Chapter 3


To be a dragon but not be bonded with one. Oh how painful it was, Aemond Targaryen came to understand as the eggs around him begun hatching.

The first egg that hatched belonged to Jacaerys. The bastard was fortunate enough to have it hatched in his cradle. Vermax was the name his dragon received. Couple years later Daeron's egg hatched. Tessarion was the name given to the new hatchling; who'd later grow to be a beautiful blue she dragon. Few moons later another egg hatched. Now the other bastard also has a dragon. Arrax was the name given to the beast. In Aemond's personal opinion it was the ugliest one so far.

At least the boy has a dragon. A voice inside the dragon-less prince constantly nagged. Making him taste bile in his mouth.

Then, towards the end of the year Aemma's egg also hatched. Her hatchling was named Arryron. Chosen by the King personally, matching with the family name of his beloved wife; Arryn.

Like Aemma, her little dragon also received a lot of attention from the King.

The children were all invited to the dragon-pit for viewing the new hatchling. While the rest hardly bothered, Aemond went, and watched with downhearted eyes. Pain, shame and guilt of now being the only one without a dragon reflected in them.

That aside, his eyes held great deal of admiration for the little dragon. By far she was the most beautiful hatchling, in the hues of dark violet and shades of green scales reflecting on her chest to stomach. Perhaps his own dragon would have been of similar features, if only his egg had not turned to stone.

He sighed heavily.

If only…


Much to his dismay, a week later during their morning training session Aemond learned of the disturbing news.

"Oh Aemond, you have a partner now."

"Whatever do you mean?" Aemond arched an eyebrow. Surely his brother's remark was odd, but definitely not worthy enough to deter him from his training.

"Haven't you heard?" Aegon asked, striking Daeron. The latter focused on defending his brother's blow. Their nephews were absent, so it was just them, the three brothers, on the courtyard training that morning.

"Heard what?"

"Just like you, now, our little sister is also without a dragon." Aegon revealed, grinning. His face made it look like he was jesting.

"Arryron's dead." Daeron clarified.

"What?!" Aemond managed to exclaim before finding himself frozen on the spot. Giving his brothers the opportunity to knock him down to the ground.

"A dragon keeper found her unmoving and unconscious in her confinement, earlier this morning." Aegon elaborated whilst Daeron offered him a hand and helped him up on his feet.

"From what I heard, several attempts were made to revive her, before the dragon-keepers declared her dead."

Aemond felt his heart skip a beat before it began beating in his ears. He looked at Aegon perplexed. Mind contemplating whether or not to believe him. Because what he was speaking of was a matter beyond serious. Not only is the death of a newly hatched dragon considered bad omen; but death of a bonded hatchling has never occurred. While weak young hatchlings are known to die in some rare occasions, but death of a one bonded was unheard of.

It happened nevertheless.

His heart throbbed uneasily.

It happened to Aemma!

Instantly tossing his wooden practice sword he turned around on his heels and ran…

His destination: Aemma.


Standing outside, Aemond peeked through the door that was left ajar.

Aemma looked so small and helpless, crying in their father's arms, clinging to him like her life depended. Their mother and lady Lynne standing close by, quietly spectating. All three adults looked unsure of how to help the grieving young girl. But it was clear that they were all giving the best of their effort.

While Alicent and lady Lyanne continued to console Aemma with words, her father decided to give her a gift.

A pendant, he had on him at all times. A pendant, that had been an extension of him for all these years. A pendant, gifted to him by the most precious person of his life.

The pendant in question was pulled from underneath his heavy robes and tunic, revealing it to be a big beautiful sapphire stone held by an incarnate locket, hanging on a simple gold chain.

He unfastened the chain, only to put it on Aemma's neck and fasten it back.

"My child, I understand your pain. Believe me, I do! As I am well aquatinted with the feeling." Viserys admitted, kissing his daughter's small forehead longingly. His arms wrapped around her small form protectively yet so tenderly, as if she'd break if he were to tighten it any further.

"I too, suffered the loss of my dragon." He told her, referring to the death of Balerion-the black dread. One of his hand rubbing the sobbing child's back up and down. In hopes to bring her comfort.

"Then, my wife Aemma gifted me this," he took hold of the sapphire pendant between his fingers. Mind reliving those days once more. "…a small token of her profound love, to help me cope with my sorrow." And kissed the pendant one last time.

