When The Dragonwolf Danced

by Alperez16

A collaborative effort between myself and my good friend, SPh0015. Jon Snow is born much earlier to a different prince of House Targaryen. Raised as Daemon Targaryen's son and betrothed to his cousin, Rhaenyra. How does his presence affect the Dance of Dragons and will he ever make sense of the dreams that hint at who he truly is?

8. The Realm's Delight and its Bronze Fury

King's Landing 113 AC

Ser Criston Cole.

The great and the good had begun to arrive for a wedding that pleased him not. Criston found himself more and more annoyed by just how happy people seemed to be to see his former squire marry the Realm's Delight. His misery finding company only in the queen's regarding the upcoming nuptials. Other than Queen Alicent, it seemed that the entire realm supported and was happy to see this wedding take place.

A matter of birth. That's all it truly was that separated him from Aemon Targaryen. One of them had been lucky enough to grow up as the son of a prince, while the other's father was merely a steward and brother to a minor lord. Criston had gained everything he had through merit while Aemon Targaryen had simply been gifted it because of who had sired him. The boy was not even a match for him in the yard and yet it was he and not Criston that held a princess' favor.

It had been why when Aemon had been named as his squire, Criston had liked it not. Why, when they sparred, he'd gone out of his way to be far tougher on the young prince than any other man may be. Criston caring not that his efforts seemed to have helped forge Aemon into a warrior who may earn some repute. Instead, he'd simply enjoyed knocking the young prince on his arse more than once. Not that it changed things, mind. The princess still looked at him not and her affections were reserved for a boy who Criston believed did not deserve them.

"I could have made her happy." he sighed.

If he was being truly honest with himself, then Criston would admit that it had bothered him just how attracted he was to Princess Rhaenyra. Should the time come that he could or would ever admit the darkest of his thoughts, even to himself, then he'd not lie and say that attraction began when the girl was far too young. Criston had found that over the years he wanted Rhaenyra more than he wanted acclaim, reputation, or even advancement.

Yet it was never to be. Not once did the princess look upon him with anything that came close to desire. Not a single glance of hers was aimed his way that gave even the slightest bit of hope that she one day would. For had they done so, then Criston may have ensured that Aemon Targaryen suffered a fatal accident of some sort. The Gods knew that there were more than enough people in King's Landing and beyond that would have welcomed such a thing.

Instead, he'd watched sullenly from the sidelines as Aemon Targaryen was given more and more. Criston had found himself on the end of the prince's sharp tongue more than once these past few years. Almost wishing to rip that tongue from his mouth for daring to speak to him in such a way. Only the thoughts of losing his head for doing so were enough to stay his hand. Now as the day of the wedding drew ever closer, a part of him wished that he'd taken the chance and done so regardless.

His armor now attached, Criston readied to make the walk from White Sword Tower to the Red Keep proper. Today he'd be guarding the queen once more and this he found to be a far more welcome prospect than guarding the king. The one would be far too overjoyed for Criston's mood, while the other shared much of the same anger and annoyance that he did. Criston wondered if words would be shared between them as they had done much of as of late.

"Words that would lose me my head were they spoken to another."

Walking through the keep was an exercise in restraint. Servants, guards, knights, and even some of his fellow brothers in white, all wearing smiles they should not. Upon reaching the Royal Apartments, Criston steadied himself for who he may see. A part of him hoping and yet very much not to see the princess this morning. A much larger part almost praying to the gods that he'd not see her betrothed. In the end, he had the gods' own favor as neither Rhaenyra nor Aemon made an appearance, while the king did so but briefly.

"Ser Criston."

"Your Grace." he bowed to the queen as together with her maids and ladies, Alicent wrangled her children and sent them off to their lessons.

The early part of his day was spent outside the queen's embroidery rooms. Alicent had welcomed some of the ladies from the Reach and other regions and now she treated them to a day of ladylike pursuits. Criston envied her not as he knew that more than one would bring up the wedding and speak of it in a manner that annoyed the queen. Something that the early ending of the embroidery and canceling of the tea that the queen had organized now proved true.

It was to be a walk through and out of the Red Keep that he and the queen were next to undertake. Alicent almost went out of her way so as to not meet anyone or allow her thoughts to be disturbed as they did so. Criston was more than happy at the turn of events as he too wished not to have to look at smiling faces or hear good wishes for the soon-to-be-married couple. Not when his own wishes were as far from good as they could be.

"It vexes me so," Alicent said after some long moments of silence.

"Your Grace?"

"That people are so enamored by them both."

There was no need to name who it was the queen was speaking of and her thoughts so closely mirrored his own that it may as well been he who uttered the words. Something he now did so as to let the queen know she spoke, as always, in confidence and with someone of a like mind.

"As it does me, your grace."

"Is it wrong I wish some accident to befall them both. That I pray for the gods to intervene and stop this travesty of a wedding."

"If it is then you're not alone in doing so, your grace."

"Alicent."

"Alicent," he said, his voice soft and surprising him by its timbre.

The queen turned and did so abruptly. Criston almost bumped into her as she now stood facing him. Expecting a rebuke of some sort, he was surprised to see a small smile on Alicent's face. As he was when she bid him to walk beside rather than behind her. For the next hour or so, they moved through areas of the Red Keep that were almost devoid of people. Criston believed that only the gods themselves could have made their route so. Especially considering just how many people were now resident in the Red Keep because of the wedding.

Together they spoke of things that would lose them both their heads. Words that came so close to treason that no one would name them as anything less. More than once during their conversation, Criston found himself truly looking at the woman beside him. His eyes now saw her not as his queen but as the young and beautiful lady that Alicent truly was. A lady that he'd not lie and say he was starting to think of much differently than he had been just that very morning.

Criston and the queen had always been somewhat close. He owed his elevation to Lord Commander to her and had welcomed her patronage. That she felt about Aemon Targaryen as he did, was something they'd somewhat bonded over. Even if they'd never discussed the truth of those feelings as freely as they did today. Yet, for the first time, he now believed that there was an attraction there between them. One that given how her nostrils flared and she touched his shoulder and arm more than once, was clearly mutual.

"Can I rely on you, Criston? Should the day come when I need you by my side, can I rely on you to be there?" Alicent asked, her words beseeching and the way she looked at him left him with no answer but the one he now spoke.

"Only death will keep me away, Alicent," he said firmly.

For the briefest moment, it felt as if she may kiss him. Had they been alone in her chambers, then he believed she very much would have. The sound of footsteps behind them shattered that moment, however. Later, when he walked Alicent back to her chambers. That night at the feast. Criston saw how differently she looked at him. It wasn't until he was standing outside her chambers when she'd taken to her bed that he knew that she truly wanted him in her bed. Criston listened at the door as the queen pleasured herself in her bed and though she called his name out not, he knew it was him that she'd been thinking about as she did so.

Driftmark 113 AC.

Rhaenys Targaryen.

The morning flight had been a most welcome one and seeing the Sea Snake as it entered the harbor had been the only reason that Rhaenys had now cut it short. Corlys should have arrived days ago and they'd stay no more than one more night on Driftmark before they set sail for King's Landing. A royal wedding demanded their presence and though it was one that she and her husband had sought not to occur, it was now one they both wished to attend.

Aemon Targaryen's words spoken to her and the offer he'd made but a year ago, were enough to make that so. As too was the knowledge that his father would be attending this wedding and what that could mean for her House. Bidding Meleys to land close to the docks, Rhaenys smiled as she beat her husband to land. Corlys even now proving that he much preferred the sea.

After thanking the Red Queen and watching as he dragon flew to join her children's own, Rhaenys walked the small distance to where she'd greet her husband. Though he was late in his arrival, Rhaenys had worried not that some misfortune had occurred and caused Corlys' trouble at sea. Her husband, just like her and her children were in the sky, was a master of his domain. No man alive knew the sea as well as Corlys did and so his lateness was by design and not something to be concerned about.

"My love." Corlys greeted her warmly. Her husband showed no signs of injury or worry that Rhaenys could see.

"You're late," she said, kissing his cheek.

"Ill winds." Corlys sighed. "Laenor, Laena?"

"Await their father and have needed to be talked out of just taking their dragons and flying to King's Landing more than once." she chuckled.

"Thankfully they had their mother with them to dissuade them of such a foolish idea."

"Their father must now play his part."

A kiss this time from Corlys and this one a far truer one than the peck on the cheek she'd given him, was her husband's reply. The two of them then talked only about the wedding and Rhaenys then asked about Daemon's attendance.

"Daemon for once wishes to make a far less extravagant entrance than is his wont." Corlys laughed.

