Empty Souls | Aemond Targaryen

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/43431666.

Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death, Rape/Non-
Con, Underage
Category: F/M
Fandom: House of the Dragon (TV), Game of Thrones (TV)
Relationship: Aemond "One-Eye" Targaryen/Visenya Targaryen (Daughter of
Daemon), Aemond "One-Eye" Targaryen/Original Female Character(s),
Alicent Hightower/Viserys I Targaryen, Daemon Targaryen/Rhaenyra
Targaryen, Jacaerys Velaryon & Original Female Character(s)
Character: Daemon Targaryen, Aemond "One-Eye" Targaryen, Viserys I
Targaryen, Visenya Targaryen, Alicent Hightower, Rhaenyra Targaryen,
Jacaerys Velaryon, Helaena Targaryen, Joffrey Velaryon, Criston Cole,
Lucerys Velaryon (Son of Rhaenyra), Otto Hightower, Viserys II
Targaryen, Rhaena Targaryen (Daughter of Daemon), Cregan Stark,
Cannibal the Wild Dragon (A Song of Ice and Fire), Vhagar (ASoIaF),
Caraxes | Daemon Targaryen's Dragon, Syrax | Rhaenyra Targaryen's
Dragon, Arrax | Lucerys Velaryon's Dragon, Vermax | Jacaerys
Velaryon's Dragon, Moondancer | Baela Targaryen's Dragon, Sunfyre |
Aegon II Targaryen's Dragon, Dreamfyre | Helaena Targaryen's
Dragon, Tessarion | Daeron Targaryen's Dragon, Daeron Targaryen
(Son of Viserys I)
Additional Tags: Obsessive Aemond "One-Eye" Targaryen, Protective Aemond "One-
Eye" Targaryen, Enemies to Lovers, Love/Hate, Forbidden Love, The
Dance of the Dragons | Aegon II Targaryen v. Rhaenyra Targaryen Era
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2022-12-05 Updated: 2023-07-30 Words: 23,196 Chapters:
10/?

Empty Souls | Aemond Targaryen

by Caraxesc

Summary

Daemon fullfils his brother's wishes and consumes his marriage with Rhea Royce.
Their daughter shares a craddle with a prince, but as the time passes two royals grow distant
from each other, forced with pride and ambition of each of their families.
Sworn enemies they become, but is it just a curtain to cover up their forbidden desires?

Notes

First two chapters will represent just a peak into Visenya's chilhood, following some of the
worst things that had happened to her and that made her the person she is after many years
now(from chapter three). The story will mostly, but not necesserarily follow every detail
that happened during the dance.
 Kings And Beggers

Daemon Targaryen rarely took part in his duties, The prince of Flea Bottom,” the small folk would
whisper. But the prince wasn’t upset with their whispers,

A dragon doesn’t bother with the opinions of the sheep.

In pleasures of his youth that the prince was blessed with, he cared only about the opinion of his
brother Viserys, even if he refused to admit it to anyone, including himself. So he found himself
standing before raging or, rather desperate Viserys who was sitting on the throne that would
eventually kill him. “I’m begging you Daemon, as your brother, not your king.” Viserys raises his
voice as his brother stared at him blankly, with no expression on his face. “Consume the marriage,
do something if not for the sake of your honour, then for the sake of me!” Viserys pleads as he
holds his head that felt too heavy in his hands.

The burden is heavy, Daemon thought. His brother was not strong enough to rule the realm, if only
he was the first son of their father. Daemon felt himself guilty for his brother’s suffering, so he
flew Caraxes to the Vail and laid with his wife, w

it would be the first and last time, he told Viserys.

And he kept his word.

Nine months after the event, the screams could be heard through the cold walls of the Ruinstone as
Daemon barged into the room full of maids and maesters gathered around his wife.
“Congratulations my prince, a healthy daughter.” The old maester said and placed the child in
Daemon’s hands. It was the first time young prince felt the delight of a babe in one’s arms, his
babe, his daughter.

He brushed his fingers through her barely-grown hair while holding her small head, furrowing his
eyebrows at the sight.

“It is a miracle, my prince. Never has a babe been born with such hair colours combined.” The
maester pointed out as all the people in the room gathered around the babe. At first sight, one
would say the babe has inherited her mother’s thick, dark brown hair, but the higlights within had
the brightest silver hairs Daemon has ever laid his eyes on. The prince smiled at his newborn as he
looked in her bright, purple eyes that screamed of Old Valyria.

“Visenya.” Daemon whispered.

Not long has passed when the screams echoed the castle again but this time for a different reason.
Daemon left the stone castle in hurry while carrying his daughter in his hands, gripping tightly onto
her little body. Behind him followed Rhea Royce, still sweaty and barely standing on her own feet,
screaming and pleading for her daughter. Her cousin, Gerold, followed her while trying to ease her
anger and calm her down even though he wasn’t very pleased with the situation either.

“You cannot just take her away from me!” Rhea cried out and fell to her knees with tears rolling
down her red cheeks.

His bronze bitch, Daemon thought. He was finally free of her.

“I thought you for a clever person, dear wife.” Daemon chuckled to himself. “Did you really think I
was going to let her rot in this old ruin?” At this point Rhea lost all her senses and commanded the
guards to give her back her daughter and throw the prince in a dungeon. “You’re ordering treason,
dear cousin.” Gerold told her as he helped her on her feet.

The guards were quick to step back as soon as pair of red wings flew the sky above. A horrific roar
escaped Caraxes’ lungs after he landed on a rock behind where Daemon was standing with the
babe in his hands.

“I dare you try.” Daemon said before sudden silence filled the cold air.

The rogue prince then climbed his dragon and left, hoping that would be the last time in his life he
sees the old excuse of a castle and his bronze bitch.

When her father brought her to Kings Landing that day, King Viserys had not only one but two
reasons for celebration. A second son has been born to his Grace and the Queen Alicent Hightower.
The Gods themselves could not describe the happiness Rhaenyra Targaryen, one-and-ten and the
time, felt when she first saw her cousin.

Little Visenya was placed in a craddle next to Aemond Targaryen.

Historys been written,

two Targaryens born the same day.

Do they share the same faith?

 Broken Bonds
Chapter Summary

But the expression Visenya held on her face in that very moment was worse than
Aemond could ever imagine it would be.

“You liar!” Visenya attempted to run to him but her father’s grip stopped her. “You’re
no better than he is!”

Her words hurt him, they truly did. But what could a boy do?

Visenya Targaryen spent the very first years of her life in the capital, living a life worthy of a
princess, Daemon made sure.

She was a rather troublesome child, which many blamed on her father. Visenya, however, inherited
her mother’s traits as well.

Only if she knew her.

The princess always wondered why her cousins were blessed with the presence of their mother and
she wasn’t, but whenever she gathered courage to ask her father about it, he would not give her an
answer.

“Don’t bother your pretty head with such things.” He would say to her.

But she couldn’t ignore it even if she tried. “They say her mother cursed her the day Daemon took
her from her hands.” The maids would whisper when they’d see her passing by.

Princess’ company was mostly occupied by the small beast of bright-blue colour. If it was not on
her shoulder it was stomping around her feet.

The Queen was not pleased with it as her children’s dragons were kept in the Dragon Pit. However,
Viserys saw little importance in his wife’s complaints as Visenya reminded him of his younger
brother. It was the first time in history of their great house that the dragon has been allowed on the
court. So Visenya kept him with her until he reached her size.

“You pay that child more attention than you do to your own children!” Alicent Hightower wasn’t
blood of the dragon herself but her rage burned through the Red Keep that day when she found
Viserys braiding Visenya’s hair in his chambers.

Little princess wondered what has she done for the Queen to hate her so much as she was running
through the corridors that echoed of Alicent’s raging voice.

Until someone stopped her.

Before her stood Rhaenyra, her cousin. “What is wrong, sweet girl?” She bent down to gently
brush off the girls tears as she found herself suprised with a gripping hug Visenya pulled her into.

“She hates me.” The girl whispered in Rhaenyra’s shoulder.

Rhaenyra tightened their hug “Oh, my love,” before she pulled away. “Come with me, let me show
you something.” She said which caused a soft smile on Visenya’s face.

The two made their way to the Dragon Pit and freed Syrax and Sapphire of their chains.

“It’s time you mount a dragon cousin.” Rhaenyra smiled as she climbed Syrax.

Sapphire was about half Syrax’ size but big enough for Visenya’s small body.

The blue dragon egg was placed in her craddle when she was born and hatched not so long after.
The girl has grown to love Sapphire more than most of the people on the court.

“Father says next year!” Little girl yelled in confusion as she observed the great beast in front of
her.

Syrax roared in impatience. “Don’t be afraid.” Rhaenyra said before Visenya climbed on
Sapphire’s back. The beast has not waited a second before it separated from the ground.

The moment Visenya felt the cold air hitting her face while observing Kings Landing beneath her,
she didn’t care would her father be mad at her. She was finally a real Targaryen, she thought to
herself as she flew aside her cousin.

However, their fun lasted for a short amount of time before they’d come back and meet their
fathers.

“She could’ve died!” Viserys yelled.

Rhaenyra has expect this of course but she knew a night would pass and her father’s rage would
disappear.

Daemon has confronted his daughter about it but he secretly felt very much proud of her.

When Visenya came back to the Keep, walking to her chambers she heard steps following behind
her.

For the night is dark and full of terrors, her father’s voice repeated in her head.

“Who walks there?” She said with furrowed eyebrows as a sight of silver hear could be seen
behind the stone wall.

“It’s me.” She felt relief when she heard Aemond’s voice.

He walked towards the princess. “You intended to scare me?” She asked him when he stopped
himself.

The prince ignored her question. “I heard father is angry with you and Rhaenyra, what is it that
you’ve done?” He observed her perfectly visible face thanks to the moonlight so bright some
would mistake night for the day.

“Nothing.” She muttered the word before she continued her way to her chamber.

She did not wish to talk with Aemond about her dragon, it made her feel bad for he was the only
dragonless child in their family,

She did not wish to hurt him.

A little has the girl known that her first time riding Sapphire would be her last as well.

After just a few days her father told her he’s going into war.

War,

Such a confusing word for a little girl.

She begged Daemon day and night for her to go with him, she felt her father would be the safest in
her presence, she’d protect him she thought to herself.

It was not easy for Daemon to reject his daughter’s pleads as one evening a tear rolled down his
cheek. “You’re leaving me alone in here.” Visenya’s words took over his mind as he couldn’t
remember when was the last time he shed a tear.

Last night before her father left Kings Landing Visenya spent the night in his chambers and made
her final proposal to him.

“If you won’t take me, take my dragon.” The girl said in desperation.

“Sapphire is big enough for battle and she’ll look after you the same as i would.”

Princess’ words made Daemon’s lips curl into a smirk as he stood up to kiss her on the forehead.
“Please father.”

And so he accepted her request. He’d do anything he could to make her feel better in the nights
they’d spend separated from each other.

She would regret that night for years.

Her father came back, healthy, not aged a single day. But her dragon didn’t.

“Can i see Sapphire now? Surely he’s grown a bit.” The girl said after letting go of the hug she
shared with her father.

In that moment she saw pity in his eyes, regret even.

“Visenya.” He said, twirling her silky hair in his hand.

After her father told her what happened the girl collapsed on the floor, crying. Damon observed his
daughter in sadness, he didn’t wish to see her cry.

It was that moment when he realised, when flashbacks started uncontrollably showing up in
Daemon’s mind.

You cannot just take her away from me!

Have the Gods come to punish him, Daemon wondered.

Take him! Take him!

She looked like her mother.

In that moment the prince felt like his daughter hated him, his girl, his Visenya.

Daemon sat on the floor beside her and took her in his arms, trying to calm her down, not saying a
single word.

“I hope they’re all rotting in the ground.” The girl muttered to her chin.

The feast for her father’s victory lasted a few long, exhausting days for the princess. The way
unknown people, even her family would give her the look of pity whenever she made eye contact
with them made her want to vomit.

“They are all looking at me like I’m some kind of a cripple.” The princess complained to her
cousin beside her. Rhaenyra didn’t know what to say or how to comfort Visenya as it made her sad,

The fact that a girl of only five and three moons can think such things of herself.

She raised her hand to move the hair out of Visenya’s face as wind would blow through the yard of
the Red Keep and do it instead. Rhaenyra observed the girl’s breathtaking features and eyes that
reminded her of her young self.

“You know there are things in life other than riding a dragon that could make you happy.” The girl
did not pay much attention to her cousin’s words as she followed Aegon’s screaming, annoying
voice.

His mother sent him inside because he’s behaviour wasn’t bearable but the boy menaged to outrun
his maids and make his way to the yard as all attention turned to him.

Alicent grabbed him, her face red as a rose.

“She deserves the shame.” Visenya whispered. Let all the noble lords and ladies of Westeros see
the pathetic excuse of a mother she truly is.

“Like what?” Visenya turned her gaze back to Rhaenyra.

Rhaenyra looked at her blankly, thinking whether she should use the phrase her father often tried to
lite her up with,

Maybe it would work for Visenya.

“Perhaps a marriage.”

The girl simply chuckled.

“Alicent married the King of The Seven kingdoms, she’s The Queen, yet she seems miserable to
me.”

“One of love, i thought.”

Visenya was too smart for her own good, Rhaenyra thought.

“I loved Sapphire, now she’s dead.”

“Not that kind of-... it doesn’t matter, I’m sure your father will find the perfect match for you when
you’re grown up.” Rhaenyra wanted to feed herself to Syrax after she finished with all that
nonsense, she wasn’t good at confronting people, especially little children.

“I’m not made for that. You’re the one they call the Realm’s delight Rhaenyra, I’m the one they
call cursed.” Little girl’s voice started cracking as she pulled herself together quickly and stood up
to walk over to her father.
“Would you like to see.. the tapestries?” Viserys started laughing uncontrollably as Daemon
followed his actions. Alicent stared at them with pure hate in her eyes before she looked at the girl
nothing different.

The girl pulled her father’s sleeve and told him she’ll be in her chambers, on what he nodded.

She found herself in the corridors of the Red Keep she hated more and more every day she spent
there, suddenly she was suprised with Aegon’s presence.

Little boy was sitting on the cold floor, next to the door of her very own chamber. She stopped
herself a few feet away when she realised the blade in the silver heared boy’s hands.

“What are you doing, Aegon?”

He looked at her with a slight smile resting on his lips, he was only a boy yet he already looked out
of his mind.

“You think I didn’t see you and my half-sister mocking me earlier in the yard?” The boy twirled
the blade before he stood up and started walking towards the girl.

“We didn’t do anything but, if you so thought we were mocking you, surely there was a reason to
do so-.” The princess was cut off with her back hitting the wall and a blade pressing against the
skin of her neck as Aegon’s eyes twitched in rage.

She could feel his breath on her face while looking at him in disgust.

