A/N: Hi, guys! Hope you are all doing well. Places are opening back up where I live, but prayers for India and other nations who are getting hit hard this time around.
Daemon sat anxiously in the chair set up for him on the docks of the King's Landing, with Rhaenyra, his daughters Baela and Rhaena, his son Aegon and his betrothed Jaehaera, his niece Helaena and his nephew Daeron, his former goodmother Rhaenys and his former goodfather Corlys, and his daughter Shiera while she held baby Visenya in her hands. Cregan Stark was also by their side, as he would become the future goodfather of his son and thus part of their family, so he needed to see Viserys up close. Considering what he had done for this family, he deserves so much more, Daemon declared to himself.
They received a raven from the ship carrying Jon Flint, Denys Dustin, and their men after their successful rescue of Viserys. By some miracle, they were able to avoid any entanglements with the Triarchy's fleet, which was still a given considering that the ship they chose was designed for fast voyages. Upon reading that Viserys was alive and well, all of the family in the Red Keep rejoiced. Even Aegon found it in him to play with his family, since he was happy that his brother was coming back and that he would see him again. My sons will be reunited. There's nothing more reassuring to a man than that.
Alongside the family were at least one hundred guards, a mixture of goldcloaks, Red Keep guardsmen, and northerners who would see for the first time the Targaryen prince that would be connected to the north. Ser Torrhen Manderly had to be there, for it was his planning and overseeing of the raid that allowed his son Viserys to come back safely. Not only will the Manderly brothers be greatly rewarded for their merits, Rhaenyra also sent a raven to White Harbour, informing their father Lord Desmond that he should expect a large gift of golden dragons and a permanent residence in King's Landing for raising such able sons. The mermen will receive more, if it were up to me.
"Ship, ship! Over there!" Aegon pointed excitedly into the distance. Squinting their eyes as their focus turned towards the direction he was pointing his finger at, Daemon smiled widely at a vessel with the Manderly sigil. "Our son is coming," he gripped Rhaenyra's hand tightly.
"Indeed," she kissed the top of his head. "And he will soon meet two new sisters," she rubbed her extended belly, as she was due only in a moon.
Another daughter to love and spoil, Daemon mused. Everyone thought that all he wanted were sons and that he became dissatisfied with Baela's and Rhaena's entry into the world, but after meeting Laena, he learned to cherish and appreciate life as it was. Although it brought him joy to have boys to train with the sword and other pursuits of manhood, he loved his daughters all the same. It's not like I'm going to just restrict my girls to merely crafts for womanhood, Daemon imagined training his daughters with the sword, bow, spear, and taking them hunting, just like Visenya of old.
Daemon also looked up into the sky, seeing the dragons flying above. Syrax, Meleys, Silverwing, Tessarion, and Moondancer all flying together as if the war had never happened, as if they were still the dragons connected by the common family of dragonlords like during the high period of their family just decades before when their family controlled the largest numbers of dragons since the end of old Valyria. The only ones missing were Sunfyre and Vhagar, with reports putting them in the dragonmont after Mysaria's little birds located them at Dragonstone.
It brought Daemon pain to remember Caraxes and to see her not flying, as the bond between dragon and dragonrider could only comparable with bonds shared between dragonlords, the same one he felt with Rhaenyra and one he couldn't deny between Daeron and Baela. I'm so sorry, Uncle Aemon, for not protecting her, Daemon reached out apologetically.
He also had to prepare himself for the wedding that was going to come soon between them. He still had to get used to Daeron being Baela's lover, but he would never be so low as to not attend her wedding. As a father, he had an obligation to lead Baela towards her new husband and he be damned if he didn't do that, especially since Daeron took Baela's maidenhead and impregnated her. Baela's honor was at stake, so he had to protect it. Anything for my children, even though I'm still too young to be a grandfather.
