Legendary master

by Majannajsnns89

As a kid Damon’s dream was always to catch legendary Pokémon but he wasn’t a kid now he could finally travel oh in own without anyone accept his Pokémon he was determined to achieve his dream

15. H

Lucerys should have known that the tentative peace between him and Aemond was not going to last.

Their marriage had been a political arrangement by the King who overlooked the fact that Aemond despised the Omega and Lucerys was terrified of the Alpha.

The married couple kept their distance from each other, avoiding the other during the day, sleeping in separate rooms, and only laying with each other during their heats and ruts. Both were slightly content with this unspoken arrangement of staying out of each other's way.

Until Mellos confirmed that Lucerys was pregnant.

Aemond had become strangely attentive after that, walking with Lucerys around the keep, joining him in the library, visiting Arrax in the Dragon Pit with him, and even began sleeping in Lucerys' chambers.

Not in the bed at first, Lucerys awoke one morning to see his husband slouched in a chair near the dying fire. It took about a week for the Omega to come to terms that the Alpha would not stop sleeping in the chair any time soon and had tiredly raised the blankets up and motioned for Aemond to join him.

The Alpha hesitated but slowly shuffled into bed and settled on the side furthest from Lucerys. But Lucerys awoke the next morning with soft breaths in his ear and warm hands against his still flat stomach.

Things began to improve greatly between the two of them after that.

They spoke of names and when they would go to the Dragon Pit to choose an egg for the cradle. Aemond, who was hesitant to do so at first, would rest his hand against the slowly growing bump that their child was currently living in during these conversations.

When Lucerys began to nest around the third moon of his pregnancy, his family visited.

There were surprisingly no fights during the visit. Aemond was polite with Lucerys' family and they treated him with the same courtesy. And Lucerys pillaged their rooms for items to add to his nest.

Daemon's shirt, Rhaena's shawl, Baela's dress, his mother's scarf, Joffrey's blanket, and Jace's jerkin were added to the arranged chaos of Helaena's shawls, and cloak, and Aemond's blankets and his leather coat.

The coat was nestled across Lucerys' pillow.

Before they returned to Dragonstone, Rhaenyra pulled Lucerys aside and presented him with a gift,

"Something for your nest," It was an aquamarine cloak with seahorses stitched along the sides. The scent was faded, but Lucerys could easily pick out the familiar smell that coated it,

"Was this, father's?" He asked, his voice thick with tears as his mother nodded.

Aemond had pursed his lips when he saw the cloak folded neatly beside his coat but he said nothing.

The problems had started after his family left.

Aemond grew cold, or, colder, toward Lucerys and soon stopped coming to his chambers. Then stopped walking through the gardens with him. Then stopped speaking to him altogether.

Servants, lords, and ladies stared at him with a particular look that had him shifting under their gaze.

Criston Cole sneered openly when they crossed paths.

Queen Alicent peered down her nose at him with a grimace when she saw him at the rare family meal.

Aegon would snigger into his cup while grinning broadly at his brother.

Helaena only gave him a sad smile and took his hand under the table.

She would later tell Luke about the rumors that were now surrounding him when they were sitting with Jaeharys and Jaehara.

Apparently, Lucerys had been unfaithful to Aemond.

Apparently, Lucerys had an affair.

Apparently, his pup was not Aemond's.

Apparently, he was carrying a bastard.

He had tried telling Aemond that the rumors were false and that he was willing to swear before any gods that he had been faithful during their marriage, that he was willing to do anything to prove to Aemond that the child was his!

"Anything?" Lucerys nodded, "Then give me your eye!"

The Omega recoiled.

This was the first time Aemond's eye had been mentioned since the beginning of their marriage.

The Alpha sneered and stormed away, leaving the smell of smoldering ash behind him.

When Lucerys returned to his chambers that night, the meticulous nest he had put together was in pieces. The items he had taken from his mother, brothers, stepfather, and stepsisters were strewn across the floor, a few of them with rips in the fabric. But the items that had been taken from Aemond and Helaena were gone.

As was Laenor's cloak.

But the smell of ash remained around the room.

The Omega had cried as he tried piecing his nest back together, but no matter how hard he tried, it wasn't right!

It wasn't right it was all wrong!

He was found by the servants the next morning in the corner, his hands twisting his hair as he stared at the pieces of his destroyed nest as an acrid and putrid smell permeated through the air.

The maesters were called and he had been forced to take some kind of tonic that made him fall asleep.

When Lucerys awoke, he was back in his bed. The remaining pieces of his nest were haphazardly thrown across him. Lucerys took to sleeping on the chaise by the fire after that.

He refused any blankets offered to him.

He even refused Helaena when she tried to return her items that Aemond had taken from Lucerys' nest.

Seeing how easily his last nest was destroyed, by his pup's sire no less, Lucerys knew there was nothing stopping Aemond from coming back and doing it again!

"You need to make another nest, Luke," Helaena said as she placed the clothing she had brought on his bed, "It will help make things easier during and after the birth. It will also help soothe you, and by extension your pup,"

Lucerys violently shook his head.

It wasn't safe to build a nest here! It wasn't safe!

The maesters gave him another tonic and Lucerys slept through the day.

I have no friends here but Helaena, mother. The rift between Aemond and myself has grown to the point that even Vhagar would become weary before reaching the edge.

My dear aunt tries to give me the safety to rebuild what was destroyed, but I'm afraid her efforts are all for naught as I will find no comfort here.

I wish I could be with you, Daemon, my brothers, and sisters on Dragonstone, but both the king and queen agree that I should be here when my child is born.

- Lucerys

He rolled up his letter and slowly stood from his chair, grimacing as he placed a hand on his rounded stomach. Another contender to prove his false infidelity.

Mellos and Orwlye both agreed that he had to be around eight moons instead of seven because of the size. They said it meant his pup was conceived a month before he saw the maesters to confirm he was with child.

They said it meant that Lucerys had committed his infidelity after his heat when Aemond had returned to his own chambers.

And speaking of Aemond, Helaena had told Luke that the Alpha had launched his own inquisition into finding out who had impregnated Lucerys. And the Omega told his aunt that if Aemond was so determined, he need only look in the mirror.

Helaena thought it was funny.

Aemond did not.

He burst into Lucerys' room and cornered him against the wall,

"When I find the one who dared believe he would get away with you spreading your legs for him, I will kill him! Painfully! And slowly in front of you!"

"That's enough Aemond!" Helaena shouted.

The raised voice of the normally soft-spoken princess had the guards outside rushing in as Aemond stormed out.

Lucerys sank to the floor, the letter he had written crumpled in his hand.

Helaena tried getting him back into the chair when there was a subtle shift in his scent and an iron smell in the air.

His labors had started.

It was too early, but his labors had started!

The room became crowded with midwives as Helaena was pulled away and their hands pushed Lucerys toward the bed.

He struggled against them. He did not want them! They were not the midwives that had been sent from Dragonstone!

Lucerys could hear them trying to get in and arguing with someone outside the door!

He tried getting up to let them in, but was pushed back by the sour-faced midwives he did not know.

They prodded at the space between his legs and ignored Lucerys when he asked questions. They did not listen when he begged them to stop touching him!

Then Mellos came in with a tray of tools.

He didn't even look at Lucerys as he began to prepare them while saying,

"It's been too long,"

Too long? How much time had passed since his labors started?

"How-How long-" Lucerys cut off with a sharp cry that had one of the midwives ducking between his legs before shouting,

"He's crowning!" She then looked up and addressed Lucerys for the first time, "You need to push. Now!"

His mind was a mess and his body was shaking, but Lucerys curled over his stomach and pushed.

He felt something at his entrance and was told to push again.

One more time!

Then-

"It's a girl!" Someone exclaimed as a sharp cry filled the air while Luke collapsed against the sweat-soaked pillows.

He felt something being laid across his chest and looked down.

A small, squirming, red thing was there.

His child.

His pup.

His daughter.

And he felt...

Nothing.

There wasn't even the relief that she had been born.

Lucerys remembered both his mother and Helaena telling him about the joy they felt when it was over and they saw their children.

Why didn't Luke feel that?

His daughter was here and she had white hair, showing that Aemond was her father. She proved them all wrong by simply being born!

So why did Luke feel nothing but emptiness as he held her?

He didn't register the door being opened until someone called out,

"The queen demands that the child be brought to her. Immediately," The room went quiet as everyone looked at who Lucerys recognized as the queen's head maid and Mellos who grabbed a pair of scissors from the tray of tools.

The maester approached Lucerys who tried scrambling away and clutching his daughter to his chest as one of the midwives began to peel her out of his arms,

"Help the prince dress," Mellos said as he cut the chord attached to the baby, "It would not be wise to keep the queen waiting,"

Lucerys' mind could not keep up with the activity that rose up around him as a simple robe was pulled over his bloodied shift. He stood on shaky legs as his daughter was placed back in his arms and he was urged toward the door.

None of the midwives said anything about the blood still dripping down his legs. It, must not have been as bad as it felt, Lucerys' dazed mind reasoned as he was gently pushed into the hall.

His daughter was still crying.

Lucerys tried to gently rock her like he had seen his mother and Helaena do before to their children, and it seemed to work since her wails quieted some,

"Lucerys? Lucerys?" He tensed at the hand on his shoulder but relaxed at the familiar lilac scent that clung to his aunt, "What are you doing? You should be resting!"

"Her grace wants to meet her granddaughter. And I don't think Mellos will let me back in the room," He said while taking one shaky step in front of another,

"Lucerys-"

"She and her son will see I did not lie," He said while continuing, "My daughter is Aemond's. She will see that,"

"My mother will, Lucerys. They will see that your two dragons are from Aemond. But you need to go back-"

"I will show that I did not lie," There was intense pain in his abdomen and he grits his teeth, "And then I will go to Dragonstone. I will not have- I will not-"

A pained groan passed through his lips as a sharp pain brought Lucerys to his knees.

Helaena's voice was sharp, but he could not make out what she was saying.

There was another pain and he felt his back pressing against something hard as hands held his arms.

His daughter was taken from his arms again and Lucerys tried to protest but screamed instead.

He tried focusing on Helaena's voice as the pain continued rolling through him until he finally heard,

"Push!"

There was a second shrill scream that joined the wailing of his daughter.

He once again felt something being placed on his chest and looked down.

Another babe was in his arms.

Another pup.

And he still felt nothing but pain and emptiness,

"Another girl, Lucerys," Helaena told him, "Two girls. Two dragons. Twins,"

He weakly nodded,

"Ser, may I use your blade?"

"Princess, I can-"

"And as I have said, Mellos," Helaena glare over her shoulder at the maester and midwives who were now standing in the hall, "You have proven that I cannot trust you with my nephew! Now, Ser Arryk, your blade!"

Ser Arryk was standing just behind Helaena, looking slightly green, with Lucerys' first daughter in his arms. The knight managed to pull his sword out with one hand and followed Helaena's directions to hold the blade steady. She wrapped the chord connecting the second child to Lucerys and tugged it down to sever it,

"Here, princess," A voice behind Lucerys said as a slight movement jostled the Omega, "I apologize, my prince,"

Ser Erryk had been the one supporting Lucerys as he gave birth to his second child and was now offering his white cloak to Helaena to wrap the new babe in.

Helaena gently swaddled the newborn as three women managed to shove their way through the crowd,

"Princess, may we please help him?" Helaena eyed the three with distrust, "Princess Rhaenyra sent us to help her son through his labors. The maester would not let us through,"

"It's okay, aunt," Lucerys said, drawing her attention to him, "I know them. I know them,"

His aunt's gaze softened and glazed over before she nodded to allow the three forward. They quickly got to work, one replacing Ser Erryk and pulling Lucerys' legs back while the other two began checking for tearing before both exclaimed that he still needed to deliver the afterbirth!

Lucerys' gentle aunt was angry again as she rocked her youngest niece and glared at Mellos before turning to the end of the hall where a sharp gasp was heard,

"What?"

"I-I- The queen wanted-" The maid was cut off by a squelching noise as Lucerys slumped back against the midwife holding him up as the afterbirth finally passed through,

"No tearing. Good,"

"Is-is it over?" Everyone looked at Lucerys, taking in his flushed and sweat-soaked face as he trembled with pain and exhaustion.

The midwife holding him gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze, "Yes, prince. It's done,"

The shaking Omegan prince nodded before slowly rising to his feet with a hiss,

"Lucerys-"

"The Queen, wishes, to see them," Was all that he said while taking his second daughter from Helaena while swaying, "She wants to see that I- I want this to be over!" Lucerys whimpered with a sob.

Helaena gazed at him with sadness before nodding,

"I will go with you,"

Chapter 2

Notes:

Warning: Postpartum, blood, panic attack

Chapter Text

Any conversation happening in the halls came to an abrupt halt when they saw Prince Lucerys, pale and shaking with a babe carefully wrapped in a white cloak as blood dripped onto the floor behind him, walked past while being supported by Ser Erryk and Ser Arryk with Princess Helaena leading the way with another babe, this one wrapped in a dark red blanket, carefully tucked in her arms as Queen Alicent's maid, Talia tried to ease the child out of her grasp.

Helaena shot the woman a terrifying glare that had her scuttling back when she heard the distressed whimper from Lucerys. He may feel only emptiness and pain when it came to his children, but he would not have either of them in the grasp of a green woman.

Everyone stared before remembering to hastily bow as Lucerys made his way slowly toward the stairs.

Each step was torture and sent more blood spilling down his legs as he struggled not to drop his daughter.

Lucerys let out a sharp groan when they reached the first landing as his stomach tightened,

"Luke?"

"M'fine. I'm-" He nodded to Helaena and resumed putting one foot in front of the other with the guards supporting him tightened their hold as a lord who was walking toward them stopped in his tracks to bow,

"Prince Lucerys. I am privileged to be among the first to congratulate you," Lucerys gave a tight nod but did not say anything for fear of screaming in pain,

"My nephew thanks you, Lord Caswell," Helaena answered for him as they continued walking up the stairs,

"If I may be of any assistance..?" Lucerys shook his head, but Helaena looked over her shoulder and said,

"Actually, my lord, if you could walk with us for a moment?" The beta lord quickly approached to walk at Helaena's side, concern evident in his expression as he glanced between the prince, princess, knights, and newborn babes,

"Princess?"

"I need a letter sent on my behalf to Dragonstone addressed to my sister, Princess Rhaenyra,"

"Princess, I would be more than happy to-"

"I am asking Lord Caswell, Talia, not you!" Helaena snapped at the maid, "If you wish to be of service, return to my nephew's chambers and ensure that his belongings are packed so that he may go to Dragonstone at the earliest convenience! Now, Lord Caswell," His aunt turned back to the lord,

"My sister is to be told that she and Prince Daemon should come to King's Landing at the earliest convenience to celebrate the birth of their grandchildren. My father will most likely want a celebration and they should be present. My Lord," She then lowered her voice so that any passersby, and most importantly Talia, would not hear the last part, "And that it is imperative they arrive on dragon back before the day is over. With their maester from Dragonstone. As Mellos cannot be trusted with my nephew or his children,"

Lord Caswell nodded, a look of understanding on his face as he bowed, "It will be done, my prince and princess. It will be done immediately,"

Lucerys found his voice and managed to call over his shoulder,

"Th-thank you, Lord Caswell," He turned to Helaena, "Thank you,"

She gave him a smile that did not reach her eyes,

"Come. We are almost at this journey's end. Another will start for us after,"

When they finally reached the top of the stairs, Lucerys was shaking so violently that Ser Arryk asked if they should turn back,

"You may go back, Ser, but I, did not bleed over half of the keep for nothing," Luke said as sweat dripped down his cheeks.

Or maybe he was crying?

It was most likely both intermixing on his face.

He felt his daughter shift in his arms and looked down. Her eyes were open.

Her left eye was a dark violet that matched her alpha sire's remaining one while the right was a replica of his own hazel eyes.

His youngest cooed while waving her fist, but Lucerys did not react, he did not smile or tell Helaena that his daughter's eyes were open. All he did was ask why he felt nothing as he looked at his pup.

When the queen's door came into view, Talia scurried past them and opened the door to step inside.

As voices floated through the crack, Helaena gently squeezed Luke's elbow and he nodded. They began walking toward the door, and the voices became clearer, with one in particular sticking out with a scent Lucerys had found comfort in during the first months of pregnancy.

Sandalwood and leather.

But there was also a thick, ashy smell that came with it. The same one that had been present when he had found his destroyed nest,

"My prince?"

No, no, no! This was not safe!

He couldn't be here this is not safe!

"Lucerys! Lucerys, you need to breathe!" He shook his head and gasped out,

"No- Not safe! It's not-"

"It is, Lucerys! I swear-" "

"No! He-"

"Breathe,"

Helaena was now fully supporting Lucerys and his daughters as she angled his nose against the scent gland in her neck.

His aunt had the soft scent of a garden covered in flowers, lilac being the most prominent. It wasn't like the perfumes that most of the lady betas doused themselves in that made the Omega's nose itch. Her's reminded him of the gardens on Dragonstone, of sitting beside his mother in the sun when Joffrey was still a small babe and sucking on his fingers.

It was also just undoubtedly Helaena, who had been his only friend these past months, who had tried everything to make the Red Keep safe for him.

Lucerys breathed in his aunt's scent, forcing himself to focus on it instead of the ash in the room he was about to enter.

When his tremors had begun to subside, Helaena leaned back as the twin guards resumed their position of supporting Lucerys as the princess said,

"We shall go in there, show the queen her new grandchildren, and then leave after. Alright?" He managed a nod as Helaena readjusted his arms around his daughter, "Alright. And sers? Both of you will stay close,"

The two kingsguard nodded and began following the prince and princess into the queen's rooms.

There was a conversation happening between the queen and Talia when they entered,

"-Mean 'both babes'? Neither maester said anything about multiple children!"

"The maesters were wrong, mother. You now have two new grandchildren," The people in the room all turned to face Helaena and Lucerys, and their faces went pale.

Talia turned away and quickly searched for something to busy herself with as she did not want to see the gruesome sight again.

The Hand, who normally had a stoic expression, felt his jaw drop and his eyes go wide.

Criston Cole couldn't disguise his shock either.

Aegon jolted up from his seat at the table and looked as if he were about to be sick.

Lucerys purposefully turned his head away from the window where Aemond was standing. He did not want to see the one-eyed Alpha's reaction.

The queen's hands covered her mouth as she whispered,

"By the gods! What... What happened? You both... The blood!"

Lucerys glanced down and saw that his robe was open to reveal the shift he had been wearing when he gave birth. He knew the back had to be soaked, but Lucerys was not expecting the front to be red as well. He could see that the front was stained with blood and the crimson liquid had begun to dry across his legs as bloodied footsteps trailed behind him. He also saw the white cloak his second daughter was wrapped in had red handprints staining the sides,

"I've gotten your cloak dirty, ser,"

"There is no need to apologize, my prince. It can be washed or a new one can be made," Ser Erryk told Lucerys as his brother said,

"We should help the prince sit,"

"Wait! Aegon! Pillow!"

The prince was still in his stupor so he did not complain or make any unsavory remarks as he handed a pillow from the queen's bed to his sister-wife.

When Helaena handed the pillow to Ser Arryk, Lucerys saw that his aunt had blood on her hands, arms, and the front of her dress,

"Helaena-"

"I need no apologies from you, Lucerys," She said as he was slowly lowered onto the now cushioned chair.

A groan followed by a pain-filled whimper escaped the Omega and he bit his lip hard enough to draw blood.

Footsteps quickly approached Lucerys from the window as the smell of sandalwood and leather became stronger,

"No! No!" He tried pushing himself out of the chair but fell back as a sharp pain raced up his spine.

Helaena now stood between him and the approaching Alpha as she ran a bloodied hand through his hair. Lucerys slowly began to lean against his aunt as he focused on her and not Aemond who he knew was now far closer than he had been when Lucerys first entered,

"Oh, Lucerys! Look!" Helaena knelt at his side and held the child toward him, "Her eyes have opened!"

His oldest child had the same different colored eyes as her sister except they were opposite. Her violet eye was on her right while her hazel eye was on the left,

"They're different," He murmured while looking down at his oldest as she peered up at him with a yawn.

With them side by side, Lucerys could see the youngest had thick, white curls atop her head while the oldest had thin, pale strands that lay flat against her scalp. Both of them had slim noses and facial structures like Aemond, but the oldest seemed to have a slight upturn at the end of her nose as he did.

Lucerys could not find it in him to smile at his daughters.

A throat cleared and the queen stepped forward to ask,

"Her eyes are different colors?" Lucerys found himself nodding as he kept looking at his children, "May I?"

The queen's arms were open as she walked toward Helaena, her eyes on the babe in the princess' arms. But Helaena angled herself so that the babe was out of the queen's reach,

"I'm afraid Lucerys and his children should rest now, mother. The three of them are exhausted after such a traumatic endeavor,"

Lucerys chanced a glance at Aemond and saw that the Alpha's eye was fixated on the pups, but his gaze snapped to the Omega when he heard the word 'traumatic,'

"What do you mean, Helaena?" His voice had Lucerys curling closer to his aunt as he tried to hide as the Omegan Princess' normally soft and pleasant scent curdled and soured as she looked at her brother,

"It means, brother, that the midwives Lucerys knew and was familiar with were kept out of the room by Mellos and a group of strangers who said they were instructed by the queen to assist in Lucerys' labors. If it were not for their uniform, Lucerys may not have known who they were or why they had forced their way into his chambers!"

The Hand tried to say something after finally finding his voice but Helaena continued,

"And when Mellos heard that the queen demanded to see the child you had sired, he all but pushed Lucerys out into the hall without so much as checking the afterbirth. If he had, Lucerys would not have had to give birth to your second child on the ground in the middle of the hall!"

Silence fell over the room.

Aegon, who had been prepared to witness an amusing back and forth between Aemond and Lucerys when he heard the Omega had gone into labor, was now ashen face and throwing back cup after cup of wine and was reaching to refill his goblet again.

Cole did nothing to stop him as he said,

"Perhaps, the maester and midwives misunderstood-"

"Without checking for the afterbirth? Are you insinuating that Mellos and the midwives my mother selected are incompetent, Ser Cole? If you are, I completely agree," The queen's shield sputtered as Helaena squeezed Lucerys' shoulder and motioned for the brothers who had been standing at attention, "Sers, if you could help my nephew, please,"

"Shouldn't Aemond hold the children? If he is their sire, wouldn't that help to put them and the prince at ease?" Lucerys flinched at the insinuation in Otto Hightower's words and how he said them.

If Lucerys refused, it would be seen as an admission of guilt, that the rumors were right and his daughters were not Aemond's. And the look on Helaena's face said she knew it too.

But he did not want Aemond to hold the children. For all he knew, the Alpha could take this as a final chance at revenge for his eye and say that they were not his. That fear left an acrid taste in his mouth.

Lucerys did not see the slight twitch of Otto Hightower's mouth when the smell of fear rolled off of the Omega, but Helaena did. She quickly knelt and began speaking to Lucerys, but he did not hear a word she said and only nodded when her mouth stopped moving before staring straight ahead.

His ears were ringing and there were dark spots on the edges of his vision by the time he felt his daughter being carefully lifted from his arms. And then his sight went completely black.

The next thing he remembers is being carried through the halls of The Red Keep as Helaena kept repeating,

"A seahorse alights the horizon as the red beasts' rage burns but the gold's anger is brighter than them all," As she continued repeating her riddle, another voice broke through the fog of Lucerys' mind,

"My prince? Can you hear me? My prince?"

Lucerys tried to answer but felt his head loll back as his eyes closed again and he welcomed darkness a second time.

Arrax let out a roar from the Dragon Pit that shook the ground.

He continued his call for almost two hours as the Dragon Keepers tried to calm him, but the dragon snarled at all of them before resuming.

Vhagar must have heard Arrax's destressed cries, and she lumbered toward the pit as she called for the smaller dragon. But, her calls and presence only seemed to agitate him to the point of spitting flames.

It seemed like it would never stop.

Until Arrax's roars were answered, not by Vhagar, but by three new dragons who were now circling over King's Landing.

One was a giant crimson beast with horns that almost formed a crown around her head. The second resembled a red snake with wings. And the third was a blur of gold light as her roars drowned out the calls of the other two dragons.

And on the horizon of Blackwater Bay, four ships were sighted with each of their sails bearing the sigil of House Velaryon.

The doors to the Red Keep burst open and in marched the Crown Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.

Standing at her side with his hands resting on the pommel of Dark Sister, was Daemon Targaryen.

Behind them was the Queen Who Never Was, Rhaenys Targaryen with Maester Geradys of Dragonstone.

And the last to enter was Lord Corlys Velaryon with a dozen armed soldiers standing at attention.

Everyone immediately bowed and backed away before scurrying out of sight. Everyone knew that there were dragons in the Keep, and they were seconds away from burning it all to the ground,

"Princess. We were not expecting you so soon," The Hand stood before them, being wise and standing a good distance away, "I imagine you heard about the trouble caused by your son's labors-"

"Rhaenyra," The Queen Consort, who was either brave or foolish, appeared behind her father and approached the group with Criston Cole, who was a fool, following her shadow,

"Alicent!" She ignored the Hand and continued forward as Cole began to slowly pull out his sword,

"Rhaenyra, I do not know what or how much you have heard, but I promise I will explain everything,"

The Crown Princess did not give her a chance to explain.

She was a dragon in human flesh at that moment and it was surprising sparks did not fly from her mouth when she asked, in a deadly tone that seemed to stop the air from moving,

"Where is my son?"

Chapter 3

Notes:

Warning: Blood, description of Viserys

Chapter Text

"Where is my son?"

The silence in the Keep was deafening as the Crown Princess stared down the Queen Consort.

The few nobility who were still loitering in the hall dared not move for fear of the rage sparking through the air would be turned toward them.