"Daemon knows restraint," she said mockingly.

"For his son he does."

Rhaenys knew this to be true. Aemon had changed Daemon somewhat, or at least he'd changed what was the Rogue Prince's priorities. Now his ambition was no longer for his own advancement, instead it was only for his son's. The crown that Corlys put on Daemon's head was one only to be worn until Rhaenyra was given her own. Islands that had brought both their Houses wealth were one day to be named as part of the kingdoms his son would be King Consort over.

'Not that we'll still not gain more than any other than my father's House from those islands.'

That had been the compromise that Daemon and Corlys had agreed to. In time the tariffs paid for passing by the Stepstones and sailing through the Narrow Sea would be split differently. For now, it was right down the middle between her husband and the man he'd crowned. When Rhaenyra was named queen, it would be only a fifth that their House would be paid. Still, a large enough sum to make the endeavor worthwhile, or so Corlys had said.

'Besides, we'll one day gain the other four-fifths too.' Rhaenys thought, knowing that Aemon Targaryen's proposal and agreement would see that so.

Food was hurriedly laid out on the table once they'd entered High Tide. Corlys offered her a smile as he sat down and ate heartily. Her husband's appetite pleased her as he rarely ate so hungrily if he had worries on his mind. Their children arrived and greeted their father as he was eating and though she wished them to stay, and they did too, there was much to be discussed. Rhaenys sent them away for now and waited until Corlys' appetite was sated before bidding him to speak his mind.

"Within the year. I can see the peace holding no longer than that."

"They have the numbers?" she asked worriedly.

"They do. Yet they'll not reach the Stepstones. Nor will they face a battle at sea."

"He intends to attack?" Rhaenys asked, relieved and happy to have it confirmed.

"Were it not for his son, the Triarchs would already know the Blood Wyrm's flames."

Aemon had actually told her and Corlys himself about the attack that had earned him his knighthood. The young prince had then bid Corlys to not just take a letter to his father for him but to speak the words that would stop Daemon from setting the Free Cities alight. Rhaenys was both shocked and stunned by the audacity of the Triarchy and their foolishness at the same time. To risk enraging Daemon so truly was something only fools would do after all. Yet his son had shown a calmness of thought that belied his years and had bought men who deserved it not, a little more time in this world because of it.

"I thank you for meeting with me, Princess, my lord."

"You've flown all this way, Prince Aemon, 'tis the least we could do," Corlys replied.

"I've had to bid my men to stand down, Lord Corlys. The king to stand down and though I long to fly to my father and to bid him the same, my duties for now allow me not to do so."

"The city needs you that much, Aemon?" Rhaenys asked dropping the formality as she'd done more than once in her talks with the future King Consort.

"For now it does, Rhaenys," Aemon said before turning to Corlys. "The attack upon me was one ordered by the Triarchs, Lord Corlys. An attack not to kill but to kidnap."

"They would dare do such a thing," Rhaenys said angrily. The thoughts of a prince of the blood being held for ransom, not ones she liked. Other thoughts then came to mind regarding her own children's safety which Aemon soon put to rest.

"They seek to stay my father's hand, to force him to act. For now, that is the extent of their ambition. Trust me, Rhaenys, had I believed your own children to be in danger, I'd not have waited as many days as I have to fly here."

"Yet danger they are now in, Prince Aemon," Corlys said to a nod from Aemon.

"I have no doubt that you and their mother will more than see to their safety, my lord."

"That we will," Corlys spoke leaving no room for doubt. "You say you wish me to speak to your father. Yet not even the Gods themselves will stop Daemon Targaryen from unleashing his wrath upon the men who threatened his son, you know this, Prince Aemon."

"I intend not to stop my father from doing what he wishes, Lord Corlys, just to delay him from doing so. To do so only when it best suits our needs and not before."

"Aemon?"

"The Triarchy will pay, Rhaenys, on that you have my vow," Aemon said. The young prince looked and sounded so much like his father when he did so that it left Rhaenys in no doubt the words were true.

If what her husband now said was true, and Rhaenys had no doubt it was, then the time to collect that payment from the Triarchy was soon to be at hand. It gave her another reason why she now looked forward to the wedding and its aftermath. Not only would Rhaenys seek to see if Laena and Daemon could be matched, but she'd find out just what plans Daemon, Aemon and her husband agreed upon to deal with the Triarchy. For she had no doubt that Aemon would be heavily involved in the war to come.

"Other than the Triarchs, all is well?" she asked her husband.

"All is well. Daemon is restless, seeks adventure once more, and while the upcoming war will calm him somewhat, there is no better time for Laena to gain his favor."

"I'll not have our daughter be his distraction, Corlys."

"Nor would I and I meant it not as that."

"Our daughter will charm him as she does anyone she meets and there is a rival for her affections. That alone is adventure enough for any man, even Daemon Targaryen," Rhaenys said and Corlys nodded.

They set sail the next day. Once again the Sea Snake set out to bring their House further glory and renown. This time it was to be no grand adventure or great voyage however that would do so. A wedding to attend and the great game to be played once more. Battlefields that were far more her domain than they had ever been Coryls'. Battles that she would fight and win and ones that would finally see her given the birthright that had been stolen from her.

'Be that in the form of my granddaughter and not myself or my children.'

The Crownlands/Kings Landing 113 AC.

Rickon Stark.

It had fallen to him. To the Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. For none other could represent their lands at the upcoming wedding and have it not be taken as a slight. Not that Rickon had even the slightest intention of sending anyone in his stead to this particular wedding. Kin required the presence of kin after all. So Bennard had remained behind to serve as the Stark in Winterfell. His brother was only a little put out to be missing the wedding. The birth of his son Benjen and his wife's need for him by both their sides had helped him to worry not about not attending.

For his part, it would have taken something close to a war to stop Rickon from undertaking the long journey to the capital. A road he'd only traveled twice in his life and one he liked not, being no barrier to the joy he felt the closer they got to King's Landing. He'd taken the measure of both his nephew and his nephew's betrothed when they'd come to visit and had liked them both equally. As too had the Lords and Ladies of the North that made up his traveling party. Though none were more excited to see Aemon again than his son and wolf were. Rickon now smiled at the thought of seeing the two Direwolves being reunited.

"My lord?" Roderick Dustin asked seeing his smile as they rode through far too warm lands.

"Thinking of the wolves, Roddy," Rickon replied, gaining a true laugh from the older man. Roderick other than himself was the only one who had received an invitation to the wedding directly from the prince, as well as one from the king.

"A sight to warm any man's heart, my lord," Roderick said and Rickon nodded.

He knew that some distance behind him, Cregan and his wolf, Shadow, would be riding with his mother. Gillane too would be more than happy to have their son nearby. While Cregan would feel some pride in offering his mother a wolf's protection. Something that Shadow was almost as capable of doing as the best of Rickon's guards. The Direwolf in time would grow large enough that he'd serve as five or more guards if what the Maester had said was true.

The ride was long and dull, the lands they rode through were ones that held some beauty and yet were looked at dismissively by one and all of the large northern traveling party. Not a single one of his lords and ladies would swap their own lands for these, no matter the ease with which crops would grow here. As for the keeps that they passed and stayed not in, Rickon found them all lacking. Most were built for comfort far more than practicality and few of them would stand a true siege in his opinion.

'Other than Harrenhal.'

They set up camp for the night and were just about to sit down to their evening meal when Cregan caught sight of the Bronze Dragon in the sky. Rickon smiled as did Gillane at the thoughts that Aemon had come looking for them. Rising to his feet, he bid his son and wife to join him, and together with Roderick Dustin and some others who wished to greet Aemon, Rickon made his way to where the dragon had landed.

It had been but a year since he'd last seen Aemon. A year that had been good to his nephew who'd filled out even more and looked more a man than ever. Six and ten, Lord Commander of the Gold Cloaks, and within the moon to be a married man. He'd not lie and say that he wasn't proud of his sister's boy. Something he wagered that Daemon Targaryen would be even more so.

"Uncle, Aunt. Lord Dustin." Aemon greeted all three of them before turning to Cregan and Shadow. "By the gods, you've both grown much this past year. Look at you cousin, you're almost a man." Aemon said mussing Cregan's hair and Rickon was glad to see the closeness they'd shared during Aemon's time in the North was still there. "As for this one, he and Ghost will be most pleased to see each other again," Aemon said rubbing his hand through Shadow's black fur, the wolf happy to allow him to do so.

"I had not thought to see you before King's Landing, nephew," Gillane said before Rickon could speak the very same words.

