Chapter 27 Million years
Chapter 27 of Moonlight
A/N- Are they finally gonna get together?
Warning- Swearing, angst, talks of death, fluff!! and SPOILERS for future events of HOTD!!!!
Pairing- Cregan Stark x Velaryon!fem-reader, Aemond Targaryen x Velaryon!fem-reader
Episode- After 1x09, events based off of Fire and Blood
(If you want to be tagged let me know)
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*A FEW WEEKS LATER*
“The scouts have not sent any new reports on Alys, but they’ve heard rumors spreading about a babe with scales and a tale being born to a witch.”
You hum in comprehension and look out the balcony to think about what was just said to you.
They probably won’t find her, she’s smart, and she’s lived for a long time for that reason. Is it worth it to keep looking for someone who can see visions? There’s so much on your plate already too; annoying Lords, being Queen, the wedding, the rest of the Martell family, and Dorne’s most respected lords coming for the wedding. And it’s not like you can undo what she did, you should have known better than to trust her. Plus you’re beginning to lack enough anger to try and chase after her around the Riverlands.
She may rot—
Suddenly you lose all train of thought as you catch Cregan down below walking, talking, and smiling with the black-haired beauty that is Lady Alysanne Blackwood. She’s so close to him, basically rubbing arms, she’s batting her eyelashes at him, and he’s flashing his charming rare smiles. He’s—
You had to let him go, it was better to let him go, but you still can’t help but feel…jealous. You feel it deep in your stomach. You feel slight anger growing within you at the sight of the pair, at the thought that they make a good couple. They make a more plausible couple too.
But you still want that to be you at his side, you still want to see him smile and look at you with a soft and loving look, and you want to laugh with him without having to hide. You still want to be at his side, you want to be her…
But you can’t. You can’t be together and you have to accept that—you accept it, besides you’re getting married soon and so far Prince Namor isn’t terrible…
Life was so much easier when you were with Aemond. Your only desire then was to see your mother and brothers again, you didn’t have any significant concerns. It was easy with Aemond and you only realize that now.
“Your Grace?”
“Hm?” You hum and pull your eyes away from Cregan to look at one of your new ladies-in-waiting helping you with the wedding.
“Which design for the wedding dress’s cape do you prefer?” She asks.
You spare one last glance at Cregan and Lady Alyssane, and frown with displeasure before you look at the designs the designer has drawn up. They’re all beautiful, one is red adorned with gold, and the other one is long and shaped like dragon wings. You’ll probably go with the latter.
“Have this one brought,” you point to the dragon wing cape and slowly look out the balcony again and still see Cregan and Alyssane.
It’s like he’s torturing you. You hate it, you hate seeing him with her. But you have to—
“Ser Crane,” you cut off your lady-in-waiting to address the Lord Commander of your Queensguard, a tall muscular man, with a stern face, a shaved head, a dark goatee, and a kind heart. “I request the presence of Lord Stark right away.”
The man bows his head and quickly heads on out, letting you focus back on your lady-in-waiting. “The dragon wing one is fine, have the second dress brought, I really don’t mind, it’s my third wedding I just want to get it over with.”
The lady looks at you a bit puzzled at your lack of excitement, but does as you ask, letting you wait for Cregan in the parlor room.
Considering he wants to stay here until the kingdom is somewhat stable you see a lot of him. A lot. He’s at every council meeting, he’s at every hearing, if you’re out in the city he is too, he’s like your Hand or a Queensguard. Without actually having the titles.
You like that he is but you also don’t like it because he’s a temptation. Plus Prince Namor and him don’t get along so well.
And well, you understand why Cregan wouldn’t like him, but you don’t understand why Prince Namor doesn’t like Cregan, it’s not like you talk to Cregan a lot in public. In private? Yes, he likes to come visit Daenerys, and he can’t exactly spend time with her alone because people would talk, so you’re always there acting like you need his help. But other than that you don’t know why Prince Namor is so hostile—does he see something?