“You think I don’t see the way you look at me like I’m a monster unworthy of my position?” The
frustrated boy spat in princess’ face as she could feel the sharp blade craving into her skin slowly.
She was starting to panic, realising this is not just one of Aegon’s miserable jokes. “Get off me
Aegon. Before my father cuts that arm of yours!”

Just when Visenya thought Aegon was really going to cut her and that there’s no escape from the
situation that would not cause even more harm, steps were heard approaching from the near
corridor.

Aegon managed to quickly separate the blade from Visenya’s skin causing the girl to fall on the
floor, gripping her own neck while trying to catch her breath.

A few remaining seconds felt like ages to Visenya, she could hear her own heartbeat, her own
blood running through her veins, and mostly,

Rage.

She lifted her head to look at her pathetic excuse of a cousin, breathing heavily, but everything she
could see was only red.

She saw an opportunity to turn all the sadness, pain, grief and anger to relief. She grabbed the
blade from his hands and before he had time to turn around his back hit the ground as Visenya
howered over him.

“You think I’m scared of you, you cunt?” Aegon’s eyebrows furrowed at Visenya’s words, his
eyes quietly begging for mercy.

Aegon used the advantage of his free hand and struck her face leaving her nose bleeding but the
girl was quick to swing the blade and cut open the area of his collarbone, making the boy cry out in
pain.

“Gods be good!” Visenya heard the most annoying voice in the whole Seven Kingdoms before she
turned around to find Cole walking towards. Behind him Aemond followed, a look of disbelief
resting on his face.

When she saw him her expression softened, she didn’t want for him to see her in this condition, she
didn’t want him to think bad of her.

“Aemond-.” Criston’s rough hand grabbed the fabric of her dress behind her neck, bringing the
princess to her feet.

“You little-,” He cut himself off. “Tell the prince that you’re sorry so we can have the Queen
informed.”

In the corner of her eye she saw Aegon grinning up at them, amused his prince on a white horse
came to rescue.

“I will not, he attacked me first.” Visenya’s words didn’t seem to have any importance to Cole, as
expected, so she started trying to get herself out of his grip that only tightened.

She managed to step on his foot but he lifted her on his shoulder and started walking towards the
Queen’s chambers.

All of their parents have been summoned to the chamber as the princess felt like she was on a trial
waiting for a death sentence. The Queen has, of course, defended Aegon nonetheless of all my
accusations. As did her sworn protector.

“Were you there, Aemond?” Viserys asked which caused all attention suddenly fall on the boy
who has not said a single word since the moment he entered the room. Aemond looked at his
mother who have him a striking look before speaking.

You shall always stand by your family, Aemond, no matter the situation, no matter the
consequences. Her words burned through his mind as he swallowed quietly, turning his head to his
father who was waiting for an answer.

“Yes.”

Yes? His words repeated in Visenya’s mind as she looked at him in confusion.

“Of course i was there. Aegon was messing with her so she pulled a blade out of her sleeve and
attacked him.” He said with no expression on his face.

But the expression Visenya held on her face in that very moment was worse than Aemond could
ever imagine it would be.

“You liar!” Visenya attempted to run to him but her father’s grip stopped her. “You’re no better
than he is!”

Her words hurt him, they truly did. But what could a boy do?

The discussion ended with Viserys pleading for them to apologise to each other. They did of
course, the words of regret and sympathy were spoken between the young royals, but never meant.

Visenya and her father left Kings Landing when the first sunlight appeared tomorrow morning.
However, the princess’ little heart was now filled with more hate than ever.

Cursed, crippled, rejected & betrayed.

She’ll seek revenge, once she comes back.

 Promise
Chapter Summary

As he finally reached outside, followed by a few white cloaks, he scanned the sky.
Vermax and Syrax were making circles around the castle and the black beast was
laying on the hill, his folded wings full of scars and holes, green eyes that glared at the
prince deeper than any other ever could.

A promising glare indeed.

But what kind of promise does the Cannibal bring to the Targaryen prince? Promise of
loyalty and submission.. or a promise of his daughters dead body rotting away in the
ruins of Dragonmont?

Chapter Notes

I'm sorry for taking so long, my exams are killing me, I promise I'll update more often
from now on. Enjoy the chapter and I'm sorry if there's any grammar mistakes!

The sound of Valyrian steel could be heard as their swords met in the air for the hundredth time, or
thousandth, Visenya wasn’t sure. Her father’s tactics were always the only ones she could not
defeat, ever.
She would try to read his next move like she always does while practising with other knights on
Dragonstone, predict it and block it before they even try performing it, put them in a defenceless
position and attack.
But no matter how hard she tried she never succeeded.

Swing. “You’re too confident with it Visenya.” And another one. “Letting the enemy get too
close!” Father’s voice echoed in her mind as cold sweat dripped down her face.

And the final one.

Sharp pane travelled through princess’ wrists as she collided with the ground, millimetres away
from crashing her pretty skull against the rock placed beneath.

“We’ll practice on defense.” Daemon muttered as he placed dark sister back in it’s place, exhaling.

Visenya scoffed before sitting herself on the ground, gripping onto her sword so hard her knuckles
turned white. “You told me attack is the best defence.” She tossed it aside and brought her hand to
her face, wiping the sweat away.

“And you’ve taken it too seriously.”

Visenya couldn’t handle it, it ate her from inside out that she couldn’t succeed in something all her
strength was based of off. Something that has been the point of her very existence and the only
interest she’s had for not less than 10 years,

Training.

It was originally Daemon’s idea. “You’d do well honouring Queen Visenya’s name.” He said
regardless of all the complaints from his concealers, friends and wives. He demanded the best
Smith in Pentos make Visenya a sword worthy of a future warrior, bringing them the best of
Valyrian steel from Dragonstone.

The prince’s commands were followed without a word and so the weapon was finished in less than
ten days.

"You should name it.” He said as he watched how she tried to hold the heavy steel in her hands
properly, amused. The princess was a girl with a small, skinny figure yet her character never failed
to make those facts unnoticeable. “I should not. Whatever name I’d choose now I know I would
regret in years to come.”

Visenya remembers the days she spent in Pentos like it was yesterday, perhaps it’s because every
day was the exact same for her. She watched as two beasts of red and green colour danced in the
sky, entertaining the small folk of the big city. They would cheer for them, they would praise them
as they were some sort of Gods who came to save their miserable souls.

Her mind was buried in histories and training, trying to honour her house in every way possible.
She could go days without talking to anyone, without uttering a single word as she tried focusing
on her skills. Baela and Rhaena would often seek for their older sister’s attention but always fail.

Laena Valaryion also tried to lower the walls young princess had put up around herself, she tried to
get her approval with pretty words and soft smiles. But what she didn’t know is that Visenya was
no longer looking for a person to play the figure of her mother for her, that idea of hers has already
failed once,

And it hurt.

It hurt as Alicent herself ripped her heart from her chest.

"You need to let people love you princess. It is not a shame to require company, hmm?" The silver-
haired woman used to look at Visenya with pity. Even today she remember Laena’s soft voice in
the blackest of the night comforting her half-sisters after their nightmares took over their minds.
Visenya would cover herself with a blanket and stay quiet, like she always did, like she always
does.

♕︎

"Dran-yut, Dran-.”

" Ao sagon mundagon Jacaerys.” (You’re miserable), the words slipped off Visenya’s tongue as
the old maester exhaled and Jacaerys’ hardened gaze sent daggers through the princess.

Lucerys didn’t even try to hide his laugh before Jace smacked his fist against the table making
Joffrey flinch beside him. “Emā naejot gūrēñagon naejot tame aōla, my prince.” (You have to learn
to control yourself).

“Mērī Valyrīha Visenya.” (Only Valyrian), the maester frowned at her.

"Ñuha dārilaros.” (My prince) Just as she finished her sentence old doors of the stone castle
creaked to reveal Rhaenyra who’s gaze softened the moment she saw her children.
Her lips formed into a smile as she stroked her swollen belly with one hand, holding little Aegon in
the other. Sooner than later she would bring another soul into this world yet pregnancy came so
easy to her.

“Visenya would you, please?” Rhaenyra’s voice echoed through the silent room as the princess
approached her to take the burden off the pregnant woman. “Thank you.”

Visenya never wished to be complicit in raising her youngest brothers but as soon as she took
Viserys in her hands for the first time, she knew she loved him. And it was nothing different with
Aegon.
She knew she would die for them, kill for them if needed.

"I do not expect you to learn High Valyrian in a day Jace. You have plenty of time to study, unless
you’re planning to depose your own mother of course.”

Rhaenyra had not been demanding of her children at all, they studied if they wanted to, they trained
if they wanted to, nothing came forced with her. But as relieving as that sounded it hasn’t shown
good results whatsoever. Lucerys could barely hold his sword and Jacaerys’ skills were only better
because he was a few years older, still not enough for someone who’s going to be king one day.

Jacaerys’ accomplishment in High Valyrian haven't been anything more than a joke for Luke and
Visenya to laugh at every early morning they spent together.

Visenya loved them, her bastard brothers.. or nephews, she wasn’t sure exactly but there was no
doubt she did. That fact however couldn’t blind her enough not to see their failure.

“We have news from Driftmark.” Her father’s voice made Aegon’s little head turn towards the big
doors.

“Leave us.” Rhaenyra’s voice echoed through the stone walls and her kids nodded their hands and
obeyed their mother’s wishes. Before Jace took him, Visenya gave her baby brother a kiss on the
cheek and they left the room.

Only a blind man couldn’t notice the stabbing glare Jace sent Visenya before he left, leaving her
the responsibilities that should’ve been his.

He’s the heir to the iron throne, is he not? His very presence should be required at hid mother’s
council, should it not?

"Baela wrote to me.” Daemon handed the paper to his wife and as she continued reading her
expression has fell more and more before she threw Baela’s massage on the ground.

Visenya crossed her hands, the stone table supporting her back. “What is it? Is Corlys dead?”

Rhaenyra sighed allowing Daemon to pet her belly before she turned around to face her step-
daughter. "Corlys is the smallest problem in this moment. It is Vaemond that means to call into
question Luke’s legitimacy and by extension Jace’s and by extension my own claim to the throne.”

It bothered her, Visenya, but she wasn’t suprised. She knew the consequences of Rhaenyra’s
actions and the price she’ll be paying for them as long as her sons breath. And she also knew the
nature of Vaemond Valaryion.

“How very brotherly of him, he’s practically burying lord Corlys alive.” The sarcasm in princess’
voice was more then obvious. “What is to be done about it?"

“Vaemond cares little about our politics, but to achieve this goal the first thing he’ll do is try to get
Otto and Alicent on his side.” Daemon’s words came like poison to Rhaenyra’s ears, she knew the
day will come yet she handles situations like this so poorly.

"And in that he will succeed with no obstacles whatsoever.” Rhaenyra drew a sharp breath, waiting
for any of them to say something, something that’d make her feel better at least for a quick second.

“Otto sits the throne, Rhaenyra, you’d do well to remember that and if we just sit here and wait for
them to make the decision..” Visenya didn’t finish her sentence but there was no need for it
anyway, Rhaenyra understood her point and she understood it well.

“And if we go to Kings Landing and still fail?” Rhaenyra was a princess, heir to the throne but in
this moment she sounded miserable, like a bagger pleading for help.

“Then we must act quickly.”

Visenya’s words sent tingles down Rhaenyra’s spine, not the pleasant ones indeed. The future
Queen turned her gaze back to her husband hoping she’d find some sort of comfort in his eyes.

But she couldn’t.

Rhaenyra hated the way his eyes desired for this, for conflict, for hate, for bloodshed,

Fo r war.

And she hated the way Visenya was nothing different from her dearest father, the way they were
the same people just opposite genders.

"I will-” Her voice trembled as she picked on her golden rings before holding onto her red gown “I
will not be the first one to start this war.” With the sentence finished Rhaenyra fleed from the room
quick enough not to be asked any further questions.

From across the room, Daemon sent his daughter a pleasant look, the edge of his mouth curling
itself into a smirk.

Gods she was his, he thought.

“Ao jorrāelagon daor sagon sīr cruel va aōha muñnykeā. Ziry's rūsīr riñnykeā, mazverdagon sure
ao gīmigon bona.” (You need not be so cruel to your mother. She’s with child, make sure to
remember that.)

The rogue prince attempted his leave but he was stopped with an unsurprising argue. “Ziry's being
tolī rāpa se lo ziry kes pōja bizes, nyke zūgagon ziry jāhor ropagon.” (She’s too soft and if she
keeps ignoring their strikes, i fear she might fall.)

“Be ready at sunrise, we’re leaving.” Was the only thing Daemon uttered before he left.
Sunrise? That early?

No.

That ruined her plans completely.

This couldn’t be.

She must act as quickly as she could, or she shall suffer her own embarrassment for the rest of her
life.

She left the room in hist, gripping onto her long dress as she ran to her chamber. This is my last
chance, last chance to secure my future, to prove myself. If i fail today, i shall never be worthy
enough for my position.

If i fail today i will never lift up my head proudly, ever again.

Visenya was snepped out of her thoughts within a second, snatched into Jacaery’s chamber without
warning. “Seven hells you insufferable imbecile-”

“You seem rather upset, Visenya.” He interrupted. “Why?”

He cannot not know, never. He’d never let it happen.

“It’s Vaemond, he’s planning on deposing Luke. We’re leaving for Kings Landing tomorrow on
sunrise.” She tried to steady herself, to look unbothered as she always does but this was Jace, she
couldn’t fool him so easily.

“I mean we already expected this, didn’t we?” He noticed her hands grabbing and pulling every
part of her poor gown as she was mindlessly nodding her head. "Is everything-” His gaze softened
as his gentle hand lifted princess’ chin. “Are you alright?”

He had not seen her so upset ever in ten years they spent together. She was a taught one. Her
confidence and her boldness sometimes angered him but this.. this concerned him more than
anything in this world could.

Weak. Visenya thought to herself as she observed Jace’s face that held a blank expression, feeling
the tears that started forming in her eyes.

"I-”

No.

Weakness.

Vulnerability.

No.

She sucked up her tears and cleared her throat, removing Jacaerys’ hand from her face. “It is
nothing that should concern you, young prince.”

Jace gave her a look of annoyance. “That pride of your will kill you one day.”

“It might.”

♕︎

I’ve done this a hundred times already, i can do it again.

No, she hadn’t claimed a dragon hundred times but she climbed Dragonmont with her father. She
knew it as good as she knew Dragonstone itself, every corner, every cave, every rock.

She’s been planning this for over a year and now that time has come an awful feeling in her gut
was telling her to let it go, to give up and never mention it to herself again, never speak of it and
never think of it. But she didn’t care would all her work then be for nothing, she cared only about
what would happen after, living the rest of her life as a Targaryen without a dragon.

Like a sailor without a ship, like an archer without a bow, like a wild animal without its teeth.

Crippled.

No.

She studied the ruins of the old volcano, she knew exactly where her only hope nests, where her
father always warned her not to step a foot when they’d go searching for dragon eggs that Syrax
has provided.