But most important was that after much thinking on the matter, he realized that Daeron was probably the best match Baela could have, as both were dragon riders after all. And now that he thought more on it, he remembered the looks shared between them and saw that any wedding and consummation of their relationship was only a natural conclusion. Daemon had to admit that Daeron was a kind fellow and an able fighter, so Baela would be in good hands. Viserys would have loved this, he thought wistfully of his brother.
The vessel got closer and the sleek design of the ship could be appreciated before it finally arrived, and the crew threw ropes town towards those who would tie the ship to the dock. A plank was set, causing everyone to become nervous in expectation. Daemon saw two northerners on the deck, but they were moving behind who he knew was his son. Finally, emerging from the railings and onto the plank was his son. The two northmen were gently leading him down to the dock, followed by dozens of other northmen who took part in the rescue of his son.
Daemon turned to Rhaenyra, who had her hands over her mouth as the joy of seeing her child again and thus her children together once more was filling her up. Baela, Rhaena, and Aegon were also overjoyed, as they laid eyes upon their brother, while Rhaenys was more than happy to see her great nephew. Even though he was family, Helaena, Daeron, Shiera, and Corlys just stood by, the former two because they didn't have a good relationship prior to the war, Shiera because she never met Viserys, and Corlys was a different matter. But Daemon put aside his doubts about the loyalty of the Sea Snake, which increased ever since the head of House Velaryon acted with hostility towards Cregan Stark, as he wanted to hold his son again.
His son Viserys had grown in the time he spent as a captive, with his silver hair cropped and him gaining a few inches in height. But Daemon could see from his amethyst eyes that something had happened to his son, as he knew what trauma looked like. There were no physical signs of mistreatment, but the Rogue Prince knew that signs were unnecessary when it came to pain. It could only mean that whatever the Lysenes, the Triarchy, the Rogares, or all of them together put him through had affected him just as much as the war witnessed by Aegon had scarred him mentally. The Triarchy will pay for this. But Daemon could be relieved that they no longer to pay a king's ransom to get him back, for that would have been too much to bear for his pride.
Not willing to wait any longer, Rhaena, Baela, and Aegon ran towards their brother, hugging him tightly as they cried tears of relief for his safe return. Viserys said nothing, but he returned their hugs, which showed that he still recognized his siblings. Baela and Rhaena kissed his cheek while the brothers took in more than a few moments to feel each other's presence once more.
Then, Rhaenyra walked towards her youngest son, being careful because of her pregnant belly, but she managed to kneel down and hug Viserys. She ran his hands through his hair and kissed over his head and face while whispering, "I'm so happy that you are home." Viserys finally allowed his own tears to flow as he felt his mother's touch, with Rhaenys soon joining the both of them.
Finally, Daemon willed himself to move towards his son, struggling to walk with canes. But just inches from Viserys, he let the canes drop to the wooden surfaces of the dock so that he can get on his knees and hug him. "My son," he breathed out. Like with his mother, Viserys tightly embraced his father.
"Kepa, what happened? Why can't you walk?" Viserys was shocked that the man who was his father, the strongest he had known, was so different.
"I'll explain it to you later. But first, let's get you back in the castle. You must be starving. Look at how thin you are," Daemon looked at his son up and down. He then gestured to Shiera, who brought with her baby Visenya. "Son, here is your sister Visenya."
"Hi, baby sister," Viserys pinched her cheek while looking up at Shiera. "And who are you?"
"I am Shiera. We share the same father, you and I."
Viserys glanced at Daemon, confused. "I'll explain to you later also. But first, come on."
That night was filled with celebration all over King's Landing, as the city rejoiced at the safe return of their prince. Bells rang and much cheering ensued across all parts, while the feelings were similar in the throne room. There, Rhaenyra oversaw the granting of the rewards to Jon Flint, Denys Dustin, and Ser Torrhen Manderly. Ser Lorent held out Blackfyre, which she took before walking to the three kneeling men.