Nevertheless, a knock raps on the door, and when you welcome the visitor you see exactly who you need, Cregan.
“Your Grace,” he greets and bows.
You cross your leg over the other and offer him a faint smile. “Lord Stark,” you greet formally as your Queensguard walks out. “Sorry, my request is so sudden. I hope you weren’t busy.” You offer him a wider smile and watch him come sit down across from you.
“Well,” he says. “Whenever you call, I come. So no, I was not busy.”
The room's doors close and Cregan looks around. “Where’s Daenerys?” He asks.
You grab your goblet of wine and shake your head. “Not here. This is about another matter.” You take a sip and meet his grey eyes as he looks at you with curiosity. “This is actually about the Night's Watch.”
Cregan leans in and props on hand on his leg to probe. “What about it?”
You made a promise, so you will see through to that promise, or at least prepare the next ruler if it doesn’t come true in your lifetime.
“How many people are posted in the Night’s watch, at all castles? Just a rough estimate,” you continue to ask without actually being clear about anything.
Cregan sits back and shrugs. “Not much, perhaps just under one thousand men, or even less…why the sudden interest?” He presses. “Royalty doesn’t really bother to care for the Night’s watch.”
You swallow thickly and avert your gaze.
You know you can trust him, you know that the smart thing would be telling a Stark as well, after all the threat comes from the distant North, they deserve to know. But it’s difficult speaking about something told to you by your mother.
“Do you remember the stories you’d tell me?” You begin slowly. “About what may live beyond the wall?”
Cregan nods. “Yes, just children's stories.”
You exhale deeply and meet his gaze. “What if they aren’t just stories? What if…something like the Long Night happens again?”
Cregan blinks repeatedly in disbelief and his lips twitch to a teasing smile. “It won’t, it can’t be possible. The first member of the Night's watch drove them away. But again, it’s just a story.”
You put the goblet down and lean forward so he can see you’re being serious. “Cregan, listen to me. I'm being serious. And you can’t tell anyone, I wasn’t allowed to tell you, it’s a secret passed from Targaryen ruler to heir, so please guard this secret with your life.”
Said man narrows his eyes and his teasing smile falls. He doesn’t hesitate to assure you, mostly because he thinks you’re somehow joking. “I swear.”
You exhale deeply. “Long ago,” you begin. “My ancestor, King Aegon, had a dream. A prophecy of the end of the world of men that begins with a terrible winter gusting out of the distant North.”
Cregan swallows back nervously and you see his shoulders tense.
“Aegon saw darkness riding on those winds,” you continue. “And whatever hides within will destroy the land of the living. And when this Great Winter comes, all of Westeros must stand against it. And if the world of men is to survive it a Targaryen must be seated on the Iron Throne. Someone strong enough to unite the realm against the cold and the darkness. So that's why I ask, the Night's Watch is our first line of defense, it may not happen in my lifetime, or in any of my children’s lifetimes, but I still made a promise. I can’t fail her, nor can I fail them.”
Cregan drops his head and brushes his fingers through his hair.
“I know,” you add softly. “It’s hard to believe. But you have to believe me. I wouldn’t toy with this.”
Cregan stays quiet for a moment before he snaps his head up and meets your gaze with a narrowed look. “You believe the prophecy?” He asks. “With your heart?”
You don’t hesitate, you nod. “I do.”
Cregan raises his chin and nods. “Then I believe you too.”
You smile and sigh with relief. “Thank you.” You whisper.
“What do you want me to do then?” He asks.
You sigh. “We can’t force people to man the castles, one it might not happen anytime soon, two, people don’t volunteer like before. But I will try from my end to send prisoners to the Night's watch. What I need from you are reports from every exploration the men have. As boring as they may be, I can’t risk missing something.”
Cregan nods in comprehension. “I will do it. But you must visit them too, you know? Just as Queen Alysanne did.”