The Queen was struggling to find words.

She had prepared what she had wanted to say, but now that she was facing the Princess' rage in person, Alicent felt that she was choking on burning coals. The Queen had never been faced with this anger from Rhaenyra, even when she confronted Alicent after Viserys announced he would marry her, the princess' rage hadn't been burning like this. On top of that, Daemon's anger was slowly manifesting in the air like smoke violently coiling through the air.

Rhaenys and Corlys were both struggling to keep their anger at bay. They had been on Driftmark, arguing about Corlys wanting to return to the Stepstones as he had received reports of the triarchy once again sailing the waters near the islands. He wanted to make sure that they were secure when a raven came from Dragonstone. It was addressed to both of them from Rhaena.

She told them that Lucerys had given birth but something had happened and it had Daemon and Rhaenyra in a rage that threatened to burn down Westeros. She mentioned that they were preparing to take Maester Gerardys with them and Rhaenrya had kept saying that the queen had nearly killed her son.

I know you hold no love for my father and Rhaenyra for what you believe they did to my uncle, but I know, grandfather, that you care for Lucerys. He needs you. He is your heir and he needs you. We know that he has been keeping things from us in his letters in an attempt to keep the peace between King's Landing and Dragonstone, but he is now paying the price.

Grandmother, if you hold any love in your heart for my sister and I, then I beg you to follow my father and stepmother to King's Landing. We lost our mother, and our uncle was gone before we could fully meet him. We do not want to lose our brother.

As of now, father and stepmother are trying to keep Jace, Baela, and Joff from running to their dragons. There is time for a response from you and I beg that you will respond.

I have no dragon and can do nothing. But you both have the means to help Lucerys and I beg that you help him. I cannot lose my brother.

Rhaenys had been skeptical, but Corlys was giving the command to prepare his fastest ships and most loyal soldiers before they had finished reading their granddaughter's plea. The Sea Snake had the maester write a response addressed to Rhaenyra that said,

My fastest ships are being prepared and will be on the horizon under the hour. We are following you and Daemon to King's Landing.

Rhaenys had watched the preparations as she reread Rhaena's letter before calling for Meleys to be saddled and her riding leathers to be brought out.

She had flown over the ships and was joined by Caraxes and Syrax when they passed Dragonstone, and she could see the anger from both her cousins. Rhaenys knew that when the inevitable fight broke out, she and Corlys would need to be the level heads that (reluctantly) pulled Rhaenyra and Daemon back. That is if their patience didn't snap first.

And as Alicent opened and closed her mouth like a fish without giving an answer, it looked like they would lose their tempers sooner than later,

"Princess! Princess Rhaenrya!" A young woman in a servant's dress was racing down the stairs toward them, "Princess Helaena sent me. I am to take you to Prince Lucerys!"

The queen no longer held their attention and all of them were looking at the servant girl as Rhaenyra stepped toward her,

"Take me to him,"

People were practically jumping out of the way in order not to get trampled as they strode through the halls.

They were led to a door that Ser Arryk was standing in front of and he pushed it open to let them pass.

Rhaenyra and Daemon followed the servant girl in with Maester Gerardys while Corlys ordered his men to line the hall and not let anyone through. But Rhaenys' gaze was on the ground where a trail of drying blood was leading away from the room.

Inside, Helaena was pacing the length of the room while rocking a crying babe wrapped in a dark red blanket in her arms while one of the midwives Rhaenyra had sent, Abagal, followed the Princess as she too held a crying newborn, this one wrapped in a pale blue blanket. They were both trying to soothe the children while Rose, Rhaenyra's Senior Midwife who had been present for all of her births, stood over a prone figure laying on the bed,

"Lucerys!" Her anger melted away into a terrified worry as she rushed toward her son, drawing everyone's eyes toward her.

Rose moved back so Rhaenyra could look her son over. His brow was covered in sweat, his breathing was labored, and the normally sweet smell of lemons and cream was undetectable beneath the odor of a fever. There was a thin sheet covering Lucerys and it had a considerable amount of sweat soaking through,

"Rhaenyra," Rhaenys was holding two cloths that she had soaked in the basin of water Rose had offered as her normally kept together façade cracked a bit as she stared at the boy laying before her.

Rhaenyra took one of the clothes and used it to mop the sweat off of her son's face as Rhaenys brushed back his curls and laid the second cloth across Lucerys' forehead. He didn't stir,

"Lucerys? Luke?" Rhaenyra placed her hand against his burning cheek,

"How long has he been like this?" Rhaenys asked as she turned to face Rose,

"For the past few hours, my princess," Rose said, "He's woken up once or twice since then, but is confused and does not speak before he falls unconscious again,"

Rheanyra dropped her head and grabbed her son's hand, which made her realize how clammy his palm was,

"Rhaenyra?" She looked up and saw Helaena standing behind her, crying babe still in hand, "I've kept both Mellos and Orwlye out of the room, but I believe they may be trying to find a way to enter,"

The princess stared at her sister, then turned back to her son and pressed a kiss to the back of his hand before standing,

"Maester Gerardys," The maester nodded while moving to take Rhaenyra's place, the links of chains around his neck clinking as Rose began to tell him about the prince's condition.

Helaena resumed her pacing with Abagal as the newborns cried louder, tears pouring down their red faces,

"They have not nursed," Abagal explained, drawing their attention to her,

"What?" Rhaenys asked, her face going pale as she looked at the babes. It had taken Corlys and her less than an hour to leave Driftmark, but there had been the journey to King's Landing that still took time. And she did not know how much time had passed from Lucerys giving birth to Rhaenyra finding out about her son's condition. There was no telling how long these children had been alive without having their first meal,

"The prince did not get the chance to try before getting pushed out of his chambers by Mellos and those women the queen had chosen," The midwife spat as she glanced over at the unconscious prince and Helaena spoke up,

"Elinda said she knew of a wetnurse in King's Landing. She and Ser Eyrrk went to fetch her-"

As if summoned by the mere mention of her name, Elinda, the youngest of the three, entered the room with another woman quickly following behind her. Rhaenyra saw Ser Erryk joining his brother at the door before it closed and quietly wondered why he was not wearing his white cloak.

The young woman's face broke out in relief when she saw the new arrivals and looked like she was seconds away from crying,

"Princess! You're- You're all here I-" She smiled and quickly wiped at her eyes before gesturing to the woman she had brought with her, "This is Sara, princess. She nursed my brother's babe when my good sister had caught a fever,"

Rhaenyra studied the woman in front of her before asking,

"You are willing to do this? For what price?"

Sara shook her head, "No price, princess,"

"There's always a price for kindness," Daemon said from where he was leaning against the wall, his eyes fixated on Lucerys who still had yet to move as Corlys spoke,

"Payment will not be a problem. So name your price,"

The Omegan woman looked them all in the eye before lifting her chin and saying,

"You insist upon a price? Fine. Kindness for the prince," They stared at her in confusion, "When Elinda and her knight came to get me, word had already left the keep about what The Green Cunt forced the prince to do. And because of that, he gave birth to his second daughter in the middle of the fuckin' hall!"

Sara briefly looked away as she composed herself, remembering that she was in the presence of nobility and not the small folk of King's Landing, but still continued,

"Even if she didn't force him to do the Red Walk, there still would have been an uproar. And one is in the making since Mellos was seen waltzing through the Keep with a tray of blades that he carried straight into your son's room,"

It felt like a bucket of cold water was poured over Rhaenyra's head as her hands began to shake,

"Mellos did what?"

Everyone was staring at Rhaenyra and Sara as the older woman sighed and her face turned sad,

"Many people here and in King's Landing remember the Good Queen Aemma, and what happened to her. When they saw Mellos walkin' with the blades, word spread quick and many servants fled the Keep while sayin' they would not be in this place as that rat bastard cut someone else open," In a bold move, Sara gently took Rhaenyra's hand and gave a squeeze, "You asked my price for helpin' those babes? Make sure Prince Lucerys knows that there are many people here who will not stand for what he went through, and will not stand for what the grey rat almost got away with a second time,"

The princess struggled to find words as she tried biting back the tears that were burning against her eyes. Rhaenyra could only nod and Sara squeezed her hand again before turning to Helaena and Abagal,

"Now are these the little ones?"

"Yes," Helaena pointed toward a chair near the fireplace for Sara to sit in as the servant girl quickly fluffed the pillows and grabbed the white cloak that had been hanging off the back as Helaena positioned the first babe in Sara's arms.

With the child no longer held in front of her, they could see the blood that had dried on the front of her dress,

"This one is the oldest,"

"No name?" Sara asked and Helaena shook her head,

"Neither of them has their names yet," The princess said as Sara motioned for Abagal to hand her the other babe.

As the children quieted down and began nurse, Rhaenrya reached for Daemon and grasped his hand. She watched her grandaughters for a moment then turned to Gerardys,

"Maester?"

He straightened up to face her, "I need to continue examining the prince. With how much blood Rose said he has lost and with how quickly the fever has set in... I need to do a more thorough examination,"

The princess nodded as her eyes landed on her son's pale face, "Do what you need to,"

As Gerardys resumed with Rose assisting him as Rhaenys once again found herself looking toward the floor.

She found that the blood from outside trailed the floor toward the bed her grandson was laying in. Her hand reached back to grab her mate's, and the way his hand tightened around hers said he had seen the trail of blood as well,

"Helaena," The young princess had been picking at her nails as she watched the children with glazed eyes,

"Two cloaks, one turns red and the other blue. Two bonds are broken, others created, another slowly mends, but never fully heals. Love tainted by fear and poisoned lies. Two cloaks with blood and..." Helaena trailed off and froze as her eyes continued to stare at nothing.

The princesses and Corlys stared at her in confusion, while Daemon just appeared to be deep in thought,

"Helaena?" She snapped out of her daze, but didn't look at her uncle and instead turned to the servant,

"Dyana? Where are Jaeharys and Jaehara?"

"They're in the nursery, princess,"

"Bring them, please. Take Ser Arryk with you," The girl, Dyana, nodded and exited the room, but she quickly came back in as raised voices filtered in from the hall.

Corlys heard the voice of his captain and gave Rhaenys' hand a squeeze before stepping out to see what was going on with Daemon behind him,

"You have to get him out of here!" Helaena exclaimed as she faced Rhaenrya, "He cannot stay! He won't live if he stays! He will die! You have to get him and his children to Dragonstone! Lucerys will not heal if he stays!"

Both Rhaenys and Rhaenyra were taken aback at what Helaena said and watched as the princess gripped the poster of her bed as Gerardys began pulling back the sheet covering Lucerys.

He was still in the shift he had given birth in with blood that was turning brown on the front. The maester positioned Lucerys' legs up as Rose began rolling the shift back and Rhaenyra looked away.

She knew this part of the examination well after giving birth to four children, but she could not look to see what her son had endured. Giving birth was always harder for male Omegas and Rhaenyra was terrified of what Lucerys had to go through, both during and after the birth.

Rhaenyra still didn't know the full story of what had happened, but she knew that Lucerys had been forced out of his room seconds after his first daughter had been born, much like how she had been called to bring Joffrey to Alicent. But she had three people who helped her maintain some of her dignity by helping her dress and cleaning the fluids from her legs. But Lucerys did not have that.

The midwives she had sent to help her son had been kept out while Mellos prepared to cut her son open. If the child had come seconds later than it had, she would be preparing to take three lifeless bodies back to Dragonstone.

Rhaenys could not tear her eyes away from the boy, this boy who appeared half dead. Who Rhaenys would believe was dead if it were not for the weak rise and fall of his chest. The boy, or, the young man, he was a little past seven and ten, after all, laying on the bed was a far stretch from how she last saw him.

She had last seen a boy clinging to Rhaenyra's skirts with tears in his eyes as he watched Laenor's casket join Laena's on the ocean floor. Two days after Viserys declared that he would marry the boy he had maimed.

Rhaenys had refused to go to the wedding. She would not see the boy flaunting her son's name as if it were his own marry the one-eyed prince who had disrespected her daughter's memory. Corlys had gone, but he did not stay longer than a day and hadn't said anything about the ceremony. Her husband had only shaken his head while saying Viserys had made a mistake.

And looking at Lucerys now, Rhaenys could only agree with him.

Curls damp with sweat, his normally rounded cheeks had sunken to reveal the sharp edge of his cheekbones, and the shift he wore was large enough to reveal collar bones that jutted out from his shoulders.

After only a year and a half of marriage, and Rhaenys could hardly recognize the young man Laenor had claimed as his son.

There was the sound of steel being drawn and raised voices from the hall.

Rhaenys slowly walked toward the door and opened it.

The soldiers brought by her husband had all their swords drawn and were awaiting orders while the twin kingsguards looked between each other, unsure as what to do.

At the end of the hall was Daemon, who had Dark Sister out of her sheath and pointed at Mellos while Corlys stood beside him.

In front of her husband with the maester was the queen consort, her sworn shield, the Hand, the Commander of the Kingsguard and someone Rhaenys could not see from where she was standing,

"These are my men. They serve me and my house!"

"And your house, serves House Targaryen!" A labored voice said,

"I am serving House Targaryen! And also protecting the future of House Velaryon as Prince Lucerys is still my heir and Future Lord of the Tides! And I will not have that rat going into that room!" Corlys spat as he jabbed a finger toward Mellos who sputtered,

"I need to check on the prince and ensure his health is not compromised-" He cut off as Daemon leaned forward, pushing the tip of his sword further against Mellos' chest,

"If you take one more step, rat, I will not hesitate to take your head and mount it on top of the fucking throne!" The Rogue Prince growled, "I will do what I should have done when you murdered Aemma, and I won't stand by as you try to do it again!"

"Daemon-"

"Do you know, Viserys? What he was about to do? What he was going to do if Lucerys hadn't birthed his daughter? He would have cut Lucerys open!"

"That is why he is not to step foot anywhere near my grandson," Eyes turned to Rhaenys as she joined the commotion, "Daemon and Rhaenyra have brought Gerardys from Dragonstone and he is more than capable of looking after Lucerys. Mellos has no reason to be here,"

She could see her cousin now. The withered husk he had become over the years.

His remaining hand looked grey and his nails purple, his hair had thinned to only a few strands that clung stubbornly to his scabbed head, the left side of his face was riddled with marks and his eye was cloudy,

"Rhaenys-"

"Mellos is not coming in here. I will not have him near my grandson or his children," The door opened again, this time, both Rhaenyra and Helaena stepped out.

The younger princess narrowed her eyes at the maester,

"I've already told you, since you endangered my nephew, you are not welcome here!" Alicent tried walking toward her, but Rhaenyra stepped in front of her sister as she continued, "Lucerys is in my chambers and I do not give permission for you-any of you to enter! And if Mellos takes another step, I will watch happily as my uncle takes his head!"

Daemon felt his tips twitch up at his youngest niece's words and grinned as the rat's face went pale,

"Mellos will leave, Helaena," Otto Hightower said as he looked to his granddaughter, "There will be no need for bloodshed,"

"The Hand is correct. There is no reason more blood should be spilled today," Everyone looked at Rhaenyra in shock, "It is clear to me that my son has suffered much at the maester's hand, but I believe his hand is not the only one that caused Lucerys' suffering. Once I have all of them before me, then it will be time for justice, fire, and blood,"

Mellos visibly swallowed as Viserys and Alicent stared at Rhaenyra in shock,

"Lord Corlys, if I may have use of two of your men?" He nodded and two of the Velaryon soldiers stepped forward, "Seize the maester,"

They did so without question.

Cole tried stepping in their way, but he was stopped by Ser Harrold,

"Rhaenyra, what are you doing?" The king asked,

"What should have been done years ago," Mellos tried wriggling out of their grasp as he pleaded for Viserys to stop them,

"Rhaenyra, he will be confined to his chambers-"

"No. He will not. The black cells will do," If the maester was pale before, he was whiter than snow now.

Both Otto and Alicent tried to voice their disagreements, but Ser Erryk had stepped forward and said,

"I will gladly show these men the way, princess,"

"You will not, Ser! This is preposterous!" The Hand exclaimed as Ser Harrold spoke up,

"I'm afraid the Lord Hand is right, Ser Erryk. You are sworn to the King,"

The knight pondered what was said for a moment before nodding,

"You are right, Lord Commander. I am," He stepped back toward Helaena, everyone watching in confusion as he asked, "Princess, the cloak I had given to you earlier, may I have it back?"

Helaena stared up at him and nodded with a slight smile, "It turns blue now,"

As she went to retrieve it, Criston called out,

"Just what do you think you are doing, Cargyll?"

"What needs to be done, Cole,"

Helaena returned, a bloodied white cloak in hand, and gave it back to Ser Erryk who thanked her as he turned to face the king. He stepped toward Viserys and dropped the cloak at his feet, then began unstrapping his armor.

When the last piece fell to the floor, he turned to Rhaenyra and knelt,

"Princess Rhaenyra, since Prince Lucerys is not here to witness this vow, I beg you to hear it in his stead," Everyone watched with open mouths and shock as he continued, "I offer my services to Prince Lucerys of House Velaryon. I will shield his back and keep his counsel and give my life for his if need be. I swear this by the old gods and the new. And if it is asked of me, I will repeat these vows when the prince is able to hear them,"

Silence surrounded them until Rhaenyra nodded,

"In the place of my son, I hear and will hold you to your oaths. Now rise, Ser, and show these men where they can leave the maester," He stood and bowed as Rhaenyra continued, "And let it be known that if anyone releases Mellos without consulting myself, Lord Corlys, Princess Rhaenys, or Prince Daemon, they forfeit their lives and will be executed. Either by dragon fire or Dark Sister,"

As the gray rat was led away, Ser Arryk stepped forward,

"Your Grace,"

The king looked at him, "Ser? Do you have something to say as well?"

"I do, your Grace. But not to you,"

Like his brother, Ser Arryk took off his cloak and armor, letting them fall to the king's feet. But when he was done, he did not kneel to Rhaenyra, but to Helaena and repeated the same vows that had been said before,

"I hear your vows ser. I will hold you to them. And I ask that you go with Dyana as she retrieves my children and ensure they are brought here safely," He nodded,

"It will be done, princess,"

Ser Arryk and Dyana left quickly after that and Helaena retreated back to her chambers, ignoring her mother as she called to her.

Viserys stared at the armor, then looked up at Rhaenyra, but she did not let him speak,

"When Gerardys deems my son well enough for travel, he and his children will be returning to Dragonstone," She turned away before he could reply.

Alicent quickly turned and raced down the hall as she began to desperately search for Aemond with Criston following.

Rhaenys and Corlys went back into Helaena's chambers while Daemon stayed where he was, Dark Sister still in his grasp as he and his brother stood in front of each other,

"Daemon," The younger brother did not answer.

Viserys' face fell, but he said nothing else as he turned away.

Otto Hightower grimaced at Daemon before following after the king, not wasting any time to begin whispering in his ear.

Ser Harrold picked up the dropped armor and cloaks. He looked at the prince, a silent understanding passing between the two before the Commander nodded and followed the king.

When Viserys could no longer be seen, Daemon dropped his stance and sheathed Dark Sister as the Velaryon's put their weapons away.

The only thing to do now, was wait.

Chapter 4

Notes:

Warning: Blood, vomit

Chapter Text

The Red Keep was at a standstill.

Word had spread quickly.

It started when one of the maids saw Mellos carrying a tray of tools past as he spoke with the Hand.

She overheard the maester say that the babe was taking too long and that he would need to speak with Prince Aemond, but the Hand had said it would not matter and to go ahead with the procedure to bring the babe forth.

The linens she had collected for washing were spilled across the floor as she ran to the kitchens. Everyone asked what was wrong as she cried they were going to cut open the prince! Just like Queen Aemma! It was denied at first until more people came flooding in, tear-streaked faces, vacant expressions, and anger. It was quickly confirmed, the maester was going to kill the prince just as he had the late queen.

An older man who worked as the kitchen's butcher threw his cleaver and apron to the ground before storming out while saying,

"I won't be here while tha' rat cuts someone open again!" He was the start of the exodus.

The kitchens were emptied, clothes were left to soak in tubs of soapy water, the gardens were left unattended, and the stables were left a mess.

Taverns were filled and the word was spread that another Targaryen was about to be lost the same way Queen Aemma was.

There was a reason why the small folk referred to her as The Good Queen Aemma, she had strived to improve their lives. Even when The Sick King put babe after babe in her belly to the point she was always exhausted, The Good Queen tried to manage the improvements. But when the gray rat cut her open, the improvements came to a grinding halt and were never restarted.

Princess Rhaenyra had tried to have them put back into motion, but she had been chased out of her own home by the Green Queen. And now she was going to lose her son and grandchild the same way she lost her mother and brother.

Cups were raised in memory of the late queen, in sympathy for the Realms Delight, and in sadness, for the sweet prince, they were about to lose.

People told stories about what they remembered about the Good Queen and the Realm's Delight. Then some of the younger members of the staff spoke of Prince Lucerys.

A young girl said he had given her one of his lemon cakes when he heard it was her nameday.

One of the squires remarked that Prince Lucerys had helped him correct his grip on the pommel of his sword when Ser Cole had only scolded him.

A maid spoke up to say she had fallen down the stairs and was limping, Prince Lucerys insisted she sat in one of his chairs to rest as he folded and put his own linens away.

Story after story was told and more toasts were made until the tavern door opened and in stepped a lord.

Everyone looked at Lord Caswell, already believing they knew what news he would bring. But he told them the prince was alive. Sadness turned to shock, which became happiness.

Cups were raised in celebration until the lord told them what happened.

The happiness turned to rage and the entire tavern was ready to storm the palace gates, but Lord Caswell said they should stay away from the Red Keep for now. When the young girl who had shared lemon cakes with the prince shoved her way forward and demanded to know why they couldn't go back and defend their prince. Lord Caswell merely smiled and replied,

"Because Princess Rhaenyra is going to arrive soon. On dragon back,"

The streets were flooded after that and everyone looked to the sky.

Cheers went up when they saw two red beasts and a gold dragon circling the keep. And when someone pointed out the Velaryon ships that were making their way to the docks, the streets cleared so the way to the Keep would be open to the Sea Snake.

Sailors helped quickly dock the four ships as crates and other equipment were cleared away so nothing would hinder Lord Corlys and his men as they began making their way to the Keep.

The small folk peered out from windows and doorways as Lord Corlys passed by. Others crowded in alleyways and between the different stalls that lined the streets, awe filtering across their faces as the Lord of the Tides met The Queen Who Never Was, The Rogue Prince, and The Realm's Delight at the gates of the Red Keep.

But, from a window that overlooked the entrance, was someone who watched without awe, but resignation.

Aemond knew there was no place to hide. He could take Vhagar and fly to the ends of the world and his sister would hunt him down until he was dead. Aemond had no doubt she would manage to claw her way into the Seven Hells just to rip him apart one last time after the Stranger took him.

And it wasn't as if he wanted to hide either.

Aemond would not hide or run.

He deserved any punishment his sister called for.

Any punishment Lucerys called for.

Aemond already knew that if Lucerys asked for his head, Aemond would fall on his own sword before Daemon could retrieve Dark Sister.

The prince stepped back from the window as the doors burst open to allow Rhaenyra and her ensemble into the Keep and Aemond peered over the banister to see his grandfather and mother come out. He rolled his eye at their pitiful attempts at keeping the peace, did they not realize they were staring down the face of three angry dragons? With a small battalion led by the Sea Snake behind them?

Aemond would not be surprised if he saw more soldiers of House Velaryon lining the walls of the Keep before nightfall.

One of Helaena's servants, Dyana, came running down the stairs as she called for Rhaenyra,

"I'm to take you to Prince Lucerys!" Aemond lurched at the young Beta's words and gripped the railing tightly.

He'd known. Aemond had known before his grandfather had demanded his daughters be handed to him.

Aemond had known since he saw his first daughter in Helaena's arms as she walked in into their mother's rooms. He'd known the moment he saw Lucerys, (His husband. His mate! His!) bloodied, shaking, and sweating with his youngest cradled to his chest as the twin guards held him up.

They were his!

His daughters!

They were not bastards!

They were his!

His mother, grandfather, and Cole had all been wrong.

He'd been wrong!

And then Lucerys let out that pained noise, Aemond gave in to the instincts he had been fighting for the past months.

He rushed to Lucerys, his, his Lucerys, his husband, his mate, wanting to hold him close, protect him-

Helaena moved in front of him. He nearly growled until he smelt it.

It being a toxic, putrid, acrid, smell that Aemond knew well.

He'd smelt it the few times he and Lucerys were left alone during their 'courting' months, on their wedding night, when he visited Lucerys for his first heat after their marriage, and when Lucerys entered Aemond's chambers for his rut.

Lucerys, his Omega was afraid.

Of him.

His hands trembled in the effort to hold himself back from reaching for his mate.

Aemond wanted to, gods, he wanted to hold Lucerys until that disgusting smell was gone and his Omega stopped shaking. But Lucerys was afraid of... him.

Then he heard what Helaena said.

Traumatic.

The midwives his half-sister had sent were kept out of the room.

Mellos forced Lucerys into the hall to make the trek to the queen's room seconds after giving birth.

His mate gave birth to their second daughter in the middle of the hall where anyone could see!

Aemond's blood raged until he realized that Helaena was having the Cargyll twins help Lucerys out of the chair so that they could leave. And Aemond...

He would follow. At a distance, to keep watch over Lucerys, but make sure he would not be seen by the Omega.

Then, Otto demanded Aemond be allowed to hold the pups while throwing a veiled reference to his daughters imagined bastardy, which earned him a harsh glare from Aemond.

But then-

Then-

He was looking at one violet eye and one hazel eye.

His daughter.

