Chapter 14

Author's Note: Thank y'all so much for your support. I'm excited for y'all to see where I take the story. And don't worry, this isn't the last we see of Helaena ;)

Disclaimer: I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, nor any of George RR Martin's works

Rated M for strong language, violence, adult content, adult situations, incest, age-gap relationships, and some sexual content

Trigger warnings: mentions of sexual assault

Enjoy

Dragonstone, 130 AC...

Helaena stared at herself in the mirror. She hardly recognized herself. The girl staring back at her had black hair braided back and coiled in typical Lyseni fashion. Her nose and cheeks were free of freckles, covered up by chalk. And she wore a pale pink Lyseni dress, a vague and elegant outfit with no traces of her Targaryen lineage on it. She needed to be a blank face, a random foreign girl from across the Narrow Sea. Helaena is dead, she told the girl in the mirror. She no longer exists.

She heard footsteps behind her. In the mirror, Rhaenyra was approaching, her hands clasped in front of her. Helaena got up to present herself, smoothing her skirts and fiddling with the crystal fringe on her shoulders. Rhaenyra scanned her from head to toe, slowly nodding. "You look good. Like a true Lyseni noblewoman."

"If I may ask...why make me Lyseni?" Helaena asked.

"Prince Daemon had a Lyseni lover once. We won't formally announce your mother's identity, but people will make assumptions which in turn, puts a swift end to questions."

Helaena wondered if the lover was the dark-haired woman whose manse she hid in for five days. Those were the longest days of her life. She feared that at any moment she would be found out. Helaena put those worried thoughts behind her. "Have you told your children yet? Will they...recognize me?"

"Jace and Luke might," Rhaenyra admitted. "And as much as I love and trust my children, the knowledge of your true identity puts them at risk. Puts us all at risk."

Helaena lowered her gaze. "I know. And I am sorry that I put you in this position, Princess. Daella said it was the only way."

"She was right, though." Rhaenyra stepped closer, turning her wedding ring around and around on her finger. "We've never been close and that is partially my fault, but we both love our sister. And she loves us. It's because of that love that she knew she could bring you here and that I would keep you safe."

That made Helaena smile a bit. "She did not hesitate to help me, not once. I don't know how I'll ever repay her."

"If what you have dreamt is true, then your willingness to prevent it and ensure peace is all the thanks Daella needs. I had long suspected Queen Alicent married you to Aegon as a means of securing his claim to the throne."

Helaena reluctantly nodded. "The dream was like a glimpse into another life. All the children I would've had...dead at my feet. I drowned in their blood as Aegon sowed the lands with dragonflame. Green desires breed black pyres."

Rhaenyra sighed. Her half-sister's words turned her stomach with fear. "You told us you saw more than just another life. Aegon will likely remarry and have children with his new wife."

"Yes, but...I saw my children die. I saw the end of our House," Helaena said, her gaze shifting far away. "Screams of defiance and cries of vengeance...paves the way for the Silence."

"Silence?" Rhaenyra echoed.

"A song of ice and fire...on and on it goes like a violent dance until the sea rises to wash it all away. Summer turns to winter and darkness falls, wolves howl, lions roar, roses wither, and serpents strike." Helaena closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead. "I'm sorry. It's...it's not all clear. It feels as if I'm falling down a spiral staircase. Sometimes the images blur together and I don't know what has passed and what hasn't."

"You know, our ancestor Daenys Targaryen supposedly wrote down all her visions and dreams...perhaps you ought to do the same."

"What if it only makes my dreams worse?" she asked, barely a whisper. "What if I'm just mad?"

Rhaenyra gently placed her hand on Helaena's arm. "You are not mad, Helaena. I believe your dreams are real."

"You do?"

She nodded, smiling softly. "Many years ago, our father shared something with me. The true purpose of Aegon's Conquest of the Seven Kingdoms. I believe you have seen it too."