You grin softly. “I will. I mean I do have a dragon to travel far so I will,” you assure him. “We often tend to forget the Night’s watch. I will try not to.”
“And…” Cregan adds with a growing smile. “You stop by and visit me too. Winterfell will always be your home. It can be.”
“Cregan,” you warn him.
“You’re still not married, why can’t—”
“I just said one reason,” you cut him off. “Besides even if there wasn’t a reason, would you have left your home behind, your land, and people to become King?” You ask seriously.
Cregan’s smile falls and his face grows hard and serious. “No,” he answers bluntly.
You scoff softly and nod slowly. “Exactly. So please just don’t bring it up again. I still want to be your friend.”
Cregan holds your gaze for a moment before he scoffs and looks away and shakes his head. You’re about to question him, but a knock raps on your door so you’re left in tension.
“Come in,” you address the visitor.
The door opens and you look over and see…Rhaena.
The annoyance and tension you just felt falls completely and your eyes fill with happy tears.
You haven’t seen her since the war started. You’ve heard of her from letters or other people’s mouths, but it’s been so long. You thought you would never see her again, you feared something would happen to her even if she was in a safe place.
“Rhaena,” you muse and jump off your seat to run over to her. She matches your pace and meets you halfway with an embrace.
“Y/N,” she whispers.
She’s one of the few family members you have left. One of the two people you grew up with. Your home was when you were with your mother, with your brothers too, so you’ll never feel at home anymore, but with Baela and Rhaena still alive there’s a sense of safety you do feel.
“Why…” you trail off and pull back to face her. “Why wasn’t I told you were here already?” You ask.
Rhaena smiles. “We wanted it to be a surprise. Baela says you’d appreciate it.”
You flash her a grin and nod. “I do—and your hatchling. You have a dragon now!”
Rhaena nods and pulls away to glance back at the crate that’s brought in by a servant. You were so distracted with her that you failed to notice her servants.
“Wait,” you cut her off and glance back at Cregan standing by the table you were just at. “I should introduce you to someone first.” You wave Cregan over, and he quickly makes his way to your side.
“Rhaena this is Cregan Stark,” you introduce him. “An old friend and Lord of Winterfell, of course. Cregan, this is my cousin, Lady Rhaena Targaryen.”
Cregan bows his head out of respect and Rhaena smiles at him.
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Lady Rhaena,” he says. “The Queen here would speak fondly of you when she lived in Winterfell.”
You grin wider, and Rhaena looks between Cregan and you before she focuses on Cregan. “It’s nice to meet you too, Lord Stark.”
“I hope to make your acquaintance whilst my stay here,” Cregan adds. “Your sister is quite the spitfire, I’m interested in getting to know you too.”
Rhaena laughs softly. “Likewise.”
Cregan sighs and faces you. “I’ll see you later, My Queen.” He bows and then bows his head at Rhaena before he leaves. Once he’s out the door you follow Rhaena to the table and watch her open the crate to then pull out a small pink and black hatchling.
“Oh gods,” you muse excitedly. “Look at it!”
“Her name is Morning,” she reveals and turns to show her off to you.
You reach over and caress her scaled head and beam at her. “You may be our savior,” you tell the little dragon. “I’m happy for you Rhaena,” you direct at your cousin. “I know how much you’ve dreamed of having one, I’m glad you finally bonded with one. It’s a great pleasure.”
“Thank you. And I’m happy too, I can’t wait to ride her,” she muses.
You hum and step back. “It’s really the best thing in the world. How is she? Does she eat? Sleep well?” You ask since there are so few dragons left now. Greyghost flew away after Ser Jason’s death, and Silverwing and Astraea are the only ones that are left in King’s Landing. Two out of so many that were alive.
“Yes, she’s doing well, she’s healthy,” Rhaena assures you as you walk over to sit on the couch to take advantage of the fact that you’re not being swamped. “Is Astraea doing well?”
