Diana grunted as her back hit the wooden door of her chambers, propelled backwards by Daemon's aggressive kiss. Opening her mouth to complain about the discomfort caused by her husband's amorous affections, she was cut off by Daemon's tongue invading her mouth, making her moan instead. She had missed Daemon's taste; she wanted more of it.

With fast, jerky movements, the pair stripped the other of their clothing, the sound of tearing fabric filling the room when a button proved too difficult to remove quickly. Diana's skirts were rucked up around her waist as, with one final, deep kiss, Daemon left her mouth and began a path of sucks, bites and caresses down her now-exposed breasts and to her heated sex.

Gasping for air, Diana tangled her fingers into her husband's now close-cropped hair and pulled him to her, moaning loudly when he began feasting on her like a man starving. Sucking on her clit and digging his tongue into her wetness, Daemon revelled in the sounds his wife emitted from his ministrations.

"Uh! I missed you, my love!" Diana cried as she peaked, her legs weakened by the first orgasm she'd had by another's hand in over three years. As she started to slide down the door, Daemon scooped her up, throwing her over his shoulder as she shrieked and giggled, slapping him on the ass in mock protest.

"Of course you did, brāedāzma gevives. I shiver to think how you've coped without my rōva orvorta." His voice was a growl, lust making his words purr around the High Valyrian words, making Diana shiver in response.

Tossing her onto the bed, Diana held out a hand, stopping Daemon in his tracks, his eyes narrowing in warning as she laughed out, "It's not that big, husband. And who's to say I didn't find a replacement while you were gone?"

At her words, Daemon slapped her hand away, grabbed her by the throat, and pushed her down onto the soft pillows, his face a mixture of rage and lust. But despite his terrifying change in mood, Diana did not flinch; instead, she smirked, keeping eye contact while Daemon's eyes roamed over her face, no doubt looking for the truth in her expression; he wouldn't find it.

"Tell me so I can kill him slowly, force you to watch and fuck you in his blood until you scream." He growled, biting her hard on the neck, making her yell out in pain as he pulled away, several drops of blood catching on his lip.

Gasping, Diana reached up and flinched as her hand came away with blood on it. The prick had actually bit her until she bled. Not a lot, but enough that the wound would take forever to heal and may even scar.

Narrowing her eyes, she gripped his chin tightly in her hands, digging her nails in until he flinched, spitting out, "Tell me you didn't fuck whore while you were idea. That the 'Rogue Prince' didn't live up to his title away from his wife and responsibilities."

Instead of balking at her words, Daemon held his head closer until their breaths mingled while he whispered dangerously, "Now, why would I settle for a common whore when I knew I had you waiting for me, wet and willing? How could any of those disease-ridden sluts ever compare to you? My Bronze Beauty?"

At the last word, Diana lost the fight with her inhibitions, seeing the truth in her husband's eyes. She could have forgiven him for his unfaithfulness in times of war eventually, but to know that he'd remained faithful set her blood aflame. She nipped at his lips until the tension left his muscular frame, and he returned the kiss, pulling her close, his tight grip becoming a caress on her skin.

Diana would be lying if she said she and Daemon had never experimented with whore and others throughout their marriage, especially in their early years, when their blood ran hot and their inhibitions were almost non-existent. They would mostly go to brothels and pay for a private room to watch other couples fuck before absconding to sate their lust.

But, every once in a while, when the wine made them wilder than usual, they would invite someone into their bed, man or woman. They were not picky concerning the gender of their lovers, so long as the man did not shoot his seed into Diana and Daemon did not shoot his into another woman. There would be no bastard children running around with her husband's blood. Afterwards, Diana and the visiting women would drink moon tea to ensure no pregnancies occurred.

But Diana and Daemon hadn't partaken in that sort of venture in almost a decade, not since they'd returned to King's Landing after one of their many trips to Essos. If word ever got out that the wife of Daemon Targaryen let others into her bed or that Daemon was a willing cuckold, their entire enterprise in court would be destroyed.

