The ride to King's Landing felt long. I found my eyes going to Aemond a lot. It was hard not to when his dragon keeps trying to intimidate Balerion. It seems the old dragon wants to be the most dominant one again. Balerion took it all in stride. In fact, he seems to share my amusement of it. It gives me hope about our future marriage. We landed pretty far away from the Keep and Aemond went off to get his sister. That left Balerion and I to finally relax. I got off his back but settled near his left wing. I just wanted to bask in the heat that is coming from him and relax my aching muscles. How can riding a dragon make everything hurt? Balerion was warm and inviting. So much so I started to doze off, lulled to sleep by Balerion's breaths.
Aemond's pov:
Embrace the black dragon, she will save us.
His sister's words rang through his head. Part of him wanted to ignore it, but his sister has saved him before. He would be stupid to not listen. He was in the middle of betrothing himself to the Baratheon girl when he heard it. It shivers go down his spine to hear a dragon's roar that loud. It was like thunder. But when he got a good look at the dragon, it was black. Balerion. The dragon who has long been dead. Aemond didn't pay much attention to Lucerys. No. His eyes were were drawn to the woman on the dragon. Her hair was as black as Balerion and she had the Targaryen eyes. And Aemond knew in that moment that she was the woman his sister dreamt of.
He couldn't keep his eyes from her as she walked towards us. She was shorter than him by several inches, but she carried herself well. There was a sword strapped to her that seemed to be identical to dark sister. Just who was she?
All he felt was pure shock when she laid her terms. Did Rhaenyra really try to see them as children? he was confused and overwhelmed. All his life his mother has told them Rhaenyra would kill them to make sure they won't be a problem. Aemond knew how his mother and grandfather's treatment of them borders abuse, but he had always stayed. His poor sister didn't want her fate. Didn't deserve to be forced by their brother and to carry his children. Aemond had tried to protect, but now he has the chance to save her.
There was reason to deny Lyna. To be the hand of his sister, shows how important she is. The way she stands there with confidence. He was surprised when she had said she was a Targaryen. There has been no mention of her name and that just made her even more of a mystery. A marriage with her won't be difficult. Not only is she attract, she's strong. If anything, he's lucky to have her. Lucky to have the woman who has the biggest dragon.
Aemond has never felt this way towards a woman or man before. He had always been focused on training and trying to avoid his mother. He had never felt this much desire in his entire life and he wanted to see where it goes. Based on her stance in front of Luke and the way she mentioned his family's demise, Lyna won't let them be killed and it comforted him.
He was glad that he made the decision to bend the knee to his sister. He has never been scared of dragons before. But when he saw Balerion, he was suddenly glad he didn't go against her. The beast of a dragon made Vhagar almost look small. He was terrified that Vhagar would attack Balerion. She was periodically growling, challenging him. Lyna's laugh had drew his eyes once more to her and she had looked happy. It made him laugh when Balerion's growl sounded like he was teasing. It was an odd sound which just amused him even further.
They landed where they needed to with little to no problem and he made his way through the keep as fast as he could. Once he got there he saw his sister was ready with his niece and nephews. She carried wraps in her arms and beckoned him to his nieces hand. He was still quite awkward around them. Not really knowing what to do with himself around the children.
"I'm glad you listened brother. Trust me when I say, you'll both be happy," Helaena comforted.
Aemond chose to ignore that for now while they tried to make it out without being seen. It was difficult and Ser Cole had tried to stop them. When he went to grab Maelor, his youngest nephew, Aemond had killed him. They took some of the passageways and had arrived at the dragons.
He was momentarily stunned when saw Lyna lying against Balerion. The dragon had saw them and gently nudged Lyna awake. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of a bond they have. He glanced at Helaena and she smiled at him reassuringly. Yes, he's starting to believe he'll be happy with her.
Lyna's POV:
I was nudged awake and quickly stood when I saw Aemond, Helaena and the children. I stumbled a bit and grumbled in embarrassment. Once I was in front of them I introduced myself. "It's an honor to met you Princess Helaena. I'm-"
"Lyna Targaryen, Hand of the Queen, She Who Was Blessed, yes I know you and I can't thank you enough," Helaena finished for me.