She stood up from her bed and walked over the shelves that had books messily thrown over one
another.

-Old Valyria by maester Eustace-

Not that one.
-Building of Maegor’s keep by maester Gerold-
Not that one either.
-Jahaerys’ peace and prosperity by master Yoren-
“Seven hells!” she threw them all to the ground, looking up again to see that the gods have finally
smiled at her.

-Conqueror’s wisdom by maester Wyman-

She grabbed the book like it was the most precious thing one could get and seated herself on the
ground, carelessly devouring the it while searching through the pages.

"In age that we live in now, a dragon egg is put beside a newborn’s cradle in intention to bound the
child with his dragon from early age and make their bond stronger and secure-” Visenya’s voice
practically trembled but she kept reading quietly to herself. “But not so long ago in Old Valyria the
process of it never existed, if a person would want to have a dragon they’d have to tame and claim
it themselves when and how they see fit. In his good will, the Conqueror himself Aegon l
Targaryen shared his wisdom and knowledge about this very subject.”

Gods will he get to the point?

“If there’s not a way for the person to emotionally bond with the beast, which is not a rare
occurrence, they’d have to use pain. It is unsavoury but sometimes unnecessary, emotional bonding
shall be left after the dragon is claimed and under one’s control- Alright alright what should i
fucking do?”
She swayed her finger across the page and it stopped. “Two sharp knives.. Valyrian steel.. dragon’s
back..”

Yes.

She knew exactly what she needs to do.

Changing herself into something more comfortable than a dress and sneaking through the halls of
the old castle like a shadow, Visenya entered her father’s empty chamber and stole his dagger so
now she had two of them. Hers and his.

It was already past noon and she had to make this as quick as possible, she needed nothing less
than 3 hours to climb the damned volcano without Caraxes flying her to a certain point like he
always does.

But now she’s alone.

All alone.

♕︎

“I must’ve left it outside this morning, i cannot recall.” Daemon has never lost anything precious in
his life, right now he felt like a complete fool.

Rhaenyra enjoyed watching him as he devoured their chamber like a little girl looking for her toy.
“Do not startle yourself, love, I’m sure we can make you a new one.” She sat on the bed, a soft
smile resting on her lips.

“It’s been passed through generations, Rhaenyra.” Daemon clenched his jaw. “You cannot just
make a new one.” Daemon’s voice was harsh enough to erase the happiness from princess’ face,
making her frown instead.

She hated when he called her by her full name. It never meant anything good.

Everything is fine but ‘Rhaenyra’.

Here on Dragonstone she was either called her title by her servants, mother by her children and
lovingly nicknames Daemon would make for her and her only. ‘Rhaenyra’ reminded her of her
youth.

Youth.

Kings Landing.

Viserys.

Alicent.

Her mother.

Sometimes she’d have fond memories visit her in the dead of the night, it happened. But then the
realisation would hit her and the sadness would rule her body ones again. It’d feel her lungs to the
point when she cannot longer breathe and it would make her heart ache.

Ache for better times.

A knock on the wooden door interrupted Rhaenyra’s thoughts. “My princess, my prince. I am sorry
for bothering-”

“Not now!” Daemons voice echoed the room interrupting the young knight standing outside of it.

Rhaenyra heard an unfamiliar roar outside the castle, coming from the sky. Barely but she heard it.
"But my prince-”

"I said not now!” Daemon slammed the vase from the night stand as it hit the floor, broken.

An unfamiliar roar.

“Check it.” Rhaenyra commanded making her husband turn his gaze in her direction. Daemon
locked his eyebrows and parted his lips, ready to say something but Rhaenyra just nodded her head
in the direction of the door. “Seven save me.” The prince muttered to his chin as he walked and
opened the door, sending unpleasant looks to, to him unknown knight.

“It is an urgent situation my prince. A massive black dragon was seen flying near the castle, we
fear he may be headed here. Maester Gerardys told us the dragon in question is indeed very
dangerous.”

Daemon turned to look at his wife who looked as shocked as he did, holding onto her belly.

“Impossible.” The rogue prince grabbed Dark Sister and left the chamber in haste, Rhaenyra
following a few steps behind accompanied by the young knight.

“I need ten men and Caraxes on the hill.” Daemon’s commands seemed to catch the attention of
others in the castle. First of them being Luke, getting out of his chambers and quickly enough
holding onto Rhaenyra’s left arm, Jace and Rhaena followed, discussing the matter between each
other.

“Where’s Visenya?” Rhaenyra’s question made Daemon stop in the middle of the hall.
His heart skipped a beat.

He looked at his wife.

Rhaenyra swallowed, realising. "You don’t think-?”

Yes, yes he does.

“Mother?” Luke’s voice made Daemon break eye contact with her, clenching his jaw and holding
onto his sword.

Run.

Daemon ran as fast as he could, he ran faster than he ran that day he won the war in the Stepstones,
pushing everyone who’d get in his way.

Fear had overtook him.

As he finally reached outside, followed by a few white cloaks, he scanned the sky. Vermax and
Syrax were making circles around the castle and the black beast was laying on the hill, his folded
wings full of scars and holes, green eyes that glared at the prince deeper than any other ever could.

A promising glare indeed.

But what kind of promise does the Cannibal bring to the Targaryen prince? Promise of loyalty and
submission.. or a promise of his daughter's dead body rotting away in the ruins of Dragonmont?

See for yourself. Any other than a Targaryen would think him crazy for hearing such voices
echoing through his mind. But Daemon knew damn well who sent him this daring message as he
hurried down the stone steps that led him to the beast. One whistle was enough for him to summon
The Blood Wyrm and stand by his side.

The closer he got, the fear worsened. He could see a few dark strands of hair falling down
Cannibal’s back. Put her down you bastard.

To Daemon’s surprise the old dragon turned around and lowered his left wing, allowing Daemon to
climb him. “Rhaenyra stay where you are!” Daemon hissed when he saw his terrified wife on the
steps behind.

“Dohaeris, Cannibal!” The prince was holding his hand up while slowly climbing his wing, feeling
the tension between him and Caraxes who was trying to warn his rider.

Visenya was laying with her head down, barely breathing but managing to hold onto the one
remaining dagger that was driven deep into the dark scale. Daemon didn’t have much time to
observe his daughter but he could hear her muttering something in High Valyrian before he
grabbed her in his arms and separated from the beast.

Swallowing his pride the prince nodded in thank you to Cannibal before he took a look at the girl
in his arms. Ripped leathers, stretches all over her face,

Blood.

Blood dripping from her face.

“Fetch the maesters!” He yelled out, possibly making the stone castle shake beneath his word.
 The storm
Chapter Notes

I am truly sorry for my absence. I have been dealing with school for too long but since
I finished all my exams for this year I am finally free and ready to write. Enjoy.

Wooden door of the library swung open as Visenya lifted her head from the book she has been
sleeping on.

"Visenya, sleeping in the library is forbidden. Remember what the septa told us?" Aemond
approached her in fury, like she has committed the most vicious crime of them all.

"Fuck the septa."

"Shhh, the Gods might hear you. Aemond put his little hand over her even smaller one. She looked
at her cousin in confusion. "What?"

"Mother told me yesterday that you cannot hide from the eyes of the Seven. We will all answer for
our sins when the time comes." Aemond was confident in sharing his mother's words but the only
thing he got in return is a frown from Visenya who closed her book and stood up to put it back on
the shelf.

You don't believe me?" Disappointment filled his face.

"Father says those are tales that miserable fanatics like to tell themselves because they are scared
of dying."

"My mother is not a fanatic." Aemond hissed at her, furious.

"Shhh, Aemond, remember what septa told us? No yelling in the library." Visenya put her finger on
his lips and smirked. "You never take anything I say seriously." He protested but Visenya pulled on
his sleeve and sat him down on her chair. "One or two?" She bent over his shoulder from behind.

"One." He sighed as she pulled on his silver hair and started braiding.

Her lids felt so heavy when she tried opening her eyes, like someone has glued them. Or maybe
not, maybe she went blind. Only thing she could do is move her head left-to-right trying to gain her
consciousness back. Visenya didn't think she would wake up again after falling into her father's
arms, so exhausted she hoped her eyes would just stay closed forever.

"Maybe this is a sign we shouldn’t go to Kings Landing at all, maybe the Gods have decided that
Vaemond would be a better Lord of Dtiftmark than I-" Lucerys was freaking out to Rhaena and
Jace, trying to deal with all the pressure that he's been under and the fact that Visenya almost died
before his eyes.

“Shush, she’s awake!” Rhaena slapped Luke’s hand and ran to kneel before Visenya’s bed, taking
her hand. Jace and Luke followed.
“How are you feeling?” Jacaerys sat himself beside her hip, getting no answer from Visenya. “Her
hands are so cold.” Rhaena muttered to her small chin as she stroked her sister’s hand in hers.
“Maybe we should call the maester?”

“Daemon said we call him first as soon as she wakes up.” Luke’s voice came from behind as the
two turned around to look at him.

Visenya layed there, trying so hard to hear and understand what they’re saying but she felt trapped
in bandages that covered her so much to the point she couldn’t breath.

So she started pulling on them.

Her heart was racing and her deep breathing was everything she could hear.

“Visenya! Stop!” The pleas Rhaena sent to her half-sister were not acknowledged as she stepped
back letting Jace and Luke hold Visenya’s hands down.

She felt a certain uneasiness but it was not the previous events that she was thinking about, but
something else. Something that has not yet happened but it made her feel helpless, wounded,
anxious. The feeling was impossible to explain.

“Go find Daemon.” Jacaerys hissed at his younger brother who stared at him blankly. “Go, now!”
Lucerys swallowed and grabbed Rhaena’s hand, dragging her out of the room with him.

“C’mon, Senya it’s me.” He pushed her arms deeper in the mattress as she frowned. “It’s Jace!” He
finally snapped.

Visenya met his gaze as hers softened, licking her lips and relaxing her hands, finally feeling his
touch and his presence.

“It’s me.” As he gripped her hands still in his, Jacaerys couldn’t get his head around the fact that
even in such misery, Visenya chose to be so stubborn and headstrong.

And he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

“I’m sorry.” Tears streamed down her pale cheeks as realisation hit her. The prince nodded as he
softly stroked the skin of her right hand refusing to meet her eyes again.

He hated her sometimes, for always being so more perfect than he ever was, but that fact could not
stop him from loving her.

She gave his upper arm a gentle caress in return, sniffing. “Will you hold me?” Her words made
his head flinch and look up at her again. A small nod was enough to make her fall into his arms on
the bed, gripping onto his leathers.

Jace wasn’t good in comforting people but how could he refuse her in such condition? In any
condition?

"Something bad is going to happen Jacaerys.” She whispered, rubbing her wet cheek into his chest.
He didn’t pay much attention to her words. She is vulnerable and scared, and people tend to jest in
such conditions.

“It’s over now, you’ll be alright.” The prince whispered as he put the hair out of her face, leaving
just a bandage that was placed on top of her nose horizontally.
His arms felt like a shield, protecting Visenya from everything that might try to hurt her and as
much as she loved it she couldn’t stand herself for allowing such vulnerability in front of anyone.

Their stubbornness, cunningness and ambition along the fact that they have so much in common
with one another has divided them more than it has brought them together. They both wished it
different but maybe it was better like this.

“No, Jace, you don’t understand-” Quick steps heard from the hall interrupted her.

Her father.

Daemon walked in followed by Luke and Rhaena and he would lie if he said the sight hasn’t
caught him completely off guard. The thought of a man even getting close to his daughter
disgusted Daemon so much he caught his hand unconsciously gripping Dark Sister.

“I need a moment with my daughter.” A small threat in his voice couldn’t go unnoticed as Jace
stood up from the bed and on his way out brushed his shoulder against Daemons.

“Little shit.” Daemon whispered to himself.

Silence between the two remained for a few seconds before her father decided to speak. “Care to
explain your doings?”

“There’s nothing to explain.” She played with rings on her fingers, avoiding to look at him.

“You could’ve died.”

“But i didn’t.”

“You could’ve been eaten, you could’ve been burnt, you could’ve been crippled.”

You say that like i wasn’t already crippled, she thought.

“I know what you’re thinking, but if you weren’t so fucking stubborn that pretty dragon would’ve
lived!” He turned around to face the window. “It was either him.. or you.”

His words brought memories to Visenya she promised herself she’d forget about, for her own
good. "It doesn’t matter now.”

“No, it doesn’t.” Daemon clicked his tongue, swallowed his pride and walked over to sit on his
daughter’s bed.

“Aōha pungos iksis pryjatan.” (Your nose is crooked.) Daemon’s lip curled into a small smirk.

“Iksan iēdrosa jurnegēre sȳrkta thaz ao” (I’m still better looking than you.) Visenya grinned back
before her father leaned in to kiss her forhead.

“Aōha simuña Alyssa ēdas keskydoso mēre, ao jurnegon sīr olvie hae zirȳla.” (Your godmother
Alyssa had it too, you remind me of her so much.)

“Emā zirȳla tezisi hae sȳrī.”(You have her temper as well.)

Visenya’s proud smile didn’t last so long until she started picking her rings again.

"I claimed a dragon.”

The meaningful glance they exchanged made Daemon chuckle. “I know.”, he muttered.
“You know you had multiple choices, right? If you asked me you could’ve just picked any of-”

Daemon was cut off.

“Any of the eggs we collected on the Dragonmont? That haven’t hatched in years and were
probably never going to?” She knew her father talked nonsense not even he belived to be true. He
just wanted to give her an egg that could distract her for a long time and then hope she’ll give up
on it eventually and forget it for good.

“Visenya-.”

“I’ve made my choice father, a long time ago i made it.”

♕︎

At first sunlight the ships left Dragonstone followed by five dragons ruling the sky above them.
Visenya was occupied, bent over the railing and observing the black beast as the ship sailed for
Blackwater.

She tried her best to ignore Jace and Luke a few feet away bickering amongst themselves as they
usually do. Next thing she knew, Luke drew his sword and guards came to finally separate the two
of them.

"What was all that about?” Visenya frowned when she saw Rhaena walking in her direction.

“Something about.. who’s dragon would win a race?”

The princess scoffed before letting out a chuckle which made Rhaena herself laugh as well. The
two looked at the sky as wind blew their hair back and revealed one of the scars on Visenya’s
chest, making it hard for Rhaena not to notice.

“You should go get your coat, it’s pretty cold-.”

“He truly is beautiful isn’t he?” Visenya kept her gaze in the sky above.

As much as she was happy about her half-sister, Rhaena was unable to hide the fear she felt when
she heard Visenya has a dragon of her own now. Not fear for her, she is more than capable taking
care of herself but rather a fear of loosing someone who shared the same curse with her for years.

Curse of a crippled Targaryen.

“Yes, he is indeed.” She cleared her throat. “I’ve never seen such scales on a dragon before, it’s
extraordinary.”