Diana mewed out in protest as, with a growl, Daemon sat up, yanking her firmly so her legs wrapped around his waist, her ass and cunt on his lap as he stared down at her, hunger in his eyes. Daemon shooshed her softly, reaching down with one hand to tweak her nipple before sliding the hand down to play with her clit, before abruptly driving his enormous cock into her soaked heat.

Diana screamed out at the mixture of pain and pleasure, her cunt unused to being filled so wholly, twinging at the rough treatment and yet, she'd never felt so alive as when Daemon began to make low, deep thrusts, growling each time he sank to the hilt inside her.

Reaching up, Diana held eye contact with her husband as he rammed into her, again and again, her finger gently stroking his face and twining into his hair, contrasting his rough movements. At her touch, his eyes softened, but he didn't let up on his rutting; if anything, they got sharper and more precise, hitting her deep inside in a way that made her blood sing and her breath catch as she raced towards the precipice.

After a while, her soft moans and sharp inhales turned to shrieks of delight as while she neared her climax, Daemon began to speed up, intent on reaching his own. Together Diana screamed, and Daemon moaned as, with a final, hard thrust, Daemon seated himself deep within her quivering walls, shooting his seed deep inside of her.

Sweaty and red-skinned, they fell together in a heap of limbs, with Daemon taking the opportunity to explore her partially naked body. Groaning, he sat up and began detangling Diana from the mess of ripped and stained fabric from her heated skin. She was so exhausted, her energy depleted by the emotional turmoil and recent pleasure, that the unusually strong-willed woman allowed him to contort her body as was necessary to disrobe her.

Once she was free, Daemon tossed the ruined dress into the fire, ignoring the sparks that flew into the air at his careless actions. Then, smirking, he flopped down onto his stomach, nestling himself into her ample cleavage, which had only gotten more prominent with age and each childbirth. Diana blushed when she felt him begin to stroke the lines that lined her no longer completely flat stomach, an after-effect from the multiple pregnancies she'd gone through to bring their children into the world.

Despite her fears when she was younger and vain, Daemon's hunger for her hadn't lessened with age or as her body changed to accommodate bringing life into the world; if anything, it only grew with every babe she birthed. He'd once claimed that every line or loose skin was like the battle scars he carried from his many tournaments and time as Lord Commander of the City Watch, a testament to her strength and sacrifice for him and their House.

Reaching down, Diana began to gently explore the litany of scars that now covered his back, the most prominent being a burn scar that went up his side, over his shoulder and even crept onto his back and neck. More minor burns and scars from knives, arrows and other weapons also scattered over his skin like a storybook, but the burns were the most eye-catching.

"Now, if you were safely on Caraxes back, how did these happen?" Diana murmured humorously, knowing her husband wasn't the type to hide away on his dragon, away from the actual fighting below.

Daemon chuckled as he lifted his head, pecking her once on the mouth and nuzzling his nose with hers, "Flamming arrows. There was nothing I could do." He smirked impishly while he shrugged, laughing when she smacked him on his uninjured side, a rueful smile on her lips.

Diana's face fell into a more wistful stare as she murmured, "I have never missed anything like I've missed you these past few years, my heart."

Tears prickled at her eyes while Daemon cupped her cheek with his hand, catching a stray tear on his finger while he murmured, "The Gods themselves couldn't have stopped me from returning to you, Diana. I would have killed them myself and pulled myself back from hell to be by your side."

"Of course, you would. If you didn't, you'd be breaking your promise to die old and fat with me, surrounded by our children and future grandchildren." Diana chuckled ruefully before whispering, "I love you, Daemon."

"As I love you. I would burn the world for you and our children, fuck everyone else."

Sharing a deep, emotional kiss, the pair soon fell asleep, tangled in each other's arms. They were together again, and no one, especially not the Hightowers and their schemes, would ever break them apart again. And if they tried, they would all die screaming.