"Today I am gifting it to you, my little darling daughter. All the while praying, may your sorrow be lessened the same way mine was."

Unfortunately the deep meaning of those words or even the gesture did nothing to penetrate into the child's mind. She was too young to grasp the message her father tried to convey.

So her crying continued, resulting in failure of all efforts.

Meanwhile, Aemond remained outside, with hands tightly fisted to his sides and jaws tightly clenched… watching.

The scene unfolding took him back in time to the day when his own egg turned to stone. He was the same age as her now; four. But the treatment he received vastly differed.

He too suffered loss. Alone!

He also cried. Alone!

He mourned. All Alone!

None was there to console him. Not one person offered him any sympathy. His mother may have thrown few words of assurance and comfort once stating "…you will have a dragon, one day." And that was it. Nothing came from his father, as expected. Aegon mocked him when no one was around, only for it to become vigorous and consistent after Helaena, by some miracle, managed to claim Dreamfyre. Soon Daeron and his nephews joined too, and their taunts and mockery became a constant part of his days ever since.

And here she gets consolation gift from their father!

How unfair!

Unbeknownst to him, an ugly feeling of envy was crawling up his spine.

In a twisted way he was happy that her dragon died. Now they're in this together. They will suffer taunt and bullying from the rest, together.

So he waited till his parents departure, and then strode inside making his presence known.

Aemma was still crying, on the bed, hunched over, burying her face into the pillow. He joined her quietly and after a moment of hesitation reached out to touch her. His hand gently caressing her head, feeling the softness of her hair. In response she jerked her body and immediately he retracted without taking any offence. But remained there, unmoving. Knowing all too well that she would need someone at her side. Someone who would understand her. And who maybe any better candidate than him?! For he knows what it feels like to not have a dragon.

So he laid down. Eyes still glued on her small, curled up form. A part of him hoped she would turn, they would talk, share each other pain and find out whose hurts more?

His— whose egg turned to stone.

Or her— who had a dragon only to be take away by fate.

He waited... waited for her to turn.

Then, took the initiative himself.

"Mother said I would have a dragon one day. You will too Aemma... I know."

"I don't want a different dragon." She mumbled after a moment of silence, but he heard her clearly. "I want Arryron. I want My dragon back!"

"She is dead. She won't ever return."

There was another pause, one that seemed to have stretched for longer than necessary. During which she let out a sob and he let her.

"I care not to have another dragon."

After that, she said nothing more. Signalling it was the end of their short lived conversation.

Aemond opened his mouth only to close it off after not finding the right words to say. His eyes simply stared at her back. She may not have turned, but they talked. But not enough for him to reach the conclusion as to whose situation hurt more.

Interestingly enough, it may not have been that morning or the same night. However, Aemond did get a part of the answer he was so desperately seeking. When, in a matter of few days Aemma Targaryen was past the sorrow of losing her dragon.

Arryron became a fleeting memory settled in the back of her mind.

Almost forgotten.


It definitely was not usual for Aemond to wake up to the sensation of someone breathing on him.

But it happened!

One night he woke to the sensation of warm breath tickling his skin, causing chills to race down his spine. Without lifting his head from the pillow, he slowly turned his face to find a little figure with long straight sliver hair cascading down the shoulders and glowing violet eyes standing at his bedside. A single flare of light now illuminating other features of her face. She got close enough for him to feel her breath, brushing against his face. He could even smell the citrus of orange and pineapple, fruits she had ingested at dinner.

"Aemma!" Aemond came as close to yelping as he could in hushed tone and barely held back his impulse to hit the creepy figure beside him. Sitting up in bed he glared down Aemma, who had just climbed up and was now sitting on his lap.

"Come! Come quickly!" She tugged on his sleeves roughly. "I need your help."

"Now?"

"Hurry!"

Grabbing him by the lapels of his sleep-shirt, she shook him. Her attempt at shaking his sleep away. After all he would be of no use to her in his sleepy drowsy state. She needs him awake and aware.

Vaguely aware that he has no way out of it. His little sister will not accept his dismissal. Aemond surrendered, allowing the girl- half his size- to drag him off the bed and lead them through the dimly lit hallway of the Red Keep.

.

.

.

And that's how Aemond Targaryen found himself inside his older sister's chamber, in the dead of the night, doing the dirty work of scrapping out remains of a praying mantis that his younger sister had somehow squashed.

"It is completely pasted on the floor!" Exclaimed Aemond. "What did you do?"

