorite book is.”

“Mmm. Ha ha.” Sabitha retorted with a roll of her eyes before following it with a middle finger. You stood around laughing at the bad porn with the group before the novelty wore off and you were once again uneasy. Leaving the cabin, you stepped outside for a breath of fresh air. That was where Aly found you a few hours later, worriedly scratching at your palms.

“Fuck’s your deal?” She questioned. “Come inside.”

You shook your head, arms crossed tightly over your chest. “I know it sounds crazy… I just have a bad feeling about this place.” You insisted as you pulled your arms tighter across your chest.

“Well, yeah, because it stinks. And there are spiders that could eat your face.” Aly mused. “But hey, after that bear we saw today I’m not gonna let you sleep out here, okay?” You remained where you stood, and annoyance flicked across her face. “Are you kidding me? ‘A bad feeling’? I don’t believe in that shit, and you’re not going to either. Okay? So get your ass inside.” She moved to grab you by the arm, half leading and half pulling you into the cabin.

Hours after everyone had gone to sleep, you stayed up. Despite your exhaustion, sleep could not find you. Your body simply refused to rest. You made your way to the attic, stepping as gingerly as you could. Making note of which boards creaked, you popped open the door and entered to confirm your fears. It still didn’t brace you for the skeletal state of the man in the chair. Your gaze lowered to the rifle that rested against his pelvis. The top of his skull blown off. That ended up being the least horrifying thing you found. Laid at the center of the massive symbol carved into the floor, two small skeletons sat precariously. You let out a gasp in shock and scrambled to the opposite corner. You sat and stared at the tiny skeletons just feet away from the man’s. That was where Aly found you for the second time that night. Her brown eyes met yours, and you stared blankly ahead of you. “Y/N?”

“I told you.” You whispered, as she turned her head to the macabre scene and cried out. The moonlight lit up the triangular symbol that was carved into the wooden floor.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

When he returned home, Alys waited for him inside. Words of comfort that just felt cloying, and touch that brought him no peace. They sat in silence punctuated by occasional attempts at conversation by Alys. He sat appearing indifferent, growing more uncomfortable with her presence. “I think you should go.” He finally stated. Alys nodded and blinked for a second before she grabbed her bag and walked out of the door. His self-inflicted loneliness weighed heavily upon him, and he found himself searching the entire house for Vhagar. The ornery old cat had chosen a damn good hiding place wherever she was because he couldn’t draw her out of any spot. Finally, he came to the one part of the house he had been avoiding. Your room.

Wife killer.

Did you plan this?

The words tantalized him, drawing him to lows he had not felt in years. People had always assumed he was monstrous, and he had leaned into it after a while. Might as well, since it seemed people only ever waited for the other shoe to drop. Aemond took a deep breath before entering. The room smelled like you and told him a lot he had not known. Wife killer. He had always suspected you disliked the minimalist design of the house, and that was reflected by almost every inch of the exposed wall being covered. He also surveyed the room, his eyes passing over a Cramps tapestry and a poster for some horror film he didn’t recognize. He made a mental note to watch it later. Something gripped at him, as his eye finally came to rest on your bed. The duvet cover was lux, a soft cotton candy pink that fit with the rest of the room. There, on a massive ghost plushie, sat Vhagar. She blinked at him, and he felt a sense of judgment. He closed the gap between him and the bed and stared at it for a few seconds longer, running his hand over the smooth fabric. Wife killer. He balled his fist for the brief moment the thought popped into his mind, gripping the duvet tightly enough to tear it. Cursing, and feeling a roaring anger flow through him, he slammed his fist onto the bed and yelled out as loud as he could. When the scream stopped, tears began to flow from his sole eye. He turned to sit at the edge of the bed, his eyes landing on more of your decor. Clenching his fists again, and grateful for the emptiness of the house, he grabbed a pillow from the bed and squeezed it tightly. He inhaled the scent as deeply as he could, closing his eye and letting the scent give way to fractals of Y/N. Singing in the kitchen on a Sunday morning, stretching next to Vhagar’s cat tree and flexing your toes out of distance whenever the geriatric cat tried to bap them, knee deep in the garden and grinning with dirt smeared across your cheek. His chest shook with his soft cries, and he reached his hand out to stroke the other pillow wistfully. You were gone. Probably dead. If not, terrified and cursing his name. He wiped his eye off angrily as if trying to scrub away any evidence of his emotions. He missed you.