** Line Break **

Diana beamed as she clutched her husband's arm as they strolled through the Godswood, aware of the looks that followed them, searching for a chink in their armour. King Viserys had announced a feast the previous day to celebrate his brother's return; currently, all of the noblemen and women of King's Landing were in attendance.

Searching through the crowd, Diana's beam softened to a sweet smile as she took in her children mingling with a giggling Rhaenyra. Yet, she couldn't help but notice how her niece's eyes followed Aelyx's tall form as he conversed with the girls and devoured bite-sized treats from the buffet table.

Aelyx had always been the more reserved of her children, with a quiet strength that drew others to him. He had always held authority over his other siblings, despite their more wily and boisterous natures. But now, he was a man grown and with that came a confidence he hadn't had before, a weight he hadn't bared as a child.

Even now, Alycia's eyes sparkled with mischief as she took in the crowd around them, no doubt looking to cause trouble in some small way to not incur Diana's or, worse, Daemon's wrath. Aelyx had kept his hand firmly on her shoulder throughout their time in the Godswood, no doubt to keep her from running off.

But despite his calm exterior, Diana could see how his eyes heated whenever he looked over at Rhaenyra. They had always been fond of each other as children, with Aelyx often playing Rhaenyra's white knight but now that they were older, things had changed between them.

Diana was pulled from her musings as Viserys's voice called from a couple of yards away, "Brother! Good-sister! Come join us!"

The couple shared an amused look before heading towards the King, his Queen standing next to him, looking deeply uncomfortable as the man once again sank into his cups. Diana had to squash the pity she often felt for the child bride. She had watched Alicent grow up alongside Rhaenyra; her late mother Annalyse had been one of Diana's few friends at court. But, in following her Father's orders to seduce her best friend's father and become his queen only half a year after Aemma's death, Alicent had chosen her side.

Diana would grieve for what could have been between Alicent and Rhaenyra, but she couldn't let sentimentality get in the way of defending her children and her house. Otto Hightower sought power above all else, and he would sooner tear House Targaryen and the Seven Kingdoms apart than let that ambition go. And with Alicent as his tool, he'd only managed to get closer to that goal with every year he remained as Hand.

Plastering her lady mask on, Diana grinned mischievously as her husband allowed Viserys to pull him into a back-breaking hug, filled with rough smacks on the back and forehead touching. No doubt His Grace's breath reeked of wine, going by how loose with his affections he was being and how cloudy his eyes were.

Catching Alicent's eyes, Diana offered her a conspiratorial smile, laughing under her breath when all Alicent did was blush and look away to stare longingly at her former group of peers. When word had come of what Alicent and Otto had done in their absence, the children had all firmly placed themselves in Rhaenyra's corner, refusing to answer any of the letters that Alicent sent filled with apologies and pleas for them to intercede on her behalf with Rhaenyra.

As the men began their talk of hunting and reminiscing about their childhood, Diana couldn't help but notice Otto's noticeable absence. The man had not looked pleased when the King welcomed his long lost brother with open arms, his distaste for Daemon, along with his 'whore' and 'spawns,' was well known throughout the keep. Although somehow Viserys always seemed blissfully ignorant of the bile spat by his 'loyal' Hand.

"No, no, no, I will not revisit this debate," Viserys said, smiling and waving a shaky finger in Daemon's face, "You were always Mother's favourite."

Ahhh, there's the snake. Hiding in the corner, ready to strike. Diana mused as she caught sight of the elusive Hand on the other side of the clearing, his eyes locked onto the King and Daemon.

"It's true!" Viserys crowed, continuing his tail despite his audience's blatant disinterest, "Our Mother, she had no fondness for custom or tradition. Why she took us both flying on Meleys only days after we were born. Don't tell me you did the same, brother?"

"Yes, he did," Diana cut in, pinching Daemon on the side, "No doubt looking to cause me to burst my heart. The evil man."