You nod. “Very. She’s healed well.”
“And Lord Stark?” She asks and catches you off guard. “First name bases?”
You avert your gaze and shrug. “Yes, we lived together for five years. Of course, we go by each other's first names.”
Rhaena walks over with a smile and her dragon draped on her shoulder. “Hm…okay, your eyes and smiles say otherwise.”
You glare at her. “You’ve been here for just a few minutes what—Baela.”
Rhaena smirks. “You burned half the city this is just some free punishment.” She rebuttals.
You scoff and go serious. “What do you think about that? Baela is upset, she’s calmed down a bit since then, but she’s still upset. What are your thoughts?” You ask on the matter.
Rhaena draws out a deep breath and frowns with sadness. “I think you could’ve done things differently. But I also know that sometimes the most ugly things have to be done. I know…my father would’ve approved.”
You scoff with amusement.
“I know that Rhaenyra could’ve used more fire…perhaps then she would still be alive,” she mumbles with a hint of sadness in her tone. “So I think you did what you had to do. Besides you did it already we can’t take it back, we have to move on. Right?” She asks and meets your gaze.
You hold her gaze for a moment before you nod softly and feel your breath tremble as you breathe out. “About that…I was waiting for you to come…” you trail off and feel your eyes water, your throat begin to burn, and you feel your chest get heavy. “…so we could hold a funeral for my mother. I know you were close to her, so I thought you’d want to be there. Prince Namor said it’d be healthy, so I want to have one.”
A short silence follows before Rhaena interjects quietly. “That would be nice…I would be honored to be there. Thank you for waiting for me.”
You keep your head down to avoid seeing the nightmare flashes and memories that threaten to show. “No problem…it’ll be before the wedding,” you mention shakily.
“Y/N—”
“It’ll be okay,” you cut her off to avoid falling into that hole. “I’m okay.”
——
*LATER*
“Your Grace, The Lannisters are approaching and should arrive by nightfall. And the Baratheons will be here this evening.”
You look at Ser Crane through the long mirror and nod in comprehension. “Thank you, Ser, and if I’m not here by the time the Baratheons have my grandfather set up their welcome according to their status.”
The Lord Commander nods and turns stiffly to walk out. And while he was walking out one of your ladies in waiting walks in with a bouquet of Blue Winter Roses.
“My Queen,” she says with excitement in her voice as she approaches you. “These are for you from an old friend they said.”
You turn away from the mirror and take the bouquet from her hands. You read the notecard and even if it doesn't say a name you know it can only be from one person. One person knows that out of every flower in the world, these are your favorite, Cregan. Only he knows that these flowers are a symbol of your love.
So what do the flowers mean this time? He gave you some for your wedding tournament to show his love, to show you aren't forgotten. And this time what else can they be but another symbol?
It’s a symbol of hope now too. They’re a temptation you finally start to give into as your grief is crashing into you a lot stronger than before as you dress in all black to say one last goodbye to the woman you loved. They serve only to bring out this deep desire of wanting him to shield you from that pain, of wanting him to hold you until you feel an ounce of comfort back in your limp heart.
You want to be with him, and these winter roses are like a sign to give in and sacrifice everything just to be in his arms and go back to a place where you had felt happy once before. They’re a declaration of love and an offer.
And you’re in so much agony, you feel it now eating away at you as each second brings you closer to lighting her pyre. You just want some relief…
So you look up from the flowers in your hand and break into a stride to go to him. You feel eager and selfish. Like a fragment of who you used to be could return at the sight of him in this very moment.
However, the door opens for a third time and Prince Namor walks in, so you stop in your tracks and drop your smile.
“Those are beautiful.”
You made her a promise. You remember now at the sight of your betrothed.
“Who are they from?” He asks.
You blink and offer him a faint smile. “An old friend,” you mutter and turn to put the winter roses down on the table.