Aemond gently ran a shaking hand over the whisps of pale hair on her head as he blinked suspiciously at the wet blurs at the edge of his vision. He cupped the back of her head and she yawned while nestling her face against his thumb. (His daughter. His oldest girl, who had no name, and no dragon egg. The things he and Lucerys had spoken animatedly about, his daughter had neither of.)

He pressed his lips to her forehead, smiling slightly as she cooed, and a clumsy hand smacked against his chin,

"Rytsas jorrāelagon, byka zaldrīzes," He blinked harshly and held out his pinky so that his daughter could grab it as he hoarsely whispered, "Nyke sorry nyke istan daor konīr skori ao istan welcomed ezīmagon bisa vys,"

Hello love, little dragon. I'm sorry I was not there when you were welcomed into this world.

"Ziry deserves tolī than nykeā dorolvie udra, valonqar, se ziry iksos daor se mērī mēre qilōni deserves tolī," Helaena said in a cold voice.

She deserves more than a few words, brother, and she is not the only one who deserves more.

Aemond looked at his sister and then glanced at Lucerys. The Omega was still shaking and seemed to have become paler in a matter of seconds,

"Aemond, may I-" He quickly passed his daughter back to Helaena who accepted her with a relieved sigh while his mother stared at him, her expression and arms falling.

When he had been given the younger twin to hold (His daughter. His daughter who had been born on a dirty floor and was wrapped in a used kingsguard cloak. His! His and Lucerys') Aemond hadn't had the chance to hold her before his husband had fallen over in the chair Helaena had set him on. His mother had demanded that the maester be called while Helaena shrieked that Mellos was not going anywhere near Lucerys,

"He was going to cut Lucerys open!" His sister shouted.

Aemond snapped his eye toward Helaena and his mother while Otto tried soothing the princess by saying that Mellos was suggesting what would have been necessary to make sure the children were born.

He almost missed Alicent looking at Cole and gesturing for the door. But when the knight began moving, Aemond quickly handed his daughter to Helaena who took her in one arm while still holding the other with the familiar ease that came with holding her own children.

Aemond grabbed Cole by the arm and slammed him against the wall, twisting his arm back until the bone was in danger of snapping,

"My prince-"

"Don't move!" The Alpha prince hissed, "Mellos will not be allowed near any of them!"

"Aemond! Lucerys needs a maester!" Alicent exclaimed as Ser Erryk picked Lucerys up from where he had slumped over, revealing the blood-soaked pillow the Omega had been sitting on.

Aegon, whom everyone had forgotten was even present, vomited at the sight.

Helaena used the distraction to direct Erryk and Arryk out of the room as she followed with both babes in her arms.

Aemond shoved Cole to the ground and followed after them,

"I will go to Dragonstone," Aemond said, his eye fixated on Lucerys who had not made a sound, "I will tell Rhaenyra what has happened and bring her maester,"

"Rhaenyra is already informed. She should be here soon," His steps faltered slightly as she continued, "And Rhaenyra will not be alone,"

Aemond swallowed at his sister's words.

He knew who she meant would be with Rhaenyra.

He could already feel Dark Sister piercing his chest.

The midwives Rhaenyra had sent joined them when they arrived at Helaena's chambers. One of them took the younger babe and unwrapped the white cloak she had been covered in and replaced it with a blanket that had the colors of House Velaryon.

Ser Arryk positioned himself at the door while Ser Erryk gently lay Lucerys onto the bed. When the knight stepped back, Aemond saw that the Omega's eyes were half open. He pushed Erryk out of the way and took his mate's hand,

"Lucerys?" He gently brushed the Omega's curls back and cupped his cheek, "Lucerys?"

For a brief moment, his mate nuzzled into his hand and something like hope sparked in Aemond's chest. Until Lucerys met his gaze.

Fear and panic overtook the Omega and he began to weakly shove at the Alpha while shaking his head,

"No! No!"

Before Aemond could say anything, he was harshly pulled back and practically thrown out into the hall. He tried rushing back in, but the Cargyll twins blocked his path to the door and Aemond growled,

"Move!"

"He is not to enter," Helaena said as stepped into the hall, her arms empty of the babe she had been carrying, "In fact, if anyone who has not been given permission by myself or Lucerys tries to enter, you are to stop them. I do not care who they are,"

"Yes, princess," Ser Erryk said while his brother hesitated before also nodding.

His sister turned to face him,

"If you were wise, brother, you will not be found when they arrive,"

Aemond sighed, his anger turning inward toward himself,

"When they come looking for me, I intend to be found," He responded, "Whatever Rhaenyra has planned, it will be no less than what I deserve,"

Helaena said nothing as her eyes glazed over before snapping back to Aemond,

"Poisoned love and poisoned bond," She closed the door after that.

Aemond was left to walk the Keep, despite the Alpha within him growling and screaming to go back. To protect, to be near his mate and pups. But he grit his teeth, knowing that his presence would be unwelcome.

His mate was afraid of him!

The person who was meant to protect and look after him!

And it was Aemond's fault.

There was no denying it.

Aemond had done this to Lucerys. His daughters.

He disrupted Lucerys' nest, tearing pieces that belonged to him and Helaena from their place in his anger at the rumors.

He left Lucerys to face judgment alone.

His mate was afraid of him.

Aemond believed there was nothing he could do to gain forgiveness.

Even if, by some miracle, Lucerys finds it in himself to forgive Aemond for what he had done, there was no chance for Lucerys to fully trust him again.

What they had been building together during those first moons of pregnancy was gone. They would never get that brief moment of happiness back.

Aemond had destroyed it, burnt it to ash the moment he began to doubt that his daughters were bastards.

And as he watched Dyana lead Rhaenyra, Daemon, Corlys, and Rheanys to Helaena's chambers, Aemond knew there would be retribution soon.

But he would not run from it. He would deny any of his mother and grandfather's excuses that would be made for him. His father would not doubt agree with whatever Rhaenyra demanded, and this time, Aemond would not begrudge him for it. He instead would agree.

Chapter 5

Summary:

Short n' slightly fluff

Chapter Text

The new babes were now asleep, nestled between blankets as they lay in Jaehaerys and Jaehaera's old crib, while their cousins stared in awe at the two of them. Neither twin had ever seen a newborn before, but they had been around Lucerys for the duration of his pregnancy. Their little hands would press against the swell of his belly anytime he mentioned to their Muna that his children were moving. Both pups had been excited, claiming that the new children would be their friends before the two of them had been born.

But even at a young age, they knew something was wrong.

Their Uncle Aemond, who would always smile at Uncle Luke, had slowly disappeared from their visits. He no longer talked about finding dragon eggs for their new cousins with them, and had even stopped talking to Uncle Luke! And that was silly of him! Uncle Aemond loved Uncle Luke! Not in the way Kepa loved Muna. But, it was still a good way. They had seen Uncle Aemond go from being angry at grandmother and Ser Cole to smiling at Uncle Luke. He would always be hugging Uncle Luke with his hand over a weird-looking mark on his shoulder.

Jaehaerys had poked the mark one day as he sat in his uncle's lap and asked what it was. Uncle Aemond had said it showed that he and Uncle Luke belonged together.

Jaehaera then pointed out that Uncle Aemond didn't have the same mark, but their uncle only said he had been marked in a different way.

The twins later asked their Muna why she and Kepa did not have a mark like Uncle Luke. She smiled and said that while she cared for their Kepa, and he cared for her, they were not meant to be marked like their uncles. Both twins began to tear up, did that mean their Muna was not loved like Uncle Luke?

"Don't cry, my creatures," She said as they clung to her skirts, "I was not to be marked by your Kepa, but my Morning will find me soon and will love the two of you as well as myself,"

Neither twin understood what she meant, but with each new day, they asked their Muna if this was the morning she was waiting for. Each time she kissed their foreheads and said it was not, but it would be soon.

They were both happy that their Muna would be loved like Uncle Aemond and Uncle Luke.

And they both knew Uncle Luke loved Uncle Aemond because Uncle Luke became sad when he couldn't talk to Uncle Aemond anymore. He didn't talk to a lot of people besides them and Muna and didn't smile as much.

But he always smiled at them.

The twins knew something was wrong, and that their Uncle Aemond was the cause since Muna had angrily said his name multiple times as she talked to the strange adults in the room.

Jaehaerys and Jaehaera did not know who they were, but they could tell that they cared about their Uncle Luke.

One lady had her hair back in a long braid and kept calling their Muna her sweet sister as she held Uncle Luke's hand. Beside her was a man who would run his hand through Uncle Luke's hair while speaking quietly with the other man in the room.

His skin was dark and his hair was braided in a way that neither twin had seen before. He was angry, they could tell, but they felt no danger being in the same room as him. They knew he was there to protect their uncle and their Muna stood at his side without fear.

The other lady was dressed for flying and her hair was piled atop her head. She stood on the other side of Muna and kept looking between Uncle Luke and the new babies.

There was also a man with a very long necklace that spoke with a worried expression that made everyone upset.

Jaehaera tilted her head as one of her cousins began to squirm in the crib and reached a small, chubby hand to brush against the thick curls on the pup's head.

Jaehaerys, deciding that he would wait for his new cousins to wake up before bothering them, toddled over to his Muna's bed and pulled himself up. He managed to crawl over to Uncle Luke and nestle into his side with a frown,

"Hot, Muna," Jaehaerys said, drawing the adult's attention to him, "Unca Lu hot,"

"Your uncle isn't feeling well, Jaehaerys. He's warm because he's fighting his illness," The pup frowned at his Muna and looked at his uncle,

"No feel good?" When he got a nod, Jaeaerys leaned down and placed a clumsy kiss on his uncle's cheek, "Be'er?"

His Muna nodded with a smile,

"I'm sure your uncle will feel a lot better now,"

There was the sound of little grunts as Jaehaera also clambered onto the bed. She pushed her brother out of the way and placed her own noisy kiss to her uncle's cheek and looked up at Helaena as the lady sitting next to Uncle Luke smiled,

"Now I know he will be feeling better," Jaehaera smiled shyly at her before nestling close to Uncle Luke and pressing her face into his shoulder.

Jaehaerys, upset that his sister was now blocking him from his uncle, decided to crawl over Lucerys' stomach which caused all the adults to jolt forward,

"Oh! No! My creature!" His Muna quickly picked him up under his arms and set him back beside Jaehaera, "Your uncle is not well. You need to be gentle with him,"

Jaehaerys pouted a bit before nodding as he curled around his sister and clumsily reached out to pat Lucerys' cheek.

As both twins settled against their uncle, their eyes closing as they began to nod off, the adults resumed their conversation. They kept using words that neither child understood. They kept saying things like 'annulment,' 'midwives, 'fuck', 'cunt', and 'one-eyed cunt.'

Jaehaerys wanted to ask what a cunt was and why there was more than one kind, but his Muna looked upset while everyone else looked mad. So he closed his eyes and succumbed to sleep.

He woke up later as a shaky, sweaty hand was running over the back of his head and sleepily sat up.

His tiny fist rubbed his eyes as he looked around the room. His Muna and the other strangers were gone. He saw Dyana standing near the fireplace, one of his cousins in her hands as another lady held the other baby. Though, she had the front of her dress open for some reason.

Jaehaerys yawned and looked behind him, then blinked slowly.

He leaned down, his face inches from his uncle's and the child whispered,

"'wake, Unca Lu?"

Jaehaerys received a slow, confused nod in response.

Chapter 6

Notes:

Warning: Blood

Chapter Text

Corlys Velaryon's men moved through the keep with Ser Erryk and Ser Arryk leading the charge.

They pointed out the midwives who had forced their way into Prince Lucerys' chambers with Mellos and kept Princess Rhaenyra's chosen midwives out. The five women were grabbed, their protests ignored as they were taken to the Black Cells.

Daemon and Corlys cornered Orwyle in the maester's quarters and questioned him sharply about his part in what happened to Lucerys.

Rhaenyra, Rhaenys, and Helaena were still in the younger princess' chambers, discussing what would happen when Gerardys deemed Lucerys well enough to return to Dragonstone as the twins slept beside Lucerys on the bed.

Plans were made and answers were given, then Prince Aemond was found by Ser Criston and his mother.

He had been in Prince Lucerys' chambers, kneeling beside the bed and clutching the bloodied sheets. Those who had been sent to pack Prince Lucerys' belongings heard the yelling, but the words could not be made out behind the heavy door. Then the prince was pushed out of the room by Ser Criston and his arms gripped by the Queen,

"They are going to take your children, Aemond!" The Alpha prince snarled and shoved her hands away,

"Oh, now they are my children? Why the change of heart, mother? After all, it was you who continually pointed out the rumors spreading about my husband! You, who kept reminding me of them! So, why are they now mine? Or because you feel that your supposed grip on Driftmark is slipping?" The Queen tried to speak but the prince growled as he continued,

"But they are my daughters! And I am the fool who listened to you! If Rhaenyra demands the twins be taken to Dragonstone with Lucerys, I will not fight her!"

"Aemond-"

"That way, they will not be able to hear the poison you and your father will no doubt try to drip in their ears! And away from me, who apparently is too foolish to protect them from their own grandmother!"

The Queen flinched at her son's words as Cole took note of the servants who were standing against the wall as they watched the exchange. He stepped toward the mother and son to point out their audience.

Alicent glanced over and quickly schooled her features as she grabbed Aemond's hand,

"We need to speak with the King," Aemond scoffed and ripped his hand from hers as he began walking in the opposite direction.

Cole managed to grab the prince's arm and pulled him back toward the Queen who only looked at her son in disappointment before heading toward the king's solar, the kingsguard dragging her son reluctantly behind him.

After they disappeared behind the king's doors, Ser Harrold was sent to collect Princess Rhaenyra and her entourage.

Inside, King Viserys slouched back in the chair closest to the fireplace with Otto and Alicent standing at each of his shoulders.

Criston Cole stood at a midway point between the queen and Prince Aemond who had positioned himself at the window. His remaining eye scanned the horizon while his mother, father, and grandfather all stood in his blind spot.

When the doors opened a second time, it was Ser Harrold leading in Princess Rhaenyra, Daemon, Rhaenys, Corlys, Maester Gerardys, three of the Velaryon soldiers, and Ser Arryk. But Alicent stared at the person standing between Daemon and Rhaenyra.

Helaena stared at her mother with a blank expression as her fingers rested against the fabric of Rhaenyra's sleeve. The Queen held out her hand and beckoned Helaena over to stand between her and The Hand. The princess only stepped closer to her sister.

The King, in his weakened, hunched-over, barely-conscious glory wheezed as began to speak,

"You have, arrested, the midwives who assisted Lucerys, in his labors,"

"I did," Rhaenyra said and Daemon darkly spoke,

"Assist is not the word I would use. Seeing as those cunts forced their way into my son's rooms,"

The Hand tilted his head and asked, "Is that what Prince Lucerys told you?"

"No-"

"Then how do you know what happened?"

"Daemon is repeating what Princess Helaena and the midwives who were supposed to be with my grandson have told us," Rhaenys said, "The women Rhaenyra sent were kept out of Lucerys' room by Mellos, and the women who were hand-picked by the Queen,"

"I'm sure the Queen wanted to only ensure the safety of her goodson and grandchildren,"

"Then why were none of the concerns she had about the women chosen by Princess Rhaenyra addressed before the birth? Why had no ravens been exchanged? Why was Rhaenyra not asked to return so that she and the Queen may speak?" Corlys asked, his voice dark and dangerous as he looked between the King, Queen, and Hand,

"Not only were they not wanted by my son, they disrespected their station by allowing Mellos to force Lucerys out of his room, they proved incompetent when they did not check for the afterbirth. If they had, my second granddaughter would not have been born in a public area," Viserys tried to speak up, but he was cut off by Gerardys,

"With the stress of the unknown midwives, and no doubt the fear when he realized that Mellos intended to put him under the blade, the prince's health would have the risk of being compromised. Now, with the decision of the Grand Maester and those women, it is almost a guarantee that he will have trouble with his health-"

"What do you mean?" Everyone looked at Aemond who had torn his gaze away from the window to Maester Gerardys,

"Prince Lucerys was forced to give birth in the hall, the dirty hall, while his daughter was wrapped in a used cloak," The maester said, his gaze on the queen to convey how dire the consequences of her request were, "Both the prince and Princess Helaena were then told that Her Grace was waiting for them, and wondering what was taking so long for the children to be brought before her,"

Gerardys shook his head in visible disgust as he continued,

"If the prince was allowed the proper rest and recovery, it would be a different story. For both him and his child,"

The room went quiet as the Greens absorbed what the maester said.

Then Otto asked,

"So, Prince Lucerys, and his children, should remain in King's Landing for the sake of their health?" Gerardys was quick to dispute the Hand's words,

"Quiet the contrary. I believe the three of them staying here will be detrimental to their health. Once Prince Lucerys is able to, I would suggest he and his daughters return to Dragonstone,"

Alicent shook her head and tried to speak up, but she was cut off by Helaena,

"Jaehaerys, Jaehaera, and myself will follow,"

The Queen sucked in a harsh breath as she quickly walked toward her daughter, reaching to grasp Helaena by the arms,

"My dearest love, please-"

The moment Alicent's fingers brushed against her daughter's arms, Helaena slapped them away as she stepped closer to Rhaenyra. She easily accepted her sister's hand as Daemon stepped between the Queen and the princesses,

"Ser Criston, find Aegon and bring him here," Otto hissed and the knight quickly bowed, but his path was blocked by the three Velaryon soldiers who stood at the door,

"I fail to see what Prince Aegon has to do with any of this," Corlys said.

He wanted to finish this farce as quickly as possible and return Lucerys to Dragonstone with his daughters. The Sea Snake was prepared to have his fleet form a blockade around Blackwater Bay and cut off trade to King's Landing if Lucerys was refused passage from the city with his children,

"Prince Aegon is the sire of Princess Helaena's children, her mate, and her husband!" The Hand said, "He will have a say in whether or not his mate and wife will be permitted to leave with his children,"

"It's alright, My Lord," The princess said to the Sea Snake, "I told Lucerys I would go with him. I intend to keep that promise, no matter what my husband says,"

Corlys nodded and gestured for his men to move while mentally adding Helaena and her children being unable to leave as a reason to form a blockade in the bay.

Cole quickly left the room in search of the prince while Viserys pushed himself up out of the chair he had been sitting in and he approached his oldest child,

"Mellos, and the midwives, you can have them. Do what you wish with them. But to take, Lucerys, Helaena, and their children, destroy the families they have here in King's Landing-"

"There are no families here, Viserys," Rhaenys spoke up, "You have one prince who drinks half the city dry as he whores his way through the Street of Silk and neglects his children and wife. And that one," She snarled while turning to face Aemond,

"What has Aemond done but care for Lucerys?" The King asked in a rasping voice, "I have seen his devotion with my own eyes-"

"The truth has been hidden from you, Your Grace,"

Aemond had stepped further into the room, but he kept his gaze on the floor,

"Shortly after Lucerys was confirmed to be carrying, my children, The Queen began to tell me of rumors surrounding my husband. That he had found a lover and was carrying that Alpha's child. I did not believe them, not at the beginning. Not until after Princess Rhaenyra and her family returned to Dragonstone," The One-eyed Prince shifted under the heavy stares before continuing, "The rumors gained traction and had spread further through the Keep. I had many people coming to me, to offer sympathies for the disloyalty I was shown and had to suffer through. Then when The Hand and Ser Criston joined my mother's voice among the many, I began to believe them. Without demanding proof, or asking Lucerys about the rumors spread against him,"

The Queen's frightened gaze switched between her son, her daughter, and Rhaenyra.

The Hand's eyes were fixated on the wall.

Corlys ground his jaw in anger as his gaze burned into the young Alpha standing before him.

Rhaenys, at first glance, appeared to be indifferent. But her eyes held a certain fire that threatened to burn everything in sight.

Helaena had turned away from her brother in disgust as she whispered,

"Poisoned bond, poisoned love,"

Daemon openly glared at his nephew while his hand clenched around Dark Sister.

Rhaenrya's hand was clasped around Daemon's arm, either to hold her mate or herself back from attacking the prince.

Viserys stared at his son, his wheezing breath rising in volume as he desperately tried to diffuse the situation,

"Falling victim to these rumors, is unfortunate. But not unforgive-"

"I neglected him and my unborn children, Your Grace. I took pieces of his nest that belonged to myself and Helaena," The prince said, finally lifting his gaze to meet the King's, "I will not ask for forgiveness because I do not deserve it,"

Someone began to slowly clap,

"Well done, nephew," Daemon said, "You have seen undeniable proof that Lucerys did not betray you and now you believe him. At what cost? From what we have been told and have seen, Lucerys could have lost both his children and his life!"

Rhaenyra tightened her grip on Daemon's arm, but she desperately wanted to let go.

Not yet.

She could not let go yet.

Rhaenys was having the same dilemma. She may have not been as close to Laenor's claimed sons as Corlys, but she was still enraged. However, her anger paled in comparison to her husband's.

The Sea Snake was seconds away from drawing his sword and running Aemond through. The only thing that stopped him was a well-pointed stare from his wife. But even that looked like it would not be enough to save the prince.

The door opened and Ser Criston appeared with a sober, but sick-looking Aegon.

He looked around the room, grimacing at the burning anger that was clogging the air,

"Uh, why am I here?"

Otto gripped the back of the King's chair as he spoke through gritted teeth,

"Princess Rhaenyra has decided, that not only will she attempt to take Aemond's mate and children to Dragonstone, but she will take yours as well,"

"It was not Rhaenyra's decision," Helaena snapped, "It is my choice. My sister was gracious enough to allow me to return with them,"

"It is not her choice!" Exclaimed the Queen as crimson dripped around her nails, "And Aegon is the sire of Jaehaerys and Jaehaera! He is your husband and mate! He is the one with the final say!" Everyone stared at Alicent as her father ran a hand down his face.

Aegon twisted his face as he looked to his sister-wife and said,

"You're right about two of those, mother," The attention moved from the Queen to Aegon as the King asked,

"What?"

"I'm her husband and her children's sire. But, I am not her mate,"

You could hear a quill drop as the prince shrugged,

"The bite never took. It never scarred,"

With everyone's attention on Aegon, no one saw the grateful look Helaena shot her brother,

"No. No that's not- You never tried! You never-" Alicent was seconds away from tearing her own hair out, "That cannot be true it cannot-"

"We only said what grandsire told us to say," Helaena whispered as everyone, but Aegon, looked at Otto Hightower who jerked at the accusation.

It was like Driftmark again.

A lie told and someone being thrown under the wheelhouse.

Aegon looked at Helaena and gave her a slight nod and she returned it. The only one who saw their exchange was Corlys, and he said nothing,

"Is this true, Otto? Did you tell my children to lie? To me? To their father? To their King?" The Hand tried to deny it and the Sea Snake called out,

"And now he calls his granddaughter a liar,"

"Gods be good! Otto! Alicent! Is there anything else that has been kept from me? About my children? About my grandchildren?"

The Queen flinched as Otto, knowing he was tangled in this lie with no way out, looked down in false remorse,

"I did not want to trouble Your Grace-"

"They are my children, whom I married, at your suggestion!" The King snarled, "I had a right to know! I had every gods damned right-" Viserys cut off as his cane went skidding across the floor.

Alicent tried getting him to sit, but he harshly waved her off as he faced Rhaenyra.

He saw Helaena gripping her sister's arm as Rhaenys and Daemon positioned themselves in a way that blocked the young princess from her mother and grandfather,

"I suspect, all of you, have something to say about this as well?" The Sea Snake was the one to speak,

"I have one thing to say, Your Grace: Annulment. For both Lucerys and Helaena. Free them from the chains that keep them in King's Landing and let them return to Dragonstone with Daemon and Rhaenyra,"

Alicent vehemently shook her head, "No! I will not allow this! It will make my grandchildren no more than bastards!"

"And you have told me, on more than one occasion that Jaehaerys and Jaehaera would be better off as bastards than my children,"

"Aegon that is not-"

"ENOUGH!" Viserys was breathing heavily and he all but toppled back into his seat.

He rested his scarred head on the palm of his remaining hand and took a moment to collect himself before looking up,

"Aegon, and Helaena. You are married, but not bonded. I want you to answer me honestly, if an annulment was offered-"

"Viserys no-"

"If an annulment was offered!" He glared at Alicent, silencing her, "Would it be something you both want, and agree to?" Helaena nodded as Aegon said,

"I've always liked her better when she was just my sister. So yes,"

Viserys once again rested his head in the palm of his hand, a heavy sigh escaping him as he gave a tired nod.

Alicent collapsed to her knees in front of her husband and gripped the edges of his robes,

"My husband! My mate! My King! I beg of you! Do not do this!" He ignored her,

"Ser Harrold, bring me the High Septon,"

Alicent wailed as Otto darted in front of the Commander,

"Your Grace, I must-"

"You will stop for no one, Ser Harrold! That is an order!"

Ser Harrold nodded as he shouldered past the Hand and glowered at a lost-looking Ser Criston. When he approached the door, Lord Corlys' men stepped aside without prompting and allowed him through.

When the door was shut, Viserys pulled his robes out of Alicent's hands and stood back up to face his second son,

"Aemond. You will tell me the truth. Did you mark Lucerys?" The young Alpha hesitated to answer, his eye briefly flicking to his oldest sister before he nodded, "And it took? It did not heal? It scarred?" Once again, Aemond glanced at Rhaenyra before quietly answering,

"It scarred, Your Grace,"

Rhaenyra shook her head as Daemon barred his teeth at his nephew, their anger twining together at the answer. But Rhaenys saw where this line of questioning was heading and she was quick to say,

"Viserys. You cannot be considering allowing that boy to continue his marriage with Lucerys!"

"The mark scarred, cousin. There is hope-"

"Hope? What hope will my grandson have, cousin, if he continues to be chained to the likes of him?"

