I woke up, half hoping that it was a dream, and the other half hoping it was real. I couldn't believe how impulsive I was to offer my hand in marriage to Aemond Targaryen. I never really liked him towards the end of the show, but he had potential.
I was a bit confused when maids had come into my room to help me dress. Did they not feel awkward? I first caught a glimpse of my appearance when a maid was doing my hair. She handed me a small mirror. I was taken aback by the light purple of my eyes and my black hair. I remembered what Rhaenys had looked like in the book and it seems I'm identical to her. Was this a sign? Or was it to make me fit in?
I was once again dressed in riding clothes give to me by the Queen. They were remarkably comfortable and I couldn't help but compare it to the jeans and dresses I used to wear.
"The Queen is waiting for you outside near the dragons, Lady Hand," the maid had said. They weren't introduced to me yet and I made a mental note to ask later.
My new title had startled me but I nodded in thanks. I made sure the sword was on my hip before leaving to where I saw the Queen, Prince Daemon, and the two young men. Gods Luke looked so young. How was Aemond able to kill him? Luke is a child and it made me sick to my stomach what had happened to him before.
"My Queen," I bowed. I was unsure on how to greet her, so I winged it.
She seemed to understand because she had smiled. "No need for formalities with just here, we're now family." I wondered if she said that because of making me a Targaryen or that I was going to offer my hand in marriage to her brother. It seems I was the only one confused because the rest smiled. Daemon looked displeased but accepted his wife's decision.
"Rhaenyra then. I promise I won't let him come to harm. I'm prepared for every possibility.' Turned to Luke who was looking more than a little scared. 'If at any point I say to leave, then leave. If anything happens to Arrax, Balerion will let you ride him."
"Then that will you leave you alone," Luke fretted.
I smiled at the young prince. It was relieving to know that someone worried. I'm definitely worried but I have to have faith that the Gods will have protect me. "Don't worry about me my Prince. I have a feeling that I will be extremely hard to kill."
It seemed to comfort him some, but it didn't stop me from worrying. It felt as if I was taking on too much. I may have convinced Jace and Luke of my confidence, but I can tell Dameon and Rhaneyra saw right through me.
Both Luke and I approached our dragons. Arrax was so much smaller than Balerion, it made me wonder how terrifying it was to face Vhagar like Luke had to. My smile grew genuine when Balerion lowered himself so I can get on. There was no saddle so it was easy to settle in.
"I'll be right behind you," I yelled to Luke.
He nodded and commanded his dragon to fly. I did the same and were both soaring through the air. Even though it was unknown what would happen once we get there, the feeling of flying would never get old. The bond between us thrummed and the feeling of peace got stronger. I'm not sure how long it took for us to reach Storm's End, but once I saw Vhagar, I knew we had arrived. The weather was not as stormy as it had been before, and I saw it as a good sign.
Luke had landed and I tensed when I saw Aemond and Lord Boratheon, along with his guards. Before Aemond can approach I whispered, "Initimidate."
I was unsure whether or not he would understand, but at once he roared so loudly, I knew it would ring their eyes. I knew it would shoot fear into them. When eyes were on Balerion, he landed on the ground with a thunderous thud. I saw everyone lose their footing momentarily and it really put in perspective on how large my dragon was.
It seemed as if everything was in slow motion. Power strummed through my veins as all eyes were on me. I wanted everyone to know how dangerous the Blacks have just become. I smiled proudly when I landed more gracefully than I had before. When I was safely on the ground, Balerion stood to his impressive height was growling as if warning them not to try anything. I saw Vhagar in the corner of my eye try to approach before Balerion growled again. Once Vhagar had backed off, that was when I knew for certain everything just changed.
I saw that Luke was already talking to them, looking much more confident. I could feel Aemond's eye on me and it was very disconcerting. I felt my heart race and I genuinely can't believe I was attracted to him. Say what you want about him, but he definitely does have an intimidating presence. Much like Daemon to be honest.
"What can you offer me my Prince? Prince Aemond has already agreed to marry my daughter," Lord Baratheon said.
I rolled my eyes as I arrived next to Luke. Both the Lord's and Aemond's eyes went to the pin that decorated my chest. "You bent the knee to my mother when she was named heir Lord Borros. We don't want war. We just want the rightful heir on the iron throne. Anyone who thinks otherwise will be traitors."
I didn't think the 14 year old had it in him. Aemond was suspiciously quiet. I spared a glance at him and saw him look at me in recognition. How can he have known me to give me such a look?
Lord Borros looked between Luke and Aemond before he turned his attention to me. "And who are you?"
"I am Lyna.. Targaryen. Hand of the Queen," I said confidently. I glared at the Baratheon Lord, daring him to say anything further. I could feel Balerion, coming closer and that seemed to be enough for him.