Visenya nodded at her sister with an approving smile. Cannibal’s scales were mostly black but
their ends were a striking shade of green which is connected to a myth about him spitting wild fire
instead of regular.

Visenya proved it to be just a myth.

“But he seems to fly separated from the others, see?” Rhaena lifted her finger pointing it at him.

“I belive it’s for the best.” Visenya whispered.

Rhaenyra observed the pair on the deck.

This was quite dangerous, she thought to herself, tapping the wooden table with her fingers.
Daemon, who was sitting a few feet away, couldn’t not notice the concern Rhaenyra’s purple eyes
carried.

He knew his wife too well.

“He shall rest outside of the city walls.” His hand found its way to one of hers, tightening around it.
“Too big for the Dragon Pit anyway.”

He got nothing more than a forced smile from Rhaenyra who kept her eyes still on the table.
Daemon noticed that the information he just gave her haven’t eased the tension at all, of course, but
what else could he say anyway?

The prince didn’t really care if Cannibal were to raise from the ground and burn the whole of Kings
Landing along with its small folk. His capabilities of empathy are practically non-existent.

“How can you be so reckless?” She burst out.

The rogue prince kept quiet, knowing that they had similar if not the same discussions before and
the problem was never solved. Not because it couldn’t be solved but rather because Daemon didn’t
care enough to do anything about it. It’s the real him, and he never intended to change that.

“I can never understand. I wish i possessed the same carelessness for the consequences that you do,
it is truly a wonder.” Daemon ignored his wife’s comments and let the wind carry them away.

The wind, Daemon thought.

It was getting stronger. Stronger and louder every second. Clouds black as coal covered the sky
above them, making the sun disappear.

But Daemon only started to feel concerned when Caraxes disappeared from his sight. Clouds were
getting so close to the see it looked like the end of the world has come.

"Rhaenyra.”

Daemon called for his wife while he observed the deck but it seemed like the princess was too
overwhelmed by her thoughts she was unable to see what was happening around her.

It was when a bigger wave hit the ship and made it shake that Rhaenyra came to her senses.
Fortunately Daemon caught his wife’s arm before she could fall on her head and brought her to her
feet again.

"There’s a strom coming.” Daemon muttered in her ear before he let go of her.

"But we have a whole hour left before we reach Kings Landing.” Rhaenyra frowned while holding
her stomach.

“We must send word to Alicent.”

“But the dragons-” She panicked.

"Forget about the bloody dragons, they’re lost in the fog. If we don’t receive help we’ll be
drowned before we reach Blackwater.” Daemon’s words made Rhaenyra stiffen before she went to
fetch maester Gerardys.

“Father.” Rhaena’s voice trembled as she approached her father, Visenya by her side.

“Make sure your brothers are safe.” Daemon told the two.
{Kings Landing}
“If it comes to war, would it be wise to have a child in command of the biggest fleet in whole of
Westeros?” Vaemond’s voice echoed the council room as it was almost empty.

Alicent exhaled, gripping the corner of the table with her right hand. “Of course not, my Lord. I
must admit I feel a certain uneasiness-”

The Queen was cut off as maester Orwyle entered the room in hurry, a latter in his hand. “I’m
sorry to interrupt your grace but this matter couldn’t wait.”

“Have our guests arrived yet, maester?” Otto asked in a low tone.

“No, my Lord hand. A raven came from the sea, as princess Rhaenyra was sailing a horrible storm
hit her and her family.”

Alicent felt her throat tighten as she was trying to digest the words just spoken by Orwyle. “And,
where is the princess now?” She was talking as quietly as she could trying to hide the fact her voice
trembled at the thought of what could’ve happened.

“Dead?” Otto’s voice made both Alicent and Vaemond turn their heads to look at him.

“We do not know. The latter calls for help, my Lord hand.”

Vaemond’s eyes shined brighter than the seven-pointed star that hung around The Queen’s neck.
He would be lying if he said that he was concerned about the Princess, let alone any of her
children.

In fact, a fatal outcome would suit his situation the best.

“Then we must act quickly.” Alicent said as she stood up from her chair in haste. “Fetch Lord
Tyland, we’ll send his fleet to rescue.”

“I could go, if it please your Grace.” Vaemond said as he stood up, making Alicent turn to face
him. “The few ships and men that came with me from Driftmark would be enough to save the
princess and safely deliver her family to the capital."

The room went quite for a second, as Alicent made eye contact with her father.

It was a reflex, something she did since she was just a girl. She did it to see if he’d give her
approval, at least, since she never found comfort in his grey eyes.

Otto gave a slight nod with a raise of an eyebrow. This situation would without doubt benefit her
father’s plans.

“No, it wouldn’t be wise to risk another competent for the Driftwood throne, wouldn’t it?” Alicent
looked away to avoid her father’s striking gaze and left the room followed by a guard.

“Ser Erryk.”

“Arryk, your Grace.”

“Right, my apologies. Is the prince in his chambers?” Alicent held onto her dress, trying not to trip.

“Prince Aegon is still asleep, I made sure he was in his chambers last night as you commanded me
to.”
“Aemond, ser Arryk, i need Aemond.”
 Saving The Already Dead
Chapter Summary

“When your empty soul gets filled with fire, you have no other options but to burn
with it.”

Chapter Notes

As you can see, I have no other business but to write. So expect a new chapter in every
2-5 days. I'm sorry if there's any grammar mistakes, English is not my first language.
Enjoy.

“Are they dead?” Aemond whispered before he felt his mother’s arm on his, gently stroking it.

Alicent kept quiet. After finding her son in his sisters chambers, helping her with the little twins,
she started rethinking her decision.
She knew sending either Vaemond or Tyland would be equally dangerous and if they had not yet
made a secret alliance against the princess they might be doing it now.
So she decided to send her most trustworthy son.

“On that matter i know as much as you.” She exhaled.

Aemond knew he could be of help in this situation. But did he really want to help? Last time he
saw his half-sister she threatened to torture him because he simply spoke the truth everyone else
was afraid to speak.

“If I’d bring you peace mother, I shall go.” He spoke in a low tone, making Alicent’s gaze soften.

“Time is of the essence my son. The Lannister fleet is most likely to sail every minute.” She
squeezed his upper hand. “But don’t, under any circumstances, let your grandfather know you’re
going.”

“Hmm.” Aemond looked over his mother’s shoulders to meet Helaena’s eyes.

“When your empty soul gets filled with fire, you have no other options but to burn with it.” She
uttered.

She was knitting, looking his way but not really at him, more like through him. He pitied his poor,
tortured sister.

After gently letting go of his mother’s hand, he gave her a comforting look and left his sisters
chambers.

Lord Tyland has not questioned Aemond’s presence.

How could he?

One look at his old scary dragon is enough to make him regret ever leaving Castely Rock.

[Somewhere at sea]

It’s been raining for almost half an hour, the waves have most likely pushed the ship so it was now
closer to Dragonstone than to Kings Landing. It is not a big ship at all, considering two more have
sailed by its side but they were now lost, nowhere to be seen.

Rhaenyra was never loyal to the faith but in this moment she found herself praying to the seven to
save her family from a great catastrophe as she hugged little Joffrey with her hands.

A crack.

“What is it?” Jace looked at his mother for an answer.

And another one.

“Hold onto something! Quick!” Daemon yelled.

A final crack was heard as the ship parted in half, making almost everyone fall back. Viserys
started crying as his father was trying to calm him, gripping the wooden shelf he was holding onto
so hard his fingers bled.

“Daemon.” Rhaenyra called out for her husband, no signs of hope in her eyes. She wanted him to
do something. To tell her they’ll survive this, to tell her they’ll be dining together this evening.

“The help is on its way, hold on just a little longer.” Daemon himself found it hard to believe but
what else could he say?

“Aah!” Rhaena let out a scream after another rough wave hit making her fall back, dragging
Visenya with her. She fell on her sister, covering her whole body.

Visenya stayed on the floor, at the edge of conciousness. She couldn’t feel her back nor her legs
after the fall, every time she moved it was just tingling. It made her think she had lost her mobility
completely.

“Visenya?” Jacaerys’ shaky voice spoke.

“I’m fine, I’m fine." Her lids felt too heavy and when she closed her eyes the only thing she could
see are memories from when she claimed her dragon. And every time it happened it made her
wonder,

was it the right way to do it?

As she rode him the blood from his thick scale sprayed her face and her covered chest.

Blood.

Blood.

A roar.

Not Cannibals roar.

She opened her eyes to see Jace above her, holding her head as gently as possible. But she could
still her the roar coming from the sky outside of the cabin.
“She’s still conscious.” His face was the only thing she saw before she passed out.

[Kings Landing]

“You should’ve consulted me on that matter.” The Hand of the King said in a demanding voice.

Alicent kept her gaze on her sick husband, refusing to look at her father. “It was our duty to do our
best and provide the princess with all the help we can get, my husband would’ve wanted-”

“Your husband, or you, Rhaenyra’s childhood companion?” Otto didn’t hold back even with the
King laying a few feet away from him, heavily drugged on milk of the poppy.

“What is done is done, father, we shall speak of this later if you find it entirely necessary.”
As she finished her sentence the door of the Kings chambers swung open to reveal none else but
the princess herself accompanied by her husband.

Alicent had stood up from her chair and walked to quickly one would think she was to hug
Rhaenyra.

But she didn’t.

She grabbed both of her hands instead and gave her a look. Her silver hair was a mess, still soaked
in dirty sea water as she wore a black cloak that covered her body whole. A few scratches rested on
her face.

Alicent could feel her hands shaking still.

“Rhaenyra.” She breathed out. She wished so hard she could confront her, she wished it wasn’t the
way it was.

And so did Rhaenyra.

Last time the two were this close was when they were nothing less but five and ten.

“We wanted to thank you. Thank you for saving our lives.” Rhaenyra’s eyes travelled to her
husband for a moment than back at Alicent.

“Yes, of course.” The Queen cleared her throat. “Are the children alright?”

“Visenya and Lucerys are passed out but they don't have any mortal wounds as far as we know.
They should wake any moment.” Daemon answered her question.

Daemon was lying, Lucerys should wake up any moment but what the maestars don't know is that
his daughter just got out of bed yesterday, with fresh wounds and unhealed injuries. He felt guilty
for not being able to protect her.

And now because of it, his first child is on her death bead.

“Good.” Otto announced himself. “The petitions shall be delayed for a different day, until your
family is completely vital.”

[Visenya’s old chambers]

Two maids wandered around the bed Visenya layed in, doing everything instructed by the
maesters.
“Soak that in tapid water, come on.” The older one had a stern on her face.

The younger one, however, had just arrived at court a few days earlier. She is a causin to Lord
Samwell Blacwood, sent to be one of princess Helaena’s lady in waiting. But that plan didn’t go
too well as she, how the Hand says, participated in an incident with the young prince Aegon.

“What happened to her?” Rose asked.

“Shush girl, if you wish to keep your head steady on your shoulders. You can gossip down in the
kitchen with your friends, but not here. See these walls.. they have ears.”

The girl found herself terrified with the older maid’s comment as she continued brushing the dirt
and blood off of the princess in silence.

As Rose turned around to soak the mop in the bucket ones more, her heart skipped a beat when her
eyes met with a tall figure leaning against the wooden door of the chamber.

She immediately stood up making the other maid turn around as well. “My prince.” She whispered
before curtseying. “My prince.” The older maid followed.

At the door stood none other but Aemond, who’s been quietly listening to their conversation from
afar.

But their conversation is not what he was interested in.

“Is she going to live?” His low tone seized the walls.

With a meaningful glance from the other maid, Rose was warned to shut her mouth.
But she wouldn’t dare to speak anyway. Surely prince Aemond already knew about her shameless
activities.

“My prince, uhh.. we’ve been doing everything we can-”

“Is the princess going to live?” Aemond repeated himself, not amused by the answer he was
getting.

“It seems the princess has hit her head but, she also has several other injuries, cuts, scratches, two
broken bones.”

“So?”

“Most likely not, my prince.”

With that, Aemond has left the chamber leaving them.

It was pathetic. A pathetic death for a Targaryen, a dragon rider such as her, Aemond thought.

But he didn’t care.

He was just unamused by the fact he saved her for absolutely nothing. The time he wasted could’ve
been put to better use than rescuing someone who is already dead.

As for his nephew’s condition, Aemond tried not to think much of it. Because if he did, the Gods
would punish him.

They would punish him for wishing the absolute worst to the boy who once took his eye.
He might go pray before the dinner is served, the mother is merciful, she must forgive him.

As the prince was stuck deep in his thoughts, he failed to recognise the figure that was walking
towards him as their bodies collided in the middle of the corridor.

“Ahh, you uselesss-” Aemond had cut himself off when his eyes met with yet another purple ones.

Striking, indeed.

“Continue, i would like to hear the rest of it.” Princess Baela was known for having her father’s
temper.

Aemond was silent, observing the girl who once chose to help the Strong bastards take his eye. It’s
been years yet Aemond didn’t forget a single bit of what happened.

Of how she struck him making him fall into the dirt.

No, he never forgot that.

“My apologies, princess.” Was all Aemond had to say before taking his leave.

Baela scoffed at him while he was walking away, before entering Visenya's chamber.

“I’d like to have a moment alone with my half-sister, if you’re done.” She demanded and the maids
left without a word.

The view Baela was met with when she came closer to the bed was as unpleasant as it gets.

She frowned as she caressed the fresh bandages that covered Visenya, her hand stopping where her
heart was. She needed to make sure her sister was alive herself, as Kings Landing is no longer a
place where they were welcome.

She figured that out when she saw the Targaryen sigils have been replaced with a Seven pointed
star, when she saw the Conqueror’s inheritance being replaced with filthy Hightower scum.

Baela bent over and took one of the mops, soaked it with water and gently brushed Visenya’s
bloody face, finishing what the maids should’ve.

As she brushed the area around her right eye, beneath the blood was left a massive scar. From
above Visenya’s eyebrow and through her, all the way to her cheek.

Her sister was a beaty, yes, but a scarred one.

“At least your eye is still there.” She whispered, getting no answer from Visenya.“

I’ve waited a long time to see you again, sister, I hope you won’t leave me waiting.”

Baela gave her sister a kiss on the forehead before she left the chamber.

Leaving her alone.

But she has heard everything.

Every single thing, she heard it and she felt it, she just couldn’t do anything about it.

And the memories were hunting her.

Not a single cloud travelled the sky that night, as the moon was set free. It shined brighter than the
sun ever could. Visenya couldn’t find sleep, she watched over her sisters. Her poor sisters, they
just lost a mother. One would say Visenya could emphasise with them on this matter, but it wasn’t
like that from her perspective. She watched her sisters cry and whine about the same thing that she
hasn’t shed a tear about. Was there something wrong with her? She wondered.

Suddenly a window bursts open making her flinch. “Seven hells-”

She leaned over it to take a look as she realised the skies weren’t so empty after all. A massive
beast of green colour has left its liar, leaving a shadow over Driftmark.