"I will not leave my son with Aemond. I refuse, to leave my son with the person who neglected and allowed him to be tortured over vile rumors!" Rhaenyra and Rhaenys burned harshly against the King, who was either brave or foolish to say,

"Lucerys and Helaena will go to Dragonstone with their children. The marriage, of Aegon and Helaena will be annulled. But not the marriage, of Lucerys and Aemond. And furthermore," He coughed wetly into his sleeve, "My condition, in allowing them to leave is this: Once, at the beginning of each month, Aegon and Aemond will fly to Dragonstone. They will continue, to form bonds with their children, and in Aemond's case, also rebuild his bond with Lucerys,"

Daemon snarled as Rhaenrya shook her head, "Dragonstone is my home, my seat. I am the Princess of Dragonstone and I will not allow that One-eyed monster anywhere near my son or his children!"

Viserys stared tiredly at his daughter and mustered up the strength to say,

"And I am the King of the Seven Kingdoms. And if I find that either of my sons is kept from their children, I will have every knight, guard, and soldier in King's Landing, with the Lannister and Redwyne fleet, lay siege to Dragonstone until my sons' children are returned to them,"

"You would risk war over this, Your Grace?" Corlys asked, the grip on his sword tightening as Viserys turned his gaze on the Sea Snake,

"You would be the one, risking war, Corlys. You and Rhaenyra, for keeping children away from their fathers," He weakly once more and straightened his back the best he could, "This, is an order, a command, a damned, decree, from your cousin, brother, father, and King!"

The room was filled with the sounds of his panting breaths and Alicent's quiet weeping,

"How far you have fallen, Viserys," Daemon muttered as Helaena began whispering,

"Broken bonds, poisoned bonds, new bonds, new love," Her murmurs were soon drowned out by a quick knocking at the door before they flew open.

Elinda entered, red faced and out of breath as she quickly addressed Rhaenyra,

"Princess! Prince Lucerys! He's awake!"

Chapter 7

Notes:

Warning: Postpartum, blood, anxiety attack

Chapter Text

Confusion addled Lucerys' mind as he listened to Jaehaerys and Jaehaera babble at him.

He did not know what was happening.

He remembered the tormenting walk to the Queen's rooms, and The Hand demanding that Aemond hold his daughters and then...

Lucerys woke up in Helaena's room.

But his aunt was nowhere in sight.

However, two of the midwives his mother had sent, Abagal and Rose, along with Dyana were fluttering around him. He was sat against the pillows behind him as a cup of cold water was pressed to his lips. Lucerys managed to get a few sips down before shaking his head,

"We'll try to have you get some more down later, my prince," Rose said as she traded the cup for a soaked cloth.

A tiny hand pushed the curls that were plastered against his forehead back so the cloth could be placed across his heated skin,

"Thank you, princess," Jaehaera smiled at Rose and shuffled until she was squished to Lucerys' side, then pressed a messy kiss to his cheek,

"Feel better,"

He managed a weak smile at the little girl,

"Thank you, Haera,"

Luke settled further against the pillows as Jaehaerys splayed himself across the Omega's lap and wrapped his little arms around Lucerys' waist. He grimaced as the little boy's face squished against his tender stomach and-

He jolted up in a panic.

His daughters.

Oh gods, did the Greens have them?

Did Aemond have them?

His hand darted out and latched onto Rose's arm,

"My prince, what-"

"Daughters! Where-"

"They're here, prince. I promise. As healthy as they can be. Maester Gerardys looked them over himself," He looked at her in confusion as she beckoned Abagal over,

"Gerardys?"

Rose nodded as she took the blue bundle of cloth from Abagal,

"Aye. The raven Princess Helaena had Lord Caswell send flew faster than an arrow piercing the air. It reached Dragonstone and in less than two hours, your mother was landing with the maester atop her Syrax while Craxes and Meleys flew in just behind her as Velaryon ships docked in the harbor. Here," She gently shooed Jaehaerys back and set the blue bundle in Luke's lap, "She's already had her fill. Your other little one will be done feeding in a moment," Luke stared down at the small bundle in his lap.

Small, thick curls were peeking over the top of the blanket and a little fist was pressed against a rounded cheek as his daughter slept.

She was here, safe, and nestled against his legs, but Luke felt...

Empty.

He still felt empty.

Why? What was wrong with him? Why could he feel nothing for this tiny thing in his lap?

"Prince?" Rose gently gripped his shoulder,

"No! No cry!" Jaehaerys rubbed at Luke's cheeks, clumsily wiping away the tears that had begun to fall down his face, "No cry, Unca Lu! No cry!"

Lucerys quickly pressed his palm to his eyes and rubbed at them harshly,

"Sorry, Jae. I'm sorry," He fell back against the pillows and ran a finger across his daughter's nose, "Where's... Where's her sister?"

Abagal answered him, "The other little one is with Sara. She's still nursing,"

"Nursing? Who-" Luke caught sight of an unknown woman sitting in one of Helaena's chairs, holding a red bundle to her breast,

"That's Sara prince. Elinda was the one who brought her," Abagal quickly explained, "We didn't know when you would wake up. And we knew better than to trust anyone under the Queen's employ,"

"Sara helped Elinda's brother with his own babe not too long ago. She ran to get her after we had gotten you settled here," Rose added.

Lucerys stared at the woman holding his daughter and quietly asked,

"Elinda, trusts, her?" Both Abagal and Rose nodded,

"Elinda would not have brought her otherwise,"

"Aye, prince. She would not have been allowed in this room if Elinda did not trust her,"

Lucerys stared at the woman who was holding his daughter. He did not know her, but Elinda did, and Rose and Abagal didn't appear concerned that she was there.

He felt himself nod,

"Unca Lu? Name?" Jaehaera was leaning over the babe in Lucerys' lap and gently petting her curls while Jaehaerys peered over his sister's shoulder,

"What name, Unca Lu?"

What was her name?

She didn't have one.

Neither did her sister.

Neither had a name or a dragon egg.

He and Aemond had spoken at length about both, sitting under the Heart Tree with books piled around them.

Aemond had written the names they had both agreed upon while Lucerys flipped through the different books as he sat against his husband, brushing away any loose leaves that fell across the pages.

"Nymeria would be a good name," He said while opening the book Ten Thousand Ships, "Or, d'you think that would offend some people?"

Aemond shrugged as he pulled Lucerys back and rested his chin on the Omega's shoulder, "It would be a good name. And while the Dornes may find it slightly in bad taste, I would not care. If we both agree it should be our child's name, that is what it will be,"

The Alpha's hands crept around his mate's waist and rested against the small swell of Lucerys' stomach, the corners of his mouth twitching up as he felt it. His nose traced the curve of Luke's neck as the Omega leaned against his chest with a sigh,

"Though someone most likely will hate us, if the torn page is anything to go by," Luke said while tracing the torn edges that stuck out from the book.

Aemond hummed in response while pulling his Omega closer to him. His fingers trailed up Lucerys' arm and dipped beneath the collar of his shirt to lightly trace the mating bite.

Lucerys shuddered at the touch and leaned further against the Alpha and let out a light purr as he turned his head,

"Aemond?" He waited until the lone violet eye opened to look at him, "Nymeria. Write it down,"

The Alpha huffed slightly but untangled one of his arms to reach for the notebook resting in the grass beside them.

The page it was open to had two columns lining the sides.

One listed the names Daenys, Visenya, Valaena, Jaenara, Alysanne, and now Nymeria was added at the bottom.

The second had Aenys, Aenar, Maekar, and Rhaegar.

And at the bottom of the second column was a heavily crossed-out Jacaerys that Luke had added one day as a joke.

All those names now left a bitter taste in Luke's mouth. He could not give any of those that had been chosen by him and Aemond to this tiny thing in his lap.

Lucerys knew of one name he could use for this small babe. He never suggested it for fear of breaking whatever unspoken understanding he had with the Queen, and upsetting Aemond. So, he had kept it to himself, putting it further down the list when a new name was written.

He could use it now since it no longer mattered what the Queen thought.

It no longer mattered what Aemond thought. He no longer wanted their daughters so it did not matter.

Luke's finger traced the edge of the babe's cheek as his eyes began to burn,

"Una Lu?" Both of Helaena's children were looking at him with concern.

He gave them both a weak smile as the door slowly opened.

Helaena poked her head in and smiled broadly when she saw Luke sitting up as her children excitedly tell her that he was awake.

After his aunt swept in a person that had Lucerys' tears pouring down his face as he reached for her,

"Mother, I-" He cut off with a sob as Rhaenyra grasped his hand and knelt beside the bed,

"My sweet boy," She held Lucerys as he leaned into her. The princess pressed kiss after kiss to her son's sweaty curls as he rested his face in the crook of her neck.

He breathed in the scent of crisp apples and warm peaches with small undertones of honey bleeding into his nose and felt himself relax against his mother. The tension in his shoulders that he had been unaware of slowly disappeared as Lucerys clung to Rhaenyra.

A heavily calloused hand was placed atop the hand Luke had on his mother's shoulder as the smell of pine mixed with Rhaenyra's scent. Lucerys gripped the hand and held onto it tightly, no doubt surprising Daemon if the slight intake of breath was anything to go by. After a moment, Daemon's other hand began brushing through Lucery's curls as the Omega was enveloped by the smell of a forest.

Helaena gently pulled her children away so she could begin explaining that they were going to be leaving the Keep with Lucerys' family. Both twins were practically vibrating with excitement in what they saw as an adventure they were taking with their Uncle and new cousins and quickly darted to the corner where a few of their toys were located and began piling together the ones they wanted to take with them.

The oldest twin had finished nursing, prompting Sara to gently pass her off to Abagal and she began lacing the front of her dress back up as she spoke with Elinda while Rose and Gerardys had their own conversation with Dyana.

Corlys just stepped into the room after reaffirming that his men would not let anyone through. He joined Rhaenys as she stood off to the side, watching the three in front of her as they huddled together. The pair could only see the hand Lucerys was holding onto Daemon, and they could see that the skin had stretched over the slim bones of his fingers, making the limb appear skeletal.

There was a light cooing noise that had Lucerys reluctantly pulling away from his parents to look down at the small bundle in his lap. The babe was still asleep, but she squirmed slightly before settling back against Luke with a small sigh,

"Her hair is like yours," His mother said, prompting him to look at her, "Your brother's had light whisps, but not you. You had a full head of curls that stuck up everywhere," She ran her fingers through his hair which caused his mouth to quirk into a slight smile.

It may have been the first time he smiled since giving birth.

Lucerys leaned back against his mother, his hand lightly brushing over the babe's curls as someone lightly cleared their throat,

"Maester Gerardys," The older man bowed slightly, the chain he wore clinking as he moved, "The babes, my- Are they-" The words died on Lucerys' tongue, but the maester was quick to say,

"Both healthy, my prince. I will admit I worry for the younger child, seeing as where she was born. But so far, I see no cause for concern," Luke stared at the maester before looking down at the small child in his lap.

She was still sleeping soundly, nestled safely in the blanket she was swaddled in.

He felt himself nod, his head brushing his mother's chin as Gerardys continued,

"I've arranged for a bath to be drawn. It should help with his temperature," Abagal piped up from where she was swaying with the oldest twin in her arms,

"And with feeling better in general,"

"And then more rest. I want to get you and your daughters to Dragonstone as soon as that rat and the women who forced themselves into your rooms are dealt with," Lucerys glanced up at his stepfather, eyes watering as he asked,

"Dragonstone? I- We can go with you? We can go home? They're letting us go home?"

"Not even the gods would have been able to stop us from getting you home, lad," The tears on Lucerys' face flowed in earnest when he saw his grandfather standing behind his parents.

Oh, he was going to be angry at Lucerys, Rhaenys was going to be angry with him! He had lost his father's, their son's, cloak!

"I'm sorry, grandfather! I'm sorry! I-" The Sea Snake vehemently shook his head as he took Rhaenyra's spot beside Lucerys,

"Why are you apologizing? There is no reason for you to-"

"I lost it! Father's cloak! Mother-mother gave it to me fo-for my-my nest. A-Aemond to-took it an-an-and I-" A full-bodied sob wracked the Omega's weakened frame and caused his daughter to let out a displeased noise before she to began to cry, "Oh! Oh no! Do- don't cry! Please-"

His daughter only began to wail loudly as her sister joined in.

Lucerys looked frantically between the two children, his panic rising and his tears falling with each wail as the younger twin was lifted from his lap.

Rhaenys quickly gave the child to her grandmother and cupped Lucerys' face in her hands, shushing him when he tried to apologize,

"No. There is nothing to apologize for. Do you understand? Nothing!"

He did not understand.

Rhaenys had every possible reason to be angry at him, her and Corlys both.

But they did not appear mad, just...

He didn't know what they appeared to be.

So, Lucerys nodded while lowering his eyes.

And then, to his surprise, Rhaenys kissed the top of his head and embraced him.

He was certain this was the first time Rhaenys had ever hugged him,

"Unca Lu?" Jaehaerys had toddled over and squeezed himself between Rhaenys and the bed.

His little hands were reaching for Luke, prompting the Omega to lean down so the pup could squeeze his cheeks,

"No cry! Promse! No more. 'kay?" He pointed at Rhaenyra and Abagal who were holding Luke's now quiet children, "New babsies. No sad, only happy. Oka?"

There was the sound of little feet as Jaehaera came over to stand next to her brother and grabbed Luke's hand,

"Una Lu? Can, can you tell us t'e names?" She asked while pointing at his babes, "Names now? Or s'prise for Dwagonstone?"

Luke glanced over at his children.

He had one name. Only one name for two newborn pups,

"I-"

Everyone was looking at him now.

He didn't have names for both of them! If he named only one of his daughters now, what would they think of him?

Lucerys already knew he was not good enough for his children, he'd made them cry and was constantly feeling nothing but emptiness toward them!

And none of the names he had chosen with Aemond were right for either child!

"Lucerys?" His mother was back in front of him, the pup she had been holding was now being cradled by Rhaenys while Helaena held Jaehaerys and Jaehaera by their shoulders so that they wouldn't crowd their uncle.

His head was cradled in his mother's hands as she brushed the hair that had fallen across his face back. She rested her forehead against his and pressed three quick kisses to his temple before pulling back.

Questions danced across his mother's face but they remained unasked. Lucerys did not think he'd be able to answer them anyway, he could hardly answer any of the questions he asked himself.

Rhaenyra ran her thumb over Lucerys' cheek,

"If you do not have names chosen, or if you feel the names you have chosen are no longer adequate, do not push yourself to come up with them before you are ready," She said, "Names or not, they are loved. And they will both continue to be loved after you decide what we shall call them," Her thumb collected the tears under his eyes and brushed them away before her lips pressed against his forehead.

When she pulled away, it was like kindling going up in dragon fire.

He did have another name.

Lucerys had suggested it when he and Aemond were still finding even ground during those early days of his pregnancy. His husband had shot it down so vehemently that Luke had pushed it into the furthest recesses of his mind and never thought of it again.

Until now.

Now, when it no longer mattered what Aemond thought about their daughters. He lost his right to say anything about them when he first accused Luke of carrying bastards.

Lucerys leaned against his mother, gripping her arms as he shuddered with tearless gaps before quietly asking,

"May I have my daughters, please?" She studied him for a moment before beckoning Rhaenys and Abagal over while Lucerys painfully crossed his legs. When he had his daughters nestled into the bowl of his lap, he motioned for Jaehaerys and Jaehaera to join him. They scrambled onto the bed and plopped themselves down beside Lucerys and stared at the pups in his lap.

Their faces were still tinged red from their crying earlier, but both were fast asleep once again.

Lucerys traced his daughters' cheeks and noses with light fingers and twirled the ends of their hair for a moment before looking at Helaena's twins,

"Which name do you want to know first?"

Chapter 8

Summary:

Short. Very short.

Notes:

Warning: Blood, gore, death

Chapter Text

The platform had been built in quick succession by the Gold Cloaks once they heard who needed it and what it was for.

And despite the early hours of the morning and the light rain that had begun to sprinkle across King's Landing, a large crowd had gathered around the platform at the foot of Rhaenys' Hill.

The silent anticipation broke as cheers went up from the Small Folk when they saw Meleys, Caraxes, Syrax, and Arrax appear from the Dragon Pit and begin flying in the sky above them. And the cheers grew in volume when they saw a group of Gold Cloaks marching through the crowd with Prince Daemon astride a large warhorse at the head.

Behind Prince Daemon, astride their own steads was Princess Rhaenyra and Princes Rhaenys, both still in their riding clothes as Lord Corlys rode his horse behind them, the ax he had carried into battle at the Stepstones strapped to his back.

Following them were the newly sworn shields of Princess Helaena and Prince Lucerys, both with new cloaks and armor to replace the white garb of the Kingsguard.

Ser Arryk's new armor was black while his cloak was a deep red color that reminded everyone of blood, the colors of House Targaryen.

Ser Erryk's now wore silver instead of the grey and white plates of the Kingsguard and a blue cloak that had a greenish hue to it. He was wearing the colors of House Velaryon.

The cheers then turned to shouts of outrage as rotten fruits, vegetables, fish, and even horse dung were thrown at the prison cart that was taking up the rear. Inside, squished against the bars and forced to stand in the cramped space, were five midwives and a maester. All of them were huddled together and trying to avoid the rotten food being thrown at them to no avail, they were covered in the stinking things before they reached the platform.

When the Lord of the Tides, The Rogue Prince, The Queen Who Never Was, and The Realm's Delight stood atop the platform, all four of the dragons landed behind them, roaring in unison as the Small Folk cheered and the six in the cart trembled in fear.

One of the Gold Cloaks placed a block at the front of the platform while another opened the cart. The Cargyll twins reached inside to grab one of the women and forcefully marched her, kicking and wailing, up the platform's steps.

To Corlys Velaryon who was now holding his ax, and Daemon Targaryen who had Dark Sister in hand.

There was no explanation.

None were needed.

Dyana had sought out Lord Caswell who happily spread the word to the staff, both in and out of the Red Keep.

Sara told her family and friends who then began chattering with everyone they knew until word had spread throughout King's Landing that an execution was going to take place.

The crowd roared when the first woman was forced to her knees and her neck shoved onto the block.

Corlys looked to Daemon who nodded and stepped forward. He got into position and raised his ax.

Daemon watched the blade make an arch and slice through the woman's neck like a hot knife into butter. The woman's head fell to the ground and began rolling toward the crowd. Hands grabbed it and the head soon disappeared as people began throwing the bits they had torn off the skull further back.

And the Rogue Prince had one thought in his head,

For Aenyra.

The Cargyll's brought the second woman and this time, Daemon was the one standing by the block with Dark Sister.

When the sword found its mark and the head rolled, Daemon watched it go while thinking,

For Aemma.

And when the third was dragged forth and her head was taken by Corlys, Daemon tightened his grip on his sword and thought,

For Lucerys.

This repeated twice more.

Swish.

Schtwik.

Thump.

For Aenyra.

Swish.

Schtwik.

Thump.

For Aemma.

Then Mellos was brought up and Rhaenyra stepped forward.

A hush fell over the crowd as Daemon handed Dark Sister over to her without hesitation.

The Princess walked to the maester who was being held down by the twins and stared at him.

Everyone was holding their breath.

She raised the sword over her head and brought it down in a graceful arch.

The crowd cheered.

The dragons roared as the women's bodies were deposited onto the ground before them.

Mellos' head disappeared into the crowd, followed shortly by his lifeless corpse.

The Small Folk tore what was left of the despicable maester apart until his bones were nothing but dust.

It was over now, and the crowd thinned slightly as some left while others watched the dragons feast on the midwives' bones.

As Daemon descended the steps of the platform and remounted his horse, one last thought filtered through his mind.

For Lucerys.

Chapter 9

Chapter Text

Mellos was dead, his head taken by Crown Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen as she wielded her husband's sword, Dark Sister.

The maester's head had been crushed under the Small Folk's feet and his body ripped to shreds at their hands.

The midwives' heads were stripped of their skin and hair, after which, the head butcher of the Red Keep found old, rusted spits that were going to be thrown away and held them steady as the five bloody skulls were shoved down the pointed ends. The makeshift pikes were then shoved into the ground outside the Sept.

A personal 'fuck you' to the devout and pious Green Queen.

The women's bodies were feasted upon by the dragons with Arrax receiving the largest share.

At the Red Keep, a few stable workers had returned and had begun tacking horses to hitch them to the carriages that would take Prince Lucerys, Princess Helaena, the children, and the midwives to Mud Gate where Lord Corlys would be waiting with his ships to take them to Dragonstone.

And while the Sea Snake had separated from the group to make sure that the Velaryon ships were being readied for departure, Prince Daemon, Princess Rhaenyra, Princess Rhaenys, and the Cargyll twins returned to the Keep. They returned to collect the Prince and Princess and to make sure that there would be no last attempts at keeping both of them and their children in King's Landing.

Prince Daemon stood in the courtyard, overseeing those who were preparing the carriages while his wife and cousin went inside to find Lucerys and Helaena.

As he waited, the doors opened. But it was not the people he was waiting for.

The Sick King wheezed his way down the steps, pausing every few seconds to catch his breath.

Behind him was The Hand who at first glance appeared indifferent to the whole thing, but Deamon saw the clench of his jaw and the way his shoulders tensed.

At his side was his daughter, the Queen Consort, who had red eyes and red fingers that twisted the cloak she was wearing to protect her from the light rain.

The Princes Aegon and Aemond were present, but they both stood at a distance from the three at the front, choosing instead to stand by Ser Harrold.

The Commander didn't acknowledge the two standing beside him, but he did shake his head at Cole when he tried standing at Aemond's side. So the younger Kingsguard was now standing further back, away from the royals.

Daemon rolled his eyes at the obvious attempt to save what little face they had left. He did not doubt his brother would try to convince Lucerys to stay while Alicent would plead with Helaena not to leave.

But Daemon would not allow that. Helaena and Lucerys wanted to leave and take their children to Dragonstone, he would ensure that they made it.

The doors opened a second time and everyone turned as Rhaenys and Helaena stepped out. Each princess had one of the twins perched on their hip, small hoods covering their heads to shield them from the rain, but their hands were held out to catch the drops falling around them.

After them stepped Rhaenyra, a newborn wrapped in blue strapped to her chest and her arm around Lucerys. The Prince had his oldest daughter strapped to his chest in the same fashion as Rhaenyra.

Lucerys had one hand supporting his daughter and the other was gripping Ser Erryk's arm tightly as he slowly descended the stairs. A pained grimace was on his face and deepened with each step he took.

When they reached the bottom of the stairs, the Queen moved.

Her hands, with blood staining her nails, were stretching toward Helaena as she desperately tried to reach around Rhaenys to grab her daughter,

"Helaena, please-" The princess stepped away from her mother but did not falter in her journey toward the carriage.

Jaehaerys and Jaehaera did not even spare their grandmother a glance and instead babbled at Rhaenys, asking questions about Dragonstone and her dragon Meleys. They only looked when Alicent called to them.

The Queen then found herself at the end of the most fearsome glare two two-year-olds could muster.

She briefly faltered and tried reaching for Jaehaerys who was in Rhaenys' arms, but before the Princess could move out of the way, the child scowled and slapped his grandmother's hand,

"No! No! You hur una Lu! No!" When Jaehaera heard her brother's cries, she joined in, pointing her fingers at the Queen with a scowl,

"Grama bad! Bad!"

Helaena tried quieting her children but quickly gave up and resumed walking while Rhaenys hid her smile in Jaehaerys' hair.

Daemon had no qualms about grinning broadly at the Queen's bewildered expression and began to laugh when the twins caught sight of Aemond and began pointing at him,

"Bad Unca Aem! Bad!"

"Hur Una Lu! Bad!"

The twins were quickly put into the carriage, followed by Helaena and Rhaenys, but their little silver heads poked out long enough to wave at Aegon,

"Bye Kepa!" They yelled before ducking back inside.

Aegon looked surprised that they had even known who he was.

Lucerys had to look up and breathe through his nose to keep from laughing at the two of them before resuming the painful walk to the carriage,

"Lucerys," His grandfather had walked up and was standing beside Alicent who was still staring at the carriage.

The King tried to speak, but Lucerys, while staring straight ahead, spoke before him,

"I am not staying here. My children are not safe here. I am not safe here,"

"You are and will be safe here-"

"The actions of your Queen and your son say otherwise," Lucerys said, his grip tightening on Ser Erryk's arm as his legs shook from the exertion, "Walk, please,"

Rhaenyra nodded as she readjusted her arm around Lucerys' waist while Ser Erryk began walking again.

They had almost reached the carriage when the Hand called out,

"Since you are taking the children, can their Graces know the names of their granddaughters, at the very least?" Once again, Lucerys stopped walking while he kept his gaze forward and he answered

"I am holding Aenyra. My mother is holding Aemma,"

He did not look at Aemond to see his reaction.

He told himself he did not care what Aemond thought.

He told himself if did not matter what Aemond thought.

There was a silence that rested heavily in the air before The Hand spoke again,

"And, these were the names that both you and Prince Aemond had decided-"

"Prince Aemond, lost any right to name my daughters when he abandoned them before they were even born!" The Prince snapped as he finally turned to face the King.

Viserys was staring in shock at Lucerys while Alicent looked at Rhaenyra. More importantly, at the babe, she was holding.

Her face was downturned and her eyes were wide as she stared at the child in his mother's grasp.

Lucerys turned back around and lurched forward to grab the carriage door, his feet shaking as they pushed him up. Rhaenys took his arm and helped him sit down beside her while Helaena pulled her children back so they wouldn't crowd around Luke.

Rhaenyra sat beside him as Daemon, who was smirking at the Greens, entered after her and shut the carriage door.

A small conversation started as the wheels began to turn, but the exhaustion weighed heavily on Lucerys and he found himself falling asleep against his mother.