Wife killer.

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

Taglist: @chainsawsangel

#aemond x reader #aemond x you #hotd x reader #aemond fic #aemond targaryen x reader #hotd imagine

28 notes · View notes

horizon-verizon · 8 months

Note

what do you think of this post. i think people should ship what they want but this fandom cannot stand opinions that differ from theirs.

https://www.tumblr.com/livinginafantasysposts/726238416723935233

Going to the link you provided, the original author (lagosbratzdoll) is criticizing the JacexSara Snow ship for the shipper's racism:

They say it'll [including Sara Snow in the show] deepen Jace’s character and make him “interesting”, whatever that means. The problem with this assertion is that Jace is already plenty interesting, he led the war councils while his mother grieved, and he recruited the blacks' most important allies. Allies who remained steadfast even after his mother's and his own demise. Furthermore, Jace has existing relationships in his life that the show could explore to delve into his connection with bastardy. Three of whom are canonically Black, by the way. So, the question arises: what unique perspective or insight can Sara Snow provide to Jace's struggle with his bastard status that Nettles, Addam, and Alyn cannot?

When the OP asked what made Sara so enticing or "interesting", more than Nettles and the other dragonseeed as well as Baela, there was no salient answer in the comments. Or there were just denials. And OP has made points. Including this:

but now you cannot go five minutes in Jace or Baela’s tag without seeing someone wish they'd include Sara Snow in the show.

You: "i think people should ship what they want but this fandom cannot stand opinions that differ from theirs."

My questions to you, anon are:

What is with people trying to overwhelm and disrupt the hype shippers have for Baela and Jace in particular?

With these two supposed to be betrothed to each other in canon and continue to be so in the show, why is it that there is a change in how people see Sara Snow and Jace and Baela after we see the Velaryons and dragon twins' actors are Black?

Why is it that there is such an overwhelming intercession on the online JacexBaela shipping from JacexSara shippers as opposed to ships with white/white-adjacent couples?

Why is it that with such stronger evidence for Jace and Baela being romantic over Sara's very existence much less the ship, that the Sara Snow x Jace ship is as popular as it is?

Sara Snow is a character, in F&B, who Mushroom brings in to add intrigue, and he was never there to witness such a thing happening, so how could he know about this girl and witnessed Jace fall for her?! And the other thing is the implications of Sara Snow being Jace's "Jeyne Westerling". Unlike Robb Stark & Jeyne, Jace & Sara are presented by Mushroom and real shippers as true and closely-bonded lovers. Robb married Jeyne because he wanted to honor her and not have bastards. It was not lovey-dovey. Narratively, Baela was so dedicated to Jace (and just fierce all on her own) that she wanted to stay and fight with him at Dragonstone or follow him. For all the desire for a couple who desires and is devoted to each other, it's funny how Sara x Jace shippers aren't impressed enough with Baela. So shippers of Sara and Jace are going off of pure conjecture and desire more than other ships/shippers. This would be fine, if not for the change in actors coming with a higher support for a character that doesn't seem to exist.

Before HotD aired with its black Velaryons and dragon twins (and I've looked around at dates) there was very little hype for Sara Snow even as a person, bc there was literally no evidence--not even suggestive--for her existence besides Mushroom's unsupported say-so AND it was understood that Jace wouldn't even endanger his family and himself or hurt Baela by endangering their Velaryon alliance. Especially when his brother dies and there is no heir to Driftmark aside from Joff (a whittling-down of heirs). The blacks needed the Velaryons even after Rhaneyra dies (Alyn and Daenaera)!