Helaena furrowed her brows. "We must keep Aegon's dreams alive by maintaining the peace of the realm," Rhaenyra continued, "and like or not, your mother's schemes will destabilize everything House Targaryen stands for."

"Aegon cannot become king," she agreed. "He does not want the crown, but...he will never go against our mother."

That pleased Rhaenyra. She withdrew her hand and relaxed the tension in her shoulders. "The day will undoubtedly come when we must reveal your survival to the world. It won't be easy. And a majority of not only our family but various lords across the land will curse your deception. Until that day comes, I think it best we hide you in Sunspear."

Helaena frowned. "Sunspear? I don't understand."

"Your presence here puts the entire island at risk. We're too close to the capital," she explained. "Princess Alyssa is due to arrive today. She's bringing her daughter, Princess Aliandra, for a visit. A condition of her betrothal to Jace. Daemon and I will explain the situation to her and she will take you with her when she returns home."

"If your goal was to send me far away, why change my appearance so drastically?" Helaena gestured to her dress and hair.

"It's a precaution, sweet girl. It feeds into the lie that you are Prince Daemon's bastard daughter." Rhaenyra cleared her throat, shaking off the bit of awkwardness building in her chest. "And...accepting my husband's bastard into my household will only add fuel to the gossip about me. What kind of Queen accepts the living embodiment of her husband's mistakes? What kind of wife, what kind of woman could do that?"

Helaena wasn't sure how to respond to that. "But...but how would I be safe in Sunspear?"

"Dorne's alliance is with me, not your mother. Alyssa will keep you safe. And her husband will keep you safe because he loves her and would do anything for her," she insisted. "It also ensures that Dorne is protected from the Hightowers' wrath."

"I just thought I was going to stay here. If Daella visited..." her voice trailed off, fearing she sounded too much like a child.

Rhaenyra leaned in, her voice low. "The secret comes first. When I ascend the throne, I will summon you back to court, if you desire it. If you'd rather return to Dragonstone and live out your days there, I will allow it. Your time in Sunspear will not be indefinite, I promise."

Helaena studied the sincerity in her half-sister's eyes and then nodded, accepting her fate. "What shall I call myself in the meantime?"

"Sybella of Lys."

Helaena rolled the name around in her head, deciding she rather liked it. Rhaenyra smiled slyly and gestured to the door. "Come, sweet girl. Our cousins will be here any moment."

King's Landing, six months later...

"Welcome back, Princess!"

Daella hiked up the path from the cliffs. She was surprised to see Ser Arryk waiting for her at the top. "Thank you, Ser!" she called back. "Have you been waiting long?"

"Not at all, Princess."

She snorted. Of course, he had. Daella could see the man's thoughts written on his stoic face. He missed me. She reached the top, dropping a gray sack onto the ground. A few Red Keep guards were waiting near the entrance to the castle. Daella eyed them curiously. "Interesting welcome party."

"The Keep is on high alert because of the wedding," he said. "And the Hand wanted confirmation of your return."

Daella frowned. She grabbed her sack and headed for the entrance. "Since when does Ser Otto care about me?"

Ser Arryk followed dutifully behind her. "He feared you'd be late. Your progress of the Vale was only supposed to be two months."

"Blame the Stone Crows."

The Kingsguard furrowed his brows in confusion but chose not to press the issue further. The Red Keep guards greeted Daella with polite bows and followed her and Ser Arryk inside. The castle was bustling with energy. Servants were ferrying crates of food to the kitchens, handmaids were setting up decorations, and several stewards were going over the minute-by-minute itinerary of the nuptials. I don't think the last wedding was this lively, Daella noted. She did notice the mix of Targaryen and Baratheon banners strung up everywhere. The yellow stags looked as gaudy as the silver towers when held up next to red dragons. It only served as a reminder to Daella of the terrible fate that awaited her future goodsister. Poor girl...

"Princess!"

Daella turned to her left. "Lord Caswell."

Lord Allun Caswell bowed as he approached, stuffing a few scrolls under his arm. "Welcome back, Princess. Your presence has been sorely missed."