"I had night terrors. So I came to see Helaena."

Aemond glanced at her for a moment, trying to assess how that was relevant to their current situation. Because it still doesn't explain why Helaena's praying mantis is squashed to the floor.

"Since she's sleeping, I thought it was best not to bother her and decided to leave. But on my way back I..." She trailed off in search of better words "...accidentally stepped on it."

He averted his gaze from the disgusting task in hand and directed them toward Aemma, once again.

Did she take him for an idiot? Probably.

Was he one? Definitely not.

"You cannot squash an insect onto the floor just by accidentally stepping on it. You can kill it, but certainly not smash it to this horrid extent."

The younger Targaryen looked the other way, swallowing nervously.

"Aemma…?"

She took a moment to think before coming clean.

"I may have also slammed it with that book." Her finger pointed and Aemond followed, landing his gaze at the leather covered book laying nearby.

Frustrated the boy closed his eyes tightly. "Helaena will be so upset when she finds out."

"So hurry up! We must finish this before she awakes." She tapped on his shoulder to rush him. Leaving Aemond surprised by her audacity.

We? There was no 'we'. It was just him doing the work while she is just loitering around.

Often times he wonders who does Aemma think she is? Or where she harbours such audacity from? First she ruined his sleep, then dragged him here to clean up a mess she made and now, rushing him on top of that.

Regardless, he is listening... like a twat. As Aegon would often refer to him. Well, at least now Aemond knows his older brother is correct in calling him that name.

"Hurry Aemo—"

"What are you two doing down there?"

Interrupted a third voice. Shaking the two to the core.

Aemond and Aemma looked up in unison and found Helaena sitting up on the bed, with one hand rubbing the corner of her eyes. In the next moment she was coming down the bed about to inquire their business in her chamber but stopped dead in her tracks.

"You did this!" The older Targaryen girl narrowed her eyes accusingly toward the younger. Given, the latter has the history of eating and killing the former's little friends.

"No! She didn't." Aemond came to defend, surprising both his sisters.

"If not her, then who?" Helaena asked, her light violet eyes pouring into his.

Good question: who? It was Aemond's turn to gulp. He would have taken the blame upon himself. But Helaena wasn't foolish, she knows he would never do that to her and Daeron is too scared to go anywhere near those. Therefore it left him with one option.

"…Aegon."

"Aegon?"

"Yes… it was Aegon."

Helaena contemplated for a moment. Could it really be Aegon? If so, what was he doing in her chamber? At the same time it also made sense, after all he does all sorts of nonsense now that he has started to drink.

Her face softened, revealing deep sorrow for her dead praying mantis as she joined them to scrape out his remains.

It was in that moment Aemond Targaryen learned, any time under dire circumstances where he needed to save another, he could always put the blame on his older brother.

Little did he know then that down the line, he would need to use his older brother's name again to save his mother.


Viserys tirelessly continued his constant efforts to make sure the children from both sides got along. It was much needed, especially now, after he had gotten Aemma and Lucerys betrothed.

Naively he had hoped the announcement would be enough, that it would forcefully bind the two ladies together for the sake of the little girl, whom they both adored. But no, it only seized to increase the hostility from Alicent's side with her sons now following suit.

Viserys understood his choice for Aemma had only fuelled his wife's resentment towards Rhaenyra. And Alicent made no attempt to hide it. In fact, she tried to convince him many at times to end the betrothal. But he remained vigilant. Not a hair of his would move from his decision. Then years later, one night, in a fitting rage Alicent challenged him, promising in a deathly cold voice

"I will not let it happen. I swear by Seven! My daughter will not be wedded to that filthy flesh."

The words stayed with Viserys, ringing in his ears, serving as the reminder of the oncoming danger that could possibly tear down his family.

And it was said to be this fear, which prompted the peaceful man to put his foot down firmly.

He made changes. Imposed new rules to ensure times throughout the day where all seven children were forced to spend together. All five boys would train together. All of them would study under the same maester, at least one subject. It was also made mandatory for them to eat lunch together.

As solid as the plan appeared initially, it backfired massively. As it caused to increase dislike and despair between the boys. Resulting in his sons becoming bitter rivals to Rhaenyra's sons. Seeing the latter party as thieves, that first stole their birthright, and now stealing one of their sisters.

Viserys knew, like her father Rhaenyra was trying her best to make it happen. If only he had little contribution from his wife, his beautiful dream would have come to fruition.