“What is it?” The hit of the window woke Rhaena up.

Visenya couldn’t see if there was someone riding Vhagar due to it being dark outside and her
curiosity overruled. “Nothing, go back to sleep.”

She stormed out of the room and left the castle, following the sounds of Vhagar’s wings until she
finally landed. And so did Aemond. He jumped to the ground with a smirk on his face, not
bothering to acknowledge Visenya’s presence at all.

“You stole her.” Visenya walked closer to him.

“Cannot really steal something that was no one’s, can you?” He patted Vhagar gently while
whispering something in Valyrian.

Aemond knew Visenya was still upset because of his betrayal. But he’s got a dragon now, and she
doesn’t. So her words shouldn’t really matter to him any more, right?

“If you didn’t mean to steal it you wouldn’t have done it in the middle of the night. But I must
admit I’m not surprised, after all, you are kin with such things as betrayal of family members.”
Visenya’s words made Aemond finally meet her eyes, his stern look promised nothing but pure
rage. “Are you going to cry?”

That was enough for Aemond to snap, pushing Visenya as she collided with the ground. “Aegon is
my family!”
 Lies spoken by the mouth
Chapter Notes

Here's a slightly shorter chapter, focused mainly on Alicent and Rhaenyra for the sake
of Rhaenicent shipers but don't worry Visenya will wake in the next chapter.

“So the maesters are certain?” Otto took a sip of wine as he placed his cup on the table.

Alicent sighed, rubbing her eyes while her elbows on the table. She wished he could leave, leave
her alone with her children and do his business somewhere else. “The boy should wake up by
tomorrow, yes.”

“Well that is not so fortunate, considering-”

Alicent managed to push the golden cup that was on the table, spilling the wine all over it. “Could
you save such talk before the children at least?” She whispered to her father.

Aegon, who was sleeping on the chair by the fireplace, was woken up by their conflict. “Mother?”

Alicent made sure Aegon hasn’t left the Keep since the moment Rhaenyra announced her visit to
the capital. She could not risk his reputation to be ruined because of his.. deprived nature. It was
her job keeping the men in her family in place. With one exception of course.

Aemond walked around the room with Maelor in his arms, asleep, while Helaena sat on the floor
with the twins. Her sweet second boy, she couldn’t find a single flaw in him even if she tried.

“Tayla, would you help my daughter put her children to sleep?” The maid stopped cleaning the
mess and stood up. “Of course, your Grace”

“Oh and Talya, I want that girl Rose back in Helaena’s chambers to help her. She does well with
the kids, Jahaera loves her very much.”

Aegon knew exactly who Alicent was talking about, not that he cared. His grandfather covered the
situation successfully and not for the first time.

“My apologies, your Grace but Rose is now in service in princess Visenya’s chambers. The Hand
has made sure she’d be silent after the incident that has occured.” Talya said before taking Maelor
in her hands and leaving followed by Helaena and twins.

The room was silent for about a minute until Alicent finally spoke up. “Would any of you be
generous enough to explain why I wasn’t informed about this?

“You need not worry about it, the girl shall not speak about it and as soon as the princess Visenya
passes, she’s going to be back in Helaena’s chambers.” Otto stood up from the table keeping his
gaze on Aegon.

“And if Visenya lives?” The disappointment of the family finally spoke up, while Aemond kept
quite, listening to their conversation.
“Then you’ll find another maid.”

Otto hated small talk, he hated wasting his time on talking about something that doesn’t come with
a prize or at least some kind of benefit to it. So he found himself leaving the chamber and wishing
his family a pleasant evening.

The Queen was still furious of her son and his actions. He promised her he wouldn’t do that again
and after he stopped drinking for a few days she actually thought he’s truly becoming better.

What a fool she was to believe that.

A fool.

“You’re no son of mine.” She said before collecting her skirts and leaving the chamber.

Aemond looked at Aegon with no expression on his face, which made the elder want to throw
himself off the balcony. “Are you going to lecture me as well, little brother? Because if you are go
ahead so we can be done with it as quickly as possible. I’m not feeling quite well.”

“I’ve never tried to lecture you, brother, nor will I ever waste my time on doing it. However, you
might try and lick what is left of that wine on the floor, I assume it wouldn’t be your first time
doing it.”

As much as it bothered Aemond, that Aegon took everything given to him for granted, he enjoyed
being better than him.

“You’re so funny, little brother.”

♕︎

Aegon was sad, everyone was but especially Aegon. He cried for hours. Rhaenyra couldn’t leave
him with the maids, no. The fear of losing her family has only gotten worse after what happened to
them.

She has ordered that there shall be two more guards in front of Visenya’s and Luke’s chambers to
guard the doors. She had to.

The vipers.

They’re everywhere.

“Can I go to my chambers now?” Baela asked when she finished her meal.

Her father gave her a meaningful look before he turned another page of his book. Daemon enjoyed
reading, despite the unbearable cries of his son that not only filled the room but possibly the whole
Red Keep.

“Maybe I should read something to you, eh?” Rhaena took Aegon in her arms and put a book on
the floor next to them. “Let’s see.” She flipped the pages.

Daemon raised his head for a moment to look at his wife who was in pure agony, picking her rings,
focusing on the fireplace. “Have you talked to Rhaenys yet?” He asked her.

He got no answer for his wife as Baela spoke. “There will be no need for that, I will talk to
grandmother tomorrow and make sure she takes Lucerys’ side,” she stood up from her seat, “I have
no wish for the Driftwood throne anyway."
“This book is ridiculously boring,” Rhaena closed the old book in frustration, “I’ll tell you a story
myself.”

It was well known to everyone that princess Rhaenys was not sympathetic towards Rhaenyra’s
sons while playing favourites with Baela and Rhaena with discretion.

“Once upon a time, there was two moons in the sky.”

And Rhaenyra knew it.

“But once of those two moons was very stubborn, like you,” she poked Aegon’s small nose, “And
it wondered too close to the sun.”

And she was honest to herself, she understood Rhaenys completely. Her children were in fact, not
of Valaryon blood and she was still thankful to her father’s cousin for not taking Vaemond’s side In
this particular situation.

“And when it cracked open, a big dragon with blue scales flew out of it."

While she was starting at the fireplace, an idea came to her mind. There was something she could
do to repair the bond between the Targaryens and Valaryons that herself and Laenor broke years
ago by not respecting their marital duties.

“That was not only the shortest but also the most bizarre story I’ve ever heard.” Baela commented
from across the room.
A marriage pact. Yes.

“He’s three years old.” Rhaena frowned at her sister.

“Leave us,” Rhaenyra raised her hand catching everyone’s attention, “Take Aegon and Viserys to
the nursery and go to your quarters without wondering around the Keep, do you understand? You
need to stay out of trouble at least until this trial is officially over.” She exhaled.

Jacaerys took Viserys in his arms and without a word left his mother’s chamber followed by Baela.
Rhaena came behind them holding Aegon in one hand as the other one rested on Joffrey’s
shoulder. They left.

Daemon sat waiting for Rhaenyra to start talking. Even though he often didn’t act on his wife’s
wishes, he at least made an effort to be a good listener.

He was repulsive and made his own decisions not ever thinking about considering her feelings, or
anyone’s in general. He owed it to her.

“I think I might have a solution for our problem with Rhaenys,” she paused for a few seconds,
“Though I still have to talk her into it.”

Daemon tried to catch her gloomy eyes at least for a second, but Rhaenyra was too deep in her
thoughts to acknowledge the world around her.

“Speak it.”

Her purple eyes finally met Daemon’s. “We shall betroth Baela to Jace and Rhaena to Luke. That
way, not only would the Valaryon legacy continue but Rhaenys’ blood will sit the iron throne as
well.”
Daemon looked at her with no expression. It is certainly a solid plan, he thought. And he couldn’t
imagine a safer marriage for both of his daughters.

“What do you think?” Rhaenyra took his arms in hers.

Daemon smiled. “I think that would be.. a fine proposal. They are already fond of each other and
Rhaenys would be a fool not to accept it.”

As Daemon finished his sentence the door of the chamber swung open revealing Jacaerys. “Come
mother, Daemon,” his smile only got wider, “Luke has woken up.”

Rhaenyra let out a laugh as her husband helped her stand up before she left the room in haste.

“Thank the Gods.” The princess kept repeating as she ran through the corridor followed by her
husband and eldest son.

Luke’s chambers were already full when she reached them. Maesters worked their way around her
son and by his bed stood none else but the Queen.

Ignoring her presence, she rushed to the bed and gave Lucerys a kiss on the forhead. “I knew you’d
make it, my sweet boy.”

Lucerys smiled, looking up at his mother. But Rhaenyra’s gaze was now fixated on Alicent on the
opposite side of the bed, watching her son.

Like a predator watching its pray.

“Your Grace? I’d presume you got the news before us?” Rhaenyra stood straight with her chin
high.

The Queen looked at her, then cleared her throat. “It seems to be that way.”

And there it was, the tension between them that Rhaenyra hoped had disappeared in six years they
spent apart. The unstoppable rivalry, caused by men in their lives.

And Rhaenyra couldn’t say she felt safe either. By the time it took for her to come to her son’s
chambers, he could’ve been killed ten times.

He could’ve been hurt.

Poisoned.

Killed, even killed.

“Princess, if I may.” Maester Gerardys stepped in.

Rhaenyra nodded her head without taking her eyes off of the Queen.

“The prince’s wounds are almost completely healed. We would suggest he stays in bed till the
morn. The loss of blood he suffered through had made him weaker but that’s nothing that won’t be
fixed. It will only take some time.”

“So he will be able to move normally by the morrow?” Rhaenyra cycled the ring on her middle
finger.

“Yes princess.”
She gave Luke a reassuring smile once again. “Where’s Vis-” He was cut off by Alicent.

“These are wonderful news, we shall proceed with the trial on the morrow then.” The Queen
declared as she made her way towards the door.

“Your Grace, you promised us time until our family is completely vital and steady on their feet.”
Rhaenyra’s voice echoed the room, stopping Alicent in her steps.

And she picked the rings.

“I understand,” Alicent took a deep breath, “But if the princess doesn’t wake in matter of a week
we’ll have to proceed without her presence.” Alicent said.

And she picked on her nails.

And Rhaenyra picked her rings.

Nails.

Rings.

Eyes.

They looked at each other’s eyes, the only place one could find an ounce of truth in the sea of lies
spoken by the mouth.
 The Black Parasite
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Four days passed.

The princess was still abed. Her death bed, the kitchen maids whispered.

But Rose kept her mouth shut, after what happened to her she thought it would be the best if she
did.

The Kitchen keep was getting empty, everyone was preparing for bed but Rose had a night shift
with a few other maids.

She loved her night shifts more than anything. The older ones rarely asked for her help, she
presumed it is because she was still young with no experience whatsoever. So she would stay by
the biggest widow she could find and watch the stars until the sunrise.

“Rose, isn’t it?” She heard a voice behind her before she turned around.

She took a look at the person standing in front of her, a dark skinned girl dressed in rags with a
hood that failed to cover her curly hair. She never saw this woman in her life. “Depends, who’s
asking?”

The woman smiled at her. “Come with me, there’s someone important who wants to see you.”

Rose looked at her with no expression. Who was she? Who sent her? Is it the Queen? The hand?
Prince Aegon? Are they going to execute her for her ‘crime’?

“Am I in some kind of trouble?” Rose asked the woman.

“Nothing of that kind, come now.”

She blindly followed the woman who led her through passageways she didn’t even know existed.
They stopped after entering a gloomy cellar with a vaulted stone ceiling.

Before Rose even got to have a good look at the place, the woman disappeared into the passageway
they came from. “Wait!” Rose called for her but was left without an answer.

“She is no longer needed.” A heavily accented voice came from the cellar.

Rose was terrified at this point, she was a fool to come with the woman she just met.
But now it’s over.

“Who’s there?” Her voice echoed through the cellar.

A tall woman walked towards her, she had long dark hair and a slight smirk that rested on her face.
“Do not be afraid of me, child.”

“Who are you?”

“You can call me Lady Misery,” she took her hood off, “I’m here to make an offer.”
She threw a small bag of dangling gold for Rose to catch, and she did. “If you want me to do some
dirty work for you you’ve found a wrong person.”

Mysaria chuckled. “You don’t have to do anything for me, I simply need eyes and ears in princess
Visenya’s chambers and as I heard, you’re responsible for her now.”

Rose frowned, looking at the bag in her left hand. She thought of it for a brief second but no, she
didn’t need more trouble in her life than she already has.

“No.”

Mysaria took a deep breath, the curl of her lip disappearing as she looked at Rose with obvious
impatience. “We wouldn’t want everyone to find out about the despicable occasion that happened
between you and prince Aegon, would we?” The threat in her voice couldn’t go unnoticed.

Rose’s expression quickly turned into one of surprise as Mysaria threw yet another bag of gold in
her direction.

“What do you want?” Rose swallowed her pride.

“Like I said, eyes and ears. Every ten days you’ll meet me here and I’d expect you to have what I
want.”

Fuck Aegon, fuck him. If there wasn’t for that swine she wouldn’t be in this situation right now, or
ever.

“If not today, the princess is going to meet the Stranger tomorrow.” Rose put the gold in her
pockets.

“Just do as you were told.” Lady Misery said before disappearing in the darkness once again.

♕︎

The smell of fresh air made Visenya’s nostrils widen as her eyes opened with ease.

The hard light kicked through the opened window of her chamber for the first time in months,
making her smile. The weather on Dragonstone has been rather gloomy for these past few years.

She heard a growl outside of her chamber making her glance in its direction.

A small, light-blue scaled dragon pushed his head and neck through the widow to meet Visenya.

Sapphire.

She didn’t know how this was possible, nor did she care to question it any further. She jumped out
of her silk mattresses feeling the smell of lavender and roses hit her face.

Not an ounce of pain in her body, she strode across the room and put on of her hands on the
dragon’s blue scale. “My beautiful boy, I knew I’d find you someday,” She whispered as Sapphire
brought his head closer to Visenya.

They stayed in each other’s embrace for quite a time. The princess refused to let go of the dragon
before he shrugged her off and managed to fully enter her chamber through the window.

He turned around revealing a golden saddle that was attached to his back.
It’s time.

Visenya was ready to mount him but she felt herself stiffen the moment a voice echoed in her head.

“You must come back, sister, you must.”

A wave of guilt hit her as she closed her eyes, letting a tear fall down her flushed cheek.

"Not yet."

This time the princess really opened her eyes, being met by her sisters Baela and Rhaena.

Rhaena was smiling down at her, holding Visenya’s hand in hers and gripping tightly. “Sister?”

Baela’s attention on the fireplace was stolen as she stood up and swiftly landed on the bed beside
her.

“Thank the Gods.” Baela hummed before giving Visenya a kiss to the forehead.