It was slow going since the way toward the Mud Gate was crowded with Small Folk. They shouted blessings to Prince Lucerys and Princess Helaena, showing their support for the two Omegas and their children. Many hands reached out to touch the carriage while others prayed loudly for a safe journey.

There were a few curses heard, but not towards them, towards the Green Queen and her One-eyed Son.

When the carriage pulled to a stop at the docks, Lucerys was gently shaken awake by Jaehaera as she whispered,

"Boat, Unca Lu. Time for boat,"

He tiredly nodded and ran a hand over Aenyra's head as she shifted against his chest.

Daemon was supporting him this time, the two of them walking slowly toward the ships as Corlys approached them,

"How are you feeling, lad?" Luke shrugged as he answered,

"I feel like I've fallen from Arrax and then rolled down Aegon's Hill," He said, pausing with a hiss as his legs nearly gave out, "Though, I don't think either of those would be as painful, as this,"

Corlys led his grandson aboard one of his ships and directly into the captain's cabin. It was furnished with dark wood furniture that was polished to a shine. The bed was made up of the softest pillows and blankets that Gold Dragons could buy and thick curtains that blocked all light from entering the large windows that overlooked the sea.

The Omega sank into the mattress and almost fell asleep before Aenyra was untied from her bundle and handed off to Rhaenys.

Should he have wanted to hold onto her and Aemma the entire trip to Dragonstone?

Should he have asked that they be put beside him on the bed?

Was he relieved that his mother and Rhaenys would be the ones watching over his daughters instead of him?

"Your daughters will be kept safe, Lucerys," Daemon said as he and Corlys helped situate him against the pillows, "The three of you will be watched over on our journey,"

His stepfather ran a hand through his curls as his grandfather squeezed his hand.

The two of them approached their mates and spoke with them, but as Lucerys was nearing the verge of sleep, he could not make out the words.

The last thing he was aware of before he gave in to his exhaustion was his hand, as he had done so many nights before, reaching for the mating mark on his shoulder. Luke traced the scar, running his fingers along the ridges and bumps as he wondered what would happen next.

As Lucerys slept, Helaena smiled as she turned her face toward the rain. She had her children at her side, both of them ohing and ahhing at the dragons that flew above the ships.

When Lord Corlys exited the cabin with Daemon, he began calling orders out to his sailors who scrambled to undock the ships and prepare to sail.

Her eyes trailed over the different people around her until they landed on her new sworn shield and his brother. They were standing close, but still at a respectable distance away from her as they watched King's Landing begin to grow smaller before their eyes.

Helaena turned her gaze to the horizon, toward Dragonstone as the ship passed the watchtowers and entered Blackwater Bay.

Little Jaehaerys and Jaehaera soon found their way up to the ship's wheel where Corlys and Daemon were standing and began asking questions. The two Alphas happily answered their questions with smiles, and at some point, they both ended up holding the two toddlers and walking the length of the ship with them.

Helaena saw this and, despite all of her grandfather and mother's warnings about the Rogue Prince, she felt no fear as she saw him answer their questions about the dragons above them.

And when her children shrieked and pointed out two new dragons in the sky, Helaena knew they were coming upon their destination.

The green and orange dragon flew between Syrax and Arrax, letting out noises that could only be described as happy while another dragon, this one pale green, began her own dance around Caraxes and Meleys. While this was happening, Helaena's own dragon, Dreamfyre, was flying above them all, watching them and trilling with happiness at seeing these new dragons.

Her smile broadened as she watched them.

They were almost to Dragonstone.

Helaena knew she would meet her morning soon.

As Lord Corlys' men prepared to dock, Lucerys emerged from the cabin with Rhaenys and Rhaenyra. The young Omegan Prince was still shaky on his legs and visibly exhausted, but his entire face lit up with a weak smile when he saw how close they were to the island. And more importantly, five figures waiting for them at the docks.

Luke had no time to prepare himself because when the ships were docked and the gangplank secured, little feet came pounding onto the ship and went barreling toward him. Joffrey had weaved his way through hands trying to grab him and threw his arms around his brother, squeezing him tightly and nearly knocking him off his feet. Luke would have fallen on his rear if it were not for Rheanys steadying him.

The pain he felt was immeasurable, but Lucerys returned the gesture with a matched enthusiasm. And if he began crying into his little brother's hair, no one mentioned it.

Rhaenyra had tried convincing Joff to release Luke so that they could get onto dry land, but his little brother only redoubled the embrace when he saw their siblings marching up the gangplank.

Jace was in front, eyes fixating on Luke as he quickly ran over to where he was standing and added himself to the embrace.

Next was Baela who had Aegon the Younger perched on her hip. She also rushed over to Lucerys, fluffing his hair and cupping his cheek with a smile.

Last came Rhaena, and she had something hanging onto her shoulder. It took him a moment to realize just what his sister had with her and his face broke out into a grin,

"Your egg hatched!" He exclaimed and Rhaena nodded while stroking the pink hatchling on her shoulder,

"She hatched after father and Rhaenyra went to retrieve you from King's Landing," She said, "Her name is Morning,"

There were two little gasps that had everyone looking at Helaena's twins who were still being held by Corlys and Daemon. They squirmed until they were released and dashed over to Helaena.

The three of them were a bit too far to hear their conversation, but whatever was said had the twins rushing back over to Rheana,

"You Morning!" Jaehaera exclaimed.

Rhaena laughed and knelt to their height, "No, my name is Rhaena, but Morning is the name of my dragon,"

The children stared in aw at the hatchling before grabbing Rhaena's hands and began dragging her to where Helaena was standing,

"Muna! You ha' t'meet Muna!"

There was not one person who was not smiling when they saw the little Prince and Princess introduce their mother to their new friend, unknowing of the happy future in store for the three of them.

And Luke clung to his older and younger brothers, the tears that had not been shed at King's Landing finally appearing as it set in that he was finally back at Dragonstone.

Lucerys wasn't even on dry land yet, but he already felt a weight lifting from his shoulders.

He was here, as were his daughters, they were away from the Greens and their lies. Gods, Lucerys was now realizing that, after almost four months of constant fear, he was now safe.

His daughters were safe.

It almost didn't seem real.

It felt too much like a dream to be real and Lucerys was half expecting to wake back up in his chambers at the Red Keep.

But as he sat in the carriage taking them from the Fishing Village to the castle, Aemma in his lap while Jace and Baela cooed over Aenyra and Helaena and her children talking with Rhaena, Lucerys knew, that beyond any doubt, this was no dream.

And when Luke stepped out of the carriage and looked up at the castle with dragons flying overhead, he cried once again.

He cried when he saw the painted table and when he was helped into his old rooms.

He cried after being left to sleep while his daughters slept in the cribs beside his bed.

Lucerys was finally home, he was with his family again.

But his hand still reached for the mark on his shoulder, and the tears became ones of sadness as he thought about what he had lost in order to return.

Chapter 10

Notes:

Warning: Blood, non-con (related to feet)

Chapter Text

The only reason Otto Hightower was still in King's Landing was because Alicent had pleaded on her hands and knees to the King. She had begged him not to send away her father, saying she had lost her daughter and grandchildren, and her sons would not speak to her, please do not take the last piece of her family from her!

So, The Hand stayed.

Or, the former Hand stayed at the Red Keep.

After the departure of Helaena and Lucerys, The Kind told Ser Harrold to find out everything that had been kept from him during the months of Lucerys' pregnancy. Otto had tried to say he would tell the King everything, but that conversation ended with Viserys ordering Ser Harrold to remove the Hand Pin from Hightower's shirt.

After hearing that her father had been demoted, the Queen clawed her way into the King's chambers, begging that Otto Hightower not be sent away. The King only agreed to stop her screams.

He penned a letter to Dragonstone, inviting Daemon to sit as his Hand, remembering the confrontation they had before he exiled Daemon after the death of Aemma and Baelon,

"You've only ever tried to send me away, to the Vale! To the City Watch! Anywhere but by your side! Ten years you've been King and not once have you asked me to be your Hand!" Daemon yelled, his voice echoing across the empty throne room.

Viserys shook his head as he listened to the admittance of ambition from his brother,

"Why would I do that?"

"Because I'm your brother," Was The Rogue Prince's answer, "And the blood of the dragon runs thick,"

"Then why do you cut me so deep?" Viserys asked,

"I've only ever spoken the truth. I see Otto Hightower for what he is,"

Viserys raised his brow, "An unwavering and loyal Hand-"

"A cunt! A second son who stands to inherit nothing he doesn't seize for himself,"

"Otto Hightower is a more honorable man than you could ever be,"

Daemon was quick to snap back, "He doesn't seek to protect you. I would!"

"From what?" His brother's answer came just as quickly, but ten times quieter, and felt louder than the roar of a dragon,

"Yourself," He stared at Daemon who continued, "You're weak, Viserys. That council of leeches knows it they all prey on you for their own ends,"

Viserys, having grown tired of this back-and-forth between himself and his brother leaned back on the throne while readjusting his grip on Blackfyre, readying for the inevitable fight Daemon would put up,

"I have decided to name a new heir,"

The confusion on his brother's face was almost laughable, "I'm your heir-"

"Not anymore! You are to return to Runestone, to your Lady Wife. And you will do so, without quarrel. By order of your King!"

Daemon took a step forward and the Kingsguard all moved, closing rank before the throne while grabbing their swords as Viserys adjusted the grip on his own.

He waited for his brother to pounce, to scream while drawing Dark Sister about this betrayal.

Instead, Daemon's eyes rose to meet Viserys' as he answered,

"Your Grace," He gave a slight bow, then turned and walked away.

Viserys watched him go, expecting his brother to turn and have the last word. But the doors were opening and he was not slowing his pace. The King rose slightly off of the throne and opened his mouth to call for Daemon, but the words stuck against his throat.

When Daemon could no longer be seen, Viserys fell back and lifted his hand to his head, pausing at the blood welling up in the cut he had just received from the throne

Viserys could now see how wrong he had been, for defending Otto Hightower, for not hearing Daemon's version of events.

For sending his brother away.

Viserys hoped, that this offer would be the first step in rebuilding the bridge between him and Daemon, and with hope, Rhaenyra. And that as the relationships were mended, Lucerys and Aemond would mend their bond as well so the pups, Aenyra and Aemma, would have their fathers united as they grow.

But it was too much to hope for.

He received an answer on the same day from Daemon, a simple one-worded response.

No.

The Queen was in her chambers, sitting at the table across from her father as her nails were picked red and bloody.

The absence of her dear daughter and grandchildren was felt.

She would never admit it in her present company, but she felt Lucerys' absence too. The Queen did not realize she had grown accustomed to the Omegan Prince until he was no longer in the Keep.

Helaena was always a quiet, but bright presence during these rare meals together, and when Lucerys had begun to join them, Alicent hated to admit it, but her daughter had smiled more. Had spoken more. The two young Omegas would have quiet conversations together and when her daughter recited one of her poems or riddles, Lucerys would listen with an attentive gaze, making a comment that none of them could hear as Helaena smiled at him. Again, the Queen had to admit something she hated: Her daughter seemed to smile more since Lucerys had begun living at the Keep.

Alicent shifted her eyes to her right where Aegon was sitting, staring at the wine pitcher in front of him but making to move to fill his dry cup as he pushed food around his plate.

To her left was Aemond, sitting away from the table so that his back was to her father and his missing eye was facing her. His fingers tapped lightly on the table, no doubt waiting for the right moment to excuse himself.

The silence was suffocating with the only sound being the scrapping of silverware against plates as her father stared at Aegon, then Aemond, and then at her. It took every ounce of willpower not to flinch under his gaze.

He set his utensils down and cleared his throat, eyeing both of her sons.

Aegon made eye contact with his grandfather and froze slightly under his gaze.

Aemond did not move.

Otto glowered and Alicent quickly reached for her son,

"Aemond-" The hand he had resting on the table was snatched away.

Alicent felt her expression shatter as she slowly put her hand in her lap as her father turned his heated gaze to her,

"This month is coming to an end, and the two of you will be going to Dragonstone," He waited as if expecting one of them to protest or voice their displeasure at leaving King's Landing, "I will begin making preparations on the morrow to for a vessel-"

Aegon snorted, cutting off Otto who looked at him with thinly veiled anger,

"Yeah. Rhaenyra's not going to let Aemond and I show up with a ship filled with people you chose," He muttered,

"Aegon, your grandfather just wants to ensure you and your brother's journey is safe-"

"And it will be safe. On Sunfyre and Vhagar," Alicent shook her head and was about to protest when Aemond spoke for the first time that evening,

"Rhaenyra and Daemon will be expecting us on dragon back. If we arrive by boat, Corlys Velaryon could cut us off from Dragonstone with his fleet," Otto scowled at his youngest grandson's back,

"Then they would be risking war against the crown-"

"And, since that would be too much trouble, Aemond and I should just go by dragon back," The glare was now pinned on Aegon who shrugged while staring at his empty cup.

Alicent looked to the ground as she picked her fingers under the table as blood welled up around the beds as Otto spoke through gritted teeth,

"The King, would not approve of the two of you going alone-"

"I thought The Hand was the only one privy to the King's thoughts. Or the Queen. But you were fired and she's here and not with him," Otto stood from his seat in anger and glared down at Aegon who grinned as Alicent quickly spoke up,

"It would not be my desire for the two of you to go alone," She looked between her sons, hoping to catch Aemond's gaze.

But her youngest stood without looking at her and stalked out of the room.

When the door slammed behind him, Aegon stood as well with a slight laugh while saying,

"Aemond does not seem to care for your desires anymore, mother,"

After Aegon left, Otto sat back down as Alicent put her head in her hands,

"The fate of the realm rests on those boys' shoulders, and at this point, it will collapse into ruin," He glowered at Alicent, "All because you could not keep from spreading discord because of your hatred of Rhaenyra's sons," The Queen looked sharply at her father and shot up from her seat,

"I did not start those rumors! I was not the one who began whispering about my granddaughters' legitimacy!" Otto stared at Alicent before shaking his head and heading toward the door,

"Perhaps you can ask your dear friend, the Master of Whispers where these rumors started. Seeing as the two of you are so close,"

Alicent flinched when the door slammed behind her father as she sank back into her chair.

Thwack.

Aenyra. The name of his eldest daughter.

Thwack.

Aemma. The name of his youngest daughter.

Thwack.

Aenyra. Like her father, had no dragon egg.

Thack!

Aemma. Like her sister, had no dragon egg.

Thwack! Thwack!

Aenyra. Named for his eldest sister, despite Aemond telling Lucerys he was not comfortable with that when it was suggested.

Thwack! Thwack!

Aemma. Named after his father's first wife, despite the possibility of the name being mentioned.

Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!

Aenyra. Instead of Nymeria.

Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!

Aemma. Instead of any name he and Lucerys had discussed.

Thwack!

No dragon eggs.

Thwack!

Different names.

Thwack!

His daughters and his Lucerys, gone!

Crack!

The training dummy Aemond had been pummeling with his sword collapsed next to the others the Prince had destroyed moments earlier,

"They are all dead, my Prince," He grits his teeth at the sound of Ser Criston entering the training grounds, "If you still wish to train, you know I will happily assist,"

Like the Queen, Cole did not receive an answer as Aemond turned away and stalked toward the archery range while pulling out the dagger he kept at his hip.

He assumed the appropriate stance, ignoring Cole as he stood behind him and threw the blade.

Swish.

Thunk!

Aenyra.

Aemond grabbed the dagger from where it had sunk into the target and walked back to where he had been standing and threw it a second time.

Swish.

Thunk!

Aemma.

His girls, his mate, gone.

Despite what the King thought about hope for him and Lucerys, Aemond knew there was none. Despite the traitorous voice in his head that whispered that there was! There was because Lucerys was his! The twins were his daughters and they all belonged together!

Prince Aemond, lost any right to name my daughters before they were even born!

That is what Lucerys said, and Aemond believed there was more than just their names that he had lost the right to,

"You cannot blame yourself for this," Cole said as Aemond went to retrieve the dagger again, "The bastard is the son of a whore. It is understandable that you would believe the rumors about his pups being bas-" The Kingsguard jolted back as a stinging pain raced across his face and through the top of his ear.

He blinked in shock as his blood began to run in rivets down his face and dripped in his ear.

Cole didn't register that he was shoved to the ground until he was staring up at Aemond's singular violet eye that burned with rage as he spat out,

"Do you remember the night I lost my eye? The decree my father made when he learned of the insults I threw at my then future-husband and his brother?" The dagger was back in his hand, blood dripping from the tip, "He declared that anyone who questions the legitimacy of my half-sister's children should have their tongue removed!"

The dagger was dangerously close to Cole's mouth as Aemond's arm pressed down on his throat, cutting off his air,

"And now I make the same! Anyone who so much as thinks that my daughters are bastards shall lose their tongues!" Cole's eyes were darting between the Prince and the dagger, but he sighed in relief as the blade was pulled back and Aemond stood up, "Make sure to tell everyone you see on the way to the Maesters,"

The Prince left the training grounds and Cole and stormed back into the Keep.

The door to the Queen's chambers opened, followed by the shuffling footsteps of Larys Strong,

"You requested my presence, Your Grace," The Master of Whispers called as Alicent turned from the window.

The Omegan Queen's eyes were bloodshot as her red fingers ran over the ragged mating mark on her shoulder, smearing small bits of blood over the silver scar left by the King,

"Shut the door," She said, not moving from her place as Larys did as she bid before sitting at his usual place on the sofa.

Alicent said nothing as Larys made himself comfortable before slowly walking over. She made sure there was still a good distance between them before saying,

"Years ago, you said when, the Queen makes a wish, what servant of the realm would not strive to fulfill it?" She met his dead eyes and hesitantly asked, "Did that, happen, again?"

The Master of Whispers rested his chin upon his cane, eyes still trained on Alicent,

"I assume you are referring to the rumors that surrounded your son's Omega? Of his children?" He waited until she nodded and hummed, but did not give an answer as his gaze lowered.

Until he was looking at her shoes that poked out just past the edge of her dress.

Alicent shuddered as nausea pooled in her stomach, but she walked to the sofa across from Larys and sat down. She reached down, Larys following her hand as it grabbed her shoes and slipped them off before placing her feet on the table between them, with her only her toes peaking over the edge,

"I will admit, they were started from a wish you made. One that stemmed from wanting the marriage of Prince Aemond and Prince Lucerys absolved," The Master of Whispers paused.

The Queen closed her eyes and shakily peeled her stockings down her legs,

"A few words given to two servants who are known to gossip near the right Kingsguard, who wants to ensure the safety of his Queen," She slowly slid her foot onto the table, "And as he discovers more people, nobles and servants alike, what can he do but his duty to the Queen and the Prince?"

Alicent's throat went dry.

Ser Criston had been the one to bring the rumors to her and Aemond's attention, but, despite his best intentions, Cole had just done what Larys had wanted.

Because she made the mistake of mentioning a desire in his presence.

There was a clearing of a throat and Alicent jolted back to the situation in front of her. She blinked harshly, trying to stop her tears of disgust while moving to bring her feet up to the couch when Larys stood,

"While I do thank you for indulging me, Your Grace, since this was not a wish fulfilled, but a failure, I do not believe this reward is necessary tonight," He smiled at Alicent and bid her good night as he hobbled out of her chambers.

When the door shut and she could no longer hear the shuffling of his walk, Alicent rang for a bath, needing to wash Larys' gaze off of her.

Chapter 11

Notes:

Warning: Postpartum, anxiety

Chapter Text

When Lucerys arrived back on Dragonstone, he slept for three days, only waking up long enough to get some water and a few bites of broth down before once again falling asleep.

Rhaenyra had worried over her son, but Gerardys continually reassured her the young prince would be fine. It was simply the prince's body and mind, after months of being under constant duress and vigilance, healing. He needed rest and this was simply the first step in healing. They would just need to wake him up to eat and drink what little he could throughout the day.

The new babes were put into cribs that rested in the room with Lucerys. Both were peaceful and happy pups that hated to be separated from their Kepa. Gods forbid they were taken out of the Prince's room because when they were carried over the threshold, both began to scream and wail until they were returned.

It was as if they knew something was wrong and were terrified about leaving Lucerys' side.

Jaehaerys and Jaehaera were constantly checking on Luke and their cousins with Little Aegon toddling behind them.

The three of them became fast friends, dodging their nurses and sneaking through the halls of Dragonstone. They played together, read together, and attended lessons together.

Joffrey ended up becoming the ringleader for the three of them and helped with any general chaos they wanted to get up to.

Helaena reacquainted herself with Jacaerys and, like her nephew Aegon, became fast friends with the twins. Or, fast friends with Baela, there seemed to be something more quickly forming between her and Rhaena.

She also became close to her uncle. They would have many conversations in the library when the twins were either down for a nap or asleep for the night.

Rhaenyra had given her sister the time and space she needed to settle herself and her children on Dragonstone, then the two began building the relationship both wished they had from the beginning. Though, it did confuse Jaehaerys and Jaehaera when they figured out that Rhaenyra was their uncle's mother and their mother's sister.

Because, if she was their mother's sister, that meant she was their aunt and Luke their cousin. But, he had married their mother's brother, which made him their uncle.

They didn't understand the full extent of the Targaryen family tree, but both of them made sure that it was well-known they loved their Uncle Luke and baby cousins either way!

Jacaerys, while waiting for Luke to be awake for more than a few minutes, spent most of his time in the training yard, using the dummies as an outlet for his anger. Baela joined him a few times and the two sparred until their arms were numb and their lungs struggling for breath.

Both were angry at what Aemond had done to their brother and wanted nothing more than to gouge out his remaining eye and shove him into the ocean. And if he was still alive, they'd drag him to their dragons.

But sadly, cooler heads, that later had to sit Joffrey down and make him promise the same as Baela and Jace, prevailed and they reluctantly agreed not to do any bodily harm to Aemond when he arrived. They did not promise to be polite.

Rhaenys and Corlys stayed on Dragonstone.

For the sake of the children, they set aside their grievances with Rhaenyra and Daemon, but there was still a barrier between them.

For Rhaenys and Corlys, it was the grief of their lost children keeping them distant.

For Rhaenyra and Daemon, it was a secret they desperately wanted to share, but could not for the promise of a friend.

But Luke? He seemed to get better.

The Omegan Prince kept himself in his chambers for the first few weeks, only moving from his bed to the chair at the window. He was attentive to his daughters, holding them in his lap and rocking their cradles, but there was always some lingering sadness in his eyes. And it got worse when he began nursing his daughters.

Sara, who had agreed to travel to Dragonstone and stay until they found a wetnurse for the babes or until Lucerys began to nurse the babes himself, and Rose helped settle his girls in his arms and position them against his chest.

He worried at first since his chest had only swollen a small amount, and it caused Luke to fear that he wouldn't be able to nurture his girls. But Gerardys, Rose, Abagal, Elinda, his mother, and Sara all reassured him that he needn't worry.

And since his daughters latched onto him with no hesitation and did not let go until they were full, it appeared that he had worried for nothing.

Sara and Rose cooed over the girls as they drifted off to sleep, but Lucerys stared out the window,

"You've been quiet for these last few days," His mother said as she gently rocked Aenyra while Aemma was nestled against him, "What are you thinking, Sweet Boy?"

What was he thinking?

Luke was thinking that there was something terribly wrong with him.

There was still that aching chasm at the pit of his chest where the love for his daughters should be.

He wanted to hold them, protect them, and shield them from what lurked in the darkness.

But he felt no love.

The emptiness in his heart had swallowed it.

Luke gently twisted one of Aemma's curls with his finger as she sucked on her hand and peered up at him. The dim light of the fire made her violet eye sparkle and her hazel eye darken, making it almost look like dragonglass in the shadows of the room.

He glanced over at Aenyra who had fixed her gaze on the rings his mother wore. Her tiny hand has flailing about as she tried grabbing one with a large gemstone. Rhaenyra shifted her hand and slid the ring down her finger, but kept a grip on it so that the pup wouldn't try to swallow it.

Luke knew he would never abandon his daughters, he could not imagine leaving them behind the way Aemond had. They were his children and Lucerys would rather die instead of leaving them.

But his heart was empty, and he could feel nothing.

He knew these pups would be better off with any other Omega taking care of them than him.

But he was selfish. Luke had already endured so much in order to bring them into this cruel world, they were his and he would not let them go!

But Luke felt nothing but emptiness,

"I can't believe it has almost been a month," Luke murmured instead of answering his mother's question, locking away the worries in his head.

One month.

One full turn of the moon.

Four weeks.

And by the next, Aemond would be here. What little safety Luke had begun to feel would disintegrate when Vhagar's roar shook the foundations of Dragonstone,

"They will be walking before you know it. Gods know you and your brothers went from crawling to running in the blink of an eye," Rhaenyra smiled at Aenyra who was still mesmerized by her ring.

Lucerys nodded, still running his finger over Aemma's hair as her eyes began to droop closed. He gently rocked her and shakily stood to carefully lay her in the crib. His youngest squirmed a bit when she was set down, but settled and drifted off to sleep, her breaths deepening as she descended into dreams.

He sat back down with a slight grunt as his legs trembled. It had been almost a month and still, Lucerys could not stand or walk without shaking and tired easily.

Gerardys said it was because of the circumstances of his delivery and the Red Walk. He said that Lucerys would regain full strength, but it would take time.

But, how much time did Lucerys have before Aemond demanded his daughters return to King's Landing? Until his husband found some small weakness and used it to convince the King that Aenyra and Aemma should be placed under his care?

Lucerys shuddered at the thought and held out his arms.

They trembled slightly as his mother set Aenyra in his grasp.

His oldest cooed and gurgled when she realized who was now holding her, and Lucerys almost managed a smile. He traced a finger over her cheek and the slight upturn of her nose as she began to settle against him.

That was another thing about the twins, they refused to fall asleep anywhere but their Kepa's arms. They could soundly sleep in their crib, but they would not fall asleep in it. Both would cry if put down for the night by another person and would refuse to settle until Lucerys had them both cradled to his chest.