Unfortunate as it is, Alicent shared her son's sentiments. To be more accurate, it is her feelings that has been passed on to her boys.

Maybe in the future things will change. Once the lads age and mature, surely they will understand the value of unity needed for the survival of the House of the Dragon.

Releasing a sigh of pain both physical and emotional Viserys returned to his task of working on the model city.

For now the old King could only hope.

Hope that time does not arrive too late.


Meanwhile in the garden:

"Hey Aemma," Aegon gently shook the legs of the little girl seated on his shoulder, playing with the strands of his hair, making different kinds of braids.

"What?" She responded in absent-mind. Her attention fully captured the task in hand.

"Did you know, that our father despises you."

Now that snapped her out.

"No!" She retaliate back right away, pulling onto the strands of his hair which remained on her grip. "Father does not hate me! He loves me the most!"

The older boy yelped but then laughed throwing his head back slightly. His mouth reopened, voice turning to taunt this time.

"I think he actually hates you the most amongst all of us."

"No. He. Doesn't!" She yanked his hair harder earning a scream through the sound of his laughter.

"Oh believe me, he does. That's why he has betrothed you to a bastard."

"I won't marry a bastard!"

Aegon could tell she was getting riled up. The sound of her voice made it clear she was struggling to hold back a sob. This is where his entertainment began. So he pressed her more.

"Of course you won't… because you'll marry a strong bastard!"

Aegon burst into a series of laughter soon as he finished his sentence. Only seconds later Daeron and Aemond joined their older brother into the laughter, catching the gist of the jest. And Helaena nodded her head disappointed before returning her attention to the nearby grasshopper.

Feeling helpless Aemma let out a frustrated cry. Her action seemed to fuel her brother's energy.

"Cry not, my sweet sister, I would have married you, if only… you weren't marrying a strong bastard!"

The boys laughed louder than earlier.

Joining their laughter was Aemma's high pitched scream. Followed by an attempt to scratch the instigator's face. But Aegon was faster. He caught her tiny hand before it could make contact with his face and gave it a sharp flip, instantly bringing her to the ground.

And that's when their mother's voice roared in.

"AEGON! YOU IMBECILE!"

The series of laughter finally came to a stop but the wailing continued.

Alicent rushed to the scene leaving her conversation with Larys Strong midway. She may have been hidden from her children's line of vision, but not far away. Just in a secluded corner of the garden where she could speak to man, undisturbed while keeping an eye on her kids simultaneously.

Quickly scooping up her youngest into her arms she returned to scolding her eldest.

"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!"

"We were just jesting." Aegon shrugged his shoulders, like it was an everyday game for them.

"YOU ALMOST BROKE HER ARM!" She screamed at the top of her lungs before turning to her other children.

"AND WHAT WERE YOU THREE DOING?" The Queen demanded, even though she could see.

Helaena was murmuring to the grasshopper she just collected. Beside her Aemond was reading a book and Daeron was peering over Aemond, trying to read the same book.

"We were just here." Daeron answered, putting on an innocent face. As if him and Aemond took no part in Aegon's nasty jest.

"Then how come none of you bothered to stop him."

"It is a normal occurrence. He teases, she cries, they fight and they forget. Until the whole circle repeats. We have gotten rather quite used to it, mother." Aemond told her. And Helaena pointed out after him.

"Look, she has already stopped crying."

Alicent looked at Aemma and let out a sigh of relief, seeing that she has stopped crying and was already sticking her tongue out at Aegon with him reciprocating her action.

The Queen called for her hand-maiden Talya. Upon the latter's arrival handed Aemma to her and sent them inside. It was after Talya's figured disappeared into the Red Keep that Alicent looked over her shoulder, glaring a warning at her boys.

"Do not speak of such things in front of your sister. She is yet to reach the age to understand how to differentiate. If a word leaves her mouth in front of your father or Rhaenyra… you know what will happen."

With that warning she left them in the garden and walked back into the castle.


Amongst her long list of least favourite past time, the one to make it to the top of the list was spending time with Luke.

Her betrothed (as her father and eldest sister referred to him as).

Other than her lesson with the Septa, this was the part of her day, which she did not look forward to.

If asked why such distaste for such a wonderful boy, she would not be able to answer. Since nothing was really wrong with him. Indeed he is a gem of a boy. And yet, for some reason, Aemma Targaryen couldn't find it in herself to stand him. Everything about him irritated her. She couldn't detect where such emotions erupted it from?