“Oh, well, they’re beautiful,” he says as he follows you back to the mirror. “Anyway, your cousins are ready. Are you?”
You pick up your mother's valyrian steel necklace from the cushion and sigh deeply as you remember her wearing it.
“Yeah,” you agree softly. “I am ready.”
——
*25 YEARS LATER. 156 AC*
What good is peace if all you wear is mourning attire?
“Today with these ashes we spread, may he return to the sand, may he return to the earth…”
Ashes fall from the septon's hands and trinkle onto the sand below. You follow the particles of what had remained of your husband until it mixes with the grains of sand.
“…may he give life to what sprouts so that his legacy lives on forever in the hearts and minds of the four children he leaves behind, Prince Maekor, Princess Valaena, Prince Laenor, and Prince Rhaegar. And so his wife, her grace, Y/N Targaryen carries him on forever in her heart.”
You sigh and keep your eyes on the ashes that mix with the sand below, and then feel a hand carefully wrap around yours. When you glance over you meet the dark eyes of your youngest son with Prince Namor, Rhaegar. The boy named after your mother, you offer him a faint smile and give him a reassuring squeeze.
“May he meet his ancestors and continue to watch over his kin. May Prince Namor of House Martell find peace!” The septon shouts. You look up at him and then hear snickering, so your attention drifts to your right side and you see your second youngest son, Prince Laenor, snickering at his brother since he sees him holding your hand. You think nothing wrong with it though, Namor was their father, he was a good one at that, and Rhaegar is like Lucerys, sensible and more open to showing and receiving affection.
Thus you shoot Laenor a glare and he quickly drops his smirk and goes quiet, and once he does you point to his older sister, Princess Valaena as she stood crying for the father she lost. Laenor understands what you want and even if he sighs he steps forward to wrap his arm around his sister, making her husband Lord Ellis Blackwood pull his arm off her shoulder to hold her hand instead.
You smile at the interaction of your daughter and her husband. They’ve been married for three years now, but seeing how kind and smitten he is with her still surprises you and brings you joy as if it were the first time seeing it. And you know you react like that because of your fear of marrying your children outside of Targaryen, and or Velaryon families. You only accepted this match because Lord Ellis is the eldest son of Bloody Ben, the man-boy you fought alongside at Tumbleton, the man-boy who had retrieved Addam’s body.
Other than that, all your other kid marriages are kept between the Targaryen’s and Velaryon’s, you don’t want to make the same mistake your grandfather Viserys made when he married Alicent.
It’s why your Hand was Baela for a few years until none other than your little brother, Viserys returned a few years back. With a wife, you wouldn't approve of, but she’s gone now and her family was basically his captor when he came back, without her they wouldn’t let him stay. It was smart but regardless, he’s your Hand now. He’s smart, tactical, and kind.
His kids though…more specifically his eldest, is something else, but that’s besides the fact.
What matters now is that you are a widow for a third time. It’s unfortunate that you had to be Aegon's widow, but at least now that title is gone and you’re Namor’s widow now. It’s bad to point out, but this new loss has your mind raveled. Not like when your mother or the rest of your family died, but after you spend 25 years with someone it has to affect you in some way. Especially when you had 4 more children with him.
But it’s those 4 children, plus the other three, that don’t make you fall into that pit you were stuck in before. They keep you upright now, and they’re all the ones that make you feel your heart again. Instead, you are there for them as they grieve their father. You comfort them as best as you can as you get taken back to the Red Keep.
Once you’re inside and attending the banquet in Namor’s name you approach Valaena.
“Forgive me, mother,” she interjects in a shaky voice.
You furrow your eyebrows and cup her cheek to dry away her tears. “Whatever for?” You query.
“Crying, for not being strong, especially in front of everyone,” she reveals, making you scoff softly.
“Oh my sweet girl, it’s okay to cry, he was your father,” you assure her. “You can cry as much as you want to.”