As Aenyra joined her sister in the depths of sleep, Lucerys quietly asked,

"How do you do it? How did you do it?"

Rhaenyra tilted her head, "Do what?"

"This," He gestured between the pup in his lap and the one nestled in the crib, "Having children. I- You've done this four times and are about to do it for a fifth and I..." Luke trailed off as he stared at the crib.

Rhaenyra grabbed his hands and ran her thumb over the dry skin of his fingers. She briefly glossed over the fact he knew she was carrying another child, deciding to ask how he found out without her telling him later,

"I know I am not alone here. I know I have you, my siblings, everyone here, I just..." Luke closed his eyes as his vision blurred, "I saw what he could be like, what we could have had after they were born,"

"You and Aemond?" Luke nodded,

"He was kind and attentive. I never, feared him, during that time. I felt lo-" He cut himself off and looked away before continuing, "Now, I am just afraid. That he'll find something wrong, find out that something's wrong with me, and take them! I can't- He can't take them-" He shook with a harsh sob that caused Aenyra to squirm and whine with displeasure.

Lucerys quickly began to rock her, begging in whispers for her not to cry, saying that he was sorry, he did not mean to wake her up.

Aenyra settled again after a few moments and Rhaenyra gently took her granddaughter as Lucerys put his head in his hands.

His shoulders shook with silent cries that made him ache as his mother gathered him into her arms. She held him gently while repeatedly kissing his temple as he cried into her shoulder.

Her heart ached for her son and she desperately wished she could take the pain her son was feeling from him,

"Sweet Boy," She whispered while pressing a last kiss to his cheek before holding Luke's face in her hands, "I cannot fathom the pain you feel. To constantly fear someone you love-"

"I never said I loved him," Rhaenyra smiled sadly at Luke, as she grasped his hands,

"You did not need to. We all knew of your feelings when we visited King's Landing," He looked away but his mother ducked her head to keep in his line of sight, "There is no shame in what you felt,"

"Even after everything he's done?" Luke asked before shaking his head, "I don't want to. He's taken too much already I don't want to give him anymore! Not when it should be given to them,"

The last part was whispered as he looked to where his daughters were sleeping.

His daughters who should be loved.

Why couldn't he give that? Why did it have to be given to the man who no longer, or never, cared?

Why had he given Aemond so many things willingly, and left nothing for his daughters?

"Why can't I give anything to them?"

Lucerys cried himself to sleep that night in his mother's arms, the two of them nestled on the chaise sofa that was located near the window.

The bed may have been a better place for the two of them, but it had the beginnings of a nest a top of the mattress. And since Rhaenyra had been unable to get a clear answer from her son about whether or not she would be welcome in his nest, she guided him to the sofa and curled around him in the cramped space.

Daemon was the one who found them the next morning.

Luke's face was still tear-stained and still hidden in Rhaenyra's shoulder while his mother had her arms around him and her chin resting against his head.

The Alpha Prince checked the young princesses, smiling when he saw the two of them still sleeping peacefully as the sun crept over the horizon.

It was now six days until the arrival of Aegon and Aemond.

And already, the One-eyed Prince was causing trouble.

Gerardys had approached Daemon first thing that morning and said that two ravens had arrived from King's Landing. One from the King to Daemon, and another from Aemond to Lucerys.

He read neither of them and only took the one for Lucerys, saying he would deliver it to the young prince.

And now, watching the two Omegas sleeping, he wished to just throw the letter into the dying embers of the fire. Nothing that One-eyed Cunt had to say could be so important to Lucerys,

"Daemon?" He turned toward the sofa, smiling when he saw his mate staring up at him. Her eyes were heavy with sleep as she reached one of her hands toward him.

Daemon took it and pressed a kiss to the back as he sat on the floor, quietly asking,

"How is he?" Rhaenyra sighed as she kissed their son's head,

"Afraid. Daemon, he is so afraid of what will happen when Aemond arrives. Of what will happen to his children while Aemond is here," Daemon shook his head with a slight growl as he crumpled the letter in his hand,

"That One-eyed Cunt won't have the chance to attempt anything while he is here!" He snarled, "If he were not my brother's son-"

"But he is. And even if he wasn't, you know what sending him to Balerion would do to Lucerys," Daemon sighed heavily through his nose.

He knew what would happen, he knew what a broken bond felt like.

Laena's mark had burned away the moment he had lost her.

Daemon had run out of their home in Pentos when he realized where she was going, calling for her, hoping he could reach her. But he saw Vhagar's flames and felt the scar split open. Blood that felt like liquid fire burned its way down his arm and chest as he watched Laena die.

When his shoulder healed, with no mark, no scar, and no sign of his Laena, he had secluded himself on the beach of Dragonstone with only Caraxes and the two screamed at the gods.

Daemon knew that he and Rhaenyra were meant for each other, but that did not mean he held no love for Laena. She was his light in a dark time, she gave him her heart, and two daughters who looked more like her with each passing day, and he still felt her loss years later.

Rhaenrya understood and did not begrudge him. She was probably the only other person who knew what he felt.

She and Harwin Strong had not bonded, could not bond with each other, but Rhaenyra had loved him, and he her. He gave her pieces of himself that helped create three boys who were becoming men. Rhaenyra loved her Commander, and still carried the wound of his loss.

They found love in their years apart from each other, and have both lost them. Both still mourned Laena and Harwin, and would for the rest of their days.

Daemon rested his forehead on Rhaenyra's arm before kissing her shoulder and murmuring,

"He has written to Lucerys," He felt Rhaeyrna stiffen under his fingers,

"What does he want?"

"I do not know. I have not read or fed the fire with it. Luke should make the decision of what to do with it," Daemon looked toward the sleeping Omega but found that he was awake.

Luke's finger traced the patterns of his mother's dress as he asked Daemon,

"What does he want?" When he was not answered immediately, his red eyes trailed over to Daemon and Lucerys once again asked, "What does Aemond want? Why does he write after a month of silence?"

Daemon briefly wondered if he should have just thrown the letter into the fire, but eventually nodded and unrolled the paper,

"Lucerys, the time for Aegon and I to depart for Dragonstone is quickly drawing near. I understand, that with my past actions, I will not be received warmly. But I am willing to take the first steps in mending the rift I created between us. I found two eggs in the Dragon Pit, that I think would suit our daughters. I will bring them to Dragonstone with me, and if you agree and find them suitable as well, I will leave them to rest within our children's cradles. If you find that the eggs are not right for either of our children, I will take them back to King's Landing with me-"

"No!" Lucerys had pushed himself up and shook his head, "I will not take anything from him! My daughters do not need anything from him!" Luke collapsed back against the cushions as Rhaenyra took his hand and Daemon stood.

The young Omega had to breathe deeply for a few moments then looked up at his father,

"My daughters are going to grow up here on Dragonstone. Their family here will choose their eggs from the Dragonmont. They don't need anything from King's Landing!"

Daemon nodded as he crumpled the paper in his fist, not caring about the unread words, and tossed it into the embers in the hearth. It caught fire fairly quickly from the dim coals, and once it had curled under the flames, Daemon looked back to Lucerys.

The Omega was leaning over the cradles as his daughters began to wake and announce their hunger.

Daemon picked up Aenyra as Rhaenyra helped Lucerys get comfortable, then handed the pup over. Once she was settled, he lifted Aemma, whose nose was scrunched up at the audacity of waking with no food in her belly, and placed her beside her sister.

He did not squirm at the sight, thinking it only as a natural process of life. Daemon also remembered Rhaenys, in a moment of spite, had nursed Laenor in a meeting with their grandfather and the Lords who had chosen Viserys to be their future King.

Almost all of them, including the King, averted their eyes as she was asked if it was necessary for her to do that now. His spitfire cousin had only responded that since they only saw her as a chamber for growing and nursing babes, they should not be surprised when she had to do so.

Daemon had laughed and received many glares that day.

When Aenyra and Aemma were well-satisfied and lightly dozing against Lucerys, Daemon said,

"I will inform the Dragonkeepers and have them prepare two warming chambers. When you are ready, we can pay a visit to the hatcheries," Luke nodded in thanks, not bothering to point out he would be unable to go due to him feeling fatigued from just crossing from one end of his room to the other.

But, his daughters would be getting their dragon eggs, and Luke did not care that he would be unable to witness them being chosen. Because it would be his family choosing the eggs, not Aemond.

Because Aemond had abandoned his daughters, and only claimed them when he saw their hair. Lucerys knew it would have been a different story if they looked like him.

Aemond would have no say when it came to Aenyra and Aemma. Not with their names, or their dragons.

Not with anything.

Chapter 12

Chapter Text

There was a chill in the air of Dragonstone, a signal of the cold months arriving.

Two Dragonkeepers stood outside the caves leading into the hatcheries, barely flinching at the slowly dropping temperature as a third came running toward them,

"Pōnta're bē kesīr" He said,

They're almost here.

The Head Dragonkeeper nodded and jerked his head so the other two would head inside to ensure that all preparations were complete.

About ten minutes later, the small procession he had been waiting for had rounded the corner.

At the front were Prince Jacaerys with Prince Aegon on his back and Prince Joffrey holding his hand. Beside them was Prince Daemon who had one of Princess Helaena's twins on his hip as his niece walked behind him, her second child in her arms as the Lady Rhaena moved beside them.

The Lady's dragon, Morning, was draped across her neck like an elegant scarf and would extend her head toward the child to demand attention.

At the back were Lord Corlys with his granddaughter Lady Baela who were both deep in a discussion with each other. They were no doubt planning what to do when the One-eyed Prince arrived on Dragonstone. And behind them, the sworn shields of Prince Lucerys and Princess Helaena walked at a respectable distance.

In the middle of the procession, wrapped in thick furs to protect himself and the child strapped to his chest from the winds was Prince Lucerys. He walked slowly, still recovering from his labors and the Red Walk, and was supported by the Princess Rhaenys who made sure to stop when her grandson became short of breath. Beside them was Princess Rhaenyra with the other child of the Omegan Prince in her arms.

As they drew closer to the hatcheries, a roar sounded as wings beat against the wind. From the clouds descended a pearlescent dragon that landed in front of them.

Arrax stretched his head and crooned in delight when he saw his rider.

Lucerys smiled at his dragon, gently pried himself out of Rheanys' arms, and began walking toward Arrax.

Aemma was awake now and blinked as Arrax sniffed the curls sticking out of the blanket she was wrapped in,

"Nykeā tala, arrax. Mēre hen babies nyke ivestretan ao istan māzis,"

A daughter, Arrax. One of the babies I told you was coming.

The dragon let out another delighted noise as he let out a puff of warm air on Aemma which made the pup squeal in delight.

Lucerys motioned for his mother who brought Aenyra forward.

Arrax needed no prompting when he saw the bundle in Rhaenyra's arms and leaned toward Aenyra. He recognized both girls as his rider's hatchlings and knew that he would protect them with his life.

The dragon turned back to Lucerys who rested his forehead against the warm scales,

"Nyke daor sōvegon yet. Nyke daor sȳrī enough. Yn skori nyke able īlon jāhor gūrogon naejot se jēdrar hēnkirī arlī,"

I cannot fly yet. I am not well enough. But when I am able, we will take to the skies again.

Arrax crooned again as he gently nudged Luke and stepped back. He left the way to the hatchery clear and curled up on the rocks beside the path.

With the dragon settled and watching his rider and his hatchlings, the Dragonkeepers welcomed the group into the hatchery.

Rows of dragon eggs greeted them, each egg sparkling in the torchlight.

All of the children stared in wonder and excitement as they took in the eggs in front of them,

"Alright," Daemon set down Jaehaera as Aegon clambered down from Jace's back.

The Rogue Prince gathered the little ones around him and made sure he had their attention,

"I need you all to listen to me very carefully. This is the cavern we are staying in. Do you see those torches?" He pointed toward the end of the cave where two torches lit the entrance of a darkened tunnel and waited until each child nodded, "You are not to go past them. And do you remember what else I told you?"

"Pairs!" Aegon exclaimed,

"Excellent! And do each of you know who you are paired with?"

"I'm with Jace, and Egg is with Baela," Joff said and Daemon nodded,

"Good. Jaehaerys and Jaehaera?"

"Muna and Rhaena!" They both exclaimed,

"And when you find your eggs-"

"Show Unca Lu and Aun Nywa! S'they choose!" The cave went quiet as everyone looked at Jaehaerys as his sister and Aegon nodded,

"Luke is making the final choice for Aenyra and Aemma-"

"But momma choose for new brofer!" Aegon exclaimed and Jace's face turned down in confusion as Rhaenyra laughed,

"While I do appreciate the thought, Aegon, we are going to wait a bit longer before choosing an egg for your sibling," The young boy pouted slightly before nodding and scurrying off to Baela who was laughing at Jace,

"Did I not say he wouldn't realize until someone told him?" She asked while taking Aegon's hand and allowing him to drag her toward some of the eggs,

"Wait- Mother- What?"

Joffrey giggled as he grabbed Jace, "I found out a month ago!"

"It seems we owe Baela some silver," Helaena sighed as she and Rhaena followed Jaehaerys and Jaehaera who were giggling while Jace called out,

"The three of you bet to see how long it would take?" Everyone laughed.

The little ones began sifting through the different eggs while Daemon walked to where Rhaenyra was standing,

"It seems our secret is out," He said while running a hand over the small bump that was hidden under the layers of her dress. Rhaenyra leaned against him with a smile and he kissed her forehead before lifting Aenyra from her arms.

Near the cave's entrance, Luke was leaning against his grandfather as Rhaenys began unwrapping Aemma from her sling. There were no places to sit in the hatchery, and the walk had been long, so Luke was trembling from the exertion.

Lucerys originally was not going to be with them at the hatchery, and he was fine with that. But then he saw the disappointed faces of Egg, Jae, Haera, and Joff when they asked if he really wasn't going with them. He couldn't bear the looks he was getting from them and said he had changed his mind.

He didn't find himself regretting the decision, Luke felt himself smile as he watched each child point at the eggs. Not to mention, this was the first time he'd left his chambers since arriving on Dragonstone.

But each of them was carefully inspecting every single egg that caught their eye, so by the time the four eggs were placed in front of him, sweat had beaded around his temples as he shook from how long he'd been standing. He also had Daemon standing opposite Corlys and both were needed to keep him upright.

He looked over the eggs, unsure as to how he would know which one to pick. He had chosen Joff's egg when he was born, but this felt different.

Luke glanced over at his daughters who were both held in the arms of Rhaenys and Rhaenyra, then looked back at the eggs.

Somehow, he managed to painfully get himself lowered to the ground and reached for the eggs. His trembling hand hovered over each of them, the warmth seeping into his skin and up his arm when he finally placed a palm atop one,

"This is Aenyra's," He whispered as Jaehaera excitedly tugged on Rhaena's arm and quietly exclaimed,

"I chose it!"

Daemon picked up the egg, studying the rich blues that swirled together with small dots of red that almost sparkled under the light of the torches like stars in a night sky, and carefully placed it in a warming chamber,

"Aemma's," Joff quickly jumped forward, his chest puffed out as he reached to grab the egg he had picked for his niece.

He slowly walked over to Daemon, holding out the pale silver egg that had smears of turquoise that shifted in the dim light,

"It reminded me of Arrax," He told his brother while carefully placing the egg in its chamber.

Jaehaerys and Aegon were slightly disheartened that their eggs were not chosen for the babes, but Egg grinned when he remembered the sibling on the way. And Jae, did something a little strange.

He picked up the pale green egg he had chosen and held it out to his mother and Rhaena, asking if they liked it. When they both agreed that they like it and that it was beautiful, Jaehaerys went over to Daemon and asked if it could be set aside with the one Aegon had chosen.

The Prince looked at the pup, then at his daughter and niece who were standing together. He saw their fingers lightly brushing against each other and looked back at Jaehaerys to gently take the egg,

"It will be kept safe," He told the boy and placed it in the chamber offered by the Keepers.

All four of the eggs had been chosen.

Two, for the new babes.

One for the pup whose arrival would be in a few months.

And the last for a child who had not even been thought of yet, but only shown to Helaena in her dreams.

Chapter 13

Chapter Text

The day had finally arrived.

Aegon and Aemond were leaving King's Landing and departing for Dragonstone.

Viserys had once again risen from the depths of the Red Keep as the sun breached the sky and wheezed his way down the stairs with the help of Ser Harrold. The King managed to pull himself into the awaiting carriage and collapsed into the closest seat.

After him came Alicent who sat across from the King as their sons entered.

Aegon sat on the left while Aemond sat on the right, both just out of reach of their parents.

The carriage lurched into motion after the door shut and began carrying the four of them to the Dragonpit. There, Aegon would be dropped off so he could get to Sunfyre, and then they would continue out the Dragon Gate for Aemond to reach Vhagar.

Their journey was accompanied by the King moaning in pain as the carriage jostled over the divots in the uneven street.

Alicent kept looking between her husband and sons, looking like she desperately wanted to speak, but she eventually lowered her gaze to the ground as she picked at her bandaged fingers.

Aegon was slumped back in his seat with his head resting on his fist. He had at first laughed when he heard that the King was insisting to see them off, thinking that Viserys would forget he even said the words or come up with some excuse not to go. But Aegon was surprised to see his father hobbling into the carriage.

He didn't think it was necessary for the King to accompany them, but Aegon was grateful that his presence kept the Queen quiet.

While Aegon stared disinterestedly at his parents, Aemond kept his gaze on the satchel in his lap. He had spent hours choosing the contents, but it no longer mattered. They would need to be returned.

He had received a raven from Daemon, the smugness rolling off of the paper as his uncle told him that the eggs he had chosen were not needed. That his niece Jaehaera and nephew Joffrey had picked the dragon eggs that would rest with his children.

Daemon had not said it specifically in his raven, but Aemond had heard the message loud and clear.

You are not needed or wanted.

The carriage came to a halt at the Dragonpit and Aegon practically jumped out the door, ignoring Alicent when she called for him.

Aemond stepped out after his brother and approached the Dragonkeepers who had led Sunfyre out of his cave. He held the satchel in his hands and looked at the eggs one last time.

The dark maroon and purple on the left, and the dark orange and bronze on the right.

Aemond closed the satchel and held it out to the Dragonkeepers,

"Issi daor jorrāelatan,"

These are not needed.

The Keeper looked at him in confusion, but Aemond turned away and headed back to the carriage,

"I thought those were for your daughters?" His mother asked when he reentered the carriage, taking Aegon's empty seat since it was furthest from the Queen. The Prince gave no answer to her,

"Aemond?" He clenched his jaw but answered the King,

"My daughters' eggs have been chosen from the ones that reside on Dragonstone," Viserys blinked at his son before nodding as Alicent stared sadly at him.

They passed through the Dragon Gate and rode for a few more minutes before stopping at the place Vhagar had rested hours earlier.

He didn't even wait for the carriage to completely stop before exiting to approach Vhagar.

Her mighty head shifted as he drew closer and she emitted a low noise that quickly turned into a growl. The dragon's lips curled to reveal sharp teeth that were taller than Aemond as the Queen called out to him.

The Prince did not turn around and instead quickened his pace. He grabbed the rope ladder that led up to the saddle as the Queen tried again to call for him.

Vhagar's growl shook the ground under Aemond's feet and he placed a hand on his mount's flank. Her head did not move, but her yellow eyes flicked to him as the King called out,

"Alicent, come back. Dragons are protective of their riders,"

"I am trying to say goodbye to my-"

"Back away, Alicent," The King's voice had a strong sense of authority that had not been heard in years, "Vhagar cares not for your intentions. She only cares that you are getting close to Aemond,"

Aemond did not look at the Queen and kept his gaze firmly on Vhagar.

He waited until her growls had subsided before gently patting her scales and beginning the long ascent up to the saddle.

When he was secured, Vhagar slowly rose, stretched out her wings to beat them against the air, and began lifting herself and Aemond into the sky.

King's Landing had quickly become a small speck beneath him and Vhagar.

Aemond wasted no time and turned Vhagar toward Dragonstone.

His blood roared louder than Vhagar in his ears as she carried him closer and closer to his destination.

He had not seen Lucerys or his pups in a month.

When his mate had been living at the Red Keep, Aemond had been able to keep an eye on him from a distance. Watch him from awnings above the gardens, from the shadows of the library, and from the back of Vhagar.

Even when he had listened to those rumors, those lies, and refused to speak to Lucerys, Aemond still watched him from afar. It was the only instinct he gave into, the need to constantly see and protect his mate.

But he couldn't be with Luke.

Because he had been too weak, too susceptible to lies, and Lucerys had suffered for it.

He suffered because of the Queen, the former Hand, Cole, the people whispering about him in the halls, and because of Aemond.

Their daughters could have died because of him!

Lucerys could have died because of him!

This month, this full turn of the moon, and these four weeks, have shown Aemond that he could not bear being apart from his mate. The knowledge of Luke's weakened state, and that he and their daughters had come so close to meeting the Stranger...

Aemond had taken Vhagar to the sky after his mate and daughters left for Dragonstone. The storm above King's Landing turned into a deluge, giving him and Vhagar cover from prying eyes below them.

He had let his anger known, screaming at the gods for making him a stupid and susceptible man like his father, raging at himself for being such a fool!

The Prince knew he would spend the rest of his life crawling on his knees and begging for a chance to prove himself, regain Luke's trust, and be a part of his daughters' lives. To be a part of Lucerys' life.

But, as it came with the rejection of the dragon eggs, he began to see just how long this road will be.

Aemond gripped the reins tighter in his hands as he saw Dragonstone steadily growing closer and closer.

His throat became dry and his heart almost cracked his ribs with how hard it was beating.

He was so close to Lucerys and his daughters.

His mate and pups!

How were they fairing?

Were they well?

Did Maester Gerardys' fears come true and was Aemma suffering from failing health?

Was Lucerys?

And what of Aenyra?

Aemond had written letters to Lucerys but never sent them. They were locked away, hidden in the darkest corners of his chambers so no one could see them, for the words, the questions, the begging, and the apologies, were meant for one person and one person only.

And as Vhagar landed on the beach, Sunfyre diving for the sand in front of them, all of his questions and apologies rang loudly in his head.

Aemond's feet hit the sand as a figure emerged. It was one of the palace guards who only said he was to lead them inside.

The Princes were led into what Aemond assumes was the Chamber of the Painted Table and were told to wait.

Aegon immediately set himself on one of the chairs and said, "This is quite the welcome. Not exactly a surprise though,"

Aemond ignored his brother as he looked at the table, reading the names and studying the carvings that marked the houses and great seats. He walked along the edge, then stopped at a smooth stone that marked an island that rested in the middle of Blackwater Bay.

His gloved hand traced the letters that spelled out Driftmark.

His entire life had changed on that island ten years ago.

He bonded with Vhagar, lost his eye, and was told he would marry Lucerys when they were both of age.

Aemond had despised the idea at first, a bastard, the one who had cut out his eye no less, was to be wed to him! But, the disgust turned to glee when he realized that it could be used as revenge, a way to settle the debt.

The Alpha had thought he would relish in the way his husband trembled with fear anytime they were together, knowing that it would be something Lucerys would be unable to outrun. However, after their wedding night, when he fucked and knotted the Omega for the first time, Aemond found himself drawn to small noises Lucerys made.

They were not of pain, no. They were small gasps and quiet moans of pleasure. Small sounds that the Omega tried to hide from the Alpha, as if he would be angry that Lucerys found pleasure in the act of bedding.

It had been the opposite, Aemond found himself wanting to hear those noises. To hear that he was pleasing the Omega underneath him.

Instead, Aemond had painfully dug his fingers into Lucerys' soft flesh and hissed in the Omega's ear,

"I guess they are right. Omegan bastards truly are nothing but whores!"

That was what he had said before sinking his teeth into the glands on Lucerys' neck, marking and claiming him as his knot locked him with the Omega.

He had not felt the satisfaction of humiliating his nephew. He had felt ashamed that what was supposed to be an intimate, and sacred moment between them had been tainted.

And Aemond had continued to ruin it because when morning came and they were free of each other, Lucerys had tried to complete his end of the bond. But the Alpha Prince had grabbed his hair and hissed that he would not have the Omega mark him again!

A part of him had wanted Luke to protest, to say that it was what was expected of him, his duty. But the Omega had only nodded without saying a word.

Aemond lifted his hand from the stone marker and wondered what would be different if he had allowed Luke to mark him. Their bond would be whole, and not halved. And while he was more attuned to his mate's needs and wants during his heats, everything else he had heard about having a bonded wasn't there.

There was a loud sigh that echoed around the room,

"Are you going to keep up the silent act?" His brother asked, "As amusing as I find mother prostrating herself every time she sees you in hopes of hearing one of those half-hearted grunts you let out-"

"I'm so glad, nephew, that you have managed to find amusement in this situation," The deadpan voice of Daemon Targaryen had both of the princes jolting in surprise.

The Rogue Prince was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, and the famous Dark Sister ever present on his hip.

After him came the Queen Who Never Was, who looked at them with thinly veiled contempt. Her husband was at her side, his hand unsubtly resting on the hilt of his sword.

And then last came their sister, regal as ever.