Daemon smirked and pulled her close, kissing her on the forehead despite Alicent's blatant discomfort at the public display of affection. Then, pulling away, he looked to his wistful-eyed brother, who watched them closely, "I was only looking to honour Mother by continuing the tradition. But, if I recall, you did not allow me to do so with Rhaenyra, even though she had to have been around three or four by the time we arrived home to honour Grandmother."

Viserys laughed, but the sound was sad as he murmured, "Aemma would have killed me for endangering her only child. The chance was too great for an accident to happen."

Alicent ducked her head at the reminder that while she had provided the King with two healthy children, a boy and a girl, she would never compare to his first and only love Aemma Arryn. Frowning, Diana took Viserys' hand in hers, squeezing it in a show of sympathy, a giant leap considering that before they were exiled, she'd considered killing the man in revenge for her fallen sister.

At her touch, Viserys looked shocked as happy tears filled his eyes at the olive branch she'd just extended to him. Then, clutching her hand, he raised it to his lips for a reverent kiss. It wasn't until Alicent let out a slight cough that he let go, stepping away from Diana to give his wife a small, fake smile in apology.

The melancholy silence that had fallen over the group broke as Rhaenyra, Alycia and Aelyx came walking over. Rhaenyra and Aelyx's arms noticeably intertwined while the young man escorted her. Darting a glance, she saw how Viserys' eyes locked onto the pair, narrowing in consideration.

This could either be really fortuitous or end poorly for all involved, and it all came down to a drunken, softhearted fool of a King.

We're fucking doomed.

"Uncle!" Rhaenyra called, "Cousin Aelyx was just regaling me with tales of your victory. Congratulations, we have missed you so much in the Red Keep."

Even after almost four years and going to war, Aelyx still blushed, ducking his head at Rhaenyra's gloating. Diana stifled a chuckle at her son's shyness, darting a glance towards a shrewd Viserys and behind him towards a glaring Otto.

Viserys' eyes darted between the beguiled pair, to how Rhaenyra seemed to clutch Aelyx close to prevent him from leaving and how Aelyx listened to her simpering words with soft, reverent eyes. The normally withdrawn and cold young man turned to putty while in his cousin's presence, and his calm demeanour seemed to sull some of Rhaenyra's sharpened edges, going by how well she was maneuvering the court, not snapping or making her disinterest with the 'womanly arts' clear like she usually did.

Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime of waiting, he smiled and declared, "Yes, the realm owes a great debt to you, Ser Aelyx. I hear you were knighted while out at the Stepstones."

Otto finally made his appearance, simpering in faux confusion, "By Lord Corlys from what we heard back at court. Curious how it was not your Father?"

Daemon stiffened under Otto's assessing eyes but simply smiled and replied, "Lord Corlys was most impressed by Aelyx's conduct and asked for the honour. Besides, we didn't want any rumours of favouritism, now would we?"

Several chittering laughs filled the clearing as the surrounding courtiers tried to defuse the tension and show their support for the newly returned Prince. It showed how fickle they could be, the so-called loyal followers of the King jumping ship to his younger brother at the first sign of strength, and they would abandon Daemon just as quickly when a better offer arose.

The rest of the evening went by relatively smoothly, with the expected subtle jabs from Ser Otto mainly being ignored by a smug Daemon who, for once, held his brother's full attention. Once the sun began to set, they travelled back to the keep, where a private meal was set up for the family to reacquaint themselves away from prying eyes.

The entire time, Diana stuck to Daemon's side as if tethered by a frail string she'd feared to break if she moved too far out of his orbit. The children also stayed close, with Alycia coming back every half hour or so to kiss her father on the cheek or grasp his hand as if to check he was real. Aelyx's attention remained mainly on a slightly tipsy Rhaenyra as she interrogated him from her seat next to his. On what the battles were like and how his flying with Vermithor had progressed compared to hers with Syrax.