"Very well. You know Queen Rhaenyra will always have our support," He stuttered. he then turned and walked away. How rude of him to not give his goodbyes to the Princes. It left just Aemond, Luke and I. I could tell Luke was getting nervous because he had stepped behind me trying to get out of Aemond's sight.
It felt as if I was in a staring competition with Aemond. It was humiliating to feel the blush on my cheeks. Maybe if he complies, it wouldn't be so terrible. Neither of us spoke, willing the other to give in. Thankfully, it was Aemond who broke it.
"My sister warned me of you," he said.
Helaena dreamt of me? "Then I think you would like to hear what I have to say."
"Does he have to be here?" Aemond asked. It was clear that he didn't much for Luke, but his game lacked the hatred I had seen in the show.
I however was unimpressed. "He is family. He will stay."
Luke seemed to have seen an opportunity. "I wanted to apologize to you uncle. For everything when I was younger. I'm sorry for taking your eye."
Aemond had tensed and his hand closed around the fist of his sword. It had made me do the same and stand in front of Luke. Last time this had happened Aemond demanded Luke of his eye or his life.
" I appreciate the apology but it's not warranted. We were children then.' I gave him a confused look which he had seen and chose to elaborate. 'My sister is a dreamer. She had warned me before about my pride and what it would do. Before I left the Keep, she told me of a black dragon who will be our salvation. I'm willing to hear what you have say."
His gaze hardly strayed from mine and it made my blood heat up. It took a lot to keep from shivering in desire. "I know of your fate. And of your sister and her children. I don't want it to happen and it should never have happened. Why do you fight so hard for Aegon? Even you must know how terrible of a person he is. You should know how the people around you have manipulated you into the person you have become. I know your mother told you and your siblings that Rhaenyra would kill you for the throne. The truth is she doesn't care enough to do it. She doesn't see you as obstacles. Did you know she tried to spend time with you when you were a child? Alicent and Otto had stopped her at every turn."
Aemond seemed to be stunned by what I said. "There doesn't have to be war Aemond. And if it's your sister you worry about, the Queen has granted them safety if you bend the knee."
"You don't know what you ask of me," he tried to say.
"I will even offer my hand to you. Anything to avoid the fate of everyone. There is no doubt Alicent, Otto, and Aegon will die. They conspired against the crown for years. Do you really want die Aemond? For a throne that already has a Queen?"
I can tell I was getting to Aemond and I knew I had Helaena to thank. She was the one who told him to listen. My breaths came out in pants, desperately trying to get my point across. Luke had put a comforting hand on my shoulder and it made me smile. I may not know them personally, but it was clear family meant something to them.
Balerion sensed my desperation and roared, thought not quite as loud as before. It weirdly comforted me to hear him like that. 'Do you accept the terms Prince Aemond?"
He seemed to take the next few moments to consider. I could clearly see the conflict in his face. "We won't be imprisoned? or even killed?"
"No!' I said heatedly. 'The Queen understand that you are family. You are the blood of the dragon. We don't want to be kinslayers."
I tried not to stutter when saying 'we'. I couldn't give up my new identity though. It would cause problems and I had to get used to referring to myself as a Targaryen.
"I agree to your terms," Aemond said. Even though he said it with a grimace, he meant it.
I let out a sigh of relief. "Great. When you return, don't draw attention to yourself. I will accompany you to bring your sister and her children to safety. It is better to do it at night, especially with Balerion."
He nodded and smirked. "It seems fitting that my betrothed would have a dragon to match mine."
I cursed internally at the red flush that I know appeared on my skin. I was really betrothed wasn't I? I started off as a single 21 year old, to a woman who appeared in a different world and will be getting married.
"Don't be so happy prince Aemond. Vhagar is no match for Balerion," I teased, ignoring Luke's mumble of 'gross'.
" I will fly back to Dragonstone to inform mother of what is to happen," Luke said.
I felt a flash of fear go through me. "Go straight to Dragonstone, Lucerys. Don't stop until you get there."
He nodded and gave them both his goodbyes. "Let's go. We can talk more at length when we are safely at Dragonstone."
Aemond and I both went on our dragons. I saw Luke on Arrax and hoped that he will make it back okay. It might just be paranoia consuming me, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Gods this is so exhausting. Once we get the Helaena and her children to safety I can finally relax. Well for a day at least.
It did make me laugh to see Vhagar try to intimidate Balerion again. Balerion let out a huff of smoke and expanded his wings. It did what it intended to do and Vhagar visibly backed down. Aemond seemed to find it amusing and he laughed with me. Maybe everything will be alright.
Thank you Helaena for foreseeing this.