“But you’re strong,” she says and holds your other hand.
You smile and shake your head. “When I lost my own father I was inconsolable, I wanted to jump off the ship that was taking me to Winterfell to see your grandfather's resting place. I was anything but strong. So it’s okay.”
Valaena lets out a shaky sigh and offers you a soft smile.
“Now,” you add and slide your hands down to grab her hands. “How are my grandchildren?” You ask and look at her swollen belly. “Five more months to go.”
Valaena grins. “They’re great, moving, and with strong heartbeats. The both of them.”
“Great, I’m glad.”
“Prince Aerion of House Velaryon! Lord of Driftmark and Lord of the Tides!” The guard announces.
You and your daughter share a short glance before you turn and watch your only son with Aemond and the proof of your love comes waltzing in late.
Your guests greet him as they make a path towards you and your family, and he redirects that greeting with a formal smile. But when his blue eyes land on you and the rest of his siblings his grin widens, and one person quickly pushes himself out of his seat and runs around the table to greet him.
“Aerion!” Your eldest son with Namor, Maekor, shouts excitedly.
Said man chuckles and changes his pace to a jog as Maekor runs down the steps and runs to his brother. When they meet halfway, Maekor jumps on his brother, and Aerion doesn’t hesitate to squeeze him back.
“Maekor! Brother!” Aerion greets and lets his brother go.
Ever since your first child with Namor was born you made it your job that they got along, that they all got along and didn’t treat each other like Aemond and Aegon treated your mother. Your kids fought, of course they did, but they never hated themselves like your mother and her siblings.
“Aerion!” Laenor shouts and runs over followed by Rhaegar, while Valaena and Daenerys stay with you to wait for Aerion to finish greeting his brothers
“He’s late,” Daenerys mutters. “And where’s Daenys?”
“Probably getting here even more late,” Valaena counters.
You hum in agreement and watch as the three boys huddle around their older brother
“Which reminds me,” Valaena interjects. “The Stark’s didn’t come.”
You glance at your daughter at the mention of that infamous name and then look down to think about Cregan.
It’s been so long since you’ve seen him, ten years perhaps? Maybe even more? You really wanted to see him, he’s a widow too, longer than you have been.
“Mother!”
You snap your eyes up and see Aerion approaching with his arms open, but you place a hand on your hip and shoot him a pointed look.
“You’re late,” you point out as he wraps his arm around you. “Three days late.”
Aerion presses kisses on the side of your head to try and make you forget, and it works because you hug him back and when you pull away you grab his jaw. “I missed you,” you tell him, making him grin. “Where’s Daenys?”
Aerion sighs and pulls away, his smile falls and he looks at his sisters. “Well,” he adds. “Uh, Daenys stayed in Driftmark because she gave birth.”
You gasp and grab his arm. “Birth? It’s a month too soon,” you stammer out.
“Is she okay?” Daenerys asks right away.
Aerion nods. “Yes, she’s just recovering. She’s okay. Both her and our son.”
You sigh with relief but you still pinch him. “Why didn’t you say anything? You should’ve sent a Raven.”
Valaena steps forward to smack his arm. “Why didn’t you start off by saying she’s okay? Jerk.”
Aerion chuckles. “Well, it wouldn't have mattered, you all still would’ve worried. Anyway, she’ll come in a week or two. I came early to be with you,” he directs at his sister's, mainly at Valaena. “I don’t remember my father, but I do know longing. And it does get better, Valaena.”
Valaena offers him a gentle smile and they hug before he hugs Daenerys. She’s actually about to say something, but then Aerion gently pushes her away as he spots Ser Crane.
“Old man,” he greets. “You get older every time I see you.”
Ser Crane huffs. “Yet it’s possible I might outlive you, my Prince.”
Aerion grins and pats his shoulder when he sees him and then moves past him when he spots Valaena’s husband.
“Ellis!” He shouts before he runs over to embrace him and pats his back.