"Thank you, my lord. I am happy to be back. It's not every day that your brother gets married...again."

Lord Allun chuckled. Daella had always found him delightful. A true and loyal supporter of the crown and Rhaenyra, and he never asked for anything in return. As he told her of some of the minor events she missed - a tourney to celebrate the King and Queen's wedding anniversary as well as a welcome feast for House Baratheon, Daella noticed a familiar face entering the hall. His silver hair had grown long, reaching past his shoulders. Her heart skipped a beat with anticipation at the sight of her half-brother. She forced her attention back to Allun. "Excuse me, Lord Caswell. I must greet my brother."

"Of course, Princess."

Daella gripped the sack in her hands tighter as she walked toward Aemond. She chewed on the inside of her cheek. At first, she dreaded her return to King's Landing. But she had convinced herself she would let her mistakes fade. Be happy. Daella stopped an arm's length distance from him. Aemond's face hardened as he studied her from head to toe. "You've returned."

"Finally," she added, a nervous side smile on her face. "It wasn't easy escaping the Eyrie. Lady Arryn had a hard time letting me go."

"Did she host you in a sky cell?" he asked. "Interesting way for House Arryn to treat royalty."

"I wasn't kept prisoner. I meant I was busy with...you know what, it doesn't matter." She sighed, swallowing her urge to argue. "I'm here now."

He hummed with distaste, almost sneering. "And how long will you be staying this time, sister? Longer than a week, I hope. Or do you plan on fleeing once the vows are said?"

"Aemond, please."

His scowl softened a bit at the silent plea in her eyes. He glanced at Ser Arryk who stood off to the side, silent and stoic. Aemond grunted in defeat but said nothing further, choosing to glare at the Baratheon banner hanging on the wall to his right. Daella cleared her throat and untied her sack. "I have something for you. A late nameday present."

He was ready to refuse it outright, but curiosity got the better of him. Daella pulled out something wrapped in linen cloth and held it out to him. Aemond eyed it suspiciously. He couldn't tell what it was based on the general shape but it looked heavy from the way her arm was lowering. He took it, grabbing it carefully. He unwrapped it as Daella tied her sack back up. It was a bronze dagger. Though worn down from age, its handle looked well preserved with a large sapphire set into the pommel. "Where did you find this?"

"A mountain clan warlord gave to me," she said. "He was a Moon Brother, I think."

Aemond turned the blade over and noticed a small sigil etched into the handle, a lighted tower. "This is a relic of House Hightower."

"You might want to confer with Grand Maester Orwyle to be sure, but I suspect so."

"How did it end up in the Vale?" he asked, studying the sapphire.

Daella shrugged. "The warlord had no idea. He said it was an heirloom passed down through the generations."

"And he just gave it to you?"

"He did," she said with a nod. "It was his way of expressing his gratitude for not burning his whole clan to ash. I have to confess that my progress of the Vale was a failure. Lady Arryn had me dealing with raids all over the mountains. They're not the brightest of warriors, but they eventually realized peace was better than dragon flame."

A little smile slipped free from Aemond. He found himself a bit jealous but mostly proud. He wrapped the dagger back up and met her gaze. "This is a generous gift. Thank you."

Daella beamed, relief flooding her chest with warmth. Aemond drew closer, closing the distance between them in one step. Daella's smile faltered, having just realized her brother had gotten a little taller than she last saw him. His proximity made her anxious but she resisted the urge to retreat, her heart pounding. "May I accompany you to your room?" he asked, his voice deeper than she had remembered. "I want to hear all about your adventures in the Vale."

"Sister!"

They both turned toward the cheerful voice. Cassandra strutted down the hall, several handmaids trailing behind her. The bride-to-be threw her arms wide. "Princess, I am so relieved you made it back in time."

Daella stepped back from Aemond and greeted the Baratheon lady with a polite smile. "Thank you, my lady. And congratulations to you as well."