"Today is a joyous day, for my son Viserys has been rescued from the captivity of the Triarchy!" The courtiers cheered, while Cregan looked on with approval at his bannermen performing so well as Helaena held his hand. "And it is all thanks to these three men, who directly planned and executed his safe return. Against all odds did they help make House Targaryen whole again and thus, they shall receive their just reward." She first stepped in front of Ser Torrhen. "Ser Torrhen Manderly, for overseeing such a daring raid, I hereby grant you the first hereditary seat on the small council and grant you an income of four thousand golden dragons a year. House Manderly shall always be welcome this far south."
"Thank you, Your Grace," Ser Torrhen dipped his head while his brother Ser Medrick looked up with pride at his brother. Even though Ser Torrhen was rewarded, Ser Medrick will have his moment later.
"Jon Flint, Denys Dustin," Rhaenyra moved on to the ones who actually took part in the rescue in Lys. "I understand that you two do not adhere to the customs of the Andals and thus, you do not follow the practice of knighthood."
"No, Your Grace," they both answered.
"However, it is only fitting that I grant you such an honor while awarding you a lifetime income of five hundred golden dragons a year." As knights and kings before her, she raised Blackfyre and did the traditional movements. "I dub the both of you Ser Jon Flint and Ser Denys Dustin. Arise, knights of the Seven Kingdoms."
The new knights as well as the older Manderly one arose while the court watched.
"And now, let us celebrate with a feast!" Rhaenyra gestured for the servants to bring in plates of food and wine.
Daemon watched the court dance again, but instead of false smiles as was the case for the peace agreement, there was genuine happiness for Viserys' return. And since he was the focus of attention, he sat alongside his parents and siblings. He watched as Daeron danced with Baela, Cregan with Helaena, and Rhaena with Benjen Stark, who had made his first appearance in court. As for Aegon, he was getting started with Jaehaera, who looked happier than he did, but Daemon knew that his eldest son was happy that his brother was back.
Daemon looked at Rhaenyra, grasping their hands together, as that was what their family. "Together finally," he remarked.
"Indeed," Rhaenyra, for the first time in a long time, felt as if all of the world's burdens were pushed off of her shoulders. "Now, we can truly begin to be a family once more. After so much blood and so much pain."
"That's what I'm worried about," Daemon said. "I see the same stare in Viserys' eyes as Aegon's. It pains me to think what our son experienced at the hands of the Lysenes."
"We'll talk to him about that at a later moment. Best not to push him and bring back painful memories," Rhaenrya urged. Daemon nodded in agreement.
As Viserys was still young, he had to drink either water or fruit juice. But he proved to be a big eater, as he consumed this third apple and tore apart his fried fish. Let him enjoy the food, for I shall train him hard soon, he told himself.
Then, Corlys appeared at the head table. "May I sit here?" he asked the both of them. Rhaenyra bobbed her head as the Sea Snake sat next to Daemon. "Quite a party here, Your Graces. One can't tell that a war was fought, and that many had died."
Daemon could sense the bitterness in his voice, as he lost three boys who he thought were his grandsons. "What matters now is that we move forward, together. There's much work to be done in repairing these Seven Kingdoms."
"Oh, I know," Corlys admitted. "I just hope that you understand that while Viserys being rescued is good and all, the Triarchy will not sit idly by at this."
"Meaning?" Rhaenyra asked.
"Your Grace, you humiliated the Triarchy. Not only did you send men to infiltrate Lys, you took away probably their biggest bargaining chip, costing them a fortune and various other favors that they could have extracted from you for his return."
"We know that, and that's part of the reason why we're happy he's back here," Daemon told him.
"Yes, but the Triarchy will retaliate for this. This is a blow that they will not let rest and given that they still have ships and coin to throw against us, we have to be ready."
Daemon couldn't deny his thinking, which served him well in the Stepstones. "If they want a fight, let them come."
Corlys sighed in frustration. "Am I not the Hand of the Queen?"
"You are," Rhaenyra confirmed.