"I had hoped to see you on the road during one of my flights, Aunt. To speak to you without the court and its hanger-ons listening and watching everything we say or do."

"'Tis that bad in court, my prince?" Roderick asked.

"Court is like any other battlefield, Lord Dustin. Enemies known and unknown and those who seek to profit from another's fall." Aemon's words were weary and Rickon was about to ask him if he was having trouble with anyone in particular. The mood then was changed so suddenly that it took him until later in the night to do so. "But I came not for that. Instead, I wished to sup with the good and true men and women of the North." Aemon said happily before looking to him, Gillane, and Cregan "To sup with kin."

The meal was one of their better ones. Not a single one of them cared about the food, instead all wished to listen to stories about the capital and Aemon's role as Lord Commander of the Gold Cloaks. Questions were asked when Aemon spoke of knowing each and every leader of the criminal gangs that operated in the city. Words were spoken on why he didn't simply end them all and both Rickon and Roderick seemed to be those who were happiest at his nephew's reply.

"Crime will always occur. To try and stop it is to challenge the sun not to rise of a morn or the moon not to shine at night. By leaving those in charge somewhat in charge, I can limit it. They have too much to lose to risk my wrath and nowhere to hide from my men or me. All of them know what I'll do should they overstep the bounds I've drawn for them. Thus far none have been fools enough to do so." Aemon said proudly.

"Enough talk of crime and bandits, Aemon. Speak to us on your betrothed." Gillane said. Rickon chuckled at the small blush that came over his nephew at her words.

If there was ever any doubt about how Aemon felt about Rhaenyra, then one moment of hearing him speaking of his betrothed would put that to rest. Raised in the South his nephew may be, but he'd taken much from the blood of the North too. Wolves loved fiercely and passionately and once they'd chosen their mate, rarely did they ever stray. A pack was for life and while Aemon and Rhaenyra may be more dragons than wolves, it was clear to all to see that in Aemon's mind, they were a pack.

Aptly it was on the Hour of the Wolf that he and Aemon got to speak together. Rickon was more than happy to have Roderick Dustin by his side at Aemon's behest. The three of them walked in the shadow of the Bronze Dragon. While Vermithor watched every move that Aemon made and did so with a protective eye. After once again asking and being told that Aemon was truly happy with the upcoming wedding, talk turned to court and to who it was that very much were not.

"The queen likes me not, uncle. Rhaenyra too. I've no doubt she and her father would wish us gone so that Aegon could rule. Yet, she has little power in truth, and once the wedding has taken place, less."

"You believe they'd attempt something, my prince?" Roderick asked.

"I have Ghost, Lord Dustin. Vermithor." Aemon smiled as he looked at the Bronze Dragon. "I'm surrounded by the Young Wolves and am accomplished enough myself with my sword." Aemon touched the sword on his hip. "More than that I have mayhap the best network of spies in King's Landing, and soon the realm itself. I fear not she'll try anything, nor do I fear any move her father may make." Aemon said firmly. "Yet I prepare for both regardless."

"A wise thing to do, nephew."

"My main reason for coming, uncle," Aemon said turning to see if anyone other than they were listening. Not that there was a need to given the large Bronze Dragon that lay but a few feet away. "You'll no doubt hear of an attack that took place not long after my return from my travels North and around the Realm. An attack which earned me my knighthood and cost five men their lives." Aemon said as Rickon felt his ire rise and his anger wish to be let loose.

"Who dared attack you? How and where did this take place?" Rickon began, his wolfsblood racing to the fore and only being calmed by Aemon's hand on his shoulder.

"The Triarchy made a piss poor attempt to kidnap me to stay my father's hand. Right now they plan to launch an attack to take back the Stepstones and it's only because of that, that Lys, Myr, and Tyrosh are not already in flames. For that anger you feel was felt a thousandfold by my father and I."

"A dragon's rage," Roderick said from behind them.

"A Wolf's calm," Aemon replied, earning a chuckle from the older man.

Aemon left the next morning and it took four more days for them to reach the city. A welcoming first by some of the Young Wolves at the gates and then by Aemon and Rhaenyra themselves when they reached the Red Keep. As Aemon had said, Ghost was most pleased to see his brother and the two wolves cared not for the propriety that their own meeting required. Rickon and Gillane along with Cregan greeted their future Queen and King Consort before the Lords and Ladies of the North did the same.

There was no sign of Daemon Targaryen and Cregan didn't get to see the King or Queen until their meal that night. Aemon's words were soon proven true given how Alicent Hightower glared at both Princess Rhaenyra and Aemon when she thought no one was looking. Rickon then found himself looking around the Throne Room to see if anyone else dared look at his nephew in the same way. He found some and was certain that Roderick Dustin found others. As he was, that Aemon knew each and every single one of them and had made plans to deal with them if needed.

"He's both a Wolf and a Dragon, Lyanna. Your son is a true Dragonwolf," he whispered hoping his sister heard his words.

King's Landing 113 AC.

Mysaria.

They rarely even lay together anymore. The true affection they'd had for each other had died the day their babe had been lost. Mysaria never truly forgave Daemon for sending her away. Even though she knew it had been his brother who'd done so. Had he not accepted Viserys' will on his own son, then it may have been more hatred rather than apathy she now felt for the Rogue Prince. Only that he deferred to Viserys there too allowing her to not feel slighted by his lack of fight on her behalf.

Still, she had gone back to him and had tried to rekindle what they'd once had. Instead, over time they'd become more strangers than lovers. She'd become a servant, where once she'd been a partner. Oh, Mysaria was under no illusions that she was never truly the latter. Nor that Daemon Targaryen cared about himself far more than he did her. Or that he cared about his son far more than he did even about himself. If anything, she'd hoped that he'd feel the same about their own babe. Only for the fates, Daemon's tongue, the enemies he'd made, and his own brother to rob her of the chance to ever find out if that would be so.

Now, she served as his Mistress of Whispers and while it had earned her coin, she liked it not. So once again they were to part and once again Mysaria found herself at a crossroads in her life. One that she found had left her with no idea which path to take. Mayhap that was why she'd agreed to travel with him to King's Landing aboard the Dragon's Flames. Or mayhap it was to see the son that Daemon truly cared for and by doing so, to remember and honor the loss of their child somehow. To imagine that it was their boy being wed and not someone else's.

"Or mayhap it's simply fate and destiny pulling the strings of my life and choosing my path for me," Mysaria whispered in the wind.

Wrapping her cloak around her, she turned and left the deck of the ship. Her footsteps were slow and it took her some time to make her way to her cabin. A cabin that she shared with no one and as she entered it, Mysaria looked not to the door that led to Daemon's own. Sleep when it came was fleeting and after waking, dressing, and breaking her fast, she was happy to find that they'd reach King's Landing before the day was done. Happier still when over the course of that day she spoke but once to Daemon and that it was to listen to a poor attempt on his part to get her to remain by his side.

His promises fell flat and even were they not, they were spoken in a tone that made it clear to her that it was but a token effort on Daemon's part. There was relief there in his expression or so she believed. A relaxing of his shoulders when she stated once again that their time together was at an end. Even when he asked her if she needed coin, Daemon did so almost disinterestedly. The passion that had once defined them was long a thing that had been lost. Truth be told, Mysaria missed it not.

As the captain said, they reached King's Landing that very night, and Mysaria parted from Daemon almost the moment they did so. She wished not to see the reunion of father and son. Yet she would be present at the wedding and would look at Aemon Targaryen and his interactions with his father from afar. Mysaria fearing her heart couldn't stand to see them while she stood by Daemon's side. Not that she was welcome there or it was a place she longed to be. Again something that had once been true.

"My lady, we expected you not," Darlas said to her as she entered the tavern.

"Gather the others, there is much we must do," Mysaria replied.

It was three days later when he came to her. Surrounded by guards and yet it was the white wolf by his side that was truly terrifying. Silent, larger than any wolf she'd ever seen, and with red eyes that seemed to look deep into her very soul, Ghost was an imposing sight. As too was the young man that the white wolf named its master. Aemon looked like his father, though not in coloring. Muscular of build, with dark hair, and the darkest of grey eyes, he was like a shadow version of Daemon Targaryen even in how he spoke.

"My lady, a moment of your time if I may," Aemon said politely.

"You may, my prince."

"Aemon."

"Mysaria," she replied, which brought a smile to Aemon Targaryen's face that was both like Daemon's and very much not at the same time.

"My father has informed me that you and he are no longer…."

"Together. In league with each other. On good terms." Mysaria said with a little bite.