Cassandra giggled and blushed as she thanked her. She hooked her arm around Daella's and dragged her away. "Come with me. I need your help in picking the right fabric for my veil. I know, silly me, not having my veil completed and the wedding is tomorrow!"

Daella looked back at Aemond helplessly. He simply smirked and walked off in the opposite direction. Ser Arryk fell into line with the handmaids. "I really am happy to see you," Cassandra continued, "Aegon, the Queen, and the King have been anticipating your arrival. They feared you wouldn't make it in time."

"I'd never miss a royal wedding," Daella said, trying to pull her arm free.

Cassandra tightened her hold. "I wish us to be friends, Princess. Not just family by marriage. In fact, I have a handsome cousin I'd like you to meet. You might've met him already during your visit to Nightsong."

"Thank you, but that is unnecessary."

"Oh, it's no trouble," she said. "Royal weddings are the grandest events in all the Seven Kingdoms. To have two in one year would be cause for even greater celebration. I could help you with the planning. It would be my honor."

Daella halted suddenly, nearly causing Cassandra to fall. She stared the Baratheon girl in the eye. "Enough with the false courtesies, my lady. I know you're smarter than you present yourself to be. Surely you know of my brother's true nature by now."

Cassandra let her go, glancing at the handmaids uncomfortably. She forced a smile. "If you mean to speak of your brother's charm and chivalry, then by all means-"

"If you somehow don't know, then ask your handmaids," she dared. The handmaids all exchanged uneasy looks. "Aegon's reputation has never been secret and he is certainly not shy."

"This is hardly appropriate, Princess. I will not stand for you to speak of my betrothed in this way. Aegon is your brother-"

"It is because he is my brother that I speak so plainly." Daella turned her glare to the handmaids. "Leave us."

They scattered like frightened hens, leaving Cassandra dumbfounded at their abandonment. Ser Arryk stepped off to the side. "I do not wish to lie to you, Cassandra," Daella continued, "but you need to know the truth. You have no idea what kind of man Aegon is."

"And you have no idea what kind of woman I am," Cassandra countered, getting in the princess' face. "If you had bothered to stick around, you would've seen how I have supported Aegon. Supported your family through such a terrible tragedy. If it weren't for me, you would be attending another funeral, not a wedding."

"Thank you for your sacrifice. Keeping my brother alive and sober is a tremendous feat, indeed."

Cassandra sneered. "He's not some monster that needs to be caged. He is a sad, little boy in need of tender love and proper guidance."

"Ah. Proper guidance," Daella mused, rolling her eyes. "It doesn't matter what you do. Aegon is a slave to his desires. Would you like to hear about the various girls he's violate-"

Cassandra cut her off. "I already know. Aegon has told me everything. He laid his soul bare and I've chosen to accept him wholeheartedly."

Daella leaned back, stunned. "Are you mad?"

"He needs guidance. No one else will give it to him, so it must be me. He wants to be a good husband, a true Prince of the Seven Kingdoms and I will help him." Cassandra turned to leave but stopped herself. "All I ask is that you trust me, Princess. I know what I'm doing."

The next day...

The wedding was everything Cassandra dreamt it would be. All eyes were on her as Lord Borros walked her down the aisle. She wore an ivory gown with gold details of antler horns all along the sides and neckline. The train of the dress had various flowers embroidered all over it along with a few nightingales - an homage to her mother's house. When Aegon placed the Targaryen bride cloak on her shoulders, she felt stronger. Confident. Powerful. She made sure to smile encouragingly at her new husband. To be happy for him so he would forget his uncertainty. She made sure to thank the King for attending despite his ill health, proclaiming the fatherly love he must have for his eldest son. And she made sure to order her male cousins to scare off any would-be suitors from her new goodsister. "She can only dance with you," she told them. "The Hand seeks to betroth her to Aemond, but we must secure him for one of my sisters."