Her eyes were sharp as she studied them and the silence nearly suffocated the two Princes until she said,

"You are both guests here, by order of the King. And I expect you will behave in accordance with that and adhere to what I expect of you. Aegon," He looked at their sister, "You will not drink Dragonstone dry. No wine or ale will be served to you, no matter how weak the brew. And if it is discovered that you have left the castle to go to the docks in search of brothels or whores, or have attempted to coerce any of the servants here into sexual acts, whether by force or bribery, you will be sent back to King's Landing,"

Rhaenyra's gaze then turned to Aemond, her purple irises alight with a violet flame,

"As for you, despite the fact that you are still married under the eyes of the Seven, you will not go near Lucerys. You will stay away from his chambers, and away from his daughters," Aemond frowned slightly before quietly saying,

"I thought the purpose for these visits was for Aegon and I to bond with our children,"

"And you will," Rhaenyra said,

"Helaena has told us that if Aegon wishes, he may see Jaehaerys and Jaehaera," Rhaenys said, "But, when it comes to you, Aemond, that is a privilege you will need to earn,"

Daemon spoke up, "And you will get that privilege if Lucerys says you have earned it,"

Aemond grits his teeth but did not speak against anything that was said, and instead asked,

"How do I earn it?"

"As I said, nephew, that is up to Lucerys," The younger Prince bit his tongue and nodded.

Aemond knew he would need to prove he was worthy of being back in his place at Luke's side, but it made it no less easy to agree,

"And if I find that you have gone to Lucerys, entered his chambers, or done anything to worsen this situation for him I will send you back to King's Landing. And if that happens, it will not be a pleasant journey. For either of you," His sister stared between him and Aegon, "Have I made myself clear?"

Aemond nodded, but Aegon opened his mouth,

"How can you make a trip by dragon back unpleasant?" Aemond was considering shoving his brother's face against the table when Rhaenys let out a bark of laughter that startled the two of them,

"Foolish boy. You think the journey would be on dragon back?" Aegon slowly nodded as the Sea Snake spoke for the first time,

"I would be the one taking you back by ship,"

Aegon shrugged, "Doesn't sound too bad,"

Lord Corlys' smile told Aemond that it would be worse than either of them could imagine,

"I don't suppose you know what Keelhauling is?" Aemond grimaced.

He had read about it when Lucerys was in King's Landing, trying to keep up with his studies about Driftmark and House Velaryon.

"It is the act of tying a disgraced sailor to a ship and throwing them into the ocean so that they are dragged behind it in the water. It is a form of punishment, and in some cases, a slow execution," Corlys nodded as Aegon went slightly pale,

"But don't worry, My Princes. I would have you pulled back onboard if it looked like you were nearing death. Give you a chance to rest before throwing you back in,"

With that last threat, the Sea Snake and his wife departed the room.

Daemon grinned viciously at the two of them as Rhaenyra asked,

"I believe we will have no troubles then?" Before she too swept from the chamber, leaving them with their uncle who was eyeing them as a dragon does its prey,

"Now, nephews, shall I show you where you are staying?"

Aegon gulped as Aemond internally sighed.

This week was not going to be pleasant for either of them.

Chapter 14

Notes:

Warning: Postpartum

Chapter Text

"Ser Erryk?" Her son's sworn shield stood at attention outside his chambers, "Has he come out at all?"

The knight shook his head, "'fraid not, Princess. The only good news I can give is that the Prince accepted food from the kitchens. Though I cannot say if he had any of it,"

Rhaenyra sighed as Ser Erryk knocked on the door to announce her to Lucerys. There was a long moment before the chamber door opened a crack and her son's face appeared.

His eyes were red and puffy as tears tracked down his face, his hair was wild and stuck out in different directions, and his night shift was rumpled. The more Rhaenyra looked, the more she realized her son had not slept at all the night before,

"He's here?" Luke asked and she nodded, "Do I have to see him?"

"Not if you do not want to," He tightened his grip on the wood before stepping back into the room, leaving the door open in a silent invitation for his mother to enter.

Rhaenyra stepped in and Ser Erryk shut the door behind her. She saw a platter of fruit sitting untouched on a side table, the warming chambers resting near the fire, her granddaughters' cribs sitting across from them, but no babes inside.

Another sweep around the room showed Aenyra and Aemma in the center of the half-built nest on Lucerys' bed. Both were awake and laying on their backs, wriggling and cooing while waving their little hands around as Lucerys crawled back into the nest and curled around them.

Rhaenyra pulled one of the sitting chairs over and sat beside the bed, watching as both girls instantly reached for their kepa. She watched as he allowed them to grab and pull at his fingers, giggling when he wiggled them in their small fists,

"They woke up when Vhagar landed," He murmured, "Neither cried, just laughed. As if they knew who had come," Luke curled tighter around the girls, as if that would protect them from the mess their sire had caused.

Both Rhaenyra and Lucerys watched as the two babes tried keeping ahold of the Omega's fingers until he said,

"They deserve more than what I can give them," Rhaenyra turned to her son as worry filled her when she heard his empty tone, "I've only left this room once since returning to Dragonstone and, and felt like I was getting better, but then I heard Vhagar and..."

Luke shut his eyes and curled his arm around his girls as his voice became wet,

"And now I'm afraid he'll either, barge his way in like he did at the Keep, or, find a way to enter silently, without me noticing. That, I'll wake up and see him sitting in the dark, waiting for me to acknowledge that he's there..." The Prince glanced over his shoulder, his gaze falling past his mother to land on the empty hearth.

Luke's eyes trailed over the shadows forming in the morning light as if he expected Aemond to materialize out of them before turning back to his daughters.

Each had a small hand on his fingers, still tugging with their uncoordinated limbs as they stopped laughing. Both pups always seemed to know when their kepa was upset, and in turn, they would become upset.

When he heard his daughters begin to whine, Luke sat up and scooted against the headboard. He still grimaced with pain at the movement, but Luke managed to settle the twins in his lap. They quieted down and began curling his shift in their tiny hands.

But, even when his daughters were happy, there was always this, underlying sadness in his eyes. His normal scent of lemons and cream had returned, but there was a constant sour undertone that had Rhaenyra worried.

She desperately wished she could take all her son's despair and carry it for him.

Rhaenyra wanted to tear away the sadness and fear that continually clouded Lucerys' eyes and toss it into the sea.

But she could not. She could only stand at his side and help him in any way she could,

"They need more than these four walls," He murmured, "But I don't- I can't leave without-" Luke cut off and bit his lip.

Tears welled in his eyes, but Luke quickly wiped them away before they could fall on either of his girls and continued,

"And now Aemond's here. He's already tried inserting himself into their lives with the dragon eggs without saying anything for almost a month. What else is he going to do? What else does he think he's entitled to?" Luke sucked in a breath and tightened his grip on the girls, "Once he finds out they haven't had their first flight, he will try to take that too! Especially since that is something I cannot give them,"

Rhaenyra reached for her son as he whispered that last thing and took his hands in her own, smiling as the twins latched onto her fingers,

"Aemond will take nothing more from you-"

"You can't promise that," Luke whispered but she continued,

"He will take nothing more from you! No one here will let him. And unless you say otherwise he will have nothing to do with your children,"

"But the King-"

"The King may threaten me until his face turns blue. I have already allowed Aemond on Dragonstone because of his orders, but when it comes to Aenyra and Aemma, my brother will need to wait until he earns the right to be near them," She gently cupped his face, "And it will be up to you if he ever earns it," Lucerys leaned into his mother's grasp as the pups cooed.

At some point, Rhaenyra found herself curled around her son as he curled around his daughters after they had nursed and drifted to sleep.

Lucerys was running his fingers over Aemma's curls before carefully tracing Aenyra's nose. He repeated the motions over and over again as Rhaenyra kept one arm around him and her other hand resting against her slowly growing bump.

The Crown Princess held her two children close as the sun moved overhead, making the shadows change around the room as Lucerys continued to stare at his daughters,

"I cannot give them their first flight," Lucerys murmured, "Even if I were to wait until I was well enough to ride Arrax, I would not trust myself to take them,"

"Luke-"

"I cannot give them their first flight. But I will not hand them over to Aemond," The young Omega looked over his shoulder at his mother, "I- When he finds out he will no doubt ask to take them,"

Rhaenyra squeezed his hand as he went quiet again and asked, "Who would you trust to take them? Who do you want to take them?"

Lucerys didn't answer at first as he turned back to his daughters. He watched the two pups sleep, splaying his hand across their tiny bodies as they dreamed,

"You. And Daemon. Or Jace. I just... I wish this was something I could give them. This one thing! And I cannot give it!" Luke whispered as his voice became wet and thick with tears, "Why can I not give them anything?"

Rhaenyra tightened her grip on her son as she sat up and took his face in her hands,

"You have given them your love,"

He only stared at her, tears still rolling down his cheeks as he quietly asked,

"Have I?"

"You have, Lucerys. You have carried them, given them life, named them, and protected them. Those are all signs of your love for Aenyra and Aemma," Rhaenyra wiped the tears off of Luke's face,

"But is that enough? Am I giving them enough?" He pushed her hands away and carefully crawled out of the nest.

Lucerys limped over to the chair by the warming chambers and gripped the back as Rhaenyra followed him,

"I want them safe. I want them protected. I want them away from Aemond. But there's this..." He trailed off and dropped his head as his shoulders began to shake, "I cannot give them what they deserve!" Luke sobbed and nearly fell to the floor.

Rhaenyra caught him and placed him in the chair as he continued to cry. She tried calming Lucerys, tried wiping away his tears, but he gently pushed her hands away,

"Please I just... May I be alone, please?" The Princess was hesitant to leave her son, but he continued to plead with apologies mixed in between.

So, Rhaenyra reluctantly nodded and pulled away.

She carefully lifted her granddaughters from the nest and put them in their cribs.

After placing a kiss on Lucerys' forehead and whispering that if he needed something to let her know, Rhaenyra stepped out of the room and began walking down the hall as Ser Erryk shut the door behind her.

Neither mentioned the muffled sobs that came from the closed door.

Chapter 15

Notes:

Warning: Dubious consent

Chapter Text

Three days.

That was how long Aegon and Aemond had been on Dragonstone.

They had seen Helaena who had become a stranger in the month she had been away. Neither could deny that she was visibly happier than she had ever been in King's Landing. She was almost always smiling, laughing, and talking with whoever was with her. Unless Aemond happened to be walking by, her eyes would harden as she pointedly turned away from him.

Her children had easily integrated themselves with the Younger Aegon and were causing chaos on a basis daily with the help of Joffrey. And they all took great pleasure in tormenting Aemond.

In only three days, he had been subjected to numerous pranks that included his boots being filled with water, his food getting salt thrown on it when he looked away for less than a second, and small crabs placed in his bed. There were many, many more, but at this point, Aemond was just glad they had not chosen any bugs to put in his clothes or temporary chambers.

He had seen the children get scolded for their mischief, but all that did was earn a promise not to use crabs again.

Aemond was certain Aegon or Jacaerys had helped them collect the creatures. There had been far more than what four children could carry.

And speaking of his eldest nephew, Jacaerys had made sure to keep an aloof, icy air around Aemond, but, no doubt by the orders of Rhaenyra, said nothing outright hostile toward him. Unlike Baela.

Baela Targaryen had no problem letting her feelings about Aemond known. He found himself on the end of many verbal lashings with vocabulary that would make Aegon turn red.

Rhaena, on the other hand, mainly ignored him. But the hatchling that clung to her shoulders hissed and growled with smoke coming out of its small mouth anytime Aemond entered the room.

Like his granddaughter, Lord Corlys ignored the prince, if only to glare when he opened his mouth or made any type of noise in his vicinity.

And like her oldest granddaughter, Princess Rhaenys had verbally lashed him. But while she had not used words that would have made Aemond's mother fall to her knees and pray to the Seven, she still made him long for Baela's vulgar words and curses.

His uncle always regarded him with an indifferent expression. Studying Aemond, no doubt waiting to catch any excuse to have Corlys drag him back to King's Landing. And when he was not under the careful eyes of the Rogue Prince, two guards were following at a distance.

Rhaenyra had made herself scarce, and Aemond had only seen her twice outside of meals. She never spoke to him, and he never tried to initiate a conversation with her.

And while his welcome had been, unpleasant, Aegon's was the opposite.

Of course, their nephew and cousins were wary of him and their uncle and Corlys regarded him with suspicion while Rhaenyra and Rhaenys constantly checked with the staff to see that Aegon had not crossed any lines.

But, he was pulled into playing games by his children, and by extension, the Younger Aegon and Joffrey. This then led to him being a part of their mischief, though, Aegon swore he did not partake in the pranks against Aemond.

As the children became fond of him, Helaena began speaking with him, Jaceaerys, Baela, and Rhaena following after her. Somehow, all of them enjoyed his brother's company, despite all his lewd comments. Morning didn't even lift her head when he approached Rhaena.

But, in these past three days, Aemond had not seen Lucerys or his daughters.

His fingers dug against the barrier as he stood on the ramparts that overlooked the training yard and grit his teeth.

Ever since Aemond had arrived at Dragonstone, there had been, a feeling that he could not describe itching the back of his mind. It left him restless, agitated, and unable to sleep.

The last few nights had been spent pacing the room he had been given and Aemond had gone on a flight with Vhagar the moment the morning meal was over. But not even that could help. If anything, it made everything worse.

He could feel Vhagar's agitation through their bond and the dragon had turned toward Dragonmont after landing on the beach once again. Aemond had listened to her call to her fellow dragons, but her only answer had been silence.

Vhagar was still calling, the prince could hear her from where he was walking across the Outer Bailey toward the Sept, searching for something as her rider pressed at the spot where his shoulder and neck connected.

The skin was smooth underneath the leather, unmarked and unscarred. The place where Lucerys' mark should have been. The day after their wedding should have been when the Omega marked him, but Aemond had shoved him away.

The doors to Dragonstone's Sept creaked open as Aemond stepped in, fingers still digging into his shoulder.

The layout was the same as the Royal Sept located in the Red Keep. The Statues of the Mother and Father stood across from the doors with a small marriage altar between them while the Smith, Maiden, Warrior, and Crone lined the edges of the vaulted room. The Stranger stood farther away, almost unseen in the darkened corner he had been placed in.

The only difference, besides the size, was that there was no large altar in the center to place candles. Instead, there were small alcoves carved around the statues' feet where candles burned, their flames flickering against the darkness.

Aemond stood in front of the marriage altar and pressed the hand not digging into his skin atop the cold stone.

The last time he had stood before a marriage altar he had kissed Lucerys for the first time.

"With this kiss..." Lucerys' voice was so quiet Aemond strained to hear it in the silence of the Royal Sept,

"I pledge my love," Aemond leaned down and pressed his lips to the Omega's.

It could have barely counted as a kiss, the Alpha's lips had only brushed against Lucerys' before he quickly pulled back while the High Septon raised his hands and exclaimed to the small, waiting crowd,

"One flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever!"

No one but Helaena had clapped as they turned, the Targaryen cloak he had placed on Lucerys' shoulders swallowing the Omega under it as the bottom dragged across the floor.

The Alpha did not look at the Omega as they were led back into the Red Keep.

Aemond had only addressed Lucerys after Lord Corlys had left and Aegon had exclaimed that they should commence with the bedding ceremony. While the Queen scolded Aegon, Rhaenyra had to grab Jacaerys' arm while Rheana held onto Baela, Aemond took Lucerys' hand and pulled him from the hall.

The Prince had no love for the Omega he was dragging behind him, but a growl was rattling in his chest at the thought of taking what was his under the gaze of Aegon, the Queen, and Rhaenyra.

And during the bedding, Aemond had allowed Lucerys the decency to undress while he faced the wall, but that had been the only kindness he had given the Omega. When Lucerys had finished and settled on the bed, Aemond had roughly rolled him onto his stomach, then fingered him until slick wet his hand before begining to fuck into Lcuerys.

Then the next morning, he left the Omega with the humiliation of being rejected.

Half-bonds, where the Alpha is the only one who leaves a mark, were common in Westeros, but what Aemond had done...

The Alpha had summoned the servants early and they were doing their duties around the chambers before Lucerys had even stirred. But when he awoke and hesitantly asked Aemond if he should do his part, the Alpha had loudly rejected him in front of the others.

Lucerys had been visibly ashamed, and once again, Aemond found he held no joy in tormenting the boy who had maimed him.

Then, when they began spending time together after discovering that Lucerys was pregnant, the Alpha had begun to yearn for a completed bond and had wanted to ask his mate about completing it. But, Aemond had pushed the Omega away and humiliated him, what reason would Lucerys have to believe his question to be sincere?

The Omega had been distrusting of him, which Aemond understood why. Aemond's unkindness and coldness from the beginning of their marriage had been a prominent fixture for the two of them. And when he began showing his attentions toward Lucerys, the Omega hesitantly accepted them with thinly veiled distrust.

But when Lucerys had invited Aemond into his bed to rest, as they grew closer, the Alpha had begun to contemplate asking Lucerys to mark him. And as Aemond continued to ponder the idea, as his little Omega began warming up to him, the Alpha found himself longing for more.

That connection he had only heard about when people spoke of the Old King Jaehaerys with his wife Queen Alysanne, his grandfather, Prince Baelon the Brave with his sister-wife Princess Alyssa, and his father with his first wife Queen Aemma. He wanted that, longed for it even. To always feel his mate, no matter how far apart.

Aemond had thought of different ways he could ask Lucerys to complete the bond but would fall victim to cowardice before following through. He had wanted it to be right, to be perfect. Aemond wanted it to be a way to show he wasn't just going along with everything for the sake of duty. That he wasn't wanting a completed bond for the sake of the pups or duty, but because he had grown...

Fond didn't seem like a good enough word to describe what he had begun to feel for Lucerys, for his Omega, his mate, and his husband.

And disgusted was not a strong enough word to describe how Aemond felt about himself. For his weakness, for how quickly he became susceptible to the lies surrounding Lucerys.

And for how he treated him when they wed.

The Prince harshly dug his fingers into his shoulder and gritted his teeth as Vhagar's cries rattled in his ears through the Sept walls until the pitch in her roars changed. It became lighter, almost happy, even.

The change had been so sudden that Aemond quickly exited the Sept doors and stared at the sky, wondering if he could see what had caught his mount's attention.

His answer came in the form of a familiar dragon flying over the castle.

Vhagar called for the smaller beast and lifted her head so the top could be seen from where Aemond was standing, but Arrax veered sharply away from where she was resting. The pearlescent dragon hissed as she lumbered to her feet and dove away from her, landing somewhere beyond the Wind Wyrm Tower and out of Aemond's sight.

Vhagar's neck stretched over the ramparts as she once again called for Arrax. She received no reply and continued her calls, but each one became lower and lower in pitch and sadness until it trailed off, leaving the island in silence once more.

The Prince turned his gaze toward where Arrax had disappeared.

Was Lucerys close? Was that why Arrax was nearby and not with the rest of the dragons?

He trailed his eye toward the gate that led into the gardens that were overlooked by the Wyrm Tower. If he could go there, just take a quick look, just catch a glimpse of Lucerys and the pups, then maybe...

Aemond found himself standing amongst the dark trees and thorny shrubbery that had small red berries within the leaves. The Prince heard the sound of laughter and began walking along the path toward the noise.

The large bushes began to diminish in size as Aemond drew closer and the berries turned into twisted, wild roses that bloomed beautifully under the sun. He could only smell the fragrance of the flowers, but Aemond inhaled deeply as he rounded the corner, hoping to catch the familiar scent of lemons and cream.

There was a bit of a rustling and some giggles until a small voice exclaimed,

"Got it!" Two heads popped up from the bush and out tumbled Little Aegon and Jaeherys.

Both were covered in dirt with leaves in their hair and a few scratches from the rose thorns on their cheeks. The pups scrambled from the bush they had apparently been digging in and stumbled onto the path, Jaehaerys almost falling over in the process,

"Carfol!" Little Aegon exclaimed as he grabbed Jaehaerys by the arm, "Don' drop it!"

Aemond could see that his nephew's hands were carefully cupped around something that poked its spindly legs between the pup's fingers,

"M'not gonna!" Jaehaerys exclaimed, "It for muna! M'ot gon' drop it!"

"By the gods! What happened?" Ser Arryk questioned as he came from one of the other pathways with Joffrey and Jaehaera scampering behind him as Dyana followed.

The Beta maid laughed as she passed the knight and knelt before the two young princes and pulled out a kerchief to wipe at the dirt smeared on their faces,

"I take it you found the beetle Princess Helaena pointed out, my Princes?" They both nodded excitedly and Jaehaerys opened his fingers for Dyana to see what they had found, "Oh, the Princess will love it!"

"She will also love a clean son, as I'm sure Rhaenyra and father will as well," Baela Targaryen said as she walked up, a smile forming on her face as she saw the pups, "Now the luncheon is almost ready. So, run along and quickly give Helaena her gift so you can wash before we eat,"

They ran off with Dyana quickly following them.

Baela looked down as a little hand tugged on her skirt and she saw Jaehaera holding a freshly cut rose up to her,

"Oh! Is this for me?" Jaehaera nodded as Baela took the rose, "It's beautiful, thank you, Jaehaera!"

The little girl ducked her head before saying, "Joff and Ser Ar'k helpeded me,"

"They did?"

"Haera picked most of them!" Joff said as he hugged his stepsister's legs, earning a soft smile and a hand gently mussing his hair,

"The Prince is correct, Princess. Princess Jaehaera has seemed to have inherited her mother's eye for nature," The knight said as he motioned to the dozen roses that were safe in his grasp.

The knight at the children began walking down the path, but Baela stopped Ser Arryk and said something that was too quiet for Aemond to hear. However, he saw the knight's face harden before nodding and following after the children.

When they were further down the path, Baela called out,

"Lovely day. Don't you think, cousin?" She turned to face where he was standing just out of view.

Aemond, knowing that it would be useless to stay hidden, stepped around the shrubbery to stand in front of Baela,

"I find myself agreeing with you, cousin," He answered cordially.

Baela hummed as she twirled her rose between her fingers,

"Part of the reason why we decided to have our meal outside," She said while her gaze sparked with fire, "The other reason, is why you should turn around, and crawl back into whatever hole you hide in,"

Aemond paused but then placed his arms behind his back, almost tearing the leather sleeves of his jacket with his fingers as he quietly asked,

"Does the... other reason pertain to my daughters-"

"Lucerys' daughters!" Baela snapped, "You may have sired them. You may share blood, but they are not yours! They will never be yours!"

The Prince stared at his cousin as she glared at him,

"I know that with my negligence that-"

"Do you? Do you really? Do you know anything?" Questioned Baela, "Do you know what Luke faced when you turned your back on him? What he suffered while you listened to rumors about my brother? How alone he must have felt without his mate and husband? The man he dearly loved? You made no effort to reach out to him, so how would you know?"

She paused for a slight breath before continuing and cutting off what Aemond was trying to say,

"I know about your flowery words, your remorseful sayings that have been spoken around the Keep. How you regret your actions and that if anyone calls the twins bastards, they will lose their tongues. Some may call that commendable on your part, but, none of us have heard you speak of Lucerys. If you regret what has been done to him-"

"I do!" He exclaimed, his raised voice making the two guards who had been following him grip the pommels of their swords, "I know my actions and words have caused Lucerys pain and I regret that I have hurt him-"

"I don't believe you," Aemond's nostrils flared as his anger spiked, but it was nothing compared to the Beta in front of him.

Even though Baela's scent tended to be neutral, akin to a light shower of rain, Aemond could see the rage building in her.

Baela's eyes were burning with dragon fire as her anger radiated the air around them, nearly sending Aemond a few steps back,

"I don't believe there is an ounce of regret in you. Because, if there was," She stepped closer to him, their toes almost touching as she hissed, "You would have realized what your actions were doing to Lucerys and would have dropped to your knees, begging for forgiveness before his pregnancy ended. But you didn't, because you can't think without Alicent Hightower dictating your every thought!

"If there is the smallest piece in you that happens to be remorseful, you would stay away from Lucerys, Aenyra, and Aemma. You would take to the skies, return to King's Landing, and never come back!" Baela hissed those last words to Aemond and began walking away.

But she called over her shoulder,

"And, perhaps in seven, maybe nine years, Aenyra and Aemma will learn about how you treated their father. Do you think, with all your fancy words and regrets, that they would want anything to do with you?"

Chapter 16

Notes:

Trigger Warning: Postpartum, anxiety, drugging

Chapter Text

The sun was shining through the window into Lucerys' chambers as he sat on the floor beside the conjoined cribs.

His daughters, both in matching red dresses, were on the plushest blanket that Dragonstone had and were happily gurgling to each other. Luke had placed them on their stomachs and was watching them as they moved their little heads to look at the array of toys laid out before them.

There were small, soft, colorful blocks, a plush, red dragon, a blue seahorse, a dark blue falcon, and two rattles that had carved dragon heads on the top.

Aenyra had gotten her small hands on the blocks and was currently gnawing on one with her gums as her mismatched eyes watched with wonder as Luke shook one of the rattles above hers and Aemma's heads.

Her sister had gotten her minuscule fingers around the second rattle and was trying to copy her kepa's movements with clumsy jerks that only dragged the rattle around the blanket. But, Aemma was happy enough as she squealed with each sound that was made.

Lucerys found himself smiling as his Aenyra spit out the block she was gnawing on in favor of clumsily grabbing the plush seahorse and stuck its head in her mouth. His oldest gurgled and drooled on the toy as Aemma tried mimicking her sister by attempting to shove the rattle in her mouth. Her Kepa quickly traded it for the plush dragon and she began to contentedly suck on its head.

There was a knock at the door, drawing Lucerys out of the small bubble the three of them had been in.

After making sure that his daughters were not going to somehow roll themselves into the hearth and that any object the twins could hurt themselves on where far away, Lucerys shakily got to his feet.

His steps were still a bit unsteady, but Luke could now walk the length of his chamber without tiring and the pain that was ever present since he had given birth had lessened a considerable amount. The Omega could almost forget it was there most days.

When Luke opened the door, he was greeted by Jace who waited patiently for Luke to fully open the door and allow him in. And after his brother was, surprisingly, Princess Rhaenys.

The Omega had noticed in the few times he had interacted with the Beta Princesss, she had been considerably warmer toward him and his brothers. It was an adjustment for the young Omega, seeing this, normally cold and distant figure be open with her affections to him and his brothers as she was with Baela and Rhaena.