"Working together," Aemon replied softly. "Which is the reason for my visit, Mysaria."

For a moment there was silence. Mysaria looked at the young man and could see that there were no nerves in his posture or in his expression. There was no anger or recriminations in his tone either, which intrigued her enough to bid him continue.

"Speak further, Aemon."

To say she was surprised would be an understatement. The last thing she'd expected was to be offered to be Mistress of Whisperers to the Lord Commander of the Gold Cloaks. Even less so considering that the man who was Lord Commander just happened to be her former lover's son. Yet, as she sat and pondered on the offer she'd been made, Mysaria couldn't lie and say that she saw not the sense in it. Nor that the offer itself did not intrigue her somewhat. In the end, it was that and then the words that Aemon Targaryen said once she'd accepted that truly decided things for her.

"I'm most happy to have you on my side, Mysaria. I had worried that you'd choose another and force me to do that I wished not to do."

"To do what, Aemon?"

"To kill you, of course," Aemon said with no humor whatsoever. This time he looked so truly like his father that Mysaria almost named him Daemon and not Aemon.

"You'd truly go so far, Aemon?" she asked curiously.

"We're in the great game, Mysaria. There is but one rule."

"Which is?"

"You win or you die." Aemon declared.

"And you intend to win."

"Oh, I will win, be in no doubt of that," Aemon said chillingly.

The gift came the day after. Brought to her by one of the Young Wolves that Aemon surrounded himself with. Mysaria was stunned that she was being gifted at all and surprised and delighted when she opened the package and looked inside. She'd always dressed well and liked the finer things in life. Even when hiding in the shadows, she'd done so with a certain sense of style and sophistication. Daemon had gifted her many fine dresses and pieces of jewellery during their time together and yet he'd never given her something that matched the gift his son now did.

Reading the letter, Mysaria smiled. As she did when she held up the hooded black velvet cloak. Its blood-red lining showed that Aemon wished for both his House's colors to be represented. Mysaria was now truly in league with House Targaryen and the cloak and the words of Aemon's letter proved that to be so.

My lady,

Today you serve as mine own Mistress of Whisperers, but one day, when my betrothed and I are wed and when Rhaenyra sits the Iron Throne, you'll then serve as ours. For now, it's the shadows I bid you to make your home, but upon my betrothed's crowning, I offer you a place in the light. A seat at the table, a role on our small council, and our never-ending gratitude for a job well done.

Aemon Targaryen.

Kings Landing 113 AC.

The Wedding.

Viserys Targaryen.

He awoke feeling more excitement than he had in many a year. So much so that even his usual morning aches and pains were dismissed. Hurriedly getting dressed and breaking his fast with his other three children and his wife. Viserys found he cared not that Alicent bore an expression that showed her own lack of enthusiasm for the upcoming ceremony. As for his children, at least two of them shared his own excitement and that pleased him greatly.

After eating, Viserys called all members of the Kingsguard to a meeting. Given the scope of the wedding and just how many people wished to witness it, he, Aemon, and Rhaenyra had decided it was to be held outdoors on the tourney grounds. With the feast itself to be held later in the Throne Room. Speaking to Ser Criston, Ser Steffon, and the others, Viserys asked about the security precautions and almost laughed aloud at what he was told.

"Prince Aemon himself has handled them mainly, your grace." Ser Steffon said.

"He has?"

"He and the Gold Cloaks, along with those Young Wolves of his." Ser Criston added sounding annoyed.

"Then I've no doubt we've naught to fear about the day turning violent," Viserys stated.

He gave the Kingsguard their orders for the day and spent most of the morning preparing for the ceremony itself. Viserys called for and spoke to his Hand about the gifts that he wished to present to his daughter and nephew before then asking for Daemon to be brought to him. His brother had arrived in King's Landing with a lack of ceremony for once, something which had taken Viserys aback until he'd explained it to him. Daemon told him in no uncertain terms that this was Aemon and Rhaenyra's time to shine and none would overshadow them. Something that Viserys had made clear to his wife much to her annoyance.

"You will wear the colors of our House and our House alone, my love."

"For why?" Alicent asked angrily.

"For a show of unity and because your king wills it of you." she glared at him and Viserys held her glare and offered her one of his own. "Do not go against me on this, or you'll find I can be most unforgiving when it is required."

"I have no intent of going against you, husband."

The knock on the door took him out of his thoughts on his wife. Viserys had long given up on trying to mend the relationship between Alicent and his daughter and nephew. Instead, he concentrated the little effort he had on mitigating the worst aspects of that relationship. All while doing everything he could to ensure there was a far better one between their children and Rhaenyra and Aemon. Which in the case of Helaena and Aemond at least he'd been somewhat successful in doing.

"Though truly it's the white wolf that deserves the credit for that," he muttered as Daemon walked into the room.

Bidding his brother to take a seat, Viserys could honestly say that he'd never seen such an expression on Daemon's face as the one he now bore. For the first time in his life, Daemon Targaryen looked nervous. It pleased him to see it, as he too felt nervous about the day to come. Viserys hoped that the gods were good and the day went off without a hitch or unwelcome surprise.

"You look as if you could do with a drink, brother."

"I'd not say no," Daemon said, as Viserys poured them both out a glass of wine.

"Have you spoken to your son or my daughter?" Viserys asked after they'd both taken a small swallow from their glasses. Neither of them wished to get drunk before it was time to do so.

"The last thing Aemon needs is a visit from his father this morn." Daemon chuckled. "As for my niece, I believe it's her father she may wish to see."

"She does and she will, brother. But not until it's time to ride to the tourney grounds."

Daemon looked at him curiously and Viserys explained his reasoning. Rhaenyra would be truly nervous the closer it came to the wedding itself and then she'd more appreciate some fatherly advice. If he were to go to her too early, it would only add to whatever nerves she may be feeling, not alleviate them.

He and Daemon spoke then on their respective gifts. Viserys laughed at the idea that the lands that Daemon was giving the soon-to-be married couple were larger than the ones he was. Though in truth it was only the lands he was gifting that Aemon and Rhaenyra would be taking control over. The Stepstones would still in essence be ruled by their king and only pass to his daughter and nephew upon their coronation. When he spoke of the sword, he expected Daemon to bring up his own. Something his brother quickly did.

"I had thought to hold Blackfyre back and pass it on to Aegon or even Aemond." Viserys sighed. "Yet it is the sword of kings, brother. For the king not to possess it would raise questions that I'd not seek asked."

"So we leave it to Aemon to see which he wields?"

"Agreed," Viserys said happily. "And let us offer prayers to the gods that he has no need to wield either of them anytime soon."

"Agreed," Daemon said as they both finished their wine.

Viserys was soon left alone and time seemed to move so very quickly. Before he knew it, he was making his way to his daughter's room and the vision he was presented with once he got there was enough to bring a tear to his eye. The Realm's Delight they'd named his daughter and to see her now would make any other name a travesty. He found himself thinking of her mother and cursing the gods for taking her from this world. Denying his own part in why it was that she was not here to see their daughter wed while doing so.

"You look a vision, daughter. A true vision. Not even the Maiden herself comes close." Viserys said to a beaming smile from Rhaenyra. A smile she'd rarely aimed in his direction and yet one he'd seen often when she and Aemon were together.

"I thank you, Father."

"Nerves?" he asked as he took her arm.

"None, Father," Rhaenyra answered firmly.

They spoke some on the ride to the tourney grounds. Viserys found that his daughter truly looked forward to the day and to the days to come. That his grandmother had been as wise as both he and Daemon had always believed her to be. Never more so than in the match she'd made and which was about to be realized.

"Father?"

"I'm thinking about your great-grandmother. Of how we owe her a debt that can never be repaid. It was her that made the match between you and Aemon, daughter. Her that is the reason for this day."

"The gods have willed this day to come, Father. The Maiden herself has seen it so. For never has a match been more welcomed by those involved than the one between Aemon and I."

He kissed her cheek and welcomed it when she turned and kissed his own. To see her so happy was more than he could ever have asked for. Knowing that the man she was to wed felt just as she did, that he was a man that Viserys both loved and respected, he could ask for no more.

When he led her to where Aemon awaited, he could see it just as clearly in his nephew's expression. Excitement, happiness, joy, and eagerness. Taking his seat and watching the cloak being placed on his daughter's shoulders, Viserys had no doubt that Rhaenyra would find no better protector than her husband. Nor that the realm would find a better queen and king consort than them both.

Daemon.