"Then please, listen to me," Corlys pleaded. "We might have signed a peace treaty with the greens, but we have no such agreement with the Triarchy. And you rescued Prince Viserys before we even negotiated with the magisters."
"Not that we had any intention to," Daemon emphasized.
"But don't you know that this complicates any dialogue we would have with them?" Corlys pointed out. "The magisters are a prideful bunch, as you should remember, Daemon. We will have to offer them something extraordinary to get them to the table, since there is no way that they will talk to us after this embarrassment."
"So, you are suggesting that we should've kept Viserys where he was, without doing anything to rescue him?" Rhaenyra was very offended at that notion.
"This is why I wanted the both of you to tell me about these things in advance so that I can plan accordingly and properly advise you. This war must end and Viserys' rescue will become an obstacle that we have to deal with."
However, Daemon and Rhaenyra were both not liking what he was implying. "Corlys, I am getting the feeling that you are still angry that we haven't talked to you about the betrothal between Cregan Stark's daughter and our son," he stated.
Corlys looked quick to deny. "That's not the point."
"I think otherwise," Daemon answered quickly. "While you are the Lord Hand, my wife is the Queen and I am her Prince Consort. We will make our decisions as we see fit, especially those that are personal matters to House Targaryen."
"Those personal matters that you speak of will have implications on the rest of the realm," Corlys was trying very hard. "Rescuing Viserys and having a Stark marry into House Targaryen will lead to unintended consequences."
"How so?" Daemon wanted him to say it so that there were no misunderstandings between them.
"The northmen are a relic of a bygone era, with customs and traditions that the rest of Westeros will not accept back," Corlys began. "And the Seven Kingdoms are tired of war. What makes you think that they will fight for your son's sake?"
"If they don't, that's treason and punishable by death. You can ask the ashes of Criston Cole, if you can find them," Rhaenyra challenged.
"All I am asking is that from this point on, please let me know of what decisions you'll make. Both of you were married to my children, so for my sake, I beg you," Corlys almost raised his voice, but he remembered that others would hear him if he did.
Daemon had to concede that Corlys had a point, in that he was the goodfather to both he and Rhaenyra. But Daemon knew the Sea Snake very well and could see that he was worried that the position of House Velaryon would be supplanted with new people like Cregan Stark. However, Corlys was their faithful servant and serve well he did, so Daemon and Rhaenyra had to give him something so that he wouldn't feel mistreated.
"Okay," Rhaenyra reached forward and placed her hands on Corlys'. "From now on, you will be treated as a loyal Hand should. Whatever decisions we make for the realm, you will be included, and your advice will be heeded. You have our word on that."
Corlys nodded in gratitude. "Thank you." But as he stood up to return to Rhaenys, he shared a look with Viserys, who obviously had heard everything. He might not have understood all that was said, but he did understand the parts where Corlys seemed against his return home. That caused Viserys to frown as the Sea Snake dipped his head in respect and go back to the dancing floor.
"What will we do with him?" Daemon was not going to let his demanding demeanor slide.
"Keep him close," Rhaenyra answered. "He's still a friend and family, but this is a dangerous situation, for he could become an enemy of ours."
Daemon sighed. "The Sea Snake is still in him. I just didn't expect that it would be turned against us."
"Best not make him an enemy while we can," Rhaenyra told him. And so, a bond between two Valyrian houses closely connected was now in danger, something that the rulers wished to avoid since they had to maintain peace in the realm.
Daeron straightened his shirt for the tenth time, nervous at the incoming procession coming through the entrance of the godswood. Everyone of importance present in the Red Keep was present, as they wished to add one more joyous occasion to the peace that they hoped would last. And this was the first important moment for the family, for it will be the first time that a Targaryen who fought for the "greens" would be united with a Targaryen who led the "blacks," the first stage for the reconciliation between the opposing members of House Targaryen.
Cregan was kind enough to stand next to him, as he was the man who he considered closest to him outside of the family courtesy of his relationship with his sister Helaena. And he felt that he had to be near him, for it was the head of House Stark that was giving his sister the love and happiness that she so deserved after so long.