And while Luke wanted to bask in the given kindness, he instead guarded himself against it.

The wounds of giving his trust and love to someone who was once distant were still bloody and raw.

It wasn't as if Luke didn't trust Rhaenys. He trusted her with his daughters and knew no harm would come to them if Rhaenys were to watch over his girls. And he felt no fear when she held Aemma in the hatchery, unlike when The Queen tried to take the babes from his arms and when Aemond had held them for that brief moment after they were born.

Lucerys trusted Rhaenys, but could not find it in himself to give his love.

She said nothing about how he shied away from her touch, only giving a look of understanding before pulling her hand back.

The Princess stayed close to the door, a slight smile on her face as Jacaerys helped situate Aenyra in a sling across Luke's chest as he picked up Aemma. Lucerys could carry his girls around his chamber with no problem, but he insisted on the sling to support his child. Luke feared that with how far and with how long he would be holding Aenyra, his arms would give out and he would drop the babe.

Despite Gerardys telling him he was regaining his health and he felt his strength slowly returning over the last few weeks, Lucerys refused to risk the safety of his daughter.

Both pups still had their plushies in their mouths and were drooling over them as they were carried at a slow pace through the halls of Dragonstone.

Rhaenys walked beside the two Princes, listening as the babes made little noises as they headed toward the garden.

Jacaerys was talking animatedly to Aemma, making the babe in his arms squeal in delight when he gently tickled her stomach.

Aenyra had one hand on her seahorse while the other fisted her kepa's soft doublet. Her eyes were wide as she took in the area around her.

Ser Erryk walked behind his Prince, his eyes sharp as he watched for any sign of Lucerys needing his assistance.

They exited the main fortress of Dragonstone and entered Aegon's gardens.

Luke stopped walking, hit with memories of his last day on Dragonstone before he had left for his wedding to Aemond.

He was standing under one of the great, towering trees in the garden, trying to quell the shaking of his hands.

The ship was being prepared to take him and his family to King's Landing.

His nameday was at the end of the week.

He would be six and ten.

The King had been adamant that he and Aemond would marrry the day after. He had said in his letter to Rhaenyra that eight years was enough time to let anger cool and that it was time for Lucerys and Aemond to wed.

And the young Omega was terrified.

The last time he had seen Aemond was when the King announced their betrothal. Which had been on Driftmark, after Lucerys had taken the Alpha's eye.

It didn't matter to the King that both his wife and daughter were agreeing with each other (For once.) that Aemond and Lucerys should not marry. But King Viserys was convinced that a marriage when they both came of age would mend the rifts in House Targaryen.

When Lucerys learned just how close his upcoming wedding was, he panicked, thinking that in eight years his mother or the Queen and Hand would have been able to change the King's mind.

His family had been trying for the last few days to calm him, but all their words had done was made him more nervous. Because after he said his vows and the marriage was... consummated, his family would return to Dragonstone, and he would remain in King's Landing.

He would be left alone, with Arrax as his only friend, and Luke knew he would not be able to spend all his time in the Dragon Pit.

And his mother, who had protected him all his life, would not be able to save him from this.

Lucerys shuddered at the memory and gently soothed Aenyra as she squirmed in her sling.

Jace was still speaking to Aemma as if the pup could understand him when they arrived at the table that had been set up in the center of Aegon's Garden.

Helaena and Rhaena were deep in conversation, giggling as Morning eyed whatever the Omegan Princess had crawling in her hand.

Jaehaera was sitting next to Joffrey as they spoke animatedly to Rhaenyra who was holding a bright red rose in her hands.

Baela stood a distance away from the table, speaking to both Daemon and Corlys who looked murderous. The Rogue Prince whipped his head to where Ser Lorent was standing at attention and beckoned the guard over while the Sea Snake summoned one of his own guards.

Baela saw Rhaenys, Luke, and Jace enter and broke away from her father and grandfather to greet them. When they saw whom Baela was heading toward, Joff and Haera bolted from Rhaenyra and their little hands grabbed at the soft breeches Luke was wearing. Joff tried peering up at the pup nestled against the Omega's chest as Jaehaera tugged gently at his clothes while saying he could sit next to her.

In the end, Luke sat on the right of his mother in a heavily cushioned chair while Jace, who refused to relinquish his hold on Aemma, sat across from him so that Luke could keep an eye on his youngest. Aenyra was unwound from the sling around his chest and was now nestled in his lap, trying to grab every silver utensil that sparkled in the sun. Jaehaera was sitting next to Luke, gently placing the roses she had picked for her cousins next to his plate. Joffrey glowered in his seat next to Jace, upset that he couldn't sit next to his brother, but he was quickly distracted by Morning who was crawling across Rhaena's shoulders to stare down at him,

"Unca Lu! You here!" Jaehaerys came running up with Little Egg behind him.

Both of the pups had freshly cleaned faces that were tinged slightly red as they had vigorously scrubbed the dirt from their cheeks a few minutes before. Jaehaerys raced to Luke and scrambled onto Jaehaera's chair. The two began to argue over who got to sit next to Luke as Egg crawled into Rhaenyra's lap.

The twins began trying to push the other off and Helaena was halfway out of her seat to reach her children when Daemon approached. The Alpha easily swept Jaehaerys from the chair and carried the pup to the other end of the table,

"And there will be none of that today," The Rogue Prince scolded as he sat and placed the pup on his knee,

"But I wanna-"

"Today will not be the last time you see Lucerys, Creature," Helaena said, smiling as her son pouted and crossed his arms.

Corlys took the seat beside Daemon, across from Helaena with Rhaenys sitting between him and Baela.

The family was served an assortment of fruits, cakes, vegetables, salted meat, wine, and ice-cold lemon juice.

Lucerys could not eat some of the heavily spiced foods that had been set before them or the lemon cakes he so dearly enjoyed. He was still sensitive to any type of spice, and the lemon cakes tasted too rich and meat sat heavily in his belly.

His appetite had been slowly returning to what it once was, but Lucerys' stomach had revolted against everything served to him the day Aemond had arrived on Dragonstone. So, the young Omega's plate consisted of fruit, unsalted vegetables, and a light broth while his cup was filled with water.

Aenyra was chewing on his sleeve as he nibbled on a slice of a crisp red apple.

Jace was currently eating with the added challenge of Aemma trying to grab his fork.

Egg happily spoke with their mother between the food he was shoveling into his mouth, pausing every so often to place a small hand on the bump where their new sibling was growin/g. Rhaenyra kept telling Aegon it was still too early to feel any movement, but the little pup was determined and kept saying he wanted to be sure.

Rhaena excitedly told her grandmother and sister about her progress with Morning as the hatchling feasted on the bits of meat that were fed to her.

Jaehaerys, while still seated in Daemon's lap, listened with rapt attention as his mother told him all the facts she knew about the beetle he and Egg had found for her.

Corlys was in a deep discussion with Daemon. Luke could not tell what their conversation entailed, but he saw the displeased expressions on both of their faces that were only alleviated when Ser Lorent returned and whispered something to the both of them.

Lucerys swallowed and swiftly ducked his head back to Aenyra when their gazes turned toward him. He kept his eyes on his pup who had begun to wave her seahorse around while trying to ignore the two Alphas staring at him.

He had no doubt they were discussing Aemond.

The One-Eyed Alpha had been given leave to wander Dragonstone, but he was forbidden to enter the Sea Dragon Tower since it was where Lucerys' chambers were located. So far, he had followed those orders, but that did not mean he was not nearby.

Aemond could be watching from the ramparts or from somewhere within the garden. Lucerys hoped that he would not approach and demand to see the girls, but the idea he was close by, just watching, had him tensing while tightening his grip on Aenyra while staring at Aemma,

"Lucerys?" He quickly smiled at his mother, hoping to put her at ease while reaching for his water.

It tasted almost bitter and herbal, but the Omega brushed it off, thinking that it may have been some kind of mixture that Gerardys had the kitchen prepare for him. He had been feeling nauseous the past few days, mayhap it was something for that.

He also managed to eat a bit more of the fruit before moving on to the broth, which must have had some kind of bitter vegetable for the base, but to appease his mother, who kept staring at him worriedly, he continued eating. Lucerys was about three-quarters of the way through when he realized something was wrong.

Lucerys cut off mid-sentence as he was telling his mother about how Aenyra and Aemma were doing.

The Omega felt his face flush and his stomach burn. Sweat began forming in his hair and gathered on his temples as his palms became clammy. His legs shook under the table, oh gods, felt something begin to dampen his small clothes.

That something was thicker than sweat and he knew what it was.

But, it could not be that! Because if it was that then that meant Luke was in heat and he couldn't be in heat because his next heat wasn't supposed to be for almost another year!

His stomach burned harshly as his insides were twisted violently with a burning poker while the mark on his shoulder stung.

Aenyra whimpered in his arms and Luke could not deny what was happening.

Seven Hells he was in fucking heat!

"Baela!" He cut off his mother as she worriedly asked what was wrong and passed the pup he was holding over Jaehaera to his stepsister, "I need to-"

Lucerys tried to push himself up from the table and stepped back, but he tripped over the legs of the chair and the Omega fell to the ground.

Chapter 17

Notes:

TW: Drugging

Chapter Text

The library of Dragonstone was not nearly as big as the one in the Red Keep, but that was no surprise to Aemond since he had spent most of his time there when he was not with Vhagar.

What was surprising was the fact that Aegon was currently reading there.

Aemond knew his brother never entered the library in King's Landing as he stated it was dull and boring.

The older Alpha must be bored out of his mind if he ventured into this room,

"I'm surprised you remember how to read," Aemond muttered as he entered, "What book is that anyway?" The question garnered a sigh from his brother,

"Some storybook Heleana reads Jaehaerys and Jaehaera before they go to bed. They keep talking about it. Figured I should at least know what they keep babbling about,"

"A book for children? It is on your level of reading then," Aegon huffed and glared at Aemond over the top of the page.

Aemond glared back when he noticed the pitcher of wine on the table next to his brother. Aegon rolled his eyes and turned back to the book,

"I haven't had any. You can check the cup and see that it is dry,"

The younger brother snatched the cup off the table and ran his finger along the inside.

It was indeed dry,

"I told you," Was Aegon's smug reply,

"You still requested it-"

"I did not! One of the servants set it there and scurried off before I could say anything!" Aemond stared disbelievingly at his brother who shrugged, "I did not ask for it,"

He once again turned back to the book, the smell of thick ash coiling against the warm spices and oak that Aemond remembered as the scent of his brother before he began to drown himself in wine ten years ago.

It brought a surprising comfort to the agitated Alpha.

Aemond's shoulders relaxed a bit as he leaned against the table,

"How are Jaehaerys and Jaehaera? I've not seen them since we arrived,"

There was something that looked almost like a smile briefly flash across Aegon's face as he shifted in his seat and cleared his throat,

"As loud and obnoxious as they normally are," He said while sounding a bit, sad.

Aemond eyed his brother, "You've never spent time with them before this week. How would you know how they normally act?"

The smell of ash intensified and grew thick as Aegon glared at his brother,

"And how are your daughters, dear brother? And your mate? How have they been this past month?" Aegon didn't flinch as Aemond slammed his fist into the table and whipped around to glower at him. A threatening growl crawled up his throat, but Aegon once again acted nonplussed to his brother's anger and settled back in his chair.

When he saw that he was not getting any reaction, Aemond turned away so that his hands here pressed harshly against the table with his head down,

"Have you seen them? Or Lucerys?" He asked in a quiet whisper.

Aegon sighed and set the storybook aside before standing to walk toward his brother,

"No. And from what little conversation I've heard, he's not left his chambers since we came to Dragonstone,"

"Why?" Aegon rolled his eyes with a huff,

"Maybe his husband and mate who accused him of having an affair and carrying bastards is now in his home?" There was a slight snarl from the younger brother, but Aegon kept going, "What I don't understand, is how you went from the most cunt-struck mate who ever existed to an accusing asshole who jumped at the chance to declare that Lucerys had been fucking somebody else-"

"As did you! If I recall correctly, you were laughing at the idea of me being cuckolded!" Snapped Aemond as his hands clenched at his sides,

"You're right, I did laugh. I thought you were an idiot-"

"Because of what everyone was saying about Lucerys-"

"Because you believed what they said, you twat!" Aegon exclaimed, "Because, even though I was so deep in my cups, I could see that our nephew was terrified of you! Too afraid to breathe loudly lest he sparks your ire! Much less let another Alpha fuck him!"

Aemond blinked slowly while Aegon returned to his seat with a groan, running both hands down his face as he muttered something about wine.

The room fell into silence, the only sound being the crackling of the fire as it burned through the logs.

The younger of the two thought over what Aegon had said.

It wasn't that he was unaware that Lucerys harbored some fear toward him. That had been made clear the moment the Omega had been directed to sit beside him instead of Jacaerys at the dinner the King insisted they had to celebrate the upcoming wedding the day Rhaenyra and her brood arrived from Dragonstone.

The Omega hadn't lifted his head the entire duration of the meal, not even when the King addressed him.

But Aemond had been aware of the curdled smell of fear coming from Lucerys and had been aware of it throughout the entire week until they married. And any time they crossed paths afterward.

The Alpha had begun keeping his distance from Lucerys when he realized, like on their wedding night, he felt no satisfaction from the Omega's fear. It had the opposite effect and made Aemond want to comfort and protect Lucerys instead.

There had been no fulfillment of his revenge, only shame that he had been failing at protecting his Omega.

And regarding what Aegon said, Aemond never thought that Lucerys, considering how close they had become during the pregnancy, would have had a strong fear of him. (Before Aemond had abandoned him, that is.)

Or, maybe he had and Aemond had just been blind to it?

The Alpha tried wracking his brain for any memory that would confirm what Aegon had told him but growled when he came up empty.

He snatched the cup from the table and filled it with the wine.

Aegon raised his brow as Aemond finished it in less than two gulps and refilled it,

"Careful. Don't want to turn out like me, do you?" The only response he received was Aemond sighing as he sat in the chair opposite him,

"I wish to fix the damage I have caused, Aegon," He murmured, "I thought choosing dragon eggs would be a step in the right direction, a place to start. But I was wrong in that regard,"

Aegon frowned, "What did you think would happen? After making no effort to reach out, only to try and force your way into whatever fucking peace Lucerys would have made,"

Aemond said nothing as he swirls the bitter-tasting wine around in his mouth before swallowing it down,

"What do you think I should do? How should I begin to regain his trust?" His brother shifted to stare at him in bewilderment,

"Why are you asking me? I'm the last person who you should be going to for advice,"

He scoffed, "Then who on this gods forsaken rock should I ask? Who, besides you, is willing to speak with me?"

Aegon shrugged which caused Aemond to roll his eye.

He could have left, returned to his chambers, or gone back to Vhagar and taken another flight. But Aemond stayed in his seat while Aegon resumed reading and he resumed drinking.

If only the Queen could see her sons now. The one she saw as a disappointment reading a book his children enjoyed so that he may know what they liked while the one she considered her most dutiful focused on emptying the cup in his hand.

Aemond was actually just focusing on his hand, watching as his fingers tapped against the rim.

But, the movement appeared slow, as if he were moving through thick honey.

Aemond rolled his neck in an attempt to dispel the fog in his mind as he gripped the arm of the chair.

He was tense, like a taught string that had been pulled too tight.

His teeth ground against each other as his eyes scanned the room, searching for something.

Someone.

Aemond bounced his leg as a hardness began to form-

The Alpha jolted out of his chair, startling Aegon, as the cup he'd been drinking from clattered to the ground, drops of wine splashing across the floor.

If Aegon tried asking what was wrong, Aemond did not hear it as he dashed from the library to make his way back to his chambers.

Aemond slammed the door behind him and barricaded himself inside, ignoring the way his mind screamed at him to find Lucerys.

To find his mate so he could fuck and breed him!

He couldn't!

He knew this was not natural!

There had been no signs of rut! Not to mention, with mated pairs, the Alpha's ruts either disappeared or came with a much less intensity when the Omega was pregnant and did not return to its normal level until the next heat after the pups had been weaned and began eating solid food. And by then, both would be synced to happen at the same time.

And since Lucerys had only given birth a month ago, it was too early for any heat for the Omega or rut for the Alpha.

Which meant that everything about this was not right!

Chapter 18

Notes:

TW: Drugging

Chapter Text

Ser Erryk had been walking toward the table when he saw the Prince hastily stand and had run over when he saw the Omega begin to fall. Erryk had managed to catch Lucerys before he hit the ground and gently set him on the grass while everyone jumped into action around him.

Rhaenyra dropped to the ground beside them and cupped Lucerys' face in her hands, nearly recoiling at the burning temperature she felt.

Aenyra had begun crying the moment she was taken out of her kepa's hands and no amount of soothing from Baela could get her to stop.

Aemma started to cry at the same time as her sister, leaving Jace attempting to calm her as she wailed.

The youngest pups were in tears since they watched their uncle and brother fall to the ground. Rheana and Helaena were trying to console them as they clung to their skirts. Ser Arryk stood at his Princess' shoulder, hand on his sword and his eyes sharp as he scanned the area for any threats.

Joffrey, while red-faced and sobbing, ran back into the castle, yelling for Gerardys to help his brother.

Rheanys had taken one look at all the food laid out, narrowing her eyes at the separate dishes that had been prepared for Lucerys, and snapped at the servants standing nearby to tell her who had made them. When she had a name, Rhaenys demanded to be taken to the kitchens.

Daemon, when he saw what Rheanys did, called for Ser Lorent to keep everyone in the castle. He then scooped Lucerys up and began running back inside with Rhaenyra and Ser Erryk hot on his heels.

Corlys followed Daemon's lead and called for his own soldiers to go down to the harbor and shut down any and all operations going on. No ships were to come in or out of Dragonstone until they knew what had happened.

The Rogue Prince was certain the last time he'd run this fast was when he was fighting in the Stepstones, racing past arrows that cut through the air as he drew out the Crabfeeder's army.

Joffrey was sobbing and trying to explain what had happened to Gerardys between short, hiccuping breaths. But, the Maester understood what was wrong the moment he laid eyes on Lucerys.

As he began looking over the young Omega, Joffrey clung to his mother,

"Wh-what's wrong? Wh-whys L-Luk-Luke si-si-sick?" He sobbed as Rhaenyra tried to offer some kind of comfort to her son.

Before she could get a word out, Gerardys snapped his head toward Daemon and exclaimed,

"Get out!"

"What?" Daemon looked about to protest but was cut off by Luke moaning as his eyes fluttered while he curled onto his side.

Rhaenyra quickly rushed to her son's side with Joffrey following after her, but the Maester grabbed the young Prince and propelled him toward Daemon,

"Both of you need to go-"

"What is-"

"Now!"

Gerardys' raised voice gave everyone pause as they had never heard him speak like that to anyone. Not to them, not to any servants, any member of the guards, no one.

But the shock was enough for Daemon to grab Joffrey and lead the pup outside.

Ser Erryk was standing in the hall and snapped to attention when he saw the door open,

"Watch Joffrey," Is all Daemon said before he stepped back into the Maester's room,

"Prince Daemon-"

"You will tell us what is happening and you will do it now!" Daemon snarled.

Gerardys was nonplussed by the Alpha's anger, knowing it was coming from a place of concern,

"I believe-" He was cut off by the Omegan Prince's whimper as he curled around his stomach, "I believe Prince Lucerys has been forced into heat,"

Rhaenyra gasped and shook her head,

"No- It's too early! His daughters are only a month old!"

But she could not deny the sweetened scent coming from her son as Lucerys shuddered with another pained whimper.

Daemon, understanding that after all his stepson had gone through with the One-Eyed Cunt that the scent of any Alpha could send Lucerys further into a panic, headed toward the door,

"My Prince!" Gerardys called out, "With the bond, Prince Lucerys may not be the only one forced into an early cycle,"

Daemon and Rhaenyra locked eyes and the Princess whispered, "He cannot be allowed near him!"

"He won't," Is what Daemon said as he stepped into the hall.

Joffrey tried forcing himself through the door but was stopped by Daemon grabbing his arm and pulling him back,

"Stay out here,"

"But, Luke-"

"No. Erryk," The knight stepped forward, taking the pup again as Daemon handed him off, "Keep watch. No one in or out,"

He didn't wait for a response and began rushing down the hall while a few floors below, Rhaenys had entered the kitchens.

Everyone stopped what they were doing as the Princess commanded the guards to block the doors,

"No one leaves until I'm finished here!"

The Head Cook, an older Beta man named Jon, stepped forward and began asking what was going on, but Rhaenys cut him off with a question of her own,

"Where is Melarie?"

An older Omegan woman with wrinkled skin and grey hair stood from a stool that had been pushed next to one of the tables,

"I'm here, Princess,"

Rhaenys pushed her way through the crowd and stood before the hunched woman,

"You were in charge of preparing my grandson's food?"

"Yes, I made the food for Prince Lucerys under the instructions of Maester Gerardys,"

The Princess' gaze hardened as she stared at the woman and snarled,

"You will tell me everything you did while preparing it! What you used, and who helped you. Everything!"

As Melarie shuffled over toward the table and began pointing out the ingredients and utensils she had used, Aegon knocked on his brother's door,

"What the fuck is going on with you?" The only response he got was the sound of something crashing against the door, "Aemond?"

"Out of the way,"

Aegon had barely enough time to move before Daemon began throwing his weight against the door.

The wood buckled under the Prince's assault as a shout came from the other side of the door,

"Don't!"

Daemon raised a pale brow before calling to his nephew, "Open the door, Aemond,"

There was a long silence before Aemond responded through gritted teeth,

"I can't,"

"Either you open it or I break it down. Your choice, nephew,"

Daemon stepped back from the door and crossed his arms while Aegon shifted his gaze between his uncle and the closed door his brother was behind.

There was the sound of something being dragged across the floor, followed by the lock releasing.

Daemon wasted no time and pushed the door open, startling the younger Alpha which caused him to trip over his feet and hit the floor. He tried to get up, but Daemon pinned him down, a knee to his shoulder and the other on his wrist.

Aemond thrashed against Daemon, snarling as he tried to free himself. Daemon took a fistful of the white hair of his nephew and slammed his head back while grabbing the hand that clawed at his arm.

Aegon slowly entered, cautiously watching what was happening as Daemon stared down at his brother, taking in his frazzled appearance.

In the short amount of time it took to run from the library to his room, Aemond's hair had come undone from the leather band and was splayed out like a messy halo across the floor, the fastenings of his leather shirt had come undone to reveal the undershirt he wore, and his eyepatch was discarded to show the dark blue sapphire that took up space in the hollow of his skull.

Daemon peered down at his nephew before scowling with a snarl,

"You're in fucking rut,"

"I can't be! That's not what-" The younger Alpha cut off with a hiss as Daemon jerked his head back again,

"That is what's happening you fool!" Daemon snarled,

Aemond grits his teeth as he forced out,

"Lucerys?"

Daemon's eyes snapped to Aemond and he grabbed the younger man's chin,

"You're not going near him! You're going to stay in here! I will chain you to this floor and break your legs if you even attempt to leave! Understand?" When Aemond didn't answer immediately, Daemon pulled his fist back and struck the younger man under his sapphire eye.

The sound that was heard afterward was loud enough to make Aegon flinch,

"I asked you a fucking question, boy!" Aemond growled but nodded while breathing harshly.

After receiving the answer he wanted, Daemon shoved his nephew away as he stood and pulled Aegon back into the hall. He slammed the door shut and called for the guards at the end of the corridor, commanding them to guard his nephew's door and not let Aemond out,

"I don't care what you have to do. He is not to leave at all!" Daemon didn't wait for an answer and pulled Aegon further away from the closed door, "You were with Aemond?"

"Yes,"

"What happened?"

Aegon began explaining the short interaction he had with Aemond in the library, not leaving out a single detail. He even told Daemon the title of the book he had been reading when a servant had practically dropped a pitcher of wine on the table next to him.

Daemon thought over what Aegon said and asked,

"You were served wine-"

"I did not ask for it-"

"Wine was served and meant for you!" Daemon cut him off with a glare, "You had none. But Aemond drinks from it and goes into rut,"

Aegon's eyes went wide, "You think-"

"Find it. Take it to Gerardys. Drink none of it!"

Aegon barely had time to nod before Daemon raced away.

If he was right about the wine having a tonic to induce a rut, and about it being for Aegon, that meant there was going to be coming for Helaena. The two were not bonded the same way as Aemond and Lucerys. To induce a synced heat and rut, they would both need to be forced into one.

There was the wine for Aegon. Any of the food Helaena had been served at the luncheon could have been laced.

Daemon ran back to where he had last seen his niece.

And the Rogue Prince was right to worry.

Daemon found Helaena outside with Rhaena, Morning still curled around her shoulders, while Ser Arryk stood nearby.

Both were still at the table, Helaena sitting in her chair as Rhaena kneeled in front of her. His daughter's hands were hovering over Helaena's knees as she tried to make sense of the words coming out of the Omega's mouth,

"How long has she been like this?"

"Since you and Princess Rhaenyra took Prince Lucerys inside," The knight answered, "Lady Rhaena had Prince Jacaerys and Lady Baela take the children back into the castle when she realized what was happening,"

"And what is happening?" Arryk shrugged helplessly.

Rheana felt on the verge of tears as Helaena kept repeating the same thing over and over again about two dragons and a broken egg. She could make no sense of it as the Princess kept staring at nothing with tears slowly rolling down her cheeks,

"Helaena, please, tell me what you mean," The only answer Rhaena received was the same repeated phrase Helaena had been saying.

The young Alpha felt utterly helpless as she listened to the words with a building sense of dread,

"Two dragons allowed to dance, a broken egg will be their chance. If pulled away, hope will stray as vipers allow the dragon to die and the hatchlings never fly