All through the ceremony, Daemon found his thoughts kept turning to Lyanna. He'd give up all the days he had left in the world if she could have lived to see this day. To see how happy their son was on the day he was wed. He wished too that his grandmother had lived to see the match she made all those years ago, now realized. A match that while it had been political in its nature, was very much one made for love.

Looking around the tourney grounds, Daemon could see that the vast majority of people were as happy as he was. The Starks had come and brought most of the North with them and Rickon Stark bore a look as proud as Daemon's own. While the Northern lords and ladies seemed just as pleased as Aemon and Rhaenyra spoke their vows. Not even the fact that it was a wedding in front of Southern gods seemed to dim their enjoyment of it.

Eventually, Daemon's gaze fell upon those who were far less pleased. The Lords of the West, especially the Lannisters. Ser Harwin Strong, who Daemon knew wished his niece for his own and bristled somewhat to now be serving under the man who was the reason she was not. Criston Cole who though he tried to look impassive and above it all, couldn't hide the truth that lay in his eyes. The knight liked not that it was Aemon and not he who'd be taking Rhaenyra's maidenhead this night.

'A cloak of white no barrier to that man's lusts' Daemon thought with a sneer.

Daemon turned his gaze to where his brother and his Goodsister stood. Viserys wiped happy tears from his eyes as Aemon and Rhaenyra kissed for the first time as man and wife. Loud cheers resounded as they did so. His eyes sought and found Alicent Hightower and her brood, and they were not disappointed by what they saw once they did. A woman who raged internally and tried not to let it show and only two out of three children who seemed happy to be here.

Had she but looked his way, then Daemon may have winked at her. Just to see what reaction he'd get. Instead, she glowered at the happy couple and earned even more of his displeasure by doing so. A soft voice was enough to take him from his musings. Daemon turned to see the beautiful young woman that Laena Velaryon had grown into. Her silver hair was done up in ringlets and fell to just below her waist. A pair of lilac eyes that shone in a way her mother's did not, now stared at him inquisitively and Daemon felt a stirring he'd not felt in many a year. It took him a moment to realize she'd asked him a question and was awaiting a response, so lost was he by the vision she presented.

"They do, Lady Laena," Daemon said, hoping he got the answer right and it was about Aemon and Rhaenyra and how happy they looked that she'd asked.

"Just Laena, Prince Daemon."

"Daemon," he said smiling.

When the time came to depart the tourney grounds and head back to the Red Keep, Daemon did so in the company of Laena and her family. So enraptured and caught up in speaking to the young girl was he that he noticed not how Corlys and most particularly Rhaenys looked his way. Having to depart from the young woman and take his seat at the High Table was almost a chore, yet he asked for and was granted a future dance before doing so. Daemon found he looked forward to that just as much as he did to anything else that the night may bring.

"The Happy Couple, Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Aemon Targaryen." The herald shouted out as Aemon and Rhaenyra finally entered the Throne Room. Viserys had gone against custom and had it that he and Alicent had entered before them.

Daemon looked and swore that his niece's makeup was a little smudged. That Aemon's collar looked a little ruffled and it brought a smile to his face. As too did the way after taking their seats, Aemon leaned forward and kissed his new bride. The meal itself passed without incident and the time for the gifting was soon at hand. Both he and Viserys looked more keenly at the gifts than either Aemon or Rhaenyra did. Though given both were so wrapped up in each other, that was understandable.

The Reachlords were fulsome in their show of wealth. Daemon noticed that the Tyrells and Redwynes were even more so. Aemon's dealings with them on his behalf and the coin they'd made from those dealings. Along with the fact that one day it would be Aemon and Rhaenyra who decided the fate of every lord, lady, and common man or woman in Westeros, having seen to that. The Lannisters gave gold, but not enough of it to earn any true favour. While the Lords of the Stormlands, Vale, Riverlands, and Crownlands gave more practical gifts. As too did the Lords and Ladies of the North.

Soon enough it came time for family to give their gifts and Daemon, Viserys, Aemon, and Rhaenyra, and dare he say it, Alicent, were all stunned when the two youngest children stepped forward. Four and three Namedays old respectively, Helaena and Aemond's gifts were the gifts of children and both seemed nervous and yet happy to offer them. As for how they were accepted, it was left to Aemon to speak since Rhaenyra seemed unable to do so.

"My wife and I thank you both, cousins. A thoughtful and most welcome surprise and one we are most heartened to receive. Your graces, my lords and ladies, Princess Helaena and Prince Aemond." Aemon clapped and soon enough the rest of the Throne Room followed him in doing so.

Rickon Stark was next and even Daemon was shocked at the sight of the Weirwood bow. While around the room others seemed almost to look at the gift shamefully, Aemon accepted it exactly how Daemon expected he would. Taking it from Rickon with reverence and a respectful nod of his head. Rhaenyra was gifted a beautiful bed cover from Lady Gillane, one made by the woman's own hand no doubt. Dragons and a white Direwolf depicted and Daemon remembered now the one that he and Lyanna had been gifted at their own wedding.

'Though not even I was gifted a Weirwood bow, or shown such respect."

Rising to his feet, it was time to offer his own gift and he heard how the room hushed when he moved forward to do so. Standing in front of his son and his niece, Daemon looked at them both and welcomed seeing their smiling faces.

"Mine own gift is not one that can be presented. Nor one that can be seen, unless you both wish to travel." Daemon said as some whispers were heard behind him. "'Tis not even one that you'll take possession of today, in truth. Yet it is yours, Son. And one day it will be yours too, Niece." Daemon said as he reached into his pocket and took out the piece or parchment that was both a living and a dying will. "I hereby name my son, Aemon Targaryen as the future King of the Stepstones and do hereby state that on the day my niece, Rhaenyra is crowned queen, the Stepstones will be added to the Seven Kingdoms she and her king consort are to rule over. I gift you both, the Eight Kingdom." Daemon said, to stunned silence.

"My bride and I both thank you, Father."

"We do uncle, truly we do."

With a nod of his head, Daemon took his seat, allowing Viserys to be the last to offer up a gift as was his right as king. Again the room hushed and the only noise that was heard was when Blackfyre was unsheathed. His brother doing so poorly due to his illness.

"As with Daemon, part of my gift is a future one. Prince Aemon. As the Stepstones are to be fully joined with the Seven Kingdoms on the day of Rhaenyra and your own coronation, so too is this sword to be placed in your hand. Blackfyre is the sword of kings, nephew, and I can think of no truer swordsman to wield it than the future King Consort of Westeros." Viserys said to loud mumbling and to some shocked and angered faces. None more so than those of Alicent and Aegon.

"You…You honor me greatly, your grace."

"An honor well deserved, nephew," Viserys said before turning to his daughter. "Would I had a sword to honor you with, daughter. " Viserys said to some laughter. "Instead, I name you as what you are by right, as the lady of your own keep, the princess of your own lands. Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, my beloved daughter, The Realm's Delight, I name you Princess of Dragonstone."

There had been a time when Daemon would have been angered by such a thing. A time when he thought Dragonstone was his, as he was the heir. Now, he found he cared not. Other than it was his son and niece that was to rule over those lands until the time came to rule over all the lands of Westeros. Soon enough the time came for dancing and he found himself standing in front of Corlys, Rhaenys. Laena and Laenor Velaryon. He was surprised that neither Corlys nor Rhaenys raised even an eyebrow when he asked their daughter to dance, and even had they done so, he'd have seen them not. Daemon's entire focus and attention was only on the young woman who offered him first a smile and then her hand.

How long they danced with each other. The amount of time they spent speaking to each other after they'd done so. Daemon could count it not and it all seemed to go by so very quickly. He barely heard the call for the bedding. However, he did notice how the Young Wolves made certain that not one item of Rhaenyra's clothing was disturbed. Aemon lost most of his instead.

All he knew was that when he was offered first the chance to fly with Laena and Vhagar on the morrow and then the chance to visit Driftmark, Daemon's answers came quickly. For he not only wished for both, but he found a part of him longed for it. To spend time with someone he found interested him greatly was not something he'd known for many a year. That it had come on the day of his son's wedding, Daemon felt was a sign from the gods. One for once that he every intent to follow through on.

Rhaenyra.

She was a married woman. Wed to the man she loved with all her heart. The day had finally come and it had been all she'd dreamed it would be. As she sat nervously on the bed and awaited her husband, Rhaenyra found herself thinking back on each and every aspect of the day thus far. From waking up earlier than she usually did. To Aemon's surprise appearance to offer her a comforting hand and a most welcome kiss.