“Aerion, buddy, we've been waiting for you!”
You watch your other sons huddle around the pair and turn to walk to Lord Cane.
“He says Daenys gave birth,” you mention and watch your nieces approach their respected partner. “That’s why he’s late.”
“The boat has been here since this morning,” he rats Aerion out without hesitation. “He was probably sleeping or joined in some tournament.”
You scoff. “I don’t know where he gets these tendencies from, his father was never like this.”
“His uncle was—”
“I’ll burn you,” you cut him off before he could say Aegon’s name, making him chuckle.
“I’ll talk to him,” Lord Crane assures you and passes you your goblet of wine.
You shake your head. “Don’t waste your breath, he’s almost 30, he won’t learn anymore. He’s got a thick head.”
Lord Crane chuckles.
You smile and take a drink of your wine before you change the subject. “I’m going to make rounds.” You turn, and he mirrors your actions to follow you to the first Lord and Lady you see, but then the guard at the entrance interrupts you.
“Lord Cregan of House Stark, Lord of the Winterfell, and Warden of the North.”
You gasp softly and snap your eyes to the door, catching him, Cregan, your old friend, and love your life, walking down the steps with his men and a young lady you assume is one of his daughters Lord Alyssane gave him during their marriage.
Everyone watches the mighty Lord with his fur cloak over his broad shoulders and body that's grown more toned over the years. But through the sea of people, he finds you.
Cregan’s grey eyes find you as he makes his way to you first. And when he reaches you, your heart skips a beat as if it were the first time you’ve seen him. He proceeds to bow and the young lady beside him does too.
“My Queen,” he greets.
You hand the goblet of wine back to your Lord Commander and when Cregan straightens out, you offer him a kind smile. “Lord Stark,” you greet sweetly.
“My condolences on the loss of your husband,” he says first. “I knew the prince consort briefly, but all I heard were great things.”
You sigh. “Thank you, Lord Stark. I’m glad we could see you. Even if it is at the banquet,” you say bluntly.
Cregan’s serious expression breaks as he smiles. “Yes well, there was a storm that damaged our ship, and when we changed to a carriage our carriage broke a wheel. It’s been quite a hectic ride.”
You blink and look at him with worry. “Oh! Is everyone fine?” You ask and step forward.
Cregan nods. “Yes, yes, we’re all fine. Thank the gods.”
You hum and glance at the lady with dark brown hair. Cregan follows your line of gaze and grabs her arm. “This is my youngest daughter Mariah Stark.”
The girl curtsy and when she stands up you offer her a sweet smile. “Ah, you have your father's grey eyes. Very beautiful.”
“Thank you, your Grace,” she mumbles.
You nod and meet Cregan’s gaze again. “It’s nice to see you, old friend. It’s been…years.”
Cregan nods and his eyes soften, catching those around you off guard that this cold and serious man was looking so gentle. “Ten,” he clarifies. “Ten years. But I’m here now and I hope we get to reacquaint ourselves during my stay.”
You grin and nod eagerly. “Yes, that would be great. Now,” you trail off and grin wider. “Meet my children!” You walk over to the group of kids watching from a distance. “I’ll start with who I see first, there’s a lot.” You laugh.
And of course, Laenor pushes himself to the front, so you start with him. “Cregan, this is Laenor,”
Said man feigns a cough so you correct yourself. “Sorry, Ser Laenor. He’s a knight.”
Laenor flashes Cregan a grin and then glances at his daughter to offer her a flirty smile. And right away you notice that the girl blushes at the charming tactics of your son. But she’s not the only one, since he’s the only prince who’s a bachelor, many young ladies have been swooning over him and giving him their sympathies in hope he’d return their affections. But they’ll find that their brothers or their household guards will gain his affection a lot quicker than them. He just likes to tease women.
“…and this,” you move on to point to the man next to Laenor. “This is Rhaegar, my youngest.” You grab his shoulder and give it a tight squeeze.