She couldn’t ignore the gruesome pain that flushed through her head as well as the burning scars
on her face. “If they don’t get these bandages off of my face I will. And what’s left of them I’ll use
to strangle the ones who put them together so tightly.” Visenya scowled but Baela couldn’t stop her
lip from curling into a smirk at her sister’s comment.

“I shall fetch the maesters.” Rhaena said before leaving.

Baela fondled Visenya’s forearm, “Don’t worry you weren’t gone for too long.”

“I know.”

“What do you mean?”

“I heard everything, Baela. Every person that entered this chamber from the day they brought me
here, I heard it.”

Baela opened her mouth to say something but was quickly interrupted when the door swung open
revealing maester Gerardys accompanied by her family.

♕︎

Aemond has read loads of books, it would be safe to say every single one in the library. Some of
them he read even twice, but none of them was as intriguing to him as the History of Old Valyria.

A place he ought to visit, not as it was now but before the Doom turned it into nothing but stones
and ashes.

He would’ve been a thousand times happier there than he is currently. Locked in a Keep of the
most grotesque city known to a man.

“Aemond.” A joyful voice made him shift in his seat, Aegon entered his chambers unannounced.

He was dressed in his leathers still, carrying a goblet of wine in his hand. As soon as Aemond saw
the unbearable grin that rested on his brother’s face he figured everything out.

“You’ve been drinking.” Aemond took a deep breath and closed his book.
Aegon stumbled his way to his brother, patting him on the shoulder. “There’s a reason for
celebrations it seems,” he brought his hand to his face in order to wipe off the wine around his
mouth.

Aemond pursed his lips in disgust. “And that is?”

He wanted Aegon to leave, the sooner the better. He wasn’t even nearly bearable the time he was
sober, let alone when he drowns himself in cups.

“Our cousin has woken up from her five days long beauty sleep. But as for what I’ve heard there’s
not an ounce of beauty left to her.” Aegon sat beside his brother, taking another sip of his wine.

Aemond managed to scoff quietly to his chin, “ ’Course she did.”

The Gods really couldn’t spare him one more nemesis, could they? The girl might’ve been his dear
friend when he was still a child but now she’s only a memory. Memory he thought would’ve been
easily erased if she hadn’t survive this.

“They say she’s mangled,” the elder brother continued, “deformed beyond recognition.”

“And you truly believe what they say? Your source of information is most likely a kitchen maid
you forced yourself onto last night,” Aemond paused. “Or perhaps an unknown drunkard in the
deepest pit in Flee Bottom.”

“Either way I’d like to see her.” Aegon payed no attention to his brother’s accusations and
continued drinking his wine.

The two of them sat in silence for a few minutes but Aegon was not eager to leave his little brother
just yet. He knew he carried the blame for ruining their relationship and found it all rather
amusing.

“We should pay her a visit, eh? It’s most definitely expected of us for we are her family and.. old
companions.”

Aemond stayed unfazed, seeing through Aegon’s intentions of unsettling him.

Suddenly a loud roar was heard, followed by the screams of people in the city. Both brothers rose
quickly to their feet, Aemond opening the nearest window of his chambers.

In the skies above Kings Landing cycled a black dragon, his green eyes outshining the moon itself.
The small folk was terrified as everyone already heard about a vile beast that preferred feasting on
his own kind, but wasn’t hesitant when it came to people either.

“The rumours were true then.” Aegon said as he exchanged a look with his brother.

Aemond observed as the beast made a cycle around the Red Keep itself before his wings led him
away and he disappeared in the darkness of the night.

“If that thing finds its way to the Dragon pit we’re all doomed.” Aemond draw the curtains.

“Do not jest brother,” Aegon added, “just moments ago you told me not to believe everything I
hear.”

“Just moments ago that creature was nothing but a myth and here it is now flying above our city.”
Aemond spat.
“What is to be done about it?” Aegon asked, the feeling of concern finally finding him as he
thought about Sunfyre.

His younger brother gave no answer as he stormed out of the room making his way to his mother’s
quarters. On the way there he was stopped by the voices heard from the small council chamber.

Aemond entered the room without any announcement only to be met by every member of the small
council along with his mother and grandfather. “Aemond-,” Alicent raised her eyebrows only to be
cut off by Otto.

“It’s good you’re here young prince. There was some other matters that requested Lord Beesbury’s
attention but you can take his place for tonight. Sit.” Otto nodded his head as Aemond made his
way to the chair.

There was indeed no other matters that requested Lyman Beesbury’s attention and Aemond knew
that.

“We surely cannot restrict a Targaryen from owning a dragon,” Tyland Lannister explained.

“Indeed we cannot but we can make certain restrictions that would keep the beast away from the
city. Allowing the people to stay terrified by the event is not a good look for us.” Jasper Wylde,
master of laws, added.

Aemond noticed his mother shook her head, her lips pursed in a tight line. “Daemon wouldn’t have
it. For us to put those rules upon him and his daughter, his pride is too high.”

“Daemon will have no choice, he cannot go against this council. It’s the same as going against the
King himself.”

“As if he never did that before.” Alicent exhaled, all eyes on her.

She was right, Aemond thought. There was no solution to this that Daemon wouldn’t neglect.

“What do you suggest, your Grace?” Otto spoke in low tone as always, but Alicent refused to meet
his eyes as she stood up.

“We’ll wait. The first incident that happens will be our sign to act on it, until then we’ll take no
action and stay silent."

The small council didn’t seem satisfied with the given solution but none of them dared to speak
against the Queen’s commands when she already left the room.

“What of the petitions that were supposed to be heard days ago, Vaemond Valaryion grew
impatient by now I wouldn’t be suprised if he left for Driftmark by tomorrow?” Tyland used his
hands a lot while speaking, which annoyed Aemond.

“We’ve promised princess Rhaenyra time for her family to recover. As for Vaemond, the man is
more likely to throw himself from the highest window in the Keep than give up his birthright.”
Otto answered as he sent a look to his grandson.

“I believe we’re done.” The Hand proclaimed as everyone left the room, leaving him and Aemond
only.

“Grandfather?”
 “Your mother has a soft heart of a woman, Aemond. But this problem reaches beyond just concern
for our people.” Otto explained to his grandson.

He might’ve been discreet about it but Aemond understood. "What are you suggesting?"

"The first chance you get, you climb Vhagar and get rid of the black parasite. Even if it meant
taking down the girl." Otto nearly whispered.

Aemond would admit he was much more pleased with Otto’s solution. He waited for years to put
Vhagar to use and he finally had a chance he wouldn’t miss.

He nodded his head. “As you wish, lord Hand.”

Chapter End Notes

So that escalated quickly. Anyway Visenya has finally woken up and I can start
writing the fun stuff!!! I hope you liked it and thank you for reading, sorry if there's
any mistakes. Love you♡︎
 Marriage and other curses
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

On twenty seventh day of the fifth moon of 127 AC, the day before petitions for a new Lord of the
Tides would finally be heard and discussed, Visenya Targaryen stood on her feet once again.

She hadn’t left her quarters since the day she woke up, by the order of her cousin Rhaenyra. She
has been taken care of by the finest maesters in the Seven Kingdoms while Baela refused to leave
her chambers and slept next to her most nights.

“Where’s Mellos?” Visenya brought herself to sit on the edge of the bed as maester Orwyle entered
her chamber.

Baela summoned Jacaerys that morning to help with taking off the last bandages that were left on
Visenya's face and neck.

The two exchanged a look and Jacaerys brought a hand to his chin, shrugging his shoulders at his
future betrothed.

Baela exhaled. “Maester Mellos was found dead last night, on the steps in the Tower of the Hand,”
she crossed her arms, “they say he collapsed and hit his head.”

Orwyle checked the mobility of Visenya’s ankles and cleaned the cuts on her palms one more, to
prevent the possibility of an infection coming in.

Baela swallowed, “However...”

Visenya frowned at the burning sensation, flinching in the maester’s tight grip. “However?”

When he was finished with cleaning the scars, he tried reaching for her face but Visenya raised her
hand and stopped him.

“I’m capable of doing it myself.” It’s all she said.

The annoyed look on the man’s face was noticed not just by Visenya but Jace and Baela as well.
He bowed his head, “As you wish.” And he left.

“It is only a look of pride,” Jacaerys sat on the bed next to her, “He will be named for a new
grandmaester by the end of this moon.”

“That’s a pity, Mellos was a loyal servant. Loyal to the King.”

It wouldn’t surprise Visenya if Otto Hightower killed Mellos himself just so he could get yet
another man loyal to him in the small council chamber.

“There’s rumours circling around the city, rubbish made by the shameless peasants or rather
someone in the Keep itself.” Jacaerys spoke, avoiding her gaze so Visenya looked at Baela for an
explanation instead.

Clicking her tongue in annoyance, she finally spoke. “They claim that you are the reason the old
maester is dead,” she continued, “that he collapsed on the sight of your face.”
After a few seconds of mere silence the two future betrotheds found themselves suprised when
Visenya burst out laughing, holding her stomach as she bent over. “Oh Gods,” she took a deep
breath to calm herself, “let’s hope they mention that when they write history about me, eh?”

Jace raised his eyebrows, a smirk glittering on his face. “Do you recall when they were ten and had
a fight? Rhaena then decided to make up a rumour about Baela being a boy.” He started laughing
as Visenya followed. “It still exists.”

Baela rolled her eyes at the two and grabbed a small mirror that was on the wooden night stand
throwing it on the two.

“Ouch!” Jace scowled.

“Come on, we don’t have an eternity.” Baela approached, taking the mirror in her hands. “I’ll hold
it for you, Jacaerys you start taking it off but carefully.”

Starting of at the side of her head, at her temple, Jacaerys untied the bandage and pulled it
revealing a bit of her forehead.

Visenya looked at Baela for a swift second only to cringe at the pitiful look in her eyes.

After Jacaerys has unwrapped her forehead, he moved on to her nose and cheeks, pulling slowly
with ease not to cause any pain.

But pain could not be avoided once he reached the ones that covered her neck, “Aghh,” she gritted
her teeth reaching for it with her own hands.

The sight of the burns on the left side of her neck were so gruesome Visenya thought maester
Mellos was lucky do die before having to see them.

She threw the last bandage on the floor humming to her chin, “Fuck.”

“We must fetch the maester-” Jacaerys was cut off.

“Your nose wasn’t crooked, it was just a swelling it seems that gave the illusion.” Baela
commented.

Visenya’s hand travelled from her neck to her eye really quick. Above her eyebrow down to her
cheek was an extended clean cut.
So clean she wondered how her eye survived this.

“I look like him.” She whispered.

“Aegon is my family!”

“Aegon is a cunt! You know it Aemond! You’ve only ever hated him and now you’re suggesting
that you somehow care for him?” She was still on the ground, her skirts deep in the mud.

“He’s my brother,” he uttered, “and you’re a distraction.”

Visenya gasped at his comment, “A distraction-”

Suddenly quick footsteps were heard as her sisters and nephews appeared. “It’s him.”

“It’s me!” Aemond answered, bitterly.

Baela was the first one to throw herself at Aemond, suggesting that he stole Rhaena’s right in
claiming Vhagar as her own.

It didn’t take long for the rest of them to follow after her.

Visenya was caught off guard, not wanting harm to either sides. She quickly strode towards them
taking both Baela and Rhaena away from the scene. “Have you gone mad?”

While confronting the two of her younger sisters, she failed to see Aemond had managed to break
Luke’s nose.

Aemond held onto his collar, lifting a rock from the ground. “You’ll die screaming in flames just as
your father did, bastards!” He spat out.

“My father is still alive!” Lucerys cried out.

“He doesn’t know, does he? Lord Strong.” Aemond smirked at his own words.

Jacaerys started walking towards them but Aemond kicked off Luke causing him to fall on Jace as
they both ended up on the ground.

“Aemond put down the rock!” Visenya yelled, gripping the handle of the dagger tied up around
her thigh, but to no avail.

Just when he was about to swing, Jace picked up the dust throwing it in his face.

Visenya took the opportunity and unleashed the dagger, “Luke!” she crutched and the sent the
dagger sliding into his hands.

Without waiting a second in-between, Luke swung the dagger in Aemond’s face causing him to fall
on the ground.

“Seize this at once!” She recognised Lord commander Westerling’s voice as few other knights
followed behind him.

Aemond was on the floor, holding his eye from bleeding out while screaming and cursing them.

“I look just like him.” She repeated herself.

Jacaerys and Baela realised what she was implying, “Do not jest, sister.” Baela put a hand on her
shoulder.

Did the Gods decide to punish her for what she did that night?

No.

She doesn’t believe in any Gods.

But Aemond had cursed her so many times that night and possibly a hundred times more. The
blame was on her as much as it was on Luke, wasn’t it?

The protection of her kin that cost her an old friendship.

Aemond was her kin as well.

It was a regrettable accident, though Aemond would not agree.

Was it worth it?

She is to find out soon enough.

The door creaked open, “Senya!” Joffrey’s high-pitched voice called for her. As soon as she heard
him she reached to cover her neck in order not to scare him.

“Joff!” She cried out and embraced him.

Her father was leaning against the door with a smile, “It would be nice of you to have breakfast
with us, if it please your Grace.” Daemon said with obvious sarcasm.

♕︎

“I wish you could’ve seen the look on their faces when Cannibal took the skies that night,” Luke
smiled, “I’ve heard Otto summoned the whole small council to discuss it.”

Rhaenyra’s food seemed to have stopped in her throat as she coughed, “Luke.”

“My apologies, how are you feeling?” He said, mouth full.

Visenya swallowed her food, “Well, aside of these burns on my neck and the fact that I now bare
an intolerable resemblance to Aemond, I’m fine.”

“I’d be confident to say that it looks much better on you.” Baela commented as she and took a sip
of wine.

There was no person in the Seven Kingdoms that Visenya loved more than she did her little sister.
Not even her father, not anyone. And seeing her after so much time has helped the princess heal in
every way possible.

Daemon held back a laugh, “Your mother and I.. have made an important decision that concerns
the four of you.”

They exchanged looks of confusion and Daemon turned his head in Rhaenyra’s direction, nodding
his head.

“We’ve made an offer to princess Rhaenys,” she forced a smile, “To betroth Baela to Jace and
Rhaena to Luke.”

Luke’s face glittered a smile and so did Rhaenas, though Baela and Jace did not show any reaction
except for pure shock.

He couldn’t, not yet.

Jace looked at Visenya then back at his mother, “Is this done already?” He let out a shaky breath.

“Jace.”

Jace liked Baela, he did. But he loved Visenya.

What could he possibly say now that could change the situation? Nothing. Hurting Baela is the last
this he wanted to do so he decided to stay calm.

“As you wish.”

Visenya put her palm full of cuts over Baela’s, on her lap.

She wasn’t eager to marry, everyone was well aware. But her betrothal is a blessing compared to
being shipped off to some old, dusty lord.

Visenya raised her cup, “To the future Queen of Westeros!” She broke the silence and everyone
raised their cups as well.

“When will I be betrothed, mother?” Joffrey crossed his arms in fury, feeling left out.