Rhaenyra thought back to the ride to the Tourney Grounds with her father and the words he'd spoken to her. To the tears, she'd refuse to shed over the fact her mother wasn't there with her. Aemon's words that both hers and his own would be looking down from the Seven Heavens and through the trees, were enough to stop those tears for now. She thought about the gifts they'd received and how many of them had been heartfelt and were much appreciated. Those from her uncle and father, Aemon's Northern Kin, and even those from her half-brother and sister. All had been welcomed truly by both her husband and by her.

One overriding thought was where her mind kept going, however. How her husband had looked when she saw him standing there waiting for her. The sheer happiness she'd seen in Aemon's grey eyes and how she had felt no nerves whatsoever as she'd spoken her vows. Closing her eyes. Touching her lips with her fingers. Rhaenyra could almost feel the kiss they'd shared in front of the gods and all those present. As she could the later ones they'd shared as they awaited to be presented, and even those they'd then shared in the Throne Room itself.

"I swear those women are worse than any man." Aemon's voice called out and Rhaenyra turned to see her husband enter the room practically naked.

She laughed, she didn't mean to, but she couldn't help herself. Aemon stood there barely wearing his small clothes. The wedding outfit that she'd been so enamored with was long a thing of the past. Torn from his body by eager hands and by those whose eyes wished to see what lay beneath them no doubt. All the while, she'd been unmolested and still wore her wedding dress. Something that she was most pleased with, as it was a thing of beauty.

Red with black accents. Little beads that represented both, Syrax and Vermithor and even Ghost. The sigil of their House for now to be both dragons entwined with Ghost at rest in front of them, incorporated into the design of her dress. It had been something that had taken her breath away when she'd seen it completed. It had stolen both her father's and uncle's too when she stood before them. While the look Aemon had worn when he looked upon her as she made her way towards him, was one she'd remember for many days to come.

"Nyra?"

"I feel I'm overdressed, husband. Care to right that wrong?" she asked wickedly. Aemon's quick movement forward was all the answer she needed.

*Lemon*

Aemon undid the straps slowly, almost too slowly. His touch was like that of a feather as he carefully took the dress from her and then laid it atop a chair. Rhaenyra standing in front of him in only her own small clothes now. She welcomed hearing the excited breath he took as he looked at her. Seeing more of her than he'd ever seen before and while the same was true for her in regards to him, she'd had a longer time to get used to the sight.

The nerves she had not felt this day, she now felt when Aemon moved toward her. Rhaenyra shivered slightly and wished she was under the covers. A soft touch to her cheek and the beaming smile on Aemon's face when she looked at him, were enough to make her care not that she was not. Feeling his lips on her own, Rhaenyra leaned into the kiss. So lost was she in it that she felt it not when Aemon lifted her up and carried her to the bed. To their bed.

The night before she'd had her things moved, as Aemon had his own. Her chambers and his own were not big enough for them both and neither wished to be apart. This was to be their first night not only as man and wife but in their new chambers and Rhaenyra felt there was something right about that. As there was in the way Aemon spoke softly to her, touched her everywhere but where she wished to, and kissed her constantly.

"We need only do as you wish, Nyra. Only go so far as we both want to."

"But…you want to, don't you?" she asked nervously.

"More than anything in this world, my love." Aemon kissed her. "Yet should you feel unready, feel the need to stop, we stop, Nyra."

"I won't wish to stop, Aems. I don't wish to stop," she said happily.

They kissed for some time. Rhaenyra welcomed Aemon's tongue against her own and tried not to think of that tongue touching other parts of her body. Aemon's hands weren't idle and yet they'd gone no further than anywhere they'd not already touched. So she showed her impatience and liked not the small laugh that came from her husband's mouth. However, she welcomed the soft words he spoke.

"I'm as eager as you, my love, truly."

The next few moments proved that eagerness. Aemon's mouth moved from her own and she felt his lips touch her cheek. Bite her ear softly. Nibble on her neck and then move to the top of her chest. His hands stroked the outside of her thighs. They rubbed softly over her stomach and began to undo the laces of her small clothes. So quickly and yet softly did Aemon do so that Rhaenyra was shocked when she saw him drop her small clothes along with his own on the floor. A feeling of true excitement then came over her as she realized they were both as naked as the day they had been born.

"Aems," she said, her words silenced by a kiss.

When his fingers brushed over her breast she gasped. The feeling sent a shiver right through her. Though it prepared her not for when Aemon replaced his fingers with his lips and tongue. This was ground they'd never covered. A line they'd not crossed until now and each sweep of his tongue or kiss from his lips on her breast and her nipple made her curse that they'd waited this long to do so.

Feelings she could not explain even if she wished to, coursed through her as Aemon's hands now moved down her body. A release that he'd brought her to with his fingers a few times before, was not something truly that she wished for right now. She needed a release, however, so she welcomed it when those fingers moved between her thighs. Rhaenyra closed her eyes and felt herself grow ever closer to the edge, only for her pleasure to be denied to her.

"AEMS!" she said impatiently and then gasped loudly when she opened her eyes.

Aemon was no longer kissing her breasts. His lips were no longer paying attention to her nipples. Instead, he was between her thighs and looking directly at the core of her womanhood. Rhaenyra believed she should feel shamed. That the gods would strike them both down for such a thing. Yet, the look on Aemon's face was one of true wonder and delight. Surely the gods could not allow such a look if it was not what they wished for, was the thought that went through her mind. It was to be the last clear thought she had for some time.

His movement caught her unawares and the feel of his tongue in a place where she'd not expected it, sent her head crashing back down onto her pillow. The next sweep of his tongue sent a bolt of true pleasure coursing through her body and Rhaenyra could only concentrate on that and the one that followed. Happy to find that it was not to be alone in doing so, as another, then another, and then another soon joined it. Lips and tongue were soon followed by fingers and Rhaenyra found herself crying out loudly as Aemon made her feel things that she had never thought possible.

She'd seen it done to a woman when her uncle had brought her and Aemon to the brothel. Had understood it not at the time and now she could only say that if this was what those women had felt, then they were truly blessed. Her breathing had turned heavy. The sheets around her had been gathered in her hands and were being pulled to and fro. Her body both wished to push Aemon away and pull him closer at the same time. All the while, she felt it rise within her, a feeling that she'd known only at Aemon's fingers. One that had never felt as strong as it now did.

"AEMS! GODS AEMSSSSS!"

Her cry was loud and as full of pleasure as it had ever been. The fall when it came was one she was ill-prepared for. How long it took her to get over that fall, she knew not. Only that Aemon was looking down on her worriedly.

"Nyra, thank the gods," Aemon said and she grabbed him as she began to kiss him truly. Caring not that she could taste herself on his lips. "Nyra?"

"I've never….By the Seven, Aemon, nothing has ever…."

"It was good?" Aemon asked concernedly and Rhaenyra kissed him again as she nodded vigorously.

They spoke to each other for a while afterward. Aemon told her that he'd found a book in the library that spoke of such things and that he too remembered that night in the brothel with his father. Rhaenyra chided him for making it seem like they should not be there and Aemon said they should not. That he wished not to look upon another woman or think of anyone but her when it came to such things.

Rhaenyra felt her heart swell at his words and then talk turned to what must come next. Aemon again told her that she needed not to do anything she wished not to. Once she'd convinced him that she wished to, they began once more. Again it was the feel of lips, tongue, and fingers that brought her close to the edge, though this time she was not allowed to fall over it. Her own fingers and lips weren't idle this time either. Though Aemon would let her not do to his member what he'd done between her thighs. His reasoning was one that she found quite adorable if truth be told. As she did the fact that he was not averse to her doing such a thing another time.

"I fear I'll spend before I must, Nyra. Even your touch is close enough to bring me over the edge. The thoughts of your lips, tongue, no, not the now."

"Not the now," she asked wickedly.

"Not the now," Aemon said rolling his eyes at the smirk on her face.

Eventually, they both felt ready and though there was much awkwardness in getting into the most comfortable position, they did so. When she felt his manhood between her thighs, Rhaenyra almost bid Aemon to stop. The thoughts of such a large thing going inside her were worrying, to say the least. Aemon though was gentle and reassuring. Rhaenyra knew that should it hurt, he'd stop. Something that her first loud cry of pain proved true.

"Nyra."

"Keep going, Aems, I'm well."

"You're sure?"

"Aems…"

It hurt when he entered her. Rhaenyra felt so full that she thought she'd burst and though Aemon moved not, she almost told him to take it out of her. Instead, she welcomed his kisses, his touches, and when she felt his fingers move between them and touch her nub, she welcomed this even more. Soon enough she moved against him as she was unable to say the words. Aemon then took the hint and began to move inside her.