But even so, the young man allowed his mother her fussing, with Diana often cutting in to brush back his hair or demand to know how he slept and ate while away, despite knowing that her expectations were completely unrealistic. He'd been at war, not fostering at another keep like Daemion. But she was a mother, and her baby was home; she thought she deserved to fret over him, at least a little.

As the hour of the wolf neared, Viserys' strength seemed to sap, and with a few final hugs and kisses on the cheek, the older man shuffled away, a melancholy Allicent following him like she was headed for her death. Diana noted that both royals were headed towards the King's Chambers and winced in sympathy towards the young queen. She'd only just given birth to Helena a few months ago, and already Viserys was fostering himself upon her again for another heir.

The others took their cue as soon as the King was gone, with Diana ushering her children off towards their chambers, despite Alycia's complaints and Rhaenyra's longing stares towards a shy Aelyx. Diana nodded when her eldest offered to escort his sister and cousin back to their rooms.

If only she knew what the mischievous gleam in Rhaenyra's eyes meant, perhaps she would have chosen differently. But alas, she was too busy ogling her husband to realize that mischief was afoot and Targaryens were always meant to burn together.

** Line Break **

Aelyx withheld a curse as he traversed the cobweb-ridden secret passageways, headed towards gods knew where, chasing after his drunken, beautiful cousin. Rhaenyra giggled as she darted ahead, shooting glances over her shoulder to make sure he was giving chase.

Dropping Alycia off at her rooms was easy compared to Rhaenyra, who'd ensured that Ser Criston was far behind enough to whisper in Aelyx's ear, "Meet me in the tunnel." Before darting into her rooms.

Aelyx, high on the feel of Rhaenyra's blatant flirtations during the welcome party and following dinner, had found himself meeting his cousin in the secret tunnel just outside her room. They'd discovered the passageways as children and traversed them freely, taking care not to set off the many traps planted by Maegor the Cruel.

What he'd expected to be a quick jaunt through the passageway proved far more severe when Rhanyra arrived wearing plain clothing and holding a cloak for Aelyx to take. She'd said she'd wanted to take the dragons for a late-night fly before spinning on her heel, darting away from Aelyx's protests and pleas that they return to their rooms.

Which brought him to now, trying and failing to chase her down, his three-year absence making his memory foggy of how the tunnels ran under the keep and giving the smaller, more agile Rhaenyra the advantage.

It wasn't until they reached the hall that held Balerion's skull that Aelyx found his chance. As they entered the large cavernous room, he picked up speed and snatched the young woman up, muffling her shrieking giggles with his palm as he shuffled her behind the skull, hopefully out of sight.

He overshot his grab, though and as a result, found himself tripping over Rhaenyra's shuffling feet and falling forward. Thankfully, he shot out a hand to catch their fall, pushing a still gasping Rhaenyra into the large, white skull with his front pressed to her heaving bosom.

Their panted breaths mingled as the pair stared deeply into each other's eyes, shocked at how quickly their childish game had turned… deeper. Far more complex and filled with tension than either had ever experienced before.

They remained stuck like that for long moments, as still as statues other their loud breaths, too afraid to break the connection or cross the boundary set by all rules of propriety. It wasn't until Aelyx was forced to adjust his hold slightly, his arms tiring from holding his weight up and away from Rhaenyra, that the girl struck as if afraid to lose something precious.

With quick, untrained movements, the girl grasped the young man by the neck and clasped his hair tightly in her fingers as she pulled herself forward, pressing her lips messily against his.

The kiss was almost painful in its eagerness, the pair knocking teeth and grunting as Aelyx lost his grip and fell forward, slamming Rhaenyra into the skull, his total weight against her as his hands rose up in shock. Three years of fighting, of learning to expect the unexpected and all it took was a simple kiss to send the man sprawling, lost to the sensation of her lips against his.

The kiss could probably be considered chaste if not for their compromising position, a simple pressing of flesh against flesh, with no movement or progression other than deep, panting breaths from their noses.