Rhaegar glances at you and then offers Cregan a more nervous smile, letting you move on to the next person and feeling him feel grateful for it with the way his shoulders untense.
“Next to him is my niece and his betrothed, Lady Valeria Hightower, daughter of my cousin, the Lady Rhaena.”
Cregan bows his head and then glances back at one of his men. When they approach you see him holding a bouquet of blue winter roses.
“Thank the gods these survived our trip,” he says and plucks one from the bouquet to hand it to Valeria.
“Oh! This is beautiful,” Valeria gushes. “Thank you, my Lord.” She curtsies and then turns to Rhaegar to show him the pretty rose.
“This is Lady Laena Velaryon, daughter of my cousin Lady Baela, wife of my Maekor, and future Queen.” You grin.
Cregan bows his head and once again he plucks a rose from the bouquet. She’s more timid than Valeria though, so her response is softer. “Thank you, Lord Stark.”
“It's an honor to make your acquaintance, my Lady,” he interjects. “And future Queen.”
Laena smiles and gently bows her head. “It’s an honor to meet you, the Queen speaks fondly of you.” She reveals.
Oh.
Cregan smirks. “Does she now? I should hope so.”
You avert your gaze and move on to the next person so he won't get any more smug. “And you know my Maekor, my heir.”
Cregan once again bows. “My Prince.” Cregan greets.
Maekor offers him a small bow and a gentle smile. “Lord Stark. It’s a pleasure seeing you again, the last time I saw you—”
“You were a little lad,” Cregan cuts him off. “With your front teeth missing.” He chuckles. “You’ve grown, my Prince. And I hear you have sons of your own too.”
You beam proudly, and Maekor nods.
“Yes, I do, Jacaerys and Jaehaerys,” your son reveals.
“It’s quite a change,” Cregan says. “You make me feel old.”
“That’s because you are,” you quip
“Likewise.” He counters, making you feign a laugh before you move and point to the tall skinny man next to Maekor. “You probably know him. Lord Ellis Blackwood, son of Lord Benjicot Blackwood.”
Cregan nods. “Yes, we’ve met. I hear a congratulations are in order, my lord, I hear you're expecting your first child.”
Ellis grins brightly and nods before glancing at Valaena. “Yes, twins the maester says.”
Cregan glances at your daughter and offers her a smile. “Congratulations Princess, I’m sure the gods will grant you healthy babes.” He then turns and plucks three roses from the bouquet. “For you and your children.”
Valaena gently takes the roses and brings them up to her nose to smell them, causing a sweet smile to grow on her lips. “Thank you, my Lord, you are very kind.”
Cregan bows his head and now you move on to your last two. “Now, you know…” you trail off as Aerion is gone from the line. “Oh, well here’s Daenerys.”
Cregan stops in front of Daenerys and his smile softens. “Princess,” he greets softly and studies her face.
Daenerys doesn’t know the man before her is her actual father, you couldn’t risk it, so it will always be a secret between Cregan and you.
“Lord Stark,” she greets without as much emotion.
Cregan lingers there before he grabs one winter rose and hands it to her. “It goes with your hair well,” he says, making her giggle.
“It does, thank you.” She then looks at you and smiles.
“Father,” Cregan’s daughter cuts in. “Look they have my favorite, come with me.”
Cregan blinks and then glances at you. “And the rest are for you,” he says and grabs the rest of the winter roses to give you the bouquet. “I’m sorry for your loss, again. We’ll talk later. Yes?”
You smile softly and nod. “Yes. And Lord Stark.” You proceed to approach him and talk quieter. “Join us tomorrow for breakfast. The whole of my family will be there, and I want you to be there as well.”
Cregan holds your gaze with a smile and doesn’t hesitate to answer. “I’ll be there.”
You grin wider and nod in comprehension. “Good,” you whisper and feel your heart skip a beat once again.
.
.
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