After a while, she felt little pain and far more pleasure. Aemon moved slowly and so she bid him to quicken. Rhaenyra found herself looking at the concentrated look on her husband's face and knowing just by doing so that he was so very close to his own release. She kissed him. Spoke softly in his ear and once again bid him to quicken his movements.

"Spend inside me, Aems. Make me a woman. Make me your wife." Rhaenyra said eagerly.

Be it her words or that Aemon was simply that close, he lasted not much longer. She felt every spurt inside her and both prayed that she'd fall with child and that she'd not. The idea of having to do this more and more until she did was one that she most welcomed.

*Lemon Ends*

"I hurt you not?" Aemon asked when he finally got his breath back and composed himself.

"You hurt me not." she lied. He had, but it was a hurt she could accept, especially if it was true that she'd feel it no more as the books that Olene Tyrell had found for her had said.

Aemon helped her to wash and Rhaenyra hated that he then had to show the bloodstained sheets to those who'd waited outside their room. Instead, she much preferred when he changed the bedding and they both took to what would from here on be their bed. She welcomed too being cuddled in her husband's arms and the words that Aemon spoke to her before sleep took her. Less so the discomfort she felt the next morning. Still, as she slept she did so happily and as a married woman. A small prayer of thanks to her great-grandmother for making it so on her lips as she did so.

Aemon.

His first day as a husband was now upon him. Everything had gone as well as he'd hoped it would. The wedding had been well received. Most people seemed happy to be there. While his first night with Rhaenyra had lived up to his every expectation. Little worries and doubts that Aemon had about whether or not it would be pleasurable for his wife, had mostly been put to rest. Rhaenyra he knew had told some white lies to cover up some discomfort, yet he doubted she was a good enough mummer to fake the pleasure she'd shown.

Looking at her as she lay beside him, Aemon was just as pleased at this aspect of being married as he was by the other. To lay together had been something they'd both wished for so long and to know that they'd find even more pleasure together was a boon to his heart. Not having to leave her room and go back to his own, being able to fall asleep with her in his arms, was a boon to his very soul. Aemon reached forward to move a strand of her silver hair from her face so as to watch her sleep.

"I'm awake, Aemon Targaryen," Rhaenyra said when he did so, Aemon chuckling and then placing a kiss on her cheek before rising from the bed.

It took him no more than a moment to find the mint and Rhaenyra welcomed it greatly when he handed her some of it. As she did when he took a piece for himself and rubbed it against his teeth. Almost as soon as he'd thrown it away, he found himself being kissed passionately by his wife. A good sign if ever there was one.

"You feel no discomfort?" he asked.

"Some, but I'll feel better when I bathe for true."

"You seek not the Maester?" he asked concernedly and Rhaenyra shook her head.

They tried to lay together again, but Rhaenyra had lied a little about just how much discomfort she felt and so instead Aemon simply held her in his arms and spoke softly to her. He rose first and dressed quickly, making his way from the rooms and sending Lady Olene and Rhaenyra's other ladies to her. His footsteps took him to the Throne Room where a large morning meal was being held. All conversations soon stopped as he entered the room alone.

Aemon looked around and saw his father sitting with the Young Wolves, his uncle, aunt, and cousin sitting with the rest of the Northern lords and ladies. A small nod of his head to first one and then the other before he moved to where his other uncle sat alone. Taking his seat beside the king, Aemon only did so because he knew that his uncle would ask where Rhaenyra was and he wished him not to be concerned. In truth, he'd have much preferred to sit with his father or his other uncle. Or next to Roderick Dustin if given the chance. Bloody Roddy the one man who wouldn't break his balls regarding his wedding night, Aemon would wager.

"You look well, nephew. All is good?" his uncle asked. Aemon had been right in his thoughts about who Viserys was truly concerned with. Not that there was not some regarding him too.

"All is good, uncle. Nyra is being attended to by her ladies. My wife wishes to bathe before breaking her fast."

"'Tis good she has an appetite, nephew."

"That it is, uncle." Aemon smiled.

They spoke on little of substance as Aemon broke his fast and so he was more than happy when Rhaenyra eventually entered the Throne Room and took her seat beside him. The kiss she gave him after she'd done so proved, even more than his words had, that all had gone well between them. Despite wanting to stay by her side, Aemon whispered in her ear that he was to speak to his father and his uncle and that he wished to give her the chance to speak to her father without him. Then he excused himself and took his seat beside his father and the Young Wolves. Ready for any comments that may be aimed his way and willing to accept only those that were not disrespectful to his wife. Not that there was to be any, mind.

"All looks well, son. Never have I seen a bride more pleased the morning after." his father said and Aemon smiled as he looked to where Rhaenyra was reassuring her father likewise.

"We've always been matched well, father. It seems even in the bedchamber we remain most compatible." Aemon said, not liking the formality of the words, but they were as much as he was willing to say about what he and Rhaenyra got up to when alone.

"'Tis good to hear, son, and not something I ever doubted." his father said touching his shoulder.

"We'll speak later, alone?" he asked to a nod of his father's head and after then speaking but briefly to the Young Wolves, it was to his uncle, aunt, and cousin he next went

Ghost and Shadow were at present stalking a stag in the Kingswood. Mushroom's words on his wolf dreams had sent Aemon to the books and he could now enter Ghost's mind at will. Speaking quietly to his uncle, he asked if his cousin had been having strange dreams and when he was told that Cregan had, he suggested they spend some time alone together. His uncle looked at him curiously before nodding his agreement.

A kiss to his aunt's cheek, a mussing of Cregan's hair which earned him a furious glare from Cregan, and Aemon was soon taking his seat back beside Rhaenyra. Alicent showed herself not that morning nor did Ser Criston and Aemon found that he welcomed both absences equally. Aegon did turn up however and when his uncle began to speak of him taking a squire, Aemon looked to Rhaenyra who quickly changed the subject.

It was long past time he did so and yet he wished it not to be his cousin. Aegon he liked not and he had no wish to train him. So instead when next it was brought up, he'd mention that it would be better for him to be squired to Ser Criston as he had been. Knowing full well that his uncle would see the wisdom in that. Even if he had to name Ser Criston as something he was not in the process. For the knight had never been his mentor nor whom he had learned anything other than swordplay from. Instead, it had been Runciter, Ser Steffon, Ser Daeron, and his own father from whom Aemon had taken his lead.

"Duties call, my love," Aemon said rising to his feet and both his uncle and his wife looked at him incredulously. Yet it was not for their benefit that he was speaking the words but instead for the others who may take issue with him taking time off, even if that time was justified.

"Surely not, Aems?" Rhaenyra pouted.

"An hour, two at most. I'll be no longer, you have my oath."

"We'll keep you to that, nephew." his uncle said and Aemon bowed, before kissing his still-pouting wife.

For the next two hours, Aemon paid visits to the leaders of the criminal gangs and left them in no doubt that he'd not accept them stepping out of line during the upcoming tourney. He checked in on the girls in the brothels and made sure they were being treated well and spent some time in Flea Bottom handing out coin. A wedding gift from both Rhaenyra and him to those who needed it most.

His last destination took him to speak to Lady Mysaria. His Mistress of Whisperers was more than happy to see him and to accept the large bag of coin he presented her with. Spies had a need to be paid and her network added to his own made it a costly endeavor. Though one that was very much worth it as Mysaria sang her songs and Aemon listened to them all eagerly.

"The Lions bristle still, Aemon. As too do those in the Reach you've not made inroads with. While the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard has a loose tongue when he wishes to bed someone."

"What did Cole say?"

"That the realm needs not another Rogue Prince as heir, Aemon."

Aemon held his temper back at Cole's words and bid Mysaria to speak on any that Alicent may have said. None of them truly added anything to what he already knew. When he asked about Oldtown, he was told it would take time for her to get her people close to the Hightowers and yet he knew that they'd find out even more than his own would. Mysaria's methods were unknown to him but his father had always sworn by them and so Aemon would place his faith in her just as Daemon once had.

"Dorne, Mysaria, I needs must know what moves the Dornish make and what it is they truly desire."

"For why, Aemon?"

"So as I know whether it's by flames alone they'll need to be cowed."

The truth was he knew not what Dorne truly wished for. Other than they wanted some hold on the Stepstones and wanted not to pay any tolls. Should they join with the Triarchs then it made the upcoming war a harder one to predict let alone win. So if the price was one he was willing to pay to get them to sit this one out, he would. Not that he wasn't averse to bringing them fire and blood if their price was too high.