It wasn't until Aelyx began to pull away, his morals overcoming his lust and yearning, that Rhaenyra, once again, made the first move. Then, hesitantly, she opened her mouth and captured the starstruck knight's upper lips between hers, pecking it softly before doing the same to the lower one.

Aelyx seemed to melt at her tender touch, reaching up a hand to cradle her cheek with his palm, the other going down to hold her by the waist while he took a small step back, trying to reign in his growing desire while not ending the show of affection.

They continued, exchanging small pecks and giggles hidden behind the massive dragon skull. For how long, Aelyx couldn't be sure, but by the time he pulled back, pressing a soft kiss to Rhaenyra's blushing cheek, his lips felt numb, and his cock felt like it was going to split the front of his pants.

Huffing out a breath, he took a staggering step back, staring at Rhaenyra's flushed form with wide, need-filled eyes. Collecting himself, he sputtered, "We can't do this. We are not -"

"Marry me."

Rhaenyra's matter-of-fact tone had Aelyx stopping in his tracks, freezing like a statue as he struggled to take in her proposal. Not even a suggestion; it was a command. That was spoken so matter-of-factly that you'd think the princess was asking for a cup of tea, not a betrothal.

Aelyx could only gape as Rhaenyra stepped forward, head high, nose in the air, as she demanded, "Marry me. Be my consort. Give me children."

Her words buzzed through Aelyx's head. He couldn't comprehend her words. She wanted to marry him? Out of all the lords of Westeros, the Heir to the Iron Throne wanted him.

Give her children… that would mean doing a hell of a lot more than kissing her. His cock jumped in excitement at the prospect, all too eager to accept. But his upper head prevailed. But, of course, it wasn't that simple; there were many considerations to… well, consider.

Father and he might have been welcomed back, but Viserys had shown himself to be fickle and easily guided by his council. Who knew how long the peace would last before the Rogue Prince was deemed too risky and they were sent away again. Did Rhaenyra want his sullied reputation to dampen her of ascending the throne?

No, this was far more important than some childish crush. Even if he wanted so badly to say yes.

And Gods, did he want to say yes…

"I- You- We can't-"

Rhaenyra's eyes narrowed, and strutting forward, she grabbed him by the face, pulling him into a deeper, wetter kiss that had his head spinning. Then, pulling away, she spat, "Do you want me? Because I want you."

Shaking his head, Aelyx stuttered, "It's not that -"

"That simple? Yes, it is. Would you ever betray me?"

"What? No!"

"Kill me for the throne?"

"No! Rhae!"

"Cut me open and splay we womb for all to see, just for a male heir?"

Her question brought him up short, and he saw the tears and terror behind the fury in his cousin's eyes; softening his grip on her shoulder, he pulled the frantic princess into his arms, murmuring, "Never."

The young woman seemed to collapse in his arms at his tender show of affection, sobbing out, "Please. Please Aelyx. I need you. I need you with me; I can't do this alone."

Aelyx could only clutch the bereaved girl close as she sobbed out three years of anxiety and fear into his doublet. For once, he didn't care if anyone saw; he didn't care about how it could affect his parents' ambition or his standing in the court. All he cared about was Rhaenyra, about how broken she must have been to try and seduce him the first chance she got, all in the hopes of not being butchered like Auntie Aemma had been.

Only after her heartbreaking sobs turned to sniffles that Aelyx kissed her on the side of her head and murmured into her ear, "Yes, Rhaenyra. Yes, I will marry you."

At his words, her sobs resumed again, and he just clutched her closer. Then, gently lowering both of them to the ground until his back was against the podium, Rhaenyra was curled sideways on his lap.

They sat there for so long that as soon as Rhaenyra's sniffled quieted into deep, calm breaths, Aelyx also relaxed, his eyes growing heavy, and for the first time since he'd left Dragonstone all those years ago, the prince allowed himself to fall into a deep, unencumbered sleep.

And he didn't wake up for hours.