Perhaps...

"I won't marry a bastard!"

"Of course you won't… because you'll marry a strong bastard!"

...it's her eldest brother's words that rang in her mind often, have unintentionally picked thorns into her heart.

"Here, I made this for you." The voice of the brunette pulled the blonde out of her thought. Making her gaze at him briefly with vacant dark violet eyes before proceeding to examine the box he was holding out for her.

"What is this?" Her brows furrowed, voice equally uninterested. But accepted the gift regardless.

Opening the box she found an unruly drawn art of a family. A man, a woman, small children and two dragons. It was drawn by him, no doubt in that. During their lesson last week she noticed him do something akin to draw.

"Mother and grandsire says we will have a family one day," Enthusiasm laced within his voice as he spoke. "I've drawn that family."

Though his betrothed hardly listened. Her attention was already captured by a particular spot in the painting. The supposed representation of her dragon.

"Do you like it?"

No, Aemma nodded.

The boy's face turned down.

"My dragon died! I no longer have a dragon."

Her words put him through guilt. His intention was to make her happy, instead his present only brought the opposite reaction.

"I'm sure you will have a dragon one day." He tried to cheer her up. An attempt at undoing his little mistake.

Aemma shifted slightly and looked away, refusing to even look at him.

"I don't want any other dragon!" She said stubbornly.

"That's fine we will ride Arrax together. Soon he will grow big enough to carry us both."

"No! I don't want to ride your dragon." Aemma hissed, up on her feet abruptly.

Lucerys grew nervous, not grasping where he went wrong. He followed his mother's instructions word by word. Still, it appeared as though Aemma was... displeased... irritated.

To his relief, Ser Harwin suddenly appeared and approached them. The man knelt down on a knee before the young Princes, flashing her a gentle smile.

"Is everything alright princess?"

"I wish to return to my chamber, now!" Came her response, which pretty much sounded like a command she gave him.

"Very well I shall personally escort you back. But before we do that, would you mind telling me why is it that you wish to leave so soon, my Princess? You've just arrived." He cast the boy behind a look. The kind of look only father's shoot towards their son.

Only for it to go unnoticed by either of the children.

"Has the lad said something to offend you?"

Aemma said nothing, as there was nothing to say. Simply shook her head, insisting on retreating to her chamber.

Ser Harwin stood, understanding. He cast a somber look at the boy behind before taking hold of the princess's hand and escorting her back.


Rhaenyra did not expect to find her little boy sitting by the fireplace, all alone; when she entered her quarter.

A quick survey of his face and the absence of her little sister already explained why her son was sulking.

Still she asked, acting oblivious.

"Luke, what's happen?"

He gave her no answer initially. Simply met her gaze briefly before gazing down at his feet, embarrassed.

"Nothing." His voice was barely above whisper.

"Where's Aemma?"

"I made her upset." He was barely audible. "So she left."

Rhaenyra's heart sank seeing her little boy in such state. A part of her felt guilty for putting him in such situation. At her father's insistence she began to train him differently and help form a connection between Luke and Aemma that would tie them deep love. Because neither her nor her father wishes for the marriage between these two little ones to be a political marriage of convenience. Like most marriages in Westeros, where the spouse only remain tied in name. Otherwise they are free to do anything; fuck anyone they want or rather could. Such as her own marriage: her husband entertaining the young squires and boys in the Streets of Silk. Whilst she'd spend her nights in the arms of the commander of the City Watch.

This wasn't the life Rhaenyra wanted. It was what fate had bestowed upon her. Hence often she is left to wonder, would it have been any different if her uncle stole her from her wedding, took her to Dragonstone and made her his wife.

Perhaps.

Now she understands what her father meant when he betrothed Aemma to her Luke. This marriage should be built on the foundation of loved and be cemented by undying loyalty to one another. A marriage that should withhold the ability to tackle any obstacle thrown its way.

Be that as it may, it still did not relieve Rhaenyra of off her worries. Aemma's cold demeanour these days towards Luke only added to her growing fears and rousing doubts.

Is it truly worth it? More often than not she'd ask herself.

By some miracle, during these moments of indecision a voice in her head gave her confidence. Assuring her, the hard work she is doing today will certainly pay off in the future. She will raise a boy who will grow up to be a man who would be a loving and devoted husband, a doting father and a great lord of whichever land he rules. Because he will have a family by his side, who will support him through thick and thin.