I didn't know what to say, but just smiled. "Your children are beautiful princess. Have you decided who rides with who?"
"We should have grabbed the other dragons," Aemond said.
"There's no need brother. The children's dragons are able to fly on their own and Dreamfyre will follow us. Once we are in the air Lady Lyna's dragon will call the dragons to Dragonstone,' Helaena explained.
That wasn't in the books or the show. Why wasn't that known? "Are you saying that Balerion can... command other dragons to follow?"
"No not command. Lead.' said Helaena.'Lyna will take the twins while I will go with Aemond while holding Maelor."
I nodded and turned towards the twin. Both looked scared but I can see the glances towards my dragon. "Would you both like to ride on Balerion with me? Your mother will be riding Vhagar with your uncle."
"Is that really Balerion?" Jaehaerys asked.
I smiled at the two young children. They were too innocent for what happened to them before. "Yes, this is Balerion reborn. Come, he will let you approach and ride him with me here."
Both of the twins were in front of me and I showed where to grab on. I looked at Jaehaerys and saw that he carried a wrap. A piece of fabric that will tie around my body. I mentally thanked Helaena and used the long wrap to tie myself to the twins. It will help to avoid stumbles or hands that slipped off of Balerion.
"Are you both ready?"
"Yes!" they both shouted.
"sōvēs! Call the other dragons Balerion!" I shouted. The children squealed when Balerion launched his body in the air. He let out a screeching sound and we just waited. A moment later there were answering shrieks and I watched in awe as 3 dragons followed. Two of which were juvenile.
"Amazing," I whispered. I beckoned Balerion to fly and once again, we were off to Dragonstone.
The flight there was more entertaining than the last. The twins were talking quite a bit and it had reminded me on my love for children. Before I was brought here I worked with children and it was my favorite part of my day. Yes, there were a lot of hard times but it was one of the things I was happy to do. It made me think about the marriage with Aemond. I didn't know whether to feel pressured or glad to have children. It was expected of women here to marry and have children. It concerns me that it doesn't bother me that much. I've always wanted children and I doubt that feeling would leave me. I also knew how men treated women here and I'll be damned if I was to sit there and take it. That is not the type of person I am and whoever does to do it here, will be given to Balerion.
Jaehaerys has fallen asleep and as he was directly in front of me, he lied against my front. I had a moment of panic that he would fall and was relieved when his hands were still on Balerion. Jaehaera was humming to herself and admiring the dark sky. She was a quiet child, seems more like Helaena.
When Dragonstone came into view, I was unsure on how to proceed. Balerion trilled and the dragons had flew towards the castle, most likely heading towards the caves. When Balerion landed, I undid the knot the wrap and turned Jaehaerys around so his front was against mine. it made it easier to hold him while I helped his sister down. Jaehaera giggled and slid down part of Balerion's body. It definitely was big enough to slide down and might be easier. I did the same as she did and landed on my feet.
"That was fun! Can we try it again?" Jaehaera asked.
"Of course! As long as your mother says it's alright. We can go tomorrow when the sun is out," I said. I didn't have the heart to deny the adorable girl who looked at me with wide purple eyes. It made me nostalgic for my younger sisters. Sisters I'll never see again. My eyes watered and took a breath to keep the tears in.
"Are you alright?" Aemond asked. I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard his voice. I wasn't even aware that he was close enough to see my eyes water. I quickly wiped at my eyes and nodded my head.
I nodded my heard towards the castle. "We should go in. I need to check and see if Luke made it here alright. And the children need to be taken to their rooms."
Aemond stared at me for a moment before nodding. "Do you want me to take him?"
My hands instinctively tightened around the sleeping child, but relinquished her hold. I nodded to him and he instantly took him. I was momentarily stunned at how attractive he looked with a child in his arms. He looked awkward but quickly corrected himself.