It is totally antithetical to Jace's needs short-term and long-term needs to set aside his betrothal to Baela.

We have to remember that he and his two brothers have been suspected as bastards and likely treated accordingly if people could get away with it. For more than 10 years! Rhaenyra had to essentially flee to Dragonstone to get away and provide a quieter, freer life for herself and her family as well as actively "practice" and get in the groove for ruling. He would be anxious to prove how he is fit to follow his mother after she dies and rule Westeros. And like Jon/unlike Robb Stark, bc of that niggling bastardry claim, he would be more motivated to not have bastards of his own or do possibly introduce an innocent, less-able-to-take-care-of herself-girl into an incoming war. (Jenny of Oldstones doesn't count bc she was proven real through her interactions with courtiers, Prince Duncan's parent was not female and set against, his parent was not usurped, there was no war, nor was Duncannever suspected a bastard. He could afford it).

I mean, it's supported by what Jace says here ("The Blacks and the Greens"):

He has lived physically and emotionally close to Baela all his life, and considering this need to consolidate power as well as his contracting his trust towards mostly family, it's not likely that he just trusts any person he isn't likely to get aid from. Cregan Stark was the lord and liable to help Rhaneyra bc he just imprisoned and ousted his uncle to get his Winterfell seat. Supporting Rhaenyra helps him, and this lubed them both up for a closer bond.

It is way more likely that Jace, rather than show!Aemond, was the devoted son trying to actually help and protect his family by reading "philosophies" and presenting himself as a capable ruler. I think that it is dumb of the writers to then flip this show of loyalty to one's family into Aemond using it to show disloyalty to his own and not emphasize Jacaerys' own development. Aemond even left his mother, sister, and brother all to basically fend for themselves in two opportunities to join Daeron or fly to KL and fight Rhaenyra, Daemon, or any black who he would happen to see. Even though he was the one to order Criston Cole to march their army to KL so he could also confront the blacks. He specifically states that going south to Daeron and grouping up was "craven" and cowardly! In this one way, Aemond is Jace's foil and it emphasizes Jace's loyalty and devotion and Aemond's self-serving ambition, even though both have that desire to show their military worth. One works for unity, the other for individual glory and disunity. Jace ios the one to actively came up with effective plans and arrangements for the blacks, as OP stated. It shows his intelligence, care, and concern for protecting his family as well as his mindfulness towards bastardy. We're supposed to see the irony of this suspected bastard using the bastard phobia made against him for their own benefit. (Even though there were two traitors, Rhaenyra still depended on these dragon riders to intimidate/fight against any would-be greens and their armies. One of which is responsible [Addam Velaryon/of Hull] for at least pushing back Daeron and Lord Hightower's forces even with his own death. This event more showed how deep in paranoia & blood purist Rhaenyra was, not how dumb or incompetent Jace was.)

And Baela is not a bad person, merely self-confident and a Targ. Show!Baela is Black, and there has been no standoffishness towards her book character before the show besides the usual misogyny towards self-confident girls and Targ women. She has done nothing wrong to anyone, and has only displayed bravery until presumedly the day she died and set aside by history.

So from my standpoint, it looks like the motivation behind thinking Baela x Jace as less appealing or "interesting" than Jace x Sara is that Jace x Sara can undermine his relationship with Baela, his ties to the Velaryons and their alliance, and separate Jace's devotion to his family and reduce any tie to his Targ identity. This is definitely not what this character would likely be drawn in by if he ever did meet a Sara Snow who he might be at least sexually attracted to.

Just as making Rhaenyra not want to imprison Otto bc of a damned page from a woman who tried to get said sons killed, Jacaerys allowing himself to not only marry someone other than his betrothed siphons out his intelligence, unique sense of self-assertiveness and responsibility.

Other Ships I Wish Were Not as Shipped Exist, Why, and are Really the TV Shows' Faults

See, I talk about people saying one shouldn't ship ANYTHING in ASoIaF/GoT/HotD/Fire & Blood HERE, where I argue that shipping is people presenting political and social taboo/dynamics, i,e, a particular narrative they are fascinated with.