What more could one ask for...?

Rhaenyra highly doubts Alicent Hightower is teaching her sons the same lessons. Her eldest is already staring to take the shape of the kind of man he will be. And the way things are progressing, it wouldn't be long until the other two takes after their older brother.


...Few weeks later...


Another damn family dinner!

Alicent blankly watched herself in the mirror as her hand-maiden helped her get dressed.

She never truly looked forward to the private feasts the King threw to get the family to dine together. Much to her dismay, with Viserys's health at rapid decline, these feasts seem to frequent. That left her, the dutiful wife, little to no choice but to comply with her husband's wishes. Matters not how much it irked her to be around Rhaenyra, her cuckold husband and their- no her- bastard children.

Tonight was no exception.

"There are whispers, my Queen," Talya whispered into her ear. "...speculation of the King making a special announcements are making rounds amongst the maids."

Although she dismissed the woman with a simple hum. The information provided, certainly sparked the Queen's interest.

.

.

.

When Alicent arrived at the dining hall Rhaenyra was already there, seated with her sons but husband nowhere in sight. Three of her own children were also present— Helaena, Aemond and Daeron.

Sharing a customary greeting of courtesy with the heir to the Iron Throne, the Queen took her seat at the end of the long table. The table was still being dressed for dinner and the members all sat around waiting for the missing members— the King, prince Aegon and princess Aemma.

Soon a drunk Aegon was brought in by one of the guards. Who assisted the prince onto the empty seat beside Aemond before leaving his side.

Alicent glared at her eldest. Pure unfiltered rage shining in those eyes of her. But the boy paid his mother no heed. He could barely keep an eye open, let alone pay attention to his surrounding.

Rhaenyra's people reading skills were sharp enough to read through the Queen's first hand embarrassment and disappointment. There was palpable tension rising amongst the Queen and her children. From her position Rhaenyra could see Prince Aemond and Prince Daeron's shoulder blades stiffen. The lads were worried and simultaneously frightened of their mother's brewing rage.

There were only two empty seats now. One located opposite to the Queen, at the other end of the table. While the other was beside Lucerys.

When the doors opened again and a procession of Kings Guard was seen, everyone stood up from their respective seats to show respect to the arriving King.

The King walked in shortly after. Leaning his weight onto the dark oak shaft he held in left hand. His right hand holding Aemma like the ever so protective father.

"Come Aemma, sit here." Rhaenyra took the initiative to break the silence that companied the King's presence. Motioning her little sister to come forth and take the empty seat between her and Lucerys.

Feeling intimidated by all sets of eyes set on her, Aemma turned to her father for guidance.

Begrudgingly Alicent watched her husband personally guide Aemma to her designated seat. He pulled the chair for her and pushed it back once she sat. The show of affection did not end there. Despite the pain and his discomfort the King bent down and placed a deep kiss on his youngest daughter's head followed by a small kiss on his eldest daughter cheek.

He finally took the seat and raise his glass to a toast, his eyes proudly pouring down on Rhaenyra.

"To my daughter Rhaenyra and her husband Ser Laenor. Offering you and your husband our most heartfelt congratulations."

Alicent raised a brow, finally having an inkling of what Talya was trying to say. Her trained eyes turned to the Princess in silent observation and pure judgment. But she did not dare interrupt the King's toast.

"My child, may you and your husband be blessed with another healthy and beautiful child."

"Thank you father."

"My sincere congratulations to you as well, Princess." Alicent had no idea how she managed to bring out the words. They were anything but sincere.

"Thank you, my Queen." Rhaenyra gave her a polite smile.

Even when she could clearly see the Queen was struggling to hold back the urge to roll her eyes. Absolutely appalled at the thought of having another bastard joining the family.


A.N. Thank you for reading. Hope it was worthwhile.

As you can see it's still in the early stages with everyone still young. However I tried my best to keep everyone in character, not sure how much it succeeded. As I also needed to incorporate Aemma and see how she interacts with others. I'm sure next chapter will show more of her interactions with her siblings and nephews.

Just in case anyone is wondering about Aemma's cold demeanour towards Luke- she's growing up in an environment where people around her constantly shit talks about them. She herself is getting teased for being his betrothed, so naturally distaste grew inside her.

Anyway next chapter will basically focus on the event of episode 6 or 6 and 7 both.