Cassandra delighted in seeing Princess Daella surrounded by Baratheons and Carons. She dragged Aegon from the head table, holding onto him as she introduced him to various family members as well as notable lords and heirs of the Stormlands. And she kept an eye on his wine cup as he socialized. When she felt confident she could trust his self-control, Cassandra made her way to her sisters as she snacked on a lemoncake. "Well? Do I look like a princess?"

"Like a Queen," Ellyn said.

Cassandra nudged her sister with her shoulder. "Quiet now. My husband is simply a Prince of the Seven Kingdoms. Nothing more."

They giggled. Maris casually sipped her wine as she glanced over at where Lord Tyland was speaking with Lord Tarly. "I've heard whispers amongst the lords that Prince Daemon has a bastard daughter."

Her three sisters raised curious eyebrows. "Not surprising," Cassandra said. "He insulted his first wife by choosing a common whore over her. Where is his bastard? Surely not on Dragonstone."

"In Dorne. Being fostered at Sunspear."

"How shameful," Ellyn lamented, shaking her head. "Forcing his eldest legitimate daughter to care for his bastard."

"Princess Alyssa often has to clean up her father's mess. It's why she married the Prince of Dorne." Cassandra noticed Daella whispering something into one of the Cargyll twins' ears. She couldn't tell if it was Arryk or Erryk, but the Kingsguard nodded and made his way over to a mousy servant girl and whispered into her ear. Interesting. Cassandra narrowed her eyes as she watched the servant girl scurry out of the hall.

"Gods, Prince Aemond has been staring at Princess Daella all day," Maris groaned. "Unabashedly."

"I thought he hated her?" Floris asked. She peered around Ellyn to see where Prince Aemond sat beside his Hightower cousins, his violet eye solely fixed on Princess Daella as she was trying to flee from the various men that surrounded her.

"Just a facade. In truth, he desires his sister. A true Targaryen to the core," Cassandra explained with a sneer. "It's quite adorable, actually."

"Cass." Maris pointed across the hall.

Cassandra followed her sister's gaze. Aegon was having a sort of drinking contest with the Caron boys. Cassandra groaned and handed the remainder of her lemoncake to Floris. "Excuse me, girls. I must handle my husband."

Otto lingered on the edge of the celebration, quietly observing. He watched Cassandra cross the hall to put a stop to Aegon's drinking. Queen Alicent was with Lady Elenda and seemed to be enjoying herself, even smiling. Lord Borros was joking and laughing with the Tyrells and other Hightowers. Otto found he had missed the sound of merriment. The castle had grown dark since the death of his only granddaughter. Thoughts of Helaena brought memories of his daughter as a child, and memories of his late lady wife. Otto sipped more of his wine and stepped back into the shadows. His gaze shifted to the far table near the corner where he saw Princess Daella hiding behind a column, eyes wide like a frightened rabbit.

The Hand of the King smirked and made his way over to her. "Seeking refuge from the eager suitors, Princess?"

"Am I that obvious?" she asked, peeking around the column. "They flock around me like some prize to be won. I'm pretty sure my new goodsister put them up to it. Dangling me in front of them like a worm on a hook."

"Lady Cassandra means well."

Daella hummed in disagreement. "She's more cunning than you think. You ought to keep an eye on her."

"I feel I must keep a better eye on you," he said. "I wrote to the Eyrie four times and each time Lady Arryn said she would send you on your way yet...you never came."

"Do not be frightened, Lord Hand. I promise I am not a ghost." His laughter made her smile. "Lady Jeyne is cunning as well. It was by luck that I discovered your letters summoning me home. She kept them from me so that she may continue to use me to deal with the mountain clans that plague her lands."

Otto made a mental note to bring up the Lady of the Vale's insolence in the next Small Council meeting. "Regardless, it is good that you are here. Though the King has already gone off to bed, he did tell me your presence eased some of his pain. Even Prince Aemond is enjoying himself."

"Oh, yes, Aemond is beyond thrilled."