Upon his return to the Red Keep, less than two hours later, it was to find that Rhaenyra had things that she too had wished to do. So he met with his father and Lord Corlys' earlier than he had intended. Spoke to them both about the war against the Triarchs and what steps he'd already taken regarding that war. Aemon tried his best not to swell with too much pride at the way his father looked at him as he did so. Something he'd not lie and say that he succeeded at doing.

By the time night fell, he and Rhaenyra were in the Dragonpit, an evening flight atop their dragons something they both looked forward to. It was a flight they were not allowed to share alone, as his father and Laena Velaryon both joined them and Aemon noticed how his father kept looking at the lady while she and Vhagar flew ahead of Caraxes. It brought a small smile to his face to see it. His father had been alone too long and a match with House Velaryon was one that made a lot of sense. Aemon thinking of the deal he'd agreed with Princess Rhaenys and finding he liked that deal a lot more if it was a child of his father's and the lady's who was to wed a child of his and Rhaenyra's.

For most of the night, however, Aemon's eyes were for his wife and his wife only. Syrax flew next to Vermithor and it was when Rhaenyra gave him that look, that they brought the flight to an end. The promise of the night to come made them both most eager to do so.

A/N: Thanks to all who've read and reviewed. I'm not sure if it's just me, but I've been having terrible trouble posting to this site recently. This chapter alone has taken almost a week to go through. Anyway, here it is now. Up Next: Otto fumes and plots, Criston Cole makes a statement of intent that angers two princes and pleases a queen. Aemon spends time with his cousins and his new wife, and the Triarchy readies to make its move as the Second War for the Stepstones draws ever closer.

For those following my other fics, Revenge is a Dish, Dragonverse, and Purple Deception are up next in that order.

Missed Reviews.

Chapter 1.

Artaris1991: Would that I had the time to do so, or my writing process allowed me to concentrate on a single one and get to the end. But, I write constantly so as to not suffer from writer's block. Which at times means jumping from story to story or chapter to chapter. Or even to certain povs that could be a couple of chapters away and so won't fit a current chapter. To add to that, work pressures and lately some family issues have robbed me of much of the time I devote to writing too, which has lessened the frequency of my updates. It's made me hold back on the half a dozen or so new stories that I've already done some work on, some of which have five or more chapters ready, just so I can try and get these ones finished first. But it is what it is, and for me I'd rather write than not, so for now this is the only way I can update stories, by doing it as I finish a chapter and have it ready to go.

Chapter 2:

Guest.

Chapter 5:

There is actually no real issue between Aemon/Harwin other than some jealousy, we'll see if it goes any further than that or if Harwin accepts that Rhaenyra's love was never something he was to have.

Chapter 6.

Cew.

I kind of liked it too, however, it felt too much like Barristan for me. It also steals a lot away from Cole's character too as him being LC is a huge point in things, especially since he's been LC for quite some time by the time the Dance starts.

So Aemon's deal with Rhaenys is basically that. A future granddaughter of hers to marry Aemon and Rhaenyra's heir. As for Daemon/Laena, well that's how Rhaenys hopes to further guarantee it. It's also another of my many complaints about the show, Daemon was at first infatuated and then I believe fell in love with Laena, the show sort of made it seem as if he barely cared for her at all. So here, you can see there is genuine interest on his part. I wasn't sure how to go with Aemon/Helaena, but I sorted out their arcs in my head and wanted to use Ghost to change things up with them. Hope you liked the wedding.

Alicent is very much against Aemond/Helaena being friendly with Aemon/Rhaenyra, but Ghost really is a great asset to help that relationship and we'll see which of them wins out.

Uschalic: So very glad you're enjoying it

Mr2legittoquit: Your wish is my command.

Chapter 7 reviews.

Rhatch: That was one of the key things that I had to consider in putting Jon/Aemon in this situation, that it would influence Rhaenyra and change her character somewhat, but more than that, you now have a different player who would play the game differently, changing it. We will see Otto/Alicent make some moves to counter those made by Aemon in time, to change things even more.

TehStorm: Hope you liked the wedding.

Dunk: I'm with you on that completely. Tarly is still sort of neutral, in that to him there are no sides yet. He simply looks at the board and sees that Aemon/Rhaenyra will sit on the Iron Throne and so there is no reason for him to look to Alicent and Otto. He knows of the divide between them, but he doesn't see it really as an issue, since for now there are no reasons why Aemon/Rhaenyra shouldn't be Viserys' successors. So it's a little of him helping out his own position, him simply doing his job and for now not actually needing to make any other choice but that. More than him being more on side with one or the other. With Aemon, even he doesn't really believe that the Greens would actually go to war for the throne. So he's simply shoring up alliances to ensure there are more who'd take his father's, his own, and Rhaenyra's side than anything else. There is a little of him truly hating Otto and disliking Alicent too, more than him actually believing they'd fight for the throne. I do think that was the Green's biggest advantage, same with the Red Wedding in a way, no one could have ever truly predicted it because it's so far out there in terms of a step to take. Jon being stabbed at the Wall is a little like that too, despite the bad feeling about what he had done/was planning to do. He couldn't predict that his men would turn on him, so is blindsided. With the Greens, yes Rhaenyra knew of the bad feeling, but to try and take the throne, I doubt that ever entered her mind until they did so. So with Aemon, he's not even thinking that, yet. Not truly.

Irish Hermit: Yes, plus Aemon was Runciter's fave student and so we can assume he learned somewhat about certain names or motivations regarding Maesters in the Citadel. Here, he would probably be wary of any Grand Maester who was sent regardless, but certainly with Otto in Oldtown, he definitely is. Aemon has the best poison detector out there, Ghost. That's exactly Aemon's plan with the Gold Cloaks, he's already put some of the Young Wolves there, seen them placed in high positions and used them to root out those who can't be trusted. As LC, he's going to do that even more and fill it with people he trusts, also, just like Daemon, he's going to earn loyalty or try to. Both Criston and Alicent's problem in running Aemon/Rhaenyra down is that Viserys really doesn't want to hear it. Otto learned that to his cost and so they'll need to manufacture evidence or create an event, just simply disparaging them isn't enough. Dragonstone as you see is Rhaenyra's seat here, though I have a different take on how things will begin and the war start, and some changes to keep it interesting. But yes, if that did happen here, it would be addressed.

Xan Merrick: As you command, my friend.

Wrysenseofhumor: I've been having issues with this site for a little while now, the not showing up as updated is just one of them. This chapter I actually updated on the same day as I did on another fic site and it took almost a week just to be accepted, Then I added my notes and it took a few more hours for them to copy through and for the chapter to finally roll out. It's the only site I'm having issues with too, for some reason.

Viserys never showed that spine except with Daemon and even then only when Daemon did something that forced him to do so. Although I suppose you can say he did it a little with Otto when he fired him too. But here he does have Aemon prodding him without berating him and so he's more likely to listen. Corlys wants what most ambitious men want, more. You are right, reach too far or let it define you and you're risking everything. As for Rhaenys, to be honest, she's not as bitter as I make her out here, more it's at times biting to her to know that she was wrongfully denied, as events more Aemon's offer to her closer to being realized, you'll see that. Exactly so with Criston. I hated a lot about the show, aging Rhaenyra up was just one of the many things as it goes completely against the truth of things regarding those who were infatuated with her. Criston wanted her from when she was young, he's a little like Littlefinger in that regard. Aemon could sense it, but at the time didn't understand what it was that he was sensing, being too young himself. But it was why he never really liked Cole and why Cole never liked him.

If Lyonel lived, things probably never would have spiraled, so yes I think he has the foresight and wherewithal to stop it, it's just a question of will he be around to do so. Aemon is the youngest LC in the history of the Gold Cloaks so there is still big prestige there. While for Viserys it's also almost an audition for Aemon to take a place on the SC, so he certainly plans to offer him a role there at some point. As you rightly say, a Prince can't not be seen to be kept too far from power, as it would look as if he was being snubbed or given less than his rank deserved. Aemon only is so for now because of his age and so Viserys can use what he did with the Gold Cloaks, to show him promoted because of merit. Also, there is no vacancy as of yet, and thus far all the Small Council members are doing their job well enough, so that helps a little too. Oh, we may see more attempts on Aemon's life before too long.

On the intimacy part, I had to put a scene in for their wedding night, hopefully you saw the warnings and had no need to read it, as nothing else happens in that specific section. I know you don't like such things and you're not alone, so I at least try to keep those scenes to a minimum and always to warn where they start and end, so those who wish not to read them, don't have to.

Guest: So glad you liked it.

Orthankg: Really glad you enjoyed it.