Rhaenyra scoffed causing everyone to laugh, “Soon enough, Joff.” She ran a palm through his
thick hair.

“We’ve discussed the celebration for your seventeenth name day with the Queen, Visenya,”
Daemon added, “As you well know it’s in short time.”

“We’re staying?” She almost raised her voice.

Her name day is in a little less than a whole moon, and if she was to celebrate it she would have to
do it alongside Aemond Targaryen.

For they shared the same date of birth.

He couldn’t even let her have a peaceful nameday for herself, could he?

“Until we find it necessary to leave.” Rhaenyra said before calling for the servant to fetch more
wine.

“You and uncle Aemond are almost like twins now, Senya.” Joffrey shifted in his seat, smiling
innocently.

“A curse indeed, Joff, isn’t it?” She muttered to her chin.

Rhaenyra finished eating and ordered Aegon and Viserys be brought from the nursery for Visenya
hadn’t seen her youngest brothers for a long time.

She took Viserys in her hands, surprised he wasn’t scared of her scars. And nor was Aegon, who
sat in her lap full of joy.

“Many noble lords from the realm shall be invited to the celebration of your name day, we thought
you could-”

Rhaenyra was cut off.

“Find the one suitable enough to be my husband, I’d wager?” She smiled, sarcastically.

“You’re of age, Visenya,” The future Queen said in a demanding voice as she stood upright, “You
are smart and you are as blessed by youth as one can be.”

Daemon sat in silence as he did not enjoy demanding anything of his daughter, especially not a
marriage as he himself knows marrying a wrong person could turn into a complete disaster.

“There’s rumours about me turning into a deformed beast.”

“None true. Once you show yourself on the court it will be well known those are nothing more
than empty rumours.”
 Are they empty rumours? She heard everything people talked about Aemond when he lost his eye,
how he’s nothing more than damaged goods and wasted potential. A monster.

Perhaps she was lucky to have gained the scar, scaring high born imbeciles on court would be quiet
fun.

“Indeed. I’ll do my best.” She nodded her head in assurance causing Rhaenyra to smile.

She will do what she has to, she’ll find a husband and wed. She just couldn’t pick between many
different ways she could kill her future husband.

Poison, the most common weapon for a woman, could do the job but it wasn’t reassuring enough.
It can fail to work and what would she do then? Surely she wouldn’t endure the unpleasantness of
actually fulfill the duties of the first marriage night?

Feeding him to Cannibal if she could get him alone perhaps. A quick death indeed, his body would
never be found.

Slitting his throat would be easy by itself, but then she would have to set up a whole murder scene.
Otherwise she might not be punished for it, but it would still be gossiped and talked about.

Assumptions can turn into rumours really quick. And rumours are not always just rumours.

Like people talk about her father killing Rhea Royce.

Maybe they did have too much in common, the Rogue Prince and the Cursed Princess.

Chapter End Notes

Thank you all for the kudos ilysm!! Anyway I couldn't help myself but to make a little
love triangle here. A little teaser for the next chapter, Baela and Visenya are going out
into the city to have some fun and I'm so exited to write it! Love you <3
 In hate we parted, in hate we'll meet
Chapter Summary

“Hardly a place for a lady, is it?” A voice came from her left as she shot a single glare
over the shoulder to see who has addressed her.

“I am not a—” her words caught up in her throat when she met his purple eye, a cold
breeze travelling down her spine. He stood tall and upright beside her, the eyepatch
covering the area beneath his brow.

Aemond.

Chapter Notes

I'm deeply sorry for the delay, I've been on vacation for these past two weeks but I'm
back now!!! Enjoy<3

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The hour was quite late when Visenya came back from the library with a heavy book under her left
arm. She was met by her maidservant kneeling in front of the fireplace and as soon as their eyes
met the girl stood up, curtseying, “Your grace.”

“What’s your name?”

“Rose, your grace.”

Visenya observed the girl for a moment, wondering why she seemed so familiar. But she brushed
in off quickly, putting the book on the table.

“A pretty name.”

“Thank you, princess. Shall I get your bath ready?” Rose kept her gaze down on her feet.

Visenya sipped some wine in the goblet on the wooden table. “You can look at me, Rose,” she
took a sip, “thought I’m aware that the view isn’t the most pleasant one.”

The maid lifted her head meeting the princess’ gaze.

She wasn’t terrifying, Rose thought. Not like people down in the kitchen whispered she was. The
scar on her eye was a clean, long cut from above the brow down to her cheek. The stitches still
weren’t taken out, the blood beneath the attached skin waiting to be realised and spilled over her
face face.

It makes her look.. intimidating.

But she furrowed her brows at the sight of almost-bloody burns that covered a part of Visenya’s
neck. That must’ve hurt like hell.

The princess noticed her displeased look, “You’ll have to inform the staff I need high-neck leathers
for tomorrow.” She continued, “And as many dresses, the wound seems to be healing but the
appearance of it is still rather grotesque for the eyes of the court.”

Rose gave a slight nod, not speaking. She still feared that any kind of remark about her could
somehow upset the princess in a certain way so she kept silent.

She is the blood of the dragon after all, and Rose doesn’t have a pleasant experience with her kin.

“Help me undress,” Visenya made a gesture with her hand for Rose to come closer. “Come.”

While unbuttoning the back of her dress, Rose made sure not to touch the stretches and bruises on
princess’ upper back.

As a little girl, Rose always admired the big beasts of all colours she’d see when visiting King’s
Landing. But it’s never crossed that line, she never wished to ride one, a single thought of it made
her stomach turn. And now when she sees the price Visenya paid for the ancient beast, she found
herself lucky not to be born a dragon.

“Princess Baela visited, your grace, less than an hour passed since.” Rose said as she pulled the
soft fabric down, the dress colliding with the ground. “She left a message for you.”

Visenya furrowed her eyebrows, “What kind of message?”

Rose hummed, trying to remember the words clearly, “Something about the East Watch.. she said
the East Watch is opened tonight.”

Visenya took a moment before she turned around to face her, “Go get the cloak from my closet,”
she put the dress back on as Rose obeyed.

“You’re dismissed.”

[Aemond’s chambers]

Aemond was deep asleep, as he was every night at this time. After his evening training and the
usual unpleasant supper with his family he was forced to attend he’d be fast to fall asleep after.

But tonight he was deprived of that luxury as well, as his mother stormed into the room
unannounced and without warning.
Aemond found himself startled as he lay on the bed, his elbows supporting his upper body,
“Mother?” he growled.

Alicent walked to his bed in haste, his vision still quite blurry. “Where is your brother?” She
grabbed his hand, making him flinch.

He looked at her with utter confusion, “What?”

The Queen closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. “Aegon, where is he?”

“How could I know?” Aemond blinked, “I haven’t seen him since supper.”

Aemond noticed ser Criston outside of the door, waiting for the Queen. Surely that forsaken
imbecile has done something again, Aemond thought.

“He disappeared, no one else seems to know where he is or where he might’ve gone.” Alicent’s
eyes pleaded for an answer from her younger son, but to no avail.

Aemond made sure to stay out of Aegon’s business, as much as it was possible, he avoided his
older brother’s unbearable presence. He cut off and communication with Aegon as well and talked
to him only when necessery─or─when his older brother would provoke him on purpose, toil with
him to get a reaction.

“I’m afraid I am of no help-” Aemond was quickly cut off by his mother.

“Dear son,” her voice was soft unlike the grip she had on his right arm, “the petitions will be heard
on the morrow, as you already know. The whole court will be present and if Aegon doesn’t show
up on time I’m afraid his reputation might be called into question.”

It should, Aemond thought, it most definitely should.

But he wouldn’t say it to his mother, of course. Alicent wasn’t a fool, she knew of her son’s
depravity. But he was still very much her son and Aemond understood that.

He sighed, “How can I help?”

Outside of the thick walls of Maegor’s Keep, Visenya met her younger sister.

Ser Erryk was commanded to guard her door at night but the princess was more than familiar with
the hidden passageways of the Keep. As a little girl, she enjoyed lurking through them for the
Queen or the guards could never find her. She’d sneak to see Balerion’s skull in the middle of the
night or pick a few books from the library when she was bored. But most of all, she enjoyed
sneaking in Aemond’s chambers when he least expected her to do so. He would be temporarily
mad at her for doing it, concerned his mother would somehow find out, but he’d get over it
quickly.

“Haven’t you heard, Aemond? They say Lady Leslie is hiding a swollen belly beneath her dress!”
Visenya walked in, gaining a frown from her cousin.

“You shouldn’t be here Visenya! Mother said-”

“She doesn’t even have a husband Aemond,” she walked around his chamber swinging her arms in
disbelief, “that doesn’t make any sense!”

The prince wasn’t particularly interested in what she was babbling about but he listened, not being
able to hide the smirk on his lips. “You don’t need to be married to have a child, Visenya.” He
pointed out, satisfied by the look of utter confusion on her face.

She sat on his bed, arms crossed. “How come?”

Girls are clueless, Aemond thought. He decided not to tell her, figuring it might be improper. “I
don’t know.”

“Aemond you must tell me, so I can make sure it never happens to me.” She continued, “Father
would be furious!”
He laughed.

“I’m sure it’s not going to happen to you, cousin.”

Baela grabbed her forearm and led her down the stairs, “There’s two horses waiting for us.”

“Is there?” Visenya smirked.

“I needed one night to get away, alright?” Baela protested, “All that marriage talk is tiring me and I
can vouch you are as pleased with it as I am.”

It was too early for Baela, too soon. She hoped she could enjoy the pleasures of her youth still,
gaining such an important duty was not what she had planned for herself.

The princesses mounted their horses just outside the castle, roaming through the streets of Kings
Landing. The city was just as unsightly and dirty as it was when Visenya left, years ago. Nothing
about it had changed.

As their horses galloped by the stone houses, women emptied their chamber pots from their
windows. Carelessly dropping the waste on the street. The stench of it reached even the highest
widows od the Red Keep and beyond.
Visenya was just a few feet behind her sister, trying not to wander too much and keep her head low
under the cloak that covered its top. The Valyrian features were quite rare, not to mention her hair
that she tucked back in a single braid.

Missing the Street of Sisters, two princesses aimed right to the worst slum in the city, Flea Bottom.
Visenya narrowed her eyes, sending the younger a questioning look over the shoulder.

She thought they were going straight for the East Barracks of the city watch by the Dragon gate
but Baela seems to be having a different plan.

The horrid smell only got worse as they reached Flea Bottom, entering a maze of dark narrow
streets. The moonlight did not reach them any longer, being blocked by unstable buildings leaning
against one another. Passing an unknown amount of brothels and alehouses, Baela stopped her
horse in front of one of the buildings. Visenya followed right after, climbing off her horse she
approached her younger sister.

“I thought we were headed somewhere else?” She narrowed her eyebrows but the chanting of
people in the building’s basement made her head turn. “What is this?”

“Come,” Baela whispered before grabbing her hand, “and keep your head low.”

In front of the basement entrance stood one rather unpleasant looking man, his upper body
unrealistically larger than his legs. On his left hand he missed a thumb and on his right his middle
and index finger. His grey hair was as thin as it was long, reaching down to his belly button. He
didn’t even bother to give them a look before extending one of his hands. Baela gave him one gold
dragon from her pocket and he moved aside, allowing them enterance.

Visenya would admit that for a basement in Flea Bottom, the place didn’t look that bad. A huge
amount of people circled the centre of it, blocking her view as the others sat on wooden chairs,
sipping each other vine, chanting from afar.

Baela passed her a look, titling her head in the direction of the centre. They moved through the
crowd until Visenya stopped in her tracks. In the enclosed area, a fenced ring was surrounded.
Two boys in it.
Or girls, Visenya couldn’t tell.

Their hair was short but their nails long, dressed in rags and barefoot, two children were repeatedly
throwing themselves at one another. The crowd continued yelling and chanting at them scratching
each other’s skin and kicking each other’s teeth from their mouths.

The rat—fucking—pits.

Visenya’s grip found Baela’s forearm as she leaned in her ear. “Have you gone mad, you fucking
idiot?” she said through gritted teeth, “If someone sees us here—”

“Do you truly think so low of me suggesting I brought you here for entertainment?” Baela
muttered to her chin, her eyes travelling the place checking if anyone around is listening to their
conversation.

Visenya exhaled before letting go of her hand, “Be quick about it.”

Baela continued walking towards a small staircase leading to a cage that was closely connected to
the main ring. Inside the cage on the dusty floor sat about ten children not looking much different
from the ones they just saw.

“Look at them.”

“If you brought me here in order to play some kind of a hero I must disappoint you—” Visenya
was cut off.

“Closely,” Baela demanded, “look closely.”

The elder rolled her eyes, taking another look at the children behind the closed bars. Visenya
wasn’t exactly an emotional or empathic person but the condition of these kids certainly didn’t
come easy to her.
Some were crippled, some were muddy, some even carried deathly wounds that were obviously not
taken proper care of. Some were dark-skinned some white as snow. Some had black hair some had
silver hair.

Silver hair?

And purple eyes.

Visenya’s mouth opened like she wanted to say something but nothing came out. She started at the
two Valyrian children who were seated in the mud in front of her.

“They couldn’t be—?” She uttered.

“Father’s? No,” Baela continued, “Daemon has earned himself the title Lord Flea Bottom by
visiting brothels and watching bulls fight in these pits. But he held no interest in places such as this
one.”

“But Aegon does, doesn’t he?” Visenya realised.

She really should not be surprised, instead she should’ve known right away. That deprived half-wit
decided to plant his Valyrian seed he didn’t deserve in the deepest pits of the worst slum in the
city. What a fucking—

A loud sound came from outside the basement, followed by a woman’s scream.
“It’s most likely some drunkards fighting, pretty common here.” Baela kept her gaze on the
entrance, “I’ll go check the horses. If we lose them we might never get of this shit hole.”

Just like that, Baela disappeared into the loud crowd leaving Visenya on her own. And she, unable
to suffer the the gruesome view in front of her any longer, aimed for the first bar where they served
vine, ale and Gods know what else.
To her fortune, the basement was rather gloomy, leaving her face unclear to the drunk scum around
her.

“Vine.” She demanded.

The short-figured woman shot her a glare before placing the wooden cup already filled with the red
liquid in front of her. Visenya took a sip, frowning at the bitter taste of it.

“Hardly a place for a lady, is it?” A voice came from her left as she shot a single glare over the
shoulder to see who has addressed her.

“I am not a—” her words caught up in her throat when she met his purple eye, a cold breeze
travelling down her spine. He stood tall and upright beside her, the eyepatch covering the area
beneath his brow.

Aemond.

She turned her head away quickly, pulling down the cloak trying to cover her face. Putting the cup
down, she finished, “I am not a lady.”

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

He let out a sarcastic scoff, “I wasn’t aware such fabrics and finery were affordable for common
folk of Kings Landing.”