"I know you jest, but it may surprise you to know that he finds them to be joyous. Celebration of alliances and young love," Otto insisted. "And he knows that your brother's wedding will not be last. Prince Aemond's own nuptials will likely be next."

Daella snapped her gaze to him, her smile gone. She racked her brain with the endless list of names of the maidens of the realm. Who? Who is it? Hightower, Lannister, Blackwood, Baratheon? Who? Who could it be? But she knew this day was coming. First Helaena, and now Aemond. It never ends. "And what frivolous maiden have you chosen to be my brother's bride, Lord Hand?"

Otto said nothing, only stared at her. Daella stared back, waiting. But the silence between them gave her time to process his hidden words, to study the knowing smirk on his sly face. She leaned away from him in utter shock. "Me?"

"Why not you?"

"Aemond is a child."

Otto tilted his head. "He turned fifteen two weeks ago. Practically a man grown."

"He is your grandson," she snapped. "Not some pawn on a game board to be sacrificed. Has Helaena's death taught you nothing?"

"Aemond is not Aegon. And if I recall, it was you that kissed him."

Daella looked away, her cheeks turning red. "Aemond is a dutiful and loyal boy. He won't argue. He won't ask questions." She met his gaze. "But he deserves to choose his own path, to choose his own wife - someone he truly loves and wants to marry."

Otto snickered, shaking his head. "Go on, Princess. Ask him who it is he wishes to marry. Ask him who it is he loves. We both know what his answer will be."

"You cannot force us to marry," she said through gritted teeth. "I put a stop to the Queen's machinations, I can easily do the same with you."

The Hand's smirk grew and he leaned down, lowering his voice. "The hard truth, Princess...is that I won't have to force you to do anything. Kick and scream all you like, but your heart betrays you. It's why you fly away every chance you get. You're constantly running from the inevitable. Running from your future."

Daella couldn't speak. She couldn't think. All she could do was walk away like a coward. She marched past the guards and ignored the guests that tried to greet her. She needed to get out. Get away. Be anywhere but in the hall. She needed to drown out the laughter and the music. She needed to escape Otto's words, escape his schemes. His stupid, fox-like smile flashed in her mind over and over. She hated every word he said. She hated that he was right. "Princess!"

She stopped in her tracks. Blood roared in her ears. Had she been running? She couldn't remember. Daella turned around and rolled her eyes at the sight of a Baratheon suitor running to catch up with her. A bright smile appeared on his face as he slowed. "Leaving so soon?"

"I'm quite tired," she said as politely as she could. "I've hardly had a chance to rest since I returned from the Vale, so I'm going to bed."

"I shall escort you then. These halls can be a bit of a maze."

Daella blinked. "You think I'll get lost on the way to my room in the castle I've lived in all my life?"

The young man laughed nervously, clasping his hands behind his back. "Forgive me, Princess. I had hoped we might speak...without interruptions. My brothers can be a bit boisterous and I feared they might've scared you off."

"They did not," she said. "We can speak on the morrow if you wish. But I-"

"What is wrong with right now? The sun has barely set, Princess." He shook his head and gestured for her to follow him. "There's a balcony we passed. We can sit out there and talk. I'll grab us a pitcher of wine as well."

Daella pursed her lips, forcing her tone to remain calm. "Thank you, but I must decline. As I said, I am very tired."

"Then we can talk in your room."

She tilted her head, taken aback by his "charming" smile. "I don't think that would be appropriate."

"Why wouldn't it be?" He took a step closer to her.

Daella maintained a safe distance, folding her hands together. "Go back to the celebrations. I need rest and would be ill company right now."

"But you've been a delight all evening, and I desire your company," he said in boyish pleading. "Come, Princess. Let me finish telling you the tale of my adventures in the marshes."

Gods save me. Daella dropped her polite smile and shook her head. "No. I've told you twice now that I am tired. Respect my wishes and leave me be."

"Have I done something to offend you, Princess?" he asked, furrowing his brows. "If I have, I apologize."