"You nervous, Prince Daeron?" Cregan asked.
"I am," Daeron whispered back.
"It's only natural. I've been through it twice, the wedding rites. However, remember that Princess Baela is also nervous even though she loves you and once all of this over, the pomp and all, the only thing that will matter is what happens tonight," Cregan stated.
Daeron rose his eyebrow at him. "Do you mind sparing me the talk about the bedding? I know that northmen are blunt, but this is not the time and place."
"Come now. It's not like that stopped you before," Cregan left it at that, but they both knew that Baela was pregnant and he was considerate enough to not go further in front of the crowd. Just one more reason why I believe Helaena is in good hands.
Standing near the heart tree next to Daeron and Cregan was Shiera, Daemon's bastard daughter through the Lysene dancer-turned mistress of whisperers Mysaria, wearing black gowns lined with red and her long silver hair flowing freely downwards while a pile of logs in front of her. She had piercing violet eyes, similar to her father's, and possessed a lithe body that was barely covered by the tight gowns, but she was nine years older than Daeron. She would be presiding over the ceremony held in Valyrian fashion, as per their request since they didn't want a ceremony overseen by a septon after the recent revelations but Daeron was not ready for a ceremony before the old gods. Daeron was perplexed at what exactly took place at a wedding that took place before the gods of old Valyria, with Shiera cryptically using her family's words, "Fire and blood." I really need to study more on where my ancestors came from, Daeron reminded himself.
Standing on the opposite side of the logs were his grandfather Otto and his mother. They were both dressed in red, as green was no longer acceptable in the "black" Red Keep and many protested at their presence there, even though they were the only relatives of Daeron who were old enough to do this. Otto hid his face well, but he was trying very hard to be happy for his grandson and it was because he listened to Daeron that this was war was over. And it will only be a matter of time before Otto is sent to Oldtown to enforce the peace.
As with his mother, she looked more tired and exhausted than before, as she was now in a Red Keep where her rival Rhaenyra had controlled. But the bond between mother and son was unbreakable and she had the decency to show up despite what the rest of court thought. "Thank you for being here," he mouthed to her.
Finally, the herald announced the arrival of the bride. Everyone turned to the entrance and saw Baela holding the arm of her father Daemon, followed by Rhaena, Jaehaera, Helaena, and Rhaenyra. Standing straight and looking directly at the procession women, they had black dresses lined with red and their silver hair flowed freely past their shoulders while their necks carried golden necklaces furnished with rubies. Rhaenyra wore the crown of Jaehaerys the Conciliator, while Baela, Rhaena, Helaena, and Jaehaera wore silver circlets. All Daeron could focus on was Baela, who looked exactly like a dragonlord of Valyria and even more so since she could ride her own dragon.
Rhaena, Helaena, Jaehaera stood back while Daemon and Rhaenyra took their places as Baela stood across Daeron. He and Daemon shared one look that said, If you hurt my daughter, there is nothing in this world that will protect you from my wrath, which he responded with a blank stare that communicated his promise.
Going back to the ceremony, Shiera stated that it was Valyrian custom for a man and woman to be married together, with no one giving them, as it would offend the gods to have subservience between those of the same blood. Naturally, Baela found that quite appealing and shared a look with Rhaenyra, who smiled at her as she also wished for such a ceremony for herself before. Daeron also looked at Helaena, who could only say to him through her eyes, It'll be my turn soon and I shall enjoy life with Cregan.
"Let the ceremony begin!" Shiera announced in her attempt at the common tongue before he began to chant Valyrian prayers. It was bizarre for Daeron, witnessing a wedding without a septon and with their Valyrian roots now coming out in the open. And yet, it felt right for him. Like a piece that was lost finally returning to make her whole.