It's not just about what one thinks should be reality. However, for some people, it is and some ships gather more…bigoted people than other ships. Rhaenicent is one of those ships. There are some genuinely good or at least self-aware Rhaenicent shippers, but the most vocal ones tend to be misogynist and think themselves feminists when they are actually saying that Rhaenyra should grant Alicent all sorts of graces and expect nothing in return bc Alicent is a feminine goddess who looks out for "the realm". Some call her "mannish" or the "man" of the relationship. Most are tradcaths and transphobic (Emma D'Arcy). Most hate Targs and Valyrian customs, esp citing their hatred against incest…meanwhile, their own ship is incestuous, and even the Faith they admire and see their Catholism in at one time had a High Septon vocally denounce a Hightower lord marrying and having a relationship with his dead father's wife, his own stepmother--Samnatha Tarly. On the specific claim of incest. Later, when this Septon died, they were finally allowed to marry by the next one--their influence had grown enough or stayed its Hightower self, assumedly, as well over the years.

Jonsa is another ship that mostly has misogynists and praisers of "soft femininity". Sansa becomes a totally different creature in their eyes, and Arya also gets interpreted as "mannish", even having "internalized misogyny" for not being as "girly" as Sansa. Jon, like Rhaenyra, is also totally reduced and recharacterization to make Sansa this higher kind of feminine goddess through the chivalric narrative canon!Sansa is actually growing out of bc it has led to her many losses, including her own innocence! Jon doesn't even like (as in attracted to) "girly" girls who cannot even attempt to physically defend themselves! His favorite sister is Arya and Sansa has dismissed him for his bastardry several times! Because they think he will become some sort of great leader, even King Beyond the Wall, and Sansa will be Queen in the North or some jazz, they believe that this version of "Jon" as a "knight" is perfect for their "delicate princess" Sansa.

Daemon x Nettles

I'm a Daemyra shipper and I do not think Daemon x Nettles is either a canon or good ship in of itself, and the material in F&B that wants us to think they were sexual or romantic uses misogynist and classism to present Nettles as Daemon's lover AS WELL AS not his lover. But always it's logic that is against Nettles' true, brave heart, and Daemon's fidelity to Rhaenyra, despite him choosing to die for her instead of just leaving Rhaenyra behind and vocalizing hatred toward Mysaria's for deceiving her. And though it is not my passionate ship like the Daemyra one, I definitely think Jace x Baela makes way more sense than Jace x Sara Snow. And Nettles doesn't need to "steal" Rhaneyra's man to actually dominate Rhaneyra for her blood purity or to be an impressive girl, and this would not be a healthy relationship (she was 17, Daemon 49-50). If they seriously consider grooming wrong and believe Daemon groomed Nettles, then they shouldn't enthusiastically ship Nettles with Daemon.

Conclusion

Some ships just do not make sense or are totally antithetical to the arcs and personalities of the original characters. They are more making wish-fulfillment fanons struggling to be canon so they can generate antipathy against those shippers/characters/storylines that should really be appreciated for the nuance they provide. Instead of vacuuming out nuance to replace them with fairytale, bigoted, and flat narratives. And so they should be put into skeptical investigation instead of just flat-out "accepted", like how some artists have purposefully drawn the dragon twins out of their family portraiture of the blacks.

EDIT (8/22/23)

It's also funny how--with the examples of other ships--when it's something race-related or when some people in the fandom want to protest against such intrusions and the subsequent denials of intrusions it tends to be about certain PoC or interracial ships. AND that it defaults as "everyone has the right to ship/draw/etc however they want!" when someone brings up race more than ships with gender or sexuality or class switching. Hm...

#hotd ships #asoiaf asks to me #canon shipping #asoiaf shipping #jonsa #rhaenicent #fandom critical #asoiaf fandom #fandom racism #jacaerys x sara snow #sara snow #hotd critical

12 notes · View notes