"No, but I-"

"Then why not spend more time with me? This is my first time to the capital...and I wish to know more about it." His eyes slowly scanned her body. "I wish to know more about you."

"An interesting fact about me that most do not know: I become extremely unpleasant when sleep deprived."

He laughed as he sauntered over to her. "My cousin did warn me that you are as abrasive as Princess Rhaenyra."

"Well, we are sisters," she said. "Another fact."

"I've heard the tales that despite your likeness, but I daresay that your beauty outshines hers."

Daella bristled, growing anxious to leave him. But a part of her worried he would simply follow and the last thing she wanted to do was resort to violence. The Baratheon boy reached over to touch her face and Daella leaned away, frowning. He continued to smile charmingly. "Sorry, Princess. You have an eyelash on your cheek. I meant to brush it off." She continued to glare and his smile faltered. "I've been nothing but polite and courteous, Princess. Why are you treating me as if I'm an annoyance? I am your guest."

"I have asked you to leave me be one too many times and you have not. It's as if you're purposefully ignoring every word I say."

"Perhaps if you were nicer in how you talked to me."

Daella raised her eyebrows, surprised by his shift of tone. "Perhaps if I got some rest, I'd be more tolerant of your presence."

He scoffed. "It's no wonder you are still unwed. I wonder how many suitable men you've chased away with your impudence."

"Why make such an effort to get me alone if you find me so unseemly?" She held up a finger to silence him. "Not that I care for your answer. Good night and goodbye."

When she turned to leave, he grabbed her arm. Daella yanked herself free, shooting the boy a warning glare. "Touch me again and you will lose your hand."

He recoiled, eyeing her from head to toe. "You are no princess. Common whores have better manners than you."

"Then by all means, go bother them." She swiveled on her heels and began to walk away.

"My cousin was wrong about you," he called after her. "I think you prefer the company of silver-haired boys to real men."

Daella came to a halt and then slowly turned around. "Tell me, Princess," he continued, "is it the fact that you share the same father that attracts you or that you see your own face when you look at him?"

She smirked. "Jealous?"

"Of a one-eyed pampered prince? Hardly."

"Would you dare say that to my brother's face?" she asked, smirk growing.

He snorted. "I would. He puts on a brave front, but he is no match for me. I wonder...would you think differently of me if I gift you his other eye?"

Daella's smirk turned as dark as a dragon's. She stepped closer to him, unfazed by his height and size. "Maybe he'll gift me yours. Though, I'd prefer your tongue."

"Oh, I'd happily give you my tongue now if you're in need of it."

She looked down at his belt. "You're unarmed. I've changed my mind, you may accompany me to my room."

He smirked. "Oh?"

"My knife is in my room."

"I think I will challenge Prince Aemond," he sneered. "I can imagine it now: shoving his ugly face into the dirt, his blood on my sword, setting his other eye in your lap...or maybe I ought to leave him his eye. Make him watch as I take your maidenhead. Wonder which screams will be louder...yours or his?"

Daella punched him. His cry of pain was overpowered by the sickening crunch of his nose. He dropped to the ground in a heap, writhing in pain as he covered his face. Daella watched him, disappointed she did not have her knife with her but satisfied with her momentary retaliation. She sensed a presence watching her and she glanced up, finding Aemond at the end of the hall.

Prince Aegon's Chambers, later...

Cassandra followed her husband into the room. The servant holding the door open swiftly left, bowing low. The prince crossed the room to the table, pouring himself some wine. Cassandra rolled her eyes but kept her tone light. "Is that wise?"

"I certainly think so." He took a big gulp and then gestured for her to join him. "Come drink with me, wife."

She walked over and took the cup from his hands, drinking it all herself. Aegon laughed and wrapped his arm around her waist. "Now the real party begins."

Cassandra grabbed the pitcher and set it and the wine cup down on the table. She placed her hands on Aegon's chest to keep his attention on her. "Tonight is a special night and I'd prefer to be mostly sober. Prefer us both to be."