Corlys Velaryon was also in attendance and he couldn't have looked prouder than he was, since this was a marriage that he fully supported, a sentiment shared with Rhaenys, and both were not uncomfortable like the rest of court who were unfamiliar with Valyrian customs. Nevertheless, they all repeated the Valyrian prayers when prompted, although some did not understand a word they were saying.
"And now," Shiera opened her eyes as his last prayer ended. "Let us have the gods descend upon us and bring forth their blessings on this union of man and wife." He signaled to both Daeron and Baela, who both said a Valyrian command that caused both Tessarion and Moondancer to land near them, their heads pointing at them. Like in the days before the war, both were cordial and open with each other and therefore held no amount of hostility.
"Baela of House Targaryen, do you take this man to be your husband?" Shiera looked to Baela.
"I take this man," Baela declared, her smile only noticeable to her family and Daeorn.
"Daeron of House Targaryen, do you take this woman to be your wife?"
"I take this woman," he responded confidently.
Remembering what Shiera taught him, he drew his dagger, rolled up the sleeve on his right arm, and cut along it. Not too deep to touch the vessels, but enough for the blood to ooze out of it. The women of House Targaryen did not expect that, especially Baela, but she kept her surprise hidden. The guests were shocked at what they were seeing, as Daeron handed her the dagger. Nodding her head and getting the cue, Baela took the dagger, rolled her sleeve, and cut along her arm.
"Now stand before the gods to receive their blessing." Both Daeron and Baela moved forward to the log pile, with Baela standing next to her half-sister and Daeron on the other side.
Pointing her head at their dragons, Daeron gestured Baela to do the same. "DRACARYS!" he yelled as Tessarion released her blue flames. Baela followed suit, Moondancer pouring her flames to join Tessarion's.
With the logs on fire, Daeron put arms over the flames, his sleeve rolled enough to not catch fire. Baela took his arm, both clasping their forearms and their cuts over the other, as if to move their blood to and from each other. Normal arms would fry and burn over flames and even those with dragonblood were not completely protected from them. However, blood and fire released a force that would give life and protect those willing to sacrifice. Over the fire, the blood of man and wife flowed from their cuts, a part of themselves latching on to the other and uniting them as one blood. As they withdrew their arms from the flame, Daeron saw his cut healed and Baela also.
Gesturing for Baela to come around to his side, Daeron unclasped her Targaryen cloak and threw it around himself. Getting his own Targaryen cloak from Cregan Stark, he handed it to Baela, who threw it around herself. Both now under each other's protection.
"In sight of the gods and men, I hereby bind these two souls together for eternity!" Shiera announced.
In a trance at the whole ceremony, Daeron cupped Baela's cheek, just seeing his arms and hands move without thinking. He beamed upon seeing her smile before she grabbed his neck, bringing his head down to hers and pulling him into a kiss that became deeper after some moments. Breaking their kiss, they both turned to the audience, all of whom cheered for the newly-weds. Or at least as best as they could.
Rhaena, Jaehaera, and Helaena threw flowers in the air, as the new Targaryen couple walked past her towards the feast in the great hall. Looking behind, Daeron saw his sister Helaena walking alongside Cregan, both exchanging smiles at the occasion and at thoughts of the future. I will be at your wedding soon, sister. I know it will come, so don't worry.
The feast came and went, with more drinks and food consumed, before Daeron and Baela were told to proceed for the bedding. But to prevent people from discovering her condition, they asked the guests to just let them leave while a few family members would escor them to their new chambers. Cregan, Helaena, Shiera, and Rhaena were selected, but that didn't decrease their anxiety.
Just as they reached the door, Baela hugged each of them tightly while Cregan kissed his hand. Daeron kissed the cheek of all of the women while giving Cregan's hand a firm shake. Walking through the door, Daeron gently closed it.
Not wasting any time, as soon as the door closed, Baela pulled him into another deep kiss, running her hands all over him and feeling his hands doing the same. Pulling away, she turned around and offered him her back. "Help me, husband?"