Visenya looked down at herself, the cloak she wore covered most of her but not everything. The
fabrics of the dress she wore today at court was more than visible to those who pay attention to
details.

She cursed every God there is, trying to come up with whatever lie she’ll spit out next. Keeping
her eyes at the cup of liquid in front of her, she spun around it with her fingers in distress. “I stole
it.”

“I would’ve believed that,” his stern voice filled her ears, “if I was a half-wit, perhaps.”

Visenya brought a hand to her pocket taking an unknown amount of coins and quickly placed them
on the wooden bar in order to get herself out of there quickly.

But the one-eyed prince had a different plan. Just as she turned her back to him ready to leave he
spoke again, “It would be in your best interest to introduce yourself to me, so I don’t have to tell my
mother one of the ladies attending her court is spending her nights in the rat pits of Flea Bottom.”

She sighed, “Fuck.”

With that, the princess grabbed the unfinished vine and threw the lots of it on his face before
running off.

“Fucking cunt!” Aemond yelled. He didn’t wait a single moment, brushing his good eye with his
sleeve and running after her.
 Visenya aimed for the exit, relentlessly pushing everyone that was in her way. As much as she was
able at the moment, she tried to look for her sister who seemed to have disappeared or perhaps
crossed paths with her at some point.

When she reached the door, there stood was the same man from earlier. He grabbed her shoulder,
an evil smirk resting on his lips, “And who might you be running from?”

She turned around to see Aemond was only a few meters behind her, “Let me fucking go!” Her
pleads came to no avail as the old man’s grip only became tighter.

Her knee suddenly collided with his crotch as the man fell on the ground in pain allowing her to
flee. He, however, held her long enough to help Aemond gain the upperhand. She managed to
make only a few steps outside of the bloody basement before a rough hand grabbed the back of her
neck. Aemond spun her around and she let out a loud growl when her back collided with the brick
wall, causing the cloak to fall on her shoulders and reveal her hair.

His hand still rested on her neck, squeezing the skin as his mouth slightly parted. “Visenya?”

She drew a sharp breath, “Aemond.”

Chapter End Notes

Our love or should I say hatebirds finally meet again lmao. I hope you enjoyed it love
you♡
 Blood-Stained Steel
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

She drew a sharp breath, “Aemond.”

The grip on her neck loosened as he snatched his hand away, causing Visenya to cough loudly.

Catching a breath himself, Aemond observed the once friend of his that he hasn’t seen for years.

She was the last person he expected to see here, considering she’s woken up from her deathly sleep
just a couple days ago. Though there’s no doubt she’d prefer visiting Flea Bottom over going to the
Sept to pray, Aemond thought.

The palm of her hand caressed the skin of her bruised neck, purposely leaving out the area of flesh
painted with burn scars. She let out a shaky breath, trying to stay unfazed but the pain felt like she
was being burned all over again.

And the glare she sent him felt like a thousand knives flying to his chest, he would not admit it but
he swallowed a bit of shame after he let go of his cousin’s throat.

His head titled at the sight of the stitched scar around her eye and Visenya could swear he looked
somewhat amused with it.

Of course.

“What are you doing here at this hour?” Aemond dared break the silence between them.

“That’s none of your business.” She snapped at him, putting her hood back on.

His lips pursed in a thin line, “Mm,” he hummed. There was something cold about his gaze that
made Visenya feel like she was talking to a complete stranger. The warm look in his eyes from
when he was younger is long gone, replaced with one of arrogance and hate. “It will be everyone’s
business if,” he paused, “someone finds out you were here.”

The threat in his voice was obvious enough.

“It seems a stroll through Flea Bottom can turn into a family visit these days,” she raised an
eyebrow, “Aegon has really managed to secure himself more heirs than the old king Jahaerys.
Though considering the conditions they live in I doubt they’ll make it to next year alive.”

Aemond couldn’t help but grin at her sarcasm, “You always thought you knew everything cousin,
how are you so certain those children aren’t mine?”

Visenya scoffed, “You think that rumours from the capital don't reach Dragonstone? Stories about
the older brother who drinks and shits and fucks.. and stories of the younger one who spends his
days sparring and reading in order to try and lose the empty feeling that resides when his eye once
did,” she noticed his jaw clench at the mention of his eye. “Besides, I know you enough myself.”

He chuckled at her words.

“Do you think I jest?”

“I’m simply intrigued by the fact you think you know anything about me,” his tone started
becoming gradually higher, “especially after the night you helped our bastard nephews carve my
eye out of its socket.”

A familiar feeling of guilt washed over her, but her pride was bigger than it. It’s always been.

“I did what I thought was right and I don’t regret it."

Lucerys might’ve been the one to take his eye but Visenya’s part in it hurt a thousand times more
than his empty socket ever did. Fire was brewing in his stomach, the rage he had been gathering
for years waiting to be released.

And he would release it all on her.

Aemond took a step closer invading all of her space once again, “You betrayed me,” his hot breath
found her cheeks.

Visenya’s brows narrowed and Aemond caught a glimpse of a tear in her eye. Though it looked
more like she was going to kill him than start crying. “You betrayed me first!”

“But I see now that the debt is paid,” he ignored her accusation, “the Gods answered my prayers.”

She scoffed at his obvious refer to the scar on her face, “Fuck you and your Gods, Lucerys
should’ve slit your throat when he had the chance.” The princess inquired through gritted teeth.

His chest was raising in a fast pace and he grabbed her wrist, his fingers carving into her flesh.
“And I should’ve left you to die when I had mine, let the sea swallow you.”

Visenya saw her sister walk out of the basement in the corner of her eye and after snatching her
hand away from Aemond, she got even closer in his face, “You should’ve.”

She disappeared from his sight and even his gaze didn’t seem to follow her. Instead his chin dipped
lower to his chest, “Insufferable cunt,” he whispered before continuing his search for his brother.

Baela and Visenya both agreed it would be the best if they go back to the Red Keep and not risk
anyone else seeing them.

♕︎

“What else is there to hear? Your son has been maimed, her son is responsible.” Alicent protested,
sanding a stabbing glare in their direction.

Visenya stood a few feet behind her cousin Rhaenyra, closer to her father. “It was a regrettable
accident,” the heir to the throne spoke.

“Accident? Prince Lucerys brought a blade to the ambush, he meant to kill my son!” The Queen
proclaimed, her expression painted with pure fury.

The young princess stepped forward in defence of her nephew, “The blade was mine!” Visenya
said.

“ ‘Course it is,” Alicent scoffed, “that doesn’t surprise me in the slightest.”

A lot of harsh words were exchanged between Alicent and Rhaenyra in their further discussion.
What never failed to intrigue Visenya is how openly and freely people spoke about Jace, Luke and
Joffrey’s parentage and her uncle, the King, managed to neither accept or deny it but simply..
Ignore it.

Not that she cared a lot, at the end of the day they had as much Targaryen blood as she did and she
would always treat them as such.

But Aemond, it was as if his mother’s rage was passed to him. Flowing through his veins and
slowly taking over his mind and body.

His gaze never left her that night, even after they all separated to go and try to sleep after the
unspeakable event, she saw his face when she closed her eyes.

Cursing her. Judging her.

Her awful dream was interrupted with a loud roar of a dragon and wind so strong it managed to
flung the doors of her terrace open. Her curtains went flying where the wind sent them, allowing
the first sunlights of dawn find their way to her face.

Visenya lifted a hand to protect her sensitive eyes from the light, peaking through the space
between her fingers only to find green eyes staring at her from afar.

Cannibal.

She moved the heavy blanket from her body and jumped off the bed, her feet colliding with the
cold ground. Her quarters were quite high up the Maegor’s Holdfast, allowing her dragon to fly
around it with no obstacles despite his astonishing size.

The princess lifted her hand, approaching the beast. She would lie if she said a struck of fear didn’t
wash over her body that was a thousand times smaller than the Cannibal’s.

And he felt it.

He shook his head to the side and growled, which caused Visenya to scoff at his obvious bitterness.

“Shijetra nyke, nyke gōntan daor ūndegon ao isse iā jēda.” (Forgive me, I haven’t seen you in a
while) Visenya offered a hand once again, her palm just inches away from his snout. Moment
before she was about to lay her hand on him, Cannibal made a harder swing of his wings that sent
him over the Red Keep and out of her sight.

She flinched at his sudden movement, stepping back. And once again the same question popped up
in her mind,

Should she have done it otherwise?

♕︎

The bronze and wooden doors of the Throne Room were opened before them, allowing a perfect
view of the overcrowded space.

“Rhaenyra Targaryen, princess of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne,” one of the guards
announced, “and her son prince Lucerys Velaryion.”

Lords and Ladies of the court didn’t waste any time, immediately sliding into conversations in-
between each other. Visenya was aware what the content of these conversations was of course,
given the fact Lucerys looked like he’s going to faint any second.

As she walked with her father and Jacaerys to her sides, Visenya realised she barely recognised the
place despite spending most of her childhood in the capital.

The stone vines on the big pillars were no longer how Maegor once had them made more than half
a century ago. The pale red colour was replaced with silver and grey instead, in obvious
representation of the Hightowers and their house sigil.

To her right remained the several windows that once allowed all the light enter the big hall, they
had glass-stained depictions of the seven-pointed star. And the biggest one covered the space
above the Iron chair, except this one was made of simple grey stone.

As a child she didn’t particularly spend much time in the Throne room but she remembers it just
enough to know that there was a three-headed dragon resting above the iron throne. Representing
the King.

Representing house Targaryen.

“Skoros iksis bisa?”(What is this) She whispered to Daemon, keeping her eyes in the front.

“Gaomagon daor sagon ribazmoqitta ñuha tala, īlva jēda kessa māzigon aderī.”(Worry not my
daughter, our time will come soon enough)

Taking their place on the right side of the hall, she allowed her father stand in front with Rhaenyra
and Luke while Jace and Rhaena kept her company.

A sudden urge to vomit had overtook the princess when she saw the seat of the conqueror stained
with disgrace of Otto Hightower’s arse sitting on it. To his right he was accompanied by his family,
all dressed dramatically in green colours.

Alicent and Helaena seemed quite miserable, keeping their gaze everywhere but at the noisy
crowd.

The greasy hair and unhuman eye bags that rested on his face made it quite easy for Visenya to
recognise Aegon. He’s barely changed from when she last saw him, except for cutting his hair and
growing a few inches taller.

But the oldest isn’t always the tallest in the family.

He was standing behind Aegon yet managed to tower over him, his hands resting behind his plain
back. Despite missing an eye, Aemond’s gaze was stern enough to kill a man just by looking at
him.

But Visenya would not give him the satisfaction.

She stared back at him, narrowing her eyes and forcing an amused expression simply out of spite.

Suddenly their pride completion was interrupted by the Hand of the King rising from the throne,
“Though it is a great hope of this court that lord Corlys survives his wounds, we must resolve the
matter of his succession if he fails to do so. As hand, I speak with the King’s voice on this and any
other matters.” Otto proclaimed, “Lord Vaemond Velaryion, you might speak for yourself.

He stepped forward and sent Lucerys a threatening glare. His speech was quite boring and highly
predictable, the unbearably long story about house Velaryion and the Doom of Valyria and what
not else.

“The true, unimpeachable blood of house Velaryion runs through my veins,” he said in midst of his
petition but Rhaenyra protested. “As it does in my son’s, the offspring of Laenor Velaryion!”

Vaemond turned around, “What do you know about Velaryion blood, princess? I could cut my
veins and show it to you and you still wouldn’t recognise it!”

Visenya took a step forward, flinching out of Jacaerys’ grip on her hand. “Don’t,” he muttered to
his chin.

“Every Targaryen alive has Velaryion blood flowing through their veins since the very day
Valaena Velaryion married Aeron Targaryen and sired him three children—the conquerors,” she
continued, “Of course, you would know that my Lord if you truly cared for your histories as much
as you claim you do.”

The sea snake’s brother only became even more frustrated with it, but before he could say another
word the doors of the Throne room opened revealing her uncle.

“King Viserys Targaryen, the First of His name, King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First
men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.”

The King was broken, weak and broken. Only two and fifty, Viserys could’ve ruled for many years
more if there wasn’t for a terrible disease that ate him every day further and further.

And now he’s come to defend his heir one last time.

The King made his way to the chair but as he was climbing the steps his crown fell from his head,
colliding with the ground. It was the first time that Visenya saw her father swallow his pride and
fetch the crown for his brother, helping him up the stairs and placing it on his head.

Rhaenyra smiled and dipped her head in an approving nod as Daemon made his way back. The
Hightowers didn’t even try to hide their disappointed expressions, knowing that Viserys will not
under any circumstances side against his first child.

“Look who’s scheming is about to be shut down,” Jace whispered in her ear. She snorted
mockingly, realising she’s gained Aemond’s attention once again.

The prince pouted his lips, biting the inside of his cheek with a clenched jaw.

Gods does she hate him.

“I must admit my confusion, I don’t understand why petitions are being heard over a settled
succession. The only one who could offer keener insides into lord Corlys’ wishes is the princess
Rhaenys.”

The Queen who never was announced herself, “Indeed your Grace. It was ever my husband will
that Driftmark pass, through ser Laenor, to his true born son Lucerys Velaryion. His mind has
never changed, nor did my support of it. As a matter of fact princess Rhaenyra has just informed of
her desire to marry her sons Jace and Luke to Lord Corlys’ granddaughters Baela and Rhaena. A
proposal to which I heartily agree.”

The King reaffirmed Luke’s position with a smile but it was when Vaemond stepped forward that
she knew it was not going to end well.

“You break law and centuries of tradition to insole your daughter as heir. You may run your house
as you see fit but you will not decide the future of mine! My house survived the Doom and a
thousand tribulations besides!”
 A fool.

“Gods be damned, I will not see it ended on the account of this b—” The word remained at the top
of his tongue.

“Say it.” Daemon’s voice challenged him.

Vaemond turned around to face the King, “Her children are bastards!” The throne room echoed
with his words.

Daemon shot her a glare over the shoulder, titling his head in Vaemond’s direction and Visenya
knew what she had to do.

“And she is,” he paused, “a whore.”

Seeing Viserys rise from the throne, Visenya quietly made her way behind Vaemond and drew her
sword out of its scabbard.

“I will have your tongue for that,” The King proclaimed but already too late. With a single swing of
her sword, Visenya made a clean cut just above Vaemond’s tongue, splitting his head in half.

Loud gasps of terror filled the room as his body fell to the ground in peaces.

The Queen clang onto Helaena in order to protect her while Aemond and Aegon stumbled back
with wide-eyed expressions.

“He can keep his tongue, your Grace.” Daemon grinned at the sight.

“Disarm her!” Otto gave an order.

“No need,” Visenya cleaned the blood-stained steel, putting it back in its place beside her hip, “no
need.”

Chapter End Notes

I warned y'all Visenya is Daemon no 2. I hope you enjoyed that, leave your opinion in
the comments, it would mean a lot. Love you<3

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