The walk up was quiet as two of the children were asleep and the rest of us were tired. At the entrance stood Daemon. I quickened my pace so that I could calm the anxiety I felt. "Is Luke here?"
"Yes he arrived a few hours before you did. I take the negotiations were successful?" Daemon obviously knew it was but wanted confirmation.
"Everything went well. Is Rhaenyra alright? She didn't have any pains did she?" I was worried about the Queen and her child. Stressing wouldn't help her and it would just bring trouble.
Daemon soothed my fears and explained she was asleep and had him wait for our return. He then had a servant show Helaena and her children to their room. Aemond was tense in front of his uncle and looked confused.
'Where will I stay uncle?" he asked.
Daemon turned to us both with a smirk. "i'm sure you'd like to share a room together since you are now to be married."
"Isn't that..improper here?" I asked confused.
Aemond was the one who answered. "Yes it is, but it seems as if my uncle doesn't care. If we are to share a room I swear that nothing will happen against your will."
"No it won't. I would have your head before you went against my wishes," I threatened. It wouldn't be too bad to share a bed, but if he tried to go further, I will act accordingly.
Instead of being angry or offended, Aemond had smiled. And if that smile caused butterflies in her stomach, she would never say. I bid goodnight to Daemon and led Aemond to my room. I wonder if he feels as awkward as I do because he sure doesn't look it.
We entered in and I decided to just go with the flow. This was to be my life and It's something that I would need to get used to. I groaned when I saw clothes for Aemond upon the bed, next to my night gown. "We might as well dress to sleep. I'm sure it will be a long day tomorrow."
"Who are you? I've never heard of a Lyna Targaryen before." Aemond didn't hesitate to ask the question that I know has been bothering him. I'm grateful that he had least waited until we were alone.
I sighed and started to unlace the riding clothes. I should be bothered more about my nudity but it's the last thing on my mind. I can feel his stare on me but I can hardly care. At least the gown was comfortable. I sat on the bed and watched him change. He seemed to be shy when changing and it was amusing. it wasn't until he sat next to me that began talking.
"I'm not from here. I would explain more, but I'm afraid you'll think I'm mad. All I can say is that I woke up in a field with Balerion in front of me. I have longer hair and my eyes are light purple. I know that I was blessed by the Gods and I'm glad they sent me here. I have the power to change what has happened, and stop people from dying.' I paused to look at him and found him watching me. I smiled lightly when he grabbed my hand. 'Rhaenyra was kind enough to make me a Targaryen so that there would be less questions."
Aemond was quiet for several moments. "Why did you offer to marry me? I'm only a second son."
Now why did this sound familiar? "Because it's no hardship. I saw that you can be saved. More importantly, I saw the person that you can become. I don't want you to become a kinslayer Aemond."
"Kinslayer?" Aemond asked horrified. I doubt he wanted an actual answer to that and kept silent. It would do no good to tell him.
"So yes I'll marry you so we can bring peace. I know that there will be hard times ahead, but I feel as if we'll be alright.' Now that we were being truthful to each other, I had to this of him. 'Can I just ask something of you?"
He nodded, but I was unsure how this would be taken. I squeezed his hand in comfort before continuing. "Can I ask you to be faithful? To have no one in your bed besides me? I know that it's common here but I don't want that to be my future. If we are to get married and live with each other, I want us to be happy."
"I agree with you Lyna. I don't want that to be our future and you won't have to worry about that. I was never interested in brothels, unlike Aegon" he responded.
That was relieving to hear and I let out a sigh of relief. I looked at him and couldn't help but really look at him. He was attractive even with only one eyes as he still wore the patch over it. His hair was longer than Daemon's but it didn't deter him from looking strong.
"I think this is the start of something beautiful Aemond."
He leaned towards me and pecked me on my cheek. His left hand harassed my face and I leaned into his touch. How long has it been since I desired something like this? To feel a man's skin upon my own. I smiled as we both laid down. Both of us content with the conversation we had. Nothing else was said as we both fell asleep in each others arms.