Daeron untied the laces in the back of her gown. He was rather quick about it, but still kept gentle. He placed a kiss on her neck and along her back as more of it was exposed to him. With a strong yank on her dress, he suddenly made bare to the world as her gown pooled down to the floor around her feet. Daeron always had a good opinion of her body, which was confirmed in the Red Mountains. What added more to her allure was seeing the slight swell of her belly, reminding him that she was carrying their child and the thought of her being a mother to his children inflamed him further.
But to see the storm of lust in Baela's eyes as she turned around and gazed up and down his body filled him with glee. Giving her the same look of equal intensity, he did nothing as she unfastened his breeches and shoved them down, her breath hitching at his now nude self.
Baela pushed him onto the bed, the flower petals spreading out as she straddled his hips and pinned him down. She leaned down to kiss him while she guided his cock to her entrance, moaning in his mouth as she felt him go deeper inside her. Daeron's breath hitched while he saw his new wife lean back up and further impaled herself on him. Her eyes were closed tight and she bit her lip, as ecstasy flowed through her and her husband.
Wanting more, Baela took Daeron's hands and put them over her breasts, happily exhaling as she felt his hands squeeze them and seeing his eyes nearly roll in pleasure. The wet slaps of skin, heavy moans, and the creaking of the bed soon filled her chambers, newlyweds lost in each other's bodies. What felt like hours had passed and Baela could feel herself approaching the brink. Before they went over it together, she pulled Daeron up to her, hugging him tightly and wanting to take him with her.
Then, Daeron felt himself gush inside her with a sharp inhale, pleasure spreading throughout her body before collapsing onto him, her silver hair spread all over his chest. Pecking his neck and lips, she slid off him before snuggling against him on his right side. But he was not done, as he got behind her and reinserted his cock.
"Yes, Daeron. Fuck me like that," Baela wanted her dragon to take charge. Obeying her commands, he increased the tempo of his thrusts while the moaning became louder and louder with each push. He wanted to be careful, for she was pregnant this time, but he couldn't control his desire for her.
"I'm going to come," Daeron cried out. Then, as black circles formed in his vision, he screamed, "BAELA!"
"DAERON!" she responded while more of his seed entered her.
The new couple spent, he saw her smiled when he kissed her forehead and wrapped his arms wrapped around her tightly while letting out a sigh of happiness. Minutes passed before she had the strength to lean up to look at him.
Baela turned her head to see her new husband smiling, but she also saw tears forming from his eyes. "What is the matter, Daeron?"
Daeron looked to her, his smile still on his face. "That was probably the most love I gave to you and I almost forgot how good it feels. We're here, and we are not fighting for our lives anymore. We can raise our new family in peace."
Baela put her head on his chest. "Of course. And they will never know what it's like to fight with each other and kill each other."
"I would rather die if our family was to become like during the war. No more."
Baela nodded. "Kessa. They will know only love and loyalty, and we will punish those who try to tear us apart again."
Daeron almost cried at the thought of little Jaehaerys and Maelor dying by the people he thought he could trust. "We will never be weak again. On my dead nephews I swear that." He pulled her closer to him. "Let's be strong together, Baela. Us and our children, and their uncles and aunts and cousins."
Baela liked the sound of those words coming from his lips, as he truly embraced his family again. They remained that way in each other's arms as they fell into a deep sleep, their first as man and wife. And the first peaceful sleep anyone knew in a while.
A/N: For those who think that I despite House Velaryon, nothing could be further from the truth. What Corlys is thinking is not wrong and he is assuming the role of the loyal opposition, telling the Targaryens the hard truth when they need to hear it. Granted, he is seeking to advance his family's interests, but he is still loyal to the dragons.
But the happy parts: Viserys' return and meeting his baby sibling and half-sister, while Daeron and Baela get married in Valyrian fashion. And for those who have not yet picked up on it, Shiera is the stand-in for the canon Shiera (just a few decades early). There is a reason for that, which will be seen later.
Till next time.