"Oh, I don't need to be sober to perform my duties." He held her closer, pressing kisses to her neck. Cassandra sighed and leaned away, his tongue tickling her. Aegon raised his head, frowning in confusion. But he recognized the disappointment on her face. His arms slipped free as he backed away. "Please don't look at me like that."

"Like what?"

Aegon rubbed his face as he walked over to the bed, plopping down. "Like you'd rather be anywhere but here. Helaena used to look at me the same way."

"Forgive me, I didn't mean to upset you." Cassandra fidgeted with her nails as she studied him, her gut churning with anticipation and nervousness. "I want our wedding night to be perfect. Memorable. Is that so bad?"

He gave her a sad smile. "Then you shouldn't have married me. You've resigned yourself to a lifetime of endless misery."

"I don't believe that." Aegon snorted. Cassandra walked over and gently combed his hair from his face. He leaned into her soft touch. "Our relationship doesn't have to be just one of duty. I wish to support you in any way I can. Unburden yourself."

Aegon ran a hand over his face, shaking his head. "Where do I even begin? Everyone...stares at me as if they're expecting something that I cannot give. My mother, my father, my grandfather - I have done everything that was asked of me but no matter how hard I try, it will never be enough. I am the very definition of a disappointment. And I know they'd rather it had been me that died last year."

"That is not true," she insisted. "Your family loves you."

He giggled, looking up at her. "Your naivety is adorable. My siblings despise me, my father dislikes me, and Helaena jumped out the window because she couldn't bear to be my wife for a moment longer. All anyone ever sees when they look at me is the 'firstborn son'...they don't see me. And by some luck that they do, all they see is a drunken failure who will never amount to anything."

Cassandra's heart ached at the sight of the tears welling up in his eyes. She cradled his face in her hands, gently rubbing her thumbs against his cheeks. "You want to know what I see when I look at you? I see a dragonrider who claimed the most beautiful golden dragon. I see a skilled warrior trained by the best swordsman in all the Seven Kingdoms. I see a man with a conqueror's name who is capable of greatness."

He weakly pulled on her wrists. "It is only a matter of time until your view of me changes."

"You haven't received the support or guidance you need to succeed," she said. "I will give it to you. I will spend every day for the rest of our lives loving you, encouraging you, and reminding you that you are not a failure. If you truly have no faith in yourself...then take comfort in that I have faith in you."

Aegon searched her gaze for a sign of deceit. But all he saw was firm sincerity. It disoriented him. Her words, her touch...she had a gentleness that he hadn't felt since he was a child. Tears poured down his face, unable to hold them back any longer. Cassandra guided his head to her chest, soothing him as she hugged him. Aegon pressed his face into the silky fabric of her dress, muffling his cries. "Let it all out," she said. "Your tears, your sorrow...whatever it is you need to get out, let it all flow."

He wrapped his arms around her, clinging to her like a drowning sailor to driftwood. Cassandra felt calm, all her nervousness gone. She reached down in-between them and dove beneath his shirt. Aegon sat back, looking down. "What're you doing?"

She hushed him softly. Her fingers found the laces of his pants and untied them. She slipped her hand inside, still caressing his hair with the other. Aegon gasped as she began to stroke him. He swayed a bit, mystified by his growing arousal and her tender care. She gently laid his head back to her chest. "I will take care of you. I will give you what you need."

Aegon pressed into face into her cleavage, inhaling her scent. He blindly pulled at the laces of her dress. Cassandra smiled to herself as she withdrew from him. She hiked up her skirts and then straddled his lap. Aegon gazed up at her wondrously, letting her guide him inside of her. Cassandra withstood the pain, relaxing her body as she slowly rocked her hips. She resumed her gentle touch, holding him close and placing kisses all over his face. "I'll take care of you," she promised. "I'll give you everything you need."

End of Chapter 14

Author's Note: Please no hate for the spice in this chapter. Thank you